Issuu

Issue 111 Nov/Dec 2014

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North London

Festive special Annabel Karmel Clubs & Classes Places to Go

Reservations for our next FREE Taster Days currently taking place Please visit www.annafiorentini.com or ring 020 7682 1403 for more details.

Fiorentini’s Got Talent Winner, Jermain Jackman, goes on to win The Voice!

The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 3–18 years Based in North London, Hackney, Docklands, Bethnal Green and Lewisham, the award winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 3–18 year olds offers so much more than the average part-time drama school.

Apart from a weekly time-table of drama, film, dance and singing, all taught by leading industry professionals including casting directors, producers and TV directors, the school also offers: • Professional work via the agency. Students have appeared in EastEnders, Rev, Top Boy, The Revolting World of Stanley Brown, the British feature Song for Marion and in the West End’s Oliver!, Lion King and Matilda, to name but a few. Anna Fiorentini.indd 1

• Young Ambassadors – a chance to event manage and gain valuable business skills. • Our Performance Troupe which performs in hospitals, homes for the elderly, festivals and at community events. • Lamda Qualiﬁcations in drama which carry UCAS points • Shows at prestigious theatres such as the Hackney Empire and the Shaw Theatre • Competitions including Voice Idol, Stars in Their Eyes and Fiorentini’s Got Talent • Annual Oscar Nights • Parents’ Forums • Master classes including stagecraft, hair & make-up, stage combat and presenting • Holiday schools

Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 3–18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands Thursdays in Lewisham

ANNA FIORENTINI

THEATRE FILM SCHOOL Contact us to book your free no obligation Taster Day. Hurry – Limited Places!

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403 01/10/2014 16:14

Contents Issue 111 | Nov/Dec 2014 | Families North London

This Issue

7 Special Needs 8 Annabel Karmel 9 Shop Locally

Regular Features

4 Education 10 Edâ€™s Reading Room

11 Clubs & Classes 18 Places to Go

Welcome Families North London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familiesnorth.co.uk Families North London Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, details are subject to change and Families North London take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any material. All rights reserved.

to our Festive Issue. I always love this season as it is a chance for us all to reconnect with loved ones and family as the temperatures drop and the nights draw in. With the festive season comes a whole array of chances to practice age-old traditions to hand down to our next generation and to create new memories for them to hand down to theirs in the years to come. Christmas has always been a magical time in my household and I still look forward to each year with as much excitement as the children, from putting the tree up with my mum, singing along to Deck The Halls, to shopping for mince pies with my dad on Christmas Eve. I simply love every moment. I hope this season creates many happy memories for all our readers, and we here at Families North London wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sharon Editor

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

education

Enterprising year 5 at Canonbury School add a healthy tuck shop and a stationery shop to Islington’s bustling businesses This term sees the launch of Fruity Hooty Healthy Tuck Shop and Nutty Notes Stationery Shop run by the enterprising year 5 classes at Canonbury Primary School Islington. The classes recently enjoyed an Enterprise Training Day with Pupils Profit when they put together their business plan. They covered everything from their individual job roles to their marketing plan. The high point was the selection of the products they will be selling; the tuck shop team chose a tasty selection of snacks and drinks all within the Children’s Food Trust guidelines, and the Stationery Shop team selected affordably priced ergonomically designed pens, eco friendly pencils and rulers, and some ever popular educational games. They then set about deciding on their selling prices and learning about ordering processes and stock control. The enterprising teams have chosen to use 50% of their profits in the school and 50% will be donated to charity. Enterprise initiatives are a fantastic way for children to practice their numeracy and problem solving in a real environment, as well as fulfilling a good number of PSHE objectives. ‘The children have fully embraced their roles. We have fully trained

NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL COMING TO BURNT OAK and pro active Marketing Directors, Finance Managers, sales and management teams and a very robust stock control team. The training sessions were fully inclusive as by the end of it every child had a role which they understood. This has allowed for the classes to confidently and effectively take full ownership of the setting up and running of our new tuck and stationary shops. This would have been a huge challenge without the engaging, hands on and informative business model training supplied by Pupils Profit’ says Marisha Grant Community Cohesion Leader at Canonbury School. Pupils Profit founder Elizabeth Gimblett says ‘The key to a successful enterprise lies in engagement, in selling products the children love; that way they have so much fun they don’t notice how much they are learning!’. To find out more about the Pupils Profit Tuck Shops and other enterprise initiatives visit www.pupilsprofit.com or call 07767 313394 or e-mail info@ pupilsprofit.com.

Watling Park School is a new primary school coming to the Burnt Oak area of Barnet in September 2015. The school will choose the best approaches from state schools and private schools. If your child starts school in September 2015, register your interest to receive all the latest news, including details of upcoming Open Events and how to apply for a 2015 Reception place at www.watlingparkschool.org.uk.

NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR KILBURN AND DALSTON Kilburn Grange School, a new 4-11 primary school plans to open in September 2015 at the former College of North West London Kilburn campus (NW6 7UJ). The school will be run on a not-for-profit basis by the experienced Bellevue Place Education Trust and Halley House School, also run by the same Trust, is scheduled to open in Dalston in September 2015. To find out more visit: www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk and www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk.

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families North! 4

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education S EN 015 OP T 2 P SE

Park School

TUTORING & ASSESSMENTS Why leave your child’s education to chance?

New 4-11 primary school for the Burnt Oak area of Barnet › Choosing the best approaches from state and private education › Strong focus on reading, writing and maths › No fees, our school is free to attend › A school day designed to suit the needs of parents

www.watlingparkschool.org.uk Telephone: 0845 459 0113 Email: info@watlingparkschool.org.uk

Find us on Facebook

7+, 11+, GCSEs, A Levels

Let Jaderberg Krais, London’s leading educational consultancy, help your children get the results they need... tion nforma 88 0754 i r e h t For fur s on: 020 34 call u please

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MOVE YOUR CHILD AHEAD THIS ACADEMIC YEAR

We help develop good study habits and build confidence 15 years‛ proven track record of helping over 3000 children of all abilities Methods based on the strong traditional values of face-to-face teaching Tutors are highly-qualified graduate achievers with oodles of commitment and enthusiasm 90% success rate in helping parents get their children into leading selective schools

IMPROVE, EXCEL, LEAD THE PACK Enfield N21 1PP

Award-winning Leaders are Readers is holding FREE Open Days for the Saturday School programmes at 9.15am; every Saturday throughout November and December (term-time). Bring your child to try out a lesson and get a FREE reading, maths or English assessment for your child. Refer your friends and family and upon registration get 5% off your childrens fees. Other discounts also available!

■ Saturday term-time school enrolling now:

Northwood Hills HA5 2LX • Edgware HA8 8DE • Enfield N21 1PP

■ Free Saturday School Presentations on:

8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th November and 6th December ■ English, Maths and Learning to Read Programmes ■ Nursery – Year 6, for ages 3½ – 11 ■ 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ preparation ■ Saturday Schools, Summer Schools and Winter School ■ Ofsted registered FREE assessment and trial lesson on open days. Call now to book a place: 01992 651 300 www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

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

S EN 015 OP T 2 P SE

Grange School

The

education

kindergarten Nursery Schools Ltd

• Full, part-time and sessional day-care for children aged 2-5 years-old

New 4-11 primary school in Kilburn › Choosing the best approaches from state schools and private schools › Rich learning environment full of arts, drama, sport, music and academic rigour › No fees, our school is free to attend

• Places available starting September 2014

FREE

15-hour places available for 3-4 year-olds

• Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm • Open 48 weeks per year • Fully-trained staff

Come to our Reception Open Event on: Thursday 6th November 2014, 7.00pm - 8.30pm at our proposed school site, the former College of North West London Kilburn Campus, Priory Park Road (off Kilburn High Road), NW6 7UJ.

• All welcome

Find out more and book your place at www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk/events

Apply for a 2015 Reception place through your Local Authority in common with other schools.

ase call to mak Ple ea na ppo intm ent to view

Register your interest to receive all the latest news, including details of our January Event at: www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk

y the Nurser

Telephone: 0845 459 0113 Email: info@kilburngrangeschool.org.uk or find us on Facebook

House School

Also opening in Dalston, E8 in Sept 2015 www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk

CALLING ALL MUMS AND DADS

Would you like to achieve work/life balance...?

Successful ‘Business Mum’ is seeking 5 Business Partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

Tel: 020 8202 5687

Christ Church, Heriot Road, Hendon NW4 2EG

Ex tr co a me

Realistic earnings of £800-£2000+ per month working 10-15 hours a week

This is an opportunity to be your own boss and earn an income whilst enjoying EVERY school holiday with your children

If you have Supervisory, Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle please get in touch ASAP!

Call Bhavini Dattani on 07815786641

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

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education

Classes for children with Special Needs in North & East London Museums OCTOBER GALLERY 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N 3AL ( Holborn) 020 7242 7367 octobergalleryeducation.org SEN Workshops Free art workshops for schools and groups. Explore styles and art mediums. Book any weekday during term time. 14+ years.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk/learning Museum Quiet Days November 20 Children with special educational needs can visit the museum and take part in activities. Limited places. Booking required.

Theatres DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk One Snowy Night December 13 – Relaxed performance December 14 – BSL interpreted performance Christmas tale based on Nick Butterworth’s best selling books. Meet Percy the Park Keeper in his snowy winter park. Cost includes

entry to Discover. £9/£7/family £27.50/under 2s free. 3-6 years.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com The Snowman December 13 Touch tour and audio-described performance. Based on Raymond Briggs’ book about a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. ST JAMES THEATRE 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA ( Victoria) 0844 264 2140 stjamestheatre.co.uk The Snow Dragon December 18 (Relaxed performance) Story about Billy, the spoilt young goat. Watch the performance in a relaxed environment suitable for families with children with learning disabilities, autism and other communication and sensory needs. 3+ years. Cost £16/£18/family £55. STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com The Hunchback Dame of Notre Newham December 6 Pantomime performance by members of Blue Sky Actors, the resident theatre company for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties. Cost £3/£2.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

Tennis & Hockey Sessions Sports sessions for special needs schools, community groups and disabled athletes. Sport-specific wheelchairs available to hire. Visually impaired tennis coaching for 12+ yrs.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King December 7, 12 – Relaxed Performances December 11, 13 – Audio described and pre-show touch tour December 13 – Live captioning December 13, 16, 17 – Integrated Sign Language Festive production with magic, mice and adventure. 8+ years. Cost £22/£15.

NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters November 26-30 Men and women’s singles and doubles matches. Schools and local groups can attend and also have a go through special community programmes. Booking required. Tickets £5-£15 with child discount.

Special Events HYDE PARK hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Winter Wonderland November 21-January 4 Prior arrangements can be made for disabled and wheelchair users on the skating rink or some of the other attractions.

OLYMPIA CONFERENCE CENTRE London, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia) olympia.co.uk Learning Disability Today November 27 Exhibition to improve the lives and issues facing those with learning disabilities and autism. View latest products and related activities. Register to attend.

LEE VALLEY HOCKEY & TENNIS CENTRE Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 3AD (Leyton ) visitleevalley.org.uk

French-English Bilingual Nursery School

Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery

Children aged 1 to 5 Organic 4-course lunches Open 8am to 6pm 47 weeks/year

St George’s Hall Crayford Road (entrance on Carleton Road)

Islington Green (Angel). 2-5 year olds. 8.00 am - 6.00 pm 2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week 47 weeks a year

020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com

London N7 0ND 020 7697 8110

www.lespe�tesetoiles.co.uk

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annabel karmel

Christmas Recipes Get creative in the kitchen with the kids this Christmas, with some tasty treats from cookery author Annabel Karmel. Decorate cute cupcakes as wintery snowmen or design cookies as reindeers with these fun festive ideas. And what’s more, they are simple to make and look great on your Christmas table.

Snowman Cupcakes

Reindeer Cookies Ingredients 350g plain flour 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp mixed spice ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp baking powder 175g butter 150g light brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup Decoration M&Ms Writing Icing Pens Glace cherries Curly Wurly chocolate bars Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 160oC Fan. 2. Measure the flour, spices, salt, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a bowl. Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a saucepan. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix together. Lightly knead together to make a dough. Form into 10 balls of dough. Pinch one end of the ball to form a point, and then flatten out with your hand. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden but still slightly soft. 3. Make 2 holes for the ears using a small skewer and leave to cool for a few minutes. Decorate with lengths of Curly Wurly for the ears, glace cherries for the nose and M&Ms for the eyes. Makes 10 Cookies

Mini Christmas Puddings Ingredients 75g (3oz) raisins or dried cranberries, halved 2 tablespoons brandy, port or orange juice 75g (3oz) unsalted butter 100g (3½oz) plain chocolate 1 x 300g (11oz) ginger cake 150g (5oz) white ready-to-roll icing a few drops of green and red food colouring icing sugar, for dusting holly leaf cookie cutter

Ingredients Cupcakes 125g butter (at room temperature) or margarine 125g caster sugar two third cup superfine sugar ½ tsp lemon zest 2 eggs 125g self-raising flour ¼ tsp baking powder Icing 500g vanilla buttercream 20 chocolate chips 50g orange fondant icing or colour white fondant orange Matchmakers A little milk chocolate Edible silver baubles

Method 1. Soak the raisins or cranberries in the brandy, port or orange juice for about 30 minutes. 2. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir in the raisins or cranberries, then crumble in the cake. Mix well and leave to cool slightly. 3. Put in the fridge for about 1 hour to firm up, then roll into 10 walnut-sized balls. 4. Measure 50g (2oz) of the icing and colour with the green food colouring. Dust a clean work surface with a little icing sugar and roll out the icing. 5. Cut out holly leaves using your cutter. Colour 10g (1⁄4oz) of the icing with red food colouring and roll into small balls to make berries. Roll out the remaining white icing and cut out rough circles, then place on top of the puddings to look like snow. Dampen the underside of the holly leaves and red berries with water, then stick them on top.

Method 1. Pre heat the oven to 160oC Fan/180oC/ Gas 4. Line a muffin tin with 8 paper cases. 2. Put the butter, sugar, lemon zest, flour and baking powder into a bowl and beat in an electric food mixer until smooth. 3. Divide the mixture between the paper cases and cook in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and springy to touch. 4. Remove from the oven and cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. 5. Whilst cool, make the arms from the Matchmakers. Cut off a short length from some Matchmakers and attach these using little of the melted chocolate as in the photo. 6. Take small amounts of the orange fondant icing and roll into carrot noses. 7. Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe the buttercream on top. Add chocolate chips for eyes, mini orange fondant carrot for the nose and silver baubles for the mouth. Add Matchmaker arms.

Makes 12 puddings

Makes 12 cupcakes

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christmas Get the Annabel Karmel App!

Shop locally this Christmas and give more than just presents...

For lots more fun ideas download Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler app. Access more than 200 delicious recipes, as well as a host of features to keep your family on track and enjoying meal times. Download the new version from the App Store now (£3.99) or visit www.annabelkarmel.com

CALLING ALL PARENTS! Our business is exploding and we need help!

by Sal Jefford

Christmas is upon us once again, and unless you are amazingly prepared and have bought all your presents already, there’s shopping to be done!

We are busy parents working together to help busy parents find the ideal work/life balance. � Would an £200 to £400 per month make a difference to the family budget? � Do you need an extra income in order to give your kids more activities and treats? � Is finding flexible work proving difficult whilst juggling parenthood? We are looking for parents who want a challenge while running a business from home. Interested? Call Charlene on 07813353647 charlenebluestar@yahoo.co.uk

39 Budd Close, London, N12 8SQ

0208 446 3838 LITTLE TREES BILINGUAL NURSERY

小樹苗中英幼兒園 The Only North London Bilingual MandarinEnglish Nursery

The big retailers have been bombarding us for weeks, and you can rarely walk down the street or switch on the television without seeing adverts for this year’s Christmas must-haves. But what about the small, local, independent retailers? The businesses which are owned and run by local residents, often parents who are trying to feed, clothe and support their own families. Small businesses easily get ‘lost’ in the hubbub of Christmas, when really it’s a time of the year when we should be using them just as much, if not more, than usual. Yes, the large supermarkets and online retailers can offer price savings, because they are big and they have bulk-buying power. But they don’t offer low prices to save you money, they offer them to make more proﬁt for themselves, by offering loss leaders, or by negotiating lower prices from their suppliers, who then haggle with the manufacturers, who end up making smaller proﬁts themselves, and sometimes even selling at a loss. But what about the things that the big businesses don’t offer? These are the things that small businesses generally excel at providing – handmade goods and locally produced items, in-depth product knowledge and personalised advice, customer service, a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience. You may not get the lowest prices, but you do get excellent value for money. Added to all of this, when you buy local you are making an important contribution to your local economy. Spending money with local businesses causes a ripple-effect, as those businesses in turn spend locally, and

on and on. Various research has been undertaken, with results showing that when £10 is spent in a local shop, between £16 and £50 goes back into the local economy, helping to improve local prosperity and create jobs. Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-political, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2014 Small Business Saturday UK will take place on Saturday December 6th. Will you shop locally this Christmas? Shopping locally gives you: Handmade goods – made by local craftspeople, these are often one-of-akind items that you won’t find in the big retailers. In-depth product knowledge and advice – small business owners often have a better knowledge of the lines they stock, for example which clothing brands ‘run large’ and which are true to size, or which shoes offer the best fit for narrow feet. Customer service – love the item but don’t like the colour? Independent retailers are often happy to order in products in other colours or sizes for you, and they usually deal with any complaints or problems in a far friendlier way than bigger businesses do. A more enjoyable shopping experience – local business owners frequently like to take the time to chat and get to know their customers, which makes for a far nicer experience Stronger community ties – shopping locally helps to create town centres which are more sustainable and vibrant, meaning people feel part of the community. Local businesses are also often more willing than larger chains are to support local causes that have more meaning to them, and the area in which they live and work.

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

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

ROOM

Reading

Ed’s

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

5-7

Katie’s London Christmas

happening. Tom has no idea what it is but it appears to be a talking animal. It explains that it is a Satnik from Saturn and is on a secret mission to explore Earth. Tom can’t resist helping and so embarks on an exciting adventure with his new friend and pet. But pets from space might just get you into trouble! ‘Here are two stories in a fantastic new series which will delight young readers reading on their own or reading together. There is laugh-out-loud fun from start to ﬁnish.’

by James Mayhew (Orchard £11.99)

Ed Says: ‘It’s that time of year when anything can happen – Christmas! Katie and Jack have fallen asleep but are suddenly woken by a loud sneeze. They creep downstairs to see who is there and can’t believe their eyes. But Father Christmas, as well as having a cold, has so much to do. The children offer to help and so set out on a magical sleigh ride across London through swirling snowﬂakes – ﬁnishing with a very special delivery. ‘This is a lovely story with stunning illustrations by this talented writer/ artist. It is sure to enthrall young readers and would make a glittering gift for boys or girls.’

Splash Landing

by Jan Burchett & Sara Vogler (Orion £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Tom Bright is woken by a strange noise and is greeted by an equally strange sight when he goes into the garden to see what is

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Spaghetti Yeti

by Kate Pankhurst (Orion £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Mariella Mystery hopes to become a super sleuth. When Mariella goes on holiday with her family and friends, she’s hoping she will have the chance to practise her powers of detection. Mariella and her friends are thrilled with the campsite, café and ice-cream parlour but they soon decide something strange is afoot when they realise there might be a spaghetti-stealing creature hiding in the woods. Will the Mystery Girls be able to outwit the spaghetti yeti? ‘This is a brilliant story with amazing illustrations throughout. It sparkles with humour from beginning to end.’

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Diary of Dorkius Maximus in Pompeii by Tim Collins (Buster Books £7.99)

Ed Says: ‘Dorkius loves living in Rome but he has to spend the summer in Pompeii. He thinks it is going to be deadly boring but instead it turns out to be deadly. While following a trail of clues to work out how to avert danger he meets Decima and together they try to save everyone from the demon on Mount Vesuvius. Will Dorkius’ dream of becoming a Roman hero come true? Will he be able to stay alive that long? ‘This is an hilarious instalment of Dorkius’ diary. The characters are fantastic and show the reader aspects of Roman history as well as bringing excitement and adventure.’

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

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Clubs & Classes Art & craft Sport Performing arts Workshops

don n o L h t r No s and Club ses Clas

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

clubs and classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in North London. This season there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.

Art & craft COOKIE CRUMBLES 020 8876 9912 cookiecrumbles.co.uk Cooking Have fun with food cooking parties and classes. Whisking, baking and rolling. 4-16 years.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS St Peters Church, NW3 4HT & Poem Bar, St Johns Wood 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Xmas Club December 15-19 Art, dance, drama, cake decorating and free play. 3-9 years.

FINE ART 4 KIDS Crouch End 020 8275 0360 07949 293 463 fineart4kids.com emmylou@fineart4kids.com Classes Art classes and holiday workshops. 5 -12 years and teenage classes.

JW3 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET ( Finchley Road) jw3.org.uk info@jw3.org.uk Cooking Together November 20, 27, December 4, 11 Hands-on cooking classes and tasting sessions. 2-5 years. Puppet Tales November 19, 26, December 3, 10 Stories and fun with handmade puppets. 2½ years to 6 years. Chanukah Cooking Workshop December 14 Make and take home delicious festival dishes. 6-11 years.

LITTLE HANDS DESIGN 67 Belsize Lane, NW3 5AU ( Swiss Cottage) 020 7431 0573

littlehandsdesign.co.uk Festive Fashion Fun December 15-19 Autumn Winter fabrics. 6-18 years. Cost full week £225 and half week £120.

Dance CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE NW6 020 7435 4247 chantrainedance.co.uk info@chantrainedance.co.uk Dance Classes Weekday and Saturday classes in contemporary, classical, jazz – creativity, choreography and more. Classes for children and teenagers. First class free.

JUMP UP DANCE ACADEMY The Rooms Above NW6 St Luke’s School NW3 Rimon School NW2 O2 Centre NW6 Mill Hill Music Complex NW7 07946 581933 jumpup.co.uk erna@jumpup.co.uk Dance Classes RAD ballet, ISTD modern, ISTD tap in a wide range of ages and abilities. Take part in shows on a regular basis with invited guests and work towards RAD ballet examinations. 3-18+ years.

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

Hampstead, Hackney, Islington, Stoke Newington, Fulham, Maida Vale, 07704 290 479 regalballet.com therese@regalballet.com Ballet Classes Classes taught by professional ballerinas and qualified teachers. RAD exam class also offered. Book a free trial lesson. 18 months-14 years.

Languages ALEGRIA SPANISH CLUB 07971 426902 alegriaspanishclub@gmail.com Learn Spanish Achieve a high standard through interesting and fun activities. 3-16 years.

ANGLO-RUSSIAN 16 Abbey Road, St John’s Wood, NW8 9HD Hyde Park, Regent’s Park & St John’s Wood 07851791024 anglorussian.org.uk Bilingual Pre-School Early years bilingual programme taught in Russian and in English. One, two or three days a week. 2-5 years.

BI-LINGUAL BEATS North London bilingualbeats.com info@bilingualbeats.com

HIGHGATE BALLET SCHOOL Highgate Village, Jacksons Lane, Hendon and Barnet 020 8432 2995 highgateballetschool.com info@highgateballetschool.com

Spanish Develop music and a foreign language skill in a fun creative way. Learn music and Spanish together. Under 5 years.

Classes Baby and ballet classes. Qualified teachers, parent watch days and regular in-house and theatre performances. 3-18 years.

CLUB PETIT PIERROT St John’s Wood, Notting Hill, Chelsea & Putney 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

REGAL BALLET St Johns Wood, Primrose Hill,

Spring Term 5 January to 2 April Fun lessons in French using the

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adapted ‘immersion method’ programme. Songs, rhymes, dance, arts & crafts, games & exercises. Parent & toddler groups, after-school classes, Saturdays & holidays. Private tuition/mini-groups at home during term-time and holiday periods. Free trial lesson. 8 months-8 years old. Coaching Special coaching for bilingual nannies to encourage children to speak French at home. Learn French CD for Kids Fun educational CD – Learn French: Original songs & rhymes for children – is available to buy on online.

ET PATATI PATATA 07966 893674 etpatatipatata.com caroline@etpatatipatata.com Fun French Fun holiday camps for 5-10 years and French classes for 2 year olds. LE CLUB FRÈRE JACQUES Chantry Hall Montessori Nursery, Muswell Hill, N22 7UL 020 8447 1565 leclubfrerejacques.co.uk French Tuition Fun and easy to learn French. After school club Tuesdays during term time. 3-11 years. LA PETITE ÉCOLE DES CROCODILES Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, Hackney E5 OPU 07749 973 791 les-crocodiles.blogspot.co.uk les-crocodiles@hotmail.com French French classes for francophone children on Tuesdays & Wednesdays and French for English speaking children on Mondays from 4.15pm. 0-13 years old. Play, songs and stories for young children; writing, grammar, spelling, reading and drama classes for older children.

LES PETITES ETOILES St George’s Hall, Crayford Road, N7 OND

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clubs and classes 020 7697 8110 lespetitesetoiles.co.uk French – English Bilingual Nursery School. 1-5 years.

SPANISH NURSERY & CHILDREN’S CENTRE FOR CULTURE & LANGUAGE Ingestre Road Community Centre, NW5 1UX ( Tufnell Park) 020 7482 3622 thespanishnursery.com Hola! Nursery places for under 5s, no previous knowledge of Spanish necessary. Also tennis classes as part of the curriculum. After school classes and school holiday clubs for 4-8 years. After School Classes January 15-April 2 Fun Spanish grammar and conversation.

FLEET TUTORS 0845 644 5452 fleet-tutors.co.uk Tuition Help students reach their potential with private home tutoring.

JADERBERG KRAIS Tutoring Assessments Consultancy 020 3488 0754 jaderbergkrais.co.uk Tuition Educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children. Tuition for 7+, 11+, GCSEs and A Level. Mock 11+ exams designed to help prepare students sitting 11+ secondary school entrance exams. Includes verbal and non verbal reasoning Maths & English.

LEADERS ARE READERS Enfield, Edgware, Northwood Hills 01992 651 300 leadersarereaders.co.uk

Learning & tuition AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING CENTRE 1 Oakwood Parade, Bramley Road, N14 4HY ( Oakwood) 020 8440 8586 afterschoollearningcentre.com Tuition Sessions in English, Reading, Maths and Science tuition focusing on exam success. 4-18 years.

EXPLORE LEARNING Crouch End 020 3375 4245 Finchley 020 8150 2218 Islington 020 3597 7856 New Barnet 020 3375 4248 Palmers Green 020 3597 7858 West Hampstead 020 7993 1309 Enfield 020 3713 9721 explorelearning.co.uk Tuition Maths, English and 11+ tuition centres with sessions tailored to your child’s needs. All abilities welcome. Open 7 days a week for twice weekly visits on a drop-in basis. Free trial session. 5-14 years.

Tuition English, Maths and Learning to Read programmes. 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ preparation, Saturday schools and winter schools. Free assessments and trial lessons on open days. 3½-11 yrs.

MATHS DOCTOR 020 3476 4398 mathsdoctor.co.uk/families Tuition Private maths tuition with professionally trained and certified tutors. One-to-one tuition. KS2, KS3, 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, AS and A Level and University.

Music HMDT MUSIC Haggerston School E2 020 8882 8825 hmdt.org.uk Music Theatre The Music Box under 4s family programme, I Can Sing! Music theatre school, CYMH instrumental school and Julian Joseph jazz academy.

The MultiSports Group Change your game

MultiSports Crouch End MultiSports Mill Hill Weekend sports for boys & girls aged 4-16 of all abilities

Tel: 0844 3350450 www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk 18 sports a year – professional coaches – Ofsted registered Little Sporties for 4 & 5 years – Main school for 6 -16 years

KINDER MOZART Hampstead & Finchley Road 028 8638 0613 kindermozart.co.uk info@kindermozart.co.uk

JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL 020 8447 4530 jigsaw-arts.co.uk Classes Weekend dance, drama and singing classes with shows and presentations. 3-18 years.

Music Classes Music classes. 3-6 years.

Performing arts

(PQA) THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Enfield, Hampstead & Highgate, Muswell Hill, Woodford Green 084567 32022 pqacademy.com

ALL SORTS DRAMA Hampstead, Knightsbridge & Notting Hill 020 8767 5298 allsortsdrama.com info@allsortsdrama.com Drama Classes Weekly drama classes, holiday courses and drama parties. Stimulate imagination, improvise, improve performance skills and devise and perform a variety of plays. 4-18 years.

CRAZEE KIDS Jacksons Lane, Archway Rd, N6 5AA 020 8444 5333 07958 501919 crazeekids.co.uk lisa@crazeekids.co.uk Spring Term January 13-March 28 Dance, drama, music and art classes. Tuesdays and Saturdays. 3-5 years.

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL North & North West London 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk Christmas Holiday Courses All action fun-packed drama and stunning plays, musicals and street dance shows in NW3. 3-12 years. Autumn Term From 10 January Wide range of Saturday Performing Arts Classes, including drama, dance exams, musical theatre and street dance. Birthday parties also bookable. 3-4 years, 5 and 6 years and 7-12 years.

Theatre Workshops Weekend performing Arts tuition. Book a free taster session. Call or visit online to book. 4-18 years.

PERFORM Highbury, Hampstead, Belsize Park, St John’s Wood, Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Woodford Green 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk/venue enquiries@perform.org.uk The Jungle! From January to March Colourful wild adventures in tropical rain forests. Meet Snow the White Tiger, and Boo the cheeky monkey and go on an exhilarating Jungle Rumble. Drama, dance and singing to help develop confidence, communication and concentration skills. Free trial sessions available. 4-8 years. RAZZAMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOLS Barnet 01923 805846/ 07788 592171 razzamataz.co.uk Drama Classes Musical theatre, dance and drama. Razz Tots aged 2-3 years. Trial sessions available. 4-18 years.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN THE PERFORMING ARTS 6-18 YEARS

Dance – Act – Sing

EVERY SATURDAY 10am – 1pm Copthall School,Pursley Rd,NW7 2EP Tel:020 8202 2006

Mob: 07828 914 127

E: millhill@theatretrain.co.uk www.theatretrain.co.uk Theatretrain the company that loves to perform! Patrons: Sir Derek JAcobi KBE, Alfred Molina, Catherine Tate, Lucy Davis

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

clubs and classes STAGECOACH Highgate: 020 7272 8108 Stoke Newington: 020 7354 0367 stagecoach.co.uk highgate@stagecoach.co.uk stokenewington@ stagecoach.co.uk Theatre Workshops Performance Arts School – skills in dance, drama and singing. After school classes, weekend workshops and holiday clubs. THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands. 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design. Students get the chance to be considered for professional work. Classes on Saturdays in North London and Hackney, Tuesdays in Bethnal Green and Wednesdays in Docklands. Drama qualifications also available. Check online for taster day dates. 4-18 years.

THEATRE TRAIN Held at Copthall School, Pursley Road, NW7 2EP 020 8202 2006 07828 914127 millhill@theatretrain.co.uk Theatre Workshops Professional training in performing arts – dance, act and sing. Saturday classes. 6-18 years. 360 ARTS 90 Kingsway, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OEX 07580 846 993 360arts.co.uk Classes Acting, singing and dancing. Build confidence, make new friends and unlock hidden talents. Book online. 3-18 years.

Sports AWESWIM 020 8819 3567

aweswim.co.uk contactus@aweswim.co.uk Swimming Lessons Lessons for everyone – parent and baby, adult + child and pre-school. Non-swimmers to competitive, groups/private one to one lessons. In Golders Green & Colindale areas.

CIRCUS GLORY Primrose Hill Community Centre, 29 Hopkinson’s Place, NW1 8TN 0797 345 1603 circusglory.co.uk Trapeze Circus skills. Weekly and holiday workshops. From 2½ years.

DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL NW3 020 8446 0891 dgsoccer.co.uk info@dgsoccer.co.uk Christmas Holiday Football Courses Non-stop football fun. 3-12 years. Autumn Term From 10 January Football classes on Saturday mornings for 3-4 years and 5-7 years. Weekly football training sessions for 7-12 years (children in School Years 3-6). Teams play in The Camden and Regents Park Youth League. New players welcome to join at any time. Football or sports birthday parties also bookable.

ENJOY – A – BALL 08452 2626 94 enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com Enjoy-a-Ball classes Sports coaching for 3-9 year olds. Also parties for super-active boys and girls. Weekly classes in Mill Hill, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Physi-ball classes Ball skills and core skills for toddlers 18months to 2½ years. Weekly classes in Mill Hill, Temple Fortune and Muswell Hill.

IMPROVING PERFORMANCE THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS A recent survey of 1500 parents whose children attend Stagecoach Theatre Arts, found an overwhelming majority have seen improvements in their child’s confidence, social skills and general happiness and well-being. ‘A huge 93.7% of parents reported that their child is more confident at school and 85% have seen an improvement in academic performance.’ Parents also noted improvements in their child’s ability to:

Enjoy-a-Ball holiday camps Fun, action packed camps during the school holidays for 3-9 year olds. Different sport every day for 5+ years and active games for 3-4 years, plus arts and crafts for all ages.

For Mill Hill, Friern, Barnet, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Golders Green. Contact: 020 8201 1084/jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk

ISA FOOTBALL Kingsbury NW9 Hampstead G S NW11 Queens Park NW6 Mill Hill NW7 07957 229518 isacoaching.co.uk george@isacoaching.co.uk Coaching Training academy and coaching system in mini-soccer training sessions. Reception to Year 6 (Kingsbury).

For Islington, Hackney, Wapping & Wanstead. Contact 020 8958 2808/ amarks@littlekickers.co.uk

KIDDIKICKS N8, NW1, NW8, N16 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk Football Training sessions and courses to encourage participation and to develop a love of the game. Improve ball control and motor skills. 18 months to 7 years. KIDS YOGA Southbury Leisure Centre yogakids@holisticworld.co.uk Yoga Tuesdays term time sessions 4.30-5.30pm. 6-11 years. LEE VALLEY ATHLETICS CENTRE Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 OAR 020 8344 7230 visitleevalleypark.org.uk Minithon December 13 Range of sporting activities. School Years 3-7. Cost £12.

Football Skills Approved training for kids. 18 months-7 years.

The study commissioned by Stagecoach Theatre Arts backs up research highlighted in the government’s ‘Taking Part’ initiative and the DICE (‘Drama Improves Lisbon Key Competences in Education’) report. The children who took part in performing arts activities were more likely to be better at problem solving, feel more confident in

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LONDON SCHOOL OF CAPOEIRA HERANCA Units 1-2 Leeds Place, Tollington Park, N4 3RF (Finsbury Park tube) 020 7281 2020 londonschoolofcapoeira.com kids@londonschoolofcapoeira.com Capoeira for Children A capoeira school values quality discipline, health and personal development. Develop physical abilities through dance, music, selfdefence and acrobatics. After school classes. 7-16 years.

MULTI SPORTS Crouch End & Mill Hill 0844 335 0450 themultisportsgroup.co.uk Weekend Sports Take part in a variety of sports activities. All abilities. Little Sporties for 4-5 years and Main School for 6-16 years.

POOLSIDE MANOR Finchley, N3 020 8349 1945 poolsidemanor.com enquiry@poolsidemanor.com Courses Multi activity day camps, swimming classes and crash courses, after school clubs and training sessions. 3-11 years. Swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, children and adults.

RUGBY TOTS North London 0845 313 6703 rugbytots.co.uk

LITTLE KICKERS littlekickers.co.uk

• Express opinions to adults they do not know (94%) • Listen attentively (89%) • Find innovative solutions to problems (91%) • Make new friends (92%)

For Southgate, New Barnet, Enfield. Contact 020 7684 7969/ehanna@ littlekickers.co.uk

Classes Rugby specific play programme

communication and are more innovative and entrepreneurial. Stagecoach Theatre Arts was established in 1988 and offers termly, part-time tuition in performing arts for 4-16 year olds. We believe our winning mix of drama, singing and dance enables students to experience a variety of skills and that a focus on teaching life skills in addition to academic knowledge will help develop independent, creative learners who are more able to adapt to new situations. If you would like to know more about Stagecoach call us on 0207 272 8108.

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clubs and classes designed to build confidence and enhance physical and social skills. 2-7 years.

London N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk

Take part in activities and special events on selected dates, themed to a performance. 4+ years.

SNOZONE UK Milton Keynes snozoneuk.com salesmk@snozoneuk.com

Arts Depot Mini & Junior Performers Drama, movement, games and performances. 5-8 years and 8-12 years.

Toddlers & babies

Family Lessons Family friendly skiing lessons from 3 years old and snowboarding lessons from 7 years old. School holiday Snocamps and children’s birthday parties. Lessons available at all levels. Check online for details.

WHITE CRANE KARATE SCHOOL Barnet, Finchley Central, East Finchley, Edgware, Harrow Weald, Stanmore 0787 550 1674 – Sheena WhiteCraneEdgware34@hotmail. co.uk Classes Karate for children. First lesson free trial. 4-12 years.

Theatre workshops ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley,

Arts Depot Messy Play Messy play activities. 10 months-3 years.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Drawing & Painting Basic skills classes after school term time classes. Booking required. 5-12 years. Mini Mozart Fun music class for babies and toddlers. minimozart.com

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

DEBUTOTS Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Swiss Cottage 020 8442 2380 debutots.co.uk jennifer@debutots.co.uk Classes Interactive story telling and dramatic play classes. Build self confidence, creativity and communication. 6 months-7 years.

BABY MASSAGE & YOGA NW6, NW8 07528 688734 milestonesbabymassage.com Courses Communicate with your baby through touch. Suitable from birth.

BABY SENSORY Lisa 077887 700939 Karen 07825 212491 babysensory.com

DIDDI DANCE Crouch End, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, Highbury, Swiss Cottage, North Finchley, Hampstead and West Hampstead. Charlene 07892 711162. diddidance.com Classes Rhythm, moves and funky dance classes at various locations for pre-school children.

Baby Sensory Baby development classes Sensory activities, sign language and play sessions. Held in Barnet, Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Radlett and Southgate, Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Muswell Hill. Birth-13 months.

COLOURSTRINGS Muswell Hill, Highgate, Islington & Stoke Newington 020Hill 84442012 943570x55 PT.HR.pdf UP Club Jennifer_Muswell Free members’ club most Saturdays. nlcolourstrings.co.uk

Imagination takes you everywhere...

Music Kindergarten Active fun, musical learning for babies, toddlers and children, based on traditional and classical music. Professional musicians and specialists.

story

drama

02/12/2012

17:17

play

6 months – 7 years

Interactive storytelling and dramatic play classes • promoting skilful communication • fostering creativity • building self-confidence jennifer@debutots.co.uk 020 8442 2380 www.debutots.co.uk

Local Venues • Nurseries • Schools

Highgate Advert.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2014 13:09 Page 1• Children's Centres • Parties

Highgate 020 7272 8108

www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate

Age 4-18

Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988

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clubs and classes CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Instead of the filling up the toy box with more plastic toys that the children will tire of, what about a place at Jigsaw Performing Arts school. Jigsaw provide inspiring classes for children from 3 years to 18 years. Bookings paid for in full before Christmas will be given

JIGSAW’S WILD WEST SHOW After almost 20 years of building an established and quality provider of children’s performing arts classes in 20 locations, Jigsaw founder, Nicola Lander has decided to franchise in order to expand. Nicola shares with us what its like to be a working mum who runs her own performing arts school business. ‘I have enjoyed many years of the most rewarding job in the world. Not only do I enjoy the fulfilment of watching so many children grow and reach their full potential in their time at Jigsaw, I have a job that also allows me to be there when my own children need me. I can be there for first day at school, the Christmas show or sports day.

Baking Laughing Making Learning

a free t-shirt (Worth £10). We can also send a Voucher that you can gift wrap with the t-shirt. You’ll be purchasing that special child 11 weeks of performing arts fun! Visit our website www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530 to purchase an exciting and rewarding Christmas gift.

I am now looking forward to supporting and SPECIAL training new Jigsaw franchisees in a fulfilling OFFER: business and helping them to achieve a good PRIZE DRAW work/life balance. Our first franchise opened Jigsaw Performing in Wimbledon this year and Michael, our first Arts School is offering franchisee is already seeing the benefits of a FREE scholarship place at his hard work. I’m sure that the success of their Camden, Crouch End, Finchley, Jigsaw is due to the fact that I love my job and Enfield, Hendon and Winchmore Hill I really believe in the benefits of drama, dance schools for the Spring term 2015 to and singing for all children. I have two very give away. different sons. My eldest is very sensitive and Classes take place at the weekend my youngest is a talker! They have both taken for students aged 3-18 years. A term’s different benefits and skills from attending scholarship is worth between £150 for Jigsaw. They are not there because I want them 3-6 years and £280 for 7-18 years. For to be professional actors, they are there because more details go to www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk I know it will help them to be confident, wellTo be entered into the Prize Draw, rounded individuals who work well with others email your name, address, telephone and have great self esteem.’ Whether you want number and your child’s name and age to your children to attend Jigsaw or are interested admin@jigsaw-arts.co.uk quoting FAMILIES in finding out more about a Jigsaw franchise, SCHOLARSHIP in the subject box. please call Nicola on 0208 447 4530.Grant Families ad 87x62_Layout 1 19/12/2012 13:50 Page 1 Danny

Fun Cooking Parties & Classes For boys and girls Aged 4-16 years Call for details:

020 8876 9912

Danny Grant Soccer School

Action-packed Holiday Football Courses for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6 & 7 to 11. Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness & football skills! Exciting matches each day! Specialised term-time weekly football classes for 3 & 4yrs and 5 & 6yrs. Plus weekly football training and league matches for 7 to 12yrs. Also bookable football and general sports birthday parties.

Giggling...

Call for more details!

www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk

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info@dgsoccer.co.uk

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020 8446 0891 www.dgsoccer.co.uk

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North London

Your Guide to North London Family Entertainment!

Places To Go Cinema

Theatre

Further Afield

Concerts

Festivals

Exhibitions

Days Out

Special Events

Museums

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

places to go festive fun

Places To Go

Your guide to North London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great seasonal guide of all the very best places for you to visit. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

Festive fun CARNABY CHRISTMAS carnaby.co.uk November 13 Launch of a special Christmas installation suspended along Carnaby Street and a fun shopping party from 5-9pm with DJs, music, shopping discounts and competitions. GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE LONDON Covent Garden Piazza ( Covent Garden) xmaspuddingrace.org.uk December 6 Organised on behalf of Cancer Research UK. Register a team of 6 people to compete in the race in fancy dress.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322 cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead Winter Wreath Making December 7 Make a wreath using willow and greenery from the Heath. Family workshop in the Education Centre. 8+ years. Booking required. 020 7482 7073. Cost ÂŁ5 per wreath. Christmas Party December 13 Adventure playground. Booking required. 020 7482 2116. Bring food to share. 5+ years. KENWOOD HOUSE Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR (Hampstead Heath ) 020 8348 1286 englishheritage.org.uk Story Telling Sundays November 30 Interactive sessions. 3+ years. Free. Carol Concert December 12

Christmas at Kenwood December 20, 21, 27, 28 Hands-on activities for children with a festive theme. Free.

HAMPSTEAD CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL hampsteadvillagelondon.com Christmas Lights November 23 Local event around Hampstead High Street with Christmas entertainment and lights switched on by a celebrity.

OLYMPIA LONDON Grand Hall, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia) olympia.co.uk olympiahorseshow.com

SEVEN DIALS LIGHTS (near Covent Garden) WC2 sevendials.co.uk December 4 Traffic free event and a festive shopping night out with live music and in-store activities. See the new Christmas light installations and receive 20% discount in many shops and restaurants.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE ( Charing Cross) london.gov.uk Tree Lighting Ceremony Traditionally the tree arrives from Norway and is lit at the beginning of December.

Blessing of the Crib December 7 Torch-lit procession from St Martinin-the-Fields church steps to Trafalgar Square led by the Salvation Army Band and the Church Choir and Clergy. Free. stmartin-in-the-fields. org Carol Singing December 8-23 Carol singers perform at the base of the Christmas tree collecting in aid of various charities. London NYE Fireworks 2014 December 31 Stunning fireworks displays after Big Ben strikes midnight. Tickets ÂŁ10.

The London International Horse Show December 16-22 Equestrian Christmas event with separate performances during the day. Special Christmas finale with carols and a visit from Father Christmas.

OXFORD STREET LIGHTS oxfordstreet.co.uk November 6 Oxford Street Christmas lights Switch on outside John Lewis store.

REGENTS STREET LIGHTS regentstreetonline.com November 16 Annual Christmas Lights switch on event with celebrity guests and entertainment.

SERPENTINE SWIMMING CLUB Serpentine, Hyde Park serpentineswimmingclub.com Peter Pan Cup December 25, 9am The swimming club members take part in an annual swimming race in icy waters. Spectators welcome.

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Seven Dials Christmas Lights

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christmas concerts • where’s santa places to go

Christmas Concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk Junior Trinity Winter Concerts November 23 Performances from students aged 9-19 from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music. Cost £10/£5. The Sound of Musicals December 28 Music from Broadway and West End musicals with the London Concert Orchestra. Music and Dance from The Ballet December 31 Music and solo performances. New Year’s Day Gala January 1 Favourites to be enjoyed by all. National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain January 4 Winter concert from the young musicians. Cost £10-£28. BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk The Hampstead Consort: Family Carol Concerts December 21 Special concerts for families to join in. Booking required. Cost £12/£5.

CADOGAN HALL 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ ( Sloane Square) 020 7730 4500 cadoganhall.com Crash Bang Wallop! December 13 Festive family concert with pre-concert activities. 3-8 years. Cost £10/£8/family £30. Peter and the Wolf & The Snowman December 22 Narrated by Jack Dee. Orchestral music and giant screening of The Snowman. 5+ years. Cost £30, £25, £20.

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX ( High Street Kensington) 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk Christmas Carols December 8, 15 Sing Georgian inspired carols. Guided tours, mulled wine and mince pies. Cost £10/£5.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC Marylebone Road, NW1 5HT ( Regent’s Park) 020 7873 7300 ram.ac.uk Carols by Candlelight November 28 At St Marylebone Parish Church, NW1 5HT. Annual festive event. Tickets £8.50. Junior Academy Symphony Orchestra & Sinfonia November 29 Junior concert. Free entry. No ticket required.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) 0845 401 5045 royalalberthall.com Christmas Carol Singalong December 13, 18, 20, 23 Carols by Candlelight December 13, 20, 21, 23, 24

ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ ( Charing Cross) 020 7766 1100 stmartin-in-the-fields.org Family Carols November 29 London Concert Choir. Cost £14/£7. Mini Maestro Family Christmas Concert December 6 Carol singing. Cost £14/£7. Festive Family Carols by Candlelight December 12 Children welcome for the hour long concert. Cost £14/£7. Carols for Shoppers December 13 Crib Family Service December 24 Blessing of the Crib, readings and carols. No tickets required.

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD ( St Paul’s) stpauls.co.uk/Christmas Advent Procession November 29, 30 Sung by the Cathedral Choir. Paternoster Square Screen December 23, 24 Carol services shown live on a large screen in Paternoster Square.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY SW1P 3PA ( St James’s Park) 020 7222 5152 westminster-abbey.org Christmas Concert December 16 Evening concert with readings and traditional carols. Booking required. Cost from £15.

‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ at the Arts Depot

Christmas Services December 23, 24, 25 Lessons and carols. Ticketed services – bookings online from 17 November.

Where’s Santa?

Journey around the Christmas maze and gardens, look for fairies, reindeer and lost presents! Follow the clues to find Santa. Also crafts, magic shows, tractor rides, a guided illuminated walk and Jack & the Beanstalk pantomime. Separate charges may apply. Cost £6.50/£3.50.

ADAM ANTS PARTIES 020 8959 1045 adamantsparties.co.uk info@adamantsparties.co.uk Santa to your Door Enjoy a special visit from Santa on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – or at any other time. He will deliver presents, have a chat and may even sing a song and nibble on a mince pie or two! Children’s Christmas parties also available to book.

FORTNUM & MASON 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER ( Piccadilly Circus) 020 7734 8040 bookings fortnumandmason.com Christmas Storytelling November 29, 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21-23 Story telling with Father Christmas on the fifth floor. Accompanied children – maximum 2 adults per booking. 4-11 years. Cost £20.

BROXBOURNE RIVERSIDE MOORINGS Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6LX (Broxbourne ) 01992 462 085 visitleevalley.org.uk

HAMLEYS REGENT STREET 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT ( Oxford Circus) hamleys.com Father Christmas at Hamleys November 22-December 24 Meet Father Christmas and his elves, sit down to a meal, take part in activities and receive a special gift. 4-11 years. Cost £45 per child/ photos £10.

Santa Cruise December 20, 21 One hour Christmas cruise with mulled wine, mince pies, carols and a meeting with Santa to receive a present. Booking required. Cost £8.50.

CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk A-Mazeing Christmas Event December 6, 7

HARRODS 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL ( Knightsbridge) 0333 300 2300 harrods.com The Christmas Grotto November 7-December 24 Santa arrives in style following the traditional Christmas Parade. Visit Santa, receive a gift and also

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places to go ice rinks • cinema • museums • exhibitions enjoy Afternoon tea treats. Booking required. Special charges apply.

Bring a camera to take a photo with Santa. Under 2 years. Cost £4.

Pre-Schooler Experience Children under 4 years can meet Santa during the week from 10am to 11.30am in November only.

Carols by Candlelight December 22 Christmas sing-a-long. Free.

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND W2 2UH ( Hyde Park Corner) hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Santa Land and Visit Santa Visit Santa Land and ride on the Santa Express. Meet Santa and his elves when he opens his grotto from 10am-6pm. Other attractions include Christmas Markets, Circus thrills, Fairground and Giant Wheel. Visit to Santa is free but tokens need to be purchased for the other attractions.

KEW GARDENS Kew, Richmond, Surrey ( Kew Gardens) kew.org Santa’s Snowflake Grotto November 26-December 23 Visit Santa in the Snowflake Grotto. Enjoy Victorian Carousel rides and Tree Top Towers adventure playground. Opening times and entrance charges vary. Entrance to gardens during the day £15/under 16s free. Christmas at Kew November 26-January 3 Night-time trail with lights, snowflakes and glowing gardens. Vintage rides, festive food and a visit to Santa. Entrance between 5pm-10pm £17/£12 for 4-16 years/ under 4s free. LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Santa in the House December 13, 14 Book a visit to Santa who has flown in specially for the weekend. Cost £6 per child. Duckpond Market December 14 Stalls, crafts, workshops, music and arts. Combine with a visit to see Santa. Booking recommended. Baby Photo Fun with Santa December 15

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, St Albans, AL4 OPF (M25/J22) 0870 129 9718 willowsfarmvillage.com Santa’s Spectacular Grotto and Festive Farm Fun November 26-December 24 Festive fun with a visit to Santa, a Nativity story, rides and indoor play barn. Entrance charges apply. ZSL LONDON ZOO Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY ( Regent’s Park) 020 7449 6200 zsl.org Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo November 22-December 24 Festive activities and a meeting with Father Christmas. Check information and booking dates online. Living Nativity December 1-17 School groups from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes can visit the zoo and journey through scenes of the nativity. Listen to stories from Santa and take home a gift. Book in advance. Cost £7 per pupil.

Open-air ice rinks Open-air ice rinks operate from 10am to 10pm in all weather conditions so come prepared and take care. Each bookable ice rink session is one hour long and skate hire is included in the price.

BROADGATE ICE RINK Exchange Square, London EC2A 2BQ ( Liverpool Street) broadgate.co.uk/ice November 17-February 26 A short walk from Liverpool Street station and surrounded by shops and restaurants. Ice rink will be closed during school sessions. Penguin skate aids available to hire at £5 per hour. Cost £12.50/£8.50/family £33.50.

A Christmas Carol at the Charles Dickens Museum

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HYDE PARK hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 21-January 4 Open air skating from 10am to 10pm as part of the annual Hyde Park event. Other attractions include Christmas markets, Circus, Giant Wheel, Santa Land and a Magical Ice Kingdom. Each activity is charged separately. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK ( South Kensington) 0844 847 1576 nhm.ac.uk/ice-rink October 30-January 4 Special winter attractions with the impressive outdoor ice rink set within the surroundings of the museum. Attractions included fairground carousel and twinkling fairy lights. Food and drink served in the Café Bar with an open-air viewing balcony. Beginners and advanced skaters welcome. Cost from £11.50/£8.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Live screenings for cinemas roh.org.uk Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland December 16 Live broadcast shown at various cinemas. Ballet based on the book by Lewis Carroll.

SOMERSET HOUSE 0844 847 1520 somersethouse.org.uk November 11-January 11 Seasonal experiences on and off the ice, in partnership with Fortnum & Mason. Skate during the day and enjoy a club atmosphere after dark with special entertainment. Skate School and Penguin Club classes available for all ages.

VUE ISLINGTON Great North Leisure Park, Chaplin Square, N12 OGL 08712 240 240 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland December 16 Live screening of the ballet from the Royal Opera House. Disney Days Fantasia – November 15, 16 Mary Poppins – November 29, 30 The Muppet Christmas Carol – December 13, 14, 20, 21

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street/Beech Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film Framed Film Festival November 22, 23 Films, events, workshops and themed activities. 4-11 years. A Christmoose Story (PG) November 22 7+ years Cost £5/£3. The Christmas of Solan & Ludvig (U) November 23 4+ years. Cost £5/£3. Belle and Sebastian (PG) November 23 7+ years. Cost £5/£3. Hocus Pocus, Alfie Atkins (U) November 23 6+ years. Cost £5/£3. Paddington November 29 Framed Film Club. New release, big screen debut with live action and CGI. The Boy and the World (U) December 7 Framed Film Club. Animation.

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JW3 CINEMA 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET ( Finchley Road) jw3.org.uk info@jw3.org.uk Dumbo (U) November 30 Disney classic. Cost £3/£1.50. Home Alone (PG) December 14 An 8 year-old boy defends his home against the burglars. Ice Age (U) December 21 An epic adventure in the middle of the Ice Age.

Kids AM Special screenings on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Cost £1.75 per ticket. £3 for 3D screenings.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk A Date to Remember December 15-24, 29-31, January 2 Create designs for a calendar of events to take home. Free.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF ( Charing Cross) 020 7839 2013 benjaminfranklinhouse.org education@benjaminfranklinhouse.org Children’s Christmas Party December 13

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JW3 on Ice: north West London’s outdoor Ice rInk 7 december 2014 – 11 January 2015

JW3 341-351 Finchley Road London NW3 6ET Finchley Road

BoX oFFIce 020 7433 8988 info@jw3.org.uk Book online www.jw3.org.uk

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places to go museums • exhibitions Crafts and treats eighteenth century style, with sing-a-longs, mince pies and a Christmas wreath to make and take home. 5-11 years. Booking recommended. Cost £5 per child.

BRITISH POSTAL MUSEUM & ARCHIVE Freeling House, Phoenix Place, WC1X ODL ( Chancery Lane) 020 7239 2570 postalheritage.org.uk Glad Tidings: History of the Christmas Card December 2 Held at the Phoenix Centre next door. Christmas card examples from the past. Online booking. Cost £3/ children under 12 free.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Greeks Alive! November 16 Use stop-motion software and digital video cameras to create animations. Booking required. 7+ years. Free. Egyptian Photo Booth November 22 Use a range of digital technology. 5+ years. Free drop-in. Little Feet November 28, December 5, 8 Activity sessions for young children. Under 5 years. Limited places. Free. Magical Mosaic Masks November 29 Design mosaic masks. 7+ years. Drop-in. Free. Captivating Calligraphy November 29 Japanese calligrapher Haruhisa Handa demonstrates the art of writing characters with a brush. Free. Ice Age animation Workshop November 30

Use digital technology. Booking required. 7+ years. Free. Shadow Puppet Workshop December 7 Make a puppet and bring it to life. Booking required. 7+ years. Free. Digital Dress Up December 13 Using Photoshop. Limited places. 7+ years. Free. Manga Comic Workshop December 14 Create characters. Booking required. 7+ years. Free. Street Art December 20-22, 27-30 January 2, 3 Design and create digital workshop. 5+ years. Free drop-in.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX ( Russell Square) 020 7405 2127 dickensmuseum.com A Christmas Carol and Other Tales of Christmas Past December 19-29 Magical show with shadow puppets. Cost £15/£10. Christmas Programme Check online for details on Costumed Tours, Christmas Walks and a Very Dickensian Christmas Eve! GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Christmas Past Exhibition How Christmas has been celebrated in English homes over the past 400 years. A Georgian Christmas December 4 Candlelight events with music, workshops and stalls. Free entry.

RAF Museum

Christmas Carols December 6 Favourite carols through the ages. Free. Farewell to Christmas January 6 Outdoor event with traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, carols, Epiphany stories, mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Free.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk Christmas Pop December 6 Family workshop to create pop-up Christmas cards using festive materials and archive photographs. Free drop-in. HANDEL HOUSE MUSEUM 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB ( Bond Street) 020 7495 1685 handelhouse.org A Christmas Celebration December 7 Create musical sounds and listen to Christmas music from around the world. Family event. Christmas Treats December 18 At St George’s Hanover Square. Seasonal music. Cost £10. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk Visit the Family Station Pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to explore the museum –

‘The Nutcracker’ at the Unicorn Theatre

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Trace find and draw, Shape Spotter, Fold and go bus, Postcards, Flickr frames and Travel card holder. 3-12 years. Annual ticket £15/ children free.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk A Bear Called Paddington November 14-January 4 Exhibition charting the story of Paddington Bear. View a first edition copy, props from the new film, and a life-size Paddington statue designed by Benedict Cumberbatch as part of a Paddington Trail across fifty sites around London. Free entry. Paddington’s Picnic Weekend November 29, 30 Family festival with crafts, storytelling and special guests. 5+ years. Free. Victorian Santa’s Grotto December 6-23 Meet Santa in a secret grotto on an atmospheric Victorian street. Receive a gift. Cost from £7, photographs extra.

MUSEUMS TAKE OVER DAY kidsinmuseums.org.uk November 21 Children from local schools take part in museum activities, helping with tours, workshops and cleaning objects. The Cutty Sark – Toddler Takeover November 21 Special activities for toddlers and babies. 4 years and under. Special entrance £5 for adult + child. rmg.co.uk The Wallace Collection wallacecollection.org

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theatre • pantomime places to go November 21 School children act as young curators and take charge of some of the museum’s duties.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Printing from Painting November 23 Print making techniques. Limited places allocated on arrival. 5-11 years. Free. Katie’s Picture Show November 29 Family storytelling. 5-11 years. Free. Creating Contrasts November 30 Contrast dark and light and make a collage. Free. ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk First World War in the Air Exhibition From December 4 On display medals, letters, uniforms and First World War aircrafts. Free entry. Christmas Concert December 7 Christmas concert performed by two local community groups.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Holiday Activities December 7, 27 Free drop-in workshops with dance performances and digital activities. V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green)

020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Romp and Roll November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20 Dance sessions for children 2-5 years. Cost £3 on the day. Christmas Designer Market November 30 Browse independent craft and designer stalls for gifts. Free entry. Small Stories at Home in a Doll’s House From December 13 Family exhibition to explore dolls’ houses inside and outside.

Theatre Shows & Pantomimes ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Chalk About November 15 How we see ourselves and others. 8+ years. Cost £8. The Princess & the Pea November 16 Retelling of a familiar tale. 3-7 years. Cost £7. The Magic Word November 22 Classical ballet with the Forest Elf and the Forest Queen. Children can have their photo taken with the dancers after the show. 3-9 years. Cost £7. Catapluf’s Musical Journey November 23 Create music with everyday things – saucepans, water and drums. Fun family musical show. 5-11 years. Cost £7. The Night Before Christmas November 29-30 A little mouse called Eddie goes in search of Father Christmas, and along the way meets a cat, a robot

‘Night Before Christmas’ at the Artsdepot

and a magical fairy on top of the tree. 3+ years. Cost £9. Beegu December 3-13 A friendly alien creature on an incredible intergalactic adventure crashes down on Earth. Meet the puppets after the show. 3-8 years. Cost £10. The Gruffalo’s Child December 10-January 4 A magical musical show with the sequel to The Gruffalo. The Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and sets out into the snow. 3+ years. Cost £14/£12.50/£8.

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk The Possible Impossible House December 17-28 Meet a friendly philosophical spider, a talking mouse and a not-so-veryfrightening ghost. 7+ years. Cost £12.

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, WC1H OAH ( Euston) 020 3108 1000 thebloomsbury.com

The Santa Claus Science Experiment December 15-21 An alternative panto for those who like science, jokes and Christmas. 6+ years. Cost £17.50/£15.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Peter Pan November 26-January 10 Family favourite with music, song and dance. 5+ years. Cost £11-£20. DUGDALE CENTRE Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8807 6680 enfield.gov.uk/millfield International Voices of Enfield December 6, 7 Christmas carols and festive songs sung by 5 local choirs with members aged 4 to 24 years. Cost £12/£6. Online discounts. Puss in Boots with Extra Sole December 12-January 4 Pineapple Arts panto with comedy, raps and street dance. 3+ years. Cost £15.50/£10.50. Online discounts. INTIMATE THEATRE 521 Green Lanes, N13 4DH (Palmers Green ) 020 8807 1810 acorntheatre.com Alice in Wonderland January 8-11 Acorn Theatre Company amateur dramatic society production.

‘Beegu’ at the Arts Depot

JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk Dare to Sea November 15, 16 Dancers, circus and visual artists.

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places to go theatre • pantomime • nct 4 + years. Cost £8.95. Hansel & Gretel November 23 Two brave children are lost in the woods. 3+ years. Cost £8.95. Emily Brown and the Thing December 6-January 4 Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit hear a Thing crying outside. 3+ years. Cost £12.95.

JW3 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET ( Finchley Road) jw3.org.uk info@jw3.org.uk Lemony Snicket’s Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming December 15-January 4 A Chanukah Latke, a fried potato pancake, jumps from the boiling pan and races through the village. Craft workshops on selected dates. LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Mrs H and the Singalong Band November 15 Interactive music and performance. 2-7 years. Cost £4.50/under 2s free. Further Fables November 22 Magical performance with hand

shadow characters. 3-7 years. Cost £4.50/under 2s free. Santa’s Tickly Tale November 29 Songs, dances and lots of fun. 2-7 years. Cost £4.50/under 2s free. Red Riding Hood & the Silly Wolf December 6 A rather silly wolf that has more problems than Red Riding Hood! 2-7 years. Cost £4.50/under 2s free. The Christmas Fairy December 13 Help the Christmas Fairy get ready on time. 2-7 years. Cost £4.50/under 2s free.

LION & UNICORN THEATRE 42-44 Gaisford Street, NW5 2ED ( Kentish Town) lionandunicorntheatre.com The Winter’s Tale December 9-January 3 Shakespeare sessions. Tickets £19/£15 concs.

LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL mimelondon.com January 8-31 A variety of events with international mime artists at venues including Barbican, Jacksons Lane, Platform Theatre, Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells, Soho Theatre and Southbank Centre.

Enfield Music Service Making music make a difference Opportunities for children and young people to live or go to school in the borough of Enfield n Musical instrument lessons n Instrument hire n Singing lessons n Borough wide orchestras, bands, music groups and choirs

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, London W9 2PF ( Warwick Ave) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com

MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 enfield.gov.uk/millfield Sleeping Beauty November 27-January 4 A battle of good over evil in North London’s most spectacular Christmas Pantomime. Magic, mayhem, pranks and puns! 3+ years. Cost from £13.50. Smurfs and the Magic Lamp January 8-18 Take a magic carpet ride with this Street Dance Pantomime. 4+ years. Cost £15.75/£12.75 concs/family £50. Online discounts.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD ( Covent Garden) 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk

NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 9PX ( Waterloo) 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Little Match Girl December 13-January 4 At Lilian Baylis Studio. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale with dance, songs and original live music. 5+ years. Cost £8.50-£16.

Treasure Island From December 3 Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of murder, money and mutiny. 10+ years. Cost £15, £28, £39, £50. Half price on certain tickets for under 18 years.

n Concerts and performances

Enfield Music Service

www.enfield.gov.uk/music

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A Christmas Carol November 27-January 11 Festive show with marionettes and shadow puppets. 4+ years. Cost £12/£8.50.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland December 6-January 16 Ballet production. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party December 6-January 3 In Linbury Studio Theatre. 5+ years.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com The Nutcracker and the Mouse King November 21-January 4 Marie retrieves a broken Nutcracker from under the Christmas tree, but on the stroke of midnight he comes alive. 8+ years. Cost £22/£15.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com The Snowman November 26-January 4 Based on Raymond Briggs’ book about a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. Musical score played by a live orchestra and includes ‘Walking in the Air’. Suitable for all ages. Cost £15-£35/family (4) ticket £100 to include at least 1 child.

The Fourth Wise Man November 30-January 4 A tale of one man and his camel. 4+ years. Cost £16/£10.

PLEASANCE THEATRE Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF ( Caledonian Road) 020 7609 1800 pleasance.co.uk The Cat in the Hat December 8-January 4 Based on the book by Dr Seuss – a lively first experience of the theatre for young children. 3+ years. A Christmas Carol December 9-January 4 A new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel.

n Support for music in schools

LYRIC THEATRE (LONDON) 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES ( Piccadilly Circus) 0844 482 9674 Room on the Broom November 26-January 11 A stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand and a helpful dog, bird and frog find them. 3+ years. Cost £22.50-£14.50.

Scrunch December 9-January 4 Baby gets a present not to be opened until Christmas day. A sensory show for babies 6-18 months. Cost £16/£10. The Polar Bears Go Wild January 9-25 Two friendly polar bears on an adventure of a lifetime. 2+ years. Cost £16/£10.

NCT – North London BARNET BRANCH nct.org.uk/branches/barnet nct.org.uk/courses

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nct • local events places to go Antenatal & Early Days Course For information contact Belinda on bookings5b@nct.org.uk

HARINGEY BRANCH nct.org.uk/haringey parentsupport@haringeynct.org Twins & Multiples November 15 Course cost £62. Refresher Antenatal Course November 17, January 7, 14 For second time parents. Introduction to Solids November 17 N8. Cost £33. Haringey NCT Fair & Nearly New Toy Sale November 29 Union Church, Crouch End. From 11am to 2pm. Activities, raffles, refreshments and maybe a visit from Santa. Contact events@haringeynct.org Waterbirth Workshop December 8 Crouch End. Cost £52. Pub Night January 7 At The Old Dairy, N4. For those expecting around January to March. Email Lucy on events@haringeynct. org British Red Cross First Aid Courses January 24 NCT Baby First Aid courses relevant to parents and carers of babies and pre-school children. Held in Crouch End, N8. Early booking recommended. Contact Maria on firstaid@haringeynct.org. Cost £40/£70. Regular Weekly Events NCTea@Blend, N8 Padres y Bebes@Blend, N8 NCT Stay and Play@My Creche, N8 NCTea@Delicia, N2 NCTea@The Pavillion Café, N22 Running Late@Pond Square, N6 NCTea@Pickled Pepper Books, N8 Bumps and Babies@The Woodman, N6 Dad’s Story Time and Coffee Morning@Pickled Pepper Books, N8 Monthly Events Mamás & Bebés@The Maynard N8 Startup Mums@The Maynard, N8 Book Club@The Woodman, N6

ISLINGTON & HACKNEY BRANCH nct.org.uk/islington nct.org.uk/courses Contact Caroline on bookings5d@ nct.org.uk coordinator.islington@nct.org.uk First Thousand Days & Beyond November 17, December 15 At Full of Beans café N5. Toddler friendly venues. For more details

contact coordinator.islington@nct. org.uk

Adult Events December 7, 9, 13, 14 Poetry readings. Booking recommended.

0300 6789 222 roundhouse.org.uk The Tin Soldier December 13-January 4 A tin soldier falls in love with a paper ballerina. 3+ years. Cost £8-£10.

ST JOHN’S HOSPICE NW8 9NH stjohnshospice.org.uk

Enfield

learn about the past. Free.

Bumps Plus Nights December 1 First Monday of the month at 8pm at The Canonbury, 21 Canonbury Place, N1 2NS. Parents to be to get to know other Islington parents. Contact coordinator.islington@nct.org.uk Introducing Solids Courses December 6 – Islington N7 January 10 – Islington N1 Suitable for those with babies 3 to 6 months. Contact Caroline on bookings5d@nct.org.uk. Or call 0300 330 0700.

Christmas Fayre November 30 St John’s Wood High Street. Annual fundraising event with gift stalls, food, fairground rides and family activities.

Waterbirth Course January 23 Suitable for February, March and April due dates. Early bookings. Contact Caroline on bookings5d@ nct.org.uk. Or call 0300 330 0700. Baby & Child First Aid Course Held every two months. To book a place contact firstaid.islington@nct. org.uk General Courses A range of courses offered to support parents through pregnancy, birth and new life as a parent.

Local Events

Barnet

HIGHGATE LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION 11 South Grove, N6 6BS 020 8340 3343 hlsi.net Antiques & Craft Fair November 29

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Duckpond Market December 14 Stalls, crafts, food and workshops.

ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH ( Chalk Farm)

BRENT CROSS SHOPPING CENTRE Hendon, NW4 3FP ( Hendon Central) 020 8202 8095 brentcross.co.uk

FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 fortyhallestate.co.uk Christmas Market November 29 Local craft stalls. Magical Storytelling December 3 Stories and themed activities. 5 years and under. Cost £3. Forty Hall by Candlelight December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 Candlelit tours. Cost £10/£8. Festive Wreath Making December 14 At Forty Hall Farm. Make a wreath or table display. Light refreshments served. Cost £2/children free. Church Choirs of Enfield December 19 Carol singing. Cost £12. A Georgian Christmas December 20 Georgian songs and carols. Cost £12.

@JW3London /JW3London

Character Visits November 29, 30 Meet Ben 10 Aliens on the Lower Mall and take part in activities. Ticketed event. Free.

Monday 15 December 2014 – Sunday 4 January 2015 YaD Arts, in association with Tall Stories (the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom) present

LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL November 14-23 londonjazzfestival.org.uk

LEMONY SNICKET’S LATKE WHO COULDN’T STOP SCREAMING

Jazz for Toddlers November 19 At Arts Depot, N12 OGA. Music and movement for 2-5 years. Cost £7. Catapluf’s Musical Journey November 23 At Arts Depot. Fun family musical show. 5-11 years. Cost £7.

Camden KEATS HOUSE Keats Grove, NW3 2RR ( Hampstead Heath) 020 7332 3868 cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshouse

An absurdly funny and vivid play for the whole family

Illustration by Lisa Brown

barnetnct@gmail.com

‘A wonderfully inventive take on the usual seasonal fare.’ - Time Out

JW3 341-351 Finchley Road London NW3 6ET Finchley Road

Christmas Fun Day December 21 Make Christmas cards and decorations to hang on the tree. Take part in family games and

BOX OFFICE 020 7433 8988 info@jw3.org.uk Book online www.jw3.org.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk JW3-Latke.indd 1

25 06/10/2014 10:47

places to go local events WHITEWEBB MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT Whitewebbs Road, Enfield EN2 9HW (Crews Hill ) 020 8367 1898 whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk

SUTTON HOUSE – NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, E9 6JQ ( Hackney Central) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk

Open Day November 30 Cost £4/under 12s free. Christmas/New Year Autojumble December 28 Entrance £5/Under 12s free.

Hackney ST AUGUSTINE’S TOWER Hackney, E5 OLY

Frontline Football WW1 Christmas November 30 Make a soldiers ID and play a game of table football. Christmas Craft Fair and Santa’s Grotto December 6 Christmas gifts, mulled wine, mince pies and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Entry to fair £1.50 and visit to Santa £2.

Haringey

Monthly Openings November 30

ALEXANDRA PALACE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com The Snow Queen on Ice December 15-22 Traditional pantomime on the ice rink. 4+ years. Under 2 years will not be admitted. Cost £12.10/£9.

ST JOHN AT HACKNEY CHURCH Lower Clapton Road, London E5 OPD ( Hackney Central) 020 8985 5374 stjohnathackney.org.uk Christingle Service December 14 At 4pm.

BERNIE GRANT ARTS CENTRE Town Hall Approach Road, N15 4RX

Children’s Carol Service December 24 At 3pm & 5pm.

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

( Seven Sisters) 020 8365 5450 berniegrantcentre.co.uk Beauty and the Beast December 10-17 Traditional pantomime with lots of audience participation and a new musical theatre score. Cost £5.

Winter Guided Walk December 6

BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Vintage and Designer’s Fair November 22 Clothes and hand-made gifts. Entrance £1.50/children free. See My Friends – Ray Davies: The Kinks, Konk and Kin Until December 21 Exhibition celebrating the fifty year career of local songwriter Ray Davies from The Kinks. Christmas Craft Activities Special themed activities on Sundays and school holidays. Check online for details. 5-13 years. HIGHGATE WOOD Information Hut, Muswell Hill Road, N10 3JN ( Highgate) 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood Tree and Fungi Walk November 15

MARKFIELD BEAM ENGINE & MUSEUM Markfield Road, London N15 4RB ( Tottenham Hale) 01707 873628 mbeam.org Open Days November 9, December 14

Islington PARASOL UNIT FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW ( Angel) 020 7490 7373 parasol-unit.org The Giant Zoetrope with artist Mathew Kay November 23 Storytelling family workshop with cut and paste pictures and sculptures. 5-15 years. Cost £5 per family. Material Words with artist Neringa Plange December 7 Family workshop to experiment with drawing, letterforms and words. 5-15 years. Cost £5 per family.

. .Established ........

1995

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TRIAL AVA

Fin Enﬁeld chley Winc • Hendon hmor e Hill

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3–18 years

Class e Cam s in: Crou den ch En d

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

20% off

PARTIES

(code FNW20)

01823 323363

All you need to have a great party

www.cuddledry.com .com Parasol

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further afield places to go

Further Afield DUNSTABLE DOWNS National Trust – Chiltern Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY 01582 500920 nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstabledowns-chilterns Stir Up Sunday November 23 Stir the giant Christmas pudding and make a wish. Pudding tastings and treats to take home. HATFIELD HOUSE Great North Road, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5NQ (Hatfield Herts /M25-J23) 01707 287010 hatfield-house.co.uk Frost Fair November 21-23 Creative workshops, food and craft stalls, music, dance and entertainment and a visit to see Father Christmas. Cost £5/under 16s free.

POTTED SHERLOCK Vaudeville Theatre, London: 8 December 2014 11 January 2015 For a strictly limited Christmas holiday run, double Best Entertainment Olivier Award nominees Dan and Jeff star in the London premiere of their new show Potted Sherlock, hot on the heels of worldwide hit Potted Potter and festive funhouse Potted Panto. This show sees the duo return with their greatest challenge yet: the entire works of one of the greatest detectives in literary history, Sherlock Holmes. All sixty stories retold in eighty elementary minutes! For all press enquiries and ticket requests, please contact: Susie Safavi on 07875 277 913 or email Susie@seabrights.com

Advert Dramarama Families North 87x62_Layout 1 19/12/2012 13:50 Page

Drama

Street Dance

Musical Theatre

Stage School Exciting Holiday Performing Arts Courses

Star in exciting Plays, Street Dance Shows and Musicals! Plus term-time Drama, Drama Exam & Street Dance classes on Saturdays in Hampstead. Attention boys & girls aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 & 11-14. Join our fun-packed term-time and holiday courses. Drama or Street Dance Parties also bookable!

020 8446 0891

Emily Brown at Jackson’s Lane

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

BACK IN LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS!

LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW Sadler’s Wells presents The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of

Dr Seuss’s TM

The live stage show

based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics by Howard Blake

“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt”

MON 8 DEC

The Times

SUN 4 JAN Tickets from £7*

BOOK NOW

020 7609 1800* www.pleasance.co.uk*

g Featurin

‘Walking in the Air’

LY £100 TICKETeON FAMILY mu ld st includ at least 1 chi 4 tickets,

Max £2.50 Transaction fee applies.

26 Nov - 4 Jan

*£1 transaction fee applied on telephone and online bookings

FROM THE CREATORS OF THE GRUFFALO AND ROOM ON THE BROOM

From theof creators ard Olivier Aw nominated smash hit

Potted Potter

ADAPTED FROM

JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER’S

AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK

the From rs of creatoAward r ie Oliv inated nom h hit smas

d Potteer Pott

“ Fun, daft and a little scary” Time Out

HHHH

NORTH FINCHLEY

WED 10 DEC – SUN 4 JAN BOOK NOW 020 artsdepot.co.uk

8369 5454

HHHH‘Great Family Entertainment’ British Theatre Guide

Limited West End Christmas Season 8

December - 11 January

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE 0844 412 4663 www.NimaxTheatres.com - www.PottedSherlock.com