Issue 108: July/August 2016 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk FREE
North West London
Including North Middlesex, South Hertfordshire, North Hillingdon, Brent, Harrow and South Barnet (Queens Park, Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, Northolt, Northwood, Watford and all the areas in between) WE’VE GOT SUMMER Childcare, Camps, COVERED! Days Out, Theatre and Local events
PLUS Competitions, What’s On and much more inside!
WATFORD BUSHEY RICKMANSWORTH M1 STANMORE M25 HATCH END NORTHWOOD EDGWARE HARROW WEALD HAREFIELD PINNER KINGSBURY HARROW WEST RUISLIP HENDON WEMBLEY ICKENHAM DOLLIS HILL SUDBURY PARK NORTHOLT BRONDESBURY PARK WEMBLEY UXBRIDGE A40 QUEENS PARK WILLESDEN KILBURN
Welcome to the IN THIS ISSUE:
July/August issue! 4 Families News 8 Starting Primary School 12 Summer Camps CONTACT US: www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon 18 Family Days Out Families North West 20 What’s On London Magazine @FamiliesNW 28 Clubs and Classes Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue. Editors: 30 What’s New and Published seven times a year. For families Competitions Heather Waddington from birth to twelve. and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF UPCOMING ISSUES: September 2016: Clubs/Classes and Activities T: 01923 237 004 and Back to School! Deadline: 12th August 2016 Cover image: E: [email protected] October 2016 Education and Schools Depositphotos.com Deadline: 10 October 2016 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.
Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources. Where is Families North West London?
Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know. Distributed to over 30,000 families!
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North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 3 NEWS
Exciting events at Stagecoach! More ways to perform with FREE online club for young Stagecoach! As part of Stagecoach’s performance dinosaur enthusiasts! programme, lucky students are being Membership of given the opportunity to take part in the Club gives several national and regional events children access this year. Students from Harrow to fun dinosaur and Uxbridge have been selected games and factoids, to perform on stage at Birmingham each designed to Symphony Hall in June with 8 other help children and Stagecoach choirs from across parents expand their the country. The schools will form dinosaur knowledge. choirs which will sing with a 96 With colouring piece orchestra to a packed venue of sheets to download, family and friends, as well as enjoying dinosaur brain singing workshops on the day. This is teasers and quizzes – there’s loads of fun to be had. just one of the many events planned; The What’s so Special Club has been created by dinosaur expert including several showcases in the Nicky Dee and supports the ‘What’s so Special About?’ series of West End and at regional theatres dinosaur books for children. The site is designed to complement such as The Swan in High Wycombe. the information in the books, but can also be used as a stand-alone Also creating ways to perform are their Summer Workshops coming resource to help children (and adults) learn while having fun. to a venue near you! Membership of the Club is free. To join, simply go to www.stagecoach.co.uk/holidayworkshops to search for your www.specialdinosaurs.com and click on the link. nearest school. Labels4Kids New First Aid Courses Launch in Ruislip because kids lose stuff Get ready early for back The Direct Steps Training First Aid courses are to school this year with running at The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip stick on name labels Manor, at regular intervals throughout the year. for clothing, ties and A variety of curriculums will be covered including uniforms. Stick on labels Paediatric 6-hour and 12-hour first aid courses , 1-day is an easy way to label Emergency First Aid at Work course, the 3-day First clothing - no ironing or Aid at Work and a number of 3-hour workshops for sewing necessary! Just stick parents who want to learn what to do in a medical the adhesive name label, emergency are also set to run. developed especially for clothes and with strong Judy McPhee, Director of the Windmill Studio Centre, adhesion to last many said: “It’s great to have Direct Steps Training on washes, onto the care label of what you want to label board. Their courses are well-run and enjoyable plus and you’re finished. Labels4Kids is an award winning it means that local people will no longer have to family business that has been selling name labels online travel for miles to get their first aid certificate and peace of mind that they know since 2004. Since 2014, Labels4Kids also supplies John what to do in a medical emergency.” Lewis with school name labels. Order early, beat the www.directstepstraining.com www.thewindmillstudio.com rush and get some peace of mind this summer. www.labels4kids.com/fam
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4 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 NEWS
Pinner mum launches Pampering Parties for children Mum of 3, Sonia, put her legal career on the back burner to start a family at the age of 35. Five years and 3 children later she found herself turning 40 and wanting to get back into work, but doing something that fit around a young family. In search for that equal balance, Sonia designed a business that utilised her child care training, beauty qualifications, creativity and passion for photography. The brand ‘TotallyPamper.me’ was created after Sonia ordered a pamper party for her daughter’s 6th birthday. “I’ve seen many parties, but this one was different. The girls a.k.a ‘clients’ were NEW Drama classes at Bushey ecstatic at the idea of being pampered! As I intently watched the excitement unfold, I could see room for improvement. With a Country Club with reader offer! plethora of ideas I said “I’m going to recreate this concept whilst adding extra value, attention to detail and my own twist” This September, Perform is opening a NEW class for 7-12 year olds at Bushey Country Club on a Wednesday afternoon. Brought to you TotallyPamer.me is catered for girls aged 4 to 12. They transfer by Perform, the children’s drama school, these unique drama classes your living room into a chic salon. Following treatments, clients are designed to boost coordination and communication, improve attend a glamorous red carpet, cocktail event. concentration and give children confidence. Photography also included! Perform is offering Families readers an exclusive £30 off [email protected] their first ten sessions. To secure your spot this September simply call 020 7255 9120 or email [email protected] quoting code FAML300916. Hurry, spaces are limited so early booking is recommended. Expand your Vocabulary with Families and Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards: Verbose adj – using more words than are necessary. Synonyms: talkative; circumlocutory, garrulous, long- winded, loquacious, prolix, rambling, voluble. Laconic adj – using very few words. Synonyms: terse; brief, brusque, concise, curt, monosyllabic, pithy, short, succinct. For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford call: 0208 123 9346 email: [email protected] Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: [email protected]
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 5 NEWS
Local Girls reaching for the Stars with Dani Harmer and Bobbi Davro! Local dancers Sasha Bailey (15), Leah Brown (17), Jemima Colin (13), Danielle Gordon (13), Annabel Leach (12), and Olivia Walshe (13) all from Rickmansworth and Chorleywood, were dancing alongside professional dancers and a celebrity cast at the Watford Colosseum in April! Their dance and Performing Arts school, RISE Studios was selected from all the local dance schools to provide and teach the dancers for the Easter tour of the Wizard of Oz in the Hertfordshire area. Principal, Claire Greenwood, said ‘We were all (local dance and performing arts schools) asked to submit video auditions of our students to the director, and RISE Studios were chosen to provide the dancers for the show. You can imagine our excitement, such an honour to be picked! The girls acted like true professionals, and really held their own on stage alongside the professional dancers and celebrity cast. Words can’t describe how proud I am of them all!’ Rise Studios are also offering two Summer schools this year. A Performing Arts one w/c 22nd August and a Professional Dancers Course starting Tuesday 30th August. For more information or to book, visit www.rise-studios.com
New Vocabulary Classes for 11+ pupils Children planning to sit the 11+ exams are now increasingly required to have a broad vocabulary. The CEM style 11+ papers focus heavily on vocabulary and can mean the difference between NEW Website for Families! your child passing the 11+ exam or not. VocabMasters, part of the 11plus Ltd group, now runs Vocabulary Look out for the launch of the fantastic new Families classes teaching children a mixture of intermediate and advanced website in early July. words they should know by the age of 11 using its unique ‘DEARSAP’ This new hyper-local approach will allow Families Online to bring you method. Impressive results have been achieved by students who information about a wide range of things to do both close to where have followed this programme. The online videos of past pupils can you live – and across your region. be viewed on the website. You can look forward to seeing the best of the current site, including The company is also looking to recruit franchisees to run the places to go and what’s on events and activities, education, childcare, VocabMaster courses in their local area. Interested? classes and clubs and parties, as well as some great new features, Visit www.vocabmasters.co.uk for more information. including eating out and local services. The site will be more comprehensive than ever and easier to use, offering inspirational ideas for things to do with the kids locally and helpful parenting tips and advice to support you and your family. It’s in the same place – visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk!
6 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Education News Local pupils’ artwork on display in Harrow Rooks Heath College based in Eastcote Lane, Harrow is why the mosaic is even more relevant. MD Varsha have been working in partnership with Rumble Tumble says “Since the mosaic has been displayed we have Harrow to create a stunning mosaic symbolising had amazing feedback from both parents and children. movement and keeping fit and created a range of hand Lots of the children sit around the mosaic and count painted figures which reinforce the theme. the various objects that have been displayed from Lego Mrs Hargrave’s and her year 8 students have worked pieces to cars to animals as well as shiny materials and tirelessly over several months to complete the project the heart shaped tiling. We can’t thank Rooks Heath and chose to display their piece at local soft-play venue, College enough for the amazing mosaic and would like Rumble Tumble! Rumble Tumble offers young children an to thank each and every student/teacher for creating a opportunity to develop physical and social skills, which masterpiece!” If you go down to Safety First for this Edgware the woods… community partnership Aldenham Prep School Nursery and Reception children were joined by their dads for a special play session in the woods. The Broadwalk Centre in Edgware presented Activities Edgware Primary School with 50 high-visibility vests included to enable their pupils to walk to school safely on the making pavements of Barnet’s busy roads. stick men, The donation followed the shopping centre’s clay models sponsorship of Edgware Primary School for National and den Walk to School Week, which took place from 16th building. All – 20th May, and saw all of their 640 pupils taking the children part in a national charity’s campaign to get children decorated walking more. Angela Brooks, Centre Manager photograph of The Broadwalk Centre, said, “We were delighted to sponsor Edgware frames with Primary School for Walk to School Week and provide them with the high woodland visibility vests. We live in a society where driving a car or jumping onto resources and presented them to their dads at the end of the public transport is so easy, so this was a great opportunity to help keep local session complete with a photograph of them together. “The children in our community active and reduce the town’s pollution.” Aldenham woodland session with all the Dads, children and staff of Reception/Nursery was a really lovely experience. Stick man making, bubble blowing, treasure hunts, eating cake and drinking gallons of coffee made for an ideal way to spend a Saturday Back to School with morning.” Said Mr Dougan, one of the more than thirty dads who went along. The children in the Foundation Stage at Aldenham Reading Eggs next issue! Prep school enjoy a session in the woods every week and it is a Keep an eye out in our Back to School issue for a very popular day with all the children and staff. special promotion for the award-winning Reading Eggs Programme. For all you mums and dads who haven’t yet Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham Prep School, said “it was seen how Reading Eggs can help your children learn to wonderful that so many dads came along in their wellies, ready read, make sure you pick up the September/October issue! to get stuck in to the activities. All the children were delighted to share their weekly woodland adventures.”
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 7 Education
Starting primary school the easy way By Liat Hughes Joshi
meet their teachers, see the classroom, Starting primary school is a major milestone in your little one’s dinner hall and loos, and at least a few childhood – and indeed in your life too. So how can you ease them into prospective classmates. this big change and limit the potential for tears on the first day? Meanwhile, if you’re driving or walking past Here are a few tips to help you prepare your little one for their very the school, point out positive features, such as the playground equipment. first day at ‘big school’… Don’t worry too much Help your child get used to Talk too about your own happy school about advance knowledge memories or encourage an older sibling or of reading, writing and the idea of school friend to discuss the things they enjoy at In the months approaching the big day, their primary school. maths read books about going to school together Many parents are concerned that their – Janet Ahlberg’s Starting School or Build familiarity with their child can’t recognise letters or count Lauren Child’s I am Absolutely Too Small new school before they begin school but remember this is what they’ll be going there to learn for School are ideal. This will introduce Attending settling-in sessions is invaluable – whilst exposure is always good, teachers them to what goes on and let you discuss to build familiarity and demystify what don’t expect children to have specific school together, answering any questions school is all about. They’ll let your little one your child might have. academic skills when entering Reception.
OPEN DAY Saturday 17 September 10am - 12.30pm
8 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Education
Focus instead on non-academic ‘school ready’ skills: things like going to the loo independently and cleaning themselves “Attending settling-in afterwards, putting their own coat on and eating using cutlery. Being able to listen, sit still, share and follow instructions will make sessions is invaluable school life easier too. The day or two before the to build familiarity and big day… Highlight the things they’re excited about, such as a toy that caught their eye in the demystify what school reception classroom, or seeing the lovely teacher or their friend from nursery again. Pre-empt their anxieties too – these can is all about.” be little things, for example, how to let the teacher know if they need the loo, or what happens if they don’t like any of the lunch options. (and how many times you have to say Don’t forget the tissues ‘hurry up’) by putting away any toys or Double check where you are meant to be There’s a time and a place for concealing turning off screens that are too distracting. and when on the first day and what your your own feelings from your children and if Be clear with your child about what needs child needs to bring with them. If you’ll be you’re upset or anxious, this is one of them! doing when and keep any messy eaters in driving, remember to work out where you’ll Try your best to wait until you’re out of PJs until breakfast is over, to avoid ruining park – mum or dad spending 30 minutes sight before sobbing, otherwise you could that pristine first-day uniform. getting flustered because you’re late and confuse or upset your child unnecessarily. can’t find a space will not create a relaxed It’s time to go in… Once they’ve gone in, if the waterworks do mood for day one. roll, rest assured you probably won’t be the We all want that perfect first day photo but only one! The night before… don’t make them late – and irritable – with Ease the morning rush by getting endless attempts to get it. Stringing out everything ready now – uniform laid out, your goodbyes for ages can end in tears Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting packed lunch made (if they aren’t having that otherwise wouldn’t happen – simply journalist and the author of four school lunches) and school bag packed. remind them to have fun and that you’ll be books including ‘New Old-fashioned there to collect them later and give them Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Help the first morning run a hug. If they’re nervous or unsure, start a Your Child’ (both published by small ritual, perhaps putting a ‘kiss’ in their smoothly Summersdale) pocket for them to grab later if they’re Getting kids from bedroom to classroom missing you. and Raising Children: The Primary on time can be challenging even for the Years (Pearson). most organised parents. Minimise stress
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 9 Education
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
During the months before your little one makes the big move to secondary school, try to start to manage expectations, for both you and your child, to alleviate some fo the stress that will inevitably come with the big day…
Attend settling-in days Get used to knowing much less Ramp up responsibilities Most secondaries hold a session for new about what goes on Senior school children have to be joiners, usually during the summer term of In primary, you might well have been at the considerably more responsible for their own year six. This is an important opportunity school gates most days and familiar with your belongings and themselves. Whereas primary to get to know the buildings, potential child’s friends, parents and teachers. This will school teachers send letters to parents, at classmates and teachers and it should make change: with independent travel comes a ‘big’ school, communication on day-to-day the first day less intimidating. more hands-off approach. issues might well be to your child only. Here are a few tips to keep in mind once Be there for them your child has started secondary school… Begin building independence It’s tempting to think this independence out and about means you’re being made redundant come Most secondary school pupils travel to school Expect them to be tired and September but they’ll still need you - albeit in minus mum and dad, so get yours used to emotional… different ways. Be there as a sounding board being out without you. It’ll be less daunting Many year sevens get very tired thanks to the - someone to listen and advise. for them if this starts on the journey to ‘newness’, on top of a longer day and a more primary school, rather than being thrown into complicated journey. Stick to early nights and travelling alone on a lesser-known route. restful weekends to fend off exhaustion – and Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting the moodiness that goes with this. Listen out for concerns journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Some children take this huge change in their Get super-organised with stride and are ready to move on, while others homework Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug will feel anxious. Common concerns include At primary, pupils might only have had a Your Child’ (both published by getting lost around a much larger school, small amount of homework; expect the game Summersdale) dealing with the journey, making new friends to be raised now. Not only will there be more and Raising Children: The Primary and managing the homework load. Be there, but keeping on top of when it all needs Years (Pearson). listen and empathise… we were all there once! handing in can be complicated.
10 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Education
11+ EXAMS & TUITION in Hatch End and Pinner Mock Exams in Summer holidays Yr 4 and 5 Tuition available starting in September
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w: www.hatchend11plus.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 020 8421 3066
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 11 Summer Camps
2016 SUMMER CAMPS It’s not too late to book some activities for your children this summer – there is so much going on! Whether it’s residential, further afield, or a day camp right on your doorstep, we’ve hunted high and low to find out what’s going on to keep the kids busy these summer holidays. And remember to tell them Families North West London Magazine sent you!
RESIDENTIAL CAMPS residential kids. 25 acres fields, woods, river; Aqua-Vie Swim Intensive at Meadow Wood over 40 exciting, challenging activities. Trained, School, Bushey. Five–day swimming course to improve and enhance skills for the summer AIGAS - various dates. Wildlife Holidays experienced, fun staff. Residential/day camps. & Courses in the Highlands. Offering fully Small groups/same age.. 8–15. Delicious meals. holidays or to increase water confidence, inclusive, small-group learning holidays and Rail escort from Paddington 01749 812307 3mths–adults, contact the office for further study courses exploring the stunning wildlife, www.millonthebrue.co.uk details. 01923 245773, office@aqua–vie.com, habitats and landscapes of the Scottish www.aqua–vie.com Xplore Activity Camps – Summer Activity Highlands and Islands.01463 782 443 Arts Depot – Run family friendly workshops www.aigas.co.uk Residential and day Camps! Offers the choice of going to camp for a day, week or even for your during the school holidays. www.artsdepot. co.uk ATE Superweeks are 7 day residential holidays whole summer holiday! There is always a mix of running 29th July-5th August, 6th-13th, 14th- activities so whether you are super outdoorsy Art and Craft Summer Camp with My Sisters 21st, and 22nd-29th August. The Council makes or prefer to be more creative there will be and Me Do you have children with an arty sure that keeping children safe, both physically something for you. Xplore is Ofsted registered, streak? Are you looking for something to keep and emotionally, is ATE’s top priority. Ages 8-16 accepts childcare vouchers and have centres all them entertained in the long summer holidays? yrs. 0845 456 1205 www.ate.org.uk over the UK 01449 742700 Then book them into the Summer Camp at www.xploreactivitycamps.com Harrow Arts Centre where a different theme Camp Wild 25th July – 13th August in glorious XUK Activity Summer Camp – 10th July – will be introduced every day. The classes are East Devon. They will be running residential 20th August. XUK is a multi-activity summer from 9.30am-3pm, for ages 5-11 years. 07946 camps for 7-12 yr olds and day camps for 6-12 camp based in the beautiful location of the 055 422 [email protected] www. yr olds (recommended day camp length of 1-3 Norfolk countryside, just 1.5 miles hours north mysistersandmecreate.blogspot.co.uk days, either M-W or W-F). 01404 822 188 www. of London. Activities include adventure (rock escotcampwild.co.uk Art Club at The Triumph Press – summer climbing/rifle shooting/quad bikes/high rope workshops for children aged from 6 years. courses/water zorbing) sports, water sports, Each week follows a different theme and you Marlborough College 10th July- 6th August drama, dance, arts and crafts, cookery and can choose as many weeks as you like. 07949 in Wiltshire SN8 1PA. Marlborough College much more! Children join them for anywhere 594946 www.artclub.co.uk Summer School continues to welcome young between 1 and 6 weeks. They welcome 6-17 year people (3-16yrs) to their action-packed week of olds. 020 8371 9686 [email protected] Aspire Offer Ofsted-registered activity camps activities and entertainment either as residents www.xkeys.co.uk/residential-camp/ during the school breaks. Camps are great for 5 with their families, or as day students on - 14 year olds and are run by experienced staff. their own or in a group. 01672 892388 www. 020 8420 6725, www.aspire.org.uk mcsummerschool.org.uk DAY CAMPS Aqua Style – Run fast track swimming courses Aweswim – Swimming classes throughout the Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre during the holidays. These are available in holidays. www.aweswim.co.uk Somerset. 10th July – 20th August. Family Colindale and Bushey. 07925 954144 run and owned since 1982. Maximum 70 www.aquaswim.org continued on page 14
SW Consortium CEM 11+ Latymer & QE Boys & Henrietta Barnett
Saturday 3 July 2016...... 2.30pm - 4.30pm Saturday 6 July 2016...... 2.30pm - 4.30pm Nascot Wood Recital Hall, Nascot, Wood Road, Watford WD17 4YS
12 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Camps
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 13 Summer Camps
Barking Mad Dog Training: A club for young Celtic Harmony – Wild Summer Sleep Out at Explore Learning – At Explore Learning, dog handlers held fortnightly on Saturdays. the Celtic Harmony Camp in Hertford (SG13) their passion is to help students achieve their on 29th, 30th & 31st Jul and 5th Aug. An potential and be the best they can be.They adventure for the whole family – just take your get to know each child as an individual and tent and they’ll do the rest! Activities include help them to fall in love with learning. Their an evening BBQ, storytelling, fire breathing, a goal - to build confident, fearless learners Two groups, Barking Mad Juniors (age 6-9) bat walk, a moth hunt and a cooked breakfast. who are hungry for knowledge and have 10-11.30am and Barking Mad Teens (age 10 01438 718 543 www.celticharmony.org/events delivered award-winning maths and English and over) 12-1.30pm. Sessions are held at tuition to over 175,000 children across the the safe and secure training grounds within UK. Celebrating children’s achievements is Champs Learning Summer School Maths, beautiful Chorleywood countryside. an extremely important thing. This summer English and 11+ Tuition. Sessions are 4 hours a Activities covered in the 90 minute sessions they’re encouraging children and parents to day throughout August, with each class limited include obedience training. tricks, agility, learn new skills together, and to get excited to 10 children. www.champslearning.co.uk practical walks and learning about dog about showing off what they have learned in ownership and responsibility. Lots of fun as our centres and back at school in September. well as building a lasting relationship with Creative Wiz Kids Holiday Clubs run from Look out for their stories on Explore Learning’s their pet dog. the 11th July till the 27th August. Art, dance, social media channels and website! £10 per session. drama, cake decorating, face painting free www.explorelearning.org.uk Contact Jackie Keane 07725 748948 play, friendships ,old and new are just part of the clubs! The weeks are themed from Fleet Tutors – Run 5-day or 3-day small group Barracudas Day Camps are for children aged jungle to treasure Island, costume and design, preparation courses for 11+ or 13+ entrance 4.5-16 yrs. who want to try new activities, meet monsters and more. Go and be part of the exams. These are run by highly successful new friends and most importantly have fun! CWK experience! CWK celebrating creativity school entrance exam tutors and focus on All camps are OFSTED registered. Activities since 1990! www.creativewizkids.com Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non- include motorsports, lab rats, archery, fencing, Verbal Reasoning during the week, with trampoline, swimming, arts & crafts, drama and Eggless Cake Delights Kids 3 day hands on students sitting mock exam papers. 0845 644 many more. Offering 34 locations centres at Eggless Baking Course for keen young bakers 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk summer camps including Watford and Barnet. aged 9 - 16 years old who would love to 0845 123 5299 www.barracudas.co.uk learn how to make eggless cakes, cupcakes Hatch End 11+ Tuition Run various courses etc!!Classes are held in small groups in a over the Summer Holidays in preparation BrightStars Learning Summer School is a friendly environment and all equipment will be for the 11+ exam. 020 8421 3066 www. two week English and arithmetic programme provided. 07737847405/07590337823 info@ hatchend11plus.co.uk aimed at 4 - 11 year olds. The course is based egglesscakedelights.com in Edgware, Middx and runs from 8th August Hertsmere’s Summer Fun Play Schemes - 19th August. Classes include preparing Hertsmere Leisure will be running Summer Excel Academy Summer Booster Courses children for Reception and the 11+ exams. The Play Schemes at their centres. www. Special Maths Booster Programme and enthusiastic and experienced team of teachers hertsmereleisure.co.uk specialised 11+ and 13+ exam classes. Also look forward to making this an enjoyable and English and Gujarati language classes as well beneficial experience for your child. Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre (HOAC) as computing classes for kids and adults. 0203 For further information please contact Reena Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and Land 602 9407 www.excelacademy.org.uk/summer- Damani on 07538656810 - activities for 8-18 yr olds.01895 824 171 booster-classes www.brightstarslearning.co.uk www.hoac.net
14 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Summer Camps
Holidaytime Holiday Club – Offer a fun, active Little Big Leaders - Get real results instantly Modern Combat Martial Arts offer a wide and safe time for all children aged between 3 in Reading, Maths or English for your child range of classes suited to all levels, ages and and 13 years at Quainton Hall School in Harrow. aged 3.5 to 11. Remarkable lessons during abilities throughout the holidays. Classes run Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, term time & 3 week premium Summer School in Hatch End, Harrow, Northolt, and Bushey. trips, sports coaching, cooking, parties, nature at Rickmansworth, Bushey, Edgware. 9am to www.moderncombatmartialarts.com trails, games, and much more. 07903 126486 1pm or 1.20pm. £100 off Super Summer Offer www.fightingcombatfitness.co.uk 07818 416 www.activetime.co.uk (until the end of the month when paying for 671 [email protected] 3 weeks. Please check ad for full terms and conditions). Call NOW 020 3637 6266 (24/7) Monkey Music Their holiday workshops are JK Educate 11+ Workshops in Maths and www.littlebigleaders.com a popular way to keep children entertained English 2016 for Y5 and Y6 children. A series during the holidays. Unlike the regular classes of engaging 11+ workshop days to boost where children are strictly grouped according children’s motivation and confidence, teaching Little Kickers Courses running throughout to age, the holiday workshops cater for a and practising many of the skills needed the summer. Football training for kids from 18 mixed age group of children. Older siblings to successfully sit the 11+ exams. The next months to under 7 years. Ruislip, Northwood/ love joining in the fun and they also welcome workshops will take place on Thursday 2nd Oxhey, Pinner, South Harrow & Watford friends and visitors. Book early to avoid June 2016, with Maths from 8.30am-12.30pm [email protected] 0208 123 9346. disappointment. 0208 427 6595 and English from 1.30-5.30pm. The 11+ Mock Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders www.monkeymusic.co.uk Exam will be held on Sunday 12th June Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet jlevene@ 2016. To book a place for your child at one littlekickers.co.uk 0208 201 1084. Bushey & NumberWorks‘nWords Maths and English of their workshops or Mock Exam sessions, Harrow HA3 0208 422 0676 tuition classes which will target identified please call Nimita on 07957 464763 or email www.littlekickers.co.uk needs to improve achievement levels. Catering [email protected]. Full Workshop for all levels from 4 to 16 years old. Specialised details available at: www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk/ programmes for 7+, 11+ and SATs. London United Football School At LUFS workshops www.numberworks.co.uk 0208 868 7672 we take a [email protected] completely Kiddikicks Sports Summer Holiday Class Pass different Perform From 15th – 19th Aug at Northwood 18m to 7 years: Don’t let your child’s fitness approach. from 10am-3pm: For 4-7 year olds: ‘The Jungle hit the decks with their sloppy ice-cream! Get Our camps Book’. This summer your young cub will have a Kiddikicks Summer Holiday Class Pass and are intense, the wildest week ever putting on a show about you’ll never miss a class you’ve paid for! Book challenging Mowgli and his friends. Based on Rudyard your preferred venue and receive a bonus and fun. We Kipling’s classic, Perform’s courses are led by venue for free, July 16th to August 26th. combine lots actors, musicians and dancers and end with a Football, hockey, fitness, fun and sports day of coaching mini-musical on the last day. For 7-12 year olds: challenges in the sun. Venues in South West with development sessions, activities, ‘The Secret Garden’. This summer, children London, East London, North London, West points, prizes, trophies, individual and team will be whisked away to the mysterious and London. www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable 020 challenges throughout the week. magical world of Misselthwaite Manor on 7937 7965 [email protected] “In all my years of sending my kids to camp, this 5-day holiday course. Based on Francis this one is genuinely - and by a considerable Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale, The Secret Kiddikicks Summer Holiday Football margin - the best. My sons football has Garden the course ends with a show and is led Coaching 5 – 8 years Keep up your tekkers improved massively and the camps by experienced theatre professionals who will over the summer holidays! Outdoor, weekly, competitive spirit strikes exactly the right nuture and inspire every step of the way. 0207 3 hour, football coaching sessions. July 16th balance.” Kate B 255 9120 [email protected] to August 26th. South West London, East www.londonunitedfootballschool.co.uk www.perform.org.uk/holidays London, North London, West London. www. Push and Glide – Run 5 day crash courses kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable 020 7937 7965 during the holidays at Northwood College. [email protected] Makes ‘n’ Bakes – Summer holiday baking These are suitable for ages 3-4 years and 4 classes for ages 2.5-6 years. Begins with a years+. 07749 554405 Leaders Are Readers – Their Summer School story, weighing out ingredients, baking a www.pushandglide.co.uk is attended by children from all over the world yummy creation then making a quality craft. and early booking is advised. This year they Sessions last 1 hour with a maximum of 6 Raviv Practice London - Prevent regression are running from 25th July – 12th August children per class. 07887 984401 in the school holidays- Keep your child’s at Grange Park Primary School, Enfield and [email protected] brain stimulated and improve academic Bentley Wood High School, Stanmore; and performance during the holidays. Raviv Practice London offers three evidence-based 1st – 19th August at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Mini Picassos – Fab, fun and creative! Holiday computer programs that present the perfect Crayford Academy, Crayford and Haydon workshops from 10-1pm weekdays for children compromise between play and work. One- School in Pinner. The aim is to cover a year’s aged from 4-11 years. Clay modelling, painting, to-one intervention scientifically proven to essential work in 3 weeks, fill in learning gaps plaster, charcoal cartoon Manga style drawing improve your child’s grades. Contact Usha and prepare children on advanced topics so sessions. Scholarship classes available 07903 Patel -Raviv Practice London- on 07766 837 they can zoom ahead when they return to 638817 www.minipicassos.co.uk school in September. 01992 651300 www. 616 leadersarereaders.co.uk continued on page 16
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 15 Summer Camps
RISE Studios Summer School Performing Arts The Penny Lane Summer School course consists of two 75 minute lessons daily Workshop Will be putting on a mini version Love to sing, dance or with two activity breaks. 020 8864 0325 www. of Aladdin from Mon 22nd – Fri 26th August. act? Then go & be part typeitforkids.co.uk 10am-1pm for ages 4-6 yrs and 10am-4pm of the Summer School! for ages 6-18 yrs at Rickmansworth School. From 1st - 5th August Sir James Altham [email protected] www.rise-studios.com with a performance Pool 25th July until on Friday at 7.30pm in 26th August. There’s Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts From Harefield Academy’s plenty to keep the 22nd-26th August Sharpe Academy are purpose-built theatre. For ages 8 to 21, no kids entertained, fit, and even learn new running a Musical Theatre Summer School experience necessary. Cost £145 per student skills. We are running Swimming Lesson at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth. There is (discounts available) Following the success Crash Courses to help kids brush up on skills a session for 3-5 year olds daily at 10.30am- of their past Summer Schools and improve water confidence – for various 12.30pm, and for 6-21 year olds at 10am-4pm www.feelgoodacademythemusical.com age groups and levels, taught by qualified each day. 01923 711063 www.sharpeacademy. they will run a workshop and performance instructors. Plus daily fun swim sessions co.uk of a new quirky musical, led by theatre (except Mondays) and general daily swim professionals Penny Lane and Owen Smith. sessions – copies of our holiday timetable Stagecoach Summer Workshops performing Please contact: Penny 07951 294044 or are available online. For further details on arts holiday workshops for 4-6 year olds (half email [email protected] these activities or for our swimming lesson day) and 6-18 years (full day). Learn a show in programme we run throughout the year, call a week, make friends, learn new skills working Rickmansworth Golf 020 8421 0211 or visit with industry professionals – with a costumed Course Summer fun at www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk performance on the Friday to family and Rickmansworth Golf friends! 01923 248294. www.stagecoach.co.uk/ Course! Our Junior Willows Activity Farm Activity Day Camps holidayworkshops Summer Golf Academy every school holiday. Book the kids into gets in the swing Willows Activity Farm for holiday adventures Super Camps The school summer holidays are this summer with our PGA Professional, they love! As well as all the fun of Willows a time for children to have fun whilst keeping Jon Darby, and includes Footgolf – the Activity Farm, the children enjoy indoor play active in body and mind. Super Camps give new craze! Refreshments and equipment in their exclusive playrooms. Lunch and a two children the opportunity to do just that, with a included. £20 pp per day or any 6 days for course hot meal plus all drinks and snacks range of camps and courses to suit everyone. £100. Week 1: 26thJuly, 27th July 9am – 1pm; are also included. Activities include farmyard Camps are full of great new activities for 2016, Week 2: 2nd August, 3rd August 9am – 1pm; animals, funfair rides, bouncy castles, The with a guarantee of water activities at all Week 3: 9th August, 10th August 9am – 1pm; Big Dig - sand and water play, indoor play camps during the summer. You can also rest Week 4: 16th August, 17th August 9am – 1pm; barn, treasure hunts and den building. With changing seasonal events there’s something assured knowing that your children are at the Week 5: 23rd August, 24th August, 25th August 9am – 1pm; Week 6: 30th August, new each school holiday. OFSTED registered. best camp in town after receiving yet another 01727 829535 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2016. Camps 31st August 9am – 1pm; To book please contact Jon on 01923775278 run from 8am – 6pm for ages 4-14. Activities The Windmill Studio Centre, based in Ruislip or [email protected] include Multi-Activity; RAW Adventure; The Manor, hosts professionally run holiday Great Super Camps Bake-Off; The Great British workshops, 4 - 9 years, during most school – Fast track holiday courses suitable Takeaway; A Passion For…Arts & Crafts & A Type IT! holidays, giving opportunities for children to for boys and girls aged 10+ and other family make new friends and have lots of fun with Passion For…Super Science. Standard prices members such as parents and grandparents. start from £42 per day and £190 per week, call Arts & Crafts, Role Play, Party Lunch, ready to The course includes encouragement to Party with lots of Dancing, Props, Party Games 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk develop good touch typing skills, 5x fun and for details. and Party Prizes, with a special visit from engaging daily lessons and fun keyboard Jimmy the JAMtots Bear, all in a safe and clean games away from the computer screen. The environment www.thewindmillstudio.com
www.activetime.co.uk
16 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Parenting
advice for Ad Hoc and holiday childcare arrangements this summer! By Georgie Jones
he summer school holidays in relation to the summer holiday break rely on their families for support for are an exciting time for – even those families who already have such a long period of time - a temporary children - several weeks full time nannies since they often will nanny can cover the whole summer break off school to enjoy summer take long breaks themselves over the period, whether that be just a couple of Tsunshine, holidays and more summer, leaving parents to make other days a week or on a full time basis. The time with the rest of the family. For arrangements in the short-term. key to a good childcare service provider parents, however, this can be a daunting I wanted to offer parents a flexible is to offer flexibility. That is where we saw time. Regular routines are broken up solution to help over the holidays - the the biggest need in childcare – a service for a significant number of weeks and it simplest form being school holiday driven by the real needs of families trying can be a difficult juggling act, especially nannies. School holiday nannies can look to juggle all elements of their lives. for working parents. Experienced after children at home, or on holiday, or parents know that planning is the key to both! managing this period, to maximise the Travelling with a nanny can ensure that Georgie Jones is Co-founder of fun for kids, but also ensure that mum every member of the family can enjoy a LikeMinders.co.uk. and dad can have a break too, whilst proper break on holiday and that starts Their school holiday nanny is managing work commitments. right from the moment you leave for the available for all school holidays, I co-founded Like Minders because this airport to when you arrive back home. including half terms. was one of the many areas we wanted Other parents use a temporary/short-term Contact them for more info to help parents with. As a parent, I was nanny service as a necessity over the www.likeminders.co.uk acutely aware of the potential problems holidays. Working parents often cannot
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 17 Days Out
Days Out for all the family
Summer Reading Challenge - Gloriumptious treats Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) This summer and squiffling surprises are in store with the most exciting Summer enjoy lots of exciting family events and living history at Chiltern Open Reading Challenge yet- ‘The Big Friendly Read’- which launches Air Museum. ‘Terrific Tuesdays’ are back every Tuesday throughout Saturday 16 July 2016! The challenge is for children of all ages to read August with themed family crafts and activities, and there will six library books over the summer holidays and then go back to the be re-enactment events every weekend. Go and see the Ragged library to tell them about it. They can read anything: story books, Victorians on 23 – 24 Jul and meet authentic Victorian characters. Take factual books, talking books or even e-books. Celebrating 100 years your life into your hands when you meet the Highwaymen on 30 – 31 since the birth of Roald Dahl- the world’s number one storyteller- Jul. Be transported back to the Napoleonic era in Sharpe’s Rifles on ‘The Big Friendly Read’ features some of his most loved characters, 6 – 7 Aug. Learn about Medieval England in Medieval Pageantry on wonderfully illustrated by Quentin Blake. There are limited edition 13 – 14 Aug and watch out for the Vicious Vikings on 20 – 21 Aug, Quentin Blake collector cards up for grabs, and medals and certificates where you can visit their encampment and watch battle displays. will be awarded to children who finish their six books. Discover what life was like in Tudor Times and gather with the Militia www.bigfriendlyread.org.uk to oppose the Armada in a spectacular August Bank Holiday event 28 – 29 Aug. Take the whole family for unforgettable days of discovery ImagiNation - Hertfordshire Libraries are also inviting Young and explore 2000 years of history! Adults to read and get creative this summer by taking part in www.coam.org.uk ImagiNation, a free reading and arts project open to anyone aged 11-18. Participants can share their art and ideas online at and young Drayton Manor Park & Thomasland (B78) people who complete the project will receive a certificate and Keeping your little ones entertained on a budget can be a challenge exclusive ImagiNation lanyard. but Drayton Manor Park has a great value solution - Adult and Toddler www.imaginationeast.org.uk entry tickets for just £20 Mon – Fri during term time. There’s plenty Summer Reading Challenge for little ones to enjoy, from the 15 acre zoo to the 4D cinema, not Alexandra Palace (N22) There are a whole wealth of to mention Europe’s only Thomas Land™ which boasts over 25 rides activities to keep the family entertained over the holidays – the and attractions. ice rink which is open year round, pitch and putt, soft play and the day to remember by creating your own photo album. Choose from www.draytonmanor.co.uk boating lake, as well as the Garden Centre and café. a selection of Museum images and use your creative talents to tell www.alexandrapalace.com your own story. Gulliver’s Land (MK15) Designed for children aged 2-13 www.bankofengland.co.uk years, comprising thrill rides, fun rides, family rides, indoor rides, Alton Towers (ST10) Go and explore CBeebies Land - the only attractions, shows and play areas. From the Runaway Train in place where you can meet, join in, and play with all your favourite Belmont Farm (NW7) Discovery Bay to the Jungle River Ride and classic Dodgems there are CBeebies characters. All children under three go free! Whilst there you A children’s farm with over thirty different types of animals for plenty of exciting rides to ensure that all the family have a fun day can check out all Alton Towers has to offer, such as the Water Park, visitors to see, meet and feed. You can join in with petting sessions out. Guests are welcome to take their own lunches to enjoy in the Tree Top Quest, and Extraordinary Golf. Why not enjoy an enchanting which run throughout the day and jump on the tractor & trailer ride picnic areas, helping to make this an affordable family day out. break in one of the Woodland Lodges, great for groups and family through the beautiful Belmont Estate. After visiting the farm, visitors www.gulliversfun.co.uk time. Experience a land full of forest sprites and little fable folk that can relax with a variety of deli snacks and delicious freshly made live amongst the trees in the Enchanted Village. waffles at the on-site Waffle Cafe. With a good selection of child Historic Royal Palaces Explore amazing sights and stories www.altontowers.com friendly food and classic dishes, the Waffle Cafe is a perfect way to from some of the greatest palaces ever built – The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Arsenal Stadium Tour & Museum Did you know you round off a trip to Belmont Children’s Farm. www.belmontfarm.co.uk Palace and Hillborough Castle. Families (whether royal or not) have can go for a look around the famous Emirates Stadium where Arsenal always lived and worked at these historic royal palaces - kings and play their matches? Go behind the scenes at - take your seat in the Chessington World of Adventures (KT9) Go for queens, princes and princesses, servants and soldiers - and they all changing room, walk down the tunnel, sit in the dugout and imagine a day out at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, where 2016 have stories to tell. Go along and visit for fun-filled family adventures the roar of 60,000 fans. will be their wildest year ever, with exciting new attractions and to explore, discover and make the palace histories part of your www.bookings.arsenal.com brand new events, as they launch the year of Roar and Explore. With family’s story. Bank of England Museum (EC2R) over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, a Zoo with over www.hrp.org.uk 1000 animals and SEA LIFE centre, plus daily live shows and seasonal Gold bars, Banknotes, a crown and even a cat (yes a cat!) are just events, Chessington offers a world of fun and excitement for family JW3 (NW3) Head along to JW3 throughout the summer for a few of the treasured items found within the Museum, each with days out. your summer getaway, on the Beach at JW3. Relax with a cocktail its own story to tell. Explore the Museum this summer and discover www.chessington.com on a deckchair, see who can build the most elaborate sand castle or the stories behind your favourite objects, then make your visit a enjoy great Beach food from ZEST, the acclaimed restaurant, café and
18 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Days Out
New Forest Water Thorpe Park (KT16) Attractions at this popular theme park Park (SP6) Set in 50 acres of in Surrey include Angry Birds 4D, King Pig’s Wild Hog Dodgems and beautiful New Forest countryside the I’m a Celebrity..Get Me Out of Here! Maze. Rides to keep the whole and lakes, there’s something family amused for the day! Short breaks are also available. for everyone at the New Forest www.thorpepark.com Water Park – whether you’re on holiday or just fancy a great day V&A Museum of Childhood (E2) The V&A Museum out. The New Forest Water Park of Childhood has lots of free fun things to do for all ages, from has been a friendly, family-run exhibitions and displays to activities for children. business for more than 25 years www.vam.ac.uk/moc and has become the New Forest’s Warwick Castle (CV34) Experience a full day out with favourite venue to learn and enjoy more than 1,100 years of jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and a host of WaterSports – including adventure at Warwick Castle! Visit the new Horrible Histories Maze WakeBoarding, Kayaking and and choose your path through time to unravel history. Face fun Stand-up Paddle Boarding! challenges: invade a Viking ship, survive the trenches, uncover evil www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk plots and escape the maze before things go horribly wrong! As you explore the maze you can learn Horrible Histories facts and collect Lee Valley White Water Centre Parkside Farm Pick stamps for your time passport. Once you have completed your Your Own (EN2) Nearly 20 passport you can collect a prize! different fruits and vegetables are www.warwick-castle.com bar. Just pop in when you need some time on the sand, book onto grown exclusively for Pick-Your-Own between June and October. Crops one of the many specially planned Beach activities. Open from Sun 5 include “table-top” strawberries (no bending required), raspberries, Wicksteed Park (NN15) There’s nowhere quite like Jul - Mon 31 Aug. beans and sweetcorn. The farm is set in the beautiful rolling greenbelt Wicksteed Park. Along with 30 exciting rides and activities, including www.jw3.org.uk/beach-jw3 countryside just to the north of Enfield, and yet is easily accessible one of Europe’s longest zip wires, there’s 147 acres of beautiful rolling Knebworth House and Gardens (SG3) Knebworth from all the surrounding areas. parkland. Stay the night in our cosy campsite, wander round our Park offers a great day out for all the family, with fun activities for www.parksidefarmpyo.co.uk woods, or jump aboard the UK’s most popular narrow gauge railway – there’s more to do than you can shake a shilling at. So, are you children and lots to do for all ages, including Adventure Playground, Paulton’s Park & Peppa Pig World (SO51) This Dinosaur Trail, a walk through history in Knebworth House and ready to get stuck in? summer head along to Paulton Park’s newest attraction – the Lost www.wicksteedpark.org Gardens and special events throughout the summer. Our Tea Room Kingdom Dinosaur Theme Park! It will be home to a whole host of offers a delicious selection of home-made and locally sourced lunch Dinosaur attractions including two world class rollercoasters, life-like Willows Activity Farm (AL4) A wholesome day out the and teatime treats. animatronic Dinosaurs, Jurassic themed family rides, a prehistoric whole family will enjoy, with farmyard animals, shows, fun fair rides, www.knebworthhouse.com Dinosaur adventure play park and an amazing opportunity to come inflatables, Tractor Ride, acres of outdoor and under cover activities. Lee Valley White Water Centre (EN9) You’ll find face to face with ‘living’ walking animatronic Dinosaurs! Whilst Fans of the animated CBeebies series ‘Peter Rabbit’ will love the new gallons of fun at Lee Valley White Water Centre, from white water there you can also check out Peppa Pig World, a fully themed and Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground where children can explore the rafting on the Olympic course to family paddling on the lake, there’s immersive experience with 7 rides, an indoor and outdoor playground Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery area, check out the kitchen and laundry plenty to keep both the little kids and big kids entertained. The family and numerous other interactive experiences designed for children of Mrs Tiggy-winkle and try out the state of the art Great Invention friendly activities coupled with a stroll through River Lee Country between the ages of 1 to 6 years old. Paulton’s Park also has a huge sensory game, created by Mr. Bouncer. Park make for the perfect adventure day out with the family in the range of rides for younger and older children. www.willowsactivityfarm.com www.paultonspark.co.uk Lee Valley. Woburn Safari Park (MK17) Choose from a Road Safari www.gowhitewater.co.uk Shrek’s Adventure (SE1) Head along to the Southbank or Foot Safari to see all the park has to offer. Once you’ve met the Legoland Windsor (SL4) The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort to London’s newest family attraction! Step into the kingdom of Far wild beasties of the African reserves, journeyed through the Kingdom is an exciting day out with thrills and fun for the whole family. Play Far Away and enjoy a brand new madcap Shrek adventure where of the Carnivores and been face to face with the cheeky monkeys in your part with over 55 interactive rides and attractions. Fly through amazing DreamWorks animation, captivating story-telling and a good the Jungle reserve, you can brave the heights of the Treetops Action the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the thrilling rapids with dose of Donkey’s cheekiness awaits. The adventure begins when you Trail, take a ride on the Great Woburn Railway, and take a pedal a Viking Fleet, join LEGO® divers on a magical underwater adventure board a magical 4D ‘DreamWorks Tours’ bus. With Donkey as your around Swan Lake. on Atlantis Submarine Voyage or enjoy the UK’s only LEGO® Star mischievous tour guide, calamity, chaos and endless fun are the name www.woburnsafari.co.uk of the game. Wars™ Miniland Model Display. You can also stay at the LEGOLAND ZSL London Zoo (NW1) Land of the Lions, the Zoo’s Windsor Resort Hotel featuring fully themed bedrooms and splash www.shreksadventure.com newest and most breath-taking exhibit transports visitors from the pool. Tate Modern (SE1) Take a trip to the gallery this summer heart of London to India’s vibrant Sasan Gir, where they can get closer www.legoland.co.uk and check out the new 10 storey extension, which features a free than ever before to mighty Asiatic lions. Three walkways cover the Madame Tussauds (NW1) Go and spot your favourite viewing platform with 360 degree views across London, and a new 2,500sqm exhibit with thrilling, immersive Indian-themed areas to stars at Madame Tussauds! With the unique, immersive Star Wars ‘Start Gallery’ - a dedicated space for families and young people explore - including a train station, crumbling temple clearing, high experience starring extraordinarily life-like wax figures of the film’s offering an accessible and enjoyable introduction to modern and street and guard hut. Land of the Lions will inform, inspire and excite favourite heroes and villains, as well as well-known faces from sports contemporary art. wildlife lovers of all ages and promises to be an experience unlike and music, there’s something for everyone! www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern any other! www.madametussauds.co.uk www.zsl.org
Find even more local listings and activities online www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk!
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 19 listings for What’s On all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (September 2016) send your entry by 12 August 2016 Email [email protected]. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.
www.FamiliesOnline for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!
music, dancing and plenty of laughs, this lively Sat 2 Jul & 13 Aug - Northwood Sun 3 Jul - Free Transported by July show will delight young and old alike. Craft Market (HA6) Hands-on crafts for Design festival (W1) This summer, www.gardensuburbtheatre.org.uk children and beautiful handmade crafts for Mums Transport for London (TfL) and the London Fri 1 Jul - Brent Dance Blast & Dads to browse & buy. Open 10am-2pm. Free Transport Museum will transform London’s (HA9) One of London’s biggest Youth Dance Sat 2 Jul - Lots for Tots - Baby admission. Northwood Methodist Church Hall, iconic Regent Street into a spectacular display Showcases, taking place at Brent Civic Centre, and Toddler Table Top Sale Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA. of transport designs, for a one-off festival. It celebrating Brent’s talented young dancers, giving Watford/Bushey (WD23) An indoor www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk will stretch all the way from Piccadilly Circus to dance groups and individuals aged 10 to 25 an table top sale with up to 40 tables for people Oxford Circus Tube stations, and will celebrate the opportunity to showcase their skills. Dance industry that want to sell their second hand baby, toddler Sat 2 Jul - Colnbrook School transport that has kept London moving from the professionals from stage and screen will make up and childrens items, and those that want to buy Summer Fayre (WD18) Petting farm, 1800s until the present day, as well as those that a panel of judges and the winners and runners up them. Things for sale include good quality toys and bouncy castle, face painting, BBQ, refreshments may do so in the future. There will be a host of will receive exclusive opportunities and prizes. This books, high chairs, walkers, bike seats, car seats, and more! £1 for adults, children free. Go along and free family activities and games on offer through is a free event but space is limited so please book stair gates, clothes, accessories and more. The sale have some fun! 11am-2pm at Colnbrook School in the day including activities and games, as well in advance. takes place at Queens School from 10am - 11.30am South Oxhey. as festival food and drink to keep all the visitors www.brent.gov.uk/dancemonth and is just £1 entry per adult. www.colnbrook.herts.sch.uk well fuelled. [email protected] www.lotsfortotssale. www.tfl.gov.uk/transportedbydesign Fri 1, 8 & 16 Jul - Sunset Safari at co.uk Sat 2 – Sun 3 Jul – Free Summer ZSL London Zoo (NW1) Travel through Party @ Intu Watford (WD17) A Mon 4 Jul - The Hertfordshire weekend packed full of partying and fun lined up... the Zoo at dusk - relax and be entertained as the Sat 2 Jul - Creative & Active - Business EXPO (AL1) Bringing all of sun goes down in the company of some of the and Everyone’s Invited! FREE entertainment to get Hertfordshire business together for a single day Woodoaks Farm Summer Festival the whole family party-ready. Bring them along for world’s most fascinating animal species while (WD3) A great family day out from 12-4:30pm. of Learning, Development, Networking and the watching animal themed acrobats, discovering Activities on the day include stalls and local sellers, party hat making, dance workshops, a silent disco, largest Business Exhibition in Hertfordshire. At the great food, and learning more about the science live music, giant Wimbledon screens and chill out face painting and more. For the grown-ups there’ll Alban Arena 10am-2.30pm and forms part of the of animals. Prepare for music, face painting and area, food and drink, dance and drama shows, dog be creative drawing workshops and a free nail bar, St Albans Business Festival. Over 70 local business festival fun as you embark on one of the most shows, inflatables, kids and adult activities, an art as well as chocolate truffle making workshops, will be exhibiting with over 500 visitors expected. unique evenings of the summer - transporting you area and lots, lots more. Free entry. some dressing-up areas for the perfect selfie Visitor entry is free. and your friends on a safari adventure across the [email protected] and a cartoon caricaturist. There’ll be giveaways, www.hertsexpo.co.uk Zoos bathed in fairy lights and animal lanterns. www.thewoodoaksassociation.com competitions and free sampling from some of the Tickets must be booked in advance. lovely retailers too. Tue 5 – Sun 10 Jul - Royal Society www.zsl.org/sunset-safari Sat 2 Jul – Vaughan Primary www.intu.co.uk/watford Summer Science Exhibition (SW1Y) How do we clean-up the junk left over School Summer Fair (HA1) This Sun 3 Jul - Charity Tennis Funday Fri 1 – Sun 3 & Wed 6 – Sat 9 Jul vibrant, community event organised by volunteers from space exploration to avoid a catastrophic - A Midsummer Night’s Dream (WD18) Family fun day at West Herts Sports Club collision of debris that could wipe out our at the School provides an opportunity for the from 1-5pm to raise funds for the Lynda Jackson (NW11) Garden Suburb Theatre presents an School to raise much needed funds for added satellites?...Why do fungi kill more people every enchanting open-air show for all the family at Macmillan Centre who support people affected year than malaria, tuberculosis or breast cancer?... extras for their pupils. There will be a BBQ, by cancer. Tennis activities on the day include: Little Oak Wood Open Air Theatre. In a year of international food, popcorn, tea and cakes; What can we do about the masses of waste plastics Shakespearean celebration, go to the magical wood professional coaching, fun competition play, fastest in the ocean? These are just a few of the intriguing Dancing, music and singing by the children; Rides serve competition, exhibition pro tennis match, and experience a joyous summer production of and inflatables; An amazing raffle; Magic show and questions that are set to be answered at the Royal the bard’s best-loved play – A Midsummer Night’s beat the pros, and much more. If you don’t fancy Society’s Summer Science Exhibition at Carlton Animal show. taking part, then sit and enjoy the Wimbledon Dream. A mixed-age cast will bring Shakespeare’s www.vaughan.harrow.sch.uk House Terrcae near Trafalgar Square this July. sparkling verse and madcap story to life. With action on the TV! www.royalsociety.org/summer-science www.watford.gov.uk
For many more local events and diary dates for the whole family visit www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk
Paediatric First Aid Courses
Sun 10 July; Sat 13 Aug; Sat 24 Sept - Harrow on the Hill Suitable for Ofsted Registration. Includes some home study. Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85 Contact Margaret at [email protected] or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available
20 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 What’s On
RSPB Big Wild Sleepout
Thu 7 Jul – Sat 7 Aug - Spice journey through time in the Living History guided Hammond’s Fun Fair. Between activities be sure Tue 12 Jul - Fostering Information World : The Exhibition (WD17) To walk through the grounds of Leavesden Hospitals, to take time to sample the cultural delights being Evening (UB8) Interested in fostering? Go coincide with the 20th Anniversary of the Spice with actors in authentic costume (commences cooked up at the Food Court. along to the Civic Centre in Uxbridge from 6.30- Girls hit single, Wannabe, Watford Colosseum is at 2pm). Take along a picnic as food and www.hayescarnival.org 8.30pm to find out more! Enjoy a cup of tea or proud to host an exhibition dedicated to the 90’s refreshments will not be available to purchase coffee and a biscuit while information is presented pop phenomenon The Spice Girls. Spiceworld: 01923 776611 [email protected] www. Sat 9 Jul - Eid Festival 2016 about fostering, followed by a talk by the foster The Exhibition celebrates the story of how Sporty, threerivers.gov.uk (WC2N) All are invited to join the Eid carer(s), ending with a question & answer session. Baby, Scary, Posh and Watford’s own Ginger celebrations at Trafalgar Square. A variety of www.hillingdon.gov.uk became the most successful girl group of all Sat 9 Jul - Starlight Walk 2016 special activities for the whole family to enjoy, time and enjoyed phenomenal global success. (WD17) Ladies be part of something special... with delicious food from around the world, live Wed 13 Jul - Autism Support The exhibition will be open during Watford the last ever Starlight Walk for the Peace Hospice. music and dancing. Fun activities for children - Meeting (UB3) The Autism Support Group Colosseum’s standard opening hours, Mon - Sat Sign up today for 6 or 13 miles. The walk starts at face-painting, henna, calligraphy and story-telling. provides an opportunity to speak with a Family 12pm - 4pm and 2 hours before a performance. 9pm at Watford Colosseum. www.london.gov.uk Support Worker, find out the latest HACS news, The exhibition is free to attend and tickets do not 01923 335373 [email protected] use their resource library, return membership & need to be purchased in advance. www.peacehospicecare.org.uk Sun 10 Jul - The Radlett Festival booking forms and meet other parents/carers. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk of Music (WD7) Will be bringing together Open to all parents/carers who are affected by Sat 9 Jul - Fun DMC (HA9) A real local schools and music groups in two amazing Autism. Morning session 10am – 12pm; Evening Fri 8 Jul - Champagne Picnic block party experience designed with both performances at the Radlett Centre. The show session 6pm - 7:30pm at HACS (Hillingdon Autistic (UB9) After a successful first event in the parents and children in mind! In a little over a year will include popular songs from the theatre and Care & Support), Dudley Place, off Pinkwell Lane glorious sunshine last year, the Champagne Picnic FUN DMC has gone from a great idea to packing films and will feature the choirs from Fair Field , Hayes. will once again be taking place in the spacious selling out on a monthly basis so get ready for Junior, Newberries Primary and Bowmansgreen [email protected] www.hacs.org.uk grounds of Harefield Hospital. It is the perfect 3 hours of child friendly Hip-Hop, Funk, Disco Primary Schools, The Singing Circle and other afternoon to come and relax with friends and and block party anthems. 1pm to 4pm at Brent local performers. The concerts are kindly being family and enjoy a glass of bubbly and have a Civic Centre. sponsored by a grant from Councillor Caroline Sat 16 Jul - Brent to Brazil Day picnic on the lawn. All proceeds raised will go www.fundmc.co.uk Clapper, through the Locality Budget Scheme and (NW10) A summer fiesta to link our Olympic towards the Harefield Hospital ITU appeal. aim to celebrate the achievements of the local legacy to the 2016 Rio Games and to celebrate 01895 828930 www.rbhcharity.org Sat 9 Jul - Hayes Carnival (UB3) schools and community. together with the Brazilian communities in Brent. A celebration of Hayes and its diverse community www.radlettcentre.co.uk A range of free activities for families including Sat 9 Jul - Leavesden Heritage at Barra Hall Park from 12.30-6pm.. You can dance workshops at The Library at Willesden Day (WD5) Meet with local historians at expect a fun afternoon for all the family which Sun 10 Jul - Vintage Affair (HA6) Green from 12-5pm. Leavesden Country Park, discover their collections will include amazing children’s shows, plus many Vintage stalls, raffle, tombola, china , jewellery www.brent.gov.uk of ancient artefacts and learn more about other activities such as a Soft Play and Arts , kids stall, set teas. Red Cross massages, classic the interesting history of Abbots Langley and and Crafts area, Gozart and his Giant Puppet, cars, Jimmy jamtots bear, and more. At the Leavesden. Create beautiful artwork to take home Stilt Walkers, Story-Camp, Sports Zone, Floral Michael Sobell Centre, raising funds for the and add your memories to a living masterpiece displays from Hillingdon Adult and Community Hospice. continued on page 22 in the ‘Family Trees’ art activity. Be taken on a Learning, traditional community stalls, and Monty www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk/vintage-affair
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 21 What’s On
continued from page 21 they will be opening some of their fire stations Sat 16 Jul – Southlands LIVE 2016 everyone. Children big and small can meet real (UB7) This family friendly music festival, firefighters and life-sized Playmobil ones, plus held at Southlands Arts Centre has gained a explore a real life fire engine, as well as enjoy toys growing reputation for hosting some of the best and activities galore. Their aim is to teach future unsigned bands in London and further afield. generations what our firefighters do and ensure The event starts at 1pm and continues to 9pm, little ones know to call 999 in an emergency. There with 8 confirmed acts including the celebrated will also be the chance to look around the station Undersound, Salt, Band of King and Cara Cara. and check out the equipment used by Brigade The event sold out in the last two years, so it is firefighters. 11am – 5pm. advisable to buy tickets in advance. www.london-fire.gov.uk www.southlandsarts.co.uk Sat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep - Summer Sat 16 – Sun 17 Jul - St Albans Spectacular at Willows Activity Town & Country Festival (AL4) A Farm (AL4) A-maize-ing Maze, Summer fun day out for all the family at the Cricket Field Sports Day Races and a full days programme in Highfield Park from 10am-5pm. There will be of family fun including the new Peter Rabbit Willows Farm demonstrations, stalls, rural crafts and displays Adventure Playground. With farmyard animals, www.stalbanscountryshow.co.uk adventure play, funfair rides, JCB Young Drivers Zone, bouncy castles and inflatable slide. And if Sat 16 – Sun 31 Jul – BBQ For the sun decides to have a day off there’s plenty Thu 28 Jul - Treasure Hunt at the chance to look around the station and check Between Heroes (various) Hold a BBQ for your of undercover play in Woolly Jumpers indoor play Colne Valley Park (UB9) out the equipment used by Brigade firefighters. 11am-12pm and 1pm- 2pm explore the park family and friends, neighbours or work colleagues barn, Cottontail Village and Captain Chicken’s www.london-fire.gov.uk following clues to find the brass rubbings along whilst raising money for Help for Heroes. Register Egg Dodge. now for a fundraising pack. 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com the way. Will you find them all and get the Sat 30 Jul – Mon 29 Aug - Big 01980 846459 www.bbqforheroes.org.uk treasure? £2.50 per child, booking essential. Screen on the Beach (WD18) 01895 833 375 [email protected] Watford’s Big Screen on the Beach will be the Sat 23rd Jul - Sun 4th Sep – Be a www.colnevalleypark.org.uk ultimate combination of the Big Screen and the Sun 17 Jul – LEGO Challenge with This summer Watford Mencap (WD17) Watford Nature Explorer (SW13) classic British beach experience. The Parade will Mencap are holding their LEGO challenge at intu take your youngsters to WWT London Wetland Fri 29 – Sun 31 Jul - RSPB’s Big be a bustling hub for families, residents and Watford on from 11am-4pm. Do you have what it Centre to pick up their passport to a summer of Wild Sleepout (various) The charity businesses who will be able to enjoy over 30 takes to walk barefoot over 12 feet of LEGO bricks? exploration. Children can collect a passport with is challenging children and their families to go screenings of blockbuster, classic movies and Ouch! Entry is £10 and all proceeds go to Watford wildlife themed activities on it and for every on a mini-adventure, get wild and discover the children’s movies as well as daily highlights of Mencap. There’ll also be a ‘build a theme park challenge they complete they’ll get a sticker, amazing nocturnal wildlife on their doorstep. the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. There will also be ride’ activity for kids aged 5-11 in association with making them an official Nature Explorer! The Campers will be encouraged to sleep out in their beach huts and plenty of beach activities to keep Young Engineers. Sessions last for 30 minutes with wetland wardens will help you complete some of own gardens or outdoor spaces over the last everyone entertained. a £5 donation to Watford Mencap required. the Nature Explorer challenges - not only will the weekend in July. How people participate is up www.watford.gov.uk 01923 713637 intu.co.uk/watford activities keep kids amused for hours, they’ll also to them, from glamping in tents or caravans, open up a world of exploration and excitement getting back to basics in dens and shelters or Sun 31 Jul - Colne Valley Festival Sun 17 Jul - Middlesex Grand that will keep them enthralled throughout their even roughing it under open skies with a blanket (UB9) Exciting activities for all to enjoy from Family Fete (WD3) An enjoyable day out lives. of stars. Participants can set their own Sleepout 11am to 4pm. Live music, beer tent, fun fair, crafts, for all the family with over 60 stalls and events, 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk styles. ferret racing, duck race & river dipping. Exhibitions Hawk Show, Woodside Morris Men, Live Music, www.rspb.org.uk from local clubs. Also enjoy the brand new play Rock n Roll Dancers, Tug o War Challenge, Bouncy Sun 24 Jul - Family Fishing Fun park. Entry is free. Castles, Fair Ground Rides, Cartoon Characters, Day (UB8) Take part in hourly fishing sessions 29th, 30th, 31st July and 5th Aug www.colnevalleypark.org.uk Classic Cars and Bikes, Beer Tent, Many Foodstalls... guided by volunteer anglers, get tips from Wild Summer Sleep Out (SG13) and much much more!! All in the beautiful angling legend Keith Arthur and have a go at river Celtic Harmony Camp are hosting an overnight setting of the Royal Masonic School for Girls from dipping. Other free activities at Little Britain Lake adventure for the whole family - just bring your August 11am-4.30pm. include bird box making, crafts, face painting and tent and we’ll do the rest! A cooked BBQ in the www.mgff.co.uk a bouncy castle. Registration for fishing is on the evening along with storytelling, fire breathing, day and places are offered on a first come, first Mon 1 – Fri 5 Aug - Life Support a bat walk and moth hunt, and wake up to a Workshop - Certificated CPR Sat 23 Jul - Mum2mum Market served basis, so make sure to get there early. delicious cooked breakfast the next morning. Pre- www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fishing and First Aid (HA0) Everyone Active Vale Harrow (HA2) Do you have loads of booking is essential. Farm Sports Centre are offering free community outgrown baby and kids stuff? Why not sell them www.celticharmony.org/events or call 01438 25th July - 1st Aug Live Like A lifesaving courses. Courses are free however a at award winning Mum2mum Market Nearly New 718543 voluntary contribution to the Royal Lifesaving Sale at the Beacon Centre and keep 100% of your Celt at Celtic Harmony Camp (SG13) A unique family experience, where your Society (RLSS) would be appreciated and can be takings. Free parking , huge hall, established sale. Sat 30 Jul – Ruislip Fire Station made on the day. If you would like a certificate [email protected] www. very own Celtic guide will lead you through a day Open Day @ Hillindgon Civic in ancient Britain and you’ll try your hand at the for completing this course there is a charge of £7. mum2mummarket.co.uk Centre (UB8) Ruislip Fire Station will be To book a place please contact centre reception skills and activities used in prehistory. Pre-booking holding an open day at Hillingdon Civic Centre is essential. 020 8908 6545. Sat 23 Jul - Open Day @ from 12-4pm. The day will feature a variety of www.brent.gov.uk Wembley Fire Station (HA0) To www.celticharmony.org/events or call 01438 family friendly events while promoting fire safety celebrate London Fire Brigade’s 150th year 718543 messages to local residents. People will also have continued on page 24
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t: 07749554405 e: [email protected] www.pushandglide.co.uk
22 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 What’s On
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 23 What’s On
National Maritime Museum
Sat 6 Aug – Sun 4 Sep - Our Tue 16 – Wed 17 Aug – Mythical Thu 25 Aug - Baby Disco (NW10) continued from page 22 Studio: Summer Events for Creatures (SE10) Here be monsters! Take A weekly tiny tots disco for little ones who like to Families (E2) Take your friends and family to a look at some of the mythical sea creatures on boogie. £3 per child on the door, 11am-12pm at The Our Studio at the V&A Museum of Childhood this ancient maps at Cutty Sark and create your own Library at Willesden Green. Mon 1 – Wed 31 Aug - Kids Week summer, to create and collaborate with artists, creature of the deep to take home with you. www.brent.gov.uk (various) The annual London theatre initiative musicians, theatre companies and more. A series www.rmg.co.uk returns to run for the whole of August 2016. of workshops, activities and pop-up performances Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug - Notting During Kids Week one child aged 16 or under can throughout the summer will mean you can Tue 16 – Thu 18 Aug – Painted Hill Carnival 2016 (W11) Europe’s go free to a wide range of participating shows contribute to a growing display at the Museum. Pathways (WC2N) Free drop in sessions biggest street festival takes place over the bank when accompanied by an adult paying full price, www.vam.ac.uk/moc at the National Gallery. Follow a path through the holiday weekend, with Sunday being Children’s and up to two extra children can go for half price, National Gallery’s paintings and create your own Day. An exuberant Parade for Children will take per transaction. As always, there are shows to Sun 7 Aug - Kids’ Fun Fair in hanging landscape masterpiece. place as the whole carnival team put their cater for all ages from under 5s to teenagers, Canons Park (HA8) The Friends of www.nationalgallery.org.uk extravagant costumes on show and spin, whirl including The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Canons Park are delighted to welcome back the and twirl along the carnival route to the mesmeric MAMMA MIA!, The Mousetrap and Wicked. Children kid’s funfair , featuring kids’ fairground rides and Fri 19 Aug - Brent Kids Cinema – rhythms supplied by numerous sound systems can also take part in a fantastic range of free bouncy castles, candy floss and face painting. ‘Disney Rio’ (NW10) Part of the Brent to and sensational steel bands. Throughout the day, activities and events on stage and backstage at Free art desk activity for kids. Fantastic adventure Brazil programme, Brent Kids Cinema returns for on almost every corner you can find tantalisingly many of the West End’s iconic venues, often with playground, bouldering wall for kids and a new a one off with the family friendly ‘Rio’. With free tasty Caribbean food, drink and much more! the cast and crew of the resident shows. Green Gym. The Good Friends Café at the heart gift! £4 per person on the door at The Library at www.thenottinghillcarnival.com www.kidsweek.co.uk of the park is a wonderful place to hang out and Willesden Green from 11am-1pm. enjoy lunchtime snacks, teatime goodies and www.brent.gov.uk Mon 29 Aug - Harrow in LEAF’s Tue 2 & Tue 9 Aug - Olde Time delicious lollies. 10am - 6pm, free entrance. 12th Horticultural & Arts/Craft Olympics (WC2N) With the 2016 Olympic www.canonsparkfriends.org Sun 21 Aug - Family Day: Creepy Show (HA2) Horticultural & Arts/Craft Games in Rio de Janeiro on the horizon, get on Critters (NW3) Creepy critters are lurking Show, with vegetable, fruit, flower, cookery your starting blocks for some Olympic Games, Mon 8 – Fri 19 Aug – American in the Keats House garden, waiting for you to and home preserves, home-made wine and Georgian style at Benjamin Franklin House! Encounter! (SE10) Travel across seas and discover them in this fun trail for all the family. beer, and arts and crafts sections, plus a special Enter the 18th century games, including tossing time to when Europeans and Native Americans Find them and make a bug bopper hat inspired by “Beatrix Potter Celebration” Competition class. quoits and marbles, and compete for a Gold first met. Take part in performances, and make your favourite insects. A free event from 1 - 4pm. Beekeepers’ marquee, with information on bees Medal! Suitable for 5-8 year olds. Free, donations gliding birds from Native American myth and 020 7332 3868 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk and beekeeping, and sections for honey, mead welcome! Advanced booking recommended. legend at the National Maritime Museum. Be and beeswax. Refreshments, music, entertainment www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org inspired by the power of flight in their Above and Mon 22 Aug – Fri 2 Sep – Pacific for all the family, information on allotments and Beyond exhibition event season. Quest! At the National Maritime wildlife, stalls selling crafts, plants, food, and Sat 6 Aug - Community Family www.rmg.co.uk Museum (SE10) Fly to the beautiful Pacific much more. 12-5pm at Headstone Manor. Fun Day (NW10) This is the third family fun islands and hear about the stories and traditions www.annualshow.harrowinleaf.org.uk. day of hands-on activities to celebrate community Sat 13 – Sat 27 Aug - Pinner Sketch Club Summer Exhibition of the people who live there. Learn about their and help raise awareness of the New Life Christian death-defying journeys across the seas and build Sat 17 Sep - A Midsummer Centre’s community support activities. Entrance 2016 (HA5) Pinner Sketch Club are organizing an exciting exhibition of about 200 a Maori kite to fly. Night’s Dream (HA1) The Hillplayers, to the event is free and there will be music and www.rmg.co.uk Harrow’s local amateur dramatics group are fun for all ages including football shoot-outs, craft affordable original paintings and sculpture, in a range of styles and media from traditional to celebrating Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary and sessions, bouncy castle, rodeo rides, face painting, Tue 23 & 30 Aug - Faces of invite you to the newly built outdoor theatre, The bake-off competition and more. Takes place at the contemporary, by their many talented members. Ben Franklin, like many At Pinner Parish Church Hall, Mon - Sat 10am-6pm, Franklin (WC2N) Arc House, Harrow on the Hill to see ‘A Midsummer NLCC on Harrow Rd from 10am-4pm. of the most important figures in history, has been Night’s Dream’. As preparations are underway for 020 8838 5477 Sun 12pm-6pm, free entry. immortalised in sculptures such as the famous www.pinnersketchclub.co.uk the high profile wedding of Theseus and his bride bust by Jean Houdon, on display in the Louvre in The Warrior Queen Hillpolyta, wedding planner Sat 6 – Sun 7 Aug – Pirate Sun 14 Aug - Maple Lodge Paris. Learn sculpting techniques and put them Sebastian finds that he has more problems Takeover at Cutty Sark (SE10) Cutty to use by creating a variety of fun sculptures with the guests than the happy couple. A fun Sark has been overrun, and her precious tea cargo Nature Reserve - Discovery Day (WD3) The reserve is one of Rickmansworth’s including Franklin’s head, and yours to take home! family friendly version of Shakespeare’s famous has been plundered! Hear stories of dastardly hidden secrets and is home to a rich variety of At Benjamin Franklin House at 11am, suitable for comedy written by Geoff Bamber. 3pm and 7pm deeds and join in with pirate sea shanties, then wildlife. Throughout the day guided tours of 7-11 year olds. Advanced booking recommended. performances. Performance last 1 hour approx. try your hand at creating an amazing tea treasure the reserve will be organised by members of www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org Plenty of fun for all the family. chest. Help build a pirate shanty town, and chat the Maple Lodge Conservation Society. Light 0333 666 3366 www.hillplayers.ticketsource.co.uk with pirates whilst they’re off duty at the ‘Jolly refreshments will be available all day and there Roger’ Cafe. If you’ve still got your sea legs, will also be plants, second-hand books and create your very own exotic pirate pet. greeting cards on sale. After being given a tour of www.rmg.co.uk the reserve visitors can, if they like what they have seen, join the Society on the day of their visit. Sat 6 – Sun 7 Aug - The Luna www.maplelodge.org For many more local Cinema (N22) The UK’s number 1 outdoor cinema company present two nights of classic Sun 14 Aug - Indonesia Day 2016 cinema under the stars at one of London’s most (WC2N) Discover a little of Indonesia - the events and diary dates beautiful settings, Alexandra Palace. Choose from world’s largest group of islands - in Trafalgar ‘Star Wars the Force Awakens’ on Saturday or Square! Lots of food to try and buy, music to get for the whole family visit ‘Labyrinth’ on Sunday. your feet tapping and graceful Indonesian folk www.thelunacinema.com dancers. Try your hand at traditional arts and crafts and much more. www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk www.london.gov.uk
24 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Mummy on the Edge “If you can’t be one, marry one,” and other terribly wrong examples to set for your daughter.
idi-Me has a few I also brought inset days coming home a pretty up so I very painted cleverly booked octopus which a break the Cote Midi-Me loved d’Azure for she and me. because there SortingM that assuaged my is an Octopus guilt about taking a two named after week grown-ups’ holiday her in Mr in the Yucatan and Havana Angelina’s children’s book which is being published this with Mr Angelina (there summer by Penguin Random House in India. Ayesha and are some pictures on my the Firefish is about a brave 10-year-old who accepts a Instagram account @ mission to save the world while travelling it. It’s a bit like mynotesfromtheedge and a kids’ version of the Da Vinci Code but cleverer, funnier posts about this epic trip on and more unputdownable. Our heroine embarks on this my blog). adventure with the help of a sarcastic snail on a surfboard, and under the radar of her hedge-fund-manager-mother Mr A sent his own Midi- and her househusband-father. The story was born out of him a picture of a black and so many bedtime stories that Mr A made gold sombrero as a joke, up for his Midi-girls when they were saying he had bought it for Mini-girls. her. She replied back words to the effect of “Cool!” So he The last few months has been an was faced with a dilemma: education for all of us. Midi-Me and I not to buy the sombrero have watched as Mr A has skilfully edited because his fifteen year old daughter was and honed his manuscript and now… probably being sarcastic or to buy the it is ready for launch! Inside are cute sombrero because she actually thought it was illustrations and the cover is colourful ironically cool. My advice? “Don’t buy it.” and sparkly with a beautiful Puffin logo in the corner… just like what we read We worked the market in 100F heat, stall when we were kids! I am beyond thrilled by stall, looking for nick-nacks and paddy- for him, and I get to see my name in wacks for the three (in total) Midis (two his, print, on the thank you page. I was his one mine). I stopped to handle some maracas self-proclaimed muse of course (– a very which I thought a wonderful idea as Midi-Me important job which luckily could be is so musical. “What’s she gonna do with carried out alongside my three favourite those?” asked Mr A. “Play them!” I countered, activities, i.e. eating, thinking about helpfully demonstrating with a cheeky writing and watching Real Housewives.) 10-second shimmy. I realised I was buying them for myself. Upon his advice I instead So the moral of this story is: if you chose a cute wooden spinning top and a want to write a book but for whatever white top of the wearing kind (one I could reason are not doing it, marry someone borrow...) that will and experience the glory vicariously. I realise that’s not a very good At the airport we had time to kill. As life lesson for one’s Midi-Me but heck, no we walked around, the normally laid-back one’s perfect. Mr A encountered a vast heap of overpriced synthetic velour sombreros in assorted sizes and hues and became somewhat Oh and if you are wondering, Midi-Me loved the spinning crazed, flinging sombreros around. “Which one shall I get her? top as much as she loved the octopus and was glad I didn’t buy The red one? The yellow one? The green one?” “Get a small the maracas. And yes, Mr A’s Midi loved the monstrous blue one,” I reasoned. “No I think I should get a bigger one; how sombrero too! Shows how much I know about teenagers… I’ll about this, or this?” There was nothing I could do but shake stick to Housewives. my head and walk away. I became momentarily sidetracked with some maracas and two shakes later I returned to find him clutching a turquoise monstrosity with gold braiding, too heavy for anyone but the butchest Mexican to carry on his head for More at www.mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot. more than 30 seconds. (Number of people we saw wearing com and www.facebook.com/angelina. a sombrero in Mexico: zero.) “I’m not carrying that for you,” I melwani twitter at @appleina and Instagram @ remarked. mynotesfromtheedge
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 25 Compiled by Anna Blackshaw What’s On in Children’s Theatre We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
The Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Thu 7 – Sat 9 Jul – Oliver! Rare Productions Youth Theatre Group bring this classic musical to St Albans. Charles Dickens original Story put to music by Lionel Bart makes one of the best known and most loved musicals ever written. The story of a young boy rising from the workhouse and striving always to see the best in people. Full of famous songs including, Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, Reviewing The Situation and many more. Artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 31 Jul – LazyTown Live on Stage Sportacus, Robbie Rotten, Stephanie & Ziggy hit the stage in a brand new concert show. Go, go, go, get up LazyTown – enjoy a non-stop, highly-interactive and energetic treat, jam-packed with singing, dancing, spectacular acrobatics, music and fun. All the songs from the legendary TV show feature, including No One’s Lazy in LazyTown, Bing Bang and Never Say Never, as the benefits of “sports candy” are introduced in inspirational style. Meet your favourite LazyTown characters and learn how to be a real super hero in this wonderful stage show spectacular! Ages 3+ Little Angel Theatre Arnold’s Big Adventure
Little Angel Theatre The London Coliseum 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com 020 7845 9300 www.eno.org Wed 29 Jun – Sun 3 Jul – Tom Thumb English/Australian Wed 20 – Sat 23 Jul – Swan Lake The world’s favourite fairy- puppetry company DNA Puppetry & Visual Theatre present England’s oldest tale is brought to life by The Australian Ballet in an energetic production, tale of a tiny hero in changing times. Follow Tom’s magical journey from bubbling with humour and set to Prokofiev’s divinely romantic score. Whilst wizard Merlin and the Fairy Queen to his quest from King Arthur to defeat a her outrageous stepmother and her excitable daughters prepare for the fearsome dragon! Ages 4-9 years Royal Ball, Cinderella dreams of dancing with the Prince. Later that evening, Wed 6 – Sun 10 Jul – The Tin Forest The Tin Forest is about magically her rags become a glittering gown and, escorted by heavenly stars an old man who lives in a dreary junkyard, full of other people’s broken and and planets, she arrives at the Ball. From that very moment the Prince is unwanted junk. He dreams that one day his world will be full of life, colour smitten, midnight strikes and one lost slipper later, he must now embark on and sound. His wish is about to come true… The show has no words, but a world-wide journey to find his lost love… Making its European premiere, will have a sound-scape of live music and sound effects. The Tin Forest is an this thoroughly magical modern classic will delight the whole family. uplifting, humorous and touching show, full of visual invention, puppetry and musical fun… with mechanical birds, a wind-up circus and exotic animals of all shapes and sizes. Ages 4 to 11 yrs Lyric Theatre Wed 13 – Sun 17 Jul – Puss in Boots Would you trust a talking Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com the hero of this story, brought to vivid life by Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies. Using smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors he’ll show you how this Wed 6 Jul – Sun 4 Sep – The Gruffalo This July everyone’s artsdepot sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the favourite furry monster roars back into the West End in celebration of his top. With a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and LazyTown Live on Stage 15th anniversary on stage! The most fearsome creature that never was - but nuts come and see this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s whiskers! Ages 3 to 8 yrs is - takes to the stage in this enchanting production combining songs, laughter and storytelling theatre with just the right amount of scary fun! Set Thu 21 – Sun 24 Jul – Snow Queen There is a world of snow to a wonderfully catchy score with original music and lyrics, The Gruffalo is a Cadogan Hall which is beautiful but very cold. Gerda’s world is warm and full of flowers. Is must-see show which continues to entertain audiences the world over. she strong enough to find her friend Kay, who has lost himself in the palace 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X of the Snow Queen? She begins her long journey. This evocative production 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com retains all the beauty and magic of one of Hans Christian Andersen’s best loved tales. Ages 4 to 12 yrs Sat 6 Aug – Sun 4 Sep – The Tiger Who Came to Pump House Tea The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to Tue 26 – Thu 28 Jul – Cake Cake takes to the kitchen to tell a Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the story of valour and bravery as fresh as lemon scented washing up liquid. A 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info door is a big, stripy tiger! Packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and brand new object-theatre show for children and familes. Ages 4 to 11 yrs clumsy chaos, this is a stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime Tue 5 – Sat 9 Jul – Bugsy Malone Don’t miss the smash hit mayhem… expect to be surprised! A musical play adapted and directed by Fri 29 – Sun 31 Jul – Three Little Pigs Building your own stage version of Alan Parker’s world famous musical brought to you by the David Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr. Ages 3+ home is not actually very easy, the three little pigs discover. What’s the best award winning Pump House Children & Youth theatre. Set in Prohibition era material to use? Will it keep out the rain? Will it be Wolf Proof!!! This new New York, the show charts the story of rival gangsters Fat Sam and Dandy Chickenshed show from the unswervingly energetic Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company Dan as they wreak havoc with the help of custard pies and destructive is 55 minutes of puppets, music, comedy and thrills! Ages 2 to 7 yrs splurge guns. After penniless ex-boxer Bugsy Malone falls for aspiring singer Chase Side Southgate N14. Blousey Brown, will he be able to resist seductive songstress Tallulah and 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk Tue 2 – Thu 4 Aug – Ruby Flew Too Once upon a time, upon stay out of trouble while helping Fat Sam defend his business? a nest, there lived…Ruby! Follow one duckling’s journey as she finds her Sat 23 Jul – Tales’ Big Day Out Welcome the warm weather feet… all in her own time. Written especially for children, Ruby Flew Too! is with a bang! Tales Big Day Out is an enjoyable and entertaining outing for brought to life using stunning scenery, original music, hand-made puppets Thu 28 – Sat 30 Jul – Honk! Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s all the family, whether you’re familiar with the Tales world or you’re coming and delightful storytelling. Ages 2 to 7 yrs the ugly duckling, “HONK!” is a wonderful treat for family audiences. A along for the first time. Children will have the opportunity to take part in gaggle of farmyard animals join the naïve, but loveable “Ugly” on his rites- a great interactive workshop and watch a fun performance of Tales from Fri 5 – Sun 7 Aug – Isabel’s Well Written especially for children of-passage journey from misrepresented duckling to elegant swan. the Shed, then everyone will come together for a huge Tales extravaganza aged 3–7, and told with their own captivating blend of energetic storytelling, outside in the amphitheatre. There will also be other free to activities to hand-crafted puppets, enchanting scenery and original music, Isabel’s Well discover and enjoy. Ages 0-6 yrs is a journey into a child’s imagination… where anything is possible! Ages 3 to 7 yrs Wed 27 Jul – Fri 5 Aug - Tales from the Shed - Brer Rabbit’s Track & Field The Tales team weave their famous summer Tue 9 – Fri 12 Aug - Oddly A fun tale based on the much-loved magic to create an amazing new adventure full of fun, mischief and joy! children’s book written by author Joyce Dunbar. Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Naughty Brer Rabbit leaves his usual patch behind and travels to the sporting adaptation visually re-imagines the story with a magical mix of puppetry, event of the summer in Rio de Janeiro. Along the way he meets a host of visual tricks, masks and original music. This story is about a curious boy from colourful characters, and takes part in competitions and races as he gets the city who sets off in search of three unusual creatures. Deep in a strange into training - will he be ready for Rio, and if he gets there will he be able to and tranquil forest he discovers the Lostlet, the Strangelet and the Oddlet. prove himself a truly world-class athlete? (Or will he have to cheat, as usual?) Together the new friends find surprising ways to make their hopes, dreams Packed with songs, dancing and puppets and guaranteed to live long in and wishes come true. Ages 3 to 8 yrs children’s memories, this will be 24-carrot fun! Ages 0-6 yrs Sat 27 – Mon 29 Aug – Arnold’s Big Adventure Gather Thu 28 Jul – Fri 5 Aug - Brer Rabbit’s Planet Play under the branches for the biggest day in the woodland calendar, Drop Especially recommended for very young children, join the Tales team for a Day! Arnold the acorn is about to drop from his tree and begin his amazing fun and interactive sensory session based on the themes and characters from adventure in search of somewhere to put down his roots. Taking place in a the Tales summer show Brer Rabbit’s Track and Field. This will be a brilliant special bell tent, Arnold’s Big Adventure features beautiful shadow puppetry, and immersive opportunity for children to really get involved in true Tales wonderful original music to sing along to and plenty of thrilling surprises fashion! Ages 0-3 yrs along the way… Ages 3 to 10 yrs
26 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 What’s On
Little Angel Theatre The Tin Forest
Little Angel Theatre Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and will fly down to the village and say hello! Will Dotty Isabel’s Well Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this make new friends, or will the fearful village folk put on Watford Palace Theatre magical, musical stage adaptation. Ages 3+ their wellies, pick up their pitch forks, pull scary faces Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 and chase Dotty back home to her castle?! Brought to Thu 21 – Sat 23 Jul – High School life by acclaimed Blunderbus Theatre, this big-hearted 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Musical Set in East High School, Troy Bolton, adventure is told with magical songs, enchanting music Thu 30 Jun – Sat 2 Jul – High School Puppet Theatre Barge captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, and exquisite puppetry - there’s even a life-sized fire Musical Rare Productions Youth Theatre Group is a newly- arrived and very academic student, decide to Little Venice W9 breathing dragon! For ages 3+. bringing to life Disney Channel’s smash hit musical! On audition for the school winter musical. Sharpay and the front steps of East High, it’s the first day after winter 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com twin brother Ryan see them as competition for roles Tue 16 & Wed 17 Aug – Aliens Love break (Wildcat Cheer). The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians Up to Sun 10 Jul & Wed 10 - Wed 31 they had assumed were their’s, and do everything they Underpants This zany and hilarious tale based on and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their Aug - Brer Rabbit Visits Africa Brer Rabbit can to sabotage the auditions. But as with all Disney the best-selling children’s book is wonderfully brought vacations, and look forward to the new year. travels to Africa to visit his grand mother. He gets stories, good eventually triumphs. This stage version to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning features a large and talented cast of local young people effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens Wed 27 – Sat 30 Jul – The Wiz This himself into trouble, and all the animals of Africa – timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the Land elephant, lion and tortoise alike – gather to help. Based and includes all the hit songs from the films. With lots of course!) this fantastically fresh and funny production of fast moving dance routines, this exciting musical will will delight the whole family. You’ll laugh your PANTS of Oz is a fun, family-friendly, modern musical which on the traditional Brer Rabbit tales, this show was will delight all ages. specially written for the company. Ages 3-90 yrs appeal to audiences of all ages. off! Ages 3+ Sat 23 Jul – Sun 7 Aug – The Town Thu 28 & Fri 29 Jul – The Snail and Mouse and the Country Mouse the Whale Join a tiny snail on her trip round the Unicorn Theatre Watford Colosseum These two famous cousins visit each other and both world in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of experience new sights and sounds. They end up all the the fantastic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel 147 Tooley Street, SE1. Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 wiser as a result of these adventures. A very special Scheffler. Longing to see the world, a tiny snail hitches 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk delight for both young and old with music, songs and a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go 19 Aug – 20 Jun – Baby Show From the Wed 27 – Thu 28 Jul - Lazy Town rod puppets. Ages 3 to 8 yrs on an amazing adventure - but when the whale gets makers of Scrunch and Seesaw, this brand new show 2016 Go, go, go, get up LazyTown – enjoy a non- beached, how will the snail save him? Follow the tiny is a great first trip to theatre for the really young. Time stop, highly-interactive and energetic treat, jam-packed The Radlett Centre snail’s exciting journey, as seen through the eyes of for a walk, better wrap up warm. Poppers, buttons, with singing, dancing, spectacular acrobatics, music and an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father... zips. Scarf, hat, mittens. Inside out, upside down, back fun. In this brand-new, stage show adventure, Robbie 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs, in a show for to front. Check you’ve got everything before you leave is at his rottenest worst while Sportacus has to be at 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk everyone aged 4 and up. the house. But it’s raining, it’s pouring and the wind his athletic, super-active best – running, jumping and is whistling through the trees… Then, out comes the flipping to save the day as he joins Stephanie in coaxing Fri 15 – Sun 17 Jul – The Gruffalo’s Tue 9 Aug – Dotty the Dragon Dotty is Child The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should Ever sun, quick let’s enjoy it whilst we can! Baby Show is a Ziggy to enjoy a more active lifestyle. All the songs a baby Fire Dragon. She lives in a dusty old castle with musical, sensory performance with captivating images from the legendary TV show feature, as the benefits set foot in the deep dark wood...One wild and windy her grumpy dad, Mr Dragon. She loves to watch the night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and intriguing sounds that will keep your little ones of “sports candy” are introduced in inspirational style. children playing in the village below, and wishes she rapt. Ages 6-18 months Ages 3+ and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad could join them! One day Dotty has a brilliant idea - she Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he? Tall Stories
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 27 Local Clubs and Classes Directory Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw
and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room www.moderncombatmartialarts.com 07818 416 671 CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the Rugbytots - the UK’s first rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds. Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media restaurant while your little ones are playing. 0208 427 8847 Focusing on developing your child’s motor skills and confidence with fun- art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, [email protected] www.rumble-tumble.com filled programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility supportive environment. 020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099 The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just and coordination. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and [email protected] about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults. Stanmore. For more information contact [email protected] Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling 01895 624755 www.thewindmillstudio.com SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children. women who love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present. All students are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women. MUSIC & MOVEMENT academy ages 4-6 years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 Every Wednesday night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre. hours). (Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Little Notes (HA1&HA6) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2016. For more information: www.capitalconnection.org.uk Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth 01923255099 Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians. Sarah [email protected] www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking , cake decorating and is a classically-trained singer and leads classes with voice, piano, flute and dessert classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small guitar. She creates an interactive musical space where children and adults White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and above groups in hands on and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and can be guided as they explore sounds, shapes, rhythms and rhymes held in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow during term holidays in a friendly environment. 07737847405 or info@ together. Love music, right from the start! Classes for children from 0 to 5 Weald. Adult classes in Barnet. Sheena 0787 550 1674 egglesscakedelights.com. www.egglesscakedelights.com years in Harrow & Northwood. Please see website for more details. [email protected] www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. 020 8426 4114 [email protected] www.littlenotes.co.uk Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are filled with Massage & Yoga students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on Focusing on a range of engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates & Baby Massage, courses. 0208 204 1906 www.veggiekitchen.co.uk then down tempo, leaving parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a for those in & near Eastcote Ruislip, Pinner, Northwood & Uxbridge. info@ tummy tickling roller coaster! Contact [email protected] Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for positivlifefitness.com 07974 062 973 www.positivlifefitness.com or visit www.mini-maniacs.com www.facebook.com/positivlifefitness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies YogaBugs (various) A magical, fun and interactive story-style adventures building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be. There are and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is for children where they learn yoga techniques. Yoga improves flexibility, AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal and brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum posture and concentration and also helps in relaxation. Fun and engaging AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW for January ensures that classes are a “good fit” for pre-schoolers. Voted as “Best classes for children from walking to 12 years of age. Contact details: YogaBelles: yoga designed for a unique women’s body. 07840 904887 National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school 08458997168. [email protected]. www.yogabugs.com Development Activity.” Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’Roll from 3m, [email protected] www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are benefits of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength open 6 days a week, at venues in Hillingdon, Eastcote, Northwood and and flexibility! First Aid Harrow. 020 8427 6595 www.monkeymusic.com YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 months) MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 months to 4 years): voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs. Saturday mornings, Bushey Margaret 07814 191 395 [email protected] SPORTS AND EXERCISE YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (children 4-12 years): Saturday & Sunday Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding mornings, Bushey and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 years): Weekday evening, LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring Bushey Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati and nurturing teachers. 07841342874 capoeiracademyuk@gmail. 07840 904887 music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help com www.capoeiracademyuk.com [email protected]; www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli your child speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, at St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner. www.sansaar.org positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect Swimmimg Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teaches children, babies and adults to swim International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders without aids in small groups, or One to One. Good facilities and plenty of 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how Green and Muswell Hill. Call 08452 26 26 94 to book a trial session. Enjoy- parking. They run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from a-Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high weekly ‘Term Time’ courses. www.aquaswim.org September and February 2016 and are free. [email protected] energy games loved by boys and girls alike! 08452 26 26 94 07925954144. www.enjoy-a-ball.com [email protected] Sign Language Aqua Vie Swimming based on effortless swimming and true water Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every confidence. Fun classes for babies & Children from 6wks+ to all ages Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby Saturday in Term Time at Field End Road for all children aged 5 – 11 years. including Adults. New Tues, Wed & Sunday morning classes in Bushey signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun WD23. Tel 01923 245 772 www.aqua-vie.com or email [email protected] Babies 6-30 months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow: skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends Aweswim (various) Aweswim offers courses for people of all ages and www.singandsign.com (for both children and parents) and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, abilities, ranging from parent and baby groups through to adults. helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket. www.aweswim.co.uk 01923 537070 ACTIVITY CENTRES For further info contact Tracey at [email protected] Push & Glide Swimming School (WD18, WD23, HA6) Push & Glide Swimming School provide extremely high standards of swimming Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through instruction, they pride themselves on their friendly, dynamic teaching activities available from 6mths to 12yrs. 020 8954 5759 environment. They provide fully qualified instructors who are committed to [email protected]. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet 020 8201 1084 maintaining and improving an excellent quality of teaching along with low Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and [email protected]. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow ratio swimming lessons in a safe environment for children aged 3.5 years parties. 01923 892140 www.gambado.com (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford plus. All abilities are catered for, from gaining water confidence through to JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with 0208 123 9346 [email protected] or Harrow (HA3) competition training, following the ASA progressive scheme awards. babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that Bushey and North Wembley 07749554405 www.pushandglide.co.uk include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events 0208 422 0676 [email protected] www.littlekickers.co.uk Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear. 01895 624755 Modern Combat Martial Arts - MCMA (HA1/HA5/UB5) Children’s After school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also held thewindmillstudio.com MixedMartial Arts & Self Defence from 5yrs - 14yrs old. Ladies Only Boxing at Merchant Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School. Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play & Kick Boxing from 15yrs old. Mixed Adult KRAV MAGA Classes from 16yrs. Splashtime Swim School 07903126486 children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility www.fightingcombatfitness.co.uk Children’s Activities 07794078452
28 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Local Clubs and Classes Directory
Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS ARTS AND CRAFTS limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups daily activity. They are open Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm Nicole 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level. Monday–Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for 07794078452 [email protected] www.activetime.co.uk 07974 750 224 www.beverleydance.co.uk. children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes relaxed, supportive environment. 020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099 to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor available from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy [email protected] difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all- agency that is always looking for new recruits! 01895 624755 Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm round motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 www.jam2000.co.uk at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, [email protected] www.integratedbrain.co.uk Perform Drama (Various) Together with a team of experienced theatre painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers. Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, dance and quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a 07946 055 422 [email protected] EFL. 020 3488 0754 www.jkeducate.co.uk performance at the end of the term. Perform sessions are specially Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal designed to encourage creativity, confidence and communication skills as very young and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up! reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. 07985 588 085 well as being a kaleidoscope of fun! 0845 400 1275 Exploring different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk www.perform.org.uk dressed for mess! 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/family Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Leaders are Readers offer specialist Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based Mini Picassos (NW10) Offer exciting after school art courses for children experience and accelerated learning in their award winning Saturday theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and aged 4-13 years. Toddler Picassos - weekdays at 10am & Tues 2.45-3.45pm: School, and also run popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays. Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation Painting, water play, collage, play dough and songs. Ages 15 mnths–3 2 hours spent per subject, including English, Maths, Learning to Read and for full scale Musical Theatre productions. years. Adults evening Life drawing classes. Mini Picassos Arty Birthday Party Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 01923 437693 www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk for children aged 2-10 years and Summer Holiday workshops too! 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and 07903 638 817 www.minipicassos.co.uk [email protected] exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted. singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) offers pure vegetarian cookery courses in 01992 651 300 www.leadersarereaders.co.uk to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of Stanmore. Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) Supplementary School for students aged their shell by having fun! Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals three and a half to 11 years undertaking Reading, Maths and English. & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands 020 8213 3100 07949 925374 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 on courses. 0208 204 1906 www.veggiekitchen.co.uk 599 www.stagecoach.co.uk The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama Grammar and private schools. For a call back email your name and and Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs. AFTER SCHOOL CLUB phone number to [email protected] [email protected] /EDUCATION SUPPORT Magikats (HA1) Innovative programmes, written to support the National Dance Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, Sat at Gayton Library, Harrow. Individual across the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards. programmes and support for individual children, promotes confidence, Diddi Dance (HA) Funky preschool dance classes for boys and girls. Classes www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 skills and a love of learning. 02084275663 www.magikats.com held across Harrow and North Hillingdon. 07521 454235 Champs Learning (HA1) A very structured tuition course for English, Maths, Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework [email protected] www.diddidance.com Science and 11+ exams. Courses run at Harrow College. 020 3004 9007 support. 0333 12 33 445 www.mathscool.com Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in www.champslearning.co.uk The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An Uxbridge City Centre. Futunity UK offer classes for children ages 2 all the Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and independent service covering a range of children’s communication way through to adults. Hip Hop, Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, educational weekly computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held difficulties. 01923 824 074 www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Breakdancing, Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole at nursery schools all over North West London. Have fun learning with Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school Maths and English tuition Fitness, and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/ technology: mouse and keyboard skills and devices including graphic competitive levels. Futunity UK also have three fully equipped studios classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They tablets, trackpads and digital microscopes. Every lesson is designed to set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress available for hire, at very competitive rates. Futunity UK also supply dance complement the EYFS curriculum. Free trials available. 020 8434 7111. (all genres) and gymnastics teachers into schools to run after/before school reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11. www.clickit-kids.co.uk. [email protected]. www.numberworksnwords.co.uk extra curricular sessions, and PE and PPA cover lessons. 01895 251224 [email protected] www.futunityuk.com Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware. The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools Programmes for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra (NW6) - 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play schemes available out of Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Fun, Motivating and Popular help, in English maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for dance classes that teach a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and term-time. 0207 407 6744 for more information. admin@ entrance exams or you just want to give them every advantage, Elisa can theplayshelter.co.uk www.theplayshelter.co.uk Kathak. Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults - call us now to arrange help. 99% success rate. 020 8958 1192 07956868119 your trial lesson. All dance levels welcome and training leads to stage www.childrensstories.net The Rainbow Club (various) Specialise in preparing for 3+, 4+ and 5+ performance opportunities. 0208 423 9543/07944 457 984 www. entrance exams. 07850 045 471 [email protected] kspark.co.uk Excel Academy (HA3) Experienced tuition in preparation for SATs, 11+, 13+, GCSEs, AS & A2 levels. Small group sizes, all aspects of National Curriculum Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, covered. www.excelacademy.org.uk SEN register. Reading courses are flexible with home based learning (via training students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek computer) monitored daily. Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 and National. Royal Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year [email protected] (registered therapist) from Primary to Advanced Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the olds of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a free trial class! www.explorelearning.co.uk. Simple Studies (NW4) Offer expert English and Maths tuition for 4-16 year same standard. All classes held in South Harrow/Eastcote. Book a free No olds at their cosy centre in Hendon. They specialise in 11+ entrance exams. Obligation Lesson with this advert. 0208 8662105 or 01923 285380. First Class Learning (Various) Structured yet flexible programme, Quote ‘Familiesmagazine’ and get 10% off your first lesson! 07793 www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk designed for children studying the UK National Curriculum. Tailored to 498195 www.simplestudies.co.uk a child’s learning needs & style. Find out more about this structured RISE Studios (WD) Dance and Performing Arts Schools in Watford and Stanmore Tutor Stanmore Tutor prepares students thoroughly for the top Rickmansworth. Classes in ballet, modern, tap, street dance, hip-hop, approach to learning, by contacting one of your local Centre managers. www.firstclasslearning.co.uk selective schools ensuring that they reach their maximum potential for drama, singing, LAMDA and Performing Arts. 01923 218626 www. that all important place. 020 3538 2437 rise-studios.com Fleet Tutors (Various) Private home tutoring for Maths and English; 37 years’ experience. 020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, type! Specifically designed courses for children from age 8-18. Highly technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years High Fliers (HA4 & WD7) 11+ tuition for Independent and Grammar school recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office with Royal Academy of Dance examinations 020 8950 2457 entrance. Run by highly experienced and qualified prep school teachers in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk offering a unique and tailored tutoring service. 07949 297070/07534 available. 020 8434 7111. www.typeitforkids.co.uk. 020868 [email protected] www.high-fliers.org.uk [email protected].
SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance Tel: 01923 255099 E: [email protected] • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years examinations results by expanding and rebranding to • Established 14 years in Stanmore • Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, SportsKids Academy Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, American Football - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball London Studio Centre, Ballet West Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics • Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing • Contemporary/Jazz classes Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Classes are held in the Stanmore and and Bushey Area Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher) We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 29 What’s New
DIY Cake Kits BIC ™ Kids New App – Drawy! Craft and Crumb will send you a kit containing Children can personalise and play with the interactive everything you need to bake and decorate an story by drawing their own characters or objects before incredible cake that will be the unforgettable scanning them using the app. The captured drawing is centrepiece of any children’s birthday party. All you very cleverly incorporated within the story, bringing their need to do is to visit their website, select a cake drawings to life in front of their eyes! Also available is the design and order. Each kit comes with everything DrawyColouringBook which comes with a set of colouring you need to bake and decorate the cake, and pens and 9 different scenes across 21 pages to enhance the in the right quantities too, so no more half-full interaction virtual reality of the App. random sticky jars of sweet stuff cluttering up your RRP App – FREE; Colouring Book –RRP £9.99 available at WHSmiths cupboards for years afterwards. RRP from £29.95 available at www.craftandcrumb.com Cambridge Reading Adventures Zingo This series features 90 titles, split into 11 different Book Zingo brings the 21st century to your water bottle by adding flavour Bands, for children to enjoy, whatever their level of ability. to your water without any added nasty sugars or preservatives - why Each book follows the Institute Of Education’s Book Bands not give your water a tasty Zing by adding fresh citrus fruits? criteria, and the scheme supports the entire reading journey; developing a child who is completely new to RRP £10.00 available online at reading into a confident and independent reader. www.root7.com/zingo. Available at Amazon, prices vary.
Portable Carbon Monoxide Alarm Fire Angel’s portable CO alarm will alert LapBaby you and your family to CO emissions from An ingenious seating solution for boilers, cookers, BBQs and other fuel-burning babies aged 3-months and upwards. appliances .Its light and compact design means Designed to keep baby secure whilst the alarm will easily fit in your suitcase and seated on the lap and enables parents when you arrive to your holiday destination to carry on with everyday activities, it can then simply be placed on a shelf and whilst nurturing and comforting switched on. The internal power pack and sealed batteries means the alarm will detect CO for 7 their baby. It is both compact and years, helping you and your family to be CO safe on holiday for years to come. lightweight and comes complete with a RRP £24.99 available at Amazon useful storage pouch, which can be easily stowed in a changing bag or the shopping basket of a stroller. SleepyLight RRP £24.99 available at www.lap-baby.com Night Lights These enchanting night Yutaka Sushi Starter Kit lights cycle through 12 soft glowing colours and have An authentic Sushi Starter Kit that contains all the basics you’ll need multiple functions, all of to create 12 delicious nori rolls. The kit includes boil-in-the-bag sushi which will provide a calming rice, seasoning, two nori sheets, ginger, soy sauce and a rolling mat environment to lull babies together with illustrated instructions. All you need to add is your and children into a peaceful favourite fillings. sleep. And thanks to its remote control, it is a great educational tool for pre-schoolers too! RRP £4.00, available from Sainsburys and Amazon. RRP £39.95 available online at www.potwells.co.uk and at John Lewis and Mothercare. COMPETITION WIN 1 x Midi Flyte (Kid On A Mission)* *Prize selected randomly. Competition open to mainland UK and Northern Ireland residents only. This exciting case scooter from Flyte combines travel and play to turn every journey into an adventure. Available in five fun designs, Flyte is a safe and sturdy scooter, a swift pull-along trolley and a compact piece of cabin sized luggage all in one. Flyte’s best feature is it’s easy to fold footplate, which fits snugly in the back of the case. Just fold this out and Flyte transforms into a fully-functioning scooter, perfect for 4-8 year old travellers. Available from all good toy retailers. For further information visit www.zincflyte.com To enter visit Families NW London’s Facebook page and click on the Giveaways tab! www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon
COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted. 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering. 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt. 4. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries. 5. All decisions of Families Magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. 7. Winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition. 8. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition. 9. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms.
Families North West London is designed by Lisa Bibby and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine 2016. Families North West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North West London are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or 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 cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.
30 North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 Parenting Teach your kids to ride a bike in 7 easy steps
3 Teach them to use the brake At the age of two and a half to three, children are able to operate a hand brake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers. Begin by showing your child how the brake works and encourage her to practise. 4 Always wear a helmet Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little one gets used to it, the better. We recommend that you shop for a helmet together to ensure your little biker likes it and will therefore wear it. 5 Look for safety add-ons A steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep in the right direction and prevent falls. While you’re looking Teaching your child to ride a bike at safety equipment, it’s worth purchasing bright coloured clothing or has never been easier with these seven simple steps. safety vests to ensure she is seen by others at night time. 1 Begin with a balance bike 6 Get an adjustable seat Balance bikes are great because they have no pedals or stabilisers and Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat as this means the bike are much lighter. Because children can use their feet to balance and can be adjusted to suit their height. When your child is on the bike, move themselves along, those as young as two can learn to balance both feet should be firmly on the ground – not just the toes – and the on their own. knees should be slightly bent. 2 Start on flat ground 7 Upgrade to a bigger bike Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local park or When your child has developed enough skill and confidence you can area with no traffic. You can work your way up to small hills. transfer them to a pedal bike without stabilisers.
North West London JULY/AUGUST 2016 31 Email: [email protected]