ISSUE NO. 151
®
familiesse.co.uk
south east london
The Pointer School (Blackheath)
A Prep, Pre-Prep & Nursery School for boys & girls between the ages of 3 and 11 • First Class examination results • Organic food • Breakfast club and after school care (8am-6pm) • Christian Evangelical in ethos • Numerous extra-curricular clubs (36 in total, from fencing to horse riding)
• Large variety of outdoor and PE activities • ‘The Brazilian Kickers’ teach football the Brazilian way • Holiday club (Christmas, Easter and Summer and Half-Term)
OFSTED: “OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS“ Telephone: 020 8293 1331
See OFSTED reports on our website
Email: secretary@pointers-school.co.uk
www.pointers-school.co.uk
Founded by Muriel & Della Pointer in 1951
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ESTABLISHED 1996
FR
SUMMER 2013
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2
families south east - july / august 2013
familiesse.co.uk
ONCE THE CHILDREN have kicked their schoolshoes under the bed for six weeks they won’t fit come September, I’ll bet but hey - we’re ready for some lazy-day fun. The long school holidays - don’t you just love ‘em? It’s a resounding “yes” from the little ones, and a mixed bag from the grown ups who dread the inevitable “I’m bored”. But this is London - the finest playground in the country, filled with holiday workshops and daycamps and parks and back gardens and festivals and free museums to explore. There’ll barely be time to draw breath before it’s time to play hunt the schoolshoes again. We’ll be back in September with our next issue but in the meantime, check out our website, Facebook page and Twitter feeds for more news, features and What’s On listing updates through the summer (contacts on the back page). Enjoy the break! Robina Cowan, editor
IN THIS ISSUE 3-5 News and Views An amazing arts festival, Easy2Name labels to be won, winning schoolchildren and first aid for life
6 Book Review Page Justine Crow’s guide to enjoying the summer hols with a whole lot of books
7 Education News The importance of a good night’s sleep, organic schoolwear and authors in the classroom
8-9 Summer is a Great Time To... Make friends with mud in the great outdoors, see a show and take the Reading Challenge
News&Views email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk
Lucy Sparkles in Dulwich Join Lucy Sparkles for free taster classes this summer. On 30 August the pre-school drama, music and dance specialists will be at All Fired Up Cafe in East Dulwich with a Kod·ly based taster music class for 0-4 year-olds at 10am, and a dance class for 21⁄2 - 4 year-olds at 10:35am. Classes will continue every week throughout the Autumn school term. To book, call Lucy on 07903 913429, email info@lucysparkles.com and see www.lucysparkles.com for more information.
WIN an Easy2Name school set Before your children start nursery or school, or return for the new term, it’s well worth naming all their belongings so they find their way back when the get lost (they will). We have five Easy2Name ‘Off to School’ sets to give away. Each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag. To enter, simply email info@familiesse.co.uk with ‘Easy2Name prize’ in the subject line, by the closing date Friday 16 August. Please state clearly the name of your child, whether you would like the shoe bag in red, lilac or blue, and don’t forget your address! The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com.
10-11 Summer Holiday Workshops Sports, daycamps, theatre arts and more - supervised activities for the school holidays
12-17 What’s On Families’ whopping six page guide to summer events, festivals, shows and family workshops
18-19 Summer Survival Guide Expert tips for school-free days, and parents’ tips for your summer travels
20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier
Home from home Ronald McDonald House Camberwell has launched a home and garden campaign and is asking for local businesses and members of the community to get involved. The House, which provides free accommodation for families with children receiving treatment at King’s College Hospital, is raising money for new equipment at its Camberwell House with the aim to make the House feel more like ‘a home away from home’. Money raised from the campaign will help spruce up the Camberwell House up following its recent move to Windsor Walk in October 2012. To help complete this, the project has a fundraising goal of £5,000. The money raised will help renovate the House and develop the garden to include an outside children’s play area, new plants and a herb and flower garden. This is ahead of a special celebration on Tuesday 16 July. As well as giving money, members of the public can help by donating items that will brighten the place up and make it more homely, such as plants, paintings, soft furnishings and children’s toys and board games. There is an Amazon wish list for members of the public to see what is needed. For more information, see www.rmhc.org.uk/Camberwell.
Front cover: Our cover boy is ready for a summer
rainstorm in his Splats footwear, £38 from www.thesplats.com, 0790 171 8701 Next Issue out: 6 September, deadline 16 August Families South East - 020 8699 7240 www.familiesse.co.uk editor@familiesse.co.uk
© Families South East. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.
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july / august 2013 - families south east
3
Sydenham Arts Festival
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An amazing summer Arts Festival is now taking place in and around Sydenham, with events for all ages. For full information and bookings, go to www.sydenhamartsfestival.co.uk or pick up a programme from local independent shops. Here are some family-friendly highlights as a taster: • Doorstep Discoveries, until 14 July. Take a picture from outside your door and submit the best for exhibition on the festival website • Space Adventures, 3 July. A family concert bringing together fifty of London’s top orchestral players in a performance of music from Star Wars, The Planets, ET and a Space Odyssey and more, to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer charity • Special Guest Storytime each Saturday at Kirkdale Books, with Sheena Dempsy, and
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Alexis Deacon in the line-up Street Celebration, 6 July. Live music, dance and street performance in the high street Anansi and his Web of Stories, 6 July. An energetic and colourful storytelling performance of traditional tales from the Ashanti people of Ghana The Remarkable Race of 1913, 7 July. A theatrical extravaganza from Spontaneous Productions which will transform Mayow Park into a racetrack peopled by a weird and wonderful collection of contestants Breathing Space, 11 July. A wild story trail through Albion Millenium Green with London Bubble Theatre and children from Holy Trinity CofE Primary school Habitat Land Art, 13 July. Join Froglife and help create a landscape sculpture for creatures to live in
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A Baroque Bestiary, 13 July. An innovative way to introduce young listeners to Baroque music; Baroque Ensemble Lux will mimic the sounds of frogs, hens, nightingales, cuckoos, cats and more with their early music instruments.
Lewisham pupils picked as winners Pupils from Trinity School in Lewisham have seen off competition from over 100 secondary schools to be named winners in ‘Design Ventura’ - a partnership of the Design Museum and Deutsche Bank. Now entering its fourth year, Design Ventura sees 13-16 year-old schoolchildren pitch their designs to a panel of industry professionals and experts for the chance to create a product. In May 2013, Design Ventura was awarded The Educational Initiative prize by the Museums & Heritage Awards. The Trinity pupils’ winning Pic-Pins were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including fashion designer Anya Hindmarch and product designer Sebastian Conran. Each set of Pic-Pins contains three badges featuring a section of a famous London landmark: BT Tower, Big Ben, Nelson's Column, and The Shard which can be interchanged in the style of the classic game Consequences. They are now on sale exclusively in the Design Museum shop, priced £4 a pack or two packs for £6. All profits will be donated to The Architectural Heritage Fund and CATS Foundation: Cure and Action for Tay Sachs, the winners’ charities of choice. Read more at www.db.com/borntobe.
AGES 3 - 6 YEARS
We’re Going On A
Bear Hunt
ROOM ON A B BROOM AGES 3 - 6 YEARS
FILM SCHOOL AGES 7 18 YEARS
FOREST HILL 4
S L O O H C S CAMP
To book your child’s place and for more information please contact us
TEL: 0208 244 4873
www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk
EAST DULWICH
families south east - july / august 2013
WEST DULWICH
ROCK
AGES 7 - 14 YEARS
CRYSTAL PALACE
SYDENHAM
familiesse.co.uk
No more nappies
A brush with flair
This July sees the start of Potty Training Live, a programme of support to help get you and your little one through the challenge of potty training. Register at PottyTrainingLive.com for six weeks of free support that will guide you through the key stages of potty training, from changing nappies and learning the ‘bathroom routine’ through to dry days. Also, join parents and toddlers across the country to take part in Take Your Nappy Off Week from 15 July, www.potttytraininglive.com.
These are jolly, aren’t they! South Londoners Alexandra Rock and Jackie Ruddle have created Rock & Ruddle “a company that loves design,” and launched a range of 11 classy hairbrushes. The brushes are made in the traditional style with tufts of boar bristle embedded in a rubber pad. This natural bristle distributes the hair’s oil down each shaft giving the hair extra shine. Each tuft also includes one nylon strand to gently separate, detangle and smoothes the hair. It is perfect for brushing, blow drying and shaping all hair types and lengths. For their first collection Alexandra and Jackie worked with illustrator Clare Mackie to develop patterns and pictures to suit all tastes. Some are intricately detailed and reflect Clare’s passion for the natural world and others provide a twist of humour and charisma. Perfect for stylish girls of all ages, prices start at £20 from www.rockandruddle.co.uk.
Best business award
Call the midwife
Congratulations to south London business First Aid for Life, which has been chosen as a finalist in the South London Business Awards for Best Customer Service. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for when the winner is announced at an awards ceremony this July. First Aid for Life was established in 2006 by Emma Hammett, prompted by frustration at the lack of good quality courses taught by experienced and suitably qualified trainers. As a qualified Nurse, First Aid Trainer and mother, Emma knows how important it is to have hands on practice and really understand what needs to happen in those first vital minutes of an emergency situation. First Aid for Life offers practical first aid training, providing parents and carers with the skills and confidence to know what to do in an emergency. For forthcoming courses, see www.firstaidforlife.org.uk.
Are you expecting a baby and want a midwife you know and trust? Neighbourhood Midwives has just opened in south London and offers care alongside existing services to relieve pressure on a system stretched by an increasing birth rate. Packages include six weeks’ extended postnatal support from your own dedicated midwife, with appointments arranged at a time and place convenient to you and 24/7 telephone access to advice. All midwives are fully insured and registered with the CQC. For an free initial consultation, call 020 8874 6624. Find out more at www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk.
Summer fun! 22 July – 30 August 10:00am – 4:30pm
World of Treasure Discover the Museum’s treasures by answering clues and following the trail. Some clues are easy but others will challenge even the more experienced treasure hunters. Make a treasure-chest-shaped money box to take home. There’s a chocolate coin for every child and prizes to be won.
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 familiesse.co.uk
july / august 2013 - families south east
5
The Bookseller Crow
is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business. Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles. We are dressed in our finest to celebrate my dad's seventy-fifth birthday along with a veritable roost of blood-related old codgers, assorted ageing rugby players, secretaries and drinking buddies (many rolled into one), and even one or two small children. As part of the event (for that is what it has become), a slideshow has been prepared that will, I am certain, foment some interesting queries amidst the champagne and zimmer frames, such as who is that twit in the back row second from left and who on earth allowed him to get that Peter Frampton curly perm, circa 1975? Was the hairdresser vindictive? Was my mother out of her mind? Why did she let him back into the house? NO! by Tracey Corderoy & Tim Warnes - Little Tiger Press rrp £5.99. Exactly what my kids said when they saw those photos of my dad's fashion-statement barnet. But it is a word that generally drives me nuts, especially when out of the mouths of babes. I got so fed up with my nephew Dinky Bill saying no that I banned it in my presence and insisted he insert a type of fruit instead. He soon shut up. Meanwhile here, the cutest little rhino called Archie soon learns that ‘yes’ is the word that gets him what he wants. I’m looking forward to seeing Dinky at the party this weekend and hearing him holler “PINEAPPLE!” when I ask he if needs a tinkle in front of the guests. RICHARD SCARRY’S BIGGEST WORD BOOK EVER Harpercollins rrp £24.99. She may have had terrible taste in husbands but Lowly worm was my beloved late mum’s favourite Scarry creature and he gets star billing in this ingenious toddler primer with its fulsome approach to concepts. Re-issued to celebrate fifty years since publication (I know, that’s five-oh..), some things just refuse to get old. And that includes my own personal hero in his whappy little car, dear Mr Frumble. THE CROCODILE WHO DIDN’T LIKE WATER by Gemma Merino - Macmillan rrp £6.99. To be honest, had this book been produced without text, it wouldn’t have mattered because the superb illustrations tell the tale perfectly well. In fact, sticking out my long neck, I would go as far as to say the copy, as accommodating as it is, is indeed surfeit to requirement and if I was the publisher, apart from being a shedload richer than I am now, I would consider issuing an edition without words. It would enhance the poignancy in this tale of a reluctant reptile and the final, um, twist in the tail would be even funnier. THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers - Harpercollins rrp £12.99. Hilarious. Beige is tired of playing second fiddle to brown and blue needs a break from colouring in all that water. Beautifully rendered by the master of deftness. LITTLE EVIE IN THE WILD WOOD by Jackie Morris & Catherine Hyde - Frances Lincoln rrp £12.99. Not deft but deliciously deep, dark and dreamy. This is one of those picture books that is possibly too (another 'd') damn exquisite for mere children. With mystery and moonlight, preconceptions are challenged in this fairy tale set in amidst the trees - a top shelfer or in other words, one for keeps. While we are occupying a magical kingdom and the inversion of wisdom, Trasha is occupying a shopping centre overnight to get her copy of the children's novel by Glee actor Chris Colfer called LAND OF STORIES - THE WISHING SPELL, Little, Brown rrp £5.99, signed. Yeah, yeah. Call social services but I hardly think a teenager incarcerated in the sterile surroundings of Bluewater in order to meet an author of upended fables that contain no sex, stabbings or even references to Harry Styles, is on a downward slope. Some may even question her development. Personally, I blame the parents... THE ROYAL BABY by Tony Bradman & Tony Ross - Oxford rrp £6.99. As royal babymania sweeps the media (while the rest of us look on bemused at an industry gone gaga), this pair of stalwarts of the children’s book scene quietly combine their considerable talents in jolly conjecture - boy or girl? Tall or short? Hairy or fearless? United or City? (Okay, so I made up that last one but it’s highly likely to be one of the two, even if it is born in a castle miles from Manchester). I stopped
speculating on royal sprogging many years back after making very public my razor-sharp dream that Sarah Ferguson, then wife of the Duke of York (for those of you born in colour), would give birth to a boy named Christopher. After the happy event, I was the toast of the bookies up and down the Fulham Road for days. SHHH! DON’T WAKE THE ROYAL BABY by Martha Mumford, Bloomsbury rrp £6.99 is another picture book riding the royal bandwagon - er, golden carriage - as it predicts the scourge of all modern parenting: how to get the little blighter off to sleep. THE BELLY BOOK by Fran Manshkin & Dan Yaccarino Macmillan rrp £11.99. This brilliant celebration of all things midrifticular (I'm so glad I discovered that word) doesn’t just touch upon gestation. With its exuberant examination of belly buttons, belly button fluff, belly dancing, belly flops and belly rubs, this puts our clever tummies in the place they deserve, right up front. EXPECTING BETTER by Emily Oster - Orion £14.99. Billed as a “clarion call” to help parents make informed choices when it comes pregnancy and childbirth, the author seeks to navigate us through the thicket of medical and dietary myths that grow up around the expectant mum like a forest of thorns in an aforementioned fairytale. Ouch. A USER’S GUIDE TO NEGLECTFUL PARENTING by Guy Delisle - Drawn & Quarterly rrp £10.99. My dad was many things to me when I grew up - a pretend owner of a club foot in embarrassing situations that he would suddenly drag (as if the hairstyle wasn’t enough), a perennial Croydon schoolboy, my own Mr Frumble (okay so give Freud a ring), a true Captain Bodge for whom no single shelf ever installed by his own fair hand was actually level. But one thing he wasn’t EVER was a hands-on parent. He was (except on holidays when he entertained us by burning down a field next to the campsite whilst barbecuing our tea), never home in daylight on weekdays while his weekends were spent in pursuit of sport, pubs and tragic DIY. He would not recognise the seminal Delisle’s amused and self-deprecating sketches of interaction with his kids at places like the breakfast table because my dad was nowhere near that particular table. THE ARTIST’S WAY FOR PARENTS by Julia Cameron - Hay House rrp £14.99. And this would make no sense to him either. As a creative family, we were just given crayons and expected to produce a replica of the Sistine Chapel. But for everyone else, published mid-August, Cameron’s spiritual approach to keeping the inner life perky is “reinvented” here to help “strengthen the bond between parent and child.” In my dad’s case, bonding meant offering me a cheroot at fourteen and then patting his pockets and absently asking me if I had a light. THE FAMILY GUIDE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS by Charlie & Caroline Gladstone, with Kate Burt - Square Peg rrp £12.99. Now this book definitely belongs to the kind of dad I didn’t have: one who knows the names of clouds - altocumulus lenticularis, altostratus, pileus (I will be testing you later so do keep up) - and knots (bowline anyone?) and who could actually build a treehouse without it being lethal. Here too are tips on raft construction, campsite etiquette (don’t burn down the neighbouring farmer’s field), games, outdoor cooking and even a suitable soundtrack against which to go wild. Ah, but me dear ole dad could do that because the one thing he was always good at was music. How can it be that the man who took me to my first ever rock festival to see Bob Dylan at Blackbushe aerodrome, dressed in dungarees (him, not me) and headband (ditto), is now seventy-five of your earth years old? The world has gone mad.
The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 6
families south east - july / august 2013
familiesse.co.uk
education news
Poor quality sleep and academic success Not enough or poor quality sleep is a significant factor in lowering the achievement of school pupils. Recently published research by Boston College, USA, found that the school performance of 73% of 9 and 10 year-olds was adversely affected by insufficient sleep. K Bajwa is a Consultant Osteopath at SOS clinics UK, and children’s pillow specialists Beyond Bedtime. She says: “If kids are unable to concentrate they are unable to achieve at their optimal level. Sleep is a fundamental need for all children. In my clinics more parents have brought their children to me for treatment because their child will not sleep than all other conditions put together. Factors that can improve sleep include a good bedtime routine, no television, computers, electronic games or mobile phones near to bedtime. The correct bedroom temperature is also important. We all realise the importance of correctly sized shoes and clothing for our growing children but often overlook the fact that they need the correct
support for their head and neck when sleeping. Beyond Bedtime are pillow specialists who sell fine 100% cotton machine-washable pillows with hypoallergenic fill just for children. Lack of sleep can often be the factor between a high performing child and an average one. Sleeping on the right height kids’ pillow can help kids to sleep better.” Find one at www.beyondbedtime.co.uk.
Green school uniforms Former southeast London mothers Marina and Irena are challenging the belief that school uniform should, and can only be made from cheap polycotton, polyester or acrylic. Their company, Ecooutfitters offers parents a choice of eco-friendly and ethically produced, 100% pure organic cotton polo shirts, trousers, skirts, pinafores, sweatshirts, cardigans and fleeces. We approve! For information and orders, go to www.ecooutfitters.co.uk.
Storytellers in schools The Literacy Trust has launched a new service to help schools find and book fantastic storytellers, authors, performers, poets, illustrators and musicians. There’s a full list of available visitors, plus an interactive map to who is working in each area. The Trust website is also a brilliant resource for parents, with communication skills milestones, activities to try at home, author interviews and more. See www.literacytrust.org.uk.
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ed ter our s i y g ! Re use hers d ste an uc Of you c re Vo s o ildca Ch july / august 2013 - families south east
7
Summer
is a great time to do more
Go wild in the ‘country’
Day after day of no school, no homework, no following someone else’s timetable - bliss! If you hear the faintest murmur of “there’s nothing to doooo” - oh yes there is!
With unique access to Deptford Creek which is teeming with crabs, eels, shrimp and fish, a room full of waders and all the equipment, staff and space you need, the Creekside Discovery Centre is bringing back summer holidays as they used to be. This summer they are running a series of events called ‘Wild Wednesdays’, where families can play outdoors, build dens, cook over an open fire, go mudlarking, crab fishing and bug hunting. Most activities run from 11am-1pm and cost £5 per person or £15 for a family of 4. Children can be left under the care of Creekside Discovery Centre’s CRB checked staff but parents are very much encouraged to stay and join in the fun too. Most activities are aimed at 5-12 year olds. For the full programme and bookings, call 020 8692 9922, email info@creeksidecentre.org.uk or see www.creeksidecentre.org.uk.
outdoors
Celebrate London’s transport There’s fun to be had this summer as London Transport Museum invites families to join in their 150th anniversary celebrations in and around London. Visitors will have the chance to admire and ride on locomotives dating back to the Victorian times, including the recently restored Metropolitan Locomotive No 1, Jubilee Carriage No 353, and the 1890s Metropolitan Jubilee 353 coach. Smaller visitors can take part in family fun activities on the day.
indoors
8
families south east - july / august 2013
The 150th anniversary celebrations are sponsored by Cubic Transport Systems, Siemens and CBS Outdoor, while the Jubilee Carriage No 353 was restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and London Transport Museum Friends. Heritage vehicle outings will take place on 3, 4 and 7 August at London Transport Museum at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, and 31 August at London Transport Museum at Neasden Depot. The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout August at the Covent Garden Museum where accompanied children get in free. There will be steamy science demonstrations, story time sessions, make and takes and sing alongs on how the Underground tunnels were built. See our What’s On listings for more information, or for full details, call 020 7565 7298 or go to www.ltmuseum.co.uk.
Take the Reading Challenge Children’s reading can take a dip during the long summer holidays, so why not take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge? Children aged four to 11 are encouraged to read six books during the holiday, whether they are stories, fact, joke, picture or audio books - it doesn’t matter as long as they are borrowed from the library. Every time a child finished a book they get stickers and rewards, with a certificate and medal for everyone who finished. The theme for this year is Creepy House, illustrated by award-winnning Chris Ridde. Discover the secrets of Creepy House and meet some of the hair-raising residents in this spine-tingling adventure, which comes complete with a story writing competition, online games and lots of free quizzes, events and competitions taking part in libraries. The fun starts on 13 July. For more information, drop into your nearest library and visit www.creepy-house.org.uk.
Have an adventure There’s nothing quite like fresh air, exercise and family time, and you can’t beat the fun you can have in the Great Outdoors. However, sometimes convincing your children can be a bit of a struggle, so the National Trust have updated their list of 50 Things To Do Before You’re 113⁄4 to encourage youngsters to get mucky, discover their wild side and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Suggestions include camping out in the wild, building a den, star gazing, hunting for fossils, setting up a snail race, exploring a cave and much, much more. Check out the website, where you can interact with your very own virtual Outdoors Explorer - keep track of activities, earn rewards, get top tips for each adventure, unlock cool games, earn badges, collect certificates and discover some secret challenges, all at www.50things.org.uk.
Watch a giant movie British Airways is bringing back Silent Picturehouse - a unique cinematic experience in Southwark, showing travel inspired films on big screens with an innovative twist: viewers tune in from personal headsets, replicating the in-flight experience. During the day, Silent Picturehouse Kids will show a selection of Disney films for children across the five screens, including; Up, Cars 2, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Oz the Great and Powerful, The Muppets and a preview clip of the upcoming release of Planes. Tickets start from £7.50 and include entry to the screening rooms, plus food and drink. Book tickets at www.ba.com/silentpicturehouse.
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‘to do’ list Name your child’s ‘stuff’ The summer holidays offer a wonderful chance for children to kick off their shoes and enjoy carefree days - which is great until they mislay their shoes, outer layers, swimming goggles etc. Ann-Maree, founder of Labels4Kids (pictured), advises parents to label everything - “because kids lose stuff! Better still, label it twice - once inside a pocket or on the care label, and once on the collar so there is no doubt who things belong to.” Ann-Maree was recently invited to be a member of No10 Downing Street EU E-Commerce task force along with ASOS to give her advice on e-commerce. Labels4Kids’ own relauched website makes it easier for you to find your way to the right products. Choose from brilliant, named stick-on clothing labels, easy iron-on labels and woven iron-on labels, vinyl labels for hard surfaces and selection packs. READER OFFER: Families readers can save 10% when using the code ‘families’ at the checkout: www.labels4kids.com/fam.
Sort out the boring stuff We all mean to get round to it but rarely have the time. With the children off school, you can: • Take them to the dentist for a check up - did you know that increasing numbers of children are being taken into hospital to have rotten teeth removed? • Book a check up at the opticians - not just to see if eyesight is fine, but to check the health of their eyes too • Buy next year’s school shoes - but not too early on, as it’s surprising how much children’s feet grow during the summer when they’re running around barefoot • Have a big clear out of your child’s bedroom (with their help), and make a charity shop happy with a big donation of outgrown toys and clothes.
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Gymboree Herne Hill 020 8123 8423 hernehill@gymboree-uk.com
Open throughout the summer! Now offering flexible summer fun passes for all the family!
Sign up to Explore Learning Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to five to 14 year-olds of all abilities, and also run special courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open 7 days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, which fits easily into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has a learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. This combination of benefits has led to the company being named Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the prestigious Education Investor Awards for the past two years running. July is the most popular time of the year for families to join Explore Learning, as parents across the country look for an engaging way to keep their children’s brains active over the long summer break. Also, families joining in July will receive 25% off their first full month of tuition at participating centres, so now is a great time to join if you haven’t already. Explore Learning has centres across the UK, each offering a free trial so you can see how your family can benefit. To book your trial, call 020 7871 7110 for the New Cross Centre or 020 8659 6026 for the Sydenham centre, or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk.
Take in a West End show There’s no business like show business and the biggest deal of all for families is the much-loved Kids Week, up and running from 1-31 August with free theatre tickets and activities for families and children. For full event details and bookings, to go www.kidsweek.co.uk.
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july / august 2013 - families south east
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Artastic Holiday Art Club Easter Summer Christmas Half Term
Summer Workshops
Dulwich Beckenham Eltham JAPS
St Mary's St Olave's
07792549874 info@club-tastic.co.uk www.club-tastic.co.uk
YOUNG LEARN have fun! A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2½-8 yr olds. Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court. Aids agility, co-ordination and balance. A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun. For further details, ring Gordon on
07877 391005 gordon@tennis-4-kids.com www.tennis-4-kids.com
WANTED
ADEMY FREEDOM AC
Here are just some of the many workshops and playschemes booking now for the long school holidays. For even more, click What’s On on our website www.familiesse.co.uk. FREEDOM ACADEMY SUMMER SCHOOLS
“I AM THE STARLIGHT” WITH STAGECOACH
29 July - 23 August, SYDENHAM, FOREST HILL and EAST DULWICH, 020 8244 4873, www.freedomacademy.co.uk ROOM ON A BROOM. Join the witch as she flies through the skies meeting lots of new friends along the way, in an all singing, all dancing five-day adventure. Ages 3-6. WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT. Young explorers will be taken on a magical bear hunt full of sensory fun, songs and games over five days. Ages 3-6. CAMP ROCK. Get ready to sing and dance like never before with songs, scenes and routines in a rocking five day musical workshop. Ages 7-14. FILM SCHOOL. Professional actors and directors will teach children to write, direct and star in their own film, then shoot it on location. Five day workshop, ages 7-18.
5-9 August in Dulwich, 020 8949 4116, www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich Five fun-filled days of dance, drama and singing with a free presentation on the last day for family and friends to enjoy. The children meet for the first time on the Monday morning and are encouraged to make lots of new friends. They have a full schedule of rehearsals so that no one can get bored and by Friday its show time! This year’s participants will stage “I Am The Starlight!” Stagecoach Dulwich’s own version of the West End Hit “Starlight Express”. The final performance will take place in the Great Hall at Alleyns School, complete with costumes, professional lighting and sound equipment. It will be fast and furious but promises to be lots of fun! Ages 4-7 and 8-16 years. You do not have to be a regular Stagecoach student to attend and no previous experience is required.
ALADDIN WITH PERFORM
23-26 July in BLACKHEATH, 020 8417 0010, www.stagecoach.co.uk/blackheath Four fun-filed days of dance, drama and singing with a free presentation on the last day for family and friends to enjoy. Including a performance by a West End Star as an additional treat! No experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm. Ages 4-16, £140 per child, siblings £95.
MUSICAL MISHAP! WITH STAGECOACH 29 July - 2 August in BECKENHAM and DULWICH, 12 - 16 August in BLACKHEATH, 19 - 23 August in DULWICH, 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk This summer let your child join Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genie on a thrilling five day adventure based on the classic children’s story “Aladdin”. Together with a team of experienced theatre professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational dance and quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a mini performance on the final day. Exclusively for 4-8 year olds, Perform Summer Experiences are five day courses specially designed to encourage creativity, confidence and communication skills as well as being a kaleidoscope of fun. READER OFFER: Quote ‘Families Magazine’ when booking for a 10% discount.
THE FIRST EVER WHALE STORY WITH THEATREBUGS Cool kids who love to
ROCK!
Our fun & educational group keyboard lessons are a fantastic way to start making music Inspiring reception classes, 4-5 years Action-packed junior classes, 5-8 years SUMMER HOLIDAY COURSES BOOKING NOW!
www.funkymonkey.info 0800 107 7949 Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes... ‘bringing music to children’
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29 July - 2 August in EAST DULWICH and CLAPHAM. 5 - 9 August in HERNE HILL, BICKLEY and WEST WICKHAM. 0800 9755 290, enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk. 22-26 July in BLACKHEATH and GREENWICH, 19-12 August in BLACKHEATH and CHARLTON, 27-30 August in GREENWICH and LEE, 07531 804242, binaandpam@theatrebugs.co.uk, www.theatrebugs.co.uk Perry Pirate parks his pirate ship on top of the Sula Sea Fairy’s house - how very silly! Luckily the tiniest fish in the ocean, Kefraiyu uses all his energy to help out and with a little help from Crabby Crab they manage to push the boat away. To reward him for his bravery the Queen of the Sea turns this tiny fish into the first ever whale! But can she do it before Perry Pirate comes back? Theatrebugs’ summer workshop offers five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, dressing up and arts and crafts. On day five there’s a stage performance for family and friends. Ages 31⁄2 to 7 years, £120 per child includes a snack and drink. 10% sibling discount available.
INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING School holidays and termtime classes in SYDENHAM, 020 7515 1707, yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH WITH ACT DRAMA 29 July - 2 August in DULWICH, 07976 873 161, www.actdrama.co.uk Act Drama is excited to be expanding to the Dulwich area, bringing a brand new Summer Drama week for 5-15 year-olds. Be a part of their fantastic play James and the Giant Peach; wow your family and friends, laugh all week long and make new best friends! Rehearse and perform a play in a week with professional actors in high energy, fun and inspiring classes.
CREATIVE WRITING WITH INKHEAD July and August dates in HERNE HILL, LEE and BRIXTON, 07943 514408, www.inkhead.co.uk Inkhead’s three day creative writing courses start with an actor who helps create characters to ignite children’s imaginations and get them writing stories using the key ingredients - plot, description, character and dialogue. The story writing courses show how to plot stories, develop characters and decide where to start the story, and includes one to one feedback. Age ranges 7-14 years.
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YES, I can touch-type Touch-typing taught in just 10 hours ! School Summer Holiday Courses
EY FUNKY MONK
PERFORM
advanced skills. Small groups for ages 21⁄2 to 6 years indoors, and 6-8 years outdoors.
FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD FUN 22 July - 9 August in HERNE HILL, STREATHAM and DULWICH, 0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info Let Funky Monkey introduce your little one to reading, writing and playing music! The summer workshops are a chance to meet new friends, learn a new skill, expand their minds and start them on an amazing musical journey. Term class trials also booking. ONE HIT WONDERS are one day workshops for beginners to try out the keyboard and make music the Funky Monkey way, with keyboard games, quizzes, famous tunes and a workbook to take home at the end. 10am-2pm, ages 4-8, £30 per child includes all equipment and a mid morning snack, £25 for siblings. KEYBOARD SUPERSTARS. The Keyboard Superstar workshop is a brilliant all-round scheme and ‘taster’ workshop for 5-8 year olds. In five days, pupils learn to read, play and write notes C-A alongside learning keyboard technique and countless music-based activities including composition, artwork, singing and performance skills. The benefit of this relaxed, friendly course is your child can try making music for a week and, if they enjoy it, can take term classes. 10am12.30pm Monday to Friday, course price £119, £109 sibling discount.
LE CLUB FRANCAIS SUMMER CLUB 28 July - 2 August in DULWICH, 020 8699 7665, email severinecoupe@aol.com Indoor and outdoor games, cooking, arts and crafts, singing and drama - all in French! Ages 4-11, 10.30am1.30pm each day, competitive prices plus siblings discount.
ARTASTIC ART CLUB 10 July - 30 August in DULWICH and BECKENHAM, 07792549874, www.club-tastic.co.uk Jam-packed days with different art activities and fun party games. Ages 3-11, 9am-4pm each day, £32.50 per child.
TENNIS-4-KIDS 29 July - 15 August in EAST DULWICH and WEST DULWICH, 07877 391005, www.tennis-4-kids.com Rally round for a smashing time learning to play tennis with other children. Tennis-4-Kids run mini sessions giving children lots of fun learning basic to
SUPERCAMPS 22 July - 30 August, venues include BLACKHEATH, STREATHAM, PUTNEY, and CROYDON, 01235 832222, www.supercamps.co.uk Supercamps have 16 years’ experience in running action packed programmes of sports, arts and crafts for 4-14 year-olds. As well as multi activity days, there are RAW Adventure camps for 8-14 year-olds, and ‘passion for’ courses for 6-16 year-olds focusing on specific interests including stage, dance, food, invention and creativity. The programme is Ofsted registered and all staff are CRB cleared. You can book individual days or full weeks, take advantage of the free extended hours (8am-6pm) and pay with Childcare Vouchers. Single days £40, four days £128, five days £160, sibling discounts and extended hours available.
SE LONDON TENNIS CAMPS 23 July - 23 August, SYDENHAM LAWN TENNIS CLUB, Lawrie Park Road SE26 6ET, www.southeastlondontennis.com, email chris@southeastlondontennis.com Four day group activities with professional coaches in weekly blocks. Each session includes tennis coaching, games and other team events, with a mini tournament at the end of each week. Facilities are available for wet-weather activities if necessary. Beginners and improvers welcome. 9am-12noon for 7-10 year-olds, 1-4pm for 11-15 year-olds, £48 for all four days, one day £14. Book and pay online; or call Chris on 0773 993 6999 or Michael on 07956 995820.
Junior School to Sixth Form – touch-typing is a great skill to have
✔ Constant guidance: from experienced, enthusiastic and sympathetic tutors
✔ A unique program: developed by us and suitable for all learners
✔ Small groups: just four students to each tutor creates a pleasant, friendly atmosphere
✔ Flexibility for parents: you can plan the course over one week or spread it over the holiday.
‘Great teaching, wonderful encouragement, a warm, friendly atmosphere: the results in ten hours were amazing.’ mother of 13 year old To find out more call: 020 7515 1707
email: info@yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk or call Norman on 07961 427640 Visit our website: www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk
LITTLE SUPERNOVAS SUMMER FUN SCHOOL 12-16 August, FAIRFIELD HALL, Croydon CR9 1DG, 07791 235 247 www.littlesupernovas.com Art, facepainting and games, drama, dance, action adventture storytelling, music and fun. Ages 3-8 years, 10am-2pm each day, book first.
YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT! 19-31 August, SOUTH LONDON YOUTH THEATRE, 020 3566 9710, www.SLYT.co.uk A Summer Intensive Musical Theatre workshop for talented students aged 12-19 years. In 10 days, the course takes the students from rehearsal room, to technical rehearsals in the theatre, band rehearsals, and the final production at the fabulous 200 seat Prissian Theatre. 10am - 6pm daily, £325 for the course, all costumes and tickets for the production. A limited number of half/ full scholarships available.
DS TENNIS 4 KI
STAGECOACH
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july / august 2013 - families south east
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TIMBER! AT SOUTHBANK
CURIOUS
What’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
11 August. When an unfortunate twist of fate separates Jennifer from her guardian Uncle, she finds herself on board a giant ship destined for Australia. As her unexpected nautical adventure unfolds, her strange surroundings bring to life Jennifer’s ingenious imagination, conjuring up a variety of weird and wonderful companions to help her on her way. Storytelling, puppetry, and live music combine to form this fantastical interpretation of factual events, marking the exciting debut of new theatre company Powderkeg. Ages 8+, tickets £11.50 children, £16 adults.
Diary Dates for Grown Ups CURIOUS
FEAST AT BATTERSEA PARK
Until 28 July, WEST NORWOOD CEMETERY, www.westnorwoodcemetery.com One of London’s ‘magnificent seven’ cemeteries, West Norwood Cemetery plays host to works by 22 different artists, curated by Jane Millar. Follow a trail designed by Okido to seek out sculptures, ceramics, sound, textiles, photography and poetry. There will be a Grand Picnic on 21 July.
16-18 August, BATTERSEA PARK, Queenstown Road SW11, 0844 995 1111, www.foodiesfestival.com Foodies Festival will be in London with an exclusive picnic extravaganza featuring the UK’s largest selection of restaurant, street and artisan food available in one place. Visitors can dine on every conceivable type of food from the pop-up restaurants, street food vendors, artisan producers, farmers’ market, vintage tea rooms, seaside food stalls and BBQ tents, washing it all down with wines, ciders and ales from the Vineyard and Orchard. Ten of London’s most talked-about chefs and restaurants including Boqueria, Supper Club, Mazi and Mango Tree are popping-up to each serve a different style of food for visitors to enjoy on huge feasting tables in the magnificent Feast Tent at the heart of the festival. A children’s cookery theatre will offer hands-on sessions encouraging younger visitors to get involved and learn more about eating and cooking healthy food. Open 11am-9pm, accompanied under 12s go free, day tickets £10 for 13-18 year-olds, from £22 for adults.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SHOW 27 July, GOOSE GREEN CENTRE, East Dulwich SE22 9AT, www.eventbrite.co.uk An event filled with great exhibitors, fun activities for children and advice for parents. Exhibitors will include Shutterbaby Baby & Child Photography, East Dulwich Nanny Agency, 10.30am-3.30pm, tickets free for children, £2 adults.
POP-UP STREET MARKET 27 July + 24 August, MAPLE ROAD, Penge SE20, 07870 362276 A vibrant mix of street food, fashion, produce, craft and retro stalls. Plus a mini funfair and street entertainment. 9.30am-4.30pm.
LIFE COACHING GROUP Tuesdays in DULWICH VILLAGE and HERNE HILL, Fridays in WEST and EAST DULWICH, 0775 369 9232, email coaching@themindbodyandsoulcoach.co.uk Refresh and support your life, loves, work and goals in a friendly, informal coaching get-together. £8 per person.
Theatre, Shows and Music SYDENHAM ARTS FESTIVAL 29 June - 14 July, VARIOUS VENUES in and around SE26, 020 3659 0551, www.sydenhamartsfestival.co.uk Now in its fifth year, SAF has a fantastic line-up of over 90 events guaranteeing something for everyone: live music, free film showings, theatre, a family day in the park, literary events, comedy nights, an artists’ trail in open homes and studios, dance workshops, opera and much more. Highlights include the family fun day in Home Park on 30 June, launchpad performances by 13-19 year-olds at the TNG Youth Centre on 6 July, Benjamin Zephaniah at Sydenham High School on 13 July, and Edwardian Wacky Races in Mayow Park.
BRILLIANT 3-13 July, YOUNG VIC, 66 The Cut, Waterloo SE1 8LZ, www.youngvic.org Imagine it’s bedtime. Imagine it’s time to turn out the light. Imagine the moon outside and the stars, shining bright. Brilliant is a glittering, magical introduction to theatre combining movement, live music and captivating imagery to create a dreamlike world made of light. Ages 3-5, tickets from £10.
FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOOD Until 8 September, SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1, 0844 847 9910, www.southbankcentre.co.uk This year’s summer festival celebrates the idea of neighbourhood and what it means to live side by side, with performances and events for all. Highlights include Cirque Alfonse, The Queen’s Knickers, The Man Who Planted Trees and heaps more - see the festival website for the full lineup. TIMBER!, 10-31 July. Circus Alfonse bring a circus show featuring a family from the remote forests of Québec, who juggle axes and perform daring aerial acrobatics and stunts with lumberjack saws, alongside clog-dancing, tight-rope walking, cooking, vegetable chopping and storytelling. Timber! is set to traditional music, with fiddles, banjos, a jaw harp and rowdy singing as the live accompaniment to this daredevil, heart-warming show. Ages 8+, Tickets from £15.
FAMILY SHOWS AT THE ALBANY THE ALBANY, Douglas Way, Depford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446,
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families south east - july / august 2013
www.thealbany.org.uk All tickets £7 or £24 for a family unless otherwise stated. HATCHED, 12 July. Tony the Owl lives in the countryside. He’s really happy in his little garden until Joe and Charlotte turn up and ruin his peace and quiet. They’ve moved from the city for a quieter life and, to be honest, they’ve got no idea what they’re doing. To make matters worse, they’ve bought Mike the Squirrel with them. He’s loud, he’s cheeky and he likes to party. Featuring puppetry, original music, and real earth, this is a story about making friends, being different and why that’s OK. HATCHED - THE BOGGITS, 19 July. A comedy musical for children and their families. It is about a young boy who doesn’t fit in, struggling to come to terms with who he is.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THEATRE ROYAL, Drury Lane WC2B 5JF, 0844 858 8877, www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.com Five golden tickets are hidden beneath the wrappers of Mr Willy Wonka’s delicious chocolate bars - five golden tickets which will change the lives of those who find them. The winning children are invited through the gates of Mr Wonka’s Chocolate factory to see all the secrets and magic inside, and to meet Mr Wonka and his staff of Oompa-Loompas. For Charlie Bucket, a poor boy living within sight of the factory, winning the fifth and final golden ticket is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of Roald Dahl’s original story is brought to life in a spectacular musical starring Douglas Hodge. Tickets from £25.
GREENWICH THEATRE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk THE GOLDEN COWPAT, 8-11 July. Storytelling, puppetry and original music combine in a charming tale about Hector the farmer, Betty the cantankerous cow, and their adventure to find their fortunes in the big city. SUPERHERO SNAIL BOY, 8-11 July. Follow Inari and Tilly as they deal with some of the toughest moments of growing up, discover the joys of smashing plates, and inherit a bit of wisdom from a wise old snail. JENNIFER SKYLARK AND THE SEAGULL’S HANDBOOK, 27 July -
FAIRFIELD FAMILY SHOWS FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, fairfield.co.uk BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM, 12+13 July. Somewhere, hidden amongst the thorny brambles is a little kingdom where everyone is very, very small. The makers of Peppa Pig bring this BAFTA award-winning animation to the stage with actors, masks, games, songs and laughter in a tale of elves, princesses and childhood innocence. Tickets from £9.50. POSTMAN PAT, 17 August. Pat and his friends are live on stage in an exciting new story. ‘It’s Showtime’ is set on the day of the Greendale karaoke talent show, and filled with songs, laughs and audience participation. Tickets from £10.50.
UNICORN THEATRE UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com LIONBOY, 9-21 July. Charlie Ashanti is a perfectly normal boy, except for one thing: he can speak to cats. When Charlie’s parents are kidnapped, he sets off on a rescue mission - with a little help from a floating circus and its pride of performing lions. Award-winning theatre company Complicite presents its first show for young people and families, inspired by Zizou Corder’s bestselling ‘Lionboy’ trilogy on the tenth anniversary of the first book’s publication. MAGICAL MECHANICALS, 9-21 July. Magical Mechanicals is an interactive exhibition of comical, beautifully made automata. The aim of this witty combination of art and science is to inspire and build understanding of how machines work: the drives, pulleys, ratchets and levers in these machines underpin our lives in so many ways. Open 10.30am - 5.30pm daily. WE DANCE, WEE GROOVE, 30 July - 11 August. Join Stillmotion on a journey around the world in a highly interactive dance experience for children and their adults. Featuring professional performers, music, lighting and projected images, each session invites participation between audience and performers. Ages 5-7.
WE’RE ALL GOING ON A BEAR HUNT 3 July - Sept, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7ES, 0844 482 9678, www.bearhuntlive.com/ Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog through the swish swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the squwelchy mud, in search of a bear. Michael Rosen’s book bursts to life onstage with music, laughter, songs, rhythms and repetitions; with puppetry, paints, water and mud, not to mention a bear - we’re not scared! Tickets from £14.
CHARLIE AND LOLA’S EXTREMELY NEW PLAY Until 17 August, POLKA THEATRE, 140 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1B, 020 8543 4888, polkatheatre.com Enter a magical journey through the seasons, as Charlie and Lola discover that everything is different and not the same. What will happen when Lola and her best friend Lotta absolutely promise to look after Sizzles the dog? And follow Charlie and his best friend Marv on a Pirate Squidbones adventure! Playful, funny and full of surprises, this extremely new play about friendship and adventures promises to be a treat for everyone. Based on the well loved BBC series and characters created by Lauren Child. Suitable for ages 7+, tickets from £10.
ROMEO AND JULIET 24 July - 18 August, The Shed, NATIONAL THEATRE, Upper Ground SE1 9PX, 020 7452 3000, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk A modern city. A deadly feud and a pair of star-crossed lovers. Set against a vibrant urban backdrop, bursting full of excitement, colour, dancing and live song, a company of eight recreate the most famous love story of all time. Ben Power’s Romeo and Juliet is devised for younger audiences, aged 8+.
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WE’RE ALL GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
CHARLIE & LOLA
Events & Attractions KINGSWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL FAIR 13 July, KINGSWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL, Gipsy Road SE27 9RB Kingswood’s Got Talent, face painting, jerk chicken, family games and brilliant raffle prizes. 11am-4pm, all welcome.
THE MIX UP MUDDLE BIRD 19 July, St MICHAEL'S CHURCH HALL, Pond Road, Blackheath SE3 9JL, 0780 107 2776, www.theatretots.com To launch their new book, Theatre Tots are presenting a musical tale followed by a 30-minute workshop and the chance to buy a signed copy of the book. The Mix up Muddle Bird is an unusual bird, one of a kind. She is a mix of parrot, monkey, tiger and crocodile. She always thought none of the animals liked her until one day they come to see her and everything changes. Sometimes different is delightful.
BRIXTON WINDMILL TOURS BRIXTON WINDMILL, West end of Blenheim Gardens, off Brixton Hill SW2 5EU, 020 7926 6056, www.brixtonwindmill.org Windmills were once a familiar feature of London’s landscape and the most powerful machines of the pre-industrial world. Built in 1817, Brixton Windmill is a tangible reminder to all Londoners of the close links that the capital had with agriculture and food production. GUIDED TOUR, 13+14 July. Take a tour of the original wind-powered machinery and find out about how it was once used to make stoneground flour, while hearing the fascinating story of the Ashby family. Because of space restrictions, each tour is limited to three adults plus guide or two adults and two children plus guide, and needs booking first online. ART IN THE PARK, 11 August. The Friends of Windmill Gardens annual art events offers arts and craft activities for all ages. 2-5pm, free.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6344, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm Saturdays to Thursdays, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s; under 12s to be accompanied. STEAMY SCIENCE, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 + 26 August. Discover the challenges of keeping London Moving. Become a horse and drag a bus over the bumpy cobblestones, see how far the power of steam can fire a doll and discover the joys of electricity. Best for 6-12 year-olds, 11.30am, 2 and 4pm. TACKLING TUNNELS, 30 July - 3 August, 13-17 and 27 -31 August. Hear the tales of William as he works on the first ever Underground railway tunnels in the world. Discover the dangers of digging deep and how the first tunnels were built. Ages 3-7, 11am and 2pm. GET MESSY. How big a tunnel can you build? Dig or build into the museum’s own sandpit, with the help of sticks, picks and spades and see who can build the biggest, strongest tunnel. Ages 4-12, 11.30am and 2.30pm. DOWN WITH IT, 6-10 and 20-24 August. Invent your own character and take it up and down a lift or escalator to underground London using paper mechanics and a bundle of imagination. Ages 4-12, 11am and 2pm. HERITAGE VEHICLE RUNS, 3, 4 and 7 August at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, and 31 August at London Transport Museum’s Neasdon Depot. Take a ride on locomotives dating back to the Victorian times, including the recently restored Metropolitan Locomotive No 1 and the Jubilee Carriage No 353. The day long events will include rides all day and family fun. SINGALONG. Bring your animated character and join Alfie the Alligator for a singalong through the different ways to get up and down to the underground. Ages 3-10, noon and 3pm.
LIONBOY UNICORN THEATRE
compete in an elite tournament, ‘volleybody’ fitness classes and the potential for private hire of the courts.
+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath
RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
+ Schools, nurseries and parties too!
and Hither Green 30 July - 3 August, GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY, Rockefeller Building, University College London, University Street, WC1E 6DE, 020 3108 2052, www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/whats-on/grant_listings The tropical rainforests of the world are full of beautiful and bizarre animals. Start the summer holidays with a trip into the jungle to uncover the animals that make the jungle their home. Bring along your brave explorer and discover exactly who is swinging in the trees, rustling in the undergrowth and soaring on the breeze. Take part in fun hands-on specimen based activities. Drop in between 1pm and 5pm, free.
8-19 July, WOOD WHARF, adjacent to Canary Wharf, www.actionforkids.org/beachvolleyball 160 tonnes of sand will be brought onside by Action for Kids to transform the waterfront area into two beach volleyball courts and a sitting volleyball court. Following Beach Volleyball’s success at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic games, the event allows Londoners to have a go themselves by entering a team into the Championships or take part in ‘volleybody’ workout classes. Action For Kids will also be hosting a series of taster sessions to showcase the sport and encourage local schools and passers-by to take part. These include a chance to watch top athletes
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info@theatretots.com - 07801072776
FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful, award-winning green space. AMAZON ADVENTURE, until November. Experience the world’s largest and most biologically diverse river with its extraordinary animals, exotic plants and fascinating cultures, with unusual creatures including mysterious pink dolphins, piranhas and anacondas, live rays and tetra fish. Discover the environmental dangers facing the Amazon and its inhabitants such as overfishing, poaching and logging. Fittingly, the displays and audio are bilingual English/ Spanish. Admission free for accompanied under 3s, £3 children, £6 adults, £15 families. NINOS EXPLORADORES, 19+26 August. Explore the animals of the Amazon through simple games, craft, songs and rhymes designed for Spanish and non-Spanish speakers. Under 5s and their carers, 11am and 12.15pm, £2 per child. PLAY DAY, 7 August. Join the Horniman Museum and Gardens for Play Day, a national event celebrating play of all kinds. This year’s theme is Playful Places and the Horniman will be a feast of play activities for the day, from craft activities to children’s theatre, nature exploration to treasure trails. Playscheme friendly. 11am-4pm, free.
BRITISH MUSEUM BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com
BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org/pompeii Founded in 1753, the British Museum was the first national public museum in the world, granting free admission to all ‘studious and curious persons’. There are free digital workshops every weekend for children aged 7+, and free trails, backpacks and object handling available for any visit. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, general admission free; charges for special events. LIFE AND DEATH: POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM, until 29 September. Preserved under ash, Pompeii and Herculaneum lay buried for just over 1,600 years, their rediscovery providing an unparalleled glimpse into the daily life of the Roman Empire. From the bustling street to the intimate spaces of a Roman home, this major exhibition will take you to the heart of
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BRIXTON WINDMILL
ACTION FOR KIDS BEACH VOLLEYBALL
MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
people’s lives in the two cities. Open 10am-7pm daily, to 8.30pm Fridays. Admission £15 adults, prebooking recommended
VIEW FROM THE SHARD THE SHARD, London Bridge SE1 9RN, , 08444 997111, www.theviewfromtheshard.com/ Renzo Piano’s iconic London landmark offers viewing galleries, restaurants, a hotel and residential apartments. The View from the Shard is the highest viewing point in Western Europe and nearly twice as high as any other view in London, providing visitors with a multi-sensory experience and exhilarating views for 40 miles across London from floors 68, 69 and 72. Open from 9am to 10pm daily. Tickets from £29.95, book first.
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free. WORLD OF TREASURE, 22 July - 30 August. Discover the Museum’s treasures by answering clues and following the trail. Some clues are easy but others will challenge even the more experienced treasure hunters. Make a treasure-chest-shaped money box to take home. There’s a chocolate coin for every child and prizes to be won. 10am 4:30pm
GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays. INSIDE, OUTSIDE AND UP IN THE AIR, 30 July - 16 August. Three weeks of exciting summer activities for children exploring gorgeous gardens, lovely living rooms and high-rise buildings. Print cityscape t-shirts, create creepy-crawly soaps, make marvellous masks and much more! Ages 5-16, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.
CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk Step back in time and discover the secret underground headquarters that were the nerve centre of Britain’s war effort. Walk in Churchill’s footsteps through the extensive secret underground site from which he directed the war. Located in the heart of Westminster, visitors to Churchill War Rooms (part of the IWM family) can view the complex of historic rooms left exactly as they were in 1945. Also housed within the site is the award winning Churchill Museum which combines cutting-edge technology and multimedia displays with rare and significant historical items. Visitors receive a free sound guide to the 30 historic rooms as well as the interactive museum, all helping to bring the story of Winston Churchill to life. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.
SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December.
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LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. Ages 8-14, free. WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.
HORNI
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free. BIG NATURE DAY, 13 July. Charm a worm, catch a water boatman or explore a wildlife haven - Big Nature Day is back at the Natural History Museum with fun-filled hands-on activities for nature lovers of all ages. Throughout the day you’ll learn about all varieties of nature, from bugs and birds to fossils and flora, in the Darwin Centre’s atrium and courtyard, Wildlife Garden and west lawn. Get one-on-one advice and information from scientists, and take part in demonstrations, games and talks. 11am-5pm, free. EXTINCTION: NOT THE END OF THE WORLD? Until 8 September. Go beyond dodos and dinosaurs to explore the crucial role extinction plays in the evolution of life. The exhibition combines astonishing images, real specimens and interactive installations to bring to life species that disappeared long ago. Exploring the latest scientific findings, it also looks at today’s endangered species and asks whether conservation can save them. Admission £4.50 children, £9 adults, £24 families. SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, until 15 September. From chomping caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, the Natural History Museum comes alive for summer. Dive into a tropical butterfly house to take on butterfly challenges, try out fun games and exciting activities as you discover one of the planet’s most amazing life cycles. Experience the magic of walking among hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies and come face to face with a huge variety of these incredible and beautiful creatures. Admission £4. WALLACE DISCOVERY TRAIL, until 23 November. Uncover the extraordinary adventures of Alfred Russell Wallace in a new family friendly trail at the Natural History Museum. Running from Monday 1 July, the Wallace Discovery Trail celebrates his role as the co-discoverer of evolution by natural selection, with Charles Darwin. The trail includes many items that have never been on public display before, including exotic birds, reptiles and insects he collected, his watercolours and drawings, and tools of his trade. 10am-5.50pm, free.
TOWER OF LONDON TOWER OF LONDON, EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon Tower open 9am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am Sundays and Mondays. Admission free for under 5s, children £10.45, adults £19.80; book for less online. FIT FOR A KING. Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armour worn by kings and royal princes in this stunning exhibition on the first floor of the White Tower. Learn about the personalities, power and physical size of our nation’s kings, from the Tudors, and the notorious Henry VIII, to today’s royal family through the historic collection. POWER HOUSE. Discover the stories and personalities behind the major organisations of state, who took care of royal business behind the mighty Tower walls, from 1100 to the present day. The exhibition showcases the roles of the major organisations that provided the bedrock of England’s power throughout the centuries. ROYAL BEASTS. Find out about the Tower’s imperial Royal Menagerie. Founded during the reign of King John in the early 1200s, it became a
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
regular feature of the Tower for over 600 years. Visitors can encounter a diverse cast of former Tower residents through arresting modern animal sculpture by artist Kendra Haste and new interactive sensory displays. The recently restored north wall walk and the never before opened Brick Tower will host some of the displays, including sights, sounds and smells of some of the animals.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free. DRAW YOUR WEAPONS. A colourful and dynamic exhibition exploring the history of the war comic, in partnership with leading publisher DC Thomson.
CUMING MUSEUM EVENTS CUMING MUSEUM, c/o INSPIRE, Crypt at St Peter’s, Liverpool Grove SE17 2HH, 020 7740 2HH, www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum After the fire at Walworth Town Hall in March, the Cuming Museum’s home site is currently closed, however activities are continuing in temporary accommodation at InSpire. PORTRAIT PUPPET-MAKING, 8 August. Find out about Southwark’s historic celebrity residents and create a portrait puppet to play with at home. 2.30-4pm. THE CURIOUS CUMING COIN, 13 August. Museum founder Richard Cuming was just five years old when he was given an old foreign coin and three fossils. Be inspired to make something of your own to take home. 2.30-4pm. ANIMAL MAGIC, 20 August. There was once a famous zoo just off Walworth Road! Learn all about it and make your own exotic animals to take home. 2.30-4pm. WISH YOU WERE HERE, 22 August. Create a 3D postcard using pictures of Southwark’s past from the museum collection. 2.30-4pm. HISTORY STINKS, 27 August. Before modern sanitation, London was a very smelly place in the summer heat. Find out how people covered up the unpleasant pongs and make something nicer-smelling to take home. 2.30-4pm.
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BRITISH MUSEUM
MAN GARDEN
BRITISH MUSEUM - POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
MAKE SOME NOISE, 29 August. Listen to the sounds of Southwark’s famous musicians and make your own musical instruments to take home and play. FAMILY CLUB, every Thursday. Explore and play with the Cuming explorers, with a different theme each week inspired by the museum collection. 10am-11.15am for under 5s and their parents/ carers.
HMS BELFAST On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk. (Thames Clipper London Bridge City Pier) Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open 10am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £14.50 adults.
GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. Entry included in general admission price. DAZZLE CAMOUFLAGE, 13-14 and 10-22 August. How do you hide a ship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfast from being discovered by other ships and take part in a creative animation workshop to create your very own camouflage. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, free with general admission.
£3.40 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50. BRIDGE LIFT, various dates. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the excitement. THIS IS LONDON. An exhibition of artwork by M. Sasek’s from the charming classic children’s book, depicting famous London sights such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and London Underground. Younger visitors will be provided with colouring sheets to create their own masterpiece.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Uncover the lady behind the legend at the brand new Florence Nightingale Museum on London’s South Bank. The museum presents a vivid retelling of her story and how modern nursing began. The museum’s unparalleled collection features highlights such as Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and medicine chest from the Crimean War. Engaging interactive exhibits as well as regular contemporary art exhibitions enhance the experience, visitors even use stethoscopes to hear the audio tour. Admission £4.80 child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.
TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most famous bridge in the World. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm until September, 9.30am-5.30pm from October. Admission
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM From 29 July, IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London re-open with brand new First World War galleries to mark the 100 year anniversary of the start of the first world war. Large object displays in a new atrium will also feature shops and a cafe opening directly onto Geraldine Mary Harmsworth park. A FAMILY IN WARTIME explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children, and what life in London was like during the war.
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july / august 2013 - families south east
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TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On A Family in Wartime is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home. Admission free. HORRIBLE HISTORIES: SPIES, 29 July - 14 January 2015. A major new family exhibition based on the popular children’s book series written by Terry Deary. Visitors will be immersed into the world of Second World War spy-craft, including codes and cyphers, disguises, camouflage, forgeries and gadgets. Drop-in craft activities will run on 2-8 and 26-30 August at 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Tickets £3.30 children, £6.20 adults - book online and save 10%. HORRIBLE HISTORIES WITH TERRY DEARY, 1 August. Join Horrible Histories author Terry Deary and delve into the most foul facts, dreadful details and strange stories that make his best-selling books so appealing. Terry will be taking part in a book signing after the first event. 12noon and 3pm, tickets £8.
CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am5.45pm daily, admission free Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.
MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. PEG PIRATES, 5+6 August. Many Victorian children made toys using materials they found. Make your own peg pirate to take home. Ages 3+, free. THE HOOP NUISANCE OF VICTORIAN LONDON, 7+10 August. Hear about the mischief and mayhem caused across the streets of London by children with their wooden hoop toys. Ages 4+, free. IT’S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE, 8+9 August. Reinvent some of London’s most famous landmark buildings and place them in the world of fairy tales and superheroes. Ages 5+, free. 1940s PLAYGROUND, 12 August. Try out games that children used to play in wartime Britain in this entertaining and creative session. Ages 1+, free; tickets allocated on arrival. GRAVY AND GAS MASKS, 14+17 August. What was it like being a child during World War II? Find out what they played and what they did. Ages 4+, free. SHADOW PUPPETS, 15+16 August. In the war children would make shadows in their Andersen shelter. Join in and create your own shadow puppet. Ages 3+, free.
MUSEUM OF LONDON EVENTS MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more
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about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. FESTIVAL OF ARCHEOLOGY, 19-21 July. Exclusive behind the scenes tours of stores and laboratories at the museum and its archeological archive. Admission charge applies. CLAP, JUMP AND SKIP, 17+18 August. Try your hand at some of the popular street games around in the 0940s. Ages 5+, free. BE PART OF THE ACTION, 17-19 August. It’s the 0940s and you are out playing in the streets of London. What might you look like? Put yourself and your family in the museum’s life size portrait. Ages 5+, free. PEGGY THE DOLL, 20+21 August. During World War II children made toys using materials they found. Make your own peg pirate to take home. Ages 5+, free. KEEP CALM AND KEEP PLAYING, 21+22 August. Gather strength in a courageous and fun storytelling session about children in the 1940s. Ages 5+, free. FUN FROM THE 1940s. Discover some of the ways children played during the war in a hands-on art workshop. Ages 5+, free. SAFE AS CARD HOUSES, 25+26 August. See how a simple deck of cards kept families entertained while staying safe in London’s Underground Ages 5+, free.
CUTTY SARK
ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee. EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free. DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free. PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the museum through making, music, dance and drama. 10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket from the admissions desk. THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular show, narrated by Patrick Stewart, explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at what impact this has on the universe around us. Ages 5+, tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families. SPACE SAFARI, weekends and holiday weekdays. Join teddy bear Ted for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky in a show designed especially for younger children and presented by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer. Tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.
MUSEUM OF LONDON
FLY THE FLAG, 3+4, 27+28 August. Learn how to write a coded message using signal flags and design your own flag in a drop-in family workshop. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm, free with admission. AHOY CAPTAIN! 7+28 July, 4, 11, 18 + 25 August. Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, and hear tales of his voyages across the high seas. 11am, 12noon, 1.30 and 2.30pm starts, free with admission. MY MINI SAILOR, 21+22 August. If you could be a sailor, which job would you like on the ship? Would you be a cook or the Captain? Learn more about onboard roles and make your own mini sailor in a drop-in workshop. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm, free with admission. FLYING FISH, 23+26 August. Discover what sailors ate for dinner and make your own flying fish to take home in a drop-in workshop. 11.30am1.30pm and 2-4pm, free with admission.
CUTTY SARK
DISCOVER GREENWICH
CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions. EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free with admission ticket.
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart the historic town’s development. Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.
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OPEN EAST FESTIVAL
LOLLIBOP FESTIVAL
The Great Outdoors LAMBETH COUNTRY SHOW
BODIAM CASTLE
20+21 July, BROCKWELL PARK SE24, www.lambeth.gov.uk All the attractions of a traditional country fair such as home grown vegetables, jams and chutneys and horticultural shows along with sheep dog and owl displays happen throughout the weekend - with a distinctly urban South London vibe. Now in its 39th year, the show returns with an eclectic mix of free entertainment and activities for all ages, including music, arts workshops, theatre, sport and games, food, animals, horticulture, a funfair and more. Admission free.
BODIAM CASTLE, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830 196, www.national.trust.org.uk/bodiam-castle Surrounded by charming Sussex countryside, Bodiam’s medieval ruins offer a vast history which visitors of all ages can enjoy. Among the many historical features is the original wooden portcullis, which is on display in the gatehouse, the ‘murder holes’ and the Castle’s impressive battlements, which remain virtually intact. Visitors can also climb the spiral staircases to the tops of the towers, where unrivalled views of the surrounding estate and Rother Valley await. Open 10.30am-5pm daily, admission £3.70 children, £7.40 adults, £18.50 families. DRESS TO IMPRESS, 6+7 July. Have you ever dreamt of being a knight in shining armour or a medieval lady in her best finery? Let the castle’s friendly squires and maids transform you into a knight, princess, lord or even the castle jester using their collection of replica armour and costumes. Suitable for all ages, £1 per person. ADVENTURES IN ARCHEOLOGY, 20+21 July. See what’s been uncovered at Bodiam over the years and have a go a digging for treasure in the sandpit. HAVE-A-GO-ARCHERY, 25 July - 3 September. ‘Hands on History’ return to Bodiam with their longbows, mini crossbows and a paintball cannon for budding Robin Hoods to try their skills. Separate charges apply. THE TREBUCHET IN ACTION, 25 July - 3 September. Witness a full-size replica catapult in action and discover how enemies successfully bombarded castles. FAMILY FUN DAY, 1 August. Celebrate Lammas, the medieval festival of wheat harvest, with lots of fun activities for all the family including various arts and crafts, displays and demonstrations and much more. A small additional charge applies for most activities. GRAND MEDIEVAL WEEKEND, 10+11 August. Celebrate with Sir Edward Dallingraidge and Elizabeth in a grand tournament to show off their power and wealth. The Medieval Siege Society will be visiting for the weekend with jousting, archery, wandering minstrels and your chance to have a go at jousting on a wooden training horse.
OPEN EAST FESTIVAL 27+28 July, QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK, 0844 844 0444, www.ticketmaster.co.uk/openeastfestival Open East Festival promises a sizzling line-up of music, performance, pop-ups and food in a two-day celebration to mark the one year anniversary of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony. Young visitors will be enchanted by The House of Fairy Tales who will be presenting their legendary Travelling Art Circus (which includes Gavin Turk’s Space Pyramid), be transported by Discover Children’s Story Centre and Charlie Dark on a hip-hop, poetry puppet adventure, The Hare and The Tortoise Remixed, and encounter Joey from the acclaimed National Theatre production War Horse. Day tickets £6 children, £9.50 adults.
LOLLIBOP FESTIVAL 16-18 August, QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK, Stratford, 0871 3308 077, www.lollibopfestival.co.uk The ‘Big Bash for Little People’ is returning for 2013 with an incredible line-up designed to delight mini festivalgoers. Some of the hottest names in kids’ entertainment will be performing, including Dick and Dom, the Mr Men, Shaun the Sheep, Cbeebies presenters, the Science Museum, Poppy Cat and Peppa Pig. Then there will be hundreds of activities, workshops, interactive demos, picnic spots and playzones.
ARMOURERS AT WORK, 24-26 August. Visit the medieval armourer’s camp and watch the team of skilled craftsmen create stunning armour using their working forge.
HEVER CASTLE HEVER CASTLE AND GARDENS, Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk With a double moat and drawbridge, the 13th century castle houses fascinating collections of Tudor treasures, from portraits and paintings to furniture and tapestries. Within the grounds is a recreation of a Tudor Village, a yew maze and splashing water maze; beautiful gardens, and rowing boats for hire. Gardens open 10.30am-5pm, castle opens 12noon. Admission £8.50 children, £15 adults, £38.50 families for castle and garden. THE KNIGHTS OF ROYAL ENGLAND, July and August weekends. A spectacular battle will be taking place this summer when Sir Sam of Hever throws down the gauntlet and invites French knights to partake in the annual joust with the Kings of Royal England. Spectators will be treated to an exciting display of action, stunts, falls and fights as the brave knights bring the medieval sport of jousting to life in this former castle of Kings. PAWS AT THE CASTLE, 3+4 August. A weekend dedicated to our canine friends. Dancing dogs, agility demonstration, guide dog demonstrations, fun dog show for prizes, dog behaviourist and other stalls.
LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK 08456 770 600, www.visitleevalley.org.uk Lee Valley Regional Park is a 10,000 acre award-winning park which winds its way 26 miles from East India Dock Basin on the River Thames and along the banks of the River Lee through north London and Essex to Hertfordshire. From country walks to star gazing, wildlife exploration and historical sight-seeing to family cycling and traditional country crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Art Activities FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Families with a gallery ticket can enjoy a range of different activities on the first and last Sunday of every month. Enjoy being creative together in a practical Artplay drop in session, making everything from bunting to block prints. Listen and participate in interactive Gallery Stories in the permanent collection. Gallery open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child. MINI MASTERPIECE, 26 August. Explore the Gallery’s collection and meet characters in period costume. Learn to sketch models from live and create cameo silhouettes of the characters you meet for lockets and badges to take home. 2-4pm, free for families with a Gallery ticket. ART IN THE GARDEN, 7, 14, 21 and 28 August. Creative workshops in the beautiful Gallery gardens. These weekly family drop-in sessions are an established part of summer at the Gallery. Take a picnic, sit on the lawn and watch the artwork grow. 2-4pm, £3 per child.
THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free. THE LITTLE DRAW, 7 July and 4 August. Join Little Draw artist Zoe Scammell as she creates detailed drawings of the grotesque beasts and monsters of the natural world. In these workshops, teaching the methods, techniques and materials of drawing, you’ll find Zoe taking inspiration from some of the fantastic beasts and monsters you can find hiding in the Wallace Collection. 1.30-4.30pm, free drop-in for all ages. CELEBRATE EID AL-FITR, 9 August. Join artist Sobia Khan and learn about the Wallace Collection’s connection to the Islamic world by touring our oriental armoury. Draw from Arabic script and design and make your
own Fanoos Ramadan, Egyptian lanterns hung to decorate homes during the Holy month. Create your own henna patterns and Eid banners to take home and continue the festivities. 10.30am-12.15pm, ages 5+, free drop-in. DROP-IN SUMMER FUN, 15 and 16 August. Summer fun for all the family. Follow a trail around the galleries before creating your own artwork based on what you’ve seen. Ages 6+, 2-4pm, free drop-in.
ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.
to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.
FAMILIES AT THE TATE TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month. Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures. Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.
SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free. With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons
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THE NATIONAL GALLERY
july / august 2013 - families south east
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the school holidays - tips for parents
by the Parent Practice
Whether you’re going away or simply enjoying lazy days at home, the school holidays can throw routine right out of the window. This can have good and bad points. Here’s a guide to coping with the six-week whopper:
Help your child become more self-reliant The absence of the school routine means you have an opportunity to not be a slave to the clock and take the time to really train your children into good habits. This is a fantastic time to really encourage them with all sorts of skills, from getting dressed themselves, preparing their own lunch or making their bed without rushing.
Plan more Schedule in some lazy days around structured days. Talk through with the kids your plans for any day-trips and consider extra activities, toys, food, warm layers that you may need. Planning is essential if you are to avoid the trap of allowing kids to spend way too much time in front of a screen with damaging consequences for moods and energy levels.
But do less Minimise stress so you can focus on enjoying being with your children and getting them into good habits. Beware of over stimulating the children. Plan for some time for yourself so that you can
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replenish the resource that you are for your family. When kids have unstructured time they become creative.
Watch your diet Over the holidays everyone becomes a little more relaxed with their eating habits. Children especially may overdose on sugar and may not be getting the exercise they normally do during the week. Encourage healthy eating and activities, with a family walk, a bike ride or a family swim. Even a quick dash around the block will help!
But help - I’m really bored mum!!! Sit the kids down and ask them to draw up a list of activities they’d like to do over the holidays. Take your time with this as ideas may come to you when you least expect it. From visiting that nearby art gallery, to seeing old friends, clearing out the loft to filling that photo album you’ve always wanted to. Then on desperate days you can resort to your list. Older kids can look at the activities sections of the newspaper and magazines aimed at families.
Outsource jobs The holidays can bring on additional stresses particularly if you are looking after other family members, pets or juggling work. Acknowledge that not every day will be easy and consider outsourcing jobs throughout the holiday. Perhaps you can offload your ironing, dog walking or use a children’s holiday club once a week.
Use different rules Your routine may change but you can think through new rules and routines for the holidays. Make them clear and positive with non-material rewards (such as an extra story, bubble bath, time for a board game). Continue to descriptively praise your children throughout the holidays to encourage a positive cycle of good behaviour, eg “I see you’ve laid the table for breakfast, Molly, that’s really helpful.” Regulate how much screen time kids get. The summer holidays should be (weather willing) a terrific opportunity to be outside. Have time alone with each child every day even if it’s not very much time. A few minutes at bedtime works for many families. When things go wrong and children behave inappropriately DO NOT BLAME, CRITICISE, SHOUT OR NAG. Instead try to think about the reason for the misbehaviour. Was there an emotion driving it or was the child looking for attention? Were they tired, over-stimulated or over-sugared? Acknowledge the feelings and, when things have calmed down, ask the child to think of an appropriate way of making amends. If your child is looking for attention make sure you’re giving lots of it for the positive things he’s doing.
More help The Parent Practice runs a wide range of parenting courses and workshops throughout London and Surrey and also offer private consultations. They can be contacted on 020 8673 3444 or visit www.theparentpractice.com.
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Cotton shawls £23 from The Stripy Company, 01242 571252, www.thestripycompany.co.uk
Surviving...
the
big summer holiday - tips for travellers
Childrenswear from Boys&Girls spring/summer collection, www.boysandgirlsshop.com
by Robina Cowan
Yippee! It’s the break we’ve all been dreaming of and looking forward to through the dank winter and spring months – here comes this year’s summer getaway. Hands up who remembers when it was just you and your beloved, grabbing a cheap deal, filling a backpack at the last minute and heading for the sun? Those were the good old days... Now you’re a family, there’s a third ‘p’ to add to ‘passport and packing’ – ‘planning’. Here at Families (now a mighty group of 40 local magazines), the editors have children spanning all ages from three months to the early twenties, so you could say we’ve been there, done that. We put our heads together to pool our experience and best ideas for you. Happy travelling!
Before you go • Label your child’s clothes, towels and backpacks, especially if you will be using kids’ clubs - they WILL go missing. Labels 4 Kids (www.labels4kids.com/fam) and Easy 2 Name (www.easy2name.com) both stock packs of instant labels so the job’s a breeze and it’s a much cheaper solution than replacing lost items. They also have ID wristbands so you can label the children with your contact details
• Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions. You can also use it to create a list of places to visit • Research and teach everyone how to say basics in the language of the country you’re going to: ‘good morning, please, thank you, yes, and no’ go a long way to fostering good relations with the locals • Photocopy everyone’s passport and keep the copies in a different place. If the originals go missing, proof that you had passports will make it much easier to tussle with overseas authorities when it’s time to come home. Ditto your travel insurance documents • Have up to date pictures of your children on your phone - if they go missing you can show authorities what they look like • If you have older children with their own mobile phones, consider a free TravelSim card, preloaded with 10 Euros so they don’t run up scary bills on their home accounts ‘just checking Facebook’. Available from www.travelsim.com • Freeze food to await your return - even fresh milk can be frozen - so you don’t come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised mothers even do an online shop towards the end of their holiday, for delivery on their first day home. Now, that’s organisation! • Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out (I’ve done that just when we were about to leave!) • Cancel the newspapers and ask your friendly
neighbour to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.
On the way • Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets. Try story tapes - as a family we are all totally addicted to the How to Train your Dragon series. The Michelin I-Spy activity books are great fun, as are the free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/advice/carknowledge/top-ten/car-games/. I made up some sheets myself for a journey through France and they kept my boys amused for hours • For flights, Usborne’s 50 Things do on a Plane will keep them occupied, rrp £5.99, while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you’re willing to join in • Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time - if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure you have some child friendly headphones to hand so as not to ‘share’ your child’s love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane • Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take off. Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping • If your child is crying on the flight, don’t panic. Most of passengers on board will be either parents or grandparents and will have sympathy for you. Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If your child has a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it’s in your hand luggage. It may help calm them and that in turn will calm you.
While you’re there Practical packing * Lost luggage is a nightmare. Rather than filling one suitcase per person, pack a couple of daytime and evening outfits for everyone in each case so you can all get started while the hotel/ airline tracks down the missing bag * An alternative to the miseries of lost luggage is to have it separately collected from your home and delivered to your holiday destination - whether hotel, villa or holiday home. You only need to think about getting the family there without worrying about baggage charges, restrictions, bulkier surfboards or pushchairs. Prices begin at £49 depending on size, weight and destination - find out more at www.firstluggage.com or call 0800 083 5503 * Involve your children in the packing even if just a small part is their responsibility. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood. Then check their choices: you may find fancy dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!) * Add a small ‘emergency bag’ to your hand luggage, with plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, needle and thread, safety pins, wetwipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). Oh the satisfying feeling to have what you need just at the right time! * Pack an extra layer for the flight even if you’re flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won’t relax if they’re not cosy * Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage in case of ‘accidents’.
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• Resist the temptation to Facebook your day’s antics - you’re advertising that you are away and your home’s empty. Not a good idea • When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/ resort Lost Property box for mislaid hats/ t-shirts etc (patting yourself on the back for labelling them beforehand).
When you return • Take your holiday laundry for a service wash it’s a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.
And finally Work on a 70:30 ratio. Holidays are not effortless when you have children, just as life at home is not effortless. If you can enjoy 70% of the time you are away together, that’s a result. 30% will be about tantrums, tiredness and bad moods. But if you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family, it’s been a success!
july / august 2013 - families south east
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FAMILY & HOME SERVICES Elocution
Crafty Cooks
Children & Adults Tel: 020 7884 0441
Families South East PO Box 11591 London SE26 6WB Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan
cookery classes
Pre-school and after school clubs cooking delicious sweet and savoury recipes!
O S T E O PAT H Y The Vale Practice
Email heatherb@craftycooks.co.uk
or call 0789 015 4651
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Next issue out 6 September 2013
64 Grove Vale, London SE22 8DT T. 020 8299 9798 E. info@thevalepractice.co.uk
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HPC registered therapist. Practice in South East London ndsecchi@gmail.com
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Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs. I offer a professional and courteous service
www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502
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