YUMMY MUMMY
only a short walk away. The hotel’s Concierge is never short of ideas and is on hand to recommend family outings that will suit young and old alike.
Once some city exploring is completed, families can retire to their suite for a game of Monopoly or Top Trumps. The Limited Edition The Ritz London Monopoly sees this celebrated game reimagined, inviting guests to navigate the corners of Mayfair and St James’, as well as the enchanting spaces within the legendary grand dame hotel. Top Trumps, a classic card game, has been tailored for Ritz Patrons to include fascinating insights about the hotel and historical landmarks nearby.
The children’s programme includes several favourite special amenities and tailored services for the hotel’s discerning young guests.
Children of The Ritz are treated to unlimited complimentary ice-cream in The Palm Court or The Ritz Restaurant, in-room games consoles and a selection of age-appropriate children’s books and DVDs, mini Ritz bathrobes and slippers and toiletries to make bath time fun, as well as a welcome gift on arrival and milk and cookies at turndown, to ensure every generation has a positively memorable Ritz experience.
Providing fun for all the family, the Kidz@ TheRitz family package includes:
• One night’s accommodation in either a TwoBedroom Suite, interconnecting (guaranteed at the time of booking) Junior Suite and Deluxe King Room or a Junior Suite with a complimentary extra bed. (All of these room options can accommodate two adults and two children under the age of 16)
• English breakfast in The Ritz Restaurant overlooking Green Park
• Access to the Teen Concierge, on-hand to open the doors of London for the family
• VIK (Very Important Kid) membership offering exclusive privileges for every younger guest, which include a welcome gift on arrival and treats at turndown.
• Housekeepers can also arrange baby-sitting services through a specialist nanny agency
THE DETAILS
Prices start from £4,165 for a Two-Bedroom Suite; £2,505 for an interconnecting Junior Suite and Deluxe King Room, and £1,400 for a Junior Suite with complimentary extra bed. All rates are inclusive of 20% value added tax and are based on a family of four. Subject to availability.
The Ritz London’s new games can be purchased at the hotel:
The Ritz London Monopoly from £55 for the travel size, to £105 for the regular size. Age 8+. theritzlondon.com/the-ritz-londongifts/ritz-monopoly
The Ritz London Top Trumps are priced at £15 and can be bought online at theritzlondon.com/the-ritz-londongifts/the-ritz-london-top-trumps/
The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly London, W1J 9BR -
BABIES & KIDS
SWEET CAROLINE
“This
show-stopping number is a perfect blend of style and comfort”
MEN AT WORK
This delightful wooden pushalong cement mixer is perfect for fun-loving kids. Enjoy hours of fun pretending to drive around construction sites together, all while developing their grasp and hand-eye coordination skills. rexlondon.com
Ignite imaginations with the Caroline Dress in captivating burnt orange. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Caroline Herschel, this show-stopping number is a perfect blend of style and comfort. Crafted from exquisite cotton-blend lace adorned with delicate floral patterns, the dress features charming frills on the sleeves and hem. bakedclaylondon.com
TIME FOR TEA
This set includes a baby weaning spoon and fork, ideal for the first stages of weaning before moving onto our toddler cutlery sets. doddl advances earlystage development in babies 6+ months, whilst making mealtimes successful right from the very start of weaning. doddl.com
GROWING WITH YOUR CHILD
The Nobodinoz solid oakwood crib is designed to grow with your child. Once your little one has grown out of the crib it can then be transformed into a junior bed using one of the evolution kits that can be added to this product.
BUNNY HOP
Introducing Flipetz Plush Toy Bunny & Carrot, the innovative 2-in-1 reversible plush toys that spark imagination and storytelling! With a vibrant carrot on one side and an adorable bunny on the other, this soft toy offers endless opportunities for play, making it perfect for children and the young at heart. souzu.co.uk
New Rocking Horses for AW 2024
DAZZLE & JET ROCKING HORSE
Dazzle is the most stylish rocking horse out there. With a striking black & white houndstooth body, he is guaranteed to WOW and is sure to be the focal point of any room in the house. Dazzle is joined by his pocket buddy Jet, who is a little horse character that features the same bold black & white houndstooth design. Complete with a complementary leatherette bridle and saddle that little ones will love, this rocking horse is a statement piece, blending classic playful charm with a contemporary twist. Part of our Heritage Stable collection, this rocking horse is suitable for 9mth+ RRP £149.95
COOPER & BEAU ROCKING HORSE
Meet Cooper & Beau, an enchanting rocking horse that exudes traditional English charm. Cooper features a luxurious red foulard printed velour fabric and is paired perfectly with stained wooden rails. He comes complete with a complementary leatherette bridle and saddle, making him an exquisite addition to our Heritage Stable collection. Tucked away in Cooper’s pocket is his little buddy Beau, an adorable teddy bear who is ready for adventures. This horse is available in 2 sizes: 9mth+ RRP £149.95 / 12mth+ RRP £199.95
COOPER & BEAU ROCKING HORSE
“Meet Cooper & Beau, an enchanting rocking horse that exudes traditional English charm. Cooper features a luxurious red foulard printed velour fabric and is paired perfectly with stained wooden rails”
Introducing the most beautiful rocking horse of them all, Lily & Rose. Delicate and romantic, Lily features a traditional floral printed fabric body, with vibrant pink roses on a muted grey background. Sitting pretty in her pocket is the sweetest little bunny called Rose. This beautiful rocking horse is sure to add both elegance and fun to any little one’s nursery or playroom. This horse is available in 2 sizes: 9mth+ RRP £119.95 / 12mth+ RRP 164.95
LOUIE & DUKE ROCKING HORSE
Louie is a handsome rocking horse featuring a soft blue damask printed velour fabric, complemented by a grey leatherette bridle and saddle. A charming addition to our Heritage Stable collection, he comes complete with a cute teddy bear called Duke who is ready for playtime and adventures. Perfect for both modern and traditional homes, this duo is a timeless treasure that is sure to provide hours of fun for little ones. This rocking horse is suitable for 9mth+ £149.95. littlebirdtoldme.com
EXCITEMENT AS SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM REOPENS ITS RAINFOREST ADVENTURE ZONE
Hey explorers! It is time to swing into action and explore the lush and diverse rainforest as SEA LIFE London Aquarium opens the doors to its Rainforest Adventure zone.
The iconic South Bank attraction appointed beloved broadcaster, writer and adventurer, Ben Fogle, as their official ‘Rainforest Explorer’ to help raise awareness around the importance of Rainforests, while making the learning process fun and engaging for kids.
Ben teamed up with the attraction’s team of expert Aquarists to put the finishing touches to the refreshed zone, home to hundreds of creatures including dwarf crocodiles, terrapins, poison dart frogs and more!
Leaving no stone unturned, Ben and the team were seen sprucing up the habitats for a crystalclear view of the curious creatures swimming within and serving up a tasty salad snack to the terrapins. They also swung by the AV experience zone, ensuring everything is ready for an unforgettable adventure.
The Rainforest Adventure zone transports visitors into a vibrant rainforest environment and explore its wonders like never before. Guests can witness incredible critters up close, engage with
interactive learning stations and find out about important environmental messages that they can take back into their habitats.
‘Rainforest Explorer’, Ben Fogle, shared: “I am thrilled to join SEA LIFE London Aquarium as their official ‘Rainforest Explorer’. Rainforests are crucial to our planet’s health and I am excited to work with SEA LIFE to help raise awareness about the importance of preserving rainforests. Together, we aim to bring the wonders of the rainforest to life and inspire a deeper appreciation for these vital ecosystems.”
A SEA LIFE London Aquarium spokesperson said: “It is exciting to open the doors to the new and improved Rainforest Adventure zone here at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Rainforests play a crucial part in keeping our planet healthy but due to climate change and deforestation they are under threat, and we need to take action to protect them. We’re extremely proud to have Ben Fogle as our official ‘Rainforest Explorer’ to help us raise awareness and educate guests about their significance.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium, located on the South Bank, is open seven days a week. For the latest opening times, feeding times, prices and more see visitsealife.com/london
“Rainforests play a crucial part in keeping our planet healthy but due to climate change and deforestation they are under threat, and we need to take action to protect them”
Five Expert Tips to Stay Well This Winter
As the winter months roll in, it’s important to support your body with the right nutrients to help keep your immune system strong and fend off seasonal bugs. Here, nutritionist and mum of two Caroline Farrell shares her top five nutrition tips to help you stay well this winter:
1. Eat a Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables is key to getting the full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to stay healthy. Different colours in fruits and veg indicate different nutrients. For example, purple and blue varieties, like blueberries and purple cabbage, are packed with anthocyanins, which have strong antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
2. Support Your Immune System with Black Elderberry
Black elderberry has long been used as a natural remedy to support the immune system during the colder months. Rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins, which give the berries their deep purple colour and provide potent antioxidant effects. Elderberry supplements such as Sambucol, are an easy way to give your immune system extra support during the winter.
3. Top Up Your Vitamin D
With shorter days and less sunlight, it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D naturally in the UK during winter. This vitamin is crucial for immune function and bone health. Public Health England recommends taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) to maintain healthy levels. Some people may require higher amounts, but
you should consult a healthcare provider before increasing your dosage.
4. Season Your Meals with Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices not only add flavour to your meals but also provide powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon have been shown to support the immune system and help fight off harmful germs. Incorporating these into your cooking can give your meals an extra health boost, making them even more beneficial for your body during the winter months.
5. Support Your Microbiome
Your gut microbiome, plays a vital role in protecting you against harmful pathogens. To support your microbiome, include plenty of prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic, and bananas, which feed the good bacteria. Additionally, incorporate fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kefir, which contain probiotics that promote a balanced gut and strengthen your immune system.
By following these nutrition tips, you’ll be well on your way to supporting your immune defences and staying healthy throughout the winter months. For more expert tips on transforming health through simple, effective diet and lifestyle changes, visit carolinefarrell.com
The Sambucol range (RRPs from £6.49) is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. For more information on Sambucol, the †UK’s No.1 brand for immunity visit sambucol.co.uk
“As a nutritionist, I understand the importance of phytonutrients to support your immune health. As a mum, I personally use *Sambucol and give it to my own family, particularly during the colder months” – Caroline Farrell.
FROG BIKES
This Christmas, give your child the gift of outdoor fun with their first pedal bike. Perfectly designed for young riders aged 3-6, Frog Bikes’ lightweight first pedal bikes - available in red, blue, green, pink, orange, and spotty - help kids gain confidence while mastering their pedalling skills. Built for comfort, safety, and fun, these premium bikes are engineered with child-specific geometry, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
frogbikes.com or 01785 557300
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2
1
TICKIT® - HOME OF EDUCATIONAL PLAY
Give the gift of open-ended play this Christmas! We design fun, flexible and stimulating educational toys for boys and girls, which support the curiosity approach and enhance every child’s natural capacity for learning. The beautiful wooden Town Dividers are part of our wider Discovery range, designed to inspire your children to create, explore, play and learn in a world powered by their imagination. tickit.co.uk/yummy
WASH-OUT PENS INCLUDED
3
READER OFFER: SAVE 20%
EATSLEEPDOODLE
A comfy, cosy, colour-in Christmas
Get ready for a colouring adventure like no other, with brand new colour-in pyjamas from eatsleepdoodle! In bestselling dinosaur and fairytale designs, these cute and cosy pyjamas come complete with a set of wash-out pens for endless colouring fun! Available in sizes 4-5 years, 5-6 years and 6-7 years.
Enjoy an exclusive 20% off all gifts with the code ESDCOLOUR Shop the full collection of colour in gifts at eatsleepdoodle.com.
“Luxurious merino, gender neutral styling and of course the ultimate in snuggly softness”
OH SO COSY GIFTING
Give the gift of sheepskin snuggles with Baa Baby’s stunning range of sheepskin pram liners, booties, mittens and bear comforters. Luxurious merino, gender neutral styling and of course the ultimate in snuggly softness. We have the perfect range from newborns to toddlers, all wrapped up and gift ready in our range of reusable cotton bags or Christmas keepsake gift boxes. baababy.co.uk
4
HERNE HILL SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN WE SHAPE FUTURES
Herne Hill School is well known for its excellence and expertise in preparing young children for life by providing the finest individual education based on a bedrock of love and care.
‘Discover & Play’ Open Mornings: Monday 18 – Thursday 21 November 2024, 9.30am Since its foundation in 1976, Herne Hill School has specialised in Early Childhood Education (2+ to 7+), the most crucial formative period in a child’s life.
In 2021, after leveraging all its expertise to design completely tailor-made spaces for
its youngest children, it was able to move the Kindergarten to a dedicated, state-of-the-art facilities at nearby 99 Herne Hill.
The site has turned out to be highly conducive to stimulating the children’s creativity and maximising their learning. It has met with strong parental approval, gaining a reputation of being “unrivalled”, with some parents comparing it to a “Soho House for children”. 99 Herne Hill boasts a warm ‘home from home’ Victorian mansion, a large garden with an amazing ‘sand land’, nature-centric activity areas such as water play, mud kitchen and herb growing, as well as the annexe ‘Bach’ building at the back of the property for additional tumble space.
“The site has turned out to be highly conducive to stimulating the children’s creativity”
The perfect setting for early schooling
Although Herne Hill School is the largest standalone independent school in the country focusing exclusively on Early Childhood Education, it is at the same time sufficiently small to enjoy a warm and friendly family community atmosphere.
The children benefit from this environment and their strong relationships with loving, caring and expert staff who guide them in a highly individualised manner on their ‘whole child’ development journey following the school’s bespoke five-year curriculum.
Its hallmark is to lay the foundations in
all skill sets required to succeed in life (social, emotional, self-regulatory, cognitive and physical) by transitioning seamlessly from child-led, experiential, play-based learning to a more structured teaching approach and purposefully maintaining the children’s fun, curiosity and enthusiasm. Their ability to become the oldest children at the school in a co-ed environment also enables them to hone their leadership skills and social responsibilities, ready to move on to their next schools at the end of Year 2, fully equipped academically and emotionally to meet life’s next opportunities and challenges.
WHAT LAST YEAR’S KINDERGARTEN PARENTS SAID…
“Family feel school with loving care given by all the staff.”
“Really excellent staff and leadership team, providing a really solid start to the children’s education and preparing them for their future educational journey.”
“Gorgeous environment with wonderful teachers and a solid educational philosophy.”
“The staff are so nurturing, and they weave learning into play in the most wonderful way.”
“A truly brilliant school.”
THE DETAILS
‘Discover & Play’ Open Mornings to gain a playful peek into the Kindergarten’s unique life.
From Monday 18 to Thursday 21 November 20224, 9.30am.
For parents and their 2-3 year-old child (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022). Parents of younger or older children can also see the school in action by joining one of the regular tours.
Visit hernehillschool.co.uk for further details and to book.
Get into the festive spirit at
‘THE PADDINGTON BEARTM EXPERIENCE’
From 16th November
Have an unforgettable festive family day out at ‘The Paddington Bear™ Experience’ at County Hall on London’s South Bank. With stunning decorations including a 5.5 metre centrepiece Christmas tree, and festive treats including gingerbread paws, mince pies and orange hot chocolate, guests can celebrate Christmas within Paddington’s world until Sunday 5th January 2025.
The Paddington Bear™ Experience is a unique and fun-filled interactive experience inspired by the nation’s favourite bear spanning more than 26,000 square feet.
Visitors are invited to step into Paddington’s world and embark on an exciting immersive adventure through some of the most memorable locations from the Paddington stories. Starting with the hustle and bustle of Paddington Station, guests are greeted by a friendly Station Master and taken on a lively train journey through London’s most famous landmarks all the way to the Browns’ charming house at No. 32 Windsor Gardens.
Once inside the famous tree adorned hallway, the Brown family whisk guests into a whirlwind of multi-sensory activities as they need to help Paddington and his family prepare for a very special occasion – The Marmalade Day Festival!
With numerous themed rooms to explore, interactive games, character interactions, and lots of surprises along the way, the adventure culminates in a very special Windsor Garden Street party where visitors have the chance to enjoy the Marmalade Day festival. A range of food (including Paddington’s famous marmalade sandwich!) and beverages are available to all, as well as an opportunity to enjoy fun and games with the Brown family.
The Paddington Bear™ Experience will capture the hearts of the entire family, no matter the age.
Images: Alex Brenner
THE DETAILS
The Paddington Bear™ Experience’s festive offering, launches after the bear’s latest cinematic outing, PADDINGTON IN PERU, in UK cinemas from 8th November.
Tickets for the Paddington Bear™ experience are available now from paddingtonbearexperience.com.
The Paddington Bear™ Experience London County Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1
THE FERTILITY CENTRE
Formerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London.
The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients –including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues.
Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment.
As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.
There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:
• For social reasons
• Preparing to transition
• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy
• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts
If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly.
In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.
THE DETAILS
The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre
The Kensington Wing
The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.
Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.
To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.
THE DETAILS
If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk
The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.
The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.
The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.
BOWEL CANCER: THE FACTS
Advice from The London General Practice
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer. Over 42,000 people are diagnosed every year in the UK and can affect anyone of any age. More than nine out of ten are over the age of 50, and nearly six out of ten aged 70+.
However, more than 2,500 new cases are diagnosed each year in people under the age of 50. 1 in 15 men and 1 in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.
Bowel cancer is treatable and curable if diagnosed at the earliest stage but drops significantly as the disease develops. More than 16,000 people die from bowel cancer in the UK every year.
Symptoms include:
• Bleeding from the back passage and/or blood in your stool
• Persistent, unexplained change in bowel habit
• A need to pass stool, even after opening your bowels.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Extreme tiredness for no reason.
• A pain or lump in your abdomen.
Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, but if you are concerned, please speak to your GP.
Risk
• Being over 50
• Strong family history of bowel cancer. All family members should tell their GP if they have one first-degree relative diagnosed with bowel cancer before the age of 50, or two or more relatives diagnosed at any age, or one or more relatives with a known genetic condition linked to bowel cancer
• History of non-cancerous growths (polyps) in your bowel
• Longstanding inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Type 2 diabetes
Lifestyle factors:
• Avoid processed meat and limit red meat consumption
• Eat plenty of fibre from wholegrains, pulses, veg and fruit.
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Increase physical activity
• Reduce alcohol consumption: about 6% in the UK are linked to alcohol
• Stop smoking: An estimated 7% of bowel cancer cases in the UK are linked to tobacco smoking
Screening
Screening tests healthy people to see if they show early signs of cancer, or non-cancerous growths (polyps) that may develop into cancer in the future. Removing these can reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer.
At the London General Practice they guide their patients to access screening techniques to detect bowel cancers early.
• Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) or Faecal occult blood test (FOBT). Both look for tiny traces of blood in a stool sample.
• CT Colonoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy . This is when your bowel is imaged using a CT scanner
• Bowel scope screening. This test involves an endoscopist using a flexible tube called a colonoscope with a light and a camera to examine the bowel and take samples where needed.
Treatment
Would depend on each individual case, but may comprise surgery with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Even cases of advanced bowel cancer, where cancer cells may have spread beyond the bowel, can be treated through a variety of novel techniques.
THE DETAILS
The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL
Tel: 0207 935 1000
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
thelondongeneralpractice.com
Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services
