Families East London Issue 83

Issue 83 Jan/Feb 2015

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East London

New Year issue

Health & Happiness Clubs & Classes Places to Go

Distributors wanted for Families East London Magazine For the following areas: Barking, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Hackney, Ilford, Isle of Dogs, Romford, Victoria Park, Walthamstow and Woodford.

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

We’re

Meetings | Online | Mobile

HERE TO HELP

* We’re here to help with a range of options to suit you.

However you choose to eat, vegetarian, gluten-free, lower carb - it doesn’t matter. The Weight Watchers approach offers you different ways to eat, enjoy the food you love and achieve a healthy weight loss.

WITH A PLAN TO SUIT YOU

Find out more at your local meeting

Wanstead Quaker Meeting House Bush Road, Leytonstone E11 3AU Saturday 9:30am Michelle Oxlade 0345 677 7788 Methodist Church Hall 2 Lister Road, Leytonstone E11 3DS Wednesday 6:30pm Simon Barker 0345 677 7788 Kelmscott School 245 Markhouse Road, Walthamstow E17 8DN Tuesday 7:00pm Barbara Ackred 01708 721 739

Wanstead United Reform Church

The Memorial Hall

Nightingale Lane, Wanstead E11 2HD

209 High Road, South Woodford E18 2PA

Friday 9:30am

Wednesday 9:30am

Simon Barker 0345 677 7788

Simon Barker 0345 677 7788

Our Lady and St. George Catholic Church

Ilford Conservative Club

132 Shernhall Street, Walthamstow E17 9HU

42 Ilford Hill, Ilford IG1 2AT

Wednesday 12:30pm

Monday 5:30pm, 6:45pm

Saturday 9:00am

Tuesday 7:45am, 11:00am

Barbara Ackred 01708 721 739

Marie Gray 0345 677 7788

For more local meetings visit !

weightwatcherslocal.co.uk

0345 677 7788 text LOCAL + postcode to 62223** ** Standard network charges apply.

WW10235_74476_A48- Families East London- Half Page_180x130.indd 1

£10 pass

monthly

First month

MEETINGS

+

ONLINE

+

*Qualifying period and conditions apply. See website for details. Excludes Northern Ireland.

St. John’s Church Stratford Broadway, Stratford E15 1NG Wednesday 12:00pm, 6:00pm Georgina Neil 07885 209 078 Reebok Sports Club 16-19 Canada Square, Canary Wharf E14 5ER Wednesday 7:30am, 11:30am Thursday 7:30am, 11:30am Toni Fancourt 0345 677 7788 †Purchase Monthly Pass in your first Weight Watchers meeting before 28 February 2015 and pay £10 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Note that if you purchase Monthly Pass without a coupon, you will be charged £16.95 for the first month.

Monthly fee (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to change. Available in England, Scotland or Wales. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with At Work.

Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals aged 18 years or older.

MOBILE

C90011445 HAND THIS VOUCHER IN AT YOUR MEETING C90011445

844

05/12/2014 13:20

Contents Issue 83 | Jan/Feb 2015 | Families East London

This Issue

4

7

8

4 Education

4 Secondary Schools

7 Health & Happiness 7 New Year’s Resolutions 8 Recipes from WeightWatchers

Regular Features

9

9 Clubs & Classes

12

17

14 Ed’s Reading Room 15 Places to Go

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18

15

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

to our first issue of 2015. As the old year fades into memory there is so much to look forward to in the New Year ahead. I hope you enjoy the magazine.

Do let me know by email at editor@familieseast.co.uk.

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2015.

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.

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

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education

Secondary Schools

By Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais

Choosing the right secondary school for your child may be a challenge you feel illprepared for. How do you know which secondary school to choose?

Would your child pass the state selective secondary school 11+ exams and, more importantly, be happy at school?

This question is critical when considering the state selective secondary school options for your child. Are all children suitable for state selective secondary schools? Definitely not. It’s an incredibly challenging exam and journey to attempt.

For the right child, it’s a dream come true: life changing. For the wrong child, a potential disaster; a harmful exercise which may result in lowered self-esteem and feelings of failure for a lifetime.

The only way to approach this is to know precisely how suitable your child may, or may not be. Start by asking for your child’s current and predicted national curriculum levels in maths and English at school. To really be sure, have an independent assessment which measures not only current achievement, but your child’s academic future potential as well.

If your child has the potential to pass these exams, then learning the curriculum and the exam strategies should follow fairly easily with some effort and commitment by both parent and child.

So, how bright does your child need to be to gain a place at a state selective secondary school?

They need a high level of reasoning ability, to solve complex multi-tiered problems quickly and accurately. They need a high standard at maths and English and able to work quickly and accurately in both subjects. One parent’s

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idea of ‘high level’ may be quite different to another’s, and similarly being on the ‘top table’ in one primary school for maths and English, may not equate with another primary school; it will depend on the cohort of children in the year group.

Looking at it from the very bright child’s perspective, they will find maths and English relatively easy and seem to do very well, always near the top of the class each year. They are likely to be assessed to be in the top 25% of children for ability. They are likely to need some light tutoring before sitting these exams as the exams are demanding and tutoring preparation makes it less stressful for both the child and their parents. This also ensures correct coverage of the

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maths and English curriculum to be tested in September of Year 6. During Year 5, it is unlikely your child will have covered the areas to be examined in sufficient range or depth for the 11+ exams. Verbal and nonverbal reasoning strategies may also be needed, similarly mathematical reasoning strategies and finding missing vocabulary words in context.

Timing will need to be practised; working at a speed at 30 seconds a question and being able to process fast auditory instructions accurately are also being tested, combined with curriculum knowledge and methods.

From the bright child’s perspective, the exams should feel manageable and exciting, a welcome challenge; almost game-like.

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education

For the right child, it’s a dream come true: life changing. For the wrong child, a potential disaster; a harmful exercise which may result in lowered self-esteem and feelings of failure for a lifetime.

So the question for parents is not just about which schools to choose, but also how do you know if your child would be successful long term with this choice?

Not just to pass the exam – but to be happy, to thrive and flourish long term in an environment that should be as near to perfect for them as possible.

Think long term happiness, rather than short term gain. Your child’s happiness has to be the most important factor.

A naturally clever child in the top 5% will be happy in a state selective school if it is right for them culturally, and they pass the entrance exam comfortably. A child in the top 25% at the lower end, may be happier in their local state secondary school in the top sets working at their own pace without the unrealistic pressures they might have faced.

In the end, these children will sit the same GCSEs and A Levels and have the same opportunities to go to the same universities. Providing the teaching in school is excellent, and the personal aspirations of the student are realistic and ambitious, your child should fulfil their potential, whichever school they attend.

With your realism, support and belief behind them, they will always be a winner.

A naturally clever child in the top 5% will be happy in a state selective school if it is right for them culturally, and they pass the entrance exam comfortably.

Jaderberg Krais offer educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children, including the 11+. If you would like more information contact Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais on: 020 3488 0754 at www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk

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

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

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education Learn to Read in FOUR Weeks for FREE* with Reading Eggs!

Full of educationally sound, fun and interactive activities, Reading Eggs focuses on the most fundamental skill needed in school: reading.

Children from 3 to 7 years of age, or older children struggling with reading, will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs programme. Reading Eggspress continues the reading adventure by taking children to a brand new world designed for 7-13 year olds, focusing on comprehension and grammar. Reading Eggspress provides a unique learning environment where students can improve their English language and comprehension skills in a way that is exciting and relevant.

These programmes provide a comprehensive range of online lessons that teach children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. The reason why over 90% of parents using Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills is because the programme makes learning fun.

Sign up for a special 4 WEEK FREE trial* and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress.

Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/jan15le.

Registration is quick, easy and FREE! * Free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Not applicable for schools.

Learn to Read

in 4 weeks for FREE with Reading Eggs The multi-award winning online reading programme for 3-13 year olds.

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and eBooks that teach children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. The reason why over 90% of parents using Reading Eggs report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills is because the programme makes learning phonics and basic reading skills fun.

With hundreds of reading lessons and activities to explore, sign up for our special 4 WEEK TRIAL* and see first-hand how your child’s reading can improve in just 4 weeks!

Get ready for back to school with Explore Learning!

Get the new school term 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.

FREE

4 WEEK TRIAL*

Hurry, offer ends 28th February 2015.

Register today at

www.readingeggs.co.uk/jan15le

0845 644 5452

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

*Free trial only available for new customers who sign up at the above address.

The multi-award winning online reading programme!

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health and happiness

Remove the roadblocks and achieve those New Year’s resolutions

By Lyndon Littlefair

HEALTH & HAPPINESS

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. It is January!

Christmas is over, all of the silly season parties are finished, and yes those New Year’s resolutions that seemed so good at 2am in the morning on 1st January have to start now.

If you are like most people, the reality is always the hardest thing to put into practice. Of course then there are all the excuses. And believe me, in 20 years working in this industry, I have heard some great ones.

• N o Time. This is always the classic.

The thing is, there is always time you just have to look at how much time you do have available and then break down what you need to do. For example, try breaking your workout down into 10 minutes per day. Choose two or three exercises per day and make up three different mini programmes.

If you did this six days per week, then you have done the programme twice each week. I’m sure that you could find 10 minutes a day.

• N o Motivation.

If this is the case, then sit down and be honest with yourself. How much do you want to achieve your goals?

Is the desire for change bigger than

the current situation? Be honest with yourself and write down why you want to achieve your specific goals. Then start! The hardest thing about starting any is that first step. But you can do it!

• N one of my friends exercise. Then start to surround yourself with like-minded people who do. Join a running club. Do an exercise class.

Dare to be different and work out why you want to achieve your goals.

• I don’t know where to start. The thing is, you wouldn’t try to fix your car yourself if it broke down. Or take apart your computer if you didn’t have the skills. Find someone who is an expert to help you. Look at the skills that you would need to help you along your way and seek out and find someone with those specific skills.

• W ork always gets in my way. Then prioritise your goals. No, I’m not saying quit work, but learn to say no when the boss wants everything finished yesterday. Also, be strict with yourself and say ‘this is my timeto exercise’ and just work around everything else. Otherwise you will never find the time.

• I will ‘try’ to start next week. There is an old saying ‘there is no trying just

doing’. Actually Yoda says this one.

But it is true. Don’t just try to do something next week. Put a date in the diary and ‘just do it’ as Nike says.

Now if you are reading this and any of these sound familiar, then you are not alone. Many people make New Year resolutions, especially after one too many. Don’t be one of these people.

Make and plan, stick to it and this time next year you can pat yourself on the back and say well done.

If you are like most people, the reality is always the hardest thing to put into practice. Of course then there are all the excuses.

And believe me, in 20 years working in this industry, I have heard some great ones.

Lyndon Littlefair runs a home personal training company. Contact him on 07957 152245 or homept@ londonwellness.co.uk

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

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health and happiness a splash of water if it looks as if it might stick. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for a further 2 minutes.

HEALTH & HAPPINESS

Food for sharing

Why not try our…

3. Add the stock and broccoli and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cornflour paste and simmer for about a minute until thickened. Stir in the crème fraîche and season to taste.

4. Spoon the pie filling into 4 x 200ml ovenproof dishes. Cut each of the filo sheets into quarters. Scrunch the pieces and use to top the pies. Mist with low fat spray, season and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables.

Mini chicken and broccoli pies

Roast lamb with redcurrant glaze Fancy some gravy? For an extra ProPoints value of 1 each, make up some gravy using 2 tsp lamb gravy granules per person.

• • • •

7 ProPoints per serving ProPoints value of 31 per recipe 344 calories per serving 10 minutes to prepare, 50 minutes to cook • Serves 4 • Chicken thigh contains only 55 more calories per 100g (raw weight) than breast meat but it has much more flavour – it’s absolutely delicious in stews, bakes and pies.

• 12 ProPoints per serving

950g (2lb 2oz) leg or half leg of lamb on the bone, trimmed of all visible fat 1 garlic clove, sliced thinly 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tsp Dijon mustard 900g (2lb) new potatoes, halved if large 480g (1lb 1oz) frozen peas 1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 5/190°C/ fan 170°C. Pierce the leg all over with the tip of a sharp knife and insert the slices of garlic into the holes. Season well and roast for 30 minutes per 450g – this joint should take just over 1 hour.

2. Combine the redcurrant jelly, mint and mustard. Fifteen minutes before the lamb has finished roasting, baste it carefully with the redcurrant marinade. Return it to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time, then allow it to stand for 15 minutes before carving.

3. Meanwhile, cook the new potatoes until tender and steam the peas. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with the vegetables.

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Low fat cooking spray 400g (14oz) skinless, boneless chicken thigh, cut into large chunks 250g (9oz) shallots, halved if large 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 300ml (1/2 pint) light chicken stock 125g(41/2oz) broccoli florets, cut into bite sized chunks 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 4 tbsp water 150g (51/2oz) half fat crème fraîche 100g (31/2oz) filo pastry

Pharmaton Vitality capsules We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks?

Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies.

Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, to feel the positive difference. (Licensed medicine) For the relief of fatigue. Always read the label.

1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/ 200°C/180°C fan oven. Heat a large, nonstick frying pan, mist with low fat cooking spray and cook the chicken over a medium heat for 10 minutes or so, turning occasionally, until it’s well browned.

Remove from the pan and set to one side.

2. Add the shallots to the same pan and cook for 5 minutes or until golden, adding

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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 lemonartlab.com Cave Painting January 17 Learn how to be a prehistoric artist.

4-11 years.

Art + Science February 21 Explore different techniques based on science experiments.

Learning & tuition CHILD PRODIGY Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Kensington, Richmond 07950 458791 childprodigy.org.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

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

Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

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.

MINDTORS 07821 775828 mindtors.co.uk info@mindtors.co.uk

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

After School Care Professional after school care with students from a top London university with childcare or tutoring experience.

MATHS DOCTOR 020 3476 4398 mathsdoctor.co.uk/families

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.

Music

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

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clubs and classes Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

. .Established ........

1995

EK TWO WE ILABLE! TRIAL AVA

3–18 years

Class es in:

Ilfo Edmo rd nton

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

Performing arts GDND ACADEMY Harford Multicentre, 115 Harford Street, E1 4FG (Limehouse ) 07904 424 504 gdnd.co.uk Street Dance Classes Fitness and fun classes.

4-12 years. Free trial sessions.

The Jungle!

January to March Drama, dance and singing workshops. Tiptoe through the Jungle and explore tropical rainforests and go on an exhilarating Jungle Rumble.

Free trial sessions available. 4-8 years.

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

020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com

Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design with shows, competitions, annual Oscar Night and holiday schools. Students get the chance to be considered for professional work.

Classes on Saturdays in North London and Hackney, Tuesdays in Bethnal Green, Wednesdays in Docklands and Thursdays in Lewisham. Fiorentini Weenies for 3-6 years and drama qualifications also available. Check online for ‘taster day’ dates. 4-18 yrs.

YOUNG & TALENTED Oxford House, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG and Broadway Theatre, Barking, IG11 7LS 020 8556 5348 youngandtalented.co.uk Classes Acting, singing and dancing classes on Saturdays with theatre productions. 3-16 years in Bethnal Green and 5-19 years in Barking.

JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Ilford, Edmonton 020 8447 4530 jigsaw-arts.co.uk Classes Weekend dance, drama and singing classes with shows and presentations. Free scholarship place available, check online for details. Two week trial available.

3-18 years.

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS (PQA) 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

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clubs and classes

Sports BEALONIANS FC Ilford, Essex Contact Bill: 07958 636493 bealoniansfc.com Football Coaching Saturday and Sunday sessions with age groups from U5 to veterans. Call for further details or check online.

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

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 ROYAL STRATFORD EAST Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN ( Stratford) 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com

Theatre workshops

Workshops Educational resource material, talks, tours and workshops for students, teachers and professionals.

HACKNEY EMPIRE

Football Skills Football training for kids.

18 months-7 years.

291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk

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

Vocalize Workshops February 4-March 11 Vocal, rap and dance group. Different styles of singing with choreography and music and performing opportunities.

Book a place. 12-19 years. Free.

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UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com WW1 Workshop – Up Club+ February 14 Interactive drama workshop based on WW1 experiences.

Cost £2.

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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.

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clubs and classes 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.

Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 3–18

• 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

Annabel Karmel

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

Anna Fiorentini.indd 1

01/10/2014 16:14

2 tsp honey 200g sirloin steak, thinly sliced 5g small broccoli florets 75g baby corn, thinly sliced Half red pepper, cut into strips 1 pak choi, thinly sliced or 60g sugar snap peas Salt and pepper Method

Getting the whole family eating the same meal at the same time can be a challenge to say the least. Here is a favourite quick, healthy family meal that is easy to whip up and sure to mean empty plates and satisfied tummies at the end of the meal!

Beef Stir Fry From ‘Complete Family Meal Planner’ Ebury Press Ingredients

2 tbsp mirin (Japanese rice wine) 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp cornflour 2 tbsp sesame oil

1. Mix the mirin, soy sauce, water and cornflour together in a small bowl until smooth.

2. Heat a wok until hot. Coat the steak slices in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and the honey and season with salt and pepper.

Quickly fry over a high heat until brown and just cooked.

3. Transfer to a plate.

4. Heat the remaining sesame oil in the pan. Add the broccoli and red pepper and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add the corn and sugar snap peas or pak choi and stir fry for another 2 minutes.

5. Add the sauce mixture and bubble.

Season. Toss together until the sauce has coated the vegetables and beef.

Preparation: 5 minutes Cooking: 8 minutes Makes 2 Portions

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13

book corner

Room

Reading

Ed’s

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my New Year 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

The Royal Babysitters

by Clémentine Beauvais (Bloomsbury £5.99)

The Eager Elephant

Ed says:

by Amelia Cobb (Nosy Crow £4.99)

Ed says: ‘Zoe knows how lucky she is living at the Rescue Zoo where her mother works and she also has a special secret – she can understand the animals’ growls and grunts and talk back to them.

There is huge excitement when Zoe’s great-uncle arrives home from Africa with a crate containing a baby elephant.

Zoe enthusiastically follows Bertie’s progress but when Bertie finds himself in danger will Zoe and her animal friends be able to rescue him?

‘This is a lovely story for animallovers with more exciting adventures in the series. It is ideal for newly-confident readers or for reading together.’

‘When Holly and Anna read about an intergalactic holiday of a lifetime they absolutely have to go on, they decide they will have to get a job to pay for it. They soon talk themselves into being royal babysitters for a day but they are in for a shock when they realise there are six princes to be looked after – and an invasion to repel. Will the girls be able to survive the dangers and problems hurled at them during this crazy day of princesitting?

‘Here is a madcap adventure to delight both boys and girls. The story is complemented throughout with fantastic illustrations.’

7+

For ages 7 years PLUS

Terror Town

by Marcus Sedgwick (Orion £6.99)

with while attempting to complete their mission.

‘This is a fantastic story and a real pageturner of a book. If you enjoy it as much as I did you will want to look out for the next part of Elf Girl and Raven Boy’s travels.’

Mountwood School for Ghosts

by Toby Ibbotson (Macmillan £12.99)

Ed says: ‘Ghosts aren’t what they used to be, according to one 473 year old teacher! So she and her spectral friends set up Mountwood School for Ghosts to promote excellence in haunting. Two young humans Daniel and Charlotte meet the likeable ghost Percy and when they realise that problems in their neighbourhood (created by humans) are seemingly insuperable they enlist the help of the phantoms of Mountwood.

This is a thrilling and imaginativelywritten story that will have you on the edge of your seat. It is action-packed and full of humour.’

Ed says: ‘Elf Girl and Raven Boy, along with their friend Rat, are speeding across hills and fields on a magic flying carpet towards Terror Town. They have the Tears of the Moon but they must find the Singing Sword in order to save the world from the Goblin King. Zombies and werewolves are roaming the streets of Terror Town but there are also other scary things – and people – to contend

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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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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 PREMIERE CINEMAS Mercury Mall, Mercury Gardens, Romford 01708 740700 Grease Sing-a-Long Charity Event January 24 Event to raise funds for charities.

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

Penguins of Madagascar (U) January 31-February 1 NT Live – Treasure Island (12A) February 18

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk The First World War and the Bank of England From January 17

Exhibition looking at the impact of the war on the economy, the bank and its staff.

Striking Gold Stories February 16-20 Listen to stories told by costumed story tellers and take part in the gold trail to claim a prize.

Create a Comic January 17 Upload, print and take home.

7+ years. Free.

Chinese Adventures February 28 Digital activities. 5+ years. Free.

Reshuffling the Deck January 25 Learn about card games from around the world. Booking required.

7+ years. Free.

Little Feet January 29, February 19, 20 Touch, listen and look sessions for children under 5 years. Free.

Exploring Egyptian Mummies January 31 Digital workshop. Booking required.

Free.

Shadow Puppets Voice recording software and video cameras. 7+ years.

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Digital Music February 15 Music from around the world.

7+ years. Free.

Half Term Activities – Year of the Goat February 16-20 Chinese New Year celebrations with stories and art activities. Free.

Magical Mosaic Masks January 24 Design mosaic masks inspired by Aztec gods. 7+ years. Free.

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Egyptian Photo Booth February 14 Digital workshop. Free.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org

Ice Age animation Workshop January 18 Bring animals to life using digital cameras. Booking required. 7+ years.

Free.

Assembly of Animals at Discover Children’s Story Centre

7+ years. Free.

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

Annual pass available. Events are pre-bookable.

Once There Was…The Wonderful World of Oliver Jeffers Until September 6 Interactive family exhibition bringing his picture books to life. Play in favourite scenes from ‘How to Catch a Star’, ‘Up and Down’, ‘Lost and Found’ and ‘The Way Back Home’.

Wicked Wizards January 17, 18 Magical mayhem as wizards take over – grab a wand, make a hat and join the wizard stories.

Photography Mystery Trails February 7 Digital workshop. Photo ID deposit required. 5+ years.

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers January 24, 25 Join the Story Builder on an adventure to look for a star.

3+ years.

Greeks Alive!

February 8 Create animations with digital software. Booking required.

National Story Telling Week January 31, February 1 Celebrate with stories from around the World.

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museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts places to go The Way Back Home February 7, 8 Join the Story Builder to find how two new friends find their way back home. 3+ years.

Discover’s London Children’s Book Swap February 14 The Book Swap returns to top family friendly arts and cultural venues across London. Take along old books to a participating venue and swap for a different read. 6 years and under.

February Half Term February 14-22 Book swaps, Valentine’s Day activities, animal masks and Story Builder events with The Enormous Crocodile and Revolting Rhymes.

DISCOVER Author Event and Book Signing Tales from Schwartzgarten with Christopher William Hill February 16 Frog the Barbarian with Guy Bass February 18 Zoe and Beans: Pirates and Pants! with Chloe Inkpen February 20 Handmade Weekend February 28 and March 1 Three works created by Bamboo network. Trails Tails – a game for 4+ years. The Assembly of Animals for 3+ years with puppets, magic and demonstrations. 3ON3 for 8-12 years.

Become a human domino and create dances with boxes. Booking essential.

Anthony Browne’s The Big Write March 7, 8 Book signing and story telling from Anthony Browne with ‘Gorilla and Frida and Bear, Alexis Deacon – ‘Beegu’, Mini Grey – ‘Toys in Space’ and Hanne Bartholin with ‘Finn Herman’. Activities and story telling events for various age groups. Cost £6/£5.50/family (4) £21. Admission includes entry to Discover.

Hug Me with Simona Ciraolo March 14 Author and illustrator event.

4+ years.

Hugless Douglas

by David Melling March 15 Story Builder activities. 3+ years.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Restored Almshouse February 7, March 7 Visit the restored almshouses to see how London’s poor and elderly lived in the eighteenth century. Timed entries. Free for disabled visitors and a companion. Cost £3/children free.

Hackney City Farm

February Half Term Free activities during the school holidays. Check online for full programme details. 5-16 years.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk Family Station Discover the history of London’s transport network. Pick up a coin bag and choose from a range of 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 LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

Magic Carpet Storytelling January 18, 25 The magic carpet lands on a different painting every Sunday. Accompanied under 5 years. Free tickets allocated one hour before the event.

Studio Sundays January 18, 25 Hands-on workshops based on the gallery collections. Accompanied 5-11 years. Free tickets allocated one hour before the event.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Small Stories: At Home in a Doll’s House Until September 6 Family exhibition to explore dolls’ houses inside and outside.

Haunted Doll’s House Tours January 15, February 12 Adults only tours to explore the museum in the dark. Book in advance. Cost £5.

London Children’s Bookswap February 14 Bring unwanted books and swap them for new stories. Take part in activities. Books suitable for 0-14 years.

Miniature Worlds February 16-20 Discover a miniature world inspired by the exhibition. Free drop-in.

All ages.

Theatre Shows & Concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk

Music & Movement January 20 Monthly music sessions for toddlers.

1+ years.

Under 5s Storytime January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12 Puppets and music.

The Snail and the Whale February 17 Story telling sessions. 5+ years.

Chinese New Year February 19 Celebrate Chinese New Year with free family activities.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk

Anthony Browne’s The Big Write at Discover Children’s Story Centre

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 theatres • concerts A Night with Boy Blue February 27, 28 Hip-hop dance company featuring over twenty talented dancers, some as young as eight years old. 6+ years. Cost £15-£20.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Cirque Berserk January 16-17 Jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians. Cost £10-£25.

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music for Comic Relief February 18 Dress up and take part in an interactive show in aid of Red Nose Day. Cost £20.

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Need a Little Help January 16, 17 What does it mean to look after someone else. 3-7 years. Cost £6.

Shoe Kangaroo and the Big Bad Boot January 24 Journey to the island of lost shoes.

4-9 years. Cost £6.

Cirkus Spectakular January 31 Colours and sounds from Eastern Europe. 4+ years. Cost £6.

Puss in Boots February 7 Classic furry tail. 3-8 years.

Cost £6.

‘Chicken Licken’ at the Half Moon Theatre

Pied Piper February 14 Classic legend. 3-7 years. Cost £6.

Close your eyes and fly up high.

3-7 years. Cost £6.

Handa’s Surprise February 21 Puppets and music. 2-6 years.

Cost £6.

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

Pitschi, The Kitten with Dreams February 28 Storytelling, music and song.

2-6 years. Cost £6.

Curious March 7 Introduction to theatre for the very young. 0-3 years. Cost £6.

Up, Up and Away March 10-14

Romeo and Juliet March 3-29 A mix of dance movements from ballet to hip hop. Cost £15-£40.

ST JOHN AT HACKNEY CHURCH Lower Clapton Road, E5 OPD ( Hackney Central)

020 8985 5374 stjohnathackney.org.uk Hackney Children’s Theatre Variety Spectacular January 31 Popular annual family variety show.

Lots of audience participation. Venue for young theatre audiences bringing affordable theatre to East London.

Cost £5/group concessions available.

SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk Imagine Children’s Festival February 9-22 Theatre performances, music, workshops, readings from authors and celebrate the world of Alice in Wonderland with special events.

THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN ( Stratford) 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com Beauty & The Beast Until January 17 Join Belle on her magical adventures in an enchanting new version of a timeless classic. Cost £15-£26.50.

Oh What a Lovely War January 29-February 7 Musical production with songs that British soldiers sang during the war – a riot of music and colour and deeply moving. Cost £10.50-£34.50.

Concessions available.

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

Great Spitalfields Pancake Race

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special events places to go The Polar Bears Go Wild Until January 25 Two friendly polar bears on an adventure of a lifetime. 2+ years.

Cost £16/£10.

50 Dangerous Things (You should Let Your Children Do) February 14-22 Be brave, explore the world and experiment. 3-10 years.

Cost £10-£16.

Britain’s Best Recruiting Sergeant February 13-March 15 Commemorate the centenary of WW1 and the 150th anniversary of Vesta Tilley who led the way for female stars in the music hall business. 8+ years. Cost £10-£16.

Special Events ALTERNATIVE ARTS alternativearts.co.uk info@alternativearts.co.uk Great Spitalfields Pancake Race February 17 At Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1. Relay races to raise funds for London’s Air Ambulance.

Free entry.

Women’s History Month March 1-31 A wide range of events in Hackney and Tower Hamlets. Full programme details online.

International Women’s Week in Tower Hamlets March 7-14 Celebrate International Women’s Day with events by local community groups. Information online.

DISCOVER’S LONDON CHILDREN’S BOOK SWAP discover.org.uk February 14 Bring along a story book and swap it for someone else’s. Various events across London including Discover Children’s Story Centre, Barbican Children’s Library, Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, Rich Mix, Shoreditch Trust, Southbank Centre, Unicorn Theatre, V & A Museum of Childhood and William Morris Gallery.

EXCEL LONDON (Custom House DLR) E16 1XL 020 7069 5000 excel-london.co.uk The Baby Show February 20-22 Pregnancy and parenting event with family friendly facilities.

LEE VALLEY HOCKEY & TENNIS CENTRE Eton Manor, Leadmill Lane, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3AD (Leyton )

International Women’s Week in Tower Hamlets

08456 770 604 visitleevalley.org.uk Quicksticks Hockey and Mini Tennis February 17-19 Coaching skills, games and matches.

Book in advance. 6-10 years.

Charges apply.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF (Cheshunt ) 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk Opening Weekend February 14-22 Half term fun as the gates open for the start of the season. Meet the cheeky Meerkat family and the other animals – sheep, pygmy goats, giant rabbits, rare breed pigs, long-necked llamas and birds of prey.

Also toboggan run and play areas.

Entrance £9.50/£8.50/under 2s free.

LEE VALLEY VELOPARK Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3AB ( Stratford) 08456 770 603 visitleevalley.org.uk Get on Your Bike February 16-20 Pay and ride cycling activities.

Choose from four cycling sports – BMX, road, mountain biking and track. Learn new skills and techniques. 10-16 years. Costs from £25 for a five hour session.

Revolution Series February 27, 28 World premier elite cycling league.

Tickets from cyclingrevolution.com

LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTRE Station Road, Waltham Cross,

Hertfordshire, EN9 1AB (Waltham Cross ) 08456 770 606 visitleevalley.org.uk Learn How to Paddle February 14-22 One to one and group kayak coaching for paddlers at all levels.

Cost from £50/hourly session.

PARASOL UNIT FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW ( Angel) 020 7490 7373 parasol-unit.org Sketchbook & Animation Project – Discover Young Hackney February 16-19 Young people will create a body of work to curate and install as a public exhibition. Funded by Hackney Council as part of Discover Young Hackney 2015. 14-19 years.

RIVER LEE COUNTRY PARK Fishers Green, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF

08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Bittern Roost Watch January 18 Bird watching sessions. Start at Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane. Free.

STEPNEY CITY FARM Stepney Way, E1 3DG ( Stepney Green) 020 7790 8204 stepneycityfarm.org Crafty Saturdays February 7, March 7 Free activities related with traditional arts and crafts led by an artist and guest craftsmen. 11am-3pm.

Free entry.

WALTHAMSTOW & LEYTON MARSHES Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL (Clapton ) 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Ranger Ramble January 25 Leisurely paced walk starting at Lee Valley Ice Centre car park. Free.

A Unicorn production

13 FEB – 15 MAR

BRITAIN’S BEST

RECRUITING

SERGEANT

By Joy Wilkinson Directed by Lee Lyford

A FEISTY, SONG-FILLED AND TOUCHING LOOK AT THE LIFE OF FEMALE MUSIC HALL STAR, VESTA TILLEY.

Tickets: £10 – £16 Age guide: 8+

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

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Issue 46 : (E)

Free admission

Striking Gold Stories 16–20 February 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm

Listen to some fascinating true stories about gold narrated by a costumed storyteller, from the California gold rush to the sewer man who found his way into the Bank’s vaults nearly 200 years ago.

Follow the gold trail around the Museum to claim your small prize.

10:00am–5:00pm Share your experience Monday to Friday. #BOEMuseum Closed weekends and Bank Holidays. Entrance T: 020 7601 5545 in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

55346 Pharmaton UK AD 87mm x 130mm AW.indd 1

08/07/2014 12:44