Families NW London November/December 21

EEHome FTRake Me

IN THIS ISSUE Seasonal Celebrations!

Pantos and Christmas shows; Where’s Santa

Issue 145 November/December 2021 Familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 11 - Tues 28 Dec 2021 Harrow Arts Centre Box Office: 020 3773 7161 www.harrowarts.com

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 1

CONTENTS

R-EA

A-

TE

C

a full day out of festive family fun

CU

E

DDL

ALL I

£

IVE

LU NC S

P RICE

For full details, dates, prices and to book visit

willowsactivityfarm.com Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF 2 Families North West London (Programme subject to change).

St Albans J22 M25 Familiesonline.co.uk

© Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited 2021. All rights reserved. PB01827

NEWS

News & Views

CONTACT US: EDITOR:

Heather Waddington T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR:

Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK

Home from home with Chilly Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both?

www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon @FamiliesNWLon @Families_nwlondon_mag Readership of over 60,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published six times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

IN THIS ISSUE: 3 News 4 Education 8 Early years 10 Clubs & Classes Directory 12 What’s On 14 What’s On: Panto’s & Shows 16 What’s On: Where is Santa?

Cover image:

Cinderella at Harrow Arts Centre

Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people.

Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities.

For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home.

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

A letter from Santa All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post.

And what could be more special than a letter from Santa?

Here are two ways of making this happen.

Where is Families North West London?

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west.

You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

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

Familiesonline.co.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 10 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.

More info at www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-tosanta NSPCC Santa Letter Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 9 December. More info at https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org. uk Families North West London 3

EDUCATION

How Tom Daley has shown the nation a few things other than diving…the neuro of knitting!

by Usha Patel – Neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London This summer, we were all glued to our TV sets watching the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and nothing was more amusing than seeing Olympic Gold Medalist Tom Daley’s knitting a pouch for his pending medal. So charming – we all went “ahhhh!”.

I couldn’t help wanting to learn more about Tom. Digging around on the internet, I discovered that his education includes a grade A in Mathematics at A-Level. It did not surprise me one little bit. Those dives Tom does require precision, and a mathematical brain helps.

So what is the link between knitting and being brilliant at maths?

The magic word is ‘working memory’ which is ‘active memory’ – it is what we need to hold pieces of information while thinking and doing – especially learning multi steps procedures. We need good working memory for various tasks: reading comprehension, mental maths, remembering a list of instructions, following a recipe and even knitting!

These are but a few examples of the things we do with good working memory. Basically, it is used for any activity where we need to both think and remember at the same time to perform the activity successfully. If you knit, you need to both remember and follow what you are doing now, as well as remember when the sequence changes. The more complex the knitting task, the more working memory is used.

Why is this important to your children? Working memory is a critical cognitive task. Without a strong working memory, children have poor attention, poor impulse control, are easily distracted, appear immature and can not keep to any task without constant reminders.

Working memory has its most significant development spurt from ages four to sixteen, reaching its peak at age 29. After age twenty-

run by the team behind

nine, it declines. The more you practise doing things that require you to remember and think simultaneously, such as mental arithmetic, recalling what you read (or see on the telly), and following step by step instructions correctly, the more you can improve your working memory.

If you want to do a quick free working memory check, head to our website www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk/working-memoryquestionnaire Getting back to knitting Knitting is a brilliant skill; aside from working memory, it also helps with finger and hand dexterity and developing: • • • • • •

pincer & tripod grip - needed for writing hand grasp - needed for writing stamina hand/eye coordination - for tidy handwriting finger strength and fine motor control crossing the middle line motor planning.

I am all for knitting and yippee to Tom for bringing it to the attention of the entire British Nation! But, while you and your child might not fancy knitting (though I strongly recommend you give it a go – you might love it!), there are plenty of other activities that can help support these complex neuro-development skills.

There are lots of great beginner guide and videos to launch your knitting skill – here is just one to get you started: https://www.lovecrafts.com/ en-gb/c/article/how-to-knit-step-by-step Raviv Practice London helps those with fine motor problems as well as working memory problems. For more information, go to our website and book a free consultation. www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk or call 0203 887 0486.

Bishop Winnington-Ingram CofE Primary School

THE HALL SCHOOL, NORTHWOOD

Pre-Preparatory School & Nursery

for boys & girls aged 3 months to 7 years Term time only OR all year round provision Small ability grouped classes Enthusiastic, dedicated staff Caring, family atmosphere Vouchers & Free Entitlement Preparation for entrance tests 10% Scholarships / bursaries Excellent academic results 7+ exam tutoring

Email us to arrange a visit info@roxethmead.com

25 Middle Road, Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0HW

www.roxethmead.com 4 Families North West London

Looking for a place in a local welcoming School? Look no further!

We are a small school that recognises the potential of every child. We are passionate about our local community and embedding our Christian values.  Before and After School Facilities  Great teachers and support staff  Good Ofsted report

For more information call 01895 633 520 www.bwicofe.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

START YOUR RMS JOURNEY Register online at www.rmsforgirls.com before 3rd December 2021 Call the Admissions Department for further information about joining RMS for Girls.

RMS for Girls, Rickmansworth Park, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 4HF admissions@rmsforgirls.com | 01923 725354 | www.rmsforgirls.com | @rmsforgirls boarding and day school for girls aged 2 - 18 A77596_Reddiford School_General Advert_FV.pdf

2

10/06/2021

REDDIFORD SCHOOL Long Established Reputation for Academic Excellence Limited places available in our Early Years & Certain Year Groups

C

M

Y

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 years 9 months to 11

CM

MY

4th IN THE TOP 100 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (Sunday Times 2019)

CY

CMY

K

• • • • •

Academically selective 100% excellence in all areas - Independent Schools Inspectorate Children prepared for Independent / Grammar Schools’ entrance exams Academic excellence in a warm and caring environment Outstanding staff / pupil ratio across all year groups

To visit the school, please contact:

The Admissions Secretary, Reddiford School, 38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx, HA5 5HH. Tel: 020 8866 0660 • Email: admissions@reddiford.org.uk

Established. 1913

www.reddiford.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 312641 Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 5

10:18

EDUCATION

Encouraging your child to become an independent learner

By Bradley Busch and Edward Watson As children get older and progress within the education system, how they manage their time and how efficiently and effectively they study by themselves becomes an everincreasing premium skill. So, what does academic research tell us about how parents can help facilitate this?

Let’s look at three different but related techniques.

significantly better in their work, achieving higher grades overall.

The first is knowing that developing independent learners goes hand in hand with improving self-reflection. The more self-aware children are, the more likely that they can manage potential distractions. Self-monitoring is a skill that can be developed by encouraging students to ask themselves good questions, such as ‘how can I get better?’ and ‘where do I do my best work?’

Finally, introduce children to effective goal setting. This must include flexibility, short and long-term goals and enough challenge to maintain motivation. Goal setting allows learners to create targets that they would like to work on independently and achieve in a given time frame.

Another way to improve independent learning is to help children become better at managing their time. Left to their own devices, people tend to procrastinate. In fact, some studies have found that seventy five per cent of students consider themselves procrastinators, with fifty per cent procrastinating regularly and to a level that is considered problematic. Research suggests that most students are poor at estimating how long a task will take to complete, as they get distracted or face unexpected obstacles along the way. This is called ‘the Planning Fallacy.’

One study found that one of the best ways to overcome the Planning Fallacy is with small, regular deadlines. This was proven to help children manage their time better and perform

Research has found that when people wrote down their goals, they were thirty three per cent more likely to achieve them than those who kept them in their minds. Encourage children to make a to-do list so that their goals feel more concrete.

Overall, developing independent learners is easy to say but hard to do. It takes time, effort and repetition to ingrain these habits.

But if you persist, your child will reap the benefits for many years to come.

Bradley Busch and Edward Watson are the writers of the book A Parent’s Guide to The Science of Learning: 77 Studies That Every Parent Needs to Know out now in paperback, published

by Routledge, David Fulton.

Holland House School

Hujjat Primary School Where education is more than what you know, it’s who you can become...

APPLY NOW An independent, non-denominational school in NW London, for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years.

Registration for 7+ Assessment (Taking place in the Spring Term) Private School Tours available Please contact the Registrar on 020 8958 6979 HHS encourages independence, individuality and creativity, whilst providing a robust, quality education.

Our pupils are encouraged to aspire and achieve across the curriculum in a caring community which fast becomes, and remains, a family.

admissions@hollandhouse.org.uk

www.hollandhouse.org.uk 6 Families North West London

For Reception 2022 Admission For further details, please visit our website.

Hujjat Primary School is an inclusive Free School located in Harrow, providing a values based approach to learning, focusing on academic excellence, character development and well-being, inspired by Islamic values.

Brookshill, Harrow Weald, HA3 6RR Telephone: 020 8189 9730 HujjatPrimary.org | @HujjatPrimary | office@HujjatPrimary.org Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Teaching young children about time

By Tanith Carey If you’re the parent of a young child, you’re likely to be hearing the words: ‘When’s Santa coming?’ more times than you can count in the weeks running up to Christmas. And when your little ones are never satisfied with your answer, no matter how many times you repeat it, it’s easy to feel a little frustrated.

So, at moments like these, it may help to consider how time looks from your child’s point of view, at each stage of their development.

For example, a toddler only really understands what they can touch or feel. Their first understanding of the concept of time is based on knowing that things – like getting up and having breakfast, lunch, dinner, bath time and story time, happen at roughly the same time every day.

For now, they live in the moment. They can’t touch minutes or hours. So, when you say an event they are looking forward to will happen in ‘ten minutes,’ this is still too abstract a concept for them to fully understand. All they know is that there are some experiences which make them feel happy.

But because they want a visit from grandma or a trip to the zoo NOW, that’s when they think it should happen, which is why they keep on asking.

It will take a few years of life experience and more brain wiring, along with some thoughtful guidance from adults, for youngsters to appreciate an event doesn’t happen instantly because they want it to.

By around the age of 4 or 5, children are starting to grasp that time passes in a predictable way, in the same units of seconds, minutes and hours, for everyone. Kids of this age also have enough experience of the world to relate activities to different times of year. So, they may understand that Christmas happens when it’s cold in winter, while Halloween takes place when the leaves fall off the trees in autumn.

Gradually, as a child’s memory improves, they can refer to events that have occurred as happening ‘last week’ or ‘next week,’ even though they still may not get these descriptions quite right. A

child of this age who says ‘yesterday’ may be talking about an event that happened last week or even a month ago. Even so, children of this age can start to look forward to events, like birthdays, several months in advance.

At around age 6, children can start to understand how time is represented on a clock face. This is partly since children’s frontal lobes are now more efficiently wired up to the rest of their brains, so they are able to view the world in a more logical way.

This allows them a better grasp of what numbers can symbolise, while their working memory now allows them to hold numerical ideas in their heads.

This higher order thinking also allows them to plan more for the future and remember more, so they are now better able to understand the broader concepts of the past, present and future, though you will still get plenty of questions like: ‘Are we there yet?’ if they are on the way to somewhere exciting.

As your child grows, taking a little time to explain the sequences of events, adding in lots of time words like ‘seconds,’ ‘minutes’ and ‘hours’ and applying them accurately, will not only help them make sense of their world but will also make it feel safer and more predictable.

For more insights into how the world looks at every stage for your child, read ‘What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents by Tanith Carey and clinical psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin, published by DK and available from www.bookshop.org

Nursery admissions are open at Coates Way School for children born between 1/9/18 - 31/8/19

Birthday parties with Gymboree Celebrate your little one’s special day with us! At Gymboree Play & Music Watford no two children – or Gymboree Play & Music parties are exactly the same. Allow us to turn your child’s passion into an unforgettable birthday party guaranteed to be a celebration of fun. You let us know your child’s favourite games, songs and activities and we’ll create a custom-made party you can call your own. Guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up!

Choose from a wide range of parties including Play, Music and Art. We specialise in parties for ages 1-5 years.

Level 1, Queens Car Park, Atria Watford Shopping Centre, WD17 2UB. Call 01923 250 440, email watford@gymbo.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Contact the school on 01923 670341 or our website www.coatesway.herts.sch.uk/admissions Families North West London 7

EARLY YEARS

Transitioning from cot to bed

By Claire Burgess Moving your child from a cot to a bed is a big childhood milestone but when should it happen? And how can parents prepare for the transition practically and help their little one understand the big change?

Your child can move to a bed any time between 18 months and 3 years old. In general, the closer you can get to 3 years old, the more developmentally ready they will be.

Here are some signs that indicate your child is ready to move: •

They are fully toilet trained and might need to visit the bathroom on their own in the night.

•

They have started climbing out of their cot. This might be something that they then stop, so don’t let just one attempt convince you that they need to move to a bed. But safety is key. If they might hurt themselves climbing out, you may want to move them to a bed for their own safety.

•

They are getting too big for the cot.

Involve your child in choosing their bedding.

Check the bedroom environment. Remove or secure any possible hazards before moving your child into a bed.

Make the bedroom a place which is relaxing and for sleep. Tidy away any toys so there isn’t a temptation for your child to get out of bed and play.

How to prepare

Introduce a stair gate at the bedroom door. This will keep your little one safe in their room. It is best to introduce this when they are still in a cot so it becomes the norm to have a stair gate at the door.

Introduce a duvet to the cot. Never introduce a duvet or pillow before your child is 12 months old (at the earliest). Waiting until your child is over 2 years is ideal.

A bed guard will prevent your child falling out of bed.

Alternatively, cushions or pillows on the floor by the bed offer a soft landing if they roll out.

Get some story books about sleeping in a bed. Start reading them to your child prior to making the change.

When the big day arrives…

Moving rooms? Make the move while your child still has their cot.

Let them adjust to their new environment and then introduce the bed.

Explain in the morning that today is ‘big bed day.’ If you are taking the side off the cot, let them watch you - it will help them understand the concept of their cot changing into a bed.

Holiday clubs, Breakfast & After school club for children ages 3-11 years

8 Families North West London

Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

Getting out of bed?

If you can, put the bed where the cot was and use bedding which looks, feels and smells familiar. Spend some time in their room practising putting their toys ‘to bed.’ This will help them better understand the new situation before bedtime.

If your child is still napping, set up the bed in the morning so they can have their nap in it that afternoon.

Keep your bedtime routine the same as it has always been; this will help your child to wind down for sleep.

Once your little one has slept a nap or whole night in their bed, don’t forget to praise them for doing so well. This will help them to feel positive about the change and want to go back for another night!

Claire Burgess is proprietor of Bespoke Family, a family consultancy business offering parenting support packages, parenting blogs and webinars, with advice and support tailored to each family’s needs. Find out more at www.bespokefamily. co.uk

Lodge at

A big bed will give your child a new sense of freedom and excitement but you need to remain calm and consistent with your approach.

If your little one gets out of bed, calmly remind them it’s bedtime, take them back and tuck them in.

If this continues, keep taking them back to bed with the same clear message. When children test boundaries, consistent messages help them feel safe and secure at times of change.

Recommended books Pirate Pete: My Big Boy Bed or Princess Polly: My Big Girl Bed by Amanda Li describes all the stages and excitement of moving to a new big bed.

In A Bed of Your Own by Mij Kelly. Suzy Sue has to deal with a bunch of animals all fighting for space in her bed before she can go to sleep herself!

Your Own Big Bed by Rita M. Bergstein tells the story of how animals grow bigger and bigger, just like us!

Pre-school operated by Old Macdonalds Day Nursery, open 8am – 6pm for 2 – 5 year olds Anouska’s Lodge is an exciting new addition to the Anouska’s family. Situated within the grounds of The Grove, the lodge has access to a range of outdoor spaces including the adventure park, musical trail and forest school area, all of which enable us to create an outstanding and enriching learning environment.

With only 16 places available at any one time, we do have limited availability so recommend booking early! Please note - fully funded free spaces are available for 3 - 5 year olds, subject to availability.

To arrange a viewing or to enquire about availability, please call Anouska’s Lodge on 01923 296047 or email anouskas-lodge@ oldmacdonaldsdaynursery.co.uk.

01923 296047 • anouskas-lodge@oldmacdonaldsdaynursery.co.uk • The Grove, Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 9

LOCAL CLUBS & CLASSES

ACTIVITY CENTRES

Ninja Warrior Watford (WD25) Our Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park is a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired

by ITV’s hit programme Ninja Warrior UK! A great place for supervised family activities and for keeping fit, we welcome you on your Ninja journey. No charge for spectators to come and watch your Ninjas from our Café area + treat yourself to our full range of hot and cold food plus a wide selection of drinks! https://ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/watford/

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/ EDUCATION SUPPORT Academic Tuition from Little Big Leaders (HA8 & WD23) in Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year olds at our Little Big Leaders Saturday School, Summer School and Winter School, in our 8th year of success. Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning, and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free trial lessons. (020 3637 6266) www.littlebigleaders.com Ace Tutors Maths online tuition in small groups on Zoom – no need to travel anywhere. Qualified teacher with 31yrs experience. Senior Examiner at A-Level.

Affordable but effective help for your children. All abilities years 7 to 13. Free no-obligation trial lesson.

Call, Text, WhatsApp 07737 853527 Vijay Bhuchar, BSc, BA, PGCE www.acetutors.com Brain Train Tuition Centre (HA2) English & Maths Tuition For Ages 5 – 16 years. Brain Train Tuition will help to improve your child’s academic and social skills, as well as building their confidence and a belief in their ability to succeed. braintraintuition@gmail.com, 0208 426 84250.

Code Ninjas Kids learn to code in a fun, safe, and inspiring learning environment, with a game-based curriculum that they love. Parents love it too, because their kids make real progress and gain valuable skills while having a great time. Everyone wins at Code Ninjas! www.codeninjas.co.uk DiscoG Coding Classes and Camps Weekly Coding Programme teaches Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. Adult courses are also available. (Gerard on 07767 300940) info@discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com Free Readers (various) At Free Readers, your child’s academic success is our utmost priority. We help children of year groups and individual needs, from ages 3 to 11. We offer your child enrichment or extra help in Reading, Maths and English, homework and test preparation. Individual teaching and attention in small groups is our preferred way to help our children on the journey to freedom. We encourage them as they learn how to learn, enabling them to reach their full potential. www.freereaders.co.uk Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity. They are open Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm The Cadet Centre, Elmgrove Road, Harrow, HA1 2QA. Nicole 07575801623 holidays@activetime.co.uk www. activetimedaynursery.co.uk Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 ushapatel.raviv@gmail.com www. integratedbrain.co.uk Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. (07985 588 085) www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk The Learning Wheel (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11. www.thelearningwheel.co.uk

WATFORD North West London Families Magazine Ad 180mmx85mm-2 PRINT.pdf

2

18/08/2021

Little Big Leaders (HA8 & WD23) in Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year-olds at our Saturday School, Summer School and Winter School.

Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free trial lessons. 020 3637 6266 www.littlebigleaders.com Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course. Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home-based work. The computer interventions is similar to having a tutor in your home with daily monitoring and feedback. Usha Patel on 07766 837 6168 info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) .

ARTS AND CRAFTS Blank Canvas Art Club Online, Fine Art classes for kids and adults from 6-106 teaching skills & techniques whilst encouraging imagination and finding your own style whatever your experience.

Weekday Afterschool kids classes. Adults evening or daytime classes are suitable for beginners or refreshers.Contact Suzi at blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com www.Facebook. com/BlankCanvasArtClub Insta @blankcanvas.art. club Stitch Club (HA5) Dressmaking, Stitch Clubs, Parties and Workshops for children, young people and adults in Central Pinner. A safe space to bring your ideas to life. www.stitch.club sam@stitch.club

DANCE Street Dance Academy (various) Teach children aged 5-18 yrs every weekend during school term time, with clubs in and around London, Hertfordshire and Surrey. Street Dance Academy also teach Adult Street Dance Classes and Zumba Classes in Twickenham every Wednesday. 0800 0236 236 www. streetdanceacademy.co.uk Elina Patrou Academy of Dance (formerly The Van Niekerk Academy) (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations. Online private ballet lessons available also. www.elinapatrouacademyofdance. com, elinapatrouacademyofdance@gmail.com 07555861561.

11:42

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

FIND YOUR INNER NINJA at the supervised activity and fitness venue with obstacles and inflatable Booking and info at: ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/watford 10 Families North West London

Familiesonline.co.uk

LOCAL CLUBS & CLASSES

FIRST AID

SIGN LANGUAGE

MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course.

Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration.

Certificate valid for 3 yrs. Margaret 07814 191 395, email mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk

Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months. www.singandsign.com. info@singandsign.co.uk

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Etiquette and Emotions I am a certified coach, offering ‘Modern Youth Etiquette’ workshops to elevate your 6-12 year olds confidence and social persona. I also offer ‘Emotional Intelligence’ courses to develop children’s self-awareness and social skills.

Contact for further information info@etiquetteandemotions.com 07736 297029

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded.

020 7631 6258. www. Cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Phonics with Robot Reg (various) provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children aged 1-4 years. A Phonics with Robot Reg class is fun, varied and educational, and the best part is that children don’t even realise that they are learning. https://robotreg.co.uk

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 yrs with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music skills. 020 8444 9435. www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk. admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk Gymboree Play & Music Watford offer sensory classes for babies, art and music classes, as well as Play & Learn classes for little ones who are on the move. They also offer a range of fabulously fun birthday parties, with zero clean up for you! They’re based upstairs in the Atria shopping centre at the top of the Queens Car Park, near the Management Centre. https://gymbo.co.uk/locations/watford Monkey Music Award-winning Monkey Music, trusted by parents since 1992, introduces babies and young children aged 3 months to 4 years to music with a unique four-stage curriculum specifically tailored to each age group. Classes are run 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Ickenham, Harrow, Stanmore and Watford. 020 8427 6595. www. monkeymusic.co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE TISKA Karate - Learn the fascinating art of Karate.

Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Families welcome, minimum age 4 yrs.

4 week free trial (07739 572487) patel.karate@ icloud.com, www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk / www. tiskakarate-northwood.co.uk / www.tiskakaratewembley.co.uk Watford Cycle Hub offering cycle repair services, maintenance courses and cycle training. They also accept your old bikes and recycle them, salvaging what they can; in turn the also sell affordable reconditioned bikes and bike parts. They also offer advice and information about cycling and bikes, including local cycle routes and maps, news about locally led rides and cycling opportunities. www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk

SWIMMIMG

P.S Theatre (WD18/HP5) P.S Theatre is an independent, local drama school. With three stages to choose from, there is a place for everyone. A place to make dreams come true! Ages: 4-18. Email: jen@ pstheatre.co.uk. www.pstheatre.co.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA5, HA6) Performance based theatre school for children aged 3-18 with venues based in Hatch End and Northwood.

Weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, LAMDA and Acrobatics. www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun! (Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599 www.stagecoach.co.uk

YOGA & MASSAGE Kids Yoga with Yana (Watford) Yana is a qualified Kids Yoga teacher with a passion for empowering children to be the best version of themselves through fun yoga and mindfulness practice. www.facebook.com/kidsyogawithyana

Aqua Vie are doing regular after school weekly Tues, Wed and Sunday Classes in Bushey during term times. Spaces for New babies, toddlers & Adults on Tues and Wed. Learn mindful effortless swimming in a calm environment in warm water. Use less effort, swim further and experience the joy of water.

Email office@aqua-vie.com Tel 01923 245 773 mob 07814 987 153 www.Aqua-vie.com

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Perform Weekly drama, dance and singing classes.

Weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidence building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Classes at Harrow, Pinner, Eastcote, Northwood, Mill Hill, Watford, Stanmore and Ickenham. NEW classes coming to Kensal Rise, Bushey and Abbots Langley. Visit www. perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE TRIAL class. 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk PQA (Pauline Quirk Academy) (various) provides outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 – 18 year old’s. Each week students rotate through specialist sessions in Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & TV taught by leading industry professionals.

PQA is enrolling for September! Book a free taster session at your local Academy www.pqacademy.com

ERS BEGINN FFER O L SPECIA

S 4 W EEK FREE

World of Children’s Yoga

For children from 2-16 years old in Harrow, Watford, Northwood and surrounding areas.

It’s all about building: Self-awareness; Empowerment; Resilience.

Classes: Yoga in Education - Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools; Family Yoga and Mum & Daughter Yoga *Launching September 2021 - Girls Circles from puberty to teen*.

For more information, contact Anjli on 07784 370034, anjli@worldofchildrensyoga.com, www.worldofchildrensyoga.com www.facebook.com/worldofchildrensyoga @worldofchildrensyoga

CLASSES FOR GROWNUPS Woodcarving (Iver) A small group who would welcome new members. Drop in for a chat! Meet Monday mornings 9.30am - 12.30 at Evreham Centre, Swallow Street, Iver.webb1959@btinternet.com

Classes held Every Thursday at 5.00pm

Preston Park Primary School, College Road, Wembley, HA9 8RJ

Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow High School, Gayton Road, Harrow, HA1 2JG

Every Saturday at 2.00pm

For more information please contact us on

07739572487

patel.karate@icloud.com

St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES

Familiesonline.co.uk

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Families North West London 11

What's On

listings for all the family

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.

Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events.

it's updated every day!

Many activities and events require advance booking.

Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out.

Thu 11 Nov - On-Line Parenting Course for Separated Parents (online) This course is recommended for parents who have separated or newly separated and would like to co-parent. In a safe, non-judgemental arena this 6 week programme uses a parent focussed- child centred approach.

Children need two loving parents, consistent, positive discipline and clear communication. You will be able to develop your skills to bring up confident, happy and co-operative children. Thu 11th Nov to Thu 16t Dec, 7-9pm. Call 020 8863 7319/07498881496 to register or email info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk Sat 13 Nov – Thu 23 Dec - Christmas Fair (HP18) The spectacular fair at the front of the house at Waddesdon Manor is a Christmas shopping experience not to be missed. The fair will be set against the backdrop of the floodlit North Front of the Manor with its 20ft Christmas trees. Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with our handselected stalls all housed in charming wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-fair Sun 14 Nov - Introduction to Gall Ink and Calligraphy (HA2) Using ancient techniques, learn the process of making ink from the Oak gall and create your very own historical, caligraphic initial.

Gall Ink was a traditional, indelible ink used throughout history for important documents such as the Magna Carta, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawings of Adam. Discover the history of liturgical Headstone Manor and develop your own marvellous letterhead, worthy of the important land documents created here.

Suitable for ages 5+ and their adults! This is a messy workshop so please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty! At Headstone Manor Museum, 11am and 1.30pm. https://headstonemanor.org/events/introduction-togall-ink-and-calligraphy/2021-11-14/ Tue 16 Nov - Toddler Takeover Day at Headstone Manor Museum (HA2) A day for Under 5’s to take over the running of Headstone Manor & Museum.

Toddlers will have the chance to be Security Guards, Archaologists, Curators and more! From 11am2.30pm. https://headstonemanor.org/events/toddlertakeover-day/ Tue 16 Nov - Tue 21 Dec - On Line Parenting Course for Separated Parents (Online) This course is recommended for parents who have separated or newly separated and would like to co parent. Both parents are not required to attend. In a safe, non judgemental arena this 6 week programme uses a parent focussed child centred approach. You will be able to develop your skills to bring up confident, happy and co operative children. 020 8863 7319 i nfo@hopeharrow. www.hopeharrow.org.uk Fri 19 Nov - The 2021 Disability Arts Festival (HA5) Harrow Arts Centre are beyond thrilled to be able to welcome back their annual Disability Arts Festival.

They will be bringing you an even more joyful and exciting series of performances from integrated performing arts groups from Harrow and beyond!

12 Families North West London

Christmas Craft Workshops

Expect a fantastic mix of drama, dance, music, and comedy followed by a popular disco! Ages 4+. https:// harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/disability-artsfestival-2021 Fri 19 – Sat 20 Nov - Evening with the Stars (SE10) Visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich after-hours and see the moon, planets and constellations through the 18-tonne Great Equatorial Telescope. Visitors will also enjoy a show at the Peter Harrison Planetarium during this celestial evening at the Royal Observatory.

5-9pm, ages 7+. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 20 Nov - Parmiter’s Christmas Gift Fair (WD25) Christmas Gift Fair takes place on Saturday 20th November from 11am until 4pm at Parmiter’s School. There will be over 50 professional stalls with Christmas gifts for all ages ~ something for everyone.

Food and drink available. parmitersfair@gmail.com Sat 20 Nov - Cutty Sark Birthday Weekend (SE10) Celebrate Cutty Sark’s birthday this year with an afternoon of sea shanties and more on board the ship.

Some events suitable for all, others recommended for an older audience, so check website for further information. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 20 Nov - Make, Do and Maintain (SE10) Ever wondered how to keep your silver shining or how to mount a picture? Head along to the National Maritime Museum and help build a community of makers and menders. This is a club for old and young to share current skills and discover new ones. 10.30am12.30pm at the Prince Phillip Maritime Collections Centre. www.rmg.co.uk/collections/prince-philipmaritime-collections-centre Sat 20 Nov - LGBTQ+ Family Network (SE10) A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection! 10am12pm at the National Maritime Museum. Pre-booking

essential. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/nationalmaritime-museum/lgbtq-family-network Tue 23 Nov - Tots take over! (E14) Calling families with under 5s! On 23 November, the Museum of London Docklands is letting tots take over the museum, and opening the museum galleries exclusively for you and your little ones. You’ll be able to go under the sea in the sensory space, enjoy interactive storytelling and take part in a range of special sessions for toddlers and babies. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/ event-detail?id=292608 Thu 25 Nov – Tue 4 Jan - Winterfest 2021 (HA9) Returning to Wembley Park after a year’s hiatus, Wembley Park’s free winter lights trail, Winterfest, is returning for 2021. Celebrating togetherness, this year’s Christmas lights theme will be ‘Reunited in Light’, and will feature returning favourites (yes, we mean London’s largest LED tree) as well as brand-new commissions and new art installations. https://wembleypark.com/whats-on/winterfest-2021/ Fri 26 – Sun 28 Nov - Christmas Fair at Knebworth (SG3) Enjoy a weekend packed with festive shopping at the Knebworth Christmas Fair on the 26th, 27th and 28th November in Knebworth Park and Barns. This Christmas event will bring gift ideas, presents for all ages and delicious festive food and drink. www.knebworthhouse.com/events/christmas-fair Fri 26 Nov – Sun 9 Jan – Christmas at Kenwood (NW3) As night falls on the exquisite gardens of Kenwood House this winter, the grounds come alive with a spectacular burst of Christmas magic and sparkle. Perched on the edge of Hampstead Heath, the tranquil landscaped gardens will become home to an illuminated trail that invites visitors to see the historical landscape in a new light, as they step into a dazzling winter wonderland. https:// christmasatkenwood.com

Familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Sat 27 Nov – Trinity Orchestra Concert (HA1) Taking place at 7pm at St. Peter’s Church, Sumner Road, Harrow, the concert will feature the world famous Clarinettist, Colin Lawson, Director of the Royal College of Music, who lives in Harrow and his wife who plays Violin in the orchestra. He will play Mozart’s renowned Clarinet Concerto and the orchestra will play Beethoven’s exciting ‘Eroica’ Symphony. https://trinityorchestra.org.uk

Christmas shopping in London

Sat 27 Nov - Disappearing Lines: Ghost Ships Workshop (SE10) Build your own boat and take it home from this workshop delivered by professional wooden boatbuilder Gail McGarva and inspired by The Story Boat, a miniature maritime museum that Gail created from the upturned boat. Participants will try their hand at two key processes in traditional wooden boat building: steam bending and copperrivet fastening. They will create their own miniature oak ribcage of a boat, a ghost ship symbolising the disappearing lines of the craft. At the National Maritime Museum from 10am-4pm, for ages 8+. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 27 - Sun 28 Nov - Family Festival (E14) A weekend of fun for the whole family at the Museum of London Docklands. Go along and enjoy a whole host of exciting activities at the next family festival.

Immerse yourself in the history of London, get creative and take part in hands-on workshops. This festival has been developed by a group of creatives who live local to the Docklands museum site. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/ event-detail?id=293408 Sat 4 – Sun 5 Dec - Santa Dash (Virtual) Get those bells jingling and kick this holiday season off to a merry start by joining Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity for their first EVER virtual Santa Dash! Step into Christmas and rock around the block wherever you are whether you choose to walk, run, scoot or sleigh ride! Whether you want to have a leisurely walk through a Winter Wonderland or travel the whole world in one night, any distance will bag you a place on Santa’s ‘Nice List’! www.rbhcharity.org/ Event/santadash Sat 4 – Sun 5 Dec - Family Fun Weekend: All that glitters (SE10) Go on board Cutty Sark for another weekend filled with exciting activities for all the family.

Meet characters from Cutty Sark’s past, sing along with traditional sea shanties, and gild your very own Christmas decoration www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/family-funweekend-all-glitters Sat 4 – Sun 5 Dec - Christmas Weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) A special Christmas weekend opening. Go and find out a little about how Christmas was celebrated in the past and see some of the Museum’s historic buildings traditionally decorated for Christmas. There will be a small artisan Christmas market and the Museum’s shop will be full of handmade products made by local crafts people. https://coam.org.uk/events/christmas-event Sat 4 – Sun 24 Dec - ‘12 Days of Headstone’ Family Trail (HA2) Can you help us find all of the decorations hidden around the Headstone Manor House so we can decorate our Christmas Tree? Fill in the sheet as you explore the site. https://headstonemanor.org/whats-on

To advertise in our next issue call Heather on 01923 237 004 Familiesonline.co.uk

Mon 6 Dec - Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert (HA1) Magical music, festive frolics, sparkles and spices, oh my! Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and head along to this Bach to Baby concert at St John’s Church on Sheepcote Road - the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Doors open at 3.45pm. www.bachtobaby.com/harrow-musicconcerts-for-baby-and-family Mon 6 Dec – Motivating Our Teens To Learn (Online) A workshop for all parents of teenagers.

As a parent it can be exciting and satisfying seeing our children grow into unique individuals and also challenging if we see them struggling or disinterested with school. We will discuss how to support our Teens sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations. Online session from 7-9pm, run by Hope Harrow. 02088637319, info@ hopeharrow.org.uk Thu 9 Dec - Harefield Carols by Candlelight (UB9) The Harefield Christmas Carol Concert is back in person this year. At this concert, you will enjoy a wonderful evening of carols, including those sung by the respiratory patients from the patient’s choir, Singing For Breathing, and the Harefield Junior School Choir. Join in a night of festive celebration at the stunning St Mary’s Church in Harefield. All donations will go towards supporting Harefield Hospital. www.rbhcharity.org/Pages/Events Sun 12 Dec - Twinkling Tin Stars (HA2) Design your own tin-tastic decorations made from recycled pie dishes at Headstone Manor and Museum. Suitable for ages 5+ and their grown ups! https://headstonemanor.org/whats-on Sun 12 Dec - Christmas Family Concert and Craft Workshop (WC1N) Get into the festive spirit with this family-friendly Christmas concert at the Foundling

Museum, and hear Reinecke’s flute sonata as well as works by Bach and Poulenc. The concert will be followed by a Christmas-themed craft workshop for children. https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/events/ xmas-family-concert Tue 21 Dec - Family Workshop: Ship’s Christmas Biscuits (WC1N) Get baking and design your own biscuit cutter for Christmas at the Foundling Museum.

In this workshop create your own biscuit cutter for making Christmas ship’s biscuits. Inspired by ships biscuits, we will provide the dough for you to form, cut biscuits, then bake at the end of the workshop.

Suitable for age 5+. https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/events/shipschristmas-biscuits Wed 22 Dec - Family Workshop: Ship’s Christmas Lanterns (WC1N) Light the way this Christmas by making your own lantern inspired by a ship’s lantern at the Foundling Museum. Join us for this workshop led by Emily Tracy to create a Christmas lantern inspired by traditional ship’s lanterns. Add to this year’s Christmas lights with your own beautiful designs.

Suitable for age 5+. https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/events/shipschristmas-lanterns Thu 6 – Sun 23 Jan - Winter Light (HP18) Begin 2022 with sparkle and bright lights, as Waddesdon Manor extend their Winter Light programme into the new year for you to enjoy. See the gardens awash with colour and dazzling light displays. Go an enchanted journey with a light art trail, sequenced projections on the Manor’s façade and woodland lantern and boat trail, with opportunities to enjoy winter food and drink. 2-9pm. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/winter-light

Get the best out of SIGN UP HERE family life to receive

Magazine

Sign up now atevery issue familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue.

IT’S FREE!

Magazine

Families North West London 13

CHILDREN’S What’s On THEATRE

What's On The Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

Pantos & Family Shows

Image © Snowman Enterprises Limited

Fri 10 Dec – Mon 3 Jan - Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Pantomime is back at The Alban Arena for the biggest, funniest and most spectacular festive treat ever! The fabulous Chizzy Akudolu is the Wicked Queen; social media sensation, Jonny Weldon is Muddles, and Ian Kirkby is back by huge popular demand, as Baron Von Badapple!

Artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Mon 6 Dec - Mon 3 Jan - The Tiger Who Came to Tea The purrfect Christmas treat for all the family! The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Ages 3+ Wed 15 - Fri 31 Dec - Breaking the Ice This playful and light-hearted show is inspired by the true story of an unlikely friendship between a husky and a wild polar bear. Go on a journey into the snow where music, shadows and projection will transport you to a place where polar bears and huskies really can be friends - the perfect arctic adventure for your pack this festive season!

Ages 2-7 years The Beck Theatre Grange Road, Hayes.

020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk Wed 1 – Sun 5 Dec - Cinderella The British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainment Society cordially invites you to their 50th Anniversary production of Cinderella. This classic rags to riches tale will be told in true BACCES style, and this year’s show promises to be the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. So polish your pumpkins, dust off your gowns, grab your glass slippers and go to the ball, as we watch Cinders meet her very own Prince Charming!

Fri 10 Dec – Sun 2 Jan - Jack and The Beanstalk Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant of a panto your way comes! Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime!

Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com Tue 21 Dec - The Snowman + Paddington Bear’s First Concert Now a regular highlight of Christmas in Chelsea, the Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cadogan Hall for its annual performance of the timeless classic, The Snowman, for which the film is shown on the big screen with a live symphony orchestra providing the soundtrack.

12-year-old Alice Mackenzie sings the aria made so famous by Aled Jones: Walking in the Air. This is the perfect antidote to panto and a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family.

Please say you saw them in

14 Families North West London

Chickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk Wed 24 Nov – Sat 8 Jan - EverAfter - A Mixed Up Fairytale!

When Hansel and Gretel are left to fend for themselves in the Wild Woods, a series of events is set in motion, taking the two children on a journey through some of our best loved fairytales. Chickenshed is thrilled to announce the return of its Christmas Show with EverAfter. Featuring their famously large and amazingly diverse cast, this mixed up fairytale will be a dazzling and unforgettable theatrical journey for adults and children alike.

Sat 4 – Wed 29 Dec - Christmas Tales at Chickenshed We all need a huge sprinkling of magic this year. So make way for this colourful, energetic and vibrant show - as the fun and giggles are brought back to the biggest and brightest stage, the Rayne Theatre. With puppets, singing, dancing and some larger-than-life characters, Christmas Tales is guaranteed to entertain the very youngest of audience (and grown-ups too!), leaving everyone happy and merry at this most wonderful time of the year! Ages 0-7 years Thu 9 – Wed 29 Dec - Christmas Planet Play Christmas Planet Play will bring a magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration to the biggest and brightest stage, the Rayne Theatre, this December.

Featuring the usual musical fun and games, singing, dancing and puppets - along with some special festive surprises - Christmas Planet Play is perfect for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years.

Compass Theatre Glebe Avenue, Ickenham UB10 01895 673 0200 www.hillingdontheatres.uk Thu 9 Dec – Sun 9 Jan - Beauty and the Beast The battle is on for the strong-minded Belle and loveable Dame Dolly, as they attempt to reverse the Evil Enchantress’ spell. This high energy pantomime is packed with belly laughing jokes, well-known hit pop songs, slapstick comedy and plenty of audience participation!

Fri 17 – Fri 24 Dec - The Santa Show 2021 It’s Christmas Eve at the North Pole and the elves are making final preparations to Santa’s sleigh when disaster strikes! Santa’s computer has crashed and he needs your help to resolve the problem before Christmas gets cancelled. Will the children be able to help Santa save the day? Suitable for ages 2+, this show includes songs, a gift and, restrictions allowing we hope to also include the chance to meet Santa after the show.

Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com Sat 11 – Tue 28 Dec - Cinderella The entire family is invited to the ultimate ball as we proudly present “Cinderella”, the most magical pantomime of all. Go and cheer, boo, hiss, laugh, and sing along to some of your favourite songs. With heaps of audience participation, spectacular costumes, dazzling sets and enchanting special effects, Cinderella is guaranteed to be an unforgettable, side-splitting experience whether you’re 4 or 104! A perfect Xmas treat for the whole family!

Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com Sat 13 Nov – Sun 23 Jan - There May Be a Castle On a frozen Christmas eve, Mouse Mallory and family are on their way across the snow-white valley to their grandpa’s house. But they never arrive. Instead, Mouse makes friends with a dinosaur that can change size, a glamorous, but sarcastic horse, and a tone-deaf minstrel who never stops singing! Together, they embark upon an extraordinary quest in search of a castle – but will they find it before the dangerous pink knight catches up with them? Ages 7-11 years.

Fri 19 Nov – Sun 30 Jan - The Storm Whale Noi lives with his Dad and their six cats by the sea. One winter, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach during a storm.

There a friendship began that changed their lives forever.

Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life as one enchanting theatre show. Ages 4-8 years The O2 Arena Peninsula Square, London SE10 0208 463 2000 www.theo2.co.uk Wed 22 Dec – Sun 2 Jan - Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero, an adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favourite Disney stories. See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and stars from Moana, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Tangled.

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice W9 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com Sat 4 & Sat 11 – Sun 12 Dec - Pinocchio The world-famous puppet, Pinocchio, comes to life in paper form in the Magical Paper Theatre’s new adaptation Familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On of this well-known tale. Using the traditional 19th century pop-up book techniques of Victorian toy theatres, the story features over 25 characters, 15 different scenes and special effects, a crankie box and a 15-metre long scroll!

Ages 5+ Sat 18 Dec – Mon 3 Jan - Mr Shadow’s Christmas Present Mr. Shadow has a present – but who is it for, and what is inside? Shadows and light, darkness and bright, what will your shadow show you tonight? Be inspired to make your own hand shadows by Mr. Shadow. He will take you on a shadowy Christmas journey as he transforms ordinary things into something magical through the wonder of shadow play. Ages 3+.

The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Thu 18 – Sat 20 Nov - Matilda Jr Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination!

This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. A great musical for all the family with some amazing show tunes as well.

Sat 4 – Fri 31 Dec - Snow White Another great Pantomime from Upstage Productions.

dazzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional Christmas favourite. Expect a sprinkling of delicious new surprises in this reinvented production for 2021.

Sat 20 Nov – Sun 2 Jan – The Snowman Delighting audiences for 23 years, this magical stage adaption of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book, and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates, has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman that comes to life. The Snowman continues to enchant audiences with a captivating mix of dance, live music, storytelling, spectacle and magic.

Trestle Theatre Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk Sat 18 – Sun 19 Dec - Robin Hood Join the gallant outlaw Robin Hood and his band of mischievous merry men (and women) in Sherwood Forest this Christmas. With the help of the brilliant Maid Marion, the gang battles the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and steals from the rich to give to the poor, but can Robin save the forest and everything he holds dear before Prince John takes the crown? A fun-packed, music-filled family show with plenty of laughs. Whether you’re 6 or 106 you’ll love this exciting, comedy version of the legendary tale.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre London, EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com Tue 7 Dec – Sun 30 Jan - Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

New Adventures Reimagined for the 21st century, the sweetest of all Matthew Bourne’s Christmas treats returns to London for a limited season at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. It’s a Nutcracker! like no other, adored by critics and audiences alike. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s delectable sets and costumes combine with Bourne’s

Enter our Christmas Gift Giveaway!

Young Drivers Driving Experience

Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, SE1.

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Fri 26 Nov – Wed 22 Dec - Scrunch This gorgeous, sensory show from the makers of the highly successful, long-running Baby Show returns to delight babies and parents alike this festive season. As you sit together in the cosy space, share in your baby’s excitement at the building anticipation of Christmas Day and all things present-related – including the very best bit: crumpling, rumpling and scrunching that wrapping paper! At the end of the show there is a chance to play and dance together in the space. Ages 6-18 months only.

Watersmeet High St, Rickmansworth WD3 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk Thu 9 – Fri 31 Dec – Cinderella Have a ball at the best loved panto of them all!

Watford Palace Theatre Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Thu 2 Dec – Sun 2 Jan – Dick Whittington and His Cat The most magical pantomime adventure is back this Christmas at Watford Palace Theatre! Join Dick Whittington and His Cat as they follow their dreams on an unforgettable journey to London and beyond!

Expect fabulous costumes, stunning sets, live music, and non-stop laughs! And with Dame Sherrie Trifle adding a delightful dollop of fun along the way, it’s the ultimate seasonal treat for you, your family, and friends. The Palace has been the home of panto in Watford since 1908. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it!

Tickets start at just £11 and discounts are available for groups and schools! With socially distanced, captioned, relaxed, and audio described performance options available, there really is something for everyone! www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or call 01923 225671.

2021 2– C E D 2 N 202 2 JA

Silverstone Lap of Lights Experience

by Andrew Pollard

TICKETS FROM £11 Storytime magazine subscription

Brave Girls’ Book Club

More gifts available

Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go T&Cs apply

BOX OFFICE 01923 225671 | WATFORDPALACETHEATRE.CO.UK Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 15

CHILDREN’S What’s On THEATRE

What's On Northwood Christmas Craft Market (HA6) There will be lots of lovely Christmas crafts for sale and children can visit Father Christmas. At Northwood Methodist Church Hall from 10am-1pm on Sat 11 Dec. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk

Where is Santa?

Lapland (SL5) Lapland offers a great holiday experience.

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

Ruislip Lido (HA4) Santa Specials on Sun 5, Sat 11, Sun 12 and Sat 18 December. Your adventure will start from Willow Lawn Station and will carry you on an enchanting ride through the woods and around the Lido to Santa’s Grotto at Woody Bay Station. www.ruisliplidorailway.org

Lauderdale House (N6) Every year a magical Christmas grotto springs up in Lauderdale House as the man himself (Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Père Noël, Saint Nick) pays us a special seasonal visit. Kids of all ages can come along to meet him! www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/ santas-christmas-grotto

Hillingdon Narrowboats Association (UB9) Santa is back and his elves are running his Santa Boat Trips.

Boats depart every 30 minutes 10am to 4.30pm on the forst 3 weekends of December from The Boathouse, Summerhouse Lane, Harefield. www.hna.org.uk

Legoland (SL4) Enjoy your holiday with a bit of LEGO magic including lights, snow-dusted pine trees and seasonal festivities! Meet Father Christmas in his log cabin and receive a special LEGO gift. Don’t miss his parade as it makes its way around the park! 27 November to 3 January. www.legoland.co.uk

Christmas Wonderland at Crews Hill (EN2) The magical new train ride takes you to see Santa in his NEW magical Ice Kingdom at the North Pole! Take a magical ride through the Wonderland where you will see some familiar Christmas favourites, on route to Santa’s NEW magical Ice Kingdom. www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk Hamleys (W1F) London’s biggest toy store will likely welcome back the big man in red again this year. Times and dates to be announced! www.hamleys.com Hard Rock Café (W1K) Join Father Christmas on 4 December for a rockin’ good breakfast that includes an unlimited buffet, donut wall, face painting, games, and a visit from Jolly St. Nick himself! www.hardrockcafe.com Kew Gardens (TW9) Enjoy Kew’s magical trail of lights complete with tunnels of light, colourful trees, and waterside reflections before saying hello to Father Christmas along the way! 17 Nov to 9 Jan. www.kew.org

London Transport Museum (WC2E) From 4 Dec, meet Santa and help him fix his sleigh to keep delivering his presents! www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum of London (EC2Y) Take a stroll through a twinkling Victorian Walk at the Museum of London, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of carols in the distance, and discover Santa in his secret grotto. Once you’ve found him, tell Santa your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. From 3–23 December. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Odds Farm Park (HP10) Festive Fairytales With Father Christmas from 1–24 December. Snuggle down with your loved ones and be transported to a magical world of merriment and yuletide wonder, as Father Christmas treats you to tales full of Christmas adventure and festive frivolities. www.oddsfarm.co.uk/once-upon-a-christmas

Discover the Wonder of Christmas at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts!

From 3rd December 2021

Paradise Wildlife Park (EN10) Meet and have your photo taken with Santa every weekend from 27 November & every day from 18 December to 24 December. Santa will be arriving at Paradise in a beautiful grotto based at our Safari Stage where your little ones can join him safely for a fabulous photo opportunity. www.pwpark.com/events/christmas-at-paradise Royal Albert Hall (SW7) Father Christmas is back at Royal Albert Hall and will be waiting in his enchanting winter grotto! Enjoy a story time session with Santa and his head elf Crumpet before taking home your own gift!

From 2– 21 December. www.royalalberthall.com Willows Activity Farm (AL4) Enjoy a family day out of festive fun this Christmas at Willows Activity Farm on selected dates between 20 Nov to 24 Dec. You’re invited to meet Santa in his Spectacular Grotto, where every child receives a golden key to his Toy Shop - full of gifts for boys and girls of all ages to choose from! www.willowsactivityfarm.com ZSL London Zoo (NW1) Find out what the zoo animals want for Christmas by taking the fun, family trail and then mail off their lists at Mrs. Claus’ post office! Book your special time to meet Santa in his magical grotto 4–5 and 11– 4 December. www.zsl.org ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (LU6) On weekends and throughout the week leading up to Christmas, experience festive magic with Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Your little ones can visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto and receive an early Christmas present!. www.zsl.org/zslwhipsnade-zoo/whats-on/christmas-at-whipsnade-zoo

Festive Adventures Are Closer Than You Think!

Join the festive fun at Gulliver’s Milton Keynes this Christmas. Less than 1 hour away from London by Train!

Bing and Flop will be making special appearances each day throughout the festive season too. Pre-book your theme park tickets early and enjoy a magical day out for less.

Book Early and Save at: Gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Santa Sleepovers and Themed Stay s

Magical Theme Park Packages

Rides & Attractions · Santa Appearances · Winter Wonderland Cosy Family Rooms · Children’s Gifts · Festive Shows & More

BOOK ONLINE EARLY AND SAVE AT:

GULLIVERSLANDRESORT.CO.UK @Gulliversfun

16 Families North West London

GULLIVER’S LAND, MILTON KEYNES, MK15 0DT

Familiesonline.co.uk