Families upon Thames Christmas 2013

Christmas Guide

upon Thames

Christmas 2013 Issue 92

Free

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www.familiesglasgow.co.uk Covering North Surrey and the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow

Christmas fun

Richmond Rink Arrives in Twickenham!

By Linda Stone, Editor

The time-honoured festive tradition of ice-skating will be celebrated in Twickenham this Christmas, with the opening of Richmond Rink between 30 November and 12 January. The temporary rink will be set up at Twickenham Riverside, where skaters will be able to carve their routes across the ice in the beautiful gardens of York House, with the Grade II listed 17th century building offering a stately backdrop.

An ideal winter activity for families and children, Richmond Rink will offer ten 45 minute ice skating sessions every day, except for Christmas Day, as well as numerous other family events and activities.These will include Shetland pony rides, a Santa’s Grotto and skating performances, including Star Wars on Ice! Warming winter drinks and festive snacks will also be available.

Richmond Rink is named after the world famous Richmond Ice Rink in East Twickenham, a well-loved local attraction for decades.

Internationally renowned, with the Queen and Princess Anne both regularly skating there, the rink was, at one point, the largest in the world. It was forced to close in 1992 after it was bought by a property developer who planned to build luxury houses on the site. The planning consent stipulated that the developer must construct a new rink elsewhere in the

TIPS FOR SAFE SKATING ❆ Supervise all children, and keep young

children close at all times. ❆ Instruct children never to touch the blade of the skates. Put your child’s skates on for them until they can do it. ❆ Make sure skates fit well. Skates that are too big will not support the ankles. Tight skates will cause numbness! Either way, your child is more likely to fall over. It may take several adjustments to get skates fastened correctly. ❆ Consider a biking helmet, as well as knee and elbow pads for young skaters. ❆ Dress children warmly, but avoid overdressing as they need freedom to move.

Gloves should be worn at all times.

Left: Emma Armstrong with Karen Barber (Olympic Skater and Dancing on Ice judge), taken in the 1980s at the Richmond Ice Rink.

Richmond borough, but after it paid a large sum to the local Council in compensation, this stipulation was dropped and the new rink was never built.The opening of Richmond Rink will be welcomed with open arms by local community and visitors alike, and represents a major victory for those that fought against the closure of the old rink.

Amongst those were Olympic Gold Medal winning figure skating duo, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who used to skate at the old rink and hand-delivered a 48,000 strong petition to Downing Street, to try to prevent its closure. On hearing about the Richmond Rink Christopher Dean said he was “heartened to hear that skating is returning to the area having been missed for so many years.” Jayne Torvill added “it will be a great event for the local community.” In fitting tribute to the old rink, its previous manager, Gary Stefan, who

❆ Encourage children to get back up immediately when they fall. ❆ Skate backwards allowing your child to rest their hands on your outstretched palms for support. This is safer than supporting your child from behind. ❆ Notice when your child’s attention has wandered and encourage them to stop skating. ❆ Watch out for other skaters at all times. ❆ Take inexperienced skaters to the rink when it is likely to be less crowded.

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

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was a professional ice hockey player for the Richmond Flyers, has agreed to manage and run Richmond Rink.

Brought to life by social enterprise, Twickenham Alive, which creates and organises community, entertainment and sporting events in Twickenham and the Richmond borough, Richmond Rink has been two years in development and is being sponsored by several local businesses.

Pre-booking of tickets is strongly advised. You can book online NOW with a 10% price discount during November and there is NO booking fee. You can also WIN FREE TICKETS in our competition below!

For further information and booking, visit www.RichmondRink.com

WIN! COMPETITION! WIN!

WIN one of 5 sets of Family Tickets to skate at Richmond Rink!

Enjoy everything that Richmond Rink has to offer this festive season by winning a free visit for you and your family.

To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: What is the name of the person who will manage and run Richmond Rink?

Closing Date: Friday,13 December Terms and Conditions Apply

Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1284 Christmas 2013

The MultiSports Group Motivate • Inspire • Achieve

MultiSports Richmond Weekend sports for boys and girls aged 4 - 16 of all abilities

Tel: 0844 3350450 www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk WEEKEND CLASSES HELD AT CHRIST SCHOOL, RICHMOND UPON THAMES BOOK TODAY FOR OUR SPRING TERM STARTING SUNDAY 5TH JANUARY

2014. Little Sporties for girls & boys aged 4-5 years.

Main School for girls and boys aged 6-16 years.

Sunday at Christ School: 9.30am - 12.30pm 1 hr of an Individual Sport , 1 hr of a Team Sport 1 hr of a Team Building. All equipment is supplied

Sunday: 9am - 10.30am or 10.45am - 12.15pm 30 mins Individual Sport, 30 mins Team Sport 30 mins Fun & Games. All equipment is supplied.

Free T shirt for all new students - Sibling discount for Main School - Child Care Vouchers Accepted.

WIN! COMPETITION! WIN!

Two lucky winners can WIN a full term of Kiddikicks football classes for children ages 18mths to 7 years, one available in Kingston and one available in East Molesey.

There will also be two free trial classes each for 10 runners up in East Molesey and 10 runners up in Kingston, and each runner-up will also win a FREE Kiddikicks kit.

Kiddikicks runs super-fun football classes for young boys and girls in Richmond, Brentford

and Teddington. In January, it is introducing NEW classes in Kingston and East Molesey on Saturdays and Sundays.

Classes are age-appropriate.

Nippers is for children ages 18mths to 2.5 years, Runners is for children ages 2.6 years to 3.5

Prizes will be accompanied

by FREE Kiddikicks kit, consisting of a football top and shorts. years, Racers is for 3.6 years to 5 years and Over 5s is for 5 and 6 year olds.

For further information, see our article on page 17 or visit www.kiddikicks.co.uk

To Enter: Go to our website at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: What is the name of the Kiddikicks classes for children age 3.6 to 5 years?

Closing Date: Friday, 3 January 2014. Terms and Conditions Apply

age range

18 months - 7 years

Super fun football and skills 12th January - 5th April 2014

Satu rday Nort h s KT2 Kingst o 5PE

ys a d Sunst Moles9eLyF

, Ea Hall e n i V

n Ce ntre

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Times and age groups 10am 10.30am 11.15am Noon

Nippers Runners Racers Over 5’s

(18m to 2.5 years) (2.6 to 3.5 years) (3.6 to 5 years) (5 to 7 years)

Tel: 020 3560 9256 Email: jen@kiddikicks.co.uk

Christmas 2013

www.kiddikicks.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

3

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING VACCINATE YOUR TODDLER AGAINST FLU THIS WINTER!

4

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Phil Cox Counselling Walton-on Thames - Weybridge - Esher

ANGER

exhaustion dread

redundancy

PAIN

panic attacks

depression ANXIOUS

no self-confidence

BEREAVEMENT

feeling unsupported

& LOSS

Closing Date: 3 January 2014 Terms and Conditions Apply

extra

Duncan Lewin is the proprietor of Brighta Health, which runs local programmes to help people find a more balanced approach to their health, wellbeing and thinking.

Let Duncan @BrightaHealth show you how to embrace The Work of Byron Katie in your own life.

For further information, visit www.brighta.co.uk

family issues

To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: What is the main therapeutic tool used by Brighta?

yourself, who would I be without this thought? Compare how you feel when you see how your family does appreciate you, with how you feel when you believe they don’t. Which version of your story feels truer – they don’t appreciate you…or they do?

If you want peace and happiness this Christmas, you alone can give yourself that gift.

So when you find yourself in the middle of telling yourself a ‘stressful’ story, just stop, identify your stressful thoughts and ask yourself – is my story really true?

STRESSED

What Makes it Different?

The Work of Byron Katie has a proven evidence base; it is used to help people get to the deeper issues behind their sources of stress and provides a tool that can be adapted and used in their own lives.You will quickly learn a simple and effective technique for being able to improve your relationships, family life and clarity of purpose.

For more information, visit www.brighta.co.uk

Duncan Lewin challenges the stories we tell ourselves about Christmas

worried

For many people, parenting and running a family can be challenging. Making time for ourselves, relating to our children and partners, and juggling a career pulls us in many directions. It’s easy to end up feeling drained, tired and angry with the stress of dealing with daily life.

Brighta helps people develop a framework within which to transform their approach to relationships, family and stress, and to find greater calm, control and balance in their lives.

What is Brighta’s Approach?

Brighta’s approach is based upon The Work of Byron Katie, a proven therapeutic tool for managing stress. This approach can help you identify and question your stressful thoughts and sources of conflict in your life. Duncan Lewin has spent many years training and working with people on a whole range of issues, including life purpose, relationships, stress, anxiety, family and self-image.

difficulties

This is your chance to WIN THREE hours of Brighta Personal Coaching with Duncan Lewin, aimed at helping you identify and examine the causes of stress or unhappiness in your life.

fear

WIN! COMPETITION! WIN!

relationship

unwell and even lead to death.

The extension of the vaccination program will not only protect more children, it will also protect those with which they come into contact.

For information on how to get your child vaccinated, contact your GP.

Many people see Christmas as a ‘stressful’ time. If you fall into this group, it’s worth asking yourself: is it really Christmas that causes your stress, or the story you tell yourself about it?

If you answer this question honestly, you may be surprised to discover it is the thoughts you believe about Christmas that are the cause of all the stress you experience in relation to the event. Challenging though this may be, it’s actually good news: if you are the creator of your stress, you also have the power to relieve it!

So how do you lower your stress levels this festive season?

I use a simple, two-stage technique known as The Work of Byron Katie.The first stage involves identifying the people, events and thoughts that ‘stress you out.’ These could be “My mother-in-law doesn’t respect me,”“I have too much to do,” or “My family don’t appreciate me.”

The second stage requires you to question each of these thoughts. Let’s take “My family don’t appreciate me.” This might have been the story you’ve told yourself until now, but is it really true? How do you react and what happens when you believe that thought?

Feel the stress, the emotions that arise when you believe “they don’t appreciate me.” And then ask

addictions

As of 1 September this year, all healthy 2 and 3 year old children will be offered a nasal spray flu vaccine, as part of an extension of the national flu vaccination program, which will eventually include yearly vaccination of all 2 to 16 year olds.

Severe winter flu spreads easily and children are key “spreaders” of the virus. Young children, in particular, have close contact with each other and are more likely to contract the virus and transmit it to other more vulnerable groups – including infants, younger siblings, pregnant mothers and grandparents. Flu and its complications can make those in such vulnerable groups very

“CHRISTMAS IS STRESSFUL.” IS THIS TRUE?

I am a qualified Counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer confidential counselling in comfortable surroundings in various locations in Surrey.

I’m here

Call me on 07961 363621 to explore whether counselling might be right for you.

www.philcoxcounselling.co.uk Christmas 2013

Christmas

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING FACING A DIFFICULT CHRISTMAS?

Let Brighta help you examine your story and find the tools to live a more balanced, happier life For more information call 020 3697 1210 or email Duncan@brighta.co.uk Christmas 2013

Get Support It’s important to get practical and emotional support at Christmas.

Whether it’s family, friends or colleagues, you need a variety of people around who are able to give you the kind of support you need. This could be just listening to you talk, sitting quietly with you, helping you around the using age-appropriate language house, or looking after the kids for children, and share memories while you look after yourself. with those around you.

Remember that although family and friends are often able to offer support and love, sometimes their Phil Cox is own grief can get in the way. If a qualified this is the case, you may find it counsellor particularly helpful to discuss your practicing in feelings with someone impartial, Surrey. He is such as your GP or a counsellor a registered and/or join a support group. member of Honouring the Absent Person the British Association Establishing some rituals that for Counselling and honour the person who is no Psychotherapy. longer there may help you For more information on how express your grief and also Phil can help, visit that of the rest of your family. www.philcoxcounselling.co.uk Perhaps young children might want to make Running a card for the absent Courses person or watch their from Want to learn to run, haven’t Hampton favourite film? Or make run for a while?

Court Train a charitable donation in Want to train to run 5km, Station their name? Or you may 10km or a half marathon? & other want to light a candle Want to improve your speed locations or launch a Chinese and RUNNING fitness? lantern? As you make Personal Check out our courses at: Christmas preparations, Training www.runningfitcoaching.co.uk also don’t be afraid to talk Contact Helen 07734 263 842 available about the absent person, info@runningfitcoaching.co.uk

extra

ssori Nurs e t e on

ol cho

Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed by life?

Phil Cox offers tips for handling the festive season if you are bereaved or separated from loved ones.

S ry

the day alone with your partner or other children? Or surround yourself with family and friends?

Talk through your plans with those that are close to you, but whatever you decide, do everything you can to make sure Christmas is as you would like it.

Allow Yourself to Feel Those suffering loss or bereavement often feel under pressure to hide their feelings from others at Christmas, worried that their grief might ‘hijack’ the festivities. But it is important that feelings are honoured and expressed. So if you feel sad, allow yourself to cry; if you’re angry, find a way to let off steam. Talk to those you will be spending Christmas with about this beforehand. Think about how you might express your emotions to your children, using age-appropriate language, and how to help them express their feelings too.

Look After Your Body Get plenty of sleep and rest.

Tiredness can magnify emotions, so try to take a nap whenever you can, even if this is at the expense of Christmas preparations. It’s much more important to rest than to whip up an extra batch of mince pies or bake a Christmas cake!

Stay moderately active over Christmas. Even gentle exercise can help stimulate the natural chemicals that improve your mood, and will encourage better sleeping patterns.

As tempting as it might be to try to lift your mood or drown your sorrows with chocolates and alcohol, try not to overdo either!

Both can cause a dip in mood, and mess up your sleeping patterns, once the initial effect has worn off.

Julia ’s M

It’s now only a couple of weeks before the festive season really hits us, and the chances are that you are looking forward to a Christmas to remember. Or perhaps not.

If you have suffered a recent loss or bereavement, Christmas can be a gruelling time.

Traditional family rituals, the familiar sounds of carols, even the smells of Christmas can all evoke powerful memories of Christmas’s past, and leave an overwhelming sense of sadness.

What’s more, feeling that you are ‘supposed’ to be happy at this time of year, can actually have the effect of compounding your grief and increasing existing stresses.

Here are some practical pointers to help you get through Christmas, if you are bereaved or separated from loved ones.

Be Kind to Yourself You might receive lots of offers, suggestions, advice and ideas about how you “should” spend Christmas. But think about where and how you would like to spend the holiday. Are you perhaps facing a Christmas without children or without one particular child for the first time?

If so, would you prefer to spend

Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage.

Curriculum and Montessori Method.

For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

5

Christmas Gifts Families Upon Thames Christmas Gift Guide

By Linda Stone, Editor Unless you love pounding the high street or trawling the internet for the best gift sites, the task of buying Christmas gifts for the family can feel similar to climbing a huge mountain.

So, to offer some inspiration, here are some of our favourite unique, individual and bespoke gift ideas. ...................................

For the

BIZZY BITS – THE TOY THAT KEEPS CHILDREN OF ALL AGES BUSY! What will your child make of it?

Mother, Debra Green says “A couple of weeks ago, my 6 year old came home from a friend’s house and kept asking me for Bizzy Bitz. At first I thought it was some kind of super snack like ‘falafel bits!’ As he continued to explain, I realised it definitely wasn’t a food. His birthday was coming up, so I called his friend’s mother, got the information and surprised him with the best gift he has received to date!”

Bizzy Bits is really cool right now. Created for the 21st century,

Kids! this toy is addictive, educational, fun – and a “must” for every family!

Made up of an assortment of brightly-coloured pieces and a wide variety of shapes, Bizzy Bits allows children to let their imaginations run riot, opening up a world of infinite possibilities.

Easy to use, with a simple “ball and socket” system, Bizzy Bitz is the only toy in the world which, with only its basic shapes and no custom-made pieces, can create accurate models of absolutely anything. So even if a piece goes missing, it really doesn’t matter.

For Mum and Dad

SAY IT PERSONALLY OFFERS ORIGINAL, QUALITY GIFTS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN.

From the quirky to the tongue-in-cheek, its gift ideas are innovative, inspired, hand-finished and beautifully presented.

Giving a new twist to the traditional Christmas hamper, Say It Personally has created these Indulgent Hampers for Mum and Dad. For more information and to order, visit www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

The Man’s Night in Hamper Beer, nibbles and chocolate... what more could dad want?

Mums, book a night out! The father in your life will be more than happy to babysit in front of the television.

Containing: Convivial Yorkshire Crisps (Natural Sea Salt Flavour) Cheese Straws Bombastic Macadamias - macadamia nuts roasted in an Indian spice blend!

Two fair-trade chocolate bars in Mint Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bottle of award-winning Wold Gold blonde beer!

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The inventors of this remarkable toy tell us that they have seen children as young as 3 making cars, necklaces and little people, and young teenagers creating detailed worker lorries, aeroplanes, clocks and exquisite candelabras.

There are different boxes available for different age groups and prices range from £8.99 to £72.

For more information, visit www.bizzy-bitz.com, see Amazon for customer reviews and win some Bizzy Bitz on page 20!

The Mum’s Night in Hamper or Chocaholic Gift Box A mum’s idea of heaven - a night on the couch with a good DVD, a glass of something, and, of course, chocolate!

Containing: Three bottles of fruit vodkas in Raspberry, Coconut or Cranberry flavours!

One chocolate-scented candle shaped like a hand-made chocolate Heart-shaped milk chocolate lolly Vanilla Almonds

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

All hampers and gift boxes are beautifully presented with co-ordinating bows and a personal message card. Nut-free versions are available!

The Chocaholic Gift Box Containing: Six bars of fair-trade, hand-made chocolate including Mint Dark Chocolate, Orange Milk Chocolate, Peach and Raspberry White Chocolate, Chilli Dark Chocolate, Ginger Milk Chocolate and Lime White Chocolate One bar of good-old milk chocolate!

Organic fair-trade Drinking Chocolate Chocolate Vodka

For Parents with a Savoury Tooth…

Looking for a savoury alternative? Try the limited edition Christmas Cheese Hamper!

Containing: Three Cheese Truckles (Yorkshire Wensleydale, Snowdonia Bouncing Berry, a mature cheddar with cranberries, and Nibble Nose Cheddar with Caramelised Red Onion).

3-seed Crackers Cheese Straws Chutney Christmas 2013

Christmas Gifts Unique, Hand-Made Ceramics for your child ECLECTIC TEA – FOR WHEN THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY TOYS! Award-winning Whittonbased company, Eclectic Tea, offers delightful, personalised, bespoke gifts which are an attractive alternative to toys and books. All are hand painted to order, with over a dozen different

themes on offer, meaning that each piece is entirely unique and will be treasured by your child forever.

Proprietor, Ranjit, personally glazes, paints, fires and packs each piece from her home studio and each exudes the love with which it is prepared! A special hand painted glaze gives her pieces a beautifully fresh and contemporary look and all items are personalised at no extra cost.

Time to personalise your child’s room? These colourful name plaques are finished with a soft felt backing to protect the wall or door, as well as East of India ribbon. Each ribbon hole is drilled by Rangit and every ribbon edge sewed by her own hand!

These egg cups with matching plates will brighten up any breakfast table! Choose from 14 gorgeous themes and give as an individual gift or team up with a mug and bowl to create a beautiful set. The bowl has a “theme” on the inside and related motifs on the outside to make it truly eye-catching and bright.

Eclectic Tea also offers a range of beautiful Christmas decorations and other gifts – why not give a special tree bauble to the mum, dad, grandparents or children in your life?

An adorable first Christmas present for a young baby, this lovely keepsake box can be used when your child gets older to preserve that cherished first tooth or curl! There is room for a short message inside and a themed motif on the lid.

For further information and to order, visit www.eclectictea.co.uk

Become “a Gifted Gifter” at My Shiny Shop!

New to the online shopping world is the delectable My Shiny Shop, where you can find a range of original designer treats for your children.

My Shiny Shop is owned and run by Richmond mother of three, Silke Haupt, the former Sales Director at L’Oreal Paris.

Silke loves to surround her own children with uplifting, comfortable and funky things.

“I think that today’s children are bombarded with too much choice and not enough value” she comments. “I strongly believe less is more, I always buy quality and I am always searching for something that’s a little different.”

Despite the number of web shops selling beautiful products for children, Silke found herself

Christmas 2013

dissatisfied with her online shopping experiences.“Shopping for children should make you feel happy, excited, hopeful and loving” says Silke.“But I didn’t feel any of these things.” So she set out to create an emotionally fulfilling online shopping experience.

At My Shiny Shop, discerning parents will find a strong focus on Dutch children’s brands, as well as some smaller UK labels, all personally chosen by Silke. The majority of brands cannot be found elsewhere in the UK and include exclusive names like Souza for Kids, Claesen’s, Barts, Handed By, Koeka, Little Creative Factory and Pakhuis Oost.

Silke describes herself as “kind of obsessed” with giving presents.

“When someone’s birthday is coming up, I lie in bed at night trying to think of THE perfect gift. I love seeing the look on someone’s face or the SHINY eyes of children when I’ve nailed it.

My Shiny Shop will turn you into a ‘gifted gifter’… well that’s my aim!”

As a parent living in Richmond, Silke is keen to showcase My Shiny Shop to other locals and hopes to introduce a number of pop-up shops in the coming months so that My Shiny Shop can be experienced on the high street.

Check out some of the things that caught my eye at My Shiny Shop and visit www.myshinyshop.com to browse further!

Don’t forget to enter our My Shiny Shop competition on page 20!

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

77

Christmas Gifts Seven Slow Toys for Christmas!

Bamboozled by the hype? Baffled by the sheer volume and range of toys on offer? Simply have no idea what toys your child will most enjoy, then read on.

The Slow Toy Movement was founded last year by Frenchman, Thierry Bourret.

Averse to the fast-expanding rash of plastic toys of the “all-singing, all-dancing, forever-flashing” variety, Thierry’s aim was to raise the profile of ‘real toys;’ those that are well-made, stimulate the use of imagination and creativity in a more traditional form of play and will stand the test of time.

So what makes a good Slow Toy? “Toys that when you find them in

your loft in 20 years’ time, bring tears to your eyes” answers Thierry simply.

To raise the profile of such toys, Thierry set up the Slow Toy Awards, held for second time this year.

Last year’s seven winners included an ecological dolls house, an interactive Velcro cube, a wooden puzzle and stacking hoops.

“The thing all these toys have in common is that they have a lot of play value” said Thierry.“They are well made and well thought out. It’s not a matter of having 27 functions. These are all toys that you would be proud

to leave to the next generation.”

Nicola Cooper, proprietor of local toy shop Play Inside Out in Teddington, East Sheen and Walton agrees.“At Play Inside Out, we believe in learning through play” she says.“Whilst there’s obviously a place for plastic toys with flashing lights, children also need toys that will inspire their minds. At Play Inside Out, we work very hard to make sure we stock plenty of these.”

Slow Toys Award Winner

2013

Galt Tiny Trike

This retro toy was first introduced by Galt in the ‘60s. This durable contemporary hardwood version has a safety steering lock and dual front wheels for added stability. Hones key movement and balance skills as children travel, reverse, turn and park. £39.99

Iconic metal ‘nuts and bolts’ construction system, which builds at least 15 different, hard wearing and durable models including fully-functioning digger with bucket to bulldozer, fighter jet, robot and helicopter.

Challenges problem solving capabilities, develops manual dexterity and encourages creative play. £22.99

The East Coast Activity Cube

Two or more children can play together with this solidly made, wooden 5-in-1 toy, enjoying a variety of activities, which develop fine motor skills and bring out the creativity in older children. £39.99

Meccano Multi Models Set

The Moover Dolls Pram

HABA’s My First Play World Fire Brigade

A self-contained fire station which contains mini wooden fire-fighters, fires, a ladder and a fire truck with an extendable bendy hose. Children can fold down the play set front to expose a fire station backdrop, complete with fire hydrants and alarm. £34.99

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Described by one mother as “quite simply the most beautiful dolls pram I have ever seen,” this is every little girl’s dream. Stylish pram, traditionally-crafted from wood sourced from sustainable plantations.

Available in two colours. £74.95

Fat Brain Toys TWIG Children can become designers with this building set! Sorting colours, finding solutions, accommodating diverse dimensions and shapes and making final adjustments, refines motor skills, and develops skills in logic, problem solving, visual-spatial ability, creativity and ingenuity, sensory awareness and artistic expression. £32

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Play Inside Out will Build and Deliver It FREE OF CHARGE!

Keen to surprise your child with a fully-assembled fire station, garage or dolls house on Christmas morning? Want to avoid tricky assembling on Christmas Eve? Your local toy shop, Play Inside Out in Teddington, East Sheen and Walton will build boxed toys for you and deliver them locally totally free of charge.

Independent toy shops are able to offer the kind of unique, personal service that simply isn’t available when you shop online, and the sad fact is that if we don’t support them, we’ll lose them.

For more information, visit www.playinsideout.com

Bigjigs Around the World Train Set Award-winning, built-to-last 78 piece train set which journeys past world famous buildings such as Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

Landmarks are assembled / dissembled using velcro.

Compatible with most other major wooden rail systems for easy expansion. £49.99 Christmas 2013

Christmas Parties

A magical selection of

Nativity & Christmas

Help! We Need a Costume Now!!

What to Do When Dressing Up Gets You Down At this time of year, there are so many events that require costumes that it sometimes feels as if nobody is ever in their normal clothes!

Picture the scene. Your husband has entered in one of the charity Santa Fun Runs taking place locally and in central London next month; your kids are rehearsing for school nativity plays and other performances; and your staff party is looming.

You register vaguely that all of the above will require some kind of costume but you are pre-occupied with a million Christmas preparations (trust me I know!), and sourcing costumes and accessories slips to the bottom of the list. Meanwhile, you obsess about stocking fillers.

Cut to: The class representative tells you your child needs to miraculously morph into an angel or shepherd by next week; you seem to have volunteered yourself to be an elf in the school’s Christmas Grotto, and your husband needs a silly gift to give Christmas 2013

to a colleague at his office party.

You need help. But from where? What is the quickest and easiest way of sourcing all the costumes and accessories you need, a jokey Christmas gift AND some stocking fillers – all in one go?

Start with a call to A Party Palace in East Sheen. This wonderful shop stocks nativity outfits and costumes for school

By Linda Stone, Editor

performances; head gear like antlers or turkey hats for staff parties; Santa and elf costumes; wigs; Secret Santa Gifts for colleagues – and even stocking fillers! You should find that Adrienne D’Souza and her team are able to take care of everything, and what they don’t have in stock, they will do their utmost to source for you.

“We gear all our Christmas buying to what people want and when” says Adrienne D’Souza, proprietor of A Party Palace.“We know how busy people are at this time of year and we’ve tried to set ourselves up as a one-stopshop.”

A couple of years ago, Adrienne had a call from a class rep who wanted 30 pig outfits by the following week.“We don’t normally stock pig outfits, but we did manage to find some and have them available in time” she reports.

But remember, do make that call as early as possible. Whilst A Party Palace prides itself on personal service, some costumes

need to be made up by suppliers, and more unusual costume requests may be harder to source.

“It’s best to call early for specific requests” advises Adrienne.

So don’t delay - you don’t want to miss out!

For more information, visit www.apartypalace.co.uk or visit the shop at 487-493 Upper Richmond Road West, SW14 7PU

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

9

Where to See Santa Santa’s here!

BENTALL’S DEPARTMENT STORE

3rd Floor, Children’s World, Bentalls Department Store, Kingston Open: 14 Nov to 24 Dec Cost: Free or £3.95 with gift.

Designed by LEGO, the theme this year is winter wonderland.

More info: www.bentalls.co.uk

BOCKETT’S FARM

Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS Open: 28 Nov to 24 Dec Cost: £5.95 with entry to farm or non-farm visitor £9.95 with 2 adults free. Includes gift.

Hop on board the Santa Express trailer for a short trip to his magical hay barn workshop. Meet Santa and receive a wrapped gift.

More info: 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

CHESSINGTON GARDEN CENTRE

Leatherhead Rd, KT9 2NG Open: 16 Nov to 24 Dec Cost: Child £10 with gift, Adult £3.

A short animated festive film and a magical journey through a wonderland of stunning fairy- tale inspired scenes, before meeting Santa in his enchanting ice palace.

More info: 01372 725638 www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES

Leatherhead Road, KT9 2NE Open: 7-9, 14-16, 19 Dec to 5 Jan Cost: Free with normal Admission.

Visit Father Christmas and his elves in a brand-new walkthrough attraction “The Night before Christmas - A Magical Adventure.”

More info: 0871 663 4477 www.chessington.com

CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN

Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Open: 15 and 16 Dec Cost: Child £10 includes entry and gift.

The Thatched Cottage will be magically transformed for the visit of Father Christmas.

More info: 01372 467436 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden

COBHAM MEDICINE GARDEN Downside Road, KT11 3LU Open: 21 to 23 Dec Cost: £7.00 per child with a gift.

10

A Guide to Christmas Grottos

KEW GARDENS

Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 3AB Daytime Grotto Open: 7 to 23 Dec at Prince of Wales Conservatory from 11.30am-2.45pm Cost: Free with normal admission.

Nightime Woodland Grotto Open: 28 Nov to 23 Dec at Christmas Village from 4.30-8.30pm.

Cost: £4 with gift.

More info: www.kew.org

Visit Santa’s and his elf in the magical grotto within the walls of the garden.

More info: 01932 589 536 www.themedicinegarden.com

COBHAM SQUIRES

Squires Garden Centre, Stoke Road, KT11 3PU Grand Arrival: Santa arrives on fire engine 10 am 30 Nov Open: Every Sat and Sun from 30 Nov and Mon 23 Dec Cost: Free with gift.

More info: 01932 862530 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

EAST TWICKENHAM SINGALONG-A-SANTA

Cambridge Gardens, Clevedon Road, Twickenham, TW1 2TA Open: Sat 14 Dec at 3-4.30pm.

Cost: £2 per child with gift.

Meet Santa and his elf. Hot drinks for grown ups. Carol singing led by St Stephens Community Choir.

More info: 020 8891 0612 www.eastwickenham.org

HAM HOUSE

Ham Street, Ham, Richmond TW10 7RS Open: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 Dec Cost: £3 per trail plus normal admission. Includes gift.

Follow the Christmas trail in the 17th-century gardens to Santa’s grotto.

More info: 020 8940 1950 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house

HERSHAM SQUIRES

Squires Garden Centre, Burwood Rd, KT12 4AR Grand Arrival: Santa arrives on Routemaster Bus 10am 30 Nov Open: Every Sat and Sun from 30 Nov and Mon 23 Dec Cost: Free with gift.

More info: 01932 247579 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

HOBBLEDOWN

Horton Park Children’s Farm, Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PT Open: 30 Nov to 24 Dec Cost: £4.95 plus admission or £7.50 for non-farm visitors.

Includes gift.

More info: 0843 289 4979 www.hobbledown.com

HOUNSLOW URBAN FARM

Faggs Lane, Feltham TW14 0LZ Time: TBC Cost: TBC. Follow the magical Christmas trail, receive a gift from Santa and meet real live reindeers!

More info: 020 8831 9658 www.hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

LONDON WETLAND CENTRE WONDERFUL WINTER WEEKEND

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Open: 7 and 8 Dec Cost: £5 with free goody bag plus normal admission.

Take a sleigh ride with the huggable huskies then head over to the northern pine forest to Santa’s cosy Grotto among the trees.

More info: 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk

LONG DITTON SQUIRES

Squires Garden Centre, Woodstock Lane North, KT6 5HN Grand Arrival: Santa arrives on Ferrari 360 Modena Spider 10am 23 Nov Open: Every Sat and Sun from 23 Nov and Mon 23 Dec Cost: Free with gift.

More info: 020 8398 7170 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

MORDEN HALL

Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD Open: Sat and Sun: 7, 8, 14 and 15 Dec Cost: £8 with gift.

Visit Santa’s Grotto, receive a special Christmas gift and take the festive Christmas trail through the park.

More info: 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ morden-hall-park

NEW MALDEN TUDOR WILLIAMS STORE

Toy Department, 1st Floor, High Street, KT3 4BU Open: Sat 7, 14 and 21 Dec from 10am-4pm.

Cost: £3.95 including gift.

More info: 01932 589536

ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY

Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Open: un 8 Dec Cost: £8.50 per child. Adults free.

Santa returns for his annual visit to the Octagon at Orleans House Gallery.

More info: www.richmond.gov.uk

OSTERLEY HOUSE AND GARDEN

Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB Open: 30 Nov 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Dec Cost: £3 per child plus Xmas admission price. Includes gift.

Visit Santa in his grotto and head outside for Rudolph’s Christmas trail in the garden More info: www.nationaltrust.org. uk/osterley-park

Open: 7 to 24 Dec Cost: Child £8.50 with gift, Adult free.

Visit Father Christmas in the newly restored crystal Grotto at Painshill.

More info: 01932 584284 www.painshill.co.uk

SHEPPERTON SQUIRES 4D CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Halliford Road Shepperton, TW17 8SG Open: 16 Nov to 24 Dec Cost: Child £7/£8 with gift, Adult £3.

See Boris the Dog in his special effects 4D film adventure before visiting Santa in his magical toy workshop. Booking Required.

More info: 01932 784121 www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk/boris

TEDDINGTON PLAY INSIDE OUT TOY SHOP

63 Broad Street, TW11 8QZ Open: Sat 30 Nov from 2-5pm.

Cost: Free with free gift.

Father Christmas at Play Inside Out Toy Shop in Teddington as part of Teddington Lights Up. More info: 020 8614 5628 www.playinsideout.com

TWICKENHAM SQUIRES

Squires Garden Centre, Sixth Cross Road, TW2 5PA Grand Arrival: Santa arrives on Routemaster Bus 10.30am on 23 and 24 Nov Open: Every Sat and Sun from 23 Nov, Mon 16 to Tue 24 Dec Cost: Free with gift.

More info: 020 8977 9241 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

WALTON PLAY INSIDE OUT TOY SHOP

54 High St, Town Centre, KT12 1BY Open: Sat 30 Nov from 2-5pm.

Cost: Free with free gift.

Father Christmas at Play Inside Out Toy Shop in Walton as part of Walton Festival of Light.

More info: 01932 246124 www.playinsideout.com

WATERCRESS LINE SANTA SPECIAL

Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG Open: 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-24 Dec Cost: Adult £14, Child (1-16) £14, Baby £7 includes gift and refreshments.

See Santa on a steam train as you take a one hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside.

Santa visits every child at their seat with a special gift. Includes wine and mince pie for the grown-ups and soft drinks for the children.

More info: 01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk

PAINSHILL PARK

Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Christmas 2013

Magical Moments with Santa!

By Linda Stone, Editor

A Santa Encounter and Circus Thrills at Chessington Garden Centre If you are looking to create special festive memories with an outstanding Santa’s Grotto experience look no further than Santa’s Wonderland Grotto at Chessington Garden Centre, which will have children of all ages spellbound and adults fondly smiling.

A visit to Santa at Chessington Garden Centre starts with a short, but animated Christmas film starring the much loved

‘Rocket the Reindeer,’ which gets everybody in the Christmas mood and helps adults leave the outside world behind! The doors to Wonderland then open, and visitors embark upon a magical journey through the Grotto to meet Santa.

The traditional and contemporary fairy-tale scenes inside the grotto are designed and constructed with flair, sparkle, imagination and fantastic attention to detail, with something to appeal to children of every age.

The adventure begins with a “Who-ville-inspired” trip to meet the Grinch, Cindy Lou and the gingerbread workers in Candy Town. Then follows a paddle down the riverbank to meet the impulsive Mr Toad and the other residents of Toad Hall, including Ratty, Mole and Badger and

Santa’s here!

bear band. Before arriving at Santa’s magical Ice Palace, enjoy the wonderment of venturing inside the mystical toy workshop of the elves!

Be sure also to book to see ‘Cirque Normandie’ too. This year’s fantastic 60 minute show, created specifically for children up to 10 years old, is bigger than ever and includes an international cast of aerialists, acrobats and the mischievous weasels. After an jugglers, together with Tolly the audience with the Queen of Hearts Clown and Company, who offer and Alice at the Mad Hatter’s side splitting comedy, guaranteed Tea Party, the path winds through to have the kids in stitches! All an icy winter wonderland with a shows are hosted in a centrally polar bear tea party and ice skating heated Big Top, with performances penguins, and the opportunity to running on selected dates from the dance along to a swinging polar 30 November until the 5 January.

For further information, see our listings on pages 10 and 18 or book at www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

A 4D Christmas Experience and Tea with Santa at Squires Garden Centres!

With a well-established reputation for hosting family-friendly activities and events, Squires Garden Centres are offering a range of new and exciting Christmas experiences this year, including a 4D Christmas Experience at Squires in Shepperton, which brings the magic of Christmas alive through 3D cinema complete with special effects.

The 4D Christmas Experience includes a stunning high definition 3D screening, hosted by playful elves, during which visitors can enjoy “Boris in the Winter Forest,” a heart-warming Christmas adventure starring Boris the Dog who is racing to find his lost teddy bear on Christmas Eve. After the film, the elves will open up the doors to Santa’s magical toy workshop and families will get a rare insight into how he makes his preparations to depart

gymboree-uk.com

on Christmas Eve. Children will be able to tell Santa what’s on their Christmas List this year and receive an early Christmas present too!

The 4D Christmas Experience lasts up to 25 minutes and includes other special effects which ensure the magic of Christmas becomes an extra-sensory experience!

Professional photographers will capture your children’s special moments with Santa in his toy workshop, with tasteful mementoes to buy.

The 4D Experience opens on 16 November and is open every weekend until Christmas, selected weekdays and during Christmas Shopping Evening

Winner of ‘Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity’ 2013

at the centre on 5 December.

There will also be FREE Santa’s Grottos at Squire’s Garden Centres in Cobham, Hersham, Long Ditton, Shepperton and Twickenham this year.

Having abandoned his sleigh, Santa will make a noisy grand arrival by fire engine in Cobham, trundle into Hersham and Twickenham by Route Master bus, canter in by horse and carriage in Shepperton and zoom up to the Long Ditton Centre in a Ferrari, with beard streaming!

In Cobham, Long Ditton, Hersham and Twickenham, there’s also a special opportunity

For further details on the 4D Experience in Shepperton and on Santa’s Grottos, Tea Parties and Santa’s Grand Arrivals, see our listings on pages 10 and 18 or book at www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Book your free trial class!

Sensory Baby Play (from newborn)

Play & Learn (mobile - 5 years)

Music (6 months - 5 years)

Art (18 months - 5 years)

Gymboree St Margarets 020 8607 9995 stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com

Christmas 2013

Gymboree Surbiton 020 3609 8007

surbiton@gymboree-uk.com

to meet and chat to Santa at Tea with Santa, a magical tea party which takes place every Saturday from 30 November! Santa will welcome and entertain those children attending and their parents, in groups of around 20, and a hot or cold child-friendly meal, dessert and drink can be ordered when a place is booked.

Gymboree West Byfleet

01932 353 313

westbyfleet@gymboree-uk.com

Would you like to try something different?

Why not paint your own ceramics?

At Ceramica, we guarantee great fun for all!

Our services include: Children’s birthday parties Baby foot and hand print sessions Evening sessions for adults Annual membership scheme Take home packs & gift vouchers 7 The Parade, Claygate, Esher, KT10 0PD Phone: 01372 462447 Making ceramic painting easy and fun in a creative, enjoyable environment!

www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk

Twitter: @CeramicaEsher Facebook: www.facebook.com/CeramicaClaygate

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

11 11

Christmas fun

Festive Family Outings!

By Linda Stone, Editor

Kickstart the Countdown to Christmas at the Tingle Creek Christmas Festival at Sandown Park Racecourse!

If you are not a racing enthusiast, you may wonder how a day at the races qualifies as good family entertainment. Speaking from personal experience, however, I can tell you that, if you have children, you will be hard-pressed to find time to see a horse race at a Family Race Day, because of the number of other enticing attractions.

This is certainly true of the festive family fun on offer at Sandown Park’s Tingle Creek Christmas Festival on Friday and Saturday, 6 and 7 December, for which accompanied kids go FREE! The weekend has a Victorian theme and boasts a pantomime, traditional Victorian carriage rides, carol singing, fairground

attractions – and, of course, two days of feature racing.

A firm pantomime favourite with audiences young and old, Cinderella will entertain guests at the Esher Hall, with four performances a day, all free of charge, whilst on Saturday, 7 December, children can enjoy complimentary carousel rides, a personal meeting with Santa and a gift, and festive carol singing with the New London Singers.

Travel to Sandown by train and your children will be delighted to be met at the station by the cast of Cinderella serenading them with Christmas carols, and experience what it was like to be a Victorian child as they journey to the racecourse in a traditional carriage.

For more information, see our listing on page 18 or, visit www.sandown.co.uk

Come and visit the café in the park

The Perfect Place for Families Open daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea

Available for parties and other catered events Canapes, bowl food, 3 course menus and curries – it’s your choice!

Contact: 01372 464999

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

If you like to enjoy Christmas celebrations in beautiful, natural surroundings, head to the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes for its Wonderful Winter Weekend on 7 and 8 December. Take a stroll among the lakes, meadows and ponds of this wonderful winter oasis as well as enjoying sleigh rides, Santa’s Grotto and a Winter Wetland Show.

Under 8s can enjoy the thrill of a sleigh ride pulled by husky dogs, as well as photo opportunities with these beautiful and cuddly animals, which make a great seasonal souvenir or gift.

After an exciting ride, Santa awaits in the northern pine forest, welcoming families in his cosy grotto among the trees.

A Polar Explorer will be telling stories of his icy adventures at his Base Camp, where adventureloving children can make their own explorer’s equipment from

recycled materials, whilst the fun Winter Wetland Show also offers plenty of opportunity for the curious to take part in exciting experiments to find out more about the science behind our coldest season.

Fans of the fruity cranberry can also enjoy the Craneberry Fest! Make cranberry Christmas decorations, follow the Craneberry trail and enjoy treats in the restaurant, whilst fans of the crane – the elegant wetland bird, can solve the puzzle of what these birds and cranberries have in common?

And don’t worry about the possibility of bad weather. The Winter Wetland show, Polar Explorer and Santa’s Grotto all take place inside!

And if you can’t make it to the Wonderful Winter Weekend, you can still enjoy the Craneberry Fest every weekend in December and the Winter Wetland Show every weekend from 21 December to 5 January.

For more information, see our listings on page 18 or visit www.wwt.org.uk/london

Santa Lets off Steam at the Watercress Line!

Book Your Christmas Party Now!

Pop Up Restaurant every Friday in December!

Buy unique Christmas Gifts from local businesses at Christmas Shopping Event 4 December!

The Pavilion Café, Claygate Recreation Ground, Church Road, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0HQ.

Enjoy the Wonderful Winter Weekend at the WWT London Wetland Centre!

On Saturdays and Sundays from 30 November to 15 December and every day from 20 to 24 December, families can meet Santa aboard a magical steam train ride along the Watercress Line from Arlesford or Alton in Hampshire.

Only an hour’s drive from London, the Watercress Line is a beautiful ten mile stretch of railway running through the heart of the Hampshire countryside. Trips on the Santa Specials last one hour and include wine and mince pies

for parents and soft drinks for children. Trips from Alresford go to Medstead and back whilst trips from Alton head to Ropley and back.

There’s no queuing to see Santa, who will visit each carriage with a gift for every child. You won’t even have to leave your seat!

For more information, see listing on page 18 or visit www.watercressline.co.uk Christmas 2013

Christmas Celebrations with the National Trust!

Christmas fun the children some fresh air and exercise at Polesdenopoly – Polesden’s version of the popular board game, a fun, family version played throughout the grounds, from 26 December to 6 January. ▼ Photo by James Day

Polesden Lacey, near Dorking celebrates Christmas with the We Three Kings Christmas Festivities on the weekends of 30 November and 1 December, 7, 8,14,15, and 21 and 22 December. The house will be dressed for a period Christmas and families can learn more about Edward V11, George V and George VI, the three kings who visited it. Also on offer will be sleigh rides, Santa’s Grotto and other family activities. After Christmas, you can also burn off some Christmas excesses and give

Meanwhile, families can follow the Christmas Trail at Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher from 14 December to 15 January or visit Ham House during the festive season to enjoy Christmas craft workshops, family art activities and Santa’s Grotto.

Photo by John Millar ▼

There is a variety of entertaining Christmas celebrations to enjoy at local National Trust properties this Christmas.

Osterley Park and House in Isleworth invites families to Deck the Halls on the weekends of 30 November and 1 December, 7, 8, 14 and 15 December. Families that like stories and history can take a step back in time and find out how Christmas was celebrated in the past.

The journey round the house highlights historical Christmas’s, from the riches of

Georgian times to the meagre rations of wartime.

Christmas trees as we know them didn’t become popular until Victorian times, so how did the Georgians celebrate Christmas?

Visitors can find out the answer to this question and discover what a Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian and WW2 Christmas were like.

What traditions have been lost and what remain?

Back in the present, there will be traditional Christmas decorations to make and take home, a Santa’s Grotto for festive stories and a present or two, festive carol singing, a warming mince pie – and for parents, local real ale to sample in the beer cellar!

For more information, see our listing on page 18 and 19 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

If asked to name an animal they associate with Christmas, most children would probably say “reindeer”– or, if they are currently rehearsing for a nativity play, possibly “donkey!” But whilst most children will have seen a donkey before, many may believe that reindeers live with Santa – and that it’s not possible to see one unless you have one eye open on Christmas Eve! If so, it’s worth a trip to Hounslow Urban Farm in Feltham during the week before Christmas, where your child can meet a real live reindeer in the undercover barn!

Greeting visitors alongside him will be the Farm’s very own “little donkey.” He is 3 months old and although he’s not tiny any more, he’s still only a quarter of his adult size – beautifully fluffy and ideal for petting!

There will, of course, be one other very popular visitor to the Farm this Christmas – yes, you’ve guessed it!

Santa! For just a small extra charge, children visiting the Farm will be able to visit Santa in his Grotto during opening hours the week before Christmas – and receive a gift too!

For Grotto open dates and more information, please call Hounslow Urban Farm on 020 8831 9658.

Christmas 2013

Something for the Grown Ups! The Pavilion Café in Claygate heads towards Christmas with a series of festive pop-up restaurants every Friday evening during December.

Gourmets can enjoy beautifully cooked and presented three course meals for only £18.50 per head, including warming entrees such Chestnut Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil and hearty main courses including Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Mash and Seasonal Vegetables and Roast Norfolk Turkey. Desserts include such delights as White Chocolate Cheesecake and Mango & Passion Fruit Parfait.

Perfect for small group bookings, larger office outings, end-of-term get-togethers and other seasonal gatherings, this is a congenial and

convivial alternative to office drinks or a pub gathering.

There’s even bring your own wine, with corkage fee of only £3 per bottle.

The Pavilion Café is also available for hire for any kind of party and can offer bowl food, canapés or a three course sit down meal, whichever is preferred.

On 4 December, the Cafe also plays host to a Christmas Shopping Evening, at which many small local businesses, often run by busy mums, will be showcasing their unique range of Christmas gifts. See the very best on offer from outlets such as Stella and Dot, Pampered Chef and Jamie at Home for only £5 including a glass of wine.

For more information, call 01372 464999 or visit the café at Claygate Recreation Ground, Church Road, Esher, KT10 0HQ

Christmas traditions Osterley Park and House

Saturdays & Sundays : 30 November, 1,7,8, 14 & 15 December, 12-4pm From Georgian times to WW2, see how traditions have changed over the years. Make your own decorations, join in singing carols and meet Father Christmas.

© National Trust Images/ntpl. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Meet the Reindeer at Hounslow Urban Farm!

020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

13 13

Christmas Theatre

From Circus to Stage!

Linda Stone, Editor, finds out more about the man behind The Rose Theatre’s extraordinary Christmas show, The Snow Gorilla.

For the first time ever, The Rose Theatre in Kingston has joined forces with a co-producer to deliver its Christmas show, The Snow Gorilla.

Its renowned storytelling and staging expertise has been combined with the in-depth knowledge and passion for the circus held by co-producer Steve Bor, from Bor Productions. The result is a highly innovative show which expertly fuses dazzling circus acts with a compelling and dramatic story.

Nobody comes better qualified in circus skills than co-producer Steve Bor, a former circus performer who grew up in a travelling circus.

Steve Bor was less than 3 months old when his parents took him with them on a

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circus tour. By age 10, he was performing with his mother and father in the Capital Circus of Budapest.“It came easy to me, I was a natural acrobat” recalls Steve.“Travelling with a good circus was great fun and an amazing adventure. As children, we played from morning until night.

We also practiced a few hours every day, but that was also like playing! For a young child, a circus is an amazing place and there’s nothing to beat being with adoring parents and friends constantly.”

Steve describes days spent pretending and imitating all the circus acts.“As children, we played out the circus, putting on our own imaginary shows, being clowns, acrobats, aerial artists, jugglers and animal trainers.” This kind of fun far outweighed the everyday inconveniences of travelling with a circus in the 1950s and 1960s, including the frequent unavailability of drinking water, electricity and toilet facilities. Steve remembers occasionally having to walk up to 200 yards for tap water.

Not a lover or heights nor particularly drawn to animals, Steve found himself compelled by those less dangerous circus acts that relied on skill and took place on the ground. “I loved juggling” he reports. “I could express myself and I saw a few star juggling acts Steve & Kim at Circus Scott, Stockholm 1985 (special TV show)

07931 707720

andy@footie-tots.co.uk

that really impressed me.”

Steve’s overriding memories of his childhood in the circus are of hard work, courage, fun, skill, uniqueness, daring, dealing with danger, competitiveness, family values and love.“These things inform my working life now” he says“I carry them with me and bring them to whatever I am working on.”

So what are Steve’s aspirations for The Snow Gorilla?

“I want the excitement that I felt as a child and performer to come through in The Snow Gorilla” he says.” I really want the next generation to feel the passion and joy of circus and working with the great Rose Theatre and its production team has helped me achieve that.”

Not surprising then that The Snow Gorilla has it all - a wonderful story line, fantastic circus acts, live band, original songs and music, wonderful actors and Flamenco dance – as well as a surprise or two to top it off!

The Snow Gorilla runs at The Rose Theatre in Kingston from 29 November to 5 January and stars Brian Blessed as the voice of the Snow Gorilla.

For more information and booking, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org

WIN! COMPETITION! WIN!

This is a chance to WIN a Family ticket to see ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND at The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon.

The season runs from 22 November to 15 February and the ticket will be valid for any available performance in January or February.

Signing fun for little ones! ®

˘ Come along and join our multi-sensory sign and sing-a-long

sessions featuring nursery rhymes, action songs, games and stories ˘ Fun and friendly classes ˘ Lots of puppets, props and instruments ˘ Suitable for all babies and young children ˘ Singing Hands Songbooks, CDs and DVDs available ˘ For more information about our baby signing classes, toddler sessions or workshops for professionals, please contact us on: 020 8288 1706 www.singinghands.co.uk info@singinghands.co.uk www.facebook.com/SingingHands @singinghands As featured on BBC Cbeebies ‘Something Special’ & ‘Tikkabilla’

14

Polka Theatre takes a fresh look at Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, one of the most loved stories of all time. Bringing Lewis Carroll’s vivid dream world to life, this production is bursting with original songs and music, stunning contemporary sets and costume designs and plenty of magic, imagination, heart and humour for children aged 6+ and their families.

Audiences meet a very modern Alice, played by Ebony Feare, a curious, intelligent and fearless character, exploring her attic on a cold winter’s day. Alice’s sister wants her to be quiet, her Mum wants her to stop eating sweets and no one wants to play. But as the White Rabbit appears, Alice’s attic is magically transformed into a series of beautiful, strange and fantastical worlds.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Tumble down the rabbit whole this winter and enter a gloriously funny and lively world full of mad oddball characters and curiously strange occurrences, in which Alice learns to find her own voice and be courageous!

For further information and booking, visit www.polkatheatre.com To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: Name the actress who plays Alice in the Polka Theatre’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland?

Closing Date: Friday, 3 January 2014 Terms and Conditions Apply. Please Note: Only children ages 6 or above will be admitted as per Polka Theatre’s under-age children policy.

Christmas 2013

Gorilla is GrrrREAT! By Linda Stone, Editor Polka Theatre’s adaptation of the picture book Gorilla

by Anthony Browne, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, pays fitting tribute to this heart-warming tale of friendship, celebration and love. The small Adventure Theatre at Polka sets the scene for a truly intimate experience in which young theatre-goers are entranced by puppetry, music and magic.

Hannah loves everything about gorillas, although she’s never seen a real one. Hannah’s father is so busy with work that he doesn’t have much time for Hannah, who desperately tries to win his attention. Hannah thinks that Dad has promised her a real gorilla for

her birthday but the parcel he gives her contains only a small toy one.

Desperately disappointed, Hannah throws the toy on the floor and goes to sleep, weeping.

But then something amazing happens. The toy gorilla morphs into a much bigger gorilla puppet, dressed in Hannah’s father’s clothes, which accompanies a puppet version of Hannah on a trip to the zoo, a visit to the cinema

and a meal at a café.

When Hannah wakes the next morning, she is happy to see her little toy gorilla and even more thrilled when dad offers to take her to the zoo, cinema and for a meal.

Phil Yarrow and Ceri Ashcroft are superb as Dad and Hannah, delivering every line with feeling, and engagingly executing the production’s humorous musical sequences. Multi-skilled, they sing, move and operate sets and props in perfect harmony, transforming Hannah’s bed first into a cityscape, complete with sparkling lights, then into the viewing rail at the

Christmas Theatre zoo, and finally into the counter top of the café where Hannah and the gorilla go to supper.

This whole production is an absolute treat. My 5 year old daughter was fully engaged, as was every member of the audience. And the message for me as a parent was clear: children don’t really care about what toys they are given – what is most important to them is time with us.

Gorilla is suitable for children aged 1 and upwards and plays until 15 February.

For more information, visit www.polkatheatre.com

Christmas Workshops and Courses COOKING

Sassy Stirrers Christmas Cooking Party This popular Christmas cooking party takes place on Saturday, 30 November from 2.30pm to 5pm in Surbiton and is the ideal place for children ages 5 to 12 to make Christmas cupcakes, edible Christmas decorations and yummy truffles— perfect Xmas gifts! With piping, sprinkling, chocolate dipping and even edible glitter, children can truly explore their decorative dreams. Everything is provided, including the fun, and there will be goody bags to take home, packed with baking and recipe cards.

For more information, email info@sassystirrers.com or call 07789 792676

Christmas 2013 September-October 2013

DRAMA

Storytelling Adventures Christmas Workshop A sparkling Christmas extravaganza for children ages 2 to 5 to be held from 10am to 12 noon or 12.30pm to 2.30pm from 16 to 20 December in Twickenham.

Jam-packed with song, dance, drama and art and craft, as well as a Christmas party, children will develop confidence and creativity as they journey through a varied collection of Christmas stories, and take part in an informal sharing of their work. The party will include games, food, a disco, prizes, a performance…and some surprise guests! Come for the week or just drop in for the day! Buddy discounts available.

For more information, visit www.bridgeac.com

SPORT

Springboard Swimmers Christmas Saturdays Course

Christmas ART fun AND CRAFT

These courses are for children ages 3 to 8. Held at Stanley School in Teddington, each course consists of 30 minute classes on four Saturdays, commencing 14 December and is suitable for non-swimmers and beginners who are unable to swim a streamlined front and back crawl. There are small groups of 3 children on each course, with tutors in the water, whilst parents can observe poolside.

For more information, call 020 8255 7455 or email springboardadmin@blueyonder. co.uk

T-Shirt Workshops at Happy Potter Ceramics 14 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8RF Children ages 5+ can design and print their own t-shirt at these workshops on 27, 28 and 29 December between 2pm and 3.30pm – and wear them home to show the family!

The cost of each workshop is £15 per child and includes juice and biscuits.

For more information, call 020 8973 1468 or email info@happypotterceramics.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

15 15

Clubs and Classes

Join the Club Everyone!

Linda Stone, Editor explains why there is a place for everyone at Spelthorne Gymnastics Club

At the very top, the sport of gymnastics enters another stratosphere. But, at an everyday level, gymnastics can be enjoyed recreationally by children of all abilities, without hours of training and with many benefits.

Spelthorne Gymnastics Club in Ashford is the largest in North Surrey with over 750 members. It offers recreational acrobatic and tumbling gymnastics classes for all ages - and all children find a level at which they are comfortable.“It’s fine to come to recreational gymnastics once a week and it’s equally okay to join one of our elite squads and come five times a week” says co-proprietor and Head Coach, Alison Cooper.“There’s a place for everyone here and everyone is made to feel welcome.”

On the day of my visit, a recreational class takes place at one end of the large 10,000 square foot gym, whilst Alison keeps an eagle eye on her elite squad gymnasts, who are practicing their routines for upcoming competitions in the UK and Germany.

Simultaneously she oversees a stream of children modelling sparkly costumes for the Club’s Christmas performances in which every one of the Club’s 750 gymnasts will take part – a testament to the inclusive nature of the Club.

At a competitive level, gymnastics requires intense dedication and commitment from children and parents alike. A member of one of Spelthorne’s elite squads travels from Guildford five times a week to train and this is not unusual.

What is it about the sport that engenders this passion?

“It’s exciting, dynamic and creative” says Alison, herself a multiple ex-British Acrobatic Champion.“It’s often enjoyed by those who are daring and enjoy intense physical experiences.”

Acrobatic Gymnastics involves one, two or three gymnasts acting as bases, whilst

others are lifted or balance on them, and it lends itself to older and younger children working together. I watch a 6 year old and 9 year old repeatedly practice part of their routine, with the 6 year old taking instructions from her older partner. The independence and maturity demonstrated by their teamwork is startling. So important is the mentoring aspect of the sport, that local schools are now interested in incorporating acrobatic gymnastics programs within their syllabuses and developing a school competition.

Gymnastics is also a great leveller.“Our gymnasts come from all different backgrounds” says Alison.“But here, they are all treated the same. Their success or failure is purely determined by their ability to execute the sport.”

Sadly for Spelthorne Gymnastics, its landlord Brooklands College is planning to redevelop

the Ashford campus on which its gym is located to allow for a new college and large supermarket. It has already given the Club notice that it will have to leave. But that’s not the end of the Club. Alison and her husband Bob Cooper intend to build another gym at a local school, something that will cost about £700,000. Watch out for ways in which you can help the Club raise money in coming months!

For more information, visit www.spelthornegymnastics.co.uk

Spelthorne Gymnasts Get Set to Fly! Best friends, Maddie and Poppy have trained together at Spelthorne Gymnastics club since they were 4 years old.

This month, they compete with national and international gymnasts in both Newcastle and Frankfurt. At only age 7, they are the youngest members of the Spelthorne team, and will travel and compete in Frankfurt unaccompanied by parents or family. Stacey, Maddie’s mother, is relaxed about this.“I know she will be well looked after and she never shows any nervousness about competing” she says. Poppy’s mother, Michelle agrees.“Poppy is pretty tough”she says.“She trains with older children all the time too, so she’s very mature.”

Not all young gymnasts are ready to handle the responsibility and pressure of travel and competition overseas, and the Club only ever takes those that Alison feels will cope well.

“We are delighted Maddie is going” says Stacey.“It’s a fabulous opportunity for a child her age to broaden her horizons.”

Both Poppy and Maddie train 17 hours a week, an amazing commitment for their age but “the more training Maddie does, the more energy she seems to have” says Stacey. Do the girls get upset about missing out on other things? “If Poppy is invited to a party she can’t go to, she never minds” says Michelle.“Others sometimes believe we must be pushing her, and that 17 hours of training every week is too much. But it is truly her choice. She can never wait to get to the gym.

The day she says she doesn’t want to go, is the day I pull her out.”

swimmers! as from springboard a very merry Christm

springboard swimmers

booking now for holiday courses!

Call us on 020 8255 7455

or email admin@springboardswimmers.com

www.springboardswimmers.com 16

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Private swimming lessons in Teddington, Twickenham and Hampton using indoor heated pools for children of all abilities from babies to advanced squads! l Only three children per learner group and four in advanced groups. l Children progress rapidly with such individual attention. l Children have fun, are safe and learn an essential life skill l Classes run every day from Monday to Saturday; mornings, afternoons, after school and early evening during term time.

We also run adulT swimming lessons, so if you’re finding it difficult keeping up with your kids or if you’d like to improve before your holidays, get in touch. Classes are small and cater for every ability from complete beginner to advanced swimmers looking for stamina or stroke improvement e.g. triathlon training. plus! Our CHrisTmas saTurdays Course runs for four Saturdays starting 14th December, only £46.

Christmas 2013

Brrr – It’s Cold Outside!

INDOOR Winter Sports Options

By Linda Stone, Editor It’s hard to make sure children get enough exercise in winter and visiting the playground isn’t much fun when the weather is bad. So plan ahead now and book an INDOOR sports class for your child for January.

Here are some options: Ready, Steady, Go Kids, an Australian franchise, offers a multi-sport and exercise program for children ages 2.5 to 6 years covering football, basketball, hockey, golf, cricket, tennis, athletics, rugby, AFL and T-ball.

All its classes in Richmond and Kingston take place inside.

Proprietor, Kathy Bees says: “It’s fine holding sports classes outside all year round in Australia, but no sensible parent wants to expose their child to extreme winter weather in the UK!” Inside in the warm, kids are likely to get much more out of their Ready Steady Go sessions and parents are encouraged to stay and, if they wish, become actively involved.

“We want to provide opportunities for parents and children to enjoy sport together” says Kathy. “We also know that most parents of pre-schoolers are not comfortable simply dropping their child off and leaving them at a sports class.”

Ready Steady Go Kids offers a No Obligation Free Trial. To book for January and for more information, visit www.rsgk.co.uk If you are looking for INDOOR rugby or football classes for your son or daughter, Rugbytots (www.rugbytots.co.uk) holds classes for 2 to 7 year olds in

Twickenham, Barnes, Putney, Surbiton and is introducing NEW classes in January in Kingston and Hampton.

Meanwhile, Kiddikicks offers football classes for children ages 18 months to 7 years. Uniquely in the pre-school football market, these classes take place indoors from November to March and outdoors from April to October.

Kiddikicks offers different syllabuses tailored for the two different environments, so that children child can enjoy football inside during winter, as well as enjoying a realistic outdoor playing environment for the rest of the year. Kiddikicks has been offering football classes for children in Brentford, Sheen, Richmond and Teddington for many years and, in January 2014, it is offering NEW classes in Kingston and East Molesey, which are open for booking NOW. You can also enter our competition on page 3 and WIN a FREE TERM of classes in both Kingston and East Molesey and lots of other Kiddikicks goodies!

For more information, visit www.kiddikicks.co.uk Looking for a WEEKEND sports program for your child?

Multisports Richmond is offering six exciting sports for your child to enjoy come January - INDOORS and under one roof! Principal, Grant Felix says “Our classes are individually structured each term and take into account the expected seasonal weather.

In the new term, we shall be concentrating on our indoor sports program which includes basketball, unihoc (hockey), badminton, archery, slam ball and speed stacking - if you

have never seen or heard of this, then google the world record for this sport!”

Children ages 6 and upwards can enter the MultiSports program which trains for 3 hours every Sunday in three age-related squads, and is guaranteed to burn

Clubs and Classes

off the excess energy of even the most active child! There is also a 90 minute Little Sporties program for girls and boys ages 4 and 5 years at the same venue.

For more information, visit www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk

PROMOTION! SPECIAL OFFER! FREE MEMBERSHIP for first 50 Sign Ups at Monkey Music Classes in Oxshott and Epsom!

Award-winning per class. pre-school music class Classes are interactive provider, Monkey and include routine and Music, is offering structure, encouraging an amazing free children to feel confident membership deal! and safe. Featuring Celebrating its 21st different types of music, birthday this year, from unaccompanied, Monkey Music was inspired by the to teacher’s voice, to instruments need for opportunities for parents and backing tracks, classes also to bond with their youngsters, include the use of age-appropriate doing something that both enjoy. instruments, and enable children Monkey Music classes are 30 to get physical by feeling music in minutes long, age-appropriate and their bodies and using their bodies include no more than 15 children to interpret it.

To book your FREE class in Oxshott or Epsom and to take advantage of the FREE Membership deal, call Janine on 01483 841303 or email leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk Come and register at the best gymnastics facility in Ashford

spelthorne gymnastics

COLLEGE WAY WAY COLLEGE ASHFORD ASHFORD MIDDLESEX MIDDLESEX TW15 TW15 2XG 2XG

F U N F O R A L L Awww.spelthornegymnastics.com GES AND ABILITIES

C l a s s e s f oCOME r B e AND g i n REGISTER ners to Elite Performers AT THE BEST FACILITY IN ASHFORD DAILY CLASSES 10,000 sq ft 10,000 sq ft gymnasium Recreational Sprung floor areas gymnasium Sprung floor areas Gymnastics Tumble track Tumble track * Trampoli nes Acrobatics Trampolines Soft play * Apparatus Tumbling Soft play * Apparatus Bouncy castles Bouncy castles Baby changing facilities / FUN 4 BABIES Baby changing facilities Café Café Babies from 8 weeks

Christmas 2013

F U N F O R A L L A G EMOTHER S AND ABILITIES PRE-SCHOOL & TODDLER s tmonths o E l i t to e 3 P eyears rformers 3 to 5 yearsC l a s s e s f o r B e g i n n e r 18 First taste of DAILY CLASSES SOFT PLAY SOFT PLAY Come and enjoy a huge Come space and gymnasticsRecreational Gymnastics and lots to play with enjoy a huge without parents Acrobatics Tumbling space and lots STUDIOS TO REtoNplay CALL: ReceptionFUN 01784 880474 T with Aerobics/ 4 BABIES D a nce etc EMAIL: spelthornegymnastics@me.com Babies from 8 weeks CHILDREN’S FIND US: Rear ofMOTHER Brooklands College Ashford via College PARTIES & TODDLER Book the gym 18 months to 3 years for your child’s 17 party or one of 17 www.familiesuponthames.co.uk PRE-SCHOOL our upstairs 3 to 5 years First taste of gymnastics rooms for a without parents disco

Christmas fun

what’s on

SAT 16 NOV TO TUE 24 DEC SANTA’S REAL REINDEER AT GARSONS FARM Winterdown Rd, West End, Esher, KT10 8LS Time: 10am-5pm (Mon-Fri), 11am-4.30pm (Sat/Sun). Cost: Free See these magical creatures during their visit to Garsons. Santa’s helpers will be on-hand, to share interesting facts about them, More info: www.garsons.co.uk THUR 22 NOV TO SUN 8 DEC THE ENCHANTED WOODLAND AT SYON PARK Isleworth, TW7 6AZ Time: 5-9pm. Cost: £7 Adult, £3 Children.

Illuminations in the gardens and Great Conservatory.

More info: 020 8560 0882

www.enchantedwoodland.com

THUR 28 NOV DECORATE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE FOR £5 AT HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS 14 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8RF Time: 5-8pm. Cost: £5 per decoration For ages 5+ Decorate candy canes, snowflakes, stasr and gingerbread men for tree decoration or gift to be fired and ready for Christmas. FREE cup of hot chocolate!!

More info: 020 8973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

THUR 28 NOV TO SAT 4 JAN CHRISTMAS AT KEW AFTER DARK Time: 4.30-10pm. Cost: Adult £12.50 Children (5-16) £8, Under 5 Free, Family £38 20% off Richmond Chinese for trial School (RCS) session For beginners/all other levels

Ages 18mths-10yrs Small age-appropriate groups of 6-10 children Contact 07886 423465 danyufalla@hotmail.com www.richmondchinese.co.uk

The Illuminated Trail (selected dates) Mile long illuminated trail through the Gardens, casting light into hidden places, under tree-top canopies and onto dancing lakeside ripples.

The Christmas Village Santa, festive nibbles, Christmas shopping and nightly Christmas carols.

Santa’s Woodland Grotto and Rides See Santa in his Grotto. Take a spin on the Victorian carousel and enjoying family rides.

Boutique Christmas Market Irresistible gifts and tempting treats for foodies.

CHRISTMAS AT KEW BY DAY Time: 9.30am-4.15pm. Cost: Normal Admission.

Free story-telling with Santa Festive fairground, with helter-skelter, carousel and vintage car ride, opposite Victoria Gate.

More info: 020 8332 5655

www.kew.org

EVERY SAT FROM 30 NOV 2013 TEA WITH SANTA AT SQUIRES GARDEN CENTRES Cobham, Stoke Rd, KT11 3PU Hersham, Burwood Rd, KT12 4AR Long Ditton, Woodstock Lane North, KT6 5HN Twickenham, Sixth Cross Rd, TW2 5PA Time: 4.30pm Sat, 4pm Sun. Cost: £6.50 per child includes choice of hot meal/sandwiches + drink and dessert.

Bring your children to have Tea with Santa in the run-up to Christmas!

Booking essential.

More info:

www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

SAT 30 NOV FESTIVE CRAFT AT PAINSHILL Portsmouth Rd, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE For Ages: 5-13. Time: 10am-1pm.

Cost: Adult £12, Children £8.

Make Christmas decorations out of natural materials from the landscape garden. One adult per two children.

Booking required.

More Info: www.painshill.co.uk

01932 868113

Au-Pairs!

Join us for a fun course in writing, reading, speaking and understanding English.

Take a worldwide recognised exam if you wish.

More information: 01932 248312

A Ticket to “A” GCSE in French.

Group tuition by a qualified tutor!

Good results guaranteed.

More information: 01932 248312

FAMILY WORKSHOP AT ORLEANS HOUSE Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ Time: 11am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm. Cost: £8 per child.

Create your own adventurous advent calendar.

More info: 020 8831 6000

www.richmond.gov.uk/arts

SAT AND SUN 30 NOV, 1, 7, 8, 14 AND 15 DEC DECK THE HALLS AT OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE Jersey Rd, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB Time: 12-4pm. Cost: Adult £4.95, Child £2.50, Family £12.45.

Journey through Osterley’s past from riches to rations. Create traditional decorations, sample local real ale in our beer cellar, sing carols and visit Santa’s grotto for festive stories.

More Info: 020 8232 5050

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark

SAT AND SUN 30 NOV, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 AND 22 DEC WE THREE KINGS CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AT POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD Time: 11am and 4pm. Cost: Normal admission plus £4 adult, £1 child, £10 family.

See the house dressed for a period Christmas and discover the stories of the three kings who visited Polesden.

Sleigh rides and Santa.

More Info: 01372 452048 www.

nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey SAT AND SUN 30 NOV, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 20-24 DEC WATERCRESS LINE SANTA SPECIAL Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG

18

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Cost: Adult £14, Child (1-16) £14, Baby £7 includes gift & refreshments.

See Santa on a steam train! Take a one hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside. Santa visits every child in their seat with a special gift. More info: 01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk

SAT 30 NOV TO SUN 5 JAN CIRQUE NORMANDIE AT CHESSINGTON GARDEN CENTRE Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NG Time: Various. Cost: Adult £12, Child £10, Family £40.

Featuring an international cast of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers as well as Tolly the Clown and Company in the centrally heated Big Top.

More info: 01372 725638 www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

SAT 30 NOV TO SUN 12 JAN RICHMOND ICE RINK York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3AA Skate on the new temporary rink against the backdrop of the stately York House. Shetland pony rides, Santa’s Grotto, face painting, winter drinks, festive snacks, skating performances.

Prior booking recommended.

More info: www.RichmondRink.com ICE AT THE PALACE Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: 10am-10pm (hourly sessions) Cost: Adult £13/£11.50, Child £9.50/£9 Outdoor ice skating within the setting of Henry Viii’s magnificent palace.

Booking advised.

More info:

www.hamptoncourticerink.com

TUE 3 DEC TO SUN 5 JAN CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston, KT1 2PZ Time: Tue to Sat. Cost: Free Follow the Christmas trail to find out about Christmas celebrations past or make traditional decorations.

More info: 020 8547 5006

www.kingston.gov.uk/museum

THU 5 DEC CRYSTAL GROTTO FESTIVE WALK Painshill Park, Portsmouth Rd, Cobham, KT11 1JE Time: 5-8pm. Cost: Adult £7, Child £6.

Magical moonlit walk in 18th century landscape garden, passing follies and trees illuminated with colourful lights.

Arrive at the amazing sparkling crystal Grotto. Booking required.

More info: 01932 868113

www.painshill.co.uk

FRI 6 DEC AND SAT 7 DEC TINGLE CREEK CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Sandown Park, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9AJ Time: 1-5pm. Cost: Adult: From £23, Child Free Cinderella pantomime, carriage rides, complimentary carousel rides, Santa + gift, festive carol singing. Under 18s go FREE!

More info: www.sandown.co.uk

SAT 7 DEC AND SUN 8 DEC WONDERFUL WINTER WEEKEND AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Husky dog sleigh rides, Polar Explorer stories/crafts, Craneberry Fest, Winter Wetlands Show and Santa’s Grotto.

More info: www.wwt.org.uk

SUN 8 DEC CHRISTMAS WRAPPING WORKSHOP AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE 268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4ST For Ages: 5+. Time: 11am-1pm.

Cost: £6.

Design and print Christmas wrapping paper and matching gift tags.

More info: 020 8744 1241

www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

SANTA FUN RUN IN BROOKLANDS Mercedes Benz World, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL

Time: 10am. Cost: Adult £10, Under 16 £5 Run, jog or walk 2.5km or 5km.

Suitable for all the family. In aid of Woking and Sam Beare Hospices.

More info: www.wsbhospices.co.uk

WED 11 DEC FSS CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE LITTLE GYM Time: 9am-12pm. Cost: £9 per child.

40 minutes tumbling, jumping and balancing, co-ordinated by specially trained instructors, and using full range of Little Gym equipment. Then 30 minutes craft/messy play by The Imagination Den to suit all ages/ interests.

More info: 07796 922321 www.forsanityssake.com/

FRI 13 DEC SNAPPITY CROCODILE FOR UNDER 5S AT KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PZ Time: 10.15-11am & 1.30-2.15pm. Cost: Free Make simple Christmas crafts to take home. Join in some traditional Christmas songs.

More info: 020 8547 5006

www.kingston.gov.uk/museum

SAT 14 DEC TO SUN 5 JAN CLAREMONT CHRISTMAS TRAIL Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-3pm. Cost: Normal admission plus 50p.

Traditional family Christmas trail.

More info: 01372 467806

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden

SUN 15 DEC WISH FOR CHRISTMAS LANTERN PROCESSION Memorial Hospital End of Broad Street Time: 4-8pm The procession, led by Santa on his sleigh, will head through the Causeway, Middle Lane, Elleray Road, and finish outside the Baptist Church in Church Road, rounded off by carol singing.

WISH FOR CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP AT HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS 14 Broad Street, Teddington, TW11 8RF Time: 4-8pm Cost: £10 for mug or £6 for tea light holder.

Drop-in workshops. Paint a snowman mug or tea light holder, with free candle, to be fired in time for Christmas! Free mince pies for painters!

FRI 21 DEC SNAPPITY CROCODILE FOR UNDER 5S AT KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PZ Time: 10.15-11am & 1.30-2.15pm. Cost: Free Enjoy simple Christmas crafts to take home. Join in traditional Christmas songs.

More info: 020 8547 5006

www.kingston.gov.uk/museum

FAMILY WORKSHOP AT ORLEANS HOUSE Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ Time: 11am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm. Cost: £8 per child.

Create wonderful wrapping paper.

More info: 020 8831 6000

www.richmond.gov.uk/arts

SAT 21 DEC TO SUN 5 JAN THE ENCHANTED STORY TRAIL AT RHS WISLEY Woking, GU23 6QB Time: 10am-4pm. Cost: Free with normal admission.

With your own map, discover secret hideouts and burrows dotted around the gardens. Meet curious characters along the way.

More info: www.rhs.org.uk SAT 21 DEC AND SUN 22 DEC AND WEEKENDS UNTIL 5 JAN WINTER WETLANDS SHOW AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT

Christmas 2013

Enjoy exciting experiments to find out more about the science behind our coldest season.

More info: www.wwt.org.uk THU 26 DEC TO SUN 5 JAN POLESDENOPOLY AT POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD Time: 10.30am-3pm. Cost: Normal admission plus £5 per set.

Become a millionaire like Mrs Greville in this fun version throughout the Polesden grounds More Info: 01372 452048

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlace

THU 2 JAN WINTER FAMILY DROP-IN WORKSHOP AT KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PZ For Ages: 4-11. Time: 1-4.30pm.

Cost: Free Make a snowy Kingston scene and find out about the year the Thames froze.

More info: 020 8547 5006

www.kingston.gov.uk/museum

FRI 3 JAN SNAPPITY CROCODILE FOR UNDER 5S AT KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PZ Time: 10.15-11am & 1.30-2.15pm. Cost: Free Enjoy simple Christmas crafts to make and take home and join in traditional Christmas songs.

More info: 020 8547 5006

Christmas Theatre

Theatres POLKA THEATRE

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Booking info: 020 8543 4888

www.polkatheatre.com

22 NOV TO 15 FEB Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland For Ages: 6-11.

Lewis Carroll’s charming characters spring to life in an enchanting show full of music, madness and mystery.

THE RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF Box Office: 01932 253354

www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

13 TO 21 DEC MacLaddin For Ages: All Way back in the past, just north of the border, wee Willie MacLaddin discovers a magic lamp in his mother’s pantry. What could possibly go wrong? A hilarious tartan Christmas romp.

THE RICHMOND THEATRE

Nearly New Sales

THE ROSE THEATRE

MUM2MUM MARKET NEARLY NEW SALE IN SURBITON SAT 7 DEC at Surbiton Library Halls, Ewell Rd, Surbiton KT6 6AG Time: 2-4pm.

louise@mum2mummarket.co.uk www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

❄

On, For more What’s Carols as tm ris Ch including d and Concerts, an ping op Sh as tm ris Ch Events, visit ames.co.uk www.familiesuponth

❄

www.verafletcherhall.co.uk

SAT 30 NOV AT 2.30 PM Scrooge For Ages: 5-11.

Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

HAMPTON HILL PLAYHOUSE 90 High St, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NZ

www.teddingtontheatreclub.org.uk SAT 7 DEC TO SAT 14 DEC Snow White A joyous romp through this classic fairy tale!

PAUL ROBESON THEATRE

Hounslow Library, Treaty Centre TW3 1ES

More info: 0845 456 2796 www.hounslow.info

DEC 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21

Cinderella Panto Magical and enchanting tale with professional cast and chorus members from Hounslow’s Bounce theatre. 25% discount before 30 Nov!

CECIL HEPWORTH PLAYHOUSE

Hepworth Way, Walton KT12 1AU

Box Office: 07754 580 862

www.thedesboroughplayers.co.uk

SAT 11 AND SUN 12 JAN Treasure Island The adventures of young Jim Hawkins (Charlotte Cairns) and lovable pirate rogue Long John Silver (Bob Barton) and his treasure map.

ACT THEATRE KINGSTON

Kingston College, Kingston Hall Rd, Kingston KT1 2AQ

More info: 0208 439 1109 www.bouncetheatre.com

SAT 6 DEC AND SUN 7 DEC Grimm Tales Hansel and Gretel lead us into a collection of classic fairy tales which shimmer and sparkle with magic and adventure.

Box Office: 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets/richmond

www.kingston.gov.uk/museum

www.nct.org.uk/byfleet

4, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton KT7 0LQ Box Office: 0844 884 8832

The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 6 DEC 2013 TO 12 JAN Peter Pan Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on the villainous Captain Hook and his pirates.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE IN BYFLEET SAT 30 NOV at Byfleet Village Hall.

Time: 2.30-4pm.

VERA FLETCHER HALL

24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL Box Office: 08444 821 556

www.rosetheatrekingston.org

The Snow Gorilla FRI 29 NOV TO SUN 5 JAN Circus and storytelling collide on the stage to create a hugely entertaining spectacle for all ages.

WATERMANS

40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS

Box Office: 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

WED 11 TO MON 23 DEC The Snow Dragon Christmas Show For Ages: 3+.

Traditional Christmas tale about Billy the kid who is promised a visit from the legendary Snow Dragon, if he has been nice?

© National Trust Images/National Trust/James Day. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Time: 12.30pm & 4.30pm daily.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

MEET SANTA AND HIS REAL LIVE REINDEER ONLY AT URBAN FARM Take a walk through our Christmas Forest with real live Turkeys, Xmas Lambs, Baby Alpaca, a Donkey and Foal!

Family festive fun

From Santa to sleigh rides and carols to crafts... Please call individual properties for their full programme of Christmas events.

Enter Santas grotto, meet the man himself and feed his real live Reindeer!

Christmas

Morden Hall Park: 020 8545 6850 Polesden Lacey: 01372 452048

nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast

Please check our website for details.

Christmas 2013

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

19 19

Proudly sponsored by

Come and enjoy WWT this winter and take part in Craneberry Fest Kindly brought to you by Ocean Spray, Craneberry Fest is your chance to discover more about the link between our favourite wetland fruit, the cranberry, and a well-loved wetland bird, the crane. Make cranberry crafts, follow the cranberry trail and taste delicious treats in our restaurants.

And on December 7 and 8 visit Santa in his magical grotto, enjoy a husky sleigh ride and hear adventurous tales from our Polar explorer.

How berry exciting!

Find the full list of festive events at wwt.org.uk/london WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT. t 020 8409 4400 e info.london@wwt.org.uk

Ocean Spray®, Craisins® and Cranberry Classic® are registered trademarks of Ocean Spray. Used with permission.

WIN! COMPETITIONS! WIN! COMPETITIONS! Looking for home ware bargains in the January sales? Maybe we can help!

Enter our Cargo homeware competition and WIN one of two £50 gift vouchers to spend at any Cargo store in the UK! Cargo, the popular home wares store opened its new store in The Heart shopping centre in Walton in October. Cargo now has over 45 stores across Southern England, including those in Kingston, East Sheen, Putney, Wimbledon and Sutton.

The stores stock a great range of good value furniture, lamps, cushions and decorations.

To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: When did Cargo open its new store in Walton?

Relieve the stress of Christmas shopping,

by WINNING one of two Super Maxi 850 piece boxes of Bizzy Bitz in time for Christmas!

Bizzy Bitz is a new, cool, addictive, fun and educational toy – a “must” for every family!

For more information, see page 6 or visit www.bizzy-bitz.com To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: Who invented Bizzy Bitz?

Closing Date: Friday, 3 January

Closing Date: 9am on 2 December Terms and Conditions Apply

Terms and Conditions Apply

WIN a unique Antwerp sleeping bag for your child from My Shiny Shop!

The Antwerp sleeping bag by Koeka (www. koeka.com) is a unique product made out of waffle weave fabric and lined with soft flannel. For ages 2.5+, the Antwerp sleeping bag folds up into a cushion, making it very easy to pack for sleepovers and camping trips! The top part of the sleeping bag can be tucked underneath the mattress so that it stays in position. The ingenious snap fasteners allow the sleeping bag to be arranged in three different positions. The sleeping bag is available from My Shiny Shop (www.myshinyshop.com) which offers discerning parents a range of original designer treats for children, many of which are not available elsewhere in the UK. For more, see page 7.

To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: Who owns and runs My Shiny Shop?

Closing Date: Friday, 3 January

Terms and Conditions Apply

Australia’s largest

multi-sport & exercise program for children aged 2.5–6 years

NOW IN THE BOOK A

FREE

NO OBLIGATION

TRIAL

UK

Your local Ready Steady Go Kids classes are held at:

Kingfisher Leisure Centre Fairfield Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames

Pools on the Park Old Deer Park, Twickenham Road, Richmond-Upon-Thames

Tiffin Sports Centre London Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames Term 2 begins 25th November 2013 To receive our monthly newsletter subscribe on our website.

Enrolments taken throughout the term

Sports covered: Football Tennis Basketball Athletics Hockey Rugby Golf AFL Cricket T-ball

Families upon Thames is designed by Sarah Harmer and printed by Warners, in Lincolnshire. Copyright, Families upon Thames 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 liabilty for loss or damage. Families upon Thames 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 liscense. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.