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Issue 53: Nov-December 2013

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Epsom and Ewell, Sutton, Croydon and nearby areas.

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lo Whatc' al s On

Santa's Grottos Christmas Fairs Christmas shopping guide

Call us on 020 8669 5187 or email Editor@Families-LSB.co.uk

News & Views Ple

Issue 53: Nov-December 2013 www.Families-LSB.co.uk

EEke on FRase ta

Epsom and Ewell, Sutton, Croydon and nearby areas.

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Huge

loc What'sal On

Santa's Grottos Christmas Fairs Christmas shopping guide

Editor: Izabella Shaw 0208 669 5187 editor@Families-LSB.co.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Call us on 020 8669 5187 or email Editor@Families-LSB.co.uk

Boys&Girls Autumn/Winter 2013 collections www.boysandgirlsshop.com ‘Families London-Surrey Borders’ is part of a group of magazines

headed by ‘Families South West’ established in 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but

the publishers and its agents cannot be held responsible for loss

or damage, or for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of

the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and

any other original materials submitted are sent at owners risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for any loss or damage.

Contents News and views . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 – 3 Clubs, classes and activities . . . . . . 4 – 5 Behind the Scenes with Ready Steady Go Kids . . . . . . . . . 6 – 7 Education – Letting go . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education – School open days . . . . . . . 9 Education – How to deal with bullying . 10 Babies & Toddlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Parenting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13 Christmas Shopping . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15 Loads of things for families to do locally Where’s Santa – Grottos& fairs . . 16 – 18 Christmas lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Families Competitions . . . . . . . . . . 20 Theatres and Panto . . . . . . . . . 20 – 21 What’s On for families . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ice skating rinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Classified advertisers . . . . . . . . . . 23

WHIPPETS start at Whitehall, Cheam

Whitehall Whippets is a new, free activity session designed for under-3s. The free sessions take place at Whitehall in Cheam on the first Monday of the month from 9.30 – 11.00am.

• • •

Monday 7th November ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ Monday 2nd December ‘Eensy Weensy Spider’ Monday 6th January ‘The Wheels on the Bus’

Whitehall, 1 Malden Road, Cheam, Sutton SM1 1EA 020 8643 1236 www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk

JACE Catering & Cookery School Private Catering

Your local catering company

Functions & Events

Join us on Twitter and Facebook Families Magazine is now Tweeting. We’re at @FamiliesLSB. Why not follow us? Our tweets can tell you whenever we update our site with competitions, news items, and when we update the What’s On section of our site with new venues and things to do.

We’re also posting updates and stories at Facebook.com/FamiliesLSB. Again, whenever we get late-breaking news or web-only competitions, we can let you know about them. But only if you ‘Like’ our page.

@FamiliesLSB Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd 01256 300420, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 6XN. © 2013 Families London-Surrey Borders.

Jellybugs now called Giggles Softplay Giggles Soft Play is a family-run softplay centre that offers a friendly, fun and safe environment for children aged 5 and under to play. Based in a large bright hall, they have a bouncy castle, ball pool, soft play shapes, slides, ride-on toys, roller coaster, musical instruments, cars and more.

Giggles does parties on Saturdays and Sundays. Their café offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes, muffins, children’s lunch bags and Paninis.

Giggles Softplay is located at The Harrier Centre in King George’s recreational ground in West Ewell. There is plenty of free car parking on site. Facilities include toilets inside the hall, baby changing, microwave for baby food/milk, highchairs and baby bouncers. They even have magazines for adults to read.

Open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 2.45pm and Saturdays and Sundays for exclusive parties.

Admission for over 1s: £3.75 additional sibling: £2.75. Under-1s are £1.25 and adults are free. Loyalty cards available.

Christmas Hampers

The Harrier Centre, Poole Road, West Ewell KT19 9RY www.gigglessoftplay.co.uk 07717 862577 info@gigglessoftplay.co.uk

Cookery courses

Calling all aspiring Detectives

Gift Vouchers

tering a C s a m t is r h C From events to show-stopping hampers, from fun cookery courses for you and your friends to delicious pickles & chutneys, let us take care of your Christmas catering and gift ideas.

www.jacecatering.co.uk 020 3657 3917

When a new local business launches announcing it’s got skeletons in the cupboard, you might be forgiven for being cautious. But for Steve Sharkey, who has launched The Detective Project North East Surrey, skeletons – along with finger-printing kits, crime scene materials and story boards – are all part of his new business.

Steve’s business provides fun, science-based events based on scene of crime analysis, in the form of detective birthday parties, educational workshops and corporate events across Croydon, Sutton and the surrounding areas.

Father-of-two Steve, who has lived in Banstead for 25 years, is a former Metropolitan Police Officer and has launched the business after retiring from the force in July after 30 years.

The Detective Project: 0117 244 0053 www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk/

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 2Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

News & Views Top Hat launches hip-hop classes

Starting on Thursday 7th November at Stanley Park Juniors, Top Hat is opening a new Hip-Hop dance class which will run every Thursday.

Classes take place once a week, during school term time. No audition is necessary and the main emphasis in these classes is on having fun and keeping fit, whilst learning street dancing skills and choreography. pay as you go: £5.00 per week £4.00 for existing Top Hat Students Under 9s 5.00 till 6.00 Over 9s 6.15 till 7.00 Top Hat also holds Baby Ballet classes at Stanley Park Juniors for ages 2½ – 5 years. These classes run every Saturday.

They offer a child its first “Steps” into the wonderful world that is ballet through a fun movement dance class that gives your child the chance to enjoy and explore dance from a young age. Keep them active and teach them the basic disciplines and classroom manners in a safe, happy environment. The class isn’t just to learn ballet steps, but also the discipline of ballet, as it is the core of all dance and performance.

Terms are for 10 weeks and cost £38.50 for the full term, which must be paid termly. (£30 for existing Top Hat Students). 01737 831184 www.tophatstageschool.co.uk surrey@tophatstageschool.co.uk

Kidspace named as South London’s best soft play centre For the second year running, Kidspace has been officially named the best soft play centre in South London.

The indoor adventure park was given the title by leading retailer Mamas & Papas in its ‘Mum and Dad’s the Word Guide 2013’.

The guide states: “Attention to details shines through at Kidspace – someone in charge knows what kids and parents like. It has an airy, spacious feel with plenty of comfy seats for parents and the staff are smiley, friendly and helpful.”

Kidspace joint owner Nick de Candole said: “We are thrilled to have won this award for the second consecutive year. It is extra special because it has been voted for by parents.”

Kidspace Adventures is the largest indoor play centre in London.

Facilities include their 30ft climbing wall, Go Kart track, Thunderball City and 4 extreme slides including a 26ft high black hole slide.

For more information visit www.kidspaceadventures.com or call 020 8686 0040.

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

Stagecoach Coulsdon gives your child confidence

Since coming under new ownership 3½ years ago, Stagecoach Coulsdon has gone from strength to strength. It is run by professional actors Zoe and Glen McCready and their enthusiasm for the industry is clear to see.

More students than ever will appear in professional pantos this year. Stagecoach Coulsdon students will be seen performing in Carshalton, Sutton, Dorking and Sevenoaks.

After just two years with Stagecoach, Finlay, aged 7, appeared in the “Big Fat Quiz of the 80s” on Channel 4. Shaunna, aged 17, has appeared in “Law and Order UK” and a Bonjela commercial while Alex, 12, was in the acclaimed Channel 4 series “Southcliffe”.

“But it’s not all about performing professionally,” says Principal Zoe, “many children join Stagecoach to improve their confidence or help with self-esteem. We must always remember that it is educational. If we don’t enhance a child’s academic performance then we aren’t doing our job properly”.

Stagecoach Coulsdon: 0845 078 0805 www.stagecoach.co.uk /coulsdon

CBeebies launches competition

The National Literacy Trust and CBeebies Magazine are launching a new competition in schools, childminders, children’s centres, libraries, after-school clubs and nurseries to encourage 3 – 7 year olds to enjoy reading while having fun with their favourite CBeebies characters.

By taking part in the competition, children will share stories and complete fun activities along their journey through “CBeebies land.”

Children will visit much-loved characters from Tree Fu Tom in Treetopolis to Peter Rabbit in the English Countryside, and will have the chance to read stories about the characters and experience fun learning activities alongside many more popular CBeebies characters too.

Visit www.literacytrust.org.uk to find out more, donate or sign up for a free email newsletter. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Call 020 7587 1842 or email contact@literacytrust.org.uk

Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1273

perform.org.uk mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 3 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

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November-December 2013

Clubs, Classes and Activities

Camps and workshops Children of all ages love to bake!

If you are looking for a unique party for your child then look no further than a Make & Bake party.

A selection of the range of camps and workshops available locally during the Christmas holidays.

For up-to-date information visit our website www.families-lsb.co.uk/what-s-on PTO Theatre performance of Hamlet

Creative, messy, fun!

Age 5+ Please call Amber on 07792 663126 or visit www.make-bake.co.uk Find us on facebook

M&B_advert_1/8page.indd 1

02/08/2013 12:03

Cookery lessons and parties 07960 265825

Epsoema & ar

Bake Real Bread Pop-Up Bake Clubs Eat Life Skills Parties Food Lovers Cook Recipes Surrey Good Food Lessons for Children Share Local sourcing Seasonality Lessons for Adults

learntocook.info@gmail.com www.learntocookgoodfood.com

DK GYMNASTICS & FITNESS

Aberdour School Sports Hall, Brighton Road (A217), Tadworth, Surrey KT20 6AJ 07985 214 892 www.dkgymnastics.co.uk Mon 16 – Fri 20 Dec 9.00 – 3.00pm Christmas Gymnastics Camp for the children while you shop for last minute gifts. Both male and female coaches; highly qualified Artistic Level 1 – 4. Please bring a packed lunch and drinks. Tuck shop provided for extras. Christmas theme show performed on Friday.

Parents and relatives welcome. For boys & girls, age 4 – 16, grouped by age/ability. £25.00 per day. Sign up for the week and Friday is free.

FESTIVE BAKING

For classes in Addiscombe, Mitcham, Croydon & Purley, call Melissa on 07939 520 638 For classes in Banstead, Epsom, Hooley & Wallington, call Jo on 07873 634292

at the MakeMe Workshop based in The Medicine Garden, Cobham 01932 989649 thelarder@themedicinegarden.com www.makemeworkshops.com/calendar_dec13.html Sat 14 Dec 10.00 – 12.00pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm Fri 20 Dec 10.00 – 12.00pm Sat 21 Dec 10.00 – 12.00pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm.

Laura Scott from www.learntocookgoodfood.com will be running classes for children during which they will be making gingerbread men and Christmas tree decorations to take home and bake, plus creating their own Christmas pudding truffles. For ages 7 years +. £30 per workshop. Call or email to book places.

PULL THE OTHER THEATRE EDUCATION Epsom Playhouse, Ashstead Avenue, KT18 5AL 07801 268 387 www.ptotheatre.org.uk

TheatreLab: A Christmas Carol

Sat 28 – Mon 30 Dec Sat: 9.30 – 5.00pm; Sun/Mon: 10.30 – 5.00pm (with Mon performance 3.30pm) Be spirited along this Christmas by PtO’s creative professionals (The Globe, RSC and the West End) and become part of PtO’s A Christmas Carol Company. Act and direct to discover how one person could be a Scrooge and “Bah! Humbug!” Christmas so much. For ages 10 – 15 years.

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS EPSOM

Blenheim High School, Longmead Road, Epsom, KT19 9BH 020 8642 3500 www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom

One Day Festive Christmas Workshop.

Mon 23 Dec 9.00 – 1.00pm (ages 4 – 6 years) 10.00 – 4.00pm (ages 7 to 18 years) A holiday workshop filled with exciting and challenging rehearsals in dance, drama and singing, geared towards a presentation at the end. The Festive One Day Christmas Workshop will be special: parents will be presented with class work and a presentation at the end of the day, so they get to see how their children are taught by industry professionals. £30.00: ages 4 – 6 years; £40: ages 7 – 18 years.

TUITION SUTTON

020 8669 9794 www.tuitionsutton.com

Mock Exams for Independent Schools Dates & times as required, by arrangement.

Courses and mock exams, held in Wallington, for students taking January 2014 independent school entrance examinations. Suitable for ages 10+. 11+, 13+ years.

Forest School and bushcraft for all!

Explore the woodland

http://www.atlantisswimschool.co.uk/

Den building Woodland Saturday club fun, Fire lighting and safety Holiday activities Woodland exploration Family activities Forest School projects Woodland Birthday Parties All our activities are fully risk assessed. www.wildwoodactivities.co.uk info@wildwoodactivities.co.uk 07735 389804

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November-December 2013

DRAMASINGINGDANCE RunningF uHead n Science Parties!

Mishmak Youth Theatre operates on Saturdays during term time.

Ages 5 - 18 years.

Training in drama, dance and singing.

Based at Sutton High School.

Perform 2 shows a year – one at Christmas and one in July.

www.mishmak.co.uk 07581681202

info@mishmak.co.uk

Stress-Free Parties Fun Science Shows Crazy Experiments CRB Checked Entertainers Relax and Enjoy Age Range 6 - 12 Other Events - Please Contact Us For Details Rockets, Hovercraft, Slime, Candyfloss, Pink Potions, Dry Ice, Electrical and other themed events.

Call *020-8123-8697 or email *info@e-entertainers.co.uk or visit *www.e-entertainers.co.uk

WWW.STARFORADAY.ME.UK

01293 774051

HIP H O EET P/ DAN CE LAM DA YOU TH T HEA TRE BAB Y BA LLET

T PAR TRE A THE G TIME TRAININ S ART R 4 –17 S FO D R OL YEA

STR

KIDS ART ROOM www.kidsartroom.com

Drama

Singing

Dance

LAMDA

Agency

Productions

COME FOR A FREE TRIAL • FUN FOR ALL 4 –17 YEAR OLDS LOWER KINGSWOOD – Fridays 4.30pm–7.30pm (4.30pm–6.30pm for 4–5 years) CARSHALTON – Saturdays 10.00am–1.00pm (10.00am–12.00pm for 4–5 years) HOOL EPSOM 2013 – Sundays 10.00am–1.00pm (10.00am–12.00pm for 4–5 years) N E W SC www.tophatstageschool.co.uk Tel: 01737 831184

surrey@tophatstageschool.co.uk

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TM

Art lessons run by artist and designer for children from 7 years old, in Purley £11 per lesson - half or whole term -Thursday & Friday groups All materials included

infokidsartroom@gmail.com - 07963 784 220

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Behind the scenes with...

Readysteadygokids Q A Q A

What is your name and title?

Kathy Bees, Director What does Ready Steady Go Kids offer to children ?

A chance to fall in love with an active life style in a truly non-competitive environment, have a lot of fun whilst learning key motor skills, balance and co-ordination, and they get to play a variety of sports they might not ordinarily get a chance to play.

Q A

Describe a typical non-classes day ... and a typical classes day

A typical non-classes day consists of sorting out our little one and her activities, or getting her to nursery, trying to fit in a workout or run during the day. I also spend time in the office doing the admin & finance work, researching venues to expand the business into other areas and prepare for classes and / or birthday parties that have been booked and not to mention manning the call centre to take bookings.

A typical classes day starts the night before, when we prepare for the class. The day of the class is all about ensuring we get to the venue with enough time to set up for a class, and ensure all the sports gear necessary is ready and close to hand for when we get to that section of a lesson.

The best bit is getting involved with the children on court and see them accomplish things they didn’t realise they could do. I love seeing the delight in their faces, and then watching them have fun with our circuits and motor skills games.

We think it is important to chat to the mums and dads after or in-between classes (as at some venues we have 3 classes back-toback), so we try to have a few minutes to chat to parents. After classes it’s packing everything up and ensuring we have all our equipment and then head back to the office to check messages, return calls and emails about booking trials or enrolments. Oh and to try fit in a workout and / or run again. (I try to workout 4 times a week).

Q A

What is the busiest time for you?

It honestly feels like we’re busy all the time, because if we’re not giving classes then we’re in the office manning the call centre and taking bookings and doing the necessary business admin, or we’re out viewing venues and looking at potential new areas to set up classes in. Additionally we may be out meeting potential new instructors. We require instructors to help us expand our offering. We are also finding a lot more of our time is spent talking to potential franchisees and meeting with them to explore the opportunity with them.

Q A

How can parents get the best from your classes?

Get involved with your child in a class. It is very rewarding for both the parent and the child, especially when parents have busy working weeks. A class can provide 45 minutes of quality fun with your child where you are helping them develop key skills. And even if you don’t get involved in the actual class, kids love seeing their parents watching and cheering and encouraging them from the sidelines. It really helps boost the child’s confidence and independence.

Q A

What is your biggest headache/ challenge at the moment?

The biggest headache / challenge is people booking a free trial class and then just not turning up, especially in our fuller classes where they’ve potentially taken one of the last spots in a class and we’ve had to put someone else on a waiting list. It is frustrating, as the person on the waiting list could have had a chance to enjoy that session.

At the end of the day, it can spoil things for the other children as we’re expecting a certain number of participants and have ensured we are prepared with lesson plans for the games we can play with the expected number of children, and a last-minute no-show means we have to change things.

Q A

What is planned for the coming months?

We expect to be able to announce a few more venues within the Epsom / Banstead / Sutton area, as well as a few within Kingston and Richmond by the time we start Term 3 in Feb 2014.

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W

e also have quite a few serious franchise enquiries, so a sale or two of a franchise could be in the pipeline as well.

Q A

What do you do for lunch?

As the colder weather draws near I do love a soup for lunch. The best is a home made chicken and vegetable soup.

Alternatively I often whip up some kind of salad (but I always tend to use leafy vegetables that are dark green for the most nutrients) topped with chicken or shrimps or salmon.

Q A

When the end of term comes, how do you feel?

I love end of term, as we get to celebrate the children’s accomplishments with them, but it’s also sad as sometimes it means we say good-bye to some of our participants as they have reached their 7th birthday and are too old for the program. However, I am usually also looking forward to the next term and developing our existing participants skills even more and welcoming new participants to the program.

Q A

. What’s your best memory of running Ready Steady Go Kids classes?

There are so many lovely memories over the last year, but the ones that stand out for me are when a participant is shy and reserved and has previously not had the best experience in a sporting environment. When they come try out our program and totally fall in love with the activities and just go from strength to strength in ability, confidence, independence and self belief, it is wonderful.

Contact details: 0800 690 6591 info@rsgk.co.uk www.rsgk.co.uk

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Running Head

CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER! Order your Christmas party cake soon or impress your guests and learn how to decorate one yourself by attending one of our fun classes.

BANSTEAD, CLAYGATE, EWELL AND ESHER AREAS E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309 EPSOM, OXSHOTT, BOCKETTS FARM PARK AND LEATHERHEAD AREAS E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 841 303 SOUTH CROYDON, CATERHAM AND PURLEY AREAS E: southcroydon.caterham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0203 251 1061

Our classes include “Polar Bear & Elf”, “Santa & Rudolph modelling”, “Christmas Cupcakes” and many more!

See our website for more details on our children’s Christmas Cupcake workshops. Book soon to avoid disappointment.

Tel: 01737 668121 Web: www.boutiquecakery.com E-mail: info@boutiquecakery.com

Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time.

Boutique Cakery 163-165 High Street Banstead SM7 2NT

www.twitter.com/boutiquecakery

Australia’s largest

multi-sport & exercise

www.facebook.com/BoutiqueCakeryUK

NOW IN THE

UK

program for children aged 2.5–6 years

Your local Ready Steady Go Kids classes are held at:

Epsom Methodist Church Ashley Road, Epsom Bluegates Scouts Hall 1 Bluegates, London Road, Ewell Bourne Hall Spring Street, Ewell

BOOK A

FREE

NEW LOCATIONS COMING SOON Term 2 begins 25th November 2013 Term 3 begins 24th February 2013

NO OBLIGATION

TRIAL

To receive our monthly newsletter subscribe on our website.

Enrolments taken throughout the term

Sports covered: Football Tennis Basketball Athletics Hockey Rugby Golf AFL Cricket T-ball mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 7 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

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www.Families-LSB.co.uk

@RSGKUK

ReadySteadyGoKidsUK

November-December 2013

Education Memo to self:

Let them fight their own battles Are you forever rushing into school to talk to your child’s teacher, or phoning other parents to talk about playground squabbles?

Think again, says Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters.

better than others. So of course it’s possible that a teacher might not favour you, might even pick on you, because he or she doesn’t like you. And, yes, of course it’s a terrible shame if you end up with an unfriendlyseeming teacher in a subject you really love.

One of my daughters is disgruntled. I am, she says, a bad mother. “Other mums support their children,” she says. “When they have a problem, the mums go into school to talk to the teachers. You never do that.”

She’s not entirely correct; I’ve had children at school for the last 15 years or so, and there might have been one or two occasions when I’ve gone in to talk to a teacher or a head outside of parent-teacher meetings. But I could certainly count those times on the fingers of one hand; and, thinking about it, probably even on one finger.

I hope I’m not a bad mother; and I know there are some problems – bullying is foremost among them – when a meeting with a teacher has to be arranged, and fast. But bullying apart, I believe that my daughters are better helped if I hang back from making appointments, and arm them instead to negotiate their own issues, and fight their own battles, at school.

Why so? Well, the raison d’être of parenting is to make your child independent: and it seems to me that if I wade in at every opportunity to smooth my child’s path in life, I’m not helping her to learn to do it for herself. What message does it give if, when she tells me about a problem she’s experiencing, my response is to say ‘I’ll come in to talk to your teacher about that’?

What it says is: you can’t sort this out for yourself; you’re not smart enough or capable enough or eloquent enough. You can’t do it, but I can. That doesn’t help my daughter develop those skills, and it doesn’t help her become experienced and confident at learning to problem-solve for herself.

Sometimes, over the years, my daughters’ problems have been significant ones – and certainly many of them have seemed significant to my daughters, even if they didn’t seem all that important to me. On at least one occasion, the problem has been a clash between them and a teacher, and listening to the story it’s been difficult not to agree that, yes, it sounded as though the teacher was in the wrong.

But this is what I tell my daughters: teachers are only human.

Teachers, like everyone else in the world, have some people they like www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk ww www w..tth haam me esscch hrriissttiiaan ncco olllle eg ge e..o orrg g..u ukk www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Thamesbecause small schools build big futures our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 5th OCTOBER 10 .0 0 -1 .0 0 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

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But rather than race in to school to have it out with the teacher, I tell my daughter to find a way of dealing with it; and if possible, I help her work out what that might be. Could she start the ball rolling on building a better relationship with the teacher in question by being nicer to her, or by working harder in the subject, or by making more contributions in class? Because the truth is that, all through life, there will be individuals who will seem to stand in the way of what we want and learning to work with these people, or round them, is a tremendously important life skill.

Talking to your child about what’s going on will also help her process her own feelings; and again, this is an important learning opportunity. Help your child see that it’s not the case that someone has got it in for her, but maybe just that the teacher or the other child has issues in their own life. And instead of encouraging your child into negative feelings (“that teacher/child has always been a total pain, I’ve been saying it for years”) turn things round into something positive (“everyone has bad days; what could you do tomorrow that could start to improve this relationship?”).

Similarly problems with other children: I long ago made a resolution never, ever to get involved at parental level over my daughters’ squabbles. Not only is life far too short, but more importantly, learning to get on with their peers is what childhood and adolescence is for.

None of this means, by the way, that I’m abdicating responsibility for how my girls behave. It’s just that talking to other adults isn’t how I believe my offspring will learn to treat others well; that comes, I think, from modelling the good relationships in my own life, and in listening to the issues they have in their lives (when they want to talk about them) and helping them find a way of dealing with them.

So it’s really important to make time to listen when they’re experiencing problems at school; and it’s crucial to validate how they’re feeling, to reflect back that I understand their worries and can see that it’s a genuine issue. But what should happen next is far more about equipping them to go back into school and work out how to put the problematic relationship on track, than it is about grabbing your coat and racing in to try to solve the difficulties yourself.

Are you struggling with a child who has speech, language or communication difficulties?

Fun based communication, social and life skill activities for children with delayed Speech & Language.

Ages 3-11 years old Classes in Croydon, Banstead and surrounding areas

0203 086 8132 www.artofgrowth.org 07739 711 692 Email: enquiries@theartofgrowthcentre.co.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Education Art of Growth caters to children with delayed speech The Art of Growth Centre is the one stop activity and life skill centre for children with delayed speech and language skills. Their aim is to give these children the opportunity to take part and be a part of an organisation that supports and understands their needs.

Sessions are fun and interactive with the use of various visual approaches to support their language and understanding such as signing and using symbols.

The Art of Growth early years is divided into two groups: Bouncing Bunnies for ages 3 – 5 years and Ranger Bunnies for ages 5 – 7, There is also an older group Spoken Words for ages 8 – 11 years. They offer drama, dance, Arts and crafts, life, social and communication skill programmes and many more activities. Art of Growth aim to be a centre of fun where children can learn at their own pace in a language-rich environment.

Art of Growth says it holds the key to children’s communication.

Call: 0203 086 8132 or 07739 711 692. www.artofgrowth.org. enquiries@theartofgrowthcentre.co.uk.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS City of London Freemen’s Ashtead Park KT21 01372 822423 Sat 9 Nov at 9.45am www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery (Pampisford Rd) South Croydon CR2 020 8660 3445 Fri 22 Nov: 9.30 – 11.00 for main school & nursery www.cumnorhouse.com Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery Purley CR8 020 8660 3445 Fri 22 Nov: 9.30 – 11.00 for main school & nursery www.cumnorhouse.com Downsend Preparatory Leatherhead KT22 01372 372311 Fri 15 Nov: From 9.15am with Headmaster’s Talk at 9.30am www.downsend.co.uk

Downsend Pre-Preps Epsom, Ashtead & Leatherhead KT17,21,22 01372 372311 Thu 14 Nov 9.30 – 11.30am www.downsend.co.uk Essendene Lodge Caterham CR3 01883 348349 Fri 29 Nov 10.00 – 12.00pm www.essendenelodge.co.uk Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Ewell KT17 020 8393 1413 Wed 6 Nov 9.00 – 10.30am (Nursery, Early Years and Senior school) & 10.30 – 12.00pm (Junior school) www.ewellcastle.co.uk Greenacre School Banstead SM7 01737 352114 Wed 13 Nov: Prospective parents morning 10.45 – 12.15pm (by appointment only) www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk Old Palace School of John Whitgift Preparatory Croham site, S. Croydon CR2 020 8688 2027 Sat 23 Nov 2.00 – 4.00 (book place online) www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Senior Old Palace site, S. Croydon CR0 020 8688 2027 Sat 16 Nov 2.00 – 4.00 (book place online) www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org Priory Preparatory Banstead SM7 01737 366920 Pop-in morning Wed 13 Nov: 9.00 – 11.00 www.prioryprep.co.uk Sutton High Sutton SM1 020 8225 3001 Thu 21 Nov: 10.00 – 12.30pm (Junior school) www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Thames Christian College Battersea SW11 020 7228 3933 Thu 7 Nov: 11.00 – 1.00pm www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk The Cedars Croydon CR0 020 8185 7770 Sat 23 Nov 10.00 – 1.00pm www.thecedarsschool.org.uk

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

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

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

Free trial session - book today!

Addiscombe Epsom North Cheam Purley

020 3370 5420 01372 722 994 020 8644 0975 020 8090 2938

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

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

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

or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 9 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

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November-December 2013

Education

Is your child being bullied?

Here’s a different approach that might help Sadly, in spite of lots of publicity and much greater awareness of the problem, (especially in schools), bullying is on the increase.

Psychologist Wendy Bollen has written an e-book with advice on how deal with the problem in a different way.

This year, anti-bullying week is being held from 19 – 23 November and while it is great to raise awareness about the problem, what children really need is practical help and advice on how to deal with bullies. Wendy has done a lot of research into the causes and effects of bullying and delivers training to schools on the most effective ways to tackle this problem. She realised that the advice usually given by teachers didn’t work. Pupils are often told to ignore unkind comments, but that often © Copyright © stefanolunardi – Fotolia.com leads to increased attempts by bullies to upset their victim. Based on her own experiences and those of the young people she works with, Wendy has come up with a rather different approach which empowers pupils by teaching them how to stand up to a bully.

“Most children don’t want to involve a teacher, but they do want to do something. I teach kids strategies to help them stand up for themselves by using assertive body language and practising smart replies. If you can show a bully that you really don’t care that they’ve said something horrid and even better, say something funny back to them it takes the wind out of their sails,” explains Wendy.

Here are Wendy’s top five tips on how to deal with bullies: • Look confident — stand up straight and look them in the eye if they say something to you. If you look scared, a bully is much more likely to pick on you.

• Stay calm and practice slow breathing. If you feel less anxious you’ll look more confident.

First Class Learning Helping Children Succeed in Maths and English

MATHS and ENGLISH

 Developed in the UK for the National Curriculum  Suitable for children aged 4-16  Helps with school assessments and Exams  KS1 to 3, SATs and 11+ preparation  Individualised study programmes  Improves confidence and self-esteem  Builds lifelong study habits

Free Assessment Now Available. Call: Mitcham South Norwood Thornton Heath Wallington

020 8646 6791 020 8402 2150 01483 728007 020 8395 6813

First Class Learning is helping 1000s of children to realise their full potential throughout the UK.

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 10 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

• Even if you feel upset, don’t show it until you are out of sight. Bullies enjoy seeing their victims upset, so by letting them see you upset you are rewarding them and they are likely to continue.

• Likewise don’t let them see you’re angry – the aim is to show bullies that you’re really not bothered by what they say.

• Use humour – a witty retort is unexpected and shows bullies that you are confident and don’t care what they say to you. In fact, you think it’s funny.

Standing up to bullies – especially with a smart retort – is important says Wendy.

“An example would be to say, “ I’m flattered that you spend so much of your time thinking about me,” or “I’m sorry, I’m busy right now, can I ignore you later?” Wendy stresses that how you say it is just as important as what you say.

“Stand straight, look them straight in the eye, say it clearly with a smile and then quickly walk away. Don’t hang around waiting for them to say something else.”

She also emphasises that there are some things to avoid saying.

“Never say anything about someone’s Mum. This is likely to escalate the situation.”

Based on her work with pupils, Wendy has written a self-help book for youngsters on how to beat the bullies. The Little Book Of Retorts is set out in sections, that include information on the reasons behind bullying, why people become victims and techniques for dealing with fear and anxiety. Importantly Wendy emphasises that children don’t have to have experienced bullying in order to benefit from the book.

“Prevention is far better than cure and if children appear confident and untroubled by insults they are unlikely to become a victim.”

The book is suitable for children aged from ten up to sixteen and is ideal for children who started secondary school this autumn.

Costing only £1.91 it is available as an ebook from Amazon Kindle, ibookstores, Sony and Apple but can also be purchased in PDF format from the website. www.thelittlebookofretorts.com Follow on facebook : www.facebook.com/TheLittleBookOfRetorts Wendy Bollen has worked as a counselling psychologist in schools with many hundreds of children and young people and by far the most common problem is being bullied.

Follow Wendy on Twitter: @WendyBollen Other useful websites: www.bullying.co.uk www.beatbullying.org www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/bullying/ www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Baby & Toddler Page Ticket give-away for Baby Expo at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford on November 24

author Emily Longmore with Bizzy narrator Carly Halse.

Calling all baby-planners, parents-to-be and young families – BabyExpo – The Biggest and Brightest BabyShow & Family Fun Day for the Region comes to Surrey Sports Park, Guildford on 24 November 2013 and Families Magazine will be there.

Not to be missed are the Natural Parenting Zone, Innovation Alley and the mum-andworking Flexible Working Zone with the Mumpreneurs Networking Club. This special area offers the chance to meet potential employers and features the Care.com ‘Childcare Corner’ for the best childcare options for you. There will also be breastfeeding, Metanium babychange, buggy demos, free samples, give-aways & JoJo Maman Bébé goodie bags for the first 500 visitors.

Join us on the day and come and enjoy the fun – we have 50 pairs of tickets to give away NOW so go to www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk follow the link to ‘Tickets’ and just enter the code FAMILY. BabyExpo is an informative & fun-filled day with expert parenting & pregnancy advice, great entertainment, fantastic show deals & promotions, £1000s of prizes, face painters, play-zones and hundreds of lovely exhibitors from pre-conception to primary.

There’s life-saving first aid advice and a range of free ante-natal ‘taster’ classes.

So join us on the day – just visit www.babyexpobabyshow.co.uk and you could win the fabulous BabyExpo Bumper Prize Package just in time for Christmas.

Check out the What’s On 4 Little Ones Main Stage for a host of fun demo classes for babies & toddlers, meet Sarah Jane from

CBeebies & BabaBoogie (courtesy of Haberman Baby), Humphrey from Humphrey’s Corner and Bizzy the Butterfly

Total immersion French CD available

Turtle Tots swim into East Surrey

“Learn French: Original songs & rhymes for children” is a new type of educational French language CD, totally in French. By listening and singing along to these highly original and contemporary songs and rhymes your child will have fun while effortlessly absorbing French vocabulary, linguistic patterns and grammatical structures.

Tips for each song and rhyme suggest ways you can play along with child, and have even more fun learning French together. Perfect to listen to in the car or at home.

From well-loved French club Club Petit Pierrot (Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express & Time Out).

Includes a 32-page colour booklet with all the French lyrics and a full English translation. 59 minutes, suitable from six months. £20 free p&p via Amazon. www.amazon.co.uk/LearnFrench-Original-rhymeschildren/dp/B00E67EBUI or search “Stella Bataille”

Specialist Baby and Toddler Swimming Classes and Aqua-Natal Yoga Classes

Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots Way!

Tel: 07920 854 714 www.turtletots.com Email: charlotte.hollands@turtletots.com

Turtle Tots is coming to this area and launching classes in Oxted and Croydon in January 2014.

The unique Turtle Tots swimming programme begins with aqua-natal yoga, and continues with specialist and progressive baby and toddler classes. You’ll learn to swim with your little one both above and below the water, and they’ll develop water confidence and learn key lifesaving skills in a fun and sociable environment with lots of nursery rhymes and singing. And as an added bonus, the programme has been endorsed by personal trainers and provides an excellent workout for parents, burning up to 250 calories.

To learn to swim the Turtle Tots way please contact Charlotte for class details. www.turtletots.com charlotte.hollands@turtletots.com Tel: 07920 854 714

Exercise while pregnant helps your child – research Exercise during pregnancy improves vascular function of offspring into adulthood, shows a new study published [25 October] in the journal Experimental Physiology.

The current guidelines for pregnant women recommend thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most – if not all – days of the week. Unfortunately, not all healthcare professionals are yet convinced that exercise helps both the pregnant woman and her offspring.

Previous studies only focused on offspring at an early age, so this study is the first to demonstrate the effects of exercise on adult offspring.

Dr Sean Newcomer, of California State University San Marcos USA, and Dr Bahls, of Universitätsmedizin Greifswald Germany say:“Our study was the first to demonstrate that maternal exercise during pregnancy significantly impacts vascular function in adult offspring”.

Full paper title: Mothers’ exercise during pregnancy programs vasomotor function in adult offspring by Bahls M et al.

Experimental Physiology

Wanted: Business Mums & Dads Successful local business is seeking five partners to work part time from home without compromising family commitments If you have a Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your family’s needs, please call:

babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Katie 01737 455017 or 07909 681884

mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 11 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

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November-December 2013

Parent pages

Keep conscious and carry on Five soulful insights for conscious parenting

Whatever our background or beliefs, many of us are beginning to develop an interest in living a more ‘conscious’ life; that is, a life based in present moment awareness, appreciation and authenticity. In this article, Neil Seligman examines what it takes to be a ‘conscious parent’ and explains why it is worth the effort.

3 Centre your parenting in the energy of welcoming

From ‘ANTHEM’ by Leonard Cohen

Shaping is an opposing energy to welcoming as when we shape another, we fix them in our mind as our judgment. The outcome of shaping is the limiting of potential as it causes the child to experience a conditional aspect to love. We might say to the child – you are going to be a doctor, or a tennis player, you will go to this type of school, you will be this type of person.

‘I see you, I love you; you are welcome here’.

The most important thing you can do for any child is to welcome their unique nature fully such that their essential self comes forward, safely nurtured in unconditional love beyond expectation. In order to do this we must control our natural desire to ‘shape’ the child.

1 Parent from a space of authentic humanity Ring the bells that still can ring.

Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in…

Whatever you do as a parent, every child will come to believe these three illusions at some stage in their development: 1) I am different.

Shaping is never positive for the child and is entirely unnecessary as a fully welcomed child will willingly communicate their authentic desires and preferences and seek your loving guidance.

2) There is something wrong with me.

3) I am alone.

So we might say that the aim of parenting is not to demonstrate perfection or to protect children from encountering the illusions, but to reveal our own humanity, so that when they meet these trials they have everything they need to meet the challenge.

Here are three practical suggestions to parent from a space of authentic humanity: 1) Genuinely welcome failure as a rich source of learning and inspiration.

2) Teach children that it is safe to experience difficult emotions (like the ‘weather of the soul’). The trick is to feel emotions fully and express them in words, movement or art. Tell your children when you feel sad or upset so that they feel comfortable doing the same.

3) Introduce the idea that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.

Pain is a neutral energy that we all must experience whereas suffering is the story about the pain for example: “I should not be in pain – poor me”.

In the intimacy of authentic humanity, children feel safe to experience their own vulnerabilities and learn to deal with them beautifully as a normal part of life. The family then becomes a sanctuary of welcoming for all aspects of uncertainty, a forum of love where no matter what occurs there are always rich human resources to draw on.

2 Let presence be your daily guide

Being present for long periods as a parent is a truly enormous challenge. In every moment there are multiple distractions competing for attention. Being mindful of the present moment means that we bring our conscious attention fully to children when they call on our care. It means putting the phone down, listening deeply, engaging willingly and releasing ourselves fully into the now.

In practicing presence we are committing to experience every situation as ‘new’ and by doing so we might surprise ourselves with fresh solutions that emerge from this space of mindful attention.

Perhaps our ‘No’ will soften and we will find new ways of saying ‘Yes’.

Our conversations also move more quickly out of conflict, as when we are truly present our capacity for compassion deepens. mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 12 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

A welcoming parent therefore promotes self-sufficiency, stability and authentic development in the child.

4 Speak the language of disapproval not shame

When a child does something that we consider to be wrong or inappropriate it is vital that we show disapproval for the behaviour rather than shaming the child for who they are. Language is crucial here: There is a world of difference between saying: 1) I am extremely disappointed with you and 2) I am extremely disappointed with your behaviour.

It is of course crucial that we guide children with clear boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, yet when we need to express disapproval we must learn to do so without breaking relationship and without withdrawing unconditional love.

Disapproval for actions should not be expressed as commentary on the essential nature of the child which would be shaming the child as fundamentally flawed. Shame language creates insecurity, unworthiness and feels like wholesale rejection.

Alternatively, disapproval in relation to behaviour allows the child to engage with you about what went wrong and what the consequences should be for the behaviour whilst all the time being safely held in the context of a relationship based in unconditional love.

Remember also to speak to your own feelings around your child’s behaviour and to call forward the behaviour that you would like to see. Life Coach Jacquie Stebbings offers us this great example from family life: “Joely playfully hit me yesterday. She did it a few times and I brought in an “I” statement (about my feelings of being hit) – I said: I don’t like being hit, Joely. Then I offered to her what I do like: I like to be hugged though. She then transformed her hitting to giving me a hug.

Often children are wanting our attention, they want the focus to be on them – I get this. Hitting is certainly a way for Joely to get my attention. Giving her an alternative behaviour is helping her to www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Parent pages expand her perspective (and resourcefulness) on how to draw people to attend to her.”

5 Keep learning – being a great parent means being a great student Your children look to you for guidance, strength and care. They are absorbing your actions, your emotions and learning how to be, how to respond, how to behave. For you to fulfil this, the ultimate of leadership roles, as best you can, focusing on your own personal development, wellbeing and learning is vital.

So make time for the yoga, persevere with the meditation and read books that take you beyond your current knowledge and awareness.

Anything which expands your ability to stay present, to reveal your humanity, to remain stable in the face of vulnerability will serve you and your family well.

Further reading

• Christopher McCurry: Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance • Daniel Siegel: The Whole-Brain Child – Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture You Child’s Developing Mind • Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth – Awakening to your Life’s Purpose • Byron Katie: Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life • Brene Brown: The Gifts of Imperfection

Neil Seligman is a former barrister and Director at The Conscious Professional Ltd. Neil is a Life Coach, Reiki Master and Meditation Teacher practising in London. www.theconsciousprofessional.com

Business Mums/Dads – return to work or stay home?

Working Mums ‘Feel the Beat’ with Boogie Mites Louise Hollis-Fox is one of an increasing number of women who have discovered the opportunity to build a business that combines a love of music and performance with helping young children to get ahead in their early learning.

She first came across the UK’s leading provider of child and parent music resources, Boogie Mites, while working as an Early Years Practitioner.

‘I loved the way the Boogie Mites programmes engaged children through music,’ she recalls. ‘They inspired a wide variety of learning activities linked to the EYFS framework, from movement and dancing to props that were easy to make and use.’

‘I was looking for a change in career that would give me the flexibility to bring up my young family, learned that Boogie Mites was offering licences for independent practitioners and knew it was for me.’

Louise began her training in September 2011, observing, shadowing and being mentored by an existing Boogie Mites practitioner. After building up her confidence and leadership techniques, she began her first group in January 2012, has built up her business and now runs seven Boogie Mites classes a week.

‘Boogie Mites provides me with a very happy and fulfilling career.’

To learn more about becoming a Boogie Mites Practitioner visit www.boogiemites.co.uk, call Dawn Hurst on 02392 817274 or email dawn@boogiemites.co.uk.

What are the options for a parent who’s had a good career, is used to earning a good income but has chosen to give it up in order to have a family?

Photo © Copyright © Flikr: herlitz pbs

Returning to their old career will bring demands, pressure and they’ll suffer the guilt of the working parent.

In part time jobs the hourly rate is poor and paying for childcare during school holidays is expensive.

There is a way of building a full time income around the family’s needs, working with a family run global company in the booming health and nutrition profession. It has the Investors In People Champion award for training and support, the work is totally flexible, there’s no pressure and it’s very rewarding.

To find out more, please call Katie on 01737 455 017 or 07909 681 884

Mini Monkey Gym seeks franchisees Mini Monkey Gym, The Original Soft Playgym for 0 – 5s, which offers unique parent-child gym classes and high quality soft play parties, is franchising nationally.

They are offering you the wonderful opportunity to join the team and run your own successful, flexible, and family friendly, business.

For more information contact them at franchise@minimonkeygym.co.uk 07917 872 205 Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

020 8669 5187

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

13

Christmas Shopping Bizzy Bitz! The toy that was created for the 21st century With a simple ball and socket system and a phenomenal patented internal socket, Bizzy Bitz is set to capture the world with its infinite possibilities.

With brightly coloured pieces and a wide variety of shapes, children of all ages and stages can create absolutely anything with Bizzy Bitz.

Cool, addictive, educational and fun, Bizzy Bitz is a must for every family.

Bizzy Bitz is the only toy in the world which — with no custom made pieces — can create accurate models of absolutely anything and everything. This has the additional advantage that if a piece goes missing you can always build hundreds of things from your remaining pieces.

We have seen children as young as 3 years old making cars, necklaces and little people and especially enjoying the Bizzy Bitz baseboard. Children as old as 13 have created detailed worker lorries, aeroplanes, clocks and exquisite candelabras.

What will your child make of it?

Different boxes available suiting the various age groups, with prices starting from under £5 Bizzy Bitz. Guaranteed to keep your children busy.

See our competition on page 20 to win a big box of Bizzy Bitz Visit the website at www.bizzy-bitz.com

SLNB gives away MP4 players

From November until the end of December, SLNB Music are giving away absolutely free brand new MP4/MP3 video players with any purchase of their ‘Star For A Day’ Sessions. ( www.slnbmusic.co.uk/tariffs.html ) These MP4s make great gifts themselves for anyone.

Remember, ‘Star For A Day’ gift vouchers last for a year from purchase and make fantastic special gifts, especially for those looking for something a little different for their loved ones.

SLNB Music, 143 Westmead Road Sutton Surrey SM1 4JP 020 8395 3045 www.slnbmusic.co.uk

Petalina for gorgeous girly gifts Visit locally-based Petalina this Christmas to find gorgeous gifts for little girls with the dolly gene. You’ll be amazed by the many dolls, clothes and accessories available that aren’t easily found on the high street and there’s something for all ages too. Plus as a reader of Families magazine you can claim this little vanity case free of charge when you spend £50. Just write ‘families vanity case please’ in the comments/delivery box during checkout and that’s in addition to the loyalty points you can earn too. www.Petalina.co.uk mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 14 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

Say it Personally

Our friends at Say it Personally are on a mission to solve your Christmas shopping dilemmas.

They are offering an Early Bird deal of 10% off any of their hampers, gift sets or alternative bouquets if bought before the 30th November – and will deliver them to your chosen address with a gift message in time for Christmas.

Look out for their Luxury Christmas Hamper or their Boy’s Night in: new hampers for Christmas. Alternatively their Choc and Sock bouquets make a lovely present for friends, sisters, or even as a thank you for a teacher.

Now all you need to do is sit back and relax. www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

Shoehouse Banstead now stocks gifts Head down to Shoehouse not only for your children’s shoes, boots and wellies but also to see the lovely range of accessories and children’s gifts by Djeco, 4M and Egg Nogg they are now stocking – perfect for Christmas gifts.

Treat yourself or your loved ones to snoods, fun woolly hats, earmuffs and gloves by Barts. Choose from a range of children’s educational kits such as the Volcano Making kit or the Night Sky Projection kit or, if science is not their thing, an art and craft kit such as the Tooth Fairy Keepsake Box or the Origami Lights kit...and for the younger child what about a lovely farmyard animal puzzle? Go, take a look at the great ideas they have for that special Christmas present.

Shoehouse 127 High Street, Banstead SM7 2NS 01737 377638 www.shoehouse.co.uk

Get your Christmas meals sorted with... ...JACE Catering at The Annexe, 16 Stanley Park Road, Wallington Surrey SM6 0EU. The centre is made up of 3 aspects – a Cookery School, Event Catering and The Supper Club.

The Supper Club takes the stress out of planning family meals.

Fresh ingredients are prepared and cooked daily to order for you to collect, a service made for your home.

Trevor, a five star head chef with over 25 years’ experience in London’s finest and famous hotels and landmarks came together with Ben, who has worked within the higher echelons of the catering business, to deliver Wallington the finest food for anyone to enjoy at home.

Regular customers give the company such wonderful feedback, which excites and inspires the chefs, “I love the British classics and with a twist on them our clients seem to like them too,” said Ben. Local interest has been good and with Christmas around the corner now is the time to contact them to secure your booking. “So, if it’s not too early or rude,” said Trevor “Happy Christmas to all.” www.jacecatering.co.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Christmas Shopping Your fingerprint is truly unique to you

Fingerprint Art takes a fingerprint and creates a truly unique piece of art from a wide palette of designs and colours that can suit your décor and taste. For little ones under two, a handprint is used. Combine the these prints with siblings, parents and even grandparents for a truly personal gift for Christmas.

For a special Families magazine discount, please email fingerprintjac@yahoo.co.uk or visit the website www.fingerprintart.me.uk

Create a stunning piece of art from your finger or handprints.

Grace your Look with Crown Chewels

Play Plyt for help with maths

Crown Chewels has added a new design to its baby-safe collection of adult jewellery.

With children, it’s often best to hide learning within fun – it’s the spoonful of sugar that helped Mary Poppins get the medicine down. So if your child struggles with multiplication and division, there’s a brand new board game that can help.

What sets this brand apart is the special teether – called a Chewel –which is incorporated into the design. The teether is free of lead, cadmium, bpa, pvc and phthalates.

Plyt is similar to Snakes and Ladders to play, but to move forward you need to be able to multiply the dice together. Where it’s clever is in creating a level playing field for all ages – older players simply have to use more dice and multiply 3, 4 or 5 numbers, while youngsters cope with 2 or 3.

All elements of the necklace are safe for teething and the cool feel of the semi precious stone used in the design can relieve baby’s sore gums.

Lisa McCartney, mum and game developer, said,“My son loved it – and I loved the way it improved his multiplication without the need for boring times tables.”

The new necklace, called ‘Grace’ comes in two different shades; one has a turquoise teether with amazonite semi-precious stones and the other style has an icy blue teether and fire agate semi-precious stones (see picture).

Buy online at www.plyt.co.uk/ for £19.99.

RRP: £65 Stockist: www.crownchewels.co.uk

Ideal presents for all occasions.

Na ti del onwid ive e ry

www.fingerprintart.me.uk fingerprintjac@yahoo.co.uk Facebook - Fingerprint Art

Looking for unique gifts and hampers this Christmas?

The toy for the whole family

Your gifts this year direct from the Dragon’s Den.

Boxes for all ages and stages.

Babies, birthdays and beyond...

For gift s with a personal touch!

Call: (01482) 638355 www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

Na ti del onwid iv e e ry

Looking for unique gifts and hampers this Christmas?

Babies, birthdays and beyond...

For gift s with a personal touch!

Call: (01482) 638355 www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

www.bizzy-bitz.com mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 15 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Santa’s Grottos

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events

Where to find Santa Families London-Surrey Borders has been checking where Santa is dropping by in the Epsom, Sutton and Croydon area this Christmas. Visit www.families-lsb.co.uk/what-s-on for updated information on where he will be visiting.

CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

01372 467 806 (enquiries) 01372 476 436 (bookings)

© Copyright © National Trust: Arnhel de Serra

BOCKETTS FARM PARK Young Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS Thu 28 Nov – Tue 24 Dec Experience a Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm, as Father Christmas returns.

Children will love to hop on board the Santa Express to his magical hay barn workshop.

Once inside, each child will meet Santa and receive a gift. Voted one of the top 6 places in the UK to see Santa by ‘The Guardian’. Christmas trees and wreaths will be on sale from 1 December and the Gift Shop will be selling a great variety of gifts and stocking fillers.

In addition, 25 gorgeous new born lambs are due and there is plenty of indoor play. Suitable for ages 0 – 8 years. £5.95 to see Santa in addition to farm park entry. £9.95 to see Santa when not visiting the farm. No pre-booking required. There is no queuing and you can enjoy the farm while you wait.

CARSHALTON FROST FAIR At Carshalton Ponds, along Honeywood Walk, Festival Walk and the Memorial Gardens.

Sat 7 Dec

There will be stalls, a hog roast and live music. In Honeywood Museum there will be children’s entertainments including Santa’s Grotto.

CENTRALE SHOPPING CENTRE, CROYDON Ground Floor Mall, North End Road, Croydon

CHESSINGTON GARDEN CENTRE Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NG 01372 725638

Mon 2 – Sun 8, Thu 12 – Tue 24 Dec (various times)

Sat 16 Nov – Tue 24 Dec Santa’s Wonderland Grotto Your visit will start with a fantastic, short animated film starring ‘Rocket the Reindeer’. You will then embark on a magical trip through the wonderland grotto to meet Father Christmas. Along the way you’ll journey through a Wonderland of stunning fairy-tale inspired scenes. Your trip will conclude with a rare chance to see inside the elves’ mystical toy workshop before your personal meeting with Father Christmas in his magical Ice Palace.

www.centrale.co.uk

Gingerbread House Grotto Visit Santa in his magical Gingerbread House Grotto located outside House of Fraser on the Ground Floor Mall. Sneak previews will be available on Thursday, 7 and 14 November, ahead of Santa’s arrival on Monday 2 December. Children will be able to visit him on specific days and times from 2 December until Christmas Eve and receive a present. Check the Centrale website for details of times and prices.

Bocketts Farm Park 28th Nov - 24th Dec

A MAgicAl chriStMAS

0 up to £1 family Save

on a visit!

FAther ChristmAs is here! › Hop on board the Santa Express to his magical haybarn workshop to receive a gift. › Voted top 6 in the UK by ‘The Guardian’

ENJOY OUR NEWLY heAteD plAYBArN THIS WINTER!

Plus Newborn lambs and a gift shop full of stocking fillers!

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

#

SpeciAl

Offer

d Ar Aw wi nn ing !

www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Cirque Normandie This year’s fantastic 60-minute show will be bigger than ever, including an international cast of aerialists, acrobats and jugglers, together with Tolly the Clown & Company with their side splitting comedy, all specially created with children up to 10 years old in mind.

All shows will be hosted in a centrally heated Big Top, with performances running on selected dates.

Visit their website (above) for more information including dates, times, prices and frequently asked questions or to access the simple to use on-line booking system.

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES RESORT Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE 0871 663 4477

£2 oFF full price farm entry per person (max 5 people) valid from 4th Nov - 6th Dec 2013.

Only with this voucher.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 16Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

www.chessington.com

Sat 7 – 9, 14 – 16, Dec, Thu 19 Dec – Sun 5 Jan 2014 (excluding Christmas Day) 10.00 – 3.00pm Festive Zoo Days www.Families-LSB.co.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden

Sat 14 Dec – Sun 15 Dec 10.30 – 3.30pm Father Christmas Comes to Claremont Visit Father Christmas in his decorated thatched cottage. Every child visiting receives a present. £10.00 per child + normal admission for accompanying adults/children. Under 5s and National Trust members free entry. Suitable for ages 0 – 12 years. Booking essential.

COULSDON YULEFEST SANTA’S GROTTO At Art Rebellion, 171 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2NH www.yulefest.co.uk Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec 10.00 – 5.00pm Part of Coulsdon Yulefest with activities planned to include a Christmas lights switch-on, Christmas market, ice rink, Winter Wonderland disco. Visit their website (above) for more details.

DENBIES WINE ESTATE London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA 01306 876 616

www.denbies.co.uk

Sat 7/8, Sat 14 – Tue 24 Dec 10 – 4.00pm Santa’s Cellar Grotto HOBBLEDOWN Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8PT 0843 289 4979 thehobblers@hobbledown.com www.hobbledown.com

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 1 Dec, Sat 7 – Tue 24 Dec (various times check website for details) Father Christmas will be joining Hobbledown from the North Pole. Tickets cost just £4.95 on top of normal admission rates, or if you are not planning to visit Hobbledown you can still met Santa for just £7.50.

Both prices include a fabulous gift.

Hobbledown annual passholders get an extra 10% off the above rates. The gift shop will be stocking fantastic stocking fillers and there will be Christmas Shopping Evenings on Monday 11 November and Wednesday 11 December between 6.00 – 8.00pm.

At these events Annual Passholders get 15% off everything in the Merrymakers’ Shop.

November-December 2013

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events

Santa’s Grottos

WWT – London Wetlands Centre Husky rides

HORSESHOE COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL Banstead Youth Centre, The Horseshoe, Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2BQ Sat 16 Nov 10.00 – 1.00pm Christmas Bazaar Get your Christmas presents early while the children enjoy craft activities. Free entry.

www.leeds-castle.co.uk

Sat & Sun 7/ 8 , 14 /15 Dec, Sat 21 – Tue 24 Dec Husky Sleigh Rides £3 per child per ride. Operating on a first-come first-served basis (no pre-booking). Please note the rides are for children only (height restriction of 1.3m).

KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden Kent TN30 6H 01580 765155 www.kesr.org.uk

Sat & Sun 7/ 8 , 14 /15 Dec, Thu 19 – Tue 24 Dec 10.30 – 4.00pm Father Christmas Visits Follow the trail of glittering woodland decorations around the castle and discover an enchanted forest grotto. £10 per child (includes a quality gift). A valid Key to the Castle ticket is also required.

Pre-book a time slot online.

Weekends in Dec up to and including Tue 24 Dec Santa Specials KEW GARDENS 26 W Park Rd Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DA 020 8332 5000 www.kew.org

Thu 28 Nov – Mon 23 Dec 12.00 – 3.30pm

in advance (£2 off for annual/quarterly pass holders) to include a themed party bag. Tickets available from 1 Nov.

KNIGHTS GARDEN CENTRES Woldingham, Surrey, CR3 7LA 01883 653142

KIDSPACE ADVENTURES The Colonnades, 619 Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 4RQ. 020 8686 0040

KNIGHTS GARDEN CENTRES Chelsham, CR6 9DZ 01883 622340

www.knights-gardencentres.co.uk

www.kidspaceadventures.com

Sat 16 Nov 3.00pm Santa arrival event Visit him in his Grotto from 16 Nov or every weekend until Christmas Eve.

(last entry at 3.00pm) Santa’s Woodland Grotto

www.knights-gardencentres.co.uk

Sat 23 Nov 10.00 – 4.00pm Reindeer visit A team of Canadian Eskimo dogs will also be visiting.

Sat 16 Nov 12.30pm approx.

Santa arrival event Visit him in his Grotto today or every weekend until Christmas Eve. Sun 24 Nov 10.00am – 4.00pm Reindeer visit A team of Canadian Eskimo dogs will also be visiting. The reindeer will be back again from Tue 26 Nov until Sun 22 Dec.

Sat 7 Dec – Sun 22 Dec 11.00 – 6.00pm The Christmas Market German market style chalets and traditional carousel rides selling handmade decorations for your home and other quality gifts. Late night shopping until 9.00pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 December.

Sat 7 – Tue 24 Dec Real Reindeer Meet Father Christmas’ reindeer outside the castle. Included in admission price.

© National Trust Images/National Trust/James Day. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Thu 19 Dec 5.00 – 7.30pm Children’s Christmas party at Kidspace For ages 3 – 12 years, with a pizza buffet for the children, Christmas Panto and the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.

Adults free. Tickets: £12.00

LEEDS CASTLE Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400

Family festive fun From Santa to sleigh rides and carols to crafts... Please call individual properties for their full programme of Christmas events.

Christmas mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 17 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

Morden Hall Park: 020 8545 6850 Polesden Lacey: 01372 452048

nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Santa’s Grottos LOWER MORDEN GARDEN CENTRE Lower Morden Lane, Morden, Surrey SM4 4SJ 0844 288 5039 www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Mon 23 Dec (various times) Tea with Father Christmas Sat 30 Nov – Tue 24 Dec (various times) Breakfast with Father Christmas

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events three kings who visited Polesden – Edward VII, George V and George VI. Plus sleigh rides, Father Christmas and more… Normal admission for grounds, plus £4 adult, £1 child, £10 family for the house, including members

WOODCOTE GREEN GARDEN CENTRE Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0SU 020 8647 6838 (select option-7)

PRIORY FARM Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill RH1 4EJ 07711 146 566

Sat 23 Nov – Tue 24 Dec 1.00 – 3.00pm A Magical Christmas at Woodcote Green Santa lands at the garden centre at 11.00am on Saturday, 23 November. The grotto then opens at 1.00pm and is open daily at various times until 3.00pm on Christmas Eve (see their website for details of times and prices). Pre-booking for the grotto is essential and all tickets must be purchased online. In addition to the grotto, there will be six animation scenes around the store with a worksheet for the children to take around and stamp. For further information, please call 020 8647 6838 and select option 7.

www.prioryfarm.co.uk

MAGICAL ICE KINGDOM AT HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

Sat 23 Nov 4.30pm Father Christmas arrival event The grotto is open weekends from Sun 30 Nov.

www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Fri 22 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 2014 (closed Christmas Day) 10.00 – 10pm daily (except 22 Nov – opens

from 5.00pm)

SCOLA Sutton Centre, next to Sutton Library, St Nicholas Way, SM1 1EA www.

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries)

scola.ac.uk

Sat 30 Nov 11.00 – 3.00pm SCOLA Christmas Festival Santa will be visiting between 11.30 – 2.30pm

mordenhallparkevents@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park

Sun 1 Dec 11.00 – 3.00pm Tree Dressing Festival Sat & Sun 7 – 8, 14 – 15 December 11.00 – 3.00pm Santa’s Grotto & Festive Christmas Market Celebrate Christmas with a Christmas market, festive entertainment, delicious refreshments and a Santa’s grotto. When you step through the gates, it’s as if you are in the middle of the English countryside, surrounded by meadows, trees and a meandering river, perfect for a frosty walk before tucking into the treats on offer. See the community-decorated Christmas trees and take part in the tree dressing ceremony where you can hang your wishes on the 20-foot main tree in the form of a star. This is a free event, but there is a charge to visit Santa in his grotto (£8.00 per child) and Santa visits must be pre-booked.

Each present is individually named. Suitable for children up to 14 years.

POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD 01372 452048 or 01372 458203 (infoline) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey

Sat & Sun 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 Dec 11.00 – 4.00pm We Three Kings Christmas Festivities See the house dressed for a period Christmas and discover the stories of the

SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 Sat 7 Dec 1.00 – 5.00pm Winter Wonderland In conjunction with Carshalton Frost Fair, the Friends of Sutton Ecology Centre will be holding their annual Christmas Fair, with bric-a-brac, cakes and lots of other stalls. Between 1.00 – 4.00pm, there will be family craft activities and a Winter Wonderland Trail (£1.00pp). No booking required SUTTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL Manor Lane, Sutton SM1 4AS Thu 7 Nov 6.30 – 9.30pm PTA Christmas Shopping Event Tables to include Christmas gifts, jewellery, stocking fillers, toiletries, cards and wrapping, glass crafts, candles, handbags, books, portrait photographer and more. Entry tickets cost £2.50 each and include a glass of wine (tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available if you prefer). Light snacks will be available to buy on the night.

© Copyright Flickr-User Ian-G-McLean

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

mail@woodcotegreen.com www.woodcotegreen.com

WHITEHALL Parochial Rooms, Cheam Village 020 8643 1236 whitehallmuseum@sutton.gov.uk

Sat 23 Nov 9.30 – 4.00pm Mistletoe Craft and Gift Fair Stock up on a range of gifts for the upcoming festive season at this annual event – refreshments available.

Free admission.

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk/london Sat 8 – Sun 9 Dec Get into the festive mood at the Centre’s wonderful winter weekend. Children will be able to hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride, visit Santa in his magical grotto and enjoy a unique Wetlands Winter Show. Check their website for full details and updates for these and other activities available over the weekend.

intervals from 2.00pm. Children can come to meet the cheeky piggies and stay for the big lights switch on.

They can also have a sneak preview of the Gingerbread House Grotto, which will be situated on Ground Floor Mall outside House of Fraser, ahead of Santa’s arrival on 2 December.

Coulsdon Yulefest

www.yulefest.co.uk Sat 7 – Sun 8 Dec Check the Yulefest website for details of the town centre Christmas light switch-on, Santa’s Grotto and other activities.

‘Spirit of Christmas’, Epsom Centrale Shopping Centre, Croydon

www.centrale.co.uk Thu 7 Nov 2.00 – 5.30pm Make sure not to miss the Centrale Christmas Lights switch on this year.

On Thursday, 7 November 2013 the

children’s favourite, lovable Peppa Pig and her little brother George will be coming to Centrale Shopping Centre in Croydon and will be outside Debenhams to turn on the Christmas lights at 5.30pm. Peppa Pig and George will be appearing at

mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 18 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

www.eebp.co.uk/spirit-of-christmas-2013-get-involved Thu 21 Nov An evening of family entertainment, including a town parade and live music to kick-start the festive season in the town. Check the borough’s dedicated website (above) for more details. www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Scan the code For a wealth of information on what to do with families locally, scan the code into your smartphone

Kingston Christmas Lights Switch On

www.kingstononline.co.uk Thu 14 Nov 3.00 – 6.00pm There will be free family entertainment with choirs, Christmas street entertainers and Father Christmas switching on Kingston Town Centre’s Christmas Lights at 6.00pm.Sutton www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16873 Check the council website for details of when the Christmas lights will be switched on around the borough.

Winter Wonderland, Wimbledon

www.lovewimbledon.org 1 Dec 12.00 – 6.00 pm There will be festive performances throughout the day, street food, children’s rides and lots of activities.

The day will end with a spectacular firework display. Free event. Visit their website (see above) for more details.

November-December 2013

Running Head

GE! R O E G & IG P EPPA P E E S D N A E COM

itch On Christmas Lights Sw 7th Nov, 5.30pm Outside Debenham

s

Peppa Pig and George are coming to Centrale for our Christmas Lights Switch On! The cheeky piggies will be appearing at intervals from 2pm – 5.30pm, when we turn on our Christmas lights.

Make sure you don’t miss them!

Find out more at centrale.co.uk

www.peppapig.com

ALIVE WITH MAGIC

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003

mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 19 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187 CE7701_Surrey Borders_FullPg-180x260.indd 1

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www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

Pantomimes

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events

Our guide to top Pantos and Christmas Shows Peter Pan at the Epsom Playhouse

Charles Cryer Studio Theatre 39 High Street, Carshalton SM5 3BB 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk

Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 01737 276500 www.harlequintheatre.co.uk

Sat 7 – Tue 24 Dec

(various times & days – check with box office)

Thu 21 Nov 7.30pm

The Nutcracker

The Snow Angel

Ballet Theatre UK are proud to present their critically acclaimed festive classic.

Fri 13 Dec – Sun 5 Jan (various times)

Polka Dot Pantomimes present an interactive children‘s show for babies and toddlers age 0 – 5 years old.

Please note all children require a ticket for this production.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Sat 7 – Tue 24 Dec

(various times & days – check with box office)

When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney

Polka Dot Pantomimes present a magical adventure, based on the famous song, to see if the children manage to get Santa out of their Chimney. Recommended for children ages 5 – 8 years.

Epsom Playhouse

Fairfield Halls

Fri 11 Nov 1.30pm & 4.30pm

The Churchill Theatre Bromley

Fri 6 Dec – Tue 24 Dec (various times)

Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure

High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 (booking fee) www.atgtickets.com/shows

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 14 (various times)

Cinderella

With spectacular sets and costumes and ugly sisters and stepmother to boo and hiss at, Cinderella is fantastic seasonal fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.

The Colour House Children’s Theatre Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, London SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 (information) 020 8542 5511 (bookings) www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk

Sat 23 Nov – Sun 26 Jan (Sat & Sun only) 2.00pm & 4.00pm

Cinderella

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL 01372 742 555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk

Room on the Broom

(various times)

Peter Pan

This year’s family pantomime is already causing a stir with the promise of jaw dropping aerial effects with some amazing flying sequences. The cast of professional actors, singers and dancers, is headed by children’s TV star Martin Clark as Peter Pan and Mark Sell as the evil Captain Hook.

Tickets are £11 – £18.50 for morning, afternoon and evening performances.

They are on sale now from the website or by ringing the Box Office.

WIN a super maxi 850-piece box of Bizzy Bitz Cool, addictive, educational and fun, Bizzy Bitz is a must for every family. With a simple ball and socket system, Bizzy Bitz is set to capture the world with its infinite possibilities. With brightly coloured pieces and a wide variety of shapes, children of all ages and stages can create absolutely anything with Bizzy Bitz.

New Wimbledon Theatre

The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG 0870 060 6646 www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk

Fri 6 Dec – Sun 12 Jan

Do you believe in Santa Claus? Well if you do, head down to the Epsom Playhouse for this fun filled show in the Myers Studio. The children will get to meet Father Christmas after the show and even receive a present – Don’t forget your camera. For all children ages 2+.

Fri 13 Dec – Sun 5 Jan

An enchanting pantomime full of magic, mystery and manic moments of madness await audiences this Christmas.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises to deliver an action-packed script, creative choreography and memorable music.

(various times)

Aladdin

Comedienne, writer and actress Jo Brand makes her pantomime debut as Genie of the Ring

New Wimbledon Studio Sat 12 & Sun 13 Nov

Miracle on 34th Street

The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG 0870 060 6646 www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Tue 24 Dec

Mon 18 & Tue 19 Nov

Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure

Wed 20 Nov

Polka Theatre

Swan Lake: Moscow City Ballet The Nutcracker: Moscow City Ballet Thu 5 – Tue 24 Dec

Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure Fri 6 Dec – Sun 5 Jan

Peter Pan

Mon 9 Dec

A Christmas Carol

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com To Sat 15 Feb 2014 (various times)

Gorilla

When Hannah’s toy gorilla comes to life, dressed in her father’s coat and hat, they embark on a thrilling, moonlit adventure. Suitable for ages 3 – 5 years with a special version (Mini Gorilla) suitable for 1 – 2 year olds.

WIN £100-worth of Land’s End vouchers Looking for stylish coats to keep you and your family warm and snug this Winter? Colourful, practical and packed with innovative details, Lands’ End outerwear is scientifically tested in all weather conditions to ensure your warmth, comfort and enjoyment – whatever the forecast.

See the collection at www.landsend.co.uk

www.bizzy-bitz.com

Follow @LandsEnd_UK and become a fan at Facebook.com/LandsEndUK

To enter visit www.families-LSB.co.uk/competitions

To enter visit www.families-LSB.co.uk/competitions

Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 2nd December 2013.

mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 20 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 2nd December 2013.

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Competitions

Competitions

A musical Christmas show suitable for the whole family, with a recommended starting age of 3 years

The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema

November-December 2013

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events

Pantomimes

04 SPILLERS Peter Pan_Epsom 2013-14_WITH ACTORS:Flyer

4/6/13

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Secombe Theatre

42 Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 2SS 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk

I N ASS O C IATI O N WITH

Thu 5 – Sat 7 Dec 7.00pm and Sat Mat 2.00pm

INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGICAL STORY OF THE BOY WHO NEVER GREW UP

Dick Whittington

Act One Youth Theatre present the rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington and his loyal cat, on their exciting quest to find fame and fortune in old London town.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll’s classic about a magical fantasy world where anything can happen. Suitable for ages 6 – 11 years.

CHILDREN’S TV STAR AS PETER

Wed 18 – Mon 24 Dec

(various times & days – check with box office)

Beauty And The Beast

Polka Dot Pantomimes present the magical tale of Beauty and the Beast is a timeless classic that children will know and love.

N PTAI HOOK CA

WEST END PRODUCTIONS Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES 0844 412 4661 (Booking office) www.nimaxtheatres.com Wed 20 Nov – Sun 12 Jan (various times)

The Gruffalo

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GET HOOKED! GET BOOKED!

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See their website for details.

22 Nov – 15 Feb (various times)

FEATURING

MARTIN CLARK

ST EA D M

13TH DEC 2013 TO 5TH JAN 2014 FLYING BY

Tall Stories’ magical, musical stage adaptation returns for a sixth sensational West End season. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood – in the search for hazelnuts – as she meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake, and outwits them all with the story of the fabled Gruffalo.

Armed with only a nut map and a little courage Mouse must make sure she doesn’t end up as dinner for these wily woodland creatures. The Gruffalo is aimed at pre-school and primary school children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.

Vaudeville Theatre

The Strand 0844 412 4663 (Booking office) www.nimaxtheatres.com Sun 8 Dec – Sun 5 Jan (various times)

01372 742555 / 01372 742227

BOX OFFICE BOOK ONLINE

BOOK

WWW.EPSOMPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK

NOW!

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

PETER PAN IS STAGED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN AND SAMUEL FRENCH LIMITED BASED ON THE BOOK BY J. M. BARRIE ADAPTED BY JOHN F. SPILLERS

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Potted Panto

Seven classic pantomimes in eighty frenetic minutes. Following the success of Potted Potter and other highly-abridged stories, this hilarious show includes condensed versions of some of the most famous pantomimes ever

7

Leeds Castle presents

The Twelve Days of Christmas Castle Decorations 7 to 24 December

Husky Sleigh Rides 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 to 24 December

Christmas is alive at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas.

Children will love our new husky sleigh rides. £3 per child per ride.

Real Reindeer 7 to 24 December

Our first Christmas Market with German market style chalets and traditional carousel rides. Browse handmade decorations for your home and quality gifts, as well as locally-produced fare ideal for the Christmas dinner table.

Meet Father Christmas’ reindeer outside the castle.

Father Christmas Visits 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 to 24 December Discover an enchanted forest grotto where children can meet Father Christmas.

The Christmas Market 7 to 22 December

leeds-castl

A £7 grounds only ticket is available.

Late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 December.

There is so much to discover at Leeds Castle this Christmas.

For further information and booking details visit leeds-castle.com mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 21 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

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What’s On November

Mon 4 Nov 9.30 – 11.00am Whitehall Whippets – ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ Whitehall, 1 Malden Road, Cheam, Sutton SM1 1EA 020 8643 1236 www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk For families with children under 3, focusing on a nursery rhyme and including activities from singing to crafts and sensory experiences.

Wed 6 Nov Free Entry Wednesday at Painshill Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 01932 868113 info@painshill.co.uk www.painshill.co.uk A special November offer, free entry every Wednesday throughout the month.

Sat 9 Nov 1.00 – 2.30pm Meet a Saxon women and learn about her life Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

For ages 7 – 12 years. £4.00 per child.

Sat 9 Nov 10.00 – 5.00pm Independent Schools Show Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge entrance, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ 020 3301 0299 www.schoolsshow.com Everything you need to know about independent schooling, from pre-prep to sixth forms, single sex, co-ed, day and boarding schools. The Education Theatre hosts talks from education experts and school heads, while hundreds of school exhibitors showcase the education they offer. Saturday, Sunday. Tickets £10 on the door or free when booked in advance.

Sat 9 Nov 10.00 – 12.00pm Autumn fruits and fungi at Riddlesdown – meet at Riddlesdown Car park 01372 279083 Join local fungi expert, Jane McLauchlin, and ranger Matt Johnson to see what Autumn brings out on Riddlesdown. They’re hoping to find some interesting fungi in the ancient Coombe Wood so come along and help with the search. Booking essential.

Sat 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov 1.00 – 3.00pm Storytime at The Oval Tavern, 131 Oval Road, Croydon CR0 6BR 020 8686 6023 www.theovalcroydon.co.uk A friendly and relaxed drop-in session where children aged 2 – 7 years old can choose which activities they want to take part in from puppets and music, to enjoying stories and getting creative with different crafts.

Sun 10 Nov 10.30 – 4.30pm Independent Schools Show Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge entrance, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ 020 3301 0299 www.schoolsshow.com See entry 9 Nov entry for details Sun 10 Nov 10.00 – 12.00pm Wildlife box making Coulsdon Common: Merlewood Estate Office 01372 279083 Join the rangers for a morning of carpentry and build a home for a bird or a bat. Booking essential. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.​£2.00 per person.

Wed 13 Nov 10.00am Dreamscape – Bach to Baby Concert at Holy Trinity Church, 234 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.bachtobaby.com/wimbledon Enter the musical dreamscape with harpist Camilla Pay as she entrances, lulls, and excites, aided by Massenet’s Meditation de Thais, Debussy’s Reverie, and David

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events

DIARY DATES FOR WINTER

Victorian Christmas at Bourne Hall Museum 14 December

Watkin’s Nocturne and Fire Dance.

There’s even an opportunity for you to join in a bit of “Dream a little Dream of Me” Wed 13 Nov Free Entry Wednesday at Painshill Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 01932 868113 info@painshill.co.uk www.painshill.co.uk A special November offer, free entry every Wednesday throughout the month.

Sat 16 Nov 9.30 – 1.30pm North Cheam Farmers’ Market North Cheam Crossroads, Outside the Post Office, North Cheam KT4 8SG www.wallingtonfarmersmarket.org.uk Stalls with fresh, free-range food from local producers.

Wed 20 Nov Free Entry Wednesday at Painshill Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 01932 868113 info@painshill.co.uk www.painshill.co.uk Free entry every Wednesday throughout the month.

Sat 23 Nov 11.00 – 3.00pm Second Hand Sale at Sutton Salvation Army Hall, Benhill Avenue, Sutton SM1 4DD 07758 219 673 Sale of kids’ clothes, books, toys, bedding and more including some adult clothes. Also homemade jams, cakes, chocolates and scones.

There will be a play area for children and coffee house open on site. All proceeds to Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK and will be doubled by an online event on 5 December. Contact Beth Johnsson for more information. Read more about the syndrome or the charity at their website: www.rsrt.org.uk Sat 23 Nov 3.15 – 4.30pm (NCT members at 3.00pm) Nearly New Sale – NCT Sutton & Epsom Branch at St Andrews Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam, Surrey SM2 7HF Buy good quality baby and toddler equipment and clothes as well as toys and books. All proceeds to NCT. Refreshments will be available. Entry is £1.00 Wed 27 Nov Free Entry Wednesday at Painshill Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 01932 868113 info@painshill.co.uk www.painshill.co.uk A special November offer, free entry every Wednesday throughout the month.

Fri 29 Nov 11.00am Classical Babies Concert at Waterhouse Café, 12 Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6EB www.classicalbabies.com Featuring Nadine André – Solo Piano.

Come along for a warm and snug concert at the Waterhouse Café to hear piano

mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 22 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

works by Bach, Schumann, Chopin, and Khachaturian.

Fri 29 Nov 4.00pm Christmas Concert – Bach to Baby Concert at Holy Trinity Church, 234 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.bachtobaby.com/wimbledon Christmas Concert featuring Dan Newell on trumpet.

Sat 30 Nov 10.00 – 12.30pm or 1.30 – 4.00pm Family Christmas decoration making Gatton Park, Rocky Lane, RH2 0TW 01737 649066 education@gatton-park.org.uk www.gattonpark.com Create Christmas wreaths and other decorations from the natural materials of Gatton Park. Adults: £8.00; children: £5.00. Booking in advance essential. Further information on their website (above).

Sat 30 Nov 10.00 – 1.00pm Family Fun: Festive Craft at Painshill Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 01932 868113 info@painshill.co.uk www.painshill.co.uk Make Christmas decorations out of natural materials from around the landscape garden. One adult per two children required. For children aged 5 to 13 years. £8pp. Advanced booking by calling or online required.

Sat 30 Nov 10.00 – 4.00pm Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market 020 8770 6611 www.ecolocalmarkets.org. uk/wallington-farmers-market Stalls selling free range meat, speciality bread, wine, sausages, vegan pies, jewellery, lavender beauty products, and more.

December Mon 2 Dec 9.30 – 11.00am Whitehall Whippets – ‘Eensy Weensy Spider’ Whitehall, 1 Malden Road, Cheam, For details see 4 Nov entry.

Sat 7 Dec 11.00am Sponsored Santa Dash Wimbledon Common, SW19 020 8254 2466 events@straphaelshospice.org.uk www.straphaels.org.uk This fun event for all the family is raising important funds for St Raphael’s Hospice. £15 per adult plus sponsorship / £10 per child aged 5 – 16 years. Under 5s free. To register for this sponsored event or for more information please call or email Louisa.

Sat 7, 14, 21, 28 Dec 1.00 – 3.00pm Storytime at The Oval Tavern, 131 Oval Road, Croydon CR0 6BR 020 8686 6023 www.theovalcroydon.co.uk See 9 Nov entry for details. www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Sun 8 Dec 11.00 – 5.00pm Christmas Creations Honeywood Museum, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk Come along for a relaxing day of free, drop-in Christmas crafts activities for children.

Mums and Dads can find some special Christmas presents in the Gift Shop.

Sat 14 Dec 1.00 – 2.30pm Victorian Christmas Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov. uk Learn how the Victorians invented Christmas with a visit from Queen Victoria.

For ages 7 – 12 years. £4.00 per child.

Fri 20 Dec 11.00am Classical Babies Christmas Concert at Waterhouse Café, 12 Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6EB www.classicalbabies.com Music will include familiar carols that we all know and love, as well as lesser known music associated with Christmas.

There will be plenty of audience participation & presents for the first 15 babies to arrive.

Sat 21 Dec 9.30 – 1.30pm North Cheam Farmers’ Market North Cheam Crossroads, Outside the Post Office, North Cheam KT4 8SG www.wallingtonfarmersmarket.org.uk Stalls with fresh, free-range food from local producers.

January

Thu 26 Dec – Sun 5 Jan The Winter Trail Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.co.uk Join in a nature trail through the grounds. Collect festive clues relating to the Twelve Days of Christmas with the chance to be entered into an exciting prize draw.

Thu 26 Dec – Sun 5 Jan 10.30 – 3.00pm Polesdenopoly Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD 01372 452048 or 01372 458203 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey Become a millionaire like Mrs Greville in Polesden’s fun, family version throughout their grounds.

Normal admission, plus £5 per set.

Wed 1 Jan 10.00 – 4.00pm New Year’s Day Garden and Belvedere Tower Opening Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG 01372 467 806 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden Walk off the excess of the holiday season with a stroll around the garden and an opportunity to see stunning views from the Belvedere Tower. Tower open 11.00 – 2.00pm (last entry to Garden 3.30pm). Normal admission fees apply.

Thu 2 Jan 11.00 – 3.00pm Wild Winter Walk Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 mordenhallparkevents@nationaltrust. org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ morden-hall-park £4 per family; £1.50pp.

Sat 4, 11, Jan 1.00 – 3.00pm Storytime at The Oval Tavern, 131 Oval Rd, Croydon CR0 6BR 020 8686 6023 www.theovalcroydon.co.uk For details see 9 Nov entry.

Mon 6 Jan 9.30 – 11.00am Whitehall Whippets – ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ Whitehall, 1 Malden Road, Cheam. For details see 4 Nov entry.

November-December 2013

What’s On

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for an updated list of local events

ICE SKATING RINKS IN LONDON AND LOCALLY

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

HAMPTON COURT

31 Oct – Jan 2014, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Set within the museum’s grounds, the ice rink is a charming winter wonderland in the heart of the city.

Offering an array of entertainment and events for all ages, attractions include a beautiful fairground carousel, a junior rink for younger skaters and delicious Christmasthemed refreshments.

30 Nov – 12 Jan 2014, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU, 020 8241 9818 www.hamptoncourticerink.com Hampton Court Ice Rink invites visitors to glide around the ice in royal style within the setting of the magnificent Palace. The Palace is illuminated after the sun goes down.

Open 10am – 10pm daily, from £9.

BRIGHTON ROYAL PAVILION

CANARY WHARF

26 Oct – 16 Feb 2014, Canary Wharf, Canada Square E15 5NY, 0844 847 1556, www.canarywharf.com Perfect for children and grown-ups, this year’s ice rink is bigger and better than ever, with all new skates and London’s only skate path which leads skaters on a glittering trail through fairy-lit trees to add to the excitement.

Rink open 10am to late every day except 25 December.

Scan the code

For a wealth of information on what to do with families locally, scan the code into your smartphone

SOMERSET HOUSE

14 Nov – 5 Jan 2014, Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA, 0844 847 1520, www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink Celebrate the festive season in style at London’s most glamorous ice rink.

Skate School sets the standard for people of all ages and abilities to learn how to build confidence or improve their technique on the ice. A Penguin Club for under 8s successfully guides children through their first tentative steps on the ice.

Booking required in advance for lessons. Open 10am to late, tickets from £7.50.

Classified Adverts Services

TOWER OF LONDON

16 Nov – 5 Jan 2014, Tower Of London, Tower Hill EC3N 4AB, 020 8241 9818 www.toweroflondonicerink.com London’s most dramatic open-air ice rink returns to the spectacular setting of the Tower of London. Sessions 10am-10pm, tickets from £9.

HYDE PARK

22 Nov – 5 Jan 2014, Hyde Park, London, 0844 858 6755, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Glittering ice rink in Hyde Park, within the Winter Wonderland attraction.

No job too big or too small—Sutton Area 0755 791 1024 / 0208 661 7351 jparker2595@gmail.com

Parties

Mrs Jones

GUITAR LESSONS

Acoustic / Electric / Bass All ages: Beginners and children welcome.

0208 644 8007 Jack Broadbent

Advertise your business in this space from £12.50/month.

Call Izabella on 020 8669 5187

27 Nov – 5 Jan 2014, EDF Energy London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, 0871 781 3000, www.londoneye.com Eyeskate in the shadow of one of London’s iconic landmarks, the London Eye, situated on the festive South Bank.

EDUCATION

11 PLUS TUITION

www.magictheo.com

Fun Entertaining Magic for Children & Adults Free Magic Wand & Certificate for Birthday Child

020 8642 6519 (Magic Circle & Equity)

West & South West London Y3 (pre-Plus), Y4 and Y5 (11 Plus) State Grammar and Private Schools Bursaries and Scholarships Mathematics, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Exam Practice, Interview Technique

info@skcelectrical.com www.skcelectrical.com Single sockets to complete re-wires No call out charge / free estimates.

0797 1172450 / 020 8641 9396

EYESKATE AT THE LONDON EYE

Tuition

& Mock Exam Practice

John Parker Decorating

9 Nov – 19 Jan 2014, Royal Pavilion, Prince’s Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1ED, 0844 847 2352, www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk If you fancy a skating day trip by the sea, head to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton where an 800 square metre rink has space for 250 skaters.

Under 8s skate free at the Penguin Club when accompanied by a paying adult. Open 10am – 10.15pm.

10 year olds

Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers

Now enrolling Year 4 & 5 pupils in Wallington Maths, English & VR Group classes only Saturdays 10am - 1pm

Call 0845 056 8889

EXCELLENT RESULTS

TEL: 0208-390-6076

z.11plustuition.co.uk www.11plustuition.co.uk FLOSSIE 020 8647 9967 1 or 2 hour Fun Filled Parties with Magic, Music, Games & Balloons. 07954 564372

Auctions

FREE SIGN UP; FREE CREDITS An exciting online auction win genuine quality products & properties from £1 www.firstclassbid.co.uk

mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 23 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

New Tutors–please check website for details

Southern Tutors Saturday and Holiday 11plus courses. GCSE. A level.

01372 721119 07986 564 651 info@southerntutors.co.uk www.southerntutors.co.uk

www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

PRIVATE TUTOR WALLINGTON English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, Mock exams Cherry Mattey BA (Hons) Cert Ed (CRB checked) 0208 669 9794 Email: tuitionsutton@gmail.com www.tuitionsutton.com

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013

10055_DD_130x87mm_AD_CROYDON_10055_A0 DD/BUY ONLINE POSTER

Visit sa nta at hobbledown t his Christma s

The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park

Enjoy Kidspace from as little as £0.25 a day

Must be completed online

li t y: sa nta’ s aVa ila bi Saturday Nov 30th & Sunday Dec 1st Saturday Dec 7th & Sunday Dec 8th Monday Dec 9th to Friday Dec 13th Saturday Dec 14th & Sunday Dec 15th Monday Dec 16th to Friday Dec 20th Saturday Dec 21st to Monday Dec 23rd Christmas Eve

Tickets £4.95 on top of normal admission rates, or £7.50 for non farm visitors. Both prices include a fabulous gift.

If you are a Hobbledown annual passholder you will get an extra 10% off the above rates.

Visit reception to book, or call 0843 289 4979 or email thehobblers@hobbledown.com.

Chessington garden centre.co.uk

10085_QuarterPgAd_FamiliesLSB.indd 1

Buy an annual pass and spread the cost of your membership over the year* Pay by direct debit and enjoy Kidspace from as little as:

11am - 5pm 11am - 5pm from 3:30pm 11am - 5pm from 3:30pm 11am - 5pm 10am - 4pm

£7.50p/m for under 3s £7.91p/m for over 3s £1.66p/m for additional adults Members' benefits include 15% off parties, 10% off holiday clubs, reduced 'Big Event' admission, discount vouchers, unlimited visits!

Please note we will require full payment upon booking.

Find us at: Hobbledown Children’s Farm, Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8PT T: 0843 289 4979 E: thehobblers@hobbledown.com www.hobbledown.com

You can also book your day tickets in advance online, saving you up to 15% off the entry fee**

For more info visit our website www.kidspaceadventures.com * Must be completed online ** Excluding February and October Half Term

Kidspace Croydon Unit 3, The Colonnades, 619 Purley Way, Croydon, Surrey CR0 4RQ

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o n l i n e o r i n - s t o r e NO W Book

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Show

www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 24 Please Families London-Surrey Borders 020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2013