Families London SW October 2020 issue no.300 digital

FREE

DIGITAL DIGITAL TAKISSUE E ME H ISSUE OME

South West Win a magical break to

in 2021

30th anniversary issue!

Half term & Halloween School open days

Issue 300 October 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN

9 Best Halloween Recipes Creative Halloween party snacks for all the family to enjoy making and eating.

Sticky Toffee Apples

Spider Pizzas

Frozen Banana Ghosts

Scary Halloween Jelly

Sausage Mummy Dippers

Halloween Cupcakes

Spooky Pumpkin Soup

Eerie Eyeball Pops

Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

14 September 2020

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2 Families South West • October 2020

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There won’t be any Trick or Treating this year but you can still have fun and be out in the dark. Just like we did with the NHS rainbows, paint or draw a pumpkin and stick it in your windows! The children can have fun going on a pumpkin trail with their parents. For each one they spot mum or dad can add a sweet in their bag! This can be done throughout half term, you don’t have to stick to the one day. It is such fun to go out at night.

Wimbledon Pumpkin Hunt www.lovewimbledon.org 17 October to 1st November FREE !

A free game you can play with family and friends whilst exploring Wimbledon Town Centre. Form a team of no more than six, play together or as friendly competition, in your own time and as often as you like.

Fun and easy to play: • Download the app • Visit the pumpkin hotspots • Complete the tasks • Win a prize More details on the website.

Backyard Cinema spooky shows Capital Studios, Wandsworth SW18 1ET www.backyardcinema.co.uk Get into the spirit of Halloween with some spooky cinema outdoors! Choose from Hocus Pocus, Casper or Ghostbusters, or see them all!

Food and beverages for sale and social distancing rules apply.

Halloween at ZSL London Zoo

Ham House and Garden Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS Hear about the creepy critters that come out to play at night as Ham House explores Halloween and harvest this October half term.

For the bravest among us there's spooky fireside stories in the afternoons and family ghost tours in the evenings.

Hever Castle Kent, Hevercastle.co.uk Come in with your best creepy costume for a pumpkin trail in the grounds of Hever Castle.

Tulleys Farm Sussex RH10 4PE www.tulleysfarm.com Whether lumpy, bumpy, big or small, your perfect pumpkin is waiting for you! Book tickets in advance and happy hunting!

The Haunted Drive In offers up family friendly movies such as Casper, Monsters Inc., ScoobyDoo and more! Food and drink served, tickets must be booked in advance.

Regents Park NW1 4RY www.zsl.org 24 October to 1st November The zoo is full of chills and thrills this half term!

Pop on your costume, download your activity pack from home and follow a creepy trail through the zoo, learning as your go!

Zookeepers will be ready with gruesome pop up talks along the way. Tickets must be booked in advance.

familiesonline.co.uk

Morden Hall Park Morden SM4 5JD Put your pumpkin carving skills to the test at Morden Hall Park this October half term. When you've finished your marvellous and monstrous masterpiece, take on the scarecrow trail and a harvest hay bale maze.

Mini Music Makers Live Halloween Special Online www.minimusicmakers.co.uk 30 October, 10am Enjoy a special Halloween Music Makers full of the usual silliness, music, songs and more.

Paultons Park Hampshire, Peppa Pig World paultonspark.co.uk This October Half term bring the kids to the friendliest and most frightful fun fest in the UK. Peppa Pig World will be transformed for this year’s enchanting festivities! Meet Peppa and George in their spooky outfits and enjoy lots of fun Peppa themed Halloween decorations.

Spooky fun includes Grandpa Pig’s World’s biggest pumkin and Mr Skinny Legs the spider.

Halloween fundraising cookies for charities, organisations and schools Send freshly made treats by post instead of trick or treating and your chosen charity, organisation or school will receive 35% of profits. goodeats.io/cookiesthatcount

Streamed live and then available on Facebook and YouTube.

Details are correct at time of going to press but please check before you start out FamiliesSWLondon

October 2020 • Families South West 35

Halloween

34 Families South West • October 2020

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Competitions The Little Gym Wandsworth and Fulham congratulates Families South West for its 30th Anniversary and joins the celebrations by offering a lucky reader one Full Membership and a Semester of Classes for FREE

Value £ 560 To enter the draw please email editor@familiesSW.co.uk and mention LITTLE GYM with your name and postcode.

South West

6 Families South West • October 2020

©The Little Gym®

Competition closes on 15th November.

familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN

9 Best Halloween Games Perfect for a small gathering or indoor family fun!

Halloween Pinata

Sticky Spider Web Game

Pumpkin Golf

Halloween Bingo

Halloween Tin Can Bowling

Apple Bobbing

Pin the Tail on the Black Cat

Toilet Paper Mummy Game

Doughnut Eating Race

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 15

Email editor@familiessw.co.uk with your name and post code.

ACTIVITIES

Great Autumn Crafts Join our friends at MyBaba and get crafty with the kids!

Autumn Leaf Pictures

3D Autumn Tree Craft

Autumn Leaf Sun Catchers

Autumn Play Dough

Painted Leaves

Leaf Rubbing Busy Bag

Animal Seed Collage

Leaf Chromatography

Autumn Sensory Tray

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 11

11 plus tuition Getting your child ready

to reach the stars...

Year Four

Year Five

Year Four and Five

11+ Foundation

11+ Preparation

11+ Mock exams

11+ Online Courses - now also available

92%

Cloze Procedure Non-Verbal Reasoning Exam Technique

Overall success rate if your child starts in year four

SMALL CLASS SIZES

All courses include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

All taught by Mrs Jones herself

35

YEARS

Mathematics English Verbal Reasoning

Teaching experience

To book, call 0208-390-6076 or 01239-851942 or visit 11plustuition.co.uk

12 Families South West • October 2020

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EDUCATION

18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn

Mermaid School: Ready, Steady, Swim!

Noah Wild and the Floating Zoo

Lucy Courtenay/Sheena Dempsey. An underwater school story. Ages 7+.

Alexander Mccall Smith.

An ordinary boy’s heartwarming/extraordinary feat. Ages 7+.

Louis Sachar/Aleksei Bitskoff. Brilliantly illustrated story of mixedup mayhem. Ages 7+.

My Name is River

Turtle Boy

Health Heroes

The Virus

Return to Wonderland

The Unadoptables

Beneath the Cloud of Doom

Emma Rea. M. Evan Wolkenstein.

Emily Sharratt.

Thrilling, ecological A story offering hope/ ‘Health heroes’ talk adventure in the Amazon new perspectives to life’s about their working lives. jungle. Ages 9+. outsiders. Ages 9+.

Ages 9+.

Ben Martynoga/Moose Allain.

Explores the science behind viruses/Covid-19 pandemic. Ages 11+. familiesonline.co.uk

Wonderland-inspired stories from top contemporary authors.

Ages 11+.

Hana Tooke/Ayesha L.Rubio.

Adventure set in oldworld Amsterdam/ surrounds. Ages 11+.

September 2020 7

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FamiliesSWLondon

October 2020 • Families South West 13

School Open Days

Update...

Please check direct with the schools concerned in case things have changed. Please mention Families SW. SW1 Knightsbridge, 4-16y, B&G. Book online to visit. 020 7590 9000 www.knightsbridgeschool.com Future Academies: Pimlico, Millbank, Churchill Gardens.

Book a visit online at www.futureacademies.org • Millbank: free weekly soft play and sensory sessions for parents and children 1-4y, Weds 10.30-11.30am.

Book on 020 3262 0068 office@millbankacademy.org.uk Burdett-Coutts CE Primary, 5-11y, B&G. Tours on Thursdays between 9.30am and 5pm. Book on 020 7828 6790 or office@burdettcoutts.co.uk www.burdettcoutts.co.uk

SW2 St Martin-in-the-Fields High, 11-18y, G. Personalised tours and virtual visits, book on 020 8674 5594 www.stmartins.academy Lambeth Nursery School’s Federation 2-4y, B&G. Free nursery places available. See websites for information and to apply: Effra, SW2 www.effra.lambeth.sch.uk Holmewood, SW2 www.holmewoodnurseryschool.org.uk Maytree, SW4 www.maytreenursery.lambeth.sch.uk Triangle, SW4 www.trianglenursery.org Ethelred, SE11 www.ethelrednursery.org.uk

SW3 Hampshire, 3-13y, B&G. Open 19/11, 28/1/21, 18/3, 21/5 020 7352 7077. Book on www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open days via zoom: 8/10 at 2-3pm; 4/11 at 6-7pm.

020 7589 2438. Register on www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk

SW4 Eaton House schools, B&G. Book a visit on www.eatonhouseschools.com

14 Families South West • October 2020

Harris Academy Clapham, 11-16y.

B&G. Open 7/10 4.30-7pm; 9/10, 12/10 and 14/10 at 9am-10.30 020 8253 7777 www.harrisclapham.org.uk Parkgate House, 2.5-11y, B&G. Private tours, register online.

020 7350 2461 www.parkgateschool.co.uk

SW6 Parsons Green Prep, 4-11y, B&G. Open 10/10. Book on: 020 7610 8085 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk Sinclair House, 2-11y, B&G. Open 8/10, 14/10, 4/11 9am to 12noon.

020 7736 9182. Register online: www.sinclairhouseschool.com Fulham, 4-18y Open 10/10. Visit one or all of the locations. Book via email: admin@fulham.school (4-7 years old), prepadmin@fulham.school (7-13 years old) or senioradmin@fulham.school (13-16 soon 18 years old).

L’Ecole des Petits, 3-6y, B&G Bilingual French nursery For registration requests and visits 020 7371 8350

SW7 Prince’s Gardens Prep, 3-11y, B&G. Tours or virtual visits by appointment: 020 7591 4620 www.princesgardensprep.co.uk Lycée Francais, 3-18y, B&G French, Bilingual & British curricula. www.lyceefrancais.org.uk St Thomas Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open day via zoom: 17/11 at 6pm 020 7385 8166.

Register on www.stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk

SW11 Shaftesbury Park, Nur-11y, B&G. French bilingual & Enterprise. Open 7/10, 14/10 and 4/11 at 9.30 to 11am by appointment 020 7228 3652 www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

L’Ecole de Battersea, 3-11y, B&G Bilingual French prep school For registration requests and visits 020 7371 8350 Dolphin School, 4-11y, B&G 1:1 visits by appointment.

020 7924 3472 x2 www.dolphinschool.org.uk

Study Wimbledon, 4-11y G. Visits booked via: 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 5-11y, B&G. Tours by appointment: 020 8788 7420 www.ourladyqueenofheaven.wandsw orth.sch.uk

SW12

SW20

Northwood, 4-16y, B&G. Open day 9/10 9am-12pm 020 8682 8830 www.northwoodschools.com • Broomwood Hall Lower, 4-8y, B&G. • Broomwood Hall Upper, 8-13y, G. • Northcote Lodge, 8-13y, B • Northwood Senior, 11-16y, B&G. 020 8682 8821

Rowans, 3-7y, B&G. Tours by appt.

020 8946 8220 www.rowans.org.uk

White House, 6m-11y, B&G. www.whitehouseschool.com

SW15 Ibstock Place, 4-18, B&G. Open & visits via bookings on: 020 8876 9991

www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Granard Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open at 9.15am on 22/10, 25/11, 14/12 and 8/1. 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk Sacred Heart Roehampton, Recep11y, B&G. Open 3/11 and 10/11 at 9.30am & by appointment.

020 8876 7074 www.sacredheartroe.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW17 Burntwood Academy, 11-18y, G. Virtual Open Yr7 6/10 at 6.30pm 020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com

SW18 Roche, 2-11y, B&G. Individual tours by appt. 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.com Allfarthing, Nur-11y, B&G Open 6/11, 3/12 020 8874 1301 www.allfarthing.org.uk

SW19 Hall Wimbledon, 4-18Y, B&G. Open 10/10 9.30-11am 020 8394 6144 www.hsw.co.uk

SE21 Dulwich College Junior, 7-10y, B. See website for open events.

020 8299 8432 www.dulwich.org.uk/admissions

SE22 James Allen’s Girls’ 4-18y, G. Open mornings—older ages: 15/10; all ages: 3/10. 020 8693 1181 Booking required via www.jags.org.uk

SE26 Sydenham High, 4-18y, G. Book online: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

SURREY Shrewbury House, 7-13y, B. Open 3/10 at 9.30 to 11.30. Book online.

020 8399 3066 www.shrewsburyhouse.net Whitgift, 10-18 B. Online virtual event, 14/10 7pm. See website for Open details. 020 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk Trinity, 10-16y B; 16-18y B&G 020 8656 9541 See website for Open details: www.trinity-school.org

BATH Kingswood, 9m-18y (boarding from 7yr), B&G. Open Prep: 1/10, Senior: 3/10. Book via: www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Monkton Combe, 2-18y, B&G. Open Mornings Senior: 3/10; Pre-prep: 10/10 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com familiesonline.co.uk

SCHOOL VISITS 1:1 tours by appointment with the Admissions Registrar

COLLEGE GUARDIANS YOUR CHILD THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE WORLD

Ever Thought of Hos!ng an Interna!onal Student?

We are currently seeking host families to look a"er children a#ending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas.

Our hosts look a"er the children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. Dates of stays will depend very much on the school that the child a#ends.

In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensa!on package as well as the invaluable experience that hos!ng an interna!onal student can bring to you and your family.

For more informa on please contact Caroline Lloyd, Guardianship Manager

caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk • +44 (0) 1684 581600

www.collegeguardians.co.uk

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FamiliesSWLondon

October 2020 • Families South West 15

EDUCATION

Free Learning Support Resources Need some additional tools to help your child catch up at school?

BBC Bitesize

Preschool, KS1, KS2+.

Oxford Owl

Early Years, KS1, KS2+.

BBC School Radio

Daily Phonics Lessons by Ruth Miskin Training

Mathematics Mastery Home Resources KS1, KS2.

Literacy Counts Home Learning Packs

Reception, KS1, KS2.

Bud’s Number Garden Game

Literacy Shed

NRICH Maths at Home Resources

Preschool, KS1.

Preschool, KS1.

4 September 2020

KS1, KS2.

Early Years, KS1, KS2.

KS1, KS2+.

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16 Families South West • October 2020

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FamiliesSWLondon

October 2020 • Families South West 19

EDUCATION

Supporting a Dyslexic Child

By Ellie Malt “Do you think she might have dyslexia or something like that?” I asked.

I was standing in the playground with one of the teaching assistants, watching my 4 year old climb into her buggy, eager for her after-school snack. Although it was only her second term in Reception, I’d noticed she seemed uninterested in the alphabet, while other children could already write their names. But I was only really thinking out loud. Even to me, it seemed ridiculously early to be jumping to any conclusions. “Probably” she shot back over the general hubbub. I admit, I was shocked. But looking back years later, finally in possession of a formal diagnosis, I appreciate her honesty. I only wish I had acted sooner; it could have saved so much struggle and frustration.

READ MORE

Dyslexia Features

Sources of Help

Your child may:

British Dyslexia Association Advice and assessments. Find your local association.

• • • • •

Talk well but write little; Be a slow/reluctant reader; Struggle with spelling; Have difficulties with writing; Not always remember/ understand what he/she has just read; • Seem inattentive and unable to concentrate/remember instructions; • Have difficulty organising himself/herself; • Struggle to remember the order of things, eg days of the week.

8 September 2020

The Dyslexia Association Screening, assessment, tuition, assistive technology training.

Dyslexia Assist Find local support.

Achieve Now Works with dyslexic pupils and IT. All services online.

IPSEA Free, independent legal information, advice and support.

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre Influential regional centre. familiesonline.co.uk

We are a small, diverse and inclusive Church of England school and welcome, embrace and value equally students of all faiths and none.

Be part of the St Mar!n’s family in September 2021. www.stmar!ns.academy T: 020 8674 5594 E: stmar!ns@stmar!ns.academy

22 Families South West • October 2020

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HEALTH

Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Children with OCD: Recognising the Signs

Transitions are always stressful, and even more so if you have been out of the swing of things for a while. Dr Sarah Mundy from Parenting through Stories has created a guide to give you some ideas about the best ways to support your child through separation anxiety.

Children worry. Feeling anxious, having doubts, or being worried is normal at any age. However, those who are experiencing OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), may feel unable to stop focussing on those feelings – no matter how much they want to.

This can compel them to behave in particular ways.

READ MORE

DOWNLOAD HERE

Keep it Moving!

By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

One of the pleasant, unexpected consequences of lockdown, was witnessing so many families taking to their screens for some physical activity courtesy of the likes of Joe Wicks and Cosmic Kids Yoga. Wouldn’t it be amazing to stay motivated to be physically active?

READ MORE 16 September 2020

Top Tips for Getting Active

Don’t be over-ambitious.

Be active often, rather than attempting a 10 mile hike!

Make it fun. Dance! Put on some tunes that get your kids moving.

Set screen time limits.

Make time. Think of creative ways to be extra active. Can you cycle to a friend’s house? Can you get off the bus one stop earlier? It all counts.

Look for new options. New places to visit for physical activity or new types of activity to try.

Set a good example. Live an active life. Explain to your children that it makes you feel good and STRONG! familiesonline.co.uk

(Please check our website for up to date informa!on on any changes due to the current climate) � Alterna!ve visits available by appointment

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FamiliesSWLondon

October 2020 • Families South West 23

Let’s support businesses on our high streets This month we’ve joined forces with the newly launched – The Junction App – the official consumer App for The Clapham Junction Business Improvement District (BID) Ltd. The Clapham Junction BID works with the local business community to improve the trading environment and shopping experience for both residents and visitors. Their consumer site is The Junction at www.visitclaphamjunction.com, where you’ll find further information on the businesses featured below.

The Junction App is free to download from the AppStore or Google Play and showcases location-based offers, promotions, events and competitions from the Clapham Junction businesses in Battersea and a comprehensive A-Z directory shop listings.

Please mention Families and The Junction BID when contacting the businesses below.

As with all offers – terms and conditions apply.

1. Palmer

Gentlemen, time for a new suit? Since 1993, Palmer has been offering contemporary classic menswear to men across South West London and beyond. With an emphasis on quality, Palmer also offers a tailoring and a bespoke, made-to-measure service showcasing over 500 fabrics.

2. Chalkboard

Buy any two Boredom Buster is the perfect companion SmartGames and to keep your little one occupied. This receive a FREE engaging activity, from Northcote Road’s Skillmatics product or new children’s educational shop, include SmartCar Mini (while animals, numbers and drawings which stocks last) ensure your child practices key concepts whilst having loads of fun! Or choose Dots and Mazes, the perfect tool for building visual, tracking and observational skills, while improving your child’s reading abilities.

60 Northcote Road, SW11 1PA | www.instagram.com/chalkboard.biz

125B–125C Northcote Road, SW11 6PS www.palmersuits.co.uk Two suits £795, both suits include two pairs of trousers

3. Thai Garden

Receive a free bottle of wine with the Humble Grape Sunday Roast. Applicable on bookings of four people.

Open for over a two decades, the family-run Thai Garden on Battersea Rise serves sumptuous, authentic cuisine. Tantalise the taste buds with bestselling dishes such golden fried sea bass topped with lime leaves, sweet basil and a red curry paste, or the sumptuous neau pad nam mun hoy – a stir fry of beef, green peppers and mushrooms in an oyster sauce.

56-58 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EG | www.thaigarden.co.uk

20% off takeaway when collected between 5pm to 10pm

4. Humble Grape

The independent wine shop, bar and restaurant on Battersea Rise serves-up a fantastic selection of wines sourced from small producers across the globe. Their series of free online wine masterclasses highlights a range of their handcrafted wines, sourced directly from biodynamic, organic or sustainable vineyards. Pop into the store to buy a bottle or two… a delicious treat for busy parents!

2 Battersea Rise, SW11 1ED www.humblegrape.co.uk/wine-bar/battersea

24 Families South West • October 2020

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5. Battersea & Wandsworth Chiropractors Originally from Australia, Dr Ari Mihailidis is a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractors. Practicing both on St John’s Hill Battersea and in Mayfair, he takes a holistic approach to empowering clients towards better health and wellbeing.

207 St Johns Hill, SW11 1TH www.wandsworthchiro.co.uk New patient offer for £80 (normally up to £188): Includes a consultation, x-rays if clinically indicated, posture screen and report of findings.

Quote: JunctionAppoffer

6. Milo & The Bull

Back to School: Two weeks for £25. New members only. Offpeak applies to any classes that are scheduled from 9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri. Limited time only.

Milo and the Bull have a simple, honest and holistic approach to health and fitness. Their aim is to build you, not break you! Their innovative low impact rowing classes make the hard work fun and, combined with their yoga and Pilates program, you will certainly improve your health and fitness levels!

62 - 64 St. Johns Hill, SW11 1AD | www.miloandthebull.com

50% off Sunday roasts when booked through The Schoolhouse website.

Enter ‘The Junction BID’ under comments to receive this discount.

7. Dogan London

20% off selected items of bespoke furniture. Book an appointment to discuss your bespoke requirements.

Dogan London combines elegance and intricate workmanship into furniture designs of distinction. Whether a contemporary style or traditional, Dogan London are makers of fine bespoke furniture and one of London’s most prominent bespoke traditional and contemporary furniture designers.

171 St Johns Hill, SW11 1TQ | www.doganlondon.co.uk

8. The Schoolhouse Take a trip down memory lane and you’ll arrive at The Schoolhouse where you’ll enjoy a throwback to the best bits of your school days.

Unlike most school dinners you’ll find mouth-watering brunch and dinner menus to tempt your taste buds, with everything from loaded breakfast butties to Big Bully Burgers!

137–139 St John's Hill, SW11 1TD | www.theschoolhouse.london

9. Headmasters Pamper yourself at Headmasters on Lavender Hill when you become a VIP member. It's completely free and easy to sign up to, on their website. Once you’ve submitted the online form, you will receive a confirmation email to take to the salon, to collect your VIP Club card.

258-260 Lavender Hill, SW11 1CJ www.headmasters.com

10. Pet Pavilion

25% off for VIP members: Get 25% off every appointment Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and 10% off at all other times.

Apply online. Ts&Cs apply.

BOGOF on Pet Pavilion ‘Devonshire Delights’ Biscuits Treats

Treat that special hound in your life with the Buy One Get One Free offer on selected luxury biscuit treats from Pet Pavilion on Battersea Rise—you'll be sure to get some tails wagging!

This beautiful boutique pet store also offers a stress-free and welcoming environment for your furry companion, where they will be pampered and groomed in luxury.

18 Battersea Rise, SW11 1EE | www.petpavilion.co.uk

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FamiliesSWLon

October 2020 • Families South West 25

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 07813 710055 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.

26 Families South West • October 2020

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Quote LSW41120 for an introductory £40 discount when you book by 14 Nov. 60 minute online sessions Role Models have launched a brand new experience for both their current and new customers. It’s 80 sessions of content where you can pick and choose any of the sessions that meet your child's needs.

These sessions last for 60 minutes and have been designed to fit around family life during term time, giving you flexibility and choice.

The Little Gym is back!

Back and rolling! Back to delivering awardwinning classes. Back to their sparkling gym, back to fun times, back to giving members the best start and helping them become more confident, more resilient and more engaged with the world around them. And that means developing their bodies, brains, and their social and emotional skills so that they are balanced and strong enough to not just cope with the world out there, but thrive and delight in it.

The Little Gym operate in their own bright and cheerful setting and have put in place all that is required to make it fun and Covidsecure for you and your little one.

If you'd like to find out more about their gymnastics programme and try out any of their classes give one of their friendly staff a call and they will guide you through the process of joining our The Little Gym family. wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu

Buy your first single Plus Online Session for £5 with coupon code Tryfor£5

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes Perform classes offer confidence building fun for 4-12yrs. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention.

Classes in Barnes, Balham, Battersea, Chelsea, Clapham, Earlsfield, Fulham, Kensington, Parsons Green, Pimlico, Putney, Southfields, Streatham, Tooting, Wimbledon.

020 7255 9120 Go to perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class.

Role Models

Different price options starting from £18/session

www.rolemodels.me/courses/online -sessions/ info@rolemodels.me 020 3637 7107

Award-winning, original, multi- sensory musical classes. Bubbles, costumes, massage, sensory textures and lights, puppets and more. Also deliver fabulous parties.

Classes designed for each stage of your baby’s development. Baby bells: Newborn- sitting Beeps: SittingStanding Happy house: Toddler & siblings * Classes in Clapham, Battersea, Balham, Putney, Kew, Wandsworth, Fulham, Chelsea, Barnes, Sheen, Earlsfield and Victoria.

Kimmy@hartbeeps.com * Classes in Streatham, Wimbledon, Colliers Wood and Tooting Niamh@hartbeeps.com

www.hartbeeps.com

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FamiliesSWLon

October 2020 • Families South West 27

Half term activities Clip ‘n Climb Chelsea 020 7736 2271 enquiries@clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk Book on www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk Why not go climbing this half term?

Sessions are every hour, from 9am to 5pm and consist of a 20 minute safety briefing with harness fitting, followed by 55 minutes climbing!

Suitable from 4 and above. Child: £17.50, Adult: £19.50

Wednesday 28th October 11-16 years The Friendly Ghost: Thursday 29th October 4-7 years Spooky Play In A Day: Friday 30th October 7-11 years

Barnes Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk Enjoy a day out strolling through the urban oasis that is London’s wetlands. Take in the lakes, ponds and gardens, not to mention the birds and wildlife that the wetlands is home to. A ticket must be booked by midnight the night before your visit.

Suitable for all ages.

Allstar Tennis Spark4Kids 020 8090 1444 www.spark4kids.com Children learn computer coding, encouraging them to experiment and learn from what they do. Courses are available online, Holiday Workshops for primary and secondary school aged children, as well as 1-to-1 online private tuition for GCSE and A-Level computer coding. An Approved Activity Provider for Duke of Edinburgh (Skills) in computer coding and touch-typing.

King Georges Park, Wandsworth Common, Leaders gardens, Tooting Common www.allstartennis.co.uk/holidaycamps. A fun-active learning environment, where children enjoy developing their tennis skills and learn to play. Children progress and develop their game with appropriate court sizes, rackets and softer balls.

For all abilities and based on the internationally recognised LTA Mini Tennis Scheme. 3 to teens. Book via website.

Battersea Park Zoo

Pottery Café 152 Northcote Road SW11 6QB and 735 Fulham Road SW6 5UL 020 7223 3388 and 020 77736 2157 www.pottery-cafe.com Paint in studio or at home. Reserve your slot now or paint at home and make some memorable pieces of art to keep for ever.

Group 64 Theatre For Young People Ravenna Road, Putney, SW15 6AW 020 8788 6935 info@g64.org.uk www.g64.org.uk Stop Watch Project:

www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk A perfectly formed little zoo! See otters, agouti, donkeys, hedgehogs, reptiles and birds etc. Not too big, not too far, your littlest ones will love this zoo. “The zoo is one of my son's favourite places in SW! He loved seeing all the animals of course but the playground area is also fantastic (especially the firetruck and the helicopter!). You can easily spend a whole afternoon there for hours of fun.” Lea Vujnovic, a reader. Check out the feeding times on the website before you go! £7.95 to £ 9.95.

Dragons at Painshill

30 Families South West • October 2020

Young Farmer Day, Own a Pony Day Deen City Farm Merton Abbey, SW19 2RR Join the staff of the farm and learn about feeding and caring for the animals, or learn what it’s like to take care of a horse all day. Both programs are held entirely outdoors and participants must bring their own lunches. Age 8-12, 8-15

Naomi Martin Naomi Martin Touch Typing www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk / naomi@nmtouchtyping.co.uk Half term touch typing courses for children in Fulham & Southfields weeks of 19-23 October and 26-30 October. See website for more details, times and availability etc Prices and ages - £250 for the week, sibling discounts available. Ages 7-18.

Miniversity At Chelsea Academy Miniversity Holiday Camps run throughout the year and cover ICT topics with a career theme Each day is run as a new 1-day course that's based on a particular career, for example 'Architect for a day'. With demonstrations and a variety of tasks children tasks covered throughout the session, children will produce a piece of work which is then presented to the class during the afternoon 'show'. Finally, there will be a prize giving with the opportunity for children to win stickers, mini-pops, USB's, t-shirts and CAPS. 5-12 years.

Netball info@minisnetballleagues.co.uk www.minisnetballleagues.co.uk Introducing Minis Netball leagues, social development leagues for

Palace Explorers (Claudia Perrone)

children in year 3-6.

- Weekly netball matches across SW London - Coaching session at the start of the season - Friendly coaches and umpires - Links with a local netball club for further development - New seasons launching 2nd October - spaces available.

Dragons at Painshill 24 Oct –1 Nov Release your inner knight and go on a quest to find all the dragon statues.

They are taking over the landscape garden Painshill this October half term. Included in general admission tickets must be booked in advance at painshill.co.uk.

Kids En Cuisine info@kidsencuisine.com Join the fabulous Florence for some fun in the kitchen.

More details and bookings on the website www.kidsencuisine.com or contact her. All classes are online and take place at 10am (except the Halloween party) • 26/10/10 - Madeleine workshop • 27/10/20 –Financier cake • 28/10/20 - Choux pastry • 29/10/20 - Lemon pie • 30/10/20 - Eclair • 30/10/20 - 2pm - Halloween cooking party.

Funky Monkey www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100 * One day keyboard workshops for 4-8yrs and five day workshops for 59yrs. * NEW! Learn to read, write, play and learn to love music in the comfort of your own home with their NEW pre-recorded tutorials. Funpacked, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. Great results!

Kids En Cuisine

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The Strings Club www.thestringsclub.org Holiday Camp run by an experienced team.

"Learn Together, Play Together" instrument sessions each morning followed by carefullycreated workshops, aimed to inspire children right up until pick up time! Maximum of 15 children.

Club Petit Pierrot In person: Chelsea, St Luke’s Hall, SW3 3RP Online: One to one and Mini group Tuition www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Fun holiday club packed with dynamic, creative and educational activities. Total immersion programme with qualified native French teachers. Booking per week only.

Swimway

Brand new pool East Sheen, Kew at Sheen Mount Gardens, Kensington, School, SW14 Balham and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972 info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk.

SwimWay is delighted to announce they will be running another series of intensive swimming course during October Half Term holidays (26/10 to 30/10) for children aged 2yrs – 9yrs. The lessons will be provided on a private basis for half an hour each day. Full details of the October crash course Program on the website.

Stars Performing Arts Earlsfield, SW18 www.starspaclubs.com One week Holiday Club of acting, dancing and singing with West End professionals.

Spend the week rehearsing your favourite musical, play or film: Frozen 2 for ages 5-8, and the Witches for ages 9+. Produce your very own recording of the performance to keep and share with the family.

Richer Education At the Hampshire School, Chelsea Science, Debating & Public Speaking and Steam camps. Learn, consolidate and expand knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Focus is on children building their capacity to communicate confidently and effectively. Children work on activities to develop problem-solving skills, teamwork and resilience. Topics include: coding with Python, materials, city planning, transportation, chemistry, the property of water and ice chemical bonding, programming robots and more.

Ages 9–14.

Fulham Palace, Discover Arts Award

Offline Courses at Chelsea Academy Role Model October Half Term courses are being run from 26th - 28th October at Chelsea Academy, SW10 0AB. Brilliant Me and My Mind: Designed for children aged 5-7 (years 1-2).

Collaboration: Designed for children aged 8-11 (years 3-6).

The courses are run from 10am to 3pm each day, are developed specifically for children aged 5-7 and 8-11 and are packed with engaging content and calming tools. There is a maximum of 10 children per class.

Price: £295 (Childcare Vouchers accepted) www.rolemodels.me info@rolemodels.me 020 3637 7107 Spark4Kids

Clip ‘n Climb

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Leap of Faith, Clip ‘n Climb

Kids En Cuisine

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Group 64

October 2020 • Families South West 31

What’s On October 2020 Despite it being a much, much shorter What’s On than usual, there are still many activities and places open to keep you active and busy this October. It might be wise to double check with the organiser before setting out though, things change fast these days! See our October half term listing pages 30 & 31 as well.

The Puppet Theatre Barge

Story Barn Drama Club

New Mum? Toddler? Expecting?

Bumps and babies Come and meet other expectant mums and dads and pregnant people.

Usually at the Riverside Pub, St George Wharf, Vauxhall SW8 2LE. NCT sponsored. Now on Zoom Text 07973 657 642 with your name and join our WhatsApp Group and Zoom Meetings.

Every Tuesday free of charge.

2.30—4pm Caroline Flint RN RM ADM caroline.midwife@gmail.com

Barnes Green - Next to OSO, 49 Station Road, Barnes, SW13 0LF storybarn@hotmail.com or search on Kiddiplan.com Every Saturday. Join Story Barn storytellers for a live adventure of drama, music, dance, games and storytelling. Ages 3 to 11. £7 to £10.

Oily Cart’s Doorstep Jamboree

The Baby Show

www.oilycart.org.uk Until 11 October. The travelling band will be

Olympia, Kensington Thebabyshow.co.uk 23-25 October. New and expectant parents are welcome to this one stop shop for advice, support and shopping. Buggy testing area, Daisy First Aid and New the Sleep clinic. From £20.

Horniman Museum and Gardens www.horniman.ac.uk SE23 3PQ We love this museum, a magnificent way to spend half a day or more. Explore the world and be amazed by the different cultures with really stunning displays and artefacts. Spend time in the beautiful gardens afterwards.

Enjoy The World gallery, garden walks, the grasslands and sunken gardens, the Butterfly House, etc.

Permians Monsters: Life before dinosaurs. Meet monsters from 252 million years ago; familyfriendly exhibition. Horniman Market every Sunday, direct from independent and local producers.

All visitors need to pre-book for a free, timed entry slot. Some interactive exhibits have been removed or covered up.

For SEN and shielding families

popping up on the doorsteps of families with young people labelled as having complex needs who are still shielding because of Covid-19. The band will play Balkan-inspired tunes, a colourful and joyful celebration of resilience, the tour is also a protest and advocacy tool to make sure those shielding do not feel invisible. Another option is a

British Museum www.britishmuseum.org Twelve objects to see with children trail. From ancient armour to mummified mammals and from bygone board games to massive monuments, these objects will captivate and inspire young minds.

Step inside and walk through two million years of history on a one-way route that travels through more than 23 galleries. Alternatively, many of the galleries can be explored via Google Street View.

personalised zoom

London Transport Museum WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Learn all about the history of London transport either in the museum or online, with over 450,000 items to check out!

The Museum has stunning exhibits, historic vehicles and world -famous posters, which together reveal how public transport shaped life in London over the last 220 years in the days before we had to wear masks to travel.

Barnes Wetland Centre SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk Discover a safe haven of wide open spaces bursting with wetland nature. Fill your lungs with fresh air, stretch your legs and get ready to explore an extraordinary wetland paradise, whatever the weather! See wildlife on the move as winter migration begins.

Pre-booking required, open 9:30-4:40.

Kew Gardens Kew.org Daily Gruffalo Adventures trail Follow the tracks of fox, owl, snake and of course the Gruffalo through the arboretum.

Until 16 October Travel the World Take a one-day trip around the world by exploring Kew Gardens’ breathtaking botanical landscapes. You will be guided across six continents, through designated locations set within the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. By highlighting beautiful plants from 10 countries and regions, visitors will be transported to these parts of the world through sights, smells, and spirit of place. familiesonline.co.uk

Little Venice W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 25 October Cinema season children’s animation. The Puppet Barge is reopening with exciting 45 minute programmes of award winning animation from across Europe, thanks to the London International Animation Festival!

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Royal Museums Greenwich Queen's House, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum www.rmg.co.uk Housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17thcentury Queen's House and Cutty Sark work to illustrate the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers.

The Great Explorer is an interactive game for families. Borrow a tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure.

11am-4pm, free.

Saturdays Character encounters Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm. Pre-book a timed slot online in advance.

October 2020 • Families South West 37

What’s On October 2020

For all venues, book first. This is your National History Museum

The Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands

The Omnibus Theatre Clapham Common Northside Omnibus Young Company is back from October. The Saturday morning youth theatre for young people aged between 5 and 16 is back after 7 months.

If your young person would like to get involved they have some spaces available.

There are a very limited number of places in the 5-7 and 11-16 groups but the 8-10 group is currently full and operating a waiting list.

A taster menu of theatre, music and comedy will take to the stage until the end of the year, with some performances to be made available online for those not yet comfortable attending a live event. Check out what they have lined up so far, with more to be announced.

Southbank Centre Until 31 October Find some peace at Among the Trees, a new exhibition at the Hayward Gallery featuring the work of 37 artists in visual and musical interpretations of trees, forests and woodlands from many continents. In meditative works across different media, they explore how trees challenge how we think about time, and consider how intimately entangled they are with human affairs.

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open once again to ticketed visitors, young and old can explore the museum in person or take part in some of their online activities and learn more about London! From 2 October at the Museum of London, a new free exhibition ‘Dub London: Bassline of a City’ will celebrate dub reggae music and culture in the capital, from its roots in Jamaican culture to how it has shaped communities and culture over the last 50 years.

Victoria & Albert Museum Streatham Space Project www.streathamspaceproject.co.uk 31 Oct to 7 December The Goblin Podcast A new kid's podcast featuring original musical stories, from acclaimed children's theatre makers, from the Goblin Theatre!

National Science Museum SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk On daily Pre-book your free ticket and take in exhibits from Wonderlab, the Equinor Gallery, Medicine, Women in Science, Everyday Technology, The Wellcome Galleries and Driverless, Who’s in Control?

Don’t forget Science City, Mission to Mercury and so much more! Nature Live is every Tuesday at 12 and Friday at 10.30.

Free entry, exhibits extra

Crib Notes Online www.cribnotes.co.uk While regular sessions are still on hold, you can enjoy live-streamed 30-minute singing breaks on Facebook Monday to Saturday at 11am!

Listen to extracts on website to tempt you in.

Polka Theatre Fulham Palace SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Tour the house and gardens, learn about archaeology, tour the house and take in the Bishops of London Palace at Fulham exhibition, on until November. Free trails, natural play area.

Palace Explorers Creative hands-on sessions for 2 to 4 year olds and their adults, with a new theme every week from planting seeds to playing games. Each Monday and Tuesday 9:30-10:30, meet outside at the Bishops Tree on the north lawn. performance with a song dedicated to the young person. For 12yrs + .

38 Families South West • October 2020

Check out their www.nhm.ac.uk MOST EXCELLENT Pre-book your timed ticket and section Online enjoy some family favourites Activities to do like whales, dinosaurs, fossils at home and volcanoes. Don’t forget to visit the Ostro Stone and the Giant Sequoia as well as Sophie the Stegosaurus – all solo, self-guided tours. Can’t come to the museum? Explore the Museum from home by taking a virtual tour and seeing up to 300,000 specimens. Free entry, exhibits extra.

From 16 October. The unmissable Wildlife Photographer of the Year Every Tuesdays at 12 and Fridays at 10.30 Nature Live, interactive talks with scientists.

Super interesting!

SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com While the new and improved theatre doesn’t open until spring 2021, Polka online is full of stories and activities!

Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, www.vam.ac.uk A wealth of world history awaits visitors as the galleries fully re-open for visitors to explore.

Discover Buddhism, ancient China, Japan, Korea, South Asia and more through sculpture, fashions and fascinating artefacts. Our favourite!

Chelsea Physic Garden SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk A delightful London’s oldest botanic garden museum and the is home to more than 5,000 most gorgeous different plant as well as walks, garden talks and fun for the entire family.

Check out their painting workshops, behind the scenes and first aid with plants!

The Bright Emporium Clapham SW11 1SY www.thebrightemporium.com Full of workshops, story times and messy toddler time, The Bright Emporium is a great place to let your little ones imagination run wild! Check details on website, details not known at time of going to press.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Online www.byobcomedy.com Enjoy a laugh out loud afternoon that’s also baby friendly! Soft floors, toys and buggy parking combined with great comedy is a can’t miss!

They’ll be back in Clapham in October. Check for upcoming dates.

Singing Mamas Choir www.singingmamaschoir.com Make some music with fellow mums during 90 minutes of “me time” each week. With locations across London, babies and toddlers are welcome, or come on your own!

Chamber Tots at Home

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Wigmore Hall Online W1U 2BF www.wigmore-hall.org.uk Take part in Chamber Tots Autumn, Under the Sea or In Space this month and move, groove, sing and make some noise with your little one!

Classes are available through Zoom, registration required. Ages 1-5. £8 per household

The Arts Depot N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk 24-27 Oct Eric Carle’s classic, which has entertained generations of readers, is back as a stage performance! Laugh along with your little one as you watch and see what it takes to fill this caterpillar up. £14

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Wimbledon Nannies

✦ Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers and Mother’s Helps ✦ Permanent and Temporary ✦ Residential, Daily, Full and Part-Time

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is 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

32 Families South West • October 2020

✦ Evening Babysitting Register

Tel: 020 8947 4666 184 Copse Hill, SW20 0SP info@wimbledonnannies.co.uk | www.wimbledonnannies.com All our applicants are personally interviewed and their references checked Facebook: Wimbledon Nannies Twitter: @wimbledonannies Instagram: wimbledon_nannies

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What’s On October 2020

chance to visit without the crowds!

Christmas Holiday Events

BOOK NOW TICKETS WILL GO FAST!

Matilda the Musical Cambridge Theatre WC2H 9HU www.lwtheatres.co.uk Begins November 2020 Sit back and enjoy Roald Dahl’s beloved book come to life in musical form! The award-winning musical tells the story of an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her destiny!

Children under 3 years of age not admitted. Age 6 and up. £20

Stick Man Rose Theatre, KT1 1HL www.rosetheatre.org 10 December – 3 January Stick Man is back to delight fans of all ages for the holidays! What starts out as a morning jog becomes a series of misadventures for Stick Man! Stick around and see if he makes it home to his family for Christmas!

The Magic of Christmas ZSL London Zoo NW1 4RY www.zsl.org 5-24 December The zoo will be full of holiday cheer with Santa in his magical grotto, a fun, festive family trail to explore and the brand new Sensory Sweet Shop! Take a trip through the fantasy sweet shop then grab a treat to go.

Lapland, UK Berkshire SL5 8BD Celebrate Christmas with an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story complete with the secret world of elves, stories and interactive activities.

Christmas at Kew Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE www.kew.org 18 November to 3 January Kew Gardens’ famous illuminated trail is back this holiday season! Wander through a canopy of stars, neon-wrapped trees and an amazing light show at the Treetop Walkway.

Enjoy street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate! Social distancing measures will be in place. 4pm to 10pm.

Aladdin, The Rockin’ Panto The Arts Depot N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk 4 December to 4 January Sit back to a show full of genies, glitter and great live music!

The Gruffalo and the Snowman Cadogan Hall SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 21 December only Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book The Gruffalo comes alive with a narrator and orchestra. Each character is represented by a different instrument in the orchestra. The Snowman boasts a live symphony orchestra with 11-year-old soloist Alice Mackenzie singing Walking in the Air!

National Theatre nationaltheatre.org.uk Check out the website for Dick Whittington performance tickets, which will be released soon and will go on sale in October.

Tulleys Drive In Christmas Show Tulleys Farm, Sussex RH10 4PE www.tulleysfarm.com 28 November to 24 December During your drive through Tulleys fields enjoy the Father Christmas Story, gingerbread, teddy bears and letters to Santa! The Christmas Diner can also deliver food to your car 30 minutes prior. Tickets must be booked in advance. From £8.95

When Aladdin finds an ancient lamp, the fun really starts with a magical genie, the evil Abanazer, the Emperor’s dragons and, of course, a princess! From £12

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October 2020 • Families South West 39

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Join our delivery team and earn some pocket money.

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October 2020 • Families South West 33

36 Families South West • October 2020

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