Families SE London magazine NovDec 2018 issue 194

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FR EE

TAKE M E

South East

ONLINE EDITION

with working website links

THE GIFT GUIDE Just Williams' top toys, stocking fillers, and books for Christmas

WHAT'S ON Where to go, what to see, what do to this winter

Issue 194 November December 2018

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LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

N E W S F O R PA R E NTS Catford Christmas tree charity aims for biggest year yet Ah you’ve got to love a real Christmas tree - even more so when yours can help local homeless people too. Now in its 10th year, King’s Christmas Trees, run by King’s Church Catford, is on track to sell a record 700 trees.

“King’s Christmas Trees started in order to raise money to provide meals for people in need, as well as increase awareness about rough sleeping in our community,” says Simon Allen, Jericho Road Project Director and King’s Christmas Trees Founder.

It’s simple - buy your freshly cut grade 1 Nordmann Fir for a similar price to other retail outlets and all the profit goes to provide a hot meal known as The Feast for up to 140 homeless people every Wednesday night, as well as emergency food packs and housing advice throughout the year.

Tree sizes range from 4ft to 10ft and sell to private homes, schools, colleges and large-scale organisations. They can be ordered online now, and then collected or delivered to your door by King’s Christmas Trees volunteers, many of whom have themselves benefitted from Jericho Road’s work. www.kingschristmastrees.org

Cuddly Bear Daycare Nursery It’s always delightful to hear outdoor laughter and learning when we deliver Families magazines to Cuddly Bear Daycare Nursery in Sydenham Park just off Kirkdale. Such is demand for their top quality care that this winter they are opening a second nursery at Sydenham Community Centre on Sydenham Hill.

Cuddly Bear Daycare Nursery is open from 8am-6pm 51 weeks of the year, looks after children from 6 months to 5 year-olds, and comes with consistently excellent Ofsted reports. www.cuddlybeardaycare.co.uk

A young person’s Christmas wish Christmas is traditionally the time for big gatherings of siblings, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents.

Oftentimes, family is the pillar of strength that gets us through life’s toughest moments.

Unfortunately for many, there is no such comfort, because there is no such family.

Penge-based Fostering Support Group (FSG) exists to give children and young people supportive families to guide and support them through their toughest moments, so that they too, can thrive in life.

There are many children and young people in the UK who are looking for foster families to provide loving and supportive homes. Are you that person they need? A career as a foster carer is incredibly rewarding for so many reasons, not least as an amazing career that involves changing lives for a living.

Become a foster carer and join a community of individuals and families who change lives for a living. Training, advice and ongoing support are all provided. For more information on how to get started, call for an informal chat on 020 8778 9669 or read the fact-filled FSG website. www.fosteringsupportgroup.com

CHEER in southeast London In 1998 a divorcee with three young children set up a charity in Wandsworth that set out to bring Comfort Hope Empathy Encouragement and Rebuilding to local single parents.

Fast-forward twenty years and Cheer has a high success rate in supporting single parents by giving a compassionate listening ear, friendship and wide-ranging practical assistance.

In September, Cheer joined forces with Micah Community Projects in southeast London, to offer free bi-monthly Sunday lunches to Lewisham’s single parents, alongside free parenting talks and a signposting service for families with issues that need further assistance. Children join in too with their own games, outings and mentoring. For details, call 020 8297 5287, text 07944 646 737 or email lisa.kulkarni@micah.org.uk.

SUCCESS,

BOOST YOUR CHILD’S

SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE

Give homeless people a gift this Christmas!

Freshly-cut Nordmann trees starting at £35.

Collect locally or pay extra for home delivery.

Helping local homeless people through the Jericho Road Project.

11+ • GCSE • A Level Book a free assessment today Maths

English

Reading

Spelling

Comprehension • Primany - Secondary

Proven Methods • Qualified Teachers • Personalised Learning Programmes

Order at kingschristmastrees.org or call 020 8690 5121

2 Families South East

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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! For locations and bookings, call 0800 107 7949 or book online. www.funkymonkey.info

Hannah partridge in a pear tree!

We love how at this time of year, the children are extra helpful and charming when they know that Santa might be watching...

We’ve sneaked a peek at his diary to see where he’ll be meeting and greeting well-behaved little ones; booked the panto tickets; and started pressing our noses against local shop windows to see which goodies are in store to go under this year’s tree.

Greetings, everyone!

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 4

5

A new Government savings account rewards savers with an extra 50p for every £1 saved, meaning over four years a maximum saving of £2,400 would result in an overall bonus of £1,200.

The launch of the new account follows an eight-month trial, with over 45,000 customers who deposited over £3 million. Easy to use, flexible and secure, the account aims to help those on low incomes build up a ‘rainy day’ fund, and encourage savings behaviours and habits.

Help to Save is available for working people who receive tax credits or Universal Credit check online to see if you are eligible. www.gov.uk/helptosave

familiesonline.co.uk

Education News Tiny traders at Borough Market, and inspiring, free teaching resources for schools and families

6-7

Clubs and Classes A spotlight on Stagecoach in celebration of their 30th birthday, and local activity clubs

8-9

Christmas Events Where and when to bring on the festive spirit, including those all-important opportunities to meet Santa Claus

10-11

Christmas Gift Guides 10 top toys and games chosen by Just Williams’ Vicky Brown, plus our own favourite stocking filler ideas

The Local Lowdown Our recommended high street favourite, independent stores for your Christmas shopping

Festive fun - but not for everyone

Help to Save

Is Your Child’s Vocabulary Holding Them Back?

Expert tips to build vital language skills using books, libraries, labels, technology and a good-old chinwag

12

The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration for families, but for households where there is an adult who is alcohol dependent sadly this may not be the case. The charity Alcohol Concern claim that: “more than 220,000 children in England live in a household with an adult who is alcohol dependent and who may be in need of specialist treatment, and estimates show the number living with someone who is drinking harmfully could be much higher.”

Al-Anon Family Groups have been offering support to families and friends of problem drinkers for over sixty years. There are groups all over the South East where people meet to gain understanding and support to solve their common problems. To find out more you can call the Al-Anon helpline on 020 7403 0888 or visit their website www.al-anonuk.org.uk

Hannah who?

Hannah

Spark4kids computer coding workshops Spark4Kids runs holiday workshops that introduce children to computer coding in a fun, engaging environment. Available are courses on Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding, Unity/C#, Robotics, Games Design, Micro:Bit, Python, HTML/CSS and JavaScript for ages 5-7, 8-12 and 13-16 years. Absolute beginners to advanced all welcome. Call 020 8090 1444 or visit the website for more details. www.spark4kids.com

Who’s there?

Knock knock

A C TIV I T IE S F O R C HI LDR E N

13

Books for Christmas Justine’s stockingful of book ideas for all your literary and gift requirements

14-19

What’s On Our pick of the best events, shows and workshops to see you up to and into the festive season

New year issue out 11 January, deadline 7 December

Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, editor@familiesse.co.uk

www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and our media pack

Families South East London

@FamiliesSELon

Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, 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.

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E D U C AT IO N N E W S

“

Is your child’s vocabulary holding them back?

By Charlotte Gater

One of the biggest factors impacting your child’s ability to progress at school is their language. If they cannot understand what is being said or articulate their own thoughts, then school can be a confusing and isolating place.

Join the library

Education Secretary Damian Hinds has highlighted the need for children to develop good language skills: “... because when you’re behind from the start you rarely catch up.”

Worryingly the Department for Education’s statistics show than nearly a third of four and five year olds are lacking the language skills to describe simple events or even just to speak in sentences.

With your child, label items around the house so they can learn lots of new words. Write the word and get your child to trace over it or copy it if they are able to. They can also draw pictures on the labels to help them to remember the word.

Charlotte Gater is Head of Curriculum at leading extra tuition provider Explore Learning. She shares ideas that we can all fit into our busy family lives:

Read Building a love of stories, books and reading are key to developing a child’s vocabulary.

Reading to your child will expose them to lots of new words. Get them to describe what is happening in the pictures to get them talking too. It’s a great idea for them to see you reading too, as your child looks up to you and will copy what you do.

Don’t be scared of using challenging language Children learn from what is being said around them. If you model using a variety of language then your child will learn more and start to use different words. Use more challenging words and then explain what they mean to increase their vocabulary.

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Books can be expensive, and it may take time to find the types of stories that engage your child. So join the library and tap into this free goldmine of books. Libraries often run music classes or story time sessions which are free or low cost. These are great ways to excite your child and build their language skills.

Label your house

Harness technology Technology can have fantastic benefits if you use it in the right way. Harness your child’s love of screen time to help increase their literacy skills.

• The Oxford Owls website has a series of free e-books for three-11 year olds, some of which you can listen to as well as read. There are also lots of helpful resources you can use at home, www.oxfordowls.co.uk.

• Listen to audio books. Use time when you’re travelling in the car or getting ready to go out to listen to stories. Then talk to your child about the story. Audio books are also great for reluctant readers as they are still being introduced to lots of new language.

• Access apps. There are lots of great apps that can help you help your child. Try Pirate Phonics, Hairy Letters and Reading Eggs to get started.

• Get snapping. When you are out and about let your child take some photos to make a picture diary. Then when you get home look through the photos and get them to describe what you did. You can also turn your adventures into a book. Book Creator allows you to make 40 e-books of your own for free, at www.bookcreator.com

”

nearly a third of four and five year olds are lacking the language skills... just to speak in sentences

Just talk

Talking with your child is key to building language skills. In our busy lives it can be easy to focus on just getting everything done by bedtime, but carving out time to speak as a family is so important. Whether it’s while sitting round the dinner table, on the journey home from school or just for a few minutes before they go to bed; have a chat. For some children it’s hard to get anything out of them, with “fine” or “OK” being standard answers. Try a few open questions to get them expanding their answers like “what was the best thing about your day?” Or “Tell me about what you did at nursery”.

About Explore Learning Explore Learning has been voted number one private tuition centre in the UK. With over 137 centres nationwide, since 2001 they have helped over 200,000 children aged four to 14 to achieve their potential in maths and English.

They get to know every child as an individual, giving them the space to unlock their imagination and discover the magic of learning.

There are local centres in Lewisham, Greenwich, New Cross Gate, Sydenham and Abbey Wood. Read more and book your FREE trial online. www.explorelearning.co.uk

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E DUC AT ION NEWS Tiny traders sell produce at Borough Market In October, over 50 children from 12 southeast London schools sold their schoolgrown fruit and vegetables at Borough Market, raising ÂŁ532 for food charity FareShare.

The children enjoyed becoming traders for the day, selling all kinds of Harvest fruit and veg including pumpkins, squash, herbs, apples, beetroot, turnips and even celeriac and heritage purple carrots!

Now in its seventh year, Borough Market’s Harvest Sale is run in partnership with campaigning charity School Food Matters. To date, more than 600 school children from 84 schools have grown and sold 45 varieties of fruit and vegetables at the 1000 year-old market, helping FareShare to provide over 17,000 meals for vulnerable families. www.fareshare.org.uk www.schoolfoodmatters.org

BBC Bitesize celebrates its 20th birthday In 1998, when the World Wide Web was still in its infancy, Google wasn’t yet a verb and only 9% of UK households had an internet-connected computer, the BBC launched Bitesize.

Today, Bitesize is the most popular dedicated educational site in the UK, used by around 80% of secondary school children, and around 40% of primary school children. With content covering over 35 subjects across the primary and secondary school curriculum, the award-winning study source presents videos, interactive games and quizzes to help students maximise their potential wherever they are in the UK. Students can sign into BBC Bitesize whatever their age, allowing the site to start building personalised learning journeys that help maximise attainment. www.bbc.com/bitesize

90th birthday present from OED

Reading, writing and mental wellbeing

As part of the Oxford English Dictionary’s 90th birthday celebrations, OUP is offering free online access to the dictionary to all primary and secondary schools across the UK. Chief editor Michael Profitt said: “OED doesn’t just help with essays and exams. By explaining the meaning and history of words, and by introducing us to unfamiliar language and new ideas, it can help us to speak more confidently and freely, to find our own voices, and to make ourselves heard and understood.�

The online access comes complete with teaching resources across all key school stages, and runs through the academic year 2018/19. Interested schools can set up their free access by registering online before 31 December 2018. https://public.oed.com/schools90/

Children and young people who enjoy reading and writing are three times more likely to have better mental wellbeing than those who don’t, new research has found.

The National Literacy Trust have worked with children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, to develop a series of free wellbeing-inspired teaching resources for primary and secondary schools, including book lists and assembly plans. There is also a series of top tips and activity ideas to help parents use reading and writing to support their child’s mental wellbeing. www.literacytrust.org.uk www.wordsforlife.org.uk

ST MARK’S Church of England Primary School

A school where children develop the passion to learn, the skills and knowledge to achieve and the confidence to take Chris an values into our diverse society.

School Tours Mondays and Fridays at 9.15am un l December 2018.

Harleyford Road, Kennington, London, SE11 5SL TEL: 0207 7351467 email: admin@stmarkscofe.lambeth.sch.uk Website: www.stmarkscofeprimarylambeth.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 3 TO 11 YEARS

FIRST CLASS EXAM RESULTS

NEW 10 ACRE SPORTS GROUND

OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

FRESHLY PREPARED ORGANIC FOOD

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

OPEN DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

COMPETITIVE FEES

50+ EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS

BREAKFAST CLUB & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

CHRISTIAN/EVANGELIST FOUNDATION

.BJO 4DIPPM 19 Stratheden Road, SE3 7TH &BSMZ :FBST 37 Shooters Hill Road, SE3 7HS 020 8293 1331 oďŹƒce@pointers-school.co.uk pointers-school.co.uk

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C LU B S & C L AS S E S Spotlight on

Stagecoach With 30 years’ experience in teaching the performing arts, Stagecoach understand how to get the best out of young performers.

Weekly classes are held in age groups covering four-year-olds to young adults, split into sessions of dance, singing and drama, with regular end of term productions and in some areas, holiday courses too. The Stagecoach Talent Agency has found roles for students in Hollywood films, West End shows, advertisements, radio, musicals and much more.

Stagecoach Dulwich launch a new school Due to overdemand for existing classes, Stagecoach Dulwich is adding new afterschool classes on Thursdays, in a new venue.

Run by enthusiastic and experienced teachers, children can enjoy inspiring classes in singing, dance and drama, in separate age groups: Early Stages for 4-6 year-olds and Early Stages + for 7-10 year-olds. Further Stages classes for 15+ years also has a small number of vacancies.

The new classes are all held at St John and St Clements in Adys Road SE15, adding to the

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very popular Friday and Saturday schools at Bessemer Grange School in Dulwich. Call the principal Claire Guy on 020 8949 4116 to join the theatrical fun, or book online. www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich#classes

Learning from the best As well as being the principal of Stagecoach Sydenham, Paul Taylor-Mills (pictured) is Advisory Producer to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Affiliate Producer to The Other Palace, which is a theatre for new musicals. Paul also produced In The Heights, a hip hop musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda who wrote the smash hit Hamilton. In the Heights went on to win three Olivier Awards which catapulted Paul’s career to one of the most demonic producers working within musical theatre.

Alongside this, Paul took over Stagecoach Sydenham six years ago. He cares passionately about passing on the skills he has learnt over the years from his experience within the theatre industry and remembers how informative his access to performing arts was as a child. Paul told Families:

“My Friday evenings at Stagecoach are one of the most important parts of my week.

Seeing the children gain confidence in their performing and social skills week by week is hugely fulfilling.

By day I am a theatre producer and have toured the world with my productions and I’m currently producing Heathers in the West End. While it’s always busy, my experience and access to performers has allowed me to ensure that I have the best staff at Stagecoach Sydenham, all of whom have a multitude of professional experience. For instance, my current drama teacher is Bronte Barbe. We met together when she was in my production of The Wild Party. Since then she has gone on to star as Carole King on the tour of Beautiful, and Princess Fiona in The Shrek tour. The kids absolutely adore their lessons with her and it’s hugely inspiring for them to have a teacher with such a wealth of experience.’’ www.stagecoach.co.uk/sydenham

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C LU B S & CLAS SES 1 4/2/2013 5:05:13 PM

1 4/2/2013 5:05:13 PM

classes hool dance funky presc s y o b for girls and

Tiny Tots

age 2.5-3

Little Aces

age 3-4

Junior Champs age 5-7

Grand Slammers age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets classes held across SE London for more information and to book call Anne-Marie: 07973 982790 email: info@diddidance.com

FREE introductory session phone 07877 391005

www.tennis-4-kids.com email: gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

New Year Issue Out 11 January Booking deadline 7 December email info@familiesse.co.uk or download our ratecard online www.familiesse.co.uk

EST 1993

Bananas in Pyjamas to...Sound of Silence

from...

from 6-11 years

from 11-18 years

free trial no audition

Beckenham Junior Choir is a not-for-profit community choir that has provided affordable access to music for school children for over 25 years

South East

familiesonline.co.uk

Please get in touch with our Musical Director John Webber on 020 8650 9164 or email: info@beckenhamjuniorchoir.co.uk

www.beckenhamjuniorchoir.co.uk

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C HR IS T M AS S TAR T S H ERE Bring on the festive spirit with our pick of very special

Christmas Events Christmas

Late Market

V istait,s Sanotto Gr

Wednesday 5th, 12th & 19th December 11am-8pm Fabulous festive gi s for everyone!

CREATIVITY IN EVERY CORNER

21 November & every weekend before Christmas in December & Christmas Eve

WESTCOMBE SOCIETY CHRISTMAS MARKET

MARKET

ARTS&CRAFTS MARKET ANTIQUES&COLLECTABLES Nearest Station DLR Cutty Sark

CENTRALE & WHITGIFT SHOPPING CENTRES 21 North End, CROYDON CR0 1TY, www.centraleandwhitgift.co.uk Croydon’s premier shopping destination - home to over 130 brands including major department stores, high street favourites and eateries - is also a must-visit for a long list of festivities including a giving tree, carol singing, Santa’s Toy Workshop Grotto and a hugely popular gift-wrapping service.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, from 15 November. Centrale will light up Croydon with the help of familyfavourite heroes, PJ Masks. Throughout the day, the heroes will be available for reading sessions at both Centrale & Whitgift shopping centres as they perform exciting live-action stories. Then, from 6pm, PJ Masks will switch on the Christmas lights in front of Centrale’s Christmas Tree.

SANTA’S TOY WORKSHOP GROTTO, 24+25 November and 1-24 December. Centrale will bring the North Pole to Croydon with its very own Christmas Grotto. Bright, colourful and full of presents, the Grotto will wow visitors with its Christmas magic as it transports them to Santa’s Toy Workshop, combining classic Christmas toys with modern favourites. £4.50 for young visitors.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Weekends Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

#greenwichmarket www.greenwichmarket.london

NEARLY THERE YET IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROTEUS THE ALBANY AND ARC STOCKTON PRESENT

Pinocchio Sun 2 - Sat 29 Dec Ages 3+

17 November, BLACKHEATH HIGH SCHOOL, Mycenae Road SE3 7AG, www.westcombesociety.org One for all the family, with craft stalls, live Christmas music, home made cakes, Punch & Judy shows and a guest visit from Santa in his grotto. 11.30am-4pm, admission £12 adults, under 12s free, 12-16 year-olds £1, raising funds in aid of the Volunteer Centre Greenwich.

BLACKHEATH CHRISTMAS FAIR 18 November, BLACKHEATH HALLS, 22 Lee Road SE3 9RQ, 020 8463 0100, www.blackheathhalls.com Gorgeous festive gifts for all ages, gourmet food and drink, tombola, face painting, raffles, Christmas cards, jewellery, children’s toys, homeware and festive decorations from 41 artists, designers and independent traders. 10.3am-4.45pm, admission free for under 16s, adults £2.50.

GREENWICH MARKET GREENWICH MARKET, Greenwich SE10 9HZ, www.greenwichmarket.london CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON, 21 November. Local schools will lead a colourful Lantern Parade towards the Christmas Lights On in Greenwich Market, with Father Christmas and performances by Stagecoach Greenwich and Angelina Jandolo. 3.30-5.30pm.

ARTS AND CRAFT MARKETS, 5, 12 and 19 December. Visit the market for seasonally-flavoured market fare, plus music, mulled wine, street food and perfect present ideas. 11am-8pm.

GREENWICH GROTTO, December weekends and 20, 21 + 24 December. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto, where he will be sharing the goodwill in support of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice.

LOVE WEST DULWICH CHRISTMAS FAIR 24 November, Rosendale Road, Park Hall Road, Croxted Road and more in WEST DULWICH SE21, lovewestdulwich on Facebook Organised by local businesses and residents, the annual celebration features special offers in the independent shops and eateries; an arts and crafts market at St Barnabas Parish Hall; a Rosendale Road Market filled with stalls offering arts, crafts, handmade jewellery and children’s clothing; gifts, cakes and free facepainting; street food stalls on Croxted Road, and live music. Children can join in the fun with storytelling at Dulwich Books, Santa’s Grotto at Wigwam Toyshop and a treasure hunt starting at The Rosendale Pub. 11am-4pm.

ANERLEY TOWN HALL CHRISTMAS FAIR 25 November, ANERLEY TOWN HALL, Anerley Road SE20 8BD, www.cpcdt.org.uk Christmas shopping from local craftspeople, live music from the Rock Choir, Christmas cocktails and festive fun, run by Crystal Palace Community Trust. 1-4pm, admission free.

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

With jaw dropping circus, hilarious puppets and a magical set and soundtrack.

‘My children have been talking about the show all week. Absolutely brilliant.’

22 November - 6 January except Christmas day, HYDE PARK W2 2UH, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com An established family favourite, Winter Wonderland is full of fairground and coaster rides, an ice skating rink, Zippos Circus, the Teletubbies Christmas show, Peter Pan on Ice, Santa Land and Grotto, ice sculpting workshops, a comedy club, stalls and delicious festive food. New for this year is a 45m Ice Slide, and the The Snowman Experience which takes visitors on a journey through replica sets representing parts of the movie along with a giant 10-metre wide curved LED screen. Open 10am-10pm daily, admission free, charges for rides and shows with pre-booking available.

Audience Member

CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

Book now: thealbany.org.uk / 020 8692 4446

Until 6 January, London WC2H, www.christmasinleicestersquare.com Leicester Square transforms the centre of bustling London into a wintery wonderland including traditional Christmas markets with hand-crafted goods and delicious food and drinks. There’ll also be a Santa’s grotto (book first) where children can meet the man himself, plus a whole host of fantastic shows in the beautiful surrounds of a traditional 1920s ‘spiegeltent’.

Tickets £12 / £8 concs. £34 family ticket (four people).

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CENTRALE & WHITGIFT

WHIPPERSNAPPERS’ WINTER WONDERLAND December weekends plus 19 - 24 December, DULWICH PARK. College Lodge, Old College Gate, College Road, Dulwich Park SE21 7BQ, 020 8693 1682 or 020 7738 6633, www.whippersnapperswinterwonderland.co.uk Visit Santa’s Grotto in Dulwich Park, where Santa’s elves greet visitors in their Wyld woodland café serving hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies. Have a ride in Santa’s sleigh before visiting the elves’ vintage cinema and musical yurt. Meet Mrs Claus and decorate your very own gingerbread Christmas tree decoration.

Then it’s upstairs for face painting with the Christmas tree fairy .

Have a VIP meeting and family photo shoot with Father Christmas who will share some words of wisdom and give the children a magical present to take home.

This is an immersive theatrical experience for all the family and lasts approx 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Father Christmas and his elves help raise money to support Whippersnappers’ work at the Lodge delivering activities throughout the year for children and adults with disabilities.

Children £22.50, adults £9 includes refreshments, photo, present, arts and crafts activities.

Book online www.whippersnapperswinterwonderland.co.uk

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, 15 + 16 December. An interactive ‘Horrible Histories’ workshop, exploring how Christmas was celebrated in the time of the Tudors, the Victorian era, and the Dark Ages. Be prepared to act out different scenes, sing silly songs, and have a horrible old time. Ages 4-12, six sessions each day, £15 per person.

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS CRAFTING, 15 + 16 December. What would a horrible Christmas be without some awful art making?

Drop into the Gallery to make the perfect ugly decoration for your tree. 10am-5pm, ages 4-12, £3 per child.

SOUTHBANK WINTER MARKET 9 November - 27 December, SOUTHBANK SE1 8XX, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk Warm up with an assortment of food, drinks and merriment under twinkling market lights. The 17-acre site will be filled with pop-up stalls and bars serving delectable food, tastebud-tingling cocktails, hot drinks, street food and seasonal goods from warm hideaways and private igloos alongside the river. From 11am daily. The winter programme also includes spectacular light installations and brand new family shows - see our Theatre listings for highlights.

CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER 29 November - 2 January, LONDON BRIDGE CITY, SE1 2DB, www.londonbridgecity.co.uk Let the stars lead you over the Thames to a magical riverside retreat. Nestled between the Pier and Tower Bridge, frosted cabins bask in the beauty of the Northern Lights, enticing you to toast the season. Throughout December, Christmas by the River will host boutique vendors, food and drink tastings, glittery arts and crafts workshops and sales, and storytelling, ensuring visitors are fully prepared for the festive season. Open from 11am daily; to 7pm Sundays to Wednesdays, 9pm Thursdays to Saturdays, closed Christmas Day.

FESTIVE FAMILY SING-ALONG 1 December, BLACKHEATH HALLS, 22 Lee Road SE3 9RQ, 020 8463 0100, www.blackheathhalls.com An afternoon of festive choir singing for the whole family to join in and enjoy! Sing your heart out to all your favourite Christmas songs in this annual upbeat and fun family event, part of Blackheath Halls Family Day (see our events listings). All ages, 3pm start, £8 adults, £6 under 16s.

CHRISTMAS AT KEW

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GREENWICH LANTERN PARADE

WHIPPERSNAPPERS’ WINTER WONDERLAND

LEEDS CASTLE MARKET

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore SW7 2AP, 020 7589 8212, www.royalalberthall.com FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE HALL, 22 November - 22 December. Once upon a time, nearly 150 years ago, Father Christmas and his workshop elves used Christmas magic to enchant the Royal Albert Hall and turn it into their secret London Headquarters. But the elves are a little behind schedule this year and Father Christmas needs some very special little helpers to visit his HQ, where they’ll learn Christmas magic, see his actual sleigh and help the elves make enough toys in time for Christmas Eve. In this hour long interactive experience, little helpers journey through spaces within the historic Royal Albert Hall and meet a range of enchanting characters from the North Pole, including toy soldiers, fairies, workshop elves, toymakers, and of course, the real Father Christmas. £36.70.

THE SNOWMAN AND PADDINGTON BEAR, 20 December.

A double-bill of classic musical stories performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and guest narrators. Join Paddington on a journey from his first meeting with the Brown family right up to making his conducting debut on one of the world’s most famous stages. After the interval, the enchanting animated Snowman film will be shown on the Hall’s big screen while Howard Blake’s heart-melting score, including the Walking in the Air song, is performed live. 2.15 and 5.30pm, with an additional BSL relaxed performance at 11am for audiences with autism, sensory and communication impairments.

THE NUTCRACKER, 28-31 December. Join Clara in the Victorian setting of her family home. As midnight strikes, the Christmas tree grows and grows, and Clara’s nutcracker doll and his army of toy soldiers come to life for a spectacular battle. Clara is swept away through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Created especially for the Royal Albert Hall with gorgeous period costumes, stunning lighting and dazzling projections, this Christmas classic is brought to life by Birmingham’s Royal Ballet’s world-class dancers and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

LEEDS CASTLE Near MAIDSTONE, Kent ME17 1RG, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com THE CHRISTMAS MARKET, 24+25 November, 1+2, 8+9 and 15+16 December. Discover a splendid array of seasonal gifts, toys, festive decorations, specialist food and drink. Children and adults alike will be enchanted by Father Christmas’ reindeer in their stable, birds of prey, plus traditional fun fair rides and live music keep everyone entertained.

ONCE UPON A TIME AT CHRISTMAS, 24 November - 1 January. See the magnificent Castle rooms beautifully displayed with glittering decorations and fragrant pine trees styled around a selection of well-known and much loved traditional winter tales. To celebrate 60 years since Michael Bond’s first book was published, the story of Paddington will continue at Leeds Castle this Christmas as ‘Paddington and the Christmas Surprise’ arrives in the Seminar Room. Continue your journey through classic Christmas stories as children and adults alike will recognise characters from ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘The Snow Queen’. Be careful not to wake ‘Sleeping Beauty’ as you explore the Castle and lookout for Scrooge in the depiction of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Don’t miss the showpiece 20ft Christmas tree in the Inner Hall but beware of the chill Jack Frost has cast over it!

THE WINTER TRAIL, 26 December - 1 January. Throw on your hats and scarves, pull on your wellies and walk off the Christmas pudding. Take the whole family on this special trail across the Castle estate. Collect clues along the way and hand back your completed trail card to be entered into a prize draw.

ENCHANTED ELTHAM

CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER

CHRISTMAS AT ELTHAM PALACE COURT YARD, Eltham SE9 5QE, www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham CAROL CONCERT, 3 December. Join in the Christmas celebrations at Eltham Palace with carols sung in the stunning surroundings of the Great Hall. 6.30pm, tickets £10.

ENCHANTED ELTHAM, 6-9, 13-16 and 20-22 December.

The gardens at Eltham Palace are transformed into an illuminated world. Follow the charming trail and discover the gardens anew.

Marvel at beams of light criss-crossing through the sky, step through arches of twinkling lights and watch the ancient moat come to life with fountains that rise and fall to beguiling music.

Explore the enchanted garden and lose yourself in a captivating maze of light. Discover secrets hidden amongst the trees and gaze upon striking projections on the palace walls. Fairground stalls, Christmas gifts and tasty treats await visitors in this enchanting winter experience. 4.30-9pm, adults £12, children £7.50, families £21, book first.

KENT LIFE Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk LIVING FARM NATIVITY, 9 December. Take a journey through the grounds of Kent Life to discover the nativity story scenes and join in the traditional Christmas Carolling with Maidstone Family Church. Children are encouraged to dress up so they can be part of the nativity. 3pm start, included in admission cost; under 3s free, adults £6.95, families £21.95.

MEET SANTA AND HIS REINDEER, 1+2, 8+9, 15+16 and 20-24 December. Jump on board the Land Train driven by the head elf and hear some Christmas tales. Visit cuddle corner, try your hand at gingerbread decorating and take a trip to pot-painting studio. Book a slot with Santa in his magical grotto before taking home a special gift. Grown-ups can also enjoy a cheeky mince pie and sampling of cider. Tickets include all day access to Kent Life. Adults £7.95, children £12.95, families £34.95.

CHRISTMAS AT KEW KEW GARDENS, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, 0844 995 9675, www.kew.org/christmas WINTER TRAIL, 22 November - 5 January. Now in its sixth year, the 2018 winter trail will be bigger than ever before, with over a million twinkling pea-lights and thousands of laser beams. Walk under welcoming arches into a world festooned with seasonal cheer and wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour. For the young ones, don’t miss the vintage fairground rides, and look out for Santa and his elves along the way. Open 5-10pm, adult tickets from £16.50, booking advisable.

XMAS FAMILY COMEDY MAGIC SHOW 30 December, THE IVY HOUSE, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead SE15 3BE, www.magicmindreadingandmayhem.co.uk They’re back - Klassy Magic and Amigo’s Magic are returning with their festive, two-for-the-price-of-one family shows. Be awed at magic before your very eyes, enjoy the mayhem and gasp as one lucky person has their stress removed. Great family entertainment with lots of audience participation, and a free Bunny Copter to all those attending. Shows start 1pm and 4pm, doors open 30 mins beforehand, tickets £8 children, £10 adults, £30 family of four. This sold out last year so early booking recommended.

FAMILY COMEDY MAGIC SHOW

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

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C HR IS T M AS S TAR T S H ERE

Underneath the Christmas tree...

10 top toys and games, chosen by Vicky Brown, owner of Just Williams

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Fifty Pranks to Freak Your Friends Jokes and stunts for the truly mischievous! £12.99

WHIPPERSNAPPERSWINTERWONDERLAND CO UK

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Lite Brite Ultimate Classic A great way to create art with light place a peg and it lights up. £19.99

Brio Light and Sound Garbage Truck With light and sound this new garbage truck is in demand. £24.99

XFactor Microphone Speaker Bring the X Factor into your home.

It has a voice changing and echo function, LED Lights, 10m range and up to 5hrs of play time. Ages 6+, £29.99

Wrapples Snap these cute pets onto your wrist and take them everywhere with you. Over 50 interactive sounds, light-up emotive eyes, talking & singing, these cute collectable pets are irresistible! £16.99

Jumini Foldaway Zoo A playset and a carry case all in one. Comes complete with 12 wooden zoo animals, £19.99

Rainbocorns Hatch, hug and play! They ‘hatch’ from colourful rainbow eggs and have sparkly bellies made of reversible sequins that can be ‘swiped’ to reveal a magical surprise! £24.99

Cutetitos Each Cutetitos comes with its very own burro blanket. 12 to collect, £9.99 each

Labyrinth A very exciting game. Be the first to collect all of your treasures by shifting the walls of the Labyrinth to create a clear path to get to them.

Watch out for traps as the walls constantly move! £21.99. Comes in a junior version too!

Table Football The classic table football game has been scaled down to fit into all homes. 20” £19.99, 27” £24.99

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10 Editor’s pick 10 under £20 stocking fillers for all ages, chosen by Families South East

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100% biodegradable and fully compostable pods for Nespresso-compatible machines, filled with delicious, ethically sourced coffee from Brixton’s independent Volcano Coffee Works roastery. Sample packs £4.95, 32 pod packs from £19.80, www.volcanocoffeeworks.com

Who doesn’t love a catapult? Or a whistle?

Made from natural wood, these twig pencils are old school fun and no two are the same. £5 each from www.muddypuddles.com

Whether you are a friend or foe of the little green brassica, this 100-piece puzzle is perfect for an after-dinner family challenge. Brussel Sprouts jigsaw, £3.99 from Robert Dyas, www.robertdyas.co.uk Bring a ping to bicycle or scooter handlebars to let them know you’re coming through. Retro bells with six colours to choose from. £7.99, www.electrabike.com

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Twelve double-sided, hand-drawn London characters just waiting to be coloured in, complete with colouring pencils and background scene. £8.99, one in a range from the award-winning Carddies company, www.carddies.com.

A Ginger Lovers’ Hamper - yum! Filled with winter-warming ginger beer, stem ginger oaty biscuits, preserve, fruitcake and fudge - or opt for the Salted Caramel version. £17.99 from www.dobbies.com Inspire amateur photographers with this stunning Wild Planet Photographer of the Year book, featuring 80 of the most beautiful wildlife photographs ever taken. £14.99 from the Natural History Museum, www.nhmshop.co.uk

Little Rockerz decibel-limited children’s headphones, with interchangeable ear caps and five flavours: dragon, bear, bunny, princess, and unicorn. Rrp £19.99 from stockists including John Lewis and Amazon

Pick out your luggage on the carousel with a quirky stretch CaseSkinz cover. Add names, images or text for personalisation. Shredding optional. From £14.99, www.britishmade.gifts

... and if you’re still out of ideas, let them choose. One4all ‘With Love from Santa’ gift cards are redeemable in over 55,000 stores nationwide. From £10 in post office branches or personalise yours online at www.one4all.com

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C HR IS T M AS S TAR T S H ERE

Ding dong merrily on high (streets) Pick it up, read the label, try it on - you can’t beat the experience of a real shop, particularly when that knowledgeable, smiley person behind the till is likely to be the owner.

Southeast London is a collection of characteristic high streets filled with cracking independent stores. Take a stroll, break for coffee and a mince pie, and be inspired by what’s on offer: TOYSHOPS

BOOKSHOPS

Art Stationers and Toyshop 31 Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 5938 Gently Elephant 169 Brockley Road SE4, 020 8692 2881, www.gentlyelephant.co.uk Just Williams 105 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8299 3444, www.justwilliamstoys.com Just Williams 226 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5355, www.justwilliamstoys.com Papagaio 45 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8653 1070, www.papagaioworld.com Wigwam Toys & Gifts 109 Rosendale Road SE21, 020 8676 4815

Beckenham Bookshop 42 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 9744, www.beckenhambooks.com Bookseller Crow on The Hill 50 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19 020 8771 8831, www.booksellercrow.co.uk Dulwich Books 6 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE19, 020 8670 1920, www.dulwichbooks.co.uk Moon Lane Books 300 Stanstead Road, Forest Hill SE23 1DE, 020 3489 7030, www.moonlaneink.co.uk Rye Books 47 North Cross Road, East Dulwich SE22, 020 3581 1850, www.ryebooks.co.uk Small Print Bookshop 37 St David’s Road, Forest Hill SE23, www.smallprint-online.com Tales on Moon Lane 25 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24 9JU, 020 7274 5759, www.talesonmoonlane.co.uk Village Books 1d Calton Avenue, Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 2808, www.village-books.co.uk

Greenwich Office 8th Floor, 6 Mitre Passage, Greenwich, London, SE10 0ER

12 Families South East

GREAT GIFTS Alexandra Nurseries 56b Parish Lane, Penge SE20, 020 8778 4145, www.alexandranurseries.co.uk Bunka 4 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8291 4499 Cissy Wears 210 Hither Green Lane SE13, 020 8852 8687, www.cissywears.com Dulwich Trader 9-11 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21, 020 8761 3457, www.rigbyandmac.com Jumping Bean 45 Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8314 4747, www.facebook.com/JumpingBeanShop Jumping Bean 47 High Street Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5889, www.facebook.com/JumpingBeanShop Melange Chocolate Shop, 2 Maxted Road Peckham SE15, 07722 650 711. www.themelange.com Ollie and Dollie Baby Shop, 242 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 3489 8400, www.ollieanddolllie.com Ottie and the Bea Blackheath Royal Standard, 12 Old Dover Road SE3, 020 8465 5318, www.ottieandthebea.com Smash Bang Wallop 40 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8771 5517, www.smashbangwallop.co.uk South of the River 240 High Street, Beckenham BR3, 020 8658 4672, www.southoftheriver.co.uk

Blackheath Office Grant Saw House, 8 Tranquil Passage, Blackheath Village, London, SE3 0BJ

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The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or head to their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Ah, the festive season approacheth. As doth our dread. Just as we get used autumn, it is snatched away and replaced with panic. Oh for the olden times when the tinsel didn’t go up until the week before and on the big day, the simplest way to stop grandma forever changing the telly to ITV was to secretly remove the batteries from the remote control. Now, it is the loooong run up and sheer complexity of the event that gives us vapours. Luckily, as the celebrations begin earlier, the TV options become more myriad and the food and drink get fancier, one truism has prevailed across the decades: a book makes the easiest and best gift. We’ve got this, team.

ALPHABET STREET Jonathan Emmett & Ingela P. Arrhenius - Nosy Crow rrp £12.99. Starting with teeniest first, this is a big ole lift-the-flapper to introduce curious toddlers to their ABCs with a funky fold-out high street boasting the kind of retail therapy we all need. Afterall, who wouldn’t want to spend their money at ‘Incredible Jokes’ or ‘Uptown Vacuums?’ But we aren’t finished yet: once the shopping is done, you can magically reverse the street to reveal a park with swings and slides. Heaven in a board book.

MAYBE THE MOON by Frances Ives - O’Mara rrp £6.99. We were fortunate to have the skill of this wonderful writer-illustrator literally all over our shop window when she recreated the story of little Eric’s move from the forest to the city in giant size on the glass. Whatever changes there are in life, the moon remains sentinel, the ultimate decoration if you like.

LOOK by Fiona Woodcock - Greenwillow rrp £12.99.

And if her spray stencil style seems familiar, that is because this equally talented author has also graced our window in the past. This time the party theme takes a little thought. What do blooms and balloons, bamboo-munching pandas and baboons, bathtime shampoos and bedtime books all have in common?

The clue is in the title and in the author’s name. Just use your mince pies.

ELVIS THE SQUIRREL by Tony Bradman Bloomsbury rrp £4.99. One of a brilliant new series of Early Readers featuring the cream of kids’ writers that have been “reviewed by literacy experts” - not me, then - and are “phonetically decodable” - asks an expert if this is actually a word. But they look lots of fun and I’m certain Santa won’t mind smuggling a few into the odd stocking or two.

There’s also sackload of fiction out there this year for growing readers with new books from heavyweights such as Jeff Kinney, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MELTDOWN book 53 sorry - 13, and MY MUM TRACY BEAKER from the hardest working bookwriter in showbiz, Jacqueline Wilson. Also Garth Nix returns with HAVE SWORD, WILL TRAVEL about a reluctant knight and INKLING is Kenneth Oppel’s latest about a drawing that comes to life.

Personally my chocolate money is on

THE AFTERWARDS by Fizzlebert Stump’s creator A.F. Harrold, illustrated by the reliably upbeat Emily Gravett.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee and Fred Fordham - Heinemann rrp £16.99. For slightly older readers, the compelling modern classic is retold here as a gorgeous graphic novel, a clever development worthy of Scout herself.

DEAD LIFE by Joan Urgell - Titan rrp £17.99. And how about a little light horror in comic form for the bolshy teen in your life who prefers to be upstairs immersed in a zombie epidemic that begins with the smallest of forbidden sips of a drink served up at the grandparents’ house, than be downstairs actually meeting the metaphorical festive eye of the family.

WHAT WOULD BOUDICCA DO? by E. Foley & B. Coates - Faber rrp £9.99. In the non-fiction for teens dept, we are turning the tables for the female of the species by declaring that there is only so much underestimation a girl can take, when history proves the rule that sisters can indeed do it for themselves.

ALL ABOARD THE VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

by Emily Hawkins and Tom Adams - Wide Eyed Editions rrp £14.99. I’m loving this new publishing craze for big books. This one is also interactive in the analogue sense, with bits to lift and clues to follow as we travel the globe to learn about all sorts of communications cleverness from papyrus to pencil lead, from semaphore to airmail. Flaps flags frantically with delight!

THE FAMOUS FAMILY TREES by Kari Hauge Frances Lincoln rrp £12.99. An ancestral primer with dense foliage linking relationships in dynastic groupings such as the Tudors, the Godwin-Shelleys, the Brontes and the Kennedys. As for the breadth of achievement in evidence, it’s hard to reconcile our present day media obsession with the Kardashians given this branch-by-branch account of the breathtaking cultural influence of the Medicis. In further contrast, when we delved into the Crow family tree expecting actors, writers and artists, we found nowt but lowly dockside porters pretty much all the way back to Domesday. That’ll learn us.

CURIOSITY, THE STORY OF A MARS ROVER

by Marcus Motum - Walker rrp £9.99. One of the scientific wonders of recent times, here’s the extraordinary tale of how we - in the royal sense, obviously - somehow succeeded in putting intelligence on the red planet. How is it that the human race can produce something this impressive, yet can’t figure out how to get a train to London Bridge on time?

Dr MAGGIE’S GRAND TOUR OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock - O’Mara rrp £12.99. This interesting, giggling, colossally smart scientist is an inspiration to us all. Not to mention being brilliant at explaining the mysteries of the

universe. Just put her in charge of clearing everything else up please, including Southern Rail and Brexit.

MAPS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM by Rachel Dixon - Wide Eyed Editions rrp £16.99. While we are in the business of muddling along ineffectively, we might just as well examine our national belly-button. In the same vein as the superbly engrossing 50 Cities and 50 States, we have a huge shire-by-shire heritage guide to all the characters, quirks and idiosyncrasies of our supremely daft nation.

LETTERS TO CHANGE THE WORLD, edited by Travis Elborough - Ebury rrp £14.99. Moving on to the so called grown-ups of our collective household, this is an absorbing anthology noting that major pioneering swerves in human progression occurred because the likes of Wilberforce, Pankhurst and Martin Luther King spoke up against the clamour of conformity. There are quieter letters too: Armistead Maupin to his ‘mama’ and Alice Walker’s to Barak Obama on his election. Clearly we all have a lot more corresponding to do.

A LITTLE BOOK OF LATIN FOR GARDENERS

by Peter Parker - Little Brown Books rrp £12.99. No, not that one silly. Though granted if Spiderman was the one doing your weeding, the kids would be out in a trice to help out. Also, the perfect gift for the supinus in your life.

THE MOTHER OF ALL JOBS by Christine Armstrong - Green Tree rrp £12.99. Garnering the wisdom of experience, and absolutely jettisoning the gloss on parenthood presented by the mindbogglingly privileged spouting their “POV” on social media, we are party to a different take on the exhausting reality of working and parenting. That it is possible.

That rollocking yourself and the partner and the snappers isn’t wholly unusual. Though I doubt very much Kim comes home after a hard day’s Instagramming to have a dig at Kanye for watching Hey Duggee all afternoon with little Penge West instead of unloading the dishwasher.

COMPLETELY PERFECT by Felicity Cloake Penguin rrp £12.99. For the sake of peace in the kitchen the Guardian cookery writer has taken it upon herself to settle many an argument here, whether it is the rights or wrongs of adding cream to carbonara (guaranteed to send Him Behind the Counter into his favourite John McEnroe YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS frenzy), or how to produce the best ever Christmas Pudding - rum, brandy or sherry for that ideal squidgy texture? Take an extra tip from me: go for all three and guaranteed nobody eating it will be conscious enough to care. You’ll thank me for that in the end!

Happy holiday dear friends, and see you on the other side.

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk Twitter @booksellercrow www.booksellercrow.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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ROBINSON CRUSOE

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D I AR Y DAT ES FO R G RO WNUPS BABY TO TODDLER SHOW 17 + 18 November, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway E16 1XL, www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk Some of the biggest and most loved baby and toddler brands on the market all under one roof, ranging from high street names to boutique brands. The show has exclusive show offers, demonstrations, child-friendly entertainment zones and facilities.

Open 10am-5pm daily.

MUM2MUM MARKET NEARLY NEW SALES 24 November, 2-4pm at St Hilda’s Church Hall, Coutrai Road SE23 1PL, and 1 December, 3-5pm at Christchurch Priory, 229 Eltham High Street SE9 1TX, www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Top quality preloved baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and equipment at bargain prices. Admission £2 adults, children free.

BEAUTIFUL & USEFUL

SYDENHAM GARDEN WINTER FAIR

18 November, THE GARDEN MUSEUM 5 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7LB, 020 7401 8865, www.gardenmuseum.org.uk Beautiful & Useful offers the chance to buy from some of Britain’s best designer-makers in the fields of ceramics, wood, willow, metalwork and more, and to find out about their work and practice.

With around 25 exhibitors in total, it’s the ideal opportunity to find that perfect Christmas present for a friend or loved one - or to treat yourself. Open Sunday to Friday 10.30am-5pm, tickets £5 include entrance to the museum’s collections (normally £10).

24 November, SYDENHAM GARDEN RESOURCE CENTRE, 28A Wynell Road SE23 2LW, www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk A fun, festive fundraising event offering a gift stall, hot food, refreshments, cakes and children’s activities. 11am-3pm.

IDEAL HOME SHOW CHRISTMAS 21-25 November, OLYMPIA, Hammersmith Road W14 8UX, www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk Indulge in the festivities, catch expert demonstrations and tick off the Christmas list with a spot of shopping. Back for its 8th magical year, London’s most celebrated seasonal home event has the ultimate Christmas all wrapped up with home, gifts, decorations, pets, winter travel and free access to the trendy Eat & Drink Festival all on the festive agenda. Adult tickets from £11 prebooked, from £14 on the door, children free.

BIG XMAS DISCO BALL 1 December at STANLEY HALLS, 12 South Norwood Hill SE25 6AB, and 8 December at BLACKHEATH HALLS, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ, 0796 716 3247, www.haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk HSDY’s hugely popular Disco Balls feature DJ Da’Lynne spinning 70s and 80s soul, funk and disco classics, dance line-ups to get everyone into the groove, free retro sweets and ice pops & glitter face-painting. Perfect for a birthday celebration, or Xmas get together for friends or colleagues. 7.30pm - midnight, tickets £15 in advance, £18 on the door.

T H E AT RE S HO W S & PANT OS GREENWICH THEATRE

THE SNOWMAN

Crooms Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk ROBINSON CRUSOE, 23 November - 13 January, Set sail to Greenwich Theatre this Christmas for a swashbuckling panto Robinson Crusoe! Starring panto favourite Andrew Pollard, this year’s offering is a action-packed adventure awash with pirates, romance, exotic creatures and songs-a-plenty! Hit the high seas with Robinson as he battles the wicked Pirate Queen to find the lost gold. Tickets from £15.

KNITMAS: A WINTER YARN, 4 -30 December. LongSleeves is a jumper. His jumpery arms aren’t the right size and they aren’t the same length. One Christmas he was unwrapped, thrown aside and forgotten and he’s been alone ever since. Every Christmas he decorates a tree in the forest of Odds and Bods but this year, maybe he won’t have to do it alone. Take a sideways look at what really makes Christmas special in SharkLegs’ latest adventure set in a mischievous and magical world, with a workshop before the show. Ages 4+, tickets £8.50 children, £13.50 adults.

22 November - 6 January, THE PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street WC2A 2HT, 020 7863 8222, www.peacocktheatre.com Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see The Snowman! This enchanting stage show of Raymond Briggs’ classic book, The Snowman, tells the story of a boy and his magical snowman’s wintery wonderland adventure. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied journey to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, Ice Princess, Father Christmas and escape the clutches of Jack Frost. With music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including Walking in the Air, choreography by Robert North and directed by Bill Alexander, The Snowman stage show has become a much-loved festive tradition.

Ruari Murchison’s enchanting design combined with Tim Mitchell’s spectacular lighting delight young and old alike with a captivating mix of dance, live music, storytelling, spectacle and magic.

LITTLE ANGEL STUDIOS

221 Havil Street, Camberwell SE5 7SD, 020 7708 5401, www.theatrepeckham.co.uk ROBIN HOOD: THE ARROW OF DESTINY, 4-22 December.

Forget the legends, forget the stories, this Robin Hood is real. Find out if Robin, Marian and the Merry Men can defeat the evil Sheriff and bring a merry Christmas to the people of Nottingham. New artistic director Suzann McLean brings together seasoned professionals alongside students from Theatre Peckham in a festive treat for all the family, packed with action, adventure, songs and comedy. Tickets £7 children and concs, £12 adults, £32 families.

Sebbon Street Community Centre, Sebbon Street N1 2EH, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com FINDING SANTA, 16 November - 24 December. Have you ever wondered how letters for Santa Claus get to the North Pole? What if something went wrong along the way; and how will Santa’s elves make sure his mail is delivered on time? This comical new adventure is filled with quirky and magical puppet characters, where the audience help decide how the story unfolds. Ages 3-8, tickets £11.50 children, £13.50 adults; all tickets £5 at 5pm on Fridays.

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THEATRE PECKHAM

ROBIN HOOD

THE ALBANY Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk THE CHIT CHAT CHALK SHOW, 18 November. Follow Kiko, a confused young girl, struggling to understand how she feels about the strange new world she lives in. With the help of her quirky friends, she embarks upon a quest to discover the mixture of emotions and colours that make her unique. 1 and 3pm, Ages 3+, tickets £7, family tickets £24.

PINOCCHIO, 2-29 December. Jaw dropping circus, hilarious puppets, and a magical set and soundtrack combine in this new look at this well-known story. Pinocchio is full of the type of fun, mischief and magic that normally only happens when grown-ups turn their backs for a second. Selected performances are relaxed, audio described, and are BSL interpreted. Ages 3+, tickets £12, families £34.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7845 0580, www.unicorntheatre.com PHILIP PULLMAN’S GRIMM TALES, 13 November - 6 January.

A most delicious selection of Philip Pullman’s favourite fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, re-told and re-worked for this Christmas.

Enter a world of powerful witches, enchanted forest creatures, careless parents and fearless children as they embark on adventures full of magic, gore, friendship, and bravery. Ages 8 - adult, tickets from £12.

READY STEADY COLOUR’S CHRISTMAS FEAST, 15-27 December. Take a seat in a make-believe Christmas restaurant, choose your ‘food’ and colour it in. And while you’re decorating your plate with cranberry red paint, salt and pepper glitter and bread sauce glue, the restaurant’s waiting staff will entertain you with comedy, music and storytelling. A Line Art’s Anna Bruder has developed a huge following for her unique brand of interactive art and musical theatre shows where children and adults take part together. Ages 3 to adult, tickets £12.

ROOM ON THE BROOM 23 November - 13 January, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7ES, 0330 333 4812, www.tallstories.org.uk/room-on-the-broom Room on the Broom returns to its West End home for a limited run this Christmas. Renowned theatre company Tall Stories has adapted Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling book in an Olivier Award nominated production which tells the story of a friendly witch, her cat and three loveable animals who take to the skies on a broom and face a fearsome dragon in a magical, musical adventure. With enchanting puppetry, original sing-along songs and fun, this production is ideal for families with children aged three and up. Tickets from £15.

DEPTFORD LOUNGE 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ, www.thealbany.org.uk MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN VALLEY, 25 November. Open a book and discover a world where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and take an unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful. Expect snow, surprises and plenty of Moomin mischief! 11am, 1 and 3pm, Ages 3+, tickets £7, family tickets £24.

CANADA WATER THEATRE 21 Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR, 020 7525 2931, www.thealbany.org.uk A PAIR OF PANTOS, 21+22 December. A Pair of Pantos is a transpositive, all-gender-inclusive, queer pantomime mash-up for all the family and all families. Follow the twists and turns, laughs and loopholes, confusions and connections of a fizzy and funny fight for family, identity and fairness. Ages 7+, tickets £12, families £34.

THE SNOW QUEEN 7-9 and 13-15 December, THE OLD FIRE STATION, 2a West Norwood High Street SE27 9NS, 07701 055 602, www.ticketsource.co.uk/slt South London Theatre presents ‘The Snow Queen’ as a traditional pantomime for all the family, filled with wonder, music and festive cheer.

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We need you

to foster

Right now there is a shortage of foster carers in our area and we have children who need a caring, nurturing, stable home.

You can apply to be a Foster Carer if you: • Are single, married or in a same sex relationship • Employed or unemployed, self employed • Are flexible and have the ability to care for children with a range of different needs • Have good support networks • Have a spare bedroom in your house • Have an ability to work with professionals • Are over the age of 21 years (there is no upper age limit)

PINOCCHIO - THE ALBANY

A PAIR OF PANTOS

THE OLD VIC

call: 020 8778 9669

The Cut, Waterloo SE1 8NB, 0844 871 7628, www.oldvictheatre.com A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 27 November - 19 January. Follow the adventures of the wicked Ebenezer Scrooge as four ghosts transport him to the past, present and future during a life-changing night-time visit. Will the ghosts manage to make him change his ways? Filling the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment, Matthew Warchus’ unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story for everyone aged 8+. Tickets from £12.

CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING WITH MICHAEL ROSEN, 15 December. Settle in for a cosy morning of festive storytelling as much-loved children’s author and poet Michael Rosen reads from Bah! Humbug! and Unexpected Twist: An Oliver Twisted Tale, his unforgettable retellings of two timeless Dickens classics. There will also be the chance to get your very own book signed at the end. 11am, ages 8+, tickets £12 adults, £6 children.

www.fosteringsupportgroup.com Email: fsginfo@fosteringsupportgroup.com

BLACKHEATH HALLS 22 Lee Road SE3 9RQ, 020 8463 0100, www.blackheathhalls.com THE FROG AND THE PRINCESS, 17 November. What happens when a princess deems a frog unworthy of being her friend? This humorous retell of the classic Brother’s Grimm story explores the idea of meeting and misunderstanding of different cultures. As the Frog and the Princess undergo a journey from rejection to friendship, they discover that deep down they’re not so very different after all.

Ages 4-8, 11am and 3pm, tickets £8.50.

3 LITTLE PIG TALES, 24 November. A brand new version of the classic tale of the Three Little Pigs set in Paris! A grumpy old wolf is a chef who wants some pigs’ tails for his soup. Will the pigs outwit the wolf and what kind of house will they build? This funny, warm-hearted and interactive rustic tale will make you ‘squeal’ with laughter. Ages 3-7, 11am and 3pm, tickets £8.50.

We offer: • A dedicated supervising team member • A generous weekly allowance • Two weeks paid respite • Ongoing training • Monthly support Text ‘foster’ to group meetings • Out of hours support plus much more

81222

MYCENAE HOUSE 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 7SE, 020 8858 1749 www.mycenaehouse.co.uk SLEEPING BEAUTY, 24 November. Let’s All Dance present their own production of the much-loved ballet. Dazzling dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring this glittering classical ballet to life for family audiences. 1 and 3pm, tickets £12.

Based on the bestselling book by

LONGFIELD HALL

LIVE ON STAG E Room on the Broom © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2001

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

50 Knatchbull Road, Camberwell SE5 9QY, 020 7978 9153, www.longfieldhall.org.uk YOUTH JAM, 30 November. Jam Arts provide professional support to develop young people’s artistic skills; and Youth Jam is a cabaret of dance, song, music and spoken word showcasing a wealth of local young talent. Ages 12+, 7.30pm, all tickets £5.

THE RED BALLOON, 15+16 December. The Red Balloon tells the story of a small boy’s friendship with a balloon. Using long-string wood-carved marionettes and accompanied by specially commissioned music, this spell-binding show transports children and adults alike into the poignant world of the puppet characters. Ages 3+, 11am and 4.30pm, tickets from £5.

SNOW WHITE AT THE PALLADIUM 8 December - 13 January, THE LONDON PALLADIUM, Argyll Street W1F 7TF, www.snowwhitepalladium.com Dawn French makes her pantomime debut alongside returning London Palladium pantomime royalty Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot, joined by Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent & Flavia. Snow White will feature all the sparkle, scale and spectacle London has come to expect from the West End’s most lavish festive production in a show packed full of laughter, music, special effects and theatrical magic. Tickets from £29.50.

23 NOV – 13 JAN BOOK TODAY roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

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13 - 30 December, LONDON COLISEUM, St Martin’s Lane WC2N 4ES, 020 7845 9600, www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring to life the popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. To coincide with Nutcracker, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events including on-stage workshops for all ages, Live Drawing, Family Events, and behind-the-scenes talks. The Family Friendly performance of Nutcracker is on Sunday 30 December, 2pm. Children under 5 may attend this performance and up to two children under 16 can go free with each full paying adult.

PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE 8 December - 6 January, THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, 18 Suffolk Street SW1Y 4HT, 020 7930 8800, www.peppapiglive.com Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunch-boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and her friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, laughter and live music. Ages 3+, tickets from £12.

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3 LITTLE PIG TALES

SLEEPING BEAUTY

CHURCHILL THEATRE

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE

High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA, 020 3285 6000, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL, 9-24 November. Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. With help from the Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, the larger-than-life Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well! From the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this production promises stunning visual puppetry and fun for all the family.

CINDERELLLA, 1-31 December. Audiences shall go to the ball this Christmas as Cinderella transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very Ugly Sisters, and with the help of her hilarious friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. ‘Birds of a Feather’ star Lesley Joseph leads the cast of this year’s spectacular pantomime which promises a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.

THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT, 8-21 December. Join the two old friends by the fireside as they reminisce over memories of their travels. Since they sailed away in their pea green boat they have visited far flung places, playing their songs together. Adapted from Edward Lear’s classic poem, this is a warm, musical journey down memory lane with a touch of silliness this Christmas.

Suitable for ages 2+, tickets from £10.

6 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX, 020 77134 2222, www.leicestersquaretheatre.com CHILDREN’S MAGIC WORKSHOPS, 24 November, Once a month the Museum of Comedy is transformed into the Museum of Magic. Magicians from the prestigious London Magic Circle and West End Magic present an unforgettable afternoon for children and families alike. Discover the basics of magic and learn tricks using everyday objects which are supplied and you get to keep!

At the end of each workshop the children are encouraged to perform for the group and the parents as part of a mini-show, and invited to stay on for a one-hour West End Magic show. Ages 7-13, tickets £15.

STICK MAN, until 6 January. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Tickets from £16.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7845 0580, www.unicorntheatre.com HUDDLE, 13 November - 6 January. During the long, cold winter, Mr Penguin carefully guards his egg. Now this new dad needs to look after his newly born chick on his own and he’s not feeling confident. How will father and baby work it out together? This is a heart-warming tale about a child and parent learning how to thrive in spite of the odds. Ages 2-5, tickets from £12.

PULLMAN’S GRIMM TALES, 13 November - 6 January. A delicious selection of Philip Pullman’s favourite fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, retold and re-worked for this Christmas. Enter a world of powerful witches, enchanted forest creatures, careless parents and fearless children as they embark on adventures full of magic, gore, friendship, and bravery.

NUTCRACKER - ENB

PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE

SNOW BALL, 22 December. Show off your best fancy dress and learn dance moves to seasonal hits at this winter ball, featuring games and festive fun for all the family. Those who want to show off their costumes can join in with the Penguin Parade, a People’s Catwalk with a festive twist.

CIRCUS 1903, 19 December - 5 January at the Royal Festival Hall. Fresh from the Paris Theatre in Las Vegas, larger-than-life African elephant puppets join a huge cast of the most unique, jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe in this turn-of-the-century circus spectacular. From acrobats to contortionists, jugglers to trapeze, high wire performers and much more, this show will amaze, captivate, and transport audiences of all ages to the mesmerising Golden Age of circus.

Tickets from £25.

KIDS’ COUNTDOWN, 31 January. Families are invited to start their New Year revels early at this countdown party for kids. Those too little to stay up until midnight are welcome to start the celebration early and with all the same ingredients: a countdown clock, confetti cannon and the familiar tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, this will be a New Year’s Eve to remember. 11.30am, free.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE SOUTHBANK SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER, 2 December. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the UK’s number one picture book pair, present a festive sing-a-long show for families - with songs, stories and live drawing. This special event will particularly celebrate the much-loved Zog story, ahead of the animated Zog special coming to BBC One this Christmas. Ages 6+, tickets from £7.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN, 13 December - 6 January. A groundbreaking theatrical spectacle that is anything but traditional: wonder at the visually stunning costumes, hyper-modern set and larger-than-life characters and delve into a fantastical world, fizzing with fun and laughs. Ages 8+, tickets from £20.

CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS, 15 December. Kick off the day in The Clore Ballroom with guest poets and artists performing pieces about the holidays in the islands and celebrating West Indian traditions in the UK and abroad. After 3pm the tempo is pumped up in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer for a party - Caribbean style.

From noon, free.

WINTER GATHERING, 16 December. Take along the special people in your life and share in performances, stories and music with a range of communities from around the city, in a day of activities to celebrate the family.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com ANGELO, 22 November - 30 December. Angelo and his family travel round the country playing music, singing songs and performing marvellous balancing tricks: Angelo can even dance on a rope! So when he meets Angelina, who is sad and lonely and trapped in her mean uncle’s house, Angelo knows just how to help... First performed to packed audiences in 1974, Angelo has remained one of the company’s most popular productions.

Quentin Blake’s witty and energetic drawings are delightfully interpreted as table-top puppets manipulated by some of the UK’s finest puppeteers. Ages 5-11, tickets £13 children, £15 adults, £52 adults.

CBEEBIES’ THUMBELINA LIVE From 15 December, VARIOUS CINEMAS, www.cbeebieschristmasshow.com CBeebies’ favourite personalities are lined up to star in a unique adaptation of the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, Thumbelina. Produced by awarding winning BBC Children’s In House Productions, the show will deliver a colourful sing-along spectacle of music, dance and action packed comedy with a generous smattering of goodies and baddies. In addition, cinema-goers will see an exclusive show, “Justin’s Countdown to Christmas” starring the much-loved Justin Fletcher (Something Special).

M U SEUM S A ND E VE NT S THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London, an animal corner, a butterfly house, and a Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning.

YOUTH LATE, 18 November. The Horniman Youth Panel is back for another museum takeover featuring live bands, DJs, photobooth and more. Organised by young people, for young people aged 14-19, this event is not to be missed. 7-10pm, arrive early to get a free limited edition wristband.

CHRISTMAS MARKET, 30 November, 1 + 2 December. The Museum is filled with stalls and products by independent sellers, local designers and makers, following a special opening from 5.30-9.30pm on Friday evening with mulled wine and music.

10am-5.30pm Sat and Sun, admission free.

THE SNOW QUEEN STORYTELLING, 15 + 16 December.

Enjoy a storytelling performance of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale of The Snow Queen. In this seasonal fairy tale meet Gerda, Kal and the Snow Queen on a wintry journey to Lapland.

With song and puppetry by Sandal Sticks Theatre. Adults £1, children £5.

familiesonline.co.uk

XINGU VILLAGE, 15 + 16 December. Visit an immersive installation about the daily life of the Kuikuro people of the Xingu, an indigenous community of around 400 people from the very heart of the Brazilian Amazon region. This exciting experimental experience brings together the most advanced augmented reality and video mapping technologies with the ancestral rituals of the Xingu territories. 10am-5.30pm, free.

BLACKHEATH HALLS FAMILY DAY 1 December, BLACKHEATH HALLS, 22 Lee Road SE3 9RQ, 020 8463 0100, www.blackheathhalls.com Blackheath Halls throws open its doors for a day the whole family can enjoy. With a variety of activities on offer from story telling to the annual Festive Family Sing-A-Long, gospel to Taiko drumming, there’s something for everyone! 11am start, admission free.

THE POSTAL MUSEUM 15-20 Phoenix Place WC1X 0DA, 0300 0300 700, www.postalmuseum.org For more than 75 years, Mail Rail was a vital part of Britain’s communications network, carrying post along its own underground network, hidden from view beneath the streets of London. Journey back in time through the original tunnels and station platforms under Mount Pleasant to explore the surprising and fascinating story of the first social network. From a jam-packed programme of free workshops and a dedicated playspace, The Postal Museum is a fascinating, family-friendly destination. Open 10am-5pm daily.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays.

Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

CHRISTMAS ELF EARS, 16 December. Get ready for Christmas fun by creating your own festive elf ears. 4-4.45pm, ages 5+, free.

A MUSICAL FAIRY TALE, 16 December. Follow the journey of a little elf from European folklore. Join accordion and piano duo Duoende for a magical melodic adventure, exploring music from many different genres, from classical to folk. 3pm start, free with museum admission.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT, 020 7730 0717, www.nam.ac.uk The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. Through its collections the museum preserves and shares stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities; exploring the role of the army and its relevance today. Free children’s trails cover a wide range of topics and suit a variety of age groups. Open 10am 5.30pm, admission free.

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DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL

RUMPELSTILTSKIN

CIRCUS 1903

MoreWhat’sOn KIDS IN MUSEUMS TAKEOVER DAY, 22 November. ‘Kids in Museums’ takeover days feature a multitude of creative activities for young families. Storytelling, craft and rhyme-time sessions are inspired by animals of the First World War. They are devised and run by local primary school children. Explore the galleries where the children will be hosting these interactive sessions throughout the day. Under 5s with parents and carers, 10.15am-2.15pn, free drop-in.

FIRST WORLD WAR ANIMAL CRAFTS, 24 November. Did you know that animals played a vital part in the First World War? From horses and camels to dogs and pigeons, learn more about the different animals that served and the important jobs they did.

Make your own ‘Top Trumps’ cards. Which animal will come out on top? Create your own paper animal puppet to take home. From 10.30am and 2pm, free drop-in.

CHRISTMAS TRUCE CARTOON FAMILY WORKSHOPS, 23, 27 and 28 December. Learn how to create your own drawing of the 1914 Christmas Truce, inspired by WW1 cartoons in the museum’s collection. Free.

PLAY BASE, daily. Whether your child wants to take on the soft play assault course, climb aboard a truck or prepare scoff in the cookhouse, Play Base lets every child shine. Ages 0-8, £4.50 per child for an hour-long session.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 48 Doughty Street WC1N 2LX, 020 7405 2127, www.dickensmuseum.com Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £9 adults, £4 children. A visit to the Museum includes a free family trail for each child. Suitable for children between 4 and 12 years, the trail takes children on a journey of discovery through No. 48 Doughty Street, where Dickens once lived with his wife and young family.

Exploration of the basement reveals a wonderful Victorian kitchen, full of period and replica items you can interact with. Try your hand at grinding coffee and look out for resident hedgehog, Bill Spikes!

There are costumes for dressing up in both the kitchen and the attic to give a flavour of what life was like upstairs and down. There is even a beautiful Victorian toy theatre in the timeline room where you can put on your own play.

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org The Museum of Fulham Palace charts the long history of the palace site, from Prehistoric times and Roman settlement, through Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian bishops to the present day. The museum collection includes paintings, archaeology and artefacts. Open noon-4pm Sundays, 12.30-3.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, admission free.

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB, 17 November. Explore the wealth of archaeology at the palace and discover the past through investigating artefacts and exploring the world around you. Ages 8-16, 10.30am-12.15pm.

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING, 30 November and 1 December. Have a go at making your own Christmas wreath with Jo Sherren of F. Bombe, a contemporary floristry business with ethical sourcing at its heart.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT, 9 December. Held in the Victorian Chapel, this concert features the Fulham Children’s Choir leading favourite Christmas songs that both young and old will enjoy. 3-4pm.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

18 Families South East

HORNIMANS MUSEUM - CHRISTMAS MARKET

FESTIVE FAMILY RAVE, 29 December. Big Fish Little Fish comes to the V&A with their unique combination of rave music, crafting, fancy dress and intergenerational merry-making. 2-4pm, tickets from £8, book first.

BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games.

10.30am-5pm.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

LEE GREEN OPEN STUDIOS

INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES, every weekend. Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily work. Drop-in, ages 3-11, 11am-5pm.

LIFE IN THE DARK, until 6 January 2019. From the dead of night, to the darkest caves and into the deepest oceans, there is undiscovered life in the dark. Explore the extraordinary diversity of animals that survive and thrive in a world without light in a family-friendly exhibition that delves into the darkest corners of earth to reveal a vibrant, buzzing ecosystem as rich and diverse as any fuelled by sunlight. Under 16s admission free, adults £14 includes a donation.

DINO SNORES, once a month on Saturdays. Discover what really happens at the museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Children aged 7-11 years, from 7pm to 9.50am the following day. Tickets £60.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN, www.museumoflondon.org.uk It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit! Throughout December you can take a stroll through a twinkling Victorian Walk, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of carols in the distance, and discover Santa in his secret grotto. Once you’ve found him, tell Santa your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift plus the option of a photo to capture the moment. From £10 when booked in advance (includes gift).

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Find out more about London’s history, through displays covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm.

CHRISTMAS IN DECEMBER, 1-23 December. Snow has fallen, the decorations are up, carols are being sung; it can only mean one thing! Experience their Sailortown gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance. Find Santa in his grotto and receive a festive gift.

From £10 per child (includes gift).

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EVENTS, 15-23 December. Get into the Christmas spirit with a range of activities, including Freezing Frost Fairs, Fancy Fireworks, Sweet Celebrations, Handmade Holidays, Away at the Fair, Season’s Greetings and Paper Celebrations.

Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum houses dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME, until 22 April 2019. Enter an imaginary swashbuckling world of adventure and exploration from a moody coastal inn to a tropical treasure island in search of sparkling riches. This is the V&A Museum of Childhood’s first major exhibition to focus on fictional pirates and their influence in popular culture, featuring key loans from the V&A collections, including toys, games, books, real pirate coins and treasures and more, spanning over 300 years. At its heart, a large-scale pirate ship inspires learning through active play. Admission free.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers.

Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

THE GREAT EXPLORER is an interactive game for families.

Borrow a tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure. 11am-4pm, free.

CHARACTER ENCOUNTERS, Saturdays. Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm.

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £7 children, £13.50 adults, from £24 families.

Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

FESTIVE WEEKENDS, December weekends. Interactive pop-up performances explore all things festive, including how Victorian children entertained themselves on Christmas Day. 11am, 1 and 3pm.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR, 0345 084 0900, www.wbstudiotour.co.uk The Forbidden Forest may be strictly off-limits to Hogwarts students, but for the first time this March, visitors to Warner Bros.

Studio Tour London are invited to defy Professor Dumbledore’s orders and follow the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione deep into the grounds of the Forbidden Forest. The unique attraction offers visitors the ultimate chance to get up close to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series.

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ARKET

V&A MUSEUM - FESTIVE FAMILY RAVE

FULHAM PLACE

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD - A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME!

IC E SKAT ING SOMERSET HOUSE

TOWER OF LONDON

14 November - 13 January, SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2 1LA, www.somersethouse.org.uk

23 November - 6 January, TOWER OF LONDON,, St Katharine's & Wapping EC3N 4AB, www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london

CANARY WHARF 2 November - 16 February, CANADA SQUARE PARK, Canary Wharf E14 5AB, www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

ROOFTOP ICE RINK Until 6 January on the roof of JOHN LEWIS, 300 Oxford Street W1C 1DX, www.johnlewis.com/our-services/roof-garden

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Until 6 January, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, www.nhm.ac.uk

WINTERVILLE 15 November - 23 December, CLAPHAM COMMON SW4 9DE, www.winterville.co.uk

HYDE PARK 22 November - 6 January, WINTER WONDERLAND, Hyde Park W2 2UH, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

HAMPTON COURT PALACE 23 November - 6 January, HAMPTON COURT PALACE, Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace

CATHRINE HYDE EXHIBITION

A RT A CT IV IT IE S DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £8 adults. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

ART PLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, 15 + 16 December. An interactive ‘Horrible Histories’ workshop, exploring how Christmas was celebrated in the time of the Tudors, the Victorian era, and the Dark Ages. Be prepared to act out different scenes, sing silly songs, and have a horrible old time. Ages 4-12, six sessions each day, £15 per person.

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS CRAFTING, 15 + 16 December. What would a horrible Christmas be without some awful art making?

Drop into the Gallery to make the perfect ugly decoration for your tree. 10am-5pm, ages 4-12, £3 per child..

FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

CATHERINE HYDE EXHIBITION 10-28 November, FOSS FINE ART, 113b Northcote Road SW11 6PW, 020 7738 0838, www.fossfineart.com, www.catherinehyde.co.uk Silver Apples of the Moon is a stunning new collection of work by the renowned artist Catherine Hyde in Foss Fine Art’s newly refurbished gallery. The artist is well known for her richly atmospheric paintings and has been described as ‘a visual poet weaving images, symbols and archetypes into paintings that resonate in the subconscious and linger there like half remembered dreams’. The exhibition will feature original pieces of art, plus prints and cards for sale.

LEE GREEN OPEN STUDIOS 10-11 and 17-18 November in and around LEE GREEN, www.leegreenopenstudios.com For two weekends the streets buzz as this well-established arts community open their doors to visitors in homes, studios, galleries and community venues. There is a wide variety of work to enjoy and opportunities to pause for refreshments around the route.

Browse, chat and shop directly from the makers in their place of work. New for this year, the organisers have added a Children’s Art Trail - see the website for details. Noon-6pm each day.

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WOOLWICH CONTEMPORARY PRINT

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE

FAIR

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

22-25 November, Building 17, Cartridge Place, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 6ST, www.woolwichprintfair.com With over 250 specialist artists and exhibitors, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is the only fair in London to deal solely in contemporary printmaking, and the largest of its kind in the UK, set in the impressive former carriage factory at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. From etching and lithography, to woodblock and screen-printing, interactive demonstrations, workshops, and a programme of talks and tours, visitors of all ages will gain an insight into the practice of printmaking and what to look for when starting to build their own collection. Open 11am-5pm Thursday and Friday, 10am-6pm weekend, adults £7, concs £4.50.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org NEW ACQUISITIONS: GOZZOLI TO KARA WALKER, until 27 January. Over the past five years, the museum has acquired important prints and drawings from some of the world’s most famous artists. This new exhibition displays 150 rare works from artists including David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jeremy Deller, Raphael, Edgar Degas and Phyllida Barlow. Admission free.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free.

TAKEOVER DAY, 23 November. A celebration of children and young people’s contributions to museums, galleries, arts organisations, archives and heritage sites. Young curators from St Vincent’s Primary School will take charge of the Collection’s front of house and guiding duties for the day - let them greet you and take you on an interactive tour at 1pm.

GET CRACKING! 15 December, Join the Education team this festive season and make your own Christmas crackers inspired by the Wallace Collection. Free, drop-in, 11am-1pm.

SOMERSET HOUSE SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Art and culture in the heart of London in a stunning riverside setting. Open daily, admission free with a charge for some exhibitions. Free family workshops run on occasional Saturdays check the website for details. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

SKATE, until 13 January. The perfect destination for festive gatherings with ice skating, music and delicious food. The ever-popular Skate School and Polar Bear Club return this season, offering sessions with National Ice Skating Association instructors for visitors of any experience.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops and magic carpet storytellling for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

BABY JAZZ CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, 12 December. Swing and sing your way into Christmas in these jazz workshops, tailored for children aged 18 months plus with their grownups. 10.30, 11.45 and 1.30pm starts.

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THE CASTLE

24th November to 1st January

MEDIA PARTNER

This Christmas, Paddington™ and classic festive stories will be brought to life through illustrations in the magnificent Castle rooms.

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET Weekends from 24th November to 16th December Join us for our annual Christmas Market on the Cedar Lawn overlooking the Castle and discover an array of seasonal gifts, specialist food and drink and Father Christmas’ Reindeer in their stable. leeds-castle.com

SANTA’S GROTTO 24th & 25th November 1st – 24th December Take your little shopper to meet Santa in his Toy Workshop Grotto Book your visit at centraleandwhitgift.co.uk/grotto

20 Families South East

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Families South East Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan Website: www.familiesse.co.uk MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.ridgewaypress.co.uk

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