Families North Issue 107 March-April 2014

Issue 107 Mar/Apr 2014

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North London

Spring issue

Annabel Karmel Easter Guide North London Clubs & Classes

Explore a world of flavour with Annabel’s

Chilled Toddler Meals

When little ones are hungry, Annabel’s chilled toddler meals are the perfect timesaving tummy filler. Based on her delicious homemade recipes using only the best natural ingredients, there are now even more flavours to discover and enjoy today.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose & Ocado Join us at www.annabelkarmel.com for exclusive recipes, competitions and offers annabelkarmel 2

@annabelkarmel

Contents Issue 107 | Mar/Apr 2014 | Families North London

This Issue

5

4

Is Your Child Ready to Learn Every Day?

5

School Open Days

9

Special Needs

10

12

12 Make a Bee Hotel 13 Easter Events

13

31

14

Regular Features 14 Annabel Karmel 16 Ed’s Reading Room 17 Clubs & Classes 28 Parties 29 Places to Go

Welcome

Families north london Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familiesnorth.co.uk

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

Until next time…

Sharon Editor

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

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1274 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

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

3

education Part Two

Is your child ready to learn every day?

Education

The Ready to Learn Every Day Guide can be downloaded from www.family-action.org.uk/naht.

R E A DY TO L E A RN E V E R Y D AY !

NAHT and Family Action have based the advice in this leaflet on the latest research about what helps children to speak and listen well.

Your child: speaking and listening

Your child: what you can do to help

It is important to help your child with speaking and listening because:

Put listening to your child first:

•

Your child’s ability to speak and listen well will be a good foundation for their future learning

•

If they are good speakers and listeners they will do better at reading and writing

•

If they can communicate well with others, it will help them to make friends more easily

•

They will become more independent and be able to learn about the world

•

Your child will learn to express their feelings and not become frustrated so easily

•

Show your child how to be a good listener by listening to them and others

•

Be patient: don’t interrupt or finish their sentences for them

•

Give your child your attention: don’t check your mobile phone at the same time as they are talking to you

•

Show you’re listening: ask questions about what they say, ask their opinions

•

Listen to your child reading aloud regularly

Be a clear speaker:

At school younger children will learn to: •

Think about what they say and choose the right words

•

Speak fluently and confidently

•

Listen to instructions from the teacher

•

Listen to their classmates before speaking and take turns

•

Speak confidently, using the right words and set an example by talking in full sentences

•

If English is not your first language, the most important thing is that you speak your own language confidently and well

•

Use clear, simple directions for tasks and behaviours

•

When your child follows directions, show you notice: praise them for listening to you

Get involved every day: As they get older they will: •

Join in group discussions and make useful points

•

Present to an audience, expressing their opinions clearly

•

Take part in decision-making and debate

•

Learn how language varies in different situations

•

Discuss their day with them when you see them after school

•

Try to have a family meal together as often as possible

•

Encourage your child to talk about their views and interests with others

•

Ask them about their homework and get involved with it

•

Switch off television and laptops well before bedtime: chat or read a bedtime story together instead

French-English Bilingual Nursery School

Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery

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

4

Islington Green (Angel). 2-5 year olds.

8.00 am - 6.00 pm 2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week 47 weeks a year

020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com

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Children aged 1 to 5 Organic 4-course lunches Open 8am to 6pm 47 weeks/year

St George’s Hall Crayford Road (entrance on Carleton Road) London N7 0ND 020 7697 8110

www.lespe�tesetoiles.co.uk

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education

School Open Days chAnnInG school The Bank, Highgate, N6 5HF 020 8340 2328 channing.co.uk Independent School for Girls 4-18 years senior school July 1 For parents and girls – Year 7.

Book a visit.

Junior school Open days take place in Summer term. sixth Form Open days in the autumn term.

cITy oF lonDon boys Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 3AL 020 7489 0291 clsb.co.uk Independent School Boys 10-18 years open Afternoons May 1, June 19, 26 Tour of school, questions and answers and refreshments. Early booking required via email or phone. Entry points 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+.

cITy oF lonDon GIrls St Giles’ Terrace, EC2Y 8BB 020 7847 5500 clsg.co.uk

Independent School Girls 7-18 years open evening 7+ entry June 17 Booking via email required.

Whole school open evening July 3 No booking required.

More information on online.

DeVonshIre house PrePArATory school 2 Arkwright Road, NW3 6AE 020 7435 1916 devonshirehouseschool.co.uk Co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for 3-13 years.

Nursery from 2½ years. open Morning May 6, 7 Whole school open morning including nursery. For parents only.

No registration required.

GrAnGe PArK PrePArATory school 13 The Chine, Grange Park, N21 2EA 020 8360 1469 gpps.org.uk Small Independent School Girls Admissions Non-selective entry to Reception Class. Other year entries vacancies

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

filled by interviews and assessments.

Places available from September 2014.

hAberDAshers’ AsKe’s school For GIrls Aldenham Road, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3BT 020 8266 2300 habsgirls.org.uk Independent School Girls 4-18 years open Morning Juniors July 5 10am-12.30pm. No booking required.

hArroW school 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex HA1 3HP 020 8872 8007 (admissions) harrowschoool.org.uk Independent Boarding School Boys 13-18 years

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 30th APRIL 11.00-1.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

open Mornings May 10 For parents and non-registered boys.

Early booking required. open Mornings May 17 For parents and boys registered for 13yrs entry 2016-18 and sixth form entry 2015 -17. Early booking required. open Mornings June 14 For parents and registered and nonregistered boys. Booking required.

Parents can also visit the school by attending music concerts, plays and

sports matches. For ticketed events contact the Admissions Secretary.

henrIeTTA bArneTT school Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 7BN 020 8458 8999 hbschool.org.uk Grammar school/Academy – Girls 11-18 years. open Day July 10, 11 Talks, tours and information for Yr 7 entry 2014-15.

hIGhGATe school North Road, N6 4AY 020 8340 1524 (Senior) highgateschool.org.uk Coeducational school 3-18 years. open Mornings Regular open mornings held.

Advance booking required. 3+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ admissions.

Keble school Wades Hill, Winchmore Hill, N12 1BG 020 8360 3359 kebleprep.co.uk Preparatory School for Boys in Year 1-8 open Morning April 24 Sign in on arrival. Tours take place on a normal school day. Personal tours and time spent in classes can be arranged after parents decide to register.

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

5

education KInG AlFreD school Manor Wood, North End Road, NW11 7HY 020 8457 5200 kingalfred.org.uk Independent School 4-18 years open Morning – lower school May 15 Email to confirm attendance. open Morning Middle & upper school May 20 Email to confirm attendance.

lynDhursT house school 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, NW3 5NW 020 7435 4936 lyndhursthouse.co.uk

Independent Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School for boys 4-13 years. open Morning May 21 Sign in on the day. Visit the school and meet pupils and teachers.

MIll hIll school FounDATIon The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, NW7 020 8959 1176 (Senior) millhill.org.uk

Belmont and Grimsdell schools can also be visited. Tours and pupil activities. No registration required.

for immediate entry. Request a prospectus and further open day information.

PAlMers Green hIGh school 104 Hoppers Road, N21 3LJ 020 8886 1135 pghs.co.uk

The cAVenDIsh school 31 Inverness Street, NW1 7HB 020 7485 1958 cavendishschool.co.uk Independent Preparatory Girls 2 years 9 months to 11 years.

Sibling Boys up to 7 years. open Days March 12, June 14 Invitation to attend after applying for a prospectus. Open days held once a term.

Independent School for Girls 3-16 years Main school March 20 Open afternoon. No booking required.

Co-educational 3-18 years Grimsdell Day School 3-7 years Belmont Day School 7-13 years Mill Hill School – Boarding and Day School 13-18 years.

Queen’s colleGe lonDon 43-49 Harley Street, W1G 8BT 020 7291 7000 Foundation open Morning qcl.org.uk May 10 Independent School Girls 11-18 ORIGINAL HANDPAINTED open Day MURALS April 30 07572 634 991 For entry in September 2015. Book a place in advance to attend the open day. souThbAnK InTernATIonAl school 36-38 Kensington Park Road, London W11 3BU 020 7792 7366 southbank.org

The sWAMInArAyAn school 260 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London NW10 8HE 020 8965 8381 swaminarayan.brent.sch.uk Independent Day School open evening March 21 To arrange a visit and a meeting with the Headteacher contact the School Secretary.

ORIGINAL HANDPAINTED MURALS

07572 634 991

International Baccalaureate (IB)

ORIGINAL HANDPAINTED World School for 3-18 years.

MURALS Hampstead, Kensington and

07572 634 991

Westminster

Information Mornings March 15 – Kensington, 3-11 years.

March 22 – Hampstead, 3-11 years.

To book a place call the Admissions Team on 020 7243 3803 or email.

ThAMes chrIsTIAn colleGe Wye Street, SW11 2HB 020 7228 3933 thameschristiancollege.org.uk Independent Secondary School Girls & Boys open Days March 6 Individual appointments made

outdoor nursery Outdoors is the natural place for children to learn and play.

The innovative Forest School approach — developed in Scandanavia — is coming to North London.

From mud kitchens to rope bridges, tree spirits to story telling — we provide endless opportunities to develop young muscles and minds.

Ages 2½–5 years • Highgate Wood & Queen’s Wood • Monday to Friday during term times • Visit IntoTheWoodsNursery.co.uk or call 07597 763 011

6

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education

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

• Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

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

7

education Non selective but achieve high academic standards

Small independent school for girls

OPEN

MORNING Friday 25 April 10 – 12 noon

Subject specialist teachers

Small classes all girls recognised as individuals

GPPS is a prep school for girls founded in 1924. Girls benefit from a caring, stimulating and nurturing environment encouraging them to become confident, independent learners achieving high academic standards.

The ISI Inspection in 2010 found that at GPPS there is a great community atmosphere where each child is well known by every member of staff and recognised as an individual. In a family atmosphere such as this the children are happy and therefore flourish academically. Before leaving GPPS every girl will have been given a responsible role at some level, instilling in them an ingrained confidence and preparing them for today’s challenges.

In recent years girls have received offers from:

For further information please contact:

GPPS

Grange Park Prep School 13 The Chine, Grange Park, London, N21 2EA Email: office@gpps.org.uk Tel: 020 8360 1469 www.gpps.org.uk

- Dame Alice Owen - Latymer - Haberdashers’ Aske’s - St Albans - Palmers Green - Francis Holland - Bancroft - Forest - St John’s - St Edmund’s - Queenswood - St Martha’s

Individual tutoring and assessments available 5-18yrs children, including children with special educational needs.

Preparation for 11+ state selective and independent secondary school entrance examinations.

Katie Krais

P.G.C.E., Cert. Spld.

Lorrae Jaderberg Cert.Ed., Cert. Spld.

Tel: 07956 111728

www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk 8

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special needs

Special Needs

New hope for a child with speech difficulties

Bal-A-Vis-X

by usha Patel learning Difficulties Therapist

Eight-year-old Sophie had poor co-ordination skills and a severe speech impediment.

Not surprisingly, she hated talking and at school, came across as stubborn and uncooperative.

A traumatic birth may have contributed to Sophie’s developmental delay.

Otherwise, at the start of her school life, neither medical nor educational specialists had a specific diagnosis.

Sophie was labelled as having ‘global developmental delay.’

Yet Sophie was not delayed in all things. Curiously, her reading skills were only slightly lower than that of her peers.

This was most surprising and unusual in light of her difficulties. I put this down to her being a child of ‘ability’ trapped by her physical constraints. Her frustration and antagonism made sense.

Sophie’s first ‘Bal-A-Vis-X’ session with me in Sept 2013 was spent with her clinging onto her mum and crying.

Slowly, I prised her away. We could not start with the regular first exercise which involved standing on a balance board whilst throwing/catching. Sophie’s balance skills meant she had to sit on a balance board and passed the small bean bag to her exercise partner.

Her father called me up just before Christmas, brimming with pride and emotion to say that she was, for the first time ever, having conversations with him.

Sophie slowly gained the ability to watch for the bag as I passed it to her in the rhythmic patterns common to all Bal-A-Vis-X exercises. This observation translated to better eye tracking and then looking at people when talking.

Such was her new found determination, that after four sessions, she was able to stand up on the balance board without any blocks to stop the tilt. By this time she was also able to toss the sand bag, a distance of just under a metre, to her partner’s hand. This exercise, ‘one bag rectangle’ would be the regular starting point. The set up being: Two people stand at arms-length and the student gently tosses the bag from their right hand, to the left hand of the partner. The partner then transfers the bag from their left to their right hand and tosses it back to the student’s left hand. The student transfers to their right hand and pattern starts again. The bag is moved in a rectangular pattern when doing this exercise, hence the name.

At the start of these exercises, Sophie was only able to deliver the bag with a clumsy throw and was unable to catch it, due to her weak hand muscles.

Nevertheless, the technique was in place. The rhythmic patterns of moving the bag back and forth in time helped her develop strength in her muscles.

With each practise, Sophie improved hand eye coordination and the ability to sequence the actions with good pattern and flow.

It was soon time to build upon this progress, and move Sophie onto exercises which further encouraged her coordination skills as well as her listening skills. We used an exercise called the ‘one-ball rectangle,’ which encourages the student to bounce a ball in a rhythmic pattern to a partner. Sophie,

now used to throwing the sandbag would at first only throw the ball instead of bouncing it, but with practise, we soon eradicated this problem. With it came better listening skills, as she waited to hear the bounce to keep the rhythmic pattern.

Sophie’s progress was outstanding. Her father called me up just before Christmas, brimming with pride and emotion to say that she was, for the first time ever, having conversations with him. Her mood had changed from someone who easily gave-up, to a more determined, ‘giving things a try.’ He also reported news from the school that Sophie was shedding her stubborn streak and was co-operating more in the classroom. bal-A-Vis-X is a schools based programme suitable for parents with SEN children.The unique rhythmic exercises are challenging for children requiring full body coordination. It is suited for peer teaching where capable children helping ‘partner’ and teach less capable children in the classroom/ therapy setting. The flagship exercise ‘the three ball bounce’ is an achievable goal for children like Sophie.

Bal-A-Vis-X – Next Workshop London 4th to 6thApril 2014 – Three full days of intensive training. For Teachers/ Health Professionals and Parents.

For more on Bal-A-Vis-X go to www.integratedbrain.co.uk email: usha.patel@integratedbrain.co.uk

Usha Patel, founder of Integrated Brain, is a BAVX practitioner since 2012.

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

9

special needs

Classes for children with special needs in North and East London

Art & Craft rADIoMArAThon cenTre 188 Turkey Street (Bulls Cross side), Enfield, EN1 4NW (Turkey Street ) 01992 713 297 radiomarathon.co.uk sandra@radiomarathon.co.uk Activities Wide range of services and projects for those with learning disabilities, all ages and abilities. Activities include drama, theatrical studies, art and design, gardening, cooking and work experience. Summer Community festival held in July.

V&A MuseuM oF chIlDhooD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Autism Friendly Workshops March 29 Art workshops and story telling for families with children on the autistic spectrum. Age groups 3+, 6+ and 10-14 years. Free but booking required.

Learning & tuition bAl-A-VIs-X Usha Patel Learning Difficulties Therapist 07766 837 616 integratedbrain.co.uk balance/Auditory/Vision/ exercises Workshop April 4-6 Rhythmic exercise programme used for dyslexia, dyspraxia and ASD and other diagnosed problems as well as for learning excellence.

JADerberG KrAIs TuTorInG 07956 111728 jaderbergkrais.co.uk Tuition Individual tutoring and assessments for 5-18 years including children with special educational needs.

Places to visit sTrATForD cIrcus Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX

lonDon cenTre For chIlDren WITh cerebrAl PAlsy 54 Muswell Hill, N10 3ST 020 8444 7242 cplondon.org.uk Parent and child Parent and child groups for children aged 6 months to 3 years. Baby and toddler places available.

( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com sleeping beauty April 5 Relaxed Performance at 11.30am.

Classic tale with puppets.

Cost £8/£6 concs/family £24.

unIcorn TheATre 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com The Velveteen rabbit April 4, 12 – Relaxed Performance A shy toy rabbit longs to be loved and become real. 4+ years. £16/£13.

At the end of everything else April 19 – Relaxed Performance Icka builds a flying machine to save her friend – a little yellow bird named Tito. 8+ years. Cost £16/£13.

Special Events KesTrel house school 104 Crouch Hill, N8 9EA 020 8348 8500 acorncare.co.uk Co-educational school for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

5-16 years. open Days March 18, April 24, May 20 Contact the school administrator to make an appointment.

Tree house school The Pears National Centre for Autism Education, Woodside Avenue, N10 3JA 020 8815 5424 Ambitious About Autism March 19 Open afternoon for professionals to tour the school and see a class in action. Email or call to confirm attendance.

Family support seminars March 27 Held at Resource for London, Holloway Road, N7 6PA. Series of seminars for parents and carers of children and young adults with learning disabilities. Cost £10. open Afternoon April 28 For parents, carers and professionals.

Email or call to confirm attendance.

WorlD AuTIsM AWAreness DAy 2014 April 2 A special day set aside to raise awareness and promote understanding of autism on all levels in society.

bAby MAssAGe Prep 4 birth

Unhappiness before/after 1 to 1 groups, Central London T.Deane.Gray@gmail.com Midwife & Psychotherapist

Do you need to get back into your skinny jeans or lose your pregnancy weight? Are you always on a different diet, eating the wrong foods & getting nowhere?

I can help you! ‐ Personal Training (either 1:1 or small groups) ● Weight loss ● Pre & post natal ● �utri�on advice

‐ Group outdoor fitness also available ailable (see www.��oraprincess.co.uk/primrosehill)

For more info & details please contact: Debra on 07501 157177

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childcare

Best Bear Childcare launches new emergency childcare service However well you plan your childcare arrangements, there will always be situations where you need to secure last minute or short term childcare due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, work commitments or family crisis.

In these situations, which are often stressful in themselves, it is important to be able to find a trustworthy and reliable childcare solution, yet there you will probably have less time that normal to undertake the recruitment process and rigorous checks that you would normally insist on.

This is where Best Bear’s new Emergency Childcare Service can help – it offers a quick and easy way to contact local childcare agencies who have been pre-vetted and tested. This means you have complete peace of mind when contacting them, and you can concentrate on simply finding a suitable childcarer for your child, knowing that

About Best Bear Childcare Best Bear Ltd was established in 1998 to create the only comprehensive and quality controlled guide to childcare agencies across the UK, in order to help parents make informed and safe decisions when choosing childcare services.

Best Bear provides a unique and ongoing testing and vetting of childcare agencies throughout the UK, using a proven and unique research methodology. To date over

they can be relied on.

Best Bear has only invited their Recommended Agencies to join this new scheme, all of whom offer the very highest standards when matching parents with a childcarer. The Best Bear team has tested and vetted every single agency, and we have very high standards indeed.

The Emergency Childcare Service is quick and easy to use, and we hope that it will be seen as a useful addition to the wide range of services we provide to parents, childcarers and agencies across the UK. For more information visit www.bestbear.co.uk/ find-childcare/emergency-childcare.php 1,000 agencies have been investigated and only those that passed our stringent testing have been invited to advertise their agency details on the Best Bear website.

Best Bear has subsequently expanded to provide the most comprehensive one stop shop for childcare services for parents, childcarers, agencies, nurseries and employers, including job advertisements, reference checking, emergency childcare services and a range of information and resources.

Major new research into early detection of autism and ADHD is seeking babies The world-leading ‘Babylab’ at Birkbeck, University of London, is launching a new Europe-wide study of the early emergence of autism and ADHD. With over £2.5 million in funding, Professor Mark Johnson and his team are now embarking upon the Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings (STAARS) project, which will map brain development from birth in order to identify the earliest signs of these lifelong social communication and attention disorders.

The research will focus on infants who have older siblings with autism or ADHD as these infants are at particularly high risk for these disorders.

Although parents may notice symptoms of these conditions from infancy, children are often not diagnosed until they are in nursery or school. Earlier diagnosis of these children would help make it possible to design earlier and more effective interventions that may prevent symptoms from developing, and improve the quality of life for individuals with autism/ADHD and their families.

Can you and your baby help?

Expenses are paid and mothers we met said they spent a very special day with their child, which they really enjoyed.

To read more about the STAARS project and to take part go to www.staars.org

Best Bear’s new Emergency Childcare Service offers a quick and easy way to contact local childcare agencies who have been pre-vetted and tested.

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

11

make a bee hotel!

Easter Fun Activity

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

Make a bee hotel!

O

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

Whether we can identify them or not, one thing is common to all species, and that is they all need our help. Most bees would just like a little nectar and pollen, and a lovely Easter holiday project would be to plant up a ‘Bee Garden’. There are a number of plants to choose from that are robust and require minimum care, beyond a drink of water now and again, and will do splendidly in a small window box, planter or large pot. Snowdrops, Crocus, Primrose and Bluebells (remember Bluebells are protected, so don’t go digging them up from a local woodland area!) all make for a spectacular spring display.

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

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

12

honey so therefore don’t have anything to defend. This makes them really docile and perfectly safe to have around children and pets.

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

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

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

• Take the bundle out into the garden and find a secure place to fasten your bee hotel to. The open ends should

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face anywhere between east and south to get the early morning sun, with a clear flight path into the hotel.

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

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

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easter holiday activities

Easter Holiday Activities (More holiday events under Theatres & Museums)

GrAnT MuseuM oF ZooloGy Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE ( Euston Square) 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk easter egg-laying Animals April 8-14 Drop-in events to explore the wonderful world of eggy animals – penguins, platypuses, sharks, snails, butterflies and bullfrogs. Free.

hAnDel house MuseuM 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB ( Bond Street) 020 7495 1685 handelhouse.org hallelujah easter egg hunt April 20 Discover the magic of Handel’s music, collect a family Easter pack and solve riddles and rhymes leading to a chocolate surprise! Admission £6.50/children free. lAuDerDAle house Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk egg Decorating, Treasure hunt and The Great egg roll April 20 Meet at the back of the house near the café for a fun day. Tickets issued on first-come-first-served basis maximum 100 places. 11am start – no latecomers! Bring a parent/carer.

Cost £6.50 per child.

KeATs house Keats Grove, NW3 2RR ( Hampstead Heath) 020 7332 3868 cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshouse beautiful books March 16 Create a pop-up book. Free. easter extravaganza April 20 Make a bonnet, hunt for eggs and take part in family activities.

Accompanied children. Free drop-in.

KenWooD house Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR (Hampstead Heath )

020 8348 1286 englishheritage.org.uk easter Adventures April 7-19 Meet Kenwood’s most famous residents. Family activities from 12pm-4pm. Free.

KeW GArDens Kew, Richmond, Surrey ( Kew Gardens) 020 8332 5655 kew.org easter at Kew April 5-21 Enjoy themed activities from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in partnership with Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.

Entrance £14.50/children 16 years and under are free.

Willy Wonka April 5-21 Create, decorate and name a Willy Wonka-inspired chocolate bar. Extra costs apply. sing Along April 5-21 Music and craft activities. Free.

Go nuts in the nut room April 5-21 Art activities. Free. revolting rhymes April 5-21 Story telling and poems. Free. easter egg hunt April 20 Hunt for tokens for a special chocolate prize from the Easter Bunny. leArn To PlAy DAy learntoplayday.com April 12 Free instrument taster lessons in music shops and other venues throughout the country.

oDDs FArM PArK Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 OLX (J2/M40) 01628 520188 oddsfarm.co.uk easter Family Fun April 5-22 Follow the Easter Bunny Trail for a yummy treat. Bottle feed the kid goats, take a tractor ride weather permitting, and have fun in the indoor playbarn. Prices from £9.95/£8.95/under 2s free.

osTerley PArK & house Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB ( Osterley) 020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk little seedlings Gardening club April 8, 15 Drop-in sessions. Garden entrance £4.50/£2.30/family £11.30. sticky Fingers craft April, 10, 17 Drop-in craft activities. Free. royAl AcADeMy oF ArTs Burlington House, W1J OBD ( Green Park) 020 7300 8000 royalacademy.org.uk lego reimagined April 13 Lego workshop to create sensational buildings. Drop-in event. Free. royAl AIr Force MuseuM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk WW1 Make and Take April 7-13 Make an Airfix model. 5+ years.

Cost from £2 per kit. once upon a Time April 10-13 Listen to stories of the RAF. 7+ years. Free.

shoe lAne lIbrAry Hill House, 1 Little New Street, EC4A 3JR 020 7583 7178

cityoflondon.gov.uk/shoelanelibrary easter egg hunt April 15 Family activities. Booking may be required. Under 5 years.

suTTon house nATIonAl TrusT 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk cadbury’s easter egg Trail April 4-20 Easter egg hunts and a magical tea party to celebrate Sutton House’s 20th anniversary of being open to the public. Cost £1.50 per trail + normal admission charges.

Wild About easter April 10, 17 Family fun with Easter themed art activities including Easter egg hunt and dress up tea party. Cost £1.50 per trail + normal admission charges.

Wild About easter April 27 Free family day.

ToTTenhAM MArshes Watermead Way, Tottenham, N17 OXD ( Tottenham Hale) 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Top Dog April 20 Dog handling clinic and hands-on training covering obedience, noise control and poor behaviour. All welcome. Free.

WIlloWs FArM VIllAGe Coursers Road, St Albans, AL4 OPF (M25/J22) 0870 129 9718 willowsfarmvillage.com eAsTer eGGsTrAVAGAnZA April 5-21 A Choc-o-bloc programme of farmyard fun, adventure play and egg-citing Easter events! Visit the Easter Garden to take part in the Easter egg hunt and join in the Bunny hunts around the farm, with chocolate treats for all who take part.

MeAD oPen FArM Stanbridge Road, Billington, Bedfordshire LU7 9JH 01525 852954 (J9 M1/A5) meadopenfarm.co.uk easter bunny bonanza!

April 5-21 Springtime fun with the Easter Bunny, bottle feed the lambs and meet real Easter chicks.

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

13

recipes

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

Chocolate and Toffee Cheesecake From ‘Annabel’s Family cookbook’ by ebury Press.

Photography by Martin Poole.

Ingredients

Toasted Chicken Tortilla

Pasta Primavera

From ‘Top 100 Meals in Minutes’ ebury Press.

From ‘Top 100 Meals in Minutes’ ebury Press.

Ingredients

Ingredients

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

100g digestive biscuits 50g butter melted 150g full fat cream cheese 200mls whipped cream 150g milk chocolate 2tbs toffee sauce Method 1. Crush the biscuits in a poly bag using a rolling pin mix with the melted butter.

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

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

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

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

6. Chill for 3 hours before serving.

Preparation: 20 minutes Chilling: 3 hours Makes 8 portions

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

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

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

Not suitable for freezing Makes 4-6 portions Annabel’s Family cookbook (ebury Press) is filled with cooking inspiration for the whole family and available to buy from 13 March.

Visit www.annabelkarmel.com

Not suitable for freezing Makes 4 portions Prep 25 minutes

14

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recipes 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tsp soy sauce

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

Method 1. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from scorching when grilling.

Chicken Satay Skewers From ‘Annabel’s Family cookbook’ by ebury Press.

Photography by Martin Poole.

Ingredients

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

6. Serve with the dipping sauce.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Thread the chicken strips onto skewers

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Details of dates, venues and booking available on our website

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Tel: 0208 341 2000 15

book corner

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online at www.edontheweb. com and from good bookstores.

ROOM

Reading

Ed’s

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

For AGes 5-7 yeArs

5-7

My Funny Family Gets Bigger by chris higgins (hodder £4.99)

Arthur and the Witch

Ed says:

by Johanne Mercier (Phoenix yard books £4.99)

Ed says: ‘Arthur discovers a secret hiding-place full of blueberries and picks lots of them as a surprise for his grandmother.

She is delighted and makes a pie for Arthur and his grandfather but when she realises where Arthur found the fruit she becomes rather worried. So Grandma calls Cousin Eugene who she knows will have good advice in these difficult – but amusing – circumstances.

‘This is a super story for boys and girls alike, reading on their own or reading together – and it is complemented by fantastic illustrations throughout.’

‘Mattie is excited about going back to school but realises not all children are as happy as she is, particularly one of her sisters whose rather odd behaviour causes a lot of concern.

The family are expecting a very special delivery at Christmas time – could this be part of the explanation? In this delightfully humorous tale, the strength of family life shines through.

‘This lovely book with its super illustrations will be enjoyed by newlyconfident readers. It is also ideal for reading together.’

7+

For AGes 7 yeArs Plus

The Great Brain Robbery

by Anna Kemp (simon and schuster £5.99)

Ed says:

this evil scheme before it is too late?

‘This madcap action-packed adventure is a real page-turner. There are fantastic characters in this laugh out loud tale that is enhanced by amusing illustrations.’

The Woebegone Twins by christopher William hill (orchard books £9.99)

Ed says: ‘Here is the latest tale from Schwartzgarten, the town children love to read about but would probably sooner not live in!

The twins Greta and Feliks live with their adored Aunt Gisela who used to be an actress. Through her they come across some amazing people such as Mr Morbide who has a remarkable resemblance to a vampire.

The twins soon learn that people and events are not always as they first seem!

‘This is a brilliant story with wonderful characters. It will delight readers who prefer the extraordinary to the ordinary and who enjoy books in which imaginative ideas burst from the pages.’

‘All the children in Frankie’s class are desperate to get their hands on the latest toy, a mechanimal.

Frankie is delighted to receive a Gadget the Rabbit for his birthday – but it soon becomes obvious that all is not right. There is a dreadful scheme afoot to infiltrate children’s minds using these robot toys. Will Frankie and his friends be able to stop

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Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

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Clubs & Classes Art & craft Sport Performing arts Workshops

don n o L h t r No s and Club ses Clas

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

clubs and classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in North London. This season there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.

Art & craft CORAM’S FIELDS 93 Guilford Street, WC1N 1DN ( Russell Square) 020 3384 2202 coramsfields.org Out of School Club Weekly sessions with art, cooking, dance and sports. 4-12 years.

Cost £10/£5 per session.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS St Peters Church, NW3 4HT 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Easter Holiday Club March 31-April 4, April 7-11 Art, dance, music and play. NW3 4HT, N1 5ET & SW3 5SY. 3-9 years.

FINE ART 4 KIDS 020 8275 0360 fineart4kids.com

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

Contact adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

Classes Art classes and holiday workshops.

5-12 years.

Dance Classes Contemporary, classical and jazz.

All ages.

class for new members. Also private tuition in the home. Learn French CD available. 8 months-8 years.

LITTLE HANDS DESIGN 67 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5AU ( Swiss Cottage) 020 7431 0573 littlehandsdesign.com Easter Holiday Classes April 7-11, 14-17 Use a sewing machine to create Spring fashion. 6-16 years. Cost Week 1 £225/£140 and Week 2 £180/£96.

HIGHGATE BALLET SCHOOL Highgate Village, Jacksons Lane, High Barnet and Hendon Central 020 8432 2995 highgateballetschool.com info@highgateballetschool.com

LE CLUB FRÈRE JACQUES Muswell Hill, N22 7UL 020 8447 1565 leclubfrerejacques.co.uk Classes French tuition – fun and easy to learn. 3-11 years.

Dance CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE West Hampstead & Kilburn Contact Patricia 020 7435 4247 chantrainedance.co.uk

Ballet & Baby Ballet Classes Parent watch days and regular in-house and theatre performances.

3-18 years.

JUMP UP DANCE ACADEMY Kings College NW3 7ST Mill Hill NW7 2AJ 07946 581933 jumpup.co.uk Dance Classes RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern and ISTD Tap.

ZUMBA 07932 568 806 latinsoul.co.uk Kids Classes Finchley N2 9BA. Book in advance.

Languages BI-LINGUAL BEATS 07809 411650 bilingualbeats.com Spanish Musical and language skills.

Crouch End, Highgate, Kensington, Battersea, Wandsworth. New venues coming soon. Under 5 years.

CLUB PETIT PIERROT St John’s Wood, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Putney 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Language Lessons Term time lessons in fun French with an end of term carnival. Free trial

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LE PETITE ECOLE les-crocodiles.blogspot.co.uk 07939 013717 les-crocodiles@hotmail.com Classes Hackney E5. Fun French classes for Francophone children. Also baby and toddler classes with songs and activities and Mr Croc the puppet.

0-12 years.

Learning resources & tuition AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING CENTRE 1 Oakwood Parade, Bramley Road, N14 4HY 020 8440 8586 afterschoollearningcentre.com Tuition English, Reading, Maths and Science tuition focusing on exam results.

Free consultation to assess needs.

4-18 years.

FLEET TUTORS 020 8580 3911 fleet-tutors.co.uk Tuition Private home tutoring.

JADERBERG KRAIS TUTORING 07956 111728 jaderbergkrais.co.uk

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clubs and classes

Football Centre of Excellence

FCE & Exceltots TUTORING CAN HELP YOUR CHILD REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL Ĺ–

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FREE ASSESSMENT

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www.fcexcellence.com

Football Development Programme in North London

Building the Complete Footballer Boys & Girls

18 months old-14 Years old Email us: footballexcellence@yahoo.co.uk

Enfield Music Service Making music make a difference For children and young people who live or go to school in the London Borough of Enfield n Musical instrument lessons

ISA Football is a training academy with a unique coaching system and philosophy developed and led by a UEFA ‘A’ Licence (Level 4) coach.

Kingsbury (NW9)

Reception to Year 6

n Support for music in schools

Hampstead G-S (NW11) Reception to Year 2

n Concerts and performances

Queens Park (NW6) Mill Hill (NW7)

Reception to Year 2

n Singing lessons n Borough wide orchestras, bands, music groups and choirs

@

Reception to Year 2

n Instrument hire

UEFA & FA

qualified coaches with enhanced CRB, child protection & first aid Contact us for more details

07957 229 518

george@isacoaching.co.uk www.isacoaching.co.uk

Enfield Music Service

www.enfield.gov.uk/music

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

19

clubs and classes Tuition Individual tutoring and assessments at various levels. 5-18 years.

rAVIV PrAcTIce Usha Patel 07766 837616

leADers Are reADers Enfield N21 1PP Edgware HA8 8DE Northwood HA6 2HT 01992 651 300 leadersarereaders.co.uk

Improve reading Expand vocabulary, improve spelling and increase memory. 6+ years.

Tuition English, Maths and Learn to Read programmes. Early booking for Summer School. Call for assessment and free trial lesson. 3½-11 years.

MAThs DocTor 0845 286 7770 mathsdoctor.co.uk/families Tuition Help children reach their full potential. Free assessment.

7-18 years.

hs Plus 16-19 years.

crAZee KIDs Highgate N6 & North Finchley N12 020 8444 5333 crazeekids.co.uk classes Develop confidence and imagination with weekly classes in dance, music and drama. 3-10 years.

Performing arts

DrAMArAMA sTAGe school North & North West London 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk

All sorTs DrAMA Hampstead, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill 020 8767 5298 allsortsdrama.com info@allsortsdrama.com Drama classes Drama classes and Easter holiday drama courses. 4-18 years.

easter holiday courses April 7-11 Performing Arts courses. Check online for more details.

Term Time Drama, dance exam, street dance classes in Hampstead. Saturday and after school classes. 3-14 years.

AnGel sheD TheATre coMPAny 444 Camden Road, N7 OSP 020 7700 8689 / 07910 822 412 angelshedtheatre.org.uk

hAcKney sheD The Theatre in BSix College, Kenningtonhall Road, E5 8BP hackneyshed.org.uk children’s Theatre Theatre workshops in drama, singing and music. 7-11 years. Suggested cost £20 per term. Alternative payment plans available. youth Theatre 11-16 years.

Performance Workshops Free weekly hour long sessions held at Platform, Hornsey Road.

Acting, dancing, singing and puppet theatre for 5-7 years. Also training given to 16+ years not in employment to perform and work with children. Free.

PerForM Mansergh Club NW8 9QG The Hall Senior School NW3 4NU 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Follow the yellow brick road April 7-9 Easter holiday drama workshops.

Take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road with actors, musicians and dancers. Final day performances for family and friends. 4-8 years.

Cost £95/early bird discounts. rAZZAMATAZ TheATre school Barnet: 01923 805846 At Ashmole Academy, Cecil Road, N14 5RJ Hampstead: 020 8150 7198 At St Paul’s Primary School, NW3 3DS razzamataz.co.uk sessions Dancing, singing, acting and musical theatre. 4-18 years. Free trial lesson.

sTAGecoAch Highgate 020 7272 8108 stagecoach.co.uk highgate@stagecoach.co.uk

The Dance of Expression

mi as in ‘my’ ... belonging to me; owned by me. mi sport is kids’ sport.

Alain & Françoise

CHANTRAINE

Dance for life! Dance for joy!

A unique holistic approach to all aspects of dance Including the main styles - contemporary, classical, jazz - creativity, choreography and more

mi sports camps

Classes for children, teenagers Weekday, Saturday W. Hampstead, Kilburn area

mi sport on saturday mi fc (boys and girls teams)

CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE

mi parties

Contact Patricia 020 7435 4247 email info@chantrainedance.co.uk www.chantrainedance.co.uk

mi ski mi race To find out more and to book online go to mi-sport.co Phone 0208 340 8208 / 07958 605561 Follow us on twitter@mi_sport

Photo by Mike Massaro

Created in France since 1958, in England since 1978

mi sport 118 xDRAMA 70_F Oct CLASSES 2013.indd 1 • HOLIDAY COURSES • DRAMA PARTIES

15/10/2013 20:23

allsorts drama Hampstead, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill AGES 4 TO 18 www.allsortsdrama.com | info@allsortsdrama.com | 0208 767 5298

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Advert Dramarama Families North 87x62_Layout 1 19/12/2012 13:50 Page Danny Grant Families ad 87x62_Layout 1 19/12/2012 13:50 Page 1 Drama

Street Dance

Danny Grant

Musical Theatre

Soccer School

Stage School

Action-packed Holiday Football Courses for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6 & 7 to 11.

Exciting Holiday Performing Arts Courses

Star in exciting Plays, Street Dance Shows and Musicals!

Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness & football skills! Exciting matches each day!

Plus term-time Drama, Drama Exam & Street Dance classes on Saturdays in Hampstead.

Attention boys & girls aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 & 11-14.

Join our fun-packed term-time and holiday courses.

Drama or Street Dance Parties also bookable!

Specialised term-time weekly football classes for 3 & 4yrs and 5 & 6yrs. Plus weekly football training and league matches for 7 to 12yrs.

Also bookable football and general sports birthday parties.

020 8446 0891

Contact us for more details www.dramarama.co.uk

Call for more details!

020 8446 0891

info@dgsoccer.co.uk

www.dgsoccer.co.uk

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY BBC & DAILY TELEGRAPH

FREE TRIAL LESSON

Fun French Lessons for Children Est 1993

A wonderful headstart in French

www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

020 7385 5565 - admincpp@btconnect.com

DANCE

RAD ballet ISTD modern ISTD tap

...we’re all doing it!

at King’s College NW3 7ST and now Mill Hill NW7 2AJ

www.jumpup.co.uk erna @ jumpup.co.uk | 07946 581933 |

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

21

clubs and classes Theatre classes and Workshops Performance Arts School – skills in dance, drama and singing. After school classes and weekends workshops.

sTAGecoAch Primrose Hill 07766 227810 stagecoach.co.uk Theatre Workshops Singing, dancing and drama.

4-18 years.

The AnnA FIorenTInI TheATre & FIlM school Hackney, Bethnal Green and Docklands.

020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Theatre & Film school Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design. Free taster days – limited places. 4-18 years.

Sports cIrcus Glory Primrose Hill Community Centre, 29 Hopkinson’s Place, NW1 8TN 0797 345 1603 circusglory.co.uk Circusglory@gmail.com circus skills April 9 Trapeze school and workshops.

Children from 2½ years, teenagers and adults.

DAnny GrAnT soccer school NW3 020 8446 0891 dgsoccer.co.uk easter holiday Football courses April 7-11 Check online for more details.

Term Time Weekly football classes for 3-6 years.

Football training and league matches for 7-12 years.

enJoy – A – bAll Mill Hill, Finchley, Golders Green, Muswell Hill 08452 2626 94 enjoy-a-ball.com classes Small class sizes. Weekly and holiday classes in ball skills. 3-9 years.

Toddler sessions 18months-3 years. sport relief challenge March 17-22 Fund raising event – fancy dress sessions with ball games for parents and children. £1 donation. hoXTon hAll / rose boWl cenTre 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH (Hoxton ) 020 7684 0060

hoxtonhall.co.uk Workshops After school term time activities in art, drama, dance and music.

7-19 years.

IsA FooTbAll NW9, NW11, NW6, NW7 07957 229518 isacoaching.co.uk coaching Mini-soccer training sessions.

lITTle KIcKers Mill Hill, Friern, Barnet, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Golders Green: Contact: 020 8201 1084 Southgate, New Barnet, Enfield: Contact 020 7684 7969 Islington, Hackney, Wapping & Wanstead: Contact 020 8958 2808 littlekickers.co.uk Football skills Approved training for kids.

18 months-7 years.

lee VAlley AThleTIcs cenTre Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 OAR (Ponders End or Edmonton Green ) 020 8344 7230 visitleevalley.org.uk Minithon March 22 Athletics competition. School years 3-7. Cost £10. sport relief events March 23 Family cycle or fun run. star Track April 7-11 Holiday course in a range of athletic skills. 8-12 years. Cost £68/£58advance booking.

Three Day course April 8-10 Athletic skills course. 6-8 years.

arce Ahrts o c e g Sta Theat “Nurturing and developing young potential through the performing arts” For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Call your local Stagecoach:

Enro l Nowling !

Highgate 0207 272 8108

www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate

Stoke Newington 0207 354 0367

www.stagecoach.co.uk/stokenewington

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THIS EASTER STAR IN YOUR OWN MUSIC VIDEO! WITH PQA MUSWELL HILL To find out more visit www.pqacademy.com Contact the Principal Emma Vincent on 07582 174629 or email emma.vincent@pqacademy.com

Jennifer_Muswell Hill 2012 70x55 PT.HR.pdf

Imagination takes you everywhere...

story

drama

1

02/12/2012

17:17

play

6 months – 7 years

Interactive storytelling and dramatic play classes • promoting skilful communication • fostering creativity • building self-confidence jennifer@debutots.co.uk 020 8442 2380 www.debutots.co.uk

Anna Fiorentini_19.12.12.pdf

1

19/12/2012

Local Venues • Nurseries • Schools

16:31• Children's Centres • Parties

25% off* next term’s fees at

Fiorentini Weenies & North London Branch *Limited places. Applies to new students only

The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 years The North London branch of the Saturday Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is currently taking applications for the next term and its forthcoming Taster Days.

The school originally opened in Hackney in 2001 and now has over 250 students aged 7-18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre. Examples include Charlie Jones and Belinda Owusu, who played Ben Mitchell and Libby Fox in EastEnders and Tahj Miles who currently plays Simba in the West End’s The Lion King.

As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for

all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow.

Every week students follow a timetable of drama/film, dance and singing under the guidance of top industry professionals. As well as weekly classes, students are given the opportunity to take part in Voice Idol, Drama and Stars in their Eyes competitions, culminating in a yearly Oscar Night.

The school has recruited some excellent teaching staff including: Mike Burnside (actor in The Bill, Bergerac, the RSC), Mark Short (choreograhper to Tina Turner, Peter Andre, Liberty X), Michael Buffong (director of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street), Jacob Murray (former associate artisitc director of the Royal

Exchange Manchester and teacher for National Theatre’s educational Department) and Jay Henry (X-Factor coach and voice coach having worked with Craig David, Mariah Carey and George Michael to name but a few). Celebrities such as Joseph Marcell (Jeffery in Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Dani Harmer (Tracey Beaker), have also been amongst special guests to give master classes at this prestigious school.

Students get to work with a variety of casting directors, producers and TV directors. They also get the opportunity to be considered for the agency to audition for professional work.

Contact us to book your free no obligation Taster Day. Hurry - Limited Places!

Lamda Qualifications in Drama which carry UCAS points also available.

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403

Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 4-18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands

ANNA FIORENTINI

THEATRE

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

FILM SCHOOL

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clubs and classes MI-SPORT Held at Fortismere School, Muswell Hill, N10 1NE mi-sport.co/school-holiday-courses

Workshops Singing, football, boxing, producing and recording, art and circus skills.

8-19 years. Free.

Easter Camp April 7-11, 14-17 Variety of sports and physical activities. 3-13 years.

RUGBY TOTS North London 0845 313 6703 rugbytots.co.uk

MULTI SPORTS Mill Hill & Crouch End themultisportsgroup.co.uk 0844 335 0450 Weekend Activities Variety of sports. All abilities.

4-16 years.

POOLSIDE MANOR Finchley, N3 020 8349 1945 poolsidemanor.com Holiday Camps April 7, 11 Multi activity camps and swimming crash courses. Term time swim lessons for babies, toddlers, children and adults. Weekly sports, arts and crafts, dance, drama and daily swim.

3-11 years.

Theatre workshops ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Arts Depot Mini Performers/Junior/ Youth Dance/Youth Theatre. Drama, movement and performing skills.

All ages.

Messy Play Creative play and exploration. Book in advance. 10 months-3 years. Cost £7 per session for one child + adult.

Diddi Dance diddidance.com Charlene 07892711162 Dance classes for little ones.

2-4 years.

Mini Mozart minimozart.com Music, pianist, parachute and bubbles. 0-3 years.

Classes Enhance physical and social skills with rugby specific play programme for young children. 2-7 years.

VICARS MOOR LAWN TENNIS CLUB Sherbrook Gardens, Winchmore Hill, N21 2NU vicarsmoorltc.co.uk Community Open Weekend April 26-27 Free tennis for all the family. Saturday 26th – Tennis Tasters including Cardio tennis to music, social tennis, beginners and rusty rackets and tennis for children. Weekly clinics for all ages and abilities and holiday camps for children. Join in the fun – no need to book.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Easter Shed April 7-11

ROSE BOWL CENTRE Ramsey Walk, New River Green Estate, N1 2PT 020 7684 0060 hoxtonhall.co.uk/rosebowl

Performance skills workshops.

5-12 years. Cost £130 for 5 days.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, London N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Mini Mozart 07958 970073 minimozart.com Fun music classes with piano, violin, clarinet and games for toddlers and babies. Online booking.

JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, London N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk Diddi Dance diddidance.com Charlene 07892711162 Pre-school dance classes.

Crazee Kids crazeekids.co.uk Creative drama, dance and music.

Contact Lisa 07958501919 Highgate Ballet School 020 8432 2995 highgateballetschool.com Weekly and Saturday courses.

Under 5s and 5+ years.

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clubs and classes

Approved Football Training for Kids Aged 18 Months to 7 Years

Mill Hill, Friern Barnet, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Muswell Hill & Golders Green 020 8201 1084 - jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk Southgate, New Barnet, Enfield 020 7684 7969 - ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk Islington, Hackney, Wapping & Wanstead 020 8958 2808 - amarks@littlekickers.co.uk

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Where Learning’s a Ball N8 NW1 NW8 N16

Football training for under 7s who are nuts about football Get your midfield dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun & exercise CRB checked & FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses & parties across London

kiddikicks.co.uk 020 7937 7965 The fun starts from 18 months!

CALL To FIND oUT ABoUT

Franchise Opportunities

learn co-ordination, rhythm and great moves to funky pop songs and boost confidence Classes held in Crouch End, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, Highbury, Swiss Cottage, North Finchley Hampstead & West Hampstead

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

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clubs and classes MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldtheatre.co.uk Millfield Youth Theatre Performing skills and stage shows.

Check online for audition dates.

TRICYCLE THEATRE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Poetry Live March 31 For those studying English at KS3 and above. 11+ years. Cost £3.

Unlocking Shakespeare March 31 Practical exercises. 15+ years.

Cost £3.

Theatre Workshops April 1, 2, 3, 4 Design, acting, writers and stage management workshops. 15+ years.

Free and ticketed events.

Basic Mask Theatre April 4 Performing in mask. 11+ years.

Cost £3.

Devising Theatre April 5 Subjects and techniques. 11+ years.

Cost £3.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Up Club Saturday club with free activities and art projects. Also special events related to shows on selected dates.

4+ years.

Unicorn Young Company Evening theatre projects during term time for 13-18 years. Waiting lists may apply.

End, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, Highbury, Swiss Cottage, North Finchley, Hampstead and West Hampstead.

MAMAS BABAS MASSAGE & YOGA mamasbabasmassage.co.uk 07760 354877

Toddlers & babies

KIDDIKICKS N8, NW1, NW8, N16 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk Football Training Fun football skills for under 5 years and match play for under 8 years.

Baby Massage & Yoga Courses Muswell Hill Methodist Church and Cufos Centre.

BABY MASSAGE & YOGA NW6, NW8 07528 688734 milestonesbabymassage.com Courses 5-week courses to learn to communicate through touch.

Suitable from birth.

BABY SENSORY babysensory.com Baby Development Classes Birth to 13 months. Barnet, Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Radlett, Southgate email barnet@babysensory.co.uk Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Muswell Hill email muswellhill@babysensory.co.uk Toddler Sense Classes Adventure play for children 13 months-3 years. Hampstead Garden Suburb, Harrow, Muswell Hill, Totteridge, Whetstone contact finchley@toddlersense.co.uk COLOURSTRINGS Muswell Hill, Highgate, Islington & Stoke Newington 020 8444 9435 nlcolourstrings.co.uk Classes Music Kindergartens for babies, toddlers and children based on traditional and classical music.

DEBUTOTS Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Swiss Cottage 020 8442 2380 debutots.co.uk Classes Interactive story telling and dramatic play classes to build self confidence.

6months-7 years.

KINDER MOZART North London 020 8638 0613 0755 485 4247 kindermozart.co.uk info@kindermozart.co.uk Classes Music classes – singing, dancing and musical instruments.

12 months-4 years.

MINI MOZART North London minimozart.com Classes Music classes for 0-4 years.

MONKEY MUSIC North London monkeymusic.co.uk Music Classes Pre-school music group. Pick up musical concepts. Book free trial session. 3 months-4 years.

Trapeze School For children from 2 ½ years old, Teenagers and Adults On Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoons At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1

0797 345 1603

circusglory@gmail.com Circus Glory also organises workshops for birthday parties or other events.

DIDDI DANCE diddidance.com Contact Charlene on 07892 711162 Classes Pre-school dance classes in Crouch Join our fun cupcake baking and decorating workshop for both children (9+) and adults.

Workshops from £20 for 4 weeks! It will include: piping, butter cream, sugar paste, cuts outs and baking! For enquiries and to book places, contact: Hackney Training Enterprise Associates (HTEA) 020 7249 4542 www.htea1.com htea@live.co.uk Unit 24-25, The Forum, Independent Place, Shacklewell Lane E8 2HE

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clubs and classes

fce & eXceltots A great fun activity for children and parents!

We are an educational and football

PerforM news Perform drama, dance and singing workshops are designed to develop children’s confidence, communication,

new PerforM school

development programme for toddlers and children, age 18 months old to 14 years old.

Based in North London.

Top quality-coaching, challenge in training and fun games are the key elements for us. Our professional training sessions are intense to challenge children to their maximum potential.

We use music during sessions as it increases confidence, raise morale and promotes rhythm to movement.

Please visit www.fcexcellence.com or contact us 07599 207 626

New Perform School opening at Parkwood Primary School, Queens Drive, London N4 2HQ. Class Details are: saturdays Perform for 4- 8 yr olds 9.30-11am.

Perform PLUS: 8-12yr olds. 11.15-12.45pm.

co-ordination and concentration skills whilst being the best fun of the week.

We are running a special reader offer of £40 discount at some of our classes which include West Hampstead, Clerkenwell, Highgate, Golders Green, Kentish Town and South End Green.

Please call 0845 4004000 to book your child’s free trial lesson. If your child would then like to continue you can claim a special £40 discount on your child’s first ten sessions quote FAMI010514. More info at www.perform.org.uk.

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

North London

Ezine SIGN UP FOR OUR GREAT MONTHLY EZINE AT WWW. FAMILIESNORTH.CO.UK ITS FABULOUS AND FREE. Contains great articles, competitions and much more.

Free!

Sharon Editor

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

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clubs and classes

Follow the Yellow Brick Road during the Easter holidays Perform Drama Workshops are back this Spring with another exciting experience for 4-8 year olds. Children are invited to take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road to discover the Ruby Slippers, brave the Haunted Forest and explore the strange and colourful world of their imaginations.

Frank L. Baum’s classic tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, has thrilled generations of children and yours will be equally captivated as they join Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Woodman and The Cowardly Lion for the adventure of a lifetime.

Principal Lucy Quick explains, ‘The children are going to have the best three days. Perform’s energetic young team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire and encourage. Using original live music, funky dance and quick-witted improvisation, they’ll take the children on a dazzling trip guaranteed to fire their imaginations.’

On the final day, family and friends

are all invited to a magical mini-performance which will delight and enchant in equal measure. It’s the perfect spring-time treat!

The cost of the course is £95 with a 10% off early bird discount if booking by 1st March. Courses in your local area are: 7th-9th April & 14th-16th April

The Hall Senior School – 10am-12pm 23 Crossfield Road, Belsize Park, London, NW3 4NU

Pauline Quirke

direct, film and edit! This exclusive opportunity is open to children aged 6+. Children under 6 will be invited to join our ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Adventure’. Learn songs and dances from the musical and help find Charlie’s golden ticket! VERY LIMITED SPACE

for the next generation of Easter courses in Hampstead and Muswell Hill. For more information or to make a booking please contact Principal Emma Vincent emma. vincent@pqacademy.com 07582 174 629 or visit www.pqacademy.com

This Easter, star in your own music video with the Pauline Quirke Academy! Sing pop vocals, commercial dance, record with professional recording studio and learn to

Friends Meeting House – 2.30-4.30pm 120 Heath Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 1DR

Parties All you need to have a great party!

pippin puppets quark.qxp_Layout 1 14/

www.pippinpuppets.com Tiptop puppet shows Kate - 020 8348 4055

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

SALLY SUNSHINE FACE PAINTING FUN !

07837 713 699

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North London

Your Guide to North London Family Entertainment!

Places To Go Cinema

Theatre

Further Afield

Concerts

Festivals

Exhibitions

Days Out

Special Events

Museums

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

places to go cinema • museums • exhibitions

Places To Go

Your guide to North London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great seasonal guide of all the very best places for you to visit. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street/Beech Street, EC2Y 8AE ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film The Iron Giant (U) March 15 An iron giant lands on Earth from outer space. Saturday morning picture club. Cost £2.

Walking with Dinosaurs (U) March 22 Dinosaur adventures with special effects. Saturday morning picture club. Cost £2.

All Sorts of Shorts (U) March 29 Short films from around the world.

Free workshops before the film.

Cost £2.

Africa Cats (U) April 5 Mr Peabody & Sherman April 12 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (U) April 19 The Lego Movie April 26

BFI SOUTHBANK Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT ( Waterloo) 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk/southbank Film Fun Days Preview screenings, creative workshops and holiday activities.

Also free film screenings via the Mediatheque. Booking required.

THE LEXI CINEMA 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU (Kensal Rise ) 0871 704 2069 thelexicinema.co.uk Saturday Morning Kids Club Early morning films at 10.30am with themed craft activities. 5-11 years.

PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk Pinocchio March 15 Toddler Time March 18, 25 Short films on Tuesdays for accompanied young children.

2-4 yrs. Cost £3 for child + 1 adult.

Kids Club – The Muppets March 22 The Muppets reunite to save their theatre. Free activities for 5-10 years.

Film ticket £2.

RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Walking with Dinosaurs – The 3D Movie (U) March 15 Kids Club £2.50/£3.50 for accompanying adults.

Despicable Me 3D (U) March 22 Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings 3D (U) March 29 Play Centre Matinees March 18, 25, April 1 £2.50/£3.50 for accompanying adults.

Parents & Babies Club March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, April 1, 3, 27

Museums & Exhibitions BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Vikings: life and legend March 6-June 22 All about the Vikings with a display of swords, axes, coins, jewellery and timbers from a Viking warship. Cost £16.50/accompanied children under 16 years free.

Weekend & Holiday Workshops March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, April 5-12, 19, 20, 26

The Foundling Museum

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Special family activities based on current exhibitions. Free.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX ( Russell Square) 020 7405 2127 dickensmuseum.com Little Dickens Early Years club every Thursday during term time. Workshops and story telling. Booking required.

1-5 years. Free to local residents.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk Mother’s Day March 30 Mother’s receive concession price admission. Open to families with children under 18 years.

Celebrity Puppets April 9 Make hand puppets inspired by famous people of the Foundling Hospital – Handel, Coram, Hogarth or Hetty Feather. Free for children and up to two accompanying adults.

Music Badges April 19 Make Handel-inspired 3D badges.

Free for children and up to two accompanying adults.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Spring Has Sprung April 8-11 Easter holiday activities with masks, mini gardens and a treasure hunt.

5-16 years.

Useful & Beautiful: contemporary design for the home From April 29

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museums • exhibitions • theatres • concerts places to go Celebrate the museum’s centenary year with an exhibition of cutting edge design for the home. Cost £5/£3.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels Ends April 27 Late 16th and early 17th century jewels and gemstones. Cost £10/ £7.50/family discounts available.

Discover a Story April 5, 6 Discover clues to help tell the story of why the Cheapside Hoard was buried underground for over 250 years. 5-11 years. Free.

Medieval Manuscripts April 7 Handling session on book printing.

5-11 years. Free.

Fantastic Picture Books!

April 7 Creative sessions. 1-5 years. Free.

The Little Horse Bus April 18, 19 Interactive telling of Graham Greene’s children’s story.

3-8 years. Free.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk The Sunflowers Until April 27 Compare and contrast two Vincent van Gogh paintings of ‘Sunflowers’ one from Amsterdam and one owned by the National Gallery.

Free admission.

Family Sundays Story telling and art activities on Sundays and during school holidays for various age groups. Check online for specific events.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk

The Great War in Portraits Until June 15 The First World War – paintings, drawings, photography and film.

Free admission.

Story Telling March 15, April 19 Stories and art activities. Free.

Young People’s Sunday Session April 6 Creative sessions. Booking required.

14-21 years. Free.

Easter Activities – Family Album April 14-18 Workshops to explore family portraits. 3+ years. Free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk One Million Years of the Human Story Until 28 September A complete picture of our past with sample specimens of early human history. Cost £8/£4/family £21/under 4s free.

Cutting Edge Workshop March 9, 16, 30, April 6 Investigate teeth and diet using animal skulls. Booking required on the day. Free.

Sensational Butterflies April 3-September 14 Journey through the life cycle from a caterpillar to a butterfly in an interactive exhibition in a specially constructed tropical enclosure. Fun activities and an outdoor butterfly garden. Charges apply.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, WC2R 1LA ( Temple) 020 7845 4600 somersethouse.org.uk Family Workshops Regular workshops with a range of activities for 6-12 years. Check online for specific dates. Also free guided tours on Thursdays and Saturdays.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk

‘Big Red Bath’ at the Arts Depot

Pop-up Performance March 15, 22, 29 Interactive family storytelling sessions. Free.

Hands-on Exhibits Free activities include brass rubbing, dressing up in costumes, build a replica of the Crystal Palace and find out how pots are made. Look for the hand symbol on the museum map. Free.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Queen for a Day March 30 Design a crown to celebrate Mother’s Day. Free.

Daydreams and Diaries: The Story of Jacqueline Wilson From April 5 An exhibition to explore Jacqueline Wilson’s contribution to children’s literature with displays of original notebooks, extracts and artworks from The Story of Tracy Beaker, The Illustrated Mum and Hetty Feather.

Book signing on the opening day.

Word Explosion April 5-18 Family activities to explore the written and spoken word with stories and poems. Free.

Create Your Own Picture Book April 7-11, 14-18 Draw characters and develop story ideas with David Lucas. Booking required. 5-12 years. Cost £5 for child + one parent/carer.

Easter Egg-tivities April 19-21 Bunny-themed stories, games and activities. Free.

St George’s Day April 26 Music, dance and stories to celebrate the day. Free.

Theatre shows & concerts ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 OGA

( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Comedy Club 4 Kids March 16 Stand-up comedy club for children – ‘without the rude bits’! 6+ years.

Cost £7.

Nobody Rides the Unicorn March 23 Zoe tries to save the Unicorn.

Magical tale with puppets and music. 4+ years. Cost £7.

Big Red Bath March 30 Bathtime adventure with Ben and Bella. 2-5 years. Cost £7.

Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play April 4-9 New show with Charlie and Lola and Sizzles the Dog. Bookable craft workshops after some performances.

3+ years. Cost £13/£11/£8.

Luna April 13 It’s lonely being the only moon so Luna comes down from the sky to help a little boy who is afraid of the dark. 2-5 years. Cost £7.

Pinocchio April 27 New version of the classic tale created by Michael Rosen. 4+ years.

Cost £7.

The Frog & the Princess May 4 A tale of friendship and difference with puppets and music. 4-8 years.

Cost £7.

Monday’s Child May 11 Worlds old and new with Great Gran and her grandchild. 3-7 years.

Cost £7.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Tales from the Shed March 14, 15, 21, 22 Interactive theatre shows for young children. Different stories with fun characters. 0-7 years. Cost £6/free to babies under 6 months.

‘Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play’ at the Arts Depot

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places to go theatres • concerts An Awfully Big Performance March 12-16, 18-23 40th Festival Year performances.

7+ years. Cost £5-£15.

Tales Big Day Out April 26 Interactive workshops and fun performances. Cost £8/ free to babies under 6 months.

DUGDALE CENTRE 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8807 6680 dugdalecentre.co.uk The Little Mermaid April 5-21 Easter pantomime with lots of audience participation. 3+ years.

Cost £12/£10/family £40/online discounts.

JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk Dogs Don’t Do Ballet March 15, 16 Music and comedy with Biff the dog who wants to be a ballerina.

2-6 years. Cost £8.95.

The Frog Princess March 30 Classic Brothers Grimm tale.

4+ years. Cost £8.95.

Sleeping Beauty in the Woods April 6 Magical story with fairies and princes in the forest. 3+ years. Cost £8.95.

The Poetry Joe Show April 13 From Cbeebie’s Rhyme Rocket, with an overhead projector and props. 3-9 years. Cost £8.95.

Shoe Baby May 4 Magical puppet show. 2-7 years.

Cost £8.95.

Rockpool May 11 Rock music and splashy dancing!

3+ years. Cost £8.95.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Saturday shows at £4.50. No advance booking – doors open half-hour before performances.

Down in the Jungle with Egbert the Explorer March 15 Meet Paulo the cheeky parrot and other rain forest animals. 3-9 years.

Family Friendly Concerts March 17 Hour long concerts suitable for children to attend. 5+ years.

Cost £7/£1.

Peter Pan March 22 Adventures with Peter, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and the Pirates.

4-9 years. Cost £4.50.

The Drones March 29 Music making with unusual and traditional instruments. 3-9 years.

Cost £4.50.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN ( Angel or Highbury Islington) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com Arthur’s Dream Boat March 30-April 6 A little boy has a dream. 2+ years.

Cost £12/£10.

The Frog & the Princess April 8-12 Brothers Grimm tale. 4+ years.

Cost £10/£8.

Tomten April 13 Tomten looks after everyone on the farm when they are sleeping.

3+ years. Cost £10/£8.

There’s a Monster in my Piano April 15-19 There’s a strange munching noise inside the piano. 4+ years. Cost £10/£8.

Egbert the Explorer at Lauderdale House

Skitterbang Island April 26-June 15 Puppet opera for children. 3-6 years.

Cost £12/£10.

Ballet performance of Emma Thompson’s blockbuster film, with children aged 9-16 years.

Cost £14-£55.

MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldtheatre.co.uk Shhh!

March 19 Dance story of a library that is closed down but can the community come together to save it. 3+ years. Cost £12/£10/online discounts.

The Jungle Book April 5 Jungle adventure with a chance to participate in the production as children are chosen and rehearsed into their parts. 5+ years. Cost £8/£6/online discounts.

The Sooty Show April 6 Magic, music and mess with Sooty, Sweep and Soo and Richard Cadell trying to keep them out of mischief.

3+ years. Cost £13/£11/family £44/ online discounts.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com The Birdman & Monkey Biz Until March 16 Double bill about an old man who rescues a small bird fallen out of the nest and tricks performed by monkey marionettes. 3+ years.

Cost £12/£8.50.

A Child’s Garden of Verse From March 22 A visual anthology of poems old and modern with shadow puppets, marionettes and music. 3+ years.

Cost £12/£8.50

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com ballet.org.uk My First Ballet: Coppélia April 8-19 English National Ballet – Comic tale of a toymaker and his mechanical doll adapted for young audiences.

Ideal first ballet experience. Dance workshops at extra cost on selected dates. 3+ years. Cost £10, £15, £20, £25/family £55.

London Children’s Ballet: Nanny McPhee April 24-27 Handel House

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SOHO THEATRE 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE ( Tottenham Court Rd) 020 7478 0100 sohotheatre.com comedyclub4kids.co.uk Comedy Club 4 Kids March 22, April 5, 19 Stand-ups and sketch acts for children. 6+ years. Cost £10 or £30 for 4.

Comedy Academy 4 Kids March 22, April 5, 19 Comedy club workshops to learn how to write and perform comedy sketches. 7-17 years. Cost £20.

SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk Rubbish April 11-21 Explore the unexpected value

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theatres • concerts • nct places to go of discarded objects and recycling ‘rubbish’. 5+ years.

Funharmonics May 11 Family concert with orchestral music.

Free foyer events. Cost £5-£18.

TRICYCLE THEATRE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk The Princess and the Frog March 27-29 Re-telling of the traditional tale by the Brothers Grimm with puppets and music. 4-8 years. Cost £8.50.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Not Now, Bernard Until May 1 Barnard has found a monster in the back garden and his mum and dad are too busy to notice. Things don’t go quite to plan when Bernard tries to make friends with the monster.

2+ years. Cost £16/£10.

The Velveteen Rabbit March 21-April 19 A shy toy rabbit longs to be loved and become real. A story of friendship and growing up. 4+ years. £16/£13.

At the End of Everything Else March 29-April 19 Icka builds a flying machine to save her friend – a little yellow bird named Tito. Workshop on April 5 and Easter event on April 19. 8+ years.

Cost £16/£10 for under 21s.

Sensacional April 26-May 11 Interactive digital experience for toddlers. 18 months-3 years.

Cost £10 for child + 2 adults.

Backstage Tours March 29 Find out what goes into making a play. Booking required. 7+ years.

Cost £3.

NCT – North London NCT COURSES nct.org.uk/branches Contact Belinda on bookings5b@ nct.org.uk Introducing Solids March 10, April 2, May 12 in Crouch End March 17, May 15 in Winchmore Hill April 23 in Finchley For parents with babies 3-6 months.

Waterbirth Workshop March 21 In Crouch End. For any stage of pregnancy.

Twins Workshop May 10 Muswell Hill Early Days Courses Start Dates April 25 in Finchley April 29 in Crouch End May 13 in Cockfosters For mums of babies under 4 months old.

NCT Essentials Antenatal Course May 12-28 In Enfield Highway.

ENFIELD BRANCH nct.org.uk/branches/enfield Activities run by volunteer parents so occasionally subject to last minute cancellations. Not all regular activities will run through school holidays.

NCT@Baskervilles Tea Shop Mondays 10am-12pm 66 Alderman’s Hill, Palmers Green, N13 4PP. For expectant and new parents – older siblings welcome.

Bumps and Babies Monday afternoons Kiddicare Enfield, Crown Road, EN1 1TH. For expectant and new parents with babies up to 1 year old.

Bumps and Babies Tuesday afternoons St Michael & All Angels’ Church Hall, Chase Side/Gordon Hill, EN2 OQP. For expectant and new parents with babies up to 1 year old. £2.50 entry.

The Pudding Club March 3, April 7, May 12 The Cricketers, Chase Side Place, EN2 6QA. Expectant and established parents and small babies. 8-10pm.

First Aid Course March 12 Monthly Resuscitation and First Aid Course run in conjunction with St John’s Ambulance. Cost £10. Contact jeandoidge@blueyonder.com Walk in the Park March 14 Monthly Friday mornings event at Hillyfields entrance opposite St Luke’s. Phipps Hatch Lane, EN2 OHL at 9.30am. Or meet in the café, Karen’s Kitchen at St Luke’s from 10.30am. For expectant parents/ parents and children of all ages welcome.

Annual Meeting April 24 St Paul’s Centre, 102a Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AR. Branch meeting.

All welcome. 7.45-10.15pm.

HARINGEY BRANCH nct.org.uk/haringey parentsupport@haringeynct.org Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, Bounds Green & Wood Green, Crouch End, East Finchley, Harringay Ladder, Highgate, Stroud Green

‘The Little Mermaid’ at the Dugdale Centre

Dad’s Night Out New group meetings at the Maynard Arms, Crouch End, N8 8SX for dads to share experiences in a relaxed environment.

NCT Stay and Play@My Crèche Weekly on Tuesdays at 143 Crouch Hill, N8 9QH. Play time for under 5 years. Activity room and toys. Bring baby in a sling or foldable buggy.

NCTea@Blend Mondays 587 Green Lanes, N8 ORG Child friendly meeting place for local parents. 11am. Non-NCT parents welcome.

NCTea@Pickled Pepper Books Tuesdays Join Alice for a cuppa and a chat at 10 Middle Lane, Crouch End, N8 8PL. 11am.

Spring Nearly New Sale March 15 At Union Church, Weston Park, Crouch End, N8 9TA. Excellent quality second hand baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment. 10.30am for members.

11am to 12 noon. 50p entrance.

Startup Mums@Riley Café, N8 Mondays New business ideas and brainstorming. Bring little ones or use crèche. Contact crouchend@ haringeynct.org Pub Night March 27 The Old Dairy, 1-3 Crouch Hill, N4 4AP. For those expecting a baby April – June. NCT members, nonmembers and partners welcome.

Contact branch@haringeynct.org or via Facebook.

NCTea@Karamel Monthly At Coburg Road, Wood Green. N22 at 10am. Coffee and chat. Nonmembers also welcome. Contact boundsgreen@haringeynct.org Tootoomums@TooTooMoo Every third Wednesday of the month.

Family get-together and taster session.

NCTea@ The Step, N22 Fortnightly on Fridays at 101 Myddleton Road, Bowes Park, N22 9NE. Coffee and chat.

10am-11.30am.

NCTea@Chorak Café Thursdays At 122 High Road, East Finchley N2 9ED. Meet for tea, coffee and cake. Non-members welcome.

11.30am-12.30pm.

Mamas & Bebés@mums home Monthly Spanish songs and games.

Contact highgate@haringeynct.org if interested.

Running Late Wednesdays Running club at Pond Square, N6.

Email miss_ljwilkinson@hotmail.com to confirm attendance.

Book Club Monthly meetings Highgate. Discuss the book of the month. Contact alisonmccann@ yahoo.com for location and dates.

Bumps and Babies Thursdays The Woodman, 414 Archway Road, N6. 2.30pm. Meet other parents – for new and expecting mums (and dads). Contact highgate@ haringeynct.org.

TOTTENHAM BRANCH nct.org.uk/branches/tottenham nearlynewsale@tottenhamnct.org.uk Nearly New Sale March 22

Haringey Funfair

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places to go local events Exhibition to mark the centenary of WW1. Free admission.

SUTTON HOUSE NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk

FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 fortyhallestate.co.uk

Mother’s Day March 30 Family day using printing, ceramics and mosaic to turn oil cans into planted containers. Free.

Holiday Play Schemes April 7-11 Outdoor and indoor play activities. Booking required.

4-11 years. Cost £18 per day.

HACKNEY MUSEUM Technology & Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ ( Hackney Central) 020 8356 3500 hackney.gov.uk/museum Music with Maddy Weekly sessions with singing, dancing and creative fun. Limited places. Under 5 years. Free.

Young People’s Films Screening April 3 Watch the films made for the exhibition. Booking required.

Free admission.

Magical Storytelling April 12 Stories with puppets.

Accompanied 5-7 years. Cost £3.

Heraldic Beasts and Forty Dragons April 19, 20 Activities and Dragon Egg hunt for children. Free admission.

Haringey Funfair

At Harris Academy, Philip Lane, N15 6AB. Good quality second hand items. 11am-12.30pm.

Local Events Barnet BARNET WALKS Paul Baker 020 8440 6805 barnetwalks.talktalk.net Battle of Barnet April 12 Guided walk. Start from Great North Road/ Hadley Green Road. Cost £8/£4 under 12 years.

Ghost Walk May 2 Ghost walk through High Barnet and Monken Hadley. Cost £8/£4 under 12 years.

Camden EFDSS Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY ( Camden Town) 020 7485 2206 efdss.org

Family Barn Dance March 16, April 6 Specially selected dances to suit all ages. Young children should be partnered by an adult. No unaccompanied adults. Book in advance. Cost £6/£4/under 2s free.

ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH ( Chalk Farm) 0844 482 8008 roundhouse.org.uk Circusfest 2014 March 26-April 27 Circus shows, pop-up tent and a family weekend of circus skills.

Enfield ENFIELD MUSEUM Dugdale Centre, Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8379 8354 enfield.gov.uk Enfield Life Permanent exhibition.

Enfield at War From March 27

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familiesnorth.co.uk

Easter Craft Market April 20 Local designers and craft makers.

Free admission.

Come a Maying!

May 4 Celebrate Spring with folk music, Maypole dancing, Morris Dancers and craft activities.

Haringey BERNIE GRANT ARTS CENTRE Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, N15 4RX ( Seven Sisters) 020 8365 5450 berniegrantcentre.co.uk haringeyshed.org

Storytelling May 14 Interactive stories with puppets.

5 years and under. Cost £3.

FORTY HALL FARM Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) fortyhallfarm.org.uk capelmanorgardens.co.uk

Lord of the Flies April 3-5 Performed by Haringey Shed’s Youth Theatre aged 11-16 years.

Cost £10/£3 concs/under 5s free.

Lambing Weekend March 22, 23 New born lambs, Morris dancing, sheep shearing, food stalls and demonstrations. Shuttle bus from Capel Manor Gardens to the farm. Cost £3/£2/3 years and under free.

HIGHGATE WOOD Information Hut, Muswell Hill Road, N10 3JN ( Highgate) 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood Birds and their song March 22 Strawberry Jam and Clown Storytelling April 11

Hackney HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Peppa Pig’s Big Splash March 15-16 Peppa Pig and friends on stage in a musical adventure.

Cost £10-£20.

Tom’s Midnight Garden April 1-5 Tom travels back in time to a secret garden from the past. Cost £10-£20.

Kidnapped May 8-10 Family adventure tale. 6+ years.

Cost £9.50-£20.

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Forty Hall

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special events places to go Historical Walk April 23

Cost £13/Tuesday discounts.

Spring Guided Walk May 3

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

Birds and their song May 10

LONDON FUN FAIRS Finsbury Park, N4 3DA ( Finsbury Park) london-funfairs.co.uk Finsbury Park Family Fair April 5-21 Entry £1/ride tokens extra.

MARKFIELD BEAM ENGINE & MUSEUM Markfield Road, N15 4RB ( Tottenham Hale) 01707 873628 mbeam.org Steam Days April 21, May 5 Grade II listed Victorian industrial building. See the beam steam pumping engine operating under steam power on designated days.

Islington ESTORICK COLLECTION OF MODERN ITALIAN ART 39a Canonbury Square, N1 2AN ( Highbury & Islington) 020 7704 9522 estorickcollection.com Art Together April 8 Use various materials. Under 5 years.

Museum entry £5/children free.

Cartoon Capers April 9 Family workshop with collage art. £5/children under 16 years free.

Rapunzel & Deep in the Woods April 18-19 Weekend festival with activities for all ages including two shows for children 6+ years and 2-5 years.

Cost £7-£15. Workshops £2.

Special Events ALEXANDRA PALACE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com Tree Climbing March 1-29, April 5-26 Fun, adventure and discovery.

Charges apply.

The London Festival of Railway Modelling March 22-23 Model railway exhibition.

Cost on door £11/£5.50.

BRENT CROSS SHOPPING CENTRE Hendon, NW4 3FP ( Hendon Central) 020 8202 8095 brentcross.co.uk Character Appearances March 29, April 26 Fun activities and a chance to meet special children’s characters. Free tickets available on the day.

PARASOL UNIT FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW ( Angel) 020 7490 7373 parasol-unit.org

BRITISH LIBRARY 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB ( Kings Cross) bl.uk All About Alice April 8, 9 Enter the nonsense world of Alice with strange and silly games. Free.

Sunday Family Workshop March 16 Work with different materials and respond to sounds and music. Early booking recommended. 5-15 years.

Cost £5 per family.

BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 OQH ( Angel) businessdesigncentre.co.uk countrylivingfair.com

ROSEMARY BRANCH THEATRE 2 Shepperton Road, N1 3DT ( Old Street) 020 7704 6665 rosemarybranch.co.uk Jane Eyre March 12-30 Classic novel. Cost £13/Tuesday discounts.

Wuthering Heights April 8-27

Country Living – Spring Fair March 19-23 Home and garden ideas. Cost £16.50/£8.50/under 5s free.

CITY READ LONDON 2014 cityreadlondon.org.uk Private Peaceful April Reading events held throughout April in London Boroughs promoting reading for pleasure. As 2014 marks the centenary of the First World War,

Win a Family Meal Worth £250 at Café Rouge Café Rouge located on Cannon Hill, Southgate is offering Families North London readers the opportunity to win a family meal to the value of £250. Whether you’d spend it on a catch up over Sunday brunch, or a celebratory evening out, grab your chance to win this French treat today…

To enter the competition please email editor@ familiesnorth.co.uk stating ‘Café Rouge Competition’ in the subject box. Closing date: 25.04.2014 With a combination of delicious food, great wines and a relaxed ambience, Café Rouge is the activities take place across London based on Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful – a young soldier’s life on the battlefields of the First World War.

COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE & PUPPET FESTIVAL St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED ( Leicester Square) alternativearts.co.uk Punch & Judy May 11 All day festival with Punch & Judy entertainment. Held in the garden of St Paul’s Church near the spot where Samuel Pepys first saw Mr Punch in May 1662. Garden procession at 11am, shows from 12.30pm -5.30pm. Free admission.

HMS BELFAST The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2JH ( London Bridge) 020 7940 6300

perfect place to introduce the kids to French cuisine and perhaps practise a few French phrases. Ideal for relaxing with a café au lait and a croissant, pop in for a spot of lunch or to enjoy a special dinner with friends.

The menu covers a range of French classics from croques and baguettes, perfect for a quick and easy snack, to more substantial fare. Kids can choose a main course, dessert and drink for £6.25 and crowd pleasers such as breaded chicken goujons, pork sausages, salmon fillets and French fries should ensure empty plates. The menu also features their much-loved icons such as Confit de Canard and Steak Frites.

Don’t forget to treat Mum this Mother’s Day, Sunday 30th March. Book now and spoil her with Café Rouge’s 3 course special available that day only for £17.95, which includes a free glass of bubbly for Mums! Terms and conditions apply.

Café Rouge 45-46 Cannon Hill, Southgate, London N14 6LH Tel: 020 8886 3336 Opening hours Mon – Sat: 9.00am-11.00pm Sun: 10.00am-10.30pm www.caferouge.co.uk iwm.org.uk/hmsbelfast Sailor Tales April 12-21 Interactive storytelling sessions.

Admission £14.05/children under 16 years free.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322 cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club March 23 Held at the Education Centre, Parliament Hill. Call 020 7482 7073 to book a place. 8-12 years.

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL 2014 london.gov.uk March 16 Celebrations in Trafalgar Square with Irish music, dance, culture and arts.

Free events.

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

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GLAMOUR THE SALON

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 March

11.00 – 17.00, last entry 16.00

KIDS GO FREE

ltmuseum.co.uk

Bustastic family fun!

Heritage bus rides and miniature railway

Glamour – The Salon, has teamed up with Families North to offer all our readers 30% off any salon treatment In their boutique salon you can choose from Shellac gel polish, St Tropez tanning, waxing and facial treatments The new shop has opened with customers leaving feeling refreshed and happy.

Storytelling and make-and-take sessions

So if you need to have partyperfect make-up this is ideal.

Please call ahead to make an appointment quoting Families North to receive your 30% discount.

No treatment is rushed so you really feel pampered and cared for.

Live replica of Hancock’s 1833 steam bus

The Salon is open Sunday to Friday and will open for specially scheduled appointments as well.

Display of guest vehicles Curator-led tours London Transport Museum Depot

2 Museum Way, 118–120 Gunnersbury Lane, London W3 9BQ Check before you travel at tfl.gov.uk

92A Brent Street, Hendon NW4 2ES Tel: 07742 110315

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North Finchley

Written & Directed by Marc Day Original music by Chris Burgess

Wednesday 2nd Monday 21st April

Based on the characters created by Lauren Child

Join us for a fun-filled Easter Pantomime.

Packed with comedy, song, puppetry, music and dance, our production of The Little Mermaid will be your perfect Easter treat!

Age Suitability 3+ Running time: 90 mins (with interval)

Tickets Adults £12 | Children £10 Online Adults £11 | Chidren £9 Family ticket £40 | Online £36

Box office 020 8807 6680 www.dugdalecentre.co.uk 39 London Road, Enfield Town, EN2 6DS

A TREAT FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! Fri 4 – Wed 9 Apr • Age 3+ • Tickets: £13 / £11 / £8 No booking fees

Box Office: 020 8369 5454 | www.artsdepot.co.uk Charlie and Lola™ and © Lauren Child 2005. Charlie and Lola is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and distributed by BBC Ltd. BBC logo™ and © BBC 1996.