Families Upon Thames May-Junel 2018 Issue 123

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Upon Thames

RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

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

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

Issue 123 May/June 2018

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11+ Mock Tests KINGSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOLS When: 26th May 2018 (Half Term) 7th July 2018 (Weekend) Where: The Hollyfield School, Surbiton Hill, Kingston KT6 4TU Time: 9.30am – 11.30am

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BOOK NOW www.mocktestmasters.com Detailed feedback report on your child’s Strengths & Weaknesses Access to mock test questions and answers Multiple choice answer sheets returned

2 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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contents

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Family Health Early Years Parenting Education Parties Clubs and Classes Directory Days Out Bear Hunt competition What’s On

...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • • Spelthorne • North Surrey Families® Upon Thames • Issue 123• MAY/JUNE 2018 • Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Upon Thames

To advertise in this magazine contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor JULIETTE BARBER, Managing Editor DESIGN & PRINT, Ridgeway Press

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m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames @FamiliesuponT Now more than 7,700 followers!

Make sure you pick up our July/August issue

for Summer Days Out and Holiday Workshops

Out early July

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ROSSLYN NURSERY & PRESCHOOL INSPIRE, NURTURE & PLAY

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BODY & SOUL

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• Sacral Release Therapy • Deep Tissue Healing Massage • Hot Stones Massage • Craniosacral Therapy Enjoy 1 hour, 90 minutes or 2 hour sessions Book online: www.bodyandsoulwellnessforwomen.com

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Families Upon Thames is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Upon Thames are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Upon Thames. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families Upon Thames • 3

Family Health An Hour of Moderate Exercise Every Day for Children

By Andrew Campbell

The number of children meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight, which is 60 minutes a day, drops by 40% as they move through primary school. new survey from Public Health England (PHE) and Disney looking at the effects of physical activity on children’s emotional wellbeing, found:

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The survey identified the main barriers to physical activity and reveals that the worry of ‘not being very good’ was one of the most common. This increases with age.

• being active made the majority of five to eleven year olds feel happier, more confident and more sociable, according to their parents • nearly all children said they liked being active • the main motivations for children to be more active were having friends to join in and having more sports or activities they liked to choose from • children’s overall happiness declines with age; 64% of five and six year olds said they always feel happy, compared to just 48% of 11 year olds

Parents are being urged to try new sports and physical activities locally, whether at their local park, leisure centre or via a popular sport in an effort to help children get more of the 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity they need each day for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight.

Currently, just under a quarter of boys and fewer girls meet the national recommended level of activity. Furthermore, one in five children start primary school overweight or obese, rising to more than a third by the time they leave.

4 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

As part of its campaign to assist children to engage in enough physical activity, a national 10Minute Shake Ups programme run by the PHE offers fun, 10-minute activities for kids, featuring their favourite Disney characters and shows as inspiration.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up

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Family Health

Why should your child learn to swim?

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wimming is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy. It uses most of the muscles in your body and exercises the most important of them all, your heart. It’s also a skill that can help to keep people safe throughout their lives!

A recent report from Swim England revealed that one in three children leave primary school unable to swim. Everyone Active aims to

richmond practice PRIVATE DOCTORS‘ SERVICE

The family doctor.

improve this statistic by encouraging more people to swim, with award-winning swimming lessons for children as young as four months old, building confidence in and around water.

To find out more about learning to swim at your local leisure centre, visit www.everyoneactive.com GP · Paediatrician · Gynaecologist

020 8940 5009 Clinical excellence hassle-free

To advertise in Call Mima: 07792 006546

Mental Health Issues Starting Early One in 10 children aged five to 16 - or three in every classroom - have a diagnosable mental health problem and 75% of mental illness starts before the age of 18 according to statistics.

Place2Be, a national charity providing emotional support to children, advises that it's never too early or too late to start thinking about your child's mental health.

Some simple actions you can take at any age to help promote positive mental health include:

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• Carving out time to be with your child oneto-one. Put other worries to one side and actively listen to them and their feelings.

• Enjoying a quiet activity together can make it easier to talk to your child and can encourage your child to open up naturally.

• Taking a step back from today's busy lives and enjoy some dedicated time listening and playing with your child.

• Creative activities such as art and craft can encourage bonding with your child.

• Providing a stable and consistent environment, with clear boundaries helps children feel secure and better able to learn about and cope with the world around them.

• Be kind to yourself and look after your own mental health. This will have the most beneficial impact of all on the wellbeing of your child.

For more information and advice, visit www.place2be.org.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 5

Early Years Despite huge cuts in Government funding, Richmond and Wandsworth councils have recently successfully launched a new Health Visitor Service so they can better support local parents. The service will stretch across both boroughs and will help all pregnant women, parents and carers with children aged up to five. The service will also provide support and advice in order to promote good health, to detect issues early, prevent accidents and ensure immunisation. A great idea, it seems.

New Health Visitor Service S ervices offered by the new Health Visitor Service will include a named health visitor for all families with children aged 0-5, plus weight and wellbeing clinics, parenting support, breastfeeding clinics and support groups, baby and child developmental assessments and antenatal and postnatal groups.

These services will all be supported by home visits. On top of this, a dedicated ‘Health Matters’ website will be set up where families can post questions and receive answers within two working days.

‘The health and wellbeing of our families is vital,’ said Cllr Paul Ellis, Wandsworth's cabinet member for adult care and health, ‘and this new integrated service means we can offer the best possible support for our children, parents and carers.’

funding, particularly for public health grants, we have been able to protect this valued and much needed provision. This new service will provide a number of different ways in which people can contact their health visitor and a single point of access for all queries.’

‘As a parent, I know how vital the health visitor service is - providing family services from pre-birth, right through to school,’ added Cllr Mark Boyle, Richmond Council cabinet member for public health. ‘Despite huge reductions in Government

Janet Lewis, divisional director of

children’s services at CLCH said: ‘We’re delighted to be working alongside Richmond and Wandsworth councils to support families across both boroughs through this vital service.’

Residents can access the service via the online digital hub at https://healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk/

A new nursery for Twickenham!

Full and part time places Outstanding staff team Inspirational learning environments First class early education for 0-5 year olds

0208 7122 297 www.bhdaynursery.co.uk @bhdaynursery

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6 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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Early Years

Childcare Options for your Family

By Stephanie Rough

There are many different types of childcare and deciding on the right option can be a daunting task. You may need childcare for as many different reasons as there are childcare options: you’re returning to work; you need someone to pick the children up from school; you need someone to help with your newborn.

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o how do you go about finding the right childcare for your family? The biggest piece of advice for any parent thinking about childcare is to plan ahead. Many nurseries have limited places which can get booked up even years in advance, whilst finding the right nanny or childminder can equally take weeks, if not months.

Here are some initial questions to consider: • How old are your children and do they have any special requirements?

• How many hours per week do you need childcare?

• Would you prefer a home or nursery environment?

• Does your childcare have to be near your place of work and what is your available travelling time?

• What is your budget?

Your potential childcare options include family, nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs.

Each option has its pros and cons.

Family offers the great benefit of being free, home based and flexible to suit your hours.

However it is important for the family member(s) to be fully committed and not inclined to take lots of holidays when you need cover! Misunderstandings between family members over childcare can sometimes cause more problems than a professional arrangement. familiesonline.co.uk

Nurseries can provide toddlers with opportunities for social interaction but not the one-to-one attention that an infant requires.

Nursery hours are the least flexible but your child can attend all year round, except when they are unwell.

Childminders provide a home-from-home setting with relatively fixed hours and more flexibility for families who need less standard hours, shorter days or part-time care. Fees for childminders are charged per child so if you have two or three children, this may prove more expensive than a nanny. Childminders have to hold a minimum childcare qualification and are regulated by Ofsted. Their rating and reports can be checked online.

Nannies are unregulated and do not need to have any qualifications. However, many are qualified and can hold degree-level qualifications in childcare. Whilst some nannies are registered with Ofsted it is a voluntary process which benefits mainly the employer who can then use childcare to pay her.

Nannies are widely regarded as the most expensive childcare option, but this isn’t necessarily the case if you have two or three children as nannies are paid a salary for the job regardless of the number of children in a family. They also provide the most flexibility and are based at your home. You can also join forces with another family and share a nanny.

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Having a nanny means you have to become an employer, register with HMRC and provide your nanny with a contract. However there are nanny payroll services available that make this process very simple.

When children start school, childcare decisions can become even more difficult.

Au pairs are a very popular choice for school age children. Financially they offer the cheapest childcare option, providing you have a spare room available for them. However, au pairs often have zero or very limited childcare experience and travel to the UK for a cultural experience lasting only between 6 and 12 months.

Cost considerations will play a large part in the decision about childcare, as it’s essential to find something affordable. It’s important to check to see if you are entitled to Tax Free Childcare and the new style Childcare Voucher and you can do so at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk The options for childcare are very varied and having so much choice can make the decision harder! Naturally, you need to establish available options in your local area, so research is key. What you finally choose must work for you and take account of your work commute and/or your daily routine. Ultimately, the right childcare option is the one that leaves your children happy, stimulated and safe and you with great peace of mind.

Stephanie Rough works for Parental Choice, the essential ‘one-stop shop’ for your childcare needs. Parental Choice offers childcare searches for nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs. It also supports employers of nannies with payroll and employer responsibilities. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk

Families Upon Thames • 7

Parenting

Did you grow up thinking anger is bad?

by Lisa Parkes

If you did, you may • avoid conflict or be scared of sharing your real feelings • find it hard to set boundaries for fear of the other person's anger • eat on your anger or hold it inside and make yourself poorly • numb out your anger with alcohol or smoke cigarettes • be disproportionately angry to the slightest thing - think road rage. Redirecting your anger where it is safe for you to do so and not appropriately at all • be uncomfortable expressing your anger and cry or walk away You will also find your child's anger difficult to be with. You may want to shut it down or ignore it which means it will come out sideways. So how about trying some of these other approaches?

1 Show Empathy When we meet our children where they are with their anger and we show them we are on the same team, the anger is set free and they feel safe enough to let it out. A good place to start is to try saying: ‘I know’, even if you can’t feel the empathy, while making eye contact and being silent.

2 Have Compassion When we look beyond the behaviour, we can have compassion for the child who is asking for help. When we help our child express their anger safely, they can move through to crying and they usually want us to comfort them.

We miss out on teaching them this valuable lesson in emotional processing if we send them away to deal with it on their own (think naughty step, time out, 'go to your room!').

When I was a child I was sent to my room with my anger. Nowadays we know that it isn't helpful to send a child away with their anger or to punish them for having feelings. We know

that this suppresses their anger or teaches them that their feelings are unacceptable to us.

If a child's underlying need is for your love and approval, then this will cut them to the core.

3 Validate Feelings Validating feelings is not the same as agreeing with your child's behaviour. Immature brains cannot always process feelings in a way that is appropriate and acceptable. So if your child is angry, you could validate their feelings by saying something like: 'It's very hard for you to hear the word no. I can see how angry that makes you. I'm still going to say no but you can come here and tell me how that makes you feel.'

Go for the feelings not the story or the behaviour. At this point, when your child is angry, they do not care if they are right or wrong. They want to know that you get ft and you are going to help them with all this horrible anger they are feeling inside.

4 Set Boundaries You can set boundaries with empathy. When children feel better, they do better. They don't need punishment to learn life's lessons and besides it doesn't work. It only makes them more angry.

5 Stay Calm This can be a tricky one if your cup is empty.

This is why self-care for Mums is vital and part of your job description. I think this is also very difficult if you are triggered by your child. You will know you have been triggered because you will react instead of respond. You may feel small or unheard and powerless. In this moment, you really have to use your breathing to connect back to yourself. Be in your body and breathe. The most common trigger I see in parents is when they feel ignored or that their child isn’t listening to them. These triggers are buttons installed a long time ago – they are not created by your child.

To be on the end of explosive anger of rage for a child is terrifying Children need to trust you. They look to you for safety and security. A raging and explosively angry parent does not feel safe and secure. If you have issues with anger, I would urge you to seek professional help and I would also send you love and hugs. I know how it feels to be that angry. You are in good company and you can break the cycle.

Lisa has just released her new pod cast ‘Truly Madly Smiley’ and she wants to share it with you and your child. To listen, visit www.smileyforlife.com/trulymadlysmiley

Do you have a strong-willed sensitive child? Do you find yourself

overwhelmed by power struggles and tsunamis of feelings?

You are not alone! Join me and other like-minded souls every week at The Energy Pod where you will have fun learning quick, easy techniques to build a growth mindset, emotional resilience and a peaceful harmonious relationship with your child.

For more information, go to www.smileyforlife.com/energypod

8 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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Parenting

r e f f O Why Zipjet is London’s leading, on-demand laundry and dry cleaning service

L

ondon life can be hectic, to say the least.

There’s always chores to be done, errands to run and a million of life’s little tasks to complete. Taking care of your own laundry can be an added hassle and, often - with a whole family’s laundry to worry about too it can be difficult to juggle everything, all while maintaining a healthy work-lifelaundry balance.

What if there was an easy way for your laundry to be cleaned with minimal effort on your part: a snap of the fingers, and it’s done?

Well, with Zipjet, it really can be that simple.

Just download its iOS or Android app, or use the website, and place your first order in a few,

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easy-to-understand steps. Choose your collection and delivery times, service class and, then, just wait for your Zipjet Pickup Pilot to arrive!

Zipjet will provide you with the option of two services: its Ironed Laundry and Dry Cleaning service is perfect for bespoke suit, shirt or dress cleaning, and its Folded Laundry

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

For busy families, Zipjet is the best option to simplify life. Use code 10THAMES to get £10 off your first order! and find the offer on the Families Upon Thames website and Facebook page! Answer the simple question, Like, Share and comment, and you’ll automatically be entered into a contest where three lucky winners will each receive £30 of Zipjet credit.

No more hours of laundry duty for you!

Give Zipjet a try today. www.zipjet.co.uk

service is perfect for everyday laundry. It offers collection and delivery to your doorstep home or office. Questions about the prices?

The transparent price list is available online, so there’s no surprise fees! Zipjet is available seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, and will return your items to you fresh and clean in as little as 24 hours.

Families Upon Thames • 9

Parenting

The Girls’ Guide to Growing up Great The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up Great (£12.99, Green Tree) is a positive, empowering guide to puberty for girls aged from 10 years, written by Sophie Elkan, with Laura Chaisty and Dr. Maddy Podichetty and illustrated by Flo Perry.

Different from the other books out there, its aim is to get young girls owning the physical and – just as important – the emotional changes taking place in their bodies and brains.

It is packed with facts, thoughtful advice, words of wisdom from older women and relatable comments and Q&As from younger girls (including a chapter on boys (because knowledge is power!) plus quirky illustrations from the fabulous Flo Perry, coupled with space to doodle and scribble private thoughts and ideas.

From body basics like breasts, spots and periods, to the questions with no easy answers (Does how you look matter? Is a crush ever wrong? Is it bad to be jealous of your best friends – and does having a best friend even matter?) Plus, of course, clear and straighttalking information on sex, sexuality and gender and a whistle-stop guide to the wonderful world of online.

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The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up Great is written by three women who are mothers to girls: Sophie Elkan has a background in Marketing and PR and now works in communications. She started her career working on women’s magazines, including Marie Claire, as well as teen titles Mizz and 19.

Laura Chaisty is a qualified Art Psychotherapist with over fifteen years of experience working in the National Health Service.

Dr Maddy Podichetty is a GP based in Oxford.

Flo Perry is a freelance illustrator and writer.

She's a former editor at BuzzFeed, and has a passion for drawing funny pictures.

'I wish I’d had this book before I started my teens... funny, kind and wise, and it tells you that there is no single way to be, and there’s no such thing as being perfect. That’s the most valuable lesson you can possibly give.’ Daisy Buchanan ‘Wise, kind, non-judgemental and empathetic.

Sophie Elkan should be within every child’s arm’s reach.’ Sali Hughes ‘This book frees girls from any ill-conceived myths about what they should or shouldn’t be feeling as they go through puberty. It says that you are ok the way you are – a message that could not be more important’ Brita Schmidt, Women for Women International – UK 'Brilliant, accessible, sensitive and funny – get this book for your children, your godchildren, your grandchildren and then everyone else's children!' Emily Maitlis

Upon Thames

10 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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Parenting

Capturing the Moment with Sally Baker Photography

by Juliette Barber

Sally Baker has always had an interest in photography, but it wasn’t until she started her own family (she has two adorable little boys, Leo and Sebastian) that she decided to turn her passion into a career. She is now a much-loved photographer, based in Surrey, and takes beautiful, candid photos of families that especially capture those in-between moments that get missed in everyday life.

Sally’s shoots take place either at a family’s home or at a local outdoor space as it’s important that her subjects are relaxed in their surroundings. She likes to watch the families interact and is very patient with them, letting a scene before her unfold which results in very natural images. She especially loves working with children and watching the way siblings interact with each other. ‘Children as a subject are perfect as they have much fewer inhibitions than adults,’ says Sally, ‘and usually love being the centre of attention!’

With the current culture of snapping every moment, from the froth on your latte to a stray pea on a dinner plate, it is easy for the professional art of photography to take a back seat. Sally feels that although selfies are great fun, nothing beats the experience and wonderful results of a professional family photography shoot. ‘To be able to document this special time for families is a privilege,’ says Sally, and nothing delights her more than to present her families with wonderful memories that they can treasure for many years to come. familiesonline.co.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Extra Shoots start at £95. For more information, or to request a copy of Sally’s brochure, visit www.sallybakerphotography.com

07799 536596 sally@sallybakerphotography.com www.sallybakerphotography.com

Family Photography Families Upon Thames • 11

Education

New Times Table Test for Year 4 Pupils The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test.

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The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020.

The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “onscreen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up to 12 off by heart and has been designed to

12 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers.

The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools.

Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.

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STEM: Helping Children with the Fundamentals of Education By Christopher Cederskog It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing.

I

f you are interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of education there is an acronym which you should become aware of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it is fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There is hardly a career which does not involve some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays a part in many everyday activities.

This is why it’s important our children can understand its key tenets.

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, then work out how much more pastry it would take to double the number of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based on the current number. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge?

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help.

I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However, science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities. familiesonline.co.uk

When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

are green or why they fall in autumn. See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work.

Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such.

Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to make the learning opportunity fun.

While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to worms.

Children were born to learn and their brains are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

Families Upon Thames • 13

Parties

Parties Special

Happy Potter

Just Imagine Dance Parties

Happy Potter is the perfect place for your ARTY PARTY and is guaranteed to be MAGICAL! There is a wide range of crafts to suit all ages. Choose from Pottery painting, T-shirt or tote bag design, mosaics, foam clay and Decopatch- all craft materials, food and drink, party bags, invitations, balloons and decorations are included. Happy Potter runs evrything for you - all with a cuppa!

There is also a huge garden to take advantage of when the weather is good! Parties are available for between four and fifty guests and prices start at just £20 per head and last for 90 minutes for under sevens and two hours for over sevens. www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

Just Imagine can provide magical BALLET and DANCE Parties for children from two to ten years old and stay for an hour to run the full event, allowing parents to sit back and watch or join in when you want! Taking your child’s chosen theme, Just Imagine creates a unique dancing theatrical story and adds dancing games and challenges suitable for both girls and boys. With the use of a wide range of props, costumes and music, Just Imagine makes your child’s party the one to remember!

For more information, email: info@justimagineballet.com

To Advertise here call: 07792 006546 Upon Thames

Ceramics Café Kew Ceramics Café Kew is an ideal venue for parties such a Birthday Parties, Hen Parties, Company Parties, Kids and Adults Parties or School Groups.

It's great artistic fun and all the painters get to create their own customised ceramic item to remember the special day and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. So why not have your next party in our Ceramics Café Kew? Come on down and let's get painting! http://www.ceramicscafe.com/studio-locations/kew

Maisy’s Children’s Parties Whether it’s Tiny Tots, Classic, Adventure or Craft Parties, Maisey’s Children’s Parties caters for all ages and interests, fully engaging the children from start to finish!

Choose from a variety of themes: Princesses, Superheroes, Unicorns, Jungle – you name it they’ll theme it! Featuring creative adventures, musical games, puppets, parachute, interactive magic, balloon modelling, face painting and heaps of fun and giggles.

Quote FSW for 10% off in May/June 2018. Call 0208 123 6484 or email info@maisys-childrens-parties.co.uk 14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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Parties Special

Parties

Ideas for making children’s parties kinder to the environment...

H

ave you ever thought about how many parties your child might attend in any one year? Once you’ve added up those of their friends, family and their own, the numbers soon mount up! Then think about the endless amounts of rubbish generated from said parties, from uneaten food to general party paraphernalia, all heading to a rubbish bag near you. These parties now start to take on a different slant as, in most cases, the thought of recycling disappears as time pressure quashes any environmental responsibilities.

3. Balloons: - foil balloons can be deflated and re-used. If you opt for the first letter for your child’s name rather than a number one, it can be stored and reused year after year. If you opt for a plain or simple happy birthday one it can be used for every birthday in your house and even passed between friends for their children’s birthdays.

Help is at hand, however, and we’ve come up with three easy ways to make children’s parties a bit less plastic and much kinder to the environment.

If you aren’t hosting a children’s party any time soon then you can still think about the following:

1. Party bags: - consider using paper ones instead of plastic and think about the items you put in there (check out the www.thepaperpartybagshop.com for eco and non-plastic party bag fillers). Could you give seeds, a book or indeed (controversial) no party bag?

1. Presents: - how much packaging does a present you are going to give have? Is it recyclable. Is the wrapping paper you use recyclable? Can you make your own cards from any of your childrens’ artwork you may have at home?

2. Try to avoid single use plastic: - why not get together with friends and neighbours to create a box full of party paraphernalia to use year after year? You could collect items such as plain, fabric tablecloths which can easily be themed and then washed after use, or why not invest in some reusable mini milk bottles?

These are perfect for drinks and can easily be washed and stored until the next person needs it. It will save money in the long term and means less rubbish is created at the parties where the items are used.

Perform Parties Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform's enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure.

Themes include Superheroes, Mermaids and Pirates, Pirates and Princesses, Fairytale Forest, Knights and Princesses, Puppy Patrol,

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2. If you attend a party, why not offer to help clear up and be an extra pair of hands for sorting the rubbish so that more can be recycled?

If you want more tips and ideas for making children’s party more eco then please follow a local mum running @sumofallparties on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

May and June 18

Popstarz, Moana, Ghost Hunters, Alice in Wonderland, Outer Space, Secret Spies, Chocolate Adventure, The Ice Queen, Dinosaurs, The Magician's Chamber, Peter Pan, Perfect Princess, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Finding Dory, Beauty and the Beast and Trolls.

To find out more or book a party, call 0207 255 9120 or visit www.performparties.co.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 15

Clubs & Classes Directory ART & CRAFT CERAMICS CAFÉ KEW Ages: All Children can 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 HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS Ages: 6+ Arts and crafts café for all ages offering pottery painting, clay, Tshirt design, mosaics, foam clay and decopatch. NEW: After School Art Club, plus holiday workshops, baby prints and children’s parties.

Adult workshops available also.

In: Teddington Contact: Una 02089731468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

BABY & CHILD DEVELOPMENT GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC 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 to teach grown-ups fun and interesting ways to engage with them! FREE TRIAL CLASS! Check with centres for details.

In: St Margarets, Surbiton, Walton Surbiton and Walton: Baby Massage classes for newborns to age 1 year with a fully trained IAIM instructor.

Gymboree Play & Music Surbiton are thrilled to have refurbished and now use brand new equipment in their classes. With different play opportunities and ways for learning, book your FREE trial to experience it today.

In: St Margarets, Surbiton, Walton Contact: St Margarets: 020 8607 9995, stmargarets@gymboreeclasses. co.uk Surbiton: 020 3609 8007,

surbiton@gymboreeclasses.co.uk Walton: 01932 221371, waltononthames@gymboreeclasses.co.uk

www.gymboreeclasses.co.uk

DANCE DIDDI DANCE RICHMOND, KINGSTON & NORTH SURREY For Ages: 16mths-4.5yrs As you are very aware, your toddler rarely wants to sit still! At Diddi Dance, this endless enthusiasm and energy is encouraged in funky, fun 45-minute pre-school dance classes for girls and boys. Using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hops and dance ribbons, little ones improve their rhythm, co-ordination, gross motor and social skills whilst dancing to funky pop songs. NEW classes in Richmond!

In: Richmond, Teddington, St Margarets, Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Old Malden, Long Ditton, Sunbury, Kingston, Walton. Contact: Mona 07429 180865 mona.zaharia@diddidance.com for Teddington, St Margarets,

16 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Richmond. Contact: Angela 07944 506140 angela.jeffery@diddidance.com for Old Malden, Long Ditton, Sunbury, Kingston, Walton www.diddidance.com ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY Ages: 18mths-14 Fun and vibrant lessons that nurture talent and encourage selfexpression along the way. Ballet students follow the RAD syllabus and train to exam standard. Preschool 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 and 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

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Clubs & Classes Directory JUST IMAGINE BALLET Ages: All Just Imagine Ballet is an inclusive ballet and dance school for all ages and abilities. Just Imagine values creativity and expression and focuses on the healing and nurturing aspects of the creative arts. Children can progress through four separate ballet programmes created to be in line with their physical, emotional and social development and aligned with the National Curriculum key stages.

Glimmer (0−18 months), Twinkle (18 months−5 years), Sparkle (6−10 years), Dazzle (11+ years).

Plus: Tap, Contemporary, Street, Jazz, Character Dance, Classical RAD Ballet, Boys Only Ballet, Family Dance/Homeschool Classes, Holliday Camps, Birthday Parties, Adult, Silver Swans Dance (60+ years) and SHINE (SEN Dance classes, workshops and one2one sessions with a Dance Therapist).

In: Richmond, East Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddington, East Sheen, Kew Contact: The Fairy Godmother or Miss Jessica, Principal 07813 741189 info@justimagineballet.com www.facebook.com/JustImagine BalletLondon

DRAMA

PERFORM Ages: 4-12 Perform provides confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

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Venues: Esher, Hampton, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Kingston-uponThames, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge Contact: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try STAGECOACH PERFORMING 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 the Performing Arts and having fun in a structured safe environment, whilst learning life skills to prepare them for the stage of life. Twoweek trial available. NEW: Saturday class at St Mary’s & St Peter’s School, Teddington, 2.30-5.30pm.

In: Chertsey, Cobham, Hinchley Wood, Kew, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, Teddington & Twickenham, Weybridge Contact: Chertsey: 0772 517 6102 Cobham: 020 3723 9702 Hinchley Wood: 01372 238238 Kew: 020 8487 1456 New Malden: 020 8540 7791 Richmond: 020 8332 6741 Staines: 07802 800633 Teddington & Twickenham: 020 8977 0843 Weybridge: 0808 208 5134 www.stagecoach.co.uk STEP ON STAGE Performing Arts – Dance, Drama, Music Ages: 3-18 Mondays to Fridays: Dance, Drama and Music at The Exchange Arts Centre, 90 London Road, Twickenham (opposite station) – Drama, Dance and Singing Classes,

LAMDA, Trinity and ISTD. Saturdays: Dance and Musical Theatre at Hampton Hill Theatre, United Reform Church, Hampton Hill and St James Church, Hampton Hill – Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, LAMDA, ISTD and Trinity exams.

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

SPORT

BARRACUDAS ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS Ages: 4.5-14 Children love this fun place to spend their holidays, and with over 80 exciting activities to try your youngsters will never get bored and are sure to make some new friends! Now with extended hours from 8am to 6pm. Childcare vouchers accepted.

In: Ashford, Cobham, Egham, Twickenham 0845 123 5299 www.barracudas.co.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

COERVER FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE ACADEMY AND FIRST SKILLS Ages: 5-7 (First Skills) & 7-16 (Performance Academy) Player development programme for boys and girls, teaching gameeffective 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 020 3544 2284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon FOOTIE TOTS Ages: Footie Tots (2.5-5), Footie Wizards (5-13) An introduction to the world of fitness and football with lots of goal continued on p. 18

Families Upon Thames • 17

Clubs & Classes Directory 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 JUNZEN SHOTOKAN KARATE Ages: 7-70 Karate classes for children and adults.

Various payment options available.

In: Staines-upon-Thames, Ashford TW15 3QL Contact: Terry Furuzawa 07595291519 www.junzenkarate.com KIDDIKICKS FOOTBALL CLASSES Ages: 18mths-10 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, Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham, Hampton, Richmond, Sheen, Barnes, Brentford

Contact: East Molesey, North Kingston, Hinchley Wood, Byfleet, Pyrford, Weybridge: Jen, 07590467571/01932 489335 Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham, Hampton: 020 7937 7965 Richmond, Sheen, Barnes, Brentford: Sarah, 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.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 Contact: 0345 313 3242 enquiries@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk TISKA KARATE Ages: 4-65 In: Staines, Tolworth Karate lessons for all ages and abilities, from beginner to black belt.

Three FREE lessons included.

Contact: Andrew Sebley

07880-491278 seb.tiska@hotmail.com www.tiskakarate-staines.co.uk and www.tiskakarate-surbiton.co.uk

SWIMMING EVERYONE ACTIVE: SWIMMING LESSONS Ages: 4mths+ Classes available every day and run

by Swim England qualified teachers.

FREE swimming when enrolled on lessons.

In: Spelthorne, Sunbury Contact: Spelthorne: 01784 493493 Sunbury: 01932 772287 www.everyoneactive.com/activity/s wimming-lessons TEAM SWIM SCHOOL 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.

NEW: Water Polo for kids – Stage 4 swimmers and above. Contact the school to register interest. Small groups, great results.

In: Cobham Contact: Paul Furness

07915510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com WATER BABIES Ages: 0-4 An incredible sensation of freedom and empowerment. Babies have a real affinity with water and because they’ve spent 9 months floating in the womb, being in warm water feels much more familiar to them than being on dry land. However, this early confidence usually diminishes with time and can even turn to fear. That’s one of the main reasons why Water Babies believes in starting them young. But a baby never swims against their wishes, and lots of bonding, fun and socialising is always incorporated so you can be sure that a Water Baby is a happy baby.

In: Chessington, Kingston, Morden, Shepperton, Richmond, Surbiton, West Horsley, Woking, Godalming, Cobham, Farnham, Addlestone, Cranleigh Contact: Melissa Holt 01932 227 428 underthewaves@waterbabies.co.uk www.waterbabies.co.uk

Just Imagine Ballet

Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -

Sparkle Ballet 6 - 11 years old

&

Dazzle Ballet 11 - 18 years old

Our pupils perform at The Royal Ballet School

07879 521 456 info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND - ST MARGARETS - TWICKENHAM KEW - EAST SHEEN - TEDDINGTON

NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams

18 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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Clubs & Classes

Just Keep Swimming with Team Swim School

by Juliette Barber Being able to swim is a vital life skill but how you start to spread your water wings is equally important, and as a parent we all want our children to develop a love rather than a fear of the water. With this in mind, Paul Furness set up Team Swim School and created a state-of-theart swimming complex with a pool built for swimmers by swimmers, complete with warm, UV filtered water and a seated observation area, nestled in the beautiful grounds of the Yehudi Menuhin School in Stoke d’Abernon.

Paul is known for his forward thinking in the swimming world and has spent years developing swimming lessons which will help a child adapt in the water to improve their progress while feeling safe and nurtured. His philosophy is to acknowledge that every child is different, whether a beginner or more advanced swimmer, and to cater for their strengths and to address their fears so that they can develop into fantastic swimmers.

Before your child joins the school, they will be given a free assessment to make sure that they are placed in the correct class. Once they become a member, the 30-minute classes are

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taught in ability groups of five by inspiring teachers who aim to motivate their students both in and out of the water. All children, irrespective of their ability, will learn to tread water and basic water survival techniques so that they are equipped to save their own life and those of others.

The swim school is not only a place to learn new skills or to improve upon those already learnt but also a home which your child will look forward to coming to. Nothing beats a healthy snack from the welcoming café where little swimmers can refuel, and the homework space provides a perfect area for them to study while they wait for their siblings to finish their lessons.

For further information or to book a free assessment, visit www.teamswimschool.com

Extra Intensive Summer Crash Course 16 to 27 July in Cobham Improve your child’s swimming skill set and confidence by signing them up to this popular summer crash course. Why not register for a FREE lesson to asses your child’s swimming ability beforehand?

Contact: Paul Furness 07915 510 720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 19

Clubs & Classes Bonding through ballet at Elizabeth James Dance Academy by Juliette Barber If you want your little one to develop a love of music and movement from a young age, then The Melody Bear Little Feet programme at Elizabeth James Dance Academy is just for you.

Children as young as 18 months can join this super-cute ‘Mummy & Me’ dance class where they bring their favourite teddy to meet Melody Bear. Parents and carers love these sessions as they see it as a beautiful way to bond with their children as they gain confidence and independence.

The dance academy, the brain child of former dancer Suze Bailey, believes in a very gentle approach, so that a child’s love of dance can be nurtured from the beginning while still receiving a good grounding.

Each class is carefully crafted to provide the most engaging environment for little ones to experience the sheer joy of trying something

new or remembering movements at home. ‘It’s such a pleasure to watch these gorgeous little dancers’ beaming faces as they learn they can do something new!’ says Suze who has been teaching Melody classes for nearly 10 years.

Each class has a maximum of 10 children and focuses on music and movement, while slowly introducing ballet feet and arms. The class uses lots of colourful props and the little dancers love responding to an array of music using different instruments, speeds and timbres. Each class follows the loveable Melody Bear on a weekly adventure to Story Land, dressed in her favourite ballet costume and holding ‘the secret bag’. The girls and boys love playing ‘What’s inside?’ and are always treated to a

sensory surprise, whether it’s scented, tactile or noisy. Every child is rewarded with a sticker for completing the class.

Classes take place in Kew (Mondays) and Richmond (Fridays).

For more information, or to book a taster session, visit www.elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk

Barracudas Activity Day Camps It can be hard to keep children entertained during the school holidays. With an unrivalled choice of activities and more ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings than any other comparable provider, Barracudas is an excellent choice for both parents and children alike.

For as little as £3.64 an hour, children have a choice of quality activities for every session, run by friendly, professional and

enthusiastic staff in exceptional settings.

They’re so confident that your child will have ‘such an amazing experience at Barracudas they can’t wait to come back’ that they offer a ‘money back guarantee’ for all new bookers!

So, for a 100% stress free school holiday, choose Barracudas. www.barracudas.co.uk

JUNZEN KARATE Karate for adults and children aged 7+ Now officially in the 2020 Olympics, karate is a Japanese martial art focusing on fast defensive distance fighting techniques. It works on your fitness, coordination and flexibility whilst learning a valuable life skill in self-defence.

Monday & Friday evening in Staines & Ashford.

Try an obligation free first class!

Email: sensei@junzenkarate.com; Tel: 07595291519; www.junzenkarate.com

20 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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Days Out Bocketts Farm Spring Spectacular 26 May to 3 June

Wisley - Family Gardening Festival – Get, Set, Grow! 26 May to 3 June

There’s lots of extra activities to enjoy this half term with Bird of Prey flying demonstrations, (Tuesday to Friday) and exciting Circus Skills Workshops taking place every day. In addition, they’ll be lots of friendly farm animals to meet, including baby lambs and goat kids.

The huge indoor play barns, 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 and jumping pillows.

With a full programme of activities including pony rides, tractor rides, goat milking, pig racing, gold panning and more, you can be sure of a great day out for the whole family! www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

A chance to try your hand at lots of practical gardening activities and garden-themed crafts.

There will be planting, potato and spoon races, face painting, seed jars, talks and craft activities, plus the chance to take part in the vegetable sculpture completion.

Don’t miss the Budding Gardeners competition, which is part of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. Local schools get to build their own mini show garden, to be judged by the garden’s curator. The gardens will be on show until 5 June and there will also be the chance for the public to vote for their favourite.

Birds of Prey 26 to 27 May Bring the whole family to discover all about birds of prey. See these magnificent birds up close, with agility displays at 11am and 2pm. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley book online and save 10% RHS members go free

CALLING ALL ADVENTURERS! The smash-hit production We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is returning to the West End this Summer! To celebrate, we’re giving away one family ticket (admits 4).

There are a number of bear paw prints hidden throughout this magazine. To WIN, find them all and email your answer together with you name (subject heading BEAR HUNT Families Upon Thames COMPETITION) to info@kennywax.com before midnight 30 June 2018).

Join our intrepid family of adventurers for this fun-filled adaptation of Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue from 4 July. Live music, original songs and lots of audience interaction make this the perfect summer treat!

T&Cs – Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 4 July – 2 September 2018. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, hold no cash value, and are non-transferable. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of midnight 30 June 2018 and all decisions will be final.

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Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 21

What’s On EVERY WED MORNING PARENT AND BABY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 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 EVERY WED DURING TERM TIME PANDEMONIUM AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: 0-2 & 2-4 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 EVERY FRI MORNING SNAPPITY THE CROCODILE’S ACTIVITIES FOR UNDER FIVES AT KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS Ages: under 5s Time 10.15-11am Cost: FREE. Enjoy these friendly sessions with stories and making activity fun.

020 8547 5006 www.kingston.gov.uk/museum EVERY SAT MORNING FAMILY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 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 3 TO 7 MAY SPRING CRAFT FAIR AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 9am-5pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Browse and buy from a wide

range of inspiring exhibitors, both emerging and more established.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 4 AND 18 MAY 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 5 MAY 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm Cost: FREE Make balloon dinosaurs at this free family drop-in craft activity. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org FAMILY FARM DAY AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Learn about animals and have fun with wool! 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 5 AND 19 MAY OLD ISLEWORTH MARKET Shrewsbury Walk, off South Street, Old Isleworth Focusing on high-quality food, the market will offer locals an alternative to the supermarket and a chance to purchase locally sourced, affordable produce. rowan@southstreet.biz

Upon Thames

5 MAY AND 2 JUN 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 12 MAY AND 9 JUN FAMILY FUN DAY AT ELMBRIDGE MUSEUM Hersham Village Hall, KT12 5LT Time: 2-4.30pm Cost: £1.50 Bring your family along for fun arts and craft activities based around some of the fantastic objects from the museum’s collection. 01372 474568 www.elmbridgemuseum.org.uk Sunday 13th May JACK AND JILL SCHOOL MAY FAIR Twickenham Green Time: 12pm-5pm Cost: Free We're looking forward to another funfilled Jack & Jill May Fair this year with everything from funfair rides and jolly jars, to vintage games, pimms tent, live bands, face painting and glitter tattoos, bottle tombola, cakes and homemade lemonade and much more. Plus the incredible Silent Auction.

To find out more, visit Facebook and twitter @jackandjillfair 13 MAY THE DITTONS FAIR Giggs Hill Green, Thames Ditton KT7 0BT Time: 1pm. Sideshows, dancing and fairground attractions. www.thedittonsfair.co.uk 19 MAY MUM2MUM MARKET – NEARLY NEW SALES FOR BABY AND KIDS Teddington Baptist Church, Church Road, Teddington TW11 8PF Time: 2-4pm www.mum2mummarket.co.cuk YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8-16 Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £5. Discover the world of archaeology through artefact handling, investigation and art and craft activities.

This month’s session focuses on the Titanic. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

24 MAY BAT WALK AT HATCHLANDS East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 8-10pm Cost: Adult £7, Child £5 Enjoy a twilight walk in the parkland and see how many bat species you can spot.

Bat detectors are provided. Booking essential. 01483 444334 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

HALF TERM 26 May to 3 June 26 MAY TO 3 JUN HALF TERM TRAIL AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-5pm Cost: 50p plus Normal Admission. Celebrate the birth of Queen Victoria and learn about her happy childhood memories of Claremont as you explore the trails. Plus, enjoy craft activities from 29 May to 1 June (£1.50 per craft). 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden LIVE STEAM MODEL RAILWAY AT LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER & STEAM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0EN Learn about London’s watery past as you enjoy fun activities and take a ride on a steam train. 020 8568 4757 www.waterandsteam.org.uk MAY HALF TERM – GARDENING FESTIVAL – GET SET GROW! AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Enjoy a week of exciting activities and join in the Vegetable Olympics and daily craft.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley MAY HALF TERM AT HATCHLANDS East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Explore the parkland on a fun nature trail.

01483 444334 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

To advertise call Mima : 07792 006546 22 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - May/June 2018

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What’s On SPRING SPECTACULAR AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Meet miniature Shetland Ponies in the Pony Parlour, be amazed by the Birds of Prey in their magnificent flying demonstrations and learn a few tricks at the Circus Skills Workshop. 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 29 AND 31 MAY HOLIDAY ACTIVITY AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 5-12 Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £4. Fun crafts with a nature theme.

Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 29 MAY TO 1 JUN ARCHAEOLOGY: A MURDER MYSTERY! AT MUSEUM OF RICHMOND Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £5.50 per child A body has been discovered and help is needed to finish the archaeological dig to uncover the story of the person buried long ago…

0208 332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com HALF TERM FAMILY FUN AT BROOKLAND'S MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Normal Admission Take a trip in a vintage-style car, join one of the Kids Tours on Concorde, take part in a family workshop and don’t forget to look out for Bertie the Brooklands Bear.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 29 MAY TO 3 JUNE MYTHS & MAGIC AT ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ Ages: up to 17. Make dinner for magical beasts, create a pair of wings to soar over the sun, become a master of disguise, and much more! www.orleanshousegallery.org 2 JUN 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm Cost: FREE

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Make balloon dinosaurs at this free family drop-in craft activity. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 2 AND 16 JUNE OLD ISLEWORTH MARKET Shrewsbury Walk, off South Street, Old Isleworth Focusing on high quality food, the market will offer locals an alternative to the supermarket and a chance to purchase locally sourced, affordable produce. rowan@southstreet.biz 6, 13, 20 AND 27 JUN TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC AND STORYTELLING AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 1.30-2.30pm Cost: £3 plus Normal Admission. Bring along your teddy for a picnic followed by storytelling and singing by the Thatched Cottage. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 9 JUN ARCHERY AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 1-3pm Cost: £2.50 for six arrows plus Normal Admission. Can you score a bullseye at this archery event in these beautiful grounds? 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden HAM FAIR Ham Common, Upper Ham Road TW10 5LA Lots of stalls plus entertainment provided by local schools and groups. www.hamamenitiesgroup.org.uk/hamfair SHEPPERTON VILLAGE FAIR Ham Common, Upper Ham Road TW10 5LA Pirates and Princesses procession, stalls and fairground. www.shepperton-fair.org 15 JUN 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

16 JUN MUM2MUM MARKET – NEARLY NEW SALES FOR BABY AND KIDS Twickenham, All Hallows Church Hall, Erncroft Waty, Twickenham TW1 1DA Time: 2-4pm www.mum2mummarket.co.cuk YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8-16 Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £5. Discover the world of archaeology through artefact handling, investigation and art and craft activities.

This month’s session focuses on War Ships. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

FATHER’S DAY

17 JUN FATHER’S DAY AT PAINSHILL PARK Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Time: 10am-6pm Cost: FREE for fathers accompanied by children Spend the day with your dad in the beautiful garden. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk FATHER’S DAY KITE DAY AT HATCHLANDS East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Normal Admission, plus £3 for the workshop Let dad show off his skills! Bring your own kite or have a go at making one. Dads go free. 01483 444334 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

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FATHER’S DAY SURREY CLASSIC VEHICLE CLUB AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 11am-3pm Cost: Normal Admission Treat dad to a day out among this static display of vintage cars on the Amphitheatre. Dads go free when accompanied by their children!

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 20 TO 24 JUN NATIONAL INSECT WEEK AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Join expert entomologists in a variety of insect-themed activities and displays.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 23 JUN KEW MIDSUMMER FETE Kew Green TW9 3AP Time: 11am-6pm Vintage fairground rides, tug of war, dog show and live music. www.kewfete.org 24 JUN TEDDINGTON VILLAGE FAIR AND PRAM RACE Udney Hall Gardens, Langham Road TW11 9HQ Time: 12-5pm Pram race, live familiesonline.co.uk entertainment, stalls and music. www.teddingtonsociety.org.uk

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