Families London SE November/December 21 Print

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IN THIS ISSUE Christmas Shows Pantomimes Gift Guide Homework debate Issue 210 November/December 2021

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Families South East • November / December 2021

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Families South East •November / December 2021

Then call us today for more information 07530 283330 or email with your post code and telephone number to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk To advertise please call 07980 556813

LITTLE NEWS ROUND

Sleeping badly can affect children’s mental health Irritability, fatigue, short attention span—the short-term effects of a bad night’s sleep can have a particularly strong effect on children. But regular sleep deprivation can have a worrying impact on children’s long term mental health, a new study has found.

Researchers at the University of Warwick looked at eleven thousand children ages 9 to 11, examining the relationship between sleep duration and brain structure.

It was observed that children who had shorter sleep durations had reduced brain volume in areas such as the orbitofrontal cortex, prefrontal and temporal cortex, precuneus, and supramarginal gyrus. Having lower brain volume in these areas has been linked to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, impulsive behaviour and poor cognitive performance.

Playing with food is good for children Children allowed to squash, touch and handle fruit and vegetables at mealtimes are less likely to be picky eaters, according to research.

The researchers stated that the recommended amount of sleep for children 6 to 12 years is 9-12 hours.

More info: www.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents

Researchers found toddlers who were given permission to mess around with foods like bananas, tomatoes and oranges were more likely to eat fruit and vegetables than rival groups.

The finding suggests that it is touch and feel—not taste, as has long been suggested—which could be the catalyst to encouraging children to eat more healthily.

The study involved sixty two pre-school children ages three to four from nurseries around Northampton. The results revealed that those who had played with them tried significantly more fruit and vegetables than those in the rival groups.

Researchers said the key is not to put pressure on children but to let them play instead.

More info: www.dmu.ac.uk/research/research-news

Christmas won’t be magical for every child.

It can be a difficult time of year for children in care who may be spending their first festive season away from their family. And for households facing economic hardship, buying presents will once again put additional pressure on families.

Reading brings children profound and wide-ranging benefits that can have a lifelong positive impact on their lives, affecting their health, wellbeing and their academic and social development. Just one book can brighten a vulnerable child's Christmas.

This Christmas, BookTrust is aiming to give sixteen thousand books to children who need them the most – giving them access to a world of imagination, creativity and possibilities.

A £10 donation to BookTrust will help fund a surprise book gift for a vulnerable child and support BookTrust’s work during the year.

Find out more and donate at www.booktrust.org.uk/xmas To advertise: 07980 556813 Editorial: editor@familiesselondon.co.uk Visit www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and our media pack. Next issue: Jan/Feb 2022 Facebook: @FamiliesLondonSouthEast Twitter: @FamiliesSE Familiesonline.co.uk

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Potential breakthrough in care of children with autism Training parents how to respond to babies showing early signs of autism could reduce by two thirds the number of threeyear-olds meeting the criteria for diagnosis, a study suggests.

The first two years are critical for brain development but most autism diagnoses are made at the around the age of three or older when children display symptoms such as difficulty talking or making eye contact.

The study suggests that intervening earlier in at-risk children, when the brain is developing rapidly, could prevent them developing these symptoms in the first place. Improvement on this scale has never been shown before, the researchers say.

Study author, Professor Jonathan Green, said the first two years of life when signs of autism are emerging are critical. But he stressed that although the therapy can prevent long-term difficulties, it is not a ‘miracle cure’.

More info: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics Families South East is part of Families Print Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families South East • November / December 2021

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Families South East •November / December 2021

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Ngaire Telford Herne Hill School What makes Herne Hill School unique?

Ngaire Telford was appointed in 2015 as the third Headteacher in Herne Hill School’s 45-year history.

Having had extensive experience across the state and independent sectors in London, as well as in her native New Zealand, Ngaire’s introduction to the school came 21 years ago when she was looking for the perfect Early Years setting for the first of her four children, all of whom have attended in subsequent years.

Why did you chose Herne Hill School when you were looking for a setting for your own children?

I fell in love with Herne Hill School immediately because of its intimate, family-like feel that came across the moment I walked in. It was critical to me, as a mummy handing over a precious two year-old, that I knew my child would be cared for as well as educated. As Headteacher here now, I always hold this parental point-of-view in mind, and my number one priority is to ensure that our school environment is a safe and happy place, full of loving and kind adults who really understand young children.

We are a large co-educational setting for 2 to 7 year olds with a specialism in Early Childhood Education, under the overarching umbrella of our ethos of ‘Love · Care · Excellence’. We are passionate believers in the extensive research which shows unequivocally that the early years matter the most in terms of life long ‘success’, whether in terms of academic or personal outcomes. Everything we do supports the holistic development of the social, emotional, mental and physical skills our children will need to seize the opportunities and surmount the challenges they will face in their futures.

How do you approach this?

We have built our own 5-year curriculum which goes beyond the statutory requirements of this country, drawing on many different international Early Childhood Education and Development programmes. Through our curriculum we introduce many initiatives and activities specifically designed to support the development of executive function. Our nine Golden Rules are a fundamental pillar of the HHS curriculum. Learning is centred around these rules and the nine characters personifying them, with the aim of providing children with a behavioural compass to guide them through their lives.

What would your pupils say about Herne Hill School?

That it is fun! A major aim for us is that the children are happy, and the key to this is for them to learn through doing what they love most—playing.

As part of our ‘play-based’ approach throughout the school, we look at each individual in our care to see what makes them tick, and teachers then plan how to deliver our curriculum in an exciting way according to these specific

interests. Our children attain very well in the more academic ‘core’ subjects, in part because they often don’t even realise they are doing them! It is also really important to us that the children retain that innate sense of curiosity with which they are born. We have some specific school-wide strategies for encouraging inquiry and independence, as well as resilience in learning.

HHS is a coeducational setting.

What are the benefits of this?

It is vital that children, especially at such a young age, learn about the diversity of humankind and, let’s face it, life is co-educational. Children need to see themselves reflected in their surroundings, but they also need to have exposure to a range of others if they are to truly understand and learn about our world. To segregate children by gender at such a formative stage of their lives can only limit their social development.

Your school ends when the children turn seven. What happens next?

By the end of Year 2, we are able to develop each child to their optimum level for success at their next school and beyond. They are fully ready to move on that point—a natural next stage in the English education system and at a time they benefit positively from a change of environment. I work closely with parents to look at potential future settings which best meet their child’s needs, and together we always find a highly suitable destination school. I know some parents find this stressful (as I did in my time!) because of our human instinct to resist change.

However, experience has taught me that the best thing we can do for our children is to make the right decision for them at any given moment. If the last two years have taught us anything, it is to optimise the ‘now’! And with a child’s early years, we only get one chance.

Herne Hill School, The Old Vicarage, 127 Herne Hill, London SE24 9LY 020 7274 6336 enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk https://hernehillschool.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

@FamiliesLondonSouthEast

Families South East • September / October 2021

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

The Great Homework Debate

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble The homework debate is never far from the news. Should homework be banned? Is it a waste of time at primary school?

Do our children get too much?

According to Katharine Birbalsingh, the founder of the highachieving Michaela School: ‘Homework is essential for a child’s education because revisiting the day’s learning is what helps to make it stick.’

There is no question that there is a link between homework and academic achievement. It gives children an opportunity to explore learning in an unstructured setting, encouraging them to become independent learners. In addition, it gives them time to focus on areas of the curriculum that they might struggle with. What is key to the benefit of homework, is that the task is appropriate and of good quality.

So does it work to motivate your child to do their homework by offering a reward? There are arguments either way. As to whether rewards are effective, ideally children need to understand the intrinsic value of doing the work themselves.

Both finding out that to get better at something, you need to put the time in and the pleasure of skills mastered are actually more valuable than bribery.

Homework forges a partnership between school and family, giving parents and carers an insight into what their child is learning. As children move through primary school, it helps them prepare to transition into secondary school and the increased workload that comes with it.

If you feel that there’s too much pressure on your child, whether it’s the workload or the difficulty, it’s essential to get in touch with their teacher and discuss strategies for approaching homework tasks.

But homework can often become a battle, with unwilling children pitted against stressed parents. So how can we strike a balance and prevent our homes becoming war zones?

Above all, try to keep them calm and if need be, step back and revisit homework with a fresh mind, after a short break.

Remember that unhappy and stressed kids do not learn. Be a supporter or a motivator; try to avoid being the enforcer.

Some tasks do require greater adult support; however, it’s key to remember that it is your child’s homework, not yours. It’s important to allow your child to work independently, getting it wrong, if need be, so that their teachers can best assess what they can and cannot do.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of EmParenting (www. emparenting.co.uk), which works with schools and parents to strengthen children’s core qualities like kindness and offers insights and tools to nurture their development and wellbeing.

Top tips for homework support Set up a homework area. A quiet, designated area will help your child focus and motivate them to get the work done.

Make sure everything they need is accessible.

Schedule a regular study time. A regular routine helps children get used to working at home. Work out when your child is most productive. Avoid late in the day and encourage them to take regular breaks.

Eliminate distractions. Especially important with technology and social media. Establish times around homework making sure that all screens are off and out of reach.

Start with the hardest work first. Tackling this first will make doing the rest of their work feel much easier.

Praise work and effort. By recognising and praising all work, you will find a way to get children to respond positively to homework.

Teach by example. Do your own work at the same time in the same space, if you can.

Accept help when needed. Do not be afraid to get support from YouTube videos, websites like Khan Academy (www. khanacademy.org) or even tutors.

6 Families South East •November / December 2021 Familiesonline.co.uk

How much homework should my child get?

Reception. Formal homework is rarely set. However, children

are likely to bring home first reading books and listening to your child read is invaluable.

Years 1 and 2. Children are likely to have one or two tasks per week. This could be literacy or numeracy worksheets. They should spend no longer than thirty minutes on each task.

Continuing to read with your child daily is essential.

Years 3 and 4. Most schools set two homework activities each week, typically, one literacy and one numeracy. Ideally, your child should spend no longer than forty five minutes on each task.

Years 5 and 6. Children may have two or three pieces of homework weekly. The amount begins to increase to prepare children for SATs and the transition to secondary school.

Activities might include researching a topic, book reviews and grammar exercises. The time spent on homework will increase to approximately two hours a week.

Alongside homework set from school, children should be encouraged to read regularly and learn their times tables.

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I U G Q I N Z X X F P J Y O U L N B T A X Q N L M B F C Q L X I C E F I S H I N G E D I V H N E A N Q S J B I J A W N A S U W S N O W F L A K E T G Z N N S T N D U Y F I A D F G X

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Festive Fun Word search There are lots of fun and exciting things to see and do on a trip to Santa’s Lapland, can you help us find them all in this word search?

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Santa, Reindeer, Snowflake, Elves, Husky, Snowmobile, Ice Fishing, Sleigh, Snow Hockey

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Imagine seeing all these in person in snowy Lapland, to find out more visit SantasLapland.com

Families South East • November / December 2021

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Christmas

Top ten toys for Christmas Chosen for us by Vicky Brown, owner of Just Williams toyshops Gravitrax Starter Set • £49.99 GraviTrax is the all new STEM track system experiencing the power of Gravity, magnetism, kinetic energy and fun! Use your imagination to build superb tracks and set the gravity spheres rolling.

Freestyle with your own track design or use the tasks and blueprints included to help you to get started in the world of GraviTrax! Are the gravity spheres stopping or flying off before reaching the end target? Time for some problem solving. Rebuild and try something different. The GraviTrax track system can be extended indefinitely with extra track packs and add-ons—each sold separately. The starter set comes with over 100 components and offers everything you need to get started right away—a pack full of endless possibilities and creativity. Age 8yrs+

3D Batman or Superman Puzzle • £25 Dynamic Batman range of Super 3D 500pc Jigsaw puzzles. Using the new Prime 3D lenses to give great depth and motion to the images.

Actual Puzzle Size: 61 x 46 cm / 24 x 18 in. Age 6yrs +

BB Junior Ferrari Lil Drivers Laferrari • £20 Cute remote control car built specifically for small children to enjoy. Modelled on a LaFerrari, this RC vehicle almost looks like a cartoon character, complete with big eyes on the windscreen. The simple controller features two buttons, one that drives the car forwards, and another that reverses and turns to change the direction the car faces. Age 12months +

Lets Glow Studio • £28 Create and customise your LetsGlow look using the LetsGlow material and accessories including hair clips, nail stickers and shutter shades! Place the LetsGlow LED clip on to any smartphone, tablet or laptop and control the reflective LED colour of your accessories using the LetsGlow remote.

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Families South East •November / December 2021

Design & Draw Fashionista or Design & Draw Animals of the World • £16 This fun Design + Draw Fashionistas Set comes in a zipped keepsake tin case ready for on-the-go fun. Mix and match characters to create your favourite combinations and use the drawing pads included to bring the designs to life! Includes four double-sided coloured pencils and an HB pencil with eraser. Ages 5+ To advertise please call 07980 556813

Christmas Camelot Junior • £25 Camelot Junior is a pre-school logic, problem solving game for 1 player. This set comes with beautiful hardwood towers and stairs which you have to arrange to create the path for a knight and his princess to be reunited! However, the knight and princess can only walk up stairways or along the top of walls. They cannot jump down or climb up walls. There are 48 challenges from easy to expert.

Camelot Jr gives children and their (grand)parents hours of brainchallenging fun! Age 4+

Tonka Steel Classic Mighty Dump Truck • £30 The Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Dump Truck is built for hauling! This sturdy, steel construction vehicle is ready for the toughest loading jobs. Move the bed up and down to trigger its unloading action. Constructed Tonka tough with real Steel.

Size : approx. 42.5 x 19.7 x 26 cm (16 ¾ x 7¾ x 10 in) Age 3+

Bath Explorers Map • £12.99 With this world map of 28 pieces to assemble in the bath, your child will have fun traveling the world thanks to the 4 vehicle figures to circulate around the world, in the air or under the sea, ... Magic! By dipping the pieces in water, they float and hold onto the earthenware!

Once finished, the map is stored in its net, which hangs on the walls thanks to its suction cups. The set contains: 28 puzzle pieces, 4 foam vehicle pieces, 1 storage net.

Age 3+

Marvin’s Magic Treasured Tricks – Wooden Set • £29.99 Introducing a truly wonderful wooden magic set from Marvin’s Magic. Presented in a durable wooden box for easy storage for your performances, this is the ideal introductory set to the wonderful world of magic for children aged 6 to adult.

Fabulous for building confidence & essential developmental skills, includes the Incredible escaping coloured block, the vanishing rabbit illusion, the amazing rising card and much much more! Age 6+

14” Cheer Bear • £16.99 The Iconic Care Bears from the 80’s are back and ready to meet a whole new generation of kids. There are so many to choose from but Cheer Bear is one of the favourites as Cheer Bear is a very happy Care Bear who helps others see the bright side of life. She will sometimes even do a cheer to help make someone happier! Wherever she goes, Cheer Bear wears a belly badge of hope and happiness—a colourful rainbow. Age 4+

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EDUCATION

Introducing your kids to DIY

By Jo Behari

Many children love to ‘help’ around the house. While loading the dishwasher is one thing, letting kids loose on actual tools is an entirely different beast. So here’s how to introduce DIY jobs to your little apprentices: Start small When they watch you with wonder and want to get involved, tell them how helpful that would be. Start with small tasks such as holding/passing you tools, measuring or putting down dust sheets. This works particularly well for younger kids who might not be ready for some actual hard graft. Keep explaining what you are doing and praising their help, to keep them engaged.

Practical tips for getting practical If you are painting together, start little ones off with a small area such as a low-level patch which doesn’t have to be perfect.

Rollers are often easier than brushes for novices; use the small half size ones and don’t put too much paint in their tray.

a great place to start. Be prepared to manage expectations—that treehouse cabin bed they saw on YouTube wasn’t built overnight!

Rather than go full Changing Rooms straightaway, suggest a single wall or a corner area and give them freedom to re-design by moving furniture around, choosing new colours, wall stickers, shelving etc. Set a budget, work with them to achieve their vision and praise their efforts. If they make mistakes they can be put right. Don’t forget, this is a great learning opportunity!

Jo Behari (www.jobehari.co.uk) is an entrepreneur, DIY expert and TV presenter.

When it comes to jobs that involve power tools, fully supervise and demonstrate using them safely. Let children put their hands on top of yours when you use the drill or sander so they can get a feel for the vibrations (and the noise). Give them a wood off-cut to practise on while they get the idea and grow in confidence.

Their very own tools Choose different tools for different ages of child. As a general rule you can’t go wrong with a few paint brushes, a spirit level and a measuring tape. The point of your child having their own tools is firstly not to mess up yours but also to give them a sense of responsibility. It will be their job to look after these tools by cleaning and tidying them away when they have finished using them.

Safety first Give kids set of overalls to protect their clothes. Not only will they look the part, they will feel the part. Make sure long hair is tied back. Protect their eyes with safety goggles; if you can’t find any in the right size, buy a pair of super-cheap fake glasses. Ear defenders are a must when power tools are around. A hammer drill can produce up to a 100db of noise. Given 85db or above can be harmful to an adult, this is exacerbated for children.

A room of their own While it’s not always relaxing having a child work on a DIY project with you, it teaches them not to be afraid of tools or making changes to things. Furthermore, the bonding experience and the practical skills, could last a lifetime.

Once your kids have shown they are willing and able, you may discover you have a super keen child on your hands. So why not encourage them to get creative with their own project?

Choose a space that they can work on themselves—their room is Familiesonline.co.uk

@FamiliesSE

Useful resources Check out the brilliant www.DIY.org for a huge library of hands-on projects, online courses, how-to videos and live workshops for children. Most videos are paired with projects that kids can do at home, covering drawing, photography, making slime, inventing machines, LEGO and more. There are videos made by other kids to inspire their imagination and help them get started. Joining and thirty day trials are free.

Now Make This: 24 DIY Projects by Designers for Kids by Thomas Barnthaler is a handbook to which twenty four of the world’s leading designers each contributed one object for kids to make themselves. Each project features fullyillustrated instructions, the approximate cost, timing and a photograph of the finished product. Published by Phaidon.

DIY’s not just all about tools and decorating of course. Craft projects are great for introducing children to the idea of making things for themselves. Any good toy shop will be happy to recommend age-appropriate kits or there are plenty of free downloadable activities for inspiration. Start saving those boxes, empty bottle tops and old socks!

Families South East • November / December 2021

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CAROL SINGING CATS

BY LOUIS WAIN

What’sOn NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2021

Compiled by Robina Cowan

All details are as provided when going to press, however Santa’s elves do like a bit of mischief sometimes - best double-check before setting out.

DIARY DATES WOOLWICH CONTEMPORARY PRINT FAIR Woolwich Royal Arsenal SE18 6HD www.woolwichprintfair.com 11-14 November Discover the world of printmaking, with around 1000 works on display and sale, created by some of the most exciting artists working today. The fair offers a fantastic range of style and technique, from established artisans to emerging graduates. Alongside expert talks, panels and demonstrations, there are free family-friendly workshops and children’s free drop-off session while you browse.

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW Battersea Park SW11 4NJ http://www.schoolsshow.co.uk 13 + 14 November The Independent Schools Show brings together the leading independent schools, the brightest thinkers and the most respected heads to help you make the right decisions for your child. Over 40 talks throughout the weekend give visitors the chance to get their questions answered, alongside representatives from right across the sector.

MUM2MUM MARKETS www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and baby equipment. Book a stall to make space in your house - or bag a bargain.

27 November 2.30-4.30pm in Blackheath.

THE BROCKLEY JACK Brockley Road SE4 2DH www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk 24 November Christmas Lights Switch On The Mayoress of Lewisham will switch on the lights, with singing from Stillness Junior School Choir, candy floss, toffee apples, an outdoor BBQ - and a visit from Santa. From 5.30pm.

11 + 12 December Breakfast with Santa.

Find out what he eats! 10am-12noon.

18 + 19 December Santa’s Grotto plus market stalls, candy floss, toffee apples, an outdoor BBQ and Christmas music. 12noon - 5pm.

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CIRCUS 1903 AT SOUTHBANK

LAKWENA MACIVER AT THE ARTIST’S GARDEN

CHRISTMAS SHOWS & PANTOS

ferocious storm sweeps Efe off Peckham Road into the magical African land of Ozanda where the Scarecrow is a Mannequin, the Tin Man is a cyborg, Toto is TicTok and the Lion is the mane man! Ease on down the golden pathway for a wondrous Wizard of Oz-based adventure this Christmas.

BLACKHEATH HALLS Lee Road SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com 20 November Beastly Belle A journey of discovery which explores perceptions of physical beauty and how two strangers can overcome their differences. Will Beauty come to understand and accept the Beast?

Featuring a skilful mix of puppetry, film projections and an original musical score.

11am, ages 4+.

11+12 December The Nutcracker Journey through the magical night with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, meet the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets. With a fresh and updated production, Let’s All Dance perform this sumptuous family favourite with stunning dancing, lavish costumes, much-loved music and crystal clear storytelling. All ages.

GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk 19 November - 9 January Snow White and the Seven Dwarves The much-loved heroine and friends return to the stage in a burst of music, storytelling and panto fun for the family.

THE ALBANY Douglas Way SE8 4AG www.thealbany.org.uk 22 November Kaleidoscope Bursting with mirrors, lights, colours and sound, Kaleidoscope is the perfect introduction to theatre for your little ones. Ages 6-18 months.

4-31 December The Snow Queen At the top of the world lives the Snow Queen who is supposed to control the weather. But the seasons aren’t behaving; the world is getting warmer, and it hasn’t snowed for years. This vibrant musical retelling is an exciting adventure for the whole family. Ages 3+.

CANADA WATER THEATRE Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR www.thealbany.org.uk 23 November Kaleidoscope Bursting with mirrors, lights, colours and sound, Kaleidoscope is the perfect introduction to theatre for your little ones. Ages 6-18 months.

Until 6 December Comfortable Classical Get comfy and enjoy live, orchestral music with City of London Sinfonia. All ages.

8 - 12 December The Ballad of Ruby Join Rudy the Reindeer in a Christmas adventure!

Enjoy live music, storytelling & puppetry combined in an original story for children aged 3+.

THEATRE PECKHAM Havil Street SE5 7SD www.theatrepeckham.co.uk 1 - 22 December The Wonderful A

Families South East •November / December 2021

ST BARNABAS PARISH HALL Dulwich Village SE21 7BT www.dulwichplayers.org 18, 19 + 20 December A Christmas Carol In a stripped back version of Dickens’ novella, the Dulwich Players bring witty and dark (in equal measure) storytelling, Christmas cheer, and an antidote to Humbug at a time when we really need it.

Ages 8+.

STANLEY HALLS South Norwood Road SE27 6AB www.stanleyarts.org 18 - 28 December Dick Whittington A young migrant boy is on his way to London to seek his fortune. All he has in the world is his faithful best friend, a cat, and a heart full of dreams. Are the streets of South London paved with gold or will Dick find other riches? Book your panto tickets and find out! All ages.

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

OLD VIC THEATRE The Cut SE1 8NB www.oldvictheatre.com 13 November - 8 January A Christmas Carol Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne and starring Stephen Mangan as Scrooge. Ages 8+.

ST BARTS CHURCH Westwood Hill SE26 6QR www.spontaneousproductions.co.uk December + January dates Beauty and the Beast A ‘pay what you can’ panto from the team who brought you Cinderella and The Snow Queen. A fabulous family show, with original songs, stunning choreography and lots of surprises.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 11 December The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert A screening of the Disney To advertise please call 07980 556813

photocredit, Nathan Gallagher

LIGHTOPIA, CRYSTAL PALACE

MINI MASTERPIECES AT DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

movie, accompanied live by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

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

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

SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 7 December - 30 January The Nutcracker Indulge your sweet tooth with Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker. With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit and magical fantasy it’s a treat for all.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.peacocktheatre.com 20 November - 2 January The Snowman London’s favourite Christmas show is back!

The Snowman has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied adventure to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, reindeer, Father Christmas and escape the clutches of Jack Frost.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com 13 November - 23 January There May Be a Castle On a frozen Christmas Eve, a young boy called Mouse Mallory, and his family, set off across the snow-white valley to visit his grandparents. Mouse’s extraordinary quest through a world of wonder is a remarkable story about love, loss and the power of the imagination, from award-winning writer Piers Torday, and adapted into a musical puppetry production. Ages 7-11.

BROMLEY CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street Bromley BR1 1HA www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 4 December - 2 January Sleeping Beauty Once upon a time in a land far away, the beautiful Princess Aurora is given a sixteenth birthday present by her evil godmother Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Can true love survive and the handsome Prince Charming break the spell?

Book for magic, music, comedy and a cast including Bonnie Langford and Lee Mead.

FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane CR9 1DG www.fairfield.co.uk 10 December - 2 January Beauty and the Beast Dick & Dom and Derek Griffiths take to the Croydon stage this Christmas. The show promises big song and dance numbers, side-splitting comedy, lots of audience participation and a huge sprinkling of pantomime magic.

Familiesonline.co.uk

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

23 November in Crystal Palace BACH TO BABY Various venues www.bachtobaby.com Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for baby and you. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

23 November + 14 December in East Dulwich 25 November + 9 December in Blackheath 26 November + 17 December in West Dulwich 28 November + 12 December at London Bridge.

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

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com 20 November - 30 January The Storm Whale Noi lives with his Dad and their six cats by the sea. One winter, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach during a storm. There a friendship began that changed their lives forever. Benji Davies’ tender stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life in an enchanting theatre show. Ages 4-8.

MUSEUM HORNIMAN MUSEUM London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Sundays Horniman Market of local suppliers’ fresh food, eco-craft and bodycare products. 10am-3pm.

Until 3 January Monkey Business From the tiny mouse lemur to the mighty gorilla, primates have evolved and adapted over time. Immerse yourself in the heart of the

UNICORN THEATRE Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre. com 14 November - 31 December The Bolds The Bolds are just like you and me. They live in an ordinary house in an ordinary street, and they love to laugh. But there’s one slight difference: they’re hyenas! Written and adapted for the stage by Julian Clary, this Christmas show revels in the joy of being anything but ordinary.

Ages 6+.

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL Southbank SE1 8XX www.circus1903.com 16 December - 2 January Circus 1903 An extraordinary show bringing all the glamour @FamiliesLondonSouthEast

Families South East • September / October 2021

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TRUSTEES OF THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

NHM FANTASTIC BEASTS THE WONDER OF NATURE

PORT CITY AT MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS

QUEEN’S HOUSE ICE RINK

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

into the museum’s collection, complete with creative activities. All ages.

20 November LGBTQ+ Family Network A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection. Free; book first.

Until end December Faces of a Queen Royal Museums Greenwich’s Armada portrait of Elizabeth I is presented alongside the other two versions from the National Portrait Gallery and Woburn Abbey side by side in Greenwich - the birthplace of the Virgin Queen herself.

imagined seeing by joining together the bright stars in the sky. Find out which stars astronomers still call by their original Arabic names and what some of those stars are famous for today. Ages 7+.

18 December Chinese Astronomy The study of the heavens has a long history in China dating back thousands of years.

Discover the links between the Chinese calendar and the motion of the Sun, Moon and stars. Watch the phases of the Moon in relation to traditional festivals still celebrated

by Chinese people today. Ages 7+.

IWM LONDON Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk 11 + 12 December Wartime Mealtimes Learn about rations across the ages, discover recipes from the Second World War and find out what passed for a sweet treat in wartime.

Free drop in.

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

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum Sundays Discover Sundays Each week a different artist takes families on a journey

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory 19 + 20 November The Sky Tonight Presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer, the live show takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky.

See the stars, constellations, planets and moons, including a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+.

4 December + 1 January Astronomy and Islam An astronomer-led guide through the night sky, highlighting Arabic tales about characters and creatures that people

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

20 November Sea Shanty Festival Listen to traditional working songs that will help bring Cutty Sark to life. You can even try your hand at singing some yourself!

4 + 5 December Family Fun Weekend Observe traditional gilding techniques used on board Cutty Sark, and then create your very own gilded Christmas decoration using

Next stop, Christmas

KIDS GO FREE

at London Transport Museum From 4 December Meet Santa and help fix his sleigh!

Book at

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2020.099_M_Christmas_Ad_Families_180x130mm_V03.indd Families South East •November / December 2021 2

12/10/2021 15:22 To advertise please call 07980 556813

STICK MAN - A PREVIOUS CAST. PHOTO MARK SENIOR

THE NUTCRACKER AT SADLER’S WELLS

all that glitters.

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

Masterpieces Take your under 5 on a journey through the Gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ art-making activity.

28 November “Mr Shadow” Hand Shadow Show In this light-hearted show for the whole family, Drew Colby introduces his good friend Mr. Shadow and all the things he can turn in to. Beautiful creatures and funny little tales unfold, as you discover that Mr. Shadow is everybody’s friend.

BRUNEL MUSEUM Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel changed the world with their inventive tunnels, bridges and viaducts, built during the Victorian reign.

Learn more in the Grade II* listed Thames Tunnel Engine House. Open weekends.

28 November Museum Shop Sunday Everything for curious future engineers to the Brunel-enthusiast in your life.

December dates Festive Films Screened adaptations of from Dickens’ works: The Man Who Invented Christmas, and Muppet Christmas Carol.

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

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

18 December Finding Father Christmas Father Christmas has come to visit his old friend, Charles Dickens. Follow a trail full of clues and puzzles which will help you discover Santa’s Grotto. On the way you’ll learn loads about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, and what inspired Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol.

Suitable for all ages.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk 4 December - 23 December Santa in the Museum A full stocking’s worth of family fun is on offer, including a brand new interactive sleigh, the chance to meet Santa and his Elf in a magical winter garden, plus a festive trail around the Museum galleries with weekly prizes up for grabs.

ART ACTIVItIES DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Last Thursday of every month Mini Familiesonline.co.uk

THE SNOW QUEEN AT THE ALBANY

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Weekends 13 November - 12 December Meet Father Christmas Visit Father Christmas in his London home at the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square and help his elves with preparations for the busiest Christmas yet. Earn your honorary Elf badge by making magical snowflakes, to be displayed on a shimmering ice wall, bathed in the glow of the Northern Lights.

THE GARDEN MUSEUM Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7LB www.gardenmuseum.org.uk Until 21 November Elizabeth Blackadder: Favourite Flowers Curated in partnership with The Scottish Gallery, this new exhibition celebrates the life and work of Dame Elizabeth Blackadder (1931-2021), one of Scotland’s greatest modern artists. The exhibition brings together a selection of watercolours, etchings and screenprints from throughout her life in which she captured a wonderfully broad range of flower specimens.

BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND Bethlem Royal Hospital BR3 3BX www.museumofthemind.org.uk 4 December - April Animal Therapy: the Cats of Louis Wain 100 years ago, Louis Wain (1860-1939) was a household name: his anthropomorphic cats instantly recognisable in books and magazines. In his later years, with deteriorating mental health, Wain continued producing his art from Bethlem Royal Hospital. This exhibition combines the museum’s own collection with other items on loan from private collections, ahead of a major biopic starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy. SOMERSET HOUSE Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk Until 6 March Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules Take a trip into Beanotown, join Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and more, and explore how this brilliant and beloved icon of British comics has fired up successive generations to break the rules, while also discovering the artists who push the boundaries in their own original and wonderful ways.

@FamiliesSE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS ICE RINKS Get your skates on and take a wintry spin in beautiful, crisp surroundings with a whiff of mulled wine in the air: 18 November - 9 January Queen’s House SE10, www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house 18 November - 14 January Somerset House WC2, www.somersethouse.org.uk Until 3 January Hyde Park W2, www. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Until 16 January Natural History Museum SW7, www.nhm.ac.uk Until February Canary Wharf E14, www. icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk LIGHTOPIA Crystal Palace Park SE19 http://london.lightopiafestival.com 19 November - 2 January A unique festival of light will see the famous Crystal Palace reborn in light this winter. Follow the 2km illuminated trail of stunning, multi-sensory interactive lights and hand-painted lanterns, in a winter wonderland bursting with colour.

Lightopia mixes ancient Chinese beliefs and symbols with the magic of Christmas; each display telling a significant story of wonder and rebirth.

KENT LIFE HERITAGE FARM PARK Sandling, Kent ME14 3AU www.kentlife.org.uk 27 November - 24 December Christmas at Kent Life Festive fun including elf school, Christmas films, and a visit to Father Christmas in his magical grotto. Book first for a personalised letter to your child from the big man ahead of your visit.

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

LEEDS CASTLE Maidstone ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.co.uk 27 November - 2 January The Twelve Days of Christmas Step inside the popular Christmas song by walking through 12 different artworks representing the Twelve Days of Christmas gifts. The trail has been designed with interactive elements for the little ones to enjoy, photo moments and lots of sensory experiences to explore. The castle itself will be dressed with beautiful Christmas décor. From magnificent Christmas trees placed throughout the castle, to smaller displays of the Twelve Days of Christmas, there will be lots to see and admire.

Families South East • November / December 2021

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