Families East London Issue 84

Issue 84 Mar/Apr 2015

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East London

Easter Special Clubs & Classes Places to Go

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.

• 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

Anna Fiorentini.indd 1

01/10/2014 16:14

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

Contents Issue 84 | Mar/Apr 2015 | Families East London

This Issue

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4 Ed’s Reading Room 5 The UK’s First Babysitting App 6 Make a Bee Hotel 7 Start up Businesses

Regular Features

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8 Annabel Karmel 10 Clubs & Classes 12 Places to Go

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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

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

Until next time…

Sharon Editor

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

Confidence Building Fun

Call 0845 400 1271 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

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

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book corner

Room

Reading

Ed’s

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

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less time with his grandfather – and some things he can only learn from his grandfather, sitting under the iroko tree.

‘This is a delightful book about a charming character, with super illustrations. It is a gently humorous story, itself illustrating the power of story-telling.’

My Hamster is a Detective

by Dave Lowe (Templar £5.99)

Ed says: ‘Ben is hoping to have an adventure with his genius hamster Stinky.

The Tenacious Two don’t have to wait long for a mystery to solve when Delilah the kitten is cat-napped – and a neighbour’s cat also disappears. But will the ransom notes hold the clues the detective duo need and will they be able to carry out their cunning plan without their secret that Stinky can talk being discovered?

‘This is the latest hilarious story about Ben and Stinky. It is entertaining from start to finish and is complemented by amusing illustrations.’

The No 1 Car Spotter Goes to School

by Atinuke (Walker Books £4.99)

Ed says: ‘No 1 learns a lot from life around him in the African bush and especially from his grandfather.

When he and his best friend Coca-Cola meet a young American boy they realise how different their lives are. No 1 dreams of going to school and is thrilled when the opportunity arises but he now has much

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For ages 7 years PLUS

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Cakes in Space

by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre (Oxford £8.99)

Ed says: ‘Astra is travelling through space to her family’s new home in Nova Mundi, so far from Earth that it will take them 199 years to get there. The idea that the Nom-O-Tron Food Synthesizer can create any food is rather appealing to Astra. But when Astra asks for the most amazing cake ever, so delicious that it’s scary, she doesn’t realise how scary life could become. Can she and her robot friend Pilbeam save the spaceship from complete destruction by so many cakey fiends?

‘This is an exciting book with super characters that will delight boys and girls alike.

It is a real page-turner with fantastic illustrations throughout.’

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A Whisper of Wolves

by Kris Humphrey (Stripes £5.99)

Ed says: ‘A long time has passed since the kingdom of Meridina was invaded by the evil Narlaw but it seems that these sinister beings are approaching.

Only the guardians of the wild, the Whisperers and their animal companions, have any hope of defending the realm. Will Alice and her wolf friend Storm be able to protect Meridina with the help of the other Whisperers before time runs out?

‘This is a brilliant story – mysterious and atmospheric with fantastic characters. It is the first of a new series so look out for the next Guardians of the Wild book.’

The winner of Ed’s New Year Competition was William Nawn.

Congratulations William!

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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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childcare

The UK’s First Babysitting App • Emergency childcare • Holiday nannies Ensuring a safe service for you and your children All child carers are DBS checked and interviewed and registered through a stringent screening process to ensure they match strict standards and levels of experience. The result is a trusted source of the very best baby sitters and child carers including primary and nursery school teachers, trained nannies, medical students, and Ofsted registered child minders.

Like Minders (www.likeminders.co.uk), London’s favourite babysitting and flexible childcare agency has today launched its very own app. This is the UK’s first babysitting app.

Commenting on the new app, director Georgie Jones said: ‘At Like Minders we know time is precious, especially for parents and this is why we’ve created an app to halve the time it takes clients to make a booking. Now our clients will be able to book our babysitters on the go, with the touch of a few buttons, and in less than 30 seconds.

We know parents are busy people and so with this in mind the app will be efficient, flexible and reliable – just like the Like Minders service so many people rely on.’

The app will be free but here is an outline of Like Minders fees: • Membership only £12 per month • Booking fee £4

• Non-member booking fee is £22 • Babysitter rate £7.50 per hour (with a minimum of four hours on any booking)

Service Details Bookings can be made through the app or online 24 hours a day and the office is open from 8.00am-5.30pm Mon-Fri and 9.30am-6pm Saturdays. Our babysitters and child carers can be available for child care 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

For further details on these, Like Minders and the services on offer, please contact Like Minders on 0844 879 7189, info@likeminders.co.uk

About Like Minders Like Minders is London’s favourite babysitting and flexible childcare agency providing direct and stressfree access to high quality babysitters and childcarers throughout London and Surrey. Like Minders has over 15 years’ experience in childcare and offers a wide range of safe, flexible and affordable childcare services including: • • • •

Babysitting, Flexible daytime care Part time nannies Temporary nannies

0845 644 5452

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Free maths and English activities – 31st March and 14th April!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English 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.

On the 31st March or 14th April, your local Explore Learning centre will be hosting a day of free workshops for children ages 5-14 in the local community.

Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

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

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

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make a bee hotel Easter Fun Activity

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

Make a bee hotel!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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business

Single parents get extra help to start their own businesses It’s widely acknowledged that raising a child alone is challenging. This makes the idea of starting a business daunting to many; however, through a dedicated business support programme delivered by East London Small Business Centre (ELSBC), two London mums explain their decision of starting-up and how the programme has helped them.

Delivered by ELSBC, a non-profit business support agency, and funded

by DWP, the programme launched in March 2013. By providing free business training course, one-to-one business advice and access to business loans, the programme supports single parents with a child under 5 to pursue their dream of starting their own business. Since launching the programme, over 100 would-be entrepreneurs have taken part of the programme.

Caroline Hannaway, a mother of one from Waltham Forest, was referred to the programme after mentioning her business idea to the jobcentre.

‘I am a single mum to a three year old girl, and having always worked, I found myself on Income Support after being made redundant. My dream was to be able to work and earn a good living, but with the flexibility that I could still do all the “Mum” things that I was frightened of missing – sports days, school trips, and simply being able to spend as much time with

my daughter as I could.

I had mentioned to the Jobcentre that I was interested in starting my own business designing and making hair accessories – especially for babies, which remained secure in fine baby hair. I couldn’t find these kinds of products on the market, so I figured there was a gap in the market!

All I had was an idea. I had tried time and time again to start a business plan, but all of the terminology and financial expectations were so daunting that I never seemed to get anywhere.’

Within a month of mentioning her idea, Caroline was allocated a dedicated business adviser at ELSBC to work with her in making her idea a viable business.

‘From that point, I had regular meetings with my adviser who helped me to develop my business plan and financial forecasts. I also attended a 4-day small business course which was absolutely invaluable to me.

Over the four days I learnt more about starting my own business than I had in the previous six months of my own research. Everything was broken down and explained in a way that made me realise that my dream was actually achievable.’

Within three months of joining the programme Caroline had developed a viable business plan, but she still needed a start-up loan to make it into a reality. ‘I applied for a small business loan, and in November 2013 business Funky Bubbaloo was officially launched when my new website www.funkybubbaloo.com went live.’

Newham based Caroline De La Cruz, also joined the programme after deciding that she wanted to find work that could fit around her family life.

Caroline explains: ‘With 6 months until I was due to come off Income Support, I realised how difficult finding

a flexible job was going to be in the current climate, so decided I was going to work for myself.’

Caroline, who is a trained fine-artist, wanted to specialise in creating and selling bespoke art, but needed help in developing a viable business plan and funding to support her marketing and promotion ‘After an initial meeting, I was assigned my own business adviser who helped me write a business plan and financial forecast, with the view of applying for a loan from ELSBC. I was approved for funding in October and am currently working on my first order. The money has helped with my start-up costs but the one-to-one support I received has been immeasurable. It definitely made the experience of starting my business, Caroline Ramirez Bespoke Art, less daunting,’ said Caroline.

While both entrepreneurs have started their businesses, they still have regular one-to-one meetings with their business adviser allowing them to discuss any issues they face as a new start-up.

My dream was to be able to work and earn a good living, but with the flexibility that I could still do all the ‘Mum’ things that I was frightened of missing.

To find out if this programme can help you, contact: East London Small Business Centre W: www.smallbusinesscentre.org.uk E: parent@smallbusinesscentre.org.uk Tel: 020 7456 0430

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

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recipes

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

Chocolate and Toffee Cheesecake From ‘Annabel’s Family Cookbook’

by Ebury Press. Photography by Martin Poole.

Ingredients

Toasted Chicken Tortilla

Pasta Primavera

From ‘Top 100 Meals in Minutes’ Ebury Press.

From ‘Top 100 Meals in Minutes’ Ebury Press.

Ingredients

Ingredients

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Chill for 3 hours before serving.

Preparation: 20 minutes Chilling: 3 hours Makes 8 portions

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

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

Call to action!

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

Not suitable for freezing Makes 4-6 portions

Annabel’s Family Cookbook (Ebury Press) is filled with cooking inspiration for the whole family and available to buy. Visit: www.annabelkarmel.com

Not suitable for freezing Makes 4 portions Prep 25 minutes

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

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recipes 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tsp soy sauce Method 1. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from scorching when grilling.

Chicken Satay Skewers From ‘Annabel’s Family Cookbook’

by Ebury Press. Photography by Martin Poole.

Ingredients

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

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

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

6. Serve with the dipping sauce.

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

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

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

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

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

5. Thread the chicken strips onto skewers

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

Get Living London has a number of 3 bedroom apartments and 4 bedroom townhouses available to rent in East Village – London’s newest neighbourhood next to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

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

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

Visit getlivinglondon.com for more details.

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

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clubs and classes

Clubs & 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 Michelangelo April 18 Learn about the great artist – mix paints using natural pigments and paint on the ceiling!

Learning & tuition EXPLORE LEARNING Hornchurch 01708 629 620 Lakeside 01708 869 650 Romford 01708 767 819 Woodford Green 020 8090 6716 explorelearning.co.uk Tuition Centres Tailored courses to support children to become confident and engaged learners, providing Maths, English

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

Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

and 11+ tuition to 5-14 years of all abilities. Children attend centres twice a week on a drop-in basis.

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

LA PETITE ÉCOLE D ES CROCODILES Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, Hackney E5 OPU 07749 973 791 info@les-crocodiles.org French French classes for francophone children 0-14 years on Tuesdays & Wednesdays; French for English speaking children on Mondays; Drama in French 8+ years on Saturdays and French library twice monthly. Play, songs and stories for young children; writing, grammar, spelling, reading and drama classes for older children.

READING EGGS readingeggs.co.uk Online Programme Online lessons in literacy skills with fun interactive activities, reading lessons and games. For children 3-7 years or older children struggling with reading.

Performing arts JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Ilford, Edmonton 020 8447 4530 jigsaw-arts.co.uk Classes Weekend dance, drama and singing classes with shows and performances. Two week trial available. 3-18 years.

PQA) THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS 084567 32022 Brentwood, Chelmsford, Harlow, Romford, Wickford pqacademy.com

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

Weekly workshops in drama, dance and singing – through the Jungle to explore tropical rainforests. Free trial sessions available. 4-8 years.

Pirates and Princesses Easter holiday course in drama, dance and singing.. Run down the palace steps to defeat the fiery dragon or set sail for treasure on the high seas. 4-7 years. Check online for dates and venues.

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

Theatre Workshops Weekend performing Arts tuition.

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

PERFORM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford,

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clubs and classes bealoniansfc.com Football Saturday and Sunday sessions with age groups from U5 to veterans.

Call for further details or check online.

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 years.

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.

Sports BEALONIANS FC Ilford, Essex Contact Bill – 07958 636493

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

18 months-7 years.

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

Youth Theatre Take part in performances, see shows and visit other London theatres.

5-18 years. Cost £5 per session.

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk

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

Up Club+ April 4 Easter activities after the show with a possible visit from the Velveteen Rabbit. Cost £4.

Up Club+ April 25 Cream tea and bunny craft session. Book with theatre ticket. Cost £8 or £5.

Holiday Camps

Easter Eggstravaganza!

Keep your kids active during the school holidays at a Fit For Sport activity camp, with plenty of fun sports, games and activities for kids aged 3 - 12.

Prices start from just £3 per hour.

Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW: “a journey to an active life”

WWW.FITFORSPORT.CO.UK

0845 456 3233

Kiddikicks Kiddikicks will keep your player match fit with their new Futsal-style Match Play training for players aged 7 to 10 years in Regents Park and London Fields this April through to August. They guarantee to improve players’ ball-control in time for the start of the new football season in September 2015. These sessions are for all boys and girls who are used to playing matches and want to develop their ball control and composure on the ball using a Futsal based approach in an outdoor environment. Bookings can be made online www.kiddikicks.co.uk or by calling 020 7937 7965. Enquiries info@kiddikicks.co.uk

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 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 HACKNEY PICTUREHOUSE 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE 0871 902 5734 ( Hackney Central) picturehouses.co.uk/hackney Kids’ Club Every Saturday with family-friendly films, events and regular competitions.

3-12 years. Membership £4 per year.

Tickets £1.50 for members/£3.50 for non-members.

RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Children’s Films Saturday Morning Picture Club and Tuesday afternoon Playcentre Matinees. Free membership. Cost £2.50 per child/accompanying adult £3.50.

VUE WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY 2 Stratford Place, Stratford, E20 1EJ ( Stratford) myvue.com

Autism Friendly Screenings March 29 – Paddington March 31 – NT Live Treasure Island Special screenings where changes are made to suit customers with autism. Check online for times and prices.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Flora and Fauna From March 23 Exhibition on plants and animals connected with the Bank.

EGGstraordinary Fun! March 30-April 2, April 7-10 Easter hunts with chocolate egg prizes.

Museums at Night May 15 Enjoy an evening visit with displays and presentations. 5.30-9.30pm.

The 20th Anniversary of ‘Guess how much I love you’ at the Discover Children’s Story Centre

BRITISH POSTAL MUSEUM STORE 3 Imprimo Park, Lenthall Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3UF ( Stratford) postalheritage.org.uk Guided Tour April 1, May 6 Behind the scenes tour – 30 minutes.

Online booking. 7+ years. Cost £3/ children under 12 years free.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Indigenous Australia: enduring civilisation From April 23-August 2 Exhibition charting the relationships Indigenous Australians have with the natural world including a collection

Easter holiday activities at the Geffrye Museum

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of Aboriginal art and craft displays.

Cost £10/children 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.

Events are pre-bookable.

Once There Was… The Wonderful World of Oliver Jeffers Until September 6 Oliver Jeffers’ magical worlds in an interactive family exhibition bringing his picture books to life- ‘How to Catch a Star’, ‘Up and Down’, ‘Lost and Found’ and ‘The Way Back Home’.

Jack and the Flumflum Tree March 21, 22

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museums • exhibitions places to go

By Julia Donaldson and David Roberts. 3+ years.

Hootah’s Story Journey March 28, 29 The Space Monster needs stories to save his planet, Squiggly Diggly.

6+ years.

Easter Holidays April 3-17 Explore the Story Trail, garden and the interactive exhibition. Join Story Builder and enjoy visits from favourite authors and illustrators.

Easter Bank Holiday 3-6 April Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the picture book ‘Guess how much I love you’ with activities and trails.

Where the Wild Things Are April 7, 14, 18, 19 Sail away to a place where the wild things are. 3+ years.

Author Events and Book Signing April 8 Werewolf Club Rules with Joseph Coelho. 5+ years.

April 14 Wild with Emily Hughes. 4+ years.

April 25 Dirty Bertie with creator and illustrator David Roberts. 4+ years.

April 26 Happy Birthday Madame Chapeau with David Roberts. 4+ years.

May 2 Shackleton’s Journey with William Grill. 7+ years.

May 3 La Courtenay with Space Penguins.

6+ years.

Where’s Wally? Weekend April 11, 12 Dress up, search the Story Trail, and add a portrait to a huge picture.

Penguin Parade May 2-4 Listen to stories, make a mini penguin, dress up as a penguin and join the parade.

FASHION & TEXTILE MUSEUM 83 Bermondsey Street SE1 3XF ( London Bridge) 020 7407 8664 Draw like a designer April 8 Drawing and design tips. Book in advance. 12-16 years. Cost £10 includes exhibition entry.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street or Hoxton ) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Homes of the Homeless: Seeking Shelter in Victorian London March 24-July 12

Places and spaces the poor inhabited in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in an exhibition with paintings, objects and diaries.

Cost £5/£3.

Home and Hope: Young people’s experiences of homelessness today March 24-July 12 Free exhibition looking at vulnerable young people at risk of becoming homeless – based on a youth project at a day centre in Kings Cross.

Gardens Galore! Easter Holiday Activities April 7-10 Celebrate the Spring opening of the gardens with special workshops and the launch of the new garden activity cart. 5-16 years. Free.

Nursery Rhyme Time April 7-10 Enjoy springtime in homes and gardens through stories, songs and craft activities.

Family Learning Groups Informal learning opportunities for families to work together and gain knowledge through activities and workshops.

Where’s Wally? Weekend at the Discover Children’s Story Centre

GUILDHALL LIBRARY Guildhall, 5 Aldermanbury, EC2V 7HH Unstitching the Uniform March 26 Development of postal uniforms and the people who wore them.

14+ years. Cost £5.95.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ ( Waterloo) iwm.org.uk Design a 1940s Scarf March 28-April 12 Art workshop inspired by the Fashion on the Ration exhibition.

11+ 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 with various hands-on activities. 3-12 years.

Annual ticket £15/children free.

MUSEUM OF LONDON-DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Under 5s Storytime March 19, 26 Interactive stories with puppets and museum objects.

Music and Movement March 17 Monthly music and movement and play sessions for toddlers.

THE RAGGED SCHOOL MUSEUM 46-50 Copperfield Road, E3 4RR ( Mile End) 020 8980 6405 raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk Sunday Open House Attend a lesson in the Victorian classroom led by a costumed actor.

Book a place on arrival. Event takes place on the first Sunday of the month. All ages.

School Holiday Activities Craft activities on selected dates during school holidays. Check online for current programme.

ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY (M25/J26) 01992 707370 royalgunpowdermills.com Easter Activities April 3, 4, 5, 6 Easter egg hunt and art activities on Friday and Saturday. Arena event with explosions and gunpowder demonstrations on Sunday and Monday.

VE Celebration May 2-4 WW2 event with re-enactments, military vehicles and air displays.

Easter Activities Check online for special events during the school holidays.

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT culture24.org.uk/museums-at-night May 14-16 After hours cultural events at museums and galleries including The Bank of England and William Morris Gallery.

Planeta Ka at the Unicorn Theatre

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places to go museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, The Queens House SE10 9NF (DLR Cutty Sark) 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk Cutty Sark – Toddler Time March 18, 25 Songs, stories and play for young sailors 4 years and under. Admission price £13.50/£7 (5-15 years)/family (1+2) £24/family (2+2) £35.

National Maritime Museum – Ahoy!

From March Opening of a new gallery dedicated to younger visitors under 7 years.

Check online for exact opening date.

Free entry.

National Maritime MuseumThink Space Lectures March 26 Research and developments in astrophysics. No previous knowledge necessary. 11+ years. Cost £6.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Holiday Activities April 3-12 Performance workshops and digital activities. Free drop-in events.

3+ years.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Paper Houses March 28-April 10 Drop-in activities to play with paper.

Free.

Small Stories March 30-April 3 Workshops with David Lucas –

How to turn ideas into stories and turn stories into books. Booking required. 5-12 years. Cost £5.

Paper Light House March 30-April 10 Workshop with illustrator Frances Barry. Booking required. 5-12 years.

Cost £5.

St George’s Day April 25 Folk music, arts and crafts and Brass Band and Choir performances. Free.

The Alice Look May 2-November 1 Exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ with photographs, rare editions and illustrations.

Hooked! Crochet Circle March 18, 25, April 15, 22, 29 Drop-in crochet event for adults, suitable for all levels of ability. Free.

Theatre Shows & Concerts BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk Giants Are Small and the New York Philharmonic – Petrushka April 19 Young People’s Concert – with puppets, dancers, video animation and full orchestra. Look out for free performances and family activities.

Cost £20/£10.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central ) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom April 1-2 Games, songs and laughter in the Little Kingdom with Ben the Elf, Holly the Fairy Princess and Gaston the

Visit the new ‘Meerkat Lookout’ at Lee Valley Park Farms

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The Big Day Out at Sutton House

Ladybird. Ben and Holly help Gaston clean up his cave, go on a trip with tooth fairy Nanny Plum and plan a surprise party for King Thistle. Cost £13.50-£15.50/£54 family ticket for 4 top price seats.

Ballad of Freedom March 22 Celebrate the independence of Bangladesh through music, dance and display. Free.

Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure June 6-7 Book in advance and join the entire crew of the Octonauts live on stage for the very first time in an actionpacked musical interactive show.

Cost £13.50-£15.50/£54 family ticket for 4 top price seats.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Mrs McMoon’s Tea Party March 21 Mischief, surprise and laughter.

3+ years. Cost £6.

The Poetry Joe Show March 28 Introduction to poetry and spoken word for a young audience. 3+ years.

Cost £6.

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

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Family Weekend April 3, 4 Annual festival with performances, post-show discussions, workshops and games.

SUTTON HOUSE MUSIC SOCIETY Held at Sutton House, 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Hackney Central) 07505 609757 shms.org.uk/index.html info@shms.org.uk Concerts March 22, April 19, May 10 Classical concerts – children welcome to attend. 5+ years.

Cost £12/free for under 26 years and those with disabilities + carers.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge)

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theatres • concerts • special events places to go 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com The Caucasian Chalk Circle Until March 21 A time of terror followed by a time of peace. 11+ years. Cost £13/£10.

The Chair March 20-April 12 Hear tales of ghosts, fortunes found and lost, myths, rumours and rum.

7+ years. Cost £16/£10.

The Velveteen Rabbit March 28-April 26 A very shy toy rabbit who longs to become real and loved. Cost £16/£10. 20% discount for families for 4 tickets.

Up Club+ April 4 Easter activities after the show with a possible visit from the Velveteen Rabbit. Cost £4.

Up Club+ April 25 Cream tea and bunny craft session.

Book with theatre ticket. Cost £8 or £5.

Planeta Ka May 7-June 4 A chance for very young children to discover a new environment with sounds, textures and visual effects. Bring an animal soft toy to pre-show drop-in play workshops in the foyer. 1-3 years, (older children not allowed). Cost £10 includes two adults per child. Workshops £4.

Special Events BRICK LANE CIRLCLE Lab 1A, Idea Store, 321 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BU 0791 411 9282 Bricklanecircle.org Human Stories and the East India Company March 19 Volunteer researchers required to take part in a project to find how Britain and Asia became connected by the London-based East India Company.

COVENT GARDEN PUPPET FESTIVAL St Paul’s Church Garden, Bedford Street, WC2 9ED ( Covent Garden/Leicester Square) 020 8800 6665 alternativearts.co.uk May Fayre & Puppet Festival May 10 Annual festival near the spot where Samuel Pepys first saw Mr Punch in May 1662. Puppet shows throughout the day starting with a procession at 11am. Free admission.

EPPING FOREST (M25/J26 – Epping or Wanstead) 020 7332 1911 (The View) cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping Easter Bunnies and Buns March 19 Rabbit rhymes and story telling to get ready for Easter. Book in advance. Cost £4.95 per child.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF (Cheshunt ) 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk/farms Petunia’s Pick – Mother’s Day March 15 Celebrate the day with farm animal mothers. Free entrance for Mums – check online for details.

Petunia’s Pick – Spring-tastic Farm Fun March 28-April 19 Farmyard seasonal activities with chicks and spring lambs. Entrance charges apply.

Petunia’s Pick – Easter Eggstravaganza April 3-6 Easter fun at the farm with the annual Easter egg hunt. Entrance charges apply.

LEE VALLEY ICE CENTRE Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL (Clapton ) 020 8533 3154 visitleevalley.org.uk

‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ at the Unicorn Theatre

Skating Championships March 16-19 Novice, junior and senior skaters compete. Free event.

NATIONAL LEARN TO PLAY DAY learntoplayday.com March 21 Have a go at making music with free lessons at many musical instruments shops and other venues across the country.

RIVER LEE COUNTRY PARK Showground, Highbridge Street, Essex EN9 1AB visitleevalley.org.uk Easter Country Fair April 5-6 Country Show.

QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK (Stratford + shuttle bus) QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk The Bunny Run April 4 Circuit walk around the park. Also Little Bunny Fun Run and Easter Bunny visit for 8 years and under.

Register online or call 0300 124 0123. Spectators welcome.

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL london.gov.uk/events

March 15 Celebrate the day from noon to 6pm in Trafalgar Square with colourful floats, Irish music, dance, food market and activities. Free event.

SUTTON HOUSE NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Cadburys Easter Egg Trail March 29, April 1-6, 8-12 Find all the answers on the clue sheet and win a Cadburys Egghead.

Cost £1.50/family (2+2) £6.

Manic Mechanics Big Day Out March 29 Visit the Breakers Yard with 2-storey caravan and mini palace interior, and play with the Mechanic’s toolbox full of stories, fancy dress and toys.

Free entry.

Big Day Out April 26 Costumes, games and arts and crafts.

Free entry.

WEAR A HAT DAY! wearahatday.org March 27 Brain tumour research fundraising event. Register online for information and resources to help with fundraising.

Manic Mechanics Big Day Out at Sutton House

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