FamiliesLondon SW Issue 227 June 2013

Issue 227ISSN 1354-9553

Est 1990.Free!

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June 2013

Families SW – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London find us online: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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PartySpecial

The French Nursery school

For more information please call on 0207 259 2151 or email:

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Bilingual education inSW7 and SW1

• 2-5 yearsFrench • Spanish

See our advert on page 16

2 Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

costume kits for school historytopics, simply cut out and sew

the ideal sewing projectorderline 07761 048 927 studio 0208 674 6225

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04-05 Local news & info

08 Personal developmentInspire yourself, change your life!

09 HOW TO... our tipsComputer Games: How to help your children play safely

10-14 Summer activities listings Sports, camps,

arts and crafts, music, dance,drama and more...

15 ParentingGetting girls back on track

18 Education news

19 Clubs and ClassesHow soon should you book for the Autumn term

22-31 YES! It’s

PARTY TIME!Follow our guide to the best parties in town - the best entertainers, venues and suppliers...

32-38 What’s On• Drama • Events • Exhibitions & Museums • Diary dates

June 2013 3®®

June 2013

All content ©Families 2013www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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News: [email protected]

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Events, diary dates, what’s on info:[email protected]

Next issue: July/August 2013 Deadline: early June•“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines.

All franchised magazines in the group are independentlyowned and operated under licence. There are around 40UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and wehave a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk

• MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised innew areas. Read initial franchise information on thewebsite or call.

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Basingstoke, Hants.

• Designed by Shirley Trimmer

• We take every care preparing this magazine, but thepublishers and distributors cannot be held responsible forthe claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of thecontents nor for any consequence.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managedsustainable sources — meaning treeswhich are felled are continuouslyreplaced. Inks are soya-based, which

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Contents

See our online searchable

What’s On calendar

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk


Dedicated swim centrePopular baby swimming company London Baby Swim opens a new centre in Wandsworth this summer.Wandsworth London Baby Swim offers a unique concept designed specifically for the under fours, withstructured swimming courses in a purpose-built centre with low chlorine levels and UV water sanitationsystems. ‘Whilst gyms and health clubs offer swimming classes to babies and children,’ says Phil Shaw,director of London Baby Swim, ‘no other site is built specifically for babies from six weeks. Learning to loveand feel safe in the water in a specially created environment designed for their smaller size and abilities makesa huge difference to their confidence.’ 18 Hardwicks Square, SW18 4JS. www.londonbabyswim.co.uk

New name forschoolSouth London’s first Jewish primary school hasannounced its new name. Mosaic JewishPrimary School opens in Wimbledon thisSeptember with the name, logo and uniform alldeveloped with a group of prospective parentsand children. MJPS is founded on Jewish valuesand will be strengthened by the supportiverelationships between teachers, children, familiesand the wider community. ‘We are very excited toshare our new name,’ says Head Teacher KateBaum. ‘Each stone in a mosaic is crucial to thewhole. If any stone is missing, the whole isincomplete. This is how we feel about the pupilsand families in our school.’ www.mjps.org.uk

Beep beepAward-winning baby development classes Hartbeepshave launched in Battersea and Clapham. Specificallycreated to help babies attain their developmentalmilestones, these classes are magical for little ones andgrown-ups alike. The classes use over 100 originalsongs and baby raps, sound effects and funky remixesof traditional nursery rhymes, as well as props, lights,costumes, puppets, movement, massage, baby yoga,singing and signing. ‘I’ve taken my daughter to just aboutevery baby class going and none of them have inspired meas much as Hartbeeps,’ says Anna-Belle Cao, who runs Hartbeeps in SW London. ‘It’s incredible watching thebabies grow and develop but it’s seeing their delighted little faces which makes Hartbeeps really special.’ TheJam Tree, Old Town, SW4 0JT and Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 5TN. Free trials available. 07588 324 161www.hartbeeps.com

Woodlandadventure thissummerIf your kid loves the great outdoors, don’t miss thepopular holiday clubs from Wild Learning thissummer. Children get the chance to play, learnand get muddy in a safe, nurturing yet wildenvironment. Based at specially made woodlandcamps, including one in Wimbledon Common,children aged 5-12 spend all day having adventuresand exploring the outdoors. We’ve tried it, andit’s brilliant! They also run Wild Birthday Partieswhere your child can be a princess, spaceman ordragon in the magical environment of the woods.www.wild-learning.net

Sleep, baby, sleepDid you know that up to 40% of childrenexperience a sleep problem at some point in theirchildhood? Or that children who are sleepdeprived often fail to meet their full potential inschool? Sleep is as important as food and drink tothe human body and currently there is very littlesupport around for those suffering from sleepdifficulties. The good news is that many sleepproblems are behavioural and can be remediedwithout the use of medication. The Children’sSleep Charity works to ensure that children geta good night’s sleep, offering sleep supportthrough sleep practitioners, and helping you andyour family if you are struggling at bedtime.www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk

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News

June 2013 5®®

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to [email protected]

Follow the cluesWhen was the last time your kids begged to do anactivity that didn't involve an electronic screen?Three local mumpreneurs have come up with afun way to encourage physical exercise alongsidequick thinking. GOTROVO is a new take on atraditional treasure hunt for kids - using thepicture, word, riddle and role play clues provided,parents lay a trail for their intrepid little treasurehunters to solve and follow. Younger children canrecognise pictures and word clues, while moreestablished readers can test their lateral thinkingusing the riddles. A great family game thatchildren want to play again and again. Age 3+,£19.99 from www.created4kids.co.uk orwww.amazon.co.uk

Yum yum!Since launching last October,Cookease, local cookery classesfor 2-4 year olds, have been sucha success that they have openedtwo new classes. Differentweekly recipes includingParmesan Chicken Goujons,irresistible Banana Cheesecakeand tempting Mushroom andGruyere Cheese Puffs encouragethe children to explore newflavours and textures whilsthaving fun rolling, mixing andchopping ingredients. Anunderstanding of where foodcomes from and how it grows istaught thought picture and song.The children also plant their own crops! Find out more by emailing [email protected]

Summer readingchallengeChildren's reading can dip during the long summerholidays, so why not take part in this year’s annualSummer Reading Challenge? Children aged 4to 11 are encouraged to read six books during theholiday, whether they are fact books, joke books,picture books or audio books – it doesn’t matteras long as they are borrowed from the library.Every time a child finishes a book they get stickersand rewards, with a certificate for everyone whofinishes. The theme for the 2013 SummerReading Challenge is Creepy House, illustrated by

award winning ChrisRiddell. Discover thesecrets of Creepy House and meet some of thehair-raising residents in this spine-tinglingadventure. www.readingagency.org.uk

Star studentThe Drama Department of Streatham &Clapham High School goes from strength tostrength as a Year 11 pupil is awarded a place inthe National Youth Theatre. Ruth Savile will jointhe NYT this summer, regarded by industryprofessionals and drama schools as one of the mostprestigious organisations in the country for thetraining of young actors. Ruth had to participate ina group workshop and perform a two-minutemonologue before winning her place, and will nowparticipate in NYT courses and be eligible toaudition for NYT productions. www.schs.gdst.net

Try acupunctureAre you worried about your fertility, or strugglingwith chronic physical or emotional issues? Areyou stressed or low in energy? Then why notconsider acupuncture. The Acupuncture LifeClinic in Clapham and Battersea specialises infertility and general conditions, offering solutionsto health matters and promising greater physicaland emotional wellbeing. Fulfil your potential inlife with more energy and less stress. 020 78010199

Snap your newbornWhen you’re choosing someone to take those precious photos of your brand new bundle of joy,consider local photographer Martha Grieve. Based in Wandsworth, Martha specialises inphotographing newborn babies under the age of 10 days, and has won a Silver Bar with the Guild ofProfessional Photographers for her work. ‘It is such a privilege to meet and work with families,’ saysMartha, ‘and capture those precious and unique moments of their baby’s first days in this world.’www.twelveimages.co.uk

Find the perfectnurseryNavigating your way through school choices can behard, but help is at hand. If you’re struggling tofind the best nursery, pre-school or pre-prep foryour child in Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham orWandsworth try First Class, a private educationconsultation service focussing on Early Yearsschooling options. First Class offers advice and support from experienced consultants with first handschool and teaching experience, giving you unbiased, informed and tailored knowledge for your child’sentry into the education system. Feel confident you have found the right nursery for your child.www.firstclassconsultants.com


Find events near you!search our comprehensive

What’s On listingsby date, venue, age groupor location.


Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools

WWW.DAWMOUSE.COM

There are now two established MontessoriNursery schools in Fulham bearing theDawmouse name. The original DawmouseBrunswick in Haldane Road, SW6 7EUand Dawmouse St Peter’s at St Peter’sTerrace, SW6 7JS.

Both schools offer a wide range of Montessori equipment andhave outdoor play areas. They will offer a safe, stimulating andactive environment in which children can have fun and achieve.The broad curriculum covers all areas of the Early LearningGoals and includes science, drama, cookery and music lessons.Project work will give the children scope for creative developmentas well as an increased understanding of their world.We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact :

www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

THE WILLOW NURSERY823-825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JLTel: 020 7498 0319 Est.1981

E-mail: [email protected] Heads: Caroline Henson & Virginia Bisset.Opening hours: 8.15am to 12.15pmSessions: Mornings onlyWeeks open a year: TermtimeAges: Two and half to 5 yearsMax no. of pupils: 40. Pupil/teacher ratio: Under 3yrs: 4:1, 3-5yrs 8:1Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods.Activities: Art, craft, cooking, Spanish, gardening, home corner, ICT,messy play, computer club.Four specialist teachers for singing, dance, gym and cooking.Facilities: Large, bright, spacious hall and a smaller reception room.Contact: Please contact Amanda for Prospectus and to arrange a visit.

The Willow is renowned for its creativity. Our aim is to create astimulating, happy and fun environment so that the children love coming toschool. We develop confidence and a keen interest to learn bothindependently and with individual attention.

www.thewillownursery.co.uk

®®June 2013 7

We are located just off Streatham High Road and convenientfor Balham, Streatham, Tooting and surrounding areas.

For more information, please visit www.wigmoretennis.com orcontact our Head Coach, Julia Searle on 07816 004 992 or

[email protected]

SPECIAL OFFER: Quote SWFamilies1 to receive a free trial

• Weekly Group CoachingSessions (age 3+)

• Fun Kids Holiday Camps

• Free Junior & AdultSocial Play

Come and Join in the fun at our family friendlyTennis Club with lots on offer for you

and your children!

It’s all about love actually


Q: Who’s the critic now? Busy lives as parents are often not helped by our own internal critic, regularly tellingus to do better and be better. This actually serves to slow us down even more andmake us feel really bad in the process.

A: How many of you put yourselves down?

Are you even conscious of the fact that you might be doing it?

Think of how many times you are able to tell yourself you are stupid, clumsy, wrong etc. If you aregiving yourself a hard time, what's to stop anyone else from doing it? If we were to talk to someoneelse the way we talk to ourselves, we wouldn't expect them to stay happy and positive for very long.

So where does it come from?Much of it comes from the messages we receive as children. This can come from our parents, friends,relatives, teachers... anyone who is in a position of influence whilst we are growing up. And as we getolder we have a tendency to give as good as we got!

So the next time this voice rises in your thoughts and in your head, stop and listen to it. Feel theeffect it has on you. Does your stomach start to clench, do you get tense, does your jaw start tostiffen, do you feel beaten up?

Is that really what you want in your life?

If you would like to read the rest of this article to see “how to stop the critic” then go towww.familiesonline.co.uk/loveactually

Inspire yourself,

change your life!Amanda is a psychotherapist and founder of Inspired Living, whichprovides motivational and life-changing advice for people of all agesand gender who want to let go of the shadows of their past and gainnew direction in their lives. We asked her to reveal the mostcommon problems she comes across.

Q: I think my husbandis having an affairHe is distant, spends a lot of time onhis computer. I can’t seem to getthrough to him, he doesn’t respond andis rude when I ask him if he is cheating.We have two children and they are alsonoticing his change in behaviour.

A: If you think your husband is having an affair,and unless you have a jealous personality, thenchances are that you are right. Somehow wecan always feel when that is happening.

You don’t mention how things have beenbetween the two of you recently or if therehave been any upheavals in either of your lives(depression, redundancy, bereavement to namea few). Affairs are quite often triggered byevents outside our control and they are used asa coping strategy by the person having an affair.If however your relationship was not workingwell, then that could also be a reason yourhusband has turned to someone else.

Some men however need to play the field evenwhen they are in a serious relationship andunfortunately if you are married to a man likethat, then there is very little chance that youwill be able to change him.

One thing to remember though is that you areabsolutely not to blame for your husband’saffair. If that is what he has chosen to do, thenthat is his responsibility. You should not feelguilty for him doing that. Your responsibility isto look at the role you played in the breakdownof your relationship and how you can instigatechange in yourself on that level.

Either way, if you would like to see whatoutcome is possible for your relationship then Iwould suggest that you get counselling forcouples so that you can really be open with oneanother about all that is going on for you andstart to find solutions to either overcome theaffair or be able to take it to a graceful end.

(To help with the communication process you candownload a list of Value Determinate questions,

from www.familiesonline.co.uk/loveactuallyWe‘ve had some very good feedback. Ed.)

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Q: My children always seem to be fighting andare jealous of each other.It is absolutely exhausting being around them and I often wind up shouting andfeeling so angry. I don’t know how to redress the balance, they used to get along sowell. My son is 6 and my daughter is 9.

A: You haven’t said if there were any particular things they are arguing about. I would listen in nexttime as that will probably give you some very useful clues. Plan to take each child out for a treatseparately from each other where you have lots of time and space to talk and listen (avoid thecinema or a noisy restaurant). This will not be a time for recriminations or explanations, it is a factfinding mission. Have your husband also take them out separately, then swap notes.

It is probably a case of sibling rivalry which often stems from one or the other feeling that the otherchild is getting more attention or praise or love than them. It could also be that they have concerns atschool or in another area of their life. If they haven’t been able to talk about it, then fighting withtheir sibling is another way to let off steam.

Showing them that healthy communication is the best option when things aren’t going well is one ofthe greatest gifts you can give them, so provide them with a maximum amount of encouragement tostart doing that.

If you would like your questions answered for free (in full confidence), then please write to Amanda at [email protected]

For more on this article and others on relationships and personal development see www.familiesonline.co.uk/loveactually

www.inspiredlivingandpsychotherapy.com

Computergames: How to helpyour childrenplay safelyAccording to the Office for National Statistics ninety six per cent of children aged 10 to 15 years in the UK now havecomputer access at home and 89 per cent of children have at least one games console.

This is despite the fact that research has proved some video games can have a negative impact on children’s behaviour such as increased aggression and thatscreens are increasingly turning into electronic babysitters, with young people in the UK spending more time plugged in than ever. Katharine Hill, UK Director at leading national charity Care for the Family says: “Parents have a key role to play in managing children's access to computer and videogames and this is an area where, as parents, we have to do our homework, get up to speed – and get involved! ”

®®June 2013 9

Clapham Family OsteopathCranial specialist

Julia Finlay B.Ost M.Sc (Paed Ost), Registered Osteopath

BabiesChildren (inc special needs)Mothers pre and post natal

All the family

Contact: [email protected] Tel: 07779 017965

www.claphamfamilyosteopath.co.uk

The Families HOW TO series

Five top tips for parents:

If you’re feeling exasperatedabout the amount of time yourkids are spending playing games,remember that the computergames industry is big business.Encourage your kids, if theyreally love gaming, to get intothe techie programming side ofthings. They could even pursue acareer reviewing games inmagazines, or create gamesthemselves. Who knows - yourkids may be the next big thing incomputer games!

For further information visitwww.careforthefamily.org.uk or call029 2081 0800.

1Watch yourkids while

they playMum Liz says: “I was shocked when

I watched my son playing a fightinggame. If he failed to clear a level hewould get really angry. If I wanted totalk to him he would be very irritableand rude. I used to watch for thosesigns - frustration, aggression,rudeness - and if I felt a game wasjust too much for him, I’d encouragehim to take time out.”

2Use theguidance

you’re givenAll games sold in the UK include age

ratings and most also have indicatorsof content on the cover.

In addition, there are severalmagazines and websites whichreview games. If your kids are

serious gamers, then they mayalready buy magazines regularly -take a few minutes to flick throughone and familiarise yourself with thisworld. Insist that you vet any gamesbefore they are bought - and try tomake sure you see any games theyborrow from friends before theystart playing them. Talk to theparents of your child’s friends to seeif you can agree a consistentapproach.

3Set time limitson playing

gamesAgree time limits in advance

according to the age of your child.Dad Jon says: “The longer childrenplay the lower their concentrationspan is so a positive way to set timelimits is to explain that to your kids.If they are stuck on a level, it mightbe worth them taking ‘time out’ toreturn to their challenge with a freshmind. When they get back to thegame after a break, they’ll be

surprised how quickly they canovercome the obstacles which havebeen frustrating them.”

4Play thegames withyour kids

Make it an activity you can dotogether. Dad Matt says: “Playinggames with my children is a greatway to monitor what’s out there. Itwouldn’t be fair to say ‘that’sunsuitable’ when I have no idea whatthe game is about or involves. I alsofind it a great way to bond, especiallywith the vast host of multiplayergames on the market. We often haveour own family ‘team’ that looks outfor each other and works together.It’s fun to have something incommon.”

5Channel theirgame-playingpositively

“As our boys enjoy sport, I try toencourage them to play some of thesporting games when there’s rarely anissue over content”, says mum Kate.


June 2013 11®®

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.

ARTS AND CRAFTS•Eddie Catz WimbledonSW19 2LP 0845 201 1268eddiecatz.com26 July and 2 August

Arty Fun with Creation StationJoin the Creation Station for someSummer Holiday Arts & Crafts.10.30-11.40am, £8 per child, £5 persibling (sign up for all four classes @£30 per child, £18 per sibling)7 AugustMake a Bear WorkshopChoose, stuff, fluff and adopt yourvery own cuddly and lovable teddyand make a special t-shirt. 10am-1pm, £22, age 4-89 and 16 AugustArty Fun with Creation StationJoin the Creation Station for someSummer Holiday Arts & Crafts.10.30-11.40am, £8 per child, £5 persibling (sign up for all four classes @£30 per child, £18 per sibling)20-23 AugustWicked Workshop with A LittleBit ProductionsEnjoy dancing, singing and acting witha 4 day musical. Combining musicfrom the new modern musical‘Wicked’, with four famous friendsDorothy, Tin Man, Lion andScarecrow. 26 AugustPrincess and Pirate SummerParty!Join Little Bit Productions Crew for aPirate & Princess Summer Party.10am-1pm, £22

•Eddie Catz PutneySW15 1SF 0845 201 1268eddiecatz.com30 JulyPrincess & Pirate Summer PartyJoin Little Bit Productions Crew for aPirate & Princess Summer Party.10am-1pm, £2231 July – 1 AugustIce Cream, Cupcakes & PizzaCookery with Cookie CrumblesEveryone loves cupcakes and ice-

cold milkshakes - learn how makethem from scratch and decoratethem to your heart’s content. 10am-1pm, £45 per child for the 2 days or£25 for 1 day6 AugustLittle Kickers Football WorkshopKids will love Little Kickers approvedfootball workshop for children aged 4-7. Come and learn some cool footballskills with their experienced andenthusiastic coaches. 10am-1pm, £207 AugustButterfly Ballet CinderellaWorkshopDiscover the enchanting world ofclassical ballet through dance, musicand acting. The workshop teacheschildren about stagecraft and mime,and explores scenes from the balletCinderella. 10am-1pm, £2414 AugustLittle Pudding Cookery Club withCookie CrumblesJoin the fun and whip up someamazing pudding creations such asEton mess and chocolate fondantpudding. 10am-1pm, age 4-8, £2515-16 AugustDancetastic! with Dynamic DanceJoin another great dance camp withDynamic Dance. Over 2 morningschildren will learn a range of dancestyles including street and jazz,creating a super performance for theparents. 10am-1pm, age 5-10, £4021 AugustSummer Toddler Cookery withCookie CrumblesPrepare the toddlers for somesummer cookery! Mums and Dadscome and join this special toddlercooking fun. 2-3pm, £13, age 2-4(not drop-off)21 AugustSummer Cooking Fun withCookie CrumblesCome and join the party! Have a gocreating yummy breads, scrumptiouscakes, luscious biscuits and more.10am-1pm, £25, age 4-827-30 AugustWicked Workshop with A LittleBit ProductionsEnjoy dancing, singing and acting witha 4 day musical. Combining musicfrom the new modern musical‘Wicked’, with four famous friendsDorothy, Tin Man, Lion andScarecrow. 10am-1pm, £85

•Smarty Paints PotteryStudioSW12 8NX 020 8772 8702smartypaints.co.uk29 July – 2 August, 19-23 AugustSummer Holiday Workshops Fun and creative holiday workshops10.30am-12.30pm, £18 per session

•Paint Pots HouseSW10 9TB paintpotshouse.com15 July – 2 AugustPaint Pots Summer HolidayClasses Creative art, cooking, music,story time and games. Times vary,prices vary

•Artyard HandmadeSW14 7JN 020 8878 1336artyard.co.uk22 July – 30 AugustSummer Holiday WorkshopsArt and Craft Workshops. Getcreative and explore differentprojects all week, including papiermache, 3D designs, wood, multimedia projects and an array of classicand contemporary art and designfeatures. 10am-3pm, £36

•Little Hands DesignNW3 5AU 020 7431 0573littlehandsdesign.co.uk 15 July – 2 AugustSummer Fashion Bonanza Imagine being able to use the sewingmachine and design and create yourown outfits and accessories! 9-4pm(full days or 5 mornings or 5afternoons) £225 full days/£120 halfday week including fabrics andhaberdashery plus lunch option at £4per day.

•Fun with Fimo ClayW3 6SB 020 8992 3767funwithfimoclay.co.uk18 and 26 July, 23 August, 2 and3 SeptemberCraft Activity Sessions Fun and creative session, fullysupervised and non messy! 10.15am-4.15pm, £50

•Dulwich Picture GalleryGallery Road SE21 7AD8-9 August. Gallery Gardeners:Base Camp and Beyond22-23 August. Summer SculptureLab: Build and Experiment26 August. August Bank HolidayFamily Drop-In - Mini Masterpiece7, 14, 21 and 28 August. Art in

the Garden.020 8299 8732,l.mckie@dulwichpicturegallery.org.ukwww.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

LANGUAGES•Club Petit PierrotAcross SW London15-19 July. Fun French SummerHoliday ClubLearn French through fun activitiesand projects such as arts & crafts,salt dough, cooking, singing, dancing,language games and role-play. 3-5 yrsand 6-8 yrs old, 10.30am-12.30pm.£36 per session or £160 for all fivesessions. 020 7385 5565,[email protected]

MUSIC, DANCE

AND DRAMA•Act Drama Summer WeekAct Drama brings you anotherfantastic Summer Drama Week! Be apart of our fantastic play JAMESAND THE GIANT PEACH; wowyour family and friends, laugh allweek long and make new bestfriends! Lead by professional actors,classes are high energy, fun andinspiring. Age 5-15Streatham and Clapham High School5 – 9 AugustContact for prices, sibling discountsavailable 07976 873161 www.actdrama.co.uk

Fun with Fimo Smarty Paints

Summer holiday listings part 1

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Petit Pierrot

Compiled by Joanna Parry

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AllsortsSummer dramaworkshops Join the fun and takepart in their 'SummerExtravaganza!' At More House School,22-24 PontStreet, London SW1 0AA. 020 89693249 / 020 8767 [email protected] July and 22nd-26th July:Have a wonderful time making newfriends and discovering new talents.Come along and be inspired andencouraged by their dynamic andexperienced teachers. Write a script,use music, props, costumes and yourimagination to create, entertain andsurprise family and friends with asensational show!No experience necessary - all youneed is lots of enthusiasm! 9.30am -12.30pm 4-6yrs and 7-12yrs.

•King’s College SchoolSW19 4TT 15-19 JulyMusic Makers Summer MusicCourses Holiday music courses for5-18 years. Grades 2 to 8. 10am-4pm. Junior course £225,intermediate course £250, seniorcourse £290

•King’s College SchoolSW19 4TT 22 July – 2 AugustStagecoach Theatre Arts,Wimbledon - Performing ArtsSummer Holiday Workshops Put on a musical show in a week-long course led by top professionalswith a final performance in a theatrefor friends and family. Times vary.www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

•Honeywell SchoolSW11 6EF 29 July – 2 AugustStagecoach Theatre Arts,Battersea - 5 day MusicalTheatre Holiday WorkshopClasses in dance, drama and singing,culminating in a thrilling performancefor friends and family on Friday 2August. 9.30 - 12.30pm Monday -Friday for 4 - 6 year olds; 10am -4pm for 7 - 15 year olds, 4 - 6 yearolds £125, 7 - 15 year olds £160.www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea

•The Music House forChildrenW12 7LJ 020 8932 2652musichouseforchildren.co.uk22 JulyThe Music House for Children -Summer PartyIncludes art & craft, face painting,sing-a-long with instruments,instrumental performances, tea, cakeand much more. 10am -12pm, £5per child

•First Steps AcademySW6 7QA 020 7381 5224firststepsacademy.co.uk22-26 JulySummer Holiday Workshops9.30am - 12.30pm. Age 4 - 8,Princess ballet stories. Age 7 - 12,Funky dance choreography. All£15.00 per day, 9.30am - 12.30pm,£15.00 5-9 August Summer school for ages 5-12.Dance, drama and singing, £165 forthe week

•Immanuel ChurchSW16 3PY 22 July – 9 AugustFunky Monkey Keyboard Classes- Summer Holiday WorkshopsFantastic fun filled activity one day orone week courses for beginnermusicians 4-8 years to start learning

the electronic keyboard the fun way.10am-2pm, £30 per day.www.funkymonkey.info

•Belleville SchoolSW11 6PR 29 July – 2 AugustFancy Footwork Summer School- Alice In Wonderland

Story-telling, ballet class, repertoireand art, plus a performance on thelast day. This action packed week is amust this summer! 9.30am-3.00pm,£190.00. www.fancyfootwork.co.uk

•Oak Lodge SchoolSW12 8NA 29 July – 2 AugustFunky Moves Summer Course2013

Cool street dance moves androutines, creative art and tons of funand games for kids aged 5-14. 9.30-12.30pm, £115 for whole course.funkymovesdance.com

•The Baden PowellConference CentreSW7 5JS 0207 590 6909 22–26 July and 12-16 AugustPerform Summer Experience2013 This summer let your 4-8 year oldjoin Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genieon a thrilling five day adventurebased on the classic children’s storyAladdin. 2.30pm – 4.30pm, £145.www.perform.org.uk

•St Stephens Church HallSW15 2RS 29 July – 2 AugustPerform Summer Experience2013 This summer let your 4-8 year oldjoin Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genieon a thrilling five day adventurebased on the classic children’s storyAladdin. 10am – 12pm, £145.www.perform.org.uk


Battersea Stagecoach

Fancy Footwork Alice in wonderland

Allsorts DramaAct Drama with Joe,Charlie and Amy

CupcakeCupcake is a unique family club designed tooffer exclusive baby and toddler classesprovided by qualified professionals, for children0 to 5 yrs old. Cupcake welcomes parents and parents-to-be into an oasisof fitness, Children’s Classes, seminars and courses, providing “fun andwellbeing for the whole family”. They are passionate about helping each child learn and flourish while youenjoy time to relax and use their amazing facilities. The fun continues inSummer holiday Clubs and workshops for children aged 4+.020 7186 6000 [email protected]

Funky Monkey

Funky Moves

Chelsea QuaversSummer Holiday MusicWorkshopsfor 6-10yrs, inChelsea, July &August 2013Jam packed full offun, stimulating andeducational activities. Singing,reading and writing music, notation,rhythm, orchestral instruments,composers, musical maths, puzzles,flash cards, percussion and muchmore. Individual and teaminteraction. Professional,experienced staff.“Delivered in a social, fun &

exciting way”

4 day morning or afternoon courses1 day morning workshopsLIMITED PLACES!www.chelseaquavers.comFostering the joy of music in

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We keep on adding to this listing online: For the uptodate listings visit our What’s on calendar onlinewww.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

June 2013 13®®®®

•St Luke's Community HallSW12 8RQ 29 July – 2 AugustPerform Summer Experience2013 This summer let your 4-8 year oldjoin Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genieon a thrilling five day adventurebased on the classic children’s storyAladdin. 2.30pm – 4.30pm, £145.www.perform.org.uk

•Barnes Methodist Church HallSW13 ONH 29 July – 2 AugustPerform Summer Experience2013 This summer let your 4-8 year oldjoin Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genieon a thrilling five day adventurebased on the classic children’s storyAladdin. 2.30pm – 4.30pm £145,www.perform.org.uk

•The Polka TheatreSW19 1SB 020 8543 4888polkatheatre.com23 JulySummer Holiday Workshops -Lola’s Summer SunshineWorkshopLola wants to be the sun. Help hershine by creating sparkling sunshinewindmills and headdresses, and enjoystories and songs inspired bysummer. 10 – 11.15am 3 – 4 yrs;11.45am–1pm 4–5yrs, £18 24 JulySummer Holiday Workshops -Lotta and Lola’s Extremely FishyWorkshopMake your own fabulous 3D fishponds inspired by Lola and Lotta’sfavourite pond. 10 – 11.15am 3 – 4yrs; 11.45am–1pm 4–5yrs, £18 25 JulySummer Holiday Workshops -Sizzle’s Sizzling Sock Puppet

WorkshopMake sock puppet sausage dogs andbring them to life in this drama andcraft workshop. 10 – 11.15am 3 – 4yrs; 11.45am–1pm 4–5yrs, £18 26 JulySummer Holiday Workshops -Leaf Printing with Lola and LottaCreate leaf print collages on cloth inthis craft workshop inspired by theshow. 10 – 11.15am 3 – 4 yrs;11.45am–1pm 4–5yrs, £18 30 July – 1 AugustSummer Holiday Workshops -Behind the ScenesDancer for a Day, Heads & Tails andRole Play for a Day. Times and agesvary, £25-30

•Broomwood Hall SchoolSW12 8NRwww.studiofilmschool.co.uk 29 July – 2 AugustStudio Film School - SummerFilm Shoot Make a movie in a week. Learn allabout acting, directing, camera,editing, design, scriptwriting, SpecialFX and more, before celebrating onthe red carpet at your own specialfilm premiere in a real cinema.10am-4pm, £235 per place includingcinema tickets and DVD. 27-28 August Lights, Camera, Comedy! Alaugh-a-minute film workshop, anideal challenge for young filmmakersthis summer. They’ll exploredifferent comedy styles and producea DVD of funny short films inspiredby legendary screen comediansincluding Charlie Chaplin and MontyPython. 10am - 4pm, £135 includingDVD.27-28 August Shooting Stars!Perfect for very young filmmakers,this stimulating workshop isprogrammed to combine engaging

camera activities with drama, art andmusic to inspire little ones anddevelop all-round confidence andcreativity. 9.30am-12.30pm, ages 4-7, £110 including DVD.

•The ExhibitSW12 9SG 020 8772 6556theexhibit.co.uk1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 AugustFunky Moves Kids Club -Summer Kid’s ClubsThe Exhibit Cinema partners up withFunky Moves to bring you a packedafternoon of fantastic entertainment.Each child will eat a packed lunch inThe Exhibit's luxury private cinemawhilst watching a film. They will thenlearn a cool dance to a song fromthe film they have just watched andeven do a mini performance for theparents. 1pm - 4pm, £15

•TheatrebugsBalham, Barnes, Battersea, Clapham,Earlsfield and Fulham29 July – 16 August. Theatrebugs Summer DramaWorkshops - The First EverWhale Story5 fun filled days of acting, singing,dancing, dressing up and arts andcrafts. On day five you hit the stage!9.30am-12.30pm, £120 10% siblingdiscount. Dates and times varydepending on venue0800 975 5290,[email protected]

•London TransportMuseumWC2E 7BB ltmuseum.co.ukA host of fabulous summer activitiesfor all ages including:Steamy ScienceSundays: 4,11,18,25 AugustMondays: 5,12,19,26 AugustDemonstration Time: 11.30, 14.00, 15.00

Open to all families but most suitablefor those with children aged 6 - 12years Tackling tunnelsTuesday – Saturday: 30 July–3 August, 13–17 August, 27–31 August Storytime: 11.00 and 14.00Open to all families but most suitablefor those with children aged 3 to 7years Also Singalong, Make and Takeand Get Messy

SPORT•Bank of England SportsCentre020 8392 4368www.bankofenglandsportscentre.co.ukSummer starts here! Become amember of the Bank of EnglandSports Centre this summer andenjoy the following – Kids Camps (5-11 year olds from 9.30am-4.30pm),Swimming Crash Courses, 33 acresof stunning grounds, adventureplayground and paddling pool, anonsite creche, a packed Studio Classtimetable, lawn tennis and muchmuch more!

•Central London Golf CentreSW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 clgc.co.uk15 July – 16 AugustSummer Junior Golf CampsGolf tuition followed by fun andinformal competitions. 10am-2pm,£35/£45 per day

•Merton Active PlusMorden, Mitcham, WimbledonJuly and August dates TBC.Holiday courses Merton Active Plus courses arepacked full of activities that will keepyour children busy during the school

Upbeat Music Pop kids dance Polka TheatrePerform drama

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holidays. For 8-16 year olds acrossthe borough, including tennis,watersports, golf, hockey and more.Dates vary. 020 8545 3663,www.merton.gov.uk/activeplus

•Ridgway StablesSW19 4SU 020 8946 7400ridgwaystables.co.uk,merton.gov.uk/activeplus 16 July – 30 AugustSummer Holiday CoursesLearn to ride and care for a ponyduring this summer. 10am-12pm or2-4pm each day, £120

•KiddikicksAcross South West LondonDates TBC. Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years)Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5years) and Ligasoccer (football Under8’s) throughout the summer holidays.Bespoke (1 to 3 hours) for yourplayer and friends: pick your sportand they provide the coach, equipand place. 7937 7965, [email protected] kiddikicks.co.uk

•Telford Park Tennis ClubSW2 4NX 020 8674 5979 / 07736 068375telfordparktennisclub.co.uk/holiday-camps22 July – 30 AugustHotshots Holiday Tennis CampsProgramme A series of fun, 5 day

coaching sessions for all levels, ages4-15, 11.30-4pm, £27pd/ £120pw.

•Battersea Sports CentreSW11 2DA 020 8871 8629wandsworth.gov.uk/bsc29 July – 30 AugustHoliday Fun Enjoy a variety ofsports, fun and games, arts andcrafts, dance, trampolining, martialarts and much more. 10am-3pm,£10.00 per day or £45 per week.

•Swimway SwimWay will be running intensiveholiday swimming courses for 3yrs –9yrs in Putney, East Sheen, SheenMount School, Aquilla inKnightsbridge and Fitness First inStreatham Hill. The lessons will beprovided on a private or a semi-private basis for half an hour eachday Monday to Friday, 22nd-26thJuly, 29th July-2nd August, and5th-9th August. The Sheen MountSchool located in East Sheen is aheated outdoor pool which is anideal location during the summermonths. 020 8871 3972,www.swimway.co.uk

•Fit For SportAcross SW London15 July – 30 August. Children’s Holiday ActivityCamps Keep active, have fun andmake new friends with a wide range

of sports and activities. Ages 3-12,call for details of times and prices 0845 456 3233. fitforsport.co.uk

camps and

residential courses•AIGAS various dates Wildlife Holidays &Courses in the Highlands. Fullyinclusive, small-group learningholidays /courses exploring thestunning wildlife, habitats of theScottish Highlands and Islands. 01463782 443 www.aigas.co.uk

•ATE superweeks7 day residential holidays running inAugust 5th-12th, 13th-20th and21st-28th. 8-16 yrs. 0845 456 1205 www.ate.org.uk

•Camp Wild23/7-17/8 East Devon. Residentialcamps for 8-12 yrs 29 July to 3August, 5-10 August and 12–17August and day camps for 6-12yrsduring first 4 weeks of the summerholidays. 6-12yrs 01404 822 188www.escotcampwild.co.uk

•YHA Summer CampsFormerly known as Do it 4 Real,YHA’s residential summer camps for

10 – 17 year olds now include horseriding, eco and watersportsexperiences. Monthly paymentoption, 20% discount for friends andsiblings and bursary funding for lowincome. Camps throughout August.yhasummercamps.co.uk 01629 592 530

•KG Adventure –Summer ActivityResidential and day Camps! Mix ofactivities so whether you are superoutdoorsy or prefer to be morecreative there will be something foryou. KG Adventure is Ofstedregistered, accepts childcarevouchers. Centres all over the UK01449 742700 kgadventure.com

•Marlborough College 14/7-3/8 Wilts SN8 1PA SummerSchool for 3-16yrs. Action-packedweek of activities and entertainmentas residents with their families, or asday students on their own or group.01672 892388www.mcsummerschool.org.uk

•UK Activity CampXUK is a multi-activity summer campbased in Norfolk 11⁄2 hours north ofLondon. Activities: adventure/watersports, drama, dance, arts and crafts,cookery... Choose 1-6wk. 6-17yrs.020 8371 9686/020 8922 [email protected]/residential-camp

We are constantly adding new summer camps and courses to our online What’s on calendar, check it out here: www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

Kiddikicks Central London Golf CentreStudio Film School

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June 2013 15®®

16 Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk®®®®®®

June 2013 17®®

The day after I gave birth to our fourth daughter,my husband was involved in a puzzling exchangewith our neighbour. The baby had been born athome overnight, so the neighbour was keen tohear the news over the garden fence. “It’s anothergirl,” announced my husband excitedly. “Oh,” saidthe neighbour, looking downcast. “And are you verydisappointed?”

Gary and I enjoyed telling the story, and we enjoytelling it to this day, because disappointment wastruly the very last emotion we felt when our lovelylittle Catriona arrived to join her big sisters Rosie,Elinor and Miranda. Raising boys may, for all Iknow, be every bit as exciting and fun-filled asraising girls; but the truth is, I know nothing aboutit. I’m sure it’s similar, but I’m sure there are alsoways in which it’s different: and the point is that,by the time Catriona was born, I was already quitecertain that bringing up girls was a fabulous task tobe taking centre-stage in my life. So, from themoment the line went blue on my pregnancy test,I was secretly hoping for another daughter. Andwhen she finally landed, Gary and I couldn’t havebeen more thrilled.

Fast-forward ten years, and it’s still every bit aswonderful now as it was back then. But the lastfew years have brought a few scary moments –and, explains psychologist Steve Biddulph, I’mcertainly not the only parent of daughters to havediscovered that. Fifteen years ago, Biddulph leaptto fame when his ground-breaking book ‘RaisingBoys’ tackled the difficulties that were making lifetough for parents of boys – rising rates of ADHD,aggressive behaviour, teenage drinking. Back then,he says, “girls were doing just fine”. But no longer.“It all started to change about five years ago. Webegan to see a sudden and marked plunge in girls’mental health. Problems such as eating disorders andself-harm, which once had been extremely rare, werenow happening in every classroom and every street.And more than this, the average girl was stressed anddepressed in a way she hadn’t been before.” So nowBiddulph is back with a new book aimed at parentswith girls. And the message he wants to give us is that, from their earliest times, we need tobomb-proof them from what he calls “a world thatseems bent on poisoning their confidence andtrashing their lives”.

What the onslaught is all about, says Biddulph, isthe fact that advertisers have fixed their beady eyeson our pre-teen daughters: they’ve realised thatlittle girls are extremely malleable from a marketingpoint of view, and they’ve gone all-out to sell themnot only pink-clad dolls and sex-typed toys, but alsosexualised clothes (long, long before any little girlshould be thinking about looking attractive to theopposite sex) and pre-adolescent make-up.

Biddulph’s adviceis simpleAvoid all sex-stereotyped toys and products like theplague. From her earliest days, think not about whatmaterial possessions you are giving your daughter:instead, concentrate on how you’re making her feel.From birth to two, he explains, all that really mattersto a baby girl is that she feels safe and loved. In aworld where the arrival of a little girl is often seen asan invitation to start showering her with possessions– cute outfits, a pretty bedroom – he advocatesforgetting all about what she has (especially if it’s ofthe ‘girly’ variety) and concentrating entirely on howwelcome, and wanted, and loved she is in your life.The deep-rooted confidence that brings will, hepromises, be something she carries with her rightthrough her life.

People skillsFrom two to five, a little girl starts feelinginterested in the world around her: now, sheneeds to be introduced to the world as an excitingand fascinating place, a place full of adventures.From five to ten it’s all about people skills – whatshe most needs to discover, says Biddulph, is thatwhile her feelings are very important indeed, otherpeople’s feelings matter too.

With the coming of puberty, a girl’s thoughts shifttowards what Biddulph calls ‘finding her soul’: ifshe is helped and encouraged to find what he callsher ‘spark’, some passion or interest that she caresdeeply about and is willing to invest her time in,that will help her to find fulfilment through herentire life. It’s an empowering message: best of all,for parents like me, is Biddulph’s conviction thatthe family and the adults surrounding a girl are themost important elements in helping light the firethat will burn through all her days. If girlhood hassometimes seemed scary, Biddulph reminds us thatit’s exciting and enriching – and guides us throughthe skills that will help us help our daughters, timeafter time.

Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls is published by

HarperCollins, £12.99

Getting girls back on trackBy Joanna Moorhead

A few years ago, psychologist Steve Biddulph was advising parents of boys on how to raise them to avoid a battery ofdifficulties. Now he’s back with a formula for how to raise girls. Joanna, a mother of four daughters, asked him whatmatters most.


Education news

Contact Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCETel: 020 8876 [email protected]@firstclasslearning.co.ukwww.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Maths, English and 11+Tuition Study Centres

Effra expands facilitiesEffra Early Years Centre is expanding its services to meet local demand.Situated between Brixton and Herne Hill, the centre is very popular with localparents and young children. Within walking distance of the current site, newindoor and outdoor stay and play sessions offer the opportunity to meet andsocialise with other families in the area. There will be Baby Rhyme Timesessions for parents with babies aged 0-12 months, and for 3-8 year-olds,French songs and rhymes, dance and movement, bake and take, andphotography. There is a fully equipped sensory room where children withspecial needs can engage, explore and develop their different senses and skills.Both individual and small group sessions will be available. The new facilitiesalso provide the perfect venue for birthday parties and will soon be availablefor hire.“With so many families with young children in the area it is great that we cannow offer something for everyone with the choice of so many differentactivities,” said Ann Hitchins, head of the Centre. To find out more, [email protected], call 020 7733 8425, or seewww.effra.lambeth.sch.uk

Effra Early years Centre

Reading out loud in class‘does children no good’Well-loved children’s author Julia Donaldson has said that reading aloud in classis too “wooden” to interest children in books, and instead they should betaught how to read by acting out plays. The Children's Laureate has suggestedthat reading aloud makes children feel like they are being tested, rather thaninspiring them. The author of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom said thatwhen she visits a classroom she takes small groups of students aside andworks on the play with them, before reading it to the rest of the class. “It candevelop children's reading” as well as build confidence, she said. The authorhas a new series of short plays written for especially schools, including plays byauthors such as VivianFrench, Alison Hawes andSteve Barlow.

June 2013 19®®

Clubs and classes

September is traditionally when the term starts again and while most parents arehappy to wait for early September to book their children’s classes, others preferto book nice and early.

There is definitely a case to start looking and trying out for classes now. Manyclasses offer trial classes so why not make the most of them? See our OnlineDirectory for a long list and the Clubs and Classes adverts on our pages for ideas.

Why book early?� Avoid the mad panic of early September. Settling children into school/nursery is hugely time

consuming. � Secure a place into the class of your choice. Some classes, like swimming, get really booked up,

do not miss out on by leaving it at the last minute. Take SwimWay: because of their success they willopen their bookings for the Autumn 2013 Term to new clients on June 10th. SwimWay offers homevisit Swimming School, providing swimming lessons to children and adults in exclusive privatedevelopments, homes, schools and gyms, as well as five sites open to general public located in KewGardens, East Sheen, Putney, Aquilla in Knightsbridge and Fitness First in Streatham Hill. Places arelimited and so early bookings essential. See advert below.

� Get the time slot you want. Victoria Bremner of VBDance, Balham told us: “We noticed last yearthat parents were booking children in for September as early as the previous May. The early bookings getthe class time preferences which is rather handy especially if booking weekend sessions to coincide withother clubs or other commitments such as the school run on weekdays!”

� Make sure your children get in a branch that is walking distance to your home. Driving to a classis tedious, time-consuming, stressful and bad for the environment. Do everything you can to walk asmuch as you can.

Swimming classes in particular,

get booked up really quickly

How soon should you book forthe Autumn term?

Swim

way


June 2013 21®®


By Joanna Moorhead

A birthday party is thehighpoint of the year formost kids - so the pressure ison to get it right. Thesecret, as ever, is in theplanning. But how do youfind out which party is rightfor your child? We guide youthrough the options.

It's PARTY time!

PartySpecial

The traditionalpartyWhat is it? An at-home for the birthday child andfriends, with traditional games like pass the parcel(always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey, andmusical bumps.

Who's it suitable for? Great for nursery andreception age children, but don't neglect its valuesfor older kids, especially girls of eight or nine whooften enjoy nothing more than inviting their friendsback to their house and having a girly time.

The pros: It's cheap (or at least, it certainly canbe); other parents often stay to help you out, keepyou company, especially if you promise a glass ofprosecco to help everyone through

The cons: You may need to redecorate afterwards;you'll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can bedifficult to keep your birthday child's siblings out ofthe way, which could lead to conflict.

Top tips to make it work: 1. Agree ground rules with the birthday child

beforehand about which rooms are in and out ofbounds

2. Have a timetable for what's happening when3. Think about a project, eg build a bear kits,

jewellery-making, pirate games4. Give them chance to let off steam in the garden5. For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the

floor and get them to sit around the edges of it.At the end, simply fold it up with all the rubbishinside and bin.

The action partyWhat is it? Paintballing, go-karting, swimming, GoApe etc

Who's it suitable for? Older children (seven plus);kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around

The pros: Your house remains intact; the kids havesomething to focus on, and lots of opportunities tolet off steam; many children end up covered inbruises from paintballing (though they don't seem tomind!)

The cons: It can be very expensive; although someoptions, eg a swimming pool party, trip to anadventure playground, can be good value

Top tips to make it work1. If the activity is long and energetic it might be

best to postpone a winter birthday party to thespring (the kids might get wet and cold as they'llbe outside for ages).

2. Take plenty of water, squash, snacks includingfruit - they'll need plenty of energy for all thatrunning around.

3. Make ABSOLUTELY sure you've checked allrestrictions, eg height restrictions, beforehand -there's nothing worse than finding out on the daythat one of your guests is too small to participate.

4. Make sure you get parental consent forms signedwell in advance - the venue will require you to dothis before they allow you in.

5. Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at alltimes.

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See our online Children’s PartiesSection for more, including: 8 low cost party bags ideas:www.familiesonline.co.uk/lowcostpartybags

Our editorial team top party tips:www.familiesonline.co.uk/ourbestpartytips

And finally...whatever sort of party you're having don't neglect the party bags! Every kid, at every party,is secretly (or not so secretly!) longing for a party bag - and part of the excitement for your child ishelping to put the bags together. Have a budget and stick to it - party bags can add hugely to the cost ofa party - but try and limit the wasteful plastic toys that get thrown away immediately.

The church hallpartyWhat is it? An indoor party in a hired venue

Who's it suitable for? Children of five plus, whoare confident about being left somewhere theydon't know

The pros: A lot more space than they'd have ifyou were at home

The cons: You'll have to leave the place spotlessafterwards, and pay for any damage

Top tips to make it work 1. Try to find somewhere with outdoor space as

well in case it's a lovely day.2. Ask if you can borrow/use playgroup play

equipment.3. Have lots of help, and have tea reasonably early

in the afternoon so you can get it tidied away before the end.

4. If you've got the budget, consider hiring an entertainer - the extra space will make it a lot more fun.

5. Musical games, dancing, discos etc are great fun in church halls.

Joint Parties – extra fun or huge headache?Joint parties are back in fashion. We at Families are big fans. The savings that can be made whenparty costs are shared, and the extra fun and reduced stress you experience when organising a party withother people are the biggest reasons for this. How do you approach people and start organising a jointparty? We share our tips online.Just search for Joint parties on www.familiesonline.co.uk

Over the years we have written many Party guides, do browse our website for inspirations, great

tips and lots of common sense!

YOUR CHILD deserves the best, while YOU take a rest

PARTIES TO REMEMBERTraditional fun, plannedwith you & your child, food& pinatas optional

Age 3 to 12yrs

020 7249 3242

PERFECT PARTIESTHEMED ACTIVITY PARTIES FOR

CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, ENTERTAINERS, FACEPAINTING & BALLOON MODELLING,

BALLOONS & BALLOON DECORATING, CAKES &CATERING, MASCOTS, PARTY BAGSCONTACT JUDE - [email protected]

020 7630 8330 or 07501 221 903www.pantaloons.co.uk

119 Lupus St, Pimlico, London. SW1V 3EN

The restaurantpartyWhat is it? A meal-based party in eg a pizzarestaurant, where the kids are allowed to help orwatch in the food preparation

Who's it suitable for? Older kids of eight-12;children who enjoy the chance to meet and chatmore than the chance to run around

The pros: At its best, it's very civilised; you caneven have a second table in the restaurant andinvite some other parents along, so it's a meal outfor you as well. Children enjoy sense of being'grown up' and eating out with friends

The cons: It's expensive; raucous behaviour willupset other diners

Top tips to make it work1. Make sure you're booked for a time when the

restaurant won't be busy2. A restaurant near a park, where kids can run off

a bit of energy afterwards, is a good idea3. Don't rely on the pizza-making/chef-watching

for absolutely all the entertainment. Bring eg colouring packs or check the restaurant will provide them, and think of some easy games to play round the table, eg I-Spy, in case things flag

4. Make sure you sort out the cake arrangements beforehand; most restaurants allow you to bringyour own (don't forget the candles and matches)

5. Don't limit yourself to chain restaurants - your local eaterie may well be prepared to accommodate your party, and may be more flexible than bigger establishments


Active PartiesAction StationImaginative interactive storytelling parties. Choosefrom mermaids, funky witches and wizards, fairiesor princesses, pirates, knights or cowboys, spies ordrama parties. Clowns, magicians, jugglers, circusskills experts, face painters, make-up artists andDJs also available. 0870 770 2705www.theactionstation.co.uk

Amanda’s Action ClubAmanda’s Action Club classic parties have beenexciting young children in London for years. Nowin 2013 Amanda is launching a whole range of newformat parties for older children (5-12 year olds)including the Action Streetdance, ActionBreakdance, Gangnam Style and Strike-a-Pose/Pamper party – the coolest parties for thecoolest kids! [email protected] Call01895 623 999. www.amandasactionclub.co.uk

BackflipThey have Children’s Birthday Parties with aGymnastic Twist for ages 2–12:Little Flippers parties come complete withcolourful mats, soft equipment and great partytunes (children aged 2-4 years); Flippers andBackFlippers Parties – are for 4–12 years old. PlusKatie Cannon’s BackFlip Performers bring dancing,funky games and fantastic upside-down gymnasticskills to your child’s birthday [email protected] or 020 8940 7998

Eddie CatzFantastic fun for all ages, Eddie Catz in Wimbledonand Putney offer a variety of party packages to suitall ages and budgets. You’ll enjoy playtime in thegiant adventure playframe, multi-sports pitch andtoddler areas. You get our own private partyroom, a Party Host who will attend to your guestsevery need, a scrumptious meal with plenty todrink, all rounded up with a visit from Eddie Catz,their furry feline mascot who will bring the goodybags. As well as their popular “Eddie Party” (3-10),they throw Toddler Parties for under 3’s, eveningLaser Tag parties (6-12 year) and Glitz and DiscoParties for pre-teens. To find out morewww.eddiecatz.com

Freedom ProductionsThemed Children’s Parties with a difference.Freedom Parties are dedicated to creating healthy,alternative and dynamic themed parties. Theybelieve children are the key for the future. Theirworkshops and parties aim to incorporate ahealthy aspect to learning to play for the idea ofplay’s sake. They focus on the creative imaginationand movement exploration through light, joyful,fun and theatrical techniques.Call: Samantha 0782456272www.freedomproductions.org

Go-Kart PartyGo-Kart Party SW London provides an exciting andsafe environment for a real driving experience.Boys and girls love racing electric karts round amini grand prix circuit. Fun and flexible packagesavailable for memorable parties at indoor and

outdoor venues. They also attend school, charityand corporate events, anywhere children needentertaining. Call Rachel on 07766 337 572www.go-kartparty.co.uk

Latino BambinoLatino Bambino parties are unique, high-energy,physical extravaganzas involving Latin/Tropicalmusic, dancing games, colourful props and lots offun. They’ll get the children up and moving withmaracas, pom poms, ribbons, hula hoops, bubbles,scarves and more for a real FIESTA time! Suitablefor children ages 2-6 years.www.latinobambino.co.uk Call 07961 838349

Little GymFantastic Birthday Parties at The Little Gym inWandsworth and Fulham. Kids love them and sodo mum and dad. Their parties are full of fun

gymnastic based games, activities, music andlaughter. Their parties are for all ages and are ledby their trained staff in their bright and colourfulfacility. Contact 020 8874 6567 or([email protected])

London KartingThe London Karting Company have two venueswhich you can attend for private kids kartingparties: Dulwich College Sports Centre, or theLatchmere Leisure Centre, Battersea. They runexclusive “F1 themed” events for kids aged 4-11yrs with full safety equipment, live racecommentary, medals and a podium presentation.020 8677 8677 www.london-karting.com

RugbytotsJam packed with rugby-themed play and partygames, Rugbytots birthday parties are suitable forchildren as young as two. Parents are encouragedto get involved too, which for many is an addedbonus! Rugbytots combines the multiple skills usedin rugby, with a fun, enthusiastic and energeticprogramme designed to enhance your child's socialand physical skills. Contact Lorna [email protected] or call 0845 481 6444.

The Wheelie Good PartyCompanySomething brilliant for boys and girls. Their jeepdriving adventure birthday party should prove tobe the best party ever. They will bring theirelectric jeeps and indoor track to a venue of yourchoice and produce for you and your guests themost memorable party. For children aged between4 and 8 years. Check out their web site.www.wheeliegoodparty.co.uk

URBAN ASCENTUnit 5, Parsons Green Depot, 33-39 ParsonsGreen Lane SW6 4HH020 7751 0913 urbanascent.co.ukA state-of-the-art bouldering centre with a kidsclub from 5 years. Parties from age 5 on Saturdaysand Sundays.

Arts, Crafts Cooking

and Science parties Busy BakersBusy Bakers provides bespoke party entertainmentin the comfort of your home or venue withkitchen facilities. Combining arts & crafts, bakingand traditional party games to ensure a uniqueexperience for your little ones. Their parties caterfor children aged between 3-12 years and arebased in South West London.www.busybakers.co.uk Call 07766 135 [email protected]

Cookie CrumblesChildren from 4 -15 have enormous fun cookingtheir own meal in home cooking parties, helped bya team of chef’s with 20 years of experience undertheir apron. All menus are adapted to the age ofthe children who have an impressive client list andreputation. Cookie Crumbles also offers uniquedinner, mocktail and chocolate parties.

Parties run for 2 hours, for a minimum of sixchildren (maximum of 35). Prices start at £165 pertwo hours for a party of six including allingredients. The Cookie Crumble team canprovide tableware, invitations, chefs hats, apronsand exclusive party bags for an extra charge.Call: 020 [email protected]

Party Special®

compiled by Amanda Butterworth

June 2013 25®®®®®®

10% discount

when you quote

Families

Pottery Painting & Craft Studio•Paint your own pottery –

perfect for gifts•Baby hand or footprints

•Silver keepsake jewellery•Parties available; Pottery, Decopatch & Tshirt Painting

•Holiday workshopsOpen MonSat 10am6pm,

Sun 11am6pm85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX

020 8772 8702 www.smartypaints.co.uk


DeeLight BakeryBirthday parties for Budding young cake designers. Customised, all inclusive birthday parties in aprivate academy setting in a real bakery. Makeyour own pizza, make sugar models for cupcakesor learn texture and design through sugar craft.Take home your cake designs, eat your pizza andenjoy the birthday cake. Min 6-15 children per party. £25 per head. Call020 8672 0250 www.deelightbakery.com

Smarty PaintsCreative fun Pottery Painting parties (age 5+) orfabulous take home on the day options inDecopatch, T-shirt painting and acrylic on Pottery(age 7+). Full explanation given then creativityflows and Smarty Paints clear up! Parties up to 2hours and prices from £14 per painter. Max 30painters. Each birthday party is booked for 10 ormore, each child gets a personalisedcomplimentary birthday gift. Call 020 8772 8702or www.smartypaints.co.uk

Drama

Allsorts Drama for childrenAllsorts Drama offer fantastic original themeddrama parties. “Understanding how importantbirthday parties are to children, we want them tohave the most fabulous partyever. Our parties are always awhirl of excitement, fly to theworld of make believe, becomea Film star, Magician orDetective. Explore the dramaof murder mysteries. The onlylimit is your imagination!”Call 020 8767 5298www.allsortsdrama.comAllsorts also run term time classes, holiday coursesand private tuition.

Act DramaAct Drama Birthday Parties are jam packed withdrama games, personally themed adventurestories, treasure hunts and riddles. Act drama is

high energy, fun and inspiring. Drama Parties areled by professional actors. Choose from AnAmazing Adventure Party, A crazy Improv Party ora Perform a Play Party. Act Parties free yourimagination and help children to express theircreativity. It’s “the most fun you’ll have at a partythis year!!” Contact: Jane Cameron. 07976 873 [email protected] www.actdrama.co.uk

Perform partiesPerform Parties are high energy and fun using thepower of children's imaginations to get everyoneinvolved either with songs and games or around atheme like mermaid, pirate, cheerleader, popstaretc Mini Ps for 1-3yrs, Perform for 4-8yrs,Perform Plus for 8-12yrs. 0845 400 4000enquiries @perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

Stagecoach Explore the magical world of "Stagecoach Parties"where they will take your child on a roller coasterride through their imagination and land them safelyback home with some amazing party memories!You chose the date, time and the place and theywill come to you either at your home, if spacepermits, or to a hired venue. Stagecoach Partiesare packed full of fun, lively party entertainmentincluding dramatic games, fabulous songs and funfor everyone. Themed Parties (for ages 4-10yrs)or Murder Mysteries (for ages 11-16yrs). Call 0208946 3400 [email protected]/wimbledon or 0208946 2986 [email protected]

TheatrebugsTheatrebugs Adventure Drama Parties for 2-8years. A Theatrebugs party is an interactive funfilled journey crammed with tasks to becompleted, characters to become and differentworlds to explore. It is jam packed withstorytelling, imaginative play, drama games andgood old fashioned fun. BabyBug parties launchingsoon for 1-2 year olds!“The perfect solution for a party to remember!”Janet, Rosie’s mum, BarnesPrices start from £128! Party bags available! Call:0800 975 5290 [email protected]

EntertainersAdam AntsAdam Ants and his team have several years ofexperience in entertaining children. They offerterrific shows for the kids from 1 year olds - 10year olds with Magic, Balloon Modelling, Puppets,Music, Dancing, Singing, Disco Parties, SportsParties, Be My Bear Teddy Parties, Art Parties.They offer Face Painters, Tables and Chair hire andlots, lots more. [email protected] or call 020 8959 1045

Boo BooRecommended by the Evening Standard. Lots oflaughter, fun and games, mini disco, balloonmodelling, silly juggling, magic tricks and puppetshow! www.mr-booboo.co.ukCall 07961 355 269.

Charlie the ClownCharlie entertains children of all ages and offers avariety of entertainment: clown and magic shows,singing, dancing, games, balloon modelling, story-telling and puppets. Charlie also performs asCaptain Bluster the Pirate, Mr Wiz the Wizard andEgbert the Explorer. Children are kept busy,happy and entertained throughout the party!www.charlietheclown.co.uk or call 07808 732 390

Party Special

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Diane’s PuppetsIf you are looking for something completelydifferent and unique for your child's party, look nofurther than Diane's Puppets. With her handmade, adorable puppets, gentle, silly,surreal comedy and fabulous fast face-painting,Diane will captivate the young and turn your jadedbig boys and girls into giggle monsters. Established 1993. Call 020 7820 9466. www.dianes-puppets.co.ukwww.facebook.com/DianesPuppets

Eliza Doalot

Eliza packs so much into your child’s party makingit the best party in town. A full magic show,interactive story telling, puppets and danceroutines and games, and model balloons for everychild to go home with, your party will be the talkof town. Any theme catered for from Hermione’sdistant cousin Eliza the witch, to a fairy princess,Jessie from toy story, Minnie Mouse to even anastronaut space girl, and super [email protected] Call: 07779 271 655

JoJoWith an exciting BBC TV appearance as LeadingChildren's Entertainers, event organizers andhaving entertained over 60,000 children to date,JoJo's Travelling Minstrels pride themselves on theirability to bring a 'WHOLE LOTTA FUN' to anyparty or event. With an expansive range of'funtabulous' entertainment, they will engage allchildren from 0 - 100+ years with smiles, zany funand laughter. Call 0774 319 6691www.jojofun.co.uk

LydieLydie is a bilingual French and English entertainerwho will transform your house or choice of venueinto a mini-theatre with her extraordinary props,creating a magical space where the children play anactive role in the unfolding dramas. Choose fromPeter Pan, Aladdin, Batman, Robin Hood, Beautyand the Beast, Pocahontas, Lion King, and manymore. Recommended by Time Out, Tatler andVogue. 020 7662 2540. www.lydieparties.com

Silly MillieThe clown is a funky clown that kids love to hangout with. She sings, does magic and is very silly. Ifyou would like her to come to your child’s partycall 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397.www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

Theo The Magician Theo won The Best Business In The CommunityAward last year for his fundraising and communitywork. Theo is an Interactive Fun Magician for bothChildren and Adults. His two hour party showswith plate spinning are his most popular shows.New for 2013 “Angry Bird Games”. Age groups: 1-101. Call 07711 724 129 [email protected]

Tony MacaroniLondon's favourite entertainer, with fun packedparties for 3 to 11 years. Games, dancing, storytelling and magic and puppet shows. Deliciousmacaroni lollipops. Junior disco with full flashinglights and competitions. Drama and themed showsfor all ages. Call Tony Macaroni on 020 8442 0122.

Pampering and

FacepaintingMiss Dee Faced Miss Dee is a professionally trained children’s facepainter and entertainer. She can bring any party tolife. If requested she can organise party games andballoon modelling. She can come to the party asMiss Dee Faced or your child's favourite character.She is based near Victoria and is happy to travelwithin London. Call Laura 0742 517 6126.

Magical DesignsMagical Designs has an excellent reputationproviding face painting and balloon modelling for 9years throughout London and surrounding areas.For a memorable occasion whether a small familyparty or a large corporate event, please contactSusie on 0781 492 5462. For testimonials andfurther information, visitwww.Magicaldesigns.co.uk.

Theo The Magician

JoJo

Eliza Doalot


June 2013 29®®

Music and Dance Blueberry PlaysongsBlueberry parties are lively, interactive musicalparties for 0 - 5 years. One of their talentedentertainers will play guitar and sing songs withjoining in, actions, jumping games, dancing andinstruments. Perfect for little ones. A 45-minutesession in Central London is £105. Call them tocheck availability on 020 8677 [email protected]

Caterpillar Music Parties are full of fun activities and surprises. Acombination of simple birthday party games, actionsongs, instruments and amazing puppets provide aspecial party where young children can join in asmuch as they want to...To book a party in: SW4, SW11, SW17 or SW18contact Shumi on 020 8540 1762. For SW19 andSM4 contact Helen on 020 8286 3754. Find outmore and book a free trial classwww.caterpillarmusic.com

Funky Moves- bringing out the fun in funky!They offer a range of fantastic parties for kids aged5-16. From Mamma Mia to Hip Hop, they can doit! The parties are fun, friendly and structured.Their team are all professional dancers, who areworking in music videos and dance productionshere in the UK and across the world! Come andjoin in the fun.Call 07810 431 [email protected]

Rockstars Rockstars specialise in giving you a party toremember. They run one and two hour parties forchildren and adults as well as studio experiencesfor those who play their own instruments.Rockstars parties are an ideal way to celebrate abirthday if your child loves music and loves to [email protected] Call 020 8767 1125

Tutu Tea PartiesInvite a real Ballerina to take your little one on amagical ballet party adventure! Dress up inbeautiful Tutus, play exciting ballet themed games,make tiaras and wands to dance with and enjoy aballet performance 'en pointe' by your specialguest too! Tutu Tea Parties include all the littledetails such as invitations, thank you paper, prizes,Birthday gifts, decorations and more. A trulymemorable occasion for young ballet enthusiasts.07841 922 631 tututeaparty.co.uk

Upbeat Music PartiesRecord a CD, choreograph your favourite song,have a photo-shoot and create a performance all in2 hours! They bring their recording studio to you,with a choreographer, vocal coach and soundengineer. Everyone receives an original CD. Themost unique and fun party in London. Call 07816 901 396 [email protected]

Party PlannersBoo! Parties are about to launch an amazing new rangecalled Bijou Boo – they say it offers excellentvalue in terms of quality, style and content. It willdraw together all the elements you need to host asuccessful party and there’s even going to be anapp to make choosing what you want really easy.Charlotte, their children’s party planner is on 0208542 1480.

Chelsea Parties Puts the fun in - and takes the stress out - of yourchild’s celebration, without breaking the bank.With stylish decorations, tableware, party bags,costumes, entertainers and themed party kits, theyhave everything you need to make the day aroaring success. Call 020 7349 8198www.chelseaparties.co.uk

Pantaloons Perfect Parties is an entertainment company inPimlico. They offer the highest quality funentertainers who will completely look after all theentertaining for your children’s party. They cancome dressed as any character you like eg pirate,fairy princess etc. It includes traditional partygames, Facepainting, Balloon Modelling, Magic andPuppet show. They also do balloon decorating,party tableware, cakes, handmade invitations andparty food themed or non-themed. Your party alsoincludes a free 10 minute mascot appearance.fancydress@pantaloons.co.ukwww.pantaloonsperfectparties.co.uk

Parties To Remember The real-name testimonials on Rowena's websitehttp://partiestoremember.co.uk/testimonials/ showmore than can be written here about how thechildren love Parties To Remember. Rowenaensures that the birthday child feels comfortable:she meets the family and the child before everyparty so she is not a stranger on the big day. This isa free consultation so that all of them, parent andchild, can work together on how to structure theparty and select prizes suitable for the party agegroup. The games can be tailored to any venue:home or hired hall. Call 020 7249 3242www.partiestoremember.co.uk

Party Special

Upbeat Music Parties

Tutu Tea Parties

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Venues and suppliersBaden Powell HouseLocated in the heart of South Kensington, Baden-Powell House is the perfect choice for your child’sparty or your next barbecue. With flexible spacesfor up to 300, friendly staff and an amazingselection of food on offer, their centre is second tonone when it comes to parties for kids and grown-ups. 65-67 Queens Gate, South Kensington,London, SW7 5JS. Call 020 7590 [email protected]

London Balloon LadyJane runs a party balloon business from her homein Wandsworth. She supplies balloons for a varietyof events covering both children's and adult parties,

corporate dinners, product launches, christeningsand weddings. From the simple latex heliumballoons or foil balloons in different shapes, towonderful spiralled balloon arches, ballooncolumns, balloon cascades and ceiling fills.Whether it’s a bunch of hot summer colouredballoons to brighten up a dull church hall, an “ILove You” balloon for mummy, a jumbo balloon forgranddad’s 70th or balloons for a special 1stbirthday, the options are just endless! Call 07885 401 277.www.londonballoonlady.co.uk

Pantaloons FancyDress and Balloons have amazing staff whowill help you with your costumes and accessorieswhether you are a child or an adult. Balloon

decorating is part of their portfolio so if in need ofsome fancy balloons, a costume for a school playor a party then pop into the very friendly shop inPimlico (by Chelsea Bridge) for Adults andChildren’s Costumes for hire and to buy. Call: 020 7630 8330 or 07501 221 [email protected]

Party PlusHave a retail shop in Chiswick, West London andalso a mail order companywww.mypartyparcel.co.uk. They are proud tooffer one of the largest selections of themedpartyware available from stock – Skylanders, OneDirection, Peppa Pig, Clone Wars, Doctor Who,Pirate, Princesses and many more. HolyCommunion barriers and foil balloons are currentlyavailable from stock. Call 020 8994 1674.

Third DoorThe mission of innovative Third Door (workhuband nursery) based in SW18, is to 'help make thelives of working parents easier'. They alreadyprovide a co-working space, meeting rooms andflexible daycare Nursery in one building. ThirdDoor have just launched children’s birthday partypackages as well as a bursting events schedule tohelp you with your business/career. Contact 0208877 0098 [email protected] www.third-door.com

Pappa Ciccia Pizza PartiesThey provide legendary Pizza Parties at PappaCiccia, in Fulham. For children's parties,kids make their own Traditional Italian Pizza "I willhighly recommend this pizza making, it’s both fun andeducational," "I have to say that it was the moststress free birthday party I have ever had".Call 020 7731 5890 or 07956 970 258

Party4all Party ShopThis gorgeous shop is moving from 123 MunsterRoad to two blocks up towards Fulham Road, at 99Munster Road at the end of June. They arecatering for all your party needs: greetings cards,paper tableware, goodie bags and favour toys andmost important of all, helium balloons. Do go andhave a browse! 020 3609 5001/07903 859 535

Party SpecialLeisure centresBalhamFun for under 5s. A wide range of parties: Tumbletime, bouncy castle and traditional party games. PoolParty includes invitations, music, party organisers andparty coach. All you need is to bring the food and thechildren! Call 020 8772 9577. (Max 20 children)

CannonMitcham. Under 5’s Toddlers World Party withbouncy castle, slides and ball park. Under 8’s canenjoy Wet’n’Wild swimming parties in the teachingpool or Kool Krew parties with bouncy castle andparty games. Football parties provided for any age.Max 20 children. Weekends only. Call 020 8640 8543.

LatchmereBattersea. Parties all week. Bouncy castle andtraditional party game. Football, Street dance, Bigsplash, Trampoline, Disco Bounce, Tumble Time,Wet and Wild, Playzone, Super bounce party,Multisports. Call 020 7207 8004.

Morden Park PoolParties in either teaching pool or main pool for £80(£10 less if member). Both include 1 hour swimmingand 45 minutes in party room. Saturdays andSundays. 020 8640 6727

TootingPlayzone (soft play for under 4s). Big Splash (forswimmers over 9) in main pool. Wet’n’Wild inteaching 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 food or tea +party bags provided (see with the centre for price).All parties Saturday or Sunday. Call 020 8333 7555.

WandlePlayzone 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 gamesparty. Picnic area available with table and benches.Weekends only except Adventure Zone. Call 0208871 1149.

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The Exhibit is one of the most popular bars and restaurants in South West London, but as well as being anestablished part of Balham’s nightlife it is also an extremely popular venue for parents wanting to entertain theirchildren or hosting birthday parties.

The Exhibit Private Cinema is perfect forchildren’s parties. You just need to bringthe kids, provide the film you want towatch on either DVD or Blu-Ray, then sitback and relax while the movie keeps thechildren occupied. The cinema has 12leather sofas which can fit up to 30 kidsdepending on their age, and is availablefor private hire all day during weekends ata cost of £75 an hour. There is also anafter school slot of 4pm to 6pm that is atthe reduced rate of £100 for two hoursMonday to Thursday during term time.

As well as private children’s parties,during school holidays The Exhibit alsorun a Funky Moves Kid’s Club. For just£15, each child will eat a packed lunch inThe Exhibit's luxury private cinema whilst watching a film. They will then learn a cool dance to a song from the filmthey have just watched and even 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 firstbirthdays or Christenings.

For more information visit their website, www.theexhibit.co.uk, or call them on 020 8772 6556.

Silly Millie the ClownParties for 3-9 year olds

Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, PartyGames, Silly Songs and Balloon AnimalsCall 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397

www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

07808 732 390www.charlietheclown.co.ukwww.charlietheclown.co.uk

clown pirate story-teller wizard

THEO THE MAGICIAN“The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB”Fun Magic for Children & Adults

Free Magic Wand & Certificate forBirthday Child 07711 724129

www.magictheo.com

LLyyddiieeCChhii llddrreenn’’ ss PPaarr tt iieess

0207 622 25400207 622 2540The Unique Birthday ExperienceThe Unique Birthday Experience

The theatre of Peter Pan,The theatre of Peter Pan,Superheroes, Fairies,ArabianSuperheroes, Fairies,Arabian

Nights and more...Nights and more...In your home! UnforgettableIn your home! Unforgettable

Bilingual English/FrenchBilingual English/Frenchwww.lydieparties.comwww.lydieparties.com

Professional entertainers hosted by

Strawberry ShortcakePolly Pops

Rainbow FairyThemed parties

• Balloon modelling • Dancing

• Fun games • Storytelling puppets

Please call Jane 07971 392815

SunshineParties 4 kids

Handmade Puppets, Original Shows

Silly songs & fast Facepainting.

dianes-puppets.co.ukfacebook.com/DianesPuppets

020 7820 9466

Diane'sPuppets

A party venue, a cinema and a kid’s club

32 Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.ukPlease say you booked as you saw them in Families!

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Please always phone before setting out in casedetails have changed since press deadline or wegot it wrong...

DramaADELPHI THEATREWC2R 0NS reallyuseful.com/theatres/adelphi-theatreTHE BODYGUARD Another West End adaptation of a big Hollywoodblockbuster…

AMBASSADORS THEATREWC2H 9ND theambassadorstheatre.co.ukTo 21 Dec. STOMP Celebrating its 10th sensational year in London,Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than everbefore. £26-£52.50

ARTSDEPOT5 Nether Street N12 0GAartsdepot.co.uk8 June. Gigz for Kids Raising money for Great Ormond Children'sHospital, singers, singer/songwriters, dancers andmusicians ages 5-25. 4pm, £89 June. Circles in the Sand A world of play with buckets and sand castles. Anintimate show with music from around the worldand a chance to play in sand afterwards. 10am,12pm, 3pm, £714-15 June. After the Rainfall An adrenaline-fuelled play navigating between thearid Egyptian desert, the British museum and aquiet village green. Age 12+, £1416 June. Little Bo Peep – Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't knowwhere to find them. Her friend Little Boy Blue isdoing his best to help find the woolly runaways buthe keeps falling asleep! Age 2-7, 12pm and 3pm, £723 June. Robin Hood and his Very Merry Men Join the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his band

of very merry men as they rob from the rich tosave the poor in this laugh-a-minute adventure. Age4+, 12pm and 3pm, £729-30 June. We’re Going on a Bear HuntJoin our intrepid adventurers on their quest to finda bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishyswashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the oozysquelchy mud! Age 3+, 12pm and 3pm, £10.50

BROADWAY THEATRECatford SE6 4RU020 8690 0002 broadwaytheatre.org.uk30 June. Milkshake Live!Starring Milkshake! favourites Little Princess andScruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Roary and Big Chris,this musical spectacular is sure to have childrentapping their toes, clapping their hands and singingat the top of their voices. 1pm and 3.30pm, from£10

CHICKEN SHED THEATREChase Side, Southgate N14 4PEchickenshed.org.uk26 April – 6 July. TALES FROM THE SHEDA highly entertaining, interactive theatre showperfect for young children. £6, age 0-7

COLOUR HOUSE THEATRESW19 2RD colourhousetheatre.co.ukTo 30 June. Hansel and GretelPoor Hansel and Gretel are lost in the forest andcan't find their way back home. When they find thehouse of sweets they think their luck has changedbut it belongs to an evil witch. 2 and 4pm, £8/£10,age 3+

LITTLE ANGEL THEATREN1 2DN littleangeltheatre.comTo 21 July. We’re Going On a Bear Hunt A family go on an expedition of a lifetime - runningdown the grassy bank, wading through the coldriver, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling intothe dark forest, then peering into a cave…Timesvary, £10/£12, age 2+

LONDON PALLADIUM W1F 7TF reallyuseful.comFrom 13 Feb. A CHORUS LINEA new production from the London Palladium.£18.50-£87.50, age 10+

LYRIC THEATREW1D 7ES nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre From 3 July. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Adapted from the picture book written by MichaelRosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Age 3+

NATIONAL THEATRESE1 9PX nationaltheatre.org.uk 3-8 July. Connections Festival 201310 new plays performed by young people. Thisyear’s authors include Jim Cartwright, JonathanHarvey and Lenny Henry, who has written his firstever play, Soundclash, for Connections.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRESW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre28-30 June. Dora The Explorer Live! Everyone’s favourite explorer is embarking on a livemusical adventure. Dora fans will delight in this twoact, song and dance spectacular that invites them tothink, sing and play along. £17-19

PEACOCK THEATREWC2A 2HT sadlerswells.com/page/peacock-theatreTo 30 June. Some Like it Hip HopZooNation’s smash-hit show has been a runawaysuccess, thrilling packed houses and promptingrapturous praise with five-star reviews and standingovations. Age 7+8 June. National Youth Dance CompanyThe inaugural performance of the National YouthDance Company.

POLKA THEATRESW19 1SB polkatheatre.com To 17 August. CHARLIE AND LOLA’SEXTREMELY NEW PLAYDon't miss everyone's favourite brother and sisterwho are back onstage with their new show. Enter amagical journey through the seasons, as Charlie andLola discover that everything is not the same. Age4-7, £11-£1626 June – 17 August. Three ColoursNorwich Puppet Theatre presents a world ofcolour in this interactive performance. Swim with

What’s On

Charlie and Lola at the Polka Theatre Reviewed by Jen Brammer and 4 year oldLanaAs soon as we arrived in the foyer of the PolkaTheatre, we felt really at home. Everyone wasreally friendly and there was a clear hub ofexcitement about Charlie and Lola’s ExtremelyNEW Play. This intimate theatre is perfectly setup for young children with a range of play areason each level.

Lana has always been a Charlie and Lola fan, so I wondered how this TV favourite would adapt tothe stage. Jonathan Lloyd (adapter) did a fantastic job, and our favourite brother and sister didn’t letus down either; they packed so much into their imaginative explorations, taking us through Charlieand Lola’s world through the seasons. The story is told from Autumn time, when Lola isdisappointed to be cast in the school play as a ‘boring old leaf’ instead of the sunshine. This really isa magical play full of surprises along the way. It explores the themes of friendship and change in achild’s world, from a child’s perspective. What makes it magical is the authentic children’s voices andthe incredibly talented puppeteers, who bring the cast to life. They used true to original artwork,cartoon cut out stick puppets with simple eye and limb movements, creating the familiarcharacterisation we’ve come to know and love. The set integrates video and stills with collage andpuppetry, creating incredible set changes. Very much recommended! You can see Charlie and Lola at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon until 17th August.www.polkatheatre.com

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fish, feel frogs nibble your toes, catch grasshoppersand listen to a gentle heartbeat... all magicallycreated out of the colours of light. Age 2–4, £8-£10

PUPPET THEATRE BARGELittle Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PFpuppetbarge.com1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 June, 6, 7,13 and 14 July. Fowl PlayDown on the farmyard a foal is born, causing muchexcitement among the animals. Featuring carvedmarionettes and original music. Age 3+, 3pm

REGENTS PARK OPEN AIRTHEATREInner Circle, Westminster NW1 4NUOpenairtheatre.comTo 15 June. To Kill a MockingbirdHarper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel seesracial injustice envelop a small-town community.From £2320 June – 20 July. Pride and PrejudiceAs the Bennet sisters haplessly search for love inJane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy, it is MrDarcy who unwittingly finds his match. Celebratingthe 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. From£2329 June – 20 July. The Winter’s Tale re-imagined The Winter’s Tale tells the story of a lost princessraised by a shepherd and of her secret romancewith a prince. Using Shakespeare’s original text, thisheart-warming story is re-imagined for everyoneaged six and over. £15

RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ atgtickets.com/Richmond3-7 July. The Gruffalo’s ChildFollowing hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s WestEnd success comes The Gruffalo's Child - withattitude! Just how brave is she? Age 3+, £12

ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP royalalberthall.com12-23 June. Swan Lake In-the-RoundDerek Deane’s lavish in-the-round production of

Swan Lake – the largest production of its kind inthe world and London’s dance event of thesummer.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk15-16 June. The Adventurers ClubGlobally renowned adventurers Tim and Tiernanare back with another fast paced, slapstick comedyescapade for all the family. 4.15pm2-22 June. FLOWN Thrilling contemporary circus from daredevilinternational circus Pirates of the Carabina,including aerialists, stuntmen, dancers andmusicians. From £14

TARA THEATRE ARTSSW18 4ES tara-arts.com 3-6 July. TubeAn interactive show for babies 6 months – 2 yearsin which the wonders of the tube take centre stage.10.30am and 1.30pm, £8-£10

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANECatherine Street WC2B 5JFwww.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-laneFrom 18 May. Charlie and the ChocolateFactoryRoald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale of young CharlieBucket and the mysterious confectioner WillyWonka comes to life in a brand new West Endmusical directed by Academy Award® winner SamMendes.

UNICORN THEATRESE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com16 June. My Father and Other SuperheroesThe day my dad realised he was going to become afather, he also realised he had no idea how to beone...Age 8+18-23 June. Aston’s StonesWhen Aston starts bringing stones home, hispatient and understanding parents don’t mind. Buthow many stones can one household look after?Under 5s

YOUNG VIC66 The Cut, SE1 8LZwww.youngvic.org3-13 July. BrilliantA magical introduction to theatre for 3-5yrs andtheir families combining movement, live music andcaptivating imagery to create a dreamlike worldmade of light. 10.30am and 1.30pm, £10

Museums &GalleriesBANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museumTo 9 November. Cartoons & CaricaturesThis exhibition consists of published andunpublished material from the Bank of England'sown collection of prints and drawings.

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk NEW! What’s On

Unicorn Theatre

HAPKIDOSELF DEFENCEclasses available forchildren, teenagersand adults.

Dan Jun breathing, Kicks, punches, throws,joint-locks, tumbles, jumps and breakfalls."Summer course July 29th - August 2nd, 5 days will include self-defence, Nunchuckspractice and a martial art movie." Cost £125Hapkido teaches:•Respect •Fitness•Discipline •Confidence•Control & sensitivity •Inner calm & peace•Defence •Strength & agility

Instructor: Jon Bailie, 2nd DanQualified Hapkido Instructor and fully insuredClasses available @ St Luke's Community Hall SW12,Broomwood Hall SW11, The Contact Centre SW4 andother venuesFor all enquiries/bookings, please call on

07932 667 336Private tuition/home visits also availablewww.semokwan-hapkido.co.uk


What’s on

BRITISH MUSEUMWC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org8 June. Passport to the afterlifeUse smartphones to follow an augmented realitytrail around the Egyptian galleries, solving cluesabout the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. Free,11.30am-3.30pm9 June. Greeks alive! animation workshopUse stop-motion software and digital videocameras to create animations based on myths fromancient Greece. Free, booking advised, 11am and2pm15 June. Digital dress upTurn yourself into a Samurai warrior, an ancientGreek or other characters using Photoshop. Free,limited places, 11.30am-3.30pm16 June. Make a secret codeLearn about beautiful seal stones from China, andcreate your own digital seal using Photoshop. Free,limited places, 11.30am-3.30pm22 June. Olympic champions!Become an ancient Greek Olympian using a greenscreen and edit your portrait in Photoshop to printand take home. Free, limited places, 11.30am-3.30pm23 June. Manga comic workshopLearn the secrets of manga comic artists, thencreate your own manga-inspired comic withcharacters from the Museum to print and takehome. Free, booking advised, 11am and 2pm29 June. Photography mystery trailsUse a digital camera to explore the Museum'sobjects, and follow exciting photography trailsthrough the galleries. Free, 11.30am-3.30pm30 June. Shadow puppet workshopLearn about the ancient tradition of shadow-puppetry in Java and then decorate your ownbeautiful puppets. Free, booking advised, 11am and2pm

DESIGN MUSEUMSE1 2YD designmuseum.org16 June. CHAMPION CHAIRS Explore the museum’s range of innovative chairsand then create your own miniature chair.2–4.30pm, £5, age 5-11

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALEMUSEUM2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EWwww.florence-nightingale.co.ukTo 5 July. Workhouse - Segregated LivesThe workhouse is brought to life by examining thedesign of the buildings and the inmate’s diet, theirwork and their health.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZfoundlingmuseum.org.ukTo 15 Sep. FlourishShowcasing artwork by care-experienced childrenand young people. Free22 June. FAMILY TEA PARTYCreate your own paper teacup and saucercomplete with secret good deed message inspiredby the exhibition Exchange. 10.30am, 1.30pm. Freewith Museum entry

HORNIMAN MUSEUMSE23 3PQhorniman.ac.uk June and July. Festival of FieldworkTake part in fieldwork activities throughout Juneand July, getting first hand experience of whatscientists do to make sense of the environment.Age 7+. Book in advance

15 June. Surveying at Night: Moths on theWingSet up a moth trap and learn how to identify andrecord the moths that fly in. £421 June. From Dusk to Dawn: Bats after DarkTake part in a bat survey using bat detectors andlearn more about these flying mammals. £422 June. From Dusk to Dawn: Late DawnChorus WalkBe an early bird and catch the dawn chorus withornithologist David Darrell-Lambert. £429 June. Tree Doctors: The Health of OurTreesJoin a tree expert for a guided walk. £4Every Saturday to 29 June. Art MakersHave fun with art skills and create somethingfabulous to take home. 1.30pm and 2.45pm. £3

LONDON TRANSPORTMUSEUMWC2E 7BB ltmuseum.co.ukTo 27 Oct. Poster Art 150 – LondonUnderground’s Greatest DesignsShowcasing 150 of the greatest Undergroundposters ever produced. Free with entry 22-23 June. Walk the Original LineGo back in time to the building of the world’s firstunderground railway line. 5-7.30pm, £13/£15

MUSEUM OF LONDONEC2Y 5HN museumoflondon.org.uk 9, 23 June. Museum exploredJoin one of the Museum's Hosts and explore thegalleries through fun, hands-on activities. Suitablefor the whole family. 11am and 2pm16 June. Soldiers on the marchMeet a company of Roman soldiers and take acloser look at their clothes, armour and way of life.All ages, free, 11.30am-4pm30 June. Characters from history - meet aVictorian spice sellerHaving arrived from Morocco, this Victorian spiceseller sells his goods as medicines and ointments.Hear his story and find out what his London is like.Age 5+, free, 1, 2 and 3pm

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDSWest India Quay E14 4ALwww.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands15 June. Traditional craftsDo you know how to make felt, jewellery ortraditional Bengali art work and fabric designs? Age5+, free, 11am-4pm15 June. Bring your grandparents day

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robinft.co.uk 020 7350 0312 [email protected]

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSONWonderful Pictures of Children




June 2013 35®®

See individual events listings for details. All ages,free, 10am-6pm

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUMRoyal Hospital Road SW3 4HT nam.ac.uk15-16 June. Build Your Own...This Father’s Day weekend bring along yourcompetitive spirit and take part in mini-buildactivities. From tanks to trebuchets, use yourengineering skills to create magnificent machinery.10.30am-4.30pm, free, age 7+

NATIONAL GALLERYWC2N 5DN nationalgallery.org.uk2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June. FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learntogether, 11am and 3pm, free, age 5-11

NATIONAL MARITIMEMUSEUMSE10 9NF rmg.co.uk 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 June. Explore SaturdaysMeet a character from the past and take part in anexciting performance bringing maritime history tolife. 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, age 6+, free2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June. Discover SundaysBe inspired by our maritime past and explore yourpersonal connections to the sea. 11.30am and 2pm,all ages, free4, 11, 18, 25 June. Play TuesdaysYoung children can have fun with their families asthey explore the Museum through making, music,dance and drama. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm,under 5s, £3 per child

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMSW7 5BD nhm.ac.uk 10 June. Night SafariFrom the beautiful and the beasts to the spookyand the strange, Night Safari is an extraordinaryway to celebrate any occasion. £28

TATE BRITAINSW1P 4RG tate.org.uk/britain25 June – 20 Oct. Lowry and the painting ofModern LifeA major exhibition of urban landscapes by muchloved British painter L S Lowry.

TATE MODERNSE1 9TG tate.org.ukUnder 5s Zone - A play space for under 5s, inviting children on acreative, physical and sensory exploration ofthemes inspired by Cubist art works. Free

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOODCambridge Heath Road E2 9PAmuseumofchildhood.org.uk 8, 15, 29 June. ROMP AND ROLLBust a move in this fun, playful dance session fortoddlers. 10.15am, £3, age 2-4 8, 15, 29 June. CHILDREN*S DANCEEnjoy a new dance class exploring rhythm andcreativity. 11.15am, £3, age 4-6 22 June. FAMILY CHESS CLUBLearn how to start a game, tactical tips andstrategic skills. 10.15am, age 6+

VICTORIA AND ALBERTMUSEUMSW7 2RL vam.ac.uk To 14 July. TREASURES OF THE ROYALCOURTSThe V&A reveals the majesty of the courts of

Henry VIII and Elizabeth I to Ivan the Terrible andthe early Romanovs in a major exhibitioncelebrating 500 years of exchange between Britainand Russia. £8

THE WALLACE COLLECTIONHertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BNwallacecollection.org15 June. Family Public TourTaking you on this exciting, creative, thrilling andinteractive journey will be the young curators fromSt. Vincent’s Primary School. 2.30pm, free, age 5+

Days OutBATTERSEA PARKCHILDREN’S ZOOSW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.ukThroughout June - With a zoo, animalencounters, play area and café, a visit to the worldfamous Battersea Park Children's Zoo is a must.

ELTHAM PALACECourt Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QEelthampalace.org.uk 15-16 June. Grand Medieval JoustExperience the pageantry of a medieval joust andenjoy the thrills and spills as you cheer on yourfavourite knight in the magnificent medieval GreatHall. 10am-5pm, £12/£7.20

GOLDEN HINDE SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com Throughout June. Drake Fun Days, Pirate FunDays, Tudor Fun Days29 June. Family Overnight Living HistoryFrom £4.50

HAMPTON COURT PALACEKT8 9AU hrp.org.uk 13-24 June. Hampton Court Music FestivalA contemporary music festival featuring world classacts in beautiful surroundings.

HMS BELFASTSE1 2JH iwm.org.uk22-23 June. Slang at SeaHave a go at ‘Jack-speak’, and learn the origin ofnavy slang and popular expressions from life at sea.Delve deeper to discover objects and stories of thecrew on board HMS Belfast. 11am and 2pm

What’s onPlease send info for consideration to: [email protected]

8page 36




The Wallace Collection

We acceptChildcareVouchers


What’s on

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PXhrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace16 June. Father’s DayFather’s Day gets active at the palace with its veryown mini sports day. Included in entrance ticket.20 June. Victoria Becomes QueenCelebrate Victoria’s ascension to the throne byenjoying a special tour at Kensington Palace. £2028 June. Victoria’s CoronationStep back into Victoria’s past as Kensington Palacepays its respects to its former resident with anexciting tour of her house. £20

MORDEN HALL PARKSM4 5JD nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park23 June. Morden Hall Park in BloomDiscover the Rose Garden at its best with hands onworkshops and advice sessions. 11am-4pm, free, allages

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSETW7 4RB nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park26 June. Dishing the DirtTake a look at the conservation work done by thehouse team. 12pm-2pm. Adult £9.95, child £526 June. Walking for HealthA brisk 1-hour walk around estate. 11am, free30 June. Family Discovery DayCreative fun days for families, each with a differenttheme. 12pm. Adult £9.95, child £5

PUMP HOUSE GALLERYBattersea Park SW11 4NJpumphousegallery.org.uk9 June. MONTHLY DO: Nature As DesignerCreate your own curiosity box. 12pm - 4pm26-30 June. Delicious Monsters: Plants of theImaginationImmerse yourself in an extraordinary hothouse ofsculptural plants.

ROYAL OBSERVATORYGREENWICHSE10 9NF rmg.co.ukTo 8 Sep. Alien RevolutionAre we alone in this Universe? The RoyalObservatory Greenwich explores a subject that hasbeen obsessing us for hundreds of years. Free13 June. Sci-Fi Movie Night - The War of theWorlds. Following the movie a talk will explore how ourvision of alien invasion has changed over time, usingexamples from the novel by H.G. Wells, the 1953movie and more recent works of science fiction.6.45pm, £7/5, age 11+27 June. Summer Science - To Mars andBeyond: The Search for life in the Universe. Looking at how we use the myriad of species onour own planet to guide us in our search for lifeamongst the stars. 7pm, £10/8. Age 11+29 June. SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORERS In these fun monthly workshops families can makesimple cardboard instruments, including planetfinders and moon dials which they can take awayand use at home. Age 5+, free, times varyThoughout June. WE ARE ALIENSRupert Grint of Harry Potter fame narrates thisplanetarium show exploring how our understandingof life on Earth guides our hunt for alien lifeelsewhere in the Universe. Age 5+, £6.50/£4.50

SYON HOUSE AND GARDENS London Road, Middlesex TW8 8JG syonpark.co.uk10 June - 7 July. Archaeology at Syon Park Following on from last year’s dig where they foundevidence of a Roman Settlement and Little Syon,Museum of London Archaeology are returning toexcavate further.

TOWER OF LONDONEC3 hrp.org.uk10 June. Gun Salute – HRH Duke ofEdinburgh Birthday

To mark HRH Duke of Edinburgh’s birthday, atraditional Gun Salute will be held on the TowerWharf.15 June. Gun Salute – HM Queen’s OfficialBirthdayCome to the Tower to see the historical Gun Salutefor HM Queen’s official birthday.29-30 June. Fortress Tower: Have a GoArcheryHave you got what it takes defend the Tower ofLondon against its enemies?

WWT WETLANDS CENTRESW13 9WTwwt.org.uk/visit-us/london 15 June. Wetland plant walkHear about the gorgeous plants that inhabit themargins of pools and lakes. 1.30pm–3pm, £6 +admission. Booking essential 15 June – 4 Aug. Perfect Pond seasonTake part in a series of activities including wildlifesurveys, experiments and shows.

ZSL LONDON ZOO NW1 4RY zsl.org7, 14, 21, 28 June. Zoo LatesExplore the wilds of the ultimate urban jungle.Monkeys go ape and birds of paradise strut theirstuff with animal talks, improvised comedy, twistedcabaret, roving performances, pop up bars, streetfood festival and more. 6-10pm, over 18s only29 June. Friendly Spider ProgrammeDo you have a spider phobia? The Friendly SpiderProgramme is carefully designed to ease thecondition of arachnophobia. The programme is acombination of cognitive behavioural therapy andhypnotherapy.

Out of TownAUDLEY END HOUSE ANDGARDENSCB11 4JF www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audley-end-house-and-gardens 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 June. BringingAudley End to LifeCome and see the Service Wing and Stablesbrought to life by costumed characters at AudleyEnd. All ages16 June. Classic Cars for Father’s Day

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk NEW!

Green Shoots DayNursery, SW8 1AR

Open for 0 to 5yr olds8am to 6pm

0207 582 3133www.greenshootsday

nursery.coop

Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally

welcoming and inclusive environment”(Ofsted November 2011).

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this richand vibrant learning environment.

Great outdoor space!Options include Afternoon School,

Lunch Club and Early Bird Club.www.345nurseryschool.co.uk

Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or [email protected]

Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

‘The unique needs of the children arepromoted exceptionally well and staffare committed to meeting children’slearning and welfare needs' (Ofsted

Outstanding – December 2011)

Please come and see us in actionand capture the excitement of

learning at Oaktree Nursery School

Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport,cooking and drama and all aspects

of the Early Curriculum.

Contact: Annabel DixonPhone: 020 8870 8441

email: [email protected]

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

Battersea Zoo

June 2013 37®®

This Father's Day, treat Dad to a special day out atAudley End, where a beautiful collection of classiccars will be on display. All ages

BODIAM CASTLETN32 5UA nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle 16 June. Fly a Bird of Prey Spoil your Dad on Father’s Day with a deliciouslunch followed by an opportunity to fly one of theHawking Centre’s beautiful birds of prey. 11am-4pm, £25/10

BROOKLANDS MUSEUMKT13 0QN www.brooklandsmuseum.com15-16 June. Brooklands Double TwelveMotorsport Festival The biggest motoring competition held atBrooklands since 1939. Family entertainment andlots more attractions. 10am-5pm, from £5

KENT & EAST SUSSEXRAILWAYTN30 6HE kesr.org.uk 16 June. Father’s DayJoin the railway for a whole host of events

LEEDS CASTLEME17 1PL leeds-castle.com3, 28 June. The Maiden’s Tower TourA special behind the scenes tour of The Maiden’sTower. See the home of the Ladies in waiting toHenry VIII. Find out why this tower has its name,learn about the roaring 1920s and what it was usedfor during World War II. £56, 13, 20, 27 June. Gardens of Leeds CastleFind out more about the history of the beautifulgardens and chat to the gardeners about how theymaintain them. 11am8-9 June. Falconry Centre Open WeekendSee the birds in their aviaries and on theweathering lawn. The falconry team will be onhand to answer questions about the birds and thefacilities. The centre will be open from 11am until1pm, and 3pm until 5pm, there will also be a publicdemonstration at 2pm. 10 June. Below Stairs TourYour chance to see areas of the castle not normallyopen to the public. Your guide will show youseveral rooms including the castle kitchens, statebedrooms and the servants’ rooms. £517 June. Behind the Scenes Tour. Find out more about the State Bedrooms at LeedsCastle, which are not open to the public. Hear

about the guests of the roaring 1920s, see thebedroom where Edward and Mrs Simpson stayedand where Pavarotti accommodated during his visithere. 11.30am, £5

PAINSHILL PARKCobham, Surrey painshill.co.uk16 June. Father’s DaySpend the day with your father in the beautifullandscape. Free to fathers when accompanied bytheir children. Normal admission prices apply toother visitors.30 June. Discover beesDiscover fascinating facts about bees and learn allabout beekeeping.

Diary dates & eventsAbbeville FeteAbbeville Road, SW429 June. Kids zone, trader's stalls, events, music,bar, BBQ, waiter's races, an auction, a raffle andmuch more.12-4pm

Heskia Children’s Wear Sale29th June 2013 1-3pm St Luke's Church Hall,Thurleigh Road, Battersea.

Jacky Heskia has retired so this is a last chance tobuy beautiful, traditionally made children's clothes,some unique. Prices from £5.

Motherhood ExhibitionBeaufort House, 354 Kings Road SW3 5UZwww.kensingtonmums.co.uk/kmblog/2013/04/01/kensington-mums-motherhood-exhibition7 June. An exhibition showcasing and supportingmums to develop and share their own motherhoodstories.

Friends of Battersea ParkBarbecueBattersea Park Children’s Zoowww.batterseapark.org/bbq11 June. Live music, bar, tombola, children’sactivities, silent auction. 6 - 9pm, advance ticketsonly, £15 (£20 after 6th June)/£7, under 6s free.020-7622 5199

Medieval Midsummer FestivalThe Rookery (top of Streatham Common),Covington Way, Streatham, SW16 3BX22 June. Brave Knights and Bold Heroines, withhave-a-go archery, medieval and contemporarytraders market, small farm show and kids kingdom.Held by The Waldorf School of South WestLondon. 11am-5pm

Honeywell Schools Summer FeteHoneywell Road SW11 6EF22 June. The Fete is bigger and better than everthis year with zorbs, a 24ft climbing wall, aninflatable obstacle course and jousting as well as allthe traditional fun of the fair; coconut shy, candyfloss, BBQ, animal petting area and lots more.11.45am-4pm

Southbank Centre Summer 2013Festival – Festival ofNeighbourhoodSE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk4 May – 8 Sep. A summer-long celebration ofneighbourhoods and communities, with the sitetransformed into a neighbourhood with allotmentsand fruit trees, local pub, large-scale murals and acomplete Beanotown. Themed weekendsthroughout the summer, from a celebration ofstreet culture to a village fair. Includes Udderbelly,with a programme of comedy, circus and familyshows, and London Wonderground with circus,cabaret and sideshows.

8page 38

Please send info for consideration to: [email protected]’s on

The Pumphouse Gallery


Family ExtravaganzaHotel Rafayel, Battersea SW11www.familyextravaganza.eventbrite.com15 June. Join Amanda’s Action Club and specialguest performers for an unforgettable song anddance performance. In aid of GOSH. 10.30am-2.30pm, £5

Snakes and laddersSyon Park, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF020 8847 0946 snakes-and-ladders.co.uk16 June. Dads Come FreeBring Dad to celebrate Father’s Day.

NCT Wimbledon & Wandsworthwww.nctpregnancyandbabycare.comMonday Munchkins. Every Monday in June,10am-12pm at Elim Church, High Path, SouthWimbledon.Breastfeeding Drop-in. Every Thursday inJune, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café Bumps and Babes. Every Friday in June,10.30am–12pm, Wimbledon Park PavilionPost-natal meet up. Every Friday in June,1.30–3.30pm at Mood Food Café, 131 Penwith Rd,Earlsfield, SW18 4PZ

Dulwich Picture GallerySE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk30 June. Family Sundays – Artplay On the first and last Sunday of every month familieswith a gallery ticket can now enjoy a range of freedrop-in activities. 2–4pm

Wandsworth Heritage Festival2013Various locations across WandsworthTo 16 June. A varied programme of eventsdesigned to bring to life the borough’s rich history.

Lantern Arts CentreTolverne Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8RAwww.lanternarts.org [email protected], sing, dance and share stories.Tuesdays 10am - Once Upon a Storytime. £4,£1 for siblings. Under 6 months freeWednesdays/Thursdays - Theatre Club. Timesvary Fridays 10am - Baby Boppers Music andMovement for children 2+. £4.

St. Michaels' Primary School'sSummer FeteViewfield Road, Southfields SW188 June. Giant slides, bouncy castle, ANZACBBQ, Asian food stalls, tea tent, famous plant stall,face painting, traditional side stall games includingcoconut shy, maggot racing and tombola. 12-4pm

Ritherdon Road Street PartyRitherdon Road, Balham

9 June. Stalls lining the street selling handmadesilver jewellery, children’s toys, chocolates andmore. 11am - 5pm

RHS Summer Garden PartyRHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QBwww.rhs.org.uk/wisley29-30 June. Enjoy a quintessentially British day outthis summer at a fabulous Summer Garden Party.Activities from croquet and cream tea to dancingand vintage tractor rides. £10.75/4.60

Curious TrailWest Norwood Cemetery, Norwood Rd, WestNorwood SE27www.westnorwoodcemetery.com22 June - 28 July. The oldest Gothic Cemetery inthe world launches an amazing outdoor art project.Curious Trail sees 22 artists given a platform topromote their work in a beautiful setting.

Wimbledon Village Fair and HorseShow

Southside, WimbledonCommon22 June. Bring the family along towatch the horse show andspectacular musical ride, agreat day out for all.Lots9am-4pm

First Aid for LifeBalham and Westminsterfirstaidforlife.org.uk11, 27 June. THEEMERGENCY COURSEA 3-hour course coveringcare of the unconscious babyand child as well as mostcommonly occurring injuriesand illnesses such as choking,bleeding, breaks, bleeds,burns, head injury and febrileconvulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65.

Common Fayre Holy Trinity Clapham, Clapham Common22 June. A proper, old-fashioned English villagefete with a BBQ, steel band, donkey rides, a dogshow, sideshows, lots of stalls, raffle, silent auction.11am

Trinity Toddle Clapham Common21 June. A fun event for toddlers, run by TrinityHospice

Institut FrancaisSW7 2DTinstitut-francais.org.uk15, 22 June. BABY AND KIDS TALESFrench tales with a professional story-teller withinteractive fun and games. £5/£7, 11am, age 0-3 or3-5 depending on date

Mum2mum MarketWimbledon YMCA, 200 Broadway, WimbledonSW19 8JGmum2mummarket.co.uk8 June. BABY AND CHILDREN’S NEARLYNEW SALEBuy top quality second hand baby and children'sclothes, toys, books and equipment at a fraction ofthe high street price or sell and keep 100% of theproceeds. £2

Little voices workshopThe Community Church Hall, Werter Road(opposite Sainsbury's, just off PutneyHigh Street)8 JUNE. FREE LAUNCH WORKSHOP. Singing,performance and drama. Age 4-18, 11am. Toregister call 07943 840381

5k RBC Race for the Kids Battersea Park, www.raceforthekids.co.uk 9 June. Ideal for families, friends and colleagues,the race is suitable for all ages and abilities andparticipants can run, walk or jog individually or inteams. Help raise vital funds for Great OrmondStreet Hospital Children’s Charity.

Professor Quantum’s Magnificenttime tourMeet at the bus stop, 6 Northumberland AveWC2N 5BYtimetour.co.ukSaturdays and Sundays in June. Combingtheatre and technical trickery with an insightful lookat London's rich past, aboard the Professor's'Incredible Time Bus'. All ages, 2.45pm, £14/£20

NCT Meetingswww.nct.org.ukEvery Thursday in June. PUTNEY ANDFULHAM TODDLER GROUP10-11.30am at Maloca, 10 Point Pleasant SW181GG. Bring your toddler for a free morning of safeplay in Maloca's dedicated child room packed withbooks, toys and a ball pool

History of Theatreland toursCentral London [email protected] 9 June. Official London Theatre’s annualTheatreland Walking Tour. Take in some ofLondon’s quirkier theatrical sights including aVictorian music hall, the first theatre to host a stripshow in the entertainment district, the home ofRevudeville variety and London’s most elegant stagedoor. 2.30pm, £9.50, age 12+

Diary dates and eventsfro

m p

.37

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk NEW!

June 2013 39®®

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