IN THIS ISSUE Education and School Feature issue

Outdoor Learning Mindfulness in Schools Making Maths Fun Choosing a School

Issue 117 October 2017 familiesonline.co.uk

FNWMag117.indd 1 26/09/2017 23:24 Welcome to the IN THIS ISSUE:

October issue! 6 Choosing the ‘right’ school 7 Can Outdoor Learning CONTACT US: Impact Achievement? www.facebook.com/ 8 Mindfullness in School; Families North West FamiliesNWLondon managing exam stress 10 Open Days Magazine @FamiliesNWLon 14 Childrens Theatre Editors: Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue. Heather Waddington Published seven times a year. For families 15 Halfterm Camps and Janine Mergler from birth to twelve.

P.O. Box 2378, WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 UPCOMING ISSUES: E: [email protected] Nov/Dec 2017 - Seasonal Celebrations Cover image: Listings and Features Editor: Deadline: 10th Oct 2017 depositphotos.com Anna Blackshaw Jan/Feb 2018 - Nurseries and Childcare Deadline: 23 November 2017 E: [email protected] Send in your news, stories and advertising www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk bookings to the details left. Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources. NEWS Enter your Team in Explore Learning’s Maths Competition! Run in collaboration with the NRICH project inspiring the next generation of mathematicians. through to the semi-fi nal on at the University of Cambridge, each school The fi ve fi nalist teams will be presented with 29th November and the grand entering a team will have the unique opportunity a hilarious maths routine at the University of fi nal on 13th December. The competition is open to tackle a never-before-seen mathematical Cambridge as well as huge prize bundles from the to primary school teams made up of two boys problem. Teams will battle through the heats likes of Meccano, Kidzania, Artline and Sum Fun! and two girls. Schools who want to register a happening across the country) to win a place team should head to https://www.explorelearning. at the grand fi nal to be held in Cambridge on The deadline for schools to register is Friday co.uk/schools/national-young-mathematicians- Wednesday 13th December 2017.The annual 20th October with the fi rst rounds taking place awards/. If you are a parent of a maths whizz, competition is free to enter with the main aim of on 8th and 9th November, with the victors going speak to their school to register a team.

Introducing DiscoG Coding Academy Centre in Harrow The coding start up for kids!

DiscoG Coding Academy is an initiative set up by Gerard Papet, the former CTO of FTSE 100 companies, to teach children and adults from ages 6+ to code. They have developed a structured yet fl exible approach to learning in a relaxed and supportive environment that encourages self-direction and innovative thinking through tutor-led, hands-on sessions. GCSE and A Level tuition is available as well as support through their NEA projects. After a year of teaching in various locations across North and NW London, they have recently opened their fi rst DiscoG Coding Centre in Harrow at: 504 Kenton Lane, Harrow, HA3 8RD. Free taster class available – call to fi nd out more 07767300940 www.discogcodingacademy.com;

Families North West London Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families NW London Magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North West London Magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North West London Magazine, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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FNWMag117.indd 2 26/09/2017 23:56 NEWS

New Opportunity for London Schools to take part in inspiring ‘Stories from Willesden Lane’ initiative The Holocaust Educational Trust World War Two. Her incredible story will bring home the reality of the (HET) is bringing this multi- Holocaust, and Lisa’s refusal to give up on her dreams is set to inspire disciplinary project to educate thousands of students across London. In an increasingly fragile world, young students in years 6-8 on the the project will encourage young people to think about their role as Holocaust and, more specifi cally, active citizens in today’s society and understand the importance of to help them to understand the challenging intolerance and prejudice in their communities. HET, the experiences of those saved by the charity committed to educating and raising awareness of the Holocaust Kindertransport. Young people in the UK, is also inviting participating schools to attend a musical across the capital will learn about performance of the story, which will be performed by concert pianist and refl ect on Britain’s response to Mona Golabek – Lisa Jura’s daughter. The Pianist of Willesden Lane is the plight of the Jews of Europe and will ensure that the stories of the a one woman show that has brought this story to life to over 250,000 children who rebuilt their lives in Britain are kept alive. school children in the US and is now coming back to the city where the Stories from Willesden Lane is a project based on The Children of story began. Willesden Lane, a book which tells the story of Lisa Jura who was For more information and to be a part of London’s fi rst ever Stories brought to on the Kindertransport. Lisa was forced to fl ee her from Willesden Lane project, please visit www.willesdenlane.org.uk home in Vienna as a young girl and rebuild her life in London during

Autism with Attitude street dance group Mum leaps 10,000ft in skydive make history as the fi rst SEN students to inspired by three year old son qualify for United Dance Organisations World with brain injury Championships Local mum from Autism with Attitude Stanmore, Niyutee street dance group Khetani, swapped from Hillingdon jeans for a jumpsuit Manor School, Uxbridge, made on 23 September history when they to skydive in aid qualifi ed as the fi rst of The Children’s special needs dance Trust. Joined by a team to qualify for team of 20, Niyutee the United Dance was inspired to take Organisations on the challenge (UDO) World by her son Kai Championships in Glasgow August 2017 and the UDO European while he was at the Championships in Kalkar, Germany in May 2018. Hillingdon charity for intensive Manor School is an Outcomes First Group centre of excellence in rehabilitation education and development for children aged 5 - 19 with an autistic following a road spectrum condition (ASC). traffi c accident. The school is delighted with its success and staff are helping Kai was left with them both to hone their dance skills and to prepare for their role a serious brain as ambassadors, showing what people with autism can achieve. injury in 2016 when Niyutee with Kai at The Children’s Trust Now Autism with Attitude is all set to represent the UK at this he was involved in a forthcoming international event. road traffi c accident. He was only two years old. After hospital ‘It is a dream come true for me,’ said Jonathan. ‘As a dancer myself treatment to save his life, Kai came to The Children’s Trust for I’ve obviously done competitions but it’s quite emotional taking a intensive brain injury rehabilitation to try to re-learn how to move group of young people with autism into this arena. We keep setting and communicate. Niyutee stayed at The Children’s Trust with Kai them fresh challenges and now they are taking the mainstream for 8 months while dad Rakesh visited on weekends. world by storm. This is just huge; they are making history, acting as Niyutee’s skydive is part of #MyBrave, The Children’s Trust envoys for all those with special needs around the country.’ campaign encouraging everyone to take on a challenge and do www.outcomesfi rstgroup.co.uk; www.gb.udostreetdance.com; something brave to help raise money for children with brain injury. www.HillingdonManorSchool.org.uk If you would like to take part in #MyBrave visit www.mybrave.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 3

FNWMag117.indd 3 26/09/2017 23:57 WHAT’S NEW

I’m Wrecked, This is My The Calm Buddha at Bedtime Journal by Shannon Cullen The stories in Calm Buddha are tales Filled with a mix of funny quotes, of mindfulness, wisdom & compassion doodles and witty lists, I’m Wrecked, to read with your child. This book is a This is My Journal will inspire and uplift retelling of 18 traditional Buddhist stories even the most despairing of sleep- with adult themes such as: actions deprived parents. This is the perfect having consequences, the importance companion for those odd thoughts, of considering others’ opinions and of bizarre expectations, signifi cant speaking up when others don’t. moments and baby fi rsts. Whether it’s as Calm Buddha is proven to help children your parenting highlights hit you in the middle of the night feed, when let go of anxieties and concerns before you’re working your way through the parent maze whilst frantically winding down to sleep. The stories can, of tapping the baby bouncer or looking for gin in the word search at 9 course, be enjoyed simply as fun stories, a.m., this journal will help to raise a smile. but they also encourage children to think more deeply about what No matter if the day is a parenting win or fail, there is something here is being said when the time is right. This can be easily infl uenced by to suit every mood, the perfect present for a new parent, parent-to-be the adult-reader through pauses for refl ection, asking questions and or as a self-purchase. I’m Wrecked, This is My Journal is unique, just exploring the beautiful illustrations. like parenting itself. Available from 16 Nov from Amazon and www.watkinspublishing.com RRP Michael O’Mara Books; www.mombooks.com RRP £9.99 £12.99

Seven Simple and Slightly Silly Stories One Third Stories’ by John Foley The brainchild of co-founders Alex Somervell and Jonny Pryn, Author and actor John Foley’s Seven One Third Stories creates books Simple and Slightly Silly Stories is a that start in English and end in unique, quirky and darkly witty collection a different language, seeking of short stories and will be available to buy to foster a love of languages in from October, with all profi ts donated to children from an early age. Macmillan Cancer Support and The Silver Aimed at children between the Line. ages of four and nine years, Full of entertaining and meaningful One Third Stories’ offerings are tales. In each extraordinary case, John’s currently available in French captivating style expertly combines the and Spanish on a monthly fun and whimsy of fantasy writing with subscription service where children receive a new storybook, activity surprisingly profound and thought- book and activity cards each month. provoking messages along the way. Expect Accompanied by an audiobook to teach pronunciation, and beautiful twists and turns, as John captures the true illustrations to provide a visual element, the books enable children to magic of fi ction in which anything really become competent in a foreign language in a way that is entertaining, can happen. while having a lasting positive impact on their learning. Available from October, RRP £6.99. www.quizzicalworks.com www.onethirdstories.com from £10.99 + shipping per month

Paediatric First Aid Courses

Sat 4 Nov, Sat 2 Dec - Harrow on the Hill Suitable for Ofsted Registration. Includes some home study. Certifi cate valid for 3 years Cost = £85 Contact Margaret at [email protected] or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available

SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds Tel: 01923 255099 E: [email protected]

Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years by expanding and rebranding to SportsKids Academy American - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc

We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk

4 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk

FNWMag117.indd 4 27/09/2017 00:00 Family Health Firework safety advice s the Diwali Festival of Light and Don’t forget the sparklers! Don’t want to host your Bonfire Night fast approaches and Did you know: If three sparklers burn own event? Awith all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids together they will do so at the same heat of – check out the organised alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential a blowtorch used for joining metal and so it’s displays we’ve found dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations. essential you follow a few guidelines for safe usage: (admission charges may apply – check websites for details) Fri 3 Nov - Abbots Langley Fireworks Tips for choosing your • Remember to wear gloves so that you do not get burnt Display (WD5) www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk fireworks • Get an adult to light the sparkler whilst Did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds you are holding the base of the stick Fri 3 – Sat 4 Nov – Alexandra Palace of 150 mph, the cruising speed of some Fireworks Festival (N22) • Make sure that only one sparkler is lit at biplanes! www.alexandrapalace.com a time Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant Sat 4 Nov – Cassiobury Fireworks (WD18) • Remember to hold the sparkler for home use, are suitable for the size of your www.watfordbigevents.co.uk horizontally and as far away from your garden and are marked with British Standard body and face as possible Sat 4 Nov - Harrow Fireworks number (BS 7114). Extravaganza 2017 (HA1) • Once you have had fun with the sparkler You should also: www.harrowcricketclub.co.uk (try writing your name) and it is no longer • Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid burning, make sure you put it in a bucket Sat 4 Nov - Battersea Park Fireworks during the display filled with water Display (SW11) www.wandsworth.gov.uk • Use a torch for checking instructions • Never touch the end of the sparkler, even Sat 4 Nov – Harrow Fireworks 2017 (HA3) www.harrowfireworks.co.uk • Use a taper for lighting fireworks long after it has stopped burning Sat 4 Nov – Blackheath Firework Display • Have a bucket of water close to hand Now that you’re clear on keeping your family (SE10) www.lewisham.gov.uk • Have a bucket or other container of soft safe; enjoy your Sat 4 Nov – Wembley Park (HA0) earth to stick fireworks in Diwali celebrations www.brent.gov.uk/fireworks • Use a board or other non-flammable rigid on October 19th and Thurs 2 Nov - Brunel University London surface for flat-bottomed fireworks Bonfire Night on Bonfire and Fireworks (UB8) • Use supports or launches for Catherine 5th November! www.fifty.brunel.ac.uk wheels or rockets

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]

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 5

FNWMag117.indd 5 27/09/2017 00:08 Education

How to choose the right Independent School for your family

hen assessing schools and How to match your child with the right making informed choices Independent school about the right school for your family, you will need Children differ greatly in how they perform W during assessment. Academic ability is one to consider multiple factors. And just as you are assessing and determining area of variation. It is important for a child to which school will suit your family, be stretched, allowing them to achieve their many schools are also assessing their full potential. However is it equally important applicants. to ensure that they are not placed in an environment where they could struggle to reach How do Independent School even the lower levels of requirement. Assessment assess applicants? examinations are a good indicator of how a child will fare in a specific school environment. It is When looking at an Independent important to find an environment in which your School, it is important to understand child can thrive. Just because a child is bright that each school has its own preferred enough to learn does not mean they will learn. method of assessment, be it examination For some pupils competition is key and they thrive in based, interview based, reference based or a a competitive environment. For others, self-confidence combination of methods. It is critical that parents needs to be nurtured in the earlier years of their education understand the process at their schools of choice. and they are more likely to excel in a school that offers a welcoming, What can parents use to assess the friendly and supportive ethos. Independent School? Asking the right questions The Independent Schools Inspectorate ‘assess’ each Independent The best Independent Schools will encourage parents to ask school, using standard criteria, on a regular basis. All of the questions of them and will want engaged parents who are aware of information gathered is then used to generate an in depth assessment the schools values as well as their academic results. They will invite report, which can be found on the school’s own website and on considered scrutiny. the Inspectorate’s website too. The assessments rank schools from “Unsatisfactory” through to “Excellent”. If you are looking for first-rate Sarah Hollis is the Head teacher at Buckingham Prep School. In a education and pastoral care for your child then you should be seeking recent Inspectorate assessment Buckingham Prep was identified as a school that has been graded as “Excellent”. Equally important being “Excellent” in every area - offering a small, supportive, nurturing however is the detail within the report, as it is from reading this that family environment and achieving outstanding academic results. Visit you will be able to understand how the school’s values, standards, and enquiries always welcome. strengths and weaknesses compare to other schools. For more information www.buckprep.org.

6 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk

FNWMag117.indd 6 27/09/2017 00:09 Education

Is sitting in classrooms actually reducing children’s achievement?

very child at the moment seems to need a fidget spinner. Some teachers hate them, as a cause of distraction, others have recommended them as a way to help children to focus Eand cope with sitting at a desk. But should we be asking our children to ‘cope’? If children are struggling to sit at a desk, then surely trying to teach them whilst sitting at a desk is at best illogical, at worst damaging? In the UK, and particularly in cities, many primary schools don’t have the time or the space to get children outdoors enough. And why is this so critical? Child development is a mind and body journey. Without gross motor skills (that’s the big movements – running, hopping, jumping, climbing, balancing) children will actually struggle to develop in other areas too. It’s no coincidence that sport is highly valued by top performing schools and universities. Studies have shown that it can actually improve academic achievement. Being outside has a positive impact on the mental health of both forest school sessions. On those days he comes home so much happier teachers and children too. Last year, Natural England published a study and more relaxed, chatting away about what he’s been learning. Such a which showed that children who took part in an outdoor education contrast to a ‘normal’ school day when his response to questions about project were more engaged with their learning and showed a marked his day are usually mono-syllabic!” improvement in their behaviour and improved social skills. Most In fact, Ros is part of a team of local parents and teachers setting up children and teachers also felt happier and healthier. Other studies Mariposa Primary School, a new school in Harrow that plans to deliver have shown outdoor education improves problem solving and team a large proportion of its lessons outside. Tracey Francis, the school’s working skills – as well as being something that children find really fun! Head Teacher, explains, “When we asked local parents and teachers The movement to get children learning outside more has been growing what our priorities should be, green outside space was a clear concern. – 12th October is ‘Outdoor Classroom Day The team have worked incredibly hard to secure an amazing 6 acre (www.outdoorclassroomday.org.uk), led by the charity Learning green site and we are now developing plans that allow classes to move Through Landscapes. There are now more than 15,000 schools freely between indoors and outside. This will not only give us the right involved around the world who have pledged to deliver lessons outside foundations for excellent academic progress, but also nurture and in a natural environment on that day. support children’s broader wellbeing and development, which is so Many schools are choosing to embed outdoor education in their important.” curriculum more regularly through approaches such as forest school. With more and more schools looking at ways to get children outside, Ros Jenkins, a local parent, has really noticed the impact outdoor maybe fidget spinners are one craze that soon won’t be needed. education has for her son: “Matty’s school has recently introduced Perhaps the next craze will be the Wellington boot!

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 7

FNWMag117.indd 7 27/09/2017 00:10 Education

Mindfulness (in Schools) Exam stress is very real

hile tests and tougher standards intense concentration on one’s own thought are making school more stressful processes; self-awareness”. But as with many Wthan ever for students, it is good to things that are embraced by popular culture, know that a coping mechanism is emerging wider and possibly weaker definitions and to counteract this trend – mindfulness is understanding are being applied to the term being introduced by more and more schools to help it fit agendas – many believe it is to help their students, especially during becoming a jargon word for everything from Tomlin, says it has not had enough robust exam time. weight loss to bringing down blood pressure testing, so there is no evidence that it makes any difference. The increased stress students feel is very (The NHS calls it one of the 5 steps to real. An indicator of this is that over 15 000 wellbeing www.nhs.uk/Livewell. Whatever one might think about mindfulness, students called the charity helpline ChildLine The non-profit Mindfulness in Schools Project there seems to be a widely accepted view in 2016 saying had problems at school, (www.mindfulnessinschools.org) has been one that it is beneficial, especially in dealing with including 27% with exam pressure worries. of the frontrunners of bringing the practice stress. I am pleased to see that educators are This is an 11% rise from the previous year. into schools through its ‘Stop, Breathe and broadening their horizons about what works, When you factor in the fact that only a small Be’ 10-week programme for 11-18 year olds. recognising that our minds and bodies are number of students probably use the helpline, Mindfulness for students helps them to not linked. We need more creative solutions to it gives an idea of the extent of the problem. only do well in exams, but also to focus in school stress, giving our students the tools they will need to be healthy and productive in Though we have often heard the term the classroom. It helps with general stress relief, especially before and during high- an increasingly competitive world – one that these days, the question on most minds looks like it might only become more so. is still “What is mindfulness?” According stakes testing. A student quoted in an article to the Oxford English Dictionary it is “the said that going into an examination after state or quality of being mindful”. A more practising mindfulness regularly made it ‘100 Elisa Gianoncelli is a local Children’s Author, helpful definition may be the meaning of the times better’. A small study also showed Teacher & Education Expert in Edgware, word as part of Buddhist philosophy: “the that mindfulness improved concentration in NW London with over 25 years experience. meditative state of being both fully aware students. However, it has its critics. Some You can read more of her blog posts at of the moment and of being self-conscious students said it makes them feel sleepy and www.elisagianoncelli.com or visit her tutorial of and attentive to this awareness; a state of tired. A blogger on health research, Andre school page www.KidsLearnFast.co.uk

Call us to arrange an individual appointment

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FNWMag117.indd 8 27/09/2017 00:10 Education

Making Maths Fun:

How to teach your kids their times tables… easily

ands up who got their iPhone out the last time they had to add anything up? You’re not the only Hone. Relying on a calculator is easy and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, times tables, is vital for children if they are to succeed at school. Helping your little ones at home and doing some extra work to ensure they feel confident in their learning can almost be as important as what they do in the classroom. It can, however, be tricky to navigate the teaching journey when you’re not actually a teacher. The thing that can really turn children off learning their times tables is the practise it will take. Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest and holding their attention. Here are of an interest. Instead of testing what they easiest patterns to remember because, whilst some top tips to help you. know, be playful about it when you’re at the the tens go up each time, the other number supermarket and they’re helping you with just goes down; 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, What should they know? the shopping (it can happen sometimes!). If 81 and 90. How and what children learn in primary you’re buying loose fruit and veg, ask them school sets them up for success in secondary if they know what the price would be if you Don’t bring your own feelings into it school. If the foundations are in place for bought three instead of two. Teaching methods have changed a lot since them to be able to work out an equation like us parents were learning our times tables. 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they Find out what works best for your Ordering yourself something like Maths for will find it easier when it comes to tackling child Mums and Dads could help if you are feeling harder arithmetic. The education curriculum Like anything with children, once you outside of our comfort zone when you’re changes, but at the moment, children are discover what works best for them – stick to topping up the teaching at home. Discovering required to know 12x12 by the age of nine. it. If your child learns best using visual aids new ways of learning can make it fun for both then go down that route. If, on the other of you. How can you help them know it? hand, listening and chanting helps them Buy posters of times tables or make your learn, then explore the different types of Build their confidence own; you can then stick them up throughout apps available on the iPad or computer and There is more to maths than arithmetic and the house. On the wall opposite the loo, or try downloading some of them. Do still be it’s important that your little ones don’t lose under a magnet on the fridge, so that they onhand to explain where they may have gone interest in maths as a subject because it feels are taking it in without even realising it. You wrong and encourage them to try again. too difficult or seems too time consuming. can even tape it to the ceiling above their Break down learning into bite-size chunks bed so that they have something to talk Pick out the patterns and make it as playful as possible. Encourage about with you when you’re snuggling down, Come on, admit it; everyone has a favourite your children and praise them for trying when after a bed-time story. times table. It’s probably your favourite they do. Show them how far they have come because you find it the easiest to remember since last week or last month and this should Apply it to real life or you like the pattern. Picking up on things spur them on to keep improving. If times tables is something your children can like this will make it easier for your little ones Visit www.FamiliesOnline.com/Education for apply to daily life, they will show much more to learn. The 9 times table has one of the more great learning ideas!

ROXETH MEAD SCHOOL ESTABLISHED 1859 Independent school for boys and girls between 3 years and 7+

◆ Small classes ◆ Dedicated staff ◆ Excellent academic record ◆ Caring and supportive atmosphere ◆ Happy, considerate and confi dent children Vacancies sometimes available for 5 and 6 year olds. Contact the Headteacher Tel: 020 8422 2092 E-mail: [email protected] www.roxethmead.com Buckholt House, 25 Middle Road, Harrow HA2 0HW

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 9

FNWMag117.indd 9 27/09/2017 00:11 Education Independent School Open Days

Please check school websites to confi rm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change. School WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs (Boarding/ Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 10am-12.30pm. Prep School 01923 Day) [email protected] 851664. Senior School 01923 858122 Alpha Preparatory School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment 0208 427 1471 www.alpha.harrow.sch.uk Bales College Kensal Town W10 Boys and Girls 11+ Open Day: By appointment 020 8960 5899 to register www.balescollege.co.uk Buxlow Preparatory and Nursery School Wembley HA9 7QJ Open Morning: By appointment. 020 89043615 Boys and Girls 0 - 11yrs (Day) www.buxlowschool.org.uk Buckingham Prep School Pinner HA5 Boys School 4-11 years Open Day: Wed 11 Oct, 9am-12pm. 020 8866 2737. www.buckprep.org Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 1-4pm (Prep & Sen Sch). Sat 4 Nov, Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk 9.30am-1.30pm (Pre-Prep). 020 8266 1700 Open Day: Jun Sch Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 10am-12.30pm; Sen Sch Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 2-5pm. Jun Sch in Action: Wed 11 Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 Oct; Tue 7 Nov, all 9.15am. Sen Sch in Action: Wed 4 Oct; Wed Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk 8 Nov, all 9.30am: 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls. org.uk School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – Open Day: By appointment. 01923 681103 11 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com

The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8515 9400 www.johnlyon.org

Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344 www.avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow Mariposa Primary School (opening Sept 2018) Harrow HA1 Boys and Open Day: By appointment. Girls 4-11 yrs www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk [email protected] Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood Open Day: Prep: Fri 6 Oct, 9.45am-12pm (Y1-Y8) 01923 HA6 Boys 11-18yrs www.mtpn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk 845514 (Senior) North London Collegiate School Edgware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: By appointment. Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch www.nlcs.org.uk 020 8951 6481/6468. Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 9.30am-1.30pm (Whole School); Tue 10 Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. Oct, Fri 2 Feb, Wed 2 May, 9.30-11am (Early Yrs & Jun Sch); www.northwoodcollege.gdst.net Wed 11 Oct, Fri 23 Feb, Thu 3 May, 9.30-11am (Sen Sch) 01923 825446.

10 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk

FNWMag117.indd 10 27/09/2017 00:11 Education Independent School Open Days

Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Quainton Hall School Harrow, HA1. Boys 2.5-13yrs, Girls 2.5-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. [email protected] 020 www.quaintonhall.org.uk 8861 8861 Schools in ‘WD’ Postcode Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660 www.reddiford.co.uk Rickmansworth WD3 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3-7yrs. www.roxethmead.com Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092 Open Day: Thu 28 Sep, 5.30-9pm. 01923 773296 The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3 – Ruspini House Pre School (boys and girls aged 2-4) Cadogan House Pre-Prep Open Day: Sun 8 Oct, 2-5pm. 01923 725354 and Prep Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18) Rickmansworth WD3 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.stclementdanes.org.uk Saint Jérôme CofE Bilingual School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 Open Day: Tue 10 Oct, Thu 9 Nov, Tue 5 Dec, all 9.30-10.30am. Open Day: Sat 7 Oct. [email protected] yrs www.stjeromebilingual.org 020 7932 1178 Stanborough School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268 Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org St Joan of Arc Catholic School Rickmansworth WD3 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.joa.herts.sch.uk St Christopher’s School, Wembley HA9 8HE Boys & Girls 4 – 11 years Open Day: By appointment 020 8902 5069 Open Day: Thu 5 Oct, 6-9pm; Fri 6 Oct, 9-11.30am. 01923 773881 (day) [email protected] St John’s CofE Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Watford WD17 Open Day: By appointment. 01923 255 017 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjohnswatford.co.uk The Reach Free School Watford WD18 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.reachfreeschool.co.uk St Helen’s School Northwood HA6. Girls, 3-18 yrs. www.sthelens. Open Day: Wed 1 & Thu 2 Nov, 9.30am-12pm (whole sch) Open Day: TBC. 01923 224764 london 01923 843230 St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 9.30am-12pm. 0208 950 1751 www.sthildasbushey.com St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. Open Day: Wed 11 Oct, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067 Watford for Boys Watford WD18 Boys 11-18 yrs www.watfordboys.org www.st-johns.org.uk St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: Thu 12 Oct, Fri 17 Nov, Tue 20 Feb, all 9.15-11.15am. Open Day: Sat 30 Sep, 9am-12pm. 01923 208900 (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.org.uk . 020 8901 0872 St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment. 01923 825 740 Watford Grammar School for Girls Watford WD18 Girls 11-18 yrs www.watfordgrammarschoolforgirls.org.uk www.stmartins.org.uk St Nicholas Prep School and Nursery, Kingsbury NW9 8PN 3mths – 11 Open Day: Fri 27 Oct, 9.30am-12pm. 020 8205 7153 yrs. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk; www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk Open Day: Mon 9 Oct, 6-9pm. 01923 223403 Open Day: Thu 5 Oct, 9.30-11.30am (Nursery-yr 2); Sat 7 Oct, York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs Sat 10 Mar, Sat 19 May, all 9.30am-12pm (Nursery-yr 8). 01923 www.york-house.com 772 395 Westfi eld Academy Watford WD18 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.westfi eld.herts.sch.uk Open Day: TBC. 01923 231560

Bushey Meads School Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.busheymeads.org.uk Open Day: TBC. 020 8950 3000

The Bushey Academy Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.thebusheyacademy.org Open Day: TBC. 020 8950 9502

Queen’s School Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.queens.herts.sch.uk Open Day: TBC 01923 224465

The Watford UTC Watford WD24 Boys and Girls 14-19 yrs www.watfordutc.org Open Day: Sat 16 Sep & Sat 18 Nov, 10am-12pm; Thu 12 Oct,4.30-6pm. 01923 905240

Francis Combe Academy Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.franciscombeacademy.org Open Day: TBC. 01923 672964

Parmiter’s School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.parmiters.herts.sch.uk Open Day: Tue 3 Oct, 4-8.30pm. 01923 671424

St Michael’s Catholic High School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs www.stmichaelscatholichighschool.co.uk

Open Day: TBC. [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 11

FNWMag117.indd 11 27/09/2017 00:12 Local Clubs and Classes Directory Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

chinmayauk.org  07812 146428 Eastcote, Northwood, Harrow and Stanmore.  020 8427 6595 PARTIES Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music,  www.monkeymusic.com

2 song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child LEGO® Engineering Clubs, Parties And Workshops. E Young Engineers speak Gujarati confi dently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at St Lawrence programmes inspire young people to be innovative critical thinkers and problem Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org solvers by exploring aspects of engineering and science building working SPORTS AND EXERCISE models using our custom made kits. Programmes available for ages 4 – 99! Build Little Stars Baby Club (HA9) A fun and friendly baby club where new mums with Better leisure centres (various) We exist to make community services and spaces self-confi dence, resilience and creativity through play! www.young-engineers. babies from birth to sitting can relax and meet new friends whilst babies play and better for everyone. That means providing access to quality community leisure co.uk Central and West London:  07522 602 122  Info.westlondon@young- explore with a range of lovely sensory toys. Every Friday 9:30-11:15am at Powell and fi tness facilities - and more - at a price everyone can afford. SAVE! £10 off engineers.co.uk & Middlesex:  07454 363 766 Shelina@ Suites @ Chalkhill Community Centre, The Welford Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, a junior lesson or course booking before 31st October 2017  www.better.org. young-engineers.co.uk  07565 195 895  [email protected] Wembley Park HA9 9FX. £2.00 uk/families  0208 385 1836  [email protected] Perform Parties - Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s energetic party Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding and leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create fun-fi lled, The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An independent fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, dance, action-packed parties. Call 0207 255 9120 or visit performparties.co.uk service covering a range of children’s communication diffi culties.  01923 824 acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring and 074  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk nurturing teachers.  07841342874  [email protected] www. Silly Millie the Clown - parties for 3 - 9 year olds. Funny magic show, puppet’s, capoeiracademyuk.com party games, silly songs & balloon animals. 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397 Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from 4 to 12 Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how to read and and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction to Totally Pamper Me – Girls Pampering, Spa and Photogrpahy Parties. See our write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from September and sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 website for our ethos and range of packages and services. *working with Magic February 2016 and are free.  [email protected] yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Call 0333 334 FM’ Cash for Kids, we dontate part of our profi ts from each party to help disabled, 0845 or 07763746886 to book a trial session. Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super- disadvantaged, abused or neglected children in the local community. www. active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls totallypamper.me; 0800 080 7967 Sign Language  alike!  0333 334 0845 or 07763746886 The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) Fun for kids, hassle-free for parents, birthday Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefi ts of baby signing with  www.enjoy-a-ball.com [email protected] parties at The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor, for 1-10 years boys & girls music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow. www.singandsign.com Everyone Active (various) Why should your child learn to swim? Swimming is lots include invitations, party leader & assistant(s), freshly prepared food, decorations,  of fun for people of all ages and also provides loads of health benefi ts which can music, lights, games, dancing, props and prizes. Optional extras - adult help to keep you and your children healthy and happy at the same time. What’s refreshments, face-painting and party bags. Lots of themes from Princesses and more, swimming is the only sport which can save your child’s life. Drowning is still Super Heroes to Monsters, Trolls, Makers and Mad Hatters! Modern & clean venue. ACTIVITY CENTRES one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to  01895 624755  [email protected] Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of swim is an essential life-saving skill. To fi nd out more about learning to swim at www.thewindmillstudio.com activities available from 6mths to 12yrs.  020 8954 5759 your local leisure centre visit  www.everyoneactive.com.  [email protected]. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and Term Time, Field End Rd for ages 5–11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events plus special visits from Jimmy Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, supportive the JAMtots Bear.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  [email protected] Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket. Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling women who children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility and  Tracey fi eldendfl [email protected] love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present. Perfect way to meet have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room available for all Harrow Junior Hockey Club (HA1) run sessions for children aged 4- 16 years on new friends and sing with a great group of women. Wed night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the restaurant while your little Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings at The John Lyon School Playing Fields, Ruislip Community Centre.  www.capitalconnection.org.uk ones are playing.  0208 427 8847  [email protected] Sudbury Hill, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3NA. Everyone welcome please contact us for www.rumble-tumble.com Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking, cake decorating and dessert more information  [email protected] classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small groups in hands on The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and during term holidays in a everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults.  01895 624755  www. develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes friendly environment.  07737847405 or [email protected]. thewindmillstudio.com Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet   www.egglesscakedelights.com 020 8201 1084  [email protected]. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford  0208 123 9346  jodiesloan@ Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students MUSIC & MOVEMENT littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley  0208 422 0676  [email protected] www.littlekickers.co.uk learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and funky environment. Group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & introduce the Rugbytots - the UK’s fi rst rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds. Focusing www.veggiekitchen.co.uk concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also encourage sharing, on developing your child’s motor skills and confi dence with fun-fi lled programmes Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for women taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction to music and rhythm, beat aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility and coordination. throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) Building is brilliantly fun!  07721 623 171  [email protected] www. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Stanmore.  For more adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life building experiences for beatbuilding.co.uk www.facebook.com/beatbuilding information contact [email protected] women, mothers and mothers to be. Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children. All students There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal 6 yrs with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable and inspire learning, are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 years and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW YogaBelles: yoga developing inner hearing and core music skills. New class starting in Hendon in (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). (Previously known as designed for a unique women’s body.  07840 904887 Jan 2017.  020 8444 9435  www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School  [email protected] www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli Rickmansworth  01923255099 Diddi Dance Harrow & North Hillingdon (various) At diddi dance we enhance  [email protected] www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk children’s endless energy and enthusiasm through funky, full of fun sessions First Aid that build confi dence, co-ordination and creativity. Classes in Pinner,Ruislip & White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and above held MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and voluntary Stanmore with new ones opening soon. To book a FREE TRIAL contact tejal. in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow Weald. Adult Ofsted Registration. Certifi cate valid for 3 yrs. [email protected] classes in Barnet.  Sheena 0787 550 1674  whitecraneedgware34@hotmail. co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk  Margaret 07814 191 395  [email protected] Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are fi lled with music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Focusing on a range of Y Active (HA2) New Harrow classes booking now for children and adults at the engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo then down tempo, leaving YMCA. A beautiful studio with free parking and a play garden. Baby, Ballet, Gym, parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a tummy tickling roller coaster!  Soft Play and Classes from £4.40.  020 8832 1576  yactive@ymcawestlondon. LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT org www.ymcawestlondon.org Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about Contact [email protected] www.mini-maniacs.com brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. Birkbeck Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. 020 7631 6258  www. young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant Massage & Yoga cbcd.bbk.ac.uk fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good fi t” for Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training Chinmaya UK (HA) Do you want your children to connect to their Indian culture Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates, Baby Massage & Fitness through stories, games and celebration of festivals? Go along to Bal Vihar classes pre-schoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity”. Age for Mums for those in & near Eastcote, Ruislip, Harrow, Pinner, Northwood, to explore culture and values in an engaging, positive environment. Every Sunday Uxbridge, & Maida Vale West London. info@positivlifefi tness.com  07974 062 in Harrow and Hendon for children aged 5-17. [email protected] www. guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from  2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are open 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, 973  www.positivlifefi tness.com www.facebook.com/positivlifefi tness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical benefi ts of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength and fl exibility! YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 months) YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 months to 4 years): Sat mornings, Bushey YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (children 4-12 years): Sat & Sun mornings, Bushey NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 years): Weekday evening, Bushey  07840 904887  [email protected]; www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/ anjli Swimmimg Aqua Vie Swimming based on effortless swimming and true water confi dence. Fun classes for babies & Children from 6wks+ to all ages including Adults. New Tues, Wed & Sunday morning classes in Bushey WD23. Tel 01923 245 772 www.aqua-vie. com or email offi [email protected] Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and After school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also held at Merchant Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School.  Splashtime Swim School  07903126486 Children’s Activities 07794078452 THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level.  07974 750 224  www. beverleydance.co.uk.

12 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk

FNWLIssue117.indd 12 27/09/2017 00:38 Local Clubs and Classes Directory

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at Harrow 9.15am prompt, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy agency that is Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, printmaking, make new friends (for both children and parents) and enjoy a whole morning of always looking for new recruits!  01895 624755  www.jam2000.co.uk collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) A new school year is here, which means Qualifi ed teachers.  07946 055 422  [email protected] helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  Contact Tracey at that children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the stage as Jigsaw Artzania Art and Craft Activity Club (HA) A new and exciting Arts and Crafts activity fi eldendfl [email protected] begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity club for children ages 1-11 yrs open during term time and holidays. They offer and The Harrow Woodcraft Folk (HA) Elfi n group for children, 6 to 9 year olds are to escape the cold, wet October weekends.Performing arts classes are an excellent Mother Toddler Group art club (aged 1-4 yrs) and an After-school/ Holiday Club (ages reopening their group after the Summer holidays on Tuesday 6th September in way to build confi dence and social skills and are lots of fun. For more information or 5-11yrs) Contact to book your place:  Keshma 07419343105  keshma.artzania@ Central Harrow. Parents wishing to join their children should contact the District to book a two-week trial, visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530. gmail.com Secretary; John Woolf:  020 8428 2409 or  e-mail: [email protected] Italia Conti Ruislip (HA5) Performing Arts School for students 2yrs to adult, at Haydon Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Do your kids love Art? Then welcome to the club! For more information regarding Harrow Woodcraft Folk visit their web site: www. School in Eastcote. ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern, Street dance, Break Dance, Hip Hop, Sign them up for these fun classes where I teach art techniques to 5+, 7+ and 11-18 harrowwoodcraftfolk.btck.co.uk/HowtoJoin Musical Theatre, Singing, LAMDA, acting, Gymnastics, Lyrical and much more! Shows year olds. Weekly term time classes & holiday workshops, with public or small Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities limited twice a year at Harrow Arts Centre. Call or email for a Free Trial  20 8838 8747 group private options are available in Ruislip Manor & Eastcote. Special member’s (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school day, then take the [email protected] www.italiacontiruislip.co.uk benefi ts, sibling discounts and a refer a friend scheme are available so why not children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity. They are open Monday- Perform (various) weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confi dence building fun book now & let them develop a love of Art that will last a lifetime! Contact Suzi Friday 3pm-6pm  Nicole 07794078452  [email protected] www. for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring at (E)[email protected], (M) 07773 819 603 www.Facebook.com/ activetime.co.uk out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual BlankCanvasArtClub Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions for newcomers, from Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the very young those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fi ne motor diffi culties. Small Saturday 2nd September - Sunday 17th December 2017. and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up! Exploring different groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration.   020 7255 9120  [email protected] www.perform.org.uk materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come dressed for mess!  0208 Usha Patel 07766 837 616  [email protected] www.integratedbrain. Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre 416 8989  www.harrowarts.com/family co.uk school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where Stitch Club (HA5) Stitch and Sketch Club for children and teens. Start with simple JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Assessments, children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical Theatre hand sewing then developing sewing machine and design techniques to design and Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, EFL.  020 3488 0754 productions.  01923 437693  www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk create your own items. Saturday Sketch Club develops looking and drawing skills  www.jkeducate.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great and confi dence. Also parties and one-off workshops. Adults’ weekly Dressmaking Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, for building confi dence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and sessions and occaisional Beginners workshops. W: stitch.club E: [email protected] 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085 enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun!   www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Offer specialist experience and accelerated & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/EDUCATION learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run popular Summer and Northwood 01442 263 599  www.stagecoach.co.uk Winter Schools during holidays. 2 hours spent per subject, including English, Maths, Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and SUPPORT Learning to Read and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All programmes are for Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs.  [email protected] 1Point4Teacher (HA) Do you have a child in KS1 and KS2? Would you like to ages 3.5 to 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance improve on their end of year report? Does your child need more of a challenge? exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted.  01992 651 300 Dance Then give 1Point4Teacher a try today. Lessons from a qualifi ed primary school  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk teacher, with a class ratio of 1 adult to 4 children. We offer English tuition on Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) 2 courses for the price of 1 in Maths and English or Maths Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge Mondays and Tuesdays, covering reading comprehension and SPAG (spellings, and Reading. Lessons take place on a Saturday at, Edgware, Rickmansworth or City Centre. Classes for children ages 2 all the way through to adults. Hip Hop, punctuation and grammar) with math lessons taking place on a Wednesday. We Bushey call now 020 3637 6266  www.littlebigleaders.com. Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, Breakdancing, Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), are located in Harrow, 5 minutes from Kenton Library. For further information Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole Fitness, and Children’s Parties. Classes range from visit www.1Point4Teacher.co.uk or email the Head Tutor Mrs Edwin on The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based beginners to advanced/competitive levels. Three fully equipped studios available [email protected] learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Grammar for hire, at very competitive rates. Futunity UK also supply dance (all genres) and and private schools.  For a call back email your name and number to info@ Beavers/Cubs/Scouts (various) the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation theye thelondontutors.co.uk gymnastics teachers into schools to run after/before school extra curricular sessions, change lives by offering 6 to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique and PE and PPA cover lessons. 01895 251224  [email protected] www. experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework support. futunityuk.com positive impact in communities. www.scouts.org.uk  0333 12 33 445  www.mathscool.com Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in ballet, tap, Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist across the Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school Maths and English tuition classes pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with the Royal Academy of area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards. which target identifi ed needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (tap), and all teachers  www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or  Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for all levels from are fully qualifi ed and registered with the RAD and ISTD. They produce a summer Reception to Year 11.  www.numberworksnwords.co.uk show each year. Classes in Harrow, North Harrow and Bushey.  07814 793 772  Champs Learning (HA1) A very structured tuition course for English, Maths, Science [email protected] and 11+ exams. Courses run at Harrow College.  020 3004 9007 www. champslearning.co.uk Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception to Year 11 www.instepschoolofballet.co.uk by fully qualifi ed teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing, SATS, 11+ Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Learn a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip- Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational weekly and GCSE. FREE ASSESSMENT. Ofsted Registered.  www.pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk Hop and Salsa at our weekly classes. Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults the courses computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery schools all over North are Fun, Motivating and KBM offers many performance opportunities. All dance levels West London. Have fun learning with technology: mouse and keyboard skills and The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) - 3.30pm to welcome. Contact our friendly team for your class registration. devices including graphic tablets, trackpads and digital microscopes. Every lesson is 6pm term time. Play schemes available out of term-time.  0207 407 6744.  0208 423 9543/07944 457 984  www.kspark.co.uk designed to complement the EYFS curriculum. Free trials available.  [email protected] www.theplayshelter.co.uk  020 8434 7111.  www.clickit-kids.co.uk. [email protected]. Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training students DiscoG Coding Boot Camp (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Primary The Rainbow Club (various) Specialise in preparing for 3+, 4+ and 5+ entrance from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. Royal Academy of exams. 07850 045 471  [email protected] Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to Advanced Level and ISTD and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Python Programming exams in all other Genre to the same standard. All classes held in South Harrow/ Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and engaging gadgets Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the SEN Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert.  0208 8662105 or that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze register. Reading courses are fl exible with home based learning (via computer) 01923 285380.  www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk and inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE monitored daily.  Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 and A Levels. Adult courses are also available.  Gerard on 07767 300940   [email protected] (registered therapist) The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, [email protected] www.discogcodingacademy.com technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware. Programmes Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts and Harrow courses are based on with Royal Academy of Dance examinations  020 8950 2457  www more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra help, in English maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for entrance exams or you just want been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading to give them every advantage, Elisa can help. 99% success rate. verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90% of  020 8958 1192 07956868119  www.childrensstories.net www.kidslearnfast. the students on the courses have achieved success SW HERTS 020 7683 0734 ARTS AND CRAFTS co.uk  www.sdeuk.org/swherts; HARROW  020 3 198 7772  www.sde11plus. com/courses; Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups Monday–Thursday abilities. Visit their website to fi nd your nearest centre or call to book a free trial Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA2) Learn to touch type! afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for children from Year 1 up. Weekday class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk. Weekly lessons and intensive holiday courses for children from age 8-18. Highly morning studio sessions for adults in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every Saturday in recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their offi ce in Harrow 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  [email protected] Term Time adjacent to Field End Junior School, Field End Road, Eastcote, Middx HA4, on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.  020 8434 for all children aged 5 – 11 years. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 7111.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. [email protected].

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 13

FNWLIssue117.indd 13 27/09/2017 00:39 What’s On 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.

Tue 24 - Sun 29 Oct - The day Brian changes and the library goes…quiet. The Alban Arena Gruffalo Join Mouse on a daring adventure Compass Theatre What’s going on? The books had better stiffen Civic Centre, St Albans through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ Glebe Avenue, Ickenham UB10 their spines: to get to the bottom of this mystery 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture 01895 673 0200 www.hillingdontheatres.uk they may have to check themselves out… A book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. musical show using song, puppetry and dynamic Mon 23 Oct - Milkshake! Live Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the Thu 26 – Sat 28 Oct - Honk! Jnr performance. ‘The Magic Story Book’ Starring cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the Encore Junior Theatre’s latest production is the Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying witty, charming, and deeply moving Honk! JR, Unicorn Theatre Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner based on the famous story of The Ugly Duckling. Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, Ugly looks quite a bit different from his duckling 147 Tooley Street, SE1. Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? brothers and sisters. The other animals on the 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all farm are quick to notice and point this out, Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged Sat 1 Oct – Sun 5 Nov - Beowulf singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much- despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling Beowulf is the longest surviving epic poem take audiences on a journey through the world’s loved show that’s toured Britain and the world! rather ‘foul’ about himself, the little fowl finds in Old English. Writer Chris Thorpe shines a favourite fairy tales. The Milkshake! cast will be Ages 5+ himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all new perspective on the seminal text, drawing singing songs and sharing stories that audience the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry out connections between the ancient and the members, young and old, will know and love. Cat. Adapted from the full length show, Honk! is modern worlds in this tale of heroism, fear, Chickenshed funny and heart-warming musical for all ages bravery and anguish in the battle of life. An Artsdepot exciting, adventurous and atmospheric new Chase Side Southgate N14. Harrow Arts Centre interpretation performed with live music. 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.u 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Hatch End HA5 Until Sat 28 Oct - Tales from 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com Watersmeet Mon 23 - Fri 27 Oct - Ready the Shed Tales from the Shed are vibrant, High St, Rickmansworth WD3 Steady Go! Come into our driving school interactive theatre shows that are perfect for Sun 8 Oct - Carnival of the – grab your tool kit, choose your car, colour and young children. They are informal, lively and Animals The much loved music by French 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk drive! Ready Steady Go is an immersive theatre amazingly engaging as the performers and composer Camille Saint-Saëns combines with Fri 20 Oct - Vienna Festival Ballet show for 3 – 9 year olds and their families, that audience share the same space - children are the visual magic of hand shadows to create presents: The Sleeping Beauty A allows the audience to create, decorate and drive always encouraged to make a lot of noise and a spellbinding experience. Goole, Finger and classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent cardboard cars. You can colour your own cut-out to make the story happen. Every week will be Thumb Theatre’s brand new performance is a score, stunning choreography, beautiful car, and once wearing your newly painted car, different stories featuring the same much loved riot of hand shadow animals dancing, cavorting costumes all combine to portray the struggle accelerate through a story involving a bubbly characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to and bumping into one another accompanied between good and evil. The wicked Carbosse car wash and road works, a hazardous snowy laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes by live music. Here the audience will encounter casts a spell on Princess Aurora proclaiming that road, plus learning to stop at the zebra crossing. Blurgh! Shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Tue 24, lions (but not tigers and bears!), fish, kangaroos, she will one day prick her finger – and die. The Learn road safety and then drive your unique car Wed 25, Thu 26 & Fri 27 Oct. Ages 0-6yrs elephants, donkeys, a whole flock of birds and Lilac Fairy changes the spell, instead the Princess home in this show that brings together family, even a wild pianist! and the entire Palace fall into a deep sleep. colouring, cardboard cars, music and a heap of A century later Prince Florimund revives the laughter. Fri 27 Oct - Don’t Dribble on the Princess with a kiss. Dragon Tom is a toddler with a big, older brother, a secret dragon… and a dribbling problem that just won’t stop! When Tom’s Watford Palace Theatre endless drooling threatens to tear the brothers’ Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 friendship apart can his dragon’s crazy magic 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk help them put it back together again or will it only end up making things worse? With magic Fri 27 – Sun 29 Oct - Treasure designed by the legendary Paul Daniels, this Island When a notorious pirate arrives at spectacular musical adventure about growing the Admiral Benbow Inn, young Jim Hawkins’ up and the importance of family is the perfect life is changed forever. The discovery of an old feel good show for big hearted adults and loving treasure map takes him on a dark and thrilling little ones alike. adventure beyond his wildest imagination. Aboard the Hispaniola, it seems that everyone on the ship wants that map, and with pirates The Centre hiding among her crew, the race to the treasure 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 is on. A talented company of young performers 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk drawn from across Hertfordshire bring Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic swashbuckling Thu 19 – Fri 20 Oct - The Tiger adventure to life in this brand new stage Who Came To Tea The doorbell rings adaptation. Ages 7+ just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a Winston Churchill Theatre big, stripy tiger! Following a smash-hit West Pinn Way Ruislip HA4 01895 250615 End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on www.hillingdontheatres.uk the road in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and Wed 11 – Sat 14 Oct - The Wizard clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of of Oz Go Over The Rainbow with KLOS Musical the classic tale of teatime mayhem...,expect to Theatre as they perform the classic musical, be surprised! Ages 3+ The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy Gale is blown from Kansas to the Land of Oz, where she meets the Thu 26 – Fri 27 Oct - Lost and Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and more Found Set sail on a wonderful adventure colourful characters. She defies the power of the in this magical, musical show based on the Wicked Witch to reach the Emerald City and ask bestselling picture book by award-winning the Wizard to send her home. The score includes children’s author, Oliver Jeffers. This simple story unforgettable songs; If I Only Had a Brain, We’re of true friendship comes to life with puppetry, Off to See the Wizard, Ding-Dong! the Witch is songs and music. Dead and, of course, Over the Rainbow.

Trestle Theatre Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk MORE Fri 13 Oct - Book Story Book Story. It’s a story, about some books. In a library. But these ONLINE are no ordinary books and this is no ordinary library. It’s Brian’s library: a wonderful, magical familiesonline.co.uk place where all the books are happy. Then one

14 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk

FNWMag117.indd 14 27/09/2017 00:16 What’s On October Half Term Camps

Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford ( 0208 123 9346 8 [email protected] or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley (0208 422 0676 8 niro@ littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk

Luchi and Ota (HA8) Sewing & Crafts Workshops For Kids From 5+. Classes run from 23rd - 27th October in Edgware. 0208 958 7714 www.luchiandota.com

MCC Cricket Academy (NW8) Cricket sessions for all ages at Lords Cricket Ground. Little Legends sessions for an introduction to cricket for under 4’s; Mini Masters for ages 4-5 yrs; Cricket Cubs for ages 5-7 to learn the basic cricketing skills; full day sessions for Future Stars ages 7-9 yrs; Academy All-Rounders for ages 9-11 yrs and MCC Cricket Academy Colts for 11-16 yrs. 020 7616 8612 cricketacademy@mcc. org.uk www.lords.org Artzania Art and Craft Activity Club (HA) A new and exciting Arts and Crafts activity Perform: Drama, Dance and Singing Half-Term Course - Wizard of Oz club for children ages 1-11 yrs open during (HA5) On these one and three day dance, drama and singing courses, term time and holidays. Our October club the children will enter a world of musical fantasy as they re-enact the offers Mother Toddler Group art club (aged much-loved story of the Wizard of Oz. For ages 4-7 years on Monday 1-4 yrs) and an After-school/ Holiday Club 23rd October, 10am - 3pm at St Luke’s Parish Hall, Love Lane, Pinner, (ages 5-11yrs). Middlesex, HA5 3EX. T: 020 7255 9120 / [email protected] Contact to book your place: Keshma 07419343105 www.perform.org.uk/holidays [email protected] Super Camps (various) Multi-Activity camp for ages 4-12. Super Camps’ fabulous Multi-Activity programme for ages 4-12 years allows Aspire Kidzone Camp (HA7) During our October half-term camp we the camp to come together and get involved in some great activities. will be offering a range of exciting activities in our programme this As well as taking part in the fun-packed programme, children are will include sports, games, Arts & crafts, Horse-riding & cared for by fully qualified and enthusiastic staff to swimming. Bookings open on Monday 25th September give the kids a great experience on camp. From 23-27 2017. Daily Bookings £31.50, Further discounts for October. www.supercamps.co.uk registered disabled. Contact Abby Bennett, Kidzzone Camp Coordinator - T 020 8420 6725 MORE Type IT! Touch Typing Courses (HA2) October Intensive www.aspireleisurecentre.org.uk course for children aged 10+. Adults welcome too! 10am ONLINE - 12pm, Monday 23rd October - Friday 27th October. Camp Phoenix (NW9) Provides a great escape into the Cost: £200.00. Book online or give us a call. At The Old outdoors with a range of fantastic water sports; you and familiesonline.co.uk Office, 24 Roxeth Hill, Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. www. your friends will have the chance to try out some really typeitforkids.co.uk. Email: [email protected] Tel: cool activities. Choose from full day Explore Paddling or 020 8434 7111 (Extn 1). Sailing Improvers sessions or 2/3 day activity courses. You can do as much or as little as you choose or build a few courses and sessions into a full week. The holiday “day camps” are run by an experienced team of British Canoeing coaches and RYA Instructors at our base on the Welsh Harp reservoir. www.phoenixcanoeclub.co.uk

Danny Grant Soccer School (NW3) Offers action-packed holiday courses for children aged 3 to 12 during the holidays. Our October Half-Term Holiday Football Camps will take place 16th – 20th October and 23rd – 27th October at South Hampstead High School. 020 8446 0891 www.dgsoccer.co.uk

Dramarama (NW3) Non-stop drama fun for ages 3-15 years at South Hampstead High School. Courses include Dramatots for 3-4 yrs; Stage 1 for 4-6 yrs; Musical Theatre for 7-11 yrs; Street Dance/Hip Hop for 7-11 yrs and Youth Theatre Group for 11-15 yrs. Week One: 16th – 20th October; Week Two: 23rd – 27th October. [email protected] 020 8446 0891 www.dramarama.co.uk

Enjoy-a-Ball (Various) October Camp running over half term, on 24th, 25th and 26th October. Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction to sport. We also have Enjoy-a-ball 3-9 year olds and Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. 0333 334 0845 or 07763746886 www.enjoy-a-ball.com [email protected]

Explore Learning (various) Maths and English tuition over October half term, as well as Entrance Exam Prep, Succeed in Secondary and Creative Writing. Centres in Watford, Harrow, Ruislip, Queensbury and Wembley. Check out their FREE trial offer! www.explorelearning.co.uk

JK Educate (NW11) 11+ mock exam on Sunday 15th October at Brooklands Junior School. 9.00am to 12.45pm. To book a place, email [email protected] or call 020 3488 0754. 11+ workshop day on Monday 23rd October (maths session in the morning and English in the afternoon). To book a place, email [email protected] or call 020 3488 0754.

Little Kickers (Various) Classes continue over October half term! Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity www.activetime.co.uk classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet ( 020 8201 1084 8 [email protected].

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 15

FNWMag117.indd 15 27/09/2017 00:25 What’s On 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 (Nov/Dec 2017) send your entry by 23 Nov 2017 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!

Halloween at Paultons Park

this interactive animation workshop in the Roman happenings and interact with Linda’s complex and things like Drama, Bollywood Dancing, Music and October London gallery. This is a drop-in workshop, so stop delicate sculptures. Go along to the Reading Room much more. Everyone is welcome, so go along and by anytime between 12.30-1.30pm, 2-3pm, 3.30- over the weekend between 11am to 4pm and add try something new. Email culturebite@hillingdon. Tue 26 Sep – Tue 21 Nov - Effective 4.30pm. Minimum age 7+. your own creations to the growing installation. gov.uk to book. Parenting Course (HA1) For every parent www.museumoflondon.org.uk www.brent.gov.uk www.hillingdon.gov.uk with a child aged 3-12 years. This 8 week course is aimed at helping parents and carers learn practical Fri 6 Oct - Jail & Bail in aid of Sat 7 Oct - Lots for Tots Sale Sat 7 Oct - Fun Palaces at communication skills and positive discipline Michael Sobell Hospice (WD3) Join Rickmansworth (WD3) An indoor table artsdepot (N12) The annual, free, worldwide strategies for everyday life, to develop their abilities ‘Jail & Bail’, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, in top sale for people that want to sell their second celebration of arts, science and culture returns for to raise confident, happy and co-operative children. partnership with Ruislip Police Station and get hand baby, toddler and children’s items, and those its fourth year. artsdepot will join 150+ Fun Palaces Topics include: Building self-esteem for children locked up to help raise vital funds for the Hospice in that want to buy them. Visitors can browse each expected to pop up across the UK and globally in and parents, understanding children’s behaviour, its 40th year during Hospice Care Week. Upstanding sellers table and pick out exactly what they need, arts centres, swimming pools, theatres, universities, listening skills, effective communication, positive members of the community will be: arrested & paying the seller direct. The sale takes place at back gardens, castles, libraries, woodlands and more discipline, dealing with feelings and setting limits. handcuffed, taken away in a police van, finger Rickmansworth School from 10-11.30am. - and you’re invited. 11am-3pm. At Hope Harrow, 64 Pinner Road. printed, DNA tested and locked in a police cell. The www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk www.artsdepot.co.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk only way to be let out of jail is to raise £500 in sponsorship money for the charity. Sat 7 Oct – Northwood Craft Sat 7 Oct - Fun Palaces: The Thu 28 Sep – Thu 26 Oct - Money 020 3826 2362 ochambershenry@ Market (HA6) There will be many beautiful National Maritime Museum Matters (HA1) This 5 week programme aims michaelsobellhospice.co.uk www. crafts for sale, all handmade by local craftspeople, Submerged (SE10) The National Maritime to make the issue around money, engaging and michaelsobellhospice.co.uk as well as hands-on crafts for children, a plant Museum is hosting its first ever Fun Palaces event, fun. It’s not always easy to find the time and space Stall, teas, coffees and delicious homemade cakes. featuring workshops, performance activities and to make the subject of money, and its challenges, Fri 6 – Sun 8 Oct – Hillingdon At the Methodist Church Hall in Northwood from creative sessions for the whole community, where part of family life and the children’s understanding. Literary Festival (UB8) In its 3rd year, 10am-2pm. anyone can be an artist or scientist. The theme of Topics include: Spending habits and household the festival is a free weekend of author sessions, www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk the day is ‘Submerged’ where visitors will plunge in finances: Ways to start and maintain accurate debates, masterclasses, signings and festival fun to adventure when they find that the museum has paperwork: Budget planning and using a spending taking place at Brunel University. HiLF is open and Sat 7 Oct - mysteriously disappeared under the water. diary: Understanding need versus want: Savings: accessible to everyone in the wider community, Community Orchard: Apple Day www.rmg.co.uk Effectively communicating with children and the with a mission of championing the current literary (WD3) The 9th Apple Day will take place in the confidence to say ‘No’ without feeling guilty. At environment and celebrating the diverse voices of Community Orchard, at Chorleywood House Estate Hope Harrow, 64 Pinner Road. our brilliant Borough. from 11am to 3pm. Entry is free and there will be Sat 7 – Mon 30 Oct – www.hopeharrow.org.uk www.hillingdonliteraryfestival.com attractions and activities for everyone. Children can Halloween at Paultons Park (SO51) help press apples into juice while adults can enjoy Have a fang-tastic day at Paultons Park this Sun 1 Oct - Animated Romans Sat 7 Oct - ActionSpace Fun Palace the Cider Club’s 2016 vintage. There will also be a Halloween, with more than 1,500 pumpkins placed (EC2Y) Explore Roman London in a very modern Weekend (NW10) Help ActionSpace range of apple-based crafts for the children. around the park, frightfully fun activities, classic way at this free digital animation workshop at the transform the Reading Room at Willesden Green www.threerivers.gov.uk Halloween characters including mischievous Museum of London. Gladiators, imposing armies, Library into a Fun Palace, inspired by the art making skeletons and pumpkins, and a giant witches’ luxurious baths and straight roads… what comes of Pardip Kapil and Linda Bell. Become immersed Sat 7 Oct - Fun Palace (UB8) There will cauldron for little monsters to climb into and have to mind when you think of the Romans? Discover in Pardip’s surreal and unpredictable world of art be a variety of workshops and activities to learn their picture taken. Find The Little Monsters Ball at what daily life was like in the city 2000 years ago at new skills at Uxbridge Library - all for free! Including

16 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk What’s On

Sat 14 Oct - Rickmansworth Society Negotiating and setting limits; Finding different Annual Fair (WD3) A large number of local ways to communicate effectively; Peer pressure, groups and societies will be present at Watersmeet self-image and self-esteem. At Hope Harrow, 64 Theatre, with an array of interesting tables with Pinner Road. items for sale and lots of local information. Go along www.hopeharrow.org.uk and pick up a bargain or choose from a selection of Christmas gifts.This market helps raise much needed funds for many wonderful charities and local Tue 31 Oct - Halloween support is always welcome. Refreshments will be Musical Spectacular (WD3) The Three available. 10am-1pm. Rivers District Council Chairman’s Variety www.watersmeet.co.uk Performance in aid of the Rickmansworth Sea Scouts and Mill End Community Centre. Featuring songs Sat 14 Oct - Dog Day Afternoon from Sweeney Todd, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, (W1U) Pitter patter down to the Cabbages and Rocky Horror Picture Show performed by West Herts Frocks market in Marylebone village for another College Performing Arts and Leavesden Community special Dog Day Afternoon. One of the highlights of Players. The show takes place at Watersmeet the day will be the Good Boy Dog School headed Theatre. by Dima and his doggy dance partners George and www.watersmeet.co.uk Teddy, who will be presenting new and exciting routines at 12 noon and 2pm. Previously Dima and Tue 31 Oct - Halloween for the George have been seen on Britain’s Got talent. family at Mill Green Museum (AL9) George, who is a wow with the ladies, upstaged Dress up your little spooks and take them along lady Gaga on Comic relief. A winning duo, not to be to enjoy a spooky family fun packed ‘softly scary’ missed! Free Admission. Halloween event. Includes spooky stories, spooky www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk trail, make your own potions, bob for apples, bite a biscuit and guess what’s in the Gruesome Sacks! Sat 14 Oct - Diwali Celebration The event will end with a musical family costume (SE10) Visit the National Maritime Museum with parade (parents included). the whole family for this event in the lead up to welhat.gov.uk/Mill Diwali. Enjoy a day of music, art and performance in celebration of this annual festival of lights observed around the world. Dog Day Afternoon www.rmg.co.uk Half Term Sat 14 – Sun 15 Oct - Experience a Sat 21 – Sat 28 Oct - Halloween the Show Stage, and don’t forget to dress in your Tue 10 Oct - Black Tudors in the traditional Harvest Festival (HP8) Half-Term (N3) Visit the Spooky Basement at creepiest costumes and participate in the Freaky Queen’s House (SE10) As part of Black Discover the fascinating traditions of farming history Stephens House, and venture outside for the ‘Ghosts Fancy Dress Competition. History Month, uncover the hidden histories of at Chiltern Open Air museum. This popular annual in the Trees’ garden ghost hunt with a prize for all www.paultonspark.co.uk . African people who lived in Tudor England. From harvest event provides a unique opportunity to completed ghost hunts! 1-4pm daily. Henry VIII’s salvage diver to Anne of Denmark’s explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest www.stephenshouseandgardens.com Sun 8 Oct - Michael Sobell Hospice groom, discover the untold stories of African people past, with the Museum’s restored 1947 threshing 40th Anniversary Walk (WD3) Walk who lived in Tudor and early Stuart England. Dr machine working hard to process the year’s rye Fri 20 Oct - Hang about! Free Games and and help raise vital funds for the hospice during Miranda Kaufmann shares tales from her new book, crop – as long as the rain holds off! You can also Events for Teens (WD18) good times for 12-17 year olds are here at intu Hospice Care Week and in its very special 40th Black Tudors: The Untold Story, in the Queen’s take part in some family friendly Harvest themed Watford. Go along to chill out, challenge your Anniversary year. Join in a 3 or 12 mile walk which House. craft activities. mates and take home top prizes on the first will take you through the beautiful countryside www.rmg.co.uk www.coam.org.uk around Moor Park, Harefield, Rickmansworth and day of every school holiday. October sees the The Grand Union Canal. Dogs and children welcome Sun 15 Oct - The Ravest Show on ‘Playstation Challenge’, from 12-5pm. The Wed 11 – Sat 28 Oct – Dance winners from the event will win a £25 intu Gift too! Registration at 8.15am Walk starts at 9am, starts Umbrella (various) The programme of this Earth! (E14) The Museum of London Docklands and ends at Michael Sobell Hospice. and Big Fish Little Fish have teamed up again to Card. Don’t miss out! year’s International Contemporary Dance Festival www.intu.co.uk/watford www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk is jam-packed with world-leading choreographers bring you another award winning family rave this and dancers and opens with Origami at Battersea Autumn! Party animals big and small will be able Sun 8 Oct - Celebrate Black History Power Station. The London skyline will be to enjoy the circus themed family-friendly rave. Get Month: Jazz celebration featuring dramatically altered as gravity-defying Japanese involved with the multi-sensory dancefloor delights, Courtney Pine (WD17) Courtney Pine dancer and circus aerialist, Satchie Noro performs live DJ, glitter cannons, giant balloons, bubble CBE headlines this special jazz themed evening machines and famous parachute dance. at Watford Palace Theatre, celebrating the 100th on a moving, 40ft shipping container in front of the iconic building. Families will be able to enjoy this www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london- birthday of Ella Fitzgerald and 30 years of Black docklands MORE History Month. The evening also features Melissa spectacular, free, outdoor performance in several James, who returns to Watford Palace Theatre to other locations along the banks of the River Thames Mon 30 Oct, Mon 6 & 13 Nov - ONLINE open the evening. Authentic Caribbean snacks will and Croydon. Living with a Teenager workshops be sold during the event by local caterer Patwarls. www.danceumbrella.co.uk (HA1) These workshops for every parent with a familiesonline.co.uk www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk teenager or adolescent aged 12 years +. It can be Fri 13 Oct - Ruislip Manor Library: exciting and satisfying helping our young people Sun 8 Oct – Diwali Celebration Day 10th birthday! (HA4) A day of fun and grow up to be capable independent young adults! (HA5) A fun variety of Diwali activities for the frivolity celebrating the new Ruislip Manor Library During these workshops you will learn how to whole family, including arts, crafts, story-telling and that was built 10 years ago! 2.30-4.30pm. navigate some of the bigger challenges parents much more. At the Heath Robinson Museum from www.hillingdon.gov.uk of teens face. Topics include: Understanding the 11am-1pm. Booking essential. needs and behaviours of pre-teens and teenagers; continued on page 18 www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org v

The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance examinations results • Established 14 years in Stanmore • Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, London Studio Centre, Ballet West • Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals • Contemporary/Jazz classes Classes are held in the Stanmore and and Bushey Area Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher) T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 17 What’s On

Wed 25 Oct - Half Term Film ‘The of the Museum’s historic buildings and woods. This Lego Batman Movie’ and Pre-Film year the event will be part of Culture 24’s Workshop: Lego Batman Masks Museums at Night. Pre-booking is essential for this (HA5) We love being superheroes! At the end extremely popular event. of this craft workshop at Harrow Arts Centre, each www.coam.org.uk child will leave with their own Batman mask to wear during the film! Workshop begins at 10am, followed by a showing of The Lego Batman Movie Fri 27 Oct - Night Owls at 11am. Halloween Sleepover (EC2Y) What www.harrowarts.com happens in the Museum of London once the doors close for the night? Trickor-treat your way around the galleries, solve a spooky crime by torchlight Wed 25 Oct - Halloween Fun with the help of a mysterious character and help Fest (WD18) Herts Inclusive Theatre invite you to an unmissable , unforgettable morning of tell some ghostly tales from Victorian London. Bed spooky fun for all ages at their Halloween Fun Fest, down in the museum galleries, before a bright and from 10.00am ‘til 12noon at the Holywell early light breakfast and a family friendly film in Community Centre. This free, fun event for the the morning. Suggested ages: 7-11. www.museumoflondon.org.uk whole family includes arts & crafts, storytelling, tombola & face painting. Homemade cakes & refreshments will be available to purchase. Fri 27 Oct - Lost in the ice! www.hit-theatre.org.uk Halloween Party (SE10) Go along for a spooky journey through the icy depths of the Wed 25 Oct - Bollywood Dancing National Maritime Museum at the annual family (HA4) Go and Dance with Jay Kumar, London’s Halloween party. Investigate a haunted ship and Top Bollywood Dance Entertainer, at Ruisip Manor meet ghostly explorers who have come back to life Library from 3-5pm. There will also be some to join in the fun. colourful and dynamic bollywood performances by www.rmg.co.uk DanceAsia who have recently appeared on BBC’s Night Owl Sleepover © Museum of London Don’t Tell The Bride and Channel 5’s Saturday Show Live and have led the Hayes Carnival Parade the Sat 28 Oct - Draw Your Own last two years. Join in with Jay Kumar’s inclusive Cartoon! (HA5) Join cartoonist Steve Marchant from the Cartoon Museum for a special v continued from page 17 Tue 24 Oct - Half Term Film ‘Sing’ Bollywood dance routines to lively Bollywood hit songs, suitable for all ages and abilities. Free - family workshop at Harrow Arts Centre. Learn how and Pre-Film Workshop: Sing to design your own cartoon character and create Singsong! (HA5) A fun and friendly singing email [email protected] to book. Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct - Paddington’s www.hillingdon.gov.uk a fantastic comic strip story! Steve will finish by Half Term (EC2Y) Expect daily activities workshop at Harrow Arts Centre at 10am, where doing a quick cartoon portrait of all participants! at the Museum of London inspired by London’s you’ll be taught some of the tunes from the film www.harrowarts.com favourite bear and his upcoming film, Paddington so you can sing along! The showing of ‘Sing’ Wed 25 Oct - Michael Sobell will follow at 11am - Dapper Koala Buster Moon 2. Keep an eye on the website to find out about Hospice Halloween Quiz Night Sat 28 Oct - Nutcracker Family presides over a once-grand theatre that has fallen special guests, exclusive competitions and (WD3) Go along and help raise vital funds for Dance Workshop (UB8) Get in the on hard times. He takes one final chance to restore highlight events. To coincide with the release of Michael Sobell Hospice at their Halloween Quiz festive spirit and take part in a creative family it to its former glory by producing the world’s Paddington 2, you can also visit a small display Night - spooky fun for all the family! Takes place at ballet workshop inspired by the Christmas classic, greatest singing competition featuring a mouse, celebrating the well-mannered bear and including Michael Sobell Centre Lecture Hall at 7.30pm. Nutcracker. Learn extracts with English National a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk original costumes and props from the new film. In Ballet dance artists, explore Tchaikovsky’s magical porcupine… partnership with STUDIOCANAL. score, and experience the thrill of dancing to live www.museumoflondon.org.uk www.harrowarts.com Thu 26 Oct - Filmsmeet Family Film: The Emoji Movie (WD3) Gene, a music. No previous experience necessary. Suitable for children aged between 5 & 10 years with an Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct - Camouflage Tue 24 Oct - Family Sewing Class multi-expressional emoji, sets out on a journey to become a normal emoji. At Watersmeet Theatre at accompanying adult who will participate in the Half Term (SW3) Get back to nature over (NW10) Have a go at sewing inspired by African workshop. At Uxbridge Library from 1-2.15pm. half term at this camouflage family activity at designs and traditions at Harlesden Library Plus. 11am, 2pm & 5pm. www.watersmeet.co.uk Email [email protected] to book. the National Army Museum. Be inspired by the Part of the Black History Month celebration. Free www.hillingdon.gov.uk natural world and create a camouflage scene. but space limited so please book in advance. You can explore different environments and how www.brent.gov.uk Thu 26 – Sat 28 Oct - Sat 28 Oct - Northwood camouflage can change for each one. Drop in for Museum Late: Quarantine (SE10) Community Arts: Open House at free from 10.30am to 4.30pm daily. Tue 24 & Wed 25 Oct - Origami One for the grown ups - the National Maritime St John’s (HA6) A day of activity, displays www.nam.ac.uk Workshop (UB4/HA4) Family event for Museum opens its doors after hours for this and talks addressing the Big Questions in life at St all ages! Taking place at Hayes End Library on Tue interactive horror event for Halloween. A John’s United Reformed Church from 10am-4pm. A Mon 23 Oct - (N12) The Big Draw 24 Oct and South Ruislip Library on Wed 25 Oct, devastating virus, dredged up from the depths of showcase event to celebrate the 500th anniversary artsdepot’s bumper day of drawing and creativity both 2-3pm. Email [email protected]. the ocean has infected the Museum’s research staff of the reformed tradition and what it means for us returns, jam-packed with activities for all ages. uk to book. with terrifying consequences. Participants will be in a multi-cultural and multi-faith Northwood. Taking over artsdepot for one day only there will www.hillingdon.gov.uk tasked with following the clues to find the www.hillingdon.gov.uk be lots of enjoyable drawing related activities for antidote to this mysterious maritime illness, all ages all based around bringing drawing to life! Tue 24 – Wed 25 Oct - Autumn encountering creepy characters and unusual www.artsdepot.co.uk Sat 28 Oct - Botwell Cultural Day Quest & Craft: The Big Draw objects along the way. Will you be able to keep (UB3) Celebrating arts and culture with African (NW3) A creative workshop to bring Kenwood your team safe and solve the mystery before it’s Mon 23 Oct - Nick Sharratt’s Big mask making, Storytelling, Bollywood Dancing and House’s world famous paintings to life. Families too late? Draw Along (N12) Join acclaimed children’s more at Botwell Green Library. will get to work together to try out different art www.rmg.co.uk www.hillingdon.gov.uk writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt to find out how and crafts whilst exploring the house and finding he creates his picture books. He’ll show you how out more about its collections. Sessions will take Fri 27 Oct - Robotics: Construct to create a character like Tracy Beaker and share place in the house. Just turn up between 12-4pm and Program Working Machines! some of his very best drawing tips. Take pencils, Sat 28 – Sun 29 Oct - to take part. (NW9) During this fun and engaging workshop Halloween at the London Canal paper and something to lean on and expect plenty www.english-heritage.org.uk at Kingsbury Library, children will learn how Museum (N1) The Halloween trip is a unique of chances to join in! to build and program robots from scratch! For www.artsdepot.co.uk trip through Islington Tunnel at Halloween on Wed 25 Oct - Filmsmeet Family children aged 8 – 11. Free but space limited so board one of London’s community narrowboats Film: The Nut Job 2: Nutty by please book in advance. specially decorated for the occasion with a friendly Mon 23 – Fri 27 Oct - Air Fix Make www.brent.gov.uk and Take October Half Term Nature (WD3) Following the events of the witch amongst the crew. Be prepared for some (NW9) Go along to the RAF Museum London first film, Surly and his friends must stop Oakton surprise sights in the darkness of the 198 year old during Half Term for their Airfix Make and Take. City’s mayor from destroying their home to make Fri 27 Oct - Halloween tunnel! There will also be special activities for There will be a number of different models way for a dysfunctional amusement park. Showing Spectacular at Chiltern Open Air children in the museum, including Ghost Stories, available suitable for seasoned model makers, or at Watersmeet Theatre at 11am, 2pm & 5pm. Museum (HP8) Take the family for an Face Painting and a Spooky Treasure Hunt. those new to Airfix. www.watersmeet.co.uk unforgettable, unmissable evening of spooky fun www.canalmuseum.org.uk www.rafmuseum.org.uk for all ages in the unique and atmospheric setting

18 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk What’s On

Sat 28 – Sun 29 Oct - Dance screening of Little Shop of Horrors. Fancy dress is and as well as the main display at 7pm, there will Sat 4 Nov – Harrow Around The World Festival (NW1) highly encouraged! also be local fresh food and drink stalls selling L Fireworks 2017 (HA3) This year Harrow A 2-day inter-cultural, inter-generational dance www.chickenshed.org.uk traditional mulled wine. festival at Cecil Sharp House. From 10am to 7pm, www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Fireworks Display istaking place at Byron Park. over 50 of London’s diverse cultural groups will November Gates open at 12 pm, (free entry until 4pm) and offer performances and workshops, some with live LSat 4 Nov - Harrow Fire- the fireworks pre-show will start at approximately music. It promises to be a vibrant, fun-filled family works Extravaganza 2017 (HA1) 7.30pm with the fireworks starting straight after! LFri 3 Nov - Abbots Langley www.harrowfireworks.co.uk event, buzzing with different languages, and Fireworks Display (WD5) Abbots The annual fireworks night at Harrow Cricket Club people going by in different costumes. Langley Fireworks Display will take place on is open to all, with tickets available in advance as LSat 4 Nov – Blackheath www.cecilsharphouse.org Friday 3rd November at the Manor House Playing well as on the night. This is a professional fireworks Firework Display (SE10) One of the Fields. The event is organised by the Lions Club of display set up by trained pro fireworks technicians, best oldest free displays in London, offering a Watford and supported by Warner Bros. Studios and will have activities for children, plenty of truly unique night. The event starts at midday Sun 29 Oct - Flying Witches space, hot food and the bar selling reasonable (WD3) Join Home-Start Watford for Halloween Leavesden and Abbots Langley Parish Council. with stalls, a funfair and fun for thr whole family, www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk priced drinks for all. Doors open 5pm, fireworks ending with a massive fireworks show in the Fun for all ages at . The start 7pm. day will start with a children’s sponsored walk, evening. LFri 3 – Sat 4 Nov – Alexandra www.harrowcricketclub.co.uk www.lewisham.gov.uk scoot, cycle or fly ( it’s up to you) completing 1.5k Palace Fireworks Festival (N22) Fri 17 Nov – Breast Cancer Charity or 3k around Bury lake and then lots of spooky Alexandra Palace’s Fireworks Festival will feature Sat 4 Nov – Wembley Park L Gift Fair (WD23) 9.30am to 2.30pm at the crafts and fun. Prizes for the best costumes and the Park’s legendary firework, set against the (HA0) Join us for Wembley Park fireworks that Bushey Centre, Bushey Country Club The South lots of surprises along the way sparkling panoramic view of London. The festival promises to be an exciting fun family event with Herts Breast Cancer Now charity - formed by a www.flyingwitches.eventbrite.co.uk boasts the largest selection of entertainment, food vibrant street entertainment from a number of group of local mums who are driven to raise as and drink vendors ever seen in Alexandra Park. performers, great street food to tickle your taste much money for the UK’s largest breast cancer www.alexandrapalace.com buds and an exciting fireworks display set to a Sun 29 Oct - Halloween charity - is hosting the event consisting of fabulous top-secret soundtrack in the evening. Come early Spooktacular (N3) Go along to Stephens Sat 4 Nov – Cassiobury stalls selling gifts for all ages in Fashion, Beauty, L and enjoy the London Designer Outlet and street House and Gardens for an evening of Halloween Fireworks (WD18) Go along to Cassiobury Homeware and Kids. Entrance is £5 including fun, including a spine-tingling spooky basement performances. Park in Watford for a fabulous night of fireworks www.brent.gov.uk/fireworks refreshments, and there will be an opportunity to tour, creepy garden ghost hunt, fiendish face- and fun. On stage entertainment will start at 6pm, buy tickets for some great prizes in our raffle. Find painting, ghoulish games, cunning crafts, terrifying with live performances from Katie plus Juan and us on Facebook at South Herts Breast Cancer Now tattoos and more. Booking essential, limited LSat 4 Nov - Battersea Park their band at 6.30pm and again at 7.05pm. The Fireworks Display (SW11) Gates open at or email [email protected] availability. huge bonfire will be lit at 7pm, with a 20 minute www.stephenshouseandgardens.com 5.15 pm for this spectacular annual fireworks event. firework display starting at 7.30pm. As always Fireworks will shoot over 200 acres of the parkland there will be a variety of food and drink outlets, showing massive effects and bangs to celebrate Tue 31 Oct - Little Shed of kiddies funfair rides and bungee trampolines. this tradition. Tickets must be bought in advance, MORE www.watfordbigevents.co.uk Horrors! (N14) Presented by Chickenshed none will be available at the gate. Food and drink ONLINE and Talkies Community Cinema, expect live spooky stalls will be available during the show. Sat 4 Nov – Victoria Park music from the Chickenshed Youth Band and L www.wandsworth.gov.uk familiesonline.co.uk terrifying Halloween surprises, followed by a Fireworks Display (E3) The event is free,

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 19