Issue 111: November/December 2016 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk FREE

North West London

Including North Middlesex, South Hertfordshire, North , Brent, Harrow and South Barnet (Queens Park, Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, Northolt, Northwood, Watford and all the areas in between)

Seasonal Celebrations

Watford’s Big Skate 26 Nov – 15 Jan The Parade watfordbigevents.co.uk

PLUS What’s On, Half Term Fun, Open Days and much more inside! 2 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 WATFORD BUSHEY RICKMANSWORTH M1 STANMORE M25 HATCH END NORTHWOOD EDGWARE HARROW WEALD PINNER KINGSBURY HARROW WEST HENDON WEMBLEY DOLLIS HILL SUDBURY PARK NORTHOLT BRONDESBURY PARK WEMBLEY A40 QUEENS PARK WILLESDEN KILBURN

Welcome to the IN THIS ISSUE: November/December issue! 3 Local News 7 When Friends Fall Out CONTACT US: 8 Beating the Festive Funk www.facebook.com/ 10 Open Days FamiliesNWLondon Families North West 16 Ice Rinks London Magazine @FamiliesNW 18 Where’s Santa Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue. 22 Panto & Seasonal Shows Editors: Published seven times a year. For families 26 What’s On Heather Waddington from birth to twelve. and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF UPCOMING ISSUES: T: 01923 237 004 Jan/Feb 2017 Nurseries and Childcare Deadline: 25th Nov 2016 2017 Cover image: E: [email protected] Mar/Apr 2017 Children’s Parties! Deadline: 1 Feb Watford Borough 2017 Council www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left. Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com. Where is Families North West London? Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know. Distributed to over 30,000 families!

Proposed site announced for NEWS Mariposa Primary School Mariposa Primary School, a new school being set up by a group of local volunteers, parents and teachers, has revealed the proposed location for its permanent site, at Old Lyonian Sportsground, Pinner View, Harrow. Due to open in September 2017, the school will be state-funded and non-selective. It will teach Spanish from Reception, offer flexible school holidays and has an ethos of child-centred learning. Hugh The Oxford and Cambridge Brown, Chair of Mariposa’s Steering Committee said: “We are delighted to have found a suitable, permanent site for our school, with plenty of Singing School’s Christmas outside space, in the area of greatest need of school places.” Mariposa’s first head teacher, Tracey Francis, will start in post in January 2017, to Course returns prepare for the opening of the school in September 2017. Any parents wishing to apply for a place for the children should visit the 22-23 December school’s website: www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk/admissions Hampstead NW3 A wonderful opportunity for children to sing seasonal music with top choral coaches from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The Oxford and Cambridge Singing School is returning to London for a seasonal course on the 22nd & 23rd December. Originally established by Music Fellow at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, their courses are designed for children aged 7-13 who want to learn about classical and choral music with a team of exceptional coaches in a fun and relaxed environment. This Christmas they will focus on Medieval, traditional and contemporary carols. Grouped according to age, pupils will learn about classical music through whole group singing, music history, music theory (in the form of games, quizzes etc,) singing lessons in small groups and much more! Spaces are limited. www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 3 NEWS New Range of Educationalist Selva Pankaj Christmas cards in Asian Achiever Awards’ support of Brain Entrepreneur of the Year Tumour Research Selva Pankaj, CEO of north- Giving or sending cards is the perfect way to show west London based education you are thinking of someone during the festive specialists, Regent Group, was season. Christmas is so often a time to reflect delighted and honoured to be on the significant connections in our lives and a chosen as the winner of the personal card or note is a thoughtful touch that will always be appreciated. prestigious Asian Achiever Our cards are priced at £4 per pack and over 50% of the proceeds fund brain Awards Entrepreneur of the Year tumour research. Could you sell Christmas cards on our behalf? We’d love to Award on 16th September 2016. send you a box of mixed packs to sell at your school, club, workplace, local Christmas fair or simply from your own home. Visit our website to find out Selva was thrilled to be chosen more about buying or selling cards and to view our full-range of designs. as the 2016 Entrepreneur of When you are ready to order, please contact the office on 01908 867200 or the Year in recognition of the email [email protected] Or buy directly from our ebay page. astonishing development of an entity which once consisted of tuition at the kitchen table, into an organisation that has cared Don’t miss the Baby for and educated thousands of students over the years as well as providing much employment within the local community. and Toddler show Regent Group (www.regentgroup.org.uk) was formed at the turn of the millennium when Selva, and his wife and business 19th-20th November! partner Tharshiny, decided to launch an independent school This autumn comes a new event entitled and sixth form on the basis of the success of their tuition ‘Baby to Toddler,’ a two day shopping event services. The school is now operating from a larger site in for modern parents that’s taking place at Harrow, with its tuition services located in a brand new state ExCeL London on the weekend of 19th to 20th November 2016. Created for of the art facility, Regent Learning Centre. expectant parents and parents of children aged 0-4, the event will give them The Group now includes a number of other interests including access to exclusive offers and deals from all the big brands and names you Regent Leadership Academy, which offers executive training know and trust, as well as not-on-the high street boutique brands, all under and most recently, Harmony House, a community project that one roof. The one-stop-shop for everything parents need for their little ones, has attracted support from government ministers and whose it’s a fantastic shopping event to make their lives easier and comes just in time goal is the identification and resolution of problems within the for Christmas shopping. community that could otherwise lead to extremism. The Early Bird ticket price is £6 while on-the-door tickets cost £12. www.BabyToToddlerEvents.co.uk

www.activetime.co.uk

4 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 NEWS

Watford welcomes back the Big Skate – Grand Opening 26th November Watford’s outdoor ice rink skaters. To mark the opening day, the Birmingham Ice Freestylers will opens its doors at 12noon on once again be wowing crowds with their ice acrobatics and dancing Saturday 26 November and is throughout the day. Watford’s Cllr Karen Collett said: ‘Watford’s open until 15 January. The Big outdoor ice rink has become a real Christmas feature for the town. It Skate – part of Watford Borough Council’s Big Events series - saw more means that people from Watford and nearby can experience this lovely than 10,000 take to the ice last year, but is set to be more spectacular winter-time treat without traipsing into London, which can be both this time round. costly and stressful. Watford has the full Christmas package – you can This year, the rink is equipped with an even better viewing area and a do your shopping, take in a panto or a show, have a lovely meal and top bar, serving festive food and drinks to suit all ages. A host of twinkling it all off with outdoor ice skating!’ Christmas trees and fairy lights will bring the festive spirit to life for For opening times and to book, visit watfordbigevents.co.uk. ‘Home from home’ New branch of Perform Drama at Chilly Powder School opening in Planning ahead for your next winter with a special discount for holiday? Then Chilly Powder is worth a look. Since 1996 Francesca, Paul and their Families readers! 3 children - Ben, Eloise & Jamie Eyre have lived in Morzine in France all year round Perform drama, dance and singing and have a good knowledge of Alpine workshops are delighted to announce traditions and the Morzine people. They that they are opening a brand new offer the perfect ski holiday for either branch in Eastcote on a Thursday families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food afternoon from January 2017. Perform and outstanding facilities. helps children develop confidence, communication, co-ordination and All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, there is an outdoor hot tub, concentration skills whilst being sauna and massage room and in-house childcare is provided in their the best fun of the week. To take own crèche. Their ski chalets are unique in Morzine for small or large advantage of a special reader offer groups or for individual families with children or babies. With excellent then get in touch on 08454004000 food, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere of their chalets make it the or email us at [email protected]. perfect winter holiday destination. For many returning guests Chilly uk to book your child’s Free Trial Lesson. And if your child would like to Powder it is considered a real home from home. continue then you can claim a special £30 discount off of your child’s www.chillypowder.com first ten sessions quote FAMI300116.

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 5 Education

But I don’t WANT to go to SCHOOL! How to cope with school refuseniks

Not all children skip happily through the school gates each day. If yours isn’t keen on heading into the classroom, here’s some ideas of what you can do…

instincts and chats with your child indicate learning difficulties, a tricky relationship the situation isn’t serious, try to ride things with a teacher or a major family event such out without too much fuss. By not making this as a divorce or bereavement. You could into a big issue, it might resolve itself. mention similar situations you experienced in Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it your school days to encourage discussion – on’ - perhaps they fancy a day watching films modelling how to share their feelings can be a on the sofa (don’t we all sometimes…) - stand great catalyst. firm and make it clear that attending school is non-negotiable. Meet with their teacher Have a chat with their teacher to identify and Fake illnesses can be a headache… work on any underlying issues going on in Mysterious maladies are a common the classroom, playground or at home. They’ll manifestation of not wanting to go to school; probably have prior experience of all this, can although it can be annoyingly difficult provide extra reassurance or support for your to decipher whether kids are crying wolf child and you can carve out an action plan or actually ill. If it could be the former, together. threatening a trip to the doctors/ call to NHS Direct will usually either get illness fibbers to Still struggling? confess, or provide a miracle cure. Further support for severe cases of school Try to keep everyone calm refusal could be available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Adolescent Mornings can be fraught if your child has For more persistent and serious school Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private developed a school aversion but it’s important aversions, consider the potential psychologist. to at least try and all remain calm (easier said causes than done we know, especially if you’re under If there’s still no improvement and/or your pressure from teachers to be punctual) or it child has a sudden but severe issue with could add to their anxieties. school, it’s time to find out the triggers in Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist order to help them. This can be challenging and the author of four books including It might just be a phase (here’s if they don’t even understand their fear, don’t ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How hoping…) want to tell you (or grandad or aunty) about to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Many children have a few days now and then it or struggle to articulate it at all. Summersdale) and Raising Children: The when they’re not keen on going to school, Common reasons for school aversion include Primary Years (Pearson). sometimes for no obvious reason. If your bullying/ friendship problems, boredom,

6 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Education When friends fall out: how to help your child cope with playground arguments

Relax (a bit): it’s normal daughter might find it embarrassing if mum or dad piles in to sort their playground problems out. Ask primary school teachers and they’ll doubtless tell you that kids fall out (and in again) as quickly as a round of Hokey Cokey. It’s normal Proceed with caution with the other parents and most squabbles are soon forgotten: kids don’t bear grudges the way grown-ups tend to. Unfortunately this knowledge won’t console This is a minefield; many parents will never accept their offspring has your heartbroken child much, so… done anything wrong. The children will probably make up before the week’s out, potentially leaving an awkward feud between the parents Reassure, hug and listen (who you’ll have to see at the school gates for the next however many years!). If they confront you, and the kids’ argument was relatively Even if it’ll probably blow over, your child might well feel like their minor, it’s sensible to suggest ‘let’s leave the children to sort it out’, or world is collapsing. Give hugs, provide shoulders to cry on and tissues. similar. If goings-on were serious, perhaps say that Help them to help themselves you would rather the school dealt with it. Once they’re calmer, instead of providing When to speak to the teacher… straight solutions, encourage your child If the dispute involved physical violence, to think through what they could do to becomes persistent, and/ or your child starts resolve this, with guidance from you not wanting to go to school or is having behind the scenes. If there’s been a trouble sleeping, then do raise it with their misunderstanding, how could they teacher. They can then keep a closer eye instigate chat to explain? If the other on the children, intervening if necessary. In child is consistently mean to them, who a busy class of 30, it’s understandable else could they play with instead? that they might not be aware of every Resist the temptation to wade in! falling out. Your parental instincts might urge See this as a learning you to tackle the little blighter experience concerned, or their parents, but hold back. Wait and see There might have been tears but if everything settles by itself. chances are your child will have Confronting the other child isn’t learnt more about relationships and fair or appropriate. Plus your son or friendships along the way.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 7 Education Quick Tips for Beating the Festive Funk

s the kids come bounding in making it a daily activity. Another great some structure to the holiday – and create from their last day of term and way to include sport in your holiday in a some healthy competition! If your child’s dump their bags by the door to fun and educational way is a family football school has set holiday homework, such as a Athe sound of your exasperated match on Christmas Day – teach them reading challenge or maths puzzle, why not sighs, it can be tempting to let them put about the Christmas Truce in the First dust off your bookshelf or protractor and on Frozen for the thousandth time while World War while also starting your own get involved? You might just rediscover a you get on with your gift wrapping. Then, healthy family tradition. talent or passion you’d left behind in your once January arrives, the decorations are own school days. put away and the uniforms come back out,  Pump them up for the new year  Let them chill a feeling of dread envelopes you as you Take a look at the national curriculum. Is worry they’ve spent the break forgetting your child due to study a Shakespeare Let’s face it, the first term of the school everything they’ve learned and losing their play next term? Head to Shakespeare’s year is a long road and everyone’s entire get-up-and-go attitude. Globe in London, or Stratford-Upon-Avon exhausted by the end of it. While you’ll So how can you keep your little ones if you fancy going further afield. Will no doubt be inundated with parties, switched on throughout the festive season, they be learning about the environment? playdates and Boxing Day sales, remember ready to learn again when the New Year Squeeze a visit to the Eden Project into that recharging is a necessary part of rolls around? your Christmas break visiting relatives in any school holiday. If this means giving Cornwall. Your child will get back to school your child a ‘lazy’ day or two, so be it – it doesn’t mean they will descend into couch  Get them moving in January bursting with knowledge and will love to share what they’ve discovered. potatoes and it will give them the chance An active body is vital for an active brain, to take on the New Year properly revived and when better to take a crisp winter walk and ready to learn. or cycle ride than the Christmas holiday?  Set challenges – and all take part Getting out for some fresh air will do any Whether it be an academic challenge child (or adult!) the world of good and it’s (‘reading bingo’ is always a popular one) Katy Auker is the Marketing Coordinator a great way to spend time as a family. The or a totally random one (‘how many mince at St Hilda’s Prep School & Bluebird traditional Christmas afternoon stroll is a pies can we spot over the holiday?’), a Nursery, Bushey. www.sthildasbushey. classic, but outdo yourselves this year by family challenge is an enjoyable way to add com; www.bluebirdbushey.com

8 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Education Tutoring: What you need to know

We’ve put together some pointers on how to find a great educational support experience for your child…

Plan ahead where possible Some of the best tutors may well have waiting lists, so if you know your child will need support for exams or perhaps before moving to secondary school, begin your search well in advance. Find out the local going rate Consider agencies Expect to pay anything between £20 and £65 an hour, depending Reputable agencies will vet tutors’ credentials and should match on where you live and how in demand a particular tutor is. you and your child to someone with a similar style. Arrange a trial lesson Group tutoring reduces costs but possibly Many tutors will offer your child a trial lesson - this lets you get won’t be as tailored a feel for whether the tutor and your child gel and whether their These can work out cheaper per hour but your child won’t get the teaching style is going to work for you both. same one-on-one attention, and it’s vital to check that those in the Good luck! group need to work on the same things at roughly the same level. Anyone can become a tutor so do Get more information about tutoring from Families Online: your homework www.familiesonline.co.uk/tutoring One-on-one tutors should be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (formerly known as CRB checking) – if they aren’t, then be wary. Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Don’t be shy about checking how they work Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Ask questions even if you’ve had a recommendation from other Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). parents - what suits their child may not suit yours.

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 9 Independent School Open Days

Please check school websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change.

Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs (Boarding/ Open Day: Sat 17 Jun, 10am-12.30pm. Prep School 01923 Day) [email protected] 851664. Senior School 01923 858122 Alpha Preparatory School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment 0208 427 1471 www.alpha.harrow.sch.uk Bales College Kensal Town W10 Boys and Girls 11+ Open Day: By appointment 020 8960 5899 to register www.balescollege.co.uk Buxlow Preparatory and Nursery School Wembley HA9 7QJ Open Morning: Fri 18 Nov, 9.30am-12.30pm; Sat 19 Nov, Boys and Girls 0 - 11yrs (Day) www.buxlowschool.org.uk 9-11am. 020 89043615 Buckingham College Preparatory School Pinner HA5 Boys School Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 2737. 4-11 years www.buckprep.org Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Open Day: By appointment. 020 8266 1700 Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 Open Day: Jun Sch - Fri 23 Jun, 9.15am. 020 8266 2302 email Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk [email protected] High Elms Manor School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – Open Day: Tue 24 Jan, Tue 7 Mar, Tue 2 May, Tue 13 Jun – 9.15 11 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com & 10.15am. 01923 681103 The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. Open Day: Mon 21 Nov, Tue 29 Nov, 2.45-3.30pm. 020 8515 www.johnlyon.org 9400 Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. Open Day: Wed 16 Nov, Wed 30 Nov, Wed 7 Dec, all 9.30- www.avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow 11am. 020 8381 3344 Mariposa Primary School (opening Sept 2017) Harrow HA1 Boys and Open Day: By appointment. Girls 4-11 yrs www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk [email protected] Open Day: Sat 6 May, 10am-12.30pm (Senior School) Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood Nursery & Rcptn by appointment. 01923 825648 HA6 Boys 11-18yrs www.mtpn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk ( R i c k m a n s w o r t h ) 0 1 9 2 3 8 4 5 5 1 4 ( N o r t h w o o d )

North London Collegiate School Edgeware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: By appointment. Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch www.nlcs.org.uk 020 8951 6481/6468. Open Day: Wed 16 Nov, Wed 1 Mar, Tue 27 Jun, 9.30-11am Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. (Sch at work). Mon 6 Feb, Tue 2 May, 9.30-11am (nursery & www.northwoodcollege.co.uk rcptn) 01923 825446. Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr Open Day: Sat 13 May, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Quainton Hall School Harrow, HA1. Boys 2.5-13yrs, Girls 2.5-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. [email protected] 020 www.quaintonhall.org.uk 8861 8861 Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660 www.reddiford.org.uk

Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3-7yrs. www.roxethmead.com Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092

The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3 – Ruspini House Pre School (boys and girls aged 2-4) Cadogan House Pre-Prep Open Day: By appointment. 01923 725354 and Prep Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18) Saint Jérôme CofE Bilingual School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 Open Day: Wed 23 Nov, 6.30-7.30pm. 020 7932 1178 yrs www.stjeromebilingual.org Stanborough School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268 Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org St Christopher’s School, Wembley HA9 8HE Boys & Girls 4 – 11 years Open Day: By appointment. 020 8902 5069 (day) [email protected] St John’s CofE Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Watford WD17 Open Day: Wed 16 Nov, Wed 7 Dec (mornings). Thu 24 Nov, Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjohnswatford.co.uk 7pm. 01923 255 017 St Helen’s School Northwood HA6. Girls, 3-18 yrs. www.sthelens. Open Day: Wed 14 Jun, 9.30am-12pm (whole sch) 01923 london 843230 St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 0208 950 1751 www.sthildasbushey.co.uk St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. Open Day: Wed 24 May, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067 www.st-johns.org.uk St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: By appointment 020 8901 0872 (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.org.uk St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs Open Day: Fri 3 Mar, 10am-12pm. 01923 825 740 www.stmartins.org.uk St Nicholas Prep School and Nursery, Kingsbury NW9 8PN 3mths – 11 Open Day: Fri 25 Nov. 020 8205 7153 yrs. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk; www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs Open Day: Sat 11 Mar, Sat 13 May, all 9.30am-12pm. 01923 772 www.york-house.com 395

10 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Education

Call us to arrange an individual appointment

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 11 Parenting

Dad’s in charge New rules have completely changed the way parents can magical, exhausting, bewildering weeks and can dread their partner going back to work take time off after having a baby after a fortnight. In these cases, a few more weeks with both of you at home could help ust a few years ago, dads could enormously. only take a fortnight off to spend Having time off together can benefit with their newborn. While 2011 “Having time off families with older children while everyone saw the introduction of increased is getting used to a new member of the paternity leave, it was only together can benefit family. It means one parent can focus on J them and make sure they don’t feel left out. available when mums went back to work. families with older But new Shared Parental Leave regulations This can also be important in the school give eligible parents across the UK children while holidays when day trips with a newborn are flexibility to juggle childcare between them. tricky. After a compulsory two weeks off for the everyone is getting mother, parents can share up to 50 weeks Can you afford it? of leave in the baby’s first year (or the used to a new member Finances will play an important part in the first year of adoption). The law applies to of the family.” decision. While you can share up to 50 same sex couples and those bringing up a weeks, only 37 are paid. You will receive child together, even if it’s from a previous £139.58 per week or 90% of your average relationship. weekly earnings, whichever is lower. big advantage if you don’t want to be away See more on www.gov.uk/government/ Taking it in turns from work for too long. topical-events/shared-parental-leave How you split the leave is up to you. It Some dads might want to return to work will depend on who earns more, who feels in the early months when mums are their career will be least affected by taking breastfeeding. Once babies start on solids, it can be easier for dads to be fully hands- time off, and who wants to be at home. Journalist Judy Yorke has written for on so they might want to take time off Significantly, for the first time, dads can many titles including the Daily Mirror, take the year off while mums return to then, either in one go or in several blocks. Closer and Woman. She trains businesses work. and individuals in writing skills and is an The leave can be taken in blocks (up to Sharing the load editor, copywriter and journalism tutor. three each) so you can alternate time off if One big advantage is that parents can She lives in Brighton with husband Adrian one of you has a particularly busy time at be off at the same time. Many mums and sons, Kit, 10, and Rory, eight. work before resuming parental leave. It’s a need their partner’s support in those first

12 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Parenting

Creating Confident children

onfidence is just as important Address their concern and provide in life – if not more so - than reassurance that they will be okay, that what that brace of A grades. It’s others think doesn’t really matter and that vital to emotional wellbeing you’re there for them. Cand something most of us Keep praise special hope our kids will develop. Keep praise for when it’s truly warranted But how can we instil this feeling, and focus on effort rather than just results. particularly if it doesn’t come naturally to This way, when they do achieve something them? amazing, your comments will have more impact. Accept your child’s starting point Find their forte If your child doesn’t do so well at school, Not all of us are confident by nature (life this can erode their self-esteem. Seek would be boring that way…) and whilst we opportunities for them to try activities out can encourage self-belief, transforming a shy child into the ‘life and soul of the party’, is rarely realistic. Accept your child’s personality and ‘starting of school and highlight positive personality point’; it might be different to yours, or “Address their traits, such as being especially kind or a others’, and that’s absolutely fine. good organiser. concern Don’t force things Step back sometimes and Your child needs to trust you when taking and provide on new experiences and forcing them into let them ‘have a go’ something they’re very uncomfortable with Children benefit from finding their own damages that trust. reassurance solutions, doing things their way sometimes and taking sensible risks. Guide and advise Instead, take small steps to encourage but try not to jump in and take over too confidence that they will be quickly. Find opportunities to stretch just a bit beyond what your son or daughter is happy okay, that what doing at any one time. others think Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books Work out what their fear is including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ Pin down their concerns – perhaps it’s that doesn’t really and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both they’ll make a fool of themselves, won’t be published by Summersdale) and Raising able to find you at the end of the party, matter” Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). won’t be understood.

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 13 Mummy on the Edge In which Angelina deems Midi-Me and her cohorts responsible for solving the energy crisis, fixing inequality and averting world war (while she does yoga and gets a facial.)

ou might wake every morning, pick up your phone, as I do, from the age of 12 and start reading news headlines, realising in horror that right up to 18 with the we are within inches of handing the White House keys to a help of sponsors and malevolent misogynist. You might, as I do, slide your feet universities. There is into your knackered hotel slippers, pad into the kitchen and a shortage of girls and do a double take out the window into the garden – no, it wasn’t in STEM (Science, Technology, Ya red nose, just a red rose swaying in the wind. You might, as I do, Engineering and Maths) fields which organisations like The type “GBP to Euro” into the google daily and watch in wonderment Smallpeice Trust are helping to redress. Midi-Me and her best friend as the pound floats down, down, like a single long-dead leaf blown were duly (and dually) shipped off to Warwick University at the off a brittle winter branch by a freezing breeze. You might, as I end of the summer term, where they attended a 4 day “Girls into do, watch footage of Syrian children in Aleppo and Calais and feel Engineering” course. By happy coincidence, the dates corresponded heartbroken and not know how to help. with a fantastic deal on a Champneys spa break which I found on Secret Escapes. But I digress… You might, after all that, wonder if the world is going to hell in a handbag. Well I’m here to tell you it is not. Even though it The girls lived in halls at the university, attended workshops may feel like it is (sometimes). So before you go back to bed and and lectures and worked on projects set by project partners like pull the covers over your head and wonder why you ever decided Transport for London, a nuclear engineering organisation and other to procreate and contribute to the overpopulation of the world, companies. There were female guest speakers providing insight and remember this: Amongst the generations of mini and midi-mes that inspiration about careers in engineering and a big formal dinner at we and our families and friends and neighbours have produced the end. I know all this because when I picked them up at the end are inventors, scientists, writers, artists, farmers, botanists, food they were bouncing up and down and uncharacteristically ready technologists, researchers, medics, leaders of the future. They are to impart information. I’m really hoping that this whetted their going to sort all these messes out... hopefully… aided by Moore’s appetite for actual proper University, being that they’ve got to learn Law. stuff in order to be able to save the world and all that. Okay, I will try to explain (with the help of Wikipedia): Moore’s Many universities and colleges run events and holiday courses Law is something to do with the exponential development of for school age children and we attended an open day at Imperial technology by way of the doubling of transistors in a dense College a couple of years ago which, thinking about it now, may integrated circuit every two years or so. Don’t worry, I barely know have been the engineering seed I planted in her head (mwah ha what I’m talking about either. But think of it as the reason that ha). I will be looking for more spa breaks courses for her. If you your current smartphone is millions of times more powerful than also want to manipulate your children into your chosen career path, all of NASA’s computing power in 1969 (source: zmescience.com). follow me and I’ll share my findings with you. I watched this 20-minute TED talk from 2012 called “Abundance is our future” by Peter Diamandis and he made it sound like it’s all going to be alright because innovations will make it so. And, into mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com * facebook. this innovatory, technological mix I add… our progeny. com/angelinamelwani * twitter @appleina The Smallpeice Trust is a Charity which provides residential *Instagram @mynotesfromtheedge * courses in science, technology and engineering to boys and girls

Paediatric First Tell them you saw it in Aid Courses Magazine! Sun 4th Dec; Sun 22nd Jan - Harrow on the Hill Suitable for Ofsted Registration. Includes some home study. Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85 Contact Margaret at [email protected] or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available

14 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 What’s On

[TWELVE When it comes to choosing gifts for the kids at Christmas, we all want to make sure we give them TOYS of something they will absolutely love. CHRISTMAS Here’s what’s on the best lists this Christmas…

Personalised music box SmartMax Chip the £17 Not On The High Street From £8.99 robot dog This is a gift that Amazon your little one can Featuring £199.99 Amazon use and enjoy for magnets that can He’s not cheap but years to come. Inside hold 60 times Chip is the toy they’re the wooden box is a their own weight, all talking about musical mechanism your little one this Christmas. He’s that plays You Are My can have endless smart and does his Sunshine. Personalise fun constructing own thing, or your child can train him using voice it with your little one’s different toys from commands and a remote control, giving him a unique name and a message this set whilst learning about magnetism. personality - and he’s just like a real dog. Roll his on the top. ball and he’ll bring it back to you, pick up his front legs and he dances. You can also use an app on your Cosmo teepee smart phone or tablet. Children In Need £149 MyWeeTeePee A bit pricey but this will be the Minions Pie Face Dvd Special ideal location for games, dreams £19.99 Toys Are Us Release - Pudsey and dramas for years to come. Pop some whipped cream or a wet Use it in the house or in the sponge on the arm (cold mashed & Friends garden, take it to the park potato’s good too), then a player puts £5 from all good retailers for some shade and put their chin on the chin rest. Spin the Featuring episode from it in the bedroom for a dial to see how many clicks you some recent as well as quiet story corner-made must turn the handles by – then all-time favourites including from strong wooden watch out! Unlucky players get Mr Tumble, Bing, Sarah and poles and thick, quality a face full of goo! Duck, In the Night Garden, canvas. Peter Rabbit and much more! Great value with £2 The (Tech) Tantrum from each purchase going to Tamer! children in need. £14.95 timetokens.com Orange monster A great stocking Jungle Jam stuffer or to give along £5.99 Jungle-Jam.com hand puppet with a tech toy this ‘Jungle Jam’ is a fun, £19.99 Puppets By Post year! Parents set a informative and educational He can be a friendly monster weekly allowance of children's book for 0-4 yr or a naughty monster, Time Tokens which olds. This sweet, captivating depending on what your child children then trade in rhyming book is designed decides and it can help your for playtime. The pack for young children as an child learn the art of drama includes 7 hours of Time Tokens ranging from 5 to introduction to musical instruments andsounds. and role play. 60 minutes, a special golden ticket, LCD timer, wallet Published by VVInner Music and written by husband and critically a parent-child Promise Contract! and wife team Louise and Noam Lederman from Edgware in North London. The What on Earth? Children’s Timeline Collection Frugi soft toy £59.95 whatonearthbooks.com/collection. £25 Frugi Wallbook Choose from Doodle the Crocodile, Dash the Leopard Timeline or Giggles the Giraffe. They have been loving made series, has from velour and corduroy and this gives them lots of assembled textures for little hands to feel. 5-8 years six timelines My into a First special Limited Bananagram Edition £14.95 All good toy shops Christmas The early-learners version differs from the original presentation gift set . Updated to include the very family word game with colourful lower-case letters latest historic events and each one featuring a and unique double-letter tiles, designed to make it 2-metre pull-out timeline containing hundreds of easier for mini-wordsmiths to race to complete their facts and illustrations to form an encyclopaedia of word grid. 9-12 years knowledge for children aged 6 to 14.

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 15 What’s On

Fri 18 Nov – Mon 2 Jan – Ice Rink at Wembley Park (HA9) To celebrate the Our pick of the festive tradition of ice skating under the stars, savvy shoppers spending £50 or more at London Designer Outlet will receive two free tickets to the rink, worth up to £25. Based at Wembley Park, novices and experts alike have the chance to skate next to the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium and SSE Arena, whilst also Ice Rinks packing in a bit of bargain Christmas shopping in one of the Capital’s most vibrant locations. To add to the Christmas spirit there will be a fabulously frosty snow 2016 shower every hour, a glimmering nine metre high Christmas tree, plus a special ‘Santa Post Box’ where you can post your Christmas wishes for the chance to win fantastic festive prizes. After a full day of excitement, shoppers and skaters can relax at one of LDO’s 20 restaurants, bars and cafés for a bite to eat or a festive tipple. www.londondesigneroutlet.com Wed 18 Nov – Sun 3 Jan – Westfield London (W12) The approach of winter heralds the return of Westfield London’s coolest indoor ice rink presented by, fashion and leather goods brand, Coach. Located in the Atrium event space, boasting an impressive festive backdrop and after dark, sumptuous Wembley Park/London Designer Outlet lighting and live music, makes late night skating a special experience for friends and family. www.uk.westfield.com/london Dates TBC – Winterville Ice Rink (E9) Wed 16 Nov – Tue 3 Jan - Ice at the Wed 23 Nov – Sat 24 Dec – Willow’s Winterville is back for 2016, and will be turning on Tower (EC3N) Say Hello to London’s ‘coolest’ Farm Village Festive Farm Fun (AL4) the magic this winter with their very own sparkling ice destination, and skate against the most dramatic As part of their Santa Spectacular Grotto and Festive outdoor Ice Rink. Open every day from 10am until late, backdrop in the city. For the very first time, in the heart Farm Fun, Willow’s Farm will have a Magical Ice Rink creating memorable magic moments for families and of this world-class landmark, shrouded by mystery will (with synthetic ice). Great fun for the whole family! friends. If you’re not one for gliding around the rink be the immersive pop up Eis Haus Ice Experience. Step then kick back with a winter warmer at the Boathouse into the glistening bar made completely from ice, as www.willowsactivityfarm.com Cafe, which offers superb vistas of all the action. you are served in a glass made of real ice and take in Sat 26 Nov – Sun 15 Jan - The BIG www.winterville.co.uk the jaw dropping views across the Tower. Skate (WD17) Crack open the mulled wine and www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk/experience heat up those mince pies - Watford’s Big Skate is back Thu 27 Oct – Sun 8 Jan – Natural to fill you with festive cheer. You can sip on a hot drink History Museum Ice Rink (SW7) Set Thu 17 Nov – Mon 2 Jan – and chow down on a sweet treat while watching the against the backdrop of Hintze Hall, the Ice Rink is Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland gliding skaters from the wooden ski lodge. one of the most magical places to be this winter. (DA9) This year the ice rink will be located in a brand www.watfordbigevents.co.uk Experience the thrill of skating surrounded by fairy new lakeside setting outside the West Village, with lights nestled in frost-covered trees, with the smell hot drinks and refreshments available from one of Sat 3 – Sun 4 Dec – MGFF Winter of mulled wine and toasted marshmallows in the the alpine cabins and a dazzling, giant Christmas tree Wonderland (HA3) The annual MGFF Winter air. Soak up the atmosphere from the Café Bar and at the centre. Perfect for beginners or experienced Wonderland at the Harrow Masonic Centre have a Wembley Park/London Designer Outletthe Ice Rink skaters and skating lessons will be available. specially constructed Skating Rink, as well as Santa’s closes. www.bluewaterwinterwonderland.co.uk Grotto, a Funfair, Festive Food and Drinks, Music and a www.nhm.ac.uk Selection of Stalls. Thu 17 Nov – Sun 15 Jan – Somerset www.mgff.co.uk Fri 4 Nov – Sat 25 Feb – Ice Rink House (WC2R) Skate at Somerset House with Canary Wharf (E14) LUMINOCITY @ Ice Rink Fortnum & Mason and enjoy memorable winter Sun 11 Dec – Sun 8 Jan – JW3 Ice Canary Wharf is brightening up Canada Square Park experiences on and off the ice. By day, skate in the Rink (NW3) Head along to JW3’s ice rink, as it this winter with more than 8km of LED lights laid splendour of the stunning Somerset House courtyard, returns for a fourth spectacular year! Whether you’re beneath the ice. LUMINOCITY will showcase more than or head along after dark, when the rink hosts some of a complete newbie or you know your Double Lutz 16 million different colours every session and swathe the best international clubs and festivals at exclusive from your Triple Salchow, it’s a wonderful day out with skaters in an abundance of magical light to create a Club Nights. Everyone can brush up their skills at Skate family, friends or a special someone. As well as the truly immersive skating experience. The ice rink is School and young children can take their first steps on skating area, Zest café is open to all visitors (including also fully covered by a clear roof to guarantee skating the ice with Polar Cub Club. non-skaters), so go and warm up with a full range of sessions whatever the weather. www.somersethouse.org.uk tasty food and refreshments. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk www.jw3.org.uk Fri 18 Nov – Mon 2 Jan – Hyde Park’s Sat 5 Nov – Sun 15 Jan – Royal Winter Wonderland (W2) Experience the Pavilion Ice Rink (BN1) The most beautiful essence of Winter Wonderland as you don your skates For many more rink in the South East, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice and glide around the spectacular, glittering ice rink. Set Rink is stunning, twinkly, romantic, and child-friendly... around the Victorian bandstand and illuminated with local events and all topped off with beautiful food in the rinkside bar over 100,000 lights, the Ice Rink provides a beautiful and restaurant. setting for ice skating. diary dates for the www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com whole family visit www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

16 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 y For your chance to WIN A FAMILY TICKET y to a children’s show of your choice at Watford Colosseum, simply colour in Santa and send your entry to the details below! Terms & Conditions 1. Entries need to be posted to: Stage Door Colouring Competition, Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN or scanned in and emailed to: [email protected] 2. Entries must be received by 11pm on Friday 2nd December 2016. 3. Please include your name, age, address and a contact telephone number of your parent/ guardian. 4. The prize is a Family Ticket: 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adults and 3 children only. 5. The winner will be able to choose from a list of selected shows and performances to be held in 2017 provided by Watford Colosseum. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. Once selected, tickets are non-transferable. 6. All additional expenses are at the responsibility of the prize winner. What’s On

Where’s Santa? Compiled by Anna Blackshaw The Rural Activities Garden Centre (UB8) The London Borough of Hillingdon presents ‘Santa and the Reindeer’ on Sun 4th Dec. Father Christmas and a family of real Reindeer will be welcoming visitors to the Rural Activities Garden Centre in Hillingdon, for one day only. The cafe will be open and there will be plenty of Christmas trees, gifts and plants on sale. Tickets are FREE and families can book up for an hour’s visit. Advance booking is advised to avoid disappointment. www.hillingdon.uk The WatersEdge Restaurant (UB8) Santa is visiting The WatersEdge on Friday 23rd December! He will be bringing gifts, milk and cookies for all the children who would like to see him and tell him what they want for Christmas. There is a suggested £5 donation per child, with all proceeds going to Charity. Willows Farm Village www.the-watersedge.co.uk Wyevale Garden Centre, Hillingdon (UB8)  Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas is back at Wyevale  HA NW Garden Centres! Go and enjoy a special Christmas event Harrow Arts Centre (HA5) Brent Cross Shopping Centre between 12th Nov and 24th Dec, a treat for kids of all ages (and Go along to the Family Christmas Party at Harrow Arts Centre (NW4) grown-ups too!). on Thu 22nd, Fri 23rd or Sat 24th Dec. Enjoy some festive food Details TBC, but Santa will yet again be making an appearance www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/breakfast-or-tea-with- and drink, have a boogie and meet Santa (All children will in his Grotto at Brent Cross. Keep an eye on their website for father-christmas receive a present from Santa). further information. Harrow Masonic Centre (HA3) www.brentcross.co.uk The annual MGFF Winter Wonderland will run from Sat 3rd ZSL London Zoo (NW1)  WD to Sun 4th December, and will include Skating on a Specially Will have a ‘Meet Santa’ experience in a specially decorated Constructed Rink, Santa’s Grotto, Funfair for the children, grotto, complete with helper Elves. Each child will receive a Bushey Rose Garden (WD23) Cartoon Characters, Festive Food and Drinks, Music and a present and an opportunity for a photo with Santa. Dates TBC. Father Christmas will be in the summer house at Bushey Rose Selection of Stalls. You can also enjoy a guided tour around www.zsl.org Gardens on Sun 11th Dec between 1-3pm for some festive the Harrow Masonic Centre, when any questions that you have celebrations. wanted to ask about Freemasonry will be answered for you. www.facebook.com/busheyrosegarden www.mgff.co.uk  UB Cassiobury Park (WD18) Pinner High Street (HA) Harlington Locomotive Society See Santa arrive in spectacular style to Cassiobury Park on Sun Thu 24th Nov sees the annual Pinner Pantomime Evening. 11 Dec. Take along your letter for Santa, listen to carols and Santa will be in his Grotto, as well as Music and Dance, face (UB3) music on the bandstand, enjoy mulled wine at the Cafe Cha, painting, children’s rides, charity stalls and much more. The Mince Pie Run will take place on Sun 18th Dec! Head along take a ride on a horse ‘n’ carriage and plenty more. 1pm - 5pm, to the High Street in Harlington to meet Santa, take a ride on www.pinnerlocal.co.uk free drop in event. the miniature railway and enjoy a mince pie or two! 01923 278590 [email protected] Railway (HA4) www.harlingtonlocomotivesociety.org.uk The Santa Special trains will be at Ruislip Lido Railway every Christ Church (WD3) Sunday from 4th to 18th December. Holy Cross Church (UB6) The annual Christmas Craft Market will take place at Holy Cross Rickmansworth Players are proud to present: “A Christmas 01895 622595 [email protected] Cracker!” – their first ever Festive Family Concert, taking place www.ruisliplidorailway.org Church in Greenford on Sat 3rd Dec, where Santa will be in his Grotto. From 11am-3.30pm there will be home-made craft at Christ Church in Chorleywood on Sat 17th Dec. This year the stalls, a home produce stall, refreshments served all day and performing arts society is involving all its members, young and Squires Stanmore (HA7) old in the festivities, and the concert will feature singing and Go and meet Santa in his free grotto every Saturday and a Grand Raffle. www.greenfordmagna.info dancing from their award-winning Youth and Junior groups. Sunday, between the 20th November and 24th December, Interval refreshments including mince pies and mulled wine at Squire’s Garden Centre Stanmore! The Grotto will Intu Uxbridge (UB8) are available, plus a visit from Santa. be open between 10.30am-4pm every Saturday and Santa will appear as part of the Uxbridge Town Parade and www.cracker2016.co.uk. 10.30am-3.30pm every Sunday and on the 24 December from Christmas Light Switch On, taking place on Sun 27 Nov. From 10.30am-2pm. Children may visit the grotto free of charge and Sat 3rd Dec Santa will then be in his Gingerbread House ready Colnbrook School (WD19) receive a present. There will be an optional donation which will to meet all the boys and girls! He will be there every Sat, Sun, Enjoy fabulous festive fun at Colnbrook School in South Oxhey go to the centre’s local charity. Mon and Wed up to 17th December then everyday till Christmas on 26 Nov from 11am – 2pm. There will be Santa’s grotto, www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk Eve. As part of Intu Uxbridge’s Christmas Experience you can fantastic raffle prizes including 49” TV, face painting, arts and also listen to local schools and charities sing around the tree, crafts stalls, hot food and refreshments, and more! Admission St Martin’s Church Martinmas step into the festive snow globe, and take part in a Christmas £1 adults, children free. Fayre (HA4) workshop! 020 8428 1281 www.colnbrook.herts.sch.uk Go along to the wonderful Martinmas Fayre at St Martins www.intu.co.uk/uxbridge Church Ruislip on Sat 19th Nov, where there will be Santa’s Intu Watford (WD17) grotto, Cakes, Gift stalls, Games, Cafe, Music, Face Painting and Hillingdon Narrowboats (UB9) This year’s Grotto will open on as part of the Winter in Watford much much more. Santa Claus and his band of merry elves are back in the grotto light switch-on - Thur 10th Nov! www.stmartins-ruislip.org at HNA this year, and are hoping to see lots of good boys and Find their magical discovery lodge in our gallery space above girls to give them a present! Children and their parents can Next. Simply take the escalator from the upper mall up to the West House Pinner (HA) catch the Santa Canal Trip, and take in a cruise up the canal, lodge where you’ll be greeted by a friendly elf to send you on Dates TBC, but Santa’s Grotto can usually be found in the calling in at Santa’s canal-side grotto on the way back to see your magical journey before meeting Santa. Upstairs Gallery at West House. Keep an eye on their website if he got anything for them. Trips will run from the Coy Carp Head to the letter writing station where you can pen that all- for updated information. public house in Harefield on 3rd/4th, 10th/11th and 17th/18th important list before posting it to Mr Claus. At the end of your www.westhousepinner.com December, departing at 10.30am and then every 30 minutes journey you’ll enter Santa’s grotto where it’ll be almost time from then on, each trip will take around 60-75 minutes. to meet the man himself. But before that, we’ll need to see [email protected] if you’ve been naughty or nice this year! One of Santa’s elves www.hnaboats.org.uk/santa

18 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 What’s On will be on hand to test you on our ‘naughty or nice-o-meter’ himself, you’ll have the chance to experience many other Lee Valley Boat Centre (EN10) (but don’t worry, it’s usually only mums and dads who land wonderful attractions such as the giant snow globe and indoor A Santa Cruise on 17th & 18th Dec including mulled wine & on naughty). skating rink. Pre-booking can be done online and large group mince pies for the adults and a visit with a present from Santa The time has come – you can now finally meet Santa. Once bookings are available and catered for. for the children. you’ve had a good old chat with Mr Claus he’ll give you an www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk www.riverleecruises.co.uk exciting early Christmas gift. This year, all of Santa’s gifts are from Playmobil. Book early to avoid disappointment! Duke of York Square (SW3) Legoland (SL4) The Christmas lights will be switched on with Santa and friends www.intu.co.uk/watford/events/grotto This year LEGOLAND Windsor are hosting Santa sleepovers - a on the 12 Nov, and Santa’s grotto will be open from 13 Nov on whole night of Christmas entertainment and festive fun for Laurance Haines School (WD18) Fridays to Sundays, and from 3-23 Dec on Tuesdays to Sundays. little ones, including meeting LEGOLAND Characters and joining A Christmas Fair taking place on Sat 3rd Dec from 12-3pm, www.dukeofyorksquare.com them at their own disco. For the whole family there is an Elves’ with Santa’s grotto, Watford brass band, farm, tombola, raffle, The Enchanted Christmas House Magic Show, LEGO® building activities and of course our Pirate refreshments, and stalls. £1 adults, children free. Go and have (N1) splash and play area! With all this and more, the children are some fun! sure to be lights out by bedtime! This is followed by a day of A 3 hour interactive theatrical extravaganza that will delight festive fun at the heart of the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, with Maple Cross JMI School (WD3) the whole family, with this year’s show being Santa’s Pink the highlight being meeting Father Christmas in his magical A Christmas Fair on Fri 16th Dec, with tombolas, Santa’s grotto, Pigeon and the Glitter Snatchers. Begin the tour in the Garden grotto. Sleepovers will take place on 3rd – 4th, 10th – 11th, and raffle, gift stalls and more! 3.30pm until 5.30pm of Winter Wonder, then meet the Elves in the workshop to 17th – 24th Dec. make fabulous arts and crafts. Meet Mrs. Claus to decorate www.legoland.co.uk The Radlett Centre (WD7) gingerbread men with even more musical fun and fantasy, Attractions at the Winter Fair on Sun 27th Nov include Santa’s then onto Genie’s Christmas Cave to play fabulous games with Leicester Square (WC2H) Grotto, reindeer rodeo, inflatable helter skelter, bouncy castle, the Genie and his Elves. Grown-ups can wash down all this Christmas in Leicester Square is a new festival for 2016, which indoor arts & crafts market, food & drink and more. Festive fun excitement with mulled wine and mince pies. Open from 26th will transform the centre of bustling London into a wonderland for all the family, including the annual Radlett Christmas lights November to 24th December. including traditional Christmas markets with hand-crafted switch-on. Free entry. www.enchantedhouse.net goods and delicious food and drinks, a Santa’s Grotto where www.aldenham-pc.gov.uk children will be able to meet the man himself, plus the return Fulham Palace (SW6) of Olivier Award-winning theatrical smash-hit sensation, Father Christmas is returning to Fulham Palace on the 3rd, 4th St Andrew’s Precinct, South La Soirée, for an 8 week run in this fantastic new location! From and 11th December! Take the whole family to visit Santa Claus 11th Nov – 8th Jan. www.christmasinleicestersquare.com Oxhey (WD19) in the beautifully decorated Tudor Great Hall, and make sure The Watford Rural Parish Council’s Christmas Fun-Day on Sat you are on the Nice list to receive your special present! Knock Mill Green Museum and Mill (AL9) 3rd Dec. Including a visit from Santa to his grotto and free on the door and listen for the bell, then the whole family A Victorian Christmas Fair on Sun 27th Nov, featuring Santa’s presents for the under 10’s, a funfair, bungee fly, bucking enters the Hall for a special one-on-one meeting with Father grotto, Victorian street sellers & street food, free children’s reindeer, and much more. 11am – 3pm, free entry. Christmas. With our Tudor Great Hall lit by fairy lights, a roaring activities, and festive story telling in the enchanted wood. www.watfordrural-pc.org.uk fire in the grate and our 10 foot Christmas tree on display, this 12-5pm. is a very atmospheric Christmas experience www.welhat.gov.uk The National Animal Welfare www.fulhampalace.org Trust Watford (WD25) Museum of London and Museum Help support the NAWT Watford at their Christmas Bazaar on Hatfield House (AL9) of London Docklands (EC2Y) Sun 27th Nov, where you’ll find stalls full of goodies, mince pies The annual Frost Fair will take place from 17th-20th Nov, with From 2nd – 23rd Dec, see Santa in his Victorian Grotto, ready and mulled wine, as well as Santa! 11am-2pm at the NAWT on up to 200 stalls with gift ideas for all. Father Christmas will be to hear all your Christmas wishes. Experience the Sailortown Tylers Way. Please park at the Mercure carpark. there, along with choirs, dancers and street entertainers. gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound www.nawt.org.uk www.hatfield-house.co.uk of Victorian carols being sung in the distance. Find Santa in his Hyde Park (W2) grotto and receive a festive gift. Watford Colosseum (WD17) Open from 18th Nov – 2nd Jan, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland www.museumoflondon.org Go along to Watford Colosseum on Sun 27th Nov for a Family is a spectacular festive event in the heart of the capital, Fun Day, with Festive Stalls, Arts & Crafts, Soft Play, Bouncy Odds Farm (HP10) offering a dazzling array of activities and entertainment. See Christmas is back, bigger and better than ever before at Odds Castle, Face Painting, Live Performances from the Dan Tien, Santa in his Grotto, enjoy skating around the UK’s largest open- Farm Park! Entering a cosy Grotto via a sparkling Woodland Herts Inclusive Theatre, Wheelchair Dance Sport Association air ice rink, see jaw-dropping circus shows, world-class ice Walkway, children will meet the Elves and of course Father and much more. Santa will also be there, so don’t miss out! dancing in The Nutcracker on Ice and see stunning views across Christmas himself, before exchanging a magical Golden Ticket [email protected] 01923 216951 www.hit-theatre.org.uk London in the Giant Observation Wheel. for something very special in the Elves’ Teddy-Tastic Workshop. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Plus, take part in Christmas-themed Arts & Crafts and meet the Kew Gardens (TW9) crazy elves at Elf School! Combined with plenty of Christmas  Further Afield From 23rd Nov to 2nd Jan head to Kew Gardens to enjoy a Lambs to meet, there’s stacks of festive fun for the whole Victorian carousel, helter skelter, and other family rides and family! www.oddsfarm.co.uk Buckinghamshire Railway Centre don’t forget to look out for Santa and his elves at the North (HP22) Pole village along the way. Paultons Theme Park & Peppa See Father Christmas in a ‘Grotto with a Difference’ - On a Knebworth House (SG3) Pig World (SO51) Steam Train!! The train will take you up and down the 1/3 mile Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic lunch Meet Santa in his magical Grotto and many of his animal length of track whilst you wait for Father Christmas, who will at Knebworth Barns, complete with a visit from Santa and a friends along the way as they all get ready for Christmas Eve. Adorable animated characters greet you at every turn with make his way along the train visiting all the children. When gift for every child. Special festive Sunday lunches will be held twinkling lights and magical scenes brought to life. Includes he comes to your carriage, he will come and join you, and on 4th, 11th and 18th Dec. one of his elves will pull your gift from his huge toy sack! a free gift for all children and a festive treat and hot punch www.knebworthhouse.com Afterwards, enjoy a live children’s show, face painting, and free for adults. refreshments. See Thomas on 26th/27th Nov, 3rd/4th Dec and Lapland UK (SL5) www.paultonspark.co.uk 10th/11th Dec, or on 17th/18th Dec see Santa on a beautifully Sat 19th Nov –Christmas Eve. LaplandUK promises a unique and Tring Christmas Festival (HP23) restored steam engine. unforgettable Christmas adventure for all young children and A festive night to start Christmas on Fri 25th Nov, including a www.bucksrailcentre.org their families, transporting them to Father Christmas’ mythical market, late night shopping, fun fair, Father Christmas & more! arctic home. Visitors arrive in the snowy wonderland where 6.30 to 9.30pm on Tring High Street. Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) first they visit the Toy Factory to help the Elves before moving www.tringtogether.org.uk A special winter opening on Sat 3rd and Sun 4th Dec for a on to Mother Christmas’ Kitchen to decorate gingerbread. Then festive traditional Christmas weekend. You can see Father it’s skates on for the Ice Rink and a chance to spend Elf Jingles Willows Farm (AL4) Christmas in his grotto and receive a gift, see the historic in the Elves Village before meeting the resident huskies and There will be a Santa-tastic programme of activities at Willows buildings festooned in traditional Christmas decorations, take reindeer. The highlight is the family’s personalised meeting Farm this Christmas, from 23rd Nov to 24th Dec. Entering part in festive crafts, meet costumed re-enactors making with Father Christmas in his charming woodland home. Santa’s Grotto the children will be greeted by sparkling scenes preparations for a Georgian Christmas, and hear folk singers www.laplanduk.co.uk inspired by fairy tales, winter wonderland and traditional singing traditional songs and music. Enjoy homemade warm Christmas characters. After meeting Santa and telling him what mince pies, hot BBQ food, spiced apple and hot drinks in the Lauderdale House (N6) they would like for Christmas, Santa hands each child a golden tea rooms ‘Santa in the House’ on Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December key to his Toy Shop where they can choose ANY gift from the 01494 871117 [email protected] - your chance to visit ‘one of London’s top five Santas’ (Time hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling. There will be a plenty of www.coam.org.uk Out)! Santa will fly in for a weekend meeting, from 10am-4pm other festive activities on offer as well! each day, and is looking forward to meeting and treating the www.willowsactivityfarm.com Christmas Wonderland (EN2) children of North London! Go and meet him … and of course, This Christmas you’re invited to visit Santa and his real reindeer leave with a present! Advance booking advisable. Only children at one of Europe’s largest Christmas grottos! Take an enchanted visiting Santa need a ticket - accompanying adults don’t need …We couldn’t fit them all in! train journey through magical lands on the Santa Express to purchase a ticket. Visit www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk to the elves workshop to meet Santa. After you meet Santa www.lauderdalehouse.co.uk for even more locations!

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 19 Seasonal Celebrations

How to create a festive Family party to remember The thought of planning a festive party for family and friends can send us into a spin – especially if you’re fitting it “Practice in around your busy work and family life. But there’s no need to get hot under the collar if you follow our tips and advice cooking any for the best party ever! new dishes

1. Start early many. And think about who gets on with and order any whom – you may decide that two parties It’s never too early to start planning. Keep are necessary if you have factions of your lists of ideas, inspirations and recipes in a hard to get family or friends who don’t get on with note book. As the date gets nearer, hone each other! the list down so that you know exactly items well in what you want and need. Practice cooking 5. Creating the mood any new dishes and order any hard to get items well in advance. Think about how your home will appear advance.” to guests. Make it smell nice with flowers, Don’t forget to book your grocery delivery coffee and scented candles (out of the too! reach of kids of course). Don’t forget the bathrooms – there should be toilet paper, 2. Set the date – and tell a bin, hand soap and clean towels. Make it people warm enough for comfort (but not stifling) It pays to set the date early and let others and have a play list on your MP3 player. know, so send ‘save the date’ notices on Just remember that everyone may be sick Facebook and follow up with a more formal of Slade’s Merry Christmas Everyone by invitation – make sure you include the start now, so perhaps go for something a little and end times and details the guests need different. Frank Sinatra anyone? to know such as “it’s fancy dress”. Find out if there are dates your party might 6. Making guests feel welcome clash with - such as a work party, or even As your guests arrive, make them feel a birthday. You could even consider that welcome. Designate one of the kids to take quieter period between Christmas and New coats to a bedroom, have some welcoming Year! drinks on a tray ready to be handed out as people arrive and make sure there are 3. Set a budget enough seats. Have some canapés prepared And finally… Costs can get out of hand, so think about and some simple snacks for the children If your guests will be drinking, think about ways you can cut back. Doing a shop at too, so that you don’t have to be in the how they will get home (they can of course a budget supermarket, making food and kitchen rather than mingling with your choose designated drivers) and organise freezing it is much more cost-effective than guests. Plus it avoids any ‘hangry’ moments local taxis for those who would rather leave leaving it to the last minute and grabbing from the kids. their car at home. If you have the space, whatever you can from the ready-made you may want to offer a bed to a few aisles. 7. Get your house – and people overnight. Make a few simple dishes ahead and get yourself – ready Also, think about giving them a party bag decorations and napkins from a 99p store. About a week before, give your home a with a small bottle of mineral water and a If you like fresh flowers, avoid red - the good clean, so that on the day you can just piece of cake or a biscotti in it. They will cost of red flowers soars at this time of run the hoover around quickly. Put away thank you in the morning! year! Choose another colour or gather breakables and have a count up – do you Get more fantastic party ideas from evergreens from the garden. Drinks can have enough plates, cutlery and so on? Buy Families Online: also be very expensive, so ask everyone to more or arrange to borrow some. Think www.familiesonline.co.uk/party bring a bottle while you provide a welcome about what you’re going to wear and try it cocktail or glass of fizz – plus soft drinks on, so you’re not still in your underwear as By Sally J Hall for the kids of course. guests are knocking at the door. On the day Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has itself, enlist the help of your family to get written for all the main parenting titles as 4. Think about who to invite everything done and don’t forget to save well as The Independent and The Mail. She Write down the names of people you’d like yourself enough time for a relaxing bath is author of Eco Baby and contributing to invite as you think of them – you can and time to get ready so you can enjoy the author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling always narrow it down later if you have too party too! Kindersley).

20 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Seasonal Celebrations Edible Christmas Gifts you can make with your kids! Christmas gifts don’t have to be expensive and you can have lots of fun making foodie gifts for your friends and family. Here are a few quick, easy and delicious ideas for you to make with your children.

CHEESE PALMIERS SNOWBALLS These quick and easy cheesy biscuits taste delicious and are Everyone loves chocolate and these little snowball shaped great as a gift if you pop them in a little box. truffles are great as a Christmas themed treat. • Packet of readymade puff pastry • 2 tbsp double cream • 100g cheese of your choice – gruyere or cheddar or great, or • 200g good white chocolate, chopped experiment with the different colours of white Cheshire, Red • Half tsp vanilla extract Leicester and yellow Cheddar. • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut Place the pastry • Mini cake cases flat on a floured baking tray. Grate Put the chocolate the cheese on the pieces in a pudding large side of the basin and set it grate so it’s not over a pan of hot too fine, then help water, with the your child scatter double cream. Bring it evenly across to a simmer and the pastry. then turn the heat Next, get your down low. You’ll child to roll the need to supervise pastry up from your child at this each end, so that stage, as steam can the rolls meet in burn. Stir with a wooden spoon until the middle. Press it all down lightly. the chocolate has With a knife that’s not too sharp, your child can cut slices melted into the cream. Add the vanilla, take off the heat and through thr pastry, about 0.5 cm wide. You’ll get quite a few out chill for one hour. It should then be firm but still loose enough of the pastry. to work with. Place each on its side on a baking tray, leaving plenty of room With a teaspoon, each take a small amount of the chocolate as they will expand as they cook. Place in a hot over (200 C, paste and roll it in a ball between your palms. Then roll it in the 400 F Gas 6) for 10-12 minutes until golden. coconut and you have little snowball shaped truffles. Place each Leave to cool. To turn these into a lovely gift, take a box from completed one inside a mini cake case. an old packet of biscuits or crackers, cut off the top and cover Pop some inside a jam jar to give as a gift and add little playful the box with Christmas paper. Place the Palmiers inside laid touches such as tiny robins and Christmas trees that you use as one on top of each other at an angle. Cover the top with clear cake decorations. plastic or cling film, then add a pretty ribbon or bow on top.

EmbraceMINI thePRETZELS inner European in you with these German snacks • 3 tsp honey • 1 and a half packets dried yeast • 800g plain flour • 1 and a half tsp salt • 6 tbsp olive oil • 6 tbsp baking powder • 2 egg whites • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling Mix together one of the tablespoons full of honey with 500 ml warm water in a measuring jug and add the yeast. Stir it until the this time. Then break the dough up into little balls – you should yeast has completely dissolved and becomes a little foamy. Then make 24. Roll each one out into a long rope, then bring the ends in a bowl, mix together the flour and the salt. Add the oil, the together and twist it twice near the top of the loop to make a yeast and water mixture and the rest of the honey and work with pretzel shape. A little practice makes it perfect. Let them rest for a wooden spoon and then hands to make a dough. 15 minutes. Now comes the fun part. Put the ball of dough onto a floured Next, you have to poach the pretzels – this is what gives them board or work surface and let the kids get kneading. It needs their fluffy inside. Put the baking soda in a large pan of water, about ten minutes, adding a bit more flour as you go if it gets too brig to the boil, then poach each pretzel on each side for just sticky. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with a tea towel around 15 seconds. Work in batches. and set in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour. Finally, lay them on a flat baking tray lined with baking Take the dough out and knead all over again for five minutes parchment, brush with egg white and sprinkle with coarse salt and then bake at 450 F 220 C Gas 6 for 15 minutes.

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 21 What’s On

yPanto A Seasonal Showsz Sun 27 Nov - Underneath a yThe Alban Arena Magical Moon Wendy Darling who is Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk the owner of stories, mother to the lost boys, a believer in fairies, and a young girl with her Sat 26 Nov – The Nutcracker With feet firmly on the ground, tells her story of its combination of enchanting choreography Peter Pan. Go along as you are invited to fly into and unforgettable music, this fabulous ballet a fantastical world of adventure, where time is a Christmas treat like no other. Set to stands still, and the impossible seems possible Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, the traditional and if you close your eyes and believe, then you tale of The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara and really can make anything happen. A sparkling her enchanted nutcracker doll. Their adventures new production with exquisite music, enthralling see Clara and the Nutcracker combat the Mouse movement and a sprinkle of tutti frutti magic for King, and join the Sugar Plum Fairy and her children aged 3+ and their families to enjoy. Cavalier on a wonderful journey through the Wed 30 Nov – Sun 4 Dec – Mr glistening Land of Snow to a kingdom made Popper’s Penguins Painter and entirely of sweets. Returning by popular decorator by day, Mr Popper spends his demand, Vienna Festival Ballet’s production of time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He The Nutcracker promises to delight audiences of is astounded when one day a packing crate all ages with its festive setting and light-hearted arrives on his doorstep, out of which waddles story. a penguin! With songs, puppets and a family Thu 8 Dec – Sun 8 Jan – Snow of performing penguins, this delightful musical White and the Seven Dwarfs adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s Don’t miss this spectacular, fun-packed, family popular book is brought to you by the producers pantomime, starring Rita Simons (EastEnders), of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and We’re Going the hilarious Dame, Bob Golding, Alban Arena on a Bear Hunt. Ages 3+ favourite, Ian Kirkby, and a top-quality cast. Sat 3 – Sun 4 Dec - The Night Once again, the show will be written and Before Christmas On the night before directed by Paul Hendy and produced by Christmas, Emily stares out of the window, hugs Evolution. Snow White promises to be quality her teddy and waits excitedly for the morning, entertainment with stunning costumes and while in the corner a little mouse called Eddie scenery and a genuinely funny script. can’t understand why only humans are allowed yArtsdepot to get presents. So he sets off in search of Father Christmas to find out for himself. Along the way 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 Mr Popper’s Penguins 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk he dodges the family cat, gets directions from a cowardly robot and is given some unexpected Sun 13 Nov - Captain Flinn & The advice from the magical fairy on top of the tree. Pirate Dinosaurs 2 Flinn is back! Les Cracker jokes, tinsel tomfoolery, festive funnies Will Eddie get an answer? Will Emily get her and even Santa doing stand-up! Starring yCadogan Hall Petits Theatre Company return to the high seas wish? And what is that funny-shaped present 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X after their hugely successful and award winning Comedy Club 4 Kids’ regular host Tiernan Douieb 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com sitting under the tree? A magical festive tale hims-elf, Howard Read of Little Howard and show Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. The brought to you by the team behind Don’t Let Sat 12 Nov - Family Jazz All-Stars Magic Cutlass is the hugely anticipated sequel CBBC fame, and a special guest – another of the the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and Aliens Love comedy circuit’s finest – this show will be jam- featuring Zoe Gilby Zoe Gilby lends based on the book by Giles Andreae and Russell Underpants. Ages 3+ her stunning vocals to this fun-filled tribute to Ayto. When Flinn is in the middle of his school packed with a whole heap of Christmas Comedy Fun to get you in the mood for the BIG DAY (you jazz singers past and present. Perfect for all the play his old nemesis, Mr T the T-Rex, appears and Wed 7 Dec – Mon 2 Jan - We’re family, from children to grandparents! A sell-out kidnaps his friends forcing them to hunt for the Going On A Bear Hunt Michael know, when the big red jolly guy comes down the chimney). Ages 6+ triumph in previous years, this year’s Family Jazz Magic Cutlass; a sword that grants any wish! The Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going On All-Stars showcases the stunning vocals of Zoe A Bear Hunt is brought vividly (and noisily!) to children are whisked away for another fantastic yThe Gilby in an unmissable and friendly show for all adventure to a world of devious dinosaurs, deep the stage in this fun-filled adaptation. Join the the family. Including songs from jazz down the sea dangers and smelly sausages! Ages 3+ intrepid family of adventurers and their musical Grange Road, Hayes. 020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk years, as well as her distinctive take on popular dog on their quest to find a bear; as they wade classics, this promises to be perfect for all the through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the Tue 29 Nov – Father Christmas family, from children to grandparents. So bring splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy Needs a Wee At every house Father the whole clan and enjoy an energetic whistle- mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes Christmas eats and drinks the tasty treats that stop journey through jazz like no other! Ages 5+ and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few have been left for him. But when he reaches special surprises! Ages 3+ number ten he realises that he’s forgotten to do Sat 17 Dec - The Snowman & Tue 13 – Sat 31 Dec - In A Pickle A something rather important and he really, really, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Join magical, multi-sensory show for children aged really needs a WEE! TaleGate Theatre hit the the Orchestra of St Paul’s for the perfect festive 3 to 5, their families and friends. In A Pickle is perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic family treat. The concert will begin with We’re inspired by Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale and music and the extra sparkle for which they have Going on a Bear Hunt, an interactive retelling takes the audience on a voyage of discovery become known in this fabulously funny and of the traditional children’s rhyme, with music through the landscapes of Shakespeare’s brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas by Ian Stephens. Take your favourite teddy, imagination and the music of his language. Allan’s much loved book. and prepare to join in with the story! This is The adventure begins in the woolly pastures of Fri 9 – Sat 31 Dec – Cinderella The followed by the ultimate Christmas experience: the Shepherdess and her flock of little sheep. popular actress Pauline Quirke will star as the a screening of The Snowman, shown on the She is having a party to celebrate the sheep Fairy Godmother in this year’s must-see family big screen with Howard Blake’s instantly shearing. When she discovers a lost baby, you pantomime, Cinderella, alongside her son Charlie recognisable score played live. must follow the clues. Together, travel over the Quirke in the role of Dandini. Book your tickets Sun 18 Dec - Royal Philharmonic salty sea to the sad court where you will find today and you shall go to the ball with this Orchestra Christmas Cracker the happy ending. There are beautiful costumes, year’s spectacular family pantomime. Packed New for 2016 there are several additions to enchanting live music, some helpful clues, lovely with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients the Christmas Cracker programme, including perfumes and delightful textures along the way. you expect, Cinderella will feature laugh-out- arrangements of Michael Bublé’s Christmas Sun 18 – Wed 21 Dec - Comedy loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful (Baby Please Come Home), the 1980’s festive Club 4 Kids - Christmas Cracker costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join favourite Last Christmas by Wham! and Mariah Captain Flinn & The Pirate All the fun of Comedy Club 4 Kids with a Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits Carey’s immortal ballad All I Want For Christmas Dinosaurs 2 Christmas twist. Expect the finest Christmas her very ugly sisters and meets her dashing Is You – not forgetting the sing-along carols! Prince Charming. With special guest vocalists, this fun, festive

22 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 What’s On

a short medley of tunes from the film – a great introduction to live music for children. yChickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14. 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk Sat 5 Nov - A Winter’s Tales Cosy up at Chickenshed with an entertaining outing for all the family to enjoy Tales from the Shed performances and interactive workshops around the theatre, whether you’re familiar with the Tales world or coming along for the first time. Music, dance, storytelling and games with Lion Down, The Thing That Goes Blurgh and many other much-loved Tales characters will warm you up a treat! Ages 0-6yrs A Very Old Man With Wed 23 Nov – Sat 7 Jan - Enormous Wings Adventure to Oz The world premiere of In A Pickle a brand new musical! In this dazzling production, concert is back for two delightful performances we will meet familiar faces like Dorothy, the crowned Major of London? Go along to find Florence Atwater’s popular book is brought to of sparkling festive songs and music. With Scarecrow and the Tin Man, and we will also be out. From DK proDuKtions, the producers of you by the producer of Hetty Feather. Sloane Square lit up in all its Christmassy glory introduced to new and memorable characters the last six Compass pantomimes, expect a fun and the smells of mulled wine and mince pies, such as the incredible Patchwork Girl and Ojo and interactive show packed full of laughter, yHarrow Arts Centre Christmas Cracker is sure to fill you with good the Unlucky Munchkin. We will travel along the sensational songs, animated scenery and plenty Hatch End HA5 cheer and get your Yuletide celebrations off to famous Yellow Brick Road with a brave band of of comedy! 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com a joyful start. friends on a quest to release Ojo’s Uncle from Thu 22 – Sat 24 Dec - Santa’s Thu 22 Dec - Father Christmas & an enchantment that has turned him to stone. yThe Criterion Theatre Little Helper Young Albert Tuttle is nearly Paddington Bear’s First Concert Chickenshed’s famously large and diverse cast Piccadilly Circus, W1V 7 years old, far too old to believe in Santa! How A Christmas Treat for all the family! Raymond will wow and entrance audiences in this musical 0844 815 6131 www.criterion-theatre.co.uk does a big fat man wearing bright red pyjamas Brigg’s animated film Father Christmas is spectacle! Ages 5+ Thu 15 – Sat 31 Dec – Mr fit down the chimney, anyway? But Albert is in brought to the big screen this Christmas at Popper’s Penguins Mr & Mrs Popper and for a big surprise. For as he sleeps on Christmas Cadogan Hall with the Mozart Symphony yCompass Theatre their remarkable family of performing penguin Eve, a big fat man wearing bright red pyjamas Orchestra supplying a live accompaniment. Glebe Avenue, Ickenham UB10 puppets come to London direct from a UK tour tumbles down his chimney like a roly-poly Featuring the voice of Simon Murray as Father 01895 673 0200 www.hillingdontheatres.uk and US première at New York’s renowned New pudding. It’s Santa, and he’s come for Albert’s Christmas this irreverent glimpse into Santa’s Thu 8 – Fri 30 Dec – Dick Victory Theatre. Painter and decorator by day, help! This delightful new show comes to life personal life will have you and your kids rocking Whittington This year’s purrrrfect Mr Popper dreams of Antarctic adventures. He with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and with laughter. Legendary comedian Jack Dee pantomime paved with gold is the magical is astounded when one day a packing crate high energy storytelling. With lots of laughs, appears live on stage to narrate Paddington tale of Dick Whittington. Join Dick and his arrives on his doorstep, out of which waddles sing-along songs and plenty of opportunities Bear’s First Concert. This is the enchanting tale feline friend Tommy on his fun-filled quest a penguin! With original music & lyrics, and a to join in along the way, this is the perfect treat of Paddington’s journey from Peru all the way for fame and fortune. Will he defeat the evil family of performing penguins brought vividly for Christmas. to his first ever concert – at Cadogan Hall!! rats to win the hand of lovely Alice and be to life through the magic of puppetry, this Fans of the movie Frozen will be delighted by delightful musical adaptation of Richard and continued on page 24

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 23 What’s On

Sat 26 Nov – Sun 29 Jan - A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings The world’s been sad since Tuesday. The child has a fever and is hotter than a fish on a spit, the dog chases its tail, Mother dreams of a new broom and Father gazes out to sea. The whole village is on the brink. Then the sky gets frisky, the sea rears up and, in a bolt of lightning, a very old man with enormous wings crashes to earth in a flurry of feathers. Nothing will ever be the same again! Ages 7+ Thu 8 Dec – Sun 29 Jan - Me… The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding her feet. The shimmering stars and glistening snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains tower high and the wind rushes to and fro. And although baby penguin may be small, her family Underneath a Magical Moon know she’s the biggest thing of all. This early years favourite is a lovely and touching story yLittle Angel Theatre about a parent and their love for their child by 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 much loved children’s author Emma Dodd. Ages 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com 2 to 6 years Until Sun 20 Nov - Emily Rising Emily wakes up one bright autumn morning to yThe London Coliseum St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N find that her feet can’t touch the ground, and no 020 7845 9300 www.eno.org one can understand why. To everyone’s surprise Emily keeps rising higher and higher. From Wed 14 Dec – Sat 7 Jan – sleeping upside-down on her ceiling and flying Nutcracker Over 100 dancers and musicians above her school playground, to soaring over bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, a starry-skied London, Emily’s adventure is just beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score beginning. Emily discovers a world that looks played live. On a sparkling Christmas Eve, Clara completely different. She’s not scared at all – it’s and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a fun being high up. But she’s not coming down… magical world, where she battles with the Mouse Emily Rising explores themes of growing up, King and meets a handsome stranger. Then they complicated family relationships and overcoming take a hot air balloon ride across London to the adversity and is not recommended for younger glistening Land of Snow where her adventure children. Ages 7+ really begins. From the sound of the orchestra We’re Going on a Bear Hunt tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, a trip Until Sun 20 Nov – Let’s Fly Can you to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker is an fly? Just Imagine if you could. What does your unforgettable Christmas treat. home look like when you’re as high as the birds yPump House yPuppet Theatre Barge and the aeroplanes? Or even a spaceship… let’s yLyric Theatre Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 Little Venice W9 find out! Emily has a secret; she knows how to Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com fly and she wants you to come on an adventure 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com Fri 9 – Sat 10 Dec – Finding Santa Sat 3 Dec – Sun 8 Jan - A with her. Hold her hand and soar over cities, Until Sun 8 Jan – The Gruffalo Pumphouse CYT presents Finding Santa – a Christmas Carol See Scrooge and the float above oceans and glide across mountains. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the showcase from the talented children, with ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future You’ve never seen the whole world until you’ve deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical sketches, improvisation and songs. A perfect brought to life by the puppets. Ages 4+ sat on top of a cloud. Ages 2-6 years adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Christmas warmer. Thu 24 – Sun 27 Nov - The Lost Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for Fri 16 – Wed 21 Dec – A Blast yThe Radlett Centre Things A boy falls and finds himself in a hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the from Christmas Past Blag Theatre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 dark and terrifying new world. It’s a world of eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will Company bring back some old favourites from 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk lost things: car keys, wedding rings, dads, and the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse years gone by, plus new sketches and songs in Thu 17 – Sat 19 Nov - Peter Pan a mysterious girl who is building an amazing from ending up as dinner for these hungry this Christmas revue. Sir Stanton Davenport will The Musical A wonderful adaption of the machine. Performed in a unique dome structure, woodland creatures? After ] all, there’s no such be appearing in this production along with Form timeless tale by JM Barrie, with music by George The Lost Things is about losing things and finding thing as a Gruffalo - is there? Songs, laughs 3b and the delightful poems of Pam Ayres. Sick Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. things you didn’t even know you were looking and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and of Panto? Then you will love this! A Christmas for. This is a dark fairytale set in a fantastical Tue 22 – Sat 26 Nov - Annie Set in their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s show for all the family. New York during the Great Depression, Annie world, where nothing is quite as it seems. Ages toured Britain and the world! 8-12 years escapes a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s

24 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 What’s On orphanage on an adventure to find her long-lost out run last Christmas, and an Offie nomination parents. Featuring the well-known songs such as for Best Production for Young People, the Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life and Easy Street, you baddest musical is back in town. Don’t miss your can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love this chance to see it again! Ages 6+ show! A performance by RMTC. Wed 30 Nov – Sun 1 Jan - Boing! Sat 10 Dec – Tue 3 Jan - Jack This piece of dance-theatre captures the delirious and the Beanstalk Upstage Productions excitement of two boys waiting for Father return with the greatest traditional adventure Christmas to arrive on the most magical night pantomime, including dazzling costumes and of the year. There are beds to be jumped on, scenery, fabulous live music, lots of laughs and pillows to be fought with, seas to be sailed… a host of colourful characters - not forgetting On this most extraordinary night, let your Daisy the Cow! This Pantomime has everything imagination soar right up to the stars. Following - magic beans, a giant, a brave hero, a beautiful in their tradition of bringing enchanting shows princess and loads of audience participation. Join for small children to venues up and down the in the fun, songs and laughter of this extremely country, Travelling Light have created this show popular fairytale. to get your feet tingling and your head spinning with a whirl of colourful images and playful yTrestle Theatre sounds. This is a deaf-friendly show. Ages 2-6 Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 years 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk Fri 9 – Sat 10 Dec – Mimi and yWatersmeet the Mountain Dragon Christmas High St, Rickmansworth WD3 comes early as Skewbald Theatre brings Michael 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk Morpurgo’s Mimi and the Mountain Dragon to Thu 8 – Sat 31 Dec - Jack and the Trestle Arts Base this December! Go along to Beanstalk With more than just a bag full of see the story magically brought to life in this beans, colourful characters, creative costumes beautifully atmospheric tale, packed full of and a set straight out of an enchanted fairy tale festive adventure, snow and dragons! With lively book, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to raise songs, magical puppets and plenty of audience the roof at Watersmeet with bucket loads of interaction. laughter in this GIANT of a pantomime.

The Gruffalo

Ballet’s captivating dancing – including an over the festive season. As an added Christmas exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum treat, all of the good boys and girls in the Fairy and her Prince – make this Nutcracker the audience will meet Santa after the show and quintessential Christmas experience. receive a special present of their own. Ages 2+ yWatford Colosseum yWinston Churchill Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 Theatre 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Pinn Way Ruislip HA4 Thu 1 – Sat 24 Dec - Santa Claus 01895 250615 www.hillingdontheatres.uk and the Night before Christmas Sun 18 Dec - Elf the Musical Jr It’s Christmas Eve and whilst most children are Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious hanging up their stockings, there are a few boys fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf and girls in Watford who are not! They don’t in his quest to find his true identity. This heart- believe in Santa and with Christmas morning warming family show is the perfect way to start fast approaching cheeky elves Charlie and Kara Christmas week. Suitable for the very young. must help Santa prove that he is indeed real! With magic tricks, songs and stories, can they make them believe before it’s time to board For many more local Santa’s sleigh and deliver the presents? A truly events and diary dates unforgettable experience which includes the for the whole family visit magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience, this interactive show is a must-see www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Night Before Christmas

COMPETITION yUnicorn Theatre yWatford Palace 147 Tooley Street, SE1. Theatre 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 Until Mon 21 Nov - The Owl Who 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Was Afraid of the Dark Plop is Fri 2 – Sat 31 Dec - Beauty and a Baby Barn Owl, fat, fluffy with a beautiful the Beast Watford Palace Theatre’s five star heart-shaped ruff and knackety knees. He’s still family pantomime is back with the classic love learning to fly, very curious and almost always story Beauty and the Beast. The Beast must hungry. And he’s afraid of the dark, which is not find true love before the last petal falls from very helpful for a night-bird. So his exasperated the magic rose - but will good triumph over mother sends him on several missions to find evil? Will Beauty overcome her fears? And will out more about night time. ‘Dark is exciting’ says love conquer all? With show-stopping songs a small boy. ‘Kind’ says an old lady. ‘Necessary’ performed by live musicians onstage, dazzling says a little girl. Then he meets a cat who tells dances and hilarious slapstick from a talented Plop ‘there are many kinds of dark’ and shows cast of newcomers alongside Palace panto him the beauty of the night. After all this favourites, Beauty And The Beast promises to be enthusiasm, will Plop learn to embrace the dark? everything you love about the Watford Palace Ages 2-6 years Theatre pantomime. Tue 15 Nov – Sat 31 Dec - Thu 8 Dec – The Nutcracker A Baddies: the Musical The Big Bad delayed live screening of The Royal Ballet’s Wolf’s in trouble – he’s been ripped out of his glorious production of The Nutcracker - an story and thrown in jail for being too good at all-time ballet favourite. It is Christmas Eve and being bad. But playing the villain’s the best Drosselmeyer the magician sweeps young Clara part, everyone knows that... Along with fellow away on a fantasy adventure in which time is offenders Rumpelstiltskin, The Ugly Sisters and suspended, the family living room becomes a Captain Hook, the Big Bad Wolf is determined to great battlefield, and a magical journey takes find out who’s decided to change the fairytale them through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom rulebook and why. How are you supposed to of Sweets. Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, the tell who the good guys are when there are no gorgeous festive stage designs and The Royal baddies around? After a hugely successful sell-

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 25 What’s On listings for What’s On all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (Jan/Feb 2017) send your entry by 25th Nov 2016 Email [email protected]. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesOnline for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

Thu 24 Nov – Sun 18 Dec - St Albans Novelties and seasonal entertainment from local School Choirs, The November Christmas Market (AL1) High quality produce in up to 60 Denham Divas and the Dolly Mixtures. The event is free to attend traditional wooden chalets outside the St Albans Cathedral and in and there is plenty of parking at the station next to the event. Sat 19 Nov - Lots for Tots - Baby and Toddler the Vintry Garden. The Christmas lights switch on will take place [email protected] www.denhampc.co.uk Table Top Sale (WD3) An indoor table top sale for people on 27th November, with entertainers, twinkly lights and plenty of that want to sell their second hand baby, toddler and children’s Christmas cheer. items, and those that want to buy them. The seller keeps all of the www.enjoystalbans.com December money they make and the buyer goes home with lots of bargains! Sat 26 Nov - Christmas Little Gallery Tearoom Thu 1 Dec – The National Trust Watford and Parking is completely free making it easy for you to load your car (WD17) Go along to the Little Gallery Tearoom at Watford with all of your goodies. The sale at Rickmansworth School opens to District Association Christmas Entertainment Museum for a fantastic array of local artistic talent and buy (WD25) A Festival of anecdotes, songs, music and humorous the public at 10am and finishes at 11.30am. £1 entry per adult. something unique for Christmas from one of our exhibiting artists. [email protected] www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk stories on a seasonal theme, with speakers Graham and Bronwen 01923 232297 [email protected] www.watfordmuseum. Harrison. Starts 8pm at the Stanborough Centre in Watford. org.uk Sat 19 Nov - Parmiter’s Christmas Craft Fair www.watfordnt.btck.co.uk 2016 (WD25) A variety of stalls ranging from fashion jewellery, Sat 26 Nov - Mum2mum Market (WD6) Buy top handmade wood products, candles, umbrellas, DIY nail art, scarves, quality baby and children’s goods at the award winning pop up Thu 1 Dec - Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Phoenix cards & Usborne books, handbags, children’s bedroom indoor market. Plenty of Stalls under one roof giving you the best Lights Switch On (WC2N) Norway has sent a tree to accessories, jams & chutneys, handmade fudge, cushions, hand choice and the best bargains! 2-4pm at Maxwell Park Community London since 1947 in recognition of our support during WWII. Join painted ceramics & slates, personalised linen, home accessories Centre, Borehamwood. in the annual tree light up as it is decorated in the traditional and more. There will also be a pottery workshop where parents www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Norwegian style, and illuminated with 900 lights. Soak up the and children can choose and personalise their own gifts. The fair magical atmosphere and enjoy an evening of Christmas festivities, will be open from 11am - 4pm at Parmiter’s School. Hot food & Sat 26 Nov - Stanmore Marsh - 10,000 as Princess Astrid of Norway joins the switch-on ceremony from Thames21 is looking refreshments and mulled wine and mince pies will be available. Spring Bulbs Challenge! (HA7) 6pm. for volunteers to help plant 10,000 bulbs to brighten up Stanmore 01442 263896 Marsh in Spring time! All bulbs, tools and equipment will be Thu 1, 8, 15 & 22 Dec - The George Harvester There will be a provided. Everyone welcome and children must be accompanied Christmas Craft Market (HA4) Sun 20 Nov - NCT Watford Autumn Nearly Christmas craft market on every Thursday in December from 5-9pm by an adult. The meeting Point is at the entrance on Whitchurch New Sale (WD4) Go along to the autumn Nearly New Sale at The George Harvester Ruislip, Bury St. It will be an outside event Lane HA7 (on Marsh Lane side) between 11am & 1pm. For further at Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley, where you’ll find a great with kiddies rides (weather permitting ) and also some indoor details please contact Vicky on [email protected] selection of good quality preloved children’s clothes, toys and stalls. 07827 852 599 equipment at bargain prices! You’ll also have chance to do some 01895 622109 Christmas shopping as there will be some stalls selling seasonal www.thames21.org.uk/event/stanmore-marsh-10000-spring-bulbs- goods. challenge-harrow Fri 2 Dec - Christmas Concert (HA6) Featuring [email protected] 07973 119785 Sat 26 Nov - Victorian Craft Fair (UB6) Go along performances from Harrow Apollo Male Choir and the Children of and buy your Christmas Presents at the Impact Community Arts Holy Trinity School, the concert will take place at Holy Trinity Church Wed 23 Nov - Guitar Project Concert (WD18) A Centre. Between 11am and 4pm there will be various stalls selling from 7.30pm. free concert by the Guitar Project - an ensemble combining classical handmade goodies, all local crafted. There will also be carol singing, 01923 844290 [email protected] guitars with electric and bass guitars. The Programme covers all a melodrama and Victorian Photo booth! There is a cafe on site and kinds of music from Classical to World Music to Rock &Pop.All pieces lots of free parking. Entry is free. Sat 3 Dec - Eastcote Christmas Festival (HA5) in the repertoire are composed or arranged specially for the group [email protected] www.impacttheatre.co.uk The Christmas fair is coming to The Ascot in Eastcote this year. The creating a unique and highly entertaining programme suitable for free event will include craft stalls, homemade Artisan Food stalls, all ages. At The Clarendon Muse from 7.30-9pm. Sun 27 Nov – Uxbridge Town Parade and Entertainment, Punch & Judy Shows, Sandart fun, Bubbles and Contact Tom Parsons: 01923 225531 or 01923 245559 Light Switch On (UB8) The parade will leave from the Balloons, and much more! Open 10am until 4.30pm. Pavilions featuring Santa and Celebrity Guests followed by a local [email protected] marching band. It will travel up High Street and through to Intu Uxbridge, where there will be Christmas craft activities in the Sat 3 Dec - Kids Run Free - Children’s Running workshop in the Piazza. Event (UB10) Running Races on the 1st Saturday of the www.intu.co.uk/uxbridge month for under 16’s at Park. All ages welcome from toddlers to teenagers and everyone in between. No running Sun 27 Nov – Compass Christmas 2016 (UB10) experience required, simply turn up and have fun, it’s FREE to take Friends of Ickenham Hall presents Compass Christmas 2016 at the part. – a traditional Christmas concert with songs, [email protected] www.kidsrunfree.co.uk readings and sketches from the community of local musicians and actors of all ages. With a free mince pie and a stocking full of cheer, Sat 3 Dec - Christmas Fair (HA5) At St Anselm’s this is the perfect way to warm up for Christmas. Parish Church in Hatch End. There will be side stalls, bring & buy, www.hillingdontheatres.uk children’s activities, and refreshments, as well as a chance to take Sun 27 Nov - Family Variety Acts (NW1) Do you a look around the neo Gothic Victorian church. From 11am-3pm, £1 love to dance, sing and have fun with your family? Then head along admission, children free. to the British Library where they will turn your family party piece www.stanselmshatchend.blogspot.com into a Victorian variety act - be it magic, dance, wise-cracking, singing or tombola-turning. Learn how to improvise, entertain and Sat 3 Dec - Open Day at West Hampstead own the stage! From 2-3.30pm, suitable for ages 5 – 11 years. Fire Station (NW6) An Open Day between 12-6pm, to www.bl.uk celebrate London Fire Brigade’s 150th year. Children big and small can meet real firefighters and life-sized PLAYMOBIL ones, plus Wed 30 Nov - Denham Green Christmas explore a real life fire engine, as well as enjoy toys and activities Fayre & Christmas Lights Switch On (UB9) From galore. Their aim is to teach future generations what our firefighters 6 - 9pm, Denham Green will be hosting the popular Christmas do and ensure little ones know to call 999 in an emergency. There Street Fayre, and light switch on. There will be something for will also be the chance to look around the station and check out the everyone to enjoy and participate in including Fairground attractions equipment used by Brigade firefighters. for children; various stalls selling, handmade crafts & gifts, a www.london-fire.gov.uk ‘Golden Ticket Chocolate Tombola; Hog Roast; Christmas Sweets and

26 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 What’s On

Family Variety Acts - British Library

Sat 3 Dec - Kensington Dollshouse Festival (W8) An international event, with over 170 of the top dolls house builders, miniature artisans & DIY suppliers attending. You will find everything you need for your house or model, with everything from a beautiful dolls house mansion to tiny clothes pegs, as well as a huge selection of wallpapers, lighting, small print fabrics, furniture, dolls & accessories. At Kensington Town Hall from 11am-6pm. www.dollshousefestival.com

Sun 4 Dec - Watford Grammar School for Girls’ Christmas Fair (WD18) Open from 11am to 4pm, there will be stalls selling jewellery, stationary, gifts, toys and books, refreshments, Christmas puddings, mulled wine, games stalls and lots more. There will also be a Grand Draw where you could win an Apple MacBook Air or iPad Mini. [email protected]

Sun 4 Dec - Santa Dash 2016 (HA4) Have you ever wondered what 500 Father Christmases running around a park looks like? Head along to the Santa Dash 2016 at Ruislip Lido to find out! Slip into your Santa suit (included in the entry price) and then run, jog or walk the pretty 1.8km route around the lido – the perfect way to get you into the festive spirit, while helping raise much-needed funds for Harefield Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. www.rbhcharity.org/event/santa-dash-2016

Sun 4 Dec - Watford Mencap Santa Dash (WD18) A brand new festive 5k dash and 1k fun run through Cassiobury Park in Watford. The Santa Dash, organised by Watford Mencap, is a fun event looking to attract runners of all abilities. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to running, there will be a main 5k Santa Dash, and a 1k Fun Run open to all ages giving you the chance to dress up as your favourite Christmas character and help make this a cracker of an event. www.watford10k.org.uk/santa-dash

Sun 4 Dec - St John’s Hospice Christmas Fayre (NW8) Go along to the Christmas Fayre on St John’s Wood High Street, and help raise vitals funds for patients and their families at St John’s Hospice. There will be fairground rides and local stallholders selling clothing, food, jewellery and festive goods. You will also get the chance to meet Peppa Pig, visit Santa’s Grotto, as well as other festive attractions. Open 11am-6pm and entry is free. www.stjohnshospice.org.uk

Thu 8 Dec - Harefield Carols by Candlelight (UB9) A Carols by Candlelight service at St Mary’s Church in Harefield from 7-9pm, to help raise much needed funds for the Harefield Hospital’s Intensive Therapy Unit extension. This is a great way to get you into the Christmas spirit, singing carols in a beautiful parish church setting. Tickets are free and there will be a collection for the new life-saving facility at Harefield at the end of the service. Please reserve your seat prior to the event. 01895 828820 www.rbhcharity.org/event/carols-by-candlelight/

Fri 9 Dec - Disability Arts Festival (HA5) Go along to Harrow Arts Centre for an exciting event showcasing the work of integrated performing arts groups from Harrow and beyond. Now in its 11th year, the Disability Arts Festival is organised by a partnership of 3 local organisations working with disabled people. Expect a fantastic mix of drama, dance, music and comedy followed by a disco! www.harrowarts.com

Sat 10 Dec - Lots for Tots - Baby and Toddler Table Top Sale (WD23) The sale at Bushey Arena opens to the public at 10am and finishes at 11.30am. £1 entry per adult. (See listing on Sat 19 Nov for further information). [email protected] www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk

Sat 10 Dec - Capital Connection’s Christmas Carol Concert (HA6) Award-wining West London’s ladies barbershop chorus will be singing from their repertoire with Christmas carols & songs too. At St John’s URC Church, Hallowell Road, Northwood at 7.30pm. Refreshments available in the interval. [email protected] www.capitalconnection.org.uk

continued on page 28 v

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 27 What’s On

Chorleywood. There will be carols for all to sing, followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the Junction. Admission by ticket only. www.chipperfieldchoral.co.uk

Fri 16 Dec - Community Clear Up Day (HA1) Your help is required to make Wealdstone High Street a tidier area – volunteers are wanted to help picking up rubbish, removing graffiti, cleaning bins/signs and reporting highway defects. Meet outside Harrow Council, Civic Centre, Station Road at 8.45am (Please wear appropriate clothing). You will be provided with Refreshments (Hot drinks and mince pies), Cleaning supplies and other necessary materials and a certificate for each volunteer. If you are interested in lending a hand, please email: [email protected] or call 020 8420 9679

Sun 18 – Mon 19 Dec - Jingle Bell Christmas (SW7) It’s high-kicks for Christmas as the Jingle Belles join the London Concert Orchestra, Capital Voices and West End stars for your favourite Christmas hits at the Royal Albert Hall. www.royalalberthall.com

Mon 19 – Tue 20 Dec - Pokemon: Symphonic Evolutions (W6) Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is the must-see video game concert of the year at Eventim Apollo, giving fans and newcomers of all ages the chance to experience the evolution of the Pokémon franchise like never before. Don’t miss Geffrye Museum this amazing opportunity to meet up with friends to catch, battle and trade Pokémon from your favourite games. Brought to life by Mon 12 – Tue 13 Dec - Jurassic Park at the London’s own Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing all new v continued from page 27 Museum (SW7) Watch 1993’s Jurassic Park in the iconic Hintze arrangements and carefully timed visuals from recent and classic Hall with Dippy the Diplodocus. A must for any dinosaur fan, as Pokémon video games. Dippy goes on tour in 2017. Your ticket includes free popcorn from www.pokemon.com/symphony. Sat 10 Dec - Manor Farm Christmas Concert: Proper Corn on arrival and you can grab a drink and some snacks Stardust Big Band (HA4) Go and enjoy an evening in Wed 21 – Fri 30 Dec – Disney on Ice: Frozen Manor Farm’s Great Barn, as Manor Farm Library present their at the bar. www.nhm.ac.uk (SE10) Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination annual Christmas concert in aid of the Mayor of Hillingdon’s Charity when Disney On Ice presents Frozen. Be magically whisked away to Appeal. Live music will be provided by the fabulous Stardust Big Sun 11 - Sat 31 Dec - Brick Flicks (N12) Brick Flicks wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating Band. There will also be refreshments included in ticket price, a is an exhibition of some of the most iconic and memorable film as you sing and dance along to inspiring songs including “Let It Go.” raffle and The Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, moments of all time recreated by Warren Elsmore, the well-known Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff Councillor John Hensley and Diane Hensley are attending. This is artist in LEGO bricks. Enjoy large-scale images of LEGO recreations of and Sven, as they journey to discover that true love is the most expected to be a popular event so advance booking is advised. iconic film scenes and movie posters, from Wayne’s World to West magical power of all! Doors open from 5pm, event starts 5.30pm. Please wear warm Side Story, The Matrix to Mary Poppins. Each familiar scene has been www.disneyonice.com clothing. carefully photographed to mimic the staging and lighting of the 01895 250615 www.hillingdon.uk original movie, but with the scenery, actors and actresses recreated Thu 22 – Fri 23 & Wed 28 – Fri 30 Dec - Crafty with everyone’s favourite building blocks. How many can you Christmas and Creative New Year! (EC2R) Sat 10 Dec - Cockpit Christmas Family Crafts recognise - without reading the captions? At Artsdepot. Go along to the Bank of England Museum this Christmas and get (NW8) Create arty gifts for Christmas with the Cockpit Crafty Crew! www.warrenelsmore.com creative with a selection of Museum inspired crafts to design and Create glittery, papery, and arty gifts for Christmas, as well as eco- decorate, including gold bar moneyboxes, door hangers and masks. friendly snowflake mobiles and pop-up cards. Expect to do fiddly Wed 14 Dec - Watford Philharmonic Society There’s also a chocolate coin for every child. folding, cutting and gluing. Suitable for 4 yrs up, 2-4pm. Present ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ (WD18) www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum www.thecockpit.org.uk The choir and orchestra of Watford Philharmonic Society return to Watford Colosseum with their traditional Christmas concert. This Thu 22 & Thu 29 Dec - Cosmic Christmas Sun 11 Dec - Pooh Bear and Friends Christmas popular family event brings together well known carols and festive (SE10) Use colour to discover the ingredients of the Universe at Concert & Christmas Story Lanterns (WC1N) songs for choir and audience with beautiful music from around the the Royal Observatory Greenwich! Find the most colourful parts of Go along to the Foundling Museum and join in with songs and our galaxy; from blue Neptune to the pink of the Christmas Tree nonsense poems taken from Winnie the Pooh, the Wind in the world. A great start to your Christmas celebrations. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Cluster! Start your voyage of discovery with a Christmas-themed Willows and works by Edward Lear. This family-friendly concert planetarium show to learn a space-themed 12 Days of Christmas promises to be a pre-Christmas celebration to remember, and Thu 15 Dec - Chipperfield Choral Society song; followed by a solar system quiz, and ending with a stellar is followed by a free lantern-making workshop, where you can 70th Season Carol Concert in aid of Cancer make and do that allows you to see the ingredients of the Universe create a magical Christmas lantern to take home and hang in your Research UK (WD3) The Chipperfield Choral Society through light and colour! Ages 7+, 10am-12pm. bedroom. present a concert in celebration of Christmas, at Christ Church in www.rmg.co.uk www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk

28 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 What’s On

Willows Farm

Fri 23 Dec - Christmas Dino Snores (SW7) Join Fri 30th - Sat 31st Dec - It’s Party Time at the Fri 6 Jan - Farewell to Christmas (E2) Join in the in the first-ever kids’ Christmas sleepover at the Natural History Museum of London (EC2Y) Take inspiration from the Geffrye’s own traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, with carol Museum to explore after dark and enjoy a visit from a very special historical clothes on display in the museum’s collections to create singing, stories about Epiphany and a taste of mulled wine and guest. This night at the Museum with a festive twist also makes your own party outfit! Grab some paper, some art straws, and Twelfth Night cake. This event takes place in the garden, so wrap the perfect holiday gift, so book now before it’s too late. Fun for all get inspired. Will you wear yours at New Years? This is a drop-in up warm! the family! workshop, so stop by anytime between 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm. www.geffrye-museum.org.uk www.nhm.ac.uk www.museumoflondon.org.uk Thu 19 Jan – Sun 26 Feb – The Magical Fri 23 – Mon 26 Dec - Best Ever Christmas Lantern Festival (W4) The historic Chiswick House Gardens Show and the Story of Jack Frost (HA9) A big, January will be transformed into a fairytale world of light sculptures, Chinese arts, Virtual Reality, games and food with a funfair and 600 brilliant fun-filled festive extravaganza at the SSE Arena, Wembley, Sun 1 Jan – Sat 4 Feb - Strictly Come Hospice with your favourite Christmas songs, snow and of course, Santa. square metre ice rink and ice bar. (WD17) This is your opportunity to have your own Strictly www.magicallantern.uk Bringing this brand new spectacular to life are some of the best- experience by taking part in Peace Hospices’ very own ballroom loved names in pre-school television including CBeebies’ Andy dancing competition ‘Strictly Come Hospice’! You will receive 7 Fri 20 – Sun 22 Jan – The London Model Day, Katy Ashworth and Cat Sandion, along with Jen Pringle from weeks of dancing lessons with professional dancers from Paul Alex Engineering Exhibition (N22) Go along to Alexandra Milkshake! , and favourite top children’s presenters Naomi Wilkinson Dance Studios before you get to perform your routine in front of a Palace and see the full spectrum of modelling, from traditional and Dave Benson Phillips. Jack Frost, Princess Twinkle and the panel of expert judges and an audience of 500 at the Strictly Come model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines residents of Christmastown prepare for Santa’s arrival, however Hospice Grand Finale with a chance to crowned champions. Make through to the more modern gadget and boys toys including wicked Queen Glacia has a different idea, as she casts an icy curse sure you book your place and remember, keep dancing!! trucks, boats, aeroplanes, helicopters and robots as featured on on Jack! Will Jack and his friends save Christmas before Santa 01923 335373 www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/strictly “The One Show”. Visitors can travel between the show’s different arrives? zones, trying the activities and watching fascinating and technical 0844 815 0815 www.thebesteverchristmasshow.com Thu 5 – Sun 8 Jan - Beauty & the Beast (HA3) demonstrations. The Chameleons experienced writers bring you a vibrant take on www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk Wed 28 Dec - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in a fairy tale told to so many generations before, at the Theatre Concert (SW7) Filled with unparalleled magic and at Claremont High School Academy. Can Belle find true love? imagination, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of Can intrepid reporter Dame Angela Ripoff find a new frock? Can a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. the Beast escape the magical curse? Beauty and the Beast has For many more local Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure, everything you expect from one of the Chameleon’s pantos ... live performed live and in full by the Royal Philharmonic Concert music, song and dance, jokes and laughter, as well as free parking, events and diary dates Orchestra, in sync to the film projected on a huge HD screen at the a licensed bar and excellent value for money! for the whole family visit Royal Albert Hall! A perfect post-Christmas treat! 020 8123 6443 [email protected] www. www.royalalberthall.com thechameleons.co.uk www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 Tel: 01923 255099 E: [email protected] • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance examinations results Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years • Established 14 years in Stanmore by expanding and rebranding to • Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, SportsKids Academy London Studio Centre, Ballet West American Football - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball • Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics • Contemporary/Jazz classes Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing Classes are held in the Stanmore and and Bushey Area Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher) Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance” www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 29 Local Clubs and Classes Directory Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

classically-trained singer and leads classes with voice, piano, flute and guitar. CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS She creates an interactive musical space where children and adults can be Swimmimg guided as they explore sounds, shapes, rhythms and rhymes together. Love Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teaches children, babies and adults to swim without Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art music, right from the start! Classes for children from 0 to 5 years in Harrow aids in small groups, or One to One. Good facilities and plenty of parking. They classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, supportive & Northwood. Please see website for more details.  020 8426 4114  run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and weekly ‘Term Time’ environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  [email protected] [email protected] www.littlenotes.co.uk courses.  www.aquaswim.org  07925954144. Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling women Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are filled with music, Aqua Vie Swimming based on effortless swimming and true water confidence. who love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present. Perfect dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Focusing on a range of Fun classes for babies & Children from 6wks+ to all ages including Adults. New way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women. Every engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo then down tempo, leaving Tues, Wed & Sunday morning classes in Bushey WD23. Tel 01923 245 772 www. Wednesday night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre.  www. parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a tummy tickling roller coaster! aqua-vie.com or email [email protected] capitalconnection.org.uk Contact [email protected] or visit www.mini-maniacs.com  Aweswim (various) Aweswim offers courses for people of all ages and abilities, Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking, cake decorating and dessert Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and ranging from parent and baby groups through to adults. classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small groups in hands on young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant  www.aweswim.co.uk  01923 537070 and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and during term holidays in a fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, written friendly environment.  07737847405 or [email protected]. by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good fit” for Push & Glide Swimming School (WD18, WD23, HA6) Push & Glide Swimming  www.egglesscakedelights.com pre-schoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best National Toddler School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, they pride themselves on their friendly, dynamic teaching environment. They provide The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety fully qualified instructors who are committed to maintaining and improving an Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students excellent quality of teaching along with low ratio swimming lessons in a safe learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are open 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, New Denham, Eastcote, Northwood and Harrow. environment for children aged 3.5 years plus. All abilities are catered for, from environment. Group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906 gaining water confidence through to competition training, following the ASA  020 8427 6595  www.monkeymusic.com  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk progressive scheme awards.  07749554405  www.pushandglide.co.uk Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and After women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also held at Merchant (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life building SPORTS AND EXERCISE Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School.  Splashtime Swim School experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be.  07903126486 Children’s Activities 07794078452 There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding and and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW YogaBelles: yoga fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, dance, designed for a unique women’s body.  07840 904887 acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring and  [email protected] www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli nurturing teachers.  07841342874  [email protected] www. THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS capoeiracademyuk.com Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged First Aid Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level. MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction  07974 750 224  www.beverleydance.co.uk. voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs. to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Call 08452 JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes  Margaret 07814 191 395  [email protected] 26 26 94 to book a trial session. Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 available from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy agency year olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls alike!  that is always looking for new recruits!  01895 624755 www.jam2000.co.uk 08452 26 26 94  www.enjoy-a-ball.com [email protected] Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) run weekend dance, drama and LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Everyone Active (various) Swimming lessons, sports clubs and activities for all singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age ages. See our ad on page 19 for more details. www.everyoneactive.com appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Focus on having Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about  fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts activities. Two brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. Birkbeck Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every Saturday week trial available.  020 8447 4530  www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. 020 7631 6258  www. cbcd.bbk.ac.uk in Term Time at Field End Road for all children aged 5 – 11 years. Join the friendly Nichola Rees Youth Academy – NYRA (WD) An acting and performing arts team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the academy based in Watford, for young people aged 4-18 years.Weekly workshops Club Petit Pierrot (NW3/8/11) French Parent & Toddler group for 2-4 year olds in amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends (for both children and on Thursdays and Saturdays, and an annual performance. 07702 965 851 Hampstead at the JW3 Centre (NW3). It will take place on Mon from 10.30am-  parents) and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half  [email protected] www.nrya.co.uk 11.15am and will be a multi-sensory session, totally in French, with many fun way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and varied activities including songs, rhymes, music, arts & crafts, dances and and a shower proof jacket.  Tracey [email protected] Perform Drama (Various) Together with a team of experienced theatre movement, language games, and puppets…all great fun! There will also be new professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational dance fun French after-school classes on Weds for 4 to 6 yr olds and 6 to 8 yr olds in Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to and quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a performance at the St Anthony’s School for Girls, Hampstead (NW11). Multi-sensory sessions with develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes end of the term. Perform sessions are specially designed to encourage creativity, arts & crafts and music & movement also take place in St Mark’s Church Hall, Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet confidence and communication skills as well as being a kaleidoscope of fun! St John’s Wood/Maida Vale (NW8) on Thurs, Fri and Sat.  020 7385 5565   020 8201 1084  [email protected]. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey,  0845 400 1275  www.perform.org.uk Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford [email protected] www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre  0208 123 9346  [email protected] or Harrow (HA3) Bushey Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music, and North Wembley school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child  0208 422 0676  [email protected] www.littlekickers.co.uk speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at St Lawrence Theatre productions.  01923 437693  www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org Modern Combat Martial Arts - MCMA* (HA1/HA5/UB5) Children’s MixedMartial Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the Arts & Self Defence from 5yrs - 14yrs. Ladies Only Boxing & Kick Boxing from 15yrs. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from 4 to Mixed Adult KRAV MAGA Classes from 16yrs.  www.fightingcombatfitness. and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how to read co.uk; www.moderncombatmartialarts.com;  07818 416 671 fun!  Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from September Rugbytots - the UK’s first rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds. Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 and February 2016 and are free.  [email protected] Focusing on developing your child’s motor skills and confidence with fun-filled 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599  www.stagecoach.co.uk programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility and Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and Sign Language coordination. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Stanmore. Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs.  [email protected] Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with  For more information contact [email protected] music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months. SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children. All students Dance Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow.  www.singandsign.com are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). (Previously City Centre. Classes for children ages 2 all the way through to adults. Hip Hop, known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, Breakdancing, Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), School Rickmansworth  01923255099  [email protected] www. Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole Fitness, and Children’s Parties. Classes range ACTIVITY CENTRES sportskidsacademy.co.uk from beginners to advanced/competitive levels. Three fully equipped studios Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of available for hire, at very competitive rates. Futunity UK also supply dance (all activities available from 6mths to 12yrs.  020 8954 5759 White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and above held genres) and gymnastics teachers into schools to run after/before school extra  [email protected]. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow Weald. Adult curricular sessions, and PE and PPA cover lessons. 01895 251224  admin@ classes in Barnet.  Sheena 0787 550 1674  whitecraneedgware34@hotmail. futunityuk.com www.futunityuk.com Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk parties.  01923 892140  www.gambado.com Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in ballet, Y Active (HA2) New Harrow classes booking now for children and adults tap, pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with the Royal JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies at the YMCA. A beautiful studio with free parking and a play garden. Baby, and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent Academy of Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (tap), Ballet, Gym, Soft Play and Classes from £4.40.  020 8832 1576  yactive@ and all teachers are fully qualified and registered with the RAD and ISTD. They & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events plus special visits ymcawestlondon.org www.ymcawestlondon.org from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com produce a summer show each year. Classes in Harrow, North Harrow and Bushey.  07814 793 772  [email protected] Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play www.instepschoolofballet.co.uk children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility and Massage & Yoga have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room available for Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Fun, Motivating and Popular dance all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the restaurant while your Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates & Baby Massage, classes that teach a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Kathak. Open to little ones are playing.  0208 427 8847  [email protected] for those in & near Eastcote Ruislip, Pinner, Northwood & Uxbridge. info@ Toddlers, Children & Adults - call us now to arrange your trial lesson. All dance www.rumble-tumble.com positivlifefitness.com 07974 062 973  www.positivlifefitness.com levels welcome and training leads to stage performance opportunities.  0208 423 9543/07944 457 984  www.kspark.co.uk The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about www.facebook.com/positivlifefitness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults.  01895 624755 YogaBugs (various) A magical, fun and interactive story-style adventures for Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training  www.thewindmillstudio.com children where they learn yoga techniques. Yoga improves flexibility, posture students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. Royal and concentration and also helps in relaxation. Fun and engaging classes for Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to Advanced children from walking to 12 years of age.  Contact details: 08458997168. Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the same standard. All classes held in [email protected]. www.yogabugs.com South Harrow/Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert.  0208 8662105 or 01923 285380.  www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk MUSIC & MOVEMENT YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical benefits Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength and flexibility! RISE Studios (WD) Dance and Performing Arts Schools in Watford and funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 months) Rickmansworth. Classes in ballet, modern, tap, street dance, hip-hop, drama, introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 months to 4 years): singing, LAMDA and Performing Arts.  01923 218626  www.rise-studios.com encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction to Sat mornings, Bushey The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun!  07721 623 171  info@ YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (children 4-12 years): Sat & Sun mornings, Bushey technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years beatbuilding.co.uk www.beatbuilding.co.uk www.facebook.com/beatbuilding NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 years): Weekday evening, Bushey with Royal Academy of Dance examinations  020 8950 2457  www  07840 904887  [email protected]; vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk Little Notes (HA1&HA6) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2016. www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians. Sarah is a

30 North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Local Clubs and Classes Directory

devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based ARTS AND CRAFTS National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. Adult courses are also available. learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Grammar Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and  Gerard on 07767 300940  [email protected] www.discog.co.uk and private schools.  For a call back email your name and phone number to mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups Monday– Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware. Programmes [email protected] Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for children from for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra help, in English Mastermind Tuition (HA) Specialise in 11+, Maths, English, Verbal & Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a relaxed, supportive maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for entrance exams or you Non-verbal reasoning (including CEM-style) and Grammar & Independent environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  [email protected] just want to give them every advantage, Elisa can help. 99% success rate. school preparation. Classes in Harrow & Northwood (free parking on site) Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at  020 8958 1192 07956868119  www.childrensstories.net Visit the website or call  07478 878672 to book a FREE TRIAL  www. Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, Excel Academy (HA3) Experienced tuition in preparation for SATs, 11+, 13+, GCSEs, mastermindtuition.com [email protected] printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr AS & A2 levels. Small group sizes, all aspects of National Curriculum covered. Magikats (HA1) Innovative programmes, written to support the National olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers. 07946 055 422  info@  www.excelacademy.org.uk Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, Sat at Gayton Library, Harrow. Individual mysistersandme.co.uk Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of programmes and support for individual children, promotes confidence, skills Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Let them explore their creative side! Imaginative all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a free and a love of learning.  02084275663  www.magikats.com Art classes for children delivering art techniques in a fun environment. (This trial class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk. isn’t just messy play and each term is different). Infant classes Mon 3.30, Tues First Class Learning (Various) Structured yet flexible programme, designed Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework support. 5pm, Juniors Wed 4.30. Private classes available and adult classes coming soon. for children studying the UK National Curriculum. Tailored to a child’s learning  0333 12 33 445  www.mathscool.com  07773819603  [email protected], www.facebook.com/ needs & style. Find out more about this structured approach to learning, by The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An independent Blankcanvasartclub contacting one of your local Centre managers.  www.firstclasslearning.co.uk service covering a range of children’s communication difficulties. 01923 824 Luchi and Ota (HA8) Sewing classes and course for kids and adults. Also hold one- Fleet Tutors (Various) Private home tutoring for Maths and English; 37 years’ 074  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk off drop-in sessions and sewing and craft parties. experience.  020 8580 3911  www.fleet-tutors.co.uk 020 8958 7714 [email protected] www.luchiandota.com Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school Maths and English tuition   The Harrow Woodcraft Folk (HA) Elfin group for children, 6 to 9 year olds are classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the very reopening their group after the Summer holidays on Tuesday 6th September in goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater young and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up! Exploring Central Harrow. Parents wishing to join their children should contact the District for all levels from Reception to Year 11.  www.numberworksnwords.co.uk different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come dressed for Secretary; John Woolf:  020 8428 2409 or  e-mail: harrow@woodcraft. Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception mess!  0208 416 8989  www.harrowarts.com/family org.uk For more information regarding Harrow Woodcraft Folk visit their web to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Mini Picassos (NW10) After school art courses for children 4-13yrs. Toddler Picassos site: www.harrowwoodcraftfolk.btck.co.uk/HowtoJoin Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. FREE ASSESSMENT. Ofsted Registered.  www. - weekdays at 10am & Tues 2.45-3.45pm: Painting, water play, collage, play dough High Fliers (HA4 & WD7) 11+ tuition for Independent and Grammar school pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk and songs. Ages 15 mnths–3 yrs. Adults evening Life drawing classes. Mini Picassos entrance. Run by highly experienced and qualified prep school teachers offering The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) - Arty Birthday Party for children aged 2-10 years and Summer Holiday workshops a unique and tailored tutoring service.  07949 297070/07534 020868 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play schemes available out of term-time.  0207 407 too!  07903 638 817  www.minipicassos.co.uk [email protected][email protected] www.high-fliers.org.uk 6744.  [email protected] www.theplayshelter.co.uk The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) offers pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities limited The Rainbow Club (various) Specialise in preparing for 3+, 4+ and 5+ entrance Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school day, then take exams. 07850 045 471  [email protected] the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity. They are open will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the SEN homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm  Nicole 07794078452  holidays@activetime. co.uk www.activetime.co.uk register. Reading courses are flexible with home based learning (via computer) 204 1906  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk monitored daily.  Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help  [email protected] (registered therapist) those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Simple Studies (NW4) Offer expert English and Maths tuition for 4-16 year olds AFTER SCHOOL CLUB Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor at their cosy centre in Hendon. They specialise in 11+ entrance exams. Quote integration.  Usha Patel 07766 837 616  [email protected] ‘Familiesmagazine’ and get 10% off your first lesson! 07793 498195  /EDUCATION SUPPORT www.integratedbrain.co.uk www.simplestudies.co.uk JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist across Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, EFL. Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have been the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards.  020 3488 0754  www.jkeducate.co.uk  www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or  Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading Champs Learning (HA1) A very structured tuition course for English, Maths, Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90 reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved success.  020 7683 Science and 11+ exams. Courses run at Harrow College.  020 3004 9007 www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk www.champslearning.co.uk  0734  www.sdeuk.org/swherts Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Offer specialist experience and accelerated Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational weekly learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run popular Summer Stanmore Tutor Stanmore Tutor prepares students thoroughly for the top computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery schools all over and Winter Schools during holidays. 2 hours spent per subject, including English, selective schools ensuring that they reach their maximum potential for that all North West London. Have fun learning with technology: mouse and keyboard skills Maths, Learning to Read and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All programmes important place.  020 3538 2437 and devices including graphic tablets, trackpads and digital microscopes. Every are for ages 3.5 to 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch type! lesson is designed to complement the EYFS curriculum. Free trials available. entrance exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted.   020 8434 7111.  www.clickit-kids.co.uk. [email protected]. Specifically designed courses for children from age 8-18. Highly recommended 01992 651 300  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office in Harrow on the Hill, DiscoG Coding Boot Camp (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) Supplementary School for students aged three and HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.  020 8434 7111. Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Python a half to 11 years undertaking Reading, Maths and English.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. [email protected]. Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and  020 8213 3100 07949 925374 engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping

Families North West London is designed by Bibbysalt and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine 2016. Families North Find even more SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated An independent service covering a range of under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, local listings and Children’s communication difficulties. Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North West London are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter Contact THE NORTHWOOD PRACTICE may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and activities online MRCSLT, HPC distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Call 01923 824074

Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford call: 0208 123 9346 email: [email protected] Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: [email protected]

North West London NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 31