Families London SW Issue 218 July/August 2012

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

July/Aug 2012 Iss

ISSN ue 21 8 135 4-95 Est 53 19

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Ultimate guide to

Summer FUN!

LILY’S KIDS KLUB Quality Childcare & Pre-School Education in a Caring & Friendly, Stimulating Atmosphere • • • •

Ofsted registered & Qualified staff Caring for Children aged 0-5 years Full & Part-Time places available Opens 50 weeks a year

Self contained BABY UNIT. PRE-SCHOOL We also provide - BREAKFAST CLUB, AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB & HOLIDAY PLAY SCHEME

TEL: 020 8674 8678 OR 07958 346 058

Picture credit: Polarn O. Pyret www.polarnopyret.co.uk

BRIXTON HILL METHODIST CHURCH ELM PARK, SW2 2TX

131 REAR OF BRIXTON HILL ELM PARK, SW2 1AF

FREE activities, camps, workshops, festivals

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Rockstone Refurbishments Ltd • local refurbishments and maintenance company • servicing clients in SW and Central London • projects from small maintenance issues up to big internal/external refurbishments • extensions and conversions.

Headed by a woman, our aim is to provide good service tailored to suit individual needs. All our work comes through recommendation by word of mouth. www.rockstonerefurbishments.com Artur Trawinski 07989 607 999 Magda Fedorocko 07717 164 36

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

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

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

We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

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

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

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

SW7 Queen's Gate SW1 Knightsbridge Group of international nursery schools All schools have native language teachers, excellent facilities and lovely outside playground / garden.

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

Toddler Group from 1 year old

The Kensington Gardens Nursery School, W2 For a brochure please call Bilingual Nursery school French/English Marie-Laurence Edmonstone For children 1-5 years old 020 7259 21 51 marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

ready here o aven is al n ear in he th Everyt e b hing that is supposed to

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SouthWest

July/Aug 2012

Contents 06-07

Local news & information

08-09

Community Spirit

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Picture credit: Polarn O. Pyret www.polarnopyret.co.uk

All together now

All content ©Families 2012 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 Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk Next issue: September 2012 Deadline: early July

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Safety precautions with iPads

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Olympics for FREE

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Take the family challenge Activities to enjoy en famille

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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.

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Parental leave

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What’s On

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• Drama • Events • Exhibitions & Museums

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Starting school

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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.

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Summer holiday activities Workshops, courses, camps etc

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

•There are over 38 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 very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk

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Diary dates, directory and classified

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News

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Shortlist for nature award!

Fancy a treat?

Local Barnes business The Treat Garden is your one-stop-shop for yummy treats, toys, crafts, gifts and books for all the family. Recently re-opened, The Treat Garden brings good old-fashioned highquality products to its local high street setting, and now has a café serving a range of delicious cakes, snacks, salads and sandwiches. It also boasts a treatment room offering manicures and facials so parents can unwind while their children enjoy the shop. Their new, larger space holds creative art and music classes, and can now host birthday parties for up to 30 children. Check out their Homework Club for older children and Supper Club for parents. 17 Station Road, Barnes, SW13 0LF, Tel 020 8878 4525. www.thetreatgarden.co.uk

Pampering for Princesses Bigoodi, the UK’s first ‘Concept Store’ for children, opens its doors this summer - a vibrant hairdressing salon complete with nail bar, playroom and individual TV sets. “As a mother of two children I know how hard it is to find the right hairdresser,” says Clemence de Crecy, local mum and creator of Bigoodi. “All too often it can end in tears as salons are not designed to look after children’s needs. Contented kids make for contented parents and there will also be a few fun extras just for adults.” The salon also hosts birthday parties, including Ballerina parties of hairdressing, manicures and pedicures, and ‘Kapla’ parties centered around the popular French building game. 52 New Kings Road, SW6 4LS, www.mybigoodi.com

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SW London favourite WWT Wetland Centre has been shortlisted for Countryfile’s ‘Britain’s Favourite Nature Reserve’ Award. The wildlife reserve has been nominated in the prestigious Countryfile Awards after being transformed from four concretelined reservoirs into the oasis we know and love.

“We are delighted to be in the running for this award,” says Martin Senior, General Manager. “This means a lot to our team of staff and volunteers who work hard to provide the perfect habitat for wildlife and a great day out for our visitors.” The decision on a winner now rests with the public, so cast your vote for WWT London Wetland Centre at www.countryfile.com/awardsvote.

Club for babies Try out the hottest new playgroup in town! Babyccino Club Italiano is a new playgroup running on Thursday mornings at Eddie Catz Wimbledon. Your little one will love the singing, dancing, playing and reading, and it’s a great way to meet other Italian parents. The playgroup runs during term time for ages 0-4, £4.50 for drop-in sessions or £3 if you sign up for a block of sessions. Email babyccinoclubitaliano@ hotmail.co.uk to book your spot now, or call Giovanna 07761 420519 or Elisa 07734 316980. Eddie Catz, 42 Station Road, Merton SW19.

Summer Market This summer there will be lots of new small independent producers joining Venn Street Market. The popular food market takes place on Clapham Common at 10am-4pm every Sunday, and will now include Banhmi 11, which makes the best French-toasted demi-baguettes in SW London, and The Garlic Farm for all things garlic. Plus Herzog, chocolatier extraordinaire, Market Gourmet for Michelin-quality foods and terrines, Seriously Italian for handmade pastas and fresh sauces and Wildflowers for homegrown flowers and herbs from specialist British nurseries. Don’t miss it! www.vennstreetmarket.co.uk

Keep your child close

Classes for young stars

Give yourself some peace of mind this summer with the new safety bracelet from Chambers & Beau. Losing your child on a beach or a theme park is every parent’s worst nightmare, but now Chambers & Beau has designed a personalised ID bracelet with your mobile number stamped on it.

The bracelet is secured with a waxed cotton cord and can’t easily be removed, so there’s no chance it can fall off in the sea! Priced £35, the Child’s Safety Bracelet is made of sterling silver and hand-stamped for a quirky finish. www.chambersandbeau.com

Check out the new classes at the Token Yard Club, a privately-owned gym in Putney. In collaboration with Youngstars, the gym has launched a range of classes for 2-6 year olds - choose from Yoga Babies, Gym & Dance, Toddler Football, Toddler Rugby and Storytime. This month the Token Yard Club is offering a parent and child membership for only £99 per month, a saving of £29 per month. Go to www.thetokenyardclub.com or email enquiries@young-stars.co.uk. The Token Yard Club, 56 Putney High Street, SW15 1SF.

National champs!

Streatham & Clapham High School’s U13 Group Acro gymnastics team are the best in Britain as they were awarded gold medal at the British Schools Gymnastics Association finals. “We are so proud of our gymnasts who have been training phenomenally hard for this event,” said Head of PE, Liz Basson. “The London Schools Gymnastics Association’s decision to select our senior gymnasts as medal presenters at the London Prepares Olympic gymnastics events earlier in the year was totally justified!” Other teams from SCHS also scored impressive results, placing second in U13 Floor and Vault, fourth in U11 Floor Pairs, sixth in U13 Tumbling and eighth in U11 Tumbling. www.schs.gdst.net

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

News

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Part of the Games!

This July, Northcote Lodge School in Clapham has been invited to be part of a Guard of Honour at the Olympic Park. On 27 July the competing athletes will make their way into the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony, and boys from Northcote Lodge will be there as one of 250 schools invited from all nations to show support for the 204 competing teams of the Olympic Games. The eight boys from Remove and Form 3 will be supporting the competitors from Cuba in recognition of their excellent projects on Cuban athletes and their country. The boys will design banners and hold lanterns, shouting cheers of support as the athletes make their way into the Olympic Stadium. What an achievement!

Artwork in New York!

This summer a student from Thames Christian College is exhibiting her artwork in New York City!

Shannon Bills' work Circle is to be exhibited at British Bone, an exhibition of ceramicists at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, and will be shown alongside bone china pieces by ceramicists Max Lamb and Em Johnson. Shannon made Circle as part of her Art and Design GCSE coursework in 2011 in which she scored full marks. Find out more at http://www.icff.com/exhibitor/british-bone and www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk.

Mums reverse body clock

Climb the heights Check out the new state-of-the-art bouldering centre in Fulham. Urban Ascent is an indoor climbing centre in Parsons Green, running classes and clubs for kids and their parents, as well as birthday parties. Whether you’re a complete novice, fully fledged pro-climber or just fed up with the boring old gym, it might just be the place for you. Kids clubs run on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10am and Wednesdays and Fridays at 4.30pm, plus courses and clubs throughout the holidays. www.urbanascent.co.uk

Handmade for you Go on - get a name for yourself! Better still, get one for someone else with a personalised gift from Goodwin & Burgess. Their luxurious towels, swimming wraps and flannels are perfect for Christmas, birthdays and christenings, and the Battersea-based company hand-sew beautiful embroidered lettering onto their products, spelling out quality with every letter. To order contact 07710 144505 or 07956 279834, email info@goodwinandburgess.co.uk. www.goodwinandburgess.co.uk

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London fitness expert Sonia Palecek has launched a new age-defying programme for mums-on-the-go. She promises to take years off your appearance in as little as 7 days with her holistic 7 Days To Knock Off 7 Years, designed to revitalise the body from the inside out and resulting in renewed energy levels and a more youthful appearance. “Reversing the biological clock is absolutely possible,” says Sonia, “but too many women are resorting to unnecessary surgery or exhausting themselves with unproductive exercise regimes and restrictive fad diets in the fight against ageing. You’re much better off working intelligently from the inside out. It really can take years off your appearance.”

Sounds like it’s worth a try! Call 020 3468 6975 or go to www.SoniaPalecek.com

Prepare for 2!

If you’re soon to be a 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) time mum, take a look at the Baby Preparation classes at The Baby Care Company. Designed especially for 2nd time mums, why not get prepared for life with Baby Number Two with a tailored class? Discover tricks and techniques for coping with two children, avoiding sibling jealousy and how to maintain that special relationship with your first child. Also, find out about the reality of birth the 2nd time around, plus refreshers on breastfeeding and developing good sleep routines. www.thebabycarecompany.co.uk

New charity launches This summer sees the launch of Sky Badger, a children’s charity guiding families with disabled children to the help they need. Set up by four mothers, the website links all existing disabled children’s charities, social services and special needs resources and support under one umbrella.

A survey by Sky Badger shows that only 9% of families are told about disability support within four weeks of diagnosis and 34% are never told about the help available at all, but now Sky Badger can help with respite care, finding out about ‘make a wish’ charities and also about funders who will help pay for mobility equipment. Plus, Sky Badger is full of adventure for families with disabled kids, giving you plenty of ideas of where to take your child ice-skating, rock climbing or on safari. www.skybadger.co.uk

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Community spirit

All together now...

If you have a pair of lungs then you can sing. At least that is what choir masters and mistresses across southwest London say. Helena Foss meets the people who come together each week to weave a tapestry of song, purely for the love of it.

Back in the pre-modern day, it was the rhythms of nature, stars, moonlight, dance, stories and songs around the fire that enchanted, sustained and entertained our ancestors. And it appears that community sing-a-longs are something we have all been sorely missing. From the televised competition Last Choir Standing to Gareth Malone’s Military Wives Choir project, community choirs are not just trending, they are booming, to the point where it is impossible to cover the veritable chorus of SW London ensembles.

Family entertainment So let’s start with choirs where baby can come along too. Musician and mum of a toddler, Ruth Routledge started Pram Chorus (Balham and Streatham Hill) so that bored mums at playgroups could have a break from interminable rounds of singing The Wheels on the Bus. “Children love music,” she says, “But I thought: Why not sing something that mums can enjoy too? Parents need to maintain their own sanity in order to parent their children well. The kids just love it; they stare at us, crawl around, dance and join in. Oh, and we always have home-baked cake.” A summer performance is being planned (see website details below).

Although I wasn’t able to talk with them at the time of going to print, parent and baby singing group, Big Little Singers, are inviting people to join their new singing group in Kensington. They too find that babies are captivated watching and listening to adults exercise their vocal chords and advise parents to hold their baby close to them when singing, which makes sense really as the first months of babies’ lives are spent with the soundtrack of the mother’s voice and heartbeat.

Both groups sing a mix of pop, gospel, world and reggae, classical and traditional songs. Anything, in fact, that feels good. If relaxing to classical music is more your thing though, you could try babyfriendly daytime classical concerts. Both Classics With my Baby and Classical Concerts for Mums and Babies are run by professional musicians who love to share music with their and others’ children.

Rock stars The primordial rhythmic pulse of community singing has been rocking the whole nation, not least with Rock Choir’s mass performance (183 choirs, 16,000 members) at Wembley Arena, as seen on the recent ITV1 documentary The Choir That Rocks. It was her passion to re-ignite people’s joy of singing that drove the musician Caroline Redman Lusher to found the choir in 2005. Back then she had no idea it would become a national phenomenon, all the more remarkable as the choir leader selection and training process is rigorous and many applicants don’t make it. Wimbledon adult and teen choirs leader, composer and musician Jim Hawkins (who also runs Kingston, Teddington, Richmond, Bromley and Orpington branches) says his job is “more than full time”.

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Popchoir's Big Summer Concert is at the Fairfield Halls on July 14th 7.30pm “I’ve never met anyone who, with the right encouragement, cannot sing” he adds. “Although I am a professional performer, I much prefer to participate, teach and bring out confidence in people.

No matter how tired we are when we start, we are all buzzing by the end – and then usually pile into the local pub!” One of the conductors for the Wembley Arena event, Jim also led national Rock Choir men in secret rehearsals for a surprise rendition of Pretty Woman on the big night. “The response was as overwhelming as a Beatles concert,” he laughs. “All the wives and girlfriends went wild!”

It makes you feel great – and anyone can do it.” The sheer diversity of Popchoir singers constantly surprises her: “Some are very unassuming. Then I find out they work as corporate CEOs or even at the Treasury. I get people from their 20s to 70s, groups of mums and several head teachers who come to have fun and de-stress. One told me it is the only night of the week she actually sleeps.”

Pop stars “People have always commented how fantastic it must be to sing for a living,” says Helen Hampton, founder of Clapham Popchoir (also in Croydon and Dulwich), who has worked with an endless A list of recording artists (Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, Donna Summer, Tom Jones, Ronan Keating, Lulu...)

“They’re right. Singing is fantastic!

Clapham Vocality Singing

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Community spirit Home grown When it comes to community choirs, SW London is teeming with fresh, organic, local produce.

Colliers Wood Chorus is a popular choir, which was born out of the community initiative Making Colliers Wood Happy (inspired by the positive psychology TV programme Making Slough Happy).

So popular in fact, that they cannot physically fit more members into their rehearsal space – the primary reason that spawned Wimbledon Community Chorus in spring 2011. “Other choirs were either too formal or held on nights we couldn’t make it,” explains co-founder Joanna Reuss, mum of two and teaching assistant at Wimbledon’s St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The idea germinated when she and friend Sarah Dale sang at the school cabaret evening. “We realised that getting together to rehearse was much more fun than actually performing,” Joanna explains. “It takes your mind off everything and has the power to completely change your mood.”

Finding their musical director, Soo Bishop from the Merton Music Foundation, was a synchronistic stroke of luck, as was meeting their pianist, Giles Kennedy. Even though, according to their recent survey, the top reason the 100 strong chorus sing is for the enjoyment – and the least popular reason for performance – you can catch them in July performing a Summer Serenade (see website, details below).

Three of the four Sing SWell founding members: Jo Clare, Matt Southcombe and Ali Henderson School gate mums at Wimbledon Park, Ali Henderson and Jo Clare (who runs Musical Express interactive music classes for toddlers) could sense the general buzz around community

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choirs. So, along with friends Matt Southcombe and Paula Tindale-Paul, they put together an idea, a Facebook page and a few leaflets. As the name suggests, Sing SWell welcome people from any SW postcode.

A four week trial run in May, prior to launching this September, exceeded all expectations. “We were hoping for maybe 25 people to show up,” Jo says, “but then 50 people walked through the door!” Sing SWell will be showcasing their upbeat pop, soul, motown and musical theatre tunes like Take That’s Rule the World and gospel choir song People Get Ready at Wimbledon Park School fair (1pm, 01 July) and Sheringdale School fair (1pm, 07 July).

Community heals When it comes to community outreach, South London Choir members are stars in their own right. Based at Balham’s Ravenstone Primary School and lead by tour de force musical director MJ Paranzino, the choir have flash-mobbed, run workshops and performed in venues from The Royal Festival Hall to Wandsworth prison.

“Some prisoners have made bad choices,” MJ explains. “Getting them singing shows them there is something else they can do.

When we sing together, we forget our problems, our worries, our pain. It is always community interaction that makes the difference.” MJ teaches everything from Abba to Mozart to the Black Eyed Peas. “Squeaking and squawking is fine by me,” she laughs. “I don’t mind how long the learning curve is. Choirs are not about individual greatness, they are about the blending of sounds – then we soar both individually and collectively, as a team.” (Catch them at Balham Food Festival at noon, 15 July.)

Pram Chorus

Further Information All choirs offer free taster sessions. No audition required.

• Pram Chorus: www.pramchorus.com • Big Little Singers: http://biglittlesingers.co.uk • Classics with My Baby: www.classicswithmybaby.com • Classical Concerts for Mums and Babies: www.classicalbabies.com • Rock Choir: www.rockchoir.com • Popchoir: www.popchoir.com • Wimbledon Community Chorus: www.wimbledoncommunitychorus.org.uk • Sing SWell: Contact via their Facebook page • South London Choir: www.southlondonchoir.co.uk

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Simple precautions with iPads allay health concerns

By Joanna Parry As you get ready to embark on your summer holidays and possibly on long car journeys, some parents are growing concerned about their children’s use of iPads, as even babies and toddlers are now playing with them.

“The health effects of iPads are largely untested,” says one mum, “but there have been studies of the effects of the electro-magnetic radiation they emit.

Scientists hope that the levels emitted are safe but I’m not convinced.” In fact, the International Agency for Research and Cancer and the World Health Organisation now classify the radiation emitted in WiFi mode as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Do ponder the warnings According to some studies the radiation from WiFi devices can weaken the brain’s protective barrier, and children’s brains, cased in a thinner skull, absorb more microwave radiation than an adult’s. The radiation exposure from wireless devices is constant and there are concerns that this cumulative exposure might be damaging in the long-term.

The problem is that this exposure generally starts young and continues throughout children's lives, while the body and nervous system are still developing. The worry is that it is experimental – we don’t know about the cumulative effect of such long-term exposure starting at such a formative age.

“These technologies are developing faster than our ability to understand potential health impacts,” says Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Executive Director of Healthy Child Healthy World. “We're not asking parents to not buy or use them, we're simply asking them to take precautions. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our children's health." “People need to know that the only safe way for a child to use such an iPad is when it is disconnected from the wireless,” echoes another parent. The Council of Europe now advises that children’s exposure should be reduced, so if you are concerned about the effect your iPad might be having on your child, you could take the following precautions: • Turn the WiFi button off and turn it to Airplane mode to reduce emissions • Don’t let your kids hold the iPad too close to their bodies. To reduce risk of headaches, blackouts, seizures and eyestrain, avoid prolonged use and use in a well-lit room • Don’t leave the iPad on your child’s nightstand or near where they’re sleeping • Limit their use! The UK Chief Medical Officers advise that children under 16 should use mobile phones for essential purposes only, and to keep calls short, so perhaps the same should apply to iPads.

Some studies show that even if your iPad isn’t connected to WiFi and is just on standby mode, radiation can still be emitted. It looks like there needs to be more research done before we can all rest easy! http://assembly.coe.int/Mainf.asp?link=/Documents/Adopted Text/ta11/ERES1815.htm http://w2.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

The PRIMARY Place where children learn and have fun!

‘The Primary Place’ is a new way of providing childcare for primary aged children AFTER they leave day nursery. Wonderful workshops, homework club, nutritious food and escorted travel.

Try our summer history workshops in July and August too!

1 Hide Place • London • SW1P 4NJ 020 7592 0195 • 07956 661891

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Holiday revision to go!

Boost your 11+, GCSE or A- results with intensive, small group courses in various subjects. Try Fleet Tutors, their students experience fast paced and focused progress with the vast majority achieving an increase of at least 1 grade. Students share the invaluable resource of an expert subject tutor and the benefit of having questions answered immediately, yet course fees are considerably less than most one-toone sessions. Do check out their Summer 2012 courses too.

Live Online Tuition!

Fleet Tutors offers a Live Online Tutoring service delivered by the highest performing tutors across the country with established track records of tutoring online. The service is “gimmick free” and enables students anywhere in the world to have access to the UK’s leading private tutors, bringing the British education system and the National Curriculum to students anywhere.

For information and bookings call 0845 644 5452 or email Clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk

Photo credit © pressmaster - Fotolia.com

Easy2Name Off to School set

Get your children (and yourself too) to walk barefoot this summer

We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw simply go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions or send a postcard to Easy2Name School Give Away, Malthouse Farmyard, Ecchinswell, Newbury, Berks RG20 4TT Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag and labels in red, pink or blue.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

THE SOUTHFIELDS SCHOOL OF BALLET We offer imaginative Ballet and Jazz classes for children (boys & girls) from 21/2 years. The emphasis of the school is on fun, musicality and fitness, with the option to take Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations.

020 8683 0222 classes held in Southfields and Wimbledon

Sibling Discount Join anytime Principal: Mrs. Eliane Gerhard, BA (Hons), LRAD

Have you noticed how good it feels to walk barefoot on the earth? Recent research has shown that our immune system functions best when our body has an adequate supply of electrons.

Electrons are easily and naturally obtained by walking barefoot on the earth, a process known as earthing. These electrons have antioxidant effects that protect your body from inflammation and its many well-documented health consequences. Today we often wear rubber or plastic-soled shoes which disconnect us from this energy and, of course, we no longer sleep on the ground.

This disconnection from the Earth creates abnormal physiology and contributes to inflammation, pain, fatigue, stress and poor sleep. By reconnecting to the earth, these symptoms can be relieved and even eliminated. There is no research indicating that earthing will protect a person from exposure to cell phones signals, microwave radiation, or radio frequencies, but research does confirm that it reduces significantly induced body voltages generated by simple exposure to common household plugged-in electrical items (even if the appliance is off), internal wiring, and underground electrical devices. So next time you open the back door, let the children walk barefoot, as they have done throughout history, what about sitting, working, even sleeping grounded indoors?

To read more on earthing, go to: • www.earthinginstitute.net • www.naturalnews.com • www.kindredcommunity.com

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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n o d n o The L : s e m a 2012 G r e m m u as r a l u c a spect st olent We Families S r o it d e , a Carr

By Rebecc ication

and d e n 2012 d , t r e Londo es of f effo h o T s ! r e a r e e y arly h After athlet n, it’s ne ment for ce to io t o a m ip g ic t in an efin han arks a d GB - a c ome soil.

Games m nd Paralympics h n a an do o Team GB orld what they c w show the

London 2012 will be remembered for years to come and it’s not just London that will be buzzing this summer.

There are all kinds of activities for the family to enjoy together. Whether you make a trip to London, continue to follow the Olympic Flame, catch the action at a host of venues outside of London, or watch the action on big screens across the UK, there is a lot to do and see this summer.

London 2012 for FREE If you were not lucky enough to get Olympic or Paralympic tickets, you can still see some of the worlds top athletes in action this summer. Some of the best open-air action is free to enjoy without tickets. Events like the marathon and road races offer the chance to see world-class athletes in peak performances against the magnificent backdrop of the London skyline.

London 2012 on the big screen

London 2012 Festival

If you can’t make it to any of the venues, why not head to your local live site? Live Sites are big screens located across the country, with five sites in the capital. They are great places to enjoy the best live action – as well as plenty more entertainment. Why not take the family along and enjoy a picnic?

The London 2012 Festival is the biggest festival the UK has ever seen and features 12,000 events and performances at over 900 venues featuring artists from across the world coming together in celebration of the Games. The Festival started in June and runs through to the 9th September when the Paralympic Games end and the Games are handed over to Rio.

The nearest site for SW readers is Hyde Park, where BT London Live, a partnership between the Mayor of London and The Royal Parks, is a key part of the programme of events organised to celebrate the Games. BT London Live Hyde Park promises to deliver unparalleled viewing of the Games via a series of big screens, including live BBC coverage, medal events, cultural entertainment and live music. It will be free to access between 28 July and 11 August, with the Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert on 27 July and the Closing Ceremony Celebration Concert on 12 August ticketed.

The Festival is all about getting involved – so why not bring the kids along? There are many events you can attend that are family friendly and across SW London.

Visit www.London2012.com/festival for a full list of events you can enjoy.

Visit www.btlondonlive.com or www.london2012.com/join-in for more details.

Pilkington Construction Design and build • Loft conversions • Extensions • Side returns Joinery, decorating and refurbishments Email: david@pilkingtonconstruction.co.uk Mobile: 07812 168515

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

The Olympics

London 2012 Join In

The Paralympic Torch Relay

Celebrate the Games at home with friends, family and neighbours; here are some hints and tips to make your event memorable:

The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will begin in London on Friday 24 August with the lighting of England’s Flame. The UK’s other three capital cities – Greater Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh will then light a flame on each of the following days, at special Flame lighting events.

Once a Flame has been lit, it will visit local community groups and key locations in and around the city, with evening celebrations to follow.

Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony Each Flame will then be taken to Stoke Mandeville, home of the Paralympic Movement where the four flames will be combined at a Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony on 28 August to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame. There will then be a 24-hour Torch Relay from Stoke Mandeville.

Torchbearers working in teams of five will carry the Paralympic Flame to the Olympic Stadium to light the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Opening Night in

Picture credit Antoine Douaihy

The world will be watching the UK as the Opening Ceremonies announce the start of London 2012. Get in on the action and host your own VIP screening for friends, family and neighbours. Why not make it a night to remember and get everyone you know to come down to your village hall or community centre?

Super Saturday On Saturday 4 August a massive 25 gold medals will be awarded at the London 2012 Olympic Games. What better way to celebrate the gold rush than getting your whole community fired up with a sizzling BBQ? If you would like to organise one of these events you can sign up to be a Local Leader. You'll get celebration tools to help plan your event and access to exclusive competitions. To become a London 2012 Local Leader visit www.london2012.com/localleaders Whatever you do this summer, make sure you celebrate the greatest sporting event in the world and enjoy a summer like no other.

Light a lantern 25 August – Belfast 26 August – Edinburgh 27 August – Cardiff 28 August – Stoke Mandeville 29 August – London

Key dates 27th July – 28th July – 12th August – 24th-29th August – 29th August –

The The The The The

Opening Ceremony Olympic Games begin Closing Ceremony Paralympic Torch Relay Paralympic Games begin

*Free events in London Road cycling 28 July – 1 August The Road Cycling starts at The Mall and ends at Hampton Court Palace.

Triathlon 4 – 7 August The grueling triathlon schedule includes swimming, cycling and running – all taking place in wonderful Hyde Park.

The Marathon 12 August The Olympic Marathon has around 80 athletic competitors and will pass landmarks such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

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Picture credit Derek Hayward

Take the family challenge Summer 2012 is going to be all about active fun (it is the Olympics, after all) and getting out and about in the UK (which is, for all of us cash-strapped families, a lot cheaper than going abroad).

So what are the best activities to enjoy en famille? Joanna Moorhead investigates young as four, although they also need to be at least a metre tall, and it’s an hour-long course which, like the over-10s Go Ape! courses, takes children (and their parents) through a network of looping obstacles five metres above the forest floor, including the spider’s web, log balance and jungle crossing, before finishing on a tree-to-tree zipwire.

Prices: Go Ape! costs £30 for adults, £20 for 10-17 year olds. The new junior course costs £15 for any age. For more information see www.goape.co.uk Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure

Swing through the forest

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A tree-top adventure makes for an adrenalincharged day out with the children – and while you’re up there, you get some brilliant views as well! Personally, I’ve never been so happy to be back on solid ground as when I got down from the terrifying heights of the forest course I tried out with my kids...but on the upside, at least I did make it down, and relying on them to help me through the most white-knuckle parts of the course went a long way in terms of family bonding!

Until recently Go Ape! has been restricted to over-10s, but there’s now a new course at two of the company’s 27 centres nationwide – Thetford near Brandon, and Moors Valley Country Park near Bournemouth. It’s designed for children as

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Climb the rocks

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Rock-climbing is apparently one of the fastestgrowing sports in Britain, and giving it a try makes for a great family day out. Like all the best family challenges it’s about supporting one another, learning new skills, encouraging people when they need it, and celebrating new-found abilities and courage! Family climbing courses abound – google to find one in your area – and most are for complete beginners and take children from about eight (although some specialise in working with younger children). Look for a course where you have a dedicated instructor: you’ll learn (amongst other things) how to belay (ie hold the ropes safely) and how to make the most of the rock’s features for your hands and feet. If you’re looking for a family challenge in a rainy period, look up climbing walls in your area and see if you can hire an instructor for a family session there instead.

Bluebell Railway

Ride the tracks

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For a family with people who can’t get around very easily – elderly grandparents, for example, or other people with special needs – you can’t beat a trip on a steam railway. Most of these railways, preserved from Victorian times, are in areas of breathtaking natural beauty – the glorious Sussex countryside whisks by if you take the Bluebell Railway, for example, or if you’re in Yorkshire try the Embsay, which still runs from its original 1888 station near Skipton in Yorkshire through some of the most glorious Dales countryside.

Prices from around £5 per adult, £2 per child. For more information on the lines mentioned here see www.bluebell-railway.co.uk and www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk Or see www.steamrailwaylines.co.uk for the lines across the UK.

Take an underground walk

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There’s something strangely thrilling about taking a walk through a cave, into the very inside of the earth – the atmosphere is quite different from anywhere else you’ll ever go,and the memories of what you see and experience stay with you for a long time. And, of course, every child needs to understand the difference between those stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the best caves in the country are at Cheddar Gorge in

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

never otherwise have tried (cycling over logs, for example – and yes, it’s a lot scarier than it looks when you’re in the saddle!). He also revealed the number one rule of mountain biking, which is never look down. You have to look straight ahead, focusing on the furthest point of the trail, because if you look down you’ll change your centre of gravity and fall off. We loved our day learning to mountain bike: the children (who need to be over about seven) were a lot better than the parents, but even the parents managed things they’d never have believed they could do!

Picture credit Mark Parker

Somerset, the White Scar Cave at Ingleton in Yorkshire, where you can take an 80-minute tour through some of the country’s most awesome subterranean rock formations, and Wookey Hole near Wells in Somerset, home (apparently) to the Witch of Wookey. Not suitable, though, for a buggy or a wheelchair.

Tickets from around £15 for adults, £10 for children, depending on how extensive the caves are and how much else there is to do at the attraction. For more information on the caves mentioned here see www.whitescarcave.co.uk www.cheddargorge.co.uk www.wookey.co.uk

www.allbikedup.com Expect to pay around £40 per person for mountain biking tuition, including bike hire. For more information on the Surrey Hills tours see www.allbikedup.com for details of courses near you see www.abc-of-mountainbiking.com

Kitevibe

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Fly a kite

Every family has a kite or three, usually given as birthday or Christmas presents and with fiendishly difficult-looking instructions. We sometimes thought about taking our children to fly them, but something always held us back – usually doubts about how to do it, and whether the area we were planning to kite-fly in was actually big enough. But a lesson from Kevin Baker of Southern Breeze, a kite-flying operation based at Baiter Park on Poole harbour, set us straight: Kevin showed us how to make sure we were in a suitable kite-flying area (you need to use your thumb to check the height of the surrounding obstacles, to make sure they’re far enough away), and you need to give the kite a forceful yank to get it into the sky. More adventurous families can progress to kite-buggying and kite-boarding, in which you use the power of an airborne kite to propel yourself along on a vehicle on the ground.

Kite-flying tuition costs around £50 for a half-day’s family tuition. For more information on Kevin Baker see www.sbkites.co.uk For information on kite flying lessons in your area see www.kitevibe.com

Go mountain biking

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Like a lot of city families we have a houseful of bikes, but we tend not to do anything more adventurous than go to friends’ houses or the local shops on them. Mountain biking is a whole different experience from a short trip down the road: we went to try it on the South Downs, where the gentle (and not-so-gentle) inclines make for great off-road cycling adventures. You don’t, of course, have to use an instructor to get to grips of mountain biking: but if you’re taking kids with you, and you want to get a real thrill out of your day (plus you won’t need to get the bikes there, because the instructor will provide them) then I recommend a course. Our teacher, Richard, gave us lots of confidence to try out manoeuvres we’d

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The idea is to find some ‘treasure’ – treasure that’s hidden in a box, and is findable using a handheld satnav system (any will do). The treasure in question usually consists of a plastic box like a lunchbox with a whole host of miscellaneous bits

and pieces in it – things like small toys, CDs, pens, anything. The rule is that when you find your treasure you’re allowed to take one thing out, and you must put one thing in – and sign the log book of course. The treasure is hidden everywhere and anywhere – in cities, in the countryside, even underwater.

For more information see www.geocaching.com

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Go canoeing

pureOutdoor Guided Caving Weekend in Giants Hole

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Try potholing

Potholing has a scary reputation, and it’s not for the fainthearted (or those with claustrophobia).

But if you’re a brave clan and up for an adventure, it can be an extraordinary experience to journey into the underworld dressed in what resembles a miner’s gear, and to edge your way through spaces you didn’t believe you’d ever fit through. Coming across underground chambers is magical – as is seeing the daylight come back into view when you finally make your way out!

Potholing with an instructor costs around £40 per person for a session. For information on where to find an instructor, see www.caving.uk.com

Find a geocache

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Geocaching is one of those things that sounds totally perplexing to anyone who’s never tried it, but is a huge hit with almost everyone who has.

Canoeing centres up and down the country offer equipment hire and instruction for families who want to dip their toes in the water. Your instructor will help you learn how to paddle, how to turn and how to negotiate rapids – and he or she will also ensure that you’re canoeing in a suitable place, and in suitable weather, for the age of your children (which is crucial, because accidents can happen quickly in canoes). What’s especially lovely about canoeing is that, as well as the skills to learn, you can also have a day out that’s close to wildlife – look out for fish, water birds and dragonflies. If you’re lucky you might even spot an otter or a water vole.

Hiring a canoe and instructor costs around £150 for half a day. For more information see www.canoe-england.org.uk/go-canoeing/

. Get into metal detection

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There’s something almost absurdly exciting about setting off with a metal detector and seeing what you’re going to turn up – even though it will, in all probability, be complete rubbish. Because there’s always that chance of finding treasure – or even, and this is almost as good, remnants of the way other people lived, in another age. To use a metal detector effectively, you need to use a sweeping motion – and it’s best to go somewhere with plenty of space, perhaps where other interesting finds have been made. Children are just thrilled with the idea of a machine that goes bleep the whole time, and which might lead to some discovery. Another big plus is that this is an adventure anyone can enjoy – great for families with small kids in buggies or anyone in a wheelchair (though you need to choose your terrain wisely).

For more information see ncmd.co.uk

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Summer holiday activities Arts & crafts •Pottery Café 735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157. 332 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU, 020 8744 3000.153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7223 3388. JulyAugust. Paint an Olympic Design – …with decorating sponges including an Olympic cup, bicycle, football, torch and rings, plus famous London landmarks. Also visit www.potterycafe.com for how to enter their exciting London 2012 competition, the winner of which wins £250 for their school’s Art Department. www.pottery-cafe.com

Music & drama •Act Drama Streatham and Clapham High School, 42 Abottswood Road, SW16 30 July -3 August. Summer Workshop - The Wind in the Willow Put on a play in a week and wow your friends and family. Workshops led by professional actors and are full of energy, fun and inspiration. 10am-3pm, £185 (£165 for siblings).

Call Jane Cameron 07976 873161, actdrama@googlemail.com. www.actdrama.co.uk

Allsorts Drama

Compiled by Joanna Parry

•First Steps Academy 234 Lillie Road, Fulham SW6 7QA. 30 July-3 August. Summer Workshop – A week long summer school with a “Matilda” stage show. 9am-3.30pm, £170. They are also running workshops: 25 July – ballroom and street dance, 26 July – ballet and funky jazz, 27 July – pointe work and free dance; £15 per workshop. Call 020 7381 5224, Info@firststepsacademy.co.uk. www.firststepsacademy.co.uk •Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Herne Hill, Streatham, Stockwell. July and August dates TBC. ‘Keyboard Superstar’ Workshop – ‘Taster’ workshop for ages 5-8.

Read, play and write notes C-A, plus music-based activities including composition, artwork, singing and performance skills. 10am-12.30pm, MondayFriday, with a concert and presentation on the final day. £99 for the course. Call 0800 107 7949, mail@funkymonkey.info. www.funkymonkey.info

•Funky Moves Oak Lodge School, 101 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NA. 23-26 July. Holiday Course – Olympics-themed course fusing street and commercial dance, plus Olympic-themed art activities, games and a performance for parents.

9.30am-12.30pm. Call 07810 431101, alice@funkymovesdance.com.

Also – Kids Club at The Exhibit The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August – Each Kids Club has a different theme, pairing a film with a dance class by Funky Moves. Ages 5-12, £15, call Anthony 0208 772 6556, exhibit@exhibitbars.com. www.funkymovesdance.com

Green Dog Arts

the premiere with popcorn. Prizes to be won for the best film! Ages 9 -15, dates vary according to venue, 9am-3pm. £40 per day, 10% discount for a 5-day booking. Call 07788 980 740, greendogarts@hotmail.co.uk. www.greendogarts.co.uk

•Group 64 Youth Theatre Putney Arts Theatre, Ravenna Road, SW15 6AW. 23-27 July.

All That Jazz – Create a musical based around a story of crime, jail and showbiz! 10am-4pm, ages 11-16, £95. 30 July-3 August. A Hard Knock Life – Join the children struggling to get out of their hard knock life, Group 64 style! 10am-4pm, ages 7-11, £95. 6-8 August. Ghastly Goblins and Fabulous Fairies – Explore the mystical world of goblins and fairies. 10am-2pm, ages 4-7, £50. 10% sibling discounts. Call 020 8788 6935, group64@putneyartstheatre.org.uk. www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk

•Monkey Music Immanuel & St Andrews Church, Streatham High Road, SW16 3PY Central London Golf Centre, Burntwood Lane, SW17 7HW. 24, 25 & 27 July. Summer Workshops – 60-minute workshops for 6 months – 7 years. £11.50. Dates and times vary according to venue. All little monkeys welcome! Call 020 8764 5185, bronwen.jones@monkeymusic.co.uk. www.monkeymusic.co.uk

•Peacock Dance Academy Capoeira Centre, Woodbourne Ave, Streatham, SW16 30 July-3 August. Dance and Drama Summer School – Learn different dance styles including street, lyrical/commercial, jazz and cheerleading, to name just a few! Week-long workshops with a performance on the last day.

10am-1pm, ages 4-14, £100. Call 07578 459755, info@peacockdanceacademy.co.uk. www.peacockdanceacademy.co.uk Fulham Stagecoach

•Allsorts Drama Kensington, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill 16-20 July, 23-27 July and 30 July-3 August. Drama workshops – Fun, imaginative workshops culminating in a performance. Ages 4-6 - Pinocchio and Jewels of the Sea King; ages 7 – 12 – devise your own murder mystery play and explore the magical tale of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tel 020 8969 3249 or 020 8767 5298, sasha@allsortsdrama.com. www.allsortsdrama.com

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•Green Dog Arts St Barnabus Church, SW11 Belleville School, Belleville Road, SW11. 16-20 and 23-27 July.

Filmmaking Camps – Fun camps in filmmaking and animation. Storyboard and script your own short film, edit it, upload it to youtube, then watch

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Did you know you can use your childcare vouchers, taken as a salary sacrifice via your employer, to pay for the cost of most summer camps.

Be savvy, if you intend to send your child to a camp you can save up childcare vouchers to pay for the costs. www.busybeesbenefits.com

•Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Fulham Lady Margaret School for Girls, Parsons Green, SW6 4UN. 23-26 July. Musical Spectacular! – Sing songs from West End and Broadway musicals.

Dance jazz, Hip Hop and street dance, and perform in a showcase for family and friends. Ages 6-18, £150, siblings £110. Junior Summer School ages 4-6, £105, siblings £85. Call 0845 2025727, fulham@stagecoach.co.uk. www.stagecoach.co.uk/fulham

•Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Kensington Addison Primary School, Addison Gardens, W14 0DT. 23-26 July. Summer School – An exciting 4 days of singing, dance and drama.

No previous experience necessary, just lots of enthusiasm and energy! Ages 6-18, £150, siblings £110. Junior Summer School - ages 4-6, £105, siblings £85.Call 020 8398 8106, kensington@stagecoach.co.uk. www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington

•Upbeat Music Chelsea and

•The Spencer Club Fieldview, Earlsfield, SW18 3HF. 9 July–10 August. Summer Cricket Courses – Week long courses, ages 7-13, £130 members, £160 non-members. Contact Sophie on 020 8874 2717 or membership@spencerclub.org. www.spencerclub.org •SwimWay East Sheen,

•Telford Park Tennis Club 35a Killieser Avenue, Upbeat Music Streatham Hill, SW2 4NX.

Sports •Amanda’s Action Club Battersea and Wandsworth. July and August. Summer Workout – Interactive sessions throughout the summer. Call 01895 623999, www.amandasactionclub.co.uk

•Battersea Sports Centre Hope Street, SW11 2DA. 23 July–24 August. Summer Fun – Sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, trampolining, martial arts and more. £9.50 per day or £45 per week paid in advance, 10% sibling discount. 10am3pm, registration from 9.30am. Ages 7–13. Call 020 8871 8529 or bsc@wandsworth.gov.uk

•Battersea Summer Scheme Millennium Arena, Battersea Park 28-31 August.

Sport in the Park – Sporting activities for ages 816, 11.30am-4.30pm, £1 per day! Plus the high rope and Army assault courses, musical activities and workshops. Contact Vanessa Wride on 020 7978 5865, bss@bcpp.co.uk. www.batterseasummerscheme.org

Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane, SW17 0AT 9 July-17 August.

Golf Camps – Birdie Club Camp – ages 6-8, 10am-2pm, £175 per week/£35 per day. Eagle Zone Camp – ages 9-16, 10am-2pm, £225 per week/£45 per day. Plus FREE Junior Golf taster sessions – check website for details.

Call 020 8871 2468. www.clgc.co.uk

Kiddikicks Across South West London 23 July-24 August, 3-7 September. MultiSports and Football Holiday Activities – Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years), Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) daily classes. Call 020 7937 7965, email sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk. www.kiddikicks.couk

•Merton Active Morden, Mitcham, Wimbledon. 9 July-31 August.

Holiday courses – For 8-16 year olds across the

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Wimbledon Village Stables

•Playball Battersea Park/Oak Lodge School, Nightingale Lane, SW11. July and August.

Summer Holiday Camps – Water balloons, treasure hunts, Playball skills and more… Ages 3-8, 10am-1pm. 23, 24, 30, 31 July, 20, 21, 27 & 28 August at Battersea Park; 25, 26, 27 July, 1, 2, 3, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31 August at Oak Lodge School. Call 07738 375317 / 020 8123 2217, gavin@playball-London.com. www.playballLondon.com

Knightsbridge, Putney, Streatham. 23 July-10 August. Summer Swimming Courses – One-week intensive courses – improve your swimming technique before your summer holiday. Call 020 8871 3972 or info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk

Fulham 23-27 July and 30 July-3 August.

Holiday sessions – Record a CD, sing, dance, play the drums and electric guitar and an end-of-course performance. 10am-4pm, ages 4-14.

Call 07816 901396, email upbeatmusic@btinternet.com. www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk

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borough, including tennis, watersports, golf, hockey and more. Dates vary according to course. Call 020 8545 3663, www.merton.gov.uk/activeplus

9 July–31 August. Hotshots Holiday Tennis Camps – 5-day coaching sessions for all levels, ages 4-15. 11.30am-4pm, Monday-Friday, £25 per day. Call 020 8674 5979/07736 068375, coaching@telfordparktennisclub.co.uk. www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk/ holiday-camps

•Tennis4you Wimbledon Park Tennis Courts, Home Park Road, SW19 7HR. Summer Camps take place throughout the holidays from 23 July–31 August. Various groups of ages and timings, 4-16yrs, check online. Also term time junior and adult coaching, ladies mornings, kids parties and more. 20 years experience.

Call 020 8789 0482 / 07961170675, paul@tennis4you.co.uk / paul@londontennis.co.uk Or book online www.tennis4you.co.uk

•Wimbledon Village Stables 24 a/b High Street, SW19 5DX. 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27 July, 1-3 August. Holiday Courses – For children under 10, including beginners. Enjoy a riding lesson every day and play pony games and quizzes. 3-day courses run Wednesday to Friday of each week, £170. To book call 020 8946 8579, admin@wvstables.com www.wvstables.com

Museums & Galleries •Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road, SE21 7AD. 1-31 August. Holiday workshops – Design and create your own textile monsters or sculpture out of willow, or join a workshop in the gallery gardens. Dates and price vary according to activity. Book on 020 8299 8732 or l.mckie@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

•Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ. 4 August. Family Fun: Fancy Fans – Decorate your own fan, 1-4pm, ages 3-12, free. Call to book 020 7841 3600, enquiries@foundingmuseum.org.uk www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk

•Museum of London 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN. 1 July-31 August. Summer Activities – Explore the museum, enter a Victorian photograph, make your own ceramics, solve intriguing pottery puzzles, follow the archaeology gallery trail and much more! Dates vary according to activity. Call 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk

•Tennis Coaching Woodfield Grove Tennis Club 9 Woodfield Grove, SW16 1LR. Holiday camps 10-1pm and 10-3pm Karin 07946 431 514. karintennis@hotmail.com www.woodfield grovetennis.net

•Wandsworth Leisure Wandsworth July and August dates.

Holiday Fun programme – Fun and exciting activities including multisports, tennis, athletics and dance. Call 0208 871 6756 or holidayfun@ wandsworth.gov.uk. www.wandsworth. gov.uk/holidayfun

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Summer holiday activities Roman lamp making Museum of London

•Tate Britain Millbank, SW1P 4RG. July and August. Holiday activities – A variety of children’s activities including Liminal, which runs every Thursday, Friday and weekends during the holidays, 11am-3pm – experience sculpture through touch, interaction and collaboration. Call 020 7887 8888. www.tate.org.uk •V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA. 1–31 August.

Summer Games – Test your endurance, try for a personal best or have a go at traditional outdoor games. 10am-4pm every day, all ages. Plus Puppet Festival Fridays 10, 17, 24 and 31 August, 124pm with free outdoor puppet shows and Puppet Making Fun, 10am-12.30pm and 2-4.30pm on the same Fridays – work with specialist puppet maker from The Little Angel Theatre to create your own puppet, £5, book in advance, ages 5-11. Call 020 8983 5219, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

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•Wallace Collection Hertford National Gallery Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. 12-28 August. Summer Sessions – Life drawing and mini-model making, experimental Art Lab sessions and drawing workshops. 020 7747 2894/2885 www.nationalgallery.or.uk

Sir John Soane's Museum 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP. 1-31 August. Summer Activities – Half- or full-day workshops including Olympic Victory, Heads Up, Grow your own City, Mirror Madness and Shining Suncatcher. Dates vary depending on activity, ages 7+. Whole day workshops 10.30am-3pm, £20; half days 10.30am12.30pm or 2-4pm, £12. Book on 020 7440 4263 or admin@soane.org.uk www.soane education.org.uk

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House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN. 23 July–31 August. Summer Activities – Includes Bugs and Butterflies workshop, Four-Day Junior Summer Art School, plus sculpture and drawing workshops and a Treasure Hunt! Dates and prices vary according to activity. Book on 020 7563 9527 or booking@wallacecollection.org. www.wallacecollection.org

Ideas for a day out •Le Club Tricolore's Fun French Activity Days Tuesday August 21st and Wednesday August 22nd. Activities include cooking, art and craft, sketches and games for 5 12 year olds. SW1. Lots of fun guaranteed!

020 7924 4649.

•The Primary Place will be holding History workshops for primary age children during July and August. 020 7592 0195 or 07956 661 891.

•Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. 21 July-30 August.

Summer Events – Including Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Stag Beetle Day, Meerkat Day, Snake Day and Poo Day! Times and dates vary, usual entrance fees apply, call 020 7924 5826. www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

•WWT London Wetland Centre Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT 21 July-2 September. Wetland Olympics – Join in the Olympic games as the Wetland birds hop, fly, swim and climb. Be a Wetland Warden for the day, join in a Traditional Crafts Weekend and take a session on Wildlife Photography. Or do you fancy a Night Safari with twilight pond dipping and a bat walk? Dates vary, call 020 8409 4400, info.london@wwt.org.uk. wwt.org.uk/london

•Summer Course - Fit brains learn better! Free Reading Assessments will be available to all children enrolling on ForWord® . Fast ForWord® is a reading programme which is scientifically proven to increase reading by years in months. This programme is suited to ALL children age 6 to 16 and is done at home or anywhere there is internet access! Raviv Practice London sees an average of 1 year reading gain in 2/3 months of work. All consultations are free and can be done in evenings at the weekends or remotely. For more information call Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 or email: ushapatel.raviv@gmail.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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50 FREE things to do in London this summer Compiled by Heather Waddington editor of Families North West and Joanna Parry

Inspired by the National Trust's 50 Things to do before you are 11¾ (www.50things.org.uk), we at Families have taken up the challenge to find 50 free things for you to do with your children this summer! So whether you’re looking for parks, music, museums, markets, clubs or classes or some good, old-fashioned at-home fun, we’ll prove you really can get something for nothing...

Whether the sun is shining brightly or it is bucketing down with rain, if you want to enjoy your own home over the summer holidays here is our list of free and fun things to do at home!

1. Using a bucket of water and big (wallpaper) brushes get your little ones to paint the garden fence, wall or patio. It’s simple, it keeps the mess outside and it’s great fun. Or try hand/foot/finger painting (also outside) on the largest paper you can find – try the back of unused old wallpaper. Then get out the sprinkler hose to clean everyone off!

2. Set up a treasure hunt with clues around the house.

3.Start a water fight in the back garden with two teams – one guarding a base and the others trying to get to the base and steal their mission plans.

4. Games day – challenge the kids to get through at least 10 board games, ping pong sessions etc in the day.

5. Have a movie afternoon with popcorn and a good DVD. 6. Pitch a tent in the garden, fill the paddling pool and sand pit, light the BBQ and make some fruity cocktails before you camp out overnight.

Then pretend you’re in an exotic location!

7. An outdoor blackboard will encourage all sorts of games and creativity. All you need is a piece of board, ideally marine plywood, cut to size, and some blackboard paint, available from DIY or hardware stores. Once painted, the board can be fixed to your house wall, fence or shed. Keep chalks in a waterproof box ready for drawing, writing, treasure hunt maps, instructions and scoring.

8. Rainy day activity? A small amount of screen time is useful for children and we know they love working and playing on the computer. The Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs are all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities.

Using promotional code UKS24LSW you can trial the programs for free for an extended period of 5 weeks. Simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, register your email address and once your account has been set up you can enter the code on your parent dashboard.

Clubs, Classes & Activities 9.Why not try a free summer club, class or activity? Many of our local clubs and classes advertisers offer free trials over the summer break – check out the adverts in our magazine or online for the wide variety of music, dance, drama, sport and art and crafts companies that offer complimentary sessions. Why not try one, and then book an ongoing class for September?

Libraries 10. When the weather is wet and nasty, here’s what you can do indoors for free at a local library. Story Lab is the 2012 National Summer Reading Challenge™, coordinated by The Reading Agency and run in 97% of UK public libraries.

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With 780,000 children aged 4-11 taking part, the Summer Reading Challenge is the biggest national reading initiative. It runs in libraries throughout the summer holidays, with incentives, activities and events designed to create a real buzz around children's reading. The challenge is simple - to read six or more library books over the summer. Just head to your local library at the beginning of the summer holidays where staff will enrol your children - it's completely free of charge - and every child will receive a membership card or pack. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk or www.facebook.com/SummerReadingChallengeUK 11. It may also be worth seeing what your local community centre has to offer in terms of free activities – many of them run a range of free classes over the summer holidays, from drama groups to book clubs to climbing classes. See our What’s on pages for more ideas.

Markets Even without cash to splash, there’s a special pleasure in checking out some of the most famous markets in the world - or perhaps just a local one?

Enjoy the atmosphere, the entertainers and take a leisurely stroll enjoying the ambiance.

12. Borough Market, SE1. Perfect for the family, every Thursday sees a Demonstration Kitchen at 12pm in the Jubilee Market. These sessions are free and showcase some of the produce available in the market, with their resident chef Hayley Edwards cooking up dishes inspired by seasonal produce. Hayley is on hand to give advice, tips and tricks for the kitchen in these informal and hands-on sessions. Borough Market will be opening for summer 2012 every day throughout the Olympic and Paralympic period: Sunday to Friday, 10am–5pm and Saturdays 8am–5pm. www.boroughmarket.org.uk 13. Brick Lane Market, E1. The best day to visit Brick Lane market is on Sundays, although the shops and restaurants are open every day. On Sundays the streets are lined with people hawking their second-hand wares. There are also street performers to enhance the vibrant, lively atmosphere. www.visitbricklane.org 14. Chiswick Farmers' and Fine Foods Market, W4. Situated in the courtyard of Grove Park Farm, this is a secret enclave of Chiswick’s hungry darlings. The Dukes Meadows Trust set up the market in September 2000, and the rent coming from the stalls is fed back into the trust to fund restoration works for Dukes Meadow and Riverside Lands recreation grounds. Discover fantastic local produce from the farmers and artisanal goods made by dedicated gourmands.

Don’t miss their top-class apple juices and delicious cakes, muffins and scones. www.dukesmeadowstrust.org 15. Columbia Road Flower Market, E2. On Sundays Columbia Road is transformed into an oasis of foliage and flowers, with everything from bedding plants to 10-foot banana trees up for grabs. A lot of the flower sellers grow their own plants or import flowers from around the world, and the air is intense with the scent of flowers and

Picture Credit Simon Rawles

At home

the chants of the barrow boys. A beautiful day out that can cost nothing! www.columbiaroad.info 16. Covent Garden Market, WC2. This London institution may seem too commercial and crowded to be really characterful, but there are still some gems to discover, and don’t forget the street performers – always a favourite with the kids! www.coventgardenlondonuk.com 17. Portobello Road Market, W10. One of the most famous street markets in the world, this is a popular destination for Londoners and tourists alike. A wonderful place for discovering unusual antiques. www.portobellomarket.org 18. Spitalfields, E1. London's oldest market, Spitalfields is now open every day except Monday and Saturday. Resplendent under a Fosters & Partners-designed glass canopy, the market and shops offer cutting edge fashion and interiors, original artworks as well as food. Spitalfields also offers regular free events, including lunchtime concerts, festivals, tango classes, fashion shows and more. www.spitalfields.co.uk 19. Venn Street Market, SW4. A fresh food market on Clapham Common, every Saturday from 10am, with small independent producers from The Garlic Farm to The Olive Branch to London’s first organic bakers, The Old Post Office. www.vennstreetmarket.co.uk

Museums & Exhibitions 20. From the British Museum to the V & A, London’s museums offer a huge range of activities during the summer holidays, almost all of which are free. Visit the Treasures Gallery at the British Library, dress up as a Victorian character at the Museum of London, discover volcanoes at the Natural History Museum, create a 3D portrait at the National Portrait Gallery, see photographs from around the world at the Royal Geographical Society, travel up the Florida swamps at the British Museum and take part in a treasure hunt at the Wallace Collection. And that’s just the start of it!

See our What’son pages and on www.familisonline.co.uk for our sister Families magazines summer listings!

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Copyright Museum of London

50 Free things

Copyright Natural History Museum

Clore Learning Centre object handling

24. London Live: Hyde Park, W2. From 27 July to 12 August Hyde Park (along with Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square) will hold a series of outdoor screenings of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will also be concerts and entertainment including have-a-go sports. Between 28 July and 11 August the screenings are free for anyone wishing to turn up on the day, while Super Saturday on 4 August will feature all the sporting action and medals ceremonies, along with a free performance by McFly. www.btlondonlive.com/hyde-park 25. Kids Week. Celebrating its 15th year, Kids Week is back for an action-packed month of theatrical fun from 1-31 August when children aged 16 or under can experience the magic of London theatre and see a fantastic selection of shows for free, plus two additional children can go at half price (per transaction), as long as they are accompanied by a full paying adult. Kids Week also offers a fantastic range of free activities, workshops and events - whether it’s an energetic dance workshop with the cast, a sneaky peak behind the scenes, or a post-show meet and greet with the stars of the show there is something for everyone to enjoy! www.kidsweek.co.uk

Explorer backpacks in Whale Hall

Music & Entertainment From street performers to festivals and carnivals, London in the summer is bursting with free stuff.

21. Wherever you are in central London, you can enjoy street performers, musicians and magicians.

Street entertainment comes alive at Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square and on the South Bank. Don’t miss it!

22. Greenwich Summer Festival, SE10.

Between 4 July and 12 August, the grounds of Old Royal Naval College hosts a number of festivals under the title of 'Greenwich Summer Festival', including Dance GB, Greenwich Comedy Festival, BT River of Music, London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Gala Weekend, Family Weekender, Beer and Street Food Fayre and Big Screen Olympics and Films. www.greenwichsummerfestival.co.uk 23. London 2012 Festival. The biggest festival the UK has ever seen takes place 21 June – 9 September with loads of free events across London, from exhibitions, concerts and workshops to screenings and shows. Whether your kids love dance, music, theatre, fashion, food, art or film, you’re sure to find something they can get involved in. www.festival.london2012.com

Kids Week 1-31 August - shows for FREE 26. Notting Hill Carnival, W11. This year the Carnival takes place on 26 and 27 August, with its vibrant celebrations of music, movement and masquerade together with Caribbean food stalls serving up jerk chicken and fried plantain. Sunday is Kids’ Day, when the costume prizes are awarded, with the main parade on the Monday. www.thenottinghillcarnival.com 27. Southbank Centre, SE1. As London welcomes the world this summer, Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World will include inspirational projects from the UK and around the world. The site will be transformed with art installations including a giant ‘robot’ sculpture, Rainbow Park, a multi-coloured beach and an exhibition in the Royal Festival Hall of the thinkers, artists and communities who have inspired and contributed to the Festival. The reopening of the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, weekly food markets and a pop-up cafe complete the Festival landscape. There will be something for everyone here! www.southbankcentre.co.uk/world 8

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28. V&A Museum Of Childhood, E2. On Sunday 29 July the Museum grounds will be buzzing with the sounds and sights of their free Summer Festival. Live music, dance, walkabout acts, art and crafts activities, designer stalls, food, face painting, rickshaw rides and games for all ages. www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Parks & Gardens London has a plethora of enticing green spaces with lush grass, perfumed flowers, acres of room in which to wander and most with children’s playgrounds. Best of all, visiting is free!

29. Battersea Park, SW11. The Adventure Playground in Battersea Park is designed for children aged 5 to 16 years, with an adjacent toddlers’ playground. www.batterseapark.org.

30. Fulham Palace, SW6. Fulham Palace is the historic home of the Bishops of London, and the Museum there charts the long history of the Palace, from Prehistoric times and Roman settlement, through Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian bishops to the present day. Some displays are interactive, providing children with opportunities to engage more directly with the objects, and there is an art cart with a variety of activities to enjoy, plus free workshops throughout the summer. Explore the botanical garden, picnic under the huge trees or enjoy the beautiful café terrace while your kids explore, climb trees and mess around on a huge log. Just mind the nettles! www.fulhampalace.org.

31. Hampstead Heath, NW3 is one of London’s most popular open spaces. An island of beautiful countryside, the magic of Hampstead Heath lies not only in its rich wildlife and extensive recreational opportunities, but also in its accessibility to millions of people. There is a zoo, athletics track, education centre, extensive children's facilities, three swimming ponds and a Lido. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk 32. Kensington Gardens, W2, with the free Serpentine Gallery, two playgrounds, children's entertainment (thrice daily for six weeks during school summer holidays), and bandstand recitals in the summer months, this park is a must! It also boasts a huge wooden pirate ship as the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground where kids love to play, explore and let their imaginations soar There is a sensory trail, teepees, a beach and play sculptures, all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants.

33. Richmond Park, TW10, has a great

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Picture credit Giles Barnard

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50 Free things

Kensington Gardens playground at Petersham Gate, and feeding the ducks at the Isabella Plantation is a must.

34. Welsh Harp Open Space, NW9 is 170 hectares of open water, marshes, and grassland. It is an attractive recreational centre and inhabits a range of wildlife. There are two bird hides on the site, a range of nature trails and a large space of open water. There are vast amounts of wildlife to see, which makes a lovely afternoon out. www.brent.gov.uk/pks.nsf/pages/LBB-89 While you’re out visiting parks or other natural spaces you could be part of a fun wildflower survey. Plantlife's Bee Scene survey is an easy way for children to learn about wildflowers in their local area. By 'planting' the findings on the Wild About Plants website, they’ll help create a virtual meadow of good wildflower sites across the country. A series of free guides and resources are downloadable from www.wildaboutplants.org.uk/beescene For up to date information about what’s on in your local park over the summer see www.loveparksweek.org.uk or www.royalparks.org.uk.

Paddling pools and lidos If your next beach holiday is ages away (and if the weather improves!) it’s time to visit one of London’s lidos for a refreshing dip. Lidos such as Brockwell Park, Tooting Bec, Hampton Heated Open Air Pool, Parliament Hill and Richmond aren’t free, but they are inexpensive and can make a great day out when the sun shines. Prices start at

around £3.50 per person and usually young children are free. However, many parks have paddling pools which are free and lots of fun!

35. Hyde Park Lido, W2. The Serpentine is one of the oldest lidos in London. Its swimming sessions are perfect for both experienced and learner swimmers, plus it has a large paddling pool for kids, loungers for sunbathing and a children’s playground. It’s free for the under 3s, children cost only £1 and adults £4 (family ticket £9). www.serpentinelido.com 36. Agnes Riley Gardens, SW12. One of the big attractions at Agnes Riley Gardens is the ornamental pond but they also have a children's playground and paddling pool. www.lambeth.gov.uk/services/environment/parksgr eenspaces/parks 37. Bishops Park, SW6. At time of going to press, London’s newest paddling pool hasn’t opened yet due to the hosepipe ban, but once it does it’s sure to be hugely popular. The £8million regeneration scheme includes London’s only urban beach. www.friendsofbishopspark.com 38. Brockwell Park, SE24. As well as ornamental ponds, formal flower beds, a walled 'Old English' herbaceous flower garden and a charming 19th century clock tower, Brockwell Park also contains a number of historic buildings, including Brockwell Hall and the Brockwell Lido.

Plus a children's play area, paddling pool and purpose–built BMX track. www.lambeth.gov.uk/services/environment/parksgr eenspaces/parks/ 39. Causton Street Playground, SW1. This very secret playground is perfect on sunny mornings, although in the afternoons it can get busy. Beautifully landscaped, you can enjoy an enormous sand pit, climbing frame and good-sized paddling pool. The equipment is designed for children between 3 and 7. www.westminster.gov.uk/services/environment/lan dandpremises/parksandopenspaces 40. Clapham Common, SW4. Three ponds are used for angling and model boating, plus tennis courts, bowling green, skate park and pitches, as well as two playgrounds areas for children and, of course, a paddling pool. www.claphamcommon.org 41. Colliers Wood Recreation Ground, SW19, has ornamental gardens, a paddling pool and children’s playground. www.merton.gov.uk/environment/openspaces/parks 42. Coram’s Fields, WC1, is a unique 7-acre playground and park including a city farm, café,

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

50 Free things

Walks & Bike Rides 50. Enjoy the great outdoors on foot or on a bike. The Ramblers is leading lots of short, family friendly walks this summer that anyone is welcome to join. Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder or the Ramblers short walks website www.getwalking.org • In addition, why not join the free health walks in Hampstead Heath and Regents Park, on 23 and 25 July. The walks are designed for those new to

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exercise and last between 1 and 2 hours. www.camden.gov.uk/activehealth Go Sky Rides are free, community bike rides www.goskyride.com • Check the walk England database of 16,000 walks nationwide www.walk4life.info Picture credit Tony Carney

large adventure play area with aerial slide, two large sand pits and an enormous paddling pool.

Worth the trip! www.coramsfields.org 43. Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, SW20, has a paddling pool, two play areas and tennis courts. www.merton.gov.uk/ environment/openspaces/parks 44. Ravenscourt Park, W6, combines attractive landscaping and a range of wildlife habitats with an excellent array of facilities including tennis and basketball courts, an all weather pitch and teahouse. Best of all, it has four play areas for 0-5 year olds, a play area for 5-13 year olds and a huge paddling pool. www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory /Environment_and_Planning/Parks_and_ open_spaces 45. Rowan Road Recreation Ground, SW16, has a paddling pool and play area. http://www.merton.gov.uk/environment/openspac es/parks 46. Streatham Common, SW16, has a popular café, children's playground and paddling pool. It also contains The Rookery, Streatham’s best kept secret, an enchanting formal garden and the site of the Streatham Spa where people would drink from the springs for medicinal purposes. From Dog Shows to Shakespearean plays to fun days for children, this Common is no ordinary one! www.freewebs.com/streathamfriends 47. Tamworth Recreation Ground, SW19, has play areas and paddling pools. http://www.merton.gov.uk/environment/openspac es/parks 48. Vine Road Recreation Ground, SW13.

This former orchard is now a popular recreation ground with paddling pool and children's playground.

49. Wimbledon Park Paddling Pool, SW19.

The Elisabeth Pool is a delightful wet play area for young children, with jets and fountains. www.merton.gov.uk/environ ment/openspaces/parks

• Finally, as you progress through the summer of free stuff, or even when it is over, remember the National Trust’s interactive website for kids with the list of the 50 things children should do before they are 11¾. Your child can log in and tick off the things as they do them. www.50things.org.uk Ramblers

Vitamin D deficiency: let the sunshine in A recent survey in the UK showed that more than half of adults in the UK did not have enough vitamin D. In the winter and spring about 1 in 6 people has a severe deficiency and about 9 in 10 adults in the UK of South Asian origin. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are unclear and the problem can often be missed until it reaches severe levels, at which point it results in a condition known as rickets. What is also coming to light is the impact of insufficient Vitamin D goes far beyond the problem of soft bones. New research is revealing the importance of vitamin D in protecting against many health problems, and insufficient levels of vitamin D is now being closely associated with asthma in children, depression (recent research by the University of Bristol), and two senior paediatric pathologists have discovered a vitamin D deficiency in a significant number of SIDS cases. We are all capable of producing vitamin D with proper exposure to sunlight. However, most sunscreens filter out UVB light which inhibits vitamin D production. During the summer, just 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen in the early morning and late afternoon is enough for most light-skinned individuals to create an ample supply of vitamin D, and for skin with more pigment (melanin) up to 40 minutes. Sunscreens remain essential during the sun’s peak hours for you and your children, but maybe use just what you need.

To read more on Vitamin D deficiency, go to: • www.wddty.com • www.womentowomen.com • www.webmd.boots.com • www.patient.co.uk

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Starting School

10 things your child should be able to do when they begin school September is approaching fast… is your child ready for school? Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days 1. Can they themselves? dress

Imagine the scene.

One teacher faced with thirty ch ildren and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrap ped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helpi ng, they may get some fresh air.

If you can see butto ns on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistban ds. These will also help during an y ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can als o lead to unnecessary bathr oom With shoes, laces an accidents. d buckles are a no-no. Stick to Ve lcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.

2. Are they us ed to sharing?

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at schoo l. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friend s easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take tur ns and share, and before long that ch ild becomes isolated. Start to ma ke praising your pre-sc a point of hooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.

3. Can they us e the toilet on thei r own?

Reception classroo ms usually have a toilet nearby but ch ildren are expected to use it on their own.

That can mean les s confident children avoid a vis it until it’s too late.

Encourage your ch ild to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Re mind them that hand washing is pa rt of the ‘visit’.

Beginning school toi let will mean fewer acc training now idents in September.

htimes can be a rea l flashpoint in the early days of yo ur child’s school life. Dinner halls are no can make a child fee isy places and l overwhelmed.

Make sure they arr ive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a jui ce box and unpeel a banana. With sch ool a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed the m, but it won’t help in the long run . Practice, however painful, ma kes perfect.

5. Are they le to recognise thab eir name?

If your child can rec ognise their name, they’ll be ab le to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced. Sta rting school can make even the mo st co feel a little lost. If the nfident child y can locate important places, it will make them feel more in contr ol.

6. Can they us e scissors?

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.

7. Do they unde rstand discipline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of the arrive at school. Th m when they ey need to know hitting, kicking, bit ing and hair pulling will not be tolerated . Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with the ir classmates.

Reputations earne d in the early days of school tend to stic k and can be hard to shake off.

SOME USEFUL BOOKS: * I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child * Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson * Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks * Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi * Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

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4. Are they ab le to eat independentl y?

Lunc

8. Can they communicate with an adult?

Gi

ving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control. How else will they ask to go to the toilet?

If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how wi ll they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day tha n a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask an d even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understan d the most appropriate way of getting a grown ups attention.

9. Are they able to count?

If your child is able to count up to 20, and count back fro m 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favou rite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get the m to eat them one by one, counting as the give them confidenc y go. It will e and help them see learning as fun . Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them!

10. Can they fo llow simple instruct ions?

The school day is ful l of Your child will be ask instructions. ed to put coats on pegs, bring pack ed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle tim used to following ins e. If a child is tructions, they will avoid being rep rimanded. The more time a teach er dedicates to repeating instructi ons and encouraging co-op eration, the less time there is for tea ching. Start giving your child simple tas ks helping with the we – perhaps ekly shop or with some straight forwa rd the house. It will pre jobs around pare them for school life.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Picture credit www.marksandspencer.com back to school range

By Sarah Butters

Parental leave plans: where do they leave you?

The Queen announced in May that her Government would propose measures “to make parental leave more flexible so both parents may share parenting responsibility and balance work and family commitments”. It was a grand announcement but little information was provided on how such measures would work in practice and what difference it would actually make to parents. Parental leave is currently made up of several components: maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave. Maternity leave can be taken up to 52 weeks, paternity leave 2 weeks, adoption leave 52 weeks and parental leave up to 13 weeks, 26 if you have two children. The right to pay during that time differs according to each category. Under all four types, you are entitled to benefit from the same contractual rights, benefits and obligations whilst you are on leave. The only difference being that for parental leave and for part of your maternity and adoption leave you will not be paid.

So what are the proposed changes and how will it affect us?

According to the EU Parental Rights Directive, adopted in March 2010, the UK Government had to increase parental leave from three to four months by March 2012. Despite this deadline, it was recently announced that this great extension of rights will be delayed until March 2013. In practice this makes very little difference as a very high proportion of employees do not exercise their rights to take existing parental leave because it is unpaid. In addition, the Government wishes to reduce the default length of maternity leave from 26 to 18 weeks, with the remaining entitlement of up to 38 weeks able to be shared between both partners as they see fit. There would be nothing to stop parents taking their leave simultaneously, while parents could also request to take their leave in any number of blocks of any duration – although employers can refuse this. As great in theory as this proposal may be with the best of intentions in mind, it is unlikely to ever work. A recent survey concluded that only 17% of mothers thought their partner would be willing and able to take some of the shared leave in addition to their statutory two weeks’ paternity leave. Most (41%) thought they would not be able to afford it as a couple, while 14 % said their partner would not want to and 28% said that it would not be practical. What either measures do not tackle, and what was not mentioned in the Queen’s Speech, was how to implement real practical flexible working for parents to fit around their children and their childcare.

Parents do not want increased leave or shared leave; they want a career that works with their children. This may not need a great announcement but it would make a great change.

• Sarah-Jane Butler, Parental Choice Ltd. www.parentalchoice.co.uk Helping you make the right choices for you and your family.

July/August 2012

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THE WILLOW NURSERY 823-825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JL Tel: 020 7498 0319 Est.1981 E-mail: admin@thewillownursery.co.uk Joint Heads: Caroline Henson & Virginia Bisset.

Opening hours: 8.15am to 12.15pm Sessions: Mornings only Weeks open a year: Termtime Ages: Two and half to 5 years Max no. of pupils: 40. Pupil/teacher ratio: Under 3yrs: 4:1, 3-5yrs 8:1 Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods.

Activities: Art, craft, cooking, Spanish, gardening, home corner, ICT, messy play, computer club.

Four specialist teachers for singing, dance, gym and cooking.

Facilities: Large, bright, spacious hall and a smaller reception room.

Contact: Please contact Amanda for Prospectus and to arrange a visit.

The Willow is renowned for its creativity. Our aim is to create a stimulating, happy and fun environment so that the children love coming to school. We develop confidence and a keen interest to learn both independently and with individual attention.

www.thewillownursery.co.uk

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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... Please send info to whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk for editorial consideration.

DRAMA

PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW 020 8788 6943. www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/welcome Sat 7 & Sun 8 Jul. OPEN-AIR THEATRE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING by William Shakespeare. Will be staged under the trees of the picturesque 18th century Old Burial Ground located next to the Theatre. Bring picnics and blankets. Capacity is limited, book early. £7/£10 Thu 12-Sat 14 Jul. ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS With her heart set on becoming a Queen, we join Alice on her journey through a game of chess as we meet talking flowers, noble knights, some unusual twins and even Humpty Dumpty. The second part of Lewis Caroll’s classic story is as equally weird and wonderful! £5/£7/£10, family £30

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Charlie & Lola Polka Theatre

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 4 Jul-25 Aug. INSIDE OUT Edie is an explorer she travels to all sorts of fantastic places. James is an explorer too, but prefers to stay indoors. They live in the same house, and like the same biscuits, but they’ve never ever met. Until today, that is...

Playful, funny and full of surprises. 2-5yrs £7/£9 7 Jul. KID CARPET AND THE NOISY ANIMALS Follow the adventures of a charismatic singer and his animal band (made up of a gorilla, a bear and a badger) as they make friends, play games, contemplate the world and finally rock out at a grand dance contest. This lively and enchanting performance contains a unique mix of theatre, comedy animation and original live music. 4-8yrs £7/£9 18 Jul-25 Aug. CHARLIE AND LOLA’S BEST BESTEST PLAY The stars of the hit BBC TV series and books by Lauren Child are brought to life by a magical mix of puppets and music. 2-D and 3-D worlds collide in this play, adapted from some of the freshest and funniest episodes... will Lola ever tidy her messy room? Will Charlie get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed? Head to Polka and find out! 47yrs £10/£16 Autism Friendly Performance Thu 26 Jul 2.30pm, After-show Talk Sat 28 Jul 2.30pm, BSL Interpreted Performance Sat 4 Aug 2.30pm

Belvedere Road, London SE1 8PXX 0207 960 4200/ 0844 847 9910 www.soutbankcentre.co.uk Sat 14 Jul-Thu 19 Jul. THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER Written by Michael Rosen in association with The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Part of “Festival of the World” A wonderful blend of puppetry, live music and song for this captivating story of the adventures of a young girl on a magical faraway island £10/£15 Sat 22 Jul-Fri 27 Jul. SLAP DASH GALAXY Part of “Festival of the World” Two brothers flee their home planet on a quest across the universe.

Come and see an entire shadow puppet universe, made from bits of rubbish. A feast for the imagination. Some parts are a bit scary for children under seven £10/£15 Fri 17 Aug-Sun 26 Aug. HANDA’S SURPRISE Part of “Festival of the World” Travel to Kenya and follow Handa as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. 2-5yrs £7.50 Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sept. THE BEE DETECTIVE Part of “Festival of the World” When worker bees begin to disappear Sophie will have to use all her deductive powers to solve the case and save the hive. This fun and intriguing honeybee murder mystery invites you to join the investigation and help the intrepid Sophie with her enquiries 6yrs+ £6/£12

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon

Sat 21-Sun 22 Jul. PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT A brand new show featuring true to life puppets, perfect singalong songs and a new story that will charm and delight all Peppa’s fans. 10am, 1pm & 4pm. Adults £13.50/£15.50, children £11.50/£13.50

TARA Studio 356 Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4ES 020 8333 4457 www.tara-arts.com 23-27 Jul. EARSFIELD INTERACTIVE INSTALLATION 11am-6pm. Visitors will step into an Earsfield in the 1940s and walk back in time to 100 years preceding that, through sounds, images and murals. Free Wed 25-Thu 26 2.30pm there will be an interactive performance with actors leading audiences through the exhibition which will culminate in the theatre space where a play will ensue. 60mns £2

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com 23 Jul-14 Aug. THE OLYMPICS Visit the Unicorn’s bankside OLYMPIC CHILL-OUT ZONE, moments from the Olympic Live Site at Potters Fields Park. Lie down in a darkened room or have a coffee on a comfy sofa. All sporting events presented live, or with the sound on mute: you decide. DVDs of old movies available for sports-haters. Free but donations welcome.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE The barge will be moored opposite 87 Petersham Road, Richmond on Thames TW10 6UT 07836 202 745 www.puppetbarge.com 28 Jul to 12 Aug THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE Daily at 2.30pm. The story tells of two cousins who visit each other, both experiencing exciting new sights and sounds £8.50/£10. Suitable for youngest audience.

15 Aug to 2 Sept. BRER RABBIT VISITS AFRICA Daily at 2.30pm Brer Rabbit travels to Africa to visit his grandma and gets himself into trouble. All the animals of Africa gaher together to help. £8.50/£10 3yrs+

GB THEATRE COMPANY AT KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS 15-21 Aug. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW AND THE TEMPEST An epic play and an hilarious comedy with a cast of outstanding professional actors directed by Jenny Stephens (director of BBC Radio 4’s “The Archers”) and Jack Sheperd (of ITV’s Wycliffe fame). Tickets and info www.gbtheatrecompany.com

Visit 345 Nursery where “The nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted Outstanding Nov 2011).

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

Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport, cooking, drama and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum.

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

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on THE THREESIXTY THEATRE Kensington Gardens (by Kensington Palace) Dial Walk, London W2 2UH . Bkg 0844 871 7693 Info 0844 871 7627 www.atgtickets.com To 9 Sept.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE This new adaptation of CS Lewis’s classic children novel by Rupert Goold will be held in a specially designed theatre tent in Kensington Gardens, and combines puppetry and hi-tech multimedia, projecting the magic of Narnia with Imax-style video backdrops. The Ultimate summer experience in the Park! £25 to £60

Abbey fest Colour House theatre

THE COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD 020 8542 551/ 07944 868385 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk FAMILY MATINEE SHOWS Sat 18 & Sun 19 Aug 2pm & 4pm both days.

RAINY DAY BEAR A fun interactive journey with lots of songs and dancing. It covers important educational areas such as days of the week and numbers, and is presented by Rah Rah Theatre Company, a professional touring company. 3-6yrs £7/£8 SPECIAL EVENT Mon 27 Aug. KIDFEST 2012 11am-5pm. A special day solely dedicated to kids with FREE exciting and innovative things to do all day! Workshops in art, crafts, pottery, drama, music, dancing, singing, balloon modelling, DJ skills and drumming. There are soft play and storytelling areas, archaeological digging, relaxation sessions, kid’s fitness, rides, face painting and caricaturing. Visits from the animals at Dean City Farm, the local fire brigade, The Police and St John’s Ambulance, plus a live band on the bandstand with performance by the children and special guests with talent competition, giveaways and more surprises!

APOLLO THEATRE- WEST END London W1D 7ES Bkg www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 277 4321 28 Aug-16 Sept NICKELODEON’S DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! SEARCH FOR THE CITY OF LOST TOYS Dora’s fan will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along. The show is designed to teach kids to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world..all while having lots of fun!£13/£18/£25 (premium)

GARRICK THEATRE 2, Charing Cross Road, London WC2 0HH 0844412 4662 www.barmybritainlive.com To Sept. HORRIBLE HISTORIES – BARMY BRITAIN Written by Terry Deary, Neal Foster and Ciaran McConville.

Wed to Fri 1pm, Sat 10.30am & 12noon, Sun 3pm & 5pm British history is full of barmy people who did nasty things to each other. With blood, battles, murder and mayhem HORRIBLE HISTORIESBARMY BRITAIN explores stories from Roman, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and WW1 periods and features famous characters such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Florence Nightingale and General Earl Haig. £14.50, £12.50, £10. 6yrs+

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 www.shakespearesglobe.com GLOBE 2012 THEATRE SEASON – THE PLAY’S THE THING To 26 Aug HENRY V by William Shakespeare To 13 Oct THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.org To 8 Sept RAGTIME Tragic, poignant and ultimately triumphant, Ragtime is a Modern Classic.

Set at the turn of the 20th century, this powerful musical unites three families separated by race and destiny. An experience not to be missed! £17.50/£44.50 To 5 Sept A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Shakespeare’s enduring story of young love.

Featuring the Open Air Theatre’s celebrated fusion of original music, movement and unique setting, this magical, comedic and seductive tale is set to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year. £17.50/£44.50

SPACES AVAILABLE FOR 2012/2013 We are an independent nursery school in the heart of Balham. We provide children with a warm and friendly environment and hold traditional values Ages 2.6 - 5 years.

"Children are happy and settled in this bright, welcoming and inclusive nursery" Ofsted January 2012

Please phone 0208 675 8258 to make an appointment.

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Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX Capture the excitement of learning at Oaktree Nursery School. Where children become independent, inquisitive and motivated in a happy caring environment. Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport, cooking, drama and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum.

Ofsted Outstanding - Dec 2011 Please come and see us in action.

Annabel Dixon 020 8870 8441 dixonannab@aol.com www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk

July/August 2012

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What’s on EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS MUSEUM OF FULHAM PALACE Bishops Avenue, London SW6 6EA 020 7610 7169 www.fulhampalace.org Historic home of the Bishops of London. Families are welcome year round in the Museum and there is a variety of exhibits to interest both our younger and more mature visitors.

MUSEUM Sat to Wed from 1pm4pm. THE DRAWING ROOM CAFÉ 9am-5pm daily GARDENS Botanical Gardens daily from dawn until dusk. Walled Garden Mon to Fri 10.15am-4.30pm Entry to the Walled Garden on weekends and bank holiday is by guided tour only. Tours are £5.

Booking 020 7736 3233 or admin@fulhampalace.org Sun 19 Aug. DROP-IN AFTERNOON Try on period costumes, handle museum artefacts and learn how the items would have be used here at Fulham Palace and elsewhere. All ages welcome, free, no booking.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7 020 7938 9123. Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011 www.nhm.ac.uk Mon-Sat 10am – 5.50pm Sun 11am5.50pm Free EXHIBITIONS To 16 Sept. ANIMAL INSIDE OUT Strip away the flesh and travel on an anatomical safari of the natural world and explore the intricate biology and physiology of some of the world’s most spectacular creature. £6/£9, family £27.

To 2 Sept. SCOTT’S LAST EXPEDITION Explore Robert Falcon Scott’s epic Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica, with powerful tales of endurance and many scientific achievements.

To 30 Sept. WILD PLANET The wildest landscapes and most endangered species will be showcased in a free outdoor exhibition running throughout the summer of the Olympics featuring 80 classic shots from Wildlife Photographer Of The Year.

DAILY FAMILY ACTIVITIES Weekends and school holidays 11am5pm. Quieter times are 11am-12noon and after 3pm. Mon-Fri in term time 2.10pm-5pm. Free. Full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/education

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

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Museum of Childhood Mr Punch To 9 Sept. BEAUTIFUL GAMES What makes an athlete successful?

How does the latest technology help us to become faster and stronger? As part of the exhibition, visitors young and old can get their own blood pumping with a white knuckle ride in a virtual skeleton bobsleigh, measure their reaction time with a ‘beat the clock’ test, and throw some moves on an electronic dance floor.

To 28 Oct. MASCOTS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES This display showcases over 50 mascots from the last 44 years of summer and winter Olympic Games including the London 2012 mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville.

14 Jul-9 Dec. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR PUNCH The first recorded sighting in England of a Mr Punch puppet was made in 1662 in the Diary of Samuel Pepys. As part of The Big Grin, a nationwide celebration of Mr Punch! Far from Dying out, the tradition is alive, well and thriving.

SPECIAL EVENT Sun 29 Jul. SUMMER FESTIVAL 11.30am-4.30pm. The Museum grounds will be buzzing with live music, dance, walkabout acts, art and crafts activities, designer stalls, food, face painting, rickshaw rides and games.

Drop-in all ages.

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

METAMORPHOSIS Looking at change and transformation; how we can change how we think through inspiration, and transform our bodies through sport! Metamorphosis is also the name of the National Gallery’s major summer exhibition (11 Jul – 23 Sept).

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hrs).

DRAWING SUNDAYS Explore National Gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. Drop-in.

15 Jul JUMP FOR VICTORY Discover mythological characters, creatures and competitions and make a trophy to present at your very own games.

8 July RELAY MIX Experiment with the art of relay drawing Try out different speeds, materials and shapes in collage competitions and family drawing events.

22, 29 Jul & 5 Aug BODIES IN MOTION Explore the body in motion at these clothed lifedrawing sessions.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5. Sundays, 11.30am–12 noon and 12.30–1pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each day.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free 23 Jul-31 Aug. A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Visit the exhibition “Gold and the Bank of England” then make a gold bar-shaped money box to take home. Enter the gold quiz competition to win prizes. There will be a special lunchtime presentations about gold in the Museum cinema at 1.15pm

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8299 www.britishmuseum.org Free, open daily 10am-5.30p, until 8.30 on Fridays EXHIBITIONS Until 9 Sept. THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES MEDALS The story of the production of the medals for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, from the mining of the metal

by Rio Tinto to the creation of the designs by David Watkins and Lin Cheung and production by the Royal Mint. See examples of both the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic victory medals, shown here publicly for the first time. Free 19 Jul-25 Nov. SHAKESPEARE STAGING THE WORLD The exhibition provides a unique insight into the emerging role of London as a world city seen through the innovative perspective of Shakespeare’s plays.

16-18yrs £12, adults £14, under 16 free accompanied by paying adult.

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES Sun 19 Aug. MANGA COMIC WORKSHOP 11am & 2pm. Create your own Japanese manga characters and comic book set in the Museum to print and take home. 7yrs+, free,

July/August 2012

®

booking advised.

For Family visits at the Museum go to: www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/family

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM LONDON Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ 10am-6pm 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS A FAMILY IN WARTIME Experience the life on the home front, during the Second World War, through the eyes of one London Family. With interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home.

Free.

To Oct. BUILD THE TRUCE At the first Olympic Games in 776BC an ”Olympic Truce” was created in order to enable athletes from Greece’s warring cities to travel and compete in safety. Reinstated at the 1992 Games, the Olympic Truce continues to exist today.

Explore the concept of truce, from challenging notions about the inevitability of war, through to truce as a method of conflict resolution and what it can mean on a practical level.

FAMILY EVENTS 21-22 Jul and 25-31 Aug. BUILD THE TRUCE 11am-1pm & 2pm4pm. Call a truce, whatever your differences and hear a slimy story of slugs, snails and truce time tales then make your own artwork inspired by the story. Free drop-in activities.

4-12 Aug. MAKE DO AND MEND QUILT 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Linked to the “A Family in Wartime” Exhibition. Free drop-in activities for all ages.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT 020 7730 0717 www.nam.ac.uk Daily 10am-5.30pm. Free

Kids Zone National Army Museum EXHIBITION To 31 Aug. WAR HORSE: FACT & FICTION A new major hands-on exhibition exploring the true history behind the hugely popular “War Horse” novel by Michael Morpugo.

Free.

NEW. JUBILEE: 60 YEARS OF THE SOVEREIGN AND HER SOLDIERS Key exhibition items include: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

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What’s on 020 8788 3029 info@willownannies.co.uk |www.willownannies.co.uk

y

Day Nurs on er k Yu

II’s original Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) uniform, Diamond Jubilee Medal, The Queen Elizabeth Cross awarded to next of kin, Timetable of Princess Elizabeth’s ATS activities, 1945 and also Eye-witness account describing The Queen’s coronation.

ACTIONS ZONES – VICTORIAN SOLDIERS ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities help you learn about life as a Victorian Soldier and the part they played in the shaping of Britain’s Empire. Free, in “Changing the World Gallery”.

KID’S ZONE Daily 10.10am-5.15pm. This new children’s play area explores aspects of army life from camping to clothing and includes a dedicated soft play space for babies, plus art and crafts, dressing-up costumes, books, interactive toys and panels. Adm charge applies. www.nam.ac.uk/kids

13 Jul-8 Sept. The world’s greatest classical music festival, part of the London 2012 Festival, the cultural celebrations of the Olympic Games.

Up to seventy world-class concert will be performed in the Royal Albert Hall and a series of chamber concerts will be held in the nearby Cadogan Hall. Please visit the website for details.

MUSEUM OF LONDON

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO

London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844. Open daily 10am-6pm This July the Festival of British Archaeology is going to be the star attraction. Make pots with the Clayground Collective, decorate medieval tiles, solve pottery puzzles, explore an archaeology trail or go on a walkabout tour of the City and the foreshore. Also e-learning, storytelling and object handling sessions.

Please visit the website for full details of children activities www.museumoflondon.org.uk Museum of London Docklands will be closed from 9 Jul to 16 Sept.

Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11 020 7924 5826 www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 10am-4.30pm. Adult £7.95 children (2-15) £6.50 family £26. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Usual entrance fee applies for activities.

EVENTS & DAYS OUT PUMP HOUSE GALLERY

For children (2-5) Full/part time vacancies * * * * * *

Bright well-resourced centre Pre-school education guaranteed Flexible hours/days Children in small groups Offers French, dance & swimming Positive emphasis on physical education * Very good OFSTED report

To view call 020 8675 Limited spaces

8838

Yukon Rd. Balham Hill Estate, Balham Hill, SW12 9DN

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Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ 020 8871 7572 www.pumphousegallery.org.uk Open Wed, Thu, Fri 11am-5pm and Sat & Sun 11am-5pm. Free 7 Jul & 8 Jul. MONTHLY DO: PARK MOVES On the Sat join one of comrade Olga Sokolska mass yoga classes join in or simply watch the Sisters Sokolskis at work. On Sun see a village fete styled dog show danced by humans, ending in workshop when you can learn to dance like a dog!

No mats needed for the Sat, rugs and picnics recommended for the Sun.

BBC PROMS 2012

GET ACTIVE WANDSWORTH FESTIVAL At venues Boroughwide To Sept. Come and get active this summer!

Countless sports activities and events on offer including the popular Get Active Day 14 Jul at King George’s Park.

14 Jul. Get Active Day 12-6pm Lots of free fun family activities, please check www.wandworth.gov.uk/active

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden London SM4 5JD To 1 Sept. FAMILY ACTIVITIES Events for all the family on the first and third weekend of each month. The events are held near the Snuff Mill and normally run between 12noon-4pm.

EXPLORERS PACKS AND TRAILS Available from the Second Hand Bookshop (a deposit is required) which contain themed activities around the park, with some tasks to complete.

THURSDAY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Family activities on Thursdays in school holidays at the Snuff Mill between 11am-3pm to try your hand at a range of hands-on activities linked to the history and wildlife of Morden Hall Park.

SUMMER OPENING OF PARLIAMENT TOURS Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square, St Margaret Street, Westminster, London SW1A. 0844 847 2498 29 Jul-1 Oct. Tours take in some of the most significant Palace areas where Parliament meets and explain what Parliament is, how it works and call attention to its journey from the past to the present. £6/£10/£15 family £37

HMS BELFAST

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 www.bbc.co.uk/proms

Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, City of London

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on SE1 2JH 020 7940 6300 www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast 10am-6pm £11.20/£14, under 16s free Come and explore this large cruiser which saw action in both the Second World War and the Korean War and is now a short walk from both London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE A chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.

INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOMS HMS Belfast could once be controlled from the Operations Rooms, 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.

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES 7-8 Jul POINT ON A COMPASS Drop-in 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. Find out more about the countries, cultures and journeys HMS Belfast has taken whilst in service. All ages with parental supervision.

11-19 Aug TATTO T-SHIRTS Drop-in 11am12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. Get creative designing your own tattoo shapes on t-shirts and learn all about the traditions behind original naval tattoos. All ages with parental supervision.

TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, London EC3 Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk £9.50/£16/£19 family £50 under 5 free.

Weekends in August and Bank Holiday Monday AN AFFAIR OF HONOUR Swords are drawn and pistols flare as restoration rakes settle their differences 17th century-style. Goaded on by King’s stunning mistress, Barbara Villiers and under the watchful eye of famous diarist Samuel Pepys, the duellists prepare for bloodshed.

£7/£11.50/£14 family £38.

Thursdays in July.

SUMMER ROOF TOURS 11am & 2pm View the gardens and estate, and the Baroque and Tudor palaces as you never have before! £35 per person and include adm into the palace. 90mns.

7-8 Jul, 1, 4 & 5 Aug. HISTORIC COOKERY Tudor cooks will be testing new techniques and deciphering ancient manuscripts in their quest for the perfect Tudor meal.

1 Aug. CYCLEMANIA The Olympic Games come to Hampton Court Palace with this ‘after medal ceremony’ event. From 5pm the gardens’gates will be thrown open to the public for free and for a £5.00 charge you can gain entry to the party in the palace itself and enjoy an evening of circus thrills and spills, music and cinema in the surroundings of Henry’s pleasure palace. Henry VIII and his court are at their country residence, enjoying the activities with music and pageantry from across the centuries.

25-27 Aug. FINE AND FAIRE SPORTS Tudor sports and games for the intrepid and the eager. Colourful stalls resound with the sounds of traders, alchemists, musicians, fools and mummers’ plays.

Il Club Italiano Italian for children aged 3-11, 4 to 5pm Thursdays: Fulham Fridays: Chelsea Also: Italian for adults in Barnes and Richmond

STEFANIA Tel: 020 8748 6418

Approx £121 per term.

www.italianlearning.co.uk www.racc.ac.uk Italian for adults classes in Richmond.

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, London W6 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Until 4 Nov JUBILEE: A VIEW FROM THE CROWD This new exhibition will explore Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee of 1897 from the point of view of those who celebrated it and will include a range of specially selected objects which demonstrate the wealth of different celebrations, from museums collections and private landers.

7 & 8 Jul THE KENSINGTON PALACE PARTY. 12noon-5pm Hosted in the grounds, take part in Victorian country dancing, rock and roll and Morris dancing- all classes suitable for beginners.

Performances, craft activities and storytelling will also be taking place throughout the weekend.

Free, classes will be on a first come basis.

20 Jul FRIDAY LATES: VICTORIAN RULES! Exclusive activities include pop-up history talks, live music, making activities and special food and drink deals.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE Hampton Court, East Molesey. Surrey, KT8 9AU. 10am-4.30pm 0870 758 8080. www.hrp.org.uk

Royal Historic Palaces

ENGLISH HERITAGE LONDON EVENTS www.english-heritage.org.uk ELTHAM PALACE. Court Yard, Eltham, London SE9 5QE 0870 333 1181 A stunning Art Deco Palace with 19 acres of beautiful gardens.

Sun 8 Jul PREPARATION FOR A PARTY 11am-4pm A party 1930’s style! Learn more about this decdent time and see all the costumed characters as they get ready. £5.80/£8.60/£9.60 family £25 Sun 29 Jul-Wed 1 Aug. TIME TRAVELLERS GO..ARCHAEOLOGY 11am-4pm Kids can uncover clues and handle artefacts. Take part in a sand pit dig to unveil secrets from the past, plus lots of hands-on activities. £5.80/£8.60/£9.60 family £25 Sun 5 Aug-Wed 8 Aug. TIME TRAVELLERS GO..KHIGHTS & PRINCESSES 11am-4pm Give that toy sword a

᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏ ᭏

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—

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Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

page 34 ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSON Wonderful Pictures of Children

London’s professional mobile bicycle mechanics

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

July/August 2012

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•Bicycle servicing, repairs, sales, restoration and fleet maintenance.

•Bikes and scooters road side assistance and recovery.

We come to you anywhere in London and Greater London.

0800 0910 500 www.cycledelik.com

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What’s on whirl or put on your prettiest dress and head back in time for activities around the medieval theme. £5.80/£8.60/£9.60 family £25 Sun 12-Wed 15 Aug. TIME TRAVELLERS GO..UGLY BUG SAFARI 1 1am-4pm Grab a magnifying glass and join our Victorian explorer for a hunt through the gardens. £5.80/£8.60/£9.60 family £25 Sun 19-Wed 22 Aug. TIME TRAVELLERS GO..WWII 11am-4pm Find out what life was like during the 1940s and take part in a children’s drill and obstacle course. £5.80/£8.60/£9.60 family £25 Sun 26-Wed 29 Aug (Bank Holiday) TIME TRAVELLERS GO..CAVALIERS AND ROUNDHEADS Join Oliver Cromwell’s army and discover what it took to be a soldier of the English Civil War. £5.80/£8.60/£9.60 family £25

LEEDS CASTLE Near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 on the M20 and only one hour’s drive from London 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com Grounds open at 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am-6pm Adults £19.75. concs £17.50, children £12.50, under 4s free 19 Jul OPEN AIR CLASSICAL CONCERT John Rigby conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a programme of classical favourites, plus special guests. From 4pm, live music from 5pm, concert 7.30pm £35/£45 27 Jul-12 Aug. MEDIEVAL GAMES Enjoy a variety of demonstrations and displays, including twice daily Jousting Tournaments on 30 Jul & 2 Aug and have a go at tradition sports from the Middle Ages.

SYON HOUSE & GARDENS London Road, Middlesex TW8 8JG 020 8758 1888 www.syonpark.co.uk Open Wed, Thu, sun & Bank Hol 11am-5pm. £4/£8/£10.50 family £22 Only 10 miles from Central London.

Home of The Duke of Northum berland, full of beauty and magni ficence with its own wonderful parkland.

To 22 Jul. EXCAVATION AND COMMUNITY DIG The training excavation will provide two structured five-day course, (July 9-22 inclusive) for both beginners and more experienced, covering aspect of site survey, excavation and recording.

The community Dig (Jul 2-6) will provide opportunities for all ages to come to the site for short periods to have a taste of archaeological excavation. More info: communityarchaeology@museumoflo ndon.org.uk 9-12 Aug. CINEMA UNDER THE STARS Come and watch your favourite film under the stars.

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DIARY DATES To get your event listed email min details to listings@familiesmagazine.co.uk •WILDLIFE WATCH CLUB WIMBLEDON COMMON Meet on the first Sunday of each month at the information Centre, Wimbledon Common, near the Windmill. 10am-12pm. 6-14yrs. £1 registration fee and £2 per session.

020 8540 6154 1 Jul MINI BEAST SAFARI 5 Aug BEES AND THEIR PRODUCT. Come and roll a candle to take home 9 Sept APPLE PRESSING AND MAKING NATURAL CLOTHS (Bring any spare apples from your garden, so you can take a bottle home) •FUND RAISING OPEN DAY Saturday 14th July (12 – 4pm) Sponsored by Gooseberry Bush (Café/Studio/Clinic).who will offer complimentary drinks, cakes and cookies, taster sessions with its therapists and running a raffle/silent auction. www.gooseberrybushcentres.com Find out more about the First Touch Charity at www.first-touch.org.uk •OPEN DAYon the 17th July and 8th September 2012. Ecole de Danse of Balham. For booking and information please contact JeanPascal: jpcabardos@ ecolededanseofbalham.co.uk •NCT CHEEKY MONKEYS TEA PARTIES Pimlico Academy, Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT Sat 21 Jul 10.30am-1.30pm Olympic Theme with plenty of games, storytelling, crafts, singing and dancing, and a chance to win a medal.

To find your nearest local NCT Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party visit www.nct.org.uk/branches and search for families events taking place on your doorstep.

•FAMILY SPORTS DAY IN BATTERSEA St Mary Church, Battersea Church Road, London SW11 3NA Sat 28 Jul 12noon-4pm. An afternoon of free and fun activities.

Test how fast your football striking skills are with our football spedd cage, improve your reaction times with our Batak machine or have a go at beach volleyball on our specially made court. Also, lots of wonderful art activities. All ages welcome •ICKLE PICKLES SUMMER PARTY Tooting Bec Common (by Dr Johnson Avenue SW17 8JU) www.icklepickles.org/Event/Theickle-Pickle-Summer-Party Sun 2 Sept 11am-5pm. A spectacular fundraising event with funfair rides, bouncy castles, face painting, fantastic food, children’s entertainment, music, medieval stocks, Punch & Judy, welly wanging, crafts stalls and much more!

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Directory

To get your business listed here email editorFSW@familiesmagazine.co.uk CLUBS AND CLASSES

HEALTH

•KUNDALINI YOGA at ReCentre Balham Every Friday 12:00-13:30 visit: www.lifeelement.co.uk 020 8672 4455 •BABY CARE PREPARATION CLASSES With Eilish of the Baby Care Company Grandison Road, London SW11 020 7228 1041 www.thebabycarecompany.co.uk Tue & Wed eve 8.15pm for Baby preparation classes.

Daytime and Week end classes for post natal consultations and some baby prep. classes. 121 or group classes.

•THE PAPERED PARLOUR, WORKSHOPS 7 Prescott Place, London SW4 6BS 020 7627 8703 www.thepaperedparlour.co.uk Sun 15 Jul SILVERSMITHING Sun 22 Jul MAKE A PLAYSUIT WITH DIY COUTURE Sat 25 & Sun 26 Aug MAKE A DRESS Sun 30 Sept HAND PRINTED WALLPAPER •WHYOGA 01372 459 400 www.whyoga.com askvicky@whyoga.com Creative pregnancy yoga (7pm - 8pm) and all levels yoga (8pm - 9.30pm) in Balham Library and Earlsfield Library Monday and Wednesday evenings.

•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 PEDIATRIC COURSES FULFILLING OFSTED CRITERIA covering the full syllabus specified by Ofsted for childcarers: Sat 7 Jul, Fri 13 Jul, Thurs 19 Jul and Sat 21 Jul. EMERGENCY COURSE/FIRST AID FOR BABIES 9.30am-12.30pm. Tues 3 Jul and Sat 14 Jul. •MOBILE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST 07711 724129 www.tsportsmassage.com Theo has 20+ years’ experience of Relaxing to Deep Tissue and Sports Massage in the comfort of your home.

Business Award Winner 2012

CHILDCARE •PROBLEMS WITH YOUR KIDS? 07932 339416 Sleeping, eating,boundaries... Seeking parenting support? Contact Maya, professional Super Nanny/ troubleshooter. Over 20yrs experience, ask for my references.

Mayalazabeille13@yahoo.com

SERVICES BABIES

•Baby Massage 07843 224079 www.helenmartinrolls.co.uk Regular baby massage classes at Neal's Yard Remedies, SW11 and SW19/20.

Private tuition for individuals and NCT groups.

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

•WINDOW CLEANER As used by Families South West office!

Niaz is meticulous and even cleans the window frames beautifully!

Call 07737 905 224 for a truly sparkling job.

•LONDON PROPERTY MAKEOVER DIY CLASSES 129 Sudbourne Road, Brixton SW2 5AF 07964 305196 mail@londonpropertymakeover.com www.londonpropertymakeover.com 11 Jul. 7pm-9pm. 8-10 people per classes and 4 “stations” in the room where you will learn: Correct use of power tools, how to put shelves, how to paint like an expert, do’s and don’ts with small DIY jobs at home. £50

www.charlietheclown.co.uk

THEO THE MAGICIAN “The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB”

07808 732 390 clown pirate story-teller wizard

Fun Magic for Children & Adults Free Magic Wand & Certificate for Birthday Child 07711 724129

www.magictheo.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Classified PAINTING & DECORATING

TUITION

Learn to massage your child

Massage is relaxing and brings loving closeness.

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

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

Call Lorraine on 079101 14153

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

MUSIC SPARKLES

PIANO TUITION

WINDOW CLEANING

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

Take exams or learn purely for pleasure.

Friendly & Reliable Free Estimate 07737 905224

Different styles covered.

Home visits possible.

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

We’ll brighten up your day!

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

HEALTH

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

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

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

Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

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

ELECTRICIAN Chris Apostolides offers an electrical repair and maintenance service to homes in SW London.

All your smaller jobs taken care of. Lighting specialist.

Reliable, efficient and competitively priced.

References available. 07714 202410.

HOLIDAYS HOLIDAY FLAT IN PROVENCE

Individual Tuition Public Speaking, Elocution, Comprehension, Drama Confidence Building, Speech & Interview Technique Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM, SRD.

(020) 7735 3156 www.speechspecialists.co.uk Come all the family and learn Spanish with Pedro.

Group and individual lessons.

SERVICES

Call Pedro on 07956 699963

Many weeks in July & August still FREE! Affordable rent!

2 cottages in Cornwall

AMITY COMPUTER SERVICES

- including sports facilities and

Home and business computers repaired & managed.

Consultancy and tuition also available.

indoor & outdoor pools.

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

Phone Danny on

8944 0681 or 07961 428 596

Cots, highchairs etc can be arranged too!

E-mail: acs@amitygrove.com

July/August 2012

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

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

Huge living room looking on to the Durance valley.

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

Price 400 Euros/week Dep 250 Euros.

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

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Designed by Shirley Trimmer

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk