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SouthWest *Parties Special

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June 2014

* Holidays listings *Gardening project

Photography courtesy of Umoya Photography www.umoyaphotography.com

Building confidence through performing arts Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing. For more information see advert on page 21

The French Nursery school Bilingual education in SW7 and SW1 • 2-5 years French • Spanish See our advert on page 33 For more information please call on 0207 259 2151 or email: marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

“Families® SW” – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London. Find us online: NEW WEBSITE FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

JUNE 2014

Contents 04-07

Photography courtesy of Umoya Photography www.umoyaphotography.com

SouthWest

All content ©Families 2014 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

News & info •Local news •Clubs and activities news •School news

Internet safety

Osteopathy for babies and children

10-11

Book child classes early

Noticeboard

Sports listings

• MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas. Read initial franchise information on the website or call us.

Table tennis - Tennis 17-20

Dazzling gardening decorations

17-20

Summer holiday listings

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire.

Arts and craft, sport, music, dance and days out and more

• Designed by Shirley Trimmer • We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. • Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

Find us on Facebook & Twitter FamiliesSW

June 2014

Indoor swimming pools

Next issue: July/August 2014. Deadline: 1st June •“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. There are around 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk

04-07

22-31

PARTY FEATURE

32-39

What’s on • • • •

Theatre Museums & Galleries Days out Diary dates and events

22-31

32-39

new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

News

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Drama divas The West End comes to Chelsea this summer with a series of workshops for children aged 7-16. Explore a different hit show each day and take part in an all-singing, all-dancing performance for friends and family. Unlike other drama workshops these sessions give a true flavour of favourite productions with instructors for the cast of hit shows The Lion King, Matilda, Charlie and The

Sleep on your trampoline! Help give nature a home by spending a night in a tent with the RSPB Big Wild Sleepout. From 16-22 June the RSPB is encouraging people to spend a night under the stars to find out which creatures they share their homes with, and raise money to help protect wildlife. Build a den or shelter and sleep in it, stick to a traditional tent or how about sleeping on your trampoline? To help people get the most out of their wild night out, the RSPB have produced a free fundraising pack full of fun ideas to make raising money really easy, and for those who don’t have a garden the RSPB is also organising some exciting Big Wild Sleepout events across the UK. With special nighttime activities like outdoor cooking, stories round the campfire and nighttime strolls, all events are different, and all are exciting! A full list is available on the RSPB website rspb.org.uk/sleepout

Don’t miss the fete

Chocolate Factory and Wicked. Your little one will get the opportunity to learn real West End routines from the show’s actual cast who will not only teach the shows but share insights and stories about performing in the West End. Sounds amazing! Workshops take place at Chelsea Academy, Lots Road, SW10 0AB, 28 July – 1 August, 9.30am-1pm for ages 7-11, 1.30-5.30pm ages 12-16. Price £199 but Families readers are offered the Early Bird price of £149 throughout June. Quote Families South West when booking for your discount. www.westendin.com/book

Register now for the Sun Walk Taking place on Sunday 6th July in Battersea Park, the Sun Walk is a brilliant family day out with walking challenges, live music, great food, a children’s area (including soft play), live shows running throughout and all the fun of the fair. The theme this year is Westwind Pirates and Battersea Buccanneers. Choose from on walking challenges from • 5k walk for any age • 10k walk for ages 6 and over • Half marathon walk for ages 13 and over It’s a fantastic way to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Walk the Walk have raised over £90million for breast cancer causes since their inception in 1996 and are passionate about getting the whole family out walking together. www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges/TheSunWal kLondon

The annual Abbeville Fete returns on Saturday 28 June, with more than 50 street stalls, a street BBQ and bar, dedicated kids zone and events including live music and even a dog beauty pageant. One of South London’s main social gatherings, the fete has activities and fun for all the family, while celebrating London’s diversity, community spirit and local enterprise. Now in its 18th year, last year the fete raised over £19,000 for local causes. This year it is raising funds for local causes Ace of Clubs, Lambeth Summer Projects, Age UK, Kid’s City and Church of the Holy Spirit. Abbeville Road, SW4, 12pm-4pm. www.abbevillefete.com

Making home cooking simple If you’re struggling for ideas of what to cook for your family, why not try Sian’s Plan, a family healthy eating planning service set up by a local mum? Sian’s Plan is a revolutionary website that allows you to easily prepare healthy, affordable and fuss-free meals from home. The service is designed to help families save money, reduce food waste and eliminate the stress associated with cooking and grocery shopping. From £3.99 per month, you could save four and a half hours a week and at least £700 a year by cutting down the hours spent in the kitchen and saving costs on waste. It's a great way to tackle the rising cost of living - just log on and choose a series of dishes from an everexpanding library of meals, snacks and desserts. www.siansplan.com

New café in Battersea Park A new child friendly café is set to open in Battersea Park this summer, with an alfresco terrace and an outdoor play area for toddlers. ‘The café will be specifically aimed at mums and dads with young children and will offer fresh and wholesome meals and snacks,’ said children’s services spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey. This comes after the £250,000 investment in the adjoining playground last year, and before the arrival of Go Ape’s new aerial walkway and obstacle course for children aged 6 and above – and brave mums and dads!

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

New English and maths tuition centre

Clubs & activities news Who dares, climbs!

Explore Learning opens a new centre in Wandsworth this spring, providing extra tuition to children aged 5-14. The popular provider of English and maths tuition has already proved hugely popular with parents across south and west London, with busy centres in Merton, East Sheen,

London’s very first Clip 'n Climb has arrived! Climbing walls meet theme park in an exciting new leisure concept for age 4 upwards, with a stunning series of climbing-based activities providing healthy, challenging fun for all the family. Test your resolve and determination across 22 separate challenges climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, reach new heights on the Skyscraper, take the Speed Climbing challenge and light up the board on the Checkerplate. Dare to tackle the Dark Tower or for the ultimate challenge sign up for the Leap of Faith. Yikes! No climbing experience is necessary and full training is given. Indoor climbing has never been easier or safer! They also offer birthday parties. Clip 'n Climb, 19 Michael Road SW6 2ER, www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk 0207 736 2271

Ealing and Shepherd’s Bush. ‘We’re very excited about opening our doors for the first time in Wandsworth,’ said centre director Christina Watson. ‘The area is buzzing with families and what we offer is a fun and effective form of extra tuition that has been independently proven to benefit children of all abilities.’ The centre also offers 11+ tuition and creative writing courses. Standard membership £119 per month for two sessions a week in English and maths. Discounts available for siblings. Explore Learning, Sainsbury’s, Garratt Lane, Wandsworth SW18 4AD. 01483 447 414, email Wandsworth@explorelearning.co.uk

Summer cricket

Tennis for all

Junior cricket comes to South Park in Fulham with former professional cricketer and coach Max Barson. Sign up your keen batsman or bowler for South Park Cricket, running throughout the summer term Friday afternoons 4.30-5.30pm for children aged 6-10. They also offer holiday camps. Cricket whites required and please bring your own bat, pads, helmet and gloves if possible. Email southparkcricket@hotmail.com to find out more.

Also arriving at South Park this summer is the South Park Tennis Programme. With private and group lessons for adults, plus an extensive junior tennis programme, this is one to check out in the Fulham area. Classes start at £68 for an 8week programme, from age 3 upwards. They also offer free taster sessions and run holiday camps during the holidays and half terms. Find out more at www.southparktennis.com or on southparktennis@gmail.com, 07767 480148.

Products Banish those stretch marks… …with 100% Natural Stretch Mark Saviour from Nature & Co. When it comes to pregnancy we all know that stretch marks are a concern, but now you can tackle those red marks with an 100% natural shea butter. It is safe to use during the entirety of pregnancy and well worth a try, we think! Available from Nature & Co in Kensington or www.nature-co.com £29.50.

June 2014

Get Zippy! The Zippy bib designers have been busy this spring and have brought out some gorgeous new bib designs, ready for the summer. Choose from delicate geese and flowers, cute bunny rabbits, cheeky sheep, geese wandering through April showers and of course a bright rainbow design to capture our true English weather! The bibs come in sets of 4 and cost £10 including free delivery from www.zippysuit.com Perfect for presents, or treat yourself and your own little one.

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

Organic cotton is good for the planet!

Sweet Dreams The new BabyBjörn travel cot has arrived! Perfect for holiday-ing with the kids, the Travel Cot Light might just be the most luxurious travel cot around, with simple assembly and carrying options. The new BabyBjörn Travel Cot is not only light to carry, easy to open and put away, but the comfortable mattress creates a cosy sleeping place for your child, wherever you are. Plus, it’s easy to transport, even when you have to fly. £119.99 www.babybjorn.co.uk

Is your child experiencing emotional, behavioural or educational difficulties?

Southfields mum of two Preneet’s love for handcrafted goods has inspired her to set up her company called ‘The Charpoy’. The organic bedding and nightwear collection for children is printed by hand on 100% organic non- bleached cotton and is ethically produced. Organic cotton unlike normal cotton does not contain allergic residue and is great for children’s skin. It is breathable, layerable, super soft and huggable. The Charpoy contributes to keeping the hand block printing trade alive in India, combined with paying a fair wage to the skilled craftsment in Northern India whom she is working with. See her at a stand at the Northcote Road Fete on 6 July. www.thecharpoy.com

School news school, yet only two per cent do. And with only one in 40 eleven year olds meeting the national target of an hour of exercise per day, Bike to School Week is a great excuse for parents and children to leave the car behind for the week and get active. Sustrans’ Campaign for Safer Streets is urging parents and teachers to write to their local MP asking for every child to be given the right to a safe journey to school. You can join the campaign at www.sustrans.org.uk/saferstreets

Redfern Psychology is an Independent Practice of highly experienced Clinical Psychologists and a Child Psychotherapist based in SW16 led by Dr. Sheila Redfern, Consultant Clinical Psychologist. We have a team of professionals with over 20 years experience in providing assessment and treatment for a range of problems including: • Feeding and sleep problems • Tantrums and behaviour problems • Depression • Panic attacks • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Problems with friends

• Parent-baby bonding problems • Examination/college or school stress • Low self-esteem • Parenting difficulties • Self harm • ASD and ADHD

To contact us and make an enquiry, please visit www.redfernpsychology.org or telephone 07774 222241

Bike to School Week

Road safety tips for parents:

Bike to School Week, run by charity Sustrans, is back for another year, encouraging children and adults to cycle to school between 9-13th June. This year the charity is making it even easier to take part by providing loads of useful tips about cycling with children and road safety. Nearly half of children say they want to cycle to

Follow these basics to help you and your child stay safe when cycling. • make sure your child's bike fits and that all your bikes are roadworthy; • wearing a helmet is particularly recommended for young children; • if you're on the road with children, take up a position behind them. If there are two adults in your group, it's a good idea to have one at the back and one in front of the children; • set a good example, follow the Highway Code and teach children road safety and awareness.

Photo caption - Amy Jo with Ethan Shackleton (white jumper) and Jay Mahon, all 9 years old, from Barlows Primary, Fazakerley, Liverpool, cycle to school along the nearby Liverpool Loopline. Picture credit Chris Foster/Sustrans

Have fun Gateway children! On the 11th June Gateway House Nursery school will enjoy a teddy bears' picnic: the children bring their bears to school, walk up to the common, have a few races with the bears before settling down to a scrummy picnic. On the 27th June their specialised dance teacher will produce the cutest show to a theme every year, this year it's Fairy Tales. Have fun! Gateway House Nursery School, St Jude's Hall, Heslop Road, SW12 8AE 0208 675 8258

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

new website familiessouthwest.co.uk

Rising star

Outstanding schools Three more Wandsworth primary schools have been judged ‘outstanding’ by education inspectors. Gatton, Hillbrook and Sheringdale schools were all previously rated as good but their success in raising standards of teaching since their last inspection has led to all three now being awarded the highest possible Ofsted rating. Their improved scores means that the borough’s tally of good or outstanding schools now stands at 95% making Wandsworth one of the top five best performing local authorities in the country. Schools spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey said, ‘These are superb results from three local schools who have demonstrated just how determined they are to provide their pupils with the highest standards of teaching and learning. Everyone involved in the education of our children and young people is committed to improving standards across the board, ensuring that all our children are offered really top quality schooling.’

Open morning at Cavendish Lodge nursery school Local parents —or soon to be parents—are invited to visit one of Streatham's most popular day nurseries, Cavendish Lodge Nursery School, on Saturday June 14th. The family-run nursery will be holding an Open Morning from 10 to 12am and is happy to show parents around its lovely buildings and gardens. Cavendish Lodge caters for children from 6 months to 5 years old and is ideally situated near to both Streatham Common and Streatham stations. For more information, go to www.cavendishlodgenursery.co.uk

Young Chef crowned Graveney schoolgirl Lexie Delaney has been crowned Wandsworth Young Chef of the Year, beating 7 other finalists from schools around the borough to scoop the title, following a tense final cook-off judged by top chefs including TV’s Brian Turner. This is the first year the competition has been held but has proved such a success it is set to become an annual event, supported by catering company Compass. ‘The general experience has been amazing,’ said Lexie. ‘I have loved working with the different chef mentors and learnt such a lot. It has made me go that one step further – like presentation – that isn’t something you think about when you cook at home.’ Brian Turner said, ‘This is quite a unique experience and should be the blueprint of what should be happening around the country. I am very optimistic that these finalists should be going to more competitions in the future.’

June 2014

A Streatham & Clapham High School student joins the National Youth Theatre after a performance at No 11 Downing Street! Year 9 pupil Camara McKenzie has been awarded a place in the National Youth Theatre one of the most prestigious organisations in the country for the training of young actors. In Camara’s case it is particularly impressive because she was the youngest to be auditioned! SCHS is renowned for the strength of its Drama department, with Camara one of 25 pupils to perform at the New Wimbledon Theatre in a production of Macbeth for the Shakespeare Schools Festival. On the strength of her performance Camara was invited to perform at a reception held at 11 Downing Street. Head of Drama Mrs Mary Evans says, ‘This is a major achievement for a 14-year old, and will give Camara a fantastic opportunity to develop her talents.’

New sessions for Nightingale Montessori Nightingale 2 Montessori Nursery in Balham is now offering afternoon sessions, Monday to Thursday 12:303:15pm including lunch club. Activities include handwriting, ICT, maths, art, story time, cooking, football, outdoor play, gardening and nature walks. A 2013 Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board report said: “Children have freedom to access all activities inside and outside (with adult support in accessing the garden) throughout the morning. Activities are within easy reach for the children, systematically arranged in labelled areas of learning and take into consideration the developmental needs of the children present”. St Stephen's Church Hall, Weir Road SW12 0NU 07930 401769. www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk

Technology winners A team of students from The Latymer School, Hammersmith have celebrated winning Best Rookie Team Award at the 2014 Land Rover 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge UK Finals. Following success in regional finals held across the UK, 26 teams from as far afield as Portugal battled it out in the final. Andrew Denford, Chairman of Engineering in Motion, which runs the Land Rover 4x4 Challenge, said, ‘The Land Rover 4x4 in Schools programme increases the engagement of young people with STEM subjects through the practical application of design and technology, mathematics and science. It is an excellent opportunity for students to work in teams and gain an awareness and understanding of key skills and project management.’

New nursery opening in Wandsworth Finding the right childcare is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. ‘At Little Wombles we provide the highest quality care and pre-school educational experiences for your child, giving you complete peace of mind when leaving your precious little one. Our settings are spacious and highly staffed with a guarantee that we will keep numbers of children down. This enables each child's full potential to be nurtured through focussed, personalised care and attention. In addition to our extensive curriculum every child participates in weekly specialist led classes including Ballet, Music and Baby French. We are committed to meeting each child's individual needs and developing their passions and skills for the future’. Register now at www.littlewombles.co.uk Limited places available. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Phone 07884 253398

Internet safety

What is your child getting up to online? By Allen Scott

Many of us rely on built-in, traditional or free software which doesn't have social networking and parental controls. Without these additional features, parents are leaving their children open to all that is bad about the internet. MD Allen Scott, MD of security experts F-Secure said: "We understand that many people are a bit lost when it comes to online protection, which is why we've compiled advice to give some guidance."

Set up user accounts for each member of the family This will allow you to tweak the parental controls for each of your children. For example, blocking chat rooms and forums for young children, but allowing them for your teenagers. You can also use these controls to set 'homework time' for older children, which will block them from visiting any sites which are not deemed educational during your specified hours.

Whitelist sites for young children Many young children enjoy using the internet, but they only want to view the same few sites over and over, such as CBeebies. Using the whitelist function, add in all the websites you are happy for them to view and block the rest. This way, they won't stumble upon something which is not appropriate for their age.

Have 'the talk' before letting your teenagers join social networking sites

or will come as part of the security software package you buy for your computer. Set up parental controls on these devices, just as you would for your computer.

You need to set rules before letting your children enjoy social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Every child is different, so this must come from you. Some parents want access to their child's account, so they can check up on them at any time. Be warned, this can lead to your child setting up a second account in a different name. It is a good idea to only allow them to be 'friends' with people they know if real life though.

It is wise to set up a password for your children's devices, so that they must come to you before downloading any app or in-app purchase. This will also mean you'll avoid a nasty shock when the bill arrives.

Whatever your approach, help them set up their account with privacy restrictions, so their profile is not public. Go to https://www.facebook.com/FSecureSafeProfile, click 'use now', then log in to test their Facebook profile. It will show what is public and explain how to change the settings accordingly.

More information For more advice on family protection, visit http://safeandsavvy.fsecure.com/

Remember, the internet is amazing! Your children just need a guiding hand to ensure they enjoy it safely.

Don't forget their smartphones and tablets Most children have access to these devices now and the way they use them is no different from a computer, so they need to be protected too. Mobile security software is downloaded as an app

Tuesday Tutors â€˘ We coach children for state and independent school and entry tests: VR, NVR, English, Maths and interview preparation. â€˘ We are also happy to offer Maths and English support for children in school, and Home Education. â€˘ NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London Tuesday Tutors has placed many children in top state and private schools. It is advisable to contact us early, as high demand may mean that your child will be placed on our waiting list.

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Osteopathy for babies and children

Pics credit: London based charity, the Osteopathic Centre for Children

Understanding osteopathy for babies and children What is osteopathy and how might it help your little one? Karen Carroll, Paediatric Osteopath and Consultant at the London based charity, the Osteopathic Centre for Children discusses the gentle osteopathic approach for babies and children. Osteopathy is a drug-free non-invasive method of diagnosis and treatment based on the relationship between the structure and function of all the tissues within the body. All parts of the body, including the bones, and the skull need to be in good alignment and be able to move normally, functioning together in an integrated way. Osteopaths consider that even the tiniest compression of the skull’s or spine’s natural movement in infants and children can contribute to the typical colicky symptoms, poor feeding, possetting, fractiousness and difficulty in settling seen in newborns, for example. Compression of the head, back and diaphragm / chest whilst a baby is in the womb or during birth might also contribute to a tendency to headaches, wind and digestive issues or plagiocephaly (wonky shaped head). Injury, inflammation and infection as well as reduced movement contribute to poor oxygenation and poor drainage in any of the tissues and organs throughout the body. If function is reduced in joints, muscles, bones, nerves or organs, the body’s own natural healing mechanism may not work so well. If one area is restricted, then the rest of the body has to adapt and compensate for this. Osteopathy’s aim is to positively affect the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems by focussing on reducing restrictions, releasing strains and encouraging movement within the head and body framework.

June 2014

usually consists of observation of movement and posture, gently checking alignment, the health of the body and how it moves. Treatment is given by applying specific gentle release techniques on the head, torso, pelvis or limbs to encourage the body to release strain patterns and return to a more balanced, more normal state. Gently releasing any tensions in a newborn or older child’s body can often relieve discomfort that might otherwise be put down to other causes.

Osteopathy for children For newborn babies, osteopathy focuses on helping the body adjust to life outside the womb and overcome the often traumatic effects of delivery. For youngsters from toddlers to teenagers, osteopathy can help deal with the strain of growth spurts, carrying heavy school bags, doing lots of sport, while for pregnant women and post partum mothers, treatment offers a means of helping the body adjust to the physiological and postural changes of pregnancy and delivery.

Treatment by a paediatric osteopath On the first visit, the osteopath takes a history of any complaints or symptoms. We are interested in details of the pregnancy, the child’s birth and progress and development to date. This helps identify any possible causes. Osteopathic examination of a baby, toddler or older child

Some babies or children need just a few sessions to resolve a short term problem, others may benefit from osteopathic support and treatment for ongoing issues. As each child is different, the number and frequency of treatment sessions depend on what that child needs. All osteopaths can work with children, but some osteopaths have done more specific extensive clinical and academic training to work with newborn babies, toddlers and children who may have difficult and longer term problems requiring special skill and knowledge. Many people assume osteopaths just treat bad backs, neck ache, or sprains and strains – osteopathy is useful for so much more than this. For further information or an appointment please call us on 020 8875 5290 or visit the centre’s website: www.occ.uk.com

Book early

How early should you book your September classes? Rugby or ballet, swimming or gymnastics, drama or Brownies – whatever activity your child loves, how soon should you book for the autumn term? While some of us are happy to wait until the very last minute to book our children’s classes, others prefer to book well in advance.

It is certainly worth starting to look for classes early on – even as much as a whole term in advance. Here’s why:

you won’t get stuck with a term of classes your child dislikes. Many classes offer trial sessions so if you make the most of them now you can be sure you are choosing what’s right for your child come September. Just because their best friend is doing trampolining doesn’t mean your child will love it some activities are so popular that they have long waiting lists (some over a year long!). Book early to avoid disappointment, swimming classes fit in that category! you can avoid the mad panic of early September. It can be hard enough settling your child into nursery or getting them back into the routine of school, homework and getting up at the crack of dawn – the last thing you want to do is try to sort out clubs! you’ll get your first choice of time slot. Some classes get so booked up that if you leave it until September the only time you’ll be left with is 7pm on a Friday night – not fun! It’s not unheard of for parents to be queueing outside swimming pools from 6am on the morning registration opens, just to get a workable slot. Afterschool activities affect the whole family and you don’t want to have to pick up from activities while your other children are desperate for their supper

SwimWay

you’ll get a class that works for your family. More than one child can mean more than one activity on the same afternoon and much as we’d like to be in two places at one time, it’s just not possible. Planning in advance means less stress and more peace of mind. you’ll get a class in a branch that is close to home. It’s often easier to walk than cramming everyone into the car again, let alone better for the environment extra-curricular activities are not essential and too many can leave everyone exhausted and stressed, but if you do choose carefully and book in advance, a few clubs and classes can bring huge benefits to your child.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Book early Cindy’s Swim School Do you want swimming lessons for your child? Or mother and baby classes for your tiny one? Or perhaps you want to get back into the pool yourself? If so, Cindy's Swim School offers professional lessons for an affordable price, with pools across Tooting, Balham and Streatham. Swimming lessons are not only an important life skill but a brilliant way to aid in strengthening your baby's core strength, improve their gross and micro motor skills and aid in developing muscle growth. Cindy’s Adult and Baby classes are kept small and use songs to help the babies to learn in a fun environment. Children’s classes start at age 3 and cater for all abilities from beginners to Stage 5. Again, groups are small and children are taken at their own pace so as to develop core muscles and confidence in the water before moving onto more advanced stroke techniques. They also have a swim squad for children from Stage 5 and up, plus they run halftermly and holiday crash courses and swim clubs. And if that wasn’t enough, their bi-annual galas are a must join! www.cindysswimschool.co.uk, 07902 782 675

SwimWay prioritise bookings SwimWay will open bookings for the Autumn 2014 Term (September to December) to new clients on 16th June 2014 once the priority booking period for existing clients ends. SwimWay will be extending its operation at the new Wimbledon/Southfields Pool including new Parents Baby classes every Friday morning as from the Autumn Term. In the comfort of a private house, SwimWay will be providing half hour semiprivate lessons and private lessons from 2pm until 6pm for children aged 3–8 yrs. These small classes ensure a more personal lesson, with more individual attention for each student in the class. Please give them a call on 020 8871 3972 or email wimbledon@swimway.co.uk if you would like to discuss the lessons further. www.swimway.co.uk

June 2014

Give them the space to be creative Giving children the space and time to write and think their own stories is hugely beneficial. Philip Pulman, the prizewinning children’s author, has written about the importance of giving children freedom to write. “Anything that's any good has to be discovered in the process of writing it,” he explains. “There must be a willing suspension of certainty.” inkhead is a group of writers who run regular holiday workshops and after-school clubs for children age between 7 and 14 in schools and libraries in London. Like Philip Pulman, they believe that they can show children that, “you could use language to say true things, important things; secondly, that what you write could affect other people, could move them, could make them think - "it affected me"; and thirdly, that you could work at your writing and learn to say things more clearly and strongly.” This autumn they will be running regular after-school clubs on Mondays at the Carnegie Library in Herne Hill and half-term holiday (from 20th October) workshops at the Northcote library, Clapham. For more information visit www.inkhead.co.uk, phone 07943 514408 or email info@inkhead.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

We specialise in:

• Adult and Baby lessons • Toddler lessons • Learn To Swim classes • Pre-Club Squad Training for Children • Adult Beginners and Intermediate Training

Cindy’s Swim School is focused on delivering a variety of personalised lessons to local families. We have a passion for swimming instruction and practice within a structured and safe environment. Our swimmers learn the joys of swimming and stroke technique with programmes incorporating games and exercise to improve each swimmer’s confidence in the water.

• Ha lf-term • Sw im Clu Crash Cour ses bs for adva m • Ho nced swimm ore liday C e rash C rs ourses

cindy@cindysswimschool.co.uk 07902 782675

June 2014

Noticeboard

A new study shows that children who eat fast food three or more times a week are likely to have more severe allergic reactions. An online issue of Thorax, ren aged from a survey of nearly 500,000 child published in 2013, reported on ren with child of diets the into ed look h 6-14 years in 31 countries, whic eyes and blocked noses, itchy and watery allergies such as asthma, runny or eczema. children conditions in both teenager and Eating fast food was linked to the meals had a food fast kly wee e mor or e thre groups. Teenagers consuming ren, ma, whilst among the younger child 39% increased risk of severe asth re were also higher The ma. asth re seve of risk there was a 27% increased ma. risks of rhinitis (hay fever) and ecze the ce the incidence and severity of Meanwhile, fruit appeared to redu (11% s ptom sym cing redu fruit servings of conditions, with three or more children). of p grou age ger youn the in among teenagers and 14% , which the natural antihistamine quercetin Apples contain high amounts of ains bromelain, cont e appl pine e whil s, ptom can help reduce hayfever sym ge and red cetin. The attractive, bright oran which helps the body absorb quer and a C in vitam , are rich in beta carotene colours of fruits signal that they for good be to said are ients nutr se substance called bioflavonoids. The try giving hayfever symptoms. So why not preparing the body for fighting off if they notice a see and lon rme wate e som or your child oranges, grapefruit difference? ents barrier balm HayMax, which prev Another helper could be pollen sufferers syptom-free for keep s help and body the ring allergens from ente ral and and made from completely natu longer. The balms are drug-free l for children idea are so on), ciati the Soil Asso organic ingredients (certified by e are no ther tion, addi and pet allergies. In who suffer from hayfever or dust Find out s. exam g takin n whe use for l idea drowsy side-effects, so they are more at haymax.biz

ified Food Genetically Mod

The latest ne uroresearch show scientific s the reasons for much of your teen’s peculia r behaviour. H igh-tech scan ning equipment ha s revealed th at children’s brai ns are still un der construction until the age of 25. Studies on th e frontal cort ex, which governs deci sion-making, judgement, and impulsion control show s this part of the br ain as a work in progress, and is most suscep tible to copying learnt behaviour. Sc ientists claim that pa rents can high ly influence their children’ s brain develo pment by mod most want to el see. For mor e information, ling the behaviour they newsinhealt check out: h.nih.gov

Hide the veg

Sneak all those ve getables languishing at the bottom of into that family fav the fridge ourite Spag Bol. Chop carrots, lea handful of greens ks and a and cook with the onions and garlic; the mince and to then add matoes. But here ’s the trick – whizz with a hand held a few times blender and bingo ! the children will down their five a be wolfing day none the wise r.

earch simply isn’t the problem. The res By Susan Tomlinson t really – and that’s en rim pe ex an of GM. It’s a bit n rket; the Indian cotto cotton and soya ma conclusive. rn, co US the e nat y domi But GM seeds alread crop. d ourselves. American soya bean w we’re going to fee market and the South ch debate about ho mu is the best is GM re ing the , liev ses be rea s are split between list As our population inc nta me ng the on eri vir alt en chers and e the answer lies in And scientists, resear s that while others believ ect , eff ply sup the t d ou foo ab r d ou g are deeply concerne option for increasin and cs isti log and d wastage politics around foo alth. ellectual our ecology and he und GM is that of int GM may have upon le known issues aro w farmers litt allo and n’t s ou wo nti and nte t co ds own the paten see But one of the most se the r is ing me far tur e fac anies manu usands of years. Th property. The comp y have done for tho tch out for the wa o as r, wh yea les xt eag ne alleg to save seeds for the bear the brunt of the again every year, or forced to buy them . unwanted act their seed contr rs have discovered anyone in breach of ng that some farme ani the seeds , me , ins too pla ex ead n spr tio seeds rld Health Organisa Wo Like all seeds, GM the as use GM to and d ced lan nating their im they’ve been for GM seeds contami ans some farmers cla me is Th g. tin ves can persist after har l patency theft. wanting to sued for a potentia tech companies of seeds or face being mentalists accuse bio on vir nt to provide en wa e t jus som y t the tha s im cla son It is for these rea biotech companies d supply. And yet the own the world’s see . rld wo the g n for feedin a clean, green optio swer; they have the an th sides claiming bo th wi ff stu y ck It’s tri andana-shiva re, visit: ommondreams.org/v so to find out mo ana Shiva at: www.c nd Va er, ign pa cam l GM • The environmenta t manufacturers of te’s, one of the larges spx y.a fet -sa • Monsanto websi od /fo ions/en/ ges m/newsviews/Pa ons/biotech/20quest www.monsanto.co t/foodsafety/publicati .in ho w.w ww n: tio ganisa • World Health Or mfreeze.org GM Freeze: www.g • Take action with

Much of London up for fracking Did you know much of London , including Streatham and Tooting, as well as our beloved parks are up for fracking or other form of oil and gas expl oration? As we go to press, according to the Sunday Times, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (Decc) is about to announce a new round of onshore oil and gas exploration licensing with about two thirds of Britain potentially on offer to exploration companies. A huge anti fracking movement is taking place and if you too, are afraid of its environmental impact you need to voice your opinion now, it is so important to get yourselves heard. There are petitions in a few sites including www.wrong move.org, where you can type in your postcode to discover if your home is in one of the areas the government is consider ing for drilling and possible fracking.

Please credit: © Steve Morgan / Greenpeace

You are what you eat

Frustrated by teen tantrums?

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Sports Listings S –T compiled by Joanna Parry

For the complete list of ALL sports for children in South West London go to our online Directory

We are reaching the end of our challenge: to try and list every single children sporting activity based in SW postcode. We've covered Archery, Badminton, Martial arts to Ruby. Next month will be our last offering with a huge issue on tennis. Don't miss it. To see the complete Sports listing go to www.familiessouthwest.co.uk Directory Queen Mothers Sports Centre 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1V 1EL Right in the heart of Victoria, with a main pool, leisure pool and teaching pool 020 7630 5522 www.better.org.uk/leisure/queenmother-sports-centre

INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS Ironmonger Row Baths 1-11 Ironmonger Row EC1V 3QF A Grade-II listed 1930s Turkish bath, a little rough around the edges. Beneath a stunning top-lit ceiling, wooden spectator benches look down on the 30-metre pool and smaller teaching pool. The Turkish baths are among the few left in London, with a steam room, hot rooms, icy plunge pool, relaxation areas and marble slabs for body scrubs and massages 020 7253 4011 www.better.org.uk/leisure/ironmong er-row-baths

TABLE TENNIS Chelsea Sports Centre Chelsea Manor Street SW3 5PL Table tennis tables for hire 020 7352 6985, chelsea.membership@cannons.co.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk/pdf/clc_courtneysg uide.pdf Ernest Bevin College Beechcroft Road, Tooting SW17 7DF A junior and senior club, welcoming players of all standards from age 6. Junior coaching programmes during term time and school holidays marksmithtabletennis@gmail.com www.bevinttc.co.uk

London Aquatics Centre Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST Swim in the pools of champions in one of London 2012’s best-known venues. Designed for swimmers of all abilities London Aquatics Centre offers a wide-ranging programme of activities from fun and family sessions to lane swimming and diving lessons 0208 536 3150 www.better.org.uk/leisure/londonaquatics-centre, www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co. uk/the-park/venues/aquatics-centre

Southfields Community College/Aspire 333 Merton Rd SW18 5JU Make friends as you play singles, doubles or as part of a team at this table tennis club. Tables also available to hire on a pay-to-play basis 0208 875 2603 www.aspirecentre.com

Oasis Sports Centre 32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AG As well as a heated open-air swimming pool, Oasis Sports Centre has a popular indoor pool and sun terrace, right in the middle of Covent Garden 020 7831 1804 www.better.org.uk/leisure/oasissports-centre

The Oaks Club Old Actonians Sports Association, Gunnersbury Drive, Ealing W5 4LL One of the most friendly and sociable clubs in London, with teams in the South & West Middlesex Table Tennis League in all divisions. All ages and abilities welcome info@the-oaks-club.net www.theoaksclub.talktalk.net

The Porchester Spa The Porchester Centre, Queensway W2 5HS Located in a spectacular 1929 building, this is the spa to come to if you like swimming. It boasts a large pool plus a plunge pool for cooling off after a stint in one of the three Turkish hot rooms 020 7792 3980 www.better.org.uk/leisure/porcheste r-centre

Oasis Table Tennis Club 1a Kennington Road SE1 7QP A club for children and adults of all abilities oasistabletennis.tumblr.com York Gardens Table Tennis Club Fircroft Primary School, Fircroft Road, Tooting SW17 7PP Players of all ages and skill levels, with specific coaching for juniors. Plenty of tables available for play but please bring your own bats, balls and gear. The club runs throughout the school holidays too yorkgardens@gmail.com www.yorkgardensttc.com

Streatham Ice & Leisure Centre 390 Streatham High Rd SW16 6HX The new Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre has reopened with a 25 metre pool plus learner swimming pools, gym and studios 020 8677 5758 www.lambeth.gov.uk/places/streatha m-ice-and-leisure-centre

June 2014

Henry Lamb Tennis

TENNIS All Star Tennis Across Putney, Tooting and Wandsworth After school, weekend and holiday clubs for children of all ability from 5

Grafton Tennis and Squash Club 70a Thornton Road, Balham SW12 0LF Junior tennis coaching from age 3, plus holiday camps 020 8673 2891 www.graftontennisandsquash.info Henry Lamb Tennis Barnes, Fulham and Putney Tennis programmes throughout the school holidays, from age 5 upwards 0203 532 4940 www.henrylamb.co.uk

years upwards 020 8871 4706, info@allstartennis.co.uk www.allstarcoaching.co.uk Furzedown Recreation Centre Ramsdale Road, SW17 9BP Junior tennis coaching from age 4 0208 767 6542, RPettigrew1@wandsworth.gov.uk www.wandsworth.gov.uk Final listing next month! Then we’ll have covered all sports from A-Z. Phew!

Julian Cousins Coaching Clapham Common Tennis Centre, Clapham Common West Side, Wandsworth SW4 9AN LTA mini-tennis, teenage tennis and school holiday programmes for juniors from age 3 07802 851453, julian@tennisteaching.com www.tennis-teaching.com Life-time Tennis Battersea, Clapham, Earlsfield, Putney, Wandsworth and Wimbledon Tennis programmes for juniors throughout term time and in the holidays 07792 600003, admin@lifetimetennis.co.uk www.lifetimetennis.co.uk Tennis to be continued next month

See familiessouthwest.co.uk for other sports A-R… Please mention you found them in “Families” when you call!

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Summer holiday listings We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment. Space is limited in these pages, there are a lot more summer activities online, see them all here: familiessouthwest.co.uk/holidayactivities Compiled by Joanna Parry

Smarty Paints Pottery Studio 85 Nightingale Lane, Balham, SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702, info@smartypaints.co.uk www.smartypaints.co.uk 28 July – 1 August. Summer Holiday Art Workshops Creative art workshops with summer fun theme designs pineapples, palm trees, pets and more! Learn new skills and techniques with a different craft each day including pottery, canvas, t-shirt painting and Decopatch. 10.30am12.30pm, 6-12yrs, £20 per session, snack included

LANGUAGES Club Petit Pierrot At Eddie Catz, First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 020 7385 5565, admincpp@btconnect.com www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 23 and 30 July. Summer Holiday Club Ages 1-4, 2-3pm, £14 per session. Hands-on French sessions where children learn through sensorial activities, arts and crafts, songs,

London Transport Museum 39 Wellington St London WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7423 Children and young people aged 17 and under go free. Adult admission is

Sew Pretty 377 Wimbledon Park Road, London, SW19 6PE www.sewpretty.me.uk me@sewpretty.me.uk 0790 368 1552 July 17th-21st August from 10-1pm or 1.45-4.45pm (full day 9.45am-5pm). £24 (half day) or £48 (full day) Have fun and learn a useful new skill at Katya’s fabulous Wimbledon sewing studio. For little ones, they run craft birthday parties, after-school sewing club and the ever-popular kids sewing camps (age 7-12) & teenage club (age 13-18) during this summer. All materials are included. Each project will be finished at the end of the session so please book as many sessions as you wish.

June 2014

Act Drama dances and movement - and for parents to brush up their French too! Ages 4-11, 10am-1pm, £26 per session. Fun French workshop for children with arts and crafts, singing, dancing, theatre, puppets, language games and role-play. There is also a Summer Holiday Club taking place in St John's Wood/Maida Vale from 24 to 31 July.

MUSIC AND DRAMA Act Drama Streatham and Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Rd SW16 1AW 07976 873161, actdrama@googlemail.com www.actdrama.co.uk 28 July – 1 August. Alice in Wonderland Wow your family and friends, laugh all week long and make new best friends. Jam-packed with activities including drama and outdoor games, music, singing, dancing, props and set making. Age 5-15

Artpeggios Music and Art School Academy 198-200 Earl’s Court Road SW5 9QF 020 7244 4570, info@artpeggios.com www.artpeggios.com July and August dates TBC. Summer Holiday Camps Rock band, singing groups, introduction to DJ, art, Manga, percussion course, magic, shooting movies, acting, mastering Garage Band and more. Age 8 and over

Eddie Catz Putney First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 0845 201 1268 eddiecatz.com 23 July – 14 August. Summer Workshops Fun-filled activities with something for everyone aged 2-12, including Butterfly Ballet Coppelia Workshop, Yogabugs, Playball, Cookie Crumbles and Barnes Film Academy Stop Motion Workshop

Eddie Catz Wimbledon 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 0845 201 1268 eddiecatz.com 25 July – 15 August. Summer Workshops Fun-filled activities with something for everyone aged 2-8, including workshops with the Creation Station, Cookie Crumbles, Dynamic Dance and much much more!

Cont p. 18

£15.00 (£11.50 concessions) and tickets allow unlimited entry for a whole year. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a Tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Summer holiday listings

from p.17

Allsorts Summer Drama Workshops allsortsdrama.com

Applause! Performing Arts summer workshops in Putney. Dance, drama, singing & art for Primary School Children July 14th- 18th Mathilda; July 21st- 25th Robin Hood; July 28th- August 1st The Princess and the Street Wise Frog. For more information please visit applauseforchildren.com

Keep Monkeys swinging Bronwen Jones on 020 8764 5185. wandsworth.tooting@monkeymusic. co.uk Monkey Music, the pre-school

music group for babies and children from 3 months - 5 years, will be running 60 minute holiday workshops in Wandsworth on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout August. Former, new and current pupils alike will be sure of a warm welcome. Any number of sessions may be booked.

Funky Moves Kids Club Oak Lodge School, 101 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NA 020 8772 6556 funkymovesdance.com 28 July – 1 August. Summer Holiday Course Learn funky dance moves, fusing street and commercial dance with tons of fun and enthusiasm. There will be art activities and games plus a fantastic performance for the parents on the last day. 9.30am−12.30pm, age 5–14, £125. Early bird discount £105 for bookings received by 30 June

Perform Drama

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Streatham and Battersea 0800 107 7949, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info July and August dates TBC. Creative Music Workshops Their One Hit Wonder Courses are for 4-8 years and a great taster day for beginner musicians. Keyboard Superstars is a brilliant all-round scheme for 5-8 year olds and is a wonderful way to kick start learning the electronic keyboard

Perform Battersea, Fulham, Notting Hill, Kensington, Kew, Putney and Wimbledon 0845 400 1278, enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 21-25 July, 28 July – 1 August and 4-8 August. Fly Away to Neverland Go on a magical trip to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael as they help rescue

Stagecoach Wimbledon Tinkerbell from the dastardly Captain Hook. Using funky dance and quickwitted improvisation go on a dazzling adventure guaranteed to fire your imagination. With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, put together a fantastic show to delight family and friends. 4-8yrs, times and dates dependent on venue

Mozo Island •Hurlingham School, Putney SW15 •Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1UF 07899-811703, mozoisland@gmail.com www.mozoisland.com 14-25 July. Escape to the Beach Club Sing and play sunny pop songs with guitars, ukulele, keyboards, recorders and drums. Try musical instruments in a fun, relaxed atmosphere and make puppets, posters, puzzles and mini-comics. Children can fire up their musical imaginations whilst developing confidence and new skills. 9.30-12pm

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Summer holiday listings

Funky Monkey

Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Battersea Honeywell School, Honeywell Road, Battersea SW11 6EF 020 8946 2986, email battersea@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea 28 July – 1 August. Summer Holiday Course Put on a show in 5 days. A funpacked week of dance, musical theatre, performance skills, singing and acting! This year they’re off to see the Wizard (with a few Wicked bits for teens!) 4-6 year olds 9.30am12.30pm, £135, 7-16 year olds 10am-4pm, £175

Theatrebugs Balham, Barnes, Battersea, Clapham and Fulham 0800 975 5290, enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk 21 July – 22 August. Summer Workshop - The First Ever Whale Story Five fun filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up before you hit the stage. Perry Pirate parks his pirate ship on top of the Sula Sea Fairy’s house. Luckily the tiniest fish in the ocean uses all his energy to help out. Dates and times vary depending on venue, age 3.5-6 years, from £125, sibling discounts available

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Wimbledon Ricards Lodge High School, Lake Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HB 020 8946 3400, wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon 28 July – 1 August and 4-8 August. Performing Arts Workshops Put on a musical show in a week-

Upbeat Music Chelsea and Fulham 07816 901396, upbeatmusic@btinternet.com

www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk July and August dates TBC. Holiday Experiences Write your own song and record it onto a CD, then perform it with the band. Sessions cover lyric writing, song structure, harmony and chords, plus give your child the chance to play drums, keyboards, guitars and sing. Unleash your creativity and have fun at the same time! No prior experience needed. Age 5-12, 10am4pm each day

SPORT Tennis coaching Chelsea, Hurlingham Park, Fulham and Kensington 079441 86743 coaches@bodyswottennis.co.uk www.bodyswottennis.co.uk Holiday tennis camps, indoor mini tennis, junior performances and adult classes too, From 2 to 75yrs! LTA Licensed with CRB certification, vast amount of coaching experience. Incorporates Bio-mechanical correction information into lesson plans to enhance tactics, mental awareness, strength and

conditioning. The courts are all weather hard courts, set within idyllic private gardens!

Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468, golf@clgc.co.uk www.clgc.co.uk 7 July – 22 August. Summer Golf Camps What better way to spend the holidays than improving your golf with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks? For children of all levels. Includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions, skill challenges and prizes. £30 per half day 9am-12pm, £40 per full day 9am–3pm

The Little Gym Riverside West, Wandsworth SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk www.thelittlegym.co.uk Throughout July and August. Summer Holiday Fun The ever popular 3-hour camps – lots of fun, and your children will gain new skills and develop their confidence.

Bees Knees Nursery School 12 Priory Lane, Putney SW15 5JQ Tel: 020 8876 8252

A caring, lively, happy and stimulating environment for 2-5 year olds (Two year old grants available) “All my children have loved this very special nursery”

June 2014

Cont p. 20

long course with a performance for friends and family. Work with a professional team of directors to develop confidence and skills in acting, dancing and singing in a memorable and inspiring week. 4-6 years half days, 7-16 years full days

or 12.30-3pm £20, 9.30-3pm £35. Quote 'Families' for £5 discount

The Little Gym

from p.19

Summer holiday listings Kiddikicks Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.couk July and August dates TBC. Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the summer holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place.

Fun, games and excitement whilst being introduced to all aspects of sports, in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-7 years, 9am- 12pm £25, 9am-3pm £40. Plus a Junior Camp for 7-10 years

CAMPS Activ Camps

East Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney, Streatham and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk 21 July – 8 August. Summer Swimming Courses One-week intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semiprivate basis. 3-9yrs.

•Emanuel School, SW11 1HS •Wimbledon College SW19 4NS •Barnes Sports Club SW13 9QL 07896 546067, info@activcamps.com www.activcamps.com 14 July - 29 August. Multi-activity Camps Non-stop, fun-filled and actionpacked! Dodgeball, quad biking, inflatables, water slides, indoor rock climbing, swimming, crazy crash mats, foam stick hockey and obstacle courses. Age 4-14, from £37 per day, discounts for siblings. Dates dependent on venue.

Urban Ascent

All Star Tennis

Unit 5 Parsons Green Depot, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham SW6 4HH 020 7751 0913, info@urbanascent.co.uk www.urbanascent.co.uk From 21 July throughout August. Kids Clubs Rock Climbing. One-hour long kids clubs very Tuesday and Thursday during the summer holidays at 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm. £12 per session, ages 5+

Wandsworth Common, Wandsworth Park, King Georges Park, Tooting Bec Common, Leaders Gardens, Putney, Furzedown Rec and National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Roehampton. 020 8871 4706 in@allstartennis.co.uk www.allstartennis.co.uk Holiday camps. For ages 5 to 7 years mini-tennis activities include co-ordination, balance, movement and group games. For ages 8 to 14 years, courses increase awareness of the game, teach appropriate techniques and provide experience of tennis drills, tactics, biomechanical principles, team games and tournaments.

SwimWay

Youngstars Balham, Clapham, Putney and Parsons Green 07920 426499, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk Throughout July and August. Youngstars Holiday Camps

Super Camps

All Star Tennis

* Putney High School, SW15 6BH * Wimbledon High School, SW19 * Streatham and Clapham High School, Wavertree Road, Streatham Hill SW2 3SR 01235 467300 supercamps.co.uk 14 July – 29 August. Multi-Activity Camps Fun, action-packed and stimulating day camps for children aged 4-14. From £34pd, dates per venue.

Mini-Engineers Recently launched in South Kensington and Wimbledon, MiniEngineers is a children’s Innovation

Nightingale Montessori Summer camp at the nursery begins 7th July for 2 weeks. Open to any child. St Stephen's Church Hall, Weir Road SW12 0NU 07930 401769. www.nightingale montessori.co.uk Mini-Engineers Lego and Inspiration Lab (“iLab”) offering weekly LEGO classes, holiday LEGO camps, specialised LEGO workshops for children ages 5 to 11 years. Inspiring young minds is at the heart of everything they do! Events on 7, 8, 14/15, 21, 22 and 28th June plus 5th July and 29/31st July. •Camps from 10th July to 1st August: Story Telling and Creative Writing Camp (14-18 July). By the Seaside Camp (10-11 July). Transportation Camp (14-18 July, 2125 July). Aerospace Camp (14- 18 July, 21-25 July). Wild Animal and Habitat Camp (28 July to 1st August) Descriptions and booking online. www.mini-engineers.com

Inkhead creative writing workshops Northcote Library Clapham, SW11 plus venues in SE13, SE24, N10 and N6. £90 to £135 inkhead.co.uk 28-30 July: Creative writing course (age 7 to 9) Go and write stories, their illustrator will draw your characters and they will show you how to put them into your own story. 7-8 August: Creative writing course (age 13 +) Feedback on your writing and spend time working on developing your writing using prompts and exercises. 11-13 August: Creative writing course (age 10 to 12) 20-22 August: Crime Busting course (age 9 to 12).

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing. For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now Battersea 020 8946 Fulham 0845 202 New Malden 020 8540 Putney 0845 265 Tooting 020 8942 Wimbledon 020 8946 www.stagecoach.co.uk

June 2014

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Party feature

Two big thing matte r when s that to you it com r pa es planni rty going we ll ng, an d luck

Fabulous parties at every age A birthday party is a ritual of childhood and an event that’s remembered forever. So the pressure is on – how do you ensure success and survival (both your own and your home’s)? Joanna Moorhead guides you through what’s best, age by age.

0-3 years

4-6 years

At this stage parties can be a bit more am here: bitious rs te and at a time when it is we m at th e word ll worth investing in be n ca ies There’s just on a gre tin r at fo entertainer: they are es rti pa y da experts, know how simplicity. Birth but they don’t crowd control while to s, air aff le ab producing shrieks and emor h expense marvellous, m honest laughs. However do to involve muc or te ra n’t bo ass um e, ela e that to put on a nc need to be great bash you need props. In esse to spend lots of mo ent or special much as for as ney. At or entertainm s thi up s nage ow chi gr ldr en can have loads of g for the ults will fun without a big you’re caterin outlay; later on, wh is stage, the ad th at e us ca en ve be the y’re tweens and tee to ha the children – you’ll be under pre ns, ore than likely ssure to shell out big (and you’re m ). ell -time, so w definitely stay do as n’t ix pre m e -em th pt in tha ts t r no en fo w. ar e A dp ac party at home or in a few gran easy, safe sp the local park can be creating a fun, huge fun; traditional plenty of toys games will ith Concentrate on party w e ac sp be ay popular, and if you a soft pl e adults boat want to push the the children – d make sure th out a bit consider inv an – l ea id n is re ild esting in a bouncy cas strewn around y calm, the ch or if home really isn tle; ’t a possibility, a sof d-for: if they sta with a bit of a will be hassle t play centre are well catere ng hi et m so t an -fr w ee , u if mo yo e If re . ak ex pensive. Themed will as well parties are great for ars’ picnic? M this age group, and out a teddy be their favourite actually make they theme, how ab ke ta to rs be life simpler for the remem e will be pirate party organiser: a sure everyone though, or ther theme is always po d en e th at e pular, or sea creatu cuddlies hom res, or pick up on your chi ld’s favourite book e! or TV tears at bedtim programme. Dress ing up is a big hit for this age group too.

7-9 years

stage, whether Activities work a treat at this hall or at a park. rch you’re at home or in a chu option, think about get -bud low and ular For a pop out all the gh wei – e a baking party at hom n arrive, get them to dre chil the re befo nts edie ingr then pop them in the mix and decorate them and a few party games play oven to bake while you peasy; have a range easy are uits bisc ead (shortbr es). shap of cutters for exciting

10-12 years

Older children like going out to party. To keep costs down, en the courage a small er number of gu – think about a ests trip to the seas ide or to an exciting adventure playg round they ’ve no t visited before and remember , that the journey can be as much fun as the activ ity at the end of it. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, a tri p to a climbing an ice rink, a bo wall, wling rink or a go-karting cent can be wonder re ful fun too.

The golden rules Never have a party that lasts more than two hours The younger the child, the fewer the guests Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks to charity and pound shops – but always have them, they’re hugely popular Have a plan mapped out for what should happen when

Party food tips Food doesn’t need to be complicated It does need to include options – many children won’t eat ham/cheese/eggs/grapes/pizza Don’t overface guests with too much food Putting cup cakes rather than slices of cake into party bags makes life easier

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Party feature

On trend with a green party Photography courtesy of Umoya Photography www.umoyaphotography.com

s :

The sky has been the limit for kids’ parties in recent years – some parents spend thousands on making sure their child’s birthday treat goes with a swing. But the latest trend is to spend less and to be more environmentally-friendly. Joanna Moorhead reports

After two decades of organising birthday parties for my four children, one truth is crystal clear to me: spending a lot doesn’t guarantee a successful bash. On the contrary, you can host a brilliant party that goes down in the history of your child’s friendship group for a reasonably small amount of money. The fact is, there are only two big things that matter when it comes to your party going well: planning, and luck. Planning means thinking ahead, having a timetable (even a rough one, in your head; better still a written-down one, in your notebook or on your iPad). Luck means the sun shines, no-one scrapes their knee, the candles

June 2014

light when you strike the matches and the camera doesn’t stop working as you’re poised for the essential, round-the-cake shot.

Here’s our Families top tips on how to have a party that goes with a swing – and is green…

Given that most of us have realised that spending doesn’t a good party make (though a bit of outlay is inevitable, and it’s crucial to spend wisely), many parents have also got to thinking that it’s a shame so many parties involve so much waste. We put too much food out on the table; too much gets messy and left and ends up being thrown in the bin. And, given that we’re all trying to be more environmentally-friendly, parties seem like a good (and reasonably easy) place to start.

Don’t overdo the food. Don’t pile too much on the table; have more in the fridge or on standby to whip out if needed Don’t use paper plates – it’s easy to scrape them quickly and chuck them in the dishwasher Buy big packets of eg biscuits, crisps etc. Not only does that mean less waste, it’s also cheaper – and many of the ‘healthier’ brands of, eg, crisps only come in big packets Shop-bought cakes are stuffed with sugar, so make your own: and if you don’t make cakes, try to find a local, homebased cakemaker who will do one for you. We are great fans of story tellers and magicians at Families and have had absolutely wonderful parties being entertained by some of our local professionals. .. sometimes it is just sooo worth it! Blow the budget and really enjoy it!

Party feature

Your local Parties Guide (Keep it somewhere safe and handy) See also www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/directory

ACTIVE PARTIES Action Station

ages and budgets. You’ll enjoy playtime in the giant adventure playframe, multi-sports pitch and toddler areas. You get our own private party room, a Party Host who will attend to your guests every need, a scrumptious meal with plenty to drink, all rounded up with a visit from Eddie Catz, their furry feline mascot who will bring the goody bags. As well as their popular “Eddie Party” (3-10 ), they throw Toddler Parties for under 3’s, evening Laser Tag parties (6-12 year) and Glitz and Disco Parties for pre-teens. To find out more www.eddiecatz.com

Kiddikicks

Imaginative interactive storytelling parties. Choose from mermaids, funky witches and wizards, fairies or princesses, pirates, knights or cowboys, spies or drama parties. Clowns, magicians, jugglers, circus skills experts, face painters, make-up artists and DJs also available. 0870 770 2705 www.theactionstation.co.uk

The home of epic sports birthday parties for children aged 2 to 12 years in London and the South East. Themes range from football to hockey to sports day. 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk

The London Karting Company Kids karting is now mobile and taken to the road with its large inflatable circuit and fantastic F1 styled electric

Amanda’s Action Club

Rugbytots Jam packed with rugby-themed play and party games, Rugbytots birthday parties are suitable for children as young as 2. Parents are encouraged to get involved too, which for many is an added bonus. Rugbytots combines the multiple skills used in rugby, with a fun, enthusiastic and energetic programme designed to enhance your child's social and physical skills. 0845 481 6444 or contact Lorna at lorna@rugbytots.co.uk

Urban Ascent Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30, 14:30 and 17:30 they run private birthday parties for up to 16 children. Participants must be over 5 years old. 020 7751 0913 for further information and to book a session.

ARTS & CRAFTS, COOKING AND SCIENCE PARTIES Busy Bakers

London's sought-after children's party entertainment company. Their talented creative team offer unique, dynamic and energetic parties for children aged 1-12yrs. For children under 5, they provide props, music and amazing activities, for the older children breakdance, street dance and pop parties. www.amandasactionclub.co.uk info@amandasactionclub.co.uk 01895 623 999

Eddie Catz Fantastic fun for all ages, Eddie Catz in Wimbledon and Putney offer a variety of party packages to suit all

kids karts. Private kids karting parties are available in Battersea (SW11) or Dulwich (SE21). They run an exclusive “mini-motorsport” event with full safety equipment, live race commentary, medals and a podium presentation. They attend numerous outdoor events in the area so why not just try a test drive. 020 8677 8677 www.londonkarting.com

Little Gym Fantastic birthday parties at The Little Gym of Wandsworth and Fulham. Children love them and so do parents. Their parties are full of fun gymnastic based games, activities, music and laughter. For all ages and led by their trained staff in their bright and colourful facility. 020 8874 6567 wandsworth_fulham @thelittlegym.co.uk

Busy Bakers provides bespoke party entertainment in the comfort of your home or venue with kitchen facilities. Combining arts & crafts, baking and traditional party games to ensure a unique experience for your little ones. Their parties cater for children aged between 3-12 years and are based in South West London. www.busybakers.co.uk 07766 135 906 info@busybakers.co.uk

Chocolate Delight Parties Looking for a deliciously different children’s party idea? Children’s Chocolate Parties from the creators of Bournemouth’s amazing Chocolate Boutique Hotel are the perfect way of entertaining 7-12 year olds. Children get to learn how to write in chocolate, make chocolate pizzas, create chocolate truffles and then package them. What they make then goes into their party bags to take home. There’s even a chocolate

fountain flowing throughout! What’s more, the organisers will come to you, so you can hold the party in your own home or a venue of your choice. 01202 556 857 childrenschocolateparties.co.uk

DeeLight Bakery Birthday parties for budding young cake designers. All inclusive children's baking and decorating party in a private academy in a real working bakery for girls and boys age 4 up to adults. Different levels for different ages; children choose what they would like to make from a range of models. Equipment, aprons, drinks and birthday cake included. Min 6 participants with a max of 16 children. From £25 per person. 020 8672 0250 www.deelightbakery.com

Sew Pretty craft party If your child is between 6 and 14 years and enjoys making craft, sewing and learning a new skill while having fun, what about a Sew Pretty party? Choose between animals, monsters, bugs and owls, cute dog, cute bag, cushion with Appliqué etc At the end of the party children will leave with their very own 'Sew Pretty' party creation. 0790 368 1552 www.sewpretty.me.uk

DRAMA Allsorts Drama for children Allsorts offer fantastic original themed drama parties. “Understanding how important birthday parties are to children, we want them to have the most fabulous party ever! Our parties are always a whirl of excitement, fly to the world of make believe, become a Film star, Magician or Detective. Explore the drama of murder mysteries. The only limit is your imagination!” 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Allsorts also run term time classes, holiday courses and private tuition.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Party feature characters to become and different worlds to explore. It is jam packed with storytelling, imaginative play, drama games and good old fashioned fun! BabyBug parties launching soon for 1-2 year olds! “The perfect solution for a party to remember!” Rosie’s mum, Barnes. Prices start from £142. 0800 975 5290 enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk

Dramabuds adventure parties Transport your child's party to the land of make believe and captivate imaginations. With over 14 themes to choose from including Jungle Adventure, Pirates, Fairytale Land, Superheroes and Magical Toys there's sure to be a dramabuds party your child will love! Each party includes lively songs, drama, dancing, games, parachute fun and bubbles. For 2 - 7 year olds. 020 8669 2355 info@dramabuds.co.uk www.dramabuds.co.uk

ENTERTAINERS Adam Ants

Freedom Productions

Adam Ants and his team have several years of experience in entertaining children. They offer terrific shows for the kids from 1 year olds - 10 year olds with magic, balloon modelling, puppets, music, dancing, singing, disco parties, sports parties, be my bear teddy parties, art parties. They offer Face Painters, tables and chair hire and lots, lots more. 020 8959 1045 www.adamantsparties.co.uk info@adamantsparties.co.uk

Themed children’s parties with a difference. Freedom Partyz are dedicated to creating healthy, alternative and dynamic themed parties. They believe children are the key for the future. Their workshops and parties aim to incorporate a healthy aspect to learning to play for the idea of play’s sake. They focus on the creative imagination and movement exploration through light, joyful, fun and theatrical techniques. 0782 456272 Samantha@Freedomproductions.org www.freedomproductions.org

+ SPECIAL OFFER – for Families SW readers only - 25% off all midweek parties between June and September 2014.

Boo Boo

Perform Parties Perform Parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Choose a theme and watch the guests enjoy lots of lively games, songs and improvisations. There are packages to suit 1-3, 4-8 and 8-12 year-olds, and even the invitations are included. 0845 400 1278 www.perform.org.uk/parties

Stagecoach Explore the magical world of "Stagecoach Parties" where they will take your child on a roller coaster ride through their imagination and land them safely back home with some amazing party memories. They will come either at your home, if space permits, or to a hired venue. Stagecoach Parties are packed full of fun, lively party entertainment including dramatic games, fabulous songs and fun for everyone. Themed Parties (for ages 4-10yrs) or Murder Mysteries (for ages 11-16yrs) 020 8946 3400 wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk 020 8946 2986 battersea@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk

Theatrebugs Theatrebugs adventure drama parties for 2-8 years. A Theatrebugs party is an interactive fun filled journey crammed with tasks to be completed,

June 2014

Recommended by the Evening Standard. Lots of laughter, fun and games, mini disco, balloon modelling, silly juggling, magic tricks and puppet show! www.mr-booboo.co.uk. 07961 355 269

Charlie the Clown Charlie entertains children of all ages and offers a variety of entertainment clown and magic shows, singing, dancing, games, balloon modelling, story-telling and puppets. Charlie also performs as Captain Bluster the Pirate, Mr Wiz the Wizard and Egbert the Explorer. Children are kept busy, happy and entertained throughout the party! www.charlietheclown.co.uk 07808 732 390

Eliza Do Alot Packs so much into your child’s party making it the best party in town. A full magic show, interactive storytelling, puppets and dance routines and games, and model balloons for every child to go home with, your party will be the talk of town! Any theme catered for from Hermione’s distant cousin Eliza the witch, to a fairy princess, Jessie from toy story, Minnie Mouse to even an astronaut space girl, and super hero. elizadoalot@hotmail.com www.pottersparties.co.uk 07779 271 655

Party feature Lydie A bilingual French and English entertainer who will transform your house or choice of venue into a minitheatre with her extraordinary props, creating a magical space where the children play an active role in the unfolding dramas. Choose from Peter Pan, Aladdin, Batman, Robin Hood, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Lion King, and many more. New! Discos for teenagers up to 13 years old and Fashion Show Tea Parties. Recommended by Time Out, Tatler and Vogue. 020 7662 2540. www.lydieparties.com

Silly Millie the clown A funky clown that kids love to hang out with. She sings, does magic and is very silly. If you would like her to come to your child’s party 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

Theo The Magician Recently voted ‘one of the UK’s Favourite Entertainers and The Best Business In The Community’ for his fundraising and community work. Theo is an Interactive Fun Magician for both children and adults. His two hour party shows with magic, plate

competitions. Drama and themed shows for all ages. Tony Macaroni on 020 8442 0122.

PAMPERING AND FACEPAINTING Miss Dee Faced Is a professionally trained children’s face painter and entertainer. She can bring any party to life if requested by organising party games, and balloon modelling. She can come to the party as Miss Dee Faced or your child's favourite character. She is based near Victoria and is happy to travel within London. Laura 0742 517 6126

Magical Designs Magical Designs has an excellent reputation providing Face Painting and Balloon Modelling for 10 years throughout London and the surrounding areas. Contact them for a memorable occasion whether a small family party or a large corporate event. Susie 07814925462. For testimonials and further information please visit www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

MUSIC AND DANCE

spinning and games are his most popular shows. Age group: 1- 101. 07711 724 129 theo@magictheo.com www.magictheo.com

Tony Macaroni “London's favourite entertainer,” with fun packed parties for 3 to 11 years. Games, dancing, storytelling and magic and puppet shows. Delicious macaroni lollipops. Junior disco with full flashing lights and

Funky Moves Offers a range of fantastic and super cool dance parties for kids aged 516. The parties are fun and friendly yet structured and well organised...the kids absolutely love them. The parties include learning age appropriate dance moves, games, makeovers, prizes, and an amazing performance for the parents. The fantastic team are all professional dancers, who are working in music videos and dance productions as well as being fully qualified Funky Moves dance teachers. 07810 431 101 www.funkymovesdance.com info@funkymovesdance.com

Upbeat Music Parties Record a CD, choreograph your favourite song, have a photo-shoot and create a performance all in 2 hours! They bring their recording studio to you, with a choreographer, vocal coach and sound engineer. Everyone receives an original CD.The most unique and fun party in London. 07816 901 396 upbeatmusic@btinternet.com www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk

PARTY PLANNERS

Kensington Ballet

Boo! Parties

Blueberry parties are lively, interactive musical parties for 0 - 5 years. One of their talented entertainers will play guitar and sing songs with joining in, actions, jumping games, dancing and instruments. Perfect for little ones! A 45-minute session in Central London is £105. Call them to check availability on 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk facebook.com/Blueberry.Playsongs

Party Entertainment with a dancing difference! Karen and her team of classically trained dancers offer a magical, themed party experience that will remain a treasured childhood memory that will linger for years to come. The ballerinas will entertain through a combination of music and movement based on classical and modern storylines familiar to the children. Party games and drama encourage a dance inspired afternoon of imagination and wonder that all can participate in. 07957 650042 www.kensingtonballet.com

Don’t just do parties, they do Story Book Adventures. Let your child go on a spectacular adventure with the characters from their favourite story. You can even choose a fabulous theatrical setting for your adventure – perhaps a Pirates Cove, a Pink Princess Land, a Superhero City or a Fairy Glade. Charlotte, their children’s party planner is on 020 8542 1480.

Caterpillar Music

Rockstars

Full of fun activities and surprises. A combination of simple birthday party games, action songs, instruments and amazing puppets provide a special party where young children can join in as much as they want to... To book a party in: SW4, SW11, SW17 or SW18 contact Shumi on 020 8540 1762. For SW19 and SM4 contact Helen on 020 8286 3754 www.caterpillarmusic.com

Specialise in giving you a party to remember. They run one and two hour parties for children and adults as well as studio experiences for those who play their own instruments. An ideal way to celebrate your birthday if you love music and love to sing. www.rockstarsparties.co.uk jessica@rockstarsparties.co.uk 020 8767 1125

Blueberry Playsongs

Theo The Magician

Funky Moves

It’s A Kids Thing! Let this great activity centre in SW18 take all the stress out of your party planning, they plan, organise and host your party. Choose from their great themes, including Princess, Superheroes, Fairy & Pirates & DJ Laser Disco. Exclusive Hire parties starting at only £250. Optional extras including adult catering, beautiful hand-made birthday cakes and face painting. 279 Magdalen Rd, London SW18 3NZ www.itsakidsthing.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Party feature

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PARTYdirectory

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/Directory We regularly update it Familiesonline.co.uk reaches 300,000 Page Impressions a month

June 2014

速

Party feature SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT Skateboarding

BOO! Parties

Gambado Premier Indoor play and party centre. 2 hours of fun filled play on their giant frame, full scale climbing wall, parties include Lazertag, make a bear, princess party and S.W.A.T. Gambado Chelsea www.gambado.com (£1 entry with voucher in FSW’s May issue, or download it from www.familiessouthwest.co.uk, valid until 11th July)

Chiswick Schools skateboarding holiday club. Skateboarding is fun for all to enjoy. Parties are tailored to the ability levels of the children to the rate at which they progress giving both skilled and beginners the benefit to develop together without keeping up with any schedule. Portable equipment, skateboards, pads and helmets, you can use a private space at the Westway Sports Centre. Refreshments and birthday cake afterwards. www.chiswickschools.co.uk

Battlefield Live Battlefield Live is a combat game using realistic gaming guns with infrared technology, which are totally safe – no bruises or pain – just fun! The recruits will be deployed to base camp where the Officers will kit them up with camouflage clothing, face paint, and their very own gaming gun, then after a full brief on the objectives of the mission and safety ... These parties can be enjoyed by anyone aged 8+ at The Battlefield in Brook (between Godalming and Haslemere). www.battlefieldlivesurrey.co.uk 01428 682887.

The Pop Up Music Café The singing party with vintage style for children aged 7 to 70! Vintage dress up clothes, musical party

Mini-Engineers LEGO parties

A long-established party shop offers party rental. Sweet little tables and chairs from only 99p. FREE balloons with each order. 176 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, London, SW6 2UQ 020 7731 4128 info@circuscircus.co.uk www.circuscircus.co.uk

Gymboree

Indoor play centres are great places to have birthday parties, see our recently updated listing of ALL indoor play centres in SW London and nearby on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/ directory

VENUES AND SUPPLIERS Circus Circus

Inspire young minds with a LEGO party. Mini-engineers will help you tailor your party by activity type,

Fabulous parties with activities including musical games, arts & crafts and imaginary stories where children and parents play along and join in the fun. Venues in Kensington & Chelsea and more, see www.gymboree-uk.com

Battlefield Live

Elves and Ovens Ruby from The Pop Up Music Café Mini-Engineers Lego group size and age. Your child can either select from a favourite Model Build, Creative Theme Build or MiniEngineers Activity. For children ages 5 to 11 years. www.mini-engineers.com

games, karaoke with vintage staging.…fabulous entertainment for your wannabe singing stars. Grab a feather boa and get ready to glam it like Glee! 07739 079368 Party@thepopupmusiccafe.co.uk www.thepopupmusiccafe.co.uk

A children's party catering company providing delicious, home-made food and treats for unforgettable parties to children of all ages. Food boxes, proper tea, party food, grown up food, balloons, little furniture, entertainers, staff, party bags and more. hungry@elvesandovens.com 020 8961 7477 www.elvesandovens.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Party feature Party Plus

LEISURE CENTRES

Have a retail shop in Chiswick, West London and also a mail order company www.mypartyparcel.co.uk They are proud to offer one of the largest selections of themed partyware available from stock – Skylanders, One Direction, Peppa Pig, Clone Wars, Doctor Who, Pirate, Princesses and many more. Holy Communion barriers and foil balloons are currently available from stock. 020 8994 1674.

Balham Fun for under 5s. A wide range of parties: Tumble time, bouncy castle and traditional party games. Pool Party includes invitations, music, party organisers and party coach. All you need is to bring the food and the children! 020 8772 9577. (max. 20 children)

Cannon Mitcham

Pappa Ciccia Pizza Parties

Under 5’s Toddlers World Party with bouncy castle, slides and ball park. Under 8’s can enjoy Wet’n’Wild swimming parties in the teaching pool or Kool Krew parties with bouncy castle and party games. Football parties provided for any age. Max 20 children. Weekends only. 020 8640 8543.

Al Fresco!! Pappa Ciccia are passionate about the more traditional, relaxing parties that we all used to have. New delivery service. In May they delivered to Bishop’s park to seven different “party” families. Everyone was thrilled, a great day out in the open air and fabulous freshly baked pizza. Also pasta, salads and drinks, homemade gelato so all you have to do is enjoy your stress free day. 020 7384 1884 or order through their New App pappaciccia.com Buon appetito !

Latchmere Battersea

Mexicolore

Parties all week. Bouncy castle and traditional party game. Football, Street dance, Big splash, Trampoline, Disco Bounce, Tumble Time, Wet and Wild, Playzone, Super bounce party, Multisports. 020 7207 8004.

Lovely range of party pinatas www.mexicolore.co.uk

Morden Park Pool

Shop. Large cakes and cupcakes in Kensington. Cake decorating parties for children. www.buttercupcakeshop.co.uk

Parties in either teaching pool or main pool for £80 (£10 less if member). Both include 1 hour swimming and 45 minutes in party room. Saturdays and Sundays. 020 8640 6727

Party4All

Tooting

Buttercup cakes

Playzone (soft play for under 4s). Big Splash (for swimmers over 9) in main pool. Wet’n’Wild in teaching pool for non-swimmers (9 and under). Adventureland bouncy castle and party games. Trampoline with coach. Supersports (mixed games). Streetjazz. You can bring your own

They provide a helium balloon service for all your special needs. They also cater for parties for little ones with little pressies to fill those gift bags. And they do costumes, cards and party accessories for all occasions. 020 7736 6526 or 07903 859 535. www.party4alluk.com

June 2014

Private cinema and diner! The Exhibit is one of the most popular bars, Cinema and Diner in South West London, but as well as being an established part of Balham’s nightlife it is also an extremely popular venue for parents wanting to entertain their children or hosting birthday parties. The Exhibit Cinema is perfect for children’s parties. You just need to bring the kids, provide the film you want to watch on either DVD or BluRay, then sit back and relax while the movie keeps the children entertained. The cinema has comfy leather sofas, which can fit up to 30 children depending on their age and is available for private hire all day during weekends at a cost of £75 an hour. There is also an after school special rate from 4pm to 6pm that is at the reduced fee of £100 for two hours Monday to Thursday during term time. As well as private children’s parties, during school holidays The Exhibit also host 'Funky Moves Kid’s Club'. For just £15, each child will eat a packed lunch in The Exhibit's luxury private cinema whilst watching a film. They will then learn a cool dance to a song from the film they have just watched and then do a mini performance for the parents. The rest of the venue is also child friendly in the daytime so it is ideal to host family gatherings such as first birthdays or Christenings in their private hire rooms. For more information visit their website, www.theexhibit.co.uk or call them on 020 8772 6556. food or tea + party bags provided (see with the centre for price). All parties Saturday or Sunday. 020 8333 7555.

Ice skating birthday party

organise your party and assist with preparing the children for the ice. Package includes skating, party room, food. £129.50 for up to 10 children and £12.95 per child thereafter. Penguin skating aids available to hire. www.better.org.uk

Streatham’s brand new ice rink provides a staff member to help

Party feature Wandle Playzone with outdoor area party for young children. Sports hall party (bouncy castle, soft play, ball games). Mixed games in whole hall (5 a side, basketball, badminton, netball). Bouncy castle and mixed games party. Picnic area available with table and benches. Weekends only except Adventure Zone. 020 8871 1149.

BOWLING ALLEYS All Star Lanes 6 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB 020 7313 8363 www.allstarlanes.co.uk

Queens 17 Queensway, Bayswater, London, W2 4QP 020 7229 0172 www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk

London museum of water and steam www.kbsm.org/venue-hire/ childrens-birthday-parties

London Dungeons Definitely one for the older ones. www.the-dungeons.co.uk

Lyric Theatre A theatre show with a party afterwards. www.lyric.co.uk/visitus/ eat-drink-relax

Odds Farm Park A day at the farm with everything thrown in – all you need to do is bring the kids and the cake. Woburn Common Road, Woburn Common High Wycombe HP10 0LX 01628 520188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Days out parties

Science Museum

Bekonscot model village and railway

WWT London wetland centre

For the little train fanatics in your life. www.bekonscot.co.uk

See an IMAX movie and party afterwards. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Pond dipping and creepy crawly hunts followed by a picnic in the Tower. www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/london

Wetlands pond dipping

Ly d i e

Visit our online ®

C h i l d r e n’ s Pa r t i e s 0207 622 2540

PARTYdirectory

The Unique Birthday Experience The theatre of Peter Pan, Superheroes, Fairies,Arabian Nights and more... In your home! Unforgettable Bilingual English/French www.lydieparties.com

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/Directory We regularly update it Familiesonline.co.uk reaches 300,000 Page Impressions a month

Silly Millie the Clown Parties for 3-9 year olds Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, Party Games, Silly Songs and Balloon Animals Call 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

THEO THE MAGICIAN “Voted one of the UK’s Favourite The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB Fun Magic for Children & Adults

07711 724129 www.magictheo.com

Clown Pirate Jester Wizard

www.charlietheclown.co.uk

07808 732 390 Astronaut, Magician, Explorer

Mr Krinkles • Magic • Clowning • Games & laughter

07803 684375 www.mrkrinkles.co.uk

Face Painting & Balloon Modelling Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on

Local Summer fairs, fetes & festivals See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Rutherford House School Summer Fair 217 Balham High Road SW17 7BS 7 June. Loads of activities for the kids and a BBQ to keep you going! 10am1pm

St. Michael's School Summer Fete Viewfield Road, Southfields SW18 14 June. A great family day out with a Hollywood/Bollywood theme. Giant slides, bouncy castle, Asian food stall, ANZAC BBQ, tea tent, plant stall, traditional side stall games and live entertainment including Bollywood dance workshop. 12pm-4pm

Medieval Midsummer Festival The Rookery, top of Streatham Common, SW16 3XB. Free Parking. 020 8 772 3504 or info@waldorflondon.co.uk or waldorflondon.co.uk Sat 14 June, from 12 to 6pm. Fun filled family event now in its third year featuring Peterkin the Jester(www.peetcooper.co.uk), TriArchery, Little Farm, Traders Market, live music & dance, Pimms Inn and Fresh Food Cafe, Children's activities inc The Enchanted Wood, Story Telling, Craft Activities, Face-painting and much more. Free for under 18s, Adult £2.50pp.

Allfarthing School Summer Fair St. Ann’s Crescent, Wandsworth SW18 2LR 14 June. With the World Cup as their theme, don’t miss this exciting school fair! 12-3pm, £1 adults, children free.

Streatham and Clapham High School Summer Fair 42 Abbotswood Rd, London SW16 1AW www.schs.gdst.net 21 June. With dog show, candyfloss, raffle, bungee run, auction and farmer’s market. 12.30-4pm

Finton House Summer Fete 171 Trinity Road SW17 7HL www.fintonhouse.org.uk 22 June. 3 - 6pm

Abbeville Fete

than 50 street stalls, a street BBQ and bar, a dedicated kids zone and events including live music and even a dog beauty pageant, the Abbeville Fete has activities and fun for all the family. 2pm to 4pm.

June 2014

Cont p. 32

Abbeville Road, Clapham SW4 www.abbevillefete.com 28 June. Celebrating London’s diversity, community spirit and local enterprise by bringing Londoners together in raising funds for local causes. With more

from p.31

What’s on Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong...

Drama See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN bac.org.uk Our Fathers Mike’s dead dad’s friend’s daughter wants him to father her child. His boyfriend Bert isn’t convinced. 7.30pm, £12, £9 11-14 June

Chicken Shed Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk Tales from the Shed Vibrant, interactive theatre shows perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. 0-7yrs, £6 27-29 June

The Colour House Theatre Watermill Way SW19 2RD colourhousetheatre.co.uk Beauty and the Beast Poor Prince David has been turned into a beast by an evil witch. Will Beauty be kind and fall in love with him to break the spell? 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 To 29 June

Shakespeare's Globe 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com Antony and Cleopatra Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, has bewitched the great Mark Antony, one of the three rulers of the Roman Empire. When Antony quarrels with his fellow leaders his infatuation threatens to split the Empire in two. Times and dates vary as this production is in rep

Little Angel Theatre N1 2DN Littleangeltheatre.com Skitterbang Island Lost on a bleak and craggy island in the very north of the world, a brave little girl meets a strange and curious creature. In his cave full of metal and junk washed up from the sea, he shows her his newest treasure. But who does it really belong to? Age 36, £12/£10 To 15 June Jungle Book Mowgli the ‘man-cub’ finds fun and friendship as he learns to live by the Law of the Jungle. Mowgli’s wild adventures in the dangerous world he inhabits are brought to life with shadow theatre, original music and colourful digital projections. Age 4+, £10/£8 18-22 June Alice 1915. While bombs rain down outside, Alice Hargreaves takes refuge in her dusty cellar, rediscovering her childhood amongst broken tennis racquets, old lamp shades and moth-eaten christening gowns. Age 11+, £12/£10 25-28 June Fireside Tales with Granddad Cuddle up around the campfire as Granddad recalls a daring escape from a hungry shark. Tuck into a marshmallow or two as he attempts to

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Wandsworth Museum 38 West Hill SW18 1RX 020 8870 6060 www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk A truly local museum, the Wandsworth Museum is a great place to discover more about the history of the borough, and beyond. It tells the fascinating story of the London Borough of Wandsworth and its ‘villages’ and looks after Wandsworth Council’s collection of 11,000 historic local artefacts, which includes 300 watercolour paintings and 100 oil paintings. The core of the collection is a huge array of household and workplace items, furniture and appliances from between 1850 and 1950 - a rich resource of suburban London social history. With two exhibition spaces the museum holds both permanent and temporary exhibitions – don’t miss their current exhibition Keep It Clean! – A Grubby History of Wandsworth, which runs until 28 June. They also have a great programme of play and story time for little ones on Thursday mornings, plus loads of free family activities and events such as workshops discovering toys from the past. Their café is a real treat too – a welcoming space which includes original fittings from a chemist’s shop in Southfields from the early 1900s. If you haven’t been there yet, visit now!

S! E V O L

make a new set of underpants for a giant. And watch as the shadows between the trees unravel a tale of greedy goblins, grumpy trolls, sneaky princes and a very unusual princess. Age 4+, £10/£8 2-6 July

through Marc’s fascinating life. 7.30pm, £12.90£33.40 23-28 June English National Ballet School 25th Anniversary Summer Performances. 7.30pm, £16.90 4-5 July

The Lyric Hammersmith

Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com FLASH MOB™ This dazzling production features a huge range of dance styles, from Latin to lockin’, from Celtic to contemporary and street dance to salsa. £15, £20, £28, £38 27 May to 8 June Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance — Rock The Ballet The Bad Boys of Dance make their London debut after taking the USA, Australia and Europe by storm. Rock The Ballet is a fusion of classic ballet blended with the excitement of musical theatre, hip hop, tap, acrobatics and more. £12-£38 10-28 June

Lyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk The Itinerant Music Hall Roll up! Roll up! Gather round The Itinerant Music Hall, the world’s smallest (and only) travelling music hall outfit: an upright honky-tonk piano and a tumble down stage, strapped onto a bicycle 3-4 June Made Up Stories From My Unmade Bed It’s time to wake up – but one girl doesn’t want to. She’d rather stay snuggled under the covers until her dreams escape her head and become adventures around her bed. Pillows become clouds and beds are boats as the sheets billow above, inviting you into a world of puppets, feathers and fun 10-11 June Full Stop This is the bus shelter where anything can happen. In an explosion of physicality, humour and excitement Full Stop brings a bus shelter to life with romance, adventure and surprises 17-18 June

The Peacock Theatre

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com How Cold My Toes A fun-filled dance and music show that travels through the seasons. 2-5 years, 10.30am & 2pm, £11/£8.50 1-7 June

The New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre Sing-a-long-a Grease The brand new sing-along screening of the classic film. 7.30pm, £16.90 8 June 20th Century Boy This brand new musical inspired by the life of rock legend Marc Bolan explodes onto stage nearly 40 years after the star’s tragic death. Featuring some of the greatest pop songs ever written, 20th Century Boy tells the story of Marc Bolan and his band T Rex, exposing some of the myths and taking the audience on a tearful yet joyful journey

Moominsummer Madness Breathtaking puppetry, live music and humour bring Tove Jansson’s much-loved Moomins to the

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Joey's Circus Comes to Town

Regents Park Open Air Theatre Inner Circle, Regents Park NW1 4NU www.openairtheatre.com All My Sons Arthur Miller’s 20th Century classic is a moving story of denial, guilt and social responsibility. As the spectre of war overshadows a summer’s day, longforgotten secrets strike at the heart of the Kellers' family life. From £15 To 7 June Hobson’s Choice Times vary, £25-£45 21 June – 12 July Twelfth Night Re-imagined for everyone aged six and over. Times vary, £15 21 June – 12 July

Richmond Theatre

The Beadle wants to close the circus down but Dog Toby comes to the rescue. Featuring traditional characters such as Pretty Polly, Burglar Bill and Mr Punch, all on strings! Age 3+ 11am and 3pm, £10/£8.50 To 13 July

June 2014

TW9 1QJ atgtickets.com/Richmond Tonight at 8.30 From the pen of Noël Coward comes this collection of nine one-act plays performed together, three plays per night, for the first time in the UK since Coward starred in them in 1936. From vaudeville to satire, farce to intricate comedy of manners, these plays span the full range of Coward’s writing. £10-£29.50 11-14 June Catch 22 Explosive, subversive, wild and funny. Set in the closing months of World War II, a bombardier named Yossarian is trapped in the absurd world of an inescapable war, £10 - £32.50 24–28 June What the Ladybird Heard Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest

creature of all. £12 3-6 July

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Romeo & Juliet Derek Deane’s breath-taking in-the-round production of Romeo & Juliet. £22-£58.60 11-22 June

The Royal Opera House Covent Garden WC2E 9DD roh.org.uk The Royal Ballet School Summer Performances A showcase of dance in the Linbury Studio Theatre, designed to display the full range of the School's talent. 2.30pm, 7.30pm, £11 2-5 July

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R sadlerswells.com Sadler's Sampled Bringing world class dance to new audiences, a two week taster festival of dance allowing spectators to get closer to the action with standing tickets from just £8, and activities before and after each show. £8-£38 17-29 June

The Southbank Centre Belvedere Road SE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk Festival of Love A festival of comedy, circus and family shows To 7 September The King of Masks An old illusionist in China needs an heir to pass on

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London stage for the first time. 4-8 years, £13.50/£9 11 June – 16 August Skitterbang Island Storm! Shipwreck! Adventure! An original puppet opera for ages 3-6, £11/£8.50 25 June – 16 August

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What’s on

The Southbank Centre the secret of his mask tricks so he buys himself a grandson from a needy peasant. But the child is hiding a secret. When the magician finds out there’s hell to pay, and only pure bravery can save the day 26-28 June

The Unicorn Theatre

new life in England, re-tells the extraordinary stories of her childhood to her new-found friend. Age 7+ 5-22 June The Summer Book Set on a remote island in Finland, 6 year-old Sophia and her grandmother while away the summer months together, and gradually a fierce yet understated love emerges between the two – one that encompasses not just their relationship but the island itself, with its mossy rocks, windswept firs and unpredictable seas. Age 6+, £10-£16 7-29 June

Museums & Galleries The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com 1001 Nights Some of the greatest folk tales ever told, reimagined by Shahrazad – a lively young girl who, torn between her old home in the East and her

early medieval collections which include the famous Sutton Hoo treasure Vikings A major exhibition on the Vikings, developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Denmark and the Berlin State Museum To 22 June June Digital Workshops Includes Passport to the Afterlife, Ice Age animation workshop, Shadow puppet workshop, Olympic champions! and more 7-29 June FREE Curse of the Mummy Friday the 13th may be unlucky for some, but come to the Museum and break the curse! Celebrate ancient Egyptian rituals, curses and culture at this evening of talks, workshops and performance, including an introduction on representations of mummies in early film. 6-9pm 13 June Young Friends Sleepover Listen to Egyptian storytelling and take part in other activities based around the exhibition, then spend the night sleeping in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries. The next morning, visit the exhibition to discover more about life in ancient Egypt and Sudan, before the Museum opens to the public. 6.15pm–9am, £35 28 June

The Design Museum 28 Shad Thames SE1 2YD designmuseum.org Time Machines: Daniel Weil and the Art of Design The first museum exhibition devoted to Daniel Weil’s work spans his thirty years at the forefront of design practice. £12.40/£5.60 To 31 August Amazing Architects Be inspired by the fascinating architecture projects featured in Designs of the Year 2014 and the London Festival of Architecture theme Capital. Drop in and try your hand at the craft. Create a 2D collage of your own building design. £12.40/£5.60 29 June

The Florence Nightingale Museum

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org Sutton Hoo and Europe AD 300–1100 A new display of the British Museum’s unparalleled

2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk The Redoubtable Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland and her Hospital Under Canvas Society beauty Millicent Sutherland was possessed of a strong social conscience. But her interest in improving conditions for factory workers made her an embarrassment to both her class and her gender, earning her the nickname ‘Meddlesome Millie’. 3.30pm 5 June FREE

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

The Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk The Foundling Museum 10th Birthday Weekend Birthday treats include balloons, family fun activities, meet Thomas Coram and a summer time street party. Listen to music, help decorate the museum and enjoy a slice of birthday cake 14-15 June FREE

Horniman Museum 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Extremes Calling all explorers! Come on an expedition to see how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold, dryness and constant darkness in this family friendly exhibition FREE Chelsea Fringe at the Horniman: Gardens Festival Join in a special gardening celebration in the Horniman Gardens as part of the Chelsea Fringe Festival. Enjoy guerrilla gardening workshops, jazz and blues on the Bandstand, garden comedy, vegetable instrument making workshops, garden tours and family activities. 12-5pm 8 June FREE Refugee Week: Fairbeats! Children from Fairbeats! share the music they have been making through a series of performances and short workshops. Fairbeats! works with Action for Refugees in Lewisham running music classes and activities for children aged 5-11 years. 11am – 3pm 21 June FREE

The London Transport Museum Covent Garden WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Goodbye Piccadilly – from Home Front to Western Front New exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War, revealing the untold story of London’s Home Front

The Museum of London London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Animated Animals Join the digital learning team and bring some of the animals in the galleries to life. Make them move or make them talk, you decide. 12.30-1.30pm, 2.003.00pm and 3.30-4.30pm 15 June FREE Museum Explored Join one of the Museum's hosts and explore the

June 2014

galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm Every Sunday in June FREE

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN nationalgallery.org.uk Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm, age 5-11 Every Sunday in June FREE Making Colour Take a journey through the history of colour. Follow a family trail, explore the properties of colour and the materials used to create colour in paintings. £8, under 16s free 18 June – 7 September

National Maritime Museum Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Nelson, Navy, Nation A major new permanent gallery looks at how the Royal Navy shaped individual lives and the course of British history over the tumultuous 18th century FREE Guiding Lights: 500 Years of Trinity House and Safety at Sea Five hundred years ago, a fraternity of London mariners was given a charter by Henry VIII and became the Corporation of Trinity House, with instructions to improve the safety of navigation on the Thames. FREE

The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £9/£4.50 To 28 September Night Safari Get up close and personal with their scientists’ favourite creatures as you travel through the Central Hall and adjoining galleries. You’ll see some of the Museum’s most famous exhibits and learn about their fascinating backgrounds. 7-10pm, £28 9 June Dino Snores for Grown-ups Ever wondered what happens when the doors close at one of the world’s most famous natural history venues? Now you can find out at Dino Snores for Grown Ups, one of the UK’s most

What’s on extraordinary sleepovers. £175 20 June Mammoths: Ice Age Giants The mammoths are coming! Enter the amazing world of some of the largest creatures to ever walk the earth. See huge fossils and life-size models of mammoths, and square up to the powerful trunks and tusks of these great beasts. £9/£5.40 From 23 May Dino Snores Discover what really happens at the Museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Age 7–11, 7pm-9.50am the following day, £52 14 June Universities Week 2014 Universities impact every aspect of our lives and we benefit from them on a daily basis, from digital innovation to medical discoveries. Showcasing world-leading UK university research from the past, present and future, including the Museum’s own work investigating the natural world 9-15 June Sensational Butterflies Experience the wonder of walking among hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Wander through a tropical enclosure, discovering the science behind these delicate creatures and their amazing life cycles as they evolve from crawling caterpillars into beautiful butterflies To 14 September

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD sciencemuseum.org.uk The Rubbish Collection What does one month of ‘rubbish’ from one institution look like? Discover the beauty, value and volume of what we throw away. A unique two-part exhibition is to use 30 days’ worth of the Science Museum’s waste to expose the beauty, value and volume of what we call ‘rubbish’16 June – 14 September FREE

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk The Great Diary Project Using documents from The Great Diary Project archive, this exhibition offers unique insights into the lives of children and teenagers at particular moments in history To 12 October FREE Hand Over Hand Me Downs Examining the UK’s international adoption policies, taking artist Annabel Stockman’s photographic project as inspirationTo 31 August FREE Toy Stories A display of photographs which explores the role of toys in the lives of children around the world, reflecting the impact of the children’s backgrounds and families on their choice of toys 7 June – 14 December FREE

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Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

from p.35

What’s on Wandsworth Museum

Eltham Palace

38 West Hill SW18 1RX www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Ready, Steady, Play! Playtime and songs for little ones 6 months–3 years. 10.15–11am, £3 Every Thursday in June

Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/eltham-palaceand-gardens Grand Medieval Joust See sparks fly as knights on horseback clash at Medieval England’s greatest event. Cheer on your favourite in this thundering battle of bravery and honour and be entertained by the naughty court jester for plenty of laughs too. 10am–5pm, £12/£7.20 21-22 June

Days Out See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Fulham Palace Apsley House 5% OFF all new client bookings! www.themobilebeautylounge.co.uk Professional, Fully Qualified & Insured Mobile Beauty therapist and Makeup artists. We pride ourselves in bringing you the pamper you deserve, to the comfort of your own home or venue, at the best time for you. Book your pamper now!! Call: 07427 169001 contact@themobilebeautylounge.co.uk

149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner W1J 7NT www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsley Waterloo Festival Relive the drama and grandeur of the Napoleonic War as you are brought face to face with Wellington’s Troops in the midst of the combat campaign. Gossip with the soldiers’ wives in all their regency finery and discover the truth behind the glory days of Wellington. 11am–5pm, £6.90/£4.10 14, 15, 21 and 22 June

Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org London Open Garden Squares Visit Fulham Palace as part of London Open Garden Squares. 11am-4pm. £10 in advance, £12 on the day 14 June Edwardian Garden Party The Bishops of London were well known for holding garden parties at Fulham Palace. Celebrate this tradition with a day of family fun including crafts, games, live music and dancing. 1pm-4pm 22 June FREE

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Hampton Court Palace

Battersea Park Zoo Battersea Park SW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Friends of Battersea Park Barbecue Music, tombola, children's activities and a silent auction. Tickets from www.batterseapark.org/bbq or 020-7622 5199. 6-9pm, £16/£7, under 6 free 24 June

The Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Behind the Scenes Tour Learn more about the Garden and its rich historical past with this exclusive tour with senior horticulturalist Kate Wilkinson. Discover parts of the Garden not normally accessible to the public and glean some tips on how to create a unique sense of place. 11.30am-1pm, £20 5 June

Cutty Sark King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk Ahoy Captain! Meet Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master to learn about life on board the fastest tea clipper. 11.30am-1.30pm, 24pm, admission fees apply 7-8 June Family fun weekend: Ship hats Build a spectacular ship hat to take on an adventure. Where will your ship sail to? 11.30am-1.30pm, 24pm, admission fees apply 7-8 June

East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU hrp.org.uk Hampton Court Music Festival This year the atmospheric Tudor Base Court once again plays host to the Hampton Court Music Festival, boasting world class entertainment, spectacular fireworks and sumptuous dining experiences 1125 June Tudor Cookery The historic cooks are toiling in the kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing exotic dishes for his majesty as well as the lavish quantities of food required for the court. Join them as they trial new techniques and decipher ancient manuscripts in their quest to produce the perfect Tudor meal 7-8 June Music Fit for a King Enjoy Handel’s spectacular anthems performed at the coronation of George ll, as well as a superb selection of baroque orchestral works played on period instruments. 7.45pm 6 June

HMS Belfast The Queen's Walk SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast Making Medals Mark the 70th Anniversary of DDay on board HMS Belfast. Learn about the role it played and make your own medal to commemorate the sailors, soldiers and airmen who took part in Operation Overlord - the largest naval, air and land operation in history. 11am–1pm and 2–4pm, admission fees apply 7-8 June

Holland Park Ecology Centre Holland Park W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology Woodland Explorers Explore the Wildlife Area. Activities include conservation tasks, environmental art and craft, nature exploration and games. 10.30am-12.30pm. £4.20 (RBKC residents) or £5.40 (non-residents), ages 5-10 21 June

Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Glorious George ll Take your place among the glitterati of court, where they play host to some of

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on the greatest minds in the kingdom. Become a courtier for the day, indulge in gossip and gambling, listen to beautiful Georgian music, and even help Queen Caroline get dressed in the morning! Georgian Family Day Become a Georgian for the day as you step back in time to experience Georgian life through music, art, drama and storytelling. 10.30-4.30pm, £15 per child for a workshop only ticket 15 June Glorious Georges Family Festival Transform yourself into a royal courtier with a host of familyfriendly activities. Experience the latest Georgian fashions, take part in family games and meet characters from the royal court. Get ready to picnic with the king himself! 28-29 June

Birthday Come to the Tower to see the traditional Gun Salute for HM The Queen’s official birthday 15 June

The London Wetlands Centre

Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted November 2011).

Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this rich and vibrant learning environment. Great outdoor space! Options include Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club. www.345nurseryschool.co.uk

Kenwood House

Kew Gardens TW9 3AB kew.org Plantasia Immerse yourself in nature’s healing sanctuary and experience the stimulating and transformative power of plants at Kew's Plantasia Festival. See how life-enhancing plants and fungi affect human health in mind, body and soul To 7 September

The Royal Observatory Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Sci-Fi Movie Night June’s screening is the French cult classic 2010 film: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec . Set in a fictional early 20th-century, it follows the Egyptian adventures of authoress Adèle Blanc-Sec as she strives to save her catatonic sister. 7pm, £16/£12 26 June Meet the Time Travellers Meet time-travelling Astronomer Royal or his human computer next to the Steampunk time machine in the Meridian Courtyard and find out about their life and work at Greenwich in the 18th-century Saturdays and Sundays throughout June FREE Meet The Neighbours Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining interactive show, where you decide which planets to visit. 5yrs+, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm, £6.50/£4.50 Mondays and Wednesdays during term time only Longitude Punk’d Celebrating the creations of wacky inventors, star-gazing scientists and elegant explorers of the 18th Century. The Royal Observatory Greenwich have commissioned nine UK ‘Steampunk’ artists to create new works inspired by the technical inventions that were presented to the Board of Longitude between 1714 and 1828. £16/£12 children To 4 January 2015

The Tower of London Tower Hill EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Knight School The Tower of London needs you! Learn how to fire the siege engine, pick up fighting tips from their knights in combat and prepare to protect the Tower in case those pesky peasants strike again! Included as part of a Tower of London ticket 7-29 June Gun Salute – HM The Queen’s Official

June 2014

Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or dixonannab@aol.com Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio Fulham /Hammersmith border

Dragonfly Weekend WWT London Wetland Centre is home to 22 species of Odonata - dragonflies and damselflies including the rare Hairy dragonfly which first bred here in 2010. Summer is a great time for dragonfly spotting as they'll be hunting smaller flying insects across the reserve. 11am and 2pm 28-29 June

Please ring— Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

Out of town

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Audley End House and Gardens CB11 4JF www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audley-endhouse-and-gardens Life Above and Below Stairs Put on your apron and get your riding crop at the ready. Come face to face with Mrs Crocombe as she prepares a meal for the family, bump into the stablehand while they’re grooming the horses and meet Governess Miss Dormer and other staff as they organise the children for the day Saturdays and Sundays in June

Brooklands Museum Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com The Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival Anticipated to be the biggest motoring competition held at Brooklands since 1939, in association with the Vintage Sports-Car Club 14-15 June

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

‘The unique needs of the children are promoted exceptionally well and staff are committed to meeting children’s learning and welfare needs' (Ofsted Outstanding – December 2011)

The Hop Farm Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY thehopfarm.co.uk/events DogsLive 2014 An exciting event for all dogs and their families. Have-a-go at some of their favourite sporting activities and perhaps they can try their paws at some of the newer ones! 21-22 June

Please come and see us in action and capture the excitement of learning at Oaktree Nursery School Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport, cooking and drama and all aspects of the Early Curriculum.

Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL leeds-castle.com Knight’s Glamping Escape to the countryside for a glamorous camping

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Hampstead Lane NW3 7JR www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood First Family Sundays Creative workshops bringing Kenwood’s world-famous paintings to life. Work together to try different art and crafts whilst exploring the house and finding out more about its collections. All activities are free. 12pm-4pm 2 June and 7 July FREE

Contact: Annabel Dixon Phone: 020 8870 8441 email: dixonannab@aol.com www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk

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What’s on holiday with a difference. Eight splendid striped pavilions based on a Medieval design form a 'village' on the one-acre castle vineyard. From £185 Father's Day 'Go Wild' Weekend Woodland crafts, garden games and learning bushcraft and survival techniques from an expert are just some of the fun activities to keep children and Dad entertained. A valid entrance ticket to Leeds Castle is required for this event. Small additional charges may apply for some activities 14-15 June

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Royal Opera House WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk Every Sunday in June. Family Sundays A new regular event for families to come and explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities. 12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Diary dates and events See more events in our online What’s On calendar

NCT Wimbledon & Wandsworth www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com Monday Munchkins. Every Monday in June, 10am-12pm at Elim Church, High Path, South Wimbledon Breastfeeding Drop-in. Every Thursday in June, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairs studio) Bumps and Babes. Every Friday in June, 10.30am–12pm, Wimbledon Park Pavilion Post-natal meet up. Every Friday in June, 1.30–3.30pm at Mood Food Café, 131 Penwith Rd, Earlsfield, SW18 4PZ

SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday of June. Family Sundays Enjoy being creative together in these drop-in Artplay sessions, making everything from bunting to block prints. 2.10pm and 3.10pm, no booking necessary, free for families with a Gallery ticket or £3 per child 4 June – 9 July. A Painter’s Palette Learn how to mix and manipulate colour, develop new skills making one new painting each week with artist Jo Lewis. Every Wednesday excluding 11 June, ages 7-10, 4.30-6pm, £60.

French Coffee Morning Contact Teresa at info@leclubtricolore or 020 7924 4649 / 07889 967003 Every Wednesday morning in June Get together ‘between the Commons’ for coffee and to speak French for an hour. Lively discussions on a topic (articles are distributed in advance) and a great opportunity to practise your French

Wimbledon Common Nature Club Wimbledon Common 6 July. Secret Life of the Honey Bee Led by Alison Pelikan, local beekeeper

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 9, 16, 23 and 30 June. The Palace Explorers Join The Palace Explorers, 10.30am-12pm, ages 24. £3 per child, booking essential 4, 8, 17 and 22 June. Monthly Historical Tours Learn the secrets of Fulham Palace on this Historical Tour through the grounds and public rooms of the Palace. £5 per person, no booking necessary, meet in the Museum. 2pm 14 June. London Open Garden Squares Visit Fulham Palace as part of London Open Garden Squares. 11am-4pm 22 June. Edwardian Garden Party The Bishops of London were well known for holding garden parties at Fulham Palace. Join them for a day of family fun in the gardens including crafts, games, live music and dancing. 1pm-4pm

NCT Putney & Fulham www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com 4 and 18 June. Fulham FC coffee morning 10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’re new to the area, starting to get out with your baby or just need an excuse for a welldeserved cup of coffee 4 and 18 June. Putney new mums' group 10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, Upper Richmond Road SW15 6SP. Contact sophie.bartholomew@gmail.com

Bach to Baby Concert www.bachtobaby.com The critically acclaimed classical concert series specifically designed for babies and carers to enjoy

together. Treat yourself and introduce your wee ones to live classical music during the crucial years. Be amazed at how your child will appreciate the likes of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms! 6 and 18 June at Holy Trinity Church, 234 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 24 June at St John’s Fulham, North End Road SW6 1PB 13 and 20 June at St Luke’s Church, 194 Ramsden Road SW12 8RQ 12 June at St. Gabriel's Church, Warwick Square, SW1V 2AD 24 June at St Mary’s Church, Putney SW15 1SN

The Nightingale Walk Thames Tow Path 7 June. Now in its 35th year, Wandsworth’s bestknown pub charity walk gives the whole family a great day out while helping others. The Nightingale Walk follows a serene route along the Thames path to Putney, with a choice of three start points. www.thenightingalewalk.com

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses SE24 9BJ www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 7 June. Nature Explorers A monthly nature club for 7-12 years. Examine wild flowers and look at floral structure. Requested donation £2 per child. 10am-12noon 15 June. Fathers’ Day Drop-in workshop Make dad a unique gift. 10am-12noon 28 June. National Insect Week family activities An opportunity to get closer to some of the invertebrates who live in the garden space. Go on a bug hunt. Make a sweep net to take home. Investigate a range of minibeast habitats and create experiments to test where they like to live. Free, drop-in, 10.30am-12.30pm. For details call Beth on 07427 685714 or e-mail education@brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk

Wandsworth Heritage Festival Across Wandsworth www.wandsworth.gov.uk/events/event/1938/wand sworth_heritage_festival To 8 June. Bringing to life the history of the borough. Events take place at different locations and include talks on a broad range of subjects, guided walks and fun family workshops. Free, booking essential

RBC Race for the Kids Battersea Park www.raceforthekids.co.uk 8 June. Ideal for beginners and fitness fanatics alike, the event sees thousands of people of all ages run, walk and scoot to the finish line to raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The perfect day out for friends and family, with post-race activities and entertainment for all. Register online or call 020 7239 3164, £15/£10, under 5s free

National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN www.beaulieu.co.uk Mini Cooper Register Rally A display of Coopers from each of the marques, ranging from 1961 Coopers up to the latest New MINI Cooper Works 8 June

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PARTIES

Painshill Park

All our parties classified have been moved to page 30 in our Parties Feature

Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Free entry for Fathers’ Day Free to fathers when accompanied by their children. Normal admission price applies to other entrants 15 June

Part-time marketing

First Aid for Life

sourcing local info

Balham and Westminster firstaidforlife.org.uk 13 and 23 June. The Emergency Course A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65

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Little Folk with Albo Concerts

SERVICES

Colour House Theatre SW19 2RD www.littlefolkwithalbo.com 14 June. Concerts for children with folk songs, traditional children’s songs, American camp songs and sing-alongs. 10.30am, £4, box office 020 8542 5511

Gaia

Public Speaking Speech & Drama, Confidence Building Wimbledon/Vauxhall. Clare Price. LGSM, LLAM

(020) 7735 3156 www.speechspecialists.co.uk

hair by Emma

Hairdressing at Home - Specialising in low maintenance Highlights, Colour and Cuts at sensible prices. Contact Emma on 07956 418273 gaiahair1@yahoo.com facebook.com/emma.beattie.507

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 AMITY COMPUTER SERVICES

HEALTH

Home and business computers repaired & managed. Consultancy and tuition also available.

History of Theatreland Tours Central London location walkingtours@solttma.co.uk 15 June. Official London Theatre’s Theatreland Walking Tour Take in some of London’s quirkier theatrical sights including a Victorian music hall, the first theatre to host a strip show in the entertainment district, the home of Revuedeville variety and London’s most elegant stage door. 2.30pm, £10, age 12+

Phone Danny on

8944 0681 or 07961 428 596 E-mail: acs@amitygrove.com

Cleaning & Ironing Service Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Christina 07858 130 958 Andrei 07584 651 121 www.helpwithcleaning.co.uk

TUITION

GOOD CLEANER

City of London Festival St Paul’s Cathedral and across the City of London

Ocsana, FSW’s cleaner is looking for new clients. 07472 902 290

MEN

www.colf.org 22 June – 17 July An innovative, eclectic programme of music, dance, spoken word and theatre. Highlights include world-class symphonic concerts in St Paul's Cathedral, recitals in livery halls, street performances in the City's gardens and squares, plus a ground-breaking new pop-up venue, to be revealed

Maths, English, Exam Preparation Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE 020 8876 2553

The Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)

MUSIC

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT www.englishheritage.org.uk/downhouse Garden Tours Hear about the experiments Darwin carried out to help prove his theories on evolution and see how the grounds have been restored to their original Victorian layout, complete with authentic planting. Garden Tour only £3.50/£2 Every Wednesday and Sunday 2 July – 31 August

June 2014

Reliable Handyman • Garden maintenance and building work (fences, patios, sheds, etc..) • Jobs around the house (carpentry, painting, fitting furniture, etc…) • Upcycling furniture and Shabby Chic items available £20/hour. Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

Classified

PIANO TUITION

Friendly, experienced and qualified teacher of children 6+ and adults. Take exams or learn purely for pleasure. Different styles covered. Home visits possible.

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz ®

Ofsted Registered We accept Childcare Vouchers

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk