Issuu

e g u H al

loc On 's Whatting lis

London-Surrey Borders

Christmas issue

e EEke on FR ta

For a

se ea Pl

For loads of local information for families in Epsom and Ewell, Sutton, Croydon and nearby areas.

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Issue 59 Nov-Dec2014

Where to find Santa

Pantomimes Things to do in the holidays Q. What do

Families and Bizzy Bitz have in common?

A. See page 13 for answer

Enrolling now! Call your local school for details

Cheam Coulsdon Croydon Epsom Merton Park Mitcham Shirley Sutton Worcester Park

020 8773 4242 0845 078 0805 0845 265 7083 01372 730 363 020 8942 3502 020 8942 3502 020 8949 1116 01737 270 060 020 8773 4242

Age 4-18

Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

www.stagecoach.co.uk

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

Running Head

Epsom Advert Primary Times FullPage (210x297).qxp_Layout 1 09/10/2014 09:12 Page 1

Recruiting now for January 2015 Believing in the potential Epsom & Sutton of every child New Wednesday early stages class at Overton Grange Sutton! Stagecoach Sutton sessions at Stanley Park High/Carshalton High School for Girls and Overton Grange Stagecoach Epsom sessions at The Beacon School, Bourne Hall, Rosebery Girls School and Wallace Fields. Early stages 4–6 years Main school 6–15 years Further stages 15–19 years

01372 730363

Stagecoach Epsom

01737 270060

Stagecoach Sutton Our recent inspection reports said... “Stagecoach Sutton is an exemplary school" and "the classes and teaching I saw at Epsom was simply extraordinary”

Fun, educational, confidence-building, classes in acting, singing and dance. 2

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

News & Views s On What'ting lis

Christmas issue

Ple

For e Hulocgal

London-Surrey Borders

e EEke on FRase ta

For loads of local information for families in Epsom and Ewell, Sutton, Croydon and nearby areas.

Bizzy Bitz_Layout 1 08/10/2014 11:41 Page 1

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Issue 59 Nov-Dec2014

Where to find Santa

Pantomimes Things to do in the holidays Q. What do

Families and Bizzy Bitz have in common?

A. See page 13 for answer

Enrolling now! Call your local school for details

Cheam Coulsdon Croydon Epsom Merton Park Mitcham Shirley Sutton Worcester Park

020 8773 4242 0845 078 0805 0845 265 7083 01372 730 363 020 8942 3502 020 8942 3502 020 8949 1116 01737 270 060 020 8773 4242

Age 4-18

Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Cover59-12Oct.indd 1

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

25/10/2014 15:41

Editor: Tamar Pearson 01923 775680 editor@Families-LSB.co.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk Room Seven AW14 Collection Stockist Details: Room Seven www.roomseven.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.

IN THIS ISSUE News and views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Clubs, classes and activities . . . . . . 4 – 7 Behind the scenes with ... Priory Prep . . 8 Education news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Why does my child get homework? . . 10 Reflexology can help soothe crying babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 10 Tips for a low-stress Christmas with Toddlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Christmas gift ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hundreds of things for families to do locally Where’s Santa . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 16

Want a luxury Christmas? try Wotton House hotel

A warm welcome awaits you this Christmas at Wotton House. The fires will be lit, candles will sparkle, Christmas trees will twinkle throughout the House and the Chefs will be busy preparing sumptuous festive menus.

Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival, threecourse luncheon, live music and relax with traditional Christmas games. Alternatively, join them for their Gala New Year’s Eve dinner dance. Start this sparkling evening with a glass of Champagne followed by a three-course meal then dance the night away to the Michael Bublé tribute act and see the New Year in with family and friends. Stay the night at Wotton House and enjoy a hearty breakfast, stroll around their wonderful gardens and relax in the Old Library of Orangery for the rest of the day. If you stay at Wotton, they guarantee you won’t want to leave. Call now to reserve your place at their popular family celebrations. Guildford Road Surrey, Dorking, RH5 6QQ 01306 730 000 wottonhousechristmas@principal-hayley.com or visit www.wottonhousedorkingsurrey.co.uk

Prepare for a magical fund-raising evening

International Magician and member of the Magic Circle, Simon Rosselli will be appearing and disappearing at Haslemere Hall, Thornton Heath in the aid of charity. All proceeds will be split between a local charity and the Destiny Junior School in Uganda. The show takes place on 28, 29 & 30 Dec from 6 - 8pm (doors open 5.30pm) After the first 45 minutes, there will be an interval of 30 minutes, followed by another 45 minutes of Magic and Mayhem. Live animals from thin air, Head & Shrinking Illusion and one lucky person to be sawn in half. Great audience participation, with all children to receive a free Bunny Copter and a chance to meet Fluffy the Rabbit in the interval. Tickets are £7 for Adults and £5 for Children. Family ticket (4) for £20. Whilst there may be tickets available to buy on the door, it is highly recommended you book in advance as in the past this event has sold out. Tickets via Amigo’s Magic 0208 480 8176 or via the website, www.amigosmagic.co.uk where you can also watch a taster video of the show.

Santa’s Grottos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15 Christmas fairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15 Where’s Santa in Central London . . . . . . 16

Theatre & Panto locally . . . . . . . . . . 18 Theatre & Panto in London . . . . . . . . 19 Win tickets to see Peter Pan at the Polka . 19

What’s On for Autumn/Winter . . . 20 – 22 Can tutoring help your child? . . . . . . 23 Classified advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . 23 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 also post updates and stories at Facebook.com/FamiliesLSB.

Get on Down for Down’s Support Get on Downs is a support group for families in the Sutton and surrounding areas, with young children with Down’s syndrome or with a prenatal diagnosis. They aim to assist and support families coming to terms with the news their baby has Down’s Syndrome and to provide them with a network of support. They meet weekly in term time on Wednesdays 9.30 – 11.00am at Cedar Lodge, 3 Metcalfe Avenue, Carshalton SM5 4AW. Come along for a chat, coffee and cake. 50p per family getondowns@btinternet.com | www.facebook.com/GetOnDowns | twitter.com/GetOnDowns

Friends of Grange Park in fund-raising bid The Friends of Grange Park Play Area (FGPPA) group is aiming to raise £100,000 to

Again, whenever we get latebreaking news or web-only competitions, we can let you know about them. But only if you ‘Like’ our page.

In order to get funding the group needs to show potential funders that they have consulted the local community about the changes they would like to see.

@FamiliesLSB

For more information email: friendsofgrangepark@gmail.com and to take part in the consultation visit www.friendsofgrangepark.com

November-December 2014

be able to rebuild the playground in the Old Coulsdon park which they say has become run-down and dilapidated.

01923 775680

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Clubs, Classes & Activities Learn to make Christmas tree decorations Michaela’s Art Classes will be running Christmas tree decoration making workshops for children on Saturday 20th December. Michaela, who runs weekly and Saturday art classes in Epsom, will teach children how to create beautiful decoration from clay during her two-hour workshops. Each child will make at least three decorations ready for them to take home.

- Inspiration and discipline Tuesdays and Fridays at - Strength and grace Coulsdon Community Centre - Great Posture for life Starting at £4.50 per class - Musicality FREE TRIAL CLASS - Confidence - Friendship, focus and much more!

Principal Emma Northmore Ex-English National Ballet Co. 07958 725862 emmanorthmore@yahoo.com

The workshop for children aged 4 to 7 years will run from 10:00am and for children aged 8 to 13 years from 12:30pm. Only 6 children per class, so book early to avoid disappointment. Classes are held at 16 Longdown Lane North, Epsom, KT17 3JQ. For more information please contact Michaela Suleman on: Mobile: 07800 638 959; or Email: art@michaelasuleman.com Web: www.michaelasuleman.com

Get sewing Business Mums and Dads

Successful global business is seeking individuals or couples to work part time from home around existing family commitments. If you have a background in Management, Sales, Marketing, HR or you’re self employed and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your family’s needs, please call Katie or Jim on 01737 455017 or 07909 681884

Classes for Children

Epsom & Area - 07800 638 959

www.michaelasuleman.com

Trinket’s Kids

Jewellery Making Parties (London and M25) We take the stress out of party planning! Fun, creative and affordable. Packages for age 5 -13 Parties, play dates, workshops, fairs and more... 07957 008 017

www.trinketsjewels.com

Make a change from fast fashion by creating timeless clothes for girls and boys with gorgeous new book Sew Adorable (rrp: £14.99). Choose from special occasion outfits, hard-wearing winter coats and cosy pyjamas – there are over 20 different projects in the book helping you sew practical and long-lasting clothes, including hats, romper suits and bibs. There are also great ideas for dressing up clothes, patterns for animal masks and crowns and even stuffed dolls that can make wonderful, homemade additions to a child’s toy box. www.thegmcgroup.com

Photo 3 Get into

film

Photo 3

Explore the power of film with Into Film Festival 2014. Taking place 4 – 21 November, this three-week festival is packed with free screenings and workshops for ages 5 – 19, with highlights including exclusive premieres and previews of new feature films, workshops, special events and Q&A sessions with industry experts. The festival is open to schools, parents and youth groups and offers a wealth of opportunities for a fun and stimulating day out. The event hopes to build on the success of last year’s festival, which saw over 200,000 young people attending over 1300 special screenings and events across the UK. Check for local events and book your place at www.intofilm.org/festival

Get stickered up…

…with The Sticker Club, a weekly subscription club delivering high quality stickers to children around the world. Two dads have drawn upon their successful entrepreneurial backgrounds to launch the club after spotting the growing desire for parents to encourage imaginative play through non-digital resources. The concept is simple – sign up and each week you will receive 9 sticker sheets with a minimum of 40 stickers per week. That’s over 2000 stickers per year.

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

Stickers feature exciting themes from robots and aliens to animals and transport, plus loads of other eye catching, imaginative designs. All you have to do is decide where to stick them. £1.99 per week, www.thestickerclub.com

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies

Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Clubs, Classes & Activities Special offer.....Prize Draw for Jigsaw scholarship

Young Readers meet Jacqueline Wilson @ Westcroft

Jigsaw Performing Arts School is giving away a free scholarship place at their Croydon school for the Spring term 2015. Classes take place at the weekend for students aged 3 – 18 years. A term’s scholarship is worth between £150 for 3 – 6 years and £280 for 7 – 18 years.

Young readers at the Library @ Westcroft, Carshalton are in for a real treat, after winning a UK-wide competition celebrating the first-ever Chatterbooks Week (11 – 18 October) via national charity The Reading Agency.

To be entered into the Prize Draw, email your name, address, telephone number and your child’s name and age to admin@jigsaw-arts.co.uk quoting families scholarship in the subject box. For more details go to www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Fennies to open Day Nursery in Epsom this month

Fennies are opening a new Children’s Day Nursery in Hook Road, Epsom, to provide a quality nursery setting for children from 0 to 5 years. The nursery will be open from 7am and offer full-day care, half-day sessions and funded places. Fennies have over 20 years’ experience of providing modern, well-resourced nurseries, with settings in Beckenham, Bromley, Sanderstead, and Croydon.

They say they offer each child an individual learning programme from the very start. This is achieved by a close working relationship with the parents from day one. Fennies says that each child is offered a bespoke settling in period in order to form a close bond with their key person. The security of having this special person to support them ensures that your child will be confident to explore and take on the challenges of the wide range of activities provided. All meals are prepared fresh each day on site by their chef. They say they can support various dietary requirements. The nursery opens in November. For more information or to arrange a visit contact admissions@fennies.com or call 020 8770 3222

The Good Ship Lollypop

The competition involved Chatterbooks groups writing 250 words about why they would love to have an event with Jacqueline Wilson. The judges chose the Westcroft Book Buddies Chatterbooks group in Carshalton as first prize winners of a visit from Dame Jacqueline Wilson herself. At each Chatterbooks session children talk about what they are reading, take part in fun activities inspired by the best children’s books, and choose new books to take home and read. Chatterbooks groups, for children aged 4 – 12 years, are an ideal way to build on the reading for pleasure momentum generated amongst children by The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. For advice on setting up and running a Chatterbooks group, go to: readingagency.org.uk/children/practitioners-guides/ running-chatterbooks.html

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

PLAY CENTRE NEW SOFT AG ES! * * * * PA R T Y PA C K 7 D AY S A W EEK

. .Established ........

1995

FUNKY

KNK STADIUM, IMPERIAL FIELDS, BISHOPSFORD ROAD, MORDEN, SURREY SM4 6BF Call 07703 566411 / 020 8685 6193 or email rosie@thegoodshiplollypop.co.uk or visit www.thegoodshiplollypop.co.uk

November-December 2014

01923 775680

EK TWO WE ILABLE! TRIAL AVA

Class es in:

3–18 years

Croyd on

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders

Clubs, Classes & Activities Book your FREE trial today! Funky pre-school dance classes for girls & boys

This Christmas…

Start a new family tradition

For classes in Addiscombe, Mitcham, Croydon & Purley,

Make an Advent Calender – but choose family activities, rather than chocolates

call Melissa on 07939 520 638

Diddi Dance parties also available

For Classes in Ewell, Carshalton, Cheam, Coulsdon, Sutton, Banstead, Stoneleigh & Reigate

Danielle on 07729 848 419 Diddi Dance parties also available

www.diddidance.com

a up an Serving

We provide a fun and safe environment for preschool children to learn tennis, get actively involved and build their confidence during the early years of development.

Learn your ABCs...

Agility...

ce ten

amme for 2-6 year olds. nis progr

Learn tennis, have fun and meet new friends.

Indoor venues in Surrey.

Balance...

Coordination

For a free trial session: visit us at: www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk or call Andy Low on 07779 130596.

Classes in Epsom, Cobham, Weybridge and East Horsley.

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

Santae’s her

Opening the advent calendar and counting down the days until Christmas is always exciting for little ones. But for parents; having to either try and refuse chocolate before school, or defuse the arguments over whose turn it is today – or both – it can be less than fun. So why not forgo the chocolate this year, and make a Christmas activity advent calendar instead? Write a list of different Christmas-themed or special activities that you can enjoy as a family, and put one activity in each day of the advent calendar. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like – whatever works for you. If your children are usually tired after school try and keep the weekday activities quieter, then you can enjoy the more active ones at the weekend. If you’re stuck for inspiration we’ve come up with some ideas to get you started…

1. Decorate the Christmas tree 2. Make paper snowflakes

3. Bake and decorate gingerbread men 4. Write a Christmas poem

5. Create a collage with Christmas stickers

6. Go sledging and have a snowball fight 7. Make salt dough decorations 8. Donate some toys to charity

9. Make Christmas wrapping paper (potato-prints onto brown paper) 10. Make Christmas cards

11. Colour in Christmas printables (you can find plenty of free ones online)

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies

Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

12. Dance around the living room to Christmas music

13. Make ‘Jingle Bells’ bracelets (thread small bells onto a pipe cleaner) 14. Bake mince pies

15. Visit your local garden centre’s Winter Wonderland

16. Make a Christmas tree (shape green paper into a cone and decorate with pom poms, sequins, etc.) 17. Make handprint baubles for grandparents

18. Have a ‘candle-lit’ bubble bath with LED tea-lights or glow-sticks (Safety First: make sure the tea-lights can’t fall into the bath) 19. Go to the library for Christmas books 20. Make snowman pictures with cotton wool

21. Turn yourselves into dancing elves at www.jibjab.com

22. Make ‘reindeer food’ (oats, raisins and glitter)

23. Watch ‘The Snowman’ (don’t panic if you haven’t got it on DVD, it’s on YouTube.)

24. Visit a local Christmas festival (see our Christmas events listings on pages 14 – 22) Handy tip: Keep a separate list of which activities you’ve put in each day, so that you can refer back to it and swap them around if necessary (helpful if you’ve chosen sledging as an activity but it doesn’t snow).

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Clubs, Classes & Activities

The MultiSports Group Change your game

MultiSports Sutton&Cheam Weekend sports for boys and girls aged 4 - 16 of all abilities

BANSTEAD, CLAYGATE, EWELL AND ESHER AREAS E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309

Now accepting Childcare Vouchers

EPSOM, OXSHOTT, BOCKETTS FARM PARK AND LEATHERHEAD AREAS E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 841 303

Tel: 01293 774051 www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk

SOUTH CROYDON, CATERHAM AND PURLEY AREAS E: southcroydon.caterham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0203 251 1061

Cricket, Athletics, Tag Rugby, Netball, Archery, Football and many more!

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

Australia’s largest

multi-sport & exercise

NOW IN THE

program for children

aged 2–7 years

FREE

NO OBLIGATION

TRIAL

Sports covered: Football Tennis Basketball Athletics Hockey Rugby Golf AFL Cricket T-ball

Your local Ready Steady Go Kids Classes are held at venues near you in Cheam, Epsom, Ewell and Sutton.

Term 2 begins 17th November 2014 Term 3 begins 23rd February 2015

@RSGKUK

www.rsgk.co.uk info@rsgk.co.uk 0800 690 6591

ReadySteadyGoKidsUK

November-December 2014

01923 775680

FR AV AN AI CH LA IS BL ES E

BOOK A

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Behind the Scenes with...

Priory Preparatory School Q A

What is your name and title?

Mrs Mimi Filer, Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery at Priory Preparatory School.

Q A

What does Priory Prep offer to parents?

We specialise in educating boys and we are one of very few schools in the area that do this. Our boys achieve high academic standards without feeling pressurised; we know that happy boys learn and so we provide a stimulating environment, coupled with outstanding pastoral care. We have small class sizes and ensure that each boy’s education can be tailored to their needs. Our school combines the warmth and sense of community of a traditional village school with the resources, achievements and ‘buzz’ of a leading preparatory school.

Q A

Describe a typical school day

There is no ‘typical’ day in my job, but that’s the appeal of it to me and it makes every day interesting. I start my day taking an Assembly. This might be an Early Years Assembly, a Pre-Prep Assembly or both departments combined. I teach Literacy to Year 2 every morning. Often a highlight of my day is one of the boys proudly showing me some of their work; they are always rewarded for their achievements by one of my special stickers. I also allow time to talk to current and prospective parents.

Q A

... and a typical non-school day?

I like to spend time with my family. I’m a mother myself, of two daughters who are similar ages to the children I teach.

Q A

What is the busiest time for you?

When you are working with infant-aged children the busiest time has to be Christmas, but it is also the most enjoyable time of year. My department produces two Nativity plays, as well as having Christmas parties and even trips to a local pantomime to fit in.

Q A

How can parents get the best from your school?

Educating children is about establishing a good partnership between parents

and the school. We have an ‘Open Door’ policy where parents are welcome to come and chat to us and we also have daily ‘Contact Books’ which go home to parents. The golden rule is: the more parents become involved the more the child’s education benefits.

Q A

What is your biggest headache/ challenge at the moment?

As a school we are trying to keep up with the almost daily changes in technology which affect education. At the same time we need to ensure that our children stay safe and are not exposed to the dangers that the ‘cyber world’ can hold for them.

Q A

What is planned for the coming months?

The boys only moved into our brand new Pre-Prep building earlier this year, so we are still ‘settling in’, adding new resources and developing its use so that we fully utilise this great space. We are also planning to further develop our Early Years outside ‘natural’ area. We have plans to plant trees and turn our hands to making a ‘willow sculpture’. The boys already love this area and we want to make it as fun as possible for them to explore.

What do you do for lunch?

I eat every day with the children in the Dining Room — as do all the staff. We provide a hot meal every day as well as lots of choices for healthy eating. My chats with the boys during lunch are fascinating and they often reveal their true characters during these moments

Q A

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

Often tired and exhausted, but also a little sad. When I don’t have the boys around me on a daily basis I miss their company and enthusiasm. This always lifts my spirits no matter how hard a day I’m having.

Q A

What’s your best memory of running the school?

Being told by the ISI Inspectors last year that my department was ‘outstanding in all areas’. I had always felt that this was the case, but it was fantastic to have it confirmed by an external independent agency. Priory Preparatory School, Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2AJ 01737 366 942 www.prioryprep.co.uk An independent day school for boys aged 2 to 13

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

Q A

01923 775680

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Education News ‘5 a day’ the children’s way.

Lord Rogers unveils KHS Buildings

Picture a busy playground tuck shop; children apply mental maths to handle money efficiently and get through the queue before break is over – but the learning is not just about mental maths and money management, its about crowd control and working under pressure, about communication and customer service, about being well organised, problem solving and working together as a team.

On Thursday 18th September, Kingswood House; the prep School in Epsom’s West Hill, had a very special visitor. Lord Rogers, the world renowned architect revisited his past.

To find out more about the Pupils Profit Tuck Shops and other enterprise initiatives, visit www.pupilsprofit.com or call 0208 671 7990 e-mail info@pupilsprofit.com.

The school has embarked on a very ambitious building programme and it was fitting that Lord Rogers was shown around the site, bringing back memories of his time at the school. He said “It was the most inspiring day meeting and walking around the school with the children and talking to the teachers. I was delighted to see how much the school had changed for the better since I had been there 75 years ago.”

Pupils Profit offer engaging ‘Tuck Shop Enterprise’ training days, and can supply a nutritious range of tasty snacks and drinks to your school, all of which are priced to be affordable and are within the Children’s Food Trust guidelines. The training days are aimed at children in Years 4 and 5.

Explore Learning now in Wallington Explore Learning centres provide Maths and English tuition to 5 – 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, meaning that Explore tuition fits easily into family life.

Explore Learning has over 95 centres nationwide, and will be opening its doors to families in Wallington before the end of the year. To find out more about the Wallington centre or to reserve a free taster session, you can call 0203 714 7071 or email wallington@explorelearning.co.uk. All centres offer free trial sessions so you can find out how your family can benefit. To book your trial, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk or call 01483 447414.

As an ex-pupil he opened the brand new buildings. The whole school, the mayor and various other dignitaries watched in glorious sunshine as the Lord unveiled a plaque.

Headmaster, Peter Brooks and the Head Boys Albert Trant, Oliver Kennedy and Max Fryer spent an hour showing the famous architect around the school. Kingswood House School, 56 West Hill, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8LG www.kingswoodhouse.org 01372 723590 marketing@kingswoodhouse.org Next Open Mornings: Thursday 9th & Saturday 11th October 2014

Mock Test Masters Selective Test empties classrooms

Many schools saw only a handful of Year 6 pupils in attendance on Wednesday 17th September, when the London Borough of Sutton’s selective eligibility tests were held. The exams which took place at the grammar schools in Sutton saw about 4000 boys and girls turn up to sit the test which was held on a school day. The Selective Eligibility Test is the 11+ entrance test taken by pupils who wish to gain admission to one of the five selective secondary schools in the London Borough of Sutton. To sit a mock selective eligibility test, visit www.mocktestmasters.com.

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

Pop In Morning Fri 21st November, 9 –11am

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

020 8646 6791 0203 561 7516 020 8395 6813 020 8402 2150 07724 924256 020 8395 6813

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

www.ﬁrstclasslearning.co.uk November-December 2014

01923 775680

01737 366 942

www.prioryprep.co.uk

Priory Preparatory School, Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2AJ Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders

Education

Why does my child get homework? Homework encourages independent learning skills and backs up what has been learned in the classroom. It shows both teachers and parents what a child is capable of and can also highlight things they haven’t understood during the school day.

by Sarah Butters

help will reduce the time your child is spending on their homework and it will also help to keep arguments to a minimum, but it can also make it more difficult for them to learn.

How much homework should my child be getting?

It depends on the age of your child, however here is a guide to the amount of homework your child should be receiving.

Your child’s teacher isn’t interested that a parent is able to complete a fractions worksheet or design a poster on electricity. Parents should be able to do that. They’re grown-ups.

Reception: 30 mins a week Years 1 & 2: One hour a week Years 3 & 4: 90 mins a week

However if your child can’t, their teacher needs to know so they can offer support in the classroom to make sure the topic is fully understood. This is your child’s homework not a joint effort.

Years 5 & 6: 30 minutes a day Years 7 & 8: Up to 90 minutes a day Should I be helping my child with their homework?

It’s really important that parents take an interest in the work their children bring home, but you shouldn’t take over. Giving too much

Top tips for helping with homework • Make sure your child is eating well, getting enough sleep and getting enough exercise. All this helps concentration both in the classroom and at home after school.

• Create a homework routine for your child to stick to. Identify a regular place and a regular time, making sure it’s quiet and free from distractions. Discuss the expectations you have and the consequences if the homework isn’t completed well. This should (with a bit of luck) encourage good homework habits. • Show your child you care about the homework they have been set. Try not to let your own dislike for a particular topic affect the way you work with your child. • Direct your child to focus their mind. Before they launch into the task, encourage a ‘think through’. Ask them to tell you what needs doing and ask them questions about the task set. How long does it need to be? Does it need doing on the computer or by hand? What ideas have they had since the homework was set? This direction helps them focus their ideas and work productively. • Reflect on the task once it’s done. Was it easier than they thought? What was good about the work they produced? What do they need to work on? • Think carefully before introducing a reward system. This can lead to rushed results and the necessity to offer a ‘treat’ for every piece completed. Better to let them know from the start that homework is something that needs to be done, and done well. • Set a time limit on homework. This gives less enthusiastic children an end point they can see. Talk to your child’s teacher about how long particular tasks should be taking and bring the homework to an end at that point. The teacher can see how quickly, or slowly, their independent work is being completed and both you and your child know that there is an end to the homework – even if it isn’t completed.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

Your job is direction and encouragement to find the answers themselves.

Homework – Do You Help Your Children?

“I hated my sons getting extra homework at primary school, particularly of the ‘make a medieval village over the holidays’ type. This just seemed like a challenge for all the pushy parents and my offspring’s own lamentable efforts looked so shoddy in comparison.” Karen Robert, Editor Families Thames Valley West “My son had to do a Power Point last term and as I watched him type one word every 2 minutes on the night it was due, I did snatch the keyboard away from him and said ‘right you tell me what you want to write and I will type it for you.’ However I also know he will need to become more independent as he reaches secondary school. “ Louise Boyle, Editor Families Central Scotland

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS Downsend Preparatory Leatherhead KT22 01372 372311 Fri 14 Nov: From 9.15am with Headmaster’s Talk at 9.30am www.downsend.co.uk Downsend Pre-Preps Ashtead, Epsom & Leatherhead KT17,21,22 01372 372311 Thu 13 Nov: 9.30 – 11.30am (Pre-Prep Epsom & Pre-Prep Leatherhead only) www.downsend.co.uk Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Ewell KT17 020 8393 1413 Tue 4 Nov 9.00 – 12.00pm: (Whole School) www.ewellcastle.co.uk Greenacre School Banstead SM7 01737 352114 Thu 13 Nov: Prospective parents morning 10.45 – 12.15pm (by appointment only) www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk Old Palace School of John Whitgift Senior Old Palace Road site, S. Croydon CR0 020 8688 2027 Wed 5 Nov 6.00pm: Introduction to Year 6 evening & Sat 8 Nov 2.00 – 4.00pm: Open Afternoon www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org Priory Preparatory Banstead SM7 01737 366920 Fri 21 Nov: Pop-in morning, 9.00 – 11.00 www.prioryprep.co.uk Sutton High Sutton SM1 020 8225 3001 Thu 12 Nov 10.00am:(junior school) & Wed 5 Nov 10.00am: (senior school) www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Thames Christian College Battersea SW11 020 7228 3933 Thu 6 Nov 11.00 – 1.00pm www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Parenting

Reflexology can help soothe crying babies

These moves can also be carried out in the same manner on the hands.

All babies cry, and some cry a lot. This can be distressing and on occasions frustrating for all concerned. Sometimes it is easy to work out why babies are crying, for example hunger, dirty nappy, wind or if they are tired. But sometimes there is to be no obvious reason and nothing seems to soothe them.

During a screaming fit, try picking your baby up and placing on your shoulder, use one hand to support the baby and the other hand to perform the reflexology moves described on both hands and feet.

Having a newborn baby also can take its toll on An unpublished study you as a parent, so why from Denmark suggests not try some reflexology that some simple yourself; it is particularly reflexology moves on the beneficial in giving you By Sally Earlam FMAR. BSc. RN. PGCE feet of your baby may ‘me time’ after the birth help reduce those Association of Reflexologists – Maternity Specialist. of your baby and can screaming fits. offer many benefits to you, aiming to optimise your health, aid relaxation, de-stress and There may be times of the day when your baby seems to cry a lot and can’t be comforted. Early evening is the most common time for this to improves the quality of sleep in post-natal women. happen. That can be hard for parents and carers as it’s often the time Where can I find out more about reflexology? when you’re most tired and least able to cope. Excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby is traditionally called colic which is relatively The Association of Reflexologists has an excellent website full of common in the first few months of your baby’s life. However, if your useful information, including a ‘find a reflexologist’ service, where baby is crying for long periods, it is important that you see your you can put in your postcode and find a well-trained and insured doctor or health visitor to rule out any health problems such as milk reflexologist local to you. There are also interactive foot and hand intolerance or allergies. maps and videos of real client experiences, should you wish to find out more, visit: www.aor.org.uk If your baby suffers from periods of unexplained crying, the evidence now suggests that the sooner a parent or carer responds to a crying baby the sooner it will stop. Picking a baby up and placing it on your shoulder is often enough to comfort your baby but sometimes it’s not. The Danish study was looking at the effects of reflexology on screaming fits for babies aged between 4 and 13 weeks. Each baby received four reflexology sessions over two weeks, and reflexology proved to be significantly more effective than traditional medical treatments such as colic drops. Nearly half of the babies having reflexology reduced their crying to just half an hour a day.

day

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a non-invasive and relaxing complementary therapy that aims to optimise both physical and emotional health. It works by massaging and stimulating specific points (usually on the feet but sometimes on the hands, face and ears) called reflex points. These points are believed to correspond to different parts of the body.

Reflexology to soothe crying babies

4 colour process

C There are a few simple moves that you can try on your baby, try 57 and 100 Y do these moves for 5 minutes every day when your baby is calm. Reflexology for babies uses massage strokes over areas of the feet and only requires gentle pressure; lie the baby down, face up, make this a fun time with lots of smiles, or you could even sing nursery rhymes to you baby as you work on their feet.

Limited Early Registration Discounts Available

32 M 100 Y

DON’T MISS OUT CALL TODAY!

Open November 2014 HOOK ROAD EPSOM KT19 8TH

Work on one foot at a time, use one hand to hold each foot and the other one to make the following actions: 1. On the bottom of each foot use your thumb to make circular movements, working in a clockwise direction in the middle of foot – this mimics the direction the digestive system works in the body. 2. Repeat the same move over the heel area 3. Use your thumb to gently push up from the base of each toe, up to the very tops of the toe. 4. Place your thumb in the centre of the foot and gently press in and hold for about 10 seconds.

OmPbeEr 2N014

Nove

er 2014

Septemb

A5 Hook Road leaflet.indd 1

November-December 2014

01923 775680

Register today... For registration enquiries or to arrange a visit call 020 8770 3222 or email us at admissions@fennies.com

www.fennies.com 30/09/2014 12:43

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Parenting

Toddlers in the house? Ten Tips for a low-Stress Christmas by Ally MacDonald

prefer to play with the box, this is a universal toddler play law.

Ahhh! Christmas: a time of festive family fun and memory making. When it goes well that is. But for many parents of toddlers Christmas can be a time of stress, anxiety, exhaustion and arguments.

Don’t expect your toddler to eat their Christmas lunch, especially if it involves Brussels sprouts. Food tastes stronger and more bitter to toddlers. To them, sprouts taste as pleasant as neat vinegar does to the adult palate.

From the everlasting lure of the Christmas tree ornaments, just begging to be stripped by curious chubby hands, to the frustration of your little darling refusing to eat any of their lovingly prepared Christmas dinner – not just the Brussels sprouts; perhaps worst of all, enduring the tuts and “in my day children were seen and not heard” comments of the in-laws.

Don’t take any unwanted parenting advice seriously. The chances are your in-laws, parents, aunts and other relatives have a rose-tinted vision of their early parenting years and have forgotten what it was really like. Nod and smile sweetly or better still change the subject when they start to give you advice.

For parents of little ones Christmas can be a fierce test of endurance and Christmas spirit, so are there ways to cope without downing too many glasses of cold Chardonnay?

Don’t expect your toddler to sleep well the night before Christmas. The excitement and anticipation can get too much for them. Why not let them stay up watching a festive family film, until they fall asleep on the sofa?

Read on for ten top festive parenting tips.

Reset your expectations. Visions of 1950s movies, with roasting chestnuts and rosy cheeked children in awe at receiving a Satsuma in their stocking belong just there – in fantasy land. In reality most homes resemble a bomb site by 10am on Christmas morning, children won’t feign joy when unwrapping a boxed handkerchief set from your Grandmother and the only colour to their cheeks will come from the smeared chocolate orange they snaffled from the kitchen at 5am.

Stock up on batteries, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Inevitably your child’s most prized gift will require batteries of one kind or another. Rechargeables can be a good idea as they are ‘greener’ and less expensive in the long run. Also you get a break from irritating electronic noises while they are in the charger. Alternatively don’t buy toys that need batteries – ever – and save your sanity and nerves when you accidentally set off the freaky doll that says “I want to play” on your way back from the nursery at 3am.

Toddlers love boxes. Don’t be down-hearted or take It personally when they ignore their lovingly selected presents and

Mission to Calm Toddlers

ToddlerCalm’s mission is to let parents know that there are other ways to cope with a toddler apart from putting him or her on the naughty step or resorting to controlled crying. They claim to fill a gap in the market, helping parents enjoy their toddlers, understand the limitations of current popular toddler parenting methods such as sticker charts and time out, and to have the confidence to ignore the current mainstream ‘experts’ and parent their own child with trust and empathy. Topics covered in their 4 week course include; • Why toddlers are not mini-adults; • The importance of night-time parenting;

Families London-Surrey Borders

• Communication – toddler style; • Avoiding difficult situations; • The importance of unconditional love and • Why you don’t need to be permissive to parent respectfully. For more toddler tips visit www.toddlercalm.co.uk 01923 775680

Stagger present opening throughout the day or even over a few days so that your toddler doesn’t become overwhelmed (which usually results in a meltdown).

Don’t expect your toddler to share his new presents with his or siblings or cousins. Toddlers really don’t understand the idea of sharing until at least 4 or 5 years old. Imagine if somebody told you to share your presents of new perfume or favourite chocolates as soon as you’d unwrapped them. You wouldn’t like it much either.

• Coping with a picky eater;

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies

Be prepared that the idea of Father Christmas might be a bit scary to young children. Think about it: would you like a big man with a long beard in a funny red outfit breaking in to your house whilst you were in bed asleep? You could arrange that you meet him at the door and take in the presents when your child is asleep instead. Much less scary.

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Try to restrict the amount of sweets and chocolate that your toddler eats. The extra sugar and colourings are likely to make him hyper which will have a negative effect on both sleep and behaviour. Plus you can secretly eat a few when he’s gone to bed instead.

November-December 2014

Christmas Gift Ideas What do Families and Bizzy Bitz have in common? Both have families in mind.

Great fun for children and adults to play together, Bizzy Bitz is cool, addictive and fun. The brightly-coloured, versatile pieces give endless opportunities to experiment and explore as they open their mind to a world of creative possibilities. Create impressive model masterpieces with the easy-to-follow instructions, or let your imagination run free and build your own amazing creations.

Hire designer maternity wear

Fashion stylist, Lisa Talbot is helping dress beautiful bumps with the re-launch of boutique maternity hire company ‘Hire Expectations’. Hire Expectations enables women to hire stylish maternity and breastfeeding occasion wear. It is a great alternative to purchasing a dress you may only need to wear once.

Bizzy Bitz has tremendous developmental and educational benefits through fun play and has won multiple awards. It is has boxes suitable for children from 3 – 11+ years. For sales and information: www.bizzy-bitz.com

Lisa said, “My personal style experience will bring a new direction to the business and we will continue to strive to help pregnant women look fabulous and feel confident without the high price tag.”

Buy a Performing Arts Voucher

Instead of the filling up the toy box with more plastic toys that the children will tire of, what about a place at Jigsaw Performing Arts school?

The outfits available are ideal for special events such as Christmas parties, birthdays, weddings and christenings. Hire charges range from just £26.00 to a maximum of £55.00, making it the affordable way to dress that bump.

Jigsaw provide inspiring classes for children from 3 years to 18 years. Bookings paid for in full before Christmas will be given a free T-shirt (Worth £10). They can also send a Voucher that you can gift wrap with the T-shirt. You’ll be purchasing 11 weeks of performing arts fun for that special child. Visit their website www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530 to purchase an exciting and rewarding Christmas gift.

Labels 4 your Kids

More at: www.hireexpectations.co.uk info@hireexpectations.co.uk www.lisatalbot.co.uk

And Finally...

...a way to store deliveries

After a successful summer Labels4Kids are expanding their range further with the introduction of personalised arts and crafts products made specially for your requirements. Take a look at some great ideas for Christmas, for Teachers or for your just about anyone. See the Gifts and PR or Corporate section of their website site here www.labels4kids.com/gifts-and-pr-or-corporate.html You’ll be surprised how many gift ideas you will find.

Hand-made Jewellery by Nadia

Pelipod, a smart home-parcel box with builtin proof-of-delivery is launching in the UK with a free 60-day trial.

Nadia Banton, local mum and based in Norbury has set up a website called Trinket’s Jewels. She turned her hobby into a business, making personalised charm bracelets and accessories for children. The woven-style charm bracelets are embellished with Swarovski crystals, pearls, and initials of the child.

It’s a box where deliveries can be stored if you are out at work or on errands. The system generates unique codes which can be used by delivery companies to drop goods; by you to collect them when you return; or by collection teams to pick up returns or your shipments.

She told Families that they are suitable for children aged 5 – 15 and that children love personalised items and a charm bracelet designed especially for them with their initials and favourite colours is sure to be a magical and memorable gift that they will treasure. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone, but Nadia is developing a range of bracelets with favourite cartoon characters such as Dora the Explorer, Disney Princess, Mini Mouse, Sponge Bob and many more. Special Offer: 20% discount for all Families readers quoting “Trinkets20” when placing an order. Valid until 31 Dec 2014. Trinket’s Jewels 07957 008 017 info@trinketsjewels.com www.trinketsjewels.com

November-December 2014

01923 775680

Initial trials are being undertaken with residents and businesses in St Albans and Radlett. As part of its UK roll-out, Pelipod is offering pods on a free 60-day trial, followed by an introductory price of £5.99 a month on a subscription basis with no up-front delivery or installation charges. Pelipod Ltd www.pelipod.com/pelipod-customers/user-registration/register/

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Christmas Feature

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

WHERE’S SANTA?

Want to find out the where to find Santa when he visits the Epsom, Sutton and Croydon and nearby area this Christmas? Families London-Surrey Borders have been checking with his elves and we are including some of the best places to catch up with him this Christmas. Visit www.families-lsb.co.uk for more up-to-date information on where he will be visiting. BENTALLS, KINGSTON Wood Street, Kingston, KT1 1TX 020 8546 1001 www.bentalls.co.uk 13 Nov (6.00 – 8.00pm); 29 Nov – 24 Dec (various times) SANTA’S GROTTO First opens to tie in with Kingston town centre’s Christmas light switch on event. Then re-opens later in November with varying hours which will be listed on the Bentall website. It will be themed on The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe – the Christmas play at the Rose Theatre. Free to just visit father Christmas or for £3.95 the child will also receive a gift. £1.00 of which goes to Momentum charity.

Santa’s Grotto at Chessington Garden Centre

CLOCKHOUSE COMMUNITY ASSN Hillcrest Halls, 42 Fryston Avenue, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2PT 020 8668 7339 hillcresthalls@yahoo.co.uk www.spanglefish.com/ clockhousecommunityassociation

29 Nov 12.00 – 3.00pm CHRISTMAS FAIR A wide selection of stalls, games and activities for children. Father Christmas will be in his grotto from 1.00pm. Grand raffle tickets at £2.00 each available from the information centre at 13 Hillcrest Parade, The Mount CR5 2PS, on the day or by phoning in advance. DENBIES WINE ESTATE London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 www.denbies.co.uk Weekends from 6 Dec / selected dates 17 – 24 Dec SANTA’S CELLAR GROTTO

BOCKETTS FARM PARK Young Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

27 Nov – 24 Dec 27 Nov – 24 Dec FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS MAGICAL HAY BARN WORKSHOP 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’. From 29 November, hundreds of Christmas Trees and wreaths will be on sale, and the Gift Shop will be selling a great variety of toys, gifts, games, sledges and stocking fillers. What’s more, they’ll be 15 gorgeous new born lambs due, and plenty of indoor play. £6.95 to visit Father Christmas in addition to farm entry price. (£10.95 to visit Father Christmas when not visiting the farm) Aimed at 0 – 8 years.

CHARTWELL Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS 01732 868381

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

28 – 30 Nov CHARTWELL CHRISTMAS MARKET Stuck for something to get someone for Christmas? Drop by the Chartwell Christmas market for some great gifts. Entry to the market is free but normal charges apply for the garden and studio. 6 & 7 Dec 11.00 – 3.00pm FATHER CHRISTMAS AT CHARTWELL Father Christmas is visiting Chartwell while his elves are busy making presents. Meet the man himself who will be giving out a gift to good girls and boys and then help the elves making Christmas crafts. £7.00 per child. Booking Essential.

15 Nov – 24 Dec SANTA’S WONDERLAND GROTTO Your visit starts with a fantastic, short collective animated film starring the much loved ‘Rocket the Reindeer’. You will then embark on a magical trip through the wonderland grotto to meet Father Christmas. You’ll escape from life in wartime London to a quiet country house where you’ll find a magic entrance through a wardrobe, transporting you to the fantasy world of Narnia. Meet the mystical lion and other magical characters, and be amazed by the stunning fairy-tale inspired scenes. Adult: £3.50; Child: £11.00. 0 – 12 months old: free entry if they do not require a present.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

DORIS VENNER PRE-SCHOOL The Manor Drive, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7LG 020 8330 2143 www.dorisvenner.co.uk

22 Nov 11.00 – 2.00pm CHRISTMAS FAIR A fun-filled event for all the family, with a host of activities. Browse the festive stalls, try your luck on the tombola, enter the raffle and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. Children will be able to meet Santa and have their photo taken with him in his grotto. Adults: 50p; Children: Free

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

Let us spoil you…. with a wonderful Christmas lunch at Join us this New Years Eve for a Magical Gala Dinner Book today, call 01306 730 000

email wottonhousechristmas@principal-hayley.com or visit www.wottonhousedorkingsurrey.co.uk

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

Christmas Feature

WHERE’S SANTA? FORESTDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL Pixton Way, Croydon, Surrey CR0 9JE www.forestdale.croydon.sch.uk

29 Nov 12.00 – 3.00pm CHRISTMAS CRACKER FAIR Entertainment to include Reindeer Rhodeo, games, face painting and crafts. Santa will be making an appearance. GATTON PARK Rocky Lane, RH2 0TW 01737 649066 education@gatton-park.org.uk www.gattonpark.com

30 Nov and 7 Dec 1.00 – 3.00pm SANTA’S GROTTO Enjoy a golf buggy ride to Santa in his grotto, explore the grounds following a trail of clues and then return to Gatton Hall to make a Christmas decoration. £5 per child. Tea and cake available to purchase. HATCHLANDS PARK East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT 01483 222482

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

14 Dec 1.00 – 3.00pm CHRISTMAS ANIMAL VISIT Visit the animals in the courtyard, solve the Snow Queen’s puzzle in the fairytale trail and meet Father Christmas. The shop and Tea Room will be open for some Christmas shopping, hot drinks and light refreshments. Free event but normal admission fees apply. HOBBLEDOWN CHILDREN’S FARM Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8PT 0843 289 4979 thehobblers@hobbledown.com www.hobbledown.com

29, 30 Nov; 6, 7, 12 – 24 Dec (various times check Hobbledown website for details) SANTA AT HOBBLEDOWN Enjoy a magical experience with Santa and his Elves when the popular Grotto returns. Visit the gift shop which will be full of fantastic stocking fillers with special Christmas Shopping events on Friday 28 November, 5.00 – 9.00pm; Tuesday 9 December, 9.00 – 12.00pm and Saturday 13 December, 6.00 – 10.00pm. The Christmas Lights Switch On will takes place on Friday 28 November. (To book Santa for your birthday / Christmas party please phone the party bookings line to check availability. Tel 01708 385 096) £6.50 on top of normal admission rates ( £5.85 for Annual Passholders) and include a gift. HONEYWOOD MUSEUM Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk

06 Dec 1.00 – 6.00pm CARSHALTON FROST FAIR The Friends of Honeywood Museum and Ecolocal Frost Fair will be held at Carshalton Ponds, along

November-December 2014

Honeywood Walk, Festival Walk and the Memorial Gardens. There will be stalls, a hog roast and live music. In Honeywood Museum there will be children’s entertainments, including Santa’s Grotto. HORSESHOE COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL Banstead Youth Centre, The Horseshoe, Bolters Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2BQ horseshoecommunitypreschool.co.uk

15 Nov 10.00 – 1.00pm HORSESHOE COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR There will be a variety of stalls offering great ideas for Christmas gift ideas. Refreshments and activities also available. LEEDS CASTLE Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.co.uk 6 – 23 Dec The magic of Christmas descends upon the entire Leeds Castle Estate this December to celebrate the traditions of the festive season with wonderful things to see and do for the whole family. 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 18 – 23 Dec FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITS Set in the Christmas Market, the Elves wait to welcome children before they enter Father Christmas’ magical grotto for a chat and to receive a special gift. Tickets £12 per child which includes a quality gift. 6 – 23 Dec GINGERBREAD QUEST AND REAL REINDEER Search for clues throughout the Woodland Walk, castle and adventure playgrounds to find all the Henry VIII Biscuiteers Jolly Gingers. On the way around look out for the real reindeer staying at Leeds Castle until they are needed for more pressing matters on Christmas Eve. 6 – 23 Dec CHRISTMAS MARKET Discover an array of seasonal gift ideas, toys, decorations and delicious local food and drink produce. Enjoy a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and a ride on the carousel or Ferris wheel with spectacular views of the beautiful moated Castle. MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries)

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

6 , 7, 13 14 Dec 10.00 – 5.00pm SANTA’S GROTTO & FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET Visit Father Christmas and the elves in his magical grotto and receive a very special gift. Also browse the festive market, have a go at making pomanders and Christmas crafts and follow the festive family trail through the park. Please book to avoid disappointment. Booking open now. £8.00 per child. 6 , 7, 13 14 Dec 11.00 – 3.00pm TREE DRESSING FESTIVAL Get creative and have a go at making handmade Christmas tree decorations to hang on the big tree in the stable yard. Visit the community Christmas tree exhibition in the stable yard for inspiration POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD 01372 452048 or 01372 458203 (infoline) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey

29, 30 Nov; 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 Dec 11.00 – 3.30pm CHRISTMAS AT POLESDEN With sleigh rides, food tastings, yuletide choirs and bands, indulge in seasonal treats in the Restaurant, and look out for Father Christmas. Plus, for an additional charge, see the house dressed as a magical living advent calendar, with 24 scenes and activities depicting the countdown to Christmas. Adult £4.00, Child £2.00, Family £10.00 in addition to normal admission prices. SUTTON COLLEGE (SCOLA) St. Nicholas Way, Manor Park, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1EA 020 8405 7022 www.scola.ac.uk

15 Nov 11.00 – 3.00pm CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Lots of stalls with Christmas gifts, children activities and Father Christmas will be visiting. Free entry SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 6 Dec 1.00 – 5.00pm CHRISTMAS FAIR In conjunction with Carshalton Frost Fair, the Friends of Sutton Ecology Centre will be holding their annual Christmas Fair, with hand-crafted gifts, hot drinks and a collection of

delicious homemade soups & cakes. There will be a Winter Wonderland Trail from 1.00 – 4.00pm at £1.00 per person. No booking required. WATERCRESS LINE The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG 01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk

6, 7, 13, 14, 20 – 24 Dec (various times check Watercress Line website for details) SANTA SPECIALS See Santa on a steam train – the perfect way to start Christmas. Join Santa as you steam on a magical one hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside as he visits you in your seat. Santa gives every child a gift in a special souvenir sack with soft drinks for children and wine and mince pies for the grown-ups. Departing from either Alresford or Alton, Santa Specials are by advance booking only. Fares from £16 and include all booking fees. Wheelchair passengers depart from Alresford only, please book by telephone. To find out more and to book your tickets, clickety click to the Watercress Line website. WOODCOTE GREEN GARDEN CENTRE Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0SU 020 8647 6838 mail@woodcotegreen.com www.woodcotegreen.com

22 Nov – 24 Dec SANTA’S GROTTO Pre-book for the grotto online.

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT 020 8409 4412 www.wwt.org.uk/london

6 – 7 Dec SLEIGH RIDES You may not see any reindeer pulling sleighs this Christmas but the London Wetland Centre has some handsome huskies ready and waiting to take younger children aged 8 and under for a spin. The dogs are also available for photo opportunities but if it’s not festive enough until you’ve seen the man himself then head to the northern pine forest to meet Santa in his cosy grotto. £5 per child including a goody bag, Cash only.

6 , 7, 13 14 Dec 10.00 – 5.00pm FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET Soak up the festive atmosphere in the Victorian stable yard and browse a range of local food, craft and gift stalls. Enjoy hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies to live music and carols.

01923 775680

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Christmas Feature

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

WHERE’S SANTA IN LONDON?

If you want to see what he is up to this Christmas closer to Central London, here is our pick of places to find him there.... where there will also be plenty of family-friendly attractions including a Victorian carousel and vintage rides, a boutique Christmas market with foodie treats and live festive music.

www.enchantedhouse.net

29 November – 24 December Join Mrs Claus on a truly memorable adventure when the Elves will take you and your children on an exciting tour around the House to meet Santa’s magical friends. Take part in an array of different Christmas activities. Book online. Duke Of York Square King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4LY www.dukeofyorksquare.com/featured/ santas-grotto-2

9 November – 23 December The Christmas Grotto offers children and adults alike the perfect opportunity to visit Santa’s cosy abode, hand over wish lists as well as take the chance to hear seasonal stories. Santa’s little helpers will also be busy taking photos as keepsakes. Whilst visiting the grotto, take the opportunity to bring some festive cheer and make a charitable donation to the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. Check their website for details for booking details.

Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown

The Enchanted Christmas House London Art House, 2 – 18 Britannia Row, Islington, London, N1 8PA 020 3227 3200

Hyde Park’s Santa Land Hyde Park, London W2 2UH www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Hamleys Regent Street, London W1F 7PA www.hamleys.com

22 – 23 November and 29 November – 24 December Join Father Christmas and his lovable elves at The Finest Toy Shop in the World. I Met Father Christmas at Hamleys is an extraspecial experience where children will enjoy up to 1 hour with Father Christmas, take part in seasonal activities and receive a special gift bag from Father Christmas to take home. Each little guest will hear magical stories of Christmas, sing

festive songs, write their own Christmas wish list and have a special chat with Father Christmas himself all surrounded by the finest toys in the world. £45, book in advance Kew Gardens Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org/christmas

26 November – 3 January Visit Santa’s Snowflake Grotto, decked out in snowflakes, in the Princess of Wales Conservatory,

21 November – 4 January Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the perfect setting for a magical Christmas grotto. It’s free to see Father Christmas and every child will receive a trinket and a photo memory. And no need to worry about the queue as Santa’s little elves will be on hand to entertain your kids. Rainforest Café 20 Shaftesbury Ave London W1D 7EU 020 7434 3111

www.therainforestcafe.co.uk/christmas.asp

15 November – 24 December Who knew Father Christmas hung out in the rainforest? But there he is in his snowy grotto, where your kids will get a personalised invite from the portly one and a warm welcome from his elves, before being ushered into the grotto where they’ll meet the man in person and receive a gift.

21 Nov - 14 Feb

SANTA SPECIALS

Polka Theatre presents

S E E S A N TA O N A STEAM TRAIN!

Advance booking only! A swashbuckling adventure for the whole family By JM Barrie Adapted by Peter Glanville Music by Martin Ward

Enjoy the magic of a one hour steam train ride as Santa visits you at your seat with a gift for every child.

Tickets: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB Presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Limited

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

SANTA SPECIALS 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-24 DECEMBER FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK CLICKETY CLICK TO WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Christmas Feature

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

ICE RINKS IN AND AROUND LONDON Skating at The Natural History Museum

1 November – 4 January 2015 Get your skates on at London’s most spectacular ice rink. The 950-m2 ice rink is on the Museum’s east lawn, a setting made even more magical by a fairground carousel and 76,000 twinkling fairy lights. If you don’t fancy a skate, you can still enjoy the atmosphere with a hot chocolate, mulled wine or some festive food from the Café Bar, with its balcony overlooking the rink.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Tyers Street, Vauxhall, London SE11 5HL

www.iceskatevauxhall.co.uk/the-pleasuregardens

Broadgate Ice Rink

Exchange Square, Broadgate Estate, London EC2M 2RH www.broadgate.co.uk/ice

17 November – 26 February 2015 Skate in the heart of the City of London. Perfect for skaters of all levels and ages. Just a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station, London’s longest running outdoor rink is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants and just a stone’s throw away from Spitalfields Market.

Canary Wharf

Canada Square Park, Canada Square Park, London E14 5AX www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

1 November – 28 February 2015 Make sure you leave some time pre or post skate to add to the festive fun with a visit to the Christmas Market which will be open between 17 November and 24 December 2014 in Montgomery Square, 2 minutes walk from the Ice Rink entrance

Eyeskate At The London Eye

based just down the road on Twickenham Green where their creator, Andrew Ainsworth, has his workshop.

Jubilee Gardens, Southbank, London SE1 7XZ 0870 500 0600 www.londoneye.com 15 November – 4 January 2015 Skate on the South Bank in the shadow of the London Eye.

Somerset House

Hampton Court Palace

www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink

Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9AU 0844 482 7777 www.thehamptoncourticerink.co.uk

21 November – 4 January 2015 Put on your ear muffs, gloves and skates, grab a steadying hand (if needed) and have some festive fun on the ice in glorious Tudor surroundings.

Richmond Rink

Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham TW1 4STwww.richmondrink.com 15 November – 11 January 2015 As its backdrop the rink will have the newly restored Strawberry Hill House, a pure white and turreted Grade 1 listed building. Additionally, the rink will be visited by Star Wars White Knights (Storm Troopers) which are

Wembley Park

London Designer Outlet, Empire Way, Wembley, London HA9 0PA

The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA 020 7845 4600 11 November – 11 January 2015 Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason offers a host of seasonal experiences on and off the ice. During the day, skate in the beautiful splendour of Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard. After dark, the rink hosts some of the best international clubs and festivals at their exclusive Club Nights when DJs from a selection of the best international clubs, festivals, labels and radio stations take to the rink-side decks.

The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD 020 7942 5011 www.nhm.ac.uk

XM WES AS T E SE ND AS ON

OLIVIER AWARD NOMINEE

21 November – 4 January 2015 The Pleasure Gardens as it was known closed its doors to the public in 1859, but will always be remembered as London’s first and most celebrated Pleasure Garden. Ice Skate Vauxhall is the first event of its kind to take place in the newly opened Gardens.

www.london-designer-outlet.com/whatson/events

14 November – 4 January 2015 The new 600-m2 Ice Rink is situated below the glittering lights of the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium. Finish your skate with a free hot chocolate drink. Combine your skating session with a shop for some Christmas bargains at London’s only outlet centre.

Westfield London (White City) London, W12 7GF

uk.westfield.com/london/news-and-events/ ice-rink/ticket-prices-skating-times

21 November – 5 January 2015 Skate under the cover of the Centre’s Atrium roof and with special Christmas lights.

Bocketts Farm Park 27th Nov - 24th Dec 2014

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FATHER CHRISTMAS IS HERE!

Save

Express Hop on board the Santa kshop to his magical haybarn wor gift a ive rece to

Based on the best-selling book by

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Voted top 6 in the UK by ‘The Guardian’

HHHH

“A high energy treat”

L ive on Stage

The Sunday Times

PLUS: HEATED INDOOR PLAY, NEWBORN LAMBS & CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

up to

£10

on a family visit!

OFF PEAK

WINTER WEEKDAY RATES ONLY £6.50 PER PERSON MONDAY TO FRIDAY 3RD NOV – 12TH DEC 2014 D AR AW WI NN ING !

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

FROM 26 NOVEMBER BOOK NOW

0844 482 9674 PICCADILLY CIRCUS

roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

November-December 2014

01923 775680

SPECIAL

OFFER

£2 OFF full price farm entry per person (max 5 people) valid any Saturday or Sunday in

November 2014. Only with this voucher.

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Christmas Feature

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

THEATRE & PANTO

Our round up of Pantos and Christmas Shows

A Polka Dot Pantomimes production aimed at children aged 0 – 5 years.

Rixon as the two Ugly Sisters in this year’s panto, Cinderella. We are delighted that they will be joined by the King of one-liners and puns Tim Vine. With sumptuous sets, gorgeous fairytale costumes, riotous Panto dames, real Shetland ponies, big song and dance numbers, magic and bags of audience participation, fun and laughter is guaranteed for the whole family.

Sat 6 – Wed 24 Dec

New Wimbledon Studio

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

Fri 5 – Wed 24 Dec (various times)

Finding Santa – Family Pantomime

(various times)

A Polka Dot Pantomimes production aimed at children aged 5 – 8 years .

The Churchill Theatre Bromley High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/bromley (bkg fee)

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 14

Mon 1 Nov – Wed 24 Dec

Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey The WIzard of Oz Family Pantomime at the Epsom Playhouse

(various times)

Epsom Playhouse

After the successful run of Cinderella last year, UK Productions returns with another highly anticipated and magical traditional pantomime. With spectacular sets and costumes, Sleeping Beauty is fantastic seasonal fun for everyone aged 3 to 103. £15.00 – £26.50 (Premium seats available)

Fri 5 Dec – Wed 24 Dec

Sleeping Beauty

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 1 – Sun 10 Nov (Sat & Sun only) 2.00pm & 4.00pm

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

This classic story gets the full Colour House treatment when Snow White who is lost and alone in the woods befriends 7 dwarves whilst the deranged evil Queen is in hot pursuit. Suitable for children 3 years + . £8.00 – £10.00

Sat 22 Nov – Sun 25 Jan 2015 (Sat & Sun only) 2.00pm and 4.00pm

Dick Whittington

This Christmas, join Dick Whittington as he and his faithful sidekick, Puss, take to the streets of London in search of fortune and glory. Will the rats and mice form their own union against Dick’s clever, crafty and cunning cat? Will Dick find true love? Will we see him scale the heady heights of London’s elite, and run for mayor of this great little town? This new and exciting adaptation is littered with fun songs. It’s an imaginative and vibrant take on the classic pantomime, and a must for all of the family this Christmas. Cat lovers particularly welcome. £8.00 – £10.00

The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG 0870 060 6646 atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre

Hansel & Gretel – Family Pantomime

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

Santa Claus & The Magical Christmas Journey

Santa Claus returns to Epsom with Rudolph, Kara, Charlie and Muffin the bear for a brand new adventure. A magical show filled with songs, nursery rhymes and stories promising to be the Christmas treat you won’t want to miss. Come and join the fun and help Santa deliver his presents to Epsom. For all children ages 2+ (Unallocated seating in the Myers Studio). From £10.50 (Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded)

Sat 13 Dec – Sun 4 Jan 2015 (various times)

Wizard of Oz – Family Pantomime

Dave Benson Phillips, the popular children’s entertainer, is the star of this year’s pantomime which has an all singing & dancing star cast including local youth talent as the mischievous munchkins.

The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema

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

Fri 12 Dec – Sun 4 Jan (various times)

Beauty and the Beast

Chaos, calamities and comedy await Redhill audiences this Christmas when we venture back in time to the French village of Cristimonto. Wicked Witch Hazel has cast a spell on the dashing Count and condemned him to spend the next two years living as a beast – unless he can be saved by a kiss of true love.

New Wimbledon Theatre

The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG 0870 060 6646 atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre

Thu 13 – Sat 15 Nov (various times)

MCB The Nutcracker

A brand new Christmas adventure with songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa & a free gift. More details at www.santaclausonstage.com

Set to Tchaikovsky’s endearingly popular score, and complete with stunning costumes and sumptuous sets, The Nutcracker is an unmissable festive delight for all the family. An original interpretation of the eternal seasonal favourite, this enchanting fairytale follows Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventures with her Nutcracker prince and his battles with the Mouse King in the beautiful Kingdom of Flowers.

Fri 5 Dec – Sun 4 Jan 2015

5 Dec – 11 Jan 2015

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Family Pantomime

Cinderella – Family Pantomime

Fairfield Halls

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

Fri 28 Nov – Wed 24 Dec (various times)

Santa Claus

(various times)

With comedy, singing, dancing, audience participation and

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

stunning sets and costumes, this year’s pantomime is sure to be Croydon’s most magical pantomime ever.

01923 775680

(various times)

A new magical adventure filled with songs, nursery rhymes and stories promises to be the Christmas treat you won’t want to miss. A truly unforgettable experience which includes the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every show.

Polka Theatre

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

Sun 9 Nov 12.30pm & 3.00pm

Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death

Following the success of their CBBC TV show human Big Howard and the animated Little Howard bring their family comedy show to Polka, with plenty of interactive stand-up, 3D animation, songs and laughs. Suitable for ages 5+. £12.50; concessions £9.00

Fri 21 Nov – Sat 14 Feb 2015 (various times)

Peter Pan

JM Barrie’s enchanting classic takes flight in a stunning show for the whole family. Get ready for one of the greatest children’s stories ever told, bursting with original songs, puppetry, swashbuckling fun and fairy dust. Ages 6+ : £17.50; concessions: £11.50; previews: £14.00

Secombe Theatre

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

Fri 5 Dec 7.30pm

The Nutcracker

A Vienna Festival Ballet production / Adult: £20.00 (concessions £18.00); Children: £14.00

Wed 17 – Wed 24 Dec (various times)

Aladdin – Family Pantomime

The Home of London Pantomime is pleased to announce the return of Matthew Kelly and Matthew

Polka Dot Pantomimes present the magical tale of Aladdin. Adult: £14.50; Child: £12.50. Family ticket £50.00 (2 adults + 2 children).

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

Christmas Feature

WEST END SHOWS

I N ASS O C IATI O N WITH TH E EPS O M PLAYH O U S E

Room On The Broom at the Lyric Theatre in London

PROUDLY PRESENTS ANOTHER

BIG SPECTACULAR PRODUCTION

Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES 0844 482 9674 (Booking office) www.nimaxtheatres.com

Wed 26 Nov – Sun 11 Jan 2015 (various times)

Room On The Broom

This Olivier Award nominated production tells the story of a friendly witch, her cat and three loveable animals who take to the skies on a broom and face a fearsome dragon in this magical, musical adventure. With enchanting puppetry, original sing-along songs and scary fun, Room On The Broom is ideal for families with children aged three and up. Get a sneak preview at www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

Peacock Theatre

Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT 0844 412 4322 www.sadlerswells.com

26 Nov – 4 Jan 2015 (various times)

The Snowman

A perennial family favourite, The Snowman has transported a generation of children and their families into the wonderful wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman. As a unique friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starryskied adventure to the North Pole, where they meet Father Christmas and narrowly escape the clutches of Jack Frost.

Vaudeville Theatre

Strand, London WC2R 0NH 0844 412 4663 www.nimaxtheatres.com

SPECIAL GUEST STAR CHILDRENS TV LEGEND

EPSOM PLAYHOUSE

DAVE BENSON PHILLIPS

BOOK ONLINE

BOX OFFICE

SAT 13 th DEC 2014 to 4 th JAN 2015

From FUN SONG FACTORY, TO WORDS & PICTURES AND GO FOR IT!

WWW.EPSOMPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK 01372 742555/742227

LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW Sadler’s Wells presents The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of

Mon 8 Dec – Sun 11 Jan 2015 (various times)

Potted Sherlock

Olivier Award Nominees Dan and Jeff, creators of ‘Potted Potter’ and ‘Potted Panto’, return to the West End with their latest family entertainment. All sixty Sherlock Holmes stories retold in eighty elementary minutes. This delicious romp through the canon of Arthur Conan Doyle is fabulous fun for the whole family.

WIN a family ticket to see Peter Pan at the Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. JM Barrie’s enchanting classic comes to life this winter in a stunning show for the whole family at Polka Theatre. Get ready for one of the greatest children’s stories ever told, bursting with original songs, puppetry, swashbuckling fun and fairy dust. www.polkatheatre.com To enter, go to www.Families-LSB.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 24th November 2014.

November-December 2014

TO SEE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ

01923 775680

The live stage show based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics by Howard Blake © Snowman Enterprises Ltd 1982, 2012

Lyric Theatre

YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW THE

YELLOW BRICK ROAD

“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt” The Times

g Featurin

‘Walking in the Air’

LY £100 TICKETeON FAMILY mu ld st includ at least 1 chi 4 tickets,

Max £2.50 Transaction fee applies.

26 Nov - 4 Jan Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders

Christmas Feature

DIARY DATES FOR WINTER

November

To Sun 16 Nov Wed – Fri: 11.00 – 5.00pm: Sat & Sun: 10.00 – 5.00pm A War to End All Wars Honeywood Museum Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Sutton SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 lbshoneywood@btconnect.com www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk A thought provoking commemorative exhibition telling the story of the events that led Britain to war in 1914, spotlighting the principal players and places that featured in the stalemate of the Western Front and trench warfare. Attacks by sea and air on the home front in the early war years are recalled and persuasive war posters are displayed along with many fascinating artefacts from the conflict. Sat 15, 29 Nov & 13 Dec 10.30 – 12.00pm Time Tracers Kingston Museum Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS 020 8547 5006 www.kingston.gov.uk/museum History is an endless source of adventure, mystery and enchantment for all those who dare to step back in time. At Kingston Museum’s brand new Saturday morning History Club, curious young minds are encouraged to discover how to unravelling the past. For ages 7 – 11 years. £5 per child, £20 per term Wed 5 Nov 10.30 – 4.00pm Wednesday – Free Entry Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk/ free-entry-every-wednesday-in-november Enjoy free entry to Painshill Park every Wednesday in November. Come and see the beautiful autumn colour in the landscape garden. The National Collection of American Trees and Shrubs which include Maples, American Oaks and American Viburnums are stunning at this time of year. 8 – 30 Nov (Sat & Sun only) Incredible Journeys The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes, London SW13 9WT 020 8409

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

4400 www.wwt.org.uk Incredible Journeys are made during migration seasons by birds big and small. But did you know that bats, eels, butterflies and even spiders migrate too? Find out more on their self-guided Incredible Journeys trail. Free event with paid admission Sat 8 Nov 11.00 – 1.00pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm Poppy Wreaths at the Museum of Croydon Museum of Croydon Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 www.museumofcroydon.com Create a Poppy Wreath ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Sat 8 Nov 9.00 – 1.00pm Wallington Farmers’ Market (Shotfield Car Park – for Nov only) Shotfield Car Park

DAY OUT IDEA

London Transport Museum

39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden © Copyright Credit Diane Auckland Fotohaus WC2E 7BB 020 7379 6433 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum open 10am – 6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends; Fridays from 11am. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission. 29 December – 2 January 2015 Dashing Through The Snow LTM is running Christmas-themed sessions during the holidays. Join in with family friendly parachute games and follow a snowflake on its journey from the sky to the streets of London. Ages 3 – 7, children free. Older children will enjoy getting handson with junk modelling to create a mini snow mobile to take home. Ages 4 – 12, children free. Until 8 March 2015 Goodbye Piccadilly Discover the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War; how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort, how women advanced into the transport workforce for the first time and how Londoners came under deadly attack from the air as total war came to the Capital.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

Shotfield, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0NB www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk/wallingtonfarmers-market Established in 1999, it is the Sutton borough’s oldest Farmers’ Market and hosts around 26 local producers stalls every month. It is held every second Saturday of the month. Mon 10 Nov 9.30 – 11.00am Whitehall Whippets – This Little Pig Went to Market Whitehall 1, Malden Road, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8QD www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk Session devised particularly for under 3s with a range of activities, crafts and sensory experiences focusing on a nursery rhyme. Free activity. Wed 12 Nov Wednesday – Free Entry Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE See 5 Nov entry for details. Sat 15 & Sun 16 Nov Incredible Journeys The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes, London SW13 9WT See 8 & 9 November entry for details. Sat 22 Nov 11.00 – 1.00pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm Rosette Making at the Museum of Croydon (Parliament Week) Museum of Croydon Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 museum@croydon.gov.uk www.museumofcroydon.com Create a rosette to celebrate Parliament Week. Sun 23 Nov 2.00 – 5.00pm Polar Playtime Honeywood Museum Honeywood Walk, Sutton, Surrey, SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk A family afternoon of fun with a wintry theme. Stories, trails and crafts including making snowflakes, a reindeer hat, a snowman mobile and much more. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Tue 25 Nov 11.00am Classical Babies Concert St Martin of Tours Church Hall Church Street, Epsom KT17 4PX www.classicalbabies.com

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Tue 25 Nov 9.30 – 11.00am Museum Mummies (and daddies, grannies and grandpas) 020 8770 4297 www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk Mini Archaeologists. A fun session for 2 – 4 year olds. What’s lurking in the sandpit? Who made that footprint? Come and find out. Free activity but must be prebooked. A responsible adult must stay with participating children Wed 26 Nov 10.30 – 4.00pm Wednesday – Free Entry Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk/ free-entry-every-wednesday-in-november See 5 Nov entry for details. Sat 29 & Sun 30 Nov Incredible Journeys The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes, London SW13 9WT See 8 & 9 November entry for details. Sat 29 Nov – Sun 4 Jan 2015 Cirque Normandie Chessington Garden Centre Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NG www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk Chessington Garden Centre welcomes back Tolly and company of aerialists, acrobats and jugglers. Packed with family fun and entertainment, this 60 minute show takes place in the heated Big Top. Adult: £12.00; Child: £10.00; Family of four £40.00; Up to 12 months old: Free. Sat 29 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 the Park. Adults: £8.00; children: £5.00. Booking in advance essential. Further information available on the Gatton Park website. Sat 29 Nov 10.30 – 12.00pm Time Tracers Kingston Museum Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS 020 8547 5006 www.kingston.gov.uk/museum See 15 Nov entry for details. November-December 2014

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

DAY OUT IDEA

Christmas Feature Bank Of England Museum London EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am – 5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free. Until 31 Dec The First World War And The Bank Of England The impact the Great War had on the economy, and its effects on the Bank of England and its staff. 15 – 24, 29 – 31 December and 2 January A Date To Remember Enjoy 30-minute guided tours of parts of the Bank not generally accessible. Get a head start for 2015 by adding your own designs of museum exhibits to a calendar to take home. Banknotes, gold, coins and weapons were once used to defend the Bank. With so many fascinating displays to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice. The calendar will include museum events for the forthcoming year.

MORE DATES FOR WINTER

December

Mon 1 Dec 9.30 – 11.00am Whitehall Whippets Whitehall 1, Malden Road, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8QD 020 8643 1236 www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk Session devised particularly for under 3s with a range of activities, crafts and sensory experiences focusing on a nursery rhyme. Free activity. Sat 6 Dec 10.30 – 11.15am (approx) Little Folk with Albo – Children’s Concert Colour House Theatre Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, London SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511

Fireworks

www.littlefolkwithalbo.com An ideal first concert experience. Audience participation is actively encouraged and song sheets are provided. This is a great introduction to non-processed music, just Albo and his guitar. Recommended for children from babies to 6 years. All Tickets £5.00 + bkg fee. Book online or by calling. Sat 6 Dec 11.00 – 1.00pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm How we are the same, how we are different (Disability Awareness Week) Museum of Croydon Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1ET www.museumofcroydon.com Come along and celebrate Diversity by creating a handprint poster. Sun 7 Dec 11.00 – 4.00pm (Last entry 3.30pm) Open day Croydon Airport Visitor Centre Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 0XZ 020 8669 1196 / 07949 536 653 www.croydonairport.org.uk Visit the centre for an insight into the first

Sat 29 Nov 10.00 – 4.00pm Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market Sutton Town Square High Street, Sutton SM1 1DU www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk Bringing the best in local food to the heart of Sutton and also showcasing local craft and community projects.

STOP PRESS...

Carshalton Fireworks Carshalton Park, Ruskin Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM5 www.carshaltonfireworks.org.uk 8 November The largest charity firework displays in the South East of England. All profit from the event is donated to local charities to further support the local community. Gates open at 5pm – Display starts at 7pm Bonfire lit at 7.30pm / In advance (up to 7 Nov): £5 per person; On the gate: £7.50; under 5s: FREE Epsom Fireworks Display and Funfair 0844 586 6944 , enquiries@epsomfireworks.com Hook Road Arena, Hook Road, Epsom, KT19 8QG www.epsomfireworks.com 8 November 7th Epsom (Methodist) Scout Group hosts the display with the help of local charities from the area from which donations out of the proceeds are made. Gates open at 5.30pm and with the display beginning at approximately 7.30pm / On the gate: £7.50; In advance: £5.00 available from local outlets (see their website for details)

November-December 2014

01923 775680

Edwardian Advent at Polesden Lacey Every weekend from 29th Nov 21st Dec, 11am-3.30pm Call 01372 452048 for details

Christmas fun

Christmas Animal Visit at Hatchlands Park Sunday 14th Dec, 1-3pm Call 01483 222482 for details

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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

Families London-Surrey Borders

Christmas Feature proper airport. A fascinating day out for all the family. Free parking available. Donation of £3.00 suggested Fri 12 Dec 2.00pm Classical Babies Concert at Waterhouse Café 12 Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6EB www.classicalbabies.com Sat 13 – Sun 21 Dec Family craft activites 01732 868381 chartwell@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell Come along to the Mulberry Room for Christmas craft fun. Child: £3.00 Sat 13 Dec 10.30 – 12.00pm Time Tracers Kingston Museum Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS 020 8547 5006 www.kingston.gov.uk/museum See 15 Nov entry for details. Sat 13 Dec 11.00 – 1.00pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm Test Your Senses: Museum of Croydon Mystery Objects (UK Disability History Month) Museum of Croydon Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 museum@croydon.gov.uk www.museumofcroydon.com Experience the world of history through your senses. Sat 13 Dec 10.00 – 12.00pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm Christmas Crafts Gatton Park Rocky Lane RH2 0TW 01737 649066 education@gatton-park.org.uk www.gattonpark.com Get the glitter out. Christmas decorations for younger children. For ages 4 – 7 years. £6.00 per child. Sat 13 Dec 9.00 – 1.00pm Wallington Farmers’ Market Wallington Old Town Hall and Library Gardens

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline... Visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/whats-on for an updated list of local events

DIARY DATES FOR WINTER

Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0NB www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk/ wallington-farmers-market Established in 1999, it is the Sutton borough’s oldest Farmers’ Market and hosts around 26 local producers stalls every month. It is held every second Saturday of the month. Sat 13 Dec 10.00 – 4.00pm Worcester Park Local Produce and Craft Market Central Road, KT4 8HT www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk/worcester-park Brilliant Christmas gift ideas for everyone plus support local producers by buying from them directly. Beautiful craft and delicious treats all on your

booked. A responsible adult must stay with participating children Fri 19 Dec 10.00 – 11.30am or 1.30 – 3.00pm Toddler Tales and Trails Gatton Park Rocky Lane RH2 0TW 01737 649066 education@gatton-park. org.uk www.gattonpark.com Enjoy the story of The Gruffalo’s Child and go for a walk around the park to bring the story to life. Return to create artwork linked to the story. For ages 2 – 4 years. £6.00 per child. Sat 20 Dec 11.00 – 1.00pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm Christmas Tree Cards Museum of Croydon Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 www.museumofcroydon.com Create a Christmas Card for a family member or friend at the Museum.

doorstep. Tue 16 Dec 11.00am Classical Babies Concert St Martin of Tours Church Hall Church Street, Epsom KT17 4PX www.classicalbabies.com Tue 16 Dec 9.30 – 11.00am Museum Mummies (and daddies, grannies and grandpas) Honeywood Museum Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk Mini Archaeologists. A fun session for 2 – 4 year olds. What’s lurking in the sandpit? Who made that footprint? Come and find out. Free activity but must be pre-

January Sun 4 Jan 2015 11.00 – 4.00pm (Last entry 3.30pm) Open day Croydon Airport Visitor Centre Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 0XZ See 7 December entry for further details.

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

From theof creators ard Olivier Aw nominated smash hit

Potted Potter

the From rs of creatoAward r ie Oliv inated nom h hit smas

d Potteer Pott

Let your kids drive in London. Now they can drive a Tube train, climb in a bus cab and lose themselves in our exploration zone. Better still, kids go free at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden.

HHHH‘Great Family Entertainment’ British Theatre Guide

Limited West End Christmas Season 8

December - 11 January

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE 0844 412 4663 www.NimaxTheatres.com - www.PottedSherlock.com

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

01923 775680

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

November-December 2014

Education

Can tutoring help your child?

By Hannah Hunter

According to a poll last year by the Sutton Trust, nearly one in four 11 – 16 year olds at state schools in England and Wales said that their parents had paid for them to have extra help with their lessons. So should you hire a tutor? If you don’t, will they be at a disadvantage when it comes to tests like the 11+ or Common Entrance exam, if everyone else seems to be sending their children for extra lessons?

Why get a tutor?

If a child is struggling with a subject area, or missing knowledge that is holding them back (e.g. after time off school), then a tutor is a great idea. If your child has additional needs, like dyslexia or ADHD, a tutor can provide valuable targeted support (if they have a statement, your child may be entitled to one-to-one support in school). However, if their problem is lack of motivation, then a tutor might not be the best idea – if they don’t want to work, you’re just wasting your money. Tutoring very young children can also be a problem – they can be so tired after a full school day and adding tutoring on top can wipe them out completely. There’s a lot of pressure on high achievers too – if they are doing well at school, why add needless stress?

When is it best to get help?

It’s best to start sooner rather than later. For example, if you’re hiring someone to help after the GCSE mocks in February there’s a limited amount they can achieve – if you think tuition will benefit your child, start from September of Year 11 onwards.

good on paper. Study centres and tuition agencies will ensure that their staff are safety-checked and appropriately qualified. Some agencies only employ graduates in key subject areas.

How much will it cost?

According to the Good Schools Guide, an hour’s tuition can cost parents £30 upward. If this is beyond your budget, you could team up with friends for group tuition. Study centres may be more affordable – children learn in small groups, and they often accept childcare vouchers toward payment.

Help for Free

Your child’s school may already offer older revision classes – make sure you’re aware of what’s available. There are excellent online resources to support at home learning – for example the BBC bitesize website has games and revision subjects up to GCSE level. www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/tutors www.suttontrust.com www.11plusTuition.co.uk www.11plusmockexam.co.uk www.11plusmasterclass.co.uk

www.explorelearning.co.uk www.firstclasslearning.co.uk www.fleet-tutors.co.uk www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/ www.mocktestmasters.com www.southerntutors.co.uk

Classified Directory Parties

Tuition

How to find a good tutor