Families Upon Thames Issue 120 Nov/Dec 2017 by Families London-Kent Borders Magazine

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Issue 120 November/December 2017

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contents

3 4 6 7 8 10 12 14 15 16 21 21 22

news family health early years parenting christmas ideas clubs and classes holiday workshops book review where to see santa festive days out your local theatre christmas lights switch on what’s on

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

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

...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • • Spelthorne • North Surrey Families® Upon Thames • Issue 120 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

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2 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

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News Mary Poppins of hairdressing

How Children Eat Says a Lot about their Personality Most toddlers go through bouts of picky eating, but infants with more inhibited personalities are more likely to turn up their nose at new foods, according to researchers.

Taking the children to the hairdresser can be tricky. Trying to get them in the same place at the same time, working around after-school activities and battling with the fact that no child actually enjoys having their hair cut, nor do we much enjoy the tears and tantrums that go with it, means that we often put it oﬀ. So maybe it’s time to call in the one and only Kate Prokop, the ‘Mary Poppins of hairdressing world’.

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Kate will visit you at home where children are often more relaxed, plus you don’t have to travel anywhere so there is more time for homework. After the cut there is a treat from her special treasure bag for each child, and every princess gets a little hair bow to perfectly finish off her new look. Kate has 15 years’ experience cutting children’s hair around London, including five years in Trotters on the Kings Road. Kate also has experience with autistic and special needs children. For more information, call 07729 395045 or visit www.kidshaircuts.co.uk

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Parents Eligible for Childcare Compensation

In a study, researchers observed how infants responded to new foods and new toys throughout their ﬁrst 18 months. The study found that infants who were wary of new toys also tended to be less accepting of new foods, suggesting early food attitudes stem from personality. ‘From the time they're very young, some infants are more “approaching” and react positively to new things, whereas other infants are more “withdrawing” and react negatively to the same stimul,’ says Kameron Moding from the University of Colarado, Denver and author of the paper. ‘Keep trying!’ Says Moding. ‘Research from other labs has consistently shown that infants and children can learn to accept new foods if their caregivers continue to oﬀer them.’ For more information, visit www.sciencedaily.com

All Different, All Equal! Anti-Bullying Week runs from 13 to 17 November this year and the theme, ‘All Different, All Equal’ aims to promote difference and equality in schools. The idea is to help children and young people celebrate what makes them, and others, unique and help them understand why it’s important that every child feels included at school and able to be themselves without fear of bullying.

Thousands of parents who have missed out on Tax-Free Childcare due to technical problems with the Childcare Service website may be able to claim compensation from the Government. The Childcare Service website, which is run by HMRC, has been plagued with technical glitches since it went live in April, aﬀecting parents’ ability to register for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare. In order to receive 30 hours’ free childcare in September, eligible parents needed to have

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received a code from HMRC by 31 August and taken it to their childcare provider to secure a place.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance will be supporting schools with a range of free activities to help them take action to prevent bullying and create safe environments for their pupils. Anti-Bullying Week will also see the ‘Power for Good’ award made to teachers, school support staﬀ and youth workers who go beyond the call of duty to help children with issues such as bullying, relationships, family life and mental health. To get involved, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

New guidance published on the gov.uk website under the heading ‘Childcare Service Compensation’ states that: ‘If you’ve been unable to access Tax-Free Childcare through your childcare account for technical reasons, you may be able to claim compensation.’ For more information, call HMRC on 0300 123 4097 or visit www.gov.uk/guidance/childca re-service-compensation

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

Families Upon Thames • 3

Familiy Health

Why dental health is now predictable by Dr Michael Nigro We are fortunate today that children can avoid the unpleasant dental experiences their grandparents would have had and parents may have had. Some important advances mean children need never experience a ﬁlling or loss of an adult tooth, apart perhaps from their wisdom teeth which in most cases cannot be accommodated in any case.

o how do we avoid fillings? Firstly, at home, a sensible diet low in sugary and acidic food and drink is recommended. Then, good tooth cleaning. The best tool is an electric toothbrush, which everyone from the age of three should be using (a rechargeable one is best, so the brush is always at full power), and recommended toothpaste. Regular dental examinations from three years of age are recommended. These are opportunities to ensure the homecare is effective, to motivate the child and detect any problems as early as possible. Dental problems are usually only obvious to a patient in the late stages and this is more so the case with children – early detection is definitely the key! If the child is not cleaning well enough then their teeth should be cleaned at these occasions. As the permanent back teeth arrive every child should have a fissure sealing treatment done.

Many parents may remember having teeth extracted as teenagers in order to make space for the others. Well, your children no longer need to go through that unpleasant experience. When a child is seven or eight a dentist can accurately establish if there is enough space in the child’s mouth for all the expected adult teeth or not. If there is then great, if not early orthodontic treatments are available to create space to allow all the teeth to be accommodated and avoid unnecessary loss of good healthy teeth. The treatments are simple and painless. The arches (the area the teeth occupy) are in the majority of cases too narrow but simple braces can widen them, thereby making enough space for the other teeth. This dental treatment is a far cry from the treatment even the last generation received and children today are lucky to be growing up in a time when dental health is now predictable.

Extra

The permanent back teeth have a rough biting surface making it easy for plaque to stick and this is where the ﬁrst cavities often start. Fissure sealing is painless and totally safe

and by coating the rough surfaces and changing them to smooth, the plaque is unable to stich to the teeth and can therefore not cause any damage.

4 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

Dr Michael Nigro BDS (Rand) is a Senior Partner at Roseneath Dental Practice in Richmond and has provided highquality dentistry to the local community for over 20 years. Roseneath Dental Practice oﬀers a FREE consultation for all new patients. For more information, visit www.roseneath.co.uk

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Family Health

BCG for babies

The BCG vaccine is a live vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), which can be a serious disease in young children. Studies have shown that immunisation in the first year of life protects against the most severe forms in 70% to 80% of the cases. Should my baby have the vaccine? The BCG vaccine is recommended to all babies up to one year who are born in areas of the UK with high rates of TB or who have a parent or grandparent from a high-risk country (see Government TB report 2016:13). In London, areas north of the river Thames are particularly affected. Live vaccines such as MMR should either be given at the same time of the BCG vaccine or at least four weeks after the injection but all routine immunisations in the first year can be given. This includes the Rotavirus vaccine, which is a live vaccine against gastroenteritis given in the first three months of life. Babies who have a high fever or weakened immune system should not be vaccinated. How does it work? The vaccine is administered into the skin of the left arm. The vaccination leaves a small mark which can develop into a blister after two to six weeks. It heals by itself but usually a small scar remains. The site doesn’t need to be protected during washing. Sometimes a scab appears familiesonline.co.uk

which might take longer to heal. Small ulcers should be kept dry and exposed to air; otherwise it might not heal properly. Occasionally, the axillary lymph nodes can swell after the injection but this is self-limiting. Immunity is reached within six weeks.

Extra Dr Sophie Niedermaier MD is a consultant paediatrician at +richmond practice where BCG vaccinations cost £90 for children under the age of six. The cost for adults and children older than six is £135 as they will need to have a skin test 72 hours before the vaccine to make sure they never had contact with tuberculosis. +richmond practice is a BUPA provider and prides itself on catering to the needs of every patient, with the option to request same-day appointments. To book a BCG vaccination or for further information, visit richmondpractice.co.uk

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Parenting - Early Years Balance inside and out at Beaumont House Day Nursery Beaumont House Day Nursery has now been open for six months and has quickly become a favourite for Twickenham families. Children aged from three months up to four years old have started regular sessions, and collections from local schools have also provided a much-needed after-school service for children aged up to eight years old. Visitors to the nursery are always amazed by the spacious rooms and fabulous design and feel of the building and the colourful images on the windows.

Inside the nursery, the children enjoy lots of variety including a weekly visit from Shaya, a Mandarin teacher from Dragons in Europe, who runs fun and informative sessions. She is teaching the children all about China and Mandarin vocabulary is slowly creeping into nursery life! The children enjoy breakfast, lunch and tea during nursery sessions and parents have been really impressed with the variety on oﬀer. This is thanks to nursery cook, Annette, who is now making

Baby to Toddler Returns to London!

Good news as Baby to Toddler, the shopping event for modern parents of children aged 0 to 4 is returning for a second year! Coming to the London ExCeL from 18 to 19 November, the twoday shopping event will partner with Peppermint where visitors will have access to exclusive oﬀers and deals from some of the biggest brands and names you know and trust. A natural progression from the hugely popular Baby Show, with a greater focus on toddlers and preschool children (but not forgetting babies too), guests will also receive a free book worth up to £4.99 by Campbell Books upon arriving, whilst stocks last. The Kids Zone will make a return, to keep the kids entertained, and the MAM Feeding Area will have everything needed to feed the attending tots, including bottle warmers, microwaves, bibs and more! For more information, visit www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk

The staff team has now settled into a great routine, with lots of walks and outings to Twickenham Green and various parks in the area, and to local shops to buy fruit and vegetables for snack time. The garden at the back of the nursery has also become a firm favourite with the children, who regularly enjoy parachute games and are about to start some gardening in their purposebuilt raised flower beds.

fresh meals every day, using carefully balanced menus designed with the help of The Children’s Food Trust guidelines. For a balanced nursery experience, Beaumont House Day Nursery has it all! So, if you are looking for somewhere for your little ones, you’ll be pleased to know that the nursery currently has some spaces available for most sessions, including funded hours. For more information, visit www.bhdaynursery.co.uk

Tickets are on sale now via https://babytotoddler.seetickets.com/event/baby-to-toddlerexcel/excel-london/1132917 A Standard Advance ticket is £8 and a ticket on the door is £12.

6 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

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Parenting

The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 Year Olds at School Most parents and carers wish they could be a fly-on-the-wall when their child starts school. Well, Channel 4’s Secret Lives of 4 & 5 year olds which returns this November, allows them to do just that. Filmed in a specially rigged Essex school, the new series aims to give viewers a child’s perspective of their transition to a school setting. Claire Winter talks to Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, a psychologist from the show, about what she learnt whilst filming the series. Can you tell us more about the series? It offers this wonderful window, through which we can watch the children playing and interacting with each other. We give them lots of things to do, to see how they manage and play. It’s an amazing way of showing viewers what their children are actually doing at school. How did the children cope with the transition to school? Parents’ main worry is generally ‘will my child be alright?’ and some children are very anxious. A great example is that wonderful picture of Prince George looking a bit worried on his first day of school. What I can now confidently tell parents and carers is that their children are absolutely fine, once they are gone. They are doing lots of interesting things and coping brilliantly. Not all children cope with the transition so well, what advice would you give to them? Take a calm, pragmatic approach. Essentially children tend to be worried about what they think might happen. In reality, they are going to be fine, but they just don’t know that yet. Be confident and reassure your child that everything will be okay. Children are inherently social beings. They are curious and want to interact with people so even timid

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children will find something that sparks their imagination. Remember, the school setting is designed to engage them. It’s getting them to go in which is the tough bit. Once they are there they’ll be fine. What advice can you give parents whose children haven’t started school yet? Children need to develop communications skills, get used to talking and relating to others and playing cooperatively. All of these social abilities will be vital later in life. Encourage lots of play with other children and get them to question how things work because natural curiosity is the main driver for learning. How can kids deal with friendship issues if they have fallen out with someone? It’s very tempting as a parent to want to fix this problem, but children fall in and out of friendships hundreds of times a day and can usually sort issues out themselves. If the problem is more complicated and you think there is unkind behaviour or bullying, then an adult might need to step in. But on the whole, conflict, when you are learning to be social is perfectly normal. Ask your child, ‘Is there anything you can do to sort the situation out?’ Try and help them understand the other child’s perspective. As parents, we often overcomplicate issues. We can learn a lot from children, particularly the way they are so open and forgiving.

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How can we deal with the issue of gender with young children? I feel that gender isn’t particularly a driving force for children this age. They do make assumptions about children but they are happy for them to be corrected and they play on a much more straightforward basis. Gender becomes a much bigger issue for children towards the end of primary school. It’s important to encourage them to keep an open mind and understand that children of all ages and genders need the same opportunities because that is what is important for their development. Brains are not gendered, brains allow our children to learn. What can you do if a child is exhibiting OCD type behaviour? Anxiety needs a non-emotional response and a calm authority can be incredibly helpful. It’s tempting to offer support to someone who is suffering by saying, ‘Isn’t this terrible?’ but this reinforces the idea that there is something to be scared of. Parents shouldn’t try to neutralise the anxiety or reinforce it; it is best to carry on, with a business as usual approach. If you are concerned or the behaviour is continuing over a long period of time and in more than one setting, get some advice from your school, GP or Health Visitor. What was the most interesting insight you gained from watching the children? I learnt that children of this age are hilarious and multi-layered. They are not that different from adults. They have amazingly rich social lives. They test hypotheses, ask questions, fail and then carry on. They are resilient and incredibly complicated, just like we are. The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 Year Olds will be aired on Channel 4 in November.

Families Upon Thames • 7

Christmas Ideas

10 Things Your Family Must Do This Christmas By Claire Winter

Every day we get closer to Christmas the children (and adults) get a little bit more excited. Here are some great ideas to get the whole family in the festive mood…

1. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Panto (‘Oh no it wouldn’t!’) and many families make it a tradition to watch a festive show. Richmond Theatre’s production of Aladdin (9 December to 14 January), complete with panto legend Christopher Biggins playing Widow Twankey, will have you booing and hissing as you go on your magic carpet ride (www.atgtickets.com). If Panto isn’t your thing you could take a trip to Wimbledon for the Polka Theatre’s production of The Snow Queen (27 November to 4 February) where little ones will delight in this magical adventure of friendship and selfdiscovery (www.polkatheatre.com). Or why not go to see The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre (23 November to 31 December, www.peacocktheatre.com) or The Gruﬀalo’s Child at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (22 November to 7 January, www.gruﬀaloschildlive.com)? 2. Go ice-skating. Why not make a special trip to Hampton Court Palace for a regal skating experience (24 November to 7 January)? (www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk). Visitors can enjoy views of the Thames as they skate against the magical backdrop of a huge twinkling Christmas tree and then visit the Ice Rink Café & Bar which provides a special kids’

menu for hungry skaters Other ice rinks worth visiting are the beautiful ice rink at Somerset House (www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skatesomerset-house) and the pop-up rinks at Canary Wharf and the Natural History Museum. 3. Bake with the kids. Make festive gingerbread men with the children. The smell of baking, ginger and cinnamon immediately evokes the scent of Christmas. You could also be ambitious and bake biscuits to construct a gingerbread house too, but if you’re time pressed or feeling less creative then head to your local supermarket which is bound to have a readymade set! 4. Make reindeer food. Generate excitement about the arrival of Father Christmas and his reindeer by making special food for Rudolf and his friends. You can pre-make it and have it ready to sprinkle on the lawn or hallway on Christmas Eve, so Santa and his friends know where to go! Mix oats with edible glitter (don’t use normal glitter as it could be harmful to animals) and cake sprinkles and then pop the mixture in a suitable bag. You can also get the kids to design their own festive labels and give the bags to family and friends at school.

5. Visit a Christmas market where you can buy a vast array of gifts, drink mulled wine and soak up the festive atmosphere. Why not pop along to Kingston for its great German-themed Christmas Market (19 November to 31 December)? There are over a hundred stalls in wooden chalets which will be selling a whole host of festive goodies, plus German street food and live music! If you want to explore further aﬁeld then a take a trip to Bath which has a great market with 170 stalls around the Romans Baths and Abbey (www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk). 6. Check out a Christmas Light Show. Stately homes and gardens are lighting up with festive brilliance across the country. Christmas at Kew has its annual show, where the garden is illuminated by a million twinkling lights along a mile-long trail (www.kew.org/kewgardens/whats-on/christmas-at-kew). Blenheim Palace in Oxford will also be lit up, so you can see the Capability Brown designed grounds in all their glory (www.blenheimpalace.com/whatson/events/christmas-at-blenheim.html). 7. Deck the Halls. Put on some Christmas tunes and decorate the house as a family. Get

8 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

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Christmas Ideas all the decorations out and have fun making your home all Christmassy. Collect some greenery from the garden or whilst you are on a walk. The traditional holly and ivy looks great draped over a mantelpiece or around a doorframe. You could also get the kids to make their own decorations − card, glue and glitter is all you need! 8. Go and see the Christmas lights (see page 21 for our Christmas Lights Switch On). If you’re on a budget this a great way to get into the festive spirit without having to spend a fortune. Most towns and cities also have a festive switch-on, where a local celebrity or panto star turns on the lights and there is usually some free entertainment too. 9. Help others. Find out what your local food bank needs at Christmas time. Maybe they are collecting stocking fillers for children or need extra festive food. Get your children to think of someone locally who might like a visit or some extra help during the Christmas period. 10. Watch a Christmas film. Snuggling up with a hot cocoa and watching a festive classic can be just what the doctor ordered after a hectic day of Christmas shopping. It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone are just some of the films people love to watch. Join in the Christmas fun and share your Christmas moments with us on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #FamiliesMagsFestiveFun

Send Festive Hope with Christmas Cards from Brain Tumour Research Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to its range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017. Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year. The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to ﬁnd a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. To order, visit www.braintumourresearch.org/ fundraise/christmas-cards

WIN a Family Ticket to Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink This is a chance for FIVE lucky Families to win a Family Ticket to Hampton Court Palace Ice Skating Rink! Prepare to be swept away by the stunning ice rink at Hampton Court Palace (24 November to 7 January)! Skaters of all ages and abilities will love the newlyextended open air rink as they skate against this magical backdrop, once the home of Henry VIII. Afterwards, hungry little skaters can enjoy a special kids’ menu at the Ice Rink Café & Bar.

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To Enter: Simply answer the following question: Which king lived in Hampton Court Palace? Go to our Facebook page (Facebook.com/familiesuponthames) and please like our page, share and leave your answer. The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on 1 December 2017. Terms and Conditions Apply

For more information, visit www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

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

Families Upon Thames • 9

Clubs & Classes

Helping Your Child With Spelling: A Parent’s Guide By Andrew Campbell Children remember spellings in the following different ways: Visual ‘Does it look right?’ The child responds to the shapes of words and patterns of the letter strings within them. Auditory ‘Sound it out!’ The child recognises the relationship between sounds and letters or groups of letters and analyses words in these terms. Kinaesthetic ‘Let the spelling come out of the end of your pencil!’ The child becomes accustomed to making specific hand movements to produce particular words or letter strings. Linguistic ‘Why is it spelt like that?’ The child learns to be aware of relationships between words or parts of words based on meanings, syntax, derivations, and so on. All children have a preferred learning style and by offering your child activities that suit their style you will help them learn more quickly and effectively. Visual Learners learn by looking at the letter/word as it is said or written. A visual link is created to the manual, oral and auditory channels of their brain. Oral Kinaesthetic Learners learn by

saying the letter/word as it is viewed or written. An oral link is created to the manual, visual and auditory channels of the brain. Manual Kinaesthetic Learners learn by writing/creating/modeling/ tracing the letter/word as it is viewed or spoken. A manual link is created to the oral, visual and auditory channels of the brain. Here are some activities you can try at home with your child to help them with their spelling skills. n Show your child how words can be broke down into syllables e.g. together = to-get-her, discovery = dis-cov-er-y. n Ask your child to draw pictures for each of the spelling words. Get them to write the word below the picture. Take all the pictures and create a spelling reference book. n Create a word search with your child’s spelling words. You can do this by making a grid of 10 squares by 10 squares, writing the spelling words in the grid, then ﬁlling up the other squares with random letters. Keep a list of your child’s spelling words nearby for them to refer to. n Together, think of ways to remember the words. For example, You HEAR with your EAR; He will be a FRIEND until the END; Big Elephants Can Always Upset Small Elephants. These

types of memorisation tricks are called mnemonics. n Encourage your child to write a story using as many of their spelling words as possible and also include illustrations. n Trace, copy and replicate. Write the word out on a sheet of paper ensuring that it is spelt correctly and is large enough to trace over. Trace over the word and say it at the same time. Then, move to the word you have just written and write it out as you say it. Turn the page over and write the word as you say it, and then check that it is spelt correctly. n Rainbow writing. Using coloured pencils in diﬀerent ways can help to make parts of words more memorable. Highlight the tricky part of a word or write the tricky part in a diﬀerent colour. n Rearrange letters from your child’s name or other known words

to make new words. n Enjoy playing word games with your child such as Scrabble, Boggle, Hangman and Word lotto. n Play the ‘plasticine writing challenge’. Flatten a piece of plasticine and use a pencil to ‘write’ a spelling word in it. Now look at the word together. After a while, smooth over the plasticine and challenge your child to write the word from memory. When studying spelling, encourage your child to use the ‘Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” method. Look: first look at the whole word carefully and if there is one part of the word that is difficult, look at that part in more detail. Say: say the word as you look at it, using different ways of pronouncing it if that will make it more memorable. Cover: cover the word. Write: write the word from memory, saying the word as you do so. Check: Have you got it right? If yes, try writing it again and again. If not start again –look, say cover, write, check. Repeat the process and keep practising until the word has been spelt correctly three times. Above all, ensure that your child feels confident that, as a writer, they always have your interest, admiration and support.

10 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

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Just Imagine Ballet

Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -

Sparkle Ballet

Dazzle Ballet

6 - 11 years old 11 - 18 years old Our pupils perform at The Royal Ballet School

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

NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams familiesonline.co.uk

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Families Upon Thames • 11

Clubs & Classes

Alice in Wonderland Jr. Auditions Announced at Dramacube! Join the cast of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. and perform at a professional theatre next year. This timeless classic, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, oﬀers students a truly imaginative and intriguing story plus a colourful mix of famous characters and of course all those memorable Disney songs which everyone loves to sing along to. Award winning youth production company Dramacube produces two major musicals each year which are fully supported by a team of industry professionals including a Director, Choreographer, Musical Director, Set and Costume Designers, Sound and Lighting Technicians and Stage Management. Workshop auditions will take place on the main stage at the new Exchange Theatre in Twickenham on 24 November from 4.45pm to 7.30pm. The session is open to children aged between 7 and 14 and no prior experience is necessary, however you must register in advance. Rehearsal locations are in Hampton Hill and Sunbury, Richmond and Kingston or Twickenham and Teddington with performances the week commencing 19 March 2018 at West London’s leading arts centre, the Watermans. Please note that project fees apply to those cast in the show. To book your child’s free workshop audition, email contact@dramacube.co.uk. For more information, visit www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk

12 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

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Crafty Christmas at Happy Potter!

For Ages: 6+ 22 December (11am to 1.30pm) In Teddington Come and make the most AMAZING stocking Santa will have ever seen, and lots of other Christmassy makes to decorate your house! Crafts including

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sew-your-own handmade stocking, decopatch festive tree hangers, make-your-own Christmas cards and decorateyour-own yummy gingerbread men! Lunch included. Contact: Una 02089731468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

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Families Upon Thames â&#x20AC;˘ 13

Book Review Winter is the perfect season for hunkering down and burying little noses in books, so here are some suggestions…

0-2 Years Twinkle Twinkle ABC by Barney Saltzberg Phaidon RRP £8.95 And we begin with this artful and melodic board book that mixes and matches possibly the two most sung baby songs on the planet (well, your particular parental planet at any rate) accompanied by a banjo, a growling bear and a pirouetting cow! Perfect for winding down and instilling the irresistible idea in those little minds that bedtime means books.

The Snowbear by Sean Taylor & Claire Alexander Frances Lincoln RRP £11.99 Iggy and Martina head oﬀ into the snow to play but somehow they wander oﬀ just a little too far and after all their hard work getting cold hands whilst patting the snow into shape, who do you think comes to their rescue?

3-5 Years

Books for the Festive Season

titles that can be read in any order – upside down… inside out… etc. For our ﬁnal visit we meet young resident Kay Catt, a timid soul with much to worry about. Enter Wilf Wilkinson, the weirdest pensioner ever to set foot in the street. Never mind a ﬂat cap and cardi, this old codger has a pointy hat. Just like a... um... wizard?

By Justine Crow

9-11 Years

Richard Scarry’s Best Treasury Ever by Richard Scarry Harpercollins RRP £20.00 For 50 years children have been entertained by the antics of Lowly Worm, Hilda Hippo and Huckle Cat and I think the deep aﬀection for the Busytown stories persists because they convey diversity, combined with slapstick and familiarity. Everything and everyone is on the go here in aeroplanes, umpteen diggers and buses and of course Mr Frumble’s Pickle Car. Just don’t get a ticket from Sergeant Murphy!

Claude, the daft dog with the knack for being in the wrong place at the right time, has done much to encourage early readers in these pocket-sized stories with lots of pictures alongside clear un-daunting text. Our eponymous hero is back and wearing a certain festive person’s trousers, which are just a little too big (ho, ho, ho!) and is causing mayhem with his best friend, dear old cuddly Sir Bobblysock.

6-8 Years The Bear & the Piano Sound Book by David Litchﬁeld Frances Lincoln RRP £14.99 Now that you’ve warmed up the vocal chords above, everyone can enjoy this new sound edition of last year’s sumptuous hit picture book for pre-schoolers. Not too loud though, or – whispers – you’ll wake the baby.

Santa Claude by Alex T Smith Hodder RRP £5.99

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat by Phil Earle Hodder RRP £6.99 I have thoroughly enjoyed the barmy adventures of the inhabitants of Storey Street and recommend the previous three

Father Christmas & Me by Matt Haig Canongate RRP £14.99 The third in the tinsel decked trilogy by a brilliant thinker and writer of books for all ages, in which we meet Amelia and her newly adoptive parents, none other than Father and Mary Christmas (who wouldn’t want them for a mum and dad?). But wait, everything we love about this very special time of year is under threat from a certain jealous Easter Bunny and his rabbit henchmen. Yikes! The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman David Fickling RRP £20.00 By heck, this really is a major publishing event. Set 10 years before the Northern Lights, we meet a new character, Malcolm, who navigates the Thames in his canoe ‘La Belle Sauvage.’ One day he discovers that the priory across the water has a visitor, an infant named Lyra… In a hundred years’ time, should bookshops still exist, long after ﬂash-in-the-pan celeb authors have been forgotten, Pullman will be on the shelf right next to the great storytellers such as Dickens and Swift. If we do our job right as parents now, our children’s children will still have their noses buried in really good books like this. You can never have too many of them.

For more amazing books for your kids, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk 14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

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Days Out MORE ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Where to find Santa... ADDLESTONE SanTa’S WonDer WooD at Crockford Bridge Farm, new Haw road, addlestone KT15 2BU Ages: 1-10 open: Weekends from 25 nov to 17 Dec Santa may also be visiting during Christmas week so check the website for extra dates nearer the time. Wander through a real forest, complete with woodland elves, and listen to The Tale of the Christmas Tree Fairy in this magical experience to visit Father Christmas and his enchanted helpers. Pre-booking essential. 01932 853886 www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk BARNES SanTa WeeKenD at London Wetland Centre, Queen elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT open: 2-3 Dec Cost: £8 plus Normal Admission (includes goody bag). Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto, meet his reindeer and take a husky sleigh ride. Pre-booking required. 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk BRENTFORD BreaKFaST or Tea WITH SanTa Wyevale Garden Centre, Syon Park TW8 8JF open: 9-10 and 16-23 Dec Cost: £10 (includes meal, biscuit decorating and gift). Enjoy a delicious breakfast or tea and meet Father Christmas. Pre-booking required. 0844 288 5069 www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk CHESSINGTON CHeSSInGTon GarDen CenTre SanTa’S CHrISTmaS GroTTo Leatherhead rd, Chessington KT9 2nG open: 18 nov to 24 Dec Cost: Children £13 (includes gift), Adults £4. Start at the Christmas Creations Room before embarking on a fantastical journey through a snow-covered landscape, a wild countryside scene full of toadstools, willow trees and fairies and a special bakery full of wonderful treats before you meet Father Christmas in his traditional Grotto. Pre-booking required. 01372 725638 www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

CHeSSInGTon WorLD oF aDvenTUreS WInTer'S TaIL WITH THe GrUFFaLo Leatherhead road, Chessington KT9 2ne open: 2-3, 9-10, 14-24 Dec Cost: from £20. The Gruﬀalo will be leading the festivities this year with plenty of Christmas activities and selected rides

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to enjoy. Join the Gruffalo’s Child on a treasure trail around the Park, decorate festive treats in the Gruffalo’s kitchen and enjoy a wintery tale with The Gruffalo’s Child Story Time before visiting Father Christmas and his reindeer. www.chessington.com COBHAM SanTa’S GroTTo at Squires Garden Centre, Stoke road, Cobham KT11 3PU open: Weekends from 26 nov to 24 Dec Cost: FREE (includes gift) 01932 862530 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

FaTHer CHrISTmaS In THe GroTTo at Painshill Park , Portsmouth road, Cobham KT11 1Je open: 2-24 Dec Cost: £12 (includes gift) and £8 per accompanying adult. Jump into the festive spirit, and join Father Christmas in the magical Crystal Grotto at Painshill. An annual sell-out, children will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and his trusty elves, in the enchanted Crystal Grotto, where they can receive a gift from Father Christmas himself! Booking required. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk EPSOM SanTa at Hobbledown Horton Lane, epsom KT19 8PT open: 25-26 nov, 2-3, 8-10 Dec and daily 15-24 Dec Cost: £12.95 (includes gift and personalised souvenir photo keyring and candy cane) plus Normal Admission OR £14.95 Grotto only. Enjoy an enchanting experience with Santa and his elves when they take up residence at Hobbledown. Pre-booking required. 01708 385096 www.hobbledown.com ESHER FaTHer CHrISTmaS Comes to Claremont Landscape Garden open: 9-10 Dec Cost: £10 plus Normal Admission (includes gift). The Thatched Cottage will be magically transformed for the visit of Father Christmas. Must book. 01372 467436 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden GUILDFORD meeT FaTHer CHrISTmaS at Hatchlands Park, east Wing Hatchlands, east Clandon, Guildford GU4 7rT open: 2-3, 9-10, 21-22 Dec Cost: £5 per child (includes gift) plus

Normal Admission. Meet Father Christmas in the glorious surrounds of Hatchlands Park. Pre-booking required. 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park HAM FaTHer CHrISTmaS at Ham House Ham Street, Ham TW10 7rS open: 16-23 Dec Cost: £5 plus Normal Admission (includes gift). Visit Father Christmas in his new grotto and receive a traditional Christmas gift. Pre-booking required. 08442 491895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house HAMPSHIRE SanTa SPeCIaL at the Watercress Line alresford, Hampshire, So24 9JG open: 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 21-24 Dec Cost: Adult £18, Child (1-16) £18, Baby £10 (includes gift and refreshments). See Santa on a steam train as you take a one-hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside. Santa visits every child at their seat with a special gift. Includes wine and mince pie for the grown-ups and soft drinks for the children. Pre-booking required. 01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk HERSHAM SanTa’S GroTTo at Squires Garden Centre Hersham Burwood rd, Hersham KT12 4ar open: Weekends from 26 nov to 24 Dec Cost: FREE (includes gift). 01932 247579 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk ISLEWORTH FaTHer CHrISTmaS’ GroTTo at osterley House, osterley House & Garden, Jersey road, Isleworth, TW7 4rB open: 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 Dec Cost: £10 (includes gift). Visit Santa in his Grotto. Pre-booking required. 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park

BreaKFaST anD Tea WITH SanTa Wyevale Garden Centre, Windmill Lane, osterley TW7 5Pr open: 2-3, 9-10, 16-24 Dec Cost: £10 (includes meal and gift). Enjoy a delicious breakfast or tea and meet Father Christmas. Pre-booking required. 0844 288 5145 www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk KEMPTON SanTa SPeCIaL at Kempton Steam railway, Snakey Lane, Feltham TW13 6XH open: 9-10, 16-17 Dec Cost: Adult £5, Child £6 (includes gift). Santa will be in his magical Grotto waiting to give a present to every passenger. www.hamptonkemptonrailway.org.uk LEATHERHEAD BoCKeTT'S Farm SanTa'S GroTTo Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS open: 23 nov to 24 Dec Cost: Child £19.45 (includes admission). Hop on board the Santa Express trailer for a short trip to his magical hay barn workshop where each child will meet Santa and receive a wrapped gift. Booking required. 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk LONG DITTON SanTa’S GroTTo at Squires Garden Centre Long Ditton, Woodstock Lane north, Long Ditton KT6 5Hn

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open: Weekends from 25 nov to 24 Dec Cost: FREE (includes gift). 020 8398 7170 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk MORDEN FaTHer CHrISTmaS at morden Hall Park morden Hall rd, morden Sm4 5JD open: 25-26 nov, 2-3, 9-10 and 19-22 Dec Cost: £10. Come and meet Father Christmas and receive a personal gift. Booking is essential. 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark SHEPPERTON CHrISTmaS CIrCUS at Squires Garden Centre , Halliford road, Shepperton TW17 8SG open: 25-24 Dec Cost: Child £12 (includes gift) Adult £12. Enjoy this magical circus as it stops oﬀ on its way to the North Pole! Be amazed by the dancing polar bear, the clowns Bumble and Picolo and a whole host of jaw-dropping acts. Af the rshow children will get a chance to meet Santa. Booking required. 01932 784121 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk TEDDINGTON SanTa’S GroTTo at Happy Potter Ceramics, 14 Broad Street, Teddington TW11 8rF open: 30 nov This year the Elves have been very busy bringing Santa’s grotto to Happy Potter. Pop along on Teddington Lights Up night to meet the man himself who will be meeting and greeting children with lovely gifts! Booking required. 020 8973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk TWICKENHAM SanTa’S GroTTo at Squires Garden Centre , Sixth Cross road, Twickenham TW2 5Pa open: Weekends from 18 nov to 17 Dec and 18-24 Dec Cost: £5 (includes gift). 020 8977 9241 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

SanTa at orleans House Gallery riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ open: 10 Dec Cost: £9 (includes gift) Ages: 4+. Join Santa as he returns for his annual visit to the Octagon at Orleans House Gallery and make some Christmas crafts to take home. 0208 831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts WEYBRIDGE meeT SanTa on THe vC10 at Brooklands museum, Brooklands rd, Weybridge KT13 0Qn open: 2-3, 9-10 & 16-17 Dec Cost: £5 plus admission (includes gift). Santa will be giving his reindeer a rest and borrowing the VC10 aircraft to meet his young fans. Booking required. 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com WOKING STorIeS anD SonGS WITH SanTa at rHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB open: 29-30 Dec, 1-3, 6-10, 13-16, 19-20 and 21 Dec Cost: Child from £12 Adult £2. Enjoy a classic Christmas tale, have a sing-song and a story or decorate gingerbread with Santa and receive a small gift. Booking required. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

Families Upon Thames • 15

Days Out Experience a Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm Head to the beautiful Surrey Countryside where the everpopular Bocketts Farm will be full of Christmas magic! Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit, armed full of presents (23 November to 24 December). Children will love to hop on board the Santa Express which takes them to his magical hay-barn workshop. Once inside, each child will meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift. Advance online booking is now available so that you don’t miss out!

There’s more Christmas fun in the craft area where children can enjoy festive activities, and for those looking for something more active, why not explore the Christmas Trail or the indoor play area? Bocketts Farm has something for everyone, no matter the weather, and if you visit in December, don’t forget to look out for the gorgeous new-born lambs! For further information, visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

An Evening of Festive Carol Singing to Help Raise Money for Harrison’s Fund! Visit St Andrew’s Church in Cobham on 7 December (6.30pm to 8.30pm) for the Harrison’s Fund’s Carol Service. This annual event will be led by the wonderful Stagecoach Cobham choir, with performances by pupils of the world-acclaimed music school, The Yehudi Menuhin. The evening will feature holiday readings by special guests, including Good Morning Britain Presenter/ Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Charlotte Hawkins, and there will be a drinks reception and mince pies following the service. Charlotte said: ‘I'm really excited to be giving a reading at Harrison’s Fund’s Carol Service this December – after all the twirling and dancing of Strictly Come Dancing it’ll be nice to be part of something a little less strenuous! As a mum myself, I am always keen to lend my support to charities which make a diﬀerence to children, especially those which are local to where I live in Surrey. I'm sure we’ll have a wonderfully festive evening and I can’t wait to see everyone there.’ Harrison’s Fund is named after an 11-year-old boy from Surrey, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic condition which aﬀects all the muscles in the body, causing them to waste away. Harrison’s Fund’s goal is to get as much money as possible into the hands of the world’s best

16 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

researchers, to ﬁnd a cure for Duchenne. For further information, visit www.harrisonsfund.com Date: Thursday 7 December 2017 Time: 6.30pm- 8:30pm Address: St Andrew's Church, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EJ Tickets: Adults £10.00. Children FREE (accompanied by an adult). Book tickets at www.harrisonsfund.com

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The Gruﬀalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheﬄer 2004 Macmillan Children's Books

Days Out Experience the Magic of Christmas at RHS Garden Wisley

The Gruffalo’s Child Ventures to The Lyric Theatre The Gruffalo’s Child will follow in her father’s giant footsteps with a Christmas season in the West End! It’s a big step and will she be brave enough? Find out for yourselves by joining her at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 22 November to 7 January in a thrilling production, with a new set and costumes, by internationally acclaimed theatre company Tall Stories. The hit musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to The Gruffalo (published by

Macmillan Children’s Books) is full of songs, laughs and lots of fun for children aged three and up and their families. Enjoy this magical, musical adaptation which sees the Gruﬀalo’s Child ignoring her father’s warning as she tiptoes out into the snow on a wild and windy night! After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Tickets start at £15, with a family ticket for four costing £66. For more information, visit www.tallstories.org.uk or www.gruﬀaloschildlive.com

RHS Garden Wisley will be holding a fantastic programme of events throughout the festive season to delight visitors young and old. Christmas Glow (1 December to 3 January) promises to be bigger, brighter and better than ever. Take the family on an exciting tour of the garden and discover the captivating light installation with giant, botanically inspired blooms, set to spark the imagination. This event oﬀers the ideal opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season in a beautiful garden setting. There will be even more gigantic blooms to discover than last year, as visitors get the chance to wander through the garden, as well as seeing the amazing Christmas Display at the Glasshouse inspired by the poem ‘A visit from St Nicholas’ by Clement Clarke Moore.

Plus visit the magical grotto at the Wisley Plant Centre (29 November to 23 December) to meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Come along for Stories and Songs with Santa and receive a small gift or, for an extra special treat, book into an exciting gingerbreaddecorating workshop. Booking online in advance is essential. RHS Garden Wisley will be open until 8pm throughout December, with last entry at 7pm (5pm close on 24 December and closed all day on 25 December). Why not make the most of your visit by purchasing a special ticket for discounted entry from 3pm? For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

The Look Out Discovery Centre

• Science and Discovery Fun • Over 90 hands-on activities

A great family day out whatever the weather!

OPEN

10am - 5pm every day

Bring this advert to get one free child with one full paying adult*. Families UT

Valid until 31/12/17

*Terms and conditions apply.

Be Amazed...

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW

Tel: 01344 354400 www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery

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Families Upon Thames • 17

Days Out Father Christmas Has Moved In To Ham House!

Fire Up Your Imagination This Christmas at The Look Out Discovery Centre Feed the minds of your budding scientists with a trip to the Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell. Young visitors will love the Fire and Light Show (until 7 January) which takes place at weekends and in the Christmas holidays (11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm). The show is full of fantastic demonstrations to fuel your imagination and don’t forget to watch out for the tornado of ﬁre! The show is suitable for children aged 3 to 11 and costs £1.95 per person, on top of your entry fee. For younger ones, why not come to one of the special toddler days where visitors can enjoy extra activities, such as arts and crafts, storytelling and face painting, at no extra cost? In November there is a special Dinosaurs Toddler Day (14 and 15 November, 10am to 4pm) and in December little ones can get festive with Winter Wonderland

Father Christmas has made himself at home at Ham House and Garden this Christmas. Come and visit him in his new home (16 to 23 December, 11am to 4pm), he’s feeling generous! Spot signs that he has moved in all round the house and garden with the trail, alongside art activities and storytelling. Booking essential (£5 per child). From 26 December visit Ham House with the whole family for winter walkies. For the ﬁrst time,

your four-legged family members are invited in to the garden and there are walking routes, a free Ham bone for each new guest over the 12 days and a prize for the ﬁrst Christmas dog of the day! Dogs are then welcome until 9 February 2018. For further information on Christmas activities and other family events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

Toddler Day (13 and 14 December, 10am to 4pm). Inside the centre, inquisitive visitors will love the science and discovery activities, with over 90 activities to choose from. Children are encouraged not just to touch, but to press, pull, roll, wind up and discover science in such a way they don’t realise they are learning! Popular activities include launching the hydrogen rocket, damming the stream, building a giant house and taking a picture of your shadow. If you step outside, you can explore the 1,000 hectares of Swinley Forest through walks and trails before stopping oﬀ at the popular adventure play area or keeping warm with a hot drink from the cafe. For more information, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout-discovery-centre

Skate Back In Time at Hampton Court Palace If you are looking for a regal skating experience in a stunning setting, then a visit to Hampton Court Palace (24 November to 7 January) is a must. A huge twinkling Christmas tree creates a magical backdrop for skaters of all ages and abilities who will enjoy the newly-extended open air rink which is located directly in front of the Tudor palace and boasts spectacular Thames-side views. Afterwards, hungry little skaters can enjoy a special kids’s menu at the Ice Rink Café & Bar. Advanced ticket booking for morning, daytime and evening

18 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

sessions, including a special price for families, means skaters can secure their favourite dates and times. This year, two early morning weekend sessions have been added which are especially suited for little skaters and beginners. With 500 years of history to discover inside the palace, why not make a day of it and explore the spectacular State Apartments, formal gardens, the infamous Haunted Gallery and the worldfamous maze? For more information, visit www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

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Families Upon Thames â&#x20AC;˘ 19

Meet Father Christmas at Crockford Bridge Farm

Crockford Bridge Farm in Addlestone is embracing Christmas, with something for everyone! Head down to The Wonder Wood, an outdoor immersive woodland theatre, to hear The Tale of the Christmas Tree Fairy before meeting Father Christmas in his cosy cabin (weekends from 25 November to 17 December). Little ones will love this enchanting

experience as they journey through the woodland where they will meet characters along the way before hanging their Christmas Wishes on the Christmas Wishing Tree. If you’ve been good, Father Christmas will even have a little early gift for you! Tickets for this event are pre-bookable online, so book early to avoid disappointment and visit the website to check for any additional dates. After meeting Santa, why not choose a Christmas tree from a wide selection including the traditional Norway Spruce, to the everpopular low needle drop Nordman, available as

cut-your-own and freshly cut trees? There are also many smaller potted trees to choose from which are perfect for display by your front door or equally ideal for your children’s playroom. Don’t forget to order a delicious, free-range turkey and to stock up on some other Christmas goodies from the farm shop while you’re there! The Wonder Wood has wood chipped paths and the Farm has plenty of free parking. For further information, visit www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk

Winter Wonderland Experience at Eden Walk The countdown has begun to the Christmas Light Switch On in Eden Walk (16 November, from 3.30pm) where you can join Santa for the Christmas Switch On event at 6pm. There’s plenty of free festive activities for you and your family to enjoy, including a music performance by Soul Beat! Come and have your photo taken with Santa in the Giant Snow Globe or transform yourself into your favourite character from Alice in Wonderland at the face painting station. For more information visit www.edenwalkshopping.co.uk

Win tickets to see Alice in Winterland! Tell Santa what your favourite part of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are and why? Every letter will receive a reply and small gift (while stocks last) but be sure to put your name, age, address and telephone number on your letter. Pop your letter in Santa’s special post box in Eden Walk by 16 December 2017. Two lucky winners will receive a family ticket for four people to see Alice in Winterland at Rose Theatre on 4 January 2018 at 6.30pm. For more information visit www.edenwalkshopping.co.uk

Visit Morden Hall Park and Polesden Lacey for a Little National Trust Christmas Sparkle! Make the run up to Christmas extra special with a visit to a National Trust property. There are decorated houses, exhibitions, visits from Father Christmas, atmospheric estates and wintery countryside all bringing festive fun and Christmas to life through the ages. So why not make your Christmas that extra bit special in these winter wonderland locations? Little ones will love visiting Father Christmas at Morden Hall Park near Wimbledon (25 and 26 November and 2, 3, 9 and 10 December). Children can draw and send their Christmas wishes to Santa via the special postcard express service before meeting the great man and his elves in the enchanted grotto where they will receive a special gift (£10, booking essential). Afterwards, why not visit the Stableyard Gallery to make pomanders and real beeswax candles so you can ﬁll your home with the spirit of Christmas (£4.50,

payable on the door, suitable for age 3+)? For adults, there is a Christmas Wreath Workshop (30 November) and a Christmas Centrepiece Making Workshop (14 December) where you will learn all the tips and tricks to make your own festive masterpiece using materials from the park and garden centre to adorn your home (both £65, booking essential). Polesden Lacey near Dorking is celebrating A 1930s Christmas Party from 1 to 23 December. Guests will experience the sights, sounds and aromas of a sparkling 1930s Christmas party, from Mrs Greville’s 18ft Christmas tree in the hall and giant wreath at the entrance way, to Italian Renaissance nativity paintings in the picture corridors and piano playing in the gold Saloon. Children will be entertained with a Christmas trail and can write a letter to Father Christmas, before

enjoying a family horse and carriage ride in the grounds (adults £3, children £2, weekends only). Plus there will be carol singing in the courtyard from local choirs at the weekends. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for some relaxed Christmas shopping and Christmas lunches with all the trimmings are available in the Granary café; advance booking recommended.

20 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

For further information and more great ideas, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk For Grotto details and bookings, contact: Morden Hall Park: 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park

Polesden Lacey: 01372 452048 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden -lacey

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Days Out THEATRE LISTINGS

LYrIC THeaTre

Shaftesbury avenue, London W1D 7eS Box oﬃce: 0330 333 4812 www.lyrictheatrelondon.co.uk THe GrUFFaLo’S CHILD 22 nov To 7 Jan Featuring plenty of music, interactive songs, laughter and scary fun, this sequel to The Gruﬀalo is guaranteed to be a monster hit for all the family. Ages: 3+

PeaCoCK THeaTre

Sadler’s Wells, Portugal St WC2a 2HT Box oﬃce: 020 7863 8222 www.peacocktheatre.com THe SnoWman 23 nov To 31 DeC Take a leap into the glistening winter’s sky as you walk in the air with The Snowman. This classic Christmas show is now in its 19th consecutive year at The Peacock and continues to mesmerise its audiences.

PoLKa THeaTre

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com mY BroTHer, mY SISTer anD me UnTIL 11 FeB There’s magic and mayhem in this playful new show about sibling relationships, inspired by conversations with young children about their own sibling relationships. Ages: 2-5 THe SnoW QUeen 27 nov To 4 FeB Let your imagination soar as best friends Kai and Gerda take you on a magical, memorable adventure of friendship and self-discovery as they reimagine the thrilling adventure of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter fairy tale. Ages: 5-11

rICHmonD THeaTre

The Green, richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7654 www.atgtickets.com SInG-a-LonG-a FroZen 26 nov Little ones will love this full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along during the ﬁlm; the Singalonga Princesses will be on hand to help you use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some dance moves! Ages: 5+ aLaDDIn 9 DeC To 14 Jan Join panto legend Christopher Biggins, who plays Widow Twankey, as you jump aboard the magic carpet. Get ready to boo and hiss at this year’s spectacular pantomime, full of laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, special eﬀects and beautiful costumes.

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rIverHoUSe arTS CenTre

manor rd, Walton, KT12 2nZ Box oﬃce: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk HanSeL anD GreTeL 16 DeC To 23 DeC Lyngo Theatre serves up a musical theatre treat with multi-role performances, captivating songs and beautiful imagery which will have you humming along and cheering as the witch gets her comeuppance!

THe roSe THeaTre

24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL Box oﬃce: 08444 821 556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org aLICe In WInTerLanD 7 DeC To 7 Jan Follow Alice as she adventures in Winterland, a world of ice and imagination, mad hatters and cruel queens, strong-minded dodos and friendly knights where the impossible becomes possible! FroZen 21 DeC Singalong fun for all the family with this Disney classic.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

CLaYGaTe – 2 DeC

eaST TWICKenHam – 24 nov HamPTon vILLaGe – 3 DeC www.hamptonvillage.org.uk KeW SParKLe – 1 DeC www.kewtw9.org KInGSTon ToWn CenTre – 16 nov www.kingstonﬁrst.co.uk

SUrBITon – 23 nov www.surbitonbusiness.com TWICKenHam - 26 nov www.trytwickenham.com

WaLTon on THameS - 25 nov www.wotta.co.uk For further Christmas Lights Switch On details, including other towns, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

The Snow Queen Casts Her Icy Spell at Polka Theatre

vera FLeTCHer HaLL

4 embercourt rd, Thames Ditton KT7 0LQ Box oﬃce: 0845 680 1926 a CHrISTmaS CaroL 2 DeC A fast, funny and highly physical contemporary adaptation of this Dickens’ classic with puppets from acclaimed puppet maker Nick Ash of Scratch Built Productions. Ages: 6+

WaTermanS

40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk THree BILLY GoaTS GrUFF anD oTHer FUrrY TaILS 12 nov What really happened to the wolf and those three little pigs and how did the three Billy Goats Gruﬀ really deal with the troll? These and other questions will be answered in this beautiful show using puppets and props, complete with an exciting gypsy soundtrack that you will be humming for days! Ages: 3-7 LITTLe reD roBIn HooD 19 nov Garlic Theatre presents this quirky version of this well-loved tale with beautifully crafted glove puppets, slapstick and a generous helping of clowning around and musical delights. Ages: 4-9 Hare & TorToISe 3 DeC Get ready, steady, go for this delightful adaptation of Aesop’s fable about opposites, time and friendship. Ages: 3-7 CHrISTmaS SHoW 2017 – THe nUTCraCKer anD THe moUSe KInG 9 To 30 DeC Enjoy this funny and modern adaptation of Hoﬀmann’s timeless tale, combining storytelling, dance and puppetry with original music by Tchaikovsky. Ages: 3+

Let your imagination run wild this Christmas with a magical performance of The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon (17 November to 4 February). Once upon a time there were two inseparable friends, Kai and Gerda who did everything together. One cold night, Kai falls under the spell of the evil Snow Queen and is whisked away on a sleigh to her icy palace. What follows is a thrilling adventure of friendship and selfdiscovery as Gerda and her friends try and save Kai from the icy spell of the Snow Queen’s cold kiss. Can Gerda melt his heart before he forgets her forever? Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter fairy tale, adapted by Mike Kenny, comes alive as the stage is transformed into a winter wonderland and audiences will delight in this thrilling adventure, suitable for children aged ﬁve to eleven. For more information and booking, visit www.polkatheatre.com

Why not treat your family to a VIP performance of The Snow Queen, followed by one of the theatre’s legendary, fun-ﬁlled, themed after-show parties with the cast and Director? The VIP performance takes place on 9 December (3pm to 6.30pm) and there will be prizes and surprises to delight all ages! For more information and booking, visit www.polkatheatre.com

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

Families Upon Thames • 21

What’s On

Celebrate Christmas with the Gruffalo at Chessington World of Adventures Resort That’s not all… join the Gruffalo’s Child on a treasure trail around the Park, decorate festive treats in the Gruffalo’s Kitchen and cosy up and enjoy a wintery tale with The Gruffalo’s Child Story Time. As it isn’t Christmas without a family film, showings of The Gruffalo’s Child will also be taking place on the Resort.

Visit Chessington World of Adventures Resort on selected dates between 2 and 24 December for the return of Winter’s Tail, with special guest, the Gruffalo. Winter’s Tail is back this festive season starring a special guest with ‘terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws.’ That’s right, the Gruffalo will be leading the festivities at Chessington World of Adventures Resort this year everY WeD mornInG ParenT anD BaBY CInema aT WaTermanS arT CenTre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11.30am Cost: £6.50 Screenings of the latest films for parents or carers with babies under one. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk everY SaT mornInG FamILY CInema aT WaTermanS arT CenTre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11am Cost: £5 per person Your favourite family films old and new, on the big screen. See website for details. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk everY WeD DUrInG Term TIme PanDemonIUm aT WaTermanS arT CenTre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: 0-2yrs & 2-4yrs Cost: £5 A popular, drop-in musical workshop with plenty of fun and games, a brilliant way to introduce music to your children and to make new friends. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk everY FrI DUrInG Term TIme anD SCHooL HoLIDaYS See SaW DroP-In SeSSIonS aT orLeanS HoUSe GaLLerY riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Ages: under 5s Time: 10.30am12.30pm. Cost: Child £6 (additional sibling £3). Multi-sensory sessions which include music, play materials, soft play, creative activities, stories and rhyme time in a relaxed informal environment. 020 8831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts

with plenty of Christmas activities, plus selected rides, animals and Father Christmas Grotto. Guests will be able to float down the lazy river on The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, new for 2017, joining Mouse as he journeys through the deep dark wood and watch the much-loved story of The Gruffalo* magically unfold before their eyes, with exciting twists and turns along the way. 4, 9 anD 11 nov TInY eXPLorerS aT HamPTon CoUrT PaLaCe east molesey KT8 9aU Ages: 0-3yrs Time: sessions 10.30am3.30pm Cost: £6 per session Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in these multisensory workshops. Through music, movement and messy play, you and your little one will be transported into a magical world of stories. Booking required. 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk 4 nov anD 2 DeC KIDS rUn Free aT marBLe HILL ParK richmond road, Twickenham TW1 2nL Ages: 0-16 Time: 9am Cost: FREE Free running events for children. 08703 331181 www.kidsrunfree.co.uk 10 To 26 nov (FrI-SUn) enCHanTeD WooDLanD aT SYon ParK Brentford TW8 8JF Time: 5-8pm Cost: Adult £10 Child £5 Enjoy a magical evening in the Enchanted Woodland of Syon Park. 020 8560 0882 www.enchantedwoodland.com 17 nov anD 1 anD 15 DeC mUSeUm monKeYS aT CHerTSeY mUSeUm 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8aT Ages: under 5s Time: 9.30-11am Cost: £5 (additional sibling £2.50) Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts. Pre-booking required. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

Even though he is very busy getting everything ready for the ‘big day’, families will also get to meet Father Christmas in Chessington’s magical Grotto to receive an early Christmas gift (must pre-book). Make sure you and your family also visit Father Christmas’ lesser known Reindeer, Willow and Drizzle, who are preparing to pull the sleigh for Christmas Eve. This magical day out also includes selected rides and in addition to the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure there are the brand-new Chessington Adventure Tree, as well as family favourites Tiny Truckers and Hocus Pocus Hall. Also enjoy 18 nov anD 16 DeC YoUnG arCHaeoLoGISTS CLUB aT CHerTSeY mUSeUm 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8aT Ages: 8-16 Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £5. Explore the world of archaeology through site visits, artefact handling and investigation and art and craft activities. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 19 nov mILITarY veHICLeS DaY aT BrooKLanD'S mUSeUm Brooklands road, Weybridge KT13 0Qn Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission. See over 80 vehicles, spanning the decades and representing the field of conflict from around the world. 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 22 To 26 nov CHrISTmaS CraFT FaIr aT rHS WISLeY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 9am-6pm (4.30pm on 26 Nov) Find that special Christmas gift as you browse and buy from these fine craftspeople. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 22 nov To 1 Jan CHrISTmaS aT KeW GarDenS Kew, TW9 3aB Time: 5-10pm Cost: Adult from £16 Child from £10 (online discount) There’s something for everyone in this magical, fairy tale meets fantasy, afterdark experience. Enjoy the botanical wonderland, with a world of singing trees, larger-than-life flora, ribbons of light, giant baubles and a flickering Fire Garden, plus a dazzling show of laser

22 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - November/December 2017

Chessington’s Zoo where you can walk among jungle giants in Trail of the Kings, such as gorillas, lions and tigers. Or take a stroll under the seas in the SEA LIFE centre and meet sharks and jellyﬁsh. www.chessington.com

Father Christmas Sleepover Hotel Packages

For a really unique Christmas, why not make it a short break and book a Father Christmas Sleepover Package at one of the two themed Hotels? This includes an overnight stay at one of the Resort Hotels and two days access to the Winter’s Tail event. For more information, visit www.chessington.com

beams! You can even catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves in the North Pole village and enjoy a vintage fairground ride. 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org 23 nov To 24 DeC CHrISTmaS aT BoCKeTTS Farm Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Festive family fun including a visit to see Father Christmas on board the Santa Express (prebooking required) and a Christmas Trail. Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, plus lots of newborn lambs. 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 24 nov To 7 Jan ICe rInK aT HamPTon CoUrT PaLaCe east molesey, KT8 9aU Time: Sessions from 11am. Glide around the ice rink with the palace as a magniﬁcent backdrop. 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk 25 nov To 24 DeC CHrISTmaS aT CroCKForD BrIDGe Farm new Haw road, nr. Weybridge KT15 2BU Time: 10.30am-4.30pm. The farm provides a one-stop shop this Christmas with cut-your-own Christmas trees, free range turkeys, seasonal foods, decorations and lastminute gifts. Don’t forget to visit Santa and his enchanted helpers in the Secret Forest (weekends only, booking required). 01932 853886 www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk reInDeer aT GarSonS Farm Winterdown road, esher KT10 8LS Mark the beginning of the festive season and see the reindeer in their specially built stable. 01372 460181 www.garsons.co.uk

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What’s On 26 nov CHrISTmaS FaIr aT STraWBerrY HILL HoUSe 268 Waldegrave road, Twickenham TW1 4ST Time: 10am-4pm Cost: £4 Stock up on Christmas gifts, let the children enjoy festive arts and crafts and enjoy live music and delicious Christmas fare from local producers. No buggies. 020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk SInGInG HanDS CHrISTmaS CHarITY SInGaLonG In aID oF meToo&Co The Hammond Theatre, Hampton School, Hanworth road, Hampton TW12 3HD Time: 11.30am & 2.30pm. Kick-start the festive season with this eclectic mix of Makaton-signed Christmas carols, festive rhymes, vintage tunes and the odd Christmas pop classic. 020 8783 4421 www.thehammondtheatre.co.uk/singin g-hands-christmas-charity-singalong 28 nov To 1 DeC a TaSTe oF CHrISTmaS aT PaInSHILL ParK Portsmouth road, Cobham KT11 1Je Time: 5-8pm. Cost: Adult £12 Child £8 Enjoy the magic of Painshill at Christmas with a moonlit walk in a winter wonderland, plus festive treats and music, mulled wine and shopping. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk 30 nov CHrISTmaS WreaTH WorKSHoPS aT morDen HaLL ParK morden Hall road, morden Sm4 5JD Cost: £65. Learn how to make a natural wreath using materials from the park and garden centre; hot drink and mince pie included. Booking essential. 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark 1 To 23 DeC a 1930s CHrISTmaS ParTY aT PoLeSDen LaCeY Great Bookham, near Dorking rH5 6BD Cost: Normal Admission. Time: 10am4pm. Step back in time as you experience this glittering Christmas venue. Horse and carriage rides available. 01372 452048 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey 1 DeC To 3 Jan CHrISTmaS GLoW aT rHS WISLeY Woking GU23 6QB Come and see the gigantic illuminated ‘blooms’ as they light up the winter landscape and spark your imagination. There will be plenty of beautiful natural Christmas decorations to enjoy as you stroll through the garden. 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 2 DeC 15 mInUTeS oF FUn aT CHerTSeY mUSeUm 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8aT Time: 1.30-3.30pm. Cost: FREE Drop-in family craft session. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

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2-3, 9-10 anD 16-17 DeC CHrISTmaS BY DeSIGn aT oSTerLeY ParK Jersey road, Isleworth TW7 4rB Time: 11am-4pm. Enter the festive spirit as the servants prepare Osterley House for Christmas. Then hunt for stars in the formal garden before treating yourself to some seasonal goodies in the café. There’s also a visit from Santa and wreath making workshops (book in advance). 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park FeSTIve FamILY FUn aT HamPTon CoUrT PaLaCe east molesey, KT8 9aU Cost: Normal Admission. Hear tales from the Elizabethan Court and enjoy fun Christmas-inspired craft activities. 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk 2 To 15 DeC mISTLeToe anD merrImenT: CHrISTmaS WITH THe STUarTS aT Ham HoUSe Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7rS Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Normal Admission. Find out how to celebrate a restoration Christmas when King Charles II brought music, food and celebration back! 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house 2 DeC To 2 Jan CHrISTmaS CHILDren’S TraIL aT HaTCHLanDS ParK east Wing Hatchlands, east Clandon, Guildford GU4 7rT Time: 10.30am-4pm. Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Follow the story of the mice who made the Silent Night and see if you can see Hatchlands’ cheeky little mice hiding around the park. 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark 3 DeC SUnDaY aFTernoon arT aT orLeanS HoUSe GaLLerY riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Ages: 4+ Time: 2-3.30pm Cost: Child £4 (additional sibling £1.50). Design and create your own Christmas cards and take inspiration from the Stables Gallery exhibition by artist Katie Sollohub. 020 8831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts 5 DeC WreaTH-maKInG WorKSHoP aT CLaremonT LanDSCaPe GarDen Portsmouth road, esher KT10 9JG Cost: £30 including mince pie and a hot drink. Time: 10.30am-4pm. Make a festive wreath using natural materials collected from the garden. Must book. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 8 To 10 DeC BBC GooD FooD’S FeSTIve FeaST aT HamPTon CoUrT PaLaCe east molesey, KT8 9aU Cost: Normal Admission. Stock up the pantry for Christmas and pick up some great gifts. 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk

9 DeC DaD DaY AT orLeanS HoUSe GaLLerY riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Time: 10am-12pm. Dads and their children can enjoy practical artist-led workshops exploring diﬀerent themes and techniques including animation, print-making, construction and painting based on Richmond’s Riverside Gallery’s current exhibition. 020 8831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts 9 To 10 DeC CHrISTmaS aT LonDon mUSeUm oF WaTer & STeam Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0en Celebrate Christmas 1940s style with festive activities at the Waterworks. 020 8568 4757 www.waterandsteam.org.uk 9 To 23 DeC GeorGIan CHrISTmaS FamILY TraIL aT CLaremonT LanDSCaPe GarDen Portsmouth road, esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-3pm. Cost: 50p plus Normal Admission. Pull on your boots and follow the festive trail around the garden and discover how the Georgians celebrated Christmas. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 14 DeC CHrISTmaS CenTrePIeCe maKInG aT morDen HaLL ParK morden Hall road, morden Sm4 5JD Cost: £65. Learn how to make a natural wreath using materials from the park and garden centre; hot drink and mince pie included. Booking essential. 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark 16 DeC DraW anD eXPLore FamILY arT WaLKS From orLeanS HoUSe GaLLerY riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Time: 10am-1pm. Cost: FREE Bring the whole family to create drawings and artworks inspired by nature and local heritage as you go. These are all-weather sessions so please bring your waterproofs and wellies if necessary. Booking required. 0208 831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts THe BeST CHrISTmaS eve ever! WorKSHoP aT WaTermanS arTS CenTre 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: £3+ Time: 12pm. Cost: £5 Enjoy this craft and drama workshop inspired by characters and themes from the Christmas show, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Booking required. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 16 To 17 DeC CHrISTmaS anImaL vISIT aT HaTCHLanDS ParK east Wing Hatchlands, east Clandon, Guildford GU4 7rT Time: 11am-3pm. Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Snuggle up to the animals from Miller’s Ark Farm in the cobbled courtyard. 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark

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

16 To 17 anD 21 To 23 DeC CaroL SInGInG aT HamPTon CoUrT PaLaCe east molesey, KT8 9aU Cost: Normal Admission. Get Christmas oﬀ to a traditional start by singing carols. 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk 17 DeC FamILY CaroLS aT HaTCHLanDS ParK east Wing Hatchlands, east Clandon, Guildford GU4 7rT Time: 12-3pm. Cost: Adult £8 Child £4 Sing along with family carols in the music room. 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark 22 To 23 anD 27 DeC To 1 Jan eLIZaBeTHan CHrISTmaS aT HamPTon CoUrT PaLaCe east molesey, KT8 9aU Cost: Normal Admission. Watch the palace’s former inhabitants come to life through drama, dance and musical performances. 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk 23 DeC SanTa PaWS aT CLaremonT LanDSCaPe GarDen Portsmouth road, esher KT10 9JG Time: 11am-12pm & 1-2pm Cost: from £2 per dog plus Normal Admission. Bring your furry friend to meet Santa Paws, after all, dogs deserve a Christmas treat too! 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 26 DeC To 3 Jan WInTer WonDer FamILY TraIL aT CLaremonT LanDSCaPe GarDen Portsmouth road, esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-3pm. Cost: 50p plus Normal Admission. Enjoy the garden and all its winter glory as you head out on a seasonal family trail. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 27 To 29 DeC vICTorIan CHrISTmaS aT mUSeUm oF rICHmonD Whittaker avenue, richmond TW9 1TP Ages: 5-11 Time: 10am-12pm. Cost: £4 per child. Have a go at playing Victorian parlour games and making Victorian Christmas Crafts as you discover how the Victorians celebrated the festive season. Booking essential. 0208 332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com 1 Jan neW Year’S DaY GarDen anD BeLveDere ToWer oPenInG aT CLaremonT LanDSCaPe GarDen Portsmouth road, esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-4pm. Cost: Normal Admission. Bring family and friends to walk oﬀ the excess of the holiday season with a stroll around the garden. See stunning winter views from the Belvedere Tower, open 11am-2pm. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden

Families Upon Thames • 23