Issuu

Issue 77 Jan/Feb 2014

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East London

New Year issue

Annabel Karmel New business start-ups Edâ€™s reading room East London Clubs & Classes

Knowing how fussy little ones can be, Annabelâ€™s range is developed tastes good and will, most importantly, be eaten! Available in supermarkets nationwide

www.annabelkarmel.com

Contents Issue 77 | Jan/Feb 2014 | Families East London

This Issue

4 S ingle parents get extra help to start their own businesses 5 Annabel Karmel

Regular Features 7 Clubs & Classes 10 Ed’s Reading Room

11 Places to Go

For all our great competitions this month please go to www.familieseast. co.uk/competitions.

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

Welcome to our New Year issue. With a brand new year stretching in front of us there is so much to look forward to. Over the next year we will be covering a wide range of topics from parenting to starting your own business as well as featuring lots of delicious recipes from Annabel Karmel. I hope that you enjoy the magazine and gain inspiration and insight from it. I would love to hear your thoughts and any suggestions you may have so please email me at editor@familieseast.co.uk. We here at Families East London Magazine wish you a happy and fun-filled 2014. Until next time…

Sharon Editor

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.

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

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 1271 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

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business

Single parents get extra help to start their own businesses It’s widely acknowledged that raising a child alone is challenging. This makes the idea of starting a business daunting to many; however, through a dedicated business support programme delivered by East London Small Business Centre (ELSBC), two London mums explain their decision of starting-up and how the programme has helped them.

Delivered by ELSBC, a non-profit business support agency, and funded by DWP, the programme launched in March 2013. By providing free business training course, one-to-one business advice and access to business loans, the programme supports single parents with a child under 5 to pursue their dream of starting their own business. Since launching the programme, over 100 would-be entrepreneurs have taken part of the programme. Caroline Hannaway, a mother of one from Waltham Forest, was referred to the programme after mentioning her business idea to the jobcentre. ‘I am a single mum to a three year old girl, and having always worked, I found myself on Income Support after being made redundant. My dream was to be able to work and earn a good living, but with the flexibility that I could still do all the “Mum” things that I was frightened of missing – sports days, school trips, and simply being able to spend as much time with

my daughter as I could. I had mentioned to the Jobcentre that I was interested in starting my own business designing and making hair accessories – especially for babies, which remained secure in fine baby hair. I couldn’t find these kinds of products on the market, so I figured there was a gap in the market! All I had was an idea. I had tried time and time again to start a business plan, but all of the terminology and financial expectations were so daunting that I never seemed to get anywhere.’ Within a month of mentioning her idea, Caroline was allocated a dedicated business adviser at ELSBC to work with her in making her idea a viable business. ‘From that point, I had regular meetings with my adviser who helped me to develop my business plan and financial forecasts. I also attended a 4-day small business course which was absolutely invaluable to me. Over the four days I learnt more about starting my own business than I had in the previous six months of my own research. Everything was broken down and explained in a way that made me realise that my dream was actually achievable.’ Within three months of joining the programme Caroline had developed a viable business plan, but she still needed a start-up loan to make it into a reality. ‘I applied for a small business loan, and in November 2013 business Funky Bubbaloo was officially launched when my new website www.funkybubbaloo.com went live.’ Newham based Caroline De La Cruz, also joined the programme after deciding that she wanted to find work that could fit around her family life. Caroline explains: ‘With 6 months until I was due to come off Income Support, I realised how difficult finding

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a flexible job was going to be in the current climate, so decided I was going to work for myself.’ Caroline, who is a trained fine-artist, wanted to specialise in creating and selling bespoke art, but needed help in developing a viable business plan and funding to support her marketing and promotion ‘After an initial meeting, I was assigned my own business adviser who helped me write a business plan and financial forecast, with the view of applying for a loan from ELSBC. I was approved for funding in October and am currently working on my first order. The money has helped with my start-up costs but the one-to-one support I received has been immeasurable. It definitely made the experience of starting my business, Caroline Ramirez Bespoke Art, less daunting,’ said Caroline. While both entrepreneurs have started their businesses, they still have regular one-to-one meetings with their business adviser allowing them to discuss any issues they face as a new start-up.

My dream was to be able to work and earn a good living, but with the flexibility that I could still do all the ‘Mum’ things that I was frightened of missing. To find out if this programme can help you, contact: East London Small Business Centre W: www.smallbusinesscentre.org.uk E: parent@smallbusinesscentre.org.uk Tel: 020 7456 0430

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recipes

Annabel Karmel Getting the whole family eating the same meal at the same time can be a challenge to say the least, here are some of my favourite quick, healthy family meals that are easy to whip up and sure to mean empty plates and satisfied tummies at the end of the meal!

4 teaspoons of sweet chilli sauce 6 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Method

Chicken yakitori with noodles From Annabel’s App ‘Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding your Baby & Toddler’ available on iTunes Ingredients

3 tablespoons mirin 3 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon grated fresh root ginger 1 garlic clove, crushed 4 chicken thighs, filleted and cut into large chunks salt and pepper 3 tablespoons sunflower oil 125g (4½ oz) medium noodles 1 large courgette, cut into sticks 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 red onion, peeled and sliced 75g (3oz) chestnut mushrooms, sliced 75ml (2½ fl oz) chicken stock 4 teaspoons of soy sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/430°F/Gas 7. Put the mirin, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and garlic into a small pan. Bring to the boil and stir until reduced by a third. Leave to cool. 2. When cold, mix the marinade with the chicken and marinate for 30 minutes. Season and thread onto the skewers. 3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a frying pan, and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden. Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet, then cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through. 4. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions, and drain. 5. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan or wok. Fry all the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, then add the noodles, along with the stock, soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce. Season to taste and heat through. Serve with the kebabs. Preparation: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes for marinating Cooking: 20 minutes Makes 3 portions Not suitable for freezing

Salmon Fusilli From ‘Top 100 Pasta Dishes’ Ebury Press Ingredients

200g fusilli 2 tbsp light olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 100g orange pepper, cut into strips 100g broccoli florets 1 medium courgette, sliced and cut into semi-circles 250g salmon fillets 200ml fish stock 150g crème fraîche 200ml vegetable stock 150g tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and cut into chunks 75g Parmesan cheese, grated Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method

1. Cook the fusilli according to the instructions on the packet. 2. Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan and sauté the onion and garlic for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the orange pepper, broccoli and courgette and sauté for 6–7 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, cut the salmon into chunks, put in a saucepan, cover with fish stock and poach over a gentle heat for 3–4 minutes until cooked. Remove from the pan, strain and set aside. 4. Stir the crème fraîche and vegetable stock into the cooked vegetables and bring to a simmer. 5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and chunks of salmon and simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan and season to taste. 6. Toss the drained fusilli with the sauce, taking care not to break up the chunks of salmon. Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 25 minutes Makes 4 portions Not suitable for freezing

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recipes MONKEY MUSIC IS HERE – LOUD AND CLEAR!

Blackberry & Apple Crumble

Beef Stir Fry From ‘Complete Family Meal Planner’ Ebury Press

From Annabel’s App ‘Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding your Baby & Toddler’ available on iTunes

Ingredients

2 tbsp mirin (Japanese rice wine) 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp cornflour 2 tbsp sesame oil 2 tsp honey 200g sirloin steak, thinly sliced 5g small broccoli florets 75g baby corn, thinly sliced Half red pepper, cut into strips 1 pak choi, thinly sliced or 60g sugar snap peas Salt and pepper

175 plain flour generous pinch of salt 100g butter 75g demerara sugar 50g ground almonds 25g butter 350g apples, peeled, cored and chopped 350g pears, peeled, cored and chopped finely grated zest ½ lemon 50g caster sugar 200g blackberries Method

Method

1. Mix the mirin, soy sauce, water and cornflour together in a small bowl until smooth. 2. Heat a wok until hot. Coat the steak slices in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and the honey and season with salt and pepper. Quickly fry over a high heat until brown and just cooked. 3. Transfer to a plate. 4. Heat the remaining sesame oil in the pan. Add the broccoli and red pepper and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add the corn and sugar snap peas or pak choi and stir fry for another 2 minutes. 5. Add the sauce mixture and bubble. Season. Toss together until the sauce has coated the vegetables and beef. Preparation: 5 minutes Cooking: 8 minutes Makes 2 Portions

1. Mix the flour and salt together, and then rub the butter into the flour using your fingers until most of the butter has been absorbed. 2. Finally rub in the demerara sugar and ground almonds. 3. Melt the 25g butter in a saucepan, add the chopped apples and pears and cook gently until just beginning to soften. 4. Stir in the grated lemon zest, sugar and blackberries. 5. Transfer to an ovenproof dish (a round Pyrex dish with a diameter of 17cm and depth of 7 cm is ideal). 6. Sprinkle over the topping and bake in an oven pre-heated to 200°C for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Call to action!

Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 40 minutes Makes 6 portions Suitable for freezing

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families East! 6

Monkey Music, the award winning pre-school music group for children aged 3 months – 4 years across the UK, is now officially open in South Woodford and Woodford Green. Classes are held every Wednesday morning at South Woodford Library and Friday morning at All Saints’ Church, Woodford Green. Kate is delighted with the response so far. ‘Monkey Music was the first group of its kind when it first started in London in 1993’ said Kate. ‘It is wonderful to see how totally absorbed children become in Monkey Music and how quickly they pick up musical concepts. Call me to book a free trial session – you won’t be disappointed!’ To find out more, or to book your complimentary class, call Kate on 020 8989 7017. Or why not visit the interactive website at www.monkeymusic. co.uk to sample some of the delights of Monkey Music for yourself?

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Based on her delicious home-cooked recipes, you can now find even more varieties of Annabel Karmel’s chilled toddler meals at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado (rrp £2.75).

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Clubs & Classes Art & craft Sport Performing arts Workshops

don n o L t s Ea s and Club ses Clas

clubs and classes

Shouldn’t you be seen in the Number 1 magazine for families and young people in East London? Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in East London. This season 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

Drama on Tuesdays and Dance on Wednesdays. 8-13 years.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS The Arts Centre, Proud Archivist, 2-10 Hertford Road, N1 5ET. 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com New Clubs & Classes Parent Toddler classes, after school clubs and half term holiday courses. Creative activities, music and drama. 3-9 years unaccompanied.

PERFORM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Walthamstow, Wanstead and Woodford Green 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Wild West January-April Conquer the Wild West like a real cowboy or cowgirl through the magic of drama. Free trial session. 4-8 years.

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Drawing Workshops January 18-June 28 Develop drawing skills. Saturday workshops. 10-15 years. Cost £150 per term.

Performing arts GDND ACADEMY Harford Street, Multicentre, 115 Harford Street, E1 4FG (Limehouse station) 07904 424 504 gdnd.co.uk Classes Street dance 4-7 years. Street and break dance 8-12 years. Ballet starts in February-register online. Free taster classes on request.

GROW YOUR OWN THEATRE Various locations in Walthamstow, E17 07541 082552 gyot.org.uk Classes Creative, small and friendly drama classes. 3-19 years. HOXTON HALL 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH (Hoxton station) 020 7684 0060 hoxtonhall.co.uk Holiday Programmes February 17-21 Art activities culminating in a performance or exhibition to build skills and confidence. 8+ years. Get Creative Workshops Music on Mondays, Art and

THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design. In North London, Hackney, Bethnal Green and Docklands. 4-18 years.

YOUNG & TALENTED Oxford House, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG and Broadway Theatre, IG11 7LS 020 8556 5348 youngandtalented.co.uk Saturday Classes Weekly acting, singing and dancing classes with an end theatre production. 3-19 years.

LEE VALLEY ATHLETICS CENTRE Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 OAR 020 8344 7230 visitleevalley.org.uk

Survival Skills February 15 Learn great skills in gathering, cooking and building shelters. Children aged 8+ years and must be accompanied by an adult.

London Indoor Games January 25, 26, February 1, 2 Athletics competition for various age groups. Choose from a maximum of three events across field and track disciplines. Book online.

Theatre workshops

Star Track February 17-21 Holiday athletics course. Tuition in a range of skills-hurdles, high jumps, sprints and javelin.

LITTLE KICKERS Hackney, Wapping, Wanstead & Islington 020 8958 2808 littlekickers.co.uk Classes Fun football skills. 18 months-7 years.

WATERWORKS CENTRE & MIDDLESEX FILTER BEDS Lammas Road, Leyton, E10 7QB 020 8988 7566 visitleevalley.org.uk

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 queens-theatre.co.uk Baby Sensory Light shows, bubbles and musical fun. Birth to 13 months. Youth A range of drama classes for all ages. 5+ years.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com Classes and Courses East London’s communities can take

Sports & fitness BEALONIANS FC Ilford, Essex Bill-07958 636493 bealoniansfc.com Weekend Football Large club with age groups from U5 to Veterans. Excellent facilities, quality coaching and social activities. If you wish to join call the club for further information. KIDDIKICKS N8, NW1, NW8, N16 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk Football Training Fun football skills starting at age 18 months. Under 7 years.

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SOUTH WOODFORD, LOUGHTON AND BUCKHURST HILL E: southwoodford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8989 7017

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clubs and classes

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CBeebies actress Sam Seager (Bobby, Me Too!) and her team bring brand new fun, interactive drama sessions for under 5â€™s to North and East London. Book your free trial on

07548 196722

or email info@actingbugs.co.uk

www.actingbugs.co.uk part in a wide variety of courses and learning opportunities for all ages and abilities. Classes include dancing, singing, theatre and fitness. Check the website for up-to-date information.

MATHS DOCTOR 020 7193 1871 mathsdoctor.co.uk Tuition Maths tuition service with qualified tutors across the UK. Free assessments.

Learning & tuition

Toddlers & babies

EXPLORE LEARNING Hornchurch, Lakeside, Romford, Woodford Green explorelearning.co.uk

DIDDI DANCE Hackney diddidance.com Charlene 07892 711162. Dance Classes Rhythm and moves for pre-school children. 2-4 years.

Tuition Centres Maths and English. Open 7 days a week. All abilities. 5-14 years.

DISCOVER CHILDRENâ€™S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk Tots & Tales Until February 14 Friendly storytelling sessions with songs and rhymes. 0-3 years. Museum admission ÂŁ5/family ÂŁ18/ under 2s free.

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 months4 years.

RICH MIX 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Wiggly Jigglers January 13, February 10, 24 Creative movement sessions. 0-2 years. Pay on the day. Cost ÂŁ4.

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book corner

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my New Year book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores.

Room

Reading

Ed’s Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

5-7

For ages 5-7 years

My Hamster is a Spy

by Dave Lowe (Templar £5.99)

Ed Says: ‘When Ben Jinks’ house is burgled his super-brainy hamster decides they need to do some surveillance – or at least snooping, like in their favourite television programme Spy Gang. Ben soon finds that spying isn’t as cool as he first thought. But they think that Ben’s scary teacher meeting the school bully’s brothers may be a good lead and the unusual pair hatch a plan to catch the criminals. ‘Will Ben be able to explain that his hamster is a genius and is able to talk? This is a very funny story for boys and girls to enjoy reading on their own or reading together.’

Claude on the Slopes

by Alex T Smith (Hodder £7.99)

Ed Says: ‘Claude, the most charming dog you could ever meet, and his best friend Sir Bobblysock are amazed to see a blanket

of snow covering the street. They soon realise that they are going to have an exciting day with a snowball fight, sledging, building a snowman, skiing – oh… and causing an avalanche. ‘Curl up in the warmth and be amused by this super snowy story and laugh out loud at Claude’s latest hilarious adventure. This book with its fantastic illustrations is a delight from start to finish.’

For age 7 PLUS

Layla Queen of Hearts by Glenda Millard (Phoenix Yard Books £5.99)

Ed Says: ‘Griffin Silk’s best friend Layla is like a gift to the Silk family after Griffin’s little sister Tishkin went out of their lives – and Layla delights in the time she spends with them all. For Seniors’ Day at school, Griffin says Layla can share his grandmother Nell but, much as she adores Nell, Layla longs for someone special of her own to invite. This is when Miss Amelie comes into their lives and brings something unique to the children. ‘This is a wonderful tale about the power of friendship and a small but life changing miracle. The warmhearted story is accompanied by lovely thought-provoking illustrations.’

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Stay Where You Are and Then Leave

by John Boyne (Doubleday £10.99)

Ed Says: ‘The hard times and struggles of the First World War are seen through the eyes of young Alfie Summerfield whose father has gone to fight for his country. As time passes and with no more letters home, Alfie thinks his father must be on a secret mission. He by chance gets a lead as to where he might be and, troubled and bewildered, he is determined to find out what has happened to his father. ‘This moving story is brilliantly written and will be appreciated not only by older children but also by adults. It is sure to linger in your heart and mind particularly as WW1 is commemorated this year.’

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Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

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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

places to go cinema • museums • exhibitions

Places To Go

Your guide to East London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great seasonal guide of all the very best places for you to visit. 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, EC2Y 8AE ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film Frozen 2D (PG) January 18 Box of Delights (U) January 25 Film club extra with interactive workshops. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 2D (U) February 1 Cinderella (U) February 8 A Slapstick Selection (PG) February 22 Slapstick comedy with live musical accompaniment. Cost £2. Parent and Baby Screenings Screenings for parents to bring along children 12 months and under. Hitchcock’s East End February 28, March 1, 2 The Birds and The Lady Vanishes screened at the Vestry House Museum in partnership with

Create London and The Barbican. Suitable for older children and adults. Cost £8.50/Waltham Forest residents discount.

BROADWAY CINEMA Broadway, Barking, IG11 7LS ( Barking) 020 8507 5607 thebroadwaybarking.com Hugo (U) January 26 Despicable Me (U) Despicable Me 2 (U) February 18 Hotel Transylvania (U) March 9 RICH MIX CINEMA & ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Kids’ Cine Time Special screenings suitable for children, shown on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Once a month an autism-friendly Kid’s Cine Time is screened. Cost £1.75.

STRATFORD EAST PICTURE HOUSE Salway Road, E15 1BX (Stratford station) picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Stratford Kids’ Club Family friendly matinees with fun activities every Saturday. Club members £1/annual membership £4/non-members £3. Toddler Time Introduce young children to the big screen with half hour screenings. Cost £3 for child and accompanying adult.

Vikings: life and legend March 6-June 22 Viking Age artefacts. Adults £16.50. Activity Workshops January 18, 19, 26, February 1, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 Digital workshops. 7+ years. Free. Ganesha and other Elephants February 17-21 Family activities with story telling and art activities based on elephants including Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Drop-in. Free.

Autism-Friendly Regular screenings for those with autism. Low lights are left on in the auditorium and the volume of the soundtrack is reduced. Cost £3.

DESIGN MUSEUM 28 Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD ( London Bridge) 020 7403 6933 designmuseum.org

Museums & Exhibitions

Drop-in and Design January 26, February 23 Design activities for families. Under 12s free.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org

Get into Bike Design February 17-19 Use different design techniques. Booking required. 12-16 years. Cost £125.

Family Highlights: January-February Sun 19 Jan: Numbi Workshop 11am-3pm / £10, £5 concs, £10 for family of 4 Learn to play the traditional djembe drum. Ages 8+ Sun 19 Jan & 16 Feb: Mwalimu Express 2pm-5pm / FREE Family-friendly pan-African art, music and market Sat 1 Feb: Chinese New Year Celebrations Various times - check online / FREE Performance, food and creative workshops from Tower Hamlets Chinese Association 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

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35-47 Bethnal Green Rd London E1 6LA 2 mins walk from Shoreditch High Street (Overground) Box Office: 020 7613 7498

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museums • exhibitions places to go DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk Admission £5/family £18/under 2s free. Book an event in advance. Bookings not taken on the day of the event. Secret Agents Academy for Spies February 15 onwards Interactive family exhibition. Master surveillance techniques, unlock codes, dodge laser beams and learn to make yourself invisible. Special skills needed to stop the evil Dr. Iscove. Call to book a space. 7+ years. The Tiger Who Came to Tea January 18, 19 The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. A big furry, stripy tiger joins them. 3+ years. Beauty and the Beast January 25 Book signing event with live illustration and storytelling. Meet illustrator Sarah Gibb of The Tiara Club series. 5+ years. The Worst Princess January 25, 26 Princess Sue is the worst princess ever. 3+ years. Tots and Tales Until February 14 Baby and toddler friendly storytelling sessions with songs and rhymes. 0-3 years. National Story Telling Week February 1, 2 Help make up a story and draw favourite moments on a story board. Troll Swap February 8, 9 A troll and a girl swap places. 3+ years. Top Secret Saturday February 15 Free day to launch the Secret Agent exhibition. Ruby Redfort with Lauren Child February 15 Author event and book signing. London Children’s Book Swap February 15 London wide event to swap an old book for a new story. Free activities and events. Secret Agents February 17-21 Half term events at the interactive family exhibition. Treasure hunts and adventures from Story Builders, and stay and play before and after the event. 7+ years. The Big Write-Words Remixed March 6-16

Writing and words festival with authors, illustrators, visual artists and pop stars. Call to book a day ticket in advance. Bookings not taken on the day. Cost £7/£6.50/family £24.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM St Thomas’s Hospital, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7EW ( Waterloo) 020 7620 0374 florence-nightingale.co.uk Family Trail Explore each area of the museum with family activities and loaned art materials. Family trails 50p. Admission £5.80/£4.80/family (2 + 5) £16.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Amazing Animals February 18-21 Use various materials in fun craft activities with animal patterns, painting, pet ornaments from clay and animal puppets. 5-16 years. Free. Under 5s Craft and story telling sessions. 2-5 years. Free. Historic Almshouse Visit the restored almshouse on selected dates. Limited places. Cost £2.50/children free. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk Weekend & School Holiday Events Pick up a coin bag and choose from a range of activities. Free entry for children under 16 years. Adult admission £15 for unlimited entry for a year.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Under 5s Storytime January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, March 6, 13 Stories with puppets and music. Booking may be required.

Ssshhh… Family interactive exhibition

Secret Agents. Opens 15 February, Free DAy For children aged 6+ Master surveillance techniques, unlock codes, dodge laser beams, learn how to make yourself invisible and all the expertise necessary to complete an important mission. Book a space now at our spy academy.

020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk

383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ Become a Time Traveller February 20 Fun drama session for toddlers. Tickets allocated on the day.

Open Studios Weekends and on Thursdays and Fridays during school holidays. Dropin creative activities. All ages. Free.

REDBRIDGE MUSEUM Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1EA 020 8708 2317 redbridge.gov.uk/museum

VALENCE HOUSE MUSEUM Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT ( Becontree) 020 8227 2034 lbbd.gov.uk/museum Gallery Tour February 1 Guided tour and stories of the objects on display. Free.

A History of Redbridge in Maps Until March 1 Local history shown in a range of maps. Free entry.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF (DLR Cutty Sark) 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk Chinese New Year February 15 Workshops, performances and traditional lion dance. Free.

Little Mudlarks Toddlers/Babies Group January 20, 27,

From China to Britain February 17-21 Chinese New Year celebrations to discover how the history of trade with China brought ideas, culture and people across the seas.

Build a Time Machine February 15, 20 Time machines and travelling tales during Half Term holidays. Create hand-held devices. Free. 3-11 years.

TATE MODERN Bankside, SE1 9TG ( 020 7887 8888 tate.org.uk/modern

Southwark)

VESTRY HOUSE MUSEUM Vestry Road, E17 9NH 020 8496 4391 ( Walthamstow Central) walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house In the Pink for Valentine’s Day February 9 Make card and keepsakes for loved ones. Free drop-in event. Toys: a serious business Until February 23 Family friendly exhibition showing a collection of toys and games and information on local toy factories and the people who worked there. Free entry. Hitchcock’s East End February 28-March 3 A series of events and films to explore the place of Hitchcock’s childhood presented by Create London and the Barbican.

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

places to go museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts thebroadwaybarking.com Andy and Mike’s Tick-Tock Time Machine February 19 Andy and Mike go on an adventure. 3+ years. Cost £12/£10. Just So Stories February 27 Four of Rudyard Kipling’s best-loved tales. 3-7 years. Cost £7/£5.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk H.M.S. Pinafore February 14-23 Gilbert & Sullivan opera. Cost £10-£32. The Magic Flute March 7, 8 First time opera experience with music and spectacular costumes. 10+ years. Peppa Pig’s Big Splash March 15-16 Peppa Pig and friends on stage in a musical adventure. Cost £10-£20.

‘Hannah’ at the Unicorn Theatre

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Afro Supa Hero Until February 9 Pop cultural heroes and heroines and a display of games and comics. Free. War Games Until March 9 Interactive exhibition with war games, toys, books and comics. Free. National Storytelling Week February 8 Story telling and activities. 3-8 years. London Children’s Bookswap February 15 Bring a book to swap. Books suitable for 0-14 years. It Came from Outer Space February 17-21 Science fiction stories, games and art activities. Drop-in. All ages. Free. Play in a Day February 17-21 Write, rehearse and perform a play based on the life of a soldier to mark the anniversary of the First World War. Cost £25 per day. 7-12 years.

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP (Walthamstow Central station) 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk Family Portraits January 25 Painting portraits with unusual materials. Drop-in family activities Free.

A Gift of Love February 13 Valentine’s Day activities. Booking required. Under 5 years. Free. Arabian Nights February 22 Make and take family activities. Drop-in. Free.

Theatre shows & concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk A Midsummer Night’s Dream February 6-15 Bristol Old Vic and Handspring Puppet Company production from the creative team behind War Horse. 12+ years. Cost £16-£35. Arabian Nights-The Ultimate Storyteller February 16 Family concert with the London Symphony Orchestra with preconcert workshops for ticket holders and free foyer activities. 7-12 years. Cost £10/£5. Barbican Weekender March 1-2 Discovery weekend with printing workshops, mixing music, dance and fashion. Free. BROADWAY THEATRE Broadway, Barking, IG11 7LS ( Barking) 020 8507 5607

www.familieseast.co.uk

HALFMOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse Station) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Oshima & the Big Sea January 18 Oshima goes fishing in his little tug boat. 4+ years. Cost £6. Circles in the Sand January 25 Explore sand with buckets and castle building. Play in the sand after the show. Under 3 years. Cost £6. Big Red Bath February 1-8 Bath time giggles and adventure. 2-5 years. Cost £6. M for Medea February 13 Love, jealousy and revenge-a modern story of betrayal. 13+ years. Cost £6. Jack and the Beanstalk February 15 Classic fairy tale with lots of surprises. 3+ years. Cost £6. Nice February 22 One minute Lucy is in a toy shop, the next she is being chased by a giant chicken! Puppets, live animation and music. 4+ years. Cost £6. Misunderstood Monsters March 1 Monster catcher and his sidekick Squeezy, are on a dangerous mission. 4-9 years. Cost £6.

navigate the colour spectrum with stories. 7-11 years. Cost £6. Sleeping Beauty in the Woods March 15 Palaces, fairies and beautiful puppets. 3+ years.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com Blaze February 18-March 8 Street dance featuring music by popular artists. Cost £12, £20, £30, £38/ under 16s half price. Shadowland March 11-30 Shadow theatre, dance and circus. 8+ years. Cost £15, £26, £32, £40.

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 queens-theatre.co.uk The Honk Project presents Rag & Bone February 1 Family friendly show with Mr Rags and his eccentric puppet pony Bonesy. 4-10 years. Cost £5. Postman Pat Live February 17 It’s the day of the Great Greendale Talent Show and Postman Pat has a new karaoke machine to deliver to the show. But the machine breaks down and it looks like the show might be in jeopardy. Can Pat save the day? Songs, laughs and audience participation. 3-6 years. £12.50/£10.50/family £42.

SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk Imagine Festival February 10-23 A festival of children’s literature with dance, theatre and art activities and two special dressing up days. Free and ticketed events. FUNHarmonics February 16 London Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Roald Dahl’s The Porcupine with brand new music. Cost £5-£18.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com

Colour March 5-8, 10, 11 ‘Tickled pink’ or ‘feeling blue’ –

Theatre Shows A full programme of family shows and events. Check the website for further details.

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theatres • concerts • special events places to go February 15 Bring a book to swap. Register via email.

Southbank centre southbankcentre.co.uk February 15 Drop-in literary event with a giant bookswap with Discover Children’s Story Centre and other arts and literature organisations across London. Bring along old books to swap. Free event. NATIONAL STORY TELLING WEEK February 1-8

Chinese New Year in Soho

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com The Pardoner’s Tale January 16-31 Chaucer’s tale with music, songs and sound effects. 7+ years. Cost £16/£10. Grandpa’s Railway January 28-February 9 An exciting journey with Grandpa and his working model railway, with music and surprises. 5+ years. Cost £16/£10. Hannah February 8-March 9 Based on Marlowe’s Dr Faustus, Hannah questions right and wrong, the lure of power, appearance and reality. 11+ years. Cost £16/£10. Not Now, Bernard February 15-March 9 Bernard tries to make friends with a monster. 2+ years. Cost £16/£10. Wanted: Rabbit February 18-23 Three police officers hunt a rabbit on the run. 4+ years. Cost £16/£10. Backstage Tours January 18, February 15 See parts of the theatre not seen on stage. Booking required. 7+ years. Cost £3.

Special Events CHINESE NEW YEAR chinatownlondon.org london.gov.uk The Year of the Horse February 2 Welcome in the Year of the Horse with free outdoor events in and around Chinatown. Watch stage shows, acrobatics, martial arts, parades and Chinese dances. Celebrations also take place in Trafalgar Square.

EASTBURY MANOR HOUSE Eastbury Square, Barking IG11 9SN

( Upney) 020 8227 5216 lbbd.gov.uk/eastbury Ship Ahoy! Pirate Day March 1 Dress up as a pirate, find treasure and take part in craft activities. Pirate Day parade at 3pm. Cost £2.50 per child. History in the Baking March 8 Food sampling afternoons with flavours from the past.

EXCEL LONDON (Custom House DLR) E16 1XL 020 7069 5000 excel-london.co.uk thebabyshow.co.uk/excel/ The Baby Show February 21-23 Pregnancy and parenting event with advice and information. KINGS PLACE 90 York Way, N1 9AG ( Kings Cross) 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk Aurora Family Concert February 15 Interact with music. Separate sessions for 0-5 years and 6+ years. Cost £6.50/£4.50/family £16.50/£19.50.

Take part in story telling sessions and events across the community.

OWLS PLAY CENTRE Fairlop Waters, Forest Road, Barkingside, 1G6 3HN ( Fairlop) redbridge.gov.uk owlsplaycentre.co.uk Indoor Play Area New indoor play centre for children 6 months to 12 years. Separate soft play area for babies and toddlers. Cost £1.50 for children 6mths-1 year, £4 for toddlers 1-3 years and £6 for 4-12 years. Adults £1 and babies under 6mths free. RICH MIX CINEMA & ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Mwalimu Express January 19, February 16 Live artist and films from an African country. Family friendly. Free. Chinese New Year Celebrations 2014 February 1 Performances, food, charity stalls and workshops. Free. Discover Limehouse China Town February 1

Find out what life was like in London’s first Chinatown. Family friendly event with timed tickets and entrance. Booking required. Free.

TOWER OF LONDON EC3N 4AB ( Tower Hill) 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk Coins and Kings Permanent exhibition exploring the story of the Mint when it was based at the Tower and how coins changed history. Entrance £19.50/£9.75/£52.

VALENTINES MANSION & GARDENS Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA ( Gants Hill) 020 8708 8100 valentinesmansion.com (closed in January) Open Studios February 16 Drop-in event with special demonstrations from local artists. Free entry. Wonderful Windows February 18 Learn about stained glass windows and make one to take home. Booking essential. 5+ years. Cost £3.50. Captivating Calligraphy February 18 Learn about the art of writing using a feather pen and ink. 5+ years. Booking essential. Cost £3.50. Fan and Mask Making February 18 Use different craft materials. Booking essential. All ages. Cost £3.50. Loving Origami February 19 Make an origami animal and take part in an origami hunt for birds. Booking essential. 4-8 years. Cost £3.50. Farmers Market February 23 Local produce.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF visitleevalleypark.org.uk Opening Weekend at the Farms February 15, 16 Opening weekend with special activities and handling sessions including getting up close and personal with the animals. Entry charges apply. LONDON CHILDREN’S BOOKSWAP Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Webber Street, SE1 8QW clpe.org.uk

‘Wanted: Rabbit’ at the Unicorn Theatre

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

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The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 years The North London branch of the Saturday Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is currently taking applications for the next term and its forthcoming Taster Days.

SA TO VE 45 UP %

The school originally opened in Hackney in 2001 and now has over 250 students aged 7-18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre. Examples include Charlie Jones and Belinda Owusu, who played Ben Mitchell and Libby Fox in EastEnders and Tahj Miles who currently plays Simba in the West End’s The Lion King. As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for

all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow. Every week students follow a timetable of drama/film, dance and singing under the guidance of top industry professionals. As well as weekly classes, students are given the opportunity to take part in Voice Idol, Drama and Stars in their Eyes competitions, culminating in a yearly Oscar Night. The school has recruited some excellent teaching staff including: Mike Burnside (actor in The Bill, Bergerac, the RSC), Mark Short (choreograhper to Tina Turner, Peter Andre, Liberty X), Michael Buffong (director of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street), Jacob Murray (former associate artisitc director of the Royal

Exchange Manchester and teacher for National Theatre’s educational Department) and Jay Henry (X-Factor coach and voice coach having worked with Craig David, Mariah Carey and George Michael to name but a few). Celebrities such as Joseph Marcell (Jeffery in Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Dani Harmer (Tracey Beaker), have also been amongst special guests to give master classes at this prestigious school. Students get to work with a variety of casting directors, producers and TV directors. They also get the opportunity to be considered for the agency to audition for professional work.

Lamda Qualifications in Drama which carry UCAS points also available.

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403

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

Experience

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21-23 February 2014 I ExCeL London

Experience the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event; an essential part of the journey into parenthood for over 10 years.

Your Baby Show ticket includes entry to…

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Book now at thebabyshow.co.uk Tickets from £10.95*, when quoting ‘FAM01’

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Standard ticket price of £20. Discounted tickets may be limited in number. To book by phone call 0871 231 0844. Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Advance Booking Office closes 20/02/2014. £2 fee applies per booking. Thanks to photography from Fisher Price.

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