ISSUE 115 July-August 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: [email protected] West London winners in the NEWS & VIEWS National Young Writers’ Award Miriam Henry aged 10 from St Gregory’s RC Primary In this issue... in Ealing, Mohammad Yaser, 9 from Tudor Primary in Holiday time is looming and we have an issue packed with Hayes and Otto Mayo, 9, from Westminster Under ideas of how to keep the kids entertained all summer long! School fought off tough competition from children all over West London. The competition, organised by West London will be buzzing! We have a round up of camps tuition provider Explore Learning which has centres in and workshops for children to take part in as well as great Westfield, Ealing and Hayes saw over 10,000 entries ideas to keep the learning going so that they are all ready for from children all over the UK, hoping to win a trip to the new term in September. It’s a good time to mull over the Disneyland Paris and £500 worth of books for their school choices that you need to make and some open days at school. This year’s theme was ‘The Future’ and children were tasked with writing a 500-word story set in 3017. local schools to book ahead. We will be back right at the This year’s judge was TV presenter and adventurer beginning of term with our clubs and classes issue. Until then, Steve Backshall who said: “ The quality of the stories was hope your summer is full of happy events! beyond belief! If I didn’t know this was a competition for young writers, I’d believe I was reading the scribblings of Contents Isaac Asimov or Philip K Dick, and while there were ele - ments from the great works of science fiction, every story News & Views Page 2 was original and had its own sense of individuality. ” Summer Activities The top ten national runners up will be announced on & Workshops Page 4 Monday 5th June and the national winner will be crowned on the 19th June. What’s On in west London Page 8 This summer Explore Learning Education/Open Day Dates Page 14 are offering all readers a FREE Keeping the Summer trial of their summer workshops. To book a trial please call: Learning going Page 15 030 3003 4006. The BEST summer reads Page 16 Why kids REALLY need to know about school... Page 18 Clubs & Classes/Classifieds Page 19

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2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 NEWS & VIEWS New Leadership at Clifton Lodge School, Ealing Clifton Lodge are delighted to announce that Mr Floyd Steadman will be returning as Executive Head from September 2017. He has an accomplished record in prep school education, working in St Paul’s Prep and Mill Hill Prep School (Belmont), before successful Headships at four Cognita Schools. Outside his career in education, he played sport to a high level, captaining Saracens rugby team and playing for the Barbarians. Mr Steadman will be working alongside Mrs Beth Friel who will become the Head of School. Mrs Friel is well known to families at Clifton Lodge and is committed to ensuring the best education for each child. Working in partnership, Mr Steadman and Mrs Friel are a great team to lead Clifton Lodge and ensure that the school continues to be an exceptional place for its children. Find out more about the school by calling them on: 020 8579 3662 or email them at: [email protected] www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

Buttons Nanny agency’s new owners... With over 40 years of nannying experience between them, Buttons Nanny Agency’s new owners, mother and daughter Marion and Roisin Doheny, have revamped the agency since taking it over. Marion is already a well-known face among Ealing families, having run the Pitshanger Playcenter since 1995. Alongside her work at the playcentre, Marion has also been a nanny for 34 years. Roisin has seven years of nanny experience herself, and has been with her most recent family in Chiswick for the past two years. With a great team working alongside them, both mother and daughter are determined to bring all their experience, love and passion to the Buttons Nanny Agency, and help find the most responsible, nurturing nannies for the families of West London. For further information, please contact them on: [email protected] · www.buttonsnannyagency.com

Lemon Tree and St Matthew’s Montessori schools based in Ealing Broadway offering both full day care (8.00am-6.00pm) and term time (9.15am-3.15am) for children aged from 1 years to 5 years old. We offer French, Ballet, Yoga, Drama and PE inclusive of fees. Full and part time sessions available. Qualified and experienced teachers offer a high standard of learning, nurturing and care.

Lemon Tree Montessori: 07495 898 760 (Full Day Care) St Matthew's Montessori: 07564 834 687 (Term Time) Website: www.lemontreemontessori.com

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July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3 SIX WEEKS OF SUMMER FUN! We’ve put together plenty of ideas for making each day just a little more special to keep the family fun going all summer long. Most of the activities listed are suitable for children of all ages and some are completely FREE! At home fun 1. Get organised! Gather together a bucket full of arts and crafts materials. You will need good quality pens, pencils, crayons, paints, brushes, glue, cellotape and scissors plus a stack of different kinds of paper. Start collect - ing another box of useful odds and ends like empty cereal cartons, cotton reels, string, plastic bottles, cartons of different sizes and lolly sticks. Find a place that can withstand the inevitable mess. Cover with a plastic one day, but it’s something you can 17. Puzzles. They seem to be a dying cloth and leave some wall space for go back to and chart how they grow. breed now with the invention of displaying your efforts. It's a wonderful biology lesson for chil - mobiles and tablets, but sitting down 2. “Can’t face the mess” arty day. dren, and they won’t even realise it! as a family and completing a jigsaw, You have people coming for dinner 7. Camp in the garden. Put up your a puzzle or a board game is a later. Give the kids fat paintbrushes tent and throw the sleeping bags in wonderful way to spend a few hours that you use for painting walls and a for day or night time camping. with the family. With older ones, you bucket of water and get them to 8. Head down to the library. Borrow could have one large one on the go ‘paint’ the fence or Chalk! Grabbing the maximum number of books for a week or two. some chalk and scribbling on the allowed and change books regularly. 18. Have a movie day. Stay in pyja - pavements is a great way to open up Make sure library books always go mas, fill up a big bowl of homemade their artistic side while they get some into the same box at home and keep popcorn, bring the duvet downstairs fresh air, and it can also make them them available at all times. and indulge. think that they are playing the rebel. 9. Have a makeshift writing area. 19. Have a upside down, back-to- You’ll be safe in the knowledge that Staple together some loose sheets of front day. Eat dinner at breakfast they are creating art knowing the paper into different sized books for time, put your clothes on inside out, next spot of rain will clear away the stories. Print out some pictures of and read a book from end to begin - evidence. writing in other scripts for the children ning. 3. Make playdoh. This recipe is so to have a go at. 20. Print your photos. You’ve been easy and your child can help too. Mix 10. Learn a poem by heart. meaning to do it for ages! Now is the together and cook gently - 1 cup of Help your child to learn it too. time to print some and share the plain flour, 1 cup of water, 1 tbsp of 11. Learn a new song. memories with your little ones. cooking oil, 2 tsps of cream of tartar, 12. Then make up a dance to go 21. Write a letter and post it. Your half a cup of salt and one or two with it! children will have probably not done drops of food colouring/ flavouring 13. Teach your child how to thread this often or perhaps never. Write a (optional but mint does smell a needle and sew a button. proper old fashioned letter and take delicious). Store in an airtight bag. 14. Have try out times. Buy a your little one to the post office and 4. Make slime! Cornflour, water and vegetable or fruit your family have buy stamps, and post it. food colouring/flavouring. Just never eaten before and give it a whirl. 22. Have another country day. Pick a glorious to run your fingers through. A different flavour ice-cream, an country and find out all about it. Find 5. Bubbles galore. Measure out 6 unusual pizza topping works too. it on a map, draw its flag, learn words cups of water, and slowly stir in 1 cup 15. Scour your cookery books. in the language of that country and of washing up and then add 1 tbsp of Find 5 or 6 simple and healthy new eat food from that place. glycerine. Makes great big bubbles. recipes that you and your child can 23. Do a chore. Teach your child how 6. Gardening. One of the beautiful cook. Your child’s teacher will be to do an age appropriate chore they things about gardening for adults is eternally grateful that your child will have never done before. Sweep the the ability to create a vision in your have a practical understanding of floor, change the pillowcases on their head, plant, and then watch that measurements and simple science. bed, lay a table. vision grown into reality. There is no 16. Bring out the board games. 24. Introduce them to Wimbledon. reason why your children can’t be a And introduce a new one into the Grab a bowl of strawberries and settle part of that process too. Help them mix. Learn a new card game that you down in front of the box and explain plant some flowers or seeds and not can teach your child. Invent new rules the difference between a forehand only do you have entertainment for to games you already know! and a backhand. 3-16 Jul.

4 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 Nearby park fun 28. Have an outdoor carry up to eight people, and-do/sports-and- 25. Trip to the pond. A local treasure hunt. When we did with no previous boating leisure/serpentine-lido pond is a great way to find this, I found a pack of cards experience required. Life 34. Or just a little sprinkle wildlife that may be missing that had some missing and vests are available for babies of water On a really hot from your back garden. hid them around the park. and children. For more info day. Take the kids to From frogs and tadpoles Each child had to find cards visit: www.goboat.co.uk Somerset House where to fish swimming below, it from their suit. 32. Taste something a little they can run amongst the gives little ones a taste of 29. Make, pack and eat a different. West London is fountains for a cool down. the outdoors in a safe picnic together. What a heaving with interesting Take plenty of towels! To environment. You can also lovely summer memory you cuisines and food such as find out if the fountains will take part in a classic pastime will create. tapas, dim sum and sushi is be on the day of your visit - just grab some bread and served in small bite size call: 020 7845 4600. feed the ducks, they’ll love Days out pieces that makes it great for 35. Forest Walk. All you it. 30. Use public transport experimenting! have to do is put on your 26. Sports at the park. Grab your child has never been on 33. Outdoor swimming most sensible form of a bat, ball or whatever they before. Most little Londoners There’s no better time to footwear and head out. love and head to the nearest are familiar with the bus and give this one a try. The Getting out up a hill or park. Get your friends and the tube but what about the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park through a forest can open their families involved and Dockland Light Railway, the and its accompanying pad - up your children’s imagina - make a day of it. Get London River Bus or the dling pool are great for both tions. The smell and touch involved yourself and they’ll Emirates Air Line Cable Car? adults and children. It is of the outdoors are a wel - love it even more. Use the 31. London’s newest form open every day until 12 Sept come change from everyday playground equipment and of public transport and it’s from 10am-6pm and has a life. The kids will love plan an assault course. Twice local! Already a phenomenal sun terrace as well as a exploring new surroundings down the slide, through the success in Scandinavia, children’s play area with too. Try Burnham Beeches monkey bars and hop GoBoat is a self-drive, pow - swings, slides, climbing which has plenty of around the outside and time ered boating experience in frame and paddling pool. organised family events. them. Can they beat their Paddington. Be the captain The water is tested weekly to www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ own time? of your own boat, chart your ensure quality and safety. things-to-do/green-spaces/ 27. Go fly a kite. It’s an own adventure, and choose www.royalparks.org.uk/parks experience every child needs! your own crew. GoBoats can /hyde-park/things-to-see- SUMMER IDEAS FEATURE CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 5 SIX WEEKS OF SUMMER FUN

36. Jump! West London has to the theatre. Super Camps its very own trampoline Look at our What’s On pages Multi-Activity Camp park where the kids can for detailed listings of what www.supercamps.co.uk burn off a lot of energy in is going on this summer. 17 Jul-21 Aug Super Camps’ an afternoon and have 42. Head to the beach. fabulous new Multi-Activity Unforgettable Performing Arts tremendous fun. Ruislip Lido has one as well programme in Kensington, Camps for Children aged 4 - 11. oxygenfreejumping.co.uk/ as play areas, a nature park Hammersmith, Maida Vale, Focused & friendly, HUZZAH take the drama out of learning new skills and put locations/acton and cafes. There is a water Ealing, Northwood (and many 37. Watch opera and splash pad on the beach it on the stage. A tried and tested mash more locations) allows children up of favourite drama games, singing and ballet for free. Watch live side which is turned on at to get involved in some great dance bringing out the best in your child. outdoor screenings of the 10am and turned off in the End of week show for friends and family. activities. As well as taking part Royal Opera House opera evening. There are two play - 10am - 4pm. Monday - Friday. in the fun-packed programme, and ballet for free at grounds, one either side of Jul 31st - August 4th: Star Wars children are cared for by fully Aug 14th - 18th: Sing The Movie Hammersmith Lyric Square. the lake and a sand area qualified and vetted staff to 4 Jul: La Traviata where children can build St Helen’s Church Hall and 14 Jul: Turandot. sand castles and play. create a thoroughly enjoyable St Helen’s Gardens · W10 6LP huzzahperformingarts.com www.roh.org.uk/about/ time on camp. As Ofsted noted, ... And finally, enrol the [email protected] bp-big-screens Super Camps runs “An excellent kids in a summer programme of well-planned, fun ‘Early Bird’ sale until and then extend the cultural June 30th 201 7. activity by exploring the free workshop. and exciting activities that con - sculpture at Regent’s Park. Our What’s On pages have tributes highly to the children’s From 5 Jul wander around a even more workshops for play and learning environment .” pass, kick, run with the ball and fabulous outdoor exhibition little ones at museums, Save 15% when using play as part of a team. For boys featuring works by world galleries and other venues . this code: FAMILIES17. and girls ages 2-7. Classes famous sculptors with Frieze Kiddikicks Football running throughout the summer. Sculpture 2017. Sports Camps/Activity and Athletics Ealing Cricket Club Premier 38. Pick your own. Camps www.kiddikicks.co.uk Cricket Coaching (W5) Strawberries, raspberries, Sports Academy 10 Jul-3 Sept Running, relay, www.premiercricketcoaching.co.uk broad beans, runner beans www.sportsacademyuk.com/ind throwing and football fun for 17 Jul-1 Aug Professional and more. Try: www.copas - ex.php/choose-your-school/ ages 18 months to 11 years in coaching for boys and girls ages farms.co.uk/pick-your-own/ summer-workshops Hyde Park, Queens Park, 5-14 using the club’s recent 39. A day at the farm. 24 Jul-4 Aug in Richmond. Paddington Recreation Ground PitchVision system - a fantastic Odds Farm Park is a child- For ages 6-16, 16 sports and Regent’s Park. Easy online tool for technical feedback and friendly farm with animal offered, including Tag Rugby, booking and a full list of developments. 10am-4.30pm petting and feeding plus Gymnastics, Tri-golf, participating venues, class times, plus early drop-off and late activities from karting to age groups and term dates are pick-up (8.30am-5pm). Takes crazy golf. Tambourelli, Badminton, Unihoc, available on their website. place at Ealing Cricket Club, www.oddsfarm.co.uk Tennis, Basketball, Softball, 020 7937 7965 40. Try out a new class. Volleyball, Dodgeball, Netball, Corfton Road Ealing, W5 2HS. [email protected] Families West Magazines lists Archery and more. Let’s play netball lots of them at the back of All equipment supplied. Rugbytots www.letsplaynetball.co.uk/camps/ this magazine! Qualified coaches, all CRB www.rugbytots.co.uk university-of-westminster 41. Head over to a checked. Book for individual Fun, structured play sessions 23 Aug-1 Sept Netball camp in museum, an art gallery, days or weeks with option of with engaging and energetic Chiswick for ages 5-8. a child friendly concert or early and late club available. coaches teaching how to catch, Odds Farm Park Activity Day Camps www.oddsfarm.co.uk/days- Allsorts Drama out/childrens-farm-activity-day- More House School, camps 22-24 Pont Street SWI 24 Jul-1 Sept Leave the kids at 17th-21st July 2017 Odds Farm Park for great holiday adventures. Action-packed …8969 3249 · [email protected] Activity Day run jointly with æallsortsdrama.com Kids Play Childcare include entry Summer Holiday Drama Workshops: 9.30am-3.30pm to Odds Farm Park. Ofsted registered childcare and early Ages 4-6 and 7-11 and late clubs as well as meals £220 for the week with sibling and early bird discounts. and refreshments.

6 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 Performing Arts/ Circus games, painting and of course Workshop (SW7) nature trail. Drop-in, 11am-3pm. Skills/ Dance/Music ballet! 9am-12 noon at www.inspiredmindstutors.com 9, 10, 23, 24 Aug DISCOVERY Perform Drama workshops Christchurch, Victoria Road, 15 Jul An inspiring introduction DAY - WILD WATER Discover the (Notting Hill and Chiswick) W8 5RQ. The sessions will be to robotics for children aged 7- wild wonders of the water with www.perform.org.uk/holidays taken by two very experienced 12. Take robots apart to learn an expert led pond dipping ses - July and Aug BEAUTY AND THE ballerinas who are most gentle how they work, then build and sion and make your own paper BEAST Three and five day sum - with the children. code your own. From £120, plate frog to take home with mer courses for ages 4-7. This Music House for Children 11am-3pm. you. Drop-in, 11am-3pm. summer, your child could be Musical Theatre Hyde Park Education 22 Aug NATURE EXPLORERS- acting out the classic Beauty and Workshop and Summer Centre environmental WATER WORLD Pond dipping, the Beast fairytale on one of the Camp (W12) and art workshops (W2) using digital microscopes, and three or five day courses. www.musichouseforchildren www.supporttheroyalparks.org exploring the wilder parts of the Venturing into the Spooky Wood .co.uk/whats-on 2, 16 Aug DISCOVERY DAY - park as part of a full day of and exploring the grand Palace of 26 Jul Recreate the story of MEADOW MADNESS A day of guided outdoor games Dreams, they’ll learn songs, Peter Pan and present to family nature inspired activities includ - and activities. rehearse dances and put together and friends. For ages 5-11. ing sweep netting for creepy 10am-3pm. scenes that tell the story of how 14-17 Aug A four day workshop crawlies, visiting the nature For ages 8-11. Beauty met the Beast. of musical mayhem. Form discovery rooms and following a 020 7255 9120. bands, learn and play instru - [email protected] ments, and compose your own Arts Ed Musical Theatre music. For ages 5+ Workshops (Chiswick) www.artsed.co.uk/holiday- Languages courses/booking/youth-courses- Club Petit Pierrot Fun summer French Summer Holiday 24 Jul-18 Aug Holiday courses Club in drama and musical theatre. (Chelsea, Maida Vale) Children from 4-16+yrs will www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk have great fun singing, dancing, 17-28 Jul Children learn French acting, making films and creat - effortlessly while doing lots of ing comedy sketches working arts and crafts, cooking, drama, with our friendly tutors. outdoor sporty games and Albert and Friends singing. For ages 3-5 and 6-8 Instant Circus Holiday in Chelsea and Maida Vale. Half Projects (W6 & TW10) day and full day sessions www.albertandfriendsinstant available. Small groups, dynamic circus.co.uk and enthusiastic native French The holiday courses bring the best teachers (all DBS checked). of their practitioners together to Highly recommended by BBC, offer a unique and creative envi - Daily Telegraph, Daily Express ronment where children can learn and Time Out. a whole host of circus skills. [email protected] Children have the chance to have or call 020 7385 5565. a go at stilt walking, ball walking, juggling, tightrope and unicycle, Arts and crafts and end the week with a presen - Corner 9 Art workshops tation of their newly acquired (W10) skills in a showcase for parents www.corner9.org.uk and friends. 10.30am-3.30/4pm, 10 Jul- 2 Aug On Mondays, on a daily or weekly basis. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 21-25 Aug in Richmond (Christ’s 10am-12 noon. School, Queens Rd, Richmond, [email protected] TW10 6HW) and 29 Aug - 1 Sept Kite Studios Art at Melcombe Primary School, workshops (W12) Fulham Palace Road, W6 9ER www.kitestudios.org Info@albertandfriendsinstant 17 Jul-1 Sept Workshops in circus.co.uk design, drawing, clay modelling, Kensington Ballet collage and printmaking for Summer School (W8) ages 4-14+ www.kensingtonballet.com 24-28 Jul and 21-25 Aug Science Drama, musical theatre, creative Inspired Minds Robotics

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 7 WHAT’S ON

22 Jul GUNNERSBURY DIARY DATES TRIANGLE SUMMER OPEN DAY A free summer open day with nature- 2, 9, 16, 23 Jul SUMMER themed fun for all the family. Explore the STREETS ON REGENT STREET wonders of Gunnersbury Triangle and Enjoy art, music, fashion and family enjoy a range of free family activities, activities on Regent Street, as the famous including children’s arts and craft activi - shopping destination becomes traffic-free ties, nature trails, pond dipping, stalls with for four Sundays in July. refreshments, guided nature walks and www.regentstreetonline.com/events/what- wildlife displays. 1-4pm. The reserve’s s-on-regent-street-2017 entrance is opposite Chiswick Park tube 3-16 Jul WIMBLEDON station, W4 5LW. Get your strawberries and cream ready. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2017/05/3 1/gunnersbury-triangle-summer-open-day 8 Jul EALING NCT Whales beneath the surface at NEARLY NEW SALE 27, 28 Aug NOTTING HILL THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM A fantastic range of good quality second CARNIVAL hand items for babies and toddlers at Join in with the biggest Caribbean party in free. Takes place at 10.30, 1 and 3pm. NATIONAL GALLERY London. great prices. Come along and bag a 2 Aug PERFORMING WITH HETTY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk bargain! Venue: Kingsdown Methodist Free family drama workshop. Bring Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities Church, 2 Kingsdown Avenue, London, MUSEUMS AND characters and scenes from Hetty Feather designed for families to enjoy and learn W13 9PR, 12.30-2.30pm. Email Flor at: books to life using acting and play. together, 11am and 3pm. [email protected] Suitable for age 5+, free. Takes place at MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for more information. GALLERIES 10.30, 1 and 3pm. For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30- 22 HETTY FEATHER: USING HISTORY 11am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on 8 Jul GREENFORD CARNIVAL BRITISH MUSEUM CREATIVELY A family event with the magic carpet, coming to land in front WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Fun family day out with activities for Jacqueline Wilson who will be talking of a different painting each day. DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at children. Ravenor Park UB6 about writing Hetty Feather. Alongside DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery weekends and school holidays on a some of the creative people involved in paintings as inspiration for your art. variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for 15 Jul CHISWICK AND transforming the books into a TV series. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. ages 7+ (unless stated). Special events HAMMERSMITH NCT FIRST AID 2pm. 2 Jul, 6 Aug DRAWING A CROWD include: BABY AND TODDLER COURSE 29 Aug HETTY’S SHADOW PUPPET Take part in a collaborative drawing 17 Jul LITTLE FEET: JOURNEY 10am-4pm at Holiday Inn Express THEATRE Make your own shadow pup - adventure and invite characters to step THROUGH NATURE Take part in an Hammersmith, 12-124 King Street, pet theatre in this free family workshop. out of the paintings and be drawn into the artful journey through the exhibition London, W6 0QU Email: FirstAid. Suitable for age 5+, free. Takes place at crowd. Hokusai: beyond the Great Wave. Use [email protected] 10.30, 1 and 3pm. 16 Jul, 20 Aug NOW YOU SEE ME, sight, sound and touch to explore while NOW YOU DON’T Portraits stay still gathering inspiration to create your own 15 Jul MUM2MUM MARKET IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM don't they? Not this one. Come and find unique artwork to take home. For under IN CHISWICK SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk out how to draw a portrait that moves and 5s, 10.30am-12 noon, free. A pop up market where you can buy or EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, pho - changes and even disappears! 17 Aug LITTLE FEET: sell nearly new baby, children's and mater - tographs and a large number of rare arte - STUDIO SUNDAYS hands-on workshops MAKE A SPLASH Inspired by Hokusai’s nity goods in good condition at fraction of facts document the history of the Nazi per - that start in the Gallery and are followed Great Wave print, explore the wonderful high street prices. Takes place at secution of the Jews and other groups by a studio session. 11am and 2pm for world of water. Prepare to get wet and Southfield Primary School, Southfield before and during the Second World War. ages 5-11. bring a towel - it’s time to splash! For Road, Bedford Park W4 1BD. For ages 14+ 9 Jul, 13 Aug TALES FROM THE under 5s, 11am and 2pm, free. From 1.30-3.30pm A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the UNDERWORLD Help to unravel the tale http://www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/north lives of William and Alice Allpress and of Orpheus in the Underworld and create -and-west-london-nearly-new-sales.html FOUNDLING MUSEUM their ten children and what life in London your own Ancient Greek-inspired urn, WC1N 1AZ was like during the war. painted with scenes from the story. 15 Jul ACTON CARNIVAL www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk SECRET WAR The clandestine world of 23 Jul SIRENS, STORMS AND The colourful procession of floats, dancers 15 Jul HETTY FEATHER & CLOVER espionage, covert operations and the work SUITORS Experience the thrilling adven - and musicians will begin at Woodlands MOON DAY: TALK AND BOOK of Britain’s Special Forces. tures frescoed in Pintoricchio’s Penelope Park and move along the High Street to SIGNING Author reads from Hetty FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story with the Suitors and collage a narrative of Acton Park. Acton Park, W3. 12-7pm. Feather and Clover Moon plus free art of the war - Over 1,300 objects including Odysseus’s story in your own triptych. www.artification.org.uk/events/acton- workshop based on the Hetty Feather weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and Every Weds WELCOME carnival-2017 exhibition. souvenirs, will be on display as well as a WEDNESDAYS Bring paintings to life 25 Jul MISS SMITH’S BOOKS Learn recreated trench with periscopes and a through interactive music, storytelling, 16 Jul PARTY ON THE PIER traditional bookbinding methods in this dug-out, along with a soundscape and art and messy play activities. Every A fun day on and off the river at Chiswick free family workshop. Create Hetty projection will evoke what daily life was Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walk - Pier. Stalls and entertainment for all the Feather’s journal or Clover’s sketchbook, like for the troops. ers under age five, 1pm for sitting babies family, as well as refreshments, canoe given to them by Miss Smith. Then make Every Sat and Sun OBJECT to walkers. taster sessions, river dipping, music, marbled paper to cover your notebook in CONVERSATIONS New immersive 2 Jul, 6 Aug FAMILY WALK AND children’s fun sessions with Amanda’s the style of Victorian marbled books. object handling sessions where families TALK Free family talk for all ages. A jour - Action Club and face painting. Wimbledon Suitable for age 5+, free. Takes place at can explore objects from the collections- ney through the collection where there is a finals game shown on a big screen! 10.30, 1 and 3pm. feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from walk, talk, and bringing of paintings to The first free boat trip sails at 11.30am 28 Jul IDA’S STORY Take on the role of the First World War and come to grips life. and then every 45 mins. 11.30am-4pm. Hetty Feather the writer in this fun creative with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: www.chiswickpier.org.uk writing workshop. Suitable for age 5+, ages. 11am -12.30pm and 2 - 4pm. 19 Jul BABYJAZZ SUMMER SPECIAL

8 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 Swing and sing your way into summer at SPECIAL EVENTS: Doh artist Eleanor Macnair to recreate a general public. Visitors have access to a a tailored jazz workshop. This session is 28 Jul CANADA 150: photographic portrait from the gallery’s wide-ranging programme of activities, for children aged 16 months and A CELEBRATION FEATURING AERIAL collection. During the workshop families including a chance to see, meet and up.10.30-11.10am, advanced booking INSPIRATION Enjoy sketching aerial will mould a background, figure and cloth - even touch live animals, all supported by essential. perspectives in Renaissance paintings and ing to bring a black and white photograph experienced, autism-aware facilitators. 24, 31 Jul, 7, 14, 21 Aug MESSY hunt for creatures, trees, and houses to to life in vivid colour. 1pm for age 7+ and A dedicated Sensory Room will also be MONDAYS: EXPLORING THE STUDIO create a Canadian landscape. From 2pm 3pm for age 3+ available for those children needing a Drop-in session for children under 5 years. to 4pm, experience an afternoon of excit - quieter and calmer space. Become a mini artist by exploring materi - ing activities in Canada House to celebrate NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM For ages 5-15 plus their siblings. als and mark making in a tactile environ - Canada’s 150th birthday. Complimentary SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 21 Jul, 11 Aug DINO SNORES ment inspired by a painting. packed lunches provided by The Trafalgar Until 17 Sept EXHIBITION: Ever wondered what goes on at the 10.30am and 12.30pm. Hotel will be given to families at the SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Escape Natural History Museum at night? 7-11 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8, 15, 22 Aug National Gallery from 1pm to 2pm. to the tropical butterfly house and see the years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails TALKING TUESDAYS-INVESTIGATING 11am-4pm. Advance booking essential. crawling caterpillar transform into the through the museum, live animal shows PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to life beautiful butterfly. Marvel at the behaviour and more. For ages 7-11. through singing, talking and playing. NATIONAL PORTRAIT and sheer diversity of these incredible 24, 31 Jul, 7, 14 Aug LITTLE For under 5s. 10.30am and 12.30pm. GALLERY organisms, usually found in the tropical MERMAID AND TALES FROM THE 25-27 Jul , 8-10, 22-24 Aug SAINTS, WC2H OHE www.npg.org.uk forests of Central and South America, DEEP Join the world of the deep blue sea STORIES AND SINGING ANGELS 16 Jul DROP-IN FAMILY SESSION: Africa and Asia. in this puppet show with two delightful Take inspiration from Renaissance COMIC CHARACTERS Drop in pop-up From 14 Jul NEW EXHIBITION: stories set beneath the waves. Free, for altarpieces and create your own dazzling comic drawing studio, with a chance to WHALES-BENEATH THE SURFACE children up to 7 years old. works of art. For age 2+ meet picture-book illustrator Marta Altés, Go beneath the waves to explore the 21, 28 Aug MAISIE AND THE 11am and 2pm. whose drawings feature in our Summer extraordinary lives of whales. More than MAMMOTH TOOTH When Maisie finds 31 Jul-4 Aug and 7-11 Aug Sketching trail. Families can pick up tips 100 specimens will be on display. an odd-looking tooth under her pillow, ARTIST'S APPRENTICE: BRONZE OR on drawing characters and using humour Explore whales, dolphins and porpoises’ she's determined to discover who it DISCOVER ARTS AWARD Be inspired to make your stories come alive.1pm for extraordinary adaptations to their under - belongs to. Find out how a time-travelling by National Gallery paintings and work ages 3+ and 3pm for age 7+ water environments, and learn how they tooth fairy takes Maisie back to the Ice with a professional artist to achieve a 24-28 Jul and 31 Juy-4 Aug are like us. Age on an adventure she'll never forget. Bronze or Discover Arts Award which is HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: PORTRAITS, Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR A puppet show is suitable for a nationally recognised qualification. PEOPLE AND PLACES Sessions explor - FAMILIES Explore hundreds of real families with children under 11am-4pm. ing BP Portrait Award 2017 and the con - nature specimens that form the evidence seven years old. 1-3, 15-17 Aug INTERWOVEN temporary collections. Workshops include Museum scientists use in their daily work. Celebrate Chris Ofili’s magical tapestry painting, drawing masterclasses and a Drop-in, 11am-5pm. by weaving together narratives told in chance to learn about judging a portrait 15 Jul DAWNOSAURS A free event mythological paintings and create fabu - competition. 11am-4pm. that lets autistic children enjoy the WHAT’S ON LISTINGS lous fictional collages. 11am and 2pm 20 Aug FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: Museum with their families and siblings, CONTINUE ON PAGE 10 drop-in. Age 2+ PORTRAITS IN PLAY-DOH Join Play- free from the hustle and bustle of the

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 9 WHAT’S ON

SCIENCE MUSEUM [email protected] SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 1 Aug DELICIOUS STILL LIFE A two- WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL day workshop exploring some of the hid - GALLERY The UK's biggest interactive den meanings found in still life paintings science gallery is filled with specially- by Dutch and Flemish artists in the commissioned exhibits and artworks, live Wallace Collection. After sketching their science shows, explosive demonstrations favourites they will then work directly from and immersive experiences led by the a real still life, learning how to use acrylic museum's talent team of science commu - paints to achieve different textures and nicators. Day pass £8 adult, £6 child, effects. 10.30am-3.30pm for ages 9-12. £22.50 families. Book in advance at: OUR LIVES IN DATA Information about [email protected] our lives is increasingly being captured, 1, 2 Aug DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: analysed and used, transforming the DROP-IN AND DRAW Free, drop-in world around us. From toys that can drawing workshops for all ages and understand a child's personality and abilities led by artist Hattie Moore. smarter public transport planning to new 10.30am and 2pm. genomic technology that is helping uncov - 15 Aug ARMOUR HANDLING FOR er the causes of rare diseases and cancer, FAMILIES Meet Curator of Arms and big data's invisible revolution has begun. Armour (and real life knight!) Tobias Ages 8 to adult, free. Capwell to learn all about medieval 8 Jul SCIENCE NIGHT A special knights, battles and tournaments and get overnight event for 7-13 year olds to handle and try on some real and replica featuring exciting hands-on workshops, armour. Free, 1-2pm, for ages 5+ science shows, and a sleepover at the Portraits in Play-Doh at WILLIAM MORRIS SOCIETY museum. THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY MUSEUM Photo credit Ruth Clarke WALLACE COLLECTION W6 9TA www.williammorrissociety.org.uk W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 16 Aug WE LOVE MAY MORRIS stories from South Asia using drama 2 Jul, 6 Aug THE LITTLE DRAW Free 26 Jul WE LOVE PRINTING Create a A weaving workshop using a range of games, movement and sound in this fun drop-in drawing workshop for all ages print using natural materials inspired by colourful wools and threads, followed by and creative workshop. For ages 5-11, and abilities with artist Niamh Aherne. William Morris designs and his garden, tapestry time using needles, threads and free, 12-1.30pm. She will be exploring and rediscovering then make your own printing blocks or materials to make your own design 20 Aug STORY STARTERS! Inspired the Wallace Collection through drawing, use our special wooden blocks to create a inspired by William's talented daughter. by the fascinating books on display in the observation and plenty of creative repeating wallpaper design. For ages 6- For ages 6-12, 1-3.30pm. Treasures Gallery, explore storytelling experimentation. 1:30-4:30pm, all ages. 12, 1-3.30pm. through illustration, conjuring new tales 27, 28 Jul FIGURES IN ACTION: 29 Jul WE LOVE BUNTING Create a to share and entertain. For ages 5-11, SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Make your special Kelmscott House bunting which free, 11.30am and 2pm. own figurative sculpture in this two-day will be displayed at the museum and in DAYS OUT workshop with artist Alex Hirtzel. other famous houses in London, such as CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN Learn how to build a wire armature and Leighton House. After that, you can make BRITISH LIBRARY SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk use plaster to build up the figure before your own bunting to take home with you. NW1 2DB www.bl.uk Environmentally themed painting and dressing it. 10.30am-3.30pm For ages 6-12, 10.30am-1pm. 28 Jul SOUTH ASIAN STORIES From workshops all summer long. for ages 9-12. Book in advance at: sheikhs to suffragettes, explore lives and

Classes forF Brooyms a nBda Gbiyrls taog eBda 2 l1l/e2rtion a16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

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

10 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 1 Aug CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Learn For ages 6+, 10.30am-2.30pm and playtime on board. 10-11.30am for greens grow. Free, advanced booking about chocolate, take part in craft 24 Aug CSI: CHELSEA - A FORENSIC ages 4 and under. essential, at 11am and 2pm. activities. For ages 6-10, 10.30am-3pm. BIOLOGY MYSTERY One of the 1, 2 Jul FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: 30 Aug ART MARQUEE Join in the 2, 15 Aug GARDEN SAFARI Discover Gardeners has been found dead in a FABULOUS FLYING FISH Cutty Sark’s outdoor Art Marquee and get stuck into garden creatures, poisonous and insect- greenhouse and the police need your help sailors would catch flying fish as a tasty an activity themed around the Palace! eating plants and go pond-dipping. to unravel the mystery! Spend a day alternative to their diet of salted beef and Learn an exciting new technique - from 10.30am and 1pm. solving a crime and discover some handy pea soup. In this drop-in workshop, come paper marbling and working with clay, 3 Aug PULP FICTION: PAPER-MAK - tips from nature. For ages 9-16. and learn more about what sailors ate and to puppetry and pop-ups. ING, PAPER STIXX, WONDERFUL 10.30am-3pm. make a flying fish to take home with you. No booking necessary. 1-4pm. WIRE AND MORE Make wonderful 11.30am and 2pm, all ages. sculptures using a variety of material in CHISWICK HOUSE AND HAMPTON COURT PALACE different ways. Ages 6-16. 10.30am-3pm. GARDEN FULHAM PALACE KT8 9AU 8 Aug MAKE CANDLES AND SOAP W4 2RP www.chgt.org.uk SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace Traditional crafts using natural ingredients. Until 10 Jul GIFFORDS CIRCUS: every Mon and Tues THE PALACE Daily until 31 Aug LIVE HISTORIC 10.30am-3pm. ANY PORT IN A STORM An all new EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and COOKERY The team of history chefs 9, 23 Aug SILK-UNWOVEN Baroque inspired circus show with a great toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. prepare food fit for kings with demonstra - HISTORIES Story-telling and garden international team including a Cuban £3 per child, which includes a drink and tions of Tudor roasting and experimenta - exploration. For ages 7-16, 10.30am-3pm. troupe, a Hungarian Csikos rider and a healthy snack. tion with recipes, ingredients and meth - 10 Aug A PASSION FOR PLANTS - Ukrainian flyer. Household favourite 16 Jul SPADDLES AND SORBETS: ods, providing the experience of the GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS Learn Tweedy returns to run amok alongside the A HISTORY OF ICE CREAM IN sights, sounds and smells of life in King how to grow and care for plants. Giffords Circus band. BRITAIN FAMILY WORKSHOP Henry VIII’s kitchens. For ages 4+ at 10.30am and 1pm. 8, 9, 10 Aug THE LUNA CINEMA The delightful ins and outs of ice cream 29 Jul, 26 Aug SATURDAY STORY 16 Aug LOTIONS AND POTIONS Find The cinema under the stars returns to through the ages. This interactive TIME Enjoy a well-known story in the out about the history of medicine and the Chiswick House. Grab a blanket and settle demonstration includes the opportunity to comfort of the palace and join in with amazing power of plants to heal and down. 8 Aug-Breakfast at Tiffany’s, sample fresh ice cream and learn how to themed toys. For under 5’s at 11.30am, soothe. Make some of your own natural 9 Aug-Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find create your own inventive flavours at 1 and 2.30pm. and low-cost remedies (ointments, syrups, Them, 10 Aug-Notting Hill. home. 1-1.45pm. 11-16 Jul REAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS scented bags) as well as a mini medicinal 23 Jul HANDS-ON ARCHAEOLOGY TROPHY A new annual international Real garden to take home. For ages 7+, CUTTY SARK Learn more about the rich and varied Tennis event celebrating Henry VIII’s 10.30am-2.30pm. SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark history of this ancient site. This drop-in favourite sport, bringing together the 17 Aug SAUROPODS AND CYCADS: Every weekend CUTTY SARK session is for archaeology enthusiasts of world’s top players on the palace’s historic DINNER WITH DINOSAURS How the CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear all ages. 1-3pm. court. Didn’t get tickets to Wimbledon? evolution of plants shaped the world of Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to 5 Aug VEGETABLE TRAIL: Then discover the game’s centuries old dinosaurs. For ages 7+ life by characters from the ship’s past. AN EDIBLE ADVENTURE Eat your way 10.30am-2.30pm. Suitable for ages 3+ around the vibrant Walled Garden with WHAT’S ON LISTINGS 22 Aug ART OF THE GARDEN Create Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring this edible tour of our delicious produce, CONTINUE ON PAGE 12 art and craft inspired by the Garden. your little sailors along for songs, stories and see for yourself how your favourite

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 11 WHAT’S ON

roots as players battle it out to take home Learn more about the uses of all the the trophy. different edible plants in our garden. 15, 16 Jul TUDOR JOUST The sights, Make herb posies to take home and smells and sounds of the Tudor court, sample some different herbal teas. brought to life with dazzling displays of Free, drop-in, 12-4pm. sword fighting, courtly games, and music. There’ll be a host of weird and wonderful ODDS FARM PARK Tudor instruments to discover, and the HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk chance for young visitors to try out pieces A fabulous day out at the farm! of armour for size. Meet the farmers and get close to the Around The World in 80 Days animals in the hands-on area and in the at THE CADOGAN HALL HOLLAND PARK large undercover animal barns. There is a ECOLOGY CENTRE massive adventure play area with a four lights of London for the warmth of a camp mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive W8 6LU lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted fire and enjoy an evening of activities and scenes and hands-on adventure! 3+ www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/wildlife.aspx area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, marshmallow toasting. 5pm-8am. WIN TICKETS! 22 Jul BRILLIANT BUTTERFLIES: swinging ropes and much more. Call 0344 249 1895 to book. We have a family ticket to be won! See page 19 for how to enter. ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Mon, Tue, Wed during term-time 22 Jul-3 Sept SUMMER HOLIDAY Discover these colourful acrobats through TODDLER TIME Messy play, arts and FAMILY FUN50 things activities, Craft 2 Aug-2 Sept AROUND THE WORLD art and craft activities, quizzes and a trail crafts, music. Cart and Family Gardening Club return for IN 80 DAYS The New Vic Theatre’s looking for different species and their food 22 Jul-3 Sept SUMMER FUN Extra more fun in the summer holidays. celebrated production of Jules Verne’s plants. Find out why some butterfly holiday fun with different themes, shows, 22 Jul-3 Sept SUMMER OF SPORT Around The World In 80 Days returns to species are declining and ways to crafts and water surprises! Get stuck in to a series of sporting the stage. Nominated for both the UK encourage more butterflies to visit your activities around the estate at Osterley this Theatre Awards ‘Best New Production’ garden. Free, drop-in, 12-4pm. OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE summer. and the Manchester Theatre Awards ‘Best 12 Aug DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES: TW7 4RD 16-20 Aug ALICE IN Show for Children and Families’, this is the WILDLIFE AREA OPEN DAY Identify www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park- WONDERLAND Outdoor theatre. production’s first national tour. The these insects as they hover above the and-house See Lewis Carroll’s story of fantasy and mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas pond. See if you can find their nymphs Every weekend PADDLE SPORTS adventure brought to life in the formal Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can and other pond creatures by taking part in WITH THE SHARKS Fancy getting out gardens at Osterley Park and House. circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. pond dipping. Free, drop-in, 12-4pm. on the water? The Sharks Canoe Club are 11.30am and 2.30pm. We join Fogg and his loyal valet, 26 Aug TOP OF THE CROPS: at Osterley offering canoeing, kayaking Passepartout, as they voyage from the ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Harvest and more on Middle Lake every weekend. THE LONDON WETLANDS misty alleys of Victorian London to the this year’s crop in the Edible Garden, such 12-4pm. CENTRE exotic subcontinent and the Wild West in as tomatoes, runner beans and curly kale. 21, 22 Jul BIG CAMP Swap the busy SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk a race against the clock. An ensemble Daily DUSTY'S WILDLIFE RANGERS cast of 8 play over 125 characters in an Grab a net and try pond dipping; join the imaginative and physically inventive high- warden to discover more about wildlife; or spirited escapade including six trains, five learn how to use binoculars. Receive your boats, four fights, three dances, two circus free Wildlife Ranger log book packed with acts and an elephant! everything you need for a day of exciting discoveries. LYRIC THEATRE 4, 11, 18 and 25 Aug NIGHT W1D 7ES SAFARIS An exciting night adventure, www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk building dens, , listening to wildlife and Book Now: 5 Jul-10 Sept looking for bats and other nocturnal ani - WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Two mals, stargazing and stories around a crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a roaring campfire toasting marshmallows. whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and 7-10pm, for ages 7+ Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal 24, 31 Aug BAT WALKS See these the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they amazing flying mammals and their aston - reckon without the tiniest, quietest ishing aerial acrobatics. Age 8+ creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of FAMILY THEATRE laughs! Age 3+ THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CADOGAN HALL CHILDREN SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com W12 7LJ 4 Aug-3 Sept WE’RE GOING ON A www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk BEAR HUNT Michael Rosen's award- 25 Jul THE ADVENTURES OF ALICE winning book We're Going on a Bear Hunt IN WONDERLAND MUSICAL SHOW is brought vividly and noisily to the stage Don’t be late for a very important date! in director Sally Cookson's fun-filled adap - Musical show for children aged 2-6. tation set to Benji Bower's versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventur - PEACOCK THEATRE ers and their musical dog on their quest to WC2A 2HT www.peacocktheatre.com find a bear; as they wade through the 18-23 Jul MY FIRST BALLET: gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy CINDERELLA Everyone’s favourite rags- splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy to-riches story, in a beautifully adapted

12 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 ballet version for children aged three upwards. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev's ravishing score, the production is a unique collabo - ration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School. SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE PICCADILLY THEATRE SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com W1D 7DY www.anniewestend.com Visit the exhibition desk to buy Jul and Aug ANNIE THE MUSICAL We’re going on a Bear Hunt tickets every day or call 020 7902 at THE CADOGAN HALL The world’s favourite family musical makes 1599 for more information. its long-awaited return to London, starring Learn about Shakespeare’s world and his elements of opera and have a go at UNICORN THEATRE comedy superstar Miranda Hart high plays through interactive activities and singing and performing yourself. SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com kicking, falling over and passing out as demonstrations at Shakespeare’s Globe. For ages 7-11. Until 9 Jul DOUBLE DOUBLE ACT Are Miss Hannigan! £10 Family tickets for a limited period. 8 Jul THE ITCH-WITCH Children are children and adults sometimes the same? Ages 5+ PUPPET THEATRE BARGE invited to explore the ambiguous nature of What does adulthood really mean? And W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com witches in this visual and atmospheric what kind of things do we both find Until 9 Jul THE HARE AND THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE event for ages 8 - 11. funny? A show performed with 8-year-olds TORTOISE AND OTHER TALES FROM SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 10 Jul GONG BABIES GAMELAN and adults that playfully explores these AESOP An exciting collection of tales, all Until 20 Aug ADVENTURES IN Bring your babies aged under six months questions. For ages 6+ told with wood-carved marionettes, MOOMINLAND Clamber through for a fun music workshop, with no 29 Jun-17 Jul SENSACIONAL 2017 culminating in the classic The Hare and forests, huddle in caves or set sail on the experience required. Bring your toddler along to a sound and the Tortoise. For ages 3+ high seas to try and find the Moomin 15, 16 Jul AFRICA UTOPIA Celebrating light show in which they are the partici - In Jul and Aug the barge will be family. Along the way you can learn how the arts and culture of Africa with many pants. Watch as your child puts on a moving to Richmond-on-Thames Tove Jansson created these unique land - events including talks, workshops, music, white suit and becomes part of a digital 22 Jul-6 Aug THE THREE PIGS AND scapes, characters and stories, while performance and food. world of ladybirds, shapes, squiggles and THE WOLF PLUS CAPTAIN GRIMEY uncovering some fine original drawings. 29 Jul onwards SUMMERTIME Six squarks that won’t keep still, no matter For ages 3-7. Every Sun until 24 Sept MONSKI weekends of fun, an outdoor music stage how hard you try to catch them! 9 Aug- 1 Oct THE HARE AND THE MOUSE'S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL and art installations. A huge programme Until 19 Aug BABY SHOW A sensory TORTOISE AND OTHER TALES FROM Get your heads, shoulders, knees and toes of events (many of them free). Inside, performance with captivating images and AESOP wiggling and jiggling to a quirky inspired there's dance and performance from an intriguing sounds that keep little ones DJ set. Playing a selection of retro hits and eclectic mix of national and international rapt. The show playfully explores getting RICHMOND THEATRE children's music, Monski Mouse and her companies. Outside, six themed weekends ready to go outside. For ages 6-18 TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond dancers, encourage parents and carers to of fun, an outdoor music stage and art months. 18-20 Aug THE GRUFFALO A mouse party and play hard with their little ones, installations. took a stroll through the deep dark while they are still young enough to not VAUDEVILLE THEATRE wood... Join Mouse on a daring adventure be embarrassed by ‘dad-dancing’ or the THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2R 0NH www.snarkthemusical.com through the deep, dark wood in Tall ‘mum-step .’ Ages 0-5. WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/ 26 Jul-2 Sept THE HUNTING OF THE Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the www.udderbellyfestival.com theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane SNARK Enter the imaginative world of classic picture book by Julia Donaldson 2, 15 Jul PRAM JAM A morning of Until 22 Jul 42ND STREET the song Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, and Axel Scheffler. For age 3+ stories and song for little ones. It’s a fun and dance, American dream fable of in this brand new, highly original, ultra- 29 Aug-3 Sept THE RAILWAY and accessible singing session where big Broadway. Young Peggy Sawyer is fresh modern adaptation inspired by his beloved CHILDREN E. Nesbit’s classic novel and small people have fun together! off the bus from small-town America and classic poem. The show features five high- brought thrillingly to life in a new stage 3, 10 Jul DRAGON BABIES Bring your just another face in the chorus line on energy actors, a life-like puppet, production. a compelling coming of age little ones to shake, rattle and gong. Broadway’s newest show. But when the fantastical characters, and story and a fascinating insight into Gamelan for ages 3-5. leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just lashings of daft humour. Edwardian rural life. 8 Jul SNAPPY OPERA WORKSHOP have the shot at stardom she’s always FOR CHILDREN Learn about the key dreamed of…For age 5+

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 13 SCHOOL OPEN DAY DATES

School Address Age Dates Contact details Arts Educational Schools Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Road W4 1LY 11-18 27 Sept for ages 11-13+ entry. 020 8987 660 · www.artsed.co.uk London 26 Sept 6pm for Sixth Form entry [email protected]

Clifton Lodge School 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG 3-13 14 Oct 020 8579 3662 London www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk [email protected]

Durston House 12 Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2DR 4-13B By appointment 020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.org [email protected]

St Benedict’s School Junior School and Nursery (age 3-11) 3-18 Senior School Book a place on the website or arrange 5 Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, W5 2XP Open Morning :21 Sept a personal visit with the Registrar, Senior School and Sixth Form (age 11-18) Nursery & Junior School Open Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 54 Eaton Rise, Ealing W5 2ES Morning : 26 Sept www.stbenedicts.org.uk Sixth Form Open Evening : 11 Oct Whole School Open Morning: 14 Oct Harvington Prep School 20 Castlebar Road Ealing W5 2DS 3-4 co-ed By appointment 0208 997 1583 5-11G www.harvingtonschool.com [email protected] St Augustine’s Priory Hillcrest Road, Ealing W5 2JL 3-18G Open day:7 Oct, 10-12 noon 020 8997 2022 School in Action: 18 Oct, 9-12 www.sapriory.com for Nursery and Preps [email protected]

Avenue House School 70 The Avenue, Ealing W13 8LS 3-11 Individual tours by appointment 020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org [email protected]

Notting Hill and 26 St Stephens Road, W13 8HH (Junior) 4-18G Junior: 4+ and 7+ (Parents Only) Booking essential. Ealing High School (GDST) Entry at 4+ 21 Sept 10.15am Admissions (Miss Lauren Smith) 7+, 11+ 4 Oct 1.15am 020 8991 2165 and 16+ 17 Oct 10.15am www.nhehs.gdst.net Senior: (Parents Only) [email protected] 26 Sept, 9 Oct, 10.45am 9 Nov 10.45am Senior School Open Evening: Parents & girls welcome - no booking 18 Oct 4.30pm · Sixth Form: 3 Oct

Orley Farm School South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill 4-13 7 Oct 10am-12pm Booking essential. Middx HA1 3NU or Wednesday morning www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk by appointment [email protected]

Shiplake College Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire 11-18B Sixth Form: 30 Sept Book to attend at: (Boarding and Day School) RG9 4BW 16-18G 9.30am - 12.00pm www.shiplake.org.uk/opendays Whole School: 14 Oct 9.30am - 12.00pm Plan ahead and book open day dates in the Autumn term for your child starting school, moving to high school at 11 or 13, or if you are considering a change. Places get booked up early so get in touch with the school and put it in your diary. Full listings of all schools in and around West London will appear in our September and October issues.

14 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 Seize the summer with Explore Learning

Explore Learning are encouraging families to • SEND A POSTCARD seize the summer. To help you do this they Let your friends and family know what have put together a jam-packed summer you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re programme with creative ideas on how to only short so are a wonderful way to get a keep your child’s brain active over the bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why holidays, so they are ready to settle back into not try a postcard app like By Post? the new school year confidently! They can take their own pictures to make • START A BLOG into postcards and type their message. Learn some new skills, as a family, by • READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE! creating a blog together. Give your child A study by OUP showed that just 10 mins a little note book to jots ideas down whilst of shared reading a day can have a huge you are out and about, then write up what impact on children’s progress. Pop a book you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these in your bag so you can use any opportunity charity shops to see who in the family can are a great tool to help children who find to get your daily 10 minutes in. They will be find the best game. writing tricky. Encourage them to describe uploading weekly activities that you can • TUITION what is happening in the picture to get their complete with your child to help keep them To keep your children progressing over the creativity flowing. engaged with what they are reading. summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Visit: explorelearning.co.uk/summer • HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT Prevent the battle ground of to find out more and download your first Research carried out by Explore Learning getting children to do work at home and activity! highlighted watching TV/films is the number get them along to a centre where there are one thing children wanted to do over the • PLAY SOME GAMES lots of other children getting involved. summer. Use this to motivate your child to There are bound to be some rainy days this Explore Learning runs maths and English read. Find a book that has been made into summer, so use this as a chance to get out sessions as well as a whole range of interac - a film that your child wants to watch. Then some board games. These are great for so tive workshops throughout the holidays to plan a movie night far enough in advance many reasons, from developing language to keep your child’s brain active. The best so you can read the book together before improving memory skills. Needs some new things is you can go along and try one of enjoying the film. games? Have a scavenger hunt in local these for free, so get in touch today!

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 15 Bored no more: The BEST summer reads for kids Dodge the learning gap with these on a camping trip with the school technical whizz-kid needs to know page-turners from our summer but the excitement soon turns to about computers and coding. selection of children’s books. trepidation. Weird things start to With the subject now on the happen, sausages go missing, it’s curriculum, it’s vital that kids know From coding to classic fairy tales a nearly a full moon and then they how coding has helped to build with a twist, even a reluctant see their new teacher’s hairy legs. the websites and apps they love reader will be intrigued. Suddenly they realise, there’s a to use. This quirky guide covers werewolf on the school trip! binary code, the brave new world Little Red A Bear Grylls Adventure 1: of artificial intelligence and cloud By David Roberts & Lynn Roberts- The Blizzard Challenge computing in accessible bite-sized Maloney, due out in June, £6.99 By bestselling author and chunks. Age: 3+ Chief Scout Bear Grylls The Giant’s Necklace This highly £4.99. Age: 5-8 By Michael Morpurgo, £8.99, imaginative Young adventurers will Ages: 8-12 spin on the love this first book in a A thrilling ghost traditional series of 12 adventures story which is set in tale of Red written by survival Cornwall’s industrial Riding Hood expert Bear Grylls. Olly loathes past, written by is set in the activity camp, he doesn’t want to Michael Morpurgo eighteenth century. The book is be building shelters or foraging for of War Horse fame. It all begins about boy called Thomas, also food, he’d rather be at home in with Cherry’s shell necklace, she known as ‘Little Red ,’ his grand - the warm playing computer needs to complete it before the mother, a wolf and a massive keg games. It all changes when he’s end of her holiday but on her of fizzing ginger beer! given a magic compass with a fifth search for the last Cowrie shells, Can he save his grandma with this direction. He follows it and finds the weather turns and she gets cut special beverage? himself magically transported to a off from the shore… The Journey high mountain range, where he Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls By Francessca Sanna, £7.99 meets Bear Gyrlls. With Bear’s help By Elena Favilli & Francesca Age: 3+ he must learn to survive sub-zero Cavallo, £17.99. This is a temperatures but will he change Ages 8-12 beautifully his mind about perseverance and Great bedtime illustrated, teamwork? reading and an child friendly Super Dad’s Day Off antidote to the picture book By Phil Earle, £6.99 traditional fairy about a family fleeing war. What’s Age: 5-8 tales that tell girls it like to leave everything behind An energetic book they should wait and start a life in a new country? which is perfect for to be rescued by a handsome A mother and her two children set fans of caped crusaders. Stan is a prince. This book was crowd- out on such a journey, with the normal boy, whose dad happens funded to showcase some fear of the unknown but also great to be the world’s best superhero. amazing role models for girls. hope. If you are struggling to Normally his dad takes Fridays off It tells the stories of 100 heroic explain the news coverage about to spend the day with Stan. But women, from Amelia Earhart to refugees, this book is a good place one Friday, they meet a series of Serena Williams. Empowering, to start. It’s recommended that people who need their help. They moving and inspirational, these you read this book with your child, end up in a series of mini-adven - real life heroines will inspire so you can explain any questions tures, including rescuing a lion generations of young women for they may have. stuck up a tree and surviving years to come. There's a Werewolf in My Tent! shark-infested waters! By Pamela Butchart and Article by Claire Winter Cool Coding Thomas Flintham, By Rob Hansen & Damien Weighill, £6.99. Age: 5-8 £9.99. A fun book aimed at Ages: 8-12 the newly confident This fun book reader. Izzy and her takes a look at friends are really everything your excited about going

16 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 17 What kids REALLY need to know before starting school

Just five minutes ago you were read before they start? Will that bringing your little one home from the give them a bump up to the ‘top hospital. Now you’re shopping for their table ,’ and if they can’t read does first school uniform and trying to find a that mean they will never catch suitable pair of school shoes. Where up? did the time go? If you go onto any parenting forum once the primary There is no need to be so anxious. school offers go out, you’ll find lots of Reception is not as academically panicking parents worried that their oriented as Year 1. There is no little one will be left behind if they expectation that any child will be aren’t properly prepared. Relax. All able to read at such a young age. children learn and develop at different Indeed it may even be a disadvan - rates and in different ways. There is no tage. There is more than one type definitive list of must-have skills for of phonics for example - what if them to have acquired before the start you have used a different type of of term. There are a few basics that can phonics to the school? Or you be helpful. Read on to find out what haven’t used phonics at all in your child really needs to know before teaching them to read? Don’t they start school. spend the summer trying to get them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy Holding a pencil your time together instead. There There is a myth that your child will are lots of studies out there that be expected to at least write their show reading to your child every own name before they start school. early year’s uniform is usually day has a far better impact on This isn’t the case at all, and no based around t-shirts and jumpers. their educational outcomes. one expects a child who is four or Don’t send them to school at this who has just turned five to achieve age with shoes that have laces. Mastering cutlery this straight away. There will always Staff will be there to help them The chances are that your child be some who can, but that doesn’t with dressing, particularly when will have cooked, school dinners. mean anything. Remember when they start changing for PE lessons, First off, don’t get anxious if they we said earlier that all children but most children at this age can’t aren’t that great cutting up their develop differently? Being able to tie their own laces and aren’t food. There will be dinner hold a pencil confidently though is expected to. Velcro fastenings are supervisors there to help them. quite useful. much faster and also give children Most schools (possibly all schools) some independence. arrange dinner times so that Again, don’t panic if they can’t. nursery and reception children Some children are simply late at Using the toilet on their own come in first, and are able to take developing gross motor skills, and Now, this is a must-have skill. If their time picking their food, and some may face other barriers. Both your child has been in private day- settling down at the table. hypermobility syndrome and dys - care, they may be used to having praxia, for example, make holding staff around that help them with However, if your child can use a a pencil and putting pressure on toileting. There is a lot less of this knife and fork, and cut their own paper hard. If you suspect that’s in school. Unless a child has spe - food, it will make lunchtimes a lot the case for your child, try building cial needs, they will need to wipe easier for them. They will also be them up slowly by encouraging themselves and be able to flush expected to carry their food tray them to play with Lego or Duplo, the toilet. and take plates up to be washed. or make models from modelling This is something you can prepare clay. Reading them for at home by getting them This is one area where some to carry their plates out to the Dressing and undressing parents (and we all know the type) kitchen after meals. Independent dressing is something can get competitive. children should be able to do. Unfortunately, this can have the Some things may be difficult for knock-on effect of dragging other For more information about children at Reception age like but - parents into worrying about it as starting school, please visit: tons, but there is a reason why the well. Should your child be able to www.familiesonline.co.uk

18 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR July-August 2017 WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE GYM & DANCE & 21/2 - 16 years. 020 8743 3856 ACTIVITIES, CLUBS CLASSES TWISTERS Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama. Toddlers to [email protected] Teenagers. 020 8933 9997 or: 020 8840 4452 www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk MUSIC FOR BABIES & TODDLERS [email protected] · www.twisters.org.uk RAMA HARTBEEPS. Award-winning, original, multi-sensory musical D SWIMMING baby and toddler classes with original music, bubbles, ARTSED EXTRA Saturday Skills Academy. Weekly Musical costumes, twinkles, sparkly parachutes, puppets and more. Theatre, Drama and Dance classes in Chiswick - creative fun for WATER BABIES Maida Vale, Bayswater, Great Ormond St, Classes in West Kensington, North Kensington, Notting Hill, children of all ages and abilities. For ages 4-16. Fulham. 020 7585 1510 · www.waterbabies.co.uk Shepherds Bush and Maida Vale. Contact Louise on: [email protected] · 020 8987 6692 [email protected] · 07738 522856 www.artsed.co.uk LANGUAGES PERFORM Perform weekly drama, dance and singing. ARABIC for Women and Children. DANCE Ages: 4-12. About: A unique mix of drama, dance and singing Female teacher. 07956 845 053 BALLET4LIFE. Since 2004. Ballet4life offers top quality specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. welcoming daily ballet, dance and fitness classes taught by Small classes and lots of individual attention. No-obligation TUTORS & LEARNING SUPPORT professionals. All classes are held in large dance studios and FREE trial for newcomers. EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres. our programme includes creative dance classes for kids, Summer 2017 term themes: From April, Perform 4-7s will be 5-14 years. Free Trial session. beginner ballet and barre courses, and dance fitness. Mums saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Ealing 020 8090 8710 · Hayes 020 8561 8530 and babies welcome. Horse with the Golden Mane. Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.ballet4life.com The 7-12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space www.explorelearning.co.uk Follow us: @ballet4lifeuk adventure with Robinson Crusoe in a space-age version of FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring. Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ballet4life.uk/ the castaway survival classic. 020 8580 3911 Dates: Summer term runs until 21st July and starts up again www.fleet-tutors.co.uk DANCE GALLERY. Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance 2nd September 2017. school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre Venues:Acton, Brook Green, Chiswick, Ealing, Hammersmith, VICTORIA PAGE 1 productions for children aged 4-18 years old. 0208 566 9672 Kensington W8, Ladbroke Grove, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Private tuition 2 /2 -11years. 07050 246 810 [email protected] · www.dancegallery.co.uk Nottinghill, Shepherds Bush, Turnham Green, West Kensington. VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition, Arts, craft & design. 020 7255 9120 All ages. 020 8932 1010 KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years. [email protected] · www.perform.org.uk/try Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham ARTS & CRAFTS 07957 650 042 · www.kensingtonballet.com STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS provides fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe FUN WITH FIMO Creative Craft Sessions for ages 6+ STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS provides fun and and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are in Acton. www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers. and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are We offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child BABY YOGA & MASSAGE taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers. can try the class out. To enrol go to: WEST LONDON BABIES Baby Massage and yoga classes, We offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child [email protected] · www.stagecoach.co.uk Chiswick Sling Library, Family First Aid session, Breastfeeding can try the class out. Chiswick: 0208 398 4709 Buddy sessions and Pregnant Parents Social Club. Also To enrol go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk Ealing: 01494 260249 The Bub Hub which runs every fortnight and is a collective of [email protected] Hammersmith & Kensington: 0208 398 8106 professionals working together to support parents during the first year of their baby's life. Subjects covered include baby WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY Ballet classes in FOOTBALL/SPORTS massage and babywearing, sleep, feeding, managing Chiswick & Ealing. Free Trial Lesson. KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8). expectations, returning to work, Mums of More than One, 07795 578781 · [email protected] Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. 6-12 month old focus and lots more. www.westlondondanceacademy.com 020 7937 7965 [email protected] [email protected] · www.kiddikicks.co.uk www.westlondonbabies.com

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To celebrate We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’s return to Cadogan Hall, Families West London magazine has one family ticket (admits 4) to give away! There are a number of bear paw prints hidden throughout this magazine. To WIN, find them all (excluding this one!) then email the number you find together with the code Families West, your name and the subject heading to: BEARHUNT FAMILIES WEST LONDON COMPETITION to: [email protected] before 31 July 2017. T&C’s - Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see the London production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Cadogan Hall from 4 Aug - 3 Sept. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, non-transferable and hold no cash value. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of 31 July 2017 and all decisions will be final.

July-August 2017 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 19