Families London SW July-Aug 2018 iss278

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Festivals, outdoor movies, free events, days out, workshops, camps, summer classes, courses

Get summer ready Issue 278 July/August 2018

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contents July/August 2018 Issue 278

South West

4-5

Local news

6

Families TOP THREE activities this month

9

How to avoid brain drain during the summer holidays

11

FREE activities Lambeth Country Show, the Little Draw at the Wallace Collection, Art activities at the National Gallery, British Summer Time at Hyde Park and more

13

Clubs & Classes Choosing the Music for ABRSM Piano Exams, money off offers from Perform Drama and Funky Monkey Keyboard classes.

14-23 MASSIVE SUMMER HOLIDAY LISTINGS PART 2 Swimming, tennis, balls skills, touch typing, arts, music, dance, drama, languages etc There is something for every child!

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24-30 What’s On • Diary dates • Festivals • Movies under the stars • Babies and toddlers • Drama • Museums and Galleries

4

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July/August 2018 • Families South West 3

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News

Looking at teenage suicide George Jaques is an 18-year-old Wandsworth boy with a bright future. In 2017 he established his own production company and produced his first play. His second will be on the London stage in August this year, in support of Childline. He is an incredible young man who recently appeared on London Live and has the support of Jamestown actor, Jason Flemyng.

He attended Whitgift School, studying A-Levels in Maths, Design and Drama. Despite his relative youth, he has already demonstrated that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, or in his strong beliefs surrounding equality for the sexes, often finding himself challenging his peers at school for any casually disrespectful comments. His new play BREATHE examines teenage suicide, the third biggest killer of adolescents, and shows the gritty pressures which can cause it. Bunker Theatre, 31 July – 4 August 2018 www.athenaeumproductions.com

Fitness classes for mums with babies in tow

Stuck in London this summer?

Check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for loads of free, downloadable activity sheets that you can use any time you are outside.

The National Trust may not immediately spring to mind for the younger age group but there are plenty of very child-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for little ones to enjoy. Look up www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/our-topgardens-for-children to see where best to head to. Close to us have you ever been to Morden Hall next to Deen City Farm, Claremont Landscape Garden, Nr Esher or Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming? All super nice places for a day out. If you can’t go out for too long, why not try the

In the spotlight

Did you know Movers and Shakers in Balham have newly refurbished Studios, offering a redesigned timetable with a host of brand new innovative and exciting class types?

Their classes offer a fun, social fitness experience designed to build strength, agility and fitness, to help boost your mood and support lifestyle change. Bring your bundle of joy along, so they can watch you get fit.

The timetable highlights their baby friendly classes, along with all other coached workouts, for when you’d like to make time, just for you.

Boredom Busters App to the rescue?

Boredom Busters is a free app devised to encourage children in the 8 to 12 age group to play more and in different ways. The app is packed full of inspirational play ideas contributed by children. Users can search ideas contributed by other children and film and upload their own ways to play to the app gallery and Boredom Busters YouTube channel.

Record number of walkers shine Well done to the early birds who took part in Shooting Star Chase’s Sunrise Walk on 3rd June to raise vital funds for Shooting Star Chase’s families—raising £67,000 and counting. A total of 500 participants (as well as 32 dogs!) gathered at Ham House in Richmond at 3.30am to raise money for families coping with the most unimaginably difficult circumstances. The walkers took on two routes, a 10km and 20km through the area’s most stunning sights including Richmond Park, Richmond Hill, The Thames, Ham Common, Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace all bathed in glorious sunshine. The Sunrise Walk 2019 registration is open! www.shootingstarchase.org.uk

Call or email 020 8673 0808 balham@moversandshapers.co.uk

They offer: Ride • Strike • HIIT • Yoga • Pilates • Barre • Kettlebells • Circuits and so much more…

Try them out with 3 sessions for an amazing good deal of £30!

4 Families South West • July/August 2018

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News Female football achievements rewarded at The Roche School

Playday UK is 1st August Playday is the national day for play in the UK, an annual celebration of children's play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children's play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events, to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them. As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

On Friday 8th June 2018 the Roche School presented The Premier League Football trophy at a special assembly celebrating the achievements of female footballers and the efforts of one of the school’s staff in promoting footballing skills for young girls.

Sport teacher Allana Francis-Ashmeil established the Ace Development Academy in October last year as an all-inclusive and affordable academy for girls to develop their football skills. “I had a trial at 14 years old for the Chelsea Women’s Football Academy and I was accepted, but it was very expensive and coming from a single parent background I couldn’t afford to sign up and I missed the opportunity,” recalls Ashmeil. “The ethos is that any girl can join. We have players who play for clubs, those that just play for fun and those who have never played before. It is all about developing their skills, confidence and leadership qualities. These are valuable life skills that these girls can take on into any career.”

“We were one of the first schools in our area to introduce a non-gender bias policy for sports,” says Peter Clark, Head of Sport at The Roche School. “Allana is an absolute

legend and an inspiration to the students at our school. She is so talented and her example is positive and encouraging, it helps to build the girls confidence.” Clark added: “Equal opportunities means lifting the restrictions that hold girls back whether academically or on the playing field. If schools take a proactive stance - as we have done - they will see the confidence of their pupils begin to soar.” www.therocheschool.com

Have you ever thought of hosting an international student?

Increasing numbers of children are coming to school in the UK, and host families are much needed to look after them during the short school holidays. Could your’s be a host family? You will generally be looking after a child who attends a boarding school in the UK and whose parents are based abroad. It may just be for a leave out or exeat weekend, a half term holiday week or in some cases for a longer period of time. Whatever the duration of stay it is really important that you welcome the child into your home and make them feel part of your family. They want to feel that they have a home from home, in a happy, caring and safe environment. The experience that a child has when staying with a host can bring lifelong friendships. From learning to adapt to live in a large busy city like London, from discovering how to bake bread to sharing with your host how to cook the best noodles! There really is something for everyone.

Watch “Jen’s story” on the College Guardians website, then why not register for this unique experience? www.collegeguardians.co.uk

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Vet care in the comfort of your home With so many demands in our time, you’ll be pleased to know that going to the vet could be a thing of the past. PawSquad is an innovative veterinary service where the vets come to you!

PawSquad is the revolutionary new veterinary service treating pets at home—stress-free.

These home-visits, combined with 24/7 access to a qualified vet online, have reformed veterinary care. It is now more convenient and

less stressful for both pets and owners. Having a vet visit in the comfort of your home when you have family illness, a new baby arrival or simply when time is too tight or life is stressful—what a boon. Enjoy less stress with personal, convenient and relaxed consultations. www.pawsquad.com 0203 322 1725 to book a home visit.

July/August 2018 • Families South West 5

Families Top Three activities this month Here are our top picks of the best theatre for the whole family this summer…

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure New Wimbledon Theatre atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 21-28 July Join Alex the Lion (played by Matt Terry, the winner of 2016’s The X Factor), Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and of course those This is such a hilarious plotting penguins as great show! they bound onto the stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure follows all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Age 3+.

The Star Seekers National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 8 August – 1 September

Gangsta Granny Harold Pinter Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/harol d-pinter-theatre 14-26 August It's Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing - staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure - it's going to be sooooooooo boring. But what Ben doesn't know is that Granny has a secret - and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine.

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Do you want to fly to the moon? Visit a space station?

Become an astronaut? Star Seekers Alph, Betty and Gammo need your help to save their space station, collect all the orbs and delve into the great unanswered question of the universe: what do astronauts really have for tea?

Age 3-8, from £10.

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11 PLUS

Mrs Jones EDUCATION

TUITION

Y4 & Y5 COURSES 2018 & 2019 Limited Space Book Now

We run the following courses: 11 Plus Foundation – Year 4 (one year) 11 Plus Preparation – Year 5 (one year and 16 month) 11 Plus Mock Exam Only – Year 4 & Year 5 Both the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Preparation Courses above include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

Now booking Year 4 and Year 5 courses starting in January 2019 Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers EXCELLENT RESULTS

Call us to book your child’s place

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11 PLUS MOCK EXAMS State Grammar and Private Schools Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cloze Procedure and Exam Technique

www.11plustuition.co.uk www.11plusmockexam.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 2018 • Families South West 7

Make a splash! ... at Dawmouse Montessori School Come and see how we teach with passion in our two Montessori Schools in Fulham.

Fully qualified staff, small class ratios, established for over 20 years, modern in our approach.

Call Miss Emma on 020 8398 9294 or visit our website www.dawmouse.co.uk

8 Families South West • July/August 2018

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Education

How to avoid brain drain during the summer holidays The summer holidays are a great time for families to spend time together. However, it can also be a time when children forget some of the skills they have mastered at school.

Miss Evans, a year 6 teacher, stated “Teachers often find that children begin the new school year having forgotten key skills. It is important that children have opportunities over the summer break to continue to develop their abilities.”

Here are some ideas from Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning, on how to seize the summer.

Start a blog Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like ‘By

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Post’? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

Read, read and read some more Pop a book in your bag so you can use this when travelling on days out. Join the Summer Reading Challenge organised by libraries. It is really motivating. They will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!

Play some games These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Need some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option.

Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a tuition

centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning offers free taster sessions, so get in touch today by calling 033 01243802.

Explore Learning was voted number one private tuition centre in the UK. With over 137 centres nationwide. Since 2001, they have helped over 200,000 children aged four to 14 to achieve their potential. They get to know every child as an individual, giving them the space to unlock their MONEY imagination and discover the OFF! magic of learning.

Explore Learning is offering a saving of £50 to the first 65 members who join between 11th July– 11th August 2018. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/offer. T&Cs apply.

July/August 2018 • Families South West 9

LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play We are an Ofsted rated 'Good' day care nursery school. We lay the foundation of learning where your child's interests form the base to develop their full potential.

Our nursery is very homely and friendly, and staff are fully qualified with many years' experience in Early Years.

Open all year round 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday except bank holidays and four weeks in a year.

15/30 hours weekly free sessions available for 2-4yrs.

Please contact our office on 020 7274 8333. info@littleangelsbrixton.co.uk www.littleangelsbrixton.co.uk 50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL "Overall, staff provide a stimulating learning environment where children are motivated and eager to learn" OFSTED

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Our skilled staff prepare children aged 2-5 years for their next school and start them on a journey of life-long learning.

Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport, languages, drama, yoga and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in action. www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 8166 5932

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Free Activities

This summer explore the city with the children for FREE Somerset House www.somersethouse.org.uk 28–29 July and 4–5 August Circus Sampler. The biggest free outdoor contemporary circus event in London, Circus Sampler presents two weekends of distinctive and original contemporary circus. See largescale work from 65 artists, including outdoor performances from experimental hip hop theatre collective Far From The Norm.

will play host to a star studded line up of modern favourites including La La Land and Guardians of the Galaxy and cult classics such as Grease, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Lambeth Country Show

Westminster https://bit.ly/2kPnwRh 12th July Making SENse of your child’s educational and behavioural needs at home. Leading education and behavioural specialist, and director of SENsational Tutors, Joanna Gibbs will discuss the best tools and strategies to use at home.

From how to improve your child’s confidence and reading, to recommended Apps and interventions, Joanna will address all areas of academic and behavioural life so that your child can feel successful and confident.

Brockwell Park, Herne Hill SE24 9BJ www.lambethcountryshow.co.uk 21+22 July The countryside in London - why not? Enjoy one of the biggest free family festivals in the UK. Horticultural shows, sheep dog and owl displays, a mini farm, home grown vegetable and flower competitions, and rural retailers.

There'll be plenty of music too; dub, Afro-beat, disco, folk, ska, soul and pop. Wander through the arts and culture village, and refresh yourself from one of the many food and drink stalls.

BST Hyde Park

River Stage Festival 2018

Summer by the River www.londonbridgecity.co.uk Summer by the River has a stellar programme of FREE outdoor cinema, ballet and opera screenings coming to The Scoop this summer. Running until 2nd September, Summer by the River

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Lambeth Country Show

The Wallace Collection Royal Observatory Greenwich

Free parenting workshops

www.bst-hydepark.com British Summer Time at Hyde Park is offering free weekday entry and activities for everyone from 9th – 12th July. Including free themed movie nights, live music and entertainment, street food, pop up bars, tennis screenings, aerial circus, comedy bingo, family theatre, the Royal Parks Showcase, birra Moretti bar & much more.

museum in the world. See the museum's collection of ancient and historical artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies.

Digital Discovery Centre at weekends. Learn, discover and create in the Museum's digital centre. Free activities and workshops using the latest Samsung digital equipment, enabling children to bring the world's history and cultures to life through advanced technology.

Royal National Theatre, Upper Ground, Southbank SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 13 July - 12 August A free outdoor festival running every weekend this summer, featuring live music, dancing, Djs, family workshops, club nights and theatre, all summer, all for free.

Plus summer pop up restaurants, cafes and bars, most with al fresco seating overlooking the vibrant South Bank. See the website for the full line up.

www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Weekends in July and August Weekend Space Cadets. Family workshops related to space science and space exploration; from the International Space Station to the latest discoveries about the Solar System and the wider universe. 12.45pm, from 5+.

V & A Museum www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout July and August Family Activities. Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out, plus regular activities and workshops for ages 7-12.

www.wallacecollection.org First Sunday of the month The Little Draw. Meet artist Grace Holliday and use specialist drawing, handling and surface design techniques to respond to the stimulating forms and colour palettes. All ages, 1.30pm–4.30pm.

Sir John Soane’s Museum www.soane.org Third Saturday of the month Free drop-in activities for all ages.

1.30-4.40pm. A little gem of a museum.

The National Gallery www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in July and August Family Sundays. Art activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11.

National Portrait Gallery

Tate Modern

www.npg.org.uk Every third Sunday of the month Drop In Family Sundays. Drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

www.tate.org.uk Throughout July and August Family Friendly Art Activities. A range of free arty and crafty workshops, see website for details.

The British Museum www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public

The Wallace Collection

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Clubs and Classes Ignite your child’s musical talent with Funky FREE trial class Monkey Keyboard Classes and 10% off

Choosing the Music for ABRSM Piano Exams Are your children taking ABRSM Piano exams? Have you ever wondered who decides which pieces appear in the syllabus?

At ABRSM, the Learning & Qualifications team is dedicated to creating syllabuses packed with wonderful music to learn and play.

This team reviews syllabuses on an ongoing basis, asking for feedback, looking at what’s worked well before, and keeping abreast of developments in music education.

ABRSM issues a fully-refreshed Piano syllabus every two years and creating new lists of pieces takes anything from two years upwards.

A panel of expert consultants helps with this vital work.

Upwards of 6,500 children will be involved including almost 200 Stagecoach schools across the UK

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inspire children year Sept-Dec fees if after year. you register by 31st August Music has an invaluable role in a child's development and FMKC believe they provide an excellent service that strives to be accessible to all.

They love what they do, they care about who does it and are delighted to see children succeed!

Book via www.funkymonkey.info or call 01732 457 100 before Friday 31st August 2018. Do show the 2 minute inspiring film to your little musician!

The views of teachers and pupils are also really important. As a result of recent feedback, ABRSM has paid particular attention to the pieces set for Grades 1 to 3 to ensure they are accessible and enjoyable for younger learners.

Earlier this year it also held its first ever Piano Party, where young pianists tried out pieces for future syllabuses. Whatever the grade, they offer a broad range of music for teachers and candidates to choose from. It’s all about providing pieces to motivate, encourage and inspire.

Find out more about ABRSM Piano exams at www.abrsm.org/piano

Stagecoach students in Guinness Record attempt

As we go to press we do not know whether the record will have been broken but on 1st July Stagecoach Wimbledon plans to join thousands of other students in attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous performance of one show.

Ali Edwards, (Director and founder) and her team have an absolute passion for music. They know exactly how to teach music in an engaging, understandable way, with lessons perfectly balanced for the younger beginner from 4 years old. Small groups are taught how to play the electronic keyboard, to read and write music, from the very beginning right through to first grade. A well-balanced lesson of group, individual, theory and practical work, games and quizzes, means their classes delight and

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-12s Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development.

Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration.

The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials

FREE TRIAL SESSSION

are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive.

Venues: Balham, Barnes, Battersea, Belgravia, Chelsea, Clapham, East Sheen, Fulham, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Pimlico, Putney, Raynes Park, Wimbledon.

Go to www.perform.org.uk/try for a no-obligation FREE trial session.

020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk

and abroad to perform Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Junior.

The performance will mark 30 years of Stagecoach’s success in the performing arts, commemorating three decades of its schools sparking children’s creativity through singing, dancing and acting classes. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon or call 020 8946 3400.

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Summer Holiday Activities Listing Part 2 These two courses teach children to type but also show them skills that will transform their document creation and reduce the errors in their work. Be shown how to get MS Word to read back your work. Typing with Phonics has a strong phonics element to improve spelling.

Age 8+, maximum 10 in a class. 11:30-1pm or 9:30-11am

Playball

Languages

Club Arc en Ciel

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Missed the first part of this listing?

Download it from here: https://bit.ly/2l36IGs

inspiring courses for young avid (and not so avid) writers. Includes Terrify Your Friends and Family: Write Your Own Ghost Story, 1-3 August, 10am-1pm, age 9+; Write Your First Stories With Us, 25-27 July and 1-3 August, 10am-1pm, age 7+; Hone Your Creative Writing Skills With Us, 25-27 July, 10am-1pm, age 13+.

They also run courses dealing with the Creative Writing section of the English Language GSCE, and a What If? Course, brainstorming ideas for stories and creating three-dimensional, dynamic characters.

Developing skills Spark4Kids Venues across SW London and beyond 020 8090 1444 www.spark4kids.com 30 July – 17 August, dates vary depending on location Holiday Computer Coding Workshops This summer Spark4Kids are running holiday workshops to introduce children to computer coding through the medium of games. Choose from courses including Minecraft, Tech 4 Little Kids, Games Coding 4 Kids, Robotics 4 Kids, Unity/C#, Games Design, MicroBit, Python, HTML/CSS and JavaScript in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7 years, and age 8+. Visit their website for more details.

Inkhead • Tate Library, 63 Streatham High Road, Streatham SW16 1PN • Effraspace, 21 Effra Parade, Brixton SW2 1PX • West Norwood Library, 16 Knight's Hill, West Norwood SE27 0HY 07943 514408 inkhead.co.uk Dates in July and August, dates vary depending on course Summer Holiday Courses Exciting and familiesonline.co.uk

clubs.arcenciel@gmail.com 0789 67 61 651 www.le-club-arc-en-ciel.co.uk/holidayclubs In Wimbledon and Clapham SW11 23-27 July A fun French week packed with activities: Arts and Crafts, Drama Workshop, Cooking Class, Singing and more.

Children learn French with experienced teachers by doing familiar activities and topics. For all 3-9yrs.

Et Patati Patata Venues across SW London 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com 16 July – 12 August Fun French Day Camp Join the award winning French immersion programme and learn French without leaving London. Fun activities include French music, French art, patisserie, French coding, French musical, sport…and it’s all 100% French fun! Age 4-15, 9am-3pm, ages are divided into groups.

Role Models Better life skills, better results www.rolemodels.me info@rolemodels.me 020 3637 7107 Role Models are running their unique Life Skills Courses for ages 8-12 throughout the Summer. Non-residential courses are at Chelsea Academy School, SW10 0AB, and their residential course is at Ardingly College, Sussex.

The courses focus on developing a growth mindset and the key ‘soft’ skills required to thrive at school, at home and in life ahead.

Cost is £395.

Typing or Typing with Phonics Notre Dame School, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1HA 07887 570997 www.unlocklearning.org.uk July 9th-12th or 16th-19th or 23rd-26th

Club Petit Pierrot St Luke's Church Hall, St Luke's Street, Chelsea, London SW3 3RP 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 16th to 20th July Creative activities and fun projects such as arts & crafts, cooking, singing, dancing, sporty games (indoor & outdoor), theatre & language games all help to develop your child’s communication skills in French, as well as developing their creativity, critical thinking and imagination. For ages 3-5 and 6-8 years old, from 9am to 1pm (half-day) or 9am to 3pm (full day).

Arts and Craft Creative writing through art Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB www.paintwritenow.co.uk continued on page 17

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When you book, please make sure you say where you saw them! It matters hugely for us

07779 100 659 katherine.smith@gmail.com Heroes and Villains (w/c 13th August) Under the Sea (w/c 20th August) Myths and Monsters (w/c 27th August) Classes divided by age; 8 students per class; £125-£150 per course

Fun with Fimo 0797 0793401 www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk 13th July, 19th July, 30th August and 3rd and 4th September Craft activity holiday sessions These fun and creative sessions are fully supervised and non messy.

Age 6+. 10.15am to 4.15, £50 each.

Spaces are limited.

Music and drama

6-10 August Musical Theatre Puppet School Perform on the Polka Main Stage as you work with their professional puppeteer and musical director to create your very own show.

Age 6-9, £150.

13-17 August Stage Summer Show Learn new skills and create a new piece of theatre to perform for friends and family on the Polka Main Stage.

10.30am-3.30pm, age 8-14, £150.

Summer Holiday Activities

The Strings Club Tooting Primary School, Franciscan Road, Tooting SW17 8HE 0121 296 9204 www.thestringsclub.org 21 July, 23-27 July, 6-10 August, 20-24 August Summer Holiday Camps Inspire your child through music this summer. Choose from Discover Days or Week Long Courses each day with The Strings Club is wonderfully different, including exciting creative workshops alongside high quality small

Sparks Ignite

continued on page 21

KKG Productions East Hill baptist church 182 East Hill Wandsworth, London SW18 2BE Contact Korey at Kkgproducions@outlook.com or 07960 874640 www.kkgproductions.co.uk 13th to 22nd August 2018 (not including the weekends)

Allsorts Drama 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Several venues, see website for details & booking.

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular drama workshops for ages 4-6 & 711yrs. The children will have fun with games, prop making and working towards a show that they will perform to family and friends on the last day.

Term time classes for ages 4–16 in SW1, W11 and NW3. Free trial class for the summer term.

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 25 July – 17 August Summer Holiday Workshops A range of exciting holiday workshops for budding actors, directors, designers and costume makers. See website for details.

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KKG Productions is a performing arts school located within Wandsworth for children aged between 4-14 years old.

The Strings Club

They cover drama, singing and dance and have poetry and contemporary dance master classes. They’ll have a guest appearance from a talented actor from the Dumping Ground and some superheroes!

On the final day a showcase for parents and carers to come and see what they have been doing.

Sparks Ignite Venues in Balham and Clapham 020 7101 9329 www.sparks-ignite.com/balham 9-13 July, 23-27 July and 30 July – 3 August Summer Shoots: Make a movie in a week. Action-packed summer camps full of movie making for children and teenagers aged 4-18.

Young movie makers discover new skills behind and in front of the camera, as they spend a week having fun, producing and performing in their own movie masterpiece. 9am-3pm, from £172 per child.

July/August 2018 • Families South West 17

18 Families South West • July/August 2018

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July/August 2018 • Families South West 19

20 Families South West • July/August 2018

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When you book, please make sure you say where you saw them! It matters hugely for us group instrumental sessions. Fully Ofsted registered, all children aged 4-11 are able to attend for the whole day. Half days from £20, early bird and late club £5.

Sport AJ Coaching Cricket Academy Dundonald Recreation Ground SW19 3QH 07790 935428 www.ajcoaching.co.uk 9 July – 16 August Holiday Camps Cricket camps focusing on skills and match practice, all abilities welcome, age 5-10, Monday-Thursday 4 day courses, £120, 8.30am-1.30pm. It is possible to book for single days too.

All Star Tennis Leaders Gardens SW15 1LS King Georges Park SW18 2GJ Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT Tooting Common SW17 8JU 020 8871 4706 www.allstartennis.co.uk 9 July – 7 September Summer Tennis Camps All Star Tennis award wining camps are renowned for their fun and creative approach to learning tennis. Packed with games, drills, tennis technique, match preparation, fun tournaments, trick shots, prizes and team games.

3-4 years: 3-4pm, 5-7 years: 10am1pm and 3-5pm, 8-12 years: 10am3pm, teens: 12-4pm.

Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk 9 July – 31 August Junior Golf Holiday Camps What better way to spend the holidays than improving your golf at one of these fun summer camps with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks? Whether your child is a beginner to the

game of golf or a progressive golfer, camps are designed to improve their enjoyment and ability under professional supervision.

Includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions, skill challenges and prizes. Age 7-14, morning only camp 9am-12pm, £30, whole day camp 9am-3pm, £45. Bring a packed lunch.

Summer Holiday Activities

new skills and developing confidence while the kids have loads of fun. Age 3-8 Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm, Wed 2-5pm, Age 6-12 Tues-Thurs 2-5pm, from £39.

There are also drop in classes available. Spaces are limited so book in advance.

Playball

Dukes Meadows Golf, Tennis & Skieasy Dan Mason Drive, Chiswick W4 2SH 020 8994 3314 www.dukesmeadows.com 23rd July – 31st August Tennis, Golf, Ski & multisport Camps.

Dukes Meadows provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to have fun and develop their sporting skills from beginners to advanced.

Children have the chance to participate in tennis, golf, ski and multisport camps.

Individual coaching and Tots Golf also available, call for further details.

Age 5 – 16yrs. Half day 9am– 12pm £35. Full day 9am-3pm (includes hot lunch) £60.

Little Gym Smugglers Way SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.eu www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu

23 July – 31 August Summer Holiday Gym Camps Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join these popular classes for children of all ages. The programme focuses on building

All Star Tennis

Battersea Park and Oak Lodge School on Nightingale Lane www.playball-london.com 020 8123 2217 23rd-27th July, 30th July - 3rd August 20th - 24th August 28th -31st August Playball offers high quality, fun filled, age-appropriate holiday camps tailored to meet the needs of younger children.

3-8 year olds will learn the fundamental sport skills for tennis, hockey, cricket, golf, football, rugby, basketball, football, volleyball and just about any ball sport you can imagine! Throw in water slides, treasure hunts and slippy slides and you have all the making of a fun filled, busy day.

Book online today!

SwimWay Putney, East Sheen, Kew Gardens, Kensington and Wimbledon 020 8871-3972 info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk Summer swimming course Intensive swimming course during the Summer Term Week 1: 23rd – 27th July Week 2: 30 July - 3 Aug Week 3: 6th – 10th August and Week 4: 28th – 31st August for children aged 3yrs – 9yrs. The lessons will be provided on a private or a semi-private basis for half an hour each day.

Swimming Rocks Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Chelsea Harbour. 07557 051 904 www.swimmingrocks.co.uk Summer crash courses 23 July to 31st August.

See website for full details.

Summer Tennis Camps in Wimbledon Park with Live Love Sport Tennis Academy 020 3652 1157 / 07931 160580 www.livelovesport.com steve@livelovesport.com Monday 9th July - end August Through dedication, knowledge and passion for the sport, young players are inspired to love their training, improve their skills and reach their potential.

Live Love Sport Holiday Camps are a brand new coaching experience aimed at players of all ages and delivered in Wimbledon Park. Offering highly qualified and respected coaches and uniquely designed coaching programme, the camps are guaranteed to improve and inspire young tennis players.

Course tuition based on Live Love Sport individual philosophy and linked to the LTA Tennis Guidelines for Mini Tennis (Red, Orange, Green) and Yellow Ball Tennis.

Little Hitters Camp (ages 4-6yrs), Orange Ball Camp (ages 7-9yrs) Green/Yellow Camp (ages 9-11yrs) Pre Teen & Teenagers (ages 11-16yrs) Camps run 10am-3pm in Wimbledon Park. Prices from £50 per day

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July/August 2018 • Families South West 21

Pop in to our pop up at Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon from 10:00 am on Monday 13th August – Monday 27th August Pop into our stimulating and enjoyable drama workshops for children aged 2-6. Little ones can participate in a creative alternative to shopping and parents can relax whilst enjoying good cake and refreshing drinks in our delightful café.

020 3026 6142 thekaleidoscopecafe@mail.com • www.thekaleidoscopecafe.com

Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies learn!

Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

22 Families South West • July/August 2018

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When you book, please make sure you say where you saw them! It matters hugely for us

Telford Park Tennis Club Telford Park LTC SW2 4NX 07736 068375 telfordparktennisclub.co.uk 9 July – 31 August Summer Tennis Camps A fun 5 day coaching course for all levels, 5-15 years. From the complete beginner to advanced level teens, coaching takes place in Telford Park’s safe and welcoming environment, encouraging real tennis learning, teamwork, and the development of key physical and technical skills. 11.30am-4pm, from £28 per day / £125 for the week.

10 July – 30 August Performance Tennis Camps Running Tuesday-Thursday each week, performance groups have been designed to foster the development of players who would like to play tennis at a competitive level. Led by their LTA qualified coaches, sessions will focus on Technical, Tactical, Physical and Mental Training. 9-11am, £20 per day / £55 per week.

Day and residential camps The Butterfly Preschool 32b Webbs Road SW11 6SF 020 7738 0019, info@thebutterflypreschool.co.uk www.thebutterflypreschool.co.uk 23 July – 2 August Summer Holiday Camps Join these action packed ‘Camp America’ style camps for children aged 2-8, 9am-5pm, full and half days on offer. Includes lots of outdoor activities, crafts, cooking and Forest school. Prices from £40 per day.

First Hand Experiences Jessie Mylne Education Centre, Fulham Palace SW6 6EA 01843 652833 www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk 9 July – 31 August Summer Day Camp – Nature Inspired Creativity First Hand Experiences bring their unique brand of nature based holiday camps to the green surrounds of Fulham Palace. Palace Pioneers – 35 years, children take their first steps into sustainable living with integrated gardening and cooking

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sessions, nature craft, original music, yoga and forest school play.

The Wild Explorers - 6-11 years, venture further afield with two off site trips per week to London’s wild green spaces all under one exciting theme. See website for prices, dates and themes, 8.30am-5.30pm daily.

Workshop sessions range from crafting a dream catcher to dying with foraged finds, geodesic dome building to tending their own musical market stall at the end-ofweek show.

First Hand Experiences Sleep Away Camp Gather Green, Kit Hill, Brenley Farm Estate ME13 9QP 01843 652833 www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk 15 July – 11 August Nature Inspired Creativity - Sleep Away Camp Experience true, offgrid living in style on this unique camp where children sleep in traditional bell tents pitched in a private meadow surrounded by ancient woodland. Age 7-14, 3 nights, 4 days - £349, 6 nights £549, 10% sibling discounts available.

Merton Movers and Makers Albemarle School, Southfields SW19 6JP www.mertonmencap.org.uk/movers andmakers.htm 23-27 July, 20-24 August and 2831 August Summer Camps for SEN Children Camps for children with mild to moderate additional needs, ages 6– 12 (and siblings depending on availability), 9.30am-3.30pm. A safe and fun environment for children with a range of difficulties such as autism/aspergers, speech language needs, dyslexia/dyspraxia, ADHD, and moderate learning disabilities. £70 per day, 10% discount if you book for 5 days or more, childcare vouchers accepted. Register via www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Movers _Makers or call Niki on 020 8687 4651.

Role Models Residential Courses Ardingly College, West Sussex RH17 6SQ 020 3637 7107 www.rolemodels.me 29 July – 11 August Summer Holiday Residential Course Join this multinational Residential Life Skills Course for children aged 812, £575 for 1 week or £975 for 2 weeks including accommodation and all meals.

Summer Holiday Activities

WWT London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT 0208 409 4405 wwt.org.uk 21 July – 2 September Dusty’s Wildlife Rangers Become a Wildlife Ranger like Dusty Duck with loads of exciting activities including pond dipping, bird watching and scavenger hunts. Join them at the Lodge where you’ll find their new Ranger Camp - survive in the wild, build your own shelter, learn how to start a fire or join a camp fire cooking workshop. It’s a wild day out for the whole family! 10am-4pm.

Café/learning space The Kaleidoscope Cafe Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon Visit www.thekaleidoscopecafe.com to book your child onto a workshop or call 020 3026 6142 Monday 13th August – Monday 27th August This pop up café is an easy alternative to entertaining children whilst out shopping. The relaxed children's café is a setting designed to promote learning through play, with materials that encourage children from a young age to explore and discover using their senses and natural intuition. A great option for childminders and families during the week and over the weekend. Opens 10am.

time with campfires, wild art, bushcraft and den building, for children aged 8 to 13 years. Includes Den-gineering Monday, Wild Fun & Games Tuesday, Wild Wood Wednesday, Wild Food Thursday and Wild Adventure Friday.

Bocketts Farm Fetcham KT22 9BS Surrey 21st July – 2nd September Enjoy a great day out at Bocketts Farm this summer with a full programme of fun activities! Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, gold panning, animal handling, goat milking and the famous pig racing. In addition, the Small Animal Village and Big Animal Barn are open where you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals. Plus, don’t miss the brilliant Water Wars Splash Zone, which involves launching water filled balloons at your opponent’s station – great fun for all ages! With two large indoor play barns, trampolines, young driver’s area, sandpits, pedal go-karts, panning for gold, treehouse towers and two giant jumping pillows, there's plenty to keep the whole family amused. Open daily 10am – 5.30pm.

Days out Battersea Park Children’s Zoo www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Throughout the summer Many fascinating animals events this summer including learning about snakes, how to look after guinea pigs, meet a GIANT African Land Snail or a Dumbo Rat (apparently they make great pets) learn about bugs, butterflies For ALL activities children MUST be accompanied by an adult. Usual entrance fees apply.

Cost from £1, mostly drop in activities.

Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 30 July – 17 August Wild Summer Camp. Have a wild

Bocketts Farm

RHS Wisley Surrey. Buy your garden tickets online and save 10% www.rhs.org.uk/wisley RHS Wisley is a beautiful garden with lots to interest children and plenty of space to burn off energy.

6 July – 31 August Every Friday afternoon (1pm-3pm) come and taste a selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown at Wisley.

4 – 5 August Birds of Prey. Meet wonderful birds of prey up close and learn all about them during this weekend. Watch the birds in agility displays at 11am and 2pm each day.

July/August 2018 • Families South West 23

What’s On

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Diary Dates...

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 6-9 Carlton House Terrace SW1Y 5AG www.royalsociety.org To 8 July A selection of 22 exhibits for science lovers. Meet the team of scientists and engineers, embark on utterly revolting science shows, a disgusting but scientific journey through the human body; from snot-eating to cooking with vomit, it promises to be a stimulating experience for all your senses.

Puttshack Westfield, Shepherd's Bush W12 7SL www.puttshack.com Throughout July and August

If you only do one thing this month…

Take the children to The Great Summer of Engineering at the London Transport Museum www.ltmuseum.co.uk 21 July – 3 September This is a great way to fill the summer usefully, so don’t miss out! Families can delve into the fun and fascinating world of engineering during six weeks of STEM related interactive challenges, storytelling and demonstrations at the London Transport Museum.

Each week a new transport challenge will explore themes such as steam, electricity and design. Young engineers can collect sticker rewards for each session attended and a special London Transport Museum Diploma will be awarded to those attending one or more weeks of activity. Children go free and adult admission tickets allow unlimited daytime entry to Check out the 20,000 sq ft Puttshack, the world’s only “supertech” mini-golf centre, featuring four courses and a 750-seater bar.

A mini-computer equipped with new tracking technology is embedded in each ball and screens show video highlights. It’s fun for all the family.

the Museum in Covent Garden for a whole year.

Age 3 to 12.

Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Graphic Art House of MinaLima, 26 Greek Street, Soho W1D 5DE store.minalima.com/house-ofminalima Throughout July and August Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the designers behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie artwork, showcase their magical designs in a free exhibition.

Kids Club Film Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street SW4 0AT www.picturehouses.com/cinema/ Clapham_Picturehouse Saturdays in July and August Movies exclusively for children and their parents and carers. Includes My Little Pony and Shaun the Sheep.

Creature Creations Grant Museum of Zoology, Rockerfeller Building, 21 University Street WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grantmuseum-zoology To 14 July Create works of art inspired by some of the weird and wonderful animals that call the Grant Museum home or invent your very own brand new animal, give it a name and add it to their collection in this family art day with their Museum artist. Drop in between 1.30 and 4.30pm, free, no booking necessary.

24 Families South West • July/August 2018

Colour House Theatre Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 14 July WrestleFest. A day of live Wrestling under the historic bandstand. With live music, bouncy castle, face painting and food and drink stalls.

11am-5pm.

27 August KidsFest. Merton Abbey Mills is given over to Kidsfest for a day of fun, exciting and innovative activities for kids to participate in, including hands-on workshops in art, crafts, pottery, cake making, music, drama and dancing. There’s also a bouncy castle, face painting and a chance to meet the characters from The Colour House Children’s Theatre.

The Golden Hinde St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.co.uk 14 July Night Voyage. Join an amazing night time adventure and step back in time to become the new crew of Sir Francis Drake's ship on this unforgettable voyage. Be prepared for an evening of immersive role play in costumes to see if you have what it takes to be an Elizabethan sailor. Will you make it as a Gunner, Officer, or a Barber Surgeon? Find out as your new skills are put to the test when the Spanish attack. 5pm until 9am the following day, £45 per person, age 6-11, children must be accompanied by an adult. familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Enjoy a family trip to a West End theatre show with free tickets and discounts for children, plus family-friendly activities. Enjoy a range of exciting activities hosted by some of London’s top shows, such as storytelling workshops, dance lessons and sing-along sessions with the cast.

The Golden Hinde

Southbank Centre The Making of Harry Potter Behind the Seams at Warner Bros Studio Tour Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/behind-the-seams To 22 July Get whisked off into the world of the Costume Department at Harry Potter at this exclusive summer extra on the Warner Bros Studio tour.

See costumes that haven't been seen before on the Studio Tour including those of Professor Sprout, Triwizard champion Cedric Diggory and even Lord Voldemort's robes.

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 22 July Hands-On Archaeology 1-3pm, free.

30-31 July Summer Explorers Drop In Session. 10.30–11.30am, free.

26 July – 30 August Creative Thursdays.

1.30pm–4.30pm, £7.50 per session, age 8-16.

Kids Week Venues around the West End officiallondontheatre.com/kidsweek 1 August - 31 August 2018

The Vaults SE1 7NN www.soundsandsorcery.com 3 July - 30 September Disney Fantasia. A family-friendly experience taking audience members on an interactive journey through The Vaults beneath Waterloo.

Wearing individual headphones, experience the music of Disney Fantasia while surrounded by theatrically designed installations, performances and interactions. Tickets from £30.

Throughout July and August The festival returns for the 10th year with stages full of affordable circus, theatre, cabaret, comedy, music and children’s shows on the south bank of the Thames. Highlights include hilarious and interactive performances with Dick and Dom, comedian Stephen K. Amos and Circa’s thrilling circus-cabaret show, Peepshow, plus Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dancehall.

and healthy lifestyles.

The festival will feature a 100stall organic marketplace, organic beer festival, talks, organic kitchen demos, a children’s farm, circus entertainment, free fun fair rides and much more. Find out about growing things from garden experts, making things in the Clearsping Japanese Tea Garden, finding very small things with Underbelly Festival bug hunts and learn a thing (or two) about how to look after our land by meeting real life farmers in our Meet the Farmers sessions.

The festival will feature an amazing line-up of big-name and up and coming bands including the Hoosiers and The Magic Numbers.

From £13.

Art Night

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival www.festival.org To 7 July Experience one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals, with open-air theatre, dance, art installations and music for all ages in Royal Greenwich and East London.

Underbelly Festival 30 The Queen's Walk, Lambeth SE1 8XX www.underbellyfestival.com

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www.the02.co.uk/events 13 + 14 July The Muppets. With a cast of characters headlined by the inimitable, yet exasperating Miss Piggy, the hilarious Fozzie Bear, the inexplicable Great Gonzo and the extremelyloud Animal, The Muppets remain as beloved and befuddling entertaining as ever. Following a hugely successful trio of sell-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl last year, this exclusive European show is the first time The Muppets have ever performed their full live extravaganza outside of the USA. 14-19 August Walking with Dinosaurs. Meet a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Stegosaurus and more as Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular brings extinct animals back to life.

Learn more about the dinosaurs, watch them walk and hear them roar in this popular family show. The show features 18 life-sized creatures that use cutting-edge technology to create a realistic dinosaur experience in London.

Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on 7-12 August Monstersaurus. Young inventor Monty creates a whole world of wacky inventions and incredible monsters. From the creators of Aliens Love Underpants, Monstersaurus is an energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem. 11am and 2pm, Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, age 3+, £8-16.

14-19 August Gravity and Other Myths: Backbone. A highoctane exploration of the limits of human strength, circus company Gravity & Other Myths take a visceral ride to the edges of physical, cerebral and collective brawn in this UK premiere. This is circus that goes straight for the jugular. Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 5pm and 7.30pm, age 7+, £20-36.

23-27 August How to Catch a Star. Following the story of a boy who dreamt of having a star as a friend, this performance combines puppetry and a magical original score. 11am and 2pm, Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, age 4+, £7-14.

Festivals...

Throughout Nine Elms, Battersea and Vauxhall www.wandsworth.gov.uk 7 July Join London’s largest free contemporary arts festival, featuring a programme of new commissions, one-off artist projects and premieres by 12 internationally-renowned artists in iconic and off-the-beaten track venues. The festival will link the South Bank to Battersea Power Station via Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea, including events at New Covent Garden Market and Embassy Gardens.

02 Arena

Sounds and Sorcery

GO! Organic London Festival Battersea Park www.goorganicfestival.co.uk 8-9 September Battersea Park is transformed into a vibrant celebration of the very best in organic, sustainability

July/August 2018 • Families South West 25

What’s On

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Movies under the stars... year, a series of child-friendly screenings from the Luna Cinema.

Located in the palace’s Twentieth Century Garden, three different films will be shown each day, with a whole range of family favourites including Beauty and The Beast, Paddington 2, Up, and many more.

Films begin at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm daily.

Painshill Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 17-18 August Open Air Cinema. The Greatest Showman and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. 7pm. Tickets are selling fast!

The Luna Cinema Somerset House

Pop Up Screens Venues across SW London including Fulham Palace and Ravenscourt Park www.popupscreens.co.uk 20 July – 23 September Catch a collection of the latest box office hits including Thor: Ragnorok and Wonder Woman, Academy Award winners The Shape of Water, 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Get

Out along with family favourite The Greatest Showman. Plus a few old classics including Dirty Dancing, The Breakfast Club, Grease and Top Gun. From £7.

Hampton Court Palace Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU www.thelunacinema.com/hampto n-court-palace/ 7 – 12 August Kids Luna Cinema. New for this

Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk 9-22 August Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House. A special celebration of the dream life of cinema, bringing deep, dark and dazzling visions to life. All films in this year’s festival focus on ‘dreams, fantasies, nocturnes and reveries’, featuring some of the most fantastical narratives and scenery ever seen on screen. Includes Sleeping Beauty, Labyrinth, The Wizard of Oz, American Animals and The Wife. Tickets from £19.75.

Venues include Brockwell Lido, Royal Air Force Museum, Kenwood House, Hampton Court Palace, Battersea Park and the Geffrye Museum www.thelunacinema.com To 6 October Enjoy an outdoor screening of your favourite movie in some of London’s most iconic locations.

Movies include Jaws (floating in your very own dinghy in Brockwell Lido!), Top Gun, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Moulin Rouge, Dunkirk and The Greatest Showman.

Lantern Arts Centre, photo: Matt Spour

Theatre...

Battersea Arts Centre www.bac.org.uk To 27 July Summer in the Courtyard. Come and enjoy comedy's brightest stars and brand new talents in Battersea Arts Centre's open-air courtyard.

Cambridge Theatre www.uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout July and August Matilda The Musical. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

Lantern Arts Centre www.lanternarts.org 11-14th July Our Town. Set in the fictional American small town of Grover's Corners, young George Gibbs and Emily Webb fall in love, marry and confront their mortality. 'Our Town', Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer prizewinning masterpiece, is narrated by a stage manager and traditionally

performed with minimal props and set, reminds us to appreciate and celebrate everyday life. 'Beautiful and remarkable ....A spiritual experience.' (The New York Post) 7.30pm (Saturday matinee 2.30pm) £14/£12

Lyric Hammersmith www.lyric.co.uk 8 September Penguin. Ben is delighted when he rips open his present. Inside is a penguin. Will penguin ever speak?

And when he does, was it really worth the wait?

New Wimbledon Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 6-7 July English National Ballet School Summer Performance. The talented young dancers of the English National Ballet School return to showcase their skills at the school’s annual Summer Performance 2018. This exciting programme features excerpts from Kenneth MacMillan’s Sleeping Beauty as well as other classical and contemporary choreography.

26 Families South West • July/August 2018

21-28 July Madagascar, see Top Five this month, page 6.

24-25 August English Youth Ballet – Swan Lake.

English Youth Ballet brings a brand new production of Swan Lake to the New Theatre Wimbledon. It promises to combine tradition with reality but with particular emphasis on the rivalry between the seductive evil Black Swan Odile and the beautiful but vulnerable White Swan Odette.

Old Vic Theatre www.oldvictheatre.com 7 July - 25 August A Monster Calls. A staging of Patrick Ness's bestselling novel which tells the tale of a boy coming to terms with his mother's cancer, appealing to children and adults alike with its dazzling insight into love, loss and healing. Ages 10+.

Omnibus Theatre www.omnibus-clapham.org 15-19 July Edinburgh Previews. Catch your favourite comedians before they head up north. Marcus Brigstocke headlines.

Lyric Theatre www.bearhuntlive.com 4 July - 2 September We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.

Don’t miss this smash-hit production as it returns to the West End in director Sally Cookson's fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower's versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick, oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes.

Ages 3+, from £15.60.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Polka Theatre

Puppet Theatre Barge

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 15 June – 5 August Double Act. Meet Ruby and Garnet. They’re twins, identical and inseparable – and do absolutely EVERYTHING together.

But their lives are about to change. Recently, Dad’s gone a bit weird. He’s been acting strange ever since he started dating that frizzy dizzy Rose.

6 July – 26 August The Everywhere Bear. The Everywhere Bear has a wonderful time with the children in Class One, but one day he gets more than he bargained for when he falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on his own big adventure!

Petersham Road (opposite 85), Richmond TW10 6UT www.puppetbarge.com 21 July – 5 August The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. These two famous mouse cousins take it in turns to visit one another. A delight for young and old, told with rod puppets, music and singalong songs.

8 August – 30 September Red Riding Hood. A magical show that will enchant both children and adults alike.

Regent’s Park Open Air theatre www.openairtheatre.com A fabulous theatre under the stars.

14 Aug-9 September Dinosaur Live. Fabulous

interactive new show for all the family. Grab your compass and join intrepid explorers across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus rex. All Tickets £16.50. Suitable from 3+.

Regent’s Park Open Air theatre

Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/rich mond-theatre 11-12 July Teletubbies Live. Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and the

Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them.

Museums, Galleries and Days out... underwater hideaway for your sea creatures. Age 3+.

15-16 August Model Magic Figureheads. Create your own fabulous figurehead using Model Magic to protect you from storms, sea monsters and sharks. Age 4+.

The Garden Museum www.gardenmuseum.org.uk Flower Fairies, Botanical magic 8 August - 30 September Since they first crept out from behind leaves and flowers in 1918 for the Elves and Fairies postcards,

Cutty Sark

Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk/museu m/inside-the-museum 23 July – 31 August Gold Rush! It is the summer of 1836. The Bank’s Directors have received a strange letter with a grave declaration: there is a drain in London which leads straight to the Bank’s gold vaults! But where is the location of the drain in question, and who is the person that has made this bizarre statement? Get to the bottom of the mystery by navigating your way round the museum and solving the clues to claim your reward.

Charles Dickens Museum www.dickensmuseum.com Last Sunday of every month Free family trail for each child taking children on a journey of familiesonline.co.uk

Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies have been enchanting and delighting children and adults alike. A selection of these charming characters will be on display in an exhibition which celebrates the centenary of the earliest publication of Cicely Mary Barker's first fairy illustrations. The exhibition will be held alongside a number of family friendly events, including cookery workshops which explore the use of edible flowers in food and garden workshops which will allow children to make fairy gardens.

discovery through No. 48 Doughty Street, where Dickens once lived with his wife and young family.

Discover a unique set of Dickensian curiosities from a beautiful dolls house, an engraved snuff box and even a collection of original props from The Invisible Woman. Exploration of the basement reveals a wonderful Victorian kitchen, full of period and replica items you can interact with.

Cutty Sark www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark 4-5 August Join artist in residence Jo Atherton in this arts and craft workshop. Age 4+ 8-9 August Sea-escape. Who knows what mysterious creatures lurk in the deep, dark sea? Join in this arts and crafts session and make an July/August 2018 • Families South West 27

What’s On

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Museum Explored. Explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join a fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, especially for families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm.

Sundays in July and August Hands-on history. Hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm.

www.horniman.ac.uk Throughout July and August Colour: The Rainbow Revealed. Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are made, peer through a giant human eyeball to find out how we see colour, discover how animals use colour to attract and hide, and look into how different colours mean different things across the planet. Free.

Throughout July and August Horniman Butterfly House. Get up close with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical indoor garden.

Throughout July and August World Gallery. The Horniman’s exciting new gallery displaying over 3,000 extraordinary objects from around the globe. Free entry.

17 August Family Bat Walk. Learn more about bats in this fun family session.

Handle some taxidermy specimens before going into the Gardens to search for bats using real bat detectors. Suitable for children aged 8+, from £3, 7.30-9.30pm.

Museum of London www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sundays in July and August

Museum of London Docklands www.museumoflondon.org.uk/mu seum-london-docklands Throughout July and August Roman Dead. In 2017 a rare sarcophagus was unearthed in London, where an ancient cemetery once stood. Discover the story behind this remarkable find in this new exhilarating exhibition.

National Army Museum Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk Throughout July and August Special Forces: In the Shadows.

Discover the elite training and extreme skills needed to make the cut as this exhibition explores the

operations our Special Forces have undertaken around the world over the past 70 years. A wonderful new exhibition at this completely refurbished museum, perfect for all ages and especially for families with curious youngsters. From £4.

National Maritime Museum www.rmg.co.uk 1-31 August Family Trails. Pick up one of their self-led trails around the National Maritime Museum and challenge yourself to explore, discover and enjoy as you delve deeper into the museum’s galleries.

19 August Into the deep. What lives in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean?

Be inspired by the beautifully illustrated maps in our collection to find out what people thought lived in the sea, before creating your own mythical creature.

21 August Snug harbour. Explore the accounts of WWI bravery, care and comradery in the Forgotten Fighters gallery with stories for younger audiences. Age under 5.

Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout July and August Whales Beneath the Surface. A major new exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of whales.

Throughout July and August Sensational Butterflies. Escape to the Museum’s tropical butterfly house and watch the crawling caterpillar transform into the beautiful butterfly. This immersive exhibition is filled with life, colour and beauty and features species found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. From £5.85.

Science Museum www.Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout July and August Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery.

Horniman Butterfly House

Don’t miss out on this fantastic new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainerled experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives.

Truly fascinating! £8/£6.

Sea Creatures RHS Lawrence Hall www.seacreaturestour.com 20 July - 30 August This immersive and interactive experience is packed with 50 full body, real specimens, 150 body parts and organs and an interactive digital show. Sea Creatures invites family audiences to explore and truly understand marine life, conserving marine species and raise awareness of marine conservation.

Family tickets from £52.

Tower of London www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Throughout July and August Armoury in Action. A family friendly exhibition revealing the fascinating story of arms and the armoury at the Tower.

18-22 July East Wall.

To 28 August Arrest and Last Days of Anne.

Perfect for Baby Showers, Gender Reveal and Bridal Showers

28 Families South West • July/August 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On The Chocolate Museum 187 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8BA www.TheChocolateMuseum.co.uk info@TheChocolateMuseum.co.uk

launched Drop-in sessions allow visitors to simply turn up during opening hours to make their own chocolates.

Fancy a chocolate-making workshop? They are good for all ages, for private groups, like birthdays, and Hen-dos, and for school programmes. Newly

Most workshops involve making truffles and lollipops, using different fillings and learning tempering and moulding. It is great fun!

Prep your child for schooling Parenting matters Saturday 15th September Register at www.teachingmums.com Creche available on request.

How many hours of learning does your child need? How often should you be reading to your child? How many hours of homework should your child be

You can also experience the museum with ChocoTale. It is a chocolate-filled interactive journey into the history of chocolate with a tasting box of 13 different chocolates.

Not forgetting you can also enjoy servings of Melange's legendary thick hot chocolate.

Parenting Event doing? How will your child develop social skills before attending school full time? How will you manage a successful return to work coupled with a school run? Come along to Lulu’s workshop and get yourself and your child school ready. 1-4pm.

Babies and Toddlers...

At the Horninam Museum, www.horniman.ac.uk 6 August All Around the World in 60 Minutes.

Enjoy a magical musical adventure with Bach to Baby, the critically acclaimed classical concert series for the whole family. Little ones can roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, and no concert is complete without crying, feeding and dancing! 11am-12pm, suitable for all ages, children free, adults £15.

for families with children aged 5+, free, 2-2.45pm and 3.15-4pm.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday in July and August Busy Bees. Lively sessions for under-5s. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. Free.

Dates in July and August Hands on Base: Family Activities.

Each week these fun family sessions will explore a different theme using objects from our Handling Collection, from flying animals to musical instruments.

Age 3+, free, 11am, 11.45am and 12.30pm.

Cutty Sark

Southbank Centre

www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark Every Wednesday in August Summer Time Toddler Time. Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 1011am, age under 4.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk Dates in July and August Rug Rhymes. A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories.

Times vary.

Horninam Museum and Gardens

The Graveney and Meadow

www.horniman.ac.uk Every Sunday in July and August A World of Stories. Enjoy stories from some of the best storytellers in London. Their tales bring the Museum’s varied collections to life and will whisk you away to faraway places and different times. Suitable

40 Mitcham Road SW17 9NA graveneyandmeadow.com Wednesdays in July and August Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft classes. See website for details.

Thursdays in July and August Pram Chorus. Child friendly daytime choir, 10am, £7 per adult,

Bach to Baby Family Concert

familiesonline.co.uk

see website for times.

Fridays in July and August Rhythm n’ Babies. Music classes for babies and their carers with instruments. 9.30am, £5.

The Bedford Pub 77 Bedford Hill SW12 9HD www.thebedford.com Tuesdays and Fridays in July and August Baby Sensory classes and Pram Chorus. See website for details.

Plus, they are running dance classes during October half term and hold a Big Fish Little Fish kids’ and parents’ “rave” every month, featuring top DJs, craft drop ins, bubble machine and parachute dance.

Last Wednesday of every month

Screaming With Laughter. London’s original afternoon comedy club, designed for parents with babies under 1 year. See the best acts from TV and the comedy circuit without having to book a babysitter. Buy tickets at www.wegottickets.com/ScreamingW ithLaughter

BYOB Comedy Clapham, East Dulwich, Teddington, Putney, Tooting www.byobcomedy.com Dates in July and August Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy and you get to bring your own baby! They provide toys, baby changing, buggy parking, bottle warmers and more, so that baby is happy and you can relax and enjoy top comedy stars from the circuit and TV.

July/August 2018 • Families South West 29

What’s On

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Unicorn Theatre

www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout July and August Inspirational and fun classical concerts. Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays in July and August The Palace Explorers. Join the Palace Explorers, weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 9.30am-10.30am.

Morden Hall Park

Hampton Court Palace

Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in July and August Little Explorers. Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories.

Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Every Thursday and Saturday in July and August Tiny Explorers. Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Hampton Court Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

www.unicorntheatre.com Saturdays in July and August Up Club. Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free drop-in activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm.

Singing Mamas Choir South London Liberal Synagogue, Streatham / The Half Moon (Workshop Room), Herne Hill www.singingmamaschoir.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August, depending on venue A Community of Choirs for Women, with or without children. Sing world songs, folk songs, gospel and more. A warm welcome awaits all singing abilities. Contact southlondonsingingmamas@gmail.com, tel 07947 609780.

Museum of London www.museumoflondon.org.uk Wednesdays in July and August Little Moles Toddlers Group and Mini Moles Babies Group. Fun, hands-on, creative sessions for toddlers, parents and carers. 3.30-4.30pm, book in advance. Plus sensory, hands-on, playbased activities for you and your baby to enjoy together, 11am-12pm.

NCT Bumps and Babies Group Riverside Pub, St George’s Wharf SW8 2LE Every Tuesday in July and August Come along at 2.30pm each Tuesday to meet up with other pregnant people or people with babies - completely free and drinks available.

Contact Caroline Flint on 07973 657 642, email caroline.midwife@gmail.com

DO-RE-MI Babies Concerts Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth

The Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August Storytelling and Music Sessions. A series of sessions for babies and toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5.

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall Underbelly Festival, Southbank SE1 www.monskimouse.com / www.underbellyfestival.com 8 and 15 July The undisputed, international Queen of BabyBoogying, Monski Mouse is touring the UK and she is ready to DISCO! A show where all the family can get down to classic tracks, crazy tunes, and thumping nursery rhymes, expertly hosted by DJ Monski Mouse and her Monski Mouse Dancers. Age 0-5 with parents/carers.

Fulham Palace

Kensington Palace www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in July and August Tiny Explorers. Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Kensington Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

National Maritime Museum www.rmg.co.uk Tuesdays in July and August Play Tuesdays. Embark on a museum adventure that includes trails, arty workshops, songs and stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm.

7 August Do you sea it? Sun, sea and sand! Use all your senses in this interactive play session for the youngest visitors as you explore all the sights and sounds of the sea. Age under 5.

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Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

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Shaftesbury Park Primary School

A local school with a global perspective Une ĂŠcole de quartier ouverte sur le mĂ´nde OPEN MORNINGS

Tuesdays 9th and 23rd October 9.30-11am

Show rounds on Tuesday mornings (By appointment)

Bilingual Class

If you value the experience of learning a new language then this is the option for you! In the morning your child will be taught mathematics, reading and writing in English and in the afternoon they will be immersed in the French language and taught, through exciting projects, how to listen and follow instructions, learn new words and phrases and sing songs.

The exciting choice of: Bilingual Class or Enterprise Class Enterprise Class

If you value the experience of learning through real-life contexts then this is the option for you! In the morning your child will be taught mathematics, reading and writing and in the afternoon through Forest School, a great, outdoor cross-curricular learning programme, they will develop 8 enterprise skills: Problem Solving, Leadership, Aiming High, Teamwork, Creativity, Staying Positive, Sharing Ideas and Listening Carefully.

For further information or to book a place for open mornings:

T 020 7 228 3652 E info@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk Shaftesbury Park Primary School, Ashbury Road, Battersea, London SW11 5UW

www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk