families london sw issue 220 oct 12

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Issue 220ISSN 1354-9553Est 1990.Free!

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LILY’S KIDS KLUBQuality Childcare & Pre-School Education in a

Caring & Friendly, Stimulating Atmosphere

TEL: 020 8674 8678 OR 07958 346 058

131 REAR OF BRIXTON HILL

ELM PARK, SW2 1AF

• Ofsted registered & Qualified staff

• Caring for Children aged 0-5 years

• Full & Part-Time places available

• Opens 50 weeks a year

Self contained BABY UNIT. PRE-SCHOOL

We also provide - BREAKFAST CLUB,

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB & HOLIDAY PLAY SCHEME

BRIXTON HILL METHODIST CHURCH

ELM PARK, SW2 2TX

Families SW – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London.

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October 2012

SouthWest

* School

feature* Half-term

activities* Halloween

events

2 Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

October 2012 3®®

04-05 Local news & information

08-09 Mums know bestThis month we are talking about: Autumn health and wellbeing

12 CompetitionsWin fabulous prizes!

13 HealthAre you sitting comfortably?The Alexander Technique shows

you how to protect your child’s

back

14 ChildcareChildcare in the home but whose home?

16-25 Education- School news- Open Days- Choosing a tutor

26-27 Make it a happy Halloweenfor everyone

28-31 Half term holiday listings

32-37 What’s On• Drama• Events• Exhibitions & Museums • Diary dates

38-39 Magazine Directory& Classified

October 2012

All content ©Families 2012www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Fax: 020 8696 9679Editorial: [email protected] News: [email protected]/artwork: [email protected], diary dates, what’s on info:[email protected]

Next issue: November 2012 Deadline: early October

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Contents

Open Days

Fantastic new food!A new food delivery service has just launched inSW London. Already a success in Sweden,Jessica's Recipe Bag is a wonderful idea - all youhave to do is order a food bag online and it will bedelivered direct to your door bursting with fresh,nutritionally balanced ingredients and recipes foryou to cook at home. No more stressing aboutshopping or worrying about planning meals. TheBag promises exciting yet easy to follow recipesand locally sourced ingredients for you and yourfamily. At only £74 for 4 evening meals a week, itsolves the eternal questions “What’s for dinnertonight?” Quite frankly it’s a working mother'sdream come true!www.jessicasrecipebag.co.uk


Photos for lifeYour dream images are brought to life with theunique portraiture service at Isoo - the firstportrait company to combine fine art withphotography, bringing you so much more thanordinary family portraits. Following an initialportrait session, the team at Isoo merge yourfavourite images with art, turning them into yourvery own piece of personalised art work. “For anumber of years since starting our family wedreamt about the kind of portraits we would liketo do,” says Maria. “We looked around and neverfound exactly what we were imagining. Until wediscovered Isoo. Then our dreams came true!"213 Upper Richmond Road West, East SheenSW14 8QT, 020 7737 2781. www.isoo.co.uk

Clapham mums boxthemselves fitAn exciting new fitness service comes to SW mums: BoxingMummies is a unique boxing fitness class where mums can bringtheir kids along while they box themselves fit! A group of mums inClapham have found an effective new way of keeping healthy andstress free by attending boxing sessions on Clapham Common. Runby local boxer and personal trainer Kat Bryson, Boxing Mummiescaters especially for mums to get fighting fit. Not only is boxing oneof the most effective forms of fitness training with sessions burning upto 800 calories an hour, it can also help focus the mind and provides afantastic form of stress relief. Classes also run in WandsworthCommon and Battersea Park. www.12roundsboxing.co.uk

Green light forFulham BoysGood news for SW parents as plans for a new freeschool in Fulham have been given the go-ahead.Fulham Boys School (FBS) is delighted to announcethat its application to open a free Church ofEngland secondary school for boys has beenapproved by the Department for Education. Theresult of many years of campaigning by Fulhamparents, FBS aims to open in September 2013 withits first intake of 120 year 7 boys, although a sitehas yet to be confirmed. “This is fantastic newsfor Fulham parents,” says Alex Wade, FBS Chair.“There’s currently a big gap locally at secondarylevel for boys, and we’re delighted that theDepartment has bought into our vision for anoutstanding education, specifically designed to raiselocal aspirations and bring out the best in boys.”www.fulhamboysschool.org

News & ViewsShop ‘til you dropThe new Kids Shop has just opened at The Conran Shop, Chelsea with hundreds ofcharming products to encourage play, touch andcreativity. With funky play sheds hung with fairylights and candy-coloured beanbags, night lights,rocking horses in every shape and size, bunk bedsthat look like tree houses, hand painted animalheads that double as wall lights and fantasticstorage, the new store is guaranteed to appeal asmuch to parents as well as children! Plus, discovera range of haberdashery items from buttons tofabrics to encourage your little garment makers toget creative. Michelin House, 81 Fulham RoadSW3 6RD, www.conranshop.co.uk

Say no to plastic bags……and save the planet in style with a range of reusable andinnovative bags from Australian label Apple Green Duck. A localFulham mum has just brought the popular brand to London - fromJute Grocer bags, gym bags and wine bags to lunch totes andsnack bags, they come in a range of gorgeous prints and are notonly practical but also environmentally friendly. I love the lunchbag – perfect to pack a school lunch in – so swing your arm intothese eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable bags and deliver amessage that we can believe in: ditch the plastic and re-use yourbag. Price from £3.95, available from Cissbury, WandsworthBridge Road SW6 and Wholefoods, Lavender Hill SW11 amongstother local suppliers. www.applegreenduck.co.uk

Jemma & Freya with River on Jupiter

The photo credit is PepperPackshots.com

Keep smilingIf you haven’t discovered the fabulous SmileyTime classes across SW London already, do checkthem out! The new class times are Mondays at10am at The Althorp, 20 Bellevue Road,Wandsworth SW17 7EB, Tuesdays at 10am and10.45am at Belle Amie, 404 Garratt Lane,Earlsfield SW18 4HP and Thursdays at 10am alsoat The Althorp. Smiley Time runs throughout halfterm and all school holidays and is also available forprivate parties. www.smileytime.co.uk

News

October 2012 5®®

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

Spanish for thefamilySince 2010 Ole Kids have been offering fun Spanishclasses for children from 6 months to 4 years, andnow they are starting new classes for 4 to 7 year olds.The classes will be based on traditional fairy tales, andshould prove to be not only fun but educational too.As runner-up in the Best New Business Award at theHammersmith and Fulham Brilliant Business Awards2012, they are a great place to start if you want yourkids to learn Spanish. Call 07734900221, [email protected] www.olekids.com

New venue for kidsThe Antique Chair, recently opened in Lillie Road, Fulham,offers mums an ideal space to bring their little ones. Withmother and baby events every week, a delicious deli full ofscrumptious goodies, an outdoor space with playhouse andsand pit and child-friendly staff, the Antique Chair hosts anumber of classes and sessions perfect for little ones. Don’tmiss their Munchkin Music classes on Mondays or HighchairSociety on Wednesdays - get-togethers for mums that willinclude an on-site beautician and massage therapist, Q&Asessions on baby-related subjects and workshops oneverything from face painting skills to drawing. The AntiqueChair, 316 Lillie Road, Fulham SW6.www.munchkinmusic.co.uk, www.highchairsociety.com

Take a strollThis autumn the National Trust launches the Great British Walk campaign. With chillymornings, golden colour and soft sunshine (hopefully!) autumn is the perfect time to rediscovereverything that is wonderful about the British countryside, and the Great British Walk bringstogether a season of walking-related events and activities to enjoy with family and friends, fromwildlife rambles and inspirational journeys through history, to strolls and food foraging days. Theprogramme runs until 4 November and is ideal for families, with loads of incentives to get kidsoutside and exploring the natural world on their doorstep. The Great British Walk highlights in andaround London include Morden Hall Park and Osterley Park, Isleworth.www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast

A Gym just for mums!Favourite SW personal trainer Vern Hill (long known asthe ‘baby’ man!) has set up a new gym catering specificallyfor all mums and mums-to-be. VH-PT is the first specialistgym for new and expectant mums and offers personaltraining, yoga, pilates and a cardiovascular studio, as well asa treatment room for much needed pampering aftertraining. The gym also offers a children’s play area andDVD collection so having a little one in tow won’t be anexcuse not to work out! VH-PT is based at its state-of-the-art flagship studio, one minute from WandsworthCommon railway station. Unit 26, Jaggard Way,Wandsworth Common, SW12, 07967 777294, www.vh-pt.co.uk

Sing for free!Don’t miss the new free singing workshops atPegasus Opera Singing Academy. Usingmusical games and group activities to exploresong writing and performance skills, childrenand young people will get a chance toimprove their general musicianship as well astheir self confidence. Workshops run everySaturday during term time 10am-12pm at TheBrix, St Matthews, Brixton Hill SW2 1JF,where professional musicians and workshopleaders will help children to work towards afinal performance for friends and family.www.pegopera.org

Theatrebugswelcomes the tiny onesWell-loved drama experts Theatrebugs have justlaunched brand new Babybug classes for babiesfrom birth to 2. These enchanting parent andbaby sessions are brought to life with sensoryprops, squishy toys, cuddly puppets and engagingstories, songs and rhymes. BabyBug is the perfectplatform for your little ones to explore andinteract with the world around them, withbounce-along beats, songs, puppets and tummytime fun. “This is by far the best baby class I havecome to!” says Oscar’s Mum from Parsons Green.Classes include Caterpillar Club (birth to 2 years) -Contact Centre, Clapham, Wednesdays at 10.00-10.40am; Eat, Play, Love, Battersea onWednesdays at 11.50am-12.30pm; and St Luke’s,Balham on Thursdays at 11.50am-12.30pm.Cocoon Club (2 to 3.5 years) - Contact Centre onWednesdays at 10.50-11.30am. From £7.08009755290, [email protected],theatrebugs.co.uk

®®October 2012 7


mums know best

Kitchen remediesYes, good food can be trulymedicinal. One recipe ourgrandmothers and greatgrandmothers used to stockin their winter larders is rosehipsyrup, an excellent remedy forwarding off winter colds. Weight forweight rosehip shells contain 20times as much vitamin C as orangesand the syrup was widely used in the1940s to supplement war-time diets.Eating them raw is not advised as thehairs that cover the seeds irritate thestomach (the same little hairs that were used as itching powderby pesky kids for generations). Recipe instructions are easy tofind on the Internet (Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall does a good version).A teaspoon a day really does keep the sniffles at bay. You can alsomake it into a cordial or drizzle over pancakes, desserts and ice cream.Any rosehip will do, just avoid those near the road side.

Tree therapyTree hugging hippies were onto something allalong. Science has measured the vibrations comingoff trees and has concluded that they have adistinctly calming effect on our physiology (seeBlinded by Science by Matthew Silverstone). So, goon! Let yourself get up close. Enjoy leaf kickingstrolls through parks or woodland and encourageyour children to collect the flame coloured leavesthat delight them. Preserve the leaves by brushingon both sides with PVA glue, or sealing them inmelted wax. You might want to try stringing themup to make an autumnal mobile decoration. Orfold a paper plate in half, cut out the centre andget your little ones to stick the leaves into adecorative autumn wreath. Add a bow, maybesome gold paint or glitter and hang up with aribbon.

The page where parents share their knowledge (because raising the nextgeneration is, you know, only the most important job in the world).

Compiled by Helena Foss

The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us; the time of year when nature herselfseems to relax and let out one big sigh. Aaaah! Leaves are falling, harvests are being, well,harvested, fruits are ripening and need collecting, storing, preserving and jamming and... let’snot panic but Christmas is looming on the horizon. Time to squirrel away your nuts for thewinter and maybe plan a few creative, home-making family activities now the nights aredrawing in.

In the not so distant past, tribes would gather around the fire in the evenings for quality familytime; a place to chat, tell stories and sing together. These days, of course, we tend to gatheraround the impersonal glow of TV and computer screens. So, let’s look at a few alternatives todigital entertainment this October.

OctoberThis month we are talking about: Autumn health and wellbeing

I have discovered a superfood called Spirulina.The WDDTY website says it is “currently beingtouted as the biggest nutritional breakthrough inthe last two decades.” They add: “It's been saidto boost immunity, promote heart health, combatfatigue, encourage weight loss, eliminate allergiesand even protect against cancer.”

For me, as I don't buy a lot of meat, I love thefact it is about 60% protein, I also give some tomy children. I was amazed to read that itcontains 300% more calcium than milk, 2300%more iron than spinach and 3900% more betacarotene than carrots. It is great for our immunesystem and another great bonus for our family: itremoves radiation from the body.

Don't believe me? Then check it out for yourselves.Do share what you find via FSW Facebook.

ReaderTIP

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Mothers’ little helperAnd let’s not forget medicinal potions for parents oncethe kids are in bed. A wild ancestor of the plum, dark

purple sloe berries found on blackthorn bushes areeye-wateringly sour when eaten raw, which could

well be why some inspired,long-gone

ancestorinvented sloegin. To pay

homage to thisvenerabletradition, you’ll

need about half akilo of sloes to infuse with a 750ml

bottle of good, strong gin (or vodka if youprefer) and 150g of caster sugar. Thoroughly dry the sloes, prick eachone and put in a sterilised jar along with the sugar and gin. Store in adark place and shake every other day for a week, then once a week fortwo months. The gin will now be a beautiful deep red and should just beready for Christmas, although it will improve and mellow with keeping.Strain carefully before drinking.

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mums know best

And finally... Reasons why it is all worth it “Grandpa, why do you have such big CDs?” Lottie, aged five on spyingher grandparents’ old vinyl record collection.(Thanks to Families SW reader Claire Berridge from Balham)

September 2012 9

Have a parentingtip to share?Post your inspired ideas and stories onour Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/familiesSW The hottest parenting tip willwin a subscription to What Doctors Don't Tell You magazine (WDDTY).

If you are unlucky enough not to win, themagazine is a 100-page glossy, available atnewsagents and supermarkets, for £3.95.Alternatively, buy a subscription at:www.wddtysubscribe.com

Family treesThe last day of the Celtic calendar, 31 October, was known asSamhain, when the veil between the worlds of the living andthe dead was supposed to be the thinnest. You could breakwith the Americanised ghoulish version of Halloween andremember some of your dearly departed family members,toasting them with their favourite tipple or home cookedmeal. In indigenous Africa, people will leave a plate of foodout in nature for a beloved ancestor. And during Mexico’s Dayof the Dead festival (during Halloween time), trails of petalsare scattered from ancestral graves to the family home andfeasts are laid out for those gone before. Well, they are family! Family food therapy

Yes, there is nothing like old favourite family recipes to bring thebrood together. A homely Christmas idea that you can begin now is tocompile a folder of the meals YOUR family love to eat – andpreferably make – together. Especially recipes you have inherited. Getthe children to illustrate and decorate the folder and the recipes inside(and put them in clear punch pockets). So much more thoughtful, notto mention cheaper, than a last minute desperate dash to OxfordStreet. And it is something everyone can contribute to over the years.Sending each other recipes for the file might even become a festivefamily tradition.

Think about this:“Motherhood is the most difficult job in the

world. Women everywhere must declare it so.”Oprah

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Competitions


WIN a meal for four people at Jimmy's inWimbledon (or the O2 - your choice!)

Neil Hennessy-Vass, our food reviewer says: How on earth do you possibly keep a comparativelysmall family of four happy? The answer to your problem is simply called Jimmy’s and here we found awarm welcome. You pay a setfee and just help yourself to asmuch as you like.

There are ‘live’ stations wherethey will cook your food toorder - you really feel part of theaction and can decide exactlywhat goes into what you eat.Take any seven year old towatch Coriander and GarlicNaan being made in 30 secondsin a traditional tall oven - hard toimprove on. We all enjoyedChicken Tikka Kebabs freshlymade before us, as well as Sushiand these were just for starters.

Choose main courses from India, China, Thailand, Mexico, Middle East, Italian and a few modernclassics. All were good and in some cases too good.

The kids thought the Ice Cream Station was also pretty cool too. Choose from any number offlavours and toppings, I wolfed down my Rum and Raisin cone. Jimmy’s is suchgood value, the food is of a high quality, there is a wide variety, vegetarians are notignored and the staff delightful. I recommend a visit with your family you mightjust find out a thing or two about their tastes that you never knew.jimmysworldgrill.co.uk/

To read the full review, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/food

Win a familyticket to see The 39 Steps!

The 39 Steps is a must see! This classicBritish blissfully funny comedy thriller is nowshowing at The Criterion Theatre inPiccadilly.

Win a one-week stayin one ofInternationalProperty Sharesfractional ownershiphomes in southernFrance or in Italy!

A choice of 3 locations will be offered:Catalonia on the Sea (south of Collioures on theSpanish border), le Muguet in Provence and CasaLeone in hilltop Montelone, mid-way betweenFlorence and Rome and near Orvieto, Italy.

Win a pair oftickets to this year'sIdeal Home Showat Christmas!

Running from the 14th- 18th November atLondon’s Earls Court, the Ideal Home Showat Christmas includes a Traditional ChristmasMarket, Dancing on Ice Skating Rink where allthe family can enjoy a skating session, Interiors& Furnishings, Technology and Gadgets andmuch more.

Win a copy ofThe SmurfsHalloween Specialon DVD and awhole host ofSmurfs DVDsthanks toFabulous Films!

Settle down for a scary afternoon hidingbehind the couch with your little ones withthe fantastic Smurfs Halloween Special plusthe entire Smurfs back catalogue includingThe Smurfs Complete 1st Season and 2ndSeason and The Smurfs and the Magic Flute.

Win DrummondPark’s newPUMPAZINGaction game!

This game is excellent fun for anyone agedfrom three upwards who has oodles of

energy to spare, just perfect as a light-hearted Christmas party activity… anda real giggle for the grown-ups, too!

To enter these fabulous competitions, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitionsTerms and Conditions apply to all our competitions. Closing date for these competitions is 5th November 2012.

October 2012 13®®

Health

October 8th – 14th 2012 is the International Alexander Awareness Week (IAAW). During this week Alexander Technique teachers from all over theworld will devise special events to bring the technique to the attention of the public. This year the theme is ‘Poised for Life’ because the focus is on children.The Alexander Technique is not just for adults with various aches and pains.

If children and young people were taught to understand the importance of good posture and free movement, this would reduce the amount of pain sufferedby them as adults and it would help them to excel in sport, music and in other areas of their lives. Visit the website of the Society of Teachers of the AlexanderTechnique at www.stat.org.uk to see if there is an event in your area.

Are you sitting comfortably?The Alexander Technique shows you how to protect your child’s back

Angela East MSTAT LRAM ARAMAlexander Technique Teacher

Streatham SW16

Groups and individual lessons

Pupils of any age including

children, expectant mothers,

students

[email protected]

020 8769 4158

Safrey Academy ofPerforming Arts

Street Dance, Ballet, Musical Theatre, African Dance.

Classes: The British Home, Streatham, SW16.Ages 4-16

Our aim is to provide stimulating and exciting classes held by teachers who have all worked in the

profession in theatre and TV

www.safreyarts.co.uk [email protected] taster class & 1/2 price registration

Safrey gained 3rd Place at the DanceChallenge National Finals 2012.


Childcare

Childcare in the home—butwhose home?By Sarah-Jane Butler, Director, Parental Choice

When the time constraints of a job mean that usinga nursery is just not practical or when parentsprefer for their children to be cared for in a homeenvironment, then choosing between a child-minder or a nanny is the next big decision.However there are key differences so how canparents decide between the two?

A child-minder has a high level ofqualificationsIn the past child-minders were undervalued butnowadays this is a profession with many child-minders gaining high levels of qualification. Theyare able to provide a family approach to childcarewhich is difficult for a day nursery to carry out. Forinstance the children can go the shops and thelocal playgrounds and also engage in domesticactivities, all of which are great opportunities forlearning and language development. Childrenessentially can get the social interaction fromplaying with a few other children, often fromoutside their family, as well as the comforts of ahome environment.

One good reason for choosing a child-minder isone of continuity. As a child gets older they mayaccess a pre-school or maintained nursery prior tostarting mainstream schooling. These are usuallyhalf day sessions and by continuing to use theservices of a child-minder to offer the wrap aroundcare, parents are ensuring that their child hascontinuity of care. This continuity is important for

the relationships/attachments that a child formswith carers other than their parents. In addition tothat a child-minder is often a lot cheaper thanemploying a full time nanny, which will make adifference to the family’s finances.

Be aware however that child-minders work fromtheir own home and travel time will have to bebuilt into your day to drop off and collect yourchildren. Child-minders also have relatively fixedhours so if you are held back at work, you willneed to make alternative arrangements for yourchildren to be collected.

There are advantages to employing anannySo if money is not a constraint but time is, the finalremaining option is a nanny, either full or part-time. A nanny provides one to one care for yourchildren alone in your own home, enabling them tobenefit from plenty of attention and stimulationthroughout the day. The downside to suchconstant one to one care however is the potentiallack of social interaction with other children ifopportunities to mix with other children are notincorporated into your child’s day. Just like child-minders, nannies can provide a family approachwhich nurseries can’t.

One of the biggest advantages to employing ananny is that your childcare is very flexible. If youwork and often have to stay late at short notice,

having a nanny will mean your child is at home andin safe hands. Although employing a nanny isexpensive, it becomes more cost-effective themore children that you have. An option to make itgood value for money would be to have a nannyshare with another family or as your children getolder to divide the week between a nanny andnursery, thereby providing your children with thesocial interaction that they require.

An important aspect when considering using ananny, aside from the cost, is that you will becomethe nanny's employer. This means you will have totake on the legal responsibilities such as providinga written contract and paying tax and nationalinsurance. Legally, a parent will have to also makesure that they have adequate employer liabilityinsurance.

Using either a child-minder or a nanny is a popularchoice because of the special relationship that canbe established between the parents and the childminder or nanny. This relationship is a verypersonal one and one which frequently extendsbeyond the child’s infancy. The child-minder ornanny can become an important part of the familyand the connection between your child and theirchild-minder / nanny should never beunderestimated.

• Sarah-Jane Butler, Parental Choice Ltd. www.parentalchoice.co.uk Helping you make the right choic-es for you and your family.

Parents faced with the vast range of childcare options thesedays have to tackle several fundamental issues when decidingupon the right childcare for their children. One of the essentialquestions is whether to have their children cared for in anursery which cares for babies and young children on a largescale outside of the home environment or by a nanny or child-minder who provides care for babies and children in a homesetting on a much more personal basis. ist

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October 2012 15®®

Bilingual education since 1996

The French Nursery SchoolFor children from 2 years old to 5 years old. (Toddler group from 1yr)Morning or afternoon sessions availableFull time sessions 9h - 15h

The Belgravia Nursery SchoolBilingual Nursery school French/ English. For children 2-5 years. (Toddler group from 1yr) Part time session 9h - 12h Full time session 9h - 15h • 15h35-17h

The Spanish Nursery SchoolSW7 and SW1The Spanish out of school club for children from 2 to 5 years old.Toddler Group from 1 year old

The Kensington Gardens Nursery School, W2Bilingual Nursery school French/English For children 1-5 years old

SW7 Queen's GateSW1 KnightsbridgeGroup of international nursery schools

All schools have native language teachers, excellent facilities and lovely outside playground / garden.

For a brochure please call Marie-Laurence Edmonstone020 7259 21 [email protected]

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

Want a hand-picked

school for your child?Every year, students and parents become immersedin the stressful and competitive environment of11+ and 13+ entrance examinations agonisingover securing a place in the most selective andpopular independent senior schools in London.Everyone in this situation needs a littleuncomplicated help and advice. Although there aremany and varied resources purporting to help,often the plethora and variety of sources onlyserves to make the process even more complicatedand stressful. What was needed was a single placeto go, “everything you need, all in one place.” Thefounders of Handpickedschools have tried toachieve just that. www.handpickedschools.com

Putney Park GCSE newsLast month their Year 11 pupils received their GCSEresults and they are delighted that it has beenanother excellent year for Putney Park. Thestudents achieved 100% A* - C in five GCSE’s

which is contrary to the national trend and putsPutney Park up with the other six outstandingschools in the borough. Another fabulous resultwas the 100% pass rate in English. This is against abackground of falling grades across the country dueto a late change in grade boundaries. Putney Parknow rates as one of the foremost schools in thecountry - a small non-selective school achievingmarkedly superior grades and ‘punching well aboveits weight’. Congratulations must go to both thestaff and the pupils for all their dedication and hardwork.Contact Anna Morgan, Registrar on 0208 788 8316

.Explore Learningis a network of maths and English tuition centreswhere 5 to 14 year-olds follow individualised,interactive programmes in a vibrant, club-likesetting. Coursework is linked to the NationalCurriculum and tracked through progress charts,prizes and certificates. Thousands of childrenattend Explore, gaining confidence, enthusiasm,independence, knowledge and new skills as aresult. The centres are open seven days a weekand members do not have to book in advance, soyou can take your child at times to suit your

family’s routine. There are 63 centres across thecountry including East Sheen, Colliers Wood,Purley, Sydenham, Ealing etc. For more informationincluding testimonials and parents’ reviews, freeactivities for 5-11 year-olds and a free iPhone timestable app, go to www.explorelearning.co.uk

The Independent Schools ShowMake sure you head off to Battersea Evolutionfor the Independent Schools Show on 10th or11th November. It is a unique occasion to seeover 140 schools in one go! Those from the school,perhaps the Head, certainly the Admissions staff,can talk about how their school works, what itoffers and why it might be right for your child.You’ll be amazed at how useful you’ll find this.There are also talks to attend, this is also help youget to grips with the school maze. Register forFREE ticket on www.schoolsshow.com £10 atthe door.

Dolphin SchoolHas now opened its new wing, which adjoins theexisting school building onNorthcote Road. Theschool’s founders, governors,staff and parents met incelebratory mood for theDolphin Launch this week,welcoming fifty-five newpupils into its expandedschool. In the new wing,pupils are established in theirgleaming classrooms; theyare vaulting over the horse inthe new hall; rehearsing inthe music practice rooms;making new discoveries inthe science room; touch-typing in the ICT room; andbeing inspired in the light andairy art room. Visits forprospective parents takeplace on Tuesday andThursday mornings. Theywould be thrilled to showyou around as well. 0207 924 3472.


School NewsSchool feature

English Tuition for Au PairsDo you know an Au Pair who would like to improve herEnglish? Milner School of English, conveniently located onThe Broadway in Wimbledon, offers General English courses(Elementary to Advanced) starting every Monday. Studentsenjoy quality tuition and a friendly, personal atmosphere. Ourcourses are excellent value for money.

7 HOURS/WEEK: Monday to Thursday 1.30pm to 3.15pm.£55/week.

15 HOURS/WEEK: Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 12.45pm.£120/week.

For enquiries call 020 8545 0300 or email [email protected]

TuesdayTutors

• We coach children for state andindependent school and entry tests:VR, NVR, English, Maths and interviewpreparation.

• We are also happy to offer Maths andEnglish support for children in school,and Home Education.

• NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London

Tuesday Tutors has placed many children intop state and private schools. It is advisable

to contact us early, as high demand maymean that your child will be placed

on our waiting list.

Experienced tutors welcome

Tel: 020 7735 8268 07906 312541 [email protected]

tuesdaytutors.com

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

The 11+mazeThis book guides parents throughthe complicated twists and turnsof the process in 11 simplechronological steps. The 11-Step Guide to the 11+Maze is £9.99 from WHSmith,Waterstones. It can also be bought by mail order on 020 8319 2843.

October 2012 17®®

School feature


School feature

The StudyPreparatory SchoolThe Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon, haslong been renowned for its highly creative ethos.Not only does the school achieve exceptionalacademic results (eighteen scholarship offers alonethis year), but the girls (aged 4-11) are encouragedto explore their creativity in all areas of school life- visual art, drama, music, creative writing anddance.

This commitment to the arts has been recognisedfor the second time by Arts Council, England, withan award of Artsmark Gold, the highestachievement it bestows on an educationalinstitution for excellence in the arts. Come andsee for yourself just how vibrant and creative theschool is, at the forthcoming Open Morning for 8-11 year olds on 8th November. Details on website - www.thestudyprep.co.uk

White House SchoolLegacy of the OlympicsThe White House Preparatory School ispleased to announce the opportunity for sportygirls and boys from ages 6- 10 to visit the schooland take part in a free one day sports camp overthe half term holidays. The school is keen tocontinue to promote the sporting legacy of the2012 London Olympics. To this end they aresearching for talented pupils in all areas of Sport tojoin the school with a view to developing theirsporting abilities. The school is offering a handful ofscholarships of up to 50% to children who displayextraordinary sporting ability. The Sports campwill be run on the 22th October from 10am - 3pm.For more details please contact the school on 020 8674 9514.

Lion House SchoolLion House Nursery and Pre-Prep School aredelighted that, in co-operation with PutneyMethodist Church, their new Jubilee Playgroundhas now been completed. The Jubilee Playgroundwas officially opened by Justine Greening, MP forPutney, Roehampton and Southfields, and doublesthe outside space available for the children atbreak times. The opening was a huge successthanks to the hard work of Lion House parentswho baked and sold an array of wonderful cakes

and biscuits which made a profit of over £600 forChristian Aid. The new £16,000 playground, whichhas a soft surface and a trim trail, has been a hugesuccess and allows children from Lion HouseSchool and the church’s Sunday School to climb,jump, scramble and swing on the new equipment. 020 8780 9446 [email protected]

Thames ChristianCollege Pupils destined for great things2012 GCSE results are better than ever with 43%of grades A*-A and 91% A*- C. With suchoutstanding results the futures of Thames pupilslook promising with many securing places at topsixth form colleges including Alleyn’s School inDulwich, Latymer Upper School, Tiffin Boy’sSchool, Tiffin Girl’s School and Graveney School.One high achiever, Sebastian, gained 8 A*s at just

14 years. Sebastian says: “I’m thrilled with myresults. Thames has always encouraged me to aimhigh and given me the determination and confidenceto succeed. I hope to go on to Cambridge Universityto study Engineering after taking A-levels atAlbemarle College.”Tel: 020 7228 3933 or visitwww.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Streatham &Clapham HighSchool Enriching individual students’ experienceTheir students celebrated a record number of A*grades at A Level and a 100% pass rate at A Leveland at GCSE. All A Level students secured a placeat their chosen university, on courses ranging fromClassics and Aeronautical Engineering to Arabic.

Younger pupils attended engineering courses overthe summer at Southampton and ManchesterUniversities, all part of the school’s initiative todevelop individual pupils’ experience. In supportof this, SCHS is delighted to launch KINZA, anactive programme of enrichment covering adiverse range of activities and interests. Pleasecontact them on 0208 677 8400 for details of theirforthcoming Open Days.

The DominieThe school is built around the children. Theyconsider the whole child in terms of their needswhilst recognising their strengths and potential.Their aim is to secure the child’s confidence and tohelp them experience the joys of learning. Theyplan their lessons carefully and adapt their teachingsensitively to meet the requirements of eachindividual child. Their distinctive difference is thatthey are small which enables them to develop adeep understanding of each and every child.Specialist provision is an integral part of theirapproach in delivering a broad and balancedcurriculum. 020 7720 8783www.thedominie.co.uk

The Chelsea Groupof Childrencompleted the second summer of building worksat their new address in SW18 and now they have aproper stage in the big hall! Throughout the yearthey will be bringing specialist educators to theirstage to present lectures and workshops onintegrating therapies into the classroom and home.Their first presentation will be on sensoryintegration, followed by therapeutic games to playat home, tools of engagement, and feeding thefussy eater. Contact the school to be added to themailing list. 020 8946 [email protected]

English courses forau pairsMilner School of English is a small, friendlyschool conveniently located in central Wimbledon.They specialize in teaching English to adults from allover the world. They offer 6 levels of IntensiveGeneral English (Elementary to Advanced) for 22,15 or 7 hours/week. Courses start every Monday.Their facilities include a student lounge withcafeteria, computer room, free WiFi and library.Milner students can attend a free weeklyPronunciation Class and receive free membershipof the Wimbledon Leisure [email protected] 020 8545 0300.

Happy Bithday! Alleyn’s Junior SchoolAlthough Alleyn’s has a magnificent lineage goingback to 1619 when that most famous ofShakespearean actors, Edward Alleyn, opened itsdoor for 12 poor scholars; the Junior School (AJS)was only founded 20 years ago and the currentJunior School pupils celebrated the 20thanniversary by sharing a cake on 10th September,2012. The Junior School offers its community anenlightened and active curriculum along with anethos that encourages independence andconfidence, and that spirit continues on in this 20thyear of the school.Telephone- 020 8557 1519 [email protected]

News continued from page 16

Aspiring engineers

October 2012 19®®®®

School feature

Celebrating Uniqueness atThe Chelsea Group of Children Special School

The Hall, Waynflete Street, London SW18 3QGwww.chelseagroup.co.uk


Despite the fact that one in four families in the UK employs private tutors fortheir children, tutoring is an unregulated “industry”. This means that unlikeschool-teachers, private tutors are not obliged to have a Criminal RecordsBureau check or even a university degree to teach. According to Mylène Curtis,Managing Director of Fleet Tutors, “if parents choose to hire a tutor directlyrather than through an agency, they face a myriad of checks they will need tounderstand and undertake on their own.”

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A reputable and professionalagency will perform these checksfor the client, but what exactly areall these checks and do they reallycount?• Police check: This will have

“National Identification Service” atthe top of the form and onlydiscloses convictions in a local area.This check is insufficient forworking with children.

• Standard CRBdisclosure: This check isperformed by ‘The CriminalRecords Bureau’. Applicant detailsare matched against those held onthe Police National Computer andwill identify any criminalconvictions. This also checks if theperson is on List 99. This check isfor people who work aroundchildren, but not sufficient forpeople who work in direct contactwith children such as tutors.

• List 99: A list of convicted sexoffenders and people permanentlyexcluded from working in schools -maintained by the ‘Department forEducation and Skills’.

• Enhanced CRBdisclosure: This is the mostthorough and comprehensive checkavailable and is designed for peoplein direct contact with children suchas teachers or tutors. This is theonly check that queries not onlythe national police database andList 99 but also the local policedepartments, an importantadditional step. This check revealsany criminal convictions, allegationsor cautions which make theapplicant unsuitable for work withchildren. In the local searches,police are also asked to reveal any“additional information” which maymake the tutor unsuitable for workwith children, e.g. if the person isundergoing a current investigation,the “additional information” in theenhanced disclosure will reveal it tothe agency but not to the tutorthemselves.

• Validity of checks: Areputable company should requirethat CRB checks are renewedevery three years.

Parents should be aware of theadministration behind hiring a self-employed independent tutor ratherthan one through a reputable agency.Reputable and established agencies willscreen enhanced CRBs for additionalinformation - a major reason whyfinding a tutor through an agency is asafer option to hiring an independenttutor who advertises on a local orweb-based notice board directly.

How do parents ensure the agencyis reputable, especially as agenciesare unregulated?1. Choose an agency which is a CRB

registered body.2. Choose an established

agency/tutoring company that hasan address, telephone number andstaff—more than just a website.Speak with their staff beforeallowing any tutor into your home.

3. Confirm that the agency requires‘enhanced’ CRB’s of their tutors.

4. Ask whether the agency requiresthe tutors to have degrees in thesubjects they teach and/or teachingcertificates?

5. Does the agency check references?6. Are the tutors interviewed? 7. Are the tutors qualified and

experienced? Ideally, qualifiedtutors have a degree in thesubject/s they teach (recommend‘2:1’ minimum level) and/orteaching certificates. They shouldhave successful experience inteaching one-to-one.

Despite all these precautions, it isimportant that parents resist paranoia.Finding a qualified and experiencedtutor through an established agencywhich can do the legwork for you byconducting these checks, is one of thebest investments you can make in yourchild’s future.

•Fleet Tutors, CRB Registered Body20528800006, is Britain’s leadingtutoring service provider with over 5000tutors and 35 Years experience helpingstudents reach their potential. Forinformation, visit www.fleet-tutors.co.ukTelephone 0845 644 5452

Tips for hiring a safePrivate Tutor

School feature

October 2012 21®®


School feature

Tips on choosing anIndependent SchoolChoosing a school for your child is one of the most important early decisionsyou will have to make. Here are a few things to think about and considerwhen making your choice.

� Firstly, try and visit the school on a normalday as well as an open day, especially if theopen day is on a Saturday and the childrenaren’t in class.

� Do you want a single sex or a mixedschool? Last year we featured this topic inour schools feature, to read both sides ofthe debate see www.familiesonline.co.uk

� Look at the facilities, but remember thatthe teachers are the most important partof a school so make sure you see lessons inprogress and ask about staff turnover -some movement is healthy, bringing freshideas: too much indicates dissatisfactionand can be disrupting.

� Do you want a school that goes all the waythrough to GCSEs and A-Levels/International Baccalaureate, orwould you like your child to go to a prepschool that doesn’t have a senior school?If it does have a senior school, whatpercentage of children stay on?

� If the school finishes at Year 6 or Year 8then find out which schools the childrengo on to.

� Where is the school located - rememberto do the journey in the morning rushhour to see how long it takes whenconsidering a school a bit further fromhome.

� Does the school offer any bursaries orscholarships?

� When you visit, look at the pupils in thefinal year or two, as these are the productof the school. If you are shown round by apupil, ask them lots of questions as youwill often get an honest answer - such as“what one thing could the school improve?”

� What extra curricular activities are offeredand when - are they at lunchtime or afterschool?

� If you are a working parent ask aboutwrap around care and how flexible this is,can you book into after school care theweek or day before? Do they run aholiday camp in the school holidays andwhat hours does it run?

� What is the communication like withparents, it’s important you know who totalk to if you have a problem or concern.Who is responsible for pastoral care?

� What are the class sizes, are childrenstreamed and at what age and in whatsubjects? At the top end of the school arethey taught by subject specialists?

� How do they treat/identify special needschildren on both ends of the spectrum?Enquire about the extra help available forchildren who are above or below averagein a particular subject.

� Has the ‘Jamie Oliver effect’ reached thelunch menu? Look for a sample if you can,and ask the current pupils what they thinkof the school food.

� Does the school have an active PTA, andwhat sort of social activities does itorganise?

� Listen to the Head’s address if there is oneand talk to him or her too. A good schoolwill have an inspiring, enthusiastic andcommitted headteacher, supported by aloyal and united management team - andit will show.

� Don’t be shy of asking lots of questionsand trust your instincts as you know yourchild better than anyone else.

� Remember to visit schools early, as somecan get booked up and once you havechosen the best school for your child, youwant to make sure you get a place!

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October 2012 23®®

School feature


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Open Days

•Westminster Under School SW1 7-13 B 7+/8+ entry 8/10 7821 5788

•Westminster School SW1 13-18 B By appointment 7963 1003

6th Form G

•Eaton Square School SW1 3-13 Co-Ed By appointment 7931 9469

•Streatham & Clapham High School SW2/16 11-18 G 16/10 9.30-12 noon 7/11 9.30-12 noon 8677 8400

•Streatham & Clapham Junior School SW2 3-11 G 10/11 10-12 noon 4/12 2-3.30 pm 8674 6912

•Gems Hampshire School SW3 3-13 Co-Ed Individual tour by appointment 7352 7077

•Eridge House School SW6 2-11 Co-Ed Individual tour by appointment 7371 9009

•Fulham Pre-prep SW6 4-7 Co-Ed By appointment 7386 2444

•Ecole des Petits SW6 3-6 Co-Ed By appointment 7371 8350

•Sinclair House School SW6 2-11 Co-Ed By appointment 7736 9182

•Ravenstone SW7 2-11 Co-Ed By appointment 7225 3131

•Newton Prep SW8 3-13 Co-Ed 11/10 8/11 7/12 16/01 11am 7720 4091

•Ecole de Battersea SW11 3-10 Co-Ed By appointment 7371 8350

•Dolphin School SW11 3-10 Co-Ed By appointment 7924 3472

•Thames Christian College SW11 11-16 Co-Ed 6/10 10am-1pm 11/10 11am-1pm 7228 3933

•The Dominie SW11 6-11 Co-Ed By appointment 7720 8783

•White House Prep School SW12 4-11 Co-Ed 10/11 9.30am- 11.30am. 8674 9514

•Hornsby House SW12 5-11 Co-Ed 11/10 9-10.30 am 8673 7573

•Harrodian School SW13 4-18 Co-Ed 11+ Open mor: 12 /10, 2 /11 Advance booking essential 8762 6321

•Ibstock Place School SW15 3-18 Co-Ed Jnr: 16/11 9.30am Snr: 8/10 9.30-12.30 pm 8876 9991

•Putney Park School SW15 4-16 G 4-8 B Yr 7 11/01 Scholarship 17/01 3-6 yrs 18/01 7-11 yrs 8788 8316

•Bertrum House School SW17 2-7 Co-Ed Showrounds. By appointment 8767 4051

•The Roche School SW18 2.5-11 Co-Ed 11/10 9.45-11.30 21/11 9.45-11.30 or by appointment. 8877 0823

•The Chelsea Group of Children SW18 4-11 Co-Ed By appointment 8946 8330

•Donhead School SW19 7-11 B By appointment 8946 7000

•The Study Prep School SW19 4-11 G By appointment 8947 6969

•Portland Place W1 9-18 Co-Ed Tours 22/11 9.15-11 am Open Mor 5/11 10-12 noon 7307 8700

•Ravenstone Pre-prep W2 1-7 Co-Ed By appointment 7262 1190

•Arts Educational School W4 11-18 Co-Ed 4/10 5-8pm for Year 7-11 entry 5/10 6-8.30pm for 6th Form. 8987 6666

•Latymer Upper School W6 7-18 Co-Ed Jnr: By appointment. 5/11 11+ entrance only. Tickets required 8741 1851

•Godolphin and Latymer School W6 11-18 G 6/10 4.45-7pm 8741 1936

•Fulham Prep W14 7-13 Co-Ed By appointment 7371 9911

•Rosemead Prep School SE 21 3-11 Co-Ed 13/10 9am-12.30pm 15/11 9.30-11 am 8670 5865

•Alleyns Junior School SE22 4-11 Co-Ed 8/11 1.30-3pm 20/11 1.30-3pm 8693 3457

•James Allen’s Girl School SE22 11-18 G 13/10 8693 1181

•Sydenham Junior School SE22 4-11 G 9/10 8/11 12/11 8557 7000

•Sydenham High School SE22 11-18 G 6/10 11/10 9/11 13/11 8557 7000

®®®®October 2012 25


Haunted HouseA home-based party can be fun and inexpensive, just don’t make it too scaryfor very young or sensitive children

• Keep the lights low or use red or green lightbulbs tocreate an eerie glow. Get the children cutting and sticking black cardsilhouettes to stick on the windows like spooky spiders

• Creepy soundtrack. Make your own tape of spooky sounds to play -sinister laughter, a dog howling and doors creaking. Just making it will be something fun to do.

•Carve a pumpkin lantern. Or light the path to your front door withpaper bags filled with a little sand, for ballast, and a tea light. Cheap andsurprisingly effective in the dark.

Freaky Food• Start with a Witches’ Blood Cocktail. Just mix cranberry juice,

sparkling water and blackcurrant squash in a jug.• A bit of imagination can turn simple food into a devilish

delight. Make Monster Eyes by cutting boiled eggs in half, adding a raisinfor the pupil and using a cocktail stick to trace ketchup ‘veins’. Witches’Fingers can be made from chicken or fish goujons with an almond flake forthe finger nail, or Bat Wings from BBQ chicken wings. Use Halloweenbiscuit cutters to make shapes for your sandwiches.

• Sweet treats. Green jelly mashed up with a fork works well with jellyworms and spiders sprinkled on top. Alternatively, float lychees in jellybefore it sets to create a ghoulish eyeball effect. Decorate shop-bought orhome-made cakes, or offer toffee apples for a more British approach.

• For a spooky table centrepiece. Fill a rubber glove with waterdyed with red food colouring and freeze. Cut off the glove and display theiced hand in a bowl of cold water, where it will gradually melt.

Gruesome GamesEven in this high-tech age, the old-fashioned Halloween games still have greatappeal to children.

• Apple bobbing. Just float apples in a bucket of water and retrieve themusing only your teeth. For a twist, then get the children totry and retrieve hidden packets of sweets from a bowlof flour, again using their teeth. The combination ofwet faces and flour can be very funny but best playedoutside!

• Doughnut fun. Dangle ring doughnuts onstring from your washing line, or a door frame,and have a race to see who can eat theirs first.

• Zombie musical statues. Play with themedmusic such as Thriller, Ghostbusters, and MonsterMash.

• Revolting Recipes. Fill bowls with things likebaked beans (bat droppings), jelly (monster’sbrains), rice pudding (vampire's blood) or coldspaghetti (giant worms). Cover them until childrenclose their eyes, or are blindfolded, and then letthem guess what each bowl really contains bysmelling and feeling the contents.

• Pin the tale on the witches’ cat. Or the wart on the witches’nose!

• The Mummy game. Our all-time favourite. Split guests into teams,allocating one person from each to be the ‘mummy’. The rest have to raceagainst the clock to wrap their ‘mummy’ in loo roll from head to toe,making sure they leave a gap for them to breathe. The team with the bestwrapped mummy is the winner.

BonfiresEven in our London gardens we can light a fire! Invite neighbours and friendsfor a drink and grill a few sausages! If you are musical get that guitar out.Nothing beats an evening around a fire. Why not spend a moment tellingeach other stories around the bonfire? (if too cold around the fireplace!)

Happy haunting….

For more Halloween activities in other areas see www.familiesonline.co.uk and search for Halloween. Some of our sister Families magazines have similar listingsall over the country. Why not try a day out in nearby Sussex, Surrey or the Thames Valley!

Make it a happyHalloween foreveryone

Many parents don’t like the idea of children wandering the streets trick ortreating but don’t want to be party poopers either. The solution is tohold your own traditional Halloween party: it doesn’t have to be gruesome,but do make it fun – or head out to some of the very many organisedHalloween activities

Leeds Castle

October 2012 27®®

Audley End Houseand GardensOff London Road, Saffron Walden,Essex CB11 4JF 27 October – 4 November. Game Week – Watch MrsCrocombe, Audley End’s residentcook, make the most of the huntingseason with her amazing recipes. Seethe process of gaming, from the skyto the skillet as falconers provide youwith incredible arena displays. 11am-4pm01799 522842/0870 333 1181english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audley-end-house-and-gardens

Bodiam CastleBodiam, Nr Robertsbridge, EastSussex TN32 5UA27 October – 4 November.Spooky Half-term Fun – Take part in the Spooky Challengetreasure trail, leading you on a spine-

chilling tour of the castle to searchfor hidden clues! 11am-3pm. 01580 830196www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle

The Hop FarmPaddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY27 October – 2 November.Halloween Fun – Put the fright into your fun withspooky story telling and ghoulishgames including broomsticks andapple bobbing. 01622 872 068.www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Kent & EastSussex RailwayStation Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE29 October – 2 November.Halloween Fun and Fright Nights– Take a spooky steam train ride,enjoy spooktacular entertainmentand activities including pumpkin

carving. Trains leave at 10.40am,11.45am, 1.15pm and 2.45pm. Asthe clock strikes 6.30pm on 31October and 2 November take aride on the ‘Fright Night Train’ - beprepared to be frightened with afirework display and some ghostlysurprises. Come in fancy dress, thescarier the better! 01580 765155www.kesr.org.uk

Leeds CastleMaidstone, Kent ME17 1PL27 October – 2 November.Halloween at Half Term – Mask making, spooky crafts andHalloween food, 10.30am-5pm. PlusHalloween Ghost Tours on 29, 30and 31 October – discover thegruesome tales of the castle’s historyfor those brave enough. Ride thespooky themed Castle Ghost Trainand keep your wits about you as youexplore the Castle State rooms. To 21 Oct. What the Butler Saw– Life above and below stairs atLeeds Castle in the 1930s. Featuringarchive material and photographs,visit this bygone era of high societyand the rich and famous. 01622 765400.www.leeds-castle.com

National MotorMuseumBeaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZN27 October – 4 November. HalfTerm Activities –Follow the Halloween Trail, hearspooky stories, get a gruesome facepainting and take a lucky dip in thewitches’ cauldron. 10am – 5pm. 27 October. Fireworks Spectacular –Wear fancy dress!01590 612345.www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

Osterley Park andHouseJersey Road, Isleworth,Middlesex TW7 4RB

31 Oct. Walking for Health – Enjoy the views and improve yourfitness levels. 9.45-11am. 020 8232 5050nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park

Painshill ParkPainshill, Cobham, Surrey21 Oct. Fungi Foray –Take a stroll through Painshill lookingat fungi. 11am and 2pm, £8/£527 October – 2 November.Halloween Adventure – The spooky adventure starts in theCobweb Den where you will heartales of hobgoblins and supernaturalcreatures, then follow the trailaround the magical landscape to huntfor ingredients to make a potion in agiant cauldron. 10.30am, 11.30am,1.30pm and 2.30pm. 01932 868113.www.painshill.co.uk

National Motor Museum

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Great Halloween events out of town

Half term holiday activities

ARTS ANDCRAFTS

Artyard Handmade318 Upper Richmond Road West,East Sheen SW14 7JN19 October – 2 November.October workshops – Artyard brings a new twist toHalloween this year. Delight increating awesome Autumn lanterns,3D haunted houses, glittery mexicanskeletons, Damien Hurst shock tanksand even make an aged Dickensbook! 10am-3pm, age 5-11, bring apacked lunch and wear old clothes.020 8878 1336, [email protected]. www.artyard.co.uk

Fun with Fimo ClayWest London22 October, 31 October and 5November. Craft ActivitySessions – Fun and creative, fullysupervised and non-messy! 6 yrs+,10.15am-4.15pm, £45. Bring apacked lunch and a box to put yourcreations in. 020 8992 3767,[email protected]

Little Hands Design67 Belsize Lane, NW3 5AU22-26 October and 29 October- 2 November. Half Term Fun –Learn to use the sewing machine anddress to impress in your owncreations – your friends won’tbelieve you’ve made it yourself! Two3-hour sessions daily, 9-12pm and 1-4pm. £225 for the full week, or £120for a half-day [email protected] 535684. www.littlehandsdesign.co.uk

Play With ClayStreatham & Clapham High School,42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW29 October – 2 November. Half-term Fun – Fun and creativity withclay, ages 6+, 9.30am-3.30pm, £20per half day including all materialsand firing. 07930 413649, [email protected]. www.play-with-clay.com

Pottery Café735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157

332 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU, 020 8744 3000153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB,020 7223 3388From 19 October. Colours ofAutumn – The Pottery Café introduces afantastic new pallet of seasonal paintcolours, enabling you to reallycapture the beautiful ‘colours ofautumn’ on your pottery designs. www.pottery-cafe.com

Smarty PaintsPottery Studio85 Nightingale Lane, Balham, SW12 8NX29 October - 2 November. Half-term fun –Halloween pottery to paint - skulls,pumpkins, ghosts & more! AlsoDecopatch & Acrylic figures to takehome on the day. 020 8772 8702,[email protected]

LANGUAGES

Club Petit PierrotAcross SW LondonFrom 19 October. Half term fun –Take a crash course in French whilehaving fun! Creative activities withmusic, theatre, cooking, sports andarts and crafts. 020 7385 5565,[email protected]

Le Club TricoloreSt Saviour's Hall, St George's Square,SW1V 3QW30 and 31 October. Holiday FunActivity Days –Cooking, art and craft, drama andgames for children who want toimprove their French while havingfun. Ages 5-12, 10am-4pm.Call Teresa on 020 7924 4649/07889967003, [email protected]

MUSIC ANDDRAMA

Caterpillar MusicBattersea, Clapham, Earlsfield,Southfields and TootingThroughout half term. MusicClasses – Fun, stimulating classes

using puppets, nursery rhymes,action songs and instruments. 0208540 1762 / 07968764301,[email protected]

Fancy FootworkBelleville Primary School, BellevilleRoad SW11 6PR29 and 20 October. Snow QueenHalf Term Workshop – A fun-filled day including a balletclass, learning a routine, mime,storytelling, art and design, beforepresenting a performance at the endof the day. The highlight of any youngdancer’s half term! 9.30am-2.30pm,age 4-7, £120. 0845 094 1774,[email protected]

Funky MonkeyKeyboard ClassesDulwich, Herne Hill, Streatham 29 October – 2 November. ‘OneHit Wonder’ Workshop – Keyboard workshop for beginners totry out the keyboard and makemusic the Funky Monkey way. You'llbe amazed how much they can learnin just one session. Age 4.5-8, 10am-1.30pm, £35. 0800 107 7949,[email protected]. www.funkymonkey.info

Kids Club at TheExhibit The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station RoadSW12 9SG23, 25 and 30 October –Each Kids Club has a differenttheme, pairing a film with a dance


Perform

Funkey Monkey Keyboard Classes

Interior & Exterior Decoration,Floor Sanding, Murals, Staining, Varnishing,

Maintenance work undertakenEmail: [email protected]

07427 276649020 8675 5270

Established 20 years Commercial or Private

Complied by Joanna Parry

class by Funky Moves. Ages 5-12,£15, 1-4pm. 020 8772 6556 funkymovesdance.com /theexhibit.co.uk

PerformFulham, Notting Hill, Kensington,Putney, Wimbledon29-31 October. Beauty and theBeast – Work alongside an energeticteam of theatre professionalscombining live music, dance andimprovisation into a magical mini-performance with colourfulcostumes and props. 3-day course,age 4-8, dates and times dependenton venue. 0845 400 4000,[email protected]. www.perform.org.uk

Polka Theatre240 The Broadway, WimbledonSW19 1SB30 October. Make-up Artist ForA Day – Work with a professionalmake-up artist and learn the tricks ofthe trade in this Halloween themedsession. 10.30am-3.30pm, age 7-11, £3031 October. Halloween Shadows– Create Halloween light sculptures,lanterns and ghostly shadow puppetsin a creepy craft workshop. 10am-1pm, age 5-7, £25.1 November. Play In A Day –Work with a director and createyour own play in a day. 10.30am-3.30pm, 7-12yrs, £30.2 November. Too Many Penguins?Workshop – To accompany theshow. 9.45-11am, 3-4 yrs.020 8543 4888.www.polkatheatre.com

Studio Film SchoolBalham29 and 30 October. HalloweenHoliday Horror – Make a monstermovie this half term. Learn new skillsin puppetry and filmmaking and makea creepy puppet horror film to scarethe living daylights out of the grownups! 10am-4pm, ages 7–16, £120.

0845 533 2763,[email protected]. www.studiofilmschool.co.uk

TheatrebugsBalham, Barnes, Battersea, Clapham, Fulham2 days between 20 October and3 November, depending onvenue. Spooky Half TermAdventure! –Carla Cat is throwing a party butSpinny the Spider and Squeaker theMouse are running late - they needsome help to pass the pumpkin inthe garden! Fun-filled spooktasticadventures with drama, music, danceand arts and crafts. Come in yourfavourite costume. Ages 3.5-8, £48

for 2 days, 10% sibling discount.Dates and times vary depending onvenue. 0800 975 5290,[email protected]

Theatre TribeAcademyStreatham & Clapham High School,42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW1-3 November. ‘I Heart WestEnd’ – Rehearse and perform in arevue show of the finest West EndShow tunes. Age 7-15. 020 32393149, [email protected]

SPORTS

Amanda’s ActionClubChiswick, Ealing, Putney,Wandsworth22 October – 2 Novemberdepending on venue. Fun WithMusic – Classes over half term atvarious venues across SW London.For details call 01895 623999.www.amandasactionclub.co.uk

All Star CoachingWandsworth Common TennisCentre, Dorlcote Road SW18 3RT22 October – 2 November. TennisCamps – Tennis coaching for alllevels of ability. Age 5-7 – 10am-1pm, £138 or 3-5pm, £108. Age 8-14 – 10am-3pm, £176. 020 88714706, [email protected]

Central London GolfCentreBurntwood Lane SW17 0AT24 and 25 October. Half-termJunior Golf Activity Days – 10am-2pm, £35 per day. FREE JuniorGolf taster sessions also on offer –check website for details. 020 88712468. www.clgc.co.uk

Chelsea FC SoccerSchoolBattersea Park, Prince of Wales DriveSW11 4NUChestnut Grove School, ChestnutGrove, Balham SW12 9JZ29 October – 2 November.London Soccer School –For boys and girls aged 3-13. Timesvary according to course, from £27for the 3 days. 020 7957 8220,[email protected] [email protected]. www.chelseafc.com/soccerschools

KiddikicksAcross South West London22 October – 2 November. Half-term Sessions – Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years)Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5years) and Ligasoccer (football Under8’s) sessions run throughout half-term. Or arrange a bespoke session(1 to 3 hours) for your player andtheir friends - pick your sport andthey’ll provide the coach, equipmentand place. 020 7937 7965, [email protected]

October 2012 29®®

Studio Film School

Ridgeway Stables

For children (2-5)Full/part time vacancies

* Bright well-resourced centre* Pre-school education guaranteed* Flexible hours/days* Children in small groups* Offers French, dance & swimming* Positive emphasis on physical

education* Very good OFSTED report

To view call 020 8675 8838Limited spaces

Yukon Rd. Balham Hill Estate, Balham Hill, SW12 9DN

Yukon Day Nursery

More half term activities next page and in our What's on pages.


Half term holiday activities

Ridgway Stables93 Ridgway, Wimbledon VillageSW19 4SU22 October – 2 November.Holiday Courses – Riding and taking care of ponies, age8-16, 10am-12pm or 2-4pm. 0208946 7400,[email protected],www.merton.gov.uk/activeplus

Soccer SchoolFurzedown Recreation Ground,Ramsdale Road SW17 9BP29 October – 2 November. Half-term Programme A fun-filled week of football includingball skills, techniques and drills. Age6-12, 10am-3pm, £50 per week,10% discount for siblings. Bring awaterproof! 020 8871 7171,[email protected]. www.wandsworth.gov.uk

SW Sports CampClapham Common Tennis Centre,Clapham Common West Side,Wandsworth SW4 9AN29 October – 2 November. Half Term Camp Sports camp including football, tennisand mini-volleyball. 07802 851453,[email protected]

SwimWayEast Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney,Streatham.29 October – 2 November. Half-term Swimming CoursesOne-week intensive courses toimprove your child’s swimmingtechnique. 020 8871 3972,[email protected]

Tennis4youWimbledon Park Tennis Courts,Wimbledon Park, Home Park Road,SW19 7HRDates TBC. Half-term Camps – Ideal holiday fun for kids, 4-16 years.Call 020 8789 0482 / 07961170675,[email protected] / www.tennis4you.co.uk

Urban AscentUnit 5 Parsons Green Depot,33-35 Parsons Green Lane, FulhamSW6 4HH

29 October – 2 November. Half-term Climbing Sessions –Climbing club for age 5+, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm and 4.30-5.30pm.£12, or 5 sessions for price of [email protected], 020 7751 0913.urbanascent.co.uk

Wimbledon VillageStables24 a/b High Street, SW19 5DXFrom 17 October. Children’sHoliday Courses –Aimed at children under 10, includingcomplete beginners. Enjoy a ridinglesson every day and play fun ponygames and quizzes. The 3-daycourses run Wednesday to Friday1.45-4.15pm, £170. Dress for theweather and bring a drink and snack.020 8946 8579,[email protected]

ALL-DAYCAMPS

Activ CampsEmanuel School, Battersea RiseSW11 1HS29 October – 2 November. Multi-activity Camps – Non-stop, fun-filled and action-packed! The best day camp in town.Age 4-14, from £37 per day,discounts for siblings. Call 07896546067, [email protected]. www.activcamps.com

Camp BeaumontDaycampsBlackheath, Esher29 October – 2 November. Half-term Camps – Try your handat over 40 different activities fromacting, archery and arts and crafts tocheerleading, circus workshops andzorbing! Age 4-16, 8.30am to5.30pm, from £47 per day. 01263823000.www.campbeaumont.co.uk/daycamps.......................................................

EVENTS NOTTO BEMISSED

Special treat forfirst-time familiesJoin The Royal Opera House forthe opening performance of TheRoyal Ballet Season with seat pricesfrom £5 to £20, and give your familya first-class experience for the priceof a cinema ticket!

If you would like your family toexperience ballet in one of the mostprestigious and beautiful theatres inthe world and don’t want to breakthe bank, why not register for theSwan Lake Welcome Performancefor Families on the 6th October2012 at 12pm, a wonderfulopportunity for people who havenever been to The Royal Opera

House before. Thanks tophilanthropic support from Gregoryand Regina Annenberg Weingartenthrough the Annenberg Foundation,the Royal Opera House is able tooffer families who have never beenhere before heavily subsidised ticketsfor a Royal Opera or Royal Balletperformance on the main stage, amorning of free, fun activities for allages and a reduced-price menu inour restaurant.PLEASE NOTE: Upon initial successfulregistration, please click on the ‘Contact Details’link under ‘Account’ and add your postal address.Failing to provide your postal address could meanthat you are deemed ineligible to book tickets fora Welcome Performance.

Baking mad byBattersea celebritychef Eric Landlard Award-winning master pâtissier andowner of Battersea’s boutique caféCake Boy, Eric Lanlard, isencouraging you to get creative inthe kitchen this October, as part ofConcern Worldwide’s annualfundraising event, ‘Bake aDifference’.Eric is inviting families to swaprecipes, bake and then sell yourgoodies to raise some dough. In thedeveloping world a child will diefrom hunger related causes every 12seconds and funds raised will helpthe charity combat childhoodmalnutrition in 25 of the world’spoorest countries. Eric, better known for his Channel 4television show, Baking Mad, isencouraging people to reignite theirpassion for all things baking, to helpConcern raise these vital funds:“Whether you hold your cake sale athome, at work or in the localcommunity centre, this is a greatevent that everyone will enjoy,especially with delicious cakes onoffer! I’ll also be sharing an inspiringnew recipe for all bakers on the‘Bake a Difference’ website atwww.concern.net/bake.”To find out more or to register your event visit Concern.net/bake,text BAKE to 81400 or call 0800 032 4001.

Urban Ascent

October 2012 31®®

Enjoy half term withan exceptionalcircus!After a record breaking 2011 UKtour, New World Circus is nowtouring a brand new edition of theNetherlands National CircusFeaturing:

- Nice and funny Clown ANGELO- Princess of Balance DESIRÉE- The FLYING ACES triple-levelaerial daredevilsSpringboard acrobats the CRETZU TROUPE- Stylish elegance: CAROLINE on theswinging trapeze- DAVID ROBERT defying gravity onthe rola-rola- and a full International supportingcompany and lots more, in a dazzling

show for all the family in a luxuryheated Big Top, with a live orchestra. Everyday from Thurs 25th Oct tountil Sun 4th Nov on EalingCommon.Showtimes: Thurs 25th & Fri 26th Oct: 4.45pm & 7.30pmSat 27th Oct: 2pm. 4.45pm & 7.30pmSun 28th Oct: 1pm & 3.30pmMon 29th Oct - Sat 6 Nov: 2.30pm & 7pmSun 7 Nov:1pm & 3.30pmPrices: Adults £12 - £24. Child £10 - £18Box office phone 0844 4155 228Early bookers discount available onwww.netherlandscircus.eu

The Netherlands National Circus

Pottery Painting & Craft StudioDon't be Scared ! Come to paint fun Halloween pottery thisOctober Half TermChildrens' parties, Hendo's & NCTgroups all welcome Baby Footprints & Silver keepsake jewelleryAlso come & try Decopatch in our studioOpen MonSat 10am6pm, Sun 11am6pm85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702www.smartypaints.co.uk

More half term activities in our What's on pages.


Please always phone before setting out incase details have changed since pressdeadline or we got it wrong...

DRAMABROADWAY THEATRECatford SE6 4RU020 8690 0002 broadwaytheatre.org.uk3-28 Oct. Lord of the Flies –A plane crashes on a deserted island and the onlysurvivors are a group of school children, with noadults and no rules. Golding's classic novel adaptedinto a moving play. £14.50/£8

COLOUR HOUSE THEATREMerton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511/ 07944 868385colourhousetheatre.co.ukUntil 11 Nov. Robin Hood and Maid Marian –Everyone in Sherwood hates the evil Sheriffbecause he’s taxing the poor, but Robin Hood andhis Merry Men have hatched a clever plan to stophim. Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm and 4pm, £9/£10

GARRICK THEATRECharing Cross Road WC2H 0HH0844 482 9673 nimaxtheatres.com27 Oct – 6 Jan 2013. Horrible Histories –Barmy Britain – An entertaining adaptation of Terry Deary'schildren's books. 6+yrs.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.comTo 4 Nov. The Tear Thief - Adapted from Carol Ann Duffy's lyrical book, thisheart-warming modern fairy tale is about aninvisible spirit who steals children's tears to lightthe moon. Wed-Thurs 10am and 1pm, Fri 1pm and5pm, Sat-Sun 11am and 2pm, £12/£10/£5

LYRIC HAMMERSMITHLyric Square, King Street W6 0QL020 8741 6850 lyric.co.uk6 Oct. Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall –

Traditional Japanese songs, dance and origami inthis delightful tale. 11am and 1pm, 3-7yrs13 Oct. Circle of Tales –A tale from long ago, told with wood and wirepuppets and music from traditional Africaninstruments. 11am and 1pm, 4–7yrs20 Oct. There’s a Monster in my Piano –What do you do when you hear a strange noiseinside your piano? Call the Piano Doctor of course!11am and 1pm, 4-7yrs27-28 Oct. Cabbage Heart –When Jelly wanders into a secret, overgrowngarden she finds something that changes her lifeforever. 27 Oct 11am and 1.30pm, 28 Oct 2pmand 2.30pm, 5-10yrs

30 Oct – 3 Nov. Rumpelstiltskin –Magic and mayhem are in the air as this classic fairytale is brought to life with puppetry, live music andplenty of mischief. 11am and 1pm, 3-7yrs

NATIONAL THEATRESouth Bank SE1 9PX020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk To 27 Oct. The Curious Incident of the Dog inthe Night-Time –An adaptation of the touching and bleaklyhumorous novel by Mark Haddon. 13yrs+

LONDON PALLADIUM Argyll Street W1F 7TF020 7492 9930 reallyuseful.com24 Oct – 5 Jan 2013. Scrooge The Musical – Bridging the gap between 'The Wizard of Oz' and'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', BillKenwright's family musical returns to the West End.

POLKA THEATRE240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com 29 Sep - 27 Oct. Sticks and Stones –It’s August 2011 and riots are spreading. It’ssummer, it’s hot and the entire country is holdingits breath. 9-13yrs, £8-£1217 Oct – 16 Feb. Too Many Penguins? – How many penguins are too many penguins? Polarbear thinks one is more than enough, thank youvery much! 1-4yrs, £8-£10

PUPPET THEATRE BARGELittle Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF07836 202 745 / 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com27 Oct – 4 Nov. The Three Little Pigs andCaptain Grimey –A double bill with songs. 3-8 yrs, 3pm, £8.50/£10

PUTNEY ARTS THEATRERavenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW020 8788 6943 putneyartstheatre.org.uk12-13 and 18-20 Oct. Foxfinder –In a near-future-England where the ‘red beast’ is a

What’s On

Puppet Theatre Barge

Out and About

Visit 345 Nursery where “The nursery offersan exceptionally welcoming and inclusive

environment” (Ofsted Outstanding Nov 2011).Where children become independent

inquisitive and motivated in this rich andvibrant learning environment.

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

Early Years Curriculum.Great outdoor space! Options include

Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club.

www.345nurseryschool.co.uk 020-8870-8441 or [email protected]

Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

Rumpelstiltskin

public enemy, Samuel and Judith have had adreadful year - their struggling farm is undersuspicion of vulpine interference and a ‘foxfinder’arrives to investigate. For older teenagers,7.45pm, £7/£10

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ0844 871 7651 atgtickets.com/Richmond20 Oct. Play Time! – Fun, free family arts, crafts and storytelling. 4+yrs,10.30am-12pm23-27 Oct. Driving Miss Daisy – The award-winning production direct from theWest End - sparklingly funny and irresistibly heart-warming. £15-£29.50

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com21 Oct. Disney Fantasia – Live In Concert –Excerpts of Walt Disney's 'Fantasia' and Disney's'Fantasia 2000' screened with accompaniment bythe London Philharmonic Orchestra.

SOHO THEATRE21 Dean Street W1D 3NE020 7478 0100 sohotheatre.com13 Oct. Comedy Club 4 Kids – Comedy for children, parents and anybody who likeshumour without the rude words. £103-20 Oct. Finding Butterfly – A re-interpretation of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly in aproduction at Limehouse Town Hall. 12+yrs, £10-£25

SOUTHBANK CENTREBelvedere Road SE1 8PX 020 7960 4200 / 0844 847 9944southbankcentre.co.uk27 Oct – 2 Nov. Potato Needs A Bath –This light-hearted and visual show tells the tale ofPotato on his birthday. 2-5 yrs, 11am and 2pm, £6-£12. At Blue Room, Royal Festival Hall.

ST JAMES’ THEATRE 12 Palace Street SW1E 5JA0844 264 2140 stjamestheatre.co.ukUntil 27 Oct. Bully Boy – Sandi Toksvig directs a play tackling the moralissues of contemporary military occupation and itseffect on the mental health of serving soldiers. 31 Oct - 8 Dec. Daddy Long Legs – Set in the early 1900s, Daddy Long Legs is thevivid account of a young orphan as she blossomsinto a beautiful and vivacious woman.

TARA THEATRE ARTS356 Garratt Lane SW18 4ES 020 8333 4457 tara-arts.com 6 Oct. Spin –Whirling, twirling, twisting tales, listen as we spinsome sounds. Join word-wizards as they cook upwonderful ways to play with words. 4-7yrs,10.30am, £9-£1027 Oct. War Of The Buttons – George grows grapes. Bessie grows cabbages. Apetty squabble grows and grows into...the war ofthe buttons! 3-11yrs, 10.30am and 1.30pm, £9-£10

UNICORN THEATRE147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ020 7645 0500 unicorntheatre.comTo 16 Nov. A Winter’s Tale – A group of actors are performing The Winter’sTale at the Unicorn. But it’s not going well. Thishilarious new play turns The Winter’s Tale on itshead. 7-10yrs.To 13 Nov. Dr Korczak’s Example – Set in the final days of an orphanage in the Jewishghetto of Warsaw where food is scarce, tempersrise and everyone wants to survive. 11-13yrs3 Oct – 11 Nov. I, Malvolio – Twelfth Night re-examined in a brilliant one-manshow. 13+yrs 9-11 Oct. Handa’s Surprise – A blend of physical performance, puppetry andsong. 2-5 yrs30 Oct – 3 Nov. The Mysterious Vanishmentof Pobby and Dingan – Where do you start looking for something you

can’t even see? One boy’s mission to save hisfamily unites an outback mining community. 9+yrs7 Oct. Drawabout –Venture out into the city with the Drawaboutteam and unleash your creativity. 12–1.30pm and2.30-4pm, £5, all ages7 Oct. The Big Draw –Drop into the Unicorn and explore your creativeside. 12-5pm, free 19 Oct. Unicorn Mix Up –Not quite an open-mic night, part play, part gig –come and see the best of London’s young artistson stage. 13-21yrs, 6.30pm, £3

MUSEUMS,GALLERIES &EXHIBITIONSBANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUMThreadneedle Street EC2R 8AH020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk/museum29 Oct – 2 Nov. The Big Draw –Design a prize-winning banknote. Plus, speciallunchtime presentations on banknotes, 12.15pm and 1pm.To 10 Nov. Titanic Documents – See these claims for the replacement of Bank ofEngland notes from the relatives of victims of thedisaster.To 10 Nov. Gold and the Bank of England –An exhibition examining the part that gold hasplayed during the Bank's long history.

CUMING MUSEUM 151 Walworth Road SE17 1RY 020 7525 2332 southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum30 Oct. Tales of the Magic Lantern – Spooky stories for Halloween. 2.30-4pm, all agesTo 24 Nov. Charles Dickens – A SouthwarkChildhood – Exploring Dickens’ experience ofSouthwark during 1824 when his father was adebtor in the Marshalsea Prison.

BRITISH MUSEUMGreat Russell Street WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8299 britishmuseum.orgTo 25 Nov. Shakespeare Staging the World – Discover the world of William Shakespeare and theemerging role of London as a global city throughobjects and performance. £12/£14, under 16s free.

October 2012 33®®

8page 34

What’s On

The Mysterious Vanishment ofPobby and Dingan

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

Capture the excitement of learning at

Oaktree Nursery School. Where children

become independent, inquisitive and

motivated in a happy caring

environment. Incorporating art, music,

yoga, sport, cooking, drama and all

aspects of the Early Years Curriculum.

Ofsted Outstanding - Dec 2011

Please come and see us in action.

Annabel Dixon 020 8870 8441

[email protected]

www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk


DULWICH PICTURE GALLERYGallery Road SE21 7AD020 8299 8732 dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk13, 14 and 21 Oct. Street Art Masterclass – Learn about this fascinating and complex art format a 3-day masterclass. 10.30am-4pm, £60 To 25 Oct. Illustrate – Be inspired by the playful work of illustrators suchas Eric Carle, Joseph Cornell and Picasso to createyour own illustrated books. 11-14yrs, 4.30-6pm. 5workshops for £607 and 28 Oct. Artplay –Make everything from bunting to block prints.2–3.45pm3 Nov. Animation Station – Create fantastic stop-motion computer animationon a fireworks theme. 11am-1pm, £3.4 Nov. Travelling Lines – Take part in an art activity inspired by the‘travelling lines’ in your own life. 11am-4pm, £6.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALEMUSEUM2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW020 7620 0374 florence-nightingale.co.uk

11 Oct. A Nurse At The Front – The amazing Great War diaries of Sister EdithAppleton. 3pm

FOUNDLING MUSEUM40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk27-28 Oct. Clock Watching Weekend – To mark the end of British Summer Time, theFoundling is celebrating all things horological. Makeyour own eighteenth-century clocks and watchMartin Scorsese’s film Hugo. 3-12 yrs.To 24 Nov. Dickens and the Foundling –Exploring the relationship between CharlesDickens and the Foundling Hospital.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk6 Oct. Drawing Your Senses – Make a sketchbook and draw patterns inspired bytouch, sound, sight and smell. 5-11 yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. 21 Oct. Harvest Time Family Day – Create giant insects and listen to garden-inspiredstories and a vegetable instrument orchestra!

10.30am-4pm30 Oct – 2 Nov.Half-TermActivities –Explore nationalfestivals from Eidto Diwali. Baketreats and makedecorations.10.30am-12.30pmand 2-4pm, free. 3 Nov. FizzingFireworkDecorations –Make rocket orcatherine wheel-inspired

decorations to make your firework night go with abang. 5-11yrs, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm

HORNIMAN MUSEUM100 London Rd, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ020 8699 1872 horniman.ac.uk 29 Oct – 2 Nov. Half-term Activities –

Craft activities, discovery sessions and HalloweenPoetry Party.

HUNTERIAN MUSEUMRoyal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln's Inn FieldsWC2A 3PE020 7869 6560 rcseng.ac.uk/museums30 Oct – 1 Nov. Long in the Tooth: ObjectHandling Workshops – Get up close and personal with skulls and teethfrom the odontological collection. 6+yrs, 11amand 2pm

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMLambeth Road SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320/5321 iwm.org.uk27 Oct – 4 Nov. A Poppy Field – Grow your own poppy from paper and wire andplant it in the Poppy Field. 11am-5pmTo 1 Jan 2013. A Family in Wartime – Experience life on the Home Front through theeyes of one London family.

MUSEUM OF LONDONLondon Wall EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk7 Oct. Characters From History – Meet MaryPrince -Mary Prince's fight for freedom brought her toLondon where her story was used to help endslavery in the 1800s. 5+yrs, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm14 and 28 Oct. Museum Explored – Join one of the Museum's Hosts and explore thegalleries through fun activities. 11.30-1.30pm, 2-4pm, 5+yrs21 Oct. Punch and Judy –Join in with this popular Victorian entertainment.1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5+yrs27 Oct - 4 Nov. Half-term Activities – Including Spooky Stories, Written By: Me and MeetSir Isaac Newton.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDSWest India Quay E14 4AL020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands20 Oct. London Forever – Celebrate London as a centre of global trade,industry, the arts and sport. Draw, stick and add

What’s on

British Museum

We do not normally like tosing our own praises but we'dlike to share our good news:

Families South West is the biggest it has

EVER been!

We now print30,000 copiesjust to cover

the SWpostcodes

(we started in

1990 with 4,000

copies in SW6

and SW15).

…and did you know?There are now 40 local Families®

magazines around the country!

October 2012 35®®

8page 36

things to the animated film. 5+yrs. 27 Oct - 4 Nov. Half-term Activities – Including The Ghost Chicken of Pond Square, TheFlying Machine and Transforming Objects.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT 020 7730 0717 nam.ac.uk 29 Oct – 2 Nov. Half-term Event –Find out more about the two World Wars - touchartefacts, try on uniforms and meet historicalcharacters. 10.30am-5.30pmTo March 2013. War Horse: Fact and Fiction – Exploring the history behind the War Horse novelwith interactive displays, costumes and props fromthe Spielberg film

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2894/2885 nationalgallery.org.uk 6 and 7 Oct. Drawing Attention: The Big Draw – Explore vista paintings from different points ofview. 11am-3pm, all ages28, 29 and 30 Oct. Go Draw Glow –Transform your drawings of favourite paintings intoperformances of glowing light.29 Oct. Talk and Play –Explore Rubens’ painting Het Steen: talk, play, singand create. 11.30am-1pm30 October. Drawing Stories –Tell a story through art-making and play. 11.30am-12.30pm Magic Carpet Storytelling - Sundays 10.30and 11.30am

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUMPark Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk 13 Oct. National Family Learning Festival – Join a fantastical tea party with workshops,storytelling and performances 24 Oct. The Big Draw: Come Draw with Me –Draw in the beautiful setting of the Queen’sHouse.27 Oct. Saturday Space Explorers – From finding planets to predicting the phases ofthe moon, this workshop is a great introduction toastronomy. 5+yrs

29 Oct - 2 Nov. The Big Draw: Pencils, People and Places –Draw Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle anddecorate the sails to show the journeysyour family have taken. Throughout Oct. Sky Tonight Live –A live show taking you on a tour of what can beseen in the night sky. 5+yrsThroughout Oct. Solar System, Galaxy,Universe –Explore the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe.5+yrsThroughout Oct. Space Safari –Join Ted the teddy bear for music and rhyme as hejourneys throughout the solar system. Under 7sTuesdays in Oct. Play Tuesdays – Explore the museum through music, dance andstories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm, under 5s

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERYSt Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk6 Oct. Walk the Line – Explore movement and line drawing. All ages20 and 28 Oct. Storytelling for Families – Followed by a fun art activity. 10.30am.20 Oct – 4 Nov. Half-term Activities – Storytelling and art workshops. 3+yrs.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMCromwell Road SW7 5BD020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.ukTo 31 Oct. Wildlife Garden – With woodlands, a meadow and pond, this gardenis a haven for thousands of British plants andanimals.19 Oct – 3 March. Environment WildlifePhotographer of the Year –Images uniquely combining the work of youngphotographers and gifted amateurs with leadinglights of the profession from around the globe.

SCIENCE MUSEUMExhibition Road SW7 2DD0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk 17-30 Oct. Science Shows – Propel the family on an exploratory adventure intothe wonderful world of science with Science ShowLive. 7-11yrs, £12/£9.50, 11am and 1.30pm

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP020 7440 4263 soaneeducation.org.uk31 Oct and 1 Nov. Half-term Workshops –Develop a skill or explore Soane's treasures withspecialist guidance. Dates/times vary, 7+yrs, wholeday workshops 10.30am-3pm - £20, half days10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm - £12

TATE BRITAINMillbank SW1P 4RG020 7887 8888 tate.org.uk/britain6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 Oct. Liminal – Engage with sculpture through touch, interactionand collaboration. All ages.

TATE MODERNBankside SE1 9TG020 7887 8888 tate.org.ukTo 14 Oct. Edvard Munch: The Modern Eye -Exhibition examining the artist’s work from the20th century.Under 5s Zone - A new play space for under 5s.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOODCambridge Heath Road E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk13 Oct. The Big Draw: Sizing Up – Help create a large-scale drawing of Robbiethe Robot as part of The Big Draw. 11am-4pm20 and 21 Oct. Pop-Up Circus – Enjoy gravity defying aerial dance, jugglers, musicand a magical performance piece. 12-4pm29 Oct – 2 Nov. Retro Kids – Journey back in time to the 1950s with a week ofstorytelling and arts and crafts. All ages. 13 Oct to 14 April 2013. Modern BritishChildhood – A new exhibition at the Museum exploring howchildhood has transformed in Britain during theperiod between the London OlympicGames of 1948 and 2012.To 28 Oct. Mascots of the Olympic Games – A display showcasing over 50 mascots from the last44 years of summer and winter Olympic Games.

What’s on

HAPKIDOSELF DEFENCEclasses available forchildren, teenagersand adults.

Dan Jun breathing, Kicks, punches, throws,joint-locks, tumbles, jumps and breakfalls.NEW: Learn the way of the Samuraisword, children ages 9yrs and overHapkido teaches:•Respect •Fitness•Discipline •Confidence•Control & sensitivity •Inner calm & peace•Defence •Strength & agility

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VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUMCromwell Road SW7 2RL020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk20 Oct – 4 Nov. Half-term Programme –Mini Movies – 27 and 28 Oct, a dramaworkshop exploring ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’. Under 5sMovie Magic – 27 Oct – 4 Nov, screenings ofclassic children’s films, 2pmMake It: Costume Design – 29 Oct – 2 Nov,design a sci-fi film costume. 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm, £5, 5-12 yrsMake It: Film Make-Up – 20 Oct, try differentstage make-up techniques and create characters. 2-4pm, £7.50, 10-12yrsThe Imagination Station – 27 Oct – 4 Nov,design a character for the Hollywood screen,10.30am-5pm, free20 Oct – 27 Jan 2013. Hollywood Costume –The most iconic costumes over a century of film-making.

THE WALLACE COLLECTIONHertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN020 7563 9500 wallacecollection.org6 Oct. Soundscapes and Landscapes – Collect musical and visual ingredients beforemixing them to create your own work ofmusical art. 10.30am, 6+ yrs, £127 Oct. The Little Draw – Free art workshop, 1.30-4.30pm, all ages20 Oct. The Big Draw: Ready, Steady,Draw! – Free art workshop, 12-4pm, all ages30 Oct. King David’s Shield – After a morning of armour handling, design andmake your own shield. 10.30am-3pm, 7+yrs, £1131 Oct. Animal Mask Magic –Transform yourself into your favourite animal thisHalloween. 10.30am and 2pm, 5+yrs, free

DAYS OUTBATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOOBattersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate SW11 4NJ020 7924 5826 batterseaparkzoo.co.uk27 – 31 Oct. Halloween Fun – Follow the Pumpkin Trail and use the clues to findout which animals have put out pumpkins. PlusHalloween Fun Day on 31 October: Spooky StoryTime at 12pm and 2pm, Make a Trick or Treat Bagat 11am and 2pm, Spooky Face Painting at 11amand 2pm.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS020 7349 6453 chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk30 Oct – 1 Nov. Half-term Activities – Workshops including Animal Olympians, Art of the Garden and A Passion for Plants. Timesand dates vary

CUTTY SARKGreenwich SE10 9NF020 8312 6608 rmg.co.uk/cuttysark6-7 Oct. Family Fun: The Big Draw –Drawing workshops, and meet thefamous Captain.7 Oct. Ahoy Captain! –Meet Cutty Sark's longest serving master, CaptainWoodget. Are you ship-shape enough to join hiscrew? 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm28 Oct. Witches and Warlocks –

Discover the story of Nannie, Cutty Sark's veryown witch, take part in the Wicked Witches andWarlocks dance, sing-a-long to Witches' songs,hear spooky tales and more. 11am-5pm30 Oct. Shanty Shakers and Song Books – Make a musical instrument to shake along with asea ditty or create your own shanty songbook.11am-1pm, 2-4pm29 and 31 Oct. Spooky shadows –Create your own shadow puppet inspired by thepoem that gave Cutty Sark her name. 11am-1pm,2-4pm

ELTHAM PALACECourt Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE020 8294 2548 / 0870 333 1181elthampalace.org.uk 9 and 30 Oct. Art Deco Tours –11am and 2pm, £2/£316 Oct. Medieval Tour – 11am and 2pm, £2/£328-31 Oct. Time Travellers Go…Ghosts andGhouls – Let your little horrors scare themselves silly thisHalloween with creepy crafts, spooky activitiesand ghost hunting galore! 11am-4pm

HAMPTON COURT PALACEHampton Court, East Molesey. Surrey, KT8 9AU0870 758 8080 hrp.org.uk 6-7 Oct. Live Tudor cookery – King Henry VIII’s famous Tudor kitchens are nowhome to food archaeologists, bringing the kitchensto life experimenting with traditional recipes fit fora king!From 27 Oct. Henry’s Crown –A magnificent re-creation of Henry VIII’s imperialcrown.

HMS BELFASTThe Queen’s Walk SE1 2JH020 7940 6300 iwm.org.uk27 Oct – 4 Nov. What Lies Beneath –A fun archaeological drawing event examiningwhat can be found on the Thames below the hullof HMSB. 11am–4pm, all agesGun Turret Experience - A chance to see whatfighting at sea would have really been like. Interactive Operations Room – Imagine what itwould have been like to control HMS Belfast fromthe Operations room, the nerve centre and brainof the entire ship.

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens W6 4PX 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace27 Oct. The Big Draw – Draw inspiration from the wonderful ceilings,paintings and patterns 27 Oct - 4 Nov. Family Activities –Storytelling and crafts.To 4 Nov. Jubilee: A View from the Crowd – This new exhibition celebrates Queen Victoria’sDiamond Jubilee of 1897, from the point of viewof those who celebrated it, from duchesses tonewspaper sellers.

LONDON EYEMinster Court SE1 7JB0870 990 8881 londoneye.com27 Oct– 4 Nov. Witch Academy –A magical school of mysticism and sorcery -find the missing witches to graduate The WitchAcademy. With spooky storytelling, spells andactivities.

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

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSONWonderful Pictures of Children

What’s on

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MORDEN HALL PARKMorden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD020 8545 6850 nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park30 October – 4 November. Half TermActivities:28 Oct. People and Places Walk – 11am-12pm30 Oct. 50 Things Autumn Walk – 10am-12pm31 Oct. Tree Walk – 1-3pm1 Nov. The Big Draw –11am-3pm4 Nov. Drawing Lines – 11am-3pmExplorer Packs and Trails – Follow trails around the park withactivities to complete.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT TOURSHouses of Parliament, Parliament Square, St MargaretStreet, Westminster SW1A0844 847 2498 parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/summeropeningTo 6 Oct. Take in some of the most importantareas of the Palace and find out what Parliamentdoes and how it came to be what it is today.£6/£10/£15

ROYAL OBSERVATORYGREENWICHGreenwich SE10 9NF020 8858 4422, rmg.co.ukTo Feb 2013. Astronomy Photographer of theYear 2012 Exhibition – See the spectacular winning images - from distantgalaxies to our very own Milky Way, the entriesreflect our enduring fascination with the night sky.

SUTTON HOUSE2 & 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney E9 6JQ020 8986 2264 [email protected] Oct. Tour –Be transported back through London’s history. 3pm25-28 Oct. Halloween House Week – See the haunted rooms of Sutton House, playgames and dress up for Halloween. Thurs and Fri2-4pm, Sat and Sun 12-4pm28 Oct. Halloween House –The House of Fairytales will transform the oldesthouse in East London for Halloween.12.30pm–4pm

SYON HOUSE AND GARDENS London Road, Middlesex TW8 8JG 020 8758 1888 syonpark.co.uk14 Oct. Autumn Tree Walk – Join the Head Gardener for a walk around thegardens in all their autumn glory. 11am and 2pm25 and 26 Oct. Is Syon House Haunted? –Join a ghostly tour, hear terrible tales of horriblehistory and decide for yourself!

TOWER OF LONDONTower Hill EC30844 482 7799 hrp.org.uk5 Oct. The Great London Drawing Lock-In! –Find yourself locked in the Tower in this after-

hours drawing event! 6.30-9pm, £2520-28 Oct. Half-term Activities –Beat The Block – The English Civil War - withunpopular ministers and religious crisis, KingCharles I is in peril from his enemies in Parliament.Trayned Bandes - see how the soldiers garrisonedthe Tower and prepared to give battle to the Kingand his Cavaliers. King Edward’s Living History -What was it like to be a child in the middle ages?Great War Society - 1914 and the Tower is therecruiting ground for the British Army.To 31 Dec. Royal Beasts – For 600 years, wild and exotic beasts were heldcaptive in the Tower. Discover why they wereimprisoned and experience how they would havelived at the Royal Menagerie.

WWT WETLANDS CENTREQueen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london 1, 8, 15 and 22 Oct. Pond Dipping –Hunt for the many different kinds of insects andother small animals that live in fresh waters. 21 Oct. Introduction to Birdwatching – Identify different birds and understand more aboutthem, 9.30am–11am, £20. 27 Oct. Autumn Plant Walk –Get a close look at the botanical side of LondonWetland Centre. 2.30pm27-28 Oct. Rainforest Roadshow - Meet an array of Amazon animals including snakes,giant millipedes and whip spiders.

DIARY DATES/

EVENTSALTERNATIVE LONDON BIKE TOURSRivington Street EC2A 3BE07899 686235 alternativeldn.co.uk7, 14, 21 and 28 Oct. 2- and 4-hour tours of thestreet art, history and culture of East London.£14/£20 includes bike and helmet hire. 13+yrs,10.30am-12.30pm, 2-6pmBARBICAN CENTRESilk Street EC2Y 8DS0845 120 7550 barbican.org.ukTo Jan 2013 - Everything Was Moving:Photography from the 60s and 70s –Surveying photography from across the globe.4 Oct - 28 Feb 2013. Rain Room – An astonishing new installation giving visitors thechance to experience what it’s like to control the rain.BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE36 Craven Street WC2N 5NG020 7839 2006 benjaminfranklinhouse.org30 Oct. 18th Century Toy Workshop –Discover how Georgian children entertainedthemselves and make 18th-century toys such aswhirligigs and button pulls. 5-11yrs, 11am and2pm, £5

BUCKINGHAM PALACEBuckingham Palace Road SW1A 1AA020 7766 7300 royalcollection.org.ukTo 7 Oct. Summer Openings –9.45am-6pm daily, £18/£10.25, under-5s freeCINEKIDS23 The Broadway, Wimbledonhmvcurzon.com6, 13, 20 and 27 Oct. Kids movies – The Lorax, The Very Hungry Caterpillar andDespicable Me. 10.30am, £3 children, adults free FULHAM PALACEBishops Avenue SW6 6EA020 7610 7169 fulhampalace.org 7 Oct. The Big Draw – Use objects in their handling collection to help youdraw a portrait. 2pm, all ages14 Oct. Drop-in Afternoon – Try on period costumes and handle museumartefacts. 2pm, all agesGREAT BRITISH WALK020 8940 1950 nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast6,7, 27 and 28 Oct - Take a guided ramble fromRichmond station to the top of Richmond Hill tosee the historic view over Petersham Meadows.Then descend to the towpath and magnificentHam House. 11am–1pmINSTITUT FRANCAISChildren's Library, 32 Harrington Road SW7 2DT0207 871 3515 institut-francais.org.uk6, 13 and 20 Oct. Baby and Kids French Tales –Interactive games, songs and music in French.£5/£7, 11am, 6 and 20 Oct – 0-3yrs, 13 Oct – 3-5 yrsJUNIOR KEEPER FOR A DAYLondon Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY020 7722 3333 zsi.orgTo 2 Nov. On selected weekdays during schoolholidays, this gives kids the chance to experienceworking life at the zoo. 11-15yrs, £170LANDMARK ARTS CENTREFerry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN020 8977 7558 landmarkartscentre.org6 and 27 Oct. Kids Art Club – –Fun workshops including drawing, painting, reliefmaking, printing and collage. 10am-12pm, £12, 5-11yrsLONDON PROPERTY MAKEOVERSaatchi Gallery, Kings Road SW307964 305196 londonpropertymakeover.com6 Oct. Interior Design Class - Learn about colour theory, mixing fabrics and howto get the ‘wow’ factor. 1-4.30pm, £60MINI MAESTRO FAMILY CONCERT St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square WC2N 4JH020 7766 1100 smitf.org13 Oct. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony -Bringing the classics alive with stories andmovement. 4+yrsMUM2MUM MARKETWimbledon YMCA, 200 The Broadway SW19 1RY0776 500 4564 mum2mummarket.co.uk6 Oct. Baby and Children's Nearly New Sale –2-4pm, £2 NCT NEARLY NEW SALEPutney Leisure Centre, Dryburgh Road, Putney SW15 1BL

8page 38

What’s on

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07971 033320 nct.org.uk 14 Oct - 3-5pm. Babies' and children's equipment,toys and clothes.THE PAPERED PARLOUR7 Prescott Place, Clapham SW4020 7627 8703 thepaperedparlour.co.uk20 and 21 Oct. Masterclass: ContemporaryPhotography – Master how to get your DSLR camera off auto! Learnthe basics of shooting modes, exposure and ISO, pluscomposition, equipment and specialist lenses. 12-5pm, £165POP-UP EMPORIUMBalham Bowls Club, 7 Ramsden Road, Balham SW12 8QX07870 362276 facebook.com/thepopupemporium

20 Oct. A great place to find those not-on-the-high-street goodies.12-6pmPROFESSOR QUANTUM’S MAGNIFICENTTIME TOURMeet at the bus stop, 6 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BY0844 318 7655 timetour.co.uk6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 Oct. Combining theatre andtechnical trickery with an insightful look at London'srich past, aboard the Professor's 'Incredible Time Bus'.All ages, 2.45pm, £22PUMP HOUSE GALLERYBattersea Park SW11 4NJ020 8871 7572 pumphousegallery.org.uk31 Oct – 2 Nov. Fanzine Workshop – Create your own page for the magazine. 1-5pm daily.To 25 Nov. Beauty Is The First Test – Exploring the relationship between mathematics and craft.SNAKES AND LADDERS SYON PARKSyon Park, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF020 8847 0946 snakes-and-ladders.co.uk7 Oct. Grandparents come free! –One free adult entry with every paying child.WARNER BROS STUDIO TOUR: THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTERWarner Bros Studio, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden,Watford, Herts WD25 7LS08450 840 900 wbstudiotour.co.ukTo 6 March 2013. Walk through sets including theGreat Hall, Dumbledore's office, Gryffindor commonroom and Hagrid's hut. £28/£21WILDLIFE WATCH CLUBWimbledon Common, Windmill Road SW19 5NR020 8540 61547 Oct. Meet at the Information Centre near theWindmill. 10am-12pm, 6-14yrs, £1 registration fee and£2 per session. WIMBLEDON WINDMILLWimbledon Common SW19 5NR020 8947 2825 wimbledonwindmill.org.uk /drawingonthecommon.com6 Oct. Drawing on the Common –Enjoy free entry to the Windmill Museum and try outyour drawing.

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� 020 8673 3444 theparentpractice.comChelsea, Clapham, Fulham, Putney, SouthKensington, Wandsworth, Wimbledon10 Oct. Bringing out the Best in Boys –7.30-10pm at Clapham Centre, 68 ThurleighRoad SW12 8UD. £45pp, £75 per couple. •EDDIE CATZ PUTNEY

� 0845 201 1268 eddiecatz.com1st Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW155 Oct. Smallprint Fingerprint Jewellery –Create stunning silver keepsakes with yourchildren’s fingerprints – pendants, charms,cufflinks, keyrings and more. 10am-12.30pm,Mums and toddlers30 Oct – 1 Nov. Creative Choreography Dance Workshop – 10am-1pm, 6-10yrs,£60 for 3 days•EDDIE CATZ WIMBLEDON

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