Families East Issue 78 March-April 2014

Issue 78 Mar/Apr 2014

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East London

Spring issue

Annabel Karmel Easter Guide East London Clubs & Classes

Explore a world of flavour with Annabel’s

Chilled Toddler Meals

When little ones are hungry, Annabel’s chilled toddler meals are the perfect timesaving tummy filler. Based on her delicious homemade recipes using only the best natural ingredients, there are now even more flavours to discover and enjoy today.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose & Ocado Join us at www.annabelkarmel.com for exclusive recipes, competitions and offers annabelkarmel 2

@annabelkarmel website

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Contents Issue 78 | Mar/Apr 2014 | Families East London

This Issue 4

Make a bee hotel!

5

Get living London

5

4

6

Regular Features 6

Annabel Karmel

8

Ed’s Reading Room

9

Clubs & Classes

17

11

18

13 Places to go

Welcome

Families east london Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: melanie@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familieseast.co.uk

to our Spring Issue. Hopefully better weather is on its way and with it a whole lot of renewed positivity for the months ahead. I hope you enjoy our magazine and feel inspired to create our fabulous Bee Hotel in your gardens! Wishing you all a joyful Easter holiday.

Until next time…

Sharon Editor

Families East London Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, details are subject to change and Families East London take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any material. All rights reserved.

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1271 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

3

make a bee hotel Easter Fun Activity

Robin Dean, of The Red Beehive Company, writes about some Easter holiday fun you can have in the garden with bees!

Make a bee hotel!

O

f all the insects that visit our gardens, none are more iconic and important to us than bees, and they come in a surprising range of sizes, colours and shapes. Honey and bumble bees are instantly recognizable to most of us as they buzz around, but how many of us could identify some of the other species of bee?

Whether we can identify them or not, one thing is common to all species, and that is they all need our help. Most bees would just like a little nectar and pollen, and a lovely Easter holiday project would be to plant up a ‘Bee Garden’.

There are a number of plants to choose from that are robust and require minimum care, beyond a drink of water now and again, and will do splendidly in a small window box, planter or large pot. Snowdrops, Crocus, Primrose and Bluebells (remember Bluebells are protected, so don’t go digging them up from a local woodland area!) all make for a spectacular spring display.

Rosemary, Sage and Lavender are also highly attractive to bees, and chives have flowers to tempt them – as well as making a tasty contribution to the kitchen! A Catnip plant or two will keep your cat happy, as well as the having the local bees dropping in for a nectar and pollen snack.

Now you have given them some food, why not make a bee hotel as well. For those of you concerned about encouraging bees to live in the garden, don’t be. Bees that live in bee hotels are solitary bees, and unlike the social bees (honey and bumble bees) don’t make honey so therefore don’t have anything

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to defend. This makes them really docile and perfectly safe to have around children and pets.

To construct your bee hotel: • Y ou will need some bamboo (around 1.5cm in diameter), string or garden wire, and a small saw (to cut the bamboo).

• Cut the bamboo into 15cm lengths, cutting each piece just before a node to give you a hollow tube with a natural sealed end.

• Bind the bamboo pieces together with the string or garden wire, with the open ends all facing in the same direction.

Rosemary, Sage and Lavender are highly attractive to bees, and chives have flowers to tempt them – as well as making a tasty contribution to the kitchen!

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• T ake the bundle out into the garden and find a secure place to fasten your bee hotel to. The open ends should face anywhere between east and south to get the early morning sun, with a clear flight path into the hotel.

Tempted to have a go? Send a photo of your completed bee gardens to us at editor@familieseast.co.uk and we’ll put them up on the website as inspiration to others!

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get living london

Get living London Finding a family home in London needn’t be an Olympic-sized challenge with a range of quality family-sized homes now available at the former London 2012 Athletes’ Village.

Get Living London has a number of 3 bedroom

apartments and 4 bedroom townhouses available to rent in East Village – London’s newest neighbourhood next to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Together with homes for families of all sizes, Get Living London residents also have priority places to the neighbourhood school Chobham Academy which has spaces for pupils aged 3-18 and is run by the renowned Harris Federation.

With quality homes, priority school places and the facilities of the Olympic Park on your doorstep, East Village is a perfect place to raise a family.

Visit getlivinglondon.com for more details.

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5

recipes

Annabel Karmel To celebrate the launch of Annabel Karmel’s new family cookbook ‘Annabel’s Family Cookbook’, the bestselling author shares some of her favourite family recipes.

Chocolate and Toffee Cheesecake From ‘Annabel’s Family cookbook’ by ebury Press.

Photography by Martin Poole.

Ingredients

Toasted Chicken Tortilla

Pasta Primavera

From ‘Top 100 Meals in Minutes’ ebury Press.

From ‘Top 100 Meals in Minutes’ ebury Press.

Ingredients

Ingredients

180g chicken breast, skinned and sliced into thin strips 1 tsp runny honey 2 tbsp olive oil 3 spring onions, finely sliced 25g Cheddar cheese, grated 3 tbsp tinned sweetcorn 2 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped 4 tbsp light mayonnaise 4 tortilla wraps

150g fusilli pasta 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 onion, sliced 150g butternut squash (peeled and diced) ½ red pepper, diced (100g) 1 medium courgette, diced (100g) 100g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 1 cove garlic, crushed 150ml vegetable stock 6 tbsp crème fraîche 60g parmesan cheese, grated 2 tbsp basil, chopped Pinch salt

Method 1. Put the chicken into a bowl. Drizzle over the honey and season. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small frying pan and fry the chicken for 4-6 minutes until cooked, then set aside.

2. Measure the spring onions, Cheddar cheese, basil, sweetcorn, mayonnaise and seasoning into a small bowl. Slice the chicken into small pieces, then add to the mixture together and mix together.

3. Heat a griddle pan until hot. Put the tortillas in the pan and gently warm through so that the tortillas are easier to roll. Place one on a work surface. Put a quarter of the mixture on one side, roll up, making sure that the end is underneath. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

4. Brush both sides with a little oil. Then fry on both sides until char grilled and the filling is warm and the cheese is starting to melt.

Method 1. Cook the pasta in boiling water and drain.

Method 1. Crush the biscuits in a poly bag using a rolling pin mix with the melted butter.

2. Line a 7” round loose bottom tin with non stick paper. Press the biscuits onto the base and smooth with a spoon and leave to chill.

3. Measure the cream cheese and cream with a bowl then whisk until thick.

4. Melt the chocolate in a bowl on a pan of simmering water. Set aside to cool.

5. Divide the cream mixture in half. Add the chocolate to one half and the toffee sauce to the other. Then mix well. Spoon into the tin and gently swirl to make a marble effect.

6. Chill for 3 hours before serving.

Preparation: 20 minutes Chilling: 3 hours Makes 8 portions

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and butternut squash and gently fry for 5 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and fry for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and fry for one minute.

3. Add the vegetable stock to the pan and bubble away until it has reduced by half.

Call to action!

4. Finally, add the crème fraîche, cheese and basil, season with a little salt and toss together with the pasta.

Not suitable for freezing Makes 4-6 portions

Annabel’s Family cookbook (ebury Press) is filled with cooking inspiration for the whole family and available to buy from 13 March.

Visit www.annabelkarmel.com

Not suitable for freezing Makes 4 portions Prep 25 minutes

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100g digestive biscuits 50g butter melted 150g full fat cream cheese 200mls whipped cream 150g milk chocolate 2tbs toffee sauce

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recipes 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tsp soy sauce

and put on a foil lined baking sheet. Grill each side for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Method 1. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from scorching when grilling.

Chicken Satay Skewers From ‘Annabel’s Family Cookbook’

by Ebury Press.

Photography by Martin Poole.

Ingredients

(10 bamboo skewers serving 2) 2 chicken breasts Small piece of fresh ginger 1 clove garlic Juice of 1 lime 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp runny honey 1 tsp peanut butter Sauce: 100g peanut butter (crunchy) 75 ml coconut milk 75ml water

6. Serve with the dipping sauce.

2. Mix the marinade. Peel and grated the ginger (you should have about ¼ tsp), crush the garlic and put in a bowl along with the lime juice, soy sauce, honey and peanut butter and whisk together.

Preparation: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking & 30 minutes marinating) Cooking: 5 minutes Makes 2 portions

3. Put the chicken breasts into a sealable plastic bag or cover with cling film and use a mallet or rolling pin to bash the chicken breasts until they are about ½ cm thick.

4. Marinate the chicken. Slice each chicken breast into 5 strips and marinate for about 30 minutes. Whilst the chicken is marinating you can make the sauce.

Put the peanut butter, coconut milk, water, sweet chilli sauce and soy sauce in a small pan. Warm gently, stirring constantly, until everything has melted.

Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat, then stir in 1 tsp of the leftover lime juice and set aside.

5. Thread the chicken strips onto skewers

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

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Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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7

book corner

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online at www.edontheweb. com and from good bookstores.

ROOM

Reading

Ed’s

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

For AGes 5-7 yeArs

5-7

My Funny Family Gets Bigger by chris higgins (hodder £4.99)

Arthur and the Witch

Ed says:

by Johanne Mercier (Phoenix yard books £4.99)

Ed says: ‘Arthur discovers a secret hiding-place full of blueberries and picks lots of them as a surprise for his grandmother.

She is delighted and makes a pie for Arthur and his grandfather but when she realises where Arthur found the fruit she becomes rather worried. So Grandma calls Cousin Eugene who she knows will have good advice in these diffi cult – but amusing – circumstances.

‘This is a super story for boys and girls alike, reading on their own or reading together – and it is complemented by fantastic illustrations throughout.’

‘Mattie is excited about going back to school but realises not all children are as happy as she is, particularly one of her sisters whose rather odd behaviour causes a lot of concern.

The family are expecting a very special delivery at Christmas time – could this be part of the explanation? In this delightfully humorous tale, the strength of family life shines through.

‘This lovely book with its super illustrations will be enjoyed by newlyconfi dent readers. It is also ideal for reading together.’

For AGes 7 yeArs Plus

7+

The Great Brain Robbery

by Anna Kemp (simon and schuster £5.99)

Ed says:

this evil scheme before it is too late?

‘This madcap action-packed adventure is a real page-turner. There are fantastic characters in this laugh out loud tale that is enhanced by amusing illustrations.’

The Woebegone Twins by christopher William hill (orchard books £9.99)

Ed says: ‘Here is the latest tale from Schwartzgarten, the town children love to read about but would probably sooner not live in!

The twins Greta and Feliks live with their adored Aunt Gisela who used to be an actress. Through her they come across some amazing people such as Mr Morbide who has a remarkable resemblance to a vampire.

The twins soon learn that people and events are not always as they fi rst seem!

‘This is a brilliant story with wonderful characters. It will delight readers who prefer the extraordinary to the ordinary and who enjoy books in which imaginative ideas burst from the pages.’

‘All the children in Frankie’s class are desperate to get their hands on the latest toy, a mechanimal.

Frankie is delighted to receive a Gadget the Rabbit for his birthday – but it soon becomes obvious that all is not right. There is a dreadful scheme afoot to infiltrate children’s minds using these robot toys. Will Frankie and his friends be able to stop

8

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Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

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Clubs & Classes Art & craft Sport Performing arts Workshops

don n o L t s Ea s and Club ses Clas

clubs and classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in East London. This season there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.

Learning & tuition chIlD ProDIGy Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Kensington, Richmond 07950 458791 childprodigy.org.uk enquiries@childprodigy.org.uk lessons Communication skills workshops – French, Spanish, music. 5-8 years.

le PeTITe ecole Hackney E5 les-crocodiles.blogspot.co.uk 07939 013717 les-crocodiles@hotmail.com classes Fun French classes for Francophone children. Also baby and toddler classes with songs and activities and Mr Croc the puppet. 0-12 years.

MAThs DocTor 0845 286 7770 mathsdoctor.co.uk/families Tuition Help children reach their full

shouldn’t you be seen in the number 1 magazine for families and young people in east london? contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

potential. Free assessment.

7-18 years.

Fun French Claire Murat 07740943372 clairemurat@talktalk.net easter course April 7-11, 9.30-12.00.

Held at Cufos, Top of the Avenue, N10. Team games, daily craft, cooking and fun in French with an Easter flavour. Beginners welcome.

4-9 years. Cost £18 per session or £80 for 5 mornings. Sibling and 2 friends discount apply.

Performing arts

GDnD AcADeMy Harford Multicentre, 115 Harford Street, E1 4FG (Limehouse ) 07904 424 504 gdnd.co.uk classes Street dance and ballet. Taster classes available. 4-8 years.

hAcKney sheD The Theatre in BSix College, Kenningtonhall Road, E5 8BP hackneyshed.org.uk

AcTInG buGs Victoria Park, Walthamstow Village, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Stoke Newington.

07548 196722 actingbugs.co.uk

children’s Theatre Theatre workshops in drama, singing and music. 7-11 years. Suggested cost £20 per term. Alternative payment plans available.

Drama classes Interactive drama sessions with CBeebies actress Sam Seager and her team. Under 5 years. Free trial.

hs Plus 16-19 years.

youth Theatre 11-16 years.

hoXTon hAll rose boWl cenTre 130 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH (Hoxton ) 020 7684 0060 hoxtonhall.co.uk Workshops After school term time activities in art, drama, dance and music.

7-19 years.

PerForM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Walthamstow, Wanstead and Woodford Green 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Follow the yellow brick road April 7-9 Easter holiday drama workshops.

SOUTH WOODFORD, LOUGHTON AND BUCKHURST HILL E: southwoodford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8989 7017

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clubs and classes Take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road with actors, musicians and dancers. Final day performances for family and friends. 4-8 years.

Cost £95/early bird discounts.

younG & TAlenTeD Oxford House, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG Broadway Theatre, IG11 7LS 020 8556 5348 youngandtalented.co.uk

The AnnA FIorenTInI TheATre & FIlM school Hackney, Bethnal Green and Docklands.

020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com

classes Acting, singing and dancing classes on Saturdays with theatre productions. 3-19 years.

Theatre & Film school Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design. Free taster days – limited places.

4-18 years.

Sports beAlonIAns Fc Ilford, Essex Contact Bill 07958 636493 bealoniansfc.com

Football Saturday and Sunday sessions with age groups from U5 to veterans. Excellent facilities, quality coaching and social activities.

lee VAlley VeloPArK Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3AB ( Stratford) visitleevalley.org.uk sport relief cycle March 23 Three-mile cycle for families.

lee VAlley WhITe WATer cenTre Station Road, Waltham Cross, EN9 1AB (Waltham Cross ) visitleevalley.org.uk gbcanoeing.co.uk Gb canoe slalom Team selection event March 30 Taster canoe sessions. Cost £2-£8.

lITTle KIcKers Hackney, Wapping, Wanstead & Islington 020 8958 2808 littlekickers.co.uk

CBeebies actress Sam Seager (Bobby, Me Too!) and her team bring brand new fun, interactive drama sessions for under 5’s to North and East London.

Book your free trial on

07548 196722

or email info@actingbugs.co.uk

www.actingbugs.co.uk

Bealonians FC Looking for players: Adults : Saturday Football Youth : Sunday Football Looking for football Young or Old, Bealonians FC could be the club for you! We are a large club with age groups from U5 to Veterans, we are currently recruiting for season 2013/14.

We have excellent facilities and provide quality coaching in a safe and fun environment for the younger players and for the senior members there is a good social side in addition to the football. If interested give us a call or for further details see our website.

Call Bill Blackwell on 07958 636 493 www.bealoninasfc.com

CHARTER STANDARD CLUB

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11

clubs and classes Football Skills Approved training for kids.

18 months-7 years.

Theatre workshops QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 01708 443333 Box Office queens-theatre.co.uk Easter Holiday Workshops April 7-11 ‘Create a play in a week’. Drama

games and exercises and invite family and friends to the end of week performance. 7-10 years. Call 01708 443333 to book. Cost £60.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com New Young Voice Collective Resident youth choir for talented young singers. 10-18 years. Free.

Musical Theatre Club Term time classes in acting, singing and performing. 5-11 years. Cost £85 per term.

Creative Club Acrobatics and acrobalance.

2-8 years. Cost £7/£50 per term.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

Toddlers & babies

Up Club Saturday club with free activities and art projects. Also special events related to shows on selected dates.

4+ years.

Anna

KIDDIKICKS N8, NW1, NW8, N16 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk

Unicorn Young Company Evening theatre projects during term Fiorentini_19.12.12.pdftime1 for 19/12/2012 16:31 lists 13-18 years. Waiting may apply.

Football Training Fun football skills for under 5 years and match play for under 8 years.

MONKEY MUSIC Buckhurst Hill, Loughton & South Woodford Contact Kate on 020 8989 7017 monkeymusic.co.uk Music Classes South Woodford Library – Wednesday mornings. All Saint’s Church, Woodford Green on Friday mornings. Pre-school music group.

Pick up musical concepts. Book free trial session. 3 months-4 years.

The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 years The North London branch of the Saturday Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is currently taking applications for the next term and its forthcoming Taster Days.

The school originally opened in Hackney in 2001 and now has over 250 students aged 7-18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre. Examples include Charlie Jones and Belinda Owusu, who played Ben Mitchell and Libby Fox in EastEnders and Tahj Miles who currently plays Simba in the West End’s The Lion King.

As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for

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all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow.

Every week students follow a timetable of drama/film, dance and singing 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 (choreograhper to Tina Turner, Peter Andre, Liberty X), Michael Buffong (director of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street), Jacob Murray (former associate artisitc director of the Royal

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Exchange Manchester and teacher for National Theatre’s educational Department) and Jay Henry (X-Factor coach and voice coach having worked with Craig David, Mariah Carey and George Michael to name but a few). Celebrities such as Joseph Marcell (Jeffery in Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Dani Harmer (Tracey Beaker), 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.

Contact us to book your free no obligation Taster Day. Hurry - Limited Places!

Lamda Qualifications in Drama which carry UCAS points also available.

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403

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Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 4-18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands

ANNA FIORENTINI

THEATRE

FILM SCHOOL

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East London

Your Guide to East London Family Entertainment!

Places To Go Cinema

Theatre

Further Afield

Concerts

Festivals

Exhibitions

Days Out

Special Events

Museums

places to go cinema • museums • exhibitions

Places To Go

Your guide to East London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great summer guide of all the very best places to visit this summer. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street/Beech Street, EC2Y 8AE ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film The Iron Giant (U) March 15 An iron giant lands on Earth from outer space. Saturday morning picture club. Cost £2.

Walking with Dinosaurs (U) March 22 Dinosaur adventures with special effects. Saturday morning picture club. Cost £2.

All Sorts of Shorts (U) March 29 Short films from around the world.

Free workshops before the film.

Cost £2.

Africa Cats (U) April 5

Mr Peabody & Sherman April 12 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (U) April 19 The Lego Movie April 26

BFI SOUTHBANK Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT ( Waterloo) 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk/southbank Film Fun Days Preview screenings, creative workshops and holiday activities.

Also free film screenings via the Mediatheque. Booking required.

RICH MIX CINEMA & ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk

Kids’ Cine Time Saturday and Sunday morning screenings. Cost £1.75.

Despicable Me 2 (U) March 15 Sammy’s Great Escape (U) March 22, 23 Hotel Transylvania March 29, 30

RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, London E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Walking with Dinosaurs – The 3D Movie (U) March 15 Kids Club £2.50/£3.50 for accompanying adults.

Despicable Me 3D (U) March 22 Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings 3D (U) March 29

Play Centre Matinees March 18, 25, April 1 £2.50/£3.50 for accompanying adults.

Parents & Babies Club March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, April 1, 3, 27

Museums & Exhibitions BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Vikings: life and legend March 6-June 22 All about the Vikings with a display of swords, axes, coins and jewellery.

Cost £16.50/accompanied children under 16 years free.

Weekend & Holiday Workshops March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, April 5-12, 19, 20, 26 Special family activities based on current exhibitions. Free.

BRITISH POSTAL MUSEUM STORE Unit 7, Imprimo Park, Debden Industrial Estate, Lenthall Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3UF ( Stratford) postalheritage.org.uk The Curious Culture of Letter-Writing May 11 Range of drop-in family activities based on writing letters, posting them and arriving at a destination.

Free event.

Tours Monthly half hour behind the scenes tours of postal services vehicles and post boxes. Early booking recommended. Free.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX ( Russell Square)

The Foundling Museum

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museums • exhibitions places to go 020 7405 2127 dickensmuseum.com little Dickens Early Years club every Thursday during term time. Workshops and story telling. Booking required. 1-5 years. Free to local residents.

Mommy, Mama and Me March 29, 30 Spend the day with Baby. 2-3 years.

DIscoVer chIlDren’s sTory cenTre 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk

Magic at the circus April 12, 13 Special themed weekend at the Circus.

secret Agent splat April 7, 11, 14 Splat the Cat investigates when things go missing.

easter Weekend April 18-21 Make an Easter bonnet and look for prizes. Enjoy the garden and a Spring-time story.

Admission £5/family £18/under 2s free/Newham residents £4.50.

Advance booking only.

handa’s hen April 26, 27 Help Handa find her hen and meet colourful characters along the way.

3+ years.

secret Agents spy Academy Interactive family exhibition. Attend spy training academy for special skills to stop the villains. Book a timed slot in advance. Limited availability on the door. 6+ years. Younger brothers and sisters are welcome.

The Mysterious case of the Missing honey April 26, 27 Inspector Clueless looks for the honey thief.

There’s a shark in the bath March 16 Author event and book signing.

4+ years. hans & Matilda March 22, 23 Hans lets the animals out of the zoo.

3+ years.

Peek-a-boo baby Until June 15 Game of hide and seek through the forest. Interactive sessions with songs and stories. 0-3 years.

sir charlie stinky socks and the tale of Two Treasures March 22, 23 Follow the mystical map. 5+ years.

Top secret Pick up a spy kit and follow hidden clues around the Story Trail.

4-6 years.

Sutton House

FounDlInG MuseuM 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk celebrity Puppets April 9 Make hand puppets inspired by famous people of the Foundling Hospital – Handel, Coram, Hogarth or Hetty Feather. Free for children and up to two accompanying adults.

Music badges April 19 Make Handel-inspired 3D badges.

Free for children and up to two accompanying adults.

GeFFrye MuseuM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk spring has sprung April 8-11 Easter holiday activities with masks, mini gardens and a treasure hunt.

5-16 years. useful & beautiful: contemporary design for the home From April 29 Celebrate the museum’s centenary year with an exhibition of cutting edge design for the home. Cost £5/£3.

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 March

11.00 – 17.00, last entry 16.00

KIDS GO FREE

ltmuseum.co.uk

Bustastic family fun! ies

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Heritage bus rides and miniature railway

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Storytelling and make-and-take sessions

A spectacular festival for all ages with authors, illustrators, visual artists, popstars and comic makers.

Live replica of Hancock’s 1833 steam bus Display of guest vehicles Curator-led tours

Including: Korky Paul John Hegley Cerrie Burnell

Catherine Bennett Live Boogaloo Stu Guy Parker-Rees

London Transport Museum Depot

2 Museum Way, 118–120 Gunnersbury Lane, London W3 9BQ Check before you travel at tfl.gov.uk

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

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places to go museums • exhibitions ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Burlington House, W1J OBD ( Green Park) 020 7300 8000 royalacademy.org.uk Lego Re-imagined April 13 Lego workshop to create sensational buildings. Drop-in event. Free.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, WC2R 1LA ( Temple) 020 7845 4600 somersethouse.org.uk Family Workshops Regular workshops with a range of activities for 6-12 years. Check online for specific dates. Also free guided tours on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Sutton House

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE ( Euston Square) 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk Easter Egg-Laying Animals April 8-14 Drop-in events to explore the wonderful world of eggy animals – penguins, platypuses, sharks, snails, butterflies and bullfrogs. Free.

HACKNEY MUSEUM Technology & Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ ( Hackney Central) 020 8356 3500 hackney.gov.uk/museum Music with Maddy Weekly sessions with singing, dancing and creative fun. Limited places. Under 5 years. Free.

Young People’s Films Screening April 3 Watch the films made for the exhibition. Booking required.

Free admission.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands International Women’s Day Events March 8 Special programme of events on women who made a difference.

3-11 years. Free.

Shakespeare in London March 22 Art workshops. 3-11 years. Free.

Pop-up Project April 7, 9, 14 Make a pop-up book. 5-11 years.

Free.

Mrs Beeton’s Book April 17 Story telling. 3-11 years. Free.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk The Sunflowers Until April 27 Compare and contrast two Vincent van Gogh paintings of ‘Sunflowers’ one from Amsterdam and one owned by the National Gallery.

Free admission.

Family Sundays Story telling and art activities on Sundays and during school holidays for various age groups.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Permanent Exhibitions Dinosaurs, precious gems and creepy-crawlies. Specimen handling stations and explorer packs. Free entry.

Cutting Edge Workshop March 16, 30, April 6 Investigate teeth and diet using animal skulls. Booking required on the day. Free.

The Foundling Museum

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TATE BRITAIN Millbank, SW1P 4RG ( Pimlico) 020 7887 8888 tate.org.uk/Britain Family Activities Visit the Welcome Area and choose an activity to enjoy in the galleries.

Or be creative in the Open Studio events. Weekends and Thursdays and Fridays during school holidays.

Free entry.

VALENCE HOUSE MUSEUM Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT ( Becontree) 020 8227 2034 lbbd.gov.uk/museum When the Heroes Came Home First World War centenary exhibition with family stories, photographs and memorabilia.

Maritime Industry Day March 22 Learn about local fishing and riverside industries. Craft activities £2.50.

Gallery Tour May 3 Stories of objects on display. Free.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Pop-up Performance March 15, 22, 29 Interactive family storytelling sessions. Free.

Hands-on Exhibits Free activities. Look for the hand symbol on the museum map. Free.

Cocoon March 20, 27 Scientific research viewed through screens and videos. Free entry.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk

Sensational Butterflies April 3-September 14 Tropical butterfly house and fun activities. Charges apply.

Queen for a Day March 30 Design a crown to celebrate Mother’s Day. Free.

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theatres • concerts places to go Daydreams and Diaries: The Story of Jacqueline Wilson From April 5 An exhibition to explore Jacqueline Wilson’s contribution to children’s literature with displays of original notebooks, extracts and artworks.

Book signing on the opening day.

Word Explosion April 5-18 Family activities to explore the written and spoken word with stories and poems. Free.

Create Your Own Picture Book April 7-11, 14-18 Draw characters and develop story ideas with David Lucas. Booking required. 5-12 years. Cost £5 for child + one parent/carer.

Easter Egg-tivities April 19-21 Bunny-themed stories, games and activities. Free.

St George’s Day April 26 Music, dance and stories to celebrate the day. Free.

Theatre shows & concerts HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central)

Punch and Judy

020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Peppa Pig’s Big Splash March 15-16 Peppa Pig and friends on stage in a musical adventure. Cost £10-£20.

Tom’s Midnight Garden April 1-5 Tom travels back in time to a secret garden from the past. Cost £10-£20.

Kidnapped May 8-10 Family adventure tale. 6+ years.

Cost £9.50-£20.

HALFMOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, London E1 OND (Stepney Green/ Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Nobody Rides the Unicorn March 22 Puppets and live music. 4+ years.

Cost £6.

A Real Fairy Story March 29 Enter a fairy tale world. 3-7 years.

Cost £6.

One Way Ticket April 30, May 1, 2, 3 Jeannie, Ronnie and other children are sent abroad to start a new life.

8-12 years. Cost £6.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com ballet.org.uk My First Ballet: Coppélia April 8-19 English National Ballet. Ideal first ballet experience. 3+ years. Cost £10, £15, £20, £25/family £55.

London Children’s Ballet: Nanny McPhee April 24-27 Ballet performance of Emma Thompson’s blockbuster film, with children aged 9-16 years.

Cost £14-£55.

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 01708 443333 Box Office queens-theatre.co.uk Story Play March 15 Hairy Maclary April 5 The Jolly Postman May 3 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive story telling workshops based on a popular story. 5-7 years.

Cost £5.

Old MacDonald’s Farm

Nicholi the Clown April 5 Comedy and magic. 2-7 years.

Milly & the Minotaur April 15-17 Milly has a secret friend who helps her cope with being in hospital.

6-11 years. Cost £6.50.

Earth’s Dinosaur Zoo April 21 Prehistoric creatures on stage.

3+ years. Cost £12.50.

Mr Zippy’s Magical Mayhem!

May 3 Tricks and custard pies! 3-10 years.

Cost £5.

‘One Way Ticket’ at the Halfmoon Young People’s Theatre

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places to go theatres • concerts • special events SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk Rubbish April 11-21 Explore the unexpected value of discarded objects and recycling ‘rubbish’. 5+ years.

Funharmonics May 11 Family concert with orchestral music.

Free foyer events. Cost £5-£18.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com Old MacDonald’s Farm

ROSEMARY BRANCH THEATRE 2 Shepperton Road, N1 3DT ( Old Street) 020 7704 6665 rosemarybranch.co.uk

Breaking Convention May 3-5 International festival of hip hop dance theatre. Foyer activities – graffiti exhibitions, workshops and DJs. Cost £20 & £15.

Jane Eyre March 12-30 Classic novel set in 1840s. Cost £13.

SOHO THEATRE 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE ( Tottenham Court Rd) 020 7478 0100 sohotheatre.com comedyclub4kids.co.uk Comedy Club 4 Kids March 22, April 5, 19 Stand-ups and sketch acts for children. 6+ years. Cost £10 or £30 for 4.

Comedy Academy 4 Kids March 22, April 5, 19 Comedy club workshops to learn how to write and perform comedy sketches. 7-17 years. Cost £20.

Wuthering Heights April 8-27 Cost £13.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com Rapunzel & Deep in the Woods April 18-19 Weekend festival with activities for all ages. Cost £7-£15.

Splosh!

March 20-23 Bathtime fun with the Bathtub gang.

2-5 years. Cost £8/£6 concs/family £24.

Momo March 28, 29 Mysterious Professor Hora and his clairvoyant tortoise. 7+ years. Cost £8/£6 concs/family £24.

Sleeping Beauty in the Wood April 5 Classic tale with puppets and projections. Relaxed performance at 11.30am. Cost £8/£6 concs/family £24.

Poetry Joe Show April 26 Poetry for a young audience. 3-6 years. Cost £8/£6 concs/family £24.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Not Now, Bernard Until May 1 Barnard has found a monster in the back garden and his mum and dad are too busy to notice. 2+ years.

Cost £16/£10.

The Velveteen Rabbit March 21-April 19 A shy toy rabbit longs to be loved and become real. 4+ years. £16/£13.

At the End of Everything Else March 29-April 19 Icka builds a flying machine to save her friend – a little yellow bird named Tito. 8+ years. Cost £16/£10 for under 21s.

Sensacional April 26-May 11 Interactive digital experience for toddlers. 18 months-3 years.

Cost £10 for child + 2 adults.

Backstage Tours March 29 Find out what goes into making a play. Booking required. 7+ years.

Cost £3.

‘Not Now Bernard’ at the Unicorn Theatre

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WILTON’S MUSIC HALL Graces Alley, E1 8JB ( Aldgate East) 020 7702 2789 wiltons.org.uk Father Nandru and the Wolves March 18-April 18 A lost village, star-crossed lovers and mysterious wolves. 8+ years.

Cost £19.50-£25/preview week £13-£18.50.

Special Events CITY READ LONDON 2014 cityreadlondon.org.uk Private Peaceful April Reading events held throughout April in London Boroughs promoting reading for pleasure. As 2014 marks the centenary of the First World War, activities take place across London based on Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful – a young soldier’s life on the battlefields of the First World War. COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE & PUPPET FESTIVAL St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED ( Leicester Square) alternativearts.co.uk Punch & Judy May 11 All day festival with Punch & Judy entertainment. Held in the garden of St Paul’s Church near the spot where Samuel Pepys first saw Mr Punch in May 1662. Garden procession at 11am, shows from 12.30pm -5.30pm. Free admission.

EASTBURY MANOR HOUSE Eastbury Square, Barking IG11 9SN ( Upney) 020 8227 5216 lbbd.gov.uk/eastbury

Candlelit Tour March 25 Costumed tours and refreshments.

12+ years. Cost £7.

Barking Wars April 5 Redbridge Drama Group production.

Cost £4/£3.

HOUSE MILL Three Mills Lane Bromley by Bow, E3 3DU ( Bromley-by-Bow) housemill.org.uk visitleevalleypark.org.uk National Mills Weekend May 10, 11 Visit the 18th century tidal mill.

KEW GARDENS Kew, Richmond, Surrey ( Kew Gardens) 020 8332 5655 kew.org

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special events places to go easter at Kew April 5-21 Enjoy themed activities from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in partnership with Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.

Entrance £14.50/children 16 years and under are free.

leArn To PlAy DAy learntoplayday.com April 12 Free instrument taster lessons in music shops and other venues throughout the country.

lee VAlley PArK FArMs Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892 781 visitleevalleypark.org.uk/farms Petunia’s Pick – Mother’s Day March 30 Celebrating animal mothers. Bring Mum in for free – check website for details. Cost £5.50/£5/under 2s free. spring-tastic Farm Fun April 5-21 Seasonal activities around the farmyard and meet chicks, spring lambs and other farm residents. Cost £9/£8/under 2s free.

Petunia’s Pick – easter eggstravaganza April 18-21 Celebrate Easter weekend with the annual egg hunt and maybe catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny! Cost £9/£8/under 2s free. olD MAcDonAlD’s FArM Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY (M25/J8) 01277 375 177 omdfarm.co.uk Mothers’ Day Weekend March 29, 30 Print a voucher from the website and treat Mum to a half price day out at the farm plus a free cup of tea.

Children can make gifts. easter Gifts April 12, 13 Make Easter gifts and watch Punch & Judy on Saturday. easter Weekend April 19, 20 Easter egg hunt and win a tasty treat.

Queen elIZAbeTh olyMPIc PArK (Stratford + shuttle bus) QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk open from April 5 The new parklands in the south of the Park will open to the public with new play areas, climbing walls and sandpits.

rIch MIX cIneMA & ArTs cenTre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA

( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Mwalimu express March 16 Family adventure with music and films. Free. numbi Family Workshop March 16 Play the djembe drum. 8+ years.

Cost £10/£5 concs/£10 family of 4.

Freedom March 23 Design and create placards to celebrate Bangladeshi Independence.

Booking required. 5+ years accompanied. Free. story Telling March 23 Folk tales of Bengal and ancient mythology with Seema Anand. Free. story craft March 24 Enjoy stories together with Bangla song, movement and rhythm. Part of Freedom week. 2-5 years with parents/carers. Cost £2.

African Market March 30 Stalls, fashion, arts and crafts.

Free entry.

rIVer lee counTry PArK Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1AB (Waltham Cross or Cheshunt ) visitleevalleypark.org.uk

Easter Egg Hunt at Sutton House

easter country Fair April 20, 21 Fun packed country show.

Cost £3-£7.50.

sT PATrIcK’s DAy PArADe AnD FesTIVAl 2014 london.gov.uk March 16 Celebrations in Trafalgar Square with Irish music, dance, culture and arts.

Free events.

suTTon house nATIonAl TrusT 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk cadbury’s easter egg Trail April 4-20 Easter egg hunts and a magical tea party to celebrate Sutton House’s 20th anniversary of being open to the public. Cost £1.50 per trail + normal admission charges.

Wild About easter April 10, 17 Family fun with Easter themed art activities including Easter egg hunt and dress up tea party. Cost £1.50 per trail + normal admission charges.

Wild About easter April 27 Free family day.

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