Families West London Nov/Dec 2013

ISSUE 90: November/December 2013 www.familieswest.co.uk

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Families West • PO Box 32231 • London W5 1JR • Tel: 020 8930 4707 • Fax: 0208 930 7704 • E-mail: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk Photo courtesy of Matalan

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

November/December 2013

News & Views Love Handmade-Local shopping at its best

In this issue

Cover credit: Matalan

It's beginning to look a lot like ..... our favourite issue of the year! At Families West we love Christmas. This year has been an especially good one as you will see in our pages. What wonderful family friendly events we have to look forward to in and around West London this holiday season. There are such a great selection of shows to watch, workshops to attend, museum and gallery events, days out and ..... Santa seems to be all over the place this year! Oh! And don't forget to slot in a space in your diary for a family trip to an ice-skating rink. When you are thinking about Christmas shopping, we have found out about so many lovely LOCAL shopping events that allow you to support the local businesses that make West London such a lovely part of the UK to live in. The Families West team wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Contents News & Views 3 Parenting: BULLYING – How to help your child cope 5 Education 6 Christmas Christmas all wrapped up 8 Hamleys Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2013 11 Top Tips for a perfect Families West Christmas 14 Where to find Santa 15 What's On in West London 16 Competitions 22 Classifieds 23

Love Handmade on Northfields Avenue has been open for almost a year and now have over 60 local craft people supplying them with handmade products including jewellery, cards, pottery, glassware, art, knitwear, jams/chutneys, leather goods and many more homewares and gift ideas. They have a passion for the local community and believe in shopping locally. “We do not charge “shelf rent” for the goods we stock; just a small commission on what is sold, ensuring the person who has made the goods receives the biggest benefit. We strongly encourage younger crafters and stock a number of items made by local teenagers. Our main focus is to take old, tired unloved furniture and upcycle it creating unique, modern furnishings to decorate your home. We are strongly into recycling and have many products made from recycled wood – from candle holders to tall bookcases. We offer a furniture painting service so if you have old furniture that you still love but it doesn’t quite fit in – try our painting service, we can resurrect it for you.” We think they are worth a visit.

Love Handmade is at 1 Northfield Avenue, West Ealing W13 9QP Opening times: Tue 11-5.30, Wed-Sat 10-5.30, Sun 11-4pm Monday Closed.

Vanilla Frost Vintage Tea Parties We enjoyed tasting a Vanilla Frost vintage tea this month; delicious sandwiches delicately cut into mini fingers, beautifully iced cupcakes, the lightest homemade strawberry, lemon and pistachio macarons and so much more. Lucy from Vanilla Frost sets up a tea party at your home with beautiful vintage crockery and all her homemade goodies and returns the next day to collect the crockery. Tea party menus range from £14 to £19 a head and can be personally tailored to suit your party, with a full range of sweet and savoury treats available on request.

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Families West is designed by Natalie Schmidt email: natalie@matobodesign.com and printed

by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG. Tel: 01252 885837.

Copyright Families West Magazine 2013.

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.

November/December 2013

www.vanillafrostcakes.com

Get Into London Theatre discount ticket offer returns for 2014 Theatres all over the capital will welcome in the New Year by offering cut-price deals as part of Get Into London Theatre, the annual ticket scheme that allows the public to see some of the best shows in London for a reduced price.

From 1 January to 13 February 2014, participating productions including Billy Elliot the Musical, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera, The Wind In The Willows, Wicked and many more will offer discount tickets ranging from £10-£40.

Booking opens 10 December 2013 via www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk or 0844 581 5050.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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News & Views Help create a brand new course for 11-12 year olds with their parents

Looking for a career change in 2014?? Fantastic local business opportunity.

Mini Monkey Gym, The Original Soft Playgym for 0-5’s, which offers unique parent-child gym classes and high quality soft play parties, is franchising nationally. It is a fantastic opportunity to join the team and run your own local, successful, flexible, and family friendly, business!!

For more information contact them on e:franchise@minimonkeygym.co.uk 07917 872205

Success at Frances Lundy School of Dance

Elise Pacquette wrote to us with the following request: I have 2 young girls. As they grow and start making choices for themselves I have become more and more apprehensive about the impact of social media, advertising and other influencing factors on their decision making. I would therefore like to have the opportunity to access fact-based material about the issues they face so I can support my children as they start to make choices for themselves. I have subsequently tried to find courses about growing up that are run with children and parents together but have found nothing. So I have decided to set up a brand new course which draws alongside parents and this impressionable group of children to support and inform the whole family as a foundation for further discussion at home. The course will look at topics such as: Cyberbullying and keeping safe on-line, media/ peer pressure, decision making and money matters. If you have children aged 11-12, could attend meetings in the Shepherd's Bush area and would like to get involved please get in touch. Contact elisepacquette@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Rhyme with your tot An exciting new initiative launches this November with Nursery Rhyme Week. Nursery rhymes play an important role in early childhood development by helping children to master key skills such as language and communication as well as social, physical and emotional skills. Taking place 11-15 November, this is a national event aimed at promoting and celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes. It is free for anyone who has a child under the age of 5 or who works with the under 5s – all you have to do is register online and you can download a free resource pack containing nursery rhyme themed activities, free songs, activity sheets and participation certificates for everyone who completes the 'rhyme a day' challenge. This initiative is sponsored by Music Bugs. www.musicbugs.co.uk/national-nursery-rhyme-week

Get paid to shop

The last couple of terms have been very exciting at Frances Lundy School of Dance in Chiswick. In their recent RAD Ballet Examinations and ISTD Modern and Tap Examinations, every child was awarded Distinction or Merit. “Special congratulations go to Madeleine Halliday who received the highest mark of 82% . Sophia Rzym was awarded a bronze medal in the Tap category.

We are delighted that Fred Bullock has been accepted as a Junior Associate at The Royal Ballet School. Although we have had several girls accepted in to the school, Fred is our first boy!”

As well as holding monthly Master Classes (which are open to students who do not usually attend the school), they have also recently started a Festival Performance Group. The participants will be competing in Maidenhead, Kingston and Chesham over the next couple of months, with more dates to follow. They hope to do well enough to compete in the All England Finals!

Children of all abilities are welcome at the school. Call 020 8675 0433 for more information. www.franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk 4

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Market Force is looking to expand its database of mystery shoppers. They work with some of the UK’s largest retailers to find out what the public’s perceptions of customer service are.

Mystery shopping is easy to fit into the normal shopping routine, whether in a lunch hour, evening or at weekends. They pay its registered mystery shoppers to visit pubs, restaurants, shops and even stay in luxury hotels. The mystery shoppers then answer a short web-based questionnaire giving feedback on their shopping experience. As well as being reimbursed for any purchases, they can be paid anything from £5 to £30 for taking part. Simon Boydell, Global Marketing Manager for Market Force says: “Mystery shopping is a fantastic way to continue doing the things you love to do but with the added bonus of getting paid for it. Of course, it is vital that people are honest in their feedback about their experiences as it is through this feedback, retailers are able to improve the service they give and improve customer loyalty while consumers get to enjoy better service experiences”. For more information, visit www.uk.marketforce.com and complete a short form about yourself. You will then be notified via email of the mystery shopping assignments that are available and can choose which ones to accept.

The Good Schools Guide Advice Service has just launched two new services.

The first is to help parents whose child has a Special Educational Need.

Parents who have a child with some kind of learning difficulty – or who suspect their child may have such a problem – often have huge difficulty in getting the child assessed, identifying the kind of support their child needs, and finding the right new school for their child if one is needed. Parents, sadly, often have lengthy battles with their local authority before getting the help to which their child is entitled. The GSGAS SEN Service is staffed by five experts who know how to navigate the system, who have vast knowledge of special schools and SEN departments in mainstream schools and can help cut through the red tape. An additional service is SENSH – The SEN Service Helpline – a new telephone advice line which is available for pre-booked advice calls every Thursday. The second new service is for Scholarships and Bursaries. More and more parents on modest incomes, but with able children, are in search of fee assistance in independent schools. Until now there has been no central source of information on which schools offer fee support to such children. The GSGAS Scholarships and Bursaries Service now has data on 500+ schools and can advise on the best way to approach schools if you require assistance with fees in order to apply. Call the office on 0203 286 6824 or email advice@goodschoolsguide.co.uk for more information on either of these two services.

November/December 2013

Sadly, in spite of lots of publicity and much greater awareness of the problem, (especially in schools), bullying is on the increase. Wendy Bollen has worked as a counselling psychologist in schools with many hundreds of children and young people and by far the most common problem is being bullied. She has written an e-book with advice on how deal with the problem in a different way.

This November anti-bullying week is being held from 19-23 and whilst it is great to raise awareness about the problem, what children really need is practical help and advice on how to deal with bullies. better without bullying'.

Wendy has done a lot of research into the causes and effects of bullying and delivers training to schools on the most effective ways to tackle this problem. She realised that the advice usually given by teachers didn’t work. Pupils are often told to ignore unkind comments, but that often leads to increased attempts by bullies to upset their victim. Based on her own experiences and those of the young people she works with Wendy has come up with a rather different approach which empowers pupils by teaching them how to stand up to a bully.

“Most children don’t want to involve a teacher, but they do want to do something. I teach kids strategies to help them stand up for themselves by using assertive body language and practicing smart replies. If you can show a bully that you really don’t care that they’ve said something horrid and even better, say something funny back to them it takes the wind out of their sails.”, explains Wendy.

Standing up to bullies is important says Wendy, especially with a smart retort.

“An example would be to say, “I’m flattered that you spend so much of your time thinking about me!” or “I’m sorry, I’m busy right now, can I ignore you later?” Wendy stresses that how you say it is just as important as what you say.

“Stand straight, look them straight in the eye, say it clearly with a smile and then quickly walk away. Don’t hang around waiting for them to say something else.”

She also emphasises that there are some things to avoid saying. “Never say anything about someone’s Mum! This is likely to escalate the situation.”

Based on her work with pupils, Wendy has written a self-help book for youngsters on how to beat the bullies. The Little Book Of Retorts is set out in sections, which include information on the reasons behind bullying, why people become victims and techniques for dealing with fear and anxiety. Importantly Wendy emphasises that children don’t have to have experienced bullying in order to benefit from the book.

“Prevention is far better than cure and if children appear confident and untroubled by insults they are unlikely to become a victim.”

The book is suitable for kids aged from ten up to sixteen and is ideal for children starting secondary school. Costing only £1.91 it is available as an ebook from Amazon Kindle, ibookstores, Sony and Apple but can also be purchased in PDF format from the website.

Other useful websites: www.thelittlebookofretorts.com www.bullying.co.uk www.beatbullying.org Follow on facebook: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/bullying/ www.facebook.com/TheLittleBookOfRetorts www.antibullyingweek.co.uk Follow Wendy on Twitter: @WendyBollen

November/December 2013

Here are Wendy’s top five tips on how to deal with bullies: • Look confident-stand up straight and look them in the eye if they say something to you. If you look scared a bully is much more likely to pick on you.

• Stay calm and practice slow breathing.

If you feel less anxious you’ll look more confident.

• Even if you feel upset, don’t show it until you are out of sight. Bullies enjoy seeing their victims upset, so by letting them see you upset you are rewarding them and they are likely to continue.

• Likewise don’t let them see you’re angry – the aim is to show bullies that you’re really not bothered by what they say.

• Use humour – a witty retort is unexpected and shows bullies that you are confident and don’t care what they say to you. In fact, you think it’s funny.

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BULLYING – How to help your child cope

Parenting

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Education

Let them fight their own battles

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By Joanna Moorhead

Are you forever rushing into school to talk to your child’s teacher, or phoning other parents to talk about playground squabbles? Think again, says Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters.

One of my daughters is disgruntled. I am, she says, a bad mother. “Other mums support their children,” she says. “When they have a problem, the mums go into school to talk to the teachers. You never do that.”

She’s not entirely correct; I’ve had children at school for the last 15 years or so, and there might have been one or two occasions when I’ve gone in to talk to a teacher or a head outside of parent-teacher meetings. But I could certainly count those times on the fingers of one hand; and, thinking about it, probably even on one finger. I hope I’m not a bad mother; and I know there are some problems – and bullying is foremost among them – when a meeting with a teacher has to be arranged, and fast. But bullying apart, I believe that my daughters are better helped if I hang back from making appointments, and arm them instead to negotiate their own issues, and fight their own battles, at school.

Why so? Well, the raison d’etre of parenting is to make your child independent: and it seems to me that if I wade in at every opportunity to smooth my child’s path in life, I’m not helping her to learn to do it for herself. And what message does it give if, when she tells me about a problem she’s experiencing, my response is to say ‘I’ll come in to talk to your teacher about that’?

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

November/December 2013

Education What it says is: you can’t sort this out for yourself; you’re not smart enough or capable enough or eloquent enough. You can’t do it, but I can. And that doesn’t help my daughter develop those skills, and it doesn’t help her become experienced and confident at learning to problem-solve for herself.

Sometimes, over the years, my daughters’ problems have been significant ones – and certainly many of them have seemed significant to my daughters, even if they didn’t seem all that important to me. On at least one occasion, the problem has been a clash between them and a teacher, and listening to the story it’s been difficult not to agree that, yes, it sounded as though the teacher was in the wrong.

But this is what I tell my daughters: teachers are only human. Teachers, like everyone else in the world, have some people they like better than others. So of course it’s possible that a teacher might not favour you, might even pick on you, because he or she doesn’t like you.

And, yes, of course it’s a terrible shame if you end up with an unfriendly-seeming teacher in a subject you really love.

But rather than race in to school to have it out with the teacher, I tell my daughter to find a way of dealing with it; and if possible, I help her work out what that might be. Could she start the ball rolling on building a better relationship with the teacher in question by being nicer to her, or by working harder in the subject, or by making more contributions in class?

Because the truth is that, all through life, there will be individuals who will seem to stand in the way of what we want – and learning to work with these people, or round them, is a hugely important life skill.

Talking to your child about what’s going on will also help her process her own feelings; and again, this is an important learning curve. Help your child see that it’s not the case that someone has got it in for her, but maybe just that the teacher or the other child has issues in their own life. And instead of encouraging your child into negative feelings (“that teacher/ child has always been a total pain, I’ve been saying it for years”) turn things round into something positive (“everyone has bad days; what could you do tomorrow that could start to improve this relationship?”).

It’s really important to make time to listen when they’re experiencing problems at school; and it’s crucial to validate how they’re feeling, to reflect back that I understand their worries and can see that it’s a genuine issue. But what should happen next is far more about equipping them to go back into school and work out how to put the problematic relationship on track, than it is about grabbing your coat and racing in to try to solve the difficulties yourself.

November/December 2013

Total immersion French CD “Learn French: Original songs & rhymes for children” is a new type of educational French language cd, totally in French. By listening and singing along to these highly original and contemporary songs and rhymes your child will have fun while effortlessly absorbing French vocabulary, linguistic patterns and grammatical structures.

Tips for each song and rhyme suggesting ways you can play along with child, and have even more fun learning French together! Perfect to listen to in the car or at home.

From well loved French club Club Petit Pierrot (Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express & Time Out).

Includes a 32 page colour booklet with all the French lyrics and a full English translation. 59 minutes, suitable from 6 months. £20 free P&P via Amazon.

To advertise in future issues of Families West magazine please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Christmas all wrapped up

Christmas

All they want for Christmas…

Picture credit: © www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk

Ever wondered what to get a one-year-old now you’ve got teenagers, or your pre-teen goddaughter when your kids are still happy with Stickle Bricks? Here at Families we’ve got over 50 children between us, so we’ve got together to make a list of the toys that our children have really loved and played with to help you get a winning present this year.

Babies You’ve heard it before, but it’s not worth spending a lot. How about a donation to a savings account and something small like stacking cups, soft toys (Jellycat have some gorgeous ones), fabric books or a new rattle? If you want to spend a bit more, try a play gym or door bouncer, musical toys or something from VTech with lots of flashing lights and noises!

Toddlers By now toys are getting more exciting, and sometimes quite large.

One of the favourite toys for this age group is a Little Tikes Cosy Coupe – played with for years, even when they’re almost too big to get out of it! You can often get these in quite good condition secondhand, too. Just as big, and as popular, is a toy kitchen complete with plastic fruit and veg that they can cut up and serve to mum and dad for tea. The HappyLand range from ELC (www.elc.co.uk) is great for this age group – choose from a rocket set, train set, pirate ship, fairy treehouse or the very sweet Rose Cottage. And again anything musical is also sure to be popular. Or try colouring (mess free with Aqua Draw) and sticker books (Usborne First Sticker Books series, www.usbornebooksathome.co.uk for lots and lots of stickers).

Preschool children At this age a lot of children are crazy about dolls – try a soft rag doll like Bigjigs or the Manhattan range, where you can also buy outfits and accessories. Or how about a dolls pram or buggy? ELC has a good selection. Peppa Pig is perennially popular – choose from playsets, puzzles, books, dvds and much more. The Disney Princesses are also sure to be a hit – dolls, dressing-up sets, playsets or stationery (www.disneystore.co.uk). My Little Pony has also stood the test of time.

Favourites that seem to be played with for a long time are dressingup outfits or role-play kits like a doctor’s case or a workbench with lots of nails to hammer down. Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio trainsets are loved by some little ones, and it’s often easy to find them in good condition on ebay. Dinosaurs are loved by all – ELC have some plastic models of all sizes, or try www.nhmshop.co.uk/ dinosaurs. Or how about some pop-up tents and tunnels for getting rid of energy? Duplo is also a good bet, choose from basic bricks or themed sets like a fire station, zoo or farm.

Age 5–8 By now imaginative play has really kicked off – forever popular and loved by many are Sylvanians, choose from families, playsets or a vast array of houses to put them in. Lego Friends is also a good bet.

Playmobil has a big range to choose from – farms, schools, hospitals, pirates, knights, vehicles and more. Craft kits are also popular with 8

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

this age group, try Hama Beads, ELC for complete, easy-to-follow kits for decorating mermaids, jewellery boxes etc and Yellow Moon (www.yellowmoon.org.uk). Lego, lego and more lego, in all its various forms – bricks and wheels, Lego City, Harry Potter, The Hobbit and Star Wars – is always popular and played with for years.

Or how about a wooden fort, garage, fire station or workbench – Pintoy make some lovely ones. Construction toys of all shapes and sizes – Geomags panels and magnets, wooden bricks and blocks – are also popular. Or try Hot Wheels, Transformers, a marble run or Scalextric.

Age 9-11 While still happy to play with toys, by now this age group often love something which makes them feel grown-up – for girls, try pretty slippers, little bags, jewellery, scarves, picture frames or a gift card from Claire’s Accessories. DIY baking sets made up of fairycake cases, sprinkles, icing tubes, cutters, apron and a book all put in a pretty tin make a lovely gift. Crafts are still popular – the Klutz range is easily available and a bit more unusual. Or how about Harumika (www.harumika.eu), you dress mannequins in different outfits using bits of material and can upload the creations online.

And of course no matter how many pens, pencils and notepads they have, stationery is always a winner! If they’re into sports, it’s easy – kit, clothes, books, dvds on their favourite team or a moment in sporting history are all likely to go down well. Or how about a football goal, kite, skateboards, or cool clothes to protect elbows etc. Also worth a look are Ripstyle waveboards, which come in a variety of styles and colours www.waveboardsale.com/ collections/ripstyle-boards). If they’re musical, a drum kit or guitar (do check with the parents first). Or how about kits to make something (Letterbox have a good selection, or try www.sciencemuseum.org.uk).

And if they’re into the current obsession of computer game Minecraft, Amazon has a good range of toys to complement it like a torch, collectable figures and a Lego game.

Older kids It might be a case of clubbing together for a high-ticket item like a new bike, but no matter how old you are you still need something to play with on Christmas Day. How about something fun like a hula hoop – you can’t be a grumpy teenager when you’re hooping and there are lots of tutorials on You Tube to learn some cool tricks.

Or how about an e-reader, you could always add some of their favourite ebooks – for reluctant readers the novelty factor might just work. And if all else fails, there’s always an iTunes voucher; which leads us to Apple. There’s no denying it an iPod, iTouch or iPad often feature on most kids’ Christmas lists. Maybe they should come with a warning from Santa – to prevent self-destruction, only use for an x hours a day when your parents say it’s ok.

November/December 2013

For children aged from 2 to 5 years. The nursery follows the Montessori method. We also offer, French, Ballet, Music, IT, Art and Drama.

Full and part time sessions are available. Qualified and experienced teachers maintain a high standard of learning and care. * Excellent academic record * Caring and nurturing environment * Happy, considerate and confident children

Tel no: 0208 579 2304 Mobile no: 07956 228 959 Email: info@stmatthewsmontessori.com Website: www.stmatthewsmontessori.com

November/December 2013

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Christmas

Every bookcase should have one! Our top books for every age

love Games we alld games like Tell the

• Babies and toddlers: The Usborne That’s Not My… series; The Hungry Caterpillar; ys boar e.

• Orchard To ch A y Dear Zoo; The Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business; & Spot and Maisy flap books. m m Tu d , an Time, Bus Stop • Preschool: Anything by Julia Donaldson; The Tiger Who Came To Tea; I Will Not Ever s er dd La • Snakes and Never Eat A Tomato; Each Peach Pear Plum; That Rabbit Belongs To Emily Brown; & Harry • Tiddlywinks And His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs. ?

• Guess Who • 5 to 8 years: Anything by Roald Dahl & Michael Morpurgo; The Faraway Tree; Daisy y ol op on ult M • Junior or ad And The Trouble With Christmas; Ratburger; Dr Proctor’s Fart Powder; & the Spy Dog series.

• Connect 4 • 9 to 11 years: Harry Potter, all of them; Northern Lights; Skulduggery Pleasant; The over, d • Uno an 8 Ingo Chronicles; Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief; Alex Rider series; The Secret; Platform or 7 t n of abou • For childre little bit like a 13; & The Hobbit.

– ub ik m m why not try Ru , it’s for rs be m nu ith w Scrabble but ific n but not a spec dyslexic childre SEN game. dash; you get Everyone who has one says that a trampoline really is the best thing they’ve w about Balder ho s, yr + definition 10 r • Fo guess the real ever bought. Buy the biggest your garden can accommodate and make sure u yo if d an ds obscure wor you’ve got a safety net. Try Just Outdoor Toys, www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk . you get points or John Lewis (www.johnlewis.co.uk).

• Cluedo

Perennial favourite

winter is th e iv ct a d il ch r u o y 6 present ideas to get 4.

Outdoor play and exposure to nature is one of the best and most effective ways to educate children about the world around them and encourage environmental awareness.

Getting children active outdoors is also vital for their health and physical development as well as helping them to improve their sensory, cognitive and social skills.

Despite the weather, the winter months provide a surprisingly wide range of fun and exciting outdoor learning opportunities for your children.

1.

Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike

Happy Hopperz

Hours of indoor fun on the crazy Blue Bull!

Suitable from 12 mth - £24.99 www.kiddicare.com

To quickly learn to get the balance, a musthave for any child from 3 years, £34.99, from www.Kiddicare.com

2.

Paper Planes

3.

Learn to make 10 different paper planes then fly them in the park! From 7 years, £4.99, from www.galttoys.com and toy shops.

5.

Multi Sports Set

Set contains kit to play cricket, football, rounders/baseball, frisbee and beach tennis so there is something here for all tastes, skills and weather conditions! £60. www.thegreatgiftcompany.com

6.

Tricycle Provides plenty of fun for the youngest children whilst developing their motor skills. £69.99 Manufactured for Galt by Winther www.galttoys.com

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

The Beano Chopper

Covered front-to-back in classic Beano imagery and features black and red grips, seat and back pads – just how Dennis and the gang would want it. £300, from Raleigh stockists.

November/December 2013

Christmas

Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2013 Hamleys experts predict that the following ten toys will be most wanted by children this coming Christmas…

1.

TEKSTA PUPPY Teksta is a lifelike robotic puppy that responds to your voice, physical gestures, lights and sounds.

Engineered with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, Teksta’s toyetic interaction offers many emotions including barking, crying, whimpering, and expressive eye patterns to share its feelings. You can command Teksta to stop and sit and also teach it to perform its most spectacular trick of all, a backflip! Bone and ball accessories included. For age 5+

2.

VIP PETS VIP pets are billed as “the coolest and cutest pets around.” Children can give them VIP treatment by brushing their hair to get ready for the paparazzi.

Each one has their own characters including Gwen who is “all about rock and roll.” For age 3+

November/December 2013

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Christmas

3.

THE LION CHI TEMPLE

Lego comes up trumps again with Cragger, Crawley and Razar

leading their tribes in a race to reach the Chi Temple.

Help the Lion and Eagle tribes fight everyone off and restore balance to Chima once again! Slam the lion gate shut to send Cragger plummeting into the pit or release the hidden lion claw bikes to intercept Crawley’s reptile raider. This set includes seven mini figures with weapons.

For age 8+

4.

6.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

CHASIN CHEEKY

Toss rings onto Chasin’ Cheeky’s tail and grab the banana first to win. The winner can then “shake your groove thing” in a victory dance with the monkey.

For age 3+

DOC MCSTUFFINS DOCTOR’S BAG Stuffed animals and toys can have a check-up with a little help from the Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag. Dottie 'Doc' McStuffins is a six year old girl who 'fixes' toys, with a little help from her stuffed animal friends. The set includes eight glittery and sparkly pieces Doc's bag, play thermometer, syringe, blood pressure cuff with working gauge, otoscope, bandage cuff, sticker sheet, and of course, Doc's magical light up stethoscope! Now your little Doc can practice their skills and nurture their favourite toys back to perfect health. For age 3+

LEAPPAD ULTRA LeapPad™ Ultra is the ultra-tough tablet with 7” hi-res screen, kid-safe Wi-Fi that works with hundreds of games and apps. Kids can use LeapSearch to browse videos and images from the web in a walled-off environment. For added peace of mind, simple device parental settings make it a snap to take charge of your child’s online experience – no stress, no surprises! Play, draw and write on a 7” hi-res screen and capture your world in two ways with both front and back cameras and video recorders. For age 4+

5.

MONSTER HIGH 13 WISHES DOLLS

7.

Each freakishly fabulous doll in this range from the Monster High 13 Wishes movie comes with a pet, diary, brush, doll stand and character-specific accessories. For age 3+

November/December 2013

Christmas

8.

SULLEY MONSTER MASK

Put on this soft and furry monster mask and practice your scare tactics just like Monster University’s Sulley. This mask is truly child powered – you control the facial movements. As your jaw opens, closes, or moves side to side, Sulley's eyebrows and mouth move too – creating fun, scary and memorable faces. For age 3+

9.

ROBO FISH Once Robo Fish is dropped into water, an intelligent sensor on the body detects the change in environment and without hesitation it will imitate the swimming patterns of a real fish. Not only will it change direction, Robo Fish will dive down to feed and rise to the top, darting along the surface all thanks to the micro robotic circuitry. There are eight different Robo Fish to collect, four types of colourful clown fish and four different menacing cybernetic sharks. For age 3+

November/December 2013

10.

FURBY BOOM

A whole new generation of Furby is hatching.

Combining physical and digital play, the new Furby Boom has a mind of its own with a personality that is shaped by the way you play. Furby Boom speaks its own Furbish language and the more you interact with it the more English it speaks too! For age 6+

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Christmas

Top Tips for a perfect Families West Christmas

GET YOUR (ICE) SKATES ON

For the Families West editorial team, the countdown to Christmas begins when we take to one of the local outdoor ice skating rinks.

It’s great exercise which means you’re able to treat yourself to cake and coffee without any guilt.

Look for your nearest ice skating venues in our What’s On pages.

ENJOY THE NATIVITY Whether you have the Angel Gabriel or the 5th sheep under your roof this Christmas, take the time to enjoy your child’s nativity.

Ignore the crowing parent who is mother to Mary for the 3rd time.

“I’ve made her go straight into character and so she’s living in the shed and sleeping on hay.” Embrace the breadth of characters now at the bedside of Baby Jesus and pray that whatever your child is cast as, there’s an outfit that can be bought in the dress up aisle at the supermarket. But most of all enjoy the moment. Too soon it won’t be the sheep and the cows you’ll be fretting about. It will be the birds and the bees.

ELF YOURSELF Ever wondered what you’d look like as a Christmas Elf? Wonder no more and instead, head to www.jibjab.com and begin the transformation. This clever online tool allows you to upload photos of you and your family and then a video of you, dancing as elves, is created. I recommend doing this on a day when the spirit of Christmas has deserted you, only to be replaced by a mountain of stress. I challenge you to be glum when witnessing you and your family dance, as elves, to ‘Rockin’ Robin’.

TRACK SANTA Do you remember the days when a half eaten mince pie and an empty glass of sherry were proof enough that Santa had been? Life has moved on and the Twitter generation needs more. You can now receive personal communication from the overstretched OAP, see photographic evidence that ‘he’s been’’ and even keep an eye on old St Nick as he circumnavigates the globe.

To ‘arrange’ a personal message from Father Christmas, go to www.portablenorthpole.com. To track Santa from 1st December go to www.noradsanta.org and see a picture of him in your home at www.icaughtsanta.com. Guaranteed to add some real magic to the Christmas countdown.

HAVE A CHRISTMAS CLEAR OUT There are certain inevitable facts about Christmas. You will receive an item of clothing that neither suits nor fits you. You will not have the batteries needed for 50% of the items your children open on Christmas Day. And the amount of ‘stuff’ in your home will double overnight. With that in mind, why not have a pre-Christmas clear out.

Sell what you can on Ebay – it’s a great time to get rid of items and make some much needed cash. Encourage your children to fill a box with toys they no longer play with and take it to your local charity shop. As well as clearing some space for the new arrivals, it’s a way to introduce the concept of thinking of others to your little elves.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

PURCHASE FESTIVE ATTIRE It’s a parental right of passage to dress up your son or daughter as a reindeer or a shrunken Santa. As well it being very cute, it also provides us parents with some super photographic ammunition for the future. My girls are 10 and 7 and have declared this the final year they’ll go along with my festive antics and will be withdrawing their labour from 2014. It’s a decision that’s making me broody. For those of you with more compliant/younger children, enjoy the moment.

And make sure you take plenty of photos.

FORGET THE CHRISTMAS CARDS Imagine NOT sending cards. For a moment, park the anxiety you’ll feel when that first envelope drops on your doormat. Instead, think of the time you’ll save penning 50 cards to people you only communicate with at Christmas. We’re not suggesting severing all ties with your friends and family over the festive period, but trying something different. Why not take a fun packed picture of your family (perhaps in the festive attire mentioned above) and email it out with good wishes to the people on your Christmas card list.

You’ll save money. You’ll save time and you may save a little bit of your pre-Christmas sanity.

BAN THE CHRISTMAS LIST Call me Scrooge, but I’m no fan of Christmas wish lists. I think it fuels the idea that this time of year is all about getting stuff and that isn’t the spirit of Christmas I want in my house. No good will come of giving a child a plain piece of paper and an Argos catalogue. In fact a survey in the aftermath of Christmas 2012 found that the most asked for wish on the lists of British children was a brother or sister. Next was a reindeer. I think those are requests that even Argos would struggle with. If you don’t ask them to write a list, they’ll be delighted with whatever Santa leaves under the tree.

Trust me.

MAKE IT MAGICAL Real magic doesn’t have to cost the earth but it will make your child’s Christmas one to remember. Spend time dressing the tree together or making Christmas biscuits. Time is something we have in such short supply in our lives but it’s well worth finding it this time of year.

Create new traditions. Santa’s elves started leaving a Christmas Eve hamper at our front door last year. It’s filled with inexpensive items like a toothbrush, a festive DVD, some jolly pyjamas and a silly mug for a night time hot chocolate. It kicks the festivities off in a truly magical way.

WATCH ONE OF OUR TOP 5 CHRISTMAS MOVIES Nothing lifts the spirits on a cold winter Sunday more than settling down to a festive DVD. I’ve done a straw poll in and around Families HQ and we’ve come up with our favourite five. Find them, watch them and have a very happy family Christmas.

1. Elf 2. The Snowman 3. The Polar Express 4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 5. The Nativity And finally, remember that Christmas is not about presents or perfectly cooked turkeys. It’s about time and family. Your children will have forgotten what they were given by Easter, and your family will have erased the memory of the burnt parsnips but no one forget the fun they had.

November/December 2013

Christmas

a t n a S d n i f o t e r Whe OSTERLEY PARK

30 Nov-15 Dec (weekends only) An audience with Father Christmas. The elves are busy making toys but Father Christmas is taking some time out to visit Osterley to read stories and maybe grant some wishes. Visit him in his grotto then head outside for Rudolphs' Christmas trail in the garden. £3 per child, including gift.

Christmas admission prices apply.

KEW GARDENS 28 Nov-4 Jan Visit Father Christmas in his magical woodland grotto. £3 per child, every child receives a gift. Also enjoy the Christmas village with festive nibbles, Christmas shopping and live carols, plus a festive fairground and winter trail. 020 8332 5655, www.kew.org/christmas

WWT LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE 7-8 Dec Experience the magic of a festive visit to Father Christmas and his huskies. Don’t miss the free husky sleigh rides (age 8 and under, weight restrictions may apply) and visit Santa’s Grotto-a log cabin set among firs and pine trees. 10am-4pm, a small charge applies. 0208 409 4412 www.wwt.org.uk/london

ZSL LONDON ZOO © Odds Farm Park

ODDS FARM PARK Every weekend plus 23 and 24 December, Santa will be at Odds Farm Park. For a small extra charge, children can visit Santa in his magical grotto where he is giving out gifts. Every day from 30 Nov-24 Dec, children can also choose a free chocolate treat from the Christmas tree in the Gift Shop. Continue the warm fuzzy feel with a visit to the lambs due in December. Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield.

01628 520188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk

HAMLEYS 23-25 November and 30 November-24 December Join in the magic this Christmas at Hamleys Regent Street by having breakfast, brunch, lunch or high tea with Father Christmas. Enjoy a scrumptious feast, meet the magical elves and hear all about Santa's enchanting life in Lapland. Then when it's time for Father Christmas to leave, his special guests will receive a small gift to take home. Suitable for children aged 4-11, £45.00 per child.

0844 855 2424, www.hamleys.com

16 Nov-24 Dec (weekends only and then daily from 20-24 Dec) Meet Santa and his reindeers. Visitors can check out Santa’s herd of helpers, and find out lots of fun facts about the antlered-animals at the daily talk. Also included in the Meet Santa experience, kids will be able to lend a hand at the daily Keeper’s Little Helpers sessions, where they’ll be preparing treats and presents for the Zoo’s animals before settling down for storytelling with Mother Christmas. Also, Christmas craft activities, gingerbread decorating and a colouring competition. £25.50 including Zoo entry, a mince pie on arrival, and a special event planner. £8 for under 3’s, suitable for children up to age 10. www.zsl.org Invite Santa to your home on Christmas eve (or Christmas day)? He will bring in the presents, chat with the kids, eat a mince pie or two or might even sing a few songs before saying goodbye. Call the Santa hotline on 020 8959 1045 or email info@adamantsparties.co.uk www.adamantsparties.co.uk

HARRODS Until 24 Dec Get the season off to a magical start by visiting Santa’s Grotto at the Knightsbridge department store. All children receive a gift, and parents can buy a photo of their kids in the grotto. Book online, tickets are free although there is a £10 administration charge that will be credited back to your account if you attend your booked slot. www.harrods.com/ grotto November/December 2013

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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What's On DIARY DATES 14 Nov and 12 Dec (Notting Hill) 13 Dec (Chiswick) BACH TO BABY The critically acclaimed classical concert series specifically designed for babies and carers to enjoy together. Treat yourself and introduce your wee ones to live classical music during the crucial years. For more info call Miaomiao Yu on 0781 450 9280 e: miaomiao@bachtobaby.com 14 Nov CARNABY STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Hundreds of large 3D robin shaped lights wil be switched on at 6pm, and the Carnaby arches will be decorated with sparkling lights and glittering snow.

15 and 16 Nov BOUTIQUE DE NOEL Junior League of London’s annual charity fundraiser at Kensington Town Hall.

Includes live and silent auctions, restaurant grab bag, raffle, canapés, drinks and shopping on 15 Nov, and Shopping Day featuring unique vendors offering art and antiques, fashion and jewellery, toys and baby gifts, stationery, gourmet food and more on 16 Nov. www.jll.org.uk 16 Nov NCT EALING NEARLY NEW SALE Taking place at St John’s Church, Mattock Lane, Ealing W13 9LA. 10-11.30am. Contact Michelle/Natalie on nearlynewsale.ealing@nct.org.uk 16 Nov JOHN LANDOR’S MINI MAESTRO FAMILY CONCERT: BRAHMS FIRST SYMPHONY AND BEETHOVEN ODE TO JOY. 4.30pm at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org 020 7766 1100 23 Nov EALING 135 CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR Taking place at St Johns Church, Mattock Lane, Ealing London W13, 10.30am- 1.30pm Fun for the whole family! A great selection of fabulous Christmas gifts, delicious homemade lunch and cakes, hamper raffle, activites for the kids and a visit from Santa. All proceeds go to Ealing Food Bank. For more information e: 135christmasfair@gmail.com 28 Nov WINTER WONDERLAND IN NORTHFIELDS Special late night Christmas shopping event in Northfields Avenue, Ealing W13. Get in the festive mood with local traders in Northfield Avenue on Food, fun and festivities for the local community. 5.30-9pm.

28 Nov and 5 Dec CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENINGS AT CARLUCCIOS Free mulled wine and a 10% discount for shoppers. If you decide to have dinner, they will throw in a free bottle of wine too! West London branches include Ealing, Westfield, Notting Hill and Chiswick. www.carluccios.com 29 Nov CHRISTMAS FAIR FOR SHOOTING STAR CHASE Venue: King's House School Sports Pavilion, Riverside Drive, Dukes Meadows, Chiswick, W4 2RZ. The Richmond Park Friends of Shooting Star CHASE Group are holding their annual Christmas Fair- a great chance to do some Christmas shopping. £5 entrance fee which includes tea and coffee. 9.30am - 4pm

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WORKSHOPS CHISWICK HOLIDAY COURSES

Winter Wonderland 30 Nov YUM W13 FOOD FESTIVAL at The Forester Pub, 2 Leighton Road, Ealing London W13. Sample taster dishes from local restaurants and food specialists.

Featuring Christmas fun for children, carol singing, open mic, craft stalls and more!

Event starts at 11am and finishes at 5pm.

1 Dec LIGHT UP THE LANE A celebration of shopping, socialising, amusements, food, song and dance for the local community of Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5. Most of the shops in the Lane stay open, selling mince pies, mulled wine, samosas, candy floss and anything else that will raise money for charitable causes. Pitshanger Lane is closed to traffic and there are stalls and entertainment up and down the Lane.

The tree lights - many thousands of them in the trees along Pitshanger Lane - are lit until 6 Jan. Festivities from 4pm.

1 Dec CHANUKKAH CELEBRATION Annual celebration at Ealing Liberal Synagogue. Bring along your Chanukkiah and candles, share a special chanukkah tea and children can take part in drama activities and games. 4pm at Ealing Liberal Synagogue, Lynton Road, Ealing. W13 0EB www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk 6 Dec NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square celebrating the instalment of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, a gift to London from the people of Norway.

7 Dec EALING NCT WINTER WONDERLAND - German style, complete with an outdoor Christmas market, mulled wine and mince pies, toasted chestnuts and Lebukuchen.

'Ciaras Circle Time' will be there with carols and storytelling plus 'The Creation Station' making that essential homemade touch and lots more. 10am-1pm at The Plough, 297 Northfields Avenue, W5 4XB. Contact events.ealing@nct.org.uk for more information.

7 Dec JOHN LANDOR’S MINI MAESTRO MUSICAL TALES – PETER AND THE WOLF The most popular of all children’s musical tales, where a wicked wolf is caught by the ingenuity of a brave little boy. The concert also includes carols for all to sing and extracts from Saint-Saëns timeless Carnival of the Animals. 11am at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org 020 7766 1100

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

7 Dec MINI MAESTRO FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Carols for all to sing including Handel Fireworks Music, Corelli Christmas Concerto, Vivaldi ‘Winter’ from Four Seasons and Bach Suite No 3. Also a musical treasure hunt, quiz and a chance to conduct the orchestra! 4pm at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org 020 7766 1100 8 Dec CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Under the sparkling chandeliers of Bush Hall, enjoy Christmas carols, performances and readings by children and artists followed by a visit from Father Christmas.

13 Dec RAMBLE IN THE PARK: CHRISTMAS WITH VICTORIA AND ALBERT Join the Isis Education Centre team for a stroll to look at the seasonal folklore, traditions and feasts around Christmas and Winter. 12noon-1:30pm, £4-£8, for all ages. www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/ experiences 16-22 Dec OLYMPIA HORSE SHOW 400 elite sport horses and 3 FEI World Cup competitions as well as fun events such as the Shetland Pony Grand National, the Andalusian Equestrian Art display (dancing horses), the world famous Alltech Christmas Puissance (horse high-jump competition) and of course Santa on a horse drawn carriage.

17 Dec CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL An enchanting evening of carols and seasonal celebrity to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. www.breastcancercare.org.uk/carols 0845 092 0829.

25 Dec CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM IN HYDE PARK While you are knee deep in wrapping paper in front of a log fire, spare a thought for the members of the Serpentine Swimming club who will be preparing to swim their traditional 100yard race for the Peter Pan cup. 9am on the south bank of the lake. Spectators welcome.

There are lots more things to do in the 'What's On' section of our website. www.familieswest.co.uk

19-20 Dec CHRISTMAS CRAFTS for ages 6-14, Magical mosaics for age 7+ and creative writing workshops for age 8+ at Chiswick Pier, London W4 2UG. 10am-4pm each day. www.chiswickcourses.co.uk

DIVERTIMENTI 21 Dec GROWING GOURMET – edible gifts, cupcakes, biscuits and chocolate treats with a Christmas theme. 10.30am-12.30pm for ages 5-8 and 2.30-4.30pm for ages 9-11 in Marylebone. www.divertimenti.co.uk

GUNNERSBURY PARK MUSEUM 24 Nov STIR-UP SUNDAY Join the Victorian servants as they prepare for the Christmas festivities.

Traditionally, Christmas preparations would begin on the last Sunday before Advent, known as Stir-Up Sunday. The original Victorian kitchens will be decked with holly and ivy to put you in the Christmas spirit, and you can help the servants pound the sugar and spices, stir the plum pudding and make a Christmas wish.

11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

For all ages, free. www.hounslow.info/ arts-culture/historic-houses-museums/ gunnersbury-park-museum/education

RELISH 14 Dec COOKERY CLASS FOR CHILDREN in Ealing. Call Sarah Grimstone on 07947 063 155 www.relishkidscookery.co.uk

CORNER 9 ARTS 7 Dec FAMILY ART AND CRAFT CHRISTMAS SESSION. Contact Siglinde 07763 472516 www.corner9.com

KITE STUDIOS 9-20 Dec ART WORKSHOPS for ages 5-15 in Shepherds Bush. www.kitestudios.org

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY 16, 19 Dec and 6 Jan FIMO CLAY WORKSHOPS in Acton for age 6+ Call Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

SONG ACADEMY 16-20 Dec and 6 Jan SINGING WORKSHOPS Children write, produce, perform and record an original song from scratch. Classes in Brook Green for ages 7-12 and teens. www.songacademy.co.uk

November/December 2013

What's On DAYS OUT CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS SW1A 2AQ www.iwm.org.uk/ visits/churchill-war-rooms Located in the heart of Westminster, visitors to the Churchill War rooms can view this complex of historic rooms left exactly as they were in 1945.

ONGOING IN 2013: UNDERCOVER – LIFE IN CHURCHILL'S BUNKER First-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experience the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history.

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 7 and 8 Dec FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: CHRISTMAS CARGOES Make a beautiful Christmas decoration inspired by the cargoes Cutty Sark carried around the world. Drop-in workshop.11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm.

8 and 27 Dec, 5 Jan AHOY CAPTAIN! Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, and hear tales of his voyages across the high seas. 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

29 and 30 Dec TEA TREASURE CHESTS Tea was once a treasured possession, kept under lock and key.

Make and decorate your own tea chest and have a go at making a tea bag to store safely inside. Drop-in workshop.

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm.

4 and 5 Jan FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: PRECIOUS CARGOES If you could fill a ship with one thing, what would it be?

Make a mini ship and fill it with something that’s important to you. Drop-in workshop. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm.

GOLDEN HINDE SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com 16 Nov DRAKE FUN DAYS Find out all about Sir Frances Drake at 11am and 2pm. For age 6+ 22, 30 Nov, 8, 15, 22 Dec PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR Let the costumed educators bring the Golden Hinde and its history to life. Learn about life at sea and Drakes voyage around the world in this family-friendly tour.

23 Nov and 28 Dec PIRATE FUN DAY Raise the anchor and fire the cannons before trying to find the hidden treasure somewhere aboard the ship. 11am-1pm.

30 Nov TUDOR FUN DAY Learn the history of the House of Tudor with two eccentric 16th century characters, gruesome stories, crazy games and fun activities. For ages 6+ 14 and 21 Dec CHRISTMAS FUN DAY 11am-1pm.

20 Dec CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT 6-8pm.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk 23 and 30 Nov, 7, 14 and 28 Dec FAMILY GHOST TOUR Join the State Apartment Warders for an early evening walking tour to hear stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity at Hampton Court Palace. 6.30pm for 60-75 mins.

November/December 2013

30 Nov-12 Jan ICE AT THE PALACE Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will return for six weeks of winter fun. Glide around the ice in royal style within the setting of the magnificent Palace.

7 and 8 Dec and 27 Dec-1 Jan TUDOR COOKERY Watch the cooks toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty.

17, 18, 21- 23 Dec COURTYARD CAROL SINGING Accompanied by the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band, sing well known carols in the external, groundfloor areas of the palace at 6 and 8pm.

HMS BELFAST SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE – a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.

Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time.

INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM – the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives.

16-17 Nov HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS Ordinance Officer John Harrison was busy working when an Arctic wave overwhelmed the ship. Learn about his incredible story of survival, and hear other stories as you examine authentic naval objects from IWM’s collections, and find out more about how we conserve them. Drop-in event taking place 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

ODDS FARM PARK

TOWER OF LONDON

HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk

EC3 www.hrp.org.uk

A lovely family day out at the farm. Every weekend in Dec and daily in Christmas hols FESTIVE ENTERTAINERS In addition to all the animals on the farm (inc. Christmas lambs!) and the huge indoor playbarn, crazy entertainers are around to amuse the kids over the holidays. Also visit Santa in his magical grotto and choose a free chocolate treat from the tree in the gift shop.

ONGOING: COINS AND KINGS: THE ROYAL MINT AT THE TOWER Discover the history of the Mint at the Tower including Isaac Newton’s efforts to rid London of counterfeiters when he was Warden of the Mint. LINE OF KINGS A restoration of an exhibition dating back to the 1680s; it features 17th century hand-carved wooden horses by Grinling Gibbons, a re-presentation of Henry’s VIII magnificent armours and a whimsical scale model of tilting knights.

16 Nov-5 Jan TOWER OF LONDON ICE RINK Glide (gracefully or not so) around the rink in the moat of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ osterley-park 30 Nov-15 Dec DECK THE HALLS Take a journey through Osterley's past and see how Christmas celebrations changed throughout the years, following fashions and fortunes. Enjoy family fun activities on the ground floor.

30 Nov-15 Dec (weekends only) AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS Story telling and chats with Father Christmas in the grotto and a Rudolph trail in the garden.

SYON HOUSE AND GARDENS TW8 8JG www.syonpark.co.uk 22 Nov-8 Dec (weekends only) THE 8TH ENCHANTED WOODLAND Take a walk through the illuminated Gardens and Great Conservatory of Syon Park. Open from 5-9pm

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk 7 and 8 Dec SANTA AND HIS HUSKIES Visit to Father Christmas and his huskies among the pine trees at this beautiful nature reserve. Free husky sleigh rides for ages 8 and under. Also listen to adventures of a polar explorer and join in with a Winter Wetland show with interactive demonstrations on some of the science behind our coldest season.

Weekends in Dec and 21 Dec-5 Jan CRANEBERRY FEST Make craneberry crafts, follow the craneberry trail and enjoy treats in the restaurants.

1 Jan TICK AND TWITCH WALK Identify as many bird species as you can with the help of an expert. 9.45am.

KENSINGTON PALACE W6 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/ kensingtonpalace 30 Nov-6 Jan CHRISTMAS AT KENSINGTON – GAME OF CROWNS A season of fun and games at Kensington Palace inspired by King William III’s winter palace of 1699 when Kensington was the venue for a month of sumptuous parties. Courtiers revelled in the Kings State Apartments enjoying seasonal games and festive music. Try your hand at the games of court in the King's Gallery and the King's Drawing Room. The season will culminate in a Twelfth Night finale weekend on 4, 5 and 6 January. All Princes and Princesses welcome to a season of family fun.

KEW GARDENzS TW9 3AB www.kew.org 28 Nov– 4 Jan CHRISTMAS AT KEW Kew Gardens will be open every Thursday to Sunday night. There will be a show of lights, sounds and landscape including a one-mile illuminated trail through the trees and a secret cluster of beech trees with buttons to press and sounds to make! Look out for The Garden of fire – where hundreds of torches create a huge circle of fire in the awe-inspiring shape of a Mandala – a spiritual symbol in Hinduism representing the universe. Also, a boutique Christmas village, Santa’s grotto and Victorial carousel.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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What's On MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk 23, 24*, 27, 30 & 31* Dec DATES AND DESIGNS Add your own designs of gold, banknotes and other Museum exhibits to a calendar to take home. All materials will be provided. 10am-4.40pm, (*24 and 31 Dec, until 1pm) Also banknote jigsaws, a roller ball game, interactive displays and the opportunity for some safe cracking. You can also take control of a virtual hot air balloon and chart it on a stable course to simulate the role of the Bank in keeping inflation steady. Visitors can even try to lift a genuine gold bar with a current value of over £300,000.

BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until March 14 BEYOND EL DORADO – POWER AND GOLD IN ANCIENT COLUMBIA Organised with Museo del Oro, Bogotá, this exhibition explores the rich and diverse cultures of Colombia before the 16th-century arrival of the Spanish.

Weekends in Nov and Dec DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place mostly at 11.30am-check on the website for any changes.

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FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 24 Nov PHOTO BOOTH Inspired by the exhibition Home Truths, join photographer Marysa Dowling in her photo booth to create a family photo.

Drop-in. Free for children and up to two accompanying adults. Workshops run 10:30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm.

14 Dec CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Inspired by the Museum’s collection of tokens, join artist Davina Drummond to create a cracker with a message and gift for someone special, or to help decorate the Museum’s Christmas tree. Workshops run 10:30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/ zoology/whats-on 23 Nov EXPLORE ZOOLOGY Handson specimen based activities. Find out what the skin of a python feels like or how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopard has? 1-4.30pm.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM www.iwm.org.uk SE1 6HZ HORRIBLE HISTORIES®: SPIES Uncover the deadly world of spies at this major new interactive exhibition for families which brings the horrible history of Second World War spies and their secret schemes to life. Based on Terry Deary’s book from the bestselling Horrible Histories series.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war.

20-23 and 27-31 Dec A WARTIME CHRISTMAS Find out what London was like during the Second World War. Make and embellish gifts and decorations to hang on a specially created barrage balloon in the exhibition space. A much more common sight than Father Christmas in the skies, balloons, rockets and planes dominated the London landscape.

SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces.

HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk From buses to tubes, original posters to workers and travellers' stories, London Transport Museum explores the heritage of London and its transport system.

Until 5 Jan14 POSTER ART 150 – LONDON UNDERGROUND’S GREATEST DESIGNS Since its first graphic poster commission in 1908, London Underground has developed a reputation for commissioning outstanding poster designs. ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 'drive' a scaled-down bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. They can also

take control of the transport system, moving buses and trains around the museum's miniature London. FAMILY STATION Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the Museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages. LOOK FOR LONGER Enjoy playing a cryptic Underground game in the galleries where you try to find the 75 London Underground and DLR stations hidden within interactive graphics.You can also play at home at www.lookforlonger.com

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk VICTORIAN SOLDIERS ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities help you learn about life as a Victorian Soldier and the part they played in the shaping of Britain’s Empire.

7-8 Dec CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED! Did you know in 1647 Christmas was almost cancelled? Visit the Museum and travel back in time to the English Civil Wars! The King is captive but plotting, and the Long Parliament is trying to cancel Christmas! Meet our carol singing insurgent Christmas celebrants and lend a hand as they decorate the Museum galleries, close the shops and invite you to play festive games. Watch out for the New Model Army soldiers determined to stop them! For ages 5-11.

November/December 2013

What's On NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. On 24 Nov and 15 Dec there will be a Musical Magic Carpets session. DRAWING SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in.

17 Nov FIND ME IN THE PICTURE – Artists often include sneaky self-portraits in their paintings. Create your own hidden portrait scramble in this workshop led by Jo Lewis.

1, 15 and 29 Dec SMILING INSIDE OUT – Learn about the bones and muscles underneath that smile!

STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hours) 10 and 24 Nov AUTUMN WALK Join landscape artist Noel Paine to explore how landscape and portraits can be combined to create your own dynamic miniature model theatre.

8 Dec BUILDING BRIDGES – Design a futuristic model inspired by technology of the past in this construction workshop.

WORKSHOPS: 29 and 30 Dec SMILING INSIDE OUT Learn about the bones and muscles underneath that smile. 11am and 2pm, for ages 5-11.

30 Dec TALK AND PLAY Meet Anya, a costumed character brought to life, for singing, talking and playing inspired by a Rubens painting. For ages 2-5.

29 and 30 Dec STAY AND PLAY Drop-in session for children under 5 and their adults. Drop in and explore an autumn landscape in this hands-on area.11am-3pm.

3 Nov and 1 Dec WALK AND TALK A themed journey through the collection where gallery staff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive! 12.30-1.30pm. For all ages.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 16 Nov and 21 Dec STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am and 1.30pm for ages 3+ Storytelling followed by a fun art activity.

16 Nov and 21 Dec FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 11.30am and 2.30pm for ages 5+ Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity.

15 Dec THE MYSTERIOUS MISSING KOHI-NOOR Join two Victorian sisters in a magic lantern extravaganza told with 19th-century magic lanterns and slides.

This atmospheric, epic adventure includes storytelling, music and audience participation. After the show make your very own lantern slide.1pm and 3pm.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 24 Nov WALLACE100: WALLACE DISCOVERY TRAIL Follow the trail around the Museum to see some of Alfred Russel Wallace’s most important specimens.

Until 23 Mar 14 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Nature photography from amateurs to photographers celebrating the beauty and magnificence of the world we live in.

ACTIVITES FOR FAMILIES: 16 Nov and 7 Dec DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7-11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more.

Every Sun and 15 Dec HANDS-ON NATURE: DINOSAURS Handle real fossils and inspect a variety of prehistoric specimens. Work out which ones were once dinosaurs and find out how scientists classify animals through studying fossils.

Compare their features with those of modern animals and explore what they ate by looking at fossilised teeth. 2pm, free, drop-in activity for ages 5-12.

24 Nov, 1 Dec CUTTING EDGE WORKSHOP Investigate teeth and diet using the amazing animal skulls. Handle real specimens, take part in fun group activities and see how Museum palaeontologists use skulls to find out about dinosaur diets. 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm.

23, 30 Nov, 15, 31 Dec HANDS-ON NATURE: OCEAN LIFE Discover the wonder and variety of marine creatures – Handle real specimens, make your own 3D starfish and take part in rock star challenges, featuring amazing starfish costumes from costumier Anna Cocciadiferro. 11am, Free drop-in family activity for all ages.

Until 5 Jan NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK. Skate at the Museum – the east lawn will be covered in fairy lights and also have a carousel and bar overlooking the rink. www.nhmskating.com

PM GALLERY AND HOUSE W5 5EQ www.ealing.gov.uk/pmgalleryandhouse 21 Dec WONDERWORLD Inspired by the exhibition Wundercamera, the magic of photography and Sir John Soane ‘the Collector’, children will create their own ‘wonderworld’ – a fantastic exhibition in miniature with their favourite works of art and artefacts inside. 11am-1pm for ages 5-7 and 2-4pm for ages 7-11.

GALLERY RESOURCES – SMALL WUNDER Free artist-designed family packs to help guide you around the exhibition Wundercamera. There are things to find, games to play and artworks to make.

23 and 30 Nov, 14 Dec FREE FAMILY TOURS Discover what life was like at Pitzhanger Manor at the time of Sir John Soane with a free family tour led by a guide in the role of Soane’s maid. 2pm for 45 mins for ages 6+

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Until Mar 2014 WAR GAMES New interactive exhibition exploring the role of warfare in children's play from 1800 to the present day. It investigates how toys recreate and represent war, and why children play war games. There are four thematic sections-Playing at War, On the Battlefield, Reality to Fantasy and Secret Weapons. Children can dress up, play at espionage and engage in many other activities.

Until 1 Jun 14 NEW DISPLAY: CONFISCATION CABINETS A collection of items confiscated from children from 150 different London primary and secondary schools over three decades.

Until 1 Jun 14 ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY The effects of environment and design on teaching and learning, from the formality of the Victorian classroom to the outdoors selfdirected learning of a wood school.

1 Dec 1940s CHRISTMAS Craft workshops, music and stories exploring Christmas during the 1940s. Children can make paper decorations and come together for carol singing as the Museum’s Christmas tree is lit up.

11am-4pm, drop-in, all ages.

7 Dec CHRISTMAS CAROLS Join the Becontree Brass Band to sing Christmas Carols.1-3.30pm, drop-in, all ages.

FAMILY BACKPACKS FOR UNDER 5s Backpacks suitable for various age groups contain a train map, storybooks, play mats and question sheets to explore the collections. Free to borrow.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk 28 Dec-5 Jan DIGITAL KIDS A treasure hunt around the Museum to discover the story of pearls. Using their new knowledge, children can then create their own jewellery designs in the digital studio.

For ages 5+ 10.30am-5pm. Free, drop-in 28 Dec-5 Jan POP UP PERFORMANCES 11am, 1 and 3pm.

Inspired by the Pearls exhibition, a series of performances telling the story of a fictional merchant sailor of Qatar and his many adventures. Free, for all ages.

28 Dec-5 Jan THE IMAGINATION STATION Children can take materials to design their own treasure inspired by objects on display around the Museum.

For ages 3+.10.30am-5pm, free, drop-in.

FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4-11 ACTIVITY CART: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create collages and pictures to take home. AGENT ANIMAL BAG: A sensory activity bag that has been developed especially for under 5s.

Each bag contains an audio map and fabric cubes.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org DAILY SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES A family multimedia tour, with interactive games, armour handling in the Conservation Gallery and gallery trails.

22 Nov TAKEOVER DAY Young Curators from St. Vincent's Primary School will take charge of the museum's front of house and guiding duties for the day.10.30am-2pm, free for all ages.

15 Dec CRUMBS… IT’S CHRISTMAS! Be inspired by the collection and make your own Christmas biscuit house 10.30am-12.30pm and 2 – 4pm, £9 23 Dec A CRACKING WALLACE CHRISTMAS! Make a fun Christmas cracker and belt out some carols. Don't forget to bring a cracking joke! 11am-1pm, drop-in, free, ages 5+

Georgiana Elite Dance Academy Ballet, Modern & Tap Classes in Hanwell West London Fully qualified IDTA ISTD and RAD teachers with full CRB checks.

100% examination success and show at the Beck Theatre, Hayes.

01323 479736/07790 766263 www.georgianaelite.co.uk November/December 2013

2 FREE trial classes Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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What's On THEATRE AMBASSADORS THEATRE WC2H 9ND www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Nov and Dec STOMP Celebrating its 10th sensational year in London, Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than before. 3pm and 8pm.

Somerset House

ICE RINKS

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 10 Dec-11 Jan SNOW PLAY What would you do if one year Winter decided to stay and moved into your house? That’s what happens in this snowy spectacular show where you are guaranteed a white Christmas, no matter what the weather or the time of year.

SOMERSET HOUSE The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA Tel: 020 7845 4600 www.somersethouse.org.uk

WESTFIELD LONDON ICE RINK The Atrium, Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush, London Tel: 020 3371 2300 www.westfield.com/london

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com

ARTS THEATRE WC2H 7JB www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk 27 Nov-5 Jan DICKENS ABRIDGED A high-speed comic journey through Dickens' greatest hits in just ninety minutes.

Opens 21st November 2013 – 5th January 2014 Facilities include: Indoor skate rink, kids themed sessions, Wednesday 2-for1 for students, date and disco nights, festive tunes, great shopping & restaurant facilities at hand.

WINTER WONDERLAND HYDE PARK Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Booking until Dec 14 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.

CHELSEA THEATRE SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk 23 Nov THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG An original score, gorgeous costumes and crystal clear story-telling draw you into the magical world of classical ballet, and makes it accessible to all.

4-22 Dec THE BALLAD OF RUDY A new Christmas show specially made for children aged 3 and above. In this story Rudy doesn’t have a red nose; rather it’s his talent for new and exciting music that sets him apart from all the other reindeer.

DUCHESS THEATRE WC2B 5LA www.duchesstheatre.co.uk/The-Wind-In-The-Willows

Opens 23rd November – 5th January 2014 Facilities include: Ice guides for up to 15 people, free skate hire, on-site attractions such as the Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto, Zippos Christmas Circus, Giant Observation Wheel, The Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippos Cirque Berserk and a big selection of rides.

11 Dec-1 Feb THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Will Tuckett's production brings all the magic of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale to the stage.

GARRICK THEATRE

EYESKATE AT THE LONDON EYE

WC2H 0HH www.nimaxtheatres.com

EDF Energy London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB www.londoneye.com/eyeskate

Until 5 Jan 2014 HORRIBLE HISTORIES – BARMY BRITAIN PART 2 Can you beat battling Boudicca?

Has William Wallace met his match? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will King Charles keep his head?

Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and move to groove with party Queen Victoria! Don't miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

Opens 27th November 2013 – 5th January 2014 Facilities include: Stabilising seals for younger children, skate hire, on-line discounts, free skating for kids with family tickets in November, being able to skate in the shadow of the London Eye.

HM TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB Tel: 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Opens 16th November 2013 – 5 January 2014 Facilities include: A skate rink in the 1000 year old Tower Moat, hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies, the Ice Rink Café, ice guides for groups of up to 15 people.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD Tel: 0844 847 1576 www.nhmskating.com Opens for Halloween from 31st October 2013 – 5th January 2014 Facilities include: A fairground carousel, sumptuous food, drinks and cocktails, treats, mulled wine, hot chocolate, music, an open-air balcony, a junior rink for younger skaters.

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27-30 Nov HORRIBLE HISTORIES – RUTHLESS ROMANS From the evil emperors to the gruesome gladiators, find out why there’s no place like Rome! Join Julius Caesar’s battle to be emperor, experience the terrible tactics of the Roman army, hold on tight for a terrifying journey back into Roman Britain with Queen Boudicca and prepare to meet sword-slaying Spartacus!

14 Dec-5 Jan CINDERELLA X-Factor winner Joe McElderry is to make his pantomime debut, starring as The Prince, in the magical family pantomime.

WC1H 0AH www.thebloomsbury.com

Book the family on an ice-skating session.

It’s the perfect winter treat. Lots to choose from fairly close to home!

Opens 14th November 2013 – 5th January 2014 Facilities include: The Christmas Arcade pop-up mall with stalls, Glad Tidings Tuesday evenings with festive music, special late night shopping experiences with treats including mince pies, toffee apples and mulled wine, after dark club night sessions with top DJs spinning records whilst you skate.

BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

30 Nov-5 Jan SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL Join The Cat in the Hat as he takes you on a journey into the fantastical, bombastical and songtastical world of Dr Seuss.

GREENFORD HALL

BARBICAN THEATRE

UB6 9QN www.heos.org.uk

EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/theatre

29 and 30 Dec ONCE UPON A PANTO Presented by HEOS Musical Theatre at 2pm and 6.30pm. The wicked witch is trying to confuse everybody by whirling heroes to five different well-known pantomimes. Come and help rescue them! Win a chance to appear on stage by entering the colouring competition on www.heos.org.uk or call 07758 841 523 for more information.

16-24 Nov FRAMED FILM FESTIVAL The Barbican’s annual showcase of the best international cinema is back with a fantastic mix of screenings and workshops aimed at both under 12s and teenagers.

12-29 Dec GET HAPPY A mysterious noise is heard from a bag. An opera singer falls in love with a gorilla.

And the strangest egg sandwich ever is created in front of your very eyes. Performance, dance, music and visual comedy for ages 4+ 22 Dec SLEEPING BEAUTY Cursed at birth by the evil fairy Carabosse, Princess Aurora descends into a deep slumber on the day of her 16th birthday. Only the kiss of a prince will awaken her.

LONDON COLISEUM WC2N 4ES www.ballet.org.uk 11 Dec– 5 Jan THE NUTCRACKER Journey back in time to a frost-covered, gas-lit London and join Clara, her Nutcracker and the magician Drosselmeyer in this traditional festive tale for all the family.

There are lots more things to do in the 'What's On' section of our website. www.familieswest.co.uk November/December 2013

What's On LONDON PALLADIUM

PEACOCK THEATRE

SADLER’S WELLS

W1F 7TF www.reallyuseful.com

WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com/page/peacock-theatre

EC1R www.sadlerswells.com

12 Dec-4 Jan THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN Louis Pearl’s non-verbal show gives you bubbles within bubbles, kids inside bubbles, bubbles stacked on your head, and towers of bubbles. A show that engages kids in the science of bubbles. Age 5+

27 Nov-5 Jan THE SNOWMAN When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure, meeting penguins, reindeer and naturally, Father Christmas. Age 2+

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 22 Nov-4 Jan FATHER CHRISTMAS Following last year's sell-out success, Raymond Briggs’ famous Christmas story returns. For children aged under 6.

W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 23 Nov-12 Jan MR RABBIT MEETS BRER SANTA Staged with beautiful lighting and carved marionettes.

For ages 3+

4 Dec-26 Jan MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE Now firmly established as a modern day classic, this iconic production is perhaps best-known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble.

20 Dec-5 Jan BOING! An energetic and enchanting piece of children’s dance theatre that captures the delirious excitement of waiting for Father Christmas to arrive on the most magical night of the year. For ages 3+

ST JAMES’ THEATRE SW1E 5JA www.stjamestheatre.co.uk

Photo by Simon Annand

10 Dec-5 Jan THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. But when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Age 4+

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane

RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 6 Dec-12 Jan PETER PAN Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on the villainous Captain Hook and his band of pirates. Enter a fairytale world that will captivate the young and the young at heart, where all your Christmas wishes will come true.

Photo by Helen Maybanks

23 Nov-4 Jan JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Magic beans, a journey to an enchanted kingdom in the clouds, an evil giant and some zumba – Jack and the Beanstalk has all the ingredients of a classic panto. Age 6+

Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a brand new musical directed by Sam Mendes.

2.30pm and 7.30pm.

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 26 Nov-5 Jan CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE A dazzlingly original take on one of the best-loved fairytales of all time.

LYRIC THEATRE W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre 20 Nov-12 Jan GRUFFALO Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood in the search for hazelnuts as she meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake, and outwits them all with the story of the fabled Gruffalo.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk

3-29 Dec ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS This Christmas, leave your shoes and slippers by the fireplace and settle down to hear one man’s story about the night he met a certain twinkly eyed, round-bellied chap!

4 Dec-16 Jan THE NUTCRACKER A young girl's enchanted present leads her on a wonderful adventure in this classic ballet, accompanied

by Tchaikovsky's glittering score.

For ages 5+ 3 Dec-4 Jan HOW THE WHALE BECAME Ted Hughes’s magical stories are transformed into a captivating new Royal Opera commission by Julian Philips and Edward Kemp. For ages 5+

SHAW THEATRE NW1 2AJ 0844 248 5075 www.shaw-theatre.com 13-31 Dec CINDERELLA With a top-quality West End cast, live band, stunning sets, glittering costumes, and plenty of audience participation.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

NATIONAL THEATRE SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Until Feb 14 THE LIGHT PRINCESS A new musical with music and lyrics by Tori Amos. A dark fairytale about grief, rebellion and the power of love.

16 Nov-20 Feb EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off on a journey that will change his life.

November/December 2013

17 Dec-6 Jan SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW Experience a joyous dream-like world, a world in which a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper begins a heart-stopping blizzard of snow.

18 Dec-4 Jan WHITE In the sparkling world of White, everything is ordered and white. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour appears. First red... Then yellow... Then blue... For ages 2-4.

17-31 Dec FOLDS Suspend reality and watch four brilliant acrobat-musicians tumble through a madcap world of paper.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Competitions WIN a Family Ticket to visit Odds Farm Park this Xmas

Enter at www.familieswest.co.uk/competitions

Visit Santa at

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30 November – 24 December Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including other special winter events and prices, visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk.

Santa is coming to Odds Farm Park!

For just £4 extra, every weekend from 30 November to 22 December plus 23 & 24 December, children can visit Santa in his Magical Grotto and receive a Fantastic Gift! And, every day from 30 November to 24 December children can also choose a Free Chocolate Treat from the Christmas Tree in the Gift Shop! Plus, with plenty of lambs due in December, there’s stacks of festive fun for the whole family!

Please note, Odds Farm Park closes at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with last entry being at 2.30pm.

WIN a family ticket to Snow Play

Snow Play

WIN: Lands’ End winter layers Keeping out the winter chills is easier with snuggly layers, and Lands’ End is a much-loved, high quality clothing brand.

Colourful, practical and packed with innovative details, Lands’ End outerwear is scientifically tested in all weather conditions to ensure your warmth, comfort and enjoyment whatever the weather.

Children will love playing out in outerwear designed for adventure. Mothers will appreciate the long-lasting value of the ‘Grow-A-Long’ sleeves range, designed to adjust to little ones’ growth spurts.

Grownups will find an extensive collection, from luxury tailored wool cashmere blend coats, to hi-tech performance outerwear including a range of down-insulated, super-light jackets and full-on weatherproof coats.

Lands’ End truly has something for everyone and what’s more – for your first order, Lands’ End are offering £10 off on orders over £40.

Simply enter FAMILY10 at the checkout for your exclusive discount.

To view the collection, head to www.landsend.co.uk. Tweeters can follow @LandsEnd_UK and there’s a Facebook page too.

WIN! We have £100 worth of Lands’ End gift vouchers for one lucky Families reader – it could be you!

To enter the draw, simply go to www.familieswest.co.uk/ competitions, by the closing date Thursday 5th December 13.

WIN a family ticket to Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

10 December – 11 January Bloomsbury Theatre www.thebloomsbury.com/ event/run/1806

10 December – 5 January

What would you do if one year Winter decided to stay and moved into your house?

You would have icicles in the kitchen and snow all over your bed! Well that’s what happens in our snowy spectacular show where you are guaranteed a white Christmas, no matter what the weather or the time of year! When Mr Green comes back from holiday to find Mr White in his house it's the start of a brrrrilliant series of adventures as Mr White covers the whole house in snow and Mr Green does everything he can to get him outside into the garden. The audience gets stuck in too with their own snow, making a snowman and joining in with a massive snowball fight. But it's getting warmer and, as Mr White stars to melt, the tables might be turning... Snow Play is a showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who has to go away!

Win a family ticket to see Potted Panto!

Double Olivier nominees Dan and Jeff return for a third festive season of Potted Panto, hot on the heels of their recent world tour of Potted Potter.

8 December – 5 January Vaudeville Theatre Box Office: 0844 482 9675 www.pottedpanto.com

In a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from panto, our dastardly double act dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington's London. Searching for Cinderella's lost slipper, they try to wake Sleeping Beauty before the giant climbs down Jack's beanstalk to squash Snow White's seven dwarves.

It's all unmissable fun, whether you're six or 106.

Terms and conditions. Prize is valid for a family of four for a minimum of one adult and one child. Prize is valid for all performances excluding school holidays until 5 January 2014.

Subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative with be offered.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Pleasance Theatre www.pleasance.co.uk/islington/events/peter-pan-goes-wrong Adapted from the original stage play Peter Pan By J.M. Barrie, award-winning comedy company Mischief Theatre’s brand new show Peter Pan Goes Wrong comes to Pleasance Islington this Christmas. The inept and accident prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society set out to present J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan. Two acts of hysterical disaster ensue. Don’t miss this hilarious new comedy from the creators of West End smash hit comedy The Play that Goes Wrong. To die will be an awfully big adventure.

Win a Family Ticket to see Jack and The Beanstalk!

Magic beans, a journey to an enchanted kingdom in the clouds, an evil giant, and some zumba, Jack and the Beanstalk has all the ingredients of a classic panto with a unique Lyric twist.

The Lyric panto is back with regular favourite Steven Webb who played Buttons in last year's record-breaking hit Cinderella.

Family fun for everyone aged 6+ Terms and conditions. Prize is valid for a family of four for a minimum of one adult and one child.

Prize is valid for all performances excluding school holidays until 4 January 2014. Subject to availability.

Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative with be offered.

November/December 2013

Classifieds Parties Don't forget to mention that you saw it advertised in Families West magazine when you call

www.familieswest.co.uk Malcolm the Magician H Children’s Magic H Games H Disco H Competitions H Juggling H Balloon Modelling H Live Rabbit T. 01243 868084 M. 07734 925330 E. malcolmboxall@aol.com www.malcolmthemagician.co.uk

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November/December 2013

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November/December 2013