Issuu

ESTABLISHED 1996

ISSUE NO. 158

EASTER 2014

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familiesse.co.uk

south east london

Holiday Fun Easter egg hunts, daycamps and workshops

WIN! With Gambado and Kiddikicks

online edition

with working website links

Plus What's On listings, local news and creative play for beginners

EASTER & SUMMER WORKSHOPS BOOKING NOW!

ACTING Ages 3 yrs - 19 yrs

SINGING * STREET DANCE * PERFORMING ARTS BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY! South East London

0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk

info@freedomacademy.co.uk

LOVELY TO SEE the spring sunshine but it doesn’t ‘alf show up the dirty windows and dustmotes - time for a big cleanup. Moving the furniture rather than just taking Henry vacuum for a walk around the middle bits, I discovered pine needles from the Christmas tree - oops, Mother’d be so ashamed of me. Still, ‘tis done now, so when we set an Easter Egg trail around the house the children will at least find little eggs rather than baubles or reindeer droppings. We even found an atrocious cracker riddle behind a diningroom chair that we’ve dropped onto the bottom of this page for you to share with your children. (Longterm readers might recall that we always used to have a joke on p2 it’s back by popular demand from one of my family members...) Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views Gambado Beckenham re-opens; diving with a world champion, dressmaking for beginners; toys for hire; books to share, and the cotton nappy comeback

4-5 Education News Teachers’ pay; can PE be co-ed?; school lunch concerns and open day dates

6 The Book Review Page Justine Crow’s slice of life, seen through a shelfful of books

7 Creative Play for Beginners Tips from the Conservatoire on helping your child’s natural creativity blossom

8-9 Easter Holiday Fun Easter egg hunts, and a whole lot of action-packed workshops for children

10-11 What’s New WIN! We have a family membership for Gambado, and a term’s Kiddikicks classes up for grabs. Plus a back pain app; milk is back on the menu; exploring London; wood is good, and footballs that make a difference

12 Ask the Expert Child Maintenance - what it is, and how it works, by family solicitor Mandeep Clair

13 Internet Safety Family-friendly web access - and how to set it up so your children can be safe online

14-18 What’s On Our pick of the best events, shows and family workshops for April

19 Moving Home Tips from the experts - real parents who’ve been there, done that - and survived

20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier

Front cover: Girl’s jacket from £20, top from £12, shorts from £12, all Marks & Spencer, 0845 609 0200, www.marksandspencer.com

Next Issue out: 8 May, deadline 14 April Families South East, PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, www.familiesse.co.uk, editor@familiesse.co.uk © Families South East. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

families south east - april 2014

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

Activities for Children Gambado Beckenham open day Make a date to visit Gambado Beckenham on 5 April, when the indoor playcentre and party centre is hosting a fabulous official opening day. There will be special guest appearance and signings with Jordan and Perri from Diversity, in addition to the centre’s very own Gambado Tiger and friends! The fun-filled indoor play and party centre reopens on 4 April with new improved facilities that offer the serious WOW factor; ball showers, imagination zone and musical play for older children, while for 3-4 year olds, the toddler area houses new equipment to aid social interaction, motor skills and play. For the under 2s a completely separate sensory area offers the freedom to learn and explore, great for their dedicated SEN nights also. The popular dodgems and carousel have been given a new lease of life which parents love too! A new reception with improved entry gate system has been designed to aid smoother arrivals and departures while the brand new café bar offers delicious lattes and scrumptious snacks so parents can kick back while their energetic offspring enjoy exercise in disguise. Gambado Beckenham is open from 9.30am-6.30pm Mondays to Sundays at Natwest Sports Ground, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1NZ; only 10 minutes’ walk from New Beckenham and Lower Sydenham mainline stations, with free car parking on site too (limited spaces available). Telephone 020 8662 6910, email beckenham@gambado.com and online at www.gambado.com/clubs/beckenham. See the Gambadobeckenham page on Facebook for updates. COMPETITION: To celebrate the centre’s re-opening, Gambado are offering a free annual pass to one lucky Families reader. To enter, see page 10.

Easter fun in a wigwam Wigwam Toys & Gifts in Dulwich will be running free Easter themed crafts for local families with young children from 10am-12noon on 11 and 12 April, with yummy mini cupcakes from the Dulwich Bakery too! Wigwam Toys and Gifts is at 109 Rosendale Road SE21 8EZ, 020 8676 4815. Craft fun places will be limited, so register first by email to katherine@wigwamfamily.co.uk.

Diving is fun! Crystal Palace Diving team is the best junior team in the UK for the last six consecutive years. Organised by world champion Chris Snode, the club is Swim 21 accredited and an ASA England Talent Centre. As well as weekly meets, children can take to the Olympic sized diving pool during the Easter holidays for courses suitable for beginners through to those looking for more practice - see page 9 for more details; call 020 8771 4742 or book at www.crystalpalacediving.co.uk. Q: What can go up an chimney down, but can’t come down a chimney up? A: An umbrella!

Underwater fun with Perform This April to July, Perform children will be diving down to a magical world full of watery adventures. They’ll meet Dolly Dolphin, Septamus the Octopus and Smelly-Fish-Jelly-Fish. Learn to dance The Fishy Funk and by the end of term rescue the Lost Pearl from the scary Deep Sea Creature. Best of all, the children won’t notice how much they are improving their social skills along the way. Perform’s drama, dance and singing classes are held in Beckenham, Blackheath, Bromley, Dulwich, East Dulwich, Greenwich, Hither Green and West Wickham, and there are free trial sessions for new 4-8 year-olds. For information and bookings, call 0845 400 1277 or go to www.perform.org.uk.

Real Nappy Week Taking place from 28 April - 4 May this year, Real Nappy Week is all about celebrating reusables for those who are already converted to cloth and those not yet tempted. They can save you upwards of £500 per child (more if you use your nappies on a second child), are better for the environment, save on waste to landfill, are comfortable for your baby and, best of all, are super stylish. With events, competitions and special offers across the country, you can meet people who use real nappies, find out more, and see how real nappies work. Start at www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week.

ents News for Par

The joy of reading

Dressmaking for beginners

2000 toys

If The Great British Sewing Bee has fired your creative juices, head down to The White Room SE4. The Brockleybased business is both a clothing boutique and a hub for fashion focussed courses with workshops for those eager to develop their design and garment construction skills. Founder Nicky Cook has worked for over twenty years in the fashion industry as a womenswear designer and creative pattern cutter, and her unique, affordable label, NC23 is available exclusively at The White Room SE4. Workshops include How to Use Your Sewing Machine; Simple Garment Construction; Beginners’ Dressmaking; and one-to-one sessions for more tailored training. The White Room SE4 is at 352 Brockley Road SE4 2BY, 020 8694 1375, www.thewhiteroomse4.co.uk.

Balance bikes, art and design toys, multicultural dressing up clothes, story sacks, games, jigsaws and much more - including a large collection of toys for children on the SEN spectrum. The Lewisham Toy Library provides a wide range of over 2000 toys suitable for babies to eight year-olds to encourage educational development as well as promoting active physical play. A local charity, the toy library loans to parents, carers, childminders and non-profit organisations in the borough, offering a personal service to all members. Fees are an affordable £12 for six months; just £2 a month, and membership is free for those on income support (proof of address and benefits will be required). The toy library is open 1-3pm Mondays, 10am-12noon Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10am-3pm on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Lewisham Toy Library, The Old Coach House, 41 Rushey Green, Catford SE6 4AS, 020 8698 7433, www.lewishamtoylibrary.org.uk.

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class familiesse.co.uk

Bookworms are being asked to share the love on 23 April; this year’s World Book Night. Run by the Reading Agency, World Book Night is a celebration of reading and books, which sees passionate volunteers gift books in their communities to share their love of reading. Hundreds of events will be taking place in bookshops and libraries across the world: look out for posters or go to www.worldbooknight.org for an events map.

Emergency childcare service However well you plan your childcare arrangements, there will always be situations where you need to secure last minute or short term childcare due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, work commitments or family crisis. Best Bear’s new Emergency Childcare Service offers a quick and easy way to contact local childcare agencies who have been pre-vetted and tested by the Best Bear team. This means you have complete peace of mind when contacting them, and can concentrate on simply finding a suitable childcarer for your child, knowing that they can be relied on. Click ‘Find emergency childcare’ at www.bestbear.co.uk.

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun. Call 0845 400 1277 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

april 2014 - families south east

Education News

Education News Teachers’ pay could skyrocket running systems that seem to suggest exactly the opposite - treating teachers the same in how we recruit, train, develop, appraise and pay them, regardless of their performance.” However Chris Keates, general secretary of NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union which fiercely opposes the scheme, is concerned that however hard a teacher works and however well they perform, there is no guarantee of any pay progression. The good news is that this new government scheme could attract more graduates to the profession, driving up the quality of teaching in schools across the country.

A new performance-related system of pay for teachers could see their salaries rise to £70,000 within five years of qualifying, according to a report by thinktank Policy Exchange. Under a new time-based system the best performing teachers could earn higher wages in a shorter period of time, although Policy Exchange does recommend that evaluations should be based on several measures, not just test or exam scores. “We want to treat teachers like professionals,” says Jonathan Simons, head of education at Policy Exchange. “Teaching is one of the most important jobs in this country. Yet for too long we have been

Open Days For more schools contacts and open day dates, see our What’s On guide at www.familiesse.co.uk Streatham + Clapham High School GDST 6 May Junior school, Wavertree Road SW2 3SR, 020 8674 6912, www.schs.gdst.net Bromley High School GDST 1 May and 4 October, plus regular ‘Taster Days’ for ages 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. Blackbrook Lane BR1, 020 8781 7000, www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/fse1 Thames Christian College 30 April, Wye Street SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk Sydenham High School GDST 7 May and 27 September Junior school, 15 Westow Hill SE26, 020 8557 7000. Senior school 19 Westow Hill SE26, 020 8557 7000, www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Does splitting school PE lessons damage girls? NO! YES! Teachers should stop separating boys and girls in school sports because it is fuelling gender prejudice in later life, an academic has warned. Dr Sian Lawson of Northumbria University believes that PE should be gender-neutral, with girls playing rugby and boys tackling netball. “There is no physical reason to view girls as more fragile when given the same level of exercise,” says Dr Lawson. “If we aspire to believe in individual variation over stereotyping, and equality of opportunity, then why not let our children start with that?” She adds that the controlled environment of the school playing field is the “best opportunity these potential adults have to learn to respect each other.”

Chris McGovern, a former independent school headmaster and chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, says, “There are clear physiological differences between boys and girls. It’s possible to mix them in the early primary years but it’s common sense to split them when they get older and you’ve having full-blown tackles in rugby and football because boys are stronger. It’s an absurd idea and will horrify parents.”

School lunch concerns

With head teachers speaking out about the lack of facilities to provide free school lunches for 4-7 year-olds from this September, parents have been airing their own concerns in a new YouGov survey. Oakfield Preparatory School The research shows that almost four in ten Group tours held once a month, parents whose children are in primary or 125-128 Thurlow Park Road SE21 8HP, secondary education would like to know what their 020 8670 4206, child has chosen to eat if they have had a school www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk dinner. A third would like to try the meals that the school offers in order to be more informed about what their www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk children are eating every day, and direct influence on what is served. One in five would like to take the choice out of the child or school’s control, and decide in advance what their child will have to eat. However, there is a question of how this can be achieved as over a quarter of parents say they have no way of communicating with their child’s school on this issue. This rises to six in ten among those who are currently dissatisfied with the current school meals system at their child’s school. Parents would like to see a number of initiatives introduced, for example over eight in ten would like school lunches to contribute to a child’s ‘five-a-day’. Parents also expressed a desire for healthier options to be available, an emphasis on local products, British foods, and fair trade products. One area of concern is the ubiquity of fast food and the potential for that industry to dominate school meals catering. Just under half of parents say their foremost concern would be seeing fast food brands in schools. In total, our exceptional independent 52% are also concerned that big fast food companies will try to take over school for boys and girls school meal provision, with the problem being the perceived emphasis on profit, not providing nutritional meals. James McCoy, research director at YouGov, said: “The report shows that OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 30th APRIL 11.00-1.00 schools should work with parents to create a school meals programme with For full list of open mornings, enrolment a focus on healthy and locally-sourced products. The trouble is, many of the and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 parents we surveyed do not feel that there are existing channels for them to Thames Christian College, communicate with school authorities on this issue, and so the first order of Wye Street, London SW11 2HB business must be opening the lines of communication.”

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life

families south east - april 2014

familiesse.co.uk

Education News

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL INDEPENDENT EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AGED 4‐18 YEARS

Developing independent thinkers and learners

OPEN EVENTS

Junior School Open Days Tuesday

6 May 2014

Saturday

4 October 2014

2 - 3.30 pm 10 am - 12 noon

Please register for Open Days on our website or contact us for an individual visit

Please register online to a end

4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ & 16+ Fees assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School

Usshe willThrive

admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 enquiry@shj.gdst.net

Wonorw booking

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LIFE AT BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

With

Nursery and Junior School (3-11)

r e t s Ea kshop

Thursday 1st May 2014 (2.15 ‐ 3.45 pm) Saturday 4th October 2014 (9.30 am ‐ 1.00 pm)

Call your local Stagecoach: Dulwich 020 8949 4116 Blackheath 020 8417 0010 Beckenham 020 8541 0833 Sydenham 020 7228 0981 www.stagecoach.co.uk

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april 2014 - families south east

The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business. Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles. So daddy came home at the beginning of last month with a spring (s’cuse the pun) in his step, said to the kids: “Look what I’ve got!” and plonked a posh paper bag on the kitchen table in anticipation of their adoration. They peered in. A paper bag with handles might be the bakershop norm’ these days in the leafy sub-shires of Dulwich and Clapham but for us lot in Penge the only thing that comes in a sturdy bag with a gusset are re-heeled shoes from the cobbler. Their indignant response to four expensive hot cross buns was gratifying. “But, it’s not Good Friday..” warned Trasha. Ah, I have trained them well. As far as my children are aware, it is actually illegal to eat one before Easter. “I’ll put them in the freezer then..?” their dad suggested with rhetorical glumness before getting his coat. A WALK IN PARIS by Salvatore Rubbino - Walker rrp £12.99. I will soon however, be ‘breaking the law’ and taking a bag of hot cross buns across the channel before the Easter bunny has zipped up his fly as a gift for our neighbours in Normandy. As I am customarily stopped by customs on both sides - my resemblance to an international terrorist being undeniable I am looking forward to the baffled expressions of the gendarmes when they strip the car only to find weird cinnamon rolls. But how marvellous to be in France at this time of year, eh? Rubbino thinks so too, slyly building a series to rival the iconic Sasek city books, he captures the breezy mood beautifully in the pale blue sky and freshly foliaged trees as granddad and the boy emerge from the metro at Place Maubert. With a fold out Tour d’Eiffel at the back, all the other old landmarks are here and the newer ones too, including the maverick Centre Pompidou, its appearance as much of a surprise on the page as it is when you turn the corner in real life. HERMELIN by Mini Grey - Random House rrp £11.99. This author gets better and better at the art of combining accessible text with action in pictures; from a tiny snow-globe of the Eiffel Tower and discarded Sherlock Holmes novel to thundering headlines, there is so much to look at. Armed with an old fashioned typewriter (see FamiliesSE passim - didn’t I say these would be all the rage?) the detail is delightful as our diminutive detective sets about tracking down lost teddies and keys and personal fortunes (as you do). Sadly, our hero’s success in rescuing a small child doesn’t give him immunity from anti-mouse prejudice as the party thrown in his honour results in guests shrieking and standing on their chairs, and I found myself yelling at the page: “It’s a mouse you nutcases, not Bin Laden!” SHH! WE HAVE A PLAN by Chris Haughton - Walker £11.99. That shush wasn’t next-door telling me to pipe down (though they’d be perfectly justified in shushing their heads off after Trasha had her coven round for a sleepover last weekend talk about earsplitting noise, that lot could cackle for England apologies to all at number 18), it is the divinely talented author of A Bit Lost and Oh No, George! Rightfully elbowing his way to the front of the children’s section, this is his best yet: simple, original, very blue (literally, not linguistically, I hasten to add) and hilarious. No, HILARIOUS! With a quote from Einstein at the start - ‘Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding’ - every single school in the country should have a copy. I shall get onto Gove pronto. TROLL & THE OLIVER by Adam Stower - Templar rrp £6.99. The third troll title sees our voracious mythical monster chasing his trickiest dinner yet - the infuriatingly joyful Oliver. Or is that innate happiness really cunning in disguise? But, yikes! A slip-up! However, all is not lost when troll discovers to his cost that small boys taste absolutely disgusting (as Trasha can testify) and better

still, he regurgitates his prey just as the timer goes off on an oven full of cakes. GIGANTOSAURUS by Jonny Duddle - Templar rrp £10.99. Like many small children, I’m a sucker for anything ‘saurus’ and no doubt, “Stick saurus on the end and you are onto a winner,” is the current mantra in every publishers’ editorial meeting up and down the country (previously it was anything that aped vintage Boys Own and before that, meerkats). As a result, there is and will continue to be lots of utterly mediocre dinosaur picture books for years - possibly whole geological époques - to come. Thanks to the stupendous illustrations, this isn’t one of them. SARAH & DUCK MEET THE PENGUINS by Sarah Gomes Harris - Puffin rrp £6.99. Apparently this is on telly? Clearly it has been a while since I parked a child in front of the box in order to buy myself some quality time to sort out the washing and weep quietly. NB to self: must do more sitting around watching stuff for research purposes. Anyway, this has more than a little of the Kitamura about it, which is why it appeals to me. Especially the poignant sea cow at the end. DEMOLITION by Sally Sutton, illustrated by Brian Lovelock Walker rrp £5.99. What an entirely apt title for a board book. With bucketloads of ripping, shredding, scraping, crashing, gauging and clanging - if you can’t beat the toddlers, join ‘em. For a slightly more sedate, though no less messy, toddler experience, please refer to THIS IS ME, EATING! by Neal Layton, Walker rrp 5.99. Also available, THIS IS ME, DRESSING UP! And hold fire on the gender stereotyping rant - daddy wears a tie, mummy a pretty dress - ‘cos granny then puts on a motorcycle helmet and roars off. I DIDN’T DO MY HOMEWORK BECAUSE... by Davide Cali & Benjamin Chaud - Chronicle rrp £8.99. One for the older child in your life, I’m assuming that with those authors’ names, this originated across the channel. This would explain one or two of the excuses such as I didn’t do my homework because… “A famous director asked to use my bedroom to shoot his new movie” (sounds best delivered with ze spoof accent) or the deliciously dark “…I was at my cat’s funeral.” Cue a depiction of Gallic bafflement (see customs officers above) when the innocent feline pokes his head out of a shoebox in the graveyard. FAR FROM THE TREE by Andrew Solomon Vintage rrp £11.99. Hundreds of families interviewed and their stories remain in the mind long after I put this veritable brick down. It is a far too big and important book to suffer my bargain basement critique and I’m not going to tell you how many pages there are because it will frighten you off. And there’s no way I can claim to have made it through the whole thing. Suffice to say, every page I have read contains a revelation and though I’ve parented (if I must use that ghastly Americanism) for a gasquillion years, I realise that I know absolutely nothing. THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO GETTING WHAT YOU WANT by Mary Hartley - Watkins rrp £7.99. My inbox is full, the shopping list on the fridge is running to three pages, I’ve got art GCSE homework to do (not mine) and I’ve just cancelled a cuppa with little Ghengis and his mum because I forgot that I am teaching in a cold pool all day. I like to think that I’m not the kind of person that requires a title like this to get by - a pushover, moi? But a quick glance draws me in as I cannot resist the promise of learning how to be assertive with “wit, style and grace” and I am finally forced to admit even I could do with the ‘power of the pause’...

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 6

families south east - april 2014

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Is your child the next David Hockney or JohnWilliams? Tips from the Conservatoire - Blackheath’s local independent arts centre Incorporating creative play into your baby or toddler’s activities is easy and very enjoyable for both of you. Research studies prove how arts and music help children to develop cognitively, socially and academically, and not only does creative play stimulate the growth of neural pathways in your baby’s brain - it keeps stimulating the ones in yours too! Here are the Conservatoire’s tips which are very easy, cheap ways to watch your child’s natural creativity blossom!

Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

+ Schools, nurseries and parties too! info@theatretots.com - 07801072776

Olé Kids Boo you k Tri r al

Spanish classes for children and parents Ages from 8 months to 18 years. Bilingual and beginners. Group classes across London

Local class Thursdays 4.30 pm @ The Herne Tavern Spanish in Nurseries Private classes at home

After School Clubs

Birthday parties with a latin flavour

Weekend workshops at Iberica while you eat www.ibericalondon.co.uk

Quote: Families SE for a free group class trial

MUSIC •

•

ART •

•

Use soft pencils at the beginning, eg bath crayons to draw on tiles while in the bath. This encourages children to become aware of what they are doing and enables them to gradually gain control before moving to different materials. Gradually introduce various tools like sponges for putting in the paint, stencils etc. Rather than asking ‘What is this’, make suggestions and observations that will encourage children to develop their ideas, eg ‘I can see dots’ or ‘Is that a yellow triangle? Try telling/ making up a story while they are drawing as it helps communication and expression, eg ‘Is this a road, where is it going?’ Use a mat, or an area where you don’t have to worry about making a mess so that you can say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’! Messy is fun, helps experimenting and enhances learning!

DRAMA •

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Introduce lots of ‘peekaboo’ games and stories about characters that keep appearing and disappearing - a delight for the young! Use puppets to tell and enact something that happened in their children’s life that day, eg ‘Alan was painting and ‘splash’ the colour fell onto the floor. Alan and mummy had then to clean everything up! This will boost little one’s confidence and enhance awareness of the outside world. Repeat familiar stories and build them up with your own ideas together, thus encouraging an adult and child exchange. Avoid ‘controlling’ the plot but rather, mirror and echo your child’s ideas to encourage further exploration. Put on a ‘story’ jumper, or story ‘shoes’, something that children can pretend they are putting on at the beginning and taking them off at the end when they finish!

familiesse.co.uk

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Our teachers are qualified native Spanish speaking teachers. Facebook: olekidslondon Twitter:@ole_kids

Adult private classes available. Contact us for more information

SING, SING, SING without worrying about your singing abilities. The mother’s, father’s or carer’s voice is the best thing that a child will ever hear and has extraordinary power on little ones. And remember, lots of children start singing before they start talking! Choose songs for everyday routines, like bathing, washing hands or going to sleep. Children will associate a song with an activity and everything will flow better. It is magical to see a child going to sleep on their own once they hear the familiar song. Too good to be true? Try it! Enhance free exploration of sounds, create a sound corner, or a sound board where the children can add objects. They don’t have to be musical instruments; find things that make different sounds, eg a bottle full of water, aluminium foil, keys etc. The children can then go on their own time and explore. Create a ‘song’ box, put in it different objects that the child will then associate with a song: cut a star from paper or ask the child to do it for ‘Twinkle Twinkle’, a spider soft toy for ‘Incy Wincy’. The child can then go to the box and choose the ‘song’. You can do it as a treat for the end of the day. It allows freedom, taking initiative and building confidence. When using instruments, allow free exploration there is no right or wrong. Mirror your child’s sounds and then add something of your own, create a ‘dialogue’, a musical conversation, taking turns.

Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com

About the Conservatoire With courses, classes and performances for all ages, The Conservatoire welcome people for free trial classes and open days throughout the year whether they are from the borough or not. They are also committed to exploring the field of early years arts education from newborns to toddlers. They run ‘Teddy Talks’, an inspiring new series of free talks and workshops about creativity and early childhood development. During these sessions, parents can attend to hear experts in the field discuss topics such as what happens to a baby’s brain in its first year of life, how this is affected by creativity, and how parents can make their own home more brain-friendly. The Conservatoire is at 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ, 020 8852 0234, www.conservatoire.org.uk.

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets

FREE introductory session phone

07877 391005

www.tennis-4-kids.com email: gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

april 2014 - families south east

Yippee! It’s the Easter holidays and there’s sooo much to do! From Easter egg hunts to action-packed workshops the fun starts here... Easter Egg Hunts BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM 7-11 and 14-17 April, BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the museum. Create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won. 10am-4.30pm.

HORNIMAN EASTER FAIR 19+20 April, HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Go on an Easter Egg hunt, find goodies in the museum’s special arts and crafts market, join in Bandstand fun and enjoy some food and drink. 10.30am-4.30pm, admission free.

BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES 20 April, BROCKWELL PARK, Herne Hill SE24 9BJ, 07427 685714, www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk Have a hunt and collect a basket of egg tokens to swap for a flowerpot of delicious chocolate goodies. A range of Easter themed craft activities will also be available. £3 per child, 10am-12noon.

LEEDS CASTLE

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE

Easter Holiday Workshops

18-21 April, OSTERLEY PARK and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB, 020 8232 5050, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park Complete the trail for a Cadbury’s Egghead prize. Explore the glorious gardens where you can spot flowers and wildlife, or have fun on rope swings and build a den at the play trail as you try and crack the clues on your own Easter adventure. 11am-4pm, admission £11.30 for families to garden only, £25.50 to whole property.

THE WIZARD OF OZ WITH PERFORM

FULHAM PALACE 20+21 April, FULHAM PALACE, Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org Search around the museum and garden for clues that will lead you to a chocolate prize. From 1pm, no booking necessary, suitable for 5-12 year olds, £2 per child.

DOWN HOUSE EASTER ADVENTURE 18-21 April, DOWN HOUSE, The Home of Charles Darwin, Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT, 0870 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse Join the Down House quest, meet characters from the past and crack clues as you explore English history. Rise to the challenge and you’ll reap a chocolate reward. It’s time to get hands-on with the past. 11am5pm, admission £10.30 adults, £6.20 children, £26.80 families, English Heritage members free.

7-9 April in FOREST HILL, 14-46 April in DULWICH VILLAGE, 020 8244 4873 or 07530 061 658, www.freedomacademy.co.uk Freedom Academy are bringing to life the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel in a three day all-singing all-dancing adventure through the woods ending in a musical performance for family and friends. Ages 3-6 years, 9am-12noon each day.

KEW GARDENS

IGHTAM MOTE 19 April, IGHTAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow a trail around the garden to claim your Cadbury’s Egghead, nestling within a moated manor house which medieval knights and courtiers to Henry VIII used to own. Standard admission to house and gardens £10.50 adults, £5.20 children, £26.30 families. Easter trail £2.50.

EDF LONDON EYE

BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE 18+19 April, BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE, 136 Bramley Road W10 6TJ, 020 8690 1515, www.bramleysbigadventure.com Enter the giant playframe and climb, swing, slide and jump into the fun. Open 10am-6pm Mondays to Fridays, to 6.30pm weekends and holidays. Family tickets £12.50 schooldays, £15 weekends and holidays

7-9 April JOHN BALL PRIMARY SCHOOL, Southvale Road, Blackheath SE3 0TP, 14-16 April St STEPHEN’S CHURCH HALL, College Road, Dulwich SE21 7HW, 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk Young performers are invited to take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road to discover the ruby slippers, brave the haunted forest and explore the strange and colourful world of their imaginations. Exclusively for 4-8 year olds, Perform Holiday Experiences are specially designed to encourage creativity and boost confidence and communication skills. The children will make new friends, stretch their imaginations and enjoy plenty of fun and laughter as they bring Dorothy, The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and The Cowardly Lion to life in a thrilling last-day performance for family and friends. £95 per child.

HANSEL AND GRETEL WITH FREEDOM ACADEMY

20 April, ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, Brentford Gate, Kew, London TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5655, www.kew.org.uk Collect tokens from around the Gardens to pick up your prize a delicious chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny. Admission free for accompanied under 16s, adults £14.50.

5-21 April, EDF LONDON EYE, County Hall, South Bank SE1 7BP, 0871 781 3000, www.londoneye.com Edwin the Easter bunny will be back in his burrow for the holidays, and needs children to help him find his bunny pals who have gone on strike and taken all of the Easter eggs with them!

ODDS FARM PARK 5-22 April, ODDS FARM PARK, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, Hygh Wycombe, Bucks HP10 0LX, 01628 520188, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Join in with animal-based activities and let off steam in the play areas. Follow the Easter Bunny trail around the farm and get a yummy treat at the end. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free for under 2s, £10.95 children, £11.95 adults.

STAGECOACH EASTER WORKSHOP 14-17 April in Dulwich, 020 8949 4116, www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich Stagecoach Dulwich will be filling their annual Easter Holiday Workshop with dance, drama and singing with a free presentation on the last day for family and friends to enjoy. This year’s show is inspired by Roald Dahl’s much loved ‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’, offering a fantastic opportunity for the children to help re-tell the famous story of Charlie Bucket and his adventures in Mr Willy Wonka’s magical factory. Showtime on Thursday will be in the Great Hall at Alleyn’s School, complete with costumes, lighting and sound equipment. It will be fast and furious but promises to be lots of fun for the 4-7 and 8-16 year olds. You do not have to be a regular Stagecoach student to attend and no previous experience is required - all you need is enthusiasm! For information or bookings, contact Principal Jonny Clines by phone or online.

LEEDS CASTLE

KEYBOARD SUPERSTARS WORKSHOP

5-21 April, LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 767866, www.leeds-castle.com Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Grounds open 10am daily, admission to castle and grounds free for under 4s, children £13.50, adults £21, valid for a whole year. This Easter, spring will be in bloom and an exciting quest will take you through the Woodland Walk in search of answers and clues. There will be questions for children to answer in reward for a small prize. £1 per child. Under 4s can join in with a free mini trail around the enchanting Pavilion Lawn, while brave Knights and beautiful Princesses can have a go at hobby horse jousting, children’s mini battles and knight’s training at ‘Knight School’. Grounds open 10am daily, admission to castle and grounds free for under 4s, children £16, adults £24, valid for a whole year. JUST PUPPETS, 18-21 April. Watch a slapstick children’s production and have a go at hobby horse jousting, children’s mini battles and knight’s training.

7-11 April, VARIOUS VENUES, 0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info Funky Monkey’s Keyboard Superstars workshop is a brilliant all-round scheme and ‘taster’ for 5-8 year-olds. Complete beginners learn to read, play and write notes C-A alongside learning keyboard technique and countless music-based activities including composition, artwork, singing and performance skills. Last day concert! 10am-12.30pm each day, £110 per child for all five days/ £100 for siblings, book first. ONE HIT WONDER WORKSHOP, 9 April in Tulse Hill. Drop off your little ones for a fun packed music taster day in a cafe, where you can indulge in a coffee and cake before sneaking off for a quick shopping spree! Children learn the first five notes of the electronic keyboard, groovy little tunes, create some wonderful musical art and you can pop back, have a second coffee and watch a little concert. 10am-2pm, £40 includes a snack and all equipment. READER OFFER: Families readers can claim a £5 One Hit Wonder discount - just quote FSE when booking.

PENSHURST PLACE

CRYSTAL PALACE DIVING

families south east - april 2014

FUNKY MONKEY

5-21 April, PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, 01892 870307, www.penshurstplace.com Join an egg hunt with a twist! Rather than seeking Easter eggs, visitors to Penshurst Place will be able hunt for WW1 carrier pigeons with hidden secret messages, in a fun trail around the playground. Pigeons played an important communication role during World War 1 and proved an extremely reliable way of sending messages across enemy lines. Using the story of carrier pigeons, children will learn more about the communication methods used during the Great War and enjoy a fun trail that will take them on an inspiring educational journey of discovery. Gardens open 10.30am-6pm, house open 12-4pm. Admission £6 children, £8 adults, from £20 families.

THEATREBUGS

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Artastic Holiday Art Club

PERFORM

Easter Summer Christmas Half Term

STAGECOACH - DULWICH

Dulwich Beckenham Eltham

GEORGE AND THE FRIENDLY DRAGON

SUPERCAMPS

7-9 April in HERNE HILL and CLAPHAM, 8-10 April in BATTERSEA, 14-16 April in BALHAM, 15-17 April in WEST WICKHAM, 0800 9755 290, www.theatrebugs.co.uk/londonandhomecounties.html Diggory Dragon has just moved to a new area and wants to make friends with his neighbours. But Princess Rainbow, Buzz the Bee and Rover the Dog are scared of dragons and don’t want to be friends with him! Can the boys and girls find Knight George and Dame Georgina before poor Diggory is chased away? We hope so! Theatrebugs’ three day holiday workshops are filled with drama, dance, music, arts and crafts for 31⁄2 - 6 year-olds. £82 per child, sibling discount available.

7-17 April, STREATHAM & CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL, Wavertree Road, Streatham Hill SW2 3SR, 01235 467300, www.supercamps.co.uk A multi-activity daycamp designed to appeal to children of all types and ages. Each child will explore and experience a daily schedule of different activities with children their own age, under the guidance of superblytrained staff. The venue offers sports, an adventure playground and indoor games, arts and crafts activities. 8am-6pm, £42 a day or £170 for five days.

INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING School holidays and termtime classes in SYDENHAM, 020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.

CRYSTAL PALACE DIVING 8-11 and 15-18 April, CRYSTAL PALACE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE, Ledrington Road SE19 2BB, 020 8771 4729, www.crystalpalacediving.co.uk Make a splash and take to the pool this Easter. Champion diver Chris Snode runs weekly and holiday courses for all levels from beginners starting on dry land, through to seasoned young divers looking for extra practice off Olympic boards. Ages 6-14, four day courses £45 - £105 depending on expertise.

MULTISPORTS AT JAGS 7-11 April, JAGS SPORTS CLUB, Red Post Hill, Herne Hill SE24 9JN, 020 8613 6500, www.jagssportsclub.co.uk JAGS Sports Club run multi sports courses every school holiday to encourage children to participate in fun games centred on fair play and sportsmanship. The courses are designed to encourage youngsters to participate in new sports in a safe non-competitive environment. They learn new skills and play as part of a team, where they all contribute. Ages 4+ for half of full days or four days. £16 per half day, £84 a week.

MILLWALL SOCCER SCHOOL 7-11 and 14-18 April, THE LIONS CENTRE, Bolina Road, South Bermondsey SE16 3LD, 020 7740 0503, www.millwallcommunity.co.uk Learn to play like a pro with professional coaching practice, skills development, penalty shoot-outs, fun challenges and mini tournaments. Ages 6-12, 9am-5pm, from £70 a week.

ARTASTIC HOLIDAY ART CLUB

EASTER DANCE WORKSHOP 7-9 April, DANCE COMPANY STUDIOS, Beckenham BR3 1ED, 07572 620479, www.simpsons-dancestudios.co.uk/easter-workshop Experience a variety of dance styles including street dance, commercial jazz and breakdance. Over the three days they will work on a short performance in different styles ready to show friends and family on the last day. Ages 8-13, 10am-3pm, £65, sibling discount available.

CREATIVE WRITING WITH INKHEAD

STUDIO FILM SCHOOL

9-11 and 14-16 April in HERNE HILL and LEE, 07943 514408, www.inkhead.co.uk Inkhead’s creative writing courses are designed to trigger ideas for characters and plots, and help children to put the stories in their imaginations down on paper. During the course children will learn how to use a variety of literary techniques. 10am-1pm each day, £135.

STUDIO FILM SCHOOL, Balham SW12, 0845 533 3763, www.studiofilmschool.co.uk SUPER SECRET SPY SHOOT, 7-11 April. Make a murder mystery film with a licence to thrill! The workshop draws inspiration from James Bond, Alex Rider, the Scooby Doo gang and many more as members produce their own spy movie. They’ll learn new creative skills in filmmaking and acting over five action-packed days, with a DVD to take home at the end. Ages 7-14, £282. SPRINGTIME STOP MOTION, 14+15 April. Join in the fun of a spring stop motion course. Over two days, members on this animal themed animation workshop will model, animate and voice their own animal creations as they learn professional skills in stop motion technique, with a DVD to take home at the end.. Ages 7-14, £174.

SE LONDON TENNIS CAMPS

St Mary's St Olave's

07792549874 info@club-tastic.co.uk www.club-tastic.co.uk

WANTED

CAMP BEAUMONT DAYCAMPS 7-11 and 14-17 April, COLFE’S SCHOOL, Upwood Road, Lee, SE12 8AW, 01263 823000, www.campbeaumont.co.uk Up to 40 different activities ranging from arts and crafts, swimming, soccer, tag rugby, tennis, motorsports, dance and drama, basketball, and many more. Ages 4-16 years, 8.30am-5.30pm, from £47 per day.

7-17 April in DULWICH, ELTHAM and BECKENHAM, 0779 254 9874, email info@club-tastic.co.uk Come along and join the fun holiday art club jam packed with different art activities and fun games creating different masterpieces each day. 9am-12noon 3-4 year-olds, 9am-4pm for 5-11 year-olds.

7-10 and 14-17 April, SYDENHAM LAWN TENNIS CLUB, Lawrie Park Road SE26 6ET, www.southeastlondontennis.com, email chris@southeastlondontennis.com Four day group activities with professional coaches in weekly blocks. Each session includes tennis coaching, games and other team events, with a mini tournament at the end of each week. Facilities are available for wet-weather activities if necessary. Beginners and improvers welcome. 9am-12noon for 7-10 year-olds, 1-4pm for 11-15 year-olds, £52 for all four days, one day £15. Book and pay online; or call Chris on 0773 993 6999 or Michael on 07956 995820.

JAPS

Cool kids who love to

ROCK!

Our group keyboard lessons are a great way to start learning an instrument! Inspiring reception classes, 4-5 years Action-packed junior classes, 5-8 years EASTER COURSES/ TERM TRIALS BOOKING NOW

www.funkymonkey.info 0800 107 7949 Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes... ‘bringing music to children’

BEE ARTY 10 April, HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, Lennard Road, Beckenham SE20 7LX, 0798 351 3910 Make your own hen in an Easter art workshop. 10.30-11.30am, £7.

YES, I can touch-type

Touch-typing taught in just 10 hours

Easter Holiday Courses With proper tuition children can learn to touch-type surprisingly quickly and, what’s more, enjoy the whole experience. ■ Improved speed and effectiveness in study. ■ Well presented work increases self-esteem. ■ There are particular benefits for those with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Courses run in SYDENHAM To find out more call:

020 7515 1707 email: info@yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk or call Norman on 07961 427640

www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk

FREEDOM ACADAMY

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april 2014 - families south east

What’sNew time Competition

WIN! a year’s family membership to Gambado Beckenham Gambado Beckenham are celebrating their re-opening by offering one lucky family the chance to WIN a membership for two children and two adults worth £209! Gambado Beckenham boasts one of the largest play frames in Greater London in addition to dodgems and carousel which are included in the entry price. The brand new café bar offers delicious lattes and scrumptious snacks so parents can kick back whilst their energetic offspring enjoy exercise in disguise. Gambado Beckenham is at Natwest Sports Ground, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1NZ, 020 8662 6910, www.gambado.com/clubs/beckenham/ Annual membership is valid for 12 months and can be used from 9.30am6.30pm Mondays to Sundays. This prize and membership is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. To enter the competition, all you have to do is answer this question: What sort of animal is Gambado’s mascot? (hint - see page our back page or Gambado’s website!). Enter online at www.familiesse.co.uk/competitions. Alternatively, you can email info@familiesse.co.uk with ‘Gambado competition’ in the subject line with your answer, your, name, address and a telephone contact number in the email. The closing date is 14 April 2014 - good luck!

WIN: a full term of Kiddikicks football classes Kiddikicks runs super-fun starter football classes for young boys and girls in Beckenham, Bromley and West Wickham after school and on Saturdays. Classes are age appropriate, with players split into four distinct age groups, starting with Nippers from 18 months through to seven year-olds. For more information, call 020 7937 7965 or visit www.kiddikicks.co.uk. WIN! One lucky reader will win a whole term of Kiddikicks football classes plus a cool Kiddikicks football top and shorts kit. We also have 10 runner-up prizes of two free trial classes and Kiddikicks kits. All you have to do is answer this question: How old do you need to be to start attending a Kiddikicks Nippers class? Enter online at www.familiesse.co.uk/competitions. Alternatively, you can email info@familiesse.co.uk with ‘Kiddikicks competition’ in the subject line with your answer, your child’s date of birth, your name and a telephone contact number in the email. The closing date is 14 April 2014 good luck!

families south east - april 2014

aby b r u o y d n a You NCT for new families NCT is the UK’s largest parent charity. Each year the charity supports millions of parents through their first 1,000 days, offering expert information and trusted practical and emotional support through its website, helpline, the nationwide network of over 300 local branches, antenatal and postnatal classes, breastfeeding counselling and peer support schemes. A new ‘Dulwich & District’ branch has been launched in SE24, SE5, SE15, SE22 and SE21. All branches across the country are run by volunteers and dedicated to supporting parents via a range of services including antenatal and postnatal courses, breastfeeding support, bumps and babies groups, coffee mornings, Nearly New Sales and more. For information, email Isabel at membership.dulwich@nct.org or visit www.nct.org.uk for other local branches and events.

Family health ‘Back to dairy’ campaign In the UK, one in five people have ditched cows’ milk for a range of alternatives. A new study by a2 Milk UK has revealed that among all parents who consider themselves as dairy intolerant, 39% would not let their children drink cows’ milk, even if the child doesn’t suffer from problems with it - that’s 4.9million families in total nationwide. The study surveyed 300 people who consider themselves to be ‘dairy intolerant’, and revealed that 82% of all respondents had not been medically diagnosed with a problem by their GP, so may unnecessarily be avoiding dairy products through fear of negative side effects. Dr Hilary Jones, GP and TV doctor comments on the findings: “In the UK, we know that only five percent of people are medically diagnosed as lactose intolerant - that’s a reaction to the naturally occurring sugars in cows’ milk. What this new study has revealed is that 7.2 million people may have left dairy behind unnecessarily. This very concerning, given the nutritional benefits it provides. What’s even more concerning is the amount of parents that have stopped their children from drinking cows’ milk is an alarming figure, and could have a major detrimental impact on the next generation’s growth and general health.” a2 Milk’s campaign is designed to educate people about the two types of cows’ milk available in the UK each naturally containing a different protein. The campaign is urging people who believe themselves to have a problem with dairy to simply try cows’ milk that contains the A2 protein only, instead of the regular cows’ milk that contains the A1 protein. Scott Wotherspoon, CEO of a2 Milk, UK said: “Our study shows that a large section of the UK population have stopped or dropped their consumption of cows’ milk. This study now gives us the evidence we need to go out and educate people who may have turned their backs on cows’ milk unnecessarily, to come back and give it another go. Over the last two years we have helped 20 farms in the UK convert their herds from producing A1 milk to A2 milk from pure A2 cows, to enable people to come back to the pleasure of drinking real, fresh milk.” A2 milk is available from selected Co-op, Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose stores. For more information on the study, getting back to dairy, and for local stockists, go to www.a2milk.co.uk.

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Babies and backpain

Wood is good!

Between half to three quarters of women experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy. No wonder when pregnancy can add around 21⁄2 stone during the later stages - the equivalent of carrying around a three year-old infant all day and night. The NHS spends more than £1 billion per year on back pain related costs, but Simplyhealth, the UK’s biggest health cash plan provider, warn that mothers’ over reliance on ‘Dr Google’, coupled with a focus on other more common pregnancy side effects, can mean that back pain is often ignored, escalates, and starts to cause pain well beyond birth too. Dr Brian Hammond, chief executive officer and chairman of BackCare, the national back pain charity, says; “As your baby develops your centre of gravity changes and you lean backwards without realising it. Hormonal changes relax the ligaments in the pelvis and lower back which can aggravate pre-existing conditions which were pain free before pregnancy. Your abdominal muscles help support the spine, and in pregnancy these muscles are stretched and become weakened.” Simplyhealth and experts at BackCare have created a new app designed to offer help and advice for back pain sufferers; whether pregnant or not. By clicking on the app to show where your back hurts, and logging the intensity, you can call up recommended exercises with animations and videos, plus contact details for local specialist advice and support. The app is free, and Simplyhealth is donating £1 for every download to help BackCare fund further research into the causes, prevention and management of back pain. The Simplyhealth Back Care is on www.simplyhealth.co.uk; the App store and Google Play.

Since 1 January all of BRIO’s wooden products are manufactured using FSC certified wood. The Swedish toy company is among the first within the toy industry to take such a holistic approach to production. BRIO primarily uses beechwood from Central Europe. The FSC certification means that all wood used in the products is traceable and has its origins from responsible forestry. For BRIO, labelling is a way of ensuring that children will also have the opportunity to enjoy both the forest and wooden toys in the future. Marcelle Peuckert, business development director from FSC International explains: “An FSC label shows that you contribute to forest preservation so that people, now and in the future, are able to enjoy forests and wooden toys. Because of this, BRIO is a brand that you as a parent can have great confidence in.” BRIO is a Swedish toy brand that creates innovative, high-quality and well-designed wooden toys that give children a safe and fun play experience. The company was founded in 1884 and is a part of the BRIO Group, which is represented in over 20 countries. For more information, visit www.brio.net.

ts New produc

One World Futbol

City of London trail map From towering, modern skyscrapers to mysterious medieval fortresses and fabulous, world-class museums to the imposing Tower Bridge, our city is packed with iconic landmarks and hidden gems and is a fascinating part of London for families to visit. The new City Children’s Trail map makes exploring London’s Square Mile on foot easy and fun for families, with a series of carefully chosen, child-friendly, self-guided routes - perfect for short legged walkers. Provided by the City of London Corporation in partnership with Open City, The City Children’s Trail map is available from the City Information Centre (located between St Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge), and features three themed routes. With Draco the Dragon as your guide, the trail explores the City’s most famous attractions as well as hidden gems, and includes stickers, fun facts, activities and games. Each route will take about an hour to walk; but take your time in order to enjoy the best the City has to offer. See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.

familiesse.co.uk

“

The One World Futbol is set to liberate gardens and parks from flat footballs this year. The nearly indestructible football never needs a pump as it never goes flat - even when punctured multiple times, which makes it an investment at £33. With a lower bounce rate it is less likely to go over the neighbour’s fence too. One World Futbol Project runs a ‘buy one give one’ programme, where for every ball bought the company donates balls around the world to organisations that work with children who can benefit from the healing power of play. This helps to rebuild communities devastated by war, disaster, disease and poverty. Buy two One World Futbols for £33 from www.oneworldfutbol.com and choose which of the Project’s partner organisations you would like to receive your donated ball.

april 2014 - families south east

Image: mconnors@morguefile

Ask the expert

“

I am the main carer of my young children. Do I have to apply to the Child Support Agency for child maintenance from the children’s father, from whom I have separated?

”

By Mandeep Clair

From 25th November 2013, all new applications for child maintenance are made through the “Child Maintenance Service”. No new applications are accepted by the Child Support Agency although it will continue to administer existing cases.

Child maintenance is financial support that helps towards a child’s everyday living costs when the parents have separated. The non-resident parent pays child maintenance to the parent who has the day to day care of the child. If you are able to agree the level of child maintenance, there is no need to involve the Child Maintenance Service. Indeed, under the new law, families are actively encouraged to agree their own “Family Based Arrangements”. Such arrangements mean that no one else has to get involved, there are no fixed rules and so the level of maintenance is flexible and easier to change.

If a paying parent’s gross weekly income as calculated above is more than £800 up to a limit of £3,000, maintenance is calculated as set out in the table below. Number of children needing child maintenance

Percentage applied to first £800 of gross weekly income

1 2 3 or more

12% 16% 19%

Percentage applied to gross weekly income over £800 (up to a limit of £3000) 9% 12% 15%

The Child Maintenance Service can calculate, collect and pay out child maintenance on behalf of separated parents in England and Wales and Scotland. 6.

How is child maintenance calculated by the Child Maintenance Service? 1.

The starting point is to establish the gross annual income of the paying parent i.e. before income tax, national insurance, but after occupational or personal pension scheme contributions are deducted. The maximum amount of a paying parent’s gross income which can be taken into account per week is £3,000. If the paying parent’s income is higher than this, it is possible to apply to the court for extra maintenance. A paying parent can ask for particular expenses to be taken into consideration which are known as “special expenses”. These can reduce the paying parent’s gross income used to calculate child maintenance. If the paying parent supports other children, they can be taken into consideration too. If the paying parent has a gross weekly income of £200 or more up to and including £3,000, deductions can be made as follows: (a) 11% for one child; (b) 14% for two children; (c) 16% for three or more children.

families south east - april 2014

Different rates are then applied to the amount of gross weekly income as calculated above. The rates vary depend on the gross weekly income amount: Rate Paying parent’s gross weekly income Basic £200 to £800 Basic Plus £800.01 to £3,000 (the first £800 of income is taken into account using the basic rate) Reduced £100.01 to £199.99 Flat £7 to £100 (or receives benefits) Nil Less than £7 The basic rate of child maintenance applies if a paying parent’s gross weekly income after step 2 above is £200 or more, up to £800. The amount of child maintenance depends on the number of children for whom the paying parent must pay child maintenance and this is calculated at the following rates: (a) for one child - 12%; (b) for two children - 16%; (c) three or more children - 19%.

If a paying parent’s gross weekly income after step 2 above is less than £200, the calculation for child maintenance is dealt with differently. Furthermore, an additional reduction to child maintenance may apply if the care of the children is shared between the parents. The Child Maintenance Service formula is far more complicated than what has been stated here, which is a general overview.

About the author Mandeep Clair is a mediator, collaborative lawyer and an experienced family solicitor at southeast London solicitors Grant Saw LLP. The practice offers friendly, professional family mediation and legal services including an initial fixed fee appointment of £100 + VAT for up to one hour of face to face legal advice in respect of relationship breakdown and/ or issues concerning children. Please call 020 8858 6971 or email mclair@grantsaw.co.uk.

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Image: crirez@stock.xchng

Internet safety If your child is the family tech whizzkid that’s jolly useful, but just what are they getting up to online when they log onto your PC, tablet or their own smartphone? By Allen Scott Many of us rely on built-in, traditional or free software which doesn’t have social networking and parental controls. Without these additional features, parents are leaving their children open to all that is bad about the internet. MD Allen Scott, MD of security experts F-Secure said: “We understand that many people are a bit lost when it comes to online protection, which is why we’ve compiled advice to give some guidance.”

Set up user accounts for each member of the family This will allow you to tweak the parental controls for each of your children. For example, blocking chat rooms and forums for young children, but allowing them for your teenagers. You can also use these controls to set ‘homework time’ for older children, which will block them from visiting any sites which are not deemed educational during your specified hours.

Whitelist sites for young children Many young children enjoy using the internet, but they only want to view the same few sites over and over, such as CBeebies. Using the whitelist function, add in all the websites you are happy for them to view and block the rest. This way, they won’t stumble upon something which is not appropriate for their age.

Have ‘the talk’ before letting your teenagers join social networking sites You need to set rules before letting your children enjoy social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Every child is different, so this must come from you. Some parents want access to their child’s account, so they can check up on them at any time. Be warned, this can lead to your child setting up a second account in a different name. It is a good idea to only allow them to be ‘friends’ with people they know if real life though. Whatever your approach, help them set up their account with privacy restrictions, so their profile is not public. Go to www.facebook.com/FSecureSafeProfile, click ‘use now’, then log in to test their Facebook profile. It will show what is public and explain how to change the settings accordingly.

Don’t forget their smartphones and tablets Most children have access to these devices now and the way they use them is no different from a computer, so they need to be protected too. Mobile

security software is downloaded as an app or will come as part of the security software package you buy for your computer. Set up parental controls on these devices, just as you would for your computer. It is wise to set up a password for your children’s devices, so that they must come to you before downloading any app or in-app purchase. This will also mean you’ll avoid a nasty shock when the bill arrives.

Remember, the internet is amazing! Your children just need a guiding hand to ensure they enjoy it safely.

More information For more advice on family protection, visit safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/

You vs. The World A new game programme helps parents teach their children how to face life’s challenges; from bullying and health issues to ‘stranger danger’, alcohol and drugs. Using comic graphics and engaging characters, You vs. The World encourages children to think strategically and make positive choices, shaping their views on health and wellbeing. A version of the game aimed at schools and designed to fit with the National Curriculum was launched in 2013 and has already been accepted into over 300 schools in England, Scotland and Wales. The programme has been designed with input from psychologists and teachers, and is aimed at children aged 10 and upwards, with questions tailored for 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18 year-olds. The game’s creator, Aaron Gibson, was hailed as a ‘digital prodigy’ at last year’s Digital Summit in Northern Ireland. He comments, “All parents worry about the dangers their children will face in the big bad world, and naturally want to protect them, so it’s essential kids are fully aware and equipped with the knowledge they need. Our developers have created a dashboard where parents set the parameters of the game selecting age appropriate material, then can monitor their child’s progress, creating a forum for discussions about specific challenges as they arise. All information that the parent inputs is stored securely

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on the server. YouvsTheWorld cannot access or use that information - it is purely for the parent.” There are four games currently included in the programme: Attack the Block, Save the Cell, Shop til you Drop and Mind Your Head, with more games coming soon, priced £4.99. See www.youvstheworld.co for more information and download links.

april 2014 - families south east

MINI MARATHONTH - GREENWICH PARK

GREENWICH THEATRE - PIRATE GRAN

BETSY AND THE WISE WIZARD

What’sOn

ZIPPOS CIRCUS

Diary Dates for Grownups BUMPS, BABIES & BEYOND: TONGUE TIE CLINIC

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Alternate Tuesdays, VALE PRACTICE, East Dulwich Grove SE22, , 020 8299 9798, www.thevalepractice.co.uk Neighbourhood Midwives are now working in partnership with the Vale Practice. Rene Bozier from Neighbourhood Midwives is holding a Tongue Tie clinic every two weeks on Tuesdays for two hours, 10am-12pm.

The Great Outdoors MINI MARATHON 27 April, The Bandstand, ROYAL GREENWICH PARK, Great Cross Avenue SE10 8QY, 020 8319 9230, www.communityhospice.org.uk Children are invited to take part in a sponsored 2.62 mile mini marathon to raise funds for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. Following the success of its first Mini Marathon in 2013, the hospice in Abbey Wood is hoping to sign up 500 7-16 year-olds for its second Mini Marathon. Registration is £7.50 per child and all runners will receive a medal at the finish line. The first 250 children to sign up will receive a Frankie & Benny’s Kids Eat Free voucher which is valid for one year, and special Mini Marathon T-shirts can be purchased in advance for £4.50. 10am start from the bandstand at the top of the park.

HEATH FOR HEALTH FUN RUN 27 April, BLACKHEATH SE3, email heathforhealth@live.com John Ball School has teamed up with All Saint’s School to organise a Heath for Health schools & community Fun Run on Blackheath. Beginning with a dynamic dance warm-up, there will be a 5km run for adults and families starting at 10:30 am, followed by a one mile race for children at 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome! Entry is £10 for adults, free for children with a pledge to raise £5 in sponsorship, with funds raised going to MacMillian Cancer Support, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Action for Children and Cancer Research. Find out more through Heath for Health on Facebook.

LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, www.wwt.org.uk EGGCITING EASTER ACTIVITIES, 5-21 April. Meet a family of farmyard ducks, join in duckling games to learn more about these cute characters and come on a walk to see wild ducklings waddling around the reserve. Also, art sessions where you can create duckling-themed crafts and a New Life Trail to discover babies, bugs and buds that are springing to life.

BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES BROCKWELL PARK, Herne Hill SE24 9BJ, 07427 685714, www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk NATURE EXPLORERS, 5 April. A regular monthly nature club for 7-12 year-olds and their carers. Take a closer look at pond creatures and investigate the aquatic environment. 10am-12noon, requested donation: £2 per child, book first. EASTER ACTIVITIES, 14, 16, 20, 21 and 23 April. Creative sessions where children can make spring bouquets, felted textile and plant beans, with an Easter Egg hunt on Sunday 20th, book first. HANAMI WORKSHOP, 26 April. Learn about the Japanese festival of Hanami (the cherry blossom festival), create a beautiful 3D blossom picture, take part in a tea ceremony and make origami blossoms in a family workshop. Children £5, book first.

FULHAM PALACE FULHAM PALACE, Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org SEED PLANTING, 16 April. Create your own plastic bottle greenhouse with planted seeds to take home and watch grow! £2 per child; no booking necessary, suitable for 5-12 year olds. 2pm. EASTER TRAIL, 20 and 21 April. Search around the museum and garden for clues that will lead you to a chocolate prize! £2 per child; no booking necessary, suitable for 5-12 year olds. 1pm. CREEPY CRAWLIES HUNT, 23 April. A creepy crawly hunt in the Fulham Palace garden-see how many minibeasts you can find. £2 per child; no booking necessary, suitable for 5-12 year olds. Meet by the Bishop’s Tree in the garden. 2pm.

families south east - april 2014

BAL-A-VIZ-X WORKSHOP 4-6 April, THE BEACON, Scott Crescent, Rayners Lane HA2 0TY, 07766 837 616, www.integratedbrain.co.uk This is a rhythmic exercise programme used by parents, teachers and occupational therapists in group settings and one-to-one with children. The classroom designed exercises are fun, inexpensive, easy to schedule and are used for dyslexia, dyspraxia and ASD and other diagnosed problems as well as for learning excellence. £490 for all three days.

IGHTHAM MOTE

BABY & TODDLER SHOW

IGHTHAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Visit a moated manor house which medieval knights and courtiers to Henry VIII used to own. Standard admission to house and gardens £10.50 adults, £5.20 children, £26.30 families. EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES, 5-21 April. Family fun with a trail, games and crafts from 11am-4pm. Spring activities, 5 April - 30 June. Explore the estate and discover some of the National Trust’s “50 things to do”. From £1.50.

25-27 April, GLOW, Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9ST, 0844 995 9663, www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk Give your baby the best start with amazing shopping and expert advice on pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Try, compare and buy products from over 150 brands, with special show deals. Free workshops provide advice and practical tips on subjects from sleeping to feeding to first aid, and Emmas’ Diary will have goody bags too. Open 9.30am-4.30pm Friday, 9.30am-5pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, parking free. Entry free for under 15s, adults from £9 when booked online.

Theatre, Shows and Music GREENWICH THEATRE

BETSY AND THE WISE WIZARD

Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk MOMO, 1-5 April. When a girl without a past arrives in town she makes time for all who visit her, but it seems that time is worth more than anyone realises. From the author of The Neverending Story, this astonishing musical version of Michael Ende’s fantasy novel is a thrilling fusion of dazzling vocals, original songs, puppetry and storytelling. Tickets £13.50 concessions, £16 adults. KIDNAPPED, 7-9 April. An adventure tale for all the family, Kidnapped tells the story of Davie Balfour as he survives shipwreck and murder to dramatically escape to the Highlands of Scotland. Ages 6+, tickets from £9.50. DINOSAUR ZOO, 12+13 April. Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. But watch out - not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem! Tickets from £12.50. PIRATE GRAN, 13 April. Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits. You’d never guess she was a Pirate! With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt - time with Gran is never dull! Gran isn’t scared of anything. Not even monsters. And then there’s Grandpa, in a brand new swashbuckling show. Tickets from £8.50.

FAIRFIELD CROYDON FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk ALICE IN WONDERLAND, 7-9 April. Magician Paul Daniels and ventriloquist Steve Hewlett join the cast in a touring show filled with comedy, magic and live music for the whole family. Tickets from £9. THE JUNGLE BOOK, 16 April. An interactive production in which members of the audience can to take part both on stage and singing song choruses. 11am and 2pm start, family tickets £40. THE LITTLE MERMAID, 18 April. A dramatic retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all time favourite story, performed by Ballet Theatre UK. 2.30pm and 7.45pm, tickets from £14. ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS, 1 + 2 May. Claire Feeedman & Ben Cort’s hilarious book is brought to life on stage with madcap action, original music and stunning effects. Ages 3+, tickets £13.50.

8+9 April, HERNE TAVERN East Dulwich, 10-13 April in NUNHEAD, 14+15 April in DULWICH VILLAGE, www.wagglytales.co.uk Betsy and the Wise Wizard is a magical and musical new piece of theatre, where children are encouraged to participate during much of the 45 minute performance. It tells the story of a young girl who is stuck in a food rut. When Betsy meets a mysterious wizard during a trip to the supermarket, her eyes are opened up to a world of magic, adventure, spells and new foods. Join Betsy and the wise wizard on an action-packed journey to see if there really is more to lunch than fish fingers, beans and chips.

ZIPPOS CIRCUS: ‘UNCHAINED’ 3-8 April in HERNE HILL, 10-22 April in BLACKHEATH, 0871 210 2100, www.zippos.co.uk Zippos Circus is back with ‘Unchained’, a colourful and action-packed medley of thrilling new acts from around the world including astonishing aerial acts, contortion, juggling, clowning and feats of unimaginable strength and skill. The new line-up includes flying aerial antics, a fresh new equestrian act, awesome contortion, classic clowning, and the astonishing strongman Hercules. Once again, the show is presented by the one and only Norman Barrett MBE accompanied by his world famous budgies. Tickets from £7 children, £9 adult, plus preview shows on opening night for only £6.99, any seat.

FAMILY SHOWS AT THE ALBANY THE ALBANY, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk All tickets £7 or £24 for a family unless otherwise stated. GROWING UP CLUB, Sundays to 18 May. Kids can dig, grow, play, make and discover before watching a show in the theatre. Only children can take part in the workshops, therefore adults do not need a ticket, but book first. DOGS DON’T DO BALLET, 20 April. Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight. And music. And walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog, Biff thinks he’s a ballerina. Tickets £7. CIRCUS FAMILY WORKSHOP, 27 April. Have fun tumbling, flying, swinging and spinning with your children in this family workshop (great for adults too!). DISCO KIDS SPECTACULAR, 4 May. Disco kids returns with top tunes and a Spacetacular theme for an afternoon that’s out of this world. Come in fancy dress and boogie away the afternoon to top tunes from DJ Jean Genie.

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Fun, friendly and rewarding music classes for children aged 0-5. Classes in Lee Green, Beckenham and East Dulwich

Call now for a free trial class Contact Rebecca Vicary

Tel: 020 8852 0118 Email: rvicary@musicforlittlepeople.co.uk

www.musicforlittlepeople.co.uk COMEDY 4 KIDS

SOUTHBANK CENTRE – SMASHED

UNICORN THEATRE

SMASHED

UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com GET UP AT THE WEEKEND. Join the Unicorn Play Club every Saturday from midday. Take part in free activities in the foyer such as rocket building, cake decorating or even Olympic musical chairs. AT THE END OF EVERYTHING ELSE, 29 March - 19 April. When her best friend, a little yellow bird named Tito, goes missing, Icka puts her inventive mind to the test and sets off on a mission over land and sea to save him. But nothing can prepare her for what she finds - a problem she is unable to fix alone. At the End of Everything Else introduces the weighty issue of global warming to young audiences, through a combination of delicate storytelling and beautiful imagery. Ages 8+, tickets from £13. BACKSTAGE TOURS, 29 March, 17 May. Have you ever wondered what happens in the parts of the theatre you don’t see on stage? Join the Unicorn’s technical team on a backstage tour and find out what really goes into making a play. Ages 7+, tickets £3. NOT NOW, BERNARD, until 1 May. Bernard’s got a problem. He’s found a monster in the back garden and his mum and dad are just too busy to notice. All they ever say is ‘not now, Bernard’. So Bernard tries to befriend the monster, and that doesn’t go quite to plan. The production is based on David McKee’s picture book, suitable for younger children. Tickets from £13, families 20% off.

22 April - 18 May, Udderbelly Festival at SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 545 8282, www.udderbelly.co.uk Nine jugglers, four crockery sets and 80 apples - Smashed is a sensational mix of skills and theatricality. Gandini Juggling has been at the forefront of contemporary circus for over 20 years and, having performed in over 40 countries, now bring their award-winning sensation to London for a limited season as part of the Udderbelly Festival. Tickets from £12.50.

A CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSE 22 March - 18 May, PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, www.puppetbarge.com Old and modern poems are brought to life as a visual anthology with shadow puppets, marionettes and specially composed music. Suitable for ages 3 to adult, £8.50 children, £12 adults.

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! 29 April, WIGMORE HALL, 36 Wigmore Street W1U 2BP, 020 7935 2141, www.wigmore-hall.org.uk A chamber music concert in a calm and accommodating environment, with musicians from the Royal Academy of Music. Babies under 1 and their parents, 11am and 12.30pm.

STORY DAYS AT THE GLOBE Sackler Studios, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE, 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT, 020 7401 9919, www.shakespearesglobe.com/education Dynamic and unforgettable retellings of Shakespeare’s stories by Globe Education story tellers, suitable for the whole family. Ages 6+. 11am and 2pm start. Tickets £15 for one adult and one child. The Tempest is on 15 February, The Merchant of Venice on 22 February.

POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com THE POETRYJOE SHOW, 20 March - 17 May. Join PoetryJoe, star of CBeebie’s Rhyme Rocket, for his light-up world of fabulous foods, beastly bugs and peculiar pets. Armed with his trusty overhead projector and props, PoetryJoe introduces children and their families to lots of new friends, including a naughty but nice hamster, a cheating cheetah and a whole family made out of paper and light. MINOTAUR, 4 April - 24 May. Myth meets modern day in a boy’s heroic quest to save his dad. Freddie receives a mysterious text from his dad, a soldier fighting in a faraway war. He is in trouble and only his son can help. Transported to the twisting, turning labyrinth of ancient Minos, Freddie must travel through time to fulfil his destiny, in a modern-day war story with Greek mythology. Ages 8-14, tickets from £9.

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MATILDA THE MUSICAL Until December 2014, CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU, 0844 412 4652, www.matildathemusical.com Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda is the captivating musical masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

STOMP AMBASSADORS THEATRE, West Street WC2H 9ND, 08448 112 334, www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Celebrating its 10th sensational year in London, Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than ever before.3pm and 8pm, tickets from £26.

I CAN’T SING! THE X FACTOR MUSICAL

COMEDY 4 KIDS 5 + 19 April, SOHO THEATRE, 21 Dean Street W1D 3NE, 020 7478 0100, www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit doing their thing for an audience of children and their families - but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?” 12.30-1.30pm, suitable for ages 6+, tickets £10 each or £30 for four.

LONDON PALLADIUM, 8 Argyle Street W1F 7TF, 0844 811 0058, www.icantsingthemusical.com/ Irreverent, mischievous and strangely touching,I Can’t Sing! is the irrepressible new musical comedy hitting the London Palladium. Go behind the microphones and under the judges’ desks at the biggest show on earth, as I Can’t Sing! exposes the (allegedly) true story behind The X Factor - a gloriously twisted tale of naked ambition, heartache, hunchbacks and a talking dog. Age 5+. Tickets from £20, discounts for groups of six or more.

Events and Attractions TECHNOPOP

FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN

Until 21 April, THE INTERNATIONAL QUARTER (TIQ), Stratford City, E20 1EJ, www.technopop.co.uk Technopop is an exciting and FREE pop-up science, technology, design and innovation festival, aimed at 6 - 19 year olds. The event will cover four zones: science & technology, digital, built environment and 3D and is themed over 8 weeks with each week a new focus - Looking Up, Inspiring Women, In Touch with technology and Sports Science and the human body amongst them. The festival is free for 6-19 year olds and you can book online for the sessions you want to attend.

GOLDEN HINDE 1 Pickfords Wharf SE1 9DG, 020 7403 0123, www.goldenhinde.com Board the replica ship on Saturdays for a family-friendly guided tour to find out about life at sea and Sir Francis Drake’s voyage around the world. Regular fun days with costumed staff feature Tudor life at sea, filled with gruesome stories, treasure hunts, battles and hands-on activities. Open 10am-6pm, £4.50 children, £6 adults, £10 families.

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HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London. EASTER FAIR, 19+21 April. Shop for goodies and refreshments at the Horniman's arts and crafts market, join in Bandstand fun, and follow the Easter Egg hunt. 10.30am-4.30pm, admission free. EXTREMES, until 2 November. Calling all explorers. Go on an expedition to see how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold, dryness and constant darkness or with little oxygen, in the museum’s new family-friendly exhibition. Book tickets first.

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april 2014 - families south east

POLKA THEATRE - MINOTAUR

HORNIMAN GARDENS

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

GROWING... UP!

MoreWhat’sOn

3 April - 12 June, NLA, The Building Centre, 26 Store Street WC1E 7BT, London’s skyline is currently going through a massive change. Over 200 towers are planned in the capital in an attempt to meet the needs of the capital’s growing population. So how will London’s skyline change in the next 20 years? A series of panoramic views of London chart the ever-changing landscape, from the 1960s through to the modern day and demonstrating how London will appear in 10 years time. Famous structures including Canary Wharf, The Gherkin and The Shard are examined in the exhibition, looking at their context, their economic raison d’etre and the impact they have on our understanding of the city. The exhibition also explores the significant growth in high-rise residential development. High-rise residential was once only seen on council estates and glass skyscrapers were reserved for the business world, but the growing trend of luxury towers is currently providing the majority of new developments in the capital. Open 9am-6pm Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm Saturdays, admission free.

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TRANSPORT MUSEUM EVENTS

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission. EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES, 12-21 April. Join a bus construction team and help make the quickest, strongest bus then help Cedric Shopping Bags get home without losing anything! 11am and 2pm. Take part in a workshop to transform a cardboard box into a fantastical bus with wheels, then take it on a journey around the museum. 11.30am and 2.30pm. ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 ‘drive’ a scaled-down bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. They can also take control of the transport system, moving buses and trains around the museum’s miniature London. FAMILY STATION, weekends and school holidays. Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the Museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages.

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £6 adults. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child. HOCKNEY, PRINTMAKER, until 11 May. Over 100 carefully chosen works give a highly constructive and entertaining overview of David Hockney’s graphic career and reveal the thought and technical expertise that underlies his extensive print oevre. Admission free for accompanied children, £11 adults. FANCIFUL FEATHERS, 15-17 April. An Easter workshop making a range of bird inspired crafts from felted egg cosies to feathered headdresses, with artist Erica Parrett. Ages 6-8 10.30am-12.30pm and ages 9-11 2-4pm, £18 per child. ROYAL COSTUMES, 5 May. Be inspired by the Gallery’s collection of royal pictures and create royal costumes, dazzling crowns, jewelled staffs and glittery jewels in this special family workshop to celebrate May Day. 2-4pm in the Linbury Room, £3 per child. ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm. FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free. EGGONOMICS, 7-11 and 14-17 April. Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the museum. Create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won. 10am-4.30pm.

ACTON MUSEUM DEPOT 14-17 April, LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM ACTON DEPOT, 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton W3 8BQ, 020 7565 7298, www.ltmuseum.co.uk The Museum Depot at Acton houses the majority of the museum’s collections which are not on display in the main Covent Garden premises. With 400,000 items, including many original works of art used for the celebrated poster collection, vehicles, signs, models, photographs, engineering drawings and uniforms, it’s a wonderful treasure trove that forms one of the most comprehensive and important records of urban transport anywhere in the world. BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS. Hear about the Victorian train carriage that used to be someone’s home, see a special Underground train driven by the Queen and climb aboard a 75 year-old train. £3 per person, book first.

MEET THE EGG-CECUTIONER Easter 2014, THE LONDON DUNGEON, County Hall, South Bank SE1 7PB, 0871 423 2240, www.thedungeons.com/london Taking a break from his regular job beheading traitors and lowlife, the egg decapitator extraordinaire will be meeting and greeting visitors to a live action attraction and demo’ing his highly tuned skills on thousands of eggs, using a variety of tools - axes, swords and whatever else comes to hand!

EASTER PENGUINS SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM, County Hall, South Bank SE1 7PB, 0871 663 1678, www.visitsealife.com The ever popular colony of Gentoo Penguins are leading the Easter celebrations this year, where twice daily they will be receiving a colourful selection of egg-shaped icy treats. Guests who visit the specially created Antarctic themed home at feeding time will see the dedicated team of aquarists place the brightly coloured ‘eggs’ in the enclosure, each one stuffed full of the penguins’ favourite food of sprats and herring.

families south east - april 2014

THE LONDON DUNGEON

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM GEFFRYE MUSEUM OF THE HOME, 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Explore the home from 1600 to the present day through a series of period living rooms and gardens which reflect changes in society, behaviour, style and taste. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays, admission free. Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied children on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. SPRING HAS SPRUNG, 8-11 April. Celebrate the reopening of the museum gardens for spring by making a seasonal mask, a mini garden, and following a garden treasure hunt. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, ages 5-16. NURSERY RHYME TIME, 8-11 April. Stories, songs and craft activities celebrating spring time in homes. 1.30am-11.30am and 12-1pm, ages 2-5. HISTORIC ALMSHOUSE TOURS, 5, 11,16 + 22 April. The restored historic almshouse has been fully restored to its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of London’s poor and elderly in former times. Tours are conducted by museum volunteers and take place at specific times each month.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults. BY GEORGE! HANDEL’S MUSIC FOR ROYAL OCCASIONS, until 18 May. In the 300th anniversary year of the coronation of George I, the first Hannovarien king, this fascinating exhibition explores Handel and his music for royal occasions. CELEBRITY FRIENDS, 9 April. Make your own character hand puppet inspired by the famous people of the Foundling Hospital - Handel, Coram, Hogarth or Hetty Feather. 10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm. MUSICAL BADGES, 19 April. Make your own Handel inspired 3D badge from a range of craft and sheet music as part of the exhibition ‘By George’. With artist Shelly Wain. 10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm. BACH TO BABY, 24 April. Led by classical musicians and singers, Bach to Baby concerts at the Foundling Museum are inspired by Handel and bring classical music to babies and their parents. 10am-11.30am.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December. LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. Ages 8-14, free. WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free. DAYDREAMS AND DIARIES, THE STORY OF JACQUELINE WILSON, 5 April - 2 November. Delve into Jacqueline Wilson’s life and work and find inspiration in the settings where she came up with some of the ideas for her most famous books. The exhibition begins with a replica of the childhood bedroom where she developed her love for reading and finishes with a mock-up of the study in which she now works. Also on display will be short stories and diaries written by Jacqueline as a young girl, showing the origins of her talent for writing, while annotated drafts of favourites such as Tracy Beaker and the later work Hetty Feather will give fans further insight in to these well loved stories. CONFISCATION CABINET, Until 1 June. A collection of items confiscated from children from 150 different London primary and secondary schools over three decades. ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY, until 1 June. The effects of environment and design on teaching and learning, from the formality of the Victorian classroom to the outdoors self-directed learning of a wood school.

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Free admission

EGGonomics 7–11 and 14–17 April 10:00am – 4:30pm Follow the trail to ﬁnd the chicks and egg hidden in the Museum. You can then create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won. 10:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Entrance on Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH

Share your experience #BOEMuseum T: 020 7601 5545

www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 March 11.00 – 17.00, last entry 16.00

KIDS GO FREE

ltmuseum.co.uk

Bustastic family fun! Heritage bus rides and miniature railway Storytelling and make-and-take sessions Live replica of Hancock’s 1833 steam bus

at Leeds Castle Easter Quest - 5 to 21 April This Easter there are family activities for children of all ages to enjoy at Leeds Castle. Follow the clues around the grounds on the Spring nature trail, collecting clues for an Easter egg reward.

Display of guest vehicles

Easter Weekend Fun - 18 to 21 April

Curator-led tours

‘Just Puppets’ will perform a slapstick children’s production and have a go at hobby horse jousting, children’s mini battles and knight’s training at ‘Knight School’.

London Transport Museum Depot 2 Museum Way, 118–120 Gunnersbury Lane, London W3 9BQ Check before you travel at WÁ JRY XN

Annual and day tickets are available to purchase online in advance, or from our box ofﬁce on the day of the event.

leeds-castle.com

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april 2014 - families south east

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

BRITISH MUSEUM

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free. ONE MILLION YEARS OF THE HUMAN STORY, From 13 February. What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £4.50 children, £9 adults. SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, 3 April - 14 September. Wander among hundreds of the beautiful free-flying creatures as the family friendly exhibition returns to the Natural History Museum for a sixth year, housed in a specially constructed tropical enclosure on the Museum’s east lawn. Highlights include an outdoor butterfly garden with tips on how to attract butterflies and create your own butterfly garden at home; interactive activities allowing you to explore fascinating butterfly facts; the chance to watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises through the hatchery window; a riot of colourful tropical plants in the house and garden; and tips and advice from the butterfly house manager. Open 10am-5.50pm, single tickets £5.50, families £19.

BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org VIKINGS: LIFE AND LEGEND, 6 March - 22 June. Swords and axes, coins and jewellery, hoards, amulets and religious images show how Vikings created an international network connecting cultures over four continents. At the centre of the exhibition are the surviving timbers of a 37-metre-long Viking warship, the longest ever found. Open 10am5.30pm Saturdays to Thursdays, 10am-8.30pm Fridays. Admission free for accompanied children, £16.50 adults.

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open 10am-5pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.50 adults. GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. Entry included in general admission price. SAILOR TALES, 12-21 April. Join storytellers as they spin a dit (tell a story) about life on board HMS Belfast and its role during the D-Day campaign from the perspective of the ship’s cat, Frankenstein. These drop-in interactive storytelling sessions are especially suitable for young children. 11am and 2pm.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Uncover the lady behind the legend through a vivid retelling of her story and a look at how modern nursing began. The museum’s unparalleled collection features highlights such as Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and medicine chest from the Crimean War. Engaging interactive exhibits as well as regular contemporary art exhibitions enhance the experience, visitors even use stethoscopes to hear the audio tour. Admission £4.80 child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am5.45pm daily, admission free. Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.

families south east - april 2014

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM: TEMPORARY CLOSURE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London is transforming. Brand new, ground-breaking First World War Galleries are being built alongside a new central atrium space with large object displays and new shops and cafes. The museum will temporarily close from 6 January - July 2014, when a transformed IWM London will open to the public, ready for the First World War centenary commemorations.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free. ACTION ZONES. Learn about life as a Victorian soldier or World War evacuee through quizzes, games and hands-on activities. KIDS’ ZONE. Under 8s can enjoy an exciting soft play area.

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands, and MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. GIANT STORIES, 7-9 April. Draw and share your own stories to build a ginormous book with illustrator Salvatore Rubbino. Ages 5-11 and their families, 11.30am-1pm and 2-3.30pm.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee. EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free. DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free. TURNER AND THE SEA, until 21 April. Throw yourself into Turner's dramatic depictions of storms. shipwrecks and battles in some of Britain's best-loved paintings. This landmark exhibition brings together an outstanding collection of masterpieces from around the world. GREAT MAP GAMES, 7-21 April. Start at the museum's giant map and join in with daily activities where you can make your own map, become an explorer and hear stories from King Neptune. PIRATE PARTY, 5 May. A swashbuckling adventure where families can take over the Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum for a fun-filled day of activity that will shiver yer timbers. 11am-4pm.

CUTTY SARK

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

DISCOVER GREENWICH OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart the historic town’s development. Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

FIREPOWER THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM ROYAL ARSENAL, Woolwich SE18 6ST, 020 8855 7755, www.firepower.org.uk Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich tells the powerful and dramatic story of artillery, scientific discoveries made through warfare and human stories of courage and endeavour. The ‘ground shaking’ Field of Fire audio-visual show puts you in the midst of battle as shells whizz overhead and guns roar. The Royal Arsenal was one of the most important centres in the world for munitions manufacture and until recently was a well kept secret from the public. Many of the guns and carriages on display were made in the Arsenal, making it a significant part of the local heritage. Together with a world class collection of artillery and associated weapons, uniforms, drawings, displays of diaries and medals bring together some 700 years of world artillery history, Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission £2.50 children, £5.30 adults, £12.50 families.

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the small luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most famous bridge in the World. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the excitement. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm April - September, 9.30am-5.30pm October - March. Admission £3.40 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50.

LONDON BRIDGE EXPERIENCE 2-4 Tooley Street SE1 2PF, 08000 434 666, www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com Get ready for the biggest fright of your life as you journey ever deeper into the horror that is the London Tombs on a thrilling journey that uses the latest in Hollywood style wizardry and hilarious live actors. Formerly a plague pit, the venue has walls that are dripping in blood, confined spaces, spiders, snakes, ghosts and ghouls, and many other horrors. Staff are on hand at all times for those of you who just find it a little too much and have to leave. For those less brave the Guardian Angel tour is advised (suitable for under 11s), with special guides accompanying younger visitors to protect them from anything too frightening. Tickets from £20.

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And finally...

Moving on... Muddling through a house move The average family moves eight times in their lifetime and anyone who’s moved knows it can be stressful. Feel free to pick our brains - here’s some collected wisdom from the Families magazine editors. Prepare the children

“

With the benefit of hindsight I have

If they are very young, don’t assume they understand what a house move is all about. As one mum recalls “We moved house when my son and daughter were six and nine years old. Although we did talk with them about moving, it wasn’t until they asked whether they could take their toys with them that we realised we hadn’t made it clear that we were only selling the building; they thought we were selling the house with everything in it.”

learnt rather a lot. For example: never have children in the house at the

same time as viewers. My five yearold cheerily informed a potential buyer that our kitchen was so small

that we couldn’t fit all the family in at

Read all about it

the same time, and then proceeded

A good way of preparing young children is to read stories about moving, such as Topsy and Tim Move House. If you do that when your own house is on the market, it gives your child time to become familiar with the idea before the time comes to move out.

to accompany her outside where she pointed out that the front garden was dangerous for children. (The garden sloped away from the house and

Old friends and new Moving within your local area without changing schools is easier than when you are moving to a totally new area. When moving further afield older school age children will naturally be upset - and often angry - at the prospect of leaving their friends behind. Listen to their fears and be endlessly patient and positive about the move (however you’re feeling yourself). Explain how they can keep in touch with old friends while making new ones. Children are very adaptable; the likelihood is they will settle in and have firm friendships a lot sooner than you will, but they need to vent and they need your reassurance.

Familiarise yourselves If the sellers are amenable, take lots of photographs of the new house so your children can get used to what your new garden/ kitchen/ bedrooms will look like. Streetview the area so you can show them the local parks, the route to school etc.

there was a drop over the retaining wall to the pavement). Needless to

Declutter Don’t move your junk from one house to another. Take the time between selling and moving to do a thorough clearout.

You need to make sure you have insurance on your new home from the day you move into it.

Pets Your little furry friends can also get stressed with moving house. Make a plan in advance to ease their transition. Helpful websites include www.dogstrust.org.uk and www.bluecross.org.uk.

Your new life Did you know that there are over 40 Families magazines right across the country? Just like this one, each edition is run by a local mother, and filled with plenty of information on local schools, businesses and our renowned What’s On guides. Until you’re able to pick up a paper copy you can read your new edition online. Go to www.familiesonline.co.uk and click on ‘locations’ in the toolbar. Choose the region you’re moving to and voila - instant, up to date information!

On the Day

”

say - that viewer never returned.

Utilities

Removal companies

Get several quotes; they can vary hugely in price. Decide whether you are going to do your own packing or want the removal company to do it. It doesn’t cost a lot more to book the removal company to do the packing, they will do so efficiently, and should insure your possessions against breakages. If you are pregnant when moving, need to move quickly or have loads of belongings, it is definitely recommended.

Utilities If you plan to take over the previous owners’ gas, electricity, telephone and internet providers, you will both need to inform them. Switching providers will take a little longer so add this to your plan.

Make a plan Once your house is sold you can breathe a sigh of relief that you no longer have to run around stuffing toys back in cupboards to make the house presentable for viewers, but then sit down with a cup of coffee and make a plan. The key to a smooth move is in the planning:

Insurance

Change of address list Sort this in advance and have your letters or e-mail sorted ready to go out before you move. It is not just day to day contacts you need to inform - don’t forget official bodies such as the TV licence, driving licence and vehicle reg, pension providers from previous jobs, ISA savings providers and so on. There’s a useful checklist you can find by clicking ‘Moving’ at www.bbc.co.uk/homes/property. Even if you think you have everyone covered, it’s worth setting up a redirection with Royal Mail to catch anyone you’ve forgotten.

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Don’t forget to take utility readings before leaving your old house - and take new readings at the new house.

Mobile phone Make sure your mobile is fully charged in case there are any last minute snags to sort out such as getting keys from the estate agent.

Essentials kit One father says: “The best advice we were given was to pack a separate box for the car, with the kettle, tea, coffee, milk, mugs and chocolate biscuits so at least when we were in the midst of chaos we could make a brew for ourselves and the removal men.”

Bedrooms - linen, blankies and cuddly toys “The first thing we did when we got in our new house was to make the beds so later on when exhausted and tired we didn’t have to do it before falling into bed,” advises another mother. It’s a good idea to put any special sleep ‘blankies’ and cuddly toys on your child’s bed ready for them, and that a few familiar toys are unpacked from their own special box to make them feel at home. Once they’re asleep, crack open the cava - you’ve done it!

april 2014 - families south east

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