Families NW London Nov/Dec 23 PRINT issue

EEHome FTRake Me IN THIS ISSUE

Seasonal Celebrations Pantos and Christmas shows; Where’s Santa and more!

Issue 157 November/December 2023 Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 1

Make reindeer cupcakes

Families asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk) to share her scrumptious chocolate reindeer cupcake recipe with us. Fun and easy to make, you’ll love the chocolate sponge, rich chocolate frosting and the simple toppings which make the cute Christmas reindeer faces.

C an ut o d k ut " eep

You will need: For the buttercream: 400g (14.1oz) icing sugar (powdered sugar) 200g (7.1oz) slightly salted butter, softened 75g (2.6oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed) 100ml (3.4 floz) whole milk Decorations: 12 red Smarties or M&Ms and 12 giant milk chocolate buttons 24 candy eyes and 24 pretzels

175g (6.2oz) slightly salted butter, cubed and room temperature 200g (7.1oz) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) 3 medium free-range eggs, room temperature 125ml (4.2 floz) whole milk, room temperature 200g (7.1oz) self-raising white flour 40g (1.4oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed)

2

3

4

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Put the caster sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer or by hand until creamy.

Crack the eggs into the bowl.

Add the milk. Beat again until just combined.

Fold everything together until the batter is smooth and even.

Line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases. Divide the batter evenly between them, making sure to level off so that the cupcakes rise evenly.

5

6

7

8

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Bake for about 20 minutes or until risen and firm. A skewer pushed into the centre of a cupcake towards the middle of the tray should come out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

Make the buttercream.

Put the softened butter in a large bowl and whisk until creamy.

Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a French tip or open star nozzle and pipe tall swirls on top of the cake, retaining a little frosting to use as glue in the final steps.

Add the reindeer details.

Place a giant chocolate button on top of each cupcake, just below the centre. Dab the back of each Smartie with a little frosting and fix each on to the centre of a chocolate button.

Position two candy eyes above each chocolate button. Finally, break one side of each of the pretzels (or leave them whole) and push them into the frosted tops of each of the cupcakes to form antlers.

2 Families North West London

Sift in the flour and cocoa powder.

Sift in the icing sugar, cocoa powder then add the milk and hot water. Start whisking together, slowly at first and then building speed once the icing sugar is incorporated.

It will take several minutes of whisking to get a light and smooth frosting.

Familiesonline.co.uk

"

"

1

WELCOME

Make Noise About Bullying Anti-Bullying Week runs from Monday 13 to Friday 17 November, with the theme ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’.

The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

CONTACT US:

The theme of Make A Noise About Bullying came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the AntiBullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week.

Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

EDITOR:

Heather Waddington T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk 42 Norbury Ave, WD24 4PJ LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR:

In 2022, eighty percent of schools marked the week, reaching over 7.5 million children.

Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK Readership of over 60,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published six times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

IN THIS ISSUE: 2 Christmas recipe 4 Education 7 Parenting 8 Clubs & classes directory 10 Ice skating 11 Where is Santa?

12 Children’s theatre Cover image: 14 What’s On Depositphotos

Where is Families North West London?

Follow us FamiliesNWLondon

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

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

@FamiliesNWLon @Families_nwlondon_mag

More info: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Volunteer opportunity with local mentoring charity Promise Foundation is a mentoring charity based in NW London. The charity deploys the resources of the community to provide young people from disadvantaged background with a mentoring relationship that unlocks their unique potential.

Our mentors assist with broadening horizons, work experience, developing and acquiring life skills.

We are looking for mentors to help meet our increasing demand. Please contact our Project Director, Simon Marks on 07913126055, or email simon@thepromisefoundation.org. uk for more information. www.thepromisefoundation.org.uk

Maths, English and Verbal reasoning Pinner, Hatch End and Bushey 11+ Tuition for years 4, 5 and 6 Mock exams

Families North West London Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families NW London Magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North West London Magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North West London Magazine, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Familiesonline.co.uk

020 8421 3066 ∞ contact@hatchendtuition.co.uk www.hatchendtuition.co.uk Families North West London 3

EDUCATION

Growing sunflowers and learning maths?

By Usha Patel Parents often ask me how to get their child interested in maths because ‘they just don’t get it.’ Luckily, they can give their child a lot of help at home in just a few easy steps.

Maths language It’s essential to keep maths language simple to build a strong foundation. Use words like ‘more’ for addition and ‘less’ for subtraction in everyday situations. For instance, you can introduce these concepts during meals: more roast potatoes, less sprouts! Repeatedly using these words alongside tangible materials helps children gradually grasp mathematical concepts.

Maths talk There are many words to describe each mathematical function.

When you teach your child the basic concepts of ‘more’ and ‘less,’ you are implicitly teaching them maths and how to think mathematically. By doing this, you are combining logic, sequence and memory. Having the basics in place can also allow you to introduce more words to describe the same function: ‘add,’ ‘together,’ ‘plus’ and ‘addition’ all mean the same.

Develop sequential thought processes Sequential thought processes are fundamental to understanding logical thinking. Parents can encourage these by discussing daily activities and routines with their children. By reflecting on how one event follows another, children can grasp the concept of sequencing, which is a vital skill in mathematics.

Establish logical thinking Children also need to develop logical thinking abilities. Fun activities like baking a cake or growing sunflowers can help introduce logic to young minds. These activities require following

a series of linear steps. Discussing each phase from beginning to end helps children understand the importance of logical thinking, which can extend to organising their school bags or planning for sleepovers.

Check memory Short-term memory is crucial for mathematical tasks. Insufficient working memory can hinder a child’s ability to hold and manipulate information during calculations. Playing memory games is an effective way to enhance memory capacity. For instance, counting games such as counting the number of cars on the way home can reveal memory strengths and weaknesses.

Finally, learning should be fun. When we are relaxed, we are more predisposed to absorbing what we learn. The funnier the delivery, the quicker it will stick. If your child is struggling and your efforts need to gain ground, take some steps to put the fun back into maths!

Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you need help to put fun into maths for your child, you can contact Usha at www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk

Rhythm forms the foundation

Engaging in linear activities

Developing rhythm, sequence and logical skills are all prerequisites to mastering maths. Children can implicitly nurture these skills by playing a simple game of bouncing and catching a large ball by themselves.

Children can learn to count by rote, but comprehending number value represents a distinct skill set. Understanding value requires the capability to compare two or more numbers. Comparative knowledge can only be applied with a firm grasp of linear processes. Whether they are growing a sunflower or making a sandwich, precise steps exist to achieve the end goal.

In the first stage, they bounce and catch the ball slowly, counting each time it hits the floor. The second stage involves counting and walking one small step every time they say the next number. The sound of the step should synchronise with the ball hitting the floor. Importantly, they should utter only one number per step taken.

Achieving synchronisation between body movement and counting speed demands significant practice but becomes rhythmic once established. The significance of this game lies in the ability to think, move and count with ease. If children find this challenging, you may count for them until they can perform both tasks simultaneously. Once mastered, children can up the challenge by walking backwards and counting in reverse order. Or try counting in times table blocks eg 3, 6, 9, 12.

4 Families North West London

When assigned the task of implementing each stage, children can observe that they are systematically progressing towards their goal. Upon reflection, children can discern the steps and understand why those steps are necessary to achieve the desired results. The key is to discuss each step in the process, emphasising what comes first, second, third, fourth and so on.

By repeating the experience, children can perceive how individual components are interconnected within the whole.

Crucially, a specific order must be followed to attain the desired outcome.

Linear processing facilitates teaching sequence, logic, mathematics and comparative skills.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Seven of the best new chapter books for children

By Sarah Campbell

From animal lovers to budding detectives, fantasy fans to comedians, there’s a book out there for everyone!

Here are some of our recent favourites, perfect for your next reading adventure.

Around the world The Last Mapmaker Christina Soontornvat Set sail on the high seas with 12-year-old Sai in this extraordinary adventure set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. As assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to a land of dragons, dangers and riches beyond imagining. But Sai carries a secret that could ruin her dreams and she isn’t the only one.

Ages 8+.

Animal lovers

Kids who love fantasy

Michael the Amazing MindReading Sausage Dog Terrie Chilvers, illustrated by Tim Budgen

Spellstone Ross Montgomery

A fun, illustrated early chapter book perfect for young dog-lovers!

Michael’s dream is to become a global superstar but becoming famous is no walk in the park. How long will it take the other residents of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise Michael’s amazing talents; and those of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog? Ages 5+.

One of our all-time favourite children’s authors delivers a brilliant new fantasy adventure.

Evie is used to going unnoticed.

But then she meets the mysterious Wainwright and is recruited to a secret magical organisation.

Suddenly Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient battle to protect the most powerful magical weapon in the world. Ages 8+.

Reluctant readers

Funny books

The Day the Hiccups Took Over Jo Simmons, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

My Name is Sunshine Simpson G. M. Linton

Hilarious and super accessible, this is a book packed with madcap reading magic from one of our favourite funny authors. Frank has a big day ahead of him, with a trip to the dentist, a trumpet exam, a swimming contest and tickets to see his hero live on stage. But he wakes up with hiccups and they just won’t STOP! Can Frank turn calamity into a dramatic triumph?

Ages 5+.

This book will make you both laugh and cry! Sunshine Simpson is a brand new best friend for independent readers. Grandad is always telling her to get out and find her own adventures but bad luck has a habit of coming her way.

Sunshine needs to find her voice and show the world she can shine.

Ages 8+.

Kids who love adventure

Budding detectives

The Thames and Tide Club Katya Balen, illustrated by Rachael Dean

The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder Kereen Getten

Clem and her friends are members of a mudlarking club, searching for treasures on the banks of the River Thames. Before they know it they’re on the weirdest, wildest adventure they could imagine on a mission to save underwater London! The first in a new series.

Ages 5+.

Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike series, this is a gripping mystery. Fayson’s cousins recruit her to their top-secret gang but seem more interested in food, squabbling and falling asleep! So Fayson takes charge and tries to track down clues about the strange shadow that has been appearing in the island’s lighthouse. Can she solve the case? Ages 8+.

Sarah Campbell is co-founder of Parrot Street Book Club (www.parrotstreet.com), an online children’s bookshop offering a handpicked collection of high-quality children’s chapter books, plus an award-winning monthly book subscription for kids ages 5 to 14.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 5

EDUCATION

Understanding multiple intelligences

By Zuzu Jordan

Look up the word intelligent in the thesaurus and you will find words like ‘smart’, ‘clever’ and ‘bright’. Traditionally in schools, pupils with regular high scores in academic or IQ tests are recognised as intelligent. Yet, as a society, we marvel at great artists, musicians and Olympians for their outstanding talent.

How intelligence is measured is a debatable topic and leaves many people divided.

Howard Gardner (a well know theorist) proposed that there are many types of intelligences.

Logical relates to someone who can carry out mathematical problems, hypothesise and investigate scientifically.

Linguistic describes someone who is considered word smart and can easily learn languages.

Spatial refers to artists and architects who can visualise with their mind’s eye.

Kinaesthetic is being able to use the whole body or parts of the body exceptionally well, such as a dancer or athlete.

Musical refers to someone who can perform, compose and appreciate musical patterns.

Interpersonal is working effectively with people, knowing their intentions and motivations.

Intrapersonal refers to strong self-awareness and using this understanding in everyday life.

Naturalistic is the ability to identify different species and work well with all things natural.

activities. What are they like outside? Do they naturally tap out rhythms in the car whilst the radio is playing?

Celebrate what they CAN do so they develop a sense of pride.

Does your child know which intelligences they lean towards?

Play to their strengths. For example, if your child is spatially smart, ask them to draw what they are learning. If they show signs of naturalistic intelligence, give them sticks and other natural objects to create patterns and images.

Children are required to learn to read. Choose books that tap into their interests and intelligences.

Discuss your child’s strengths with their teachers. The more they understand your child’s leanings, the better lesson planning can involve multiple intelligences.

Play games such as Junior Scrabble, Monopoly, making sound effects in a story, charades, puppets and role play or garden activities.

Children may show strong signs of intelligence in more than one area, perhaps with a tendency to a dominant one. Sometimes their intelligences may shift when exposed to different experiences and activities.

Nurture their particular intelligences with after school activities/clubs.

How do we support our children in harnessing their intelligences?

Read books that help children understand the importance of working on their intelligences, for example You are Awesome by Matthew Syed.

Not all educational establishments will fully cater for your child’s intelligences but parents can play a vital role by using some of these ideas at home: Start by observing what your child enjoys across a range of

Use online quizzes which help identify children’s intelligences.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Mind mapping

How do you know if your child really understands a topic?

According to Benjamin Bloom, there are six cognitive processing abilities which reflect someone’s level of understanding: remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and finally, create.

To see if your child understood their topic on the Romans at school, you may look into whether they remember facts first, before eventually progressing to creating something such as an amphitheatre. As you move up the hierarchy, the cognitive process requires a deeper level of thinking and ultimately understanding.

Mind mapping is a useful way to organise information, helping children see connections between points around a central topic.

6 Families North West London

Mind maps can include pictures and diagrams and can be ‘messy’ like a ‘brain dump’ or presented in a more organised format. Sub-topics break off the main topic like tree branches.

The information is a summary of ideas in either a few words or a sentence. Children can create their mind maps by hand or use software which allows them to move the sub-topics around.

Familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING

Fairy tales as a therapeutic tool Why do fairy tales hold such timeless appeal for children?

One reason is that children live so closely to the world of metaphor. At the foundation of all cultures lie rich oral traditions of myth, folklore, legend. Magical animals and young heroes fighting larger-than-life forces all spark a child’s growing imagination. Parents and carers continue age-old storytelling traditions when they instigate shared reading experiences such as bedtime stories.

How can reading fairy tales together be therapeutic?

Fairy tales can help children make sense of the existential challenges of life. When parents and carers ask a child how their day has been, often the response is simply ‘good.’ Not all children find direct questions easy to answer. Fairy tales offer a bridge to a child’s inner world through the use of metaphor. Crucially, reading a fairy tale storybook isn’t just about words. Add pictures and the characters’ challenges and responses come to life.

A space to voice real and conflicting feelings If we break down a fairy tale, the story is usually simple. A character encounters a difficult experience, person or obstacle and is helped by a magic guide to overcome it. The hero grows through the journey. A child will naturally project their own self onto a story: ‘it’s not me, but I recognise what’s going on.’

Ironically, it’s the distance created by a fairy tale that can help children feel safe enough to express their own feelings.

Resilience is not the absence of vulnerability, rather learning how to manage a range of feelings. When children truly feel heard and acknowledged, rather than hiding their feelings, they learn

© Sarah Pimenta

By Pia Jones

to digest and recover from difficult emotions, developing a core emotional resilience.

Making sense of relationships and empathy-building The world of relationships can seem very complex to a growing child. Reflecting on a character’s feelings in a story can help a child make sense of their own. Even if most children don’t say it directly, fairy tales can help them make links to obstacles in their life.

In entering the world of fairy tales, we activate children’s imaginations, including the ability to imagine what different characters are feeling. In doing so, reading fairy tales can help build empathy and compassion over time.

Pia Jones is author of the Therapeutic Fairytales book series, illustrated by Sarah Pimenta (Routledge and CRC Press). She is also a workshop facilitator and integrative arts psychotherapist (UKCP), having trained at the Institute for Arts in Therapy & Education. www.silverowlartstherapy.com

© Sarah Pimenta

GIVEAWAY!

Create a safe environment for reflective reading Shared reading experiences such as bedtime stories can help children and parents/carers connect in a relaxed way, especially when separated out from literacy goals.

Tell children upfront that this is a different kind of reading experience from school, with no testing, no right or wrong.

You’ll often see them visibly relax.

Pictures can help reluctant readers to engage. Let children guide you with their interest. If they decide to stop at a page, pause and reflect with them. There’s no rush. With older children, parents/carers can ask what they think is going on for different characters. Have a conversation when children start to link stories to their own experiences; ‘Oh yes, this reminds me of…’ These links can help children build coherence in their own storytelling ability.

Exploring themes inside a story can be therapeutic for both child and carer. Through metaphor, children can explore personal feelings and make sense of challenges. This special kind of reflective reading experience can help promote trust and safety in child/carer relationships.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Therapeutic Fairytales Volume 2

APPLY NOW!

This is the chance for THREE lucky families to receive a complete set of three new Therapeutic Fairytales (Volume 2), which show how being in nature can support children through different feeling states including anxiety, feelings of loneliness and OCD. Animal guides lead the way, offering gentle, mindful breathing exercises to help children find stillness inside.

Beautifully illustrated and sensitively written, these books explore the anxiety and loneliness we can all feel, while offering practical, self-calming strategies that can be learnt together as a family. ‘A truly wonderful set of resources – of value to us all’ – Sarah Temple, GP and author.

For more info, visit www.bit.ly/fairytalestherapeutic For those interested in storytelling as a therapeutic, creative tool, author Pia Jones and illustrator Sarah Pimenta have also written a manual full of practical, creative exercises on how to read with children therapeutically. More at www.bit.ly/ storybookmanual

APPLY AT www.familiesmag.co.uk/go Closing date: 1 December T&Cs at www.bit.ly/fairytalestcs Families North West London 7

CLUBS & CLASSES ACTIVITY CENTRES BigShots Golf (HA1) BigShots Golf is transforming the game of golf to make it accessible and fun for everyone. They have developed cutting edge ball tracking technology and created colorful, virtual games so that even a total beginner can step up and swing on to have fun! www.bigshotsgolfuk.com Lincolnsfields Playzone (WD23) A soft play centre in Bushey for children up to the age of 11. Birthday party packages available. Open daily during school holidays, and Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during term time. www.lincolnsfieldsplayzone.co.uk Ninja Warrior Watford (WD25) Our Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park is a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by ITV’s hit programme Ninja Warrior UK! A great place for supervised family activities and for keeping fit, we welcome you on your Ninja journey. No charge for spectators to come and watch your Ninjas from our Café area and treat yourself to our full range of hot and cold food plus a wide selection of drinks! www.ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/watford

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Harrow Woodcraft Folk Join our Elfin group (6 to 9 years). Meeting in Central Harrow. Tuesday evenings (term time): 6:30-8pm. Email harrowwoodcraftfolk@yahoo.co.uk for more details. www.woodcraft.org.uk

DiscoG Coding Academy (HA3) Run weekly term-time classes and holiday courses and workshops for students aged 6 to 18. Join in to learn Computer Science, Coding, Robotics, AI and Machine Learning. Contact Gerard & Kat on 07767300940, email: info@discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com Little Coders Coding class for children aged 4 to 6 years. Develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. www.littlecodersclub.co.uk

ARTS & CRAFTS Blank Canvas Art Club Online, fine art classes for kids and adults from 6-106 teaching skills & techniques whilst encouraging imagination and finding your own style whatever your experience. Weekday afterschool kids classes. Adults evening or daytime classes suitable for beginners or refreshers. Email Suzi blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/BlankCanvasArtClub L Marsh Art Studio (HA7) We celebrate the making of art by tapping in to the creativity, interest and enthusiasm of our students and providing the space, time and guidance for it to happen.

Classes are taught from a purpose-built art studio, either in small groups or 1-2-1 private tuition. Skills and techniques are taught according to each student’s individual readiness. 90-minute after-school art classes Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. Term-in-a-Week Painting Courses during school holidays. Private classes by arrangement. All ages from 7 y/o and upwards. All levels of experience. www.facebook.com/art1stanmore

EDUCATION SUPPORT

Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities Limited (HA1) Pick up from four local schools at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity. Open Mon-Fri 3-6pm at The Cadet Centre, Harrow, HA1 2QA. Call 07575801623, email holidays@activetime.co.uk www.activetimedaynursery.co.uk

Brain Train Tuition Centre (HA2) English and Maths Tuition for Ages 5 to 16 years. Brain Train Tuition will help to improve your child’s academic and social skills, as well as building their confidence and a belief in their ability to succeed. call 0208 426 84250.

Email: braintraintuition@gmail.com

Willesden and Brent Chess Club (NW2) Provides social chess for players of levels, set up Club competitions and tutor juniors. For the more competitive player they enter teams into local leagues and refer members to our county team. At Cricklewood Library, 152 Olive Road, NW2 6UY. Call Anthony on 07974 238357, email fulton790@aol.com www.willesdenchess.wordpress.com

Free Readers (various) Free Readers offers enrichment or extra help for children aged 3-11 yrs in Reading, Maths and English, homework and test preparation. Individual teaching and attention in small groups is the preferred way to help children. They encourage them how to learn, enabling them to reach their full potential. Call 07385 258007 or email office@ freereaders.co.uk. www.freereaders.co.uk

CODING

Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration. Call Usha Patel 07766 837 616 or email ushapatel.raviv@gmail.com www.integratedbrain.co.uk

Code Ninjas Kids learn to code in a fun, safe, and inspiring learning environment, with a game-based curriculum that they love. Parents love it too, because their kids make real progress and gain valuable skills while having a great time. Everyone wins at Code Ninjas! www.codeninjas.co.uk

Hatch End 11+ Tuition (HA5) Hatch End 11+ Tuition is an established and successful tutoring centre offering a warm and friendly environment where children are encouraged and motivated to achieve their maximum potential whatever their ability. Their aim is to build children’s confidence and help achieve high standards of work in an engaging and challenging environment 020 8421 3066. www.hatchend11plus.co.uk Little Big Leaders (HA8 & WD23) Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year-olds at our Saturday School, Summer and Winter School.

Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/ or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free trial lessons. Call 020 3637 6266. www.littlebigleaders.com The Learning Wheel (Northwood Hills) A dyslexia assessment can help children understand why they may be struggling more than their peers. It helps to boost confidence and self-esteem. Early identification can help children and adults to get the support they need. Our assessments include a full detailed report that includes an outline of learning strengths, recommendations and strategies for how to work on areas of weakness. Assessments conducted by qualified SpLD (Dyslexia) assessor and teacher. Call 07930 557 870. www.thelearningwheel.co.uk Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course. Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home-based work. The computer interventions is similar to having a tutor in your home with daily monitoring and feedback. Call 07766 837 6168 info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist). www.ravpracticelondon.co.uk

DANCE Street Dance Academy (various) Teach children aged 5-18 yrs every weekend during school term time, with clubs in and around London, Hertfordshire and Surrey. Street Dance Academy also teach Adult Street Dance and Zumba Classes in Twickenham every Wednesday. Call 0800 0236 236. www.streetdanceacademy.co.uk Elina Patrou Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations. Online private ballet lessons available. call 07555 861561 or email elinapatrouacademyofdance@gmail.com www.elinapatrouacademyofdance.com New Strathspey School of Dancing Highland Dancing for fitness and fun. Children’s Saturday morning highland dancing class for 5-11 year olds, starting September 2022 at Knutsford School Hall, Watford. Full details of all classes is available on the website. Contact Sandy at shunt@moose.co.uk www.rscdsherts.org/new-strathspey

HEALTH & WELLBEING ERS BEGINN FFER O L SPECIA

S 4 W EEK FREE Classes held

Divine Yoga (Borehamwood and Kenton) In each of our classes yoga is brought to life using creative games and mindful movement ending in a relaxing mindful activity. Classes are for children 4-10 years, teens, families, schools and nurseries. Why not trial a FREE class?

To book visit www.divineyoga.com/booknow

Every Thursday at 5.00pm

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

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

Every Saturday at 2.00pm

For more information please contact us on

07739572487

patel.karate@icloud.com

St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

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

Would you like to include your clubs or class in our directory and reach 1,000’s of local parents?

Email Heather at

editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

for more information.

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES

8 Families North West London

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES MUSIC & MOVEMENT Phonics with Robot Reg (various) Provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children 1 to 4 years. Fun, varied and educational classes. https://robotreg.co.uk

World of Children’s Yoga Weekend Family Yoga, St Hilda’s School, Bushey Saturday mornings: 8.35-10.30am: Yoga Carousel: A ‘No Excuses’ Yoga Class. Learn a new life skill, exploring how yoga can develop your self-awareness, health and wellbeing in 15 minute slots, each exploring a different aspect of yoga practise • • • • • •

Strengthening Yoga Chair Yoga Relaxation Breathing practises Partner Yoga Yoga for Flexibility & Balance

10.45-11.15am: Family Yoga with Pre-Schoolers (2-4 years): Introduction to Yoga for Younger Children exploring weekly themes, including national curriculum and wellbeing topics. Engaging through fun and playful yoga games, yoga postures, breathing exercises, dry massage, affirmations and relaxation. The ‘room is their yoga mat’!

Sunday mornings: Women & Girls: Women’s yoga is about embracing the biological realities of being a woman and adapting yoga to suit a woman’s body! Women & Girls yoga is about honouring the natural hormonal cycles which exist within, whatever their stage of development. Yoga includes yoga for strength, flexibility, self-awareness, positive self-image and self-worth and emotional regulation.

8-9am: Empowering Women’s Yoga (Perimenopause Self-Care) 9.05-9.50am: Mum & Daughter Yoga with Tweens (8-11 years) 10-11am: Women & Girls Yoga (11+ years old) Facebook & Instagram: @worldofchildrensyoga 07784 370034 I anjli@worldofchildrensyoga.com worldofchildrensyoga.com Etiquette and Emotions Etiquette and Emotions offer live, interactive, and enjoyable workshops for children and teens aged 7-15 to elevate their emotional intelligence and social etiquette.

Workshops are run by a certified children’s coach and include videos, discussions, and a quiz. Get 10% off! Use discount code: ee10off at checkout! www.etiquetteandemotions.com Kids Yoga with Yana (Watford) www.facebook.com/kidsyogawithyana Yana is a qualified Kids Yoga teacher with a passion for empowering children to be the best version of themselves through yoga and mindfulness practice.

MD Massage Therapies Massage has many health benefits - it helps to reduce pain, anxiety and fatigue, repetitive injuries, increases range of motion, relieves stress and much more! Gift vouchers available. Intro 20% off first treatment. Email info@mdmassagetherapies.co.uk, call 07950 84674. www.mdmassagetherapies.co.uk

LANGUAGES & DEVELOPMENT Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development. Birkbeck College. Travel expenses refunded. www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Gymboree Play & Music Watford Sensory classes for babies, art and music classes, as well as Play & Learn classes for little ones who are on the move. They also offer a range of fabulously fun birthday parties. Find them upstairs in the Atria shopping centre at the top of the Queens Car Park. https://gymbo.co.uk/locations/watford Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music, trusted by parents since 1992, introduces babies and young children aged 3 months to 4 years to music with a unique four-stage curriculum tailored to each age group. Classes run 6 days a week, in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Ickenham, Harrow, Stanmore and Watford. Call 020 8427 6595. www.monkeymusic.co.uk

SIGN LANGUAGE

Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA5, HA6) Performance based theatre school for children aged 3-18 with venues based in Hatch End and Northwood. Weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, LAMDA and Acrobatics. www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing.

Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, by having fun! Call Harrow 020 3504 0100, Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294, Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154, Watford 01727 768 738, Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 or Northwood 01442 263 599. www.stagecoach.co.uk

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

CHILDREN’S PARTIES

Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills.

For babies 6 to 30 months. Email info@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.com

SPORT & EXERCISE TISKA Karate Learn the art of Karate. Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Families welcome, Ages 4+. 4 week free trial (07739 572487) patel.karate@icloud.com. www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk/ www.tiskakaratenorthwood.co.uk/ www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk Watford Cycle Hub Offering cycle repair services, maintenance courses and cycle training. They also offer advice and information about cycling and bikes, including local cycle routes and maps, news about locally led rides and opportunities. www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk

SWIMMING Aqua Vie Regular after school weekly classes in Bushey during term times. Spaces for new babies, toddlers and adults on Tues and Wed. Learn mindful, effortless swimming in a calm environment in warm water. office@aqua-vie.com or call 01923 245 773 or 07814 987 153. www.Aqua-vie.com

THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Achieve Arts (HA5/NW7/NW11) Achieve Arts is a performance centre teaching drama, speech and singing to children and young adults. Young performers work towards their LAMDA examinations in acting, verse and prose, public speaking and musical theatre whilst learning some key life skills. The exceptional teaching team have a wealth of experience and are invested in the students to Achieve their best. call 020 8087 2461. www.achievearts.co.uk PQA (Pauline Quirk Academy) (various) PQA provides outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 to 18 years. Each week students rotate through specialist sessions in Musical Theatre, Comedy and Drama and Film and TV taught by leading industry professionals. PQA is enrolling for September. Book a free taster session at your local Academy. www.pqacademy.com

Angel Parties Leave it to us to make all arrangements and kick start your party. Our packages start from £199 and can include bouncy castles, decorations, invitations, party bags, candyfloss, popcorn, catering, juice bar, venue ideas, balloon arch etc. Please reserve your date! Call 07535 793 304 or 07535 793 404

Calling all Young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants, toddlers and children to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s BabyLab & ToddlerLab in central London.

All babies and children who visit receive a thank you gift and we refund your travel expenses. Register today!

020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Free Magazines for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - just ask!

Email editor@familiesNWlondon.co.uk with your details and the quantity required and we will deliver them to you.

Perform (various) Weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidencebuilding drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Classes in Harrow, Ickenham, Kensal Rise, Pinner, Northwood, Ruislip, Stanmore, and Watford.

To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Families North West London 9

What's On

Family Ice Skating festive activity to kick off your Winter Wonderland experience for first dates, play dates and best mates. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/ things-to-do/ice-skating

Skate at Bluewater

Fri 10 Nov - Sun 7 Jan The Ice Rink at Winter Village, Westfield London (W12) It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a spot of skating at The Ice Rink at Westfield London. Ice skating is the perfect Christmas activity for catching up with friends and family over the festive season. www.icerinkatwestfieldlondon.co.uk

Sat 21 Oct – Sat 24 Feb Ice Rink Canary Wharf (E14) London’s longest-running seasonal ice rink returns for 18 magical weeks. This year promises to be the most exciting year yet, and there’s no chance of rain-cancelling play with the magnificent roof, lit up by the shimmering lights of the giant mirror ball, so come rain or shine, the British weather won’t stop this year’s fun winter day out. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Sat 28 Oct – Sun 7 Jan Royal Pavilion Ice Rink (BN1) Welcome to the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink Celebrate a greener Christmas this year with the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Stunning, twinkly, romantic, child-friendly... and ice powered entirely by Green Energy, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open to the public this season from 28 Oct–7 Jan. We can’t wait to see you all back on the ice. www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk From Fri 10 Nov Skylight Tobacco Dock Rooftop Ice Rink (E1W) Hold onto your earmuffs, because Europe’s only rooftop ice skating rink is coming back! Whether you are an ice dancing pro or your style resembles a penguin’s first steps, you are in for some epic fun. There will be plenty of helper penguins on ice, that will have you sliding into giggles. First come first serve, cannot be pre-booked. www.skylightbars.com/tobacco-dock Fri 10 Nov – Sun 7 Jan Glide at Battersea Power Station (SW8) Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Glide at Battersea Power Station offers unrivalled views of the Thames as you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30 ft Christmas tree. www.glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk Wed 15 Nov – Sun 14 Jan Skate At Somerset House With Switzerland Tourism (WC2R) Skate returns to Somerset House this winter for an unparalleled skating experience in the heart of the capital. A beloved staple of London’s winter season,

10 Families North West London

Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard will be transformed this year into a glorious festive destination with a uniquely Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/ skate-somerset-house Tue 14 Nov – Sun 7 Jan Skate at Bluewater (DA9) Located outside The Village near Zizzi’s, the covered outdoor rink will offer plenty of space for skaters of all abilities to go for a spin, come rain or shine. There will be quiet sessions, in addition to parent and toddler sessions for wobbly starters. PLUS, Ice Rink party nights are back by popular demand, so get ready to show off your moves to classic party anthems! www.bluewater.co.uk/icerink Fri 17 Nov – Sun 7 Jan Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (KT8) Immerse yourself in the quintessential winter experience at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink! Bundle up in warm layers, gather your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the magnificent views of this beautiful Tudor palace while gracefully gliding around the stunning outdoor rink. www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk Thu 23 Nov – Sun 7 Jan Queen’s House Ice Rink (SE10) A magical open-air ice rink in the heart of Greenwich. The rink is surrounded by iconic architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, providing a backdrop of some of the best views in London. Relaxed sessions available on selected dates. www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/ attractions/queens-house-ice-rink Fri 17 Nov – Mon 1 Jan Lidl On Ice (W2) Glide into the festive season on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, you can hit the ice from 10am-10pm daily. Open to all ages, this ice-skating rink is the perfect

Fri 24 Nov – Sat 24 Dec Willows Farm Village Santa Spectacular (AL4) As part of their Santa Spectacular, Willows Farm will have a Magical Ice Rink where you can Glide around the synthetic ice with ski boots available to fit all sizes. Great fun for the whole family! www.willowsactivityfarm.com Thu 30 Nov – Sun 7 Jan ICE at Kensington Palace (W8) Celebrate the festive season with friends and family at London’s most anticipated winter event. With its historic location, winter warming food and drink, VIP experiences, and fun activities, ICE at Kensington Palace is set to become a new tradition for Londoners during the festive season. www.iceatkensingtonpalace.co.uk Fri 8 Dec – Sun 7 Jan Kingdom of Winter at ExCel London (E16) Step into another world and enjoy a host of family-friendly attractions, including a winter themed circus, ice skating, fairground rides, an immersive ice expedition trail and more all under one roof. www.excel.london/visitor/whats-on/ kingdom-of-winter Sun 10 Dec – Sun 7 Jan JW3 Ice Rink 2023 (NW3) Whether you want to practice your Double Lutz or just your Double Klutz, go and skate on North West London’s favourite pop-up ice rink at JW3. With a skating area of 200m2, the outdoor ice rink comes complete with glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere. And don’t forget, the helpful penguin stabilisers or banana toboggans can be pre-booked for less confident little ones to have fun on. www.jw3.org.uk/ice-rink#

Don’t forget to say you saw these listings in Families Magazine!

Familiesonline.co.uk

What's On

Where is Santa?

LOCAL

Lee Valley Boat Centre (EN10) A Santa Cruise on 10, 17 and 21 Dec are one hour boat cruises with a visit from Santa. www.riverleecruises.co.uk

Aldenham Country Park (WD6) Winter-Fest Farm Pass, every weekend from 25 Nov to 17 Dec, and every day from 18–24 Dec. Take a memorable trip through Santa’s Magical Grotto to meet the lovely Mrs Claus.

Venture on through the magical wardrobe to meet the big man himself, and share all your Christmas wishes! Enter into Santa’s workshop and choose your perfect gift...

On your way out, don’t forget to write your letter to Santa and post it to receive a video message reply from Santa! www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk/winterfest Burston Garden Centre (AL2) Go and visit Santa in his magical Christmas grotto between 1 Nov–24 Dec. Additional needs sessions are available, designed to provide a more relaxed and quiet environment for your child. These sessions are the first of the day, which is when the centre tends to be quieter. www.burston.co.uk/event/christmasgrotto Compass Theatre (UB10) From Sat 16 to Sun 24 Dec, go and see Santa in the The Santa Show 2023 at Compass Theatre. Suitable for ages 2+, this short, live stage show features songs, audience interaction and a new story for 2023, followed by the chance to meet, greet - and receive a small gift from Santa himself. www.hillingdontheatres.uk/index.php/ events/the-santa-show-2023 Harlington Locomotive Society (UB3) Mince Pie Run on 10 December: This annual Christmas event sees Father Christmas visiting the railway. Mince pies will be served from the tea bar, in addition to the usual fare.

Open 11am to dusk. www.harlingtonlocomotivesociety.org.uk Kenwood House (NW3) Join in the festive fun with Father Christmas at Kenwood as the man himself tells seasonal stories among the traditional decorations.

Every weekend throughout December. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whatson/Father-Christmas-at-Kenwood Ruislip Lido (HA4) Santa is a very busy man around Christmas time, but once again, he has managed to find a space in his diary to visit the Ruislip Lido Railway. Santa will be at the railway in 2023 on Sun 3, Sat 9, Sun 10, Sat 16 and Sun 17 Dec. Your adventure will start from Willow Lawn Station and will carry you on an enchanting ride through the woods and around the Lido to Santa’s Grotto at Woody Bay Station. www.ruisliplidorailway.org

FURTHER AFIELD Chelsea Physic Garden (SW3) Visit the enchanting Chelsea Physic Garden during the first three weekends in December, for a special storytelling experience with Father Christmas. Children will receive a lovely gift, there will be an opportunity to take a picture with Father Christmas and Familiesonline.co.uk

Legoland (SL4) Celebrate the most special time of the year with ‘LEGOLAND at Christmas’, taking place on selected dates from 25 Nov. Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto and receive a special LEGO® gift! Please note, this ticket does not include entry which must be purchased separately. www.legoland.co.uk

after you will be able to explore the beautiful Garden at winter time. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Chessington World of Adventures (KT9) From 25 Nov–31 Dec, make magical memories at Winter’s Tail, enjoying festive family fun with your nearest and DEERest at Chessington. With the help of the jolly elves and reindeer, meet Father Christmas in his log fire grotto and revel in all the Christmas cheer that a traditional panto and carollers offer. Plus, NEW for 2023, visit the charming residents of Enchanted Hollow as they prepare for a magical Christmas. www.chessington.com/explore/events/ christmas Christmas Wonderland at Crews Hill (EN2) All aboard at the station platform, where you begin your magical ride through the reindeer forest! You’ll continue your magical ride through the Wonderland where you will see some familiar Christmas favourites, en route to Santa’s magical Ice Kingdom where Santa will greet you alongside your carriage.

Remaining in your carriage you finally visit the Elves toy shop where you finish your ride and choose your Christmas gift with love from Santa. Open from 10 Nov. www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk Knebworth House (SG1) Dine With Santa at Knebworth Barns on 17 and 22 Dec. Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic meal at Knebworth Barns. Dine with Santa includes a grazing platter on arrival, two-course meal, tea and coffee, Christmas crackers, a visit from Santa and a colouring activity sheet. www.knebworthhouse.com/events/dinewith-santa Lauderdale House (N6) Every year a magical Christmas grotto springs up in Lauderdale House as the man himself (Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Père Noël, Saint Nick) pays a special seasonal visit. Kids of all ages can go along to meet him on 9 and 10 Dec. www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/ santas-christmas-grotto-

London Transport Museum (WC2E) All aboard for festive family fun - and the chance to meet Santa! Santa is landing his sleigh in the twinkling winter wonderland to meet families from 24 Nov until 23 Dec. Children will love climbing aboard the Routemaster-inspired sleigh to flash the headlights, ring the bell and set the Christmas cheer-o-meter! www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum of London Docklands (E14) From 2-23 Dec, visit Victorian Santa’s grotto.

Santa is waiting for you in his Sailortown Grotto with a festive gift. You can even take a photo to capture the moment as personal photography is now permitted! Afterwards, experience the Sailortown gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon/whats-on Odds Farm Park (HP10) Christmas Spectacular at Odds Farm Park on selected dates from 25 Nov–24 Dec. Take a magical stroll to the North Pole and enjoy a personal visit to meet Father Christmas. Soak up the seasonal splendour, where the Farm Park has been sprinkled with yuletide wonder and festive frivolities, and families will be joined by a very special guest! www.oddsfarm.co.uk/christmasspectacular The Santa Steam Express (SW1E) Returning for its third year of merriment, the magical trips offer families a chance to meet Santa and his helpers on a steam train departing from and returning to London Victoria. The extra special journey will depart four times a day on Fri 15 Dec, Mon 18 Dec and Thu 21 Dec. Climb on board and take a enchanting trip with Santa and his helpers as they jingle their way through festively decorated vintage carriages during this one hour 30 minute adventure around London. www.steamdreams.co.uk/ santasteamexpresstours.php ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (LU6) Santa is heading back to Whipsnade Zoo this Christmas! Meet the man himself as part of a fun-filled, festive, family day out. Every child who meets Santa will receive an early Christmas gift to take home. Weekends from 2 Dec, then 16-24 Dec. Relaxed sessions available. www.whipsnadezoo.org/plan-your-visit/ events/christmas-at-whipsnade-zoo

Families North West London 11

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

What's On The Alban Arena 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

Pantos & Family Shows Fri 8–Sun 31 Dec Beauty and the Beast A family-friendly fairy-tale which has all the ingredients for a truly memorable pantomime - hilarious slapstick, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers that you will be singing for days afterwards.

Sat 18 Nov-Sat 30 Dec The Snowman™ at Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Wed 8–Sat 11 Nov Elf The Musical Elf the Musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.

After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Fri 8–Sun 10 Dec The All New Adventures of Peter Pan – A Pantomime Sequel Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook, alongside CBeebie’s Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell, and St Albans’ favourite Ian Kirkby as Mrs Smee. This promises to be the Alban Arena’s most spectacular pantomime yet with stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and a starstudded cast, this is a must-see show for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to experience the wonder and excitement of Neverland once more in Paul Hendy’s pantomime sequel!

Artsdepot, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Sun 5 Nov Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show For Kids Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)! Expect gawps, gasps, and guffaws in this relentlessly funnyand fantastical magic filled extravaganza, guaranteed to delight those aged six and 106, and indeed everyone in between! Ages 6+ Sun 12 Nov The Star Seekers The Star Seekers is an interactive show that explores the limitless majesty of galaxies, the solar system, shooting stars and planets through songs, silliness and antigravity antics. Ages 3-8 Sun 19 Nov The Museum of Marvellous Things With giant puppets, magical effects, interactive storytelling, show stopping costumes, LIVE original music and a chance to make your own special puppet, this is a fun-filled family show based on the picture book by Kristina Stephenson, bestselling author and illustrator of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. Ages 3-8 Sun 26 Nov Riding a Donkey Backwards & Other Tales Khayaal Theatre Company’s Eleanor Martin will present a riveting collection of wise and foolish tales from Muslim literature for family audiences. Featuring 12 Families North West London

Cadogan Hall 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com

the incredible antics of Mulla Nasruddin, an icon of Muslim humour, whose tales are the subject of Khayaal’s acclaimed children’s book. Ages 5+ Sat 2-Sun 24 Dec Dear Santa Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve. The Christmas cheer continues with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive an extra special gift! Ages 2-7 Sun 3 Dec Comedy Club 4 Kids: Christmas Cracker Expect the finest Christmas Cracker jokes, tinsel tomfoolery, festive funnies and even Santa doing stand-up! Starring Comedy Club 4 Kids’ regular host Ternan Douieb Howard Read of ‘Little Howard’ and CBBC fame, and hilarious Helen Duff – this show will be jam-packed with a whole heap of Christmas Comedy Fun to get you in the mood for the big day. Ages 6+ Thu 7 Dec Bring Your Own Baby Comedy The UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club. The award winning shows feature the funniest comedians in a totally baby-friendly environment. The show features two acts plus a compere, and the whole show will last approx.

75 minutes. Please note that the comics are performing their usual ‘grown up’ material, which is why there is a 15 month age limit for the little laughers.

Sun 10 Dec Baby Broadway Christmas The whole family can sing and dance along to seasonal showtunes from hit musicals and well-known songs from Christmas films, all performed by West End singers.

Festive fancy dress is encouraged and - as well as singing, clapping and dancing along - you can expect bubbles, bells, flying babies and puppetry!

Wed 13 - Sun 31 Dec I Want My Hat Back Trilogy Jon Klassen’s beloved books, I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat and We Found A Hat, have found a new life of their own LIVE on stage.

All your favourites including Bear, Little Fish and the Turtles will be making an appearance in this oneof-a-kind trilogy. Ages 3-8 Wed 27 Dec - Sun 7 Jan There’s a Monster in Your Christmas Show Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved Who’s in Your Book? series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together. Ages 2+ The Beck Theatre 020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk

Tue 7 – Wed 8 Nov Tales From Acorn Wood Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.

Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages.

Wed 29 Nov–Sun 3 Dec Sleeping Beauty Experience the enchanting tale of the beautiful princess cursed by a wicked fairy and the brave prince who must break the spell with a kiss. With dazzling costumes, breathtaking choreography, hilarious comedy and your talented British Airways Cabin Crew, this show is perfect for the family.

Sun 17 Dec The Snowman in Concert, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child The Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cadogan Hall for its annual performance of the timeless classic, The Snowman, for which the film is shown on the big screen with a live symphony orchestra providing the soundtrack. The Gruffalo makes a welcome return alongside its sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child. Rather like Peter and the Wolf, each character in the tale is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra… what will the Gruffalo be?

Chicken Shed 0208 292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

Sat 4 Nov Miniature Travelling Circus Join Little Angel’s Miniature Travelling Circus and be delighted by beautiful puppets, nostalgic magic tricks and acts so tiny you may wonder how you can possibly see them! From performing mice to acrobatic fleas – this circus has stars you won’t see anywhere else!

Ages 3-6 Mon 6 Nov Bring Your Own Baby Comedy The UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club! The multi-awardwinning shows feature the funniest comedians in a totally baby-friendly environment. Ages 18+ (babies under 15 months due to strong language).

Sat 2–Sat 30 Dec Christmas Tales presents Cinderella in Boots This marks the first-ever winter pantomime in Tales history!

Witness the enchanting mix of classic panto and your favourite Tales characters in this interactive family winter extravaganza!

Ages 0-7 Sun 17 Dec Baby Broadway Christmas An interactive Christmas performance suitable for all ages.

The whole family can sing and dance along to seasonal show tunes from hit musicals and wellknown songs from Christmas films, all performed by West End singers.

Festive fancy dress is encouraged and - as well as singing, clapping and dancing along - you can expect bubbles, bells, flying babies and puppetry!

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

What's On Compass Theatre 01895 673 0200 www. hillingdontheatres.uk

Pantos & Family Shows Wed 27 Dec–Wed 3 Jan The Nutcracker Back with another dazzling treat, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company presents their family festive favourite! With the company’s customary fabulous dancing, gorgeous costumes, crystal clear story-telling and sumptuous music, this is the perfect Christmas show for the whole family!

Snow White Pantomime at Harrow Art Centre

Thu 7 Dec – Sat 6 Jan Dick Whittington Compass Theatre’s pantomimes are performed by a professional adult cast working alongside locally auditioned, amateur juniors - and are always packed-full of audience participation, jokes, songs, dancing and celebration. Dick Whittington is the ultimate Londoner’s pantomime, telling the legendary tale from English folklore of Richard Whittington and his cat - a humble merchant who later became Lord Mayor.

Garrick Theatre, WC2H 0330 333 4811 www.nimaxtheatres.com

Fri 1 Dec – Sun 7 Jan The Gruffalo’s Child Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103. Ages 3+ Harrow Arts Centre, HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com

Sat 9 – Thu 28 Dec Snow White Pantomime Brought to you by family favourites, Immersion Theatre, this fun-filled festive extravaganza is bursting at the seams with all the ingredients audiences have come to expect from their much-loved pantomimes: dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, and maybe even the odd water gun or two!

Little Angel Theatre, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com

Until Sun 19 Nov Big Bad Me There are two sides to every story, so let’s hear it from the Wolf himself! The real story, never heard before, of the kind and hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends. This wolf isn’t big or even bad, in fact he’s rather shy.

He won’t gobble up your grandma or tell you lies. He’s polite and very gentle, he’s an all-round nice guy.

So before you make up your mind about the wolf you think you know so well, enjoy a whole new spin on this fairy tale and remember to never judge anyone by how they look. Ages 6+ Sat 18 Nov – Sun 4 Feb Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun?

Go and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life Familiesonline.co.uk

Trestle Theatre, AL4 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk

with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…

Ages 3-8 yrs Sat 25 Nov–Sat 27 Jan WOW! It’s Night-time Discover the magic of the twilight hour in this beautiful stage adaptation of Tim Hopgood’s book WOW! It’s Night-time. The curious little owl is back, and this time she’s ready to discover the wonders of night-time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. But where are all the other owls? When the wind blows the leaves from her tree, you’ll soon see. Ages 2-5 Lyric Theatre, W1D 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com

Thu 23 Nov – Sun 14 Jan Peter Pan Goes Wrong The members of the Cornley Drama Society are back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland? Don’t miss Peter Pan Goes Wrong in London this Christmas and brace yourselves for an awfully big adventure! Ages 8+ Puppet Theatre Barge, W9 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Nov My Shadow and Me (Little Venice) My Shadow and Me is like a cartoon created live out of nothing but darkness and light. One person (and his shadow) meet and go on an incredible, imaginative, shadowy journey where creatures emerge, engage and transform beautifully. A simple, theatrical blend of amazing skill, simplicity, humour and shadow magic. Ages 4+ Sat 11 – Sun 26 Nov The Snitch and Dodo Show (Little Venice) Snitch sail’s to an island where he meets the Dodo bird ! .... but who else is there ? See the show to find out! Surprises, fun and laughter in this show for children aged from 3

to 6 years old performed by puppet master Ronnie Le Drew, aka Zippy from the British TV series Rainbow.

The Radlett Centre, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Sun 5 Nov Captain Calamity: Big Bucket Of Banger’s Show From the moment Captain Calamity and Crew rocket in from The Lollipop Lighthouse in Chocolate Button Bay the craziness explodes onto the stage. Expect jaw dropping family fun and insanity featuring marvellous magic, bombastic balloons, beautiful bubbles, silly science, gigglesome games, cheeky tunes, one or two custard pies and more whizz-bang than the most explosive fireworks display that you ever gawped at!

Mon 13 Nov There’s A Monster In Your Show Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brandnew musical show. A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Ages 3+ Sat 2 – Sun 31 Dec Beauty And The Beast Pantomime Upstage Productions present Beauty and the Beast as the 2023 traditional family pantomime.

You are guaranteed dazzling choreography, stunning sets, uplifting live music, glamourous costumes (for most of the cast members!) and, of course, plenty of audience participation.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1R www.sadlerswells.com

Sat 18 Nov–Sat 30 Dec The Snowman™ This winter family favourite is the timeless tale of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. Back for it’s 26th year, The Snowman™ is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book

by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson.

Sat 16 Dec Treasure Island This is Treasure Island as you’ve never seen it before, in celebration of Lamphouse Theatre’s 10th anniversary. With a slew of sillysingalong-sea-shanties, plenty of preposterous pirates, and dozens of doubloons, you won’t want to miss Treasure Island this Christmas.

Ages 6+ Unicorn Theatre, SE1.

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com

Sat 11 Nov – Sun 31 Dec The Bolds The Bolds are just like you and me.

They live in an ordinary house on an ordinary street and they love to laugh. But there’s one slight difference… they are hyenas!

Combining live music and songs, The Bolds will have you laughing like a bunch of, well, hyenas.

Ages 6+ Fri 17 Nov – Sun 31 Dec The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse This deliciously dark and hilariously funny fable delights in the surreal notion that sometimes friendship can be found in the darkest and most unusual of places and being eaten up by a wolf isn’t actually that bad. Ages 3-7 Watersmeet, WD3 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk

Fri 8 – Sun 31 Dec Sleeping Beauty The fairy tale of good over evil portrayed by the cruel and conniving Carabosse in combat with a loveable fairy and her friends will be brought to life this Christmas. Full of surprises with special effects, fun, laughter, music and dance along the way in this year’s hilarious pantomime.

Watford Palace Theatre, WD17 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Thu 30 Nov – Sun 31 Dec Cinderella Starring Watford’s favourite Dame, Terence Frisch! Cinderella wants to party ‘like its 1999’ but her stepmother has other ideas… The Palace has been the home of panto since 1908 and Christmas just isn’t the same without it! Support your local theatre and be part of their yearly heart-warming pantomime.

Families North West London 13

What's On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

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

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

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

Many activities and events require advance booking.

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

Fri 3 Nov - McGovern Park Annual Family Fireworks Display (HA4) This year’s theme is Princes and Princesses and the fireworks will be set to music from Disney’s greatest love stories. There will be a funfair, princess party, stiltwalkers, bubbleologist, live music from Ivy Mae, Irish dancing, face-painting, clairvoyant, food and drink.

4.30-11.30pm. www.mcgovernpark.com Sat 4 Nov - Diwali Celebration Day (HA5) A fun variety of Diwali activities for the whole family, including arts, crafts, story-telling and more. At the Heath Robinson Museum, 11am1pm or 2-4pm. Booking is essential. www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org/ whats-on/diwali-celebrationday-2

Sat 11 Nov - Lord Mayor’s Show (EC2R) Join in the fun at a rare weekend opening at the Bank of England Museum, as part of the Lord Mayor’s Show! Watch the parade as it passes the Bank of England, then explore the Museum and enjoy a variety of activities for all the family, including face painting, crafts, and storytelling sessions. 11am-4pm. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum/whats-on/2023/lordmayors-show

Sat 4 Nov - Harrow Fireworks Display 2023 (HA3) An Unforgettable Evening of Family Fun and Entertainment at Byron Park. This annual community event promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the spirit of family, festivity, and culture, all against the backdrop of stunning pyrotechnics.

Fireworks start at approx. 7.45pm. www.harrowfireworks.co.uk

Sat 11 Nov–Sun 7 Jan – Winterland (DA9) Winterland is returning to Bluewater - get into the Christmas spirit with games and rides galore! It promises to be another festive extravaganza, with a new double deck carousel, bumper cars, waltzer, white-knuckle rides and more – plus plenty of festive drinks to keep you toasty, from hot chocolate to mulled wine. The amazing Observation Wheel will offer unrivalled views over Bluewater and beyond, and featuring a state-of-the-art LED light show, it’s a spectacle to be enjoyed day and night. www.bluewater.co.uk/ winterland-2023

Sat 4 Nov - Cassiobury Fireworks (WD18) Head along to Cassiobury Park for Hertfordshire’s largest FREE fireworks display organised by Watford Borough Council. This amazing spectacle just gets better every year. The display is going reach heights of up to 850 feet in the night sky whilst wide flanks of cakes are going to fill the sky with every kind of colour possible.

6-8.30pm. www.watfordevents.com/ cassioburyfireworks

Sun 12 Nov - Remembrance Day Service 2023 (NW9) The annual Remembrance Day Service at the RAF Museum, London, on Remembrance Sunday to pay respect to those Service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

There will be a commemorative service followed by readings and performance by a local choir.

10.30am. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/ london/whats-going-on/events/ remembrance-day-service-2023

Sat 4 Nov - Ealing Cricket Club’s Firework Display (W5) The Ealing Cricket Club Fireworks Display ‘THE BEST OF BRITISH’!! will be held this year on Sat 4th Nov. The Display is set to a theme of THE BEST OF BRITISH!! with a mix of theme tunes to accompany the display celebrating over 60 years of our foremost most iconic British agent. At Ealing Cricket Club, Corfton Road, Ealing, gates open at 6pm, display at 7.45pm. www.ealingcc.co.uk

Wed 15 Nov - Tiny Troopers: Poppy Making (SW3) Sing, play and create with your little ones at these fun, sensory sessions, perfect for ages 2 to 5 at the National Army Museum. In November, you will be learning all about why we wear poppies and how we remember those who served in the Armed Forces, before making poppy wreaths. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/tinytroopers-poppy-making

Thu 9 Nov - Motivating Our Teens to Learn Workshop (Online) A 2 hour workshop run by Hope Harrow, for all parents of children aged 12yrs plus. You will discuss how to support your Teens sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations.

7-9pm online via zoom. Book now: 0208 863 7319 or 07498881496 info@hopeharrow.org.uk 14 Families North West London

Wed 15 Nov–Sun 7 Jan Christmas at Kew (TW9) As one of the highlights of the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in

the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/ whats-on/christmas Thu 16 Nov - Christmas Celebration: Hayes Town (UB3) Head along to St Anselm’s Church in Hayes for the annual Christmas celebration. The Schools Community Choir - Hayes will be performing a short concert in the church from 4pm. The Mayor of Hillingdon will end the concert by switching on the Christmas lights at the church at 4.30pm. Everyone is welcome. There’s no need to book. discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/ christmas-celebration-hayes Thu 16 Nov-Thu 18 Jan - Effective Parenting Course (Online) An 8 week course for all parents of children aged 3-11 run by Hope Harrow. This 8 week programme aims to support parents and carers with practical parenting strategies to develop their abilities to bring up confident, happy and co operative children. 7-9pm, online. 020 8863 7319, info@hopeharrow.org.uk Fri 17 Nov–Mon 1 Jan – Winter Wonderland (W2) Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun. Running for six magical weeks and offering a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food and more. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland. com Sat 18 Nov - Watford Town Centre Winterfest (WD17) Christmas is coming to Watford Town Centre! This FREE event will begin the festive season in style, including funfair rides, festive activities, food & drink stalls, a high street parade and live music performers. Takes place on The Parade from 2-6pm. www.watfordtowncentre.com/ event/watford-town-centrewinterfest Sat 18 Nov - LGBTQ+ Family Network (SE10) A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection at the National Maritime Museum. 10am-12pm. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/lgbtqfamily-network Mon 20 Nov - Toddler Takeover Day (HA2) A day for Under 5’s to take over the running of Headstone Manor & Museum. Toddlers will have the chance to be Security Guards,

Archaeologists, Curators and more!

11am-2.30pm. www.headstonemanor.org/ events/toddler-takeover-day Wed 22 Nov–Mon 1 Jan Christmas at Waddesdon (HP18) This Christmas at Waddesdon, be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic tales come to life with new decorations in the house and dazzling new light displays outside enchant and delight. Go on a magical adventure as you enter the wondrous world of Alice in Wonderland, find the Snow Queen’s kingdom and fly with Peter Pan to Neverland. Christmas Fair will be open until 17 Dec. www.waddesdon.org.uk/whatson/christmas Thu 23–Sun 26 Nov - Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair (SW3) This festive celebration will host over 100 curated stands, showcasing the finest independent suppliers within the beautiful surroundings of the Chelsea Physic Garden. Along with food, drinks and plenty of cheer, there’s something for everyone. Thurs–Sat, 10am–5pm & Sun, 10am–4pm. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/ visit/whats-on/christmas-fair Fri 24 Nov - Carols at the Christmas Lights Switch On (UB8) Head to the forecourt of the Civic Centre at 5.45pm, where the Mayor of Hillingdon will switch on the lights on the Christmas tree. This year will feature two primary school choirs and Hillingdon Music Hub’s own Young Singers and Brass Band performing carols and music. www.discover.hillingdon.gov.uk Fri 24–Sun 26 Nov - Knebworth Christmas Fair (SG1) The region’s biggest festive shopping event is back, packed with Christmas presents and gift ideas for all ages, plus delicious festive food & drink. Shop for handmade Christmas decorations, unique gift ideas and lots of tasty yuletide food and drink. Go along with your friends and family to enjoy this festive feast of fun. www.knebworthchristmasfair.co.uk Sat 25 Nov - Family Workshops: George the Wombat (NW1) Meet George at the British Library, a very brave and fuzzy wombat, who lives with his Mummy and Papa and decides one day to find out what lies beyond his borrow.

Join illustrator/animator Galina Miklinova and George the Wombat, on his humorous adventures in the forest, including a little pottytraining along the way. www.bl.uk/events/familyworkshops-george-the-wombat Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Sat 25 Nov - Sun 7 Jan - The Magic of Christmas (NW1) Experience the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo. There’s everything you need for a jam-packed family day out! Meet Santa, go on the Christmas Sleigh Trail and enjoy Christmas-themed animal talks. www.londonzoo.org/plan-yourvisit/events/magic-of-christmas

Sat 2–Sun 17 Dec - Twinkle Trail (HA2) Can you help find all of the decorations hidden at Headstone Manor & Museum? Go and celebrate the 12 days of Headstone!

Fill in the trail sheet and get a festive prize at the end. www.headstonemanor.org/ events/twinkle-trail

in the moves, the music and the magic of an interactive, fun and original retelling of this traditional tale at Croxley Green Library, from 10am. Ages 2-8. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ services/libraries-and-archives/ events-and-things-to-do/croxleygreen/jack-and-the-beanstalk. aspx

Sun 26 Nov - Frost Fair (N3) Finchley Women’s Institute present their 12th Annual Frost Fair, taking place at Stephens House and Gardens. Over 40 Stalls, offering an exciting variety of seasonal gifts and treats, created by local artisans at affordable prices. 10.30am–5pm. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events

Sun 3 Dec – Christmas Market (WD17) Christmas Market at Watford Marketplace, open from 10am-3pm. www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events

Sat 16 Dec - Marching Orders: Amazing Animals (SW3) Head to the National Army Museum to learn all about the amazing world of Army animals. How did a pony get to be corporal? How were pigeons used to get messages across enemy lines? And how did a German Shepherd join the Parachute Regiment and storm the beaches on D-Day? A familyfriendly tour lasting 30 minutes. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on

Fri 1 Dec–Mon 1 Jan - Christmas At Kenwood (NW3) Christmas at Kenwood has a brand-new light trail, bringing colour, lights and interactive play to Kenwood House. With 13 brandnew installations, this interactive light trail invites you to expect the unexpected as you take a stroll through the grounds. 4.30-8pm. www.english-heritage.org. uk/visit/whats-on/kenwoodchristmas-2023 Sat 2–Sun 3 Dec - Christmas Elf Cadet Training (NW9) Have you always wondered how Santa does it? How does he deliver so many gifts all around the world, in just one night? Well, now you can discover the secret – he brings in the experts – the RAF! This Christmas, train to become one of the RAF’s finest Elf Cadets at the RAF Museum in London. Learn how to load the sleigh, pick the right aircraft for the job and map a route for Santa, and so much more. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/elf-cadets Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec – Festive Weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) A special festive season weekend opening. Find out about how we celebrated in the past and enjoy some of the Museum’s historic buildings decked out with traditional decorations. Costumed inhabitants will be bringing the historic buildings to life. There will be family activities including crafts and storytelling. 10am-4pm. www.coam.org.uk/events/festiveweekend Sat 2 – Sun 3 Dec - Christmas Fair at Fulham Palace (SW6) Head to this indoor and outdoor Christmas market at the beautifully decorated Palace! The market includes a variety of small business stalls filled with fine foods and gifts, perfect for buying some thoughtful presents. Between browsing stalls and enjoying mulled wine, explore the additional festivities. Children can enjoy face painting, swing boats and free crafts. www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/ events/christmas-fair Sat 2–Sun 3 Dec - Family Fun Weekends (SE10) Spend a spectacular day out at Cutty Sark with workshops and activities for all ages. Meet characters from Cutty Sark’s past and sing along with the resident sea shanty singers - for the real sailor experience, why not dress up as a member of Cutty Sark’s crew? www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cuttysark/family-fun-weekend Familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 9–Sun 10 Dec – Duck Pond Artisan Market (N6) Duck Pond Market returns to Lauderdale House for another craft fair on 9 & 10 December from 11am to 5pm! The Market combines the magic of a festival with interesting stalls, local, sustainable and ethical food, crafts, homewares and arts. www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/ whats-on/duck-pond-artisanmarket Sat 9 – Sun 17 Dec Lights and Sights (WC2E) Join the London Transport Museum for their much-loved Lights & Sights tours. You’ll journey through the West End’s dazzling festive light displays and illuminated landmarks on a classic vintage heritage bus.

While you wait for your journey to begin, design your very own Oyster card holder while the kids enjoy some festive colouring sheets. www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/ heritage-vehicle-outings/lightsand-sights Sun 10 Dec - Family Workshop: Mini Christmas Wreaths (HA2) Go and make a beautiful Mini Christmas Wreath using colourful fabric and ribbon scraps and reclaimed sequins, buttons and beads. 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm at Headstone Manor & Museum. www.headstonemanor.org/ events/family-workshop-minichristmas-wreaths Fri 10 Nov - Family Under 5’s Workshops: Fantasy Exhibition (NW1) Take a storytelling journey through the Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition at the British Library. The perfect first exhibition experience for little adventurers. Ages 0–5. www.bl.uk/events/family-under5s-workshops-fantasy-exhibition Mon 11 Dec - Bach to Baby Family Concerts in Harrow (HA1) Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers.

Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. At St John’s Church. 4-4:45pm. www.bachtobaby.com Sat 16 Dec - Christmas Crafts (UB8) Create your own Christmas card or decoration at Uxbridge Library.

Free, but booking is essential. 1011am and 11.15am-12.15pm. discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/ article/11748/Christmas-Crafts Sat 16 Dec - Jack and the Beanstalk (WD3) Climb the enormous beanstalk up into the clouds. Help Jack be brave and escape the giants castle. Join

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Dec – Christmas at Bigshots Golf (HA1) Join us for our Big Christmas weekend at BigShots Gold Northwick Park! Christmas markets, Santa’s grotto, Free activity station. www.bigshotsgolfuk.com Sat 16 – Sun 17 Dec - Winter Lights (N3) Take Christmassy walk around the lit-up gardens at Stepehns House and Gardens. 5.30-7.30pm. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events Wed 20 Dec - Tiny Troopers: Christmas Crafts (SW3) Sing, play and create with your little ones at these fun, sensory sessions at the National Army Museum, perfect for ages 2 to 5.

In December, you will be learning all about how Princess Mary gave hope to thousands of servicemen and women during the First World War, before making your very own Princess Mary Christmas gift tin. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/tinytroopers-christmas-crafts Thu 21 & Fri 22 Dec - Ruislip Woods Family Walk (HA4) Go on a gentle stroll, playing games and learning about Ruislip Woods.

This family walk will start and end at the Woodlands Centre at Ruislip Lido and be followed by craft event.

Ages 4+. discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/familywalk Thu 21–Sun 24 Dec & Tue 26 Dec Twilight Express 2023 (HA4) The Twilight Express service at Ruislip Lido Railway is back by popular demand, a fantastic family evening out. Your journey begins at Willow Lawn and operates non-stop back to Willow Lawn via Woody Bay, taking you through the woods at night, allowing you to spot all the decorations in the dark! www.ruisliplidorailway.org/events Thu 21 Dec - Sun 7 Jan - The Revel Puck Circus: The Wing Scuffle Spectacular (N2) Join The Revel Puck Circus for their exhilarating festive show in East Finchley’s Cherry Tree Wood.

Jam-packed with riotous and mind-blowing moments, this alternative homegrown circus is this Winter’s must-see for thrill-seekers young and old. www.artsdepot.co.uk/familycircus-christmas/revel-puckcircus-wing-scuffle-spectacular

CHRISTMAS AT BIGSHOTS! Join us for our Big Christmas weekend at BigShots Golf Northwick Park!

Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th December!

Christmas Market Free activity station

Santa’s Grotto

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER You’ll receive exclusive offers including our 12 days of BigMas! bigshotsgolfuk.com

@bigshotsgolfuk Families North West London 15

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY Biggies 10 available Tonka Hat & Belt Set 5 available

Katamino Classic 1 available

K3YRIDERS 3-wheeled scooter and plush helmet 2 available

Fireman Sam Ultimate Hero

Paint Pot Spin & Create Set

2 available

10 available

APPLY at familiesmag.co.uk/go

B O O K

H E R E

16 Families North West London

T&Cs Apply

MORE IN OUR DIGITAL MAG!

9th – 28th Dec | £20 / £17 Concs / £68 group of 4

www.harrowarts.com | 020 3773 7161 Familiesonline.co.uk