Families London West 115 Jul-Aug 2017

ISSUE 115 July-August 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

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NEWS & VIEWS

West London winners in the National Young Writers’ Award

In this issue...

Holiday time is looming and we have an issue packed with ideas of how to keep the kids entertained all summer long!

West London will be buzzing! We have a round up of camps and workshops for children to take part in as well as great ideas to keep the learning going so that they are all ready for the new term in September. It’s a good time to mull over the school choices that you need to make and some open days at local schools to book ahead. We will be back right at the beginning of term with our clubs and classes issue. Until then, hope your summer is full of happy events!

Contents News & Views Summer Activities & Workshops What’s On in west London Education/Open Day Dates Keeping the Summer Learning going The BEST summer reads Why kids REALLY need to know about school...

Clubs & Classes/Classifieds

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Miriam Henry aged 10 from St Gregory’s RC Primary in Ealing, Mohammad Yaser, 9 from Tudor Primary in Hayes and Otto Mayo, 9, from Westminster Under School fought off tough competition from children all over West London. The competition, organised by tuition provider Explore Learning which has centres in Westfield, Ealing and Hayes saw over 10,000 entries from children all over the UK, hoping to win a trip to Disneyland Paris and £500 worth of books for their school. This year’s theme was ‘The Future’ and children were tasked with writing a 500-word story set in 3017.

This year’s judge was TV presenter and adventurer Steve Backshall who said: “The quality of the stories was beyond belief! If I didn’t know this was a competition for young writers, I’d believe I was reading the scribblings of Isaac Asimov or Philip K Dick, and while there were elements from the great works of science fiction, every story was original and had its own sense of individuality.”

The top ten national runners up will be announced on Monday 5th June and the national winner will be crowned on the 19th June.

This summer Explore Learning are offering all readers a FREE trial of their summer workshops.

To book a trial please call: 030 3003 4006.

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July-August 2017

NEWS & VIEWS New Leadership at Clifton Lodge School, Ealing Clifton Lodge are delighted to announce that Mr Floyd Steadman will be returning as Executive Head from September 2017.

He has an accomplished record in prep school education, working in St Paul’s Prep and Mill Hill Prep School (Belmont), before successful Headships at four Cognita Schools. Outside his career in education, he played sport to a high level, captaining Saracens rugby team and playing for the Barbarians. Mr Steadman will be working alongside Mrs Beth Friel who will become the Head of School. Mrs Friel is well known to families at Clifton Lodge and is committed to ensuring the best education for each child. Working in partnership, Mr Steadman and Mrs Friel are a great team to lead Clifton Lodge and ensure that the school continues to be an exceptional place for its children. Find out more about the school by calling them on: 020 8579 3662 or email them at: admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

Buttons Nanny agency’s new owners...

With over 40 years of nannying experience between them, Buttons Nanny Agency’s new owners, mother and daughter Marion and Roisin Doheny, have revamped the agency since taking it over. Marion is already a well-known face among Ealing families, having run the Pitshanger Playcenter since 1995. Alongside her work at the playcentre, Marion has also been a nanny for 34 years. Roisin has seven years of nanny experience herself, and has been with her most recent family in Chiswick for the past two years. With a great team working alongside them, both mother and daughter are determined to bring all their experience, love and passion to the Buttons Nanny Agency, and help find the most responsible, nurturing nannies for the families of West London. For further information, please contact them on: london@buttonsnannyagency.com · www.buttonsnannyagency.com

Lemon Tree and St Matthew’s Montessori schools based in Ealing Broadway offering both full day care (8.00am-6.00pm) and term time (9.15am-3.15am) for children aged from 1 years to 5 years old.

We offer French, Ballet, Yoga, Drama and PE inclusive of fees.

Full and part time sessions available. Qualified and experienced teachers offer a high standard of learning, nurturing and care.

Lemon Tree Montessori: 07495 898 760 (Full Day Care) St Matthew's Montessori: 07564 834 687 (Term Time) Website: www.lemontreemontessori.com ‘Families West’ is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. 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.’

Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com · Printed by The MANSON Group Ltd, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk

July-August 2017

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SIX WEEKS OF SUMMER FUN! We’ve put together plenty of ideas for making each day just a little more special to keep the family fun going all summer long. Most of the activities listed are suitable for children of all ages and some are completely FREE!

At home fun 1. Get organised! Gather together a bucket full of arts and crafts materials.

You will need good quality pens, pencils, crayons, paints, brushes, glue, cellotape and scissors plus a stack of different kinds of paper. Start collecting another box of useful odds and ends like empty cereal cartons, cotton reels, string, plastic bottles, cartons of different sizes and lolly sticks.

Find a place that can withstand the inevitable mess. Cover with a plastic cloth and leave some wall space for displaying your efforts.

2. “Can’t face the mess” arty day.

You have people coming for dinner later. Give the kids fat paintbrushes that you use for painting walls and a bucket of water and get them to ‘paint’ the fence or Chalk! Grabbing some chalk and scribbling on the pavements is a great way to open up their artistic side while they get some fresh air, and it can also make them think that they are playing the rebel.

You’ll be safe in the knowledge that they are creating art knowing the next spot of rain will clear away the evidence.

3. Make playdoh. This recipe is so easy and your child can help too. Mix together and cook gently - 1 cup of plain flour, 1 cup of water, 1 tbsp of cooking oil, 2 tsps of cream of tartar, half a cup of salt and one or two drops of food colouring/flavouring (optional but mint does smell delicious). Store in an airtight bag.

4. Make slime! Cornflour, water and food colouring/flavouring. Just glorious to run your fingers through.

5. Bubbles galore. Measure out 6 cups of water, and slowly stir in 1 cup of washing up and then add 1 tbsp of glycerine. Makes great big bubbles.

6. Gardening. One of the beautiful things about gardening for adults is the ability to create a vision in your head, plant, and then watch that vision grown into reality. There is no reason why your children can’t be a part of that process too. Help them plant some flowers or seeds and not only do you have entertainment for

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one day, but it’s something you can go back to and chart how they grow.

It's a wonderful biology lesson for children, and they won’t even realise it!

7. Camp in the garden. Put up your tent and throw the sleeping bags in for day or night time camping.

8. Head down to the library. Borrow the maximum number of books allowed and change books regularly.

Make sure library books always go into the same box at home and keep them available at all times.

9. Have a makeshift writing area.

Staple together some loose sheets of paper into different sized books for stories. Print out some pictures of writing in other scripts for the children to have a go at.

10. Learn a poem by heart.

Help your child to learn it too.

11. Learn a new song.

12. Then make up a dance to go with it!

13. Teach your child how to thread a needle and sew a button.

14. Have try out times. Buy a vegetable or fruit your family have never eaten before and give it a whirl.

A different flavour ice-cream, an unusual pizza topping works too.

15. Scour your cookery books.

Find 5 or 6 simple and healthy new recipes that you and your child can cook. Your child’s teacher will be eternally grateful that your child will have a practical understanding of measurements and simple science.

16. Bring out the board games.

And introduce a new one into the mix. Learn a new card game that you can teach your child. Invent new rules to games you already know!

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17. Puzzles. They seem to be a dying breed now with the invention of mobiles and tablets, but sitting down as a family and completing a jigsaw, a puzzle or a board game is a wonderful way to spend a few hours with the family. With older ones, you could have one large one on the go for a week or two.

18. Have a movie day. Stay in pyjamas, fill up a big bowl of homemade popcorn, bring the duvet downstairs and indulge.

19. Have a upside down, back-tofront day. Eat dinner at breakfast time, put your clothes on inside out, and read a book from end to beginning.

20. Print your photos. You’ve been meaning to do it for ages! Now is the time to print some and share the memories with your little ones.

21. Write a letter and post it. Your children will have probably not done this often or perhaps never. Write a proper old fashioned letter and take your little one to the post office and buy stamps, and post it.

22. Have another country day. Pick a country and find out all about it. Find it on a map, draw its flag, learn words in the language of that country and eat food from that place.

23. Do a chore. Teach your child how to do an age appropriate chore they have never done before. Sweep the floor, change the pillowcases on their bed, lay a table.

24. Introduce them to Wimbledon.

Grab a bowl of strawberries and settle down in front of the box and explain the difference between a forehand and a backhand. 3-16 Jul.

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Nearby park fun 25. Trip to the pond. A local pond is a great way to find wildlife that may be missing from your back garden.

From frogs and tadpoles to fish swimming below, it gives little ones a taste of the outdoors in a safe environment. You can also take part in a classic pastime - just grab some bread and feed the ducks, they’ll love it.

26. Sports at the park. Grab a bat, ball or whatever they love and head to the nearest park. Get your friends and their families involved and make a day of it. Get involved yourself and they’ll love it even more. Use the playground equipment and plan an assault course. Twice down the slide, through the monkey bars and hop around the outside and time them. Can they beat their own time?

27. Go fly a kite. It’s an experience every child needs!

July-August 2017

28. Have an outdoor treasure hunt. When we did this, I found a pack of cards that had some missing and hid them around the park.

Each child had to find cards from their suit.

29. Make, pack and eat a picnic together. What a lovely summer memory you will create.

Days out 30. Use public transport your child has never been on before. Most little Londoners are familiar with the bus and the tube but what about the Dockland Light Railway, the London River Bus or the Emirates Air Line Cable Car? 31. London’s newest form of public transport and it’s local! Already a phenomenal success in Scandinavia, GoBoat is a self-drive, powered boating experience in Paddington. Be the captain of your own boat, chart your own adventure, and choose your own crew. GoBoats can

carry up to eight people, with no previous boating experience required. Life vests are available for babies and children. For more info visit: www.goboat.co.uk 32. Taste something a little different. West London is heaving with interesting cuisines and food such as tapas, dim sum and sushi is served in small bite size pieces that makes it great for experimenting!

33. Outdoor swimming There’s no better time to give this one a try. The Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park and its accompanying paddling pool are great for both adults and children. It is open every day until 12 Sept from 10am-6pm and has a sun terrace as well as a children’s play area with swings, slides, climbing frame and paddling pool.

The water is tested weekly to ensure quality and safety. www.royalparks.org.uk/parks /hyde-park/things-to-see-

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and-do/sports-andleisure/serpentine-lido 34. Or just a little sprinkle of water On a really hot day. Take the kids to Somerset House where they can run amongst the fountains for a cool down.

Take plenty of towels! To find out if the fountains will be on the day of your visit call: 020 7845 4600.

35. Forest Walk. All you have to do is put on your most sensible form of footwear and head out.

Getting out up a hill or through a forest can open up your children’s imaginations. The smell and touch of the outdoors are a welcome change from everyday life. The kids will love exploring new surroundings too. Try Burnham Beeches which has plenty of organised family events. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ things-to-do/green-spaces/ SUMMER IDEAS FEATURE CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

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SIX WEEKS OF SUMMER FUN 36. Jump! West London has its very own trampoline park where the kids can burn off a lot of energy in an afternoon and have tremendous fun. oxygenfreejumping.co.uk/ locations/acton 37. Watch opera and ballet for free. Watch live outdoor screenings of the Royal Opera House opera and ballet for free at Hammersmith Lyric Square.

4 Jul: La Traviata and 14 Jul: Turandot. www.roh.org.uk/about/ bp-big-screens and then extend the cultural activity by exploring the free sculpture at Regent’s Park.

From 5 Jul wander around a fabulous outdoor exhibition featuring works by world famous sculptors with Frieze Sculpture 2017.

38. Pick your own.

Strawberries, raspberries, broad beans, runner beans and more. Try: www.copasfarms.co.uk/pick-your-own/ 39. A day at the farm.

Odds Farm Park is a childfriendly farm with animal petting and feeding plus activities from karting to crazy golf. www.oddsfarm.co.uk 40. Try out a new class.

Families West Magazines lists lots of them at the back of this magazine!

41. Head over to a museum, an art gallery, a child friendly concert or

to the theatre.

Look at our What’s On pages for detailed listings of what is going on this summer.

42. Head to the beach.

Ruislip Lido has one as well as play areas, a nature park and cafes. There is a water splash pad on the beach side which is turned on at 10am and turned off in the evening. There are two playgrounds, one either side of the lake and a sand area where children can build sand castles and play.

... And finally, enrol the kids in a summer workshop.

Our What’s On pages have even more workshops for little ones at museums, galleries and other venues.

Sports Camps/Activity Camps Sports Academy www.sportsacademyuk.com/ind ex.php/choose-your-school/ summer-workshops 24 Jul-4 Aug in Richmond.

For ages 6-16, 16 sports offered, including Tag Rugby, Gymnastics, Tri-golf, Tambourelli, Badminton, Unihoc, Tennis, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Netball, Archery and more.

All equipment supplied.

Qualified coaches, all CRB checked. Book for individual days or weeks with option of early and late club available.

Super Camps Multi-Activity Camp www.supercamps.co.uk 17 Jul-21 Aug Super Camps’ fabulous new Multi-Activity programme in Kensington, Hammersmith, Maida Vale, Ealing, Northwood (and many more locations) allows children to get involved in some great activities. As well as taking part in the fun-packed programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs “An excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment.”

Save 15% when using this code: FAMILIES17.

Kiddikicks Football and Athletics www.kiddikicks.co.uk 10 Jul-3 Sept Running, relay, throwing and football fun for ages 18 months to 11 years in Hyde Park, Queens Park, Paddington Recreation Ground and Regent’s Park. Easy online booking and a full list of participating venues, class times, age groups and term dates are available on their website.

020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk Rugbytots www.rugbytots.co.uk Fun, structured play sessions with engaging and energetic coaches teaching how to catch,

Allsorts Drama More House School, 22-24 Pont Street SWI 17th-21st July 2017 …8969 3249 · info@allsortsdrama.com æallsortsdrama.com Summer Holiday Drama Workshops: 9.30am-3.30pm Ages 4-6 and 7-11 £220 for the week with sibling and early bird discounts.

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Unforgettable Performing Arts Camps for Children aged 4 - 11.

Focused & friendly, HUZZAH take the drama out of learning new skills and put it on the stage. A tried and tested mash up of favourite drama games, singing and dance bringing out the best in your child.

End of week show for friends and family.

10am - 4pm. Monday - Friday.

Jul 31st - August 4th: Star Wars Aug 14th - 18th: Sing The Movie St Helen’s Church Hall St Helen’s Gardens · W10 6LP huzzahperformingarts.com huzzahforchildren@gmail.com

‘Early Bird’ sale until June 30th 2017. pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. For boys and girls ages 2-7. Classes running throughout the summer.

Ealing Cricket Club Premier Cricket Coaching (W5) www.premiercricketcoaching.co.uk 17 Jul-1 Aug Professional coaching for boys and girls ages 5-14 using the club’s recent PitchVision system - a fantastic tool for technical feedback and developments. 10am-4.30pm plus early drop-off and late pick-up (8.30am-5pm). Takes place at Ealing Cricket Club, Corfton Road Ealing, W5 2HS. Let’s play netball www.letsplaynetball.co.uk/camps/ university-of-westminster 23 Aug-1 Sept Netball camp in Chiswick for ages 5-8.

Odds Farm Park Activity Day Camps www.oddsfarm.co.uk/daysout/childrens-farm-activity-daycamps 24 Jul-1 Sept Leave the kids at Odds Farm Park for great holiday adventures. Action-packed Activity Day run jointly with Kids Play Childcare include entry to Odds Farm Park. Ofsted registered childcare and early and late clubs as well as meals and refreshments.

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Performing Arts/ Circus Skills/ Dance/Music Perform Drama workshops (Notting Hill and Chiswick) www.perform.org.uk/holidays July and Aug BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Three and five day summer courses for ages 4-7. This summer, your child could be acting out the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale on one of the three or five day courses.

Venturing into the Spooky Wood and exploring the grand Palace of Dreams, they’ll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast.

020 7255 9120. enquiries@perform.org.uk Arts Ed Musical Theatre Workshops (Chiswick) www.artsed.co.uk/holidaycourses/booking/youth-coursessummer 24 Jul-18 Aug Holiday courses in drama and musical theatre.

Children from 4-16+yrs will have great fun singing, dancing, acting, making films and creating comedy sketches working with our friendly tutors.

Albert and Friends Instant Circus Holiday Projects (W6 & TW10) www.albertandfriendsinstant circus.co.uk The holiday courses bring the best of their practitioners together to offer a unique and creative environment where children can learn a whole host of circus skills.

Children have the chance to have a go at stilt walking, ball walking, juggling, tightrope and unicycle, and end the week with a presentation of their newly acquired skills in a showcase for parents and friends. 10.30am-3.30/4pm, on a daily or weekly basis.

21-25 Aug in Richmond (Christ’s School, Queens Rd, Richmond, TW10 6HW) and 29 Aug - 1 Sept at Melcombe Primary School, Fulham Palace Road, W6 9ER Info@albertandfriendsinstant circus.co.uk Kensington Ballet Summer School (W8) www.kensingtonballet.com 24-28 Jul and 21-25 Aug Drama, musical theatre, creative

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games, painting and of course ballet! 9am-12 noon at Christchurch, Victoria Road, W8 5RQ. The sessions will be taken by two very experienced ballerinas who are most gentle with the children.

Music House for Children Musical Theatre Workshop and Summer Camp (W12) www.musichouseforchildren .co.uk/whats-on 26 Jul Recreate the story of Peter Pan and present to family and friends. For ages 5-11.

14-17 Aug A four day workshop of musical mayhem. Form bands, learn and play instruments, and compose your own music. For ages 5+

Workshop (SW7) www.inspiredmindstutors.com 15 Jul An inspiring introduction to robotics for children aged 712. Take robots apart to learn how they work, then build and code your own. From £120, 11am-3pm.

Hyde Park Education Centre environmental and art workshops (W2) www.supporttheroyalparks.org 2, 16 Aug DISCOVERY DAY MEADOW MADNESS A day of nature inspired activities including sweep netting for creepy crawlies, visiting the nature discovery rooms and following a

nature trail. Drop-in, 11am-3pm.

9, 10, 23, 24 Aug DISCOVERY DAY - WILD WATER Discover the wild wonders of the water with an expert led pond dipping session and make your own paper plate frog to take home with you. Drop-in, 11am-3pm.

22 Aug NATURE EXPLORERSWATER WORLD Pond dipping, using digital microscopes, and exploring the wilder parts of the park as part of a full day of guided outdoor games and activities.

10am-3pm.

For ages 8-11.

Languages Club Petit Pierrot Fun French Summer Holiday Club (Chelsea, Maida Vale) www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 17-28 Jul Children learn French effortlessly while doing lots of arts and crafts, cooking, drama, outdoor sporty games and singing. For ages 3-5 and 6-8 in Chelsea and Maida Vale. Half day and full day sessions available. Small groups, dynamic and enthusiastic native French teachers (all DBS checked).

Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Time Out. admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk or call 020 7385 5565.

Arts and crafts Corner 9 Art workshops (W10) www.corner9.org.uk 10 Jul- 2 Aug On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am-12 noon. info@corner9.org.uk Kite Studios Art workshops (W12) www.kitestudios.org 17 Jul-1 Sept Workshops in design, drawing, clay modelling, collage and printmaking for ages 4-14+ Science Inspired Minds Robotics

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WHAT’S ON DIARY DATES

22 Jul GUNNERSBURY TRIANGLE SUMMER OPEN DAY

2, 9, 16, 23 Jul SUMMER STREETS ON REGENT STREET Enjoy art, music, fashion and family activities on Regent Street, as the famous shopping destination becomes traffic-free for four Sundays in July. www.regentstreetonline.com/events/whats-on-regent-street-2017

3-16 Jul WIMBLEDON Get your strawberries and cream ready.

8 Jul EALING NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

A free summer open day with naturethemed fun for all the family. Explore the wonders of Gunnersbury Triangle and enjoy a range of free family activities, including children’s arts and craft activities, nature trails, pond dipping, stalls with refreshments, guided nature walks and wildlife displays. 1-4pm. The reserve’s entrance is opposite Chiswick Park tube station, W4 5LW. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2017/05/3 1/gunnersbury-triangle-summer-open-day

27, 28 Aug NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

A fantastic range of good quality second hand items for babies and toddlers at great prices. Come along and bag a bargain! Venue: Kingsdown Methodist Church, 2 Kingsdown Avenue, London, W13 9PR, 12.30-2.30pm. Email Flor at: NNS.Ealing@nct.org.uk for more information.

Join in with the biggest Caribbean party in London.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

8 Jul GREENFORD CARNIVAL

BRITISH MUSEUM

Fun family day out with activities for children. Ravenor Park UB6

WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated). Special events include: 17 Jul LITTLE FEET: JOURNEY THROUGH NATURE Take part in an artful journey through the exhibition Hokusai: beyond the Great Wave. Use sight, sound and touch to explore while gathering inspiration to create your own unique artwork to take home. For under 5s, 10.30am-12 noon, free.

17 Aug LITTLE FEET: MAKE A SPLASH Inspired by Hokusai’s Great Wave print, explore the wonderful world of water. Prepare to get wet and bring a towel - it’s time to splash! For under 5s, 11am and 2pm, free.

15 Jul CHISWICK AND HAMMERSMITH NCT FIRST AID BABY AND TODDLER COURSE 10am-4pm at Holiday Inn Express Hammersmith, 12-124 King Street, London, W6 0QU Email: FirstAid. ChiswickandHammersmith@nct.org.uk

15 Jul MUM2MUM MARKET IN CHISWICK A pop up market where you can buy or sell nearly new baby, children's and maternity goods in good condition at fraction of high street prices. Takes place at Southfield Primary School, Southfield Road, Bedford Park W4 1BD. From 1.30-3.30pm http://www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/north -and-west-london-nearly-new-sales.html

15 Jul ACTON CARNIVAL The colourful procession of floats, dancers and musicians will begin at Woodlands Park and move along the High Street to Acton Park. Acton Park, W3. 12-7pm. www.artification.org.uk/events/actoncarnival-2017

16 Jul PARTY ON THE PIER A fun day on and off the river at Chiswick Pier. Stalls and entertainment for all the family, as well as refreshments, canoe taster sessions, river dipping, music, children’s fun sessions with Amanda’s Action Club and face painting. Wimbledon finals game shown on a big screen!

The first free boat trip sails at 11.30am and then every 45 mins. 11.30am-4pm. www.chiswickpier.org.uk

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FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 15 Jul HETTY FEATHER & CLOVER MOON DAY: TALK AND BOOK SIGNING Author reads from Hetty Feather and Clover Moon plus free art workshop based on the Hetty Feather exhibition.

25 Jul MISS SMITH’S BOOKS Learn traditional bookbinding methods in this free family workshop. Create Hetty Feather’s journal or Clover’s sketchbook, given to them by Miss Smith. Then make marbled paper to cover your notebook in the style of Victorian marbled books.

Suitable for age 5+, free. Takes place at 10.30, 1 and 3pm.

28 Jul IDA’S STORY Take on the role of Hetty Feather the writer in this fun creative writing workshop. Suitable for age 5+,

Whales beneath the surface at THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM free. Takes place at 10.30, 1 and 3pm.

2 Aug PERFORMING WITH HETTY Free family drama workshop. Bring characters and scenes from Hetty Feather books to life using acting and play.

Suitable for age 5+, free. Takes place at 10.30, 1 and 3pm.

22 HETTY FEATHER: USING HISTORY CREATIVELY A family event with Jacqueline Wilson who will be talking about writing Hetty Feather. Alongside some of the creative people involved in transforming the books into a TV series.

2pm.

29 Aug HETTY’S SHADOW PUPPET THEATRE Make your own shadow puppet theatre in this free family workshop.

Suitable for age 5+, free. Takes place at 10.30, 1 and 3pm.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. For ages 14+ A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war.

SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces.

FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops.

Every Sat and Sun OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collectionsfeel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am -12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

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NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.3011am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day.

DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art.

For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm.

2 Jul, 6 Aug DRAWING A CROWD Take part in a collaborative drawing adventure and invite characters to step out of the paintings and be drawn into the crowd.

16 Jul, 20 Aug NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T Portraits stay still don't they? Not this one. Come and find out how to draw a portrait that moves and changes and even disappears!

STUDIO SUNDAYS hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery and are followed by a studio session. 11am and 2pm for ages 5-11.

9 Jul, 13 Aug TALES FROM THE UNDERWORLD Help to unravel the tale of Orpheus in the Underworld and create your own Ancient Greek-inspired urn, painted with scenes from the story.

23 Jul SIRENS, STORMS AND SUITORS Experience the thrilling adventures frescoed in Pintoricchio’s Penelope with the Suitors and collage a narrative of Odysseus’s story in your own triptych.

Every Weds WELCOME WEDNESDAYS Bring paintings to life through interactive music, storytelling, art and messy play activities. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers.

2 Jul, 6 Aug FAMILY WALK AND TALK Free family talk for all ages. A journey through the collection where there is a walk, talk, and bringing of paintings to life.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: 19 Jul BABYJAZZ SUMMER SPECIAL

July-August 2017

Swing and sing your way into summer at a tailored jazz workshop. This session is for children aged 16 months and up.10.30-11.10am, advanced booking essential.

24, 31 Jul, 7, 14, 21 Aug MESSY MONDAYS: EXPLORING THE STUDIO Drop-in session for children under 5 years.

Become a mini artist by exploring materials and mark making in a tactile environment inspired by a painting.

10.30am and 12.30pm.

25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8, 15, 22 Aug TALKING TUESDAYS-INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to life through singing, talking and playing.

For under 5s. 10.30am and 12.30pm.

25-27 Jul , 8-10, 22-24 Aug SAINTS, STORIES AND SINGING ANGELS Take inspiration from Renaissance altarpieces and create your own dazzling works of art. For age 2+ 11am and 2pm.

31 Jul-4 Aug and 7-11 Aug ARTIST'S APPRENTICE: BRONZE OR DISCOVER ARTS AWARD Be inspired

by National Gallery paintings and work with a professional artist to achieve a Bronze or Discover Arts Award which is a nationally recognised qualification.

11am-4pm.

1-3, 15-17 Aug INTERWOVEN Celebrate Chris Ofili’s magical tapestry by weaving together narratives told in mythological paintings and create fabulous fictional collages. 11am and 2pm drop-in. Age 2+

July-August 2017

SPECIAL EVENTS: 28 Jul CANADA 150: A CELEBRATION FEATURING AERIAL INSPIRATION Enjoy sketching aerial perspectives in Renaissance paintings and hunt for creatures, trees, and houses to create a Canadian landscape. From 2pm to 4pm, experience an afternoon of exciting activities in Canada House to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Complimentary packed lunches provided by The Trafalgar Hotel will be given to families at the National Gallery from 1pm to 2pm.

11am-4pm. Advance booking essential.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H OHE www.npg.org.uk 16 Jul DROP-IN FAMILY SESSION: COMIC CHARACTERS Drop in pop-up comic drawing studio, with a chance to meet picture-book illustrator Marta Altés, whose drawings feature in our Summer Sketching trail. Families can pick up tips on drawing characters and using humour to make your stories come alive.1pm for ages 3+ and 3pm for age 7+ 24-28 Jul and 31 Juy-4 Aug HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: PORTRAITS, PEOPLE AND PLACES Sessions exploring BP Portrait Award 2017 and the contemporary collections. Workshops include painting, drawing masterclasses and a chance to learn about judging a portrait competition. 11am-4pm.

20 Aug FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: PORTRAITS IN PLAY-DOH Join Play-

Doh artist Eleanor Macnair to recreate a photographic portrait from the gallery’s collection. During the workshop families will mould a background, figure and clothing to bring a black and white photograph to life in vivid colour. 1pm for age 7+ and 3pm for age 3+

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 17 Sept EXHIBITION: SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Escape to the tropical butterfly house and see the crawling caterpillar transform into the beautiful butterfly. Marvel at the behaviour and sheer diversity of these incredible organisms, usually found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia.

From 14 Jul NEW EXHIBITION: WHALES-BENEATH THE SURFACE Go beneath the waves to explore the extraordinary lives of whales. More than 100 specimens will be on display.

Explore whales, dolphins and porpoises’ extraordinary adaptations to their underwater environments, and learn how they are like us.

Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily work.

Drop-in, 11am-5pm.

15 Jul DAWNOSAURS A free event that lets autistic children enjoy the Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

general public. Visitors have access to a wide-ranging programme of activities, including a chance to see, meet and even touch live animals, all supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators.

A dedicated Sensory Room will also be available for those children needing a quieter and calmer space.

For ages 5-15 plus their siblings.

21 Jul, 11 Aug DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7-11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11.

24, 31 Jul, 7, 14 Aug LITTLE MERMAID AND TALES FROM THE DEEP Join the world of the deep blue sea in this puppet show with two delightful stories set beneath the waves. Free, for children up to 7 years old.

21, 28 Aug MAISIE AND THE MAMMOTH TOOTH When Maisie finds an odd-looking tooth under her pillow, she's determined to discover who it belongs to. Find out how a time-travelling tooth fairy takes Maisie back to the Ice Age on an adventure she'll never forget.

A puppet show is suitable for families with children under seven years old.

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WHAT’S ON SCIENCE MUSEUM SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY The UK's biggest interactive science gallery is filled with speciallycommissioned exhibits and artworks, live science shows, explosive demonstrations and immersive experiences led by the museum's talent team of science communicators. Day pass £8 adult, £6 child, £22.50 families.

OUR LIVES IN DATA Information about our lives is increasingly being captured, analysed and used, transforming the world around us. From toys that can understand a child's personality and smarter public transport planning to new genomic technology that is helping uncover the causes of rare diseases and cancer, big data's invisible revolution has begun.

Ages 8 to adult, free.

8 Jul SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the museum.

WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 2 Jul, 6 Aug THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities with artist Niamh Aherne.

She will be exploring and rediscovering the Wallace Collection through drawing, observation and plenty of creative experimentation. 1:30-4:30pm, all ages.

27, 28 Jul FIGURES IN ACTION: SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Make your own figurative sculpture in this two-day workshop with artist Alex Hirtzel.

Learn how to build a wire armature and use plaster to build up the figure before painting and dressing it. 10.30am-3.30pm for ages 9-12. Book in advance at:

booking@wallacecollection.org 1 Aug DELICIOUS STILL LIFE A twoday workshop exploring some of the hidden meanings found in still life paintings

by Dutch and Flemish artists in the Wallace Collection. After sketching their favourites they will then work directly from a real still life, learning how to use acrylic paints to achieve different textures and effects. 10.30am-3.30pm for ages 9-12.

Book in advance at: booking@wallacecollection.org 1, 2 Aug DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: DROP-IN AND DRAW Free, drop-in drawing workshops for all ages and abilities led by artist Hattie Moore.

10.30am and 2pm.

15 Aug ARMOUR HANDLING FOR FAMILIES Meet Curator of Arms and Armour (and real life knight!) Tobias Capwell to learn all about medieval knights, battles and tournaments and get to handle and try on some real and replica armour. Free, 1-2pm, for ages 5+

WILLIAM MORRIS SOCIETY MUSEUM W6 9TA www.williammorrissociety.org.uk SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 26 Jul WE LOVE PRINTING Create a print using natural materials inspired by William Morris designs and his garden, then make your own printing blocks or use our special wooden blocks to create a repeating wallpaper design. For ages 612, 1-3.30pm.

29 Jul WE LOVE BUNTING Create a special Kelmscott House bunting which will be displayed at the museum and in other famous houses in London, such as Leighton House. After that, you can make your own bunting to take home with you.

For ages 6-12, 10.30am-1pm.

Portraits in Play-Doh at THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY Photo credit Ruth Clarke

16 Aug WE LOVE MAY MORRIS A weaving workshop using a range of colourful wools and threads, followed by tapestry time using needles, threads and materials to make your own design inspired by William's talented daughter.

For ages 6-12, 1-3.30pm.

DAYS OUT

stories from South Asia using drama games, movement and sound in this fun and creative workshop. For ages 5-11, free, 12-1.30pm.

20 Aug STORY STARTERS! Inspired by the fascinating books on display in the Treasures Gallery, explore storytelling through illustration, conjuring new tales to share and entertain. For ages 5-11, free, 11.30am and 2pm.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN BRITISH LIBRARY NW1 2DB www.bl.uk 28 Jul SOUTH ASIAN STORIES From sheikhs to suffragettes, explore lives and

SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Environmentally themed workshops all summer long.

From Baby to Ballerina

Classes for Boys and Girls aged 21/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

July-August 2017

1 Aug CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Learn about chocolate, take part in craft activities. For ages 6-10, 10.30am-3pm.

2, 15 Aug GARDEN SAFARI Discover garden creatures, poisonous and insecteating plants and go pond-dipping.

10.30am and 1pm.

3 Aug PULP FICTION: PAPER-MAKING, PAPER STIXX, WONDERFUL WIRE AND MORE Make wonderful sculptures using a variety of material in different ways. Ages 6-16. 10.30am-3pm.

8 Aug MAKE CANDLES AND SOAP Traditional crafts using natural ingredients.

10.30am-3pm.

9, 23 Aug SILK-UNWOVEN HISTORIES Story-telling and garden exploration. For ages 7-16, 10.30am-3pm.

10 Aug A PASSION FOR PLANTS GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS Learn how to grow and care for plants.

For ages 4+ at 10.30am and 1pm.

16 Aug LOTIONS AND POTIONS Find out about the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants to heal and soothe. Make some of your own natural and low-cost remedies (ointments, syrups, scented bags) as well as a mini medicinal garden to take home. For ages 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm.

17 Aug SAUROPODS AND CYCADS: DINNER WITH DINOSAURS How the evolution of plants shaped the world of dinosaurs. For ages 7+ 10.30am-2.30pm.

22 Aug ART OF THE GARDEN Create art and craft inspired by the Garden.

July-August 2017

For ages 6+, 10.30am-2.30pm 24 Aug CSI: CHELSEA - A FORENSIC BIOLOGY MYSTERY One of the Gardeners has been found dead in a greenhouse and the police need your help to unravel the mystery! Spend a day solving a crime and discover some handy tips from nature. For ages 9-16.

10.30am-3pm.

CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDEN W4 2RP www.chgt.org.uk Until 10 Jul GIFFORDS CIRCUS: ANY PORT IN A STORM An all new Baroque inspired circus show with a great international team including a Cuban troupe, a Hungarian Csikos rider and a Ukrainian flyer. Household favourite Tweedy returns to run amok alongside the Giffords Circus band.

8, 9, 10 Aug THE LUNA CINEMA The cinema under the stars returns to Chiswick House. Grab a blanket and settle down. 8 Aug-Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 9 Aug-Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, 10 Aug-Notting Hill.

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every weekend CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past.

Suitable for ages 3+ Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories

and playtime on board. 10-11.30am for ages 4 and under.

1, 2 Jul FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: FABULOUS FLYING FISH Cutty Sark’s sailors would catch flying fish as a tasty alternative to their diet of salted beef and pea soup. In this drop-in workshop, come and learn more about what sailors ate and make a flying fish to take home with you.

11.30am and 2pm, all ages.

greens grow. Free, advanced booking essential, at 11am and 2pm.

30 Aug ART MARQUEE Join in the outdoor Art Marquee and get stuck into an activity themed around the Palace!

Learn an exciting new technique - from paper marbling and working with clay, to puppetry and pop-ups.

No booking necessary. 1-4pm.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org every Mon and Tues THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack.

16 Jul SPADDLES AND SORBETS: A HISTORY OF ICE CREAM IN BRITAIN FAMILY WORKSHOP The delightful ins and outs of ice cream through the ages. This interactive demonstration includes the opportunity to sample fresh ice cream and learn how to create your own inventive flavours at home. 1-1.45pm.

23 Jul HANDS-ON ARCHAEOLOGY Learn more about the rich and varied history of this ancient site. This drop-in session is for archaeology enthusiasts of all ages. 1-3pm.

5 Aug VEGETABLE TRAIL: AN EDIBLE ADVENTURE Eat your way around the vibrant Walled Garden with this edible tour of our delicious produce, and see for yourself how your favourite

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace Daily until 31 Aug LIVE HISTORIC COOKERY The team of history chefs prepare food fit for kings with demonstrations of Tudor roasting and experimentation with recipes, ingredients and methods, providing the experience of the sights, sounds and smells of life in King Henry VIII’s kitchens.

29 Jul, 26 Aug SATURDAY STORY TIME Enjoy a well-known story in the comfort of the palace and join in with themed toys. For under 5’s at 11.30am, 1 and 2.30pm.

11-16 Jul REAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS TROPHY A new annual international Real Tennis event celebrating Henry VIII’s favourite sport, bringing together the world’s top players on the palace’s historic court. Didn’t get tickets to Wimbledon?

Then discover the game’s centuries old

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WHAT’S ON roots as players battle it out to take home the trophy.

15, 16 Jul TUDOR JOUST The sights, smells and sounds of the Tudor court, brought to life with dazzling displays of sword fighting, courtly games, and music.

There’ll be a host of weird and wonderful Tudor instruments to discover, and the chance for young visitors to try out pieces of armour for size.

HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/wildlife.aspx 22 Jul BRILLIANT BUTTERFLIES: ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Discover these colourful acrobats through art and craft activities, quizzes and a trail looking for different species and their food plants. Find out why some butterfly species are declining and ways to encourage more butterflies to visit your garden. Free, drop-in, 12-4pm.

12 Aug DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES: WILDLIFE AREA OPEN DAY Identify these insects as they hover above the pond. See if you can find their nymphs and other pond creatures by taking part in pond dipping. Free, drop-in, 12-4pm.

26 Aug TOP OF THE CROPS: ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Harvest this year’s crop in the Edible Garden, such as tomatoes, runner beans and curly kale.

Learn more about the uses of all the different edible plants in our garden.

Make herb posies to take home and sample some different herbal teas.

Free, drop-in, 12-4pm.

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A fabulous day out at the farm!

Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more.

Mon, Tue, Wed during term-time TODDLER TIME Messy play, arts and crafts, music.

22 Jul-3 Sept SUMMER FUN Extra holiday fun with different themes, shows, crafts and water surprises!

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE TW7 4RD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-parkand-house Every weekend PADDLE SPORTS WITH THE SHARKS Fancy getting out on the water? The Sharks Canoe Club are at Osterley offering canoeing, kayaking and more on Middle Lake every weekend.

12-4pm.

21, 22 Jul BIG CAMP Swap the busy

Around The World in 80 Days at THE CADOGAN HALL lights of London for the warmth of a camp fire and enjoy an evening of activities and marshmallow toasting. 5pm-8am.

Call 0344 249 1895 to book.

22 Jul-3 Sept SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN50 things activities, Craft Cart and Family Gardening Club return for more fun in the summer holidays.

22 Jul-3 Sept SUMMER OF SPORT Get stuck in to a series of sporting activities around the estate at Osterley this summer.

16-20 Aug ALICE IN WONDERLAND Outdoor theatre.

See Lewis Carroll’s story of fantasy and adventure brought to life in the formal gardens at Osterley Park and House.

11.30am and 2.30pm.

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk Daily DUSTY'S WILDLIFE RANGERS Grab a net and try pond dipping; join the warden to discover more about wildlife; or learn how to use binoculars. Receive your free Wildlife Ranger log book packed with everything you need for a day of exciting discoveries.

4, 11, 18 and 25 Aug NIGHT SAFARIS An exciting night adventure, building dens, , listening to wildlife and looking for bats and other nocturnal animals, stargazing and stories around a roaring campfire toasting marshmallows.

7-10pm, for ages 7+ 24, 31 Aug BAT WALKS See these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics. Age 8+

FAMILY THEATRE CADOGAN HALL SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 4 Aug-3 Sept WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Michael Rosen's awardwinning book We're Going on a Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson's fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower's versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and hands-on adventure! 3+

WIN TICKETS! We have a family ticket to be won!

See page 19 for how to enter.

2 Aug-2 Sept AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS The New Vic Theatre’s celebrated production of Jules Verne’s Around The World In 80 Days returns to the stage. Nominated for both the UK Theatre Awards ‘Best New Production’ and the Manchester Theatre Awards ‘Best Show for Children and Families’, this is the production’s first national tour. The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

We join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the Wild West in a race against the clock. An ensemble cast of 8 play over 125 characters in an imaginative and physically inventive highspirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!

LYRIC THEATRE W1D 7ES www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk Book Now: 5 Jul-10 Sept WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs! Age 3+

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 25 Jul THE ADVENTURES OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND MUSICAL SHOW Don’t be late for a very important date!

Musical show for children aged 2-6.

PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT www.peacocktheatre.com 18-23 Jul MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELLA Everyone’s favourite ragsto-riches story, in a beautifully adapted

July-August 2017

ballet version for children aged three upwards. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev's ravishing score, the production is a unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School.

PICCADILLY THEATRE W1D 7DY www.anniewestend.com Jul and Aug ANNIE THE MUSICAL The world’s favourite family musical makes its long-awaited return to London, starring comedy superstar Miranda Hart high kicking, falling over and passing out as Miss Hannigan!

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Until 9 Jul THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE AND OTHER TALES FROM AESOP An exciting collection of tales, all told with wood-carved marionettes, culminating in the classic The Hare and the Tortoise. For ages 3+ In Jul and Aug the barge will be moving to Richmond-on-Thames 22 Jul-6 Aug THE THREE PIGS AND THE WOLF PLUS CAPTAIN GRIMEY For ages 3-7.

9 Aug- 1 Oct THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE AND OTHER TALES FROM AESOP

RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 18-20 Aug THE GRUFFALO A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood... Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For age 3+ 29 Aug-3 Sept THE RAILWAY CHILDREN E. Nesbit’s classic novel brought thrillingly to life in a new stage production. a compelling coming of age story and a fascinating insight into Edwardian rural life.

July-August 2017

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com Visit the exhibition desk to buy tickets every day or call 020 7902 1599 for more information.

Learn about Shakespeare’s world and his plays through interactive activities and demonstrations at Shakespeare’s Globe. £10 Family tickets for a limited period.

Ages 5+

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Until 20 Aug ADVENTURES IN MOOMINLAND Clamber through forests, huddle in caves or set sail on the high seas to try and find the Moomin family. Along the way you can learn how Tove Jansson created these unique landscapes, characters and stories, while uncovering some fine original drawings.

Every Sun until 24 Sept MONSKI MOUSE'S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL Get your heads, shoulders, knees and toes wiggling and jiggling to a quirky inspired DJ set. Playing a selection of retro hits and children's music, Monski Mouse and her dancers, encourage parents and carers to party and play hard with their little ones, while they are still young enough to not be embarrassed by ‘dad-dancing’ or the ‘mum-step.’ Ages 0-5. www.udderbellyfestival.com 2, 15 Jul PRAM JAM A morning of stories and song for little ones. It’s a fun and accessible singing session where big and small people have fun together!

3, 10 Jul DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong.

Gamelan for ages 3-5.

8 Jul SNAPPY OPERA WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN Learn about the key

We’re going on a Bear Hunt at THE CADOGAN HALL elements of opera and have a go at singing and performing yourself.

For ages 7-11.

8 Jul THE ITCH-WITCH Children are invited to explore the ambiguous nature of witches in this visual and atmospheric event for ages 8 - 11.

10 Jul GONG BABIES GAMELAN Bring your babies aged under six months for a fun music workshop, with no experience required.

15, 16 Jul AFRICA UTOPIA Celebrating the arts and culture of Africa with many events including talks, workshops, music, performance and food.

29 Jul onwards SUMMERTIME Six weekends of fun, an outdoor music stage and art installations. A huge programme of events (many of them free). Inside, there's dance and performance from an eclectic mix of national and international companies. Outside, six themed weekends of fun, an outdoor music stage and art installations.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/ theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Until 22 Jul 42ND STREET the song and dance, American dream fable of Broadway. Young Peggy Sawyer is fresh off the bus from small-town America and just another face in the chorus line on Broadway’s newest show. But when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just have the shot at stardom she’s always dreamed of…For age 5+

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Until 9 Jul DOUBLE DOUBLE ACT Are children and adults sometimes the same?

What does adulthood really mean? And what kind of things do we both find funny? A show performed with 8-year-olds and adults that playfully explores these questions. For ages 6+ 29 Jun-17 Jul SENSACIONAL 2017 Bring your toddler along to a sound and light show in which they are the participants. Watch as your child puts on a white suit and becomes part of a digital world of ladybirds, shapes, squiggles and squarks that won’t keep still, no matter how hard you try to catch them!

Until 19 Aug BABY SHOW A sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that keep little ones rapt. The show playfully explores getting ready to go outside. For ages 6-18 months.

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE WC2R 0NH www.snarkthemusical.com 26 Jul-2 Sept THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly original, ultramodern adaptation inspired by his beloved classic poem. The show features five highenergy actors, a life-like puppet, fantastical characters, and lashings of daft humour.

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SCHOOL OPEN DAY DATES School Arts Educational Schools London

Address Age Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Road W4 1LY 11-18

Dates 27 Sept for ages 11-13+ entry.

26 Sept 6pm for Sixth Form entry

Contact details 020 8987 660 · www.artsed.co.uk pupils@artsed.co.uk

Clifton Lodge School London

8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG

3-13

14 Oct

020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

Durston House

12 Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2DR

4-13B

By appointment

020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.org info@durstonhouse.org

St Benedict’s School

Junior School and Nursery (age 3-11) 5 Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, W5 2XP Senior School and Sixth Form (age 11-18) 54 Eaton Rise, Ealing W5 2ES

3-18

Senior School Open Morning :21 Sept Nursery & Junior School Open Morning : 26 Sept Sixth Form Open Evening : 11 Oct Whole School Open Morning: 14 Oct

Book a place on the website or arrange a personal visit with the Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk

Harvington Prep School

20 Castlebar Road Ealing W5 2DS

3-4 co-ed 5-11G

By appointment

0208 997 1583 www.harvingtonschool.com admin@harvingtonschool.com

St Augustine’s Priory

Hillcrest Road, Ealing W5 2JL

3-18G

Open day:7 Oct, 10-12 noon School in Action: 18 Oct, 9-12 for Nursery and Preps

020 8997 2022 www.sapriory.com admissions@sapriory.com

Avenue House School

70 The Avenue, Ealing W13 8LS

3-11

Individual tours by appointment

020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org school@avenuehouse.org

Notting Hill and Ealing High School (GDST)

26 St Stephens Road, W13 8HH (Junior)

4-18G Entry at 4+ 7+, 11+ and 16+

Junior: 4+ and 7+ (Parents Only) 21 Sept 10.15am 4 Oct 1.15am 17 Oct 10.15am Senior: (Parents Only) 26 Sept, 9 Oct, 10.45am 9 Nov 10.45am Senior School Open Evening: Parents & girls welcome - no booking 18 Oct 4.30pm · Sixth Form: 3 Oct

Booking essential.

Admissions (Miss Lauren Smith) 020 8991 2165 www.nhehs.gdst.net enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net

Orley Farm School

South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill Middx HA1 3NU

4-13

7 Oct 10am-12pm or Wednesday morning by appointment

Booking essential. www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

11-18B 16-18G

Sixth Form: 30 Sept 9.30am - 12.00pm Whole School: 14 Oct 9.30am - 12.00pm

Book to attend at: www.shiplake.org.uk/opendays

Shiplake College Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire (Boarding and Day School) RG9 4BW

Plan ahead and book open day dates in the Autumn term for your child starting school, moving to high school at 11 or 13, or if you are considering a change.

Places get booked up early so get in touch with the school and put it in your diary. Full listings of all schools in and around West London will appear in our September and October issues.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

July-August 2017

Seize the summer with Explore Learning Explore Learning are encouraging families to seize the summer. To help you do this they have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently!

• SEND A POSTCARD Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post?

They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

• START A BLOG Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

• HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.

July-August 2017

• READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE! A study by OUP showed that just 10 mins of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 minutes in. They will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading.

Visit: explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!

• PLAY SOME GAMES There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Needs some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local

charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

• TUITION To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option.

Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved.

Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch today!

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Bored no more: The BEST summer reads for kids Dodge the learning gap with these page-turners from our summer selection of children’s books.

From coding to classic fairy tales with a twist, even a reluctant reader will be intrigued.

Little Red

By David Roberts & Lynn RobertsMaloney, due out in June, £6.99 Age: 3+ This highly imaginative spin on the traditional tale of Red Riding Hood is set in the eighteenth century. The book is about boy called Thomas, also known as ‘Little Red,’ his grandmother, a wolf and a massive keg of fizzing ginger beer!

Can he save his grandma with this special beverage?

The Journey

By Francessca Sanna, £7.99 Age: 3+ This is a beautifully illustrated, child friendly picture book about a family fleeing war. What’s it like to leave everything behind and start a life in a new country?

A mother and her two children set out on such a journey, with the fear of the unknown but also great hope. If you are struggling to explain the news coverage about refugees, this book is a good place to start. It’s recommended that you read this book with your child, so you can explain any questions they may have.

There's a Werewolf in My Tent!

By Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham, £6.99. Age: 5-8 A fun book aimed at the newly confident reader. Izzy and her friends are really excited about going 16

on a camping trip with the school but the excitement soon turns to trepidation. Weird things start to happen, sausages go missing, it’s a nearly a full moon and then they see their new teacher’s hairy legs.

Suddenly they realise, there’s a werewolf on the school trip!

A Bear Grylls Adventure 1: The Blizzard Challenge By bestselling author and Chief Scout Bear Grylls £4.99. Age: 5-8 Young adventurers will love this first book in a series of 12 adventures written by survival expert Bear Grylls. Olly loathes activity camp, he doesn’t want to be building shelters or foraging for food, he’d rather be at home in the warm playing computer games. It all changes when he’s given a magic compass with a fifth direction. He follows it and finds himself magically transported to a high mountain range, where he meets Bear Gyrlls. With Bear’s help he must learn to survive sub-zero temperatures but will he change his mind about perseverance and teamwork?

Super Dad’s Day Off

By Phil Earle, £6.99 Age: 5-8 An energetic book which is perfect for fans of caped crusaders. Stan is a normal boy, whose dad happens to be the world’s best superhero.

Normally his dad takes Fridays off to spend the day with Stan. But one Friday, they meet a series of people who need their help. They end up in a series of mini-adventures, including rescuing a lion stuck up a tree and surviving shark-infested waters!

Cool Coding

By Rob Hansen & Damien Weighill, £9.99.

Ages: 8-12 This fun book takes a look at everything your

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

technical whizz-kid needs to know about computers and coding.

With the subject now on the curriculum, it’s vital that kids know how coding has helped to build the websites and apps they love to use. This quirky guide covers binary code, the brave new world of artificial intelligence and cloud computing in accessible bite-sized chunks.

The Giant’s Necklace

By Michael Morpurgo, £8.99, Ages: 8-12 A thrilling ghost story which is set in Cornwall’s industrial past, written by Michael Morpurgo of War Horse fame. It all begins with Cherry’s shell necklace, she needs to complete it before the end of her holiday but on her search for the last Cowrie shells, the weather turns and she gets cut off from the shore…

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

By Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo, £17.99.

Ages 8-12 Great bedtime reading and an antidote to the traditional fairy tales that tell girls they should wait to be rescued by a handsome prince. This book was crowdfunded to showcase some amazing role models for girls.

It tells the stories of 100 heroic women, from Amelia Earhart to Serena Williams. Empowering, moving and inspirational, these real life heroines will inspire generations of young women for years to come.

Article by Claire Winter

July-August 2017

July-August 2017

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What kids REALLY need to know before starting school read before they start? Will that give them a bump up to the ‘top table,’ and if they can’t read does that mean they will never catch up?

Just five minutes ago you were bringing your little one home from the hospital. Now you’re shopping for their first school uniform and trying to find a suitable pair of school shoes. Where did the time go? If you go onto any parenting forum once the primary school offers go out, you’ll find lots of panicking parents worried that their little one will be left behind if they aren’t properly prepared. Relax. All children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways. There is no definitive list of must-have skills for them to have acquired before the start of term. There are a few basics that can be helpful. Read on to find out what your child really needs to know before they start school.

Holding a pencil There is a myth that your child will be expected to at least write their own name before they start school.

This isn’t the case at all, and no one expects a child who is four or who has just turned five to achieve this straight away. There will always be some who can, but that doesn’t mean anything. Remember when we said earlier that all children develop differently? Being able to hold a pencil confidently though is quite useful.

Again, don’t panic if they can’t.

Some children are simply late at developing gross motor skills, and some may face other barriers. Both hypermobility syndrome and dyspraxia, for example, make holding a pencil and putting pressure on paper hard. If you suspect that’s the case for your child, try building them up slowly by encouraging them to play with Lego or Duplo, or make models from modelling clay.

Dressing and undressing Independent dressing is something children should be able to do.

Some things may be difficult for children at Reception age like buttons, but there is a reason why the

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early year’s uniform is usually based around t-shirts and jumpers.

Don’t send them to school at this age with shoes that have laces.

Staff will be there to help them with dressing, particularly when they start changing for PE lessons, but most children at this age can’t tie their own laces and aren’t expected to. Velcro fastenings are much faster and also give children some independence.

Using the toilet on their own Now, this is a must-have skill. If your child has been in private daycare, they may be used to having staff around that help them with toileting. There is a lot less of this in school. Unless a child has special needs, they will need to wipe themselves and be able to flush the toilet.

Reading This is one area where some parents (and we all know the type) can get competitive.

Unfortunately, this can have the knock-on effect of dragging other parents into worrying about it as well. Should your child be able to

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There is no need to be so anxious.

Reception is not as academically oriented as Year 1. There is no expectation that any child will be able to read at such a young age.

Indeed it may even be a disadvantage. There is more than one type of phonics for example - what if you have used a different type of phonics to the school? Or you haven’t used phonics at all in teaching them to read? Don’t spend the summer trying to get them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy your time together instead. There are lots of studies out there that show reading to your child every day has a far better impact on their educational outcomes.

Mastering cutlery The chances are that your child will have cooked, school dinners.

First off, don’t get anxious if they aren’t that great cutting up their food. There will be dinner supervisors there to help them.

Most schools (possibly all schools) arrange dinner times so that nursery and reception children come in first, and are able to take their time picking their food, and settling down at the table.

However, if your child can use a knife and fork, and cut their own food, it will make lunchtimes a lot easier for them. They will also be expected to carry their food tray and take plates up to be washed.

This is something you can prepare them for at home by getting them to carry their plates out to the kitchen after meals.

For more information about starting school, please visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk

July-August 2017

ACTIVITIES, CLUBS & CLASSES MUSIC FOR BABIES & TODDLERS HARTBEEPS. Award-winning, original, multi-sensory musical baby and toddler classes with original music, bubbles, costumes, twinkles, sparkly parachutes, puppets and more.

Classes in West Kensington, North Kensington, Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush and Maida Vale. Contact Louise on: loulou@hartbeeps.com · 07738 522856

DANCE BALLET4LIFE. Since 2004. Ballet4life offers top quality welcoming daily ballet, dance and fitness classes taught by professionals. All classes are held in large dance studios and our programme includes creative dance classes for kids, beginner ballet and barre courses, and dance fitness. Mums and babies welcome. www.ballet4life.com Follow us: @ballet4lifeuk Like us: https://www.facebook.com/ballet4life.uk/ DANCE GALLERY. Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years old. 0208 566 9672 jill@dancegallery.co.uk · www.dancegallery.co.uk KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years.

Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham 07957 650 042 · www.kensingtonballet.com STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS provides fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers.

We offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child can try the class out.

To enrol go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk info@stagecoach.co.uk WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY Ballet classes in Chiswick & Ealing. Free Trial Lesson.

07795 578781 · natalieparnell.wlda@gmail.com www.westlondondanceacademy.com

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 - 16 years. 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

DRAMA ARTSED EXTRA Saturday Skills Academy. Weekly Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance classes in Chiswick - creative fun for children of all ages and abilities. For ages 4-16. ptc@artsed.co.uk · 020 8987 6692 www.artsed.co.uk PERFORM Perform weekly drama, dance and singing.

Ages: 4-12. About: A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential.

Small classes and lots of individual attention. No-obligation FREE trial for newcomers.

Summer 2017 term themes: From April, Perform 4-7s will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane.

The 7-12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe in a space-age version of the castaway survival classic.

Dates: Summer term runs until 21st July and starts up again 2nd September 2017.

Venues:Acton, Brook Green, Chiswick, Ealing, Hammersmith, Kensington W8, Ladbroke Grove, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Nottinghill, Shepherds Bush, Turnham Green, West Kensington.

020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk · www.perform.org.uk/try STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS provides fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers.

We offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child can try the class out. To enrol go to: info@stagecoach.co.uk · www.stagecoach.co.uk Chiswick: 0208 398 4709 Ealing: 01494 260249 Hammersmith & Kensington: 0208 398 8106

FOOTBALL/SPORTS KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8).

Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7.

020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk · www.kiddikicks.co.uk

GYM & DANCE TWISTERS Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama. Toddlers to Teenagers. 020 8933 9997 or: 020 8840 4452 twisters@btinternet.com · www.twisters.org.uk

SWIMMING WATER BABIES Maida Vale, Bayswater, Great Ormond St, Fulham. 020 7585 1510 · www.waterbabies.co.uk

LANGUAGES ARABIC for Women and Children.

Female teacher. 07956 845 053

TUTORS & LEARNING SUPPORT EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres.

5-14 years. Free Trial session.

Ealing 020 8090 8710 · Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring.

020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 -11years. 07050 246 810 VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition, Arts, craft & design.

All ages. 020 8932 1010

ARTS & CRAFTS

FUN WITH FIMO Creative Craft Sessions for ages 6+ in Acton. www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

BABY YOGA & MASSAGE WEST LONDON BABIES Baby Massage and yoga classes, Chiswick Sling Library, Family First Aid session, Breastfeeding Buddy sessions and Pregnant Parents Social Club. Also The Bub Hub which runs every fortnight and is a collective of professionals working together to support parents during the first year of their baby's life. Subjects covered include baby massage and babywearing, sleep, feeding, managing expectations, returning to work, Mums of More than One, 6-12 month old focus and lots more. info@westlondonbabies.com www.westlondonbabies.com

CLASSIFIED ADS: PARTIES

HOME TUITION Private English Tuition One to one private tuition, literature and language at any level from 11+ to A2.

All sessions tailored to the student’s needs, £25 per hour.

Experienced tutor and current MA literature student with a passion for the subject.

For more information please email:

danwatters13@hotmail.co.uk or call: 07879 358 009

To celebrate We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’s return to Cadogan Hall, Families West London magazine has one family ticket (admits 4) to give away!

There are a number of bear paw prints hidden throughout this magazine. To WIN, find them all (excluding this one!) then email the number you find together with the code Families West, your name and the subject heading to: BEARHUNT FAMILIES WEST LONDON COMPETITION to: info@kennywax.com before 31 July 2017.

T&C’s - Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see the London production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Cadogan Hall from 4 Aug - 3 Sept. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, non-transferable and hold no cash value. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of 31 July 2017 and all decisions will be final.

July-August 2017

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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