Families East Issue 70 Nov/Dec 2012

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Issue 70 November/December 2012

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Contact us:

www.familiesonline.co.uk Email: editor@familieseast.co.uk Printed by Warners Midlands PLC. Tel: 01778 391000 Designed by: www.sambrannangraphicdesigner.com Front Cover image: Samantha Brannan

Families East Magazine P.O. Box 2358, Ilford, Essex IG1 8BD Tel: 07766 705655

WIN!

Tickets are subject to availability

TICKETS TO SEE

ROOM ON THE BROOM LIVE ON STAGE IN THE WEST END!

©Simon Turtle

A spellbinding adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo!

Question: What kind of animal finds the witch’s hat?

How the cat purred and how the witch grinned as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind. Adapted for the stage from the best-selling book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE and Axel Scheffler.

Families East Magazine has a family ticket (admits four) to see Tall Stories’ Room on the Broom at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, this Christmas.

For your chance to win answer the following question and send your answers to competitions@familieseast.co.uk by the closing date of Friday 23rd November

a) Bird c) Dog

WIN!

Hackney Empire offers readers of Families East a chance to win a family ticket (4 tickets) to see Dick Whittington and his Cat. Dick Whittington has all the traditional pantomime ingredients for another Hackney hit and the perfect Christmas treat. Just email competitions@familieseast.co.uk with your details by 1pm 25 Nov. One winner will be picked.

b) Dragon d) Cat

The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? A magical, musical delight for children aged 3+

Wednesday 21 November - Sunday 13 January, Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue Book Now 08944 412 4661 www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

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 nor for any consequences. Any original material submitted for publication is sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families® nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families® is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families® franchise independently owned and operated under licence by Lesley Bishop.

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November/December 2012 Families East | 3

GO LOCAL...

For your Christmas Gifts and Treats Christmas shopping can sometimes feel like a chore so it’s lovely to find specialist, local shops and markets that inspire you with original products and gift ideas rather than the being stuck with the usual high street stuff.

East London has so many excellent independent shops and Families East is always keen to support them especially during these tough times - if we don’t use them we’ll lose them.

Families East have selected a few of our favourites east London shopping haunts to hopefully inspire you to get out and find those special presents for you or your loved ones. Nothing says I love you better than taking the time to find that unique gift that everyone will be asking you where you bought it!

East London has a rich mixture of traditional markets and more eclectic ones that offer a massive variety of exciting shopping choices. Here are ten places to get you started!

BRICK LANE

Shoreditch, E1 6PU, Open Sat 9am-5pm, www.visitbricklane.org

Brick Lane Market is a bustling artistic location for vintage clothes, second-hand furniture, and bric-a-brac. Sunday is the best day to visit the market with street performers enhancing the vibrant, lively atmosphere.

BROADWAY MARKET Broadway Market E8 4QL, Open Sat 9am-5pm www.broadwaymarket.co.uk

Broadway is primarily a specialist food market but alongside the market are a wonderful variety of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes to inspire you. Now with 80 stalls heaving with cheeses, meat, fish and delicious cakes and pastries. Other stalls include jewellery makers and vintage men and ladies’ clothing stalls. It really is the

Market to go and see and be seen at!

Nearest tube: Hackney Central

LEADENHALL MARKET Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR, Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk

Selling quality goods including everything from delicious piping hot pasta and Foie Gras to jewellery and art.

Nearest tube: Bank, Monument

NORTHWEALD MARKET

North Weald Airfield, Merlin Way, Epping CM16 6HR, Open Sat 9am-4pm www.hughmark.co.uk/node/35

England’s largest regular outdoor Saturday market has hundreds of stalls selling a vast array of goods. There’s free car parking at the airfield for several thousand cars. Next to the market is a car boot sale as an added attraction.

Nearest railway station/tube: Harlow/ Epping.

OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET

105a Commercial Street E1 6BG, Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 9am-5pm www.visitspitalfields.com

London’s oldest market with up to 110 stalls on its busiest days, ranging from contemporary and vintage fashion, music, bespoke children’s toys, jewellery and accessories and home interiors.

Nearest tube: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East

ROMAN ROAD

Roman Road E3, Open Tues, Thurs, Sat 9am-5.30pm

This famous market has a variety of market traders with ‘Super Saturday’ being a weekly arts and crafts specialist market with street performers and entertainment. A farmers market takes place every first Saturday of the month.

Nearest tube: Mile End

ROMFORD MARKET

Market Place, RM1, Open Wed, Fri & Sat 8.30am-4.30pm

One of the oldest markets in the country you’ll find traditional markets goods and items. A farmers market operates every other Sunday. Nearest train: Romford

SUNDAY (UP) MARKET

Old Truman Brewery, off Hanbury Street E1, Open Sunday 10am–5pm www.sundayupmarket.co.uk

At the heart of Brick Lane is the Old Truman Brewery where you’ll find an exciting collection of traders all under one roof. Products for sale include new and vintage clothes and shoes, handmade handbags, jewellery, art, lighting, accessories, food and drink. It’s the perfect place to wile away lazy Sundays.

Nearest tube: Aldgate East/Liverpool Street

Bring the family to Rich Mix this winter 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA • www.richmix.org.uk Liverpool Street tube, Shoreditch High Street Station or Bethnal Green tube For more information & booking 020 7613 7498 Rich mix offers a broad range of artsbased activities and performances for children aged 0 to 12 years and their parents/carers. Equipped with full pram and buggy access; baby change facilities; lifts to all floors; a relaxing mezzanine area perfect for family lunches; and a café on site. Many of the events are free or low-priced supporting families who are on a low income and who may find it difficult to access arts and cultural activities – see website for details KIDS’ CINE TIME Every Sat & Sun 12pm £1.50 Sat 10 & Sun 11 Nov: A Monster in Paris (U) Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov: Paranorman (PG) Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov: Hotel Transylvania (U) Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec: Arthur Christmas (U) Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec: The Polar Express (U) Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec: Jingle All the Way (PG) Sat 29 & Sun 30 Dec: Elf (PG) Autism-friendly Screenings Every 3rd Sun 1pm £1.50 Sun 18 Nov: Paranorman (PG) Sun 16 Dec: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG)

Parents and Babies Screenings Mon 12pm From Fri 14 Dec: 3D: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (TBC) THE LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS JAZZ FOR TODDLERS Thu 15 Nov 2pm £5 Adults or £3 Toddlers To prove you are never too young to get into the swing of things, join in for London Jazz Festival’s popular Jazz for Toddlers tour! Specifically geared for 2-5 year olds plus parents/carers, you can expect lots of fun, music and movement, plus an idea or two to take away with you.

MWALIMU EXPRESS Sun 18 Nov Sun 16 Dec 2pm-6pm Free All ages welcome On Sunday afternoons brings you awesome music from around the African continent – balafon, mbira, talking drum, molo, oud and kora are just some of the instruments to be featured live by the amazing musicians you meet at each destination.

4 | Families East November/December 2012

WIGGLY JIGGLERS Mon 19 Nov Mon 3 & 17 Dec 1pm-3pm 2yrs and under. Free for Tower Hamlets residents & £3 per child for non Tower Hamlets residents At these creative movement sessions, led by movement practitioner Jasmine Pasch, your children will get the space, the freedom and the time to move in ways that support their development, and stimulate their imaginations.

GRAND UNION YOUTH ORCHESTRA WORKSHOP Thu 25 Nov 10.30am–1.30pm Free Age range:12+ London’s pioneering world music youth ensemble runs free monthly master classes for aspiring young musicians from all musical cultures.

BENGAL TO BETHNAL GREEN Sun 25 Nov 1.30pm Free all ages A monthly event directed by Grand Union’s well-known tabla player Yousuf Ali Khan. Including family workshops, talks by famous writers and a concert featuring popular singers.

WINTER BONANZA FESTIVAL Sun 2 Dec All Day Free all ages Join this Winter Bonanza celebration including a family workshop, Christmas quiz, films, and a festive community meal! Plus Santa will make an appearance.

STORYCRAFT WORKSHOP WITH APPLES AND SNAKES Mon 10 Dec 1.30pm £3 per child 2–5yrs Led by a different storyteller or poet every other month, StoryCraft encourages families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way.

MUSICAL RUMPUS: A FAIRY QUEEN IN THE FOREST Tue 11 Dec 10.30am & 12pm Free Age Range: 0-2 Join in and explore a magical world of fairies and other creatures. Brought to you by Spitalfields Music.

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COLUMBIA ROAD E.2.

– For all your Christmas Treats!

VICTORIA PARKVILLAGE

Lauriston Rd & Victoria Park Rd E9 www.victoria-park.co.uk

Victoria Park Village offers charming shops and cafes. Next to Victoria Park and centred around Lauriston Road and Victoria Park Road are fashion and accessories shops, a toyshop, specialist interior shops, a children’s clothes shop, cafes, gift shops and books, pubs and restaurants. Nearest tube: Mile End or Bethnal Green

WALTHAMSTOW MARKET

Walthamstow High Street, E17, Open: Tues-Sat 8am-6pm

Spanning roughly a kilometre it’s the longest street market in Europe with 450 stalls. The St James Street end runs every Sat from 8am-5pm with 60 new stalls including street-food, up cycled products, retro, vintage, arts, crafts and gift. Every Sun 10am-2pm there’s a farmers market at the Town Square. Nearest tube: Walthamstow Central

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For the seventh year running, the independent shopkeepers of Columbia Road will open late on four consecutive Wednesdays in the run up to Christmas from Wednesday 28th November and the 5th, 12th and 19th of December with opening times of 5-9pm. In addition to these extended hours Columbia Road shops and Flower Market are open every Sunday offering a heady mix of eclectic gift ideas, live music, top-notch food, seasonal flowers and plants plus good east end cheer.

Columbia Road is one of the few roads in the country made up of independent shops. Its sixty shops offer so much variety from decorating your home, stylish clothes for the whole family, kitchen needs, old fashion sweet shops for the child in you or children with you, makeup and perfumery shops. They have small art galleries sitting next to cup cake shops, English and Italian delis, garden and antique shops and a wealth of great pubs,

cafes and restaurants. There are so many shops to explore, with novelty items that would not be able to be found anywhere else.

Here are a selection of the unique shops available like Keeping House who can supply you with everything your kitchen needs and wants, from Christmas cookie cutters to roasting tins (www.keepinghouseretail.co.uk)

Suck ‘n Chew if you’re feeling a little sweet and can’t resist a Rhubarb and Custard or a Kola Kubes (www.suckandchew.co.uk) Or what about the Powder Room, a darling beauty boutique where you can visit them for your beauty needs, offering quick fixes and mini treatments in addition to more luxurious and indulgent offerings (www.thepowderpuffgirls.com)

Or Bob & Blossom who apart from their own fabulous clothing range supply a charming array of toys and gifts for babies and small children, with a real emphasis on quality and nostalgia. (www.bobandblossom.co.uk)

Columbia Road, E2 • www.columbiaroad.info

November/December 2012 Families East | 5

GO LOCAL... For your Christmas Gifts and Treats As part of our ‘Go Local’ theme, here are some lovely family friendly, cafes in our area.

The Larder is a small group of independent cafes based in east London. There are three sites, all with something different to offer. The original Larder on Wanstead High Street opened nearly 6 years ago and has become a favourite with mums and other residents alike. It has a great selection of salads, sandwiches and light lunches, including a children’s menu and a special products ranging from British cheeses, daily baked bread through to locally brewed beers. This family friendly cafe/deli has a small play area and baby changing facilities, and is open 7 days a week serving food from 8am until 3.30pm.

The second “Larder” opened on Globe Road, Bethnal Green in 2011. Though similar in feel to the Wanstead branch, it focuses on creating great vegetarian food but sells less deli products. It has a small courtyard garden and children’s play area too.

The third branch is Butler’s Retreat,

6 | Families East November/December 2012

a 19th century Essex barn, located in Epping Forest. Butler’s serve an excellent breakfast, simple well-made lunches and roast on Sunday. Step outside Butler’s and there are landscaped hillocks, “hopping logs” for children to play on and beyond the forest - everyone’s playground! For more information visit www.worldslarder.co.uk

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Families East has recently discovered the excellent “Step Outside” series of guidebooks. There are four books designed for children to take you on a great family adventure around London using public transport. They are the perfect stocking filler for Christmas with each offering a great family adventure.

Filled with fascinating facts and information about what you will see on the way and kid-friendly quizzes and tasks that all make for a perfect day out.

At only £5 each and with their fourth book “Christmas in London” released on 14 November they are the little books that give you a great day out!

For more information visit www.stepoutsideguides.com

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November/December 2012 Families East | 7

GO LOCAL... For your Christmas Gifts and Treats Feeling creative this Christmas?

The Bloom Bar, specialist florists located in South Woodford, is running special classes this December so you can create your own Christmas Door Wreaths and Table Arrangements. Each class sees customers greeted with a smile and a glass of wine.

At the door wreath class you start with a pre-made blue pine frame about 40cm in diameter. You will be shown how to securely attach seasonal foliage and berries, wiring techniques for adding pinecones, baubles and other details, and how to group and space things along with bow-making skills.

Finally, if wanted how to incorporate fresh roses into your arrangement. This class will take about 90 minutes. Table

How about showing off some new culinary expertise this Christmas by joining Scrumptious Pumpkin Cookery School for a friendly evening where you can learn new cookery skills.

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen, or want to share a few hours with like-minded cookery enthusiasts, their adult cookery classes are a fun and sociable night out.

Why not join them for their Festive Entertaining class run on Wednesday 5 December at their private kitchen in Woodford Green from 7-10pm. On arrival you will be greeted with a glass of festive bubbles, you will then learn how to make profiteroles, chocolate fondant puddings

decoration classes use blue pine berried ivy fern and ilex berries with a mixture of pinecones, orchids and roses around a church candle creating an arrangement about 20cm in diameter. The class will demonstrate the correct way to strip and cut foliage, how to make an oasis for living blooms, wiring techniques and spacing during the hour-long class.

Please be aware that to keep cosy you should wrap up warm!

Door Wreath classes run: Monday 3 Friday 7 December, 7-8.30pm, £85 Table Arrangement classes run: Monday 10 - Friday 14 December, 7-8pm, £60 The Bloom Bar, 32 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2QL 020 8989 1211

with an oozing centre, and impressive fougasse bread. It costs £45 per person so call 020 8252 1499 or visit https:// bookwhen.com/pumpkin to book. If you can’t make this date then email scrumptiouspumpkin@gmail.com to hear about their new year classes. www.scrumptiouspumpkin.co.uk Cookery classes and parties for anyone aged 3 to 103!

SPICE

– A Unique Indian Cooking Experience

Stuck for ideas this Christmas? Then why not try something unique and let SPICE come to your home and create a dinner party with a difference.

Not only do SPICE come to your home and cook an Indian meal chosen by you but they will prepare and cook it in your own kitchen too. This gives you and your guests the perfect opportunity to learn how to cook these delicious, exotic dishes first-hand.

The SPICE dining experience involves first meeting you to personalise the menu to suit your tastes then sourcing and supplying all the ingredients and finally providing you with written recipes for all of the dishes cooked.

With Christmas just round the corner it’s a perfect gift idea for that enthusiastic cook in your life as you get the treat of not only learning how to make beautiful dishes but also enjoy eating it them with your family or friends too!

Visit www.spicecooking.co.uk for more information or email kalpna@kadri.com

Classes in Bethnal Green

Learn how to decorate your Christmas cake With “The Great British Bake Off” BBC series helping to generate the recent surge of interest in baking, many people are looking to try their hand at making cakes but lack confidence and knowledge when it comes to sugarcraft skills and techniques.

The Last Crumb, based in Wanstead, offers a special half-day workshop introducing you to understanding basic sugarcraft

8 | Families East November/December 2012

skills including covering cakes, sugarcraft modelling along with tips and techniques to help you create a beautiful, individual Christmas cake.

Course: Saturday 24 November 2012, 9.30am - 1.30pm Cost: £60.00 (includes brunch) Contact: Helen Collier 07867 604564 or email: helen@thelastcrumb.co.uk to book your place.

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Out & About At Families East we make every effort to ensure our Out & About listings are correct at the time of going to press. During this summer a number of locations/venues we usually list reduced their opening hours or were closed. Please check ahead before you plan a journey or day out.

THEATRE, CONCERTS & FILMS BARBICAN

Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk 59 Minutes to Save Christmas Sat 15 Dec–Sun 6 Jan All tickets £12 (show times vary, see website) An interactive journey around the Barbican Centre for intrepid adventurers and brave parents!

The Snowman/Peter and the Wolf Tue 22 & Wed 23 Dec 2pm £25/£12.50 Delight your family this Christmas with a double bill of classic musical stories for children, accompanied by live orchestra and narration Family Film Club Discover a world of film together with your family on most Saturday mornings at the Barbican. Membership is free, and you can join via the website

BFI SOUTHBANK

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 020 7928 3535 www.bfi.org.uk Rise of the Guardians Funday Workshop Sun 25 Nov (Workshop 11.30am Film 1.30pm) Create your own guardian. Taking inspiration from a collection of legendary characters – including Santa Claus, Jack Frost and the Tooth Fairy – you are challenged to invent and bring to life your own hero with a superpower! With animation workshops, prizes galore!

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE

15 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AH 020 7388 8822 www.thebloomsbury.com Tom’s Midnight Garden Wed 12-Sat 22 Dec, Thu 27–Sat 29 Dec, Mon 7–Sat 19 Jan (show times vary, see website) £19.50/£14.50 Is it possible to travel back in time?

Tom has always believed it cannot be done, but when the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen times, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past for some fantastic adventures!

BROADWAY THEATRE

Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com Cinderella Sat 1 Dec–Wed 2 Jan (show times vary, see website) £15/£12 Family £50 Cinderella will be having a ball at the Broadway! Join in festive fun with all the family!

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Your guide to the best entertainment and local events London has to offer.

To list an event contact editor@familieseast.co.uk

GREENWICH THEATRE

Croom’s Hill SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk Robin Hood - A Pantomime Adventure Thu 22 Nov-Sun 6 Jan £25-£19 (children half price) While the whole of Nottingham cowers under the rule of the evil sheriff, one man offers a ray of hope. Hiding out in Sherwood Forest with his merry men, Robin Hood continues to get the better of the sheriff, stealing from him and his cronies and giving the money to the poor. Packed with high-energy music and dance, razor sharp comedy, Robin Hood is simply not to be missed!

HACKNEY EMPIRE THEATRE

291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk Dick Whittington & His Cat Sat 1 Dec–Sun 6 Jan Tickets from £29.50 to £9.50 A show for all the family, featuring all the traditional pantomime ingredients; thrilling adventure, show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines, knockabout comedy and bags of audience participation, this is guaranteed to be another Hackney hit and the perfect Christmas treat!

HALF MOON THEATRE

43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk All tickets £6 – adult ticket (includes baby under 12 months) Circles in the Sand Sat 10 Nov 11am 2pm 3.30pm (under 3 yrs) An intimate, imaginative and captivating show. Join in a world of play with buckets and castle building, spinning and tumbling, delighting in the feel of sand between toes and fingers Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall Sat 17 Nov 11am 2pm 3-7 yrs Little Sunshine and Little Rainfall invite you to their magic garden. This vibrant and interactive show combines four stories of the naughty Storm Fox, using folk songs, dance and a hands-on paper making experience

uncle Magnus travels the world in his hot air balloon, searching for the tallest things he can find, sending her leaves from lofty treetops and stories of giants and trolls. Join Hetty as she explores the world of height and meets an extraordinary new friend A Roo in my Suitcase Sat 15 Dec 11am 2pm 3-7 yrs When Rosie arrives in the UK from Down Under she discovers she’s brought a suitcase full of stowaways! Funny, quirky and cuddly with poetry, songs and plenty of joining in!

Baba Yaga Sat 22 Dec 11am 2pm 3-7 yrs Baba Yaga is a witch. Join the two Krazy Kat actors in this fast moving comedy, featuring puppets, storytelling and fully integrated British Sign Language throughout

KENNETH MOORE THEATRE

Oakfield Rd, Ilford IG1 1BT 0208 553 4466 www.kmtheatre.co.uk Cinderella Thu 13 Dec-Sat 19 Jan (show times and prices vary, see website) Join Cinderella and friends in a show full of songs and laughter, joy and magic. With its magical forests and glittering palaces, this traditional pantomime will captivate everyone!

LYRIC THEATRE HAMMERSMITH

Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk Saturday shows 11am & 1pm £8 then Messy Play activities £5/£3 Rapunzel & the Tower of Doom Sat 10 Nov 4-10 yrs Poor Rapunzel spends her days locked in a tower by a wicked witch. A favourite fairy tale is brilliantly retold with enchanting puppets and fun storytelling

Rapunzel

Sat 24 Nov 11am 2pm 3-7 yrs Placed high up in a tower above the world and faced with the challenge of growing-up, Rapunzel is found alone, dreaming... An inventive, visual and physical style with live music and a magical design it’s a must see Handa’s Surprise Sat 1 Dec 10.30am 11.30am 1.30pm 2.30pm 3 yrs+ Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo. A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical adaptation How High?

Sat 8 Dec 11am 2pm 3-8yrs Hetty loves to measure things. Her

Families East November/December November/December 2012 Families 2012 East | 9

Out & About Grimm Tales Sat 17 Nov 6-11 yrs Playful and mischievous tales by the Brothers Grimm Stuck Sat 24 Nov 11am 1pm Sun 24 Nov 12pm 2pm 3-7 yrs Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company are back to bring Oliver Jeffers’ brand new children’s book to life. Find out if little Floyd will ever manage to get his kite unstuck Father Christmas Fri 30 Nov–Sat 5 Jan under 6 yrs (show times vary, see website) Raymond Briggs’ famous Christmas story is brought to the stage for the very first time

NATIONAL THEATRE

Southbank SE1 9PX 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Hansel and Gretel Fri 7 Dec–Sat 26 Jan £24/£16/£12 7-10 yrs Two children lost in the woods...a trail of breadcrumbs...and a bewitching house made of sweets. Hansel and Gretel promises to be an enchanting and eerie Christmas treat

PEACOCK THEATRE

Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT 0337 0870 737 www.sadlerswells.com The Snowman Wed 28 Nov–Sun 16 Jan £32-£12 Watch the Snowman fly, listen to the live orchestra and enjoy the enchanting story

QUEEN’S THEATRE

52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk Jack & the Beanstalk Sat 1 Dec–Sat 12 Jan (show times vary, see website) Join brave hero Jack on a thrilling adventure as he climbs the magic beanstalk to save the day! Jack battles the dreaded Giant Thunderskull to rescue his sweetheart and win the golden treasure. Boo the villainous rentcollector Fleshcreep, cheer the heroic Jack and Jill, and laugh along with the hilarious Dame Trott, Simple Simon and the loveable cow Buttercup. Great gags, catchy tunes, stunning scenery, colourful costumes and lots of audience participation, this is traditional family entertainment at its best

SADLERS WELLS

Rosebury Avenue, EC1R 4TN 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com Sleeping Beauty Tue 4 Dec–Sat 26 Jan £60-£12 (show times vary, see website) A classic tale – and a traditional Christmas treat

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Baby Opera – Korall Koral Fri 30 Nov 10.30am 12pm 2pm Sat 1 &

Sun 2 Dec 10.30am 2pm £8 adult & child extra child £4 (6 months–3 yrs) Enter a magical, shell-shaped tent for an intimate, entrancing performance of music and song for young children.

Two performers with specially designed instruments create music and song.

NOTE: Recommended parent/carers : one child only Slava’s Snow Show Mon 17 Dec-Mon 7 Jan £65-£20 (show times vary, see website) The multi award-winning international sensation has delighted and thrilled audiences in over 80 cities around the globe. This Christmas, experience a joyous, dream-like world which will touch both your heart and funny bone, culminating in a breathtaking blizzard leaving you knee-deep in snow

ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS CHURCH Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 020 7766 1100 lmaorchestra.com Mini Maestro Family Tales £8.50/£6.50 4-12yrs Sat 17 Nov 4.30 pm Beethoven ‘Eroica’ Symphony Sat 1 Dec 11.30 am Babar the Little Elephant & carols Sat 8 Dec 4pm Christmas Concert & carols Thu 27 Dec 11.30 am Peter and the Wolf & carols Treat your children to John Landor’s Mini Maestro Family Concerts, a magical musical event for young people from ages four to twelve. There’s lots of hands-on fun with live music: sitting in the orchestra, conducting, beating the drums and clapping and singing along

STRATFORD CIRCUS

Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX 0844 357 2625 www.stratford-circus.com Baby Dance Until Fri 7 Dec 10am £50 per 10 weeks or £6 drop-in 3-12 months Join this fun class for you and your baby Snow White Sat 1 Dec 11.30am £7/£5 5yrs+ Think you know Snow White? Think again... No dwarfs! No Prince! Just one extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of our deliciously scrumptious Snow White. Created through technology, movement and music this is a truly unique show The Snowman Fri 7 Dec 2.30pm 7pm £9/£7 8yrs+ The Snowman tells the story of a magical friendship and marvellous adventure with the accompaniment of a live performance of Howard Blake’s magical score.

Boing Wed 12-Sat 15 Dec weekdays 10.30am 2pm Sat 11.30am 3pm Family £20 3yrs+ Too excited to sleep, Wilkie and Joel are drawn into ever more riotous games that turn their bed into a giant trampoline. Combining comedy, acrobatics and dazzling breakdance Aladdinella and the 8 Dwarfs Sat 15 Dec 7pm Sun 16 Dec 2pm 7pm £5/£3 Blue Sky Actors group of adults

with learning difficulties and disabilities present an alternative panto for the whole family. Join in for fun, songs, laughs and loads of audience Breakfast with Santa Sat 8 Sat 15 Sun 16 & Sat 22 Dec 9am-10.30am 0-8 yrs £7/£5 Family £20 Help Mary Christmas prepare yours and Santa’s breakfast, then wake him up to join in the fun. Children get to make porridge and open sandwiches with fruit, parents are given a yummy continental breakfast including bottomless tea and coffee! Eating and dancing compulsory!

Alternative Santa’s Grotto Sat 8 Sat 15 Sun 16 & Sat 22 Dec 11am4pm, Sat 22 Dec 11am-2pm 15 min slots 0-8 yrs £7/£5 Santa’s will help you discover your hidden talents, with festive tricks to delight and engage – this is the perfect alternative Christmas trip. Write those letters to Santa then book in your 15 min Santa Grotto experience. Help the Elves prepare for the big day. Adults can accompany children into the grotto, but do not have to pay for entry The Ultimate Family Interactive Christmas Party Thu 20 - Sat 22 Dec 4.30pm Sat 22 Dec 3pm 0-8 yrs £10 Family (up to 4 people, must include 1 child) A unique Christmas party - with Head Elf putting the factory on strike and the fairy forever falling off the top of the tree - how is Santa going to hold it together?

Join in a good old-fashioned dance-off

and warming Glühwein. There is also a traditional carousel for the children while you take a rest!

BROADGATE ICE RINK SKATE SEASON

Fri 16 Nov – Sun 24 Feb 2013 www.broadgate.co.uk Adults £9, under 16s/Students/OAPS £7, Skate Hire £2 with monthly and season tickets available General enquiries - 020 7505 4120 / Private hire enquiries - 020 7505 4176/ Email ice@broadgate.co.uk Experience the crisp tingle of winter air and take in the surroundings at London’s first outdoors ice rink close to Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and next to Liverpool Street Station. Weekday sessions: 12.15–2.15pm, 3-5pm, 5.30– 7pm. Weekends & school holidays: 9.30–11.30pm, 12.15–2.15pm, 3-5pm, 5.30–7pm, & 7.30–9pm. Open 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day) closes 5pm on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day.

HYDE PARK WINTERWONDERLAND

www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Opens 5pm Fri 23 Nov Sat 24 Nov – Sun 6 Jan 10am-10pm closed Xmas day Glide around a magical ice rink, admire the amazing ice sculptures, laugh out loud at Zippo’s circus, enjoy the thrills of the rides and the view from the giant observation wheel, wander through the Christmas market or visit Santa in Santa Land – there really is something for all the family

THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Bow Street, Covent Garden WC2E 9DD 020 7304 4000 www.roh.org.uk Children over 5 yrs welcome Wind in the Willows Wed 12 Dec–Sat 5 Jan £24-£11 Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale brought to the stage with theatrical choreography and a wonderful score, it is the perfect family entertainment The Nutcracker Mon 10 Dec-Wed 16 Jan £110-£5 A young girl’s enchanted present leads her on a wonderful adventure in this classic ballet, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s glittering score

UNICORN THEATRE

147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com In A Pickle Thu 6 Dec–Sun 6 Jan £16/£10 2-5yrs (show times vary, see website) A voyage of discovery for the very young, through the landscapes of Shakespeare’s imagination

EVENTS CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE SOUTHBANK

Fri 16 Nov–Sat 24 Dec Sun–Thu 11am–10pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm Browse these sixty traditional twinkling wooden chalets along the Queen’s Walk presenting unique hand-crafted quirky gifts, wooden toys, jewellery and handmade soaps. Enjoy a bratwurst, roasted pork and potatoes, roasted chestnuts

THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL AT THE SOUTHBANK

Fri 7 Dec–Sun 9 Dec 11am–8pm (6pm Sun) free www.festivalchocolate.co.uk see website for full details A great day out offering an ideal opportunity to indulge in everything that’s chocolate!

THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW 2012

Sat 10 Nov 11am start at Mansion House (finish around 2.30pm) www.lordmayorsshow.org Remarkable floats with over 6000 people, 25 marching bands, 300 horses, 18 vintage cars, 21 carriages, an original American stagecoach, a Japanese Taiko drum band and several surprises!

GALLERIES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, Thu & Fri 10am-9pm Family Events: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Family Audio Visual guide £6 for up to 5 players/ £4 for two Follow fun specially recorded tours in English for young visitors (for 7-11 yrs) to lead you through the Gallery with amazing facts and stories about the people in the collection Storytelling with Art for Families Every third Sat 10.30am 1.30pm free 3yrs+

Out & About These sessions will last about 30 minutes Family Art Workshop Every third Sat 11.30am 2.30pm free ticketed 90 minutes 5yrs+ Explore portraits in the collection, followed by an art activity. Places are limited and are allocated on a firstcome, first served basis

SOMERSET HOUSE

Strand, WC2 1LA 020 78454600 www.somerset.org.uk Skate at Somerset House Fri 16 Nov-Sun 6 Jan Book online or call 0844 847 1520

TATE BRITAIN

Millbank, SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain Open: daily 10am-5.50pm until 10pm the first Friday of the month Liminal Every weekend 11am–3pm all ages A physical, material and social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaboration Family Multimedia Guide £3.50 6yrs+ available anytime during gallery hours What makes a portrait? Join this tour of seven artworks in the gallery and decide for yourself encouraging children and adults to explore together

TATE MODERN

Bankside, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm Under 5s Zone, Level 5 Concourse free This is a play space for under 5’s and their families Children Multimedia Guide Daily from the Info Desks on Level 3 £4.50 5yrs+ Keep youngsters captivated and animate artworks through music, video clips and entertaining games – a sensory experience for all the family to enjoy Weekend Sessions – Open Studio Every weekend 11am-4pm Level 3 Concourse free, 5yrs+ With the help of a friendly Start Team, stimulate your weekend with games, map-making or clue-matching

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.national gallery.org.uk Open daily 10am - 6pm Fri until 9pm free Magic Carpet Storytelling Sundays 10.30am 11.30am free Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting every Sunday Family Walk & Talk Join us on a themed journey through the collection where you will walk, talk and bring paintings alive! Suitable for all ages – check website for themes

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY

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

www.familieseast.co.uk

Family Trails Devised in collaboration with artists to coincide with each major exhibition at the Gallery. Encourages children to talk about exhibitions and suggests ways to respond creatively. Materials included. Available at the Information Desk (suggested donation £1) or downloadable on line

MUSEUMS BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Entrance in Bartholomew Street, off Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, free The Museum tells the story of the Bank, from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Among the exhibits are Roman and modern gold bars (visitors are invited to lift a genuine gold bar), the country’s oldest paper money, pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank and many other objects. Interactive displays give visitors the opportunity to explore the intricate, changing designs and evolving security features contained within banknotes Titanic Documents Display Until 10 Nov Claims for replacement of Bank of England notes from relatives or representatives of victims of the disaster are on display for the first time Gold and the Bank of England Until 10 Nov In the year of the Olympic Games in the UK, when the ultimate accolade of gold is given to the best of the world’s athletes, this exhibition examines the part gold has played during the Bank’s long history and the Bank’s role in relation to gold today Lord Mayor’s Show Sat 10 Nov 11am-5pm Professional face painters bring Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to life with face painting by turning young visitors into the well-known characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000/8299 www.britishmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.30pm, free For a full list of free family activities please see the website – here are some highlights Create a Comic Sun 11 Nov Sun 9 Dec 11.30am Magical Mosaic Masks Sun 18 Nov Sat 15 Dec 11.30am Mega-mummy animation Workshop Sat 17 Nov 11am & 2pm Make your own Secret Code Sat 22 Sun 23 Thu 27-Mon 31 Dec 11.30am Passport to the Afterlife Sat 10 Nov Sat 24 Nov Sat 8 Dec 11.30am Greeks Alive! Animation Workshop Sun 2 Dec 11am & 2pm

CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS

Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ 020 7930 6961

November/December 2012 Families East | 11

Out & About www.iwm.org.uk/churchill Open: 9.30am-6pm. £16.50/£13.20 under 16s free Undercover – Life in Churchill’s Bunker. Extended until 2013 due to popular demand Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm free Christmas - Tue 27 Nov – Sun 6 Jan The museum’s eleven period rooms are decorated in authentic festive style, some of the rich colourful traditions and celebrations of Christmases past evoking some of the rich and vibrant traditions of Christmas past. A feast for the eyes and the soul, a December visit is a must Open Evening: A Victorian Christmas Thu 6 Dec 5pm-8pm free Experience Christmas Past by candlelight. Enjoy a musical performance inspired by The Pickwick Papers, watch a Christmas greenery demonstration, sing along to live festive music or bring children to a decorationmaking workshop. Enjoy a seasonal supper in the restaurant, or find an unusual gift in the shop Family Day Sat 1 Dec A lively day of Christmas decoration workshops for children aged 2 yrs+, with carol singing for all ages Christmas Fun 10.30am 12pm 2-5yrs Listen to stories, sing festive songs and make Christmas decorations Advent Wreaths 10.30am 2pm 5-11yrs Count down to Christmas by creating an Advent wreath Farewell to Christmas Sun 6 Jan 3.30pm–5pm free The Geffrye’s traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, celebrated with carol singing, stories about Epiphany and a taste of mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. This event takes place in the garden, so wrap up warm

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk Open: daily 10.30am-5.30pm, free Busy Bees (Under 5’s) Every Wed & Fri 10.30am 11.15am 12pm Creative play, enchanting stories from around the world, museum objects and simple craft activities, changing every week Hands on Family Workshops Saturdays 11.45am 1pm 3 yrs+ free Use all your senses to explore the animal kingdom, musical instruments, costume, toys and puppets Artmakers Every Sat 1.30pm 2.45pm £3 per child 3yrs+ Have fun with art skills and exciting techniques to create something fabulous to take home

Nature Explorers: Get Ready for Winter Sat 17 Nov 11.30am 2pm 6yrs+ £2 per child Deck the Halls with boughs of Holly Sat 1 Dec 11.30am 2pm 6yrs+ £2 per child

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free First World War Centenary From Wed 2 Jan – July 2013 IWM London will be temporarily closed Poppy Field Until Sun 11 Nov 11am-5pm Grow your own poppy from paper and wire. Plant it in our Poppy Field and remember those who gave their lives to protect their country, from both world wars to conflicts today A Family in Wartime - Until Dec Find out about the Allpress family.

Discover how they coped with the difficulties of living on the home front during the Second World War

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Open: Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 11am6pm, £6/£8/£10 Admission to the museum and family activities are free to accompanied children under 16 Free Family Activity Book 5-10 yrs Check out the new free family 12 page activity book ‘Time Travelling moustaches and other great ways to explore London Transport Museum: a manual for inquisitive minds’. This book contains; a time travelling device, a horse, 16 passengers from the world’s underground railway, a house, a poster design studio and an art class!

MUSEUM OF LONDON

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London for “Mini Moles” (6 months – walking) and Little Moles (walkers – 5 yrs Animated animals Sun 18 Nov 12.30pm 2pm 3.30pm 5yrs+ free Join the digital learning team and bring some of the animals in the galleries to life. Make them move or make them talk, you decide Under 5s story time Tue 27 Nov 3.30pm free Join in at the galleries for stories, music and fun on the last Tues of the month Characters from History: Meet a Roman Londoner Sun 2 Dec 1pm 2pm 3pm free 5yrs+ What would London have been like 2000 years ago? Meet a Roman Londoner and hear stories about stuffed dormice and exotic goods arriving from all over the Empire Meet Charles Dickens Sun 16 Dec 1pm 2pm 3pm free 5yrs + Meet Charles Dickens who will tell you about some of the plots of his most famous novels and explain the characters in them. Discover how some

12 | Families East November/December 2012

of the stories are based on his own tough Victorian childhood Santa’s Grotto (Book in advance on 020 7001 9844) Sat 8 Dec–Sun 23 Dec £5 includes gift – photo extra Meet Santa in the traditional Victorian grotto and receive a special present Scrooge’s Grotto Thu 27 Dec – Mon 31 Dec £5 includes gift – photo extra Meet old Ebenezer try to cheer him up and win a late Christmas gift Christmas Story Time Fri 28 Dec 10.30am 11.30am 2pm free Come and enjoy a festive story together, told using puppets, museum objects and music Dr Curiosity’s Medicine Bag Sat 29 Dec & Sun 30 Dec 12.30pm 2.30pm 5yrs+ free Delve into the cabinet of Dr Curiosity and find out about new Victorian discoveries in medicine and invent a cure for a cough London Bones Sun 30 Dec 11.30am 1pm 2.30pm 5yrs+ free What can we learn by studying skeletons? Meet staff from the Osteology team and discover the secrets these bones hold

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844 www.museumindocklands.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, £5 annual adult pass, kids free. See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London Docklands for “Mini Mudlarks” (6 months – walking) and Little Mudlarks (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities The Legend of Moll Cutpurse Sat 10 Nov 12.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5yrs+ free Hear the legend of Moll Cutpurse, Queen of the London Jacobean underworld - pickpocket, thief, forger and highwaywoman Make a winter postcard Sat 17 Nov 12.30pm 2.30pm 6yrs+ free Create your own winter scene of Docklands past or present Music and Movement Tue 27 Nov & Tue 18 Dec 10am 1yr+ free Monthly music and movement session.

Explore our Mudlarks gallery and soft play area and then enjoy playing and dancing together. Advanced booking required on 020 7001 9844 East End Gran Sat 1 Dec 1.30pm 3.30pm 5yrs+ free Join Grandmother Renee for stories about growing up in the East End Festive felt baubles Sat 1 Dec & Sat 22 Dec 12.30pm 2.30pm 5yrs+ free Fashion some forms in felt for a fabulous festive decoration Under 5s story time Thu 8 15 22 29 Nov 6 & 13 Dec 3pm Join in for a fun and interactive story told using puppets, museum objects and music - then play in Mudlarks children’s gallery if you have energy to spare!

Decorate Santa’s Victorian Grotto Sat 8 Dec 12.30pm 2.30pm 3yrs+ free Join in to make some traditional festive decorations to help get Santa’s grotto ready for his visit to Docklands Santa’s Grotto (Book in advance on 020 7001 9844) Sat 8 Dec – Sun 23 Dec £5 includes gift – photo extra Meet Santa in the traditional Victorian grotto and receive a special present Scrooge’s Grotto Thu 27 Dec – Mon 31 Dec £5 includes gift – photo extra Meet old Ebenezer try to cheer him up and win a late Christmas gift Ghostly Art Thu 27 Dec & Fri 28 Dec 12.30pm 2.30pm 4yrs+ free Take 3 ghosts from Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol and add some imagination Traditional Decorations, Modern Twist Sat 15 Dec 12.30pm 2.30pm 5yrs+ free Make some traditional festive decorations with a difference - you will use the computer to create them Christmas Story time Thu 27 Dec 10.30am 11.30am 2pm free Enjoy a festive story together told using puppets, museum objects and music then play in Mudlarks children’s gallery if you have energy!

Make a Thaumatrope Sat 29 Dec 12.30pm 2.30pm 5yrs+ free Discover the amazing world of Victorian paper toys and make your very own thaumatrope to take home

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM and THE QUEEN’S HOUSE

Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free Diwali Celebrations Sat 24 Nov 11am–5pm free A family friendly day of Diwali celebrations that explores British Asian heritage Takeover Day - Sat 24 Nov Takeover Day is a national annual event offering children and young people the chance to work alongside adults, and get involved in decision-making.

Experience all sorts of free activities – (it’s not even planned yet!)

Play Tuesdays in Nov 10.30am 11.30am 1pm 2pm under 5 yrs free Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the Museum through making, music, dance and drama Explore Saturdays in Nov & Dec 12m 1pm 2pm 3pm 6yrs+ free Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life Discover Sundays in Nov & Dec 11.30am 2pm all ages free Be inspired and explore your personal connections to the sea

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7938 9123, Info 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat 10am–5.50pm, Sun 11am-5.50pm free

www.familieseast.co.uk

Out & About Events for Families - check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012 Until Sun 3 Mar 2013 £10/£5 family £27 The 2012 exhibition opens at the Museum with 100 stunning winning images The Natural History Museum Ice Rink Fri 2 Nov–Sun 6 Jan Explorer Back Pack Mon-Fri 11am-5pm Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s.

Complete the puzzle of the 26-metre long “diplodocus” and you’ll get a funky Dippy sticker!

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, free (charges for special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides) See the website for a fantastic on line diary of daily shows and events The Garden 3-6 yrs Inquisitive children are free to explore floating and sinking, shadows and reflections, music, giant building blocks and much more while developing the skills of observing, predicting, testing and drawing conclusions Pattern Pod 5-8 yrs Like scientists, children explore the world by trying to make predictions about events happening around them. Using truly amazing multisensory exhibits this contemporary gallery looks at the many types of patterns in the world around us and encourages children to recognise and copy patterns – or create entirely new ones of their own Launchpad Science Shows Daily free 8 yrs+ With over 50 interactive exhibits, plus electrifying shows and lively demonstrations, while there’s plenty to keep the adults occupied too

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, free

Illuminations for the New Year Wed 2 Jan (whole day) £20 Light up the New Year by making spectacular lanterns in different shapes, sizes and colours and finish by parading through the park Magic Box Thu 3 Jan (whole day) £20 Make your own reflective box and watch things disappear before your eyes Junior Audio Tour Introduced by Stephen Fry and read

by Eleanor Bron. In this atmospheric tour, lasting 59 minutes, the actress Eleanor Bron guides the listener through Soane’s Museum, accompanied by sound effects and music. It is suitable for children and first-time visitors to the Museum

www.familieseast.co.uk

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN 020 7563 9500/ 9551 www.wallacecollection.org Open 10am-5pm, free Family Activities: Children must be accompanied by an adult Daily: Family Multimedia Tour with interactive games (small fee) Free Armour Handling Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bulletproof breastplate really was Family Trails Themed family trails available from the information desk at the front Entrance

V&A MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk Open daily 10am–5.45pm, until 10pm Fri free Drop-in Design Until Sun 30 Dec 10.30am–5pm free Choose a challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create and make your own designs – from fantasy doors to fancy hats Family Backpacks, Ages 5-12 yrs Choose from: The Emperor’s Party, Chinese Treasures, Metal Detector, The Antique Detective, Magic Glasses, Fancy Furnishings, Time Traveller, Middle East Marvels and the new Agent Animal bag for under 5s and search for creatures in the Museum using fabric cubes and animal noises Family Trails and Drop in sessions are also available in the museum and on line – including Glorious Gardens, Silver, Tudor, Picnic Party and one especially written by Jacqueline Wilson

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Open: daily 10am-5.45pm, free Planes, Trains and Automobiles Fri 9 16 23 30 Nov 7 Dec 10.30am 1pm Under 5’s What’s your favourite vehicle? Make cars, trucks, boats and buses at a series of arty workshops Bookings can be taken up to 14 days in advance of each session, call 020 8983 5205 or email mocbookings@vam.ac.uk Christmas Crafts and Seasonal Stories Weekends in Dec Thu 27 Dec–Sun 6 Jan 10.30am–4pm Find out how families celebrated Christmas a hundred years ago! Enjoy a creative re-telling of The Nutcracker, and make seasonal crackers, baubles, retro decorations and cards Mirror Mirror’s Christmas Fairytales Magic Lantern Show Sat 29 & Sun 30 Dec 10.30am 11.45am 1pm 2pm £3 all ages Enjoy this magic lantern show complete with atmospheric festive storytelling.

After the show kids can take a closer look to see how the Magic Lantern works. Bookings taken from Fri 7 Dec, call 020 8983 5205 or email mocbookings@vam.ac.uk Montessori Rucksacks A selection of rucksacks for under 5’s are available for families to borrow from

November/December 2012 Families East | 13

Out & About the Info Desk. Designed by Montessori, there are four to choose from depending on age More Daily Activities: variety of free activities every day, including storytelling, arts and crafts, tours and treasure hunts.

Activities are tailored to children aged 3-12 yrs unless otherwise stated

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY

Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP 020 8496 4390 www.wmgallery.org.uk Wed to Sun 10am–5pm free Discover the life and works of Britain’s most inspiring designer at the newlyrefurbished William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. Explore the beautiful new exhibitions, take part in hands-on family activities, or relax in the stylish Tea Here are some highlights: Festive Fun Thu 29 Nov 6pm–8pm performance begins at 7pm £3 under 16 free Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with traditional carols sung by the London Forest Choir. Treat yourself to a mince pie and pick up some original presents for friends and family in the gift shop Creative Kids: Light and Dark (under 5’s booking essential) Thu 15 Nov 10.30am. Experience light and dark and the amazing effects created by stained glass windows Family Day: Craft in Action Sat 24 Nov 12pm free drop in all ages Get hands on with artists and makers from the Society of Designer Craftsmen.

Experience craft in action and have a go.

Creative Kids: Winter Tales (under 5’s booking essential) Thu 13 Dec 10.30am Jump into stories about real and imaginary places, from Iceland to Cinderella’s castle. Play, make and get hands on with Creative Kids, a regular session for children under five to enjoy with their parents and carers Creative Kids: Making Beautiful Objects (under 5’s booking essential) Thu 10 Jan 10.30am Make beautiful objects for the home, inspired by our exhibition ‘Everyday Encounters’ from the Society of Designer Craftsmen

PLACES OF INTEREST CANARY WHARF

www.canarywharf.com Ice Rink - Sat 3 Nov–Sun 13 Jan Santa’s Grotto and Santa’s Showtime From Sat 1 Dec Open every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, excited children can meet Santa in his Grotto and whisper their wish list for the big day. Meanwhile, Santa and his ‘Little Helpers’ will take to the stage in the East Wintergarden, keeping the kids (and adults!) entertained with a series of shows on Sat 1 and Sun 2 Dec Children’s Festive Activities From Sat 1 Dec Wind your way around Canary Wharf on the Magical Treasure Trail or enjoy a splash of Festive Face Painting.

Throughout the shopping malls you to get in touch with your creative side with lots of fun activities for all the family.

Also checkout the mirror installation!

Carols & Candles Service Tue 11 Dec 5.30pm & 7.30pm Canary Wharf hosts its annual faith service, delivered by Canary Wharf’s Chaplaincy, in the East Wintergarden for those working in and around Canary Wharf and their families Sing-a-Long-a-Christmas Song Tue 18 Dec 6.30pm (doors 6pm) Come and belt out your favourite Christmas tunes. Space is limited so go along early to avoid disappointment

CUTTY SARK CLIPPER SHIP

King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT 10am-5pm £12/£6.50 Family £29 bookings@rmg.co.uk Opening a new chapter in the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most famour ships. The last surviving tea clipper and the fastest and greatest of her time, she is a living testimony to the bygone, glorious days of sail and, most importantly, a monument to those that lost their lives in the merchant service.

After travelling through time and tide, take a moment to relax in the new café.

DISCOVER

383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk Open: daily Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, £4.50, Family £16 The House Where Winter Lives Thu 29 Nov-Sun 13 Jan 11.30am 1pm 3pm & 4.30pm £8/£6 3-6yrs see (show times vary, see website) Prebookable Mon – Fri, 10am–5pm on 020 8536 5555 Explore the magic and mystery of winter in an immersive and interactive storytelling adventure. Two forest dwellers invite you to join them in their warm and welcoming cottage, as they prepare for a winter feast. Unfortunately they’ve mislaid the key to their larder! Wrap up warm and join them on a journey through a secret forest to find the missing key Super Daisy by Kes Gray and Nick Sharratt Sat 10 & Sun 11 Nov 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Oh no! If Planet Pea collides with Planet Earth, there’ll be peas with EVERYTHING! Elmer, Rose and Super El by David Mckee Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm The pink elephant herd are celebrating Old’s one-hundredth birthday. But the celebrations take an unexpected turn when Old becomes stranded on a dangerous cliff top. Listen to the story to find out what happens next!

The London Jazz Festival presents Jazz for Toddlers Thu 17 Nov 2pm £5 Adults /£3 Toddlers 2- 5 yrs To prove you are never too young to get into the swing of things, join in for London Jazz Festival’s popular Jazz for Toddlers tour! Specifically geared for 2-5 year olds plus parents/carers, you can expect lots of fun, music and movement, plus an idea or two to take away with you Kids in Museums - A Mighty Children’s Forum Take Over!

Sat 24 All day Discover Children’s Forum and Mighty

14 | Families East November/December 2012

Mega Saturday Club take artistic control of the building for one day. They will be choosing their favourite stories and craft activities and you can also join them on exploratory trails of Discover which will reveal secrets nooks and crannies you’ve never seen before!

12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Discover Children’s Forum book choices.

CLOSING AT 4.00pm to re-open at 5.30pm for White Night White Night 5.30pm–7.30pm Wrap up warm and visit Discover’s magically lit up garden and enjoy the snow machine. Listen to winter stories and make your own lantern to explore the garden with. This event has a limited capacity so please make sure you book in advance. If there are tickets still available on the evening of the event they will be given out at Discover on a first come first served basis.

Penguin by Polly Dunbar Sun 25 Nov 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Ben is delighted when he rips open his present and finds a penguin inside.

‘Hello, Penguin!’ says Ben. Penguin says nothing. Go and listen to the story to find out what happens!

Lantern Making All day Sat & Sun throughout December Light up your life! Step into workshop space and create your very own colourful 3D lantern with lots of amazing shiny materials. Safety LED lights for your lantern can be purchased at £1.50 if booked in advance.

Snow Baby Everyday from 17 Dec–13 Jan Sat & Sun: 11.45am, 1.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.45pm Enjoy the calm of Snow Baby, Discover’s new winter storytelling session for babies and toddlers. Enjoy a gentle and multi-sensory session with stories, songs and magical objects that create a relaxing and educational experience for you and your baby.

EPPING FOREST Visitor Centre, High Beech, IG10 4AE 0208 508 0028 Cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge Rangers Road, Chingford E4 7QH 020 8529 6681 Father Christmas in the Forest Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec 10am—12 noon & 12.30pm—3pm £7.95 per child Don’t miss the traditional Father Christmas weekend at the Hunting Lodge and The View, the new Visitor Centre at Chingford. There are Christmas activities, forest greenery and Father Christmas himself in a forest themed grotto.

Booking required for grotto.

Phone 020 8508 0028 or 020 7332 1911

HMS BELFAST Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.iwm.org.uk Open: 10am-6pm £14 under 16s free

Slang at Sea Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov (drop in) 11am–12.30pm & 2pm–4pm A fun look at navy slang and the origin of popular phrases that link to life at sea and the importance of the navy in British history and culture Cocoa and Conversations Sat 8, Sun 9 & Sat 15, Sun 16 Dec (drop in) 11am–12.30pm & 2pm–4pm Tales from across the waves. Find out more about story of HMS Belfast and the company that sailed her on her various journeys around the world and have a sip of warming naval hot chocolate

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk See website for full list of activities, here are some highlights A Walk on the Wild Side Sun 18 Nov 10.30am–12.30pm free booking required A free guided walk around Bow Creek Ecology Park and East India Dock Basin in London Docklands to see a variety of birds along the Lower Lea. A perfect escape from the city for the family and a nature lover’s delight.

Starting at Canning Town Station, Silvertown Way, E16 1DQ. Phone or check website for details.

A Walk in the Park Sun 2 Dec 10.30am-12.30pm free Enjoy a free leisurely paced walk in the scenic 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park. One in a series of free guided walks taking place on the first Sunday of every month. Accompanied by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable ranger, this walk will focus on winter wildfowl and an explanation of what to look out for. Starting in Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF Turkey and Tinsel Christmas Dinner Cruise Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6LX Fri 7 Dec 7.30-10.30pm & Wed 12 Dec 12.30pm-3.30pm £28 per person (booking required) Start the festive celebrations early and enjoy a pre-Christmas meal on a three hour cruise along the River Lee, complete with carols and crackers. To book, contact Lee Valley Boat Centre on 01992 462 085 or go to visitleevalley. org.uk for more information Santa Cruise Trips Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6LX Wed 19 Thu 20 & Fri 21 Dec 1pm & 3pm £8 per person (booking required) Jump aboard for mulled wine and mince pies on this festive one hour cruise along the River Lee upstream to Carthagena Lock and back. There’s a present from Santa too! To book, contact Lee Valley Boat Centre on 01992 462 085 or go to visitleevalley. org.uk for more information Lee Valley Minithon Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 OAS Sat 15 Dec 12pm-6pm £8.50 per entry

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Out & About children in school years 3-7 (booking required) The popular Minithon is a regular athletics competition at the award winning Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

Choose from a range of disciplines, including track and field events.

Entry forms are available by calling 020 8344 7230 or go to visitleevalley. org.uk for more information Farm-tastic Santa Thu 20–Sun 23 Dec 10am-1pm first child £15, additional children £10 Adults free (booking required) Get in the festive mood and book your two hour session to celebrate Christmas at the farms. Visit Santa’s Grotto and take home a special present. Meet the reindeers and check out the amazing husky dogs, have a sliding good time on the toboggan run and enjoy Christmasthemed arts and crafts. Grab a festive bite in Orchard’s Café . For more info and to book call 08456 770 600 or go to visitleevalley.org.uk

LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE Wild in the Woods Sun 2 Dec 10am-2pm Woodland Crafts Workshop. Make some natural festive gifts, decorations and woodland craft items.

Free of charge although a donation/ contribution towards costs is very much appreciated. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please book in advance as we only have limited capacity for some activities.

Hainault Forest Country Park, Forest Road, Chigwell, IG7 4QN Enquiries to Tony Chadwick 07985 069800 or email foresthainault@btinternet.com Practical Conservation session with Hainault Forest Volunteer Rangers (plus festive celebrations!)

Sun 16 Dec 10.30am-3.30pm Free of charge although a donation/ contribution towards costs is very much appreciated. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please book in advance as we only have limited capacity for some activities.

Hainault Forest Country Park, Forest Road, Chigwell, IG7 4QN Enquiries to Tony Chadwick 07985 069800 or email foresthainault@btinternet.com

LONDON ZOO

Regents Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333 www.zsl.org Bedbugs Sleepovers Sat 10 Nov 8-11yrs £50 per person Games, story-telling, talks - all animal themed of course! Plus you’ll explore the zoo by torchlight. Breakfast is included. Sleepovers are held in BUGS! so your neighbours could include spiders, beetles or tamarins. The lions sleep nearby too...

Meet Santa in his Reindeer Lodge Sat 17 Nov–Mon 24 Dec (all day) Visit Santa in his Reindeer Lodge, a custom-designed grotto built in a fairytale setting in ZSL London Zoo’s parklands – home to London’s reindeer herd! Each child will receive a special gift to take home

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RICH MIX

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk Offers a broad range of arts-based activities and performances for children aged 0 to 12 years and their parents/ carers. Equipped with full pram and buggy access; baby change facilities; lifts to all floors; a relaxing mezzanine area perfect for family lunches; and a café on site. Many of the events are free or low-priced supporting families who are on a low income and who may find it difficult to access arts and cultural activities – see website for details Kids’ Cine Time Every Sat & Sun 12pm £1.50 Sat 10 & Sun 11 Nov: A Monster in Paris (U) Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov: Paranorman (PG) Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov: HotelTransylvania (U) Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec: Arthur Christmas (U) Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec: The Polar Express (U) Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec: Jingle All the Way (PG) Sat 29 & Sun 30 Dec: Elf (PG) Autism-friendly Screenings Every 3rd Sun 1pm £1.50 Sun 21 Oct: The Lorax (U) Sun 18 Nov: Paranorman (PG) Sun 16 Dec: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) Parents and Babies Screenings Mon 12pm From Wed 17 Oct: 3D Frankenweenie (PG) From Fri 14 Dec: 3D: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (TBC) Wiggly Jigglers Mon 19 Nov Mon 3 & 17 Dec 1pm3pm 2yrs and under. Free for Tower Hamlets residents & £3 per child for non Tower Hamlets residents At these creative movement sessions, led by movement practitioner Jasmine Pasch, they will get the space, the freedom and the time to move in ways that support their development, and stimulate their imaginations Storycraft Workshop with Apples and Snakes Mon 10 Dec 1.30pm Shoreditch £3 per child 2–5 yrs Led by a different storyteller or poet every other month, StoryCraft encourages families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way Mwalimu Express Sun 18 Nov Sun 16 Dec 2pm-6pm Free All Ages Welcome On Sunday afternoons we bring you awesome music from around the African continent – balafon, mbira, talking drum, molo, oud and kora are just some of the instruments to be featured live by the amazing musicians we meet at each destination The London Jazz Festival presents Jazz for Toddlers Thu 15 Nov 2pm £5 Adults or £3 Toddlers 2-5 yrs To prove you are never too young to get into the swing of things, join in for London Jazz Festival’s popular Jazz for Toddlers tour! Specifically geared for 2-5 year olds plus parents/carers, you can expect lots of fun, music and movement, plus an idea or two to take away with you

RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES

01708 899840. Open: daily Sun 1 NovWed 31 Mar open 9.30am-4.30pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct open 9.30am-5pm Unique wetland reserve with innovative visitor centre, shop, café, wildlife garden, and children’s adventure play area - boardwalks throughout for wheelchair and pushchair access Entrance charges: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family (2 adults and up to 4 children) Kids’ Birdwatching Club Sat 17 Nov & Sat 8 Dec 10am £5 Are you a budding birdwatcher? Then why not join us on these special days held once a month? Explore the reserve through the seasons, watching and learning about the birds that visit and live here. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book

SUTTON HOUSE

2 & 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney E9 6JQ 020 8986 2264 suttonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Adult £3 child £1 family £6.90 open Thu to Sun see website for times Family Day - Let’s get Cracking for Christmas Meet one of Santa’s helper elves, make Christmas stockings and design Christmas cards and decorations. Help decorate Sutton House for Christmas and enjoy some traditional games

THE CENTRE OF THE CELL

Blizard Building, 4 Newark St, Whitechapel, E1 2AT 020 7882 2562 www.centreofthecell.org Free admission – booking essential Content suitable for 9yrs+. Outside of school time, Centre of the Cell will be open to anyone but you must register online before coming to visit to book a place in the timed show.

Centre of the Cell is an exciting science education centre. It is the first science education centre in the world to be sited in biomedical research laboratories with digital interactive games; body parts; films and microscopes. Outside of school time, Centre of the Cell will be open to anyone

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH

Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free Space Safari Weekends 11am £6.50/£4.50 under 7yrs This delightful live planetarium show has been developed specifically for children under the age of 7. Join Ted the Teddy Bear as he journeys throughout the solar system Saturday Space Explorers 24 Nov 31 Dec 2pm 2.30pm 3pm 3.30pm 4pm 4.30pm free 5 yrs+ From finding planets to predicting the phases of the moon, these workshops are a great introduction to astronomy

TOWER OF LONDON

Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB. www.hrp.org.uk Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-

6pm £20.90/£10.45 Family £55, under 5s free (on line cheaper) Buy in advance on 0870 756 7070 Life in the Medieval Palace Daily until Wed 23 Dec Discover what it was like to be part of the court of King Edward I, the man responsible for much of the Tower as it appears today. You will step back in time to 1284 and discover what it was like to sleep, eat, work and play within the walls of this mighty fortress Merry Medieval Christmas Thu 27–Mon 31 Dec It’s Christmas 1284 and at the Tower you can join the court of King of England King Edward I as they prepare to celebrate the festive season. Join in the jovial atmosphere of King Edward’s court as entertainers perform around you, musicians play and sing and fools make you laugh The Tower Ice Rink Sat 24 Nov–Sun 13 Jan

VALENTINES MANSION

Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com Open: Tues & Wed 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Games at the Mansion Sun 18 Nov 11.30am-3.30pm All Ages £1.50 per person, payable on the day (drop in) Enjoy quality time with your children and parents! Borrow a board game and have fun with family or friends. Activities available will include a wide range of family games including strategy, word based and agility games Farmers’ Market Sun 25 Nov 11am–3pm The ever popular and crowd pleasing farmers’ markets are packed with a variety of stalls including fresh foods.

Visit the mansion and gardens at the same time for a great day out Under 5’s Explore, Make, and Do Fishy Fun! Tue 20 Nov 11am-2pm 1-5 yrs free (drop in) Make a beautiful hanging fish and get creative with our Under the Sea craft Family Sunday-Pop Up Mansion Sun 2 Dec 11.30am-2.30pm 3 yrs+ free (drop in) Explore the mansion inside and out then use clever paper cutting and folding techniques to create your own pop-up mansion. Decorate your mansion however you like, perhaps with snow, or glitter or even monsters Rhymes & Songs for Under 5s Tue 4 Dec 10.30am-11am under 5s and families free (drop in) Join us for some sing-along fun in the Family Room Under 5’s Explore Make and Do Christmas Tue 18 Dec 11am-2pm 1-5 yrs free (drop in) Get ready for Christmas at this month’s Explore Make & Do. Make a Christmas card, help us decorate the family room with paper chains, read stories, play and dress up!

Santa’s Grotto - Sat 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 & 23 Dec 11am-4pm, £5 per child, includes present. Santa’s Grotto at the Dovecote. Visit Santa in his magical grotto and listen to Christmas stories with Santa’s elves

November/December 2012 Families East | 15

WINTER KINDNESS FOR OUR KIDS Local nutritionist Karen Poole provides us with a special recipe to help make sure our kids’ immune systems are ready to fend off infections and colds this winter. This recipe is light on preparation but strong on taste and goodness with it contents picked for their immune enhancing powers.

CHICKEN AND MIXED PEPPER CASSEROLE Serves 4 Ingredients 1 diced carrot 1 diced stick of celery 1 diced onion 1 sliced garlic clove 8 boneless and skinned chicken thighs

1 pinch of mixed herbs including oregano and basil 1 sliced yellow pepper 1 sliced red pepper 1 tin of tomatoes salt and black pepper

Method Gently fry the garlic, onion, celery and carrot in a dsp of olive oil until soft (5mins) Add the chicken thighs and continue to cook until they brown (5 mins) Add the peppers and herbs, season then mix well.

Add in the tomatoes and simmer for 20 mins or until the peppers are soft.

Serve with rice or pasta.

Handy tip - Boost the overall nutrient value of the meal by using garden peas, chopped apricot and almonds instead of rice. Or try adding wholewheat pasta to increase fibre content. Adults can enjoy extra zest by adding black olives and parmesan cheese.

Healthy aspect Making positive food choices can really help to support the immune system look at what this simple dish has to offer. Mums can boost their immunity even further by drinking Nettle or Elderberry tea; both help to protect and maintain the mucus membrane of the nose, a common pathway for germs and bacteria.

Chicken provides Vitamin B3 energy production Vitamin B6 carbohydrate metabolism Leucine wound healing & muscle recovery Cysteine detoxifies chemicals & protects the stomach lining Lysine antiviral activity Valine calms emotions & boost the immune function of the liver Vegetables and sides provide Arginine stimulates immune cells Glutamine supports the gastric tract Vitamin D promotes immune cell synthesis Bioflavoniods antiviral, antiallergenic & antioxidant Vitamin B5 antibody production Betacarotene protects the mucus membrane of the nose, mouth, throat & lungs.

Karen Poole Nutritionist DipCNM mBANT Email: K.E.Poole@hotmail.com or call 07876452008 www.karenpoolenutrition.co.uk

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With Christmas and winter fast approaching, Families East was tempted to visit The Snow Centre that boasts the ‘best snow this side of the Alps’.

Conveniently located in Hemel Hempstead just 45 minutes drive from most of east London. The centre offers a huge 160m main slope with 2 button lifts and the largest lesson slope in the UK so it’s the perfect place to try out real snow.

There’s something to please everyone with two-day courses available for skiing or snowboarding or a choice of Activity Days including skate, snowboard and sledge sessions.

Along with courses to teach and develop skills and technique in skiing or snowboarding available for kids aged from 4-16.

Our oldest son tried snowboarding lesson and was soon growing in confidence as his instructor, Alli, took him through the basics. By the end of his hour lesson he was snowboarding down the slope - very cool!

If your kids already have buckets of confidence and can’t wait to learn more tricks on the snow, book them into the Junior Rookie Freestyle Camp where highly qualified BASI instructors will soon have even the younger age range learning even more tricks and improving their style.

Holiday courses cost from £45 and include equipment hire and helmets - remember to bring warm clothing, hats and gloves.

You can even book a birthday party to remember with sledging and delicious food in your own private room for 10 or more children with party packages available from just £9.95 per child.

The Snow Centre St. Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead Herts, HP3 9NH www.thesnowcentre.com 0845 258 9000