families london sw issue 237 june 2014

®June 2014

Issue 237ISSN 1354-9553

Est 1990.Free!Tak

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

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The French Nursery school

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

[email protected]

Bilingual education inSW7 and SW1

• 2-5 yearsFrench • Spanish

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Building confidencethrough performing artsNurturing and developingyoung people's potentialthrough dance, drama and singing.

For more informationsee advert on page 21

SouthWest*Parties

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� Would an extra £500 to £700 per month make adifference to the family budget?

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� Is your hard earned money going on childcare feesrather than your children and lifestyle?

Please call Adele on 07447 485 105 For further information.

www.motherbynature.co.uk

CALLING ALL PARENTS!

04-07 News & info•Local news•Clubs and activities news•School news

08 Internet safety

09 Osteopathy for babies and children

10-11 Book child classes early

14 Noticeboard

15 Sports listingsIndoor swimming pools

Table tennis - Tennis

16 Dazzling gardeningdecorations

17-20 Summer holiday listingsArts and craft, sport, music, dance and days out and more

22-31 PARTY FEATURE

32-39 What’s on• Theatre • Museums & Galleries• Days out • Diary dates and events

®®

All content ©Families 2014www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: [email protected] News: [email protected]/artwork: [email protected], diary dates, what’s on info:[email protected]

Next issue: July/August 2014. Deadline: 1st June

•“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independentlyowned and operated under licence. There are around 40 UKlocal editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies inall, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a veryuseful website… familiesonline.co.uk

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• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire.

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

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managedsustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled arecontinuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

®

04-07

Find us on Facebook & TwitterFamiliesSW

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SouthWest

June 2014 3

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JUNE 2014

Contents


Compiled by Joanna Parry

New café inBatterseaParkA new child friendly café isset to open in Battersea Parkthis summer, with an alfrescoterrace and an outdoor playarea for toddlers. ‘The caféwill be specifically aimed atmums and dads with youngchildren and will offer freshand wholesome meals andsnacks,’ said children’sservices spokesman CllrKathy Tracey. This comesafter the £250,000investment in the adjoiningplayground last year, andbefore the arrival of Go Ape’snew aerial walkway andobstacle course for childrenaged 6 and above – and bravemums and dads!

Sleep on your trampoline!Help give nature a home by spending a night in a tent with the RSPB Big Wild Sleepout. From 16-22June the RSPB is encouraging people to spend a night under the stars to find out which creatures theyshare their homes with, and raisemoney to help protect wildlife. Build aden or shelter and sleep in it, stick to atraditional tent or how about sleepingon your trampoline? To help peopleget the most out of their wild nightout, the RSPB have produced a freefundraising pack full of fun ideas tomake raising money really easy, and forthose who don’t have a garden theRSPB is also organising some excitingBig Wild Sleepout events across theUK. With special nighttime activitieslike outdoor cooking, stories round thecampfire and nighttime strolls, allevents are different, and all areexciting! A full list is available on theRSPB website rspb.org.uk/sleepout

Drama divasThe West End comes to Chelsea this summerwith a series of workshops for children aged 7-16.Explore a different hit show each day and takepart in an all-singing, all-dancing performance forfriends and family. Unlike other drama workshopsthese sessions give a true flavour of favouriteproductions with instructors for the cast of hitshows The Lion King, Matilda, Charlie and The

Chocolate Factory and Wicked.Your little one will get theopportunity to learn real WestEnd routines from the show’s actualcast who will not only teach the shows but shareinsights and stories about performing in the WestEnd. Sounds amazing! Workshops take place atChelsea Academy, Lots Road, SW10 0AB, 28 July –1 August, 9.30am-1pm for ages 7-11, 1.30-5.30pmages 12-16. Price £199 but Families readers areoffered the Early Bird price of £149 throughoutJune. Quote Families South West when bookingfor your discount. www.westendin.com/book

Making home cookingsimpleIf you’re struggling for ideas of what to cook for your family, why not trySian’s Plan, a family healthy eating planning service set up by a localmum? Sian’s Plan is a revolutionary website that allows you to easilyprepare healthy, affordable and fuss-free meals from home. The serviceis designed tohelp families savemoney, reducefood waste andeliminate thestress associatedwith cooking andgrocery shopping.From £3.99 permonth, you couldsave four and ahalf hours a weekand at least £700a year by cuttingdown the hoursspent in thekitchen and saving costs on waste. It's a great way to tackle the risingcost of living - just log on and choose a series of dishes from an ever-expanding library of meals, snacks and desserts. www.siansplan.com

Don’t miss the feteThe annual Abbeville Fete returns onSaturday 28 June, with more than 50street stalls, a street BBQ and bar,dedicated kids zone and eventsincluding live music and even a dogbeauty pageant. One of SouthLondon’s main social gatherings, thefete has activities and fun for all thefamily, while celebrating London’sdiversity, community spirit and localenterprise. Now in its 18th year, lastyear the fete raised over £19,000 forlocal causes. This year it is raising fundsfor local causes Ace of Clubs, LambethSummer Projects, Age UK, Kid’s Cityand Church of the Holy Spirit. Abbeville Road, SW4, 12pm-4pm. www.abbevillefete.com

News

Register now forthe Sun WalkTaking place on Sunday 6th July in Battersea Park,the Sun Walk is a brilliant family day out withwalking challenges, live music, great food, achildren’s area (including soft play), live showsrunning throughout and all the fun of the fair. Thetheme this year is Westwind Pirates and BatterseaBuccanneers. Choose from on walking challengesfrom • 5k walk for any age• 10k walk for ages 6 and over• Half marathon walk for ages 13 and overIt’s a fantastic way to raise money and awarenessfor breast cancer. Walk the Walk have raised over£90million for breast cancer causes since theirinception in 1996 and are passionate about gettingthe whole family out walking together.www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges/TheSunWalkLondon

new websitefamiliessouthwest.co.uk

®®June 2014 5

Clubs & activities news

Who dares, climbs!London’s veryfirst Clip 'nClimb hasarrived!Climbing wallsmeet themepark in anexciting newleisure conceptfor age 4 upwards, with a stunning series ofclimbing-based activities providing healthy,challenging fun for all the family. Test your resolveand determination across 22 separate challenges -climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, reachnew heights on the Skyscraper, take the SpeedClimbing challenge and light up the board on theCheckerplate. Dare to tackle the Dark Tower orfor the ultimate challenge sign up for the Leap ofFaith. Yikes! No climbing experience isnecessary and full training is given. Indoorclimbing has never been easier or safer! Theyalso offer birthday parties. Clip 'n Climb, 19Michael Road SW6 2ER,www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk 0207 736 2271

Tennis for allAlso arriving at South Park this summer is theSouth Park Tennis Programme. With privateand group lessons for adults, plus an extensivejunior tennis programme, this is one to check outin the Fulham area. Classes start at £68 for an 8-week programme, from age 3 upwards. Theyalso offer free taster sessions and run holidaycamps during the holidays and half terms. Findout more at www.southparktennis.com or [email protected], 07767 480148.

Summer cricketJunior cricket comes to South Park in Fulham with former professional cricketer and coach MaxBarson. Sign up your keen batsman or bowler forSouth Park Cricket, running throughout thesummer term Friday afternoons 4.30-5.30pm forchildren aged 6-10. They also offer holiday camps.Cricket whites required and please bring your ownbat, pads, helmet and gloves if possible. Email [email protected] find out more.

New English andmaths tuitioncentreExplore Learning opens a new centre inWandsworth this spring, providing extra tuition tochildren aged 5-14. The popular provider ofEnglish and maths tuition has already provedhugely popular with parents across south and westLondon, with busy centres in Merton, East Sheen,

Ealing and Shepherd’s Bush. ‘We’re very excitedabout opening our doors for the first time inWandsworth,’ said centre director ChristinaWatson. ‘The area is buzzing with families and whatwe offer is a fun and effective form of extra tuitionthat has been independently proven to benefitchildren of all abilities.’ The centre also offers 11+tuition and creative writing courses. Standardmembership £119 per month for two sessions aweek in English and maths. Discounts available forsiblings. Explore Learning, Sainsbury’s, GarrattLane, Wandsworth SW18 4AD. 01483 447 414,email [email protected]

Products

Banish those stretchmarks……with 100% NaturalStretch Mark Saviour fromNature & Co. When itcomes to pregnancy we allknow that stretch marks area concern, but now you cantackle those red marks withan 100% natural shea butter.It is safe to use during theentirety of pregnancy andwell worth a try, we think!Available from Nature & Coin Kensington orwww.nature-co.com£29.50.

Get Zippy!The Zippy bib designers havebeen busy this spring and havebrought out some gorgeous newbib designs, ready for the summer.Choose from delicate geese andflowers, cute bunny rabbits, cheekysheep, geese wandering throughApril showers and of course abright rainbow design to captureour true English weather! The bibscome in sets of 4 and cost £10including free delivery fromwww.zippysuit.com Perfect forpresents, or treat yourself and yourown little one.

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



School news

Sweet Dreams The new BabyBjörn travel cot has arrived! Perfect for holiday-ing with thekids, the Travel Cot Light might just be the most luxurious travel cot around,with simple assembly and carrying options. The new BabyBjörn Travel Cot isnot only light to carry, easy to open and put away, but the comfortablemattress creates a cosy sleeping place for your child, wherever you are. Plus,it’s easy to transport, even when you have to fly. £119.99www.babybjorn.co.uk

Organic cotton is good for the planet! Southfields mum of two Preneet’s love for handcrafted goods has inspired herto set up her companycalled ‘The Charpoy’.The organic bedding andnightwear collection forchildren is printed byhand on 100% organicnon- bleached cottonand is ethically produced.Organic cotton unlikenormal cotton does notcontain allergic residueand is great for children’sskin. It is breathable,layerable, super soft and huggable. The Charpoy contributes to keeping thehand block printing trade alive in India, combined with paying a fair wage tothe skilled craftsment in Northern India whom she is working with. See herat a stand at the Northcote Road Fete on 6 July.www.thecharpoy.com

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

school, yet only two per cent do. And with onlyone in 40 eleven year olds meeting the nationaltarget of an hour of exercise per day, Bike toSchool Week is a great excuse for parents andchildren to leave the car behind for the week andget active.Sustrans’ Campaign for Safer Streets is urgingparents and teachers to write to their local MPasking for every child to be given the right to a safejourney to school. You can join the campaign atwww.sustrans.org.uk/saferstreets

Road safety tips for parents:Follow these basics to help you and your childstay safe when cycling.• make sure your child's bike fits and that all your

bikes are roadworthy;• wearing a helmet is particularly recommended

for young children;• if you're on the road with children, take up a

position behind them. If there are two adults inyour group, it's a good idea to have one at theback and one in front of the children;

• set a good example, follow the Highway Codeand teach children road safety and awareness.

Photo caption - Amy Jo with Ethan Shackleton (white jumper) and Jay Mahon, all 9 years old, from BarlowsPrimary, Fazakerley, Liverpool, cycle to school along the nearby Liverpool Loopline.

Picture credit Chris Foster/Sustrans

Have fun Gateway children!On the 11th June Gateway House Nursery school will enjoy a teddy bears'picnic: the children bring their bears to school, walk up to the common, havea few races with the bears before settling down to a scrummy picnic. Onthe 27th June their specialised dance teacher will produce the cutest show toa theme every year, this year it's Fairy Tales. Have fun!Gateway House Nursery School, St Jude's Hall, Heslop Road, SW12 8AE0208 675 8258

Redfern Psychology is anIndependent Practice of highly experiencedClinical Psychologists and a ChildPsychotherapist based in SW16 led by Dr. Sheila Redfern, Consultant ClinicalPsychologist. We have a team ofprofessionals with over 20 years experiencein providing assessment and treatment for arange of problems including:

• Feeding and sleep problems• Tantrums and behaviour

problems• Depression• Panic attacks • Obsessive Compulsive

Disorder (OCD) • Problems with friends

• Parent-baby bondingproblems

• Examination/college orschool stress

• Low self-esteem• Parenting difficulties• Self harm • ASD and ADHD

To contact us and make an enquiry, pleasevisit www.redfernpsychology.org ortelephone 07774 222241

Is your child experiencingemotional, behavioural oreducational difficulties?


®®June 2014 7

OutstandingschoolsThree more Wandsworth primary schoolshave been judged ‘outstanding’ by educationinspectors. Gatton, Hillbrook andSheringdale schools were all previously ratedas good but their success in raising standardsof teaching since their last inspection has led toall three now being awarded the highestpossible Ofsted rating. Their improved scoresmeans that the borough’s tally of good oroutstanding schools now stands at 95%making Wandsworth one of the top five bestperforming local authorities in the country.Schools spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey said,‘These are superb results from three local schoolswho have demonstrated just how determinedthey are to provide their pupils with the higheststandards of teaching and learning. Everyoneinvolved in the education of our children andyoung people is committed to improvingstandards across the board, ensuring that all ourchildren are offered really top quality schooling.’

Rising starA Streatham & Clapham High School student joinsthe National Youth Theatre after a performance at No11 Downing Street! Year 9 pupil Camara McKenzie hasbeen awarded a place in the National Youth Theatre -one of the most prestigious organisations in the countryfor the training of young actors. In Camara’s case it isparticularly impressive because she was the youngest tobe auditioned! SCHS is renowned for the strength of itsDrama department, with Camara one of 25 pupils toperform at the New Wimbledon Theatre in a productionof Macbeth for the Shakespeare Schools Festival. On thestrength of her performance Camara was invited toperform at a reception held at 11 Downing Street.Head of Drama Mrs Mary Evans says, ‘This is a majorachievement for a 14-year old, and will give Camara afantastic opportunity to develop her talents.’

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

Young ChefcrownedGraveney schoolgirl Lexie Delaney has beencrowned Wandsworth Young Chef of the Year,beating 7 other finalists from schools around theborough to scoop the title, following a tense finalcook-off judged by top chefs including TV’s BrianTurner. This is the first year the competition hasbeen held but has proved such a success it is setto become an annual event, supported bycatering company Compass. ‘The generalexperience has been amazing,’ said Lexie. ‘I haveloved working with the different chef mentors andlearnt such a lot. It has made me go that one stepfurther – like presentation – that isn’t somethingyou think about when you cook at home.’ BrianTurner said, ‘This is quite a unique experience andshould be the blueprint of what should behappening around the country. I am very optimisticthat these finalists should be going to morecompetitions in the future.’

New nursery opening inWandsworthFinding the right childcare is one of the hardest decisions you will evermake. ‘At Little Wombles we provide the highest quality care and pre-schooleducational experiences for your child, giving you complete peace of mind whenleaving your precious little one. Our settings are spacious and highly staffedwith a guarantee that we will keep numbers of children down. This enables

each child's full potential to be nurtured through focussed, personalised care and attention. In addition to ourextensive curriculum every child participates in weekly specialist led classes including Ballet, Music and BabyFrench. We are committed to meeting each child's individual needs and developing their passions and skills forthe future’.Register now at www.littlewombles.co.uk Limited places available.Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Phone 07884 253398

New sessions forNightingaleMontessoriNightingale 2 Montessori Nursery in Balham is nowoffering afternoon sessions, Monday to Thursday 12:30-3:15pm including lunch club. Activities includehandwriting, ICT, maths, art, story time, cooking,football, outdoor play, gardening and nature walks. A2013 Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Boardreport said: “Children have freedom to access all activitiesinside and outside (with adult support in accessing thegarden) throughout the morning. Activities are within easyreach for the children, systematically arranged in labelledareas of learning and take into consideration thedevelopmental needs of the children present”. St Stephen's Church Hall, Weir Road SW12 0NU07930 401769. www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk

Open morning atCavendish Lodgenursery schoolLocal parents —or soon to be parents—areinvited to visit one of Streatham's most popularday nurseries, Cavendish Lodge Nursery School,on Saturday June 14th. The family-run nursery willbe holding an Open Morning from 10 to 12am andis happy to show parents around its lovelybuildings and gardens. Cavendish Lodge caters forchildren from 6 months to 5 years old and isideally situated near to both Streatham Commonand Streatham stations. For more information, goto www.cavendishlodgenursery.co.uk



MD Allen Scott, MD of security experts F-Securesaid: "We understand that many people are a bitlost when it comes to online protection, which iswhy we've compiled advice to give someguidance."

Set up user accounts foreach member of the familyThis will allow you to tweak the parental controlsfor each of your children. For example, blockingchat rooms and forums for young children, butallowing them for your teenagers. You can also usethese controls to set 'homework time' for olderchildren, which will block them from visiting anysites which are not deemed educational duringyour specified hours.

Whitelist sites for youngchildrenMany young children enjoy using the internet, butthey only want to view the same few sites overand over, such as CBeebies. Using the whitelistfunction, add in all the websites you are happy forthem to view and block the rest. This way, theywon't stumble upon something which is notappropriate for their age.

Have 'the talk' beforeletting your teenagers joinsocial networking sitesYou need to set rules before letting your childrenenjoy social networking sites such as Facebook andInstagram. Every child is different, so this mustcome from you. Some parents want access totheir child's account, so they can check up onthem at any time. Be warned, this can lead to yourchild setting up a second account in a differentname. It is a good idea to only allow them to be'friends' with people they know if real life though.

Whatever your approach, help them set up theiraccount with privacy restrictions, so their profile isnot public. Go tohttps://www.facebook.com/FSecureSafeProfile,click 'use now', then log in to test their Facebookprofile. It will show what is public and explain howto change the settings accordingly.

Don't forget theirsmartphones and tabletsMost children have access to these devices nowand the way they use them is no different from acomputer, so they need to be protected too.Mobile security software is downloaded as an app

or will come as part of the security softwarepackage you buy for your computer. Set upparental controls on these devices, just as youwould for your computer.

It is wise to set up a password for your children'sdevices, so that they must come to you beforedownloading any app or in-app purchase. This willalso mean you'll avoid a nasty shock when the billarrives.

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

More informationFor more advice onfamily protection, visithttp://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/

What is your child

getting up to online?By Allen Scott

Many of us rely on built-in, traditional or free software which doesn't have social networkingand parental controls. Without these additional features, parents are leaving their children open to all that is bad about the internet.

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

Internet safety

June 2014 9®®

Osteopathy is a drug-free non-invasive method ofdiagnosis and treatment based on the relationshipbetween the structure and function of all thetissues within the body. All parts of the body,including the bones, and the skull need to be ingood alignment and be able to move normally,functioning together in an integrated way.

Osteopaths consider that even the tiniestcompression of the skull’s or spine’s naturalmovement in infants and children can contribute tothe typical colicky symptoms, poor feeding,possetting, fractiousness and difficulty in settlingseen in newborns, for example. Compression ofthe head, back and diaphragm / chest whilst a babyis in the womb or during birth might also contributeto a tendency to headaches, wind and digestiveissues or plagiocephaly (wonky shaped head).

Injury, inflammation and infection as well asreduced movement contribute to pooroxygenation and poor drainage in any of thetissues and organs throughout the body. If functionis reduced in joints, muscles, bones, nerves ororgans, the body’s own natural healing mechanismmay not work so well. If one area is restricted,then the rest of the body has to adapt andcompensate for this.

Osteopathy’s aim is to positively affect themusculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory andlymphatic systems by focussing on reducingrestrictions, releasing strains and encouragingmovement within the head and body framework.

Osteopathy for childrenFor newborn babies, osteopathy focuses onhelping the body adjust to life outside the womband overcome the often traumatic effects ofdelivery. For youngsters from toddlers toteenagers, osteopathy can help deal with the strainof growth spurts, carrying heavy school bags,doing lots of sport, while for pregnant women andpost partum mothers, treatment offers a means ofhelping the body adjust to the physiological andpostural changes of pregnancy and delivery.

Treatment by a paediatricosteopathOn the first visit, the osteopath takes a history ofany complaints or symptoms. We are interested indetails of the pregnancy, the child’s birth andprogress and development to date. This helpsidentify any possible causes. Osteopathicexamination of a baby, toddler or older child

usually consists of observation of movement andposture, gently checking alignment, the health ofthe body and how it moves.

Treatment is given by applying specific gentlerelease techniques on the head, torso, pelvis orlimbs to encourage the body to release strainpatterns and return to a more balanced, morenormal state. Gently releasing any tensions in anewborn or older child’s body can often relievediscomfort that might otherwise be put down toother causes.

Some babies or children need just a few sessionsto resolve a short term problem, others maybenefit from osteopathic support and treatmentfor ongoing issues. As each child is different, thenumber and frequency of treatment sessionsdepend on what that child needs.

All osteopaths can work with children, but someosteopaths have done more specific extensiveclinical and academic training to work withnewborn babies, toddlers and children who mayhave difficult and longer term problems requiringspecial skill and knowledge.

Many people assume osteopaths just treat badbacks, neck ache, or sprains and strains –osteopathy is useful for so much more than this.

For further information or an appointment pleasecall us on 020 8875 5290 or visit the centre’swebsite: www.occ.uk.com

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Understandingosteopathy forbabies and children What is osteopathy and how might it help your little one? Karen Carroll,Paediatric Osteopath and Consultant at the London based charity, theOsteopathic Centre for Children discusses the gentle osteopathic approach forbabies and children.

Osteopathy for babies and children


Book early

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

� you won’t get stuck with a term of classes your child dislikes. Many classes offertrial sessions so if you make the most of them now you can be sure you arechoosing what’s right for your child come September. Just because their bestfriend is doing trampolining doesn’t mean your child will love it

� some activities are so popular that they have long waiting lists (some over a yearlong!). Book early to avoid disappointment, swimming classes fit in that category!

� you can avoid the mad panic of early September. It can be hard enough settlingyour child into nursery or getting them back into the routine of school, homeworkand getting up at the crack of dawn – the last thing you want to do is try to sortout clubs!

� you’ll get your first choice of time slot. Some classes get so booked up that if youleave it until September the only time you’ll be left with is 7pm on a Friday night –not fun! It’s not unheard of for parents to be queueing outside swimming poolsfrom 6am on the morning registration opens, just to get a workable slot. After-school activities affect the whole family and you don’t want to have to pick upfrom activities while your other children are desperate for their supper

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

� you’ll get a class that works for your family. More than one child canmean more than one activity on the same afternoon and much aswe’d like to be in two places at one time, it’s just not possible.Planning in advance means less stress and more peace of mind.

� you’ll get a class in a branch that is close to home. It’s often easier towalk than cramming everyone into the car again, let alone better forthe environment

� extra-curricular activities are not essential and too many can leaveeveryone exhausted and stressed, but if you do choose carefully andbook in advance, a few clubs and classes can bring huge benefits toyour child.

SwimWay

June 2014 11®®

Book early

SwimWay prioritise bookings SwimWay will open bookings for the Autumn 2014 Term (September to December) to new clients on16th June 2014 once the priority booking period for existing clients ends.

SwimWay will be extending its operation atthe new Wimbledon/Southfields Poolincluding new Parents Baby classes everyFriday morning as from the Autumn Term.In the comfort of a private house,SwimWay will be providing half hour semi-private lessons and private lessons from2pm until 6pm for children aged 3–8 yrs.These small classes ensure a more personallesson, with more individual attention foreach student in the class.

Please give them a call on 020 8871 3972or email [email protected] ifyou would like to discuss the lessonsfurther. www.swimway.co.uk

Give them the spaceto be creativeGiving children the space and time to write and thinktheir own stories is hugely beneficial. Philip Pulman,the prizewinning children’s author, has written aboutthe importance of giving children freedom to write.“Anything that's any good has to be discovered in theprocess of writing it,” he explains. “There must be awilling suspension of certainty.”

inkhead is a group of writers who run regular holidayworkshops and after-school clubs for children agebetween 7 and 14 in schools and libraries in London.Like Philip Pulman, they believe that they can showchildren that, “you could use language to say truethings, important things; secondly, that what you writecould affect other people, could move them, could makethem think - "it affected me"; and thirdly, that you couldwork at your writing and learn to say things more clearlyand strongly.”

This autumn they will be running regular after-schoolclubs on Mondays at the Carnegie Library in HerneHill and half-term holiday (from 20th October)workshops at the Northcote library, Clapham. For more information visit www.inkhead.co.uk,phone 07943 514408 or email [email protected]

Cindy’s Swim SchoolDo you want swimming lessons for your child? Or mother and baby classes for your tiny one? Or perhaps you want to get back into the pool yourself? If so, Cindy's Swim School offers professionallessons for an affordable price, with pools across Tooting, Balham and Streatham. Swimming lessons arenot only an important life skill but abrilliant way to aid in strengthening yourbaby's core strength, improve their grossand micro motor skills and aid indeveloping muscle growth. Cindy’s Adult and Baby classes are keptsmall and use songs to help the babies tolearn in a fun environment. Children’sclasses start at age 3 and cater for allabilities from beginners to Stage 5. Again,groups are small and children are taken attheir own pace so as to develop coremuscles and confidence in the waterbefore moving onto more advancedstroke techniques. They also have a swim squad for children from Stage 5 and up, plus they run half-termly and holiday crash courses and swim clubs. And if that wasn’t enough, their bi-annual galas are amust join! www.cindysswimschool.co.uk, 07902 782 675

June 2014 13®®

We specialise in:• Adult and Baby lessons• Toddler lessons• Learn To Swim classes• Pre-Club Squad

Training for Children• Adult Beginners and

Intermediate TrainingCindy’s Swim School is focused ondelivering a variety of personalisedlessons to local families.

• Half-term Crash Courses• Swim Clubs for more

advanced swimmers• Holiday Crash Courses

[email protected] 782675

We have a passion for swimminginstruction and practice within astructured and safe environment. Our swimmers learn the joys ofswimming and stroke technique withprogrammes incorporating games andexercise to improve each swimmer’sconfidence in the water.

You are whatyou eatA new study shows that children

who eat fast food three or more

times a week are likely to have

more severe allergic reactions.

An online issue of Thorax,

published in 2013, reported on a survey of nearly 500,000 children aged from

6-14 years in 31 countries, which looked into the diets of children with

allergies such as asthma, runny or blocked noses, itchy and watery eyes and

eczema.

Eating fast food was linked to the conditions in both teenager and children

groups. Teenagers consuming three or more weekly fast food meals had a

39% increased risk of severe asthma, whilst among the younger children,

there was a 27% increased risk of severe asthma. There were also higher

risks of rhinitis (hay fever) and eczema.

Meanwhile, fruit appeared to reduce the incidence and severity of the

conditions, with three or more servings of fruit reducing symptoms (11%

among teenagers and 14% in the younger age group of children).

Apples contain high amounts of the natural antihistamine quercetin, which

can help reduce hayfever symptoms, while pineapple contains bromelain,

which helps the body absorb quercetin. The attractive, bright orange and red

colours of fruits signal that they are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C and a

substance called bioflavonoids. These nutrients are said to be good for

preparing the body for fighting off hayfever symptoms. So why not try giving

your child oranges, grapefruit or some watermelon and see if they notice a

difference?

Another helper could be pollen barrier balm HayMax, which prevents

allergens from entering the body and helps keep sufferers syptom-free for

longer. The balms are drug-free and made from completely natural and

organic ingredients (certified by the Soil Association), so are ideal for children

who suffer from hayfever or dust and pet allergies. In addition, there are no

drowsy side-effects, so they are ideal for use when taking exams. Find out

more at haymax.biz

NoticeboardFrustrated by teentantrums?

The latest neuro-scientificresearch shows the reasons formuch of your teen’s peculiarbehaviour. High-tech scanningequipment has revealed thatchildren’s brains are still underconstruction until the age of 25.Studies on the frontal cortex, whichgoverns decision-making, judgement,and impulsion control shows thispart of the brain as a work inprogress, and is most susceptible tocopying learnt behaviour. Scientistsclaim that parents can highly influencetheir children’s brain development by modelling the behaviour they

most want to see. For more information, check out:newsinhealth.nih.gov

Hide the vegSneak all those vegetables languishing at the bottom of the fridgeinto that family favourite Spag Bol. Chop carrots, leaks and ahandful of greens and cook with the onions and garlic; then addthe mince and tomatoes. But here’s the trick – whizz a few timeswith a hand held blender and bingo! the children will be wolfingdown their five a day none the wiser.

Genetically Modified Food

By Susan Tomlinson

GM. It’s a bit of an experiment really – and that’s the problem. The research simply isn’t

conclusive. But GM seeds already dominate the US corn, cotton and soya market; the Indian cotton

market and the South American soya bean crop.

As our population increases, there is much debate about how we’re going to feed ourselves.

And scientists, researchers and environmentalists are split between believing GM is the best

option for increasing our food supply, while others believe the answer lies in altering the

politics around food wastage and logistics and are deeply concerned about the effects that

GM may have upon our ecology and health.

But one of the most contentious and little known issues around GM is that of intellectual

property. The companies manufacturing these seeds own the patent and won’t allow farmers

to save seeds for the next year, as they have done for thousands of years. The farmer is

forced to buy them again every year, or bear the brunt of the legal-eagles who watch out for

anyone in breach of their seed contract.

Like all seeds, GM seeds spread too, meaning that some farmers have discovered unwanted

GM seeds contaminating their land and as the World Health Organisation explains, the seeds

can persist after harvesting. This means some farmers claim they’ve been forced to use GM

seeds or face being sued for a potential patency theft.

It is for these reasons that some environmentalists accuse biotech companies of wanting to

own the world’s seed supply. And yet the biotech companies claim they just want to provide

a clean, green option for feeding the world.

It’s tricky stuff with both sides claiming they have the answer;

so to find out more, visit:

• The environmental campaigner, Vandana Shiva at: www.commondreams.org/vandana-shiva

• Monsanto website’s, one of the largest manufacturers of GM

www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/food-safety.aspx

• World Health Organisation: www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/

• Take action with GM Freeze: www.gmfreeze.org

Much of London up forfrackingDid you know much of London, including Streatham andTooting, as well as our beloved parks are up for fracking orother form of oil and gas exploration? As we go to press,according to the SundayTimes, the Departmentfor Energy and ClimateChange (Decc) is aboutto announce a newround of onshore oiland gas explorationlicensing with about twothirds of Britainpotentially on offer toexploration companies.A huge anti frackingmovement is takingplace and if you too, areafraid of itsenvironmental impactyou need to voice youropinion now, it is soimportant to getyourselves heard.There are petitions in afew sites including www.wrongmove.org, where you can typein your postcode to discover if your home is in one of theareas the government is considering for drilling and possiblefracking.

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INDOORSWIMMINGPOOLSIronmonger Row Baths1-11 Ironmonger Row EC1V 3QFA Grade-II listed 1930s Turkish bath,a little rough around the edges.Beneath a stunning top-lit ceiling,wooden spectator benches lookdown on the 30-metre pool andsmaller teaching pool. The Turkishbaths are among the few left inLondon, with a steam room, hotrooms, icy plunge pool, relaxationareas and marble slabs for bodyscrubs and massages020 7253 4011www.better.org.uk/leisure/ironmonger-row-baths

London Aquatics CentreQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2STSwim in the pools of champions inone of London 2012’s best-knownvenues. Designed for swimmers of allabilities London Aquatics Centreoffers a wide-ranging programme ofactivities from fun and family sessionsto lane swimming and diving lessons0208 536 3150www.better.org.uk/leisure/london-aquatics-centre,www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/the-park/venues/aquatics-centre

Oasis Sports Centre32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AGAs well as a heated open-airswimming pool, Oasis Sports Centrehas a popular indoor pool and sunterrace, right in the middle ofCovent Garden020 7831 1804www.better.org.uk/leisure/oasis-sports-centre

The Porchester SpaThe Porchester Centre, Queensway W2 5HSLocated in a spectacular 1929building, this is the spa to come to ifyou like swimming. It boasts a largepool plus a plunge pool for coolingoff after a stint in one of the threeTurkish hot rooms020 7792 3980www.better.org.uk/leisure/porchester-centre

Streatham Ice & Leisure Centre390 Streatham High Rd SW16 6HXThe new Streatham Ice and LeisureCentre has reopened with a 25metre pool plus learner swimmingpools, gym and studios020 8677 5758www.lambeth.gov.uk/places/streatham-ice-and-leisure-centre

Queen Mothers SportsCentre223 Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1V 1ELRight in the heart of Victoria, with amain pool, leisure pool and teachingpool 020 7630 5522www.better.org.uk/leisure/queen-mother-sports-centre

TABLE TENNISChelsea Sports CentreChelsea Manor Street SW3 5PLTable tennis tables for hire020 7352 6985,[email protected]/pdf/clc_courtneysguide.pdf

Ernest Bevin CollegeBeechcroft Road, Tooting SW17 7DFA junior and senior club, welcomingplayers of all standards from age 6.Junior coaching programmes duringterm time and school holidays [email protected]

Southfields CommunityCollege/Aspire333 Merton Rd SW18 5JUMake friends as you play singles,doubles or as part of a team at thistable tennis club. Tables also availableto hire on a pay-to-play basis0208 875 2603www.aspirecentre.com

The Oaks ClubOld Actonians Sports Association,Gunnersbury Drive, Ealing W5 4LLOne of the most friendly andsociable clubs in London, with teamsin the South & West Middlesex TableTennis League in all divisions. All agesand abilities [email protected]

Oasis Table Tennis Club 1a Kennington Road SE1 7QPA club for children and adults of allabilities oasistabletennis.tumblr.com

York Gardens Table TennisClubFircroft Primary School, FircroftRoad, Tooting SW17 7PPPlayers of all ages and skill levels,with specific coaching for juniors.Plenty of tables available for play butplease bring your own bats, balls andgear. The club runs throughout theschool holidays too [email protected]

TENNISAll Star TennisAcross Putney, Tooting andWandsworthAfter school, weekend and holidayclubs for children of all ability from 5

years upwards 020 8871 4706,[email protected]

Furzedown RecreationCentreRamsdale Road, SW17 9BPJunior tennis coaching from age 40208 767 6542,[email protected]

GraftonTennis and Squash Club70a Thornton Road, Balham SW12 0LFJunior tennis coaching from age 3,plus holiday camps020 8673 2891www.graftontennisandsquash.info

Henry Lamb TennisBarnes, Fulham and PutneyTennis programmes throughout theschool holidays, from age 5 upwards 0203 532 4940www.henrylamb.co.uk

Julian Cousins CoachingClapham Common Tennis Centre,Clapham Common West Side,Wandsworth SW4 9ANLTA mini-tennis, teenage tennis andschool holiday programmes forjuniors from age 3 07802 851453, [email protected]

Life-time TennisBattersea, Clapham, Earlsfield,Putney, Wandsworth and WimbledonTennis programmes for juniorsthroughout term time and in theholidays07792 600003,[email protected]

Tennis to be continued next month

Sports Listings S –T

compiled by Joanna Parry

We are reaching the end of our challenge: to try and list every single children sporting activity based in SW postcode. We've covered Archery, Badminton, Martial arts to Ruby. Next month will be our last offering with a huge issue on tennis. Don't miss it. To see the complete Sports listing go to www.familiessouthwest.co.uk Directory

Please mention you found them in “Families” when you call!

For the completelist of ALL sports

for children inSouth West

London go to ouronline Directory

Henry Lamb Tennis

June 2014 15See familiessouthwest.co.uk for other sports A-R…

Final listing next month!Then we’ll have covered allsports from A-Z. Phew!

June 2014 17®®®®®®

Summer holiday listings

ARTS ANDCRAFTSSmarty PaintsPottery Studio85 Nightingale Lane, Balham, SW12 8NX020 8772 8702,[email protected] July – 1 August. Summer Holiday Art Workshops Creative art workshops withsummer fun theme designs -pineapples, palm trees, pets andmore! Learn new skills andtechniques with a different craft eachday including pottery, canvas, t-shirtpainting and Decopatch. 10.30am-12.30pm, 6-12yrs, £20 per session,snack included

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

£15.00 (£11.50 concessions) andtickets allow unlimited entry for awhole year.Children can let their imaginationsrun wild as they are transported backin time at the historical andinteractive London TransportMuseum. Filled with buses, trains,and taxis they can take the wheel, trytheir hand as a Tube conductor orbump around with the otherpassengers in the back, as theyexplore the vehicles of London’s pastand present.

LANGUAGESClub Petit PierrotAt Eddie Catz, First Floor, 68-70Putney High Street SW15 1SF020 7385 5565,[email protected] and 30 July.Summer Holiday Club Ages 1-4, 2-3pm, £14 per session.Hands-on French sessions wherechildren learn through sensorialactivities, arts and crafts, songs,

dances and movement - and forparents to brush up their French too!Ages 4-11, 10am-1pm, £26 persession. Fun French workshop forchildren with arts and crafts, singing,dancing, theatre, puppets, languagegames and role-play.There is also a Summer HolidayClub taking place in St John'sWood/Maida Vale from 24 to 31July.

MUSIC ANDDRAMA Act Drama Streatham and Clapham High School,42 Abbotswood Rd SW16 1AW07976 873161,[email protected] July – 1 August.Alice in WonderlandWow your family and friends, laughall week long and make new bestfriends. Jam-packed with activitiesincluding drama and outdoor games,music, singing, dancing, props and setmaking. Age 5-15

Artpeggios Musicand Art SchoolAcademy198-200 Earl’s Court Road SW5 9QF020 7244 4570, [email protected] www.artpeggios.comJuly and August dates TBC.Summer Holiday Camps Rock band, singing groups,introduction to DJ, art, Manga,percussion course, magic, shootingmovies, acting, mastering GarageBand and more. Age 8 and over

Eddie Catz PutneyFirst Floor, 68-70 Putney High StreetSW15 1SF 0845 201 1268eddiecatz.com23 July – 14 August.Summer WorkshopsFun-filled activities with somethingfor everyone aged 2-12, includingButterfly Ballet Coppelia Workshop,Yogabugs, Playball, Cookie Crumblesand Barnes Film Academy StopMotion Workshop

Eddie CatzWimbledon42 Station Road SW19 2LP0845 201 1268 eddiecatz.com25 July – 15 August.Summer WorkshopsFun-filled activities with somethingfor everyone aged 2-8, includingworkshops with the CreationStation, Cookie Crumbles, DynamicDance and much much more!

Sew Pretty377 Wimbledon Park Road, London,SW19 6PE [email protected] 0790 368 1552July 17th-21st August from 10-1pm or1.45-4.45pm (full day 9.45am-5pm). £24(half day) or £48 (full day)Have fun and learn a useful new skill at Katya’s fabulous Wimbledon sewingstudio.For little ones, they run craft birthday parties, after-school sewing club andthe ever-popular kids sewing camps (age 7-12) & teenage club (age 13-18)during this summer. All materials are included. Each project will be finishedat the end of the session so please book as many sessions as you wish.

Act Drama

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We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes eventsare cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with theorganiser to avoid disappointment.

Space is limited in these pages, there are a lot more summer activitiesonline, see them all here: familiessouthwest.co.uk/holidayactivities

Compiled by Joanna Parry


Applause!Performing Arts summer workshopsin Putney. Dance, drama, singing &art for Primary School ChildrenJuly 14th- 18th Mathilda;July 21st- 25th Robin Hood;July 28th- August 1st ThePrincess and the Street Wise Frog.For more information please visitapplauseforchildren.com

Keep Monkeysswinging Bronwen Jones on 020 8764 [email protected] Music, the pre-school

music group for babies and childrenfrom 3 months - 5 years, will berunning 60 minute holidayworkshops in Wandsworth onTuesdays and Thursdays throughoutAugust. Former, new and currentpupils alike will be sure of a warmwelcome. Any number of sessionsmay be booked.

Funky Moves KidsClub Oak Lodge School, 101 NightingaleLane, Wandsworth SW12 8NA020 8772 6556funkymovesdance.com 28 July – 1 August.Summer Holiday CourseLearn funky dance moves, fusingstreet and commercial dance withtons of fun and enthusiasm. Therewill be art activities and games plus afantastic performance for the parentson the last day. 9.30am−12.30pm,age 5–14, £125. Early bird discount£105 for bookings received by 30June

Funky MonkeyKeyboard ClassesStreatham and Battersea0800 107 7949,[email protected] and August dates TBC.Creative Music WorkshopsTheir One Hit Wonder Courses arefor 4-8 years and a great taster dayfor beginner musicians. KeyboardSuperstars is a brilliant all-roundscheme for 5-8 year olds and is awonderful way to kick start learningthe electronic keyboard

PerformBattersea, Fulham, Notting Hill,Kensington, Kew, Putney andWimbledon 0845 400 1278,[email protected] July, 28 July – 1 August and 4-8 August.Fly Away to NeverlandGo on a magical trip to Neverlandwith Peter Pan, Wendy, John andMichael as they help rescue

Tinkerbell from the dastardly CaptainHook. Using funky dance and quick-witted improvisation go on a dazzlingadventure guaranteed to fire yourimagination. With colourfulcostumes, original songs and livemusic, put together a fantastic showto delight family and friends. 4-8yrs,times and dates dependent on venue

Mozo Island•Hurlingham School, Putney SW15•Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Road,Richmond TW9 1UF07899-811703,[email protected] July.Escape to the Beach ClubSing and play sunny pop songs withguitars, ukulele, keyboards,recorders and drums. Try musicalinstruments in a fun, relaxedatmosphere and make puppets,posters, puzzles and mini-comics.Children can fire up their musicalimaginations whilst developingconfidence and new skills. 9.30-12pm

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Stagecoach WimbledonAllsorts Summer Drama Workshops allsortsdrama.com Perform Drama

June 2014 19®®®®®®


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

Stagecoach TheatreArts, BatterseaHoneywell School, Honeywell Road,Battersea SW11 6EF020 8946 2986, [email protected]/battersea28 July – 1 August.Summer Holiday CoursePut on a show in 5 days. A fun-packed week of dance, musicaltheatre, performance skills, singingand acting! This year they’re off tosee the Wizard (with a few Wickedbits for teens!) 4-6 year olds 9.30am-12.30pm, £135, 7-16 year olds10am-4pm, £175

Stagecoach TheatreArts WimbledonRicards Lodge High School, Lake Road,Wimbledon SW19 7HB020 8946 3400,[email protected]/wimbledon 28 July – 1 August and 4-8 August.Performing Arts WorkshopsPut on a musical show in a week-

long course with a performance forfriends and family. Work with aprofessional team of directors todevelop confidence and skills inacting, dancing and singing in amemorable and inspiring week. 4-6years half days, 7-16 years full days

TheatrebugsBalham, Barnes, Battersea, Claphamand Fulham0800 975 5290,[email protected] July – 22 August. Summer Workshop - The FirstEver Whale StoryFive fun filled days of acting, dancing,singing, arts and crafts and dressingup before you hit the stage. PerryPirate parks his pirate ship on top ofthe Sula Sea Fairy’s house. Luckilythe tiniest fish in the ocean uses allhis energy to help out. Dates andtimes vary depending on venue, age3.5-6 years, from £125, siblingdiscounts available

Upbeat MusicChelsea and Fulham07816 901396,[email protected]

www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk July and August dates TBC.Holiday Experiences Write your own song and record itonto a CD, then perform it with theband. Sessions cover lyric writing,song structure, harmony and chords,plus give your child the chance toplay drums, keyboards, guitars andsing. Unleash your creativity andhave fun at the same time! No priorexperience needed. Age 5-12, 10am-4pm each day

SPORTTennis coachingChelsea, Hurlingham Park, Fulham andKensington 079441 [email protected] Holiday tennis camps, indoor minitennis, junior performances and adultclasses too, From 2 to 75yrs! LTALicensed with CRB certification, vastamount of coaching experience.Incorporates Bio-mechanicalcorrection information into lessonplans to enhance tactics, mentalawareness, strength and

conditioning. The courts are allweather hard courts, set withinidyllic private gardens!

Central London GolfCentreBurntwood Lane SW17 0AT020 8871 2468, [email protected] July – 22 August.Summer Golf CampsWhat better way to spend theholidays than improving your golfwith an array of skills challenges,competitions and tasks? For childrenof all levels. Includes golf coaching,daily fun competitions, skillchallenges and prizes. £30 per halfday 9am-12pm, £40 per full day9am–3pm

The Little GymRiverside West, Wandsworth SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567,wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.ukwww.thelittlegym.co.ukThroughout July and August.Summer Holiday Fun The ever popular 3-hour camps –lots of fun, and your children will gainnew skills and develop theirconfidence.

Funky Monkey

Bees KneesNursery School

12 Priory Lane, Putney SW15 5JQTel: 020 8876 8252

A caring, lively, happy andstimulating environment

for 2-5 year olds(Two year old grants available)

“All my children haveloved this very special nursery”

The Little Gym

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KiddikicksAcross South West London020 7937 7965,[email protected] kiddikicks.coukJuly and August dates TBC.Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years)Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5years) and Ligasoccer (football Under8’s) sessions run throughout thesummer holidays. Or arrange abespoke session (1 to 3 hours) foryour player and their friends: pickyour sport and they’ll provide thecoach, equipment and place.

SwimWayEast Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney,Streatham and Wimbledon020 8871 3972, [email protected] July – 8 August.Summer Swimming Courses One-week intensive courses toimprove your child’s swimmingtechnique, on a private or semi-private basis. 3-9yrs.

Urban Ascent Unit 5 Parsons Green Depot,33-35 Parsons Green Lane, FulhamSW6 4HH 020 7751 0913,[email protected] 21 July throughout August.Kids ClubsRock Climbing. One-hour long kidsclubs very Tuesday and Thursdayduring the summer holidays at1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm. £12 persession, ages 5+

Youngstars

Balham, Clapham, Putney and ParsonsGreen 07920 426499, [email protected] www.young-stars.co.ukThroughout July and August.Youngstars Holiday Camps

Fun, games and excitement whilstbeing introduced to all aspects ofsports, in an all inclusive and non-competitive environment. 3-7 years,9am- 12pm £25, 9am-3pm £40. Plusa Junior Camp for 7-10 years

CAMPSActiv Camps•Emanuel School, SW11 1HS•Wimbledon College SW19 4NS•Barnes Sports Club SW13 9QL07896 546067, [email protected] www.activcamps.com14 July - 29 August.Multi-activity Camps - Non-stop, fun-filled and action-packed! Dodgeball, quad biking,inflatables, water slides, indoor rockclimbing, swimming, crazy crashmats, foam stick hockey and obstaclecourses. Age 4-14, from £37 per day,discounts for siblings. Datesdependent on venue.

All Star TennisWandsworth Common, WandsworthPark, King Georges Park, Tooting BecCommon, Leaders Gardens, Putney,Furzedown Rec and National TennisCentre (NTC) in Roehampton. 0208871 4706 [email protected] Holiday camps. For ages 5 to 7years mini-tennis activities includeco-ordination, balance, movementand group games. For ages 8 to 14years, courses increase awareness ofthe game, teach appropriatetechniques and provide experienceof tennis drills, tactics, bio-mechanical principles, team gamesand tournaments.

Super Camps* Putney High School, SW15 6BH* Wimbledon High School, SW19* Streatham and Clapham High

School, Wavertree Road, StreathamHill SW2 3SR

01235 467300 supercamps.co.uk 14 July – 29 August. Multi-Activity CampsFun, action-packed and stimulatingday camps for children aged 4-14.From £34pd, dates per venue.

Mini-Engineers Recently launched in SouthKensington and Wimbledon, Mini-Engineers is a children’s Innovation

and Inspiration Lab (“iLab”) offeringweekly LEGO classes, holiday LEGOcamps, specialised LEGO workshopsfor children ages 5 to 11 years.Inspiring young minds is at the heartof everything they do! Events on 7,8, 14/15, 21, 22 and 28th Juneplus 5th July and 29/31st July. •Camps from 10th July to 1stAugust: Story Telling and CreativeWriting Camp (14-18 July). By theSeaside Camp (10-11 July).Transportation Camp (14-18 July, 21-25 July). Aerospace Camp (14- 18July, 21-25 July). Wild Animal andHabitat Camp (28 July to 1st August)Descriptions and booking online.www.mini-engineers.com

All Star TennisWandsworth Common, WandsworthPark, King Georges Park, Tooting BecCommon, Leaders Gardens, Putney,Furzedown Rec and National TennisCentre (NTC) in Roehampton. 0208871 4706 [email protected] Holiday camps. For ages 5 to 7years mini-tennis activities includeco-ordination, balance, movementand group games. For ages 8 to 14years, courses increase awareness ofthe game, teach appropriatetechniques and provide experienceof tennis drills, tactics, bio-mechanical principles, team gamesand tournaments.

NightingaleMontessoriSummer camp at the nurserybegins 7th July for 2 weeks. Opento any child. St Stephen's ChurchHall, Weir Road SW12 0NU 07930401769. www.nightingale montessori.co.uk

Inkhead creativewriting workshopsNorthcote Library Clapham, SW11plus venues in SE13, SE24, N10 andN6. £90 to £135 inkhead.co.uk 28-30 July: Creative writingcourse (age 7 to 9)Go and write stories, their illustratorwill draw your characters and theywill show you how to put them intoyour own story.7-8 August: Creative writingcourse (age 13 +)Feedback on your writing and spendtime working on developing yourwriting using prompts and exercises.11-13 August: Creative writingcourse (age 10 to 12)20-22 August: Crime Bustingcourse (age 9 to 12).



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June 2014 21®®®®

Battersea 020 8946 2986

Fulham 0845 202 5727

New Malden 020 8540 7791

Putney 0845 265 7050

Tooting 020 8942 3502

Wimbledon 020 8946 3400

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now


10-12 yearsOlder children like going out to party. To keep thecosts down, encourage a smaller number of guests– think about a trip to the seaside or to an excitingadventure playground they’ve not visited before,and remember that the journey can be as muchfun as the activity at the end of it. If you don’tmind spending a bit more, a trip to a climbing wall,an ice rink, a bowling rink or a go-karting centrecan be wonderful fun too.

The golden rules� Never have a party that lasts more than

two hours� The younger the child, the fewer the

guests� Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks

to charity and pound shops – but alwayshave them, they’re hugely popular

� Have a plan mapped out for what shouldhappen when

Party food tips� Food doesn’t need to be complicated� It does need to include options – many

children won’t eatham/cheese/eggs/grapes/pizza

� Don’t overface guests with too muchfood

� Putting cup cakes rather than slices ofcake into party bags makes life easier

0-3 yearsThere’s just one word that matters here:

simplicity. Birthday parties for tinies can be

marvellous, memorable affairs, but they don’t

need to be elaborate or to involve much expense

or entertainment or special props. In essence,

you’re catering for the grown-ups as much as for

the children – because at this stage, the adults will

definitely stay (and you’re more than likely to have

a few grandparents in the mix as well).

Concentrate on creating a fun, easy, safe space for

the children – a soft play space with plenty of toys

strewn around is ideal – and make sure the adults

are well catered-for: if they stay calm, the children

will as well. If you want something with a bit of a

theme, how about a teddy bears’ picnic? Make

sure everyone remembers to take their favourite

cuddlies home at the end though, or there will be

tears at bedtime!

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

4-6 yearsAt this stage parties can be a bit more ambitiousand a time when it is well worth investing in agreat entertainer: they are experts, know how tocrowd control while producing shrieks and honestlaughs. However don’t assume that to put on agreat bash you need to spend lots of money. Atthis age children can have loads of fun without a bigoutlay; later on, when they’re tweens and teens,you’ll be under pressure to shell out big-time, sodon’t pre-empt that now. A party at home or inthe local park can be huge fun; traditional partygames will be popular, and if you want to push theboat out a bit consider investing in a bouncy castle;or if home really isn’t a possibility, a soft play centrewill be hassle-free, if more expensive. Themedparties are great for this age group, and theyactually make life simpler for the party organiser: apirate theme is always popular, or sea creatures, orpick up on your child’s favourite book or TVprogramme. Dressing up is a big hit for this agegroup too.

7-9 yearsActivities work a treat at this stage, whether

you’re at home or in a church hall or at a park.

For a popular and low-budget option, think about

a baking party at home – weigh out all the

ingredients before the children arrive, get them to

mix and decorate them and then pop them in the

oven to bake while you play a few party games

(shortbread biscuits are easy peasy; have a range

of cutters for exciting shapes).

Party featureTwo big things thatmatter when it comes

to your party going wellplanning, and luck

June 2014 23®

On trendwith a greenpartyThe sky has been the limit for kids’ parties in recentyears – some parents spend thousands on making suretheir child’s birthday treat goes with a swing. But thelatest trend is to spend less and to be moreenvironmentally-friendly. Joanna Moorhead reports

After two decades of organisingbirthday parties for my fourchildren, one truth is crystal clearto me: spending a lot doesn’tguarantee a successful bash. Onthe contrary, you can host abrilliant party that goes down inthe history of your child’sfriendship group for a reasonablysmall amount of money.

The fact is, there are only two bigthings that matter when it comesto your party going well: planning,and luck. Planning means thinkingahead, having a timetable (even arough one, in your head; betterstill a written-down one, in yournotebook or on your iPad). Luckmeans the sun shines, no-onescrapes their knee, the candles

light when you strike the matchesand the camera doesn’t stopworking as you’re poised for theessential, round-the-cake shot.

Given that most of us haverealised that spending doesn’t agood party make (though a bit ofoutlay is inevitable, and it’s crucialto spend wisely), many parentshave also got to thinking that it’s ashame so many parties involve somuch waste. We put too muchfood out on the table; too muchgets messy and left and ends upbeing thrown in the bin. And,given that we’re all trying to bemore environmentally-friendly,parties seem like a good (andreasonably easy) place to start.

Here’s our Families top tips onhow to have a party that goeswith a swing – and is green…� Don’t overdo the food. Don’t pile too much on the table; have

more in the fridge or on standby to whip out if needed� Don’t use paper plates – it’s easy to scrape them quickly and

chuck them in the dishwasher� Buy big packets of eg biscuits, crisps etc. Not only does

that mean less waste, it’s also cheaper – and many of the‘healthier’ brands of, eg, crisps only come in big packets

� Shop-bought cakes are stuffed with sugar, so make yourown: and if you don’t make cakes, try to find a local, home-based cakemaker who will do one for you.

� We are great fans of story tellers and magicians at Familiesand have had absolutely wonderful parties being entertained bysome of our local professionals. .. sometimes it is just soooworth it! Blow the budget and really enjoy it!

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Party feature

ACTIVE PARTIESAction Station

Imaginative interactive storytellingparties. Choose from mermaids,funky witches and wizards, fairies orprincesses, pirates, knights orcowboys, spies or drama parties.Clowns, magicians, jugglers, circusskills experts, face painters, make-upartists and DJs also available. 0870770 2705www.theactionstation.co.uk

Amanda’s Action Club

London's sought-after children's partyentertainment company. Theirtalented creative team offer unique,dynamic and energetic parties forchildren aged 1-12yrs. For childrenunder 5, they provide props, musicand amazing activities, for the olderchildren breakdance, street danceand pop parties.www.amandasactionclub.co.ukinfo@amandasactionclub.co.uk01895 623 999

Eddie CatzFantastic fun for all ages, Eddie Catzin Wimbledon and Putney offer avariety of party packages to suit all

ages and budgets. You’ll enjoyplaytime in the giant adventureplayframe, multi-sports pitch andtoddler areas. You get our ownprivate party room, a Party Hostwho will attend to your guests everyneed, a scrumptious meal with plentyto drink, all rounded up with a visitfrom Eddie Catz, their furry felinemascot who will bring the goodybags. As well as their popular “EddieParty” (3-10 ), they throw ToddlerParties for under 3’s, evening LaserTag parties (6-12 year) and Glitz andDisco Parties for pre-teens. To findout more www.eddiecatz.com

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

The LondonKarting Company Kids karting is now mobile and takento the road with its large inflatablecircuit and fantastic F1 styled electric

kids karts. Private kids karting partiesare available in Battersea (SW11) orDulwich (SE21). They run anexclusive “mini-motorsport” eventwith full safety equipment, live racecommentary, medals and a podiumpresentation. They attend numerousoutdoor events in the area so whynot just try a test drive.020 8677 8677 www.london-karting.com

Little GymFantastic birthday parties at TheLittle Gym of Wandsworth andFulham. Children love them and sodo parents. Their parties are full offun gymnastic based games, activities,music and laughter. For all ages andled by their trained staff in theirbright and colourful facility. 0208874 6567 [email protected]

RugbytotsJam packed with rugby-themed playand party games, Rugbytots birthdayparties are suitable for children asyoung as 2. Parents are encouragedto get involved too, which for manyis an added bonus. Rugbytotscombines the multiple skills used inrugby, with a fun, enthusiastic andenergetic programme designed toenhance your child's social andphysical skills. 0845 481 6444 or contact Lorna [email protected]

Urban AscentEvery Saturday and Sunday at 12:30,14:30 and 17:30 they run privatebirthday parties for up to 16 children.Participants must be over 5 yearsold. 020 7751 0913 for furtherinformation and to book a session.

ARTS & CRAFTS,COOKING ANDSCIENCE PARTIESBusy BakersBusy Bakers provides bespoke partyentertainment in the comfort of yourhome or venue with kitchen facilities.Combining arts & crafts, baking andtraditional party games to ensure aunique experience for your littleones. Their parties cater for childrenaged between 3-12 years and arebased in South West London.www.busybakers.co.uk 07766 135906 [email protected]

Chocolate DelightPartiesLooking for a deliciously differentchildren’s party idea? Children’sChocolate Parties from the creatorsof Bournemouth’s amazingChocolate Boutique Hotel are theperfect way of entertaining 7-12 yearolds. Children get to learn how towrite in chocolate, make chocolatepizzas, create chocolate truffles andthen package them. What they makethen goes into their party bags totake home. There’s even a chocolate

fountain flowing throughout! What’smore, the organisers will come toyou, so you can hold the party inyour own home or a venue of yourchoice. 01202 556 857childrenschocolateparties.co.uk

DeeLight BakeryBirthday parties for budding youngcake designers. All inclusivechildren's baking and decoratingparty in a private academy in a realworking bakery for girls and boys age4 up to adults. Different levels fordifferent ages; children choose whatthey would like to make from arange of models. Equipment, aprons,drinks and birthday cake included.Min 6 participants with a max of 16children. From £25 per person. 0208672 0250www.deelightbakery.com

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

DRAMAAllsortsDrama forchildren Allsorts offer fantastic originalthemed drama parties.

“Understanding how importantbirthday parties are to children, wewant them to have the most fabulousparty ever! Our parties are always awhirl of excitement, fly to the world ofmake believe, become a Film star,Magician or Detective. Explore thedrama of murder mysteries. The onlylimit is your imagination!”

020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249www.allsortsdrama.com Allsorts also run term time classes,holiday courses and private tuition.

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

June 2014 25®®

Party featureDramabudsadventure partiesTransport your child's party to the landof make believe and captivateimaginations. With over 14 themes tochoose from including JungleAdventure, Pirates, Fairytale Land,Superheroes and Magical Toys there'ssure to be a dramabuds party yourchild will love! Each party includeslively songs, drama, dancing, games,parachute fun and bubbles. For 2 - 7year olds. 020 8669 [email protected]

FreedomProductionsThemed children’s parties with adifference. Freedom Partyz arededicated to creating healthy,alternative and dynamic themedparties. They believe children are thekey for the future. Their workshopsand parties aim to incorporate ahealthy aspect to learning to play forthe idea of play’s sake. They focus onthe creative imagination andmovement exploration through light,joyful, fun and theatrical techniques. 0782 [email protected]

Perform Parties Perform Parties are high energy, funand totally infectious. Choose a themeand watch the guests enjoy lots oflively games, songs and improvisations.There are packages to suit 1-3, 4-8 and8-12 year-olds, and even the invitationsare included. 0845 400 1278www.perform.org.uk/parties

StagecoachExplore the magical world of"Stagecoach Parties" where they willtake your child on a roller coaster ridethrough their imagination and landthem safely back home with someamazing party memories. They willcome either at your home, if spacepermits, or to a hired venue.Stagecoach Parties are packed full offun, lively party entertainment includingdramatic games, fabulous songs and funfor everyone. Themed Parties (forages 4-10yrs) or Murder Mysteries (forages 11-16yrs) 020 8946 [email protected] 0208946 [email protected]

TheatrebugsTheatrebugs adventure drama partiesfor 2-8 years. A Theatrebugs party isan interactive fun filled journeycrammed with tasks to be completed,

characters to become and differentworlds to explore. It is jam packedwith storytelling, imaginative play,drama games and good old fashionedfun! BabyBug parties launching soon for1-2 year olds!“The perfect solution for a party toremember!” Rosie’s mum, Barnes. Prices start from £142. 0800 975 [email protected]

ENTERTAINERSAdam Ants Adam Ants and his team have severalyears of experience in entertainingchildren. They offer terrific shows forthe kids from 1 year olds - 10 year oldswith magic, balloon modelling,puppets, music, dancing, singing, discoparties, sports parties, be my bearteddy parties, art parties. They offerFace Painters, tables and chair hire andlots, lots more. 020 8959 [email protected]

+ SPECIAL OFFER – for FamiliesSW readers only - 25% off allmidweek parties between Juneand September 2014.

Boo BooRecommended by the EveningStandard. Lots of laughter, fun andgames, mini disco, balloon modelling,silly juggling, magic tricks and puppetshow! www.mr-booboo.co.uk.07961 355 269

Charlie the ClownCharlie entertains children of all agesand offers a variety of entertainment -clown and magic shows, singing,dancing, games, balloon modelling,story-telling and puppets. Charlie alsoperforms as Captain Bluster the Pirate,Mr Wiz the Wizard and Egbert theExplorer. Children are kept busy,happy and entertained throughout theparty! www.charlietheclown.co.uk07808 732 390

Eliza Do Alot Packs so much into your child’s partymaking it the best party in town. A fullmagic show, interactive storytelling,puppets and dance routines and games,and model balloons for every child togo home with, your party will be thetalk of town! Any theme catered forfrom Hermione’s distant cousin Elizathe witch, to a fairy princess, Jessiefrom toy story, Minnie Mouse to evenan astronaut space girl, and super [email protected] 271 655


Party featureLydieA bilingual French and Englishentertainer who will transform yourhouse or choice of venue into a mini-theatre with her extraordinaryprops, creating a magical spacewhere the children play an activerole in the unfolding dramas. Choosefrom Peter Pan, Aladdin, Batman,Robin Hood, Beauty and the Beast,Pocahontas, Lion King, and manymore. New! Discos for teenagersup to 13 years old and Fashion ShowTea Parties. Recommended by TimeOut, Tatler and Vogue. 020 76622540. www.lydieparties.com

Silly Millie theclown A funky clown that kids love to hangout with. She sings, does magic andis very silly. If you would like her tocome to your child’s party 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397

www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

Theo TheMagicianRecently voted ‘one of the UK’sFavourite Entertainers and The BestBusiness In The Community’ for hisfundraising and community work.Theo is an Interactive Fun Magicianfor both children and adults. His twohour party shows with magic, plate

spinning and games are his mostpopular shows. Age group: 1- 101.07711 724 [email protected]

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

competitions. Drama and themedshows for all ages. Tony Macaronion 020 8442 0122.

PAMPERING ANDFACEPAINTINGMiss Dee Faced Is a professionally trained children’sface painter and entertainer. She canbring any party to life if requested byorganising party games, and balloonmodelling. She can come to the partyas Miss Dee Faced or your child'sfavourite character. She is based nearVictoria and is happy to travel withinLondon. Laura 0742 517 6126

Magical DesignsMagical Designs has an excellentreputation providing Face Paintingand Balloon Modelling for 10 yearsthroughout London and thesurrounding areas. Contact them fora memorable occasion whether asmall family party or a largecorporate event. Susie07814925462. For testimonials andfurther information please visitwww.magicaldesigns.co.uk

MUSIC ANDDANCEBlueberryPlaysongsBlueberry parties are lively,interactive musical parties for 0 - 5years. One of their talentedentertainers will play guitar and singsongs with joining in, actions,jumping games, dancing andinstruments. Perfect for little ones!A 45-minute session in CentralLondon is £105. Call them to checkavailability on 020 8677 [email protected]/Blueberry.Playsongs

Caterpillar Music Full of fun activities and surprises. Acombination of simple birthday partygames, action songs, instruments andamazing puppets provide a specialparty where young children can joinin as much as they want to...To book a party in: SW4, SW11,SW17 or SW18 contact Shumi on020 8540 1762. For SW19 and SM4contact Helen on 020 8286 3754www.caterpillarmusic.com

Funky MovesOffers a range of fantastic and supercool dance parties for kids aged 5-16. The parties are fun and friendlyyet structured and wellorganised...the kids absolutely lovethem. The parties include learningage appropriate dance moves,games, makeovers, prizes, and anamazing performance for theparents. The fantastic team are allprofessional dancers, who areworking in music videos and danceproductions as well as being fullyqualified Funky Moves danceteachers. 07810 431 [email protected]

Kensington BalletParty Entertainment with a dancingdifference! Karen and her team ofclassically trained dancers offer amagical, themed party experiencethat will remain a treasuredchildhood memory that will linger foryears to come. The ballerinas willentertain through a combination ofmusic and movement based onclassical and modern storylinesfamiliar to the children. Party gamesand drama encourage a danceinspired afternoon of imagination andwonder that all can participate in.07957 650042www.kensingtonballet.com

Rockstars Specialise in giving you a party toremember. They run one and twohour parties for children and adultsas well as studio experiences forthose who play their owninstruments. An ideal way tocelebrate your birthday if you lovemusic and love to [email protected] 020 8767 1125

Upbeat MusicPartiesRecord a CD, choreograph yourfavourite song, have a photo-shootand create a performance all in 2hours! They bring their recordingstudio to you, with a choreographer,vocal coach and sound engineer.Everyone receives an originalCD.The most unique and fun partyin London. 07816 901 396

[email protected]

PARTY PLANNERSBoo! Parties Don’t just do parties, they do StoryBook Adventures. Let your child goon a spectacular adventure with thecharacters from their favourite story.You can even choose a fabuloustheatrical setting for your adventure– perhaps a Pirates Cove, a PinkPrincess Land, a Superhero City or aFairy Glade. Charlotte, theirchildren’s party planner is on 020 8542 1480.

It’s A KidsThing!Let this great activity centre in SW18take all the stress out of your partyplanning, they plan, organise and hostyour party. Choose from their greatthemes, including Princess,Superheroes, Fairy & Pirates & DJLaser Disco. Exclusive Hire partiesstarting at only £250. Optional extrasincluding adult catering, beautifulhand-made birthday cakes and facepainting. 279 Magdalen Rd, LondonSW18 3NZwww.itsakidsthing.co.uk

Funky Moves

Theo The Magician

June 2014 27®®

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Party feature

GambadoPremier Indoor play and partycentre. 2 hours of fun filled play ontheir giant frame, full scale climbingwall, parties include Lazertag, make abear, princess party and S.W.A.T.Gambado Chelseawww.gambado.com (£1 entry with voucher in FSW’sMay issue, or download it fromwww.familiessouthwest.co.uk,valid until 11th July)

GymboreeFabulous parties with activitiesincluding musical games, arts & craftsand imaginary stories where childrenand parents play along and join in thefun. Venues in Kensington & Chelseaand more, see www.gymboree-uk.com

Indoor play centres are greatplaces to have birthdayparties, see our recentlyupdated listing of ALL indoorplay centres in SW London andnearby onwww.familiessouthwest.co.uk/directory

SOMETHING A BITDIFFERENTSkateboardingChiswick Schools skateboardingholiday club. Skateboarding is fun forall to enjoy. Parties are tailored tothe ability levels of the children tothe rate at which they progressgiving both skilled and beginners thebenefit to develop together withoutkeeping up with any schedule.Portable equipment, skateboards,pads and helmets, you can use aprivate space at the Westway SportsCentre. Refreshments and birthdaycake afterwards.www.chiswickschools.co.uk

Mini-EngineersLEGO partiesInspire young minds with a LEGOparty. Mini-engineers will help youtailor your party by activity type,

group size and age. Your child caneither select from a favourite ModelBuild, Creative Theme Build or Mini-Engineers Activity. For children ages5 to 11 years. www.mini-engineers.com

Battlefield Live Battlefield Live is a combat gameusing realistic gaming guns with infra-red technology, which are totally safe– no bruises or pain – just fun! Therecruits will be deployed to basecamp where the Officers will kitthem up with camouflage clothing,face paint, and their very owngaming gun, then after a full brief onthe objectives of the mission andsafety ... These parties can beenjoyed by anyone aged 8+ at TheBattlefield in Brook (betweenGodalming and Haslemere).www.battlefieldlivesurrey.co.uk01428 682887.

The Pop UpMusic CaféThe singing party with vintage stylefor children aged 7 to 70! Vintagedress up clothes, musical party

games, karaoke with vintagestaging.…fabulous entertainment foryour wannabe singing stars. Grab afeather boa and get ready to glam itlike Glee!07739 [email protected]

VENUES ANDSUPPLIERSCircus CircusA long-established party shop offersparty rental. Sweet little tables andchairs from only 99p. FREE balloonswith each order. 176 Wandsworth Bridge Road,Fulham, London, SW6 2UQ020 7731 [email protected]

Elves and OvensA children's party catering companyproviding delicious, home-made foodand treats for unforgettable partiesto children of all ages. Food boxes,proper tea, party food, grown upfood, balloons, little furniture,entertainers, staff, party bags [email protected] 020 8961 7477www.elvesandovens.com

Battlefield Live

Ruby from The Pop Up Music Café

BOO! Parties

Mini-Engineers Lego

June 2014 29®

Party featureParty PlusHave a retail shop in Chiswick, WestLondon and also a mail ordercompanywww.mypartyparcel.co.uk Theyare proud to offer one of the largestselections of themed partywareavailable from stock – Skylanders,One Direction, Peppa Pig, CloneWars, Doctor Who, Pirate,Princesses and many more. HolyCommunion barriers and foilballoons are currently available fromstock. 020 8994 1674.

Pappa CicciaPizza PartiesAl Fresco!! Pappa Ciccia arepassionate about the moretraditional, relaxing parties that weall used to have. New deliveryservice. In May they delivered toBishop’s park to seven different“party” families. Everyone wasthrilled, a great day out in the openair and fabulous freshly baked pizza.Also pasta, salads and drinks, home-made gelato so all you have to do isenjoy your stress free day.020 7384 1884 or order throughtheir New App pappaciccia.comBuon appetito !

Mexicolore Lovely range of party pinataswww.mexicolore.co.uk

Buttercup cakesShop. Large cakes and cupcakes inKensington. Cake decorating partiesfor children.www.buttercupcakeshop.co.uk

Party4AllThey provide a helium balloonservice for all your special needs.They also cater for parties for littleones with little pressies to fill thosegift bags. And they do costumes,cards and party accessories for alloccasions. 020 7736 6526 or 07903859 535. www.party4alluk.com

LEISURE CENTRESBalhamFun for under 5s. A wide range ofparties: Tumble time, bouncy castleand traditional party games. PoolParty includes invitations, music,party organisers and party coach. Allyou need is to bring the food and thechildren! 020 8772 9577. (max. 20children)

Cannon Mitcham Under 5’s Toddlers World Party withbouncy castle, slides and ball park.Under 8’s can enjoy Wet’n’Wildswimming parties in the teachingpool or Kool Krew parties withbouncy castle and party games.Football parties provided for any age.Max 20 children. Weekends only.020 8640 8543.

LatchmereBatterseaParties all week. Bouncy castle andtraditional party game. Football,Street dance, Big splash, Trampoline,Disco Bounce, Tumble Time, Wetand Wild, Playzone, Super bounceparty, Multisports. 020 7207 8004.

Morden Park PoolParties in either teaching pool ormain pool for £80 (£10 less ifmember). Both include 1 hourswimming and 45 minutes in partyroom. Saturdays and Sundays. 0208640 6727

TootingPlayzone (soft play for under 4s). BigSplash (for swimmers over 9) in mainpool. Wet’n’Wild in teaching pool fornon-swimmers (9 and under).Adventureland bouncy castle andparty games. Trampoline with coach.Supersports (mixed games).Streetjazz. You can bring your own

food or tea + party bags provided(see with the centre for price). Allparties Saturday or Sunday. 020 8333 7555.

Ice skatingbirthday partyStreatham’s brand new ice rinkprovides a staff member to help

organise your party and assist withpreparing the children for the ice.Package includes skating, partyroom, food. £129.50 for up to 10children and £12.95 per childthereafter.Penguin skating aids available to hire.www.better.org.uk

Private cinema and diner! The Exhibit is one of the most popular bars, Cinema and Diner in SouthWest London, but as well as being an established part of Balham’s nightlifeit is also an extremely popular venue for parents wanting to entertaintheir children or hosting birthday parties.The Exhibit Cinema is perfect for children’s parties. You just need tobring the kids, provide the film you want to watch on either DVD or Blu-Ray, then sit back and relax while the movie keeps the childrenentertained. The cinema has comfy leather sofas, which can fit up to 30children depending on their age and is available for private hire all dayduring weekends at a cost of £75 an hour. There is also an after schoolspecial rate from 4pm to 6pm that is at the reduced fee of £100 for twohours Monday to Thursday during term time.As well as private children’s parties, during school holidays The Exhibitalso host 'Funky Moves Kid’s Club'. For just £15, each child will eat apacked lunch in The Exhibit's luxury private cinema whilst watching a film.They will then learn a cool dance to a song from the film they have justwatched and then do a mini performance for the parents.The rest of the venue is also child friendly in the daytime so it is ideal tohost family gatherings such as first birthdays or Christenings in theirprivate hire rooms.For more information visit their website, www.theexhibit.co.uk or callthem on 020 8772 6556.


Party feature

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

Clown Pirate Jester Wizard

THEO THE MAGICIAN“Voted one of the UK’s FavouriteThe Magic Circle, Equity & CRBFun Magic for Children & Adults

07711 724129www.magictheo.com

Silly Millie the ClownParties for 3-9 year olds

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

www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

Astronaut, Magician, Explorer

LLyyddiieeCChhii llddrreenn’’ ss PPaarr tt iieess

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Krinkles• Magic • Clowning• Games & laughter

07803 684375www.mrkrinkles.co.uk

WandlePlayzone with outdoor area party foryoung children. Sports hall party(bouncy castle, soft play, ball games).Mixed games in whole hall (5 a side,basketball, badminton, netball).Bouncy castle and mixed gamesparty. Picnic area available with tableand benches. Weekends only exceptAdventure Zone. 020 8871 1149.

BOWLING ALLEYSAll Star Lanes6 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB 0207313 8363 www.allstarlanes.co.uk

Queens17 Queensway, Bayswater, London,W2 4QP 020 7229 0172www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk

Days out partiesBekonscot modelvillage andrailwayFor the little train fanatics in yourlife. www.bekonscot.co.uk

London museumof water andsteamwww.kbsm.org/venue-hire/childrens-birthday-parties

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

Lyric TheatreA theatre show with a partyafterwards. www.lyric.co.uk/visit-us/ eat-drink-relax

Odds Farm ParkA day at the farm with everythingthrown in – all you need to do isbring the kids and the cake. WoburnCommon Road, Woburn CommonHigh Wycombe HP10 0LX 01628520188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Science MuseumSee an IMAX movie and partyafterwards.www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

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

Wetlands pond dipping

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June 2014 31®

Local Summer fairs,fetes & festivals

Rutherford House School Summer Fair217 Balham High Road SW17 7BS7 June. Loads of activities for the kids and a BBQ to keep you going! 10am-1pm

St. Michael's School Summer FeteViewfield Road, Southfields SW1814 June. A great family day out with a Hollywood/Bollywood theme.Giant slides, bouncy castle, Asian food stall, ANZAC BBQ, tea tent, plant stall,traditional side stall games and live entertainment including Bollywood danceworkshop. 12pm-4pm

Medieval MidsummerFestival The Rookery, top of Streatham Common,SW16 3XB. Free Parking. 020 8 772 3504or [email protected] orwaldorflondon.co.ukSat 14 June, from 12 to 6pm. Fun filledfamily event now in its third year featuringPeterkin theJester(www.peetcooper.co.uk), Tri-Archery, Little Farm, Traders Market, livemusic & dance, Pimms Inn and Fresh FoodCafe, Children's activities inc The Enchanted Wood, Story Telling, CraftActivities, Face-painting and much more. Free for under 18s, Adult £2.50pp.

Allfarthing School Summer FairSt. Ann’s Crescent, Wandsworth SW18 2LR14 June. With the World Cup as their theme, don’t miss this exciting schoolfair! 12-3pm, £1 adults, children free.

Streatham and Clapham High School

Summer Fair42 Abbotswood Rd, London SW16 1AW www.schs.gdst.net21 June. With dog show, candyfloss, raffle, bungee run, auction and farmer’smarket. 12.30-4pm

Finton House Summer Fete171 Trinity Road SW17 7HL www.fintonhouse.org.uk22 June. 3 - 6pm

Abbeville FeteAbbeville Road, Clapham SW4 www.abbevillefete.com28 June. Celebrating London’s diversity, community spirit and local enterpriseby bringing Londoners together in raising funds for local causes. With more

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

What’s on

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Cont

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

Drama

Battersea Arts CentreLavender Hill SW11 5TNbac.org.ukOur FathersMike’s dead dad’s friend’s daughter wants him tofather her child. His boyfriend Bert isn’t convinced.7.30pm, £12, £9 11-14 June

Chicken ShedChase Side, Southgate N14 4PEchickenshed.org.ukTales from the ShedVibrant, interactive theatre shows perfect for youngchildren. They are informal, lively and engaging asthe performers and audience share the same space- children are encouraged to make a lot of noise andto make the story happen. 0-7yrs, £6 27-29 June

The Colour House TheatreWatermill Way SW19 2RDcolourhousetheatre.co.ukBeauty and the BeastPoor Prince David has been turned into a beast byan evil witch. Will Beauty be kind and fall in lovewith him to break the spell? 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10To 29 June

Shakespeare's Globe21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DTwww.shakespearesglobe.comAntony and CleopatraCleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, has bewitched thegreat Mark Antony, one of the three rulers of theRoman Empire. When Antony quarrels with hisfellow leaders his infatuation threatens to split theEmpire in two. Times and dates vary as thisproduction is in rep

Little Angel TheatreN1 2DNLittleangeltheatre.comSkitterbang IslandLost on a bleak and craggy island in the very northof the world, a brave little girl meets a strange andcurious creature. In his cave full of metal and junkwashed up from the sea, he shows her his newesttreasure. But who does it really belong to? Age 3-6, £12/£10 To 15 JuneJungle Book Mowgli the ‘man-cub’ finds fun and friendship ashe learns to live by the Law of the Jungle. Mowgli’swild adventures in the dangerous world he inhabitsare brought to life with shadow theatre, originalmusic and colourful digital projections. Age 4+,£10/£8 18-22 JuneAlice 1915. While bombs rain down outside, AliceHargreaves takes refuge in her dusty cellar,rediscovering her childhood amongst brokentennis racquets, old lamp shades and moth-eatenchristening gowns. Age 11+, £12/£10 25-28 JuneFireside Tales with Granddad Cuddle up around the campfire as Granddadrecalls a daring escape from a hungry shark. Tuckinto a marshmallow or two as he attempts to

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

The Lyric HammersmithLyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QLwww.lyric.co.ukThe Itinerant Music Hall Roll up! Roll up! Gather round The Itinerant MusicHall, the world’s smallest (and only) travellingmusic hall outfit: an upright honky-tonk piano anda tumble down stage, strapped onto a bicycle3-4 JuneMade Up Stories From My Unmade Bed It’s time to wake up – but one girl doesn’t want to.She’d rather stay snuggled under the covers untilher dreams escape her head and becomeadventures around her bed. Pillows become cloudsand beds are boats as the sheets billow above,inviting you into a world of puppets, feathers andfun 10-11 JuneFull StopThis is the bus shelter where anything can happen.In an explosion of physicality, humour andexcitement Full Stop brings a bus shelter to lifewith romance, adventure and surprises 17-18 June

The New Wimbledon TheatreThe Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QGatgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatreSing-a-long-a Grease The brand new sing-along screening of the classicfilm. 7.30pm, £16.90 8 June20th Century Boy This brand new musical inspired by the life of rocklegend Marc Bolan explodes onto stage nearly 40years after the star’s tragic death. Featuring someof the greatest pop songs ever written, 20thCentury Boy tells the story of Marc Bolan and hisband T Rex, exposing some of the myths andtaking the audience on a tearful yet joyful journey

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

The Peacock TheatrePortugal Street WC2A 2HTwww.sadlerswells.comFLASH MOB™This dazzling production features a huge range ofdance styles, from Latin to lockin’, from Celtic tocontemporary and street dance to salsa. £15, £20,£28, £38 27 May to 8 JuneRasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance — RockThe Ballet The Bad Boys of Dance make their London debutafter taking the USA, Australia and Europe bystorm. Rock The Ballet is a fusion of classic balletblended with the excitement of musical theatre,hip hop, tap, acrobatics and more. £12-£3810-28 June

The Polka Theatre240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SBpolkatheatre.comHow Cold My Toes A fun-filled dance and music show that travelsthrough the seasons. 2-5 years, 10.30am & 2pm,£11/£8.50 1-7 June

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


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

WandsworthMuseum38 West Hill SW18 1RX020 8870 6060www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk

A truly local museum, the WandsworthMuseum is a great place to discovermore about the history of the borough,and beyond. It tells the fascinatingstory of the London Borough ofWandsworth and its ‘villages’ and looksafter Wandsworth Council’s collectionof 11,000 historic local artefacts, whichincludes 300 watercolour paintings and100 oil paintings. The core of thecollection is a huge array of household and workplace items, furniture andappliances from between 1850 and 1950 - a rich resource of suburbanLondon social history.With two exhibition spaces the museum holds both permanent andtemporary exhibitions – don’t miss their current exhibition Keep ItClean! – A Grubby History of Wandsworth, which runs until 28 June.They also have a great programme of play and story time for littleones on Thursday mornings, plus loads of free family activities andevents such as workshops discovering toys from the past.Their café is a real treat too – a welcoming space which includes originalfittings from a chemist’s shop in Southfields from the early 1900s. If you haven’t been there yet, visit now!

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

Puppet Theatre BargeLittle Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PFwww.puppetbarge.comJoey's Circus Comes to Town

The Beadle wants to close the circus down butDog Toby comes to the rescue. Featuringtraditional characters such as Pretty Polly, BurglarBill and Mr Punch, all on strings! Age 3+ 11am and3pm, £10/£8.50 To 13 July

Regents Park Open AirTheatreInner Circle, Regents Park NW1 4NUwww.openairtheatre.comAll My Sons Arthur Miller’s 20th Century classic is a movingstory of denial, guilt and social responsibility. As thespectre of war overshadows a summer’s day, long-forgotten secrets strike at the heart of the Kellers'family life. From £15 To 7 June

Hobson’s Choice Times vary, £25-£45 21 June – 12 JulyTwelfth Night Re-imagined for everyone aged sixand over. Times vary, £15 21 June – 12 July

Richmond TheatreTW9 1QJatgtickets.com/RichmondTonight at 8.30 From the pen of Noël Coward comes thiscollection of nine one-act plays performedtogether, three plays per night, for the first time inthe UK since Coward starred in them in 1936.From vaudeville to satire, farce to intricate comedyof manners, these plays span the full range ofCoward’s writing. £10-£29.50 11-14 JuneCatch 22 Explosive, subversive, wild and funny. Set in theclosing months of World War II, a bombardiernamed Yossarian is trapped in the absurd world ofan inescapable war, £10 - £32.50 24–28 JuneWhat the Ladybird HeardTwo crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a wholefarmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have acunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow.But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest

creature of all. £12 3-6 July

The Royal Albert HallKensington Gore SW7 2APwww.royalalberthall.comRomeo & Juliet Derek Deane’s breath-taking in-the-roundproduction of Romeo & Juliet. £22-£58.6011-22 June

The Royal Opera HouseCovent Garden WC2E 9DDroh.org.ukThe Royal Ballet School SummerPerformances A showcase of dance in the Linbury StudioTheatre, designed to display the full range of theSchool's talent. 2.30pm, 7.30pm, £11 2-5 July

Sadler's WellsRosebery Avenue EC1Rsadlerswells.comSadler's Sampled Bringing world class dance to new audiences, atwo week taster festival of dance allowingspectators to get closer to the action with standingtickets from just £8, and activities before and aftereach show. £8-£38 17-29 June

The Southbank CentreBelvedere Road SE1 8PXsouthbankcentre.co.ukFestival of Love A festival of comedy, circus and family showsTo 7 SeptemberThe King of Masks An old illusionist in China needs an heir to pass on

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the secret of his mask tricks so he buys himself agrandson from a needy peasant. But the child ishiding a secret. When the magician finds outthere’s hell to pay, and only pure bravery can savethe day 26-28 June

The Unicorn Theatre

147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZunicorntheatre.com1001 Nights Some of the greatest folk tales ever told, re-imagined by Shahrazad – a lively young girl who,torn between her old home in the East and her

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

Museums & Galleries

The British MuseumGreat Russell Street WC1B 3DGbritishmuseum.orgSutton Hoo and Europe AD 300–1100A new display of the British Museum’s unparalleled

early medieval collections which include thefamous Sutton Hoo treasureVikings A major exhibition on the Vikings,developed in collaboration with the NationalMuseum of Denmark and the Berlin State Museum To 22 JuneJune Digital Workshops Includes Passport to theAfterlife, Ice Age animation workshop, Shadowpuppet workshop, Olympic champions! and more7-29 June FREECurse of the Mummy Friday the 13th may beunlucky for some, but come to the Museum andbreak the curse! Celebrate ancient Egyptian rituals,curses and culture at this evening of talks,workshops and performance, including anintroduction on representations of mummies inearly film. 6-9pm13 JuneYoung Friends Sleepover Listen to Egyptianstorytelling and take part in other activities basedaround the exhibition, then spend the nightsleeping in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries. Thenext morning, visit the exhibition to discover moreabout life in ancient Egypt and Sudan, before theMuseum opens to the public. 6.15pm–9am, £3528 June

The Design Museum28 Shad Thames SE1 2YDdesignmuseum.orgTime Machines: Daniel Weil and the Art ofDesign The first museum exhibition devoted toDaniel Weil’s work spans his thirty years at theforefront of design practice. £12.40/£5.60 To 31AugustAmazing Architects Be inspired by thefascinating architecture projects featured inDesigns of the Year 2014 and the London Festivalof Architecture theme Capital. Drop in and tryyour hand at the craft. Create a 2D collage of yourown building design. £12.40/£5.60 29 June

The Florence NightingaleMuseum2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EWwww.florence-nightingale.co.ukThe Redoubtable Millicent, Duchess of Sutherlandand her Hospital Under Canvas Society beautyMillicent Sutherland was possessed of a strongsocial conscience. But her interest in improvingconditions for factory workers made her anembarrassment to both her class and her gender,earning her the nickname ‘Meddlesome Millie’.3.30pm 5 June FREE


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Please send info for consideration to: [email protected]

The Foundling Museum40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZwww.foundlingmuseum.org.ukThe Foundling Museum 10th BirthdayWeekend Birthday treats include balloons, familyfun activities, meet Thomas Coram and a summertime street party. Listen to music, help decoratethe museum and enjoy a slice of birthday cake14-15 June FREE

Horniman Museum100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQwww.horniman.ac.ukExtremesCalling all explorers! Come on an expedition tosee how animals and plants survive in extremeheat, cold, dryness and constant darkness in thisfamily friendly exhibition FREEChelsea Fringe at the Horniman:Gardens Festival Join in a special gardening celebration in theHorniman Gardens as part of the Chelsea FringeFestival. Enjoy guerrilla gardening workshops, jazzand blues on the Bandstand, garden comedy,vegetable instrument making workshops, gardentours and family activities. 12-5pm 8 June FREERefugee Week: Fairbeats! Children from Fairbeats! share the music they havebeen making through a series of performances andshort workshops. Fairbeats! works with Action forRefugees in Lewisham running music classes andactivities for children aged 5-11 years. 11am – 3pm21 June FREE

The London TransportMuseumCovent Garden WC2E 7BBwww.ltmuseum.co.ukGoodbye Piccadilly – from Home Front toWestern Front New exhibition to commemorate the centenary ofthe start of the First World War, revealing theuntold story of London’s Home Front

The Museum of LondonLondon Wall EC2Y 5HNwww.museumoflondon.org.ukAnimated Animals Join the digital learning team and bring some of theanimals in the galleries to life. Make them move ormake them talk, you decide. 12.30-1.30pm, 2.00-3.00pm and 3.30-4.30pm 15 June FREEMuseum ExploredJoin one of the Museum's hosts and explore the

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

The National GalleryTrafalgar Square WC2N 5DNnationalgallery.org.ukFamily SundaysActivities designed for families to enjoy and learntogether, 11am and 3pm, age 5-11 Every Sunday in June FREEMaking ColourTake a journey through the history of colour.Follow a family trail, explore the properties ofcolour and the materials used to create colour inpaintings. £8, under 16s free18 June – 7 September

National Maritime MuseumPark Row, Greenwich SE10 9NFwww.rmg.co.ukNelson, Navy, NationA major new permanent gallery looks at how theRoyal Navy shaped individual lives and the courseof British history over the tumultuous 18th centuryFREEGuiding Lights: 500 Years of Trinity Houseand Safety at Sea Five hundred years ago, afraternity of London mariners was given a charterby Henry VIII and became the Corporation ofTrinity House, with instructions to improve thesafety of navigation on the Thames. FREE

The Natural History MuseumCromwell Road SW7 5BDwww.nhm.ac.ukBritain: One Million Years of the Human Story What was Britain like when the first humansarrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearlyone million years to uncover what life was reallylike for our ancient relatives. £9/£4.50To 28 SeptemberNight Safari Get up close and personal with their scientists’favourite creatures as you travel through theCentral Hall and adjoining galleries. You’ll see someof the Museum’s most famous exhibits and learnabout their fascinating backgrounds. 7-10pm, £289 JuneDino Snores for Grown-ups Ever wondered what happens when the doorsclose at one of the world’s most famous naturalhistory venues? Now you can find out at DinoSnores for Grown Ups, one of the UK’s most

extraordinary sleepovers. £175 20 JuneMammoths: Ice Age Giants The mammoths are coming! Enter the amazingworld of some of the largest creatures to everwalk the earth. See huge fossils and life-sizemodels of mammoths, and square up to thepowerful trunks and tusks of these great beasts.£9/£5.40 From 23 MayDino Snores Discover what really happens at theMuseum when the staff and visitors have gonehome. Age 7–11, 7pm-9.50am the following day,£52 14 JuneUniversities Week 2014 Universities impactevery aspect of our lives and we benefit fromthem on a daily basis, from digital innovation tomedical discoveries. Showcasing world-leading UKuniversity research from the past, present andfuture, including the Museum’s own workinvestigating the natural world 9-15 JuneSensational Butterflies Experience the wonderof walking among hundreds of free-flyingbutterflies. Wander through a tropical enclosure,discovering the science behind these delicatecreatures and their amazing life cycles as theyevolve from crawling caterpillars into beautifulbutterflies To 14 September

Science MuseumExhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DDsciencemuseum.org.ukThe Rubbish Collection What does one monthof ‘rubbish’ from one institution look like? Discoverthe beauty, value and volume of what we throwaway. A unique two-part exhibition is to use 30days’ worth of the Science Museum’s waste toexpose the beauty, value and volume of what wecall ‘rubbish’16 June – 14 September FREE

V&A Museum of ChildhoodCambridge Heath Road E2 9PAwww.museumofchildhood.org.ukThe Great Diary Project Using documents from The Great Diary Projectarchive, this exhibition offers unique insights intothe lives of children and teenagers at particularmoments in history To 12 October FREEHand Over Hand Me Downs Examining theUK’s international adoption policies, taking artistAnnabel Stockman’s photographic project asinspirationTo 31 August FREEToy Stories A display of photographs whichexplores the role of toys in the lives of childrenaround the world, reflecting the impact of thechildren’s backgrounds and families on their choiceof toys 7 June – 14 December FREE

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Wandsworth Museum38 West Hill SW18 1RXwww.wandsworthmuseum.co.ukReady, Steady, Play! Playtime and songs for littleones 6 months–3 years. 10.15–11am, £3Every Thursday in June

Days Out

Apsley House149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner W1J 7NT www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsleyWaterloo Festival Relive the drama and grandeurof the Napoleonic War as you are brought face toface with Wellington’s Troops in the midst of thecombat campaign. Gossip with the soldiers’ wivesin all their regency finery and discover the truthbehind the glory days of Wellington. 11am–5pm,£6.90/£4.10 14, 15, 21 and 22 June

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Battersea Park SW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.ukFriends of Battersea Park Barbecue Music, tombola, children's activities and a silentauction. Tickets from www.batterseapark.org/bbqor 020-7622 5199. 6-9pm, £16/£7, under 6 free24 June

The Chelsea Physic Garden66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HSchelseaphysicgarden.co.ukBehind the Scenes Tour Learn more about theGarden and its rich historical past with thisexclusive tour with senior horticulturalist KateWilkinson. Discover parts of the Garden notnormally accessible to the public and glean sometips on how to create a unique sense of place.11.30am-1pm, £20 5 June

Cutty SarkKing William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HTwww.rmg.co.ukAhoy Captain! Meet Captain Woodget, CuttySark’s longest serving master to learn about life onboard the fastest tea clipper. 11.30am-1.30pm, 2-4pm, admission fees apply 7-8 JuneFamily fun weekend: Ship hats Build aspectacular ship hat to take on an adventure.Where will your ship sail to? 11.30am-1.30pm, 2-4pm, admission fees apply 7-8 June

Eltham PalaceCourt Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QEwww.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/eltham-palace-and-gardensGrand Medieval Joust See sparks fly as knights on horseback clash atMedieval England’s greatest event. Cheer on yourfavourite in this thundering battle of bravery andhonour and be entertained by the naughty courtjester for plenty of laughs too. 10am–5pm,£12/£7.20 21-22 June

Fulham PalaceBishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EAwww.fulhampalace.orgLondon Open Garden Squares Visit Fulham Palace as part of London OpenGarden Squares. 11am-4pm. £10 in advance, £12on the day 14 JuneEdwardian Garden PartyThe Bishops of London were well known forholding garden parties at Fulham Palace. Celebratethis tradition with a day of family fun includingcrafts, games, live music and dancing. 1pm-4pm22 June FREE

Hampton Court PalaceEast Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AUhrp.org.ukHampton Court Music Festival This year theatmospheric Tudor Base Court once again playshost to the Hampton Court Music Festival,boasting world class entertainment, spectacularfireworks and sumptuous dining experiences 11-25 JuneTudor Cookery The historic cooks are toiling inthe kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing exoticdishes for his majesty as well as the lavishquantities of food required for the court. Join themas they trial new techniques and decipher ancientmanuscripts in their quest to produce the perfectTudor meal 7-8 JuneMusic Fit for a King Enjoy Handel’s spectacularanthems performed at the coronation of George ll,as well as a superb selection of baroque orchestralworks played on period instruments. 7.45pm 6 June

HMS BelfastThe Queen's Walk SE1 2JHwww.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfastMaking Medals Mark the 70th Anniversary of D-Day on board HMS Belfast. Learn about the role itplayed and make your own medal tocommemorate the sailors, soldiers and airmenwho took part in Operation Overlord - the largestnaval, air and land operation in history. 11am–1pmand 2–4pm, admission fees apply 7-8 June

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

Kensington PalaceKensington Gardens W8 4PXwww.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalaceGlorious George ll Take your place among theglitterati of court, where they play host to some of

5% OFF all new client bookings! www.themobilebeautylounge.co.ukProfessional, Fully Qualified & Insured Mobile Beautytherapist and Makeup artists.We pride ourselves in bringing you the pamper youdeserve, to the comfort of your own home or venue, at the best time for you.Book your pamper now!! Call: 07427 [email protected]

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the greatest minds in the kingdom. Become acourtier for the day, indulge in gossip and gambling,listen to beautiful Georgian music, and even helpQueen Caroline get dressed in the morning! Georgian Family Day Become a Georgian forthe day as you step back in time to experienceGeorgian life through music, art, drama andstorytelling. 10.30-4.30pm, £15 per child for aworkshop only ticket 15 JuneGlorious Georges Family Festival Transformyourself into a royal courtier with a host of family-friendly activities. Experience the latest Georgianfashions, take part in family games and meetcharacters from the royal court. Get ready topicnic with the king himself! 28-29 June

Kenwood HouseHampstead Lane NW3 7JRwww.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwoodFirst Family Sundays Creative workshopsbringing Kenwood’s world-famous paintings to life.Work together to try different art and crafts whilstexploring the house and finding out more about itscollections. All activities are free. 12pm-4pm 2 June and 7 July FREE

Kew GardensTW9 3AB kew.orgPlantasia Immerse yourself in nature’s healingsanctuary and experience the stimulating andtransformative power of plants at Kew's PlantasiaFestival. See how life-enhancing plants and fungiaffect human health in mind, body and soulTo 7 September

The Royal ObservatoryBlackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.ukSci-Fi Movie Night June’s screening is the Frenchcult classic 2010 film: The ExtraordinaryAdventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec . Set in a fictionalearly 20th-century, it follows the Egyptianadventures of authoress Adèle Blanc-Sec as shestrives to save her catatonic sister. 7pm, £16/£1226 JuneMeet the Time Travellers Meet time-travellingAstronomer Royal or his human computer next tothe Steampunk time machine in the MeridianCourtyard and find out about their life and work atGreenwich in the 18th-centurySaturdays and Sundays throughout June FREEMeet The Neighbours Meet our neighbours inspace in this entertaining interactive show, whereyou decide which planets to visit. 5yrs+, 10.30am,11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm, £6.50/£4.50Mondays and Wednesdays during term timeonlyLongitude Punk’d Celebrating the creations ofwacky inventors, star-gazing scientists and elegantexplorers of the 18th Century. The RoyalObservatory Greenwich have commissioned nineUK ‘Steampunk’ artists to create new worksinspired by the technical inventions that werepresented to the Board of Longitude between1714 and 1828. £16/£12 children To 4 January2015

The Tower of LondonTower Hill EC3N 4ABwww.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondonKnight School The Tower of London needs you!Learn how to fire the siege engine, pick up fightingtips from their knights in combat and prepare toprotect the Tower in case those pesky peasantsstrike again! Included as part of a Tower of Londonticket 7-29 JuneGun Salute – HM The Queen’s Official

Birthday Come to the Tower to see thetraditional Gun Salute for HM The Queen’s officialbirthday 15 June

The London Wetlands CentreQueen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WTwww.wwt.org.uk

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

Out of town

Audley End House andGardensCB11 4JF www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audley-end-house-and-gardens Life Above and Below StairsPut on your apron and get your riding crop at theready. Come face to face with Mrs Crocombe asshe prepares a meal for the family, bump into thestablehand while they’re grooming the horses andmeet Governess Miss Dormer and other staff asthey organise the children for the daySaturdays and Sundays in June

Brooklands MuseumBrooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QNwww.brooklandsmuseum.comThe Brooklands Double Twelve MotorsportFestival Anticipated to be the biggest motoring competitionheld at Brooklands since 1939, in association withthe Vintage Sports-Car Club 14-15 June

The Hop FarmMaidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PYthehopfarm.co.uk/eventsDogsLive 2014 An exciting event for all dogs and their families.Have-a-go at some of their favourite sportingactivities and perhaps they can try their paws atsome of the newer ones! 21-22 June

Leeds CastleMaidstone ME17 1PL leeds-castle.comKnight’s GlampingEscape to the countryside for a glamorous camping


Warm loving environmentfor 2+ to 5 year oldsMontessori-qualified staffInternational atmosphereLight and airy premisesPrivate sunny patio

Fulham /Hammersmith border

Please ring—

020 7381 3511020 7736 8729

Morning sessionsplus Tuesdays 1-3pm

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Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally

welcoming and inclusive environment”(Ofsted November 2011).

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

Great outdoor space!Options include Afternoon School,

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

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

Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

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

Outstanding – December 2011)

Please come and see us in actionand capture the excitement of

learning at Oaktree Nursery School

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

of the Early Curriculum.

Contact: Annabel DixonPhone: 020 8870 8441

email: [email protected]

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

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

What’s onholiday with a difference. Eight splendid stripedpavilions based on a Medieval design form a 'village'on the one-acre castle vineyard. From £185Father's Day 'Go Wild' Weekend Woodland crafts, garden games and learningbushcraft and survival techniques from an expertare just some of the fun activities to keep childrenand Dad entertained. A valid entrance ticket toLeeds Castle is required for this event. Smalladditional charges may apply for some activities14-15 June

Diary datesand events

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

Royal Opera House WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.ukEvery Sunday in June. Family SundaysA new regular event for families to come andexplore the Royal Opera House, its artists and theworld of opera and ballet. Packed full of creativeand practical activities for all the family includinginformal performances from Royal Ballet dancers,plus interactive singing and dance activities.12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children

Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.ukFirst and last Sunday of June. Family SundaysEnjoy being creative together in these drop-inArtplay sessions, making everything from buntingto block prints. 2.10pm and 3.10pm, no bookingnecessary, free for families with a Gallery ticket or£3 per child4 June – 9 July. A Painter’s PaletteLearn how to mix and manipulate colour, developnew skills making one new painting each weekwith artist Jo Lewis. Every Wednesday excluding11 June, ages 7-10, 4.30-6pm, £60.

French Coffee MorningContact Teresa at info@leclubtricolore or 0207924 4649 / 07889 967003Every Wednesday morning in JuneGet together ‘between the Commons’ for coffeeand to speak French for an hour. Lively discussionson a topic (articles are distributed in advance) anda great opportunity to practise your French

Wimbledon Common Nature Club Wimbledon Common6 July. Secret Life of the Honey BeeLed by Alison Pelikan, local beekeeper

Fulham PalaceSW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 9, 16, 23 and 30 June. The Palace ExplorersJoin The Palace Explorers, 10.30am-12pm, ages 2-4. £3 per child, booking essential 4, 8, 17 and 22 June. Monthly Historical ToursLearn the secrets of Fulham Palace on thisHistorical Tour through the grounds and publicrooms of the Palace. £5 per person, no bookingnecessary, meet in the Museum. 2pm 14 June. London Open Garden SquaresVisit Fulham Palace as part of London OpenGarden Squares. 11am-4pm22 June. Edwardian Garden PartyThe Bishops of London were well known forholding garden parties at Fulham Palace. Join themfor a day of family fun in the gardens includingcrafts, games, live music and dancing. 1pm-4pm

NCT Putney & Fulhamwww.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com4 and 18 June. Fulham FC coffee morning10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, FulhamFootball Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. JoinDebs if you’re new to the area, starting to get outwith your baby or just need an excuse for a well-deserved cup of coffee4 and 18 June. Putney new mums' group10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, UpperRichmond Road SW15 6SP. [email protected]

Bach to Baby Concertwww.bachtobaby.comThe critically acclaimed classical concert seriesspecifically designed for babies and carers to enjoy

together. Treat yourself and introduce your weeones to live classical music during the crucial years.Be amazed at how your child will appreciate thelikes of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms!6 and 18 June at Holy Trinity Church, 234Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB24 June at St John’s Fulham, North End Road SW6 1PB13 and 20 June at St Luke’s Church, 194 Ramsden Road SW12 8RQ12 June at St. Gabriel's Church, Warwick Square,SW1V 2AD24 June at St Mary’s Church, Putney SW15 1SN

The Nightingale WalkThames Tow Path7 June. Now in its 35th year, Wandsworth’s best-known pub charity walk gives the whole family agreat day out while helping others. The NightingaleWalk follows a serene route along the Thamespath to Putney, with a choice of three start points.www.thenightingalewalk.com

Brockwell Park CommunityGreenhousesSE24 9BJ www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk7 June. Nature ExplorersA monthly nature club for 7-12 years. Examinewild flowers and look at floral structure. Requesteddonation £2 per child. 10am-12noon15 June. Fathers’ Day Drop-in workshopMake dad a unique gift. 10am-12noon28 June. National Insect Week familyactivitiesAn opportunity to get closer to some of theinvertebrates who live in the garden space. Go ona bug hunt. Make a sweep net to take home.Investigate a range of minibeast habitats and createexperiments to test where they like to live. Free,drop-in, 10.30am-12.30pm. For details call Beth on07427 685714 or [email protected]

Wandsworth HeritageFestival Across Wandsworthwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/events/event/1938/wandsworth_heritage_festivalTo 8 June. Bringing to life the history of theborough. Events take place at different locationsand include talks on a broad range of subjects,guided walks and fun family workshops. Free,booking essential

RBC Race for the Kids Battersea Parkwww.raceforthekids.co.uk 8 June. Ideal for beginners and fitness fanaticsalike, the event sees thousands of people of allages run, walk and scoot to the finish line to raisevital funds for Great Ormond Street HospitalChildren’s Charity. The perfect day out for friendsand family, with post-race activities andentertainment for all. Register online or call 0207239 3164, £15/£10, under 5s free

National Motor MuseumBeaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZNwww.beaulieu.co.ukMini Cooper Register Rally A display of Coopers from each of the marques,ranging from 1961 Coopers up to the latest NewMINI Cooper Works8 June


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AMITY COMPUTER SERVICESHome and businesscomputers repaired

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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Cleaning & Ironing ServiceCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning

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Painshill ParkPortsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.ukFree entry for Fathers’ DayFree to fathers when accompanied bytheir children. Normal admission priceapplies to other entrants 15 June

First Aid for LifeBalham and Westminsterfirstaidforlife.org.uk13 and 23 June. The EmergencyCourseA 3-hour course covering care of theunconscious baby and child as well asmost commonly occurring injuries andillnesses such as choking, bleeding,breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury andfebrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm,£60/£65

Little Folk with AlboConcertsColour House Theatre SW19 2RD www.littlefolkwithalbo.com14 June. Concerts for children withfolk songs, traditional children’s songs,American camp songs and sing-alongs.10.30am, £4, box office 020 8542 5511

History ofTheatreland ToursCentral London [email protected] 15 June. Official London Theatre’sTheatreland Walking TourTake in some of London’s quirkiertheatrical sights including a Victorianmusic hall, the first theatre to host astrip show in the entertainmentdistrict, the home of Revuedevillevariety and London’s most elegantstage door. 2.30pm, £10, age 12+

City of LondonFestival St Paul’sCathedral and acrossthe City of Londonwww.colf.org22 June – 17 JulyAn innovative, eclectic programme ofmusic, dance, spoken word andtheatre. Highlights include world-classsymphonic concerts in St Paul'sCathedral, recitals in livery halls, streetperformances in the City's gardens andsquares, plus a ground-breaking newpop-up venue, to be revealed

The Home of CharlesDarwin (DownHouse) Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JTwww.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouseGarden Tours Hear about theexperiments Darwin carried out tohelp prove his theories on evolutionand see how the grounds have beenrestored to their original Victorianlayout, complete with authenticplanting. Garden Tour only £3.50/£2 Every Wednesday and Sunday 2July – 31 August

GOOD CLEANEROcsana, FSW’s cleaner islooking for new clients.

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