Families North London Magazine Issue 124 May/June

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Issue 124 May/Jun 2017

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

North London

North London’s premier free family magazine

Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington

Camps & Activities WIN!

£100 of Go Ape vouchers

WIN!

Tickets to see What the Ladybird Heard in the West End! How many ladybirds can you spot in this issue?

See page 2 for details

PLUS What’s on, Holiday fun, Open Days and much, much more inside!

Welcome to the May/June issue! www.facebook.com /FamiliesNorth

CONTACT US:

Families North London Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE:

@Families_North

UPCOMING ISSUE:

Publisher: Heather Waddington Managing Editor: Lisa Ralph PO Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 M: 07402 613 042 E: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

Jul/Aug 2017 – What to do with the kids this summer!

Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

FREE!

Issue 124 May/Jun 2017

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

North London

North London’s premier free family magazine

Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington

Camps & Activities WIN!

£100 of Go Ape vouchers

WIN! Tickets to see What the Ladybird Heard in the West End! How many ladybirds can you spot in this issue?

See page 2 for details

PLUS What’s on, Holiday fun, Open Days and much, much more inside!

Front cover image credit www.depositphotos.com

4 6 8 10 12 16 18

Childcare School Open Days Parenting Camps and Activities Clubs and Classes What’s On Children’s Theatre

COMPETITIONS WIN! To celebrate the premiere of WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD in the West End, Families North London Magazine has one family ticket (admits 4) to give away.

LADYBIRD LADYBIRD WHERE ARE YOU? How to enter: There are a number of Ladybirds (this size) hidden throughout all 20 pages of this magazine. Find them all and email your answer together with your name and the subject heading LADYBIRD FAMILIES NORTH LONDON FUN competition to info@kennywax.com before 31 May 2017. Please mention WHICH EDITION of Families you saw the competition in.

The subject line of your entry should read LADYBIRD FAMILIES NORTH LONDON FUN Wed 5 July – Sun 10 September 2017 TERMS & CONDITIONS Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see the West End production of What the Ladybird Heard at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 5 July – 10 September 2017. The winner will be selected from by random prize draw of all entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, non-transferable and hold no cash value. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of 31 May 2017. The draw will take place on 1 June 2017. The decisions will be final. © Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks 2009. Macmillan Children's Book

Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue Nearest tube Piccadilly Circus - 5 Mins Book Now 0330 333 4812 www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk Based on the best-selling picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks

WIN! An adventure in the tree-tops with Go Ape Our friends at Go Ape have given us a £100 Go Ape gift voucher to giveaway.

If you’ve not come across them before, Go Ape is the UK’s number one forest adventure.

Days out at Go Ape are about living life more adventurously, having fun with friends and family and getting in touch with your inner Tarzan (he’s in there, we promise). They offer award-winning adventure activities for everyone. Set within 30 beautiful forests and parks, families and friends of all ages can unleash their inner Ape on their Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Junior or explore the forest floor on all-terrain Segways.

Q: How tall do you need to be to enjoy Tree Top Junior? a) 1.4m b) 1.0m c) 0.7m How to enter: Go to http://bit.ly/FamiliesNorthGoesApe to enter the competition via the Families North London Facebook page.

Closing date is 15th June. To find out more and to answer our skill-testing question visit https://goape.co.uk/adventures/junior

Families North London magazine is designed by Alan Ralph and printed by Warners Midland plc. Copyright Families North London Magazine 2017. Families North London is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazine Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North London are protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. All rights reserved.

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NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

NEWS Artsdepot wins at Get Creative Family Arts Festival Awards Artsdepot has been awarded Best Family Venue at the 2016 Get Creative Family Arts Festival Awards.

The venue was recognised for its value it offers to local families. Artsdepot presents a wide variety of family shows and events throughout the year and presents 200 family performances each year across its two theatre spaces. In addition, they run free family events, and free music and exhibitions for people of all ages to enjoy. The venue’s vibrant programme also includes relaxed performances and work especially designed for children with autism and profound and multiple learning disabilities.

There is a free children’s area with soft play, a book corner, an area to display children’s artwork, and space for adults to relax. The café also provides a relaxing environment for families and NCT groups to meet, with child-friendly snacks and baby food on offer and high chairs provided.

Tracy Cooper, Chief Executive of Artsdepot said: “Every year Artsdepot welcomes over 146,000 people of all ages. The building is rarely found without families enjoying a show, participating in a wide range of arts activities, or socialising in our public spaces. We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded Best Family Venue, and to be recognised amongst such an inspiring group of organisations.” For more information, go to www.artsdepot.co.uk

Barnet ‘Holiday Hunger’ Volunteer Recognised as a Hidden Hero

Walk to School Week

Local Barnet Community Project Volunteer, Karen Hedges has been recognised as a Hidden Hero thanks to her commitment to the local community. Karen voluntarily runs a Barnet based lunch kitchen and has served over 5,000 meals to prevent holiday hunger and ensure that children from low-income families receive a hot meal during the school holidays.

Karen was awarded the accolade of Hidden Hero by hotel industry charity Room to Reward and will now receive a complimentary short break in a participating hotel in recognition of her inspirational work within Barnet. Room to Reward’s Charity Director Adam Terpening commented: “Karen’s nomination was hugely compelling. Holiday Hunger is a very real problem of modern day society and Karen’s dedication to her community is outstanding and as such to be able to acknowledge this with a short respite break has been an honour.”

More than 1.2 million school children are eligible to receive free school meals. Outside of term time, though, free school meals are not available and many pupils are left without regular hot food. Make Lunch Kitchens are run by volunteers.

Find out more about the ‘Room to Reward’ scheme at www.roomtoreward.org

To advertise YOUR BUSINESS with us

email: Editor@ FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk

For more information or to order a challenge pack see: www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/walk-to-schoolweek

INSPIRE YOUR CHILD THIS SUMMER Award winning, Ofsted registered Holiday Camps and Term Time courses for children aged 4-11 in Hampstead and Islington HILD THRO UR C UG YO

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call: 01923 237 004

We know that walking to school makes children feel healthier and happier, while reducing congestion and pollution outside the school gates. Yet less than half of primary school children currently walk to school. Living Streets, who organise the annual event want to reverse this decline and see every child that can, walk to school.

INSP IRE

Families North London Magazine is distributed to over 30,000 families.

Walk to School Week is Monday 15-Friday 19 May 2017. Join thousands of children across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings.

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3

Childcare

How to get the kids outside gardening Gardening can be a great way to get your kids playing outside, learning about nature and engaging with the environment.

From the smallest seed in a pot to growing huge sunflowers in the garden, your children will love getting their hands dirty and watching their garden grow.

While we may not have the best weather here in the UK, it’s so important for kids to experience the natural world, get some vitamin D and learn some great lessons through gardening.

So how do you get them outside? We’ve put together a few creative ways that you can encourage your children to start gardening.

Do a treasure hunt!

Every child loves hunting for treasure, and what better way to get them outside than to go on a nature hunt? You’d be surprised how many different species are in your garden - dandelions, vegetables, woodlice, earthworms.

See who can find the most different animals and plants. If they don’t know what it is, help them to find out on the internet. This is something you can keep up throughout the year, encouraging them to observe the changing seasons and what plants grow at different times. Ask them what plants and animals they would like to see in their garden and start growing these/ encouraging wildlife together.

Encourage your kids to take their favourite toys outside...

...and build miniature worlds for them. Help them create a race course with ramps for toy cars, a jungle for their favourite animals to hide in or a fairy-tale wood for their princess dolls. Encourage them to think about what their little world looks like, and start to name the plants with them while they play.

Grow your own dinner!

There’s nothing better than eating peas straight out of the pod or picking your first strawberry, and all of these can be grown in your own garden.

If you’re not hugely confident with gardening, cress is the best place to start, and you can grow it on your window sill. It’s a great way for children to learn about how plants grow, watching seeds turn into tasty snacks.

It can encourage your children to try new foods, after all - they grew it themselves, and it can add to their important 5-a-day!

It’s a great way for children to learn about the food they eat and where it comes from, and standing in the mud with a big spade is a million miles away from the supermarket, and far more fun. Some great fruits and vegetables to grow with your little ones are carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, courgettes, salad leaves, herbs, peas and potatoes. Grandparents are great at this kind of knowledge: why not organise a trip to a garden centre with them to choose seeds and plants?

Keep an eye on the time of year and encourage your kids to read up on their plants, water them when needed, and take care of them. Don’t worry if it doesn’t go to plan and you only get one tomato - it’s a learning process, and your kids can think about why it might not have grown and what to try next time.

Create a wildlife garden

Kids love animals, bugs and creepy crawlies, and a wildlife garden can be a great way to get them outside and stuck into gardening. Plant flowers such as lavender, honeysuckle and verbena to encourage butterflies and bees in the summer. Maybe think about building a pond to encourage frogs, dragonflies and water boatmen, and let your children learn about the life cycle as they turn from frogspawn to tadpoles to baby frogs. Encourage them to learn about and identify the different creatures and how to attract them to your garden and help them to make new habitats and learn where animals live, from bug barns to hedgehog houses. Great fun!

Fill your garden with colours, smells and textures

Choose bright flowers like geraniums, pansies and sunflowers so your kids can enjoy making the garden more beautiful. Choose strong smelling plants like honeysuckle, or plants that make interesting noises, like bamboo rustling in the breeze. Encourage your kids to make their garden their own, and if they love it, let them loose at Grandma’s too!

Get messy!

There’s something so satisfying about getting all muddy: kids can’t resist it. Gardening doesn’t have to be about neat rows of flowers. Let your kids dig ‘til their hearts’ content. If they can’t get enough of mess, try making bird cakes to hang from the trees, and let them watch as quietly as possible as birds come to feed. Or how about a bird feeder made out of Cheerios and pipe cleaners? Encourage your kids to get crafty in the garden, making everything from bottle top wind chimes to lolly ice stick plant markers, so they know which plant is which.

For more awesome activity ideas with the kids visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

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NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

Childcare

New Tax-Free Childcare Scheme could save you £1000s What’s happening when?

Tax-Free Childcare is replacing the current Childcare Voucher scheme. The new scheme will be rolled out gradually, starting with the parents of the youngest children, and available to all eligible parents by the end of 2017. The new Government scheme went live on 28 April and you can now pre-register for the Taxfree Childcare scheme which is due to start in September. This will give eligible families an extra 20% towards childcare costs. In total, you’ll be able to use this new scheme to pay for childcare of up to £10,000 per child each year – so you could get an extra £2,000 per child, up to £4,000 if your child is disabled!

Also, the new Tax-Free Childcare scheme means you could be eligible for 30 hours. Sign up at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for alerts now.

Want to continue on the voucher scheme? You can already get 15 hours of free childcare in the form of vouchers, if you are eligible, and that is still open to new entrants until April 2018. You can continue for as long as your employer runs the scheme, or as long as you stay with your employer. Plus, you might be better off remaining under the voucher scheme. There’s a special calculator on the Gov.UK site (www.gov.uk/childcare-vouchers-better-off-calculator) which will calculate if you’re better or worse off taking the vouchers.

Who could be eligible for 30 hours?

It’s for working families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children (different rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Ireland). To qualify you must earn a minimum of the equivalent 16 hours per week at the National Living or Minimum Wage (currently £115/week), and less than £100,000 a year. If you live with a partner then both of you need to qualify – so, a couple each earning £99,999 would still get the extended 30-hour allowance. But, if one parent doesn’t work, then your child would only get the current 15 free nursery hours.

Who is offering 30 hours of childcare?

Local authorities cannot say with any certainty whether or not they will have enough places for all eligible three- and four-year olds with only four months to go until the 30-hour offer is implemented. So don’t delay! It is a provider’s choice whether they deliver the 30 hours entitlement or not. They can choose to offer some or all of the hours. Parents are free to shop around.

Who can offer 30 hours?

Day-nurseries, childminders and playgroups that are on the Early Years Register, and childminders with an Ofsted-registered Childminder Agency can deliver the 30 hours entitlement in full, or work in partnership with other providers to deliver part of it. Schools can also offer 30 hours. Parents will be able to split their entitlement across more than one provider.

For information on childcare provision in your area, see below: Barnet Families Information Service – Tel: 0800 389 8312 Camden Family Information Service Tel: 020 7974 1679 option 2 or go to www.camden.gov.uk/ familyinformation

Host an international student this summer!

Enfield www.enfield.gov.uk/if/info/18/enfield_ childcare_providers/199/30_hours Islington Family Information Service Tel: 020 7527 5959 or email fis@islington.gov.uk Haringey - www.haringey.gov.uk/ survey/30hours-free-childcare Hackney Learning Trust Family Information Service Tel: 020 8820 7590 or email fis@learningtrust.co.uk

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

5

Independent School Open Days Compiled by Anna Blackshaw. Please check websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change.

Abercorn School W1B Boys and Girls 2 ½ - 13 yrs 8www.abercornschool.com

Open Day: Fri 19 May. (020 7100 4335

Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs 8www.aldenham.com; 8www.aldenhamprep.com

Open Day: Sat 17 Jun, 10am-12.30pm.

Prep School (01923 851664. Senior School (01923 858122

The American School in London NW8 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.asl.org

Open Day: By appointment (020 7449 1200

Arnold House School St John’s Wood NW8 Boys 5-13 yrs 8www.arnoldhouse.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 7266 4840

Belmont School Mill Hill NW7 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs 8www.belmontschool.com

Open Day: Sat 6 May, 9am-12pm.

(020 8906 7290

Cavendish School NW1 Girls 3-11yrs, Boys 3-7 yrs.

8www.cavendishschool.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 20 May, 10.30am-1pm. *admissions@cavendish-school.co.uk

Channing School Highgate N6 Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.channing.co.uk

Open Day: Jun Sch – Tue 6 Jun (Yr 3) & Tue 13 Jun (rcptn), 8.45-10am. Sen Sch – Thu 14 Sep, 5pm. (020 83402328

Devonshire House School Hampstead NW3 Boys & Girls 2½–13 yrs 8www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 3 & Thu 4 May, 9.45-11.30am.

(020 7435 1916

Dwight School N11/12 Boys and Girls 2-18 yrs 8www.dwightlondon.org

Open Day: By appointment (020 8920 0637

Eton College Windsor SL4 Boys 13-18 yrs 8www.etoncollege.com

Open Day: By appointment.

(01753 370611

Excelsior College Tottenham N17 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs (Day) 8www.excelsiorcollege.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment (020 8365 1153

Francis Holland School NW1 Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.fhs-nw1.org.uk

Open Day: Thu 22 Jun, Thu 29 Jun, both 8.45am; Wed 13 Sep, Thu 12 Oct, Thu 2 Nov, Fri 10 Nov. (020 7723 0176

Goodwyn School Mill Hill NW7 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.goodwyn-school.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 8959 3756

Grange Park Prep School N21 Boys 3-4 yrs, Girls 3-11 yrs.

8www.gpps.org.uk

Open Day: Tue 2 May, Tue 6 Jun, all 9.30am.

(020 8360 4869

The Hall School Belsize Park NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs 8www.hallschool.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment (020 7449 6918

Hendon Prep School Hendon NW4 Boys and Girls 2-13 yrs 8www.hendonprep.co.uk

Open Day: Tue 20 Jun. (020 8203 7727

Hereward House School Hampstead NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs 8www.herewardhouse.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment *office@herewardhouse.co.uk

Highgate School N6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs 8www.highgateschool.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 8347 3564

Keble Prep School N21 Boys 4-13 yrs 8www.kebleprep.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment *office@kebleprep.co.uk

Kilburn Grange School Kilburn NW6 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 7504 0547

King Alfred School NW11 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.kingalfred.org.uk

Open Day: Thu 4 May (Upper Sch); Thu 25 May (Lower Sch); all 9.30-11am.

(020 8457 5285

Lyndhurst House School Hampstead NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs 8www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 24 May, Wed 18 Oct, both 9.30-11am.

(020 7435 4936

Lyonsdown Prep School New Barnet EN5 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.lyonsdownschool.co.uk

Open Day: Tue 16 May,1.30pm (020 8449 0225

Naima Jewish Prep School NW6 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.naimajps.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment (020 7328 2802

Norfolk House School N10 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs 8www.norfolkhouseschool.org

Open Day: By appointment (020 8883 4584

North Bridge House School NW1/3 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9mnths - 18 yrs 8www.northbridgehouse.com

Open Day: Tue 2, Tue 9, Tue 23 May, Tue 6 Jun, all 9.30am (Nursery & Pre-Prep); Fri 5 May, Fri 16 Jun, all 9am (Prep); Tue 9 May, 9am (Sen Sch) (020 7267 6266

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NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

Independent School Open Days North London Rudolf Steiner School N8 Boys and Girls 0-7 yrs 8www.rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk

Open Day: Wed 3 May. (020 8341 3770 *info@rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk

St Anthony’s School NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs 8www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment *sadhna.halai@stanthonysprep.co.uk

St Christopher School SG6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs 8www.stchris.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 6 May, 9.30am-1pm.

(01462 650947

St John’s Prep School Potters Bar EN6 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.stjohnsprepschool.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment (01707 657294 (Jun Sch) (020 8366 0035 (Sen Sch)

St Margaret’s School Hampstead NW3 Girls 4-16 yrs 8www.st-margarets.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 20 Sep (Jun Sch) Wed 27 Sep (Sen Sch) both 9.15-11.15am.

(020 7435 2439

St Martha’s School Hadley Wood EN4 Girls 11-18 yrs 8www.st-marthas.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 30 Sep, 10am.

(020 8449 6889

St Martin’s School Mill Hill NW7 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.stmartinsmillhill.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 8959 1965

St Paul’s Steiner School N1 Boys and Girls 3-14 yrs 8www.stpaulssteinerschool.org

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 7226 4454

Salcombe Prep School N14 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.salcombeprep.co.uk

Open Day: Thu 21 Sep, 9.15am (020 8441 5356

Sarum Hall School Girls NW3 3-11 yrs 8www.sarumhallschool.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment *admissions@sarumhallschool.co.uk

South Hampstead High School NW3 Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.shhs.gdst.net

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 7435 2899

University College School Pre-Prep NW3 4-7 yrs 8www.ucs.org.uk

Open Day: by appointment (020 7722 4433 *pre-prep@ucs.org.uk

Vita Et Pax Prep School N14 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.vitaetpax.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment.

(020 8449 8336

Information Events for Reception places in September 2017 10th May 2017, 24th May 2017, 14th June 2017 Weekly Tours – every Wednesday at 2.30pm.

Stay and Play - Fridays 9-10am until the end of term “The school’s approach to developing smart brains along with caring hearts and broadened minds is impressive and commendable.”—Parent Telephone: 0207 504 0547 Mobile: 07764969802 Web: www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk Email: info@kilburngrangeschool.org.uk T: @KilburnGrangeSc F: facebook.com/kilburngrangeschool Kilburn Grange School, Priory Park Road, London NW6 7UJ

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

7

Parenting

Tips and advice on potty training toddlers Potty training your toddler can be tricky, especially if they seem a little non-responsive to begin with…

Knowing when to start

There’s very little point in trying to potty train your child before they are physically and emotionally ready, which is usually at around two years of age – although for some children it may take longer.

Look out for signs that your child is becoming aware of doing a ‘wee’ or ‘poo’. They may tell you that they are wet or dirty, or that they are wetting their nappy or is about to do so.

Another sign that your child is learning control is if their nappy is still dry after they’ve worn it for a number of hours.

Once you have decided to start you need to be prepared to persevere, so choose a period when you know you will have time to give your child the extra attention that they will need.

How to begin

Never show your displeasure or punish your child for not performing– this will only reduce their self-confidence and cause tension between you both.

Equally, it’s important not to overdo the praise when your little one does something in her potty because they may think they’ve been naughty in some way when nothing happens in the future. Potty training is all about negotiation and persuasion, not anger and blame.

The next steps

While your child is learning to become clean and dry, putting them in training pants rather than nappies will make life easier for you both.

Explain in simple words what you want your child to do. Tell them that it’s what you and ‘big’ children do and that they’ll be able to wear ‘big pants’ once their out of nappies.

Once your little one has achieved a certain amount of control you can introduce the idea of wearing ordinary pants. There will probably be some accidents at first, but don’t panic.

Select certain times of day to sit them on her potty – perhaps after meals – but if you can, try to choose times when your child usually wets or dirties themselves.

Staying dry at night

Your child may get the hang of potty training very quickly, or they may think the whole thing is a joke, or even treat it with complete disinterest.

If they refuse to sit on the potty for more than a few minutes, don’t force it.

You don’t want to turn this into a battle of wills!

Try sitting with your little one and reading a story or just talking. And when your child achieves something, give lots of praise or even reward them with a small treat.

It’s unlikely that your toddler will become dry at night at the same time as they are dry during the day. Few children achieve this and many are well into their third year before they are completely dry during the night.

If you encourage your child to use the potty before going to bed and don’t offer drinks at night or during the hour before bedtime you’ll find that eventually you’ll have a series of dry nappies during the night and your nappy days will be well and truly over!

For more information about potty training visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Written by Alison Mackonochie Alison is a well-respected and highly experienced writer and editor. The author of numerous books on pregnancy and early year’s childcare, Alison has worked as editor-in-chief of Emma’s Diary for more than 20 years.

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8

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

Parenting

Discomfort or Deadly?

How intolerances and allergies can make your child’s life a misery

By Radhika Holmstrom Everyone’s heard of an ‘allergic reaction’. But what does that actually mean?

And what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?

To start with, an ‘allergic reaction’ isn’t actually caused by the ‘allergen’. It’s caused by a person’s own immune system reacting to something which most people find completely harmless.

Unfortunately, these defence chemicals also produce symptoms like inflammation and irritation. At the worst end of the spectrum there’s anaphylactic shock, with a rash, swelling in the throat – which can cut off the airways – and plummeting blood pressure.

Could it be my child – and what should I do?

If your child’s showing an allergic-type reaction to particular foods, the sensible thing is to get them to the GP and then press for a referral to a consultant if you need to.

If they do turn out to have a serious allergy, they’re likely to be prescribed an EpiPen, which injects adrenaline into the body to relax their airways and muscles so they can start breathing again (remember the EpiPen should be renewed regularly and you must get your child to the hospital as an emergency as soon as you have used it). But the main course of action from here on is just avoiding the allergen.

Intolerance

It’s also important to know that a lot of people who think they’ve got an allergy actually have a food ‘intolerance’. They do get a reaction of some sort but not an allergic one. Intolerances are harder to identify and there are only a few reliable tests. But the good thing is that although they can be very nasty on the gut, with bloating and stomach cramps, they’re not actually life-threatening.

Once again, though, do talk to the GP and try to get a referral to a dietitian or similar – especially if you suspect that the problem lies with gluten because in fact the culprit may be coeliac disease.

Don’t DIY

At their worst, allergies can be deadly – and at their mildest, both allergies and intolerances are pretty annoying. Nobody really wants to spend their time scrutinising lists of ingredients. If you do suspect your child has one, don’t try and diagnose it yourself, or with the help of a ‘kit’ from a company. Get the professionals on board to help work out what the problem is. You may well find it’s quite different from the one you suspected; and you may even find that your child doesn’t have an allergy or an intolerance at all.

Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues. She is a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University, lecturing to undergraduates and postgraduates on feature-writing.

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9

Camps & Activities Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

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.

Residential Camps AIGAS - various dates. Wildlife Holidays & Courses in the Highlands. Offering fully inclusive, small-group learning holidays and study courses exploring the stunning wildlife, habitats and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

(01463 782 443 8www.aigas.co.uk ATE Superweeks are 7 day residential holidays running over the summer, from Fri 28th July – Mon 28th Aug. The Council makes sure that keeping children safe, both physically and emotionally, is ATE’s top priority. Ages 8-16 yrs.

(08454 561 205 8www.ate.org.uk Camp Wild 24th July – 11th August in glorious East Devon. They will be running residential camps for 7-12 yr olds and day camps for 6-12 yr olds (recommended day camp length of 1-3 days, either M-W or W-F). (01404 822 188 8www.escotcampwild.co.uk Marlborough College 9th July- 5th August in Wiltshire SN8 1PA. Marlborough College Summer School continues to welcome young people (316yrs) to their action-packed week of activities and entertainment either as residents with their families, or as day students on their own or in a group. (01672 892 388 8www.mcsummerschool.org.uk Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre Somerset. 9th July – 19th August. Family run and owned since 1982. Maximum 70 residential kids.

25 acres fields, woods, river; over 40 exciting, challenging activities. Trained, experienced, fun staff. Residential/day camps. Small groups/same age.. 8–15. Delicious meals. Rail escort from Paddington (01749 812 307 8www.millonthebrue.co.uk Xplore Activity Camps – Summer Activity Residential and day Camps! Offers the choice of going to camp for a day, week or even for your whole summer holiday! There is always a mix of activities so whether you are super outdoorsy or prefer to be more creative there will be something for you. Xplore is Ofsted registered, accepts childcare vouchers and have centres all over the UK (01449 742 700 8www.xploreactivitycamps.com XUK Activity Summer Camp – 9th July – 19th August. XUK is a multi-activity summer camp based in the beautiful location of the Norfolk countryside, just 1½ miles hours north of London.

Activities include adventure (rock climbing/rifle shooting/quad bikes/high rope courses/water zorbing) sports, water sports, drama, dance, arts and crafts, cookery and much more! Children join them for anywhere between 1 and 6 weeks.

They welcome 6-17 year olds. (020 8371 9686 *enquiry@xkeys.co.uk 8www.xkeys.co.uk/residential-camp/

London Aquatic Centre

Day Camps Arts Depot – Run family friendly workshops during the school holidays. 8www.artsdepot.co.uk Aweswim – Swimming classes throughout the holidays. 8www.aweswim.co.uk Barracudas Day Camps are for children aged 4.5-16 yrs. who want to try new activities, meet new friends and most importantly have fun! All camps are OFSTED registered. Activities include motorsports, lab rats, archery, fencing, trampoline, swimming, arts & crafts, drama and many more.

Offering 34 locations centres at summer camps including Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet from Mon 24th July to Fri 25th Aug. (08451 235 299 8www.barracudas.co.uk Camden Arts Centre Children’s Clay Courses, 30th May - 2nd June, Working with clay as a sculptural material, these courses offer children the opportunity to engage with the exhibitions and provides a relaxed environment to have fun while they learn. For ages 5-7 and 8-11.

(020 7472 5500 8camdenartscentre.org Camp Beaumont Multi-activity day camps offering over 40 different activities at UCS Active in Hampstead from 30th May to 2nd June, and 10th July to 1st Sept. With state of the art sport and recreation facilities, it’s a great place for children from 3-16 to spend their school holidays, trying a variety of sports and activities. (08006 556 560 or 8www.campbeaumont.co.uk Champs Learning - Starting from 7th August 2017, Champs Learning, a successful tuition for English, Maths, Science and 11 Plus (Grammar School Entrance) exams, is organizing a most successful Summer School for Key Stage 1and 2 for Numeracy/Literacy subjects and 11 plus aspirants at Harrow College, Harrow on the hill.

Call (020 3004 9007 for details.

Chickenshed – Summer Shed 2017 Each week of Summer Shed will have a fresh theme with workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance that has been devised throughout the week. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. For ages 5-11 years, from 24th July – 4th August.

(020 8292 9222 8www.chickenshed.org.uk

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We're having a Ball!

For details and availability please call:

0208 201 1084 (NW3, NW7, NW11, N3 & N10) or email jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Finchley Central, Friern Barnet, Golders Green, Hampstead, Mill Hill, Muswell Hill & Swiss Cottage.

0207 684 7969 (N12, N14, EN1, EN2 & EN5) or email ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Enfield, New Barnet, North Finchley & Southgate.

Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years

www.littlekickers.co.uk

10

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

Club Petit Pierrot’s Summer Holiday Clubs Do you want your children to have fun and flourish while doing lots of arts & crafts, cooking, drama, outdoor sporty games, singing and learn French effortlessly at the same time? Fun French Summer Holiday clubs across London for 3-5 yrs old & 6-8 yrs old. 17th to 28th July - from 9am-1pm or 9am-3pm in Chelsea and 24th to 28th July in St John’s Wood/Maida Vale. Small groups, dynamic and enthusiastic native French teachers (all DBS checked). *admincpp@btconnect.com (020 7385 5565 8www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Code Today (NW3, NW11) Run courses for children aged 8-15 years old in Python programming. Two or three-day courses available over the half term and holidays. Introduction to Programming (9-12 yrs), Fundamentals of Programming (12-15 yrs) or Bespoke courses for groups of 5 or more (8-15 yrs) Further Programing using Python. email *info@codetoday.co.uk or call (020 3289 7431 8www.codetoday.co.uk Creative Wiz Kids Art, dance, drama, cake decorating, face painting free play, friendships, old and new are just part of the clubs! The weeks are themed from jungle to treasure Island, costume and design, monsters and more. Go and be part of the CWK experience! CWK celebrating creativity since 1990! 8www.creativewizkids.com Danny Grant Soccer School Action-packed Holiday Football Courses for boys and girls aged 3 to 12 at South Hampstead High School in NW3. Non-stop football fun during May Half-term and Summer holidays. Skills & technique training exercises plus matches and tournaments daily. INTRODUCING SUMMER HOLIDAY COURSES IN ISLINGTON. To find out more or to reserve a place call (020 8446 0891.

8www.dgsoccer.co.uk.

Dramarama Attention talented and creative boys & girls aged 3 to 15. Dramarama is running exciting Summer Holiday Performing Arts Courses in NW3. Act, Dance & Sing and join the casts of exciting and original plays, musicals or street dance/hip hop shows. Also booking two-week acting exam course. For a summer holiday to remember call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk.

Enjoy-a-Ball Holiday Camp for 3 – 9 year olds – Multi-sports and high-action games plus arts and crafts in a warm, caring and positive environment.

Tue 30th May – Thu 1st June and Mon 24th July to Fri 1st Sep – all at Woodridge Primary School, N12.

9am-1pm or 9am – 3pm. Call (03334 330 845 or email *northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com 8www.enjoy-a-ball.com Explore Learning – Offer Maths and English tuition sessions for 5-14 year olds throughout the school holidays. (01895 636 378 8www.explorelearning.org.uk Fire Tech Camp is the UK’s leading provider of tech and making courses for kids aged 9-17.

Courses will run between 10th July - 25th August, at South Hampstead High School (NW3). Shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, designers, developers and inventors in a fun, collaborative and inspiring environment. Make Your Future with Fire Tech Camp. For more information and to book please visit the website. 8www.firetechcamp.com (020 7193 4002 Half Term Puppetry Adventure - Make your own imaginary animal inspired by Lewis Carroll famous nonsense poem, The Hunting of The Snark, at Little Angel Theatre. Over four days you will explore the poem, enjoy a performance of the story, build your own mind-bending puppets and show off your new skills with an end of week sharing. From Tue 30th May to Fri 2nd June.

8www.littleangeltheatre.com Holiday Academy is a children’s day camp in NW1, for children aged 3-12 (in age groups) from all schools. Go along for exciting sessions including music, drama, art, sport and forest school each school holiday. Sessions run over the Half Term from Tue 30th May – Fri 2nd June and Summer Holidays from Mon 17th July – Fri 18th August at Cavendish School (07585 002 327 *ruth@holidayacademy.co.uk 8www.holidayacademy.co.uk King’s Camps the UK’s leading provider of sport and activity camps for 4-17 year olds during the holidays. Offering week long packages and FlexiCare; there’s something available for everyone. (01142 632 160 8www.kingscamps.org Leaders Are Readers – Their Summer School is attended by children from all over the world and early booking is advised. This year they are running from Monday 24th July to Friday 11th August, 2017 (3 weeks) at St Andrew’s CE Primary School Southgate N14 6JA. The aim is to cover a year’s essential work in 3 weeks, equip children starting reception in September with reading and writing skills, prepare children sitting entrance exams for 4+, 5+, 7+, 11+ to independent schools and top grammar schools, fill in learning gaps and prepare children on advanced topics so they can zoom ahead when they return to school in September. (01992 651 300 8www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Little Kickers Courses running throughout the summer. Football training for kids from 18 months to under 7 years. 8www.littlekickers.co.uk Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet, Call Julia Levene (0208 201 1084 *jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk or for North Finchley, Southgate, Enfield town, Enfield St Lukes, Call Emma Hanna (020 7684 7969 *ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk

London Aquatics Centre & Copper Box Arena Kids Camps and Family Fun The jam-packed halfterm holiday programme will run from Monday 29th May through to Sunday 4th June. Activities at the London Aquatics Centre will include the sell-out inflatable Aqua Splash and Extreme Aqua Splash sessions suitable for children and adults alike, and short courses in both swimming and diving. During the holidays at the Copper Box Arena, Fit For Sport will be running a fun and healthy alternative to traditional holiday camps.

Fit For Sport Activity Camps offer an engaging approach to childcare and are suitable for boys and girls aged from 5 to 12 years-old.

8www.londonaquaticscentre.org 8copperboxarena.org.uk.

London United Football School At LUFS they take a completely different approach - their camps are intense, challenging and fun. They combine lots of coaching with development sessions, activities, points, prizes, trophies, individual and team challenges throughout the week. Sessions take place in Bushey. Half term camp runs from 29th May to 2nd June. (07903 358 910 8www.londonunitedfootballschool.co.uk/ Mini Minors Holiday Camp & Play Scheme Multiactivity holiday day camps for children aged 3-6 in the Summer holidays. Based at Brookland School in Hampstead Garden Suburb from Mon 24th July to Fri 18th Aug. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, dance, drama, bouncy castle, yoga and much more! Ofsted registered and inspected as ‘Outstanding’! (020 8371 9686 8www.xkeys.co.uk/day-camps/mini-minors-xukday Perform Three and five-day summer courses for 4-12s Ages: 4-7, Beauty & the Beast at Highbury N5, St John’s Wood NW8, Primrose Hill NW1, Belsize Park NW3.

Acting out Beauty & the Beast fairy tale on one of Performs three or five day courses. Venturing into the Spooky Wood and exploring the grand Palace of Dreams, they’ll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast.

Ages: 7-12, Zak & Zara’s Cyberspace Adventure at Belsize Park NW3. Dance, sing and join the fun this summer. Children rehearse and perform a specially written funky show exploring online safety.

Perform courses are packed with dance, drama, singing and fun and are run by highly skilled trained actors. Prices start from £175.

(020 7255 9120 *enquiries@perform.org.uk 8www.perform.org.uk/holidays Pirate Filmmaking Course Shiver me timbers!

Join a band of buccaneers as you set off of on a swashbuckling voyage to create your own fantasy adventure film. Over the three days, you’ll shoot, crew, direct and act in your own unique pirate film. To book your place, visit www.sparks-ignite. com or call 020 7101 9329 to speak to a member of the team. Takes place at Heathside Preparatory School from Tue 30 May to Thu 1st June. *hello@sparks-ignite.com 8www.sparks-ignite.com

Poolside Manor Multi-Activity Day Camps Top quality multi-activity holiday camps for 3 to 11 year olds. Each week is themed differently, to capture imaginations and shape the programme of activities on offer. Children are served up such a range of sports, craft and art activities, dance, drama, games and trips and visiting performers that they are likely to find new activities every week and every day!

8www.poolsidemanor.com/camps Rising Stars Activities Camp (N2 / NW2) Football & Multi activity camp - choose from sports, arts & crafts, indoor games, drama, music and specialist activities such as skateboarding and tennis lessons. Set at our amazing venue which has astroturf pitches, gymnasium, theatre, fitness studio, canteen and tennis courts, kids are able to design their own day to ensure a fun filled experience! Camps are Ofsted registered and childcare vouchers are accepted. For further enquiries, contact *info@risingstarsactivities. com or call (020 8150 6655 8www.risingstarsactivities.com Stagecoach Summer Workshops performing arts holiday workshops for 4-6 year olds (half day) and 6-18 years (full day). Learn a show in a week, make friends, learn new skills working with industry professionals – with a costumed performance on the Friday to family and friends! (01923 248 294.

8www.stagecoach.co.uk/holidayworkshops Strings Club (NW3 & N1) Enhance your child’s development through our award winning, Ofsted registered Holiday Camps for children aged 4-11.

Workshops and activities designed and delivered by the best musicians in the UK will inspire your child’s love of music every school holiday. Flexible booking with wrap-around care, from £22.50 half day. (01212 969 204 8thestringsclub.org/northlondon Super Camps - Super Camps’ fabulous new MultiActivity programme at Northwood College for Girls (HA6) allows children to get involved in some great activities. As well as taking part in the funpacked programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment”.

Camps run from 30th May – 2nd June. Save 15% with code FAMILIES17 8www.supercamps.co.uk Tiny Swimmers (EN5) Swimming Pool School (Baby, toddler, pre-school, entry level) Classes follow a structured program emphasising water confidence, safety and fun in and around the pool.

Barnet only in May Half Term.

Email *info@tinyswimmers.co.uk or call (020 8351 4413 8www.tinyswimmers.co.uk Willows Activity Farm – Activity Day Camps every school holiday. As well as all the fun of Willows Activity Farm, the children enjoy indoor play in their exclusive playrooms. Lunch and a two course hot meal plus all drinks and snacks are also included. Activities include farmyard animals, funfair rides, bouncy castles, The Big Dig - sand and water play, indoor play barn, treasure hunts and den building. With changing seasonal events there’s something new each school holiday. Willows Activity Day Camps are OFSTED registered. Open Mon 24th July to Fri 1 Sept.

(01727 829 535 8www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Half Term & Summer Holiday Football Courses in NW3

Summer Holiday Performing Arts Courses in NW3

+ now booking new courses in N1

Dramatots (3-4yrs) • Stage One (5-6yrs) Musical Theatre (7-11yrs) Street Dance (7-11yrs) Drama Exam Course (7-15yrs) Plus Saturday morning performing arts classes & birthday parties also available

SKILLS, DRILLS, FITNESS, TOURNAMENTS ... AND NON-STOP FUN FOR AGES 3-12!

Plus Saturday classes & parties available!

www.dgsoccer.co.uk

info@dgsoccer.co.uk • 020 8446 0891

www.dramarama.co.uk

info@dramarama.co.uk • 020 8446 0891

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

11

Clubs, Classes & Activities CHILDREN’S PARTIES

LANGUAGES

Billy - Junior Magician available for parties, 40 minute children’s show includes magical pass the parcel followed by 20 minutes close up magic for the adults. Show suitable for 5-10 years. Weekend and after school parties, most areas covered. £45 for the hour. (07880 956 690 *sam@thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk

Spanish Courses (N10) for +7 in Muswell Hill.

Spanish immersion classes on Wednesdays 4 to 5pm. Starting 11th Jan for 12 weeks. Small group.

Activities include art & craft, music and games.

Total price £130. Also 1-2-1 lessons for teenagers and adults. Call Carolina on (07985 171 789 or go to 8www.spanishlanguagetuition.com

Danny Grant Soccer School offers action-packed football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Non-stop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches.

7-12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches.

Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 for more details or visit 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15. Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk Rising Stars Birthday Parties (N2 + greater London) A full service offering which includes venues, entertainment, invitations, catering and going home presents so parents can sit back and enjoy the party! We offer various themes including football, multi – sports, nerf guns, dance, gymnastics and bespoke themes whilst playing the latest big tunes. For further enquiries, contact *info@risingstarsactivities.com or call (020 8150 6655 8www.risingstarsactivities.com Parentville Parties, the free online planning tool for children’s parties! Parentville is here to make planning a kid’s dream party fun and rewarding…without all the stress. Find Party Venues, Entertainment, Cakes, Decorations, Photographers… Browse Photos and verified parents’ reviews under each listing while comparing prices. You can also chat freely with the providers to discuss your specific requirements.

Once your choice is make, booking is only a few clicks away! All providers are tested or met personally. 8www.parentville.co.uk

CLASSES FOR PARENTS The Family and Wellness Practice (N10 & NW4) Circle of Security© is a relationship based programme based on decades of research around Attachment Theory. The 8-week parenting developmental programme is open to all parents and caregivers. Courses run in Muswell Hill from Tue 9 May – 9 Jun and in Hendon from Sat 13 May – 1 Jul. Call Amma’Ledisi Solomon-Browne: (020 3006 2944 / 07757 087 930 or *amma_ledisi@essentialsocialwellness.com www.essentialsocialwellness.com

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Sing and Sign Classes Across North London! With musical/fun baby signing for early speech and communication, we offer three award-winning courses for new-borns (Sing and Sign BABES), babies (Stage 1) and toddlers (Stage 2).

8www.singandsign.co.uk Colourstrings – for a brilliant start in music! Call (020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email *admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk 8www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk The Strings Club (NW3 & N1) Enhance your child’s development through our award-winning Term-Time courses for children aged 4 to 11.

Bespoke sessions designed and delivered by the best musicians in the UK. Will inspire your child’s love of music and promote all-round musicianship.

Delivered in small groups, starting from only £15 per lesson. (01212 969 204 8www.thestringsclub.org/northlondon

SPORTS AND EXERCISE Danny Grant Soccer School offers action-packed football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Non-stop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches.

7-12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches.

Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 for more details or visit 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Enjoy-a-ball The sports coach program that helps today’s children become confident adults. A childdevelopment centred program rather than purely sports. Children from 2 years to 9 years old. *northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com (03334 330 845 8www.enjoy-a-ball.com Go Ape! (N22 & EN4) Tree Top Junior (a course designed for Junior Tarzans available at Alexandra Park) as well as Tree Top Adventure (our classic adventure for the over 10’s at Alexandra Park and Trent Park). Call (08458 381 612 and quote FAMAP7 8www.goape.co.uk Gojumpin (EN1) Interconnecting trampolines for free jumping, foam pits, tumble tracks, battle beams and more. Under 5s have their own area devoted to them. Also, birthday parties, school and group events, free running classes, fitness classes, teen nights, toddler classes and other special events and sessions throughout the year.

8www.gojumpin.com/enfield/

Little Kickers Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes. Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet: Julia Levene (020 8201 1084 *jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk.

North Finchley, Southgate, Enfield town, Enfield St Lukes: Emma Hanna (020 7684 7969 *ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk Rising Stars Football Club (N2 + NW2) High quality football coaching in a safe and fun environment.

Children will learn and develop core football skills to ensure that they progress and fulfil their potential. Teaching will also focus on appreciating good sportsmanship and teamwork. We offer a boys and girls only football club! Age structure: Pre Reception – Year 6.

Book now (020 8150 6655 *info@8risingstarsactivities.com Sports Academy UK (N8, NW7 & TW10) provide 4-16 year olds with an exciting and educational activity program at weekends, during term time.

Encouraging and developing young people to grow both as athletes and individuals. Summer camps also available. Call Grant Felix on (08000 428 842 or see the website for more information: 8www.sportsacademyuk.com

SWIMMING Aweswim (Golders Green and Colindale areas) Swimming lessons with a difference. Children, parent & baby, adult & child, pre-school, nonswimmers up to competitive, Group/Private one-to-one lessons, instructor in the water.

No armbands/discs for quick learning. Join us anytime. 8www.aweswim.co.uk Tiny Swimmers (N3, N4, N7, EN5) Swimming courses are based on a rolling 10-week progressive programme. Baby, Toddler, Entry level and 1to1. Join at any stage through the school term.

Structured classes with a different focus each week. Classes teach safety in and around the pool whilst gaining water confidence in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Email *info@tinyswimmers.co.uk or call (020 8351 4413 8www.tinyswimmers.co.uk

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15. Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. Two week trial available. For 3-18 year-olds. 8www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

SPORTS ACADEMY UK

For Boys & Girls Aged 4-16yrs LITTLE SPORTIES for Enjoy 18 Sports A Year 4&5 years is a

90-minute class. We coach two sports each week plus fun Classes at: Mill Hill (Sat AM) & games in a safe Classes at: Crouch End (Sat PM) and secure environment.

MAIN SCHOOL for 6-16 years is a 3-hour class where our students train T: 08000 248 842 M: 07764 211489 weekly with our team of qualified WWW.SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM coaches. Each week we coach 2 sports grant@sportsacademyuk.com and a team CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED challenge.

ENROL NOW

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NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

Clubs, Classes & Activities Perform Weekly drama, dance and singing. Ages: 4-12. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Small classes and lots of individual attention.

No-obligation FREE trial for newcomers.

From April, Perform 4-7s will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane. The 7-12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe in a space-age version of the castaway survival classic. Summer term starts Tue 18 Apr [N1, N2, N4, N5, N6, N8, N10, N11, N12, N14, N16, N20, N21, NW1, NW3, NW5, NW7, NW8, NW11, EN5 and HA8) (020 7255 9120 *enquiries@perform.org.uk 8www.perform.org.uk/try Stagecoach Highgate (N6) Help your child explore their creativity through performing arts and develop ‘creative courage’ through singing, dancing and acting classes. To find out about their two-week trial classes or for more information about Stagecoach Highgate call on (07956 436 028 or visit their website at: 8www.stagecoach.co.uk/Highgate

DANCE A&F Chantraine, The Dance of Expression (South & West Hampstead) for all those who love to dance! Welcoming new and old pupils/ children from 5 years to teenagers are introduced to an exciting new year of dance with a friendly and creative approach. All main styles – classical – contemporary – jazz.

Contact: Patricia on (020 7435 4247 or *patricia.woodall194@gmail.com Diddi Dance (North London, Enfield, Potters Bar) Dance classes for girls and boys (18 months – 4yo).

Various dancing games and exercises and props, such as hoops and dance ribbons, to pop songs to improve rhythm, coordination, social and gross motor skills. Different dance styles every half term. 8www.diddidance.com Saturday Morning Ballet For little feet that love to dance. A gentle and fun introduction to ballet for children aged 2-5 years. Qualified teacher with 10 years’ experience. Small classes in Gillette Square studio space. call Sam on (07880 956 690 or *sam@thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk

The Stanlowver Ballet School by The Kensington Ballet School (NW6) Ballet for ages 18 months – 6 years at St James’s Church in West Hampstead.

FREE TRIAL CLASS Call Karen Fisher-Lowe (07961 992 957 or *kfisherlowe@icloud.com 8www.kensingtonballet.com

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB / EDUCATION 11+ Mock Test Masters - 11plus Limited and Mock Test MastersTM are specialist providers or information and resources for the 11+ entrance exam. They demystify and ease the 11+ preparation process for parents and their children.

BIG 11+ events are run in local centres in Finchley and Barnet. Also available are: Holiday Learning Clubs, Mock Test Review Sessions, Pass Club Saturday tuition and Weekly Practice Tests 8www.mocktestmasters.com Bilingual Nurseries (N1) French/English Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery is a small private nursery in the heart of Islington, offering Montessori education and a bilingual environment, coupled with extended day care for children aged 1-4 years. We have only 24 children, and 6 members of staff. The nursery is open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday for 47 weeks of the year. (020 7099 0452 8www.bilingualnurseries.com Code Today (NW3, NW11) Run courses for children aged 8-15 years old in Python programming. Introduction to Programming (9-12 yrs), Fundamentals of Programming (12-15 yrs) or Bespoke courses for groups of 5 or more (8-15 yrs) Further Programing using Python. email *info@codetoday.co.uk or call (020 3289 7431 8www.codetoday.co.uk Explore Learning – Award-winning tuition with a difference. With over 120 centres across the UK, head online to find your nearest centre.

(01483 447 414 to book your free trial session today. 8www.explorelearning.co.uk Leaders are Readers award-winning reading programme, exemplary English, maths, 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ curricula have helped more than 3500 children from 3+ to 13 years old, for over 17 years, with a 90% pass rate for children taking entrance exams to top grammar & independent schools.

Saturday School starts back for the Summer term on the 22nd of April at St Andrews’s CE Primary School Southgate N14 6JA at 9am Book a free assessment and no obligation trial lesson. Call: (01992 651 300 8www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Fleet Tutors Run a 5-day or 3-day small group preparation small group preparation courses for 11+ or 13+ entrance exams. These are run by highly successful Maths, English, Verbal reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning during the week, with students sitting mock exam papers.

Call (08456 445 452 or go to 8www.fleet-tutors.co.uk JK Educate provide educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children 7 +, 11+, 13+ to GCSE’s and A levels. Help your child achieve the result they deserve.

8www.jkeducate.co.uk SDE Finchley Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses for over 25 years. Courses are taught by a qualified KS2 teacher and prepare Year 4 & 5 students for Henrietta Barnett, Latymer, SW Herts Consortium Schools, and provide 5 additional CEM-style 11+ mock exams.

(020 3515 0099 8www.sde11plus.com/courses *wbarns@sde11plus.com Top Tutors Excellent specialist tutors with full background checks. Primary, 11+, GCSE, A Level, degree, special needs including dyslexia. Help with revision and exam techniques to calm nerves and build confidence, preventing last minute panic.

Covering London and the home counties.

Call (020 8349 2148 or visit 8www.toptutors.co.uk

The Stanlowver Ballet School by

The Kensington Ballet School Offering the best kid’s activities in: ● Holiday Camps ● Football Clubs ● Birthday Parties ● Personal Training Ages: 3 – 12 years old Venues: North & North West London Ofsted registered – childcare vouchers accepted

info@risingstarsactivities.com 020 8150 6655 www.risingstarsactivities.com

ST JAMES’S CHURCH, WEST HAMPSTEAD NW6 2AP Ages 18 months - 6 years * FRE E TRI AL CL ASS

Office: 07961 992 957 kfisherlowe@icloud.com www.kensingtonballet.com

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What’s On

Listings for all the family

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

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.

May Thu 13 Apr - Sun 7 Jan 2018 – Toys Made and Played in Enfield (EN2) Enfield Museum presents a free exhibition celebrating the golden age of toys and games. Many of the world's best-selling toys were made in Enfield by famous names such as Spears Games and Lesney Matchbox and played with by generations of local children.

Free admission, no booking required.

8www.dugdalecentre.co.uk Sat 6 May - May in a Day! (NW1) Join in an abundance of folk-fuelled fun with this programme of activities designed to keep you on your feet at Cecil Sharp House! Grab your partners and twirl in the ever popular English ceilidh or twist a ribbon on the colourful maypole to live music. The theme for this year’s event is sword dancing. Take part in workshops to learn how to do a short sword dance routine.

There will also be arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, and outdoor activities. Limited tickets available on the door, advanced booking recommended. 8www.cecilsharphouse.org Sun 7 May - Sunday Family Workshop: Setting Sail To Another Land (N1) Inspired by Esser’s exhibition which explores the exotic ‘other’ landscape as defined through epic journeys, this workshop at the Parasol Unit takes the idea of a boat voyage as its starting point. Imagine your own fantastical landscape through which you'll sail by constructing, designing and decorating a unique boat using an array of materials. 2 – 4pm, £2 per person, booking required, all ages welcome.8www.parasol-unit.org

Fri 12 May - Superheroes Night Hike in aid of The Nightingale Centre (EN1) Calling all Superheroes! Put on your cape and mask and round up your friends to walk a 15 km walk through the Borough of Enfield to raise money for The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. The walk starts and ends at Enfield Civic Centre. Walk begins at 8pm, with registration at 7pm. (020 8366 9674 8www.nightingalesupport.org.uk

Botanical Crowns, Forty Halls

Sun 14 May - Jazz at the Movies (N14) Chickenshed presents ‘Jazz at the Movies’ - a unique jazz group formed specially to interpret movie themes and soundtracks taken from a wide range of classics including The Aristocats, The Servant, From Russia With Love, Agatha, Let’s Make Love, The Pink Panther, When Harry Met Sally, and many more. (020 8292 9222 8www.chickenshed.org.uk/jazz-movies Sun 14 May - Covent Garden Guided Walk (WC2) Special family-friendly guided walk on Mr Punch’s birthday, when there’ll also be music and special celebrations and Punch and Judy performances around the Piazza. Meet at Covent Garden tube station 11am. 5+. (07506 761 294 8www.barnetwalks.talktalk.net Sat 20 May - Karamel Kids Family Fun Day (N22) Join in with a day full of circus themed activities at Karamel Restaurant in Wood Green.

There will be storytelling with Mike Dodsworth, performances from Justo the Clown, paint your circus tents and acts with artist Yana Stajno and lots of fun singing, dancing and playing games with Gunpowder Gertie. The event is free and opens at 11am. (020 8829 8989 8www.karamelrestaurant.com

Have your children moved on to coding using Python

?

We run courses for 8-15 year olds in Python programming Group of friends? We come to you to run the course…

Sat 20 May & Sat 24 Jun - Creature Creations at the Grant Museum of Zoology (WC1E) Create works of art inspired by some of the weird and wonderful animals that call the Grant Museum home or invent your very own brand new animal, give it a name and add it to the collection in this family art day with the Museum artist. Drop in between 1:30 and 4:30pm, this event is free and there is no need to book.

8www.facebook.com/GrantMuseumUCL Sat 20 May - Dickensian Sponsored Walk (WC1N) A sponsored walk with a twist - walkers will start from the Charles Dickens Museum where they will also have the opportunity to explore the museum before or after the walk, free of charge. Walkers are welcome to make it more challenging by doing a 3 legged walk, wear full Victorian costume or carry a small child on their shoulders for the duration. Suggested minimum sponsorship per walker is £50.

8www.sechc.org.uk Sat 20 May - Dog Day Afternoon (W1U) Pitter patter down to the Cabbages and Frocks market in Marylebone village for another special Dog Day Afternoon. The Good Boy Dog School headed by Dima and his doggy dance partners George and Teddy, will be presenting new and exciting routines at 12pm and 2pm. A winning duo, not to be missed!

8www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Sat 20–Sun 21 May - Toddler Takeover at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) Take your little ones for a weekend full of exciting activities designed especially for under 5s. Enjoy a range of interactive workshops and performances created in collaboration with local families.

Takeover Day is a celebration of children and young people’s contributions to museums and is coordinated by the charity Kids in Museums.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

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What’s On Sun 21 May - Telling Tales (NW1) Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong for a storytelling adventure at the British Library. Listen to Norwegian tales of terrible trolls and fantastic foxes. Then become a storyteller yourself, and discover how to make a word salad for a giant story! Perform your story and fill the British Library with your wonderful words. 11.30am–1pm and 2–3.30pm. Free drop in suitable for ages 5–11 years. 8www.bl.uk Fri 26–Sat 27 May, 4pm - Milkshake! (N18) Delve in to Milkshake’s magical bookcase and journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales in this all-singing,all-dancing musical live masterpiece sure to amaze and delight!

Starring Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Wissper, Fireman Sam, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Shimmer and Shine, Milkshake’s very own Monkey and two Presenters! £16.50 Adults / £14.50 Young Person / £58 Family Ticket. Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ. (020 8807 6680 8www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Fri 26 May - Forty Hall Bioblitz! (EN2) Join wildlife experts during this fun and educational day, meeting a wide range of animals that live at Forty Hall. Go and explore the Park, learn about wildlife and share your enthusiasm for nature whilst contributing to real science! They will be surveying for a range of invertebrates including butterflies, bees and moths, birds, small and large mammals, amphibians and reptiles. For more information, please email *verity.roberts@enfield.gov.uk 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Sat 27 May - Regent Park 5K & 10K (NW1) Cancer Research UK’s Race for life is a series of women-only events raising money for research into all 200 types of cancer. Since 1994, women of all ages and fitness levels across the UK have come together at these inspiring events to walk, jog or run to help beat cancer.

8www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Sat 27 May - Battle of Barnet Guided Walk (EN5) Step back in time and explore the famous battlefield of the Wars of the Roses. A great outing for young historians. Meet at junction of Great North Rd and Hadley Green Rd 11am. 5+ (07506 761 294 8www.barnetwalks.talktalk.net Sat 27 May - Get Potting Mad at The Broadwalk Centre (HA8) From 12-4pm, the Broadwalk Centre will be hosting a free make and take workshop, inviting local families to get hands-on and plant their very own sunflowers using the mustard seed soil and pots provided.

8www.thebroadwalkcentre.com Sat 27 May - Outdoor Cinema at Capel Manor Gardens: Grease (EN1) New to Capel Manor Gardens this year! Essex Outdoor Cinema is hosting their first screening here, with their very own bar serving a whole range of drinks, great food stalls, coffee vans and plenty of sweet treats to keep everyone happy. Feel free to take along your own picnics, chairs and blankets.

Gates open 8pm, Live entertainment from 8pm, Film Starts 9pm.

8essexoutdoorcinema.designmynight.com Sat 27 May & Sat 10 Jun - Explore Zoology at the Grant Museum (WC1E) Ever wondered how heavy an elephant tusk is, how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many scales a pangolin has?

Well, take along your budding zoologists for these family hands-on specimen based activities and be inspired to ask these questions and more with the museum educators. Drop in between 1pm and 4pm, this event is free and there is no need to book. *zoology.museum@ucl.ac.uk 8www.facebook.com/GrantMuseumUCL Sat 27 – Sun 28 May - Hertfordshire County Show (AL3) A family day out, with all entertainment included in the ticket price.

Livestock, horses & dogs, arena displays, fun, food & shopping. At The Showground in Redbourn. 8www.hertsshow.com

Sat 27–Mon 29 May - Enfield Pageant of Motoring (EN1) Car enthusiasts get ready for this popular three-day motor show at Enfield Playing Fields, offering you the chance to see more than a thousand vintage and custom-made cars and motorbikes. Other attractions include live music, a parade of classic and vintage cars, and a host of stalls selling automobile.

8www.enfieldfestivals.co.uk Wed 31 May - OAE Tots Musical Journey (SE1) Introduce your child to the magic of the orchestra in these kid-friendly concerts at the Royal Festival Hall. The very youngest of music lovers are always captivated by OAE Totsconcerts, led by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. 8www.southbankcentre.co.uk

May Half-Term Sat 27 May–Sun 4 Jun - Half Term Activities at Museum of London Docklands (E14) There are some great family activities taking place at the weekend over half term, such as illustration workshops, storytelling sessions, and plenty of fun arts and crafts. All events are free – head to the website for further information on specifics activities and dates.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Sat 27 May–Sun 4 Jun - Half Term at Museum of London (EC2Y) There’s a whole host of fun activities to choose from at the Museum of London this half term. Make your own model cow and herd it into the Saxon house on Sat 27 & Mon 29 May from 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm; Help tell the captivating Old Norse myth of Thor’s wedding on Sat 27 May, Thu 1 & Sun 4 Jun, and make your own Beautiful brooch on Sun 28 May & Sun 4 Jun at 12.30-2pm & 2.30-4pm.

For a full list of activities please visit the website.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk

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What’s On Sat 27 May–Sun 4 Jun - Spring Special at Willows Activity Farm (AL4) The Spring Special programme will include live sheep shearing demonstrations

by Tuck the Shepherd – see the woolly friends getting their hair cut for the warmer weather. You can also enjoy new shows in the Peter Rabbit Theatre, Sheep Racing around the animal race track and all your Willows Favourites including Tristan the Runaway Tractor.

8www.willowsactivityfarm.com/spring-special

Mon 29 May–Fri 2 Jun - Kings & Queens at Eltham Palace (SE9) Put on a right royal welcome at Eltham Palace as you learn how to avoid the pitfalls of palace life and impress your regal rulers. Uncover the ultimate curtsey, bow like a pro, and entertain without being a fool. Find out how to be the King’s right hand man or the Queen’s favourite lady in waiting at this school for novice nobles. Get it wrong and it’ll be off with your head!

8www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham

Sat 27 May–Sun 4 Jun - Make Your Own Comic (SW3) Discover the Ministry of Women graphic novel and have a go at making your own comic at the National Army Museum. Join the hands-on workshop where you can learn how to draw one of the graphic novel’s characters - army code breaker Betty - explore the objects used to inspire the novel, and make your own code! There are five 45-minute sessions every day during the May halfterm. Book early to guarantee a space. 8www.nam.ac.uk Sun 28 May - Bug Club (EN2) Learn about Bees and Ladybirds through a fun activity at Forty Hall. 2pm–4pm. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Mon 29 May–Fri 2 Jun – Half Term at the V&A Museum of Childhood (E2) ‘Place, House & Building’: A series of workshops and activities inspired by the townscape of the Museum’s new build, design and construct installation, Place (Village) by Rachel Whiteread. ‘Where we Live: Print Workshop’: These worships invite visitors to be inspired by the past and present of where they live and work with creative practitioner, Alice Bednarova, to design their own colourful townscape block prints. ‘Little Lantern Houses Workshop’: Inspired by Rachel Whiteread’s Place (Village) installation, artist, Frances Barry, leads a workshop that teaches visitors how to craft illuminated miniature paper houses. 8www.vam.ac.uk

Sun 28 May–Sun 4 Jun - Sheep Week (EN9) Sheep week is back at Lee Valley Park Farms for another May half term packed with fun-filled activities for all the family! There’s going to be loads to get involved with including watching falconry displays, sheep shearing demonstrations, lamb bottle feeding and much more! It’s set to be a fun filled half term that ‘ewe’ won’t forget! 8www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Mon 29 May–Fri 2 Jun - Animation Workshop at Discover Children’s Story Centre (E15) Gain an introduction to animation with award winning artist Grace Emily Manning. Create your own colourful character inspired by Dr. Seuss and learn how to make it move. This is a drop-in event and prebooking is not required. 10:30am–12:30pm & 2:30pm–4:30pm, ages 5+.

(020 8536 5555 *bookings@discover.org.uk 8www.discover.org.uk

Mon 29 May - Fenton House and Garden - Fenton’s Big Picnic (NW3) Celebrate the English garden this May Bank Holiday Monday. Take along a picnic and while away some time in Fenton’s beguiling walled garden and 300 year-old orchard. Simple, delicious refreshments, wine by the glass, traditional garden games like croquet, and acoustic music to dream away to.

Booking Not Needed. Assistance Dogs only are welcome.

(020 7435 3471 8www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Mon 29 May–Sun 4 Jun - The Sailor’s Challenge (SE10) Have you got what it takes to join Cutty Sark’s crew? Join the sailor’s challenge, and demonstrate your sailor skills as you navigate around the life-sized gaming board. Will you be able to collect all the cargoes from around the world and make it back safely to England? 8www.rmg.co.uk

Mon 29–Tue 30 May - Out of this World: Moon (SE10) Prepare to go ‘out of this world’ and off to the Moon in this action-packed activity morning at the Royal Observatory Greenwich! Start your orientation in the digital planetarium to visit some popular destinations within our Solar System and beyond. Continue your mission with a brain-bending Moon quiz featuring stunning images of the natural satellite. Finally, take a virtual step onto the Moon to feel what it’s like to step onto the lunar surface. Please note all children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 8www.rmg.co.uk Mon 29 May–Fri 2 Jun - Make Do and Mend May Half-Term at the RAF Museum (NW9) Go along to the RAF Museum during May half term to discover how people coped on the Home Front in World War Two, with a TOYS AD 90 PRINT.pdf 1 10/04/2017 14:05 variety of make do and mend arts and crafts.

8www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Tue 30 May–Fri 2 Jun - Killer Carnivores at the Grant Museum of Zoology (WC1E) From lions to pythons and sharks to crocodiles, go along this halfterm holiday to investigate the amazing ways that meat-eaters find, catch and eat their prey. Take part in the fun specimen based activities and get up close to the skulls and skeletons. This event is free and there is no need to book. Drop in between 1 and 4:30pm. *zoology.museum@ucl.ac.uk 8www.facebook.com/GrantMuseumUCL Tue 30 May–Fri 2 Jun - Patterns, Patterns, Patterns! at The Geffrye (E2) Use your favourite patterns from the museum and gardens to create stunning stained glass, wacky wallpaper and patterned prints. Celebrating Chelsea Fringe. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes before the activities start. All children aged 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 8www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

DugDale present

An exhibition celebrating the golden age of toys and games, made in Enfield by famous names such as Spears Games and Lesney Matchbox and played with by generations of local children.

Climb aboard the Golden Anchor once more for this fun-packed pirate puppet show!

Written & Directed

by Marc Day Music by Chris Burgess

Running time 45 mins.

No Interval Age Suitability 2+ Follow us @pirate_squad Like us @ The Pirate Squad

Thursday 1st June 11am & 1.30pm Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th June 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm The Dugdale, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS www.dugdalecentre.co.uk | 020 8379 8354

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NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

Tickets £12 | £10 Children £40 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 Children)

Box Office 020 8807 6680 www.dugdalecentre.co.uk

Dugdale, Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield Town, EN2 6DS

What’s On to take part in free ‘taster’ lessons on a musical instrument. Last year, over 120 venues put on events which delivered more than 12,000 FREE lessons at a range of venues including music shops, schools, churches and other venues throughout the UK. 8www.learntoplayday.com Sun 25 Jun - Travelling Words (NW1) Head along to the British Library to celebrate Refugee Week, with writer Jenneba Sie-Jalloh, using the Library’s wonderful archives as inspiration. This is a fun and creative workshop using games, words, music and pictures to tell stories and explore different pasts and shared futures. 11.30am – 1pm and 2-3.30pm. Free drop in suitable for ages 5 – 11 years. 8www.bl.uk Sun 25 Jun - WI Cakes & Crafts @ East Finchley Festival (N3) Finchley WI’s popular fundraising stall selling homemade crafts, cakes and preserves.

From 12 - 6 pm at Cherry Tree Woods. 8www.wifinchley.blogspot.com

Travelling Words, British Library

June Thursday 1 Jun - Botanical Crowns (EN1) Go plant-spotting in the Forty Hall Grounds and then use the technique of collage to create a colourful, detailed and durable Botanical Crown to wear or display at home. Bring in any photographs of plants, pressed plants and flowers, gardening catalogues or old seed packets to add to your crown. Show times 10.30am– 12pm, 12.30pm–2pm, 2.30pm–4pm. Suitable for ages 4–11. Tickets £4 in advance, £5 on the door, Advance booking recommended. Forty Hall Estate, Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2 9HA (0208 807 6680 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Sat 3 Jun - Family Volunteer Days at Celtic Harmony Camp (SG13) Go over and explore the Prehistory settlement, the largest reconstructed Iron Age settlement in the UK, and help out with the day’s tasks from woodland work to putting the finishing touches to the new Roundhouses. Take a walk around the woods and then relax with a warming drink in the Archer’s Rest Cafe. Pre bookings only. Free Admission! 10am–1pm. (01438 718 543 8www.celticharmony.org Sun 4 Jun - The Lion King - An Autism-Friendly Performance (WC2E) A dedicated autism-friendly performances of The Lion King which includes modifications to the performance and the theatre environment. The theatre’s foyer includes designated quiet and activity areas. Slight adjustments are made to the performance, including the reduction of jarring sounds or strobe lighting that face the audience. The cast, box office and front of house staff have all been given training to understand the needs of an audience made up of adults and children who are autistic.

8www.lionkingautismfriendly.co.uk Sun 11 Jun - Family Barn Dance (NW1) Take the entire family to Cecil Sharp House and take part in lively dances from the British Isles in a supportive and fun environment. These high energy events give budding dancers a chance to take their first steps and spins. Dances are specially selected to suit children and adults of all ages, so everyone can take part. 3–5pm.

8www.cecilsharphouse.org

Sun 25 Jun - Lazy Sunday Afternoons in Hilly Fields (EN2) Free live music for all ages, supporting local charities. 3pm - 5.30pm at The Bandstand on Hilly Fields Park. Take along the whole family and a picnic!

8www.hillyfields.info

July Sat 1st Jul - It’s a Knock Out Family Fun Day in aid of The Nightingale (EN2) Go along to Enfield Town Park and enjoy the fun of the It’s a Knock Out Games. There will also be lots of stalls selling crafts, games, food & drink, rides and inflatable and go karts. You can go and watch or why not have a team and compete in the games! All proceeds to The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. (020 8366 9674 8www.nightingalesupport.org.uk Sat 1 Jul - Morning explorers (ASC friendly) (EC2Y) Morning Explorers at the Museum of London offers families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) the opportunity to explore the museum while it is quiet. Discover fascinating objects and take part in relaxed family activities such as arts and crafts, self-directed trails and sensory room. 8.3010am, advanced booking required. 8www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sun 2 Jul - ZSL Zoo to Zoo Bike Ride (NW1) The wildest bike ride in the south east will see cyclists pushing their pedals for wildlife on this Sunday morning ride. The long-distance route will take in three counties along the journey - starting at ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park and finishing at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable. Funds raised by those sat in the saddle will help international conservation charity ZSL to work for wildlife and protect some of the world’s most threatened species including elephants and tigers, which both face threats from poaching and habitat loss. Visit 8www.zsl.org/bike by Friday 23rd June to secure a place in the pack.

Sat 17 Jun - The Highgate Fair in the Square (N6) Highgate’s Fair in the Square is going `tropical` this year! The annual free event brings together the community and welcomes thousands of visitors for an afternoon of live entertainment, traditional attractions and over 100 colourful stalls selling gifts, crafts, plants, clothes, books and a variety of street food.

There are lots of children’s activities with a kids’ tent, fair rides, circus skills workshops, Punch & Judy and the ever popular Sheep Show and its dancing sheep! Over at St Michael’s Church you can take tea in its Café or book a Tower Tour for a spectacular view over the capital.

8www.fairinthesquare.co.uk Sat 17 Jun - Daddy Do My Hair? with Tola Okogwu (E15) Listen to author Tola Okogwu tell stories from her Daddy Do My Hair? Series at the Discover Children’s Story Centre. Learn how to create the hair styles featured in the books and create your own paper plate character with twisted, braided hair.

This event will be followed by a book signing. Pre-booking is essential.

(020 8536 5555 *bookings@discover.org.uk 8www.discover.org.uk Sat 17–Sun 18 Jun - Open Garden Squares Weekend (various) Keats House is one of over 200 private and little-known gardens opening their gates to visitors this weekend. You can take tours of the garden, learning more about John Keats and his ‘melodious plot’. On Sunday there will be a Minibeast Safari, with Wildlife Spotter Sheets and a Minibeast Hotel. For more information on this event, as well as other venues, please visit the website.

8www.opensquares.org Sun 18 Jun - Father’s Day at the Farms (EN9) Treat the man in your life this Father’s Day to a jam packed day of family fun activities at Lee Valley Park Farm. Learn about the farm animals, explore outdoor activities and take a break in the café with a bite to eat. The best part is Dads go FREE! 8www.visitleevalley.org.uk Sun 18 June - Things That Go Bump in High Barnet (EN5) A ghost walk for all the family through High Barnet and Monken Hadley, second most haunted village in England. Meet at High Barnet tube station 7.30pm. 5+ 07506 761294 8www.barnetwalks.talktalk.net

“A gorgeous treat for kids and parents”

Sat 24 Jun - Medieval medals (E14) Create your own medieval masterpieces at the Museum of London Docklands. Make pilgrims badges like those that can be found on the banks of the Thames today. A free activity taking place from 12–1.30pm & 2.30–4pm. 8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Sat 24–Sun 25 Jun - Learn To Play Day 2017 (Various) Music for All’s national 'Learn to Play Day' returns for a sixth successive year at a music venue near you. The UK-wide event will offer the general public the chance

The Daily Express (on My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty)

18 – 23 July 2017 peacocktheatre.com 020 7863 8222

Book now ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet Illustration: Mark Ruffle

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

My First Cinderella_87mmx130_London Families Mag JULY.indd 1

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4/6/2017 3:27:09 PM

Children's Theatre Compiled by Anna Blackshaw.

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.

Chickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14.

(020 8292 9222 8www.chickenshed.org.uk Until Wed 24 June - Tales from the Shed Tales from the Shed are vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Every week we present different stories featuring the same much loved characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh! Ages 0-6 yrs

Milkshake! Live, Millfield Theatre

Artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 (020 8369 5454 8www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 7 May – The Explorer After crash landing on an unusual island, the brave Explorer encounters wild beasts, rough seas and futuristic technologies. Join her as she leaps, swims, floats into space and enjoys a rather bumpy elephant ride trying to find a way back home. She might need a little help along the way too. Ages 3-8 yrs Sun 14 May – Dough! Dough! explores how life can be filled with colour and beauty when we step outside the beige world we know. Jess is in a very doughy mess. Unable to resolve the chaos in her kitchen she has to make a journey to an unfamiliar place to get help. Everything tastes, smells and feels different there. Fantastic things can happen with ordinary stuff. And what could be more ordinary than the dough that creates the loaves, naan bread, croissants, dumplings and chapattis that remind us of home. Ages 3+ Sun 21 May – The Scarecrows’ Wedding Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows (they scare a lot of crows). They decide to get married and Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials.

However, when the farmer notices he is missing a scarecrow, he replaces Harry with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake. Can Reginald persuade Betty that he is the scarecrow for her? Will Harry make it back in time before Reginald ruins their special day? This truly heartwarming adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s book is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style and promises wit, drama, and wedding bells! Ages 3+ Sat 27 – Wed 31 May – Room on the Broom Join the Witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The Witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers - a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a crazy frog.

But this broomstick’s not meant for five and - CRACK - it snaps in two... just as the hungry dragon appears! Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups!

Sun 11 Jun – Sponge Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a 1970s-influenced score, perfect for babies, young children and families. Sponge is about all things spongy, a child’s ability to soak information up like a sponge and the squishy, squashy texture that fascinates children and adults alike. There are two versions of Sponge: 11am for children aged 4 - 14 months only and 2pm for children aged 4 months - under 4 years.

Sat 17 Jun – Teddy Bear’s Picnic If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise! Let’s All Dance is back with this delightful treat for very young audiences. The teddies would love you to join them as they eat, dance, play and have fun! Little ones can take their own teddy, clap along and have their photo taken with the dancers! Ages 1+

Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X (020 7730 4500 8www.cadoganhall.com Sat 6 May – Southbank Sinfonia Family Concert Music is a language that everyone understands, heard and loved around the world. But every country has a slightly different musical accent, and for every person the music has a slightly different meaning. In this Family Concert, 36 musicians from 12 countries will be your guides through a symphony written in Italy by a German all about Scotland. Join Southbank Sinfonia for a thrilling global adventure, hearing straight from the performers as they uncover the ingredients of classical music like never before. Big-screen projections and lighting immerse you within the music during the concert, and then afterwards you can meet the musicians and try out their instruments. Ages 5 - 11 yrs

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Cockpit Theatre Gateforth Street, London, NW8 (020 7258 2925 8www.thecockpit.org.uk Sat 20 May - Rapunzel & The Tower of Doom Tangles? Split Ends? Frizzy?

Flyaway? It’s bad enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with some strange woman using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair?

Theatre of Widdershins have taken this traditional tale right back to its roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hair piece! This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights.

Sat 24 Jun - Wind in the Willows Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and their ever excitable friend Toad, as they go on adventures along the riverbank and through the countryside. Not everything is in the Wilde Wood is as it should be though. Soon they discover a terrible plot from the Chief Weasel to take Toad Hall all for himself. In order to stop him, they’ll have to work together to stop the villainous weasels from taking control! Filled with larger than life puppets, songs, dances, interactive sets and a huge heap of adventure, ‘Wind in the Willows’ is sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

Children's Theatre Dugdale Theatre 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 (020 8807 6680 8www.enfield.gov.uk Sun 14 May - The Noise Next Door’s Really, Really Good Afternoon Show The sell-out comedy sensation are now on tour with an anarchic afternoon show for just about everyone. Go along for an epic explosion of outlandish characters, perfect punch-lines and awesome songs all mixed together with the guys’ trademark brand of off-the-cuff antics. A barrel of belly laughs awaits for anyone between 8 and 108!

Wed 17 May - Groove Baby Groove Baby present excellent jazz, world and contemporary music concerts. Designed for parents and carers with babies or toddlers, they have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which singing, dancing, playing along and crying are all welcome. For their first concert at the Dugdale Centre, Groove Baby presents the incredible vocalist Randolph Matthews.

Half Moon Theatre White Horse Road, London, E1 (020 7709 8900 8www.halfmoon.org.uk Sat 13 - Tue 16 May - Happily Ever After The queen is growing impatient.

Her lazy son will never be king until he grows up, gets married and starts acting like one. She invites hundreds of princesses from across the land, hoping to find the perfect bride for the prince, but he isn’t impressed by any of them. Then one day a princess arrives accompanied by her brother…

Happily Ever After is a hilarious show from Action Transport Theatre, created in partnership with The Proud Trust. This production is part of Half Moon’s commitment to promoting diversity and challenging homophobia and discrimination. Ages 5+

Jacksons Lane 269a Archway Road, London, N6 (020 8341 4421 8www.jacksonslane.org.uk Sun 7 May - Chester Tuffnut Mischievous Chester takes centre stage in this celebration of individuality and togetherness. This show is full of humour, thrills, spills, near misses and great escapes. This is a story about discovering new places and making friends, while encouraging everyone to have at least one adventure a day. You can also have your very own adventure, with the chance to stay, meet the woodland creatures and explore their dens after the show. Ages 2-5 yrs

Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 (020 7226 1787 8www.littleangeltheatre.com Thu 8 Jun – Sponge Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a funky 1970s soundtrack, including disco favourites The Hustle and Car Wash. Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative journey, engaging audiences and encouraging lots of family interaction. Ages 4 mnths – 3 yrs

Thu 15 & Fri 16 Jun – Aleena’s Garden Colour The Clouds Theatre Company are delighted to welcome you to Aleena’s Garden, a sensory, interactive adventure for 0-3 year olds and their grown ups. Join Aleena as she tends to her garden from the first days of spring through to the snowy fun of winter with the help of some very special animal friends. Aleena’s Garden is a perfect first theatre experience for very young children.

Until Sun 16 Jul – Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight. And music. And walking on his tiptoes. Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog, Biff thinks he’s a ballerina. The sublime and the ridiculous combine in this story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling theatrical comedy by Little Angel Theatre. Ages 2-7 yrs Until Sun 16 Jul – Red Riding Hood and the Wolf You may think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, sugar and spice and all things nice. But there are two sides to every story, so let’s hear it from the Wolf himself! Here’s the story never heard of a kind and hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends. This wolf isn’t big or even bad, in fact he’s rather shy. He won’t gobble up your grandma or tell you lies. He’s polite and very gentle, he’s an all-round nice guy. So before you make up your mind about the wolf you think you know so well, enjoy a whole new spin on this fairy tale and remember to never judge anyone by how they look. Ages 5+

Millfield Theatre Silver Street, London, N18 (020 8807 6680 8www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Fri 26 – Sat 27 May - Milkshake Live! Starring Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Wissper, Fireman Sam, Noddy, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Milkshake’s very own Monkey and two presenters, this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favorite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight!

The cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice W9 (020 7249 6876 8www.puppetbarge.com Until Sun 14 May - The Flight of Babuscha Baboon The story of a baboon who wanted to fly to the moon in a hot-air balloon. On the way, she meets an elephant who is threatened by ivory hunters! Will Babuscha save the elephant? And will she ever reach the moon? This production is a magical combination of marionettes, shadow puppets, haunting music, beautiful lighting and moving poetry, and is guaranteed to captivate adults and children alike. Ages 3+ Sat 20 May – Sun 9 Jul - The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop Aesop’s Fables is an exciting collection of tales, all told with woodcarved marionettes, culminating in the evergreen classic The Hare and the Tortoise. Other stories feature storms to be weathered, ferocious lions to be overcome, and a group of daredevil mice who plot to hoodwink the cat. As ever with Aesop, there are always a few morals to take away. Ages 3+

NORTH LONDON May/June 2017

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