Families nov / dec 2017.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2017 5:12 pm Page 3
Smallprint for small people Forest Hill now has a bookshop just for children - hurrah! Smallprint Books is an enchanting children’s book shop stocking hand picked titles and art chosen to make brilliant gifts that adults may want for themselves. Set behind a dear little storefront, the surprisingly deep family-run shop offers captivating storytelling, awe-inspiring imagery from some seriously talented illustrators and artists, brilliant interactive books for babes and crafty masterpieces for the pre-schoolers. The best of the best from a range of small and independent publishers, all enjoyed and road-tested in the owners’ own home. You’ll find Smallprint at 37 David’s Road SE23 3EP and online. www.smallprint-online.com
Making music with The Strings Club
Street party Still in Forest Hill, with Dartmouth Road’s smart new pavements finally nearing completion, a group of local traders are planning to close the road to traffic and put on a massive weekend ‘do’. Scheduled for late February, Sugar Mountain sweetshop owner Pauline promises something for adults and families alike - a fabulous street party with an area for performances, DJ’s, music acts, food, stalls and independent store specials. Watch this space, or read more on the area’s local forum. www.se23.life
AC T I V IT I E S F O R C H ILDR EN Whippersnappers’ Winter Wonderland Every year Whippersnappers create an immersive theatrical Christmas experience for all the family at the beautiful College Lodge site in Dulwich Park. Come and visit the elves’ woodland café with hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine and snuggle up in Santa’s sleigh. Visit the elves’ log cabin cinema and take your children into a magical yurt to brighten up your Christmas with a bit of African sunshine and musical extravaganza. Then into the house to meet Mrs Claus and decorate your very own gingerbread biscuits followed by face painting upstairs in the Victorian parlour plus of course, a VIP visit with Father Christmas. This is a fundraising event helping to support Whippersnappers’ activities for children with disabilities. And it usually sells out fast! Here’s a sample from a happy visitor: “Visited today for the second year, it is the best, best, best grotto in London. It’s not loud, it’s not brash, it’s not cheap and tacky - it’s absolutely fantastic.” The whole experience lasts around one hour and 15 minutes, tickets £22.50 children, £9 adults via online bookings. www.whippersnapperswinterwonderland.co.uk
Christmas is coming and musical instruments remain popular choices for special gifts under the tree. But where do you start when considering what to buy? And how do you make sure your child gets the most from their wonderful new gift? Amy, director at The Strings Club, an award-winning music education company, offers some great advice for anyone looking for an inspirational musical gift: 1. Choose an instrument to suit your child’s age. For children aged 4 or 5 we know from experience ukulele and violin are perfect because they are small and light. 2. Make sure it is the right size and good quality. Be careful when buying an instrument online. We’d recommend visiting your friendly local music shop to try out some instruments. 3. Don’t forget to accessorise. You will need things like a tuner, violin rosin, cases for ukulele/ guitar. 4. Support your child. Learn how to tune the instrument - this is a hard thing for children to master and will boost your listening pleasure! 5. Practice makes perfect! Weekly music lessons will help turn their new gift into an amazing skill for life. The Strings Club’s spring term time classes start on 13 January, from 9.30am, and priced from only £15 per lesson. Have any questions about instruments and courses or want to book? Give The Strings Club a call on 0121 296 9204 or find out more online www.thestringsclub.org/termtime
Jingle Bells musical workshops Leave your little ones in capable, creative hands and nip off to your local shops to indulge in a little ‘you’ time just before Christmas! Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes’ fun filled music workshops are a perfect Christmas themed taster day for 4-8 year old beginner musicians. The children are introduced to the electronic keyboard and discover how to start reading and writing music. With art activities and games all based around music, they may not even want to come home in time for the big day! The dates are 21 December in Sydenham and 22 December in Herne Hill and Streatham, £40 / £35 per child includes equipment and a snack, book first. 01732 457 100. www.funkymonkey.info
Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs. I offer a professional and courteous service
FREE MAGAZINES for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - just ask!
www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502
familiesonline.co.uk
info@familiesse.co.uk South East
or 020 8699 7240
Adult & Children’s Entertainer Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games, Karaoke, Mini Disco
Tel: 020 8480 8176
www.amigosmagic.co.uk Families South East 3