Families Surrey West Nov/Dec 2019

Your complete guide to What’s on at Christmas!

Hatties

Hattiesand Nannies Wed and Wedding Crèches

Covering Coverering Guidford, Woking, Guildford, Woking,Farnham Farnham andsurrounding surrounding Surrey and Surreyarea area

Cov 01483 415406 Guidford, W Where to see Santa, Christmas lights, surroun theatre, workshops, free events and more! Ballet,and Tap, www.hattiesnannies.co.uk

Modern Jazz

01483

Pre-school to Advanced Level

To find out more call

Jane Lubach

07711 378536

www.hattie

RedShoesSchoolofDance.co.uk

NEW fun page for kids with puzzles and a competition to win a family ticket to Birdworld!

PLANNING & & DESIGN DESIGN SERVICE SERVICE PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE PLANNING PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE LLP PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE Architectural drawings drawings for for Architectural Architectural drawingsSERVICE for PLANNING & DESIGN Architectural drawings for Extensions, Alterations & New New Build PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE Extensions, Alterations & Build Architectural drawings for Extensions, Alterations & New Build Architectural drawings for Architectural drawings forBuild Extensions, Alterations & New New Extensions, Alterations & Build Architectural drawings for Extensions, Alterations & Build Extensions, Alterations & New New Build Free No Obligation Obligation Quotations Architectural drawings for Free No Quotations Free No Obligation Quotations Extensions, Alterations & New Build Free No Obligation Quotations Extensions, Alterations & New Build Free No Obligation Quotations Free No Quotations FreeTel: No Obligation Obligation Quotations 01483 417555 417555 Tel: 01483 Free No Quotations Tel: 01483 417555 Free No Obligation Obligation Quotations Tel: 01483 Mob: 07818417555 014357

Tel: 01483 01483 417555 Mob: 07818 014357 Mob: 07818417555 014357

Mob: 07818417555 014357 Tel: 01483 www.architecturesurrey.co.uk

www.architecturesurrey.co.uk Tel: 01483 Mob: 07818 014357 07818417555 014357 www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com simonplanning.design@btinternet.com Mob: www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com Mob: 07818 07818 014357 014357 www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com simonplanning.design@btinternet.com www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com simonplanning.design@btinternet.com

Issue 75 Nov/Dec 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s in this issue 4-5 6

Night Time Nappies to No Nappies

8

Christmas Noticeboard

9

NEW Kids page - fun puzzles and a competition to win tickets to Birdworld!

10

A pull out Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar

11-13

Schools and Education

14-17

Where to See Santa

18-21

What’s on Diary

22-23

Christmas Theatre, Pantos and Carol Concerts

24

Singing Theatre Dance Singing Theatre Dance Drama Holiday Workshops Drama Holiday Workshops LAMDA coaching LAMDA coaching

News & Views

Tel: 0845 388 9789 Tel: 0845 388 9789 info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

Christmas Light Switch Ons and Christmas Fairs and Markets

Special Offers & Competitions • Save 20% on tickets to AirHop Guildford - page 5 • Win a 6 month bronze membership to Reading Chest -

page 5

• Win one of two family tickets to Birdworld - page 9 (Ts&Cs may apply, see relevant page for details).

Next issue: Jan/Feb 2020 Advertise: To advertise contact Sarah on 01737

We have an Early Years and Childcare Feature in our Jan/Feb issue - to advertise your Nursery or Pre-School call Sarah on 01737 558898 or email editor@FamiliesSurreyWest.co.uk

558898 or email editor@FamiliesSurreyWest.co.uk.

Keep in touch: like us at

www.facebook.com/FamiliesSurreyWestMag/

Pa r ties

Tailor-made, fun-filled parties for children!

07583 732562 www.penguin-parties.com

Nannies

C hild ren's Classes

Eralys Fernandez Piano Academy

Nannies, Maternity Nannies, Night Nannies Surrey, Hampshire, W.Sussex

www.eralysfernandez.com

01483 415406 www.hattiesnannies.co.uk

C hild ren's Classes

East Horsley Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading and more...

www.genielab.co.uk

www.summerroseperformingarts.co.uk

pregnancy yoga classes in Guildford £18 drop in, small group www.redhotyoga.co.uk

trained teaching staff.

URC, 83 Portsmouth Rd, Guildford

the heartaccepted of Guildford.

AllInfunding www.guildfordtheatreschool.co.uk 15 and 30 hours free childcare places

www.childsplaypreschool.co.uk

Gymnastics Factory Ideal for

Gymnastics for all ages,

girls and boys aged ofinallour holiday fun &4-16 parties fantastic Guildford gym abilities. Guildford & Woking. www.gymnasticsfactory.co.uk www.multisports.co.uk

BOOK A 2 WEEK TASTER TODAY!

Adult Classes

www. funmumsfitness.co.uk

FullyPlay qualified professionally Child’s Pre-School

Summer Rose Performing Arts

Mind blowing kid’s science parties!

Exercise with your children and be a part of an awesome community of Mums!

Woking Guildford Chertsey

C hild ren's Classes

Gymnastics Factory

Gymnastics for all ages, Dance, yoga & fitness clubs, Childcare vouchers accepted classes, workshops & parties for - join online today!holiday fun & parties in our fantastic Guildford gym schools & leisure centres URC, 83 Portsmouth Rd, Guildford

synergydance.co.uk

Moosical discovery for Under 4s Classes in South West Surrey

We offer Ballet, Tap, and Modern Jazz from Pre-school to Advanced

Ballet, Tap, www.mollymoocow.com Modern Jazz

Pre-school to Advanced Level

Surrey Theatre Academy Jane Lubach

To find out more call

Inspiring theatre training for07711 378536 RedShoesSchoolofDance.co.uk 4-18 year olds

www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

Call Jane on 07711 378536

To advertise here for just £20 an issue callSchool Sarah on 558898 Redplease Shoes of01737 Dance offers

Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz from Pre-school to Advanced Call Jane on 07711 378536

www.gymnasticsfactory.co.uk www.childsplaypreschool.co.uk P r e -S c h o o l s

1

Child’s Play Pre-School Guildford

Free childcare places

www.childsplaypreschool.co.uk

2

FSW Magazine Ltd 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 Surrey West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of FSW Magazine Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but FSW Magazine Ltd, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

1

TARMACADAM EXPENSIVE? ASPHALT RESURFACING Due to large bulk purchase owing to large M.O.D. contracts, we have 800 tons of 10mm and 6mm DBM asphalt suitable for school, playgrounds, car parks, tennis courts, drives, paths, forecourts, industrial areas, etc.

ENQUIRIES FOR ANY SIZE JOB WELCOME We supply and lay dense bituminous macadam surfacing to British Standard thickness rolled and consolidated for only £25 per square metre. ● COLOURS

AVAILABLE BLACK, RED OR GREEN AVAILABLE FOR 10 WEEKS ● ALL WORK GUARANTEED FOR 15 YEARS ● £10 MILLION PUBLIC LIABILITY ● OFFER

- Leyton Lovejoy Ltd - CIVIL ENGINEERS Mobile: 07779 998866

HEAD OFFICE: 210 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 6NP Tel: 0208 6258 866 LIPHOOK OFFICE: Haslemere Row GU30 7AL Tel: 01428 658 866 FARNHAM OFFICE: Sandrock Road GU10 8LS Tel: 01252 308 593 Email: sales@leytonlovejoy.co.uk Web: www.leytonlovejoy.co.uk Company Registration No. 12230416

BLOCK PAVING ALSO AVAILABLE ONLY £55 PER SQUARE METRE

���������������������������������

���������������������������������

���������������������

The secret to success is…

sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.

www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read

���������������������

Classes in South West Surrey!

Call to book a FREE trial!

East Horsley Village Hall Thursday and Saturdays Summer Rose Performing Arts Offering classes in:

• ISTD Ballet • ISTD Tap • ISTD Modern • Street Free • Musical Theatre trial • Cheerleading & more...

MultiSports MultiSports MultiSports

Guildford: Guildford:0844 0844800 8009096 9096 Guildford: 0844 800 9096 Woking: Woking:0800 0800774 7747162 7162 MultiSports Woking: 0800 774 7162 MultiSports Guildford: 0844 for 800 9096 Weekendsports sports forBoys Boys&&Girls Weekend Girls Weekend sports for Boys Girls Guildford: 0844 800& 9096 MultiSports aged aged 4-16 4-16 of of all all abilities abilities Woking:aged 08004-16 774 of 7162 abilities 774 7162 Guildford: 0844 Woking: 800 90960800all www.multisports.co.uk www.multisports.co.uk Weekend sports for Boys & Girls www.multisports.co.uk Woking: 0800 774 7162 Weekend sports for Boys & Girls aged 4-16 of all abilities aged 4-16 of allcreating abilities Team TeamSports Sports+ +Individual Individual Sports Sports + +Team Team Building, Building, together, together, creating MultiSports Weekend sports Boys & Girls Team Sports + Individual Sports + for Team Building, together, creating www.multisports.co.uk well-rounded well-rounded young young people. people.

Enrol Enrol now now for for Spring Spring term. term.

4-16 of all abilities Guildford: 0844 800 9096 www.multisports.co.uk well-rounded youngaged people.

Enrol now for Spring term.

Woking: 0800 774 7162 www.multisports.co.uk Team Sports + Individual Sports + Team Building, together, creating

Summer Dyason 07920 101282 lesson www.summerroseperformingarts.co.uk summer@summerroseperformingarts.co.uk

Georgia’s Party Costume Hire Fabulous and fun adult costumes to hire for your child’s party!

Over 30 favourite characters to choose from!

MultiSports 40% of all proceeds goes to Georgia’s Fund, Children’s ICU @800 King’s College Guildford: 0844 9096Hospital

www.georgiaspartycostumehire.com Woking: 0800 774 7162

Team Sports + Individual Sports + Team Building, together, creating well-rounded young people.

Enrol now for Spring term.

Weekend sports for Boys & Girls well-rounded young people.

Enrol nowcreating for Spring term. Weekend sports for Boys & Girls Sports + Individual Sports + Team Building, together,

News & Views Charity Christmas Cards

Letter from Santa

Cards for Good Causes have over 300 pop up shops around the country selling Christmas cards, gifts and more. Here are some of the local venues: St John’s Church, Camphill Road, West Byfleet (til 14 Dec) Christ Church, The Forum 1st Floor, Jubilee Square, Woking (til 18 Dec) Farnborough Library, Pinehurst, Farnborough (til 23 Dec) St Nicolas’ Church, 1 Bury Street, Guildford (til 17 Dec) Godalming Museum, 109a High Street, Godalming (til 21 Dec) Portakabin - Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham (til 17 Dec) Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere (til 14 Dec) Cranleigh Arts Centre, 1 High Street, Cranleigh (til 7 Dec)

St Hilary’s Launches Lego Studio St Hilary’s School is thrilled to announce the launch of its Lego Education Innovation Studio, The Hive. It is one of only sixty across the country and most of these are only in senior schools, colleges and universities.

Mrs Jane Whittingham, Headmistress at St Hilary’s comments “Our aim is to provide pupils with the opportunity to engage in 21st century skills including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, through a handson learning approach. This will be achieved through STEM (Science/ Technology/Engineering/ Mathematics) subjects using Lego Education 4C’s learning approach of connect, construct, contemplate and continue. We are very grateful to the Friends of St Hilary’s for their generous donation to The Hive.”

The Mayor of Godalming, Cllr Penny Rivers and Jane Wittingham at the launch of The Hive

St Hilary’s will be working with Lego Education over the next three years to develop ‘The Hive’ as a hub for training educators and engaging children.

Themed Taster Days at St Nicholas’ School St Nicholas’ School hold a series of themed taster days for prospective pupils throughout the year. Katie Grace, Head of Admissions & Marketing says “The taster days provide a fantastic opportunity for prospective parents and pupils to find out how special our school really is”. For Reception 2020 entry there is a ‘Rainforest’ Taster Day and for Year 3 2020 ‘Around The World’ Taster Day on Friday 8th November 8.45am – 3.30pm. Don’t worry if you miss these, they will be holding more next year. There is also a Year 5 Taster Day for Year 7 2021 next June.

If you are interested in your child attending any of these fun packed days please contact Katie Grace on registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk or call 01252 850121. www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Royal Mail Letter to Santa - For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/ Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. https://www.royalmail.com/ christmas/letters-to-santa NSPCC Santa Letter - Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 9 December. https://letterfromsanta. nspcc.org.uk/letter-from-santa

Winter Play Guaranteed at Godstone Farm with a NEW Winter Pass!

Engineer your own fun this winter with the new Winter Pass from Godstone Farm, it is perfect for keeping your family entertained come rain or shine… and even snow!

Enjoy their weather-proofed fun over and over with unlimited access to the indoor Playbarn, the perfect soft play for children of all ages. Head to Wiglet’s Play Village and enjoy the indoor adventure area where children can role play as a vet, work on a construction site, cook up a storm in the kitchen and not forgetting the thrilling ball play zone and indoor animal barns. Wrap up warm and watch them let off steam as they conquer new heights in the Adventure Playground, explore the Dino Trail and get up close and personal with over 500 farm animals. See www.godstonefarm.co.uk for details of all the added benefits!

Christmas Church Services

Giant Snow Globe at Bocketts Farm Stepping into this giant snow globe is just one of the extra activities at Bocketts Farm this Christmas! Complete the fun Christmas stamp trail, make and take home your own reindeer food, enjoy Christmas Crafts and lots more! Plus you can book to visit Father Christmas.

4 Families Surrey West

All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? Here are two ways of making this happen.

Most Churches offer services aimed at children over Christmas - often they include lots of fun participation. They are a great way for children to understand the meaning of Christmas. We don’t have the space to list all the Christmas services in our What’s on section, but to find your nearest church please visit: www.findachurch.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

Use code FAMILIESSW20 for 20% off tickets to AirHop Guildford!

Surrey Wildlife Trust Launches Wild Tots in Compton!

Brand NEW Attractions at AirHop Guildford Unleash your inner winner on the brand-new Obstacle Course, exclusive AR Trampolines, Dodge Attack and much more! Ultimate bouncing fun for kids and big kids – guaranteed to leave you with a big fat smile on your face.

AirHop Trampoline Park Guildford offers a wide range of hoptastic activities - with over 50 interconnected trampolines that run across the floor and up the walls on the Main Court plus Dodgeball, Slam Dunk, Foam Pit and more. From MiniHopper sessions for under 5s, to teambuilding for big kids, to birthday parties for all ages it’s the place to be for 100% fun.

AirHop is conveniently located in Guildford and close to the A3 with free parking, a café and a viewing mezzanine to watch people defy gravity while you put your feet up! Book now at airhop-guildford.com or give them a call on 0330 223 3333.

Win 6 month’s supply of reading books delivered to your door with Reading Chest!

Encourage children to develop their love of reading with Reading Chest, a through-thepost book rental service. Reading Chest makes reading at home fun for children and easy for parents, by providing easy access to good quality, interesting books at just the right level of difficulty.

Members receive regular deliveries of books, similar to those used in schools, such as Collins Big Cat, Oxford Reading Tree, Project X, Phonics Bug, Rigby Star and TreeTops. There are also other incentives such as reward charts, stickers, book bags and certificates. Each delivery comes complete with a pre-paid return envelope, making it easy for even the busiest of parents to provide their children with some great choices for their daily dose of reading. For more information and reading advice visit www.readingchest.co.uk. Reading Chest is offering a six month bronze membership to one lucky reader! For a WIN! chance to win, please email your name and telephone number to editor@FamiliesSurreyWest.co.uk with Reading Chest Competition as the email title. Competition ends 8pm 7th Dec 2019. Full Ts&Cs here: bit.ly/35Edadb.

familiesonline.co.uk

Does your toddler like the outdoors? Surrey Wildlife Trust run Wild Tots classes which are Forest School inspired adventures, stories and discoveries in the woods.

They are now launching a new venue with classes at Pucks Oak Barn, Compton to add to the classes they run at Nower Wood near Leatherhead. Sessions include arts and crafts, games, exploration, mud kitchens, mini beasts and so much more.

Suitable for 2-5 year olds with an adult. Babes in arms go free.

Classes in Compton will start on 10th January 2020. Booking is essential. For more details see Surreywildlifetrust.org/families.

Perfect Present For Animal Lovers As well as offering Animal Encounter tours at their Animal Management Centre, Merrist Wood College also offer Junior Animal Keeper Experience Days. You can buy a voucher for this experience by emailing mwevents@guildford.ac.uk. The perfect gift for the child that loves animals!

They’ll join the Animal Keepers for a day, working with a huge variety of animals including tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles, birds, meerkats and more. The day runs from 10am-3pm and there are different dates for ages 6-10s and 1114 year olds during half terms and holidays next year. Find out more at merristwoodevents.co.uk/animal-encounters.

Pick up a Bargain!

All the equipment and clothing needed to raise a family can be expensive, but shopping at nearly new sales can save you lots of money! Or why not have a declutter and be a seller?

Baby and Children’s Market Guildford - On Sunday 24th November at Normandy Village Hall, GU3 2DT from 3-4.30pm. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. £1 entry, kids are free.

Come and grab a bargain or book a stall and be a seller. Keep 100% of what you make on the day. Contact Ellie for more information: ellie@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk or visit their website: www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Guildford NCT Nearly New Sale - On Sunday 17th November 11am-12.30pm at Rydes Hill School, Aldershot Road, Guildford GU2 8BP. Clothing for ages 0-12 years, toys, books, equipment, large items, maternity and baby essentials. All welcome. £1 entry.

Priority entry to pregnant women and members.

Free parking from Broad Street, on site playground, refreshments and snacks on sale. 100 goodie bags with chance to win raffle prizes. Volunteer perks; Sellers register at http://bit.ly/35AaGMP www.facebook.com/nctguildford/

Families Surrey West 5

Early Years

“LittleLarge Steps,Leaps” Large Leaps” “Little Steps,

Night Time Nappies to No Nappies

By Alicia Eaton Every parent looks forward to being able to throw away night-time nappies and pull-ups for good. Try these simple steps towards reaching this milestone.

Words Work

Explain to your child that soon they’ll be able to keep themselves dry all night and won’t need nappies/pull-ups.

Putting the idea into your child’s mind triggers important thinking processes necessary to become dry at night.

Regularly use phrases like: “Pretty soon, you’ll stop needing these at night-time….”

Declutter

Ensure the bedroom floor is clutter-free so your child can easily move around at night.

ChildTrust ren’s and FoodSoiTrust Associationmeal approved * Children’s *Food l AssociandatiSoionl approved s meals * Heals from thy meal s frommenus, seasonal menus, aland l prepared by ourchefsin ha * Healthy meal seasonal all prepared cookedand by ourcooked in house tailored to accommodate tailored to accommodate allergies allergies *andPartfultilmtime eandsessifulonsl tiavai me sessi oens available * Part ti m e l a bl Horley: 01293823500 Horley: 01293823500 Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessi* Funded ons avaisessi labloens available *Learni IndivindgualProgrammes Learning Programmes * I n di v i d ual Walton-On-Thames: Walton-On-Thames: 01932 252858 01932 252858 * Regul a r Tri p s and Outi n gs Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Regul a r Tri p s and Outi n gs Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk *cExtra Curricular programmes such as: * Extra Curri ul a r programmes such as: Ottershaw: 01932Ottershaw: 874826 01932 874826 “Little Steps, Large Leaps” Cook & Grow, Earl yProgramme, Language Programme, Magical Maths, Cook & Grow, Earl y Language Magi c al Maths, Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk *LetscalGet, StorkPhysitocWal al, Stork *Lets Get Physi k to Walk Haslemere 01428Haslemere 654117 01428 654117 * PlatinforumFiAward forTraiFinristngAid Training * Pl a ti n um Award r st Ai d Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Nappiand es, Creams and alsunl increams * Nappies, Creams sun creams cluded all included Chessington *eStrong beliefleinarnioutdoor learningtieopportuni ties Chessington 01932 252858 01932 252858 * Strong bel i f i n outdoor n g opportuni s Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Drinks

Step by Step

Explain they will need to visit the bathroom instead. Walk through the steps they’ll take and practise this several times, telling them you will leave lights on so they can see their way easily.

Avoid drinks one hour before bedtime, but don’t restrict fluids during the day as this could make your child constipated - a common cause of bedwetting.

Deeper Sleep

Avoid fizzy drinks, sugary foods, milk and fruit such as strawberries, grapes and melon at night-time as these affect the bladder.

Avoid leaving night-lights on in the bedroom. A dark bedroom promotes deeper sleep patterns. This might be enough to ensure your child sleeps through without needing the toilet.

Plan Ahead

Put a date in the diary and let you child know when you will stop using nappies/pull-ups. These actually prevent children learning how to take control because their absorbency means your child’s skin doesn’t feel wet.

Accidents

Use an absorbent bed mat in between two layers of sheets.

If your child is wet, remove the top layer and use the dry bed underneath.

Think Food

Avoid Rewards and Bribes

They are a distraction and it will be doubly disappointing for your child if they’re not successful one night. Focus your child on learning how to stay dry at night.

Keep Track

Track dry and wet nights during your training period so you can figure out what the cause of wet nights might be.

Alicia Eaton is a trained psychotherapist and author of Stop Bedwetting in Seven Days published by Practical Inspiration Publishing. For more information, visit www.stop-bed-wetting-in-7-days.com/

“Little Steps, Large Leaps”

“Little Steps, Large Leaps”

* Children’s Food Trustand andSoil Soil Association Association approved meals * Children’s Food Trust approved meals * Healthy meals from seasonal menus, all prepared and cooked by our in house chefs and * Healthy *meals from Food seasonal all Association prepared and Children’s Trustmenus, and Soil approved meals tailored to accommodate allergies cooked by intime house and and cooked by our in house chefs and * Healthy meals from seasonal allchefs prepared * Part andour fullmenus, sessions available * Children’s Food Trust and Soil time Association approved meals Horley: 01293823500 toand accommodate tailored accommodate allergies Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessionsto available * Healthy meals from seasonal menus, all tailored prepared cooked by ourallergies in house chefs and * Part time and full time sessions * Individual Learning Programmes tailored to accommodate allergies Horley: 01293823500 * Part time and full time sessions available available Walton-On-Thames: 01932 252858 * Regular Trips and Outings Horley@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessions available sessions available Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Part time and full time 01293823500 * Funded sessions available * Extra Curricular programmes such as: hall-nursery.co.uk * Funded sessions available * Individual Learning Programmes Ottershaw: 01932 874826 01932 252858 Walton-On-Thames: Cook & Grow, Early Language Programme, Magical Maths, * Individual Learning Programmes Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Individual Learning Programmes * Regular Trips and Outings Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk ames: 01932 252858 * Lets Get Physical, Stork to Walk * Regular Trips and Outings adhall-nursery.co.uk * Extra Curricular programmes such as: Haslemere 01428 654117 * Regular Trips and * Platinum Award foras: FirstOutings Aid Training Ottershaw: 01932 874826 * Extra Curricular programmes such Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Cook &Creams Grow, and EarlysunLanguage Programme, Magical Maths, w: 01932 874826 Ottershaw@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * *Nappies, creams allsuch included Cook & Grow, Early Language Magical Maths, ExtraProgramme, Curricular programmes as: to Walk adhall-nursery.co.uk * Lets Get Physical, Stork Chessington 01932 252858 * Physical, Strong belief in to outdoor learning Programme, opportunities Stork Walk Cook & Grow, Language Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Haslemere 01428 654117 * Lets Get *Early Platinum Award for First Aid Training e 01428 654117 Haslemere@toadhall-nursery.co.uk * Platinum AwardMaths, for FirstLets Aid Get Training Magical Physical, Stork to Walk adhall-nursery.co.uk Nappies, Woking: 01483 486116 * Nappies, Creams and sun* creams all Creams includedand sun creams all included Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Chessington 020 01932 252858 8391 4447 * Platinum Award for in First Aid Training * Strong belief outdoor learning opportunities on 01932 252858 * Strong belief in outdoor learning opportunities Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Bridgeroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Felcottroad@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Woking: 01483 486116 Woking: 01483 486116 * Strong belief in outdoor learning opportunities Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

adhall-nursery.co.uk

Woking: 01483 486116 : 01483 486116 Woking@toadhall-nursery.co.uk dhall-nursery.co.uk

6 Families Surrey West

* Nappies, creams and sun creams all included

familiesonline.co.uk

woking-shopping.co.uk

MAKE A

festive difference at

W KING Celebrate Christmas at Woking with a variety of FREE festive activities to get you in the spirit of the season.

MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY LANTERNS 11AM – 4PM, SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON 3PM – 7PM, THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

SEE STUNNING ICE SCULPTURES IN THE MAKING FROM 10AM, SATURDAYS 23RD NOVEMBER & 7TH DECEMBER

ENJOY CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND MINCE PIES SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING* THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER – THURSDAY 2ND JANUARY To find out more visit woking-shopping.co.uk *Individual store times may apply. See website for details.

All events are free and may be subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Families Surrey West 7

Christmas Noticeboard Make a Festive Difference at Woking Shopping

Christmas Events at Princes Mead Shopping!

This year Christmas at Woking Shopping is all about making a festive difference. They’re working with local charities such as WWF to raise awareness of a number of environmental issues as well as making Christmas a little easier and more enjoyable for their customers.

On Saturdays 23rd November and 7th December, families can watch in awe as a team of talented sculptors carve some stunning pieces in ice. On Saturday 23rd, a poignant polar bear will appear, while on Saturday 7th a family of penguins will help raise awareness of the plight of the melting ice caps.

There is so much to experience this Christmas at Princes Mead with a wide variety of events running from Saturday 23rd November when the Christmas Lights are switched on! On the day there will be free face painting, free Christmas Snowflakes & Stars Workshops together with the arrival of Father Christmas and some very special wandering Star Wars Characters! You can also take part on the day with the Christmas Competition and be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend in the centre! After that there are more events throughout the end of November and December with the Salvation Army Band & Choir performing with their timbrels, the Kids Club Christmas Disco Party, Christmas Table Decorations Workshops, free Christmas Gift Wrapping and their Service to Remember in support of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. More information can be found at www.princesmead.co.uk/events

On selected dates in December, customers can have their gifts wrapped at the centre’s eco-giftwrapping station for a donation to a number of local charities alleviating some of the pressures of the festive preparations and highlighting more conscious gift-wrapping methods.

With extended shopping hours the week before Christmas customers can shop until 6pm from Monday 16th – Wednesday 18th, 8pm from Thursday 19th – Monday 23rd December (excluding Sunday) and 6pm on Christmas Eve – giving them a little extra time to get everything they need. The Salvation Army will also be adding to the Christmas cheer with carol singing throughout the festive period.

Have fun whilst getting your Christmas Tree!

Hans Christmas Anderson

Alice Holt Forest

Hans Christmas Andersen are doing everything possible to bring their customers award winning freshly cut Christmas Trees, truly home-grown and lovingly nurtured from within the Surrey Hills, ensuring the lowest possible Carbon Footprint, having been awarded the Surrey Hills Enterprise Trademark.

Alice Holt Forest has a lot to offer this winter, including a brand new Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon Glow trail. Help Lu-La, a loveable alien, find her way home using the free app and the activity pack on sale at the Visitor Centre for £3.50. If you haven’t already tried out the new play structures Dormouse Crossing and Centenery Trees, then there’s lots of fun to be had, and from 22nd November until 23rd December you can buy real Christmas trees too from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week. Varieties will include Nordman Fir, Norway Spruce and some smaller Fraser Firs and potted trees. There’ll also be other festive items on sale including stands, lights, mistletoe, a wide variety of tree decorations, wreaths, and foliage bundles.

At their Santa Fir Farm in Shamley Green, they have a 500 standing Christmas Tree forest offering a variety of Christmas trees for you to choose from including Nordman Fir (good needle holding tree), Norway Spruce (more traditional with a lovely smell), ranging from 4ft to 18ft and a variety of pot grown trees and a fabulous decorations shop. They also offer the opportunity to sample local produce at their food market held over two weekends, 7/8 and 14/15 Dec, with carefully selected local producers plus there is also Rainbow Cat’s Face Painting at the food market. Plus on these weekends and the 30 Nov/1 Dec there will be Horse and Carriage Rides and Father Christmas! You will also be able to buy their trees from Newlands Corner, near Guildford.

See www.hanschristmasandersen.co.uk for further details.

Hindhead Commons On Sat 7, Sat 14 and Sun 15 Dec you can hunt for your own Scots pine tree to cut and take home at Hindhead Commons. Bring along a saw and tough gloves to cut your own Christmas tree. Please be prepared for a reasonable walk to the trees, help will be available to transport your tree back to the car park. All trees are netted. Drop in any from 10am-2pm, park at the Devil’s Punch Bowl cafe car park, GU26 6AB. Trees up to 8ft: £20.

Surrey Wildlife Trust On Sunday 1st December you can “Pick a Pine” with Surrey Wildlife Trust at Poors Allotment, Bracknell Road, Camberley. Sessions are 1011.30am, 12-1.30pm or 2-3.30pm. Come and chop your own Christmas tree whist helping to remove Scots Pine from the rare heathland habitat. If chopping isn’t your thing, you can learn how to source and start a wild wreath and little ones can make festive decorations inspired by nature. Festive treats and drinks are also available at a small charge.

Booking essential at Surreywildlifetrust.org/families.

8 Families Surrey West

Elm Nursery British grown, freshly cut Christmas trees will be on sale from 1st December plus wreaths and other decorations.

You can also order your free range turkey, Surrey Hills meat and veggies for the big day. The Elm Nursery Farm Shop is stocked with cheeses, local honey, their farm fresh eggs, sauces and chutneys. Plus you can visit the children’s farm with ‘magic of Christmas’ scenes and Father Christmas’s sleigh. Open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm, there is an admission charge for the farm, free parking and cafe serving homemade cakes. Open right up until Midday on 24 Dec. Check Facebook (@elmnurseryfarm) for last minute information. Sutton Green Rd, Sutton Green, Guildford GU4 7QD.

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome to our very first page just for kids!

Puzzles, competitions and lots of fun!

Hidden Snowmen Competition

WIN

Enter our Hidden Snowmen competition to win one of two a family ticket to Birdworld! We have family hidden some snowmen throughout the tickets to magazine - how many can you find?

They all look exactly like this one here Birdworld!

- you should include this one in your total! To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to Birdworld, email the number of snowmen you find in this issue of Families Surrey West Magazine to editor@familiesSurreyWest.co.uk with Snowmen Competition in the title. If you are under 18, please ask your parent or guardian to email for you. Please include a parent or guardian’s name, child’s name, contact telephone number as well as the number of snowmen you found. Please email your answer by 5pm on Tuesday 31st December 2019. (The Birdworld family ticket will be valid from 15/2/2020, for full Ts&Cs see http://bit.ly/2BuGZ1K).

Picture Crossword Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

1 2

1

3

4 5

2

6

Spot the Difference

How many differences can you spot between these two pictures of the penguins at Birdworld. Why not circle all the differences you spot on one of the pictures? There are 10 differences in all!

7

8

9

10

3 11

7 4

10

5 8

6

11

9

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Surrey West 9

An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent!

– choose from below or make up your own 1. Smile at everyone you see today 2. Make cards for elderly people in your street 3. Tell someone the reasons you like them 4. Pick up litter in your street or local park 5. Clean up a mess you didn’t make 6. Wish a stranger a nice day 7. Help make dinner 8. Donate pocket money to charity 9. Compliment staff at a café or shop 10. Donate books, toys and clothes to charity 1 1. Volunteer at a festive community event

Zoe took biscuits to school

1

12. Leave snacks on your doorstep for delivery people 13. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue 14. Hug someone 15. Bake biscuits to take to school or work 16. Deliver notes to houses with great Christmas light displays 17. Pack away your things without being asked 18. Make someone laugh 19. Take canned food to your local food bank 20. Make a list of the things you’re thankful for 21. Leave a kind note where someone will find it 22. Send a Christmas card to someone overseas 23. Do a chore for someone else 24. Leave food out for Santa and his reindeer!

1

2

7

Perform an a ct of kindness each day until Ch ristmas!

Pin up the c alendar and keep a daily record of yo ur family’s good deeds .

December 3

4

5

6

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

ADVENT CALENDAR

Education & Schools Open Mornings Fri 15th Nov 2 01 9 Fri 7th Feb 2020 Competitive fees / Flexi or weekly boarding Bespoke day options from 7.30am—8pm / Minibus services

Reception Entry

Informal Assessments

A breath of fresh air

Wed 6th Nov - Thu 14th Nov 2019

Located between Guildford and Dorking in the Surrey Hills

St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley

01306 730852 www.belmont-school.org @belmontdorking

GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years

#Achievement Through Happiness

01483 899665 | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info

St Nicholas’ School

Open Mornings Monday 18th November 9.30am – 12.00pm

Year 3 & Reception Taster Day

fleet • hampshire

An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16 • • • • • •

Small class sizes Inspirational teachers A caring, family ethos Purpose-built facilities Outstanding results ‘Excellent’ ISI Inspection

• School buses run from Alton, Bentley, Basingstoke, Bramley, Chineham, Hook, Old Basing, Odiham, Hartley Wintney, Fleet, Farnham, Rowledge, Yateley, Camberley, Farnborough and Aldershot

8th November 2019 8.45am - 3.45pm

Senior Entrance Exams 10th January 2020 T. 01252 850121 | E. registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk @stnicholasschool |

@stnicholasfleet

st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Surrey West 11

Encouraging a Growth Mindset in your Child

By Gabrielle Nash Children are like sponges, aren’t they? They soak up every new thing, whether it’s a new word or the latest trend.

But are they learning new things in the right way?

“

If a child does an impressive painting, instead of praising the child’s natural talent, the teacher can instead praise the effort, process and commitment put into creating that painting.

You may not have given it much thought, but the way we speak to our children can have a huge impact on how they learn.

If you’re new to the phrase ‘growth mindset,’ don’t be put off. This simple concept could help both you and your child. Developed by Carol Dweck, an American Professor of Psychology, the ‘growth mindset’ ethos has become increasingly popular in schools globally. Dweck believed that by changing their ‘mindset’ anyone (children included) could increase their abilities and improve their intelligence solely through dedication and hard work.

Many of us battle with a ‘fixed mindset.’ For example, the belief that if we aren’t naturally good at languages, that won’t change and therefore we shouldn’t try to learn them. But by shifting to a ‘growth mindset,’ we can actually motivate ourselves to succeed.

In the last 10 years more and more schools have embraced the theory of growth mindset into their teaching ethos, not placing so much focus on the natural gifts children have but instead focussing on the work they put in.

Integral to growth mindset is the understanding that making mistakes is okay.

It’s natural to encounter challenges and make mistakes when learning so many new things. However, failure can sometimes dent a child’s confidence. By embracing mistakes and failures, teachers can give children the reassurance that it’s okay to struggle, rather than the idea that mistakes and failings are wrong.

Growth mindset means praising a child for effort and not natural talent.

Teachers can adjust how they give feedback to motivate a child to continue to work hard.

12 Families Surrey West

A child that is praised solely for their natural ability may not believe that to be attainable again, so may not try. Yet a child who gets noticed for the effort they put in will feel able to repeat that success.

Tom Dobson, an education expert at Leeds Beckett University says the growth mindset ethos places the onus on pupils to take control of their own learning and development. “Rather than the teacher telling children what they have achieved and what they now need to achieve, pupils can become aware of what their own steps for progress are.”

All of which contribute to a stronger brain.

When your child is struggling with something, whether it’s a physical or mental task, try to motivate them to not give up. The mantra “try, try and try again” really can have incredible results. Not only does this develop their growth mindset but it also builds resilience, something so vital for the grown-up world.

Don’t forget though, this isn’t just for your children.

If you’re facing a challenge whether at home or work, try applying some of these principles to it. You might surprise yourself whilst setting a great example to your kids at the same time!

For more parenting tips and advice, read Gabrielle’s blog @londonishmum

Growth mindset can be used at home too. There’s a tendency in modern parenting towards overpraising children, to protect them and their precious selfesteem. While it is important to be positive, the growth mindset theory suggests that instead of heaping praise at every opportunity, we should rephrase the praise to encourage development.

Encourage your child to talk about the struggles they encountered today. Getting them to understand that it’s okay to find a task or activity tricky is central to having a growth mindset, because that’s how we learn.

We exercise our bodies but what about our brains?

Encourage your children to see their brain as a muscle that needs exercising; the more they use it the stronger it becomes. Refer to the different things they learn as light bulbs; each time they learn a new skill, they turn on a new lightbulb. Each time they practice it, the light bulb gets bigger and brighter.

familiesonline.co.uk

Education & Schools

School Open Days Please contact the schools to find out if you need to register as many schools require you to book a place at their open day

School

Open Day Date

Aldro School. Boys 7-13 yrs.

Wed 20 Nov 10am-11.30am.

Amesbury School. Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Sat 30 Nov 10am-12pm (Early Years).

Barfield School. Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Please contact the school.

Barrow Hills School, Witley 01428 683639 Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Fri 6 March 9.30-11am.

Family Fun Day (age 2-7 focus) Sat 16 May 11am-2pm.

Belmont School In the Surrey Hills between Guildford and Dorking.

01306 730852 Mixed 2-16 yrs.

Fri 8 Nov 10.30am–12pm.

Mon 10 Feb 10.30am–12pm.

Coworth Flexlands School Boys 3-7 yrs, girls 3-11 yrs.

Fri 8 Nov.

Cranleigh Prep School. Mixed 7-13 yrs.

Wed 26 Feb.

Cranmore School. Mixed 2½-13 yrs.

Fri 15 May.

Duke of Kent School. Mixed 3-16.

Fri 7 Feb 9.30am-12pm.

Edgeborough, Frensham Mixed 2-13 yrs.

Fri 29 Nov from 10.30am.

Frensham Heights. Mixed 3-18 yrs.

Sat 16 May.

Glenesk School, E Horsley Mixed 2-7 yrs.

Fri 15 Nov 9.15am.

Greenfield School. Mixed 3-11 yrs.

Fri 29 Nov 9am.

Guildford High School. Girls 4-18.

Wed 20 Nov 10am.

Halstead Prep School. registrar@halstead-school.org.uk 01483 772682. Girls 2-11 yrs.

Fri 6 March 9am-10.30am.

Highfield and Brookham School Liphook 01428 728000 Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Sat 11 Jan 10am-12pm.

Hoe Bridge School, Woking Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Please contact the school.

Lanesborough School. Boys 3-13.

Please contact the school.

Longacre School, Shamley Green Mixed 2½-11 yrs.

Thurs 14 Nov 9.30am-12pm.

Lyndhurst School. Mixed 3-11 yrs.

Please contact the school.

Manor House School. Girls 2-16 yrs.

Please contact the school.

Moon Hall School Specialist school for dyslexic children.

Please contact the school.

Ripley Court School, Ripley 01483 225217 Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Sat 16 Nov 10am-12pm.

The Royal School Mixed 6 wks-18 yrs.

Junior School: Fri 15 Nov.

Rydes Hill Preparatory & Nursery Guildford 01483 563160 Girls 3-11 yrs, Boys 3-7 yrs.

Please contact the Registrar, Mrs Jacqui O’Neill, on jacqui.oneill@rydeshill.com to arrange a personal tour.

St Andrews School, Horsell 01483 760943 Mixed 3-13 yrs.

Fri 13 March 9-11am.

St Catherine’s School, Bramley 01483 899665 Girls 4-18 yrs.

Fri 15 Nov, Fri 7 Feb.

St Edmund’s School, Hindhead Mixed 2-16 yrs.

Sat 8 Feb.

Open Morning Friday 6 March 2020 9:00-10:30 am

St Hilary’s School, Godalming 01483 416551 Boys 2-7 yrs, Girls 2-11 yrs (now taking boys in Year 3 in a phased plan be fully co-educational by Sept 2022).

Fri 15 Nov 10.30am-12pm, Fri 28 Feb 10.30am-12pm.

Please contact our Registrar to register for our Open Morning or to arrange an individual appointment to visit

St Ives School Girls 2-11 yrs, boys 2-7 yrs.

Fri 15 Nov, Fri 24 Jan.

St Nicholas’ School, Fleet 01252 850121 Boys 3-7 yrs, Girls 3-16 yrs.

Mon 18 Nov 9.30am-12pm.

Year 3 & Reception Taster Day Fri 8 Nov.

St Teresa’s Effingham. Girls 2-18 yrs.

Fri 1 May.

Tormead School. Girls 4-18 yrs.

Jnr School: Wed 20 Nov.

familiesonline.co.uk

An outstanding Catholic Prep School and Nursery in Guildford for girls aged 3-11 and boys aged 3-7

Rydes Hill is a non-selective, one-form entry Prep School open to all faiths and beliefs. Our small class sizes ensure every child benefits from individualised learning paths and we are proud to be one of the top Prep Schools in the country for Speech and Drama.

NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2020 01483 563 160

www.rydeshill.com

T’ CT EN PE ) L S n EL A tio XC RY c ‘E VE spe E In IN (ISI

confidence to

achieve

Preparing for a happy, healthy and successful life

registrar@halstead-school.org.uk 01483 772682 PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 2-11 YEARS Halstead Preparatory School Woodham Rise, Woking Surrey GU21 4EE

www.halstead-school.org.uk

Families Surrey West 13

Where To See Santa Addlestone Bourne Valley Garden Centre

Join Santa and his Elves for a festive, family dining experience at Bourne Valley Garden Centre Restaurant on selected dates in December. Included in the ticket price is a meal (Breakfast, Lunch or Tea), a visit from Santa to your table and a wrapped gift. Tickets are priced at £9.99 per child and are available now to book on their website www.bournevalleygardencentre.co.uk.

Breakfast with Santa: 9.30am - 11am Lunch with Santa: 12.30pm - 1pm Tea with Santa: 4pm - 5pm.

Please book early to avoid disappointment. Contact: info@bournevalleygardencentre.co.uk or 01932 342013 for enquiries.

Aldershot The Wellington

See www.thewellingtoncentre.co.uk.

Camberley The Square Camberley

Enchanted Woodland Grotto on 23, 24, 30 Nov and 1-24 Dec. £4, includes gift.

Chobham Chobham Adventure Farm’s Magical Christmas

Experience the magic of Christmas and sprinkle a little extra magic with a visit to meet Santa and his elves at Chobham Adventure Farm! Santa’s elves have a very special job for you but first you must become an official ‘Elf Helper’! Meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen, attend magic elf lessons, help the elves with their important elfie tasks, build your very own bear, not to mention meeting the jolly old big man himself and don’t forget to say hello to the real reindeer! Magical Christmas is running on select days between the 30th November and the 24th December 2019. Tickets include your visit to Santa AND entrance to the Farm Park to let off steam as you count down the days to Santa’s arrival.

Your visit will take approximately 2 – 2.5 hours. You will be guided through the experience by actors and will

Please double check details with organiser, particularly to confirm if booking is needed. take part in various activities as a group however you will visit Santa as an individual family. This experience is a pre-booked event full details on https://chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk/ christmas/. Early booking advised.

booking online is advised (£4 per child in advance, £7 on the day). Adults and under 2’s free. Refreshments available to buy. Suitable for 0-12s.

Cranleigh

Princes Mead Shopping

Hans Christmas Andersen at Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm

On Guildford Road between Shamley Green and Cranleigh. For sat navs the postcode is GU5 0SQ. 01483 271770. www.hanschristmasandersen.co.uk Come and see Father Christmas arrive at Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm on Sat 30th Nov at midday, all welcome. Visit Santa in his grotto (£3.50 per child) with all proceeds going to local charities, no booking required and all children receive a gift.

There is also a special Santa letter box where you can post a letter to Father Christmas. Also available are heavy horse and carriage rides, there are no age restrictions. All the above attractions (including Santa’s Grotto) are available on 30th Nov, 1st, 7/8th and 14/15th Dec from 10am to 4pm.

There are lots of fresh home grown Christmas trees to choose from and a fantastic shop for decorations and gifts, so why not get your fresh Christmas tree at the same time as visiting Santa?

A must see are the beautiful reindeer.

Shop in the local produce market or have your face painted on 7/8th, 14/15th Dec. The Christmas Tree Farm is open daily 9am-6pm from 22 Nov, closing on 24 Dec at 3pm. See www. hanschristmasandersen.co.uk for late night opening, directions and further details.

Manns of Cranleigh

See mannsofcranleigh.co.uk for details.

Ewhurst Sayers Croft Trust

Enjoy a visit to Father Christmas at the end of the Christmas Trail at Sayers Croft Trust on Sat 14 or Sun 15 Dec. Each child will receive a present. The family activity trail takes in the maze, cave, campfire, Christmas craft, archery and much more and finishes with a visit to Father Christmas.

The Trail will take around 1 hour to complete. Start times are 10-10.30am, 10.30-11am, 11-11.30am, 11.30am-12pm, 12.30-1pm, 1-1.30pm, 1.30-2pm and 2-2.30pm.

Advance

Farnborough Father Christmas will be arriving in Princes Mead Shopping Centre on Saturday 23rd November!

He’ll be accompanied by his little helpers to meet and greet all the good little boys and girls when he switches on the centre lights. After he’s lit up the centre you can come and say hello, have your picture taken and receive a gift. His Grotto officially opens from Sunday 24th November through to Tuesday 24th December on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 3.30pm (he’ll also be about on 23rd & 24th Dec 11am to 3.30pm too!) The grotto will be a beautiful experience of starlights and magic and is for the under 12s and is free to visit! More information can be found at www.princesmead.co.uk/our-events

Farnham

Christmas at Birdworld

Visit Birdworld this Christmas and enter a magical winter wonderland full of varied festive scenes. While you wait to meet Father Christmas, take part in the special spotting trail as you wander through the grotto. Running on selected dates, meet Santa’s reindeer and some friendly farm animals before your family group are taken to Santa by the impish elves to receive their present.

For those of you who are too old for a present, a mince pie and a hot fruit punch awaits! Booking is essential to guarantee your magical experience.

For the full details and prices please visit Birdworld.co.uk/Christmas.

Rural Life Centre

Santa Specials on 7, 8, 14, 15 Dec. See rural-life.org.uk for details.

Squires Garden Centre

Frensham. See squiresgardencentres. co.uk for details.

Godalming Squire’s Garden Centre

See www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk

Where To See Santa

20

19

Christmas Wonderland

Wiglet's Father Christmas Visit & Adventure

Meet Santa’s Reindeer and explore the Winter Wonderland before the children receive their present from Santa.

Book now! www.godstonefarm.co.uk

BOOK ONLINE AT www.birdworld.co.uk Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LD

Santa Dining Events Join Santa and his Elves for one of our festive, family dining experiences in the Bourne Valley Restaurant on selected dates in December. Included in the ticket price is a meal (Breakfast, Lunch or Tea), a visit from Santa to your table and a wrapped gift. Tickets: £9.99 per child.

Breakfast with Santa Sat 14th & 21st December, Mon 23rd December & Tues 24th December 2019 Lunch with Santa Sat 14th & 21st December, Mon 23rd December & Tues 24th December 2019 Tea with Santa Sat 14th & 21st December, Mon 23rd December 2019 Visit www.bournevalleygardencentre.co.uk to view the full menu options and book tickets.

Bourne Valley Garden Centre, Woodham Park Road, Woodham, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3TH

familiesonline.co.uk

New Christmas traditions made in Surrey Visit Father, or Mother, Christmas; go for a bracing winter walk or simply enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and a festive treat in one of our cafés.

This winter, why not visit Claremont Landscape Garden, Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Morden Hall Park, Winkworth Arboretum, Box Hill and Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

These are the places that make us. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey © National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images/Tom Soper

Families Surrey West 15

Where To See Santa

Santa will also be at some Christmas Fairs and other events!

Godstone

G Live

Wiglet’s Father Christmas Visit and Adventure

This year Wiglet’s Christmas Adventure at Godstone Farm returns with all the usual farmyard fun and a truly festive visit to see Father Christmas. Celebrate this wonderful time of the year at the farm, let little ones wander through the magical tunnel with the friendly elves and be guided to meet the man himself!

Watch small eyes light up as each child receives a marvellous present from the toyshop and then the adventures continue around the rest of the farm. There’s interactive fun in Wiglet’s Workshop plus Christmas crafts and cookie decorating. Visits to Father Christmas are strictly by timed tickets and bookable only in advance. https://godstonefarm.co.uk.

Great Bookham Polesden Lacey

Visit Father Christmas at Polesden Lacey on 29, 30 Nov, 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23 Dec for a Father Christmas experience with a difference.

Children will be enchanted by the bejewelled grotto where they will meet Father Christmas and his busy elves; and receive their Christmas gift. Set in the grounds of Polesden Lacey, which will be transformed with gemstones and sparkle this Christmas. Booking essential. Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/PolesdenChristmas. Admission + £15 per child. Festive Horse Drawn Carriage rides will be available on 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 and 20–23 Dec (admission + £4 per person - book online).

Guildford Hatchlands Park

Meet Father Christmas on Sat 30 Nov, 7, 21 Dec & Sun 1, 8, 22 Dec. Book a timed slot to meet Father Christmas and receive your present in person in his cosy living room. On 14 & 15 Dec, Mrs Christmas will be back by popular demand, so book in with her for a unique experience. Booking essential at visitguildford.com or 01483 444334.

Admission + £5 per child.

G Live’s wonderful Christmas show “Father Christmas Needs a Wee” includes a meet and greet with Santa and a free gift! For more details see listing on page 22 or see www.GLive.co.uk.

Merrist Wood College

Holly Lane, Worplesdon, Guildford GU3 3PE. Special visitor Santa will be at the farm on the Animal Fun Day on Sunday 1 December. Enjoy storytime with Santa and his pets, plus lots more festive family fun including crafts, face painting, twinkle the pony, horse carriage rides and lots more. Booking essential at merristwoodevents.co.uk/festiveanimal-funday

Watts Gallery Artists’ Village

Father Christmas will be at the Celtic Christmas Weekend on 30 Nov-1 Dec. For more details see listing on page 18.

Swingbridge Santa Cruise On 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Dec. See www.surreycaretrust.co.uk/ events/social-events for details.

Haslemere

Haslemere Educational Museum

Santa will be in his Victorian Parlour on Fri 20 Dec 11.30am-4pm, Sat 21 Dec 10.30am-4.30pm, Mon 23 Dec 11am-3pm and Tues 24 Dec 10.30am12.30pm. Mem £4, non-mem £5 (includes a gift). Santa will also be at the Museum on Sun 1 Dec 11am-3pm.

Child £3 (includes a gift). No need to book. On Mon 23 Dec 10-11am there is a special opening of Santa’s Victorian Parlour, for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition.

Leatherhead Bocketts Farm

Experience a Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm, as Father Christmas returns from 22nd November to 24th December. This year, even more magic has been added to the experience.

You’ll start the journey with one of the very important head elves as children hop aboard the Santa express and travel in style to the magical workshop. Here you’ll gather as a group for some fun with the elves before meeting Father Christmas himself and receiving a golden coin to spend in his very own toy shop!

There’s more festive fun on the farm too with a fun Christmas trail to complete, reindeer food to make, baby

lambs to meet, a giant snow globe to explore, heated soft play barn and a full programme of activities. Tickets to see Father Christmas must be purchased in advance. Tickets from £17.50 - £24.95 per child. For times and availability see www.bockettsfarm.co.uk.

Christmas in the Woods

Wrap up warm and join Surrey Wildlife Trust in their search for Father Christmas, busy in his forest grotto. Enjoy Christmas crafts and discover how woodland creatures prepare for winter. Take part in fun activities and visit Santa for a gift!

Suitable for ages 4-10. On Sat 14 Dec 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm and Sun 15 Dec 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm at Nower Wood, Leatherhead. Booking essential: members: adult £2, child £10; non-members: adult £3, child £15.

Surreywildlifetrust.org/families.

Loxwood

The Wey & Arun Canal

Santa cruises on 8, 15, 21, 22 and 23 Dec at 11am, 12pm and 2pm. £10 pp.

Book at www.weyandarun.co.uk.

Morden

Morden Hall Park

Visit Father Christmas at Morden Hall Park in his cosy enchanted grotto and receive a gift chosen just for you! On weekends from 23 Nov-15 Dec 10am5pm. Child £12. Booking essential: 0344 249 1895 or online. There are Storytime with Mother Christmas sessions on Thurs 5, 12 & Fri 6, 13 Dec 9.30-10.15am. A festive storytelling session for under 5s with special weekday Visit Father Christmas slots available to book for after this event.

Check website for availability. Child £5, adult £3 for Storytime with Mother Christmas - book online. There are also Festive carriage rides available on Sat & Sun 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and Fri 27 & Sat 28 Dec from 10am-4pm. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park! Advanced booking strongly recommended. £16 adult, £12 child, family tickets available. Book online.

West Horsley

Squires Garden Centre

See www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

Woking

Mizens Railway

Santa Specials on 8, 15 and 22 Dec. Book at www.mizens-santa.org.uk.

Squires Garden Centre

See www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk

Please double check details with organiser to avoid disappointment

Where To See Santa

o

tic

le ly e day sa n n th e- s oold o Pr ketill be s tickets w

(n

Events and Meetings

5

5

)

Festive Animal Fun Day5

5

Christmas in the woods

Sunday 1 December, 12-4pm

Join us in our winter woodland wonderland in search of Father Christmas!

Meet our festive animals Storytime with Santa Festive crafts and face painting

Book now

Twinkle the pony Horse carriage rides Fun at the farm Festive stalls and puzzle zone

BOOK

Warming refreshments

surreywildlifetrust.org

AL ANIM S IE PART BLIC U AND PS ALSO TOURILABLE AVA W! NO

A Magical

Family - up to 2 adults & 2 children Adults Children (2-16yrs old) & Concessions Children under 2

Christmas Trail

Christmas

Pre-sale ticket prices: £30.00 £9.00 £8.00 FREE

No dogs please (except assistance dogs)

Giant

For tickets visit: www.merristwoodevents.co.uk

Snow Globe

For information Email: mwevents@guildford.ac.uk or call: 01483 88 41 64

at Bocketts Farm Park

22ND NOVEMBER - 24TH DECEMBER

Meet

Father Christmas

AWARD WINNING freshly cut Christmas Trees locally grown in the Surrey Hills, also at NEWLANDS CORNER

FM/XMAS2019

Newborn Book tickets online now! Lambs

(see our website for opening times)

Santa arrives at Santa Fir Midday

30th NOVEMBER Visit our website for details about all our exciting festive events

Your Christmas begins at...

Alice Holt Forest

OPEN DAILY from 9am to 6pm, 22nd NOV – 24th DEC Hans Christmas Andersen at Santa Fir, Guildford Road, Shamley Green, Guildford GU5 0SQ

01483 271770 julie@hatrim.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Pick your perfect Christmas tree with the help of our specialist tree team 25 November - 23 December 9am-5pm, 7 days a week forestryengland.uk/alice-holt

Families Surrey West 17

What’s On Diary

Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment

MON 4 – SUN 24 NOV

MON 11 NOVEMBER

Waggy Tail Trail, Claremont Landscape Garden

Little Chicks, Halstead Preparatory School Woodham Rise, Woking 2-3pm.

For children up to 3 with an adult. Friendly Parent & Toddler Sessions run every Monday afternoon during term time. A stimulating range of toys, crafts and activities with refreshments for all. To book please contact the Registrar on registrar@ halstead-school.org.uk.

Esher KT10 9JG

10am-3pm. Bring your canine friend and sniff out a trail around the garden, with a tasty treat at the end. Admission + £1.

THURS 7 NOVEMBER Bach to Baby Family Concert St. Andrew’s Parish Church Farnham 10.30am. Live classical music for babies, toddlers and their carers. Book at www.bachtobaby.com.

FRI 8 NOVEMBER Watts Tots: Painting, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Compton, Guildford 10-11am.

For under 5s with an adult.

Create fantastic firework paintings with stencils, patterns and glitter. £5 per child, adults free. Pre-booking required.

Elmer and Wilbur Haslemere Museum 10.30-11.30am. Story & craft. Adult £1, child £2, no need to book.

Pirbright Fireworks Pirbright Village Primary School With themed bonfire, bar, BBQ and refreshments. Gates open 5.30pm. Adult £5, child £3.50.

SAT 9 NOVEMBER Sayers Croft

Ewhurst GU6 7SS Please pre-

book both of these events: Wild Club 10am-12pm. A free club for 0-6 yr olds (with an adult) who love to get outside and explore.

Really Wild Club 2-4pm. For 6-11s. For children who love to explore, get dirty and have fun. £4.

Farnham Fireworks Farnham Park Procession from Central car park at 6.15pm. Bonfire at 7.15pm, fireworks at 7.45pm.

Bramley Bonfire Bonfire Field

Park Drive, Bramley Assembly

of Guys in library car park at 6pm, 6.40pm procession, 7.10pm bonfire lit, 7.45pm fireworks.

SUN 10 NOVEMBER Diwali Fireworks Festival Goldsworth Primary School Bridge Barn Lane, Woking

Street food, BBQ, Diwali entertainment, bar, candy floss, amazing fireworks by Platinum Fireworks. Gates open 4.30pm. Adult £5, child £3, under 3s free. Buy tickets online: www.pta-events.co.uk/ friendsofgoldsworth.

18 Families Surrey West

TUES 12 NOVEMBER Mozart and Muffins The Guildhall Guildford 10.15am. Live classical music for pre-school children and their carers. Book at: tickets.visitguildford.com

FRI 15 NOVEMBER Museum Monkeys Chertsey Museum 9.30-11am. Singing, stories, crafts for under 5s. Booking essential.

Painting for Under 5s The Lightbox Woking 11am. For under 5s with an adult. Please prebook. £4 per child, adult free.

FRI 15 NOV – MON 6 JAN Christmas at Polesden Lacey: All That Glitters Gt Bookham Polesden Lacey will be transformed with all the sparkle of gemstones beloved of its last owner, Mrs Greville.

Visit the house to see rooms as never before; sparkling with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls. The sparkle spills out into the grounds with a festive children’s trail (from 15 Nov – 5 Jan) and bejewelled Santa’s grotto. There are also Christmas wreath-making classes, horse drawn carriage rides, festive menu and Christmas music. Some events require booking and additional fees may apply. Please see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesdenchristmas for details.

SAT 16 NOVEMBER Make Eco-Friendly Lanterns Woking Shopping 11am-4pm. For families looking for a fun way to entertain the kids and help them get in the spirit of Christmas, Woking Shopping is hosting workshops with a difference. You can join them from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 16th November to make stunning eco-friendly lanterns and then join the parade as part of the Switchon event on 21st November to showcase your fabulous lantern designs.

Mini Watercolours Guildford House Gallery Free drop-in session 11am1pm. For 4+ with an adult.

Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman, Dorking Halls 2pm. With lyrics on the screen.

Atlantis Adventures Camelsdale Church Hall 2.30-4pm. Lego workshop.

Book at www.brilliantbricks.co.uk.

SUN 17 NOVEMBER Merrist Wood Animal Encounter Tours Merrist Wood College Worplesdon, Guildford The experienced Animal Encounters Keeper Team will provide information on the different species, and allow visitors to meet some of the animals.

They aim to educate visitors on subjects such as conservation, breeding projects and bio-diversity.

You may be able to handle or feed some of the animals.

Adult £17, children (5-16) £15.

Tours must be pre-booked at merristwoodevents.co.uk/ animal-encounter-tours. Tours are running on Sun 17 Nov 10am-12pm, Sat 7 Dec 2-4pm, Sun 15 Dec 2-4pm, Sat 21 Dec 10am-12pm, Sun 5 Jan 10am12pm and more dates next year.

Atlantis Adventures Daniel Hall Scout Hut Farnham 10-11.30am. Lego workshop. £8.75. Please book at www.brilliantbricks.co.uk.

Toy Story 4 (U) Borough Hall Godalming 3pm. £3.50.

TUES 19 NOVEMBER Storytelling for Under 5s The Lightbox Woking 11-11.40am. For under 5s with an adult. Stories, rhymes and creative fun. First-come, first-served basis from 10.30am.

Suggested donation £3.

FRI 22 NOVEMBER Snail Trail Haslemere Museum For under 5s with an adult.

Adult £1, child £2, no need to book. 1.30-2.30pm. Story and craft activity.

SAT 23 NOVEMBER Festive Fun Day, Princes Mead Shopping Centre Free Snowflakes & Stars Workshops, free face painting, arrival of Santa and more!

See Stunning Ice Sculptures in the Making Jubilee Square, Woking From 10am. Woking Shopping is hosting Christmas with a difference this year, as they draw attention to the plight of the planet with a series of

thought-provoking activities across the festive season. On Saturdays 23rd November & 7th December customers are invited to come and see a polar bear and penguin family appear out of the ice as a team of ice sculptors carve out some magical masterpieces in Jubilee Square.

TUES 26 NOVEMBER Ghosts and Ghoulies Surrey Heath Museum Camberley 10.30am–12.30pm.

Free drop-in crafty fun for under 5s with an adult.

WED 27 NOVEMBER Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert, Guildford United Reformed Church 10.30-11.30am. Magical music, mince pies and coffee! Children free (up to 2 per adult). Please book at www.bachtobaby.com.

SAT 30 NOVEMBER

Celtic Christmas Weekend Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Compton, Guildford GU3 1DQ

11am-5pm. Set against the wintry backdrop of the Watts woodland, start your festive celebrations with the sights, sounds and scents of this Celtic-themed Christmas Weekend, inspired by Mary Watts’ Celtic crafts. There is so much to do, all activities are included in the price of just £13 entry for adults with under 18s free! There are numerous craft activities on offer including making mini celtic crackers, a winter wreath, pop-up Christmas cards, pinecone Christmas trees, clay reindeer, iced shortbread snowflakes and more! Meet Father Christmas, hear stories and songs and share your Christmas wishes before hanging them on the tree. Search the site to find the hidden Celtic symbols to receive a gift in the giant Advent Calendar. Plus music performances, shopping, makers’ market, food and drink.

Kids Craft: Jam Jar Lanterns Cranleigh Arts Centre 2-3pm. For ages 5+. Please book. £6 per child.

Aldershot Community Christmas Festival Aldershot Town Centre 10am-4pm. Stalls, food, live animals and lots more!

familiesonline.co.uk

BRAND NEW ATTRACTIONS AT AIRHOP GUILDFORD!

Dodge Attack!

Ultimate bouncing fun for kids and big kids.

AR Trampolines!

Obstacle Course!

Book Now: www.airhop-guildford.com 0330 223 3333 #JumpIntoHappy

Visit us throughout the season Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village

Unde r 18s go FREE Book online: Celtic Christmas Weekend 30 November - 1 December Celtic Christmas Weekend 2019.indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk

wattsgallery.org.uk Guildford, GU3 1DQ 09/10/2019 13:30

Families Surrey West 19

What’s On Diary SAT 30 NOV – SUN 5 JAN Christmas Trail Hatchlands Park

East Clandon GU4 7RT 10am-

4pm. Pick up a trail sheet from reception and follow a musical Christmas story through the parkland (not on 24/25 Dec).

Plus on Sat 30 Nov, 7, 1, 21 Dec & Sun 1, 8, 22 & Mon 23 Dec 11am-3pm there are drop-in festive family crafts. Trail and crafts are included in admission.

SUN 1 DECEMBER Celtic Christmas Weekend Watts Gallery Artists’ Village Fantastic festive weekend with lots of crafts, music, advent trail, food, drink and more.

Please see listing on Sat 30 Nov. Festive Animal Fun Day Merrist Wood College 12-4pm. Festive themed animal fun day for the whole family.

Meet the animals, storytime with Santa, fun at the farm, festive stalls, crafts, puzzle zone, warming refreshments and lots more! Pre-booked tickets only - book online.

Santa and Elf Fun Run Devil’s Punch Bowl Hindhead 11am. Register at: www.pth.org.uk/event-diary.

Please double check event with organiser to avoid disappointment beautiful festive ornaments and giant baubles to take home. £5 per child. Pre-booking required.

The Gruffalo Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30-11.30am. Story and craft for under 5s with an adult, no need to book. Child £2, adult £1.

Museum Monkeys, Chertsey Museum See 15 November.

SAT 7 DECEMBER See Stunning Ice Sculptures in the Making Jubilee Square, Woking From 10am. Woking Shopping is hosting Christmas with a difference this year, as they draw attention to the plight of the planet with a series of thought-provoking activities across the festive season. On Saturdays 23rd November & 7th December customers are invited to come and see a Polar Bear and penguin family appear out of the ice as a team of ice sculptors carve out some magical masterpieces in Jubilee Square.

Santa Fun Run, Woking Park Registration from 9am in Woking Leisure Centre. Run is from 10.30am-12.30pm. Adult £14, 4-15yrs £8, 3 & under free - includes Santa suit for ages 4+ and Santa hat for under 3s.

Merrist Wood Animal Encounter Tours See listing on 17 November.

The Lion King (PG), Borough Hall Godalming 6.30pm. £3.50.

10.30-11.45. Make fun Christmas crafts! Children must be with an adult. £8. Free parking. Book at www.surreycc. gov.uk/heritageevents

SUN 1–TUES 31 DECEMBER Camberley’s Reindeer Find the reindeer all across Camberley Town Centre. Pick up a help sheet from The Square or The Atrium.

TUES 3 DECEMBER Storytelling for Under 5s The Lightbox See 19 Nov.

WED 4-SUN 8 DECEMBER Christmas Tree Festival St Andrews Parish Church Farnham GU9 7PW Featuring over 100 decorated trees. WedSat 10-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Free entry. Refreshments available.

FRI 6 DECEMBER Watts Tots: Sculpture Watts Gallery - Ar tists’ Village,

Compton,

10-11am.

For under 5s with an adult.

Sculpt, shape and decorate

Children’s Christmas Craft Workshop Surrey History Centre 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking,

The Birth of Abstract Art Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am-12noon. Abstract art workshop. Mem £5, non-mem £7. For 5-11s. Please pre-book.

Christmas Tree Festival St Mary’s Church, Frensham Lots of imaginatively decorated Christmas trees, musical performances, Christmas stalls, raffle, refreshments and more.

Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Entry: Adult £4, 5-16 yr olds £1, under 5s free.

SAT 7–MON 23 DECEMBER Shivering Snowman Trail Winkworth Arboretum

Hascombe Rd, Godalming GU8 4AD Explore

the wintry woodland of Winkworth on this snowman themed trail.

10am-3pm.

Admission plus £1.

Ruby Robin and Friends’ Winter Trail, Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher Come on a magical journey as you help Ruby the Robin find her friends around the garden on this heart warming trail. 10am3pm. Admission + £1.

SAT 7 DEC – SUN 5 JAN Glow, RHS Garden Wisley Woking 4–8pm. Be dazzled by giant botanical-inspired light installations. Book tickets online (early booking recommended). No Glow event 24-26 Dec.

SUN 8 DECEMBER Studio Sunday The Lightbox Woking Get messy and explore different materials and techniques. 11.30am-3.30pm.

Children must be with an adult. £9.50 for one adult and child, £5 for extra child or adult.

Christmas Tree Festival St Mary’s Church See listing on 7 December.

15 Minutes of Fun Chertsey Museum Free drop-in family craft activity from 1.30-3.30pm.

Cranleigh Santa Dash 10am. 5km route for everyone and a 10km route just for grown-ups. Starts in Stocklund Square. Participant gets a Santa Dash medal and a Santa Hat. Santa Suits available to buy on the day - first come, first served! Register online.

No entries on the day.

Christmas Special Open Day Guildford Model Engineering Society Stoke Park 11am-3pm.

SUN 8–SUN 22 DECEMBER Festival of Christmas Trees Guildford United Reformed Church 83 Portsmouth Rd, Guildford

A large display of Christmas trees plus special events including a community carol concert on Sun 8 Dec at 4pm.

Details on the church website.

SAT 14 DECEMBER Santa and Elf Fun Run Godalming 10am. Registration fee includes Santa suit for adults and elf hat for children.

Plus Santa’s Little Helpers Fun Run for toddlers. Register at: www.pth.org.uk/event-diary.

Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert St. Andrew’s Parish Church Farnham Children free (up to 2 per adult), adult £15. 4-5pm.

Sayers Croft Christmas Trail Lots of festive fun including seeing Father Christmas (for more details see page 14).

Book online.

Wild Club Please see listing on 9 Nov.

Wild Club Mother Christmas Storytelling, Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher Visit the beautifully festive Thatched Cottage to join Mother Christmas for some lively festive tales and songs. Perfect for ages 2-6 with an adult.

Admission + £3.55 per adult, £6.70/child. Please book online.

Children’s Christmas Decorations RHS Garden Wisley Woking No booking or garden admission required. A free activity for children in the Wisley Gift Shop. Children can create natural Christmas tree decorations.

SUN 15 DECEMBER Big Art Reindeer Hatchlands Park

East Clandon, Guildford 11am-

3pm. Help decorate the reindeer sculpture, made from reclaimed and recycled materials.

Included in admission.

WED 11 DECEMBER Christmas Tots Nower Wood Leatherhead 10am-12pm. A special Christmas event for tots, run by Surrey Wildlife Trust! Help Mrs Claus prepare for Christmas – make crafts, explore the woods and there will even be a small gift to take home. Booking essential: Surreywildlifetrust.org/families mem £10; non-mem £15.

FRI 13 DECEMBER Painting for Under 5s, The Lightbox See listing on 15 Nov.

Santa and Elf Fun Run Farnborough 11am. Registration fee includes elf hat for children and Santa suit for adults.

Plus Santa’s Little Helpers Fun Run just for toddlers!

Register online: pth.org.uk/event-diary.

What’s On Diary SUN 15 DEC CONT. Sayers Croft, Christmas Trail See listing on 14 Dec. Merrist Wood Animal Encounter Tours See 17 Nov. Children’s Christmas Decorations, RHS Garden Wisley See listing on 14 Dec.

TUES 17 DECEMBER Storytelling for Under 5s The Lightbox See 19 Nov.

WED 18 DECEMBER Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert, Guildford See listing on 27 November.

FRI 20 DECEMBER Museum Monkeys, Chertsey Museum See listing on 15 Nov. Christmas Decorations Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30-11.30am. Story and craft. Adult £1, child £2. No need to book.

SAT 21 DECEMBER Christmas Decorations The Victorian Schoolroom 39½ Castle Street, Guildford

Free drop-in session from 11am-1pm. For ages 4+ with an adult. Create Victorian-inspired paper hanging baubles!

Make Christmas Go With A Swing Woking Shopping The centre will be helping shoppers get in the mood for the big day with some complimentary mince pies and Christmas carolling with the Woking Choral Society and other local choral groups taking part.

Holiday Camps at Rydes Hill School, Guildford. Explore a range of themes from Circus to Showman and finish with relaxing yoga and well being.

For ages 4-11 yrs. To book call 01483 443322 opt 3 or email sue@synergydance.co.uk.

Merrist Wood Animal Encounter Tours See listing on 17 November.

Polesdenopoly Polesden Lacey Gt Bookham 10am–3pm. Lifesized version of the classic Christmas board game. £5 per game bag (for up to 5 players) plus admission.

Haslemere Educational Museum Christmas Crafts 10.30-12pm. For 5-11yrs. Mem £5, non-mem £7. Please book.

Haslemere Mummers 11am. Traditional English folk play - 20 minutes of fun for everyone! Donations welcome, no need to book.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (U), Cranleigh Arts Centre 2pm. Classic Muppets film.

MON 23 DEC - FRI 3 JAN Synergy Dance Workshops At Guildford Spectrum there will be a 1.5 hour Christmas Frozen Extravaganza for 3-7 years, for 4-9s there is a 1 hour Superheroes workshop and a 1.5 hour Toy Story workshop, and for 5-12s there is a Greatest Showman and Circus Acro workshop.

Also on offer are Synergy

THUR 26 DEC–SUN 5 JAN

Welly Wanderers Trail Winkworth Arboretum Godalming GU8 4AD 10am-3pm.

See what you can discover at Winkworth as the seasons change. Admission + £1.

THURS 26 DEC - 30 JAN Winter Woolies Trail Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher

10am-3pm. Follow the trail around the garden. Included in admission.

FRI 27 DECEMBER Countdown Clock The Lightbox Woking Craft activity. Drop in anytime from 1.30-4pm. Free, suggested donation £3.

FRI 3 JANUARY Baby Snowy Owls The Lightbox Woking Craft activity. Drop in anytime from 1.30-4pm. Free entry, suggested donation £3.

SUN 5 JANUARY Studio Sunday, The Lightbox See listing on 8 Dec. Merrist Wood Animal Encounter Tours On these two hour tours you may see Cuban iguana, tree frogs, royal pythons, meerkats, red squirrels and lots more. See listing on 17 November for details.

Nearly New Sales For details of nearly new sales please see page 5.

For Adults We don’t have space to list all the details, but Morden Hall, Polesden Lacey, Winkworth Arboretum, Box Hill, Alice Holt Forest and G Live all have Christmas creative workshops for adults.

Christmas Lights Switch On! Saturday 23rd November from 11am

FREE EVENT

Face painting Christmas Stars & Snowflakes make & take Star Wars Characters Father Christmas arrives too!

follow us @princesmead or check out our website www.princesmead.co.uk for event updates and offers.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Surrey West 21

Jack and the Beanstalk, Princes Hall

Christmas Theatre & Carol Concerts Robin Hood, Camberley Theatre

Father Christmas Needs a Wee, G Live

Shakespeare Schools Festival 2019

Wed 20 Nov 7pm. Support young people from your community as they take to the stage in a series of abridged Shakespeare productions.

WINKWORTH ARBORETUM Christmas Carols Sat 30 Nov 3.30-5pm. A magical afternoon of Christmas carols and songs. The tea-room and shop will be open with a selection of wonderfully festive gifts to buy.

HATCHLANDS PARK Family Carols

Sun 15 Dec 12pm & 2pm.

Enjoy a festive sing-along with informal carols and readings in the Music Room at Hatchlands.

Booking essential on 01483 444334 or visitguildford.com.

ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH

Godalming

Mane Chance Carol Concert Sun 8 Dec 5pm. Join

the Shetland ponies of Mane Chance Sanctuary as they walk down the aisle to start the annual carol concert.

22 Families Surrey West

The Wintershall Nativity

Wed 18 - Sun 22 Dec. Experience the magic of the Christmas story live. 50 volunteer actors in biblical costumes, alongside a cast of sheep, donkeys, horses and a sheepdog, take the audience on foot from the open air into the atmospheric, candle-lit barn, as the story of how Jesus changed the world unfolds with songs, music and carolling.

CAMBERLEY THEATRE Robin Hood

Mon 9 - Tues 31 Dec - prices and times vary please check www.camberleytheatre.co.uk or call 01276 707600 for details. A thrilling adventure for all the family – Robin Hood returns home to Sherwood Forest to find the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham starving the local people, raising taxes and ruling a very unhappy kingdom. Courageous, kind and headstrong, Robin can’t stand by and watch friends and family suffer. So vows to be brave and stand up for the local people….

Following their biggest selling panto ever (Sleeping Beauty 2018) join another fantastic cast for an unforgettable pantomime adventure full of sing-a-long songs, breathtaking choreography, side splitting jokes and a sprinkling of magic! Fun for all the family!

In the leading role, they are very happy to welcome back Harrison Spiers as Robin Hood.

Harrison has previously also been seen in Camberley’s ‘Peter Pan’ (as Peter) and Cinderella (as Buttons). Tickets on sale now, some shows have already sold out!

WINTERSHALL ESTATE

Bramely, Guildford

G LIVE

www.GLive.co.uk

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Sat 16 Nov. With the best stand ups and sketch artists form the circuit, this show will have your little ones giggling in delight form start to finish!

Packed with hilarious kid friendly jokes, this unique show gives kids their very own comedy experience.

Shakespeare Schools Festival 2019

Tues 26 – Wed 27 Nov. G Live is proud to be part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival, in partnership with Shakespeare Schools Foundation. Come along for an exhilarating evening, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools.

Rudolph Rave

Sun 15 Dec. A fun festive treat for all the family where kids and adults can rave their socks off! As an added treat for the grown-ups, the bar will be open for a Chrimbo tipple!

Father Christmas Needs a Wee

Sat 14 – Tue 24 Dec. Father Christmas is on his rounds… and he still needs a wee! A fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book. With songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa and a free gift! The perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and extra sparkle.

MORDEN HALL PARK Pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk

Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec 11am & 1.30pm Fee! Fi! Fo! Fum! I smell a panto that’s full of fun!

Book online.

THE LEATHERHEAD THEATRE Once Upon a Princess Sun 17 Nov 12pm & 4pm.

Sleeping Beauty Fri 20-Mon 30 Dec.

THE NOMAD THEATRE

CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE Aladdin Panto Sun 8 Dec 11am & 2pm.

BOROUGH HALL

Godalming

Jack and the Beanstalk Wed 11-Tues 24 Dec.

THE ELECTRIC THEATRE Santa’s Christmas Countdown Sun 8 Dec 1.30pm.

Let’s All Dance: The Nutcracker

Sat 14 Dec 11am & 2pm.

Suitable for all ages, especially children (incl. those with special needs).

Wind in the Willows

Thurs 19-Sat 21 Dec 3.30pm & 7.30pm. Featuring a local cast aged 5-16.

Reindeer on the Roof

Sun 22 Dec 11am & 2.30pm.

Perfect for ages 3+.

Arabian Nights

Mon 23 Dec 11am & 2.30pm.

Music, puppetry and theatrical magic. After the performances there are Belly Dancing or Stage Fighting workshops for children (£13).

HASLEMERE HALL Haslemere’s 20th Christmas Cracker

Sat 21 Dec 7.30pm. Seasonal carols, songs, readings, comic verse and a mini pantomime.

Star in the Jar

Sat 4 Dec 2.30pm. For ages 3-7 and their families.

Puss in Boots

Fri 10-Sat 18 Jan.

FARNHAM MALTINGS Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Thurs 14 Nov & Thurs 12 Dec 11.30am. For parents of babies under 15 months old.

Comedy Club 4 Kids Xmas Special Sun 8 Dec 2pm.

Outside the Igloo

Sat 21 – Mon 23 Dec 11am & 2pm. Sitting amongst the set and performers, the audience play an essential part! For ages 4+ and their families.

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE Horrible Histories

East Horsley

Wed 20-Sat 23 Nov. Aladdin Fri 6 Dec–Sun 5 Jan.

Tues 10 – Sat 14 Dec. Recommended for ages 5+.

DORKING HALLS Aladdin Sat 14-Sun 29 Dec.

Jack and the Beanstalk

PRINCES HALL Jack and the Beanstalk

Fri 6 – Tues 31 Dec. Princes Hall put effort in all year around to make sure their panto is a truly magical production, with fabulous sets, stunning costumes, fantastic dancers, a great script and excellent songs and music.

The wonderful cast, well-loved panto traditions and friendly atmosphere all go into making the Princes Hall pantomime an annual Christmas treat for all the family. “When Jack sells the beloved family cow, for magic beans, he soon discovers they open up an unexpected world of a mysterious land way up in the clouds! Join Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott as they scale the Beanstalk, outwit the Giant and are reunited with the girl Jack loves.” Aldershot’s favourites Robert Hopkins and Donovan Christian-Cary are back for another knock out pantomime this Christmas and lead a reunited and strong artistic team. Roberts’ productions consistently achieve critical acclaim, and Donovan’s accomplishments include winning Encores ‘Best Dame’ award and being nominated for Best Dame at the 2017 British Pantomime Awards. The 2019 pantomime is proving more popular than ever, so don’t miss out, book your tickets now. Call the Box Office on 01252 329 155 or visit www.princeshall.com.

THE BEN TR AVERS THEATRE Cinderella

Sat 14–Sun 22 Dec. Presented

by Godalming Theatre Group.

RHODA MCGAW THEATRE Dear Santa Thurs 19-Tues 24 Dec. Most suitable for ages 2-7. Meet Santa after the show!

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE Sleeping Beauty

Fri 6 Dec – Sun 5 Jan.

The Night Before Christmas Sat 21–Thurs

26 Dec (not 25th). In the Mill Studio. For ages 3-7.

GUILDFORD SPECTRUM Peter Pan On Ice Fri 13-Sun 15 Dec.

SQUIRES GARDEN CENTRE

Badshot Lea

Christmas Circus 23 Nov-24 Dec.

Traditional Circus 27 Dec-1 Jan.

familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas Craft fair at Elm NursEry

Christmas Trail Saturday 16th November 10am - 3pm Get

buy your Gifts

ready for

&

Christmas

order your free ranGe turkey

more than food tastinG Children’s inCludinG turkey farm 50 Craft stalls

berkshire reptile enCounters

Sat 15th & Sun 16th DEC 2018 British-grown Christmas trees from 1st December

Christmas Christmas TrailTrail www.elmnursery.co.uk

Elm Nursery, Sutton Green Road, Guildford, GU4 7QD elmnurseryfarm elm.nursery Open 7 days

A festive family activity trail leading to Father Christmas! Enjoy a maze, campfire, cave, archery, Christmas craft and more! Please Sat 15th & Sun 16th DEC 2018 hour to complete & allow Sun 116th DEC 2018the trail.

Christmas Trail

Sat 15th

Where: Sayers Sat Croft,14th Ewhurst, Surrey &ASun 15th 2019 festive family DEC activity trail leading to Father Christmas! Enjoy Time: 10am—3pm A festive family family activity activity trail trail leading to Father maze, cave, archery, Price: £4 advance orto£7Father on athe daycampfire, Christmas!

Enjoy leading Christmas craft and more!

Please Christmas!

Enjoy a maze, campfire, cave, Adults and under go FREE cave, archery, a maze,2scampfire, allow 1 hour to complete the trail.

archery, Christmas craft and more! Please allow Christmas craft and more!

Please Where: Sayers Croft, Surrey 1 hour complete theEwhurst, trail. allow 1 tohour to complete the trail.

Time: 10am—3pm Where: Sayers Croft,Price: Ewhurst, Surrey £4 advance or £7 on the day Where: Sayers Croft,Adults Ewhurst, Surrey and under 2s go FREE Time: 10am-3pm Time: 10am—3pm Price: Price:£4£4advance advanceoror£7 £7on onthe theday day Adults and under 2s go FREE Adults and under 2s go FREE

To book your slot go to: www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk Or email: trust@sayers-croft.org.uk To book your slot go to: www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk Or email: trust@sayers-croft.org.uk

Camberley Theatre presents a thrilling adventure for the whole family!

To book your slot go to: www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk Or email: trust@sayers-croft.org.uk

Kate Hume

Maid Marion

Newcomer

Sebastian Calver From Sleeping Beauty

Mark Hyde Friar Tuck

Will Scarlett

From Cinderella and Peter Pan

Harrison Spiers Robin Hood

Back for a 5th year

Jack Everson

Suzi Budd

Sheriff of Nottingham

Alana Dale

Josh Harvey Little John

Monday 9 – Tuesday 31 December 2019 th

st

Matt Ian Kelly

Dame Cherry Bakewell

Director: Suzi Budd Choreographer: Thomas Andrew Smith Script Writer: Michael Batchelor Musical Director: Tom Knowles

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY Call 01276 707600 www.camberleytheatre.co.uk Robin Hood Panto Families Surrey West 180mm X 130mm.indd familiesonline.co.uk

1

15/10/2019 14:08:09 Families Surrey West 23

Christmas Light Switch Ons Woking

Join the Big Switch-on at Woking Shopping from 3pm7pm, Thursday 21st November.

Woking will be kicking off their Christmas celebrations on Thursday 21st November in Jubilee Square, with a fabulous day of festivities as they switchon their Christmas lights.

Eagle Radio will be compering the show and there will be a host of free entertainment for families to enjoy. The exciting schedule includes music and dance performances by local schools and a fantastic kettle band bringing some carnival spirit to the heart of town. Santa will also be flying by to meet and greet the little ones and a variety of characters walking about the Peacocks Centre and Wolsey Place, will entertain the whole family throughout the day.

Visitors are sure to be wowed by an incredible animal encounter

as Woking welcomes a furry friend to join the celebrations while Woking Choral Society fills the centre with festive cheer in the evening. It’s set to be a fabulous community event which will also include a stunning lantern parade, featuring lanterns hand made by children using recycled materials.

Farnborough

The lights are being switch on in Princes Mead Shopping Centre on Saturday 23rd November. There will be free face painting, free Christmas Snowflakes & Stars Workshops together with the arrival of Father Christmas and some very special wandering Star Wars Characters! You can also take part on the day with the Christmas Competition and be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend in the centre!

More information can be found at www.princesmead.co.uk/ events

Godalming

Woking

The Godalming Christmas Festival and Lights Switch-On is on Sat 30 Nov. The High Street, Church Street and Crown Court will be lined with a huge array of wonderful festive stalls.

Grotto, live music from schools & theatre groups and childrens rides.

Aldershot Guildford

Guildford

Experience all the festive fun and frolics of the Guildford Christmas Lights Switch-On, on 21 November! There will be live music on the Experience Guildford stage, programmed and presented by Guildford Fringe, outside Holy Trinity Church from 4pm. At 6pm Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon will host the special-guest-filled balcony show from the Guildhall ahead of the light switch on at 7pm.

Afterwards, there will be a spectacular firework display and even more music! You can also pick up a copy of The Little Book of Offers Christmas voucher book to enjoy some fantastic shopping and eating offers on the day, over the festive period and beyond! Celebrate the arrival of the festive season in Guildford town centre!

Farnham

On Sat 16 Nov 1pm-6pm in Gostrey Meadow. Live nativity,

On Sat 16 Nov in the town centre. From 12-5.30pm. An afternoon of festive activities with stalls, music, dance and family entertainment leading to the big countdown as the lights are switched on at 4.45pm.

Camberley

On Sat 16 Nov. There’s entertainment from free face painting to meeting Huskies on Park Street. Live stage acts from 1pm. Light switch on will be taking place from 4.30pm.

Cranleigh

On Sat 16 Nov. There’ll be live entertainment in Fountain Square from 5pm before the lights are switched-on at 6pm.

There will be fairground rides in the High Street, a visit from Father Christmas and special offers from local retailers.

Ripley

On Sun 1 Dec 12-4.30m.

Stalls on the High Street, fairground rides on the green and Father Christmas will be in Richardsons. Procession along the High Street at 3.35pm and lights are switched on at 4pm.

Christmas Fairs and Markets FRI 15 NOV-SUN 1 DEC Christmas Artisan Fair at Polesden Lacey 10.30am-5pm, 10.30am-6pm (Fri/Sat). Each exhibitor has been hand-selected and housed in a charming wooden chalet.

Normal admission applies.

SAT 16 NOVEMBER Elm Nursery Christmas Craft Fair 10am-3pm.

Over 50 stalls selling homemade, homegrown goodies and locally produced arts and crafts.

Plus ‘pocket money’ gifts and children’s presents. Purchase those perfect gifts for those ‘hard to buy for people’! There will be a wide range of food tastings of products available from the farm shop including free range turkey. Try some delicious turkey before you order for Christmas - special deals available on the day!

Delicious food and drink will also be available, both from refreshment stalls and Elm Kitchen cafe. Plenty of choice of light bites, lunches, cakes and pastries. New for this year: ‘Children’s activity area’ located inside the animal farm with paint your own pottery, face

painting and Berkshire Reptiles!

Hold a lizard or a snake as well as seeing the usual fluffy animals! Children’s farm admission applies. Free entry to the fair and free car parking.

THURS 21 NOVEMBER Park Mead PTFA’s Christmas Market Shopping Night Park Mead Primary School, Cranleigh 7-9pm. An

opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping without the children around. Lots of different stalls, refreshments and a bar. Tickets are £5 per person and includes a goody bag and a glass of Prosecco.

If you are interested in having a stall, please contact ptfa@ parkmeadschool.co.uk.

SAT 23 NOVEMBER Farnborough Frost Fair Queensmead is packed with stalls, plus lots more family fun.

SUN 24 NOVEMBER Christmas Fair at St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School St Nicolas Av, Cranleigh

12-2.30pm. Refreshments, games, artisan food, gift wrap, handmade chocolates, mulled wine, meet Santa, entertainment and lots more!

All welcome, entry £1 per family.

THUR 28 NOV-TUES 24 DEC

FRI 6 DECEMBER

Woking Christmas Market Woking’s Christmas market next to Jubilee Square promises customers a great variety of food & drink, hand crafted gifts, decorations and traditional Christmas celebrations to create a fabulous festive atmosphere and entertain the whole family.

Christmas Fair at Brookwood Primary School

SAT 30 NOVEMBER Grayswood School Christmas Fair 4-7pm. All welcome, free entry. A traditional school Christmas Fair with stalls, games and more!

Park Mead PTFA’s Christmas Fair

Park Mead Primary School, Cranleigh. 12-2.30pm. Story time

with Father Christmas who will arrive at 12.15pm (pre-book by emailing ptfa@parkmeadschool. co.uk). Plus a Christmas BBQ, refreshments, tombolas, raffle with fantastic prizes, a cake stall and childrens games and crafts.

Camelsdale Primary School 12-3pm. Everyone welcome.

Stalls, games and lots more fun!

Lightwater Christmas Fayre in the Square 12-4pm. Carols, stalls, gifts, food, a visit from Santa and more.

SUN 1 DECEMBER Haslemere Christmas Market 10am-4pm. Stalls, live nativity, Father Christmas and fun fair.

Connaught Road, Brookwood, Woking 3.15-5pm. A fun

afternoon with stalls, food and refreshments, a raffle and plenty more activities and games for the children!

SAT 7 DECEMBER Christmas Fayre at Badshot Lea Village Infant School Badshot Lea, Farnham 12-3pm.

Entry is £1 per adult, children free. Santa’s grotto, craft room, refreshments and many other stalls.

Christmas Fair at Ottershaw Christ Church CofE Infant School Fletcher Close, Ottershaw Free entry. 12-2.30pm. Christmas Market theme Christmas Fair, fun and games for all the family with Christmas Market stalls, food and drink.

Christmas Fair at St Bartholomew’s CofE Primary School

Derby Road, Haslemere 1-4pm.

Everyone welcome. Stalls, grotto, refreshments and lots more family fun!

SUN 8 DECEMBER Farnham Christmas Market 10am-4pm in Castle Street.

Stalls, gifts, food and drink.