Families London East Sept-Oct 2010

Sept/Oct 2010 Issue 57

EAST

ADVICE ON CHOOSING A SCHOOL COMPETITIONS INSIDE

FREE

!

SEE POLARN VOUCHERS ON P2

7-22(#$*5%(2&$*5

Peppa Pig, Ben 10, Star Wars and many more...

" 5 ) , $ # / . & ) $ % . # % s " / / 3 4 # / . # % . 4 2 A4 ) / . s - ! + % . % 7 & 2 ) % . $ 3 s ( AV E F U N

&2%E Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills as well as giving them the best fun they’ll have all week.

Book your child’s FREE class today. Call 0845 400 1271 or visit perform.org.uk

perform.org.uk

0845 400 1271

1

Competitions and Special Offers

Welcome London Unlocked

cut to the chase‌ in a Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch production

A FUN-PACKED FAMILY PANTO FOR ALL AGES

Fri 8th – Sun 10th October 2010 Earls Court Daily 10am-6pm (Sun 5pm)

Win 1 of 4 Family Tickets for lucky readers of Families East!

The UK Cycle Show returns to Earls Court for its 9th year, bringing with it everything you could possibly want or need to know about cycling for all ages. Whether you are a bike mad enthusiast, never ridden a bike before or those just looking for a fun day out with the family then the 2010 Cycle Show is the event day for you.

The 2010 Cycle Show delivers something for children of all ages and here are a few things you won’t want to miss: Kidzone for 2-6 year old - Kidzone gives young children the opportunity to try out the latest bikes and trikes, whether they are off the training wheels or just starting out.

Test Area for 6-12 year old - older kids can hit the track and take the newest models for a spin. It’s WKH SHUIHFW RSSRUWXQLW\ WR ÀQG WKH EHVW VXLWHG ELNH for their Christmas wish list.

The Tirol Mountain Bike Experience – for the big kids amongst you, stop dreaming about those high-end bikes and actually try them out. From the standard models right through to the elite, this puts new meaning to try before you buy.

Arena – always popular with families and kids the Arena hosts a number of shows throughout the weekend where pro BMX and mountain bike stars show off their tricks and a host of stars line up to entertain the crowds.

!

Contact:

tel: 07766 705655 web: www.familiesonline.co.uk email: editor@familieseast.co.uk Commuter Test Track – your chance to try out WKH ODWHVW FRPPXWHU ELNHV IURP À[LHV DQG IROGHUV to hybrid and even electric, this is the perfect opportunity to discover which brand and style is best for your cycling needs from your local dealer.

Families East Magazine, PO Box 2358, Ilford, Essex IG1 8BD Editor: Lesley Bishop Printed by Bishops tel: 02392 334900 Design: martin@fancygoods.org

The Cycle Store – get kitted out with all the essential accessories to keep you safe and comfortable.

You can advertise for a year in Families East for just ÂŁ90 in our new classified section. Subscribe to Families East for just ÂŁ10.

Please call 07766 705655 for details

There are loads of interactive, visual and informative features, and hundreds of leading and niche brands to see and try all under one roof.

Visit www.cycleshow.co.uk to book your tickets in advance, under 5s go free Question: Where is the 2010 Cycle Show taking place?

Send your answer on a postcard to: Families East Magazine PO Box 2358 Ilford, Essex IG1 8BD Terms and conditions: 1.Winners receive a family ticket (valid for 2 adults and 2 children) valid for any one day of the show on 8-10th Oct 2010 to the Cycle Show at Earls Court. 2.Only one entrant from the same household will be accepted.

3.You must be 16 or over to enter.

4.Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt.

5.$OO GHFLVLRQV RI )DPLOLHV (DVW DUH ÀQDO DQG QR FRUUHVSRQGHQFH ZLOO EH HQWHUHG into. 6.No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. 7.Families East is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize of for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition. 8.By entering the competition, entrants have accepted and agreed these terms and conditions. 9.The closing date for this competition is 26th September 2010.

Authors Emily Kerr & Joshua Perry 3XEOLVKHG E\ )DFWĂ€QGHU *XLGHV ISBN 9780956414809 RRP ÂŁ8.99 Paperback

Massage & :MÆMxology

Unlocked Guides are funny and irreverent guidebooks for children aged 7 – 11.

The authors worked extensively with the help from over 200 children developing this book. It is WKH Ă€UVW WLPH WKDW D UDQJH RI JXLGHERRNV ZULWWHQ VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ IRU NLGV KDV EHHQ SURGXFHG They are easy-to-read and full of illustrations, stickers, and photos, focussing on activities rather than places containing sections on where \RX FDQ Ă€QG WKH ZRUOGŇ‹V VPDOOHVW SROLFH VWDWLRQ (Trafalgar Square), sleep on a pirate ship (The Golden Hinde), or drive a tube train (London Transport Museum). The authors said “Kids want to get involved with planning family trips, but they don’t want to have to wade through boring adult JXLGHERRNV 7KH\ ZDQW WR NQRZ ZKHUH WR Ă€QG D life-size T Rex, or taste the world’s best cupcakeâ€?.

Families rating : 5 out of 6

Families East has 4 copies of “London Unlocked� to give away!!

Send a postcard to London Unlocked offer, Families East Magazine, PO Box 2358, Ilford Essex IG1 8BD

Copyright and Disclaimer: 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 QRU IRU DQ\ FRQVHTXHQFHV $Q\ RULJLQDO PDWHULDO VXEPLWWHG IRU SXEOLFDWLRQ LV VHQW DW RZQHUҋV RZQ ULVN DQG ZKLOH HYHU\ FDUH LV WDNHQ QHLWKHU )DPLOLHV� QRU LWV DJHQWV DFFHSW OLDELOLW\ IRU ORVV RU GDPDJH )DPLOLHV� LV RQH RI D JURXS RI PDJD]LQHV HVWDEOLVKHG LQ ,W LV D )DPLOLHV IUDQFKLVH LQGHSHQGHQWO\ RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG XQGHU OLFHQFH E\ /HVOH\ %LVKRS

2

EAST

‘FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS BEST’ Romford Recorder

SAVE MONEY with our FAMILY TICKET and GROUP DISCOUNTS Written by Nicholas Pegg Music and lyrics by Carol Sloman

Last issue’s Colchester Zoo winner is Mrs Young, RM5

Sponsored by

Romford

4 DEC - 15 JAN 2011 Box Office 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk

The Women’s Interfaith Network was formed in 2003 by Lady Gilda Levy and Mrs Pinky Lilani OBE after the September 11 events that had far reaching global effects.

WIN has a membership of over 500 women from diverse faiths and cultures. Our mission is to work together to break down prejudices or barriers and to promote understanding and respect of all faiths and cultures represented in the UK. One of the ways we do this is by establishing local WIN groups to encourage & support women to identify and explore their own needs and interests. Currently we have nine WIN groups in Barnet, Bromley, Chigwell, Gants Hill, Hackney, Lambeth, London (East & West) and Waltham Forest.

WIN aims to promote the harmony of faiths and cultures IRU WKH EHQHÀW RI WKH SXEOLF DQG society in general by: ‡ %ULQJLQJ ZRPHQ WRJHWKHU WR deal with common issues that affect all communities ‡ 2UJDQLVLQJ FXOWXUDO HYHQWV and educational visits to places

of worship, to share knowledge, understanding promote community cohesion ‡ (QFRXUDJLQJ ZRPHQ WR GHYHORS VNLOOV DQG VHOI FRQÀGHQFH ‡ ,GHQWLI\LQJ DQG RYHUFRPLQJ barriers, in order to empower women to achieve their full potential ‡ %XLOGLQJ SDUWQHUVKLSV ZLWK RWKHU organisations In addition to hosting educational seminars and music & food festivals, WIN also organise visits to places of worship and have taken groups to mosques, temples, synagogues and churches.

WIN has established local groups that encourage & support women to meet to identify and explore their own needs and interests within their community. Our groups are open to all women from all walks of life.

For more information contact : Mrs Jackie Goymour - Group /LDLVRQ 2IĂ€FHU Jackie is responsible for development and growth of new groups and also Co-Chairs the Barnet WIN Group. Please call 020 7931 6453 on a Tuesday or email: info@wominet.co.uk.

WOMEN’S INTERFAITH NETWORK

FREE FESTIVAL 17th OCTOBER 2010 FROM 10AM – 6PM MILE END PARK, HAVERFIELD ROAD, LONDON E3

Celebrate cultural, artistic and religious diversity represented in Tower Hamlets.

Activities on offer: Cultural dance and music performances from Africa (Iroko Theatre); Irish Dancers; Buddhist Burmese, Egyptian, Somali Poets, multicultural Five-a-side football tournament and a renowned London DJ. There will be food from around the world, family activities including face painting and bouncy castles for children, henna painting, art and craft, story-telling and oral history of the local area and information stalls.

3

Local News

The London Children’s Film Festival 2010 Sat 30 Oct – Sun 7 Nov 2010 Now in its 6th year, this is the biggest celebration of film for children in the Capital, giving families the chance to watch the best new features and short films from around the world, create their own films and participate in a huge range of arts activities.

South Asian Literature Festival (SALF) 5HĂ HFWLQJ WKH GLYHUVH QDWXUH RI 6RXWK $VLDQ FXOWXUH 6$/) LV D PXOWL GLPHQVLRQDO IHVWLYDO H[SORULQJ the politics, languages and literature of the region through music, spoken word, visual arts and literary performances.

Tickets on sale from Mon 27 Sep, including Opening Gala Film Moomins and the Comet Chase 3D (pictured).

There is a particular focus on family on Sat 16th Oct, 11am-12.30pm with a South Asian Story-telling and Tribal Art Workshop at Rich Mix where author and storyteller Gita Wolf will take children and parents on a colourful journey for ages 4-11 (ÂŁ2 per child).

Discover the folktale and tribal art form of the ‘Warli’ tribal community of western India in this fun family storytelling and folk art workshop.

Richmix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA

Welcome to the Wild West!

www.richmix.org.uk 020 7613 7498

Round up all your Cowgirls and Cowboys. This term, Perform children will be galloping off to The :LOG :HVW WR ÀQG WKH +RUVH ZLWK WKH *ROGHQ 0DQH They’ll discover a spooky ghost town and get aboard a runaway mine train, and there’ll be some exciting characters to meet along the way including Cowboy Billy the Goat and beautiful Native American Princess Lily Yellow Lark. Learn songs, dances, tongue twisters, rhymes and raps, and go on weekly improvisations, Perform is perfect for 4-8 year olds.

Local children’s music group Monkey Music wins national award Monkey Music, which runs pre school music classes in Dulwich, Herne Hill, Blackheath and Greenwich West, has won a major national award, FRQÀUPLQJ LWV SRVLWLRQ DV WKH 8.ҋV SUHPLXP PXVLF group for babies and young children.

The “What’s On 4 Little Ones� Awards, supported

by Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine, are one of the UK’s leading children’s activities awards. They celebrate the best children’s activities across the UK as nominated and voted for by parents.

Perform also offer a fantastic deal where each child is eligible for a FREE TRIAL SESSION. You can easily book online or on the phone 0845 400 4000 or email them on enquiries@perform.org.uk.

Perform Classes in your area: All Saints Church Romford Road, Chigwell Row, Chigwell, IG7 4QD Sat (Session 1) 9.30am-11am & (Session 2) 11.15am-12.45pm

Loughton Leisure Centre Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1SZ

lcff.org.uk Mini maestro family concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Join the London Musical Arts (LMA) Orchestra and treat your children to an hour of magical music for young people aged 4-12. Where else can you have such hands-on fun with live music and musicians who go ‘walkabout’ in the audience?

Take a journey of discovery, imagination and inspiration at their series of family concerts.

Sat 25 Sept 2010, 4:30pm A thrilling journey with scary trolls, mysterious dreams and violent storms but also peaceful meadows and glorious sunshine, exploring Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony.

Sat 30 Oct 2010, 4:30pm An action-packed hour of musical fun in their orchestral playground exploring Beethoven and Mendelssohn, with lots of audience participation.

Sat 20 Nov 2010, 4:45pm Invent a story, join the quiz, beat the drum and play musical chairs with some of the most famous pieces ever written including Beethoven’s 5th.

Sat 11 Dec 2010, 4:00pm 3URNRĂ€HYŇ‹V HYHU SRSXODU IDPLO\ FODVVLF 3HWHU DQG the Wolf.

Tues (Session 1) 4pm-5pm & (Session 2) 5pm-6pm

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 51, Cambridge Park, Wanstead, Essex, E11 2PR Thu (Session 1) 4pm-5pm & (Session 2) 5pm-6pm

This year, Monkey Music was awarded - The Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity.

Rebecca Maskell who runs Monkey Music classes in Blackheath, Greenwich West, Dulwich and Herne Hill said “The award is brilliant, especially as it’s as voted for by the parents. Monkey Music channels children’s natural interest in a structured and focused way, maximising its positive impact and encouraging their understanding of music.�

Discover Award Winning Monkey Music for FREE! Simply bring your own little monkey for a complimentary class. Phone Rebecca on 020 8764 5185 for details of their curriculum and to book your complimentary class or visit the Monkey Music at www.monkeymusic.co.uk

4

St Mary’s Church Of England Voluntary Aided Primary School +DOO /DQH 6KHQÀHOG %UHQWZRRG &0 $/ Thu (Session 1) 4pm-5pm & (Session 2) 5pm-6pm

The Church Of The Immaculate Conception Church Hill, Epping, Essex, CM16 4RA Wed (Session 1) 4pm-5pm & (Session 2) 5pm-6pm

The City of London Corporation is the founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre

LMA Orchestra St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square WC2N 4JJ 020 7766 1100 www.lmaorchestra.com

Upcoming events at The Brewery, Romford Search for a Brewery Star takes place on Sat 18th & Sun 19th Sept and is the Brewery’s annual talent search. This year they have changed the format and are inviting talented youngsters to use their mobile recording studios to perform.

The winner will receive a full day in a recording studio. Registration for the event is at www. thebreweryromford.com On Sat 2nd Oct, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller are coming to the centre to celebrate an exclusive showing of their all new ÀOP FDOOHG 0LVW\ ,VODQG 5HVFXH ([FOXVLYH WR 9XH cinemas it is showing at 10:30am on Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd October. Thomas and the Fat Controller will be at the centre from 11am-4pm on Sat 2nd October to celebrate.

Get paid for your opinion...

Sing Along with Jo Jingles!

“I give it 7 out of 10...�

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Children’s Parties & Nursery Sessions also available!

“In my experience...� “the red one’s best�

T: 01635 298326

“I really liked...�

NO JOINING FEE!

“I think this...�

market research

www.code3research.co.uk

register here to get paid for your opinion

For details on classes in: Gants Hill, Goodmayes, Wanstead, Romford, Woodford Bridge & Hornchurch Call Elaine on 0208 551 7788 teresa.elaine@ntlworld.com www.jojingles.com/romford

Free Taster Days at Award Winning Theatre School The award winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is holding a series of free taster days at our Docklands' branch for those that wish to try a day at theatre school.

The school, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary next year, has over 200 students aged 7 - 18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre, including Charlie Jones who currently plays Ben Mitchell and Belinda Owusu who plays Libby Fox in the BBC series EastEnders.

As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow.

Every week students follow a timetable of drama, singing, dance film and occasional set/costume design under under the guidance of top industry professionals. As well as weekly classes, students are given the opportunity to take part in Voice Idol, Drama and Stars in their Eyes competitions, culminating in a yearly Oscar Night.

The school has recruited some excellent teaching staff including: Mike Burnside, (actor in The Bill, Bergerac, the RSC), Mark Short, (choreographer to Tina Peter,

Peter Andre, Liberty X), Michael Buffong, (director of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street), Jacob Murray, (former associate artistic director at the Royal Exchange Manchester). Jay Henry (vocal coach for X Factor having worked with artists including George Michael, Mariah Carey and Craig David). Celebrities such as Joseph Marcell, (Jeffery in Fresh Prince of Bel Air) have also been amongst special guests to give master classes at this prestigious school.

Students get to work with a variety of casting directors, producers and TV directors . They also get the opportunity to be considered for the agency to audition for professional work.

For more information on how to sign up visit www.annafiorentini.com or phone 020 7682 1403.

"I am so pleased I am not starting again in showbiz! The talent I saw from this school was superb" Barbara Windsor

FREE

TASTER DAY: Drama / Singing / Dance / Film / Set & Costume Design

Please call or visit website for details Limited Places!

Wednesdays at Docklands branch Saturdays at Hackney & North London branches Ages 7-18. Taught by leading industry professionals.

Winner of 3 Business of London Awards.

^^^ (55(-069,5;050 JVT ;LS! 5

Product Reviews

Education report range of playable chords - over 30 in total! - that can be riffed in seconds turning any child into an instant rockstar.

!

Are you ready to ROCK

Paper Jamz are wafer-thin, touch-sensitive guitars preloaded with fully licensed play-along tracks. You can even play full-on freestyle (major, minor and 7ths) on the usable fretboard. No talent required.

There are six iconic rock style guitars to choose from and they are the next generation in music making. With a full

Three legendary rock anthems included on each guitar can be jammed along with in both Rhythm and Perfect Play modes, or turn off the vocals and sing along, Karaoke-style!

Editor’s comments: It took a few minutes to work out all the modes but we were blown away by how clever this toy is – you can really make your own tunes up - it’s an amazing product!

Available at www.paperjamz.com/uk for ÂŁ24.99.

The KeepCup is the same volume as standard takeaway cups so it can be used at your favourite coffee shops, it’s made of food safe polypropylene, is BPA free, non-toxic, reusable and recyclable. It is dishwasher and microwave VDIH VWDFNDEOH OLJKWZHLJKW VSODVK SURRI DQG ÀWV LQ FDU cup holders.

nts

for busy pare Eco-friendly coffee cups

.HHS&XS LV WKH ZRUOGҋV ÀUVW EDULVWD VWDQGDUG UH XVHDEOH cup. The Australian designed cup lets you enjoy a guilt-free coffee, as you won’t need to use disposable take-away cups anymore.

Many of us still assume disposable paper cups are environmentally friendly but they are sprayed with a plastic resin called polyethylene that makes them non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. This means that every year these cups account for an estimated PLOOLRQ WRQQHV RI ODQGĂ€OO DQG PLOOLRQ IHOOHG WUHHV worldwide.

Lets Play Tailball

Editor’s comments: I tried this at my local Costa, it ZRUNHG ZHOO DQG , KDG QR SUREOHP ZLWK WKHP ÀOOLQJ LW for me – so why not do your bit for the environment.

Available at www.ecoutlet.co.uk for ÂŁ8.99 (plus shipping).

and become Tailball champions.

Looking for a fun new game to be enjoyed by family and friends then take a look at Tailball. From the makers of Swingball, Tailball has a fresh new take on the traditional bat and ball game – it features a unique ‘tail’, to make it easier to hit, improve hand to eye co-ordination and just make it more fun!

$YDLODEOH LQ ÀYH YDULHWLHV LQFOXGLQJ 7DLOEDOO /LJKW …

which can be played indoors and outdoors, and Tailball Flyer (ÂŁ8.99), a fresh take on the traditional Frisbee game, Tailball is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Editor’s comments: We tried out the Tailball Light version that is recommended for 3+ but we think it is better suited to older children.

The must-have accessory for any outdoor occasion - visit to the beach, trip to the park or festival outing, Tailball offers an exciting new challenge that is set to pit family and friends against each other as they try to master the game

Available at Toys R Us stores nationwide.

QDWXUDO YLWDPLQV DQG PLQHUDOV WKDW DUH KLJKO\ EHQHÀFLDO WR the skin. This way they know they’re always as fresh and natural as possible – and most importantly, good for you (because it is thought that 60% of what you put on your skin may enter your blood stream) and your skin.

h food for your skin

Soothe-me – Like healt

Soothe-me products are handmade and hand blended in small batches using organic essential oils, essences from plants & herbs. They use organic base oils rich in

ation‌

From irritation to innov

)OH[L%DWK LV WKH ÀUVW HYHU IROGDEOH EDE\ EDWK WXE ,W UHVROYHV VWRUDJH FRQFHUQV E\ IROGLQJ à DW DQG FDQ ÀW MXVW about anywhere; against the wall, in a cabinet, under the bed.

Danish designed the FlexiBath is made of hard plastic with soft folding lines made of rubber, which makes it both VWDEOH DQG Ă H[LEOH IRU DGGLWLRQDO VDIHW\ DQG FRPIRUW WKH bottom of the bath has a non-slip surface.

They use the highest quality natural and organic ingredients and wherever possible are sourced from small, family run UK herb farms and oil producers. Both ethically produced and free from harmful chemicals and synthetics, they test their products on people, not animals. Packaging is recyclable and biodegradable wherever possible.

Dyslexia is often misunderstood, hard to diagnose and often those affected by it do not receive adequate support. So what is it and how does it affect children?

Corinna Shepherd explains.

What is dyslexia?

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally PHDQLQJ ҊGLIÀFXOW\ ZLWK ZRUGVҋ 7KH FRQGLWLRQ FDQ DIIHFW spelling and reading, and many people believe that’s all it is. But it can also affect individuals in other areas such as confusing dates and times; confusing left and ULJKW GLIÀFXOWLHV JHWWLQJ LGHDV GRZQ RQ SDSHU GLIÀFXOWLHV sequencing numbers and information; and following verbal instructions. Working memory is often also poor.

This shows itself when new information needs to be processed effectively and quickly.

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally meaning ‘difficulty with words’. :KLOH G\VOH[LD FDQ EH YLHZHG DV D OHDUQLQJ GLIĂ€FXOW\ it can also be seen as a gift. Some talents shared by dyslexics include the ability to think in pictures, being creative and intuitive and being good with their hands.

They’re often highly aware of their environment and have vivid imaginations. Children with dyslexia often have above average intelligence, yet they struggle with words and processing new information.

They offer beautiful handmade organic skincare for all your family - try it and feel the difference! They have special products for pregnancy, birth and babies along with gentle, soothing cream for eczema and dry skin.

Long-lasting luxurious hand creams and beautiful 100% natural baby massage oil that smells good enough to eat!

Who is affected?

The exact percentage of the population is debated, but it’s generally thought to affect between 8% and 15%, 4% severely. That means that in a class of 30 children, 3 are likely to have dyslexic tendencies, maybe mild or possibly severe. So everyone is likely to know at least one child or adult who is dyslexic. Children with dyslexic tendencies are likely to be resistant to traditional teaching PHWKRGV DQG EHQHÀW IURP D RQH WR RQH PXOWL sensory learning environment. Dyslexia often runs in families, with a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin struggling with it, too How do I recognise dyslexia?

Sometimes it is hard to get a diagnosis of dyslexia. However, there’s a lot you can pick up about your child just by sitting down together with them and a good book, appropriate to their developmental stage and interest level. Does your child struggle with reading or spelling; guess at a word, looking at the whole word or just the initial letter; forget how to read or spell a word as soon as WKH\Ň‹YH WXUQHG WKH SDJH Ă€QG LW KDUG WR VRXQG out individual letters in simple 3 letter words, IRU H[DPSOH FDW EDW Ă€QG LW KDUG WR UK\PH simple words; skip little words such as, “andâ€? or “theâ€? and sometimes miss out words when reading?

These are all potential indicators of dyslexia.

Other non-language indicators in primary-age FKLOGUHQ LQFOXGH GLIĂ€FXOW\ ZLWK W\LQJ VKRHODFHV WLH RU GUHVVLQJ JHQHUDOO\ GLIĂ€FXOW\ WHOOLQJ OHIW from right, ordering the days of the week, months of the year etc; having a poor sense RI GLUHFWLRQ ODFNLQJ FRQĂ€GHQFH DQG KDYLQJ D poor self-image.

I think my child might be dyslexic. What should I do now?

Speak to an educational specialist, such as your child’s teacher or ask to speak to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). If your child is at nursery, their nursery teacher or health visitor will be able to point you in the right direction, although there is often a reluctance to consider dyslexia at this early age. You could also look at the Code of Practice, which sets out the way

Editor’s comments: Soothe-me provides a delicious range of handmade products that make you feel healthy, special and good!

Visit: www.soothe-me.com

$OWKRXJK DW ÀUVW VLJKW WKH EDWK ORRNV VPDOOHU WKDQ WUDGLWLRQDO EDE\ EDWKV WKLV LV DQ RSWLFDO LOOXVLRQ RQFH ÀOOHG with water it expands easily accommodating two babies aged 0-4 years. It comes in a wide range of colours and incorporates an easy emptying drain plug. Winner of a number of awards new parents will appreciate its easy storage, safety features and environmentally sensitive design.

Further information – British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk.

Dyslexia Action: www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk.

schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) should provide extra support to meet children’s special educational needs.

Can my child grow out of dyslexia?

As children grow up, they learn to compensate IRU WKHLU GLIĂ€FXOWLHV WKH PRUH VXFFHVVIXO ones using their strengths to overcome their condition. Support during the formative years LV YLWDO WR KHOS RYHUFRPH GLIĂ€FXOWLHV DQG XQORFN their potential in literacy and in other areas.

As a parent, you can help your child at home by encouraging them to enjoy the world of words through fun books. Books that are relevant to their interest and developmental age are best, particularly if they have been designed with the dyslexic child in mind. Children struggling with dyslexia love pictures and colours, so colourful illustrations relevant to the words are engaging and helpful for these children. The multi-sensory approach is best, so supporting reading and writing with games or activities will help your children in an enjoyable way. This may help your child be less resisitant to more formal learning tasks, such as homework set by school. Keep talking to key members of staff at your child’s school to ensure your child gets the best help and support that they need.

Boost your child’s CONFIDENCE Ages 5-9

for the new school year Our engaging workshops will teach your child vital skills not widely taught in schools: Improve social skills Reduce shyness Improve public speaking Home Cope with bullying Study Kit Concentration and focus Deal with fears Gratefulness available Workshops by specialist authors. now!

Enrol now! Autumn term after school sessions in Ilford.

www.good2greatkidz.co.uk Book online. Can we help? Call us on: 07960 172465 or 020 8518 0076

Editor’s comments: This is a well-constructed invaluable bath for parents especially if you’re travelling around or need the space. $YDLODEOH DW ZZZ à H[LEDWK FR XN IRU …

in! leash the Knight With

Un

Bandai’s Armouron is a unique lightweight suit of armour that combines construction with role-play and allows children to simply attach pieces together to create their own armour.

It was winner in the best role-play category in the Toy Fair Best New Toys for 2010 Awards and is the brainchild of Sue Lipscombe, an animation set designer and mother of two young boys. She came up with the idea of constructing a futuristic lightweight suit of armour that children could

6

DYSLEXIA – Common myths and how to recognise it

3–18 YEARS

easily build and customise themselves for an individual look.

These Action Sets, available in red or blue, come with helmet, chest body armour, shield and Snapperons to allow further customisation.

Made from high-density foam, it is suitable for children aged 4+ with a height of 104-130cm.

Editor’s comments: A friend of mine tried this out with their 4-year-old boy and found it a really tough, fun toy where he now thinks he’s a hero.

Available at Toys R Us - Armouron Action Set (ÂŁ29.99), accessories from ÂŁ4.99.

Call 020 8447 4530 for your nearest school

TR

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE...

HERE’S THE BEST

JIGSAW WEEKEND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS

..........................................

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

NG

Fun Dance Classes

Chigwell

Chingford

Ongar

Woodford

Popstar Parties High School Musical, Mamma Mia-ABBA, Hannah Montana & Grease E: Paula@PopstarsAcademy.com

T: 07760 884 974 www.PopstarsAcademy.com

7

Education report

Education report

EDUCATION – MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE – but most pre-schools will use their outside space all year round during the session. This enables both children and staff to get some fresh air that keeps everyone sane!

3JWXIH ² XLI SJ¿GMEP WXYJJ

Lesley Bishop takes you through some of the issues to consider.

It can be a daunting decision for many parents about where and when your child enters education. There are so many factors that LQĂ XHQFH ZKHWKHU \RX ZLOO IHHO KDSS\ DERXW your choice and of course, whether it is right for your child.

CHOOSING AN EARLY YEARS SETTING There is generally a clear line between day nurseries and pre-schools. You would send your baby or toddler to a day nursery if you are returning to work and you would need to be able to leave them either part of the day or all day. A day nursery can usually accommodate children from early morning to early evening and operate year round, whereas a pre-school usually provides sessional care for 2-3 hours on a daily basis often during term-time only. :H ZLOO GHDO VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ ZLWK SUH VFKRROV as choosing a day nursery is very much a personal decision based on your own circumstances that can vary enormously.

Pre-schools are often seen as a starting point for parents to introduce their toddler (perhaps 2 years up) into a more structured environment. They allow your child to make WKHLU ÀUVW LQGHSHQGHQW VWHS LQWR WKH ZRUOG At pre-schools children learn the basics of social etiquette (taking turns, how to behave around biting, hitting, kicking, etc) which is complemented by learning the foundation stages of education - shapes, colours, numbers, letters and of course making friends and being part of the big wide world. You might want to start with perhaps 2 sessions per week and build up days as the months pass by.

When choosing a pre-school every parent will have a different set of criteria, just as every child will have distinct set of needs but have a browse through our list of what to consider.

8

Your instinct Choose a handful of pre-schools and try to go along for a free “tasterâ€? session to get a feel for how each pre-school operates and try to stay for the whole session and take your child if you FDQ %HLQJ D SDUHQW JLYHV \RX WKH FRQĂ€GHQFH of listening to your instinct and whether you feel comfortable with potentially leaving your child there. Watch how the staff interact with all the children. Have a look at the toilets and kitchen to check they are clean.

Money & fees Make sure you ask how often the fees are due and if you need to pay even if your child is sick or you are on holiday. Also some preschools take childcare vouchers, which are a WD[ HIĂ€FLHQW ZD\ WR SD\ IRU FKLOGFDUH DQG PDQ\ employers offer. Are there any hidden costs?

Make sure that the whole cost element is covered and you know exactly how much you are paying for the care of your child.

In September 2010 the Government is increasing free provision to 15 hours to all children over the age of 3 whether at a preschool, day nursery or state nursery for 38 weeks per year. This free provision applies the term after your child turns 3. For further details check www.childcaredirectory.co.uk/funding3-4. htm.

Do they take children in nappies?

Some pre-schools do not take children until they have been toilet trained and this is obviously an important factor in your decision making should your toddler still be in nappies.

Does the pre-school have a garden or outside space?

Check to see if the pre-school has a garden or an outside space as this is a quite a fundamental part of your child’s time at preschool. It doesn’t have to be a huge space

All pre-schools are monitored and inspected E\ 2IVWHG 2IĂ€FH IRU 6WDQGDUGV LQ (GXFDWLRQ

Any setting or childcare provision is inspected normally every 3 years. Ask when the last inspection took place and for a brief summary.

Has the pre-school improved since the last inspection? Every pre-school is obliged to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage VSHFLĂ€HG E\ 2IVWHG ZLWK DOO VHWWLQJV IROORZLQJ a structure of learning, development and care. There are six areas of learning for all the children, even from the tender age of 2 years. These cover Creative Development; Knowledge & Understanding of the World; Mathematical Development; Language & Literacy; Personal, Social & Emotional Development & Physical Development. Most are self-explanatory but when you visit each pre-school you could ask to be shown how WKH\ DUH GHĂ€QHG 3HUKDSV WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW area is Personal, Social & Emotional as topics covered by the pre-school will enable your FKLOG WR IHHO YDOXHG FRQĂ€GHQW UHVSHFWHG DQG happy.

Does the pre-school provide any food and drink?

Check to see if there is any food provided for your child while they attend the pre-school.

Some pre-schools provide just a piece of fruit or a biscuit and a drink, while others provide more. Also check to see if this is included in the price.

Staff & Volunteers A keyworker is the term used for the member RI VWDII ZKR LV TXDOLĂ€HG DQG UHVSRQVLEOH for caring for your child. Most keyworkers would have a NVQ Level II or III in Childcare/ Education (or equivalent) and you ideally need to be looking at a ratio of at least 5-6 children per keyworker. You could ask about the turnover of staff to ascertain if there is a good working environment and to see if staff are motivated and committed to their jobs. Also ask if they have volunteers and if so are they TXDOLĂ€HG DQG &5% FKHFNHG

Accident Book & Complaints Log Another important factor is to ask to have a look at the accident book and the complaints log. All pre-schools have to catalogue any accidents that happen on the premises, along with any complaints.

How does the pre-school do their marketing?

Ask how the pre-school does their marketing and do they have a waiting list. The magic words to these questions are of course “wordof-mouth� and “yes�!

CHOOSING A STATE PRIMARY SCHOOL

How do the children learn?

If you intend to put your child into a state primary school, then you generally send your child to your local school depending on your circumstances. You are governed by the selection criteria of the local authority wherever the school is located.

Remember getting your child into the nursery of your chosen school does NOT guarantee them a place in the school as WKH VHOHFWLRQ FULWHULD DOZD\V DSSO\ ÀUVW

Play is the key to successful early learning. Organised play can be used to introduce numeracy and literacy and helps pupils to EHFRPH FRQĂ€GHQW OHDUQHUV ZLWK good social skills.

Visit your local borough’s website to ÀQG RXW ZKDW WKH DGPLVVLRQV FULWHULD LV but most follow the standard selection criteria of your proximity to the school and if you are within its catchment area.

Usually there is only one intake of pupils during each academic year. Remember there are clearly set out deadline dates for applying for state primary schools especially in oversubscribed areas - and you must stick to them. Don’t assume there will automatically be a place for your child at the school of your choice.

CHOOSING A PRIVATE SCHOOL A good place to start is The Independent Schools Council (www.isc.co.uk) responsible for the inspection of many independent schools in England.

Have a look in your local area and narrow down your selection - depending on EXGJHW DQG ÀQG RXW DERXW RSHQ GD\ V

at the school(s) you are interested in.

It would be helpful to do this as far in advance as possible, realistically before your child reaches 3.

Always try to take your child with you and ask as many questions as possible while you are there. Try to meet the Head Teacher or Deputy to get a good idea of how the school is run. First impressions really do mean a lot and it is important that a prospective teacher takes time to chat WR \RXU FKLOG WR ÀQG RXW D OLWWOH ELW DERXW WKHP DW ÀUVW KDQG DQG PDNH \RXU FKLOG feel welcome and valued. Sometimes independent schools give older pupils the responsibility to show parents around so if this is the case ask them a few questions about their experience.

Do the children go on trips and visits to expand their learning?

Subjects like science, environment, history and geography all come alive with visits outside of school and can provide insights into other cultures.

Recently achieved excellent Ofsted inspection outcomes Have access to a large outdoor play area

www.justlearnining.co.uk for further details, to download a brochure and arrange a visit

Follow the EYFS curriculum Provide a high standard of care and education

Are there opportunities for children to pursue outside interests, and is there a before and after school care service, and if so is in it included in the fees?

Find out what clubs are on offer, either at lunchtime or after school, where children can take part in sports or activities like arts, crafts, music, drama and dance. For many working parents, before and after school care is essential, so check what is available.

Other considerations Most private schools enforce a compulsory uniform; this can be D VLJQLĂ€FDQW DGGHG H[SHQVH XS to ÂŁ300 for the whole uniform!).

Most uniforms are branded so you are tied to where you can buy them.

If your child has special or different needs you may want to check the school’s procedures.

You can pretty much guarantee that your child will get homework sometimes every night, even from D YHU\ HDUO\ DJH 0\ ÀYH \HDU ROG son was expected to do English, Maths and reading every night (we didn’t last!). However at the earlier stages homework can be quite light, e.g. read a book with mum/dad, or bring something blue to school tomorrow.

Just Learning Nursery Chafford Hundred Howard Road Chafford Hundred RM16 6YJ 01375 480600

will generally be expected to telephone the school and when he/she goes back you will need to send a note explaining their absence. )LQDOO\ ÀQG RXW LI WKHUH LV D 3DUHQW Association where you can make an active contribution to the school and get involved if you want.

Just Learning Nursery,

Just Learning Nursery

Westminster

King George Hospital

84a Horseferry Road

Barley Lane

London SW1P 2AD

Ilford IG3 8XJ

0207 222 4459

0208 599 0622

9XZb kf jZ_ffc with Organised Mum

Are you a busy mum with too much to remember?

Our stylish calendars, diaries and home stationery products will help you to keep up with family life and stay on top of all the activities and events that a new term brings.

See our full range at www.organisedmum.co.uk or call 0845 644 7507 for a brochure

BUY NOW FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Do the pupils look happy and is there a good rapport between them and Your child will be expected to attend school every day and the teachers? if he/she cannot attend you As you wander round the school, look at the pupils to see how happy they are in their work, how motivated and enthusiastic they are. The way the teacher interacts with pupils is crucial not only to how well they learn, but to how they work together as a class and relate to each other as individuals.

Visit our website

Have a warm friendly staff team

NEW

9

Out & About THEATRE AND CONCERTS QUEEN’S THEATRE 52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 3 Aladdin - The Pantomine 4 Dec - 15 Jan Suitable for all ages Tickets range from ÂŁ13.50-ÂŁ16 children, ÂŁ13.50-ÂŁ18.50 adult and ÂŁ58-ÂŁ65 Family Ticket

Out and About A high energy, foot stomping, totally interactive production featuring all the very best hits from High School Musical 1,2 & 3, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee!

The Paper Washi Wish

Henry IV Part 2 until Sun 3 Oct

Rabbit lives on the moon with the Moon Goddess and his invited all of his friends to his birthday paper party ... but suddenly, Rabbit is nowhere to be found! Join Rabbit’s IULHQGV RQ DQ H[FLWLQJ DGYHQWXUH WR ÀQG KLP as they travel into a magical paper world full of surprises

The Merry Wives of Windsor until Sat 2 Oct

Sat 2 Oct 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm Suitable ages 2-5

147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com

Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com

Show me Chris and Pui Sun 19 Sept 11am, £12/£10, Family of 4 £36 The CBeebies stars hit the stage with their brand new show packed with songs including If You’re Happy and You Know It & Heads Shoulders Knees & Toes, joining-in games, musical instruments as well as a few surprises. Chris and Pui are available after the show to sign autographs

High School Rocks

43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk

Handa’s Surprise

Fri 8 Oct 11am, ÂŁ9/ÂŁ7

BROADWAY THEATRE

HALF MOON YOUNG

Imagine you woke up one morning and had wings instead of arms. Perfect for a bird’s eye view of how amazing life looks when \RXҋUH à \LQJ

Henry IV Part 1 until Sat 2 Oct

UNICORN THEATRE

With Peter Hillier from CBeebies. A fun packed show of moves, magic and silliness.

Come and join in with your favourite songs and dances

New Theatre Season “Kings and Rogues�

ÂŁ8/ÂŁ6 Suitable ages 5-10

Thu 7 Oct 10.30am, ÂŁ5/ÂŁ4 Suitable ages 3+

Boogie Pete – Live!

Suitable ages 2+

Open: daily 10am-5pm, ÂŁ10.50/ÂŁ8.50/ÂŁ6.50 family ÂŁ28

The Garbage King

Childsplay Workshops for 8-11 yrs exploring the matinee play, with a visit to see some of the production. As part of the workshop, children will join the audience to watch 15mins of the play from the yard. Also includes storytelling and activities

The Merry Wives of Windsor Sat 11 Sept & Sat 2 Oct 1.30pm, ÂŁ12.50

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk

Live music and a spectacular set combine in a striking production that brims with the sights and sounds of the Ethiopian capital city. Strong emotions, hope and a beautiful friendship make this world stage première of Elizabeth Laird’s novel unmissable!

Don’t let the Pigeon drive the bus!

New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 Bookings: 020 7401 9919/020 7087 7398 www.shakespeares-globe.org`

Sat 23 Oct 2.30pm, ÂŁ15.50/ÂŁ12.50

Each Saturday show is followed by “MESSY PLAYâ€? arts and crafts activities, 12pm & 2pm, ÂŁ3 extra

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Sat 25 Sept-Sun 31 Oct, ÂŁ16.50/ÂŁ10.50, family ÂŁ46, Previews Sat 25-Wed 29 Sept, ÂŁ7 Suitable ages 10+

SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE

Handa brings seven delicious fruit to her best friend as a surprise, but they better watch out as the sneaky animals have different ideas

Sat 11 Sept 11am & 1pm, ÂŁ8/ÂŁ6 Suitable ages 3-7 Unfortunately the pigeon is very clever as he whines, bribes, pleads and even sings songs to get his own way

Arabian Nights Sat 18 Sept 11am & 1pm, ÂŁ8/ÂŁ6 Suitable ages 4-7 The Queen of all storytellers will tell stories of JHQLHV FDPHOV DQG Ă \LQJ FDUSHWV

A Flying Visit

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Family Gamelan Taster Sessions Sat 11 Sept & Sat 2 Oct, ÂŁ8/ÂŁ4 Suitable ages 6+ Join in and experience the beautiful Javanese gamelan percussion orchestra at Southbank Centre. Fun for all the family! No previous musical experience is necessary, MXVW D ZLOOLQJQHVV WR VLW RQ WKH Ă RRU WDNH RII your shoes and have fun

London Philharmonic Orchestra – Funharmonics

Millbank, London SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain Open: daily 10am-5.50pm until 10pm Don’t let the Pigeon drive the bus! WKH ÀUVW )ULGD\ RI WKH PRQWK Sat 9 Oct 11am & 2pm, £6 Suitable ages 3-7 Family Trails Unfortunately the pigeon is very clever as he Available daily from the Information whines, bribes, pleads and even sings songs Desk, free for age 5 and under to get his own way

Handa’s Surprise Sat 16 Oct 11am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, £6 Suitable ages 2-5 A combination of puppetry and traditional African instruments & songs create this magical production

Suitcase Circus Sat 30 Oct 11am & 2pm, ÂŁ6 Suitable ages 4+ Meet Wobulous Discombobulous, the ringmaster sock and his friends in this heartwarming & interactive family friendly spectacular

GALLERIES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Sun 17 Oct 11.30am, ÂŁ16-ÂŁ8/ÂŁ8-ÂŁ4

St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk

Join Chris ‘Superman’ Jarvis from CBeebies IRU WKLV )81KDUPRQLFV IHDVW RI PXVLF Ă€OOHG ZLWK KHURLF Ă€JXUHV

Open: daily 10am-6pm, Thu & Fri 10am-9pm

Sat 25 Sept 11am & 1pm, Sun 26 Sept 12pm & 2pm Messy Play 1pm & 3pm

Family Trail with BP Portrait Award Exhibition Until Sun 19 Sept, free

London 2012 – Two years to go - Are you ready?

Tuesday 27th July 2010 marked exactly two years to go until the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Organisers are calling on the public to start planning for the Games to ensure they don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event. Whether it is signing up for tickets, becoming either a ‘London 2012 Games Maker’ volunteer or a ‘London Ambassador’, now is the time to start thinking about how to make the most of the summer of 2012.

They are looking to recruit up to 70,000 volunteers to help run the events so LI \RX DUH LQWHUHVWHG WKHQ JR WR ZZZ ORQGRQ FRP YROXQWHHULQJ WR ÀQG RXW more as applications open on Wed 15th Sept 2010.

You can also sign up to become a London Ambassador, whose will help guide the millions of visitors travelling to the London Games to get around and enjoy a truly memorable stay in the capital. The scheme aims to recruit 8,000 London Ambassadors who will be located at key points across the city. They will be the welcoming face of the capital, providing much needed information on what to see and do, where to stay and how to get there.

Also remember that tickets for London 2012 go on sale in the spring of 2011, but you can register your interest now. There are over 1.4 million people already registered and they will be best placed to apply for tickets when the ballot process opens next year. Further details on pricing and other initiatives will be announced this autumn.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair commented: ‘There are two years to go until the Olympic Games begin and we want everyone to start planning their once in a lifetime experience in 2012. We are well on track – the venues are nearing completion and our plans are coming together. Now it’s the public’s turn. How will you spend the summer of 2012? Whether it’s buying a ticket, becoming a volunteer, being part of our education or culture programmes – there are hundreds of ways you can get involved. Don’t wait - to ensure you don’t miss out, start planning your Games now.’ For more information visit: www.london2012.com/volunteering www.tickets.london2012.com

10

Olympic Watch

TATE BRITAIN

Designed by picture book illustrator Tim Hopgood, it offers a range of activities from drawings to matching games

Storytelling for families Sat 18 Sept 10.30am & 1.30pm Suitable ages 3+ Exciting drop-in storytelling sessions followed by a fun art activity

Family Art Workshops Sat 18 Sept Suitable ages 5+

Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your POST IT! Box as you go. Or you could follow the JOIN UP! trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands‌ and make your own sculptures

Art Trolley, Rotunda Every Weekend, free for all ages Kids are encouraged to imagine and create.

They can make colourful collage, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a VNHWFKERRN DQG ÀOO LW ZLWK JUHDW LGHDV

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX 020 7522 7888 www.whitechapelgallery.org

Drawing Workshops Creative Studio most Saturdays in term-time, 11.30am-1pm, ÂŁ10 per session (book min 4 consecutive sessions) Suitable for ages 10-16 Calling all young artists! Take part in our new drawing workshops with experienced artists.

All materials provided. Book through the Prince’s Drawing School - 0203 326 2090 or email youngartists@princesdrawingschool. org.uk

MUSEUMS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7938 9123, Info 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk

Daily 10am-5.50pm, bookings 020 7942 5725

Explore diverse habitats and see the VSHFWDFXODU EXWWHUĂ LHV WKDW OLYH LQ WKHP

The Wildlife Garden Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk Until end of Oct 2010, 10am-5pm Open: daily 10am–6pm, ` Fri 10am–9pm, free

Set in the Museum’s grounds, the garden reveals a range of British lowland habitats, including woodland, meadow and pond, and wildlife conservation in the inner city

Family Sundays:

Hands on Nature

10.30am & 11.30am (30mins) every Sun, meet in the Education Centre Foyer, free Suitable for ages 2-5 Fly away on the magic carpet as it comes to land in front of a different painting each day

Until Mon 3 Jan 2011, ÂŁ4.95/ÂŁ2.50, family ÂŁ13 Discover how the British public adapted to a world of food shortages, growing your own food, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, reducing imports, recycling and healthy nutrition were just as topical in 1940 as they are today

Horrible Histories – Terrible Trenches Exhibition Until Sun 31 Oct 2010, £2.50/£4.95, family £13 Family exhibition based on the Trenches Handbook by Terry Deary (Horrible Histories). Test your survival skills, try out British and German soldiers clothes, the terrible toilets, smell the stenches and splat the rats

13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org

Be an art-detective for the day! Explore the Gallery with our do-it-yourself trail, complete with scrapbook, stickers and art materials.

020 7942 5000

Magic Carpet Storytelling

The Ministry of Food Exhibition

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM

As part of the Big Draw Campaign 2010, Visit the hidden world of the Natural History join picture book author and illustrator 0XVHXPŇ‹V VFLHQWLĂ€F FROOHFWLRQV DQG UHVHDUFK Salvatore Rubbino and our team of artists for an afternoon of fun drawing activities %XWWHUĂ \ ([SORUHUV exploring the Collection. Visit www. campaignfordrawing.org for more information Until Sun 26 Sept, ÂŁ6/ÂŁ4, family ÂŁ17

Fun activities for families with 5-11 yr olds to enjoy together, free hands-on 2hr art workshops at 11am & 2pm every Sun, meet in the Education Centre Foyer

Open: daily 10am-6pm, free

Suitable for ages 4-12, ÂŁ1 donation

Drop-in Event: Make your Mark on DARWIN CENTRE the Future

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk

Make It Yours

Explore portraits in the collection, followed by an exciting art activity in this enjoyable family Open: Mon-Sat 10am–5.50pm, Sun session 11am-5.50pm, free

Sat 9 Oct 1pm-4pm, Main Hall, free

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Every Sat & Sun 2pm-5pm, free Visit the handling trolley in “Lasting Impressions� and take a closer look at some interesting specimens with the help of science educators.

Bookasaurus Everyday 10am-5pm, free Grab a funky fabric-based dinosaur book and IROORZ D WUDLO WKURXJK WKH 0XVHXP ÀQGLQJ RXW what dinosaurs ate, how sharp their teeth were, and lots more

Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, free

Stunning Self Portrait Wed 27 Oct 10.30am & 2.00pm (2hrs), ÂŁ10 Find out about fascinating portraits in the Museum, then surprise your friends and family with your own very special, framed self portrait

Shadowy Secrets at the Soane Thu 28 Oct 10.30am–3pm, £18 Make your own moving shadow puppets to tell tales of ghostly happenings by lamplight in the Museum

Skeleton Puppets Fri 29 Oct 10.30am & 2.00pm (2hrs), ÂŁ10 Learn how to make a simple table-top puppet. Make a Soane skeleton puppet and use it to tell a spooky story Workshops are suitable for children aged 7+. Children must bring their own lunch for whole-day workshops and booking is essential contact the Administrator on 020 7440 4263 or administrator@soane.org.uk

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Open: daily 10am-5.45pm, free

Bling Jewellery Stories from the East End Until Sun 14 Nov Take a closer look at the diversity of jewellery in east London; with emphasis on how the ornaments we use to decorate our bodies often have great personal DQG FXOWXUDO VLJQLĂ€FDQFH (YHU\ SLHFH RI jewellery tells a particular story and what we value is highly subjective.

Doll Face Fri 3 Sept-Sun 2 Jan 2011 A series of portraits by photographer Craig Deane, depicting a variety of dolls from the Museum’s extensive behind the scenes collection

Out & About

Out and About

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

inspiration day

Entrance in Bartholomew Street, off Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Fri 29 Oct, 1pm–4pm, free

Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, free

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

Open House Weekend Sat 18 & Sun 19 Sept The Bank of England and Museum will be open to visitors. 30-minute guided tours of parts of the Bank. No booking required but come early to avoid the queue. Last entry 4:30pm

The Big Draw - Designs on your money Mon 25 - Fri 29 Oct, free Learn about banknote security features then design your own secure banknote. Enter our competition with prizes to be won

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000/8299 www.britishmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.30pm, free

Digital discovery activities: Egypt Sat 11 Sept 11.30am–3.30pm, free

The ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead Sat 11 Sept & Sat 30 Oct, 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm, free

Digital discovery activities: Egypt Sat 30 Oct 11.30am–3.30pm, free

Mega-mummy animation workshop Sun 12 Sept & Sun 31 Oct, 11am & 2pm, free

Create a comic Sat 18 Sept & Sat 2 Oct 11.30am– 3.30pm, free

Dragon tales storytelling Sat 18 Sept 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, free

African dance Sat 2 Oct 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm, free

Ready, steady, yuck! Make a cookery show Sun 19 Sept 11am & 2pm, free

Magical mosaics Sat 25 Sept, 11.30am–3.30pm, free

Create-a-carta Sat 25 Sept, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm, free

Make an Olympic portrait Sun 26 Sept & Sun 10 Oct, 11.30am– 3.30pm, free

Make a mismatch creature Sun 3 Oct & Sun 17 Oct, 11.30am– 3.30pm, free

3KRWRÀW $IULFD Sat 16 & Sat 23 Oct, 11.30am–3.30pm, free

African storytelling Sat 16 Oct, 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm, free

South Asian scenes Sat 23 Oct 11.30, 13.30 & 15.30, free

Little Moles Toddlers Group

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

Open: daily 10am-5.45pm until 10pm on Fri, free

Back-Packs Sat 11 Sept, Sat 18 Sept & Sat 25 Sept - 10.30am-5pm Pick up a Back-Pack and journey across the V&A with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games

Drop-in Design: Get Into Shape Sun 12 Sept 10.30am-5pm Discover crazy objects frozen in shape. Go on a hunt for cool or ridiculous shapes and then use your ideas to design a wacky plate, bowl, teapot or cup to take along to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Sackler Centre)

Drop-in Design: Clarice Bean Sun 19 Sept 10.30am-5pm Join Clarice Bean on a journey through the V&A and discover some mischievous ideas for a story. Use your ideas and lots of imagination to create and illustrate your story using cut-outs and drawing techniques (Sackler Centre)

Drop-in Design : Fancy Fashion Sun 26 Sept 10.30am-5pm Camilla Prue and Johnnie Bert Tinklebottom are having a fancy dress party. Choose your IDYRXULWH RXWĂ€W IURP WKH 9 $ FROOHFWLRQ DQG design a fancy accessory to complete your costume (Sackler Centre)

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm, free Saturday Specials: Workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for \RXQJ SHRSOH \UV RQ WKH ÀUVW 6DW RI HYHU\ month. Workshops: 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm.

Ceramics in the City Fri 17 – Sun 19 Sept, 10am-5pm (Sat & Sun), 12 noon-5pm (Sun) A selling fair of work by 50 selected ceramicists. A riot of texture and colour!

Informal demonstrations and talks will alternate with a special craft activity for children

Ceramic Accessories Sat 18 Sept 10.30am-12 noon & 2pm4pm

Wed 20 Oct & Wed 24 Nov 3.30pm, free Minimum age 1 year advance booking required Come and use your senses and get messy together in our special monthly creative session as part of our Little Moles toddlers group

Meet Martia Martina Sun 3 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Minimum age 5 Meet a former slave from Roman London and hear her stories about her travels throughout the Roman Empire

1920s Lift Attendant Sun 10 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Suitable ages 7+

noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, free over 5s

Joint Effort

Thu 7 Oct, Thu 14 Oct, Thu 21 Oct, 3pm Join us in our galleries for stories, music and fun every Thursday during term time and then play in our interactive Mudlarks gallery

Set sail on a journey of discovery with interactive performances that will transport you through the ages

Wed 27 & Thu 28 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Suitable ages 5+ To ensure sugar, coffee and cocoa got harvested and ready for shipping to London workers would travel from plantation to plantation in 1940s Haiti. In return for their help the landowners put on a big party with food, music and dancing. Our storyteller will make the party come to life once more

Abdul Miah, the Lascar

Meet Mary Seacole

Sat 30 Oct 12.30pm & 2.30pm Suitable ages 5+

Thu 28 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Suitable ages 5+ Find out more about the extraordinary nurse who helped many soldiers during the Crimean War and how she came to settle in London in this entertaining gallery drama

Tricks and Tales Fri 29 Oct 11am, 12 noon, 2pm, free Suitable for under 5’s, older siblings welcome

A Roman Mystery

Badge of Support

Sun 17 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Suitable ages 5+ Join our storyteller and solve the mystery of 7LWXV DQG WKH PLVVLQJ EURRFK &DQ \RX ÀQG the clues in the objects?

October Half Term Family Drop-In Activities Sat 23 - Sun 31 Oct 11am, free Suitable ages 5+ Drop in and enjoy hands-on activities throughout October half term in our Clore Learning Centre. Create a piece of art inspired by our collection, have a go at building a famous London landmark, or use our e-learning studio to explore London’s history using digital technology

Sat 30 & Sun 31 Oct 12.30pm & 2.30pm, free Suitable ages 5+ Many Londoners wore a badge to show their support for the ending of the slave trade in the early 1800s. We still use badges today to show our support, maybe for a political party or animal charity. Learn more about the Wedgwood cameo and design a new badge to say something about a subject you feel strongly about

Meet Abudia Megiste Sun 31 Oct 1pm & 2pm, free Suitable ages 5+ This wealthy woman travelled the vast Roman Empire with her husband. Originally IURP $IULFD ÀQG RXW KRZ VKH IHOW DERXW WKH climate, food and life in Roman London

Traditional Crafts Sat 23 Oct 12noon, free Suitable ages 5+ Join a representative from the Girl Guides to learn more about our special exhibition and create your own craft pieces

A Ship Loaded With...

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Oct 12.30pm, 2.30pm, free Suitable ages 5+ Explore the goods arriving in London as part of the Triangular Trade in this sweet-smelling art drop in activity. Your ship could be loaded with coffee, sugar, rum or tobacco

Victorian Spice Seller Sat 23 & Sat 30 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Suitable ages 5+

Sun 24 & Mon 25 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Minimum age 5

Paint a ceramic mug with Geffrye-inspired patterns

Billy Waters, a black street busker, became a popular character in central London in the 1780s. Learn more about this charismatic man in our storytelling session

MUSEUM OF LONDON

The Vanilla Orchid

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 ZZZ PXVHXPRĂ RQGRQ RUJ XN

Mon 25 & Tues 26 Oct 12.30pm, 2.30pm, free Suitable ages 3+

This session is for babies aged 6 monthswalking and their carers and includes multi-sensory play, rhymes and songs, and

Under 5’s Storytime

Travel back to 1920s London where you can catch up with the gossip by meeting a lift attendant at Selfridges department store

Sun 19 Sept 12.30pm-1.30pm & 3pm4.30pm

Wed 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct 11am, free but advanced booking required

end slavery in the 1800s. Meet Mary and hear her story of determination, compassion and survival

Join our storyteller and Anasi the spider in his garden, to help dig his yams or trick Tiger out of his dinner, meet his friends Cunning Fox and Snappy Crocodile and have fun chattering with the monkeys

The King of Beggars

Mini Moles Babies Group

12

Little Moles Toddlers Group: Messy Moles

Mug Madness

Sun 24 Oct, 11am & 2pm, free

Old objects, new voices:

Learn, play and explore together every Wednesday during term-time in this fun, hands-on and creative session

Create funky accessories such as key rings, badges and magnets inspired by ceramics

Open: daily 10am-6pm, free

Mon 25 – Fri 29 Oct, 11am–4pm, free

Wed 6 Oct & Wed 13 Oct 3pm

Having arrived from Morocco, our Victorian spice seller sells his goods as medicines and RLQWPHQWV +HDU KLV VWRU\ DQG ÀQG RXW ZKDW his London is like

Jataka tales animation workshop Half–term activities: Time explorers

an opportunity to meet others in a relaxed setting

In 1841 Edmond Albius changed the future of vanilla. Learn how this very clever man made sure we didn’t run out of vanilla orchids, then make your own scented orchid to take home

Tues 26 Oct 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30 pm Suitable ages 5+ Come and meet an Asian sailor who tells tales of bravery, travels and adventure

Make a ‘Freedom’ Box or Purse

Tue 26 & Thu 28 Oct 11.30am & 2pm, free under and over 5s Who travelled in Prince Frederick’s Barge, the Miss Britain III speedboat and the Dodo sailing yacht?

Where did they go?

Log your ideas using a range of materials to draw and write

Toy Boats

Make your own abolitionist box or purse with an anti-slavery campaign design and decorate it

Until Sun 31 Oct

SOMERSET HOUSE

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Strand, WC2 1LA 020 7845 4600 www.somersethouse.org.uk

Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Open: daily 10am–6pm

Free Family Workshops Saturdays 2pm-3.30pm Children 6-12yrs must be accompanied by an adult Free tickets are available from 1pm from the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall on the GD\ DQG DUH DOORFDWHG RQ D ÀUVW FRPH ÀUVW served basis

THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, GREENWICH Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free

Sailing to Greenwich Mon 25, Wed 27, Fri 29 October 11.30am & 2pm�

Make a ‘Freedom’ Box or Purse Sat 30 Oct 12.30pm & 2.30pm Suitable ages 5+

An exhibition celebrating the ‘Golden Age’ of toy boats from 1850-1950

Open; daily 10am-6pm, free (charges for special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides)

Launchpad Science Shows Daily, free Suitable for ages 8+ Launch a rocket, turn your head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud and play with 50 more brand new interactive exhibits demonstrating light, sound, electricity and magnetism and more amazing physics phenomena

What makes you smarter than a chimp?

What makes you smile? What makes you, you? This new exhibition presents the latest in brain science and genetics through a mixture of interactive exhibits and object-rich displays. Visit now to discover yourself!

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN 020 7563 9500 www.wallacecollection.org

West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844 www.museumindocklands.org.uk

Young children can enjoy learning as they explore the museum through making, music, dance and drama

Open: daily 10am-5pm, free

Explore Saturdays

)UHH GDLO\ HYHQW ZKHUH \RX ÀQG RXW ZKDW D brigandine is and how heavy a bulletproof breastplate really was

Open: daily 10am-6pm, ÂŁ5 annual adult pass, kids free

Chintz designs Sat 11 Sept 12.30pm & 2.30pm, free Minimum age 5 Discover the history of chintz. Using computer technology, create and print your own chintz design onto fabric

Little Mudlarks Toddlers Group Mon 4 Oct 10.15am

Messy Mondays Mon 11 Oct 10.15am Come and use your senses and get messy in our creative session

Make It Mondays Mon 18 Oct 10.15am A hands-on creative workshop

Musical Mondays Mon 18 Oct 12.45pm Free suitable for 6 months to walking advance booking required ÂŁ1.50, minimum age 1 year advance but booking required

Sept & Oct 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, free over 5s Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life or hear about the world-changing discoveries in time and navigation made at this historic site

Discover Sundays Sept & Oct 11.30am & 2pm, free under and over 5s Be inspired by the Museum’s galleries to respond to our maritime past or discover stories of exploration and adventure on the seas to make your mark through design, making and illustration

A Time and Place Mon 25 – Fri 29 Oct 11.30am & 2pm, free under and over 5s Make a time capsule to add to our giant time boat. What would you put in a time capsule about you to send back in time?

.PPOTRVJSUFST

of Lauren Child The UTTERLY imaginative world Sat 2 Oct 2010 - Apr 2011

Free Armour Handling

Family Trails Themed family trails available from the Information Desk

Family multimedia tour with interactive games, small fee Swords and Shields: The world of Sikh warriors

020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ

‡ œ2XWVWDQGLQJ¡ IRU œVDIHJXDUGLQJ FKLOGUHQ¡ LQ RXU UHFHQW 2IVWHG ,QVSHFWLRQ ‡ :H DFFHSW FKLOGUHQ IURP PRQWKV XS WR 5 years old ‡ &RPSHWLWLYH UDWHV ZLWK KLJKO\ H[SHULHQFHG VWDII LQFOXGLQJ D TXDOLÀHG WHDFKHU ‡ 2XU EDE\ URRP LV RXWVWDQGLQJ RIIHULQJ FOHDQ EULJKW IDFLOLWLHV ‡ $FWLYLWLHV LQFOXGH )UHQFK DQG NH\ VNLOOV WR SUHSDUH IRU VFKRRO ‡ 2SHQ ZHHNV RI WKH \HDU IURP DP SP

Sat 18 Sept 2pm – 4pm Celebrate Anglo-Sikh Heritage Month at the Wallace Collection and examine such objects as the sword of Maharajah Ranjit Singh.

Take a trail of Sikh treasures and join artist Amber Khokhar to turn the exquisite patterns of the ancient craftsmen into your own work to take home

CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ 020 7930 6961 www.iwm.org.uk/churchill

Mon 25, Wed 27, Fri 29 October 11.30am & 2pm, free under and over 5s

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Blitz Weekend

Open: Sat-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 11am6pm, ÂŁ10/ÂŁ8/ÂŁ6

0DU\ 3ULQFHҋV ÀJKW IRU IUHHGRP EURXJKW KHU to London where her story was used to help

Mon 4 Oct & Mon 11 Oct 12.45pm Come and use your senses and get messy in our creative session

Time Boat

38 Wellwood Road Ilford, Essex IG3 8TU

020 8597 0555 Email: info@zigzagsdaynursery.co.uk and visit www. zigzagsdaynursery.co.uk

Open: 9.30am-6pm. ÂŁ12/ÂŁ14.95, under 16s free

Mini Mudlarks Babies Group

Stratford

Zig Zags Day Nursery

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Sailing to Greenwich

Tues 26 Oct, Fri 29 Oct 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, free Suitable ages 5+

Musical Mondays – sing rhyme and play together

GREEN Drops and

Free

Play Tuesdays Sept & Oct 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2pm, free under 5s

Š Lauren Child

New Gallery: Who am I?

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS

Explore the boats on display, choose one and create a character around it, then tell the story of their adventure on the way to Greenwich

A Fight For Freedom

Creative Cargo

Admission to the museum and family activities are free to accompanied children under 16

Thu 9, Thu 16, Thu 23 & Thu 30 Sept, ÂŁ9.00 visitors with disabilities (Free Carer), ÂŁ12/ ÂŁ14.95, Under 16 free Commemorating the Blitz with WCRAG, including Stories of London

PLACES OF INTEREST MAYOR’S THAMES FESTIVAL 2010 Bankside and Embankment, Lambeth, SE1 8XX 020 7928 8998 Sat 11 – Sun 12 Sept, free A spectacular open-air celebration of London and its river, with a programme of events and activities between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge and beyond. This year’s Festival promises to be one of the most spectacular London events

Mon 25, Wed 27, Fri 29 October 12

13

Out & About of the year with street arts, pyrotechnics, illuminations, art installations, river events, street theatre, massed choirs, circus and music

OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND Sat 18 – Sun 19 Sept, 020 3006 7008 Various venues across London will celebrate design excellence as around 700 buildings of each imaginable style, size and shape will unbolt their doors to visitors. A unique opportunity to look out all parts of London, enthused by the strength of architecture, DPRQJVW WKHP IRUHLJQ RIÀFHV %%& :RUOG Service, the Bank of England and many more

TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am6pm, ÂŁ9.50/ÂŁ14.50/ÂŁ17 family ÂŁ47, under 5s free Buy in advance on 0870 756 7070 or at any London Underground station

HMS BELFAST

Reviews Planetarium shows

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 13

ÂŁ6.50/ÂŁ4.50, family ÂŁ17.50 Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010

Open: daily Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, ÂŁ4.50, family ÂŁ16

From Fri 10 Sept, free

New entrance on Stratford High Street

Rastamouse and Da Bag-a-Bling with Michael de Souza

From breathtaking images of deep space through telescopes to quirky images taken with little else than a camera and some imagination. A visual feast!

Peppa Pig’s Story Party

Sat 23 Oct 2.30pm Suitable ages 3+

Creepy Constellations Sat 23 – Sun 31 Oct 10am, free Suitable ages 5+ Halloween trail exploring the spookier parts of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

The Halloween Star Party Fri 29 – Sat 30 Oct, 5.30pm, £20 per person Family £70 Suitable ages 5+ A truly unique experience for Halloween, taking place in the evening after the site is closed to general visitors. The programme includes a Halloween planetarium show, a chance to look at colourful double stars through the gigantic 28-inch telescope and an opportunity to use small telescopes in the Meridian Courtyard. Also includes hot chocolate, mulled wine and trick or treat goody bags for children, who must come in appropriate fancy dress!

BARBICAN CENTRE

Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.iwm.org.uk

Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 4141, Booking: 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk

Open: 10am-6pm, ÂŁ12.95, under 16s free

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 5

Launch! Shipbuilding through the ages Until Fri 31 Dec This family-orientated exhibition uses handsRQ DQG FRPSXWHULVHG LQWHUDFWLYH GLVSOD\V ÀOP and footage

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free

Halley’s Holiday Help former Astronomer Royal Sir Edmund +DOOH\ ÀQG KLV ZD\ DURXQG RXU VRODU V\VWHP Take in the sights including the colossal planet Jupiter, sun-baked Mercury and the spectacular ringed Saturn

Violent Universe

“Sat 30 Oct - Sun 7 Nov

The London Children’s Film Festival 2010 &HOHEUDWLRQ RI ÀOP IRU FKLOGUHQ

Tickets on sale from Monday 27 Sept check website: lcff.org.uk

Merce Cunningham Family Workshop Sat 30 Oct 10am, ÂŁ5 Suitable 6 yrs + Participants create their own dance “eventsâ€? based on their observations and experiences with movement and time. Chance elements are encouraged through the rolling of dice and everyone is encouraged to participate.

Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Comfortable street clothes and tennis shoes are appropriate dress

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk

11.45am, 1.30pm, 3.15pm & 5pm (weekends & bank holidays) 3.30pm (weekdays) Suitable ages 5+

The Enchanted Palace

Visitors will embark on a journey through supernovae, black holes and gamma ray bursts, as well as the possibility of an asteroid collision with Earth narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart

A unique multisensory exhibition, combining fashion (Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest and many more) performance and dazzling spectacle to reveal Kensington’s PDJQLÀFHQW 6WDWH $SDUWPHQWV LQ D PDJLFDO new light

Space Safari 11am (weekends & bank holidays) Suitable ages 7+ Join Ted the Teddy bear for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the great bear in the sky

Sky Tonight Live 12.45pm, 4.15pm (weekdays & bank Holidays & school holidays) 3.45pm (weekdays) Suitable ages 5+ Take a tour of what can be seen in tonight’s sky with a real Royal Observatory astronomer. The journey takes in stars, constellations, planets and awe-inspiring gas clouds

Meet the neighbours

Until June 2012, ÂŁ12.50/ÂŁ6.25, family ÂŁ34

LONDON ZOO Regent’s Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333 www.zsl.org

Rainforest Life in London Zoo Until Fri 31 Dec Enter London’s only living rainforest where you can come face to face with a variety of amazing South American rainforest species including monkeys, sloth, armadillo and tamandua. Don’t forget to check out the special “Night Life� zone

2.30pm (weekends & school holidays) Suitable ages 5+

DISCOVER

Other planets, hundreds of moons and millions of asteroids, a new live show narrated by a royal Observatory astronomer

383 - 387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk

14

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Sept 11.30am & 2.30pm Come and join us for heaps of Peppa Pig VWRULHV 0DNH VRPH ÀQJHU SXSSHWV RI 3HSSD Pig, his family and friends

Martha No! with Debbie Allwright and Nicholas Hardy Sat 18 Sept 2.30pm Suitable ages 3+ Deborah Allwright’s (illustrator of The Night Pirates) latest set of vivid illustrations can be found in the book Martha, No! the story of naughty little girl determined to send her nanny through the roof

The Night Pirates Shadow Puppet Show

Celebrate Black History Month with stories and percussion from Sierra Leone

Scratchy, Zoomer and Rastamouse are on the move. A brilliant storytelling session from author Michael de Souza

Anansi the Spider Man Sun 24 Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm Suitable ages 3+ Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the fantastic world of Anansi the spider man.

Discover’s Story Builders will tell the tale of how Anansi created his stories. Then join in with a sing-a-long and mask making

That’s Me, Clarice Bean by Lauren Child Mon 25, Wed 27 & Fri 29 Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm Suitable ages 2+

All aboard for a night time adventure! Join us for an amazing piratey story told with a fantastic interactive shadow puppet show

Meet Clarice Bean’s lovely but noisy family.

Find out the hilarious and clever lengths Clarice goes to get some much wanted peace and quiet. Then create your own family and friends portrait with Discover’s treasure trove of art materials

Moomin 65th Birthday Party Weekend

Charlie and Lola – Slightly Invisible by Lauren Child

Sat 25 & Sun 26 Sept 11.30am & 2.30pm

Tues 26, Thu 28 & Sat 30 Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm Suitable ages 2+

It’s Moomin’s 65th birthday although he doesn’t look it! Celebrate his birthday with a special party, listen to the story of Moomin and the Birthday Button and join in with all the fun games and activities

2010 marks the arrival of an absolutely new and completely original Charlie and Lola picture book where Charlie and friend Marv are in search of strange and tricky creatures.

Listen to the fabulous new story with Discover’s Story Builders

Sun 19 Sept 11.30am & 2.30pm Suitable ages 3+

Exhibition: Green Drops and Moonsquirters - The utterly imaginative world of Lauren Child Opens Sat 2 Oct First exhibition to bring Lauren Child’s ever so imaginative books to life. Her unmistakable illustrations on display include the hugely successful Charlie and Lola as well as Clarice Bean, That Pesky Rat and Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent. Sit at Charlie and Lola’s kitchen table, dress-up LQ &KDUOLH DQG /RODҋV IDYRXULWH RXWÀWV DORQJ with a selection of 3D sets and dolls house furniture created for The Princess and the Pea with hands-on activities

Opening Day: Children’s Book Week - Charlie and Lola: Slightly Invisible Sat 2 Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm Suitable ages 3+ To celebrate the launch of the exhibition we will be reading from brand new Charlie and Lola book Slightly Invisible and writing and drawing postcards from your own Loren Sorenson’s (imaginary friends)

Happy Birthday Charlie and Lola Sun 3 Oct 11.30am & 2.30pm Suitable ages 2+ Charlie’s little sister does not eat a lot of things – and she absolutely will never eat a tomato – until one day Charlie plays a trick on her. Celebrate the 10th birthday of WKH YHU\ ÀUVW &KDUOLH DQG /ROD ERRN ´, :LOO Not Never Eat a Tomato� with an absolutely utterly brilliant birthday party.

Lauren Child visits Discover *Book Signing* Sat 16 Oct 11am–12 noon Bestselling author and illustrator of Charlie and Lola, Pesky Rat, Clarice Bean and Hubert Horatio, Lauren Child is visiting Discover

Please note: We are expecting queues on the day and it is possible that Lauren Child will not be able to sign everybody’s books. Each family can ask the author to sign two books maximum, one from home and one bought on the day at Discover

Storytelling with Usifu Jalloh Sun 17 Oct 2.30pm Suitable ages 3+

Boo Fest *Halloween Special* Sun 31 Oct 12 noon–4pm, £2 extra per person It’s the spookiest day of the year, so come down to Discover and join in the Hallowe’en fun. Enjoy the Story Builder’s reading Meg and Mog, get your face painted, play games, put Skellybones back together again and make pumpkin lanterns

RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES 01708 899840 Open: daily Thu 1 Apr - Sun 31 Oct Open 9.30am-5 pm, Open Mon 1 Nov - Wed 31 Mar Open 9.30am-4.30pm Unique wetland reserve with innovative visitor centre, shop, cafÊ, wildlife garden, and children’s adventure play area - boardwalks throughout for wheelchair and pushchair access

in Britain

Petunia’s Pick of the Month – Scarecrow making Sat 18 Sept 10am-5pm, Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, EN9 2EF Join Petunia the Pig down on the farms and brush up on your scarecrow making skills!

Pony Club Show Sun 19 Sept 10am–5pm, Lee Valley Riding Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E10 7QL, free Join us for our annual Show for Lee Valley customers and Pony Club members. Events include showing, showjumping and mounted games. Spectators are welcome to watch this free fun show for the whole family

King Harold Day Sat 16 Oct 10am-4pm, Waltham Abbey Gardens, EN9 1DX, ÂŁ 2.50/children free Based in the Abbey Gardens this event with a medieval theme commemorates King Harold, the last Saxon King of England, who rebuilt the church and was buried in the grounds.

The day will include displays and ‘have a go sessions’ including: archery, medieval music, hawks and hunting birds, demonstrations of Saxon crafts, re-enactment and fancy dress

UPMINSTER WINDMILL The Mill Field, St. Mary’s Lane, Upminster RM14 2QL Open Sat 4, Sun 5, Sat 18 & Sun 19 Sept, Sat 2 & Sun 3 Oct 2pm – 5pm, free

MARKETS BROADWAY MARKET London E8 4PH www.broadwaymarket.co.uk Open: Saturdays 9am-5pm Nearest Underground station: Hackney Central Diverse range of shops and restaurants

Columbia Road, E2 http://columbiaroad.info Open: Sundays 8am-3pm Nearest Underground Station: Old Street, Bethnal Green

Wildlife Explorers Club

LEADENHALL MARKET

Are you aged 8-12 and enjoy the outdoors, adventures, wildlife and having fun? If so, then join us to explore and discover the natural world on your doorstep at Rainham Marshes. Come prepared for the weather.

Booking and registration to the club is essential

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK 08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk

London Open House Weekend Sat 18 & Sun 19 Sept 11am-4pm, Three Mills, Bromley-By-Bow E3 3DU, free Visit and tour the spectacular Grade I listed Mill House - the largest Tidal Mill still standing

1 Broadway Market, Hackney, E8 4PH. 020 7249 8799 We visited SolchÊ Cilician, located at Regent’s Canal end of the Broadway Market, on a Thursday evening and the place was warm and inviting with a friendly buzz. During the day you can sit outside at tables and chairs but we sat inside and admired the delightfully decorated and colourful gourd lanterns that covered the ceiling adding to the authentic Turkish feel. It has a perfect covered back patio/deck that looks out onto the canal – really charming. There’s even baby-changing facilities in the toilets.

SolchĂŠ is just one of those restaurants where you feel comfortable and relaxed as soon as you come through the doors. All of the staff were really helpful and attentive as they left us with drinks and the tough decision of what to eat!

The cuisine is Cilician, a region of Turkey, so meze and grills feature prominently on the menu. However, with pasta, vegetarian, and seafood dishes also available it has a great variety of options available. For us there is always a dilemma about what the kids will eat but in fact, it was more of a case of not over ordering as they were all ravenous too – no change there then!

For starters, we chose a classic Taramasalata (£3.45), it was beautifully rich and creamy rather than one of those often horribly processed ones you get in the supermarket. The kids all enjoyed it too as we managed to remain vague DERXW ZKDW LW ZDV LQ LW ² GRQҋW PHQWLRQ ÀVK eggs! We accompanied it with Kalamar (£4.25), lightly breaded fried squid with a homemade tartar sauce – gorgeous and cooked perfectly. To top it off we had a Hot Meze Platter (£10.75). This large plate selection included Falafels in Hummus, %RUHN D ÀOR SDVWU\ WULDQJOH ÀOOHG ZLWK IHWD cheese, spinach and herbs), Mucver (a little taste sensation of pan-fried courgette in a special batter), Patlican Kizartma (sliced aubergine with chargrilled peppers ZLWK WRPDWR VDXFH +HOOLP D FKHHVH VLPLODU WR +DOORXPL 6XFXN ,]JDUD VSLF\ JDUOLF VDODPL DQG ÀQDOO\ VRPH PRUH .DODPDU Wow - what an incredible selection of perfectly, prepared Mediterranean delights.

For mains we chose a Cilician Moussaka (£8.45) – the best I have ever had; Kleftiko (£9.45) – lamb slow cooked on the knuckle until it was falling off the bone. The children chose a Chicken Shish (£9.45) - marinated chicken cubes on skewers; Chicken Beyti (£9.45) - hand chopped chicken meat seasoned with lightly spicy red peppers and grilled on skewers; and Harem (£10.95) - a delicious marinated & grilled chicken cubes on a bed of paper-thin bread with topping of yoghurt that was one of our standout dishes of the evening. Each dish was a good size and came with a bowl of rice too so we were all too full for any dessert.

But being a coffee bar too it does have a real expresso machine for your choice of coffee and the baklavas did look very enticing. They also have a range of cakes too.

Turkish food can often be seen as a simple cuisine but at SolchÊ Cilician you don’t only get simple, dishes cooked perfectly but WKH\ EXUVW RXW ZLWK IUHVK à DYRXUV WKDW OLIW WKH IRRG WR DQ HYHQ KLJKHU OHYHO &DQҋW ZDLW WR JR EDFN Open: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11pm

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

Entrance charges: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: ÂŁ2.50 adult, ÂŁ1 child, ÂŁ7 family (2 adults and up to 4 children). Some events may incur additional charges Sat 11 Sept & Sat 9 Oct 10.30am, members ÂŁ1.50 non-members ÂŁ3.50

SOLCHÉ CILICIAN

)ORZHU 0DUNHW VHOOLQJ SODQWV Ă RZHUV VKUXEV trees and accessories for the garden

Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 020 7621 0709 www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm Nearest Underground Station: Bank, Monument Fine food and clothing

OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET D &RPPHUFLDO 6WUHHW 6SLWDOĂ€HOGV E1 6BG ZZZ YLVLWVSLWDOĂ€HOGV FRP Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 9am5pm Nearest Underground Station: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East

www.solche-cilician.co.uk

JOHNNY MORRIS BEDTIME STORIES BBC, ÂŁ5.99, 45 minutes Remember Hooter the Elephant, Tubthump the Gorilla or Snapper the Crocodile? First issued back in 1972, this CD re-release features Johnny Morris of “Animal Magicâ€? fame, taking you on one of his magical tales as he says good night to his animal friends and residents of Bristol Zoo. They each talk through their memorable days with Johnny Morris voicing them in his masterful and evocative way. He develops a wonderfully picture of each animal’s personality mixing it with his delightfully gentle humour.

I am sure for many it will be strangely comforting as you listen with your children and think that these stories have been delighting pre-schoolers and their parents for so many years, over and over again.

Brilliant to rediscover, the CD is part of the Vintage Beeb series and is presented as the original 1972 LP appeared giving it a lovely nostalgic touch.

Families Rating: 6 out of 6

Fashion, clothes, antiques, art, records, books

15

Events Handmade Goodies at E17 Designers’ Market Are you looking for something unusual WKDW \RX ZRQҋW ÀQG LQ WKH +LJK 6WUHHW shops? At E17 Designers’ Market you can buy handmade products, including jewellery, fashion for all ages, accessories for the home, art prints, ceramic, a gift for someone special or something unique for yourself or even something to put away for

Illumini Event 2010 presents ‘Secret Subterranean London’

Christmas. The Designers’ Market has it covered and don’t forget Suzie’s Kitchen will be there crafting her own fabulous cake concoctions with seasonal fruits. Join them for a late summer spritzer! Entry is just £1 including a free drink and entry WR UDIà HV RI ( 'HVLJQHUVҋ JRRG\ bags.

Asian Centre 18a Orford Road, Walthamstow, E17 9LN Sun 12th Sept, 2pm-6pm Music from: The Rose & Crown Singers

Ever wondered what secret tunnels and buildings are hidden under city streets? Illumini invites you to explore the ‘secret labyrinths’ beneath the streets of London by torchlight. Take an illuminating art journey, through the history of subterranean London.

Illumini 2010, held underground in London, promises to be an exciting and historical look into the history of our secret underground city with over 50 artists and prop makers transforming this subterranean world.

including authors and historians.

Venues include The Grand entrance hall of the Thames Tunnel and a torch lit tour of Shoreditch Church Crypt, known as Shakespeare’s church. There is also a street level tour that shows hidden secret doors and entrances to underground gems along with talks on London’s occult history and ghosts that explore the vaults at night.

Grand opening night is on Thu 9th Sept, 6pm-10pm with free entertainment including stilt walkers, light shows, magicians, illuminating dancers, tarot reading, and much more. Everyone is welcome.

‘Secret Subterranean London’ is on at the Basement Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT and starts on Thu 9th Sept ends Wed 15th Sept, 11am-7pm daily and is free.

During the event there are free workshops, talks about London’s secret underground by special guests

Visit: www.illuminievent.co.uk for more info

WOMEN’S INTERFAITH NETWORK FREE FESTIVAL 17th OCTOBER 2010 FROM 10AM – 6PM MILE END PARK, HAVERFIELD ROAD, LONDON E3 Celebrate cultural, artistic and religious diversity represented in Tower Hamlets SEE PAGE 3 for more information

TIME FOR A CHANGE? NEED EXTRA INCOME? ÂŁ500 – ÂŁ2,000 per month Home Based Business “Without compromising your home or business lifeâ€?

Global Product (Est. 29 years) “Look Good Feel Good Industry� " # ! ! "

# " # ! $

You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension ‌ People from ALL walks of life ‌ If you are honest and ethical and have a desire to succeed, we would like to hear from you.

Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242