Families London SW November/December 21

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South West Your super useful local Christmas guide

Christmas shows • Santa’s grottos Holiday activities • Win gifts Issue 311 November/December 2021

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To find out more: Call (020) 8871 6666 wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering fosteringrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.uk Produced by Wandsworth Design & Print. wdp@wandsworth.gov.uk CS.1933 DC 1 (4.21)

In this issue 6-7

12

14

10 ways to embrace the holiday spirit

Nursery news

Where is Father Christmas?

15

16-17

18-19

Tips for a sustainable Christmas

Gift guide

Restaurant reviews

23

24-25

26-31

Holiday Activities

The best Family Christmas shows

What’ s On

Events, museums, theatre, concerts, baby activities, days out

Free magazines for your school, nursery, after school class, shop, ante natal group or for the school gates.

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Could you help?

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Just email editor@familiessw.co.uk with the number of magazines you can distribute (min 20) and we’ll drop them to you.

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 5

TOP

10

WAYS TO EMBRACE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT 2021

By Melissa Reynolds

December marks the most festive time of the year, and one that children look forward to all year.

Whether your children are young or in their teens, there are many amazing ways to find joy in the season in London. Families has you covered with a variety of places, events, and activities.

1. Book a Christmas Show or Pantomime

3. Christmas at Royal Albert Hall

(See the complete guide to the best shows pages 24 & 25) www.atgtickets.com If anything can make you feel festive it’s a Christmas show. Singing, dancing and laughing can put the entire family in a cheery mood.

Whether it’s a musical or a holiday panto, being together for a good show is guaranteed to bring the festive spirit! Check out Here Comes Santa Claus at New Wimbledon Theatre, Dick Whitttington at the Chelsea Theatre and more!

Make it extra festive: Why not settle in for a nice family meal out either before or after your show? Support a local restaurant and get some yummy in your tummy!

Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com One of London’s most iconic landmarks is full of festive cheer this year.

There is The Muppet Christmas Carol, My Christmas Orchestral Adventure, Carols at the Hall and more! Enjoy a music-filled night with friends and family!

Make it extra festive: Book early and don’t miss out on Storytime with Father Christmas at the Hall. Step inside Santa’s grotto, enjoy a story and get a gift.

2. See the Christmas Lights Central London, Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Streets 4 November Carnaby Street Lights • 12 November Regent Street Lights Oxford Street TBD • 26 November Clapham Junction Nothing says it’s holiday time like the lights that shine throughout London’s famous shopping streets. Walk the streets, look at the colourful displays and maybe even get some shopping in!

Make it extra festive: Being in the area already, little ones will love a stop at Hamleys to make their list and check it twice!

4. Hampton Court Festive Fayre 3 – 5 December www.hrp.org.uk Shop, eat, drink and feel festive at Hampton Court this December. The courtyards will be full of food, unique gifts as well as sing a longs. Take a walk through the palace and gardens and see them seasonally decorated.

Make it extra festive: Pack your skates and take a spin on the ice rink at Hampton Court Palace before warming up with some food and drink!

Hampton Court Festive Fayre

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London Lights

5. Christmas at the Junction www.visitclaphamjunction.com Fancy hugging a reindeer, sipping mulled wine, singing a carol or meeting pantomime stars of Battersea Arts Centre’s Sleeping Beauty & the Beast?

Short on stocking and pressie ideas? Want to feel the magic of Christmas and enjoy spectacular illuminations? Clapham Junction is the place to be over the weekend of 27 and 28 November. Watch the magnificent pine tree—situated opposite Arding & Hobbs— illuminate in a cascade of golden light, alongside the bespoke elegant streetlight decorations, which will create a dazzling path from Battersea Arts Centre alongside Lavender Hill, through Clapham Junction and up St John’s Hill and Battersea Rise, complementing the festive lights on St John’s Road and Northcote Road.

Make it extra festive: The Christmas Lights Switch-On is at 6pm on Friday 26th November, in conjunction with Riverside Radio LIVE and Battersea Arts Centre’s panto cast.

Clapham Junction

6. Peppa Pig Christmas Bus Tour 18 November to 9 January www.b-bakery.com Children everywhere love Peppa Pig, so why not celebrate Christmas with Peppa, George and the entire family? Enjoy a special Peppa-themed Christmas menu as the bus passes by all of London’s biggest sights. With Christmas decorations, sing-a-longs and treats, your little piggie will be more than ready for the holidays!

Make it extra festive: Have your little ones dress up in fancy holiday dress for their fancy tea trip!

7. The Magic of Christmas ZSL London Zoo 27 November to 3 January www.zsl.org Help the zoo animals get what they want this Christmas. Follow the fun, festive family trail and gather information along the way. Report back to Mrs Claus in the polar post room to mail off your trail card to Santa! Make a stop at the Sensory Sweet Shop for some treat to fill those stockings.

Make it extra festive: Book your time to meet Santa in his special grotto and make some fun holiday crafts while waiting!

The Peppa Pig Bus

8. Go Caroling Anywhere in London Singing some Christmas carols can be a great way to not only make you feel festive, but others as well. Start off in your own neighbourhood, and if you’re feeling adventurous give some London hotspots a try. Singing around the giant Norwegian spruce in Trafalgar Square tree can be a great holiday moment.

Make it extra festive: Warm up those hands with a thermos of hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Or, make some when you arrive back home with warm pajamas and snacks!

9. Get Your Christmas Tree The zoo at Christmas

Various locations throughout London Setting out to find the family Christmas tree can be a great activity together. It’s a wonderful smell as you wander through the trees to find the right one! Check out Battersea Flowers Station, The Christmas Forest, Pines and Needles, Camden Garden Centre and more. Don’t forget the decorations. What child wouldn’t want to help decorate the family tree?!

Make it extra festive: Sing some carols or watch some holiday movies in the glow of the tree once it’s all set up!

10. Santa Trains 20 November to 24 December www.audley-end-railway.co.uk Sometimes Santa ventures away from his sleigh to try another mode of transportation – the train! Board the Santa Express to arrive at the winter wonderland and meet Father Christmas himself. Visit the Gingerbread House, meet Holly the Christmas Fairy and more.

Make it extra festive: Your little ones can enjoy the adventure play area and make their own reindeer food. familiesonline.co.uk

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 7

Sponsored feature

Meet THE head

Didier Devilard, Headmaster

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle

The school welcomes over 3,400 pupils aged 3-18 spread over 4 sites. Since his appointment in August 2018, the Proviseur (Headmaster) sees his mission as captaining a ship.

Q: How would the students describe you?

This is a tricky question: pupils with whom I have had the chance to chat would probably say I am enthusiastic, voluble and demonstrative… Those who have not met me personally would most likely label me as the one who only appears on formal occasions and who, from somewhere in the administrative building, holds meetings and signs (many) documents pertaining to our school’s life.

Q: What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position?

I worked for a few years in West Africa at various AEFE schools (network of 540 French schools in 139 countries), then I headed an international school in France. When the position opened up, I already knew of the school’s amazing reputation, of its size and of its complexity. Applying was both a personal challenge and the logical next step in my career.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher and later, a headteacher?

I have fond memories of those who took part in my education, when I was a child, and a teenager. Whether it be academically or in sports and cultural activities, I remember the support my friends and I received from adults who were full of energy and ideas. They were both demanding and caring. They seemed genuinely happy and fulfilled to be with us.

Q: How do you think a head teacher can make a difference to an individual student?

By making sure that the student can “press the right buttons” to develop their potential.

Occasionally, a few of these buttons can be hidden: my job is to offer teachers the best environment and support so they can in turn help their pupils know and understand themselves, thrive and find the “right buttons”.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Happy.

Q: What have you been most proud of since joining the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres as Headteacher?

I am extremely proud to see that, in this huge school, despite the pandemic, we have kept an

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undeterred capacity for listening and discussing at all levels of our structure, with families and personnel alike, so our common focus remains centred on children’s interests.

Q: What is your best memory, so far, at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres?

Pupils’ joy when they have passed their final exams (French Baccalaureate or British ALevels). Some of them have known each other since nursery school. On that day, they realise that their successful graduation marks the end of an era and opens a new chapter in their life.

It is often a very intensely emotional moment.

Q: What is something about yourself that noone else knows?

I love walking the streets in London (sometimes even getting lost): this city is beautiful and exceptional.

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Q: Netflix or Kindle?

Both.

Q: Premier League or Last Night at the Proms?

Top 14 (French Premiership Rugby) Join Mr Devilard, his deputies and primary schools’ headteachers during their open days (multiple dates starting 10th November). Bookings on the website’s dedicated page www.lyceefrancais.org.uk You can also meet them on stand 614 at the Independent Schools Show in Battersea on 13-14 November.

For more information, follow them on social media @LFCGLondres on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram and @lyceefrancaisdelondres on LinkedIn.

November/December 2021 • Families South West 9

10 Families South West • November/December 2021

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New digital skills initiative prepares pupils from age seven for the jobs market of 2025

St Barnabas' Primary School & Nursery "Serve with Hope and Encouragement to Learn and Love" • No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Club and After School Clubs (until 6pm) • Specialist Music and Latin teachers

"...a strong and caring school community where all pupils are respected equally." OFSTED Contact us to arrange a visit to the school and a meeting with our Head of School.

St Barnabas Street | SW1W 8PF | 020 7186 0152

www.stbarnabasprimary.org.uk | office@stbarnabasprimary.org.uk @StBarnabasSW1 (Short walk from Victoria and Sloane Square stations)

According to the World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs 2020 report”, by 2025 the time spent on current tasks at work by humans and machines will be equal. As smart technology continues to transform every corner of our lives, it’s clear that schools have a huge task ahead to equip children with the skills they’ll need to thrive in an ever-digitised workplace.

R

ecognising how the Fourth Industrial Revolution is ushering in new ways of working, last year Fulham School decided it was time to radically shift the way they deliver their Information Technology curriculum education to keep up with the rapid pace of advancements and emerging technologies.

Through the Vision2025 initiative, over 200 students age seven to 12 in years three to eight are learning to build robots, code and use design software— all areas that the school has identified as being essential for the employment market in 2025.

Working with LEGO products and other suppliers, Fulham school has built specialised personal learning kits for pupils, to prepare a new generation of digitally literate familiesonline.co.uk

adults. Whilst the three core strands of the Vision2025 initiative—coding, robotics and exploring the digital world—will remain constant throughout the programme, the curriculum content will be regularly reviewed and adapted in line with new emerging technologies to ensure it is kept relevant.

They told Families: “By supplying home kits during the pandemic and encouraging students to learn by trial and error, we’ve been delighted to see how our reimagined approach to digital learning has igniting a new passion for STEM-oriented skills equally across girls and boys.”

Now back in school, students will continue with the Vision2025 initiative in their classrooms.

BELONGING | BELIEVING | ACHIEVING “You are the light of the world.”

• No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Club and After School Care (until 6pm) • Specialist Music and Spanish teachers Contact us to arrange a visit to the school and a meeting with our Headteacher, Mrs Rachel Jewitt.

St Matthew’s Primary School and Nursery 18 Old Pye Street | Westminster | SW1P 2DG office@stmwschool.org.uk | 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk | @stmwschool

www.fulham.school FamiliesSWLondon

November/December 2021 • Families South West 11

NURSERY NEWS

New Stay and Play sessions outdoors The Willow Nursery in Clapham Old Town is starting a regular taster session for 18mth to 2 year olds. ‘Stay and Play’ at the Grafton Square nursery will run every Monday morning and will offer younger children the chance to see what the nursery is like. With the EYFS curriculum recognising the importance and benefit of engaging in the outdoor world The Willow will run the sessions outside in their fabulous new Forest School area. This offers the little ones wonderful access to the mud kitchen, bug hotel, herb snipping, potion making, songs and stories whilst perched on the log lounge.

For more information and to sign up please call 0207 498 0319.

Effects of Covid on little children is still felt

What have the children been doing this term?

Little Angels Nursery School in Brixton is a traditional teaching nursery i.e. Learning Through Play. They told Families: “We have been exploring 'Me & My Family' so we can get to know the children especially new intakes. We talk about individual child likes and dislikes, people in our family, photos of family, food, places etc. We are also exploring 'Autumn' so we are looking at nature and things we can collect or see in the garden or out and about— acorns, autumn leaves, berries conkers, fir cones, hedgehog, squirrels etc. We read aloud relevant picture books.

The children are very excited about our nature collection!”

50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL littangels@yahoo.com

Queensberry Nursery

Pre-schools are so important for those fundamental first years—this is where children learn to express themselves, develop understanding, become independent and flourish. Sadly during the pandemic, many children haven't socialised with children of their age as everything was closed. Parents have expressed their concerns that their toddlers haven't been able to socialise or interact with peers due to covid.

Little Starlings on Endlesham Road told Families: “We are slowly getting back on our feet but we still have a long way to go. A year ago we relocated to the Kalos centre as, due to Covid, we weren't able to get back into their usual centre at the St James Drive. Many small businesses such as ours, have really struggled to stay open during the pandemic and sadly many have had to close their doors for good. Many of our children come to us through personal recommendation so if you are still looking for that perfect pre-school, Little Starlings really is a nurturing, happy setting where children thrive and love to learn.”

Little-starlings.com

Paint Pots Launches NEW STEM Classes Paint Pots Montessori, which was established in 1988, continues to innovate and this January is launching new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) classes for toddlers aged 2-3 years old at The Boltons, Chelsea. Through a mixture of exploration, experiments and activities, toddlers will enjoy a fun introduction to STEM examining for example light and shadows with puppets, mirrors and torches and the properties of materials through magnets, balancing scales and sinking and floating trays.

The classroom will be arranged to allow them free exploration of the environment while always having the reassuring line of sight with their parent/carer. There will be a number of stations setup around the room giving children the freedom to choose from the carefully planned activities and occasionally coming together for a bigger experiment. The free flow classroom enables children to practice their independence and social skills while having fun and learning along the way.

Classes start in January but places can be booked online from November 1st.

By emailing lucy@paint-pots.co.uk or book online at www.paint-pots.co.uk

Where BIG Hearts Shape Little Minds

Children from 7 months to 5 years 24 Queensberry Place SW7 2DR 0207 581 0200 queensberrynurs@gmail.com www.queensberrynursery.com

12 Families South West • November/December 2021

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PARTIES

Blueberry Playsongs celebrates its 30 year anniversary Blueberry Playsongs is launching its biggest children’s party yet! Led by award winning musicians on the guitar, you can expect your little ones to sing along with familiar nursery rhymes and songs, follow fun actions with jumping, marching, dancing, play instruments and maybe even see some puppets and parachutes.

Blueberry has been running fun and enriching music for under-5’s in London since 1991 in award winning nurseries in South West London, bespoke private classes and children’s parties. To book your session today call 07565 377 451 or email info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

Families South West favourite parties: Upbeat Music Courses upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk The most original and fun party in London. Dance, sing and record with your friends.

Tin Pan Annie tinpanannie.co.uk/parties-birthdays Tin Pan Harry’s parties are packed full of high-energy fun suitable for everyone, even the parents won’t be able to resist joining in.

Kids En Cuisine kidsencuisine.com Choose from several themes: afternoon tea, sushi, pasta, pizza or biscuits making parties. Always a success!

The Little Gym wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.co. uk/parties Children get the full run of the facility, filling the celebration with instructorled games, music and fun activities created especially for your birthday boy or girl—and you don't have to worry about setup or cleanup.

October competition results are in: Richard Pinner’s new co-star has a name!

Introducing… “Radford - The Rainbow Rabbit” Interestingly several people picked the name Rainbow so all winning entries were put in a magic hat: the lucky winner of a ‘Magic & Laughter Show’ is Arianna, age 6. Richard & Radford are looking forward to appearing at her school, Eaton House the Manor, very soon. The pair has already performed their first few shows together and are looking forward to many more!

Thank you to everyone who took part, but don’t worry if you didn’t win, Richard and Radford the Rainbow rabbit would love to come to your school or next birthday party if you invite them (just make sure carrots are on the menu!).

Visit MagicAndLaughter.co.uk for more details

Flipout www.flipout.co.uk Whether you choose from gold, silver or bronze, Flipout host the best flippin' parties around! Also After Dark parties, Toddler parties and Karting.

The Living Room Place www.thelivingroom.place A sweet homely venue for the smaller parties: intimate, secure, easy to decorate and with a kitchen. It is very popular for baby showers too.

Great customer reviews.

Perfect parties for little ones!

•Fun live music •For 0-5 yrs •Instruments & props •Award winning musicians

info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk 07565 377 451

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 13

CHRISTMAS

Where to find Father Christmas?

Compiled by Melissa Reynolds

Nothing says it’s Christmas like a visit to see Father Christmas. Families has all the details about where to find the jolly old man in red and how best to see him. Important to note, book well ahead!

London Transport Museum

Winter’s Tail

Legoland

www.ltmuseum.co.uk From 4 December Meet Santa and help him fix his sleigh to keep delivering his presents!

Chessington World of Adventures www.chessington.com 27 November to 24 December Meet Santa in his grotto and then head on over to his very own toy workshop where children can choose a gift to take home. Every ticket to Winter’s Tail allows entry to the grotto.

www.legoland.co.uk 27 November to 3 January Enjoy your holiday with a bit of LEGO magic including lights, snow-dusted pine trees and seasonal festivities! Meet Father Christmas in his log cabin and receive a special LEGO gift. Don’t miss his parade as it makes its way around the park!

Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com 2 – 21 December Father Christmas is back at Royal Albert Hall and will be waiting in his enchanting winter grotto. Enjoy a story time session with Santa and his head elf Crumpet before taking home your own gift!

Christmas at Kew

ZSL London Zoo

www.kew.org 17 November to 9 January Enjoy Kew’s magical trail of lights complete with tunnels of light, colourful trees, and waterside reflections before saying hello to Father Christmas along the way!

www.zsl.org 27 November to 3 January Find out what the zoo animals want for Christmas by taking the fun, family trail and then mail off their lists at Mrs. Claus’ post office!

Book your special time to meet Santa in his magical grotto 4 - 5 and 11 - 24 December.

www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 4, 5, 18, and 19 December Gather around as Father Christmas tells his tale of life in the North Pole as well as his love for trees, plants, and our planet. Photo opportunity and a gift follow.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

From 19 November Enjoy some rides, games, shows and festive food before taking a meeting with Santa himself. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for his parade which will make its way through the park area.

Hamleys www.hamleys.com TBD London’s biggest toy store will likely welcome back the big man in red again this year. Times and dates to be announced!

Chelsea Theatre www.chelseatheatre.org.uk Enjoy the pantomime Dick Whittington with your family then pay Santa a visit! See what’s on for details.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Rainforest Café www.rainforestcafe.co.uk 18 November to 24 December Join Santa for breakfast and be sure to bring your wish list!

Fulham Palace www.fulhampalace.org 26 – 28 November This Santa meeting takes place during Fulham Palace’s Christmas Fair weekend. Enjoy the Christmas market, carols, live music, face painting and more! Santa tickets are extra.

Lapland www.laplanduk.co.uk Lapland offers a great holiday experience. Visit the Enchanted Forest, the Toy Factory, Mother Christmas’ kitchen, the Elven Village, all before meeting Father Christmas himself!

Greenwich Market www.communityhospice.org.uk 17 November to 24 December

Greenwich and Bexley Community

Hospice will be holding a Greenwich Grotto and a Danson House Grotto, check dates when booking. There is also story time with Santa at the Greenwich Grotto, or the chance to meet with Santa via Zoom!

Hard Rock Café www.hardrockcafe.com 4 December Join Father Christmas for a rockin’ good breakfast that includes an unlimited buffet, donut wall, face painting, games, and a visit from Jolly St. Nick himself!

Santa in a Cadillac All around Putney Saturday 4th December 9.30am - 3.00pm See if you can spot Get Set Go’s Santa out and about in Putney— he's going to be in a giant red Cadillac so it will be hard to miss him!

Letters to Santa Everyone loves to get some post now and again, especially young people! Send out your letter to Santa and get a reply from the big man himself!

Royal Mail Letters to Santa must be posted by 10 December to receive a reply. If you miss that date, download the card he is sending on the Royal Mail website www.royalmail.com.

Bocketts Farm www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 25 November to 24 December Hop on board the Santa Express trailer and head to Santa’s workshop. Meet the big man in red in his grotto and receive a special golden coin to spend in his toy shop! Professional photos and souvenirs available.

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CHRISTMAS

Top tips for a sustainable Christmas Why not buy recycled toys this year?

Choose a gift that last

Even Selfridges has opened a pop-up shop selling preloved toys! Customers can also donate their unwanted toys, which will either be sold in the shop or sent to the department store’s charity partner The TOY Project. The charity shops Fara are everywhere and brimming with great value toys.

Make every gift count by purchasing things with value, purpose and meaning.

Choosing to gift fewer presents will also ensure people don't end up with lots of little ones they don't need.

Make your own Christmas presents Whether you love baking, sewing or painting, why not get creative with the children this season. Make puppets from milk bottles, flowers from tissue and pipe cleaners, mobiles from milk bottle tops etc. The Work and Play Scrapstore is a fantastic treasure trove of waste and surplus goods at nearly no cost. www.workandplayscrapstore.org.uk

Buy organic Try to buy just a little bit more organic this year. From fruit and veg to toiletries we can all make a little difference. By working with nature, organic farmers build healthy soils which store more carbon.

Try and avoid plastic Make it a family challenge: each member of the family has to find a plastic free alternative suitable for each member of the family. Start with loose fruit and veg (easy), move up to washing up and shampoo soap bars. Cook more from scratch.

Choose plastic free Christmas crackers Keep an eye out for recyclable and plastic free crackers—you can even find reusable crackers in some stores. Or make your own, it’s fun and easy.

Switch to eco-friendly wrapping paper Sticky tape, ribbons and paper covered in glitter can't be recycled, so stay away from those types.

Switching to brown eco-friendly paper that you then decorate yourself instead, will help to minimise the high levels of waste produced at this time of year.

Buy plantable Christmas cards A zero waste alternative is plantable Christmas cards. When the biodegradable paper is planted in a pot of soil, the seeds will grow and eventually the paper will decompose. Look on Etsy.

R OYA L A L B E R T H A L L A N D B I R M I N G H A M R OYA L B A L L E T P R E S E N T

28 – 31 December 2021 7 PERFORMANCES ONLY THE TIMES

‘…wonder and spectacle’ LONDONIST

‘The biggest Nutcracker in London’

royalalberthall.com/christmas Birmingham Royal Ballet is registered charity No.1061012 and is funded by

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 15

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Chalkboard on Northcote Road share with you their Top Toys for 2021.

Knock Knock First Words £18 An award winning game created for babies (yes babies!), toddlers and up.

Learn through play with 7 games and activities which help develop language, memory, matching and more. The games and activities are suitable for different stages of development and can be played by children of different ages at the same time. Mum-designed and an absolute must have. Age 1

Bunny Boo Logic Game £25 Bunny Boo is a fantastic and fun introduction to concepts such as above/below, inside/outside, visible/hidden, etc. Children are shown a card and asked to replicate the image using the beautiful wooden components.

With 60 challenges that get harder as you go, this logic builder will grow with your family. Age 2

Monsieur Carrousel Cooperative £35 Work together to help all of the kids get on the carousel before the rain starts to fall. This gorgeous wooden game has increasing levels of difficulty and encourages memory, visual perception and team work—best of all, you get to spin the carrousel! A wonderful interactive board game all the family will enjoy. Age 4

Colour Code Logic Game £20 Our bestselling logic puzzle that all the family will want to get involved with.

Colour Code uses 18 bold, coloured shapes, each on a see-through tile.

Pick a challenge, then stack a rack of tiles to recreate the exact composition presented. With 100 challenges that increase in difficulty, you’ll be puzzling until Easter and beyond! Age 5

Easy Electric Circuits £33 Explore the science of electricity in a fun, hands-on way by building 20 electric circuits and motorized devices.

Conduct experiments to learn about many electrical components and physical science principles first hand.

The innovative building system allows you to easily piece together the circuits by sliding the connectors together, and then easily sliding them apart when it’s time to build the next circuit. Age 7

BrainBolt® £20.50 Think quick and challenge your brain by remembering the light sequence and pressing the new light. It’s not as easy as you think! Perfect for solo play, two-player mode, timed mode for quicker games, and advanced mode for expert players. Age 8

Airzooka Always a favourite in our shop. Blast a harmless ball of air up to 6 meters towards any object or person. Then have a good giggle after you mess up a person's hair, ruffle their shirt, dress or papers unnoticed from a distance.

There is a serious side to this fun science toy—it's an interesting handson way to learn about air vortices and Newton's laws of motion. Age 9

Robotics Smart Machines : Super Sphere £110 Build a humanoid robot that walks forward on two legs and pivots to avoid obstacles in its path. An awesome stag beetle model moves backwards or forwards in response to an obstacle, and opens and closes its pincers. After you have learned how the technology works, you can build and program your own robots using the kit’s 230 building pieces.

A full-colour, 64-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble all of the models and teaches them about robotics in the real world. The visual programming language allows you to command the robots’ motors to move at different times, different power levels, in different directions, and in response to the data from the sensor. Age 10

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GIFT GUIDE

Editor’s choice...

Bespoke headboards Pelerine Design produces beautiful bespoke headboards and décor.

Lovingly designed and handmade

by Justine Russell in SW2, using soft and sumptuous fabrics. The perfect way to help your little ones settle into a new bed or bedroom.

Custom colours and one-off designs also available.

This Book is Full of Brains All kinds of brains and how they work £9.99 Join Little House of Science on an access-all-areas tour of the body’s brilliant command centre.

Support your local businesses !

Now in its ninth year, Small Business Saturday (smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com) encourages consumers to 'shop local'—this year why not say a ‘big thank you’ to the small businesses for their vital role throughout the pandemic. Small Business Saturday UK is on 4 December 2021, following on from last year with a record-breaking success, which saw an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses on the day itself.

Wimbledon based Pri Pri has been chosen as one of 100 impressive small businesses from across the UK to mark the official count down to this year’s Small Business Saturday UK. Pri Pri is a collection of upcycled accessories and children wear made from Indian saris and supporting a women's empowerment charity. www.pripri.co.uk Check out Pri Pri’s own ‘Guide to Local and Sustainable Gifting’ featuring 5 other Wimbledon small businesses with sustainable gifting ideas. bit.ly/Wimbledongifts

Using fun exercises and experiments that are easy to do at home, and presented with simple, easy-to-follow illustrations, This Book is Full of Brains is an aweinspiring guide to this remarkable organ.

Perfect for children aged 9-11, This Book is Full of Brains teaches them about the inner workings of the human brain as well as the brains of animals, insects, dinosaurs and robots.

Available from Bookshop.org

My Little Morphée £70 This non-digital, screen-free sleeping aid contains 192 meditative journeys to prepare children before bedtime or help calm them down during the day.

Reviewed by Roving mum Nadia (@yellowbubblespace) and her 2 and 6 year olds. They both loved the guided meditations (journeys) and visualisations, which are designed to help children develop their personal confidence, improve concentration and focus.

Pelerine Design will be featuring at the PopUpholstery Sale at Herne Hill Station Halls on Sunday 5th December and offering exclusive Christmas discounts to customers.

Visit @pelerinedesign and pelerine.bigcartel.com for more information. Prices vary hugely.

Sessions also include breathing and relaxation exercises. The soothing visual journeys transport children to different destinations (an island, desert, forest…), guided by an animal of their choice.

3-8yrs

Toy shops we love Puppet Planet 787 Wandsworth Rd, Clapham puppetplanet.co.uk A magical puppet shop filled with puppets sourced from all around the world. There's something for everyone - kitsch and culture from toys suitable for babies to collector's items.

traditional and top quality toys, games, books for all ages. 1000’s of products in stock. Also a space to play, create, build and have fun.

Fara kids Charity shops in several locations in SW London. Think recycling and savings.

Chalkboard 60 Northcote Rd, SW11 1PA www.chalkboardsuk.co.uk Bright, educational toy shop selling craft and puppet kits, puzzles, outdoor games and science toys.

Pandemonium 125 Sheen Lane, East Sheen SW14 8AE pandemoniumlondon.com Stocked floor to ceiling with familiesonline.co.uk

Patrick's Toys 107-111 Lillie Rd, London SW6 7SX A great all round toy shop.

QT Toys 90 Northcote Road SW11 6QN www.qttoyslondon.com Shop in store, local delivery for orders over £40 or click and collect.

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 17

Highlights of seasonal

The Junction in the Clapham Junction in the heart of Battersea plays host to a rich abundance of small independent restaurants, tucked off its bustling high street. We’ve sampled just a small selection of different restaurants which exemplify the enormous range of superb dining experiences across The Junction as we approach the festive season. Whether it’s the small intimate

surroundings of a gastronomic Gallic for a cool date night, or a full-on Roman feast for the family at an Italian favourite—Christmas is coming and we all need the perfect excuse to spoil ourselves, inspiration on where to entertain our friends and rellies… or simply suggestions on where to buy that perfect gift token pressie.

Kibou Buzzy and vibrant are appropriate adjectives for this sushi bar with its humorous motto of ‘sashimi over to our place’, funky artwork and comfy velvet banquettes; stylish and seriously good are others. Located at the southern end of fashionable SW haunt, Northcote Road, Kibou, the Japanese hot kitchen, ramen and sushi bar, serves up sumptuous bao buns stuffed with juicy crab and a flash of ginger, warming bowls of Yaki Udon—hot with chilli and crisp tofu, handsome Futomaki Volcano rolls, handmade sushi and sashimi. Accompany with one of their cracking cocktails with an oriental twist.

Northcote Road, SW11 6QF. 020 7223 8551 www.kibou.co.uk

VE Kitchen A newcomer to The Junction this year, VE Kitchen’s vegan food philosophy is simple: ‘create deliciously nutritious, freshly prepared plant food dishes in a 100% green energy, all electric, deliver no plastic kitchen’. Well, it certainly ticks all the boxes. The handsome helpings look very pretty on the plate and taste equally as yummy. Bouncing with flavour, choose from Modern Classics such as the brilliant Mac & Cheeze (VE’s signature dish made with cashew), Katsu curry to VE Kitchen’s ‘Game Changers’: dishes designed according to the Ayurveda principles of eating mindfully. Wash down with fresh vegan spirit cocktails and smoothies.

39 Northcote Road, SW11 1NJ 07828 509113 www.vekitchen.com

Taverna Trastevere This Italian star, serving-up real homemade Roman food, on foody St John’s Hill, is the business. Decorated in rustic tones, it welcomes families with open arms and is owned by Alessandro Grappelli (who also has the eponymously named butcher and deli on Northcote Road—Pizzicheria Grappelli). Quality olive oil drizzled over melt in-the-mouth salt and peppery Suppli (Roman fried rice balls filled with mozzarella) and tomato-laden bruschetta were just the ticket. The consistency of the Prosecco risotto was perfect, accompanied by an avalanche of sumptuous truffle shavings. Their chocolate tiramisu is not for the fainthearted: a supremely creamy take on this classic Italian dish. Heaven!

112 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SJ. 020 7228 7772 www.tavernatravestere.com

Sinabro Exceptional, classic French flavours with a modern twist are what to expect from this exceptional little gem on Battersea Rise—recommended by the Michelin 2021 Guide. While the kitchen is headed-up by French native Yoann, whose 28-year career has seen him working in some of the finest Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and London, his beautiful wife Sujin manages front-of-house with effortless ease. With a set menu that changes bi-monthly to reflect seasonal fresh ingredients and new inspiration, top dishes include the buttery cod brandade, fragrant duck with creamy celeriac, succulent lamb rump with cavolo nero and their signature, star dish—creamy rice pudding with pistachio. There’s a fab wine list too.

28 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EE. 020 3302 3120 www.sinabro.co.uk Top tip: Book on a Tuesday or Wednesday to secure a table

18 Families South West • November/December 2021

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deliciousness at

By Roz Lloyd-Williams of the Junction BID @claphamjunctionBID

heart of Battersea Hannah Sister to Heidi in Balham, this trendy bar and restaurant offers a great selection of PYO (pour your own) self-dispense wines, beer, cocktails and a killer brunch menu including the astounding good Great British Benedict Rosti - Gruyère & potato rosti, porchetta, hollandaise with poached egg, plus fabulous Sunday roasts with all the trimmings! Look out for date night cocktails, small plates with highlights including tasty gyoza, grilled octopus, and our favourite—the roasted cauliflower with rose harissa. The large, covered terrace area is also a bonus. Keep up to speed with their live DJ music sessions and special promotions, detailed on their website.

281 Lavender Hill, SW11 1LP 020 7223 8513 www.hannahbattersea.com

Dan & Angel We love this family run restaurant, winner of countless local awards and headed-up by patriarch Abraham Valverde. Always with a wide grin on his face, you’ll find him busy in the kitchen cooking-up tasty treats like enormous pizzas from the stone-based oven, Spanish tapas and Mediterranean mains. Great value for money and the first restaurant in London to use ingredients such as quinoa and whole grain flour for their pizza bases, the restaurant has recently undergone a colourful refurbishment. We particularly enjoyed the Calzone—a huge semi-circle of deliciousness crammed with ham and cheese and the chunky, hot halloumi salad with peppers.

There’s a healthy kids’ menu the eatery is now open for lunch every day from midday.

143 St John’s Hill, SW11 1TQ 020 7738 1222 www.dnarestaurant.uk

The Schoolhouse With seasonally changing menus, this upper St John’s Hill favourite gastropub is a throwback to the best bits of your school days. Hearty winter dishes on the menu include old British classics like meaty stew, creamy mash and gravy and crispy pork belly with butternut squeak and savoury cabbage. One of our favourites is the Nawty Burger (with oh-so-good rosemary chips) which we rated as one of the best burgers we’d ever munched—with its super soft brioche bun with 100% 21 day-aged local beef, (the vegan alternative is equally as good).

The collection of over 60 craft beers is something to behold.

137-139 St John’s Hill, SW11 1TD 020 7223 6288 www.theschoolhouse.london

Humble Grape If you’re an oenophile you’re going love this place! This hangout for vino lovers boasts the best stock of imported sustainable wines (include a plentiful supply of organic) from small producers across the globe (to quaff and also for sale). The split-level interior with wooden, low-level tables and walls, with ambient lighting is perfect for a date night, catapulting you across the Channel into France. The simple modern European dishes include charcuterie platters and salads, but we loved the superb Sunday roasts, accompanying by super tasty gravy and damn good, crunchy roast potatoes!

2 Battersea Rise, SW11 1ED. 020 3620 2202 www.humblegrape.co.uk/winebar/battersea

For more information on restaurants, bars and dining please visit https://visitclaphamjunction.com

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 19

Wimbledon embraces the Christmas spirit!

Winter weekender in Wimbledon 27-28 November, 12-5pm Get into the festive spirit with this FREE event with performers, a brass band, roller skating Christmas characters, a Christmas Market with hot food and ice carving in Wimbledon Town Centre. Don’t miss an appearance from Father Christmas himself, plus a spectacular fireworks display at 5pm on Sunday, courtesy of Centre Court Shopping.

Wimbledon Christmas Markets Weekends 20 November to 19 December, 11am – 6pm, plus Fridays 11 December and 18 December. Find everything you need for the festive season, from sumptuous gifts to delicious food and stocking fillers. Local artisans offer a broad range of products, including original art, home decor, bespoke jewellery, children’s clothing, candles and much more. Featuring award-winning market stalls and dog friendly! Up to 50 stalls at each market. The Piazza, Wimbledon, SW19 1QB

Wimbledon Reindeer Trail

Visit the Nine Elms Advent calendar art trail The Nine Elms giant advent calendar trail is such a lovely event; it is outdoors, it is free and everyone is welcome!

There will be 24 venues around the area, hosting 24 illuminated windows, each one filled with artwork exploring the theme “Peace on Earth”. Each window will be designed by local artists, creative organisations, schools and community groups.

One window will be revealed every evening from the 1st - 24th of December. Now in it's 3rd year, this project is brought to you by the Nine Elms Arts Ministry with support from Wandsworth Council’s Nine Elms team, the Diocese of Southwark, Dominvs Group, Battersea Power Station Foundation and many more wonderful local sponsors and partners.

Find out more at www.nineelmsartsministry.org

19 November to 1 January Eight vibrant and colourful reindeer (plus Rudolf!) will grace the streets. See if you can spot them in town—with a theatrical twist!

For more information on all these events please visit Lovewimbledon.org.

A star in the making at Let’s Act drama school Let's Act Drama School student is super proud of its pupil Freddie, who stars as Prince Harry in new blockbuster Spencer.

Freddie attends the Clapham branch of the family run stage school, where children are given the confidence to achieve anything. Principal Mrs Amy Flint was amazed by Freddie's performance and was honoured to watch the film before its release on November 5th.

Freddie filmed for over 3 months in Germany and continued his training with Let's Act via zoom whilst he was filming.

Let’s Act now runs classes in Clapham, Wimbledon, Chelsea and has recently opened a new Saturday stage school in Earlsfield for any budding young actors who wish to follow in Freddie's footsteps. Let's Act only accepts 10 students per class, to ensure the quality of tuition is kept high. www.letsactdramaclasses.co.uk

20 Families South West • November/December 2021

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 21

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

BATTERSEA 07956 288928 battersea@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/battersea

NEW MALDEN 0208 540 7791 newmalden@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/newmalden

FULHAM 07498 213142 fulham@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/fulham

PUTNEY 020 8099 9861 putney@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/putney WIMBLEDON 020 8946 3400 wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

22 Families South West • November/December 2021

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Holiday activities

Perform drama

Lets Act Drama School

A wide number of locations www.perform.org.uk 20 - 22 December Narnia December Holiday fun. Three full days (10am -3pm) of fun-packed drama, dance and singing sessions with specially formulated games and exercises boosting confidence and building concentration. Final performance for friends and family with colourful costumes and original music 4-10yr olds.

Classes held at St Lukes SW12 www.letsactdramaclasses.co.uk Christmas camp, inspired by Elf! Come and join Let’s Act Drama for Christmas fun and frolics this December! Age 4-12yrs.

Yellowbird Education Yellowbirdeducation.com 020 7731 0695 Hugely popular educational workshops in Creative Writing, Interview Skills and Reasoning. Check out the website for details.

Little House of Science Location: Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, The Academy First Floor, Courtfield Road Entrance, London SW7 4DN (2 mns Gloucester Road Tube Station) www.littlehouseofscience.com 13-22 December Winter wonder physics science camp.

Classroom based camp.

Book single days or the full weeks from 9.30am-3.30pm (free early drop-off from 8.30)

Youngstars Wimbledon, Putney, Clapham, Balham 07749 343 116 www.young-stars.co.uk 20-24 Dec Popular multi sport and activity camps. 8.15 – 5.15pm, with half days an option. £25 per half day, £49 full day. 3-10yrs

Role Models www.rolemodels.me Unlock your child’s true potential through a range of inspiring and interactive courses and sessions for children, aged 3-13, both online and offline. Full day courses alongside twice daily 60mins sessions that children can pick and choose from. Topics cover everything from confidence, courage, creativity to managing your emotions.

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French Institut 7 Queensberry Place, South Kensington SW7 2DT www.institut-francais.org.uk Sat 13 Nov and Sat 11 Dec Story Time! Whether it’s a simple reading or a theatrical show, there will always be some great stories to discover. Children will develop their imagination, learn new French words and have fun! 11am | 30 mins | in easy French | £7 non-members, £5 members| ages 3-6.

16 Dec Sensory explorer For each season, a new way to stimulate your senses! There will be things to smell, to touch, to listen to, to see and to taste. How do you think winter will feel from all of your senses? For 0-6yrs.

11am | 30 mins | in easy French | £7 nonmembers, £5 members.

GetSetGo! family clubs

Santa’s Grotto here

Tileman House, 133 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2TR 13 to 23 December A magical Santa's Grotto experience: • a special one-to-one meeting with Father Christmas • a photo of the magic moment for you to treasure • an early Christmas gift from Santa • a craft-making session with our elves • a delicious drink and tasty treat to enjoy during a magical Christmas Storytime £27.50 per child. 9am to 6pm each day.

Book here www.tickettailor.com/events/getsetgofamilyclu bslimited/598891# Sunday 19 December 3pm - 5pm Family Christmas Party An epic afternoon of festive delights for all the family including Christmas games and crafts, face-painting, a specially curated Christmas feast and drinks and much more.

Ages 3+. Price £15 per person (adults & children) get-set-go.com/club-putney/events

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Paint Pots Montessori Festive Fun St Mary The Boltons, Chelsea, SW10 9TB www.paint-pots.co.uk Mon 13th - Fri 17th Dec Children 12-18 months Enjoy Christmas magic with themed play, songs and music.

Mon & Fri, 9.45-11.45am, £50 per session Children 18 months - 2.5 years Get creative with festive arts and crafts, songs and music.

Activities differ in each class.

Tues - Thurs, 9.45-11.45am, £50 per session Mon - Thurs, 3-4.30pm, £35 per session Email Lucy@paint-pots.co.uk

We can’t list them all so here is just one: Holy Trinity Church Clapham

Holy Trinity Christmas Fair Saturday December 4th 11am-4pm Plenty of children's activities, stalls to browse and of course, there will be a visit from Father Christmas. He will be there handing out gifts in his grotto between 12-3pm.

Holy Trinity Christmas Carol Service Sunday 19 December 6pm.

Holy Trinity Nativity Service Friday 24 December 4pm

November/December 2021 • Families South West 23

The Nutcracker at Saddler’s Wells

The best shows Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas

Dick Whitttington Chelsea Theatre 7 World’s End Place, King’s Road, SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk 18 –24 December Jump onboard for an actionpacked, fun-filled journey with Dick Whittington as he seeks his fame and fortune in the glittering streets of London, to win the heart of the beautiful Alice and become Lord Mayor of London. Chelsea Theatre and Rah Rah Theatre Company have joined together to present an inventive and magical panto full of toe-tapping, singalong songs and audience interaction with laugh-out-loud comedy for audiences of all ages.

All tickets: £10

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Rd, SW15 6AW www.g64.org.uk 9 -11 December Join Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy as they embark on a magical mystery adventure. As you step through the wardrobe, you will discover that it is forever winter, and never Christmas, a spell put on the whole of Narnia by the White Witch. Join them along with Aslan, Mr Tumnus and Mr and Mrs Beaver as they battle to save Narnia. Performed by Group 64 Theatre for Young People.

Cinderella: The Awesome Truth

Aladdin

Polka Theatre SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 12 November - 30 January Think you know the story of Cinderella? Meet Cindy and Ella, the REAL ugly sisters. Cindy wants to be rich and famous, and is glued to her phone. Ella’s been practising kickboxing and just wants to have FUN. When they meet a Prince who isn’t so charming, and a fairy godmother who’s not what she seems, Ella vows to save her sister from a terrible fate before midnight strikes. Ages 5+.

Lyric Hammersmith W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 19 November - 2 January Join Aladdin, the Genie and their friends and go on a magical carpet ride in search of fortune and true love. Expect the usual Lyric twist on all of your favourite characters as well as live music, magic lamps, plenty of laughs and a journey to a faraway land.

Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT www.peacocktheatre.com 20 November - 2 January The Peacock’s festive favourite is a magical adaptation Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book. The enchanting mix of dance, live music, storytelling and magic have been captivating audiences for 23 years.

There May Be a Castle Little Angel Theatre N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com 13 November - 23 January On a frozen Christmas Eve, Mouse’s extraordinary quest through a world of wonder covers love, loss and the power of the imagination. Awardwinning writer Piers Torday’s story is adapted into a musical puppetry production. Ages 7-11.

The Snowman

Lyric Hammersmith W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 24 November - 24 December Santa awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. A great introductory theatre experience for young children, bursting into life with live music, playful puppets and a magical set. Ages under 6.

A Christmas Carol New Wimbledon Theatre SW19 1QG www.atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 29 November - 4 December “Christmas? A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twentyfifth of December!” exclaims Ebenezer Scrooge in the opening stave of ‘A Christmas Carol’. It’s also an excuse for the Dickens Theatre Company to bring you their joyously authentic staging of the Victorian Classic. Ages 8+.

The Night Before Christmas Polka Theatre SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 4 December - 16 January It’s Christmas Eve but Grandad is being extremely grumpy, and Amber’s favourite snow-globe gets broken. When her world is turned topsy-turvy by a surprise visitor, Amber begins an adventure she will never forget. Ages 3+.

Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed Nutcracker. With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit and magical fantasy, it’s a treat for all.

Nutcracker London Coliseum WC2N 4ES www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker 16 December - 8 January English National Ballet’s magical Christmas tradition returns in full splendour, with half price tickets for children.

The Fir Tree Shakespeare’s Globe SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com 20 - 30 December Based on an original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this is an enchanting new family show. Gather with warm drinks to sing and laugh in the ‘Wooden O’, as it quite literally returns to its roots with the story of Christmas told from the perspective of the tree.

Dick Whittington New Wimbledon Theatre www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon 4 Dec – 2 Jan Join our hero Dick Whittington (and his trusty cat Tommy) as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become the Lord Over 50,000 Mayor of London. theatregoers attend Book early for this the Wimbledon action-packed pantomime each pantomime full of laughter, music festive season! and dance.

A Christmas Carol The Nutcracker Sadler’s Wells Theatre EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 7 December - 30 January Indulge your sweet tooth with

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon 29 November - 4 December A joyously authentic staging of the Victorian Classic. Ages 8+.

The Nutcracker , English National Ballet

24 Families South West • November/December 2021

Photo: Simon Phipps Photography

Sleeping Beauty and The Beast at Battersea Arts Centre

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at The Lyric, Hammersmith

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family Christmas The Nutcracker Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 28 - 31 December Journey through a fantastical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Created exclusively for the Royal Albert Hall, with gorgeous period costumes, stunning lighting and dazzling projections, this Christmas classic is brought to life by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s worldclass dancers and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

to boo, hiss and cheer in this hilarious, song-filled musical pantomime. Ages 3+.

Panto at The Palladium London Palladium W1F 7TF www.palladiumpantomime.com 4 December - 9 January Celebrating the very best of pantomime, with comedy in abundance and big show-stopping numbers, this feel-good show is as star-studded as they come, with Donny Osmond, Julian Clary, Paul Merlin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot.

Rah Rah artistic director and chorographer gearing up for another panto season! Chelsea Theatre

Battersea Arts Centre

Cinderella Colourhouse Theatre SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 20 November - 9 January Poor Cinderella must clean, wash and scrub the house for her nasty stepmother and ugly stepsisters. The only person she can see is her good friend Buttons. But when the Royal Palace announces there will be a ball to help find a wife for the handsome Prince, every girl in the kingdom is invited! Will Cinderella finally get the fairy tale ending she deserves? It’s time to believe in Fairy Godmothers,

Group 64, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Putney Arts Theatre

Treasure Island Lantern Arts Centre SW20 8RA www.lanternarts.org/treasureisland 8 - 12 December Long John Silver and his fearsome crew may think that treasure is within their grasp, but they’ve reckoned without the ladies of the Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute. Filled with mischief, custard pies, songs and laughter, this is a family-friendly voyage into panto mayhem, me hearties.

Sleeping Beauty and the Beast Battersea Arts Centre SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk 26 November - 30 December Ever wondered where Pantomime villains go at the end of the story?

They go to Goodie-versity: the institute for reformed baddies, where Headmasters Beast and Belle teach them to be good.

This Christmas Eve, DISASTER STRIKES just one day before Gooduation… someone has sent Beast to sleep and he won’t wake up!

Without Beast, there can be no Gooduation! We need your help to crack this Christmas case!

Sleeping Trees, return to BAC this Christmas with Sleeping Beauty and the Beast, a panto mash-up, full of songs and interaction for all!

Tickets are Pay What You Can - Book now and bring the whole family!

The Snowman, Peacock Theatre

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November/December 2021 • Families South West 25

What’s On Nov/Dec 2021

Compiled by Robina Cowan

If you only do one thing this month…

The South Kensington Kids Festival is back for a 24th edition!

Celebrate the wonders of children’s literature in a week packed with live drawing events, workshops, films and performances with the most talented children’s writers and illustrators from both sides of the Channel and beyond: Momoko Abe, Clémentine Beauvais, Marc Boutavant, Iris de Moüy, William Grill, Sharon King-Chai, Pauline Martin, Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, Delphine Renon, Axel Scheffler, and Jo Weaver.

Highlights include an exhibition of the South Ken Kids Festival’s patron, Quentin Blake, the world premiere of the film Quentin Blake: The Drawing of My Life and a spellbinding adaptation of The Little Prince by storyteller Matthew Crampton and pianist Olga Jegunova.

Diary Dates ...

The Independent Schools Show Battersea Park SW11 4NJ https://schoolsshow.co.uk 13 + 14 November The Independent Schools Show brings together the leading independent schools, the brightest thinkers and the most respected

heads to help you make the right education decisions for your child.

Over 40 talks throughout the weekend give parents the chance to have their questions answered, alongside representatives from right across the sector.

26 Families South West • November/December 2021

Kids’ Sushi Classes Wardour Street W1F 8ZP www.inamo-restaurant.com 14 + 20 November Train your nigiri ninjas with hands-on sushi making sessions, under the guidance of Inamo Restaurant’s expert sashimi senseis. Ages 7-16.

Gingerbread City 6-7 Motcomb Street SW1X 8JU www.thegingerbreadcity.com 4 December - 9 January The

Museum of Architecture’s hugely popular, brilliantly festive and mouthwateringly edible Gingerbread City exhibition returns to London, this year exploring nature in the city. Over 100 leading architects, landscape architects, engineers and ecologists are using their building expertise (and baking genius) to create a gingerbread-based urban landscape that embraces nature and shows how greener cities are cooler, cleaner and healthier places to be.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Nov/Dec 2021 Diary Dates continued...

Little Angel Theatre

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Hyde Park W2 2UH www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

19 November - 3 January The jewel in the crown of London’s festive calendar is back with more

than 200 rides, attractions, games, and food and drink offerings.

Open 10am-10pm daily via timed entry tickets.

Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com 20 November - 30 January The Storm Whale Noi lives with his Dad and their six cats by the sea.

One winter, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little

whale that washed up on the beach during a storm. Benji Davies’ tender and heartwarming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life in an enchanting theatre show. Ages 4-8.

THEATRE & CONCERTS

Ciné Lumière Institut Français, Queensbury Place SW7 2DT www.institutfrancais.org.uk/cine-lumiere Join CinéFamilies for a mix of English and subtitled French language films and events for all ages from babies to teens.

21 November Quentin Blake: The Drawing of My Life

Illustrator and author Sir Quentin Blake tells the story of his 70year long career, in his own words - and with his own pictures! Watch as he creates an extraordinary new work especially for this documentary: a huge canvas on which selfportraits and classic characters emerge in his instantly recognisable, energetic, and ebullient style. Ages 12+.

Unicorn Theatre Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 14 November - 31 December The Bolds The Bolds are just like you and me. They live in an ordinary house in an ordinary street, and they love to laugh. But there’s one slight difference: they’re hyenas!

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Join Mr and Mrs Bold, Betty and Bobby, as they navigate work, school and friends, all whilst trying to keep up their disguise. Written and adapted for the stage by Julian Clary, this brand new Christmas show revels in the joy of being anything but ordinary. Ages 6+.

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Royal Festival Hall Southbank SE1 8XX www.circus1903.com 16 December - 2 January Circus 1903 An extraordinary show bringing all the glamour

and romance of the golden age of circus to the stage. Featuring performers from across the globe, including two iconic, giant puppet elephants.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

King Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 13 November The Princess and the Pea Set in the Museum of Forgotten Things, three musical curators tell the amazing tale of the museum’s artefacts, including the mystery of a little green pea and how it got there.

The production is packed with humour and memorable songs, including a romp through every type of princess you can imagine, with hilarious costumes to match. Ages under 6.

Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 2 + 3 December Chotto Xenos A powerful work which takes families and young audiences back in time, shining a light on our present and future by exploring the often untold stories of First World War colonial soldiers.

Ages 7+.

The Royal Albert Hall

Bow Street WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk Until 28 November Family Sundays Explore the worlds of opera and ballet. Family Sundays are packed with creative and practical activities for all the family, with space to relax and enjoy live music in an informal setting.

Until 3 December Giselle Rich in vivid character detail and poignant depth of feeling, Giselle is a reminder of ballet’s power to move and thrill.

Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 11 December The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert A screening of the Disney movie, accompanied live by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

12 December My Christmas Orchestral Adventure Father Christmas has lost his map on a practice run of his delivery route, and he needs help ahead of the big day.

Zip around the world on an orchestral adventure.

Royal Opera House

November/December 2021 • Families South West 27

What’s On Nov/Dec 2021 THEATRE & CONCERTS continued Apollo Theatre Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7EZ www.magicgoeswrong.com Until 27 February Magic Goes Wrong A hapless gang of moderately skilled and accidentprone magicians are presenting a

charity fundraiser. As the accidents spiral out of control, so does their fundraising target!

Created with Magic legends Penn & Teller, this evening of grand illusion will tickle your funny bones and fill you with wonder.

Compiled by Robina Cowan

Kings Place York Way N1 9AG www.cosmicshambles.com/ninele ssons 10+11, 17+18 December Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People Host Robin Ince is joined

BABY & TODDLER ACTIVITIES Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Leicester Square Theatre Leicester Place WC2H 7BX www.leicestersquaretheatre.com Until 3 January Stick Man What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’

Prince Edward Theatre Old Compton Street W1D 4HS www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/w hats-on/mary-poppins Until 22 February Mary Poppins Disney and Cameron

delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s tale

is back in town. Ages 3+.

Various venues www.byobcomedy.com A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: under 12 months plus their grownups.

10 November + 8 December in Clapham

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

Mackintosh’s iconic stage adventure is filled with music, lyric, dancing, incredible effects and of course - the world’s favourite nanny.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Cambridge Theatre Earlham Street WC2H 9HU www.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/ca mbridge Matilda the Musical Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl and with original songs

by Tim Minchin, this is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Don’t miss the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Ages 6+.

28 Families South West • November/December 2021

by a plethora of amazing guests from stand-ups to scientists, poets and musicians, blending comedy, music and mayhem in celebration of all things curious and creative.

Family matinee 11 December.

Southbank SE1 8XX www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com 14 November Jingle your bells with your little ones at the ‘Snow Ball’. DJs, a multi-sensory dance floor, glitter cannons, bubbles, giant balloons, facepainting and more; fancy dress optional.

Recommended ages 0-8 with their grownups.

Bach to Baby Various venues www.bachtobaby.com Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for baby and you.

Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

20 November, 4 + 13 December in Victoria 24 November + 15 December in Kensington 26 November + 9 December in Putney 29 November, 16 + 20 December in Clapham 18 + 22 December in Balham

Mini Masterpieces Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Last Thursday of every month Take your little one on a journey through the gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ artmaking activity. Ages under 5.

Angel Sings Little Angel Theatre N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com Fridays until 3 December Weekly playtime for little theatre goers.

Each session has a sensory play activity and a chance to sing, dance and engage in constructive play.

Ages 3-18 months and 18 months 4 years.

SEN DAYS OUT A number of major London venues offer quieter sessions for visitors with SEN including those with an Autism Spectrum Condition, where they can enjoy everything on offer, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public - more details in our venue listings: 21 November Dawnosaurs at The Natural History Museum 11 December Family SEND Explorer Event at LondonTransport Museum Selected weekend dates Early Birds at the Science Museum.

MUSEUMS Fulham Palace Bishop's Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays Palace Explorers: kings and queens Creative, hands-on sessions for 2 to 4 year-olds and their adults. Each term introduces an exciting new theme to explore.

7 November Family Fun Day Step into a world of stories, tall tales and curious cats, create your own zine.

Go as your favourite storybook character to enter a costume competition. 27 + 28 November Christmas Fair weekend The museum shop is joined by over 40 stalls of fine foods and gifts from jewellery and accessories to home goods, fragrances, and spirits. There

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What’s On Nov/Dec 2021 will also be swing boats, choir carols, live instrumental music, face painting, winter crafts and Father Christmas will be there too.

December weekends The Palace at Christmas Explore Fulham Palace decorated for the festive season on this Christmas tour. Hear about Christmas traditions through the ages and how the bishops and their families celebrated at the palace.

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 3 January Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature Discover where the real world and the Wizarding World intertwine, and how the wonders of the natural world have inspired myths, legends and magical creatures for generations.

Until April Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways to Fix It Explore the extraordinary impact humans have had on the planet through what we grow and eat, from bees threatened by the loss of wildflower meadows to birds of prey poisoned by pesticides. NHM’s free display highlights some fantastic species, explains how our actions are affecting them, and what we can do to protect the natural world.

Until 5 June Wildlife Photographer of the Year 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure. Gaze through the lens of some of the world's best wildlife photographers and marvel at the beauty of our planet.

Science Museum Exhibition Road SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 13 November + 11 December

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CoderDdojo Free coding sessions for young people interested in programming. Create your own app, game or website. Ages 7+.

Wednesdays to Sundays Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery See the world in new and exciting ways. Enjoy live science shows and demonstrations, meet skilled science Explainers, and discover the beauty of the science and maths that shape our everyday lives.

Wednesdays to Fridays, weekends and holidays Pattern Pod A stimulating, multi-sensory space where children learn through play and develop science skills. Ages under 8, book a free time slot first.

Until 2022 Our Future Planet Scientists are racing to develop different technologies to remove and store excess climate-damaging carbon dioxide. Discover the exciting cutting-edge technology and naturebased solutions under development.

Selected weekend dates Early Birds Sensory friendly events for families with children who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum (for example, children with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences). Explore the galleries and try a selection of fun workshops. Ages 4-15, free but book first.

V&A collection and temporary exhibitions.

Until 31 December Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser Take a mind-bending journey into Wonderland, exploring its origins, adaptations and reinventions over 157 years. This immersive and theatrical show charts the evolution of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from manuscript to a global phenomenon beloved by all ages.

IWM London Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk 11 + 12 December Wartime Mealtimes Learn about rations across the ages, discover recipes from the Second World War and find out what passed for a sweet treat in wartime. Listen to first-hand accounts of food in conflict from veterans, eyewitnesses and storytellers and join demonstrations of what could be made with rations.

Free drop in.

18 - 30 December Story Seekers Get hands on with real artefacts and learn about the global impact of conflict, from the First World War to today. Dig deeper into the museum’s collections and uncover the moving stories they tell, from people who braved shark-infested waters to ingenious nurses. Free drop in.

London Transport Museum

V&A Museum Cromwell Road SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Families can enjoy free activities and events at the museum every day. The ever-changing programme is designed for all ages and encourages play and learning through the diverse

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as we know it. Family events include singing, storytelling and craft activities linked to exhibitions and collections. Admission tickets are valid for unlimited entries all year, and accompanied children go free.

11 December Family SEND Explorer Event Explore the museum at a quieter time, free from the general public, and with many of the gallery sounds turned off. For families with Special Educational Needs (SEND), including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 8.30-10am.

Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Explore the heritage of London and its transport system, and the stories of the people who have travelled and worked in the city over the last 200 years. Take a peek into how future technologies might impact London

Charles Dickens Museum Doughty Street WC1N 2LX www.dickensmuseum.com From 17 November Savour the sights, sounds and scents of the rooms where Dickens and his family celebrated Christmas - with holly and ivy decking the halls, beautiful Victorian decorations throughout and a whole host of other festive surprises to discover.

5 + 21 December The Christmas Housemaid’s Tour Enjoy a tour of Charles Dickens’s London home, led by none other than his own housemaid. Experience the house as it would have been in the 1830s: a busy, bustling and exciting family home, as the family get ready to celebrate Christmas.

18 December Finding Father Christmas Start your visit in the museum, following a trail full of clues and puzzles which will help you discover Santa's Grotto. On the way you'll learn loads about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, and what inspired Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol. Suitable for all ages, especially little ones who want to meet Father Christmas.

November/December 2021 • Families South West 29

What’s On Nov/Dec 2021 MUSEUMS continued Horniman Museum London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Until 3 January Monkey Business From the tiny mouse lemur to the mighty gorilla, primates have evolved and adapted over time. Immerse yourself in the heart of the forest

to discover how primates live, move, eat, play and interact. With models, photography, film and over 60 spectacular taxidermy specimens, discover what we can do to help protect them in this captivating, family-friendly exhibition.

Compiled by Robina Cowan

Sundays Discover Sundays Each week a different artist takes families on a journey into the museum’s collection. Discover objects that introduce you to different people, histories and cultures. Participate in different creative activities inspired by these objects before heading into the galleries to see what else you discover. All ages.

Cutty Sark King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 12 November Kids In Museums Takeover Experience a family day out developed and run by children from local schools and community groups.

20 November Sea Shanty Festival Listen to traditional working songs that will help bring Cutty Sark to life.

You can even try your hand at singing some yourself!

4 + 5 December Family Fun Weekend Explore gilding at Cutty Sark this Christmas. Observe traditional gilding techniques used on board Cutty Sark, and then create your very own gilded Christmas decoration using all that glitters!

Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, and a new dockworker character, who all have special stories to tell. Ages 3+.

ART GALLERIES Museum of London Docklands West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/do cklands Once upon a time, London was the hub of the world’s largest empire, and this museum tells its tales of trade, slavery, life in Victorian times and through the wars. Mudlarks is a free interactive space where under 8s can discover, explore and play. Admission free.

Until 8 May London: Port City Unpack more than 200 years of extraordinary experiences and intense

activity on a river whose continued importance in the 21st century may come as a surprise to the millions of people who live and work alongside it. The exhibition includes an interactive timeline, dockers’ accounts, artworks, gathered materials and even distinctive port scents.

Bankside SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern Until 16 January Hyundai Commission: Anicka Yi Yi's captivating new work for Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall is her largest and most ambitious project to date, continuing the highly experimental cross-disciplinary approach she has become known for. Fusing artistic imagination and scientific research, she is known for the way her works activate different senses.

The British Museum

The Postal Museum

Museum of the Home

Phoenix Place WC1X 0DA www.postalmuseum.org Ride through hidden tunnels and discover stories of Britain’s postal heritage. Inspiring exhibitions are packed with incredible objects, exciting stories and fun-filled interactive displays. The Postal Play Space has sackloads of indoor play fun for under 8s.

Until January Wish You Were Here An exhibition exploring the iconic role the postcard has played in connecting people for more than a century and a half.

Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.museumofthehome.org.uk Travel through the centuries to see how Londoners lived from 1600 to the present day, through room displays packed with historical furnishings and fascinating stories.

From 9 November Christmas Past See how people have celebrated Christmas and other winter events in their home over the past 400 years, from posh halls to parlours, living rooms to loft-style apartments; all based on real London homes and their owners.

Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Discover the greatest stories from the greatest city, from prehistoric to modern times. Explore Roman London, Medieval life, the Great Fire of London, the plague, Victorian life and more. There are word games to play during your visit, and free activity sheets to print off before your visit.

Admission free.

Tate Modern

National Maritime Museum Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum 20 November LGBTQ+ Family Network A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection. Free; book first.

Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD www.britishmuseum.org Until 30 January Hokusai: The Great Picture Book of Everything A collection of rare drawings by Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849), one of Japan's most celebrated artists best known for his iconic

print, ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’, popularly called ‘The Great Wave’. Depicting scenes from Buddhist India, ancient China and the natural world, the brush drawings showcase Hokusai's inimitable style and skill, portraying a version of 19th-century Japan much more intrigued by the wider world than previously thought.

Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk Until 6 February Shilpa Gupta The first major London solo exhibition by Mumbai-based artist Shilpa Gupta comes to The Curve.

One of South Asia’s most critically acclaimed artists working today, Gupta encompasses a wide range of media and processes, from text, sculpture, video, photography and sound. Admission free.

Somerset House Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk Until 6 March Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules Take a trip into Beanotown, join Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and more, and explore how this brilliant and beloved icon of British comics has fired up successive generations to break the rules, while also discovering the artists who push the boundaries in their own original and wonderful ways.

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What’s On Nov/Dec 2021 THE GREAT OUTDOORS WWT London Wetland Centre Queen Elizabeth's Walk SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london Until 9 January Illuminature Experience a unique, illuminated

trail like no other by exploring nature after dark through the habitats of owls, geese and otters.

Lumagica’s immersive tunnels, colourful shadow animals and stunning light displays create a magical evening where wonder meets wildlife.

Parkrun

Marble Arch Mound

Various venues including Clapham Common, Fulham Palace, Wimbledon and Tooting Common www.parkrun.org.uk Saturdays and Sundays Head to the fresh air for a sociable run, jog or walk with family and new friends.

Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience – there is no time limit and no one finishes last!

Saturday morning events are 5k, while on Sundays, there are 2k Junior Park Runs for children aged four to 14. Find a local event and sign up to join in; volunteers welcome too. Free.

Cumberland Gate, Marble Arch W1H 7EJ

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens Kew TW9 3AE www.kew.org/christmas 17 November - 9 January Christmas at Kew Sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside

reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour lead to a panoramic Palm House light display. Journey through mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-thanlife illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.

Court Yard SE9 5QE, www.englishheritage.org.uk/eltham 9 - 30 December Enchanted Eltham Palace Banish the dark winter nights and experience the past in a spectacular new light this December. Explore the palace grounds and gardens to discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour, and see the outside of the Great Hall bathed in light.

www.themarblearchmound.com Until January If you’ve ever wanted to clamber up a man-made, controversial £6m hill, now’s your chance. The landscaped mound offers a 25-metre high, panoramic viewpoint over Hyde Park, Oxford Street and beyond. On your way down, descend into the heart of the mound to experience Lightfield - a one-off digital light exhibition by W1 Curates. Free.

Lightopia Crystal Palace Park SE19 http://london.lightopiafestival.com 19 November - 2 January A unique festival of light will see the famous Crystal Palace reborn in light this winter. Follow the 2km illuminated trail of stunning, multi-sensory interactive lights and hand-painted lanterns, in a winter wonderland bursting with colour. Lightopia mixes ancient Chinese beliefs and symbols with the magic of Christmas; each display telling a significant story of wonder and rebirth.

WINTER ICE RINKS Get your skates on and take a wintry spin in beautiful, crisp surroundings, with a whiff of mulled wine in the air.

18 November - 14 January Somerset House WC2, www.somersethouse.org.uk Until 3 January Hyde Park W2, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland .com

18 November - 9 January Queen’s House SE10, www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house Until 16 January Natural History Museum SW7, www.nhm.ac.uk Until February Canary Wharf E14, www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk 20 November - 3 January The Magic of Pinocchio Journey through a land of toys where all is not quite what it seems. Head under the sea to rescue

Pinocchio’s father and see the whale and shipwreck. The trail finishes with a Stromboli’s puppet show where the Blue Fairy grants Pinocchio’s wish of becoming a ‘real boy’. The gardens also feature gallopers and carousel rides, play areas and Christmas shopping.

Calling all young Scientists!

All details are as provided when going to press, however in between making toys, Santa’s elves do like creating a bit of mischief. Best double-check before setting out.

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Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London.

Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses.

We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk November/December 2021 • Families South West 31