Families London SW Issue 213 Dec 2011

December 2011

Issue No. 212 ISSN 1354-9553

Est. 1990

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SouthWest FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

C h rist m y p as ap H Your local Christmas guide

Pantos, shows, Win exclusive fairs, workshops, £1,000 SHREK prize! see p 23 toy shops, Santa's grottos, etc…

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Picture credit: www.Oililyworld.com

Families SW – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London

Pottery Painting Studio Hand paint your own Christmas gifts, we have baubles, tree decorations & much more!

Silver Handprint Jewellery now available!

Capture your Baby’s Footprints forever, Parties for Birthday, Hen, Office & any get together Commissions, Gift Vouchers Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm 85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702 www.smartypaints.co.uk

Little Rascals Your local traditional toy shop for ages 0-6 Soft and wooden toys from brands including:

•Jellycat, •BigJigs, •John Crane, •Wheelybugs, •ShooShoos, •Grobags©, •Greeting Cards, and more!

Visit our enticing shop at 140 Merton Road South Wimbledon SW19 1EH 020 8542 9979 Open Tues to Sat 9-5.30 (Between Polka Theatre and South Wimbledon Tube)

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December 2011

Latest events and sales straight to your inbox!

Contents 04-05

Local news & information

06-07

Community Spirit Families takes a look at the green and ethical events and issues that are shaping where we live

Subscribe to our FREE What’s On email Newsletter To receive it go to

www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/

10-11

register4newsletter

DECEMBER 2011

6-7

Eco Schools

Empowering mum Support services for parents

12-13

He is hiding in just under 30 places

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SouthWest

Where is Santa?

14-15

The best local Christmas toyshops

Lapland

12-13

Families® South West All content ©Families 2011

www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Fax: 020 8696 9679 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Personal ads: personalads@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, whats on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

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Local gift ideas and traditional games for families

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Next issue: Jan/Feb 2012 Deadline: early December • “Families® South West” heads a group of magazines.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

• There are over 36 UK local editions with a print run of more than 600,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a big website… familiesonline.co.uk • MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas.

Read initial franchise information on the website or call.

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Tadley, Hants We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

Picture credit: www.Oililyworld.com

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December 2011

Christmas games: Dobble

Gift guide

The DOs and DON’Ts of a happy family Christmas Make it a happy one!

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COMPETITIONS

24-25

Activities during the Christmas holidays

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Help! where is my off switch?

24-25

Being busy mothering our children doesn’t mean forgetting to look after ourselves

28- 33

Husky sleigh rides – Wetlands Centre

What’s On • Christmas shows and Pantomimes • Christmas events and activities • Ice Rinks, • Exhibitions and museums.

BAC John Hegley

28-33 ®

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local news

compiled by Joanna Parry

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE

Knights, dragons and time-travel

Exciting NHS and private practice collaboration!

A groundbreaking venture in South West London has opened through a collaboration between the NHS and private practice. Rt Hon Justine Greening cut the ribbon for this exciting new project, which provides a variety of NHS and private medical services under one roof, enabling patients to receive treatment through an integrated approach. Located in central Putney, Putneymead Group Medical Practice has been formed from the merger of three long-established GP surgeries to become one of the largest NHS GP Practices in London, offering a variety of enhanced NHS services including counselling, travel vaccinations, blood tests, 24 hour blood pressure monitoring, ECG's, minor operations and contraception services. With osteopathy, physiotherapy and sports injury rehabilitation, they also offer services at the leading edge of sports medicine, plus, as part of the Putney Clinic, private practitioners of yoga, pilates, massage, hypnotherapy, chiropody and podiatry.

On top of this, Parkside Hospital will soon open ‘Parkside in Putney’, a dedicated suite of private consulting rooms with specialists including orthopaedic surgeons, gynaecologists, dermatologists, neurologists and paediatricians. These private services will all be available as part of an integrated approach to healthcare under one roof. For more information visit www.putneymead.co.uk For the Putney Clinic and private physical therapies services go to www.putneyclinic.co.uk Putneymead, 266 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TQ.

Spanish for kids New from January 2012: Spanish drop-off morning sessions start Thursday 12th January in Southfields for children aged 2 and a half to 4. Thursdays 9.30am – 12pm. Contact Cecilia on 020 8870 4624 or email todosacantar@hotmail.com www.todosacantar.blogspot.com

This term, children in Year 1 at Newton Prep in Battersea have been learning about the history of castles and knights, so you can imagine their excitement when they arrived at school one morning to learn that a knight was waiting for them! 'Sir Teachalot' took the children on a journey back into the medieval era where they built a castle, explored its features and then demolished it using a catapult. The children had the chance to adopt the role of a knight, jousting and battling, and setting off to rescue the princess from the clutches of the dangerous dragon. A wonderful day was had by all. www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

Streatham student sees the stars!

Thirteen year old Streatham & Clapham High School student, Elsa Wickes, was given the opportunity to star gaze during a 5-day course in Astronomy at Imperial College London. Elsa joined a group of students from around the world to take part in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine) World Summer School for Gifted and Talented Students. “It was such fun,” says Elsa. “I learnt so much, especially about the sun, and the course covered much more than just planets and moons. The visit to the Greenwich Royal Observatory was really good.” Streatham & Clapham High School is an independent junior and senior girls day school (3 – 18 years) with a mission to give girls a high quality academic education. www.schs.gdst.net

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Calling all primary schools!

Outstanding news

Join in the Jaffa Space Hoppers for Schools Competition, open to all primary schools across the UK. The competition is designed to get kids active, by incorporating space hoppers into their lessons. Register at www.jaffaspacehoppers.co.uk, with the first 120 schools receiving a pack of ten Jaffa space hoppers plus an entry pack. The challenge is to come up with the most exciting and inventive way to use space hoppers in lessons, with a prize of £1500 to the winning school to go towards school facilities or equipment. www.jaffaspacehoppers.co.uk.

Cavendish Lodge, the popular children's nursery in Streatham, has been awarded the highest rating of 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

Started by two local parents, Cavendish Lodge is only one of a handful of nurseries in Lambeth to win this coveted status. Set in a converted Victorian house in the heart of Streatham, the nursery looks after about 70 children, aged from 6 months - 5 years old.

“Parents, children and staff are all delighted with the award,” said manager Amber Edwards. www.cavendishlodgenursery.co.uk

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December 2011

local news

send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Shop with a conscience Check out TheGivingMachine for an free and easy way to raise money for your school or favourite charity without having to spend a penny more than you would normally.

All you have to do is register online at www.TheGivingMachine.co.uk and nominate your school or charity. Then, every time you shop online with your usual retailers such as Amazon, ebay, John Lewis, Next, Boden, Tesco - in fact over 360 of the UK's leading retailers - simply click on TheGivingMachine first and your school will get a free donation from the retailer. It won't cost you anything, just keep on shopping online as you do already, via TheGivingMachine and you'll be raising money at the same time.

TheGivingMachine is a non-profit fundraising site and has raised over £270,000 for over 3,700 UK schools and charities, converting the commissions generated by sales referrals into donations.

Monkey Music is 10!

Monkey Music Chelsea and Westminster celebrated their 10th birthday with over 500 local children and their parents, while raising money for the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Pluto Appeal. Jayne Harris, who runs the classes with her team, said; “Our birthday was a fantastic opportunity for Monkey Music to support the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s Pluto Appeal.” 'Pluto' is a ground breaking paediatric robot that operates on babies as small as half the size of a bag of sugar, and will form part of the country's new leading paediatric wing at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. To raise funds all the children decorated a special 10th birthday card and asked parents if they would like to give Monkey a birthday present of a small donation towards the appeal. To join in the fun and book a complimentary Monkey Music class, call 020 8767 9827or email chelsea.westminster@monkeymusic.co.uk To find out more about the Pluto Appeal or donate online visit www.theplutoappeal.com

Momma’s little helper

Therapy for children www.childrenstherapies.co.uk have launched new therapy services for children and their families in South West London. As well as providing speech and language therapy to help with stammering and late talkers, the practice now provides a range of psychotherapies based on the arts and creative play. The caring team take a holistic approach to therapy and can help with anything from anxiety to autism, and bullying to bedwetting. The practice also has its very own super-nanny to help with parenting issues, as well as a yoga practitioner offering classes in breathing and relaxation for the whole family. 020 8673 7930 or www.childrenstherapies.co.uk

From blog to business A South West London mum has taken her party planning blog and turned it into an upand-coming business.

Offering a host of carefully sourced gifts and expert advice for all party planning services from birthdays to Christenings and baby showers, www.pixiesandpirateslondon.com provides all the right ingredients needed for a perfect party or party gift. Parties start at £30 per child, and gifts from £12.50. contact@pixiesandpirateslondon.com

Giving their children healthy food is a priority for parents, but busy working lives mean that cooking from scratch every night is not always possible. Now a local SW mum has started a food company which designs, cooks and sells fresh ready meals, meeting a gap in the market for delicious meals that the whole family would like to eat. The Mrs Tinks range is free from added sugar and salt, and full of tasty vegetables to make it a complete and easy meal. It is now on the menu at the Horniman Museum, and available in Budgens, Parsons Green as well as other independent delis. www.tinksfood.com

Tills ringing for parents NCT Kensington & Chelsea is thrilled to have been chosen by Whole Foods Market Kensington as their ‘Charity of the Month’ for the next three months.

Whole Foods will be hosting a till drive for the local branch of NCT until 31 December, with signs at each till telling customers about the work of NCT and asking customers to donate £1 or £3 along with their grocery bill. “We are CMTP Kensington & Chelsea absolutely delighted that Whole Foods Market Kensington has featured our charity in their regular till drive,” said Kate Perks, Coordinator of NCT Kensington & Chelsea Branch. www.nct.org.uk/kensington

December 2011

To advertise Call 020 8696 9680

Get creative… …at Creative Kidz Stage School in Fulham. Founded in 2007, it has over 100 members ranging from age 4 to 25, and welcomes both disabled and able-bodied children to work alongside each other. This year it was selected to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, after being spotted at DisneyLand Paris performing on the FantasyLand Theatre and also the London New Years Day Parade 2011. To find out more or to get involved call 07908144802 or email Info@Creativekidzandco.co.uk

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Community spirit

How to make a positive impact on local life Compiled by Samantha Chippindale

Best in class Make your school’s New Year’s resolution a positive one What do Henry Cavendish Primary School in Balham and Dundonald Primary School in Merton have in common? They are both winners of the coveted Eco-School Green Flag. Eco Schools is a well-established scheme that encourages schools to adopt environmentally aware practices. It is free to register, and with Eco-Schools’ support, each school is shown how to develop an action plan for saving energy and reducing waste, working towards a Bronze then Silver award, then a Green Flag for eco-excellence.

Children become part of the drive to recycle, reuse and rethink how their school operates. Whatever they do, the sense of the being involved and making a difference instils lessons that last a lifetime.

Make New Year 2012 the start of your children’s school’s eco campaign. Visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/ecoschools for more details.

Small steps, big results Going Green has just got easier, and more rewarding Cora Lydon’s inspiring book Going Green begins with a quote from 150 years ago by Reverend Sydney Smith: ‘It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little – do what you can.’ Lydon does not preach the unattainable, but offers a no-nonsense approach to green living based on rethinking the basics: waste, fuel consumption, mending rather than replacing etc.

The book is full of humbling statistics, such as the calculation that if we all boiled only the water we need, instead of filling the kettle full every time, the national electricity saving would power the UK’s street lighting for seven months.

We have 10 copies worth £9.99 each of this clear-sighted guide to give away to Families SW readers. Simply log on to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions to enter.

To get you started, here are five tips from Going Green: 1 Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can cut heating bills by up to 10%.

2 To avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, clean your cooker using a thick paste made by mixing bicarbonate of soda with a little water.

3 At home and in the office, switch computers off completely – leaving them on standby continues to eat up electricity.

4 When buying fish, look out for the Marine Stewardship Council logo, which ensures that the fish has been sourced from sustainable stocks without damaging the marine environment.

5 Save water – Thames Water offers its customers a free cistern device to reduce the amount of water used each time you flush the toilet.

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Gift of time Don’t just donate goods to charity shops – they need your time, too In the run up to Christmas, it’s not only things that we can give, but our time as well. Your local charity shop will be taking in extra donations, and relying on pre-Christmas sales to boost its funds. Volunteering, which usually means giving up one morning or afternoon a week, can really help. Visit www.charityshops.org.uk, the official website for registered charity shops where, under FAQs, you can find out how to volunteer, what is expected and a list of charity shops that you could approach.

visit www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

December 2011

Picture credit: Ulet Ifansasti/Greenpeace

Community spirit

Barbie victorious Mattel bows to consumer pressure over deforestation The Greenpeace campaign highlighted in September’s issue of Families SW to stop Mattel using wood pulp from Indonesian rainforests in its Barbie toy packaging has won a historic victory. Thousands of consumers joined the online petition, some contacting Mattel directly, to protest against the deforestation, which is pushing the Sumatran tiger to the brink of extinction. Mattel has now committed to sourcing wood pulp from non-controversial sources, so bravo to the mums who said no to tainted toys.

You can still monitor the campaign at www.greenpeace.org.uk and of course they have plenty more campaigns you can join! (illegal fishing is the campaign at present.)

December 2011

Open house Help out with a very special Christmas lunch The spirit of the Christmas season ought to draw people together. This is indeed the case in Barnes, where the Barnes Community Association (BCA), which operates from its base at Rose House on the High Street, is organising a Christmas dinner for the very elderly and those who would otherwise face the day alone. Volunteers are needed to help drive guests to lunch and back.

A good way to sign up, and to learn more about what the BCA does for the area, is to join in the late-shopping evening on December 9th, part of the BCA’s drive to promote the individual character of Barnes and its independent shops. On the 9th, shops will open till around 9pm, Father Christmas will be visiting at around 6pm, there will be music and Rose House will host an open evening, a perfect time to take out family BCA membership ( £15). Find out more at www.barnescommunityassociation.org

Time to chat and help • Crisis, 40 years old this year, needs 6,000 general volunteers to help this year, giving their time simply to chat with guests who come to the charity’s centres, and to help serve food and sort out bedding. Full support and supervision is given to volunteers, who need no previous experience.

If you can’t offer time, you can donate food and gifts, either to Crisis direct or to one of Safestore’s storage depots, located across London (www.safestore.co.uk/storage/london.aspx): donations by December 11th.

To connect with the true spirit of Christmas, visit www.crisis.org.uk

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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Bilingual education since 1996 The French Nursery School For children from 2 years old to 5 years old.

(Toddler group from 1yr) Morning or afternoon sessions available Full time sessions 9h - 15h

SW7 Queen's Gate SW1 Knightsbridge Group of international nursery schools

The Belgravia Nursery School Bilingual Nursery school French/ English.

For children 2-5 years. (Toddler group from 1yr) Part time session 9h - 12h Full time session 9h - 15h • 15h35-17h

All schools have native language teachers, excellent facilities and lovely outside The Spanish Nursery School playground / garden.

SW7 and SW1 The Spanish out of school club for children from 2 to 5 years old.

Toddler Group from 1 year old

For a brochure please call Marie-Laurence Edmonstone 020 7259 21 51 marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools WWW.DAWMOUSE.COM There are now two established Montessori Nursery schools in Fulham bearing the Dawmouse name. The original Dawmouse Brunswick in Haldane Road, SW6 7EU and Dawmouse St Peter’s at St Peter’s Terrace, SW6 7JS. Both schools offer a wide range of Montessori equipment and have outdoor play areas. They will offer a safe, stimulating and active environment in which children can have fun and achieve.

The broad curriculum covers all areas of the Early Learning Goals and includes science, drama, cookery and music lessons.

Project work will give the children scope for creative development as well as an increased understanding of their world.

We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact : www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

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December 2011

Cygnets Swim School children's swimming lessons with a difference...

Lessons for children from birth to 7 years old.

Park Walk, SW10 and Queen's Park, NW10 Karen Benson 020 8840 3010, 07742 573099 karenbensonh2o@hotmail.com

December 2011

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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We CAN heal our children

Part 3: Instructions not included

By Helena Foss

Why is parenting so hard?

Tantrum tactics

According to the mental health charity Mind, family life has become more difficult than in the past.

Few parents have extended family members or a close community network to rely on for childcare support; many mothers go out to work (yet still do most of the housework). If mothers choose to stay at home to look after their family, then their work carries less status than that of the ‘breadwinner’.

Yet good parenting lays the very foundations of our society. It may be undervalued, but you could easily argue that parenting is the most important job in the world.

As coincidence would have it, I managed to have one enormous meltdown on my hands just before my telephone interview with Elaine, which – isn’t it always the way? – happened just as I was trying to get my almost-five-year-old boy out of the door to school. Despite the fact that his favourite hooded cardigan was covered in paint, he would not change it. So, getting increasingly frustrated with yet another: ‘No! I don’t want to!’ that morning, I yanked it off him and bunged it in the washing machine with that morning’s load. Big mistake. He kicked and howled for 20 minutes. Finally, the pair of us tramped wearily into the school office, both tearful and very sorry that we were late.

The thing about parenting though is that we just don’t see it coming. Most mothers cannot see past the birth of their first child. After that, we assume that just by being a parent, we will somehow instinctively know what to do. Then, our gorgeous little babies turn into a two-year-old screaming tantrum machines – and we start tearing our hair out. “Because parents tend to believe that they should just know what to do, it can be difficult to admit that they are struggling,” says Elaine Halligan, co-owner of the Parent Practice, a company that runs positive parenting courses across south west London. “It is perfectly acceptable to go to antenatal classes. So why not invest in learning practical parenting skills and strategies too?”

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“OK, firstly,” quipped Elaine in her down-to-earth, practical manner, “put yourself in your son’s shoes.

Remember that, as Stephen Biddulph (author of ‘Raising Boys’) says, rushing is the enemy of love. If he feels you are not listening to him – ie, that this is his very favourite cardigan – then he will feel you don’t care. You nag, repeat the instruction and push, and so he will push back.” Positive parenting is not so much about ‘good boy’ and ‘well done’, but more about praising the attitude, effort and any improvement behind your child’s behaviour.

“Instead,” Elaine suggested, “you could say: Hey, you’ve got yourself ready, put your shoes on, now

© Franck Boston - Fotolia.com

Parenting can be the most wonderful, yet often the most excruciatingly difficult, job we do. Our children do not arrive in our lives with an instruction manual (although they usually have a formidable battery supply).

What are the support services available for frazzled parents in south west London?

there is only one thing left to do, can you tell me what that is?” Then, if he really couldn’t bear to part with his mucky old cardigan, I could have empathised and suggested he’ll be able to wear it again as soon as it is dry.

“Children will tune out when they feel they are being told off for doing something wrong,” Elaine explains.

“The trick is to stop issuing so many instructions and encourage them to think for themselves. Effective parenting is not about being either permissive or authoritarian. It is about finding a balance; being clear, firm, positive and consistent. That is the best way to get your child to co-operate with you. No-one should just know all this. Thankfully though, all these skills are straightforward and easy to learn.”

As the title of Elaine’s business suggests, just like any other skill, parenting certainly does require practice.

December 2011

Empowering mum Yes, but why are children so annoying?

Parents Appreciation Society

Even so, it seems there are some problems that may go beyond the scope of generic parenting skills; that are rooted within hidden psychological dynamics within the family unit itself. According to Alison Banks, a trainer with Psychology of Vision (a depth psychology model which is practiced and taught internationally) who lives with her husband and three sons in Barnes, children are the most brilliant mirrors to our own unhealed psychology; the wounds hidden so deep in our subconscious minds that we cannot see them clearly ourselves.

“Most people, if they are honest, find parenting feels overwhelming and makes them feel like a failure,” Alison discloses. “But all these issues are an opportunity for personal growth and healing – it arises in order to teach us something. If someone in your life is driving you mad, then my suggestion is to ask yourself: ‘Who in my life has treated me this way before?’ When it comes to the constantly whining for ice cream scenario, maybe someone once shamed you for asking too many questions as a child. You are being called to heal some unresolved pain with someone in your family of origin.”

Alison is co-author of ‘Steps to Conscious Parenting’, a new course launched last year, which she is now teaching in small groups across south west London. Parents tend to approach her with a child’s perpetual recurrent behaviour that is driving them, well, slightly mad. For instance: asking for ice cream morning, noon and night and not taking “only when you have eaten a proper dinner” for an answer.

“Recently, a mother in one of my groups was very upset that her four-year-old son was not showing her any affection; refusing to cuddle or kiss her,” says Alison. “That week, one of the group exercises was role play with a difficult relative. At the time, this lady had her father staying with her who she was finding increasingly annoying. In the role play it transpired that her pattern of a lack of affection towards her father stemmed back to when her parents divorced, when she was about eight. At this time, her father started distancing himself from his children, presumably ‘preparing’ them for a life without him at home. Upset and confused, the eightyear-old child that she was, decided to ‘grow up’ and stop being emotionally dependent on her father, an incident that felt like the end of her childhood.”

It was an emotional session. What was most extraordinary though, was that when the group participant returned home afterwards, her little boy ran up and kissed her, for the first time in months.

Clapham Family Osteopath Cranial specialist Julia Finlay B.Ost M.Sc (Paed Ost), Registered Osteopath

Babies Children (inc special needs) Mothers pre and post natal All the family Contact: juliafinlayosteopath@gmail.com Tel: 07779 017965 www.claphamfamilyosteopath.co.uk

Ultimately, Conscious Parenting is about appreciating, forgiving and actually being grateful to our own parents, however many mistakes they made, for doing their level best with the personal resources (or lack of them) they had at the time.

Not exactly always an easy task but, Alison insists, a deeply rewarding one. “Of course we are not condoning bad behaviour. But it is the most wonderful thing in the world to forgive our parents – to let go of hate and blame towards them – and to actually appreciate what they have done for us.”

Indeed, wouldn’t it be wonderful if our children grow up to have that attitude towards us too? To understand that no matter how many times we ‘fail’, we are all doing our very best for our children. That we keep on trying to be better parents – simply because we love them.

Further Information •The Parent Practice run ten week courses in Putney, Clapham, Wimbledon, Parsons Green and Kensington, which can be joined at any time.

FREE taster classes available. www.theparentpractice.com •Alison Banks, Steps to Conscious Parenting course, 07710 626263, alisonbanks@tiscali.co.uk •Family Lives, the national parenting support charity, offer free and confidential advice: ‘Parentline’ 0808 800 2222. www.familylives.org.uk

•Helena Foss writes about all things holistic: www.helenafoss.co.uk

December 2011

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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Where is Santa?

DEPARTMENT STORES AND MALLS

Greenwich Market

Hamleys 1 - 24 December Have breakfast, brunch, lunch or tea with Santa. Enjoy a scrumptious feast, meet the magical elves, hear all about Santa's enchanting life in Lapland and receive a gift. Breakfast 9-10am (excluding Sundays), brunch 11am12pm (excluding Sundays), lunch 1.302.30pm, tea 4.30-5.30pm. Suitable for children 4-11, £45.00 per child. 0844 855 2424, www.hamleys.com

Brent Cross Shopping Centre

10 November – 24 December A free Santa’s grotto, where every child receives a gift. www.brentcross.co.uk

Harrods 5 November – 24 December Get the season off to a magical start by visiting Santa’s Grotto at the Knightsbridge department store. All children receive a gift, and parents can buy a photo of their kids in the grotto.

Book online, tickets are free, although there is a £10.00 administration charge that will be credited back to your account if you attend your booked slot. www.harrods.com

HOUSES, PARKS AND GARDENS

11 – 23 December Visit Father Christmas in his sparkling woodland grotto in Kew's tropical glasshouse. 12-3pm, free entry. 020 8332 5655, www.kew.org.

19 November - 24 December Travel through a magical Christmas maze before being welcomed by Father Christmas and his team of elves. Be entertained by a 3D wish fairy, try to avoid slipping down the 3D icy ravine, dive into a snowball pool and try your hand at a snowball shy. Tickets adults £7, children £3, donations go to The Child Bereavement Charity. www.selfridges.com

Santa’s Grotto Museum of London

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Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

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10 - 11 December, 17 - 24 December Join in the festive fun and visit Santa at the zoo. Also, follow clues on the Christmas Stocking Trail to find out which of the zoo’s animals have put out a stocking for Santa. Usual child entrance fee of £6.50 plus £3.50 to visit Santa. Bookable on 020 7924 5826, www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Santa the Enchanted Christmas House sends each parent a questionnaire so that Santa already knows their name, hobby, and favourite toy! Receive a special present from Santa and gather around for a storytelling session with Mrs Claus. Book in advance, £42.00.

London Art House, 2-18 Britannia Row, Islington, 020 3227 3200. www.christmas.enchantedhouse.net

10 - 11 December Start the festive season with a visit to see Santa and his huggable huskies in his cosy grotto amongst the firs and pine trees. Experience the excitement of a husky sleigh ride (age 8 and under, weight restrictions may apply). 10am-4pm, £5. 0208 409 4412, www.wwt.org.uk/london

Until 24 December Enjoy the ultimate Christmas grotto experience taking kids and adults alike on a magical festive journey, with dazzling Christmas lights and an ice rink. Santa Claus will be taking pictures with his little helpers and treating all his visitors to early Christmas presents. Book online http://uk.westfield.com/london

through fantasy woodland, meeting Mr Toad and the wayward residents of Toad Hall such as Ratty, Mole, Badger and the mischievous weasels. £8 per child, which includes a gift, £2 per adult. Book online www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

WWT London Wetlands Centre

Canary Wharf

Westfield

Kew Gardens

Selfridges

3 – 24 December Father Christmas arrives in style on a sleigh pulled by reindeer to perform in a free family show on 3 and 4 December before retiring to his Grotto. Santa’s Grotto is open 11am5pm on 3-4 December, 10-11 December, 17-18 December and 1924 December. Entrance free.

Additional children's festive activities take place 11am - 5pm every weekend in December. www.canarywharf.com

Greenwich market

30 November – 24 December Take part in all manner of festive delights at Santas Grotto at Greenwich Market. While they wait to see Santa Claus, kids will be entertained with magic and balloon fun from the funny elf. 12.30-5.30pm on 30 November, 17-18 December and 24 December. www.shopgreenwich.co.uk

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

18 November - 3 January Winter Wonderland's Father Christmas and his entertaining elves welcome you to his grotto in the heart of Santa Land. Entry is free, no pre-booking. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Chessington Garden Centre

Enchanted Christmas House

19 November – 24 December Take a magical tour through Santa’s winter wonderland and journey

26 – 27 November, 3 – 24 December Before your child arrives to meet

To read How to choose a school or other education articles go on www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Lauderdale House 20 December – 24 December Come and meet Santa, find out about his reindeer and, of course, leave with a present! Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, 020 8348 8716. www.lauderdalehouse.co.uk

MUSEUMS AND RESTAURANTS

Museum of London & Museum of London Docklands 10 December – 23 December Meet Santa in either of the Museum’s traditional Victorian grottos. Tickets £5. Or you can opt for Scrooge’s Grotto if all the Christmas cheer gets too much!

Scrooge’s Grotto open 27 December – 1 January.

020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk

December 2011

Sea Life London Aquarium 19 December – 2 January Meet Penguin Father Fishmas in his festive icy grotto. The jolly penguin has set up a snow-filled home in the Antarctic and welcomes children with a special gift. Get up close and personal to a family of real Gentoo Penguins in their Antarctic home, featuring a real ice wall, freezing touch pool and giant Japanese spider crabs. 0871 663 1678, www.sealife.co.uk/london

Rainforest Café 26 – 27 November, 3 – 4, 10 – 11 and 17 – 24 December Meet Santa in his grotto, receive a festive goodie bag and enjoy a kids’ 2-course meal. £39.95 per child.

Accompanying adults must dine from the à la carte menu & order a minimum of one main course each.

12 noon - 6pm. 020 7434 3111, www.therainforestcafe.co.uk

OUT OF TOWN

Hop Farm, Kent December Santa’s Magical Kingdom comes to Kent, transforming the tranquil setting into a winter wonderland.

Reindeer roam through the park while Santa's Magical Kingdom features an 'enchanted forest' and Victorian carousel. £27.50 - £35.00. www.santasmagicalkingdom.co.uk

Rainforest Café

Willows Farm Village, Hertfordshire

Lapland

23 November – 24 December

Children can enjoy a magical journey to Santa’s Grotto through sparkling Winter Wonderland scenes including tin soldiers, a Gingerbread house, a St Bernard in the snow and animated seals and penguins. Children can stop off at the Elves’ House to write a letter to Santa and if they are posted in Willows’ Christmas post box before the 13th December they will get a free reply from Santa himself.

0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Odds Farm, Buckinghamshire 3 - 24 December Christmas Magic with Santa every weekend in December and daily 19 – 24 December. Visit Santa in his grotto, £3. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Old Macdonald's Farm, Essex 26 – 27 November, 3 – 4 and 10 – 23 December Meet Santa, see Santa’s reindeer, ride on Rudolph’s amazing reindeer ride, sing along to Christmas Carols, take a trip on Santa’s Express Train and ride the magical Christmas carousel. www.omdfarm.co.uk

Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire 19 November – 24 December Let Santa’s Grotto transport you to the magical land of Narnia, where you will be greeted by Mr Tumnus, Aslan and the Snow Queen and, of

course, Father Christmas. Open for Winter Weekends from the 5th November, reduced prices apply. www.woburn.co.uk

LaplandUK, Kent

26 November – 24 December Interactive theatrical production recreating Father Christmas’ arctic homeland at the Bewl Water Estate, near Tunbridge Wells. Included in the ticket price is the opportunity to decorate gingerbread in Mother Christmas’ kitchen, go ice-skating, meet husky dogs, see reindeer, send a postcard from Father Christmas' North Pole Post Office, work with the elves in the toy factory and meet the mystical Sami people. A personalised visit to Father Christmas in his snowy forest home completes the day and every child is presented with a beautiful gift. 0871 620 7063 www.laplanduk.co.uk

Santa’s Christmas Wonderland at Paultons Park, Hampshire

19 November – 23 December With animated characters and a snowy scene visitors wander through the enchanted land to see Rudolph and Donner and watch the elves working hard in their toy shop. At the end of the journey children meet Santa and receive an exciting present. www.paultonspark.co.uk

RAILWAYS

Ruislip Lido Railway 4, 11 and 18 December Take a train ride with a very special gentleman, from midday until dusk. £3, no need to book in advance.

Every child will receive a small gift and a drink. www.ruisliplidorailway.org

Buckinghamshire railway 3 – 4 and 10 – 11 December Meet Santa on his full-sized steam train, pulled by his friend Thomas the Tank Engine. Bookings essential, www.bucksrailcentre.org

Roxbourne Park Miniature Railway 11 December Harrow and Wembley Society of Model Engineers will be having a special visit from Father Christmas at 1pm, with last train ride at 4pm.

Weather dependent. www.hwsme.org.uk

There are more Santa locations listed online.

See www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/whatson December 2011

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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The best local Christmas toyshops

Compiled by Joanna Parry

As Christmas draws near, we at Families South West want to see small, independent traders flourishing on the high street.

We all know that shopping online is quick and easy, but for excellent service, for advice by staff who can recommend toys according to likes and ages, or for last minute stocking fillers, there can be nothing better than a browse around our local stores. Check out their latest news…

Quackers

Balham, Clapham and Tooting

155 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7978 4235 Great for: smart and casual wear for 0 to 10 year olds, swimming suits, pyjamas, designer clothes from Oshkosh and Petit Bateau, plus gifts and wooden toys.

Festive news: dress up for Christmas with their fantastic selection of costumes.

Just Williams 8b Balham Hill, SW12 9EA, 020 3538 6798 www.justwilliamstoys.com Great for: an Aladdin’s cave of pocket-money toys, puzzles, games and everpopular brands Lego, Brio and Warhammer.

Festive news: the new store in Clapham South opened 6 months ago, adding to their shops in East Dulwich and Herne Hill. Come along to a VIP Christmas shopping day on Thursday 1st December 10am-9pm, with 10% off all purchases and activities for children including storytelling, face painting, plasticine modelling and letter writing to Father Christmas.

Under the Greenwood Tree 11 The Polygon, SW4 0JG, 020 7627 4557 www.underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk Great for: a fantastic selection of books and toys with a lovely café serving yummy cakes.

Festive news: this December, Under The Greenwood Tree celebrates a year of trading with events during the school holidays plus their everpopular story time on Saturday mornings.

Favourite toys for the season are the Hex Bug range, and in books, the new Jane Ray Twelve Days of Christmas.

Puppet Planet 787 Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JQ, 020 7627 0111 www.puppetplanet.co.uk Great for: a magical shop filled with puppets from past and present. There is something for everyone, from kitsch to culture.

Festive news: find exotic puppets perfect for the Christmas season, plus inventive stocking fillers.

Put on a show and discover characters and stories to share this Christmas – just add Imagination for a special, playful holiday.

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QT Toys Twist Kids 111 Balham High Road, SW12 9AP, 020 3538 6229 www.twistkids.com Great for: a handpicked selection of children’s toys, games, books and accessories. Brands Melissa and Doug, Brio, Lego, Playmobil and Manhattan Toys.

Tickled Pink 2 Bellevue Parade, SW17 7E, 020 8767 6753 Great for: gorgeous gifts and jewellery.

Battersea

All Good Gifts 65 Northcote Road, SW11 1NP, 020 7223 8257 allgoodgifts.co.uk Great for: design-led high-quality gifts and cards.

The Bolingbroke Bookshop 147 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7223 9344 http://mysite.freeserve.com/ bolingbroke_bookshop Great for: large selection of children’s books, cards and wrapping paper. It has a lovely villagey feel that takes you away from the hustle and bustle.

Festive news: choices for Christmas are the Little Toller books: Sweet Thames Run Softly by Robert Gibbings, Four Hedges by Clare Leighton and The South Country by Edward Thomas.

Christmas Stocking puppet with matching finger puppet Puppet Planet

90 Northcote Road, SW11 6QN, 020 7223 8637 www.qttoys.co.uk Great for: its unique Schleich and Breyer animal ranges and wooden chess sets.

East Sheen

Sheen Bookshop 375 Upper Richmond Road West, SW14 7NX, 020 8876 1717 orders@sheenbookshop.co.uk Great for: almost every fairy princess book imaginable, Horrid Henry and classic audio books.

Shops also in Kew and Barnes.

Festive news: in May they expanded into Sheen, taking over Bookstop. This Christmas they highlight their top tips as the Ladybird Activity Kits, £9.99, and on the book front Jennie Maizel’s PopUp London, £14.99.

Play Inside Out 377 Upper Richmond Road West, SW14 7NX, 020 8876 5229 www.playinsideout.com Great for: a treasure trove of quality wooden, traditional, soft and educational toys, games, puzzles, cards and gift wrap. Friendly service.

Pandemonium 125 Sheen Lane, SW14 8AE, 020 8878 0866 www.pandemoniumlondon.com Great for: an eclectic selection of games, puzzles, books and musical instruments, from the traditional to the unusual.

Festive news: Pandemonium has recently been made bigger! It is now stocked floor to ceiling with 30,000 traditional and top quality toys, and this Christmas they are offering free UK shipping on all toys and games.

December 2011

Fulham

Kensington and Chelsea

Little Heroes

Snap Dragon

638 Fulham Road, SW6 5RT, 020 7348 7907 Great for: classic and traditional toys

25 Bute Street, SW7 3EY, 020 7581 2804 Great for: niche products as well as well-known brands. WOW toys, Sylvanian families and Playmobil.

Little Toyshop at the Pottery Café 735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157 www.pottery-café.com Great for: gorgeous items for babies and toddlers. Your little one can decorate a plate for the grandparents while you enjoy a welldeserved coffee.

Festive news: Christmas picks are Jellycat and Jelly kitten, Puppet Company and Wheely Bugs, plus an array of Fair Trade, traditional and wooden toys.

Nomad Books 781 Fulham Road, SW6 5HA, 020 7736 4000 www.nomadbooks.co.uk Great for: a wonderful selection of cards, wrapping paper and notebooks, as well as a great range for children’s parties. Enjoy coffee and cake in the cafe whilst dipping into a favourite book, or try out the huge children’s section.

Festive news: check out their book clubs – a monthly group where you can enjoy a glass of wine and lively conversation, a bi-monthly classics book group, a bi-monthly poetry group and a monthly story time for 2-5 year olds.

Cissbury 93 Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 2TD, 020 7731 5059 www.cissbury.com Great for: well-picked and unusual cards, gifts and trinkets. Fantastic presents for both young and older boys and girls. Delicious Christmas treats.

Patrick's Toys and Models 107-111 Lillie Road, SW6 7SX, 020 7385 9864 www.patrickstoys.co.uk Great for: Lego, Playmobil, Sylvanian Families, Hornby, Scalectrix and Renner skateboards.

December 2011

Semmalina Toys and Gifts 225 Ebury Street, Pimlico, SW1W 8UT, 020 7730 9333 Great for: stocking fillers, costumes and little treats.

Traditional Toys 53 Godfrey Street, Chelsea Green, SW3 3SX, 020 7352 1718 www.chelseatoys.co.uk Great for: unsurprisingly, traditional toys!

Putney

Toystop Putney Exchange Shopping Centre, Putney High Street, SW15 1TW, 020 8785 9955 Great for: all the big brands including Sylvanian Families, Playmobil, Lego, Meccano, Jellycat and Jellykitten and Baby Alive dolls. Possibly the biggest independent toyshop in South West London.

Wandsworth and Wimbledon

The Golden Treasury Children's Bookshop

Little Rascals Toyshop 140 Merton Road, SW19 1EH, 020 8542 9979 Great for: presents for babies and toddlers, plus a unique selection of wooden and soft toys, puzzles, christening gifts and cards. A wide range of Trikes, Wheelybugs and baby walkers, plus money boxes, bookends and merry-go-rounds. Located between Polka Theatre and South Wimbledon tube.

The Entertainer 29 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1XX, 020 8946 9889 & North Mall Southside Wandsworth, SW18 4FT, 020 8812 3724 www.thetoyshop.com Great for: anything and everything you could possibly need!

Festive news: Christmas Top Toys include Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber, Lets Rock Elmo, Moon Sand Bake Shop and Paper Jamz Guitar.

29 Replingham Road, SW18 5LT, 020 8333 0167 www.thegoldentreasury.co.uk Great for: a specialist children’s bookshop with a comprehensive range.

Festive news: having grown and expanded in the past 16 years, the bookshop is now triple in size and one of the best regarded independent children's book specialists in Britain. Their booksellers read widely and can give helpful advice and recommendations.

Starting school? Tips to make it easy See www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Gift guide

Local gift ideas

A doll for 8-12yrs olds?

This series of dolls provides the perfect opportunity for girls aged 8 to 12 to immerse themselves in fun, exciting and age appropriate play. Stylish, intelligent and stimulating, the characters reach out to the sophisticated tastes of the older girl. The first in the A Girl for All Time family is Matilda, your Tudor Girl, available in limited release for Christmas 2011. Set in major periods of English history, each Girl for All Time series is carefully designed to dovetail with the current Key Stage2 national history curriculum.

RRP £89.99 (Matilda doll and court dress). For additional products and prices visit www.AGirlforAllTime.com

Silver handprint jewellery now available!

Give them some peace and relaxation...

Smarty Paints Pottery Studio in Wandsworth is very excited to now be able to capture your children's hand or footprints, whatever their age in beautiful silver jewellery. It's easy to do and a good selection of designs to choose from. A truly delightful present for parents and family. Please call the studio on 020 8772 8702 to book or for more details.

We absolutely love and recommend the Relax Kids Cds. An ideal stocking filler or an idea for Grandparents for their grandchildren!

Lily aged 13yrs has been listening to them for years, she says: “They help me to sleep; they have a nice tune other CDs have annoying tunes.” There are fairy tale stories for boy or girls versions and problem specific CDs like stress, self confidence.

Perfect to go to sleep and to relax those stressed out kids! www.relaxkids.com

Buying a mobile for Christmas?

Children should only use mobiles when absolutely necessary* but if your child has managed to get one somehow, then you might like to slip in a little protection device in his/her stocking. First check the SAR rating of the phone (either in the leaflet or online). Some phones have got much lower Specific Absorption Rates than others. The lower end would be 0.5W/kg, 2W/kg being high. At Families we DO NOT recommend any product in particular, and nor do we know if they work (although we have heard good things about the GaryJohnson pendants). Shields or pendants are just an added protection, the best protection will always be to reduce proximity to the body, use a headset, text rather than phone, and possibly use a bloc sock for repeater phones (which still emit while they are switched off). There are many devices on the market, do your own research. A quick Google search brought these up: www.sarshield.com www.earthcalm.com/EMF-Pendant www.emf-protection-direct.co.uk www.garyjohnson.org.uk For more info on children and mobiles go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation where we have collected the main info on the topic, useful links and Youtubes in this one place.

Better be safe than sorry. * Council of Europe resolution June 2011

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December 2011

Gift guide

The Little Legs Company

The gift of reading!

Battersea company www.thelittlelegscompany.com stocks high quality tights (that stay up), t-shirts and pyjamas with a strong French influence from 0-10yrs. Popup shop opposite Whistles, Northcote Road.

Open Thursday- Sunday in December. Customers include Dannii Minogue apparently!

A unique gift idea is a subscription to Reading Eggs, the online literacy programme. Reading Eggs is a comprehensive, highly interactive website that teaches children to read, specifically incorporating synthetic phonics.

The programme is successful because it makes learning phonics and basic reading skills a truly enjoyable experience by turning learning to read into a series of fun games and activities with rewards along the way. Children from 3 to 8 years of age or older children struggling with reading will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs programme. www.readingeggs.co.uk for further details on the programme and to purchase a gift subscription call 0117 3600246. Please use access code UKX22LSW for a 4 week trial.

Robin Farquhar-Thomson photography

A photograph lasts a lifetime • We can thoroughly recommend Robin Farquhar-Thomson photographer, a longstanding advertiser, fantastic for classic photographs. Robin has been a favourite of South West families for years. www.robinft.co.uk 020 7350 0312. SPECIAL OFFER: receive 5 free prints size 5x7in if you mention FSW when booking a photo session. See ad on p.29 • New advertiser Magic Rainbow Photography will take the pictures of your loved ones too. See their gorgeous baby pics on www.magicrainbow photography.com Hint, hint: they offer gift vouchers—do you know someone who needs a present idea?? Free £50 voucher for Christmas, see ad page 21.

December 2011

Celebrate gratitude When the chaos of Christmas day is over take a moment to be thankful for everything we have had and everything we have done.

Teach your children the meaning of gratitude and ask them to write (or why not make) thank you cards to those who showed them how much they meant to them over the Christmas break. It should keep them busy well into the New Year! ®

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Gift guide

Christmas games for families Christmas is truly the time of year for quality family time and what better way is there for families to interact than playing a game that brings you all together… whilst also stimulating that competitive streak in you! Children love games, particularly ones they can play with their parents and (possibly) beat them!

Here are a number of great family games available in your local shops:

Jungle Speed Age: 7+ RRP: £14.99 In Jungle Speed, you must rely on your keen sense of observation and quick reflexes. It requires a steady hand -- which can be hard to maintain during the many fits of laughter! The wooden Totem sits in the middle of the table, waiting for the player with the fastest reflexes to snatch it up and win the game. Each player is dealt a hand of cards. In order to win you must be the first player to get rid of all of

Khet 2.0 Nostalgia titles The Laser Game Age 9+ RRP: £29.99 Ready for mind blowing laser strategy action?

Khet combines lasers and classic strategy all on one board. Players alternate turns moving Egyptian themed mirrored pieces, after which they fire their real laser with the goal of illuminating their opponent’s pieces and winning the game.

Khet is the only laser board game on the market

your cards. Each turn, all of the players reveal one of their cards. If two cards are identical, those players must make a grab for the Totem. The faster player then gives their cards to their unfortunate adversary.

"My family has played hours on end with Jungle Speed. Fits of laughter guaranteed! Any age can play.” Pascale Gravell, editor, Families South West

with the easiness of checkers and the endless possibilities of chess. The rules can be learned in minutes and players from 9-99 can enjoy the excitement of Khet.

Jungle Speed is available from Amazon.co.uk

Khet 2.0 is available from Firebox.com

Dobble Age 6+ RRP: £12.99 Dobble is a visual perception card game in which players race to find the one matching symbols between one card and another. The pictures may be different sizes or hard to spot. The cards are round and feature an assortment of colourful images of items like insects, plants, symbols, and smiley faces. Every card is unique, and has only one picture in common with each card in the deck. The game is very portable and includes a deck of 55 cards in a round, tin container to take the game anywhere.

Dobble is available from Waterstones

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Age 8+ RRP: £29.99 - £34.99 Focussing on high manufacturing standards, the ‘Nostalgia’ titles are back in stores this year and consisting of classic board game titles Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk.

The Monopoly set comes in a beautiful wooden box to safeguard your vintage-looking components and cards and making it the ideal gift for friends or family. Original artwork is a constant theme on the box and board from one of the very first editions of the world’s most popular board game.

Inside the wooden box you will find a built in banker’s tray and a visual history of the decades. Lovely little wooden houses and hotels give it a unique feeling of quality whilst everybody’s favourite pieces are made from brass.

Risk is also part of the collection, back in full vintage glory with real wooden armies, the classic map from 1959 and original game play; making conquering the world possible once again.

Additionally, nation’s favourite ‘whodunit’ is back in true 1950’s form with the recreation of the 1949 version of Cluedo. Solve the murder case using original style pieces and traditional detective work, another classic nostalgia title.

The Nostalgia editions of Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk are available from John Lewis

Take Me Out Age 12+ RRP: £24.99 Prove your single man is the perfect match by performing a series of fun tasks to win Fernandos vouchers.

Will the single girls guess “what you do” from your drawing? How will they react to your spare time activity and little known secret? Will you use the power wisely?

Whatever happens, you’re guaranteed to have lots of laughs along the way.

Just like the TV show, Take Me Out comes with its very own electronic “POOM POOM!” sound generator and there’s Paddy’s voice shouting out his familiar catchphrases!

So what are you waiting for?

In the words of our host, “It’s time to let the players see the game!”

Take Me Out is available from Argos.

December 2011

December 2011

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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December 2011

December 2011

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The DOs and DON’Ts of a happy family

By Sarah Butters

DON’T expect it to be perfect

Christmas

Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You will overcook the turkey, undercook the pudding and end up sobbing into a huge glass of Sauvignon Blanc because your mother in law has criticized your gravy. But because you’ve put so much time and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming. Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella and it won’t be perfect and you’ll really enjoy the parts that go well.

DO try and relax

© evgenyb - Fotolia.com

By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are exhausted. You’ve probably spent the weeks prior to the big day panic shopping, baking everything that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and ferrying the family from one festive event to the next. Earmark some time for you. It’s supposed to be a holiday!

DO make your own traditions Every family has its own way of celebrating. Now you have your own children it’s time for you to make your own traditions. Whether it’s a trip to the local crib service on Christmas Eve, or a day of Christmas baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin, it’s up to YOU to create your traditions. A great idea I’ve taken from a friend is the Christmas Eve hamper. This is a basket, left by one of Santa’s helpers filled with goodies to enjoy on the night before Christmas. In it are festive pyjamas for the children, new tooth brushes, a mug to make hot chocolate and a DVD for the family to watch. It’s the perfect kit to help kick start Christmas.

DO get out and about You are not under house arrest over the festive period. We shouldn’t be surprised that if you fill your home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the door, there will be arguments. Add some wine and the results are anything but festive. Don’t be afraid of getting wrapped up and heading out for a bracing walk. It will clear the house and let the little ones run off some steam.

DON’T expect your children to be angels They’ve broken up from school about to burst with excitement about the arrival of Santa. You’ve been using the ‘if you’re not good, Santa won’t come’ since Easter and then the presents are opened and your little angels turn into little devils. Rules and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that with too many treats and lots of attention from well meaning visitors and the magic of Christmas can disappear pretty quickly. Try not to let all discipline go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a tantrum on the way, remove your child from the mayhem. During your time out, remind them that Santa can take gifts back from children who don’t behave!

DO give out jobs A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do your pre-Christmas shopping list, make sure you also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big day. If you know your Mother in Law has a view about your Yorkshire Puddings, set her to work making some better ones. Remember, a busy cook is often a quiet cook!

DON’T waste money Let’s face it, this is going to be a tough year for all of us. We want to give our children everything on their list, but won’t be able to. Many of us will be celebrating making it to the 25th December with a job and a roof over our heads. However, you can still enjoy the festivities while being frugal. Swop

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traditional cards for an email including a festive photo, organise a secret Santa for adult family members with a spending limit. Or simply suggest that you only buy for the family’s children. Keep reminding yourself that it’s not about the money your spend on each other, it’s about the time you spend with each other.

DO enjoy the preparation If you’re not careful, baking the cake, decorating the house and dressing the tree can begin to feel like a chore. Don’t let it become hard work. Give yourself the time to enjoy it and accept that with a little help from your little ones you can create some lovely Christmas memories. Ok, you won’t have a cake fit for Delia. There’ll be precious few needles left on the tree and your house will resemble the aftermath of a children’s birthday party. But despite the imperfections you’ll have happy children and you won’t have spent a penny. Now that’s a happy Christmas!

DO laugh!

Forget the stress of present buying and preparing a feast fit for a royalty and take a minute to laugh. Remember, when you strip away all the tinsel and tat. this is about preparing one meal, on one day with decorations and a gift or two.

And if you’re finding smiling hard, try using our favourite Christmas Cracker joke to cheer you up.

What’s Santa’s favourite pizza?

One that’s deep, and crisp and even.

DON’T stress about the presents So you haven’t been able to find the latest Transformer or bag a Buzz Lightyear doll. Before you beat yourself, ask yourself this. Do you remember the presents you didn’t get when you were a child? Or do you remember the experiences you had? My Christmas memories are preparing lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to wake my King Charles Cavalier after he’d drink the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun. Your kids will remember the laughter and the love … and when you wake up in January, so will you.

Happy Christmas!

December 2011

Competitions WIN a great family break at Flackley Ash Hotel!

WIN a three-course meal and bottle of wine at Bennett Oyster Bar and Brasserie!

Battersea Square’s Bennett offers a classic seafood-led brasserie experience, an oyster bar, a wine and spirit store and a quintessentially British dining patio garden all with the aim of showcasing the very best ingredients from around the British Isles. From winter brussel sprouts to summer cherries, autumn chestnuts and native oysters right through to spring lamb and beans. www.bennettsbrasserie.com To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 3rd January 2012.

December 2011

This Georgian country house hotel, set in five acres of gardens, woodland and grounds, offers croquet, giant Connect 4, giant chess and boasts an indoor swimming pool. It’s an ideal base from which to explore the medieval port town of Rye or the lovely sandy beach of Camber Sands in East Sussex! www.flackleyashhotel.co.uk To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 3rd January 2012.

WIN a snuggle kit worth £40 from Difflam!

Difflam Spray is an effective, convenient and easy-to-use solution which gets straight to the heart of your child’s sore and scratchy throat pain and Difflam are giving away 15 snuggle kits each containing a Slanket, Penguin Toy blanket and two mugs.

To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 3rd January 2012.

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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Holiday Activities

Battersea Park Children’s zoo

Fun with Fimo clay

Christmas Panto at Eddie Catz

Dulwich Gallery

Holiday activities during the

Christmas holidays Compiled by Joanna Parry

Our online listing is constantly updated: do check it from time to time! www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/whatson

ARTS AND CRAFTS Artyard 318 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen SW14 7JN 13-23 December.

Christmas workshops – Make glittery golden Christmas presents, 10am-3.15pm daily, 5-10 year olds. £35 per day. Friday 16 December – teenagers at Artyard. Make a beautiful handmade present. 10.30am-4pm, 11-18 year olds, £35. 8 December – Little Picassos Christmas special. Create a festive masterpiece, 10.30am-12pm, dropoff session for 3-5 years, £12. 020 8878 1336, www.artyard.co.uk Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS Tuesday 20 December.

Crafty Christmas Creations – Create sensational decorations and beautiful cards out of natural and recycled materials. Ages 5+.

10.30am-12pm or 1-2.30pm. £5.50 per session (including adults.)

Children must be accompanied throughout the day. Book and pay in advance 020 7349 6453 or education@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

12.30pm; 9-11 years, 2.30-4.30pm. £18 for two days. 020 8299 8732 or l.mckie@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Smarty Paints Fun with Fimo Clay West London Monday 19, Wednesday 21 December and Wednesday 4 January.

Craft activity sessions – Mistletoe mice, snowmen nightlights, photo frames and nightlight-making.

Creative clay modelling for 6 years+, fully supervised and non-messy.

10am-4pm, £45. Bring a packed lunch and a box to put your creations in. Call Clare McKnight on 020 8992 3767, fimofun@tiscali.co.uk, www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk Little Hands Design 67 Belsize Lane, NW3 19-23 December.

Clothes Making and Design – Give your kids the chance to experiment with fashion ideas in

Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road, SE21 7AD Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 December.

Gallery Tea Cosies – Help celebrate the Gallery’s 200th birthday by creating a handmade tea cosy. Learn how to make felt using colourful wool and simple stitching techniques. 6-8 years, 10.30am-

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Astrid Jacoby on 07739 535684. www.littlehandsdesign.co.uk

Pottery Studio 85 Nightingale Lane, Balham SW12 12-23 December.

Christmas Craft workshops – Paint festive pottery in a sparkly Christmas Craft workshop with Decopatch, tree decorations, paint, glitter and more. Suitable for todders to adults, prices from £5. Call to book 020 8772 8702, www.smartypaints.co.uk

LANGUAGES Le Club Tricolore St Colomba’s Church, Pont Street, SW1 19, 20 and 21 December.

French Christmas Activity Days – Christmas themed games, arts and crafts, cooking, songs, sketches, treasure hunts and lots more, en francais! 5-11 year olds, 10am-4pm.

Suitable for beginners or fluent speakers. Call Teresa on 020 7924 4649/07889 96703, info@leclubtricolore.co.uk

MUSIC AND DRAMA Eddie Catz these intensive crash courses. Two 3hour sessions daily, 9-12pm and 14pm. £225 for the full week, or £120 for a half-day week. Email info@littlehandsdesign.com or call

Putney, 68-70 Putney High Street, SW15 Wimbledon, 42 Station Road, SW19 Drop off holiday camps – Choose from theme-based workshops such as Creative Dance,

Cookery, Martial Arts and Crazy Science. 4-12 year olds.

Monday 19 December.

Peter Pan Pantomime – 4-5pm at Putney venue. Suitable for children 2.5-8 years, £10 per child, includes a gift, free play at Eddie Catz and a 20% discount meal voucher. £1 per adult. Special guest appearance from Santa.

Tuesday 20 December.

Christmas Disco Party – Christmas themed disco party with DJ, plasma screens, elves, fun and prizes. 6-8pm at Wimbledon venue.

3-10 years, £10 per child, includes light meal, entertainment and a gift from Santa. £1 per adult.

0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com Perform Fulham, Notting Hill, Kensington, Putney, Richmond, Barnes Monday 19 – Friday 23 December.

Narnia Winter Workshops – Travel through the wardrobe to Narnia and help save Christmas!

Make new friends and have fun as you help Aslan the Lion defeat the Wicked White Witch. 4-8 year olds, 10am-12pm or 2.30-4.30pm depending on venue. Call Narnia Hotline 0845 400 4000, email pr@perform.org.uk, www.perform.org.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Battersea Honeywell School, Honeywell Road, Battersea, SW11 6EF Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 December. Panto time – Put on a panto in two days. Magical fun and a free performance for family

December 2011

Holiday Activities

Story telling Horniman Museum and friends – the perfect way to start Christmas. Ages 6-15, £70.

020 8946 2986, www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea

Pic credit Mick Brent

Perform

Husky sleigh rides – Wetlands Centre

IDEAS FOR A DAY OUT

Horniman Museum 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ Throughout December.

Family workshops – Every Saturday until 17 December, 11.45am and 1pm. Art Makers – every Saturday until 10 December, 1.30pm and 2.45pm, £3 per child.

Tales from the Horniman – 3 December, 2.15pm and 3.30pm.

Discovery For All – every Sunday until 11 December, 2pm.

Busy Bees – every Wednesday until 14 December and every Friday until 16 December, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm – lively sessions for under 5s.

020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk.

Battersea Park Upbeat Music Chelsea and Fulham Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 December.

Record a CD for Christmas – Sessions also include singing, dancing, drums, electric guitars and end-ofcourse performance. 10am-4pm, ages 4-14. Call 07816 901396, upbeatmusic@btinternet.com, www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk

Children’s Zoo Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ 10 and 11 December, 17-24 December.

Christmas festive fun – Visit Santa, plus Christmas Stocking Trail. Usual child entrance fee of £6.50 plus £3.50 to visit Santa. 020 7924 5826, www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

The Little Gym Wandsworth, Fulham, Hampton, Teddington Christmas Holidays.

Fun 3-hour camps – Gymnastics camps for children 3-12.

Call 020 8874 6567 (Wandsworth) or 020 8977 0099 (Hampton), www.thelittlegym.co.uk

December 2011

Winter fun at Kew Gardens Hampton Court Palace Surrey, KT8 9AU December 27 – January 2.

Henry VIII’s Christmas – Celebrate a Tudor Christmas with Henry VIII and his new wife, Catherine Howard. With songs, stories, music and dance. hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace or call 0844 482 7777.

Picture credit RBG Kew

SPORTS

Stagecoach Pantomine Show

Syon House Syon Park, London Road, Brentford TW8 8JF 2, 3 and 4 December.

The Enchanted Woodland – Let thousands of lights illuminate your way as you take a magical stroll through Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland. 5-9pm, adults £7.00, children £3.00. Tickets www.quaytickets.com or www.syonpark.co.uk. 020 8560 0882, info@syonpark.co.uk.

Kew Gardens Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 3AB 1 December – 2 January.

Family fun, Father Christmas, Winter Walks – Join a guided Winter Walk and discover the Christmas plants, daily at 12pm. Meet Santa in his festive grotto, 10 – 23 December, 123pm. Carousel rides on Kew Palace lawn, 10 December – 2 January, 10.30am-4pm, £2. Face painting at Climbers and Creepers, 10 December – 2 January, £4. 020 8332 5655, info@kew.org, www.kew.org.

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

Syon Park Enchanted Woodlands WWT London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT 10-11 December. Winter Wonderland Weekend Husky sleigh rides and Santa in his pine-forest grotto, £5. From 21 December join in the Christmas trail and storytelling, festive arts, wreath making and snowflakes. Most activities included in the admission price. 0208 409 4412, wwt.org.uk/london.

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© mariesacha - Fotolia.com

Help! Where is my Off switch?

By Helena Foss

I’m not sure mothers ever really switch off. Being a mother is, as they say, a life sentence; our care provider services can be called on at any time of the day or night and interrupt every single activity (like important phone conversations) and bodily function. But being busy mothering our children does not mean we should forget to mother ourselves too.

All very well, but where, I hear you ask, do I find the time? Life is so busy; there are emails to reply to, piles of laundry, tax forms, scraped knees, runny noses and dirty floors screaming for attention – and that urgent report to submit yesterday.

Prioritise Soul Food If, like me, you regularly find yourself arriving breathlessly at Overwhelm Central, running like fury to escape the clutches of the Things To Do monster (the one that gnaws away at you during occasional idle moments or jolts you anxiously awake at 3am), then it is time to prioritise your Soul Food. Your rational mind will not think that Soul Food is necessarily ‘important’ nor ‘productive’, but your body and heart will recognise it immediately; by feeling warm and relaxed. It could be half an hour alone under a favourite tree, lunch with a close friend, singing, painting or writing just one paragraph of that novel inside you. These things nurture us – and nurturers need nurturing. Simple as that.

When I need to get my priorities straight, I use the ‘rocks and sand’ analogy. The really important things are a mix of pressing Things To Do and Soul Food – meeting an article deadline, a spot of tree hugging, my boy’s urgent dental appointment, a dance around the living room, dinner, regular exercise – are the rocks, the rest is gravelly stones or grains of sand. Pour sand in a metaphorical jar first and only a few rocks fit on top. But pop the rocks in first and all the itty bitty stuff will fit in around it. My sandy items sit on a list and will easily get done once my rocks are in place.

One of my rocks is regular meditation. I actually cannot function properly without it.

Get out of your mind In the West we have become so identified with our minds, that we believe our rabid collection of thoughts is who we actually are. According to Zen Buddhism, the mind is a great servant but a terrible master. A frightened or stressed mind will hassle you endlessly with judgements, opinions, ‘what if’s’, ‘if only’s’ and ‘coulda, shoulda, wouldas’. It was the

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controversial mystic and meditation master Osho who once held up his hand and said: ‘You see my five fingers? Ordinarily you will not see the gaps [between them], you will see five fingers. But the gaps are more real. Fingers come and go. Gaps will remain.’

Woah. My whole being reeled on the spot and my mind momentarily shuddered to a halt when I first heard this statement. The gaps are more real – more real even than my thoughts? Who would have thought it?

Mind the Gap There is plenty of scientific evidence today to prove that meditation and mindfulness are effective antidotes for our epidemic levels of anxiety-fuelled binge-thinking, not to mention compulsive perfectionism, beating the clock and triumphing over the panting Things To Do beast. ‘Yes,’ my epitaph might read, ‘she got things done, but did she enjoy any of it?’ It is like using every ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view. What, then, really is the point?

The point of meditation is to become mindful; to simply be aware of your thoughts, to notice them coming and going, moving through like clouds in the sky. This means you can actually choose whether to believe them or not (I’m too fat, my neighbour hates me, I’ll never be a good enough mother, you know the kind of thing). Like the British weather, some days the inner landscape of the mind is overcast, but with regular practice (it is called meditation practice for a reason), you will get moments of dropping out of the mind into the vast, expansive blue sky of nothingness, which, paradoxically, is teeming with life, creativity and potential.

light bulb moments that go ‘ping!’ above our heads. The trick is being empty and receptive enough to allow them in. So, doing nothing can actually be incredibly productive. It is during meditation that much of the ‘sand’ of my life quietly settles down and sorts itself out.

Switch yourself back on In fact, once you can switch compulsive thought patterns off – or at least be aware of them enough so that they calm down – you get switched on to the present moment, which is, so the sages tell us, the only thing that actually exists. When I am really present, time itself slows right down; I am able to respond rather than knee-jerk react to situations.

The lights are on. There is someone home. You are able to truly ‘be there’. You become, in the best sense of the word, a rock – both for yourself and your family.

Mummy downtime, therefore, is good for everybody. Scheduling it onto your calendar is no longer a luxury. It is a duty. Just like that darned tax form.

Inspiration is something that arrives out of nowhere, like those

December 2011

December 2011

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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What’s on NEW: What’s on Newsletter - See ad page 7

Compiled by Sophie M-C. Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong...

DIARY DATES No diary dates this issue! This month there are simply too many Christmas events, pantomimes, shows etc. To receive our Diary dates, simply ask to receive our FREE What’s On e-newsletter. We list NCT sales, fairs, events, courses, workshops etc. Go to : www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/register4newsletter

THE COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD 020 8767 8886 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Sat & Sun 2pm & 4pm both days. £7/£9.

To 29 Jan. ALADDIN Poor Aladdin is tricked by his evil “uncle” to enter a dangerous cave and look for a magic lamp. Soon he is trapped inside. Will poor Aladdin escape, find love and make his fortune? Of course he will! It’s pantomime time again at the Colour House. Come and boo, hiss and enjoy this wonderful new adaptation with the whole family!

TARA Studio ®

What’s On

SouthWest

Newsletter

CHRISTMAS SHOWS AND PANTOS We have only listed here the shows and pantos that are within easy reach of the SW area. To see more shows and many more destinations log on to our wonderful website: www.familiesonline.co.uk, for shows in our neighbouring Families: Families South East, North, West, North West, Upon Thames, Surrrey borders, Surrey East and West, etc

356 Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4ES 020 8333 4457 www.tara-arts.com 1-24 Dec. BOLLYWOOD CINDERELLA PANTOMIME (check the website for details of schedule) Hardeep Singh Kohli cooks up his own inimitable brand of fun for all the family – spicing the much loved Christmas classic with Indian colours, smells and sounds. £10/£12.50.

BATTERSEA ART CENTRE BAC, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN 020 7223 2223 www.bac.org.uk 8-10 Dec. THE ADVENTURES OF WOUND MAN AND SHIRLEY 7.30pm.

Wound Man is an unconventional superhero, sprung from the pages of a medieval medical textbook, with an alarming assortment of weapons sticking out from every part of his body, and he just moved to Shirley Street – and he happens to have a vacancy for a teenage sidekick. A funny and touching story about two unlikely friends. 14 yrs+. £10/£6.

10-31 Dec. JOHN HEGLEYS CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 2.30pm & 7pm. There is a story about a man

ARTS THEATRE London, WC2H 7JB Sat 10 – Thurs 22 December - THE LAZY ELF Perfect for children and families, The Lazy Elf is an interactive 55 minute musical written by renowned musician and vocal coach Jo Noel-Hartley. With a large cast

The Lazy Elf

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com To 18 Feb. THE UGLY DUCKLING This brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale promises to be a playful and tender production, brought to life with delightful music, movement and puppetry. 3-5 yrs and special performances for 1-5yrs. Please check the website. £7/£9.

To 4 Feb. CHARLOTTE’S WEB Offering solace from pantomime and the normal Christmas-themed theatre, this classic tale is set to delight children ages 5-11yrs and their family over the festive period. £10/£16.

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THE BROADWAY THEATRE Catford, London SE6 4RU 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk 10 Dec-2 Jan. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK A traditional pantomime with spectacular scenery, colourful costumes, creative choreography accompanied by live music and a very talented cast who promise plenty of magic!

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com To 8 Jan. THE SNOW QUEEN A brand new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale, transported to a land rich in colour, music and unforgettable imagery.

7yrs+. £16/£22, concs £10/£5, family £44/£64.

3-30 Dec. RING A DING DING Join us for an epic, though tiny, table-top voyage of discovery, where your fingers and noses will never be far from action. An immersive, interactive and multi-sensory show for children aged 3-6 and their families.

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk To 31 Dec. ALADDIN The Lyric’s traditional Pantomime is back and this year East meets West (London) in Aladdin.

With a flying carpet, a magic lamp, a monkey and, of course, Widow Twankey. A festive treat for the whole family!

6yrs+. £12.50/£30, under 16s £15, family £60. Bkg: 0871 221 1729.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

BAC John Hegley

of Santa’s Elves that includes Jelly Bean, Fizzy, Smarty, Sweet Pea, Cupcake, Tinker, Fudge, Bluebell and Percy, the audience must help Larry to realise the value of hard work and the true meaning of Christmas. Ages 3+ 020 7907 7092 www.TheLazyElf.com

www.ambassadortickets.com/richmond 9 Dec-15 Jan. CINDERELLA Jenny Éclair is making her pantomime debut and will be joined by the legendary star of stage Gary Wilmot. With stunning sets, glittering costumes, wonderful songs, dazzling dances and hilarious family-friendly comedy, it’s the perfect ideal Christmas treat for all ages! £15/£29.

who thought his television was a pet, some challenging ideas, boisterous bits of joining in and much laughter.

Mixing poetry, songs and screwball stories, join John as he leads you on a surreal and fantastical Christmas journey! £9/£7 Bkg & info: www.bac.org.uk/whats-on/johnhegleys-christmas-crackers/ 19-21 Dec. COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS 1pm.

Cracking entertainment for everyone aged over six, the best comedians on the UK circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits! £10. Bkg & info: www.bac.org.uk/whats-on/comedy-club-kids/

Little Venice, Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com MR RABBIT MEETS BRER SANTA A tale of a wily fox and a mischievous rabbit. Opens 3 Dec at 3pm. 3/4 Dec, 10/11, 17 to 23 daily at 3pm. 27 Dec to 2 Jan daily at 3pm. 7/8 Jan at 3pm. Additional performances on Sat mornings at 11am throughout the season. £8.50/£10.

HALF MOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk All tickets £6.

PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW 020 8788 6943. http://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/welcome Thurs 8-Sun 11 Dec. THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by CS Lewis, dramatised

by Adrian Mitchell. 7.45pm Sat and Sun matinee 3pm, no Sun eve show. An exciting, magical and wonderful journey! £7/£10, family £30

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon Fri 9 Dec- Sun 15 Jan. DICK WHITTINGTON Dame Edna Everage will be starring as the Saviour of London in this year’s spectacular family pantomime. £15.25/£37.50.

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

Half Moon theatre: Gretel and Hansel

December 2011

What’s on

Please send info to our editor to be considered: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk (inclusion is free)

Sat 10 Dec. CIRCLE OF TALES 11am & 2pm. How and when did the first story come to be told? A fable told using African language and English, wood and wire puppets, video projection and live music played on traditional instruments.

Sat 17 Dec. GRETEL AND HANSEL 11am & 2pm.

With beautiful puppets, magical tricks, silly singing, super sand-dancing and music from the Humperdinck opera.

3-7yrs.

Sat 7 Jan. THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER 11am & 2pm. A classic fable with magical puppets, intricate design, original music and the simplest of dialogue. 3-9 yrs.

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE Strand, London WC2. www.swallowsamazons.co.uk National theatre Box Office 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk (no bkg fee) Vaudeville Box Office 0844 412 4663 www.nimaxtheatres.com (bkg fee)

WWT WETLAND CENTRE

Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio Fulham /Hammersmith border

Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT. 020 8409 4400. www.wwt.org.uk Sat 17-Tue 20 Dec. WHICH WITCH IS WHICH? A magical pantomime full of Wetland animals and magic spells. The Wetland animals need your help. There are Wicked Witches about! 11.30am & 2.30pm each day. £6 and do not include entry to the centre.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU 0844 412 4652/0844 800 1110 www.matildathemusical.com To 12 Feb 2012.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s world premiere of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers. £20 to £59.50.

SADLER’S WELLS Two Theatres in Islington: SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE and the LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO. Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN A West end Theatre: The PEACOCK THEATRE. Portugal Street, London WC2A 2RT. Kingsway, near Holborn. www.sadlerswells.com To Sun 8 Jan. THE SNOWMAN Peacock Theatre. 0844 412 4322 or online. London’s favourite family Christmas show based on Raymond Brigg’s book “the Snowman”. £12/£32, family £95.

Tue 6 Dec-Sun 22 Jan. MATTHEW BOURNE’S NUTCRACKER Sadler’s Well.

0844 412 4300 or online. A resident Company of Sadler’s Wells, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures has produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades! A new “Must See”. £10/£60, family £140.

Tue 13-Sat 31 Dec. BOING! Lilian Baylis Studio. 0844 412 4300 or online. An energetic and enchanting piece of dance theatre combining comedy, acrobatics and breakdance. Set on Christmas Eve, BOING! Captures the delirious excitement of waiting for Santa to arrive. £7/£12.

Please ring—

Vaudeville Theatre: Swallows and Amazon

NATIONAL THEATRE PLATFORMS South Bank, City of London SE 1 9PX 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Wed 21 Dec. MICHAEL MORPURGO’S ON ANGEL WINGS 5.30pm (1h15mns) Olivier. A warm and humorous retelling of the Christmas Story with Michael Morpurgo as The Storyteller. £7.50/£5.

December 2011

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

15 Dec-14 Jan SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS A story of an idyllic era, of endless summer evenings and the beauty of youthful imagination. An action- packed musical adventure for the whole family (6yrs+) £12/£42.50.

LYRIC THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES 0844 412 4661 www.nimaxtheatres.com / www.gruffalolive.com To Sun 15 Jan. THE GRUFFALO A musical adaptation

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSON Wonderful Pictures of Children

robinft.co.uk 020 7350 0312 info@robinft.co.uk

SOUTHBANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 020 7960 4200/0844 875 0073, www.southbankcentre.co.uk Part of the series SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S WINTER FESTIVAL. Sat 17-Sat 31 Dec. WHITE White Room, Spirit Level. Specially designed for children aged 2 to 4. In this sparkling world of white everything is clean and new, the white world gleams and dazzles but someone has to keep it this way! £12.

Sat 17-Sun 8 Jan. SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW Royal Festival Hall. The multi award-winning international sensation Slava’s Snowshow has delighted and trilled audiences in over 80 cities around the globe. A joyous, dream-like world that will touch both your heart and funny bone. £20 to £47.50, premium £65.

Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

Lyric Theatre: The Gruffalo of the award- winning picture book by Julia Donalson and Alex Scheffler.

With its fifth consecutive winter run this year, the production has rapidly become an essential part of the West end Christmas season. Follow the quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and musical modern classic. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3yrs+ and their families. £12.50/£15.50.

HUGE SALE OF NEW AND SECOND-HAND SKI CLOTHES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN SKISUITS, JACKETS, SALOPETTES, GLOVES, SNOWBOOTS, GOGGLES, HELMETS, ETC. BIG REDUCTIONS ON LAST YEAR'S STOCK PLUS THIS YEAR’S NEW COLLECTION At 22 Northbourne Road, Clapham, SW4 7DJ

www.skiderouge.com Any enquiries ring Libby de Rougemont on

020 7720 4871 / 07939 051220 libbyderouge@hotmail.co.uk Do come and bring friends

CHRISTMAS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11 020 7924 5826 www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Daily from 10am.

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec and Sat 17 through to and

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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What’s on NEW: What’s on Newsletter - See ad page 7

from page 29

19 Dec-2 Jan. MEET PENGUIN FATHER FISHMAS’ in his festively themed icy grotto. Mornings 10am-12pm.

Special Christmas gifts for children AND don’t miss the rest of the Gentoo Penguin family in “Penguins: Ice Aventure”

Battersea Zoo Santa including 24 Dec 3.30pm. SANTA IS COMING! Santa visit price: Usual child entrance fee £6.50 PLUS £3.50 Includes: visit to Santa, sticker, small gift, drink & Christmas treat. Bookable in advance on 020 7924 5826 or upon entry to the zoo on the day (subject to availability) Accompanying adults & sibling must pay the usual zoo entrance fee.

10-24 Dec. CHRISTMAS STOCKING TRAIL Follow the clues on the Christmas Quiz Sheet to work out which animal has put out a stocking for Santa! Usual child entrance fee £6.50 + £1 (includes a prize).

WWT WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT. 020 8409 4400. www.wwt.org.uk Daily 9.30am - 5pm £4.95/ £8.95, under 4s free, family £25.

To Sun 11 Dec WINTER FAMILY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES -STORYTELLING: HIBERNATION Listen to some great hibernation stories and make a hibernating hedgehog to take home. Under 7s. Voluntary donation.

-PAPERMAKING: Join us to make your own real recycled paper by hand, adding seeds and other natural materials found in the Wetlands. 7yrs+. £1.

-MIGRATION WALK: This is a fun look at migration: why birds migrate, where they go, and how do they do it? 7yrs+ Free with adm to the Centre.

Visit www.wwt.org.uk/london for dates and times.

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec. WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND 10am-4pm.

-Visit Santa and his huskies, experience the excitement of a husky sleigh ride or have your photo taken.

-Visit Santa in his cosy Grotto set among the firs and pine trees. 10am-12.30pm & 1pm-4pm.

-Shop around for wildlife themed gifts and old-fashioned sweets and chocolates.

-Stroll around the scenic walkways, enjoy the frost glistening on the trees and watch the ducks hunting for their Christmas dinner!

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB 0871 663 1678 or www.sealife.co.uk/london Open daily 10am-6pm. Family tickets from £54 and special behind the scenes packages for budding junior aquarists also available. Check website.

London Aquarium: Penguin Santa.

PLUS a whole aquarium full of fun from sharks and rays to rare turtles and crocodiles.

Discount and fast track entry with online booking: £17.14 adults/£12.66 children.

CINE LUMIERE/ INSTITUT FRANCAIS 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT 020 7073 1350 www.institut-francais.org.uk CINE-KIDS Sat 10 Dec. ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 11.30am. £5.

AU THEATRE THIS SUNDAY This series is perfect for primary school children who want to progress further with French language and culture.

Sun 11 Dec. NUT! 3pm. Adapted from the tale “CasseNoisette et le Roi des Souris” by Alexandre Dumas Père. £8/£10 BABY FRENCH TALES With games, songs and music, professional storyteller and librarians will make the babies familiarise themselves with French language and their parents with age and level-appropriate books.

Sat 10 Dec. LE ROYAUME DES JOUETS 11am.

Adapted from “Casse-Noisette” by Alexandre Dumas £8/£10

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk/events Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Late opening Thu, Fri 10am-9pm.

FAMILY EVENTS: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Sat 17 Dec. CHRISTMAS PAST. 2pm-4pm. Travel back in time to celebrate a Victorian Christmas with an interactive storytelling session followed by a chance to make a special festive decoration. 5yrs+.

FAMILY AUDIO GUIDE £6 up to 5 audio players, £4 for 2 audio players (one adult and one child) Explore amazing facts and stories about people in the collection with a specially designed recorded tour and interactive touchscreen players 7-11yrs.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2894/2885 www.nationalgallery.or.uk and for family events www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what FAMILY SUNDAYS Fun activities designed especially for families to enjoy and learn together. Free hands-on art workshops at 11am & 2pm every Sunday. Meet in the Education Centre Foyer (Orange St Entrance). Workshops last 2hrs.

FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 5: MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING 10.30am-11am & 11.30am-12noon every Sunday. Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each Sunday.

FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 11 DRAWING SUNDAYS 11am-12.20pm & 2pm-3.20pm, alternate Sundays. Young artists explore how National Gallery paintings can be used as inspiration STUDIO SUNDAYS: 11am-1pm, repeated 2pm-4pm, alternate Sundays. Hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery followed by a studio session.

Sun 11 Dec. WASHING LINES Make s splash and experiment with water drawing.

Sun 18 Dec. UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS Capture the movement of a lively racehorse frozen in action. Explore the outline, shadows and colours to bring this horse to life!

MORE GALLERY FUN TRAILS AND AUDIO TOURS Families can print it out from www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families or pick one up at Information Desks.

KEW GARDENS Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org 9.30am-6pm £11.90/£13.90, free for children under 17 (with an adult) 1 Dec-31 Jan WINTER EVERGREEN WALK. Daily from 12noon and starts from the volunteers desk (Victoria Plaza) Join this guided walk with Kew’s expert guides, and discover the Christmas plants that shine throughout winter in Kew’s 300 acre site.

3 Dec-2 Jan. If you prefer to go at your own pace, why not pick up a leaflet at the gates and try a SELF-GUIDED ‘WINTER WALK’.

10 Dec-2 Jan: -FATHER CHRISTMAS In the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Queue from 12noon to 3pm.

-CAROUSEL RIDE Kew Palace lawn. 10.30am-4pm. £1/£2 -SEASONAL FACE PAINTING at Climbers and Creepers. £4 a face, £7 two.

-RIDES WITH MINI SIZED VINTAGE CARS 10.30am-4pm daily. £2/£3.

And don’t forget you can eat and shop in style as well!

Visit 345 Nursery where “The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding” (Ofsted 2008).

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this rich and vibrant learning environment.

Great outdoor space!

Options include Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club. www.345nurseryschool.co.uk Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or dixonannab@aol.com Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

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visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for What's On

December 2011

What’s on

Please send info to our editor to be considered: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk (inclusion is free)

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500/ 9551 www.wallacecollection.org 10am-5pm. Free.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES Sat 10 Dec. CRUMBS... it’s Christmas! 11am-1pm Create your own edible Christmas Biscuit House. £7, 6yrs+.

Mon 19 Dec. CELEBRATE CHANUKAH, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm.

Stories and crafts. £7, 6yrs+.

Tue 20 Dec. CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 2pm-4pm.

Make fun crackers and belt out some carols. Free drop-in workshop, 5yrs+.

Thurs 29 Dec. WINTER WONDERLAND 10.30am12.30pm or 2pm-4pm. Create your own decorative snowflake or star to decorate a wintery window. £7, 7yrs+.

Daily Self Guided Activities- no need to book!

-FAMILY MULTIMEDIA TOUR with interactive games.

Small fee.

- FREE ARMOUR HANDLING Daily. Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bullet-proof breastplate really was.

- FAMILY TRAILS Themed family trails available from the information desk at the front Entrance

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU £8/£13.20/£15.95, family £43.45. All events are included in the general adm ticket price unless otherwise stated.

11 Dec. CHOSTS TOURS See Hampton Court Palace in a eerie new light. £25. Bkg: www.hrp.org.uk or 0844 482 7799. Does not include a full tour of Hampton Court Palace and is not suitable for under 12s.

19-23 Dec. CAROL SINGING AROUND THE PALACE COURTYARDS Dress warmly! 6pm-7pm. £3.50/37, under 5s free. Bkg: 0844 482 7775 27 Dec-2 Jan. TUDOR CHRISTMAS It is December 1540. Henry VII and his new young wife, Catherine Howard, will celebrate her first Christmas as Queen. With songs. Stories, music and dance – and the madcap humour of the king’s fool, everything looks set for a Christmas to remember!

27 Dec to 2 Jan. TUDOR COOKERY Experience real smells and sounds as history chefs experiment with recipes, ingredients and cooking methods to prepare a feast fit for a king.

TOWER OF LONDON

December 2011

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington, Greater London. 0870 751 5170 www.hrp.org.uk £6.90/£12.10/£13.75.

Daily until 3 Jan. ENCHANTED PALACE An interactive visitor experience combining contemporary art installations, fashion and live performance. See the spectacular light installations created by contemporary artist Chris Levine.

27 Dec-2 Jan. ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Lots of Christmas crafts activities for children and their family. Try your hand at paper palace lanterns or paper roses.

Activities take place between 11am-4pm and all materials are included in palace adm.

LEEDS CASTLE Seven miles east of Maidstone and clearly signposted from junction 8 of the M20. £11/£16/£18.50, under 4s free. 01622 765400 or www.leeds-castle.com The beautiful moated castle is set in 500 acres of tranquil parkland and has a rich 1,000 year history, making it an ideal day out throughout the year.

To 2 Jan. TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS will fill Leeds Castle and many of the rooms will be beautifully decorated with scenes inspired by classic children’s stories for the whole family to enjoy 15, 19, 20 & 22 Dec. EVENING TOURS Be guided on an entertaining and lively tour with Jack Frost and other traditional festive figures. 45mns, entry from 5pm to 7.45pm. £15 adults/ £12 seniors/ £10 children under 16yrs.

Pre-booking 01622 880008 weekdays 10am-5pm.

10 & 11 Dec and daily from 16 Dec to 24 Dec. FATHER CHRISTMAS in his mini castle grotto in the courtyard. Pre-booking essential 01622880008 weekdays 10am-5pm. £8.50 per child.

NATIONAL TRUST COUNTRY HOUSE CHRISTMAS HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham, Richmond upon Thames TW10 7RS 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk This magnificent 17th-century property on the banks of the river Thames is opening its gates for a season of festive family fun and treats, with activities for all ages.

10, 11, 17, 18 Dec. CHRISTMAS FAIR AND FAMILY FUN 11am-5pm. £2.45/£3.65, family £9.75. Includes a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment and the popular Christmas Fair with artisans and traders offering an eclectic range of gifts for all pockets.

11 & 18 Dec. CHRISTMAS REVELS WITH THE CITY MUSICK 5pm-6.30pm & 7pm-8.30pm £26 (includes music and readings, a visit to several rooms in the house

The National Trust Christmas followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Orangery.

Bkg essential: 0844 249 1895 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10 & 17 Dec. CHRISTMAS CONCERT 4pm-5pm & 6pm-7pm. £9/£14. Experience the Great Hall lit up at night during Ham’s delightful family concerts. Father Christmas brings more festive magic into this magnificent house when he arrives to distribute gifts to every child. Bkg essential: 0844 249 1895 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10,11,17,18 Dec. CHRISTMAS AT OSTERLEY PARK HOUSE 12-4pm. Experience this majestic house dressed for an Edwardian Christmas, and follow the work of the servants as they hasten to prepare the rooms, from breakfast time through to an evening soiree. Free after normal adm charge.

11, 18 Dec. FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROLS 2pm2.30pm & 3pm-3.30pm. Carols singers will invite everyone to join them for some rousing renditions of traditional favourites. Song sheets are provide, so there are no excuses!. Free after normal adm charge.

WINTER WONDERLAND IN HYDE PARK 0844 858 6755 www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com To 3 Jan. 10am to 10pm everyday, seven days a week across 20 acres of historic parkland. Closed on Christmas day.

-The biggest outdoor rink in the UK, stretching over 1,350m2 it will surround the Victorian Band Stand, creating a beautiful centre piece for Winter Wonderland - 50m Observation wheel

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for What's On

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...cont page 32

London EC3N 4AB 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk £10.45/£17.05/£19.80, family £55. All events are included in the general adm ticket price unless otherwise stated.

27-31 Dec. MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS Join King Edward I and his court and celebrate Christmas back in 1284, as they prepare to celebrate the festive season. Join in the

jovial atmosphere as entertainers perform around you, musicians play and sing and fools make you laugh.

Traditional tales and plenty of fun!

31

What’s on from page 31

NEW: What’s on Newsletter - See ad page 7

-Zippo’s Christmas Circus in its very own heated big top with its special show.

-Cirque Extreme, a jaw dropping show.

-Wider variety of themed ride for children -Angel Christmas Market -Festive catering from around the world -Indoor and outdoor bars -Santa: Father Christmas will be at the Hyde Park bandstand along with his elves everyday.

Free to enter, with tokens for all rides and attractions available for purchase on the day, but bkg is recommended for Ice Rink and the Wheel.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU To 8 Jan. ICE RINK Located in-front of the Henri VIII’s

Cromwell Road, London SW7 020 7938 9123. Info: MonFri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011 www.nhm.ac.uk Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun 11am-5.50pm. Free ICE RINK Set within the historic Victorian grounds of the Museum, the Ice Rink has become an integral part of London’s winter scene. Other on-site attractions include a children’s rink and beautiful fairground carousel.

Bkg 0844 847 1576 or www.nhmskating.com

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE Bank Side, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 www.shakespearesglobe.com 1 Dec to 2 Jan. FROST FAIR Stalls and booths offering gifts, food, clothing and entertainment including bear-baiting, skating and puppet shows.

Thurs 8 Dec. A CONCERT FOR WINTER 1pm. Will provide a banquet of music, song and festivity which will celebrate the work and creativity of Southwark community groups and schools. Adm is free but tickets must be booked in advance by emailing: community@shakespearesglobe.com Throughout the year: SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE EXHIBITION AND TOUR offers the perfect day out for the whole family.

17 & 18 Dec. SPECIAL ACTIVITY WEEKEND includes live sword fighting demonstrations, Elizabethan costume dressing and printing demonstrations using a full-size recreation of a 17th Century printing press.

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS stunning Tudor Palace, the ever-popular outdoor ice rink will be making a welcome return for 6 festive weeks. Bkg: www.hamptoncourticerink.com £8 to £12, family £32/£34.

TOWER OF LONDON London EC3N 4AB 0844 482 7777 To 8 Jan. ICE RINK Set in the dry moat, the ice rink is

Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB. Book online at www.londoneye.com to receive 10% off.

To 6 Jan. EYE SKATE Guests are invited to glide across the ice under the silhouette of the EDF Energy London Eye, where they can also opt to experience the London Eye or the London eye River Cruise to enjoy the best of London’s Christmas offerings.

Off peak Mon to Fri: £7.50/£10.50, family £32.50. Peak: Sat & Sun and from 17th Dec to 6 Jan. £9.50/£12.50, family £39.60.

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38 West Hill, London SW18 1RX 020 8870 6060 www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. £3/£4, under 5’s free.

To 31 Dec. SEPARATION AND SILENCE: WANDSWORTH PRISON From an execution box to a letter from Oscar Wilde’s wife Constance, desperate to see her husband, the display explores the past of Wandsworth Prison, its inmates and the changes that have taken place in the prison system, from punitive measures to the changing condition of an inmate’s cell.

THE DE MORGAN CENTRE

ICE RINKS LONDON EYE

WANDSWORTH MUSEUM

the perfect way to have some fun and kick start the festive season with a hot chocolate or even mulled wine! Bkg: www.hrp.org.uk

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, London WC2 1LA 020 78454600 To 22 Jan. ICE RINK This year Tea-Time with Tiffany combines tea-dance music with live ice-dance displays and delicious treats. Children can be enchanted by Storytelling beside the Christmas tree. An ultimate destination for everyone: skaters and spectators. Bkg 0844 847 1520 or www.somerset.org.uk

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

West Hill, London SW18 1RX 020 8871 1144 www.demorgan.org.uk Tue-Fri 1pm-5pm & Sat 10am-5pm. Adult £4, children free.

Refurbished, re-configured restored and re-hung, visitors will once again be able to experience the stunning collection of William De Morgan’s ceramics and Evelyn De Morgan’s paintings – the largest collection of each anywhere in the world!

-Activity trail for children, which leads them around the gallery, encourages them to find answers to questions and offers the opportunity for some drawing and tile design.

-In the shop, visitors will find amazing books with children’s crafts activities, as well as child friendly goodies including a De Morgan tile puzzle.

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road, Dulwich Village, London SE21 7AD 020 8693

December 2011

What’s on

Please send info to our editor to be considered: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk (inclusion is free)

5254 www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Sat 10 Dec. CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR CHILDREN 10.30 am-11.45am. Magic images and stories with shadow puppets.

Wed 28 and Thurs 29 Dec. HOLIDAY SHORT COURSES. GALLERY TEA COSIES. -6-8YRS 10.30am-12.30pm and 9-11YRS 2.30pm-4.30pm.

Help celebrate the Gallery’s 200th birthday by creating a handmade tea cosy in the shape of the Gallery. Learn how to make felt using colourful wool and learn simple stitch techniques. £18 for two days.

mosaic coasters and wall hangings as fabulous gifts to take home. 5yrs+ Tue 27 Dec-Tue 3 Jan. KITE MAKING WORKSHOPS 12noon-3pm. Mark the coming of the London 2012 Games and show your team’s support by flying their colours and flags in the sky on hand crafted kites. Families can tie their New Year’s resolutions onto the tail, set their goals and aim to keep them or complete them by the summer. 5yrs+ Tue 27 Dec-Tue 3 Jan. STORY TIME 11am. Little visitors can hear stories about a duck in a truck and the little London red train’s adventures.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, London SW7 020 7938 9123. Info: MonFri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011 www.nhm.ac.uk Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun 11am-5.50pm. Free.

To 11 Mar 2012 VEOLIA ENVIRONMENT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 10am-5.50pm. More than 100 images uniquely combines the work of talented photographers and gifted amateurs. Interactive stations provide insight into what the judges, scientists and the photographers think about each photograph, while encouraging visitors to participate and not just vote for their favorite, but also join the debate surrounding the hot topics of conservation and green issues. £4.50/£9, family £24, ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES Full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on

Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk 10am-5.45pm & until 10pm on Fridays. Closed 24, 25 & 26 Dec. Free.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 27-31 Dec. MAKE IT: GLITTER AND GLOW 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. Children will be able to design and decorate their own trinket boxes to take home.

4yrs+. £3 per child. Bkg essential: 020 7942 2211.

27 Dec-3 Jan. THE IMAGINATION STATION 10am5pm. Visitors can create their own hero or villain puppet and then perform with it in a Winter Wonderland storytelling session. Free, drop-in. 4yrs+.

BACK-PACKS Families can pick up an activity Back-pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trial. Packs are filled with jigsaws, stories and games to explore the collection. Free, drop-in, 4-11yrs.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD 01925 467 446 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Daily 10am-6pm. Closed 24 to 26 Dec. Free, but charges apply for IMAX cinema, flight simulator and some special exhibition.

To 31 Dec. ROBOTVILLE AND ROBOT MONTH The museum will showcase the latest and greatest in robotic research and development from around the world.

iclub at the Science Museum Robotville

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.vam.ac.uk/moc Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free.

EXHIBITIONS To 26 Feb 2012. THE STUFF OF NIGHTMARES This exhibition explores the darker side of traditional fairy tales.

The gallery has been transformed into a creepy forest, an installation based on the Brothers Grimm tale Fundevogel made with the help of local schoolchildren.

To 4 Mar 2012. MAGIC WORLDS The exhibition will delve into the captivating world of magic, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the imaginary and fantastical realms of witches, wizards, fairies, elves, dragons, magicians and illusionists. On display will be costumes, tricks, paintings, ceramics, beautifully illustrated books and posters, games optical toys and dramatic puppets. Free.

adventures of Pinocchio. £3.50. 3yrs+.

FAMILY BACK PACK FOR UNDER 5s Devised in collaboration with Montessori, the Museum of Childhood has made four new resources for families on their visit. Backpacks suitable for various age groups contain a train map, storybooks, play mats and question sheet. Free.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

19-23 Dec and 28-30 Dec. OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN 10am-4.30pm. Get a head start for 2012 by adding your own designs of gold, banknotes and other objects from the Bank’s collections to a calendar to take home.

DESIGN MUSEUM Shad Thames, City of London SE1 2YD 020 7403 6933 www.designmuseum.org Workshops are suitable for children 5-11yrs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £4.50 for children, £8.50 for accompanying adults, price includes entry to exhibitions.

Sun 11 Dec. MINI-WORLD 2pm-4.30pm. As the Museum celebrates the legacy of Terence Conran, be inspired by his visionary interiors to model a creative and imaginative interior of your own to take home.

The MUSEUM OF LONDON and MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS Please visit the websites for full details of children activities. www.museumoflondon.org.uk and www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands The 9 Dec, The Museum of London is launching the “DICKENS AND LONDON” exhibition. Both the Museum of London and The Museum of London Docklands are going to be running Dickensian and Victorian themed event in celebration. Some highlights:

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm.

Sat 10 Dec TRADITIONAL DECORATIONS, MODERN TWIST. 12.30pm-1.30pm & 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Make some traditional festive decorations with a difference – you will use the computer to create them. 5yrs+. Free

MUSEUM OF LONDON Copyright Museum of Childhood.

As well as talks from roboticists, who will demonstrate their work, the Museum is displaying over 20 unique robots, many of which have just come out of the research lab.

Throughout December there will be talks, robots workshops, Q&As with curators, art installations and multimedia. Free.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB info: 020 7379 6344, bkg: 020 7565 7298 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Sat to Thurs 10am-6pm. Fri 11am-6pm.

Closed 25, 26 Dec. £10/£13, under 16s free.

CHRISTMAS FUN FOR FAMILIES Mon 19 Dec-Fri 23 Dec. MOSAICS GIFTS MAKING WORKSHOP 12noon-3pm. Families can make gorgeous

Street Jazz, Tap Musical Theatre

London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm Sat 31 Dec. A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2pm-3pm.

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to life in this familyfriendly “close-up” production of the classic London story.

7yrs+. Free.

Information for What’s On send to whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

EVENT 28 & 29 Dec. PINOCCHIO 11.30am &2pm. A one hour performance featuring handcarved puppets, following the

Tots Dance Parties

South West London’s street jazz experts, offering classes in a range of commercial dance styles for tots, kids, teens and adults.

BE.Inspired!

BE.There: Classes held in Wandsworth and Clapham area

07545 697352 www.bedance.co.uk December 2011

becca@bedance.co.uk

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

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33

Classified ads PARTIES www.charlietheclown.co.uk www.charlietheclown.co.uk

Silly Millie the Clown

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Parties for 3-9 year olds Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, Party Games, Silly Songs and Balloon Animals Call 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

clown pirate story-teller wizard

Lorena's value mascot costume hire • Why pay for a party entertainer?

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The theatre of Peter Peter Pan, Pan, Superheroes, Fairies,Arabian Fairies,Arabian Nights and more...

In your home! Unforgettable Bilingual English/French English/French www.lydieparties.com

www.magictheo.com Free Magic Wand & Magic Certificate for Birthday Child

CRB CHECKED, Magic for Children & Adults 020 8642 6519 (Magic Circle & Equity)

ALL THE PERSONAL ADS ARE ONLINE If you have unwanted baby goods, prams, or clothes sell them to other families locally.

Please log on to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/personalads If you are looking for childcare or offering your services as an au pair, nanny or housekeeper go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/childcareads It is FREE! To appear here email to: personalads@familiesmagazine.co.uk

HOUSEKEEPING/ CHILDCARE • Ofsted registered childminder in Southfields has vacancies for 0 - 10 year olds. I am a qualified teacher experienced in Special Needs with full CRB check, first aid certificate and very good resources to ensure your little ones have a varied and full access to the early years curriculum and beyond.

Please call Terrie for further information on 07882 357 585 • Flexible, energetic, fun and practical person seeking a job as a nanny/cleaner.

I'm organised and experienced in all aspects of running a household: looking after children, cleaning to a high standard, laundry and cooking.

Available part/full-time. Please call Christin on 07985 412 307 • Fun, experienced Nanny is looking for work for one or two days (or half days) a week. Please call 020 8665 2752 • Experienced nanny with good references and six year’s experience (new born to 15yrs) is looking for a nanny job or a nanny share job to include bringing her own baby (8 months) to work.

Please call 07849 755 235

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• Mary Poppins, well nearly!

Nanny/babysitter available, permanent/temp. Over 20 yrs experience with six week to thirteen year olds. First aid certificate, police check, highest possible references.

Please phone 020 7737 3210 or 07905 733 619 • Ofsted Registered Childminder in Wimbledon with spaces full/part time (flexible on days).

After school/nursery pick up also available. I have a Diploma in Childcare and Education and 6 years nanny experience, with excellent references, CRB check and First Aid. Warm, loving home. Fun, stimulating environment with lovely resources. Please call Eva on 07984 193 464 • Qualified and experienced nanny looking for weekend (day-time) nanny or evening babysitting. CRB checked with excellent references. Currently living in the Clapham Common area.

Please call 07957 704 124 • Ofsted registered, experienced nanny with excellent references looking for a Thursday/Friday live out nanny position. Flexible hours. Experience of nursery school teaching and 13 years looking after children aged 2 mths -

12yrs including premature twins Warm, caring, reliable and trustworthy non-smoker available to start asap.

Please call 07793 134 681 • Ofsted Registered Childminder 5 mins from Tooting BR station has vacancies from January. I provide a friendly, happy home environment with spacious, safe indoor and outdoor play areas where children will feel stimulated and will learn through play. I offer daily outings to the park, local children's centres, the library, age appropriate toys, books, arts and crafts, puzzles and games. I offer a flexible service and welcome children from all backgrounds. I am also happy to do school pick-ups. CRB cleared and First Aid trained. Please call Paula on 07900 652 896

FOR SALE • Retro pink portable cooler/food warmer £35; Argos bagless upright vacuum cleaner £25; Delonghi white upright oscillating fan heater £25; Argos ironing board £8; Argos steam iron £2; Single air bed with built-in foot pump £8; Brand New Couch Cosy blanket with sleeves (black) £8; 2000W hair £5; Taiyo thermal water flask £5; Desk Lamp (with bulb) £6; Please call 07428 104 973

• Ladies white, Fila trainers with silver trim, size 6.5, brand new, £20; Ladies black loafer style shoes, Ravel, brand new, size 5.5 £20; maroon leather loafer shoes, air cushioned soles, size 6, new £30. 0208 682 0771 • Moving Sale: Andrew Martin 3-piece Angle Sofa, light brown cotton fabric, 2m x 1.5m, including cushions and throw pillows £300; Panasonic flatscreen TV with DVD player, Cambridge Audio Sound + TV Stand in black glass £300; Sony flatscreen TV with three speakers to hang on wall, including DVD player £200; Peter Jones single bed with box spring mattress and drawers £100; Peter Jones double bed with box spring mattress and drawers £180. Please call Tina on 07776 204 338 • MOTHER CARE WOODEN COT, VGC, protective teething rail, 3 position mattress base height, suitable from birth £28; 3 cot flat sheets + 3 cot fitted sheets + 1 unused wet bed mat £10; SKIP HOP CHANGING BAG, VGC, black £12; SUMMER INFANT ALL IN ONE POTTY, good condition £5; BABY BJORN ACTIVE CARRIER, VGC, used twice £15. Collection in Fulham. Please call 07736 642 175

December 2011

Classified ads Come all the family and learn

HEALTH

Spanish with Pedro.

Group and individual lessons.

Counsellor/Psychotherapist Family/Couples/Individuals Fathers’ Group Over 10 years’ extensive experience including: Addiction, Anger/Rage, Bereavement, Depression, Relationships Problems, Crime/Trauma Christopher Clow UKRCP, BACP (Accred), 07791 833 279 / 020 7585 1399 c.clow@yahoo.com swlondontherapy.co.uk

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATION WALLPAPER SERVICE COLOUR CONSULTATION SERVICE FARROW & BALL • CRAIG & ROSE • DULUX HERITAGE • DESIGNERS GUILD ETC.

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AMITY COMPUTER SERVICES Home and business computers repaired & managed.

Consultancy and tuition also available.

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PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE

BESPOKE FOOD FOR YOU

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BATHROOM, TOILET, RADIATORS, WASHING-MACHINES REPAIR LEAKING PIPE, TAP CALL MARK 07851 260371

Handyman Reliable, skilled and tidy General home maintenance, including: • Carpentry and painting • Garden clearance and fencing • Flatpack assembly and fitted kitchens Please call Nigel Fletcher for further details or free quotation. 07988 983273

MUSIC PIANO TUITION Friendly, experienced and qualified teacher of children 6+ and adults.

Take exams or learn purely for pleasure.

Different styles covered.

Home visits possible.

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

TUITION

Est. 25 years

020 8741 4242 Prompt reliable seven day service for deep down cleaning, removing dust, mites, dirt & stains

December 2011

HOLIDAYS HOLIDAY FLAT IN PROVENCE Vaugines (Luberon), 30 min from Aix/ Marseille. In the centre of an historical village a flat on the first floor, accommodation for 2 to 5 people.

One room with double bed, and mezzanine two small beds.

Huge living room looking on to the Durance valley.

Perfect pied a terre to visit and discover this part of Provence.

Price 400 Euros/week Dep 250 Euros.

Please contact l.metge@hotmail.com Ring us 00 33 474 67 59 17 fax 00 33 474 67 50 29.

Learn to massage your child Massage is relaxing and brings loving closeness.

Learn simple techniques in your own home or your friend's.

Hands-on parent and child workshop by qualified massage therapist and aromatherapist.

Call Lorraine on 079101 14153

To advertise call 020 8696 9680

www.familiesmagazine.co.uk

JAMES ALLEN

(020) 7735 3156

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

BUILDING AND HANDYMAN SERVICE

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS

SW8 & SW19 Studios Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM, SRD.

John:- James & Lamont

PLUMBER

Family-friendly painters, decorators, plasterers, household jobs…

Call Tony for a reasonable quote.

07930 348095

Painting, decorating, carpentry, plastering.

Fit lights, switch, sockets.

Change a lock, hang blinds, picture. Assemble furniture, putting up shelves.

CALL MARK 07834 069943

Individual Tuition Public Speaking, Confidence Building, Interview Technique, Speech & Drama

adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk

• Garden maintenance and building work (fences, patios, sheds, etc..)

• Jobs around the house (carpentry, painting, fitting furniture, etc…)

• Computer maintenance (repair, teaching) £20/hour or packages possible.

Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

SPEECH SPECIALISTS

020 8696 9680 Fax: 020 8696 9679

Phone Danny on

8944 0681 or 07961 428 596

SERVICES

Contact us:

Telephone: 020 8166 4375

Mobile: 0753 88 59 557 or 07843 113 403 E: miami.01@hotmail.co.uk www.wix.com/miami01/pkdesign

Food for family and friends.

Stock up on Food for the Freezer/Fridge and help with Christmas and festive entertaining.

Contact Clare on 07966 484 464

Call Pedro on 07956 699963

2 cottages in Cornwall - including sports facilities and indoor & outdoor pools.

Please phone for details 01483 282471 or e-mail nancyshafee@tiscali.co.uk.

Cots, highchairs etc can be arranged too!

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Designed by Shirley Trimmer

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To advertise call 020 8696 9680 ŠFamilies Magazine

December 2011