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Issue 61: March/ April 2015

Free ®

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London-Surrey Borders

The A-Z of easter awesomeness Easter holiday clubs ®

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March/ April 2015

www.families-LSB.co.uk

London-Surrey Borders Magazine

Editor: Tamar Pearson 01923 775680 editor@families-LSB.co.uk Next issue: May/ June 2015 Booking deadline: 10th April 2015 21,000 Copies printed per issue, 40,000 readers per issue Design by Rebecca Carr, Tel: 07789 882467 Printed by The Manson Group, Tel: 01727 848440 www.families-LSB.co.uk To include your business in our next issue call us today.

Features for the March/ April issue include: • Birthday Party Feature • Happy Healthy Families • May Half Term

In this issue.... 4

The A-Z of Easter awesomeness

News and views

Clubs and classes news

Education news and open day directory

A parent’s guide to independent schools

Easter holiday clubs

Baby play is not just for fun

Clubs and classes for mother and baby

Easter egg hunts and trails

What’s on in March and April

It’s not what we give up to be a Mother, but what we gain by choosing to be a Mum

This Mothering Sunday Families LSB is offering one of my readers the opportunity to indulge in themselves to capture a moment, to last forever with Shooting Little Stars Photography. Shooting Little Stars is about heirloom photography. Heirloom photography is capturing and preserving moments and making them into tangible memories. Time is spent with every client to develop a relaxed rapport which invites genuine smiles and expressions. Photographs serve as windows to the past, beautiful and representative of that time.

Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the prize. If you would prefer us not to do this please state this on your entry. Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families LSB or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for consequence. Families LSB is part of a group established in 1990 headed by Families South West London. All magazines are independently owned and operated under licence.

‘’I want images for you that you’ll never tire of enjoying, nor will they look out of date. To achieve this, photos are printed on enduring media that will not fade or corrode, and on sizes that evoke pride, pleasure and joy.’’ Emily, Shooting Little Stars Photography To enter, go to www.families-lsb.co.uk/competitions. Terms and Conditions apply. The closing date for the competition is 31st March 2015.

Confidence Building Fun

Call 0845 400 1273 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class London Surrey Borders

The

Easter Awesomeness Disney Ice

Adventure golf

presents Magical Ice Festival

Kick start your Easter break with a promise of adventure at Horton Park, Jungle Island. Discover and explore secret caves, but be careful there are hungry crocodiles watching and waiting. Open every day from 9.00am until sunset whatever the weather. Once you’ve finished your adventure why not come into the clubhouse and have an ice cream or a hot chocolate. And if you’re feeling extra peckish you can always dine on delicious Monster burgers!

The Big animal Barn at Bockett’s is full of promise this Easter With lambing season in full swing, and over 300 new born lambs due the lambing marquee promise the delight of new life in Spring, and of course many a giggle from the little ones, who may even get to see a lamb being born! Plus there will be plenty of other animals to meet including llamas, goats, cows and a litter of piglets! For more details call 01372 363764, or visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

The one and only Frozen is joining the Disney On Ice family for the spectacular new show - Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival. Get ready to enter a world of enchantment as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring the most magical moments from across the Disney kingdom, in Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival, appearing across the UK from 11th March - 17th May 2015. Discover the magic and music live on ice. Visit the website for tickets and show times. www.disney.co.uk/disney-on-ice

Enjoy the

sheer pleasure as your little ones lose themselves in the joy of Easter and eating Easter eggs

Finoora’s

exciting new spring collection

This spring Finoora will be welcoming the spring collection of various new designers from across the world! Come have a look yourself on your next visit to The Whitgift Centre, or call 020 7998 7980 for more information. www.finoora.co.uk

Get Creative at Glazed all Over

Box Craft

Why not come on down and delight yourself at this unique and fun craft studio based in Wallington. With an amazing range of activities for all ages you cannot but help lose yourself to the creative juices of your imagination. For more information, and for opening times call 02086476463 or email info@glazedallover.co.uk www.glazedallover.co.uk

March/ April 2015

www.families-LSB.co.uk

The A-Z of Easter awsomeness

The Hobblers of Hobbledown are waiting to entertain you this Easter

International

Children’s Book Day on 2nd April Go to www.worldbookday.com to find out more about all of the events across the country, including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators.

Kidspace

fantastic whatever the weather The Daring High Ropes course will be open, and enjoy character events with the Hobblers which includes story time, shows and meet and greets, and animal feeds/ talks. New lambs are on show, the Meerkats have their own new mini adventure park, and one big new thing for them in 2015 is their designated animal petting zone ‘The Granary’ that will be opening. Here people can handle mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits among other things. They have also revamped their toddler area.

Kidspace promises to deliver great amounts of pleasure to all children 12 and under. Let them discover their daring side as the try out the 30ft climbing wall, go around the go kart track, or take a trip down one of Kidspace’s 4 super exciting slides. For more information visit www.kidspaceadventures.com

Little Folk with Albo

For more information please call 0843 289 4979 or visit www.hobbledown.com

Popular Wimbledon folksinger/ guitarist Al Clogston (aka Albo) will be performing a series of Saturday morning concerts for kids at the Colour House Theatre. Albo will present a mixture of folk songs, American camp songs, traditional children’s songs, sing-alongs and original songs for kids. Little Folk with Albo is an ideal first concert experience. Audience participation will be actively encouraged and song sheets will be provided. This is a great introduction to nonprocessed music, just Albo and his guitar.

Jump in muddy puddles!

Showing every Saturday at 10.30am. Tickets £5 with a £1.50 online booking fee. Contact The Colour House Children’s Theatre on 020 8542 5511 or visit the website to book or for more information www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk

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The A-Z of Easter awesomeness

Meandering

wanders through Morden Hall Park © National Trust

Pizza -easy peasy On those days when you have been out adventuring and tummies are rumbling, but time is running out why not try this fast and easy pizza dough. 1 cup self-rising ﬂour 1 cup of natural yoghurt A little extra ﬂour for dusting

Mix the ﬂour and yoghurt and bring together to form a ball. Turn out onto a ﬂoured board to knead 5 – 8 minutes and roll into a pizza shape and add toppings, and pop in the oven at for 20 minutes.

The season offers an array of bright colours as spring bulbs being to emerge. You’ll see colourful little crocuses, bright purple irises, yellow carpets of daffodils and clusters of snowdrops emerging as well as the occasional bluebells peeping out along the river. Bring along a pair of binoculars for the little ones to discover the delights of bird watching, and see what feathered friends you may spot. You may be lucky and spot the Grey Herons or bright blue flashes of Kingfishers as they fly along the River Wandle. Or the Ring Necked Parakeets may colour your day. Butterflies are bountiful Orange Tip or Brimstone Butterflies along the river and in the wetlands. Other species such as the Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma can be found in the meadow areas of the park, soaking up the spring sunshine. For more information and opening hours call 020 85456850

Nana and Nunu

The Big Sneeze showing at Fairﬁeld Halls

8 – 10 April i 10am & 2pm When Nunu gets the sneezes on his birthday, Nana must venture across snow, sky and sea to track down a magical ﬂower with the power to stop an ardvaark’s ‘achoo’. With a little help from grandchildren Jake and Sophie, Nana and Nunu meet a host of colourful characters as the y journey around the world in this sixty-minute musical adventure. For more information to to book your tickets call 020 8688 9291

March/ April 2015

Quack quack

down to the Quacky Races at Morden Hall Park

Taking place on 8 April between 10am1pm. Challenge your friends and family to a rubber duck race down the River Wandle. Let the best duck win. £1.50 per duck. Call 020 8545 6850 for more information.

Roaring ﬁres and roasting

marshmallows © Chris Lacey

With spring arriving in fresh bursts of colour and new life, it’s a great time to don your wellies, wrap up warm and experience the outdoor delights of Morden Hall Park.

is the best recipe for a perfect evening whilst watching the sun settle as evening falls. Little faces will delight in the sugary feast as smiles and giggles set the stage for night time fun.

Sea Dragon Kingdom SEA LIFE London Aquarium invites guests to explore an enchanting new themed zone, Sea Dragon Kingdom, to see the amazing new collection of mystical sea creatures hidden within. Mini explorers can venture into the lost temple and peer through the tangle of roots and vines to watch the magical inhabitants within. For more information and opening times please visit the website: www.visitsealife.com/london

www.families-LSB.co.uk

The A-Z of Easter awsomeness

Tommy’s

Trenches at Bourne Hall Museum

2 – 9 April i 2pm - 3.30pm Would you like to sit for hours in a muddy funk hole? Learn who or what was a Moaning Minnie or a Jack Johnson. What did it mean if you were chatting, and where was Blighty? Discover the answers to all of these questions. Bourne Hall is visited by a British Army Officer and a serving Tommy from World War 1. Learn about trench warfare on the Western Front and how tough daily life was for the troops. £5 per Child. For more information call 020 8394 1734 Don't forget to say you saw these advertised in

London-Surrey Borders Magazine

Vegetables are

fun to grow and good to eat Get outdoors and dirty with your little ones as they discover the wonder growing their own food. Let them choose the vegetable seeds, plant and tend them together, and finally harvest the fresh vegetables Growing vegetables with your kids is likely to encourage them to eat more veg too - especially for the fussy eaters. A few easy vegetable to grow in spring are beetroots, cauliﬂowers, broad beans and carrots.

The Watercress Line promises an Easter of fun with Thomas & Friends from 3 - 12 April Shake hands with the Fat Controller, meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, take part in Thomas themed activities and ride the big steams trains all day. Free Thomas sticker and certificate for every child! Free Thomas activities, bouncy © Tim Beere slide, tea cup ride, children’s entertainer and Thomas tattoos. Free rides with Thomas, Toad and Diesel. It’s a great value family day out, not to be missed.

I Believe in Unicorns From 12 - 15 March the Theatre Alibi Presents I Believe in Unicorns. Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Daniel Jamieson Tomas didn’t like books, stories or school. He was happier climbing mountains or tobogganing with his 2 Dad. That was until the Unicorn Lady came to town and reeled him in with her irresistible magic tales. But then disaster struck and put everything that mattered most in Tomas’s life in terrible danger.

For performance times and to book call the Box Office on 020 8543 4888 or visit www.polkatheatre.com

Zzzzzzzzzz Spring is a time when the air is filled with the buzzing of bumblebees busily feeding. Sadly though, bees of all types are in danger due to loss of habitat and farming methods. Two species of bumblebee have already become extinct in the UK, simply because their habitats have been lost. Together, we can make Britain a better place for these little pollinators!

Istockphoto

Best known for the phenomenally successful War Horse, Michael Morpurgo is one of our greatest storytellers. I Believe in Unicorns brings alive the excitement of books and is a moving testament to the value of stories and the imagination. Ages 6+ All Ages Welcome performances available (for children under the age of 6) Tickets £13.50 | concessions £10 (£1.50 transaction charge per booking) Main Theatre Running time 1 hour 50 minutes, including interval Two performances daily, times vary.

www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk

It is our duty to our children to teach the wonder of bees and how important they are for survival, as without them we will lose much. For more information visit: www.friendsofthebees.org or www.bumblebeeconservation.org London Surrey Borders

Local news

Celebrating world book day

News &Views Business is (baby) booming for homebirths and independent midwives New guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have confirmed that homebirths and midwife-led centres are ‘best for many mothers’. And, with evidence that giving birth at home is often as safe for babies as in hospital, it certainly looks to be the way childbirth is headed. A homebirth can give you the space and time to deliver the way you want, with evidence showing that homebirths and midwife-led births often have lower rates of intervention, as women are more comfortable in their environment and are assisted by midwives they know and trust. The College of Midwives is calling for more midwife-led units to be set up across the country so that all mothers-to-be can have the choice of a midwife-led or homebirth, if they want one. At the moment 9 out of 10 babies in England and Wales are born in doctor-led obstetrics units in hospital, however the new guidelines say that 45% of women are at extremely low risk of complications and may be better off giving birth elsewhere – especially those who have already had at least one child. In the meantime, many women are turning to independent midwifes to get the birth and continuity of care they want, either at hospital or at home, and hiring one of these fully qualified midwives who work outside of the NHS to oversee everything. Take a look at Independent Midwives UK to find out more: www.imuk.org.uk

This spring, delve deep into your bookshelf and read something you’ve never read before, in honour of World Book Day. Throughout March and April schools, libraries and bookshops across the country are holding exciting events and workshops for young readers, plus you can register online for your free book token and choose from titles including Michael Morpurgo’s Best Mates andA Pirate’s Guide to Landlubbing by Jonny Duddle. You can also design your very own National Book Token and have your design distributed to bookshops nationwide in time for Christmas. Competition closes 17th April, visit www.worldbookday.com It’s also International Children’s Book Day on 2nd April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen himself. The Day aims to inspire a love of reading from an early age, so check out the website to find out more about all of the events across the country, including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators.

Spotlights Theatre School star pupil plays lead role in the new BBC film, Guin and the Dragon Lailah, a local pupil from Spotlights Theatre School, plays the role of Danielle in the new BBC film, ‘’Guin and the Dragon’’. Delighted with her achievement, Lailah has been a student with Spotlights Theatre School from day 1. It is fantastic that her natural talent and training with Spotlights Theatre School has led to a role in this film. Combining adventure and great visual effects, the film follows the story of a group of kids on a epic quest to rescue their friend Arthur from the sinister Dragon Lady, and promises great entertainment for the family.

Wicked, the award-winning stage musical, is proud to announce the 5th year of the “prestigious Wicked Young Writers’ Award” with entries now open T H E S P O RTS V I L L AG E

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March/ April 2015

Established in 2010, The Award aims to recognize excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people between 5-25 years of age. Over 20,000 young people have since entered original and thoughtprovoking pieces of writing that consistently reﬂect the interests, concerns and deepest thoughts of young people, providing a first look at the emerging voices of a new generation. The school with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective school, and overall winners will win a VIP family experience to Wicked London, including an exclusive backstage tour and cast meet-and-greet, £50 worth of book/eBook tokens, plus £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books. Pieces of writing can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until Friday 18 April 2015. A shortlist of 100 entrants will see their poem or story published in the Wicked Young Writers’ Award Anthology. Get involved today at WickedyoungWriters.com www.families-LSB.co.uk

Clubs & classes

West End Theatre Academy, Epsom oﬃcially open their doors on Saturday 25th April 2015

Clubs & Classes News

Blenheim High School, Longmead road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9BH Every Saturday during term time only. younger years (4 – 6) 09:45am - 11:15am. Main Academy (Ages 7-21) 10am-1pm www.weacademy.co.uk As part of your Main Academy membership all pupils will get the opportunity to perform on a West End Stage, write and film movies, record your favourite songs and film MTV music videos. Two week free welcome trial for ages 4 – 21. Call 0203 397 8899 or email epsom@weacademy.co.uk now to be awarded a place at the two week welcome trial.

Kick oﬀ for Soccer Stardom with Whyteleafe FC Football Academy Talented teenage footballers can take their first shot at stardom at one of Surrey’s leading football academies. Whyteleafe FC Football Academy is holding trials for the 2015-2016 season on 30th March and 9th April, giving local youngsters aged 16 18 the chance to combine full-time education with developing their soccer skills and knowledge as part of a full time training programme. For more information please call 020 8660 5491.

Turtle Tots are excited to announce additional classes in East Surrey Turtle Tots Baby, Toddler and PreSchool Swimming Classes www.turtletots.com As well as teaching children water confidence and crucial lifesaving skills the Turtle Tots programme has been endorsed by ambassador Greg Whyte OBE, an experienced personal trainer, to promote pre-natal and post-natal fitness and provides an excellent toning workout for parents, burning up to 250 calories. Classes available in Chipstead, Old Coulsdon, South Croydon, Oxted and Lower Beeding. Plus new classes starting at Chipstead Valley School. For more information or to book call 07920 854714.

Ladies Night of Craft and Creation at Glazed All Over Glazed All over 102 Stafford road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 9Ay www.glazedallover.co.uk 02086476463 Glazed All Over is a hub of craft and creation, and has recently started torun evening classes for adults! Why not learn a new skill and choose from Knitting & Crochet, Glass Fusion or Pottery Painting at the much loved Ladies Night. All classes run once a month. Please visit the website or get in touch for dates and times.

Holiday Camps

Easter Eggstravaganza! Keep your kids active during the school holidays at a Fit For Sport activity camp, with plenty of fun sports, games and activities for kids aged 3 - 12. Prices start from just £3 per hour.

Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW: “a journey to an active life”

WWW.FITFORSPORT.CO.UK

0845 456 3233

London Surrey Borders

Education news

Education News Trinity School launches Golden Jubilee Bursary Fund In 1965 Trinity School, Croydon, moved to make way for the Whitgift Shopping Centre. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its relocation to Shirley Park, Trinity has launched a campaign to fund 50 new bursaries. Every year the School receives applications from pupils who meet the entrance criteria and who would thrive there but who, because of personal circumstances, are unable to accept their offer of a place. The new fund will ensure that the School can accommodate more of these pupils than ever before. Alumni, governors, staff, past and present parents have raised £425,250 to date. Headmaster Mark Bishop said: “I am very grateful to those who have already given and remain confident that that we can meet our target and transform more lives for generations to come.” Distinguished Trinity Old Boy, Dr Barry MacEvoy, said “Education should be needs blind, where tuition is available on the basis of ability and potential, not the capacity to pay.” Further details can be obtained from www.trinity-school.org

Woodland learning for pupils at Downsend Pre-Prep School in Epsom Downsend Pre-Prep School in Epsom have set up a woodland and nature school and are developing a woodland garden. They use every opportunity they can to take their Early Years Curriculum outside. Whilst children are playing in their woodland garden, they count, cook, act and play. The children measure rainfall in centimetres and sort leaves by colour and shape and traditional story tales are taken outside where the children act them out. Gardening, planting and harvesting are some of the activities the pupils participate in, as well as storing seeds from the pumpkins they grew in their summer gardening club, ready to plant next year. Having discovered that the children know a great deal about lions and tigers, but hardly anything about the animals that live in the back garden, Downsend Pre-Prep Epsom have centred much of their Reception curriculum around Nick Butterworth’s stories of ‘Percy Park Keeper’ and his woodland animals. Setting up experiments to find out which animals live in the school garden, they have made plaster casts of the footprints left behind and are about to embark on making bird boxes. Sarah Bradley, Head of the pre-prep commented, ‘What we, as teachers, have noticed is how the children’s language and vocabulary has grown, how their imagination has developed and that they are thinking for themselves. Even the busiest of children are finding it easier to focus.’ She added, ‘The academic rewards that our children are reaping and the progress they are making through the practical experiences out of door are easy to see. My teachers comment on the calm, purposeful and focused atmosphere when the children play in the woodland garden.’ For more information please visit www.downsend.co.uk or contact Downsend School on 01372 372311

www.families-LSB.co.uk See more articles, what’s on and our directory online! Follow us @FamiliesLSB

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March/ April 2015

Where the action never stops Monday-Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Activities for boys and girls ages 4-14 Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014

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Education news

Ewell Castle School oﬀers scholarships for newly launched Cricket Academy Following on from the success of the recently launched Tennis Academy, Ewell Castle is launching a new Cricket Academy, which has been designed to allow boys and girls to combine intensive cricket training and academic education within an integrated curriculum with the aim of developing cricket talent. The Cricket Academy will be managed by Neil Turk, former Sussex County Cricket Club.

Is your child preparing for an art Scholarship? Nava Ahmed, a professional watercolour artist provides specialist classes to students working towards an Art Scholarship/Exam. She offers one-to-one and group tuition to help dedicated art students prepare their Art Portfolio. Your budding artist will learn different techniques as well as art history, encouraging the development of an individual style and how to recognise their interests so that their portfolios reﬂect their distinctive personality and interest.

Families with sons or daughters currently playing cricket for Surrey /another county within the (CAG), or are members of one of the age group district squads, or they believe that they have the potential to reach this standard, should consider applying for the ECS Cricket Academy.

Her classes inspire students to exhibit their true potential and realise their individual art ambitions. In addition to the Art Scholarship preparation Nana runs weekly and holiday art classes for children (Age 7+) from her home in Epsom, where children learn to draw and paint with watercolours and other media.

For more information and for images please contact: Carol Hernandez, Marketing and Development Manager on 0208 394 3578 or email: c.hernandez@ewellcastle.co.uk

For more information please contact Nava on 07881886541, or email nava@theartandcakestudio.com or visit: www.theartandcakestudio.com

Stagecoach Epsom, and Ewell Castle School Pupil Stars in new Colin Firth Film We would like to congratulate Alex Nikolov in his starring role in the new Colin Firth and Samuel L Jackson film ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’. His mother Frances says that Alex loves to sing and ‘has always loved putting on a show’. Rachel Crouch, Principal of Epsom Stagecoach is rightly proud of her student who successfully landed the role after his first professional audition. “We were so proud of him,’ commented his mother. ‘He had such a great time; he loved speaking to the cast, and was delighted when Colin Firth sent him a Christmas present”. Mrs Fowler, Head of Pre-Prep at Ewell Castle School commented “Alex is a happy, energetic and articulate little boy. We are delighted that he enjoyed this fantastic acting experience so much and we will continue to support and encourage his acting”.

School open day directory Downsend Prep School 01372 372311 12 March & 23 April www.downsend.co.uk Croydon High 020 8260 7508 Nursery - Tuesday 14 April Reception – Thursday 16 April Years 1 – 6 - Wednesday 15 April www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Collingwood School 020 8647 4607 Saturday 9 May 10am - 12 noon www.collingwoodschool.org.uk

Chinthurst 013737 812011 Friday 6 March www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Elmhurst School for Boys 020 8688 0661 Saturday 14 March 10am - 12pm www.elmhurstschool.net Essendene Lodge 018 8334 8349 Thursday 7 May 10am - 12 noon www.essendenelodge.co.uk

Epsom College 01372 821007 open morning Saturday 14 March Discover Epsom Event Saturday 25 April Lower School information Morning, Saturday 7 March www.epsomcollege.org.uk Ewell Castle 020 8393 1413 Chessington Lodge (3-6 years) Thursday 5 March 9am – 10.30am Wednesday 6 May 9am – 10.30am Glyn House (7-11 years) Thursday 5 March 10.30am – 12pm Wednesday 6 May 10.30am – 12pm Glyn House The Castle (11-16 years) 5 March & 6 May 9am – 10.30am www.ewellcastle.co.uk Greenacre School 01737 352114 Friday 13 March 10.45am - 12.15pm www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

Laleham Lea - open Week 020 8660 3351 Monday 9 - Friday 13 March 9:30am - 11:30am www.lalehamlea.co.uk oakwood School and Nursery 020 8668 2895 7 March 10am – 1pm www.oakwoodschool.org.uk old Palace School of John Whitgift Senior 020 8688 2027 Working open Afternoon Wednesday 4 March 10.30am -12pm open Afternoon Saturday 25 April 2pm -4pm

www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift. org

Priory Preparatory 01737 366920 Friday 6 March, 9am - 11am Saturday 21 March, 10am - 12pm Friday 24 April, 9am -11am www.prioryprep.co.uk royal russell Junior School 020 8651 5884 Wednesday 25 March 10am - 2pm www.royalrussell.co.uk

St Christopher’s 01372 721807 20 & 21 March

www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk

St David’s School 020 8660 0723 School at Work Morning Tuesday 21 April open Morning Saturday 25 April, 10am -12pm www.stdavidsschool.co.uk Sutton High, Nursery and Juniors 020 8225 3001 Thursday 23 April, 10am www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Sutton High, Seniors 020 8225 3001 Thursday 30 April 9am – 10.30am www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Thames Christian College 020 7228 3933 Thursday 5 March 11am - 1pm

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

London Surrey Borders

Early years education

A parent’s guide to independent By Hannah Hunter schools We all want to give our children the best start in their educational life. If you can afford it, the independent sector provides an alternative to the state system, which can often operate like a postcode lottery. An increasing number of parents are looking at the independent sector– a report from the association of Teachers and Lecturers shows numbers rising at their fastest rate since 2008.

A variety of independent schools

An independent school is a school that is free to operate outside of many of the rules and regulations of the state system (there are, of course, statutory education, health and safety standards). Independent schools are also fee-paying, and governed by an elected board. Within the umbrella term of ‘independent’, you will find an array of different types of schools. Pre-prep is the name sometimes given to schools that cater for infant aged children (4-7); these usually are feeder schools for a prep (preparatory) school (for 8-13 year-olds, and sometimes younger). The preparatory school takes its name from its original function of preparing pupils for entrance to senior schools. This might be a ‘public’ school – the older private schools, whose name derives from the fact that they are open to the public (providing they can pay the fees of course!). You will also find different kinds of independent schools that will cater for infant and junior-aged children. These include schools with different learning styles, such as Montessori schools (often for younger children) and Steiner schools.

Why choose an independent school?

If you’re looking at an independent secondary school, a pre-prep will ensure that your child gets the best out of their common entrance exam (necessary in getting a scholarship or bursary). In grammar schools areas, these schools may also offer preparation for the 11+. It’s not just the academic kids who will benefit from what a prep school offers. Sport is taken very seriously, and they will offer a wide range, from rugby to badminton. They also cater for other interests, offering a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as dance, drama and music, which might not be able to access in the state system.

How to find a school

Your first port of call should be the government’s database of all UK schools, which allows you to search by area and type (private or state funded). You might want to look at this early on - according to the Good Schools Guide, getting a place can be cutthroat: ‘For a small number of schools (mostly in or near to London) the only way to gain a place is to register your child’s birth then head straight to the school and etch their name on the waiting list; try not to deliver in July/August - places are likely to have been nabbed by autumn births.’

Independent schools can offer smaller class sizes, meaning more time for one-to-one attention, helpful for children with learning difficulties or other additional needs. Teachers have time to challenge more able children - prep schools often have specific gifted programmes.

Expect an interview, even for early years places – this is likely to involve some sort of assessment of basic speech, interaction and social skills. By age 7 or 8 you might expect a test of Maths and English ability, with possibly an IQ test. This could be accompanied by a school visit, to assess how your child will be placed at the school.

Their better working conditions, with more resources and higher salaries, mean that independent schools can attract the best teachers. There is also a higher staff to pupil ratio, on average about 1:10 (it’s around 1:20 at state primaries), giving staff and

As with any school, you should make appointments to visit the school and check their inspection reports (these may be delivered by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, or Ofsted).

Kingswood House is warm, friendly and caring with a family atmosphere. It is academically challenging, successful and a very close-knit community making a difference to each of the children’s lives. We are always developing our resources but never at the expense of the community atmosphere and small class sizes. Every child has the opportunity to represent the school whether in sport, art, drama or music and parents are all encouraged to come and support these activities.” Peter Brooks Headmaster

pupils more time to get to know one another.

March/ April 2015

Priory Preparatory School is a leading independent IAPS day school for boys aged 2-13 situated in Banstead, Surrey. We are committed to providing the very best in boys’ preparatory education and the school is consistently rated ‘outstanding in all areas’ by ISI and Ofsted. Priory Prep is highly successful in preparing its boys for top senior independent schools. This has been an exciting year for the school – a new state of the art PrePrep building is now open and we have introduced scholarships and bursaries for Year 3 entry. Graham D Malcolm Headmaster

From September 2015 Ewell Castle will become fully co-educational. All pupils enjoy the strong academic, pastoral and extra-curricular benefits offered at the School , and they are given responsibility and offered leadership opportunities throughout the School. At Ewell Castle, the small class sizes and family friendly environment, together with our ethos and values, foster personal development, and help to produce confident well-rounded young people, prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.’’ Peter Harris Headmaster

www.families-LSB.co.uk

PrioryPrepSchool - RichardSaunders - QPA4:Layout 1 27/01/2015 14:12 Pa

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

Open Mornings Saturday 21st March Friday 24th April Saturday 9th May Friday 19th June

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

10am-12noon 9-11am 10am-12noon 9-11am

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

Scholarships and bursaries available for Year 3 entry Sept 2015 To book a place contact Email: sjordan@prioryprep.co.uk or Tel: 01737 366 942 Bolters Lane, Banstead, SM7 2AJ

www.prioryprep.co.uk

Limited Early Registration Discounts Available

day process 57 C 100 Y

32 M 100 Y

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

@prioryprep

DONâ€™T MISS OUT CALL TODAY!

Opened November 2014

HOOK ROAD EPSOM KT19 8TH

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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

London Surrey Borders

Holiday clubs

Easter Holiday Clubs Atlantis Swim Easter intensive Course

community. Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place. Call your local centre to book a free trial

Linden Bridge School, Worcester Park KT4 7JW 0208 335 3536

www.atlantisswimschool.co.uk

7 - 10 April 10am to 11am Easter Intensive swimming classes from Beginner to 200 metres.

Dramabuds

Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church , Banstead Road Carshalton SM5 3NL 020 8669 2355 www.dramabuds.co.uk Easter Bunny Adventure 31 March 1.30 – 2.30pm 2 – 5 years I £7.50 4 day Fairytale Camp 30 March – 2 April 10am -12 noon each day 4 – 8 years I £60 Fairytale Camp 1 April 1.30 – 3.30pm 4 – 8 years I £15

Explore Learning

Free Maths and English activities 31 March or 14 April

www.explorelearning.co.uk

Your local Explore Learning centre will be hosting a day of free workshops for children ages 5-14 in the local

Fit for Sport

30 March - 10 April Keep your kids active this Easter at a Fit For Sport Activity Camp! All activities are full of energy and our qualified and experienced team will have plenty of sports and games for children aged 3 – 12. To book a place call 0845 456 3233 or visit www.fitforsport.co.uk

Easter Art Workshops with Nava Ahmed

3A Ewell Downs Road, Epsom, KT17 3BP 07881886541

www.theartandcakestudio.com

30 March, 10am – 12pm 6 & 7April, 10am – 12.pm Students will make Easter Cards and beautiful ﬂowers using watercolours.

Mock Test Masters / 11 Plus

Laleham Lea Prep School, 29 Peaks Hill, Purley CR8 3JJ 0208 669 2197

www.11plusmasterclass.co.uk

6 – 10 April A series of master classes delivered by 11+ specialists focusing on areas in English and Maths.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

Perform

Epsom 01372 730 363

www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom

Make friends and build confidence. Our superb teachers will work with students to develop skills in the performing arts, boost confidence and put on a full scale, costumed production at the end of the workshop for friends and family to enjoy.

The Sports Village Easter Camps The Sports Village, Rose Hill Park, Rose Hill, Sutton, Surrey SM1 3HH 020 8641 6611 www.thesportsvillage.org.uk 30 March – 2 April and 17 - 10 April, 9am to 5pm Tennis, Teddy Tennis, Gymnastics, Dance and Multisports for ages 5 and up in our all-weather indoor facilities.

Perform Drama School Easter Holiday Course for 4-7 year olds Pirates and Princesses 8-10th April 0845 400 4000

www.perform.org.uk/classescourses/holiday-courses/ piratesprincesses

They’ll be going on a swashbuckling royal adventure for brave pirates and fearless princesses. Whether running down the palace steps to defeat the fiery dragon or setting sail for treasure on the high seas, it’s going to be the best fun of their holidays.

Free Free Assessment Assessment Now Now Available. Available. Call: Call:

are available at all classes.

Sutton 01737 270 060

Intensive 11 Plus courses Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English classes for 9 & 10 yr olds. Also GCSE Maths, English and Science courses.

MATHS and ENGLISH

Free trial sessions @spotlightsuk

Stagecoach Easter Workshops

www.southerntutors.co.uk

 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

New classes in South Croydon

spotlightsuk

01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk Action packed camps with over 40 activities to offer. For children 4 – 14.

Helping Children Succeed in Maths and English

Little Stars (4 – 6 years) Stars 1, 2 & 3 (7 – 16 years)

Find us online

Supercamps

Rosebery School, Epsom 01372 72 1119/07986 564 651 30 March - 1 April 9.30 - 3.30pm

First Class Learning

Learn to dance, act & sing

Call us on 020 8460 5711 now or visit www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk to book.

Southern Tutors

Mitcham Morden Purley South Norwood Thornton Heath Wallington

March/ April 2015

SUA2336 Families London Surrey Little Stars Ad 87x85_FINAL.indd 1

Mitcham Mitcham Morden Morden Purley Purley South Norwood South Norwood ThorntonHeath Heath Thornton Wallington Wallington

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

www.ﬁrstclasslearning.co.uk www.families-LSB.co.uk

20/02/2015 15:26

Day Nurseries, Baby Rooms & Pre-Schools For ages 0 - 5 years

“

Making the academic difference by being small enough to know all our girls individually

A S E L E C T I V E I N D E P E N D E N T D AY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 2-16 YEARS MHSDeputy

manorhousesch

www.manorhouseschool.org | Tel: 01372 457077 Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org

Open 7.30am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday

Jancett Playsafe Clubs For ages 4 -11 years Open 7.30am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday

Tel: 020 8669 1725 www.jancett.co.uk @JancettGroup

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. • Adapts to the individual needs of your child. • Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. • Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

Free trial session - book today! Addiscombe Epsom North Cheam Purley

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

or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.” Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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

Birth & Babies

Baby play is not just for fun! By Lynne Murray attraction. This can be disconcerting for parents, as they search for new strategies with which to engage their baby.

Image: bigstockphoto.com

This is a stage when body games, like ‘pat-a-cake,’ or ‘round and round the garden’ come into their own. Babies quickly become familiar with the different steps of such games, and most of their pleasure comes from the sense of anticipation and climax. These games, and supporting babies play with toys, represent a new form of social relating for the baby - one where play is about a ‘topic’ that baby and parent share together.

Whilst playing with your baby can be fun, it is not at all trivial. It is one of the main ways in which babies engage with other people, and a fundamental means of developing their social understanding. How babies play, and the way in which parents can support their play, changes dramatically during their first two years of life. Babies generally become playful from around six weeks, when they start to smile, vocalise and show deliberate facial movements and expressions. Parents typically find themselves imitating these baby signals, or reacting to them with stereotyped, exaggerated expressions called ‘marking’. These responses are largely automatic, and they help the baby maintain his positive mood and stay engaged. These early exchanges are like ‘conversations,’ and they are a very basic way for babies to sense the connection between their experience and that of someone else - one of the basic building blocks of social understanding. By around four or five months, a baby’s vision has improved and he or she can focus on things at a distance, and also start to reach out and grab things. These developments mean that a baby’s interests expand, and the previous, purely social, face-to-face play loses its

The Lotus Practice

Although babies and parents enjoy these body games and toy play, they can also feel something of a ‘one-way-street’ for parents, since the baby typically doesn’t show great interest in the parent themselves. This situation changes from around nine months, as relationships shift from being ‘topic-based’ to being more genuinely two-way and connected. Now, babies notice more of what their parents are doing, and will typically want to join in and even, in their own way, ‘help.’ They start to follow simple suggestions, and swap roles with their parent in games like ‘peek-a-boo.’ With this change, parents sometimes feel as if their baby has now become a ‘real’ person, and play can become easier and more satisfying. This more connected phase culminates in the development of genuinely co-operative behaviour and more mature social understanding from around eighteen months, when babies can appreciate that other people have different experiences from their own, as well as different likes and dislikes. These developments are assisted when parents engage in pretend play, which can support the baby in thinking about the experience of, say, doll characters. Talking about people’s experiences and their feelings, and the reasons for them, either during play or during activities such as sharing picture books, are also important ways for parents to support the growing social understanding of their baby. So don’t feel that when you are playing with your baby that you are somehow wasting time. You are teaching your baby to become a sociable being!

a ExtrLynne Murray is Professor of Developmental Psychology

at the University of Reading, and author of The Psychology of Babies: How Relationships Support Development from Birth to Two (Constable & Robinson 2014), in which more information on play, as well as other aspects of babies’ development, is provided.

Now offering baby massage and yoga!

ü Cranio-sacral therapy ü Baby Massage Courses ü Baby Yoga Courses Baby massage is relaxing and enjoyable for both mum and babies, supporting bonding between you and your baby with quality time that’s fun.

) 07956442223 : thelotus@hotmail.co.uk 8 www.thelotuspractice.com 16

March/ April 2015

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Mother & baby classes

Gymboree Cheam Play and Learn Classes

Gymboree is a children’s development programme offering something entirely unique – running award winning classes for 0-5 year olds. Our timetable is full with Sensory Baby Play, Play & Learn and Theatre Arts classes. Our aim is for children not only to have fun but learn too. At Gymboree we are often told by parents, “You are the only class that manages to engage my child.” This is not a coincidence! It is a reﬂection of the fact that Gymboree are the experts in early childhood development and as such, we know children and we know what works. For more information please call 07990 761259.

Tumble Tots – Gymbabes classes for babies from six months to walking

With parent involvement, each of 40 minutes Gymbabes helps to stimulate and encourage babies to use all their senses, gently and without pressure. Playing, exploring, crawling and learning together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Chartered Educational Psychologist Denise Thornton says “ Gymbabes allows babies to learn through experience how to trust their own bodies and helps them to gain confidence in the things they can do. As parents, we begin to understand what our children are capable of and how to help them without compromising their independence.” For more information, and to find your nearest class call us Tumble Tots Croydon, Antanio - 07743 103208, Tumble Tots Epsom, Farah 07930 550 023. Visit: www.tumbletots.com

Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots way! Specialist Baby and Toddler Swimming Classes and Aqua-Natal Yoga Classes. T: 07920854714 W: www.turtletots.com

Baby Ballet in Wimbledon, Epsom and New Malden

Mashu

Baby Ballet offers a specialised class from children from 6 - 18 months. Baby Ballet Tots promise a wonderful musical playtime with singing and mime for parents’s/carers and baby to enjoy together. Babies and toddlers can learn bodily awareness and self-control by combining movements, activities, props and musical instruments, while at the same time the discovering the wonder of socialising and making friends with other little ones. For more information and to book a class call 07432 583630

Monkey Music

Monkey Music offer themed classes support all aspects of child development. Sensory props and stimulating visual experiences encourage rock’n’roll babies (New born – 3 months) to move their bodies and make sounds with their voices – this interaction activates the brain to release chemicals that help memory.

Expert Drum Tuition for Ages 4 and Up. Studio phone: 020 8647 7801

Baby Massage and Baby Yoga offer parents and babies a special time to relax and be together. Massage offers a unique way to communicate with, and soothe you little love, whilst raising the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin in both yourself and your baby, baby massage helps you both feel calm and relaxed and improves muscle tone and stimulates growth hormones. Baby yoga is relaxing and enjoyable for both mum and babies, supporting bonding between you and your baby, quality time that’s fun. For babies it promotes growth, improves joint mobility, encourages sensory and motor awareness, a better sleep pattern, relieves colic, wind and constipation. For more information call 07956442223, email: thelotus@hotmail.co.uk or visit: www.thelotuspractice.com

Mobile: 0759 119 4467

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

Baby-friendly percussion instruments release magical sounds that captivate rock’n’roll babies. By reaching out and grasping for the sounds your baby will stimulate their physical and emotional development. Please visit the interactive website to find the nearest class to you. www.monkeymusic.co.uk

The Lotus Practice Baby Massage Course

Studios

www.trinketsjewels.com 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

Turtle Tots Baby, Toddler and Pre-School Swimming Classes

The Turtle Tots baby and toddler programme teaches parents to swim with their babies above and below the water. Your little turtles will develop water confidence as well as learning key lifesaving skills in a fun and sociable environment with lots of nursery rhymes and singing! Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots way. Classes available in Chipstead, Old Coulsdon, South Croydon, Oxted and Lower Beeding. For more information, or to book your class call 07920 854714 or visit: www.turtletots.com

London Surrey Borders

March/ April 2015

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Easter fun

Easter egg hunts 28 March

Whitehall Museum

1 Malden Road, Cheam, Surrey, SM3 8QD I 02086431236 10am-5pm. Ages 4+. Free event friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk Come and join us a Whitehall Historic House for our egg-cellent egg trail around the building and gardens.

31 March - 6 April

Denbies Wine Estate Easter Buzzy Bee Trail

London Rd, Dorking 01306 876616 11am – 3pm For ages 3 – 10 yrs. £2.50. denbies.co.uk Follow our nature trail quiz around the vineyard with a chocolate ‘Bee’ at the end.

31 March

1 April & 15 April

The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton, SM5 3NY 020 8770 5820 10am to 2pm. 3 years + £3 per child sutton.gov.uk/biodiversity Follow the clues to find where those cheeky bunnies have hidden the eggs.

Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD I 01420 22140 / 22992 11am – 4pm. Suitable for all ages Usual entry prices apply. birdworld.co.uk Crack the clues to claim your egg plus the opportunity to win some other great prizes. Join in with some seasonal arty fun.

Sutton Ecology Centre

3 – 6 April

Morden Hall Park Cadbury Easter Trail

Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD I 020 8545 6850 11am-4pm. £4 per trail nationaltrust.org.uk Follow our trail through the parkland and see what you can spot along the way. Chocolate Easter egg prize at the end. 4 April

The Children’s Trust

Tadworth Court, Surrey KT20 5RU I 01737 36 5017 12-4pm. All ages welcome Entry is free for under 16’s. Adults £3 and Easter Egg Hunt tickets are £3 per child. thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ easterfair Entertainment for all the family with a range of attractions including an Easter egg hunt, Peppa Pig, Go Karts, a DJ, an Easter Shopping Market and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

Trails in Surrey 28 March – 12 April

Bocketts Farm Park

Young Street, Leatherhead KT22 9BS £9.30 adults, £9.95 children 3-17 £8.20 children 2 years bockettsfarm.co.uk There’s Eggstra fun to be had at Bocketts Farm this Spring. In addition to all the fun and exciting things to see and do there will be an egg hunt trail and each child will get a chocolate treat.

Birdworld

Trails in Kent

2 April - 19 April

Ightham Mote

28 March – 19 April

Hever Castle & Gardens

Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG I 01732 865224 Adults £16, Seniors £14, Children (5-15) £9, Family £42.50. £1 extra charge for craft workshop. hevercastle.co.uk Don’t forget to say you saw these advertised in

London-Surrey Borders

Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT 01732 810378 ext 100 10am – 5pm.. All ages welcome NAA- Activity pack 50p, Easter egg trail on 4 April £2.50 + NAA nationaltrust.org.uk/ ighthammote Keep the children entertained during the holidays with our Spring Activity pack, craft activities and the chance to go wild in our natural play area. Follow the trail the Easter bunny has left as part of our Cadbury Easter trail on Easter Saturday 11am-3pm.

3 - 4 April

Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG I 01372 467806 10.30am-4pm £3 per trail, plus normal entry nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont Calling all Easter Eggsplorers! See how many wooden eggs you can find hidden around the garden, solve the clues and win a delicious Cadbury Egghead. Bring your homemade headwear at 3pm on 4 April and join our Easter bonnet parade by the amphitheatre.

Local Trails

3 – 6 April

Box Hill

Box Hill Road, Box Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB 01306 878554 10am – 2pm. £3 per trail www.nationaltrust.org.uk/boxhill Fun Easter Egg trails for all the family set in the beautiful ancient woodlands on top of Box Hill. Bring your decorated hard boiled eggs for Egg Rolling Competitions at noon!

Find a Cadbury Easter egg trail at a place near you...

6 April

Gatton Park Easter Egg Hunt

Rocky Lane, Reigate RH2 0TW 01737 649 066 1 - 5 pm Adults £4 children free entry, £1 per child to join the egg hunt - No booking required

www.gattonpark.com

being an eggsplorer

Box Hill, Clandon Park, Claremont Landscape Garden, Ham House and Garden, Hatchlands Park, Hindhead Commons, Holmwood Common, Leith Hill Place, Morden Hall Park, Polesden Lacey, Runnymede, Winkworth Arboretum

nationaltrust.org.uk/surreyevents

Explore the gardens looking for clues to find the eggs.

London Surrey Borders

Events and what’s on

What's on

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families London-Surrey Borders! Saturday 21 March Purley indoor Boot Sale St Mark’s Church Hall, Church road, off Peaks Hill , Purley, Surrey, Cr8 3QQ 10am - 12 noon I 07759 401 513 Adults: 50p, children free. Early buyers from 9.30am: £3. Indoor Boot Sale with a wide variety of stalls raising funds for the St Mark’s Church Stonework Restoration Project.

MARCH Tuesday 3 March Frogs by Torchlight Sutton Ecology Centre The old rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton, SM5 3Ny 5.45pm-7pm I 020 8770 5822 Find out more about our amphibious friends and look for mating frogs by torchlight. 5 - 15 March Spine Festival www.croydonlibraries.com Apples and Snakes is a leading organisation for performance poetry in England. They have joined up with libraries across London to put together SPINE, an exciting and innovative programme of activities that aim to re-imagine the way that young people in London relate to their libraries. Thursday 5 March Croydon Libraries World Book Day www.croydonlibraries.com Celebrate World Book Day by dressing up as your favourite character. Libraries will be hosting stories and craft in honour of the day. Free but advance booking required. 4pm - 5pm Saturday 7 March Vile Victorian Childhood Bourne Hall Museum Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1uF 1pm - 2.30pm I 020 8394 1734 The Ragged Victorian Living History group will be here to talk about children in the 1850s including beggars, chimney sweeps, those working from dawn to dusk in the fields, and the luckier children of the upper classes. £5 per child Sunday 8 March Croydon Airport Society open Day Croydon Airport Visitor Centre, Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon , Cr0 0XZ 11am - 4pm 020 8669 1196 / 07949 536 653 www.croydonairport.org.uk Visit the centre for an insight into the first proper airport. A fascinating day out for all the family. Free parking available. Last entry 3.30pm / Donation of £3 suggested.

March/ April 2015

Saturday 14 March Herald of Spring Festival Bourne Hall Museum Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1uF 9am – 5pm I 020 8394 1734 In a celebration of nature and the green spaces in Epsom & Ewell, Bourne Hall will be transformed with springtime imagery of ﬂower fairies and garden goblins. Treasure hunt and fancy dress competition. Saturday 14 March Wallington Farmers’ Market Wallington old Town Hall and Library Gardens, Woodcote road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0NB 9am - 1pm Wallington’s Farmers’ Market is the borough’s oldest Farmers’ Market and hosts around 26 local producers stalls every month. www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk

Saturday 14 March World War Two in Croydon at the Activities Space Museum of Croydon, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey, Cr9 1ET 11am-1pm & 2-4pm 020 8253 1022 Have you ever wondered where the bombs dropped in Croydon? Find out with this interactive session looking at artefacts, maps and photos to build up a picture of Croydon during WW2. Saturday 21 March 25th Purley Scout Group Jumble Sale St Mark’s Church Hall, Church road, off Peaks Hill , Purley, Surrey, Cr8 3QQ 1pm – 4pm Adults: 50p, children free. Early buyers from 9.30am: £3. Raising funds for the 25th Purley Scout Group

Local Days Out THE BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

opening Times 10am - 5pm Mon - Fri 020 7601 5545

www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Threadneedle Street London EC2R

30 March - 1 April and 7-10 April 10am - 4.30pm EGG-STrAorDiNAry FuN

Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the museum. You can then decorate your own Easter animal finger puppet to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child. 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.

Sunday 22 March Water Power Challenge Morden Hall Park Morden Hall road, Morden, SM4 5JD 11am-3pm I 020 8545 6850 Join us on world water day and see whether you can design the waterwheel that generates the most electricity. Tuesday 24 March Museum Mummies - Spring Chicks Honeywood Museum, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3NX 9.30-11am I 020 8770 4297 Monthly fun sessions with a history theme for 2-4 year olds. Crafts, toys, stories and songs. Free, but must be pre-booked. Saturday 28 March Blossom, Birds, and Butterﬂies Honeywood Museum, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 I Free Drop in arts, crafts and trails with a Spring-time theme inspired by Honeywood’s beautiful location. Free. Sunday 28 March Easter Craft Sutton Life Centre, 24 Alcorn Close, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9PX 020 8296 1287 Join in the fun and get creative at our Easter special craft session! Ages 4-9 years. £1.50 per child. Sunday 28 March roman Serpent Bracelets at the Activities Space Museum of Croydon, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey, Cr9 1ET 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm 020 8253 1022 31 March – 9 April Craft Activities Denbies Wine Estate, London rd, Dorking, Surrey 01306 876616 www.families-LSB.co.uk

Events and what’s on Tuesday 31 March Birds of Prey Demonstration Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, Surrey 11am - 3pm I 01306 876616 Flying display at 12 noon (weather permitting). Free entry. Tuesday 31 March Family Ranger Club: Survival Skills Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD 1pm-3pm I 020 8545 6850 Get hands on in the park and learn how to track wild animals, build a den and cook on a campfire. £4 per child. Booking essential. Tuesday 31 March Trifarious Trio - Classical Babies Concert St Martin of Tours Church Hall, Epsom, Epsom, KT17 4PX Trifarious Trio return to Epsom 11am I 07732 058705 An exciting programme of brand new classical-contemporary music! Adults £10, babies/toddlers free.Includes refreshments.

APRIL Wednesday 1 April Tropical Rainforest Road Show Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey 11am & 2pm I 01306 876616 £7.25 per child Wednesday 1 April Easter Cards Whitehall Museum 1 Malden Road, Cheam SM3 8QD 2-4pm I 020 8643 1236 £3 per child Wednesday 1 April Easter Cards Museum of Croydon, Croydon Clocktower , Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1ET 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm 020 8253 1022 Make your own Easter Cards. Wednesday 1 April Kids’ Movie Morning Sutton Life Centre, 24 Alcorn Close, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9PX 11am I 020 8296 1287 Come along and enjoy a heartwarming family film for free. All ages welcome. Refreshments available for a small charge. Wednesday 1 April Wild Wandle Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD 10am-1pm I 020 8545 6850 Have a go at river dipping and find out more about the creatures you find. £2 per child.

Thursday 2 April Crafty Thursdays Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD 10am-1pm I 020 8545 6850 £2 per person making a craft. Thursday 2 April Easter Bunny Disco Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, Surrey 01306 876616 I £7.25 per child 2 – 9 April Tommy’s Trenches Bourne Hall Museum , Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF 2 - 3.30pm I 020 8394 1734 Learn how life in the trenches evolved through the war. £5 per child Sunday 5 April Croydon Airport Society Open day Croydon Airport Visitor Centre, Airport House , Purley Way, Croydon , CR0 0XZ 020 8669 1196 / 07949 536 653 Donation of £3 suggested Monday 6 April Horse & Carriage Rides Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, Surrey 11am – 3pm I 01306 876616 £7.50 per adult, £5 per child Monday 6 April Morris Dancing Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, Surrey 11am & 12.30pm I 01306 876616

Tuesday 7 April An opportunity to explore the darker side of Ewell Village Bourne Hall Museum , Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF 11am - 12.30pm I 020 8394 1734 Learn about exploding gunpowder mills and visit the graveyard of St Mary’s £5. Places are limited.

Thursday 8 April Gladiator School Bourne Hall Museum, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF 11am - 12.30pm & 2 - 3.30pm 020 8394 1734 I £5 per child. Enlist into our Gladiator School and discover the role of a gladiator within Roman society.

Tuesday 7 April Punch & Judy Traditional Family Fun Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, Surrey 10.30am/12 noon/2pm 01306 876616 I Free entry

Wednesday 8 April Quacky Races Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD 10am-1pm I 020 8545 6850 £1.50 per duck

Tuesday 7 April Family Ranger Club: Survival Skills Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD 1pm-3pm I 020 8545 6850 Get hands on in the park and learn how to track wild animals, build a den and cook on a campfire. £4 per child - Booking essential. Wednesday 8 April Wild Wandle Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD 10am-1pm I 020 8545 6850 Have a go at river dipping and find out more about the creatures you find. £2 per child. Thursday 8 April Anglo-Saxon Helmets at the Activities Space Museum of Croydon, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1ET 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm 020 8253 1022

Thursday 9 April Birds of Prey Demonstration Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, Dorking, Surrey 11am - 3pm I 01306 876616 Free admission. Thursday 9 April Springtime craft afternoon Whitehall, 1, Malden Road, Cheam, SM3 8QD 2-4pm I 020 8643 1236 £3 per child. Saturday 11 April Nasty Napoleon Bourne Hall Museum, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF 1 -2.30pm I 020 8394 1734 Hear what it was like to serve in the British army during the wars which ended at the Battle of Waterloo. £5 per child Saturday 11 April Wallington Farmers’ Market Wallington Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, Woodcote Road, Wallington, SM6 0NB 9am -1pm Saturday 18 April 1940s felt brooch workshop Whitehall, 1, Malden Road, Cheam, SM3 8QD 2-4pm I 020 8643 1236 Suitable for age 8+ £4 per person. Advance booking. Tuesday 28 April Clarinets & Soprano Saxophone! - Classical Babies Concert St Martin of Tours Church Hall, Epsom, Epsom, KT17 4PX Call Nadine on 07732058705 Tickets £10 adult, babies free! Tuesday 28 April Museum Mummies - Tots Transport Honeywood Museum, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3NX 9.30-11am I 020 8770 4297 Monthly fun sessions with a history theme for 2-4 year olds. Free. Please pre-book.

London Surrey Borders

Events and what’s on

What’s on at the theatre 25 April – 28 June Alice in Wonderland 2pm and 4pm Alice disappears down that famous rabbit hole again for some truly mad adventures in the strange and magical world of Wonderland. A wonderful new musical adaptation of the famous tale. Alice in Wonderland promises to be a true classic for the whole family to enjoy! £10 / Concessions: £8

Alice in Wonderland at the Colour House Theatre

The Colour House Children’s Theatre

Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, London SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 2 February – 12 April The Jungle Book 2pm & 4pm Saturday and Sunday Join Mowgli on his amazing adventure as he meets all the friendly, dangerous and unusual characters that this show is so well known for. This show is a must for all the family and is guaranteed to be full of fun and excitement. £10 / Concessions £8

Epsom Playhouse

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL 01372 742 555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk 27 March Ballet uK - Aladdin 7:30 pm Join Ballet Theatre UK in this dazzling re-telling of this exotic classic tale, boldly brought to life through the entrancing magic of classical ballet

In partnership with

Home of Thomas & FriendsTM toys

Fairfields Halls

Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk 28 March – 12 April The Chris and Pui Show 11am & 2pm CBeebies’ Favourite double act is coming to town! See Chris and Pui from ‘Show Me, Show Me’ 3- 4 April Annie 2.30pm For a guaranteed afternoon of fun and entertainment bring the family to come and watch this family classic. £7.50, concessions £7 8 – 10 April Nana and Nunu – The Big Sneeze! 10am & 2pm With a little help from grandchildren Jake and Sophie, Nana and Nunu meet a host of colourful characters as the y journey around the world in this sixty-minute musical adventure Adults/children £11.50, Family Ticket £36. 11 – 12 April Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Live on Stage! Sat 1pm & 4pm, Sun 10am & 1pm Adults £15 & £17, Children £13 & £15, Family Ticket £60 18 –19 April The Snail and the Whale Sat 2pm & 4.30pm, Sun 3pm & 5pm Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schefﬂer £13.50, Family Ticket £48, Groups/Schools £9.50

The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema Warwick quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 01737 276500 www.harlequintheatre.co.uk

Join Thomas & FriendsTM at a heritage Railway near you. Experience a ride on a real steam engine and take part in Thomas-themed activities.

MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’ Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG

3RD - 12TH 2015

www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk

Day Out With ThomasTM Thomas the Tank EngineTM. Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2015 HIT Entertainment Limited.

March/ April 2015

The Snail and the Whale at Fairﬁelds Halls Theatre

1 April The Sword in the Stone 2.30pm A participation musical for all the family. £8.50

New Wimbledon Theatre

The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG 0870 060 0046 www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-wimbledon-theatre 1 - 11 April The Sound of Music

Alice in Wo at the Colo Theatre

Polka Threatre

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 4 – 27 March Error 404 There’s a boy. No more than ten years old. You know someone just like him - except his best friend is a robot. Don’t hold that against him though. He lost his friend in a terrible accident and when his mum brings home an unusual parcel, things start getting weirder and weirder. Join him on a roller coaster of laughter, tears, music and games - you might even change the ending. Ages 8+ Tickets £11.50 | concessions £9 19 – 22 March Nimble Fish Presents My Father and other Superheroes A powerful journey from childhood to fatherhood. The day Nick Makoha found out he was going to become a dad, he realised he had no idea how to be one… Growing up without a father figure, Nick had relied on Superman and Luke Skywalker to show him how to be a good dad. With such impossible shoes to fill, we follow his journey to discover what it takes for a man to become a hero, and how a hero can be just a man. Ages 8+ Tickets £13.50 | concessions £10 3 April – 24 May operation Magic Carpet An action-packed adventure from London to Baghdad Nomi wants a story of her own. She lives in London but dreams about Baghdad, where her parents are from. One night over dinner, a genie bursts out of a mango pickle jar and Nomi is swept away on a magic carpet to Baghdad. Ages 611 . Tickets £13.50 | concessions £10

www.families-LSB.co.uk

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