Families Upon Thames Issue 115 Mar/Apr 2017

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March/April 2017 Issue 115

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March-April 2017

contents

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family health early years parenting wellbeing education focus parties clubs & classes Easter workshops Easter days out what’s on your local theatre

To advertise in this magazine contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor JULIETTE BARBER, Managing Editor AMANDA BIGGS, Sales SARAH HARMER, Design Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames

March-April 2017

m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesuponT Now more than 7,700 followers!

Make sure you pick up our May/June issue full of ideas for Kid’s Parties and Summer Camps!

Out early May!

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FAMILY HEALTH and WELLBEING

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Please ensure

that all essentials oils and carrier oils are kept out of the reach of children.

you can use aromatherapy with your baby or child (use just 5 drops of essential oil to 30ml carrier oil). Chamomile in the bath (2-3 drops) helps promote sleep, lavender calms and cleanses and eucalyptus can help with a stuffed-up nose. Roman chamomile can help stop the itching of chicken pox with a couple of drops in the bath and dill is used for digestive problems. Read a good book about this first or consult an aromatherapist.

Reflexology

Especially good for babies and toddlers but just as good with older children, reflexology uses gentle pressure on the foot using your thumbs and fingers. It has been shown to calm babies and help them sleep. Contact the Association of Aromatherapists to find a practitioner near you (www.aor.org.uk).

Massage

Complementary therapy for children

by Sally J. Hall

Many of us try various complementary therapies to help with aches and pains or a medical condition but they can be just as effective for children, too. Which are best for your little ones?

Cranial osteopathy

Osteopaths believe that because babies are put into such stressful positions during labour and birth, there has been a lot of pressure on the head. They claim that this can be healed with osteopathy. It can, they say, help with feeding problems, colic,

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reflux and plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. Never attempt this yourself and only ever use a qualified osteopath.

Aromatherapy

Though you should be careful about using certain essential oils, as they can be very powerful,

This can be done at home though it’s worth going to a few classes first to learn the techniques. It’s a great way to bond with your baby or child and can help with trapped wind, sleep and other problems such as anxiety. It has been shown to be calming and reassuring for children with special needs, too.

extra

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

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CORNER OF MOUNT ARARAT & PARADISE ROAD RICHMOND - SURREY - TW10 6PA E: reception@roseneath.co.uk W: www.roseneath.co.uk T: 020 8940 9955 March-April 2017

FAMILY HEALTH and WELLBEING

How do you care for your child if they have eczema?

by Dr Robert Arlt MD, consultant paeditrician at +richmond practice

Eczema is a very common skin condition that affects one in five children under the age of one year. The main symptoms are excessive dryness and itching. The condition often results in the appearance of red, scaly, bumpy, rough patches on the body. Eczema often occurs in children who have allergies, hay fever and asthma, or if they have close family members with eczema. The majority of children outgrow the condition but, until they do, their skin requires extra daily care and treatment when flare-ups occur.

Consult your doctor if:

3 your child develops a rash – you may need to apply a steroid cream to reduce the inflammation 3 your child’s skin shows signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, tenderness, pus drainage, red streaks on the skin, fever in association with these other signs 3 the rash becomes worse, changes its appearance, or if new symptoms develop along with the rash 3 there is no improvement after one week of treatment

One of the most important things to do is to keep your child’s unusually dry skin well moisturised. This will help to prevent flare-ups of the condition. You need to apply a lotion that moisturises the skin twice daily as well as after a bath or shower, having gently dried the skin. You should do this even when the rash is not present. Treatment for eczema relies on avoiding substances that break down the skin’s natural moisture barrier (soaps, detergents, shampoos, etc) and using substances that support the skin (oils, moisturisers and barrier creams). There may be times when an antihistamine cream or lotion is recommended to give relief from itching.

You should also avoid agents which cause sensitivity, such as fabric softeners or washing powders, and use minimal amounts of non-biological detergent instead. Bathing and showering with lukewarm water will soothe the skin, and use minimal amounts of soap, a bath oil substitute instead of soap, or a soap-free cleanser.

Scratching the skin irritates eczema and can make the rash more severe or introduce infections, so it is important to keep your child’s fingernails cut short. If a rash occurs, consult a doctor or paediatrician and continue to apply a moisturiser to the skin twice daily, along with any prescribed medication. If the rash does not improve, contact your doctor or paediatrician so they can re-evaluate your child.

March-April 2017

extra Dr Robert Arlt MD is a consultant paediatrician at +richmond practice and speaks English, German and French. +richmond practice prides itself on catering to the needs of the patient, with the option to request same-day appointments. For further information about +richmond practice, which is a BUPA provider, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk.

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Separation anxiety

At what age does separation anxiety affect children?

Separation anxiety often starts at around the age of eight months and usually improves around the one year mark when children are starting to toddle around more actively and have lots on their mind to keep them distracted and entertained.

However, the anxiety sometimes returns at around the age of two, when children become more aware of their own independence, the world around them and their feelings.

How to cope with separation anxiety A baby who has separation anxiety needs to be constantly and convincingly reassured that your absence does not mean you have gone forever.

The only way to prove this is to leave your baby and come back again. There is one school of thought that playing the age-old game of peek-a-boo developed from a need to prove to babies that mum can disappear and come back again.

Parents can’t give up their plans or skip going to work because of their child’s tears, so separation is something children have to learn to cope with; it’s all part of their emotional journey.

There are some practical things you can do to help if your child is showing signs of separation anxiety: 6 Your baby may be comforted by a soft toy or blanket which it associates with you.

6 Try to time your leaving spells when your baby is awake and alert. If it is tired, hungry or grouchy then its tears could get out of hand.

6 Practise leaving your child for short spells (15 minutes at a time to start with) with a friend or relative.

6 Try to leave your baby with only a small number of regular people and keep their surroundings as familiar as possible.

6 If you know in advance which child minder you will be using, invite them over a couple of times to meet your baby with you around. If your baby will be going to a nursery, visit them a few times before your little one starts there.

6 Have a ‘bye bye’ routine so saying or waving bye bye to you is a fun thing.

6 Never sneak away when your child is not looking.

6 Always reassure your little one that you will be returning.

6 If your child is old enough to understand, explain you will return ‘after nap time’ or ‘after teatime’. Give your child a time frame to recognise BUT only if you are sure you can stick to it!

6 When you’ve said goodbye, GO. Don’t nip back or lurk around watching your child unless you are absolutely certain you won’t be spotted.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and

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Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, it provides parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information.

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For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com March-April 2017

How to help your child, and you, cope with being apart

S ry

Julia ’s M

It can be very upsetting for a parent when their child screams and cries as they try to leave them with someone else, whether it is at a nursery, with a child minder or with a relative. This distress at leaving a parent is called separation anxiety and it is more extreme than just being clingy.

All babies, at some point or other in their development, are likely to experience separation anxiety in some format. It is very common and completely normal. It can happen in phases (sometimes very short ones) and will not last forever.

Babies have to learn the ability to trust. This means that when a parent ‘disappears’, if they haven’t yet learned to trust, they take it as a fearful or threatening situation. Child psychologists liken it to babies using their Stone Age instincts. Little ones don’t instinctively know they are safe at nursery school or with Aunty Jane. To them, when mum walks out of the door, they could be eaten by tigers!

Of course we know their tears and tantrums are misplaced, but that’s not to say that it isn’t a difficult thing for a parent to witness and cope with.

Nobody wants to think that their child is panicking and upset when they are being left with someone different or somewhere new.

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EARLY YEARS CARE

Tips and advice on potty training toddlers Potty training your toddler can be tricky, especially if they seem a little nonresponsive to begin with…

By Alison Mackonochie

Knowing when to start

There’s very little point in trying to potty train your child before they are physically and emotionally ready, which is usually at around two years of age – although for some children it may take longer.

Look out for signs that your child is becoming aware of doing a ‘wee’ or ‘poo’. They may tell you that they are wet or dirty, or that they are wetting their nappy or are about to do so.

Another sign that your child is learning control is if their nappy is still dry after they’ve worn it for a number of hours.

Once you have decided to start potty training you need to be prepared to persevere, so choose a period when you know you will have time to give your child the extra attention that they will need.

How to begin

Explain in simple words what you want your child to do. Tell them that it’s what you and ‘big’ children do and that they’ll be able to wear ‘big pants’ once they’re out of nappies.

Select certain times of day to sit them on their potty – perhaps after meals – but if you can, try to choose times when your child usually wets or dirties themselves.

Once you have decided to start potty training you need to be prepared to persevere, so choose a period when you know you will have time to give your child the extra attention that they will need.

Your child may get the hang of potty training very quickly, or they may think the whole thing is a joke, or even treat it with complete disinterest.

If they refuse to sit on the potty for more than a few minutes, don’t force it – you don’t want to turn this into a battle of wills!

Try sitting with your little one and reading a story or just talking. When your child achieves something, give lots of praise or even reward them with a small treat.

Never show your displeasure or punish your child for not performing as this will only reduce their self-confidence and cause tension between you both.

Equally, it’s important not to overdo the praise when your little one does something in their potty because they may think they’ve been naughty in some way when nothing happens in the future. Potty training is all about negotiation and persuasion, not anger and blame.

The next steps

While your child is learning to become clean and dry, putting them in training pants rather than nappies will make life easier for you both.

Once your little one has achieved a certain amount of control you can introduce the idea of wearing ordinary pants. There will probably be some accidents at first, but don’t panic.

Staying dry at night

It’s unlikely that your toddler will become dry at night at the same time as they are dry during the day. Few children achieve this and

many are well into their third year before they are completely dry during the night.

If you encourage your child to use the potty before going to bed and don’t offer drinks at night or during the hour before bedtime you’ll find that eventually you’ll have a series of dry nappies during the night, and your nappy days will be well and truly over!

extra

Alison Mackonochie is a well-respected and highly experiencedwriter and editor. The author of numerous books on pregnancy and early year’s childcare, Alison has worked with Lifecycle as editor-in-chief of Emma’s Diary for more than 20 years.

For more information about potty training visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk 8

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March-April 2017

PARENTING

Six super tips to get your child to go outdoors this spring Spring is a beautiful time of year. The air is heavy with the scent of flowering currants, and daffodils and snowdrops sway gently back and forth on every verge. The sky provides a crisp blue background and the fields are green with new growth.

It’s the perfect time for children! With lambs frolicking in the fields and insects buzzing in the air, there is so much to see and do and it’s important to get them outside to experience it, for both their physical health and their psychological wellbeing.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of fresh air and good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. Proven to increase children’s activity levels, alertness and general health, it’s also a great way to get their minds and their imaginations working.

The trick is not to make it feel forced, but rather fun. Although there may still be a bit of a nip in the air, here are six super tips to get your little ones scrambling for the nearest door and their next adventure…

Take them camping Studies have shown that the average child spends far too much time indoors using electronics and less and less time outside. This can constrain their natural creativity and gives them an inability to cope without constant stimulation. One great way to turn this on its head is to grab a tent and take them camping. Internet service should be naturally limited in more remote locations, but if it’s not, encourage your kids to leave their tablets and smartphones behind. Fill their days with hiking, campfires and outdoor games and they’ll barely even notice the absence of 24/7 technology.

Do some wildlife watching According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children spend more than seven hours a day on electronic media. Luckily, the best antidote for gamer’s eye and texter’s thumb is a simple one: a different kind of mental and visual stimulation in the form of wildlife watching. Helping children to better appreciate the birds and beasts around them is a great way to engage their senses and educate them on the environment. If you want to make the day extra exciting, turn it into a photo safari and have them snap pictures of any animals they spot.

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Turn detective for the day Woodland walks are one way to get your children moving, but to make sure that they don’t get bored and try to avoid going out again in the future, turn the day into a game. Compile a list of things to find in the forest, from certain types of flowers to feathers, leaves and even animal droppings. Get them to tick these off their list as they locate them.

The more they find, the more points they get, with a small prize at the end for the victor. Such games are guaranteed to not only be fun, but also to get all of their senses switched on and their attention focused on the task at hand.

Collect and craft Another idea for woodland walks is to get your children to collect items that they can later use to make crafts. Encourage them to search around for the most beautiful bits and bobs that they can find, whether these are flowers, feathers or even pretty rocks. Once you’re at home, let them showcase their findings and spend some time teaching them about the things they’ve discovered, such as which birds their feathers came from.

Then, get out the glue and the glitter and get to work. Their imaginations should soon be working overtime.

Take them pony trekking Horse riding can be an expensive hobby, but as a one-off treat it’s a really pleasant experience for children.

Helping to hone their hand-eye co-ordination, it’s almost like enjoying a Great British safari.

Most centres will take you out into the wilderness, with beautiful sights to be seen and enjoyed.

Depending on where you trek, you could cross everything from woods to beaches to mountains, each of them offering a unique insight into the wonders of the great outdoors. Your little ones will probably love it so much that they’ll be talking about it for weeks to come, their minds filled with the fun and the excitement that being outdoors can bring.

Encourage them to cloud gaze As free as the air you breathe, cloud gazing has always been associated with daydreamers and there are worse things that your child could be. Encouraging them to pick out shapes in the sky will get their imaginations working overtime and is a truly fantastic catalyst for creativity. Afterwards,

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have them make stories from the images they imagined, or else paint their own cloudy pictures. As

long as it gets them thinking, the day will have been a superb success.

For more fun things to see and do in the great outdoors, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

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WELLBEING

The importance of sleep for children

As adults we are aware that without a good night’s sleep everything suffers, from our mood to our brain function, but persuading our children to get enough sleep can be an uphill struggle.

Anyone who has children will concur that getting a full night’s sleep is essential to combat temper tantrums and tiredness, which can be traumatic for toddlers. Experts from the NHS think that as much as we should prioritise healthy eating and exercise, we should also be ensuring children get around nine hours of solid slumber nightly to improve their learning.

Children need a requisite amount of sleep to boost retaining information and help embed knowledge from throughout the day. This is particularly important when they are young as they are acquiring knowledge on everything as they begin to shape and understand the world around them. Ultimately, our brains need rest overnight to allow us to

absorb information better, and this is even more important for young minds.

So how much sleep should they be getting?

The NHS issues guidelines for optimum sleep time for different age groups which have been collected by the Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic. The guidelines suggest that between the ages of four and six children should be sleeping through the night for 11 hours, and by the age of 14 it should be around nine hours, with 15-minute decrements over the time space.

Why is sleep so important?

We only need to look at some of the poor decisions or small mistakes we have made ourselves when we are tired, and we can begin to understand the

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importance of sleep. How many times have you started something which you then struggled to finish, simply because of the impact tiredness has on judgement and motivation? When coupled with the vital rest time for busy, sponge-like brains, getting adequate sleep makes a lot of sense. Whether it’s through using sleep aids or planning a meticulous routine, there are several ways to ensure your children are reaching the requisite sleep hours for their age group.

So, how can you encourage them to sleep?

Essentially, fostering a good sleeping habit is much easier with young children than teenagers who know how to fight back!

Laying the right foundations when they are young and encouraging them to see sleep as a part of healthy living should make maintaining it, even when they have discovered the joys of socialising, much more straightforward.

Routine, routine, routine

Whilst they try to convince themselves and their parents otherwise, children thrive on routine, and our brains learn when to start shutting down and getting the all-important rest they need.

Trying as best as you can to instil a routine of preparing for and going to bed at the same time every night will help your child, no matter what age they are.

Getting them settled into a routine means preparing the brain

See sleep as a part of healthy living for its rest period, so include brushing teeth and getting pyjamas on at a certain time. This will start to surreptitiously prepare the brain for sleepy time.

Limit the technology

For many people, the evening routine relies on technology. Be it smartphones, tablets or television, we all, including our children, use devices to unwind with at night. However, these bits of tech are actually stimuli which make the going to bed routine harder to implement. After dinner, try enjoying some conversation or a board game to encourage them to chat about their day and also allow the brain some all-important decompression time.

Where possible, discourage your children from having TV or gadgets in the bedroom as these can be used as a distraction. In fact, making sure that the bedroom is most closely associated with sleep is a better way to negotiate this obstacle – which means keeping it tidy and clutter-free.

The importance of light

Whether it’s through blackout curtains or nightlights, achieving the correct balance of light in your child’s room is key to ensuring consistency in their sleep pattern. Invest in some heavy-duty curtains so that, whether winter or summer, their room is dark; you can use a little nightlight for a subtle glow that helps orientate them if they do wake up in the night.

March-April 2017

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2017 Encouraging Attainment

SCHOOL NEWS

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2017 Encouraging Attainment

KIDS PLAY BALL AT ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL

Playball Kids after school club returns to Athelstan House School in Hampton this month. This popular sports and coaching programme is a fun and structured way of engaging children in physical activity and providing a springboard for their future participation in sports.

With childhood obesity on the rise, providing opportunities for

children to be physically active has never been more important.

To stay healthy children should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. After school clubs are an excellent way of doing just that and according to Richmond’s Healthy Weight Pathway Toolkit, children who report that they enjoy physical activity are more likely to have been to an after school club in the last four weeks.

CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL’S BUGS GET SNUG

Claremont mansion, once home to Princess Charlotte, Prince Leopold and Queen Victoria, has inspired children from Claremont Fan Court School in Esher to build a mansion especially for Claremont mini-beasts.

The Year 2 children had been studying living things and their habitats and met with the school ranger to consider the type of

habitat attractive to bugs and beasties. The children worked collaboratively to create the ideal bug home, complete with rolled newspaper, old shoes, empty jars and plastic tubes.

Located by the gathering circle created for bush craft activities in the school woodland, it is now ready to rent out to any passing creepy-crawly looking for a home.

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

For further information, visit www.claremont-school.co.uk

CROSS COUNTRY BUILDS CHARACTER AT HALLIFORD SCHOOL

‘CAREERS LUNCH’ PROVES A HIT WITH PUPILS AT THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

This year saw pupils from Halliford School in Shepperton taking part in the second running of the new Halliford Inter-House Cross Country Competition.

The new course involves the pupils running over the river Thames and around Desborough Island. Before half term around 250 boys in Years 7 to 10, representing their four Houses, ran the course and after half

term the seniors ran their race over a slightly elongated circuit.

The pupils lined up on the start line for their turn with a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

Halliford School believes that cross country builds character and mirrors life by the virtue that ‘what you put in, you get out’.

This was an afternoon that every runner will never forget and thus hopefully gain a huge amount from the experience.

For further information, visit www.hallifordschool.co.uk 12

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Following the success of its bi-annual Careers Fair, which represents over 35 different Careers, Thames Christian College in Battersea has introduced its first ever ‘Careers Lunch’.

These networking and information gathering sessions are designed to give pupils with an interest in a particular career the opportunity to chat informally with an experienced professional for further insight into the job.

Thames’ first guest, easyJet Pilot Tim Oakdon, joined pupils to inspire them to consider a future in Aviation. The new

lunch and learn format was a great success with many pupils giving up their free time to gain more in-depth vocational knowledge including what employers look for, the skills and qualifications needed and how to make their CV stand out.

For further information, visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk March-April 2017

Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Open Morning

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SCHOOL NEWS

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2017 Encouraging Attainment

NEW DEVELOPMENTS SUPPORT SUCCESS AT NOTRE DAME SCHOOL Notre Dame School in Cobham provides a dynamic environment giving every pupil the opportunity to develop and excel.

Set in 17 acres of Surrey parkland, the girls at Notre Dame enjoy high levels of success in all areas of sport while the 380-seat professional theatre gives pupils a unique opportunity to tread the boards from a very young age; in drama, singing, ballet and dance or playing an instrument.

Recent developments have included an outstanding new all weather-pitch for hockey, football and athletics as well as six netball/tennis courts.

The Early Years Department has undergone a complete refurbishment, and new land has been acquired for the continuing development of additional sporting facilities.

Notre Dame’s facilities include an outstanding Nursery which welcomes boys and girls from the age of two and will also be offering places to boys up to age seven from September 2017.

A special workshop was put on for 16 lucky Year 6 pupils at St George’s Junior School in Weybridge who took part in a Surrey Leadership Academy session called ‘Learn2Lead’.

‘Learn2Lead’ provides a way for young people to develop as leaders, volunteers and coaches, helping them gain new skills whilst adding to their personal development.

The children learned how to organise and deliver fun, active clubs at lunchtimes and after school. They were also taught about healthy lifestyles, becoming a role model and the necessary

skills to lead and officiate at local and county Surrey School Games competitions. Finally, they formed a crew to support PE classes, school sport and competitions, whilst acting as a decision making ‘pupil voice’ group. The boys and girls are now working towards their Active Surrey ‘Sports Crew’ pin badge.

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

For more information, visit www.stgeorgesweybridge.com

THE MALL SCHOOL INCREASES ITS PROVISION AT YEAR 3

MERCURY THE PYTHON VISITS HAMPTON PRE-PREP SCHOOL

In response to increased interest from local families, The Mall School in Twickenham, has announced plans to increase its provision for Year 3 (7+) from two classes to three from September 2017 onwards.

This means more boys will be able to experience the opportunities on offer from Year 3, whilst still benefitting from the

small classes and excellent teaching that contributes so much in preparing them for their senior schools.

Entry into Year 3 is subject to successful performance in an assessment. Entry into Reception will remain non-selective, with all boys transferring into Year 3 from the pre-prep.

For further information, visit www.themallschool.org.uk 14

PUPILS AT ST GEORGE’S JUNIOR SCHOOL BECOME ACTIVE SURREY’S ‘LEARN2LEAD’ LEADERS

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Year 2 children at Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep School welcomed an unusual visitor to their class assembly this term.

Six-year-old Alfie Keller brought in his new baby snake; a Royal Python called Mercury.

Alfie, who is a very keen animal lover, led a Q&A session on snakes and shared lots of facts about snake husbandry with his fascinated young audience. He explained that Mercury could live until he is 40

years old and that he is likely to grow up to five feet long.

Royal Pythons are well-known for their gentle temperament and all the children (and staff) enjoyed saying hello to their special guest.

For further information, visit www.hamptonprep.org.uk March-April 2017

It’s all about the best years of your life

OPEN MORNINGS Nursery & Junior School

College & Sixth Form

3 & 4 March 2017

4 March 2017

Call 01932 839437 Book now at www.stgeorgesweybridge.com Leading independent co-educational Roman Catholic day schools in Surrey offering a values-led education for 3 to 18 year olds.

A Registered Educational Charity No.1017853

☛ INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 4 -13 YEARS 5302 STG - Family Upon Thames Feb17 - 130x87mm.indd 1

27/01/2017 12:29

SPRING OPEN MORNINGS Let our boys welcome you and show you the school through their eyes THURSDAY 23 MARCH FRIDAY 28 APRIL Tours start at 9.00am Headmaster’s Talk & Coffee at 10.15am To book a place on an Open Morning or arrange an individual tour, please email: admissions@themallschool.org.uk or call: 020 8614 1082

www.themallschool.org.uk

185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ

From September 2017 our Year 3 provision will expand from two to three classes.

Limited 7+ places still available for 2017 entry, please see our website for more information

YEAR 3 EXPANSION 7+ PLACES AVAILABLE

Bringing out the best in every boy March-April 2017

www.notredame.co.uk Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990 A Foundation of the Company of Mary Our Lady

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EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2017 Encouraging Attainment

HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS THEIR TIMES TABLES... EASILY Hands up who got their iPhone out the last time they had to add anything up?

You’re not the only one!

Relying on a calculator is easy and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, times tables, is vital for children if they are to succeed at school.

Helping your little ones at home and doing some extra work to ensure they feel confident in their learning can almost be as important as what they do in the classroom. It can, however, be tricky to navigate the teaching journey when you’re not actually a teacher.

The thing that can really turn children off learning their times tables is the practise it will take.

Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest and holding their attention, so we’ve come up with some top tips to help you…

What should they know?

How and what children learn in primary school sets them up for success in secondary school. If the foundations are in place for them to be able to work out a sum like 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they will find it easier when it comes to tackling harder arithmetic. The education curriculum changes, but at the moment, children are required to know 12x12 by the age of nine.

How can you help them know it?

Buy posters of times tables or make your own; you can then stick them up throughout the house. On the wall opposite the loo, or under a magnet on the fridge, so that they are taking it in without even realising it. You can even tape it to the ceiling above their bed so that they have something to talk about with you when you’re snuggling down, instead of a bed-time story.

11+ Mock Tests KINGSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOLS When: 12th Apr 2017 (Easter Hols) 30th May 2017 (Half term) 8th July 2017 (Weekend) Where: Richard Challoner School, New Malden, Kingston KT3 5PE Time: 9.30am - 11.30am

Start with the twos Adding two to a previous number is something most children will find achievable in primary school and this sets up a pattern for learning about the other times tables. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern has an easy rhythm to help children remember it.

Apply it to real life If times tables is something your children can apply to daily life, they will show much more of an interest. Instead of testing what they know, be playful about it when you’re at the supermarket and they’re helping you with the shopping (it can happen sometimes!). If you’re buying loose fruit and veg, ask them if they know what the price would be if you bought three instead of two.

Find out what works best for your child Like anything with children, once you discover what works best for them – stick to it. If your child learns best using visual aids then go down that route.

If, on the other hand, listening and chanting helps them learn, then explore the different types of apps available on the iPad or computer and try downloading some of them. It may be a good idea to keep these activities supervised so that if your child does make a mistake and comes up with a wrong answer, you are on hand to explain where they may have gone wrong and encourage them to try again.

Pick out the patterns Everyone has a favourite times table! It’s probably your favourite because you find it the easiest to remember or you like the pattern.

Picking up on things like this will make it easier for your little ones to learn. The 9 times table has one of the easiest patterns to remember because, whilst the tens go up each time, the other number just goes down; 9, 18, 27 and so on.

Don’t bring your own feelings into it Teaching methods have changed a lot since us parents were learning our times tables. Your children are probably learning in a completely different way now so chances are that you may have to brush up on your arithmetic too. Ordering yourself something like ‘Maths for Mums and Dads’ could help if you are feeling outside of your comfort zone when you’re topping up the teaching at home. Discovering new ways of learning can make it fun for both of you.

Build their confidence There is more to maths than arithmetic and it’s important that your little ones don’t lose interest in maths as a subject because it feels too difficult or seems too time consuming. Break down learning into bite-size chunks and make it as playful as possible.

Encourage your children and praise them for trying when they do.

Show them how far they have come since last week or last month and this should spur them on to keep improving.

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

SLOUGH GRAMMARS (CEM 11+) When: 12th Apr 2017 (Easter Hols) 30th May 2017 (Half term) 8th July 2017 (Weekend) Where: Claycots School, Monksfield Way, Slough SL2 1QX Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm Fee: From £25 per paper including detailed feedback

Smaller school Bigger opportunities Personal attention Great results Affordable

BOOK NOW

Scholarships available

www.mocktestmasters.com ✔ Detailed feedback report on your child’s ✔ Strengths & Weaknesses report ✔ Access to mock test questions and answers ✔ Answer sheet returned

OPEN MORNINGS: TUESDAY 7th MARCH 11.00-13.00 TUESDAY 25th APRIL 11.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB Five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction

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March-April 2017

Small Class Sizes

Family Ethos

Pupils Treated as Individuals

Competitively Low Fees

Independent Co-Ed

I

Staines Preparatory School @stainesprep

3 - 11 Years

I

stainesprep.co.uk

01784 450909 info@stainesprep.co.uk 3 Gresham Road, Staines TW18 2BT

Come and visit us at one of our upcoming Open Mornings Wednesday 26th April: 9.30 - 11.30am Saturday 6th May: 10am - 12pm

SCHOOL NEWS

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2017 Encouraging Attainment

PUPILS AT TWICKENHAM PREP LEARN HOW TO BOUNCE BACK

Emotional resilience and mindfulness in young people are hot topics in the national press at the moment. At Twickenham Prep School in Hampton staff have taken active steps to boost and develop these skills as part of the school’s PSHE work with its innovative BOUNCE programme led by the Raising Resilience Team.

Pupils have enjoyed termly workshops following key areas of developing resilience – learning to Bounce Back in times of adversity and being positive in their approach to school and life in general. Of course, these skills are not only important for children but also for adults and so the school has held a number of successful parent workshops to discuss these very themes.

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

STRONG TRACK RECORD AT SHREWSBURY LODGE SCHOOL Following on from the success of the Brownlee brothers at the recent Olympic Games, multi-discipline events such as modern biathlon and triathlon are becoming increasingly popular sports.

Shrewsbury Lodge School in Esher is certainly developing a strong track record in these sports.

Former pupil and current Shrewsbury House boy, Hugh Wason, has recently been selected for the National Final of the British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships. Also Shrewsbury Lodge’s own PE teacher Matt Storr is a GB age group triathlete and will be representing Great Britain at the European Championships

in Dusseldorf in June. Matt is already involved in a gruelling training programme that involves swimming 3kms, running 20kms and cycling a further 100kms per week. Matt’s enthusiasm for his sport has certainly been passed on to the Shrewsbury Lodge children and last summer the children took part in a whole school triathlon/duathlon. The school anticipates the event again in a few months’ time when the weather is warmer!

For more information, visit www.shrewsburyhouse.net

STAINES PREPARATORY SCHOOL REACHES FOR THE STARS Inspired by the display of British astronaut Tim Peake’s Space Capsule at The Science Museum, pupils at Staines Preparatory School were keen to explore the theme of space in their art and design technology lessons.

What started as initial sketches in their workbooks soon grew into a huge tiled mural which is now proudly displayed in the entrance to the upper school for all to see. It even garnered a special mention on Twitter from Tim Peake’s wife, Rebecca: ‘@StainesPrep @ astro_timpeake that looks so good and what an unusual idea. Love it!’ The children were thrilled to have such recognition and continue to nurture their love of space both in and out of the classroom.

For further information, visit www.stainesprep.co.uk 18

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March-April 2017

School Open Day Saturday 6th May 10am-12noon All Welcome

Shrewsbury Lodge School

Shrewsbury Lodge School is an IAPS Pre-Preparatory School for children aged 3 to 7 years

“The School combines a warm and caring environment together with a great academic grounding. Most importantly, our children love going to school and are very happy.”

Watch your child thrive in our happy, caring school

“My son has just started at the Lodge and his teachers have been amazing with him to help him settle in.”

“Children at all levels feel valued, supported and proud of their achievements.”

Independent Day School in Hampton for girls aged 4-11 & boys aged 4-13 Please visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk or call 020 8979 6216 Beveree, 43 High Street, Hampton TW12 2SA

22 Milbourne Lane, Esher, KT10 9EA

Telephone: 01372 462781 Email: admissions@shrewsburylodge.com

Part of the Hampton School Trust.

IAPS Independent Day School for boys aged 3 -11 & girls aged 3 - 7 years

Open Mornings Friday 19 May

9.30am: Headmaster’s welcome – Prep School 9.45am - 11.00am: Tours – Pre-Prep and Prep Places can be reserved through our ‘Visit the School’ page

Our Impressive State Of The Art New Prep Building Is Now Open 020 8979 1844 www.hamptonprep.org.uk admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Formerly Denmead Pre-Prep School & Prep School, Gloucester Road, Hampton, TW12 2UQ

March-April 2017

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ENTRANCE EXAMS AND 11+ SUPPORT AT EXPLORE LEARNING

With 15 years of experience, Explore Learning has developed a unique programme for 11+ and entrance exam tuition, enabling its staff to tailor their support to the specific exams of local schools. Explore Learning welcomes all children on board without a pre-test; it simply wants them to feel inspired to learn more through this challenging and rewarding course!

The children regularly attend two types of session: one group session designed to support their exam technique, speed, accuracy and exciting, new skills such as non-verbal and verbal reasoning; and another individualised session, mapped to their ability, to help strengthen the core foundations of maths and English. All of this takes place with the support of Explore Learning’s expert tutors in centres that are bursting with positive energy so that each child feels confident and excited for their next step.

To book a FREE trial or for further information, visit www.explorelearning. co.uk/11-plus-exams

AWARD-WINNING

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2017 Encouraging Attainment

Is your child in or approaching Year 5?

Do they have the ambition of going to grammar or independent school? If so, Explore Learning could be the best possible support for them in the build up to their exams.

INSPIRING ENGAGING TUTORS CURRICULUM

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

20

www.familiesonline.co.uk

/explorelearning

@exploretutors

March-April 2017

PARTY TIME

The A-Z of party buzz words

Q R

is for Quality. Remember that the most expensive parties are not necessarily the best quality!

is for Rugby. These parties often follow a similar format to football parties and include lots of running around, rugby-related activities and fun for girls and boys from age 2 upwards.

S

is for Soft Play. These venues can be hired inclusive of toys, inflatables and ball pits and are a very popular choice for kids of all ages as most either cater for under 5s or have a separate area for young children.

A B

is for Animals. Most children are intrigued by them and enjoy opportunities to get close.

is for Baking. Parties are available for children from age 4 and kids of all ages will enjoy licking out the bowls!

Most parties take place in your own home or anywhere with a kitchen, but you don’t have to do the clearing up! Great for small groups.

C D

is for Ceramics. An ideal choice for arty children who can decorate pottery animals, mugs, egg cups and more, and have them fired and glazed on-site.

is for Dance. Book a dance party!

Choose between ballet, street dance, Latin and more, depending on your child’s taste. Alternatively, opt for a dance-themed party which might include dancing games, action songs and dance ribbons.

E

is for Entertainer. Some specialise in magic or dance, others provide all-round entertainment tailored to a particular theme, some provide a ‘special appearance’ by a television character and others still focus on party games.

F G

is for Face Painting.

A great choice for the younger age group, with truly talented painters and good value for money!

K

is for Karts. Go-Kart Parties are a whole lot of fun and suit kids from age 4 to 14.

They can be held on almost any surface, so leisure centres, local halls, sports fields or playgrounds are all feasible. Parties generally build to a big, final race at the end.

L M

is for Leisure Centres. Many leisure centres provide great sport, soft play, trampoline or gymnastics parties.

is for Music. Often with similar features to the classes they derive from, music parties are generally suitable for the 0 to 5 age group who love the mix of music, dance and musical instruments.

N

is for Nature. For kids who like the great outdoors, head to an outdoor venue. Many nature parties provide engaging games and activities as well as a venue for the birthday tea.

O

is for One Stop Shop. Reduce party stress with a party provider that offers a venue, entertainment and food.

Remember to check this out when you are doing your research!

P

is for Ponies. Many children love ponies, so imagine how special a party at a riding stables would be! Children can learn to groom the horses, go on a ride in a nearby park and learn some riding techniques.

T

is for Traditional. Remember you can keep it simple. Young children are more than happy with party games, a birthday tea and cake. If you want, you can hire someone experienced to plan and execute the games!

T

is also for Themed. Many party providers these days will plan your child’s party around a particular theme, either one from a selection they offer or one chosen by you. Popular themes include princesses, super heroes, pirates and mermaids, dinosaurs and jungles!

U W X Y Z

is for Umbrella. Essential for outdoor parties, even in Summer! is for Weather: Remember not to rely on it!

is for eXtraordinary! Don’t worry, your child’s birthday party will always be eXtraordinary, just like your child!

is for Yoga. Want your kids to have a zen experience? Yoga parties often provide a combination of yoga and other forms of party entertainment.

is for Zumba. You don’t have to be a teenager or an adult to enjoy this Latin-influenced dance/exercise sensation which is perfect for a children’s party!

is for Golf. Enjoyable and exciting indoor golfing parties include stimulating games that use a range of large, colourful targets, child-friendly equipment and safe foam balls.

H I

is for HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

is for Inflatables. There is nothing that is more guaranteed to get a young child smiling than the sight of a bouncy slide and castle at a birthday party! Find a suitable venue to house these inflatables and hire them in!

J

is for Jeeps. Jeep driving parties are still fairly unique, considering that you can hold them indoors or outdoors, on a tennis court or in a church hall. An inflatable track and jeeps are provided and jeep parties are fantastic entertainment for children aged 4 to 8.

March-April 2017

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CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Ceramics Café Kew Original Ceramics - Painted By You Studio Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-6pm Closed Mon, except Bank Holidays and Half Terms www.ceramicscafe.com Tel: 020 8332 6661

1a Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green Richmond TW9 3DT

Our May/June Issue is full of Parties, Summer Workshops, Clubs and Classes and more!

To advertise contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

FOOTIE TOTS

Maisy’s Children’s Parties

Welcome to the world of fitness and football for 2.5 to 5 year olds Teaching basic ball skills, scoring lots of goals and having FUN!

FOOTIE WIZARDS For children ages 5 to 8

Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Feltham and Hounslow, ALL CLASSES call 07931 707720 HELD INDOORS andy@footie-tots.co.uk FOOTBALL PARTIES

building confidence through play

SING – DANCE – ACT – MUSICAL Award Winning Performing Arts School

Tiny Tots, Classic, Adventure or Arty Crafts we have a variety of parties to suit all ages and interests from 1-12 years!

DRAMA & MUSICAL THEATRE PIANO, SINGING & MUSIC THEORY BALLET, TAP, MODERN, CONTEMPORARY CHOREOGRAPHY & STREET DANCE YOUTH THEATRE LAMDA, ISTD & ABRSM EXAMINATIONS EASTER WORKSHOPS & SUMMER SCHOOL

AVAILABLE

Esher, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton, Kingston and Surbiton, call 07828 629531

Call Emma or Caroline 07973 900196 /info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

Themed Parties Balloon Modelling Musical Games Interactive Magic

Lots of Fun & Giggles

We love to talk parties so give us a call or pop us an email

020 8123 6484/07779 096129 info@maisys-childrens-parties.co.uk Richmond, Kingston, Surrey & SW London

Stagecoach Twickenham

NEW L O SCHO

Our fun and engaging weekly classes are for 6 - 18 year olds. Children are given both structure and freedom as they learn how to sing, dance and act.

Age: 6 - 18 year olds Time: Saturdays 10.00am - 1.00pm Venue: St Catherine’s School, Twickenham, Cross Deep, Twickenham TW1 4QJ

stagecoach.co.uk/ twickenham

0208 9770843

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Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

is delighted to be opening a new school near you!

March-April 2017

CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES ART & CRAFT

CERAMICS CAFÉ KEW Ages: All Children have the opportunity to create something unique. Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic under-glazes, it is then fired in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within 2 to 4 days. Open Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays on Bank Holidays/half terms.

In: Kew Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com

BABY & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

GYMBOREE Ages: 0-5 Award winning Play and Learn, Art, Music and Sensory Play for Babies. Classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to help young children learn as they play and teach grown-ups fun and interesting ways to engage with them. FREE TRAIL CLASS! Check with centres for details. Surbiton and Walton: FREE Baby Massage classes for newborns to age 1 year with a fully trained IAIM instructor.

In: St Margarets, Surbiton, Walton St Margarets 020 8607 9995 stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com Surbiton 020 3609 8007 surbiton@gymboree-uk.com Walton 01932 221371 waltononthames@gymboree-uk.com www.gymboree-uk.com

DANCE

ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY Ages: 18mths-14yrs Fun and vibrant lessons that nurture talent and encourage self-expression along the way.

Ballet students follow the RAD syllabus and train to exam standard. Pre-school classes follow imaginative stories and themes. Street Dance classes are bursting with energy and attitude and are loved by boys and girls. All are welcome! FREE TASTER CLASSES available before enrolling. NEW: more ballet and street dance classes at all locations. It now offers fabulous dance parties for all occasions.

In: Richmond Hill, Kew, St. Margarets Contact: Suze Bailey 07815 289306 suze@elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk www.elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET ENBS JUNIORS Ages: 3-7 English National Ballet School founded ENBS Juniors to provide high quality weekly ballet classes for children from pre-school age. Open to all without audition, these classes focus on embedding strong ballet technique within a creative and fun atmosphere.

In: Richmond on Thursdays Contact: Helen Goddard 020 7376 7076 info@enbschool.org.uk www.enbschool.org.uk JUST IMAGINE BALLET (FORMERLY TWINKLE TOES BALLET) Ages: All Just Image Ballet offers magical ballet classes for girls and boys. Twinkle Ballet classes (0-5yrs) are taught affectionately through enchanting stories where children enter a world populated by loveable animals and fairy characters. Sparkle Ballet (5-10yrs) classes develop classical ballet further while embracing individuality, creativity and performance. Also: Adult Ballet, Private coaching, holiday camps, birthday parties and day-time classes for home-schooled and German School, Boys Only Ballet (4-6yrs & 7-10yrs), SEN and Therapeutic dance, Classical Ballet with RAD Ballet Examination classes and Saturday classes.

NEW: tap dancing for all ages, Silver Swans (60+) and Koala Ballet (mother and baby)!

In: Richmond, East Sheen, Kew, Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddinton Contact: The Fairy Godmother or Miss Jessica, Principal 07879 521456/07813 741189 info@twinkletoesballet.com www.facebook.com/twinkle-toes-ballet KEW ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Ages: 2.5yrs-Adult Classes include RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern, Acrobatic Arts classes, Contemporary, LAMDA Drama and a bi-annual school performance.

FREE TRIAL CLASS available.

In: Richmond, Kew Contact: Victoria Maitland 01932 423456 or 07967 341117 kewacademy@hotmail.com www.kewacademydance.co.uk

DRAMA & STORYTELLING

DRAGON DRAMA Age: All This improvisation theatre company hosts weekly workshops that are filled with magic, music, spellbinding storytelling and accessible, fun improvisation for toddlers through to young adults. The children connect with their imagination and reap the rewards of confidence, creativity and collective fun.

FREE trial lesson available.

In: Teddington Contact: Rossy askus@dragondrama.co.uk www.dragondrama.co.uk DRAMACUBE PRODUCTIONS Ages: 7-16 Dramacube Productions provides students with the opportunity to perform in professionally written musical theatre shows at impressive purpose-built theatres. Dramacube works with leading licensing agents for musicals, to ensure the scripts the students work on are inspired by commercially successful shows but written specifically for young people.

In: Hampton Hill, Twickenham and Kingston Contact: Annie 020 8408 0245 contact@dramacube.co.uk www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk PERFORM Ages: 4-12 About: A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Small classes and lots of individual attention. No-obligation FREE trial for newcomers. NEW: Perform X Street and Hip-hop classes in Esher and Richmond for 6-12s.

Summer 2017 term themes: From April, Perform 4-7s will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane.

The 7-12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe in a space-age version of the castaway survival classic.

Dates: Summer term starts Tuesday 18 April In: Brentford, Esher, Hampton, Kew, Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge Contact: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try

Classes in:

Ashtead, Cobham, Esher, Hersham, Walton Contact

on or email

March-April 2017

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CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES PYJAMA DRAMA Ages: 10mths-2yrs, 2-5 & 5-7 Pyjama Drama offers a lively, fast-paced fusion of themed action song, rhyme, music and movement, and dramatic storytelling in a fun environment for children aged 10mths to 2.

The classes for 2 to 5 year olds see your child transported on a different and unique journey of the imagination through an exciting fusion of action songs, game-play and child-led improvisation. At age 5 to 7 your child’s imagination takes centre stage in their classes. The children finish the weekly story and their ideas shape the themed games that they play, the drama that they create from the story, and the characters that they explore. Classes support a child’s development in concentration, communication, cooperation and confidence and complement the KS1 Curriculum.

Pyjama Drama Surrey will be running some exciting workshops during the Easter holidays.

Please email Vicky or visit the website for more information.

In: Cobham, East Molesey, Hersham, Ashtead, Claygate, Walton Contact: Vicky Campbell-Hall vicky@pyjamadrama.com www.pyjamadrama.com

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Ages: 4-18 Fun, educational and confidenceboosting classes in singing, dancing and drama, which cater for the varying needs of young performers, whether reserved or budding talents. Classes focus on singing, dancing and drama, rather than rehearsing for an end of term presentation, so that every child has a chance to shine, learn and develop. Two-week trial option available.

In: Chertsey 0772 517 6102, Cobham 0203 723 9702, Hinchley Wood 01372 238238, Kew 020 8487 1456, New Malden 020 8540 7791, Richmond 020 8332 6741, Teddington & Twickenham 020 8977 0843, Weybridge 0808 208 5134 www.stagecoach.co.uk STEP ON STAGE Ages: 3-21 With professional performing arts training in music, dance, drama and musical theatre, this multi award-winning youth theatre regularly performs musicals, new writing and plays in local and London venues and national festivals. Playwriting workshops also offer young people the opportunity to write their own plays and perform them.

In: Twickenham, Hampton Hill,

St Margaret’s, Sunbury Contact: Emma or Caroline 07973 900196 info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk THEATREBUGS Ages: 0-7 There’s a different theme each term for little ones to explore through games, drama, song and dance. They’ll have a bucket load of fun while you watch their focus and vocabulary improve, their confidence bloom and their imagination soar! They will jump into the magical stories and become pirates, sharks, hedgehogs, fairies, princesses and maybe even dinosaurs! Your child gets the attention they deserve from fully trained, enhanced CRB checked teachers, so why not book a FREE Trial lesson?

In: Chertsey, Claygate, Cobham, East Molesey, Esher, Weybridge Contact: Hannah 01483 882244 or07971 004134 hannahmason@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk

MUSIC

MONKEY MUSIC Ages: 3mths-4yrs Award-winning pre-school music classes for babies and children.

Through a four-stage curriculum in age appropriate classes, children will develop a lifetime

love for music. Book a FREE CLASS to experience all the fun yourselves!

In: Kingston and Surbiton 020 8224 3971, Banstead, Claygate and Esher 01932 223309, Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham, Walton and Molesey 020 8224 0096, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington 020 8847 4031 www.monkeymusic.co.uk

PLAY CAFÉS AND SOFT PLAY

SECRET GARDEN PLAY CAFÉ Ages: 0-4 The Secret Garden Play Café is a new space in which adults and children can explore freely around the room. The Sensory Room, suitable for newborns to 2yrs has sounds, moving lights, musical toys, feely bags and bubble tubes with fish.

The Mini Soft Play is perfect once your baby is crawling up to 4yrs with a ball pit, slide, ride ons, buggies and Thomas the Tank Engine on a roller coaster track! Mummy and Baby Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga also available.

Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm In: Kingston Contact: 020 8549 0022 info@secretgardenplaycafe.co.uk www.secretgardenplaycafe.co.uk

E H AST

PR OLI ER OD D UC AY TI ON

Musical Theatre Productions For 7-16yrs Join the Kingston cast and perform live on stage at Hampton Hill Theatre on Saturday 8 April Rehearsals: Technical & Dress Rehearsal: Performance: 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 4pm 2.30pm Mon 3 - Thur 6 April Fri 7 April Sat 8 April at Tiffin Girls School at Hampton Hill Theatre at Hampton Hill Theatre

To book your place call 020 8408 0245 or email contact@dramacube.co.uk www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk

DramacubeProductions @Dramacubeshows Dramacube

Production Fee: £250. Get £25 off with code KING17 Credits: Music and Lyrics by Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, Michael Tumes, Xavier Atencio, George Bruns, Jack Lawrence, Frank Churchill, Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, Oliver Wallace & Ray Kelley M usic Adapted and Arranged and Additional Lyrics by Eric Svejcar B ook and Additional Lyrics by David Zellnik B ased on the play by J.M. Barrie and the 1953 Disney film.

24

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Dramacube Productions

PROUD TO SUPPORT

March-April 2017

CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES SUNSHINE PLAY CAFÉ Ages: 0-5 Activities include craft tables, cosy book corner, bouncy castle, train track, ride-on toys, dolls, soft toys, a baby area with play mats and soft toys. Fresh coffee, hot chocolate, teas, soft drinks, homemade cakes, sandwiches, hot and cold food, children’s lunchboxes and complimentary magazines available. Crafty Tales sessions every Wednesday morning. 1.5 hour party packages available. Free parking. Open Mon to Fri 10am-3pm term time, half term and some school holidays.

In: Hampton Contact: Sarah Long 07949 135211 info@sunshineplaycafe.co.uk www.sunshineplaycafe.co.uk

SPORT

COERVER FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE ACADEMY AND FIRST SKILLS Ages: 5-7 (First Skills) & 7-16 (Performance Academy) Player development programme for boys and girls, teaching game-effective technical football skills – based on World’s No.1 Soccer Skills Teaching Method.

Learn to play like the best players in the world and improve your child’s personal skills, such as confidence, creativity and teamwork. FREE Trial Session for new players.

In: Hounslow (Performance Academy only), Kingston (Performance Academy & First Skills) Contact: Matt Suggitt 02035442284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon FOOTIE TOTS Ages: Footie Tots: 2.5-5yrs Footie Wizards: 5-13yrs An introduction to the world of

fitness and football with lots of goal scoring and fun along the way! Classes encourage the children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle from a young age. All classes indoors.

In: Hampton, Twickenham, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood, Molesey Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720/020 8979 1497 andy@footie-tots.co.uk www.footie-tots.co.uk KIDDIKICKS FOOTBALL CLASSES Ages: 18mths-10yrs Kiddikicks coaches real skills in a super-fun environment, encouraging a healthy lifestyle through participation in sport whilst developing a love for the beautiful game! Parties also offered. Quote FUT for a FREE TRIAL, available to all new players!

In: East Molesey, North Kingston, Byfleet, Pyrford, Weybridge: Jen 020 3560 9256; Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham, Hampton: 020 7937 7965; Richmond, Sheen, Barnes, Brentford: Sarah 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk LONDON KARATE Karate with London Karate Ltd Ages: 4+ The lessons strongly emphasise the importance of good manners, self-discipline and respect for peers, parents, carers and teachers within the lesson. 3 FREE TRIAL CLASSES AVAILABLE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS LISTING! In: Richmond, Kingston, Brentford, Weybridge, Roehampton, Hampton Contact: 07538497798 contact@londonkarate.co.uk www.londonkarate.co.uk

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0345 313 3242 enquiries@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk

RUGBYTOTS Ages: 2-7 Fun, enthusiastic, weekly play programme which uses rugby specific skills to aid the development of young children. The programme develops physical and social attributes and teaches basic rugby skills, including running with the ball, kicking, catching and scoring a try.

Age-appropriate classes and highly trained coaches who get the best out of the children in a safe, organised, friendly environment.

In: Twickenham, Barnes, Putney, Surbiton, Richmond, Hampton, Sunbury

AS SEEN ON

SWIMMING

TEAM SWIM SCHOOL (WAS PK SWIM) Ages: 2.5yrs+ Swimming lessons for all abilities and ages. Fun and engaging classes for non-swimmers, as well as taxing for stroke improvers.

Children enjoy the whole pool, not just sectioned areas. Small groups, great results.

In: Cobham Contact: Paul Furness 07915510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

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The world’s favourite rugby play programme

To advertise next issue May/June 2017 call Mima Walia m: 07792 006546 www.familiesonline.co.uk e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

Monday 3rd April – Wednesday 5th April 10am – 3pm 5yrs – 11yrs

Easter Holiday Event “Emil and the Detectives” A NON PERFORMANCE event based on ‘Emil and the Detectives’ with the aid of Drama, Story Telling, Den Building, Stage Fighting, Dancing, Theatre Games, Art, Music, Magic and Mayhem.

Children will bring to life this great story of adventure, and daring.

We will also create our own stories, secret codes, passwords and gangs, there will be code busting, and disguises!

This magical holiday event will be run by Rossy and her original team of Neil and Harry, in the beautiful surroundings of The Normansfield Theatre Teddington

https://langdondowncentre.org.uk/normansfield-theatre/ Full details about costs, day rates, and sibling discounts, are available by emailing askus@dragondrama.co.uk WWW.DRAGONDRAMA.CO.UK March-April 2017

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25

CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

A professional approach from Step on Stage From singing to street dance, playwriting to piano there is no area of the performing arts that Step on Stage is not involved with.

Last year, its production of Annie Get Your Gun, won Best Youth Production with Arts Richmond and also picked up Best Young Actress Under 21, its dancers participated in the Guinness Book of Records Tapathon, whilst young actors performed The Merchant of Venice as part of the National Shakespeare for Schools Festival.

The success of the school is fuelled by the energy and passion of its founder and principal, Emma Louise Tinniswood, a director, teacher and parent who has followed her passion to create a school which offers a professional performing arts training, delivering lessons in music, dance, drama and musical theatre. With

classes for children aged 3 to 21, the multi award-winning youth theatre regularly performs musicals, new writing and plays in local and London venues as well as participating in national festivals including the National Theatre’s Connections Festival.

Playwriting workshops also offer young people aged 9 to 14 the opportunity to write their own plays and perform them.

Classes take place in Twickenham, Hampton Hill, St Margaret’s and Sunbury and holiday workshops take place at the Hampton Hill Theatre.

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

Fre Book e Assessm e your c hild nnt ow!

Warm water Max 5 children in a group Teachers in the water Dry Coffee area UV filtered water Pool Parties Private Car Parking

THE PERFORMANCE ACADEMY IS THE UK’S PREMIER GRASSROOTS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 7-17 YEARS OLD. UPON SUCESSFUL TRIAL AND INVITATION TO JOIN OUR PROGRAMME, ALL MEMBERS RECEIVE AN UNRIVALLED LEVEL OF INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT BOTH ON AND OFF THE TRAINING FIELD. COERVER® WEST LONDON PERFORMANCE ACADEMY IS CURRENTLY OPERATIONAL AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: • KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES

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NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams 26

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March-April 2017

CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Easter crafts for the kids Make this Easter even more fun for the kids with these simple-to-make Easter crafts; perfect for adults and children alike!

Easter egg bunny

Use this simple step-by-step guide to make a super-cute Easter egg bunny with your little munchkins…

What you will need: 3 1 hard-boiled egg 3 Yellow and white felt 3 PVA glue 3 Felt tip pens Step 1 Begin your craft by taking a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg.

Step 2 Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ear shapes out of the yellow felt and smaller ones from the white felt.

Step 3 Stick the felt feet onto the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them.

Step 4 Stick the white ears onto the yellow ones. Once they have dried a little, stick them onto the rear of where the face will be.

Step 5 Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns; you could even stick a cute little bow on the top of the eggs by their ears if you’re feeling really creative!

For more arts and craft ideas visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk

Easter bunny ears

Make sure your kids get into the Easter spirit with these simple-tomake, homemade bunny ears.

What you will need: 3 White cardboard 3 Scissors 3 Grey and pink paint 3 PVA glue 3 An Alice band Step 1 Paint two sheets of white cardboard grey and then another two sheets pink.

Step 2 Using child-safe scissors cut out larger ear shapes from the grey cardboard and then slightly smaller ear shapes from the pink cardboard.

Step 3 Using glue, stick the smaller pink shapes onto the larger grey ears.

Step 4 Finally, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.

Indoor soft play for Under 5’s

Sunshine Play Cafe Open Mon -F 10am-3pm ri Term Tim , Half Term e, an Occ. Holid d ays

Check website for Entry prices Events Party packages

Twickenham RFC South Road Hampton TW12 3PE Free Parking

For more info, check website or call Sarah: 07949 135 211

info@sunshineplaycafe.co.uk www.sunshineplaycafe.co.uk

Award winning classes from newborn to 5 years

Healthy Homemade Food

www.secretgardenplaycafe.co.uk March-April 2017

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Call 0208 549 0022 or just drop in and play!

46 Fairfield South, Kingston, KT12UW

Sensory Baby Play, Play & Learn, Music, Art & Parties!

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27

CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Dramacube to launch in Kingston this Easter with Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Formed in 2012 with the motto ‘Confidence through Drama’ Dramacube has gone on to launch a Production arm which provides 7 to 16-year-old students with an opportunity to perform in professionally written musicals at impressive purpose-built theatres. This

Easter, Dramacube launches in Kingston with an Easter holiday production of Disney’s Peter Pan Jr (3 to 8 April).

With a debut production of Fame Jr. at Hampton Hill Theatre, the company has gone on to perform at Questors Theatre, Ealing, The Drama Theatre, Twickenham and Epsom Playhouse with performances of Annie Jr., High School Musical 2, Matilda the Musical in 20 Minutes, The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe (which was nominated for two Swan Awards) and most recently December’s production of Elf The Musical Jr. which one

reviewer praised as ‘a Christmas masterpiece’.

Dramacube shows are carefully selected to ensure students experience a diverse range of musical theatre styles, maximising the opportunity to enhance skills in acting, singing and dance. The company works with leading licensing agent Music Theatre International to ensure the scripts students work on are inspired by commercially successful shows but written specifically for young people.

As well as learning about auditioning, stagecraft, singing and dance, children are exposed to working in a professional theatrical environment with lighting designers, sounds technicians, set

and costume designers. They perform in front of 200 people, learn how to use microphones and how to improvise in a live show if something goes wrong. The children benefit from an experience which does not compare to performing a show in a school hall and when Dramacube gives children this opportunity they thrive on it, always exceeding their teachers’ expectations.

Dramacube Productions has venues in Hampton Hill, Twickenham and Kingston.

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

age range 18 months - 10 years

A safe and creative environment in which your child can thrive in their experience of sport and develop a love for playing the greatest game on earth!

Check us out on

Facebook + Twitter

for regular Competitions and Discount Codes @kiddikicks

A r n g s a e r i KINGSTON, SURBITON AND THAMES DITTON E: kingston.surbiton@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 3971 RICHMOND, TWICKENHAM AND TEDDINGTON E: kew.teddington@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 847 4031

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ir

KiddikicksHQ

try us for free

CRB checked and FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses and parties across London get in touch with your local kiddikicks for details Quote F.U.T for a FREE TRIAL

WEYBRIDGE, MOLESEY AND COBHAM E: weybridge.cobham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 0096

Kiddikicks HQ

NW Surrey

BANSTEAD, ESHER AND CLAYGATE E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309

Includes Richmond, Twickenham, Sheen, Brentford and Chiswick

Includes Kingston, Weybridge, Pyrford, Byfleet and East Molesey

www.familiesonline.co.uk

020 7937 7965

01932 489335

www.kiddikicks.co.uk

nwsurrey.kiddikicks.co.uk

March-April 2017

EASTER WORKSHOPS

Wild west and outer space adventures at Perform Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school. Focusing on child development, Perform uses a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential.

Perform X launches in Esher and Richmond

Small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention by the experienced actor-teachers who focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration and having the best fun of the week.

The Perform curriculum uses a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform with a different theme each term to keep young imaginations buzzing.

The summer term starts in April with two brilliant and inspiring themes: Perform 4 to 7 year olds will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane. Children will be rodeo-riding through a spooky ghost town, dancing to the Hip Hop Hoedown and meeting Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux Tribe.

Meanwhile, the 7 to 12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe. After crash-landing on Mars, our intergalactic hero has to save the Martian children from being eaten by the evil Commander Cannibal. With infectious tunes and high-energy dance, this space-age version of the castaway survival classic has been transformed into an explosive new show.

Classes take place in Brentford, Esher, Hampton, Kew, Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham and Weybridge.

To book a FREE trial class or for more information, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Fee £84

10% early bug discount* 10% sibling discount*

The Perform centres in Esher and Richmond have recently introduced a set of new classes entitled Perform X for 6 to 12 year olds. These fresh, modern, exciting and exhilarating dance classes are unique high-energy weekly sessions designed to boost children’s coordination, improve their concentration and give them a fun energetic way to develop physical skills, get fit and have fun.

Perform X classes use original street and hip-hop music and are based around a specially designed curriculum. All class materials are produced by Perform and at the end of each term, there’s a performance of a choreographed piece to a specially written track.

To book a FREE trial class or for more information, visit www.perform.org.uk/x

Suitable for boys & girls from 3.5 - 7yrs

  Buzz Th e Bee Meet Buzz, the busiest bee in Fuzzyway Forest! Help Buzz do all the chores for Fairy Petal, Bounce the Bunny and even the Queen Bee herself! But time is running out for Buzz to get everything done before the Fuzzyway Festival? Maybe Bellows the Windmaker can help?

™

2017 venue details Weybridge 4th - 6th April - 9am - 12pm

Oatlands Village Hall, St Mary's Road, KT13 9PT

Claygate 10th - 12th April - 9am - 12pm

Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, KT10 0JP

3 fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, dressing up and arts and crafts.

On day 3 we hit the stage!

Contact details: 01483 882244 / 07971 004134 hannahmason@theatrebugs.co.uk or book online: www.theatrebugs.co.uk/surrey.html *Ts & Cs apply - see website for promotional offers, codes and further venue information Find magical themed parties in you area! www.theatrebugs.co.uk/parties

March-April 2017

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29

CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Kicking Off Most parents agree that getting young children involved in sport from a young age will help them to keep fit and get into the habit of enjoying regular exercise.

Sport can also help kids learn important life lessons such as how to deal with winning and losing.

It also encourages them to make friends and learn how to be part of a team.

Outdoor sports are a great way for children to get some fresh air and have fun with their friends.

But how do you choose which sport is right for your child?

It’s important for children to get a flavour of a range of sports available and decide for themselves which one they prefer. Sport should always be fun, especially for small kids, so

to help you decide which one to introduce your child to, here are five outdoor options they will love: 1. Football – There are a number of clubs around the country that offer coaching during the school holidays for boys and girls aged from five to eleven. These are usually a morning or afternoon class where young children are introduced to the basic skills of the sport.

2. Rugby – Firstly, don’t panic: the first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either. Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, non-contact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their

How to get your little ones involved in sports clubs and which ones you should choose. By Adrian Warner clothing. The focus here is on developing passing and running skills.

3. Tennis – Children from three years old can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis using smaller courts and nets and with child-sized rackets. Some clubs will also have squash and badminton courts, so your child can try out a range of games with friendly coaches.

4. Hockey – For children, the game will be much gentler than that for adults and sticks and pitches are smaller. Some clubs have a game called ‘Quicksticks’. This is suitable from seven years old and is a four-a-side game that can be played anywhere and uses a bigger ball for safety.

5. Multi-Sports – If you are not sure which sport to choose, look out for multi-sports sessions run

by companies or local authorities where kids can try out a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available in the summer holidays and are a great way for kids to find out what they really like.

extra

Adrian Warner has been a sports journalist for 30 years and has reported from 13 Olympic Games and 5 World Cups for Reuters, London’s Evening Standard and the BBC. He also lectures in Sports Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire.

Easter activity camps

Super Camps

Easter Holiday Camps For Ages: 4 to 12 Selected times and dates in Twickenham, Guildford, Sutton, Isleworth, Kingston and Thames Ditton

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Come down to Super Camps for the best in holiday activities for children. The daily and weekly activity camps allow children to get the most out of their holiday time. The programme is jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, and its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings give you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Early Years crews for 4 to 5 year olds ensures learning and development within a fun environment, while the 6 to 9 year old crews can explore new activities and take on new challenges such as The Avengers School of Archery, Super Camps Driving School and Motor Mania. The 10 to 12 year olds can come together in their very own common room as well as spend more time tackling activities in depth.

Contacts: 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

Barracudas Kids Camp Easter Activity Day Camp For Ages: 4.5 to 14 3 to 13 April in Twickenham There are plenty of fun and exciting activities for kids to enjoy, including traditional sports like football and basketball, new sports like Futsal and Kinball, specialist sports like fencing and archery and a whole host of non-sports sessions like Barrumba, drama, Lab Rats and craft sessions.

Contacts: 0845 123 5299 www.barracudas.co.uk/camps/view/ twickenham

March-April 2017

EASTER WORKSHOPS

Drama Perform

Alice in Wonderland Easter Holiday Courses For Ages: 4 to 7 10 to 12 April (10am to 3pm) in Kew Children will be tumbling down the rabbit hole into the magical and topsy-turvy world of Wonderland this Easter.

Perform’s friendly team of actors, singers and dancers will be with your child every

step of the way as they enjoy a thrilling three-day singing, dancing and drama adventure. Things get ‘curiouser and curiouser’ thanks to tea with The Mad Hatter, a game of imaginary flamingo croquet and an amusing chat with The Cheshire Cat. The course ends with a mini-musical, complete with costumes, for family and friends.

Contact: 0207 255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/wonderland

Dragon Drama

Emil and the Detectives For Ages: 5 to 11 3 to 5 April (10am to 3pm) in Teddington With the aid of drama, storytelling, den building,

Theatrebugs

Buzz the Bee Workshop 4 to 6 April (9am to 12pm) in Weybridge 10 to 12 April (9am to 12pm) in Claygate For Ages: 3.5 to 7 Meet Buzz, the busiest bee in Fuzzyway Forest! Help Buzz do all the chores for Fairy Petal, Bounce the Bunny and even the Queen Bee herself! But time is running out for Buzz to get everything done before the

Fuzzyway Festival. Maybe Bellows the Windmaker can help?

Enjoy three fun-filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up. On day three, your little theatrebugs will hit the stage! Limited places! Early booking recommended.

stage fighting, dancing, theater games, art, music and magic, children will bring to life Emil and the Detectives in this non-performance event at Normansfield Theatre.

Contact: askus@dragondrama.co.uk www.dragondrama.co.uk

10% Early Bug and sibling discount – see website for T&Cs.

Contact: Hannah 01483 882244 / 07971 004134 hannahmason@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk/surrey.html

Dramacube Productions

Easter Holiday Production of Peter Pan Jr For Ages: 7 to 16 3 to 8 April In Kingston Easter Musical Theatre Showcase For Ages: 7 to 16 4 to 6 April In Hampton Hill

Alice in Wonderland Inspired Workshop For Ages: 4 to 6 4 to 5 April In Hampton Hill Dramacube offers a variety of workshops this Easter. Its shows are carefully selected to ensure students experience a diverse range of musical theatre styles, maximising the opportunity to enhance skills in acting, singing and dance.

Contact: Annie 020 8408 0245 contact@dramacube.co.uk www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk

March-April 2017

Step on Stage

Easter Drama and Musical Theatre Workshop Snozzcumbers & Phizzwizards!

For Ages: 4 to 8 5 to 7 April in Hampton Hill Explore the wonderful magic of Roald Dahl and his best loved stories at this Easter

holiday workshop.

Children will become model students avoiding the chokey with Miss Trunchball – make up their own frizzlecrumps words with the BFG – make fantastical chocolate machines with Mr Wonka and make magical potions with George to make evil grandmas disappear!

Contact: 07973 900196 info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

31

EASTER DAYS OUT

Make a splash at the Look Out Discovery Centre this Easter

Easter Eggstravaganza at Bocketts Farm

Enjoy an egg-steamy fun time at the London Museum of Water and Steam

There’s eggstra fun to be had at Bocketts Farm in Leatherhead this spring with plenty to see and do during its Easter Eggstravaganza (1 to 18 April)!

The lambing season will be in full swing, with over 400 newborn lambs due in the Big Animal Barn and lambing marquee. Daily ‘Meet the Shepherd’ sessions will be running, and you may even get to see a lamb being born. Plus, there will be plenty of other animals to meet including llamas, goats, cows and a litter of piglets!

What’s more, daily animal handling sessions will give children a chance to get close to the cute chicks and cuddly

rabbits. Don’t forget to complete the Easter trail too, with a yummy chocolate treat for each child!

The huge warm indoor play barns with giant astro-slide and trampolines, along with the young driver’s tractor area and Small Animal Village means there is plenty to do indoors, whatever the weather.

Outdoors, children can enjoy sandpits, slides, pedal go-karts, play trails, jumping pillows and the Treehouse Towers adventure play. With a full farm programme of events including pony rides, tractor rides, goat milking, pig racing and more, you can be sure of a great day out for the whole family!

Celebrate Easter with a Great Egg Hunt at London Museum of Water and Steam’s Spring Steam Up (14 to 17 April). Throughout the Easter holidays kids can see live chicks hatching, enjoy family Easter craft and head off to follow an Eggcellent family trail around this historical site in Kew. There will also be a traditional egg hunt on Easter Sunday and special tasty homemade treats in the café.

While at the museum you can also visit the fun Waterworks Gallery and take a journey through time; descending deep down under a floating city of London where you can see all the pipe and tunnel work needed to keep a modern city going. The Museum also has four wonderful model houses that show you how water was used in the home from the 17th Century to the present day, as well as crawl-through tunnels and walk-through sewers. Splash the Museum cat can also be found all around the Museum hiding fun facts for our little visitors.

Are you looking for love the outdoors Bubbles and Balloons For those who the Splash Zone is Show. somewhere fun toproviding go this a hands-on opportunity This bubbling show not to be not be missed, for isreal Easter?

Then look nofun further they really interactive water for kids of missed. all ages,Can including the make thangrown-up the Lookones.

Out Discovery water disappear? Can they Centre in Bracknell – a make a fire balloon? This show fantastic visit asThomas Wicksteed is a gas! The Onplace Easterto weekend will show be in is an theresteam is plenty do on the railway additional givingtorides while thecharge uniqueto the main whatever the of weather! entrance fee and subject to collection Cornish and rotative water pumping Inside the centre there minimum engines operates for are the enjoyment of all. numbers.

The museum over 90 science and the Steam TheFire centre is set 1,000 willhands-on also be demonstrating Engine asinwell discovery activities, suitable for all, hectares the world’s largest working Beam Engine of sowoodland head downwith but particularly toddlers under cycle trails,family a great to the Museum this to Easter for a walks, truly fascinating 12s. Build an unfinished house adventure play area and part experience! with ride-on diggers, test yourvisit www.waterandsteam.org. of the Exhibition is covered but For more information, speedukwith Batak, make a mini not heated so don’t forget to animation or leave your shadow dress warmly so you can enjoy on the wall! everything the centre has to This holiday, the centre is also offer. Stay warm with a hot drink running the explosive Splash, and a cake from the coffee shop.

For more information, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre

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

Bocketts Farm Park 1st - 18th April 2017

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN THIS SPRING!

WE’RE LAMBING

Hundreds of baby lambs due

Meet the Shepherd Easter Trail with Chocolate treats

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AB LAMBYS DU E

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£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid 1st - 31st March 2017.

Only with this voucher (*maximum of 5 people).

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FM

March-April 2017

EASTER DAYS OUT

Adrenaline-fuelled fun at Mercedes-Benz World There’s so much for the whole family to see and do at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, and what’s more, entry and parking is FREE! This makes Mercedes-Benz World the ideal destination for an adrenaline-fuelled day out with the whole family.

Step inside and explore three floors of interactive exhibits and attractions guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.

Take a close look at a

Formula One pit lane in the motorsport exhibition area, then find out how the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team became world champions, with exclusive behind the scenes films showing every day in the F1 Cinema.

Get hands on and challenge your friends and family in the virtual racing Simulator Zone or get behind the wheel with an Under 17s Driving Experience on the historic Brooklands racing circuit.

Alternatively, experience the thrill of driving off road with a 4x4 driving adventure on the challenging 10-acre, off-road course.

Back on the track there is a huge variety of experiences to suit even the most daring of thrill seekers.

Why not let the professionals show you how it’s done with an exhilarating passenger ride, AMG Hot Lap or 4x4 Mud Lap? Even guests between three and five years old can get in on the action on the indoor Little Learners driving circuit. To top it off,

each Little Learner will be presented with their very own Little Learners’ Driving Licence to take home with them. To complete the day, visit the Café 1886 and the Gullwing Bistro for some delicious food and healthy snacks.

For more information, visit www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk

Easter bunnies and birds at RHS Garden Wisley

follow the trail to see if the clues will lead you to a delicious chocolate Lindt Gold Bunny.

If you prefer something that moves a little faster, then you’re in for a treat when the Birds of Prey visit Wisley on 8 and 9 April! These magnificent creatures will be performing their daring agility displays daily at 11am and 2pm. This is always a great event and a fantastic chance to see the birds up close as you discover more about them.

To round off the day, why not visit the Glasshouse Café?

This light and airy eatery has indoor and outdoor tables and offers delicious snacks and sandwiches. What’s more, a soft play area is attached to the cafe, making it a great place for little ones to burn off any excess energy before the ride home!

For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley March-April 2017

Enjoy Once again, an the National Trust and Cadbury have teamed up to provide little visitors with EASTER EGG HUNTS at its properties.

Here are six exciting trails for little ones to enjoy over the Easter Normal admission plus £3 for holidays and they’re just egg-steamy Museum of Water children’s activities. on your doorstep!fun time at the London and Steam Hatchlands Park Polesden Lacey 14 to 17 April (11am to 4pm) 31 March to 17 April Celebrate Easter with a GreatSolve Egg Hunt at London the clues around the (10am to 3.30pm) Museum and Steam’s Spring Steam Up (14your to 17 parkland to claim Cadbury Bunny’s goingof toWater the Rio Carnival; April).

Throughout kids can seeNormal live Chocolate prize. help him piece togetherthe hisEaster holidays chicks hatching, enjoy family Easter craft and head off child. admission plus £3 per festival outfit on this fun Easter followadmission an Eggcellent aroundMill this historical Shalford trail. to Normal plus family trail site in Kew. There will also be a traditional egg hunt on to 4pm) 15 to 17 April (11am £3 per child.

Easter Sunday and special homemade treatsbunnies in the and the hidden Claremont Landscape Gardentasty Find crack the code to claim your 14 tocafé.

17 April to 4pm) Cadbury’s Easter egg and (10.30am While at the museum also visit the fun decorate an egg to take Follow the clues around the you can then Waterworks Gallery and take a journey throughadmission time; home. Normal garden to claim your Cadbury descending city child. of London plus £3 per chocolate prize. deep down under a floating where you canplus see all the pipe and tunnel work needed Winkworth Arboretum Normal admission to hunt. keep a modern city going. The14 Museum also has four to 17 April £3 per wonderful model houses that show you how (10.30am towater 4pm)was Dapdune Wharf in the(11am home from the 17th Century the present Fun and to chocolate for all ages 14 toused 17 April to 5pm) day, as of well as crawl-through tunnels walk-through as youand enjoy this Easter egg A weekend family fun, with sewers. Splash bespecial found activities all huntalso plus for Easter-themed racesthe forMuseum all the cat can around the Museum for our little admission visitors. plus children.

Normal family, craft activities and hiding the fun facts thosebunny who love the outdoors the trail.

Splash Zone is £3 per CadburyFor Easter hunt. not be missed, providing a hands-on opportunity for real

© National Trust Images

This Easter, visit RHS Garden Wisley near Woking for a range of fun activities that will keep everyone in the family entertained.

From 1 to 17 April families can enjoy a day full of Easter fun and arts and crafts. Hop through the garden on the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt and

National Trust and Cadbury provide eggciting times this Easter

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey

www.familiesonline.co.uk

33

EASTER DAYS OUT

Join Alice for a Wonderland Easter Event at Eden Walk Celebrate the story of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland with fun-packed days of FREE events at Eden Walk in Kingston on 6 and 13 April from 12pm to 4pm.

Follow the White Rabbit into Eden Walk’s Wonderland Easter Event. Dare to make a hat which competes with the Mad Hatter’s or create a favourite character mask – it really doesn’t matter!

Magical prizes await those who join in the Alice in Wonderland Costume Competition on 13 April at 2.30pm in the Centre Square, so put on your best Cheshire Cat grin and dress in your favourite Wonderland costume. Two winners will be picked by Alice and the Queen of Hearts, and there will be a small gift for everyone in costume (while stocks last).

There’s so much to do and see this Easter at Eden Walk, so jump down the rabbit hole and step into Wonderland, and don’t be late for this very important date!

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

Dare to dream at Polka Theatre At Polka Theatre in Wimbledon dreams meet reality in To Dream Again, a new play inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sophie’s world is changing, so she reaches out to her parents, Demtrius and Helena. Through her stories maybe she can help them recapture the time when they were young and in love?

Full of surprises, twists and turns, acclaimed playwright Toby Hulse mixes the enchanting with the everyday to tell the playful and poignant story of a young girl trying to hold her family together. To Dream Again plays from 10 March to 2 April and is perfect for ages 7 to 11.

Younger audiences will love to see CBeebies’ BAFTA Award-Winning duo Sarah and Duck who are creating a big top birthday to remember! Scarf Lady, The Ribbon Sisters, John and Flamingo, the Shallots and

Umbrella are all here to join in the flappy, quacky fun in Sarah and Duck’s very first live stage show. The world premiere of Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday, full of puppetry and music, runs on Polka’s Main Stage from 6 April to 14 May and is suitable for ages 3 to 7.

Polka is one of the few theatres in the UK dedicated exclusively to young audiences aged 0 to 12. With a thriving creative learning programme, workshops, storytelling sessions and a welcoming café, playground and garden, there’s always space at Polka to play, laugh, discover and create.

For more information, visit www.polkatheatre.com

The Look Out Discovery Centre Science and discovery fun over 90 activities.

Splash, Bubbles and Balloons Shows run at weekends and school holidays. Age 3+

Bring this advert to get one free child with one full paying adult*.

Valid until 31/04/17 *Terms and conditions apply.

Families UT

14 January 2017 1 May 2017

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Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

34

www.familiesonline.co.uk

March-April 2017

EASTER DAYS OUT

Join in the GIANT Easter Duck Hunt at London Wetland Centre Some of the ducklings have gone missing at WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes! Can you help find them?

From 1 to 17 April follow the Easter GIANT Duck Hunt around the beautiful nature reserve to discover where the eight ducklings are hiding. If you discover them all you’ll win a chocolate prize!

Also, there are 14 celebrity Dusty Duck characters to spot, made with the help of Aardman Studios. See if you can find Steve Backshall’s Explorer Dusty and Joanna Lumley’s Absolutely

Fabulous Patsy duck together with many more! Dusty was exclusively designed by the world-famous Aardman Studios to help celebrate WWT’s 70th anniversary by getting children closer to nature.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit London Wetland Centre as new life is bursting with babies, bugs and buds in abundance.

There’s a fun range of Easter egg-tivities, birds singing and springtime flowers, and you can even borrow a net and join the team to try your hand at pond dipping; who knows what mini-beasts you’ll find coming to life after their long winter sleep!

For more information, visit www.wwwt.org.uk/london

Win a meal for the whole family at Pho Kingston!

WIN!

This is a chance for ONE lucky family to win a meal for up to two adults and three children (eat in only), to be redeemed any time before the end of 2017.

No greens, no onion – not a problem! At Pho, all the mains can be tailored to satisfy the most fastidious of eaters, so enter to win a chance to bring the whole family into Pho Kingston to slurp noodles!

Pho heaven for fussy eaters Pho is a healthy Vietnamese restaurant located on Eden Street, just steps away from the shopping chaos of Kingston, near to the Rose Theatre and the Odeon IMAX Cinema.

The restaurant specialises in delicious and nutritious pho noodle soups, as well as fragrant curries, spicy salads, wok-fried noodles and amazing cocktails. It also has delicious flower teas, Vietnamese coffees and freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juices. Most of the menu is gluten free (certified by Coeliac UK) and it has loads of options for vegetarians and vegans.

The kids’ menu at Pho includes noodle soups, rice dishes, wok-fried noodles and more. No greens, no onion – not a problem! At Pho, all the mini mains can be tailored to satisfy the most fastidious of eaters, so bring the whole family in to slurp noodles!

The Pho kids’ menu costs £5.30 for a meal and a drink and highchairs, baby changing station and disabled facilities are available.

For more information, visit www.phocafe.co.uk/locations/kingston March-April 2017

TO ENTER

Go to our Facebook page (Facebook.com/familiesuponthames) And please like our page, share and comment.

The winner will be announced on our Facebok page on 1 April 2017.

Terms and Conditions Apply.

For further information, visit www.phocafe.co.uk/locations/kingston

KiDs LOVE NoOdLeS!

£5.50

drink: a & l a me stOn @ Pho ON EdEn StReet, King @ PhoRestaurant

www.familiesonline.co.uk

35

EASTER DAYS OUT

Zooming good fun at Brooklands this Easter Head down to Brooklands Museum in Weybridge this Easter Holiday for an action-packed day out for the whole family, running weekdays from 3 to 13 April.

Transport lovers and budding racing drivers should head for the legendary car rides which will be operating twice daily, subject to weather conditions.

Why not take a trip in a vintage-style car up Test Hill or along the Members’ Banking of the old Race Track, courtesy of the Brooklands Volunteer

Car Rides Team? If you prefer a slower pace, then a ride on a double decker bus, courtesy of the London Bus Museum, would be perfect.

Little ones should look out for Bertie the Brooklands Bear who will be making guest appearances – you might even catch a glimpse of him as you hunt for clues around the Museum on the Easter Egg trail! After all this excitement, a visit to the fantastic FREE drop-in family workshops, ‘Bouncing Bertie’ (3 to 7 April) and ‘Brooklands Bingo’ (10 to 13 April) is a must.

If flying is more your thing, then the Kids Tours on Concorde which runs twice a day during the week over Easter will be perfect for you. The guides have devised a tour specially tailored for youngsters where participation is encouraged, making this half-hour virtual supersonic ‘flight’ experience something not to be missed.

Meanwhile, inside the state-of-the-art 4D Theatre, visitors can try out one of three exhilarating virtual rides.

Race around the Brooklands track, fly with the Red Arrows Display Team or drive a lap of the Le Mans circuit with Mike Hawthorn. The rides run all day and last around eight minutes each.

For more information, visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Enjoy an egg-steamy fun time at the London Museum of Enjoy an egg-steamy fun time at the London Museum of Water Water and Steam and Steam Celebrate EasterEaster with a Celebrate Greatwith Egga Hunt Great at EggLondon Hunt Museum of Water andof at London Museum Steam’s Spring Steam Spring Up Water and Steam’s (14 to 17 April).

Steam Up (14 to 17 April).

Throughout the Easter Throughout the Easter holidays kids can holidays kidssee canlive see live chickschicks hatching, enjoyenjoy family hatching, Easterfamily craft Easter and head to craftoffand follow an Eggcellent family head off to follow an trail around this family historical Eggcellent trailsite in Kew. There will also be site around this historical a traditional egg will hunt onbe in Kew. There also Eastera Sunday andegg special traditional hunt on tasty Easter homemade treats Sunday and special in thetasty café.homemade treats in While at the museum the café. you can also visit the fun Waterworks and WhileGallery at the museum take ayou journey through time, can also visit the fun descending deep Gallery down under Waterworks and a floating of London take acity journey through where youdescending can see all the time; deeppipe and tunnel work needed to down under a floating keep city a modern city where going. you The of London of allneeded ages, including Museum alsoall has wonderful can see thefour pipe and tunnel work to keep athe ones. model housescity that showThe youMuseum how grown-up modern going. also has four wonderful On Easter watermodel was used in the houses thathome show from you how water was weekend used in Thomas Wicksteed will be steam giving the 17th Century to the the 17th Century present the home from to the present day,inas rides on the railway day, as well crawl-through well as as crawl-through tunnels and walk-through sewers.while the collection of the Cornish and tunnels andthe walk-through Splash Museum cat can also unique be found all around water pumping engines sewers.

Splash the Museum Museum hiding fun facts cat for ourrotative little visitors. operates for the enjoyment of can alsoFor bethose foundwho all around love thethe outdoors the Splash Zone is all. The museum for willreal also be Museum hiding fun providing facts for our not be missed, a hands-on opportunity the the Steam Fire little visitors. interactive water fun for kids of demonstrating all ages, including Engine as well the world’s Forgrown-up those who love the ones. largest working Beam Engine outdoors the Splash Zone so head down to the Museum is not be missed, providing a this Easter for a truly fascinating hands-on opportunity for real family experience! interactive water fun for kids For more information, visit www.waterandsteam.org.uk 36

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March-April 2017

EASTER DAYS OUT

Come face to face with The Gruffalo at Chessington World of Adventures Resort - new for 2017!

With over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, a Zoo and SEA LIFE centre with over 1,000 animals, Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a world of excitement for the whole family to enjoy.

New for 2017, The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure will take you and your family on a picturesque riverboat journey with Mouse through the deep dark wood. As you splash down the lazy river, the story of The Gruffalo* will magically unfold in front of your eyes with exciting twists and turns along the way. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, a world first, will be accompanied by many other exciting Gruffalo offerings across the whole Resort, including six brand-new, fully themed Gruffalo hotel rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel, The Gruffalo Gift Shop, The Gruffalo Bites food outlet, character Meet and Greets and film showings at The Gruffalo Arena, plus much, much more!

Make sure to visit Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s Gruffalo Arena and get immersed in the world of The Gruffalo. The stage hosts a range of Gruffalo themed activities, including

photo opportunities, character Meet and Greets and showings of The Gruffalo animated film.

Once guests have enjoyed magical family fun with the Gruffalo himself, they can pop into The Gruffalo Gift Shop to pick up their own Gruffalo merchandise, exclusive to Chessington World of Adventures Resort.

The Gruffalo Bites hosts a selection of terribly scrumptious, Gruffalo themed treats to refuel

you for your wild adventure.

There might even be a slice of Gruffalo Crumble!

Last Autumn Chessington saw the exciting arrival of three female Asiatic Lion cubs. The bundles of fun and fluff were born to lioness, Rani, and proud Dad, Kamal. As Asiatic Lions, the new family are part of an endangered lion breed that has taken nearly 100 years to come back from the brink of extinction.

Visitors can also take advantage of Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s VIP experiences, where you can become a Zoo Keeper for the day**, a sea lion trainer or even feed the resident giraffes. As a sea lion trainer, you’ll be guided by one of the expert Chessington team, as they go about their daily tasks. They will introduce you to the sea lions, involve you in hands-on tasks like animal care and welfare, plus food preparation. You’ll also take part in the sea lions’ regular training sessions and be a part of the sea lion show! The opportunity to be a Junior Zoo Keeper for the day is especially for mini Adventurers. In this VIP experience you’ll work in the Children’s Zoo and Wanyama Village, meeting Chessington’s donkeys, ferrets, capybaras, meerkats and many more animals.

Swing on Go Ape at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and unleash your inner Tarzan as you travel through the trees, navigate high ropes, tip-toe across crossings and crawl through tunnels suspended in the air. Plus, the Tree Top Adventure course ends with an exhilarating one of a kind four person zip-wire, a UK first for Go Ape! Remember that you do not need a Park ticket to have a Go Ape adventure at Chessington as Go Ape tickets are separate from Park entry tickets.

© 1999 & TM JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER. LICENSED BY MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES LTD.

* SAVE 1/3 OFF

*

ENTRY TO CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES RESORT

Present this voucher upon entry to the Resort from 17/03/17 to 31/07/17 to save 1/3 off one full priced entry ticket!* *This voucher entitles you to save 1/3 off ONE FULL PRICE entry ticket purchased at the entrance to Chessington World of Adventures Resort until 31.07.2017. Children under 3 years enter the Theme Park free of charge. This voucher cannot be used with any other promotion, advanced bookings or tickets bought online or by phone.Please check full T&Cs at chessington.com/thirdoff. PLEASE CHECK OPENING DATES AND TIMES AT CHESSINGTON.COM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

To book or for further information, visit www.chessington.com *© 1999 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd. **Age restrictions apply. See Chessington.com for full Terms and Conditions.

March-April 2017

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37

WHAT’S ON & where EVERY WED MORNING PARENT AND BABY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11.30am Cost: £6.50 Screenings of the latest films for parents or carers with babies under one.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

10 MAR CLASSICAL BABIES CONCERT IN TEDDINGTON Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Rd TW11 9NN Time: 11am Cost: Adults £10, children FREE Journey through Brazil with music from folk band The Chorões. www.classicalbabies.com

EVERY WED DURING TERM TIME PANDEMONIUM AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: 0-2yrs & 2-4yrs Cost: £5 A popular, drop-in musical workshop with plenty of fun and games – a brilliant way to introduce music to your children and to make new friends.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

17 MAR AND 21 APR MUSEUM MONKEYS AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: Under 5s.

Time: 9.30-11am Cost: £5 Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts. Booking essential.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

SELECTED THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS TINY EXPLORERS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Ages: 0-3yrs Time: sessions 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: £6 per session Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Through music, movement and messy play, you and your little one will be transported into a magical world of stories. Booking required.

0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk

18 MAR AND 22 APR YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8 -16 Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £5 Find out more about the Egyptian Pyramids, make some canopic jars and play the mummy game!

Booking essential.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

EVERY SAT MORNING FAMILY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11am Cost: £5 per person Your favourite family films old and new on the big screen.

See website for details.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

26 MAR LUCKY DIP DISCO AT RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 3.30pm Cost: Child £7, Adult £5 Retro disco for children and adults to dance together.

Booking essential.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

4 MAR AND 1 APR KIDS RUN FREE AT MARBLE HILL PARK Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL Ages: 0-16 Time: 9am Cost: FREE Free running events for children.

08703 331181 www.kidsrunfree.co.uk EVERY WEEKEND 4 TO 19 MAR AND 22 APR TO 21 MAY WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 9.30am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal admission Come and spot the first signs of spring and see which birds have returned from their winter holidays in warmer climates. Enjoy a pond-dipping session to see what mini-beasts are about and join in the nature crafts and walk.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk 38

EASTER HOLIDAYS

1 TO 17 APR THE LINDT EASTER BUNNY HUNT AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Ages: 5-11yrs Time: 11am-4pm Discover how royalty enjoyed their chocolate as you hunt for golden Lindt bunnies around the palace. Each child receives a Lindt chocolate bunny prize.

0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Mother’s Day 26 March 26 MAR MOTHERING SUNDAY AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-5pm FREE entry for mothers when accompanied by their children.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden MOTHERING SUNDAY AT HATCHLANDS East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 10am-4pm Mothers go FREE and can enjoy a special treat in the café.

01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park

1 TO 17 APR LINDT GOLD BUNNY HUNT AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Follow the clues on the trail to earn a delicious Lindt Gold Bunny, plus Easter arts and crafts.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 1 TO 17 APR EASTER GIANT DUCK HUNT AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 9.30am-5.30pm Cost: £1 plus Normal Admission See if you can find the missing ducklings and win a chocolate treat on this giant Easter trail.

Easter arts and crafts sessions are available also.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk 1 TO 18 APR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission The lambing season will now be in full swing, with over 400 lambs due and there is an Easter trail with a yummy chocolate treat.

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

MUM GOES FREE FOR MOTHER’S DAY AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 9.30am-5.30pm Cost: Mum goes FREE with paying child or adult (quote ‘Mother’s Day’ at admissions) Spend a relaxing day walking among the newly blooming flowers and spotting the ducklings.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk FREE ENTRY FOR MOTHERS AT PAINSHILL PARK Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Enjoy a relaxing stroll through this beautiful landscape with mum.

01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk

3 TO 7 APR CHILDREN’S EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITIES AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 11am-1pm Cost: £1.50 per craft plus Normal Admission Enjoy a host of children’s Easter-themed craft making activities.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden 3 TO 13 APR EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN AT BROOKLAND’S MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission Take a trip in a vintage-style car, join one of the Kids’ Tours on Concorde, follow the Easter Egg trail, visit the state-of-the art 4D Theatre or take part in a family workshop.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 4 TO 7 APR EASTER EGG FUN AT MUSEUM OF RICHMOND Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £4 per child Create your own Easter egg March-April 2017

decorations, inspired by those at the Museum.

0208 332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com 4, 6, 11 & 13 APR EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 5-12 Enjoy a selection of Easter activities including making spring cards and a paper mache flower bowl. Booking essential.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 8 TO 9 APR BIRDS OF PREY AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Get up close with these magnificent birds – agility displays daily at 11am and 2pm.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 11 TO 13 APR ROYAL STAR AND GARTER CRAFTS AT MUSEUM OF RICHMOND Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £4 per child Have a go at making your own handicrafts, inspired by the Royal Star and Garter.

0208 332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com 14 TO 17 APR NATIONAL TRUST & CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS

See page 33

14 TO 17 APR STEAM’S SPRING STEAM UP AT LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER & STEAM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0EN Enjoy Easter activities, go on an egg hunt and look out for the chicks at the Waterworks.

020 8568 4757 www.waterandsteam.org.uk 22 APR FAMILY FUN DAY AT ELMBRIDGE MUSEUM Hersham Village Hall, KT12 5LT Times: 2pm-4.30pm Cost: £1.50 Learn about the life of Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer and a resident of Elmbridge. Get creative and make your own abacus and crack codes.

01372 474568 www.elmbridgemuseum.org.uk March-April 2017

LOCAL THEATRE guide POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com TO DREAM AGAIN 10 MAR TO 2 APR Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, To Dream Again is a playful and poignant story of a young girl trying to hold her family together.

Ages: 7-11 A SQUARE WORLD 10 TO 12 MAR An endearing and funny show with a gentle message that looks at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone else but yourself.

Ages: 3-6 SARAH AND DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY 6 APR TO 14 MAY Join Sarah, Duck, Scarf Lady, The Ribbon Sisters, John and Flamingo, the Shallots and Umbrella in this world premiere full of puppetry and music.

Ages: 3-7 RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7654 www.atgtickets.com DINOSAUR WORLD 21 TO 23 APR Experience the dangers and delights of a world full of dinosaurs, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Segnosaurus, in this interactive family show.

Ages: 3+ THE ROSE THEATRE 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL Box Office: 08444 821 556 www.rosetheatrekingston. org UNDER 6’S: PRINCESS ISLAND 25 MAR This brand-new swashbuckling adventure sees a pirate using a glass slipper to mark the spot instead of an X – trouble is, he didn’t ask for Cinderella’s permission!

THE TWITS 5 TO 16 APR The Twits really are the most spiteful and revolting couple you could ever hope to meet and this mischievous production promises to be just as disgusting and repulsive as earth worms disguised as spaghetti!

Ages: 6+

WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk GOLDILOCKS 12 MAR Expect hurdy-gurdy music, naughty goblins, helpful spiders, porridge and sing-a-long fun in feisty ragdoll Goldilocks’s adventures at the bears’ house.

Ages: 4-8 LEAF 19 MAR Enjoy a heart-warming play about the life story of a very special leaf.

Ages: 0-3 THE CURIOUS ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO 26 MAR CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch pulls the strings and turns the pages as Pinocchio is brought to life!

Ages: 5+ A REAL ALIEN ADVENTURE 2 APR Enjoy a rip-roaring, intergalactic space adventure that takes you

into the far reaches of the galaxy with magic tricks, intrigue and beautiful shadow puppetry.

Ages: 3+ OLIVER IN THE OVERWORLD 9 TO 10 APR This fast-moving, madcap musical adventure is the first ever musical created from scratch with sign language. It tells the story of a little deaf boy who travels to The Overworld, The Land of Machinery, seeking the parts to mend the memory of his best friend, Oliver the Grandfather Clock.

Ages: 3-7 GETTING DRESSED 30 APR TO 1 MAY Dive into a world of colour, texture and movement in a show that invites you to get creative with the clothes you wear!

Ages: 4+

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN

LINDT GOLD BUNNY HUNT 1 – 17 APRIL 2017

Buy garden tickets at rhs.org.uk/wisley and save 10% RHS Members go free.

RHS Registered Charity Number: 222879 / SC038262

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Don't be Late

6th April

12 Noon - 4pm

13th April

12 Noon - 4pm

For a v ery important date!

www.edenwalkshopping.co.uk