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Issue 68 July/August 2012
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StoryCloud - UK’s top children’s authors take part in London 2012 Festival Discover Children’s Story Centre has commissioned the leading lights in children’s literature to write 12 original stories for a new digital web application – “StoryCloud”. This free digital project is designed to reach thousands of children aged 5-8 and their families in their homes, schools and libraries throughout the twelve weeks of London 2012 Festival and beyond. These brand new stories and poems are written by much-loved children’s authors and poets including Michael Rosen, Malorie Blackman, David Almond, Philip Ardagh, Jamilla Gavin and Andy Stanton along with 4 written by east London children. Each author/child has recorded their brand new story for StoryCloud and 12 top illustrators have then been commissioned to create digital pictures in response to
the stories; including Guy Parker-Rees, Chris Riddell, David Roberts and Sarah McIntyre. Children will be able to listen and read along with the author/child telling the story and then play with the illustrations to discover hidden secrets and surprises. Each story will have tasks to encourage children to create their own stories and drawings in response to the stories that can then be sent to Discover. A selection will be displayed on an on-line gallery throughout the summer. Each Monday from the 18 June - 3 September during London Festival 2012, a new story will be released creating a magical on-line library for families throughout the UK. The StoryCloud website (www.storycloud.co.uk) was launched on Monday 18 June by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson.
WIN! An Easy2Name Off to School set Families East has 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £17.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag. To enter the draw, simply send a postcard to: Families East Magazine, PO Box 2358, Ilford, Essex IG1 8BD Or email: competitions@familieseast.co.uk Please state clearly the full name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag in red or blue along with your contact details. More information about the full Easy2Name range can be found at www.easy2name.com. If you enter “Families” as a promotional code at the checkout you receive a 10% saving on your order.
Copyright and Disclaimer: We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original material submitted for publication is sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families® nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families® is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families® franchise independently owned and operated under licence by Lesley Bishop.
Local News
Ready, Steady, Play!
Playday 2012 Playday is the national day celebrating children’s play in the UK, this year on Wednesday 1 August 2012. Many of our fondest childhood memories are of playing outside with the focus of this year’s “Get out and play!” campaign is to encourage everyone to celebrate the importance of playing outdoors for children today. Life is one big adventure and through outdoor play, a child learns and develops key skills that are essential for helping them in life whether building self-confidence and imagination, to analysing risk and the ability to make decisions for themselves, making time for children to play outdoors is important and fun! On Playday and throughout the summer, get involved by hosting or attending a Playday celebration
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whether formal events or meeting with family and friends to have a picnic or garden play date. If you are looking for easy ideas why not start off with:
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Blankets + chairs = the basic necessities of any respectable den
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Large piece of rope = a simple tug of war
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Bags of sand + buckets = who says the beach can’t come to you?
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Picnic treats = food to fuel creative energy (& to feed the teddy bears!)
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Water + washing up liquid + tarpaulin = homemade water slide madness!
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Oh and don’t forget the kids!
Want to get involved? Visit www.playday.org.uk for more information.
New Nursery Opening in Loughton Chrysalis Day Nursery is opening for business from Wednesday 1st August. This converted house has been beautifully decorated to provide bright, airy and stimulating rooms for children aged 3 months to 5 years. It is located at 3 Church Hill, Loughton and will be open Monday to Friday, 7:30am-6:30pm for 52 weeks a year. All meals are freshly cooked on site by a chef and there are fantastic facilities available. Specialist staff will be visiting the nursery to provide opportunities for baby yoga, movement classes and a specialist primary teacher preparing them for the transition to school. There is an open day on Saturday 21st July (between 10am and 4pm) where they will be welcoming new parents to come and see their wonderful facilities and get the chance to meet some of their staff. Spaces are filling fast so reserve your sessions or visit them online at www.chrysalisnursery.co.uk where you can complete an enrolment form. Chrysalis Day Nursery, 3 Church Hill, Loughton, IG10 1QP 020 8508 1888 (parking available at Loughton Cricket Club)
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Local News Government Parental leave plans: what do they mean to you? In the Queen’s Speech, this May, the Government announced measures “to make parental leave more flexible so both parents may share parenting responsibility and balance work and family commitments”. A big announcement but backed with little information on how such measures would work in practice and what difference it would actually make to parents. Parental leave is currently made up of several components: maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave. With maternity leave you can take up to 52 weeks, paternity leave 2 weeks, adoption
leave 52 weeks and parental leave up to 13 weeks, 26 if you have two children. The right to pay during that time differs according to each category. Under all four types, you are entitled to benefit from the same contractual rights, benefits and obligations whilst you are on leave. The only difference being that for parental leave and for part of your maternity and adoption leave you do not get paid. So what are the proposed changes and its affect? According to the EU Parental Rights Directive, adopted in March 2010, the UK Government had to
PERFORM SUMMER WORKSHOP Perform Drama Workshops are back this Summer with another exciting experience for East London’s 4-8 year olds. Children are invited to take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road to discover the Ruby Slippers, brave the Haunted Forest and explore the strange and colourful world of their imaginations. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, has thrilled generations of children and yours will be equally captivated as they join Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Woodman and The Cowardly Lion for the adventure of a lifetime. Principal Lucy Quick explains, “The children are going to have the best three days. Perform’s energetic young team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire and encourage. Using original live music, funky dance and quick-witted improvisation, they’ll take the children on a dazzling trip guaranteed to fire their imaginations.” On the final day, family and friends are all invited to a magical miniperformance that will delight and enchant in equal measure. It’s the perfect summer-time treat! For more information about local courses call: 0845 400 1271
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increase parental leave from 3 to 4 months by March 2012 but this has been delayed until March 2013. In practice this makes very little difference, as a very high proportion of employees do not exercise their rights to take existing parental leave because it is unpaid. In addition, the Government plans to reduce the default length of maternity leave from 26 to 18 weeks, with the remaining entitlement of up to 38 weeks to be shared between both partners as they see fit. There would be nothing to stop parents taking
their leave simultaneously, while parents could also request to take their leave in any number of blocks of any duration – although employers can refuse this. As great in theory as this proposal might be, it seems unlikely to work. A recent survey concluded that only 17% of mothers thought their partner would be willing and able to take some of the shared leave in addition to their statutory two weeks’ paternity leave. Most (41%) thought they would not be able to afford it as a couple, while 14 % said their partner would not want to and 28% said that it would not be practical. What these measures do not tackle was how to implement real practical flexible working for parents that fits around their children and their childcare by allowing them to have a career that works with their children. Visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk for practical advice and to help you make the right choices for you and your family.
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Travelling Tips
Following our feature looking at “Travel in the UK” earlier this year we tried to find some more affordable options for families holidaying in the UK. Apart from their myriad of hostels in the UK the YHA (formerly the Youth Hostels Association) has ventured into ‘glamping’. Recently adding camping pods at two of its Youth Hostels – Grinton Lodge in Richmond, North Yorkshire and Hawkshead in the Lake District. As many Youth Hostels are set in beautiful, under-used grounds, the opportunity of adding a camping facility seemed ideal. The camping pods are beautiful little wooden huts with light, power and heat, they provide ample sleeping accommodation for a family, you just need to provide your own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows, airbeds, etc). There is an outside, covered veranda where you can to cook or simply enjoy your surroundings. If cooking isn’t your thing then there are superb family-friendly restaurants in both Youth Hostels offering breakfast, lunch and dinner at great value prices. There are also plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. With prices from just £30 a night, the camping pods offer fantastic value for money for a family holiday. To find out more visit www.yha.org.uk/things-to-do/camping-pods
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Top Tips for Travelling with Children We’ve all been there...working non-stop to get packed to go on holiday and then you have to deal with the stress of travelling with your children. To help reduce this stress, Families East has put together some useful travel tips. Top Tips •
Avoid sugary snacks instead give them high protein foods – slices of fruit, cucumber and cheese keep them fuller for longer.
Activities for babies •
A fabric scarf offers endless play and learning opportunities from hand-eye coordination to peek-a-boo and tickling.
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A rattle is a must, but keep it in reserve as it could save the day!
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Sophie the Giraffe, a phthalate-free rubber toy, can be gripped, squeezed or mouthed and is a popular baby toy.
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A familiar book can be comforting and your baby will enjoy turning the pages to find her favourite characters.
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If you are on the road, put on a nursery rhyme CD or sing a song.
Start your trip an hour before your child’s normal nap time and let them run about before getting in the car. Hopefully they will fall asleep on the way.
Activities for toddlers •
A reusable sticker book will keep them busy and can be stuck on the window or the seat without any harm.
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Clothes made from natural fibres are more comfortable than synthetic ones on long trips.
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A toy catalogue is great fun to look at and toddlers can colour in the things they like.
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A pull-along suitcase will keep them entertained and they can sit on it when tired.
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Small strips of masking tape stuck to your toddler’s legs and arms can provide endless fun.
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If flying, use a metal-free sling for babies to avoid them being disturbed at security check-in.
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Sucking and swallowing helps relieve air pressure, so keep drinks or dummies on hand for take-offs and landings.
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Buy a new toy for interest and wrap it up in paper for more excitement but remember the best travel toys are small and don’t break.
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July/August 2012 Families East | 5
Make the most of our
Summer
Whatever the weather, this summer will be an amazing time for east London with the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics arriving on our doorstep. One of the key aims of these events is delivering a legacy for our children to enjoy and benefit from these world class locations, develop personal confidence and of course improve their health and well-being. This feature takes a look at a variety of sports and activities available locally.
Swimming - the sport that saves lives New figures show that one in three children cannot swim the required 25 metres by the time they leave primary school. In the report released by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Kellogg’s, it shows of those children unable to swim, 39% have never been offered school swimming lessons despite it being a statutory element of the National Curriculum. This means around 200,000 children will leave primary school this summer unable to swim with 75,000 of them never having the opportunity
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to learn the life-saving skill. Drowning was the third most common cause of accidental death of children in England with the number of deaths increasing year on year by 35%. The ASA and Kellogg’s has presented these results to government with a six point School Swimming Manifesto calling for schools to prioritise swimming lessons so every child has the opportunity to learn to swim irrespective of socio-economic and ethnic background. They
also announced a funding package of £100,000 for school swimming projects to help increase the number of children learning to swim in the areas that need it most. The research also revealed the role of parents in helping their children learn to swim and discovered that without school swimming many children would miss out completely on the chance to learn as one in six (15%) parents admits they never take their child swimming. Nearly one in three parents (29%) do not take their children swimming because they either cannot swim themselves or they do not feel confident enough in their swimming ability to help their child in the pool. David Sparkes, ASA Chief Executive, who have taught millions of children to swim, said: “Children love swimming and it’s a great way to start them on the road to a healthy and active lifestyle. Swimming is also the only subject on the national curriculum that can save your life so it’s essential that government, schools and parents join us in taking action and break the cycle before we create a generation of non-swimmers unable to pass on this life-saving skill to their children in the future.” Visit your local Council website to find out where your local pool is and details on swimming courses.
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of Sport Explore Lee Valley
The multi award-winning Lee Valley Regional Park stretches 26 miles along the banks of the River Lee, from Ware in Hertfordshire, through Essex, north London and past the Olympic Park to East India Dock Basin on the River Thames. Whether you enjoy angling, boating, cycling, golf, riding, walking and exploring the countryside, visiting heritage sites and fantastic open spaces, this is the place for you. Get the kids fit and improve their co-ordination skills at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Used by top British athletes including 400 metres Olympic gold medalist Christine Ohuruogu MBE, the award-winning centre in Edmonton offers Master Classes and Star Track sessions for budding young athletes, teaching them a range of skills from hurdles to high jump. Bring the family to Lee Valley Ice Centre on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton and learn to skate with our team of highly qualified coaches. Opened in 1984 by
Torvill and Dean, it is the regional centre for excellence, catering for all levels and abilities. It is also the training home to celebrities on ITV1’s Dancing on Ice. Also on Lea Bridge Road is Lee Valley Riding Centre that will host “Summer in the Saddle” lessons that take the riders out and about in the beautiful open spaces. The centre also offers ‘have a go’ and ‘learn to ride’ lessons in its indoor arena and two floodlit outdoor arenas, group lessons for all abilities, as well as lessons for adults and children with disabilities, in conjunction with the Riding for the Disabled Association. With a host of fun and educational events organised throughout the year, including wildlife weekends, guided walks, 10k runs, outdoor theatre, bat nights and medieval re-enactments, there really is something for everyone at Lee Valley Regional Park. For more information go to www.visitleevalley.org.uk or call 08456 770 600
All About Coarse Angling are running “taster sessions” at Puddledock Fishery this Summer for people who want to get their first taste of fishing. If you would like to learn how to fish then pop along and join in the fun. There is no need to book, just turn up and register and you will be escorted to your allotted coach. The sessions last half an hour, enough time to grab your attention and hopefully catch a couple of fish. If you enjoy it you can go back to the registration desk and re book as many times as you like throughout the day. It costs £1 per registration but once registered you can stay all day with no extra charges. There will be 6 coaches on the bank providing tackle & bait for the duration of each session with two people per coach. You can go on 26th July, 27th July, 2nd August or 3rd August. Start time is 9.30am and last session starts at 4.00pm. Puddledock Farm Fishery, St Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NX Contact Nick Watkins on 01268 711156 for more information
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Classes in Bethnal Green
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Sports & Activities
Let them get closer to nature at Rainham Marshes The RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve encourages children to enjoy discovering more about its wildlife with bug hunts or inspiring them by playing outdoors in its adventure playground, their aim is to get kids to love nature as much as they do. It’s about developing an interest in the natural world around them and helping them discover and experience what it has to offer. Surely being outdoors and experiencing all that nature has to offer is even more important for children these days in a world of the games console, as children don’t always realise there’s a whole, exciting world outside offering even more thrills and exhilaration.
Research shows that being outdoors offers countless benefits to children’s development and well-being, giving them more confidence, increasing their knowledge and love of nature, and keeping them active. Put a child in a green, open space and what do they do? They run around of course! It’s a natural instinct that’s in all of us. So go on and get out there - you know you want to. Check out what activities and events are on at Rainham Marshes by looking them up in our Out & About section. RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve Off New Tank Hill Road, Rainham, Essex, RM19 1SZ
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Forest YMCA –
Open to Everyone! The Forest YMCA not only provides support and accommodation to vulnerable young people at its 7 sites across Waltham Forest but also offers a range of services to the local community including a gym and leisure facilities, youth clubs, and childcare. It operates as an independent charity and its services are open to everyone. They plan to make 2012, a year to remember with some fantastic activities on offer for all ages. They aim to help you get active, fit and into the Olympic spirit. For 11 and 12 year olds, why not can take part in their FREE 4 week Basketball taster sessions with courses running between 7 – 29 August on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (2pm – 4pm) at their main site in Forest Road, Walthamstow. Other mainly free activities for 11-19 year olds including arts, hair and makeup, table tennis, teen boot camp and day trips. For the adults, their standard gym membership includes gym
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use, studio classes including Zumba, Body Pump, Yoga, etc., spa suite, badminton and crèche facilities with new members receiving 4 free personal training sessions when they join. But for something completely different join them for their Olympic Stadia Trekathon on Saturday 1 September. When they will be setting off from the Olympic Park in Stratford, this 26.2 mile one day urban trek passes all of the Olympic venues as well as taking in the hustle and bustle of central London, before finishing at the majestic O2 arena. It costs £49 to enter and all sponsorship raised will go to support YMCA’s work with homeless young people. For more information or to join in with any of these fantastic activities please visit www.forestymca.org.uk, call us on 020 8509 4602 or email us at info@forestymca.org.uk Forest YMCA 642 Forest Road, London, E17 3EF www.forestymca.org.uk
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Out & About At Families East we make every effort to ensure our Out & About listings are correct at the time of going to press. The arrival of London 2012 Olympic Games this summer has meant that a number of locations/venues we usually list have reduced opening hours or are closed during the summer period. Please check ahead before you plan a journey or day out. There’s lots going on in London this summer but we haven’t got space to list everything!!
THEATRE, CONCERTS & FILMS BARBICAN
Silk St, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk Family Film Club Discover a world of film together with your family on most Saturday mornings at the Barbican. Membership is free, and you can join via the website
BROADWAY THEATRE
Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com Tue 10 Wed 11 Fri 13 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed 18 Jul £12/£10 English Pocket Opera Company embark on their most ambitious project to date: to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics by creating, performing and recording the biggest children’s opera ever known! The Broadway is one of only 4 London theatres at which this extraordinary project will be performed
GARRICK THEATRE
2, Charing Cross Rd, WC2 0HH 0844412 4662 www.barmybritainlive.com Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain Wed to Fri 1pm, Sat 10.30am & 12noon, Sun 3pm & 5pm until Sept 2012 £14.50/ £12.50, £10. 6yrs+ British history is full of barmy people who did nasty things to each other. With blood, battles, murder and mayhem. HH explores stories right through the ages and features lots of famous characters from English history
GREENWICH THEATRE
Croom’s Hill SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk Swamp Juice Sun 1 Jul 4pm £10/£7.50 A swamp like no other: bickering toads, overbearing fairies and a rather gentle swamp monster. Using mind-blowing shadow puppetry, this award-winning show is about life in a swamp, with a stunning, jaw dropping 3D finale.
QUEEN’S THEATRE
52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk Little Big Club – Live in Concert Wed 15 Aug 4.30pm, Thu 16 Aug 10.30am 1.30pm 4.30pm, Fri 17 Aug 10.30am 12.30pm 4.30pm, Sat 18 Aug 10.30am 1.30pm, £11.50/£10.50
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(under 2 years on adult lap) Everyone’s favourite children’s characters sing and dance together in a fabulous stage show for 3–7 years! With Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Barney the Dinosaur, Angelina Ballerina and Pingu
REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.org Ragtime Until Sat 8 Sep £44.50-£17.50 Tragic, poignant and ultimately triumphant. Set at the turn of the 20th century, this powerful musical unites three families separated by race and destiny. An experience not to be missed! A Midsummer Night’s Dream Until Wed 5 Sep £44.50-£17.50 Shakespeare’s enduring story of young love. Featuring the Open Air Theatre’s celebrated fusion of original music, movement and unique setting, this magical, comedic and seductive tale is set to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year
SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 Bookings: 020 7401 9919/020 7087 7398 www.shakespeares-globe.org Open daily for tours 10am-5pm £13.50/£8 Under 5’s free Family £36 This season’s plays include Henry V, The Taming of the Shrew, Richard III, Twelfth Night, Hamlet & As You Like It
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk E4 Underbelly Festival (until Sun 8 Jul) This festival is one of the best places to meet friends and socialise, boasting one of the biggest outdoor areas in Central London – here are some family friendly shows Bee Detective Fri 31 Aug Sat 1 & Sun 2 Sep 11am 1.30pm 4pm 6yrs+ This is an outdoor interactive, multisensory adventure theatre show for deaf and hearing children. In parks and squares across the UK this summer. The action is both spoken and signed, with projected animation and creative captioning making the show both accessible and dynamic. Through vibration effects children will be able to feel the buzzing of the bees, and will be invited to join in the “waggle dance” that is used by bees to explain where pollen and nectar can be found in the outside world
THEATREBUGS SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP 2012: THE ANIMAL GAMES Five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, dressing up and arts & crafts (suitable for 3.5yrs to 8yrs). On day five
Your guide to the best entertainment and local events London has to offer.
To list an event contact editor@familieseast.co.uk we hit the stage! Squeaker the Mouse really wants to enter the Running Wheel Competition in the upcoming Animal Games. Silly William Wolf has other ideas; he wants Squeaker to just give up! Oh dear! Luckily Rover the Dog and Princess Skip are standing in the wings to cheer Squeaker on! Can the boys and girls help too? Price: £120. Snack and drink provided. 10% sibling discount. 0800 9755290 enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk Book online: www.theatrebugs.co.uk/ londonandhomecounties.html Find a location near you: 23rd-27th July 9.30am-12.30pm at The Roding Valley Hall, Station Way, Buckhurst Hill IG9 6LN 30th July-3rd Aug 9.30am-12.30pm at All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road, Chigwell Row IG7 4QD 20th-24th Aug 9.30am-12.30pm at Christ Church Hall, Wanstead Place, Wanstead E11 2SW
THE THREESIXTY THEATRE
Kensington Gardens (by Kensington Palace) Dial Walk, W2 2UH 0844 871 7693 www.atgtickets.com The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Until Sun 9 Sept £25-£60 This new adaptation of CS Lewis’s classic children novel is in a specially designed theatre tent in Kensington Gardens, and combines puppetry and hi-tech multimedia, projecting the magic of Narnia with Imax-style video backdrops. The ultimate summer experience in the park
DAGENHAM TOWN SHOW
Central Park, Wood Lane, Dagenham, RM10 7EJ 020 8215 3006 www.lbbd.gov Sat 21 & Sun 22 Jul 11am-7.30pm This is the 60th anniversary of the borough’s annual family festival for all members of the community. With entertainment and attractions for all the family including the craft and trade village, funfair, rides, competitions and exhibitions and concert stages featuring names artists, tribute bands and up and coming acts
DAGENHAM T OWN SHOW CARNIVAL PARADE
UNICORN THEATRE
147 Tooley St, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com How Was It For You? Wed 29 Aug – Sat 1 Sep Tickets £15/£10 See website for show times as these vary each day The Olympic bid vowed to change the lives of young people. Now it’s all over, how was it for you? Based on interviews with Londoners of all walks of life, in spectacular dance and movement pieces that let you relive the action once again
EVENTS BT LONDON LIVE
www.btlondonlive.com A huge celebration of sport, music and other entertainment in Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square offering hundreds of thousands of visitors the chance to join in the excitement of the London 2012 festivities, for free
BT RIVER OF MUSIC
the two-day free event will act as a curtain-raiser for the sporting celebrations to follow and will feature artists representing all Olympic and Paralympic nations, from the largest nations to the tiniest ocean island speck. This will present the city’s residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to sample a kaleidoscope of the world’s most vibrant contemporary music. Established, award-winning and emerging artists from every part of the globe will be performing on stages at six iconic sites along the length of the River Thames. The sites are: Asia Stage – Battersea Park, Europe Stage – Somerset House, Europe Stage – Trafalgar Square, Americas Stage – Tower of London, Oceania Stage – Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich and Africa Stage – London Pleasure Gardens, Docklands
www.btriverofmusic.com Sat 21 & Sun 22 Jul A weekend festival of music welcomes you to London the weekend before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. A spectacular global summit of rhythm and song,
This year’s theme is the Olympics, making 2012 the most exciting year in the history of the carnival, don’t miss the chance to be part of the spectacular community driven parade
FESTIVAL OF THE WORLD
Southbank Centre, London SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Until Sun 9 Sep This is an urban beach with a twist, the largest ever UK poetry festival and the chance to work with and learn from the world’s leading artists. There will be many opportunities to get stuck in and take part, plus art, music, circus, comedy, markets and free events to enjoy
KIDS WEEK
www.kidsweek.co.uk Wed 1- Fri 31 Aug Children aged 5-16 can go free to any participating show when accompanied by an adult paying full price. You can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price per transaction. Kids can also take part in a fantastic range of free activities and events – dance workshop, singing workshop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy
LOLLIBOP FESTIVAL – THE BIG BASH FOR LITTLE PEOPLE Regents Park www.lollibopfestival.co.uk
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Out & About Fri 17 Sat 18 & Sun 19 Aug 11am-7pm Join in the endless fun for the under 10s. It’s the best day out for families this summer with all the thrills of a festival vibe but without the hassle of camping or long car journeys. You can learn a new skill, see some amazing music, get involved in a workshop and simply play all day. Zingzillas, Dick & Dom, Mister Maker and many more
LONDON 2012 FESTIVAL
www.festival.london2012.com A huge cultural celebration is coinciding with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Enjoy over 200 free events, everything from free concerts and art exhibitions to Shakespeare’s plays and dance performances
REDBRIDGE INSPIRATION ROAD SHOW
www.redbridge.gov.uk The Inspiration Road Show will be making appearances across Redbridge until Sept, with Opening & Closing ceremonies, fantastic performances and sports taster sessions, with possible autograph signing from our selection of “Olympic” stars. Take part in the Inspiration Decathlon, where we will find gold, silver and bronze winners in 10 different games inspired challenges, from hula hooping to impersonating your favourite Olympic star – there’s something for everyone Find the location near you: Sat 21 Jul - Elmhurst Gardens, off Gordon Road, South Woodford, E18 Fri 27 Jul - Ilford Town Centre, Ilford, IG1 Sat 28 Jul - Inmans Row, Woodford Green, IG8 Sun 5 Aug - Barley Lane Park, Barley Lane, Chadwell Heath, RM6 Sun 12 Aug - Christchurch Green, Wanstead High Street, Wanstead, E11 Look out for the special 1908 and 1948 London Games-Inspired Roadshow at the Fairlop Fair on Sat 7 & Sun 8 July, find out about some of the crazy sports that were held last time the games were in the capital, and how the organisers made it happen, with activities such as “Tug o’ War”, “Bicycle Polo” and “Make your own kit”
www.aldersbrook.info Enjoy a day of music and fun in the park. Performances on the main stage and in the acoustic tent. Lots of family fun to be had and refreshments to buy! Take a torch to find your way home
GALLERIES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, Thu & Fri 10am-9pm. Family Events: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Family Audio Visual Guide £6 for up to 5 players/£4 for two Follow four specially recorded tours in English (for 7-11 yrs) to lead you through the Gallery with amazing facts and stories about the people in the collection Storytelling with Art for Families Every third Sat 10.30am 1.30pm free 3yrs+. No ticket required. These sessions will last about 30 minutes Family Art Workshop Every third Sat 11.30am 2.30pm free ticketed 90 minutes 5yrs+ Explore portraits in the collection, followed by an art activity. Places are limited and are allocated on a firstcome, first served basis
SOMERSET HOUSE
Strand, WC2 1LA 020 78454600 www.somerset.org.uk Free Family Holiday Workshops 2pm–3.30pm accompanied 6-12yrs Collect tickets from 1pm from the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall on the day Drawn-In Sat 7 Jul 2pm Take a trip to The Courtauld Gallery and discover priceless drawings from the past, and then experiment with different techniques and materials to draw your family and friends ‘old master’ style
THE LONDON 2012 CULTURAL OLYMPIAD
www.london2012.com/cultural-olympiad This will be the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Since 2008, the Cultural Olympiad has featured programmes and projects inspired by London 2012. More than 16 million people across the UK have taken part in or attended performances, over 169,000 people have attended more than 8,300 workshops, more than 3.7 million people took part in nearly 3,700 Open Weekend events, some 2,500 cultural projects have been awarded the London 2012 Inspire mark. The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad is the London 2012 Festival, providing over 10 million chances to see free worldclass events throughout the UK
WANSTEAD MUSIC IN THE PARK Sat 7 Jul 2pm-10pm £10/£4 under 4s free
TATE BRITAIN
Millbank, SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain Open: daily 10am-5.50pm until 10pm the first Friday of the month Liminal Every weekend 11am–3pm all ages A physical, material and social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaboration Family Multimedia Guide £3.50 6yrs+ (available anytime during gallery hours) What makes a portrait? Join this tour of seven artworks in the gallery and decide for yourself, encouraging children and adults to explore together. Strange soundscapes, funny film clips, and some great games – there’s lots to do, see, hear and discuss
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TATE MODERN
Bankside, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Posters Until 23 Sep Free London 2012 has commissioned twelve leading contemporary artists to create the official posters for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Screen prints and lithographs of these works will be displayed at Tate Britain as part of the London 2012 Festival Under 5s Zone Level 5 Concourse free This is a play space inviting under 5’s and their families on a creative, physical and sensory exploration of themes inspired by Cubist artworks Children Multimedia Guide Daily from the Information Desks on Levels 3 £4.50 5yrs+ Keep youngsters captivated and animate artworks through music, video clips and entertaining games – a sensory experience for all the family to enjoy Weekend Sessions – Open Studio Every weekend 11am-4pm Level 3 Concourse free, 5yrs+ With the help of a friendly Start Team, stimulate your weekend with games, map-making or clue-matching Tate Modern Family Resources Available daily from the Info Desks on Levels 1 and 2, free for all ages. Pick up a free families resource and set off to explore the Galleries with paperbased activities that will help you look, enjoy and learn about art
THE NATIONAL GALLERY
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.national gallery.org.uk Open daily 10am - 6pm Fri until 9pm free Take One Picture: Primary School Children Inspired By Veronese Room E Until Sun 16 Sep free How can a single painting ignite the imagination and curiosity of young people? Family Sundays Join the free hands-on art workshops (11am & 2pm), while under 5s can jump aboard the Magic Carpet for storytelling (10.30am & 11.30am) Drawing Sundays 11am & 2pm Young artists explore how National Gallery paintings can be used as inspiration. Families can feel free to drop in and out (80 mins)
Studio Sundays -Jump for Victory Sun 1 & 15 Jul 11am & 2pm Discover mythological characters, creatures and competitions and make a trophy to present at your very own games Family Walk & Talk A themed journey through the collection where you will walk, talk and bring paintings alive!
WHITECHAPEL GALLERY
77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX 020 7522 7888 www.whitechapelgallery.org Family Trails Devised in collaboration with artists to coincide with each major exhibition. Aimed at children age 4–12 yrs and focussing on particular artworks, encouraging children to talk about exhibitions and suggesting ways to respond creatively. Materials included. Available at the Info Desk (suggested donation £1) or downloadable on line Children’s Film Course Tue 24 & Wed 25 Jul 2 day course, 11am-3pm £45 Practical and fun film-making courses for 5–8 year olds Family Day: Gallery as Playground Thu 26 Jul 12pm free (booking recommended) Make a huge sculpture and play in a giant sandpit in a fun-filled family day Make. Break. Remake. Sat 21 Jul 4 & 25 Aug & 1 Sep 2pm free (booking recommended) Make huge sculptures together using wood, plastic and Styrofoam and enjoy taking them apart in these workshops for 5–12 yrs and their families
MUSEUMS BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
Entrance in Bartholomew St, off Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, free Titanic Documents Display Until 10 Nov Claims for replacement of Bank of England notes from relatives or representatives of victims of the disaster are on display for the first time Gold and The Bank of England Until 10 Nov In the year of the Olympic Games in the UK, when the ultimate accolade of gold is given to the best of the world’s athletes, this exhibition examines the part gold has played during the Bank’s long history and the Bank’s role in relation to gold today A Golden Opportunity Mon 23 Jul – Fri 31 Aug Learn about the Bank of England and gold then make a gold-bar-shaped money box to take home. Enter the gold quiz competition with prizes to be won. There will be special lunchtime presentations about gold at 1.15pm
BRITISH MUSEUM
Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000/8299 www.britishmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.30pm, free
www.familieseast.co.uk
Out & About The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Medals Until Sun 9 Sept Free The story of the production of Olympic medals, from start to finish. Examples of medals are shown here publicly for the first time For a full list of free family activities please see the website – here are some highlights Olympic champions Sat 28 Jul Sat 11 Aug 11.30am Museum Reporter Sun 26 Aug 11am & 2pm Create a Comic Sat 14 Jul Sun 26 Aug 11.30am-3.30pm Other free family activities Hamlyn family trails: Dancing with Shiva - a counting trail for young children; activity backpacks with puzzles and games (deposit required), both available from the Paul Hamlyn Library
CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS
Clive Steps, King Charles St, SW1A 2AQ 020 7930 6961 www.iwm.org.uk/churchill Open: 9.30am-6pm. £12.80/£15.95, under 16s free Undercover – Life in Churchill’s Bunker Extended until 2013 due to popular demand Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground
DESIGN MUSEUM
Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 020 7940 8787, www.designmuseum.org Design of the Year 2012 Until Sun 15 Jul The most innovative and progressive designs from around the world, spanning 7 categories: Architecture, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Digital, Transport and Product Family Trails All family visitors can pick up a free family trail from the admissions desk
GEFFRYE MUSEUM
136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm free Holiday and weekend activities are for children aged 3–16 yrs and are free. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes prior to the beginning of each activity. All children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Quizzes are available during holidays and every Sat and Sun afternoon Big Dance Special Sat 7 Jul 10.30am-4pm all ages Make an amazing Art Nouveau mask, hear tales from the past and watch dance performances Sunburst Hats & Headdresses Sat 4 Aug 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm Create a stunning summer hat or headdress inspired by Art Deco designs
www.familieseast.co.uk
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
Lambeth Rd, SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free A Family in Wartime Until Dec 2012 Find out about the Allpress family. Discover how they coped with the difficulties of living on the home front during the Second World War Family Events: Build the Truce See website - free - drop in all ages Take part in a series of discussion, art and writing activities looking at why wars happen and how they are brought to an end Make Do and Mend Quilt Sat 4 Aug – Sun 12 Aug 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm drop in all ages Help create a ‘Make Do and Mend’ quilt in this communal art activity
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Open: Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 11am-6pm, £6/£8/£10 Admission to the museum and family activities are free to accompanied children under 16 Mind The Map A new exhibition about the inspiration, history and creativity behind London transport maps All aboard! Children under 6 can let their imaginations run wild as they climb aboard the fun versions of a bus, train, Tube and taxi. Become a driver for the day! Interchange Children aged from 7-11 can explore the Museum’s collection in this interactive hands-on area. Discover the range of people who have worked on public transport in London over the last 200 years, try on replica costumes and guess the origins of our mystery objects. The highlight of a visit to the gallery is a chance to drive our Optare bus
MUSEUM OF LONDON
150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London for “Mini Moles” (6 months – walking) and Little Moles (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities. Here are some highlights London and the Olympics Until Sep 2012 free Look back to the London Olympic Games of 1908 and 1948 Mini Olympics Wed 15 Aug & 22 Aug 12 noon 1.30pm Min age 1 year free (tickets on application) Come join in the Mini Olympics and celebrate the games coming to London! Have fun playing games together and then make your own winning medal to take home
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM and THE QUEEN’S HOUSE Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk
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Out & About Open: daily 10am-5pm, free Please note the Museum will be open throughout the London 2012 Olympic Games, with revised opening hours to avoid the busiest travel times but The Queen’s House will be closed until Fri 21 Sep - see website for details Titanic Remembered Until Sun 30 Sep 10am-5pm A small exhibition to mark the centenary of the sinking of the passenger liner Titanic in 1912 Play Tuesdays in July 10.30am 11.30am 1pm 2pm under 5 yrs free Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the Museum through making, music, dance and stories Explore Saturdays in July 12 noon 1pm 2pm 3pm 6yrs+ free Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life Discover Sundays in July 11.30am 2pm all ages free Be inspired by maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7938 9123, Info 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat 10am–5.50pm, Sun 11am-5.50pm free Events for Families - check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on Scott’s Last Expedition Until Sun 2 Sep Explore Robert Falcon Scott’s epic Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica. Animal Inside Out Until 16 Sep £9/£6 Family £27 Get under the skin, strip away the flesh and travel on an anatomical safari of the natural world. A unique chance to explore the intricate biology and physiology of some of the world’s most spectacular creatures. With almost 100 plastinates and capillary specimens on display this is a UK premiere Wild Planet (until 30 Sep) The wildest landscapes and most endangered species are showcased in a free outdoor exhibition running throughout the summer of the Olympics. Each image is captioned with the story of how it was taken and information on the species portrayed, ready to inspire and educate a new generation of wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts Daily Family Activities Weekends and school holidays 11am-5pm free Explorer Back Pack Mon- Fri 11am- 5pm Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s. Complete the puzzle of the 26-metre long “diplodocus” and you’ll get a funky Dippy sticker
SCIENCE MUSEUM
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, free (charges for special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides) The Garden 3-6 yrs Inquisitive children are free to explore floating and sinking, shadows and reflections, music, giant building blocks and much more while developing the skills of observing, predicting, testing and drawing conclusions Pattern Pod 5-8 yrs Like scientists, children explore the world by trying to make predictions about events happening around them. Using truly amazing multi-sensory exhibits this contemporary gallery looks at the many types of patterns in the world and encourages children to recognise and copy patterns – or create entirely new ones of their own Launchpad Science Shows Daily free 8 yrs + With over 50 interactive exhibits, plus electrifying shows and lively demonstrations, while there’s plenty to keep the adults occupied too
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM
13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, free Summer Holiday Sessions All sessions listed below must be booked in advance: £20 whole day & £12 half day Olympic Victory! Wed 1 Aug (2 x half days) Ancient Greek Olympic victors were awarded an olive wreath to celebrate their success. Modern athletes celebrate with medals. After exploring Sir John Soane’s collection, make a paper wreath and design your own medal to wear home Heads Up! Thursday 2 August (2 x half days) Look out in the Museum for your favourite heads made of stone, clay or plaster, then design and model your own special portrait pot from clay Luminous! Tue 7 Aug (2 x half days) Play with light like Sir John Soane, to create different effects. Make your own light box to take home Grow your own city Wed 8 Aug (2 x half days) Learn to cut and fold card to make popup buildings. Sow cress seeds to add real plants to your paper city’s parks, squares and gardens Mirror Madness Thu 16 Aug (2 x half days) Explore Sir John Soane’s Museum through his creative use of mirrors and then make your own viewing device that will enable you to explore the world through ‘head vision’, ‘chin vision’ and ‘ear vision’ Shining Suncatcher Fri 17 Aug (2 x half days) Be inspired by the beautiful array of colours and shapes in the Museum and create your own window decoration using everyday craft materials
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Peep into Sir John Soane’s Museum Tue 21 Aug (2 x half days) Create a magical peep-hole theatre inspired by treasures in the Museum Doh! Wed 22 Aug (2 x half day) Learn how to make your own salt dough; then use it to create a model inspired by weird and wonderful carvings and casts collected by Sir John Soane Block Printing workshop Wed 29 Aug (2 x half days) Print your own unique, colourful t-shirt with designs gleaned from the Museum Building Olympics A half-day workshop on the afternoon of Thu 30 or Fri 31 Aug Try big building challenges and experiment with structure. Can you build structures that are the tallest, the strongest, the widest or with the most loop-the-loop? Team up with other children, get creative and a little bit competitive at our architectural version of the Olympic Games Junior Audio Tour Introduced by Stephen Fry and read by Eleanor Bron this atmospheric tour lasts 59 minutes, guiding the listener through Soane’s Museum, accompanied by sound effects and music
V&A MUSEUM
Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk Open daily 10am – 5.45pm, until 10pm Fri free Family Backpacks Ages 5-12 yrs Choose from: The Emperor’s Party, Chinese Treasures, Metal Detector, The Antique Detective, Magic Glasses, Fancy Furnishings, Time Traveller, Middle East Marvels and the new Agent Animal bag for under 5s and search for creatures in the Museum using fabric cubes and animal noises Family Trails and Drop In sessions are also available in the museum and on line – including Glorious Gardens, Silver, Tudor, Picnic Party and one especially written by Jacqueline Wilson
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Open: daily 10am-5.45pm, free (children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or carer) Beautiful Games Until Sun 9 Sep Visitors young and old can get their own blood pumping with a white knuckle ride in a virtual skeleton bobsleigh, measure their reaction time with a ‘beat the clock’ test, and throw some moves on an electronic dance floor Mascots of The Olympic Games Until Sun 28 Oct Showcasing over 50 mascots from the last 44 years of summer and winter Olympic Games including the London 2012 mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville Playing In or Out? Until 4 Nov 2012 Are kids today deprived of the outdoor
adventures of previous generations? This new display is an exploration of how notions of children playing indoors and playing outdoors have changed dramatically over the past 50 years Wondertots: Ready Steady and Off We Go! Fri 6 & 13 Jul 10.30am-12noon and 1pm-2.30pm under 5yrs free Get energetic with sporty workshops in celebration of our beautiful Games exhibition. Bookings taken 14 days in advance before each session Summer Games Wed 1 Aug – Fri 31 Aug Everyday 11am–4pm free drop in all ages Test your endurance, try for a personal best, or have a go at traditional outdoor games. The team of Games Helpers will put you through your paces with these fun, simple outdoor family activities Going for Gold Fri 3 Aug 11am–4pm free drop in all ages On your marks... get set... GO! Run to the Museum to join in the fun. Take part in the Silly Sports Star Training Camp, complete with hula hoops, balance games and an obstacle course, get your bicycle tuned up by Dr Bike and make a Winner’s Medal at Art Smarts arts and crafts Sporty workshops Yoga, dance and football workshops will also be taking place throughout the day. Bookings taken from Friday 20 July. To book, call 020 8983 5205 or email mocbookings@vam.ac.uk Puppet Making Fun Fri 10 17 24 31 Aug 10am 2pm ages 5-11yrs £5 per child Don’t miss this opportunity to work with specialist puppet makers from the Little Angel Theatre. Create your own puppet to take home. Bookings taken up to 11 days in advance of each workshop. To book, call 020 8983 5205 or email mocbookings@vam.ac.uk. Early booking is advised as places are limited to 15 Puppet Festival Fridays Fri 10 17 24 31 Aug 12noon–4pm all ages free drop in (£5 per t-shirt or bring your own) Can’t get away to the seaside? Then why not dip your toes into our waterfree, pseudo-seaside experience this summer! Enjoy free outdoor puppet shows, play in sand boxes and make a puppets at Art Smarts arts and crafts. Take a photo in front of our funny seaside backdrop and design a stylish T-shirt to take home Montessori for Families A selection of rucksacks for under 5’s are available for families to borrow from the Info Desk. Designed by Montessori, there are four to choose from: Baby Explorers (6-18 months); People Like Me (18 months-3 years); Animal World; and On the Move (both age 3-5) More Daily Activities: A variety of free activities every day, including storytelling, arts and crafts, tours and treasure hunts. Activities are tailored to children aged 3-12 yrs unless otherwise stated
www.familieseast.co.uk
Out & About THE WALLACE COLLECTION
Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN 020 7563 9500/ 9551 www.wallacecollection.org Open 10am-5pm, free Family Activities: Children must be accompanied by an adult Drop-In Art Workshop: The Little Draw Sun 1 Jul & 5 Aug 1.30pm–4.30pm free all ages Learn about looking, drawing and interpretation using the rich wealth of objects and architecture on display Drop-In Art Workshop Tue 14 & Wed 15 Aug 2pm free 7yrs+ Summer fun for all the family. Follow a trail around the galleries before engaging in some making activities back in the Education Studio Family Activity: Bugs and Butterflies Mon 23 Jul 10.30am 2pm £7 7yrs+ Come and have a closer look at the Wallace Collection’s colourful Dutch still life paintings with flowers, fruit, bugs and butterflies. Create your own creepy crawly or fancy butterfly window sticker to take home. Take a small box to take your sticker home with you Code Treasure Hunt Thu 30 & Fri 31 Aug 11am–4pm free drop in Use your smartphone to hunt down QR codes hidden throughout the museum. Scan them and answer their questions to win a prize! Staff can show you how to download a QR code scanner to your phone if you don’t already have one, and a paper trail will be available for those without smartphones Free Armour Handling Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bullet-proof breastplate really was Daily: Family Multimedia Tour with interactive games (small fee)
PLACES OF INTEREST CANARY WHARF
Canstruction® Until Sat 7 Jul Canary Wharf is to host London’s very first Canstruction® event. This is where world-leading architects and designers create giant sculptures from 40,000 cans of food throughout the famous business and shopping district, wowing the public and helping to feed people in need PING! Fri 13- Sun 22 Jul As part of the London’s Street Ping Pong project, Canary Wharf’s popular table tennis event Ping! Pick up a bat and take to the tables or sit back and watch Dancing City Previews Thu 28 & Fri 29 Jun Event Sat 30 Jun Cabot Square Returning to Canary Wharf for the eleventh year, Dancing City brings inspirational and exhilarating performances from leading UK and international artists City Of London Festival @ Canary Wharf Fri 13 – Sun 15 Jul The City of London Festival celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, with a weekend line up at Canary Wharf. The Festival presents a stellar line-up of pop, folk and jazz music
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Canary Wharf Jazz Festival Fri 17 – Sun 19 Aug An unforgettable three-days of free live jazz returns to Canada Square Park Teresa Witz Presents Sporting Champions Mon 23 July - Sun 9 Sep Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Park hosts an exhibition of nine life-size portraits of some of Britain’s best sporting champions by renowned painter and East Londoner, Teresa Witz
CUTTY SARK CLIPPER SHIP
King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT 10am-5pm £12/£6.50 Family £29 bookings@rmg.co.uk Opening a new chapter in the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most famous ships. The last surviving tea clipper and the fastest and greatest of her time, she is a living testimony to the bygone, glorious days of sail and, most importantly, a monument to those that lost their lives in the merchant service
DISCOVER
383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk Open Tuesday - Friday during Newham school term time: 12pm-1pm and 3pm-5pm. Open Saturday and Sunday: 11am-5pm. Open all day everyday during the school holidays. £4.50, Family £16 under 2 yrs free Superheroes Until Sun 4 Nov SOS! HELP! Urgent Message: Alphabet City is under threat from a mysterious villain. Can you help rescue the city from destruction? Step into the tights of one of the spectacular Superheroes, be empowered by their supersonic skills, hit the letter lab to conduct secret scientific experiments, crack the code, find the Superheroes’ hideouts and defeat the evil mastermind STORYCLOUD is a free nationwide digital project reaching children in their homes, schools and libraries. It is a web application for children from 5-8 years old and their families. Discover has commissioned twelve brand new stories/poems; from the UK’s leading children’s authors/poets. Each has recorded their brand new story and twelve outstanding illustrators have then been commissioned to create digital pictures in response to the stories. Children will be able to listen and read along with the author/child telling the story and then play with the beautiful illustrations to find the hidden secrets and surprises. Each story will have tasks to encourage children to create their own stories and drawings in response to the twelve stories. Children can send their stories/ drawings to Discover and a selection will be displayed on an on-line gallery throughout the summer. Each Monday until 3 Sep during London 2012 Festival, a new story will be released creating a magical on-line library for families throughout the UK 2 July - Strange Things Happen by Malorie Blackman and illustrated by Chris Riddell
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Out & About 9 July - Jimmy McArdle’s Stones by David Almond and illustrated by David Roberts 16 July - Down the Plughole by Philip Ardagh and illustrated by Sarah McIntyre 23 July - Ali’s Trousers by Azzad Benkerroum Zaim and illustrated by Carl Pearce 30 July - The Tree at the End of the World by Debi Gliori and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees 6 Aug - The Zebra and Cheetah by Semilore Joseph and illustrated by David Melling 13 Aug - The Hoopoe Bird by Emma King and illustrated by Ross Collins 20 Aug - The Boy Who Lived on a Pancake by Candy Courlay and illustrated by Deborah Allwright 27 Aug - The Magic Carpet by Zeynab Abokor and illustrated by Elissa Elwick
EPPING FOREST
Visitor Centre, High Beech, IG10 4AE 0208 508 0028 cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping forest Green to Gold Olympic Summer Opening Fri 27 Jul – Sun 12 Aug To celebrate the Olympics, The Temple in Wanstead Park will be open 7 days a week during Olympic fortnight A full list of events are on the website – here are some highlights: Family Pond Dipping Tue 24 Thu 26 Jul Wed 1 Thu 2 Aug £4,1pm-4pm Safaris Wed 25 Jul 10am, 2pm £6 Meet Dick Turpin Thu 26 Jul 1pm 2pm 3pm Tudor Games Wed 1 Aug 12noon–3pm Regency Games Wed 8 Aug 12noon–3pm Victorian Games Wed 15 Aug 12noon–3pm
HMS BELFAST
Morgan’s Lane, Tooley St, SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.iwm.org.uk Open: 10am-6pm £14 under 16s free Interactive Operations Room HMS Belfast could once be controlled from the Operations Room, the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship. Visitors can now imagine exactly what this would have been like as the Operations Room is updated with exciting interactives. Points on a Compass Sat 7-Sun 8 Jul drop in 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm Find out more about the countries, cultures and journeys HMS Belfast has taken whilst in service Tattoo T-Shirts Sat 11–Sun 19 Aug 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm Get creative designing your own tattoo designs on t-shirts and learn all about the traditions behind original naval tattoos
KENSINGTON PALACE
Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk Fun Fridays - Crafts at Kensington Fri 17 24 & 31 Aug 11am-4pm drop in
KEW GARDENS
Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org Open 9.30am-5.30pm (until March 26) with weekends close an hour later, £11.90/£13.90, children under 17 free Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway The 18-metre high, 200-metre walkway guides visitors around the crowns of lime, sweet chestnut and oak trees. Supported by rusted steel columns that blend in with the natural environment, it provides opportunities for inspecting birds, insects, lichen and fungi at close quarters, as well as seeing blossom emerging and seed pods bursting open
LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK
08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk Wild about Wetlands Day Tue 7 Aug 10am–3.30pm free drop in Get up close to some of the wetland wildlife. Take part in a host of free activities including: pond dipping, natural arts and crafts, treasure trail, dragonfly hunts, visit the beekeeping and bat stalls and much more Lee Valley White Water Centre The only brand new London 2012 venue the public can use and enjoy ahead of the Games. The Centre will host five days of thrilling canoe slalom competition in July 2012 in front of 60,000 spectators Open Farm Sunday Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF There are cuddly sheep, giant rabbits, rare breed pigs, long-necked llamas and a loveable meerkat family to meet. You can hit the heights on the giant bouncy pillow or scale the Spider Tower. And little ones love riding on the combine harvester in Piglet’s Paradise. Then take a short trip on a tractor trailer to our working dairy farm, where you’ll meet the cows and learn all about life on a real farm Secret-Island Royal Gunpowder Mills Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY £9/£6.50 under 3 yrs free Discover 300 years of explosive history through film, exhibitions and interactive displays at the Secret Island in Waltham Abbey. With interactive exhibitions, children’s activities, natural woodland and an extensive special events programme including spitfire flyovers and medieval jousting, the Secret Island-Royal Gunpowder Mills has something to offer everyone and makes for a different family day out
LONDON ZOO
Regents Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333 www.zsl.org Bedbugs Sleepovers Every Sat until Nov 2012 8-11yrs £50 per person Games, story-telling, talks - all animal themed of course! Plus you’ll explore the zoo by torchlight. Breakfast included. Sleepovers are held in BUGS! so your neighbours could include spiders, beetles or tamarins. The lions sleep nearby too...
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RICH MIX
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk Offers a broad range of arts-based activities and performances for children aged 0 to 12 years and their parents/ carers. Many of the events are free or low-priced supporting families who are on a low income and who may find it difficult to access arts and cultural activities – see the website for details Wiggly Jigglers Creative Movement for Babies and Toddlers Mon 9 Jul & Mon 23 Jul 1pm-3pm £5 per child 0–2 yrs At these creative movement sessions children will get the space, the freedom and the time to move in ways that support their development and that stimulate their imaginations Idea Store Storytelling Sat 21 Jul 2pm-3pm free 0-5yrs Listen to classic tales and exciting new stories, and explore the world of sound and rhyme through our interactive story time sessions StoryCraft Workshops with Apples and Snakes Mon 16 Jul 1.30pm–2.30pm £2 per child 2–5 yrs Led by a different storyteller or poet every month the sessions encourage families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way. Using puppets and percussion instruments, stories are animated and involve actions, singing and discussion. All sessions feature a hands-on craft activity. Group bookings from nurseries and children’s centres welcome Viva Eastender! The Olympic Cabaret! Sat 21 July - Sun 22 Jul Sat 7pm/ Sun 3.30pm & 7pm £7 full, £5 concessions Back by popular demand and following their success in winning Sport Relief Does Glee Club 2012 it’s Young and Talented Theatre School. Y&T Theatre School based in Bethnal Green have been transforming lives since 2004 Random Project 2012 Thu 2 Aug - Sun 19 Aug 9am to 11pm Mon – Fri / 10am to 11pm Sat & Sun free The Random Project 2012 showcases a growing collection of postcards which are created by everybody. These celebrate the spirit of London 2012 and enable us to visually document the shared cultural experience as the year unfolds – we will all become the artists-in-residence for a historic year. EVERYONE welcome to take part in this project; from artists to school children to athletes organised by graphic designer Sarah Hyndman. WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE PART? If you would like to join in and create a postcard please email word@randomproject.co.uk with a number between 1 and 100. You will be sent your word along with full instructions. Random Project 2012 will run for most of 2012, we’ll be adding new postcards as we receive them. They will be exhibited at Rich Mix in August, and on view in the virtual gallery website and at randomproject.co.uk
RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES NATURE RESERVE
New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SZ 01708 899840 www.rspb.org.uk/rainham Open: daily Sun 1 Nov-Wed 31 Mar open 9.30am-4.30pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct open 9.30am-5pm Unique wetland reserve with innovative visitor centre, shop, café, wildlife garden, and children’s adventure play area - boardwalks throughout for wheelchair and pushchair access Entrance charges: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: £2.50 adult, £1 child, £7 family (2 adults and up to 4 children) Here is a list of activities and events throughout July & August. There may be a charge per person. Please check the website The Sunday Stroll Sun 6 & Sun 22 July 1pm also Sun 5 & Sun 19 Aug 1pm Join experts to discover the wonderful wildlife on the reserve. A perfect opportunity to improve your identification skills, meet like-minded people and walk off that Sunday lunch! Booking essential Kids’ Birdwatching Club Sat 14 Jul Sat 11 Aug 10am-12.30pm Are you a budding birdwatcher? Then why not join in on these special days held once a month? Explore the reserve through the seasons, watching and learning about the birds that visit and live here. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book Dusk Walk Thu 19 July & Thu 23 Aug 6.30pm/7pm-10pm Join this guided walk around the reserve as dusk settles across the reserve and the sun sets over the Thames at one of the most beautiful times of the year. You can see bats, moths, glow-worms and maybe even an owl. The reserve will also be open until it is dark. Pre booking and pre payment essential. Insect Afternoon Sat 21 Jul 18 Aug 1pm-3.30pm Booking essential 15 spaces only Do you like your beetles, grasshoppers, bugs and flies? Do you fancy getting up close and personal with the smaller critters on the marsh? A guided walk with the buggy experts will help you to identify what is out there at this time of the year. Teddy Bear’s Picnic Fri 27 July 10.30am-1.30pm also Thu 23 Aug 10.30am-1.30pm A unique day for the under 6’s. Take your teddy, a grown up and a picnic for a wondrous woodland adventure. Pre booking and pre payment essential. Moth Night Fri 27 July 7pm-10pm Ever thought that you might see elephants and tigers on the marshes? No, not exotic mammals but colourful moths! These are just two of the myriad of species that may attract you to the special lights so why not come along and join us. Pre booking and pre payment essential.
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Out & About Dragons & Damsels Sat 28 Jul 11am-1.30pm The reserve is alive with many dragonflies and damselflies in the summer months as they go out hunting other insects. Why not join the search for them around the reserve. Booking essential Mini Beast Mayhem 4, 14, 27 Aug 1pm-3.45pm Become a Minibeast Detective and explore the fascinating world of water creatures and those that live in the long grass with bugs, beetles, spiders and more. Pre booking and pre payment essential Bat Night Fri 31 Aug 7.30pm-10pm Discover the fascinating world of bats and delve into the lives of moths. Bring a torch. Pre booking and pre payment essential
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH
Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free The Observatory and Planetarium will be closed from Sat 7 Jul until Fri 3 Aug during the London 2012 Olympic Games and access may be disrupted until October – please see website for full details
VALENTINES MANSION
Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com Open: Tues & Wed 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Family Gardening Tue 24 Jul Wed 8 Aug 10am–10.45am, 11am–11.45am and 1.30pm–2.15pm 1yr+ and families free
Bookings: Limited spaces, allocated on a first come first served basis Come and help in the kitchen garden! Come rain or shine there’s lots for toddlers, older children and grownups to do, from watering to picking vegetables Make a Mini Garden (drop in) Wed 22 Aug 11.30am-12.30 and 1pm3.30pm 3yrs+ free Take a look at the wonderful fruit and vegetables growing in the gardens and then come inside to make your very own walled kitchen garden to take home Under 5s - Explore Make & Do (drop in) Things That Fly Tue 17 Jul 11am–2pm 1-5 years and families free Fun hands-on sessions for under 5s with a different theme every month. Try the treasure trail or use some binoculars to spot flying creatures
indoors and out. Make your own flying creature to take home
Games in the Gardens (drop in)
Sun 4 Aug 11.30am-2.30pm 1 yr+ free Feeling energetic? Come and play traditional games in the gardens! There’s blocks, hoops, skittles and more Peg Dolls (drop in) Tue 21 Aug 11am–2pm 1-5 years and families free Fun hands-on sessions for under 5s with a different theme every month. Explore fabrics, colours and textures and make yourself a peg doll to play with, just like Victorian children did Victorian Kitchen Adventures (drop in) Sun 2 Sep 11.30am-2.30pm 3yrs+ free How is our Victorian kitchen different to your kitchen at home? Get dressed up and turn yourself into a Victorian cook
Garfunkel’s – Enjoy a fresh,
eviews
new style
Founded in 1979, Garfunkel’s restaurants have branches across London’s West End and are the original British café-restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. We visited their refurbished branch at Burleigh House on the Strand, which is just around the corner from “The Lion King” production. Inside its décor was bright and smart and once inside you stepped away from the hustle and bustle of London life outside. The menu mixes classic British dishes with pizzas, pastas, burgers, steaks and more – you should find something to suit any taste. The kid’s menu option, available to 10 year-olds and under, offers a main course, dessert and drink all for £5.99. They also have an excellent salad bar with the unlimited option – perfect for busy parents looking for a healthier choice at £7.99. We had a selection of mains but standing out was the Salmon & Broccoli Fish Cakes (£10.49), filled with plump chunks of salmon and delivering plenty of taste along with the BBQ Chicken, Cheese and Bacon Burger
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(£11.49) that scored a big hit too but all of the main dishes were enjoyable with good portion sizes. We must mention the desserts, as we picked a Strawberry Sundae (£5.49) – fresh strawberries, strawberry ice cream and whipped cream; a Chocolate Sundae (£5.49) - chocolate brownie, chocolate ice cream and whipped cream and finally a Waffle Toffee Crunch (£5.49) - warm Belgian waffle topped with ice cream, maple syrup & sprinkled with toffee crunch pieces. All of them were delicious and a perfect size for sharing. We also noticed their afternoon tea for 2 at £14.95, served daily between 2 and 5pm that looks ideal if you are in Town and need a little treat. I must admit that when I was younger I remembered a meal out in London at a Garfunkel’s as being a special treat with lots of happy memories. So I was rather wary of revisiting in case it failed to live up to my expectations and spoil these memories but I’m delighted to say that the whole family thoroughly enjoyed our meal!
Garfunkel’s Restaurants Burleigh House, 355 The Strand, London WC2R 0HS
Tel: 020 7836 4664 www.garfunkels.co.uk July/August 2012 Families East | 15
focus on ...The Geffrye Museum In this issue, we take a chance to look at The Geffrye Museum, one of London’s most friendly and enjoyable museums. Set in beautiful 18th century buildings surrounded by gardens in Shoreditch, East London, the museum explores the home from 1600 to the present
day through a series of period rooms. Special exhibitions and events inspired by the museum’s collections and gardens are run throughout the year. Summer events for families include Inside, Outside and Around the World, three weeks of activities for children aged 3-16 exploring home and garden spaces from across the globe (14-17, 21-14 and 28–31 August, 10.30am12.30pm and 2-4pm) and a special family day on Saturday 8 September to mark the end of the London 2012 Olympics, which will include performances, craft activities, games and stories.
Geffrye Museum, 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA Open : Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 12 noon-5pm Admission to the museum and all activities are free www.geffrye-museum.org.uk 020 7739 9893 Travel: London Overground : Hoxton station / Tube: Liverpool Street station
Olympic Torch Relay – Coming to East London Lit in Greece, the Olympic Flame arrived in the UK on 18 May 2012 before setting out on a 70-day Olympic Torch Relay, bringing the excitement of the Games to everyone. Standing for peace, unity and friendship, the Olympic Flame will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers. It ends its journey with the last Torchbearer lighting the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, which marks the official start of the Games. Families East have set out some key points for the Flame’s route across each borough with estimated arrival times. Make the most of this unique event and come out with the children to see the Torch Relay.
Day 64 for Saturday 21st July – Greenwich to Waltham Forest Newham 10:20 Woolwich Ferry 11:12 High St South A117 11:21 Central Park 11:24 Newham Festival Stage 11:56 High Street North 12:15 Green Street B167 12:25 Romford Road A118 12:44 High St / Broadway A11 12:48 Great Eastern Rd A11 13:01 Westfield Shopping Centre 13:34 The Grove A11 Tower Hamlets 13:50 High St A11 13:52 Bow Rd A11 14:03 Mile End Rd A11 14:15 White Horse Lane 14:22 Stepney Green Park 15:28 Stepney Way 15:32 Sidney St 15:34 Whitechapel Rd A11 15:47 Commercial St A1202 Hackney 15:54 Shoreditch High St A10 16:18 Kingsland High St A10
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16:29 Stoke Newington Rd A10 16:41 Stoke Newington Church St 16:47 Hackney Festival Stage 17:14 Green Lanes A105 17:29 Stamford Hill A10 17:49 Amhurst Rd A107 17:55 Wilton Way 18:01 Town Hall steps 18:09 Homerton High St A102 Waltham Forest 18:28 The Eastway A106 18:39 Leyton High Rd A112 18:49 Leyton County Cricket Ground 19:14 Market Square / Live Site 19:16 Hoe Street A112 19:23 Forest Road A503 19:27 Waltham Forest Town Hall Day 65 for Sunday 22nd July – Redbridge to Bexley Redbridge 07:19 Redbridge Cycling Centre 07:44 Fairlop Sailing Centre 08:00 Fairlop Lake 08:16 High St, Barkingside A123 08:23 Cranbrook Rd (A123) 08:44 Valentine’s Mansion
09:26 High Rd 09:35 Winston Way A118 09:36 Ilford Lane A123 Barking & Dagenham 09:49 Ilford Lane A123 10:11 Longbridge Rd A124 10:33 Arena Track 10:42 Porters Avenue 10:54 Parsloes Park 11:12 Dagenham Heathway A1240 11:43 Central Park 12:51 Wood Lane A124 13:12 High Rd A1118 Havering 13:16 London Rd A1118 13:35 High St 13:45 South Street 14:00 Roneo Corner A125 14:20 Billet Lane 14:41 Suttons Lane 15:17 Rainham Road A125 15:29 Viking Way 15:34 The Broadway B1335 15:54 Jetty at Veolia plant