Christmas/Winter 2019 East London Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

53,640 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

East London

LONDON E6

EVENT LISTINGS • COMPETITIONS • WINTER DAYS OUT • THEATRE

CHRISTMAS/WINTER 2019/20 25 NOV 2019 - 2 FEB 2020 ISSUE 70

DVDs for Christmas Dora and the Lost City of Gold

Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure ever - High School. Always the explorer, Dora quickly ﬁnds herself leading Boots, her best friend (a monkey), Diego, a mysterious jungle inhabitant and a rag tag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost city of gold. Dora and the Lost City of Gold is available to download and keep on the 7 December and on Blu-ray and DVD from 9 December, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

The Angry Birds Movie 2

The ﬂightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their beef to the next level in The Angry Birds Movie 2.When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red, Chuck, Bomb and Mighty Eagle recruit Chuck’s sister Silver and team up with pigs Leonard, his assistant Courtney and techpig Garry to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely super team to save their homes.The Angry Birds Movie 2 is available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD on 2 December.

Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans Atti is a Roman teenager with brains but very little brawn. When one of his schemes falls foul of Emperor Nero, Atti is forced to join the army and sent to miserable, cold, wet Britain. Things go from bad to worse when Atti is captured by Orla, a feisty teenage Celt desperate to prove herself as a warrior. Meanwhile a furious Nero is determined to crush the British rebellion, led by Boudicca. As the Romans prepare for an historic showdown with the Celts at the Battle of Watling Street, the two new friends ﬁnd themselves lined up on opposite sides of the battleﬁeld. Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans is out now on Blu-ray and DVD.

The Lion King

Disney’s The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolises his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother, and former heir to the throne, has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile.With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to ﬁgure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. Utilising pioneering ﬁlmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King is available now on Blu-ray and DVD. 2

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Mia and The White Lion

Mia and The White Lion is the captivating story of a headstrong young girl and her unconventional friendship with a rare white lion. Set in South Africa, this family adventure was inspired by a real-life visit to a lion-breeding farm in South Africa. Ten-year-old Mia has her life turned upside down when her family is suddenly uprooted, from their home in London, to South Africa to manage a lion farm that provides animals to parks, zoos and research facilities. Mia struggles with this sudden change and, to help Mia and her brother get used to their new way of living, they are given a rare white lion cub named Charlie to look after. Mia and The White Lion is out now on DVD and Digital Download.

Nativity Rocks!

The kids from St Bernadette’s Primary School are back as the staff and students audition for a coveted place in a spectacular rock musical competition. With preparations in full swing, Jerry Poppy arrives to reunite with his long-lost brother only to find he has emigrated. Sensing an opportunity, Mrs Keen enlists rock loving Jerry to help stressed out teacher Mr Johnson get St Bernadette’s through the auditions. In the midst of the excitement, a new classmate Doru arrives, accompanied by his social worker, Miss Shelly. Separated from his dad on his dangerous journey to the UK, Doru is without a family at Christmas. When Doru runs away to try and find his dad, the race is on to find him before Christmas. Nativity Rocks! is out now to buy on DVD.

Playmobil: The Movie

Playmobil: The Movie takes audiences on an epic comedy adventure through a sprawling imaginative universe in the first-ever feature film inspired by the award-winning Playmobil® role-play toys. Packed with humour and excitement, the film combines endearing and hilarious characters, thrilling adventure and breath-taking scenery in this originally animated heart-warming tale. When her younger brother Charlie unexpectedly disappears into the animated universe of Playmobil, Marla must go on the quest of a lifetime to bring him home. As she sets off on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds, Marla teams up with some unlikely and heroic new friends - the smooth-talking food truck driver Del, the dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher, a wholehearted misfit robot, an extravagant fairy godmother and many more. Through their adventure, Marla and Charlie realise that no matter how life plays out, you can achieve anything when you believe in yourself. Playmobil: The Movie will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download from 2 December.

Hi Readers

Welcome to the Christmas/New Year issue of Primary Times. It has been a real pleasure putting together our magazine for you and rounds off the year nicely! This magazine isn’t just for Christmas as it covers all the way up to just before February Half Term so don’t throw us out with all the wrappings.

Primary Times in East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Lola Olowofela, Gill Pearce, Catherine Dillon & Andrew Langridge Listings: Catherine Draisey & Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reading: Christopher Fox Editorial Assistant: Dunya Simões Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times East London is operated under franchise licence.

Congratulations to Ebenezer Wilson from St Matthew Academy who won our 2019 Christmas Card competition. The card goes to all our schools and our fantastic advertisers so we will be very busy over the next few weeks sending out over 2,500 cards. The card is a charity card and the charity we’ve been supporting this year is CLAPA The Cleft Lip and Palate Association. We’ve enjoyed being able to work with them this year and we are delighted to keep them as our Charity of the Year for 2020 too! At this time of year we need to thank some lovely people for all their help this year. Firstly we owe a very big thank you to all our advertisers who have supported us over the last year and enabled us to deliver the magazine free to 363,810 families seven times a year. That’s a lot of support we need and we have some fantastic advertisers so do please support them too. We also want to give a really big thank you to all the amazing school staff who help distribute Primary Times. We couldn’t do it without you and are very appreciative. Finally a big thank you also to all our readers who enter our competitions, support the magazines and say such lovely things about us.

Contents

inside this issue.... Latest News..............................4 What’s On.................................6 Winter Days Out........................ 7 Family Theatre..............................10 Out of School Activities.............. 12 Competitions........................... 15 Perfect Presents...................... 21 All Your Own Work!.................23

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Peter and the Primary Times Team This magazine is audited by BPA Worldwide 53,640 copies - Easter Edition 2019

We’re celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with a festive menu packed full of traditional winter warmers, including turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas canapés, pigs in blankets, a chocolate yule log and so much more - it’s time to let the festive feasting begin! With over 100 dishes from around the world, we’ll make it a Christmas to remember, so enjoy a great night out with friends, family, colleagues and everyone in between – all for one set price!

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW AT JRC-GLOBALBUFFET.COM JRCGlobalBuffet

JRC_Buffet

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Latest News

Imagine a Story

More than 1,400 primary school children will become published authors through the Imagine a Story creative writing project delivered with author Sharna Jackson, illustrator Dapo Adeola and publishers Knights Of, as part of Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival. In a giant game of consequences, each of the 33 participating schools writes one chapter of a story, responding to a brief outlined by Jackson. Once compiled, the completed novel will be illustrated by Adeola and professionally printed and published by Knights Of. From 12 – 23 February next year the UK’s leading children’s festival, Imagine, returns to Southbank Centre for its nineteenth year. Enjoy twelve days of the highest-quality international performance, music, literature, comedy, creativity, parties, participation and free fun for children aged 0-11 and their grownups. Imagine a Story culminates at the festival. All the children’s names will be printed in the final book which will be on sale at the festival and provided free to each participating school library. All children will also receive a free copy, and are invited to hear their story performed at the Children’s Festival in February. Tickets go on sale to the general public on 5 December. For more information and tickets, please visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk or call 020 3879 9555 Photo credit: Belinda Lawley

FREE FOR ALL

Join us at the spectacular launch Saturday 30th November

11.00am - 4.00pm Meet our Christmas Roller Skaters and Toy Soldiers Follow the Nutcracker Trail around Romford Town Centre AND visit our free workshop at the Church House, St Edward's, RM1 3AB, for cookie & nutcracker peg decorating

WIN AN IPAD MINI! The Nutcracker trail hunt will be available for families to take part in from Saturday 30th November 2019 until 5th January 2020 All entrants who complete the trail and post their entry into the post box will be entered into the competition to win an iPad Mini.

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for November, December and January

Ongoing Every Fri

packages are available for purchase, so make sure to visit this impressive installation over the festive period. For details visit www.theliberty.co.uk

Storytelling Club, Waterstones, Until 5 Jan The Liberty Shopping Centre, The Tiger Who Came to Tea Romford, RM1 3RL Exhibition, Discover Children’s 10am-10.30am. Waterstones holds Story Centre, Stratford, E15 a free storytelling session every 4QZ Friday for under 5s. So sit down and relax while your little ones are whisked away into a magical world of imagination and fun. Free. For more information visit www.theliberty. co.uk.

Every Sat

Mini Young Farmers, Newham City Farm, E6 5LT

11am-1pm. A great introduction to farming for the younger age group (812) and natural progression through to volunteering when they reach 12 years old. For more details and to join, email Chris.Kettle@newham. gov.uk

Every Sun

Bugs and Boots, Newham City Farm, E6 5LT 1-2.30pm. A family gardening and nature club suitable for all ages and abilities. Activities include gardening, bug hunting, crafts and cooking. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. For more details and to join, email Paula. Youles@newham.gov.uk

Until 24 Dec

Santa’s Grotto, Romford Shopping Hall, RM1 3AB

Selected dates. 10am-4pm (10am1pm 24 Dec) He’s back. For £6 per child, take as many photos as you like on your phone and receive a fabulous gift from the Big Man Himself. £1 per child will also go to Hornchurch and Upminster Sea Cadets. For more details visit www. romfordshoppinghall.com

Join The Tiger for tea and hear the tale of his surprise visit to Sophie and her mummy. Open the door and take a trip into the real-life world of Mog the Forgetful Cat. For more details and to book visit www.discover.org.uk

November Wed 27 Nov

Junior Afterschool Art Club, Barkingside Art Club, Fulwell Cross Library, Ilford, IG6 2EA

5-6.15pm. These regular workshops are a great opportunity for children to learn and practice a variety of art techniques using an extensive range of materials. Taught with close guidance, through classic and contemporary art making techniques. Ages 7-10. To book visit www. barkingsideartclub.com

Thurs 28 Nov

Guided Walk: Step Behind the Scenes, Hainault Forest Country Park, IG7 4QN

10.30am-12.30pm. Join in for a guided walk around the forest and learn more about why Hainault is one of the most important woodlands in Northern Europe. For more details and to book visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

Fri 29 Nov

Christmas Night Market, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, E17 4PP

6.30-10pm. Browse more than 20 stalls run by members of the E17 Designers, a collective of designer makers based in Walthamstow. There You are invited to a magical world of will also be festive food and drink in the Tea Room and a chance to view snow. Be transported to the Snow Pioneers: William Morris and the Factory in the North Pole, where Santa’s elves make all the snow in the Bauhaus after hours. For details visit world. Children will create their own www.wmgallery.org.uk snowflake and explore the various activities within the factory. To Our listings book visit https://uk.westfield.com/ are prepared a long stratfordcity

Santa’s Snowflake Grotto, Westfield Stratford City, E20 1EJ

Until 31 Dec

Snow Globe, The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, RM1 3RL

Get into the Christmas spirit whatever the weather by playing in the falling snow and receive a family photograph for just £10. Additional

time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Christmas Tree Light Up and Choir, Fullwell Cross Library, Ilford, IG6 2EA

5-8pm. Fullwell Cross love Christmas. Go along and join in some festive activities and the Christmas tree light up. Free event for under 10s. For more details visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

Cavalcade of Light, Epping Forest District Museum, EN9 1EL

5-7pm. Explore the museum after hours and celebrate the Cavalcade of Light. Before the lights are switched on join us for an evening of music, activities, and festive refreshments. For more details visit www. efdmuseum.com

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec Christmas Fair, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford, IG1 4XA

Jingle all the way to the Christmas Fair and browse some lovely stalls for the perfect festive gifts. With handpicked crafts, jewellery, food, drink, soaps, candles and plenty more. For times and more details visit www.valentinesmansion.com

Sat 30 Nov

Christmas Launch, Exchange Ilford, IG1 4FA

The day starts with the annual parade at 11am starting out on the high road, where special guests from Frozen will be joining in to welcome Santa to his grotto on level 3 of the Exchange. The day will be packed with meet and greets, sing-a-longs and a festive market. The grotto will then be open daily 11am-5pm and you can also pop in at the weekends to take an Elfie Selfie. For more details visit www.exchangeilford. co.uk

Christmas Nutcracker Trail Launch, Romford Town Centre

11am-4pm. The trail will be launched with Christmas-themed costumed characters around the town centre and a complimentary arts and crafts workshop for children including Christmas cookie and Nutcracker peg decorating. Don’t forget to find all the nutcrackers hidden around the town! For more information visit romfordbid.co.uk

Families Go Wild, Spitalfields City Farm, Shoreditch, E1 5AR

11.30am-1pm. Go along to join in this Families Go Wild session at the farm and help to prepare for the Winter Fayre. For more details visit www. spitalfieldscityfarm.org

Nature Walk, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT

10am-12noon and 1-3pm. This nature walk will give opportunities for families to connect with nature through activities run by FSC staff. You will go exploring and learn about the wildlife that you find. For more details and to book visit www.fieldstudies-council.org

Crazy Science, Exchange Ilford, IG1 4FA

11am, 1pm, 3pm. Children can get involved with a crazy science show with a mix of different science activities at Exchange Ilford. A great interactive show for ages 3+. Lots of family fun, something for everyone. Location: Level 3 The Loft. For more details visit www.exchangeilford.com

Mini Mammoth Making, Redbridge Museum, Ilford, IG1 1EA

10am-4pm. Take part in this fun, family, local history trail around the Museum and make a mini mammoth for free. As part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s 25th Anniversary #ThanksToYou campaign. Free. No need to book - just drop in. For more details visit www. redbridge.gov.uk

Bauhaus Costume Design, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, E17 4PP

1-4pm. Celebrate 100 years of Bauhaus and create your own tabard inspired by the works of Bauhaus tutor Oskar Schlemmer. Free, dropin. Suitable for all ages. For more details visit www.wmgallery.org.uk

Dinosaur Trail, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF 10.30am-4pm. Follow the map around the country park answering dinosaur questions. Then head back to the centre to collect your prize. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www.essexwt.org.uk

Christmas Wonderland, Haven House Children’s Hospice, Woodford Green, IG8 9LB 10am-4pm. Join in for a festive day of family fun in the beautiful grounds. Meet Father Christmas in his enchanted grotto (pre-

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16

Skating and Gingerbread – Just So Christmassy Christmas at Exchange Ilford

Everything is all ready for Christmas. The lights and trees are up and decorated. Santa is getting ready for his time at Exchange Ilford and is counting down the days until he gets to meet all the boys and girls. Go along and join him on 30 November for Exchange Ilford’s Christmas launch. The day begins with the annual parade at 11am starting out on the High Road, where special guests from Frozen will be there to welcome Santa to his grotto on level 3 of the Exchange. The day will be packed with meet and greets, sing-a-longs and a festive market. The fun doesn’t stop there. Why not pop in on the weekends for an Elfie Selfie or join the very popular Captain Calamity and his Santamine show, from 19 to 21 December? It promises to be full of laughs and fun. Santa’s grotto will be open daily 11am to 5pm, so why not come and meet Santa and his elves? The bonus is, all our activities are free for ages from 3 to 11. Do go along and join Exchange Ilford for their holiday fun and celebrations. They are looking forward to meeting you. Please visit the website www.exchangeilford.co.uk for more details. Guaranteed family fun at Exchange Ilford is with you every day!

DON’T MISS OUR

OUR

FAMILY

CHRISTMAS

PARADE COUNTDOWN…

CHRISTMAS LAUNCH

HAS BEGUN!

Saturday 30 November, 11am – 4pm

Our

Best

SHOP WINDOW

FANCY DRESS competition

Skate at Somerset House is back, promising a spectacular winter season in the heart of London. The ever-popular Skate School for adults and the Polar Bear Club for children offer sessions with National Ice Skating Association instructors. The magnificent ice rink transforms the neoclassical courtyard into an exciting winter destination, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree. The rink is open to wheelchair users across all skating sessions and dedicated sessions for wheelchair users are also available. This year the Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City opens for the first time at Somerset House. Leading architects, designers and engineers come together to build a futuristic city made entirely from gingerbread. This year’s city will explore the theme ‘transport’ with over 100 participants expected to use their expertise (and baking genius) to create a gingerbread-based urban landscape that explores imaginative new ways of moving around our densely populated cities. Visitors to the exhibition can expect the unconventional and the mesmerising as they explore a mini, edible city inspired by cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design ideas. Skate opens on Wednesday 13 November and The Gingerbread City opens on 7 December. For further information about The Gingerbread City, visit www.thegingerbreadcity.com and for further information about Skate at Somerset House and to book tickets visit www.somersethouse. org.uk. Photo credit: David Jensen

Winter Days Out with the Family

CHRISTMAS PARADE begins outside Starbucks at 11am

competition

Outdoor Festive Market

Meet the

From 12noon enjoy our

FROZEN SHOWCASE

CHARACTERS

with songs from the film

12PM TO 4PM One day only!

See www.inilford.com for competition details

inilford.com/bid

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Winter Days Out with the Family

Christmas at Epping Ongar Railway

Get your family well and truly into the festive spirit with a trip to see Santa on his special train. Go along with his elves, musicians and magicians with lots of things to do.You’ll be part of a big friendly Christmas Party on a train. The Santa Special Season is the busiest time of the year for the Railway and brings in a substantial amount of its annual income that supports the running and restoration for the rest of the year. If you can’t make the Santa Specials, the Railway also runs post-Christmas Mince Pie Specials, which is a great day out. If that’s all too much for you, the Railway opens for the last day of the season on New Year’s Day. The volunteers will then take a rest and open for the February half-term when it will be Kids for a Quid. For running dates and fares, please visit www.eorailway.co.uk

SAMPLE Christmas

Go along to the Greenwich Peninsula on Saturday 7 December and Sunday 8 December from 11am - 7pm and get ready for the festive season with a flourish of gift ideas from the brightest talents in fashion, design, homewares, food, workshops and much more at SAMPLE Christmas. Enjoy two days of live music, street theatre and family-friendly festivities whilst celebrating slow fashion, sustainable design and ethically sourced produce.Visit over 100 trend setting traders from across the capital and beyond.

Captain Flinn is back and is, once again, ready for a rollicking adventure. It’s all aboard for a non-stop, action-packed theatrical experience with catchy live music, spectacular puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs. There are lots of other shows for all ages, such as Journey Through Jazz, the ultimate interactive dance show and lesson from London’s favourite Swing Out creators SwingDanceUK and Kids of the West End, an electrifying selection of performances from the best young performers in theatre land. There’s also hit interactive shenanigans with the Fun Kids Epic Roadshow Adventure or Showstoppers Kids Show, the original improvised musical for all the family, as well as legendary master of his trade Shlomo with his acclaimed Beatbox Adventure for Kids, mixing theatre, storytelling and his incredible DIY musical stylings, all created solely by his own vocal chords. All of this takes place in the incredibly atmospheric, and innately festive, Leicester Square, surrounded by a unique, scenic, bustling European Christmas Market with over 30 different stalls purveying the finest selection of yuletide food, drink and gifts. Set in this winter kingdom is the magical Santa’s Grotto, a chance for children from far and wide to meet the big man himself, give him their personal Christmas list, receive a gift and even hear him tell a festive story. Photo credit: Leon Puplett

Expect to be greeted by a choir with a twist and to snuggle up to roast marshmallows at the fire pits. Explore an illuminated avenue of lights, take a spin on a helter skelter and follow a brass band around the square, with a mix of fairground rides, outdoors games, walkabout artists and quirky performances bringing the riverfront to life. Gather friends and family to make personalised gifts and decorations such as natural wreaths, lino-cut Christmas cards, ceramic tree decorations and spicy gingerbread in free workshops all weekend. Kids can get hands-on making sustainable, upcycled presents in Santa’s workshop. Feasting starts early with a huge array of street food, fresh produce and treats galore from tapas to turkey, vegan roti to cheesecake. You’ll find SAMPLE at The Tide on Greenwich Peninsula on Saturday 7 December and Sunday 8 December from 11am - 7pm.

Christmas in Leicester Square

Don’t miss Christmas in Leicester Square, the Christmas festival in the heart of the West End. There’s a spectacular line-up of affordable live entertainment for all ages, sitting in a scenic European-style Christmas Market, complete with a fantastic storytelling Santa’s Grotto. Headlining the brilliant programme of family theatre, music and cabaret is Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: The Magic Cutlass. Based on the award-winning book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto, this cracker of a show will have you sparkling with excitement. 8

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Discover in December is full of festive cheer. It is chock-full of cosy storytelling, twinkly story worlds, festive treats and gifts. There will be magical storytelling sessions including The Back of the Toybox for ages 4+ and sensory 0 to 3 Storytelling: Ragdoll for littler ones. Don’t miss the very last chance to catch The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Adventures of Mog the Forgetful Cat and Discover’s alwaysmagical Story Worlds and Garden. Make sure you stop off in the café for a mince pie, stolen muffin, giant pig-in-a-blanket or scrumptious macaroni cheese. Afterwards, why not pick up your Christmas gifts from the wonderful bookshop? This year, Discover are offering 25% off a book with each Discover Gift Voucher you purchase - the perfect present for story-loving kids and families. Discover is a charity working with the local community to bring a love of books, stories and writing to every child. Every time you visit, make purchases in the café or bookshop or donate to them, you help support Discover’s charitable mission to encourage a life-long love of stories. Discover is open throughout the festive season except for 24 to 26 December and 1 January. For more information, please visit www. discover.org.uk.

Winter Days Out with the Family

Discover – Encouraging a Love of Stories this Christmas

Christmas at The Mall in Walthamstow Every weekend this December visit the Mall between 11am - 4pm and find Santa and his cheeky elves giving out some early Christmas pressies. Each visit to Santa costs £3 and all proceeds go to the Mall’s charity of the year, Waltham Forest Community Hub. Coming back to the Mall this Christmas by popular demand is ‘Elf Yourself’. Have fun with the Mall’s Instagram competition, which involves the whole family and creates a great memory to take home. Do go along and join the team at the Mall. For more information about all the activities at the Mall this Christmas, visit www.themall. co.uk/walthamstow.

t December From 1s

SANTA’S GROTTO Children will be able to meet Santa in his Grotto outside Sports Direct and Poundland, every weekend until Christmas Eve at The Mall. Each visit £3.00 per child and all proceeds will go to Waltham Forest Community Hub.

Christmas, as it should be. Find out more at themall.co.uk/walthamstow

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY See who’s coming to Christmas at the Epping Ongar Railway!

The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the adventures of Mog the Forgetful Cat

An immersive exhibition of the world of Judith Kerr’s creatures at Discover Children’s Story Centre.

Last Until chance. September Ends 2019 5 January 2020.

Discover.org.uk | 020 8536 5555 383 – 387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ

Booking for the 2019 Santa Specials is now open, see website for times and fares

eorailway.co.uk 01277 365200

@eorailway

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Epping Ongar Railway

Family Theatre

across the decades, traditional audience participation and laugh out loud family silliness.

Southbank Centre SE1 Box Office: 020 3879 9555 19 Dec – 5 Jan

Circus 1903

5 – 24 Dec

Sparky the Elf and the Secret Toyshop

Join in as one of Sparky’s friends and discover fantastical adventures of unloved playthings from around the world. Ages 4-9.

Featuring acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, trapeze and highwire performers and more, this show captivates and transports audiences of all ages to the golden age of circus. Ages 3+.

Stratford Circus

Box Office: 020 8279 1080 28 Nov – 24 Dec

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Family Theatre Broadway Barking Box Office: 020 8507 5607 28 Nov – 31 Dec

Jack and the Beanstalk

Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to Blunderbore’s castle in the sky as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the cow.

Eventim Apollo Hammersmith

Box Office: 08442 491 000 11 – 29 Dec

Nativity! The Musical

London’s favourite family Christmas musical returns for a third sensational year. Feel-good, funny and full of joy, this cracker of a musical was adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the muchloved films.

Half Moon Young People’s E1

Box Office: 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk 14 Dec

Outside the Igloo

Follow penguins Pixel, Crash and Click as they embark upon an adventure of discovery and magic, following cracks in the ice, scaling enormous mountains and swimming in freezing lakes. Ages 4+.

21 Dec

Under the Frozen Moon

With lively poetry, transforming sets, exciting puppetry and atmospheric live music, Under the Frozen Moon brings life to a beautiful world of ice and adventure. Ages 3+.

Based on the much-loved classic picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this thrilling and funny adventure is the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family. Ages 2+.

11 Jan

Theatre Royal Haymarket, SW1

Thumbelina

There was once a little girl so small she could float on a lily pad and ride on the back of a dragonfly... Using traditional glove, rod and shadow puppets, this is an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre. Ages 2+.

18 Jan

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon

Redbridge Drama Centre The Snow Queen

Adapted from the book by Michael Morpurgo, this heartwarming tale is packed full of snow, dragons, lively songs and captivating puppetry. Ages 3+.

25 Jan

28 Nov – 7 Dec

Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table, this classic story is brought to life in a playful and fascinating show full of magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. Ages 3+.

The O2 Greenwich

Box Office: 08448 560 202 26 Dec – 5 Jan

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic

Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate Disney experience with a cast of over 50 unforgettable Disney characters, leaving your whole family captivated with memories that will last them a lifetime.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

Box Office: 01708 443 333 28 Nov – 5 Jan

Robin Hood

This swash buckling actor musician panto, is twanging to the beats of pop hits from

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Box Office: 020 8708 8803 Until 16 Dec

With magic, mystery and lots of laughs, Redbridge Drama Centre brings you a modern adaptation of this classic tale. Ages 7+.

Tom Thumb

Box Office: 020 7930 8800 9 Dec – 19 Jan

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful live show packed with magic, sing-a-long Enjoy songs and clumsy the show! chaos! A stunning And don’t children’s play forget to say adapted from the you saw it in classic family story of teatime mayhem. Primary

Times!

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Cinderella

Expect laughter, tears and magic in this brand-new adaptation of the classic fairy tale, brought to life by the warm-hearted mischief makers behind last year’s sell out success, A Christmas Carol. Ages 5+.

Sir James Hawkey Hall Woodford

Box Office: 01992 524 371 www.woodfordpantomime. co.uk 1 – 12 Jan

Rapunzel

Poor Rapunzel has been imprisoned in a tower in the woods by the wicked witch Gothel. Follow the hair-raising adventures as Prince Frederick and his friends try to rescue her from the evil old crone’s clutches. All ages.

Box Office: 020 8534 0310 Until 11 Jan

Dick Whittington

Join Dick Whittington and his cat on their awesome adventure to find fame and fortune in London. All ages.

Valentines Mansion Ilford Box Office: www. valentinesmansion.com 13 Dec

The Snow Queen

With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this Christmas.

Wilton’s Music Hall Box Office: 020 7702 2789 29 Nov – 4 Jan

Christmas Carol - A Fairy Tale

Brought to you by the team that gave you the sellout The Box of Delights, expect spellbinding magic, haunting music, and petrifying puppets in this triumphant retelling. Ages 7+.

Pack your bags! It’s time to hit the road and follow your dreams. Join Dick Whittington on his whirlwind quest to find adventure, fame and fortune in London at Theatre Royal Stratford East’s annual panto. Rats have taken over London and it’s up to Dick Whittington to put a stop to it. Will he be able to defeat the villainous rodent King Rat and save the city? He can’t do it without the audience’s help. Until 11 January, go cheer on heroic dreamer Dick Whittington and his furry friend Nathaniel as they make their way to the glittering streets of London at this must-see event of the season. There’s no panto quite like a Stratford East panto. They like to rip up the rule book and Dick Whittington promises to be no exception. Enjoy new twists in this reimagining of the much-loved classic tale of rags-to-riches that promises great fun for the whole family. Expect Stratford East’s iconic mix of original show-stopping songs, belly-tickling laughs and a huge sprinkle of magic (and perhaps even a bit of snow) in this year’s festive treat for all ages. The Times commented “this is pantomime at its most magical” about last year’s Sleeping Beauty, while The Stage described Stratford East’s Rapunzel as “utterly enchanting”. Prices increase as the theatre fills, so book early to secure the best seats at the lowest prices. To book tickets, visit www.stratfordeast. com or call the Box Office on 020 8534 0310.

Family Theatre

Dick Whittington at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Robin Hood at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

Bows at the ready! After the giant success of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Jack and the Beanstalk in 2018, the festive family actor-musician panto is back, twanging to the beats of pop hits from across the decades, traditional audience participation and laugh out loud silliness. Hit the bullseye this Christmas with a festive fix of all your favourite theatrical treats, as deep in the heart of his foreboding castle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is taxing the poor to pile up his gold, whilst imprisoning brave Maid Marian and her hilarious Nurse Nanny Fanny. But the Sheriff hasn’t banked on arrow slinging hero, Robin, emerging from Sherwood Forest to target the hand of Marion and outwit the villain’s plans. Can Robin save the day with a little help from his band of Friar Tuck and plucky Merry Folk? Over 50% of the tickets are now sold, so get your skates on to book for this sheriff-busting Christmas adventure. Robin Hood runs at Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch from 28 November to 5 January at various times. Tickets cost from £12.50 to £32 (+65p QNew Transformation Fee). To book call 01708 443 333 or visit www. queens-theatre.co.uk.

Visit Narnia this Christmas

Step through the wardrobe this winter into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain, in the Bridge Theatre’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch.

28 Nov 2019 – 5 Jan 2020 A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch pantomime

This critically acclaimed production reunites director Sally Cookson with designer Rae Smith, writer in the room Adam Peck, movement director Dan Canham, puppetry director Craig Leo, lighting designer Bruno Poet, sound designer Ian Dickinson and music by Benji Bower all of whom originally brought the show to life in 2017 breaking box office records at Leeds Playhouse. The Times described that production as “A theatrical miracle” and gave it four stars while The Stage said “Truly epic... a Narnia for now” also giving it four stars. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is playing at the Bridge Theatre, on Potters Field near the Mayor’s office this winter from 9 November until 2 February. The production is suitable for ages 6+. Visit www.bridgetheatre.co.uk or call 03303 200 051 to book. Family rates are available on selected dates and for school discounts, email groups@bridgetheatre.co.uk. Photo credit: Brinkhoff Mogenburg

By Andrew Pollard Tickets from £12.50*

Principal sponsor

Media partner

*plus 65p QNew Transformation Fee

Audio Described, Dementia Friendly and Relaxed Performances (SEN Friendly) are available.

01708 443333 | queens-theatre.co.uk QueensTheatreH QueensTheatreHornchurch

Limitless entertainment

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Out of School Activities Swimming Safety

We are so lucky to live in a country with lots of leisure centres and swimming pools and near enough to the sea for a day at the beach with many different opportunities for the water to be enjoyed by all. It is, of course, essential for children to learn to enjoy the water safely, in a happy safe controlled fashion.

A Confident Start with Jigsaw Performing Arts

Jigsaw is currently taking bookings for the spring term. Their popular dance, singing and drama weekend classes for 3-18-year-olds are designed to develop children’s confidence, self-expression, focus and social skills, while they have fun and make lots of new friends. Parents share in the excitement and their children’s progress with regular presentations, shows and reports from Jigsaw’s team of highly experienced teachers. For more information or to book a two-week trial, search for your nearest school on the Jigsaw website, www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk, or call them on 020 8447 4530.

According to the Royal Life-Saving Society, drowning is a leading cause of child accidental death. It’s shocking but statistics show that you are more likely to die from drowning than by being hit by a car or in a fire. It is absolutely crucial that all children know how to swim at a young age. There is water all around us, even if it’s as small as a bathtub. Making sure that your child is comfortable in and around water is essential to their safety. Learning to swim is not only a lifesaving skill, it is also great fun, and it will enable you and your child to try a host of other water sports like diving, snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing opening up a whole new world of aquatic fun, making your summer holidays and visits to the swimming pool and the beach a lot more fun for all!

Leading Stage School Launches Well-Being Project

Actress and social entrepreneur, Anna Fiorentini, set up her theatre school almost 20 years ago with the intention of providing high quality performing arts training for young people who wish to increase in confidence and self-esteem, as well as have access to opportunities in the industry. As the school approaches its 20th anniversary it is excited to have launched its WellBeing Project where students are given an inspirational quote setting the theme for each week at the school which is then carried into their everyday lives. Jayden Jean-Paul-Denis star of CBBC’s Hank Zipzer, Orla Hill, leading actress in feature film Swallows & Amazons and Jermain Jackman, Voice UK Winner 2014, all former Fiorentini students, are just some of the professional performers booked in to give masterclasses as part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations. Our picture shows a Fiorentini student, Mia, who has won the lead role in the West End tour of Annie. The school, which has branches in Hackney, Camden, Greenwich and Docklands, is a leading independent drama school in London looking to nurture young talent, build confidence, and foster life-long friendships. All workshops are taught by leading industry professionals who offer invaluable insight to the students in an inclusive, inspirational and exciting environment and their theatrical agency gives access to leading roles on TV, Film and the West End stage. The school has a new in-take in January and potential students can sign up to a Free Taster now. For more information and to sign up, please visit www.annafiorentini.com. 12

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Recruiting new students for our Saturday & evening schools. Sign up for a Taster Day now!

Out of School Activities

Winter School 2019

Leaders are Readers’ Winter School is now in its 6th successful year. The investment parents make in their child now will contribute towards their success in the January or February assessments and entry tests into selective independent schools. This period can be a stressful time for those undertaking the 7+, 8+ and 11+ assessments, taken by children in year 2, year 3 and year 6 respectively. Leaders are Readers aim to provide maximum support, helping to develop your child’s exam technique and confidence through rigorous practice in readiness for their assessments. The bespoke 5-day programme is designed to consolidate the students’ knowledge and ability to answer questions proficiently and understand what the assessors are looking for to maximise their chance of success. Winter School gives your child the opportunity to sit exam papers under exam conditions, revise and review troublesome topics and receive pointers in exam technique and interview skills. The Winter School runs at Raphael Independent School in Hornchurch on Friday 20, Monday, Friday and Saturday 23, 27 and 28 and Monday 30 December from 9.00am to 1.00pm. The Winter School costs £295 per child. Do complete an Enrolment Form on the website, www.leadersarereaders. co.uk, or give the centre manager, Lara Okpor, a call on 07762 709 512.

Learn to swim! Lessons from 4 months All abilities Small class sizes We get results ! FREE TRIAL LESSON !

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

dr ama singing dance School in:

Ilford 3–18 years

07496 167429

essex@angelasswimschool.co.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

T: 020 8447 4530

W: Jigsaw-arts.co.uk

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Katie

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Word Search H D S T L I T S T R

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A I A I I L G E H I

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Can you find all these words in the word search? Acrobat, Unicycle, Trapeze, Juggler, Ringmaster, Magic, Troupe, Bigtop, Bow, Cannon, Stilts, Tightrope, Tophat, Pole, Ride

A n s w e r s

Spot 10 Differences

What happened when the lion ate the clown? He felt funny! What material do you use to make a clownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outfit? Poly-jester! What did the egg say to the clown? You crack me up!

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with clowns or the circus. Make it as colourful as you can! Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz 17 January 2020. Good Luck!

Closing date

ircus

Colour the Clown

Win a set of Roly-Poly Flying Pony Books

Win Dora and the Lost City of Gold on DVD

Have you come across Kevin, the Roly-Poly Flying Pony, yet? Well, get set for another adventure for Kevin along with his best friend Max and sister Daisy in the second book in the series from Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre– Kevin’s Great Escape. When spooky pop sensation, Misty Twiglet, arrives in Bumbleford asking to buy Kevin, Max and Daisy make it clear that KEVIN IS NOT FOR SALE. However, after Daisy is tricked into signing over Kevin to Misty, there follows a rescue attempt involving guineapig adventurers, long-haired unicorns and a very small dragon that sneezes blue flame. The great escape is on! We have five sets of both books in the series, Kevin’s Great Escape and Legend of Kevin, for lucky Primary Times readers. For your chance to win one of these great prizes, tell us the name of the Roly-Poly Flying Pony. See below for details of how to enter.

Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure ever - High School. When her parents mysteriously disappear while searching for the Lost City of Gold, Dora must swing into action with her best monkey friend, Boots, and lead a group of ill-equipped high schoolers on a wild quest to save them. Hold on for a high stakes mission as Dora and her new friends navigate the jungle, outrun treasure hunters, and solve ancient puzzles to unlock the mystery of the fabled city. Dora and the Lost City of Gold will be available to download on 7 December and on Blu-ray and DVD on 9 December. Primary Times is giving five lucky readers the chance to win a DVD of the film. For your chance to win, simply tell us the name of Dora’s monkey friend. See below for details of how to enter.

Win a box of books for your school

Your chance to win lots more prizes

Primary Times are offering schools the chance to win a selection of great books for their library. We have a whole box full of titles from super stories to fun educational books. We have several boxes of books to give away and the titles in each may differ. To enter the competition send your name, address, phone number and the name of your school using the details below.

Competitions

We have many more books, toys and games to win than we have room for on these pages. For your chance to win a prize follow us on

@PT_LondonSandE and retweet to win

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to

competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 17 January 2020. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for November, December and January November booking needed), shop in the Gift Marketplace, and relax and refuel in the Festive Tea Rooms. With carol singing and fun games, this is an event not to be missed. For details visit www.havenhouse.org.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

Santa Specials, Epping Ongar Railway

(Also 7-8, 14-15, 19-24 Dec). Take the family along to see Santa on his special train with the fantastically festive Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Romford’s Christmas Nutcracker Trail, Romford Town Centre

Collect your trail brochure from the Town Hosts or Helpdesk in the town centre, then follow the trail and find all the Nutcrackers hidden around the town for the chance to win an Apple iPad mini. For more information visit romfordbid.co.uk

December Sun 1 Dec

Sunday Open House, Ragged School Museum, Mile End, E3 4RR

2-5pm. Step through the museum’s doors and explore the history of the East End. The special feature of these monthly Open House sessions is the opportunity to attend a lesson in the Victorian Classroom. Secure a Lesson ticket when you arrive at the museum. For details visit www. raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk

Festive Forest School Sunday, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF 10.30am-12noon. Learning through nature and play. Outdoor activities and fun in the woods. Gain skills and work towards confidence in the outdoors. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www.essexwt. org.uk

Wild Weekend, Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH

Sun 1 – 24 Dec

Santa’s Grotto, The Mall Walthamstow, E17 7LT

(Selected dates). 11am-4pm. Children will be able to meet Santa in his grotto every weekend until Christmas Eve. All proceeds go to Waltham Forest Community Hub. For more information visit www. themall.co.uk/walthamstow

Wed 4 Dec

A Midwinter Night’s Dream, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Chingford, E4 7QH

4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Families are invited to enjoy a preview twilight visit to the Midwinter installation. There will be two enchanting gifts for children to make and take home, and a story, Fairy Fruit drink and snack to enjoy in a flickering firefly glade in the Hunting Lodge itself. To book visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Thurs 5 Dec

Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 6-7pm. From 5.30pm go along and join the Choir of the St Martin-inthe-Fields to sing carols around the tree, the gift to London from the Norwegian people. For more details visit www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Thurs 5 Dec – Sun 5 Jan Christmas Installation, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Chingford, E4 7QH

10am-4pm. Excl Mondays. Experience the midwinter enchantment of the magical forest world of Shakespeare’s Titania and Oberon with a wander through the winter greenery and wild animals of their woodland world. Fairy wings available. For more details visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Fri 6 Dec

Winter Candlelit Tours, Eastbury Manor House, Barking, IG11 9SN

7pm. Join costumed guides for seasonal candlelit tours of the house and learn about Eastbury’s history. Ticket price includes refreshments. For more details including how to book visit www. eastburymanorhouse.org.uk

10am-12noon and 1-3pm. Drop in to enjoy map-themed arts and crafts, sensory play and follow a map on a nature walk. All are welcome. Free, drop-in. For more details visit www. wildlondon.org.uk

Eastbury’s Woodland Grotto, Eastbury Manor House, Barking, IG11 9SN

11am-4pm. Go along to meet Father Christmas in his snowy Woodland Grotto. Ticket price includes a private meeting with Father Christmas and a traditional Christmas stocking filled with gifts. For more details including how to book visit www. eastburymanorhouse.org.uk

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Christmas Carols and Classical Music, Havering Museum, Romford, RM1 1JU 1.30-3.30pm. Take along your photographs and memories to share or just listen to others. All are welcome to these friendly sessions which are sponsored by Mullis & Peake. For more details visit www.haveringmuseum.org.uk

Sat 7 Dec

Winter Fayre, Spitalfields City Farm, Shoreditch, E1 5AR 11am-3pm. There will be carols from Hackney Empire Community Choir, fantastic prizes to be won in the raffle, festive stalls, face painting, donkey rides, games, winter crafts and more. For more details visit www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org

Junior Wildlife Club – Natural Festive Decorations Workshop, Victoria Park, E3 5TB

10.30am–12.30pm. Join the Community Park Rangers to create your very own festive ornaments and decorations using natural found materials from around Vicky Park. Meet at the V&A Building - Area D5. For more details email victoriapark@ towerhamlets.gov.uk

Family Day, Whitechapel Gallery, E1 7QX

12noon-4pm. Families can experience live performances and participate in creative activities inspired by the work of Anna Maria Maiolino around the themes of life, matter and the body. Free. For more details and to book visit www.whitechapelgallery. org

Kids Birdwatching Club, RSPB Rainham Marshes, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ

10am-12.30pm. One for the young wildlife lovers - join in once a month to explore the reserve through the season, watching and learning about the birds that visit and live there. For more details visit www.rspb.org.uk/ rainhammarshes

Father Christmas, Epping Forest District Museum, EN9 1EL 10.30am-4pm. Go along to this annual festive Christmas event. Have a go at some Christmas craft, visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a gift. No need to book, just drop in. For more details visit www. efdmuseum.com

Finding Father Christmas, Lambourne End, Essex, RM4 1NB

10am-12.30pm or 2-4.30pm. Explore the magical winter wonderland, get crafty with the Elves and meet Father Christmas in his enchanted woodland grotto. Book on 020 8500 3047. For more details visit www.lambourneend.org.uk

Rainham Village Christmas Fayre, Rainham Hall, Havering, RM13 9YN

Rainham Hall and gardens is delighted to be part of BBC One’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol this December.Visit the Hayloft to see photographs from the filming, try on some of the costumes similar to those seen in the show and take part in a children’s craft activity. For details visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/rainham-hall

The Snowman Family Screening, Walthamstow Assembly Hall, E17 4JF

10.30am, 12.45pm and 3.30pm. He’s back...The Snowman returns to Walthamstow Assembly Hall. Go along and watch the classic Christmas film accompanied by one of the UK’s top brass bands playing the live score. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.elb.yapsody. com

Storytelling with Lucy Christopher, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ

2.15-3.15pm. Join Lucy Christopher as she shares her debut picture book Shadow, a moving story about a little girl finding a shadow in a new house, causing mischief, and ultimately rediscovering the connection with Mum she needed all along. Ages 4+. To book visit www.discover.org.uk

Sat 7 – Sun 8 Dec

SAMPLE Christmas, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0QZ

11am-7pm. A seasonal pop-up market bringing together fashion, homeware and craft by emerging design talent. Also seasonal food, DJs and street trucks to grab a bite or glass from. Find plenty of ways to celebrate the winter season. For more details visit www. greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/sample

Christmas Trail, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF

10.30am-3.30pm. Escape the Christmas rush and enjoy some family time at the visitor centre, self-led trail. Wear clothing suitable for being outside. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www. essexwt.org.uk

Urban Makers Christmas Market, Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, E3 5TW 11am-5pm. The festive market will showcase 50 designer makers each day, offering an enormous variety of hand-made products. With workshops, hot foods and drink, this is a good day out for all the family. For more details visit www. urbanmakerseast.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 18...

Film Preview Guide CBeebies Christmas Show This year’s highly anticipated CBeebies Christmas Show is returning to bring the fun of live theatre to cinema screens near you on 30 November and 1 December. A Hansel & Gretel stage performance, recorded at Edinburgh Festival Theatre, will be the show this year and is set to be a familyfriendly feast of Christmas fun, including interactive content exclusively created for cinemas. Opening as an Event Cinema Weekender, the show will be running encores throughout December.This adaptation of fairy-tale classic Hansel & Gretel will again feature many of CBeebies’ most popular talents and will introduce the much loved Wafﬂe the Wonder Dog to proceedings for the ﬁrst time!

Frozen 2

Spies in Disguise Based on Pigeon: Impossible by Lucas Martell, super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair.Walter is not. But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and invention, creating the awesome gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions. When events take an unexpected turn,Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. If this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril. Spies in Disguise is an animated comedy set in the high-octane globe-trotting world of international espionage. It will be released on 26 December. For more information, please visit www.foxmovies.com.

StarDog and TurboCat

The greatest superheroes ever unleashed hit cinemas nationwide from 6 December. Luke Evans, Nick Frost, Gemma Arterton and Bill Nighy star in this hilarious, feelWhy was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her good adventure - a tale of friendship, heroism and belief in the capacity for good that and threatening her kingdom.Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, guarantees to keep the whole family entertained this Christmas. Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she Launched into space by his scientist owner must hope they are enough. Expect adventure and excitement as the in 1969, loyal dog Buddy crash lands in the present-day in a small town where pets are team venture far into the forest to learn the truth about this ancient ruthlessly rounded up by animal-hating cop mystery of their Peck. Desperate to be reunited with his kingdom. From the owner, Buddy recruits genius millionaire cat Academy Award®winning team Jennifer Felix to help him on a madcap adventure across town. But when they encounter rabbit Lee and Chris Buck Cassidy and her misﬁt organisation of animal with producer Peter rights activists G.U.A.R.D., Buddy and Felix Del Vecho and are forced to confront Peck and become the heroes they need to be. songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad,Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 is in cinemas now.

Win Horrible Histories: The Movie Rotten Romans Merchandise

Atti (Sebastian Croft) is a Roman teenager with brains but very little brawn. When one of his schemes falls foul of Emperor Nero, Atti is forced to join the army and sent to cold, wet Britain. Things go from bad to worse When Jesper distinguishes himself as the postal academy’s when Atti is captured by Orla (Emilia Jones), a feisty worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words, teenage Celt desperate to prove herself as a warrior. Meanwhile a furious Nero is determined to crush the let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he ﬁnds an British rebellion. As the Romans prepare for a historic ally in local teacher showdown with the Celts the two new friends find Alva, and discovers themselves lined up on opposite sides of the battlefield. Klaus, a mysterious Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans is carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of available on digital download, Blu-ray and DVD now.

Klaus

handmade toys.These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbours, magical lore and stockings hung by the chimney with care. Netflix’s first animated feature film, Klaus, directed by Sergio Pablos (Despicable Me co-creator), has been released into selected cinemas across the UK and is also available on Netflix.

Primary Times is giving five readers the chance to win a fantastic Horrible Histories merchandise pack along with a DVD of the film. To be in with thechance of winning, simply tell us the name of Sebastian Croft’s character In the movie. Send your answer to us along with your name, age, address, school and phone number to Horrible Histories Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email your answer together with your details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Horrible Histories’ as the subject by Friday 17 January 2020.

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for November, December and January December Storytelling and Festive Trail with Santa Claus, Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH

10am, 12noon and 2pm. Meet Santa in the festive Grotto where he will be reading stories and handing out gifts. Storytelling will be followed by a winter-themed trail. For more details and to book visit www. walthamstowwetlands.com

Santa Specials, Epping Ongar Railway

(Also 14-15, 19-24 Dec) Take the family along to see Santa on his special train with the fantastically festive Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Sat 7 Dec – Sun 5 Jan

Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City, Somerset House, WC2R 1LA

The Museum of Architecture brings its hugely popular Gingerbread City exhibition to Somerset House, which challenges leading architects, engineers and designers to create a futuristic city made entirely of gingerbread. There will also be family workshops taking place during the exhibition. To book visit www. somersethouse.org.uk

Sun 8 Dec

London Santa Run, Victoria Park, E3 5TB

Hitch up your sleigh for London’s largest Santa Run and bring a flash of red to the streets of London with thousands of runners dressed as Santa Claus to spread festive fun and burn a few cheeky calories for the holidays. For more details and to sign up visit www.londonsantarun.co.uk

Frankie’s Festive Fun Run, Fairlop Waters Country Park, Ilford, IG6 3HN

Sign up to this brand-new fancy dress 5k fun run - a great opportunity to get the whole family active and outdoors during the festive season. There will also be an event village, Santa’s grotto and a Christmas market. Use code PT10 for 10% off when booking online. To sign up visit www.sfh.org.uk

Christmas Fair, RSPB Rainham Marshes, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ

10am-7pm. Go along to this annual indoor free festive fair to pick up some of those all-important seasonal gifts. There will be handmade crafts, art, photos, jewellery, bags, decorations, and more - as well as a special cafe menu and of course some appropriate musical accompaniment. For details visit www.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes

Eastbury Christmas, Eastbury Manor House, Barking, IG11 9SN

11am-4pm. Join in for Christmas festivities, including Eastbury’s Woodland Grotto (booking essential), craft activities, Christmas trails and see Eastbury decorated for Christmas. For more details visit www.eastburymanorhouse.org.uk

Tues 10 Dec

Carols and Candles Service, East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, E14 5NX

6-7pm. Choirs made up of leading Canary Wharf-based companies perform at the spectacular East Wintergarden, with hundreds of beautiful Christmas lights and handheld candles. A special service for those working in and around Canary Wharf and their families. To buy tickets visit www.canarywharf. com

Thurs 12 Dec

Shine a Little Light, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, E17 4PP 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm. Make winter lanterns inspired by the Gallery’s collection of stained glass windows. For more details and to book visit www.wmgallery.org.uk

Fri 13 Dec

Winter Concert, Eastbury Manor House, Barking, IG11 9SN

7pm. Enjoy a festive carol concert with the Kingsley Choral Group. For more details including how to book visit www.eastburymanorhouse.org. uk

9th Stepney Winter Fair, Roland Philipps Scout Centre, E1 3DF

12noon-4pm. There will be stalls selling food and drink along with stalls selling jewellery, sweets, perfumes and much more. There will also be children’s activities including a bouncy castle, arts and crafts and gingerbread men decorating. For details visit www.towerhamletsarts. org.uk

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Storytelling and Festive Trail with Santa Claus, Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH

(Also 15 Dec) 10am, 12noon and 2pm. Meet Santa in the festive Grotto where he will be reading stories and handing out gifts. Storytelling will be followed by a winter-themed trail. For more details and to book visit www.walthamstowwetlands.com

Fri 13 – Sun 15 Dec

Forest Uprising, Leyton Sports Ground, E10 6PY

Dusk - 9pm. Over three days in December, an illuminated installation of tree-like structures will grow into a beautiful urban winter garden at Leyton Sports Ground. Free, just turn up. For more details visit www. wfculture19.co.uk

Sat 14 Dec

Second Saturday Family Activities, Guildhall Art Gallery, EC2V 5AE 11am-4pm. Join Guildhall Art Gallery for themed family activities. A revolving programme may have you creating arts and crafts based on the Victorian paintings that surround you or heading to the Roman Amphitheatre to handle 2000-yearold artefacts. For more details visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

A Georgian Christmas, John Wesley’s House, EC1Y 1AU

11am-3pm. Join the residents as they prepare for the festivities. Have a go at lace making, try some seasonal food and see the House traditionally decorated for the season.You’ll be able to take part in a Christmas trail and craft activities too. Free entry, drop-in. For more details visit www. wesleysheritage.org.uk

Family Festive Day, Victoria Park, E3 5TB

12noon-3pm. Have a photo with Santa and his elves in the Christmas grotto, make your own Christmas Cards in the arts and crafts corner or have a sing-along with live Christmas music provided by the ‘Victory Sisters’. A festive family treat for all the family to enjoy. Meet at the V&A Building - Area B7. For more details email victoriapark@ towerhamlets.gov.uk

Glo-Wild Lantern, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, E3 4PX 4-5.30pm. Using recycled plastic bottles, LED lights, coloured tissue paper and glue. We’ll make colourful and festive lanterns in The Soanes Centre. Afterwards, go for a short walk into the Park with your lit up lanterns to experience nature in the atmospheric blanket of darkness. To book visit www.fothcp.org

Christmas, Mudchute Farm, E14 3HP

11am-4pm. Join in for a living crib, festive crafts, free boot fair, and Christmas stalls. Please take along donations of warm blankets, bedding, clothes and socks for homeless projects. For more details visit www. mudchute.org

Sat 14 – Sun 15 Dec

Father Christmas, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Haveringatte-Bower, RM4 1QH

10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm. Meet Father Christmas in the magical winter surroundings of the walled garden. Follow a trail, create a Christmas craft, feed the deer and receive a small present. To book call 01708 748 646. For more details visit www.essexwt.org.uk

Santa Specials, Epping Ongar Railway

(Also 19-24 Dec) Take the family along to see Santa on his special train with the fantastically festive Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.eorailway.co.uk

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ Various times. Enter the muchloved world of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and celebrate its 30th anniversary year with this special festive storytelling event. For more details and to book visit www. discover.org.uk

Christmas Trail and Craft, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF

10.30am-3.30pm. Escape the Christmas rush and enjoy some family time here at the visitor centre. Self-led trail then head back to the centre to create some Christmas crafts to take home. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www. essexwt.org.uk

Sun 15 Dec

Winter Tree Walk, Victoria Park, E3 5TB

10.30am-12.30pm. Join Suzanna (Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park) on a stroll to learn fun facts about the trees in Vicky Park that have now lost all of their leaves. For more details and to book email victoriapark@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Sunday Market, Thames Chase Community Forest, Upminster, RM14 3NS

10am-2pm. Wrap up warm and browse through a special selection of seasonal produce and crafts from local artists and producers. A great opportunity to pick out a unique gift - especially good for Secret Santa - shortly before the Christmas holiday. For more details visit www. thameschase.org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

Star Read

Bookstore Christmas

There are some really uplifting stories here showing a variety of ways all kind of creatures can overcome obstacles and adversity to find happiness, and the importance of friendship. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Perfectly Polite Penguins

Debbie

Georgiana Deutsch/ Ekaterina Trukhan (Little Tiger, £6.99) Penguins are always perfectly polite, waiting their turn, sharing toys and never forgetting their please and thank yous — except Polly. She thinks being polite is boring and can be very naughty and rude. The other penguins hope to show her the error of her ways, but one by one they start to realise the fun she is having. This leads to arguments and lots of noise that frightens baby Peter and makes even Polly realise being polite is best .....most of the time! A very funny picture book aided by gorgeously expressive illustrations. With just a couple of sentences on each page it is perfect for beginner readers.

Dasher and her family of reindeers live a hard life in a travelling circus. She loved to hear her mama’s stories of her life before under the North Star and yearns to be there. One night she manages to escape and sets out to find it, but it is a long way away and she never seems to get nearer. Meeting an old man called Santa whose horse is struggling to pull his heavy sleigh she offers to help him to make children happy and 1s dumbfounded when they start to fly. Having a lovely time she can’t believe it when they end up under the North Star. Her joy is only spoilt by missing her family, but Santa has a plan to help with that. See what it is in this lovely, touching story aided by gorgeous, expressive pictures.

The Snow Dragon - Abi Elphinstone/ Fiona Woodcock (Simon & Schuster, £6.99) Living in a Home for Strays where the strays are children, Phoebe lives in hope that she will one day be picked by a family to go home with them. Sadly, on Christmas Eve she watches her friend go to his new home leaving her alone with only her dog Herb. She is at the mercy of the horrid Miss Bone and her snapping dog, Slobber, who wages war on childishness, banning everything that could make a child happy, especially Christmas. Locked outside in the snow Phoebe and Herb are visited by a Snow Dragon who takes them flying off on a magical adventure. They travel over seas and mountains, experience all sorts of wonders including the Northern Lights, but have to return to the orphanage where she has to endure being hunted by Miss Bone and Slobber. Will she and Herb be able to escape them? This is a poignant picture book for developing readers that pulls at your heart strings aided by atmospheric The First Christmas illustrations and a lovely surprise ending.

(Walker Hb, £7.99) Hillary isn’t your average sheep. She likes being alone to daydream about life beyond the field, is very organised and loves making lists....oh yes, and her fleece is multicoloured! As Christmas is her favourite day of the year, imagine her excitement when she hears Santa needs a jumper to keep him warm in his sleigh. Wouldn’t it be lovely to provide the wool for it, but there are so many sheep in the world. She had forgotten that where other sheep look the same, despite having different characters, she stands out. Which Santa notices when he visits her farm and choses her. There follows an adventure she will never forget — a ride to Santa’s home meeting his wife, the elves and reindeer and seeing her wool turned into the first Christmas jumper, not to mention accompanying him on a breathtaking ride delivering presents on Christmas Eve. An extremely happy, if bald, Hillary returned home to a ecstatic welcome. This is a charming story full of puns and laughter with large print and lots of illustrations to help newly developing readers.

Indicates a book is part of a series

Alien Superstar - Henry Winkler / S Lin Oliver (Amulet Hb, £10.99)

Escaping his planet before all creativity is removed from him, Buddy’s spaceship lands on the one place on earth where a green six eyed alien can walk about without being noticed: the Universal backlot in Hollywood! Passers by think he is just another character in costume. Having watched a lot of earth TV on his planet, Buddy jumps at the chance to be in a TV show playing an alien. Using the special amulet his grandmother has given him, Buddy is able to transform himself to look like an old Hollywood movie star. To his delight his performance on the show is so successful he is cast as a permanent character. He becomes an overnight success, but it isn’t all plain sailing. Without knowing what earth food can sustain him he becomes weak and unable to maintain his human form. Will anyone who sees his true appearance be able to recognise the kind character beneath the odd exterior? It becomes a rush against time to keep his secret. This is a lovely story full of warmth and humour, revealing a lot of what goes on behind scenes. There are some very likeable characters, especially the title one, and others not so. I couldn’t put it down. Fair size print with some pictures, medium length novel - first in a new series.

Granny Magic Elka Evalds (Chicken House, £6.99)

Dasher - Matt Tavares (Walker Hb, £12.99)

Jumper - Ryan Tubridy

In the Key of Code Aimee Lucido (Walker, £6.99)

Will knew his grandmother loved knitting but it wasn’t until after she died he discovered her knitting was magic. She was in fact the leader of a secret knitting club - part of the Knitwork who, using magic wool could knit special patterns with magical results that could change people’s lives for the better. Just as he is coming to terms with all this, someone else starts taking an interest in gran’s knitting. Jasper Fitchet has bought an old mill producing his own brand of magic knitting, but his is dark magic to bend people to his will. Discovering he has inherited his gran’s skills, Will sets out to help the group stop Fitchet’s evil plan and save the village. This involves finding ingenious ways of using the magic knitwear to gather more wool from a flock of magical sheep before Fitchet can get it. A very funny story with a nice mixture of magic and adventure. Large print and some pictures encourage readers onto a full length novel.

The Impossible Boy Ben Brooks (Quercus Hb, £9.99) When their friend moves away Oleg and Emma miss her so much they invent a friend called Sebastian to take her place. Imagine their amazement when he actually shows up at school — a real person. He is a bit odd, there are a lot of things he doesn’t understand and he has a satchel full of surprises including hot ice cream. Other strange things happen: a goat they had also invented turns up at school and lots of snowmen are roaming the streets. Coming to terms with all this, the friends realise impossible things can make life happier. But then some mysteriously masked beings start following them and it is clear they want to take Sebastian away. Despite a valiant attempt to protect him, involving surprising allies, Sebastian is captured. Desperate to keep the magic of impossible alive, the friends stage a very brave rescue attempt fraught with danger. This is an unusual, gripping story full of ‘edge of the seat’ moments. It shows the lengths real friends will go to help each other and the sacrifices they are willing to make. Full length novel.

Emmy loves music. With a pianist for a father and opera singing mother she expects to be a good musician, but despite her best efforts, can’t play any instruments. Going to a new school further frustrates her as no one seems to notice her, until she enrols in a new computer science class. The enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, Miss Delany, shows how her love of music can help her develop a love of coding and programming. She sees a new way to make music whilst making a friend. Slowly she makes more friends who share her interest and she is really happy at last. A piece of really bad news could spoil this, instead it further unites the new group. This inspirational story, unusually written in blank verse, flows so well it is hard to put it down and can aid readers who are struggling. You don’t have to understand all the coding to enjoy it (It didn’t affect my enjoyment) It shows that sometimes if the path you are following doesn’t lead to where you want to go, you shouldn’t despair. An alternative path could surprise you by helping you reach your goal.

The Storm Dog Holly Webb (Stripes, £5.99) Tilly is excited to be spending Christmas in the countryside with her gran and great gran and looking forward to hearing all their stories. Even more so when she learns great gran and her brothers were evacuated there during World War II, feeling this will be a big help with the project she has to do on that very subject. The thought of this gives her the confidence to undertake the journey on her own. But when she falls asleep on the train she wakes to find everything is different. It is summer and she has somehow been transported back to 1939 and is being evacuated with her two brothers. In fact she has become her great gran. They are reluctantly taken in by a farmer and his gorgeous sheepdog and slowly begin to fit in with country life, but as heavy snowfall leaves them cut off from the outside world an accident means Tilly has to make a very dangerous trip to save a life. She learns a lot about her great gran’s life, but also about herself and what she is capable of in this touching, heart warming story full of surprises and the atmosphere of the time. Fair size print, some pictures, medium length novel

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for November, December and January December Winter Wonder, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, E3 4PX

Fri 20 – Tues 24 Dec

Storytelling and Festive Trail with Santa Claus, Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH

2-4pm. Join in for a walk to admire ivy, holly, red berries and robins on this annual winter walk.Your reward alongside the visual winter treats will be mulled wine/apple juice and festive food with the whole Friends staff team. For more details visit www. fothcp.org

Christmas Afternoon Tea, Eastbury Manor House, Barking, IG11 9SN

Make Do Christmas, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in Eastbury’s historic surroundings. For more details including how to book visit www.eastburymanorhouse.org. uk

Festive Family Fun Day, Valentines Mansion, Ilford, IG1 4XA 11am-4pm. Jingle all the way around the Mansion finding clues for the festive trail, enjoy seasonal arts and crafts including Christmas card making, and lots of other fun and games for the whole family. Ages 3+. For details visit www. valentinesmansion.com

Thurs 19 – Sat 21 Dec

Santamime Show, Exchange Ilford, IG1 4FA

11am, 1pm and 3pm. Take the children along to take part in helping Father Christmas get his Christmas gifts ready in this great interactive show for ages 3+. Lots of family fun, something for everyone. Location: Level 3 The Loft. For more details visit www.exchangeilford.com

Thurs 19 – Tues 24 Dec Santa Specials, Epping Ongar Railway

Take the family along to see Santa on his special train with the fantastically festive Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Fri 20 Dec

Winter Survival, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Havering-atteBower, RM4 1QH

Fri 20 Dec – Sun 5 Jan

10.30am-4pm. Join in for a range of free, festive creative activities, pop-up performances and marvel at the massive ceiling Christmas tree. Free, drop-in. For more details visit www. vam.ac.uk/moc

Sat 21 Dec

Family Activity Day, Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP

10am-4pm. Go along and enjoy some fun family activities inside Tower Bridge. All activities are included in the price of your admission ticket. For more details visit www. towerbridge.org.uk

Bow Beasties: Festive Wreath Making, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, E3 4PX

10.30am-12.30pm. Experience the magic of woodlands and wildlife with seasonal, outdoor, nature activities and games for children and families. Ages 3-12. Meet at the Soanes Centre. For more details visit www. fothcp.org/wildlife-club

Christmas Cupcake Decorating, Valence House Museum, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

11am 1pm and 2pm. Decorate some delicious Christmas cupcakes in this yummy workshop for children and make a fancy festive box for your cupcake creations. Perfect for a Christmas gift or your own special treat. Ages 3-12. For more details and to book visit www. valencehousecollections.co.uk

10.30am-12.30pm. Find out how our wildlife survives the winter and put your survival skills to the test. See if you can track wild animals, build a shelter and light a fire. To book call 01708 748 646. For more details visit www.essexwt.org.uk

Campfire Carols, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Haveringatte-Bower, RM4 1QH

3pm. Meet in the Visitor Centre to make a glowing lantern before heading to the woodland area for a campfire and a festive sing-song. Fun for all the family. To book call 01708 748 646. For more details visit www. essexwt.org.uk

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Christmas Decorations, Woodford Green Library, IG8 0DX

11am-12noon. Go along and make a simple Christmas decoration for your tree. Ages 5+. Free. For more information visit www.visionrcl.org. uk

Sat 21 – Sun 22 Dec

Father Christmas, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Haveringatte-Bower, RM4 1QH

Santa in the Woods, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF

11am, 11.30am, 12noon, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm. Meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.You can also take your own photo with Santa. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www.essexwt.org.uk

Sun 22 Dec

Arthur Christmas Film Screening, Mirth, Marvel and Maud, Walthamstow, E17 4QH 2.15pm. It’s up to Arthur (James McAvoy), Santa’s youngest son, to deliver a present to the forgotten tyke before Christmas morning dawns. Popcorn and ice-creams will be available in the cinema. For more details and to book visit www. wfculture19.co.uk

Christmas Holiday Fun Drop In, South Woodford Library & Gym, E18 2UT

3-4pm. Drop in for puzzles, Christmas colouring and board games during the festive season. Ages 3+. Free. For more details visit www. visionrcl.org.uk

Mon 23 Dec

Christmas Trail and Craft, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

10.30am-3.30pm. Enjoy some family fun at the visitor centre, on a self-led trail, then back to the centre to create some Christmas crafts to take home. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www.essexwt. org.uk

Tues 24 Dec

Christmas Eve Drop in Crafts, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Havering-atte-Bower, RM4 1QH

10am-2pm. Join in the festive cheer by feeding the deer and making your own deer-themed Christmas craft to take away and treasure. For more details visit www.essexwt.org.uk

Santa in the Woods, Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF 11am, 11.30am, 12noon and 1pm. Meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.You can also take your own photo with Santa. Book on 01708 520 364. For more details visit www. essexwt.org.uk

Wed 25 Dec

Christmas Party, South Chingford School, E4 8SG

1-4pm. Join South Chingford School this Christmas Day for a day of free festive fun. If you’d like to attend and enjoy a sit down dinner, games, music and more, book by calling 020 8531 9231 by 1 Dec. For more details visit www.wfculture19.co.uk

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Dec

Pop Up Performance, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

10.30am, 1pm and 1.30pm.You’re invited to a very special Victorian Christmas party. From Christmas trees to greeting cards, see for yourself how the Victorians invented Christmas as we know it today and how children used to entertain themselves. For more details visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Mince Pie Specials, Epping Ongar Railway

With heated carriages, you can get away from the repeats on TV when you go along with family and friends to the Epping Ongar Railway for a great day out. Every adult receives a complimentary mince pie. For more details and to book visit www. eorailway.co.uk

Sun 29 Dec

Family Farm Club, Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG

1-4pm. Looking for a family-friendly day out? Stepney City Farm hosts free drop-in activities for children of all ages (plus their accompanying adults) on the last Sunday of every month. For more details visit www. stepneycityfarm.org

Christmas Holiday Fun Drop In, South Woodford Library & Gym, E18 2UT

3-4pm. Drop in for puzzles, Christmas colouring and board games during the festive season. Ages 3+. Free. For more details visit www. visionrcl.org.uk

Christmas Holiday Fun Drop In, Wanstead Library, E11 2RQ 2.30-3.30pm. Drop in for puzzles, Christmas colouring and board games during the festive season. Ages 3+. Free. For more details visit www. visionrcl.org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

P t c e r f r e e sents P

Catventures

This a-meow-sing Catventures Game from Petit Collage will test just how well you know cats and the adventures they get up to.The 51 action cards will have you answering all sorts of fun questions about cats and acting out the silly things they do. Can you and your friends walk around on your toes like cats do? Choose your cat character and play to see who comes out as top cat.The ﬁrst to the ﬁnish line wins the game. Suitable for ages 4+, Catventures is available online for £20. For more information, please visit store.wildandwolf.co.uk.

Dragon’s Revenge Thrill Coaster Building Set

Think ‘outside the blocks’ with this real working roller coaster that you can build yourself from K’NEX. Attach the tower and drawbridge pieces and assemble the dragon - his wings really ﬂap when you turn on the batterypowered motor. Will the light-up coaster car make it past or get caught in the dragon’s clutches? Watch as the car dips and dives through the burnt out tower and drawbridge, back to the working chain lift, where you can begin your quest again. The awesome Dragon’s Revenge Thrill Coaster Building Set is perfect for builders ages 7 and up and is available online and from all good toy shops for £49.99.

The Magical Underwater Activity Book

Discover the magical and playful merpeople of a secret and mystical underwater kingdom.The Magical Underwater Activity Book is the second beautiful instalment created by Mia Underwood. Beautifully illustrated with Mia’s Scandinavian-inspired artwork, the book incorporates a plethora of both real life and ﬁctitious aquatic characters.There are a huge variety of imaginative activities for children to do wherever they are.Activities include mazes, craft activities, colouring in and scenes to create, with help from the included stickers all with a mystical and magical theme. The Magical Underwater Activity Book is available online and from good high street stores for £9.99.

Pond Life Tablecloth - Colour in and Learn

Teeming with animal and plant life, there’s so much for the whole family to discover and enjoy as they colour this fabulous new tablecloth. Have fun learning about the life cycles of frogs and dragonﬂies, identifying species and virtual pond dipping straight from the kitchen table.Then, when you’re ready for more pond discovery, pop the tablecloth on a warm machine wash and everything washes out ready for your next adventure.The perfect fun and educational gift for nature-mad kids – the tablecloth is great for birthdays, Christmas, parties and for keeping young natural scientists busy at the kitchen table.The Pond Life Tablecloth is available from www. eatsleepdoodle.com for £22.95.

Silver Astronaut Planters

One small step for plants, one giant leap for plant kind. Here’s your chance to do your bit for the planet by decking your windowsills, night stands, coffee tables, shelves, and consoles with these Silver Astronaut Planters. Available in three sizes, these ceramic planters, with a shiny silver ﬁnish, are a constant reminder that green-ﬁngered humans make the world a better place. And while humans may not be terraforming Mars yet, there’s plenty of gardening to be done on earth, with open-top space suit planters that are just right for growing green foliage in the planet’s atmosphere. The Silver Astronaut Planters are available online from www.redcandy.co.uk. The planters come in three sizes costing from £9 - £21.

Shine Brights

This portable magnetic dress up and play set is designed to inspire girls to dream big and to shine bright. Each set includes two scenes, and more than 25 pieces, for hours of imaginative adventure. Printed with non-toxic inks, the game meets and exceeds all quality and safety standards. Shine Brights are designed for ages 3+ and come in a range of designs including Nature Studies and Space Bound.You can get your set online for £12 from store.wildandwolf.co.uk.

Small Talk Mugs

Cosy up at the weekend for a warm cuppa with Bombay Duck’s new fabulous mugs with fun, upbeat words like ‘hey’, ‘ciao’, ‘hola’, ‘love’ and ‘hugs’ on. Made from ﬁne china with a gold ﬁnish, each mug is presented in a beautiful gift box. These mugs are a cheeky addition to anyone’s mug cupboard, and perfect for a hot chocolate with marshmallows on a cold wintery night. Designed with love in London, mugs are available online from www.bombayduck.com for £14.95.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for November, December and January December Mon 30 Dec

Christmas Holiday Fun Drop In, Keith Axon Library, Romford, RM6 4XB 2.30-4pm. Drop in for puzzles, Christmas colouring and board games during the festive season. Ages 5+. Free. For more details visit www. visionrcl.org.uk

Tuesday 31 Dec

London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2019, Thames Riverside, SE1

From 8pm. Welcome in 2020 in style at the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.london. gov.uk

January Wed 1 Jan

London’s New Year’s Day Parade, Various Locations

From 12noon. Celebrate the start of 2020 with this annual parade through central London, featuring thousands of performers and colourful floats from across the world. For more details including the procession route visit www.lnydp.com

New Year Steam Day, Epping Ongar Railway

Steam into the Forest this New Year’s Day with Epping Ongar Railway’s steam hauled services. The main services to Ongar will be worked by steam locomotives and connecting heritage buses will run between Epping Underground and North Weald stations. To book visit www. eorailway.co.uk

New Year New Life, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, E3 4PX

2-3.30pm. The year has turned, and there are signs of the coming season all around, if you have eyes for them. Join in this search for spring. Warm up afterwards with tea or coffee and biscuits in the Soanes Centre. For more details and to book visit www. fothcp.org

Thurs 2 Jan

Ice Science, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Havering-atteBower, RM4 1QH

10.30am and 11.30am. Festive and wintry science experiments for all the family. Indoors and out - do go along dressed for the weather. Advance booking essential. To book call 01708 748 646. For more details visit www.essexwt.org.uk

25 Nov ‘19 - 2 Feb ‘20

Lanterns and Lights, Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Haveringatte-Bower, RM4 1QH

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

2pm and 3pm. Let there be light! Join in to make a festive lantern to light up the dark days. Advance booking essential. To book call 01708 748 646. For more details visit www.essexwt. org.uk

experience nature and the reserve through activities, games, walks and much more. Ages 8-12. For details visit www.rspb.org.uk/ rainhammarshes

Christmas Holiday Fun Drop In, Wanstead Library, E11 2RQ

Family Sundays, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD

2.30-3.30pm. Drop in for puzzles, Christmas colouring and board games during the festive season. Ages 3+. Also taking place at Seven Kings Library and Goodmayes Library at 2.30-4pm for ages 5+. Free. For more details visit www.visionrcl.org.uk

Sat 4 Jan

Bird Barmy Army, Victoria Park, E3 5TB

10am-12.30pm. Take along your friends and family to discover what feathered friends are living in Vicky Park. Meet at the V&A Building Area B7. For more details email victoriapark@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Sun 5 Jan

Sunday Open House, Ragged School Museum, Mile End, E3 4RR

Thurs 9 Jan

All Aboard!, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, E17 4PP 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm. Explore Frank Brangwyn’s fascination with transportation and make your own train. For more details and to book visit www.wmgallery.org.uk

Sat 11 Jan

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

Sun 12 Jan

11am. Discover more about opera, ballet and the Royal Opera House in fun-packed Sundays, ideal for all the family, with a range of exciting and creative activities. For more details and to book visit www.roh.org.uk

Thurs 16 – Sat 25 Jan

Winter Lights, Canary Wharf, E14

4-10pm. Canary Wharf will be transformed by over 25 spectacular installations, leaving the dark winter evenings aglow. The spectacle will showcase light art and interactive installations by some of the most innovative artists across the globe working in light art today. For more details visit www.canarywharf.com

Sat 18 Jan

Game of Bones, The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS

6-7.15pm. As an audience, you will vote on which adaptations you would like in order to survive challenging prehistoric conditions. Will you vote wisely, or be condemned to catastrophic extinction? There will be no second chances here! Ages 7+. For more details and to book visit www.rigb.org

Mini Maestro Family Concert, St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ

4.30-5.30pm. Enjoy the scintillating sounds of Elgar’s ‘Introduction and Allegro’, a breathtaking display of virtuoso string playing by one of England’s greatest composers, and pieces by Tchaikovsky and Boccherini. For more details and to buy tickets visit www.LMAorchestra.com/minimaestro

Sun 19 Jan

Memoryscape History Walk, Victoria Park, E3 5TB

10.30am-12.30pm. Join the Community Park Rangers on a recorded audio trail around the park. Spaces are limited. To book a place call 020 7364 4909 or email victoriapark@towerhamlets. gov.uk

Sat 25 Jan

fortune and wealth to your home. Free, drop-in. Suitable for all ages. For more details visit www.wmgallery. org.uk

Sat 25 Jan – Mon 27 Jan RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, Nationwide

Joining in with the Big Garden Birdwatch is simple and enjoyable, and a great excuse to watch your garden birds. Grab a hot drink, your favourite biscuits and settle into a comfy chair to watch and count the birds in your garden, then tell the RSPB your results. For more details visit www.rspb.org.uk

Sun 26 Jan

Family Farm Club, Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG

February Sun 2 Feb

Sunday Open House, Ragged School Museum, Mile End, E3 4RR

Sat 8 Feb

Wildlife Explorers Club - River Clean Up, RSPB Rainham Marshes, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ 10.30am-12.30pm. Discover nature in a fun and exciting way with the Rainham Marshes Wildlife Explorers at Rainham Marshes nature reserve. Get the chance to experience nature and the reserve through activities, games, walks and much more. Ages 8-12. For details visit www.rspb.org.uk/ rainhammarshes

Thurs 13 Feb

Say it with Flowers, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, E17 4PP

10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm. Create a paper craft bouquet to give to someone special. For more details and to book visit www.wmgallery.org.uk Our next copy deadline is

17 January 2020 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise

Celebrate Chinese New Year, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, E17 4PP

1-4pm. Make a Chinese Dragon and have a go at gilding using imitation gold leaf. Add a touch of good

(space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All your own work! Adrian Norwell aged 7Â˝

Marysia Mlynarczyk aged 9 inable bundles were won by competitions in our October Half Term issue. Abom Congratulations to the following people who won Brookes, Freddie Evans and Cathy e, Webb e Sophi an, Rahm s, Joeboy Oliver, Kinza Frank Miller, Max Hallissey, Reegan Price, Demi Bowle erry Farm winners were Blackb Aladdin at the White Rock Theatre. Our Alexander Beet. Hannah Harrison won tickets to see a VIP experience at won y Tingle Rose on. Willis Max Howard and Ella Doherty, Toby Clarkson, Natalie Harmon, Oscar Bedward. Sophia rdo Leona by s at the Central Theatre were won the Hazlitt Theatre. Our Cinderella VIP night ticket etition was Ursula comp re Theat ledon Wimb New the of r Our winne Busby won our Orange Tree Theatre competition. . Betty Osborne etition comp s Fogg World of Adventures experience Fairway. Constance Guthrie-Howe won the Philea by Rylie Webber. won was etition comp re Theat Rose The for her school. from Burnt Oak Junior School won a box of books Assembly the see to s ticket won Card competition. Edward Hextall Ebenezer Wilson won the Primary Times Christmas Jaques, Leyla as Thom les. Know a Sophi Bell, Evie i, Gokan won by Callum drawing Hall pantomime. The Arena Ice Skating prizes were Annie the won ell Norw e, Amie Bailey and Rhys Brown. Adrian enjoy the and Bennett, Lydia Dudley, Grace Hanks, Amber Swain rs winne our all to done Well . group older the won it for competition for the under 8's and Marysia Mlynarczyk artwork on this page. If you would like to see

Thank you to Maya Qurayshi for her cute Devil Robot, Brody Hughes for her excellent Halloween Poem, Chikaima aged 5 for her lovely drawing and Sore Naz Oz for her pretty girl drawing. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST PRESENTS

SAT 23 NOV 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAT 11 JAN 2020 stratfordeast.com Box Office: 020 8534 0310

Book and lyrics David Watson Music and lyrics Robert Hyman Pantomime Partner 2019

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