Families East London Issue 81 Sept/Oct 2014

Issue 81 Sept/Oct 2014

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East London

Autumn special Annabel Karmel Clubs & Classes Places to Go

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 81 | Sept/Oct 2014 | Families East London

This Issue 4

Education Top tips for how parents can become more involved in their child’s education

14 Halloween

4

10

6

Regular Features 14

6

Annabel Karmel

8

Ed’s Reading Room

9

Clubs & Classes

17

18

15 Places to Go

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

Welcome

to our Autumn Issue. Now that the summer is over and holidays finished we look forward to all the joys of the autumn season ahead. We hope you enjoy the magazine.

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 1274 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

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3

education

Top tips for how parents can become more involved in their child’s education

By Sara Meaker, Schools Liaison Manager (and former teacher), DORE (www.dore.co.uk)

There is much evidence to show the positive impact of parental involvement on a child’s education, including learning outcomes and confidence.

However, although there are a lot ways for parents to take a proactive approach to school life, such as attending meetings, volunteering in the classroom or helping with school plays, many of these are not feasible for families with busy schedules or very young children. These four top tips for how parents can become more involved in their child’s education are realistic and achievable for every family...

1. Setting small, achievable tasks There are many barriers that can stop parents being involved in their child’s education, such as a busy job or young babies at home.

Sometimes parents can feel too intimidated or embarrassed to become involved, especially if they have not had a good experience of school themselves.

For parents, it is so easy to feel guilty for not doing enough with their children. However, it is important for parents to know that there are so many valuable ways that they can become more involved, however small. For example parents who work long hours may not have time to come to evening events at the school; however they may have half an hour each week to read with their child or help them with

their homework. Keeping a log of this will help to remind parents that they are still playing a valuable role in their child’s education.

2. Keeping continuity between home and school Often children behave very differently in home and school environments, and this can be particularly true for children with special educational needs. Keeping contact between home and school can help to keep behaviour and performance consistent.

This can be achieved by sharing learning tools and establishing routines, which will be the same at home and at school. For example, with the schools that have implemented the DORE Programme (www.dore.co.uk), a physical exercise programme for people with learning difficulties, we encourage them to schedule the exercises at the same time and in the same room each day. If parents share the exercise routine and set a time and location at home for the exercises, the child will be more likely to behave in the same way as they do at school.

Likewise parents may like to share with the school if they have a particularly effective way of speaking or interacting with their child..

Continuity between home and school also creates a much more stable environment for the child, which can improve behaviour and learning outcomes.

3. Open lines of communication Communication is really important for keeping a good relationship between parents and teachers. However, a teacher’s job is to teach, and communication must not therefore take

Get ready for back to school with Explore Learning!

Get the new academic year off to a great start at Explore Learning. Our tailored courses are designed to support your child to become a confident and engaged learner.

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

4

New primary school for Dalston in September 2015 Halley House School is a new 4-11 primary school planning to open in September 2015 at Metropole College’s former building, on the corner of Arcola Street and Shacklewell Lane in Dalston, E8 2DJ. Offering a combination of the best

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up too much of a teacher’s time, or get in the way of day to day activities. It is helpful if, for example, parents can specify the way they would prefer to be contacted, such as text message, email or phone call, and then set a day when the teachers will be in contact each week, month or term. In this way, parents can be comfortable knowing that they are being kept in the loop without feeling like they are having to chase or push for updates. This will also help to build a trusting relationship between families and teachers, which will encourage parents to become not only more involved in their own child’s education, but also life at the school.

4. Make the most of resources that are available Education resources are no longer confined to school. Through websites such as the e-Learning Foundation’s Good for Learning Portal (www.goodforlearning.org.uk), parents have access to a wealth of resources and information which they can use with their child. The portal provides links to resources such as ePace, an online assessment tool (www.epaceonline.com) that has been designed for children aged 7 to 17 years, to find out how they learn. Through a series of fun exercises, each child registers their strengths and weaknesses in 11 different skill and ability areas. The results are instantly generated and performance is compared to national averages.

Understanding how their child learns can make helping their child with their education so much easier, and can improve learning outcomes significantly. For example, if they are a visual learner, drawing a diagram or a mind map to explain a concept will work much better than describing it verbally.

For further information please visit www.

DORE.co.uk or phone 0333 123 0100.

approaches from state and independent schools, the school will be free to attend and will be run on a not-for-profit basis by Bellevue Place Education Trust, a growing organisation that will have successfully opened three primary schools in London and the Home Counties by September 2014.

Applications for a 2015 Reception place are made in addition to the usual Local Authority process. This gives parents/carers a chance they may be offered two places, one from Halley House School and one through the Local Authority.

Visit www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk to sign up to receive the school’s e-newsletter, view upcoming events and apply for a Reception place.

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education 5 G 01 IN 2 N ER PE B O EM PT SE

se School

House School

4-11 primary school opening in Dalston in September 2015 › Choosing the best approaches from state schools and private schools › Rich learning environment full of arts, drama, sport, music and academic rigour › No fees, our school is free to attend Halley House School plans to open at Metropole College’s former building at 52-58 Arcola Street, just off Shacklewell Lane, E8 2DJ in September 2015.

Apply for a 2015 Reception place today For 2015 admissions, applications are made in addition to the usual Local Authority process.

This gives parents / carers a chance they may be offered two places, one from Halley House School and one through the Local Authority.

Register your interest, view upcoming events and apply for a Reception place at

PRIVATE MATHS TUITION THAT GETS RESULTS • Award-winning, one-to-one maths tuition • Professionally trained and certified maths tutors • Ensure your child gets the top grades they deserve

 020 3476 4398  www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/families

Find us on Facebook

www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk Telephone: 0845 459 0113 Email: info@halleyhouseschool.org.uk

KS2

KS3

7+/11+/13+

GCSE

AS/A Level

University

Distributors wanted for Families North London Magazine For the following areas: Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

Must have own transport and be able to pick up from Hendon in NW London 5 mins from North Circular Road.

September 2014 start. Competitive rates paid.

Telephone Victor on:

020 8202 2034

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08/07/2014 12:44

5

annabel karmel

Back to School Help your children establish good eating habits from a young age, and it is something that can last a life time. Here are some quick and easy back to school recipes to whip up for your hungry family this autumn from bestselling cookery author Annabel Karmel.

Tuna Pasta Bake

Apple and Sultana Muffins These are fun to make together with your little one. The grated apple keeps the muffins lovely and moist. To freeze interleave with greaseproof paper and store in a plastic freezer box.

Prep: 25 minutes Cook: 20-22 minutes Makes: 12 muffins Suitable for freezing Ingredients • 125g butter, softened • 125g caster sugar • 1 egg • 200 ml milk • Quarter tsp salt • 225g plain flour • 1 tbsp baking powder • Half tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 150g dessert apples, peeled and grated • 75g sultanas • A little Demerara sugar Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180 C Fan / 200 C / Gas 6. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Measure all of the ingredients into a free standing mixer and whisk until combined.

Spoon into the cases.

3. Sprinkle evenly with Demerara sugar.

Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until well risen and lightly golden.

Scrambled Eggs with Tomato Salsa on English Muffin Ingredients

1 English muffin 2 eggs 2 tbsp milk A knob of butter, for cooking, plus extra for the toast Salsa 1 tomato, deseeded and diced 2 thin spring onions, sliced ¼ red chilli (optional) 1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil Method 1. Slice the muffin in half and toast the two halves in the toaster.

2. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix all of the salsa ingredients together in a small bowl and season.

3. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and season.

4. Melt butter in a pan, and when it starts to sizzle, pour in the egg mixture.

5. Immediately reduce the heat to medium/ low and sprinkle the eggs with a little salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently, and cook over the heat for 2-3 minutes until the eggs look wet but are no longer liquid. Remove the pan from the heat.

6. Butter the toasted muffin halves and place on a plate. Top them with the scrambled eggs and then a little of the salsa.

Ingredients 150g (5oz) penne 1 small head of broccoli, broken into bite-sized florets 1x400g can chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp brown sugar 200ml (7fl oz) vegetable stock Olive oil, for frying 1 large courgette, chopped 2 red, yellow or orange peppers, deseeded and chopped ½ onion sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1x185g can of tuna, drained 200g (7oz) Gruyere, grated Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200 C/180 C Fan /400 F/Gas 6.

2. Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions.

3. About 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the broccoli. Drain well.

4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, simmer the tomatoes and puree with the brown sugar and stock.

5. In a large pan, heat a little olive oil and soften the courgette, peppers, onion and garlic.

6. Tip the tomato mixture into the softened vegetable mixture.

7. Combine the sauce, drained pasta and broccoli and tuna, place in an ovenproof dish and cover with the cheese. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Makes 6 portions Suitable for freezing

0845 644 5452

Makes 2 portions 37

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annabel karmel 2 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp honey 100 ml chicken stock 2 eggs, lightly beaten A little salt 1½ tsp sunflower oil

Chinese Chicken with Rice Ingredients 175g long grain rice 50g frozen peas 1 tbsp olive oil 140g onion, finely chopped 80g red pepper, diced 1 tsp garlic purée 150g chicken breast, diced 50g tinned sweet corn Sauce 2 tsp hoisin sauce 1 tsp ketchup

Method 1. Cook the rice in boiling water according to the packet instructions. Add the peas 4 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Drain well.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and fry for 3 minutes. Add the pepper and garlic and fry for 5 minutes until soft.

Add the chicken and fry until just cooked.

Add the rice, peas and sweet corn. Mix all of the sauce ingredients together. Pour over the rice and fry for one minute.

3. Season the eggs with a little salt. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Make a thin omelette by pouring into the pan and then swirl the egg around the base and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just set. Turn out onto a board and cut into thin strips.

4. Add the strips of egg to the rice and serve.

Based on her delicious home-cooked recipes, you can now find even more varieties of Annabel Karmel’s chilled toddler meals at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado (rrp £2.75).

Makes 4 portions Suitable for freezing

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

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

• Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

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

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

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book corner

ROOM

Reading

Ed’s

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

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

Hubble Bubble: The Pesky Pirate Prank!

by Tracey Corderoy & Joe Berger (Nosy Crow £5.99)

Dixie O’Day and the Great Diamond Robbery

by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliamy (Bodley Head £9.99)

Ed Says: Ed Says:

‘Dixie and Percy book in for a luxurious holiday at the Hotel Splendide.

Soon they see a Very Important Person, a pop star, drawing up outside in a limousine.

Dixie isn’t impressed but Percy has been a fan of hers for years. When the VIP’s jewels are stolen they find themselves caught up in some frightening but exciting detective work. They were hoping for some holiday treats but they weren’t expecting quite such an adventure in Brightsea!

‘This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. Join in the friendship and fun with these delightful characters in this new series.’

‘Pandora comes from a family of witches – and the wackiest of them all is her Granny. When Granny waves her wand there is not usually just magic but also mayhem! Whether at school, at home or even at her uncle’s wedding, Pandora loves it when Granny is around performing magic but very often she is the one who has to make sure everything turns out well.

‘Here are three sparkling stories written and illustrated with a fantastic mixture of magic and excitement. Children can enjoy them reading on their own or reading together.’

7+

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Boyface and the Quantum Chromatic Disruption Machine

is 10 and on the very day he reaches that age he has quite a challenge to overcome.

What will happen when he finally reaches for the Quantum Chromatic Disruption Machine? And how will he deal with a suitcase of irritable tigers?

‘Boyface is a fantastic character created by this original storyteller. The book is brilliantly illustrated – and is a real page-turner!’

Rendezvous in Russia

by Lauren St John (Orion £6.99)

Ed Says: ‘Laura and her best friend Tariq are fascinated by a film being made in their village in Cornwall. When Laura’s husky Skye saves an actress’s life, the two friends and Skye are invited to join the film crew in St Petersburg. The movie is about an art theft from The Hermitage that surely couldn’t really happen – could it? Laura has to use all her skills as an ace detective to counteract the criminals and stop them having their evil way.

‘This action-packed adventure can be enjoyed by boys and girls alike. The gripping story is full of energy and will have you on the edge of your seat.’

by James Campbell (Hodder £5.99)

Ed Says: ‘Boyface dreams of following in his father’s footsteps as a stripemonger – someone who buys and sells stripes, and removes and adheres them to other things. But he is not allowed to enter The Shop until he

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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.

Art & craft HACKNEY CITY FARM 1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA ( Bethnal Green) 020 7729 6381 hackneycityfarm.co.uk Pottery Classes Wednesdays & Sundays Design and make clay projects.

Mosaic Classes Thursdays

WATERWORKS CENTRE Lammas Road, Leyton, E10 7QB (Leyton ) 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Introduction to Bushcraft October 5

Shouldn’t you be seen in the Number 1 magazine for families and young people in East London?

Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

Learn skills from fire lighting to shelter building, cooking and foraging. 12+ years.

Booking required. Cost £10.

Learning & tuition CHILD PRODIGY Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Kensington, Richmond 07950 458791 childprodigy.org.uk enquiries@childprodigy.org.uk Workshops Help children to be intellectual, confident and articulate. Extra curricular and soft skills workshops on Saturdays during term time.

Communication skills, foreign languages and music. Register online. 5-8 years.

EXPLORE LEARNING Hornchurch 01708 629 620 Lakeside 01708 869 650 Romford 01708 767 819 Woodford Green 020 8090 6716 explorelearning.co.uk

LA PETITE ÉCOLE DES CROCODILES Hackney, E5 07939 013717 les-crocodiles.blogspot.co.uk les-crocodiles@hotmail.com

Tuition Sessions in English & Maths tailored to your child’s needs.

Discounts available. All abilities welcome. Open 7 days a week.

5-14 years.

French French classes for francophone children and English speaking children Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4.15pm. 0-13 years old. Play, songs and stories for young children; writing, grammar, spelling, reading and drama classes

Perform

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clubs and classes for older children. After school sessions led by local native-speaking French teachers.

Street Dance Classes Fitness and fun classes. 4-12 years.

Free trial sessions.

Music

HACKNEY SHED hackneyshed.org.uk contactsarah@hackneyshed.org.uk

HMDT MUSIC Haggerston School E2 020 8882 8825 hmdt.org.uk Music Theatre The Music Box under 4s family programme, I Can Sing! Music theatre school, CYMH instrumental school and Julian Joseph jazz academy.

Performing arts GDND ACADEMY Harford Multicentre, 115 Harford Street, E1 4FG (Limehouse ) 07904 424 504 gdnd.co.uk

Anna

Hackney Shed

Workshops After school workshops in performing arts and theatre based at BSix College, Clapton.

All welcome, no experience necessary. £20 suggested fee per term/concessions available.

PQA) THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS 084567 32022 Brentwood, Chelmsford, Harlow, Romford, Wickford pqacademy.com Autumn Term Performing Arts tuition, movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and a West End show. Book a free taster session. Academies run on during the weekend. Call or visit online to book. 4-18 years.

PERFORM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Fiorentini_19.12.12.pdf 1 19/12/2012 16:31 Walthamstow, Wanstead, Woodford Green

0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk enquiries@perform.org.uk Outer Space September – December Travel through outer space on an inter-planetary adventure with the Space Queen and The Little Green Alien. Their mission is to confront and stop The Cruel Commander, who plans to destroy Planet Earth…but will they stop him on time?! Drama, dance and singing workshops to develop confidence and communication skills. Call or email to book a place. 4-8 years.

THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com

020 8556 5348 youngandtalented.co.uk Classes Acting, singing and dancing classes on Saturdays with theatre productions. 3-16 years (Bethnal Green) and 5-19 years (Barking).

Sports BEALONIANS FC Ilford, Essex Contact Bill – 07958 636493 bealoniansfc.com Football Coaching Saturday and Sunday sessions with age groups from U5 to veterans.

Excellent facilities, quality coaching and social activities. Call for further details or check online.

Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design. Students get the chance to be considered for professional work. Classes on Saturdays in North London and Hackney, Tuesdays in Bethnal Green and Wednesdays in Docklands.

Drama qualifications also available.

Limited free taster days. 4-18 years.

YOUNG & TALENTED Oxford House, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG and Broadway Theatre, Barking, IG11 7LS

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

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

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

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

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FILM SCHOOL

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clubs and classes Baby Sensory October 2, November 4 Baby development classes from birth to 13 months.

Story Play – Winnie the Witch October 18 5-7 years.

Halloween Workshops October 30, 31 Creative activities. 5-7 years & 7-11 years. Cost £10 & £20.

LITTLE KICKERS Islington, Hackney, Wapping & Wanstead. littlekickers.co.uk Football Skills Football training for kids.

18 months-7 years.

Theatre workshops ARCOLA THEATRE 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7503 1646 arcolatheatre.com Music Workshops October 27-31 Introduce classical music to children.

Free sessions.

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 01708 443333 Box Office queens-theatre.co.uk Story Play – The Tiger that Came to Tea September 20 Interactive story telling workshop.

5-7 years. Cost £5 per child.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com Stratford Circus Glee Club Sept 24 to Dec 3 Acting, singing and performing.

5-11 years. Cost £85 per term.

Creative Club September 27-December 6 Creative poetry sessions. 2-8 years.

Cost £5 for 10 weeks/£7 per session.

Drama Classes Fun, interactive drama sessions with CBeebies actress Sam Seager and her team. Under 5 years. Free trial.

MONKEY MUSIC South Woodford, Loughton & Buckhurst Hill 020 8989 7017 monkeymusic.co.uk southwoodford@monkeymusic.co.uk Music Classes Award winning music classes for babies and young children. Book free trial session. 3 months-4 years.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com UP Club Saturday club with craft activities.

4+ years.

Up Club+ September 21, 27, November 1 Themed activities based on current shows. Book show tickets and activity sessions.

Toddlers & babies ACTING BUGS Victoria Park, Walthamstow Village, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Stoke Newington.

07548 196722 actingbugs.co.uk info@actingbugs.co.uk

JiGsaw Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools run weekend dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 3-18 years.

Children are divided into ageappropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Jigsaw focuses on having fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts activities. Two-week trial available.

Go to www. jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530.

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clubs and classes

After-School Activities

By Ellen Arnison

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies – how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child?

Not long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice becomes bewildering. Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything.

Please take a deep breath and relax.

Extra-curricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them. However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life. Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one

in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on.

For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not. However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better

spent on family activities at home.

When you do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out.

Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

SEN activities Children with special educational needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extra-curricular activities. Even with the best educational support, SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their peers.

They may be aware of their difficulties and differences and this can have a profound effect on their confidence.

Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully is a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, for whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe.

Equally there are other more educational and developmental benefits that make extra-curricular activities important. Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining.

Clubs can be important social outlets for SEN children, perhaps giving them a chance to meet others facing similar challenges. The school or local authority will be able to advise about SEN groups in your area.

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own.

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

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parties

Halloween Emma Angel, Director of Angels Fancy Dress, writes:

Halloween is becoming increasingly popular every year, and it now ranks only behind Christmas and Easter in terms of consumer expenditure in this country.

While it has been a family-orientated holiday in the United States for a number of years, it is only relatively recently that the UK has followed suit.

Initially, it was young people and students who were the first group in Britain to really embrace dressing-up at Halloween, but more and more young families and children are starting to enjoy finding the perfect costume, attending Halloween parties, and trickor-treating.

While old favourites such as vampires, ghosts and witches continue to be incredibly popular choices for kids, it’s also worth bearing in mind that with a bit of creativity any fancy dress costume can be transformed for Halloween by adding some fake blood or a few well-chosen accessories.

Face paints, skin transfers or our

incredibly popular Cut Kit (which contains everything you need to create spectacularly gory effects) can be used to create scary versions of costumes you already own. A customized zombie pirate or scary clown can be really effective – and you’re guaranteed not to meet anyone else in the same outfit!

There are a dizzying array of options available for kids these days, and the sky really is the limit when it comes to what they want to dress up as. A time-saving option, which often allows for far greater choice, is to order costumes online, but remember to check delivery times to avoid a last-minute panic! Angels offers next day and Saturday delivery.

Top Tips for Planning a Halloween Party • Incorporate a spooky theme into other aspects of the party, whether it is the invitations, decorations or the food. Easily removable wall and window stickers look great, and sweets can be served in a bubbling witch’s cauldron!

• Remember to give people enough notice, and send invitations out early.

Fancy dress parties obviously require

quite a bit more preparation than other events: everyone will thank you for the extra warning.

• It’s also a good idea to have some fun accessories at the door in case someone forgets about the dress code, or hasn’t quite entered the spirit of things. Witch and wizard hats, monster masks or a vampire cape are an easy way to transform an ordinary outfit and are great fun to play with.

• If you are taking your children trick or treating, remember to plan your route, as well as making sure children are wearing something bright or reflective so that they can be seen.

• Finally, just because you’re a grown up doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress up – not all costumes are revealing, and it will make your children’s day to see you wearing a silly costume and joining in the fun.

More and more young families and children are starting to enjoy finding the perfect costume, attending Halloween parties, and trick-or-treating.

All outfits are available to buy from Angels at www.fancydress.com

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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 seasonal guide of all the very best places for you to visit. 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, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film Spectacular Shorts September 20 Saturday screenings.

Robots (U) September 27 How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG) October 4

Parent & Baby Screening Pride (15) September 15 Monday morning screenings of new films for parents and babies under 1 year.

RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Maleficent 3D (PG) September 20 The Glitterball (U) The Boy Who Turned Yellow (U) September 27

Films from 1970’s Saturday Morning Pictures. Cost Children £2.50/ accompanying adult £3.50.

STRATFORD EAST PICTURE HOUSE Salway Road, E15 1BX (Stratford ) picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Stratford Toddler Time Half hour screenings to introduce pre-school children to the cinema.

Cost £3 per child/adult free.

Kids’ Club Saturday films and activities.

3-12 years. Members £1.50/ non-members £3.50.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Open House Weekend September 20, 21 Half-hour guided tours. Free.

The Big Draw October 27-31 Design a new safe for the vaults.

Free.

The Big Draw October 26 Listen to stories, draw and design.

Free drop-in event.

Magnificent Ming China October 27-31 A range of activities based on the exhibition. Free drop-in events.

DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk Tickets £5/family £18/Newham Residents £4.50/under 2 years free.

Pre-bookable events.

Superhero Story Boards September 20, 21 Draw a comic strip story board.

Drop-in activities. 6+ years.

The Gruffalo September 20, 21 Story Builder session with shadow puppets. 3+ years.

Once There Was.. The Wonderful World of Oliver Jeffers Opening Weekend September 27, 28 Opening weekend of a new interactive family exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the picture book ‘How to Catch a Star’ by author and illustrator Oliver

Lord Mayor’s Show November 8 Face painting activities. Free.

‘Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than Death’ at the Discover Children’s Story Centre

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BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Ming – 50 years that changed China From September 18 Porcelain, jewellery, paintings and sculptures created by the Ming dynasty between AD 1400 and 1450.

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‘It’s my party’ at the V&A Museum of Childhood

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museums • exhibitions places to go Jeffers. Part of Family Arts Festival.

For children under 6 years and their families. Call or book online.

Discover Fun Palace October 4 Fun Palace events with science and arts – bubbles, balloons, dance and music. Free day.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers October 5, 18, 19 An adventure to the South Pole.

3+ years.

Star Wars Reads Day October 11 Dress up in Star Wars characters and check out the Star Wars Reads Library and perhaps meet Darth Vader. Stories and goody bags at book signing event with Simon Beecroft.

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers October 11, 12 Find out how two new friends find their way back home from the moon.

3+ years.

The Big Draw Weekend October 25, 26 Drawing with art themed stories and a visit from picture book illustrator Yasmeen Ismail and her new book ‘Specs for Rex’.

Brilliant Bunting September 21 Create bunting for the home.

All ages. Free.

Food Through the Ages October 16 Historic food and interiors.

Evening event.

Happy Birthday to the Geffrye!

October 28-31 Half term activities to celebrate the anniversary year – creating, baking and decorating. 5-16 years.

HAVERING MUSEUM 19-21 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU (Romford ) 01708 766 571 haveringmuseum.org.uk Havering Hedgehogs September 20, 27, October 11, 18, November 1, 8, 15 Activities on Saturdays during termtime for accompanied children. 4-11 years. Annual membership £12 per child. Trial sessions available.

Home Front Havering – Local Life in the First World War Current exhibition on local history with events, talks and displays.

October Half Term – LaunchCraft Workshop October 27-29 Craft workshop and stories on all things that launch, based on the exhibition. 6+ years.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill) 020 8699 1872 horniman.ac.uk

Happy Halloween!

October 30, 31 Dress up for spooky stories, creepy crafts and gruesome games!

Celebrate the release of Goth Girl: A Fete Worse than Death, and author and illustrator events with Kristina Stephenson and Tommy Donbavand.

Family Art Fun October 27-31 Diwali craft activities. 3+ years. Free.

Pirateology: How to be a Pirate November 8, 9 Dress up, look for treasure or take a short course on how to become a pirate. 6+ years.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk

One Snowy Night November 28-December 24 Early booking for the Christmas show based on Nick Butterworth’s best selling books. 3-6 years. Cost includes entry to Discover. £9/£7/ family £27.50/under 2s free.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Ceramics in the City September 18-21 Browse, buy and talk to the ceramicists. Free entry.

Painted Porcelain September 20 Paint a ceramic item using patterns found in the museum. All ages. Free.

Kathak Dance for All October 29 Learn to tell a story through dance.

5+ years. Free.

Family Station Discover the history of London’s transport network. Pick up a coin bag and choose activities to do – drawing, fold and go bus, postcards or decorate a travel card holder. 3-12 years. Annual adult season ticket £15/children under 17 years free.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Half Term October 25-31 Enormous animals and gigantic towers – craft, drama and story telling activities. 5+ years.

Family Day at the Whitechapel Gallery

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Daydreams and Diaries – The Story of Jacqueline Wilson Until November 2 Explore the life and works of Dame Jacqueline Wilson with original notebooks and extracts and artwork by illustrator Nick Sharratt.

It’s My Party From September 20 Installation created by a primary school in Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

Play with Design September 20 Workshops to design a game.

Free drop-in.

Join the Big Draw Party September 28 Creative drawing fun with Jacqueline Wilson and illustrators Nick Sharratt and Marion Deuchars to launch the Big Draw festival. A range of creative activities – some booking required.

All ages. Free.

Wizz-Bangs & Pipsqueaks October 27-31 Drop-in sessions themed around World War One. Free.

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Saturday Drawing Workshops From September 27 Cost £150 per term. 10-15 years.

The Weave of Textile Language November 1 Family day to make drawings in wire, cotton, string, rope, plywood and paper. Free.

Children’s Workshop November 1 Create a printed publication exploring poetry and typography.

5-12 years. Cost £15.

Crib Notes – Richard Tuttle November 4 Tour the exhibition with baby or toddler. For parents/carers with children under 5 years.

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP (Walthamstow Central ) 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk Creative Kids Monthly creative sessions. 0-5 years.

Family Days September 27 Free themed activities on the last Saturday of the month.

Theatre Shows & Concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk Psst! Secrets of a White Rabbit October 28-November 4 There’s a rabbit on the loose.

2+ years. Cost £8.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Hackney Colliery Band October 27-31 Musical workshops. 10+ years.

Grand Union Orchestra November 1-2 Music from the Grand Union

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

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places to go museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts Dusk September 29-October 4 Everything changes at dusk.

4+ years. Cost £8/family £24.

Fun Palaces Family Day October 4 Bringing arts and sciences together.

A range of free drop-in and ticketed events.

Shiny October 24, 25 A show for the very young as part of the Dance Umbrella festival. 18 months-5 years. £8/family £24.

Halloween Parties October 30-November 1 Interactive show. Come dressed up.

2-8 years. Cost £8/family £24.

Arthur’s Dreamboat November 15 No one is interested in Arthur’s dream about a beautiful boat.

2-8 years. Cost £8/family £24.

The Big Draw Party

Orchestra and a day of family events.

Charges apply.

Prizes for best fancy dress.

4-8 years. Cost £5.

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 01708 443333 Box Office queens-theatre.co.uk

SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk That Catherine Bennett Show October 24-26 A show about family activism and children’s rights. Part of the series Why? – What’s Happening for the Young? 6-9 years.

The Way Back Home October 29-November 2 A boy travels in his airplane and lands on the moon. Puppets and original music. 4-8 years. Cost £14/£7.

Shaking up Shakespeare September 20 One man show – A Midsummer Nights Dream. 7+ years.

Private Peaceful September 21 Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo about the life of a young soldier during the First World War. 8+ years. Cost £13/£10.

Mr Zippy October 4 Magic show. 3-10 years. Cost £5.

Yo Ho Joe.. Pirate Magic Show!

October 18

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com A Seesaw only Works with Two Until November 2 Explore the ups and downs of being very young. Highly visual show with little or no language. 2+ years. Cost £10-£16.

The Secret Life of Suitcases September 18-October 12 Larry’s world is turned upside down – by a flying suitcase.

4+ years. Cost £16/£10.

Something Very Far Away September 20-28 A tale of love, loss, space and time using puppets, music, sound and live animation. 8+ years. Cost £16/£10.

How Nigeria Became: A Story, and a Spear that didn’t work October 9-November 9 Celebrating the centenary of Nigeria as part of Black History Month.

8+ years. Cost £16/£10.

Triple Bill October 28-29 International dance for 8-12 years only as part of the Dance Umbrella Festival. Foyer activities.

Nosferatu October 30-November 2 Things get scary with spooky storytellers. 8+ years. Cost £16/£10.

Girls Like That November 6-22 Gender equality and the digital generation. 13+. Cost £16/£10.

Special Events BIG DRAW FESTIVAL campaignfordrawing.org thebigdraw.org

‘The Way Back Home’ at the Southbank

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October Drawing events taking place around the UK throughout the month of October with the theme ‘It’s Our World’.

CHATS PALACE 42-44 Brooksby’s Walk, E9 6DF ( Homerton) 020 8533 0227 chatspalace.co.uk Fun Palaces October 4, 5 Creativity and fun as part of the Fun Palaces event.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY Early November Organised local events details not yet confirmed. Check online for possible venues including – Alexandra Palace, Barking Park, Crystal Palace, Legoland, Lord Mayor’s Show, Waltham Forest Town Hall and Weaver’s Fields, Tower Hamlets.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF (Cheshunt ) 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk/farms Petunia’s Pick – Mischief & Mayhem October 25-November 2 Spooky Halloween festivities.

Pumpkin carving, stories and trails.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW lordmayorsshow.org November 8 Procession between Bank and Aldwych with colourful floats, bands, regiments and fireworks.

NATIONAL POETRY DAY forwardartsfoundation.org October 2 Celebration of poetry held on the first Thursday in October with special themes every year. This year’s theme is ‘Remember’.

OLYMPIA LONDON Kensington, W14 8AX ( Kensington Olympia) thebabyshow.co.uk olympia.co.uk The Baby Show October 24-26 Pregnancy and parenting event with advice, offers and demonstrations of products. Tickets from £13.95.

OPEN HOUSE LONDON openhouselondon.org.uk September 20-21 Many buildings will be open to the public in an annual festival of architecture and design.

Queen’s Theatre queens-theatre.co.uk

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special events places to go September 20 Adult tours backstage. Also special tours for children with games and activities. 4-10 years.

Three Mills visitleevalley.org.uk September 20, 21 Free guided tours of the Mill House.

Valence House Museum September 20 Guided tours and special events.

Free.

Eastbury Manor House September 21 Guided tours. Free.

REDBRIDGE CENTRAL LIBRARY redbridge.gov.uk/libraries Fabula Festival October 24-27 Family activities, workshops and demonstrations. Events also held at other local libraries.

RICH MIX CINEMA & ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Mwalimu Express September 21 Pan African family event featuring a live artist and film from an African country. Free.

Bangla Music Festival September 28 Bengali music. Free.

Casa Festival casafestival.org.uk October 10-19 Latin American theatre festival with activities also in Barbican and Rose Lipman Building.

Open Casa Community Day October 19 Free activities, performances and talks. Part of Casa Festival.

Catapluf’s Musical Journey November 2

Music from around the world. 5-11 years. Cost £6/£5 for Tower Hamlets residents.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) royalalberthall.com Blues Storytelling October 28-30 Interactive workshop to discover Blues music. Subsidised tickets available see criteria online.

Accompanied 5-11 years.

STEPNEY CITY FARM Stepney Way, E1 3DG ( Stepney Green) 020 7790 8204 stepneycityfarm.org Crafty Saturdays October 4, November 1 Rural arts workshops for all ages from babies to grandparents. Free.

Halloween & Bonfire Night November 1 Spooky sessions. Check online for details.

SUTTON HOUSE – NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Hackney Central) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Gruesome Ghouls & Wicked Witches October 26 (free entry) October 30 (charges apply) Come in fancy dress to listen to gruesome tales told by a professional storyteller.

THE MILL 7-11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, E17 7HA 020 8521 3211 themill-coppermill.org Fun Palace Weekend October 4, 5 Community event with art activities

THU 9 OCT – SUN 9 NOV

HOW NIGERIA BECAME:

A STORY AND A SPEAR THAT DIDN’T WORK

For ages 8+

A colourful and creative commemoration of the centenary of Nigeria.

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families East!

Family Day at the Whitechapel Gallery

and music. All ages. Free.

TOWER OF LONDON EC3N 4AB ( Tower Hill) 020 3166 6266 hrp.org.uk Soldier’s Small Book Look for hidden stories about the First World War and record them in a memory logbook available free until 11 November. Entrance £22/£11/ family £59/online discounts.

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red An evolving installation of ceramic poppies to mark the centenary of the outbreak of WW1. Poppies available to purchase at £25.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE ( Charing Cross) london.gov.uk Diwali 2014 October 12 Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, lights and colourful activities.

VALENTINES MANSION & GARDENS Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA ( Gants Hill) 020 8708 8100 valentinesmansion.com Vintage Wedding Fair September 21 Special vintage fair. Free entry.

Open Studios November 2 Browse and buy handmade goods.

All ages. Free.

The Big Draw – Our World October 26 Create a collage of the gardens.

All ages. Free.

Farmers’ Market October 26

WALTHAM ABBEY GARDENS Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1XQ (Waltham Abbey ) 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk King Harold Day October 11 Medieval re-enactments, falconry, archery and arts and crafts. Cost £5/child free.

WALTHAMSTOW & LEYTON MARSHES Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL (Clapton ) 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Top Dog September 17 Free dog handling clinic with handson-training and advice.

Countryside Live September 27, 28 A weekend of wildlife and countryside activities. Cost one day £5, 2 days £7 accompanying child free.

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

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Illustration by Oliver Jeffers

New interactive exhibition for under 6s

opening 27 Sept BOOKING NOW

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

Children FREE Adults ÂŁ5

Countryside i Live

27 - 28 Sep 10:00 – 17:00

The countryside comes to the heart of east London!

Join us for an action pack weekend packed with wildlife and countryside activities. Sheepdog and falconry displays, arts and crafts, bats, otters, farm animals and the famous dancing sheep show!

Let your kids drive in London.

Now they can drive a Tube train, climb in a bus cab and lose themselves in our exploration zone. Better still, kids go free at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden.

Leyton Marsh, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E10 7QL

Start your adventure at visitleevalley.org.uk 08456 770 600 l