ISSUE 104 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 www.familieswest.co.uk
The CHRISTMAS issue! • Christmas gift guide • Where to find Santa • Best places for ice skating with the family • Theatre and pantomime listings
Image courtesy of The National Trust. Photographer Warren Page
Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: [email protected] news & views
2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015
news & views
Jack Dash and the Magic Feather Girls from the Years 3-6 at Notting Hill and Ealing Junior School and their parents joined Sophie Plowden, Head of Art at Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Ealing who has published a new children’s book, Jack Dash and the Magic Feather. A carnival atmosphere prevailed at the celebration with food and drink, and entertainment was provided by a magician and face painting by Sixth Form art students. The author gave a reading by the author and the book signing queue was possibly the longest they had ever seen. This is the first book in a series to feature Jack, who finds a magic quill pen which makes everything he draws come to life. The only Image courtesy of The National Trust. Photographer Warren Page problem is Jack isn’t very good at drawing (not having had Miss Plowden’s excellent teaching!) So, chaos quickly ensues In this issue: and the scene is set for a series of hilarious adventures. Jack Dash and the Magic Feather by Sophie Plowden is published Let the festivities begin. by Catnip Publishing Ltd. We have everything you need to plan a really lovely time with your family this Christmas. West London Tutoring There are events galore in our Whats On pages - West London Tutoring are a bespoke tutoring service your only dilemma will be choosing between them! based in Ealing offering high quality tutoring for the We have even put together a list of ideas for gifts. 11 Plus. They cater for all aspects of 11 plus tuition, We hope you have a very happy and peaceful family time. including holiday booster tuition sessions. Tutoring Enjoy it - these will be the times your children will look starts from Year 4 onwards for all private secondary schools in London, and back on and talk about when they have their own families. all local grammar schools. The service is run by a local primary school teacher We look forward to continue bringing you all the news with many years’ experience in both state and preparatory schools. She has a from West London in 2016! degree, PGCE and Masters (MA) of Teaching from the Institute of Education. Her Masters dissertation specialised in teaching creative writing to boys in Key Stage 2. She currently works as a specialist teacher in an excellent preparatory In this issue school in West London, specialising in teaching English, maths and drama in News & Views Page 2 years 4, 5 and 6. She also runs Gifted and Talented writing courses. www.westlondontutoring.co.uk Education & School Open Days Page 6 Half Term Worshops/Fireworks Page 14 Angels Grant School of Dance What’s On in West London Page 15 The Angela Grant School of Dance first opened in West Classified Section Page 19 London in 2009 and has been going strong ever since. The school currently operates at various studios and halls in East Acton, Hammersmith and Chiswick, as well as local schools Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter and clubs. The classes are held after school during term-time Families West Magazine @FamiliesWest weeks with the aim of having fun, staying healthy and learning all the wonderful ‘Families West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. graces that come from ballet. All franchised magazines in the group are indep endently owned and operated The school principal, Angela under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Grant is trained and authorised Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the by the Royal Academy of Dance editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior and most of the students take consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the RAD exams each year as their publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers skills and repertoire increase. nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence .’ Students also have the choice Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: [email protected] to take part in the school shows Printed by The MANSON Group Limited, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk and dance competitions.
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3 news & views
Pines and Needles Christmas trees A gift that lasts…. Now here’s a service that’s hard to beat. Pines and Needles Instead of buying more plastic toys provide trees of great quality, delivered straight to your that children will tire of, how about door, fresh from their family farm. Choose from a selection buying them a place at a Jigsaw of trees and varieties from small potted trees to twenty Performing Arts school? Jigsaw footers! You can also order stands, lights, decorations and provides Performing Arts classes for a variety of greenery from them including wreaths and gar - 3-18 year olds - a great way to build lands, swags, mistletoe and holly. The best bit? - They even confidence, learn new skills and offer a decoration service for your tree with stands and make lots of new friends! You’ll be lights in a colour scheme of your choice. Their friendly purchasing that special child, 11 weeks delivery people also come in kilts and Santa hats (keeping up of Performing Arts fun! If you book a with their Scottish heritage!) Then once the big day is over, place and pay in full before Christmas and you can finally put your feet up, they’ll send someone to then you will also be given a free collect the tree, so your feet can stay up! Pines & Needles T-Shirt (Worth £10) that you can special team deliver to most areas within the M25 and if you wrap up along with the voucher. Call live outside of their reach, courier delivery nationwide. them on: 020 8447 4530 and quote Find out more on: www.pinesandneedles.com ‘FAMILIES GIFT’ to book a place 020 3384 9420. at your nearest Jigsaw School. www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Pines and Needles Top Tips for toddler-proof trees 1. Choose the right tree - Nordman Fir and Frazer Fir are both soft to the touch and have excellent needle retention. Avoid Spruce trees as they have thousands of tiny, sharp needles FREE TOYS FOR YOUR LOCAL which fall off the tree as it dries. TOY LIBRARY Bizzy Bitz is a relatively new construction toy system. 2. Consider raising the tree on a table - depending on your ceiling In order to celebrate the launch of their new clear size a 4ft (1.2m) to 6ft (1.8m) tree would fit comfortably. instruction sheets, Bizzy Bitz is donating hundreds of boxes of 350 pieces of 3. Ensure the tree is in a secure stand - the best stands have a their building blocks to Toy large surface area, and grip the tree from at least three angles Libraries around the country. with a minimum 2 cm diameter bolt. Pot grown trees may need If you are a mum who to be re-potted before being decorated. borrows toys from a Toy Library and would like your 4. Use LED lights - they are better for the environment, and far child to have a play with Bizzy Bitz, ask them to more robust than fairy lights with bulbs. Moreover if one LED bulb contact them at: [email protected] and it will be breaks, the others will continue to work. They can be used inside their pleasure to send them a box (if they have not and outside, and do not overheat. yet received one).
5. Keep glass decorations out of reach - we suggest using fabric or shatter proof baubles anywhere within toddlers' reach. There are Beautiful brooches raise money stunning ranges of birds, baubles and festive floristry that can be used to decorate the tree and are hard for toddlers to break. for Brain Tumor Research Brain Tumour Research’s Limited Edition brooches are the 6. Securely fit all decorations to the tree - use metal decoration perfect stocking filler! Celebrated Milliners Rachel Trevor hooks and carefully twist them onto the tree branches and Morgan and Vivien decorations so they withstand curious little fingers! Sheriff are among those who have 7. Create a festive barrier from the tree - this is maybe wishful collaborated with thinking, but lots of present boxes around the tree could act as the charity to pro - a barrier protecting the tree. duce these gorgeous brooches in order 8. Involve the little ones in the decorating - so they understand to raise funds for the purpose of the tree and the delicacy of the decorations. their annual Wear A Hat Day. Suggested donation £10. 9. Have a separate mini tree and baubles especially for them to For more info please visit: www.braintumourresearch.org play with! or call 01296 733011 to secure yours today!
4 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 news & views
nurturing every step Baby Massage From 6 weeks to crawling Children’s Yoga Adventures For ages 2+ Call Clare on 07528 688 734 www.milestonesbabymassage.com
Elves & Ovens is a children’s party catering company providing Cheddar Deli have recently celebrated their 4th delicious, home-made food and treats for unforgettable parties to Birthday on Northfield Avenue and now with their children and adults of all ages. exciting additions, they are ready to help you celebrate Christmas in style! Food Boxes | Proper Tea Their brand new maturing knowledgeable staff who will Party Food be happy to help. They can Grown Up Food room lets them age their Balloons | Little Furniture cheddars perfectly broaden - give you information about Entertainers | Staff Party Bags And More ing their already extensive fondue hire, help put togeth - range of different cheeses er the perfect cheeseboard available. while you wait and even put Call: +44 2089617477 www.elvesandovens.com Pick up a gift or a treat for together a full gift hamper for yourself from their hand- you. If time is short, you can To advertise in the News & Views section please picked selection of craft order ahead instore or online contact us at: [email protected] beers, wines and spirits, for quick collection. each chosen by themselves Their sensational £5 and £10 to compliment your cheese deals are still flying off Christmas enjoyment. the shelves every Saturday so You’ll be impressed by their don’t miss out! cured and cooked meats - Let them help you make your a welcome alternative to Christmas a special one. cold turkey sandwiches! www.cheddardeli.co.uk Pop instore and see their Or call : 0208 810 0690.
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 5
education By Justine Crow
How to read with your child and REALLY enjoy it!
“Not now, darling... ” is the but that it also benefits our reading together enables 7. At the library, put your plaintive refrain from parents - own inner lives, what should we bonding but it also can act as phone away and suggest that at bedtime, in the library, on the do to get better at it? Here are an incentive: if you stay in your each of you dig out a title. Your bus or any moment that you ten ways to truly enjoy reading bed ALL night, you can get into youngster will often pick one have had the audacity to put with your little one. my bed in the morning for a they already have at home - but your feet up for five minutes. story, how’s that? it doesn’t matter, because your Your dearest progeny plonks 1. Accept and celebrate the special task is to discover one him or herself down beside you knowledge that reading with 4. The concept of ‘making time’ they’ve never seen before. with a picture book that you your child is part of your job is an impossible ideal. We can’t Just think how much more have already read aloud a hun - description as a parent. It is magic up extra minutes to read enthusiastic you will be to open dred times. there alongside cuddler, sleep- but we can use the moments it up. trainer and bottom wiper. The we already have. Lots of pic - Recently, when sorting junk in more you do it, the easier it tures are the best way to keep 8. When shopping together, the garage I came across ‘A becomes. Soon, you will be a a little one on the potty; sub - don’t expect a young child to Squash and a Squeeze’ by Julia natural performer. mergible bath books enable choose the ‘right’ book. You Donaldson and I realised that I hair-washing and nit-checking decide what to buy while your could still recite every line, years 2. When they are babies, too. What a bonus! child rummages through the after I had read it with my child. choose books YOU like to read books on the play-table. Then to them. They are too small to 5. Keep books for daytime read - read one together before you How can we ensure we are understand much but the ing on the lowest shelf and leave. Once they can actually fresh and eager each time our cadence of your voice gives allow them to select the book read, allow them to choose loved one wants to share their them comfort. You could read a they want, no matter how many their own books. reading? And given that we cookbook aloud and they’ll be times it has been shared. If you know that it is not only vital for content. really can’t stand it another 9. Books for bedtime should be children’s intellectual time, have a bit of fun; read it chosen by you and kept higher development to read together 3. When they are toddlers, backwards, or upside down, or up on the shelves. Make this a in gobbledygook. Your child will time for your child to listen Durston House soon insist it is done the right and be calm and contented - way up and before you know it, though questions should be 12 Castlebar Road · London W5 2DR they will be reading it to you! answered. Then, it’s lights out!
A lleadingeading WWestest LLondonondon PPreprep SSchoolchool fforor BBoysoys 6. Books without text such as 10. As they grow older, you can Clown by Quentin Blake are be more adventurous and find brilliant for sharing - encourage longer stories, like fairy tales. your toddler to tell you what is Soon, you can introduce to happening. Talk about what you them the novels you loved as a both see. child. Perhaps they will want to continue reading a particular chapter book alone but they will always remember the sense of an experienced shared.
A greatgreat spiritspirit ofof coommunitymmunity. . . Justine Crow is the author of ‘The Little Book of Nits’ published a rrealeal pprideride iinn aachievementchievement by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller VisitVisit oourur websitewebsite wwww.durstonhouse.orgww.durstonhouse.org Crow on Hill, and is a SendSend forfor anan InformationInformation PPackack qualified swimming OrOr comecome toto seesee usus teacher. And in what little spare time she contactcontact MrsMrs CarolineCaroline FFernserns ((Registrar)Registrar) has, Justine also runs telephonetelephone 020020 89918991 65326532 gastronomic writing emailemail [email protected]@durstonhouse.org retreat courses in France and is the food Boys Prep School 4-13 years · Registered Charity No. 294670 critic of ‘The Transmitter’.
6 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 Open Days Autumn 2015
Wednesday 4 November at 1.15pm Monday 16 November at 1.15pm Wednesday 25 November at 1.15pm
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 7 Families West Christmas Gift Guide Stuck for ideas? Let us give you some suggestions…
5. My Wondercube £17.99 8. Octotunes £17.99 For Babies My Wondercube Lamaze This fabric cube toy was invented by a mum inspired by Not just a colourful toy, this is also 1. Glass how fascinated her baby was with a box of tissues. educational as every time your Christmas Angel Inside the bright colourful organic cotton cube are soft baby plays with one of the Bauble £10 squares that your child can pull out of the cube, pull Octopus’ legs, it plays a My 1st Years apart, stick back together and push back inside. Each different note. It’s designed to With a beautiful square has a squeak or a crinkle or a rustle and it’s stimulate your baby’s angel inside, this machine washable too. imagination and to glass bauble is a help with developing great gift for baby’s motor skills. It comes first Christmas. with a song book and Engraved with a it has a pleasant vanilla message over three perfume. lines with up to 20 characters on each line. 9. Personalised Wooden Star £9.50 2. Christmas Not On The High Street Pudding Leggings A lovely keepsake, this wooden star can be personalized £11 with a baby’s name and birth date or any characters you Blade and Rose like to celebrate his first Christmas. It is finished with How cute will your baby beeswax and arrives in an organza bag. look crawling around on 6. Apptivity iPad Case £32.99 Christmas Day in these Fisher Price seasonal striped leg - There are so many apps for babies now to educate, gings with their cheeky fascinate and soothe but the last thing you want is sticky Christmas pudding on fingers and drool all across your iPad. Step forward the the tush. They’re made Apptivity case, which covers your pad and offers chunky from, soft fabric with a handles for your baby to hold, as well as three colourful thick waistband for rings. comfort and you can add matching socks, a bandana bib and a hat.
10. Newborn Star Gift Set £24 JoJo Maman Bébé For any baby born in 2015, this is the perfect gift set and the stars are a nice nod to the Christmas season if you don’t want red and green everywhere! The set comprises of an embroidered sleepsuit with matching star hat and a 3. Pirate Ship Personalised illuminated JoJo bunny that will be treasured all through childhood. It Canvas from £55.95 7. Five Piece Bath Fun Toy £12.99 comes in a gift box and is suitable for babies from new - Illuminated Canvas Brother Max born to three months. A picture for your baby’s nursery wall but with a twist; Bath time can always be fun with this neat set of bath not only can you have your child’s name on the canvas toys that not only amuse your baby but help to get her but it lights up, showing an illuminated window in the clean too. There’s a sprinkler scoop with a chunky colour - ship and on the masts. ful handle, a wash mit with a shaker in the middle, a brush to practice hair grooming, a rattle and a wearable wrist toy. They are all BPA, PVC and phthalate free.
4. Maya Organic Peppy Five Stackers £25.95 Igloo Kids These stacking toys are hand made from quality wood To promote YOUR business or products and finished with child-safe paint and lacquer. Sweet to in Families West magazine please contact look at, your baby will also enjoy taking the stacks apart us at: [email protected] and gradually learning to put them together again.
8 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 4. Sudokube £5.95 For Prezzybox If you used to love the Rubik’s cube, this is a Children great new take on the 1. Magic Elf Door £20 classic game that’s good for The Magic Door Store maths-minded kids. The idea is to Creating a whole world of imagination get all the numbers form one to nine on and anticipation, these sweet doors can each and every side of the cube. be put at the bottom of a wall or even on If nothing else, it will keep the kids quiet a tree in the garden. Your child will love until lunch is ready. leaving little gifts for the Elf or Fairy and who knows - they may even get a 5. Constructive Eating Cutlery response! Set £14 8. Style One Direction £5.95 10. Colour Your Own Palace The Great Gift Company Prezzybox £13.99 Fussy eater? You’ll soon find your child If your child is a huge Directioneer, he or Calafant likes to eat when you encourage them to she can dress up the boys from the band If you child would love to live in a palace play with their food! There’s a fork shaped with this tongue-in-cheek set. Whoever is and princes costumes litter her floor, this like - of course - a forklift, a spoon that’s a their favourite, they’re all here just waiting is a great way for her to play at make front-loader truck and then there’s a bull - for you to style them. There’s also an believe. The large and strong cardboard dozer to help your child push food onto activity book packed with band facts and palace is assembled without glue or the fork or spoon. Just add truck noises! stickers. scissors and can be decorated with coloured pens, pencils, glitter - anything 9. Rainbow In My Room they like. Nightlight £25 Debenhams This coloured projector sends a rainbow 2. Bon Bon Bear £30 onto the wall or ceiling of your child’s Hamleys room and is great if your child is a little Every child needs scared of the dark. It has two modes, a a teddy as a best 6. Superman Cape Towel £15 fully beamed rainbow or a more soothing friend, so treat Debenhams glow that fades in and out. It has an auto your little one Bathtime refusals? With this shut off feature and is battery powered. to a bear clever super hero towel, from the your little one can ‘fly’ World’s to the bathroom and most then save the world famous toy once they’re clean shop. Bon Bon has glossy cream fur, again. This is a fluffy a hand-embroidered face and the Hameys and soft towel with name embroidered on the sole of one Velcro tabs that’s foot. For Christmas, he also sports a fetch - perfect for wrapping ing red bow tie. him/her up for cuddles after bath time is over. 3. Personalised Xmas Sack £22 Harrow and Green 7. Bath Bomb Factory £12.99 For when a stocking just won’t do, these Argos quality hessian sacks can be personalized There are several Wild Science kits and with your child’s name and left under the this one will create a beautiful bathtime. tree on Christmas Eve. It has stenciled With all the ingredients to make scented, wording on it with “Delivery Date 25th fizzing bath bombs, it sparks your child’s December” as a reminder to Santa. interest in science too. In fact, it support Key Stage Two and there aren’t many bath products that can make that claim.
Our Christmas Gift Guide listings continue on page 10
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 9 Christmas Gift Guide continued
4. Fail-Safe Fondant Dessert Kit £19.99 For Mums Lakeland 1. Mini Biscuit Selection £30 Make up to six individual puddings with light, fluffy Biscuiteers chocolate sponge on the outside and a gooey, With colourful snowmen, a tree and reindeer, this is a melting chocolate middle. With clear instructions and sweet and thoughtful gift for a busy mum who may not easy-release silicone moulds, it’s easy to make a decadent have much time to give herself a treat. dessert just like Nigella.
the inside of any bag. There’s even a clip for your keys and it’s machine washable.
8. Personalised Heart Bracelet £29 Merci Maman When you’re a 2. Luxury Mummy Spa Kit £39.99 mother, it’s lovely Love Boo 5. The Giant Stocking £15 to have reminders A great gift for mums, this is the ultimate home pamper - Prestat of your children ing kit. With three products inside - Bosom Buddy, Body The best Christmas stocking and this bracelet Wash and Miracle Oil, they will leave skin glowing and for mum, this is packed with keeps your little firmed and they can help prevent stretch marks. They are 12 delicious hand made truffle ones close at all times. With a quality leather wrist safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. chocolates, one for each of the twelve days of Christmas. There are strap, you can add hearts or other charms with three velvety chocolate truffles, three your children’s names on them, engraved in rich, dark truffles, three silver. snowy white truffles and three of the 9. Miniature Bath Oil Collection £39 luxury brand’s Aromatherapy Associates award winning sea A great gift if you’re not sure if the woman in your salt caramel truffles, life needs to relax or be invigorated, these tiny bath all wrapped in rich, dark oil phials have a range of fragrances to promote good chocolate. sleep, energise, relax or help you to de-stress! .
6. Classic Coffret of Diptyque Candles £60 Space NK 3. Mini Indoor Herb Garden £24.95 This is a luxurious set of candles and though there are Gifts Direct cheaper brands, the intense perfume of these lasts well With the increase in popularity of gardening and cookery and is good value for money. There’s Figuier, programmes on the television, this sweet little garden will the scent of fig wood, Baies which has bouquets of roses help you create your very own tiny allotment. It comes and blackcurrant leaves and Roses, smelling like a freshly with three tiny plant pots with drainage holes that fit picked bouquet. neatly in the fence. Inside the shed are tiny snippers, soil pellets and a packet of three kinds of seeds; coriander, basil and oregano. The shed can be used to store more seeds for next time.
10. Portable Phone Charger £19.99 Anker Easy to pop into a pocket or bag, this tiny charger will hold a full phone’s worth of charge to use just when you need it. Then simply re-charge with a USB plugged into your computer. It comes in several colours. 7. Handbag Organiser £12.99 Periea So you have more than one handbag and when you want to swap quickly from one to the other, it’s such a chore swapping over all the things you just can’t do without. But no more! This handy organiser has 11 pockets to keep everything in just the right place and it’s black, so will suit
10 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 8. A Gentleman’s Guide to Beard and For Dads Moustache Management £6.95 By Chris Martin If he’s gone all trendy Hoxton Man with a bushy beard and tufty moustache, make sure he knows how to groom with this tongue-in-cheek book. It does actually have some great tips on trimming, waxing and maintaining facial fuzz as well as a guide to famous hair celebrities 1. Car Driving Day from £495 from Marx to Des Lynam! Virgin Experience Days If you have a special gift in mind and he’s a car lover, 9. Self Stirring Mug £9.95 what better way to say you love him than with a car Prezzybox driving experience that will blow his mind? He can take a For the man who has everything - or the lazy - this has a Ferrari or Lamborghini around a race track with expert little switch that, when flipped, will stir the contents of tuition for the right speed and turning point. this mug. Just insert batteries. Just don’t put it in the microwave or dishwasher! 2. Haig Club Scotch Whisky £44.95 Haig If he fancies himself as a David Beckham type, this will be his tipple of choice. From Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery, this is smooth and pleasing on the pallatte and looks great too. 5. Leather And Brass Book Cover iPad Case £33.95 Zazzle If you love old leather bound books and the look of PaperBlanks notebooks, this 10. Personalised heart tray and Love Heart iPad case is great. Sweets £14.95 In several different The Gift Experience designs these are Nothing says I Love You quite like Love Heart sweets. custom made with 3. Coffee Subscription Remember slipping them to your crush when you were at premium book cloth £7.95 per month school? This tray has space for your personalised message and finished with Kopi that will be revealed as the sweets are eaten. a glossy laminate. For just £7.95 per month, your coffee lover can receive a They hold the iPad little shot of caffeine kindness to your door. Sourcing only securely and have rubberized edges so it doesn’t slip. from small-scale farmers and including a tasting booklet, this is an education in coffee. 6. Fitbit Charge Large Activity Tracker £84.99 If he’s trying to get fit, this will help keep track of activity and calories. On a chunky wristband this tracks steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned, floors climbed and active minutes. 4. Laptop Bag £55 It even helps monitor your sleep patterns. Herschel 7. CoolTec Shaver £99.99 To promote YOUR He can look smart but still hip with this soft-sided mes - Braun products in the new year senger bag that’s just the right size for a laptop. It has the With an aluminium bar built into its head, this will not please contact Herschel signature striped lining and has a padded section heat up as you shave, minimising redness and itching. us at: for any laptop up to 13 inches. The shoulder strap is Shaves closely and best of all it’s water proof up to 5m - [email protected] padded for comfort and can be removed. though why you’d shave under water is beyond us!
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 11 Where to find Where’s Santa in and around Santa... West London this Christmas? HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND W2 2UH ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX Festive treats include Victorian carts with toffee apples www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com www.oddsfarm.co.uk and roasted chestnuts, face-painting, meet real-life 20 Nov - 3 Jan Set across 20 acres of Hyde Park, 21-22 Nov, daily from 28 Nov-24 Dec reindeer, and visit Santa in his grotto, carols and more. Winter Wonderland has the UK's biggest outdoor ice rink, The Magic of Christmas. Entering a cosy Grotto via RAINFOREST CAFÉ W1D 7EU a giant observation wheel, funfair and thrill rides, Zippos a sparkling Woodland Walkway, children will meet the www.therainforestcafe.co.uk Circus and Cirque Beserk, a Bavarian Village, traditional Elves and of course Father Christmas himself, before Weekends from 14 Nov and daily from 30 Nov Christmas market and festive food and drink. Santa Land exchanging a magical Golden Ticket for something very Who knew Father Christmas hung out in the rainforest - is a magical experience with rides, eateries and Santa special in the Elves’ Teddy-Tastic Workshop. Combined but there he is in his snowy grotto. Children will receive a himself! Santa opens his grotto every day from 10am to with plenty of Christmas Lambs to meet and Crazy personalised invitation along with a warm welcome from 6pm. Entry is free and Santa will have a gift for children Entertainers every weekend in December and daily his elves, before being ushered into the grotto where who've been good! Visit Santa's Toy Factory fun house during the Christmas Holidays until 4 Jan, there’s stacks they'll meet the man in person. The package includes a where Santa and his elves are making gifts ready for the of festive fun for the whole family. £7.95 per child. children's two course meal and drink and a personalised big day, Winter Wonderland is open 10am-10pm daily, WWT LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT meeting with Father Christmas. admission free. Skating and show tickets can be bought www.wwt.org.uk/london £35 per child, pre-booking recommended. in advance. 5, 6 Dec Handsome huskies will be ready and waiting to FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA WESTFIELD LONDON W12 7GF take children for a spin. The dogs are also available for www.fulhampalace.org http://uk.westfield.com/london/news-and-events photo opportunities but if it's not festive enough until 6, 12, 13 Dec Father Christmas is back! 9 Nov - 24 Dec Adventure to Santa’s Grotto. You and you've seen the man himself, then head to the northern Find him in the Tudor Great Hall by a roaring fire your family will be whisked away on a fun, interactive pine forest to meet Santa in his cosy grotto. Children can ready to hear all of your Christmas wishes. With the adventure to visit Santa with help from Shrek and also take a donkey ride; it will make a great photograph Christmas tree, elves' gift wrapping station, Father Donkey. The magical, personalised journey complete with with the donkeys dressed up in their Christmas finery. Christmas's desk and the naughty and nice list all a 4D cinematic sleigh ride which will transport you Santa tickets £6 per child including a goody bag, husky on display, this is a very special and atmospheric through the skies to Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. and donkey sleigh rides are free with admission. experience. £11 per child, booking essential. Each child will have the chance to speak with Santa and HAMLEYS W1B 5BT OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE TW7 4RB receive a gift. www.hamleys.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park/ MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 7LJ 21 Nov-24 Dec How about having breakfast, things-to-see-and-do/events www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk brunch, lunch or high tea with Father 5, 6, 12, 13 Dec Book your visit to Father Christmas' 6 Dec Under the sparkling chandeliers of Bush Hall, Christmas? Enjoy a scrumptious feast, meet the magical grotto and bring the whole family to explore the candlelit families can enjoy Christmas carols, performances and elves, play games, write a Christmas wish list and hear all house. Join Osterley's Georgian residents the Child Family readings by children and artists and expect an about Santa's enchanting life in Lapland. Then when it's as they prepare for Christmas with their household with appearance from You Know Who... 6pm. time for Father Christmas to leave, his special guests will games, dancing and crafts. Admission fee plus £5 to see Adults £7, Children £6. Book in advance. receive a small gift to take home. Suitable for children Father Christmas, includes gift. KEW GARDENS TW9 3AB aged 2-9, book first. SYON PARK GARDEN CENTRE TW8 8JG www.the - www.kew.org/christmas HARRODS gardencentregroup.co.uk/ 25 Nov - 2 Jan The playful atmosphere of the White SW1X 7XL www.harrods.com/grotto breakfast-and-tea-with-father-christmas Peaks welcomes you with a Victorian carousel, helter- 6 Nov-24 Dec Whether marking a child's first Christmas 14-24 Dec Have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas. skelter and other family rides and that is also where or honouring a family tradition, a visit to The Harrods Enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast or tea and Father Christmas and his elves will be welcoming little Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive watch the excitement build until everyone joins in to help ones. Combine this with visiting the new winter trail, a season. From £10. the elves welcome Father Christmas. Meet Father one-mile sparkling path winding its way through the DUKE OF YORK SQUARE SW3 4LY Christmas and choose your own present, enjoy delicious world-famous botanic gardens in a magical after-dark www.dukeofyorksquare.com food and decorate a Christmas cookie. £9.99 per child. experience, with dancing illuminated fountains and glow - 7 Nov-24 Dec Santa will touch down in his reindeer INTU UXBRIDGE SHOPPING CENTRE UB8 1LA ing waterside reflections, a Choir of Holly Bushes, driven sleigh to turn on our Christmas lights on 7 Nov http://intu.co.uk/uxbridge/events Tunnel of Lights and scented Fire Garden. and take up residence in his famous Duke of York Square 2-24 Dec Santa and friends will be located in the Trail open from 5-10pm with entry by timed ticket, rides Grotto. Santa’s elves are on a quest to find a child to grotto at the Lower Mall outside Debenhams from 10am- operate from 5-9.30pm, £2 per ride. bring Santa’s magic to life and to give the event that 4pm. £1 per child including a gift from Santa. extra special sparkle - can you help? BATTERSEA PARK ZOO SW11 4NJ www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 5-6, 12-13 and 18-24 Dec Come and see Santa in his grotto, £6 to see Santa, plus entrance fee. Includes a small gift and a picture, plus a drink and Christmas treat. Bookable in advance by ringing the zoo or just turn up. Fun Christmas Stocking search throughout the zoo from 5 to 24 December. ME17 1PL SW11 4NJ www.leeds-castle.co.uk 5 Dec-3 Jan The magic of Christmas descends upon the entire Leeds Castle Estate to celebrate the traditions of the festive season. Look out for the reindeer and birds of prey and visit the Christmas market where children can ride the carousel or ferris wheel with spectacular views of the castle. Father Christmas will be visiting every weekend and 19-23 Dec. The Christmas Elves are around to wel - come children before they enter the grotto for a chat and to receive a special gift. £13 per child which includes a gift.
12 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 dance & performing arts
From Baby to Ballerina Classes for Boys and Girls aged 2 1/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances
Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 13 what’s on
shops in the Lane stay open, selling mince pies, mulled DIARY DATES wine, samosas, candy floss and anything else that will raise money for charitable causes. Pitshanger Lane is 13 Nov CHILDREN IN NEED closed to traffic and there are stalls and entertainment up [email protected] and down the Lane. 4pm onwards. www.pitshanger.org.uk/events/light-up-the-lane 14, 15 Nov INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW Meet key admissions teams, speak with heads, enquire 5 Dec EALING 135 CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR about entry requirements at all stages, explore scholar - Taking place at Kingsdown Methodist Church, Northfields ships and bursaries for 200 UK independent schools. family workshops Avenue, W13. £1 entry (£2 per family). 10am-1pm. Gifts, Takes place in Battersea. AT FULHAM PALACE crafts, refreshments, and a visit from Santa. www.schoolsshow.co.uk www.ealing135.org.uk/events/fairs 19 Nov, 17 Dec BACH TO BABY An innovative 15 Nov LORD MAYOR’S SHOW AND FIREWORKS classical babies’ concert created by WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN Spectacular traditional parade to welcome the new Lord mum and pianist, Miaomiao Yu, inspired by Handel. 14, 18, 21 Dec, 4 Jan CRAFT ACTIVITY SESSIONS Mayor with a firework display in the evening (5.15pm). 10.30-11.30am, adults £10, children free. Fun and creative session, fully supervised and non messy. Procession of music, dance, acrobatics, colourful Recommended for age 6+. 10.15am-4.15pm. costumes and horses from Bank to Aldwych from 11am- IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Call Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767. 2.30am. [email protected] SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk www.lordmayorsshow.london www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of 15 Nov REGENT STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 22 Dec HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecu - Regent Street gets its usual Christmas makeover with MUSICAL THEATRE For ages 5-11, at Bush Hall, tion of the Jews and other groups before and during the garlands of lights down the length of the road. London W12. Second World War. For ages 14+ The switch-on event promises celebrity appearances, www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk/whats-on A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William family activities and a fireworks display. It will be a a and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in traffic-free day of Christmas shopping. Activities from 12 London was like during the war. noon followed by a star-studded Christmas show. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, MUSEUMS & GALLERIES covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. 17 Nov THE RUGBY PORTOBELLO TRUST FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM CHRISTMAS MARKET at the 20th Century Theatre, Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, Notting Hill. Along with stalls selling stationery, children's EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a toys, handmade Christmas wreaths and fair-trade jew - The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along ellery, book signings by local authors will be taking place. of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily www.rugbyportobello.org.uk as the UK's central bank. Examine intricately designed life was like for the troops. banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see Every Sun in Nov, 6, 13 Dec 26 Nov CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR AT EALING the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object BROADWAY SHOPPING CENTRE Magical Christmas Bank. Children's activity sheets provide fun for younger handling sessions where families can explore objects from launch event from 2pm. visitors. the collections- feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk/content/christmas- 14 Nov LORD MAYOR’S SHOW Step into the world of the First World War and come to grips with real objects. spectacular Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. Professional face painters Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm. will transform young visitors into one of the well-known 15, 22, 29 Nov, 6, 13 Dec CREATIVE RESPONSE 29 Nov KENSINGTON MUMS CHRISTMAS FAMILY characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and FAIR Children’s clothing, toys, and gifts as well as Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England. galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and pamper corner just for Mums. Children’s entertainers. 11am-5pm. 2 - 4pm. food and drinks, and lots of festive fun. 10am-6pm at 21- 24, 29, 30, 31 Dec SPARKLING SILVER, 20–23 and 27–31 Dec ART WORKSHOP: Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street W8 7NX. GLITTERING GOLD Discover the collection of glittering A WARTIME CHRISTMAS Help decorate the Christmas Free entry. silver objects and the allure of the gold on display, and wreath, and learn about how people celebrated www.kensingtonmums.co.uk/kmblog/ then get creative and decorate a gold bar money box to Christmas on the Home Front. Have a go at making your take home. 10am - 4:30pm own charm for the wreath, inspired by the lucky numbers, 28 Nov NOTTING HILL AND EALING HIGH coins and love hearts that featured in lucky charms and SCHOOL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 12-3.30pm at BRITISH MUSEUM tokens given as presents during the First World War. 2,Cleveland Road,Ealing, London W13 8AX. WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org 11am - 12.30pm, 2 - 4pm Great fun for all the family. Until 31 Jan CELTS-ART AND IDENTITY A vast collection of objects that provide clues to and raise NATIONAL GALLERY 29 Nov LIGHT UP THE LANE, PITSHANGER questions about Celtic identity. WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk a celebration of shopping, socialising, amusements, food, DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for song and dance for the local community. Most of the school holidays on a variety families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm. of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated). MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2- See What’s on widget online for details. 5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am-12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different FOUNDLING MUSEUM painting each day. WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as 5 Dec GARLANDS AND HOLLY WREATHS Join artist inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and Daniel Lehan to discover the Christmas traditions of the 2pm. Drop-in. Foundling Hospital. Inspired by the past, create evergreen 15 Nov, 20 Dec CHANGING PERSPECTIVES wreaths and garlands to bring colour and life into your Discover how to draw a perspective landscape using the home during the winter months. 10.30am-4.30pm, free. shapes and lines in Hobbema’s famous Avenue of For age 5+ Middelharnis.
14 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 6 Dec HOW’S MY HALO Create your own magnificent 1 Dec HANDS ON NATURE- DINOSAURS Handle Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, halo inspired by the radiant crowns found in the real fossil specimens and learn how to identify them. James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell. paintings. For ages 7+ Suitable for ages 3+ STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start 27 Dec WOLF TALES A puppet storytelling show about Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (11am and animal and human nature, revealing amazing insights along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2pm). into the natural world. 12 and 1.30pm, for under 7s. 2-4pm for ages 4 and under. 22 Nov DREAM DESIGNS Be inspired by Raphael’s 21 Nov SHIP'S BIRTHDAY A day of special events dreaming knight and design your own pillowcase to SCIENCE MUSEUM to celebrate Cutty Sark’s 146th birthday. inspire your dreams. SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 5, 6 Dec CUTTY SARK CHRISTMAS Make a beautiful 29 Nov, 27 Dec FAMILY TRAIL DAY 21 Nov, 5 Dec SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight Christmas decoration inspired by the cargoes Cutty Sark 13 Dec FACE TO FACE Explore the play between the event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on carried around the world. Sessions at 11.30am and 2pm. 2D and 3D faces in Titian's Portrait of a Lady and enjoy workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the 29, 30 Dec PRECIOUS CARGOES If you could fill a creating a multi-dimensional portrait. museum. ship with one thing, what would it be? Make a mini ship FAMILY WALK AND TALK Free family walk and talk to and fill it with something that’s important to you. bring paintings alive. For all ages, 12.30-1.30pm. VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM Sessions at 11.30am and 2pm. 6 Dec WINTER WONDERLAND SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk 11, 18 Nov, 2 Dec WELCOME WEDNESDAYS FULHAM PALACE Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES Storytelling, Early years activities and bring paintings to life through interactive plays and dance. For all ages at 11am, 1 and SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org interactive music, storytelling, art and messy play activi - 3pm. Free, drop in. every Mon and Tues (until 15 Dec) THE PALACE ties. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions under age five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers. challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a 14 Nov LIGHTING UP THE DARKNESS FAMILY own. 10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ drink and healthy snack. FESTIVAL Celebrating Diwali and the different forms of 28-31 Dec POP UP PERFORMANCES: 24 Nov, 1 Dec PALACE STORIES History of the palace light found in the Gallery's paintings. Activities include THE NUTCRACKER 11am, 1 and 3pm. Discover the brought to life in these tales of the characters who lived making Rangoli patterns inspired by Turner at 10.30am enchanting world of The Nutcracker with contemporary there. Free, no booking necessary. and 1.30pm, making huge lanterns and a pilgrim puppet dance performances. Suitable for all the family. 21 Nov YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB Practical to bring light to the Gallery at 11am and 2pm, traditional Free, drop in hands on sessions with real archaeologists learning about Indian music and dance performances at 11am, 12.15, 28 Dec - 4 Jan IMAGINATION STATION: ancient civilisations. For 8-16 year olds. 10.30am 1.30 and 2.45pm and a musical magic carpets session for CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 12.15pm. under 5s at 10.30 and 11.30am, 2 and 3 pm. Create imaginative seasonal decorations and decorate the 23 Nov KIDS IN MUSEUMS TAKEOVER DAY tree. 10.30am - 5pm. Free, drop-in, for age 3+ Children will be running the palace for the day. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND 6, 12, 13 Dec FATHER CHRISTMAS 28-30 Dec RINGING BELL TOWERS Investigate the ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back- (See our Where’s Santa page 18). architecture painted in Canaletto's Stonemason's Yard and Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery 6 Dec NATIONAL TREE DRESSING DAY Create construct a model bell tower, complete with ringing bells. adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4 beautiful decorations from natural materials to hang on 11am and 2pm for all ages. to 11 the branches of the trees. 10am-2pm, Free, no booking 28 Dec MESSY MONDAYS: EXPLORING THE Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to necessary. STUDIO Drop-in session for children under 5 years. create collages and pictures to take home. Become a mini artist by exploring materials and mark Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has GOLDEN HINDE making in a tactile environment inspired by a painting. been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm. SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com contains an audio map and fabric cubes. 29 Dec TALKING TUESDAYS – INVESTIGATING Every Sat PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR Let the costumed PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to life through singing, educators bring the Golden Hinde and its history to life. WALLACE COLLECTION talking and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm and Learn about life at sea and Drakes voyage around the 1.30-3pm. W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org world in this family-friendly tour. 5 Dec DECK THE HALLS Make some decorations to 28 Nov FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE Children NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM brighten up your home? With artists Amy Gee and will be dressed as Tudor sailors and become members of Dorothée Perin. Free, drop-in. 11am -1pm, for age 6+ the crew. After learning the ship’s rules, they will be SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 6 Dec THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing work - trained in navigation, barber surgery and gunning, before Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES Get shop for all ages and abilities with artist Millie Nice. a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. 1:30 - 4:30pm, all ages. Days Out listings continue on page 16 Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that 21 Dec DROP-IN ART form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily WORKSHOP: A CRACK - work. Drop-in, 11am-5pm. ING WALLACE CHRIST - 14 Nov, 12 Dec ANIMAL VISION A show which MAS! Make a fun Christmas features live animals, reveals a world only visible to cracker inspired by the col - certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptations lection. Don't forget to bring allow them to escape predators and locate prey. 10.30am a cracking joke! Free, drop-in for age 7+ for age 5+ 11am-1pm. 15 Nov, 5, 13 Dec DINO SCENE INVESTIGATION Uncover a replica dinosaur skull. 15 Nov, 13 Dec MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30am DAYS OUT and 2pm. 5 Dec, 8 Jan DINO SNORES Ever wondered what CUTTY SARK goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 SE10 9NF years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11. Every weekend CUTTY 28 Nov CHARLES DARWIN Meet Charles Darwin, he SARK CHARACTERS Come will share his collection of beetles and tell you his famous aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s theory of evolution. incredible stories brought to 29 Nov LITTLE RED HEN Enjoy the popular story of life by characters from the the Little Red Hen and her lazy friends who won't help ship’s past. Meet Captain with grain planting and harvesting, but then want to Woodget, the ship’s most share in the resulting bread. 12 and 1.30pm, for under daring master; Jock Willis, 7s. the man who built Cutty
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 15 what’s on CONTINUED
bedding down to sleep amongst the weapons on the Gun HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE Deck. A Tudor style dinner and continental breakfast is W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecologyevents provided. For age 6+ 21 Nov FEED THE BIRDS: ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Make a seed ball to feed to the hungry HAMPTON COURT PALACE winter birds. Hang it up in the area outside the Ecology KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk Centre or take it home for your garden birds. Drop-in, all THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Selected Thurs and Sats TINY EXPLORERS Discover ages. 12-4pm. the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi- Woodland Walkway, children will meet the Elves and of sensory workshop which includes music, movement and KENSINGTON PALACE course Father Christmas himself, before exchanging a messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. magical Golden Ticket for something very special in the W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace 20 Nov-4 Jan HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE Elves’ Teddy-Tastic Workshop. Combined with plenty of Weds and Sats TINY EXPLORERS Discover RINK (See our Ice-Skating listings on page 15). Christmas Lambs to meet and Crazy Entertainers every fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multi- 5, 12, 19 Dec MAKE TUDOR DECORATIONS weekend in December and daily until 4 Jan. sensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and Create your own traditional Tudor decoration to hang on more for 0-4yrs. To book, call 020 3166 6646. your tree. 11.30am and 2pm, free. OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE Weekends in Dec and 27 Dec-3 Jan 19 Dec, 2 Jan FAMILY GHOST TOURS Join the State A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Enjoy beautiful seasonal TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park Apartment Warders for an early evening walking tour and decorations in the palace and gardens and join in the 5, 6, 12, 13 Dec OSTERLEY'S GEORGIAN discover the stories of ghostly apparitions, paranormal celebrations with carol singing evenings, talks, special CHRISTMAS - ‘UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS WITH activity and all manner of spooky happenings from the tours and seasonal food and drink. THE CHILD FAMILY’ Step back to the 1770s with palace’s history. For 8 - 14 year olds. 8, 11, 15 Dec CAROL SINGING A fun, festive evening the Child family and household as they prepare for a 27 Dec-3 Jan AN ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS of singing Victorian inspired carols as you explore the spectacularly Georgian Christmas! Dance, dine, decorate A chance to travel back to 1593, when Queen Elizabeth sumptuous State Apartments. Experience the bold and and play your way upstairs and downstairs. Can you help I’s court would have glowed with festivities around a bright sounds of a brass ensemble whilst one of the our cooks create some sugar craft? Or maybe prepare the great big ‘yule log’ and outlandish gifts were presented expert Explainers guides you through the palace and perfect table plan suits your skills set? Father Christmas to the ageing Queen, as well as exquisite music, dancing, reveals stories of Christmas past along the way. Ticketed. will be flying in for a special visit, so pre-book your grotto stories and feasting lit up her palace. Down in the Tudor ticket and receive a gift! Kitchens you'll also find Elizabeth I's cooks preparing KEW GARDENS festive dishes fit for a Queen. 10.30am-3pm. TOWER OF LONDON TW9 3AB www.kew.org HMS BELFAST 25 Nov-2 Jan CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS TRAIL EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon The one-mile sparkling path winds its way through the Until 31 Jan AGINCOURT Exhibition with a detailed SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk botanic gardens, with dancing illuminated fountains and scale model of the battle, medieval armour, art, music and ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE A chance to glowing waterside reflections, a Choir of Holly Bushes, manuscripts which tell the story of the battle. see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Tunnel of Lights and scented Fire Garden. Plus vintage Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate carousel and helter-skelter rides, Santa and his elves, 27-31 Dec MEDIAEVAL CHRISTMAS Join the royal the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped Christmas gifts and traditional festive fare. 5-10pm, party being entertained by mischievous jesters and conditions that would have seen up to twenty-six men in advanced booking necessary. majestic minstrels. this confined space at any one time. INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM The nerve centre ODDS FARM PARK and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives. HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk ICE SKATING RINKS FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: A fabulous day out at the farm! Meet the farmers It is the MUST-DO family activity in London at 14, 15 Nov and 12, 13 Dec CRACKING CODES and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in Christmas time. The only problem is where to Intercept messages, map hazards on the sea chart and the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive go when there are so many great choices! even make up your own secret code. Learn about the adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop Somerset House WC1 skills intelligence officers had to have as well as some of slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink the dangers that surrounded HMS Belfast at sea. Drop-in, swinging ropes and much more. Also a special Toddler 18 Nov-10 Jan On Tuesdays, enjoy late-night browsing all ages. and Under 5’s areas. 22 Nov, 28 Nov-24 Dec THE MAGIC OF in the pop-up Fortnum & Mason store, live entertainment CHRISTMAS Entering a cosy Grotto via a sparkling and festive treats. Ticket prices from £7.50.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park W2 http://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/attractions/ Arabic for Women ice-skating 20 Nov-3 Jan Glide around the spectacular, glittering and Children ice rink set around the Victorian bandstand and illuminated with over 100,000 lights. Families welcome – Adults from £14.50, child £9.50, family £38. Goal Oriented Westfield Shopping Centre W12 https://uk.westfield.com/london/entertainment/ice-rink Saturday dance & drama classes • Dynamic • Innovative 19 Nov-3 Jan Kids-only sessions available. 3 age groups: • E ective • Native Female Off Peak sessions £10 adults, £8 children, Peak sessions 3-5 Tots (new for 2016!). (Sat, Sun and 21 Dec-3 Jan) £12 adults, £10 children. 6-10 and 11-16 years. Teacher (& mother of 3!) Family ticket £32 off-peak, £38.50 peak. 10 weeks: £105 (Tots, 9-10am). Call Reem on Natural History Museum SW7 £195 for other groups (10-12pm). www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/ice-rink.html St Augustine’s Priory · W5 2JL Until 3 Jan Separate rink for kids, plus fairground www.yourstagedrama.com 07956 845 053 carousel. Adult from £12.65, Child from £8.80, Family from £39.60
16 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 Hampton Court Palace KT8 Beanstalk tale, using Dahl’s Revolting Rhyme as the www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/WhatsOn/hampton- narration. court-palace-ice-rink 21 Dec THE SNOWMAN AND PETER AND THE 20 Nov - 4 Jan Off peak session weekdays until 18 Dec. WOLF The Mozart Symphony Orchestra provides a live Adult £11.50, children (age 8-16) £9, (age 3-7) £8, orchestral accompaniment to a giant screening of The Family £36. Peak: adult £13, children £9.50, family £38. Snowman and Prokofiev’s, Peter and the Wolf.
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE FAMILY THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until May 16 MATILDA THE MUSICAL BARBICAN THEATRE The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/theatre Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary 17-30 Dec GET HAPPY Enter a world of artfully powers. controlled chaos. There’s a mysterious bag that drops from a height. Shoes have magical powers. And the CHELSEA THEATRE strangest egg sandwich is made in front of your eyes. SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk The Tiger Who Came To Tea Physical comedy, live music, acrobatics, silly dancing and 1-24 Dec PENGUIN! ELEPHANT! Penguin is a little AT THE LYRIC THEATRE audience interaction. For age 4+ (Relaxed performance bit selfish. Penguin loves fish fingers, but never shares on 23 Dec). them. Everything is black and white and that’s just the LYRIC HAMMERSMITH way Penguin likes it. Until one day Elephant turns up. BUSH THEATRE Elephant is big. Elephant is messy. Elephant likes lots of W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk W12 8LJ www.bushtheatre.co.uk colour everywhere. However will Penguin cope? 20 Nov - 24 Dec RAYMOND BRIGGS’ FATHER 29 Nov FATHER CHRISTMAS NEEDS A WEE A new musical adventure for children ages 3+ CHRISTMAS A charming show is back to delight At every house Father Christmas eats and drinks the tasty children under 6 and their families. Follow Santa as he treats that have been left for him. But when he reaches GREENFORD HALL awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find number ten he realises that he’s forgotten to do some - it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. UB6 9QN www.heos.org.uk thing rather important. A musical adaptation of Nicholas This timeless festive story bursts into life with live music, 29, 30 Dec SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN Allan’s much loved book. playful puppets and a magical set. DWARFS A traditional pantomime full of excitement and 11 Dec -2 Jan JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Lee 21 Nov-3 Jan CINDERELLA Traditional panto is back adventures, plus the inevitable slapstick, romance, song Ryan stars as Jack, in a show full of laughs, spectacular with plenty of festive fun in true Lyric style. Grab your and dance, and audience participation. For all ages. sets and lots of audience participation. For all ages. glittery Converse and put the pumpkin into top gear as Cinderella heads to the biggest party of the season to THE LILIAN BAYLISS STUDIO CADOGAN HALL meet a very charming Prince. The show will be full of EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and, of SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 12 Dec-3 Jan THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL A magical course, two very ugly sisters. For ages 6+ Book now: 4, 5 Dec MR POPPER’S PENGUINS dance theatre show with live music based on Hans A family musical with songs, puppets and a family of Christian Andersen's classic story of a young street girl's LYRIC THEATRE performing penguins - a musical adaptation of Richard hopes and dreams. and Florence Atwater’s popular book. W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre 12 Dec CRASH BANG WALLOP 25 Nov-10 Jan THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA LONDON COLISEUM All Claire wants this Christmas is for it to snow but the Join Sophie and the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful forecast doesn’t look promising. The City of London WC2N 4ES www.ballet.org.uk family show adapted from Judith Kerr’s popular take; Sinfonia bring the winter weather to Cadogan Hall as they 16 Dec-10 Jan NUTCRACKER Clara and her enchanted packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and play through some festive favourites, chilly Christmas jin - Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic gles, sing-a-long carols and more. For ages 3-8. battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! 20 Dec PADDINGTON BEAR’S FIRST CONCERT stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant For age 3+ The score is a journey with Paddington himself, from his Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the first meeting with the Brown Family right up to his debut glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really as a conductor at the Royal Albert Hall. The second half begins. A treat for all the family. Family Theatre listings features Roald Dahl’s take on the classic Jack and the continue on page 18
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 17 what’s on CONTINUED groove and contemporary improvised music. The environment is relaxed and friendly, whatever your her panto debut as the Fairy Godmother, with the age - crying, singing, dancing and playing along are all MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN nation’s favourite dame Matthew Kelly as one half welcome. W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk of the Ugly Sisters. This magical rags to riches story will 20 Nov-17 Jan BUMP ROLLERDISCO A mobile 21 Dec THE ROBIN WHO LOST HIS VOICE Poor little feature, sumptuous sets, gorgeous fairytale costumes, real rollerdisco under Hungerford Bridge for the whole family. Christmas robin! What is he going to do - how will every - Shetland ponies,fantastic song and dance numbers, magic 11am-11pm, skates available for hire. one know it’s Christmas? Come along a musical path and and bags of audience participation. Fun and laughter is 28 Nov PRAM JAM: JUST FOR DADS Dads, adventures with our sad friend to find a joyful voice hid - guaranteed for the whole family! grandads and male carers - kick off the day by singing den somewhere in the snow... and grooving with your child aged 5 and under. SHAW THEATRE 8 Dec FAMILY GAMELAN TASTER SESSION PEACOCK THEATRE Introduction to the Javanese percussion orchestra called NW1 2AJ www.shaw-theatre.com WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com the gamelan. For ages 6+ 12-30 Dec THE WIZARD OF OZ A Christmas 25 Nov-3 Jan THE SNOWMAN Based on the book 9, 16 Dec PRAM JAM: EARLY YEARS DANCE pantomime version of L.Frank Baum's much-loved fairy by Raymond Briggs. step into the wonderful wintery WORKSHOP Get creative with your toddler as you dance tale. Packed with well-known pop songs, brilliant dance world of a boy and his magical snowman. As a unique together in The Clore Ballroom. For under 5s. routines, lots of audience participation and plenty of friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied 16 Dec-3 Jan SLAVA’S SNOWSHOES Family show laughter for all the family. adventure to the North Pole, where they meet Father with a heart-stopping blizzard of snow and other breath- Christmas and narrowly escape the clutches of Jack Frost. taking visual effects. For age 8+ SADLER’S WELLS 22 Dec LEAPS AND BOUNDS An inclusive activity day. PUPPET THEATRE BARGE EC1R www.sadlerswells.com Learn some dance moves, take part in a craft workshop, W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 1-24 Dec MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING play indoor sports games and sing along to a film screen - 28 Nov-10 Jan MR RABBIT MEETS BRER SANTA BEAUTY A spectacular gothic romance for all ages. ing. This event has been specially designed for disabled A marionette spectacle based on the collected stories of children aged 12 and under, their families and friends - Joel Chandler Harris. SOUTHBANK CENTRE however, everyone is welcome. SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk QUESTORS THEATRE 20, 27 Nov, 4, 11, 18 Dec RUG RHYMES FOR THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE W5 5BQ www.questors.org.uk UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems WC2R 0NH www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville- 12 Dec-2 Jan DICK WHITTINGTON & HIS CAT and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and theatre/the_gruffalo Ealing's fun-filled pantomime is off on a magical journey borrow books. Free but booking essential. 15 Dec-3 Jan THE GRUFFALO Tall Stories’ hit musical 2, 16, 23, 30 Nov, 7, 14 Dec DRAGON BABIES with Dick and his amazing cat. A treat for all the family. adaptation of the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson & Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong. Axel Scheffler. An enchanting production with the perfect Gamelan for ages 3-5. RICHMOND THEATRE combination of songs, laughter, physical theatre and just 18 Nov GROOVE BABY PRESENTS Parents with TW9 1QJ the right amount of scary fun set to a wonderfully catchy babies or toddlers can hear high-quality jazz, world, 4 Dec-10 Jan CINDERELLA Hayley Mills will make score with original music and lyrics.
18 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR November/December 2015 Classifieds · PARTIES
Would you like to see YOUR ad
here? SANTA TO YOUR DOOR! A visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Call us on or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children 020 930 4707 about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline on: 0208 959 1045 or email: [email protected]
Classifieds · TUITION CHILDCARE
To advertise in Families West magazine or online, please email us at: [email protected] or phone us on: 020 930 4707
WIN a Family Ticket to see Cinderella
at the Lyric Hammersmith ... Fresh for 2015, the show will be full of colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and, of course, two VERY ugly sisters!
Closing date: 5pm · 18th November. To be in with a chance of winning go to: www.familieswest.co.uk/competition
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! For £20.00 we will send the next 10 issues to your door. Please complete this form and return it to us with a cheque made payable to: Families West
Name Address
Postcode Email address Phone number
Please send your completed coupon and cheque to: Families West Subscriptions, PO Box 32231, London W5 1JR
November/December 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 19
SPORTS clubs & classes Will To Win Junior Multi-Sports Camps, Junior Netball, Football & Tennis courses and Drop-in sessions. …Pitshanger Park 020 8991 9844 DANCE STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama Lammas Park, 020 8840 0888 and singing for 4-18 year olds. … DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading www.willtowin.co.uk Chiswick 020 8398 4709 dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and … Kensington & Brook Green 020 8398 8106 LANGUAGES musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 … Hammersmith 020 8398 8106 years old. …0208 566 9672 … Arabic for Women & Children Female teacher Acton 020 8819 1399 [email protected] … …07956 845053 Ealing 01494 700794 www.dancegallery.co.uk … [email protected] TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years www.stagecoach.co.uk EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and YOURSPACE DRAMA Saturday mornings of drama Centres. 5-14 years. Free Trial session Fulham. …07957 650042 song and dance (6-16s) plus creative performing arts Ealing 020 8090 8710 www.kensingtonballet.com … holiday courses 3-16s) at Easter and in August. Ealing …Hayes 020 8561 8530 WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY W5. Find out more at …Westfield London 020 809 01216 Become a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance www.yourspacedrama.com www.explorelearning.co.uk teacher training. [email protected] SUSAN DAUGHTREY EDUCATION 07771 984590 … …07580 474638 11+ courses in Ealing (West London) [email protected] 020 3198 7772 www.westlondondanceacademy.com FOOTBALL … [email protected] www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) www.sde11plus.com/ealing WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. 020 7937 7965 FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring. 21/2 - 16 years 020 8743 3856 … … 020 8580 3911 [email protected] [email protected] … jwww.fleet-tutors.co.uk www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION DRAMA GYM & DANCE Mock exam practice. …020 8390 6076 TWISTERS. Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama ALLSORTS DRAMA Drama classes, Holiday www.11plustuition.co.uk Workshops and Parties. …020 8767 5298 Toddlers to Teenagers. VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 2 1/2 - 11years. www.allsortsdrama.com …020 8933 9997 · …020 8840 4452 …07050 246810 PERFORM Drama, dance and singing sessions [email protected] VIVIEN BORNEMANN held in various venues around London.To find a FREE www.twisters.org.uk Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages. trial class near you call: …0845 400 1285 020 8932 1010 www.perform.ork.uk …