Families upon Thames July - Aug 2014

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July/August 2014 Issue 96

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Contents

LINDA STONE, Editor m: 07530 283330 t: 020 8241 0423 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Page 4

Health and Wellbeing

Page 6

Parenting

Page 8

Early Years Care and Education

Page 11

Food and Nutrition

Page 12

Summer Days Out

Page 19

Summer Workshops, Camps and Courses

Page 24

Classes, Clubs and Activities

Page 27

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING

CONFIDENCE CRISIS!

By Hannah Ashenden

When the euphoria of early parenthood passes, a new challenge awaits: creating a new life and identity for ourselves. This can be particularly hard for mothers who have previously been career-focussed, and can lead to crises of confidence as they ask themselves: ”Who am I now?” ”What if I’m not a good mother?” “What if I can’t handle a job again?”

Deborah, a recent client, found herself lacking confidence as a mother and feeling judged by other mothers. She felt increasingly reticent about going out and socialising, whilst at the same time criticising herself for not getting out with her new baby.

Several techniques were useful in helping Deborah into a positive, empowered state.

“I am where I am, and that’s okay” is a mantra which reminds us to love who we are today, that the present moment is just a moment, and that we will not feel like this forever. This acceptance of ourselves and the present situation makes it more possible to change aspects of our behaviour which are making us feel scared and trapped.

What do I really want?

Even if we don’t know what our goals are, we know that we want to feel better. We can define how we would like to feel - happy, free, confident - even if we don’t know how

to get there. Deborah created a written goal that encapsulated exactly how – in her words, ‘the real, strong me’ would feel. This made use of the brain’s Reticular Activating System, the part that cannot distinguish between imagination and reality. If we focus on how we would like to feel, this part of our brain raises our awareness of situations and behaviours that can assist us. By revisiting her goal daily and imagining the feelings it invoked, Deborah began to assimilate her ideal feelings into her present day behaviour, becoming more willing to venture out and try new things.

Harnessing the Inner Dialogue Deborah was shocked to discover that the questions she was asking herself during her interactions with other mums were 90% negative. Questions like “Why can’t I look that fresh after no sleep?” “Why did I just say that?” “Why didn’t I know about baby-led weaning?”

She realised that she needed to calm this dialogue. Whenever she noticed herself feeling bad, she asked herself whether her thoughts were helpful or hindering. Simply by questioning this, she was able to stop hindering thoughts and ask herself new questions, such as ‘how could I enjoy this moment more?’ and ‘what would I like to learn here?’

These exercises helped Deborah develop a sense of control and choice over her thinking which had an immediate effect on her confidence and self-perception. She spent less time worrying, and more time appreciating herself as an individual and as a mother, and started to enjoy the company of others again.

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Hannah Ashenden runs Coaching for Mums. For further information about how Hannah can help you overcome obstacles in your life, visit www.coachingformums.net and contact her for a FREE telephone consultation.

IS YOUR CHILD ALLERGIC TO COW’S MILK? By Dr Robert Arlt Cow’s milk allergies are among the most common childhood food allergies in developed countries, affecting between 2% and 7.5% of children under 1 year old. Many children this age are also allergic to eggs. Often children grow out of the allergies between the ages of 3 and 5 years and cow’s milk or egg allergies rarely develop in older children or adults.

As with other foods, allergies to cow’s milk come in two different forms, IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated. The symptoms caused by these different categories of allergy are quite different.

IgE mediated allergy leads to immediate reactions, usually no later than a couple of hours after milk has been drunk. The symptoms mainly include itchy rashes and swellings, but can also include breathing problems or even anaphylactic shock. Skin and blood tests are available that are used to indicate sensitivity to specific foods. For the most serious symptoms, a diagnosis can only be reached by using food challenges in a hospital setting, because of the risk of severe reactions.

Non-IgE mediated allergy causes delayed symptoms, often up to a couple of weeks after ingestion. The symptoms are usually related to more moderate stomach and bowel problems and skin changes. The non-IgE mediated cow’s milk allergy quite frequently causes acid reflux.

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July-August 2014

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HOW SLEEPING DISORDERS MAY AFFECT YOUR CHILD

By Dr Karina Patel

July-August 2014

* TMJ is the abbreviation for Tempromandibular, or jaw joint.

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The Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea are as follows: ◆ Abnormal sleeping positions, including lying with head off the bed or propped up on pillows ◆ Loud and frequent snoring ◆ Stopping breathing during the night for a few seconds, followed by choking, gasping, and waking up ◆ Sweating heavily during sleep ◆ Sleeping restlessly ◆ Wetting the bed ◆ Difficulty waking up even though they have been sleeping an adequate length of time ◆ Headaches during the day, particularly in the morning ◆ Irritable, aggressive or cranky behaviour ◆ Falling asleep or daydreaming at school or at home ◆ Behavioural problems ◆ Suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) ◆ Learning difficulties

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This category of allergy also includes Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES).

This allergy can lead to severe diarrohea and vomiting within an hour after eating. Unfortunately, reliable tests are still not available for non-IgE mediated allergies and they can only be diagnosed by taking a thorough note of the history of symptoms and leaving out and then re-introducing specific foods, in consultation with a dietitian.

It’s important to consult a doctor, if your child regularly experiences any of the moderate symptoms listed above, or if you suspect a specific food is responsible and would like to confirm an allergy. Of course, a doctor must be consulted more urgently, if your child experiences breathing problems, severe swellings or itchy rashes.

Just like adults, children can suffer with airway and breathing disorders which affect their sleep and their health. These include Sleep Apnoea, which can be caused by disorders associated with the jaw joint, otherwise known as TMD. Sleep Apnoea is a disorder affecting millions worldwide.

Those that suffer from it literally stop and start breathing all through the night. Sleep Apnoea is often caused by a poorly positioned jaw and/or tongue, which can lead to a blocked airway.

Untreated Sleep Apnoea contributes to conditions such as cardiovascular problems, heart attack, stroke, depression

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PARENTING

Setting Boundaries and Saying “No” to Your Child

By Alison Banks

Setting Boundaries The setting of boundaries is an area in which I have not always been great as a parent. With our first child, I felt that I should say “yes” to everything.

In hindsight, I can see that this wasn’t as successful as the clearer boundaries that I set with my last child, to which I have also tended to stick. He is probably a more secure child for the boundaries and has followed my example and set clear, easy-to-follow boundaries for me!

When thinking about boundaries, it’s useful to consider what you want for your children. Setting and sticking to clear boundaries results in children who understand the meaning of “no,” who can self-regulate, who can say “no” themselves in their own peer group and who can inspire and lead others because they have the confidence to take courses of action that are different from other children.

Setting boundaries for our children means that they grow up into responsible adults who understand the need for rules and principles and why they are useful.

Sticking to Boundaries It is essential that you stick to the boundaries you set for your child. If you don’t, this can undermine your child’s trust in you. A child’s world is not safe when the adults in it don’t do what they say they are going to do. When children’s trust in their parents is habitually undermined, their own self-confidence is likely to suffer. They will also understand how to manipulate you, because you haven’t stuck to your boundaries. The result of this is that you are likely to feel angry and controlled. Most parents don’t relish feeling controlled by their kids!

Saying ‘No’ Think of the last time you said “no” to your child. How did you feel? If you felt bad or uncomfortable about it then it may mean you are feeling guilty about some aspect of your parenting. As a parent, it is important not to respond from a place of guilt about anything that has happened in the past. If you do so,

you will not be parenting effectively, simply compounding the problem. Instead, if you feel guilty, try to examine why.

Perhaps you are feeling guilty because your child is constantly asking for gifts/toys/ice creams when you are out. You know you have bought them in the past to keep your child quiet, and you feel guilty about that. So, rather than repeating the same behaviour, forgive yourself for taking this short cut in the past, and decide and discuss with your children how you want to do things differently in future. As soon as you forgive yourself, you are open to new possibilities and choices and can move on. If you don’t, the pattern becomes locked in. Recognise that having the courage to say “no” is one of the hallmarks of a loving, caring parent.

Of course, there should always be a balance between saying “yes” and “saying “no.” There is tremendous value in children seeing their parents as their friends and allies – people who naturally do what they can to help and support them, rather than just say “no” without good reason. That’s why when you do need to say “no,” it is best to explain your reasons, such as “right now there is something I need to do for myself” or “no, I am just too tired right now to do that,” or “it’s just not practical right now because . . . “ Boundaries are a good subject for a family discussion over lunch or dinner. It is really positive for your children’s self-confidence to feel that they are included in the family decision-making process, and that their views are valued. Additionally, principles and boundaries that are not dictated to them but reflective of a discussion which they were part of are usually far easier to implement!

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July-August 2014

Most parents begin to think about potty training when their child reaches 2 years of age. However, this is by no means set in stone and it’s not uncommon for a child of 3 years to still wear nappies.

Successful potty training requires a child to know that their bladder is full. In order to realize this, a signal must be sent via the spine to the brain and, until this link is fully established, normally at around age 2, children simply don’t have the ability to potty train. Additionally, every child develops potty training skills at his or her own pace, and can’t be rushed!

By Jenny Neville

them much more exciting! Buy several packets as you may find yourself throwing some away.

Once you start potty training, use only these pants rather than pull-ups.

Potty or Toilet?

A potty can be less intimidating for a child than a grown up toilet, but let your child lead the way. If they want to skip the potty stage, that’s fine. Whenever you move on to using the toilet, a step and child’s toilet seat are recommended for independence and comfort. Let children flush the toilet themselves from early on as sometimes the flush can seem a little scary and it may take your child time to get used to it.

Preparation Prior to starting potty training, it’s useful to: ✿ Introduce your child to the potty or toilet ✿ Talk to your child about wees and poos ✿ Read books to your child about potty training ✿ Let your child see you or an older sibling using the toilet

Out and About Be prepared! Always take spare clothes, a travel potty, wipes and plastic bags. The protection offered by waterproof seat covers for buggies and car seats is also worth considering. Regularly ask your child if they need a wee and encourage them to try before leaving the house, at intervals whilst you are out, and when you return. Don’t be embarrassed about pulling out the travel potty in a public place – it’s all part of the process and won’t be forever.

Consistency There are different methods of potty training and choice is yours. One thing, however, is paramount – consistency. Being consistent clear and constant messages to your child and avoids confusion. For this reason, you may choose not to use pull ups or training pants. Insisting your child uses the potty or toilet in one instance, and telling them that it’s okay to do a wee or a poo in their pull-ups the next, is inconsistent.

Instead, go on a fun shopping trip and let your child choose some pants. Many supermarkets sell inexpensive pants featuring children’s favourite characters, which makes

Accidents Accidents will happen but stay positive and remember that your child is still learning – they don’t want to be wet any more than you want them to be! Offer plenty of praise and hugs when your child does well, and try not to show your frustration when accidents do occur.

No Success?

If you have no success at all during the first two or three weeks of potty training, your child probably just isn’t ready. Forcing things will just create stress. Just wait a few weeks and try again. Remember that it’s crucial you are committed to supporting your child in this process - half-hearted approaches are rarely successful.

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Jenny Neville is a Parent Consultant and founder of Mama Knows Best, which empowers parents by offering support and advice on a variety of parenting topics. Consultations are available one-to-one or in small groups. For further information, visit www.mamaknowsbest.org.uk

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Families Upon Thames Magazine

. Early Years Care and Education .

GROWING CONFIDENT, HAPPY LEARNERS AT NURSERY

By Olivia Malaure

ssori Nurs e t e on

S ry ol cho

Julia ’s M

Even before the arrival of a child many parents have already made decisions about the type of educational experience they want for their new family member: the overwhelming majority state that they want their child to be a confident, happy learner.

The leap from nursery to school can be a big transition for a child.“School offers lots of new and exciting opportunities and experiences” comments Sandra Peacock from Bright Horizons Nurseries. “The role of nursery is to equip each child with the confidence, curiosity and learning skills necessary to embrace

these opportunities and continue their journey as lifelong learners.”

In order to achieve this, it is vital to choose a setting that nourishes and nurtures each individual child’s potential.

Nursery settings also have a role to play in supporting parents to help their children prepare for success in school and life. For instance, Bright Horizons offers a Ready for School program which outlines simple activities which parents can undertake with their children to inspire early learning.

“Ready for School is supported by our Growing Education Enhancements: Growing Readers, Growing Writers and Growing Mathematicians, programs which have been developed by our knowledgeable and skilled Early Years Practitioners” comments Sandra.

Growing Readers includes includes play and learning activities that can be undertaken at home such as visiting a library, which not only inspires reading but helps a child understand that books can be located by title or author’s name. Growing Mathematicians encourages parents to make sandwiches with their child, counting the corners, thereby teaching children about shapes, and helping them develop an understanding of the purpose

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and importance of maths in their lives. Sandra explains that adult-guided activities such as sewing and weaving, which are included in Growing Writers, are essential for children to develop the co-ordination skills needed to hold and manipulate a pen, and to master the complex skills of handwriting.

Parents can find out more about Bright Horizons Ready for School Enhancements and try the activities by using its new Ready for School App. “Parents can choose activities that are suitable for use either at

home or out and about and enjoy helping preparing their children for school” says Sandra.

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Bright Horizons has nurseries throughout the Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow boroughs and in North Surrey.

For further information, visit www.brighthorizons.co.uk

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR NURSERY

By Olivia Malaure

If you are starting your child at nursery at age 2 or above, it’s possible they may never have been left in the care of someone outside of the family before. So if you want to get off to a good start, it’s advisable to prepare your child in advance for the practicalities of being at an Early Years setting.

Here a few tips: ✿ Encourage your child to dress themselves and put on their shoes without help by playing ‘dressing up races!’ ✿ Help your child remember where they have left their belongings by playing ‘hide and seek’ games with different objects around the house. ✿ Choose a lunch box and water bottle that your child can use and let them practice opening and closing them until you are

comfortable they can manage this well. ✿ Encourage your child to use the toilet independently, reminding them about flushing and washing their hands. ✿ Select some items of clothing that they can wear to nursery that are easy to take on and off.

Encouraging your children to start to think for themselves, learn about their responsibilities and problem solve will really help them settle in quickly at nursery.

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. Early Years Care and Education .

NEW WEBSITE LITTLE WRENS OPENS NEW PRE-SCHOOL IN TWICKENHAM OFFERS INFORMATION

By Linda Stone, Editor

This September will see the opening of a new pre-school in Twickenham. Little Wrens Nursery School will open its doors to children ages 2 to 5 years, offering morning and afternoon sessions during term time.

Run by two qualified teachers with over 24 years of combined experience in education and childcare, the School’s priority will be a curriculum which is focussed on learning and development, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Co-proprietors Penny and Laura are passionate about delivering an outstanding standard of education during the pre-school years, within a nurturing, caring and safe environment. However, they stress that learning during the early years is accomplished through play. “Children won’t be sitting at desks learning how to hold a pencil” assures Penny. “But they will benefit from our knowledge and understanding of the kinds of activities that will stimulate their development and prepare them for more structured learning.”

Little Wrens will be situated in a newly

ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHILDCARE VOUCHER SCHEME

By Linda Stone, Editor refurbished setting based in the grounds of All Hallows Church in Twickenham. It will comprise The Rainbow Room, a bright, colourful space which will be used for group work, and The Long Room, a large space, fully equipped with brand new learning resources and equipment arranged to reflect the seven core areas of learning. The connected indoor and outdoor space will enable children to move freely in and out of doors as they explore, and the setting also includes a second large garden area with outdoor equipment.

Little Wrens has places available for September.

For more information, email info@littlewrenstwickenham.co.uk or call Laura on 07773 409866 or Penny on 07951 230754.

A new independent information hub has recently been launched for parents wanting to understand the government’s proposed changes to the childcare system, as announced in the 2014 Budget.

The hub details how the changes will affect parents, employers and childcare providers and what options are available right now. It includes a comparison of how the current Childcare Voucher Scheme system compares to the Tax-Free Childcare Proposals being made by the Government, a childcare costs guide and a downloadable childcare costs calculator.

It will also provide a constant, up-to-date source of news to keep track of the latest developments to the proposed regulations.

The hub can be accessed at www.tax-free-childcare.info/

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. Early Years Care and Education .

QUIET TIME For many parents, holidays are about spending more time with their children.

But don’t be driven into the trap of thinking that this time should be made up entirely of outings and treats. Quiet time together is equally important.

One of the best ways of relaxing and spending quiet time with your child is by reading a bedtime story, particularly if this is

something that goes by the wayside at other times. Reading to your child is a crucial part of creating a good home learning environment.

Charity BookTrust comments that if parents read a bedtime story every day, their child will be 12 months ahead when they start school and that even reading to them two or three times a week gives them a 6 month head start.

But it’s not just about academic success – reading a bedtime story together can help your child unwind, prepare for sleep, and process the events of the day. You may even find that a shared story sparks a conversation between

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you that might otherwise not have taken place.

For tips on age-appropriate books that your child will love, visit www.booktrust.org.uk

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You can take advantage of 25% off the price of your child’s first full month of tuition at participating Explore Learning Centres if you join in July.

Explore Learning Centres provide maths and English tuition to 5 to 14 year olds, as well as courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open 7 days a week and children attend up

to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for membership.

All Explore courses work to the National Award-Winning Curriculum with Tuition When individualised You Join learning programs tailored in July! to the needs of

25% off

Call Katy: 07902 996240/020 3305 6541 Ad_Short Courses FUT Mag_MAY14_PROOF 16/05/2014 16:38 Page 1 To book a trial and to view T&Cs, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk or call your local centre in katy@heartnannies.co.uk Cobham, Hampton, Hounslow or Walton. www.heartnannies.co.uk

THINK BACK TO SCHOOL NOW!

By Clare Humphries

A Flexible Career around your Family train to be a complementary therapist Courses in Body Massage, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Nutrition and Personal Training. Courses run in the evening, weekend or during the week to suit all circumstances.

Body Massage Summer intensive courses in June and July; Sports Massage in August www.smuc.ac.uk shortcourses@smuc.ac.uk 020 8240 4321

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Yes, I know the kids have only JUST broken up from school, but, trust me, the next couple of months will simply race by, crammed with holidays, day trips and outings.

I always think that I have plenty of time to sort out school labels before term starts. And what happens? I end up staying up the whole night before, labelling endless pieces of uniform, shoes, underwear, book bags, sports kit and lunch boxes.

Until last year - when I discovered Snappy Tags, which must be the quickest, easiest way of securely labelling soft and hard items on the planet.

A Snappy Tag is similar to a small button. Your child’s name is etched onto the tags before they are delivered to you, using a laser process called Permanent Etch RM and names are guaranteed not to fade or wash off.

The process of putting a tag into the applicator is simple, even for

a person like me who is useless at understanding instructions. All that remains is to put in a strip of backs and snap the tags, one by one, onto the items, taking just 30 seconds! There is NO sewing or ironing involved and plenty of time for a congratulatory glass of wine or two afterwards!

Snappy Tags newly-launched Back to School Naming Kit comes in standard size (with 25 tags and a Snappy Stickers Starter Pack) or a bumper size (with 50 tags and the Snappy Stickers Starter Pack). I opted for the standard kit and it was the best £20 I’d ever spent!

To view the full Snappy TagTM range, visit www.snappytags.co.uk July-August 2014

My first reaction on hearing about a child’s food allergy is to say “don’t worry - all is not lost! With a little imagination we can use this situation to positively benefit all the family!”

family food&nutrition

Cooking for Children with Allergies

The foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

Learning that your child has a food allergy can be traumatic; natural concern and worry for your child is frequently combined with the daunting task of reconsidering the cooking and eating habits of the entire family. Whilst the only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to completely avoid “problem” ingredients, luckily, there are many ways that these can be substituted in your baking and cooking. So, whilst there will be necessary changes to your child’s diet, these can be managed positively.

SUBSTITUTING TIPS FOR COOKING FOR ALLERGIES Here is a list of products which can substitute problem ingredients in your recipes: Gluten Free ◆ Doves Farm Gluten Free Flour and Doves Farm Baking Powder are available in most major supermarkets and health food shops. Use these instead of normal flour or baking powder when baking, making pancakes or sauces. ◆ Doves Farm Xanthan Gum – an important binding agent for allergy-free baking. ◆ Gluten Free Pasta – a variety of brands are widely available in most major supermarkets.

Dairy Free Milk Use soya milk, coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk, hazelnut milk or oat milk. Look out for those which are fortified with vitamins and minerals including vitamin D and calcium.

Butter Use coconut oil, sunflower margarine or Pure sunflower spread. Pure make all sorts of dairy-free products which are readily available in supermarkets.

Eggs Swap whole egg for a fruit puree when baking. To replace one egg, use two rounded tablespoons of apple puree and half a teaspoon of baking powder, adding the baking powder to the flour and the apple to the fat in the recipe. Alternatively, use Organ No Egg Natural Egg Replacer in cakes and biscuits.

Ceramics Café Kew Original Ceramics - Painted By You Studio Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-6pm Closed Mon, except Bank Holidays and Half Terms www.ceramicscafe.com Tel: 020 8332 6661

1a Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green Richmond TW9 3DT July-August 2014

TOP TIPS FOR COOKING FOR CHILDREN WITH ALLERGIES ◆ Embrace fresh foods and seasonal produce! Avoid processed food which can contain possible allergens - cooking from scratch is vital. ◆ Plan in advance and learn what meals you can eat as a family. Avoid those Ready, Steady, Cook moments! ◆ Invest in a cookery book with recipes that cater to your food allergy concerns. In many cases, ingredients containing common food allergens can easily be removed and/ or substituted in recipes. How to Cook for Food Allergies by Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne is a useful reference guide. ◆ Batch cooking can save time and feed all of the family. A big batch of tomato sauce made from scratch and stored in your freezer can have meat, fish, lentils or vegetables, spices, and herbs added to it to create a plethora of healthy, varied meals that appeal even to grown up tastes! ◆ Make sure you bear in mind the content of a healthy balanced meal when you are cooking. As a general guideline, this should comprise of a quarter protein (meat, poultry, fish, pulses), a quarter carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta) and half vegetables and fruit. ◆ Make some delicious and nutritious chicken stock from a left-over roast chicken and freeze in ice cube trays.

It will be ready to use when you are in a hurry!

SHOPPING TIPS ◆ Read all food labels to check the ingredients list for problem foods. ◆ Consult the Food Standards agency publication Advice on Food Allergen Labelling which advises how to buy food safely when you have a food allergy or intolerance. It can be found online at www.food.gov.uk ◆ Get to know your local independent health food shop. ◆ Check out www.goodnessdirect.co.uk and www.pureglutenfree.co.uk for great ingredients.

Remember to always get professional medical advice about your child’s food allergies and consult a dietitian before altering their diet.

extra

Juliet Cain is a personal chef who has been cooking professionally for the best part of 20 years. Increasingly, she is asked to cook for young families who need help keeping their diet healthy, tasty and fun, whilst addressing a variety of food allergies. To contact Juliet, please email julietcain@gmail.com

C O O K I N G PA RT I E S & WORKSHOPS

Please, just EAT it!

Children love our fun cooking parties learning new tips with little stress for you!

Summer Cooking Classes

28 & 29 July & 28 & 29 August 10.30am—3.30pm Cooking, food & fun

SURBITON

Beach party cooking, games & crafts.

Goody bags to take home without the sand!

Limited places; contact us NOW for a booking form!

phone: 0 7 7 8 9 7 9 2 6 7 6

I specialise in children’s health.

Fussy Eaters ● Weaning problems Digestive issues ● Food Allergies ● Frequent illnesses ● Skin Rashes

●

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Clare Jeffries (BSc NT, mBANT, mCNHC) www.healthyinfluence.co.uk clare@healthyinfluence.co.uk 07977 535 383

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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summer days out

Race a Car at Brooklands Museum!

Fancy a ride in a vintage racing car? The whole family can experience the thrill of a drive on the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge this summer.

From Monday to Thursday throughout the school holidays, museum volunteers will be

taking families for rides along the curved ‘Members Banking’ section of the Brooklands Racing Track – AND you can ask to go as fast as you like! Hold on tightly as you are taken up the steep Test Hill where drivers used to try out the brakes. The rides are very popular so it’s best to arrive early to avoid queues.

Brooklands Museum houses 30 aircraft, historic racing cars, motorcycles, buses and restored buildings, and offers the ideal fun and educational family day out, regardless of whether you happen to like cars and planes! Helpful and knowledgeable volunteers spend time explaining the exhibits and their history, whilst younger children can take a seat in the driver’s cab of an old bus, or wonder at the sheer number of levers, buttons and dials as they sit in the cockpit of a plane.

The Discovery Centre provides an exciting world of interactive learning for children, based on

By Justina Gapper

the themes of Brooklands, whilst the Sunbeam Café contains an under 5s soft play area, so you can enjoy a coffee in peace!

Other school holiday activities, running Mon to Fri from 4 to 29 August, include art and craft workshops, a themed World War 11 decoding event, an opportunity for children to handle items from WW1 and write a postcard to a war veteran, and a competition for budding photographers to send in photos of their

For more information, visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com

A Perfectly Wild Summer Day at Chessington!

9.30am: I jump into the car, possibly more excited about our trip to Chessington World of Adventures Resort than my kids! My husband tries to ‘play it cool.’

10am: I’ve pre-booked tickets online, so we breeze past the queue. Whilst my 4 year old and I follow real live monkeys through the AMAZU treetop play zone, my husband and our 8 year old head for the Scorpion Express, Chessington’s newest ride experience. With fire and water effects and an unstable mine guarded by a giant Scorpion, this proves the perfect introduction to rollercoaster rides for my son. He returns beaming - my husband looks peaky!

10.30am: We have fun saying hello to the animals in the

Children’s Zoo presentation.

11am: After gulping a drink, the kids enjoy the soft play area while my husband and I have coffee.

11.30am: I’m tugged from my chair by both hands. The kids are shouting “The Sea Lion show is starting!”

12.30pm: Tummies are rumbling… again! I’ve pre-purchased meal deal tickets online and the range of outlets is great. The kids eat lunch whilst watching an all-singing, all-dancing performance of Madagascar Live! Prepare to Party. They are delighted with this and can’t wait to get their photos taken with their favourite characters afterwards.

1.00pm: Safe inside a ‘bubble tub’ in Bubbleworks, we leisurely cruise through water chutes passing amazing, animated

visit. Workshops are aimed at children ages 5 to 10 years, but under-5s are encouraged to participate.

Trails around the museum are available for children of all ages.

Younger ones will enjoy seeking out replicas of the museum’s mascot, Bertie Bear, as well as meeting the REAL Bertie Bear who will be on hand to give children cuddles and high-fours – he can’t give high-fives as he only has 4 fingers!

By Karen Barnett

scenes, and end up beneath a huge, arching canopy of spouting fountains.

1.30pm: ZUFARI: Ride into Africa, an off-road safari truck adventure, is a bumpier experience altogether but we get up close to giraffes, rhinos, zebras and other animals roaming free.

2.00pm: We clamber into a carriage on Peeking Heights. At the top of this Ferris wheel the atmosphere is calm…down on the ground things are considerably more hectic!

2.30pm: In the Wild Factor, we encounter some of the world’s strangest creepy crawlies, including Giant Millipedes, Cockroaches and even a Giant Snail. Having done the scary spiders, my son insists I go on a scary ride! With a brave face, I dip

and dive through dizzying twists and turns on the Dragons Fury.

3.00pm: My brave face backfires when my son observes “You handled that well mum!”

He insists I try the Vampire Ride. Surprisingly I really enjoy flying over the treetops with my legs dangling!

3.30pm: There’s still enough time to catch the Penguin Presentation…and the Carnivore Talk and Feed!

4.00pm: Wandering through the SEA LIFE centre, we watch sea creatures being fed in the Ocean Tunnel Feed.

We’re all mesmerised. We’re all exhausted.

4.30pm: We slowly amble back to the car.

5.00pm: My kids and husband are fast asleep!

Visit www.chessington.com and use the Top Tips and Expedition Planner and Plan Your Trip tools to plan your perfect day out. A live queue time guide can be accessed on all smart phones.

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Become a Nature Explorer at the London Wetlands Centre!

By Linda Stone, Editor

The London Wetland Centre in Barnes, recently voted the UK’s favourite nature reserve by the BBC, offers a truly memorable day out for families.

Occupying more than 100 acres of land, only 10 miles from central London, the Wetland Centre is a tranquil oasis and haven for wildlife, consisting of a lakes, ponds, lagoons and freshwater

Wile Away the Day at The Pavilion Café in Claygate! By Linda Stone, Editor With drop-in activities for children throughout the school holidays, including football, dancing, cricket, zumba and cheerleading, there’s even more reason to pay a visit to The Pavilion Café in Claygate this summer.

Bespoke local party entertainment company, Dazzle and Fizz is also holding workshops at the Café. Its special blend of creativity is always guaranteed to spark children’s imaginations, so these are certain to be a hit with young visitors. Dazzle and Fizz is

those that like their wildlife on show, there are also captive otters which are fed at 11am and 2pm daily, as well as beautiful captive birds, ducks, geese and swans from around the world.

For rest, re-fuelling and play, enjoy the family-friendly café and indoor and outdoor play areas. Paths are easily accessible and parking is free.

For more information, visit www.wwt.org.uk/london

looking set to become the Café’s in-house party entertainer, so do check the workshops out if you have a party to plan soon!

The Café will also be hosting some pottery-painting workshops from Elmbridge Independent Retailer of the Year, Ceramica, Claygate’s pottery studio. Ceramica will also be teaching children potterypainting techniques in workshops at its own studio throughout July and August.

Situated in the beautiful green field site of Claygate Recreation Ground, with adjacent kids playground, the Café is the perfect place to savour delicious home made food and enjoy summer sunshine and outdoor activities with the kids.

Don’t forget to check out the dates of its autumn pop-up restaurant events!

For more information on all activities at The Pavilion Café, call 01372 464999 or visit at Claygate Recreation Ground, Church Road, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0HQ. For more information on Dazzle and Fizz, visit www.dazzleandfizzparties.co.uk For more information on Ceramica’s summer workshops, call 01372 462447.

July-August 2014

streams. Many birds can be seen nowhere else in London.

From 24 July to 1 September, children ages 2+ can get closer to nature and discover more about how animals live, help to make bat boxes, build a home for birds and create bug hotels to take home. They can also help Wetlands staff create habitats for different creatures, whilst younger children can enjoy nature-themed art and craft sessions, using and learning about natural and recycled materials, before taking home their creations.

A highlight of the day will be the pond dipping session in which families can discover fascinating water creatures.

Kids can discover their own inner explorer, by looking for and spotting birds, frogs and grass snakes in the wild. For

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Summer Holiday Fun 28 July – 27 August Every Monday & Wednesday * From 10am – 4pm

Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham, TW2 5PA T: 020 8977 9241 Halliford Road, Shepperton, TW17 8SG T: 01932 78412 *

Wednesdays only at selected centres

Visit: squiresgardencentres.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Up and Down the Line with Thomas! By Justina Gapper

Peep! Peep! Guess who’s returning to The Watercress Line in Hampshire this summer...? From 9 to 17 August, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends will be journeying up and down the line again.

Children can choose to sit in carriages behind Thomas or diesel engine, ‘Arry, one half of the Iron ‘Arry and Iron Bert twins – or even sit alongside the driver in ‘Arry’s cabin. They can

also meet Trevor the Traction engine, shake hands with the Fat Controller and listen to him tell a story.

Family events throughout the day include Punch and Judy, a Thomas-themed magic show by children’s entertainer Mr Wizard, play tables, broadcasts of Thomas DVDs and face painting by professional artists, transforming children into Thomas characters, animals or superheroes!

The appeal of Thomas never wanes. Anna Williams Barnes of The Watercress Line says “We have a lot of big family groups, with children, parents and grandparents – Thomas appeals to all generations.”

The entrance price includes all events and rides plus unlimited journeys on the large steam engines along the ten mile track between Ropley and Alresford. Even these trains will feature a Thomas-themed face, so kids can spot their favourite character. With everything included, count on spending the whole day there!

For more information, visit www.watercressline.co.uk

Create and Grow at Squires Garden Centres!

Water Play at Bocketts Farm By Justina Gapper

This summer, Squires Garden Centres in Twickenham, Shepperton, Cobham, Hersham and Long Ditton are encouraging children to learn more about gardening and wildlife at their popular drop-in Create & Grow craft and gardening events.

Returning for the second year, Create & Grow is a great way to get the whole family involved in gardening, with experts at these events passing on valuable knowledge to both parents and children.

Events take place between 10am and 4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays in Twickenham and Shepperton and between 10am and 4pm on Mondays in Cobham, Hersham and Long Ditton. Running alongside them will be FREE colouring competitions, word searches, ’spot the difference’ and animal and treasure trails.

Create & Grow kicks off week beginning 28 July with Paint a Pair of Terracotta Wellies, in which children can transform wellies into ideal pencil holders. Children can also Paint a Terracotta Fish Money Box (week beginning 11 August) or Paint a Pair of Pebble Creatures

Need to cool off this summer?

Then take a trip to Bocketts Farm in Fetcham and enjoy splashing each other in the NEW Water War play feature.

The whole family can join in by using launchers to shoot water-filled balloons at the opposing team’s splash wall, and watch as the balloons burst and give them a soaking.

The feature is ideally situated in the upper playground near the picnic area, so families can bask in the sun or jump on the giant bouncy pillows, before cooling down!

For younger children, there is the NEW outdoor multi-activity area which features colourful tunnels, climbing frame, slides and a climbing wall, as well as seasonal highlight, the Last Chance Gold Mine where children can pan for gold in the water-filled trough and take home a souvenir medal.

Summer is a popular time at Bocketts Farm. As well as handling guinea pigs and rabbits and enjoying pony and tractor rides, Bocketts staggers the arrival of its newborns so children can meet goat kids and a family of piglets born at the beginning of the summer.

Make sure not to miss the hilarious Pig Races, which see the likes of Will.I.Ham take on Harry Trotter as the enthusiastic little porkers sprint around the track. Meanwhile, for races of another kind, negotiate the twists and turns of the NEW Pedal Go-Kart track for ages 5+ or Mini Pedal Go-Karts for those ages 3 to 5. All are FREE of charge.

Bocketts will also be running its Animal Passport Trail again this summer, in which children search for ink stamps in the various enclosures to stamp their passport and take home.

By Justina Gapper

(week beginning 25 August) to hide amongst the flowers in their garden, selecting a creature or insect of their choice, from ladybirds, to hedgehogs to buzzing bees.

Children can encourage real butterflies into the garden by planting a pot of colourful flowers designed to attract them in Create a Butterfly Pot (week beginning 4 August) and prove that home grown strawberries really DO taste the best when they Plant a Strawberry Pot with three strawberry plants and decorate it with glitter to make it really stand out in the garden (week beginning 18 August.)

Families can also explore the wildlife gardens at Squires in Hersham or Long Ditton, or picnic in the Wildflower Walk in Long Ditton with its panoramic views of Surrey and Middlesex.

On rainy days, a visit to the soft play at Squires in Shepperton or the pets at Squires in Twickenham offer dry entertainment options!

For more information, visit www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

summer family fun Osterley Park and House

Wed 23 Jul - Thurs 28 Aug For dates, times and other events visit nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley 020 8232 5050

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© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

We've got outdoor activities all through the summer holidays!

Join us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for Little Seedlings gardening club, '50 things' activities and Craft Cart

For more information, visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk July-August 2014

EVERY WEEK DAY* • Meet Bertie Bear • Workshops for Kids CAR RIDES Every Monday – Thursday *Except Bank Holiday Monday 25th August

EVERY DAY • Concorde Experience • Trails for Kids • London Bus Museum • Soft Play Area & Café

Come & meet Bertie Bear

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Adventure High and Low at Hobbledown! By Justina Gapper

Children can navigate an obstacle course in the sky at Hobbledown in Epsom this summer as they take the High Rope Trail challenge!

Any child 1.3m+ can put their nerves to the test as they balance along tightropes, climb through hoops and whizz down the zip wire.

The High Ropes is one of Hobbledown’s most popular summer activities, as are the 70 metres of underground tunnels and secret passageways which weave six feet beneath the ground. These exciting tunnels have seven different entrances, so children

can disappear into the dark to crawl along and pop up again in a different part of Hobbledown Village. Under 5s must be accompanied by an adult! There are also twisting, elevated wire tunnels connecting each of the wooden towers of Hobbledown Village, for those who prefer their tunnels in the sky!

There’s more adventure at the Mining Village, where children can dig for crystals in the sand, exchanging their haul for a lolly in the shop. Water fun can also be enjoyed in the water shoots, which are generated when children turn a capstan.

NEW this summer is the Henfold Bird of Prey Arena where, on selected dates, magnificent birds such as Harris Hawks, Buzzards, American Kestrels, Falcons and various Owls will be in action. For creatures of a different kind, Hobbler characters, Huck, Eliza, Professor Topperpot and Sludgebucket, will be meeting visitors and performing shows

throughout the summer.

Other not-to-miss activities include jumping pillows, a giant wicker swing and the Hobbledown Market play area, where a new canopy provides shade for picnics.

For those with excess energy, a longer walk leads to the Field of Confusion and the Willow Maze, taking in Hobbledown’s resident animals, such as meerkats, llamas and otters, as they soak up the summer sun!

For more information, visit www.hobbledown.com

Outdoor Fun and Games with the National Trust!

By Justina Gapper Enjoy giant noughts and crosses, quoits and croquet with Jaques London at Ham House and Garden on 26/27 July alongside tombola, Punch and Judy and the chance to win a Jaques London game.

Ham House offers FREE art and craft activities daily throughout the summer holidays, and children can tick activities such as den building, kite flying and daisy chain making off their list of 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾ challenges.

Osterley House and Park also encourages children to become Outdoor Explorers, taking on the 50 Things To Do challenge. Its Outdoor Explorer Days will be held on 23 and 30 July and 6,13, 20 and 27 August (12pm to 4pm). Kids can explore Osterley’s natural woodland play trail, climb trees, and swing on rope swings, as well as having a picnic in the park estate, walking or even going on a bike ride (that’s a tick for No 11 on the 50 Things List!)

Children can also dig, plant, weed and water in Osterley’s

Daily animal encounters

NEW for 2014 Pony rides & pony grooming sessions all summer!

Special events all summer!

Piglet Racing & Owl Displays

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FARM FUN DAY Aug 25th 2014

www.hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk

- police dog show - BBQ - fire brigade - horse and cart - tractor rides - & much more!

Fagg’s Rd Feltham TW14 0LZ

020 8831 9658

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

popular Little Seedlings Gardening Club with workshops on 29 July and 5, 12, 19 and 26 August (12pm to 4pm). The FREE Craft Cart is on offer every Thursday from 24 July (12.30pm to 4.30pm).

Osterley also hosts the Oakleigh Fairs Country Show on 24/25 August (10am to 5pm).

At Claremont Landscape Gardens, outdoor fun begins on 26/27 July, when the Big Tree Company’s instructors assists kids of all ages climb trees and ride on zip wires and rope swings during the Big Tree Climbing Event.

Claremont’s Children’s Activity Week from 2 to 9 August offers craft workshops (11am to 1pm), a garden trail with the chance to win a prize, pony riding from 4 to 6 August and interactive song and dance in Rainy Day Bear’s Adventure Show on 7 August at 2pm for ages 3 to 6 years.

Help Polesden Lacey break the record for the most people ever to roll down a hill on 26 July and enjoy different activities weekly from 28 July to 29 August (excluding 25 August) from kite flying to snail racing! Children ages 5 to 12 can also get muddy and creative outside when they attend Wild Learning Holiday Club from 23 July to 1 August (10.15am to 4pm).

Enjoy mad hat making, and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (12pm to 2.30pm) at Morden Hall Park on 1 August. Watch an outdoor performance of Alice in Wonderland too (3pm or 6pm on 1, 2, 3 and 4 August).

Meanwhile, adventure loving children become rangers for the day with den building, bug hunts and a river clearance on 22 July and 12 and 19 August (11am to-3pm) or camp out at the Really Wild Sleepover on 9 and 10 August. Morden Hall’s Summer Festival on 30 August (12pm to 11pm) features live music, local food and vintage entertainment. Kids go FREE!

For further information on Osterley Park activities, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park. For further information on activities at other National Trust properties above, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surreyevents July-August 2014

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10co% unt,

Close encounters of the wild kind

dis online book

Café, indoor and outdoor play areas, free parking 10 minutes by bus from Hammersmith tube W: wwt.org.uk/london T: 020 8409 4400 Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT Photo: S Morris

In partnership with

Home of Thomas & FriendsTM toys

Let your kids drive in London.

Join Thomas & FriendsTM at a heritage Railway near you.

Experience a ride on a real steam engine and take part in Thomas-themed activities.

MID HANTS RAILWAY ‘WATERCRESS LINE’ Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG

Now they can drive a Tube train, climb in a bus cab and lose themselves in our exploration zone. Better still, kids go free at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden.

9TH - 17TH 2014

www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk Day Out With Thomas Thomas the Tank EngineTM. Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2013 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2013 HIT Entertainment Limited.

TM

July-August 2014

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Have Fun on August Bank Holiday at Epsom Downs Racecourse Family Day! By Linda Stone

Families looking for a fun day out on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August need look no further than Epsom Downs Racecourse.

A delightful afternoon of entertainment awaits the children, whilst grown ups can enjoy an action-packed racing schedule and some late summer sunshine. All family entertainment is FREE with something to suit the tastes of every child, including pony rides,

a petting zoo, bouncy castle, carousel, face painting, and hot shoeing demonstrations.

A highlight of the day will be personal appearances by everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggies, Peppa and her little brother George, who will be oinking and posing for photos at various intervals throughout the day. Hopefully there won’t be any muddy puddles though!

This is Epsom Down’s ultimate family day and this year there will be more complimentary entertainment than ever before.

As the school holidays draw to a close, a day out at Epsom makes the perfect late summer family outing, but you need to arrive early so that there is time to enjoy everything on offer.

Kids under 18 go FREE if accompanied by an adult!

For more information, visit www.epsomdowns.co.uk

Become a Code Maker and Breaker at the London Transport Museum!

By Linda Stone, Editor

Be Safe Week at the London Transport Museum from 11 to 15 August gives children the chance to become junior code makers and breakers.

They can undertake the Going Undercover circuit, dashing between different transport safety scenarios, solving clues and learning from the professionals, as well as getting their fingerprints taken, learning how the police gather evidence, becoming bike safety detectives and identifying the particles of different objects.

Each child completing the circuit will go into a prize draw.

The Museum, in the heart of bustling Covent Garden, offers a great opportunity for families to discover more about the history of the city’s transport system, with real vehicles, posters, signs, uniforms, photographs and tickets, from the earliest horse-pulled trams to the Underground and iconic red buses. At the Family Station,

By Linda Stone, Editor

An intriguing cast of royal characters from the Georgian Court will be coming to life at Hampton Court and Kew Palaces this summer with a chance for families to explore a royal Study, lavish Dining Room and Powder Room – all outside within the palace grounds!

The Glorious Georges Family Festival, taking place on 26 and 27 of July at Hampton Court Palace and 30 and 31 of August at Kew Palace, will bring to life the courts of the Georgian monarchs. Discover the latest fashions at court, join in family games and even have lunch with the king – remember to pack a picnic!

In the Powder Room, children will be shown how to bow, swordfight and craft their own Georgian hats for an audience with the monarch.

Meanwhile, in the Dining Room, children can decorate a lavish tablecloth fit for a king and meet some interesting characters from the palaces whilst, in the Study, there are games to enjoy and a challenge to think up the

next great ‘Georgian’ invention.

Families can even visit the pop-up Parliament, where some of the most important issues of the Georgian age will be discussed – your vote will be canvassed!

At Hampton Court, visitors can participate in musical workshops in the Music Room whilst, at Kew, artistic talents can be put to the test in the botanical Art Studio.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, these Festivals offer families the perfect opportunity to have great fun discovering more about Georgian history – just where it happened!

Under 16s go FREE with paying adult.

For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk

Enjoy Animal Encounters at Hounslow Urban Farm

By Linda Stone, Editor

visitors can pick up a coin bag containing stencils, blank postcards, ticket books, Flickr frames and travel card holders to be filled in, decorated and taken home as souvenirs.

Special interactive, drop-in, storytelling sessions for children ages 3 to 7 and Make and Take sessions for children ages 4+ will run daily weeks beginning 28 July, 4, 18 August and 25 August. For further details, see page 30.

Entry tickets give unlimited daytime admission to all parts of the Museum for 12 months.

For more information, visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk 18

Enjoy the Glorious Georges Festival at Hampton Court and Kew Palace

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Hounslow Urban Farm in Feltham is one of the country’s largest community farms, and offers families the chance to interact with animals in their natural environment.

This summer, the Farm will be offering a full daily schedule of family activities. There are opportunities to meet domestic farm animals, and listen to talks from their handlers, as well as watch piglet racing and see British and Asian Owls take to the skies. There’s no need to worry about the possibility of inclement weather either, as the main barn is covered and the animal encounters and other activities take place indoors.

The Farm is an ideal place for a picnic and also has a children’s playground and a café for hot drinks and the pre-requisite ice cream. An indoor play barn complete with bouncy castle, hay bales to climb and drive-on

tractors helps the kids burn off extra energy.

For an extra-special day, pay a visit to the Farm Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August to enjoy all its usual attractions, as well as other special family activities.

For more information, visit www.hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk July-August 2014

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BABY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT GYMBOREE ST MARGARETS Ages: 3-5 Classes running throughout the summer including Fitness Fun for the Big Kids.

A perfect chance for kids between 3 and 5 to burn off energy in a fun-filled, sociable, activity class! All Gymboree classes are designed by experts in early childhood and help teach young children as they play along with their grown-ups in engaging new ways. NEW class times for weekends!

Contact: 020 8607 9995 stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com gymboree-uk.com/st-margarets GYMBOREE SURBITON SUMMER WORKSHOPS Ages: 3-5 29 July-1 August, 5-8 August and 19-22 August in Surbiton 4 day theatre-based workshops – The Gruffalo, Jungle Book and Superstars consisting of dance, singing and acting.

Children will explore different concepts associated with the theatre and most of all have fun!

Cost: £65 Contact: 020 3609 8007 Surbiton@gymboree-uk.com gymboree-uk.com/surbiton THE LITTLE GYM SUMMER CAMPS Ages: 3+ 21 July-30 August in Hampton Hill Ever-popular 3 hour, OFSTED approved camps for over 3s. Kids have fun, grow new skills and develop their confidence.

Call for specific timings.

Contact: 020 8977 0099 hampton_teddington@thelittlegym.co.uk www.thelittlegym.co.uk/ hamptonteddington

COOKING

SASSY STIRRERS SUMMER COOKING WORKSHOPS Ages: 4-12

28-29 July and 28-29 August in Surbiton Classes offer great fun cooking up treats for a summer picnic, tea party and chocolate boxes.

Contact: 07789 792 676 info@sassystirrers.com www.sassystirrers.com

DANCE AND DRAMA

DANCEFORCE DANCE AND DRAMA SUMMER SCHOOL: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Ages: 4+ 24-26 July (9.30am-12.30pm) in Kingston Themed musical theatre workshop including, dancing, drama and singing.

Children work in age-appropriate groups with an informal show at the end of the week in which they can show off their new skills.

Cost: £75 Contact: Carol Winter 020 8241 8496 enquiries@danceforcekingston.com www.danceforcekingston.com JUST IMAGINE BALLET: FROZEN CAMP Ages: 3-10 4-8 August (10am-3pm) in Richmond Ballet and Dance, Art and Craft, Costume and Make Up, Music and Drama, Colourful Props, Pictures, Stories, Magic Dust and an unforgettable performance with costumes on the last day!

Cost: £180 Contact: 07879 521456 info@twinkletoesballet.com www.facebook.com/Twinkle-Toes-Ballet KATE’S SCHOOL OF DANCE SUMMER WORKSHOP Ages: 5-11 28 July-1 August (9.30am-3.30pm) in Isleworth 4 different dance styles (Jazz, Street dance, contemporary, Bollywood), singing, prop making, costume design, dance games and a group project to create a different backdrop each day for each dance style. Performance for parents on the last day.

Cost: £190 per child Contact: 079 5763 9460 info@katesschoolofdance.co.uk www.katesschoolofdance.co.uk KEW ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER DANCE WORKSHOPS Ages: 5-18 28 and 29 August (10am-4.30pm) in Kew/Richmond Workshops over 2 days in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Street Dance and Hip Hop, with teachers and performers highly experienced in all these dance styles.

Cost: £28 per day or £50 for two days Contact: 01932 423456 kewacademy@hotmail.com www.kewacademydance.co.uk PERFORM: PETER PAN Ages: 4-8 28 July-1 August in Esher and 4-8 August in Richmond Experienced theatre professionals will help the children combine live original music, inspirational dance, quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a mini-performance on the final day.

Cost: £149 (25% discount for siblings).

Book by 1 August and receive 10% off when you quote FAMI220814!

Contact: 0845 400 1284 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk PYJAMA DRAMA: UP, UP AND AWAY Ages: 5-7 1 August (1.30-4.30pm) in Claygate, 4 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Walton, 7 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Ashtead, 8 August (1.30-4.30pm) in Oxshott Drama games, movement, songs and pretending activities designed to ignite the imagination. Sky adventures involving magic carpets, kites and fireworks, leaving your child feeling high this summer! Share your favourite bits of each workshop with friends and family at the end of the session.

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SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS & COURSES

FUN

ALL NIGHT PARTY Ages: 5-7 11 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Claygate 15 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Ashtead 18 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Walton 21 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Oxshott Enter a world where imagination is the key to a door opening up a world of fun! For a secret and magical sleepover experience...can you really stay up all night?

Cost: £20 per child per workshop, £36 for two siblings per workshop. 2 workshops £36 per child or £70 for two siblings. 3 workshops for £50 or £90 for two siblings.

Contact: Phylly Jones 01932 807150 phylly@pyjamadrama.com www.pyjamadrama.com STAGECOACH CHERTSEY THE X-TRA FACTOR HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Ages: 6-18 30 July-3 August (10am-4pm) in Chertsey Develop your X-TRA Factor – no audition necessary! Inspired by the hit TV show, everyone is welcome – not just existing Stagecoach students.

Enjoy a week of fun rehearsing songs, dances and specially-devised acting scenes, ending with a special show for parents and friends to enjoy on the last day.

Cost: £125 (Sibling: £95) Contact: Caroline McCrink 0845 265 7081 chertsey@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/chertsey STAGECOACH HINCHLEY WOOD SUMMER WORKSHOPS Ages: 8-16 JUST DANCE 28 July-1 August (10am - 4.30pm with performance 6pm Friday) in East Molesey Street Dance workshop

The UK's Premier Youth Football Development programme for, 7-17 years old, that offers an un-rivalled level of support, both on and off the training field.

Contact us today to book a FREE trial session for your son or daughter...

Tel: 020 3544 2284 Mob: 07947 121213

Web: coerver.co.uk/westlondon Email: westlondon@coerver.co.uk

Australia’s largest

multi-sport & exercise

TERm TImE CLASSES ALSO AvAILABLE

program for children aged 2.5–6 years

The Ready Steady Go Kids - Summer mini Term

NOW IN THE

Starting 28th July 2014, a one hour weekly sport session in Kingston, Richmond, Cheam and Ewell throughout the summer holidays, join individual sessions or sign up for the term.

UK

Sports covered: Football Tennis Basketball Athletics Hockey Rugby Golf AFL Cricket T-ball

Discounts available for full term booking. Individual sessions must be booked 24 hours before that week’s class.

www.rsgk.co.uk info@rsgk.co.uk 0800 690 6591 July-August 2014

@RSGKUK

ReadySteadyGoKidsUK

FR Av AN AI CH LA IS BL ES E

Term 4 classes: 2nd June – 26th July 2014 Term 1 classes: 1st September – 15th November 2014

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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FUN

PUT ON A SHOW 11-15 August (10am - 4.30pm with performance 6pm Friday) in East Molesey Contact: Melanie Edwards 01372 238238 www.stagecoach.co.uk/hinchleywood STAGECOACH KEW SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Ages: 5-13 28 July-1 August (9.30am-12.30pm and Fri 4.30-6.30pm) in Kew Lights, costume, action – put on a show in a week!

A jungle-themed week filled songs, dances and drama.

Contact: Stephen or Jenny 020 8487 1456 kew@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/kew

London Scottish August Rugby Camp Ages 6-16 Richmond

19 to 21 August

Fun, game-based camps!

Develop your skills, learn the latest techniques and tactics, and benefit from professional coaches at the top of the game!

020 3397 9551 ross.peacock@londonscottish.com www.londonscottish.com

Music & Tuition Centre

Summer Music Camps in

Richmond 5-10s: Sing pop songs in a band

Mozo Island: Music/Art

July 16-25th: full or half days 0-5s: Music & Play/6-9s: Uke & Drum

Tara’s Music Magic

Aug 11&12/18-21st: mornings 5-18s: Vocal Tuition & Workshops

Upgrade your Voice

August: mornings with Olga …Also...

Teenage Rock Band Camp: July 28-Aug 1st, Community Choir, Uke & Guitar groups, Yoga, Pilates, and much more..!

020 83321488 88 Sheen Rd, TW9 1UF

ritzmusic.co.uk

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STAGECOACH STAINES SUMMER FUN WORKSHOP Ages: 4-7 and 7-18 28 July-1 August (9.45am-12.45pm or 10am-4pm) in Ashford Students will have fun mastering singing, dance and drama. The week culminates with a show for family and friends with professional lighting and costume.

No experience necessary.

Cost: £115 or £135 (discount for siblings) Contact: 01483 235216 staines@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/staines STAGECOACH SURBITON HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS PETER PAN Ages: 4-7 28 July-1 August (10am-1pm) in Surbiton JUST DANCE Ages: 7-16 28 July-1 August (10am-4pm and 10am-2pm on Friday) in Surbiton Contact: Ali Manuel 020 8873 7140 kingston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/kingstonandsurbiton STAGECOACH WEYBRIDGE PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP Ages: 4-12 21-25 July, 28 July-1 August, 4-8 August and 11-15 August (9.30am-4pm) in Weybridge “Star Performers” Performing Arts Holiday Workshop – Put On A Show! Family and friends invited to end-of-week performance.

Cost: £165 for week Contact: 01932 422664 weybridge@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/weybridge STEP ON STAGE SUMMER SCHOOLS Workshops explore the fundamental skills which can help children develop as performers. Whether they are hoping to pursue a career in the arts or whether they simply enjoy performing as a hobby, these workshops are suitable for all.

JUNGLE BOOK 18-20 August Ages: 4-8 in Hampton Hill FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 4-9 August (9.30am-4pm) Ages: 7-12 in Hampton Hill THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 4 -9 August (9.30am-5pm) Ages: 13-18 in Hampton Hill GLEE WEEK 11-16 August (9.30am-4pm) Ages: 7-13 in Hampton Hill Contact: Emma 020 8408 0633 info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk STORYTELLING ADVENTURES SUMMER WORKSHOPS WIZARD OF OZ Ages: 2-8 (grouped by age) 28 July-1 August and 4-8 August (10am-12pm) in Twickenham Your child will embark upon a magical adventure in which they’ll befriend a tin man, a cowardly lion, a scarecrow, meet witches and munchkins and follow the yellow brick road to find the infamous Wizard of Oz! Why? “Because, because, because, because, because...because of the wonderful things he does!”- and because it will be lots of fun! The journey into Oz will see your child create puppets and other crafts based on their favourite characters,

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

learn songs and simple dance routines, all of which will be used during an informal sharing on the final day of the course.

Cost: £85 per child. Drop in £25. Bring a Buddy discounts £55 and £12.50 101 ADVENTURES Ages: 2-8 (grouped by age) 11 July-15 August and 18-22 August (10am-12pm) in Twickenham This spotty tail will have your little pups howling with laughter as they use their imaginations to journey through this beloved children’s story. Using storytelling, drama games and art and craft, your child will meet Purdy, Pongo and their puppies whilst trying to stop Cruella Deville causing mischief. Each day your child will create characters from the story, design costumes, make props and learn dialogue and songs as they work towards an informal sharing on the final day of the course.

Cost: £85 per child. Drop in £25. Bring a Buddy discounts £55 and £12.50 Contact: Amanda Wright 020 3222 3085 info@bridgeac.com www.bridgeac.com THEATREBUGS SOMEBODY TO HUG SUMMER WORKSHOPS Ages: 3.5-6/7 4-8 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Richmond 11-15 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Kew 18-22 August (9.30am-12.30pm) in Kingston 11-15 August in Claygate (9am-12pm) and Weybridge (1.30-4.30pm) 18-22 August (9am-12pm) in Oxshott/Cobham Larry Lobster is down in the dumps. He likes nothing better than a hug, but his friends find him to be a little on the pinchy side! Mimi Mermaid, Peg the Penguin and Twink the Star join Larry on his voyage of discovery, but can they dodge those grumpy old pirates?! We hope so! Full of singing, dancing, drama, art and craft and dressing up with a performance on the last day for family and friends.

Cost: 10% discount on youngest sibling or book a Spider Bundle - one Summer Workshop place and 1 magical Theatrebugs Party (for same child or sibling age 3mths-8yrs), saving up to £28.40. T&Cs apply.

Contact: Kew, Richmond and Kingston 0800 975 5290 enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk Claygate, Weybridge and Oxshott/Cobham 01483 882244/07971 004134 hannahmason@ theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk

MUSIC

MONKEY MUSIC HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Ages: 3mths-7yrs 4, 19, and 28 August in Ashtead, Epsom and Bookham Award winning pre-school music classes. Musical fun for little monkeys is guaranteed to make the holidays go with a swing. Brothers, sisters and friends welcome (up to age 7). Workshops are open to Members and non-Members. Early booking recommended.

Contact: Janine 01483 841 303 leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk/leatherhead-dorking

July-August 2014

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SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS & COURSES

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Monday to Friday: 9am-3:30pm Multi-Science Activity Holiday Camps.

5 day camps during which your child will enjoy over 50+ fun, premium, hands-on, science activities and special demonstrations with take home experiments galore.

Through problem solving and teamwork, this camp will boost your child’s self-esteem, helping them get ahead in science.

020 8863 8832 www.mnature.co.uk

MULTI-ACTIVITY KOOSA KIDS Ages: 4-13 KOOSA camps offer affordable, Ofsted approved, fun and active childcare for your child throughout the summer holidays. Holiday clubs are running in Sheen from 24 July to 29 August, Twickenham from 21 July to 29 August and Whitton from 28 July to 29 August. The standard day runs from 10am to 4pm with extended days available from 8.15am to 6pm.

Children can attend for one or more days or a full MOZO ISLAND MUSIC AND ART SUMMER CAMP Ages: 5-11 16-25 July in Richmond Sing and play sunny pop songs with guitars, ukulele, keyboards, recorders, drumming and more. Try musical instruments in a fun, relaxed atmosphere and make puppets, posters, puzzles and mini-comics. Children can fire up their musical imaginations, whilst developing confidence and new skills. Fun and easy music and art for young beginners and intermediates.

Cost: Half day (9.30-12pm) or (12.30-3pm) £20, Full day (9.30-3pm) £35 per day Contact: James Tucker 07899 811703 mozoisland@gmail.com mozoislandmusicschool.blogspot.co.uk RITZ MUSIC ROCK BAND CAMP FOR TEENAGERS Ages: approx 11–17 28 July-1 August and 4-8 August (9am-1.30pm) in Richmond A great opportunity for young players with some basic experience to join an organised ‘band’ and learn a selection of classic rock/pop songs under the supervision of experienced tutors – the camp ends with a performance in a local venue in Richmond!

Cost: £195.00 for complete course and performance Contact: Richard Coulson 07545 543357 info@richardcoulsonmusic.com www.rcmusicschool.com RITZ MUSIC UPGRADE YOUR VOICE CAMP! Ages: 7-9, 10-13, 14-16 (separate times) Dates in August TBA (10am–12.30pm) in Richmond 4 day singing club with mini concert at the end. Sing your favourite songs (solo and in a group) and work towards a performance. Includes music theory, writing songs, different vocal techniques for beginners and intermediates.

Cost: £20 per day Contact: Olga Matylda 07428 775848 olga.matylda@yahoo.co.uk TARA’S MUSIC MAGIC HOLIDAY KIDS BAND CAMP Ages: 9-12 25 July, 8 and 22 August in Richmond Running for longer than usual and including more games, song writing and performance. A chance for kids to play their instruments in a group, work as a team and socialise with other kids their age that also love music. Singers, keyboard players, guitarists, ukulele, brass and drummers all needed!

Cost: £15 per session

Rugby Summer Camp 4-8 yrs 4th/5th/6th & 11th/12th/13th August 10am-1pm or 10am to 3pm From £22.50 per day Discounts for siblings & 3 day bookings!

Limited Availability!

01252 794150 sales@trytimekidsrugby.com

Richmond www.trytimekidsrugby.com

July-August 2014

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week with an 8% discount!

3rd child goes free!

Cost: From £18.75 per day, 8% discount when booking full week, 3rd child goes free.

Contact: 0845 094 2322 info@koosakids.co.uk www.koosakids.co.uk

SPORT

SING, STRUM AND DRUM UKULELE HOLIDAY CLUB Ages: approx 6 – 9 18-21 August (10am-12noon) in Richmond A 4 day ukulele club with mini-concert at the end.

Sing, strum and drum your favourite pop songs and work towards a performance. Music and theory, games, music art and ukulele fun for beginners and intermediates.

Cost: £68 Contact: Tara Maysey 07740-443694 taramaysey@gmail.com www.taramaysey.wix.com/teachchildrenmusic TARA’S MUSIC MAGIC HOLIDAY PARTIES Ages: 0-4 and 3-5 (separate times) 11-12 August in Richmond Tara’s usual classes but with balloon models, glitter and cake! Join Tara fora Music Magic party. Includes pass the parcel, music games, dancing, bubbles and lunch or tea!

Cost: £16.00 Contact: Tara Maysey 07740 443694 tara@tarasmusicmagic.com www.tarasmusicmagic.com

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMER CAMPS

COERVER® SUMMER FOOTBALL COURSE Ages: 7-16 29, 30, 31 July and 1 Aug in Kingston There’s no better way for your child to improve his or her football skills than with the innovative tecnniques which have given Coerver ® Football Coaching its outstanding international reputation. Each session will be based on the individual skills of players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben and Gareth Bale. Participants will use the latest football equipment and win adidas® prizes in Coerver ® skill competitions. The high quality, professional and technical coaching available will rapidly increase football skills.

Cost: £16 per day + credit card booking fee Contact: Amit Sohal, 020 3544 2284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon FIT FOR SPORT SUMMER CAMPS Ages: 3-12 21 July-29 August (8.30am-5.30pm) in Barnes, Brentford, Kew, Sheen, Staines, Sunbury and Twickenham Multi-activity sports camps with a variety of sports, games and activities and a rock n’ roll theme! Rock Relays, Drummer Dodgeball, Crowd Surfing Springs, the chance for kids to make and air guitar talent shows!

Cost: 9.30am-4.30pm: £29 per day £136 per week. 8.30-5.30pm: £34 per day £163 per week.

9.30am-1pm: £20 per day £95 per week Contact: 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk

FUNTECH SUMMER CAMPS Ages: 7-16 15 July-19 August (6 weeks, 9am-5pm) in Richmond Turn your child’s passive game playing into productive learning in this Ofsted-vetted camp, featured on the BBC and C4. Teaches kids cutting edge Tech using the latest technology and innovative teaching techniques.

14 camps to choose from covering skills such as building and programming a robot, creating graphics and animation, advanced IT skills, digital film making, creating online games, learning typing and keyboard skills, 3D digital modelling, coding and decoding and more. These include Robot Programming with LEGO NXT, Java Coder, 3D Game Design, Minecraft Redstone and FunTyper® More info: 01628 621215 info@funtech.co.uk www.funtech.co.uk MOTHER NATURE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS For Ages: 4-12 years Weeks of 21, 28 July and 4, 11 and 18 Aug (9am-3.30pm) in Kew, Richmond, Kingston, Merton and Sutton

NOW Drama Musical ENROLLING! Theatre Piano & Singing For allDance classes April & September 2013 Award Winning Performing Arts School

SUMMER SCHOOLS & WEEKLY CLASSES April 2013 FOR 3 – 21 YEAR OLDS

Twickenham & Hampton Hill Youth Theatre & Children’s Agency Summer Schools, LAMDA, ABRSM Exams Call Emma 0208 408 0633 / 07973 900196 info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

FOOTIE TOTS

Welcome to the world of fitness and football for 2.5 to 5 year olds Teaching basic ball skills, scoring lots of goals and having FUN!

FOOTIE WIZARDS For children ages 5 to 8

Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Feltham and Hounslow, ALL CLASSES call 07931 707720 HELD INDOORS andy@footie-tots.co.uk FOOTBALL PARTIES AVAILABLE

Esher, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton, Kingston and Surbiton, call 07828 629531

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS & COURSES

FOOTIE TOTS ESHER FC WINNING WAY SUMMER COURSE Ages: 4-14 28 July-1 August, 4-8 August and 11-15 August in Thames Ditton These very popular half and full day football camps return and are suitable for all abilities. Fun packed days with tournaments. Book early.

Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720 andyandlucyscates@gmail.com GBMAA MARTIAL ARTS ACTIVITY CAMPS Ages: 6-13 4-7 and 11-14 August in Cobham No Martial Arts experience required - all levels are welcome! Fun-packed days filled with Martial Gymnastics, Tricks and Flips, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Martial Arts-based fun and games.

A great way for your kids to try something new this holidays.

Contact: Curtis 07584 473784 curtis.page@gbmaa.com www.gbacademies.co.uk LONDON SCOTTISH RUGBY CAMPS Ages: 6-16 19-21 August (9.30am-3pm) in Richmond Rugby camps designed by professional coaches and delivered by a mix of RFU and London Scottish Senior Coaching Staff and players. Camps are fun and game-based and focus on all round player development, from individual positional skills to unit skills and game tactics. Learn all the latest techniques and skills from the cutting edge of the game!

Cost: £25 per day or £65 for 3 days if booked in advance Contact: Ross Peacock 020 3397 9551 ross.peacock@londonscottish.com www.londonscottish.com

PK SWIM SCHOOL HOLIDAY COURSES Ages: 3-17 21 July-25 August (4-7pm) in Cobham New private and exclusive swim school located at the Yehudi Menuhin School.

Warm, UV filtered water. Intensive crash courses with a maximum of 5 children in a group. Beginners groups maximum of 3. The courses cover all strokes and include games. Pool parties and free swim assessments.

Cost: £60 per week Contact: Paul on 07915 510720 or 07939 232731 info@pkswimschool.co.uk www.pkswimschool.co.uk PLAYBALL HOLIDAY CAMPS Ages: 3-9 24, 25 and 31 July, 20, 21 and 22 August and 28 and 29 August (10am-1pm) in Kingston 28, 29 and 30 July, 18 and 19 August and 26 and 27 August (10am-1pm) in Richmond Dates TBC in Hampton - please email to register your interest and be placed on the emailing list.

Playball Sports Camps are great fun. They include a full program of action including skills, games and activities for all ball sports, parachute games, team building games and lots more! Age-appropriate groups with small coach to pupil ratio.

This is a “drop-and-go” service. Children are left at the camp for the morning.

Contacts: Richmond/Barnes/Twickenham: Richmond.playball@gmail.com Kingston: Kingston.playball@gmail.com www.richmondkingston.ukplayball.com Hampton: Kay Gillespie 020 8123 9190 playball.kay@gmail.com www.hampton.playballuk.com

Summer Activities at the café in the park

READY STEADY GO KIDS MINI SUMMER TERM Ages: 2.5-6 Classes on Fridays in Richmond for 4 weeks during the summer holidays. Call for specific times. Multi-sports provider Ready Steady Go Kids has a successful, physio-designed program which covers football, tennis, basketball, hockey (Uni-hoc), golf, rugby, cricket, t-ball and athletics. Taking a different approach to summer camps this year, Ready Steady Go Kids is introducing a 4 week Mini Term featuring one sport per week and fun motor skills games for ages 2.5 to 4 years and ages 4 to 6 years.

Cost: £12.00 per class or discount available for 4 week term booking.

Contact: 0800 690 6591 info@rsgk.co.uk www.rsgk.co.uk SIMM SPORT MULTI-SPORT CAMPS AT ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY Ages: 5-12 28 July-30 August in Twickenham Join the SIMM Sport multi-sport camps to play and compete in a range of sports.

Camps make use of the world-class facilities at St Mary’s University including the running track and new sports centre.

Children are coached by a team of qualified coaches and can choose to attend individual days or sign up for the whole camp.

Cost: Prices start from £90 for 5 day week Contact: 020 8240 4334 simmsport@smuc.ac.uk www.smuc.ac.uk/sport/simmsport SPRINGBOARD SWIMMERS HOLIDAY COURSES Ages: 3 to 8 Weeks of 28 July, 4, 11, 25 August and

1 September in Teddington High quality swimming lessons in very small groups of 3 children with excellent tutors who are in the water with the children so you can sit and watch. Lessons are 30 minutes long each day. Suitable for non-swimmers, beginners and those needing stroke improvement.

Cost: £57.50 Contact: 020 8255 7455 admin@springboardswimmers.com www.springboardswimmers.com TEDDY TENNIS SUMMER CAMPS Ages: 2.5-8 28 July-8 August (9.00-9.45am for 3-5s and 10am-1pm for 5-8s) in Kingston Teddy Tennis brings its fun and educational tennis classes out of schools and nurseries and into summer camps!

Two classes running daily: Danny Bear Team for children ages 3-5 years daily and Boris Bear Team for children ages 5-8 years.

Cost: £8 per day for 3-5s and £30 per day for 5-8s Contact: 0845 643 1173 Charlie.p@teddytennis.com www.teddytennis.com TRY TIME KIDS RUGBY CAMP Ages: 4-8 4-6 and 11-13 Aug (10am-1pm or 10am-3pm) in Richmond Fun-filled rugby-based camps full of activities which increase enjoyment of sport and develop physical skills.

Cost: £22.50 per half days or 3 days for £60.00/£30 per full day or £75.00 for 3 days (sibling discounts available).

Contact: 01252 794150 sales@trytimekidsrugby.com www.trytimekidsrugby.com

Just Imagine Ballet (formally Twinkle Toes Ballet)

Enchanting & magical classes with props, puppets & pictures to inspire & delight children from

18 months - 10 years old

The Perfect Place for Families Open daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea

Available for hire for children’s parties and other catered events, functions and gatherings Canapes, bowl food, 3 course menus and curries – it’s your choice!

Pop Up Restaurant Throughout the Year Contact us for Dates

Contact: 01372 464999

The Pavilion Café, Claygate Recreation Ground, Church Road, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0HQ.

Places available Enrolling now! phone: 07879 521 457 email: info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM - KEW - EAST SHEEN

Teddy Tennis Summer Camps Fun and exciting tennis classes for children ages 2.5-8 years during the summer Canbury Gardens, Kingston

Call 0845 643 1173 or email booking@teddytennis.com 22

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

July-August 2014

 su

FUN

HOL CAM IDAY BIRT PS & H PAR DAY TIES !

! ndation to your child’s sporting life u o f e t ltima The u

● Ball Skills & Movement Classes ●

From 2 to Pre-School.

Small Class Sizes ● Age Appropriate Skills & Fun Games

● Multi Sports Skills & Mini Games for Reception & Year 1 ● Maximum Ball Time ● Teamwork ● Sport Skill Development for all Ball Sports

Summer Holiday activity campS 20% Fit For Sport Activity Camps offer a great way for children to keep active, have fun and meet new friends!

Every day the kids will experience a wide range of fun activities including; a taste of different sports, games, arts and crafts as well as a healthy lifestyle education.

● Sport Academies for Age 6+ (All major sports included) Hampton – playball.kay@gmail.com Kingston – kingston.playball@gmail.com Richmond – richmond.playball@gmail.com Twickenham – richmond.playball@gmail.com Barnes – richmond.playball@gmail.com www.playballuk.com

Camps cater for children aged from 3–12 years old and operate standard, extended and half day options at competitive prices.

Disco

u

Nt! Bring a friend to fit for sport! have fun with your pals this summer and take advantage of our ‘refer a friend on the phone’ special offer. there’s a 20% discount waiting for you both!

EngAging & EduCAting your Child through ACtivity

www.fitforsport.co.uk

0845 456 3233

SIMMSport Summer Camps Multi Sport Camp Join our Multi Sport Camp to play and compete in a range of sports.

We use all the top class facilities at St Mary’s University in Twickenham including the running track and new Sports Centre.

SIMMSwish Basketball Camp Delivered in partnership with Richmond Knights. A jampacked week of basketball action! Individual Skills! Team Competitions! Game Time!

Multi Sport Camp 28th July - 1st August 4th - 8th August 18th - 22nd August 26th - 29th August

To Book: Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4334 Email: simmsport@smuc.ac.uk

Basketball Camp 28th July - 1st August 4th - 8th August 11th - 15th August

5% discount with code ‘SIMMSport 2014’

(Ages 5 to 12) 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm

Testimonial

“Thank you for a great week. My kids loved the camp, they had a huge argument in the car about who their favourite coach was and they simply couldn’t decide. We can’t wait for the next camp.”

www.smuc.ac.uk/sport/simmsport July-August 2014

er

mm

SUMMER CAMPS, WORKSHOPS & COURSES

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

23

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clubs, classes activities

swimming

Water Therapy for Your New Born

By Linda Stone, Editor The first few weeks of motherhood can be testing, particularly with a new born that is unsettled and fractious.

Lauren Heston, founder of national baby swimming program, Little Dippers, believes that baby swimming classes can help.

Lauren, who pioneered baby swimming in the UK in 1989, says “Immersion in water is therapeutic and may help settle a baby who has had a difficult birth or is suffering from colic.” Lauren specifically

incorporates some gentle acupressure and Dahn Yoga into Little Dippers classes to soothe unsettled babies.

“I’ve had babies as young as 2 days old in the pool” reports Lauren.“This is perfectly safe, as long as the water is warm enough, and the pool environment is relaxed and relatively quiet.”

Lauren favours intimate spaces for Little Dippers classes and many can be found in hospitals, clinics or private homes. Its newest private pool recently opened in a purpose-built building on residential premises in Oxshott, Surrey, and offers a beautiful, harmonious environment.

New born babies are still adapted to the womb which means they can swim safely underwater.“From day one, they start to associate certain commands, actions and voice

Small Groups are Best for Swimming

By Sharon Slater

Little Dippers new pool in Oxshott

tones with swimming and this forms the basis upon which they can be taught water safety techniques” explains Lauren.

Baby swimming stimulates the intellectual and social development of babies as well as strengthening their lungs and respiratory systems.

With small groups of 6 or 7, many mothers also benefit from the long term friendships built during these early days in the water.

For more information, visit www.littledippers.co.uk Quote Families to receive a 20% discount on a Foundation Course.

With 30 kids in the water and an instructor bellowing from the side, the average school swimming lesson doesn’t favour the more timid child.

That’s why many parents are now turning to private swimming lessons, particularly with smaller class sizes. “My 8 year old daughter was struggling at school lessons” says Elizabeth Norris.

“She found the noise and chaos overwhelming.”

According to Paul Furness, Head Coach at recently-established PK Swim School in Cobham, Elizabeth’s story is not unusual.

“We offer swimming lessons with just five children in a group and only three in beginners groups” he explains. “I want to give time to those children who lack confidence in the water, and work with each child’s unique strengths.”

Karen Duane, from Springboard Swimmers in Twickenham agrees.

SPringboard SWimmerS Private swimming lessons for the summer holidays

Call us on 020 8255 7455

holiday courses for the summer holidays available

or email admin@springboardswimmers.com

www.springboardswimmers.com

If you haven’t done a holiday course before, you will be amazed at how much progress is made in only one week!

Suitable for: non-swimmers and beginners from 3 years of age, children needing stroke improvement.

Where: Stanley Primary School, Teddington.

This is an indoor, heated pool of constant 1m depth.

CoSt: £57.50 per child per week; this gives you 5 x 30 minute lessons at the same time every day of the course with the same tutor and in the same group of 3 children.

We also run term time leSSonS every day from Monday to Saturday; mornings, afternoons, after school and early evening during term time, for all ages and abilities.

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New warm water pool open in Oxshott Surrey

Would you like to try something different?

Why not paint your own ceramics?

At Ceramica, we guarantee great fun for all!

Our services include: Children’s birthday parties Baby foot and hand print sessions Evening sessions for adults Annual membership scheme Take home packs & gift vouchers

Receive 20% discount when booking a foundation course!

Just mention Families upon Thames when calling.

7 The Parade, Claygate, Esher, KT10 0PD Phone: 01372 462447 Making ceramic painting easy and fun in a creative, enjoyable environment!

www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk

Twitter: @CeramicaEsher Facebook: www.facebook.com/CeramicaClaygate

24

31/05/2013 18:47

Teaching your baby to love the water

www.littledippers.co.uk • 0844 482 0222

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

July-August 2014

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clubs, classes activities

From Bath to Swimming swimming Pool! Getting Your baby Comfortable “Small groups are the only way of ensuring the development of good technique” she says.

If waiting lists are long, try a holiday crash course. This worked for Elizabeth Norris. “Going to the pool for a 30 minute lesson every day at half term, as part of a small group, has already done wonders for my daughter’s confidence” she comments.

For further information on summer holiday swimming courses, see page 22.

For more information on PK Swim School, visit www.pkswimschool.co.uk For more information on Springboard Swimmers, visit www. springboardswimmers.com

in the Water

By Melissa Holt

Babies love water – having spent the first nine months of their lives suspended in fluid in the womb, the liberating sensation of floating freely is very familiar to them.

Spending time with your baby in the bath before your first visit to the swimming pool is ideal for introducing your baby to the sensation of being in water.

First step – the Bath!

Having fun in the water starts at bath time. Lie back with baby on

Creative Movement & Dance from 18 Months to 3 Years Tippie Toes Dance Classes Fun-packed, 30 minute dance classes for girls and boys.

Children improve gross motor skills, social skills, co-ordination and rhythm, using themes and props.

Parents/carers are encouraged to stay and join in!

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS Classes in Kingston and Twickenham

Call 020 8241 8496 enquiries@danceforcekingston.com www.danceforcekingston.com

Summer Workshop

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Danceforce School of Dancing, Kingston RAD Ballet Classes. From 18 months.

Fun, pre-school classes + RAD Ballet syllabus from Pre Primary.

ISTD Modern, Tap and Jazz. From 4 years.

ISTD grades from Pre Primary.

FREE TRIAL CLASS FOR ALL NEW CHILDREN

Adult Ballet & Tap

£5

Introductory Class

LAMDA Drama. From 4 years.

Younger children work with poems, stories and movement. Older students work towards LAMDA drama exams.

enquiries@danceforcekingston.com July-August 2014

020 8241 8496

your chest and encourage lots of splashing about with toys. Smile, sing and talk whilst maintaining lots of reassuring eye contact.

Try feeding in the bath. This teaches babies to associate the safe and nurturing feelings they obtain from warm milk and closeness with you, with the comfort of being in warm water.

Experiment with different ways of holding your baby in the bath. By watching their body language and responses, you can interpret their needs in the water.

Don’t forget to wrap them up in a lovely warm towel afterwards to keep them nice and toasty!

If you share a regular bath with your baby, you’ll both feel much more relaxed when the time comes for the next step.

Second Step - the Swimming Pool!

Whether you’re taking your baby to the pool on your own, or to structured classes, make sure your first visit is a positive, gentle introduction to this multi-sensory world.

If you are starting lessons, try to take your baby to the pool before the first. Spend time pool-side acclimatizing your baby to the noises, colours, splashing and general hubbub of the environment. Check the pool temperature – it should be at least 32 degrees if your little one is under three months old or less than 12lbs in weight, or 30 degrees if they’re older or

heavier. Invest in a baby wetsuit if necessary.

In the pool, smile and talk to your baby – show them that it’s fun! Any anxiety you’re feeling will transfer to your baby. Previous experience of bathing together should help you stay calm and positive and your baby will take their cues from you, understanding that water is safe and comforting.

Get your shoulders under the water and hold your baby so the water covers their chest.

Alternate between holding your baby very close, with lots of reassuring skin-to-skin contact,

then at arm’s length so they can move freely and feel more independent.

Babies tire easily in the water, so restrict your first visit to 20 to 30 minutes and make sure you have a hat and warm towel for afterwards. It’s normal for babies to be hungry and tired after swimming, and not unusual for them to sleep for a couple of hours as well – definitely an added bonus!

extra Melissa Holt holds Water Babies swimming classes for babies from birth to 4.5 years in Addlestone, Chessington, Kingston, Morden, Richmond, Shepperton and Twickenham. For further information, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

25

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clubs, classes activities

swimming

Six Good Reasons to Book September Classes and Clubs Now!By Linda Stone, Editor Rugby or ballet, swimming or gymnastics, drama or Brownies – whatever activity your child loves, there are advantages to booking their activity classes and clubs well in advance.

Here are just a few: ● You won’t get stuck with a term of classes your child dislikes.

Many classes offer trial sessions and you can take advantage of these before the summer holidays, so you know

you are making the right choice for the autumn. ● Certain activities are so popular that they have long waiting lists – some as much as a year! Book early to avoid disappointment, particularly with swimming classes! ● You can avoid the mad panic of the beginning of term. It can be hard enough settling your child into nursery or getting them back into the routine of school, homework and getting up at the crack of dawn – the last thing you want to do is try to sort out classes and clubs as well. ● You’ll get your first choice of time slot – otherwise you might end up with an unsuitable option.

It’s not unheard of for parents

to queue outside swimming pools from 6am on the morning registration opens, just to get a convenient slot. Children’s activities affect the whole family and you don’t want to have to drop them off and pick them up from activities very early at the weekend or at the meal or bed times of your other children. ● You can arrange classes for multiple children in such a way that you don’t have to be in two places at once! Planning in advance means less stress and more peace of mind. ● You’ll get a class close to home.

It’s often easier to walk than cramming children into the car and you don’t waste too much time travelling.

Extra-curricular activities are not essential and too many can leave everyone exhausted and stressed, but if you do choose carefully and book in advance, classes and clubs can offer huge benefits to your child.

Top Tips for Developing your Pre-Schooler’s Ball Skills By Heather Horler ● Involve children in making their

In the summer, we can all spend more time outside and keeping our children fit is easier and more fun. It is also the ideal time to develop your pre-schooler’s ball skills, either in the garden or a local park.

Here are some of my Top Tips: ● Use a variety of balls for ball games, mixing large, slow beach

balls with smaller, faster balls. ● Don’t throw balls too high. Little children can’t follow a ball upwards.

They lose sight of it quickly, and can’t catch it. ● Always practice ball games using both hands. This is a useful skill later in life, as well as being one of the key attributes of successful sports people.

Classes at all levels RAD Ballet ISTD Modern & Tap, Street-dance /Hip-Hop, LAMDA Drama at United Church Hall, Raleigh Rd, Richmond

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS SEE THE WEBSITE

www.kewacademydance.co.uk or

call 01932 423456 or 07967 341117

F r ee T r ial

26

own equipment as they are often more excited about playing with something they have made. Fill a small balloon with dry rice or lentils and tie a knot to make a bean bag, or scrunch up newspaper or bubble wrap and cover it with masking or parcel tape to make balls of all sizes.

These are great for indoor play too because they don’t tend to cause damage! ● Develop good habits early and get your children stretching to warm up and cool down. Use imaginative language such as asking them to stretch up and “tickle the clouds” or curl into a ball “like a hedgehog.” ● Take your children to a sporting event. This provides great inspiration and summer is a great time to catch both national sporting events, like Wimbledon, as well as local events like cricket matches, which can be watched for free. Alternatively, consider a more exotic sport, like a polo match. Tickets to the Ham Polo Club in Richmond cost just £5 and under 13s are free. ● Enrol your pre-schooler in a

ball skills class this autumn.

extra

Heather Horler is Coaching Director of Catch-A Balls, a provider of pre-school classes in SW London and Surrey, which give children the opportunity to learn ball skills such as rolling, throwing, catching and using bats. For further information, or to book a FREE TRIAL, visit www.catch-a-balls.co.uk

Dance, Drama and Singing Every Thursday with a difference 4.30pm-­‐6.30pm Building creative skills Ages 4-­‐11 Interative Storytelling Bringing Imagnations to 0845 075 6044 life www.storiesandmore.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

July-August 2014

Magical Moomins!

Polka Theatre’s magical adaptation of Tove Jansson’s classic book Moominsummer Madness delivers perfect family theatre – for both fans of the book and those encountering the story for the first time.

The Moomins are a family of white furry creatures with large snouts a bit like Hippopotamuses.

In this quirky and whimsical fairy tale, full of puppetry and song, the family and their highly original group of friends are driven by a midsummer flood

into a building that happens to be floating by. They bob off on a truly unique voyage of discovery which is vivid, funny, adventurous and captivating.

The building the Moomins find themselves in looks like a deserted house but turns out to be a theatre, owned by the eccentric Emma, who determines to teach the Moomins about the scenery, props and costumes they find there. The theatre drifts aground and the Moomin children, Moomintroll and Snork Maiden, decide to go to sleep in a tree. Whilst they are asleep, the theatre floats away leaving them alone.

Ingeniously, Emma helps Moominpappa write a play and the family decide to stage it in the hope that Moomintroll and Snork Maiden will hear about it and somehow find their way back.

Moominsummer Madness is suitable for children ages 4 to 8. Whilst the story is

Free party bags

Try something different!

Solve the crime!

By Linda Stone, Editor

sophisticated, the show works superbly on a number of levels and the alternating laughter and quiet concentration from the young audience indicated how engaged they were. The youngest laughed at the visual comedy and were entranced by the puppets and the music, and those slightly older, like my 5½ year old, were caught up in the magic of the characters and the drama of the

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE

story. The oldest kids there would no doubt have appreciated many of the same things I did – including the entrancing mood and the theme of connecting with the natural world.

The show is guaranteed to enchant you and your children and leave you feeling enriched.

Moominsummer Madness is running at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon until 16 August.

For further information and to book tickets, call 020 8543 4888 or visit www.polkatheatre.com

Crime Investigation Parties Dress up in crime scene suits, follow the clues and use a variety of techniques to solve the crime… just in time for tea and cake!

☛ Suitable for girls and boys age 7+

☛ For home or party venues www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk Call Steve on 01737 219375 / 07757 997359 steve@thedetectiveproject.co.uk

D ON EN AS T SE ES R W ME M SU

OLIVIER AWARD NOMINEE 2012

The Tiger Who Came to Tea a musical play adapted and directed by DAVID WOOD based on the book by JUDITH KERR

UNTIL SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER BOOK NOW! 0844 412 4661

www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com July-August 2014

KINGSTON AND SURBITON E: kingston.surbiton@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 3971 ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © KERR-KNEALE PRODUCTIONS LTD 1968

PICCADILLY CIRCUS

BANSTEAD AND CLAYGATE E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309

OXSHOTT, LEATHERHEAD AND DORKING E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 841 303 RICHMOND, TWICKENHAM AND TEDDINGTON E: kew.teddington@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 847 4031 WEYBRIDGE, COBHAM AND MOLESEY E: weybridge.cobham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 0096

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

27

what’s on THEATRE GUIDE CADOGAN HALL 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ Box Office: 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD 24 JUL TO 10 AUG A glittering stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure with live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of fun for the whole family.

For Ages: 2+ LYRIC THEATRE Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES Box Office: 0844 412 4661

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA 2 JUL TO 7 SEP Judith Kerr’s ferociously popular tale THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA is a great musical play and if you’ve never had a tiger arrive for tea, then this loveable production is the ideal way to show the whole family how to behave the next time one rings the doorbell. For Ages: 3+ POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Booking info: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com MOMMINSUMMER MADNESS UNTIL 16 AUG Breathtaking puppetry, live music and humour bring Tove Jansson’s much-loved Moomins to life on stage. For Ages: 4-8 SKITTERBANG ISLAND UNTIL 16 AUG Join an exciting tale of discovery and friendship as we journey to

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Drop-in family craft session. Make a paper plate sunflower 01932 565764 FRI 4 JUL www.chertseymuseum.org CLASSICAL BABIES CONCERT IN CHAINSAW CARVING DAY AT TEDDINGTON CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Rd, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG Teddington TW11 9NN Time: 10.30am-4.30pm Cost: Time: 11-11.45am Cost: Adults £10, Normal Admission babies free.

Be amazed by the creations of Enjoy 45 minutes of classical chainsaw artist Rob Beckinsale. music by professional musicians 01372 467806 in a comfortable and friendly www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ environment. Soft blankets available surreyevents and babies can make as much SAT 5 JUL TO SUN 6 JUL noise as they like!

CARNIVAL WORKSHOPS IN 020 8977 7558 KINGSTON www.classicalbabies.com Market Place, Kingston SAT 5 JUL & SAT 2 AUG KT1 1JS 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT Cost: FREE CHERTSEY MUSEUM Time: Sat 3.30pm, Sun 11am 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey Make masks, headdresses, props KT16 8AT and flags and prepare for the Cost: FREE

classified Larah Au Pairs 01932 341704 Au pairs, mother’s helps and couples with refs and police checked. Est 21 Years.

Personal, friendly service.

Discounts for All areas. www.larahaupairs.co.uk Families readers

Buy and Sell Maternity, Baby & Kids 0-6

ell

Children oods at Sales

and 4pm

For sale information and stall bookings visit

Hampton 19 July 2-4pm The White House TW12 3RN Teddington 27 Sept 10.30-12.30 Elleray Hall TW11 0HG Surbiton 19 July 2-4pm 20 Sept 2-4pm St Mark’s Church Hall St Mark’s Hill KT6 4LS

www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

28

Mrs Jones EDUCATION

11 PLUS TUITION & Mock Exam Practice West & South West London

Y3 (pre-Plus), Y4 and Y5 (11 Plus) State Grammar and Private Schools Bursaries and Scholarships Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Exam Practice, Interview Technique Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers EXCELLENT RESULTS

TEL: 0208-390-6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

a magical world of music, song, rhythm and harmony.

For Ages: 3-6 PUPPET BARGE THEATRE Opposite Terrace Gardens, Petersham Rd, TW10 6UT Box Office: 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE 26 JUL TO 10 AUG A very special delight for both young and old with music, songs and rod puppets. For Ages: 3-8 A CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSE 13 AUG TO 28 SEP Shadow puppets and marionettes combine with specially composed music to make this a programme of beauty, poignancy and fun, which captures and nurtures the imagination. For Ages: 3+ RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ Box Office: 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre

WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD 3 JUL TO 6 JUL A new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure.

With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation.

ANGELINA BALLERNA FRI 8 to SUN 10 AUG Everyone’s favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, pirouettes onto the stage in this sparkling musical full of singing and dancing.

RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Rd, Walton KT12 2NZ Box Office: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk THE SNOW QUEEN 4 JUL TO 5 JUL A heart-warming tale of loyalty and adventure, delivered in grand theatrical style by young performers ages 7 to 11.

For Ages: 4+.

huge IYAF carnival parade on 13 Jul. www.iyafestival.org.uk/creativeyouth CIRCUS WORKSHOPS IN KINGSTON Market Place, Kingston KT1 1JS Cost: FREE Time: Sat 11am, Sun 2pm Try juggling, stilt walking, acrobatics and other ground-based circus tricks. www.circussuburbia.co.uk TUDOR AND GEORGIAN CHOCOLATE COOKERY AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, KT8 9AU Time: 10am-6pm Cost: Normal Admission See the intrepid team of history chefs prepare a feast and witness first-hand the elaborate process of making chocolate for a king.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk SAT 5 TO SAT 27 JUL INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL Productions and activities for young children and families at venues throughout Kingston. Highlights include ‘King Athelstan: First King of England’ for 3+ year olds and ‘The Brat and That’ for 5+ year olds.

0208 549 2120 www.iyafestival.org.uk SUN 6 JUL FERRET FUN AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 12-4pm Cost: Normal Admission Family activities with Ferret Rescue Surrey and their furry friends.

01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk PETERSHAM VILLAGE SUMMER SHOW Bute Avenue, Petersham TW10 7AX Time: From 2.15pm Flower Show and Fete in the village hall and grounds. www.petershamhorticulturalsociety. org.uk TWICKENHAM GREEN FETE The Green, Twickenham, TW2 5AG Cost: FREE Time: 12-8pm Family fun day with music, stalls and activities. www.twickenhamgreen.org

SAT 12 JUL CHERTSEY BLACK CHERRY FAIR Abbeyfields, Chertsey KT16 8AT Chertsey’s annual town fair. Live music and activities. www.blackcherryfair.com FAMILY FUN AT ELMBRIDGE MUSEUM Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DE Time: 2-4.30pm Cost: £1.50 Creative family activities.

01932 843573 www.elmbridge.gov.uk ST MARGARETS FAIR Moormead Park, St Margarets TW11EB Time: 11am-4pm. Cost: FREE Family fun including a visit from a farmer with a selection of animals. www.stmargaretsfair.org SUMMER FAIR AT RIVERBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Park Avenue Base, Staines TW18 2EF Time: 11.30am-2pm Cost: FREE Traditional school fair with stalls and attractions.

01784 227960 www.riverbridge.surrey.sch.uk SUN 13 JUL OUTDOOR THEATRE AT HAM HOUSE: ROMEO AND JULIET Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Age: 5+ Time: 6pm Cost: Adult £16, Child £8, Family £40 Bring a picnic and enjoy authentic Shakespeare with the all-male Lord Chamberlain’s Men. 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surreyevents

DAILY DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS

BE A NATURE EXPLORER AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Cost: FREE with admission.

Help make bat boxes, build a home for birds, create a bug hotel and enjoy pond dipping. Nature-themed art and craft for younger children.

For more information, see page 17.

0208 409 4400 wwt.org.uk July-August 2014

THE BIG DINOSAUR SHOW AT THE LOOKOUT DISCOVERY CENTRE Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Cost: £1.85 plus admission.

Time: 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3.15pm Help a herd of Brachiosaurs survive some dangerous challenges. Find out what the breath of a T Rex would have smelt like. Discover how much poo the biggest dinosaurs would have made!

01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ thelookoutdiscoverycentre SUMMER FUN AT HOBBLEDOWN Horton Lane Epsom KT19 8PT Navigate underground tunnels or an obstacle course in the sky. Dig for crystals in the Mining Village.

NEW: Henfolds Bird of Prey arena with magnificent birds in action.

For more information, see page 16.

0843 289 4979 www.hobbledown.com SUMMER AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE Chessington is the ultimate destination this summer holidays.

Your own little animals can travel through themed lands, come face to face with great beasts, and walk beneath the waves. Meet over 1,000 animals from the exotic and endangered to the just plain cute. For more information, see page 12.

0871 663 4477 www.chessington.com

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT GUILDFORD SPECTRUM Parkway, Guildford GU1 1UP Enjoy rugby, fencing, trampolining, golf, archery, basketball, soccer, athletics, tennis and gymnastics or an Xtreme Activity Camps, full days of multi-sports daily. Also pre-school drama and music.

01483 443322 www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk SUMMER FUN AT HOUNSLOW URBAN FARM Faggs Lane, Feltham TW14 0LZ Special events all summer. Daily animal encounters, piglet racing and owl display.

For more information, see page 18.

020 8821 9658 www.hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk SUMMER FUN AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Animal Passport Trail, pony and tractor rides, gold panning, animal handling, goat milking, pig racing, pedal go karts, indoor playbarns and outdoor playgrounds! NEW Water Wars Splash Zone.

For more information, see page 14.

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk SAT 19 JUL THE CLAYGATE VILLAGE SHOW Claygate Recreation Ground, Church Road KT10 0JP Time: From 1.30pm Cost: Adult £5, Child £1 The biggest variety of village life ever seen, plus, this year, the vibrant colours, tastes and sounds of the Commonwealth. www.claygateflowershow.co.uk/

what’s on OPEN AIR THEATRE: THE JUNGLE TWICKENHAM ALIVE MUSIC BOOK AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE & FUN DAY GARDEN Strawberry Hill House, 268 Time: 7-9.30pm Cost: Adult £16, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, Child £8, Family £40 TW1 4ST An exciting family adaptation of Time: 12-7pm Cost: FREE Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’ Live music, food, drink and family 0844 249 1895 entertainment www.nationaltrust.org.uk / 020 8744 1241 surreyevents www.twickenhamalive.com SUN 20 JUL EVERY WED FROM 23 JUL OPEN AIR THEATRE: ROMEO & JULIET TO 27 AUG AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN OUTDOOR EXPLORER ACTIVITIES Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG AT OSTERLEY PARK 01372 467806 Jersey Rd, Isleworth, TW7 4RB Time: 7-9.30pm Cost: Adult £16, Time: 12-4pm Cost: Adult £4.50, Child £8, Family £40 Child £2.30 plus normal admission The Lord Chamberlain’s Men with 50 Things to Do Before their unique interpretation of You’re 11 3/4. Complete a Shakespeare’s classic. different activity weekly.

0844 249 1895 For more information, see page 16. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ 020 8232 5050 surreyevents www.nationaltrust.org.uk KINGSTON DRAGON BOAT EVERY THU FROM 24 JUL TO 28 AUG CHALLENGE CRAFT CART AT OSTERLEY PARK Canbury Gardens, Kingston, Jersey Rd, Isleworth, TW7 4RB T2 5AU Time: 12-4pm Cost: FREE Time: 10am-4pm Cost: FREE Drop in craft with a different 48 teams battle it out on the river. theme each time Market stalls, sideshows, bouncy 020 8232 5050 castles, kids’ rides. www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk THUMBS UP IT’S THURSDAY HONEY BEE FESTIVAL IN KINGSTON AT PAINSHILL PARK Cost: FREE Portsmouth Road, Cobham Activities including: storytelling, KT11 1JE face painting, craft activities and Time: 11am-4pm Cost: FREE cookery.

Learn about beekeeping and www.kingstonfirst.co.uk participate in bee-themed children’s FAMILY WORKSHOPS activities.

AT KINGSTON MUSEUM 32040868 spectrum_FF advert FUT 87x130_1 20/05/2014 12:30 Page 1 01932 113 Wheatfield Way, Kingston www.painshill.co.uk KT1 2PS

A FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN DAY OUT

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All activities are subject to availability.

The BIG Dinosaur Show

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

29

what’s on Ages: 4-11 Time: 1.30-4.30pm.

Cost: FREE Drop-in, themed ‘Make and take’ workshops. Younger children welcome.

020 8547 5006 www.kingston.gov.uk/museum THU 24 JUL TO MON 1 SEP SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham TW10 7RS Art activities and den building.

For more information, see page 16.

020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ surreyevents SAT 26 JUL THE BIG DIG AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Dig in the mock archaeological trench using all the appropriate tools and equipment.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org SAT 26 TO SUN 27 JUL THE BIG TREE CLIMBING WEEKEND AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am-4.30pm Cost: Normal admission plus £15 Tree climbing, zip wire and rope swings in the garden with the Big Tree Climbing Company.

For more information, see page 16.

0800 0556760 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/surreyevents FUN AND GAMES WITH JAQUES AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham TW10 7RS Time: 10am-7pm Cost: Free with normal admission Garden games with Jaques London.

For more information, see page 16.

020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ surreyevents GLORIOUS GEORGES FAMILY FESTIVAL AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, KT8 9AU Time: 10am-6pm Cost: £15.50 adults. Kids under 16 go FREE with paying adult Journey through the palace gardens and transform yourself into a Royal Courtier.

Enjoy family activities including dancing, dressing-up and court

etiquette. For more information, see page 18.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk 28 JUL TO 27 AUG CREATE & GROW WORKSHOPS AT SQUIRES GARDEN CENTRES Stoke Rd, Cobham KT11 3PU, Burwood Rd, Hersham KT12 4AR, Woodstock Lane North, Long Ditton KT5 5HN, Halliford Rd, Shepperton TW17 8SG, Sixth Cross Rd, Twickenham TW2 5PA Times: See page 14 for dates/times.

For costs, see website Learn more about gardening and wildlife at these drop-in craft and gardening events.

For more information, see page 14. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk DAILY FROM 28 JUL TO 29 AUG GOING UNDERCOVER FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES AT LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB Time: 11am-6pm Cost: Adults £15, Kids FREE Drop-in storytelling for ages 3 to 7 (11am and 2pm) and Make and Take (11.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.45pm): Weeks beg 28 Jul and 18 Aug Listen to Constance the ‘conductorette’ as she teaches you her clever tricks for catching thieves and cheats who try to short-change her and dodge paying their fares.

Make a stash of clay coins before stitching a secret pouch in which to hide them (ages 4-12).

Week beginning 5 Aug BE SAFE WEEK See page 18.

Weeks beginning 4 and 25 Aug Percy and Penny Pigeons are in love, but Percy is in Belgium and Penny is in France, kept apart by their code-carrying wartime missions – can you help them reunite? Make your own secret messages and take them home with your specially made carrier pigeon (ages 6-12).

For more information, see page 18.

020 7379 6344 www.ltmuseum.co.uk DAILY FROM 28 JUL TO 29 AUG SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT BROOKLAND’S MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Adult £11 Child (5-16) £6, Family £30

Popular vintage car rides from 11am-1pm and from 2-4pm.

Guest appearances from Bertie the Brooklands Bear, trails and workshops for all ages.

For more information, see page 12.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com EVERY TUE FROM 29 JUL TO 26 AUG LITTLE SEEDLINGS GARDENING CLUB AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 12-4pm Cost: Adult £4.50, Child £2.30 Get hands-on in these drop-in edible garden sessions.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk EVERY TUE & THU FROM 29 JUL TO 28 AUG SUMMER FUN WORKSHOP AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, KT16 8AT Ages: 5-12 Times: various Cost: £3 per child Imaginative craft activities.

Booking required.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org/events SAT 2 AUG TO SAT 9 AUG CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY WEEK AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Children’s trail, craft activities, pony rides, interactive show ‘Rainy Day Bear’s Adventure.’ For more information, see page 16.

0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/surreyevents SAT 2 AUG TO SUN 3 AUG CHILDREN’S FOOD FESTIVAL IN KINGSTON Memorial Gardens, Union Street KT1 1RP Time: 10am-4pm Cost: FREE Hands-on, interactive activities for little foodies! www.kingstonfoodfestival.com SUN 3 AUG BROOKLANDS GREAT WAR 100 Brookland’s Museum, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Adult £11, Child (5-16) £6, Family £30 Mark the centenary of the start of World War One and enjoy automobiles, motorcycles and aircraft from the period up to 1919.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Don’t Forget to Say Where You Saw the Ad!

30

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

OPEN DAY THAMES DITTON MINIATURE RAILWAY Claygate Lane, Thames Ditton KT7 0LE Time: 2-5pm Cost: single rides £2, unlimited £6 Enjoy rides and a family picnic.

0208 398 3985 ww.malden-dsme.co.uk SAT 2 AUG TO SUN 3 AUG TUDOR AND GEORGIAN CHOCOLATE COOKERY AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: 10am-6pm Cost: Normal Admission Witness the intrepid team of chefs prepare a feast as well as the elaborate process of making chocolate for a king.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk SAT 9 AUG GEORGIAN FAMILY DAY AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: 10.30am-4.30pm Cost: See website.

Family fun focussed on Georgian food, fashions and pastimes. Discover what life was like as a member of the fashionable Georgian court.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk SAT 9 AUG TO SAT 17 AUG A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS AT WATERCRESS LINE Alresford, Hamphshire SO24 9JG Cost: Adult £18, Child £12 Family: £54 Unlimited rides on a real steam train.

Meet Thomas and friends. Shake hands with The Fat Controller and enjoy Thomas themed activities.

For more information, see page 14.

01962 733810 www.watercressline.co.uk SAT 16 TO SUN 17 AUG BOUNCE FESTIVAL IN RICHMOND Old Deer Park, Richmond TW9 1PQ Ages: up to 12 Time: 10am-6pm.

Festival of fun for kids and their families, with kids’ entertainment shows on the Big Stage and activity zones that include everything from science experiments to street dance.

10% DISCOUNT FOR FAMILIES READERS. SEE AD BELOW LEFT. www.bouncefestival.co.uk 17 AUG BIRDS OF PREY DISPLAY AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 2-4pm Cost: Normal Admission Watch flying displays and discover more about the wonderful world of falconry.

01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk FRI 22 AUG TO SUN 24 AUG GRAND SUMMER STEAM UP AT LONDON MUSEUM OF STEAM AND WATER Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0EN Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Adult £11, Child £5 All the mighty engines will be in steam and families can make giant bubbles and ride on the Waterworks Railway.

020 8568 4757 www.kbsm.org SUN 24 AUG OAKLEIGH FAIRS COUNTRY SHOW AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Adult £7.50, July-August 2014

Child (5-16) £3 Birds of prey, Spanish horse display, art, craft, gift and food marquees.

020 8232 5050 www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/ MON 25 AUG FAMILY FUN RACEDAY AT EPSOM DOWNS Epsom Downs, Surrey KT18 5LQ An action-packed afternoon of racing and entertainment for the young and old alike with pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncy castle, carousel, face painting, hot shoeing demonstrations.

For more information, see page 18.

01372 726 311 www.epsomdowns.co.uk SAT 30 AUG BAT WALK AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 7.30-9.30pm Cost: Adult £8, Child £4

Join the Surrey Bat Group and learn about the species of bats at Claremont, using bat detectors to hear their sounds as they fly.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ surreyevents SAT 30 AUG TO SUN 31 AUG GLORIOUS GEORGES FAMILY FESTIVAL AT KEW PALACE Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB Time: 9.30am-6pm Cost: Adults £15.00 Kids under 16 go FREE with paying adult.

Journey through the palace gardens (otherwise known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew) and transform yourself into a Royal Courtier with family activities including dancing, dressing-up and court etiquette.

For more information, see page 18.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/KewPalace

what’s on Bocketts Farm Park

SUMMER FUN ON THE FARM ENJOY A FANTASTIC DAY OUT! Lots of animals to meet & feed Indoor Soft Play & Tractor Driving Zone

Daily programme of farm activities NEW Toddler Outdoor Multi-Play NEW Pedal Go-Kart Track

Plus, Panning for Gold & The Animal Passport Trail

NEW Water Wars Splash Zone

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

#

SPECIAL

OFFER

D AR AW WI NN ING !

£1 off full price farm entry per person

(max 5 people) valid from 1st July – 31st August 2014.

Only with this voucher.

TEDDY BEAR PICNICS Sat 26 Jul and Sat 23 Aug Ages: All Ages Time: 12.30-3pm Cost: £2 per child Join the storyteller in the grounds of Strawberry Hill for a traditional Teddy Bears Picnic.

BYO picnic. Drop in, no booking required.

DROP IN WORKSHOPS FOR ALL AGES Ages: All ages Time: 12.30-3pm Cost: £2 per child Family drop-in activities. No booking required. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

Royal Headgear (5 Jul) Turn yourself into a daring prince or beautiful princess Bold and Bashful Bugs (12 Jul, 2, 16 & 30 Aug) Make your own beautiful bug and join in a big bug hunt Light Up Your Garden (19 Jul) Make a lantern to light up your garden Build a Giant Peacock (9 Aug) Help create a giant peacock and raise money for the Strawberry Hill Peacock Appeal STORYTELLING AND CRAFT FOR UNDER 5s Ages: Under 5s Time: 11am Cost: £6 per child Classical tales and activities in the magical surrounding of Strawberry Hill.

Booking required.

Stained Glass Creations (23 Jul) Create your very own stained window hanger Peter Rabbit (30 Jul) Enjoy the story and join a hunt for carrots in the community garden

NEARLY NEW SALES

HAMPTON MUM2MUM MARKET SAT 19 JUL, 2-4PM The White House, 45 The Avenue, Hampton TW12 3RN www.mum2mummarket.co.uk July-August 2014

The Frog Prince (6 Aug) Enjoy this fairy tale and make your own frog How the Peacock Got His Feathers (13 Aug) Learn how the Peacock got his feathers and create your own peacock Hansel and Gretel (20 Aug) Listen to this fairy tale and decorate gingerbread men Snow White (27 Aug) Enjoy this fairy tale and a printing craft activity CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR OVER 5s Ages: Over 5s Time: 1pm Cost: £9 per child Creative workshops taking inspiration from the magical house and grounds. Booking required.

Gothic Goblets (23 Jul) Paint your own gothic goblet or stained glass window. Includes mini tour of the house Everlasting Bubbles (30 Jul) Make a magical bubble wand that can blow everlasting bubbles!

Horaces’ Historical Heraldry (6 Aug) Enjoy a mini tour of Strawberry Hill and create your own coat of arms that can be painted on a wooden shield Proud as a Peacock (13 Aug) Make your own fabulous peacock headdress Daring Knights and Perfect Princesses (20 Aug) Make a crown, sword, shield, wand or tiara to transform yourself into a knight or princess Artistic Apples (27 Aug) Create a printed masterpiece on canvas using seasonal fruit and vegetables

SURBITON MUM2MUM MARKET SAT 19 JUL, 2-4PM St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Hill, Surbiton KT6 4LS www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

© National Trust Images/National Trust/James Day. Registered Charity Number 205846.

SUMMER FUN AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE

Discover the glorious outdoors at a National Trust place near you

summer holidays

Visit the website below to find out what's going on at: • Clandon Park • Hatchlands Park • Polesden Lacey • Surrey Hills

nationaltrust.org.uk/surreyevents

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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oNe GrEaT BiG aDVeNTuRe

LEAVE R EA LIT Y BEH IND WHEN YOU ENTER T HE MYSTER ICA L WOR LD OF HOBBLEDOWN • Hobbledown is a 50-acre farm • With our own Zoo Licence, park adventure featuring towers, we have more than 100 animals tunnels, mazes, aerial walkways, on show a daring high ropes course and • 5 minutes from Chessington a 14,000 sq ft indoor play barn Follow us on facebook; hobbledownuk

and twitter; @Hobbledown

Find us at: Hobbledown Children’s Farm Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8PT T: 0843 289 4979 E: thehobblers@hobbledown.com www.hobbledown.com

ur ses s to ou d cla s +) k l c h i t e h ch t/C mon n e 4 r s Pa bie (ba

Enrolling NOW for our new term.

HOB029_QuarterPgAd_135x90mm.indd 1

14/05/2013 14:57

Come along to a FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION and see how much FUN your kids can have while growing their skills and confidence.

At The Little Gym we offer a non-competitive, progressive approach to our developmental classes which enable children to reach their greatest potential.

Children aged from 4 months to 12 years learn at an age appropriate pace through our structured gymnastics based classes which grows new skills and builds confidence during each stage of their childhood. All this thi while they are just having loads of FUN with our friendly team of instructors.

That’s what we call Serious FUN!

We also do fantastic birthday parties Call today for more info or to book a free introductory visit.

Enrolment is available throughout the year.

Hampton & Teddington Hampton Hill  TW12 1NY 020 8977 0099 hampton_teddington@thelittlegym.co.uk

Wandsworth & Fulham Wandsworth, SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567 wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk

www.thelittlegym.co.uk

Families upon Thames is designed by Sarah Harmer and printed by Warners, in Lincolnshire. Copyright, Families upon Thames magazine 2014. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liabilty for loss or damage. Families upon Thames is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under liscense. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.