Issue 76 Nov/Dec 2013
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East London
Festive issue
Where’s Santa? Annabel Karmel Ice skating families_east_issue_76_v2.indd 1
PLUS Top tips for Christmas
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AnnAbel KArmel’s FAvourites
BUY ONE GET ONE FR exclusivel EE at Sainsbu y ry ’s* The UK’s number one parenting author and feeding expert has cooked-up 10 new books full of delicious and inspiring food ideas for every stage of your child’s development.
Buy now at sainsburysentertainment.co.uk or find out more at annabelkarmel.com * Select stores only, while stocks last
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Contents Issue 76 | Nov/Dec 2013 | Families East London
This Issue 4
Annabel Karmel
8
Christmas tips
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Christmas fun
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6
8
11
20
23
11 Where’s Santa? 13 Ice skating
Regular Features 6
Health & Happiness
15 Clubs & Classes 19 Places to go
Welcome Families East London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: melanie@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familieseast.co.uk Families East London Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, details are subject to change and Families East London take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any material. All rights reserved.
to our Festive Issue. I always love this season as it is a chance for us all to reconnect with loved ones and family as the temperatures drop and the nights draw in. With the festive season comes a whole array of chances to practice age-old traditions to hand down to our next generation and to create new memories for them to hand down to theirs in the years to come. Christmas has always been a magical time in my household and I still look forward to each year with as much excitement as the children, from putting the tree up with my mum, singing along to Deck The Halls, to shopping for mince pies with my dad on Christmas Eve. I simply love every moment. I hope this season creates many happy memories for all our readers, and we here at Families East London wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sharon Editor
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0845 400 1274 3
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annabel karmel
Families North Christmas Recipes Bake up a storm this Christmas with festive treats from cookery author Annabel Karmel. Get your kids into their aprons and the carols on and get cooking. Bake some delicious ginger biscuits together to decorate the tree or make some Christmassy cupcakes that everyone will enjoy: perfect to tuck into with the family or wrap up in ribbon and give to friends and family. 1/4 tsp salt 120 g (41/2 oz) soft brown sugar 2 tbsp canola or sunflower oil 4 tbsp maple syrup 25 g (1 oz) cranberries 25 g (1 oz) raisins
Cranberry Granola From ‘Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding your Baby and Toddler’ iTunes This delicious granola is very versatile. You can have it for breakfast with milk. This Christmas recipe is also very good on its own as a snack or layered with yoghurt, honey and fruit. Ingredients
175 g (6 oz) rolled oats 70 g (2 1/2 oz) coarsely chopped pecans 20 g (3/4 oz) shredded/desiccated coconut
Method Pre-heat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF/Gas 2. Put the oats, nuts, coconut, salt and sugar in a large bowl and mix together with a wooden spoon.
Whisk the oil and syrup together in a jug or small bowl. Pour over the oats and mix well. Spread out on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake in the centre of the oven for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, stir in the raisins and leave to cool. Information Preparation 5 minutes Cooking time 45 minutes (plus cooling) Makes 6–8 portions
For more party recipe ideas try Annabel’s app ‘Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding your Baby and Toddler’ and the additional ‘Party Pack’. Available on iTunes.
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From Annabel’s Favourites ‘Kids in The Kitchen’. Fun, festive and quick to make,
these are perfecto to assemble with your children. Ingredients
350g plain flour 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp mixed spice ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp baking powder 175g butter 150g light brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup M&Ms Writing Icing Pens Glace cherries Curly Wurly chocolate bars Method Pre-heat the oven to 160ºC Fan. Measure the flour, spices, salt, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a bowl. Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a saucepan. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix together. Lightly knead together to make a dough. Form into 10 balls of dough. Pinch one end of the ball to form a point, then flatten out with your hand. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden but still slightly soft.
Make 2 holes for the ears using a small skewer and leave to cool for a few minutes. Decorate with lengths of Curly Wurly for the ears, glace cherries for the nose and M&Ms for the eyes.
Call to action!
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Reindeer cookies
Information Preparation 20 minutes Cook 15 minutes Makes 10 cookies
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From Annabel’s Favourites ‘Party Food’ Ingredients
225g butter 225g plain flour 100g cornflour 100g caster sugar 500g packet Royal Icing Sugar About 20 tbsp water 2 tsp glycerine Large white Marshmallows Mini Smarties Tic Tacs Writing Icing Pens Method Preheat the oven to 160ºC Fan. Measure the butter, plain flour, cornflour and caster sugar into a magi mix. Whiz until combined. Tip out and lightly knead to form a soft dough and chill for 10 minutes, roll out and stamp out about 16 size 8 cm rounds. Place on baking sheets and chill for 20 minutes. Bake for about 15 minutes. They will spread a little. Leave to cool.
To make the Icing measure the Royal Icing and 10 tbsp of water into a free standing electric mixer until the icing is thick and shiny. Add the glycerine and whisk again. Continue adding a tablespoon of water at a time until the icing is the consistency of thick yoghurt. Put the biscuits onto a piece of nonstick paper. Spoon the icing onto the biscuit and spread out so the icing drops off the edge to look like melted snow. Place the marshmallow at the edge of the cookie on top of the icing. Stick orange tic-tacs onto the marshmallows using a little Writing Icing and arrange three Mini Smarties or other small sweets in a row for the buttons. Draw on eyes and a mouth and some hands. Information Preparation 25 minutes plus chilling time Cook: 15 minutes Makes 16 cookies
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health and happiness
Is your worry bucket overflowing? With National Stress Awareness day taking place on the 7th November, follow Inspired Mums’ top tips for managing stress in your life. I don’t know about you but I think as soon as you become a mum, your worry bucket can easily start to overflow! From the moment you hold your newborn baby in your arms, along with a huge rush of unconditional love, there is the sudden realisation that you will worry about this little person for the rest of your life. It starts as soon as you take them home from the hospital, is your baby eating enough, when will he or she sleep through the night, should my baby be crawling by now …and it never stops. There are the trials and tribulations of the terrible twos, the wobble on the first day of school, the politics of the playground – endless things that I hear myself and other mums worry about. The problem with worry is that it takes up an enormous amount of energy and time. Here’s a scary statistic – if you worry for just one hour a day between the ages of 15 and 75 years, then by the time you are 75 years old you will have spent the equivalent of 2.5 years worrying! Annoyingly most of what we worry about doesn’t even become a reality…as Mark Twain said ‘I am an old man and I have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” Worrying per se doesn’t have to be all bad – sometimes it can actually spur you into action or prepare you if things don’t quite work out as you’d planned. However, too much worry can lead to anxiety, stress and even depression. Unfortunately, this can have a lasting and detrimental impact on our relationships, sense of happiness and general well-being. Not sure if your worry too much? Here are 6 signs that you’re worrying excessively… • You regularly have sleepless nights – either because you can’t get to sleep or wake in the middle of the night with thoughts pinging around your head • You find yourself assuming ‘worst case scenario’ a lot of the time
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Follow our ten steps to help you empty your worry bucket:
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Write down all the things that are fuelling your anxiety – empty the fears out of your mind – it will give you a sense of relief.
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Work out which, if any, you have some control over and work out what action you can take to reduce or eliminate the worry
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Stop doing anything that is fuelling your anxiety (for example – checking symptoms on the internet. Avoid selfdiagnosis and visit the GP instead.)
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Write a gratitude list – change into a more positive mood by thinking about all the things that are going well in your life and that you are grateful for. Anything and everything – from your mind, health, family, job and home and so on.
• Small life irritations (e.g. traffic jams, washing machine breaking down) become BIG deals • You are overly concerned about what others think of you • You worry about major crises – such as swine flu and the economy – which are completely outside of your control • You hear yourself saying ‘what if…’ a lot of the time (e.g. ‘what if I get made redundant’ or ‘what if I get ill and can’t work any more’
The Worry Wheel
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Nurture your support network so you can offer and ask for help when it’s needed. Take proper care of yourself – eat well and exercise – this will release ‘feel good’ hormones into your body. Keep busy – have goals and actions so that you feel like you are taking control of your life rather than worrying about things.
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Distract yourself – phone a friend, meet up with someone for a coffee, read a magazine – enjoy any downtime you get!
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Try something new – for example singing in a choir is apparently one of the most uplifting activities you can do! Make time for relaxation – yoga and meditation are brilliant for reducing anxiety. Even at home – have a bath, a siesta, read a book – whatever works for you.
40% never happens 30% has already happened (you cannot change the past) 12% needless worries (what people think etc) 10% petty worries (being late etc) 4% worries out of our control (health, death etc) 4% worries we can control
As the chart shows we worry about a wide range of issues but we’re only able to take control of 4% of what we worry about. So how do we ensure we are only worrying about that 4% and taking the appropriate action?
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Finally, if you are struggling to motivate yourself to change your worrying ways, remember that worrying is a habit that is often passed down the generations – so do it for your children as well as yourself!
Fiona Clark is a qualified Career & Confidence Coach who specialises in helping Mums gain a greater balance and sense of fulfilment in their lives. For help with any aspect of your confidence or career development needs please contact Fiona on 07789 597209 or fiona@inspiredmums.co.uk. www.inspiredmums.co.uk
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Christmas 2013
Top tips Christmas fun Where’s Santa? Ice skating 7
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christmas tips Just to make you smile!
Top Tips for a Perfect Christmas By Sarah Butters
GET YOUR (ICE) SKATES ON
ELF YOURSELF Ever wondered what you’d look like as a Christmas Elf? Wonder no more and instead, head to www.jibjab.com and begin the transformation. This clever online tool allows you to upload photos of you and your family and then a video of you, dancing as elves, is created. I recommend doing this on a day when the spirit of Christmas has deserted you, only to be replaced by a mountain of stress. I challenge you to be glum when witnessing you and your family dance, as elves, to ‘Rockin’ Robin’.
the batteries needed for 50% of the items your children open on Christmas Day. And the amount of ‘stuff’ in your home will double overnight. With that in mind, why not have a pre-Christmas clear out. Sell what you can on Ebay – it’s a great time to get rid of items and make some much needed cash. Encourage your children to fill a box with toys they no longer play with and take it to your local charity shop. As well as clearing some space for the new arrivals, it’s a way to introduce the concept of thinking of others to your little elves.
For the Families North editorial team, the countdown to Christmas begins when we take to the ice at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It’s great exercise which means you’re able to treat yourself to cake and coffee without any guilt. There’s also the chance you’ll see that parent you avoid at the school gates fall flat on her backside while attempting a graceful glide across the real ice rink. Well worth wrapping up for! www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
TRACK SANTA
PURCHASE FESTIVE ATTIRE It’s a parental right of passage to dress up your son or daughter as a reindeer or a shrunken Santa. As well it being very cute, it also provides us parents with some super photographic ammunition for the future. For those of you with compliant/younger children, enjoy the moment. And make sure you take plenty of photos.
ENJOY THE NATIVITY Whether you have the Angel Gabriel or the 5th sheep under your roof this Christmas, take the time to enjoy your child’s nativity. Ignore the crowing parent who is mother to Mary for the 3rd time. “I’ve made her go straight into character and so she’s living in the shed and sleeping on hay.” Embrace the breadth of characters now at the bedside of Baby Jesus and pray that whatever your child is cast as, there’s an outfit that can be bought in the dress up aisle at the supermarket. But most of all enjoy the moment. Too soon it won’t be the sheep and the cows you’ll be fretting about. It will be the birds and the bees.
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Do you remember the days when a half eaten mince pie and an empty glass of sherry were proof enough that Santa had been? Life has moved on and the Twitter generation needs more. You can now receive personal communication from the overstretched OAP, see photographic evidence that ‘he’s been’ and even keep an eye on old St Nick as he circumnavigates the globe. To ‘arrange’ a personal message from Father Christmas, go to www.portablenorthpole.com. To track Santa from 1st December go to www.noradsanta.org and see a picture of him in your home at www. icaughtsanta.com. Guaranteed to add some real magic to the Christmas countdown. HAVE A CHRISTMAS CLEAR OUT There are certain inevitable facts about Christmas. You will receive an item of clothing that neither suits nor fits you. You will not have
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FORGET THE CHRISTMAS CARDS Imagine NOT sending cards. For a moment, park the anxiety you’ll feel when that first envelope drops on your doormat. Instead, think of the time you’ll save penning 50 cards to people you only communicate with at Christmas. We’re not suggesting severing all ties with your friends and family over the festive period, but trying something different. Why not take a fun packed picture of your family (perhaps in the
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christmas fun festive attire mentioned above) and email it out with good wishes to the people on your Christmas card list. You’ll save money. You’ll save time and you may save a little bit of your pre-Christmas sanity. BAN THE CHRISTMAS LIST Call me Scrooge, but I’m no fan of Christmas wish lists. I think it fuels the idea that this time of year is all about getting stuff and that isn’t the spirit of Christmas I want in my house. No good will come of giving a child a plain piece of paper and an Argos catalogue. In fact a survey in the aftermath of Christmas 2012 found that the most asked for wish on the lists of British children was a brother or sister. Next was a reindeer! I think those are requests that even Argos would struggle with. If you don’t ask them to write a list, they’ll be delighted with whatever Santa leaves under the tree. Trust me. MAKE IT MAGICAL Real magic doesn’t have to cost the earth but it will make your child’s Christmas one to remember. Spend time dressing the tree together or making Christmas biscuits. Time is something we have in such short supply in our lives but it’s well worth finding it this time of year. Create new traditions. Santa’s elves started leaving a Christmas Eve hamper at our front door last year. It’s filled with inexpensive items like a toothbrush, a festive DVD, some jolly pyjamas and a silly mug for a night time hot chocolate. It kicks the festivities off in a truly magical way. WATCH ONE OF OUR TOP 5 CHRISTMAS MOVIES Nothing lifts the spirits on a cold winter Sunday more than settling down to a festive DVD. I’ve done a straw poll in and around Families HQ and we’ve come up with our favourite five. Find them, watch them and have a very happy family Christmas. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Elf The Snowman The Polar Express How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Nativity
And finally, remember that Christmas is not about presents or perfectly cooked turkeys. It’s about time and family. Your children will have forgotten what they were given by Easter, and your family will have erased the memory of the burnt parsnips but no one will forget the fun they had.
Christmas Fun Christmas concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child December 21 Informal event with film screening and live orchestral accompaniment. All ages. Cost £25/£12.50. Wallace and Gromit’s Musical Marvels December 22, 23 Film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment. 5+ years. Cost £25£35/children half price. Craft workshops extra at £4. Music and Dance December 31 The Russian State Ballet of Siberia. Cost £16.50-£39.50. National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain January 5 Winter concert. Cost £10-£28. THE COPPED HALL TRUST Stables Courtyard, Copped Hall, Crown Hill, Epping, CM16 5HS (M25/J26) 01992 571657 coppedhalltrust.org.uk Carols at the Mansion December 7, 8, 14, 15 EFG – LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL londonjazzfestival.org.uk November 15-24 Free and ticketed events at various London venues. Jazz Workshops November 16, 17, 23, 24 At Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX. Young instrumentalist’s sessions. Booking required. 11-16 years. Cost £5. Jazz for Toddlers November 16 At Discover, E15 4QZ. Music and movement. Booking required. 2-5 years. Jazz for Toddlers November 18 At Rich Mix, E1 6LA. Music and movement. Booking required. 2-5 years. Cost £3-£5. Serious Big Sing Workshop November 24
At The Barbican, EC2Y 8DS. Booking required. 12+ years. Jazz for Toddlers November 24 At Southbank Centre. Music and movement. Booking required. 2-5 years.
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF GREAT BRITAIN nco.org.uk Winter Concert December 8 Held at the Royal Festival Hall. Performances from the Under 13 and Main Orchestras. Cost £12-£25/ children £5.
ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC Marylebone Road, NW1 5HT ( Regent’s Park) 020 7873 7373/7300 ram.ac.uk Academy at Charlton House December 6 Performances by Academy students at Charlton House, SE7 8RE. Free, no tickets required.
ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) 0845 401 5045 royalalberthall.com Classical Spectacular November 21-24 A range of classical music includes the 1812 overture with thundering cannon and fireworks. Cost £14.50-£57.50. Christmas Spectacular December 27-29 Music, dance, opera, ballet and indoor fireworks! Cost £14.50-£59.50. ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ ( Charing Cross) 020 7766 1100 smitf.org Family Christmas Carols November 30 Carols with the London Concert Choir. Children welcome. Cost £14/£7. Mini Maestro Musical Tales – Peter and the Wolf December 7 Family concert. Cost £7/£5. Mini Maestro Family Christmas Carol Concert December 7 Listen, learn and join in. Cost £14/£7.
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christmas fun SPITALFIELDS WINTER FESTIVAL 020 7377 1362 spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
O2 ARENA Peninsula Square, SE10 ODX ( North Greenwich) theo2.co.uk
Spitalfields Winter Festival December 6-17
Disney On Ice December 26-30, January 3-5 Ice spectacular. Cost £22-£51.50.
Sound Explorers: Frederick the Bold December 9 At Shoreditch Church. Musical adventure with Frederick the field mouse. 5-7 years. Cost £5. Musical Rumpus: Mudlark Dances December 11 Held at Rich Mix. A young East London boy and a magpie hunt for treasure on the banks of the Thames. Interactive opera for babies. 0-2 years. Cost £5 per child.
WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL Francis Street, SW1P 1QW ( Victoria) 020 7798 9055 westminstercathedral.org.uk A Ceremony of Carols December 10 The choristers of Westminster Cathedral. Booking required. Cost £15. A Christmas Celebration December 18, 19 Westminster Cathedral Choir and Orchestra. Traditional carols, readings and music. Booking required. Cost £10-£45.
Festive fun EARLS COURT Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA ( West Brompton) eco.co.uk britishmilitarytournament.com The British Military Tournament December 7, 8 Re-enactments, stunts and military displays including 100 horses and two camels! Tickets from £25.
GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE Covent Garden Piazza ( Covent Garden) xmaspuddingrace.org.uk December 7 Fancy dress race organised on behalf of Cancer Research UK. Register to enter.
MUDCHUTE PARK & FARM Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3HP 020 7515 5901 mudchute.org Christmas at Mudchute December 7, 8 Check online for further details.
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RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SZ (Purfleet station) 01708 899840 rspb.org.uk Wildlife Explorers Club November 30 8-12 years. Kids’ Bird Watching Club December 7 Monthly sessions for budding young bird watchers. Making Winter Magical December 15 Make a decoration for garden birds. Christmas Clearout December 27 Clear leaves and make leafy crafts. Cost £2/£4.
RHS GARDEN HYDE HALL Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET 0845 265 8071 rhs.org.uk/hydehall Christmas Shopping Evening November 21 Christmas Market, local choirs and a special visit from Father Christmas. SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk The Chocolate Festival December 13-15 Stalls, demonstrations and master classes. Free entry. VALENTINES MANSION & GARDENS Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA ( Gants Hill) 020 8708 8100 valentinesmansion.com Closed November-January apart from special event dates. Open Studios November 24 Hand-made gifts and crafts by local artists. Free entry. Farmers Markets November 24, December 22 Bread, cakes and local foods.
WESTMINSTER ABBEY SW1P 3PA ( St James’s Park) 020 7222 5152 westminster-abbey.org Christmas at the Abbey
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December 22, 24, 25 Popular services require free tickets to attend. Book in advance. Christmas Eve December 24 Crib service – the Christmas story for families.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE ( Charing Cross) london.gov.uk Trafalgar Square Carols December 9-22 Annual charity carol singing event beneath the Christmas tree. Tree lighting ceremony usually takes place at the beginning of December when a special tree arrives from Norway.
Theatre shows & pantomimes BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk Get Happy December 12-29 Performance, dance, music and comedy. 4+ years. Cost £11. BROADWAY THEATRE Broadway, Barking, IG11 7LS ( Barking) 020 8507 5607 thebroadwaybarking.com Jack and the Beanstalk November 30-January 4 Songs, dancing, joining in and surprises in a giant of a panto. Starring Michelle Gayle. Cost £16/£13/family £54. GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES ( Greenwich/Cutty Sark/also Riverboat services) 020 8858 4447 greenwichtheatre.org.uk Puss in Boots November 21-January 5 A young man’s fortunes are transformed with the help of a magical talking cat. Cost £21, £27/children half price.
HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Puss in Boots November 23-January 5 Songs, dance routines, comedy and audience participation. Cost £10-£32. HALFMOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND
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(Stepney Green/Limehouse Station) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk The Poetry Joe Show November 16 Join Poetry Joe, from Cbeebie’s Rhyme Rocket with shadow puppets and poems. 3-6 years. Cost £6. The Boy Who Cried Wolf November 23 A wintery tale based on Aesop’s fable. 3-7 years. Cost £6. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice November 30 Puppets, mime and magic. 4+ years. Cost £6. The Princess and the Pea December 7 Hans Christian Andersen’s bedtime tale with sheets, puppets and projections. 3-7 years. Cost £6. The Feather Catcher December 14 Freda loves feathers. Chance to stay and play after the show. 3-6 years. Cost £6. 1, 2, 3 Little Pigs December 21 A curly tale with puppets and music. Fully integrated British Sign Language. 3-7 years. Cost £6. A Roo in My Suitcase January 11 Poetry, songs and a bag full of marsupials! 3-7 years. Cost £6.
KENNETH MORE THEATRE Oakfield Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1BT ( Redbridge or Ilford station) 020 8553 4466 kmtheatre.co.uk Aladdin December 18-January 14 Travel on the magic carpet to Ilford – just north of Peking – with Aladdin, Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee. LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL mimelondon.com January 8-February 1 Various international mime artists perform at a selection of venues.
NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 9PX ( Waterloo) 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk Emil and the Detectives November 16-February 20 A boy in 1920’s Berlin. Families can also enjoy back stage tours, books and toys in the bookshop and children’s menus in the restaurant. 7+ years. Cost £26, £38, £48 / children half price. PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn)
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where’s santa? 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com The Snowman November 27-January 5 A young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve.
QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 queens-theatre.co.uk Mr Hollyberry Magic Show December 7 Christmas magic show. 4-7 years. Cost £5. Dick Whittington November 30-January 4 Rags to riches musical story with magic, dancing, fun and laughter. Cost £12.50-£26.50.
ROSEMARY BRANCH THEATRE 2 Shepperton Road, N1 3DT ( Old Street) 020 7704 2730 rosemarybranch.co.uk Buttons: Another Cinderella Story December 8, 22*, 28, 30 January 2, 4, 5 Young children’s matinee on selected dates. Shows on other dates are not suitable for children. Cost £14.50/£12/£11.50/£10/£5. *Small children on laps are free.
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD ( Covent Garden) 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk How the Whale Became December 3-January 4 In The Linbury Studio Theatre. Family opera inspired by Ted Hughes’s story collection. 5+ years. Cost £8-£25.
SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk Rug Rhymes November 22, December 6, 20 Rhymes, poems and stories. Booking essential. Under 5 years. Free. Kentish Town City Farm
OAE Tots: Story Time November 30 The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Accompanied 2-5 years. Cost £9/£1. Slava’s Snowshow December 17-January 6 Classic family show. 8+ years.
SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD ( Borough) 020 7407 0234 southwarkplayhouse.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk December 6-January 11 Traditional Christmas pantomime. 7+ years. Cost £16/£14/family £50. STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com Nobody Rides the Unicorn November 23 Zoe tries to set the unicorn free. Touching tale with puppet, music and sound effects. Family workshops at extra cost. 4+ years. Tickets £8/ discounts for Newham residents. Mr & Mrs Moon December 7-January 5 The woman who lives in the moon comes down from the sky and does not want to go home. 2-5 years. Cost £10/ discounts for Newham residents. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt December 11-January 5 Little Angel Theatre production about a family who go on an exciting expedition. 2+ years. Cost £10/ discounts available. UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Cinderella: A Fairytale November 26-January 5 Classic tale with music and storytelling. 6+ years. Cost £22/£15. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas December 3-29 Originally written in 1823 and delightfully adapted. Under 5 years.
Where’s Santa?
Where to Find Santa ADAM ANTS PARTIES 020 8959 1045 adamantsparties.co.uk Santa to your Door Invite Santa into your home for a chat.
EASTBURY MANOR HOUSE Eastbury Square, Barking IG11 9SN ( Upney) 020 8227 2946 lbbd.gov.uk/eastbury Victorian Christmas December 7 Discover how Victorians celebrated Christmas. Meet Father Christmas, sing-a-long to carols and hear the bell ringers. Cost £2.50 per child. Community Carol Singing December 13 Evening event with local school children. Free. Carol Concert December 13 Mulled wine and mince pies. Booking required. 12+ years. Cost £5.50. EPPING FOREST Visitor Centre, High Beach, IG10 4AE (M25/J26-tube Epping or Wanstead) 020 8508 0028 020 7332 1911 (The View) cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping Wanstead Nature Club November 23, December 21 At Harrow Road Pavilion. Trees at Christmas December 8 At The View. Identify trees and make a mini decorated tree. Free. Father Christmas in the Forest December 14, 15
Meet Father Christmas in the Forest themed grotto at The View. Fun craft activities. Booking required.
GOLDEN HINDE II Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street SE1 9DG ( London Bridge) 020 7403 0123 goldenhinde.com Christmas Fun Day December 14, 21 Aboard a full size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon with yuletide games, art activities and a special visit from Pirate Father Christmas! Cost £7/£5/family £20. HAMLEYS REGENT STREET 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT ( Oxford Circus) hamleys.com I Met Father Christmas at Hamleys November 23, 24, 30 December 1-24 Sit down to breakfast, brunch, tea or dinner with Father Christmas; have a chat, listen to magical stories and receive a present at the end. Only one adult per child can attend. Groups of 15 children. 4-11 years. Online bookings only. Cost per child £45. Photos £10. HARRODS 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL ( Knightsbridge) harrods.com Christmas Grotto Until December 24 The Grotto is located on the 4th floor where children can meet Father Christmas in a magical library setting. Receive a book, badge and chocolate. Children under 4 years can visit Father Christmas week days in November between 10am and 11.30am. Register as a Harrods Rewards member in order to book tickets. Refundable administration fee £10.
To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk
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where’s santa? Santa Cruise December 20, 21 Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Mill Lane, Herts EN10.One hour cruises. Meet Santa and take home a present. Book on 01992 462085. Cost £8.50. Santa’s Grotto December 21 Waterworks Centre Nature Reserve, Leyton, E10 7QB. Meet Santa in his urban retreat. Free activities. Book on 020 8988 7566.
MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Victorian Santa’s Grotto December 15-23 Meet Father Christmas in his secret grotto and receive a special gift. Ticketed event to be booked in advance. Cost £7/under 12 months free but do not receive a gift. Lauderdale House
LEEDS CASTLE Nr Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL (M20/J8) 01622 765400 leeds-castle.com Annual ticket £21/£13.50/under 4s free. The Christmas Market December 7-22 Gifts, crafts, local food suppliers and decorations. Cost £7 for ground and market ticket. Real Reindeer December 7-24 Meet the reindeer outside the castle. Husky Sleigh Rides December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21-24 Sleigh rides and photo sessions. Cost £3 per ride. Father Christmas Visits December 14, 15, 21-24 Enter the enchanted forest grotto and meet Father Christmas. Pre-book tickets £10 with gift. Castle entrance extra.
LEE VALLEY PARK 08456 770 600 (M25/J25) visityleevalley.org.uk Petunia’s Farm Club Members Christmas Special December 8 Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Essex EN9 2EF. Meet Santa and his reindeers and take part in activities. Club members only. Booking required. Farm-tastic Santa December 14, 15, 21, 22 Lee Valley Park Farms. See Santa in his grotto and meet his reindeer and husky dogs. Receive a special present to take home. Book online. Cost £18/£10 for siblings. Riding Centre Christmas Show December 20 Lee Valley Riding Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL. Christmas themed riding displays, horse and pony show. Spectators welcome.
SUTTON HOUSE NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Getting Ready for Christmas November 24 Family day with creative activities. Free entry. Christmas Craft Fair and Santa’s Grotto December 7, 8 Craft stalls, workshops, mulled wine, mince pies and a visit to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto. Cost £1 admission + £2 for visit to Santa. Santa’s Grotto at St Augustine’s Tower – Hackney December 14, 15 Exact details yet to be confirmed. Phone for information.
VALENCE HOUSE MUSEUM Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT ( Becontree) 020 8227 2034 lbbd.gov.uk/museum
Winter Sale November 30 Bric-a-brac, crafts, toys and games. Christmas Celebrations December 14 Enjoy festive treats, carol singing with a local choir and meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto. Grotto cost £2.50 per child.
WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY Stratford Place, E20 1EJ ( Stratford) uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity Santa’s Arrival Parade November 16 At Westfield shopping centre watch Santa and Mrs Claus arrive in style to turn on the Christmas lights. Free giveaways, arts and crafts and a firework display. Christmas Choir Competitions November 18-20 Annual school Christmas choir competition, judged by local politicians, residents and retailers. Santa’s 5D Personalised Grotto November 21-December 24 Visit Santa’s grotto, receive a present and feature in the film Elbow the Elf. Donations from ticket sales made to Save the Children charity. Christmas Shopping Event November 28-December 1 Winter Woolyland with workshops and storytelling sessions. Santa’s Breakfast December 7, 14 Join Santa for breakfast at the Great Eastern Market and receive a goody bag. Cost £5. Under 10 years.
WINTER WONDERLAND Hyde Park, W2 2UH ( Hyde Park Corner) hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 23-January 5 Attractions include ice skating, magical ice kingdom, giant observation wheel, Zippos Circus and Santa Land where children can meet Santa in his famous grotto, see his workshop and ride on the Santa Express. Free entry, but charges apply for each attraction.
PIGS IN PANTS
vTrIkEr ElITE
Pigs In Pants is a fun, amusing and lively matching game! Children will love the hilarity of the knickerless pigs and matching colourful patterned pants to the pigs or maybe politely pinching pants from other players.
We all know an active child is a happy child, so let your kids enjoy hours of fun whilst keeping healthily active with the new Vtriker Elite 3-Wheel scooter from UKayed. To win one of these great scooters go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.
To win go to www.familiesnorth. co.uk/competitions.
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twitter.com/FamiliesELondon
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01/11/2013 16:55
ice skating Win one of five personalised copies of ‘The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name’ and ‘The Little Boy Who Lost His Name’
‘The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name’ and ‘The Little Boy Who Lost His Name’ are bespoke books like no other, applying leading edge technology to make a truly unique read for you and your child. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Pedro Serapicos, they are wonderfully written stories jam-packed with enthralling adventures and magical creatures. These unique books combines the latest proprietary technology with outstanding artistry to tell the story of a child who has lost his or her name and who sets off on a journey to track down the missing letters. Along the way they meet lots of weird, wonderful and wise characters. Each offers the child the first letter of its name. As the sequence of each story is dependent on the name of the child (over 236 illustrations and rhyming stories have been
created to cater for every single name), so every child receives a perfectly individual book. Let’s say the child you’re giving the book to is called Emily. She’d meet a forgetful Elephant, a rather vain Mermaid, a coldaverse Inuit, a misunderstood Lion and a genial Yeti. Each gives the first letter of their name and – hey presto – EMILY’s name is found! This captivating story never loses sight of its central theme – life is an adventure. It’s fun, surprising, mostly marvellous and intensely personal. ‘The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name’ and ‘The Little Boy Who Lost His Name’ are a celebration of just that. Published exclusively in paperback in the UK on thick, uncoated, environmentally friendly paper, the books are available to create, view and purchase from http://lostmy. name/ For your chance to win a copy of either ‘The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name’ or ‘The Little Boy Who Lost His Name’, just answer the following question: Who is the illustrator of the Lost My Name books? To enter go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions
Open-air ice rinks
Outdoor ice rinks remain open in all weather conditions so dress sensibly and take care. Skating sessions are booked as one hour time slots so arrive 20 minutes before the start of a session. BROADGATE ICE RINK ( Liverpool Street) 020 7505 4120 broadgate.co.uk November-February 24 (dates yet to be confirmed) Open-air temporary skating venue next to Liverpool Street station. Book for special themed events or just turn up and skate on a first come, first served basis. Closed on selected dates. Cost £9/£7/skate hire £2. Lessons extra. CANARY WHARF Canada Square Park, E14 5AB ( Canary Wharf) 020 7536 8400 icerinkcanarywharf.com October 26-February 16 Skate along a path under trees lit with fairy lights. There is an onsite bar, an outdoor viewing terrace and a range of Christmas activities in the shopping area nearby. Check available dates online as the rink could be closed to the public for the local schools programme. Cost £13.50/£9/family £37.50/lessons £25/£30.
HYDE PARK hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 22-January 23 Ice skating as part of the Winter Wonderland experience with many other attractions including a chilly walk through a Magical Ice Kingdom. Skating costs £14.50/£10.50/£9.50/£8.50/family £38/£34. Ice guide £32. LONDON EYE – EYESKATE londoneye.com November 27-January 5 Skate in the shadow of the London Eye on the Southbank. Cost £10.50/£7.50/family £32.40. Discounts available. TOWER OF LONDON ICE RINK 020 8241 9818 ( Tower Hill) toweroflondonicerink.com November 16-January 5 Located in the moat and illuminated after dark. Ice bar and café nearby. Cost £13.50/£11.50/£9.50/£9. Family £38/£36. Ice guides extra.
ONLINE COMPETITION
SANTA COMPETITION Win one of five copies of ‘When Santa Fell to Earth’ on DVD. When Santa Fell to Earth is an enchanting Christmas tale, full of magic and fantasy, suitable for all the family. A festive adventure full of chases, an invisible reindeer, fake Santas and vicious
nutcrackers! To be in with a chance of winning a copy, just answer the following question; In the film, what is the name of the evil man who wants to steal Christmas? To enter go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions. Competitions closes Friday 6th December.
Enter our on-line competition to WIN £100 worth of Lands End gift vouchers this Christmas www.familiesnorth. co.uk/competitions. Additionally, for your first order at Lands’ End we are offering £10 off on orders over £40. Simply enter FAMILY10 at the checkout for your exclusive discount. Offer is valid until Jan 31st.
To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk
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Small and tall, we welcome all
families What’s waiting for you this season? Framed Film Festival 16–24 Nov Fantastic films and workshops galore
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Get Happy 12–29 Dec A madcap, mischievous treat for families
The Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child
Wallace and Gromit’s Musical Marvels
21 Dec Enchanting animated films accompanied by live orchestra
22–23 Dec A cracking adventure with live orchestral accompaniment
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Clubs & Classes Art & craft Sport Performing arts Workshops
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don n o L t s Ea s and Club ses Clas
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clubs and classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in East London. This Winter there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.
Art & craft
November 17, December 15 Creative photography workshops. 13+ years. Cost £10.
DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk
SPITALFIELDS CITY FARM Buxton Street, E1 5AR 020 7247 8762 spitalfieldscityfarm.org
Snowmation November 30-January 5 Animation workshops at weekends and holidays. Create a story and watch the film online. 7+ years.
HAVERING MUSEUM 19-21 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU (Romford ) 01708 766 571 haveringmuseum.org.uk Havering Hedgehogs Saturday art sessions for club members including a Christmas party. Joining fee £12 for the academic year. 4-11 years.
RICH MIX 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Numbi Workshops
Young Farmers Club Saturdays Care for animals, arts and crafts and clay modelling. 8-13 years. Donation £3 per session.
WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Forgotten Histories December 7 Art workshop with films and family trails. Children must be accompanied. Free.
Circus Skills REDBRIDGE DRAMA CENTRE Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB ( South Woodford) redbridgedramacentre.co.uk
Shouldn’t you be seen in the Number 1 magazine for families and young people in East London? Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.
Urban Circus School Term-time sessions on Saturdays. Aerial acrobatics, break dancing and juggling. No previous experience necessary. 7+ years. First session free. Cost £8 per session payable each term.
Programme Online reading programme. Free trial. 3-13 years.
Circus Club Saturday classes. Trapeze and aerial skills. 9-12 years.
HMDT MUSIC Hackney 020 8882 8825 hmdt.org.uk
Horse Riding
I Can Sing Musical theatre, training and performance skills workshops. 5-16 years.
ALDBOROUGH HALL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Aldborough Hatch, Ilford, Essex IG2 7TE ( Newbury Park/A12) 020 8590 1433 aldboroughhall-equestrian.co.uk Lessons Indoor riding school and outdoor arena. Weekly lessons for children on Saturday and Sundays. 4+ years.
Learning & tuition EXPLORE LEARNING Hornchurch, Lakeside, Romford, Woodford Green explorelearning.co.uk Tuition Centres Maths and English. Open 7 days a week. 5-14 years.
MATHS DOCTOR 020 7193 1871 mathsdoctor.co.uk
SOUTH WOODFORD, LOUGHTON AND BUCKHURST HILL E: southwoodford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8989 7017
Maths & Physics Tuition Tuition in 11+, school entry, GCSE and A level maths and physics. Register details to request a tutor and a free assessment.
READING EGGS readingeggs.co.uk/learn
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Music
HOXTON HALL 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH (Hoxton ) 020 7684 0060 hoxtonhall.co.uk youtharts@hoxtonhall.co.uk Music Learn to play different instruments and create original music. Also drama, art and dance sessions. 8-13 years. Free.
Performing arts THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL Hackney E5, Bethnal Green E2, Docklands E14 and North London 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Spring Term January 11-April 5 Singing, drama, film and dance. Term-time and holiday workshops. 4-18 years.
GROW YOUR OWN THEATRE Various locations in Walthamstow, E17 07541 082552 gyot.org.uk
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clubs and classes
SUMMER SCHOOLS
MAKE A MOVIE IN A WEEK – includes red carpet screening at a cinema PERFORM A MUSICAL IN A WEEK – includes a trip to the West End’s Mama Mia
The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4–18 years Based in North London, Hackney, Docklands and Bethnal Green, the award winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4–18 year olds offers so much more than the average part-time drama school. Apart from a weekly time-table of drama, film, dance and singing, all taught by leading industry professionals including casting directors, producers and TV directors, the school also offers: • Professional work via the agency. Students have appeared in EastEnders, Rev, Top Boy, The Revolting World of Stanley Brown, the British feature Song for Marion and in the West End’s Oliver!, Lion King and Matilda, to name but a few. Anna Fiorentini.indd 1 sarah@growyourwowntheatre.co.uk
Classes Creative, small and friendly drama classes. Tell stories and make your own shows. Seedlings 3-6 years / Storymakers 6-8 years / Theatre makers 8-11 years / Youth Theatre 11-15 years / Wild Theatre 15-19 years.
JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS 020 8447 4530 jigsaw-arts.co.uk Classes Develop performance skills and build confidence with drama, singing and dance. 3-16 years.
PERFORM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Walthamstow, Wanstead and Woodford Green 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Wild West Adventure From January Singing, dancing and acting. Visit the Wonderful Wild West and be trained up as junior cowboys and cowgirls, and go on an adventure to recue the horse with the golden mane. Free trial lesson. 4-8 years.
• Young Ambassadors – a chance to event manage and gain valuable business skills. • Our Performance Troupe which performs in hospitals, homes for the elderly, festivals and at community events. • Lamda Qualifications in drama which carry UCAS points • Shows at prestigious theatres such as the Hackney Empire and the Shaw Theatre • Competitions including Voice Idol, Stars in Their Eyes and Fiorentini’s Got Talent • Annual Oscar Nights • Parents’ Forums • Master classes including stagecraft, hair & make-up, stage combat and presenting • Holiday schools
Forthcoming Events include: • Finale of Fiorentini’s Got Talent – finalists from all 4 branches perform to a celebrity judge panel • Red carpet screening at the huge Genesis Cinema. Students from our part-time school and those that attend our Summer School Make a Movie in a Week, will see the films they have been producing on the big screen “I am so pleased I am not starting in showbiz! The talent I saw from the school was superb. May all their dreams come true!” Barbara Windsor Taster Days for all our branches are currently being offered.
REDBRIDGE DRAMA CENTRE Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB ( South Woodford) redbridgedramacentre.co.uk
BEALONIANS FC Ilford, Essex 07958 636493 bealoniansfc.com
Children’s Workshops Saturday morning sessions with story making, speaking and listening skills. 5-10 years.
Sunday Football All ages. New players needed. Contact club for more details.
Youth Theatre Workshop Evening workshops. 11-14 years. Musical Theatre Monday evening classes during term-time. Children in school years 3-6. Performing Arts Workshops Weekly term time sessions on Tuesdays. Singing, dancing and drama. Infants and juniors.
Sports & fitness ACTIVE NEWHAM
EAST HAM LEISURE CENTRE 324 Barking Road, E6 2RT 0844 414 2728 activenewham.org.ik/play60 Basketball Saturdays Under 12 years. Cost £1 per session. Karate 6+ years. Cost £15 for 4 sessions. Rock Climbing 7+ years. Cost from £4.75.
KIDDIKICKS E8, N16 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk Football Fun training sessions and courses. Under 7 years.
activenewham.org.uk Get involved in Your Park November 19 Outdoor activity days at Beckton District Park North, Tollgate Road, E6.
KIDSPACE ADVENTURE The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU (Romford ) 01708 768003
Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 4–18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands
ANNA FIORENTINI
THEATRE FILM SCHOOL Contact us to book your free no obligation Taster Day. Hurry – Limited Places! www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403
16/06/2013 22:51 Activities Indoor adventure park with climbing wall, football, sky trail, music, drama and more.
LITTLE KICKERS Hackney, Wapping, Wanstead & Islington 020 8958 2808 littlekickers.co.uk Classes Football training for kids. 18 months-7 years. THE VIBE 195-211 Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 2UT 020 8227 3760 lbbd.gov.uk/children Youth Centre Council run centre with a range of activities to include art, sport and music. 11+ years. TOWER HAMLETS TENNIS LTD 020 7193 8933 towerhamletstennis.org.uk Saturday Tennis Victoria Park for 5-12 years. Kind Edwards Memorial Park for 5-12 years. Bethnal Green Gardens 5-12 years and 13+ years. Weekly drop-in sessions. Cost £2.
To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk
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clubs and classes
Bealonians FC Looking for players: Adults : Saturday Football Youth : Sunday Football Looking for football Young or Old, Bealonians FC could be the club for you! We are a large club with age groups from U5 to Veterans, we are currently recruiting for season 2013/14. We have excellent facilities and provide quality coaching in a safe and fun environment for the younger players and for the senior members there is a good social side in addition to the football. If interested give us a call or for further details see our website.
Call Bill Blackwell on 07958 636 493 www.bealoninasfc.com
CHARTER STANDARD CLUB
1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 queens-theatre.co.uk Dick Whittington Panto Workshop December 7 Monthly story telling workshops. 5-7 years. Cost £5. Baby Sensory January 9 Baby development classes with bubbles, bells and music. Birth to 13 months. Cost £5. Youth Theatre Drama clubs for 7-11 years, 11-14 years and 14-19 years. Waiting lists may apply for some groups.
STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com Baby Dance Movement and rhythmical experience. Babies 3-12 months. Toddler Jam Drop-in musical sessions. 1-3 years.
Theatre workshops ARCOLA THEATRE 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL (Dalston Kingsland station) 020 7503 1646 arcolatheatre.com YOUNG AYT Weekly sessions on performance techniques. Waiting list system may apply. 9-12 years. Cost £45 per term.
ARCOLA YOUTH THEATRE Learn about the theatre and take part in performances. No previous
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experience necessary. 13-17 years. Cost £45 per term/concessions £20.
HALFMOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse Station) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Youth Theatre A varied drama programme for 5-18 years and a special theatre group for disabled teenagers. Cost £5 per session.
QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11
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Pregnancy Yoga Yoga classes for women.
Toddlers & babies DIDDI DANCE Hackney diddidance.com Charlene 07892 711162 Dance Classes Rhythm and moves for pre-school children. 2-4 years. DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford)
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020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk Tots & Tales From January 7 Friendly storytelling sessions with songs and rhymes. 0-3 years. Museum admission £5/family £18/ under 2s free.
THE LLOYD PARK CENTRE Winns Avenue, Lloyd Park, E17 5JW 020 8531 9522 thelloydparkcentre.co.uk Parent & Toddler Sessions Term time drop-in sessions. Cost £1.50/50p siblings. MONKEY MUSIC Buckhurst Hill, Loughton & South Woodford 020 8989 7017 monkeymusic.co.uk Music Classes Fun and educational award winning music classes for babies and young children. 3 months-4 years. RICH MIX 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Wiggly Jigglers November 25, December 9 Movement development classes for babies. 0-2 years. Pay on the day. Cost £4. WALTHAMSTOW TOY LIBRARY & PLAY CENTRE Comely Bank Community Clinic 46 Ravenswood Road, E17 9LY 020 8509 3401 walthamstowtoylibrary.org Events Educational charity offering creative learning through activities and equipment. Under 5 years.
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East London
Your Guide to East London Family Entertainment!
Places To Go Cinema
Theatre
Further Afield
Concerts
Festivals
Exhibitions
Winter Days Out
Special Events
Museums
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places to go cinema • museums • exhibitions
Places To Go
Your guide to East London Family Entertainment
Welcome to our great winter guide of all the very best places to visit this winter. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk.
Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Cinema 2 in Beech Street, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film Framed Film Festival 2013 November 16-24 Best international cinema screenings for children with animation and film making workshops. Cost £5/£3/ workshops extra. Framed Film Club Extra December 14 Festive themed activities and a Christmas party in Cinema 1. RICH MIX CINEMA & ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk A Monster in Paris (U) November 16, 17 Kids’ Cine Time screenings every weekend. Cost £1.75. Parent & Babies A chance to watch main cinema screenings during the day with baby.
RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Beauty & the Beast 3D (U) November 16 Disney animation. Cost £3.50/£2.50. Rise of the Guardians 3D (PG) November 23 Cost £3.50/£2.50. Planes 3D (U) November 30 Disney’s latest animated comedy.
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ROYAL OPERA HOUSE (live screenings for cinemas) Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD roh.org.uk The Nutcracker December 12 Live screenings at Cineworld Cinema West India Quay, Odeon Cinema Lee Valley, Picture House Hackney, Stratford Picture House, Westfield Shopping Centre.
Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Dates & Designs December 23, 24, 27, 30, 31 Make a calendar using displays in the museum for ideas. Free.
CARTOON MUSEUM 35 Little Russell St, WC1A 2HH ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7580 8155 cartoonmuseum.org Family Fun Days December 14, January 11 Cartooning activities. Drop-in event. Check online for special holiday workshops. Entrance £5.50/children free.
DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk Journey to Space Until January 5
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Discover Children’s Story Centre
Ticketed exhibition. Take off in the giant rocket to explore an exotic planet. Cost £5/family £18/under 2s free. Space Babies Until November 29 Hear a story about an alien planet. 0-3 years. Jazz for Toddlers November 16 Music and movement. 2-5 years. Book Signing Events November 16, 23 Kids in Museums November 23 Activities chosen and run by children. Special day where children take over running the museum. Q Pootle 5 in Space November 24 Q Pootle 5 and his friend Oopsy play hide and seek. 2-4 years. Welcome to Alien School November 24 Albie’s ordinary day becomes an adventure with aliens. 4+ years. Tots and Tales December 3-19
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Story time journey into the stars. 0-3 years. Christmas Claytime November 30-January 5 Invent a story with magical snow and clay and see it performed with live music. Under 7 years. Cost (includes museum entry) £8.50/£7.50/family £28/ under 2s free. The Gruffalo January 11, 12 Story time with shadow puppets. 3+ years.
GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk An Edwardian Christmas December 5 Open evening with candlelight viewing and craft workshops. All ages. Christmas Past December 7 Family day with seasonal workshops and sing along to Christmas carols.
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museums • exhibitions places to go fESTIvE fuN IN ThE lEE vAllEy LeeValley has everything for a festive day out in December; from Santa’s grotto to a Christmas themed horse riding show and a Christmas cruise, there is a stocking full of merry events to look forward to. You can enjoy a festive filled day at Lee Valley Park Farms in Waltham Abbey along with huskies and reindeer on the weekends of 14 and 15 December as well as 21 and 22 December. There will be plenty of Christmas themed arts and crafts for all to enjoy, while the children will jump at the opportunity to visit Santa in his specially themed grotto before having plenty of fun sliding down Santa’s Launch Pad. Alternatively jump aboard the Christmas Cruise at Broxbourne Riverside Moorings on 21 and 22 December for mulled wine and mince pies and join this one hour
2+ years. Free. Festive Gifts Galore December 7 Create festive soaps and herb bags. Places allocated half hour before activity. 11-16 years. Free. Farewell to Christmas January 5 Garden activities with carol singing, stories, mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Free admission.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk
long family cruise full of festive cheer. Lee Valley Riding Centre in Leyton is holding a unique Christmas themed riding show on the evening of Friday 20 December which is free for all the family. With displays from the resident clubs and liveries, you can sit back and get into the Christmas spirit while enjoying this horse and pony show with a difference. Finally, come along and meet Father Christmas at his beautifully themed grotto at WaterWorks Centre, Leyton on Saturday 21 December. Not only will kids enjoy their special visit there will be plenty of Christmas themed arts and crafts to try out and keep the little ones busy. For more information on all these events and more, go to: visitleevalley.org.uk or call 08456 770 600.
Family Station Weekends & school holiday activities include folding instructions to make a bus, draw and colour postcards and create a London street with stencils. Annual ticket £15/children free.
MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk Unearthing Havering Unearthing the archaeology of London’s outer boroughs. Pop-up events throughout Havering as listed below.
includes the Dodo Household Stuff Book, which contains areas, pockets and space for everything from the dishwasher warranty to the electricians phone number. And to top off this fantastic prize, Dodo Pad are also giving one Families reader a Book for Cooks, to log their recipes, meal plans and more!
dOdO PAd COMPETITION
We’re giving you a chance to win a Dodo Pad 2014 diary – ideal for a family of up to five people (extra family members may, at your discretion, be marginalised). It’s designed so that each person’s activities can be seen on a week-to-view basis with plenty of room on the opposite page for notes and the occasional (or regular) doodle. Along with this, the package
To be in with the chance of winning just answer the following question; What is the name of Britain’s bestloved and longest-lived family diary-organizer-planner-calendar creator? To enter go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions. Competition closes Thursday 12th December 2013.
The Queen’s Theatre – Hornchurch November 16
Learn, play and explore. Walkers – 5 years. Book in advance. One adult + child. Free.
Tesco Extra – Gallows Corner November 27, 28
Mini Mudlarks Babies Group November 18, December 16 Book in advance. 6 months – walkers. One adult + child. Free.
Havering Museum – Romford December 7 Celebrate local archaeology with free activities and trails.
MUSEUM OF LONDON – DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands
Little Mudlarks Toddlers Group November 18, December 9, 16
Music and Movement November 26 Musical sessions. Under 5 years.
THE RAGGED SCHOOL MUSEUM 46-50 Copperfield Road, E3 4RR ( Mile End) 020 8980 6405 raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk
Sun 17 Nov, Sun 15 Dec: Mwalimu Express 2pm-6pm / FREE London’s free, family-friendly pan-African fun day Mon 18 Nov: Jazz for Toddlers 2pm / £3 toddlers, £5 adults / Suitable for ages 2-5 Part of London Jazz Festival, with live musicians Sun 1 Dec: Yumm-a-Yukk-a-Boo 11.30pm and 2pm / £6, £5 Tower Hamlets residents Interactive odyssey of taste with music and dance Every Sat and Sun: Kids’ Cine Time - family films for only £1.75 For details of these and many more events: www.richmix.org.uk / 020 7613 7498
Yumm-a-Yukk-a-Boo
Family Highlights: November-December
35-47 Bethnal Green Rd London E1 6LA 2 mins walk from Shoreditch High Street (Overground) Box Office: 020 7613 7498
To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk
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places to go museums • exhibitions • NCT • further afield HOP FARM FAMILY PARK Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY (A228/Paddock Wood) 01622 872068 thehopfarm.co.uk Christmas Markets December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 Weekend markets with local products – crafts, gifts and food. Driving School Fun circuit with mini cars and trucks. 5-9 years.
Museum of London
Sunday Open House Sessions January 5 Handle historic objects from the Victorian classroom and test your slate board handwriting techniques! Book a place on arrival. All ages. £2 donation.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk War Games Current exhibition on how children re-enact war through play, games, toys and books from 1800 to the present day. Free. Romp and Roll November 16, 23, 30 Dance sessions. 2-5 years. Cost on the day £3. 1940’s Christmas December 1 Craft workshops, music and stories. Take part in a procession and sing songs as the tree is lit up. Christmas Carols December 7 Carol singing with the Becontree Brass Band.
WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP (Walthamstow Central ) 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk Family Day November 30 Make and take home something special with themed activities. Free drop-in sessions. Craft Sessions December 12, January 9 Regular art sessions. Booking required. In partnership with Lloyd Park Children’s Centre. Under 5 years.
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Winter Warmer December 22 Family activities, choir performances, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Free drop-in event.
NCT – East London WALTHAM FOREST BRANCH nct.org.uk/branches/walthamforest 2nd Time Parents Group November 15 Toy Library – next to Comely Bank Community Centre, Walthamstow Village. 12.45-2.15pm. Bumps & Babies December 6 Meet up at Rose & Crown Pub, Hoe Street, Walthamstow. 10.30am-12. REDBRIDGE & DISTRICT BRANCH nct.org.uk/in-your-area/redbridge Bumps and Babies Contact Karyna on nct_redbridge_ parents@yahoo.co.uk Newsletter Newsletter queries contact nct_ redbridge_news1@yahoo.co.uk
TOWER HAMLETS BRANCH nct.org.uk/branches/tower-hamlets Baby First Aid Sessions Barkantine Centre. Contact th_nct_ firstaid@hotmail.co.uk for more information. Baby Disco November 16 At The Hub, E2. Contact tuyanhho@ yahoo.com NCT Mums Nights November 21, December 19 contact carolinepostle@gmail.com Volunteers Needed For help with advertising, Baby First
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Aid coordinator, Real Nappy rep and weekend sports sessions coordinator. contact: towerhamletnct@yahoo.com
Further Afield DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY College Road, SE21 7AD (North Dulwich via London Bridge) 020 8693 5254 dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Family Sundays November 24, December 1, January 5 Monthly events for families. Drop-in art activities and story sessions. Cost £3 per accompanied child or free with adult gallery ticket. Children’s Trails Temporary exhibition and permanent collection trails available free. Art Courses After school art courses based on 5-week sessions. Cost £55 for 7-10 years and £60 for 11-18 years.
TROPICAL WINGS ZOO Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 5QZ (Liverpool Street – South Woodham Ferrers ) 01245 425394 Opening Dates November 4-December 15, December 27-31 Attractions also include Children’s Farm Yard, Birds of the World, Tropical House and Wallaby Walk. Check online for New Year opening dates. Experiences Spend the day behind the scenes with the keepers. Extra costs apply. Close Encounters Join the keeper and meet and feed a chosen animal. 8+ years. Extra costs apply. WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW13 9WT (Barnes ) 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/London Christmas Family Activities December 21-January 5 Craft sessions, shows and seasonal trail. Free with admission £10.59/£5.91/family £29.55/under 4s free.
Dick Whittington Win a family ticket* to North London’s Most Legendary Pantomime – the Millfield Theatre Panto! This year Millfield presents Dick Whittington, the true rags-to-riches tale of a young man and his loyal cat, on their exciting quest to find fame and fortune in the big smoke. *Family ticket (two adults, two children). Dates 28th Nov-4th Jan – specific show date will be picked once the winner is chosen. Tickets subject to availability. Ages 3-103! To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions. Competition closes Monday 25th November 2013.
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places to go
Money comes to life It’s fascinating and fun! Special events and more every day in the Bank’s Museum
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Wrong comes to Pleasance Islington this Christmas.
10 December-5 January Pleasance Theatre
To win one of two family tickets go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.
Adapted from the original stage play Peter Pan By J.M. Barrie, award-winning comedy company Mischief Theatre’s brand new show Peter Pan Goes
Competitions closes Friday 6th December 2013
Win one of two family tickets to see Snow Play at Bloomsbury Theatre What would you do if one year Winter decided to stay and moved into your house? You would have icicles in the kitchen and snow all over your bed! Well that’s what happens in our snowy spectacular show where you are guaranteed a white Christmas, no matter what the weather or the time of year! When Mr Green comes back from holiday to find Mr White in his house it’s the start of a brrrrilliant series of adventures as Mr White covers the whole house in snow and Mr Green does everything he can to get him outside into the garden. The audience gets stuck in too with their own snow, making a snowman and joining in with a massive snowball fight. But it’s getting warmer and, as Mr White stars to melt, the tables might be turning... Snow Play is a showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who has to go away! To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to the Snow-Play-at-Bloomsbury Theatre just answer the following question: Who does Mr Green find in his house when he comes back from holiday? To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk. Competition closes Friday 6th December 2013
Admission free 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families North!
Dickens Competition Win one of three pairs of tickets to see Dickens Abridged at the Arts Theatre. From the co-creator of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged), Dickens Abridged, a fast-paced musical comedy, will open in the West End for a limited Christmas Season at The Arts Theatre from 27th November 2013 to 5th January 2014. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, just answer the following question; Who wrote and directed Dickens Abridged? To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions. Competition closes Monday 25th November 2013.
To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk
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Queen’s Theatre is proud to present our resident acting company cut to the chase…
a mewsical extravaganza that’s perfect for the whole family!
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Tickets from
£12.50
Child, family & group discounts available
wed 11 dec-sun 5 jan various dates and times
PRICE S £30 fa : £10 / £8 CONC *gr S oup o mily t f4 ic age: 2+must includek1echtil* d
stratford circus Theatre Square stratford London E15 1BX www.stratford-circus.com
0844 357 2625 30 november - 11 january 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk
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First child £18 Additional children £10 Adults FREE
ic t s a t Farm Saene Vtaalley Park Farms at L
Join the festive fun Let the kids meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special christmas gift. Plus say hello to festive reindeer and husky friends. Warm up in our café, on Santa’s Launch Pad or in the Bundle Barn and get creative with arts and crafts.
30 Nov 2013 – 5 Jan 2014 ive… Interact ‘Playful… his-world -t ce.’ – An out-of experien theatrical n on Claytime ia rd ua G The
Book today! 14, 15, 21 & 22 December B194 two miles north of Waltham Abbey
The farms will also be open as normal for these festive days, so pop along and say hello!
Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF
Start your adventure at 020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ
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visitleevalley.org.uk/farms or call 01992 892 781
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