Bromley, Croydon & Sutton Family Grapevine Winter Issue
T: 0208 657 8067
Battersea, Croydon & Surbiton
0208 108 5985
Hello,
Welcome to the Winter issue. Inside this issue you will find places to go and activities. We have a great competition for you. I hope you find everything you are looking for, by keeping it local we can continue to support our local community and help our local businesses thrive so say hello from me and please tell them you found their details in the grapevine!!
Don’t forget the magazine comes out three times a year March, July and November so look out for your copy. To book an advertisement or/and add a free listing, please contact Dawn on 01435661123 or email: dawn@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk. If you have any information on local events or activities, please do let me know. Also I always like to know if you find a mistake or if you notice something is missing!!! It is thanks to you guys that help to keep the Family Grapevine as up-to-date as possible. Thanks for taking the time to read this issue, I hope you enjoy it and find all the information you are looking for!!
Dawn x
This Issue
Toddler Activities
Arty Crafty, Petts Wood, 18 mths to 5 yrs, tel 01689 608504
Chaos Art Club, Beckenham, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8650 9697
Emma’s Pottery Parlour, West Wickham High Street, tel 0208 249 0358
Little Learners Messy Play & Mark Making baby/toddler class, 5 months-5 years, tel 07771677757
Toddlers Gym and Fitness
Baby Ballerinas, preschool ballet classes, 2y+, Croydon, tel 07903 934761
Baby Ballet, ballet classes for little ones, Sutton, Cheam, tel 07956 872287
babyballet Warlingham, Caterham and South Croydon, fun classes for preschoolers, tel 07590 313011
Cavat Theatre Arts, Sanderstead, 2.5yrs+, tel 07815 907622
diddi dance Funky preschool dance classes girls/boys 18mths+ Thomas Wall centre, tel 07729 848419
Drama Buds, Early Yrs Drama, 0-10y, Carshalton, Cheam, Crydn, tel 020 8669 2355
Dynamic Theatre Arts Academy, S Croydon & Sanderstead, 2½+, tel 07971 6877191
Early Stages, Sutton, dance/drama/ singing 4yrs+, tel 01737 270060
Jigsaw Performing Arts, 3-18 years, Croydon and Sutton, tel 020 8447 4530
Little Stars, Spotlights Theatre Schl, Croydon areas, 3½-6yr, tel 020 8460 5711
Moojangles Toddler music and dance class 5 months - 5 years - Thursdays at 10am, tel 07939074422
Parks School of Dancing, Purley 2½+, tel 020 8660 2127
ZING Dance Studio/Popdance classes & workshops, ages 2-11 years, CR3, RH1, RH2, tel 03332 026264
Baby Ballet, Studio 74, Bickley, 2.5 to 5 yrs, tel 0208295 5255
Baby Cheerleading, Studio 74, Bickley, 3 to 5 yrs, tel 0208295 5255
Ballet Belles/Dowson-Erskine school of dance, ballet for ages 2 and up., tel 07703 531060
Diddi Dance, Beckenham, dance classes, 2 to 4 yrs, tel 07720 319 940
Little Kickers, fun football training, 18mths-7yrs, Orpington & Petts Wood, tel 020 8432 0982
Mini Monkey Gym movement & sensory classes for 0-5s;, tel 07714 245999
Munchkin Sports gently introducing multi sports to 2 - 7 yr olds, tel 0208 6583777
Ruggerbugs, Orpington, tel 01279 797777
The Priory Leisure Centre, Toddler Soccer, 3 - 5yrs+, tel 01689 604363
The Spa Leisure Centre, Baby Gymnastics Drop in Sessions, tel 020 8650 0233
The Spa Leisure Centre, Mini Gymnastics, tel 020 8650 0233
The Spa Leisure Centre, Mini Trampoling, tel 020 8650 0233
The Spa Leisure Centre, Toddler Soccer 3-5yrs, tel 020 8650 0233
The Walnuts Leisure Centre, Mini Gymnastics, Orpington, tel 01689 870 533
The Walnuts Leisure Centre, Mini Trampoling, Orpington, tel 01689 870 533
Toddler Yoga, Studio 74, Bickley, from crawling to 3 yrs, tel 0208295 5255
Tots Funky Freestyle, Studio 74, Bickley, 3 to 5 yrs, tel 0208295 5255
Tots Tennis, Studio 74, Bickley, 3 to 5 yrs, tel 0208295 5255
Tumbletots, UK leading physical play programme for children, tel 0208 658 9176
Yoga for children with YogaBright, Beckenham, 3 yrs to teens, tel 07881 524900
Boppin Tots, musical fun & visual stimulation, Bromley, tel 07541 966872
Bunny Beats Preschool Music Classes,Studio 74, 3 mths to 4yr, tel 0208295 5255
Caterpillar Music Orpington, Petts
Wood & Chislehurst, tel 07968 562925
French songs, stories and games for babies & toddlers. Free taster session, tel 07891 738120
Hartbeeps, Original & highly interactive musical classes for Babies & Children, tel 07887524971
Jolly Dinosaurs Music Club, Orpington, tel 07860 162560
Kodály-inspired music groups. Beckenham. Monday mornings. Two classes., tel 07762 102732
Monkey Music, Award winning music classes for Babies & children 3 mths to 4yrs., tel 020 8777 6700
Sing & Sign, Award winning baby signing music classes across Bromley & Sevenoaks
Tots Play Orpington, tel 07931686226
Tutoring
11 plus Mock Tests, tel 0208 642 5239
11+ 13+ KS3 GCSE A level English Mrs Gardner BA(Hons) QTS PGCE (Sutton area), tel 07875 713896
11+ English, verbal, non-verbal reasoning tuition, tel 020 8669 9794
A Fun and Interactive Educational Class offering a head start to learning, tel 07817771338
Hayeswick Day Nursery & Pre School, Farnborough, tel 01689 856036
Hayeswick Day Nursery & Pre School, West Wickham, tel 020 8462 8228
Honeys Nursery, Biggin Hill, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 01959 540366
Kentwood Nursery, Penge, tel 020 8460 0020
Kidsunlimited Day Nursery, Bickley, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 0845 365 2929
kidsunlimited Day Nursery, Beckeham, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 0845 365 2929
Lemongrove Day Nursery, Bromley Common, 6 mths+, tel 020 8466 5597
Les Enfants Day Nursery, Bromley, 1 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8460 4609
Little Cherubs Nursery, Bromley, 3 mths to 4 yrs 11 mths, tel 020 8650 6507
Little Elms Daycare Nursery, Beckenham, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8658 4282
Little Learners Early Years Centre, Bromley, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 0208 466 0808
Little Legs Day Nursery, 315 Pickhurst Lane. New Day Nursery, tel 020 8464 8464
Little Sunflowers Day Nursery, Beckenham, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8663 1835
Lollipops Child Care Ltd, Eltham, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8859 5832
Mottingham Hall Nursery & Preschool from 3 months plus, tel 0208 851 5332
Mrs Bonds Village Nursery, St Mary Cray, tel 01689 896135
Norris Day Nursery, Anerley, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8778 9152
Nursery and Pre-school for Children aged 2-5yrs in Penge, SE20, tel 07940202447
Petit Pembrokes Daycare Nursery, Bromley, 18 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8460 6260
Pickles, 185 Elmers End Road, Beckenham, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 07594 651984
Pixie Day Nursery, Beckenham, 1 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8658 3982
Rainbow Day Nursery, Hayes Rd, Langdon Rd, Southborough Ln, 4 mth to 5 yrs, tel 020 8460 5335
Shortlands Day Nursery and Preschool from 3 months plus, tel 0330 127 5636
www wildcatscamp co uk
Caterham School, CR3 6YA
Preschool Nurseries & Playgroups
Open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays we offer continous care from 9:15am - 2:45pm, this can be taken as two sessions plus lunch or full day. Tuesdays & Wednesdays are 9:15am - 12:15pm.
We take children from age 21/2 yrs - school entry.
St. Paul’s Cray C of E Nursery School, St Paul’s Cray, tel 01689 873519
Station House Nursery, Penge, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8659 9477
Stembridge Hall Day Nursery, Anerley, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8776 9008
Sunnyfields Day Nursery, Bromley, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8313 9191
Sunnyfields Day Nursery, Orpington, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 01689 830623
Teddies Nurseries, Beckenham, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8658 7499
The Community Vision Nursery, Penge, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8659 1972
The Ladybird Montessori Day Nursery, Beckenham, 3 mths +, tel 020 8650 0842
The Nursery on the Green at Eltham Ltd, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8850 0122
Threshers Day Nursery, St Mary Cray, Orpington, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 01689 870772
Tiddlywinks Poverest Preschool, Orpington, 3 mths to 5 yrs, tel 07909 991 595
Tiny Lives Day Nursery, Penge, tel 020 3252 1078
Tubbenden Nursery, Orpington, 3 to 5 yrs, term time only, tel 01689 851653
Twixus Child Care Centres, Orpington, 0 to 11 yrs, tel 01689 821033
Wickham Court School, West Wickham, Boys & Girls 2 ½ +, tel 020 8777 2942
Willow Park Montessori Nursery, Eltham, 2 to 5 yrs, tel 020 8850 8988
Winlaton Day Nursery, Bromley, 12 mths to 5 yrs, tel 020 8698 7400 Day Nurseries CR2, CR8,CR5
Abbey Wood Grange, 16 Church Road, Kenley, 3m-5y, tel 020 8660 9040
Birdhurst Day Nursery, S Park Hill Rd, S Croydon, 3m - 5yr, tel 020 8681 3187
Brightsparks Day Nursery, Meadow Hill, Purley, 3mths - 5yrs, tel 020 8660 2340
Brightsparks Day Nursery, Old Coulsdon, 3mths - 5yrs, tel 01737 552646
Brightsparks Day Nursery, Purley Way, 3mths - 5yrs, tel 020 8667 0687
EstablishEd sincE 1990 PrivatEly ownEd stimulating and loving EnvironmEnt madE friEndly, homEly and wElcoming by caring qualifiEd and Enthusiastic staff
Brightsparks Day Nursery, Selsdon, 3m - 5y, tel 020 8651 3191
Fennies U5s, Beech Ho, 15 Church Way, Sanderstead, 3m-5y, tel 020 8651 0446
Fennies U5s, St Augustines Ave, S Croydon, 3m-5y, tel 020 8686 5474
Fennies Under 5s, Christchurch Rd, Purley, 3m-5y, tel 020 8763 8039
Immanuel Day Nursery, 1 Haling Park Road, S Croydon, 0-5yrs, tel 020 8688 0995Immanuel Day
Nursery, 1 Haling Park Road, S Croydon, 3m-5yrs, tel 020 8688 0995
Kenley Kindergarten Nursery, 20 New Barn Lane, 3m - 5yrs, tel 020 8660 3232
Kinderland Day Nursery, Normanton Rd, S Croydon, 3m-5yrs, tel 020 8760 0617
Little Apples Day Nursery, Sanderstead Rd, S Croy, 3m-5y, tel 0208 686 6246
Offering childcare for children aged 2-4 years old. Ofsted rated Outstanding, tel 0208 406 0080
Russell Hill Rd Day Nursery, Purley, tel 020 8660 8669
Russell Hill Rd Day Nursery, PurleyPurley, 6wk-5yrs, tel 020 8660 8669
The Butterfly Patch Preschool and Day Nursery, Norman House Shirley, tel 03300 432127
Day Nurseries CR7, CR0,CR4
Acorn Day Nursery, Forestdale, 18m+, tel 020 8768 3434
Alpha Day Nursery, Thornton Heath, 6m-5yrs, tel 020 8689 9990
Blossoms Day Nursery, Waddon New Rd, Croydon,3m-5yrs, tel 020 8760 0540
Blue House Day Nursery, Sydenham Rd, Croydon, 3m to 5yrs, tel 020 8681 7579
Small private 30 place nursery
Small private day nursery
Caring for children up to 5 years
Caring for children up to 5 years
Open 8.00a.m to 6.00p.m
Open 8.00a.m to 6.00p.m
Childcare with a difference
Children with a difference
Children have fun and learn through play
Children have fun and learn through play
Catering for children’s individual needs
Catering for children’s individual needs
Spacious garden with safety outdoor surface and designated soft gym
Spacious garden with safety outdoor surface and designated soft gym
For information please contact Marie on 020 8770 0761 - 16 Avenue Road, Belmont, Surrey SM2 6JD
Jigsaw Day Nursery, 1 Cricket Green, Mitcham, 3m-5yrs, tel 020 8646 6075
HopScotch_spring15.indd 1
Pre-School
For children 2 - 5 years old
• Morning, afternoon or full days
• Wide range of activities available
• All teaching on a one-to-one basis
• Based in a beautiful setting in Beckenham
• Funding available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds
• Breakfast club and after school club spaces also available
Please call 020 8658 9009 to request a prospectus, or to make an appointment to visit us. Email: kiamena@talktalk.business.net www.kiamenamontessori.co.uk
Carousel Nursery, Aragon Prim School, Aragon Rd, 3m-5yr, tel 020 8337 0037
Cherubs Day Nursery, Lewis Road, Mitcham, 6m-6yrs, tel 020 8646 4644
Co-operative Childcare at Castle Hill, New Addington, tel 01689 809793
David Nicholas Nursery Ctr, Mitcham, 6m - 5yrs (wtg list), tel 020 8687 1356
Dolphin Day Nursery, Green Lane, Morden, 12m to 5yrs, tel 020 8288 1945
Elgin Nursery, Elgin Road, Croydon, 3m-5yrs, tel 020 8662 1159
Fennies U5s, Addiscombe Road, Croydon, 3m-5y, tel 020 8654 6011
First Steps Day Nursery, Church Rd, Croydon, 0-5yr, tel 020 8681 8430
Friendly nursery taking children from 3 months to 5 years in Pollards hill, tel 02086793816
Grange Day Nursery, 379 London Rd, Mitcham, 0-5y, tel 020 8640 3310
Happy Tree Nursery, 420 London Rd, CR0, 3m-5y, tel 020 8684 3595
Haslemere House Day Nursery, Mitcham, 1-5yrs, tel 020 8640 0822
Inspire Day Nursery, 68 Windmill Rd, Croydn, 0-5y, 7.30-6.30, tel 020 8684 8177
Inspire Day Nursery, Croydon. tel 02086848177
Please tell advertisers you found them in the “Grapevine”
05/02/2015 21:43:20
Kendor Day Nursery, 49 Alfriston Ave, Croydon, 0-5y, tel 020 8689 3962
Kingfishers Day Nursery, Brigstock Rd, Thornton Heath, 3m+, tel 020 8683 0092
Kingfishers Day Nursery, Lwr Addiscombe Rd, Croydon, 3m+, tel 020 8405 9055
Father Christmas has his wellies on and is ready to welcome you to his enchanted grotto.
With so many magical activities to enjoy, from ‘Jingle & Jangle’s Christmas Adventure’, an interactive and captivating show, to festive cookie decorating and crafts, this promises to be a Christmas like no other!
The Co-operative Childcare, Croydon University Hospital, tel 0800 954 0669
The Co-operative Childcare, Dunley Drive, tel 0800 954 0669
Toggles Nursery, Lebanon Road, East Croydon, ages 18m-5yrs, tel 020 8654 4552
Victory Day Nursery, Thornton Heath, 2-11yrs, tel 020 8768 5211
Westbury Tendercare Day
Nursery, Croydon, 3m to 5yrs, tel 020 8665 6263
Day Nurseries SM3
Busy Bees Day Nursery, Morden Rd, Cheam, 3m - 5yrs, tel 020 8644 3654
Glaisdale Day Nursery, Manor Rd, Cheam, 3m-5yrs, tel 020 8642 8526
Hopscotch Day Nursery, Belmont, 12m - 5y, tel 020 8770 0761
Kids Unlimited, London Rd, N Cheam, tel 0330 311 4312
Little Oaks Forest School, Nonsuch Park, 1 to 5yrs, tel 07887 990516
Nuffy Bear Children’s Day Nursery, Cheam, 3m+, tel 020 3582 3544
Gaytime Day Nursery, Wallington 5m+, tel 020 8647 7652
Jancett Baby Unit, Wallington, tel 020 8773 2922
Jancett Day Nursery, Rose Rd, Wallington, 3m-5, tel 020 8773 8142
Kids Unlimited Day Nursery, Carshalton, tel 0330 311 4312
Mini Treasures Nursery, Morden Hall Pk, Morden, 0-5yrs, tel 020 8648 6275
Pollyanna Day Nursery, Carshalton, 6m-5y, tel 020 8647 4988
Startel Day Nursery & Baby Unit, Holmwood Gdns, Wallington, tel 020 8669 4898
It’s almost Christmas and Red Riding Hood needs to take the cake to Grandma. But will she deliver the cake before the Big Bad Wolf has eaten Grandma for his dinner— or will she end up as dessert?
Visit Stanley Arts this festive season to find out, with plenty of laughter, singing, dancing and audience participation. Expect all the fun and excitement you love about panto, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
Red Riding Hood at Stanley Arts 14 - 19 December, Tickets from £12. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: GET 20% OFF WITH CODE GRAPEVINE20
Tweeddale Day Nursery, Tweeddale Rd, Carshalton, 2-5y, tel 020 8404 1640
Day Nurseries SM1 and SM2
Bumpsadaisies Day Nursery, Sutton, 3m to 5y, tel 020 8661 5533
Chiltern Day Nursery, Chiltern Road, Sutton, 3m to 5yrs, tel 020 8643 6831
Co-operative Childcare, Sutton, 3m+, tel 0800 954 0669
Grange Day Nursery, Royston Pk Pav, Royston Ave, Sutton, tel 020 8644 7199
Sutton Day Nursery, The Sports Village, Sutton, tel 020 8641 6611
Teddies Nurseries, Sherwood Park Road, Sutton, 3m-5yrs, tel 0330 057 6458
The Co-operative Childcare, 21B Cheam Road, Sutton, tel 0800 954 0669
Treetops Day Nursery, Grove Rd, Sutton, 3m-5y, tel 020 8661 2201
Willows Day Nursery, Sutton Hosp, Sutton, 6m+, tel 020 8296 4333
Places to Visit
Bromley Environmental Education Centre, tel 01689 860571
Chislehurst Caves, tel 020 8467 3264
Christmas Tree Farm, Downe Village, tel 01689 861603
Coolings Green & Pleasant Nursery, Knockholt, tel 01959 532269
Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington, activities for children, tel 020 8460 1442
Downe House, Orpington, study Charles’s Darwin gardens, tel 01689 859119
Eagle Heights, tel , tel 01322 866 577
Fishers Farm Park, tel 01403 700063
Friends of Animal League
(F.O.A.L.Farm) Animal Rescue Centre, tel 01959 572386
Polhill Garden Centre, Badgers Mount, tel 01959 534212
Scadbury Park Nature Reserve, Orpington, tel 0300 303 8658
Out of Area Attractions
Bocketts Farm Park, Leatherhead, Surrey, tel 01372 363764
British Wildlife Centre, Lingfield, Surrey, tel 01342 834658
Party Entertainers • A - Z Children’s Activities
Chessington World of Adventures, tel 0871 663 4477
Crystal Palace Museum, story of the Crystal Palace 1851-1936, tel 07434 975582
Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, Greenwich, tel 020 8312 6678
Diggerland, Rochester, Kent, tel 0871 2277007
Drusillas, East Sussex, tel 01323 874100
Eagle Heights, Kent’s Bird of Prey Centre, Eynsford, tel 01322 866577
Godstone Farm, Godstone, Surrey, tel 01883 742546
Groombridge Place, Gardens & Enchanted Forest, tel 01892 861444
Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865224
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Nr. Canterbury, tel 0844 842 4647
Imperial War Museum, London SE1, tel 0207 416 5000
Kidspace is a magical, awardwinning indoor adventure park, tel 0208 686 0040
Leeds Castle, tel 01622 765400
Legoland, Windsor
Livesey Museum for Children, London SE15, tel 020 7635 5829
London Transport Museum, tel 020 7565 7298
Lullingstone Roman Villa, Eynsford, tel 01322 863467
Marwell Wildlife, Hampshire, tel 01962 777407
Museum of London EC2Y
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, tel 020 8858 4422
Natural History Museum, London, tel 020 7942 5000
Natural History Museum, London SW7, tel 020 7942 5000
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Kent, tel 01892 870307
Pooh Corner, Hartfield, tel 01892 770456
Port Lympne, Wild Animal Park & Gardens, tel 0844 842 4647
Royal Observatory Greenwich, tel 020 8858 4422
The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, tel 01622 872068
The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, tel 020 8319 8900
Party Entertainers
Action Stars Parties, traditional and sporty party games, tel 07840 352784
Allsortsoffun, Pirate, knight,spy party, magic, puppets, tel 07845 320001
Arty Crafty, Petts Wood, 2 to 7 yrs, tel 01689 608504
Cantate Academy, Drama, Dance, Music, Art, 6yrs+, tel 07940573118
Cavat Theatre Arts, Sanderstead, 2.5yrs+, tel 07815 907622
Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation, 13-25yrs, tel 020 8655 1098
Dance School - RAD Ballet, IDTA MT, Tap & Jazz, 2.5-18 & Adults. Estb 41 yrs, tel 020 8660 2127
Del Toro School of Dance, Carshalton, 2½+, tel 020 8647 6067
Please tell advertisers you found them in the
THE BEST SANTA’S GROTTOS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH LONDON!
Regent Street
Where: Hamleys
When: Sat 23rd Nov to Sat 24th Dec
What to expect: Santa Claus has been VERY busy this year, building our BRAND NEW Santa’s Grotto for 2024 with Christmas Joy. And now, it’s FINALLY time for him to welcome you at this special elf workshop for the first time EVER!
Our enchanted elves are ready to welcome you to our Christmas festivities, and then to make your visit even more special, Santa has a treat waiting for you to take home, so you’ll remember your visit with him forever. Don’t forget to tell us your families names and favourite things to do so our toy testing elves can let Santa know before you arrive! More information: www.hamleys.com
Regents Park
Where: ZSL London Zoo
When: Sat 23rd Nov – Tues 3rd Jan
What to expect:Join us this November and December, as Santa returns to London Zoo! Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts before they meet Santa in his magical grotto and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home.
Choose from Meet Santa, Meet Santa Deluxe and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions. Relaxed sessions are also available More information: www.zsl.org
Bromley
Where: The Glades
When: 1 – 24 December
What to expect: Take little ones on a journey through a festive grotto where they will visit Father Christmas. Children will also have a professional photograph taken and receive a souvenir gift, certificate and sticker More information: www.theglades.co.uk
Fulham
Where: Fulham Palace
When: Various dated from the 14th Dec
What to expect: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Fulham Palace, where the winter season transforms the historic grounds into a festive wonderland. Enjoy cosy fires, stunning decorations and tasty mince pies. This year, Father Christmas himself will be making a special stop at the Palace!
Children can join the elves in crafting a special Christmas keepsake before meeting Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Bishop Sherlock’s room. There, they can share their holiday wishes, capture a memorable photo and take home a special gift!. More information: www.fulhampalace.org
Godstone
Where: Godstone Farm.
When: Various dates throughout December
What to expect: A SPECIAL INVITATION TO VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS AT GODSTONE FARMTREAT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY TO THE MOST MAGICAL AND ENCHANTING FESTIVE EXPERIENCE!
Step into a festive world of awe and wonder this Christmas and create unforgettable memories for your family! We are thrilled to invite you to a magical experience that will capture the heart of children and adults alike! Immerse yourself in festive activities during your jolly journey to meet Father Christmas and don’t forget to pay a visit to the Wish Room, where you’ll be transported to a magical place where special wishes are made and treasured! The adventure doesn’t end there! You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy Jingle and Jangle’s Christmas Adventure - an interactive and captivating show - perfect for adding that extra bit of sparkle to an already magical day! Selected Dates available SEND Father Christmas visits (afternoon only) 5th and 10th December Father Christmas for Schools Visits
A daytime Father Christmas visit enables your child to join in with Christmas crafts and a NEW interactive experience which includes festive cookie decorating! Your ticket also gives you entry to Godstone Farm for a full day, including access to the farm trail, indoor and outdoor play areas and animal interactions - a fun day out for the whole family! More information: www.godstonefarm.co.uk
Sidcup
Where: Ruxley Manor
When: Various dates throughout December
What to expect At Ruxley Manor nothing makes us happier than seeing all of the excited children ready to meet Father Christmas, as a family run business, seeing our customers making memories with family is the most important thing to us at Christmas time!
We have been working very hard behind the scenes to make this year the most magical one yet! Father Christmas has visited Ruxley Manor every year since as long as we can remember and will once again be returning from the 9th of November to make your Christmas extra special. Both Father Christmas and Mother Christmas, along with their Elves cannot wait to meet you! More information: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk
These festive Christmas cookies make delightful gifts and can also be used as charming Christmas tree ornaments. Yields 36 cookies.
Preparation time: less than 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 to 30 minutes
Ingredients
100g/3½oz unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
100g/3½oz caster sugar
1 free-range egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
275g/10oz plain flour
To decorate
400g/14oz icing sugar
3-4 tbsp water
2-3 drops food coloring
Edible glitter
Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.
Gradually beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a dough.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1cm/½in thick.
Use cookie cutters or a glass to cut out cookies, placing them carefully on the baking tray. To make ornaments, create a hole at the top of each cookie with a straw.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are a pale goldenbrown. Let them harden on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
For the icing
Sift the icing sugar into a large bowl and gradually mix in enough water to achieve a smooth consistency. Add food coloring.
Using a knife, carefully spread the icing over each cookie and sprinkle with edible glitter. Allow the icing to set before serving or hanging.
CHRISTMAS QUIZ
1. What date is Christmas Day?
a) 24th December, b) 31st December or c) 25th December
2. What vegetable is traditionally left out for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve?
a) Potatoes, b) Carrots or c) Brussels sprouts
3. What is the name of the sweet bread often served at Christmas that’s filled with fruit and shaped like a loaf?
a) Shortbread, b) Muffin or c) Stollen
4. Who delivers presents to children in the UK on Christmas Eve?
a) Santa Claus, b) The Easter Bunny or c) The Tooth Fairy
5. What colour is Santa’s suit?
a) Red, b) Blue or c) Green
Answers at the bottom of the page.
1. c) 25th December, 2. b) Carrots, 3. c) Stollen, 4. a) Santa Claus, 5. a) Red
Kids Christmas Activities
Reindeer Pop Cakes
Ingredients
150g chocolate cake
25g soft butter
50g icing sugar
25g plain chocolate
100g milk chocolate
small pretzels, broken into large 'antler' shape pieces
8 small jelly sweets, red chocolate beans or Smarties
2 tbsp royal icing coloured black or purchased black writing icing
8 cake pop sticks and a polystyrene block to stand up the cake pops
Cooking Method
Crumble the cake into fine crumbs. Put into a bowl. In another bowl, beat together the butter and icing sugar until creamy.
Melt the plain chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add the melted chocolate to the butter mixture and combine. Add this to the cake crumbs and mix thoroughly using your hands, until it sticks together. Divide the mixture into eight and shape each one into a smooth ball. Insert a cake pop stick, place on a tray lined with baking parchment and chill for at least 2 hours.
Melt the milk chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Take a cake pop and dip in the chocolate. Shake gently until the excess has drained off. Stand in the polystyrene block. Make two holes in the top of the head and insert a pretzel 'antler' in each one. Press a sweetie nose onto the front and hold for a few seconds until attached. Repeat with all the other cake pops. Leave to set for about 20 minutes and then using black icing, pipe on eyes and a mouth.
Snowman Christmas Biscuits
Ingredients
200g/7oz self raising flour
100g/3½oz caster sugar
100g/3½oz butter, plus extra for greasing
1 large free-range egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the decorations
white and blue fondant icing
white and black writing icing
sprinkles
48 small chocolate balls
Method
Pre heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
Mix the flour and sugar together in a bowl, then rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the egg and vanilla essence and mix to form a soft dough.
Roll out onto a well-floured work surface and cut into rounds. Place on greased baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack. When completely cool decorate.
Roll out the white fondant icing and cut out circles the same size as the biscuits, brush the backs of the circles with a little cooled boiled water and stick them to the biscuits, smoothing down the icing as you stick it on.
Roll out the blue icing and cut out more circles, then cut these in half and using a little more water and stick on top of the white icing for the hats.
Drama Buds, Early Yrs Drama, 0-7y, Carshalton, Cheam, Croydn, tel 020 8669 2355
Dynamic Dance, fun classes for boys/ girls, Sutton, 4y+, tel 07879 206417
Grayes School of Dance, Dance/ Musical Theatre classes, 2½y+, tel 07957 380389
Hamilton Dance, Beddington, ballet, tap, modern classes 18m+, tel 07957 379006
Drama Kids, 5-17y, tel 020 8667 9812
Jigsaw Performing Arts, 3-18 years, Croydon and Sutton, tel 020 8447 4530
KA Dance Academy, for kids 3+ at Coulsdon Methodist Church, tel 07810443575
Little Stars, Spotlights Theatre Schl, Croydon areas, 3½-6yr, tel 020 8460 5711
MAD Academy Sutton, music and dance for children, tel 01372 372 942
MK Dance, Woodside, Addiscombe, classes for ages 18m+, tel 07841 527642
