F SUMMER 2016 R ISSUE NO. 178 E ESTABLISHED 1996 E ® familiesonline.co.uk SUMMER HOLIDAY Daycamps, workshops and childcare THE BOOK PAGE Curl up with the best summer stories WHAT'S ON Where to go, what to do, what to see this summer online edition with working website links Buy stick on labels for clothing! Quick & Easy A Family a Literary 01786 473 508 Festival 29 – 31 July shakespearesglobe.com/tellingtales I READ SOMEWHERE that people are most contented during the season they were born, which would explain why my friend Clare loves nothing more than wrapping up in lots of jumpers and hiking the great outdoors (she’s a November girl), while on the other hand, having just celebrated a birthday, I’m in my element and head for the sun at the drop of a hat. Local News l email your news to [email protected] London’s calling and we plan to make the most of the long days by hopping on a bus and joining in with the many events, workshops, shows and festivals planned for the next few weeks. This is family time - have a great summer. Robina Cowan, editor Keyboard fun for grown ups Why should our children have all the fun? As both the IN THIS ISSUE director and teacher of Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes, Ali Hall has been told “I wish you did this sort of thing for adults” at the end of the children’s classes so many times, that it has inspired her to do 2-3 Local News and Views something about it - and it’s not just for class parents. Music making for grown-ups; dancing, diving and drama for On 16 July Ali is running a crash course (beginners children; why Wednesdays are great in Greenwich; and our welcome), where adults can explore the basics in a brand-new Families website relaxed, informal environment, enabling you to enjoy learning some simple, well known tunes and understand both reading and writing music. The course runs from 10am-3pm at St Philip & James RC Church, Poplar 4-5 Education News Walk, Herne Hill SE24. For information or bookings, call 0800 107 7949 or email Keeping your children’s brains ticking over during the [email protected]. lsummer holidays; and an inspiring ten year-old fundraiser For children’s summer courses, see page 7. Be part of SLYT this summer It’s show season at South London Youth 6-9 Holiday Camps and Workshops Theatre, with almost 200 talented students Make play while the sun shines - brush up on tennis skills, taking to the stage throughout July and have an outdoor adventure, discover computer coding or August for not one but three full-scale musical improve some school skills ready for the new term productions at theatres across South London. Students as young as four can take part in SLYT’s Infant workshop in August; while students aged 8 to 12 years have the exciting l10 What’s New prospect of appearing in a special performance of Matilda the Musical (however Frugal fashion for all the family, an online role with Families, both courses have only a few places left). funky furniture, and paint-your-own pyjamas SLYT is also very pleased to announce a second round of auditions for their Senior Workshop for students aged 13-19 years, who will appear in a two-act Broadway musical, produced over a two week workshop in August and designed to give students a very real taste of professional theatre. The new 11 The Book Page audition date is Thursday 14 July. New books to read on the beach, in the garden, in the bath For holiday workshop details, see page 7, and for more information, visit the lor in bed, reviewed by Justine Crow website www.slyt.co.uk, or call 0208 850 0516. Dive with champions Crystal Palace Diving Club was established after the 1984 12 Mothers Mean Business Olympics by World Champion Chris Snode and is England’s We talk to Samantha Fellows, local mother, scene painter top Junior diving team. and portrait painter Chris told Families : “We are Britain’s first professional diving programme and our Chinese Olympic instructors coach in mandarin and the training is quite fascinating to watch. Divers aged six to teens practice in the Olympic sized 13-19 What’s On pool and a diving gym with trampolines, springboards and Wonderful family events, shows and creative workshops to harnesses. Our top divers are from South London and fill those long summer days compete at all levels including for their school, London borough right up to l International and Olympic level.” The club’s holiday classes are lots of fun and include learn to dive, bubble and harness camps, and special competitive training sessions - for details see page 8. To book either for the summer or September term time, go to www.crystalpalacediving.co.uk or call 07776 284 651. Families London South East @ FamiliesSE Dancing to success Front cover: Childrenswear from the Hatley Spring/ Multi-award winning franchise, diddi dance has recently Summer 2016 collection. www.hatley.com/en_uk been honoured with a gold accreditation from the Children’s Activities Association - one of the first Next issue out 9 September, deadline 19 August classes in the UK to receive the prestigious award, a proud moment for local mum and Franchisor, Families South East Anne-Marie Martin. PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB Fast growing franchise, diddi dance has also 020 8699 7240, www.familiesonline.co.uk, scooped yet another fantastic award for Best Family [email protected] Friendly Franchise at Workingmums.co.uk’s prestigious ‘Top Franchise Awards’. Founder, Anne-Marie Martin Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All from Plumstead was praised as a Franchisor that goes the extra mile for her franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under team and the classes’ family friendly atmosphere, flexible working hours, wage licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham and administrative support, were also highlighted. House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Now available at over 40 locations nationwide, the fun and unique dance Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or classes continue to get the nation’s tots on their feet, introducing them to photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and exercise, socialisation and creativity from an early age. With hopes to launch distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the internationally, there is no stopping Anne-Marie and the diddi dance franchise! accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Read more and find a class at www.diddidance.com. 2 families south east - july / august 2016 familiesonline.co.uk New dance classes in Blackheath Perform are bringing new dance classes to Blackheath, after school on Wednesdays this September. Perform X is a brand new dance-based class for 6-12s. These unique high-energy weekly sessions are designed to boost coordination, improve concentration and give children a fun energetic way to develop physical skills, get fit and have fun. READER OFFER: Perform are offering Families readers an exclusive £40 off their first ten sessions. To secure your spot this September simply call 020 7255 9120 or email [email protected] quoting code NEWX051016. Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended. For children who love theatre arts, Perform drama, dance and singing workshops for 7-12 year olds boost children’s confidence, creativity and concentration skills. From September, the children will be rehearsing a thrilling new production of Ebenezer with original songs and music and the fantastic ‘Freaky Apparition’ dance routine. Book a free trial at www.perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120. Wednesday Workshops Wednesday for Crafty Kids workshops at Every Wednesday (27 July – 24 August) Greenwich Make pompoms, your own jewellery, try Market decoupage or balloon modelling. Face painting fun, storytelling, hula-hooping and dancing. Visit Greenwich Market buzzes with Greenwich Market and meet the best arts, craft designer makers who showcase and designer makers. Delicious street food. some of the best arts and crafts in London, alongside delicious street food stalls. Open 7 days a week and This summer, take your children to the market on any Wednesday from 27 July Bank Holidays, 10am – 5.30pm to 24 August, where they can stretch their minds and their muscles at The Emma Nissim yoga workshop or burn off bags of energy at the hoola hoop sessions. greenwichmarketlondon.com A Royal Navy charity since 1694 Budding artists can get crafty the traditional way with designer makers and enjoy the satisfaction of making something themselves. Great for family gifts that mean that little bit extra. There’s face painting and balloon fun too and lots of giant games to play including skittles and board games. Greenwich Market is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. Read more at www.greenwichmarketlondon.com. New website for Families This summer we are launching a fantastic new website which is designed to be more comprehensive than ever and easier to use. Whether logging on through your tablet, Every image smartphone, laptop or PC, you can look forward to finding more places to go, What’s On events and activities, education, childcare, tells a story classes and clubs and parties, parenting tips 25 July–31 August Free and advice - as well as some great new features, admission including eating out and local services.