Families East London issue 82

Issue 82 Nov/Dec 2014

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East London

Festive special Annabel Karmel Clubs & Classes Places to Go

One Snowy Night Fri 28 Nov – Wed 24 Dec

An original production celebrating 25 years of Nick Butterworth’s best-selling picture book for ages 3 – 6

Illustration by Nick Butterworth.

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.

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

Reservations for our next FREE Taster Days currently taking place Please visit www.annafiorentini.com or ring 020 7682 1403 for more details.

Fiorentini’s Got Talent Winner, Jermain Jackman, goes on to win The Voice!

The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 3–18 years Based in North London, Hackney, Docklands, Bethnal Green and Lewisham, the award winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 3–18 year olds offers so much more than the average part-time drama school.

Apart from a weekly time-table of drama, film, dance and singing, all taught by leading industry professionals including casting directors, producers and TV directors, the school also offers: • Professional work via the agency.

Students have appeared in EastEnders, Rev, Top Boy, The Revolting World of Stanley Brown, the British feature Song for Marion and in the West End’s Oliver!, Lion King and Matilda, to name but a few.

2 Anna Fiorentini.indd

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• Young Ambassadors – a chance to event manage and gain valuable business skills.

• Our Performance Troupe which performs in hospitals, homes for the elderly, festivals and at community events.

• Lamda Qualifications in drama which carry UCAS points • Shows at prestigious theatres such as the Hackney Empire and the Shaw Theatre • Competitions including Voice Idol, Stars in Their Eyes and Fiorentini’s Got Talent • Annual Oscar Nights • Parents’ Forums • Master classes including stagecraft, hair & make-up, stage combat and presenting • Holiday schools

Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 3–18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands Thursdays in Lewisham

ANNA FIORENTINI

THEATRE FILM SCHOOL Contact us to book your free no obligation Taster Day. Hurry – Limited Places!

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403 01/10/2014 16:14

Contents Issue 82 | Nov/Dec 2014 | Families East London

This Issue

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4 Annabel Karmel 10 Shop Locally

Regular Features

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5 Education 6 Ed’s Reading Room 7 Clubs & Classes

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12

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11 Places to Go

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15

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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: adverts@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familieseast.co.uk 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.

to our Festive Issue. I always love this season as it is a chance for us all to reconnect with loved ones and family as the temperatures drop and the nights draw in.

With the festive season comes a whole array of chances to practice age-old traditions to hand down to our next generation and to create new memories for them to hand down to theirs in the years to come.

Christmas has always been a magical time in my household and I still look forward to each year with as much excitement as the children, from putting the tree up with my mum, singing along to Deck The Halls, to shopping for mince pies with my dad on Christmas Eve. I simply love every moment.

I hope this season creates many happy memories for all our readers, and we here at Families East London wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sharon Editor

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

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annabel karmel

Christmas Recipes Get creative in the kitchen with the kids this Christmas, with some tasty treats from cookery author Annabel Karmel.

Decorate cute cupcakes as wintery snowmen or design cookies as reindeers with these fun festive ideas. And what’s more, they are simple to make and look great on your Christmas table.

Snowman Cupcakes

Mini Christmas Puddings

Reindeer Cookies Ingredients 350g plain flour 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp mixed spice ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp baking powder 175g butter 150g light brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup

Ingredients 75g (3oz) raisins or dried cranberries, halved 2 tablespoons brandy, port or orange juice 75g (3oz) unsalted butter 100g (3½oz) plain chocolate 1 x 300g (11oz) ginger cake 150g (5oz) white ready-to-roll icing a few drops of green and red food colouring icing sugar, for dusting holly leaf cookie cutter

Decoration M&Ms Writing Icing Pens Glace cherries Curly Wurly chocolate bars Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 160oC Fan. 2. Measure the flour, spices, salt, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a bowl. Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a saucepan. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix together. Lightly knead together to make a dough. Form into 10 balls of dough. Pinch one end of the ball to form a point, and then flatten out with your hand. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden but still slightly soft.

3. Make 2 holes for the ears using a small skewer and leave to cool for a few minutes.

Decorate with lengths of Curly Wurly for the ears, glace cherries for the nose and M&Ms for the eyes.

Makes 10 Cookies

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Ingredients Cupcakes 125g butter (at room temperature) or margarine 125g caster sugar two third cup superfine sugar ½ tsp lemon zest 2 eggs 125g self-raising flour ¼ tsp baking powder Icing 500g vanilla buttercream 20 chocolate chips 50g orange fondant icing or colour white fondant orange Matchmakers A little milk chocolate Edible silver baubles

Method 1. Soak the raisins or cranberries in the brandy, port or orange juice for about 30 minutes.

2. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir in the raisins or cranberries, then crumble in the cake. Mix well and leave to cool slightly.

3. Put in the fridge for about 1 hour to firm up, then roll into 10 walnut-sized balls.

4. Measure 50g (2oz) of the icing and colour with the green food colouring. Dust a clean work surface with a little icing sugar and roll out the icing.

5. Cut out holly leaves using your cutter.

Colour 10g (1⁄4oz) of the icing with red food colouring and roll into small balls to make berries. Roll out the remaining white icing and cut out rough circles, then place on top of the puddings to look like snow. Dampen the underside of the holly leaves and red berries with water, then stick them on top.

Method 1. Pre heat the oven to 160oC Fan/180oC/ Gas 4. Line a muffin tin with 8 paper cases.

2. Put the butter, sugar, lemon zest, flour and baking powder into a bowl and beat in an electric food mixer until smooth.

3. Divide the mixture between the paper cases and cook in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and springy to touch.

4. Remove from the oven and cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Whilst cool, make the arms from the Matchmakers. Cut off a short length from some Matchmakers and attach these using little of the melted chocolate as in the photo.

6. Take small amounts of the orange fondant icing and roll into carrot noses.

7. Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe the buttercream on top. Add chocolate chips for eyes, mini orange fondant carrot for the nose and silver baubles for the mouth. Add Matchmaker arms.

Makes 12 puddings

Makes 12 cupcakes

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education Get the Annabel Karmel App!

For lots more fun ideas download Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler app. Access more than 200 delicious recipes, as well as a host of features to keep your family on track and enjoying meal times. Download the new version from the App Store now (£3.99) or visit www.annabelkarmel.com

NEw PRimaRy SCHOOL COmiNG TO DaLSTON

Professional after school care

Halley House School is a new primary school, planning to open on Arcola Street, E8 2DJ, in September 2015.

An Open Event is being held on Wednesday 12th November 2014 (7.00pm-8.30pm). For more information and to book a place, please visit www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk/events Applications for a 2015 Reception place are made in addition to the usual Local Authority process – find out more and apply for a Reception place at www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk.

Do you need someone to bring your children home from school, look after them and make sure their homework is done?

A mindtor will do just that.

Most of our mindtors have childcare or tutoring experience. All have been carefully selected to provide the after-school care you always hoped for.

S EN 015 OP T 2 P SE

A mindtor is a student from a top London university.

All mindtors speak perfect English and some are skilled in foreign languages or musical instruments.

House School

Contact

 www.mindtors.co.uk  info@mindtors.co.uk  07821 775828

FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL AGES!

New 4-11 primary school in Dalston planning to open on Arcola Street, E8

SCRUNCH

9 Dec – 4 Jan | For ages 6 – 18 months

THE FOURTH WISE MAN 30 Nov – 4 Jan | For ages 4+

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING 21 Nov – 4 Jan | For ages 8+ UNICORN THEATRE, 147 TOOLEY STREET, LONDON SE1 2HZ

› Choosing the best approaches from state and private education › Rich learning environment full of arts, drama, sport, music and academic rigour › No fees, our school is free to attend

Does your child start school in September 2015?

Reception Open Event on Weds 12th Nov 2014, 7.00pm – 8.30pm Hindle House Community Centre, Hindle House Estate, Arcola Street, London E8 2DZ. Additional event in January. Find out more and book your place at www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk/events Apply in addition to the usual Local Authority process. You may be offered two places, one from Halley House School and one through your Local Authority.

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

LONDON BRIDGE

020 7645 0560 • UNICORNTHEATRE.COM

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

www.halleyhouseschool.org.uk

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

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book corner Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Winter book selection for you to enjoy.

The books are all available online 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

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happening. Tom has no idea what it is but it appears to be a talking animal. It explains that it is a Satnik from Saturn and is on a secret mission to explore Earth. Tom can’t resist helping and so embarks on an exciting adventure with his new friend and pet. But pets from space might just get you into trouble!

‘Here are two stories in a fantastic new series which will delight young readers reading on their own or reading together. There is laugh-out-loud fun from start to finish.’

Katie’s London Christmas

by James Mayhew (Orchard £11.99)

Ed Says: ‘It’s that time of year when anything can happen – Christmas! Katie and Jack have fallen asleep but are suddenly woken by a loud sneeze. They creep downstairs to see who is there and can’t believe their eyes. But Father Christmas, as well as having a cold, has so much to do. The children offer to help and so set out on a magical sleigh ride across London through swirling snowflakes – finishing with a very special delivery.

‘This is a lovely story with stunning illustrations by this talented writer/ artist. It is sure to enthrall young readers and would make a glittering gift for boys or girls.’

Splash Landing

by Jan Burchett & Sara Vogler (Orion £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Tom Bright is woken by a strange noise and is greeted by an equally strange sight when he goes into the garden to see what is

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FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

7+

The Spaghetti Yeti

by Kate Pankhurst (Orion £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Mariella Mystery hopes to become a super sleuth.

When Mariella goes on holiday with her family and friends, she’s hoping she will have the chance to practise her powers of detection. Mariella and her friends are thrilled with the campsite, café and ice-cream parlour but they soon decide something strange is afoot when they realise there might be a spaghetti-stealing creature hiding in the woods. Will the Mystery Girls be able to outwit the spaghetti yeti?

‘This is a brilliant story with amazing illustrations throughout.

It sparkles with humour from beginning to end.’

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Diary of Dorkius Maximus in Pompeii

by Tim Collins (Buster Books £7.99)

Ed Says: ‘Dorkius loves living in Rome but he has to spend the summer in Pompeii.

He thinks it is going to be deadly boring but instead it turns out to be deadly.

While following a trail of clues to work out how to avert danger he meets Decima and together they try to save everyone from the demon on Mount Vesuvius. Will Dorkius’ dream of becoming a Roman hero come true?

Will he be able to stay alive that long?

‘This is an hilarious instalment of Dorkius’ diary. The characters are fantastic and show the reader aspects of Roman history as well as bringing excitement and adventure.’

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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 STEPNEY CITY FARM Stepney Way, E1 3DG ( Stepney Green) 020 7790 8204 stepneycityfarm.org Crafty Saturdays December 6 Rural arts workshop with a festive theme. Monthly workshops. All ages.

Free entry.

Learning & tuition CHILD PRODIGY Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Kensington, Richmond 07950 458791 childprodigy.org.uk Workshops 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 Tuition Maths, English and 11+ tuition centres with sessions tailored to your child’s needs. All abilities welcome.

Open 7 days a week for twice weekly visits on a drop-in basis.

Free trial session. 5-14 years.

FLEET TUTORS 0845 644 5452 fleet-tutors.co.uk Tuition Help students reach their potential with private home tutoring.

LA PETITE ÉCOLE DES CROCODILES Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, Hackney E5 OPU 07749 973 791 les-crocodiles.blogspot.co.uk les-crocodiles@hotmail.com French French classes for francophone children on Tuesdays & Wednesdays and French for English speaking children on Mondays from 4.15pm.

0-13 years old. Play, songs and stories for young children; writing, grammar, spelling, reading and drama classes for older children.

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

. .Established ........

1995

EK TWO WE ILABLE! TRIAL AVA

3–18 years

Class es in:

Ilfo Edmo rd nton

MATHS DOCTOR 020 3476 4398 mathsdoctor.co.uk/families Tuition Private maths tuition with professionally trained and certified tutors. One-to-one tuition. KS2, KS3, 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, AS and A Level and University.

Music 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.

RICH MIX 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Grand Union Youth Orchestra December 14 Free workshop programme for young musicians. Learn about world music and work alongside professionals.

12+ years.

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

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

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

Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

www.familieseast.co.uk

JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL 020 8447 4530 jigsaw-arts.co.uk Classes Weekend dance, drama and singing classes with shows and presentations. 3-18 years.

PQA) THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS 084567 32022 Brentwood, Chelmsford, Harlow, Romford, Wickford pqacademy.com Theatre Workshops Weekend performing Arts tuition.

Call or visit online to book a free taster session. 4-18 years.

PERFORM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Woodford Green 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk enquiries@perform.org.uk The Jungle!

From January to March Colourful wild adventures in tropical rain forests and go on an exhilarating Jungle Rumble.

Drama, dance and singing to help develop confidence, communication and concentration skills. Free trial sessions available. 4-8 years.

THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands.

020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com

Street Dance Classes Fitness and fun classes.

4-12 years. Free trial sessions.

Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design. Students get the chance to be considered

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clubs and classes for professional work. Classes on Saturdays in North London and Hackney, Tuesdays in Bethnal Green and Wednesdays in Docklands.

Drama qualifications also available.

Check online for ‘taster day’ dates.

4-18 years.

age groups from U5 to veterans. Call for further details or check online.

YOUNG & TALENTED Oxford House, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG and Broadway Theatre, Barking, IG11 7LS 020 8556 5348 youngandtalented.co.uk

Football Skills Football training for kids.

18 months-7 years.

Classes Acting, singing and dancing classes on Saturdays with theatre productions. 3-16 years in Bethnal Green and 5-19 years in Barking.

Sports BEALONIANS FC Ilford, Essex Contact Bill: 07958 636493 bealoniansfc.com Football Coaching Saturday and Sunday sessions with

LITTLE KICKERS Islington, Hackney, Wapping & Wanstead. littlekickers.co.uk

LEE VALLEY RIDING CENTRE Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL (Clapton ) 020 8556 2629 visitleevalley.org.uk Christmas Show December 19 Horse and pony show with festive displays. Free to spectators.

TRY TIME KID’S RUGBY Victoria Park, Stratford Dulwich, St Albans, Richmond, Wandsworth 01252 794150 trytimekidsrugby.com sales@trytimekidsrugby.com

CHRiSTmaS GifT iDEaS Instead of the filling up the toy box with more plastic toys that the children will tire of, what about a place at Jigsaw Performing Arts school. Jigsaw provide inspiring classes for children from 3 years to 18 years. Bookings paid for in full before Christmas will be given

JiGSaw’S wiLD wEST SHOw After almost 20 years of building an established and quality provider of children’s performing arts classes in 20 locations, Jigsaw founder, Nicola Lander has decided to franchise in order to expand. Nicola shares with us what its like to be a working mum who runs her own performing arts school business.

‘I have enjoyed many years of the most rewarding job in the world. Not only do I enjoy the fulfilment of watching so many children grow and reach their full potential in their time at Jigsaw, I have a job that also allows me to be there when my own children need

Classes Rugby based play sessions to develop social, mental and physical skills. Experienced coaches.

Free trial class. 2-7 years. Cost £10 per session.

Theatre workshops HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, London E1 OND ( Stepney Green) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Youth Theatre Theatre and drama sessions and end of term performances on stage.

5-18 years. Cost £5 per session.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com UP Club Free members’ club most Saturdays.

Take part in themed activities and

special events on selected dates.

4+ years.

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

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

a free t-shirt (Worth £10). We can also send a Voucher that you can gift wrap with the t-shirt. You’ll be purchasing that special child, 11 weeks of performing arts fun! Visit our website www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530 to purchase an exciting and rewarding Christmas gift.

me. I can be there for first day at school, the Christmas show or sports day. I am now looking forward to supporting and training new Jigsaw franchisees in a fulfilling business and helping them to achieve a good work/ life balance. Our first franchise opened in Wimbledon this year and Michael, our first franchisee is already seeing the benefits of his hard work. I’m sure that the success of Jigsaw is due to the fact that I love my job and I really believe in the benefits of drama, dance and singing for all children. I have two very different sons. My eldest is very sensitive and my youngest is a talker! They have both taken different benefits and skills from attending Jigsaw. They are not there because I want them to be professional actors, they are there because I know it will help them to be confident, well rounded individuals who work well with others and have great self esteem.’

Whether you want your children to attend Jigsaw or are interested in finding out more about a Jigsaw franchise, please call Nicola on 0208 447 4530.

SPECiaL OffER: PRiZE DRaw Jigsaw Performing Arts School is offering a FREE scholarship place at their Ilford and Edmonton schools for the Spring term 2015 to give away. Classes take place at the weekend for students aged 3-18 years. A term’s scholarship is worth between £150 for 3-6 years and £280 for 7-18 years. For more details go to www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk To be entered into the Prize Draw, email your name, address, telephone number and your child’s name and age to admin@jigsaw-arts.co.uk quoting FAMILIES SCHOLARSHIP in the subject box.

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

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Shop locally this Christmas and give more than just presents...

by Sal Jefford

Christmas is upon us once again, and unless you are amazingly prepared and have bought all your presents already, there’s shopping to be done!

The big retailers have been bombarding us for weeks, and you can rarely walk down the street or switch on the television without seeing adverts for this year’s Christmas must-haves. But what about the small, local, independent retailers? The businesses which are owned and run by local residents, often parents who are trying to feed, clothe and support their own families. Small businesses easily get ‘lost’ in the hubbub of Christmas, when really it’s a time of the year when we should be using them just as much, if not more, than usual.

Yes, the large supermarkets and online retailers can offer price savings, because they are big and they have bulk-buying power. But they don’t offer low prices to save you money, they offer them to make more profit for themselves, by offering loss leaders, or by negotiating lower prices from their suppliers, who then haggle with the manufacturers, who end up making smaller profits themselves, and sometimes even selling at a loss.

But what about the things that the big businesses don’t offer? These are the things that small businesses generally excel at providing – handmade goods and locally

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produced items, in-depth product knowledge and personalised advice, customer service, a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience. You may not get the lowest prices, but you do get excellent value for money.

Added to all of this, when you buy local you are making an important contribution to your local economy.

Spending money with local businesses causes a ripple-effect, as those businesses in turn spend locally, and on and on. Various research has been undertaken, with results showing that when £10 is spent in a local shop, between £16 and £50 goes back into the local economy, helping to improve local prosperity and create jobs.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-political, noncommercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2014 Small Business Saturday UK will take place on Saturday December 6th.

Will you shop locally this Christmas?

Shopping locally gives you: Handmade goods – made by local craftspeople, these are often one-of-akind items that you won’t find in the big retailers.

In-depth product knowledge and advice – small business owners often have a better knowledge of the lines they stock, for example which clothing brands ‘run large’ and which are true to size, or which shoes offer the best fit for narrow feet.

Customer service – love the item but don’t like the colour?

Independent retailers are often happy to order in products in other colours or sizes for you, and they usually deal with any complaints or problems in a far friendlier way than bigger businesses do.

A more enjoyable shopping experience – local business owners frequently like to take the time to chat and get to know their customers, which makes for a far nicer experience.

Stronger community ties – shopping locally helps to create town centres which are more sustainable and vibrant, meaning people feel part of the community.

Local businesses are also often more willing than larger chains are to support local causes that have more meaning to them, and the area in which they live and work.

Shopping locally helps to create town centres which are more sustainable and vibrant, meaning people feel part of the community.

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 festive fun • christmas concerts

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 emailadverts@familieseast.co.uk.

Festive fun BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk Christmas Market December 12-21 Products from local traders on sale in the foyer. Also mulled wine, chocolates and mince pies. Free entry.

EASTBURY MANOR HOUSE Eastbury Square, Barking IG11 9SN ( Upney) 020 8724 1000 lbbd.gov.uk/eastburymanorhouse Candlelight Tour November 25 Evening event.

Community Carol Singing December 13 Annual carol singing event. Free.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill) 020 8699 1872 horniman.ac.uk Horniman Christmas Fair December 6, 7

Christmas markets, festive treats and music from local choirs.

bulbs from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Tools provided. Wear suitable footwear. No booking required.

LEE VALLEY VELOPARK Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3AB ( Stratford) 08456 770 603 visitleevalley.org.uk

TOWER OF LONDON EC3N 4AB ( Tower Hill) 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk

UCI Track Cycling World Cup December 5-7 Olympic and world champions.

Tickets £10-£75.

STEPNEY CITY FARM Stepney Way, E1 3DG ( Stepney Green) 020 7790 8204 stepneycityfarm.org Craft your own Christmas December 6 Christmas craft festival to try out different traditional crafts and to take a handmade gift home to someone special. All ages. Free entry.

THREE MILLS ISLAND Three Mills Lane, Bromley by Bow, E3 3DU ( Bromley-by-Bow) 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Forest Rangers Autumn Planting November 30 Help the rangers plant trees and

Families – Reduced Entry Scheme Residents of Tower Hamlets with an Idea Store Card or Tower Hamlets Leisure Services card can visit the Tower for only £1. Check online for further details. Tickets valid on day of purchase. No advance booking.

‘Me and My Cat’ at the Half Moon Theatre

TRAFALGAR SQUARE ( Charing Cross) london.gov.uk Tree Lighting Ceremony Traditionally the tree is lit at the beginning of December.

Blessing of the Crib December 7 Torch-lit procession from St Martinin-the-Fields church steps to Trafalgar Square. Free. stmartin-in-the-fields. org.

Carol Singing December 8-23 Carol singers and charity collections under the Christmas tree.

London NYE Fireworks 2014 December 31 Fireworks displays after Big Ben strikes midnight. Tickets £10.

VALENTINES MANSION & GARDENS Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA ( Gants Hill) 020 8708 8100 valentinesmansion.com Farmers’ Market November 23 Local produce.

Guests enjoyed a night of skating at the launch of Christmas at Westfield

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Christmas Choir Concert December 7 Mulled wine and mince pies.

Adults only. Cost £12.

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Countdown to Christmas December 14 Activities for children 2-8 years.

Booking required. Cost £5.

Christmas Concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk Junior Trinity Winter Concerts November 23 Performances from students aged 9-19 from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music. Cost £10/£5.

The Sound of Musicals December 28 Music from Broadway and West End musicals.

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain January 4 Winter concert from the young musicians. Cost £10-£28.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) 0845 401 5045 royalalberthall.com

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where’s santa • ice rinks • cinema places to go Christmas Carol Singalong December 13, 18, 20, 23 Carols by Candlelight December 13, 20, 21, 23, 24

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD ( St Paul’s) stpauls.co.uk/Christmas Advent Procession November 29, 30 Sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Paternoster Square Screen December 23, 24 Carol services shown live on a large screen in Paternoster Square.

SPITALFIELDS WINTER FESTIVAL 020 7377 1362 spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk Winter Festival December 5-16 Winter Fayre on the Farm December 7 Free event at Spitalfields City Farm with musical workshops. All ages.

Sing Out: Song Workshop December 13 Develop vocal skills and learn new songs. 7+ years. Cost £10.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY SW1P 3PA ( St James’s Park) 020 7222 5152 westminster-abbey.org Christmas Concert December 16 Evening concert with readings and traditional carols. Booking required.

Cost from £15.

Christmas Services December 23, 24, 25 Lessons and carols. Ticketed services – bookings online from 17 Nov.

Where’s Santa EPPING FOREST The View, 6 Rangers Road, Chingford, E4 7QH (Chingford ) 020 7332 1911 cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforestevents Christmas Grotto December 13, 14 Meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Booking required. Cost £10.95 per child includes a gift.

HAMLEYS REGENT STREET 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT ( Oxford Circus) hamleys.com Father Christmas at Hamleys November 22-December 24 Meet Father Christmas and his elves, sit down to a meal, take part in activities and receive a special gift. 4-11 years. Cost £45 per child/ photos £10.

HARRODS 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL ( Knightsbridge) 0333 300 2300 harrods.com The Christmas Grotto November 7-December 24 Visit Santa, receive a gift and enjoy Afternoon tea treats. Booking required. Special charges apply.

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND W2 2UH ( Hyde Park Corner) hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Santa Land and Visit Santa Visit Santa Land, ride on the Santa Express and meet Santa and his elves. Visit to Santa is free but tokens needed for the other attractions.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF (Cheshunt ) 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk/farms Farm-tastic Santa December 13, 14, 20-23 Visit Santa in his grotto and meet the reindeer and all the other farm animals. Also crafts, activities and indoor play barn. Booking required.

Cost £12/£10/£5.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Victorian Santa’s Grotto December 6-23 Meet Santa in a secret grotto on an atmospheric Victorian street. Receive a gift. Cost from £7, photographs extra.

SUTTON HOUSE – NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Hackney Central) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Frontline Football WW1 Christmas November 30 Make a soldiers ID and play a game of table football.

Christmas Craft Fair and Santa’s Grotto December 6 Christmas gifts, mulled wine, mince pies and a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

Entry to fair £1.50 and visit to Santa £2.

WESTFIELD International Square, Stratford City, E20 1EJ ( Stratford) uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/ hidden-house Christmas before Christmas November 20-December 24

One Snowy Night, Discover Children’s Story Centre

Visit Santa’s Grotto. Supporting Save the Children charity. Santa visits off peak £5/family £16, peak £6/family £20.

The Hidden House November 20-January 4 Classic tales with a twist, through a maze with special effects. Cost £10/£5.

WINTERVILLE Victoria Park, E3 5SN ( Mile End) winterville.co.uk December 2-31 Live entertainment and market stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Robin Hood Pantomime, House of Fairy Tales, horse drawn carriages, outdoor ice rink and a dedicated area for families with children. Free entry but charges apply for each attraction.

Open-air ice rinks Open-air ice rinks operate from 10am to 10pm in all weather conditions so come prepared and take care. Each bookable ice rink session is one hour long and skate hire is included in the price.

BROADGATE ICE RINK Exchange Square, EC2A 2BQ ( Liverpool Street) broadgate.co.uk/ice

years and over) and £9.50 (4-12 years) Family £39.50. Polar Bear skate aids £5.

Christmas Market November 17-December 24 Festive atmosphere with handicrafts and gifts on sale.

HYDE PARK hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 21-January 4 Open air skating from 10am to 10pm as part of the annual Hyde Park event. Other attractions include Christmas markets, Circus, Giant Wheel, Santa Land and a Magical Ice Kingdom. Each activity is charged separately.

WINTERVILLE ICE RINK Victoria Park, E3 5SN ( Mile End) winterville.co.uk December 2-31 Outdoor ice rink with café bar.

Part of the Winterville entertainment in Victoria Park. Cost £7.50-£12.

Local residents £5.

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street/Beech Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film

November 17-February 26 A short walk from Liverpool Street station and surrounded by shops and restaurants. Ice rink will be closed during special school sessions.

Penguin skate aids available to hire at £5 per hour. Cost £12.50/£8.50/ family £33.50.

Framed Film Festival November 22, 23 Films, events, workshops and themed activities. 4-11 years.

CANARY WHARF Canada Square Park, E14 5AB ( Canary Wharf) 08456 531 431 icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk November 1-February 28 Large skating area in the heart of Canary Wharf with onsite bar and viewing terrace. Cost £14.50 (13

The Boy and the World (U) December 7 Framed Film Club. Animation.

Paddington November 29 Framed Film Club. New release, big screen debut with live action and CGI.

GENESIS CINEMA 93-95 Mile End Road, Whitechapel, E1 4UJ ( Stepney Green) 020 7780 2000

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places to go museums • exhibitions • theatre • pantomime genesiscinema.co.uk Genesis Family Family screenings on Saturday and Sundays. Cost £3.50.

PREMIERE CINEMAS Mercury Mall, Mercury Gardens, Romford 01708 740700 Weekends at the Premiere Morning screenings at 10am.

All tickets £4.

( Russell Square) 020 7405 2127 dickensmuseum.com A Christmas Carol and Other Tales of Christmas Past December 19-29 Magical show with shadow puppets.

Cost £15/£10.

Christmas Programme Check online for details on Costumed Tours, Christmas Walks and a Very Dickensian Christmas Eve!

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

DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ ( Stratford) 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift (U) November 22, 23 Cost £1.75.

Tickets £5/family £18/Newham Residents £4.50/under 2 years free.

The Boxtrolls (PG) November 29, 30 Cost £1.75.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk A Date to Remember December 15-24, 29-31, January 2 Create designs for a calendar of events to take home. Free.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Family Workshops November 16, 22, 28, 29, 30 December 5, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20-22, 27-30 January 2, 3 Digital technology and design workshops. Booking required for some sessions. Free.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX

Once There Was…The Wonderful World of Oliver Jeffers Interactive family exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the picture book ‘How to Catch a Star’ by author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers. For children under 6 years and their families.

The Way Back Home November 22, 23 Find how two new friends find their way back home. 3+ years.

Jingle Babies November 28-January 4 Seasonal stories with songs and sparkle! Stay and play in the baby zone afterwards. 0-3 years.

Christmas Chill Out November 29-January 4 New zone for older children with activities and games. 6+ years.

Nick Butterworth December 6 Book signing session with Nick Butterworth – celebrating the new production of One Snowy Night.

The Gruffalo’s Child/Stick Man December 28-January 4 Two stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 3+ years.

One Snowy Night November 28-December 24 Christmas tale based on Nick Butterworth’s best selling books.

Meet Percy the Park Keeper and help him get everyone to sleep on one cold winter’s night. Limited capacity so early booking recommended. 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 Christmas Past Exhibition How Christmas has been celebrated in English homes over the past 400 years.

‘The Magic Porridge Pot’ at the Half Moon Theatre

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A Georgian Christmas December 4

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‘The Nutcracker’ at the Unicorn Theatre

Candlelight events with music, workshops and stalls. Free entry.

Christmas Carols December 6 Favourite carols through the ages.

Free.

Farewell to Christmas January 6 Outdoor event with traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, carols, Epiphany stories, mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Free.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk Visit the Family Station Pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to explore the museum – Trace find and draw, Shape Spotter, Fold and go bus, Postcards, Flickr frames and Travel card holder. 3-12 years. Annual ticket £15/children free.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Romp and Roll November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20 Dance sessions for children 2-5 years. Cost £3 on the day.

Christmas Designer Market November 30 Browse independent craft and designer stalls for gifts. Free entry.

Small Stories at Home in a Doll’s House From December 13 Family exhibition to explore dolls’ houses inside and outside.

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP (Walthamstow Central ) 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk

Rossetti’s Obsession Until January 4 Exhibition of images of Jane Morris, the wife of William Morris painted

by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Free.

Creative Kids December 11, January 8 Regular creative sessions. Under 5 years. Booking required. Free.

A Bear Called Paddington November 14-January 4 Exhibition charting the story of Paddington Bear. Free entry.

Winter Warmer December 21 Free drop-in festive event.

Paddington’s Picnic Weekend November 29, 30 Family festival with crafts, storytelling and special guests.

5+ years. Free.

Theatre shows & pantomimes

MUSEUMS TAKE OVER DAY kidsinmuseums.org.uk November 21 Children from local schools take part in museum activities for the day, helping with tours and workshops.

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BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk The Possible Impossible House December 17-28 Meet a friendly philosophical spider, a talking mouse and a not-so-veryfrightening ghost. 7+ years. Cost £12.

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theatre • pantomime places to go

Paddington Bear at the Museum of London

GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES ( Greenwich/Cutty Sark/also Riverboat services) 020 8858 4447 greenwichtheatre.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk November 20-January 11 Pantomime fun with Jack, an old cow, a bag of beans and a mysterious fairy. Cost £26/children half price.

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Once in a Blue Moon November 15 Dance, live music and free craft session before the performance.

3-6 years. Cost £6.

The Magic Porridge Pot & Other Tasty Tales November 22 Yummy yarns with puppets and pop-up sets. 3-7 years. Cost £6.

Princess and the Pea November 29 Classic tale retold. 3+ years. Cost £6.

Me and My Cat? December 13 Projections, puppets and fun.

6+ years. Cost £6.

Cinder-Ella December 20 Fully integrated British Sign Language. 3-8 years. Cost £6.

NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 9PX ( Waterloo) 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk Treasure Island From December 3 Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of murder, money and mutiny. 10+ years.

Cost £15, £28, £39, £50. Half price on certain tickets for under 18 years.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com

The Elves and the Shoemaker December 9-22 Sam Lacey gets help from two tiny visitors to make good shoes. 3+ years. Cost £10/family £30.

The Snowman November 26-January 4 Based on Raymond Briggs’ book about a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. Suitable for all ages. Cost £15-£35/family (4) ticket £100 to include at least 1 child.

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

QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1QT ( Hornchurch) 01708 462362 queens-theatre.co.uk Sleeping Beauty November 29-January 10 An evil fairy casts a spell on a princess. Family pantomime.

Cost £26.50-£12.50.

RICH MIX ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Jazz for Toddlers November 18 Music and movement. Part of the London Jazz Festival. 2-5 years.

Cost £5.

Me and My Cat? November 30, December 1 Join Detective K in a fast action packed story. 6+ years. Cost £6/£5.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com Emily Brown and The Thing November 29 Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit Stanley hear a Thing crying outside.

3+ years. Cost £10/family £30.

The Hunchback Dame of Notre Newham December 6 Pantomime performance by members of Blue Sky Actors, the resident theatre company for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties. Cost £3/£2.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King November 21-January 4 Marie retrieves a broken Nutcracker from under the Christmas tree, but on the stroke of midnight he comes

alive. 8+ years. Cost £22/£15.

The Fourth Wise Man November 30-January 4 A tale of one man and his camel.

4+ years. Cost £16/£10.

Scrunch December 9-January 4 Baby gets a present not to be opened until Christmas day. A sensory show for babies 6-18 months. Cost £16/£10.

The Polar Bears Go Wild January 9-25 Two friendly polar bears on an adventure of a lifetime.

2+ years. Cost £16/£10.

‘Home from home’ at Chilly Powder Planning ahead for your next winter holiday? Then Chilly Powder (www.chillypowder. com) is worth a look. Francesca, Paul and their 3 children – Ben, Eloise & Jamie Eyre – live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski holiday for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities.

Chilly Powder (www. chillypowder.com) have been operating catered chalet ski holidays since 1996. The genuine ski to the door location of their 3 luxury catered ski chalets with unrivalled in-house

childcare facilities sets them apart from other ski chalets in Morzine, France.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, there is an outdoor hot tub, sauna and massage room and in-house childcare is provided in their own crèche.

Their ski chalets are unique in Morzine for small or large groups or for individual families with children or babies. With excellent food, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere of their chalets make it the perfect winter holiday destination. For many returning guests Chilly Powder it is considered a real home from home.

POTTED SHERLOCK Vaudeville Theatre, London: 8 December 2014 11 January 2015 For a strictly limited Christmas holiday run, double Best Entertainment Olivier Award nominees Dan and Jeff star in the London premiere of their new show Potted Sherlock, hot on the heels of worldwide hit Potted Potter and festive funhouse Potted Panto.

This show sees the duo return with their greatest

challenge yet: the entire works of one of the greatest detectives in literary history, Sherlock Holmes. All sixty stories retold in eighty elementary minutes!

For all press enquiries and ticket requests, please contact: Susie Safavi on 07875 277 913 or email Susie@seabrights.com

A Christmas Carol at the Charles Dickens Museum

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