ISSUE 107
MAY/JUNE 2016
www.familieswest.co.uk
Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk
Learning through play the Little Stars way…
Little Stars is a new independent day nursery providing childcare
that meets the need of each individual child and their family.
that
the importance
early
years
in a child’s We understand
of the
general development cannot be over-emphasised. Little Stars Nursery
2015, providing childcare for
opened on 7th September
2-5 year olds between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
For more
please
information
feel
free
to contact us at:
littlestarsnurseryw3@gmail.com
Tel: 020 8896 9500
Holy Family Parish Hall · Vale Lane · London W3 0DY
www.littlestarsealing.co.uk
Why not promote YOUR news in our News & Views section?
Please contact us at: editor@familieswest.co.uk
2
THE GRUFFALO ‘MOUSE’ ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © AXEL SCHEFFLER
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
May/June 2016
news & views
Super Camps
The school summer holidays are a time for children to
have fun whilst keeping active in body and mind. Super
Camps offer a range of camps and courses for all ages,
from multi-activity, bake-off, cooking, science and raw
adventure to suit everyone! They have just received yet
another 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2016.
Camps run from 8am - 6pm for ages 4-14.
Call 01235 467300 · www.supercamps.co.uk
In this issue
News & Views
Parenting
Parties
Education
Clubs & Classes
Festivals
What’s On in West London
Classified Section
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 10
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 19
Excellent offers to senior schools
Well done to Clifton Lodge School pupils in year 6 and 8 who
have received excellent senior school offers. Year 8 pupils are
going to John Lyon, St James’s, St Benedict’s, Shiplake College
and one pupil has gained an academic scholarship at
Merchant Taylors.
Year 6 boys’ offers included City of London, Hampton,
St Benedict’s and St James’s.
Girls at Clifton Lodge were offered places at Godolphin &
Latymer, Notting Hill & Ealing High School, St Helen’s,
St Augustine’s (including an academic scholarship), King
Edwards,Prior’s Field and Radnor House. Pupils also gained
places at highly selective grammar schools, one place at Tiffin,
RGS High Wycombe and Herschel Grammar. Clifton Lodge
internal academic scholarships have also been offered to two
existing Year 6 pupils. · www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
May/June 2016
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
3
parenting
The 7 most common parenting mistakes
L
ike many new parents, we
assumed that we would ‘instinctively’
know how best to raise our own
children, after all doesn't parenting come
naturally? How wrong we were! We
both had very different parenting styles
and couldn’t agree on the best way to
raise our children to make them
responsible and self-disciplined.
We discovered that we were making
plenty of mistakes without even
realising it and that most people around
us were also falling into the same
common parenting pitfalls. In fact
between the two of us, Carole and I
have made every common parenting
mistake on the list below (and still do
from time to time!). So our objective is to
help increase your awareness of the
effect that such mistakes can have on
your children, so that you can identify
areas where you might want to improve
your skills and continue along your parenting journey with a renewed sense of
confidence.
Here are seven of the most
common mistakes that loving
parents make:
1
Over-praising and using
positive reinforcement:
Using phrases such as ‘good boy’ and
‘good girl’ and praising everything
children do well to reinforce their good
behaviour is a very common trait.
Unfortunately, using such ‘evaluative
praise’ and descriptively praising every
good behaviour is a form of reward that
they will come to expect as motivation
to want to do things in the longer-term.
2
Getting Angry and shouting:
When we raise our voice or yell at
our children, this puts them in ‘fight or
flight’ mode - this is the body’s response
to stress, which means that their logical
brain shuts down and they essentially
can’t ‘hear’ us anymore. When our
children are in ‘fight or flight’ mode,
we can get angry at them and shout
until we are ‘blue in the face’, but the
message still will not get through, so all
the lecturing typically done in these
circumstances is a waste of energy! If
they do comply with our requests, it will
only be out of fear and it will have very
little impact on helping to improve their
behaviour in the long-term.
3
Over-protecting: in this day
and age, parents are becoming
more anxious and over-protecting
children. By over-protecting them, we
prevent them from making enough
mistakes, which if handled well, are
invaluable opportunities for learning.
Although protecting our children and
stopping them from making mistakes
may sound like a positive thing, we are
in fact inadvertently denying them the
opportunity to learn from their mistakes
and take responsibility for their own
actions. We are also preventing them
from building their ‘frustration’ muscle
by not allowing them to face difficult
emotions such as anger and
disappointment.
4
Punishing: although we must
make our children accountable for
their actions, there are far more effective
ways of achieving this than resorting to
punishment and fear tactics, particularly
if the punishment is corporal. Research
shows that children who are regularly
punished will only comply with their
parent’s instructions and requests out of
fear, so the effect is only short-term.
In the long-term, punishment not only
damages the relationship and connection we have with our children, but it
can also cause them to become resentful
towards us and increasingly aggressive,
and in many cases, they will learn to lie
“All children require a more balanced and consistent
approach to parenting, and all have emotional needs that
is our responsibility as parents to fulfil.”
as a means of avoiding any future
punishment.
5
Reassuring children: it seems
like a natural thing for parents to
want to reassure their children, by telling
them that everything is going to be
okay. For example, if they happen to
break their favourite toy, it’s a common
reaction to want to ‘swoop in’ and try to
reassure our children and ‘fix’ the problem for them, so we may say “I hate to
see you so upset because you broke
your favourite toy, don’t worry, I will buy
you another one”. We may think that we
are helping by doing this, but the reality
is that we are not allowing children to
deal with their feelings. Children need
to be given opportunities to practice
patience and get used to experiencing
feelings of sadness and frustration as
this will help to prepare them for the
pressures of adult life.
6
Discounting children’s feelings:
for example, by using phrases such
as “Come on, it’s not that bad”, “Only
babies cry” or “Boys don’t cry”.
Discounting our children’s emotions in
this way can create serious anxiety in the
long-term, because it can cause them to
become unsure of themselves and distrustful of their own emotions.
7
Being a tiger parent: tiger
parents tend to be pushy and have
a strong focus on achievement and
academics. This style of parenting has
become increasingly prevalent over the
last decade and some children may react
positively to it and excel academically.
However, other children may end up
being ‘crushed’ by it and be affected for
the rest of their lives. There is a wealth
of scientific research and anecdotal
evidence to suggest that this can lead to
serious anxiety for children and that they
usually end up unhappy.
4
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Long term effects:
Whether we are too strict or too lenient,
neither approach is effective for raising
our children to become resilient and
autonomous adults in the long-term.
If we ‘over-protect’ them, we are not
allowing them to make mistakes or
experience frustration and if we are
being overly strict and getting angry at
them, we are not modelling the fact
that we can control our own emotions
through our own behaviour towards
them.
We may only see the effects of our
mistakes later on when our children
become adolescent, by which time it is
much harder to repair any damage that’s
already been done.
So what can we do about
this?
What we must remember is that all
children require a more balanced and
consistent approach to parenting, and
all have emotional needs that is our
responsibility as parents to fulfil.
That’s why it’s so important to try to
avoid these common pitfalls, in order to
maximise our child’s chances of growing
up to be a responsible, self-reliant and
happy adult.
Written by Carole &
Nadim Saad, authors
of ‘Kids don’t come
with a manual.’
Carole & Nadim have discovered
far better alternatives to yelling/shouting,
getting angry, rewarding, punishment
etc. You can find more information
about it all in their book;
‘Kids Don’t Come With a Manual - The
Essential Guide to a Happy Family Life’
at: www.bestofparenting.com
May/June 2016
Seven party themes kids will LOVE!
parties
Parties can go with a swing if you choose a theme your little ones can have
fun with. From fancy dress costumes to themed plates, cups and decorations,
By Sally J. Hall
here are some great ideas for a themed children’s party.
★
1
Pirates
Invitations: Create a treasure map by
drawing a rough map of your street
and put “X marks the party spot”
where your house (or the party venue)
is. A suitably pirate-inspired poem
would be a good addition with plenty
of “aaaaaahhhhhhhs!”
Wear: Encourage kids to dress as
pirates and give each a bandana or
eye patch to wear as they arrive.
Play: Fill a wooden chest (or
cardboard box painted to look like a
treasure chest) with torn up
newspaper and pop in some wrapped
small gifts for a lucky dip.
Eat: Give them vegetable, chicken or
fish fingers and let them eat with their
hands like real pirates. Jelly with
pomegranate seeds or blueberries in
the bottom looks like sunken treasure.
The table can be covered with a blue
paper cloth and then scattered with
shells, star fish and fake jewels.
Party bags: Send them home with a
treasure chest party box containing a
piece of cake and a fun gift like an
inflatable sword or pirate stickers.
Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has
written for all the main parenting titles as well
as The Independent and The Mail. She is author
of ‘Eco Baby’ and contributing author to ‘Watch
My Baby Grow’ (Dorling Kindersley).
and cutting a little opening in the
top to put in some treats. You could
turn it into a Mickey Mouse head,
a character from Cars or a simple
balloon shape with some Disney
characters pasted on it.
Eat: Serve drinks in mismatched
teacups for an Alice in Wonderland
party, make cucumber sandwiches for
a Princess theme and create cupcakes
in Disney cupcake cases.
Party bags: Disney bags will be great
going-home gifts. Fill with a treat to
eat and some play princess jewellery
or stickers.
★ Superhero
3
Invitations: Create bright invitations
in Superhero colours and write the
child’s name on as a character - for
example: “Dear SuperZac, please
come to my Superhero party.”
2
Wear: If your little guests don’t have
costumes, why not create simple
paper or felt masks and add a badge
with each child’s name and their
super power on them.
Invitations: Whether your child
loves Frozen, Mickey Mouse or Cars,
create an invitation to your Magical
Kingdom using stickers of favourite
Disney characters and glitter.
Play: Create a super hero obstacle
course in the garden. Kids have to
crawl beneath ropes, through pop-up
tunnels, in and out of boxes and over
big cushions.
Wear: Most kids will have a Disney
costume or two lurking in the
dressing up box. Say that dressing up
is optional and have a few accessories
that kids without costumes could
wear such as paper crowns and a sash
made from coloured paper.
Eat: Make some colourful cupcakes
and finish them off with cake toppers
with the words “Boom!” “Pow!” and
“Zap!” on them. Create food and a
birthday cake in your child’s favourite
character’s colours.
★ Disney
Play: Create a Disney piñata by
covering a balloon with papier maché
May/June 2016
★ Tea Party
4
Invitations: Pretty florals and pastel
colours are the key to this theme, so
make invitations festooned with flowers cut from wrapping paper.
Wear: Ask the kids to dress up as if
they are going for afternoon tea at a
posh hotel. Girls can wear pretty
dresses and boys can put on smart
trousers and a shirt.
Play: This theme really suits all those
old-fashioned party games like Pass
the Parcel and Musical Chairs.
Eat: Make some dainty sandwiches
with the crusts cut off, with little
cakes and serve them on vintage
mismatched cups and saucers. You
can even buy cardboard three-tiered
cake stands.
Party bags: Create some unique party
bags out of old floral fabric you have
lying around the house and pop in
some pretty fake jewellery or unique
trinkets along with a piece of cake.
H
H
Parties continue
on page 6
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H=
Party bags: Instead of a party bag,
why not give each child a small plastic
superhero toy.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
5
parties CONTINUED
★ Jungle
5
Invitations: Make animal themed
invitations; these can be as simple or
artistic as you like.
Wear: Encourage the kids to come
dressed as their favourite animal or
bring a toy with them if they don’t
want to dress up. You could also make
some simple animal face masks.
Play: Have a safari game in the
garden where you hide pictures of
animals the kids have to spot, then to
calm them down, play Sleeping Lions.
Eat: Create your own Bush Tucker
Trial; long, thin sandwiches make
great ‘caterpillars’ (use little pieces of
chives to create legs and sliced black
olives for eyes). A bowl of pasta with
pesto can be called ‘slithering snakes’
and jelly masquerades as ‘slime.’
Party bags: Little bags can be filled
with a piece of the cake and some
jungle stickers, little rubber snakes
and other animal toys.
★ Circus
6
Invitations: Why not create an
invitation that looks like a big clown’s
shoe? Or even go for a circus
ticket theme.
H
H=
H
Wear: Kids can all dress as circus folk
using garments they may already have
at home; ballet costumes double as
acrobats, riders can wear jodhpurs
and all of the kids can be clowns with
some face paint.
Play: Buy some clever modelling
balloons and have a practice before
the kids arrive. Play tumbling games
and give a prize to the winner.
Eat: Think of food you find served
at circuses; make popcorn in the
microwave and have hotdogs and
burgers in buns.
Party bags: In a circus theme party
bag, pop some cute animal chocolate
biscuits, balloons and a fake
moustache.
★ Football
For the very best in
FACE PAINTING & BALLOON MODELLING
Magical Designs provides a excellent face painting
and balloon modelling service in and around
London. Whether your event is a small birthday
party or a large corporate event Magical Designs
will bring colour and joy to both young and old.
For more information please contact Susie on
07814 925 462
susiejk38@hotmail.com
www.magicaldesigns.co.uk
PIÑATAS London’s long established bespoke piñata
maker. http://pinata.co.uk
Party Food
BETTY BLYTHE VINTAGE TEAROOM
Cakes and children’s tea parties in West Kensington.
www.bettyblythe.co.uk
GINA’S CAKES Large cakes, cupcakes and other party
supplies in W12. www.ginascakes.com
7
Invitations: Use white card and paint
on black hexagons to make football
shaped invitations.
STAMFORD LARDER Bespoke cakes and children’s tea
parties in Hammersmith.
www.stamfordlarder.com/catering/childrens-tea-parties
Wear: Ask the kids to come dressed
for a game of football - they can wear
their school PE kit if they don’t have a
football shirt.
ELVES AND OVENS is currently taking London by storm
with a new range of yummy and exciting children’s party
boxes. At Elves and Ovens they take their food very
seriously, and now are able to take the feeding of all of
your little ones and their friends just as seriously.
hungry@elvesandovens.com · 020 8961 7477
Play: If you can, ask a coach from a
local five aside team to come to the
party to teach the kids some new skills
such as keepy-uppy. Round off with a
friendly match.
HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY Buy the iconic cupcakes at
the local branch on Portobello Road in Notting Hill.
Delivery to most West London postcodes.
www.hummingbirdbakery.com
Eat: Use paper cloths in your
favourite team’s colours, with
matching napkins. Eat the kind of
food you find at the football ground,
such as burgers in buns and chips.
Party bags: Inside a box or bag in
England or your child’s favourite
team colours, pop a plastic whistle,
pencils, pads and stickers.
=
= H =
Party Supplies
H
=
PARTY PLUS is based 4 Acton Lane, Chiswick, London
W4 5NB and also has a mail-order company
www.partyplus.co.uk They have a wide range of themed
party-ware available from stock including Paw Patrol,
Minions, Ben and Holly, Peppa Pig, Pirate, Princesses
and much more. 020 8994 1674.
6
Magical Designs
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Let me entertain you
THE ACTION STATION Imaginative interactive storytelling parties. Choose from mermaids, funky witches and
wizards, fairies or princesses, pirates, knights or cowboys,
spies or drama parties. Clowns, magicians, jugglers,
circus skills experts, face painters, make up artists and DJs
also available. 0870 770 2705.
www.theactionstation.co.uk
ADAM ANTS PARTIES A party for any age. Adam Ants
and his team offer high energy parties to include magic,
balloon modelling, dancing, singing and puppets. Themes
include disco, build-a-bear, art and Olympic sports. Face
painters, small tables and chairs, and other party equipment available. Midweek discounts. 020 8959 1045.
www.adamantsparties.co.uk·info@adamantsparties.co.uk
AMANDA'S ACTION CLUB Amanda's Action Club runs
dynamic, interactive parties for children aged 1-6.Using
unique props and funky music we entertain in a physical,
fun environment. info@amandasactionclub.co.uk
07855 276837. www.amandasactionclub.co.uk
BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Live music parties for the
under-5's. Guitar-accompanied singing, actions, jumping,
instruments and dancing, perfect for little ones.
May/June 2016
A puppet, shaky eggs and a parachute add to the fun.
info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk · 020 8677 6871.
BOO BOO THE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER For lots
of laughter, fun and games with mini disco, balloon modelling, juggling, magic tricks and puppet shows. He has
vast experience entertaining children of all ages and is
suitable for all occasions. Recommended by the Evening
Standard. 07961 355269.
www.mr-booboo.co.uk
DIDDI DANCE Action packed, full of fun dance classes
and parties held across west London. Weekly classes and
various party packages available ensure your party is the
talk of the tots! Contact Gina Kane on 07426 009179.
gina.kane@diddidance.com · www.diddidance.com
FUN WITH FIMO CLAY is a unique, creative party idea
for age 6+ www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk
MOTHER NATURE SCIENCE Each party features an
impressive array of spectacular science demonstrations,
party games and hands on activities. Every child receives
a fun and educational take-home experiment. 020 8863
8832. info@mnature.co.uk · www.mnature.co.uk
Party Venues
BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE London’s most central
indoor playground host all-inclusive children’s parties from
£9.50 per child. This includes 75 minutes play in the 3level play area and party meal of your choice for 45 minutes in your own private party room as well as party bags
and balloons for each child to take home. Bronze, Silver,
Gold, Themed or Private Hire Party Packages available.
Available: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-6.30pm.
Sat and Sun. 136 Bramley Road, London W10 6TJ
(Latimer Road tube). 020 8960 1515.
www.bramleysbigadventure.com
HILLINGDON OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTRE Raft
building, kayaking, caving, archery, zip wire, giant swings
and more. www.hoac.net
SNAKES AND LADDERS Indoor soft play centre in
Brentford. www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk
Allsorts drama for children
will be running their popular Easter drama
workshops at More House School,
22 - 24 Pont Street SW1
from 5th - 7th April for ages 4 - 6 & 7- 11
from 9.30am - 3.30pm.
The children will have fun with games, prop
making and working towards a show that they
will perform to family and friends on the last day.
Fee £150 with a 20% sibling discount.
To book please call: 020 8969 3249
or visit: www.allsortsdrama.com
KIDDIKICKS Toddler and child football themed birthday
parties. 020 7937 7965.
info@kiddikicks.co.uk · www.kiddikicks.co.uk
PERFORM Perform Parties are high energy combining
drama, dance and singing with fun games and stories.
Party leaders arrive in colourful costume and through
improvisation, transport children (4-12 yrs) to a different
world. Themes include The Ice Queen, Fairytale Forest,
Mermaids and Pirates, Superheroes and many more.
020 7255 9120.
enquiries@perform.org.uk · www.perform.org.uk/parties
STAGECOACH KENSINGTON AND CHISWICK
PARTIES create a wonderful world of make-believe
which takes children on a roller-coaster ride through their
imagination at their fabulous themed Stagecoach Parties.
Their party hosts will be in character throughout the
birthday party-they will wear colourful, themed costumes,
have loads of props and prizes and delight party guests
with a wide range of party games, storytelling, dancing
and singing. All you need to do is provide a venue, food
and drink... their party hosts will do the rest. For older
children, take a look at their murder mystery parties.
They also provide bespoke parties. Call Sara or Sally at on
020 8398 8106 or 020 8398 4709.
COOKIE CRUMBLES Cooking parties for ages 4-18.
020 8876 9912.
www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk · info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk
May/June 2016
THE LITTLE GYM Active, themed, gymnastics-based
parties for children up to age 12. Venues include Chiswick
and Westfield shopping centre.
www.thelittlegym.eu/uk-en/parties-camps
Local Play Centres
PICCOLO PLAY CENTRE Venue: Chiswick Book the hall
or include entertainment, decoration and themed parties.
http://piccoloplaycentre.co.uk/parties/
PITSHANGER PLAYCENTRE Venue: Ealing Bright room
for hire with toys and playground equipment in the outside space, perfect for under 5s. Call Marion Doheny
07951 535779. · pitshangerplaycentre@live.co.uk
Local Leisure Centres
EALING: Elthorne Sports Centre Sports and Games
Parties. 020 8579 3226.
Greenford Sports Centre Sports, games, bouncy castle
and trampoline...UB6.
020 8575 9157.
Gurnell Leisure Centre Swimming parties W13 OAL.
020 8998 3241.
Southall Sports Centre Sports, games and trampoline
parties. 020 8571 8871.
Northolt Leisure Centre Swimming parties. UB5 4AB.
020 8825 7014.
Southall Sports Centre Sports parties UB1 1DP.
020 8571 8871.
Twyford Sports Centre
(Acton) Sports, games and
trampoline parties. W3.
020 8993 9095.
CHISWICK
Brentford Fountain
Leisure Centre Swimming,
sport and soft play parties
TW8 0HJ. 0845 456 6675.
New Chiswick Pool
Swimming parties W4 2RG.
0845 456 6675.
HAMMERSMITH
Phoenix Fitness Centre
and Janet Adegoke
Swimming Pool Centre Sports
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Themed party packages. W12 7DB. 020 8735 4900.
Jubilee Sports Centre Soft play parties with use of the
hall. W10 4RR. 020 8960 9629.
WESTMINSTER
Seymour Leisure Centre Soft play parties in the
Jungle Gym and Sports parties. W1H 5TJ.
www.better.org.uk/leisure/seymour-leisure-centre
KENSINGTON
Westway Sports Centre W10 6RP Climbing, Tennis,
Football, Wallball and Fives Parties.
http://sports.westway.org
Bowling Alleys
ALL STAR LANES 6 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB.
020 7313 8363. · www.allstarlanes.co.uk
QUEENS 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP.
020 7229 0172. · www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk
Ice Skating Rinks
QUEENS 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP.
020 7229 0172. · www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk
Big Screens
ELECTRIC CINEMA Private screening of a favourite
film and refreshments.
www.electriccinema.co.uk/portobello/privatehire.php
SCIENCE MUSEUM Big screen IMAX movie and party
afterwards. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Days Out Parties
BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE AND RAILWAY For
the little train fanatics in your life. www.bekonscot.co.uk
LONDON DUNGEONS Definitely one for the older
ones. www.the-dungeons.co.uk
LONDON EYE Hire a private capsule. www.londoneye.
com /PrivateCapsules/CreateYourOwnCapsule
LONDON ZOO www.zsl.org/events/venue-hire-at-zsl
-london-zoo/birthday-parties (The Bedbugs Sleepovers
in July and August look like a great idea for a summer
birthday treat).
ODDS FARM PARK A day at the farm with everything
thrown in- all you need to do is bring the kids and the
cake. Fully air-conditioned party rooms available every
day for morning and afternoon parties. Wooburn
Common Road, Wooburn Common High Wycombe
HP10 0LX. 01628 520188. www.oddsfarm.co.uk
7
parties CONTINUED
Ten Of The Best Party Bag Fillers
Because we all know
mums throw away all
that plastic rubbish
when their little one’s
are not looking…
catch and stack them as high as
they can to both their amazement
and delight!
2. Backyard Science
Ant Hill Making Kit
£4.79 · insectlore.com
1. Animal Hand
Temporary Tattoos
£3.95 · Prezzybox
Nowadays a temporary tattoo is
part and parcel of any child’s party
bag - so why not up the ante with
these hand designs with a
difference? Sold as a box of eight making it easy to split up and therefore super-affordable - these safe
and simple to apply creations
include instructions for making a
number of animal characters, from
a bee to a zebra or even a shark!
If you do not have too many kids
to buy for, then why not get them
interested in nature with their very
own ant hill? Boys and girls alike
will love being able to mould their
very own plaster creation, before
inviting the little creatures in to
observe their daily activities.
4. Disney Frozen
Cupcake Kit
£1 · Morrisons
The Frozen obsession shows no
signs of abating, so rather than
splash out hundreds (yes,
hundreds!) of pounds on an Elsa
impersonator, why not give each
guest their very own cupcake making kit to take home instead?
At this price you could even add a
mini whisk to complete the baking
theme…
3. Catch A Bubble
£3.95 · Prezzybox
Why buy the kids a pot of standard
bubbles when this clever invention is
so much more appealing? Using
them is easy: after blowing, simply
wait a few seconds for the bubbles
to set, before your party guests can
8
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
May/June 2016
5. In The Night Garden
Water Squirters Bath
Toys £10.19 · Argos
These In The Night Garden favourite
characters come as a set of three,
which is a tad too pricey for a party
bag filler - so why not split them up
and add a mini bubble bath for the
kids to enjoy at bath time?
7. Make Your Own
Superhero Mask Kit ·
£2.45
Not On The High Street
What kid doesn’t want to pretend
to be a superhero at every available
opportunity? Prepare to be the
coolest mum - or dad - your little
one’s guests know once you’ve
gifted them this crafty role play
creation, which features cut outs,
jewel embellishments, glue dots and
elastic to design their very own
mask.
6. Julia Donaldson
Picture Book Collection
£11.99
The Book People
We’re big fans of The Book People
here at Families magazine - and at
these prices it’s not hard to see
why! This amazing picture book
collection from every child’s
favourite author, Julia Donaldson,
features 10 books including
The Gruffalo, A Squash and a Squeeze,
The Snail and the Whale and more.
Split the bundle up and it’s just
under £1.20 per book!
9. Super Hatching
Dinosaur Egg £3.95
Dotcom Gift Shop
Little boys and girls will love the
chance to pretend to be a
paleontologist with this neat idea,
which sees a dinosaur egg ‘hatch’
after 72 hours’ immersion in water.
Whenever they return to the house
after an outing, they’ll be desperate
to see the dinosaur’s progress, with
the egg starting to crack around the
12 hour mark.
10. Vegetable Seed
Sticks £1.05 · Part Ark
8. Peppa Pig The Balloon
Ride DVD
£3 · The Works
At just £3 alone this DVD is superaffordable, but when you add to the
mix a ‘four for £10 package’ it’d be
rude not to invest for the perfect
party bag present! The kids will love
it due to their favourite animated
character, while their parents will be
delighted at the chance of a bit of
peace and quiet once it’s on!
Fancy encouraging your party guests
to get a little green fingered this
coming spring? These pocket-sized
treats are ideal, containing seedloaded card sticks they can simply
tear off and pop into compost.
With varieties including tomatoes,
carrots, lettuce and more, each seed
pack - if taken care of properly - will
germinate to grow for later harvest.
Claire Muffett-Reece is a
freelance journalist who writes
on parenting, lifestyle, health
and general interest. Mum to
Jack, five, and Max, three, her
work has been published in
The Evening Standard,
The Metro and Cosmopolitan,
among others.
May/June 2016
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
9
education news
Calling all Young Writers!
TutorMapper on the map...
Do you know a young author?
The National Young Writers’ Awards judges are looking for
the best short story of under 500 words based around this
years theme of ‘The Mash-Up’.
The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for
their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris!
The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore
Learning, are now in their 8th year.
This year’s judge is renowned author of the Charlie and Lola
series of books, Lauren Child.
To enter either pick up an entry form from your nearest
Explore Learning centre or visit:
www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters
With exam season drawing to a close, and your
household (hopefully!) returning to a state of normality,
thoughts inevitably turn to the long summer holidays and
time spent getting away from it all. While we all recognise
the value of a much needed break, it’s important to make
sure that the only ‘summer slide’ your kids end up on this
holiday is the one that leads to the hotel pool.
‘Summer slide’ refers to the dip in learning that kids
experience over the summer months, when they’re away
from school and the routine of study. One way of avoiding
the ‘slide’ is to get some additional tutoring over the
summer break, so that when the holidays are over, they’ll
be more than ready for learning.
TutorMapper is the place to find private tuition that works
for you and your family. All of our tutors have been
carefully selected by
London’s finest tutoring
agencies,
ensuring that when you
use TutorMapper, you
will always find a trusted
and reliable tutor that’s
local to you.
So, enjoy the holidays
and avoid the slide!
Max Blanshard
Director + Founder · www.tutormapper.com
10
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
May/June 2016
May/June 2016
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
11
clubs & classes
DANCE
DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading
dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and
musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18
years old. …0208 566 9672
jill@dancegallery.co.uk
www.dancegallery.co.uk
KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years
Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and
Fulham. …07957 650042
www.kensingtonballet.com
WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY
Become a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance
teacher training.
…07771 984590
info@westlondondanceacademy.com
www.westlondondanceacademy.com
www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk
WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE
21/2 - 16 years …020 8743 3856
westlondondance@aol.com
www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk
DRAMA
ALLSORTS DRAMA drama for children’s term time
classes for ages 4 - 16 are held in SW1, W11 and
NW3. To book your free trial class for the summer term
please call …020 8767 5298 · 020 8969 3249
or visit: www.allsortsdrama.com
Allsorts Drama · 34 Crediton Rd · London NW10 3DU
12
SPORTS
PERFORM Drama, dance and singing sessions
held in various venues around London.To find a FREE
trial class near you call: …0845 400 1285
www.perform.ork.uk
STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama
and singing for 4-18 year olds.
…Chiswick 020 8398 4709
…Kensington & Brook Green 020 8398 8106
…Hammersmith 020 8398 8106
…Acton 020 8819 1399
…Ealing 01494 700794
info@stagecoach.co.uk
www.stagecoach.co.uk
YOURSPACE DRAMA Saturday mornings of drama
song and dance (6-16s) plus creative performing arts
holiday courses 3-16s) at Easter and in August. Ealing
W5. Find out more at: www.yourspacedrama.com
…07580 474638
info@yourspacedrama.com
FOOTBALL
KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8)
Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7.
…020 7937 7965
info@kiddikicks.co.uk
www.kiddikicks.co.uk
GYM & DANCE
TWISTERS. Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama
Toddlers to Teenagers.
…020 8933 9997 · 020 8840 4452
twisters@btinternet.com
www.twisters.org.uk
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Will To Win Junior Multi-Sports Camps, Junior
Netball, Football & Tennis courses and Drop-in sessions.
…Pitshanger Park 020 8991 9844
…Lammas Park, 020 8840 0888
www.willtowin.co.uk
LANGUAGES
Arabic for Women & Children Female teacher
…07956 845053
TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT
EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition
Centres. 5-14 years. Free Trial session
…Ealing 020 8090 8710
…Hayes 020 8561 8530
…Westfield London 020 809 01216
www.explorelearning.co.uk
SUSAN DAUGHTREY EDUCATION
11+ courses in Ealing (West London)
…020 3198 7772
jjacob@SDE11plus.com
www.sde11plus.com/ealing
FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring.
…020 8580 3911
jwww.fleet-tutors.co.uk
MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION
Mock exam practice. …020 8390 6076
www.11plustuition.co.uk
VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 - 11years.
…07050 246810
VIVIEN BORNEMANN
Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages.
…020 8932 1010
May/June 2016
festivals are FUN!
Easy steps to make your kids’ first festival a
breeze...
by Sally J. Hall
Packing List
Waterproofs and wellies
Comfy shoes
Toiletries in small packs, a hang-up
sponge bag you can take to the
shower. Toothbrushes and paste
LOTS of changes of clothing
Warm jumpers and socks
Introducing your children
to all kinds of music can be
a great way to give them a
lifelong love of everything
from folk to classical. Many
of the UK’s festivals have
plenty to do for the whole
family and with some
careful planning and by
packing a few essentials,
you’ll all have a great time.
Where to stay
If you have (and know how to put
up) a tent, this can be the most costeffective way of attending a festival,
as ticket prices can be high. Check
the tent before you go, to ensure it
has all its poles and pins. A good
ground sheet is a must, as are camp
beds or self-inflating air beds. A
playpen is great for babies and small
children to sleep in at night and play
in the day.
Alternatively, other options, from
pre-erected tents to Yurts and teepees
may be provided. Take a look at the
festival’s website to see what’s
suitable.
If you can’t face roughing it, book a
local hotel or bed & breakfast. You’ll
have a bolthole should the weather
turn nasty and somewhere to wash
properly!
Site Map
Take time to orient yourself around
the site, find where your favourite
bands will be and most importantly,
check out where the loos and showers are. These can get very busy and
there are often long queues. For
small kids, take a travel potty, as kids
often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly.
Most festivals have a craft and activities area for kids too. Pushchairs can
be tricky to use if the ground is
muddy. Carriers are more portable
May/June 2016
Sun screen and hats
A baby carrier
Torch and batteries
Phone and charger
Ear defenders
Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes
Insect repellent
First aid kit
and take up less space...
With small kids, try to camp in the
family or quiet areas so that you
won’t all be kept awake by people
coming back to their tents (in all
conditions) through the small hours.
Setting Up
Car parks can be quite a way from
camps, so try to ensure that all gear
can be put into a couple of backpacks for you and your partner to
carry - and still have a hand free for
the kids. Some festivals rent a wagon
to transport your stuff, which you can
then use to pull the kids around in.
What to eat
There are usually lots of food stalls
but bear in mind they can be pricey.
If you want to do your own cooking,
invest in a camp stove. Easy, one pot
meals are best, like soups, stews, rice
or pasta, Freeze some home made
meals, then just before you leave,
put them in a cool box together with
drinks and milk.
Take lots of snacks too, in case
cooking or queuing for meals takes
longer than you think!
is charged, so if your kids do get separated, you are able to be contacted.
Dress your kids in bright clothes so
you can spot them and take a photo
of them each morning, so if they go
wandering, you can remember how
they were dressed and show others.
Don’t take valuables and
keep things you can’t leave
behind, such as phone,
keys, your purse and credit
cards, with you in a day
pack all day. Never leave
them in your tent.
Comfy clothes
Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery
Small backpacks for all, with a
change of clothes, loo paper, wipes
and snack in each, plus drinks
Camera
Fancy Dress
Many festivals now have
a fancy dress parade as
part of the fun, so take
costumes. Some things can
be made on-site at a craft
stall. Face paints are great
to pack, as are glow sticks
and bubbles.
Safety
Kids should have your name (not
theirs) and number on them in case
they get separated. Write it on their
arm, or buy luggage tags and attach
them to their clothes and bags. Talk
to them about how to behave should
they get lost. Make sure your phone
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
13
what’s on
MUSEUMS &
GALLERIES
BRITISH MUSEUM
WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org
until 14 Aug SICILY: CULTURE AND
CONQUEST This exhibition tells Sicily’s
fascinating stories - from the arrival of the
Greeks and their encounters with the
Phoenicians and other settlers, to the
extraordinary period of enlightenment
under Norman rule in the 11th to 13th
centuries. The art and objects they
produced are some of the most beautiful
and important in the history of the
Mediterranean.
DIGITAL WORKSHOPS: Takes place at
weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages
7+ (unless stated).
See the Families West What’s on
widget online for details.
WORKSHOPS:
19 May LITTLE FEET: UNDERWATER
WORLD Help create an underwater world
with seaweed to crawl through, fish to
catch and all the colours of the sea to
enjoy. 10.30am-12noon for under 5s, free,
drop-in.
10 Jun LITTLE FEET: EXPLORE SICILY
Set off on a journey around the island of
Sicily, using your feet, hands and voices to
help you explore. 10.30am-12noon for
under 5s, free, drop-in.
FOUNDLING MUSEUM
WC1N 1AZ
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
28 May FAMILY WORKSHOP:
POSTERS FOR THE LOST Join artist
Daniel Lehan and make a ‘lost’ poster for
a found object from our current exhibition.
Use text, drawing, newspaper cuttings
and collage to make your poster for the
Lost and Found wall. Sessions at 10.30,
11.30am, 12, 2 and 3.30pm.
Free, for age 5+
31 May FAMILY WORKSHOP:
EXTENDABLES Bring the paintings in
the Foundling Museum Collection to life
with artist Isobel Manning. Using card and
craft tools, build an extendable 3D version
of your favourite painting that you can
pull out or flatten. Sessions at 10.30,
11.30am, 12, 2 and 3.30pm.
Free, for age 5+
25 Jun FAMILY WORKSHOP:
SUMMER BIRD BOXES Why do birds
sing inside the Foundling Museum? Learn
about Foundling Fellow Chris Watson’s
sound installation Dawn Chorus and the
birds that existed at the time of the
Foundling Hospital. With artist Shelly
Wain, use recycled materials to make a
portable bird box to take home and
encourage birdsong in your own
community. Sessions at 10.30, 11.30am,
12, 2 and 3.30pm. Free, for age 5+
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
SE1 6H www.iwm.org.uk
EXHIBITIONS:
HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a
large number of rare artefacts document
the history of the Nazi persecution of the
Jews and other groups before and during
the Second World War. For ages 14+
A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the
lives of William and Alice Allpress and
their ten children and what life in London
was like during the war.
SECRET WAR The clandestine world of
espionage, covert operations and the work
of Britain’s Special Forces.
FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story
of the war - Over 1,300 objects including
weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and
souvenirs, will be on display as well as a
recreated trench with periscopes and a
dug-out, along with a soundscape and
projection will evoke what daily life was
like for the troops.
Every Sat and Sun OBJECT
CONVERSATION An immersive object
handling session where families can
explore objects from the collections and
how they connect with iconic objects on
display. 11am and 2pm.
1, 8, 15, 22 May, 12, 19, 26 Jun
CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities
based on themes featured in atrium and
galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages.
11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.
21, 22 May INTRODUCTION TO
THE HOLOCAUST This free discussion
and replica object handling session is a
From Baby to Ballerina
Classes for Boys and Girls aged 21/2 to 16 years old
Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances
Classes held in:
Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate,
Oxford Street, Shepherds
Bush and South Kensington
14
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
May/June 2016
useful starting point for families with
children aged 11+ who wish to learn
about the Holocaust. 11.30am and
2.30pm.
28 May-5 Jun FAMILY
ART WORKSHOP: DRAWING A
SOMME FLIPBOOK Create your own
silhouette of a British ‘Tommy’ (a soldier).
Find out about how images were made
into flipbooks during the First World
11am-4pm.
30 May-3 Jun OBJECT
CONVERSATIONS: THE BATTLE OF
THE SOMME A special immersive object
handling session linked to the Battle of
the Somme. Feel the weight of a shrapnel
piece from the First World War and come
to grips with real First World War objects
from the collections. 11am and 2pm.
25, 26 Jun LEARNING SESSION:
INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST
WORLD WAR A free discussion and
original object handling session as a useful starting point for families who wish to
learn about the First World War. For age
11+ 11am and 2pm.
21, 22 May LEARNING SESSION:
INTRODUCTION TO THE
HOLOCAUST This free discussion and
replica object handling session is a useful
starting point for families who wish to
learn about the Holocaust. For age 11+
at 11.30am and 2.30pm, booking
required.
NATIONAL GALLERY
WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS
Activities designed for families to enjoy
and learn together, 11am and 3pm.
MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING
For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.3011am and 11.30am-12pm. Fly away on
the magic carpet, coming to land in front
of a different painting each day.
1 May FAMILY WALK AND TALK
A walk around the gallery, talking about
pictures to make them come alive.
DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery
paintings as inspiration for your art.
For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm.
Drop-in.
8 May, 12 Jun DRAWING DOGS
Learn how to draw a dog from one of our
paintings, and smudge, shade and make
your dog so real, it jumps off the paper.
22 May X-RAY VISIONS Unearth
hidden stories revealed by X-ray and draw
your own imaginary discovery,
STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by
a studio session (11am and 2pm).
1 May, 5 Jun FANTASY FLOWERS
Discover wild colours and extraordinary
shapes in our Dutch flower paintings,
and create your own fantastic flower
sculptures.
15 May, 19 Jun PAINTED IN STONE
Be inspired by Mantegna’s Introduction of
May/June 2016
the Cult of Cybele and enjoy drawing
stories in stone.
4, 11 May WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Bring paintings to life through interactive
music, storytelling, art and messy play
activities. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and
11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm
for sitting babies to walkers.
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS:
30 May-2 Jun POND LIFE Immerse
yourself in Monet’s Water-Lily Pond and
make your own mini garden installation.
This drop-in creative workshop also
includes learning about the Gallery's paintings throughout the day. Free, 11am-1pm
and 2-4pm for age 2+
30 May MESSY MONDAYS:
EXPLORING THE STUDIO Drop-in
session for children under 5 years. Become
a mini artist by exploring materials and
mark making in a tactile environment
inspired by a painting. 10.30am-1pm and
1.30-3pm.
31 May TALKING TUESDAYS INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing
a painting to life through singing, talking
and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm
and 1.30-3pm.
4 Jun FAMILY FESTIVAL A whole day
of arts, crafts, storytelling, music and a big
party for family members to enjoy.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
WC2H OHE www.npg.org.uk
20 Mar DROP-IN FAMILY SESSION:
POETRY IN MOTION Collect stories
and sounds around the Gallery, as you
join a quest to create a giant moving
poem.1pm for age 3+ and 3pm for age
7+
30 May - 3 Jun CONTEMPORARY
PORTRAITS A week of activities
exploring how artists today find inspiration
and what it means to be an artist in the
twenty first century. 11am-4pm.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk
Until 11 Sept SENSATIONAL
BUTTERFLIES Watch butterflies hatch
from delicate chrysalises, unfolding their
wings for the first time, look for munching
caterpillars hidden in the foliage and at
different life stages and sizes and see butterflies feeding, pausing their flight to
enjoy nectar and fruit. Plus see the world’s
leading butterfly and moth collection of
more than 10 million species.
Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR
FAMILIES Get a feel for how scientists
work by having a go yourself. Come and
explore hundreds of real nature specimens
that form the evidence Museum scientists
use in their daily work.
Drop-in, 11am-5pm.
Museums and Days
Out listings continue
on page 18
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
15
what’s on CONTINUED
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
20 May, 17 Jun DINO SNORES Ever wondered what
goes on at the Natural History Museum at night?
7 - 11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the
museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
14 May, 4 Jun SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight
event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on
workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the
museum.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk
Every Sat and 28 May-5 Jun POP UP
PERFORMANCES Storytelling, interactive plays and
dance. Be immersed in the dance of the robot under an
amazing and unusual architectural structure. For all ages
at 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in
Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design
challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your
own. 10.30am-5pm, for age 5+
1 May JAPAN FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES Join in with
special Children's Day celebrations. Immerse yourself in
the sights, sounds and stories of Japan. 11am-5pm.
28 May-5 Jun IMAGINATION STATION Using fibre,
create a mini canopy structure inspired by Filament
Pavilion in the John Madejski Garden. 10.30am-5pm for
ages 3+ Free, drop in.
28 May-5 Jun DIGITAL KIDS Create your own
incredible architecture using elements of nature,
technology and the world around you using digital collage. Free, drop-in for age 5+ 10.30am-5pm.
FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART
AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity
Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a
gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children
aged 4 to 11
Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to
create collages and pictures to take home.
Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has
been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag contains an audio map and fabric cubes.
DAYS OUT
CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS
W4 2QN www.chgt.org.uk
30 Jun-18 Jul GIFFORDS CIRCUS-THE PAINTED
WAGON SHOW A wild west extravaganza of eyecatching acrobatics and aerialists from far and distant
lands, dancing horses, bounty hunting, and gold panning
all to the beat of the “Dodge City” Giffords Circus saloon
band.
CUTTY SARK
SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
Every weekend:
CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear
Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters
from the ship’s past. Suitable for ages 3+
Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors
along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2-4pm for
ages 4 and under.
7, 8 May FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: PUPPET PALS
Lots of animals lived on board Cutty Sark- Choose your
favourite and make a puppet to star in a show. 11am and
2pm for all ages.
16
Sensational Butterflies
AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
7, 8 May DON’T PUT YOUR PAWS IN THE SUGAR
BOWL! Join the on-board storyteller for an animal
adventure. 11.30am, 12.30 and 2pm for ages 3+
30, 31 May 1 Jun DANCING SAILORS Stamp your
feet and clap your hands for a dance session and make a
colourful sailor puppet to dance around the ship.
11.30am and 2pm for all ages.
2, 3 Jun STORY SHIP Help make a spectacular story
ship. 11.30am and 2pm for all ages.
4, 5 June FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: COLOURFUL
COCKERELS Help to celebrate Portugal Day by making
your own colourful cockerel decoration to hang up at
home. 11.30am and 2pm for all ages.
FULHAM PALACE
SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org
Every Mon and Tues THE PALACE EXPLORERS
A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children
aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and
healthy snack.
2 May WILD CAPITAL ROAD SHOW Examine
fascinating details of nature through microscopes and
gaze into a minibeasts tank at the marquee of wildlife
discovery. 1-4pm. Free.
5, 19, 22 May, 2, 16 Jun PALACE STORIES
History of the palace brought to life in these tales of the
characters who lived there. 2.30-3pm. Free, no booking
necessary.
4 Jun LITTLE GREEN FINGERS GARDENING
SESSION Learn how vegetables and flowers grow and
have a go at seed sowing in the garden beds and other
fun gardening activities. 10.30am-12pm.
19 Jun EDWARDIAN GARDEN PARTY The Bishops of
London were well known for holding garden parties. Help
to celebrate this tradition and come along for a day of
family fun. Take a turn on the swing boats, have your face
painted, dance along to ragtime music and take part in
some garden games and craft activities. 1-4pm, free.
25 Jun YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB:
ARCHAEOLOGY ON THE FORESHORE Explore the
fascinating world of archaeology through practical hands
on sessions with real archaeologists. 11.15am-1pm.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE
KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk
selected Thurs and Sats in Mar TINY EXPLORERS
Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential.
26 May - 2 Jun HORRIBLE HISTORIES:
TERRIBLE TUDORS Find out the fate of Henry’s
headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Have a
sizzling time with Queen Mary and meet the Groom of the
Stool! Open air performances with grass seating.
8-23 Jun HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL
A series of open-air summer concerts in the spectacular
and iconic Tudor courtyard.
HMS BELFAST
SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk
ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE A chance
to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.
Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the
experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time.
INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM The nerve
centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting
interactives.
FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES
28-31 May, 1-5, 18, 19 Jun TATTOO T - SHIRTS:
DAVY JONES’S LOCKER Design a t-shirt, inspired by
traditional navy tattoos, nautical superstitions and the
sailor legend of Davy Jones’s Locker. Learn more about the
history of navy tattoos, what the symbols mean and why
as a sailor you wouldn’t want to be visiting Davy Jones’s
Locker in a hurry! 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm
28-31 May BATTLE OF JUTLAND: CRACKING
CODES Marking the 1916 Battle of Jutland, intercept
messages, map hazards on a sea chart and make up your
own secret code, learning the skills intelligence officers
would have needed to locate the Imperial German Navy’s
fleet in the North Sea during the First World War.
11am and 2pm, all ages.
ODDS FARM PARK
HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk
A FABULOUS DAY OUT AT THE FARM! Meet the
farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area
and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two
drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. Also a special
Toddler and Under 5’s areas.
May/June 2016
Brer Rabbit visits Africa
AT THE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
THEATRE, PERFORMANCES
AND CONCERTS
BECK THEATRE
UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk
11 May STIG OF THE DUMP Barney meets Stig,
a caveman and they become great friends. A timeless
children’s classic which remains as charming and
entertaining as ever.
31 May PONGO’S PARTY You are invited to Pongo the
Pig’s birthday party-a show full of fun, songs and laughter. a huge children’s band and the town’s biggest ever
game of pass the parcel. For ages 2-7.
One day Monty found a book...
MONSTERSAURUS
AT THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE
WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com
Booking until Dec 16 MATILDA THE MUSICAL
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald
Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary
powers.
LYRIC HAMMERSMITH
W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk
31 May-4 Jun MONSTERSAURUS Follow the young
inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky
inventions and incredible monsters, but now he has made
them what is he going to do with them all? thrills, spills,
magic and mayhem for ages 3-7.
11 Jun-4 Sep BUGSY MALONE The critically
acclaimed production is back following a sellout run last
year, with electrifying choreography and featuring all the
classic songs. For ages 6+
PEACOCK THEATRE
WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com
4-21 May ZOONATION DANCE COMPANY:
INTO THE HOODS: REMIXED Set in the ‘Ruff Endz
Estate,’ two lost children are tasked in finding an iPhone
as white as milk, trainers as pure as gold, a hoodie as red
as blood and weave as yellow as corn. They meet DJ
Spinderella, wannabe singer Lil Red, vivacious rapper Rap
On Zel, and budding music producer Jaxx.
An award-winning hip hop dance comedy for all the
family.
PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
RICHMOND THEATRE
TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/
1 Jun NORTHERN BALLET: TORTOISE & THE HARE
Bringing this much-loved Aesop’s fable to life, Tortoise
and the Hare is the perfect opportunity for your little ones
to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre.
4, 5 Jun PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, George
and their friends are back in a brand new live stage show.
It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her
friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise
for her and George - they can’t guess what it is, can you?
Enjoy fun, games and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show with new songs and new life
size puppets.
Family Theatre and Concert listings
continue on page 18
Please check
before you head
out to make sure
that your
Day’s Out event
has not changed
after publication
of your
Families West
magazine...
W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com
until 15 May THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE
COUNTRY MOUSE
21 May-10 Jul BRER RABBIT VISITS AFRICA
Brer Rabbit travels to Africa to visit his grandmother.
He gets himself into trouble, and all the animals of Africa,
elephant, lion and tortoise alike, gather to help.
For age 3+
May/June 2016
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
17
what’s on CONTINUED
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Every Fri RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES
A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming
stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books.
Free but booking essential.
Every Mon DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones
to shake, rattle and gong. Gamelan for ages 3-5.
Until 3 Jul THE WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF
ROALD DAHL A magical and interactive journey through
The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl to discover the
secrets of the writer with interactive installations to spark
the imagination.
1May OAE TOTS The Orchestra of the Age of
Enlightenment’s series of interactive concerts for under-6s.
10.30am and 12pm.
2-22 May SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR
KIDS Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who
makes all kinds of music using just his mouth and a mic.
Join this sonic superhero and become one of his sidekicks
in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool
music. For all ages.
7 May, 19 Jun, 2 Jul THE SHOWSTOPPERS’
FANTASTICAL STORY FACTORY An improvised
musical for age 6+ See your ideas turned into such
marvellous, musical adventures on the spot, right in front
of your very nose... A team of award-winning West End
improvisers explore magical kingdoms as you decide what
happens next.
8 May-11 Jun JAY FOREMAN’S DISGUSTING
SONGS For revolting children (and other Funny Stories)
age 6+ This hit children's show by the multi-awardwinning comedian features disgusting stories, revolting
poems and more.
25 May PRAM JAM Singing workshop for parents and
children under 5.
15 May-12 Jun THE NOISE NEXT DOOR An anarchic
afternoon show for age 7+, from a sell-out improv
comedy sensation.
28 May-5 Jun BRANIAC LIVE! Strap on your safety
goggles-Science's most volatile live show takes you on a
breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and
wonderful. For age 7+
5 Jun FUNHARMONICS FAMILY CONCERTS TELLING TALES: BOTTOM’S DREAM Lose yourself in
the woods with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in this
special musical version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Expect enchantment and confusion, and a bit of silliness
along the way, told through a magical mix of words and
music.
THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE
WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royaldrury-lane
Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young
Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy
Wonka in a musical directed by Sam Mendes.
2.30pm and 7.30pm.
UNICORN THEATRE
SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com
20 May-26 Jun SEPTIMUS BEAN AND HIS
AMAZING MACHINE Septimus Bean has invented a
18
Family Workshops
AT THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM
very great machine but is yet to work out what it is for.
With the help of the king and court, he finds out lots of
things that it isn’t for and one unexpected thing that it is
utterly perfect for. (11, 26 Jun Crazy Crafts with the Potty
Professor).
CONCERTS AND MUSIC
WORKSHOPS
BACH TO BABY
www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth
All concerts at 10.30am.
25 May, 22 Jun in Kensington
(Christ Church, Victoria Road, W8)
14 Jun in Notting Hill
(St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent,
London W11)
13 May, 10 Jun in Hammersmith
(St. Andrew's Church, Greyhound Road, W14)
27 May in Chiswick
(St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4)
THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com
Every Wednesday in Mar and Apr
STORYTELLING AND MUSIC A live
instrumental experience for babies, toddlers and their
families. Outstanding musicians perform a repertoire of
traditional and contemporary music.
For ages 3 months to 3 years at 10.30am.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com
Every Wednesday in Mar and Apr
STORYTELLING AND MUSIC a series of sessions for
babies and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage
interaction between parents/carers and their little ones
using musical instruments, singing, movement and
stories. For children up to age 4.
31 May ARABIAN NIGHTS Classic tales retold with
music and puppetry. Meet Sheherazade, the greatest
storyteller of them all. She has a feast of adventures and
fantasies to tell involving genies, villains, heroes and
princesses for all ages.
Could YOU be the next publisher of
Families West Magazine? Interested
parties should contact us at:
editor@familieswest.co.uk
to discuss the possibility of taking
over this well-supported, established,
franchised business. Would suit a
parent/parents looking to run a
business from home.
May/June 2016
‘Families West’ is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company.
All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under
licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham
House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of
Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or
photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the
publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and
distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the
accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’
Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com
Printed by The MANSON Group Limited,
8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ.
www.mansongroup.co.uk
CLASSIFIED ADS · HOME TUITION
Private English Tuition
Win one of two family tickets to Sensational
Butterflies and YOUR chance to escape the city
and step into a tropical butterfly house!
Families West London readers have the chance to win one of
two family tickets so they can see in summer with the spectacular
Sensational Butterflies at the Natural History Museum!
Come face to face with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and moths from around the world,
and learn about the surprising life they lead. See their many colours as they flutter above
your head. Watch as they have something to eat at the feeding station. Spot the difference
between butterflies and moths. Search out a munching caterpillar, and if you are lucky you
might see a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis. With more butterflies than ever before,
Sensational Butterflies is fun for all the family. For more exhibition info, visit:
nhm.ac.uk/sensational-butterflies
To enter please go to: www.familieswest.co.uk/competitions
Competition open until 30 June 2016.
Sensational Butterflies is at the Natural History Museum until 11 September 2016.
One to one private tuition, literature and
language at any level from 11+ to A2.
All sessions tailored to the student’s
needs, £25 per hour.
Experienced tutor and current MA literature
student with a passion for the subject.
For more information please email:
danwatters13@hotmail.co.uk
or call: 07879 358 009
WIN Tickets to see Tall Stories’
THE GRUFFALO LIVE
in the West End!
The Gruffalo is coming to the Lyric Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue
from 6 July 2016. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the
deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of
the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the
eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the
terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these
hungry woodland creatures?
After all, there's no such thing as a Gruffalo - is there? Songs,
laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grownups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!
Running time 55 minutes (no interval). For bookings, please call
0330 333 4812 or book online at: www.gruffalolive.com
COMPETITION: To celebrate The Gruffalo Live’s 15th birthday
this May, Families West magazine has one VIP family ticket
(admits 4) to be won. To be in with a chance of winning, simply
answer the following question:
How many times is Mouse pictured in this issue of
Families West magazine?
There are some illustrations of Mouse throughout this magazine
(there’s one below to get you started). How many can you
find in total? Email your answer - together with your
contact details - to: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk - with
‘Gruffalo’ in the subject line, no later than Friday 4 June 2016.
Terms & Conditions: The ticket prize admits 4 (minimum
1 adult). To see Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo Live at the Lyric
Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue for performances between
6-24 July 2016, and must be redeemed by 24 June 2016.
Tickets are non-transferable and hold no cash
value.
THE GRUFFALO ‘MOUSE’ ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © AXEL SCHEFFLER
May/June 2016
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
19