Issuu

Issue 99 Nov/Dec 2012

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North London

Festive issue!

PLUS • Breast feeding • Dyscalculia: an introduction • Tales with a twist

Top xmas tips Diwali recipes Competitions Out and about Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster

PINOCCHIO 17 NOVEMBER 2012– 27 JANUARY 2013

Carlo Collodi’s classic story told with visual flair – perfect for anyone over the age of 6.

BOOK TICKETS ON 020 7226 1787 WWW.LITTLEANGELTHEATRE.COM

Contents Issue 99 | Nov/Dec 2012 | Families North London

This Issue

13 Traditional tales with a twist 15 The wonder weeks 16 Diwali recipes 18 Christmas competitions 20 Santa’s Grotto 23 Christmas competitions 25 Book competition

26 5 tips for working parents

Regular Features 4 News 7 Health 7 Dyscalculia: An Introduction and Recommended Resources 8 Are you concerned about your milk supply?

24 Ed’s Reading Room 27 Out and About

Families North London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon NW4 2DT For all advertising enquiries contact Tel 020 8202 2034 editor@familiesnorth.co.uk Web manager: Listings: Print: Next Issue: Focusing on:

melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk Contact Kathy Brown on listings@familiesnorth.co.uk Bishops Printers 100 Health and Happiness

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.

Welcome

to our fabulous festive issue. We have teamed-up with some great names to bring you some tremendous competitions and giveaways. Check throughout the magazine for our festive reindeer to show you the prizes on offer! With so much happening over the next two months, we have been hard-pressed to choose what should appear in the magazine and online so check www.familiesnorth.co.uk for regular updates over the festive period, and don’t forget to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter. We wish all our readers a happy and joyous festive season. We will be back in January 2013. See you then.

Sharon Editor

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

Classes for 4 –12 year o ld perform.org s .uk

0845 400 1274

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news

News who why where

Got some news for us? If you are a North London based group or organisation whose services or products are for families of young children, we’d love to hear from you. Send press releases and pictures to: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk

Jingaloo Jingaloo music classes have arrived in three North London locations – West Hampstead, Hampstead and Muswell Hill. Classes are great fun using real instruments and live music with themed classes and music education too. First class is free. Visit www.jingaloo.co.uk for more info.

Christmas Market Hampstead NW3 The Hampstead Women’s Club is hosting its annual Xmas market at St Stephen’s on Pond Street on Saturday, 24th November from 12pm-5pm. 45 Vendors will be offering festive treats from ceramics to cupcakes and much more. All welcome. Purses at the ready!

WIN an assortment of cards from Colorblind Cards Colorblind Cards, the Award-winning multi-racial greeting card company, are giving away fifteen lovely assorted cards from their collection to ensure you have a gorgeous collection ready for unexpected birthdays, weddings and births! For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions. Good Luck!

Feng Sushi 280 West End Lane London NW6 1LJ Feng Sushi in West Hampstead are offering all children under 12 to eat free from 4-7pm Mon-Fri. They can choose any meal deal from the great new children’s menu. Featuring a wide range of appetizing dishes from curry to noodles. A great way to introduce the little one’s to the freshest sushi around. Call 0207 435 1833

Phone Home!! Just in time for the festive season when children often stay out late IRN have launched a mobile phone Rescue service for worried parents. Many children are often left unable to call home in an emergency due to running out of credit on their mobile phones. With this in mind IRN have launched the new rescue service 68700 The Phone Home Number to ensure that in any difficult situation youngsters can always call home for free with or without credit. Parents pay £3.00 per month on their telephone bill and their children then dial a single number 68700 for direct calls home. To subscribe to the service by texting SAFE to 68700 for a fee of £3.00 per month. Better safe than sorry!!

Make and Create @ Little Hands Design

Win! 4

Little Hands are a great non profit making community interest company offering hands on fun with fashion and design for everyone from old to young – teaching great skills from sewing, fashion design, pattern making and more. From beginners to advanced levels. The courses are ideal to support GCSE + A Level Textile and Art Design. Enrol now for their festive fashion fun course from 17th -21st December Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Full days £225.00, or half days am or pm £120.00 ages 8-18 years. Contact Astrid on 0207 431 0573 / info@littlehandsdesign.com

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Dumplings Photography West Hampstead With the holidays just around the corner, families with budding supermodels begin to plan their annual photo shoot. Be it for Christmas Cards, calenders, photo gifts for the grandparents or just the Year in the Life family albums, late autumn is the perfect time for a professional photography session. This Year we have discovered a talented newcomer to the scene – Liya of www. dumplingsphotography.com – whose attention to detail, experience and love of working with children truly shines in her approach and style. So if you have always felt that highend bespoke photography was outside your budget, you will be pleasantly surprised by the competitive and flexible pricing options available. Prices start at just £30.00. Liya can be commissioned to create beautiful finished art such as photo books and wall canvases. The sky is the limit! Contact today to arrange your photo session on 0773 999 0809

New Local Venture in Muswell Hill Four enterprising locals have launched new consulting rooms in Muswell Hill at 51 Colney Hatch Lane N10. The rooms are attracting psychologists and counselors and also offers a larger teaching space for those wishing to run training sessions etc. Already over 20 professionals are using the rooms. They offer a calm, clean therapy space and are competitively priced for anyone wishing to use them. So if you need a good space to rent for an hour a week or longer contact them at www.mhconsultingrooms.com or call 07946 523 483

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news Stage the perfect night’s sleep this Christmas Give the little ones in your life the gift of happy bedtimes, and a peaceful nights sleep this Christmas with the new Pabobo Dream Theatre. Choose from a jungle or aquarium themed musical light to transform any bedroom or nursery into a place of tranquil wonderment and inspiration. The Pabobo Dream Theatre (£64.00) projects soothing light on the walls and ceiling to help children drift off to sleep calmly. With its low-energy LEDs, the Dream Theatre’s colourful and attractive animated projections captivate little ones attention and tell a beautiful story as they fall asleep, as well as having the option of playing music or nature sounds.  There is no need for parents to get up to turn it off; the Dream Theatre’s gentle sleep action stops automatically after 45 minutes (15 minutes for sounds) and a sleep mode can be activated so that it automatically turns back on if the child cries. Making sure that little ones and parents have peace of mind!

Having a Baby In Haringey? Then pop along to the NCT Haringey Speed Bumps on Thursday 29th November from 8pm-10pm @ The Old Dairy 1-3 Crouch

Can Parent Camden Children grow and change so quickly that at times we can be left wondering whether what we are doing is right, or whether there is another way of dealing with the parenting issues we all face. That’s why the Government funded a trial to offer parenting support and advice to all mums and dads and anyone else who cares for a child aged 5 and under in the borough of Camden. You can pick up a £100.00 voucher in local Boots, schools and nurseries which entitles you to a range of different parenting classes in your area. See www.canparent.org.uk for full details.

Of course, the motor is completely shielded from little hands, whether you place on it on a hard surface or use the wall mount; the Dream Theatre does not heat up, due to its cold LED system. Perfect for guiding Father Christmas to the mince pies! For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions. Good Luck! Hill, London N4 4AP. The evening offers a great opportunity to meet and share the experience of pregnancy with other couples. Contact – branch@haringeynct.org/ www. nct.org.uk/haringey

GLAMOUR THE SALON

Glamour – The Salon, has teamed up with Families North to offer all our readers 50% off any salon treatment In their amazing new salon you can choose from Shellac gel polish, St Tropez tanning, waxing and facial treatments, or have your make-up done by top make-up artist Daria – perfect for the party season! Look and feel your best over the festive season. The new shop has opened to amazing reviews with customers leaving feeling refreshed and happy. No treatment is rushed so you really feel pampered and cared for.

The Salon is open Sunday to Friday and will open for specially scheduled appointments as well. So if you need to have partyperfect make-up this is ideal. Please call ahead to make an appointment quoting Families North to receive your 50% discount.

92A Brent Street, Hendon NW4 2ES Tel: 020 8203 3995

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5 06/11/2012 17:22

B_Panthakarate.pdf

04/05/2012

Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery

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

Beginners Classes: Wednesday 16.30 Hampstead Garden Suburb Thursdays 17.30 Swiss Cottage

020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com

020-8445-2588

www.panthakarateclub.co.uk info@panthakarateclub.co.uk

Timeline Tutorials

• Very affordable & top quality tuition @ £60/mth • Top quality & effective assistance to help your child achieve its full potential in many subjects (Maths, English, Science etc) • Free consultation & child assessment • Exam preparation (SATs, 11+, GCSE, AS, A levels) • Experienced, qualified & CRB vetted tutors • Tutor-led small groups in a class environment

and Study Centre Prepare to pass!!!

for children aged 5 to 14 years

and Study Centre Prepare to pass!!!

Visit our website at www.timelinetutorialsandstudycentre.co.uk or call us on

07949 709479

Baby Mandarin: Start learning Mandarin early! www.huahsiachinese.org.uk Contact us: 0208 201 0698 Featured in BBC2 documentary Meet Britain’s Chinese Tiger Mums

hua hsia ads 2012.indd 1

CH IN ESE E-LEAR N I NG

19/07/2012 23:36

Watercolour and Drawing Classes in NW1 In an artist’s studio in Kentish Town. Children aged 8 and above. All materials provided. Children will learn to look at the objects they are studying in various ways and learn to mix their own colours. Each class lasts 3 hours. Beginners and adults most welcome. The Tutor Gabriel Sempill, a practising artist, trained at the Royal College of Art and has worked as an art teacher for years in London. Join a single class or sign up for the term. Weekly classes including half-term and holidays. Also art parties. Email: gabriel.sempill@btinternet.com

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Telephone: 0207 482 4118

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twitter.com/familiesnlondon 30/01/2012 18:53

French-English Bilingual Nursery School

St George’s Hall Crayford Road (entrance on Carleton Road) London N7 0ND 020 7697 8110

www.lespe�tesetoiles.co.uk facebook.com/FamiliesNorthLondon

12:46

Special Needs Dyscalculia: An introduction and recommended resources Most of us are born with the ability to recognise and mentally manipulate numbers in a set, which forms the basis of understanding numbers and arithmetic. One hypothesis is that developmental dyscalculia is a consequence of being dyslexic as dyslexics often have problems with short-term memory, with language, confuse b/d and have attention and organisational difficulties. These could cause a delay in learning maths. However research suggests that dyscalculia is a separate deficit. It is generally agreed that children with dyscalculia have difficulty in learning and remembering arithmetic facts and carrying out calculation procedures. Dyscalculics depend on simple strategies such as counting on their fingers to solve problems. Studies have found very high comorbidity, with between 20 and 60 percent of developmental dyscalculics also having difficulties in reading or spelling. Other conditions that have been associated with developmental dyscalculia are ADHD, poor hand-eye co-ordination and poor memory for non-verbal material. Children with poor attention, working memory or spatial skills may find maths difficult because of their cognitive difficulties, but this doesn’t mean they are dyscalculic. This is important to note, since these children can really improve their maths with appropriate support in a way that children with dyscalculia are unable to do so. Dyscalculia appears to be heritable, although not all cases are inherited. The learning implications

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Dyscalculic children have very poor intuitive number sense; they don’t have a natural feel for quantities of numbers. They don’t see numbers as they are; they see small numbers as small groups of ones and large numbers as large clumps of ones. Their understanding of number remains static and extremely poorly developed and largely ones-based. The consequences are very serious as they do not visualise numbers in helpful ways, do not learn numbers as patterns (6 is 6 ones and also 3+3) and find it hard to see the structures within numbers (24 = 24 ones and also 2 tens and 4 ones). They do not easily picture the overall base ten structure of the number system. (39 = 39 Ones, but it is also 9 more than 30 and 1 less than 40). This inadequate grasp of the foundation understandings and poor number concept, has a profound effect on the way that children with dyscalculia do maths. Dyscalculics often make small amounts of progress in maths: • They seem unable to hold onto or retain what they have learned • They keep reverting to unitary understandings of numbers • They keep forgetting the facts and procedures they have learned and return to counting- based solutions • They frequently forget entire areas of number work The emotional implications of dyscalculia It takes a great deal of effort for children with dyscalculia to think about numbers, they find it demoralising that they constantly forget what they learn and don’t get very far in learning about numbers. For these reasons most children with dyscalculia do not enjoy number work, feel discouraged in maths lessons and develop avoidance strategies, such as going to the toilet and sharpening pencils. Dyscalculic children may be teased, bullied or pitied by other children and sometimes shouted at by parents and

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The DfES (2001) defined developmental dyscalculia as: ....A condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence.

teachers who do not understand the difficulties that dyscalculics face. This can leave dyscalculic children feeling anxious and stupid. How to help dyscalculic children Children need a carefully designed teaching programme that is structured, encourages active participation and make maths a learning positive experience. Numbers are very abstract; dyscalculics are able to make much better sense by using concrete materials to make the work more transparent.

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If you would like more information about choosing schools in North West London and for preparing your child for the 11+ as well as academic assessments please contact Katie Krais on: 07956 111728. Email: kateek@hotmail.co.uk or see www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk and www.katiekrais.com

health

Are you concerned about your milk supply? Knowing that you are producing enough milk for your baby will give you the confidence to keep breastfeeding and enable you to enjoy the experience every time you bring your baby to the breast. Families North are delighted to welcome our new contributory expert, Geraldine Miskin. Geraldine is an internationally recognised independent breastfeeding specialist and founder of the Miskin Method. She is the author of 6 books and creator of the Breastfeeding Experience app. Geraldine has an international client base and has helped thousands of mums overcome breastfeeding Many mums question whether they are producing enough milk to satisfy their baby at some point on their breastfeeding journey, so if you are concerned about your supply, know that you are not alone. However, it is important to trust your motherly instinct and find the information you need to feel comfortable with your supply or practical tips to boost your supply if you need to. Often mums are told that their supply is low when really it is only suppressed and there is a big difference. True low milk supply is often caused by elements out of your control such as diabetes or PCOS but suppressed milk supply is often a result of breastfeeding advice which is not tailored to your individuality i.e. your breast shape and size. Many of the mums I meet are experiencing suppressed milk supply and this is quickly resolved when breastfeeding patterns, positioning and attachment techniques, are tweaked so that they become relevant to that particular mum and baby. Standard breastfeeding advice, particularly when it impacts breastfeeding long term, does not work as all mums and babies are different. • I f you are concerned about your supply, the first element to consider is whether or not your baby is positioned well at your breast. ‘Tummy to mummy’ doesn’t suit everyone.

problems quickly and effectively with her unique methods. She believes that all mums deserve personalised breastfeeding advice as every mum and baby is different. Geraldine offers Skype consultations, one to one consultations and also has a collection of video embedded ebooks through iTunes or her website www. breastfeedingexperience.com.

• I f your nipples are tender and your feeds are uncomfortable, you can improve your latching technique so that baby is able to access more breast tissue and transfer milk more effectively. People who tell you that pain is part and parcel of breastfeeding, may actually be contributing to your suppressed supply because feeding your baby should be pain free. Pain during a feed indicates that there is something not working as well as it should and that it needs to be addressed, quickly. • K eeping an eye on your baby’s wet and dirty nappies is a very practical way of monitoring your baby’s intake as what goes in must come out and this is true from day one. • R egular weight gain is another practical visual cue to give you the confidence that your baby is getting everything he needs. In the early days your baby will gain 20g – 30g each day and this will slow down after the first few weeks. The important thing to remember is that there are two people directly involved in breastfeeding namely you and your baby. Each of you have a particular role to play when breastfeeding and as a skill it will come easily to some and with time and practice to others. When looking for information to improve feeds or resolve problems, ensure that both you and baby are taken into consideration.

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Each of you have a particular role to play when breastfeeding and as a skill it will come easily to some and with time and practice to others.

Competition Go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions for a chance to win a breast-care set, and a breast vest.

Win!

Geraldine Miskin Founder of The Miskin Method and Breastfeeding Experience app. If you wish to contact me in the future please do on: M: 07934 823 321 E: geraldine@breastfeedingexperience.com W: www.breastfeedingexperience.com

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e av *S 5

Registered charity:1093411

RM VILLAGE FA

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28

S a n t a ,s Sp e c

th March

o t t o r G r a l t a cu

Fu n m r & Fe s t i v e Fa

2013

All activities included in the price!

www.braintumourresearch.org

★ Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a golden key to his Toy Shop and choose any gift

★ Meet Santa’s reindeer ★ Enjoy the Festive Wood Ride ★ Nativity Story ★ Festive Fun Fair Rides ★ Elves House ★ Christmas sing-a-long ★ Young Drivers Zone ★ Write a letter to Santa and receive one back FREE † ★ Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn ★ Adventure Play ★ Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge ★ Reindeer Hunt with prize ★ Willows Magical Ice Rink (synthetic ice) - get your skates on! ★ FREE return child visit to Willows with every Santa child †† admission

Daily from 21st Nov - 24th Dec 2012

Open 10.00am - 5.30pm

last admission 4pm, closes 4pm on 24th Dec Just 200 metres from Jnc.22 M25. Willows Farm Village, Coursers Rd, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 0PF

Tel: 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Santa,s Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun

Fun, cooking parties

For boys and girls aged 4-16 years Cooking classes

Give your child the best party ever whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, laughing, turning, licking, joking

A great way to learn while having fun!

020 8876 9912

Call for details: email: info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk

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RM VILLAGE FA

*Save £5 off a joint Adult and Child admission

This voucher entitles you to a £5 saving on the combined admission price of one Adult and one Child (over 2 years) to Santa’s Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun at Willows Farm Village. 1. This voucher is not valid in conjunction with any other special offer, voucher, online purchased tickets, school or group bookings, adult or child members admissions. 2. Only one £5 saving per combined Adult/Child (over 2 years) admission purchased in a single transaction with this voucher. 3. No forged, defaced or photocopied vouchers or vouchers downloaded and printed from electronic versions of publications accepted. 4. Excludes nonSanta entrance and under 2 years admissions to see Santa. 5. This voucher can only be used once and must be given up at the time of admission. 6. This voucher is valid from 21st November to 24th December 2012

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15830A 09.12

Cooking Parties

Programme subject to change. † Last posting date for pre-Christmas delivery is 14th December 2012. We cannot guarantee pre-Christmas receipt of reply from Santa for letters posted after this date. †† Terms and conditions apply.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT! FROM THE CREATORS OF THE GRUFFALO

Live

On Stage

A high energy treat

Based on the best-selling book by

★★★★ The Sunday Times

LYRIC

THEATRE SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

WED 21 NOV – SUN 13 JAN

BOX OFFICE: 0844 412 4661 PICCADILLY CIRCUS

4020 UNI - Prince Families AD OUT.pdf

1 28/09/2012 15:21 watch a sneak preview online at www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

The perfect Christmas treat! THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

Hansel and Gretel

written by Lucy Kirkwood devised by Katie Mitchell and Lucy Kirkwood based on the story recorded by the Brothers Grimm

A classic fairytale re-imagined for 7–10 year-olds 7 December – 26 January | Tickets £12 for under-18yrs

020 7452 3000 | nationaltheatre.org.uk 10

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SAT 8 DEC – SUN 6 JAN 020 8369 5454

www.artsdepot.co.uk

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Old plants and new If I had to choose only one season of the year, it would definitely be autumn. From the moment in late summer when the garden spiders start stringing their webs everywhere, to the first frost lit up by sunshine, I love all the things to see and do and smell and collect: so, while there’s still a chance of some warm weather, here’s a few things to do outdoors with your little ones this autumn: Go to the woods! You’re never far from a bit of woodland in North London: and if your kids are good walkers, now is a great time to do the Parkland Walk. This former railway track, now a beautiful tree-lined greenway is an important refuge both for wildlife, and for Londoners looking for a bit of nature in the city. It passes, rather conveniently, from Finsbury Park to Highgate woods and on to Alexandra Palace, so you’re never far from a café, or public transport home if they all get too tired. The friends group have a good map on their website: www.parklandwalk.org.uk. Just one piece of advice: wear your wellies, and make space at home for a nature table! In the garden, (or on the balcony, if you aren’t blessed with earth space) it’s time to propagate herbs and shrubs. This can be remarkably easy: I recently cut back a sprawling purple sage from

a school where I do eco-gardening, and didn’t have time to pot up cuttings, so I stuck a few of the little branches in a glass of water on my windowsill, forgot about them, and two weeks later, they’re all happily putting out roots. If you have never done it before, give it a try: you might even find plants like Rosemary, Lavender, Sage, Mint, Curry plant etc. planted in your local park. If you’ve never done it before, here’s how: choose bendy twigs about 10cm long, cut them or remove them where they join the branch, carefully strip the leaves from the lower half of a bendy twig, stick in a pot of earth or compost, and keep damp over the winter. Some of them don’t take, but most of them do, and next year you will have a host of new little herb plants to share with friends, or sell at your school fete.

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Win!

New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too. Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays. FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores. For your chances to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/ win by 10th of December. Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December.

Rachel Frances is a sustainable gardener and landscape architect for schools, community groups and private gardens: info@rfld.co.uk

Medibands

Win!

Win a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas!

Mediband Kids Travel Bands are perfect for displaying contact numbers, medical emergency details & instructions when travelling abroad. Medibands® provide peace of mind so that when the unexpected happens, critical medical & contact information can be

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conveyed to the professionals that need to know. Protect your family, loved ones and yourself! Mediband Kids Travel Bands clearly display the word ‘Emergency’ in English and an alternate language, to ensure that language will not be a barrier to helping your child. The bright colours mean they will stand out. For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions. Good Luck!

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Individual tutoring and assessments available 5-18yrs children, including children with special educational needs. Preparation for 11+ state selective and independent secondary school entrance examinations.

BOX OFFICE 0207 388 8822

Katie Krais

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE LONDON 12 DEC - 19 JAN

FAMILY OF 4 JUST £64

P.G.C.E., Cert. Spld.

Lorrae Jaderberg Cert.Ed., Cert. Spld.

Tel: 07956 111728

www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk

Magic of India A Fun Journey of Discovery

Through our fun activity classes, we inspire children to discover the magic of India, as they grow up to be global citizens. The various modules include:

Yoga specially tailored to improve concentration and flexibility

Bollywood dancing to keep those toes tapping

Discovering India’s rich culture, through songs, ancient kids stories, historical facts, festivals, sights and sounds, art and craft.

Basic skills to speak, read, and

write Hindi

Age groups •3 to 5 •5 to 8 •8 to 12 Local venues

Nurseries

Schools

Children’s Centres

Parties

Special group discounts.

Baby Story Play

Imagination takes you everywhere...

story

drama

play

6 months – 7 years

www.debutots.co.uk

After school clubs. Weekly classes. Private lessons.

Dipping their tiny toes into the world of stories, words and sounds, babies and toddlers delight in a multi-sensory blend of storytelling, puppets, bubbles and music. Early Years Drama

Don’t miss out, book a free trial class NOW!

Growing in age and poise, children are inspired by each week’s magical tale to share their own ideas and feelings as they creatively explore the characters, scenery and sounds together. Family Story Play

Call 07557 398270

An engaging blend of our two class formats – perfect for siblings, childminders and children’s centres.

Magic of India A Fun Journey of Discovery

keeley@debutots.co.uk, 020 8211 3389 – Islington, Camden, St John’s Wood jennifer@debutots.co.uk, 020 8442 2380 – Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill

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palace of stories

Traditional tales with a twist

Giving and receiving the gifts of Intuitive Storytelling

by Leo Sofer

With another holiday season of giving, receiving and starting anew, what do you intend to have been nourished by, to remember, and to take with you in 2013? How about spending quality time with your children, remembering their content faces, and having new resource for continuing to create and expand such fulfilling experiences? These are just a few of the many benefits of Leo Sofer’s Palace of Stories. Over the last 23 years Leo has given thousands of performances for children and adults. Yet the most important of these stories are the ones told each evening to his two young children at bedtime. Instead of reading from a book or telling memorized folktales, Leo draws on his creativity and responds to his children’s moods and needs by spontaneously weaving each unique tale. As an intuitive storyteller, Leo sees vivid scenes in his mind’s eye, and follows his ‘inner voice’ to create each unique story. Regardless of the day’s challenges, story time can provide each family member with feelings of being deeply understood, nourished and cared for – all while having a lot of fun.

Numerous resources indicate that storytelling can greatly assist children with optimal development of mental, social, ethical and emotional capacities. Parents can benefit from family bonding and active steering of their children’s development. Story time can provide mindful, wholesome entertainment that sparks creativity and enjoyment among all family members. Any parent can relate to times of overwhelm, especially during the busy holiday season whilst trying to juggle work, ever-changing schedules, sports and activities, homework, meals and more. Not to mention wanting to give more undivided attention to each child. What if most evenings could end in an enjoyable, creative environment that brings the family closer together? Parents can utilize Leo’s downloadable online stories at PalaceOfStories.com to create just such an environment with their children. In addition, Leo offers workshops so that parents, grandparents or any interested persons can become their own Intuitive Storyteller. Leo believes that anyone can access their creativity through storytelling, ‘Creative processes often involve a “flow” or “being in the zone” where people can tap into something beyond their conscious mind. This is when they know that they could be onto valuable material, that could teach them new ways of looking at the world.’ Leo seeks to lead his students into this ‘zone’ during Intuitive Storytelling workshops, where participants need not have any experience in storytelling, or even consider themselves ‘creative’ or ‘intuitive’. Leo shares, ‘Young children always need stories: their hunger for them seems

inexhaustible. For parents themselves to seek to meet this hunger, if only in part, by tapping into their inner resources, is a wonderful way for parents to nourish themselves and their children in heart and mind.’ And what if it all goes ‘wrong’, and becomes a bit of a muddle? Leo replies, ‘Young children rarely judge our stories, usually they are simply delighted to have had that quality time with their parent.’ Wishing you the best of this holiday season of giving, receiving and spending quality time. Leo Sofer lives in England and travels worldwide to give Intuitive Storytelling workshops and performances. Read more about him, listen to free podcasts and peruse hundreds of stories on his websites www.LeoSofer. com and www. PalaceOfStories.com.

Competition Go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions for a chance to win a year-long catalogue subscription to Palace of Stories.

Win!

Come and see our nurseries in Crouch End, West Hampstead, Finchley & Southgate

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A YaD Arts production in association with Tall Stories

Tickets from

1 – 30 Dec www.roundhouse.org.uk 0844 482 8008

YoUTh Dance

Free Dance Workshop 12.01.13 ages 8-12

Playhouses, dens & garden rooms, wildlife & edible planting, decking, lawns & paving, raised beds, pergolas, shade sails, green roofs, water features.

We specialise in the design, construction & maintenance of earth friendly & child friendly outdoor living spaces : call us for a free consultation : d_smile_matters_AW.pdf

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0208 826 5816 / 07903 615201 17:45 info@buildandblossom.co.uk

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We offer a calm and inviting environment to relax and reassure our patients, with both NHS and Private options. We welcome new patients and are excellent with children and nervous patients. Our team delivers general dentistry as well as clear brace orthodontics, implants, root canal treatment, removing impacted or late erupting wisdom teeth and, of course, cosmetic dentistry. Est. over 35 years.

Tel: 020 8883 1356 Email: info@smilematters.co.uk

212 Muswell Hill Broadway London N10 3SH We are on the first floor above estate agents Kinleigh, Folkhard & Hayward, and Foxtons, overlooking the bus-stop roundabout.

With the one YoUTh Dance Junior company no previous dance experience necessary. email info@oneyouthdance.com or Visit www.oneyouthdance.com for more info and to register!

For classes in Cockfosters, Barnet, Bush Hill Park, Edmonton, Gordon Hill, Highlands Village, Palmers Green & Potters Bar

For classes in Alexandra Palace, Crouch End, Hackney Hampstead, Highbury, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, North Finchley, Primrose Hill, Stoke Newington, Swiss Cottage and West Hampstead

Contact: Lucy 07732 380706 lucy.hough@diddidance.com

Contact: Charlene 07892 711162 charlene.dinger@diddidance.com

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Enjoy-a-Ball Sports coaching for 3-9 year olds in a

fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Classes running in Finchley, Mill Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb. Children’s parties also available! Call 08452 262694 to book a FREE trial session.

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Families North is delighted to welcome Dr Frans Plooij to its pages. We hope you enjoy his articles.

The Wonder Weeks Is your baby having a fussy week? Maybe it is a wonder week! We chat to The Wonder Weeks author Dr Frans Plooij about the popular and bestselling parenting book and the theory behind it. What do people mean when they are talking about wonder weeks? Wonder Weeks occur ten times in the first 20 months of life when your baby is doing a small step back followed by a giant leap forward. So regression is followed by progression, or, in other words, reprogression. The regression, or difficult period, or fussy phase, is characterised by the three Cs: Crying, Clinging, and Cranky. The progression is characterised by the emergence of a number of new skills. And because of this progression we came up with the name The Wonder Weeks. How did you come up with the concept of The Wonder Weeks? The discovery was made in East-Africa where my wife and I studied free-living chimpanzee babies and their mothers in the Gombe National Park from 19711973 under the inspiring leadership of Jane Goodall. A year after we returned from the field, a scientific literature review article came out that reported the same phenomenon of difficult periods in 12 monkey species and even in two non-primate mammals. Then we knew the phenomenon we discovered in chimpanzees was a very old phenomenon, indeed, going back many, many millions of years, being shared by mammals, monkeys and apes. It was logical to assume that, if the phenomenon was that old and also present in an ape species, modern man was likely to show it as well. We set out to study human babies, to begin with in the Netherlands, our home country. When we had found the same phenomenon in our own species and had reported it in scientific journals, we immediately wrote the parenting book in 1992 in Dutch (title: Oei, ik groei!), because we felt parents had a right to know the story as soon as possible.

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This Dutch edition was followed in subsequent years by German, French, Swedish, Italian, Danish, Spanish, English, Japanese, Korean, and Russian editions. Our original research in The Netherlands has been replicated and confirmed by other researchers in Spain, Britain and Sweden.    What are the signs of a wonder week? Each time it all starts with a difficult period and that period is not only difficult for your baby, but also for you parents. So, you will know, believe me!    What happens during a wonder week? Underlying each difficult period followed by progression is a leap in the mental development of your baby caused by a brain change. This change gives your baby a new ability, a whole new way of perceiving the world. At first this frightens your baby and that’s why he/she is difficult. Just imagine that you wake up on a new, strange planet. Wouldn’t you be frightened? But after a while, your baby starts exploring this new perceptual world, as a consequence of which he/she develops a whole range of new skills.

starts to explore the new world, try to understand what this new world is like and help him or her conquer this new world through facilitating his or her play and learning new skills.   What do the sunny weeks mean? After rain comes sunshine, they say. And after a difficult period comes an easy period, or sunny weeks. Your baby is his or her good old self again and this is when he/she starts exploring the new world. Your baby has become more independent and is often busy putting new skills into practice. He/She is more cheerful, too.

When do premature babies have wonder weeks?  When your baby is born too early (or too late) you have to correct for this. You should calculate the age since the date at which the baby should have been born, not since the actual birthday.    Can parents help their babies during a wonder week? If yes, than how can they help their baby? Yes, they can. When your baby is in a difficult period, comfort him or her. You should realise that he/she can’t help being difficult and that he/she is having a tough time. When your baby

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The Wonder Weeks is also available as Kindle on Amazon and as eBook in the iBookstore of iTunes.

NEW – The Wonder Weeks eBook per chapter Buying a song instead of the whole album is normal. Buying a slice of pizza and not the whole pizza too. So why buy a whole book if you need just a part of it? Exactly! That is why we are introducing our chapter eBooks. From now on it is possible to buy just the information you need. Getting your chapter book is interesting when: 1. You just want to try the book by going through one Wonder Week leap. 2. Your baby has already passed a couple of leaps, so why buy information that is of little use.

diwali

Diwali To celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, chef and author of Indian Super Meals, Baby and Toddler Cookbook, Zainab Jagot Ahmed, has provided some mouth-watering recipes for you to try. Saffron & Date Kheer (V) Stage 2: 7 months plus Another gorgeous, naturally sweet dessert perfect for your Diwali celebrations! - SuperFoods included: dates - SuperSpices included: cinnamon, saffron This scrummy delight is subject to a range of health benefits too. Saffron contains the compound ‘crocin’, important for good memory and can actually help baby’s ability to learn new and exciting things. Likewise, dates are impressive, with antioxidant power close to that of blueberries; they are a concentrated source of calories, great for boosting energy and fibrerich, necessary for a well-balanced diet.

Classic Gajar Halwa (V) – Stage 2: 7 months plus Gajar Halwa, one of the most famous Indian desserts and perfect as a Diwali treat for your little one! - SuperFoods included: carrots, raisins - SuperSpices included: cardamom, cinnamon This naturally-sweet dessert is bursting with nutritional value. Carrots are loaded with antioxidant vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) required for healthy skin, eyes and immune system. Likewise, the raisins are antioxidant, and their anti-bacterial properties help protect against tooth decay. If your little one doesn’t have any teeth, the cinnamon and cardamom’s natural painkilling properties may help to reduce pain in teething.

Total preparation and cooking time: 20mins Makes 3-4 servings Suitable for freezing 1 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee 2 medium carrots – peeled, washed, grated (in food processor) 150ml (5fl oz) of whole milk Pinch of ground cardamom – green Pinch of ground cinnamon 15g (½ oz) raisins – soaked in warm water (5mins), drained Melt the butter or ghee in a pot, add the carrots and stir-fry for 5mins. Pour in the milk and add the cardamom, cinnamon and raisins. Bring to the boil gradually on a low heat; this will take 5-10mins. Simmer (uncovered) for 15mins, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to thicken. Once all of the milk has been absorbed, remove from the heat. Serve to baby warm.

Sweet Potato, Apple & Dhal Curry (V) Stage 2: 7 months plus Dhal (lentils) are a staple in many Asian households and are highly recommended for babies following a strict vegetarian diet.

Total preparation and cooking time: 40-45mins Makes 5-6 servings Suitable for freezing

- SuperFoods included: olive oil, onion, ginger, garlic, sweet potato - SuperSpices included: cumin, cinnamon

30g (1½oz) white basmati rice – washed, drained 550ml (1 pint) of whole milk 3 saffron strands Sprinkle of ground cinnamon 15g (½ oz) fresh dates – deseeded, finely chopped

Lentils are bursting with protein, required for healthy growth and development and along with apples are high in fibre, necessary for a healthy balanced diet. Sweet potato is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), required for healthy skin, vision and alongside cumin and cinnamon, great for the immune system.

Place the rice in a pot, pour in half of the milk and stir, you will need to save the other half for later. Bring the milk to the boil gradually on low heat; this will take 5-10mins. Let it simmer (uncovered) until all of the milk has been absorbed by the rice. It will be thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and mash the rice. Return to the heat and pour in the remaining milk. Add the saffron, cinnamon, dates and stir. Simmer (uncovered) on low heat until the milk has reached a thick, rich, gooey consistency. If it becomes too heavy just add some extra milk and stir. Serve to baby warm as an after meal treat.

Gajar Halwa, one of the most famous Indian desserts and perfect as a Diwali treat for your little one!

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Total preparation and cooking time: 30-35mins Makes 6 servings Suitable for freezing 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion – peeled, finely chopped ¼ tsp minced ginger ¼ tsp minced garlic Pinch of ground cumin ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 125g (4oz) red lentils – soaked in water (10mins), washed, drained 1 small sweet potato – washed, peeled, cubed 550ml (1 pint) of water 1 sweet apple – peeled, cored, chopped into small chunks

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Heat the oil in a pot, add the onion and stir-fry for 3-4mins. Turn to low heat and add the ginger, garlic, cumin and cinnamon and stir-fry for a further 30secs. Add the lentils to the pot, along with the sweet potato, cover with the water and stir. Bring to the boil and simmer (uncovered) on medium heat for 20mins, until both the lentils and potato are tender. Whilst the lentils and potato are cooking, steam the apple chunks using a steamer or steam them in the microwave by placing them in a microwavable dish and adding 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the dish with either a lid (leaving a small vent) or cling film (piercing a few holes), and cook in the microwave on high for 1½-2mins until tender. Once cooked, drain the excess water and add to the curry at the end. Stir and mash the whole curry to a consistency your little one will be comfortable eating. Delicious served on its own or with rice or roti for toddlers.

Chicken Pilaf with Vegetables Stage 3: 10 months plus Pilaf or Pulao, a traditional rice dish cooked with either vegetables, meat or both in one pot and is perfect for a big celebration meal! - SuperFoods included: olive oil, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, lemon, yogurt, cauliflower, peas - SuperSpices included: cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin Protein-rich meal packed with rice, a starchy food necessary to provide your little one with energy to crawl, walk and play. Also contains the mineral selenium (found in chicken), believed to be anti-cancer and regulates hormones released by the thyroid gland, essential for weight control.

1 tomato – washed, chopped ¼ tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp minced ginger 1 tsp of minced garlic Squeeze of ½ a lemon – ensuring no seeds fall in 2 tbsp plain unsweetened yogurt 1 chicken breast fillet (skinless) – washed, cut into 1cm cubes 100g (3½oz) white basmati rice – washed, drained 60g (2½oz) cauliflower florets – washed, chopped (no stems) 40g (1½oz) peas – frozen, washed 250ml (8fl oz) of water

Dhal (lentils) are a staple in many Asian households and are highly recommended for babies following a strict vegetarian diet.

5 Ebooks to be won

Heat the oil in a pot and add the onion, cardamom, clove, and cinnamon. Stir-fry on medium-low heat for 8-10mins until the onion crisps up and turns brown. Turn to low heat and add the tomato, black pepper, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, lemon juice and yogurt gradually a little at a time, stirring in between to avoid curdling. Stir-fry for 2-3mins. Add the chicken, stir and cook (covered) on low heat for 5mins. Add the rice, cauliflower and peas to the pot, pour in the water, stir and bring to the boil. Simmer (covered) on low heat for 10-15mins until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed. The rice should look a little moist when it’s done. Stir and set aside (covered) for 5-10mins. IMPORTANT: Remove the cardamom pod, clove, and cinnamon stick before serving to baby. Serve to baby warm on its own as a complete meal.

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Recipes from Indian SuperMeals: Baby & Toddler Cookbook by Zainab Jagot Ahmed.

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Total preparation and cooking time: 25mins Makes 5-6 servings Suitable for freezing

It’s one thing buying kids the latest trainers, but giving them a head start in a sport is a real investment. Obviously, we can’t promise you a future star, but we can offer them the foundation they need to lead a healthy and active life. APPROVED FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM 18M TO UNDER 7YRS

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1½ tbsp olive oil 1 onion – peeled, chopped 1 whole cardamom pod – black 1 whole clove 1 small cinnamon stick

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christmas competitions

Christmas Competitions Learn to keep your Chou Chou doll happy!

Kids From The Cabbage Patch Make A Comeback! Announcing the re-birth of the Cabbage Patch Kids! Millions were sold in the eighties as parents cued round the clock to get their hands on one of the chubby faced dolls of the decade. Now, 2012 is set to be the year of the Baby Boom with toy stores once again being invaded by the loveable leaf-dwelling little ones. With multiple new arrivals now available from toy company JAKKS Pacific, each with their own personalised adoption certificate and one-of-a-kind name and character details, nothing‘s a patch on these kids! With a new cabbage batch of aspirational fashionalities to collect from Baker to Ballerina, and priced at just £29.99 (SRP), Cabbage Patch Kids are tipped to be this Christmas’ collectable sensation for fans old and new. Adopt one of your very own today!

Competition! Families North has six fantastic Cabbage Patch Dolls to be won. To enter this great competition go to www.familiesnorth. co.uk/competitions.

Little girls can develop their nurturing and caring side with the new Chou Chou dolls from Zapf Creation. Chou Chou Baby Monitor has an amazing electronic baby monitor sure to wow little girls everywhere! If Chou Chou cries, the baby monitor will show you what she needs to keep her happy, whether it’s her bottle, her dummy, a bit of play time, or some sleep. Once you take care of her she will be happy again and make realistic baby babbling noises. When Chou Chou is tired, just play her a lullaby or sing to her until she falls into a blissful sleep. She can even suck on her dummy! The Chou Chou Baby Monitor doll just loves to bounce on your lap so this will be sure to keep her happy! Chou Chou Baby Monitor doll comes with a dummy, a bottle, her own interactive baby monitor as well as a cute little bear friend. The doll is suitable for ages three plus and is priced around £44.99. The Chou Chou range is suitable for children aged three plus and available from all good retailers nationwide.

Competition! Families North has teamed up with Zapf Creation to give you the chance to win a fabulous Chou Chou Baby Monitor doll. To enter go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.

Starplayer

Win! 18

WIN one of two Starplayer Board Games Starplayer is all the fun and excitement of football in an action-packed board game for kids 8+ to adult for 2-6 players or teams! The race is on to build your squad with £150 million AND win The Starplayer Cup! Buy, swap and sell footballers in the ‘Transfer Window’ but don’t run out of

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Rocket Skateboards Rocket Skateboards (Prices start from £25, suitable for children aged 5 – 12 years. Available from www.skates. co.uk. For children with a sense of adventure, a skateboard is the perfect choice. Riding a skateboard is an excellent way for children to learn balance and control, plus it is bags of fun. For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

Build-A-Bear Build-A-Bear Workshop® has partnered with Families North to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win the perfect companion this Christmas. Build-A-Bear Workshop is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Snowman™ with a limited edition make-your-own The Snowman bear! Every cute cuddly toy can be brought to life online for FREE at buildabearville. com® – the Build-A-Bear Workshop® virtual world stuffed with fun! To find out more about BuildA-Bear Workshop® log on to www.buildabear.co.uk and don’t forget to visit Bearville.com™, the BuildA-Bear Workshop virtual world and entertainment destination. For a chance to win go to www.familiesnorth. co.uk/competitions.

Win!

money, so strategy is crucial! Referee and Chairman cards add to the fast-paced excitement! Battle opponents to win 5 Cup matches using the amazing Starplayer ‘football’ dice to get to the CUP FINAL! Win the Penalty Shoot-Out and the entire game! Fantastic family football fun! www. inspiredgames.co.uk For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

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christmas competitions

Raid the recycling – it’s Makedo time! Every parent knows that feeling – when Christmas draws to a close, bins piled high with expensive toy boxes and wrapping – and the children mutter those elusive three words: ‘mummy, I’m bored’…. This Christmas be sure to pop some Makedo in their stocking and creative kids can propel junk modelling to the next level. Makedo is the creative play sensation that enables children of all ages to transform packaging into anything their imagination desires – from cars and robots to playhouses and shops. Touted as the ‘Lego of the next generation’ by international media, Makedo is a reusable connector system that enables materials such as cardboard, plastic and fabric to be joined together to form new objects or structures. It is based on an ingeniously simple and reusable connector system comprising Re-clips to connect with; Lock-hinges to hinge with; and a handy Safesaw tool to enable kids to safely punch holes and saw through all kinds of materials. We have a Makedo Find & Make Robot kit and Find & Make Flower kit to win…. About Makedo Makedo has three great ranges all based on Makedo’s reusable connector system that enables a kind of creativity that is playful and inspirational to all ages. Makedo Find & Make – Guided Projects to Make Making Easy Makedo’s Find & Make range is designed to introduce children to the idea of using up-cyclable materials as building blocks for their creativity by guiding them to make a specific creation such as a Robot, a Car, Flowers, a Dollhouse or a Playhouse. Based on classic project themes to appeal to both boys and girls, each Find & Make kit includes Makedo’s reusable connector system, themed decorative stickers, beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and a gorgeous inspiration poster. The Find & Make range starts from £7.99 SRP. Makedo Freeplay – Open-ended Creativity for the Maker that Loves to Make Makedo’s Freeplay range is totally open ended. What you make is only limited by your imagination. Perfect for all ages, Makedo Freeplay encourages the maker to determine the creative project while providing plenty of parts and inspiration through a beautiful poster featuring images of creations to build and materials to source.

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Win!

Dinosoles Dinosoles (Prices start from £24.99, suitable for children aged 3 -8. Available from www.dinosoles. co.uk. For full stockists information please call Shiner on 0117 9556035). A pair of dinosole trainers is an ideal for gift for children who love all things to do with dinosaurs, and the great outdoors. For a chance to win go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.

Angry Birds Freeplay is the original Makedo range and winner of multiple design toy and eco awards including the USA’s Core 77 Design Award, Japan’s Good Design Award, Germany’s Red Dot Design Award and Dr Toy’s Best Green Toy Award. Makedo Freeplay kits are presented in a keepsake cardboard tube and are sized in individual (Kit for One) and family packs (Kit for Three) with prices starting from £11.99 SRP. Makedo Cup Critters – Cute Creatures from a Coffee Cup Makedo Cup Critters transform the all-familiar coffee cup into a cute collectable creature using Makedo connectors and decorative addons such as eyes, noses, tails and more. Transform your cup into one of six characters that include a quirky Cow, a mischievous Monkey, a funny Bunny and a hungry Hippo. Everything you need to make two delightful creatures is provided neatly within the cup including guided instructions. There are six different creatures to collect! Cup Critters start from £5.99 RRP each. Makedo is supported by the Makedo website (mymakedo.com) that features online galleries with literally hundreds of photos of exciting creations made by people from all corners the world. It is a universal resource for a global community of makers who are invited to upload their creations to share and inspire others. Makedo is available at Selfridges, Tate Modern and through toy and gift retailers internationally plus at Makedo’s online store mymakedo.com.

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The Angry Birds Star Wars deck of playing cards from Cartamundi features all your favourite Star Wars characters from the new Angry Birds game. It’s Sky High for Angry Birds at Cartamundi Pocket money power will reign supreme this Christmas as the most popular mobile video game teams up with the greatest film saga of all time! Children will transform into the fiercest of fowls against their pesky piggy mates, as they use logic, skill and sheer brute force in fun-filled card games. How about slow- motion Pairs, light speed Snap or the ultimate test of stealth in Go Fish? It’s not all about spectacular gameplay for the family though, as these packs will sprinkle a shower of cosmic Christmas magic over collectors and fans alike. The deck will be available in four different, embossed limited edition tins. Each tin comes with a matching collectible, 3-D lenticular bonus card and at only £4.99 each, they are sure to fly off the shelves this season. The Angry Birds Star Wars Playing Cards are available from 28th October 2012 at all good toy retailers. For further information visit www.cartamundi. co.uk or Tel: 01268 511522. For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.

christmas charity appeal Families North Christmas Charity Appeal

Letter t o Santa

Dear Santa , All I want for Ch . . Do ristm n’t fo rget t as. Chris o pos tmas t you r l i s t to S time. anta Here in go is his od don’t a d dress forge and t, he have know been s if yo naug u hty o r nic Santa e! ’s add ress i Santa s: Clau s, Nor th Po le.

Santa’s Grotto Few experiences are more memorable than meeting Santa. Here we have included five of the best Grotto’s this year! (Please contact any venue before setting off to ensure opening times and regulations.)

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park 10am-Santa’s Grotto, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH – 10am-6pm 23rd November to 6th January A child’s dream-come-true. Visit Santaland with all its magical rides, games, elves and then meet Santa in his grotto. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Free entry with a gift for all the good children! (Note: Tokens will need to be purchased for the rides at Santaland, however, visiting the grotto is free.) Families North has one family ticket to win. To enter go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

Enchanted Christmas House London Art House, 2-18 Britannia Row, Islington, London N1 8PA Tel: 020 3227 3200 info@enchantedhouse.net Open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri, booking essential. Opens December 1st. The ultimate Christmas experience. Let the elves take you on an adventure around the Enchanted Christmas House. Meet Santa’s

magical friends and meet Santa in his grotto and receive a present.

Harrods Grotto Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL From Saturday 3rd Nov-Mon 24th Dec Located on the 4th Floor by Door 10 escalators. Booking essential. Visit www.harrods.com/ grotto.

Willows Farm Grotto Willows Farm Village. Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 0PF Tel: 0870 129 9718 Visit Santa in his grotto and receive a golden key to enter his toy shop where all children can pick their own presents. Join in with the Nativity, go on the festive wood ride, reindeer hunt with prize for every child and visit the Willows magical ice rink. From 21st November24th December.

Christmas Wonderland, Enfield Springtime Nurseries, Cattlegate Road, Crews Hill, Enfield EN2 9EE Tel: 020 8367 9326 Possibly the largest Santa’s Grotto in Europe. For over 15 years the Christmas Wonderland has brought delight to many children. Enjoy the magic this year.

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Every day, 10 children and young people in the UK hear the shocking news they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK. About CLIC Sargent CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. We provide clinical, practical and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. We at Families North are asking you to grab a bucket this December in support of the Big Bucket Collection, a national fundraising event run by CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people. Hundreds of collections will be held this December by volunteers across the UK, all lending a hand to help raise £200,000 for families affected by childhood cancer. CLIC Sargent has been offered the chance to hold a Big Bucket Collection at several locations and I wonder if your readers could give a little time, with friends, family or colleagues, to help out on the day? If they could spare just a few hours to help it would be great if they could get in touch! The Big Bucket Collection is held every December as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This December, CLIC Sargent is highlighting the impact of cancer on the school life of younger children. Staying in school can be difficult for children undergoing cancer treatment. It may be difficult for them to keep up with schoolwork and also to stay in touch with friends, which can make them feel isolated and left out. CLIC Sargent do all they can to help – their care professionals aim to support the whole family through treatment. Where possible, they can go into schools to help a child’s classmates understand what is happening during and after treatment. They also provide a wide range of valuable information to support children, their parents and teachers. Visit: www.clicsargent.org.uk/content/bigbucket-collection or call 0845 121 2495

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Danny Grant Soccer School

Half term and Christmas Holiday Football Courses PLUS: Exciting football parties for 5-11’s. We are now recruiting 7-11 year olds to join our training sessions for matches with our teams in Hampstead, Finchley, Highgate, Belsize Park and Mill Hill. Call for more details!

020 8446 0891 info@dgsoccer.co.uk www.dgsoccer.co.uk

Music classes for babies and young children! Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

d no blues ! all r hythm an Hampstead & Notting Hill 020 8451 7626 Muswell Hill, Crouch End & Highgate 020 8889 0114 High Barnet, Mill Hill & Whetstone 020 8449 4025 Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet 020 8360 2730

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds

A home away from home nursery!

Keren's

Keren's Nursery Belsize Park

It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!

Ofsted Outstanding

15 months - 5 years old Both English and Hebrew Spoken Freshly cooked Kosher Food

Be part of the

2012 Big Bucket

To Book a visit:

Collection

0207 431 3823 c o n t a c t @ k e r e n s n u r s e r y. c o m

w w w. k e r e n s n u r s e r y. c o m

for children and young people with cancer

Can you give a little time to make a big difference? This December, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, please help us raise £200,000 for young cancer patients and their families. We need volunteers to join our collections at venues across the UK, collecting with friends and family for a few hours, a day or maybe even more! Please contact us to find out more: Visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/bigbucketcollection Call 0845

121 2495

(calls charged at local rate)

Registered charity number 1107328 and registered in Scotland (SC039857)

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10000_ROMFORD_GENERIC WINTER AD:GENERIC

26/9/12

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N8 NW1 NW8 N16 The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park

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Babysitters available before & after nursery hours

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The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU

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Established

1979

The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 5 years

Free registration

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Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age

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DRAMARAMA

26/10/2012 10:16

Stage School Ltd

Drama Dance Singing

A structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills

Half term and Christmas Holiday Courses Star in exciting, dance shows, musicals & plays! Plus Saturday morning Street Dance, Drama and Drama Exam Classes. Specialised, fun-based, classes for ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-11 & 12-14 yrs.

Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment

For Tumble Tots classes in Muswell Hill, Finchley Central and St John’s Wood

020 8446 0891

Call: 020 8381 6585 Email: fun@tumbletotsnorthlondon.co.uk www.tumbletots.com/hampstead

Book a personal tour

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info@dramarama.co.uk www.dramarama.co.uk

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christmas competitions

Christmas Competitions Mother Goose Millfield Theatre 29th November 2012 – 5th January 2013 If you haven’t heard already, this year’s pantomime at Millfield Theatre is Mother Goose, a marvellous and magical tale of the Goose that lays golden eggs! Set amongst the farmyard frolics in Puddleon-the-Marsh, a village where vile villains wreak havoc and get up to no good.

Walking with Dinosaurs UK Arena Tour – December 2012-May 2013 www.dinosaurlive.com ‘Wow, wow, wow… informative and entertaining’ The Times Due to overwhelming popular demand, the multi-award winning arena spectacular Walking with Dinosaurs is back and its cast of pre-historic giants is set to astound and educate a brand new generation of budding palaeontologists at the O2 Arena from Wednesday 26th December 2012 before touring nationwide. A huge hit with families, this mesmerising production, based on the BAFTA award winning BBC television series, merges scientific accuracy, high-tech animatronic puppetry, and almost cinematic realism to help children appreciate these colossal creatures in a way no museum can match. Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular is brought to the UK by Global Creatures, headed by CEO Carmen Pavlovic, in association with BBC Worldwide. It kicks off in London’s The O2 arena on Wednesday 26th December 2012 to 6th Jan 2013. After these dates the tour goes nationwide. Please see their website for further details.

Competition! Families North has teamed up with Walking With Dinosaurs and have one fantastic family ticket to win. To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

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The story of Mother Goose Once upon a time, in the village of Puddleon-the-Marsh, a woman called Mother Goose lived on a farm with her son Billy and daughter Jill. They were very poor and had sold all their animals ‘cept their favourite, Priscilla the goose. The family owed so much rent to the Squire that finally he gave them one last chance to pay, or he would evict them. Luckily, Fairy Good-Enough was on hand to help them and with a wave of her magic wand, Priscilla the goose began to lay golden eggs, so that at last Mother Goose could pay her rent and live happily ever after. But sadly, this isn’t quite the end of our story; the news of the magical goose soon reached the ears of the greedy Demon King who was desperate to get hold of Priscilla. Knowing that Mother Goose had a secret desire to be beautiful, he told her about a magical pool of transformation

$yn-Da-Rilla, The Urban Panto Written and directed by Robin Kingsland, choreographed by Sam Golle The Dugdale Centre, December 12-29th Tickets: £15/£10 concessions Pineapple Arts comes to Enfield! Bringing a bit of Street swagger to the panto world, the creative team from Pineapple Arts bring you $yn-Da Rilla, The Urban panto. With all your favourite characters from the familiar tale, set in the mean streets of Enfield, and with a distinctly hip hop flavour, this panto has rap, street dance and a massive twist of street attitude. Producer ‘Prince’ Charmin’ is searching for

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that could make this dream come true. However, the Demon King told Mother Goose that he would only tell her where the pool was in exchange for Priscilla and sadly she agreed to the swap. As promised, when Mother Goose entered the pool of transformation she became very beautiful, but when she returned home Billy and Jill hardly recognised her. They were shocked to hear she had given Priscilla away because of her own vanity and soon Mother Goose became very unpopular and the villagers did not want to be friends with someone so vain. This made Mother Goose very unhappy, and she missed Priscilla enormously, and soon realised that she had made a very big mistake. But will Fairy Good-Enough come to the rescue this time? Will they ever get Priscilla from the clutches of the Demon King? Will Mother Goose be able to win her friends back? Join us at Millfield to find out! The perfect pantomime packed with heroes, villains and loads of Eggs-factor!

Win!

Booking Information Tickets can be booked online from www. millfieldtheatre.co.uk or via our box office on 020 8807 6680. Tickets: £12-£17.50 (schools £9.50). Online: £11-£16.50

Competition! Families North has teamed up with Mother Goose and we have five fantastic family tickets to be won. To enter go to www.familiesnorth. co.uk/competitions.

Fresh new talent – and someone who will love him for himself. Downtrodden young cleaner Syn Da Rilla has a big talent and a bigger heart. Happy-ever-after should be just around the corner…. But stepmother Eva-Lynn Tent has other plans…. Can fate, a Fairy Godmother – and Syn Da’s BFF Buttunz – thwart Eva-Lynn’s evil schemes?

Competition!

Win!

Families North has teamed up with Pineapple Arts and have five fantastic family tickets to win. To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

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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 from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb. com.

Room

Reading

Ed’s Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months. For ages 5-7 years

5-7

‘This is a super book for young readers to enjoy on their own or reading together. It is a great story with fantastic colour illustrations throughout.’

The Snow Bear by Holly Webb (Stripes Publishing £7.99)

Ed Says: ‘With only days to go until Christmas, snow starts to fall. Sara is staying with her grandfather and after his tales of life in the Arctic they decide to build an igloo and a small snow bear in the garden. Sara is thrilled – but in the middle of the night it all looks very different. Sara and the young bear set out on a journey to find the bear’s mother. But will Sara find her way home in time for Christmas? ‘This is an exciting winter adventure with its snowy setting and delightful characters. It is a lovely story that will captivate boys and girls alike.’

Cudweed in Outer Space by Marcus Sedgwick (Orion £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Cudweed persuades his father to let him buy a spaceship kit that he sees in a comic found in the attic of the castle where he lives. After managing to assemble the spaceship, Cudweed and his pet monkey Fellah set off on an exciting adventure into outer space. When the spaceship is hit by a missile they see the Thrillons waving. But are they waving in friendship or in anger? And will the two adventurers get back to the castle in time for cakes and scones?

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

How to Build an Abominable Snowman

and Molly show us how to deal not only with problems in the snow but also with troublesome grown-ups. ‘Here is another hilarious tale about the Pesker twins. It is brilliantly written by this fantastic author who has an amazing insight into children’s curiosity and logic!’

The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne (Doubleday £10.99)

Ed Says: ‘Barnaby Brocket is a very unusual boy. He defies the laws of gravity – and floats. His parents try to take steps to keep him firmly on the ground but, at the end of their tether, they decide to release Barnaby. At first he is horrified – but when he floats towards a rather special hot air balloon a new, magical life begins for Barnaby. ‘This imaginative tale is beautifully written and the colourful characters are very entertaining. How lovely to read about someone discovering that, even in extraordinary circumstances, there is nothing better than just being yourself.’

by Dominic Barker (Orchard Books £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Max and Molly are horrified at the idea of living on their parents’ emergency stock of baked beans if they are snowed in. They set out to find a way of getting a snowplough to clear their road and the only answer seems to be a visit from an abominable snowman. In this wintery Guide To Trouble, Max

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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 mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

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competition LEGO® Friends Brickmaster Treasure Hunt in Heartlake City

Lonely Planet

Competition! In addition to Ed’s Reading Room in this issue Families North have sourced some great books below and all of them are up for grabs in our online festive competitions. Please go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions for a chance to win. Good Luck! Operation Bunny Emily Vole doesn’t have the best start in life. As a baby, she is mistaken for a bomb when she’s found in an abandoned hatbox at Stansted Airport and then adopted into the awful Dashwood family as the latest accessory for their executive home. Between her chores, Emily befriends Miss String, the dotty old lady next door. After Miss String dies in somewhat suspicious circumstances, Emily is surprised to find she has been bequeathed a small shop in a place called Podgy Bottom and a rather large cat called Fidget (who might not be all he seems). By following the clues with the help of Fidget and Buster, the grumpy fairy detective, Emily discovers a magical world she never know existed – a world where a fairy-hating witch, a mischievous set of golden keys and a train full of brightly coloured bunnies are just the beginning...

How to be a World Explorer and Extreme Planet are two exciting new children’s books from Lonely Planet, which will be published in October. Packed with amusing and informative details about the world and how to explore it, these new titles in Lonely Planet’s Not for Parents children’s series will help kids to understand the world through interesting and quirky information and illustrations. How to be a World Explorer is the all-terrain training manual for kids, packed with essential tips and fun facts on survival in the great outdoors

iF: The Book. A Treasury of Poems for Almost Every Possibility

Learn about the fabulous world of LEGO Friends and then use the bricks and mini-dolls to build and play your own adventures! LEGO® Friends is a brand new LEGO theme aimed at girls focusing on friendship, working together and creativity. This Autumn, in collaboration with the LEGO Group, DK brings you the new and exciting LEGO® Friends Brickmaster Treasure Hunt in Heartlake City. Children will enjoy joining friends Mia and Chloe on their exciting adventures to find hidden treasure in Heartlake City. Packed with over 100 LEGO bricks and two mini-dolls, including one exclusive character, this pack can be used to make up to 4 exciting friends scenes and 18 fantastic models. The colourful and highly illustrated book provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to make each model; children are also encouraged to use their imagination to play out each exciting scene by following the fun photo-story scrapbook, and create their own models and stories. The LEGO Friends Brickmaster also contains fascinating facts and Did You Know? sections throughout and with a stylish new box design, this is the perfect present for any LEGO lady.

This hardback anthology features a selection of over 150 of your favourite classic poems, fully illustrated by Natasha Law. The poems have been carefully selected and introduced with informative paragraphs Twilight – In their own Words ebook by the creators of the bestselling iF Poems app For a chance to win to appeal to children and adults of all ages. won of these super From Keats to Wendy Cope, by way of T S Eliot ebooks and to read and John Betjeman, these are poems to pass the Robert Pattison, down the generations. Whether you’re after a Kristen Stewart poem that is charming, funny, sad, silly, magical, and Taylor Lautner sleepy, long or short, there’s something in here interviews go to for everyone. A favourite poem will stay with you www.familiesnorth. for life, and this collection for all the family is 1 03/09/2012 co.uk/competitions. 17:46 sure to delight and entertain for years tok_john_wolffe_AW.pdf come.

1 Holders Hill Parade, Holders Hill Road, London NW7 1LZ We are directly opposite Hendon crematorium, free parking on street. Bus 240 stops outside.

Quality private practice – we offer longer appointment times within a calm and secure environment. All are welcome and children are seen by our Principal, Dr. Mehta, who has a Masters degree in paediatric dentistry. We can deliver most treatments, including cosmetic, implant and endodontic, in-house. Excellent location as just off the M1, A1 and very close to the A406.

Tel: 020 8346 7747 Email: jwdp@smilematters.co.uk familiesnorth.co.uk

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festive tips

5 Tips for working parents Does this sound familiar?

‘I am working right up until Christmas Eve and don’t know where I’ll be able to find time to prepare for festive season’ ‘I have family staying over for the festive period and I need to keep the peace’

‘The children have asked for gifts that are either extortionately priced or difficult to find’ ‘I want my home to be perfect vision of festive loveliness’ Christmas can be an extremely stressful time especially as a working parent. The high expectations of ourselves and others to make this one day of the year picture perfect can be overwhelming. How do you find the time, money, patience and energy to make it a time to be savoured rather than endured? Well Jenny Garrett, Executive Coach and author of Rocking Your Role, shares five Top Tips that will ease your festive season stress.

Start now If you find yourself joining the mad panic in the supermarkets and shops days before Christmas, you should have learned your lesson by now. This last minute shopping leads to poor purchases, and usually spending more than you need to. • L ist the jobs you needs to do and divide them between the days you have until Christmas, this makes it more manageable • Ask family and friends what they want, rather than having to spend lots of time guessing • For a fail safe option, buy vouchers and gift cards – quick and easy and no chance of disappointment or duplication • Shop around for the best deals

Share the load Why is it that you are the only one fretting over Christmas, maybe because everyone leaves it to you? How about delegating some of those jobs, if you don’t ask them they wont do it. • G et children writing or making cards and sticking stamps on envelopes

• C hildren can make paper chains or salt dough decorations to adorn your home • Trust the family to put the decorations up, it might not be the way you would have done it but they might surprise you • If you have a better half get them to research the best deals on Christmas gifts • Get everyone involved in coming up with the Christmas menu

Make the most of your money Christmas is always an expensive time, with meeting friends for dinner and drinks, new outfits for Christmas parties, gifts and food. You can make some smart choices to save you money. • G o halves on a gift with a family member of friend on family gifts • Make gifts, such as baked goods and personalise them • Think sentiment rather than expense, a personalised calendar of mug with a grandchild’s face on it, can be just as treasured as an expensive scarf • Look for restaurants that have special offers and happy hours when meeting friends • Hire your Christmas outfit instead of buying it • Decide to only buy gifts for the children in the family

Use Technology Whatever you think of the Internet, it can really help with time saving and convenience. This is a great way to use your time effectively, shopping when it suits you • Y ou can create online personalised cards and have them sent directly, particularly useful for sending cards abroad • Purchasing items online and getting them delivered directly means no wrapping and you can usually include a personalised message • No last minute dash to the supermarket you can purchase online now and more likely get what you need. Many supermarkets have special Christmas packages already created for you • Set reminders in your calendar for jobs that you need to do for the festive season • Send e-cards instead of paper cards • Use pricing comparison sites and sites that reward you for making purchases through them

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Family time Family time can be the best and worst thing about Christmas. It’s great to have the opportunity spend quality time with family, but inevitably because you don’t usually spend this much time with each other it can become a bit fractious. • G etting everyone involved can be a good way of bonding, it will also stop resentment in case others aren’t pulling their weight • Have a sanctuary space in your home, where you or others can go to escape for a while without judgement. • Don’t overstay your welcome; think before you commit to spending too long with family member or having them spend it with you. • Have lots of family games ready whether or the computer or board games to keep each other occupied • Although it’s great to be together, it’s OK not to be sometimes, so if grandpa wants to watch one show and the children want to watch another, let them go into different rooms for an hour, it wont hurt • Have some adult time if possible, just snuggled up on the sofa enjoying your partners company. Whatever you do, have fun and be thankful, another year has passed and only 365 days to the next one!

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Competition Go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions for a chance to win Jenny’s book Rocking Your Role.

Win!

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festive fun out & about

Out & About Your guide to North London family entertainment

Festive Fun ADAM ANTS PARTIES 020 8959 1045 adamantsparties.co.uk info@adamantsparties.co.uk A visit from Santa Invite Santa into your home on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other day. He will bring the presents, chat and eat a mince pie or two! A memorable experience at Christmas time. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE Quainton Road , Nr Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BY (M25/A41) 01296 655720 bucksrailcentre.org

Outdoor Christmas Fair December 9 At St Paul’s Primary School, Elsworthy Road, NW3 3DS.

CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane,Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk Christmas Carousel December 1, 2 Visit Santa in his grotto, listen to carol singing and take part in children’s activities with magic shows, face painting and tractor rides. Entrance £5.50/£2.50/under 5’s free/family £13.50 (2+3).

Day out with Thomas December 1, 2, 8, 9 Journey with Thomas the Tank Engine with storytelling, magic shows and activities. Book in advance. Santa’s Magical Adventures December 15, 16, 22, 23 Reserve seats on the steam train with a visit from Santa. Refreshments and magic show. Mince Pie Specials December 27, 28 Magic show, refreshments, train rides and Punch & Judy. No booking required.

BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 OQH ( Angel) 020 7288 6272 businessdesigncentre.co.uk countrylivingfair.com Country Living Christmas Fair November 7 – 11 Festive ideas and treats. Tickets £16.50/£8.50/under 5’s free. CABBAGES & FROCKS MARKET St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High Street, W1U 5BA ( Baker Street) 020 7794 1636 cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Christmas Market November 14 Fashion, food and gifts, as part of the Marylebone Christmas Lights evening.

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How to decorate a traditional Christmas cake with Fiona Cairns. Limited places. Adults £60. Good Golly, My Lolly December 6 Experts will decorate giant chocolate lollies for presents. Christmas Activities Check website for special events around the Christmas tree.

FORTY HALL & ESTATE Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 fortyhallestate.co.uk Candlelit Tours December 6 – 22 Tours around the decorated Hall. Carols, mulled wine and mince pies. Cost £10/£5.

GOLDEN HINDE Bedale Street, SE1 9DG ( London Bridge) 020 7403 0123 goldenhinde.com The British Military Tournament at Earls Court.

EARLS COURT Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA ( West Brompton) 0870 903 9033 0844 248 5026 ticketmaster eco.co.uk britishmilitarytournament.com Ideal Home Show at Christmas November 14 – 18 Ideas for decorations, presents and food preparation. Also Dancing on Ice skating rink. Tickets £16.50, £18.50/children free. The British Military Tournament December 8 – 9 A show to celebrate the life and times of Her Majesty The Queen. Performances include horses, military bands, battle re-enactment and Field Gun Run – all in aid of charities of the British Armed Forces. Cost from £29.75 (concessions available).

Christmas Fun Day December 15, 22 Games, activities and special visit from Father Christmas. Cost £7/£5.

Carol Concert December 21 Carols, mulled wine and mince pies.

GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE Covent Garden Piazza ( Covent Garden) xmaspuddingrace.org.uk December 1 Register to take part in a fun day with teams of 6 people in fancy dress and help raise awareness for Cancer Research.

HAMPSTEAD WOMEN’s CLUB Held at St Stephen’s Church, Pond Street/Rosslyn Hill junction, NW3 2PP Christmas Market November 24 Including ornaments, decorations, raffle, clothing and gifts

HARRODS 87 – 135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL ( Knightsbridge) 020 7730 1234 harrods.com Christmas Grotto November 3 – December 24

Regent Street

FORTNUM & MASON 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER ( Piccadilly Circus) 0845 602 5694 fortnumandmason.com Countdown to Christmas November 12

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out and about festive fun • concerts Every year Santa arrives in style, based on a special theme. Priority booking open to Harrods Rewards members only. 10 tickets per time slot at a refundable cost of £10 for each booking slot. Father Christmas at Lauderdale House.

mince pies and a present from Santa. Cost £8. Farm-tastic Santa December 20 – 23 Lee Valley Park Farms. Meet Santa and his reindeers and enjoy art and craft activities and a toboggan ride.

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk Santa’s Special Sunday December 9 Meet Father Christmas on a short boat trip. Limited places so booking required.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk (See Theatre listings for venue details and shows) Arts and Crafts Fair November 4, December 1 Voluntary admission charge. Christmas Creations / Snowy Surprises December 15 Baubles, paper chains and masks. Limited places. Booking recommended. 4 – 7 years & 7 – 10 years. Cost £6.50. Father Christmas in the House December 15, 16 Visit Santa who has flown in specially for the weekend. Booking recommended. Cost £6. Lantern Making December 18 Drop-in to make a lantern to take to the carol concert. Bring a jam jar. 3 – 8 years. Cost £6.50. Christmas Sing-a-long December 18 Carols by candlelight. Free.

LEE VALLEY PARK Enfield, EN2 9HG 08456 770 600 (M25/J25) leevalleypark.org.uk Turkey & Tinsel Christmas Dinner Cruise December 7 – 12 At Lee Valley Boat Centre. Festive meal and cruise with carols. Cost £28. Pony Club Christmas Show December 14 At Lee Valley Riding Centre. Christmas themed displays. Cost £5. Santa Cruise December 19, 20, 21 At Lee Valley Boat Centre. Book a boat ride with mulled wine and

MARYLEBONE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Marylebone High Street, W1 ( Baker Street) marylebonevillage.com November 14 Switching on of the Christmas lights with celebrations along the street. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and take part in festive activities.

MUSEUM OF LONDON & MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS EC2Y 5HN / E14 4AL museumoflondon.org.uk (More events under Museum’s listings) Santa’s Grotto December 8 – 23 Meet Father Christmas in his traditional Victorian Grotto. Book in advance. Cost £5 to include a gift. Photos extra. Scrooge’s Grotto December 27 – 31 Meet Ebenezer. Cost £5 including gift.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk (See also Museums listings) Dina Claus December 15 Festive sleepover, trail and live animal show with Santa’s little helpers. 8 – 11 years. Minimum five children + 1 adult. Cost £49.

OLYMPIA LONDON Grand Hall, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia) eco.co.uk olympiahorseshow.com London International Horse Show December 17 – 23 Sporting action, equestrian displays and special Christmas finale with a circus theme.

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OXFORD STREET LIGHTS W1

Concerts

November 5 Switch on of the street lights by celebrities marks the start of the Christmas shopping period.

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk

PETER PAN CHRISTMAS DAY RACE Serpentine, Hyde Park serpentineswimmingclub.com

Junior Trinity Winter Concerts November 17 Gifted young musicians. Cost £5/ children free. Last Night of the Christmas Proms December 27 Rousing classics and flag waving! Cost £16.50 – £39.50.

December 25 Annual race held early on Christmas morning for Serpentine Swimming Club members only – spectators welcome.

Music & Dance from the Ballet December 31 Includes Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Cost £16.50 – £39.50.

REGENT STREET LIGHTS W1 regentstreetonline.com November 13 Christmas lights switch on with themed entertainment and activities. Download a Regent Street Shopping App and visit the fashion stores including the largest Burberry in the world.

SUTTON HOUSE NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Sunday Tours November 4, December 2 Cost £3/£1/family £6.90. Let’s get Cracking for Christmas November 25 Traditional activities and games. Christmas Craft Fair & Santa’s Grotto December 8 Craft workshops, Carols, mulled wine, mince pies and a visit from Father Christmas.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE ( Charing Cross) london.gov.uk Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6 A special tree brought over from Norway will be placed in the square. Carol Singing Christmas carols sung around the tree to raise money for charities.

WINTER WONDERLAND ( Hyde Park Corner) hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 23 – January 6 A range of festive events in Hyde Park with an ice rink, circus, markets, observation wheel, rides and a visit to see Santa. Charges apply for each attraction.

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Viennese New Years Eve Gala December 31 Cost £19.50 – £42.50.

BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk Christmas Carol Concert December 12 Evening concert – Including mince pies and mulled wine. Cost £12. Family Carol Concert December 16 Daytime concert – join in festive favourites. Tickets £10/£5.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk Sunday Afternoon Concert November 18 Piano recital. Lunchtime Concert December 6 Young performers concert series. Autumn Concert December 9 London Community Baroque Orchestra.

KING CHARLES COURT Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9JF 020 8463 0100 trinitylaban.ac.uk Junior Trinity Workshops & Masterclasses December 8 Junior Trinity students perform. Free.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) 0845 401 5045 royalalberthall.com

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concerts • ice skating • cinema out & about Junior Classical Coffee Mornings November 11 Young musician Joel Ashford performs. Cost £11. Classical Spectacular November 22 – 25 Music, lasers, lights and fireworks. Cost £13.50 – £55. Junior Ignite November 29 Acoustic folk and pop music in the Café Consort. Free event. Celebrating Christmas with the Salvation Army November 29 Annual carol concert. Cost £15 – £39. Jingle Bell Christmas December 15, 19 Festive concert. Cost £12.50 – £46.50. Christmas Carol Singalong December 16, 20, 22 Christmas Carolling with Russell Grant December 18, 21

Brave (PG) November 3 Kids club with activities to be booked separately.

Cavatina Family Concert December 8 Interactive concert with singing and music making. 5+ years. Cost £7/£5.

TOWER ICE RINK ( Tower Hill) toweroflondonicerink.com November 17 – January 6 Advance booking recommended. Children under 12 years must be accompanied. Ice guides available to book. Cost £13/£11/£9/£8.50. Family £36/£34.

Ice Skating

Cinema

The Nutcracker December 24

WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP ( Bond Street) 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk

Outdoor ice rinks are a popular seasonal attraction, and operate in all weather conditions so be cautious. Prices quoted are for one hour time slots including skate hire. Lessons and ice guides are extra.

CANARY WHARF skatecanarywharf.com November 3 – January 13 Special skate path through the trees in Canada Square Park. Cost £12.50/£8.50 under 13 years. HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK hamptoncourticerink.com

ST JOHN’S SMITH SQUARE SW1P 3HA ( Westminster) 020 7222 1061 sjss.org.uk City of London Choir December 9 Carols by candlelight. Cost £25/£20/£16/£12/children half price.

December 1 – January 6 Open-air ice rink in a historical setting in front of the palace. Skating lessons for children 5 – 16 years. Cost £12.50/£9.

ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ ( Charing Cross) 020 7766 1100 smitf.org Mini Maestro Family Concert November 17 Cost £8.50/£6.50. Babar the Elephant with Carols December 1 Cost £6.50/£4.50. Christmas Concert with Carols December 8 Cost £14/£7. Peter & the Wolf with Carols December 27 Cost £6.50/£4.50.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK 0844 847 1576 nhmskating.com

WESTMINSTER ABBEY SW1P 3PA ( St James’s Park) 020 7222 5152 westminster-abbey.org Christmas Concert December 11 An evening of Christmas music sung by the Abbey Choir. Cost £10 – £30. Service & Carols December 23 Ticketed event. Christmas Eve December 24 Crib service and carols.

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HYDE PARK hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 23 – January 6 Magical setting with lots of lights as part of the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland attractions. Ice guides available at extra cost. Cost off peak £10.50/£8.50.

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7527 barbican.org.uk/film Paranorman (PG) November 10 Cost £2. Framed Film Festival November 17 – 25 Films and special activities from international cinema taking place at the Barbican, Rio, Phoenix, Picturehouse and Curzon cinemas. 4 – 18 years. The Snowman / Peter & the Wolf / Wizard of Oz December 22, 23 Classic tales accompanied by live orchestra. Cost £25/£12.50. PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk

Paranorman (PG) November 10 Lotte & the Moonstone Secret (U) November 17 Part of the Framed Film Festival.

RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, London E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk London International Animation Festival November 3 Films for younger audiences. Cost £6/£5. Saturday Morning Picture Club November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1 Cost £3/£2. Playcentre Matinees November 6, 13, 20, 27 December 4 Cost £3/£2. Laura’s Star & the Dream Monsters (U) November 24 Film and craft activities as part of the Framed Film Festival. Cost £5/£4.

November 2 – January 6 A magical skating experience in the museum’s grounds. Junior rink for younger skaters, carousel, twinkling fairy lights and a special Christmas tree. Open-air viewing balcony and refreshments. Cost adults £13.50/£11.50 off peak. Children under 12 years £9/£8 off peak. Family £38/£31.

SOMERSET HOUSE 0844 847 1520 somersethouse.org.uk November 16 – January 6 Shop at the Christmas Arcade for gifts and enjoy other events taking place on the day. Penguin Club on selected dates to help under 8 years to take their first steps on the ice. (£7.50). Single skate lesson (£20/£15) or a series of short courses (£50/£40) for 8+ years.

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out and about museums • exhibitions A Victorian Christmas December 6 Open evening with festive activities. All ages. Free.

020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk Mini Moles Babies/Little Moles Toddlers Group November 14, 21, 28 Explore objects and spaces. Booking required. 6 months – walking/ walking – 5 years. Animated Animals November 18 Digital learning. 5+ years. A Christmas Carol December 28, 29 Drama production. 7+ years. London Bones December 30 Studying skeletons. 5+ years. Tickets allocated on arrival.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY Rockefeller Building, University College London, University Street, WC1E 6DE ( Euston) 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk/museums Festival of Geology November 10 At UCL Wilkins Building. Handle fossils, minerals and rocks. All ages. Free.

HANDEL HOUSE MUSEUM 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB ( Bond Street) 020 7495 1685 handelhouse.org A Baroque Christmas December 6 Instrumental music.

‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Museum of London.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Lord Mayor’s Show November 10 ‘The Wind in the Willows’ author Kenneth Grahame was a former Secretary of the Bank – face painters will be on hand to bring Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to life on the day of the Lord Mayor’s procession. Free entry. Jigsaw Japes December 17 – 21, 24, 27, 28, 31 Choose a museum object to draw on a pre-cut jigsaw. Free entry.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF ( Charing Cross) 020 7839 2013 benjaminfranklinhouse.org Children’s Christmas Party December 15 Traditional carols, crafts and treats. 5 – 11 years. Booking recommended or pay on the door if spaces available. Cost £5 per child.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Family Activities November 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23,

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844

27 – 31 A variety of drop-in and bookable events.

BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Vintage & Designers Fair November 24 Entrance £1.50/children free. The Way Things Were December 11 A look at Victorian Christmas. Family Craft Activities Activities for families and young children on selected dates.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Christmas Past November 27 – January 6 Exhibition on seasonal traditions in English homes. Advent Wreaths December 1 Christmas workshop. 5 – 11 years. Free. Nursery Rhyme Time December 1 Stories, songs and activities. 2 – 5 years. Christmas Carols December 1 Christmas sing along. Wrapping Up December 1 Create wrapping paper and tags. 11+ years.

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Mini Mudlarks/Little Mudlarks November 5, 12, 19, December 10 Play activities and creative sessions. Booking required. 6 months – walking / 1 – 5 years.

Handel’s Messiah December 13, 20 Special performances in the house where it was composed. Saturday Talks Short talks on various subjects. Cost included in admission price.

The River Thames November 24 Drop-in sessions to explore the history of the river. 3+ years.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ ( Waterloo) 020 7416 5000 iwm.org.uk

Festive Felt Baubles December 1, 22 Use felt to make decorations. 5+ years.

A Poppy Field November 1 – 4, 10, 11 Plant a paper poppy in the Poppy Field to remember those who died in conflict. Drop-in. All ages. Free. Make Do & Mend – Quilt December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,16, 27 – 31 Communal art activity. All ages. Drop-in.

JEWISH MUSEUM Raymond Burton House, 129 – 131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB ( Camden Town) 020 7284 7384 jewishmuseum.org.uk Mitzvah Day November 18 Bread making demonstrations and activities. Drop-in. Hanukah December 2 Festive family fun. Booking essential. Entrance £7.50/£3.50/family £18 (2+4)/under 5s free.

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Traditional Decorations December 15 Create decorations on the computer. 5+ years. Christmas Storytime December 27, 28 Puppets and stories for under 5 years old. Also art activities for older children.

Radio Days December 27 – 31 Christmas 1940. Drop-in event.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s)

Decorate Santa’s Grotto December 8 Drop-in event. 3+ years.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Studio Sundays November 11, 25 Hands-on workshops. 5 – 11 years. Free. Drawing Sundays November 4, 18, December 2, 16 Drawing sessions. 5 – 11 years. Free. Magic Carpet Storytelling November 18, December 9 Story telling around a different painting on each session. 2 – 5 years. Family Walk & Talk November 4, December 2 Mini tours.

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museums • exhibitions • theatres out & about Stuck November 1 – 4 Floyd’s kite gets stuck in the tree and so he throws anything he can find to free it. 3 – 7 years. Cost £9.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk

There’s a Monster in my Piano November 11 Puppets, clowning and animation. 4+ years. Cost £7.

The Case of the Missing Music November 17 Storytelling sessions. 3+ years. Free Art Workshops November 17 Tickets allocated on arrival. 5+ years. Free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Treasures From November 30 Special display of valuable specimens from the museum’s collection. Free. Lates November 30 Visit after hours until 10.30pm, with music, drinks and tapas. Free entry to Central Hall. Animal Vision December 8, 19 Featuring live animals to show how they adapt visually. Free.

OCTOBER GALLERY 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N 3AL ( Holborn) 020 7242 7367 octobergallery.co.uk Family Art Day November 6 At 1a Children’s Centre, EC1R 4SR. Family Art Day November 17 Art workshops on special dates. Limited places on arrival. Free.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Burlington House, W1J OBD ( Green Park) 020 7300 8000 royalacademy.org.uk Bronze Until December 9 Exhibition of over 150 finest bronzes. Entry £14/£3/under 8’s free. Clay, Wax & Soap November 18 Create sculptures. Family workshop. Free. Festive Prints December 9 Make greeting cards and gifts. Free. ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk Lest We Forget November 10, 11

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‘Little Charlie Bear’ at Ambassadors Theatre

Decorate a petal to add to a poppy collage. Carol Concert December 15, 16 Christmas concert in 1940’s style.

TATE BRITAIN Millbank, SW1P 4RG ( 020 7887 8888 tate.org.uk/Britain

Pimlico)

Tiny Tate November 3 Family activities to explore light, sound and space. Under 5 years. Free.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Ball Gowns Until January 6 Evening wear worn by royalty, actresses and celebrities. Charges apply. Hollywood Costume Until January 27 Costumes used on films including Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind and Star Wars. Charges apply. Norfolk House Music Room Concert November 2, 9, 16, 23, December 7 Musicians from the Royal College of Music. Free. Drop in Design Craft activities on Sundays and school holidays. Free.

Modern British Childhood New exhibition showing how children’s lives have changed over the past 64 years.

Theatres AMBASSADORS THEATRE West Street, WC2H 9ND ( Leicester Square) 08448 112 334 theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Little Charley Bear’s Christmas Adventure December 5 – 24 Live on stage with songs, games and a visit from Santa. Under 7 years. Cost £5, £7.50, £10, £15.

‘The Night before Christmas’ at the Arts Depot

ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk

Jazz for Toddlers November 14 Part of the London Jazz Festival. Music and movement for accompanied toddlers. 2 – 5 years. Cost £7. Pied Piper November 18 Live music and storytelling. 3 – 7 years. Cost £7. Funnybones November 25 Meet three crazy and delightful skeletons. 3 – 7 years. Cost £7. The Night Before Christmas December 2 Eddie the mouse goes looking for Father Christmas. 3 – 7 years. Cost £8. The Gruffalo December 8 – January 6 Musical show with a monster in the woods. 3+ years. Cost £12.50/ family £44.

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk Where the Wild Things Are November 3 Opera double bill. 7+ years. Cost £25/£15. 59 Minutes to Save Christmas December 15 – January 6 Someone is out to spoil the fun. Promenade performance. 7+ years. Cost £12. BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, WC1H OAH ( Euston)

‘The Gruffalo’ at the Arts Depot

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Planes, Trains and Automobiles November 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7 Art activities for under 5 years. Booking required. Christmas Crafts & Stories December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,16, 22, 23, 27 – January 6 Craft activities and stories. All ages. Free entry. Magic Lantern Show December 29, 30 Festive story telling. Booking required. Cost £3.

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out and about theatres 020 7388 8822 thebloomsbury.com Tom’s Midnight Garden December 12 – 22, 27 – 29 Tom travels back in time and meets a new friend. Cost £19.50/£14.50/ family £64.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Sleeping Beauty – Dream On November 28 – January 12 Magical fun show for all the family. 5+ years. Cost £11 – £20. Christmas Tales December 8, 15, 16, 22, 23 Fun and games with Tales from the Shed. 0 – 7 years. Cost £6/free for babies under 1 year. DUGDALE CENTRE Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8807 6680 dugdalecentre.co.uk Christmas Tales December 14, 21, 29 Tales from the Shed team. 0 – 7 years. Cost £6/free for babies under 1 year. Syn Da Rilla December 12 – 29 Hip Hop version of the classic tale featuring dancers from Pineapple Studios. Cost £15 or £14 online. Tales from the Arabian Nights December 15, 16, 22 – 24, 27 – 30 Skewbald Theatre Company. Puppets, projection and music. Cost £12/£8. HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Dick Whittington & his Cat December 1 – January 6 Christmas pantomime fun for all the family. Cost £9.50 – £29.50.

HALFMOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk

Yummm! November 3 Meal time fun. Two shows – under 4 years & 4+ years. Cost £6. Circles in the Sand November 10 Under 3 years. Cost £6. Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall November 17 3 – 7 years. Cost £6. Rapunzel November 24 3 – 7 years. Cost £6. Time for the Good Looking Boy November 26 – 29 Original rap soundtrack. 14+ years. Handa’s Surprise December 1 3+ years. Cost £6. How high? December 8 3 – 8 years. Cost £6. A Roo in my Suitcase December 15 3 – 7 years. Cost £6. Baba Yaga December 22 Comedy with puppets and storytelling. 3 – 7 years. Cost £6.

JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk Stuck November 11 A little boy in a very sticky situation. 3+ years. Cost £8.95. Handa’s Surprise November 18 A Little Angel Theatre production. 2 – 5 years. Cost £8.95

Cinderella at the Lyric Theatre.

Rapunzel November 25 A girl alone in a tower. 2 – 7 years. Cost £8.95. The Elves & the Shoemaker December 8 – January 3 Two mischievous visitors help Sam the shoemaker. Family workshop on December 22 at extra cost. 2+ years. Cost £14.50/£10.50/family £43.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk (See Festive Fun section for Christmas workshops) Babar the Little Elephant November 3 Plenty of joining in. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Billy Beware! November 10 It’s Billy’s birthday. 2 – 7 years. Cost £4.50. Saville Magic November 17 Magic show. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Rosie and the Seagull November 24 Naughty Rosie is snatched by a mischievous seagull! 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Sing and Dance along with Mr Boom December 1 One man band – from the Moon. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Mr Fezziwig’s Ball December 8 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Bow-lympics December 15 Comedy with musical instruments. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN ( Angel or Highbury Islington) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com Pinocchio November 17 – January 27 Christmas show with puppets and music. 6+ years. Cost £14/£10/ family £44/Friday 5pm performance £5. Dogs Don’t do Ballet December 5 – January 27 A small dog wants to be a ballerina. 2 – 6 years. Cost £10/£8. LONDON COLISEUM St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES ( Charing Cross) eno.org The Nutcracker December 12 – January 5 English National Ballet. Balcony seats range from £10 and stalls from £67.

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LYRIC THEATRE HAMMERSMITH King Street, W6 OQL ( Hammersmith) 020 8741 6850 lyric.co.uk Rapunzel & the Tower of Doom November 10 Puppets and story telling. 4 – 10 years. Cost £8 or £11 with messy play. Grimm Tales November 17 6 – 11 years. Cost £8 or £11 with messy play. Stuck November 24, 25 A kite is stuck in a tree. 3 – 7 years. Cost £8 or £11 with messy play. Cinderella November 24 – January 5 Popular Christmas pantomime. 6+ years. Cost £12.50 – £35. Father Christmas November 30 – January 5 Stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ festive story. Under 6 years. Cost £8/family £30/messy play extra.

LYRIC THEATRE (LONDON) 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES ( Piccadilly Circus) 0844 412 4661 Room on the Broom November 21 – January 13 Magical, musical fun. 3+ years. MILLFIELD THEATRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldtheatre.co.uk Room on the Broom November 17 – 18 Musical show about a witch and her broomstick. 3+ years. £10 – £13. Mother Goose November 29 – January 5 Traditional fairytale fun with the goose that laid golden eggs. 3+ years. Cost £12, £14, £17.50. NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 9PX ( Waterloo) 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk Hansel & Gretel December 7 – January 26 An enchanting Christmas treat! 7 – 10 years. Cost £12 for under 18 years. NEW DIORAMA THEATRE 15 – 16 Triton Street, Regents Place, NW1 3BF ( Great Portland Street) 020 7383 9034 newdiorama.com Noggin The Nog December 11 – 23 How young Noggin became King of the Nogs. 4+ years. Cost £12.50/£8.

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theatres • workshops out & about PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty December 4 – January 26 Tickets £12 – £60.

The Snowman November 28 – January 6 Popular Christmas show with penguins, reindeer and Father Christmas. Cost £12, £18, £27, £32.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com Bottom’s Dream Nov 9, 10, 11,16,17,18,23,24, 25 8+ years. Cost £10/£8.50. A Christmas Carol December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 27 – January 6 Festive Charles Dickens story with Scrooge and the Christmas ghosts. 5+ years. Cost £10/£8.50

ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH ( Chalk Farm) 0844 482 8008 roundhouse.org.uk Lemony Snicket’s Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming November 28 – December 30 A fried potato pancake leaps from a boiling pan and escapes through the village. A Christmas family treat with music and lots of laughs. 5+ years. Cost £10/family £32.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com Boing! December 20 – 31 At Lilian Baylis Studio. Energetic children’s dance theatre set on Christmas Eve. 3+ years. Tickets £12/£7.

ST JAMES THEATRE 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA ( Victoria) 0844 264 2140 stjamestheatre.co.uk Cinderella December 12 – January 26 A modern take on an old classic in the newly-built theatre complex opened in September. 6+ years. Cost £15 – £35. ST JOHN’S SMITH SQUARE SW1P 3HA ( Westminster) 020 7222 1061 sjss.org.uk Jack Frost’s White Christmas December 27 – January 6 Santa and his neighbour Jack, have to make sure there is enough snow around for Christmas. Cost £8 – £22. SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 0844 847 9910 southbankcentre.co.uk National Children’s Orchestra Winter Concert December 9 At Queen Elizabeth Hall. Young musicians from the Main Orchestra and the under 13 Orchestra. Cost £12, £17, £20/children £5. Julien Cottereau December 13 – 24 Clown and mime artist. 4+ years. Cost £15. Slava’s Snowshow December 17 – January 7 Back by popular demand. 8+ years. Cost £20 – £65. Cloud Man December 22 – January 6 Cloudia dreams of meeting the Cloud Man. 4 – 7 years. Cost £12.

STUFF AND NONSENSE THEATRE COMPANY 020 8232 1010 aloadofstuffandnonsense.com enormousturnip.co.uk The Enormous Turnip December 8 – 12, 15 – 23 At Waterman’s Arts Centre, Brentford, TW8 ODS. 2+ years.

THE TRICYCLE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Mazymeg and the Honeybees November 10 Someone steals Albert’s honeybees and Mazymeg helps rescue them. 4+years. Cost £7/£5 in advance. Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom November 17 Classic tale. 4+ years. Cost £7/£5 in advance.

Art & Craft activities. Venues to be confirmed. Check website for further information. Little Explorers Tuesdays – Hampstead NW3, Wednesdays – Muswell Hill N10 and Thursdays – Finchley N3. Explore colour, texture and shape. 1 – 5 years. Baby Discovery At Muswell Hill, N10. Messy play sessions for babies 4 – 16 months. Cost £7.50/siblings £4.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Xmas Club December 17 – 21 At St Judes, NW11 7AH and St Peters, NW3 4HT. Early bird discounts. 3 – 9 years.

The Jungle Book November 24 Adventures of Mowgli lost in the jungle. 5+ years. Cost £7/£5 in advance.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com The Elves & the Shoemakers November 6 – 8 Classic tale with puppets and music. 3 – 7 years. Cost £16/£10. The Tear Thief November 21 – December 2 A Little Angel Theatre production of Carol Ann Duffy’s book. 4 – 7 years. Cost £16/£10. The Prince & the Pauper November 25 – January 13 A family show set in Tudor London. 6+ years. Cost £16/£10. In a Pickle December 6 – January 6 Theatre for the very young. 2 – 5 years. Cost £16/£10/family (4) 20% discount.

Danny Grant Soccer School

DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL 020 8446 0891 dgsoccer.co.uk Holiday Football Courses December 17 – 21 Non-stop football fun with skills training, fitness and tournaments. 3 – 4 years & 5 – 11 years.

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL (Hampstead) 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk Holiday Performing Arts Courses December 17 – 21 Drama, musical and dance classes with end-of-week performances. 3 – 11 years. Drama Exam Courses Special two-week course. 7 – 16 years.

‘Lemony Snicket’s Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming’ at the Roundhouse.

Workshops CREATION STATION 0844 854 9085 thecreationstation.co.uk Christmas Holiday Sessions December 17 – 21

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JCC (Jewish Community Centre) 6 Park End, NW3 2SE 020 7431 9866 jcclondon.org.uk Dad’s Night November 13 Documentary screening and discussion. Cost £5. Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming November 28 – December 30 At The Roundhouse (see Theatre listings). Co-commissioned by JCC. 5+ years. Cost £10/family £32.

out and about workshops • special events • further afield Plato & Play D’oh December 6 Booking required. Free.

Special Events

Booking required on 020 8458 0652.

Hannukah December 9 Workshops and creative activities. 3 – 6 years. Cost £8.50.

ALEXANDRA PALACE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club November 25 8 – 12 years. Book on 020 7482 7073.

KIDZ ON THE HILL Muswell Hill 07881 553480 kidzonthehill.co.uk Dinkie Ballet Drop-in sessions at St Andrew’s Centre, N10 2AE. 3 years and under. Cost £6.

Christmas Fair December 1, 2 Shop for clothing, decorations, food, toys, gifts and trees. Cost £5/£3 children 5 – 10 years.

LITTLE HANDS DESIGN 020 7431 0573 littlehandsdesign.co.uk Festive Fashion Fun December 17 – 21 Design and dressmaking. Materials supplied. 8 – 18 years. Cost for all whole days £225/all half days £120. Weekly Courses Clothes making and sewing classes on weekdays and Saturdays. WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77 – 82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Art, Music and Other Visible Things November 17 A day of painting, performance and music. Free event. WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP ( Bond Street) 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk For Crying Out Loud! November 20 Calming music for parents and babies under 1 year. Cost £6 per adult. Chamber Tots November 21, 29, December 6 Music workshop. 2 – 3 years & 3 – 5 years. Cost £6 per child. Dramarama

BRITISH LIBRARY 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB ( Kings Cross) Mughal India From November 9 Manuscripts and paintings. BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk Imagining Hampstead December 16 Project session to design a walking tour and guide for young people. 11+ years. Booking essential. Free.

EFDSS Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY ( Camden Town) 020 7485 2206 efdss.org Family Barn Dance November 4, December 9 Monthly sessions for all ages. Cost £5/£3/free under 2’s. HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) cityoflondon.gov.uk affordableartfair.com Affordable Art Fair November 1 – 4 Art purchases, workshops and demonstrations. Family activities and crèche facilities for 2 – 10 years while parents browse. Tickets £10 – £25. Fungi for Beginners November 10

Christmas Party December 15 At Adventure Playground. (020 7482 2116). 5+ years.

HARINGEY FAMILIES haringeyfamilies.co.uk Nearly New Sales November 10, December 8 Held at St George’s Hall, Park Road/ Cranley Gardens, N10 3AH. Second hand clothes for children and babies, toys and equipment. 10.30am – 11.45am. KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ( Kentish Town) 020 7916 5421 ktcityfarm.org.uk Christmas Festival & 40th Anniversary Celebrations December 16 Santa’s Grotto, pony rides, Christmas café, music, games and activities. Also photographic and historical exhibition of the farm over the past forty years. Cost £1/30p/Santa £3/ pony ride £2. LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL November 9 – 18 londonjazzfestival.org.uk National Youth Jazz Orchestra November 10 At Southbank Centre. Jazz for Toddlers November 14 At Arts Depot, N12 0GA. 2 – 5 years. Jazz for Toddlers November 15 At Rich Mix, E1 6LA. 2 – 5 years. Cost £5/£3. Family Friendly Matinee Concert November 18 At Southbank Centre. LORD MAYOR’S SHOW Mansion House to Royal Courts of Justice ( Bank or Mansion House) lordmayorsshow.org Procession November 10 A three mile colourful procession with floats and entertainment through the streets of London. WEMBLEY ARENA Arena Square, Engineers Way, HA9 OAA ( Wembley Park) 020 8782 5500 wembleyarena.co.uk Disney On Ice 2012 December 28 – January 6 Cost £20.50 – £49.

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ZSL LONDON ZOO Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY ( Regent’s Park) zsl.org Boo at the Zoo Until November 4 Ghostly story telling sessions and spooky creatures. Come in fancy dress to get 10% discount on entry. Animal Photography Prize Winners 2012 Exhibition of competition entries from adults and children.

Further Afield BLUEBELL RAILWAY Sheffield Park , East Sussex TN22 3QL 01825 720800 bluebell-railway.com Santa 2012 December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 2, 23, 24 Book early for a place on the train with Santa on board. HORNIMAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill ) 020 8699 1872 horniman.ac.uk Rangoli Patterns for Diwali November 3, 10 Art workshops. Tickets on the day. 3+ years. Cost £3. Nzinga Dance Ensemble Concert November 25 Drumming and dance performance. Free. Fairtrade Xmas Fair December 8, 9

LEEDS CASTLE Nr Maidstone, Kent (M20/J8) 01622 765400 leeds-castle.com Christmas Past December 12 – 23 Illuminated woodland walk, Victorian train, food, gifts, stalls, carols and a visit from Santa. Cost £20/£15. MIDCENTURY MODERN At Dulwich College, College Road, SE21 7LD (Victoria BR – West Dulwich) modernshows.com Midcentury Modern December 2 Vintage home furnishing show. Cost £7/free for children under 14 years.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – TRING The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AP (M25/J20) 020 7942 6171 nhm.ac.uk/tring

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special events • further afield • classified out and about Daring Explorers Until November 18 Dress up as an explorer and try the challenges. Free. Polar Bear Christmas Cards December 11 Make a card. Cost £1.50.

OLD VIC THEATRE The Cut, SE1 8NB ( Waterloo) 0844 871 7628 oldvictheatre.com Kiss Me, Kate From November 20 Featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

SYON PARK & SNAKES & LADDERS Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF (Brentford ) 020 8560 0882 syonpark.co.uk 020 8847 0946 snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

‘Bewitching!’ Daily Telegraph ‘Highly Recommended’ Time Out

Magical parties with Laurie Temple and his Company Themed parties & complete party organisation available

Enchanted Woodland November 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30. December 1, 2 Illuminated gardens at Syon Park. Cost £7/£3.

www.thepartywizard.co.uk

020 8951 9469 pippin puppets quark.qxp_Layout 1 14/ 07951 596240

Festive Fridays December 21 At Snakes & Ladders.

www.pippinpuppets.com Tiptop puppet shows

End of term treat with Santa’s sleigh trail and craft sessions.

O2 ARENA Peninsula Square, SE10 ( North Greenwich) theo2.co.uk

magic juggling puppets guitar & songs storytelling mini disco face painting

Kate - 020 8348 4055

Walking with Dinosaurs December 26 – January 6 Based on the BBC TV series.

RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Herts, WD7 8HL (Radlett ) 01923 859291 radlettcentre.co.uk

SALLY SUNSHINE FACE PAINTING FUN !

07837 713 699

Beauty & the Beast December 8 – 31 Classic fairytale pantomime. Cost £15 – £18.

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WHETHER YOU LOVE TO SKI, SNOWBOARD OR JUST FANCY A BIT OF FESTIVE FUN, WE CAN CREATE A CHRISTMAS EVENT OR PARTY JUST FOR YOU.

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WWW.SNOZONEUK.COM

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Fiorentini Weenies & North London Branch Quote Primary Times! *Limited places. Applies to new students only

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The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 years The North London branch of the Saturday Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is currently taking applications for the next term and its forthcoming Taster Days. The school originally opened in Hackney in 2001 and now has over 250 students aged 7-18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre. Examples include Charlie Jones and Belinda Owusu, who played Ben Mitchell and Libby Fox in EastEnders and Tahj Miles who currently plays Simba in the West End’s The Lion King. As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for

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

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

Lamda Qualifications in Drama which carry UCAS points also available.

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403

Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 4-18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands

ANNA FIORENTINI

THEATRE FILM SCHOOL