Families West London July - August 2014

ISSUE 94: July-August 2014 www.familieswest.co.uk

Front cover photo by Robert Workman

Families West 路 PO Box 32231 路 London W5 1JR 路 Tel: 020 8930 4707 路 Email: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

news & views Front cover credit: What The Ladybird Heard photo by Robert Workman

From the Ed: It’s almost here- those long, summer days when time is on your side. The holidays let us catch up with everything - rest, sleep, hours of thinking and the freedom to carry on doing something right to the end.

As parents, we need to strike the balance for our children, between using the time to explore new things, practice those skills that need a bit of sharpening and having lots of time of doing nothing. I hope we have managed to get that balance right in this issue’s articles. Read and savour, and then use the bits that work for your family. And most of all, spend a lot of time enjoying family time together.

In this issue News & Views

Page 2

Here Comes The Summer

Page 4

Summer Workshops

Page 6

Summer Challenges

Page 8

Education

Page 12

What’s On in West London

Page 15

Is Competitive Sport Important?

Page 22

Classifieds

Page 23

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. Copyright Families West Magazine 2014.

Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com Printed by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG.

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Free tickets for children to Opera Holland Park The scheme, which is part of the OHP Inspire Project, aims to introduce as many young people as possible to the world of opera and give them the chance to get to grips with the unknown. 1000 tickets are available for children aged 7-18. (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult whose ticket is also free). Applicants can apply for up to four tickets: one adult and up to three young people.

The season runs until 9 Aug. Call Opera Holland Park Box Office on 0300 999 1000 to book tickets.

Creation station classes and parties Creation Station Middlesex Osterley has quickly risen in popularity since its launch last year. Families are enjoying weekly sessions of Baby Discover (3-17 months) and Little Explorer (18 months-5 years) running in Isleworth, Osterley and Brentford. “The classes offer more than Arts and Crafts; the sessions are designed to inspire children’s imaginations, as well as practice skills of making choices, sharing, focusing, problem solving, as well as playing and interacting with others. It isn’t about creating “Here’s one we did earlier” but all about having a go, being inspired and encouraging each child to develop their own ideas.” Owner Indy Dhillon says: “It gives a huge boost of confidence when your ideas are taken seriously - no matter how old you are!” During the holidays Indy runs family fun sessions and drop-in workshops for children aged 2-11 years. She also offers Arty Parties, a fun and creative way to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, holy communions, weddings etc.

“We organise everything from invites to party bags, so less stress for you.”

Call Indy on 07545 554 096 or email her: indydhillon@thecreationstation.co.uk www.thecreationstation.co.uk

Modern Asian Deli in the heart of Ealing Ealing resident Angela Malik, who has been running a hugely successful cookery school and Asian delicatessen in Acton for over 3 years has opened a Modern Asian Deli in Ealing. Angela will be serving up a vibrant array of Brit-Asian salads, curries, pastries and desserts and will even offer a ‘Lassi Bar’ - a selection of Indian-inspired smoothies and shakes for eating in or taking away. Breakfasts will range from the virtuous - Porridge with Ealing Honey - to the indulgent - Hot Crispy Bacon Sandwich with your choice of Angela Malik chutney, or a Bombay Mushroom & Tomato ‘Tikki’ Bap. Lassis will include wonders such as The Wake-up (Almond milk, Raspberry & Coconut) or the Protein Packed (Banana, Toasted Oats and Pistachios). She will also be offering a range of her popular cooking classes. We tried one out and loved it! She’s a great teacher, entertaining as well as hugely knowledgeable.

Look at our Whats On widget to find dates and details of the classes. www.angelamalik.co.uk

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

July/August 2014

Label your children's clothes Not just for the new term in September, but for all those summer clubs they'll go to/ playdates/ kickarounds in the park where they discard their layers and leave them by the tree...

Labels4Kids offers a large, tried and tested range of labels to name pretty much everything children lose, from bags to clothes to socks, shoes and lunchboxes. Then there are the wristbands, baggage straps and even named pet collars. Their state of the art website makes ordering fast and smooth; postage is free on orders of £20 and over, and there's a 100% money back guarantee if you have any problems with your labels. Make your life easier and keep track of those belongings, at www.labels4kids.com/fam

Perform Acton opening in September 2014 Whatever your child is like, Perform weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills with activities such as games about eye contact, exercises to focus attention or an improvisation about making friends and understanding others.

It aims to make them more confident, enthusiastic about trying new things and so more relaxed in social situations and articulate, which then impacts upon their performance academically. Workshops will take place on Mondays from 4pm - 5pm and from 5pm - 6pm at Ark Priory Primary Academy, Acton Lane, Acton, W3 8NR. Try a free trial class by calling 0845 400 4000.

Quote JESS311014 you will be eligible for a £30 Families Magazine discount offer on the Acton classes.

Brain Tumor Research increasing awareness to hat-tastic heights This year’s Wear a Hat day was a huge success due to the children, families, schools and academies that took part with such creativity and enthusiasm. They played such an important role in raising awareness and funds for research. “You are all heroes and with your annual commitment we can take this campaign to ever increasing hat-tastic heights.” Wear A Hat Day 2015 will take place on Friday 27th March. Join in one of the UK’s most important and fun charity events and save lives together with Brain Tumor Research.

Register by emailing: wearahatday@ braintumourresearch.org Or call: 01296 733011

A fresh new look for www.familieswest.co.uk

Special offer from Explore Learning...

Explore Learning centres offer Maths and English tuition for 5-14 year olds.

They have a special offer on - get 25% OFF your first month when you join in July.

Visit: www.explorelearning.co.uk Participating centres only.

Terms and conditions apply.

July/August 2014

We are delighted to announce Families Online is now much easier to use than ever.

Our fresh re-branding expresses our aim to cover all things 'families', as well as offering endless ideas. You can set the website to show only information local to you. Simply enter your postcode once in the box at the top left hand side of the page and the site will remember you after that, there’s no need to log in.

Use our interactive Whatson calendar to search for things to do locally (or where you want to go), our Directories are filled with clubs and classes, schools and nurseries, party entertainers etc. and we have a huge amount of content of interest. It's all for you and to make your life easier!

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

RECRUITING NOW! Successful business mum is seeking 5 working partners to work part time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a managerial, supervisory, sales, recruitment or self-employed background and wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Avril Cassell: 07561 814 161 or email: avrilc1@hotmail.com

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Here comes the

by Robina Cowan and Roma Reeves The long summer holidays are nearly here – yippee!

Or are you a tad concerned that apart from the ‘getting away’ fortnight that you slaved for all year, your little darlings will tumble into the kitchen and moan “I’m sooo bored?”

Summer!

Timber play at Odds Farm

The thing to remember is; school days are packaged into neat little bundles of literacy, maths, breaktime, science, history, PE, lunchtime, music, PSHE then hometime. At home there’s no structure so the children are all at sixes and sevens for the first fortnight or so. Barring letting them stay up until they choose to go to bed, and the glory of unfettered TV or console games, they may think there’s nothing to do.

Oh yes there is! If you plan ahead while you still have time, this year’s summer break could be filled with enriching activities.

Do something: Drama and daycamps There are heaps of theatre schools, activity camps and sports courses running throughout the summer holidays, where children pick up new skills and interests while making new friends. For our listings, see pages 14-21 or hop onto our website: www.familieswest.co.uk

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Daytrips Our London children are fortunate in that we have hundreds of museums, galleries and open spaces to explore as a family, filled with holiday events - and many of them are free.

Check our What’s On listings for details, pack a picnic, grab your Oyster card and go explore!

At home For the stay-at-home days when they need nudging off the sofa, start collecting to fill a summer treasure box of ‘making things’.

These might include: - junk modelling materials: cardboard boxes, egg cartons, loo and kitchen roll insides, all kinds of paper - scissors including those to cut different shapes - child friendly glue and paste - paper, card and fabric in different colours, shapes and textures - string, tape, buttons, beads and ribbon, dried pasta (You could be really organised and put everything in small labelled containers so it is easy to put away). Set the challenge of making something to a theme - for example animals; pirates; a pretend picnic; a new boardgame; dressing-up jewellery.

• Make a few pots of playdough and put it in the fridge.

Here’s a simple recipe You will need: 1 cup salt 2 cups flour 4 tsps cream of tartar 2 tbsp oil 2 cups of water food colouring/ essence

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

July/August 2014

Photo courtesy of www.dunnesstores.com

Method: Mix ingredients in a saucepan.

Add colouring and/ or essence. Cook on medium heat for about 5 mins, stirring constantly until it becomes stiff and comes clean away from the pan.

Cool and store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Add food colouring and scents - vanilla, lemon and mint work well. It will keep all summer. Chuck out when really grungy. Collect small cutters, rolling pins and anything else that makes a pattern.

• A messy art box is a must. Fill with all different kinds of paints, paint pads, big rolls of paper and interesting ways to make marks (think sponges, toothbrushes and even old kitchen implements.)

You will also need a large plastic sheet and an apron per child. Oh - and a jumbo packet of wipes.

• Now is the time to be scouring bookshops, charity shops or do a book

July/August 2014

exchange with friends who have children of similar ages. Put piles of book in different corners of the house (yes, even the bathroom!). Mix them up - comics, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories and novels, newspaper articles and even reference books like atlases and dictionaries. Plonk down a cushion or two, or if you have the space, set up a cosy playtent reading area.

• Do a similar thing for a writing area.

Blank books, colouring books, postcards and pretty paper with envelopes along with heaps of different pens.

• Now tackle the garden. Two boxes needed here. One with different balls, bats, skipping ropes, hoops etc (which may need wiping down from last summer and a repair job). The next box needs seeds, small gardening tools, and a watering can.

• Finally get the kids’ cooking box ready.

Print off a few really easy, child friendly

recipes and some fun ingredients (biscuit cutters here too along with some fun cake sprinkles are a must!).

Do Nothing!

By deliberately not filling every hour with pre-planned activities, you’re actually doing your children a favour as it’s up to them to use their own imagination. They can choose to pull out and revisit all those birthday/ Christmas presents that have been sitting in cupboards, re-read childhood favourite books, or just gently muse as they watch the rain run down the windows.

A final tip from a mother of two: “When my children tell me ‘there’s nothing to dooo’ I tell them ‘Oh yes there is- there are beds that need making, laundry that needs folding and putting away’ - you’d be amazed how quickly they run away and occupy themselves!”

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Summer workshops Why not get the kids booked into a WORKSHOP? Chiswick Holiday Courses 21 Jul-14 Aug. A huge range of creative courses for ages 6-16 at The Ellen Wilkinson School, W3. Courses include Animation, Creative Writing, Programming, Film Making, Robots with Lego, Cool Science, Photography, Inventors Workshop, Cookery, Art, Crafts, Drama, Dance and Gardening.

Small groups and high quality tutors.

Call Annette or Linda on 020 8742 3936 www.chiswickcourses.co.uk Thames Explorer Trust Summer Playscheme 30 Jul-22 Aug. Boat trips and nature safaris for everyone. Boat Trip-Travel from Richmond Landing Stage to Teddington Lock and back. The trip lasts 1 hour. Along the way, the staff will keep you informed and entertained with activity sheets to help spot and record wildlife and river features.

Nature Safari explore the riverside through activities and games, learn about minibeasts, do artwork based on nature, take part in an Animal Olympics and listen to stories about different animals. 11am-3pm, for ages 4-15. www.thames-explorer.org.uk Isis Education Centre Camping And Campfires Courses Children can learn bushcraft survival skills and increase their understanding of nature whilst having lots of outdoor fun in London’s Royal Parks.

28 Jul-4 Aug Bushcraft Survival Skills from 10am-1pm for ages 11-15, and 4-8 Aug The Great Outdoors from 10am-3pm for ages 12-16. e:support@royalparksfoundation.org www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/ experiences

Combines learning with a great holiday!

14th - 18th and 21st - 25th July Followed by 26th - 29th August for our back to school booster week! (see website for more details) Clifton Lodge School, Ealing HIGH FLIERS SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB for children aged 3-12 years offers a stimulating, balanced programme of Maths Investigation, Scientific Enquiry, Creative Writing, Art, Drama and fun Sports.

As well as educational workshops, children also participate in weekly excursions.

To book a place please visit: www.high-fliers.org.uk email info@high-fliers.org.uk or call the team on: 07949 297 070 Limited places available Taking place every summer. Easter and half term holidays!

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Holland Park Pre-Prep School and Day Nursery Holiday Club For ages 2-8, run by in-house qualified staff and operates from 8.30am-6.30pm.

Attendance can be for a half or full day with additional breakfast, after-school and supper clubs. Creative games, imaginative play and outdoor trips all on the menu.

From 11 July in W14.

020 7602 9066 e:info@hpps.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS Met Film School has launched a new range of summer schools for aspiring filmmakers, actors and animators age 14-17. Based in the heart of the film industry at Ealing Studios, participants will get hands-on with the latest technology, work with leading professionals and create their own films in a fun and friendly environment. www.metfilmschool.co.uk/for-young-filmmakers.aspx Perform Drama School is flying away to Neverland with 4-8 year olds. Five-day courses with their team of actors, musicians and dancers and colourful costumes, original songs and live music. Classes in Notting Hill and Fulham from 21-25 July, in Kensington and Ealing from 28 July-1 Aug and in Chiswick from 11-15 Aug.

Pitzanger Manor and Gallery

Club Petit Pierrot Summer Holiday Club at St Mark’s Church Hall, Abercorn Place, NW8 9YD. 24 and 28 Jul -‘Les artistes en herbe’ for ages 1 to 4 (Parent & toddler group) from 9.30 - 10.15am, and 24- 31 Jul for ages 3 to 5 (drop-off class) from 10.30am 12.30pm.

24-31 Jul L’été des grands for ages 6 to 10 (drop-off class) from 10.30am - 3.30pm.

Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor play, music, cooking, theatre and role-play games, and language games covering Key Stage 1 & 2 - an excellent way for children to revise or prepare for the French curriculum.

020 7385 5565 e:admincpp@btconnect.com www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Call 0845 400 1285 www.perform.org.uk Stagecoach Kensington and Chiswick Summer workshop 28 Jul-1 Aug - at Addison Primary School Addison Gardens London W14 0DT. Children are split up into age groups and work towards a final performance. ‘Discover Disney’ for ages 4-7 uses the Disney characters as the inspiration for the dancing, singing and acting workshops. ‘Bugsy Malone’ for ages 7-18, has all of the ingredients for a fun-filled show, from comedy cartoon characters to custard pies! A non-stop, high energy musical full of good, clean fun.

Call Sara Catlin Brown on 020 8398 8106 e: Kensington@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington

SCIENCE Holland Park Ecology Centre 28 Jul-29 Aug. Environmental themed programme of outdoor and creative activities.Two hour sessions for 5-10 yr olds and four hour sessions for 8-10 yr olds. www.rbkc.gov.uk/pdf/Ecology_ programme2014_WEB.pdf Mother Nature Science 22 July-23 Aug. Holiday Camps for 5-12yr olds with exciting hands-on activities, spectacular demonstrations, enquiry-based discussions and take home experiments. Two science weeks: Science Explorer and Scientist Factory. West London locations include Ealing and Maida Vale. www.mnature.co.uk 020 8863 8832 e:info@mnature.co.uk

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Image courtesy of Mother Nature Science, UK

July/August 2014

SPORTS Chiswick Schools Skateboarding Course Kiddikicks 4-29 Aug Daily sports classes (1-3 hours) Monday to Friday for children aged from 2 -7 in Kensington, Maida Vale, Chiswick and Richmond.

020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk Perivale Park Athletics Track 28 Jul-1 Aug, 11-15 Aug and 18-22 Aug A week long camp of track and field events for children aged 8+ The camp runs from 10.30am1.30pm from Mon-Thurs and from 10.30am-3.30pm on Friday. Minimum Age of child is 8. Call 020 8575 5776, email: perivaleinfo@everyoneactive.com for more info and for a booking form.

Twisters Summer School 21-25th July 10.15am-1pm. Lots of fun for 3+ year olds. The morning includes gymnastics, using apparatus, large and small soft play equipment, dance drama using lots of props and costumes, art (materials provided)and games. Different program daily. Refreshments provided.

Sibling discount. Held at St Johns Church, Mattock Lane, Ealing W13 9LA email: twisters@btinternet.com Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School Until 7 Sept, from 9am-sunset at Regent's Park (Outer Circle, North Side of Regent's Park). Anyone aged 8+ can come and learn to fly in one of two hour drop-in classes or courses. Students start with a warm up then move on to practice a simple trick on our low bar. They then attempt the trick on the Flying Trapeze and towards the end of the class get caught by a catcher on a separate swinging bar.

From £24. www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/upcoming-events/gorilla-circus-flying-trapezeschool#sthash.d6vfIPoK.dpuf COOKERY Kids Cookery School 28 Jul-29 Aug, cookery workshops for children aged 3-14 in Acton. 020 8992 8882 info@thekidscookeryschool.co.uk

The William Morris Society Children’s Summer Arts & Crafts Workshops for ages 6-12. 31 Jul and 14 Aug-Create a Tapestry, 10-11.30am and 12-1.30pm. Be inspired

by William Morris’s wonderful creations to make your very own tapestry to take home. 9 and 16 Aug. Creating and Performing with Shadow Puppets. Hear about Morris’s amazing myths and terrific tales, and be inspired to create your own shadow puppet in the first workshop and then put on a performance in the second workshop. £3 per workshop or £5 for two. www.williammorrissociety.org Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery Artist-led workshops that encourage children to create artworks in response to the exhibitions and heritage. £6, all materials are supplied – dress for mess. 10am - 12pm for ages 5-7 and 2 - 4pm for ages 7-11 30 Jul Lines in Space-Create 3D drawings with artist Alicja Rogalska and photograph the results.

6 Aug Secret views Make hidden compositions in the ground inspired by the patterns and surfaces around the gallery.

13 Aug Light the way Make your own personalised light fitting.

20 Aug Young Designers Make your own cardboard stool or piece of furniture.

27 Aug Flatland Create large-scale spatial drawings inspired by the exhibition and the Manor House. www.ealing.gov.uk/pmgalleryandhouse Corner 9 Arts Project Holiday Art sessions for children 5+ 21 Jul-Explore Nature as many artist did in 2D and 3D projects 26 Jul Circus Skill sessions for children and a Free Community Circus Show www.corner9.com

When you contact these companies, please say that you saw them mentioned in Families West magazine

SUMMER HOLIDAY DRAMA COURSES For ages 3-18, Yourspace, Yourspace too and Yourspace tots 11-15 August, 2014, 9am-5pm (-1pm for 3-5 years).

At St Augustine’s Priory School, Hillcrest Rd, Ealing W5.

Acting - Dancing - Singing - Crafts - Friends Professional direction.

Final performance at Questors Theatre for 6-18s No experience necessary, just come and along and have fun.

Boys and girls and GCSE and A-level drama students welcome. £135 to £190.

Go to: www.yourspacedrama.com or call: 07580 474638 e:info@yourspacedrama.com NEW! Yourspace Saturday classes start 13 September.

Music House For Children 25 Jul Pop Attack A singing & songwriting workshop where children will learn how to write & perform their own songs. The workshop includes warm up and warm down activities, songwriting games, techniques, formats and tricks of the trade to write a hit song. Melodies and well known songs will be developed using tuned percussive instruments, guitar or ukulele.

Children’s own compositions are recorded and presented as a performance at 3:30pm to friends and family. 10-3pm / 5-11yrs (includes lunch).

31 Jul-21 Aug Holiday Club for movie fans.

For ages 5-8, £12 per child (£20 for 2), admission includes film crew breakfast or lunch, popcorn bar, design clapperboards and movie sets. 9.30am-12noon in W12.

31 Jul The BFG 7 Aug Chicken Run 14 Aug The Iron Giant 21 Aug The Wind In The Willows www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

ART, CRAFTS AND MUSIC Fun with Fimo Clay Fun and creative craft activity sessions which are fully supervised and non-messy in West London.

Recommended for ages 6+ Refreshments included. Sessions on 11, 16 and 25 Jul, 1 and 2 Sept from 10.15am-4.15pm.

Call Clare McKnight on 020 8992 3767 fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

July/August 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Summer challenges

“It’s better when we’re together” Ping! Time to unplug and reconnect with your family And Joanna Moorhead has some ideas on how to do it Summer is a great time to enjoy being together with your nearest and dearest. But for many families these days, even together time is dominated by mobiles phones, iPads, TV and other devices. According to a recent survey, though, even kids themselves recognise the need to unplug and welcome the chance to ‘do something different’. Here are our top 20 ideas for what that ‘something different’ might be.

1. Play a board game: this sounds so simple you can’t quite believe I’m recommending it! But a game like Monopoly or Cluedo, which children can play from a young age or can play in teams, is a genuinely bonding experience. Put those mobile phones and other devices way out of reach - yes, parents too - and concentrate on the game. And on one another. (see list of recommended games from Families games expert Ben Douglas).

2. Build a den: whether you do this indoors or in the garden, or out in the woods or on the beach, you’ll have loads of fun. Joint tasks like making a den together bring out team-working skills and help you see one another’s hidden strengths. Once the den is built, do something wacky like having tea in it.

3. Go fruit picking: not only will you have a good time picking your favourite fruits and discovering new ones, you’ll also be setting up your next family project which will be making jams and chutneys or just a massive fruit salad to see you through the next few days. We really like Home Cottage Farm in Berkshire. www.homecottagefarm.co.uk 4. Sleep under canvas: if you’re regular campers this one may be a bit too boring - but for families that haven’t camped before, even one night away can be a huge adventure. Alternatively, if you’ve a big enough garden and can borrow a tent from someone, just pitch it outside the back door on a warm evening and dig out your sleeping bags.

5. Cook on a campfire: this is a perfect add-on to your camping adventure. Get advice online about how to build your fire (or use a firepit in your garden) and what foods are best to cook on it (sausages, haloumi cheese, peppers, burgers are all easy peasy).

6. Go on a long bike ride: if you’ve all got your own bikes you probably do this all the time. If not, it can be a really fabulous and different day out to hire bikes and follow a cycle trail. See info on The West London Thames Ride which is perfect for families.

7. Go wild swimming: swimming in a pond or lake, or in the sea, is a very different experience from an indoor pool. Children love it, and there are plenty of websites packed with ideas: but do check the one you’re heading for is family friendly.

8. Reorganise your family photographs: these days, many families’ photographs remain in online galleries. They can be a great way of sharing pictures with relatives and friends – but there’s a huge amount of fun to be had from creating an old fashioned album together, when you relive past fun and remember what you enjoy most as a family.

9. Borrow a dog for a weekend: if you have your own dog, this isn’t for you. But if you’re not a dog-owning family, having one on loan for a few days can be a hugely rewarding experience. See www.borrowmydoggy.com

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

July/August 2014

10. Climb a big hill: this can be a mountain or a fairly small hill, depending on how old your children are. Enjoy helping one another to make the climb; your reward is the view from the top, and the picnic lunch you have up there! Northala Fields in Northolt has playgrounds and a boating lake too. www.londongardenstrust.org/features/ northala.htm 11. Go fishing: you can do this with a net in the rock pools at the beach, or in a stream or river inland. Try Bedfont Lakes in Feltham for a nearby fishing spot. www.looksfishy.co.uk/places-to-fish/london/ bedfont-lakes/ 12. Have a snail race: find some snails, and set up the course; place bets on which snail will win, and watch the action unfold.

13. Go star-gazing: find a place where the sky is open, ideally away from too many artificial lights; do some research beforehand so you know what to look for, and when you get a clear evening, head off in search of the North Pole, Saturn and the Plough. Take a blanket with you so everyone can lie down and look up, which makes it more relaxing.

14. Hunt for treasure or bones: beaches can be great places for this, or look online to see if there are any ‘treasure troves’ near you. Mudraking on the banks of the Thames has plenty of potential. The Thames Explorer Trust organises Foreshore Walks for families.

See details in our What’s On pages. www.thames-explorer.org.uk/foreshore-walks

15. Go geocaching: ok, so this is one activity you will need your mobile phone for.

But the high-tech treasure hunt is fascinating, and it pulls all members of the family in.

Try it! More information at: http://www.geocaching.com/.# 16. Switch roles in the kitchen: if you’re usually the meal-maker, and the children are usually the table-setters, do things the other way round. Let the children plan, shop for and prepare the meal (depending on their ages, they may need some help) while you put together an excitingly-laid table.

It’s always good in a family to do things a different way round… everyone learns, and there’s plenty of fun to be had.

spend time together as a family. Writers can write, artists can draw. You’ll keep this book forever; it will be a snapshot of your family in a certain place, at a certain time.

17. Have a family talent show: this is a good one when you have another family or relatives visiting. Everyone has to do a turn; no wriggling out allowed, however shy the mums and dads are. Allow time for rehearsing, and have one person double up as a compere. Reciting a poem, singing a song, doing a mime, dancing, playing an instrument… everyone has a talent to share.

19. Fly a kite: they’re cheap and easy to buy, or you can even make your own.

Read up on tips about how to fly them (www.thekitesociety.org); or if you’re really challenged and doubtful about your skills, seek out a master kiteflyer to help you learn (google kite flying lessons in your area).

There’s nothing better than seeing your kite soar into the air, knowing you’ve pulled together as a family to make it happen.

18. Make a family journal or scrap book: this can be a good project for a fixed amount of time, like a family holiday or a school holiday. Like a talent show, everyone needs to contribute something. Theme the book to the holiday you’re on or the season you’re in, and invite ideas on descriptions of where you are, reviews of local pubs or restaurants, accounts of days out or activities, book reviews or accounts of favourite ways to

20. Go birdwatching: you don’t need to know anything about birds to enjoy watching them, but if you go to a birdwatching sanctuary or wetlands centre you’ll learn loads. Being in a shelter makes birdwatching more fun and should in theory mean you see more interesting birds. Take your binoculars, and get the children to draw pictures of the birds they see. For more information see: www.wwt.org.uk

MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOL ‘Serving the local Chiswick community since 1989’

Tel: 020 8747 8531 www.caterpillarmontesori.co.uk

July/August 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Summer challenges Top Ten Family games by Ben Douglas (in no particular order) 1. Dancing Eggs Suitable for all ages.

Time: 10 minutes per round A game that comes in an egg box!

You roll a dice, complete a challenge and, if you win, choose an egg. Roll the second dice to see where you have to hold the egg on your body without dropping it - under your armpit, between your legs... the round continues until someone drops an egg!

2. Dobble OR Geistes Blitz (either - both games are quite similar) Suitable for all ages Time: 10 minutes per round Both these games are lovely reaction games that are a bit easier than Jungle Speed (did you play that one - with a wooden totem?). Think Snap but more varied. Dobble is more widely available.

3. Animal Upon Animal Suitable for all ages Time: 10 minutes per round Like Jenga but way more fun because you are stacking different animals on each other and there is a dice to randomise what happens.

4. Magic Labyrinth Suitable for all ages (but may test attention span of youngest) Time: 20 minutes This is a clever game I have never played but looks cracking. Hard to describe but you set up a maze on the underside of the raised board so it is hidden. Each player has a magnetic piece which they are navigating on top which looks as though there are no walls.

There is a ball attached underneath their piece so if they move over a hidden wall the ball gets sent back to the starting point.

Players need to remember where the walls are to win.

5. Tsuro Suitable for all ages (but again may test under 7s) Time: 20 minutes Players lay tiles before your own token to continue its path on each turn. Each tile has

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several paths on it and you are trying to keep your piece on the board whilst sending your opponents off the board.

6. Fauna Suitable for 8+ Time: 45 minutes This is a lovely trivia game so would appeal to the education market. There are loads of large cards with facts about different fauna (where they are found, how big they are, how heavy they are and tail length). Players are given the name of the animal and they then, in turn, place chips to guess the various facts about them. Once everyone has placed their guesses on the map/board, it is revealed and they get points for how close they were.

7. Forbidden Island Suitable for 8+ Time: 30-45 minutes This is the easier version of Pandemic.

It is great way to get kids to work together to move around the sinking island and collect the treasure as a team. They either win or lose together so no fights necessary!

8. Castle Panic Suitable for 10+ Time: 1 hour This is another co-operative where all players are defending a castle from an onslaught of enemies. There is a nice alternative where one player gets the overall win by killing the most “bad guys”.

9. King of Tokyo Suitable for 8+ Time: 30 mins - 1 hour Choose a monster, throw dice, bash other monsters or collect points. Nearly everyone who plays it loves it.

10. Jamaica Suitable for 8+ Time: 45 mins - 1 hour A fantastic game of racing pirates. Each player has a pirate ship and races around Jamaica whilst potentially battling one another.

You have to balance food, gunpowder and money. So much fun.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

The West London Thames Ride

This route is perfect for kids to ride; starting from Kingston Rail station there is a 7 miles circular route around Hampton Court Palace and back to Kingston. By following signs to Hampton Court you’ll be led away from the traffic in Kingston to a riverside path which eventually passes through the grounds of one of Britain's great historic palaces.

The palace is a great place to stop for a picnic, and visitors arriving by bicycle can use the cycle racks provided, which are round the corner to the left of the main palace entrance by the entrance to the Wilderness Garden.

Most train services into Kingston allow bikes, but within specific travel times and days. Check the train providers website and cycle policy before travelling to make sure it’s possible to bring a bike on the service.

If you decide to go further afield and follow the route past the Palace, here are lots of great cafes and attractions, including: · Moseley Reservoirs Nature Reserve · Woburn Park · Chertsey Meads · Dumsey Meadow - A water meadow which is a great place for a bit of wild swimming. Sitting on the river Thames, the meadow is on the river above Shepperton Lock and just downstream of Chertsey Bridge. It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. · Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton on Thames http://www.riverhousebarn.com/ (also has a cafe and events for kids) · Spelthorne Museum, Staines: And to eat: · The Anglers of Walton, Walton on Thames.

Stunning riverside location. · Three Horseshoes, Laleham.

Just off the traffic free path this pub offers a big pub garden and great food. · The Kingfisher near Dumsey Meadows.

Standing by the 18th century stone Chertsey Bridge, with a garden overlooking the Thames, the pub is ideally placed for those wishing to explore the river and nearby wetlands. To the south is the Wey Navigation. · The Swan, Staines.

A slight detour over the bridge on the A308 (using a traffic free path on the bridge) takes you to this fantastic riverside pub.

July/August 2014

childcare

July/August 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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preparing 4 year olds for school...

10 THINGS your child should be able to do when they begin school

by Sarah Butters If your child starts ‘big school’ this

4. Are they able to eat independently?

September, it’s time to start preparing.

Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the

Forget force feeding them phonics, this is

early days of your child's school life. Dinner

about getting your child ready for the social

halls are noisy places and can make a child

challenges of school. The more prepared

feel overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at

they are, the easier they will settle and the

school able to pick up and use a knife and

more they’ll get out of those early days.

fork. show them how to open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana.

1. Can they dress themselves?

With school a few months off, it may seem

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with

like the easier option to feed them, but it

thirty children and their coats. By the time

won't help in the long run. Practice, however

each child is zipped up and wrapped up,

painful, makes perfect.

playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some

5. Are they able to recognise their own name?

fresh air.

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll

understand the most appropriate way of

If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts

be able to find their peg, identify their drawer

getting a grown-up’s attention.

becoming a problem during the post PE

in the classroom and find their cardigan if it

9. Are they able to count?

change, invest in elasticated waistbands.

gets misplaced. Starting school can make

If your child is about to count up to 20, and

These will also help during any ‘last minute’

even the most confident child feel a little lost.

count back from 10, this will give them a

toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days -

If they can locate important places, it will

really good head start. Use some of their

they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom

make them feel more in control.

favourite toys or foods to make counting fun.

accidents. With shoes, laces and buckles are

6. Can they use scissors?

Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them

a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your

Teachers look for this in the early stages of

one by one, counting as they go. It will give

child can do themselves.

Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty

them confidence and help them see learning

2. Are they used to sharing?

over the next few months.

as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn,

7. Do they understand discipline?

5 a day down them!

will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they

especially if they only start learning it at

It’s important your child understands what’s

10. Can they follow simple instructions?

school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your

expected of them when they arrive at school.

The school day is full of instructions. Your

child to settle in and make friends easily. No

They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and

child will be asked to put coats on pegs, walk

one wants to play with the boy who refuses

hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only

quietly in corridors and sit cross-legged on

to take turns and share, and before long that

will it bring your child to the attention of the

the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to

child becomes isolated. Start to make a point

head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it

following instructions, they will avoid being

of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his

will make your child unpopular with their

reprimanded. The more time a teacher

bag of figures or his last few sweets.

classmates. Reputations earned in the early

dedicates to repeating instructions and

3. Can they use the toilet on their own?

days of school tend to stick and can be hard

encouraging co-operation, the less time there

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet

to shake off.

is for teaching.

nearby but children are expected to use it on

8. Can they communicate with adults?

their own. That can mean less confident chil-

Giving your child the skills to communicate

SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL:

dren avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage

with their teacher means they will be able to

* I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child

your child to begin taking toilet trips without

have some control. How else will they ask to

* Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson

you to build up their confidence. Remind

go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how

them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’.

to get the attention of an adult, how will they

* Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne)

by Felicity Brooks

Beginning school toilet training now will mean

let their teacher know they don’t understand

* Going to School (Usborne First Experiences)

by Anna Civardi

fewer accidents in September.

their work? A child who can communicate

* Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

July/August 2014

education Book now for the September ‘Back to School’ issue.

Simply contact: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk or phone: 0208 930 7704

July/August 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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clubs & classes DANCE KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months-2 years Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill & Fulham 07957 650042 www.kensingtonballet.com WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY an IDTA accredited school offers classes in Ballet and Tap Dance to children. Qualified teachers in Chiswick & Ealing teach classes.

07771 984590 info@westlondondanceacademy.com www.westlondondanceacademy.com Become a Dance Teacher A new concept in dance teacher training www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama and singing for 4-18 year olds.

Chiswick: 020 8398 4709 Kensington & Brook Green: 020 8398 8106 info@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk THE LIVING THEATRE COMPANY Create, rehearse and perform a play with the Living Theatre Company.

4-18 years 07932 799071 enquiries@thelivingtheatrecompany.co.uk www.thelivingtheatrecompany.co.uk

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 – 16 years 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk DRAMA

FOOTBALL

ALLSORTS DRAMA Drama classes, holiday workshops and parties 020 8767 5298 www.allsortsdrama.com

KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) Energy burning football classes for your toddler and child.Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7.

All coaches qualified and CRB checked 020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk

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Arabic for Women & Children Female teacher 07956 845053 CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALING Learn French, Parent & Toddler group 22months - 4years 020 8997 7116 info@arkofnoah.net LINK CHINESE ACADEMY Fun Mandarin lessons for children from 9 months, in Hammersmith, Old Street and Greenwich. Welcome to Link Chinese Academy, the most fun, dynamic, and culturally rich Mandarin class.

Highly recommended by The Telegraph, The Independent & Evening Standard.

0208 3320 942 children@linkchinese.co.uk www.linkchinese.co.uk SONGS AND RHYMES

YOURSPACE DRAMA COURSES Saturdays from September St Augustine’s Priory Ealing, W5 07580 474638 info@yourspacedrama.com www.yourspacedrama.com

PERFORM Drama, dance and singing sessions held in various venues around London.

To find a free trial class near you call: 0845 400 1285 www.perform.ork.uk

LANGUAGES

BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Guitar accompanied nursery rhymes, action songs, instruments, games and dancing for 6 months-3 year olds in Barnes, Chelsea, Notting Hill and Hammersmith.

020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB Using unique props and funky music, they dance, they sing,they learn through the music, but most importantly of all, they have FUN! Available for classes and parties.

07946 707695 info@amandasactionclub.co.uk www.amandasactionclub.co.uk CULTURE CURRY Introducing the breadth of the Indian culture to our children through interactive

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

and fun classes. Hindi language, songs, hymns, folk dances, yoga, mythology and heritage are part of these classes.

Early years club for 3-5yrs olds, at St Paul's Church, Chiswick W4 3SB, Thursdays 4.00-4.45pm- 8 May School club for 6-11yr olds, at Watermans Centre, Brentford, TW8 0DS, Saturday, 10.30am-12 noon- 10 May 07774 788002 culturecurry@ymail.com www.culturecurry.co.uk TUTORS & LEARNING SUPPORT

EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres 5-14 years, Free Trial session Ealing 020 8090 8710 Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring 020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk MATHS DOCTOR 7-18 years. Private online maths tuition.

Free online tuition assessment 0845 286 7770 www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/families MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION Mock exam practice 020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 - 11years 07050 246810 VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition. Art, Craft and design All ages 020 8932 1010

July/August 2014

what’s on · diary dates 5 July ACTON CARNIVAL A unique event which features a carnival procession, funfair rides, global food, music and lots of activities for the whole family. 12-7pm in Acton Park. £2 per person. £5 family ticket. www.ealingsummerfestivals.com 6 Jul SUNWALK FESTIVAL A family day out in Battersea Park with walking challenges, live music, great food, a children’s area (including soft play), live shows running throughout and all the fun of the fair to raise money for breast cancer. www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges 7 Jul TOUR DE FRANCE The race finishes at The Mall, St James's Park in the final stage of the Grand Départ. There will be a Fan Park located in Green Park giving fans the opportunity to watch the UK leg from one of London's iconic open spaces. www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/upcomingevents/tour-de-france#sthash.iUJLKOct.dpuf 8-13 Jul RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW Plants, show gardens and floral displays galore. www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhshampton-court-palace-flower-show 18 Jul-13 Sept BBC PROMS The greatest classical music festival on earth returns to the Royal Albert Hall. Concerts for children include the CBeebies Prom (26 and 27 July 11am), War Horse Prom and Prom Plus Family concerts on various dates. www.bbc.co.uk/proms/whats-on/2014/categories/for-families

July/August 2014

23 Jul SUMMER TEA PARTY AT MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN ‘The hare, the hat and the tortoise’-Join the Hare and the Tortoise on a storytelling adventure. Also, art & craft, sandwiches, tea & cake and more. 11am -1pm, £12 adults, £8 per child, 0-6yrs. 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 23-27 Jul EALING JAZZ FESTIVAL Big band favourites, funky Latin tunes, jazz and funk fusion, bebop, hard bop, contemporary jazz and more in a big-top tent in Walpole Park, Ealing. Children under 12 go free. www.ealingsummerfestivals.com 26/27 Jul ARCHIKIDS is a weekend long festival with workshops, classes, and drop in activities across the square mile. Try your hand at building a gigantic cardboard city, customise giant city-dwelling creatures or ride a scooter around some of London’s most interesting buildings. Take a trip up to roof terraces not usually accessible to sketch buildings. Best suited for 5-11 year olds. www.open-city.org.uk 27 Jul RACE FOR LIFE Taking place in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, 9-11am. www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/choose-yourevent/london-hyde-park.html 27 Jul PARTY ON THE PIER A fun day on and off the river at Chiswick Pier. Free boat trips, fancy dress competition for dogs, BBQ, refreshments and music. Also canoe taster sessions, river dipping,

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

face painting and Amanda’s Action Kids www.chiswickpier.org.uk 6 Aug NATIONAL PLAYDAY www.playday.org.uk 23-25 Aug BBC GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL Enjoy first class food and entertainment in the palace gardens with the whole family with live demonstrations from top TV chefs. Discover delicacies from hundreds of the UK’s finest producers plus Hampton Court Palace experts will be joining in to explore Georgian cookery.

In the palace kitchens they be cooking up food fit for a king. www.bbcgoodfoodfestival.com 24 and 25 Aug NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL Europe's biggest street festival. West London will be partying to the sound of steel bands, Calypso music and yummy food stalls. Watch the floats and beautifully costumed performers. Children’s Day on Sunday has a shorter parade along with prizes given out for the best costumes. www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com 31 Aug LONDON MELA Europe’s largest outdoor south Asian festival. Entertainment includes classical and new music, as well as street arts, dance, visual arts, a giant funfair, a family zone and food stalls offering cuisine from around the world. 1-9pm at Gunnersbury Park, W3 www.ealingsummerfestivals.com

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what’s on · museums & galleries APSLEY HOUSE W1J 7NT www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsley 24-25 Aug REGENCY WEEKEND Gossip, rumours and scandal - Discover the truth behind the glory days of Wellington. From the heyday of the Prince Regent and the rigours of courtly life, to the regimes of the Red Coats during their combat campaign; experience life and laughter in regency England. 11am-5pm.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk YOUR MONEY: WHAT THE BANK DOES A new permanent display which explains the role of the Bank of England in today's economy. The display looks at how the Bank maintains the value of your money, and how it protects the financial system from economic shocks.

Until 11 Jul CURIOSITIES FROM THE VAULTS: A BANK MISCELLANY A unique opportunity to see some unusual treasures from the Bank's historical collections.

5 and 12 Jul OPEN DOOR Enjoy 30-minute guided tours of parts of the Bank not generally accessible to the public, as part of the City of London festival. 9.30am-5pm.

21 Jul - 31 Dec THE FIRST WORLD WAR AND THE BANK OF ENGLAND The impact the Great War had on the economy, and its effects on the Bank of England and its staff.

23 Jul -29 Aug MAKING MONEY:DESIGN YOUR OWN BANKNOTE Learn about banknote security features then design your own secure banknote to take home. 10am - 4:30pm BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until 30 Nov ANCIENT LIVES, NEW DISCOVERIES The exhibition features the mummified remains of eight people who lived in the ancient Nile Valley.

The mummies include women, men and children.

Some of the mummies are in their coffins/wrappings while the natural mummies have less covering with more of the body available to view.

DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes.

Free, for ages 7+ 5 Jul DIGITAL DRESS UP 11.30am 6 Jul EGYPTIAN PHOTO BOOTH 11.30am 12 Jul & 16 Aug PASSPORT TO THE AFTERLIFE 11.30am 13 Jul RESHUFFLING THE DECK: CARD GAME WORKSHOP 11am and 2pm.

19 Jul TALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN 11.30am 20 Jul NEOLITHIC WORKSHOP 11am & 2.30pm 26 Jul EXPLORING EGYPTIAN MUMMIES 11.30am 27 Jul GRAPHIC DESIGN WORKSHOP 11am 2 Aug EL DORADO ANIMATION Digital workshop 11.30am 3 Aug MANGA COMIC WORKSHOP 11am & 2pm

Please check before you head out to make sure the event has not changed.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Bank of England Museum

9 Aug OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS 11.30am 10 Aug MAKE A HOTCHPOTCH HORSE 11.30am 17 Aug SHADOW PUPPET WORKSHOP 11am & 2pm 23 Aug CREATE A COMIC 11.30am 24 Aug ICE AGE ANIMATION 11am & 2pm 30 Aug EXPLORING EGYPTIAN MUMMIES 11.30am 31 Aug EGYPTIAN PHOTO BOOTH 11.30am FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk FAMILY TRAILS AND ACTIVITIES HETTY FEATHER TRAIL Explore the world of Hetty Feather with a range of art based activities.

Free.

FAMILY DRESS UP CORNER Dress up as a character inspired by the Foundling Hospital, such King George, a Foundling pupil, a Victorian servant or soldier. Free.

FAMILY BOOK CORNER Read about the history of the Foundling Hospital and its famous figures in the family book corner. Free.

NINA COSFORD FAMILY TRAIL Follow a creative adventure around each room of the Foundling Museum with illustrator Nina Cosford. Free.

6 Jul HETTY FEATHER AND DIAMOND DAY Jacqueline Wilson returns to celebrate the paperback release of Diamond. Throughout the day there will be free drop-in family art workshops inspired by the book and a range of Hetty activities and competitions. In the afternoon there will be a reading and a book signing event with Jacqueline.£10 adults, £7 children.

26 Jul WONDERFUL WEAVING Create a collaborative tapestry in response to Grayson Perry's work in Progress, and take away a framed tapestry about your own family. 10.30am & 2pm.

15 Aug FAMILY PROGRESS Work with artist Daniel Wallis to create a giant cartoon strip inspired by the stories of artists and families visiting the museum. 10:30am and 2pm.

July/August 2014

what’s on

July/August 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what’s on · museums & galleries GEFFRYE MUSEUM E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk 29 Jul, 1, 5, 8, 12 and 15 Aug INSIDE, OUTSIDE HOMES 10.30am & 12noon. Explore homes and gardens through stories, songs and craft activities. Free. Ages 2-5 years.

29 Jul-1 Aug, 5-8 and 12-15 Aug DESIGNER HOMES AND GARDENS 10.30am and 2pm.

Create mini furniture ornaments, designer hats and much more, for ages 5-16.

20 Jul GOING GREEN A day of garden-inspired activities. Use recycled materials to create garden gnomes and bug and bloom binoculars, try traditional outdoor games and help create a giant model garden. 10am - 4.30pm. Free.

17 Aug CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS An afternoon of performances, stories, craft workshops and games in celebration of the Geffrye's milestone year. 12.30 - 4.30pm. Free.

28 Jul-10 Aug and 18-24 Aug FORGET ME NOT: POSTCARDS FROM THE FRONT Drop-in activity for all ages- a commemorative art project that looks at embroidered postcards sent between loved ones at home in Britain and soldiers fighting abroad in the summer and autumn of 1914. Sew your own personal postcard to take away. 11am 12.30pm and 2pm - 4pm daily.

Every Sun from 20 Jul OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collections - feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm Every Sun from 20 Jul CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages.

11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on 12 July EXPLORE ZOOLOGY Ever wondered what the skin of a python feels like or how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopard has?

Bring your budding zoologists and be inspired to ask these questions and many.

Drop- in, 1- 4.30pm, free.

29 Jul-2 Aug WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WILDLIFE Hands-on specimen based activities with a chance to come face to face with flying lizards, giant starfish, duck-billed platypuses, thorny devils and spiny anteaters.

Drop- in, 1- 4.30pm, free.

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. Children and young people aged 17 and under go free at London Transport Museum.

Adult admission is £15.00 (£11.50 concessions) and tickets allow unlimited entry for a whole year.

ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 ‘drive’ a scaleddown 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.

This summer holiday London Transport Museum is going undercover with the help of junior codemakers and breakers during the special Going Undercover family fun activities.

28 Jul-29 Aug SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS There will be special interactive family storytelling and creative make-and-take craft workshops, as well as Be Safe Week. The events are free to children and adult tickets last a whole year for unlimited daytime admission to all the Museum galleries and special exhibition. There are three sessions over the five week period.

28 Jul-1 Aug and 18-22 Aug THE ADVENTURES OF CONSTANCE THE CLIPPIE 11am-2pm-Listen to Constance the ‘conductorette’ as she teaches you her clever tricks for catching thieves and cheats who try to short-change her and dodge paying their fares under the cover of darkness. Suitable for families with children aged 3 to 7.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk Opens on 19 Jul. 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. 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.

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.

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

From 19 Jul NEW GALLERY: FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of war - how it started, why it continued and its global impact. Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

London Transport Museum

11.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-3.45pm - Make a stash of clay coins before stitching yourself a secret pouch in which to hide them. Suitable for families with children aged 4 to 12.

11-15 Aug BE SAFE WEEK Discover the Going Undercover circuit where young visitors can dash between different transport safety scenarios, solving clues and learning from the professionals. Get your fingerprints taken and learn how the police gather evidence, become a bike safety Detective and identify different particles of objects. Each young person that completes the circuit will go into a prize draw.

4-8 and 25-29 Aug PIGEON POST 11am and 2pm-Percy and Penny Pigeons are in love, but Percy is in Belgium and Penny is in France, kept apart by their code-carrying wartime missions - can you help them reunite? Suitable for families with children aged ages 3 to 7.

11.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30-3.45pm - Make your own secret messages and take them home with your specially made carrier pigeon.

Suitable for families with children aged 6-12.

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk 18 Jun -7 Sept SUMMER COLOUR Take a journey through the history of colour with the Making Colour exhibition (Sainsbury Wing, £8, under 16s free). Follow a family trail through the show, exploring the properties of colour and the materials used to create colour in paintings.

Every Sun: FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am & 3pm.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am & 11.30am-12pm.

Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. Musical Magic Carpets with Paul Rubinstein on 20 Jul. DRAWING SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in.

20 Jul OFF THE CANVAS Discover paintings that are so real they could leap out of the frame. Build 3D glasses with artist Viyki Turnbull and explore optical illusions created using colour.

STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hours).

6, 13 Jul BUILDING THE HORIZON Explore what happens when the background and foreground meet in a painting. 11am and 2pm.

July/August 2014

27 Jul SKETCHING A BOOK Draw, fold and stitch with artist Vykki Turnbull as you experiment with different ways of making sketchbooks. Fill them with your own drawings and find books in Gallery paintings.

6 Jul WALK AND TALK: THROUGH THE RAINBOW A themed journey through the collection where gallery staff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive! 12.30–1.30pm. For all ages.

13 Jul TAKE ONE PICTURE: FAMILY WALK AND TALK Find out more about Seurat’s Bathers at Asnieres. 11am.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 Aug ARTIST’S APPRENTIC WORKSHOP-FROM PIGMENT TO COLOUR Working from sketches made in the gallery, learn the techniques of tempera painting.

For ages 7-12. £16 for adult and child.

11am and 2pm.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 28 Jul - 8 Aug FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: IN THE PICTURE Two weeks of drop-in and ticketed activities inspired by the BP Portrait Award 2014.

11.30am - 4pm.

4 Aug FAMILY ART WORKSHOP Join Jenni Desmond, picture book author and illustrator of this year’s BP Portrait Award Family Trail for a workshop on characterisation. 11.30am and 2.30pm for ages 3+ 16 Aug HORRIBLE HISTORIES BARMY BRITAIN PERFORMANCE A performance for families with children aged 8+ Free- collect ticket one hour before event.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 28 Sept BRITAIN: ONE MILLION YEARS OF THE HUMAN STORY What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives.

Until 7 Sept MAMMOTHS: ICE AGE GIANTS Enter the amazing world of some of the largest creatures to ever walk the earth. See huge fossils and life-size models of mammoths, and square up to the powerful trunks and tusks of these great beasts.

Until 14 Sept SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Wander through a tropical enclosure, discovering the science behind these delicate creatures and their amazing life cycles as they evolve from crawling caterpillars into beautiful butterflies.

ACTIVITES FOR FAMILIES: 11 Jul 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.

5, 19 Jul MINI BEAST POND SAFARI Pond dipping and a chance to use keys to explore the features of invertebrates and to identify them, recording their findings, and develop an awareness of habitats and invertebrate adaptations. 10.30am and 12.30pm.

2-30 Aug HANDS ON NATURE: MAMMOTHS A myth-busting game to find out some facts about the Ice Age and mammoths. Discover the differences between mammoths and elephants.

Learn to draw a mammoth and touch real mammoth specimens. 11am and 2pm.

11-31 Aug PUPPETS: MAISIE AND THE MAMMOTH TOOTH When Maisie finds an oddlooking tooth under her pillow, she's determined to discover who it belongs to. Find out how a timetravelling tooth fairy takes Maisie back to the Ice Age on an adventure she'll never forget. 12 noon and 1.30pm.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 11 Jul, 2 Aug SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, a sleepover at the Science Museum among the amazing exhibits, followed by a tasty breakfast and a film in the IMAX Cinema.

22 Jul–3 Aug SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE: THE ENERGY SHOW Join futuristic science students Annabella and Phil as they race against time to prove their knowledge of energy through a series of live experiments. Featuring a virtual assistant named i-nstein and a steampunk workshop full of gadgets and chemicals, Annabella and Phil use liquid nitrogen, hydrogen rockets and electricity to create a dangerously exciting experience. For ages 7+ INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: FLYZONE STUDIO A new experience that transports visitors using the latest in green screen technology. Come along and dress up as pilots or astronauts and then take away photographs of yourself flying through the air or exploring Space. For all ages.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Until 2 Nov DAYDREAMS AND DIARIESTHE STORY OF JACQUELINE WILSON Find out about her childhood, early career and what inspires her to write. Exhibtion features original notebooks along with childhood toys, school reports and diaries.

Until 12 Oct THE GREAT DIARY PROJECT A unique insight into the lives of children and teenagers at particular moments in history including tales of flogging and bed bugs at boarding school during the Napoleonic Wars, early twentieth century American Scout diaries, as well as coded accounts of wild teenage behaviour during the Blitz.

Until 24 Aug 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.

Until 14 Dec TOY STORIES What do your favourite toys reveal about you? Toy Stories is a series of children’s portraits exploring the role and function of toys in the lives of children around the globe.

To advertise in Families West magazine or online please email us at: adverts@familieswest.co.uk · or phone us on: 020 930 4707 July/August 2014

27 Jul SUMMER FESTIVAL A day of family friendly activities, including live music, dance, art and crafts activities, face painting, rickshaw rides, food and games. Free, drop in. Suitable for all the family. 11.30am-4.30pm 28 Jul-1 Aug ART BASH CAMP: DREAMERS A week of art workshops offering children the opportunity to experiment with different materials, many recycled. Activities draw upon the Museum’s collection for inspiration. 9am-3.30pm. £140 per week or £40 per day (10% sibling discount).

Recommended for ages 5-11.

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 Every Sunday 6 Jul-28 Sept DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge and bring your ideas to life.

Create architectural drawings with professionals or make your own puppet horse inspired by the production of “War Horse.” 10.30am-5pm for ages 5+ Every Sunday 20 Jul-31 Aug DIGITAL KIDS Have fun creating your own digital art with help from experts. 10.30am-5pm for ages 5+ Every Sat urday POP UP PERFORMANCES 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, for all ages.

4 -29 Aug IMAGINATION STATION Record your family’s journey across the museum and add it to a sculptural column. Activity designed by Exhibition Road Drawing Resident Liam O’Connor.

6-27 Aug MAKE IT: CLAY Join Ceramic Resident Nao Matsunaga and make a mythical beast out of clay and other unusual materials.

For ages 5-12 yrs. 10.30am and 2.30pm.

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 to 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.

6 Jul and 3 Aug THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities.

1.30-4.30pm.

30 Jul CELEBRATE EID AL-FITR Design and embellish your own tiles based on the geometric and floral designs in the museum. 10.30am and 2pm for ages 5+.

28 Aug FAN-TASTIC Learn about the secret language of the fan before decorating your own.

11am for age 5+ 5/6 and 7/8 Aug JUNIOR SUMMER ART SCHOOL Two day workshops for ages 10+ in sculpture and drawing.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what’s on · theatres Please check before you head out to make sure the event has not changed.

BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 3 Jul I NEED A DOCTOR - THE WHOSICAL The Unauthorised Doctor Who Musical Comedy for age 8+ 15-17 Jul WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this brand new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson colourful farmyard adventure. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs.

1 Aug ALICE IN WONDERLAND Join Alice as she follows the White Rabbit into a colourful and exciting new world in and epic adventure to save Wonderland. Action, adventure, song and dance in a show that’s fun for the whole family.

6 Aug ONLY ONE DIRECTION MIDNIGHT MEMORIES TOUR One Direction tribute band capturing the charisma, energy and enthusiasm of the famous five!

The show features songs from all three of One Direction’s hit albums. Also giveaways, audience participation and a meet and greet with the boys.

8 Aug MILKSHAKE! Starring some of the Milkshake! favourites this new musical spectacular is sure to have children up on their feet and singing at the top of their voices! Brand-new songs, classic favourites and funky dance routines, plus plenty of laughter and bags of audience interaction.

CADOGAN HALL SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 24 Jul -10 Aug WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD A glittering summer treat, based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks which was described as ‘bursting with colour and verve’ (Daily Telegraph) and ‘a terrific and witty adventure’ (The Guardian), featuring live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of fun for the whole family!

Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird has a plan of her own! Recommended for ages 2+ CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.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.

W4 2RP www.chgt.org.uk OPEN AIR OPERA Set up your chairs and picnic in the rear lawn of the house and enjoy the opera with family and friends.

2 Jul Barber of Seville 3 Jul Cosi Fan Tutte 18 Jul Pirates of Penzance 25 Jul Robin Hood OPEN AIR CINEMA Watch a movie in the gardens of Chiswick House with a picnic.

21 Aug Dirty Dancing (15) 22 Aug The Silence of the Lambs (18)

3-4 Jun THE ITINERANT MUSIC HALL The world’s smallest (and only) travelling music hall outfit: an upright honky-tonk piano and a tumble down stage, strapped onto a bicycle. A blend of storytelling, cabaret, improvisation and high-jinks vaudeville.

10-11 Jun MADE UP STORIES It’s time to wake up but one girl doesn’t want to. She’d rather stay snuggled under the covers until her dreams escape her head and become adventures around her bed. Pillows become clouds and beds are boats as the sheets billow, inviting you into a world of colour, puppets, feathers and fun.

17-18 Jun FULL STOP This is the bus shelter where anything can happen- romance, adventure and surprises.

Waiting for a bus has never been so much fun.

GARRICK THEATRE

LYRIC THEATRE

WC2H 0HH www.nimaxtheatres.com 3-31 Aug HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN - PART TWO! Two millennia after she attacked the Roman city of Londinium, Queen Boudicca is poised to make another assault on the capital and reduce its citizens to helplessness - this time with laughter! From the hugely popular series written by Terry Deary and Neal Foster. For ages 6+

W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre 2 Jul - 7 Sept THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Judith Kerr’s ferociously popular tale is a great musical play and if you’ve never had a tiger arrive for tea, then this loveable production is the ideal way to show the whole family how to behave the next time one rings the doorbell. When Sophie and her mummy welcome the hungry Tiger to tea, he proceeds to eat all the sandwiches, buns, biscuits and more. He even manages to drink all the water in the tap! Teatime mayhem with sing-a-long songs, oodles of magic and interactive fun for children ages 3 plus and their families.

CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS

GLOBE THEATRE SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com SACKLER STORYDAYS Dynamic and unforgettable retellings of Shakespeare’s stories by Globe Education story tellers, suitable for the whole family.

(Advised for 6+) 12 July JULIUS CAESAR Julius Caesar returns from the war unbelievably popular with the mob in Rome.

Brutus and his gang decide the general must be stopped from taking complete control of the city. Daggers are sharpened, but once the deed is done Brutus finds his troubles are only just beginning.

2 Aug TITUS ANDRONICUS A gore-tastic yarn of generals, an imprisoned queen, ghosts, murder, and quite possibly the worst pies in Rome. Titus Andronicus was a smash hit for Shakespeare at the start of his career.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 27 May-18 Jun THEATRE IN THE SQUARE Free, captivating theatre for outdoor audiences 27-28 May THE BEASTS BY BUCKET CLUB The Royal Society of Beastologists is on the hunt for a fearsome, never-before-seen beast. They’ve already photographed the Loch Ness Monster, the Beast of Bodmin and the elusive Essex Lion.

But will this final mystery prove too much? In a world of disbelievers, you are invited to join in the search.

Theatrical form and storytelling with live music.

PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 19-27 Jul MUMMENSCHANZ - MUSICIANS OF SILENCE Inspiring and captivating illusions using colourful masks, incredible props and skilful sleight of hand, producing a magical world of possibilities, all without uttering a word.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Until 13 Jul JOEY'S CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN The Beadle wants to close the circus down but Dog Toby comes to the rescue. It features traditional characters such as Pretty Polly, Burglar Bill and Mr. Punch, all on strings!

For age 3+ Towards the end of July the Puppet Theatre Barge moves to Richmond, TW10 6UT 26 Jul-10 Aug THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE These two famous cousins visit each other and both experience new sights and sounds. They end up all the wiser as a result of these adventures.

Music, songs and rod puppets for ages 3-8.

13 Aug-28 Sept A CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSE Shadow puppets and marionettes combine with specially composed music for the specially chosen poems suitable for all ages.

REGENTS PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE NW1 4NU www.openairtheatre.com Until 12 Jul TWELFTH NIGHT This madcap tale of mistaken identity is guaranteed to captivate younger audiences this summer. With music, laughs and lots to join in with, Shakespeare’s original text sizzles with anticipation as confusion clears to reveal a happy-ever-after (except for that dastardly steward, Malvolio). For ages 6+ 28 Aug-13 Sept TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Harper Lee’s novel adapted for the stage.

RICHMOND THEATRE

The Tiger Who Came To Tea - Lyric Theatre

20

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 8-10 Aug ANGELINA BALLERINA-THE MOUSICAL Everyone's favourite little star pirouettes onto the stage in this sparkling musical packed full of singing and dancing.

July/August 2014

what’s on · theatres

What The Ladybird Heard - Cadogan Hall THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 18 Jul-13 Sept PROMS The world’s best known music festival. Highlights for children include 26 and 27 Jul CBEEBIES PROM a journey through the history of classical music with some of your favourite CBeebies characters, in an adventure that combines live music from the BBC Philharmonic and video action on screens around the Hall.

19 and 20 Aug DISCOVER MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD Performers from France to music from India celebrate music and cultures of countries around the world in this creative art workshop for ages 5-11.

THE SOHO THEATRE W1D 3NE www.sohotheatre.com 22 Mar COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Family-friendly comedy club that promises no clowns, just a great line-up of proper comedians - like the grown-up equivalent but minus the swearing! Age 6+, 12.30pm.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 4, 18 Jul RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books.

Free but booking essential.

5 Jul OUT OF THIN AIR If you think writing music is something you could never do, you're wrong... Join composer Stephen Montague to discover the tricks of the trade and find out how to write a piece of music from scratch in this interactive workshop session. Bring an instrument or just yourself and be prepared to get creative. For ages 6+, free.

5 Jul COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit doing their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It's just like a normal comedy club, but it's on in the day and kids are allowed in. For age 6+ 6, 20, 27 Jul MONSKI MOUSE'S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL Parents and under-5s are let loose on the dance floor in this friendliest of discos. DJ Monski Mouse and her team bring high-energy smiling to the Spiegeltent, spinning retro hits and funky nursery rhymes.

For ages 0-5, accompanied by an adult.

July/August 2014

9 Jul THE BLOODLESS GIANT Over 500 Southwark children tell a story about the seven ancient Greek definitions of love. Bloodless is a sad and lonely giant who is given new life through gifts of love. The children present his story, led by a creative team.

13 Jul THE FANTASTICAL STORY FACTORY A musical adventure that will have kids exploring magical kingdoms, meeting wonderful characters and singing along by the end. You decide where the story is set, what happens next and who the characters are. For ages 6+ 14 Jul ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE Two hundred singers aged 7-13 tell the love story of Rama and Sita. The concert features a massed choir from across four schools performing a wide range of repertoire including Bollywood, Mozart and sacred hymns.

18 Jul SCHOOL OF POETRY 19 Jul WE WILL NOT BE SILENT Two days of free poetry workshops for all ages.

26-30 Jul CLOUDS A magical, visually spectacular show for families filled with swirling clouds, miniature houses and enchanting music. For ages 4+ 5-26 Aug GROOVE ON DOWN THE ROAD The show re-imagines the story of The Wizard Of Oz, showcasing the dance talent of a new generation of ZooNation performers aged 10 to 19. For ages 5+ 8 Aug SHLOMO'S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS! A world record-breaking human beatboxer. Using just his mouth and a microphone, he makes all kinds of music!

12-17 Aug HANDMADE TALES Six original children’s stories with live music, some household items and a lot of creativity! For ages 5+ 20 Aug-3 Sept READY, STEADY, CÉILIDH! Learn the secrets of Scotland’s most famous shindig - and get up and dance! Join our hosts and a gang of live musicians on the South Bank as they introduce you and the kids to the exhilarating world of Céilidh and its fantastic party atmosphere.

Ideal for young brave-hearts with boundless energy come prepared to be thrilled (and exhausted)!

Suitable for all ages Until 18 May SMASHED. Four crockery sets, nine jugglers, 80 apples - it’s a tea party you’ll never forget.

A mesmerizing mix of circus and theatre.

3, 11, 17, 18 May and 15 Jun LITTLE HOWARD AND THE MAGIC PENCIL OF LIFE AND DEATH Little Howard has discovered the pencil that drew him. But, on the other end of this magical pencil of life is the eraser of death, and a dark force is at large determined to rub him out for good! For ages 6+ 11 May LPO PHILHARMONICS - NOSES a musical feast based on Roald Dahl's 'The Ant-Eater.’ 12 noon.

Try your hand at playing an orchestral instrument in one of the Have-a-Go sessions or join in the Family Orchestra workshops from 10am to 2.30pm in the Royal Festival Hall foyers.

16 May BEASTLY TALES A fun reading of Vikram Seth's Beastly Tales : a modern, rhyming version of Aesop's Fables. Meet the greedy crocodile who was outwitted by the monkey, and the steady tortoise that out-ran the hare.

For ages 7+ 28 May-1 Jun

THE CURIOUS SCRAPBOOK OF JOSEPHINE BEAN Join the world-renowned scrapologist, Patricia Barker, as she discovers the secrets held within the pages of a scrapbook. Who was Josephine Bean? The wonderful and surprising secret is revealed with each turn of the page.

For ages 7+ 31 May, 1, 21, 22, 28 and 29 Jun TIM FITZHIGHAM: CHALLENGER Comedian, author, explorer and unusualist Tim FitzHigham returns with a brand new show. Tim is known for his brilliant bad ideas, which include rowing the Channel in a bathtub and taking on some of the world's weirdest wagers. For all ages.

4 June MORGAN & WEST: TIME TRAVELLING MAGICIANS Victorian magicians Morgan & West bring a magical extravaganza. A show brimming over with baffling magic, unparalleled precognitive powers and a totally genuine ability to travel through time.

Suitable for all ages.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane 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 28-30 Aug WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE UNIVERSE I LAUGH FOR NO REASON What happened before the beginning, and before the beginning of that? If there is life after death, then what is the point of growing old?

Eight teenagers from the Young Company have some big questions.

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE WC2R 0NH www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville-theatre 5 Aug- 6 Sept HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson’s tale of Hetty Feather and her escape from the Foundling Hospital as she braves the scary streets of Victorian London and overcomes all in the search to find her real mother and a true family of her own.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

21

Is competitive sport important?

As a PE teacher since 1986, and with over 20 years experience delivering physical activities lessons to young children, it’s fair to say I’ve seen some PE trends come and go.

From the ‘school of hard knocks’ approach

By Dean Horridge, CEO, Fit For Sport

that saw kids doing cross county in shorts and t-shirts while snow lay on the ground to the pendulum swinging right back to the point

what children want. What we should actually

that sports day races were banned for fear of

be doing is asking the children whether they

upsetting the children that didn’t win.

like to compete and strive to win. Fit For

Some things have improved over time - cross

Sport did just that as part of our ‘Engage to

country in sub-zero temperatures can now

Compete’ primary schools programme with

be done in sleeved shirts and long trousers.

Sport England last year. And the answers

But, sadly, there’s still a school of thought that

were revealing.

It’s so important that family time does not just

says asking kids to compete and vie for

The children said they relished a challenge.

amount to just watching TV, having dinner

victory is somehow wrong.

After taking part in our fun, active pilot, we

together or going to the shops. Equally

Perhaps the politically correct don’t want to

specifically asked children aged 4-11 how

important is being active as a family. Parents

hurt the feelings of less able children?

competition made them feel. The responses

have just as much responsibility to ensure

Or they don’t want to heap the pressure of

were overwhelmingly positive with the vast

their kids are eating right, learning to live a

expectation on such young shoulders.

majority of children stating that competition

healthy lifestyle and engaging in fun activity as

However, the same people do want to

made them feel, happy, excited, strong and

a family unit.

see children succeed in sport, rise through the ranks and represent our country at

This is what I do with my family and I would

“An active life leads to a healthy life, it’s not rocket science!”

hope other parents do the same with theirs,

push further and try harder to realise their

confident as opposed to nervous, afraid,

priority for parents.

potential. These are not just skills for compe-

weak or worried. And when we asked

After all, an active family will lead to a healthy

tition in school sport, they are skills for life.

them outright if they liked taking part in com-

family and surely that is something to strive

Furthermore, competition should not be

petitions, 2836 said yes; 257 said no and 206

for in life, for a parent and a child who will

driven through sport alone. It needs to be

were not sure. Put it another way, that’s

eventually become one?

encouraged through other fun, engaging

86% of children that like taking part in com-

For more information, go to:

activities so that all children can feel the

petitions, once they are engaged in physical

www.fitforsport.co.uk

benefit (rather than just the third of the

activity at a younger age. This figure speaks

school that represent the school in sports

for itself. And our children should be able to

What do YOU think?

teams.) There is no harm in competition so

do the same. Not only should they be able

long as the goals are realistic, the child is

What are your experiences of

to speak, teachers should be able to act on

engaged and the support structure is in place

what they hear.

international levels.

Why competing is important Sorry, but you can’t have it both ways; elite athletes need to learn how to compete, what it feels like to win and, more importantly, what it feels like to lose. Children need goals and targets. They need to be encouraged to

to catch them when they fall or fail. (which is

I also think people forget that it’s not just

bound to happen, as in many things in life,

about being active in school; it’s about being

when they strive to succeed.)

an active family. Kids learn so many of their

I’ve long suspected that these anti-competi-

traits from their parents. Why should physical

tive decisions are made by adults deciding

activity just be about what kids do in school?

22

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

a child can do great things at school but if they just go back home to an environment which is not geared towards being an active family, much of the positive engagement gets lost in a play-station, or the TV or social media on a smart-phone. Small sustainable steps to an active family should always be a

sport and how has it changed for your children.

Do write in and let us know. editor@familieswest.co.uk

July/August 2014

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