Issuu

May 2011

Issue No. 206 ISSN 1354-9553 Est. 1990

SouthWest FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Win

a holistic massage

Family Walks PMS – women’s best kept secret?

Find us on Facebook! Families SW London

Picture credit: Mamas and Papas

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

TUMBLE TOTS At Tumble Tots we endeavour to provide the opportunities, through a challenging environment of active physical play, for children to explore fully and develop their physical capability, especially their motor skills of balance, agility and co-ordination, whilst at the same time stimulating the imagination and having fun. Classes also include music, songs and rhymes, and are split into different age groups starting at six months up to 7 years.

Venues: Contact: Times: Ages:

Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath & Battersea. Julia Forrest. Tel: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest1@ntlworld.com Various—phone for details in your area. 6 months to 5 years.

Paint your own Pottery Everyone Can Do It! Paint it for Dad! Fathers' Day 19th June Capture your Baby’s Footprints forever Parties for Birthday, Hen, Office & any get together Personalise Gifts, Commissions, Gift Vouchers Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm 85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702 www.smartypaints.co.uk

May 2011

Contents

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk To see ONLY the Families South West pages

04-06

Local news & information

Family walks

online, simply enter your postcode! (Click on Register.) We promise we NEVER give your details to ANY third party to mailshot you.

MAY 2011

Regency Waterway: Regent’s Canal, Caledonian Road to Little Venice

Once you are logged in, any article you read online will display your LOCAL companies at the bottom (so if you are reading an article on ballet your local dance classes will automatically be listed under the article)...

10-11

Peeping at postcodes Maggie researches the best things and places in SW18 Southfields

Clever or what?

Waterways

Pre-Menstrual Sensitivity (Women’s best kept secret!)

SouthWest Families® South West

Delay getting your child a mobile phone

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

Next issue: June 2011 Deadline: early May

FAMILIES CAMPAIGN CARRIES ON Aspire at Southfields Community College

Competitions and give aways!!

10-11

WIN a holistic massage, tickets and money off a holiday camp

Neil’s foodie page Thai Chilli crab tart; Gastropub

• “Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. • There are over 30 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.

18-19

School gardens

18-19

An outdoor classroom oasis and a great way to build a community

20-21

Health feature Natural ways to strengthen the immune system (osteopathy, homeopathy, massage, hypnotherapy, accupuncture)

22-23

The sun can pay your electricity bill!

Thai Chilli crab tart

A good investment for our future

24-25

17 28-33

Parenting feature Help your child to think creatively and innovatively

Picture credit:Mamas and Papas

28- 33 Find us on Facebook! Families SW London

May 2011

What’s On Theatres, exhibitions, events, galleries, diary dates and much more

Jousting Tournament at Leeds Castle

local news

compiled by Joanna Parry

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE

Lift your heart!

New and pre-owned shopping experience A fantastic new fashion store has recently opened in Battersea: Find... is a fresh new concept to hit the London fashion scene, offering a carefully selected and creatively edited collection of new and pre-owned high-end woman’s designer clothing, plus handbags, shoes and accessories at a fraction of their original price. The shop offers classic ranges from Chanel, Hermes and Alaia alongside current key pieces by Lanvin, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Viktor & Rolf, Rick Owens and many more, all beautifully presented in a fashion forward and friendly environment. At Find... you will experience the best elements of a sleek boutique with the personal touches of staff who care. Worth a look! So, make use of your ‘hunter & gatherer’ instincts and pick up some amazing designer pieces instore, or check out their website and receive regular updates on the latest arrivals to hit the shop. Find... 228 Battersea Park Rd, London, SW11 4ND, tel: 020 7720 2234, www.findoflondon.com

Time for me

Anja Brierley Lange writes in her blog on familiessouthwest.co.uk: “For me yoga is about creating space... space to de-stress, space to relax, space to breathe, space to feel etc, etc, etc. A place where both body and mind can heal and come back to stability, and recentre. What I practice on my yoga mat and what I teach in a class is about physical alignment and the various physiological benefits a yoga posture brings. However all of this can also be translated into how we feel emotionally and mentally even energetically. In my standing poses like Warriors I am standing strong and balanced both physically and mentally. It goes both ways - always. • www.yogaembodied.com to see her timetable or download one of her audio classes. Anja is great, do try her! There are classes for pregnancy, mums and babies and general Vinyasa Flow Yoga open for all levels!

Leading boutique pub group Renaissance has launched 'Mummy Me Time', a club for mums to relax, learn and be inspired by other women through talks and masterclasses. Whether you consider yourself more ‘slummy’ than ‘yummy’, every mummy needs some quality ‘me time’. The pub group Renaissance, which includes The Avalon, The Abbeville and The Stonhouse in Clapham, The Bolingbroke in Battersea and The Tommyfield in Kennington are launching a Club where well-deserved mothers will be rewarded with a selection of events guaranteed to inspire as well as provide a fun, stress-free afternoon. From hands-on masterclasses with Handy Mandy, teaching you how to change a tap, hang a picture or get the most from your power tool, to solving your household dilemmas with Home Jane founder Jo Behari, you can learn from a class before enjoying a glass of wine and lunch with the girls – all for just £12. How about the art of canapé making? Or learn from successful businesswomen and make your mumpreneur dream of running your own business a reality. So, when you are not busy being a mother, daughter, sister, driver, cleaner, cook and all round champion juggler, come to ‘Mummy Me Time’ and learn something new. Find out more about the events at www.theavalonlondon.com/functions or www.thebolingbroke.com. www.renaissancepubs.co.uk

Poppy clothes and stories Hit the Jackpot London chic A new London based children's brand has launched this spring. Millie Manu is aimed at girls between the ages of 12 months and 8 years old, mixing chic classic cuts with contemporary style, funky linings and imaginative details. All of their garments are made in England from sustainably sourced natural British fabrics including fine wools, needlecords and Liberty print tana lawns, making stylish and practical everyday clothes for children at a price which reflects their quality. I love their Sienna dress at £35 and their funky Charlie pyjamas for £39. www.milliemanu.com

Are you looking for that special gift for a Christening or a birthday this spring? Local mum Katherine Muskett has set up a new business inspired by her 21-month-old son, Jack. www.jackpotpaintings.com offers a beautiful range of handpainted, illustrated paintings of your child’s name, each one unique to the individual child. Katherine will design you an original painting incorporating the hobbies, loves and quirks of your child, whether it be tractors, fairies or ice cream, and the paintings come fully mounted and gift-wrapped for £60 for a 30 cm x 40 cm painting, plus postage and packing. Katherine is also happy to discuss smaller or larger commissions. www.jackpotpaintings.com fills the gap in the market for gorgeous, affordable pictures for your child’s wall.

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for more ...

Dress your kids to impress this summer with the Spring/Summer ’11 collection from Poppy. Taking inspiration from the 1940s and 50s, this season sees Poppy children’s wear launch a delightful collection of beautiful dresses and outfits that will make any child feel special. Designer Bryony Richardson has illustrated around the hem of each dress and skirt a story about a little girl called Poppy and her dog Fred. For Spring/Summer there are two stories of Poppy and Fred as they go to the seaside and a birthday party, and with each dress or skirt there is a matching story book so your child can read about Poppy and Fred’s latest adventure. These gorgeous dresses make ideal party or bridesmaid dresses and are available in John Lewis branches nationwide, independent boutiques or online at www.poppychildren.co.uk, where you can also find a range of accessories from berets to book bags, bedding, pyjamas and children’s books. Glorious children’s wear for (hopefully) a gorgeous summer!

May 2011

send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

local news

Pound the pavements of London Walk your way to a healthier, happier lifestyle this spring, as part of National Walking Month. This May, two walking organisations are teaming up to urge people to leave their cars at home and take to the streets of London. Walking is the cheapest, simplest and one of the most effective forms of exercise that a person can do. In fact, walking for just half an hour each morning can transform your fitness levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your concentration levels for the day ahead. It's easy, it's affordable and it works! However, these benefits are unappreciated by many, with only 11% of commuters walking to work and the number of children walking to school falling sharply. Throughout National Walking Month, different activities will be led by both Walk England and Living Streets with the aim of getting the nation walking, such as Walk to School Week (16 - 20 May). Everyone can create their own, personal walking log and parents can find helpful ideas to encourage their children to walk at www.livingstreets.org.uk Or join Walk London (28 - 29th May) and take part in one of more than 50 free led walks throughout London, then record your walking activity at www.Walk4Life.info and help raise money for charity.

Real music, new Tin Pan Annie classes Tin Pan Annie music classes immerse your child in real live music with guitar strumming, toetapping, bubbly talented teachers who take your child on a magical musical journey with themes, props, posters, percussion. Without knowing it, the little ones learn about rhythm, melody and expression whilst language develops and confidence builds. Even the tiniest babies are absorbed! Free trial class. Also children’s musical entertainment for parties. New classes added for this term Wednesday afternoons in the Wilditch Community Centre near Battersea Park, Wednesday mornings in Putney and Friday mornings at Southfields Library. 020 8670 0644 www.tinpanannie.co.uk tinpanannie@btinternet.com

Under the Greenwood Tree Check out the new gorgeous children's book and toy shop in the heart of Clapham Old Town. At Under the Greenwood Tree you can choose from over 1,500 carefully selected books, plus toys from Lego and Sylvanian Familes to Djeco and Melissa & Doug. They also have a child-friendly cafe with great coffee, yummy cakes, space to park buggies and changing facilities. 11 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG www.underthegreenwoodtree.co.uk

Youth theatre comes to Wimbledon

Learn to Swimway SwimWay, the leading home visit swimming school in London, is opening two new schools in South West London this spring. SwimWay provides swimming lessons to children and adults in exclusive private developments, homes, schools and gyms around London as well as 5 sites that are open to the public. SwimWay's methodology combines different approaches to swimming instruction but is in line with the NPTS (National Plan of Teaching Swimming) and the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) Awards Plan. SwimWay already runs classes in Putney, East Sheen, Fulham and Streatham Hill and this spring it is adding new schools in Kew Gardens as well as Aquilla Health & Fitness in Knightsbridge. Children’s lessons are provided on a private or semi-private basis with a maximum of two children per class, with the small class sizes allowing the instructor to create a specific lesson plan according to the SwimWay methodology. For a class near you go to www.swimway.co.uk

May 2011

The 3-day miracle nanny Whether it is terrible tantrums, fussy food fights or persistent sleep problems, Kathryn Mewes, the ‘Bespoke Nanny’, promises she can rise to any challenge and will work her magic in just 3 days to change your family’s life forever. Based in Clapham and using over 16 years' experience, Kathryn offers parents new ideas and solutions when everything else has failed. With a belief that every family is unique and there is no ‘right or wrong’ way of parenting, Kathryn goes beyond the books, websites and coffee mornings and gets to the heart of the matter, fast. She believes that with the right guidance and opportunities, a child can be encouraged to make the right choices themselves and new patterns of behaviour can prevail. Believe it or not, up to date Kathryn has never failed - whether it is tantrums, sleeping (or not), bed wetting, arguments or sibling rivalry, Katherine could be your solution. She will tailor her nanny service to each family situation, but it will typically comprise an initial telephone consultation, a home visit and then a 3 day residential stay with hands on support and guidance. Why not give her a test drive at www.bespokenanny.com

News.... continues p.6

A brand new youth theatre starts this spring in Wimbledon. Aimed at ages 7-18, Hillside Youth Theatre is a collaboration between Hillside Church and Page to Stage Theatre Company, with the aim of making the arts more accessible to young people across Merton. Through theatre, members are encouraged to express themselves, to be creative and have fun whilst learning new skills and disciplines to enhance them as young creatives. The group is based at Hillside Church in Wimbledon and is run by Page to Stage Theatre Company founders Steven Edwards and Anna Brunton. So, if you are aged 7 to 18 with a passion for theatre, whether performing or working behind the scenes, go along to Hillside Church, 37 Worple Road, Wimbledon, SW19 4JZ on a Thursday night: classes for ages 7-10 are at 5-6pm, ages 11-13 at 6.15-7.15pm and ages 14+ at 7.30-8.30pm. Sessions cost £3 each, with the first session free. www.pagetostage.co.uk, email info@pagetostage.co.uk or call 07712317645.

local news Race for the kids 12th June If you’re looking for family fun this summer why not get involved and race for the kids at Great Ormond Street hospital? Actors Tamzin Outhwaite and Tom Ellis are supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity this year by asking people across the country to sign up for the RBC Race for the Kids event taking place in Battersea Park on 12th June 2011. The race is a 5km fun run, so you don’t have to be an Olympic runner or avid athlete to help raise money for Great Ormond Street - you can even walk if you want to. Last year over 1,500 people took part, raising a staggering £312,000 which went towards the redevelopment of the hospital, providing new state of the art facilities for patients and their families. Visit www.raceforthekids.co.uk and sign up today to get fit and help some amazing, very brave children.

Juicy juicy As the sun comes out, why not try a fresh juice from Sundance Juices? Produced locally in the New Covent Garden Market by a husband and wife team, their juices are 100% natural with no added sugars and no preservatives - only the freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables will do. From its humble beginnings as a producer and supplier of fresh apple juice, Sundance has developed an impressive and unrivalled range of fresh fruit and vegetable drinks, smoothies and fruit tea infusions. “We believe in creating freshly prepared drinks which are genuinely all-natural and free from preservatives,” says Patrick, founder of Sundance. “Our customers are frequently surprised to discover that our juices really taste like the original produce.” The juices are available at Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and London-based Waitroses – try their Carrot, Apple and Ginger Juice or an invigorating Earl Grey & Raspberry Fresh Fruit Iced Tea.

Be notorious Planning a Birthday Party, summer day or simply just a 'party' and want to find something perfect for the little star in your family? For your tailor-made party look no further than Notorious Kids. This London party company specialises in interactive and performance related children's entertainment, creating unique and bespoke experiences for kids aged 3 upwards. No party is too big or too small and no one party is ever the same - for the little groovers and movers choose from glamorous X Factor themed events, girl band dance parties, Fashionista parties, photo shoots or studio recording experiences. For the actor in your family how about a themed party with their favourite storybook or movie character, taking them on an adventure to a magical land? All parties are made fantastical by a professional and talented team of actors, directors, dancers, choreographers, make up artists, photographers, stylists and child development specialists, so you can rest assured you will be in safe hands. For a notoriously excellent and stress-free party go to www.notoriousproductions.co.uk

Called to the barre? This spring young dancers in Wimbledon will be pirouetting as the West London Dance Academy opens a new branch of its school there. West London Dance Academy, which currently teaches children in Chiswick, Ealing, Fulham and Notting Hill will be starting Saturday afternoon classes at the Mansel Road Centre, Trinity United Reform Church, Mansel Road SW19 4AA. The new school will teach ballet and tap, with an extra special boy’s ballet class for musical or sporty boys wanting to dance but daunted by the prospect of being the only boy in a room full of pink ballerinas – a class designed not to segregate but to encourage boys to take up ballet and realise its benefits. www.westlondondanceacademy.com, call 020 8994 0349 or email info@westlondondanceacademy.com

West London dance Academy

visit www.familiessouthwest.co.uk for more ...

Need a makeover? If your house needs a touch of styling, join Karen at London Property Makeover and get creative. Saturday afternoon interior design classes are held regularly at the BBC bar in Balham from 1pm to 4.30pm, where you can learn how to turn your home into a hot property. You'll get a hands on guide to decorating and lots of insider knowledge, covering the fundamental elements of home design - planning, colour, light, texture and glamorous personal touches. You’ll learn how to diagnose interior design problems in your home, how to write a design brief, colour theory and pattern, creation of mood boards, spatial planning, lighting and, of course, creating the wow factor. Go to www.londonproperty makeover.com to find out about the latest classes or call Karen on 07964 305196.

Wildlife boost This spring a total of £2.6m has been awarded to 12 projects in London under Natural England’s Access to Nature programme as a boost for wildlife in London. The grant scheme, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme, seeks to help communities to enjoy and improve the green spaces on their doorstep and to transform London’s communities. A range of initiatives are already underway, including the Hammersmith Community Garden Association, where a partnership of organisations are running a conservation training programme to create a meaningful occupation for volunteers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Another initiative is Access to West London’s Nature which delivers training and educational programmes in conservation across West London with activities including nature themed walks, conservation days and bushcraft sessions. “The Access to Nature programme has been invaluable in empowering London’s communities to make a real difference to the spaces and places where they live and work,” says Rob Cameron, Head of Natural England. “We are delighted to have been able to support their commitment and enthusiasm and look forward to seeing the resulting benefits for people and wildlife.” www.naturalengland.org.uk

May 2011

Family walks Regency Waterway: Regent’s Canal, Caledonian Road to Little Venice In this section of the Regent’s Canal route, industry was confined to activity on the waterway itself, for its banks are bordered by some of the most elegant Regency houses in London, rather than warehouses and factories. We pass through trendy Camden, skim past London Zoo and Regent’s Park and wander through Little Venice, gaining insight into how canals were built and into an ambitious bit of Regency town planning. Now’s a great time to visit... For a time, waterways and railways worked in tandem. Canal extensions were cut to take boats right into the railway depots to deliver building materials for the new warehouses and railway stations, and goods were transferred by crane directly from boat to train. But speedy, cheap rail freight ultimately put an end to the waterways. Only 17 years after the Regent’s Canal was completed, the first mainline railway station was opened at Euston, and over the following decades the rail network took over throughout the country, often following the courses of the old canals.

A trio of bridges, steel-clad residences looking like industrial containers and a zig-zag of warehouses provide some interest on the far bank before you reach Hawley Lock, the first of a procession of locks at Camden. Between the double lock of Hampstead Road top lock and Limehouse Basin, a total of 12 locks regulate the water levels over a drop of 86 feet (26m). After walking beneath Chalk Farm Roadbridge, look back at the arch of the bridge where grooves have been worn on the corners by generations of wet, gritty and very

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Camden Regent’s Canal Information

Further down see the Pirate Castle, which was built in 1977 to allow local children to make the most of the water. And you can too—off you go!

The restored cast-iron Maiden Lane Bridge carries York Way, the busy road that leads north from King’s Cross Station. The canal enjoyed a brief renaissance during the Second World War, taking pressure off the overworked railways, and stop gates were installed at this point to prevent water from flooding into the tunnels in the event of the canal being bombed. The gates would have been lowered to halt the flow of upstream water into the bomb-damaged area, thus reducing the danger of flooding in the two railway tunnels that had been cut far beneath the waterway in 1852 to carry trains to King’s Cross.

abrasive tow ropes. Cast-iron strips were fixed to the vulnerable corners of some bridges, but at Camden a rolling vertical rod was designed to take the weight of rope. It’s still there, its damaged surface evidence of occasional problems with the rolling mechanism. Pass the middle lock, and beneath an elegant iron footbridge. Take a break from the canal here to wander around the stalls and eateries of Camden Market, the site of a timber wharf until the 1960s. It was a resting spot for the canal horses, too: the former stables have been absorbed into Dingwalls club. There are also information centres for the Regent’s Canal and Camden Lock.

Canal and railway in tandem

The Camley Street Natural Park is an example of how a former coal depot and waste dump can be transformed into a delightful nature reserve; access to it, though, is via York Way and Goods Way. St Pancras Lock and Basin follow immediately; the latter, in its industrial past, was a coal wharf and housed overhead tipping chutes from which waste cinders from steam trains were tipped into the barges beneath.

The basin was open for business from 1822, and past industries included beer bottling, a timber yard and warehouses for corn, salt and imported fruit used for making jam and preserves. Its name is a corruption of Broad Ford Bridge, an ancient crossing on the long-lost Fleet River.

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• Walking London’s waterways. Original walks along London’s Docks, rivers and canals, by Gilly Cameron Cooper. New Holland Publishers. £12.99

Paddington Underground and Railway

May 2011

SEE also www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/reviews

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May 2011

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Maggie’s treasure trove: SW18 Southfields

Maggie O’Brien continues her search for the best things and places in SW London... this month SW18 Southfields Southfields, often referred to as Southfields village, is a very popular, family orientated place to live. It is also regularly transformed into an international hotspot, with the All England Tennis Club on its doorstep.

Southfields Library When I visited the library, it was bursting with young families. Baby Rhyme Time was going on and it was hard to move for buggies. “I love this library and come with my baby for this session and bring my other two young children to the Children’s library, it’s so friendly and there’s always a lot going on”, said one young parent I spoke to. With Reading Groups and free online computer based courses available for adults, it’s well worth joining. (See Wandsworth Council website for extensive list of what’s on and also extra information is available at the library itself).

Gardens Tennis Club This quaint tennis club established in 1903, offers coaching for both adults and juniors from age four, in a wonderful, unspoilt environment. Non-members are welcome and it has an active social life. “Whilst my children learnt to play tennis, they felt it was a cosy atmosphere, more like an extension of their own garden” said Trisha, mother of three. Other classes held there are Gymboree which ‘include a room full of fantastic equipment., music and more, enable the child to master their environment and their body movements’, for babies six months upwards and a World of Dance, ‘teaching children the artistry of dance and performance in a warm, friendly environment; for boys and girls of all ages’.

Birthday Party 27th November 2010

The Golden Treasury Bookshop Always tempting with inviting window displays and invariably introducing something new going on, (book signing by well known as well as new authors, competitions and other exciting events), this is a particularly good bookshop, specifically for children, opened in 1995, ‘from a desire to provide children with the best books’. It is the largest independent children’s bookshop in London. Wonderful books that fuel the imagination. The Golden Treasury is a treasure.

Cakes by Robin Seahorse Nursery

The Seahorse Nursery This very homely nursery has been well established for some fourteen years. It is in a converted house and therefore the children immediately feel ‘at home’. “I still remember my days at the Seahorse, the staff were so kind and we just had fun”, says Cordelia, who lived in Southfields for five years. Julia Wolfe, who runs the nursery, is delighted that it continues to thrive and, looking around, I could see why. It looked and felt full of fun with both stimulating and educational activities, topped off by being in a delightful setting, on the corner of a residential road.

This is a lovely little shop, owned by Robin Campbell, and started in January 2010 when the kitchen table of her flat was no longer big enough to keep up with the demand for her creations. From wedding cakes and children's novelty birthday cakes to cookies and cupcakes. “Cakes by Robin can make almost anything out of cake as Gary Barlow of Take That fame found out when he asked us to create a huge cake for his 40th birthday”, said Robin.

Cakes by Robin

So, have a sit down in the shop and admire the vast array of stunning cakes, or enjoy some of the beautifully packaged children’s treats that are available to take away or order.

Log on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk/Peeping to read about the postcodes we have peeped at in previous issues:SW1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 19

May 2011

Peeping at postcodes On Southfields......................... “I just love the convenience of everything being within easy walking distance”, says Delphine Andre, mother of Roman, ten months and who has lived in Southfields for two and a half years. “I have lived in the area for three years and now with my son, Ethan, at ten months old, I love going along to Rhyme Time at the local library, to the Sure Start at Southmead, particularly StickyFingers, Crawlers and New Mum, New Me”, says Katie Lane-Lucey. Hannah, who has baby Charlotte, five months old and who has only been in the area since last July, says, “I love everything being at my fingertips”. I caught up with her and her friend Tara, as they came out of local French deli, Chanteroy. “My children loved collecting conkers on the little open green off Pirbight Road”, says Trisha, mother of three.

Chalk Set up by Paulene Cattle and Kay Whiteman who had lived in the area for many years, this super shop is filled with ideas for children. It is where you will find something a bit different and special: retro games, party bag fillers, educational toys, presents for newborns and much more. There is a huge selection of cards for all occasions as well as dainty handmade jewellery. With many other accessories for adults too; including pretty scarves, and a selection of favourite toiletries by Heyland and Whittle, it comes highly recommended by the locals and I’ve been back twice already since recearching this story!

All of them said how much they liked Wimbledon Park being so close by, with its handy children’s play area and fabulous paddling pool. Southfields tube station having a lift, was also a big hit with parents of younger children, as was the close proximity to other excellent local areas; Putney, Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park and of course Central London.

Further Information • Southfields Library Wandsworth Council. www.wandsworth.gov.uk; Southfields Library, 300 Wimbledon Park Road, London. SW19 6NL Tel; 020 8871 6388 • Gardens Tennis Club 343 Wimbledon Park Road, London. SW19 6NS Tel: 020 8788 3807 www.gardentennis.co.uk • The Seahorse Nursery 55 Southdean Gardens, London. SW19 6NT Tel: 020 8788 3371 • The Golden Treasury Bookshop 29 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LT Tel: 020 8333 0167 www.thegoldentreasury.co.uk • Cakes by Robin 26 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LR Tel: 020 8874 4616 www.londoncake.co.uk/www.suzellecakes.com • Chalk 41 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LT Tel: 020 8870 6125 www.chalkgifts.co.uk • Southfields Community College (includes information on Aspire, St Barnabus Playgroup and much more). • Aspire Centre 337 Merton Road, London. SW18 5JU Tel: 020 8875 2603 www.aspirecentre.com • Southmead Sure–Start (See Wandsworth Council: www.wandsworth.gov.uk also for all information on local schools and nurseries). • Southfields Village: www.southfieldsvillage.com (includes information on Southfields Theatre Group and the campaign by locals to open a cinema in the old snooker hall building).

Also.....

Aspire at Southfields Community College Described on their own website as, ‘.. the umbrella under which all the community services are held; including Adult learning, Extended Services, Community Sport and Leisure Provision’. Because there is an extensive list of activities and classes available, it’s best to look at their website. If your children want to learn to climb, this centre is fantastic. “I only had exposure to climbing through the parties I‘ve been to at the centre, it’s so fun and I felt like a professional!”, says Maddie, 12 yrs. It’s a more challenging venue for a children’s party.

May 2011

• Lily - (Gorgeous boutique style shop with many fashionable clothes and a variety of excellent gifts and beautiful baby outfits). 239 Wimbledon Park Road, London. SW18 5RJ Tel: 020 8875 1507 • Thai Girder - (Excellent Thai restaurant and takeaway). 36 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LR Tel: 020 8877 3855 • Olive Garden - (Very family friendly, Italian Restaurant). 42 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LR Tel: 020 8877 0411 • 243 Decorative Antiques - (N.B. Open Wednesday-Saturday 11am – 5.30pm). 243 Wimbledon Park Road, London. SW18 5RJ Tel: 020 8875 9606 www.243decorativeantiques.com • The Delicious Deli - (Fine food and wine). 38 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LR Tel: 020 8874 2138 • Blooms - (Friendly, obliging florists) 34 Replingham Road, London. SW18 5LR Tel: 020 8874 5559 www.bloomsflowers.co.uk • Chanteroy French Deli - 233A Wimbledon Park Road, London. SW18 5RJ Tel: 020 8874 1446 ®

Women’s best kept secret By Abi Foss

It was only after I hit 40 that I discovered something about my body – my female body – that I really wish my mother had told me about, around the time I got the ‘birds and the bees’ talk would have been good. Except the subject was so taboo then, she didn’t know. When I did discover it, the first thing I said to myself was: ‘This is fantastic. Why did no-one tell me about it before?’ I am talking about the menstrual cycle, something that is generally considered by the medical profession – and most women – to be some kind of messy, biological aberration to be managed and medicated. At best, having periods is considered to be a modern day annoyance, one of Mother Nature’s cumbersome design faults. We have to face it: women are simply not designed to work in the same way as men. Women are cyclical – and, yes, we are emotional. We have times when we can be incredibly fluid and productive, loving and caring, happily multitasking away. Then we have other times when we need to tell everyone to bugger off and leave us alone. Combine a career with children, ageing parents, housecare, a scary mortgage, putting decent food on the table and some semblance of a social life, let alone that precious ‘me-time’, and you can see why so many mothers are perpetually exhausted. Women can, apparently, have it all. We just can’t have our natural biological rhythms as well. There simply isn’t the time.

You are Nature

Sanitary product advertising is all about being discreet, carrying on regardless and ‘beating Mother Nature’. But hang on, I would say Mother Nature has taken enough of a beating, wouldn’t you? We seem to think we are separate from nature. But our bodies ARE nature – and what wild, untameable forces we have inside us; there is something awesome about our ability to create life and nurse our young. Our bodies have their own, innate intelligence. Each month, we change physically, biochemically, hormonally, emotionally and even psychologically. Whether we like it or not, women are seasonal creatures. So, do we work with Mother Nature, or against her?

Your secret Life Coach

What I have learned from pioneering female cycle educators like Alexandra Pope and Gabriella Guglielminotti Trivel is that when I listen to my body and allow it to rest during my period (my winter time), it sets me up for my next cycle. It makes me more productive when I am in my outgoing (spring and summer) phases, which is before and during ovulation. Forging through achingly dull paperwork is a breeze for me in my ‘spring’ season, I feel so clear and dynamic. In her book ‘The Optimized Woman’ Miranda Gray points out that the cycle is, in fact, the missing link for women in life coaching. If she has to do a business presentation, she schedules it as close to her ovulation as possible because that is when women ‘shine’. Sounds crazy? In his book ‘Decoding Love,’ Andrew Trees cites a whole plethora of studies that show women become more vibrant and attractive whilst ovulating. In a study of lapdancers, the evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Millar found that they earned twice as much when ovulating as they did whilst menstruating.

Pre-Menstrual Sensitivity Miranda Gray and her husband have devised a colour-coded set of fridge magnets to pre-warn him of impending PMS, or, as I now call it, ‘premenstrual sensitivity’. In our house, this time used to include snapping at my partner, yelling at my young son and stumbling around the kitchen unwittingly smashing crockery (we factor in the loss of a couple of items per month). When close to my period, I really cannot think straight; and too much busy-ness spins me out. But my dreams are wonderful and I get incredibly creative. The trick for me was learning to carve out space for my needs, like taking a nap or having a darn good cry. I love my pre-menstrual phase now – it gives me full license to say ‘No!’ As for my period, I have learned that the best form of pain relief is to simply stop and listen to what my soul is telling me. It is my most meditative, reflective time. Many feminists (of which I consider myself to be one) insist that we have to get past our biology. They take great offence at being ‘reduced’ to their hormones. But it all begs the question: ‘What is it to be a woman?’ Surely, it is by having a woman’s body, isn’t it? No, I do not want to get past it – I want everyone to understand and get with it.

Rites of Passage When I read about an ancient ‘menarche’ rite of passage ceremony for a young girl in ‘The Red Tent’, a novel set in biblical times by Anita Diamant, it brought tears to my eyes. Imagine your first period not being the source of bewilderment and shame (as it was for me) but of celebration. Such ceremonies are actually becoming something of a trend. One mother I know bought her daughter precious jewellery and a fabulous red dress to celebrate her womanhood. Sometimes, as the old Tammy Wynette song goes, it certainly is hard to be a woman. But isn’t it amazing too?

Further Information: • Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer: www.womensquest.org • Miranda Gray: www.mirandagray.co.uk • Gabriella Guglielminotti Trivel: http://flyinginspiration.co.uk • www.anitadiamant.com • www.andrewtrees.com • en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_ Millar_(evolutionary_psychologist)

• Abi Foss writes about all things holistic and spiritual. See: www.abifoss.co.uk

May 2011

Delay getting your child a mobile phone

FAMILIES ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION CAMPAIGN Follow our campaign on www.familiesonline.co.uk/ radiation

By the Parent Practice

A Department of Health leaflet* spells out that children under the age of 16 should only use mobile phones for essential purposes only. A recent study by the National Literacy Trust last year reported that Children are 'more likely to own a mobile phone than a book'. Almost nine-in-ten primary school age pupils now have a mobile compared with fewer than three-quarters who have their own books in the home. There’s no doubt that mobiles are a very reassuring piece of kit for parents, but we must be aware of the potential health risks, in terms of the doses of radiation emitted and the hazards of owning one! Many experts advise mobile phones should not be given to children under the age of 12. However the Department of Health advises that as a precaution children under 16 years should only use mobile phones for essential purposes only. Many people give their child a mobile phone when making the transition to secondary school around the age of 11 or 12. This coincides often with children gaining more independence and taking themselves off to school perhaps using public transport, so for piece of mind and safety reasons it makes sense. However from a safety point of view 16 years is advisable. Prior to that giving a child a mobile phone is often unnecessary and parents succumb due to pester power. Unless you have a clear set of values and beliefs and great positive parenting skills at your fingertips is it very hard to say “No”. You are seen as the worst parent in the whole world and will be told very strongly by your child that he is the only one at school without one. Don’t believe it! The Parent Practice run fantastic workshops providing invaluable parenting skills: Bringing out the Best in Boys. Raising Girls. Work-Life Balance Nirvana or Reality? What to do when your kids push your buttons. Go to www.theparentpractice.com for full details. Read their great blog on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

Over and above the health aspect, stick to these tips for family harmony:

Shop around for a child friendly tariff or in the early days set a pay as you go limit. The latter is an expensive way of paying for calls, but there is an important early lesson learnt in managing the credit/call allowance. Set limits on phone usage with the result that if that limit is breached, the consequence will be to pay for it out of any pocket money/allowance. Place a bar on premium rate numbers. It is easy to rack up costs inadvertently by being conned into buying expensive downloads or listening to horoscope lines. Teach and train your children in this area. Ensure you know the school rules on mobile phones and help your child adhere to them. Don’t buy the latest fanciest mobile phone. The risks of getting it lost; damaged or stolen are high and indeed if used in public places he may be vulnerable to being mugged! Ensure your number is preset into the phone so your child/tween can reach you easily and monitor numbers she lists. If she receives an unwanted text, image or a link that is offensive, let her know she should report it to you. Be aware of cyber bullying. Anything committed to text is there for all to see and can be forwarded. Monitor usage especially late at night. Set rules around time to switch off and stop texting. Be aware if the phone has internet access – you have no way of monitoring this, so best to opt for a second hand or basic model that prohibits this.

travelmatters For the family holiday, flights or even a short break * Your local travel agent

www.travelmatters.co.uk Call Karen or Catherine

020 8675 7878

Make your child aware of the importance of keeping their mobile phone away from their body in a bag rather than a pocket. * See Familiesonline.co.uk/radiation to see the leaflet

May 2011

Competitions, give-aways and reader offers For your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes, log on to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions

WIN! a copy of Down To Earth With A Bump: The Diary of a First-Time Dad by Andrew Watson As the husband of a family doctor, Andrew always thought having a baby would be plain sailing. Unfortunately, as he and his wife soon discovered, babies don’t always read the textbooks. Warm, honest and funny, this is a book that will both resonate with older parents and confirm the suspicions of firsttimers, that the reference books just can’t tell you everything. www.awwa.co.uk To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 1st June 2011.

Keep the cries of “I’m bored!” at bay this summer with Super Camps!

WIN! a holistic stress-relieving massage treatment with Victoria Thomas Relieve your physical and emotional stress and tension! Victoria Thomas, based in southwest London, offers holistic treatments that can promote an incredible calming influence on the body's physical and emotional systems. Enter now! www.victoriasophiethomas.com To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 1st June 2011.

Will you be juggling with childcare arrangements this summer holiday? There are some great summer camps in SW London which can help ease the stress! Super Camps have been running MultiActivity Camps for children aged 4-14 for 14 years and they’ll be returning to London again for summer 2011! They’ll be running their exciting programme at Putney High School (18th July – 19th August), Wimbledon High School (18th July – 19th August), Streatham & Clapham High School (25th July – 26th August) and a brand new camp for 2011: Holy Cross Preparatory School in Kingston Upon Thames (25th July – 26th August). Their Multi-Activity Camps for children aged 4-14* combine over 40 sports, arts and crafts into an action-packed timetable of 8 sessions per day! Activities range from aqua slide and dodgeball to clay modelling and friendship bracelets and they’ve got a new art programme coming for 2011 – there’s an abundance of variety to suit all ages and interests! Super Camps offer free extended hours (8am – 6pm)* and are Ofsted registered so are able to accept childcare vouchers. Multi-Activity Camps can be booked by the day or by the week and all staff are CRB-cleared, reference-checked and trained in-house. Standard prices go from £35 per day, £159 per week . SPECIAL OFFER: Book by Friday 27th May 2011 to receive a discount of £10 per child per week off the standard rate. Check out their website www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 832222 for full details or to make your booking. * Their camp at Wimbledon High School accepts children aged 4-11 and offers extended hours of 8.30am – 5.30pm.

Win a family ticket! to Dinosaurs Unleashed at the O2 Dinosaurs last roamed Earth 65 million years ago. Now they’re back! Dinosaurs Unleashed is the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur adventure appealing to family audiences, especially those budding young palaeontologists aged 2 – 12 – a truly interactive fun-packed experience. www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for the competition is 4th July 2011.

May 2011

Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools

Bilingual education since 1996

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

May 2011

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 For a brochure please call from 2 to 5 years old. Marie-Laurence Edmonstone Toddler Group from 1 year old 020 7259 21 51 marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

速

May 2011

Neil’s foodie page Hello, I’m Neil Hennessy-Vass, the new food writer for Families.

This is a page for all to enjoy and hopefully take something from. I believe in a healthy eating philosophy which is simply you can eat what ever you want but in moderation (that’s the hard bit I know). Looking forward to hearing from you with ideas and suggestions for this page. Neil Hennessy-Vass

The real life Apprentice for children! A new business has been launched to enable primary school children to set up and run their own healthy tuck shop in their school. Bonneville Primary School in Clapham was the first London Primary School to launch their healthy Tuck Shop, ‘Frutilicious’. Fruit to Suit has come up with the imaginative concept of a one-day Business and Enterprise Programme designed to train a young Tuck Shop Team to set up and run a healthier tuck shop. The training is divided into a series of workshops and fun activities: the Tuck Shop Challenge where the children set up their own company that will run the healthy tuck shop in their school. The children are then taken through all the practicalities of running a tuck shop, from advertising to ordering stock, gaining invaluable business and enterprise skills. The benefits of a healthier tuck shop are innumerable – encouraging children to eat more fruit and vegetables and giving them the opportunity to try a wider variety of food, while being proactive in the prevention of excess weight and obesity. A fantastic, innovative idea. To find out more about having this in your school: info@fruittosuit.co.uk www.fruittosuit.co.uk

Brocolli Soup

Thai Chilli Crab Tarts Ingredients 500g Ready made short crust pastry 75g Grated Parmesan Cheese 225ml Double Cream 2 Eggs 2 Tins of White Crab Meat (170g each) 4 Red Chillies 3cm Fresh Ginger Grated Squeeze of Lemon Grass Paste 8-10 Spring Onions Roll out the pastry to quite a large size and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the pastry. Fold in two making sure the cheese stays in place. Roll out again and repeat a few times. This will give you an even distribution of Parmesan. Cut into 8-10 rounds and place in buttered tartlet or Yorkshire Pudding tins. Place them in a hot oven for 5 minutes then remove. In a large bowl mix the eggs with the cream, add the Ginger and Lemon Grass paste. Finely chop the Chillies making sure to remove the seeds. Finely slice the Spring Onions and add these to the mixture, season with salt and pepper. Drain the Crab Meat on a kitchen roll and place an even amount on each of the cooled pastry tarts. Gently pour in the rest of the mixture into each tart and return to a hot oven for 15-18 minutes 180c cook until golden brown and the tarts have set. These are best eaten warm with a green salad with fresh coriander.

May 2011

Three things to do with a jar of Pesto Pesto is that wonderful combination of Basil, Pecorino or Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Olive Oil and Pine nuts. Italian Summer personified. It is very rich in taste and aroma. I think it is one of the best value foods available in a jar and so versatile. Here are a few things you can do with it.

It sounds obvious and it is but Pesto is already a dressing so why not make it more useful as one. Dilute to about 50% with a good Olive oil. You might wish to increase the seasoning. This can then be used on a salad or as decoration around a plate of food to ‘style’ it.

As a quick, easy and gorgeous appetizer how about placing a spoon of Cream Cheese on a Blinis and topping it off with a small dollop of Pesto. You’ll soon have a plateful – watch them get snapped up! These are ingredients are widely available in supermarkets. It makes a great standby nibble.

Liven up any casserole (especially Chicken) with a generous helping of Pesto towards the end of cooking. It will add a rich Mediterranean feel. Serve with rice as this will help soak up the rich juices.

The Prince of Wales REVIEW 138 Upper Richmond Road London SW15 2SP. 020 8788 1552 Michael Goeman, the new chef (from the Harwood Arms no less) is producing dishes of such quality I’ll get straight on to the nuts and bolts of my recent visit. Highlights from the tasting menu included Fresh Cow’s Curd on Toast with Truffled Vinaigrette, Lavender Honey and Basil Cress. The Sweet Honey perfectly balancing the Curd’s naturally sour tendency. The creamy finish of the Curd was left curiously upbeat on the tongue thanks to the Basil Cress. Bliss on toast for just £6. Another stand out dish was a tumbler of Broccoli Soup with Mustard Cream and Soda Bread. This was a revelation of the senses. As I sipped the hot soup the cold Mustard Cream resting on the top slowly melted to combine and make a kind of hot – cold - velvet - acidic experience. A simple but genius idea performed superbly for £5. The main dishes were no less enjoyable. There was Roast Rump Lamb with Aubergine and Miso Puree, Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette and Basil. Finest quality meat and a harvest you must not miss out on: The hay and tea Smoked Tomatoes must come from another world, maybe Heaven, such was their beauty and clarity of taste. It was as if they had packed a summer barbeque into a jar and just released it before serving. At £18 it was truly wonderful. This is a great, relaxing place to eat with lovely staff. If you would like to read a longer review of The Prince of Wales then go to our website at www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/Reviews ®

Gardening

School gardens: an outdoor classroom oasis From the book How to plant a School Garden, published by Timber Press

school garden can be many things – a place of study, an opportunity for new experiences, an outdoor classroom or an oasis of calm. It can be an opportunity to teach children about our complex and fascinating ecosystem, provide on-site “field trip” opportunities for students even in the most resource-deficient schools, and it can help children learn about food and nutrition by planting edible crops or about the local habitat by planting native plants. School gardens may be as small as raised boxes on the ground or planters on a rooftop or as large as an unused playing field turned into a minifarm with chickens, goats and sheep. The common denominator of all school gardens is that it can be used as an outdoor classroom: children can chart the growth of plants or watch as a bee pollinates a flower. The present generation of school children is largely disconnected from agriculture and nutrition and in many cases from the natural world, and a school garden can teach them to care about ecology and environmental issues. It’s no wonder that school gardens are becoming popular again. The old adage “getting your hands in the dirt” is literally what kids do in a school garden and once they are engaged in this simple act, worlds are opened up.

How to plant a school garden A school garden can be planted anywhere – at the edge of the playground, behind the climbing frame or around the football goal. Once you’ve chosen your spot, it’s probably an idea to throw all notions of aesthetic perfection away - rows of carrots will be imperfect, wheelbarrows will tip up and dirt will fly everywhere. Don’t forget to get the children involved: they can draw or describe what would be their perfect school garden – would it be a place to play or read, with fruit to pick? In addition to wanting a frog pond and plants for butterflies, they may ask to include a rocket launching pad, a pasture for horses and a swimming pool! Get them to paint signs for the garden and label the beds; the more kid-centered your garden is, the more they will be enthusiastic and excited. Whatever you do, don’t be stopped by lack of knowledge – within a group of parents and teachers there will be someone with a basic understanding of horticulture or gardening and if there are any landscape architects lurking out there, get them involved!

Layout When you’re deciding on the theme and structure of your garden, don’t forget to include a seating area where a class can gather. Seats can be made of inexpensive straw bales (which can then be used the following year to mulch the flower beds!) or tree rounds (find a variety that doesn’t exude sap). Your local tree care service will be useful in locating

trees that are slated for removal, and might even cut the rounds for you. For moveable seating go for stackable plastic stools. Benches of stone, wood or concrete add resting spots around the garden. Include a shade structure or rain shelter in your design. This can be permanent or removable like a mini-marquee.

A centrally located table is a great place for children to do seed saving, cutting, or drawing and observing with hand-held lenses. It should be large enough that a class can gather around. If you have an electrical store nearby, the large wooden spools used to wrap electrical wire can be set on end and work as excellent (and free!) tables. Take the time to design your garden with clearly laid out paths - around beds, up a slope and to the tool shed. Go on a walk of the site and get a sense of how you move through the space. If you are going to have raised beds this will be easier than if you have in-ground planting areas. Welldefined beds (where plants grow) and paths (where feet go) will go a long way to reduce trampling!

Planting beds There are many ways to design and build beds in a garden. Urban schools are often pressed for space and container gardens are the easiest and most practical solution, while some schools may have ample space and are able to plant directly into the ground. Containers - many school gardens begin as container gardens, a great way to pilot a project. Planter boxes shouldn’t be more than three feet wide so smaller kids can reach the middle of the box. Make sure boxes have a sturdy bottom and drainage holes. One difficulty with container gardens is that the plants are dependent upon

May 2011

ground in any shape and backfilled with soil for planting. It has to be replaced every few years but is inexpensive. Urbanite, or chunks of broken up concrete can also be used and is considered a green building material. Alternatively, in-ground planting gives a rural, farm-field feeling and requires few resources.

their human caretakers for food and water and if they dry out or have insufficient nutrients in the soil they will die. Suggestions for containers are recycled plastic pots, livestock water troughs or terra cotta pots. Raised beds – an advantage to raised beds is that they delineate garden space and help children understand the difference between planted and un-planted space. Build raised beds about 18–24

inches high and with a width of not more than three feet. If you are building raised beds on the ground, the bed needs no bottom. This allows you to plant deep-rooted plants and ensures proper drainage. Raised beds built from wood are expensive to build but you can use wattle (tubular netting filled with straw) which can be laid on the

If you’re planting fruit or vegetables, don’t forget to plant enough to share with the inevitable critters that will take up residence and the little fingers that will pinch the strawberries when nobody is looking!

Products that should not be used in a school garden…. • Pressure treated wood, which contains chemicals unsuitable for food crops and for children to touch. • Plastic lumber made with wood fiber, which can be from pressure-treated wood and will eventually break down in the soil. • Train ties because of their creosote content. • Old tires and products made from recycled tires as they may leach contaminants into the soil. • Most plywood, which contains adhesives known to be carcinogenic in high concentrations. • Recycled wood, if you don’t know the origin. • Old bricks with paint on them to avoid possible lead contamination. • Before accepting a donation of topsoil, ask where it came from. Don’t accept soil that used to be around the base of old buildings that might have been painted with lead, or near busy roads with lead-heavy exhaust settling nearby. School gardens are a great way on which to build community and a fantastic means of encouraging your children to learn and for parents to get involved. They are springing up everywhere, with each as different as the next. Good luck with yours!

•Readers can order 'How to Grow a School Garden' for the special price of £12.99 (rrp £17.99), plus free p&p in the UK mainland. To order, contact Timber Press: 020 7372 1703 sales@timberpress.co.uk, quoting offer code FM411. Offer ends 31 August 2011.

Creativity Classes for Children (5 to 9 years old) in South Kensington On Wednesdays 4.15 - 5.45pm Thursdays 4.15 – 5.45pm The Dovehouse studio is a safe and nurturing space for children to develop their creativity and skills. We provide scope for artistic continuity and growth on a short, mid and long term basis. One to one sessions available for all ages

For booking or info please call Cornelia or Sandrine on 07775 682094 or 07976 751559

May 2011

Health feature

Natural ways to strengthen the immune system By Penny Crowther, nutritional therapist

Most people know that the immune system defends the body against infections, viruses, cancer cells, fungi and other parasites. What is less realised is that an unhealthy immune system speeds up the ageing process and is a major factor in fatigue, chronic inflammation (e.g. asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis) and allergies. A well functioning immune system is vitally important for overall health. As we emerge from winter into spring, the seasonal change can often bring an increased vulnerability to infections and illness. The South London Practitioner Circle (SLPC) is a group of experienced complementary health practitioners with an integrated approach to health and in this article they share their knowledge with you on helping to strengthen the immune system.

Boost up your defences Modern medicine is based on the theory that germs cause illness. But there are a significant number of experts, scientists amongst them, who believe that germs are not the primary cause of illness. If this were true, how can we explain the fact that out of three people exposed to a respiratory germ, only one will get pneumonia, the second person will get minor cold symptoms whilst the third person remains unaffected? This is because whether or not the germ becomes disease causing is dependent on your internal body environment. Even Louis Pasteur, the father of the germ theory, recognized this when he said “The germ is nothing, the terrain everything”. There is much you can do to improve the “terrain” and strengthen resistance. Two key areas to focus on are stimulating the flow of lymph and reducing the effects of stress.

Stimulating the flow of lymph The lymphatic system transports the army of immune cells and acts as a drainage channel for wastes and toxins. Lymph nodes are concentrated in the neck, chest and groin and when there is a lot of immune activity going on, these areas will swell. The thymus gland (at the top of the breast bone), spleen and tonsils are important lymph organs. Many people (mistakenly!) do not think of osteopathy in relation to immune health. OSTEOPATH Adam Beaumont explains the benefits of working on the chest area. “If the ribs are tense or restricted in movement, this affects the efficient working of the thymus gland and reduces the number of circulating immune cells to deal with the infection. The diaphragm is another key area to focus on in relation to immunity. Lymph flows through a major channel which is affected by the movement of the diaphragm. A tense diaphragm will slow the flow of lymph. Osteopathy will help loosen the muscles of the diaphragm and those between the ribs.”

Unlike the blood circulation which is constantly activated by the heart, the lymph has no pump. Lymph is dependent on physical movement for its flow. Treatments such as massage and reflexology are very helpful to stimulate the flow of lymph and the blood circulation. REFLEXOLOGIST Sara Wood explains “My focus is to help balance and support the vitality of the lymphatic system, working the lymph, the spleen and the thyroid by applying pressure to specific reflex points in the foot which connect to these organs. A lymphatic massage technique that reflects the movement of the lymph through the body can also be applied, as well as working on the organs of elimination such as the kidneys, liver, colon and skin through the reflexes. This helps the body clear itself of toxins and waste, allowing the immune system to work better. MASSAGE THERAPIST Clare Williams says “Massage increases the activity of white blood cells that target and destroy infectious agents and in immune deficiency it increases antibody production. With regular massage, the immune system is strengthened and it becomes more robust.”

Reducing the effects of stress In our 24 hour society it is hard to escape stress of one kind or another. Under immediate stress, such as, for example, having a row with your partner or children, the adrenal glands pump out adrenaline which prepares the body for what is in effect a “state of emergency”. Various physiological changes take place including increased heart rate and blood pressure. This is known as the "fight or flight" response and if it is constantly stimulated, it has a “wear and tear” effect on the immune system. With more prolonged stress, levels of cortisol start to rise which not only weakens the immune system but affects sleep and weight and contributes to bone loss and hormonal imbalance. The field of psychoneuroimmunology is revealing links between the mind and the immune system. Worry, anxiety and negative thoughts will trigger a stress response in the same way as an actual threat. Anxiety has been shown to increase susceptibility to viral infection. Anxious people exposed to stress showed increases in infection rates from 74% to 90%, and clinical colds rose from 27% to 47%.

May 2011

Health feature

Regular, deep relaxation is known to boost immunity. HYPNOTHERAPIST Diana Penny says “One of the most effective ways is a deep hypnotic relaxation, particularly when specifically designed to strengthen the individual’s immune function. As well as training the body to relax and restore, hypnosis also promotes a positive mental attitude and an optimistic attitude. This in turn impacts how the body fights disease.” Massage and reflexology also help calm the nervous system. During a treatment the Reflexologist stimulates more than 7,000 nerves when touching the feet. A recent study concluded that after receiving reflexology, healthy people experienced a significant decrease in anxiety, tension and worry and an increase in wellbeing. Experienced ACUPUNCTURIST Julia Davis has a keen interest in the immune system and the way stress affects our health. “Acupuncture works to restore and maintain balance in body and mind. Acupuncture can stimulate the body by treating the spleen, kidney, liver and lung channels. When balance is achieved, a person has a greater opportunity to resist illness and maintain good health”. Julia has worked with acupuncture in the NHS and private practice and uses a special no needle technique for babies and children. Homeopathy treats each individual according to his or her own pattern of symptoms. A specific remedy is applied, taking into account how the person is affected in both mind and body functions. A good homeopath will get to the root cause of the symptoms, for the particular person.

A HOMEOPATH with 15 years experience, Ilana Dannheisser explains “By tapping into the specific nature, the person’s vitality increases so he or she is more able to fight off infections and disease.” Finally, don’t forget the importance of good nutrition. Many people don’t realize that 70% of the immune system is in the gut which means that what you eat will have a powerful impact. Healthy bowel movements are essential to avoid a breeding ground of unhealthy bacteria caused by waste backing up in the intestine. Probiotics and fibre intake are important in this respect. Fibre should be the gentle soluble kind such as oats, brown rice, spelt rather than irritant wheat fibre. Too much sugar will help yeast organisms to flourish in the gut and it blocks the uptake of vitamin C, a key immune enhancing vitamin. NUTRITIONAL THERRAPIST Penny Crowther advises “Make sure you are getting enough of the key immune nutrients that may be lacking in the average diet. Research has proved that deficiency of vitamin D, an important immune-related vitamin, is relatively common so make sure you eat oily fish, or take a supplement. Zinc is also vital, particularly for children and teenagers. The production and function of immune cells are dependent on adequate zinc levels and very recent research found that this mineral helped reduce the duration of a cold. Meat such as lamb and seafood are the richest sources. Lastly, check you are eating foods containing Omega 3 and 6 fats (oily fish, nuts and seeds). These fats are converted into substances which regulate immune function.

For further information: southlondonpractitionerscircle@gmail.com Or call 07761 768 754. Practitioners are either Putney, Clapham, Balham or Tooting-based.

May 2011

Solar feature

The sun can contribute to your electricity bills! Since April 2010 a government scheme to encourage solar panel installation means that families can actually make money from producing electricity from solar panels. Solar panels have been popping up on UK roofs for the last 30 years. Environmentally conscious people, aware of the need to stop using fossil fuels (ie coal), have been keen to use this free, alternative source of electricity. There have even been grants to cover a portion of the installation costs. The phrase ‘microgeneration of electricity’ refers to electricity produced on your own roof top. The good news is that for every unit of electricity you create from your solar panels and pass to the grid, the government has determind you will receive 43.3p. What’s more, this is paid to you even when you use the electricity at home! The introduction of the ‘feed-in tariff’ in April 2010 has made this green technology a profitable investment. This unit rate of 43.3p will be paid for a guaranteed period of twenty-five years from installation and is index-linked to inflation. But these rates won’t last for ever: they are due to fall for installations completed after March 2012.

Cost and benefits An average household typically uses about 3,300 kWh (units) a year. At 13p per unit this costs £429. A typical installation for a family house costs around £9,000 and will provide approximately 2,000 units (or kWh) of electricity each year, giving you an income of over £800 plus about £200 savings on your electricity bill. Larger systems provide even greater returns due to the efficiencies of scale. The feed-in tariff is a tax-free payment. Furthermore the value of the property is likely to increase because of the built-in income stream.

How do I find a good supplier? The best way to find a reliable company to install your panels is by visiting the website of the organisation that certifies microgeneration suppliers at www.microgenerationcertification.org and click on the ‘Consumer’ button. Put in your postcode to find your local companies. All these certified companies can use the initials MCS after their name.

What happens next? An initial meeting normally takes about one hour to discuss all the homeowner’s queries and to measure and assess the intended location for the panels. From the quotation to the installation can be as little as three weeks. The installation process is relatively simple, with the majority of the work being done on the roof and in the loft space. A team of specialist engineers can complete a typical installation in one day. One cable is run from the ‘inverter’ (which converts the electricity to the normal domestic supply of 230v) in the loft to the main consumer unit (fuse box) within the property.

May 2011

᭥

Solar feature

The sun shines on Families... We are delighted to announce that since March of this year, Families South West’s offices are now under a roof fitted with solar panels. Apart from being a good investment financially and putting our money where our heart is, the feel good factor is immense—we all watch with interest our electricity production go up or down according to the weather! There are many related products and companies on the market, selecting the right company and equipment was a daunting procedure. We chose Putney-based Enviko because they gave all the assurance of a large, specialist company. (They also do heat pumps, wind turbines, solar thermal, micro hydro systems and biomass boilers.) Andrew Gardner of Enviko provided assistance and advice to make our project work. Every building is different, so each project has to be tailor-made. He explained our options so we could make the choice appropriate for our own circumstances: “We look at each individual house and speak to the customer and assess their requirements. Unlike some installers we are not linked with just one manufacturer and can choose from a variety of different types of panels allowing us to create bespoke designs and tailor made solutions to all of our clients.” Enviko use their own team of installers, who were remarkably polite and courteous. Our installation was completed in just a few days. We reckon the investment should be paid back within 10years, it could be sooner if energy prices carry on rising at the current rate.

Get a quote by calling 0845 1899894 or email info@enviko.com Their website gives lots of information, documents to download and frequently asked questions. www.enviko.com

Solar myth busters • Solar panels do not require a due south facing roof to generate power. A west-facing roof can generate 80% of the power of a due south-facing roof. • The panels will generate power all year-round, including overcast winter days. Obviously the system will be most productive during periods of bright sunshine. • The installation of a roof-mounted photovoltaic system does not normally require planning permission for domestic properties. The exceptions to this are for listed properties, national parks, etc. • Landlords can receive the feed-in tariff from installations on rental properties.

If you are considering the installation of solar panels, it would be wise to look for a company that is registered on the MCS scheme and with REAL (for added customer support). These registers have been set up to maintain consistency and quality in this growing industry. Thanks to Kieran Pye of Fusion Green Energy in Croydon, CR2 8EL for contributing this article. Fusion Green Energy has been trading for five years and is a NICEIC MCS and REAL accredited installer of photovoltaic systems for domestic and commercial properties. The company only uses MCS accredited products and can provide information and advice on the suitability of your property for solar power. www.solar-panels4u.co.uk or call 0800 158 8181.

May 2011

g skills Parentin

Help your child to think creatively and innovatively By education expert C. J. Simister See Familiesonline.co.uk for more of her articles

None of us would question how vital it is for children to learn the basics: a high-quality grounding in reading, writing and mathematics is essential, whatever the future holds for your child. However, there is another, equally important skill that is too frequently overlooked – something that can make a real difference to young people as they grow up, particularly in such a changing and challenging world.

That missing ingredient is creativity Sir Ken Robinson, Government advisor and international author, argues that, ‘Creativity is now as important in education as literacy – and we should treat it with the same status.’

But can that really be true? The problem is that for most of us ‘creativity’ still conjures up images of painting, story writing and making imaginative things out of cardboard boxes! All perfectly valuable activities – but, as the people who are raising the next generation, we need to recognise that creativity goes much, much further. It’s about ideas – ideas that may sometimes be turned into extraordinary paintings, poems and plays, but that equally could result in scientific breakthroughs, ingenious new products, improved methods and procedures, innovative management styles, ground-breaking policies and laws, previously undiscovered solutions to complex problems… Progress basically.

Einstein was clearly on to something when he said that ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’

And so it’s absolutely crucial that our children are encouraged to develop their early creative impulses. Many of us will have noticed that, as children start to grow up, they often become more self conscious and less willing to say or do things that might be considered embarrassing or wrong. They learn what it is to blend in, to accept what they’re told (though it may not always seem like it!) and to follow instructions. And this is all the more true today, when schools so often feel obliged to focus on exam success above all else, force-feeding children with the facts required to waddle through hoops, rather than encouraging an independent, resourceful and creative mindset. The problem is, by fitting into this system, our children become less likely ever to stand out.

When your children begin asking ‘I wonder’ questions too – and then trying to come up with theories to answer their own questions – that’s the moment to go out and celebrate! You’ve created a habit that will help them throughout their lives.

There are all sorts of things we can do to help As mentioned in a previous article, using the phrase ‘I wonder’ a lot is a great strategy to get your kids thinking creatively. It creates a safe environment where you and your child can explore ideas together rather than you being the know-it-all adult – and this makes it much more likely that your child will begin forming theories and making suggestions. And there are no end of possibilities! I wonder… why trees have bark, what aliens would think if they landed on Earth, whether it’s always right to tell the truth, why teapots are the shape they are, what the next generation of mobile phones will do?

Here are a few more ideas you might like to try: Alternative Uses Why use a cheese grater simply to grate cheese? It could be a model for a skyscraper, a new type of bird-feeder or a musical instrument! Choose a random object - for example, a corkscrew, a paper clip, a cotton reel or a coat hanger - and have fun with your child thinking of alternative uses for it.

May 2011

Loony Logic

Go shop!

For this game, simply think of a proposition that no one would ever consider and take turns to set each other the challenge to persuade someone as convincingly as possible that it’s a good idea! This is great for developing communication skills, as well as reasoning and lateral thinking, as you need to turn off your normal ‘logical mode’ and look at the situation from a completely different angle. For example: How would you persuade someone that… … by law everyone should wear purple? … there shouldn’t be any seats in trains? … no one should ever be allowed to look in a mirror?

A walk around a department store is a fantastic way to stimulate an inventive mind. Set a challenge of some sort – or, better still, get your child to think of a really interesting challenge for both of you. For instance: • What are the five most bizarre/useful/ridiculous items that you can find? • If you could be the inventor of one item in the shop, what would you be most proud of? Why? • Can you find three things you never knew had been invented? What score out of ten would you give them?

Improve it Pick an everyday object – something we tend to take entirely for granted, like a coat hanger or a television or even an elastic band. Consider its features first of all – what is it made of, how does it feel, what colour and shape is it, what functions does it have? Then think about its limitations – what’s wrong with it? When I play this with a class, we stand in a circle and the children pass the object around, taking it in turns to point out what it can’t do. Ideas can be as sensible or silly as the children want: ‘The problem with this elastic band is…that it smells horrible’; ‘…that it pulls your hair when you have a pony tail’; or ‘…that it can’t fit around an elephant’ (which, of course, begs the question – when might it be useful to put an elastic band around an elephant?’ and you have your next creative thinking challenge!). This sparks all sorts of ideas for the next round – where the children come up with suggestions for how to improve its design. They might suggest covering the elastic band with a soft, slippery material, for example, or creating a range of bands that smell of different fruity flavours! Point out that this is how new inventions are born – simply by people who don’t accept the status quo. You’ll be able to think of all sorts of examples of this - eg fitted sheets, the Swiss penknife, spreadable butter, mobile phones with internet access, wheelie bin covers, spectacles with television screens inside them… Encourage your child to look out for these too.

May 2011

Let your child take a digital camera along to record their discoveries. That way, on the journey home, they can be narrowing down their final list to present to you! The point of this is to teach your child that the world is not something that needs to be accepted just as it is, that situations are malleable and products changeable and that they have exactly the right creative thinking skills and character to make a real difference. •Copyright ©C. J. Simister 2010 All rights reserved Illustration by Bill Piggins

• See www.future-smart.com or contact C. J. Simister at cjsimister@btinternet.com for details of future courses for parents and children. C. J. Simister is Director of the Cognitive Development Programme at Northwood College, an independent school for girls aged 3-18. Described in the school’s latest Inspection Report as “a major and successful initiative…the innovative thinking skills programme…makes an outstanding contribution to pupils’ general education”. The activities and games described here are just a very small selection taken from her latest book, ‘The Bright Stuff: Playful ways to nurture your child’s extraordinary mind’ (Pearson: 2009).

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

“A really excellent resource for parents looking for imaginative ways to illuminate young minds. I will be using it with my own children.” Dr Stephen Law, author and Editor of the journal of the Royal Institute of Philosophy

速

May 2011

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

Sat 28 and Sun 29 May (last weekend of every month) www.vennstreetmarket.co.uk THE LOCAL BABY FAIR St Cecilia’s School, Southfield, Wandsworth, SW18 5JR 07726 911414 enquiries@localbabyfair.co.uk www.localbabyfair/co.uk Sat 4 Jun. 10am-4pm. Meet other mums, get professional advice, and learn more about the relevant facilities, services, amenities, shops and activities available in the area you live in. £5 – first 100 tickets free – email to apply

DIARY DATES

LANDMARK KID’S ART CLUB Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road, Teddington, 020 8977 7558 www.landmarkartscentre.org Children’s Saturday morning class. Workshops range from drawing, collage, sculpture to painting and explore different art ideas every month. 5-11yrs. Early booking recommended. Full details of dates and course on the website. NEW YOUTH THEATRE IN WIMBLEDON Hillside Church, 37 Worple Road, London SW19 4JZ Contact: Page to Stage theatre Company: www.pagetostage.co.uk or info@pagetostage.co.uk or 07712317645 Every Thursday: 7-10yrs: 5pm-6pm, 11-13 yrs: 6.15pm-7.15pm, 14yrs+ 7.30pm-8.30pm. £3 per session (First session Free) Theatre members are encouraged to express themselves, be creative and have fun, whilst always learning new skills and disciplines to enhance them as young creative’s. SMILEY TIME NURSERY RHYMES & STORY TIME The Bowler, 20 Bellevue Road Wandsworth Common, London SW17 07540 990133 www.smileytime.co.uk Mondays & Thursdays 10am. £5 per child (sibling discount £2), drop-in sessions. Babies to under 5s. STUDIO 106 ART GALLERY 106 Dawes Road, Fulham, London SW6 7EG 020 7385 5618 www.Studio106ArtGallery.org NEW CREATIVE COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. “ANIMATION” with Mai Yoshida Every Friday from 10 Jun-8 Jul. 4.30pm-6.30pm £100. Students will develop 2D and 3D artworks which complement a story of their own imagining and from this, create animation.

A TASTE OF SPAIN Regent’s Street, London. www.atasteofspain.co.uk Sun 5 Jun. 12noon-7pm. Spanish extravaganza ideal for families, offering great giveaways and plenty of activities for children. Participating regions include Aragon, Andalucia, Valencia, Madrid, Gran Canaria, and others

Family Week limited 2010

THINGS TO DO EN FAMILLE CAPOEIRA FAMILY CLASSES The Old Bakery, Lower Richmond Road, London SW14 7HJ (behind the Morlake Training Centre) www.capoeirasurrey.co.uk bicudo@acercapoeira.com 07851764628 Every Saturday 11am-1pm. Brazilian martial art, acrobatics, dance, music, self defence. MAY FAIR AT ST PETER’S CHURCH 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL. Sat 21 May. 12-4pm. A fun day out for the whole family. Stalls, homemade cakes, children entertainments, live music and live animals! Sat 21 May at 6.00pm ST LUKE’S MUSIC SOCIETY and the London Mozart Players present a concert for all the family in St Luke’s Church, Thurleigh Road, London SW12 8RQ. Tickets £10 (children/concessions £5) From www.slms.org.uk or 07951 791619 or in person from Northcote Music Shop, 155 c Northcote Road. One of Europe’s finest chamber orchestras, an opportunity to experience first hand what it takes to create these wonderful performances, in a hilarious, interactive concert for all the family! This concert is designed for anyone aged 6 years or over . Part of Wandsworth Arts Festival 2011 RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London SW3 4SR. Info & tickets: www.theticketfactory.com/Rhs/online 24-28 May. 24-27: 8am-8pm, 28: 8am-5.30pm. A catwalk of colour and creativity, the brightest new ideas, latest trends and the pinnacle of design makes this show the one the world wants to see. VENN STREET MARKET Saturdays 10am-5pm: FRESH FOOD MARKET. Sundays 12pm-5pm: FOOD, GARDEN PLANTS & CRAFTS.

Taste of Spain

WILDLIFE WATCH CLUB -WIMBLEDON COMMON. Meet on the first Sunday of each month at the information Centre, Wimbledon Common, near the Windmill. 10am12pm. 8-14yrs. £1 registration fee and £2 per session. 020 8540 6154 8 May. POND DIPPING 5 Jun. WILLOW WEAVING

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN

EATON SQUARE SCHOOL OPEN DAY 79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP 16 Jun. OPEN DAY for Reception entry (age 4/5). To book a place call 020 7931 9469

EVENTS FOR ADULTS THE FRENCH COCKTAIL PARTY Couleur Café 32 Webbs Road, London SW11 Teresa 020 7924 4649/ 07889 967 003 www.leclubtricolore.co.uk Mondays 6.30pm-7.30pm and Wednesdays 9.15 am to 10.15am. French speakers are at hand if anyone gets stuck! Mistakes are corrected discreetly and each participant receives an e-mail the following day with words and phrases used during the session. MUSEUMS AT NIGHT 2011 Friday 13th to Sunday 15th May. www.museumsatnight.org.uk Hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK will be opening their doors at night for gallery gigs, twilight film screenings, theatre shows, midnight murder mysteries, allnight sleepovers, torch-lit tours and much more. Special events being lined up for 2011, many of which are rarely on offer to the public. For details of all venues, events and activities visit www.museumsatnight.org.uk, where listings information will be continually updated right up until the weekend itself.

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

May 2011

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

What’s on

PUTNEY AND FULHAM BRANCH NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Putney Leisure Centre, Dryburgh Road, London SW15 1BL 07971 033320 Sat 7 May. 3pm Nearly new children’s toys and clothes and baby equipment £2. NCT members with cards gain entry at 2.45pm. SPIRIT OF SUMMER FAIR Olympia, Hammersmith, London W14 8UX 020 7385 1200/ 0871 230 1089 www.spiritofsummerfair.co.uk 11-14 May. 10am-6pm. Manufacturers and suppliers of home and fashion accessories, gems and jewellery, giftware, books, arts& antiques, games & toys will be displaying their best poducts. FRIENDS OF TOOTING COMMON www.friendsoftootingcommon.org.uk 18 May. BIRD WALK Meet at the staff Yard at 8.30am. Free guided walk led by Peter White, the bird recorder for the Commons. 4hours. Bring your own binoculars if you can. No dogs or very young children. R.E.D.I Training 1 U2 Cooper House, 2 Michael Road, London SW6 2AD 020 7348 7117 www.redi-training.co.uk Tues eve in Fulham: Emergency Care: 10 May, 7 Jun & 5 Jul. Accident and Illnesses: 17 May, 15 Jun & 13 Jul Wed mornings in Fulham: Emergency Care: 11 May, 8 Jun & 6 Jul Accident & Illnesses 18 May, 15 Jun & 13 Jul THE PARENT PRACTICE WORKSHOPS 68 Thurleigh Road, London SW12 8UD and 5 Gwendolen Ave, London SW15 6EU 10 May 10am-12.30pm. WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNDER 6s (Clapham) 18 May 7.30pm-10pm. BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN BOYS (Putney) 27 May. 10am-12.30pm. RAISING GIRLS (Clapham) All £45 pp, £75 per couple or £80 for two friends booking together.

May 2011

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com MAIN THEATRE 13 May-6 Aug. ALL JOIN IN..AND OTHER STORIES by Quentin Blake. Rhyme, rhythm and colourful characters all combine in this musical extravaganza inspired by some of Blake’s well-loved stories including All Join-In, Mr Magnolia, Mrs Armitage on Wheels and Patrick. It’s a toetapping, sing-along show, with plenty of chances to take part in the fun! £8 to £12. 4-7yrs. Sat 28 May 11am. Autism friendly performance. Sat 2 Jun 2.30pm. BSL interpreted performance. SPECIAL WORKSHOPS Tue 31 May. 10.30am-3.30pm. 5-7yrs. THE FOUND OBJECT’S BAND. Bring an everyday object from home along with you and explore ways of using it to create sound, percussion and music. Use your voice and body to create your very own soundtrack to a unique story that you devise and perform to family and friends. £25. Wed 1 Jun. 10am-12.30pm. 4-6yrs. ALL JOIN IN FAMILY JAM Work with your parent to explore ways of creating short poems, rhythms, rhymes and songs. £15 (accompanying adults free) VISITING ADVENTURES Tickets £7/£9. Sat 14 May. TREASURES OF THE RAINFOREST A participatory fusion of music and storytelling to engage and ignite the imagination. 3-6yrs. 45mns Sat 21 May. EGG AND SPOON A multi-sensory, interactive journey through the seasons in this delightful setting of Percy and April’s garden. 6mths-3yrs. 30mns Sat 28 May. THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF A charming show featuring beautifully crafted puppets, live music and bags of comedy. 3-6yrs. 35mns. Tue 31 May-Sat 4 Jun. WHO’S BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR? A delightful and playful interpretation of a well-known tale – with porridge and bears and one-twothree chairs. 3-6yrs. 50mns.

For our online offering go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/whatson

Cont. pg 30

FIRST AID COURSES With Emma Hammett, Qualified Nurse, First Aid Trainer and local Mum. HSE and Qualsafe approved. Over 20 years of healthcare and teaching experience 020 8675 4036 emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk or www.firstaidforlife.org.uk EARLY YEARS FIRST AID COURSES Sat 7 May, Fri 20 May and Sat 21 May. Ideal for Nannies and au pair too! SHORT EMERGENCY FIRST AID COURSE Wed 11 May, Sat 14 May and Thu 26 May. Covering CPR, recovery position and injuries in adults, babies and children.

DRAMA

from page 29

What’s on THE COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Sat & Sun 2pm and 4pm. £7/£9. Parties £6. To 27 Jun THE PUPPET SHOW SEASON Every Sat & Sun 2pm & 4pm. New exciting puppet shows for all the family. Beautifully crafted puppets, fun and exciting stories..not to be missed!

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

Horrible Histories Wimbledon Theatre

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon Tue 24-Sat 28 May HORRIBLE HISTORIES – THE AWFUL EGYPTIANS and THE RUTHLESS ROMANS Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips. Irresistible! £15, family £40.

Little Venice, Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com £8.50/£10. RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF WHO TRIED TO EAT HER 7/8, 14/15, 21/22 May 3pm and 28 May to 5 Jun daily at 3pm. Presented with marionettes and shadow puppets, original music, lighting and effects, this is an enchanting show for both adult and child. From 4yrs.

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk Saturdays shows 11am/1pm £6/£8, then “MESSY PLAY” arts and crafts activities £5, 12pm & 2pm.£9 for Show and Messy Play Workshop. Add Messy Play to your family ticket for just £3 extra per child. Family ticket £25.

BEETLEBUNS 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm. Family Sunday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. Hop onto a magic carpet where crazy machines turn and magical trees blossom. A unique interactive experience that makes objects react to your every move. 2-5yrs. Sat 4 Jun. THE LITTLE RED HEN 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm. Messy Play 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm. Little Red Hen lives on a farmyard. One day she finds some grains of wheat and decides to make some bread. Will you lend a hand to help her make the most delicious loaf?

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com 18-22 May. ONE LITTLE WORD A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. 3yrs+. £9/£11, family 32. 25-29 May. LOST AND FOUND A heart warming, touching tale about the friendship between a young boy and a penguin. 3-6yrs. Friday 27 May TODDLER VERSION 1-2yrs. £9/£11, family £32 31 May-12 Jun. THE NIGHT PIRATES Featuring puppets, song and ballet dancing pirates in a delightful adaptation of the much loved picture book. 3yrs+. £9/£11, family £32.

EVENTS

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ. 0844 871 7651, www.ambassadortickets.com/richmond Mon 16-Sat 21 May. BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story. Two terrific hours of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics “That’ll Be The Day”, “Peggie Sue”, “Oh Boy” and many more. Buddy is a not to be missed evening of family entertainment that will have music lovers from 8 to 80 toetapping, hand-clapping and rocking in the aisles! £18.50 to £31, family £70.

NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK

TARA STUDIO 356 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, London SW9 9RD 020 8333 4457 www.tara-arts.com Sat 28 May. A VICTORIAN MIKADO 10.30am. Set in a brightly coloured Japan of 1885, The Mikado is the most popular of the Victorian operetta creations by Mr W S Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Using whatever props and costumes come to hand, the cast give an insight into the hazards and excitements of Victorian theatre life, and look at what The Mikado reveals about our lives today. A fully BSL integrated sign language. £7.50/£8.50. 7-11yrs and families. Wed 1 Jun. SKELLING 10.30am. David Almond’s novel “Skelling” was voted by the Carnegie judges as one of the top ten most important children’s novels of the last 70yrs. It remains a story about faith and magic in the most unlikely places. £7.50/£11.

Three-Billy-Goats-Gruff The Lyric Theatre Sat 14 May. THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF & OTHER FURRY TAILS How did the three Billy Goats gruff deal with that troll, do you really know what happened to the Wolf and those Three Little Pigs and why was Goldilocks walking in the woods? Find out in this fairy tale adventure. 3-7yrs. Sat 21 May. LITTLE RUBY RED TELLS TALES In this enchanting musical performance, Ruby sets off to visit her Nan. On the way she meets the three dwarves who lived with snow white, Cinderella with her glass slippers and a terrifying tiger. Or did she? Because Little ruby Red like telling tales? 3-5yrs. Sat 28 & sun 29 May. THE PLANET OF THE

30 May-5 Jun. A week of activities, events, money saving offers and competitions aimed at the whole family. Two large outdoor events taking place on London’s Clapham common (29/30 May) and in Chavasse Park, Liverpool One (4/5 Jun) This initiative celebrates the diversity of the modern day family, championing the benefits of quality family time and encouraging a healthier and more active approach to family life. To find an event near you, check out the website www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk

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. A spectacular 105 acre wetland landscape of lagoons, lakes and ponds offers a safe haven for hundreds of wild bird species, dragonflies, bats and amphibians. Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun. ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS. From 10.30am Sat 28 & Sun 29 May. Otters Mon 30 May. Hedgehogs Wed 1 & Thurs 2 Jun. Amphibians and Reptiles Fri 3 to Sun 5 Jun. Birds of Prey.

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

May 2011

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

WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES (daily during weekends and school holidays) Discover the centre’s amazing wildlife and learn weird and wonderful facts with the Education Team’s regular pond dips, wildlife walks and trails.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500/ 9551 www.wallacecollection.org 10am-5pm. Free. FAMILY ACTIVITIES. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fri 3 Jun. BRILLIANT BOOKMAKING 10.30am12.15pm & 2pm-3.45pm. Free, drop-in workshop. Make your own special book, create and collect crafty things to go in it, inspired by the famous collectors of the past. FAMILY WORKSHOPS Bkg essential on 020 7563 9527 or booking@wallacecollection.org Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wed 1 Jun. FIGHTING FIT! NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK ARMOUR HANDLING WORKSHOP 10.30am12.30pm or 2pm-4pm. 7yrs+. £7. Feel what it’s like to wear armour and find out how heavy, flexible and protective it really is. Thurs 2 Jun. POP UP FEAST! NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK DRAWING AND 3D WORKSHOP 10.30am3.30pm (lunch unsupervised) 12.30pm-1.30pm. £14. 912yrs. Be inspired by our extraordinary painted banquet scenes to make your very own 2D/3D meal. Daily: 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.

SOMERSET HOUSE

May 2011

tunnels, rivers and ruined palaces, and add to a giant 3-D map of those secret spaces.

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 21 May. STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am & 1.30pm. Bring the Gallery’s portraits to life in this exciting storytelling sessions followed by a fun art activity. Sat 21 May. FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 11.30am & 2.30pm. Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity in this enjoyable family session. Free ticket required and available one hour before the event. WHITSUN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Mon 30 May-Fri 3 Jun. Every Weekday 11.30am & 2.30pm. A week of workshops and activities inspired by the “Only connect” display.

HMS BELFAST Tooley Street, London SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk Open Daily 10am-5pm. £10.80/£13.50, children under 16s free. INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM HMS Belfast could once be controlled from the Operations Room, the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship. Visitors can now imagine exactly what this would have been like as the Operations Room is updated with exciting interactives. Entry included in adm price. 28 May-5 Jun. SHIP’S CONVERSATIONS Drop-in 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm A look at navy slang and the origin of popular phrases that link to life at sea and the importance of the navy. Entry included in adm price.

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.uk EXHIBITION To 29 Aug. IMPACT: COLLISIONS AND CATASTROPHES From meteor showers to giant asteroid this brand new exhibition takes a look at these fiery visitors and their impacts on our planet. Plus there’s the chance to see and touch real space rocks in the ROG’s astronomy galleries. FAMILY EVENTS: Lots of them! Please check website for more details. 14 May. MUSEUMS AT NIGHT A cosmic evening of family fun! Activities, workshops and special shows. 5pm9pm. 5yrs+ 28 May. SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORERS Learning Centre. 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm. Free family workshop focus on meteorites, with the chance to handle real space rocks and find out what we can learn from them. Free. 5yrs+.

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PLANETARIUM SHOWS From 21 May. HAYABUSA The incredible journey of the Hayabusa space probe, which returned to Earth last year after a seven year mission to explore the asteroid Itokawa. Until 20 May. ORIGINS OF LIFE Throughout May. SKY TONIGHT LIVE For more shows and details of performance please visit the website.

TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, London EC3 Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk £10.45/£17.05/£19.80, family £55, under 5 free. Events included in adm. EXHIBITIONS POWER HOUSE Discover the stories and personalities behind the major organisations of state, who took care of Royal business behind the mighty Tower walls, from 1100 to the present day, in a new permanent exhibition opening on the White Tower’s top floor. Daily: FIT FOR A KING Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armour worn by kings and royal princes. From 28 May. ROYAL BEASTS For the first time visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the animals that were once kept there as part of the royal menagerie

HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham, Richmond upon Thames TW10 7RS 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/localtoyou or 01494 755500. Garden, shop and café open everyday, 11am-5pm. House open (except Fridays) 12-4pm. 15 May. 11am-4.30pm. DISCOVER THE AUTHENTIC RECREATION OF 17TH CENTURY KITCHEN GARDEN + SOW AND GROW DAY. A special day of family fun, as part of the National Trust’s “Food Glorious Food” campaign to encourage more people to grow their own fruit and veg. Hands-on demonstrations, and money-saving tips. Garden activities see children sowing their own seeds in pot to take home, families can enjoy the new self-guided garden trail, whilst a giant toy box provides further outdoor entertainment. And lots of garden-themed craft activities. Free upon normal admission charge to the property.

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.

...cont page 32

Strand, London WC2 1LA 020 78454600, www.somerset.org.uk SATURDAYS FREE FAMILY WORKSHOPS: 2pm3.30pm. Free Family Workshops. Collect tickets from 1pm from the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall on the day. Children 6-12yrs must be accompanied by an adult. Sat 14 May. THINK INK! (Courtauld Gallery) Create pen and ink drawings as artists of the past have done. Sat 21 May. PLAY & DISPLAY (Somerset House) Design a spectacular sculptural centerpiece for an open air courtyard complete with water features. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, HOLIDAYS DROPS-IN Learning Centre, embankment level, SouthBuilding. Suitable for families with children of all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. If the workshop is full, families are welcome to wait until spaces become available, and the activity lasts about half an hour. Sat 28 May. LONDON UNDERGROUND (Somerset House) Explore the hidden London beneath our feet;

What’s on

from page 31

What’s on 31 May-5 Jun. JOUSTING TOURNAMENT Medieval activities for the whole family. Features thrilling twice-daily jousting tournaments from knights on horseback, medieval weapons and displays, all set against the historic backdrop of the 900-year castle. A marquee with craft activities for children will be open. £2. Additional activities include: World of Wings Shows, Aviary Talks, Go Ape!, Pay and Play Golf Course.

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS MUSEUM AT NIGHT AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY Fri 13 May. 5-9pm. Join us for a night of Renaissance revelry! Discover Northern Renaissance artist Jan Gossaert, draw from life model, go on tour or enjoy renaissance music by candlelight – plus families can take part in a magical storytelling session. FAMILY EVENT: MYSTERY MAGIC STORIES S 6-7pm. Meet at the Sainsbury Wing information Desk. Come dressed in your favourite costume – or even pyjamas - as performance storyteller Sally Pomme Clayton delights and thrills with the magic and mystery of Renaissance paintings. “Museum at Night” is a national Campaign for late-opening across the UK, and takes place 13-15 May. The initiative seeks to attract people into Museums and galleries who don’t usually visit. It coincides with the Europe-wide celebration “La Nuit des Musées”.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Jousting Tournament at Leeds Castle

SNAKES AND LADDERS Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF 020 8847 0946 www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk Open daily 10am-6pm. £3.90 to £7.30. Sat 21 May. SNAKES AND LADDERS CHARITY BALLOON RELEASE Fun, colourful and all profits will go to shooting Star Children’s Hospice to support Children’s Hospice week. Balloon cost £1 and everyone who participates will be in for a chance to win a three month pass to Snakes and Ladders! Tickets are on sale at: http://www.justgiving.com/snakesandladdersbrentford or from Snakes and Ladders Syon Park. Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio Fulham /Hammersmith border Please ring— Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

SOUTHBANK CENTRE www.southbankcentre.co.uk To 4 Sept. FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN WITH MASTERCARD Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Festival of Britain with a four months festival of British culture and creativity. Experience performances, new outdoor environments, talks, events, concerts and gigs by some of Britain’s leading artists and thinkers.

NANDO’S xPERimental SKETCH LANDS London Barge House, Oxo Tower Warf, Barge House Street London SE1 9PH Sun 22 May. 11am-6pm. Guided by the artists, kids over the age of 12 will get the chance to try their hand at four art disciplines: Spray-Can, Cardboard Sculpture, Ink and Screen Printing. A free for all project, xPERimental Sketch will run all weekend with the opportunity for kids to come and have a go on either Saturday or Sunday. www.nandos.co.uk/xPERimental to register on the Sketch page for a workshop with the artists on Sunday 22 May or alternatively turn up on the day for short taster sessions.

Cromwell Road, London SW7. 020 7938 9123. Open: MonSat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun: 11am-5.50pm. Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011. Free. www.nhm.ac.uk EXHIBITIONS: To 4 Sept. AGE OF THE DINOSAUR Dinosaurs make a dramatic return in this summer blockbuster exhibition. Combining stunning imagery with amazing specimens and interactives, “Age of the Dinosaur” will take visitors on a journey through millions of years to life on Earth with the gargantuan reptiles. To 25 Sept. SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Experience the sensory world of butterflies, explore the five different sensory zones of sight, smell, taste hearing and touch in this new exhibition, come face to face with live butterflies in the beautiful butterfly house and learn more about the surprising life they lead. EVENTS FOR FAMILIES: check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on Here some highlights: Sats, Suns and School Hol. HANDS-ON NATURE: DINOUSAURS 2pm-5pm. Visit the handling trolley in “Lasting Impressions” and take a closer look at some interesting specimens with the help of science educators. Free. DAILY FAMILY ACTIVITES Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s. Complete the puzzle of the 26-metre long “diplodocus” and you’ll get a funky Dippy sticker! INVESTIGATE CENTRE Encourages children to look closely at real objects using the many tools provided to find out more and become a scientist for the day. Both: 11am-5pm. Mon-Fri in term time. Free.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open 10am-6pm. Info & bkg 0870 870 4868. Adm is free but charges apply to some special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides ATMOSPHERE: EXPLORING CLIMATE CHANGE This

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

May 2011

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

exhibition will transform the second floor of the Wellcome Wing in the Museum, making it THE destination to explore the science of climate change. Includes a 700 year-old Antarctic ice core and hopes to inform the public about Climate Science, its limitations and its history. Free. FLY ZONE Visit the brand new Fly Zone simulator area where you take control in 360 degree flight simulators or fly with the Red Arrows in our sensational 3D motion effects theatre. Charges apply. IMAX 3D Cinema. Charges apply. LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS Launch a rocket, turn your head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud and play with 50 more brand new interactive exhibits demonstrating light, sound, electricity and magnetism and more amazing physics phenomena. Free. 8-14yrs. WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: 7/8, 14/15, 21/22 May. STEAM DREAM. INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING. Sat & Sun 11.30am & 1.30pm (James Watt and our World: Ground Floor) Get your gear turning, as we find out how steam makes things move and discover the man who made the steam dream come true. Free. 7yrs and under. 8, 14/15, 21/22 May. SPACED OUT. INTERACTIVE TOUR. Sat & Sun 3.30pm (Exploring Space, Ground floor) Discover roaring rockets, amazing astronauts, smelly space poo, and much more. 5yrs+. Free.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. 10am-6pm. 020 7416 5320/5321. www.iwm.org.uk NEW EXHIBITIONS To 30 Oct. ONCE UPON A WARTIME: CLASSIC WAR STORIES FOR CHILDREN The exhibition delves into the pages of well-loved books, bringing five stories of war dramatically to life. Behind the scenes of the stories, see what inspired the authors to write their books, and find out about the historical context of each story through objects, photographs and films. £3.95 to £5.95, family £12.50. To 31 Dec. WOMEN WAR ARTISTS Focusing on work by women war artists from the first World War to the Kosovo conflict as eyewitnesses, participants, commentators and as officially commissioned recorders. Free.

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7. 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk 10am-5.45pm until 10pm on Fridays. Free BACK-PACKS Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Back-Pack adventure tours of the V&A: Packs are filled with jigsaws, stories and games to explore the collection. Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create a Samurai helmet, a silver goblet or an elephant mask to take home. FREE; drop-in. 4 to 11 yrs.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free. HALF TERM EVENTS 30 May - 5 June. THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA 10.30am-4pm. A half term week inspired by Judith Kerr’s classic book The “Tiger who came to Tea”. There will be story telling, a tiger trail and an arts and crafts table. Drop in; all ages

May 2011

What’s on

30 May - 3 Jun. WORDBURST: NOT NOW BERNARD 11am – 3pm. Literacy workshops led by the team from Artburst, explore David McKee’s book “Not Now Bernard” through drama games, costume design, scenery painting and storytelling. Bookings being taken from 16 May. 5-11yrs.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000 www.britishmuseum.org NEW EHXIBITION: To 3 July. AGHANISTAN: CROSSROADS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD A unique opportunity to see an exceptional collection of over 200 objects which show how ancient Afghanistan was at the heart of a cultural crossroads. It revolves around precious objects drawn from some of the most important sites in the country. Each tells a story of how the inhabitants traded with or were influenced by the fashions of their ancient neighbours. Adm charge.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 12noon-5pm. Closed Good Friday. Free. SPECIAL EXHIBITION To 29 Aug: AT HOME IN JAPAN: BEYOND THE MINIMAL HOUSE This exhibition goes behind the doors of contemporary urban homes to find out how private lives are lived in Japan today. £3/£5, under 16’s free. FAMILY DAYS 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. 5-11yrs. Free Sat 4 Jun. FANTASTIC FANS. Decorate a fan Japanesestyle to keep you cool. YOUNG PEOPLE 2pm-4pm. 11-16yrs. Free Sat 4 Jun. SILKY SLIPPERS. Use clay to sculpt models of Japanese slippers to decorate your home Quizzes, activity packs and audio guides are available during holidays every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am6pm Sun 22 May 12.30pm-2pm and 2.30pm-4pm. A MINIATURE HOUSE In this art workshop we will look closely at the amazing 18th century doll’s house that belonged to the Blackett family. Make a copy to recreate your own home. 5yrs. Free. Sat 28 May 12.30pm=2pm and 2.30pm-4pm. GREAT FIRE OBJECTS Discover the stories behind some of the objects that survived the Great Fire of London. 5yrs. Free.

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MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm. Sat 14 May. 12.30pm-1.30pm and 2.30pm-3.30pm. THE DOCKS OF THE ROMANS Create figures, animals, buildings and ship to add to a model of a Roman Docks scene. 4yrs. Free. Sat 28 May. 12.30pm-1pm, 2.30pm-3pm and 3.30pm4pm. HOW TO BE A PIRATE. Join us in this interactive drama performance to help our bungling buccaneer learn how to become a proper pirate. 4yrs. Free.

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

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• BOOK REVIEWERS: do you like reading? never get enough books? We need new book reviewers for the website. We do not pay you but we get free books in exchange for uploading your reviews online. • GREEN PAGE: are you all green and ethical? do you know what's going on in your community? We need someone to report for us. • HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: Karin is moving on, could you research and put together our Holiday listings? • WEB EDITOR: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk is so busy, it needs a bit of extra care: would you like to look after it? Work experience more than a job. For all these opportunities email: editorFSW@familiesmagazine.co.uk with a note of your background, what you are applying for, your strengths and interests and how you can help.

SUBSCRIBE Don’t miss a copy– get Families by post! Send your payment @ £15.50 for a year; or: SAVE 15% @ £26.35 for 2 years. To: Families SW, PO Box 4302, SW16 1ZS. Name..................................................................Email............................................................................................................ Address.................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................05/11 Which area? SW / SE / W / N / NW / E / Kingston / Epsom / Edin / Liverp/ThamesValley/Chiltern/York/Solent Nanny............................................Child ages........................................ I got my first copy of FSWfrom.................................................................................................................................... My copy is also read by...................number of others. I use the internet................................... ..hours a day/week. I like FSW because................................................................................................................................................. My role is at home / in an office / or both as a .........................................................................................................

May 2011

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May 2011