FREE SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE NO. 179 ESTABLISHED 1996

® southeast familiesonline.co.uk

OUT OF SCHOOL FUN Clubs and classes in online southeast London edition EDUCATION NEWS with working Local schools, and website open day events links THE BOOK PAGE New books for the new term

WHAT’S ON Where to go, what to do, what to see this month Team GB - didn’t they make us proud? Our mighty Olympians swam, rowed, sprinted, battled and leapt to tremendous heights, proving that when it comes to sports, we can certainly show the world a thing or two. And amazing to think that there are children today who could be in with a chance of joining the team at the 2028 Games. Everyone Local News l email your news to [email protected] has to start somewhere - if you think you might have a contender in the making, read on from page 4 for local classes where you can start their ball rolling. Robina Cowan, editor The UK’s 1st ‘pop IN THIS ISSUE up’ sustainable 2-3 Local News and Views department store Blue Patch launches in Dulwich; a book festival for children; Blue Patch has chosen Dulwich to working from home with FamiliesOnline; and the importance launch the UK's first ‘pop up’ of expert legal advice sustainable department store, full of inspiring ethical businesses and independent manufacturers. Blue Patch is an online marketplace 4-8 Out of School Fun for British sustainable products and Clubs and classes for all interests, to nurture new talents services, and a social enterprise too. and like-minded friends Founder Jane Langley told Families : “We’re on a mission to kickstart the new green economy and bring l9 The Book Page Britain’s High Streets back to life. By enabling small businesses to club together New books to read, reviewed by the rather marvellous to create marketing campaigns and retail opportunities from pop ups to Justine Crow partnering with independent shops, we believe independent businesses can hold their own against the dominant big brands. “Everyone I speak to recognises the importance of supporting small, local 10-15 Education News businesses to safeguard jobs and create taxable income. We hope that the School’s news, Open Day events, and what to do when enthusiasm for the department store will lead to doing more in future - we’d your child doesn’t want to go to school really like to work with landlords to host longer pop-ups in disused shop and department store buildings.” On 1 October, Blue Patch will open its doors to the public for one day only, l16 Turn Back the Clock giving customers the opportunity to browse a selection of innovative, sustainable and quality creations from some of Britain’s best designers and producers, who Fitness expert Aylia Fox explains the benefits of stretching - will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss their handiwork. In true and offers personal training department store fashion, there will be something for everyone on the day, from delicious chocolates, handmade rugs and bespoke cabinetry, to organic beauty products, hand built bikes and even cutting edge renewable technology in the 17 Family Health form of a Tesla Power Wall. Blue Patch will also be running a hub throughout the Heading off headlice; dental care just for babies, day offering advice to small businesses, designers, makers and sole traders; and essential oils in a stick with HR specialists, apprenticeship advisors, green energy, marketing and social enterprise experts all on hand to support people to make their creative ideas a l reality. It’s also the launch of the Blue Patch Movement and the first time many 18 What’s New members will get to meet each other. The event is free to attend, and there will be a collection for the Teenage Cancer Trust. An exclusive 15% childrenswear discount for readers; And it’s right here in southeast London, 10am-6pm, 1 October in St Barnabas handwriting matters; and celebrating World Vegetarian Day Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village SE21 7BT, and online at www.bluepatch.org.

19-23 What’s On Family events, art trails, shows and creative workshops to lliven up your weekends

Families London South East @ FamiliesSE

Front cover: Schoolwear from Matalan, instore and online at www.matalan.co.uk. 0333 004 4444

Next issue out 6 October, deadline 16 September STREAM 2016 Book Festival Families South East Tickets are booking fast for STREAM 2016 - a free book festival for readers of all PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB ages, from nursery-school age to young adults. 020 8699 7240, www.familiesonline.co.uk, Held on 5 November at Streatham & Clapham High School, the day will be [email protected] packed with exciting sessions with top-name authors, activities and events, workshops, panels and competitions. Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. Author and patron Malorie Blackman OBE headlines with her new book All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under Chasing the Stars , in a line-up of top writers including Judith Kerr, Marcia licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham Williams, M G Leonard, Sophy Henn and local author Tamara MacFarlane. House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of There will also be a magical event celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh’s 90th birthday, Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or with stories, games, singing and rhyme. photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors Tales on Moon Lane is the partner bookshop, and fantastic food will be cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the supplied by stalls from Norwood Feast. contents nor for any consequence. The full line-up and ticket bookings are online at www.stream2016.co.uk.

2 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk Families Online offers flexible, Legal advice - you get what you pay for home-based, part-time work The Court of Appeal has handed down a decision which should give considerable pause for thought to anyone who is tempted to use a ‘law shop’ You’re reading this, so we or similar provider rather than an experienced firm of solicitors to handle their hope you already love affairs. Families magazine. Did you The case was, in principle, simple. The woman who brought it was unhappy know Families also has a with the financial settlement she received on her divorce and considered that brand new website? the firm which had acted for her with regard to it had been negligent in not Families Online advising her that she should not have agreed to the settlement offered. re-launched in July, with The decision in the case ultimately depended on the contract between the 342 local websites covering woman and her advisers. In the view of the judge in the lower court and the whole of the UK. Like subsequently the Court of Appeal, the firm’s retainer was limited in scope and our magazine, it is the dealt with the formalities of the agreement only. The firm did not have the wider go-to site for parents, duty to the woman to advise her on the wisdom or otherwise of accepting the carers and grandparents, settlement. offering all the information To ensure that you get the best settlement possible on divorce, using an they need to enjoy family experienced and capable solicitor is essential. Grant Saw LLP is an experienced time in their local area. and local company of solicitors who include specialists in family law. For advice, The hyperlocal websites are run by Area Managers who are responsible for contact Mandeep Clair on 020 8305 4235 or Michael Dear on 020 8305 4238, creating content, managing social media, marketing the site to local businesses www.grantsaw.com. They offer a first fixed fee appointment of up to one hour and selling advertising on the site - and there are vacancies now for interested for £100 to all clients in respect of relationship breakdown and/ or issues parents. The role can be run from home around the needs of your family, there concerning children. are no start-up costs and you will be trained by industry experts. Interested? For more information, email [email protected].

DIY Doers

SEPT F EMBER 2015 If you’ve ever watched BBC2’s ISS R UE NO. 171 ESTABLI E SHED 1996 E ‘The Great Interior Design

® Challenge’ you may have fam iliesse.co.uk s Where is Families outheast lond on spotted Catford father Wayne

South East? Perrey hard at work. BA Along with his business CK TO SCHOOL School ne Around 17,000 copies of every ws, playground partner Steph Bron from Forest tactics and op issue are distributed through en days Hill, the pair are passionate nurseries, schools, after school BEYOND THE CLASSROOM about encouraging people to After s clubs, playgroups, libraries, chool activities pick up tools and gain the and club s in southeast leisure centres, independent London confidence to fix DIY jobs shops and cafes across WHAT’S ON around the house. southeast London. Family events, As well as answering DIY workshops and If you would like your local shows questions for the Sunday Times family-friendly hotspot to receive Home Section, Wayne and a batch of copies, ask the Steph have set up owners to contact us and we www.thediydoers.com as a will make it happen - it’s free! free resource to help people learn new DIY skills, and an interactive Facebook page The DIY Doers Club. Useful! Now where’s that spirit level...

Humphrey’s pyjama week is back Humphrey’s Pyjama Week returns from 3-7 October - with a chance for nurseries, playgroups, primary schools and mother & toddler groups to get their pjs on and raise money for The Children’s Trust. For a voluntary donation of £2, youngsters, staff and parents can wear their favourite pyjamas for one day during the week and organise themed events, such as best dressed competitions and slumber party games. Money raised will go towards research, rehabilitation, care and support for children with brain injury and their families. Participants will receive an event pack which includes activity ideas, stickers, posters, a certificate for each child and a story booklet. To register for your pack, go to www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey.

familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 3 es Call your local Stagecoach: lass C ow Dulwich 020 8949 4116 n ing book Blackheath 020 7112 8242 Beckenham 020 8541 0833 Sydenham 020 7228 0981 Upper Norwood 020 8672 6066 www.stagecoach.co.uk

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4 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk Out of School Fun clubs & classes When school feels like work, work work, a weekly dance, music session or heart-pounding sport session with like-minded friends offers a real highlight to the week

There’s nothing like developing a new skill to put a smile on a child’s face, but diddi dance is the only pre-school dance what to choose? If they’re forever throwing themselves all over the sofa, consider programme to explore 16 different dance styles from a gym, swimming or dance class to focus their energies; if they’ve babbled from reggae and hip hop to ballroom and Bollywood. an early age, train their ears further with a fun music class; if they’ve scribbled on Classes are ideally suited for 2-4 year-olds, however the walls since an early age and can’t eat their fish fingers, carrots and peas until early movers from as young as 16 months really they’re carefully rearranged on the plate, consider art and craft or pottery classes. enjoy the sessions. A free trial class is offered and From music to football, languages, computer coding, tennis, dancing, drama then booking is made in half term blocks through a and art - southeast London is awash with classes offering every interest under the new online booking system. sun. Try our advertisers first - they’re here because they want you to know about 0797 398 2790 or 07832 913282, them, and many offer free trials so you can see what they’re all about before signing up. For more, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk where a simple postcode www.diddidance.com. search will take you to classes that are close to home. Tumble Tots is the country’s No. 1 physical play programme and Julia Forrest is celebrating her 29th anniversary of running sessions in southeast Active Bodies London. She told us: “Tumble Tots has always been great fun to run, Tumble Tots not only because of the wonderful children that have Team GB’s fantastic medal haul has proved that attended over the years, but also because of the sport is cool, knocking reality TV ‘celebs’ into fantastic staff we have - many of whom have been a cocked hat when it comes to heroes to look with me for eight years plus and have a wealth of up to. experience and expertise in our field. “Using specifically designed equipment, we offer First Hand Experiences run school holiday day a structured programme designed to build self camps exploring seasonal, nature based themes confidence and develop essential listening and that celebrate the natural world. The outdoor language skills along with the key motor skills of adventures take place in London’s wild green balance, agility, co-ordination and climbing.” spaces and include mudlarking, foraging and If you would like to join in the fun, contact Julia bughunting, fuelled by healthy whole food. Children on 020 8464 4433 or email make new friends over traditional arts and crafts, [email protected]. joining in with original songs and themed games. 01843 652 833, www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk. South London Dance Studios in Herne Hill Tennis-4-Kids Try Time Rugby provides outstanding ballet, tap, modern and Tennis-4-Kids offer a fun-filled introduction to commercial dance classes for all ages. Teachers 1 tennis for children aged 2 ⁄2 to 11 years. Sessions are inspiring and nurturing and classes develop are played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls skills for life. and a scaled-down court, after school, on Saturdays Lower school classes focus on the creative and Sundays, and during some school holidays. aspects of dance, whilst older students develop When the weather is up to it, older children are technique, artistry and performance skills. Specialist coached outdoors. boys’ training is available. Adult dance classes are 07877 391 005, [email protected], fun, and can improve fitness, posture and www.tennis-4-kids.com. Microsport coordination.

familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 5 Freedom Academy

Perform X South London Dance Studios

Children achieve consistently outstanding results MORE CLASSES in the highly regarded Imperial Society of Teachers Microsport 01689 600992, www.micro-sport.co.uk of Dance examinations, and full-scale dance shows Gymboree East Dulwich 020 3616 0033, are regularly presented. Students who show www.gymboree-uk.com exceptional potential can audition for West End Crystal Palace Gymnastics Jigsaw Arts shows and can go on to train at top vocational www.crystalpalacegymclub.wordpress.com colleges. Crystal Palace Diving 07776 284 651, Theatre Tots was launched by Laura Sydonie in Their next show, to include an original ballet www.crystalpalacediving.co.uk 2008, and has grown to offer weekly classes, based on Neil Gaiman’s ‘Coraline’, will be on Old Colfeians Rugby for boys and girls, workshops for schools and nurseries, the Curtain Saturday 8 April 2017 at Langley Park Centre www.ocrfc.co.uk/minis Club for children with special education needs, for Performing Arts in Beckenham. Herne Hill Velodrome 020 7978 8624, shows, published books and parties. Each class www.hernehillvelodrome.com offers a mix of stories, music and movement to [email protected] Try Time Kids’ Rugby 01252 794150, www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk. engage and enthral the youngest imaginations. www.trytimekidsrugby.com With classes across the country, Laura’s latest Angela’s Swim School 0780 1237 165, South East London Tennis offer affordable, venue is Under 1 Roof Kids in Woolwich, where www.angelasswimschool.co.uk quality tennis coaching to people of all ages and classes run on Wednesdays during term times from Football Magic Coaching 07730 131 023, ability, through local tennis courts, primary school 10.15am for 18 months to 3 year-olds, and from www.footballmagiccoaching.co.uk programmes and holiday courses. 11am for 3-5 year-olds. Trial classes are £2 per Baby Ballet 01422 329471, child, with a flexible booking system after that. Believing in ‘tennis for all’, the coaching www.babyballet.co.uk For bookings, email [email protected]. includes pre-booked and drop-in sessions, offering Tiger Sharks Swimming Club 020 8677 0104, 07801 072 776, www.theatretots.com. everything from mini tennis sessions for children, to evening play and cardio tennis for adults, and www.tigersharksswimmingclub.co.uk Freedom Academy is a local independent theatre wheelchair tennis. 2020 Archery Club www.juniorarchery.co.uk school, established in 2007 to offer top quality Founders Chris Howard and Michael Stephens Latino Bambino 07961 838349, affordable tuition in acting, singing and dance for are both LTA licensed club coaches, DBS checked, www.latinobambino.co.uk 3 to 18 year-olds. Students work towards full scale and bring years of experience and fun to local Greenwich Dance Agency 020 8293 9741, productions, group LAMDA examinations, have tennis. www.greenwichdance.org.uk guest tutors such as Britain’s Got Talent’s “Twist & 0773 993 6999, www.southeastlondontennis.com. Let’s All Dance 020 8265 4634, www.lets-all-dance.co.uk Pulse” as well as attending regular fun technique classes. With an agency as well, the school has Perform X are hi-energy dance classes for 6-12 GDND Dance Academy 07904 424 504, gained a reputation within the industry as one of year-olds, using original street and hip-hop music, www.gdnd.co.uk the go-to places for young and talented, grounded energetic games, physical improvisations and a Duke McKenzie Boxing Gym 07541 118 607, performers. www.dukemckenzie.co.uk performance at the end of each term. Classes are 020 3793 6843, www.freedomacademy.co.uk. available in Blackheath and Dulwich, with a free Saizen Kai Karate www.saizenkai.com Charisma Gymnastics Club 020 8462 8004, trial available. Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk/x. www.charismagymnastics.co.uk started a class in January 2000 and now have more than 5,000 children attending their workshops across London. Focusing on child development, Performing Arts they use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by their experienced actor/ teachers. They offer exclusive classes for 4- 7 and 7-12 year olds and focus on helping children develop their social skills whilst having the best fun of the week. 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk.

Jigsaw Arts has offered weekend performing arts classes to children aged 3-18 across London and the Home Counties for over 20 years. 2016 has been an exciting year for the company, as Jigsaw has been shortlisted for The Business Award for Arts and Creative Services in the 2016 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Lloyds Bank National Business Awards. At the start of the new academic year, children will Drama is a wonderful extension of the ‘let’s pretend’ games children love. Classes open and be lacing up their jazz shoes and taking a leap into extend imagination through role play and characterisation, speech, song and movement. Students the performing arts for the first time, gaining the learn to work effectively in groups, growing in confidence as they learn to express themselves opportunity to build confidence and develop social more fully. skills. Jigsaw told Families : “We understand that Stagecoach Theatre Arts is the original and skills, with either a demonstration class or play at attending a performing arts school for the first time largest network of part-time performing arts schools the end of each term, and holiday workshops. can be an exciting but nervous experience. That is in the world. The classes offer quality training in 020 8949 4116 Dulwich, 020 7112 8242 why we offer a two week trial, giving the student the drama, dance and singing to local young people Blackheath, 020 8541 0833 Beckenham, 020 7228 opportunity to try Jigsaw.” from 4-16, after school and at weekends. 0981 Sydenham, 020 8672 6066 Upper Norwood, Jigsaw is opening brand new schools in Dulwich The classes are designed to build confidence www.stagecoach.co.uk and Deptford Bridge. and develop communication through performance 020 8447 4530, www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk.

6 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk Music & More

Funky Monkey Hartbeeps Beckenham Junior Choir Numerous studies demonstrate that no matter the level of skill, music is one of the best ways to help early language development. Musical Bumps classes offer children and their Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes run carers traditional songs and lullabies with musical fun-packed classes teaching 4-9 year-olds how games, puppets and percussion from around the to read and write music in small groups, up to a world. The babies and children also develop and recognised grade, providing a springboard for other Perform practise non-musical skills including turn-taking, instruments later on. New players can try a class for sharing, listening and joining in. Experts agree that free, or join a holiday course. music benefits all areas of learning and that children 0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info. MORE CLASSES who attend music classes from an early age have South London Youth Theatre 020 8850 0516, increased confidence, greater language skills and MORE CLASSES www.slyt.co.uk are flexible adaptable learners by the time they start Hartbeeps www.hartbeeps.com Take Flight Academy of Performing Arts school. Musical Bumps teachers also understand The Strings Club 0121 369 1950, 07736 469 321, www.takeflightacademy.co.uk that toddlers cannot sit still for long so incorporate www.thestringsclub.org Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts lots of different activities as well as a break for Music Giggles 07876 256168, 0800 531 6282, www.pqacademy.com refreshments into their classes enabling carers www.musicgiggles.com East Dulwich Academy of Music and time for a chat as well. Performing Arts 020 8693 3568, Local classes are held on Tuesdays in West Little Folk Nursery Rhymes 07940 478 605, www.eastdulwichacademy.org Dulwich and on Thursdays in Forest Hill. Katherine www.littlefolknurseryrhymes.com IAB Performing Arts School 07405 209 935 is looking forward to meeting lots of new families Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance www.iamblessed51.com and is offering free trial sessions. 07599 628 542, 020 8305 9400, www.trinitylaban.ac.uk Theatrebugs 0800 975 5290, [email protected], Beckenham Junior Choir 020 8650 9164, www.theatrebugs.co.uk www.musicalbumps.com www.beckenhamjuniorchoir.co.uk

SOUTH LONDON DANCE STUDIOS Established 1979 Stretch Your Potential in West Dulwich and Forest Hill Top quality friendly music classes for babies, toddlers and pre school children. Traditional songs from around the world, The springboard to exciting percussion, puppets and other props! Dance classes for children confidence for your child from 18 months and adults Contact Katherine 0759 962 8542 [email protected] • Exciting physical play programme

• Specially designed equipment • Supervised by trained staff www.musicalbumps.com • Develops a child’s confidence, balance and co-ordination

• First steps to an active life Contact us for information and • Great fun! • Parties available September enrolment For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 130 Herne Hill, SE24 9QL [email protected] 020 7978 8624 [email protected] Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, B www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk Dulwich, Blackheath

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familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 7

English, Maths & Computing

If your son or daughter is a natural at maths or writing, you might want to give them more challenging and stimulating tuition - or maybe you simple want to supplement what is being taught in school by introducing the skills needed for independent study and fluency in the subject. Fleet Tutors is the UK’s largest agency, with 40 years’ experience in providing tailored, private home tuition across all school subjects and stages including school entrance exams, GCSEs and A’levels, plus holiday revision courses. All the tutors are experienced

professionals who have been screened and vetted, and the agency comes recommended by The Good Schools Guide. 020 8580 3911, www.fleet-tutors.co.uk. Explore Learning Explore Learning’s passion is to help students achieve their potential and be the best they can by Practical considerations supporting children both academically and attitudinally. Let your child choose and sample each activity They told Families : “We get to know each child as an before deciding if he or she wants to commit to it individual and help them to fall in love with learning. longterm - many clubs offer a free taster session Our goal - to build confident, fearless learners who are for this very reason. hungry for knowledge. We’ve delivered award-winning While it might seem tempting to guide your maths and English tuition to over 175,000 children child to musical, sporting and artistic genius Tiny Tots Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers across the UK. age 2.5-3 age 3-4 age 5-7 age 8-11 outside the classroom, they need time for just This summer we encouraged children and parents ‘chilling’ as well. Remember that children get fun filled tennis games and activities indoors to learn new skills together, showing off what they’ve exhausted too - give them time to themselves with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets achieved back at school this September!” as there’s no gain in putting your child under There are over 120 centres across the UK. To find FREE introductory session pressure. And then: your nearest one and book a free trial, go to • Think ahead. You may need to join a phone 07877 391005 www.explorelearning.co.uk or call 01483 447 414. waiting list, particularly for popular classes www.tennis-4-kids.com YES Tuition and Training teach intensive touch typing, • Stay local. Walking distance is best, email: [email protected] using their own highly successful programme. Classes otherwise getting there and back becomes are held on Saturdays and every school holiday and another chore for you they are fun! Most children are touch typing in just 10 • Great staff. The best leaders are hours, helping enormously with their school work and enthusiastic, trained, and have eyes in the using a laptop at home. There are particular benefits for back of their heads to spot the children those with dyslexia or dyspraxia. who need a little more encouragement, 020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk. particularly when they are new and might revitalise feel shy Spark4Kids offers computer coding sessions for • Additional costs. Will you need specialist your children in games design, robotics, web design and clothes or equipment? Does the club offer coding, from absolute beginners to the more these second hand? Is there an annual experienced. There are weekly sessions during subscription or insurance charge? How lots wof efrebshs iditeeas term-time, as well as holiday workshops in Dulwich. much are exam fees? To find out more, visit www.spark4kids.com, or call • Look-see. Take advantage of free trial 020 8090 1444. for websites, sessions before signing up to a whole term blogs & shops MORE CLASSES • Give it time. Some children are prone to Kumon Maths and English 0800 854 714, giving up early. Unless you think they are www.kumon.co.uk completely and utterly unsuited to the Inkhead Creative Writing 07943 514408, activity, encourage them to give it at least a 020 8658 9975 www.inkhead.co.uk couple of terms. When they start to improve www.lancasters.co.uk Heron Junior Chess Club 07538 035896, they are likely to start loving the classes. http://chessforchildren.influencer.biz

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8 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk The Bookseller Crow is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business. Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Autumn. For years the very word smacked of the prospect of cold knees for months on his childhood ambition? Here you go, bedtimes will be a breeze end while I waited on the railway platform in a ridiculously thin school uniform, that after this! experience colouring my opinion of the convention ever since. I mean, even in this day GRANDPA WAS AN ASTRONAUT by Jonathan Meres & and age we send children off in polyester shirts and the world’s cheapest trousers (see Hannah Coulson - Little Gems rrp £6.99. This is an excellent supermarket wars passim) when clearly the most sensible outfit imprint from Barrington Stoke, the specialists who make the for the chilliest season is fleecy track bottoms, a hoody and business of reading chapter books less of a drag for the daunted. slip-on boots. Oh, but I can just imagine all those governors Famed for his more, shall we say, down to earth WORLD OF shuddering at the very notion that parents and schools might put NORM series, this rather beautiful fable addresses friendship, warmth before smartness. I still have nightmares about the departure and our place in the grand scheme of things. struggle I had working in Early Years when we had to get 15 four CALMER EASIER HAPPIER HOMEWORK by Noel year old girls in and out of tights for PE in the hall. By the time Janis-Norton - Yellow Kite rrp £8.99. With many politicians and it they were down to their pants and vests, there was five minutes must be said, parents too, demanding much more homework for of star-jumps before we had to put the apparatus away and begin our budding learners, we are all going to need as much help as the slog of getting them all dressed again. And as for the boys? we can get to actually get the little critters to do it. The premise They would proffer their feet like little princes for us to slot on here is that patience and psychology plus one day a week with then lace up their shoes. no studying at all (hurrah!) will yield the same results that all LIFT & LOOK SCHOOL - Bloomsbury rrp £5.99. Along with those Tiger mums - and dads - crack the ferocious whip for. DINOSAURS, GARDEN and SPACE , this is one from a helpful However, us more timid parents will have to do some homework board book series that tackles its subject with familiar scenes and of our own to succeed. - look away now traditionalists - a sense of fun. For many this CALMER EASIER HAPPIER BOYS uses a similar softly spoken month, Nursery and Reception is the start of a long period of but firm method for reining in innate aggression and making the institutionalisation (and all the star-jumps, fussy uniform most of male strengths when it comes to sticky subjects such as requirements, league tables and, oh goody, student debt that untidiness, screen-time and eating greens. My friend Sally - a big implies), it’s as well to begin with a lot of lift-the-flappery and shout out here to the Forest Hill Massive! - always maintained that ubiquitous smiles as broad as a white-board. you weren’t a ‘whole’ parent until you’d had one of each type. I’m A DOG CALLED BEAR - by Diane and Christyan Fox, Faber rrp not sure ‘the experts’ would agree with that but generally I, an £6.99. Having spent several weeks on holiday before term began expert of sorts (after two girls my relieved mother-in-law sighed: with my niece Sid and nephew Dink going on and on about “You’ve finally found the recipe,” as if I’d mislaid some having a dog, I can fully appreciate young Lucy’s obsession here. instructions for homemade egg custard before my son suddenly Like her, they were forever showing us pictures of the breeds they popped out) have found that puppies and kittens do indeed have preferred, the names they would choose and, when asked what distinct inherent character traits and to coin a phrase that will they wanted for tea they’d reply, a spaniel s’il vous plait. Unlike send shivers down Nigel Farage’s spine (should he own one), Lucy however, they weren’t going to be fooled by any old hairy we must absolutely ‘Vive la difference!’ with each and every creature waltzing in and barking. Still, it was amusing watching one of them. them insist their uncle run and fetch sticks for hour after hour. CHIPS WITH EVERYTHING! - Ebury rrp £9.99. Hahaha! QUICK QUACK QUENTIN by Kes Gray & Jim Field - Hodder rrp One in the eye for the healthy-blog brigade though, £6.99. You’ve got little Andromeda’s name down for Cambridge importantly, spuds count as one of the five-a-day in these and wee Ptolemy is already on the list for a Coutts account, but parts. No really. With dishes such as The Ultimate Chip how about introducing them to the concept of vowels first? Especially in a way that doesn’t shrivel their brains with boredom. Butty, Leek and Chip Soup, Tuna Chip Melt and the famous Or indeed, as parent or carer, yours... Gallic Chip Monsieur, there’s something for everyone here R IS FOR RAILWAY by Greg Paprocki - Gibbs Smith rrp £6.99. in deepest Elmers End. Hey, I’m all for an “industrial revolution alphabet book” that MUM HACKS by Tanith Carey - Crimson Publishing rrp £9.99. teaches “babies about history and their ABCs,” especially given Once we’ve admitted that we need - cue scream - HELP! with that in my area we spent most of the summer when we weren’t both boys AND their homework, how about some hints on away from London without ANY trains stopping at our local reducing the mountain of laundry? Or on how to get the kids to station. Some may even suggest we have gone backwards (see above) dress themselves or what to do when they finally get since the ground-breaking Stevenson’s Rocket first pulled in. bored of chips? Crikey, she even tries to keep our hallways clear ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST by Andrea Beaty - Abrams rrp £10.99. (though I’d like to see her herd the 22 pairs of trainers in mine In this tale of curiosity and experiments, this author does more without using a sheepdog). On the downside, she not only moots than most to upend preconceived archetypes, not to mention “me time” - a testy concept in our particular hovel which seems to convention. As in her previous book when Rosie grows into an engender bad temper in every member of the family - but also engineer, this has a witty yet progressive narrative while all the within this idea broaches the possibility of keeping a smaller myriad illustrated stories next to it in the bookshop children’s handbag (that means no emergency wipes or hip flask, eek!) and, section still have their nascent females dreaming of becoming scariest of all, ditching the hair dye. This latter tip fills me with fairies or bossy queens. Personally, I have no problem with the dread. Don’t get me wrong, I’d happily forgo the humungous current academic gap in achievement levels between boys and cost, followed by the back-breaking humiliation of having to lean girls. Boys have done better for thousands of years - and still did over the bath every six weeks to cover up the grey as well as in the days when my knees went blue waiting for the train - so it’s fixing my chlorine damaged ginger fringe. I’d also be thrilled to about time girls went ahead. But when is the rest of publishing give up the eye-watering chemical stink and the ritual post-dye going to catch up? More positive picture book heroines you lot sponging down of the bathroom as splashes of “natural light up in your ivory (fairy tale) towers, please. brown” begin to appear like evil mushroom spores all over the THE DARKEST DARK by Chris Hadfield - Macmillan rrp £11.99. tiles and loo seat. But what I cannot face is being told quite Now here’s a hero. No, not because he’s a man that went up into casually by friends and customers, as if such comments are space but because, using a clever combination of social media perfectly acceptable, how tired and washed out I look when the and - shock, horror - honesty, when he got up there he dashed colour fades. Still, as the temperature drops it’s nearly the right macho preconceptions about what makes an astronaut and time of year to start wearing a woolly hat permanently and - oh, instead played his guitar against a wistful back-drop of stars. So frabjous seasonal joy - nobody will notice the difference until I how does a boy like him overcome his fear of the dark to pursue take it off next Spring!

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: [email protected] www.booksellercrow.co.uk july / famifliaemsiolnielisnoen.lcion.eu.kco.uk august september 2016 - families south east 9 leduclation newls lllll Local Schools New Headmaster ready to take Trinity to new heights Trinity School in welcomes a new Headmaster. Formerly Deputy Head at Dulwich College, Alasdair Kennedy brings with him a wealth of experience in the independent day and boarding school sector. He succeeds Mark Bishop, who is retiring having successfully led the school since August 2006. Alasdair Kennedy has promised to build on the legacy of his predecessor and has already set out the values he wants to promote: community and pastoral care, Deptford Green students ambition and excellence, opportunities for all, openness and diversity and a character-building education for every pupil. He commented: “I am hugely thrive looking forward to leading Trinity. I look forward to partnering with parents and all at the school in developing in New Cross received the hearts, minds and talents of our pupils.” more first choice applications than ever before Trinity School is a dynamic independent day school offering an outstanding education to boys aged last October. 10-18. It is part of the Whitgift Foundation, founded in 1596 by John Whitgift. The school is holding an Open It is easy to see why the majority of pupils are first Morning from 9am-12 noon on 1 October: see www.trinity-school.org for admissions criteria, news and choice applicants. The school recently had a visit information about bursaries and scholarships. from Ofsted which found that students “feel safe, well cared for and thrive, show respect and New Head appointed at Sydenham High tolerance towards each other and are keen to Mrs Katharine Woodcock has been appointed as the Head of Sydenham High celebrate differences in this diverse learning School with effect from April 2017. She replaces Mrs Kathryn Pullen who will retire environment”. in December after 26 years at the school, 14 of them as Headteacher. Mr Karl Mark Phillips, Headteacher said: “We always Guest, Deputy Head (Staff and Student Development), will be acting Head for the welcome visitors to look around during normal Spring Term. school lessons in September. Parents and children Mrs Woodcock is currently the Senior Deputy Head of Queen’s College, an never fail to be impressed by the atmosphere of all-girls school based in central London, which she joined as Head of Sixth Form engaging learning and the sense of community we in 2005. A graduate of Bristol University, Mrs Woodcock studied French and have here.” Russian before completing her PGCE at St Mary’s College in Twickenham. During Located on the borders of three boroughs, the her career she has taught both French and Russian, and has extensive academic school serves students in , and pastoral experience. Mrs Woodcock is married with two children and lives in London. and Greenwich. For more information including Making the appointment announcement, GDST Chief Executive Helen Fraser said that Mrs Woodcock's dates for visits and videos about what typical school colleagues describe her as having a natural affinity with her students and speak about her warmth, energy, life is like from the views of Year 7 students, go to intelligence, about her forward-thinking approach to her work and her genuine passion for doing the best for www.deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk. the girls. Helen Fraser also thanked Mrs Pullen for her outstanding contribution to the success of Sydenham High School. She said: "During her tenure the school has gone from strength to strength and is a place where Charlton Manor goes into girls can flourish and develop a love of learning." Mrs Woodcock said: "I am really looking forward to joining the Sydenham High community and getting to the veggie business know students, parents and staff. My vision is to provide education centred around each individual girl, in a nurturing and inclusive environment in which girls can be happy, challenged yet fulfilled, and free from the fear of failure." Mrs Woodcock will be visiting Sydenham High during the Autumn and Spring terms, and the school's Saturday Open Days for prospective parents in September. Read more at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net. Top internships for High students The Sixth Form at Bromley High is not only an ‘Exceptional’ (ISI 2016) place to study, it’s a preparation for career success. Bromley High students shone in competition for top internships this summer. They included Zaina (L6), who won a paid internship in the Statistics Department of The Big food suppliers are taking notes after hearing that Bank of and a place on the Ernst and Young Summer Academy; while Charlton Manor has decided to go into the veggie classmate Susannah spent the summer in the tax department of PwC. business. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Bromley High works with PwC, Rolls Royce, The Charlton primary school - famed for its HSBC and Nomura and the 65,000 strong GDST Alumnae Network to ensure that girls are inspired to aspire. national healthy eating campaign - is selling Read more on the school website www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net. vegetables grown at their community garden on Woodlands Farm, Shooters Hill. Lewisham school students win borough book award Their first deal was with the booming Sticks ‘n’ Sushi restaurant in Greenwich town centre, “and A team of pupils from three secondary schools has coming up with a persuasive presentation about I we’re not necessarily stopping there,” declared Year won a borough-wide award scheme designed to get Predict A Riot by Catherine Bruton. 6 pupil Rosie Ghuman, “Competition is good and Lewisham pupils buried into the The winning team received £10 book prizes, we’re looking to expand.” latest and the best in young people’s fiction. medals and certificates and there were books and The school’s big selling point is that their food For the 10th annual Lewisham Book Award, certificates for all participants. is fresh, organic and pesticide-free. Together with hosted by Bonus Pastor Catholic College, keen The new Lewisham Book Award titles have been fellow pupil Daisy Thackrah and other members readers from six participating schools rose to the chosen for 2016/17 and will be available to schools of the school’s News Team, Rosie negotiated the challenge of two terms’ reading and reviewing in the autumn. sale of radishes, coriander, chives and shiso to books, before creating a group presentation to Stick ‘n’ Sushi. a team of school staff and guest author Sam Rosie added: “I’m sure we’ll do regular business Hepburn. with Sticks ‘n’ Sushi but other restaurants are In the end it was a team made up of year 7 and welcome to contact us as well.” 8 pupils from Forest Hill, Sydenham and Find out more about Charlton Manor at Conisborough Schools that won over the judges, www.charltonmanorprimary.co.uk. 10 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk llllllll

Empowering girls to pursue ideals and knowledge unafraid

Senior School Open Day Saturday 24 September 10 am - 1 pm Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 5 October 6.30 - 8.30 pm

Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net

Streatham & Clapham High School (girls 11-18) 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW 020 8677 8400 [email protected]

ACKMAN ALORIE BL with M thors 0 other au and over 3 venue: Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Rd, SW16 1AW Developing independent for readers nursery school age thinkers and learners to Young Adult www.STREAM2016.co.uk Prep School Open Days Saturday 1 October 10 am - 12 noon Tuesday 1 November 9 am - 10.45 am

Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net

Streatham & Clapham Preparatory School (girls 3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 11 leducation l news l l l l l l SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAYS You wouldn’t buy a new house without seeing it first, would you? The school where your child will spend so many formative years is important too - which is where Open Days come in. Before your visit, check the websites of the schools you’re interested in for more information, including whether or not you need to register your interest or book first. Take your son or daughter with you - they will see things through a different set of eyes - and their opinion matters. St Dunstan’s College INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 15 and 29 September, 13 October junior school, 24 September and 5 November senior school Alleyn’s Junior School Bromley High School GDST Stanstead Road, Catford SE6 4TY, 24 September, 6 October, 1 October whole school, www.stdunstans.org.uk 15 November 13 October sixth form Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU Blackbrook Lane, Bromley, Streatham & Clapham High School GDST www.alleyns.org.uk Kent BR1 2TW, 1 October, 1 November prep school www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Wavertree Road SW2 3SR, 24 September senior school, Thames Christian School 1 October Dulwich College 5 October sixth form 22 September, 1, 4 October, 228 Bromley Road, Shortlands, 15, 21 and 30 September 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW, 3 November Kent BR2 0BS Dulwich Common SE21 7LD, www.schs.gdst.net Wye Street, www.bishopchallonerschool.com www.dulwich.org.uk Clapham Junction SW11 2HB, Sydenham High School GDST www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk 17 and 27 September senior school GDST James Allen’s Girls’ School and sixth form, 24 September and Trinity School 21 and 29 September, 8 October 15 October 5 October reception and junior school 1 October and visits by appointment Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath SE3 7AG, 144 East Dulwich Grove, SE22 8TE, 19 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6BL Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT, www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net www.jags.org.uk www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net www.trinity-school.org

Harris Academy Greenwich NON FEE-PAYING SCHOOLS 27 and 29 September, 3 October 22 and 26-30 September, 4 October Middle Park Avenue, SE9 5EQ, Old Mill Road, SE18 1QF, www.plumsteadmanor.com Addey and Stanhope School Evelyn Grace Academy www.harrisgreenwich.org.uk 472 New Cross Road SE14 6TJ, 21, 24 and 29 September, Prendegast School www.as.lewisham.sch.uk 1 and 6 October Harris Academy Peckham 15, 21 and 22 September 255 Shakespeare Road, 29 September Adelaide Avenue, SE4 1LE, Ark Globe Academy Herne Hill SE24 0QN, 112 Peckham Road SE15 5DZ, www.prendergast-school.com 5, 6, 8 and 11 October www.evelyngraceacademy.org www.harrispeckham.org.uk secondary school, St Joseph's Vale, 19 October sixth form Harris Academy South Norwood Blackheath SE3 0XX, Harper Road SE1 6AG, 28, 29 and 30 September, Cumbelow Avenue, www.stmatthewacademy.co.uk www.arkglobeacademy.org 5, 6 and 7 October South Norwood SE25 6AE, Dacres Road, Forest Hill SE23 2XN, www.harrissouthnorwood.org.uk St Michael’s Catholic College Charter School www.foresthillschool.co.uk 26 and 28 September, 3 October Schoolwear from Matalan, instore and online at www.matalan.co.uk at online and instore Matalan, from Schoolwear 28 September and 6 October Harris Academy Upper Norwood Llewellyn Street, Red Post Hill, Herne Hill SE24 9JH, Bermondsey SE16 4UN, Greenwich Free School Spurgeon Road SE19 3UG, www.charter.southwark.sch.uk www.stmichaelscollege.org.uk 27 and 28 September, 4 October www.harrisuppernorwood.org.uk 403 Shooters Hill Road SE18 4LH, St Paul's Academy www.greenwichfreeschool.co.uk John Roan School Wickham Lane, 20, 23, 27, 29 September 7 October, 15 November Abbey Wood SE2 0XX, Conisborough Crescent, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham Maze Hill, Blackheath SE3 7UD, www.stpaulsacademy.org.uk Catford SE6 2SE, College www.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk www.conisboroughcollege.co.uk St Saviour's & St Olave's School Pepys Road, New Cross SE14 5SF, New Kent Road SE1 4AN, www.haaf.org.uk Deptford Green School Kingsdale Foundation School www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk 26, 27, 28 and 29 September 14, 17, 21 and 28 September, Edward Street, New Cross SE14 6AN, 1, 5 and 8 October St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive School www.deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk Manor Way, Beckenham BR3 3SJ, Alleyn Park, Dulwich SE21 8SQ, www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk Footscray Road SE9 2SU, www.stmcomprehensive.org Elmgreen School 20 and 26 September, 4, 12 and Harris Academy Bermondsey Langley Park School for Boys 20 October 55 Southwark Park Road, South Eden Park Road, 27, 28 and 29 September Elmcourt Road, Tulse Hill SE27 9BZ, Bermondsey SE16 3TZ, Beckenham BR3 3BP, Sedgehill Road, Catford SE6 3QW, www.the-elmgreen-school.org.uk www.harrisbermondsey.org.uk www.lpsb.org.uk www.sedgehillschool.co.uk Eltham Hill School Harris City Academy Crystal Palace Langley Park School for Girls 17 and 24 September 17 and 22 September, 5 October 12 September, Maberley Road Hawksbrook Lane, South Eden Park Dartmouth Road, Eltham Hill SE9 5EE, Upper Norwood SE19 2JH, Road, Beckenham BR3 3BE, Sydenham SE26 4RD, www.elthamhill.com www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk www.lpgs.bromley.sch.uk www.sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk

12 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk llllllll

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL ‘EXCEPTIONAL’ ISI 2016

Smaller school Bigger opportunities Personal attention Great results Affordable Scholarships available

OPEN MORNINGS: OPEN MORNING SATURDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2016 9.30am ( 1.00pm THURSDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 11.00-13.00 SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER 10.00-13.00 JUNIOR & SENIOR TASTER DAYS TUESDAY 4th OCTOBER 11.00-13.00 November and December 2016

BOOKING ESSENTIAL Apply online For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the senior school Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB Tell: 020200 87878811 70700000 [email protected] www.brbromomleleyhyhigigh.gh.gdsdst.nt.netet Five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction

Bishop Challoner School PICTURE YOURSELF AT James Allen’s Girls’ School Shortlands Independent Girls’ School 4–18 A Catholic for Girls & Boys 3 -18 Years

Welcoming All Faiths

DISCOVER MORE AT OUR O PE N MO RNINGS Open Morning Wed 21 Sept • Thu 29 Sept • Sat 8 Oct Saturday 1st October 2016 NO NEED TO BOOK WWW.JAGS.ORG.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION 9.00am - 1.00pm JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL [email protected] 144 EAST DULWICH GROVE LONDON SE22 8TE | 020 8693 1181 JAGS is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England www.bishopchallonerschool.com to pre-register number 6618970, registered charity number 1124853

familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 13 leduclation newls lllll

“My child hates school: what can I do?” How to cope with school refuseniks

By Liat Hughes Joshi

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

Try to keep everyone calm For more persistent and Still struggling? Mornings can be fraught if your child has developed serious school aversions, Further support for severe cases of school refusal a school aversion but it’s important to at least try could be available via your GP who might make a and all remain calm (easier said than done we know, consider the potential referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health especially if you’re under pressure from teachers to Services (CAMHS) or a private psychologist. be punctual). If your little one starts to associate causes mornings with being told off and stressed, it could If there’s still no improvement and/ or your child has About the author add to their anxieties. a sudden but severe issue with school, it’s time to Liat is a parenting journalist and the author of four find out the triggers in order to help them. This can books including New Old-fashioned Parenting and It might just be a phase be challenging if they don’t even understand their How to Unplug Your Child (both published by (here’s hoping...) fear, don’t want to tell you about it or struggle to Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary articulate it at all. Years (Pearson). Many children have a few days now and then when Work on getting your child to open up when it’s they’re not keen on going to school, sometimes for not the ‘heat of the moment’. So not when you’re no obvious reason. If your instincts and chats with Learn to read in just 5 your child indicate the situation isn’t serious, try to late for school and they’re in tears. If they won’t talk ride things out without too much fuss. By not to you, perhaps they will do so with someone else, weeks for FREE with making this into a big issue, it might resolve itself - such as their grandparents, or an aunt or uncle. Reading Eggs this is especially important for children who crave Common reasons for school aversion include Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range attention. bullying/ friendship problems, boredom, learning of online reading lessons and e-books that teach Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it on’ - difficulties, a tricky relationship with a teacher or perhaps they fancy a day watching films on the sofa children the literacy skills needed for a lifetime of a major family event such as a divorce or (don’t we all sometimes) - stand firm and make it reading success. bereavement. You could mention similar situations clear that attending school is non-negotiable. The programme makes learning phonics, sight you experienced in your school days to encourage words and essential reading skills fun - and over discussion. 91% of parents report a noticeable improvement in Fake illnesses can be a their child’s reading within weeks. Children progress through the one-one-one lessons at the own pace, headache... Meet with their teacher and you can track their learning with detailed Mysterious maladies are a common manifestation Have a chat with their teacher to identify and work progress reports and assessments. of not wanting to go to school; although it can be READER OFFER: See how your child’s reading on any underlying issues going on in the classroom, annoyingly difficult to decipher whether kids are can improve with Reading Eggs. The five crying wolf or actually ill. If it could be the former, playground or at home. They’ll probably have prior weeks free access offer is available to new threatening a trip to the doctors/ call to NHS Direct experience of all this, can provide extra reassurance customers who register before 30 September will usually either get illness fibbers to confess, or or support for your child and you can carve out an 2016. Read more and register your child at provide a miracle cure. action plan together. www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn9.

14 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk llllllll !"#$%&'()&!!* (+,-%%.

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familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 15 S P O N S O R E D A R T I C L E Turn back the clock with stretching

By Aylia Fox of FoxFitness

Do you have creaky knees, a shooting pain in your hip, a twinge in your shoulder or stiff fingers?

These are all common signs of ageing and are often the first signs of arthritis - which can be life changing. NHS figures show that more than 10 million people It was only after working with in Britain are currently diagnosed with the a range of clients over the debilitating condition - most of them over the age years that personal of 40. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Joint (and trainer Aylia Fox of associated muscle) pain is NOT inevitable with age Greenwich-based and there are many things you can do to prevent it. FoxFitness realised there Even when you’re suffering, there are solutions to was an overwhelming need turn back the clock. for such a programme and decided to put one together. First a basic anatomy lesson: joints are the place It is now one of her most where two bones meet and move in relation to each popular services and she has success stories which other subject to muscle contraction. Problems prove how regular structured stretching can really About the author emerge as you get older because, just like a tyre on work both as a prevention and a cure for joint and With a child of her own, Aylia knows and a car wears out with use, so too does the cartilage muscle pain. understands how changes affect mothers’ bodies. that cushions the joint. The result is inflammation, She is fully qualified and registered with REPS (the pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. In serious Aylia, 50, (pictured) said: “The wonderful thing about industry’s professional body), is insured and DBS cases the only remedy is joint replacement surgery - stretching is that, unlike hardcore exercise, it’s not checked to work with children. Aylia offers one-to- which doesn’t always last. exhausting and unpleasant, yet the benefits can be one and group stretching sessions. Individual huge. I’ve trained people who could hardly get out training can take place in the comfort of your own Obviously prevention is better than cure and doctors of bed in the morning they were so stiff, and now home with prices starting at £17.50. agree that one of the best things you can do - at any they’re jumping up and jogging to the gym!” Aylia’s full range of personal training services age - is to keep moving and maintain your joints’ includes a health and fitness assessment which range of motion through stretching. But what Aylia’s other tips for taking care of your joints determines whether you’re fit and healthy and, if stretches, how do you do them properly, and how include: you’re not, what to do about it. It costs £79.99 often? • Lose weight (if you’re overweight) including a report. • Do low-impact exercise such as swimming To book a stretching session with Aylia call: One way to find out is to join a structured stretching • Eat oily fish and/ or take Omega 3 supplements 020 8319 2843 or 07835 260895. programme which - until recently - did not exist in • Work on maintaining good posture Email [email protected] or visit the Greenwich and Lewisham area. • Avoid quick repetitive movements. www.foxthefitness.com.

16 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk

Stress? Anxiety? Fatigue? Insomnia? Tailored care from our mind and FamilyHealth body team The Vale Practice Counselling, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, Nutrition, Massage, Reflexology Headlice: an irritating and much more... 64 Grove Vale, London SE22 8DT problem – How to cope with T. 020 8299 9798 E. [email protected] those nasty nits www.thevalepractice.co.uk

It’s every parent’s nightmare; the notices go up at school: “a case of headlice has been reported, so please check your children’s heads”. Your child begins to scratch. How do you cope with headlice - and can they be prevented?

What are headlice? What to treat the hair with Headlice, also known as nits, are tiny insects that A pharmacist can sell you an over-the-counter remedy live in human hair and feed on blood. They are very which you use in the hair. You have to treat all family small - they range from the size of a pinhead to a members and most products will tell you to treat again sesame seed, so it’s no surprise that they are difficult after a couple of weeks to take care of any eggs that to see. Their discarded egg cases are white and slip through the net; lice have a 30-day life span, look a bit like dandruff stuck to the hair. It’s often during which a female can lay five to 10 eggs a day. these empty cases, the ‘nits’, that you notice first, Some lotions are not suitable for the under-twos or especially behind the ears and there may also be for pregnant and breastfeeding women. small, red, itchy bumps on the back of the neck, which is where the insects have bitten your child. Can I prevent them? Whilst there is some evidence that they dislike tea Are they obvious? tree oil and lavender, you can’t really prevent an One of the main problems with headlice is that they infestation. Sorry. are tiny, so they’re difficult to spot and although most children will have telltale signs such as itching and the feeling of something moving in their hair, other Headlice facts: children may have no idea at all. It’s often these • They can live under water for several hours children whose parents don’t realise they have • They are passed from head to head when headlice who will keep spreading it through the class, children sit and play together so even if your child displays no symptoms, always • They are not a sign of being dirty - they prefer check regularly. clean hair • They do not only affect children, so always check your own hair too How to check • They can’t jump. Your best friend is now your nit comb. When you wash your child’s hair, apply plenty of conditioner and comb through their hair in sections, making sure you don’t By Sally J. Hall miss any areas. Look at the comb and check for small Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the dots - they may be black, reddish brown, brown or main parenting titles as well as The Independent and grey. These are the lice. These should be removed The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing Babysitting under a hot tap in the basin or into a cup of hot water. author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley). Combing is your most important weapon against and Flexible Childcare headlice, as even if you use a lotion or spray from the pharmacists, eggs may still hatch after you have 100% DBS treated the hair. CHECKED CHILDCARERS NEW - download our free babysitting app! • Babysitting Dental care for Mummy’s little • Flexible Daytime Childcare • Temporary Nannies baby teeth helper • Part Time Nannies Despite being the world’s Being a new mother - often • PermanentHoliday Nannies Nannies most preventable grappling with tiredness and disease, childhood fluctuating hormones - can be 0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk dental decay sees over pretty relentless at times. 500 children hospitalised MamaBabyBliss’ pocket-sized every week, usually bottle of pulse-point oil contains a undergoing general subtle blend of mood-enhancing anaesthetic for tooth extraction. essential oils including lime, Brush-Baby is an award-winning company that geranium and bergamot that help produced dentist-endorsed products specifically for energise and relieve a tired mind babies, toddlers and children. The range includes and are great for lifting the spirits. chewable toothbrushes, teething wipes, baby sonic While - alas - it won’t stop the and floss brushes, all available in the new Baby Dental baby crying, or vacuum the floor section in larger Boots branches across the UK. For for you; dab a little on your wrists early years tooth FAQs and care tips and to see the for an instant pick-me-up. £6.50 whole range, go to www.brushbaby.co.uk. from www.mamababybliss.com

familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 17 What’s New Not for girls, not for boys - read Polarn O. Pyret make clothes for rn to children ea Scandinavians are renowned for their L s functional design and progressive social 5 week attitudes. The top four ranking countries for just gender equality are all Scandinavian. in How does this translate into clothing for babies and children? Leading childrenswear FREE! brand Polarn O. Pyret of Sweden have been for designing unisex clothing for over 40 years with a philosophy to ‘let children be children’. Famous for their classic stripes in navy and red, Reading Eggs , the multi-award winning online Polarn O. Pyret’s head designer Karina Lundell says: reading programme, makes learning to read “There is no difference in the body-shape of girls and boys until around age 12 years. So we design easy and fun for children aged 3 to 13. The most of our clothing to be worn by children, not just boys or girls. What colour they choose is up to programme matches your child’s ability and them.” is based on scientific research to help kids Unisex clothing is easier to hand down and PO.P is renowned for durability, the clothes are made to become confident and successful readers. be worn by as many children as possible, not just one. The cost-per-wear value goes up and impact on the environment goes down. Your child will love learning to read with Find your favourite unisex styles, be they stripes, animal prints, motors, sweet entertaining characters, fun songs, interactive treats, cityscapes, sharks, beach scenes or just a plain colour from any part of the PO.P rainbow. You choose. activities, and exciting rewards . All the READER OFFER: claim 15% off your order, exclusively for Families readers when you use the discount code FAM15 at while, you can track their achievements www.polarnopyret.co.uk. with detailed progress reports , which show key areas of improvement. Handwriting matters Join more than 3.4 million users An ancient skill, people are thought to have started writing worldwide and claim your special by hand more than 6,000 years 5 WEEKS FREE ACCESS today! ago in Mesopotamia. However, with the popularity of computers, smartphones and tablets fewer people now pick up a pen as part of their daily lives. 5 W Schools in Finland are getting ready to drop cursive handwriting from the EEKS curriculum completely. From 2016, children in the Scandinavian country will learn V FREE ACC to type instead. And the US education system stopped considering handwriting isit w ESS ww.rea as a compulsory skill in 2013, leaving individual states free to decide whether or O dingeggs.co ffer .uk/fu not to teach it in the classroom. ends 30t n h September 2 Online retailer Pen Heaven has launched a Handwriting Matters campaign 016. to promote the many benefits associated with writing by hand. Among the company’s range is the ergonomic Yoropen. A clever design with a kink at the base of its neck (to act as a finger support), the ambidextrous Yoropen alleviates writing strain, whilst allowing the author to clearly see each word as it appears on the page thanks to the unique 21˚ angled head. A perfect learning tool, the pen was invented by a loving father for his daughters, who suffer from cerebral palsy, and is available as a pen or pencil version, with mini sizes for children’s hands, priced from £3 at www.penheaven.co.uk and many other retailers. Going veggie It’s World Vegetarian Day on 1 October - a great time to celebrate all things veggie! Head over to vegsoc.org and pick up a Happy World Vegetarian Day image to share on social media. If you need mealtime inspiration, the Vegetarian Society’s brand new Going Please note: This offer is only available to new customers who register at the Veggie: What To Eat guide makes it easy above URL and is not applicable for schools. and enjoyable for anyone to go meat-free. The free guide helps you to get the very The multi-award winning online reading programme for kids! best out of going veggie, easily meet all your nutritional needs and put together great tasting meals. It’s available to download or order from www.vegsoc.org, or by calling 0161 925 2000.

18 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk ROYAL GREENWICH TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL THE HIVE OPEN HOUSE LONDON What ’sOn Olé The Great Outdoors Kids Spanish classes for children and parents LONDON WILDLIFE TRUST KEW GARDENS Bilingual and beginners. KEW ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, Kew, Surrey TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5655, Children learn languages through immersion and play. Join in with fun, free, activities run by the London Wildlife Trust across ! www.kew.org Group classes across London London; suitable for children of all ages accompanied by their parents !Spanish in Nurseries Kew Gardens is world-famous for its historic glasshouses, magnificent !After School Clubs or carers. Here are some highlights: for full details and bookings, see !Private classes at home vistas and precious specimen trees, not to mention royal buildings, the !Birthday parties www.wildlondon.org.uk. Pagoda, beautiful woods, a treetop walkway and great places for children Free weekend workshops at Iberica to have fun. Open daily from 10am, admission £15 adults, £3.50 children, Canary Wharf while you eat WONDERFUL WILDLIFE WEEKENDS. Free activities include pond reduced when prebooked. www.ibericalondon.co.uk dipping, bug hunting, wild crafts, stories, crafts, games, making wildlife !Adult Spanish Classes THE HIVE . Reconnect with nature and experience the world of the British habitats and bushcraft. 10.30am-12.30pm for families with children aged bee within Wolfgang Buttress’ award winning installation, The Hive. up to 7, 1.30-4.30pm for children aged 7 and up. Every Saturday at the Towering 17 metres high and twisting out of the ground in a shape Facebook: olekidslondon Centre for Wildlife Gardening in SE15. suggestive of a swarm of bees this magnificent, ever changing space Twitter: ole_kids will host talks, tours, activities, films and family workshops. SYDENHAM HILL WOOD OPEN DAY, 11 September. Celebrate 34 years of nature conservation with volunteers, who will run guided walks and pond Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 dipping events, a live performance by folk musicians, slices of cake and a IGHTHAM MOTE IGHTHAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT, Email : [email protected] tombola to raise money for the wood’s wildlife. 11am-4pm. 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote www.olekids.com Enjoy a gentle stroll around the gardens or take in a longer walk TOTALLY THAMES 2016 on the ancient estate while enjoying 1 - 30 September, RIVER THAMES, www.thamesfestival.org the beauty of the Kent countryside. The Small Ads Open 10am to 5pm, admission Celebrate our famous waterway with a 30-day programme of river-inspired from £5.50 children, £11 adults, events. The Thames is brought to life throughout the month with an exciting £28 families. season of arts, cultural and river events that span the 42-mile stretch of the 50 THINGS TO DO. Pick up an France with the Family activity pack, explore the estate and Handyman river - with everything from large-scale art installations to thrilling river races. Justine’s family friendly house in For all your household repairs and odd jobs. see how many of the 50 things to do I offer a professional and courteous service ROYAL GREENWICH TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL, 14 - 18 September. you can tick off. Free with admission rural Normandy is available to rent. Dozens of tall-masted sailing ships will grace the east end of the Thames charge. Sleeps 6+, fully equipped, www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502 with their presence for this five-day festival. It’s a chance to grasp just how APPLE AND ORCHARD beautiful location busy and vital the Thames used to be as the quickest trade route out and WEEKEND, 1+2 October. Celebrate the bounty of the Garden Contact [email protected] into the city, and how stunning it would have been to stand bankside and Families reaches up to of England with apple tasting and thenormandienest.wordpress.com 40,000 readers with witness huge vessels sail past. Visitors can even climb on board, as well stalls. 10am-4pm, free with as enjoy gigs, parades, firework displays and other entertainments. standard admission. every issue - ask us about advertising! [email protected] Adult & Children’s Entertainer Events and Attractions PAINTING & Magic, Plate Spinning DECORATING BROMLEY FOOD FEST Balloon Modelling Interior / Exterior 15-17 September, BROMLEY town centre @YourBromley Interactive Games Experienced, Reliable, Clean A brand new festival celebrating the vibrant food and drinks outlets in Bromley town centre. Around 20 restaurants will Karaoke, Mini Disco Fully Guaranteed / Insured offer mini plates allowing visitors to sample a range of cuisines from places including Havet, Yo! Sushi, Benito’s Hat FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE and Project Pie. A launch party, live music and a children’s recipe competition are part of the event. Tel: 020 8480 8176 John:- James & Lamont www.amigosmagic.co.uk 020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 OPEN HOUSE LONDON 17 - 18 September, VARIOUS VENUES, www.open-city.org.uk The hugely popular, capital-wide annual festival of architecture celebrates its twenty-fourth anniversary in 2016. The festival allows access to hundreds of buildings usually closed to the public, including private homes, government buildings, historic sites, educational establishments and many others.

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2016 17 - 25 September, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, www.londondesignfestival.com One of this year’s highlights will be a crazy golf course in Trafalgar Square designed by top British creatives Paul Smith, Mark Wallinger, Tom Dixon and Zaha Hadid. Other projects include Baboushka Boxes that reference London’s housing crisis in Notting Hill, a 20 metre moving metallic ribbon in the V&A’s Tapestry Gallery and a dynamic installation in the courtyard of the Black Cultural Archives. Eight ‘Design Districts’ will offer their own line-up of events and exhibits which showcase local artists and creative industries.

CATFORD ARTS TRAIL 24 - 25 September and 1 - 2 October, in and around CATFORD SE6, www.catfordarts.org/catford-arts-trail/ 17-19 Blackw ater Street The first ever free arts trail in Catford has been organised by five local artists, and brings together 70 local artists and East Dulwich makers who will show their work in their homes and public spaces. SE22 8SD There will be workshops, demonstrations, music, spoken word, pop-up cafes and three sites where installations will be created by artists and visitors during the trail (including a piece being created by Channel 4’s Shed of the Year 2016 finalist - Michael Connell). There will also be a striking and amusing art installation in central Catford built for the event. 11am-6pm each day, see the full line-up and map online. 020 7720 1144

familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 19 CHITTER CHATTER CRAFT AT CATFORD ARTS TRAIL HORNIMAN MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS

SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the More What ’sOn Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, Find even more activities: www.familiesonline.co.uk then click What's On sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM ALL ABOARD. In the museum’s playzone, under 7s can get into the engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 driver’s seat of a real bus, repair a mini Tube train and play in the ‘Lost 10am-6pm except 24-26 December. 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Property’ office. They can also enjoy ‘sailing’ the Thames Nipper, serve LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges passengers in the Nipper Cafe, fly the Emirates Air Line cable car, make gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music driver announcements and help customers at the mini information desk rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and using a magnetic message board, maps and clocks. Ages 8-14, free. workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and THE FAMILY STATION. Visit the Family Station, pick up a coin bag and OUR LIVES IN DATA. Information about our lives is increasingly being crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of choose some activities to do as you explore the museum. Whether you captured, analysed and used, transforming the world around us. From beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London, an fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own toys that can understand a child’s personality and smarter public animal corner and a Farmers’ Market every Saturday. poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something transport planning to new genomic technology that is helping uncover FARMERS’ MARKET, every Saturday. A locally sourced and sold here for families with children of all ages. Open weekends and school the causes of rare diseases and cancer, big data’s invisible revolution weekly farmers’ market selling a variety of produce, hot food and more holidays, suitable for families with 3-12 year-olds. has begun. Ages 8 to adult, free. in the gardens. 9am-1.30pm. OPEN HOUSE: BEHIND THE SCENES, 17 September. Learn more about the Horniman Library on a guided tour of the museum’s CUE THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM building. 2-3.45pm. 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk DINOSAURS - MONSTER FAMILIES, until 30 October. Discover the www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk fascinating world of dinosaurs and how they looked after their eggs, Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art nests and babies through interactive exhibits, specimens from around the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling the world and life-size models. Meet a replica of ‘Baby Louie’, the of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and near-complete skeleton of a dinosaur hatchling, dig in the discovery pit, million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on touch a real dinosaur leg bone and come face-to-face with T-Rex’s composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum relative - a life-size Tarbosaurus skeleton cast. An exciting programme of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am- open 10am-5.50pm, admission free. dinosaur-themed events and activities will also run throughout the year 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free to complement the exhibition. Entry £7 adults, £4 children, £17 families, for under 16s, £8.25 adults. COLOUR AND VISION. Discover the earliest life on Earth and trace the under 3s free. evolutionary history of colour and vision. Find out how early interactions gave rise to the wide variety of colours that we now see in the natural CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS world.Adults £12, children £6. BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, until 11 September. This living BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, www.iwm.org.uk exhibition includes a riot of colourful species usually found in the tropical 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. The magical The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from experience of being surrounded by free-flying butterflies is captivating created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine for young and old alike. Wander through a tropical habitat of flowers, Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and vines and foliage and view these creatures close-up, using a magnifier see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. core of government and to become a temporary military information to admire their intricate beauty and tiny features. Admission £6.50, Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am- centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval families £22. 5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free. and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of DINO SNORES, once a month on Saturdays. Discover what really THE STORY OF THE BANKNOTE, from 7 September. A new gallery those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the happens at the museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. at the Bank of England Museum is dedicated to banknotes. It includes Children aged 7-11 years, from 7pm to 9.50am the following day. the very earliest paper money dating from the end of the 17th century, authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors Tickets £60. early forgeries, unseen artwork and designs for the tiny details that are where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission £9 contained within each note. The gallery opening coincides with the children, £18 adults. CHILDREN AT THE V&A launch of the new polymer fiver. V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. HARVEST FESTIVAL 2016 www.iwm.org.uk 25 September, Guildhall Yard, Mansion House EC2, There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty www.pearlysociety.co.uk IWM London tells the story of wars through the recollection of people to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free. A festival celebrating the bounty of the autumn harvest with traditional who lived through them, both fighting the cause and at home. BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the entertainment, a service of thanksgiving and thousands of buttons! You Family-friendly attractions a recreated Family in Wartime house, and museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. can expect marching bands, Morris Dancing, donkeys and a host of creative and object discovery sessions for families on Sundays. Open 10.30am-5pm. 10am-6pm daily except 24-26 December, admission free. colourful characters at this event, which raises money for the DROP-IN DESIGN, Sundays to 25 September. Pick up a design Whitechapel Mission. A colourful family day out, from 1pm. SECRET WAR. From the development of MI5 and MI6 before the First challenge and bring your fantastic ideas to life. 10.30am-5pm, World War, to Cold War intelligence-gathering and the contemporary use ages 3+, free. LONDON SEALIFE AQUARIUM of highly-trained elite forces, the exhibition examines the facts behind the POP UP PERFORMANCE, Saturdays. Join the performance team for SEA LIFE London Aquarium, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 secrecy and why the need for secret agencies remains a subject of fun and interactive gallery plays and activities every Saturday. 11am, 7PB, 0871 663 1678, www.visitsealife.com/london continued debate today. 2 and 3pm, free drop in. See thousands of sea creatures in over two million litres of water, living in over 65 displays over three floors. Brave the Shark Reef Encounter, join in with public feeding sessions and watch the diving displays. There are HMS BELFAST V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD real penguins too! Open from 10am daily, admission from £19.50 adults, On the THAMES at The Queen’s Walk by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, £14.41 children. SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring This gem of a museum houses dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden Open 10am-6pm, admission £16 adults, children £8, family tickets WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, from £28. and regular special events. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free. Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they are transported back in GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the Gun Turret time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled CLANGERS, BAGPUSS & CO, until 9 October. Meet Bagpuss, see the with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog. Oliver Postgate’s voice and tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of Peter Firmin’s puppets shaped the childhood memories of millions since as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections they started collaborating in the 1950s. As well as telling the story of open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped Bagpuss and The Clangers, the exhibition goes behind the scenes of Fridays. Admission free for under 17s, £16 adults. Tickets are valid for conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space some of their other creations; Pogles Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor 12 months’ unlimited admission. at any one time. Entry included in general admission price. the Engine.

20 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk HARVEST FESTIVAL 2016 SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES CLANGERS, BAGPUSS & CO CUTTY SARK

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND, until 30 October. Using the magical National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and collection from Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Take Me to Neverland Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk exhibition tells the real story behind Peter Pan. Discover the origins of Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, from the success of the 1904 play to the many It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich adaptations that have continued to inspire both children and adults World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, over the past century. the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances THE BRITISH MUSEUM and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, can make music and play with parents and carers. Open 10am-5pm www.britishmuseum.org daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public and events have an admission fee. museum in the world. Each year nearly 6 million visitors pour through THE GREAT EXPLORER is an interactive game for families. Borrow a the doors to see the museum’s collection of ancient and historical tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies, or to take in the and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure. latest block-buster exhibition. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free, 11am-4pm, free. charge for some exhibitions. THE LANDLUBBERS’ MARITIME FOLK FESTIVAL, 24 September. SHADOW PUPPET THEATRE, 8 September - 29 January 2017. An Enjoy the best of maritime folk culture with Royal Museums Greenwich. exhibition which draws on the museum’s unique Southeast Asian Stomp your feet to sea shanties, hear the salty yarns of the clipper’s shadow puppet collection. Puppeteers can have 200 or more puppets figureheads, or try your hand at some traditional maritime crafts. in their collections. Some of these puppets are generic, while others 10am-5pm, suitable for all ages. represent specific characters, and a few are considered to be sacred, such as the clowns and the holy man figure used in the rituals associated with the start of a performance in Thailand and Malaysia. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM Shows are usually commissioned and performed at life events, such St THOMAS’S HOSPITAL, 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW, 020 7188 as weddings or funerals, in celebration of the harvest, and in fulfilment 4400, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk of vows, but they have also been commercialised as entertainment in Known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’, Florence Nightingale was a some areas. pioneering nurse, writer, and noted statistician. The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates her life and work, through personal material DIGITAL DISCOVERY CENTRE, weekends. Learn, discover and create associated with Florence Nightingale, items relating to the Crimean War in the Museum’s digital centre. Free activities and workshops using the and nursing artefac ts. Open 10am-7p m d aily, admission £7 .5 0 adults, la test Samsung digital equipment, enabling children to bring the world’s £3.80 children. history and cultures to life through advanced technology. BRITISH MUSEUM BIG BRANDS • LOW PRICES

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familiesonline.co.uk september 2016 - families south east 21 BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE HAMPTON COURT THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesonline.co.uk then click What's On

SUNKEN CITIES, EGYPT’S LOST WORLDS, until 27 November. GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS Submerged under the sea for over a thousand years, two lost cities of GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, ancient Egypt were recently rediscovered. Their story is told for the first www.geffrye-museum.org.uk time in this blockbuster exhibition. Stunning objects in the exhibition Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide range from magnificent colossal statues to intricate gold jewellery, amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of sacred offerings and ritual objects. Tickets £16.50 adults, under 16s free. each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays. TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND CUTTY SARK CERAMICS IN THE CITY, 24 and 25 September. Join artists to create CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, OPEN HOUSE LONDON, 18 September. Free tours of the upstairs, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark your own masterpiece to take home - a hanging ceramic decoration on Saturday; cool ceramic-inspired badges on Sunday. 2.30-4.30pm, free. usually closed to the public, showcasing architecture from the Tudor, The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to Georgian and Victorian eras. 10.30 and 11.30am, tickets available on explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s arrival. wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes MUSEUM DROP-IN, 2 October. A Roman themed family drop-in. Try on from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION period costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of the interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, palace. 2-3.30pm, free. friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open www.towerbridge.org.uk APPLE DAY CELEBRATION, 9 October. Celebrate the apple harvest in 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £7 children, £13.50 adults, Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level the walled garden, with apple display and tastings, storytelling, live from £24 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Walkways, the small luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian music as well as food and drink stalls. 11am-3pm. Museum Greenwich attractions. Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy TODDLER TIME, Wednesdays. Take your little sailors along for songs, stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the stories and playtime on board. 10-11.30am. Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most HAMPTON COURT PALACE famous bridge in the World. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships HAMPTON COURT PALACE, East Molesey KT8 9AU, 0844 482 7777, AHOY CAPTAIN! 10, 18 and 25 September. Meet Captain Woodget, www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, to learn about life on board the to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the fastest tea clipper. 11am, 12noon, 1.30 and 2.30pm. excitement. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn MAGIC GARDEN, daily until 31 October. Let the kids go wild in the more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm new Magic Garden, set within the very grounds where Henry VIII’s 11 September. Dance, sing and set sail on an NANNIE THE WITCH, April - September, 9.30am-5.30pm October - March. Admission £3.40 spectacular Tudor tournament played out. The rich history and legends adventure with Nannie, Cutty Sark’s figurehead. 11am, 12noon, 1.30 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50. of the Tudor court are reinterpreted in the new garden; from towers to and 2.30pm. besiege, a secret grotto to discover and even a 25 foot dragon to climb! There are lots of things to keep children entertained inside the palace too, from dressing up as a Tudor courtier to accepting the digital BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE PALACE missions challenge. These missions use iPads to create a unique way 8 October, MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, FULHAM PALACE, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, of exploring the palace to engage children of all ages. www.fulhampalace.org No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay E14 4AL, 020 7001 9844, GNOME SHOW, until 2 October. Look out for some unusual additions www.museumoflondon.org.uk The Museum of Fulham Palace charts the long history of the palace site, in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace this summer! As part of the Get out your glowsticks for a family-friendly rave with DJ Aston Harvey from Prehistoric times and Roman settlement, through Medieval, Tudor, year-long celebration of its world famous gardens, 15 very special in the museum’s Georgian warehouse. Everyone from the smallest Georgian and Victorian bishops to the present day. The museum gnomes will be popping up around the Hampton Court estate, revealing swashbuckler to the biggest buccaneer will enjoy Big Fish Little Fish’s collection includes paintings, archaeology and artefacts. Open hidden secrets to the intrepid explorers who can find them. Designed multi-sensory dancefloor delights in this family rave. Expect glitter noon-4pm Sundays, 12.30-3.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, admission and created by a range of local community groups, these aren’t your cannons, giant balloons, bubble machines and a parachute dance. free. typical common garden gnomes! From the whimsy of the maze, to the Get creative at the specially themed craft table, take part in hands-on COMPOSTING, 17 September. Learn everything you need to know Privy Garden’s formal Baroque topiary, each will reflect a unique aspect activities and explore the Mudlarks children’s gallery. Families with under about transforming your kitchen and garden waste into nutritious food of the remarkable landscape around the palace, which spans centuries 5s, 2pm start, children £6, adults £9, book first. for your plants. 1.30-3.30pm. of fascinating history.

GROWING UP CLUB, 25 September, 16 + 23 October. Indoor and Theatre, Shows and Music outdoor craft and gardening activities: dig, grow, play and discover before after watching a show in the theatre. Ages 2+, 2-3pm, children’s tickets £3. RICE PAPER TALES FIRST OPERA: WELCOME PERFORMANCES. Welcome 10 + 17 September, DEPTFORD LOUNGE, 9 Giffin Street, Deptford SE8 Performances are for families who have never been to a ballet or opera 4RJ, www.thealbany.org.uk at the Royal Opera House before. You don’t need to know anything PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Beautiful Vietnamese folk tales give you and your little ones the chance about either - just come along and give it a try. Tickets £5-£20. PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, www.puppetbarge.com to experience alternative fairy tales. Age 5+, 1.30 and 3pm, pay what BACKSTAGE TOURS. The Backstage Tours include an introduction to you decide after the performance. the colourful history of the theatre, an insight into the redevelopment of BRER RABBIT VISITS AFRICA, weekends until 2 October. When Brer the Royal Opera House and a look at aspects of current productions. Rabbit travels to Africa to visit his grandmother, he gets himself into Each tour is a unique experience, and may include opportunities to see trouble and needs help from an elephant, lion, tortoise, frogs, and other local animals. Ages 3+, 2.30pm. THE GIRL WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH The Royal Ballet in class, or the magnificent backstage technology in THE MOON operation. Suitable for ages 8+, book first. 11 September, GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, A string of original fair tales stitched together into a Tim Burton-esque ALBANY THEATRE 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com patchwork of puppetry, poetry, movement and live music from the ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, EMILY RISING, 10 September - 20 November. Emily wakes up one award-winning Human Zoo. www.thealbany.org.uk bright autumn morning to find that her feet can’t touch the ground, and DISCO KIDS: UNDER THE SEA, 18 September. An underwater no one can understand why. To everyone’s surprise Emily keeps rising adventure for little sea monsters where dressing up is highly higher and higher. From sleeping upside-down on her ceiling and flying recommended. Grab some seaweed and swim on down. Families with above her school playground, to soaring over a starry-skied London, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE under 7s, 2-5pm, tickets £6, families £10. ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, Bow Street, London WC2E 9D, 07304 4000, Emily’s adventure is just beginning. Ages 7+, tickets £12 adults, £10 www.roh.org.uk THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE, 25 September. One day whilst Girl is children. FAMILY SUNDAYS, Last Sunday of each month. Explore the Royal playing in her garden, she spots something peculiar on the other side LET’S FLY, 17 September - 20 November. Can you fly? Just imagine if Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Sundays are of the fence. Climbing up as high as she can to get a better view, she is you could. What does your home look like when you’re as high as the packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including surprised when she comes face to face with... Giraffe! Charming birds and the aeroplanes? Emily knows how to fly and she wants you to informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing puppetry and beautiful storytelling combine in this sensitive show about come on an adventure with her. You’ve never seen the whole world until and dance activities. Ages 6+, 12-4pm, £5 adults, £3 children. wellbeing and friendship. Age 3+, 1 and 3pm, tickets £7, families £24. you’ve sat on top of a cloud. Ages 2-6, tickets £10 adults, £8 children.

22 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk LET’S FLY – LITTLE ANGEL RUG RHYMES – SOUTHBANK SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL – POLKA WINIFRED KNIGHT

SOUTHBANK LYRIC THEATRE CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8PX, 0844 847 9944, LYRIC , Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith FACTORY www.southbankcentre.co.uk W6 0DL, 020 8741 6850, www.lyric.co.uk THEATRE ROYAL, Drury Lane, Covent Garden WC2B 5JF, 020 7850 8790, www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane RUG RHYMES, Wednesdays until 16 December. What rhymes with rug? THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE, 17 September. One day while Girl is Join the Poetry Library puppets Frederico and Firebird to find out, in a Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the playing in the garden, she comes face to face with... Giraffe! Follow short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories for under mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in an action packed 5s and carers. 10.30am-11am, free. their friendship in Half Moon Theatre’s uplifting show told from a child’s West End musical directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. perspective. Ages 3-6, 11am and 1pm. MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL, 11, 18+25 Tickets from £16.50. September. Let loose on the dance floor with your under 5 in the JACK AND THE BEANS TALK, 24 September. A charming and friendliest of discos. Designed as a super-fun session of dancing and inventive retelling of this classic tale involving magic beans, and POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 play, with DJ Monski Mouse’s eclectic selection of retro hits and funky enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a giant who sniffs out small boys. 4888, www.polkatheatre.com nursery rhymes, and boogy with the Monski Mouse Dancers. 3pm, Ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm. tickets £8, under 6 months free. Book at SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL, 21 September - 16 October. As your www.londonwonderground.co.uk. THE BOY WHO CLIMBED INTO THE MOON, 1 October. Paul has a baby looks and learns, have you ever wondered what they are thinking? Ginormous idea. The moon is a hole in the sky and he’s going to climb Scientists from Birkbeck University’s world-renowned Baby Lab have into it! Anything’s possible in this warm and very funny story. Ages 5-11, teamed up with theatre director Sarah Argent to create a fun, lively show ROYAL ALBERT HALL 11am and 1pm. designed to get brainy babies jiggling and giggling. Ages 6-18 months, The ROYAL ALBERT HALL, Gore SW7 2AP, 0845 401 5045, tickets £12.50. THE UGLY DUCKLING, 8 October. This is the story of a little bird who www.royalalberthall.com BRIGHT SPARKS, 24+25 September. Links and Rex are like light and sets off on an adventure to find out who he is. Is he just a different dark, left and right. Links is logical while Rex is a daydreamer. With STORYTELLING AND MUSIC, Wednesdays until 23 November. duckling, or is he something else? Ages 4-10, 11am and 1pm. Seasoned storytellers Paul Rubenstein, Olivia Armstrong and Becky humour and mesmerising visuals, Bright Sparks explores the beauty of Dixon present a series of sessions for babies and toddlers, combining difference, inspired by research into how both sides of the brain must strike a balance for us to see, move and speak. Ages 3-7, tickets £13.30. songs, sounds, rhythms and rhymes and exploring the Hall’s story of diverse musical history. Accompanied babies - four year-olds, 10am BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL and 11.30am, ticketed event. VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE, Victoria Street SW1E 5EA, 0844 248 5000, DEPTHS OF MY MIND 23 September - 2 October, Brit Theatre, BRIT SCHOOL, 60 The AMALUNA, until 4 February 2017. Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring www.billyelliotthemusical.com Crescent, Croydon CR0 2HN, 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com show has never before been seen in the UK and marks Cirque du Set against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot the Depths of My Mind brings to life the latest developments in Soleil’s 20th year at the stunning, world-famous venue. Musical is the inspirational story of one boy’s struggle to realise his neuroimaging around the teenage brain. Suspended above the audience STORYTELLING AND MUSIC SESSIONS, Wednesdays until dream to dance against the odds. Featuring a timeless score by Elton on moving transparent platforms the performers explore what is means November. Seasoned storytellers deliver a series of sessions for babies to be changing and searching for somewhere to belong. A breathtaking and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage interaction between John, sensational dance and a powerful story, Billy Elliot is an uplifting show combining aerial skills, visual theatre, a pulsating soundtrack and parents/ carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever. stunning projections. Ages 10 to adults, tickets £13.50 adults, £10 movement and stories. 0-4 year-olds, 10am and 11.30am, tickets £5. Tickets from £29.50, family tickets from £105. children.

Art Activities

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE, SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk www.somersethouse.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends The gallery features thousands of portraits of the most famous people Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £8 adults. available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years in British history, from the 16th century to the present day. Open Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child. must be accompanied by an adult. ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in work- 10am-6pm daily. shops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make DROP IN FAMILY SUNDAYS. On the third Sunday of every month, THE NATIONAL GALLERY anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in families are invited to drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in between. 2-3.45pm. TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, portrait-related events. www.nationalgallery.org.uk FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free. permanent and temporary exhibitions. THE WALLACE COLLECTION With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons WINIFRED KNIGHTS until 18 September. Declared a genius for her THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at award-winning, apocalyptic work, Winifred Knights (1899-1947) was one W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start. of the most original British artists of the first half century. This first major The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the exhibition of her work includes completed masterpieces alongside 120 preparatory works and life studies. eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their TATE MODERN THE CREATIVES: OFF THE WALL, 24 September. An opportunity for TATE MODERN, Bankside, SE1 9TG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk 11-18 year-olds to work with a professional artist, engaging in lively main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the In June, the Tate Modern opened Switch House, an iconic new London discussions and debating the challenge of what galleries are and who exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission landmark which provides ten floors of new display space, performance they are for. 2pm start, free. free. and installation art, a new restaurant and viewing level. Across both buildings, the museum displays permanent and temporary modern art, ANTHONY GORMLEY ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE free drop-in events, with family-friendly festivals and activities both in the SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, galleries and online. Open 10am-6pm daily, admission free, charges for 30 September - 6 November, WHITE CUBE, 144-152 Bermondsey major exhibitions. Street SE1 3TQ, 020 7930 5373, www.whitecube.com 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org In his new exhibition, Antony Gormley will configure the gallery into 15 Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, TATE BRITAIN discrete chambers to create a labyrinth containing some 24 works of mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s differing size and material. Works include Cave, a 12-metre long tunnel TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John offering a journey into darkness and the unknown; Cotch, a brooding, Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month. abstract body comprised of 22 concrete blocks; and at the core of the Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free exhibition, an installation spread over 100 square metres titled Sleeping cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your Field. to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open Throughout the exhibition visitors will be faced with a choice of contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns passage through differently sized, uniquely lit spaces where each room he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary challenges or qualifies the experience of the last. The works are catalysts and talking hands, and make your own sculptures. contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities for various subjective states and engage the visitor in a journey through Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and time, space and reflexivity. Gallery open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps 6pm and Sunday, 12 - 6pm. families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm. make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

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24 families south east - september 2016 familiesonline.co.uk