ISSUE 106 MARCH/APRIL 2016 www.familieswest.co.uk

Families West · PO Box 32231 · W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: [email protected] y h p a

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g news views o t o h P

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i New family club in West London L

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r VeryFairyLand is a magical destination for young i o M

families; a family club with a restaurant, play area, and : t i d

e fairy tale adventure tours. While you have a relaxing r c

o meal with friends and family at the restaurant, Hands t o h

P in Pasta, your children can have great fun playing in a specially designed play area, with spectacular play houses set up as a beauty salon, candy shop, library, car garage, magic trees and plenty of toys. Children from ages 2 to 8 years old will enjoy taking part in this 45 minutes' fairy tale Adventure Tour, led by a professional actor. And if you are looking for a venue In this issue: for your child's next party, this may just fit the bill. Their skilled animators organise amazing birthday A very warm welcome to the second issue of 2016. What a relief it is when you wake up on a Spring morning and there parties and other special family occasions. is at least a glimmer of light. While we may not be basking in full VeryFairyLand is at 2 Holcombe Street, sunshine just yet, the feeling to go out and start exploring again after Hammersmith, London W6 9JR. Call them on 020 the long (wet) winter months is almost irresistible for children and 8748 5000 to find out more. www.veryfairyland.com adults alike. It's a perfect time to grab this copy of Families West and start planning some activity. What a great choice we bring you this issue. Enjoy!

In this issue News & Views Page 2 Childcare Page 4 Education Page 6 The Great Easter Egg Hunt/Easter workshops and What’s On in west London Page 14 Classified Section Page 23 & Lemon Tree Montessori and Clubs Classes Page 24 Daycare

Follow us on Twitter St Matthew’s Montessori is opening a sister school in Like us on Facebook Ealing Broadway. The Lemon Tree Montessori and Families West Magazine @FamiliesWest Daycare will follow the Montessori ethos of learning and provide a warm and nurturing environment for children ‘Families West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. aged 6 months to five years. The purpose-built premises All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated has been specifically designed to enhance learning whilst under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, creating a “home from home environment .” The school Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. will operate all year round from 8am to 6pm. Lemon Tree The contents of Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the Montessori & Daycare will take a holistic approach to the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior children’s development so that all aspects of the child are consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the catered for. “A stimulating and safe setting, coupled with publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers qualified and experienced staff, form the basis of our nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence .’ unique approach.” The nursery will open this spring. Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: [email protected] To register your interest please call 07956 228 959 Printed by The MANSON Group Limited, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial or email: [email protected] Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk

2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 news & views

area. This trail is completely free to download from their website Entries open for www.chiswickpier.org.uk/home/ Ealing Half news-and-events/new-the-cpt-river-trail/ . But no peeking at the answers until Marathon’s Mini you’ve finished! Mile For further information on the Pier and The Ealing Mini Mile takes place on how to get there, contact the Chiswick Ealing Half Marathon race day, Pier Trust on: 020 8742 2713. which this year is on Sunday 25th www.chiswickpier.org.uk September and starts at 9.15 am, fifteen minutes after the half marathon. The first Ealing Mini Mile Parents campaign on took place in 2013 and has become school admissions a popular event in the calendar for young runners of all levels aged 6 – criteria 16 who want to be a part of the The schools admission watchdog race day atmosphere and experi - Free Thames Trail has said it will crack down on ‘vex - ence the crossing of the finish line atious complaints’ to faith schools of a big race. This race sells out from the Chiswick from secularist campaign groups. each year and anyone wishing to The groups have made several take part should sign up as soon as Pier Trust objections to the manner in which possible. The runners cover a one Keep fit and find out more about the faith schools refuse students, with - mile route around Ealing’s Lammas Park where the race and charity vil - river at Chiswick. How much do you out fully disclosing their admissions lage are located. A total of 400 know about the Thames Path from criteria. Education secretary Nicky places are available and the age Morgan says that public money is Chiswick Pier to Furnivall Gardens? categories are 6-11 and 12-16 being wasted by the complaints The Chiswick Pier Trust are putting you years. There will be prizes for the and that the new rules will make it to the test with their new Heritage Trail winners of the different age cate - “Easier for parents to have a say.” - perfect for anyone wishing to go for a gories and every runner gets their The Schools Adjudicator Elizabeth finish time. The entry fee for the walk with a difference. This hour-long Passmore says that handling com - walk from Chiswick Pier, Corney Reach Ealing Mini Mile is £7.50 per child plaints against school admission which includes a medal and a t-shirt to is not only policies from those with “No con - for all finishers. http://www.ealing - beautiful, but also informative as it tests nection in terms of seeking a place halfmarathon.com/ealing-mini-mile your knowledge of the area. Do you for their child” is “not good use of know, for instance, the name of the an adjudicator’s time and public famous artist of The Rake’s Progress money.” However, the National and Marriage-à-la-mode who is buried Secular Society has suggested that some parents do not wish to make at St. Nicholas’ Church? a complaint personally but turn to Or which celebrated poet lived in a group such as theirs to help Mawson’s buildings? them. Their spokesman Stephen Chiswick Pier Trust’s Thames Trail Evans says that the new rules provides a wonderful opportunity for will allow faith schools to break families, visitors and locals to explore admission rules with impunity. and discover the hidden histories of the

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3 childcare - Separation anxiety How to help your child - and you - cope with being apart

It can be very upsetting for a parent when their child screams and cries as they try to leave them with someone else, whether it is at a nursery, with a child minder or relative. This distress at leaving a parent is called separation anxiety and it is more extreme than just being clingy.

4 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 All babies, at some point or other in How to cope with separation • Try to leave your baby with only a their development, are likely to experi - anxiety small number of regular people and ence separation anxiety in some for - A baby who has separation anxiety keep her surroundings as familiar as mat. It is very common and completely needs to be constantly and convinc - possible normal. It can happen in phases ingly reassured that your absence • If you know in advance which child (sometimes very short ones) and will does not mean you have gone forever. minder you will be using, invite her not last forever. The only way to prove this is to leave over a couple of times to meet your Babies have to learn the ability to trust her and come back again. There is baby with you around or if your baby so when a parent 'disappears' if they one school of thought that playing will be going to a nursery, pay a few haven’t yet learned to trust, they take the age-old game of peek-a-boo short visits there with her before she it as a fearful or threatening situation. developed from a need to prove to starts there Child psychologists liken it to babies babies that mum can disappear... and • Have a ‘bye bye’ routine so saying using their Stone Age instincts. Little come back again. or waving bye bye to you is a fun ones don’t instinctively know they are One thing is for sure; parents can’t thing safe at nursery school or with Aunty give up their plans or skip going to • Never sneak away when she is not Jane. To them, when mum walks out work because of their child’s tears. looking of the door, they could be eaten by Separation is something children have • Always reassure her you will be tigers! to learn to cope with. It’s all part of returning Of course we know their tears and their emotional journey. • If she is old enough to understand tantrums are misplaced, but that’s not explain you will return “after her nap” to say that it isn’t a difficult thing for ...Nobody wants to think that or “after her teatime .” Give her a time a parent to witness and cope with. their child is panicking and frame to recognise. BUT only if you Nobody wants to think that their child upset when they are being are sure you can stick to it! is panicking and upset when they are • When you’ve said goodbye, GO. being left with someone different or left with someone different Don’t nip back or lurk around watch - somewhere new. or somewhere new... ing her unless you are absolutely cer - At what age does separation tain you won’t be spotted. anxiety affect children? There are some practical things you Separation anxiety often starts at can do to help if your child is showing around the age of eight months and signs of separation anxiety: usually improves around the one year • Your baby may be comforted by a mark when children are starting to soft toy or blanket which they associ - toddle around more actively and have ate with you Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and lots on their mind to keep them dis - • Try to time your leaving spells when influential pregnancy and baby channel. tracted and entertained. your baby is awake and alert. If she is Working in partnership with The Royal College However, the anxiety sometimes tired, hungry or grouchy then her of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than returns at around the age of two, tears could get out of hand 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new when children become more aware of • Practice leaving your child for short parents with the very best medical and practical their own independence, the world spells (15 minutes at a time to start information. around them and their feelings. with) with a friend or relative Visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 5 childcare

Visit us online at: www.familieswest.co.uk for lots of things to do, places to go and see regularly updated family related articles.      



 

Learning through play the Little Stars way… Little Stars is a new independent day nursery providing childcare that meets the need of each individual child and their family. We understand that the importance of the early years in a child’s general development cannot be over-emphasised. Little Stars Nursery opened on 7th September 2015, providing childcare for 2-5 year olds between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. For more information please feel free to contact us at: [email protected] Tel: 020 8896 9500 Holy Family Parish Hall · Vale Lane · London W3 0DY www.littlestarsealing.co.uk

6 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016

Baby’s development milestones

Learn how your baby will grow and change in her first year...

As your newborn ‘uncurls’ forwards or backwards, from the foetal position probably at around seven she will stretch out her or eight months. By the body and her muscles will end of her first year she'll begin to strengthen. At probably be on her feet, first she will have no con - 'cruising' round the furni - trol over her head, but as ture. Once she can stand it her neck muscles become won't be long before she stronger she will start to lift begins to walk unaided. and the sharp contrast of baby, while toys that are her head and be able to Sitting up black and white patterns. too young will quickly hold it for a few seconds This requires a different set A mobile hung over the become boring. Libraries at a time. You can help to of movements and it’ll cot, a baby gym with toys often have toys that can be encourage this by giving probably be around eight hanging from the bars borrowed, but do sterilise her short periods of time months before your baby that she can reach out for anything that may end up on her tummy. By three can sit unaided and can and a safety mirror placed in your baby’s mouth. months she will probably reach out for things. where she can see herself, be holding her head up Before this, once she has will give hours of Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most quite steadily. neck control, you can prop entertainment. trusted and influential pregnancy Rolling around her up surrounded by Choosing toys and baby channel. Working in part - Once your baby can control cushions. This way, if she Any toys your baby has nership with The Royal College of her head she will begin to topples over she doesn't should always be appropri - General Practitioners (RCGP) for move her body - first from hurt herself. ate to her age. Toys for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with side to side and then from Developing other older children will be too the very best medical and practical back to front, or front to senses complicated and may have information. back. At first these move - Your baby needs plenty small parts which could be Visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk ments are accidental, but of sensory experiences, dangerous to a young your baby will soon realise such as touch and sound, that they allow her a differ - in order to develop her ent view of the world and senses. Playing sound- she will practise them over tracking games, using and over again until she's rattles and toys that make able to control them. a noise, will help her to Getting ready to crawl learn how to locate differ - By the time she’s four or ent sounds. ‘Feely’ toys five months old your baby that your baby can press, will be able to lift her head, stroke and crinkle, as well shoulders, arms and legs as those with different off the floor when you put textured surfaces, will help her down on her front. her find out about touch. These new movements are During these early months the early stages of crawl - your baby will also begin to ing. Although she won't be develop hand-eye co-ordi - going anywhere yet, she'll nation and manipulative keep practising until she is skills. She will be attracted able to move herself, either to bright primary colours

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 7 Skincare for kids Article by Radhika Holmstrom

We’ve triaged them, Keep an eye on child’s face. so you don’t have to... • Eczema Try: putting a little piece of duct some of the common Start by using lots - and I mean tape over the wart/verruca. Every skin problems parents lots - of gentle, un-fragranced six days, remove and soak the moisturiser (see if you can get wart, and scrub off dead skin with encounter this on prescription). But if you an emery board. It may do the job Treat at home spot cracking or other signs of naturally… • Dry skin infection, get to the doctor, as a Apply unperfumed, gentle topical steroid cream may be Take to the doctor moisturiser and use wash prod - needed on prescription. • Impetigo ucts specifically designed for kids, Avoid: using over-the-counter These itchy sores aren’t too the more natural, the better. aqueous cream as a moisturiser, serious but they’re unpleasant children, visit the NHS website as it can irritate. It’s designed for and highly contagious, so get to and search for skin problems in Most of the lotions and creams the bath. the GP for antibiotic creams or babies: you’ll find are based on petroleum Try: a quick body-search. If your tablets, which will clear them up http://www.nhs.uk/ jelly but if you’d prefer a more child has five palm’s worth of quickly. conditions/skin-rash-babies natural option, there are lots eczema, it’s likely to be more than of gentle oil-based products just a ‘mild’ case. • Psoriasis Radhika Holmstrom has a strong available. Just remember that This isn’t always serious - it’s the background in health journalism. essential oils can also irritate. • Warts and verrucas result of a build-up of skin cells - She has also written for many Plain coconut oil works well. When treating them, make sure but it can be and of course the consumer and specialist Avoid: olive oil, especially for the product you buy is suitable flaky patches can be quite magazines. Whilst she focuses on babies. It’s not great for the skin for children - check with the upsetting to live with too. The health, parenting and learning barrier (so might lead to a nastier pharmacist. These usually look recommendation is that you see issues, she has also written widely skin condition). nastier than they are but if they the GP, who should be able to on environmental and ethical Try : oats in the bath (put them in become bothersome or change in offer treatments from creams to issues. She is a visiting lecturer a knotted popsock to keep them some way, see the GP. UV light therapy. at Middlesex University, lecturing from turning it into porridge) for Avoid: putting wart treatments For more advice and tips on to undergraduates and post- a cut-price skin soother. which contain salicylic acid on a dealing with skin problems in graduates on feature-writing .

8 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016

Are we THERE yet? Our top tips on how to survive long car journeys with the kids By Sally J. Hall Travelling long distances with kids tablets at home, this is when they can be tricky. They get bored, they are worth their weight in gold. Give need entertaining, they argue and each child their favourite film, and of course headphones. If you only they think even a short journey is have one tablet, you can buy an the longest ever! inexpensive converter for two sets of Here are some ways to get there headphones. Then you don’t have without going grey in the process. to hear “Let It Go” fifteen times. Create a magical destination If they are getting really stir crazy, • Take a change of clothing. If the children know where you’re classical music can calm them. going and what they’ll find when Try Mozart clarinet and string • If your child gets car sick, encour - you get there, they can be more concertos, ballet music, Radio 3 or age them to look at the horizon and enthusiastic about the journey. Classic FM. pack a few plastic bags! Find out facts about your destination, make them a booklet Know where you’re going • Take some colouring books and they can fill in with things they spot Make sure you have directions to pens or pencils, sticker books and and have a ‘prize’ when they get where you’re going or invest in a games. there for being good. Satnav. If you don’t have one, you can use a map package on your • Take pillows and blankets. Pack Snacks smartphone, or alternatively get a Kids get bored if energy levels drop, helping hand from the AA ( aa.com ). • Keep a mini first aid kit in the car. so pack snacks they can nibble on along the way; rice cakes, crackers, Other Essential Tips: • Allow more time than you need to crisps and mini sandwiches are ideal. • Travel at a time when your allow for traffic jams. However, let the front passenger children would usually be sleeping control these so they don’t eat them or napping. all at once. Always save sweet treats Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting until last and make sure drinks are in • Take plenty of loo breaks and a spill-proof cups. titles as well as The Independent and portable potty. The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to ‘Watch Play Games • Take exercise breaks to allow My Baby Grow’ (Dorling Kindersley). Why not play the spotting game. them to let off steam. Some service The kids win points for every animal stations have play rooms. they notice - on pub signs, shops, etc. - and the winner gets to pick what you spot next. If you’re feeling really generous, you could offer a small prize.

You can also have endless discussions about whether mythical creatures like dragons count or not.

Alternatively, spot coloured cars - yellow and blue are unusual enough to be worth it.

Play Music or Films Whilst you might restrict the use of

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 9 education Article By Justine Crow

How to Help Your Child Enjoy Bedtime Reading We’ve all been there - it’s bed - time, everybody is tired and a little grumpy because homework, bath-time and tooth-brushing all have to happen when both the grown-ups and the children are at their weariest. So perhaps the best answer to create a calm environment after the mayhem is a good bedtime story.

It’s never to early to start a bedtime manageable pieces or chapters and Bedtime stories are also great for story routine. Babies are soothed by leave another exciting instalment for educating your child or sharing the sound of your voice, so make the next night. As they grow older news with them. For example, a sure you have a comfy chair in the and can read by themselves, you good story can encourage them to nursery to settle down in. Soon, can encourage their interest in a learn to swim or potty train and your baby will learn to recognise this story by reading the first part to even welcome a new sibling. as their bedtime story moment. them at bedtime, then allow them to continue the story by themselves Many books on subjects such as When they are a bit older, reading the next day. Try to find time to these have been used by parents together is not just an opportunity discuss the plot and the characters to get over tricky stages. Local to bond with your child but also to to ensure they understand what’s bookshops and libraries can advise help establish and maintain a good going on and to explain any ‘big’ you on the best titles to choose bedtime routine, which is vital in words they may not have come depending on the event or situation getting the kids off to sleep at a across before; This is a great way to and many online book companies sensible hour. For older children, this improve vocabulary. categorise books by subject, so it is a time to explore your child’s As the books become more difficult, should be quite easy to find what imagination, as story time becomes you’ll find the number of illustra - you need. Have a quick read a shared time of fantasy. tions also decrease. However, it’s through the book yourself before important to recognize that images sharing it with your child to make Consistency is good and a regular are still important to your child’s sure it says what you want it to. treat at bedtime gives your child understanding and imagination. something to look forward to. Having time to ourselves with a It also does no harm at all to By the time your child is able to great book is something that adults enforce the idea of reading as a read lots of text without any help really appreciate and once they’ve positive thing for your child. from you, it’s time to step back and got the hang of it, children also allow them to read what they benefit from winding down with There’s no harm in choosing your choose for themselves before going something to read. In the words of child’s favorite book for their first to sleep. Be prepared for the fact Dr Suess: “Today was good. Today story time. However, ensure the end that they may have different tastes was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” to you and their siblings. It’s still a of the story is calm and soothing to Justine Crow is the author of ‘The good idea to set a time limit before help your little one drift off. Little Book of Nits’ published by lights out even now, as otherwise Bloomsbury. A parent of three, she you might find your child still As your child grows you’ll find story- owns her own bookshop with her gripped by their book at midnight! time becomes longer. This is a great partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, Don’t abandon the idea of reading opportunity to encourage your child and is a qualified swimming teacher. together completely; every so often, to listen for longer periods of time And in what little spare time she has, you could offer to finish a chapter without interrupting. she also runs gastronomic writing for them to save their tired eyes; retreat courses in France and is the they’ll use that time for their own Soon you will be able to choose food critic of The Transmitter. long stories and break them up into thoughts and fantasies.

10 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 11 education Article By Liat Hughes Joshi

How to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy

Literacy and numeracy building, climbing trees or are central to your playing with friends. child’s learning in pri - Find out about the methods mary school and will their school uses to ensure underpin many of the consistency subjects they’ll cover If you want to do some work at during their secondary home, it will help your son or education. They are of daughter greatly if the methods course crucial to later you use are consistent with those life too. they’re being taught at school – otherwise you can do more harm Whether they’re already acing than good by confusing them. their algebra or still struggling Reading and aspects of numeracy with basic sums, here are some are both typically taught quite ideas on how to give these key differently to when most of us skills a boost. were children, so do attend any curriculum information evenings A little extra learning at home the school holds, or ask their can work wonders... but don’t teacher for more information go overboard! about methods. Realistically, it isn’t always possi - ble for teaching staff in busy Employ tech to your classrooms of 30 pupils to provide advantage the one-on-one attention children There are some brilliant educa - benefit from - perhaps looking at tional apps and websites out Web link: https://www.familieson - challenging classic together, improving handwriting or listen - there with masses of kid appeal. line.co.uk/locations/national/edu - taking it in turns to read a page ing to reading daily. By sitting Try to find ones which align with cation-childcare/education-and- before talking about what’s going with your child and working on the National Curriculum (or at schools/eight-of-the-best-educa - on. specific areas, you can make a least use British English to avoid tional-apps-for-primary-school- huge difference to their attain - conflict with what’s done at children Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ ment. Keep it sensible though - school). into everyday activities even just ten or fifteen minutes Many of the best apps have an Encourage reading Sneak some maths and literacy a day for Key Stage 1 children in-built system of rewards and Reading opens the door to almost into their day-to-day life and you can have an impact, yet still some even provide parents with endless learning and enjoyment. can improve their skills without it leaves hours and hours for Lego progress reports. Some children are naturally feeling like schoolwork. Adding enthused by books, others need up the cost of the shopping, more nudging to get the reading dividing the bill in a restaurant, bug. Firstly, encourage any read - playing Monopoly or snakes and ing at all - be it comics, maga - ladders, budgeting for that much- zines, the back of the cereal pack - longed for Christmas present or et - without worrying much about helping with cooking are all bril - what they are reading. Also try liant but subtle numeracy activi - and home in on your child’s inter - ties. For literacy, writing shop - ests and give them books that ping lists, sending a postcard or work with these - reluctant read - email to the grandparents, or ers might gain confidence with finding a pen pal might all help. non-fiction relating to their hob - bies, or a football-mad child might enjoy some sporty tales and Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting then decide fiction is for them. journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old- Bedtime stories are a crucial fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How opportunity to snuggle up dis - to Unplug Your Child’ (both cussing books together. They’re published by Summersdale) and still beneficial even once children ‘Raising Children: The Primary can read independently - parents Years’ (Pearson). of older kids could take on a more

12 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 If you are planning an Open Day event, please send the information to us at: [email protected]

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 13 The Great Easter Egg Hunt Keep up this fun tradition with your children this Easter

of where you have hidden all the eggs. You don’t want to find melted chocolate later on where the kids have failed to notice those eggs under a sofa cushion!

Some nice ideas to do the day before, especially if it’s raining... Encourage the children to decorate the bags or bowls that they and their friends will use for collecting the eggs in. If you’re using paper bags, make potato stamps and use poster paints to stamp on bold egg or bunny shape designs, then add stickers or glitter. If you have found little wicker baskets, line them with straw or shredded paper and tie ribbons to the handles. If you’re using plastic flower pots, tie a ribbon around each and add a paper label with the child’s name on it.

Where can you do an Easter Egg hunt? At home, inside the house . This is particularly good if the weather is bad and as Easter is very early this year, it Easter means different things to Easter morning. For many parents, may be cold or wet. Make sure you different people; for some it’s a the planning and organising before - lock or mark out-of-bounds rooms religious celebration, for others a hand is almost as much fun as watch - that you don’t want the children in - few days off work and the chance ing the kids chasing around trying to such as the kitchen and your own to meet up with friends and fami - find where you have hidden the eggs. bedroom. ly for meals and outings together. First, the shopping list In the garden. If it’s fine, this is But for the kids it is quite simple; • You’ll need a few eggs per child - ideal. Don’t put the eggs out the it means time off school and plen - perhaps one large one each and then night before though, as animals may ty of Easter eggs! So why not several eggs of smaller sizes and eat them, leave this until the morning. organise an Easter Egg Hunt with colours. Look for bumper packs that As an extra cute idea, why not make your children and their friends! will be cheaper to buy than lots of bunny footprints near each hidden Here’s how to make this year’s individual eggs. egg? Cut the shape out of a piece of Easter’s egg hunt one that will be • Next, you need holders for the chil - card and sprinkle flour or talcum talked about for years to come. dren to collect the eggs in. Though powder through the template. this could be as simple as paper bags, What is an Easter Egg Hunt? you could find some inexpensive bas - In the woods. If you live near If you’ve never done this before, you - kets in a craft shop, some plastic some open space, gather the kids and your kids - are in for a treat. The bowls or even washed plastic flower and their parents together and day or evening before Easter Sunday, pots. delegate one or two members of the the grown-ups go around the house • If you don’t want the kids to over - grown-ups to keeping them amused and possibly the garden too, includ - dose on sugar, a few small gifts may (perhaps with an egg themed story) ing any safe sheds or garages, hiding be nice among all the eggs. Perhaps until the other adults have planted Easter eggs and other treats. some small books or colouring pens. the eggs and clues around. Then the kids have to find them on • The final thing you’ll need is a list Then let the little ones loose!

14 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 Make it better There are some fabulous If you want to increase the amount of organised Easter egg hunts that Some ground rules time the hunt takes up, you could all the family can participate in all over West London. We list a few So that the children all feel they have have some challenges or activities below but do check back on the been treated fairly and for safety, have along the way. For example, when some rules. they all get to a particular place, they Families West website for more • When they have collected three could sit down on a picnic blanket for additions: www.familieswest.co.uk eggs, they must come back to ‘base’ an Easter themed story, or play some before going off again. This gives games like “What’s The Time, Mister 19 Mar-10 Apr Lindt Chocolate them all a chance to find plenty of Wolf?” This helps to slow down the Trail at Gardens. Join the eggs. hunt and to let off steam too. hunt, solve the educational clues • Make sure you give the kids bound - and receive a chocolate bunny. aries that they must not stray outside. Give us a clue Also take part in a bean to bar If they go into the garden, make sure If you wish, you can add an extra workshop while you’re there and any gates or openings to the road are dimension to a hunt, especially for learn more about what you’re guarded by an adult and unsafe older children, with clues. Think about eating! www.kew.org sheds or outhouses are locked. If where you can hide eggs and then you’re in the woods or a park, place make up a clue about that place. For 25-28 Mar Cadbury Georgian small kids with grown-ups or much example, if you have hidden some in Easter Egg Hunt at Osterley older children for safety. the washing machine (unplug for Park . Read the clues, look on • Children could be asked to collect safety), you could have a clue about the map and find the eggs in different colour eggs each - you can ‘Where clothes go for a bath’ and so Osterley’s Georgian gardens. achieve this by wrapping eggs in sev - on. You could also make a map and 10am-4pm, £3, advanced booking eral different colours of tissue or have clues that they find as they fol - not required. wrapping paper. Alternatively, you low the map around. This could be www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley- could have different colours for very themed; they might be looking for park-and-house/whats-on small children and make them much numbered easier to spot but have the slightly pictures of bunnies tied into the trees 27, 28 Mar Easter trail at better hidden ones nearby for older if you’re in the woods, they could be Fulham Palace . The Museum and kids. pirates looking for buried treasure in garden are full of clues, find them • Get older children to pair up with the garden (and could dress up too) all and win a chocolate egg. younger ones to help them. or fairies looking for magic eggs in £2 per child, no booking • Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs the house. necessary. Children must be as they find them - they have to bring Use your imagination! accompanied by an adult. Suitable them all back to base. for ages 2+.1pm-3.30pm. • Once the game is over, allow them www.fulhampalace.org to eat one or two and then the rest Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who should be taken home. has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of ‘Eco Baby’ and contributing author to ‘Watch My Baby Grow’ (Dorling Kindersley).

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular Easter drama workshops at More House School, 22 - 24 Pont Street SW1 from 5th - 7th April for ages 4 - 6 & 7- 11 from 9.30am - 3.30pm. The children will have fun with games, prop making and working towards a show that they will perform to family and friends on the last day. Fee £150 with a 20% sibling discount. To book please call: 020 8969 3249 or visit: www.allsortsdrama.com

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 15 what’s on

5, 7 Apr LITTLE FEET: PUT ON THEIR SHOES EASTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS DIARY DATES Put your best foot forward and explore the wonderful world of shoes. Try on some specials shoes, have a go at SPORTS AND CRAFTS CAMP 6 Mar MOTHER’S DAY Time to put your feet up mums. lacing, move your feet to the music and help teddy put on Dads- plan something nice for the kids. SUPERCAMPS 28 Mar-8 Apr (date depends on her socks. For under 5s from 11am-1pm, free, drop-in. See: www.familieswest.co.uk location) Super Camps daily activity camps are the DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and for great suggestions in West London. perfect way to put the magic back into the school school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, holidays. The programme is jam-packed with fun for ages 7+ (unless stated). 6 Mar CHISWICK PIER TRUST MOTHERING SUN - activities that will keep your children entertained for See the Families West What’s on widget online for details hours, and the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating gives you the DAY CRUISE A river cruise from Chiswick Pier to Westminster and back with the option to treat your family peace of mind that your children are in the best possible FOUNDLING MUSEUM to afternoon tea on board. www.chiswickpier.org.uk care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, and arts WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk and crafts. No two days are the same and the price 10 Mar DURSTON HOUSE SCHOOL 17 Mar, 14 Apr BACH TO BABY An innovative includes all activities. West London locations include OPEN MORNING 9.15-11.45am. See the Pre-Prep (age classical babies’ concert created by mum and pianist, Ealing and Kensington. 4-7), Junior School (age 7-9), Middle and Upper Schools Miaomiao Yu, inspired by Handel. 10.30-11.30am. www.supercamps.co.uk (age 9-13). Contact the Registrar for further details. Adults £10, children free. 26 Mar FAMILY WORKSHOP: ILLUSTRATED BOOK FRENCH 020 8991 6532. [email protected] www.durstonhouse.org BINDING Join artist Daniel Lehan to create and illustrate CLUB PETIT PIERROT W2, NW8, SW3 4-8 Apr a story inspired by characters featured in the exhibition Fun French Immersion Easter Holiday Clubs for children to 12 Mar CLIFTON LODGE SCHOOL OPEN DAY Drawing on Childhood. Learn traditional methods of have fun and flourish while doing lots of arts and crafts, 10am-12noon. Contact the Registrar for further details. bookmaking to produce a bound copy of your own story. cooking, drama, outdoor sporty games, singing and learn - 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, London W5 5BG 10.30am-4.30pm for age 5+ ing French effortlessly at the same time. For ages 3-5 and 020 85579 3662. 5 Apr FAMILY WORKSHOP: SHH! WE HAVE A 6-8. From 9am-1pm or from 9am-3pm, in Notting Hill, St [email protected] PLAN Illustrator Chris Haughton leads a very special John's Wood/ and Chelsea. admincpp@btcon - www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk family workshop inspired by his hilarious children’s book nect.com Shh! Join in on a fun adventure to capture a beautiful bird perched high in a tree, using puppets and … 020 7385 5565. 24 Mar WEAR A HAT DAY FOR BRAIN TUMOUR www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk RESEARCH The Premier Brain Tumour Awareness event collage.10.30am-4.30pm for age 5+ in the UK, helping to support long-term, life-saving 23 Apr SPINNING TALES Led by artist Jan Cullen, DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING research. Register to receive your free fundraising pack, explore characters in the exhibition Drawing on Childhood PERFORM DRAMA W4, W8, W11, SW7 then visit the Hatter’s Workshop for all your hatty extras; and create an optical toy that brings the story of these 30 Mar-1 Apr (4-6 Apr in Kensington). Perform from posters to quizzes, hat-templates to merchandise child heroes to life. Sessions at 10.30am, 1 and 3pm. Wizard of Oz Easter holiday workshops for children aged order forms. www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday For age 5+ 4-7. Three full days (10am-3pm) of fun-packed drama, IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM dance and singing in the company of Dorothy, the 25-28 Mar EASTER WEEKEND Time for an Easter egg Scarecrow and the Tin Man. The course ends with hunt. Look through our What’s On listings and find out SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk a colourful performance on the last day. where they are taking place in and around West London. EXHIBITIONS: www.perform.org.uk/wizard HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of 27 Mar Watch it locally at Chiswick rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 Pier, bar open from 2pm. Big screens available to watch of the Jews and other groups before and during the 8 Apr Musical Theatre workshop based on “Annie.” the start and finish, and live as the boats pass from Second World War. For ages 14+ High energy fun with singing, dancing, art and design Chiswick Eyot past the Pier and through to the final bend A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William with a chance to showcase to parents at 3pm. before . BBQ, drinks, cakes and ice and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in For ages 5-11, 9.45-3.30pm. creams for all the family. www.chiswickpier.org.uk London was like during the war. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, 24 Apr LONDON MARATHON Take a trip with the covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. ART family to cheer on the runners. All the info you need at: FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - PAINT POTS W2 and SW7 11-15 Apr Creative www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/event- Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, sessions of Art, craft, music and games led by info/spectator-info letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a experienced teachers. Book a full week or individual 23 Apr NCT KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA NEARLY recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along sessions. Unaccompanied sessions for ages 3-6, 9.30am NEW SALE Top-quality baby and children’s clothes and with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily until 12.30pm or 3.30pm. Accompanied sessions for ages equipment at bargain prices straight from their owners. life was like for the troops. 18 months-3 years from 3-4.30pm. 10am - 12 noon. Doors open to the public at 10:15. 6, 13, 20 Mar, every Sat and Sun in Apr OBJECT CONVERSATIONS Immersive object handling … Call 020 7223 0123. Venue: Westbourne Grove Church, Westbourne Grove, www.paint-pots.co.uk Notting Hill W11 2R sessions where families can explore objects from the col - lections. Feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First CORNER 9 W10 26 Mar Easter special Art session for 7 May ORLEY FARM SCHOOL OPEN MORNING World War and come to grips with real objects from our children age 5+ Make, draw, paint and model Easter 10am - 12noon and Wednesday mornings by collections. 11am and 2pm, for all ages. decoration. 10am - 12noon. appointment. www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk 6, 13, 20 Mar, 17, 24 Apr CREATIVE RESPONSE www.corner9.com Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and MUSIC MUSEUMS & GALLERIES 2 - 4pm. MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 19, 20 Mar, 30 Apr, 1 May INTRODUCTION TO 7 Apr Instrumental Extravaganza-Try a fabulous range BRITISH MUSEUM THE HOLOCAUST This free discussion and replica object of orchestral and percussive instruments with a musical WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org handling session is a useful starting point for families with adventure. Available instruments of the orchestra include 16 Mar LITTLE FEET: MARCH TO THE MUSIC children aged 11+ who wish to learn about the Cornet, Trumpet, French horn, Fife, Violin, Piano, A morning of music and marching for under 5s and their Holocaust. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Keyboards, Percussion, Guitar, Ukulele, Flute, Clarinet. parents and carers. Look for objects that inspire you to Museums and Days Out listings continue £5, for ages 4-11, 2pm. make sounds, sing a song and move your body. on page 18 www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk Free, drop-in, 10.30am-12 noon.

16 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 17 what’s on CONTINUED

25 Mar-10 Apr FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: NATIONAL GALLERY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM MAKE A MOVING ANIMATION Create your own WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk unique spinning drawing, based on a popular 19th SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for century toy called a Thaumatrope. Mark 100 years since Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm. the introduction of the iconic British Brodie helmet during Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2- the First World War and come up with your own hat and Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that 5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am - 12pm. Fly away helmet drawings, and find out how to make them move form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different like an animation. 11am-4pm. work. Drop-in, 11am-5pm. painting each day. 6, 26 Mar MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a 6 Mar, 3 Apr FAMILY WALK AND TALK A walk LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. around the gallery, talking about pictures to make them (11.30am and 2pm). WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk come alive. 12, 30 Mar, 6, 9 Apr ANIMAL VISION A show 1, 8, 15, 22 Mar SINGING AND STORIES FOR THE DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as which features live animals, reveals a world only visible to UNDER 5s Join in around the parachute for a fun-filled inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptations session of singing, movement and stories. Sing your 2pm. Drop-in. allow them to escape predators and locate prey. favourite transport songs and learn some new ones. Get 13 Mar, 17 Apr FRAMED Make a personal frame with 10.30am for age 7+ hands-on with a real object from the Museum’s collection predella scenes all about your life and the journeys you 19 Mar, 23 Apr DINO SNORES Ever wondered what and listen to a story about getting around by boat, horse have made. goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? bus, train, tube, bus or taxi. 10.45am, 12, 1.45 and 3pm. 10 Apr THE TONE ZONE Discover how tonal drawings 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live The Museum’s All Aboard play zone is perfect for younger help artists to paint their wonderful paintings. animal shows and more. For ages 7-11. visitors as it lets kids play conductor on a real bus, repair STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start 20 Mar, 10 Apr CHARLES DARWIN Meet Charles a mini Tube train with toy spanners, and work in the ‘Lost in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (11am and Darwin, he will share his collection of beetles and tell you Property’ office. Children with a passion for art will love 2pm). his famous theory of evolution. the new London by Design gallery, where an innovative 6 Mar, 3 Apr FIGURING FORM Explore examples of 27, 29, 31 Mar, 5, 7 Apr PUPPETS-CHICKEN audio-visual display projects a river of images on the floor movement and musculature in paintings, and transform LICKEN The puppeteer and her friend Chicken Licken will which leads visitors on a journey to certain showcases in the painted image into a 3D object using wire, wax and engage the whole family about the amazing world of the exhibition. modroc. birds. 12 and 1.30pm. 20 Mar CAPTURE A CREATURE Find your favourite creature in the gallery and turn it into a colourful print. SCIENCE MUSEUM 2, 9, 16 Mar, 13, 20, 27 Apr WELCOME SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk nurturing every step WEDNESDAYS Bring paintings to life through interac - 16 Apr SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 tive music, storytelling, art and messy play activities. Every Baby Massage: year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age From 6 weeks to crawling shows, and a sleepover at the museum. five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers. Children’s Yoga HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM Adventures: For ages 2+ 28-30 Mar, 4-6 Apr HUNDREDS OF HATS Drop-in SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk workshop. Find the incredible range of hats in the Call Clare on 07528 688 734 Every Sat in March and 25 Mar-3 Apr Gallery’s paintings, and make your own with an Easter www.milestonesbabymassage.com POP UP PERFORMANCES Storytelling, interactive twist. Free, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. For age 2+ plays and dance. For all ages at 11am, 1 and 3pm. 28 Mar, 4 Apr MESSY MONDAYS: EXPLORING Free, drop in THE STUDIO Drop-in session for children under 5 years. Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design Become a mini artist by exploring materials and mark challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your making in a tactile environment inspired by a painting. own. 10.30am-5pm/ For age 5+ 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm. 25 Mar-27 Apr IMAGINATION STATION Explore the 29 Mar, 5 Apr TALKING TUESDAYS iconic images of Botticelli and create your own piece of INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to art. 10.30am-5pm for ages 3+ Free, drop in. life through singing, talking and playing. For under 5s. 25 Mar-27 Apr DIGITAL KIDS Create a postcard 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm. souvenir and transport yourself into Botticelli paintings with green screen photography. Free, drop-in for age 5+ NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY 10.30am-5pm. WC2H OHE www.npg.org.uK FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND 20 Mar DROP-IN FAMILY SESSION: PUTTING ON ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back- Arabic for Women THE GLITZ Drop-in to the pop-up fashion photography Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery studio to create a family portrait inspired by the glitz and adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4 and Children glamour of portraits in Vogue 100. With a range of props to 11. and costumes on hand, photographer Marysa Dowling Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to Families welcome – will help you create a family photograph. 1 and 3pm. create collages and pictures to take home. For ages 3+ Agent Animal Bag: A sensory activity bag that has Goal Oriented 28 Mar-1 Apr FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag con - A GOLDEN AGE A week of ticketed and drop-in ses - tains an audio map and fabric cubes. • Dynamic • Innovative sions inspired by Russian and the Arts, with a range of activities including storytelling and print-making. V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD • E ective • Native Female 11am-4pm., all ages. E2 9PA www.vam.ac.uk/moc 17 Apr DROP-IN FAMILY SESSION: Teacher (& mother of 3!) Until 9 Oct NEW EXHIBITION: THE CLANGERS, ADVENTURES AND INVENTIONS Explore and BAGPUSS & CO . The original puppets alongside archive discover hidden stories of inventors and adventurers in footage, sets and storyboards, photos, scripts and filming Call Reem on the Collection - from the inventor of the world wide web equipment, all set in a playful recreation of Oliver and Tim Berners-Lee to Gertrude Bell, the uncrowned queen of Peter’s film studio. Free. 07956 845 053 the desert. For age 7+ at 1 and 3pm. 25-27 Mar SMALL FILMS MARATHON Back-to-back screenings of animated classics including the Clangers,

18 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 Bagpuss, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for FULHAM PALACE Engine. Free. Drop-in, all ages 2-4pm. DAYS OUT ages 2+.1pm-3.30pm 28 Mar-1 Apr DRAGONS AND SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 30 Mar MAKE YOUR OWN BISHOP’S CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS UNICORNS ARTICULATED PUPPET every Mon and Tues THE PALACE MITRE FAMILY DROP-IN A mitre is a WORKSHOP Make beautiful 2D moving W4 2QN www.chgt.org.uk EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and special hat worn by a bishop. Make and paper puppets inspired by the exhibition. Until 16 Mar MAGICAL LANTERN toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. decorate your own bishop’s mitre to wear For ages 5-12, 10.15am-3.15pm. FESTIVAL Experience amazing £3 per child, which includes a drink and and take home with you. £2 per child, no 28, 29, 31 Mar, 1 Apr COSMIC illuminations of art and light through healthy snack. booking necessary. Children must be SHOEBOX WORKSHOP Create your giant sculpted lanterns in a variety of 1, 29 Mar, 5, 26 Apr PALACE accompanied by an adult. Suitable for own imaginary world in a shoe box. forms and structures. Soak up the buzzing STORIES History of the palace brought ages 2+. 2-3.30pm, For ages 5-12, 10.30am-3.30pm. carnival atmosphere with live cultural to life in these tales of the characters who 3 Apr MUSEUM DROP-IN During this 20 Mar MAKE DO AND MEND staged performances, tease your taste lived there. Free, no booking necessary. Stone Age themed family drop-in, try on CRITTERS WEDNESDAY buds with a range of international cuisines 19 Mar YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ period costume, handle artefacts and learn Upcycle everyday textiles into weird and and meander through the market and take CLUB: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR about the history of Fulham Palace. 2- wonderful creatures. For ages 5-12, home a beautiful lantern of your choice to ARCHAEOLOGY Looking at how aerial 3.30pm. Free. 10.30am-3.30pm. adorn your home. photography can be used by archaeolo - gists. 10.30am-12.15pm. WALLACE COLLECTION CUTTY SARK 27, 28 Mar EASTER TRAIL The Museum and garden are full of clues, find W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Days Out listings continue them all and win a chocolate egg! £2 per 6 Mar, 3 Apr THE LITTLE DRAW Every weekend CUTTY SARK on page 20 child, no booking necessary. Children must Free drop-in drawing workshop for all CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear ages and abilities with artist Millie Nice. Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to 1:30 - 4:30pm, all ages. life by characters from the ship’s past. 29 Mar PIXEL ART Using ‘Hama’ beads Suitable for ages 3+ work with artist Hattie Moore to create a Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring very special pixelated version of your your little sailors along for songs, stories From Baby to Ballerina favourite painting or object in the Wallace and playtime on board. 2-4pm for ages 4 Classes for Boys and Girls aged 2 1/2 to 16 years old Collection. 10:30am and 2pm, £7 for age and under. Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances 6+ Booking essential via 020 75639 527 5, 6 Mar FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: or [email protected] PORT OF LONDON Help create a 31 Mar PAINTING PORTRAITS Learn modern port of London with famous how to paint a portrait using acrylic paints buildings and places that are important to with artist Alison Kusner. Explore some of you. 11am and 2pm for all ages. the different portraits before learning how 25-28 Mar EASTER EGG HUNT to work with acrylics, including working Cutty Sark’s chickens have been laying with both a brush and palette knife, build - their eggs in some strange places, how ing up layers to create your final picture many can you spot around the ship? Join which you will paint onto a special oval in the hunt for a chance to win a family Classes held in: shaped canvas. 10.30am-3.30pm, for ticket to Camp Bestival. All ages. Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, ages 9-13, £12. 29-31 Mar LAND YACHTS Make your Oxford Street, Shepherds To book phone 020 75639 527 or email: own amazing land yacht powered by the Bush and South Kensington [email protected] wind, and take part in some fun science 8 Apr DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: demos to find out about ships and sailing. BADGE OF HONOUR Look at paintings 11.30am and 2pm for all ages. and objects that reflect the spring season. 2, 3 Apr MUSICAL STATUES Make a Draw your favourites before using them fabulous head-dress to wear in a game of and different collage techniques to create musical statues underneath the ship. your own badge back in our studio. 11am and 2pm for all ages. Free, drop-in. Free, drop-in for ages 5+ 5-7 Apr CUTTY SARK COMICS 11am-1pm. Take inspiration from the ship’s many characters and stories to design your own comic strip. 11am and 2pm for all ages.

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 19 what’s on CONTINUED

6 Apr BIRD SCULPTURES FAMILY DROP-IN HMS BELFAST Create your own Fulham Palace bird sculpture on the SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk TW9 3AF www.kew.org main lawn. £2 per child, no booking necessary. Children ONGOING: See the biggest displays of spring colour in the must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for ages GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE A chance to see what country. Five million bulbs including snowdrops, 2+.2pm-3.30pm fighting at sea would have really been like. Lights, audio, crocuses, and daffodils in a riot of colour. In April, and, 9 Apr LITTLE GREEN FINGERS projections and movement will recreate the experience, look out for the 250 magnificent magnolias across the GARDENING SESSION Learn how vegetables and highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that Gardens. flowers grow and have a go at seed sowing in the garden would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space 19 Mar-10 Apr EASTER ACTIVITIES Include arts beds and other fun gardening activities. at any one time. and crafts workshops. 10.30am-12pm INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM The nerve • LINDT CHOCOLATE TRAIL: Join the hunt, solving centre and brain of the entire ship which now has the educational clues with the Lindt Gold Bunny and exciting interactive activities. every child receives a chocolate bunny. KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: • BEAN TO BAR WORKSHOPS: Get hands-on and 5, 6 Mar LIVE HISTORIC COOKERY The Tudor 12, 13 Mar CRACKING CODES Intercept messages, make your own chocolate and explore the production of kitchens at Hampton Court Palace are famous throughout map hazards on our sea chart and even make up your chocolate. the world for being those of King Henry VIII. See food own secret code. Learn about the skills intelligence offi - archaeologists bring the kitchens to life experimenting cers had to have as well as some of the dangers that sur - ODDS FARM PARK with traditional recipes, ingredients and cooking methods rounded HMS Belfast at sea. 11am and 2pm, all ages. HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk to prepare feasts fit for a king! 25 Mar-10 Apr TATTOO T - SHIRTS: A fabulous day out at the farm. Meet the farmers selected Thurs and Sats in Mar TINY EXPLORERS DAVY JONES’S LOCKER Design a t-shirt, inspired by and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace traditional navy tattoos, nautical superstitions and the the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, move - sailor legend of Davy Jones’s Locker. Learn more about adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop ment and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. the history of navy tattoos, what the symbols mean and slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, 17 Apr ROYAL RAMBLE: why as a sailor you wouldn’t want to be visiting Davy swinging ropes and much more. Also a special Toddler 5KM FAMILY CHALLENGE For ages 5+ Jones’s Locker in a hurry! 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm and Under 5’s areas. Dates TBA: FAMILY GHOST TOURS Join the State Mar and Apr SPRING ACTIVITIES Children can Apartment Warders for an early evening walking tour and KENSINGTON PALACE bottle feed kid goats, jump on board the daily Tractor and discover the stories of ghostly apparitions, paranormal W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Trailer Rides for a fun tour of the farm and from 25 Mar activity and all manner of spooky happenings from the Weds and Sats TINY EXPLORERS Discover until 12 Apr, solve the Spring Trail to earn a yummy treat. palace’s history. For 8 - 14 year olds. fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multi- Plus, see the Easter Lambs; you may be lucky enough to sensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and watch one being born. Also meet the farmers and stroke more for 0-4yrs. To book, call 020 3166 6646. bunnies, hand feed goats and sheep, meet cheeky pigs...

Magic Carpet Storytelling AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY

20 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR March/April 2016 THEATRE, PERFORMANCES AND CONCERTS

BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 28, 29 Mar HOW THE LION BECAME KING OF TINGA TINGA LAND, is a fun new children’s stage show from the creator of Tweenies. This high-octane adventure will transport children and their families to the African Plains through music, puppetry and lots of interac - tive song and dance. Children are encouraged to turn up in costume, as their favourite animal. For ages 3+ 30 Mar THE RAILWAY CHILDREN An adaptation of E Nesbit’s classic which gives the whole audience the chance to join in and up to 8 children the opportunity to perform on stage with the professional team of actors! 16, 17 Apr THE WIZARD OF OZ PANTO Follow the Yellow Brick Road for the Easter pantomime starring Bobby Davro as Scarecrow and Dani Harmer (CBBC’s Tracy Beaker) as Dorothy. Packed with well-known pop songs, brilliant dance routines, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until May 16 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald The Real Mermaid Tale Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary AT THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH powers. 19 Mar LEAPER A FISH TALE Using a signature blend PUPPET THEATRE BARGE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH of intricate puppetry and mesmeric music, Leaper follows W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk one fish's arduous quest against the ever-growing natural until 13 Mar JOEY’S FIREWORKS A marionette spec - 5 Mar THE REAL MERMAID TALE An exciting and manmade challenges of the sea. For ages 4-8 at tacle presented in two acts. Act 1 in which Joey visits Mr adventure on the high seas with pirates, monstrous sea 11am and 1pm. and Mrs Punch and Punch visits Big Ben and loses the creatures and mermaid treasure. Follow the intrepid 16 Apr THREE KEEPERS It’s Young ‘Arry’s first day as laundry and Act 2 in which Mr Punch is chased by the Amelia Buttersnap on her journey full of magic and a lighthouse keeper, and he’s pretty excited. He’s dreamt Beadle. mutinous rats. For ages 3-8, at 11am and 1pm. of a life full of adventure and heroic deeds- so long as he 19 Mar-15 May THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE 12 Mar THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER This can bring his teddy. When the storm of the century COUNTRY MOUSE well-known and well-loved tale - made popular by the threatens Flounder Rock, will disaster strike? Ladybird Classic - has Beautifully crafted set and puppets, Three Keepers is performed completely without words, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a using a fast and funny blend of physical theatre, original comic mouse. For ages 3-9, at 11am and 1pm. music, inventive dance and slapstick comedy. For ages 6-11 at 11am and 1pm.

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 7 Apr THE SECRET GARDEN What will we find, who will we meet, where will we travel? Follow the musician on another glorious tale for young children. For ages 0 - 6 at 10:30am

PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 24 Mar-2 Apr MY FIRST BALLET: SLEEPING BEAUTY As a baby, Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil Carabosse: on her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die. Her godmother the Lilac Fairy alters the spell so Aurora will not die but will sleep for 100 years, only to be awoken by true love’s kiss. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Tchaikovsky's gorgeous music, this is the perfect introduction to the beauty of ballet. 21-24 Apr LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY A ballet The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale about a AT THE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE poor American boy who discovers he is heir to an English title and fortune. Through this little boy’s courage, quirky The Railway Children charm and eternal optimism, he softens the heart of his Family Theatre and Concert listings AT THE BECK THEATRE continue on page 22 fearsome old grandfather and restores his broken family.

March/April 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 21 what’s on CONTINUED

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Every Fri RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential. Every Mon DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong. Gamelan for ages 3-5. Until 3 Jul THE WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF ROALD DAHL A magical and interactive journey through The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl to discover the secrets of the writer with interactive installations to spark the imagination. 5 Mar LEAPS AND BOUNDS Everyone is welcome at this activity day tailored to disabled under 12’s and their families. If you have specific questions about the accessibility of the site or the event, please call 0844 847 9910. 11am - 5.30pm. 12-13 Mar UNDER 10’S FEMINIST CORNER - GIRLS & BOYS An interactive workshop exploring what being a girl means, and get tips on how to start a THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE 30 Mar, 27 Apr in Kensington campaign in your bedroom. This is a mixed session for all (Christ Church, Victoria Road, W8) WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal- genders aged 6 - 10. Afternoon sessions just for girls. 15 Mar, 12 Apr in Notting Hill drury-lane 10-11am. (St. John’s Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11) Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE 19 Mar PRAM JAM Singing workshop for parents and 11 Mar, 22 Apr in Hammersmith FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young children under 5. (St. Andrew’s Church, Greyhound Road, W14) Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy 19 Mar THE RATTLER GATHERING Free singing 18 Mar, 15 Apr in Chiswick Wonka in a musical directed by Sam Mendes. workshop and pageant for age 7+ (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) 2.30pm and 7.30pm. 20 Mar BALINESE KECAK WORKSHOP A communal vocal tradition from Indonesia, Kecak is a ‘monkey chant .’ THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN UNICORN THEATRE For ages 10+ W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 16 Apr THE COMPOSER IS DEAD A fun-filled murder 15 Mar LITTLE BIRDSONG CONCERTS A live Until 15 Mar JERAMEE, HARTLEBY AND mystery matinee exploring the crime and the orchestra’s instrumental experience for babies, toddlers and their OOOGLEMORE At the seaside things happen - family of instruments. families. Outstanding musicians perform a repertoire of Hartleby spends a lot of time being bossy, Oooglemore traditional and contemporary music. does some crazy dancing, Jeramee makes it all OK. This is For ages 3 months to 3 years at 10.30am. a surprising and surreal encounter with three people who have a lot to say but only three words with which to say THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL it. For ages 3-7. Until 2 Apr MINOTAUR An impossible labyrinth with SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com a fearsome and lonely beast. Only his sister cares for him Every Wednesday in Mar and Apr and dreams of setting them both free. But she makes a STORYTELLING AND MUSIC a series of sessions for terrible pact with the enemy’s son that changes every - babies and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage thing. For ages 8+ interaction between parents/carers and their little ones 13 Mar-10 Apr MY FATHER, ODYSSEUS Telemachus’ using musical instruments, singing, movement and father left long ago to fight a war. Now the man of the stories. For children up to age 4. house, he must step up to defend his father’s legacy and protect his mother from the suitors that lounge around the WIGMORE HALL court. Meanwhile, the great Odysseus has been trapped W1U 2BP by the goddess Kalypso for ten long years and longs to www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/wigmore-series/family-events return home. For age 11+ 11 Mar CHAMBER TOTS: IN THE FOREST Interactive 17 Apr-1 May THE POLAR BEARS GO UP There music-making sessions for children aged 1 to 5 with aren’t many balloons in the Arctic. So when you find one, songs, percussion and the chance to meet some exciting it’s precious. And if it gets lost, you have to go and find it. instruments up close. So now they must step up and explore unknown territory: 16 Mar FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Hear outstanding the sky above their heads. For ages 2-5. performances by musicians from the Royal Academy of Music presented especially for parents or carers and their babies in a relaxed and accommodating CONCERTS AND MUSIC environment. WORKSHOPS For babies up to 1 year old.

BACH TO BABY The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE All concerts at 10.30am.

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