May/Jun 2016

ISSUE 107 MAY/JUNE 2016 www.familieswest.co.uk

Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: [email protected] 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 th at the im portance of t he earl y 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 plea se 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

2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016

In this issue news & views News & Views Page 3 Parenting Page 4 Super Camps Parties Page 5 The school summer holidays are a time for children to Education Page 10 have fun whilst keeping active in body and mind. Super Clubs & Classes Page 12 Camps offer a range of camps and courses for all ages, Festivals Page 13 from multi-activity, bake-off, cooking, science and raw What’s On in West London Page 14 adventure to suit everyone! They have just received yet another 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2016. Classified Section Page 19 Camps run from 8am - 6pm for ages 4-14. Call 01235 467300 · www.supercamps.co.uk Excellent offers to senior schools Well done to Clifton Lodge School pupils in year 6 and 8 who have received excellent senior school offers. Year 8 pupils are going to John Lyon, St James’s, St Benedict’s, Shiplake College and one pupil has gained an academic scholarship at Merchant Taylors. Year 6 boys’ offers included City of London, Hampton, St Benedict’s and St James’s. Girls at Clifton Lodge were offered places at Godolphin & Latymer, Notting Hill & Ealing High School, St Helen’s, St Augustine’s (including an academic scholarship), King Edwards,Prior’s Field and Radnor House. Pupils also gained places at highly selective grammar schools, one place at Tiffin, RGS High Wycombe and Herschel Grammar. Clifton Lodge internal academic scholarships have also been offered to two existing Year 6 pupils. · www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3 parenting The 7 most common parenting mistakes L ike many new parents , we can’t ‘hear’ us anymore. When our assumed th at we would ‘instinctively’ children are in ‘fight or flight’ mode, know how best to raise our own we can get angry at them and shout children, after all doesn't parenting come until we are ‘blue in the face’, but the naturally? How wrong we were! We message still will not get through, so all both had very different parenting styles the lecturing typically done in these and couldn’t agree on the best way to circumstances is a waste of energy! If raise our children to make them they do comply with our requests, it will responsible and self-disciplined. only be out of fear and it will have very We discovered that we were making little impact on helping to improve their plenty of mistakes without even behaviour in the long-term. realising it and that most people around Over-protecting: in this day “All children require a more balanced and consistent us were also falling into the same and age, parents are becoming approach to parenting, and all have emotional needs that common parenting pitfalls. In fact 3 more anxious and over-protecting is our responsibility as parents to fulfil .” between the two of us, Carole and I children. By over-protecting them, we have made every common parenting as a means of avoiding any future prevent them from making enough Long term effects: mistake on the list below (and still do punishment. mistakes, which if handled well, are Whether we are too strict or too lenient, from time to time!). So our objective is to neither approach is effective for raising invaluable opportunities for learning. Reassuring children: it seems help increase your awareness of the our children to become resilient and Although protecting our children and like a natural thing for parents to effect that such mistakes can have on 5 autonomous adults in the long-term. stopping them from making mistakes want to reassure their children, by telling your children, so that you can identify If we ‘over-protect’ them, we are not may sound like a positive thing, we are them that everything is going to be areas where you might want to improve allowing them to make mistakes or in fact inadvertently denying them the okay. For example, if they happen to your skills and continue along your par - experience frustration and if we are opportunity to learn from their mistakes break their favourite toy, it’s a common enting journey with a renewed sense of being overly strict and getting angry at and take responsibility for their own reaction to want to ‘swoop in’ and try to confidence. them, we are not modelling the fact actions. We are also preventing them reassure our children and ‘fix’ the prob - Here are seven of the most that we can control our own emotions from building their ‘frustration’ muscle lem for them, so we may say “I hate to common mistakes that loving through our own behaviour towards by not allowing them to face difficult see you so upset because you broke parents make: them. emotions such as anger and your favourite toy, don’t worry, I will buy We may only see the effects of our Over-praising and using disappointment. you another one”. We may think that we mistakes later on when our children positive reinforcement: are helping by doing this, but the reality 1 Punishing: although we must become adolescent, by which time it is Using phrases such as ‘good boy’ and is that we are not allowing children to make our children accountable for much harder to repair any damage that’s ‘good girl’ and praising everything 4 deal with their feelings. Children need their actions, there are far more effective already been done. children do well to reinforce their good to be given opportunities to practice ways of achieving this than resorting to behaviour is a very common trait. patience and get used to experiencing punishment and fear tactics, particularly So what can we do about Unfortunately, using such ‘evaluative feelings of sadness and frustration as if the punishment is corporal. Research this? praise’ and descriptively praising every this will help to prepare them for the shows that children who are regularly What we must remember is that all good behaviour is a form of reward that pressures of adult life. punished will only comply with their children require a more balanced and they will come to expect as motivation parent’s instructions and requests out of Discounting children’s feelings: consistent approach to parenting, and to want to do things in the longer-term. fear, so the effect is only short-term. 6 for example, by using phrases such all have emotional needs that is our Getting Angry and shouting: In the long-term, punishment not only as “Come on, it’s not that bad”, “Only responsibility as parents to fulfil. 2 When we raise our voice or yell at damages the relationship and connec - babies cry” or “Boys don’t cry”. That’s why it’s so important to try to our children, this puts them in ‘fight or tion we have with our children, but it Discounting our children’s emotions in avoid these common pitfalls, in order to flight’ mode - this is the body’s response can also cause them to become resentful this way can create serious anxiety in the maximise our child’s chances of growing to stress, which means that their logical towards us and increasingly aggressive, long-term, because it can cause them to up to be a responsible, self-reliant and brain shuts down and they essentially and in many cases, they will learn to lie become unsure of themselves and dis - happy adult. trustful of their own emotions.

Being a tiger parent: tiger 7 parents tend to be pushy and have Written by Carole & a strong focus on achievement and Nadim Saad, authors academics. This style of parenting has of ‘Kids don’t come become increasingly prevalent over the with a manual .’ last decade and some children may react Carole & Nadim have discovered positively to it and excel academically. far better alternatives to yelling/shouting, However, other children may end up getting angry, rewarding, punishment being ‘crushed’ by it and be affected for etc. You can find more information the rest of their lives. There is a wealth about it all in their book; of scientific research and anecdotal ‘Kids Don’t Come With a Manual - The Essential Guide to a Happy Family Life’ evidence to suggest that this can lead to at: www.bestofparenting.com serious anxiety for children and that they usually end up unhappy.

4 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 Seven party themes kids will LOVE! parties Parties can go with a swing if you choose a theme your little ones can have fun with. From fancy dress costumes to themed plates, cups and decorations, here are some great ideas for a themed children’s party. By Sally J. Hall Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has 1 Pirates written for all the main parenting titles as well 4 Tea Party ★ as The Independent and The Mail. She is author ★ Invitations: Create a treasure map by of ‘Eco Baby’ and contributing author to ‘Watch Invitations: Pretty florals and pastel My Baby Grow’ (Dorling Kindersley). drawing a rough map of your street colours are the key to this theme, so and put “X marks the party spot” and cutting a little opening in the make invitations festooned with flow - where your house (or the party venue) top to put in some treats. You could ers cut from wrapping paper. is. A suitably pirate-inspired poem turn it into a Mickey Mouse head, Wear : Ask the kids to dress up as if would be a good addition with plenty a character from Cars or a simple they are going for afternoon tea at a of “ aaaaaahhhhhhhs! ” balloon shape with some Disney posh hotel. Girls can wear pretty characters pasted on it. Wear: Encourage kids to dress as dresses and boys can put on smart pirates and give each a bandana or Eat: Serve drinks in mismatched trousers and a shirt. eye patch to wear as they arrive. teacups for an Alice in Wonderland Play: This theme really suits all those party, make cucumber sandwiches for Play: Fill a wooden chest (or old-fashioned party games like Pass a Princess theme and create cupcakes cardboard box painted to look like a the Parcel and Musical Chairs. in Disney cupcake cases. treasure chest) with torn up Eat: Make some dainty sandwiches newspaper and pop in some wrapped Party bags: Disney bags will be great with the crusts cut off, with little small gifts for a lucky dip. going-home gifts. Fill with a treat to cakes and serve them on vintage eat and some play princess jewellery Eat: Give them vegetable, chicken or mismatched cups and saucers. You or stickers. fish fingers and let them eat with their can even buy cardboard three-tiered hands like real pirates. Jelly with cake stands. pomegranate seeds or blueberries in 3 Superhero Party bags: Create some unique party the bottom looks like sunken treasure. ★ bags out of old floral fabric you have The table can be covered with a blue Invitations: Create bright invitations lying around the house and pop in paper cloth and then scattered with in Superhero colours and write the some pretty fake jewellery or unique shells, star fish and fake jewels. child’s name on as a character - for trinkets along with a piece of cake. example: “Dear SuperZac, please Party bags: Send them home with a come to my Superhero party.” treasure chest party box containing a Parties continue piece of cake and a fun gift like an Wear: If your little guests don’t have H on page 6 = inflatable sword or pirate stickers. costumes, why not create simple paper or felt masks and add a badge = with each child’s name and their H super power on them. H = ★2 Disney Invitations: Whether your child Play: Create a super hero obstacle loves Frozen, Mickey Mouse or Cars, course in the garden. Kids have to create an invitation to your Magical crawl beneath ropes, through pop-up Kingdom using stickers of favourite tunnels, in and out of boxes and over Disney characters and glitter. big cushions. Wear: Most kids will have a Disney Eat : Make some colourful cupcakes costume or two lurking in the and finish them off with cake toppers dressing up box. Say that dressing up with the words “Boom!” “Pow!” and is optional and have a few accessories “Zap!” on them. Create food and a that kids without costumes could birthday cake in your child’s favourite wear such as paper crowns and a sash character’s colours. made from coloured paper. Party bags: Instead of a party bag, Play: Create a Disney piñata by why not give each child a small plastic covering a balloon with papier maché superhero toy.

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 5 parties CONTINUED

5 Jungle Wear: Kids can all dress as circus folk ★ using garments they may already have Invitations: Make animal themed at home; ballet costumes double as invitations; these can be as simple or acrobats, riders can wear jodhpurs MagFoirc thae vle ryD beset isn igns artistic as you like. FACE PAINTING & BALLOON MODELLING and all of the kids can be clowns with Magical Designs provides a excellent face painting Wear: Encourage the kids to come some face paint. and balloon modelling service in and around dressed as their favourite animal or London. Whether your event is a small birthday Play: Buy some clever modelling party or a large corporate event Magical Designs bring a toy with them if they don’t balloons and have a practice before will bring colour and joy to both young and old. want to dress up. You could also make For more information please contact Susie on the kids arrive. Play tumbling games some simple animal face masks. 07814 925 462 and give a prize to the winner. [email protected] Play: Have a safari game in the www.magicaldesigns.co.uk Eat: Think of food you find served garden where you hide pictures of at circuses; make popcorn in the PIÑATAS London’s long established bespoke piñata animals the kids have to spot, then to microwave and have hotdogs and maker. http://pinata.co.uk calm them down, play Sleeping Lions. burgers in buns. Eat: Create your own Bush Tucker Party bags: In a circus theme party Trial; long, thin sandwiches make Party Food bag, pop some cute animal chocolate BETTY BLYTHE VINTAGE TEAROOM great ‘caterpillars’ (use little pieces of Cakes and children’s tea parties in West Kensington. biscuits, balloons and a fake chives to create legs and sliced black www.bettyblythe.co.uk moustache. olives for eyes). A bowl of pasta with GINA’S CAKES Large cakes, cupcakes and other party pesto can be called ‘slithering snakes’ 7 Football supplies in W12. www.ginascakes.com and jelly masquerades as ‘slime .’ ★ Invitations: Use white card and paint STAMFORD LARDER Bespoke cakes and children’s tea Party bags: Little bags can be filled on black hexagons to make football parties in Hammersmith. with a piece of the cake and some www.stamfordlarder.com/catering/childrens-tea-parties shaped invitations. jungle stickers, little rubber snakes ELVES AND OVENS is currently taking London by storm Wear: Ask the kids to come dressed and other animal toys. with a new range of yummy and exciting children’s party for a game of football - they can wear boxes. At Elves and Ovens they take their food very their school PE kit if they don’t have a seriously, and now are able to take the feeding of all of 6 Circus football shirt. your little ones and their friends just as seriously. ★ [email protected] · 020 8961 7477 Invitations: Why not create an Play: If you can, ask a coach from a invitation that looks like a big clown’s local five aside team to come to the HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY Buy the iconic cupcakes at shoe? Or even go for a circus the local branch on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. party to teach the kids some new skills ticket theme. Delivery to most West London postcodes. H such as keepy-uppy. Round off with a www.hummingbirdbakery.com H friendly match. = Eat: Use paper cloths in your Let me entertain you favourite team’s colours, with THE ACTION STATION Imaginative interactive story - matching napkins. Eat the kind of telling parties. Choose from mermaids, funky witches and wizards, fairies or princesses, pirates, knights or cowboys, food you find at the football ground, spies or drama parties. Clowns, magicians, jugglers, such as burgers in buns and chips. circus skills experts, face painters, make up artists and DJs also available. 0870 770 2705. H Party bags: Inside a box or bag in www.theactionstation.co.uk England or your child’s favourite team colours, pop a plastic whistle, ADAM ANTS PARTIES A party for any age. Adam Ants and his team offer high energy parties to include magic, pencils, pads and stickers. balloon modelling, dancing, singing and puppets. Themes = include disco, build-a-bear, art and Olympic sports. Face H painters, small tables and chairs, and other party equip - H = ment available. Midweek discounts. 020 8959 1045. = www.adamantsparties.co.u k·[email protected] AMANDA'S ACTION CLUB Amanda's Action Club runs = dynamic, interactive parties for children aged 1-6.Using Party Supplies unique props and funky music we entertain in a physical, PARTY PLUS is based 4 Acton Lane, Chiswick, London fun environment. [email protected] W4 5NB and also has a mail-order company 07855 276837. www.amandasactionclub.co.uk www.partyplus.co.uk They have a wide range of themed party-ware available from stock including Paw Patrol, BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Live music parties for the Minions, Ben and Holly, Peppa Pig, Pirate, Princesses under-5's. Guitar-accompanied singing, actions, jumping, and much more. 020 8994 1674. instruments and dancing, perfect for little ones.

6 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 A puppet, shaky eggs and a parachute add to the fun. MOTHER NATURE SCIENCE Each party features an Themed party packages. W12 7DB. 020 8735 4900. [email protected] · 020 8677 6871. impressive array of spectacular science demonstrations, Jubilee Sports Centre Soft play parties with use of the party games and hands on activities. Every child receives hall. W10 4RR. 020 8960 9629. BOO BOO THE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER For lots a fun and educational take-home experiment. 020 8863 WESTMINSTER of laughter, fun and games with mini disco, balloon mod - 8832. [email protected] · www.mnature.co.uk Seymour Leisure Centre Soft play parties in the elling, juggling, magic tricks and puppet shows. He has Jungle Gym and Sports parties. W1H 5TJ. vast experience entertaining children of all ages and is www.better.org.uk/leisure/seymour-leisure-centre suitable for all occasions. Recommended by the Evening KENSINGTON Standard. 07961 355269. Party Venues Westway Sports Centre W10 6RP Climbing, Tennis, BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE London’s most central www.mr-booboo.co.uk Football, Wallball and Fives Parties. indoor playground host all-inclusive children’s parties from DIDDI DANCE Action packed, full of fun dance classes http://sports.westway.org £9.50 per child. This includes 75 minutes play in the 3- and parties held across west London. Weekly classes and level play area and party meal of your choice for 45 min - various party packages available ensure your party is the utes in your own private party room as well as party bags talk of the tots! Contact Gina Kane on 07426 009179. and balloons for each child to take home. Bronze, Silver, [email protected] · www.diddidance.com Bowling Alleys Gold, Themed or Private Hire Party Packages available. ALL STAR LANES 6 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB. Available: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-6.30pm. 020 7313 8363. · www.allstarlanes.co.uk FUN WITH FIMO CLAY is a unique, creative party idea Sat and Sun. 136 Bramley Road, London W10 6TJ for age 6+ www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk (Latimer Road tube). 020 8960 1515. QUEENS 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP. www.bramleysbigadventure.com 020 7229 0172. · www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk

HILLINGDON OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTRE Raft building, kayaking, caving, archery, zip wire, giant swings Ice Skating Rinks and more. www.hoac.net QUEENS 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP. 020 7229 0172. · www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk SNAKES AND LADDERS Indoor soft play centre in Brentford. www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk Big Screens THE LITTLE GYM Active, themed, gymnastics-based ELECTRIC CINEMA Private screening of a favourite parties for children up to age 12. Venues include Chiswick film and refreshments. Allsorts drama for children and Westfield shopping centre. www.electriccinema.co.uk/portobello/privatehire.php www.thelittlegym.eu/uk-en/parties-camps will be running their popular Easter drama SCIENCE MUSEUM Big screen IMAX movie and party workshops at More House School, afterwards. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 22 - 24 Pont Street SW1 from 5th - 7th April for ages 4 - 6 & 7- 11 Local Play Centres from 9.30am - 3.30pm. PICCOLO PLAY CENTRE Venue: Chiswick Book the hall The children will have fun with games, prop or include entertainment, decoration and themed parties. Days Out Parties making and working towards a show that they http://piccoloplaycentre.co.uk/parties/ BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE AND RAILWAY For will perform to family and friends on the last day. the little train fanatics in your life. www.bekonscot.co.uk Fee £150 with a 20% sibling discount. PITSHANGER PLAYCENTRE Venue: Ealing Bright room for hire with toys and playground equipment in the out - LONDON DUNGEONS Definitely one for the older To book please call: 020 8969 3249 side space, perfect for under 5s. Call Marion Doheny ones. www.the-dungeons.co.uk or visit: www.allsortsdrama.com 07951 535779. · [email protected] LONDON EYE Hire a private capsule. www.londoneye. KIDDIKICKS Toddler and child football themed birthday com /PrivateCapsules/CreateYourOwnCapsule parties. 020 7937 7965. [email protected] · www.kiddikicks.co.uk Local Leisure Centres EALING: Elthorne Sports Centre Sports and Games LONDON ZOO www.zsl.org/events/venue-hire-at-zsl Parties. 020 8579 3226. -london-zoo/birthday-parties (The Bedbugs Sleepovers PERFORM Perform Parties are high energy combining Greenford Sports Centre Sports, games, bouncy castle in July and August look like a great idea for a summer drama, dance and singing with fun games and stories. and trampoline...UB6. birthday treat). Party leaders arrive in colourful costume and through 020 8575 9157. improvisation, transport children (4-12 yrs) to a different Gurnell Leisure Centre Swimming parties W13 OAL. ODDS FARM PARK A day at the farm with everything world. Themes include The Ice Queen, Fairytale Forest, 020 8998 3241. thrown in- all you need to do is bring the kids and the Mermaids and Pirates, Superheroes and many more. Southall Sports Centre Sports, games and trampoline cake. Fully air-conditioned party rooms available every 020 7255 9120. parties. 020 8571 8871. day for morning and afternoon parties. Wooburn [email protected] · www.perform.org.uk/parties Northolt Leisure Centre Swimming parties. UB5 4AB. Common Road, Wooburn Common High Wycombe 020 8825 7014. HP10 0LX. 01628 520188 . www.oddsfarm.co.uk STAGECOACH KENSINGTON AND CHISWICK Southall Sports Centre Sports parties UB1 1DP. PARTIES create a wonderful world of make-believe 020 8571 8871. which takes children on a roller-coaster ride through their Twyford Sports Centre imagination at their fabulous themed Stagecoach Parties. (Acton) Sports, games and Their party hosts will be in character throughout the trampoline parties. W3. birthday party-they will wear colourful, themed costumes, 020 8993 9095. have loads of props and prizes and delight party guests CHISWICK with a wide range of party games, storytelling, dancing Brentford Fountain and singing. All you need to do is provide a venue, food Leisure Centre Swimming, and drink... their party hosts will do the rest. For older sport and soft play parties children, take a look at their murder mystery parties. TW8 0HJ. 0845 456 6675. They also provide bespoke parties. Call Sara or Sally at on New Chiswick Pool 020 8398 8106 or 020 8398 4709. Swimming parties W4 2RG. 0845 456 6675. COOKIE CRUMBLES Cooking parties for ages 4-18. HAMMERSMITH 020 8876 9912. Phoenix Fitness Centre www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk · [email protected] and Janet Adegoke Swimming Pool Centre Sports

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 7 parties CONTINUED Ten Of The Best Party Bag Fillers Because we all know catch and stack them as high as they can to both their amazement mums throw away all and delight! that plastic rubbish when their little one’s are not looking…

2. Backyard Science Ant Hill Making Kit £4.79 · insectlore.com If you do not have too many kids to buy for, then why not get them interested in nature with their very 4. Disney Frozen 1. Animal Hand own ant hill? Boys and girls alike Cupcake Kit Temporary Tattoos will love being able to mould their £1 · Morrisons £3.95 · Prezzybox very own plaster creation, before The Frozen obsession shows no Nowadays a temporary tattoo is inviting the little creatures in to signs of abating, so rather than part and parcel of any child’s party observe their daily activities. splash out hundreds (yes, bag - so why not up the ante with hundreds!) of pounds on an Elsa these hand designs with a impersonator, why not give each difference? Sold as a box of eight - guest their very own cupcake mak - making it easy to split up and there - ing kit to take home instead? fore super-affordable - these safe At this price you could even add a and simple to apply creations mini whisk to complete the baking include instructions for making a theme… number of animal characters, from a bee to a zebra or even a shark!

3. Catch A Bubble £3.95 · Prezzybox Why buy the kids a pot of standard bubbles when this clever invention is so much more appealing? Using them is easy: after blowing, simply wait a few seconds for the bubbles to set, before your party guests can

8 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 5. In The Night Garden 7. Make Your Own 9. Super Hatching Water Squirters Bath Superhero Mask Kit · Dinosaur Egg £3.95 Toys £10.19 · Argos £2.45 Dotcom Gift Shop These In The Night Garden favourite Not On The High Street Little boys and girls will love the characters come as a set of three, What kid doesn’t want to pretend chance to pretend to be a which is a tad too pricey for a party to be a superhero at every available paleontologist with this neat idea, bag filler - so why not split them up opportunity? Prepare to be the which sees a dinosaur egg ‘hatch’ and add a mini bubble bath for the coolest mum - or dad - your little after 72 hours’ immersion in water. kids to enjoy at bath time? one’s guests know once you’ve Whenever they return to the house gifted them this crafty role play after an outing, they’ll be desperate creation, which features cut outs, to see the dinosaur’s progress, with jewel embellishments, glue dots and the egg starting to crack around the elastic to design their very own 12 hour mark. mask.

6. Julia Donaldson Picture Book Collection £11.99 10. Vegetable Seed The Book People Sticks £1.05 · Part Ark We’re big fans of The Book People 8. Peppa Pig The Balloon Fancy encouraging your party guests here at Families magazine - and at Ride DVD to get a little green fingered this these prices it’s not hard to see £3 · The Works coming spring? These pocket-sized why! This amazing picture book At just £3 alone this DVD is super- treats are ideal, containing seed- collection from every child’s affordable, but when you add to the loaded card sticks they can simply favourite author, Julia Donaldson, mix a ‘four for £10 package’ it’d be tear off and pop into compost. features 10 books including rude not to invest for the perfect With varieties including tomatoes, The Gruffalo, A Squash and a Squeeze, party bag present! The kids will love carrots, lettuce and more, each seed The Snail and the Whale and more. it due to their favourite animated pack - if taken care of properly - will Split the bundle up and it’s just character, while their parents will be germinate to grow for later harvest. under £1.20 per book! delighted at the chance of a bit of peace and quiet once it’s on!

Claire Muffett-Reece is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 9 education news Calling all Young Writers! TutorMapper on the map... Do you know a young author? With exam season drawing to a close, and your The National Young Writers’ Awards judges are looking for household (hopefully!) returning to a state of normality, the best short story of under 500 words based around this thoughts inevitably turn to the long summer holidays and years theme of ‘The Mash-Up’ . time spent getting away from it all. While we all recognise The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris! the value of a much needed break, it’s important to make The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore sure that the only ‘summer slide’ your kids end up on this Learning, are now in their 8th year. holiday is the one that leads to the hotel pool. This year’s judge is renowned author of the Charlie and Lola ‘Summer slide’ refers to the dip in learning that kids series of books, Lauren Child. experience over the summer months, when they’re away To enter either pick up an entry form from your nearest from school and the routine of study. One way of avoiding Explore Learning centre or visit: the ‘slide’ is to get some additional tutoring over the www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters summer break, so that when the holidays are over, they’ll be more than ready for learning. TutorMapper is the place to find private tuition that works for you and your family. All of our tutors have been carefully selected by London’s finest tutoring agencies, ensuring that when you use TutorMapper, you will always find a trusted and reliable tutor that’s local to you. So, enjoy the holidays and avoid the slide! Max Blanshard Director + Founder · www.tutormapper.com

10 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 11 SPORTS clubs & classes Will To Win Junior Multi-Sports Camps, Junior Netball, Football & Tennis courses and Drop-in sessions. …Pitshanger Park 020 8991 9844 DANCE PERFORM Drama, dance and singing sessions held in various venues around London.To find a FREE …Lammas Park, 020 8840 0888 DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading trial class near you call: 0845 400 1285 www.willtowin.co.uk dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and … www.perform.ork.uk LANGUAGES musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years old. …0208 566 9672 STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama Arabic for Women & Children Female teacher [email protected] and singing for 4-18 year olds. …07956 845053 www.dancegallery.co.uk …Chiswick 020 8398 4709 …Kensington & Brook Green 020 8398 8106 TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years …Hammersmith 020 8398 8106 EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and …Acton 020 8819 1399 Centres. 5-14 years. Free Trial session Fulham. 07957 650042 … …Ealing 01494 700794 Ealing 020 8090 8710 www.kensingtonballet.com … [email protected] …Hayes 020 8561 8530 WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY www.stagecoach.co.uk …Westfield London 020 809 01216 Become a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance YOURSPACE DRAMA Saturday mornings of drama www.explorelearning.co.uk teacher training. song and dance (6-16s) plus creative performing arts SUSAN DAUGHTREY EDUCATION 07771 984590 … holiday courses 3-16s) at Easter and in August. Ealing 11+ courses in Ealing (West London) [email protected] W5. Find out more at: www.yourspacedrama.com 020 3198 7772 www.westlondondanceacademy.com … …07580 474638 [email protected] www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk [email protected] www.sde11plus.com/ealing WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE FOOTBALL FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring. 21/2 - 16 years 020 8743 3856 … 020 8580 3911 [email protected] KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) … jwww.fleet-tutors.co.uk www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. …020 7937 7965 MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION DRAMA [email protected] Mock exam practice. …020 8390 6076 ALLSORTS DRAMA drama for children’s term time www.kiddikicks.co.uk www.11plustuition.co.uk classes for ages 4 - 16 are held in SW1, W11 and GYM & DANCE VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 2 1/2 - 11years. NW3. To book your free trial class for the summer term TWISTERS. Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama …07050 246810 please call 020 8767 5298 · 020 8969 3249 … Toddlers to Teenagers. or visit: www.allsortsdrama.com VIVIEN BORNEMANN 020 8933 9997 · 020 8840 4452 Allsorts Drama · 34 Crediton Rd · London NW10 3DU … Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages. [email protected] …020 8932 1010 www.twisters.org.uk

12 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 festivals are FUN! Easy steps to make your kids’ first festival a breeze ... by Sally J. Hall Packing List Waterproofs and wellies Comfy shoes Toiletries in small packs, a hang-up sponge bag you can take to the shower. Toothbrushes and paste LOTS of changes of clothing Warm jumpers and socks Introducing your children Sun screen and hats to all kinds of music can be A baby carrier a great way to give them a Torch and batteries lifelong love of everything Phone and charger from folk to classical. Many Ear defenders of the UK’s festivals have Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes plenty to do for the whole family and with some Insect repellent careful planning and by First aid kit packing a few essentials, and take up less space... is charged, so if your kids do get sep - Comfy clothes you’ll all have a great time. With small kids, try to camp in the arated, you are able to be contacted. Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery family or quiet areas so that you Dress your kids in bright clothes so Small backpacks for all, with a Where to stay won’t all be kept awake by people you can spot them and take a photo change of clothes, loo paper, wipes If you have (and know how to put coming back to their tents (in all of them each morning, so if they go and snack in each, plus drinks up) a tent, this can be the most cost- conditions) through the small hours. wandering, you can remember how Camera effective way of attending a festival, they were dressed and show others. as ticket prices can be high. Check Setting Up Don’t take valuables and the tent before you go, to ensure it Car parks can be quite a way from keep things you can’t leave has all its poles and pins. A good camps, so try to ensure that all gear behind, such as phone, ground sheet is a must, as are camp can be put into a couple of back - keys, your purse and credit beds or self-inflating air beds. A packs for you and your partner to cards, with you in a day playpen is great for babies and small carry - and still have a hand free for pack all day. Never leave children to sleep in at night and play the kids. Some festivals rent a wagon them in your tent. in the day. to transport your stuff, which you can Alternatively, other options, from then use to pull the kids around in. Fancy Dress pre-erected tents to Yurts and teepees Many festivals now have may be provided. Take a look at the What to eat a fancy dress parade as festival’s website to see what’s There are usually lots of food stalls part of the fun, so take suitable. but bear in mind they can be pricey. costumes. Some things can If you can’t face roughing it, book a If you want to do your own cooking, be made on-site at a craft local hotel or bed & breakfast. You’ll invest in a camp stove. Easy, one pot stall. Face paints are great have a bolthole should the weather meals are best, like soups, stews, rice to pack, as are glow sticks turn nasty and somewhere to wash or pasta, Freeze some home made and bubbles. properly! meals, then just before you leave, put them in a cool box together with Site Map drinks and milk. Take time to orient yourself around Take lots of snacks too, in case the site, find where your favourite cooking or queuing for meals takes bands will be and most importantly, longer than you think! check out where the loos and show - ers are. These can get very busy and Safety there are often long queues. For Kids should have your name (not small kids, take a travel potty, as kids theirs) and number on them in case often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly. they get separated. Write it on their Most festivals have a craft and activi - arm, or buy luggage tags and attach ties area for kids too. Pushchairs can them to their clothes and bags. Talk be tricky to use if the ground is to them about how to behave should muddy. Carriers are more portable they get lost. Make sure your phone

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 13 what’s on

fascinating stories - from the arrival of the DIGITAL WORKSHOPS: Takes place at birds that existed at the time of the MUSEUMS & Greeks and their encounters with the weekends and school holidays on a vari - Foundling Hospital. With artist Shelly Phoenicians and other settlers, to the ety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages Wain, use recycled materials to make a GALLERIES extraordinary period of enlightenment 7+ (unless stated). portable bird box to take home and under Norman rule in the 11th to 13th See the Families West What’s on encourage birdsong in your own BRITISH MUSEUM centuries. The art and objects they widget online for details. community. Sessions at 10.30, 11.30am, WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org produced are some of the most beautiful WORKSHOPS: 12, 2 and 3.30pm. Free, for age 5+ until 14 Aug SICILY: CULTURE AND and important in the history of the 19 May LITTLE FEET: UNDERWATER CONQUEST This exhibition tells Sicily’s Mediterranean. WORLD Help create an underwater world IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM with seaweed to crawl through, fish to SE1 6H www.iwm.org.uk catch and all the colours of the sea to EXHIBITIONS: enjoy. 10.30am-12noon for under 5s, free, HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a drop-in. large number of rare artefacts document 10 Jun LITTLE FEET: EXPLORE SICILY the history of the Nazi persecution of the Set off on a journey around the island of Jews and other groups before and during Sicily, using your feet, hands and voices to the Second World War. For ages 14+ help you explore. 10.30am-12noon for A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the under 5s, free, drop-in. lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London FOUNDLING MUSEUM was like during the war. WC1N 1AZ SECRET WAR The clandestine world of www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk espionage, covert operations and the work 28 May FAMILY WORKSHOP: of Britain’s Special Forces. POSTERS FOR THE LOST Join artist FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story Daniel Lehan and make a ‘lost’ poster for of the war - Over 1,300 objects including a found object from our current exhibition. weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and Use text, drawing, newspaper cuttings souvenirs, will be on display as well as a and collage to make your poster for the recreated trench with periscopes and a Lost and Found wall. Sessions at 10.30, dug-out, along with a soundscape and 11.30am, 12, 2 and 3.30pm. projection will evoke what daily life was Free, for age 5+ like for the troops. 31 May FAMILY WORKSHOP: Every Sat and Sun OBJECT EXTENDABLES Bring the paintings in CONVERSATION An immersive object the Foundling Museum Collection to life handling session where families can with artist Isobel Manning. Using card and explore objects from the collections and craft tools, build an extendable 3D version how they connect with iconic objects on of your favourite painting that you can display. 11am and 2pm. pull out or flatten. Sessions at 10.30, 1, 8, 15, 22 May, 12, 19, 26 Jun 11.30am, 12, 2 and 3.30pm. CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities Free, for age 5+ based on themes featured in atrium and 25 Jun FAMILY WORKSHOP: galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. SUMMER BIRD BOXES Why do birds 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm. sing inside the Foundling Museum? Learn 21, 22 May INTRODUCTION TO about Foundling Fellow Chris Watson’s THE HOLOCAUST This free discussion sound installation Dawn Chorus and the and replica object handling session is a

From Baby to Ballerina Classes for Boys and Girls aged 2 1/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington

14 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 useful starting point for families with the Cult of Cybele and enjoy drawing children aged 11+ who wish to learn stories in stone. about the Holocaust. 11.30am and 4, 11 May WELCOME WEDNESDAYS 2.30pm. Bring paintings to life through interactive 28 May-5 Jun FAMILY music, storytelling, art and messy play ART WORKSHOP: DRAWING A activities. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and SOMME FLIPBOOK Create your own 11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm silhouette of a British ‘Tommy’ (a soldier). for sitting babies to walkers. Find out about how images were made HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: into flipbooks during the First World 30 May-2 Jun POND LIFE Immerse 11am-4pm. yourself in Monet’s Water-Lily Pond and 30 May-3 Jun OBJECT make your own mini garden installation. CONVERSATIONS: THE BATTLE OF This drop-in creative workshop also THE SOMME A special immersive object includes learning about the Gallery's paint - handling session linked to the Battle of ings throughout the day. Free, 11am-1pm the Somme. Feel the weight of a shrapnel and 2-4pm for age 2+ piece from the First World War and come 30 May MESSY MONDAYS: to grips with real First World War objects EXPLORING THE STUDIO Drop-in from the collections. 11am and 2pm. session for children under 5 years. Become 25, 26 Jun LEARNING SESSION: a mini artist by exploring materials and INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST mark making in a tactile environment WORLD WAR A free discussion and inspired by a painting. 10.30am-1pm and original object handling session as a use - 1.30-3pm. ful starting point for families who wish to 31 May TALKING TUESDAYS - learn about the First World War. For age INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing 11+ 11am and 2pm. a painting to life through singing, talking 21, 22 May LEARNING SESSION: and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm INTRODUCTION TO THE and 1.30-3pm. HOLOCAUST This free discussion and 4 Jun FAMILY FESTIVAL A whole day replica object handling session is a useful of arts, crafts, storytelling, music and a big starting point for families who wish to party for family members to enjoy. learn about the Holocaust. For age 11+ at 11.30am and 2.30pm, booking NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY required. WC2H OHE www.npg.org.uk 20 Mar DROP-IN FAMILY SESSION: NATIONAL GALLERY POETRY IN MOTION Collect stories WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk and sounds around the Gallery, as you Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS join a quest to create a giant moving Activities designed for families to enjoy poem.1pm for age 3+ and 3pm for age and learn together, 11am and 3pm. 7+ MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING 30 May - 3 Jun CONTEMPORARY For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30- PORTRAITS A week of activities 11am and 11.30am-12pm. Fly away on exploring how artists today find inspiration the magic carpet, coming to land in front and what it means to be an artist in the of a different painting each day. twenty first century. 11am-4pm. 1 May FAMILY WALK AND TALK A walk around the gallery, talking about NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM pictures to make them come alive. SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery Until 11 Sept SENSATIONAL paintings as inspiration for your art. BUTTERFLIES Watch butterflies hatch For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. from delicate chrysalises, unfolding their Drop-in. wings for the first time, look for munching 8 May, 12 Jun DRAWING DOGS caterpillars hidden in the foliage and at Learn how to draw a dog from one of our different life stages and sizes and see but - paintings, and smudge, shade and make terflies feeding, pausing their flight to your dog so real, it jumps off the paper. enjoy nectar and fruit. Plus see the world’s 22 May X-RAY VISIONS Unearth leading butterfly and moth collection of hidden stories revealed by X-ray and draw more than 10 million species. your own imaginary discovery, Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on work - FAMILIES Get a feel for how scientists shops that start in the Gallery, followed by work by having a go yourself. Come and a studio session (11am and 2pm). explore hundreds of real nature specimens 1 May, 5 Jun FANTASY FLOWERS that form the evidence Museum scientists Discover wild colours and extraordinary use in their daily work. shapes in our Dutch flower paintings, Drop-in, 11am-5pm. and create your own fantastic flower sculptures. Museums and Days 15 May, 19 Jun PAINTED IN STONE Out listings continue Be inspired by Mantegna’s Introduction of on page 18

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 15 what’s on CONTINUED

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

20 May, 17 Jun DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 14 May, 4 Jun SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the museum.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk Every Sat and 28 May-5 Jun POP UP PERFORMANCES Storytelling, interactive plays and dance. Be immersed in the dance of the robot under an amazing and unusual architectural structure. For all ages at 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in Sensational Butterflies Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your own. 10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ 7, 8 May DON’T PUT YOUR PAWS IN THE SUGAR in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, move - 1 May JAPAN FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES Join in with BOWL! Join the on-board storyteller for an animal ment and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. special Children's Day celebrations. Immerse yourself in adventure. 11.30am, 12.30 and 2pm for ages 3+ 26 May - 2 Jun HORRIBLE HISTORIES: the sights, sounds and stories of Japan. 11am-5pm. 30, 31 May 1 Jun DANCING SAILORS Stamp your TERRIBLE TUDORS Find out the fate of Henry’s 28 May-5 Jun IMAGINATION STATION Using fibre, feet and clap your hands for a dance session and make a headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Have a create a mini canopy structure inspired by Filament colourful sailor puppet to dance around the ship. sizzling time with Queen Mary and meet the Groom of the Pavilion in the John Madejski Garden. 10.30am-5pm for 11.30am and 2pm for all ages. Stool! Open air performances with grass seating. ages 3+ Free, drop in. 2, 3 Jun STORY SHIP Help make a spectacular story 8-23 Jun HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL 28 May-5 Jun DIGITAL KIDS Create your own ship. 11.30am and 2pm for all ages. A series of open-air summer concerts in the spectacular incredible architecture using elements of nature, 4, 5 June FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: COLOURFUL and iconic Tudor courtyard. technology and the world around you using digital col - COCKERELS Help to celebrate Portugal Day by making lage. Free, drop-in for age 5+ 10.30am-5pm. your own colourful cockerel decoration to hang up at HMS BELFAST FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART home. 11.30am and 2pm for all ages. SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE A chance Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a FULHAM PALACE to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the aged 4 to 11 Every Mon and Tues THE PALACE EXPLORERS experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped condi - Activity Cart : Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children tions that would have seen twenty-six men in this con - create collages and pictures to take home. aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and fined space at any one time. Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has healthy snack. INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM The nerve been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag con - 2 May WILD CAPITAL ROAD SHOW Examine centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting tains an audio map and fabric cubes. fascinating details of nature through microscopes and interactives. gaze into a minibeasts tank at the marquee of wildlife FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES DAYS OUT discovery. 1-4pm. Free. 28-31 May, 1-5, 18, 19 Jun TATTOO T - SHIRTS: 5, 19, 22 May, 2, 16 Jun PALACE STORIES DAVY JONES’S LOCKER Design a t-shirt, inspired by CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS History of the palace brought to life in these tales of the traditional navy tattoos, nautical superstitions and the W4 2QN www.chgt.org.uk characters who lived there. 2.30-3pm. Free, no booking sailor legend of Davy Jones’s Locker. Learn more about the 30 Jun-18 Jul GIFFORDS CIRCUS-THE PAINTED necessary. history of navy tattoos, what the symbols mean and why WAGON SHOW A wild west extravaganza of eye- 4 Jun LITTLE GREEN FINGERS GARDENING as a sailor you wouldn’t want to be visiting Davy Jones’s catching acrobatics and aerialists from far and distant SESSION Learn how vegetables and flowers grow and Locker in a hurry! 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm lands, dancing horses, bounty hunting, and gold panning have a go at seed sowing in the garden beds and other 28-31 May BATTLE OF JUTLAND: CRACKING all to the beat of the “Dodge City” Giffords Circus saloon fun gardening activities. 10.30am-12pm. CODES Marking the 1916 Battle of Jutland, intercept band. 19 Jun EDWARDIAN GARDEN PARTY The Bishops of messages, map hazards on a sea chart and make up your London were well known for holding garden parties. Help own secret code, learning the skills intelligence officers CUTTY SARK to celebrate this tradition and come along for a day of would have needed to locate the Imperial German Navy’s SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark family fun. Take a turn on the swing boats, have your face fleet in the North Sea during the First World War. Every weekend: painted, dance along to ragtime music and take part in 11am and 2pm, all ages. CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear some garden games and craft activities. 1-4pm, free. Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters 25 Jun YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB: ODDS FARM PARK from the ship’s past. Suitable for ages 3+ ARCHAEOLOGY ON THE FORESHORE Explore the HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors fascinating world of archaeology through practical hands A FABULOUS DAY OUT AT THE FARM! Meet the along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2-4pm for on sessions with real archaeologists. 11.15am-1pm. farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area ages 4 and under. and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a mas - 7, 8 May FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: PUPPET PALS HAMPTON COURT PALACE sive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two Lots of animals lived on board Cutty Sark- Choose your KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tun - favourite and make a puppet to star in a show. 11am and selected Thurs and Sats in Mar TINY EXPLORERS nels, swinging ropes and much more. Also a special 2pm for all ages. Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace Toddler and Under 5’s areas.

16 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 Brer Rabbit visits Africa AT THE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE THEATRE, PERFORMANCES AND CONCERTS

BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 11 May STIG OF THE DUMP Barney meets Stig, a caveman and they become great friends. A timeless children’s classic which remains as charming and entertaining as ever. 31 May PONGO’S PARTY You are invited to Pongo the Pig’s birthday party-a show full of fun, songs and laugh - ter. a huge children’s band and the town’s biggest ever game of pass the parcel. For ages 2-7. MONSTERSAURUS One day Monty found a book... AT THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com RICHMOND THEATRE Family Theatre and Concert listings continue on page 18 Booking until Dec 16 MATILDA THE MUSICAL TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/ The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald 1 Jun NORTHERN BALLET: TORTOISE & THE HARE Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary Bringing this much-loved Aesop’s fable to life, Tortoise powers. and the Hare is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre. LYRIC HAMMERSMITH 4, 5 Jun PEPPA PIG’S SURPRIS E Peppa Pig, George W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk and their friends are back in a brand new live stage show. 31 May-4 Jun MONSTERSAURUS Follow the young It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise inventions and incredible monsters, but now he has made for her and George - they can’t guess what it is, can you? them what is he going to do with them all? thrills, spills, Enjoy fun, games and of course, surprises in this charm - magic and mayhem for ages 3-7. ing, colourful new show with new songs and new life 11 Jun-4 Sep BUGSY MALONE The critically size puppets. acclaimed production is back following a sellout run last year, with electrifying choreography and featuring all the classic songs. For ages 6+ Please check PEACOCK THEATRE before you head out to make sure WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 4-21 May ZOONATION DANCE COMPANY: that your INTO THE HOODS: REMIXED Set in the ‘Ruff Endz Day’s Out event Estate ,’ two lost children are tasked in finding an iPhone has not changed as white as milk, trainers as pure as gold, a hoodie as red after publication as blood and weave as yellow as corn. They meet DJ of your Spinderella, wannabe singer Lil Red, vivacious rapper Rap Families West On Zel, and budding music producer Jaxx. magazine... An award-winning hip hop dance comedy for all the family. PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com until 15 May THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE 21 May-10 Jul BRER RABBIT VISITS AFRICA Brer Rabbit travels to Africa to visit his grandmother. He gets himself into trouble, and all the animals of Africa, elephant, lion and tortoise alike, gather to help. For age 3+

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 17 what’s on CONTINUED

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Every Fri RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential. Every Mon DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong. Gamelan for ages 3-5. Until 3 Jul THE WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF ROALD DAHL A magical and interactive journey through The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl to discover the secrets of the writer with interactive installations to spark the imagination. 1May OAE TOTS The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s series of interactive concerts for under-6s. 10.30am and 12pm. 2-22 May SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who makes all kinds of music using just his mouth and a mic. Join this sonic superhero and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music. For all ages. 7 May, 19 Jun, 2 Jul THE SHOWSTOPPERS’ FANTASTICAL STORY FACTORY An improvised musical for age 6+ See your ideas turned into such marvellous, musical adventures on the spot, right in front of your very nose... A team of award-winning West End improvisers explore magical kingdoms as you decide what happens next. 8 May-11 Jun JAY FOREMAN’S DISGUSTING Family Workshops SONGS For revolting children (and other Funny Stories) AT THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM age 6+ This hit children's show by the multi-award- winning comedian features disgusting stories, revolting very great machine but is yet to work out what it is for. poems and more. THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 25 May PRAM JAM Singing workshop for parents and With the help of the king and court, he finds out lots of SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com children under 5. things that it isn’t for and one unexpected thing that it is utterly perfect for. (11, 26 Jun Crazy Crafts with the Potty Every Wednesday in Mar and Apr STORYTELLING AND MUSIC a series of sessions for 15 May-12 Jun THE NOISE NEXT DOOR An anarchic Professor). babies and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage afternoon show for age 7+, from a sell-out improv interaction between parents/carers and their little ones comedy sensation. using musical instruments, singing, movement and 28 May-5 Jun BRANIAC LIVE! Strap on your safety CONCERTS AND MUSIC stories. For children up to age 4. goggles-Science's most volatile live show takes you on a 31 May ARABIAN NIGHTS Classic tales retold with breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and WORKSHOPS music and puppetry. Meet Sheherazade, the greatest wonderful. For age 7+ storyteller of them all. She has a feast of adventures and 5 Jun FUNHARMONICS FAMILY CONCERTS - BACH TO BABY fantasies to tell involving genies, villains, heroes and TELLING TALES: BOTTOM’S DREAM Lose yourself in www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth princesses for all ages. the woods with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in this All concerts at 10.30am. special musical version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. 25 May, 22 Jun in Kensington Expect enchantment and confusion, and a bit of silliness (Christ Church, Victoria Road, W8) along the way, told through a magical mix of words and 14 Jun in Notting Hill music. (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11) THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE 13 May, 10 Jun in Hammersmith WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal- (St. Andrew's Church, Greyhound Road, W14) drury-lane 27 May in Chiswick Could YOU be the next publisher of Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) Families West Magazine? Interested FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young parties should contact us at: Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL [email protected] Wonka in a musical directed by Sam Mendes. SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com to discuss the possibility of taking 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Every Wednesday in Mar and Apr over this well-supported, established, STORYTELLING AND MUSIC A live franchised business. Would suit a UNICORN THEATRE instrumental experience for babies, toddlers and their SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com families. Outstanding musicians perform a repertoire of parent/parents looking to run a 20 May-26 Jun SEPTIMUS BEAN AND HIS traditional and contemporary music. business from home. AMAZING MACHINE Septimus Bean has invented a For ages 3 months to 3 years at 10.30am.

18 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR May/June 2016 ‘Families West’ is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under Win one of two family tickets to Sensational licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Butterflies and YOUR chance to escape the city Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the and step into a tropical butterfly house! publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and Families West London readers have the chance to win one of distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the two family tickets so they can see in summer with the spectacular Sensational Butterflies at the Natural History Museum! accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. ’ Come face to face with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and moths from around the world, Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: [email protected] and learn about the surprising life they lead. See their many colours as they flutter above Printed by The MANSON Group Limited, your head. Watch as they have something to eat at the feeding station. Spot the difference 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. between butterflies and moths. Search out a munching caterpillar, and if you are lucky you www.mansongroup.co.uk might see a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis. With more butterflies than ever before, Sensational Butterflies is fun for all the family. For more exhibition info, visit: nhm.ac.uk/sensational-butterflies CLASSIFIED ADS · HOME TUITION To enter please go to: www.familieswest.co.uk/competitions Competition open until 30 June 2016. Sensational Butterflies is at the Natural History Museum until 11 September 2016 . Private English Tuition One to one private tuition, literature and language at any level from 11+ to A2. All sessions tailored to the student’s needs, £25 per hour. Experienced tutor and current MA literature student with a passion for the subject. For more information please email: [email protected] or call: 07879 358 009

WIN Tickets to see Tall Stories’ THE GRUFFALO LIVE in the West End! The Gruffalo is coming to the Lyric Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue from 6 July 2016. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler . Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these

hungry woodland creatures?

After all, there's no such thing as a Gruffalo - is there? Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown- ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world! Running time 55 minutes (no interval). For bookings, please call 0330 333 4812 or book online at: www.gruffalolive.com COMPETITION: To celebrate The Gruffalo Live’s 15th birthday this May, Families West magazine has one VIP family ticket (admits 4) to be won. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: How many times is Mouse pictured in this issue of Families West magazine? There are some illustrations of Mouse throughout this magazine (there’s one below to get you started). How many can you find in total? Email your answer - together with your contact details - to: [email protected] - with ‘Gruffalo’ in the subject line, no later than Friday 4 June 2016. Terms & Conditions: The ticket prize admits 4 (minimum 1 adult). To see Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo Live at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue for performances between 6-24 July 2016, and must be redeemed by 24 June 2016. Tickets are non-transferable and hold no cash value.

May/June 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 19