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H ME KE TA
EE FR E OM
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SPOOKTACULAR FUN FOR ALL AGES RECRUITING NOW
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Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Road Twickenham • 26 The Green Twickenham 1 Holly Road Twickenham • 20 Tangley Park Hampton
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Issue 126 October 2018
Grosvenor House May 2016 Twickenham Green July 2016
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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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Family Health
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Early Years
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OCD Awarenees Week
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Education
...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey
14 Clubs and Classes
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Family Health
My Kids Can’t Eat That! Tackling Food Allergies and Intolerances By Christine Bailey
I
f your child suffers with any type of food reaction, you are not alone. The latest surveys estimate that true food allergies affect up to 8% of children. Between 1997 and 2007, the number of reported cases of food allergy in children increased by 18%. In a similar timeframe, peanut allergy more than tripled in those under age 18, going from 0.4% in 1997 to 1.4% in 2008. This does also not take into account the number of children with food sensitivities and intolerances, coeliac disease (an autoimmune condition triggered by eating food containing gluten) or related atopic conditions such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms can occur from minutes to days after exposure, ranging from mild to severe. Different types of food allergy trigger different types of immune response. A true food allergy is known as an IgE-mediated food allergy. This can be associated with anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Many people prone to anaphylaxis carry self-injecting epinephrine pens in case of emergencies.
The most common food allergies in children are to: cow’s milk • eggs • fish and shellfish • peanuts soybeans (and related products) • tree nuts (e.g. almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazils, macadamia nuts) • wheat and gluten containing grains (barley, rye) Testing If you do suspect your child may be reacting to certain foods, speak to your GP about allergy testing. Depending on the suspected type of reaction, tests may involve skin prick tests or blood tests. In some cases, you will be referred to an allergy clinic to undertake these tests. If certain foods are identified, it is essential these are completely removed from the diet. You will also need to avoid cross contamination with these foods when not eating at home.
What is a Food Allergy? An allergy occurs when your immune system responds aggressively to a harmless environmental substance. This can include foods but also things like pollen, animal dander, dust, mould, nickel, copper and latex. These allergens can affect various parts of the body and cause a range of symptoms which may affect: the nasal passage (itchy, stuffy and/or runny nose, postnasal drip) the mouth area (tingling sensation, swollen mouth and lips, itchy throat) the eyes (swollen, itchy, red eyes) respiratory (wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath) the skin (hives, rashes, swelling) and gastrointestinal (stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea)
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Nutritional Support One of the concerns of many parents when their child is diagnosed with a food reaction is what they CAN eat and how to ensure they are getting the required nutrients. Fortunately, there are now many supermarket free-from products available for easy substitutions. Some are fortified with certain vitamins and minerals. For instance, many milk alternatives contain added vitamin D and calcium to support bone health. Remember though that just because a product is free-from does not mean it is healthy. Many free-from products are highly refined and nutrient poor and can upset a child’s bloodsugar levels. Prepared foods, such as free-from breads, can be useful, but cooking from scratch frequently is the healthiest and safest option. If you are concerned about your child’s diet, ask your GP to refer you to a nutritionist or dietician to guide you through a new meal plan and recommend nutritional supplements.
They may not all be tolerated by your child but consider including some daily. Children also need plenty of fibre to support gut health. Avoid white refined foods and include plenty of starchy vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, potato, beetroot, yams) and some wholegrains like rice or oats. In addition, healthy fats, particularly the essential omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats (found in avocado, olives and nuts) reduce inflammation and help modulate the immune response and support gut health. So, if your child can eat fish, aim to serve it two or three times a week, especially oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines). These also provide vitamins A and D which are important for a healthy immune system.
The following are the 14 major allergens identified on UK and European packaging, by law. You will often see these highlighted in bold on the ingredients list. Celery (including celeriac) • Cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, kamut) • Crustacea (such as crabs, crayfish, lobster and prawns) • Egg • Fish • Lupin • Milk (including lactose) • Molluscs (such as cockles, mussels and oysters) • Mustard • Peanuts • Sesame • Soy beans • Sulphur dioxide and sulphites • Tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, pistachio, macadamia nut, walnut)
Having a food allergy does not mean your child will miss out on their favourite foods. There are many savvy ways to replace common allergen foods with alternatives in your cooking. Take eggs for example – these can be replaced with various alternatives in many recipes.
In baking, you can replace one egg with any of the following: Immune Supporting Foods Supporting the health of your child’s immune system is important since it is the imbalance in the immune response that triggers their allergy. This means looking at your child’s digestive health since over 70% of the immune cells lie in the gut and probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurts (coconut or dairy), kefir (coconut or dairy), sauerkraut, water kefir, kombucha and kimchi are often recommended.
• 1 tbsp agar flakes soaked in 2 tbsp hot water to dissolve • 60g of apple puree • ½ a mashed banana • 1 tbsp chia seeds soaked in 3 tbsp water for 10 minutes before use • 2 tbsp chickpea flour in 3 tbsp water • 4 tbsp drained liquid from a can of chickpeas (known as aquafaba) • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed soaked in 3 tbsp water for 10 minutes before using • 60g Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt or soy yogurt • 2 tbsp potato flour, arrowroot or cornflour with a little water
EXTRA: Christine Bailey is the author of My Kids Can’t Eat That: How to Deal with Allergies and Intolerances in Children (Nourish Books 2018). It contains details on useful herbs, spices and foods to support immune health, specific foods that can help lower histamine and reduce the symptoms of allergic reaction and a wealth of great substitute foods for all the common food allergens.
richmond practice PRIVATE DOCTORS‘ SERVICE
The family doctor.
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Early Years
Babies Prefer Hearing Voices of Other Babies Recent research has revealed that babies appear to be much more interested in listening to other babies than they are listening to adults.
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esearchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal conducted experiments on five-month-old babies. By using a synthesiser that simulates movements of the mouth, tongue and vocal cords, they were able to produce vowel sounds that mimicked human voices. The babies displayed a clear preference for the synthetic baby voices, listening to them for 40% longer, on average, than the adult voices. This doesn’t mean mum or dad should give up oohing and aahing in high voices, says Linda Polka, a professor at McGill University. ‘Babies do respond to these kinds of sounds. However, infant speech captures and holds infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions. This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalisations, perhaps energising and supporting spoken language development.’ For more information, visit www.sciencedaily.com
Milkshake Montessori Nursery School - provides high quality care and education for children from 3 months to 5 years.
Milkshake Montessori Nursery School Ltd 131 Warren Road Whitton Middlesex TW2 7DJ 020 8894 3113 enquiries@milkshakemontessori.co.uk www.milkshakemontessori.co.uk
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Half Price Registration (Save ÂŁ125.00) up until 30th October 2018.
Offer available to new registrations only Only one offer per child
Offer is not open to employees
Offer applicable to customers paying by monthly standing order This offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time New places are subject to availability
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OCD Awareness Week – Can Children Have OCD? By Lynn Crilly OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a serious mental illness, which is formed of two distinct parts – obsession and compulsion. Intrusive thoughts form the mental aspect of the condition and these thoughts often give way to compulsive (or repetitive) behaviours. OCD can affect anyone of any age and all walks of life including children.
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t can be quite common for children to have set and timed routines around mealtimes, bath times and bedtimes, so giving a child structure to their day. These predictable routines can enable children to have a sense of safety and security, which they will normally be soothed and comforted by. However, for children suffering from OCD the reasons behind certain routines and repetitions can be very different. When a child is suffering from OCD these routines can, unintentionally, be ways of encouraging the fears and anxieties which the OCD has subconsciously created. Whilst worry and fear are common in childhood, it can become an issue when they begin to interfere with a child’s ability to engage in ‘normal’ activities and behaviours which are relative to their age. Approximately one child in every two hundred suffers from OCD, with the onset of symptoms starting as early as the age of three, however, due to the lack of their vocal development and ability to communicate, it can
make it more difficult to identify, and unfortunately, there is no quick and easy laboratory test that can give an immediate diagnosis. However, there are certain patterns and tendencies that might be able to help you to determine that something could potentially be amiss and knowing this is the parents’/carer’s biggest ally, as OCD can often be extremely difficult to recognise in the early stages. In my personal experience, a dramatic change in personality and behaviour can be the biggest warning. Things to look out for include, but are not limited to: a decline in self-confidence, particularly around friends,
becoming preoccupied and withdrawn and behaving in complete contrast to how they used to. Often, only focussing on the physical symptoms only can lead to potentially missing the vital emotional signs. Hope with OCD by Lynn Crilly is available from Hammersmith Books in all good bookshops for £14.99 as paperback and eBook.
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EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2018 Assessing Choices
Education
School News Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School
Twickenham Prep school
Twickenham Prep School (TPS) is a co-educational, independent school for boys (aged 4-13) and girls (aged 4-11) located in Hampton. TPS is an inspiring place to be, with happy, enthusiastic children and experienced, committed staff, and its nurturing environment, first-class facilities and strong pastoral care provides an excellent start to life at school. The pupils achieve great success, both academic and extra-curricular, moving on to excellent independent secondary schools. There is a
strong sense of community where kindness, consideration and courteousness are highly valued, and the pupils leave TPS as happy, confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals. Entry to the school is nonselective at Reception, with limited places available in other year groups subject to an assessment. A morning minibus service and a new onsite wraparound care provision from 7.30am to 6.30pm are available also. Visitors are always welcome, either at the regular open mornings or on a prebookable, personal tour. For more information, visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk
Open Day Listings Autumn Term 2018 HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL Friday, 5 October 9.30am to 11.00am For further information or to reserve a place, call 020 8979 1844. NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Welcome Mornings Friday, 12 October from 9.30am Friday, 23 November from 9.30am Please call 020 8865 1305 to book or to arrange an individual appointment; individual appointments for the Pre-Prep, Prep and Nursery are available also. TWICKENHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Whole School Open Morning Friday, 5 October 9.15am to 11.15am Pre-Prep Open Morning Thursday 15th November 9.15am to 10.45am Please call 020 8979 6216 to reserve a place.
Hampton PrePrep & Prep School offers an excellent all-round education, with superb pastoral care and exceptional teaching. Every child is recognised as a unique individual and allowed to flourish in a caring, lively and happy environment. The school’s latest ISI report found that: ‘The achievements of the pupils are excellent… A close and nurturing atmosphere is at the heart of the school.’ The school’s stunning, new, state-of-the-art Prep building borders a local park and pupils enjoy an abundance of outdoor space, with onsite grass playing fields, an all-weather games area and ‘the allotment corner’ with raised beds for
growing flowers and vegetables. The welcoming and friendly PrePrep School and Kindergarten are accommodated in an attractive Edwardian building with a superbly equipped playground. Part of the Hampton School Trust, the Pre-Prep & Prep School enjoys close links with the nearby senior school and an increasing number of the boys move onto Hampton School via the Assured Place Scheme. For further information, visit www.hamptonprep.org.uk
Digital Learning at Newland House School Newland House School recognises the importance of embracing technology and its capacity to aid leaning both in and out of the classroom. Last year the school introduced an exciting Digital Learning project where all pupils in Year 5 were given a new personal iPad to use in school as a learning resource. The project has proved very successful providing pupils with the power to research, create content and enhance their learning through a variety of applications and websites. Pupils have shown greater independence exploring topics and the devices have fostered collaborative learning among
10 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
pupils. The school is now extending the project and pupils moving into Year 5 this September were delighted to receive their personal ipads last week. The 2017 Year 5 have retained their ipads as they move into year 6 so that this enhanced way of learning can continue through the upper years of the school. Find out more at admissions@ newlandhouse.net or call 020 8865 1305
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Part of the Hampton School Trust. IAPS Independent Day School for boys aged 3 -11 & girls aged 3 - 7 years
Open Mornings
9.30am: Headmaster’s welcome – Prep School 9.45am - 11.00am: Tours – Pre-Prep and Prep Book your place via our website: www.hamptonprep.org.uk - ‘Visit the School’ page
Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School is highly successful in meeting its aims. The achievements of the pupils are excellent.
Assessment morning for Year 3, September 2019 entry: Saturday 10 November, 2018
ISI Report 2016
Friday 5 October and Friday 7 December 2018
020 8979 1844 admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep, Gloucester Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2UQ
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http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/e ducation/thinkingschools/accreditat ion/accreditedschools/ Should your child not be at an accredited school, you can still access the Thinking Matters approach to education used by Thinking Schools. Cog-Ignition (www.cog-ignition.com) works directly with families, and use ‘cognitive coaches’ who work oneto-one to develop the thinking skills, attitudes and interpersonal skills needed to succeed at school and far beyond. We don’t have to think of machines purely as a threat. They are, after all, our creation. The key is to develop the intelligences and skills to get them to work for us!
How Thinking Skills Can Equip Your Child for the Future By Dr David Walters
What jobs will be available to my child when the time comes for them to enter the employment market? It’s a worry for every parent. Artificial Intelligence will ‘kill off’ five million jobs by 2020, according to some of the more alarmist headlines. While AI threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in the retail and administration sectors, top professions such as the law and medicine are also set to be transformed by the ‘march of the robots’. So how can we help our children to future-proof their skills? In the world of education, the speed at which the robots are advancing has poured more fuel on to the debate about the value of learning by rote. Are schools, under enormous pressure from government to deliver ever-better exam grades, responding by priming a generation of students simply to remember, recall and regurgitate facts just as the need for those skills is being usurped by Siri and Alexa? Surely, if we want our children to succeed in a future where so many jobs will be dominated by automation, we should educate them with skills unique to human beings? So, what are those uniquely human skills, and where can your child learn them? What do we as a species have going for us that the computers don’t – and are unlikely to for at least a while? One of our most important is cognitive – or thinking – skills. Back in the 1950s a US
psychologist called Benjamin Bloom devised his now-famous hierarchy of thinking. This ‘pyramid of thought’ classifies thinking according to six cognitive levels of complexity. It is increasingly relevant today. According to Bloom’s hierarchy, the least complex (lower order) thinking skills such as recalling information form the base of the pyramid and the most complex (higher order) skills, such as creativity, sit at the peak. Put simply, the higher up the pyramid you go, the safer you are from the rising tide of the machines. Thinking Schools, at which these higher-order skills are taught, can be found all over the world, including in Dubai, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Egypt, Nigeria and Thailand. In Malaysia, the government has looked to introduce the Thinking Schools model in 10,000 public schools. In Britain, too, there is a new enthusiasm for schools where these
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skills form the basis of teaching. There is growing recognition that Thinking Schools drive the type of unique thinking skills and intelligent learning behaviours that we all need in an increasingly technological world. Much of education has shifted too far towards pure recall and regurgitation of fact. Typically, in a Thinking School you will see pupils working with ‘map’-like visual tools which help children to understand their thinking processes and ultimately to create, understand, problem-solve and persist with tasks rather than merely regurgitate answers. Recent research has shown that attending an accredited Thinking School can improve pupils’ GCSE results by as much as a grade above what they were originally predicted. Accredited Thinking Schools have been rigorously assessed by Exeter University’s Cognitive Education Development Unit to ensure that they meet strict criteria and a list of them can be found at
But thinking skills are not an education programme; they are an attitude to learning. In a Thinking School: • all members share a common language of learning • thinking strategies and tools are used across the curriculum and teachers and students have sound understanding of metacognition • all students are developing and demonstrating independent and co-operative learning skills • there are high levels of achievement and an excitement and enthusiasm for learning
EXTRA Dr David Walters is Deputy Principal of a secondary school in the South West and Honorary Fellow, Exeter University Graduate School of Education. Thinking Matters works with schools all over the country which want to become Thinking Schools. For further information, visit www.thinkingmatters.com
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12 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
Mrs. Cutler: St Margarets, TW1 T: 07521 554188 E: selene.cutler@handwritingsupport.co.uk
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Education
Should You Help with Homework? W
hen your children settles down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hands off? Researchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence. The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later. However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less task-persistent the child’s
11 PLUS TUITION
behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer more and more help. ‘One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child’s skills and capabilities. This, in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities,’ explains Associate Professor Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland. Similarly, concrete homework assistance (especially if not requested by a child) may send out a message that a parent doesn’t believe in their child’s ability to do their homework.
persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently, leading to poorer development of skills.
When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work
‘It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering
homework assistance,’ continues Viljaranta. ‘Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed.’ For more information, visit www.sciencedaily.com
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Both the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Preparation Courses above include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.
Year 4 and Year 5 NOW BOOKING courses starting in January 2019
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Families Upon Thames • 13
Clubs & Classes Develop your football skills at Coerver Performance Academy
H WO OLIDA RKS Y HO P
®
Skill, Speed, Sense, Strength and Speed - known as the 5 ‘S’ model. The Coerver Code explains the academy’s mission: to develop skilled, confident, creative players who combine well with teammates and have the skills to go it alone. To find out more, visit www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon
HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR Yes it’s BACK our HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR was incredible in 2017 so this year we will be making up more spooky, scary Songs, Dances and Drama over October half term. Join us for a week of hobgoblins, potions and pumpkins.
22nd - 26th OCTOBER
TRICK OR TREAT Age: 4 - 6 year olds Time: 9.30am - 1.30pm Performance: Fri 26 Oct 1.00pm Cost: £135 (£115 for siblings)
HOCUS POCUS Age: 6 - 18 year olds Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm Performance: Fri 26 Oct 3.00pm Cost: £165 (£135 for siblings)
Venue: Stanley School, Teddington Strathmore road TW11 8UH
stagecoach.co.uk/teddington stagecoach.co.uk/twickenham 0208 979 5276
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.
Coerver® Coaching was founded in 1984, and in the years that followed has influenced the way that young players around the world learn technical football skills. The Coerver® Performance Academy is for boys and girls aged between 5 and 16 years old and the players are taught to combine
Stagecoach Twickenham
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Upon Thames
14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
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Clubs & Classes
Spooky Times at Stagecoach S
pooky fun with Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington this half term The Halloween Spectacular was incredible in 2017 so this year Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington will be making up more spooky, scary songs, dances and drama to entertain your children over half term (22 to 26 October). Join Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington for a fun week of hobgoblins, potions and pumpkins at Stanley School in Teddington. The workshops are open to all and
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, T-shirt 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
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DANCE 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/ JustImagineBalletLondon
no experience is needed. Children are split into two classes: Trick or Treat is for children aged 4 to 6 and the Hocus Pocus Workshop is for ages 6 to 16. Your child will make new friends and maybe even fly a broomstick or cast a spell. Expelliarmus! The week ends with a show for family and friends, complete with costumes and lights! For more information and to reserve your space, visit www. stagecoach.co.uk/teddington and www.stagecoach.co.uk/ twickenham
PERFORMING ARTS
DRAMACUBE PRODUCTIONS Ages: 7−14 Dramacube Productions provides students aged 7 to 14 with an opportunity to perform in full-scale musical theatre shows at impressive purposebuilt theatres in and around the Richmond borough. Inspired by a talented team of performing arts professionals, students participating in the productions are guided and supported in their own development as young performers. Shows are carefully selected to ensure students experience a diverse range of musical theatre styles, maximising opportunity to enhance skills in acting, singing and dance. Dramacube works with leading licensing agents for musicals, using scripts which are inspired by commercially successful shows but written specifically for young people. Rehearsal Venues: Hampton Hill, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham Contact: Steve 020 8408 0245 contact@dramacube.co.uk www.dramacubeproductions. co.uk
Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546
PIANO LESSONS WITH ALEKSANDRA TIMAROV For Ages: 5+ Motivational, fun and ageappropriate piano lessons tailored to suit and inspire each student, working in partnership with the parents, plus exam, festival and audition preparation. CRB/ DBS certificate, full CV and references on request. FREE trial lesson available. In: Kingston Contact: Aleksandra Timarov 07588 690909 aleksandra.timarov@gmail.com
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. Two-week trial available. NEW: Saturday class
Continued on page 16... Families Upon Thames • 15
Clubs & Classes Continued from page 15... 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 8979 5276 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
SPORTS
SWIMMING
SPORTS 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 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 PLAYBALL Ages: 1-6 Playball is an international sports and movement programme where your children will thrive in fun-filled, high-quality sport lessons. There are six age-specific programmes which aim to boost confidence and self-esteem, with each class tailored to your child’s developmental, emotional and physical needs. Playball will equip your child with a wide range of sports skills and ensure them a future of positive and competent sports participation. In: Barnes, Kingston, Richmond Contact: 07850 324 116 kingston.playball@gmail.com www.playballkids.com
available three evenings a week. Call or email to arrange a trial lesson. 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
SWIMMING COERVER COACHING PERFORMANCE ACADEMY Ages: 7-16 The Performance Academy is the UK’s premier football development programme for boys and girls aged 7 to16 and offers unrivalled level of support, both on and off the training pitch. Book a FREE Trial Session today! In: Hounslow, Kingston Contact: Michael Cook 020 3544 2284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon
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. Plus club swims
16 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
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A Whole New World Awaits at Dramacube! Award-winning youth production company Dramacube has confirmed its spring term production will be Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Based on the award-winning film and Broadway hit, Aladdin Jr. is about the ‘diamond in the rough’ street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. With expanded fun characters, new and exciting songs (as well as the classics such as, Friend like Me, Prince Ali and A Whole New World), and lots more thrills, this new
Clubs & Classes
adaptation of the much-loved story will open up ‘a whole new world’ for young performers! This magical musical will go into rehearsal in early January with performances in late March/ early April 2019 on the main stage at Hampton Hill Theatre. Auditions are taking place on 25 November in Hampton Hill and Twickenham (no prior experience required). For more information and to register for an audition, visit www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk
HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS HORRIFYING HALF TERM WORKSHOPS! For Ages: 6+ 23 to 26 October (10.30am to 12.30pm) 23 October: Lino print and make your own spooky bunting, plus decopatch decorations. 24 October: Lantern making and terrifying tie-dye! 25 October: Pumpkin mug painting and pumpkin pom-poms. 26 October: Mask making and candy tote bag design. All workshops include a Halloween-themed lunch (£25 a head). Contact: Una 0208 973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk
Students performing at Hampton Hill Theatre in 2017
Step on Stage to a brighter future
Step On Stage in an award winning, independent performing arts school and youth theatre based in Twickenham and Hampton Hill. Established in 2005, the school offers classes and workshops for 3 to 18-year-olds in Dance, Acting and Musical Theatre, as well as piano, singing and music theory. Students can take LAMDA, Trinity, ABRSM and ISTD exams and from January 2019 it will also be offering ArtsAward; Summer Schools and holiday workshops take place each year also.
Playball: learn, practice, play! Playball Kingston, Richmond and Barnes are sport and movement development specialists for children aged two to nine. The super-fun weekly classes develop your child’s fundamental ball and movement skills before having to specialise in a specific sport. The age-specific curriculum is designed by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and teachers to help develop every aspect of your child’s life. Classes are small to ensure one on one attention. Playball also provides unforgettable birthday parties and holiday camps! To book your Playball Kingston, Richmond and Barnes classes or for more information, visit www.playballkids.com
The youth theatre is currently in rehearsal for Goodnight Mr Tom, which is on at the Hampton Hill Theatre from 10 to 12 January 2019. Tickets are available at www. ticketsource.co.uk/steponstageproductions For more information, visit www.steponstageacademy.co.uk
MORE ONLINE
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Upon Thames
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Families Upon Thames • 17
Clubs & Classes Fireworks Preview 2018 LEGOLAND Fireworks 20, 21, 26 & 27 OCT & 2 NOV Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY Burhill School Fireworks FRI 2 NOV New Berry Lane, Hersham KT12 4HQ Saxon Primary School Fireworks Display FRI 2 NOV Saxon Primary School, Briar Rd, Shepperton TW17 0JB St James School Twickenham Fireworks FRI 2 NOV Stanley Rd TW2 5NP Ascot Racecourse Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday SAT 3 NOV Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot SL5 7JX Collis Fireworks SAT 3 NOV Collis School, Fairfax Rd, Teddington TW11 9BS
Just Imagine Ballet
Kempton Park Racecourse – The Greatest Fireworks Show SAT 3 NOV Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Rd, Sunbury TW16 5AQ
Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -
22nd Wimbledon Scout Group Grand Firework Display SAT 3 NOV Arthur Road, Motsur Park KT3 6LX
Sparkle Ballet
&
Dazzle Ballet
6 - 11 years old 11 - 18 years old Our pupils perform at The Royal Ballet School
The Anglers Fireworks Night SUN 4 NOV The Anglers Pub, Broom Rd, Teddington TW11 9NR
07879 521 456 info@twinkletoesballet.com
Imber Court Fireworks Live Spectacular SUN 4 NOV Ember Lane, East Molesey KT8 0BT
RICHMOND - ST MARGARETS - TWICKENHAM KEW - EAST SHEEN - TEDDINGTON
Orleans Park School Fireworks Display SUN 4 NOV Orleans Park School, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BB
NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams
Richmond Annual Family Fireworks SUN 4 NOV Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road, TW9 2SF
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Auditions Sunday 25 Nov at Hampton Hill Theatre & St. Mary’s University
FOR HAMPTON HILL OR TWICKENHAM CASTS
Performances 25 Mar - 2 Apr 2019 Register now at www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk
020 8408 0245 / contact@dramacube.co.uk DramacubeProductions @Dramacubeshows Dramacube Dramacube Productions
Music by ALAN MENKEN. Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN, TIM RICE and CHAD BEGUELIN. Book by CHAD BEGUELIN. Based on the Disney film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and directed & produced by Ron Clements & John Musker. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk
For the most up to date fireworks listings and full details, go to the top of the home page for Families Upon Thames at www.familiesonline.co.uk
Kingston, Richmond & Barnes FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS Locomotion, Running, Leaping, Jumping, Hopping, Gross Motor Planning, Manipulation of objects
2-3 years
FUNDAMENTAL SPORTS SKILLS Throwing, Striking, Hitting, Shooting, Receiving, Catching, Trapping, Bouncing, Rolling
3-4 years
SPORT SPECIFIC BALL SKILLS Individual Participation, Organised Activities, Team Games, Sportsmanship
4-5 years
MULTI-SKILLS Competitive Games, Net and Wall Games, Hitting and Catching Games
5-6 years
MULTI-SPORTS Mini Versions of Tennis, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Cricket
6-9 years
SPORT AND MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS, TEACHING LIFE SKILLS THROUGH SPORT!
Richmond and Barnes richmond.playball@gmail.com Kingston kingston.playball@gmail.com
www.playballkids.com
Tel: 07850 324 116
18 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
www.playballkids.com
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How to Make a Doorway Dare nock, knock, Whoooo’s there… Kids love trick or treating — but sometimes it rains, or the neighbours pretend to be out. Here’s a crafty trick or treat game from our friends at Wonderbly that you can make and play with at home.
K
You’ll create two doorways: one leads to a trick and the other to a treat. Will your little visitor get a chocolate or an eyeball? It’s a shifty fifty-fifty. Follow these eight simple steps to build your doorways. You will need: • 4 shoeboxes (no lids) • A utility knife • A metal ruler • Paint • Brushes • A black marker pen • 2 pieces of dark cloth • 2 large buttons, or bottletops • Cobwebs (preferably fake) or feathers • Tricks and treats
HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOORWAY DARE
the cloth (for intrepid hands to reach through). Put these boxes to one side.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
STEP 5 Now take your other two boxes. Decorate the insides with fake cobwebs, feathers or other touchyfeely things. One should feel lovely, the other should feel icky! These will form the backs (or hallways) to your doors.
STEP 1 Take two of the shoeboxes and draw a door-shaped rectangle on each. Using the knife and ruler, cut along three sides of the door, leaving it on its hinges.
STEP 6 Tape the hallway boxes to the doorway boxes, so reaching through the door will lead to the sensory items.
STEP 7 Grab some brushes and paint the boxes. Try boldly contrasting colours for the door and brickwork. Leave your doorways to dry.
Find something lovely and something not so lovely. (Plastic spider/ strawberry lolly, lychee eyeball/ pound coin etc.) Hide the treat in one doorway and the trick in the other.
STEP 3
STEP 8
Get a thick marker pen and add some details: letterbox, doorbell, house number. For a doorknob, you can sew on a button or glue on a bottle cap.
Dim the lights and invite your little trick or treaters to choose their fate. You can even make it a breakfast ritual in the build-up to Halloween. Ratatatat…
STEP 4
Wonderbly are creators of beautiful personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiousity and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com
STEP 2
Turn your boxes around. Glue or staple a piece of cloth inside each, then cut a slit down the centre of
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Families Upon Thames • 19
Bocketts Farm Park 20th - 28th October 2018
WITCHES & WIZARDS WEEK ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT! Hundreds of pumpkins!
Wizards and Witches Quiz Trail!
Creepy crafts!
Reptile Roadshow! PLUS: A HEATED INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN, WHATEVER THE WEATHER!
Don’t Miss… Animal Handling, Goat Milking, Tractor Rides, Pony Rides, Go-Karting and Pig racing EVERYDAY! D AR AW WI NN ING !
www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.
#
SPECIAL
OFFER
Half-term halloween fun Enjoy spooky trails and gooey pumpkin carving at Dapdune Wharf, Claremont Landscape Garden, Winkworth Arboretum, Polesden Lacey and Hatchlands Park this October half-term. Call 0344 800 1895 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey #nationaltrust
When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places in Surrey such as Claremont Landscape Garden, Hatchlands Park and Dapdune Wharf for ever, for everyone.
© National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\John Millar.
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Upon Thames
£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid from 1st September - 19th October 2018. Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people).
FM
Saving the insects at Coppins Farm
I
nsects. We don’t much like ‘em (except for butterflies and bees) and is probably why they aren’t well studied. But we do know that there has been a ‘horrific decline’ in their number and also in their weight. Insects have been on the Earth a thousand times longer than humans, and if they were to vanish, the environment would collapse and become an immense compost heap. A third of world crops rely on insects for pollination and they are crucial in most ecosystems. So what is being done? Buffer zones of wild flower meadows is one solution and at Coppins Farm there are a hundred acres of such meadows, one unsprayed in living memory. Visitors have ‘open access’ to wander and roam freely. However, this ‘open access’ status is not just limited to human visitors and the increase in insect visitors brings an increase in birds and mammals too. It’s as if time stands still at Coppins, so come and visit and discover how these simple steps are helping to reverse the vast loss of insect life that is occurring throughout the world. For more information, visit www.coppinsfarm.co.uk
Book with Coppins Farm Holidays - Suffolk
Choose from our Victorian Railway Carriage or one of our charming Showman’s Wagons :: www.coppinsfarm.co.uk ': 01787 269297 | *: coppinsfarm@hotmail.com 20 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
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DARE YOU TAKE ON HOWL’O’WEEN AT CHESSINGTON? Visit Chessington World of Adventures Resort on selected dates between 13 October to 4 November, for a spooky Howl’o’ween trick or treat. There’s also a series of spooky animal shows and a daily fancy dress competition.
T
here’s hair-raising fun for all the family this Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, with attractions including award-winning Creepy Caves Unearthed — Chessington’s scariest attraction yet — plus Room on the Broom* Spooky Story Time, and new for 2018 the Haunted Howl’o’ween Live Show. Chessington also sees the return of Curse of the Lost Tomb and Trick or Treat Wood, as well as rides in the dark with last ride entry at 8pm**.
For the best deals, visit Chessington.com to book Online Saver Tickets. With prices starting from just £29pp, individuals and families can save up to a whopping 42% when booking tickets at least five days in advance. Guests under the age of 3 get in for FREE.
A spooky short break For the ultimate Howl’o’ween family adventure, stay at one of the two Chessington Resort Hotels. Packages in the Chessington Safari and Azteca Hotel include breakfast and two days’ Theme Park access for the price of one. With a whole host of entertainment on offer, Chessington is the place to be haunting this Halloween.
Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures Resort • Selected dates 13 October to 4 November, 2018 • Open 10am – 8pm excluding 19 October and 29 October 4 November where the Resort closes at 6pm • Tickets from £29pp – guests under the age of 3 get in FREE • Brand new Haunted Howl’o’ween Live Show – 2 bat rating • Four attractions: - Room on the Broom Spooky Story Time - 1 bat rating - Trick or Treat Wood- 2 bat rating - Curse of the Lost Tomb - 3 bat rating - Creepy Caves Unearthed - 4 bat rating, £5 entry • Rides in the dark
* Room on the Broom © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – Macmillan Children’s Books
• Spooky animal shows and a daily fancy dress competition
** Open 10am – 8pm excluding 19 October and 29 October - 4 November where the Resort closes at 6pm
Chessington.com/Halloween
Set sail to Neverland at Richmond Theatre Take a fairytale flight to Neverland this Christmas in the swashbuckling family adventure Peter Pan at Richmond Theatre (8 December to 6 January). Join high-flying hero Peter Pan as he transports the Darlings on an adventure they will never forget, filled with evil pirates, a very hungry crocodile and the meanest man in Neverland, Captain Hook (played by BAFTA, Tony Award and two-time Olivier Award winner Robert Lindsay). Comedy Impressionist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jon Clegg joins the cast as Smee, and other cast members include West End star Rachel Stanley (Officer and A Gentlemen, Scrooge The Musical, Legally Blonde) as the Magical Mermaid, and Harry Francis (Book of Mormon, A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the Roof) as the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan. With tickets soaring out of the Box Office, audiences shouldn’t leave it any longer to embark on the Jolly Roger and set sail for Neverland for this year’s sensational, swashbuckling show. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/richmond
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Families Upon Thames • 21
Spine-tingling Half Term Fun at the National Trust
This half term head to a local National Trust property for a spine-chilling day out. Pumpkin Fun There’s plenty of pumpkin fun at Winkworth Arboretum and Claremont Landscape Garden this half term, so get carving and create some truly Spooktacular creations. Winkworth Arboretum 24 October, 11am to 1pm Normal Admission plus £2 charge Claremont Landscape Garden – 25 October, 11am to 1pm Normal Admission plus £2 charge Spooky Trails Head out for a Gothic-themed family trail at Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher (20 to 28 October) and follow in the footsteps of Hansel and Gretel as you wander through the spine-tingling trail full of spooky tales of wicked wolves and irksome elves. At Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming little visitors can celebrate Happy Hallowe’en (20 to 28 October) and become a woodland wizard as they explore. At both events, children dressed in Halloween costumes will be given free entry although additional charges apply for the trail. For a Halloween trail with a difference, head to Polesden Lacy (20 to 31 October) and see the ‘Hounds of Polesden Rise Again’ as you help Mrs Greveille’s dogs find their treasured toys so they can return again to their final resting place (additional charge of £3). For braver guests, Claremont Landscape Garden is hosting a spooky walk after dark (26 October, 5pm to 7pm). Wrap up warm and
prepare to encounter ghosts, ghouls and lost souls! Halloween Activities Enjoy a week of Hallowe’en fun at Hatchlands Park in Guildford. Visitors can take part in themed arts and crafts and pumpkin carving in the courtyard. At Claremont Landscape Garden (23 to 27 October) visitors can make all sorts of Gothic-themed creepy crafts at the Hallowe’en Workshops. Helpers will be on hand to assist you as you create magical crafts inspired by spooky tales (£1.50 additional charge). And for the brave… Test your fitness and your fears at Dapdune Wharf (27 October, £2.50 additional charge) in a family nighttime fun run around the haunted Wharf and island. Look out for a string of spooky surprises on the way and be rewarded with a hearty bowl of soup! Dressing up encouraged. Looking for something different… If you are looking for a Halloweenfree half term, then join the Mad Scientist at Dapdune Wharf (22 to 26 October). Visitors can experiment, discover and make a mess as they play with gloop and fire balloon rockets, trick their eyes with illusions and make their own foaming monster (£2.50 additional charge)! Please note that additional charges may apply. For further information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wizards and Witches Week at Bocketts Farm
Visit Bocketts Farm in Leatherhead this half term (20 to 28 October) for a day of spooktacular fun and freaky activities! Visitors can help Mr Funny Bones find the missing clues scattered around the farm as they explore the Quiz Trail, get creative in Creepy Craft Corner and prepare to be amazed in the Reptile Roadshow, where they’ll get the chance to meet some awesome creepy crawlies up close. There are wickedly wonderful daily shows from Wizard Magician,
and if you are still looking for a pumpkin, then there are hundreds to choose from, all homegrown on the farm. Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, and you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals too. With a large heated indoor play barn, trampolines, pedal go-karts, a young driver’s area and a jumping pillow, there’s plenty to keep the whole family amused, whatever the weather! For more information, visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Haunted Halloween fun at Hever Castle Treat the family to some spinetingling fun this half term with a visit to Hever Castle & Gardens (20 to 28 October). Prepare to be spooked as you listen to ghostly tales in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair, follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds and get spooked learning about the ghosts of Hever in the Castle.
22 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - October 2018
If you’re feeling creative, then head to the free creepy craft workshop where you can create a ghost puppet or decorate a ghoulish biscuit (small additional charge). With prizes for the scariest Halloween costumes, a visit to Hever Castle is sure to be spinetingling fun for all the family. For more information, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk
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What’s On
EVERY FRI DURING TERM TIME AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SEE SAW DROP-IN SESSIONS AT ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Ages: under 5s Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Cost: Child £6 (additional sibling £3) Multi-sensory sessions which include music, play materials, soft play, creative activities, stories and rhyme time in a relaxed informal environment. 020 8831 6000 www.orleanshousegallery.org 1, 8, 15 AND 29 OCT BABY MINDFUL SESSIONS AT ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Time: 10-11.45am Cost: £10 per session or £30 for a block of four Take inspiration from the gallery’s surroundings and explore Mindfulness techniques designed to enhance the bonding experience between you and your baby. This course is suitable for new or expecting parents and their bumps or babies (pre-crawling). 020 8831 6000 www.orleanshousegallery.org 5 AND 19 OCT MUSEUM MONKEYS AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 5 and under Time: 9.30-11am Cost: £5 per child, additional siblings £2.50 Singing, stories and crafts. Book in advance. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org VARIOUS DATES BETWEEN 5 OCT AND 25 NOV TREMENDOUS TREE – FAMILY TRAIL AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 10am-3pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £2 per trail (craft included) Grab your wellies and bring all the family to enjoy this new nature-based trail. 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/morden-hall-park 6 AND 7 OCT BELVEDERE TOWER OPEN AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 2-4pm Visit one of the oldest buildings on the estate and enjoy stunning views across the Surrey countryside. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/claremont-landscape-garden familiesonline.co.uk
7, 14, 21 AND 28 OCT JUNIOR PARK RUN AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB For Ages: 4-14 Time: 9-10am Enjoy a free timed run around the front lawn as part of the national Junior Parkrun series. 020 8232 5050 www.parkrun.org.uk/ osterley-juniors 13 OCT MUM2MUM MARKET – NEARLY NEW SALES FOR BABY AND KIDS All Hallows Church Hall, Erncroft Way, Twickenham TW1 1DA Time: 2-4pm www.mum2mummarket.co.uk HOWL’O’WEEN AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES RESORT Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE Time: 10am-8pm (excl. 19, 29, 30 and 31 Oct) Cost: Normal Admission – book online for Early Bird Tickets, with prices starting at £29 Hair-raising attractions for all the family can be enjoyed under the dark cloak of night, including Creepy Caves Unearthed (Chessington’s scariest attraction yet), plus Room on the Broom Spooky Story Time for younger adventurers. Chessington also sees the daring return of Curse of the Lost Tomb and Trick or Treat Wood, for courageous little explorers, as well as rides in the dark and spooky animal shows. www.chessington.com 20 OCT YOUNG ARCHAEOLOLGY CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8-16 Time: 11am and 3.30pm Cost: £5 per child Find out about the Terracotta Warriors – an entire army made of clay! Must be pre-booked. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 20 TO 28 OCT HALF TERM HANSEL AND GRETEL TRAIL AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £1 Follow in the footsteps of Hansel and Gretel as you wander through the spine-tingling trail full of spooky tales of wicked wolves and irksome elves. FREE admission for children in fancy dress. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/claremont-landscape-garden
HALLOWEEN FUN AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham TW10 7RS Ages: 5-14 Cost: Normal Admission plus £2 per trail Decorate a pumpkin biscuit, hunt down ghosts on the garden trail and explore your artistic side with themed art and craft activities. 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house HALLOWE’EN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: OSTERLEY’S ENCHANTED PUMPKINS AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £4 Follow the magical trail to break the spell of the enchanted pumpkins and take part in family crafts, activities and pumpkin carving in this Halloween-inspired event. 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/osterley-park ROOM ON THE BROOM HALF TERM FAMILY FUN AT RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Cost: Normal Admission, plus £5 per pumpkin Enjoy spooky trails around the garden, creepy crafts and lots of fun activities this half term; pumpkin carving will also be available at a pre-bookable workshop. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley WIZARDS AND WITCHES WEEK AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Fetcham KT22 9BS Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Enjoy fun and freaky activities including a Quiz Trail, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies! Plus, they’ll be hundreds of pumpkins on sale and amazing magic shows from Wizard Magician! 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 20 TO 31 OCT HALLOWEEN TRAIL – THE HOUNDS OF POLESDEN RISE AGAIN AT POLESDEN LACY Great Bookham, near Dorking RH5 6BD Cost: Normal Admission plus £3 Time: 10am-3pm Help Mrs Greville’s dogs find their treasured toys on this spooky Halloween trail! 01372 452048 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/polesden-lacey 21 OCT AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 10am-6pm Breathe in the autumn air and majestic colours of Painshill’s magical landscape and enjoy wine and food tasting, outdoor demonstrations, carriage rides and special children’s trails. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk
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21 TO 28 OCT HALLOWE’EN HALF TERM AT HATCHLANDS PARK East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Normal admission, plus £3 per pumpkin. Enjoy spooky fun and pumpkin carving in the courtyard. 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/hatchlands-park 22 TO 24 OCT FAIRY TALE CRAFTS AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 11am-1pm Cost: £1.50 plus Normal Admission Create magical crafts inspired by spooky fairy tales. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/claremont-landscape-garden WILD HALLOWEEN CAMP AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Ages: 8 to 13 Time: 9am to 4pm Cost: £40 per day Enjoy a wild half term with den building, woodland craft, campfires, treasure hunts and spooky adventures. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk 24 OCT HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CARVING AT WINKWORTH ARBORETUM Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD Time: 11am-1pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £2 Bring your own pumpkin and get creative during this morning of Spooktacular pumpkin carving. 01483 208477 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum 25 TO 27 OCT PUMPKIN CARVING AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £4 for a small pumpkin Pick a pumpkin, carve out your most spooky offering and light it with an LED tea light. 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/morden-hall-park 26 OCT SPOOKY WALK AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 5-7pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £1 Prepare to encounter ghosts, ghouls and lost souls on this Halloween walk around the garden. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/claremont-landscape-garden 27 OCT SPOOKTACULAR FAMILY FUN RUN AT DAPDUNE WHARF Wharf Road, Guildford GU1 4RR Time: starts at 6.15pm Cost: Normal Admission plus £2.50 Enjoy a Spooktacular fun run and look forward to a hearty bowl of soup at the end! 07483 561 389 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf Families Upon Thames • 23
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