Families Upon Thames Nov-Dec 2012

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November/December 2012 Issue 85

STUCK IN A RUT? Are you under-valued and hard-working?

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Issue 46 : (E)

CHRISTMAS FAMILY FUN

RACEDAY SATURDAY 22ND DECEMBER SUPERB JUMPS RACING

featuring the Long WaLk hurdLe

SURPRISES FROM SANTA

visit father Christmas in his grotto

FESTIVE FUN

free rides, CaroL singing and more

Tickets from ÂŁ18 per person Fine dining available 0844 346 3000 ascot.co.uk 2

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931.156_Christmas_Fun_Day A5 180x130mm_AW.indd 1

02/10/2012 09:08 November-December 2012

Motivate - Inspire - Achieve

Sunday morning sports for boys and girls of all abilities

SportsCoach Richmond  0844 3350450

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Flourish in small class sizes Become more confident happy and active Learn and enjoy 18 different sports a year

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Book by 16th November to take advantage of our 4 week Autumn trial package which includes Archery, Tchoukball and Team building.

LINDA STONE, editor m: 07530 283330 t: 020 8241 0423 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk Follow us on Twitter now

@FamiliesuponT

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames

Linda Stone

4 5 8

9 10 11 12 13

Just for You: Winter Skin and Hair Care Family Health and Wellbeing Parenting How To Deal With Toddler Tantrums Helping Your Child Choose a Secondary School Acknowledging Your Child’s Feelings ToddlerCalm Competition My Birth is Easy….

Metanium Everyday Competition Parenting Tutor Exclusive Offer My Journey With Miles Mum and Career Flexible Working: Mums Know Your Rights!

Reaching Out to The World Redefining Your Goals To Suit Family Life Running Your Own Franchise Business 14 Ready to Change Career?

15 Returning to the Workforce 16 Turn Your Passion Into a Profession Thinking of Setting Up Your Own Small Business?

17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

London

“

WOW! WOW!

“

I never want to be without this again -

From Kitchen Table to Successful Business and Beyond...

Clubs, Classes Activities News Local Theatre Guide A Passion for Programming The Rose In The Garden Young People Thrive at The Rose Perfect Panto! Blood, Sweat and Glitter My Day at the Big, Black Barn Competition: Cinderella The Midnight Princess Local Theatre Listings Where to see Santa Education Navigating the School System with a Dyslexic Child Teaching Dyslexic Children to Read Seasonal Offerings The Families Home Guide You and Your Agent Buying Your Family Home Let With Confidence!

What’s On

Antioxidant Face Firming Serum generally “ Skin plumper and healthier

it’s made a huge difference to my skin

“

PAGE 21 CREDITS With thanks to The Richmond Theatre, The Rose Theatre, Waterman’s Theatre and The Polka Theatre for the images that make up the cover of our Local Theatre Guide.

I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas already! In this issue, you’ll find everything you need to know about where to find Santa, the dates for Christmas Light Switch Ons, carol concerts and Christmas fairs and markets! Also check out our inaugural Mum and Career feature and our Local Theatre Guide. This issue also sees the introduction of three fantastic new features: Family Health and Wellbeing, Parenting and The Families Home Guide.

We also have some great prizes to be won, including a Kindle, family tickets to see Cinderella The Midnight Princess, a free place on a ToddlerCalm™ Workshop and a free, private coaching session with Parenting Tutor.

Have a happy and healthy Festive Season!

Editor

Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible tester panel

3 George Street, Richmond, London TW9 1JY TEL: 0208 948 7049 www.theorganicpharmacy.com

November-December 2012

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

3

Just for you!

Winter skin and hair care!

by Isabelle Martin Sanchez

The lead up to Christmas is a busy time for parents. How inconvenient then that this is also a time when we need to pay extra attention to our skin and hair!

Mild cases of dry skin can be eased by: ● Avoiding long, hot showers or baths ● Using a mild soap e.g. Dove ● Applying a moisturizer daily If your condition is severe, it’s best to consult your GP. Cold temperatures can mean low humidity, drying out the natural oils in our skin and hair, whilst cold wind strips them of moisture.

Wind also causes chapping and wind-burn, making the skin tight and uncomfortable. Don’t think you can escape by staying inside either, because indoor heating also dries skin and hair! During winter, many people find that their skin is regularly rough, red, tightened, cracked or peeling.

As well as dryness, your hair may be more prone to static during the winter and appear dull, lacklustre and lacking in body.

Combat this by:

● Using hair products

formulated for dry hair

● Drinking plenty of water to

stay hydrated

● Using a humidifier to add

moisture to your indoor environment

Registered charity:1093411

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

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We asked The Organic Pharmacy in Richmond to choose some of their favourite skin and hair products for winter.

What They Say: If you really want to see an improvement in your skin, invest in a product that contains Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which has been proven in clinical trials to help boost collagen and elastin levels. We can recommend The Organic Pharmacy Collagen Boost Mask, which is a gel you apply at any time of day and leave on. As well as CoQ10, it contains antioxidants and vitamin E which are essential for skin repair.

To avoid applying and carrying round multiple products, choose a multi-purpose like the The Organic Pharmacy Lip and Eye Cream, which reduces signs of aging in the lip and eyes areas, soothes puffy eyes and calms chapped lips. It’s great used in the morning before makeup and compact enough to carry for re-application during the day. For the lips, we also recommend Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, which has a cooling finish and contains only natural ingredients.

Invest in a nourishing skin cream that is safe for a range of dry skin conditions suffered by the whole family. The Ultra Dry Skin Cream from the Organic Pharmacy can be used for eczema, dry or chapped skin and can be kept in the bathroom cabinet.

Another product which is fantastic for dry skin is the classic 8 Hour Cream from Elizabeth Arden which can be applied to all parts of the body, from hands and nails to elbows and feet.

Products that can be used before going to bed are very useful as they do their work whilst you are asleep and don’t require re-application!

Hair masks can give your hair a much-needed make over. We love Aussie 3 Minute Miracle for its deep conditioning and divine scent. After washing, massage the mask into the ends of the hair in sections. Give your hair a quick blast with the hairdryer, wrap it in a microfiber towel and sleep with the treatment in. When the treatment is shampooed out the next morning, you are left with lusciously conditioned hair. The same process works used with face masks. Use the new Organic Pharmacy Honey and Jasmine Mask on your face and rinse off the next morning. Severely dehydrated skin will drink up the mask, repairing the skin overnight.

If you simply don’t have time to pay any attention to your skin or hair before Christmas, just remember to put some quality skin and hair care products on your Christmas List so that you can start a new regime in the New Year!

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The Organic Pharmacy is the first pharmacy dedicated to all things organic. It offers professional advice from pharmacists, homeopaths and beauty therapists and award-winning treatments.

The Pharmacy is located at 3 George Street, Richmond.

For further information, visit www.TheOrganicPharmacy.com

Motivational Coaching

Building their foundation for life If you are concerned about your child’s confidence, behaviour or motivation and are worried that they are not fulfilling their true potential at school then you may be looking to give your child support and encouragement.

If so call us to discuss your child’s unique needs.

REGISTER NOW | Tel: 01296 733011

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Jules: 07789 264803 Rowan: 07973 340785 Email: info@yellow-brickroad.co.uk Visit our website for more information

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November-December 2012

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING The Facts About Chickenpox Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness, caused by the varicella virus which is common in children.

Symptoms include an itching skin rash with blisters and, very often, a raised temperature. The infectious period lasts from about 3 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have formed scabs. So, if your child has been exposed to someone who develops chicken pox in the 3 days after the exposure, your child is at risk of contracting the illness. It takes 10 to 20 days for symptoms to appear, so don’t just assume your child hasn’t contracted the illness, if it doesn’t appear after a few days. The good news is, once a child has had chickenpox, they will have immunity to the disease for the rest of their life, although the virus may return later in life as shingles.

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By Dr Robert Arlt

Keep your child at home whilst infectious and try to prevent them scratching the blisters because of the risk of infection and scarring.

Of course, this is easier said than done with young children, but you can try cutting finger nails. Keep your child cool, as heat and sweat may make the itching worse.

By Melissa Wakeling (MARH R Hom)

Consult your doctor if: ● your child has a high fever (above 38.5ºC) and feels unwell ● the blisters get very weepy or swollen ● your child is coughing or has breathing problems ● your child is stumbling readily or getting drowsy ● attacks of chickenpox itching disturbs your child’s sleep ● for cosmetic reasons you are concerned about scars not healing

Winter can be a time when coughs, colds, flu and now the ‘norovirus,’ multiply in nurseries and schools.

It’s always hard when our children become unwell, but remember childhood illness is normal and strengthens the immune system for adulthood.

Here are some homeopathic remedies which may help. These remedies can all be bought over the counter at pharmacies that stock homeopathic remedies. See below for some suggestions.

Vaccination against chicken pox can be administered from 12 months old and children tolerate it well. It can prevent an outbreak of the disease, if administered up to 5 days after contact. For maximum protection, 2 injections 6 to 8 weeks apart are recommended.

Dosage is the same for all remedies and is one pill three times daily, until symptoms improve.

Dr Robert Arlt is Consultant Paediatrician at Richmond Practice where specialist integrated family health care is available Monday to Saturday with late evening appointments. For more information, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk.

Aconite 30c Useful in the early stages of colds and fevers, where there is a sudden onset of symptoms after exposure to cold.

What exactly is homeopathy and how can it help you? by Melissa Wakeling (MARH R Hom) If you or your children are visiting your GP with frequent coughs or colds and/ or taking lots of anti-biotics, you might be interested in learning more about homeopathy.

Homeopathy is a gentle, yet effective, system of medicine, ideal for babies and toddlers, offering an alternative approach to your family’s healthcare. Developed by a German doctor over 200 years ago, homeopathy is used by an estimated 500 million people worldwide and works by triggering the body’s natural system of healing.

Homeopathy is based on the principle that a substance which causes symptoms in large doses can be used in small amounts to treat those same symptoms. You may be familiar with this concept in conventional medicine, for instance, the stimulant Ritalin for ADHD, or small doses of allergens being used to desensitise allergic patients. Homeopathic medicines, known as remedies, are made from natural, organic sources, with around 70% being made from plants. They are highly diluted and therefore non-toxic, making them safe even for the very young.

High quality research has demonstrated the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in some common conditions suffered by babies and children including skin complaints, allergies, ear infections, November-December 2012

coughs and colds. Jane, a parent living in Teddington says “I consulted a homeopath last year when my youngest son was suffering from bad eczema and also lots of coughs and colds. Homeopathy has helped me and my family no end. My youngest son hasn’t suffered from eczema since being treated by a homeopath over a year ago and his coughs and colds are sympathetically eased.”

Homeopathy recognises the importance of treating the individual as a whole.

During the first consultation, usually lasting an hour, the homeopath will ask questions about every aspect of your child’s health including his medical history, how he sleeps, and his personality, as well as his current symptoms. This information is used to select a homeopathic prescription matched to the child. The remedies are easy to take and because the pills are sweet, children enjoy taking them!

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Melissa Wakeling owns and runs Teddington Homeopathy.

She treats all family members but has a special interest in babies and children.

For more information, visit www.teddingtonhomeopathy.com.

Treating Winter Ailments

Arsenicum Album 30c Treats vomiting with diarrhoea.

Child is restless.

Belladonna 30c Treats sudden high fever and earaches, when child is hot and glassy-eyed.

Ferrum Phos 30c The homeopathic vitamin C. Child is tired, weary and has the first signs of cold or flu.

Gelsemium 30c For flu. Child is shivery with aching limbs and very sluggish.

Always seek professional advice if you become worried about your child’s symptoms or if your child has a temperature of more than 38.5ºC. Pharmacies stocking homeopathic remedies: Maple Leaf Clinic, Twickenham www.mapleleafpharmacy.co.uk Neal’s Yard Remedies, Richmond www.nealsyardremedies.com Oatlands Park Pharmacy, Weybridge 01932 842171

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

5

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that Brain Tumour Research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK, yet kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer?

Your family can help raise vital funds for Brain Tumour Research by buying your Christmas cards from the range they have carefully selected.

If you want to raise even more money, you can: ● Ask for Christmas Cards to sell to your friends and family ● Host a Christmas gift event ● Ask your child’s school, your workplace or social club if they will take Christmas Cards to sell ● Approach your company and see if they will send Brain Tumour Research cards this year ● Sell Brain Tumour Research pens and badges alongside the Christmas Cards.

Visit www.braintumourrsearch.org for more information.

Tackling Your “to-do” List by Hannah Ashenden Moving into winter and the run up to Christmas, it often feels like there is so much to do and so little time to do it. If you feel panicky, demotivated or exhausted when facing your “To-Do” list, then you may need to shift your thinking.

Let’s just imagine you are sitting down to make your child a costume for her school play.

It’s a task that feels daunting. But why? Are you worried you won’t finish it on time? Are you concerned that the costume will not turn out as you’d like? Are you scared that you will be the only parent who doesn’t make a great costume?

If any of these things are true, then facing this task will trigger fear and anxiety, so, of course, you are not going to feel enthusiastic about it. However, you CAN relieve yourself of the pressure this anxiety causes, become more efficient and get more enjoyment out of life. Just read on.

Think for a moment about writing your Christmas cards and ask yourself the following questions: ● What do I want the outcome to be? ● How do I want to feel when this job done? ● How do I want to feel whilst doing this job?

Visualise the ideal outcomes. Perhaps you imagine the cards in their envelopes

disappearing into the post box and feeling satisfied and relieved? Perhaps you imagine feeling calm, efficient and focussed whilst writing the cards? Visualising your ideal outcomes makes the task feel more manageable and pleasurable and less anxiety-provoking. This kind of visualisation often also gives rise to new inspiration. For instance, it may occur to you that you could share this task with your family and involve the children in the card making and/ or writing.

Once you are clear about how to achieve the necessary task, it’s important to actually find time to do it! Here’s how: ● Prioritise the tasks on your “to-do” list.

Prioritise ruthlessly. Be brave enough to recognise that the world won’t end if certain tasks get ditched! ● Diarise a specific time to complete each job. ● Ask yourself honestly when the best time to tackle each task is and don’t expect to achieve more than one task per ‘session.’ ● Ask for help and delegate. Make a list of your resources before you start - friends, family, online help.

As you break down your “To-Do” list into manageable chunks and diarise a time to tackle each task, you will find yourself achieving results more consistently and gaining momentum and energy. Inspired action will become more like second nature and you will greet new tasks with enthusiasm and confidence.

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Hannah Ashenden owns and runs Coaching For Mums which helps mothers create balance in their lives and change deep-rooted behavioural patterns. For more information, PP_FFF_fly_1_06_12.pdf 1 31/05/2012 16:35 visit www.coachingformums.net

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November-December 2012

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING Lamb, bean and barley casserole

A POSTURE PERFECT CHRISTMAS! by Jeanie Di Bon

Bean and sausage casseroles are loved by little ones and are a great source of protein. For a change, why not try cooking beans with lamb and barley?

Pearl barley is full of fibre and a cheap and easy way to bulk up a stew or casserole.

Pop this winter warmer in the oven, head out for family bike ride and it’ll be all ready to eat when you get back!

For 4 large portions you will need: 2 tbsp olive oil 500g lamb neck fillet cut into 3 cm cubes 3 onions cut into large chunks 3 cloves of garlic thinly sliced 1 tin chopped tomatoes 100g pearl barley rinsed in cold water and drained 750ml of chicken/lamb stock 1 sprig rosemary 3 tins beans drained of liquid (mixture of cannellini, borlotti and chickpeas works well) Salt and pepper to taste Method: Preheat the oven to 150 C. Use a large casserole that can be transferred from the hob to the oven (we use a Le Creuset pot.)

Brown the lamb in the olive oil on a high heat for 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat, add the onions and cook for a further 4-5 minutes.

Then add the garlic and cook for a minute.

Stir in the tinned tomatoes, the pearl barley, 500 ml of stock and the rosemary.

Heat, stirring the mixture until it starts to bubble. Put the lid on the casserole and pop it in the oven for at least 1 hour. The meat should be tender at this point.

After an hour, add the beans and the rest of the stock and put the casserole back in the oven for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

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This recipe was provided by The Claremont Road Kitchen. For more recipes, you can join their blog at www.theclaremontroadkitchen.com

The lead up to Christmas, although exciting, can also mean stress, overwork and an endless to-do list. No wonder our posture and our bodies can suffer at this time of year.

Pilates promotes good posture by balancing the body and distributing the normal physical stresses of standing and moving among the appropriate bone and muscle groups. You can translate the principles of Pilates to everyday life with far reaching results.

My tips are:

Standing Posture At Christmas, we stand in queues! Notice how you are standing. Try not to bend one knee and put all the pressure on one hip. This can lead to knee, hip and lower back pain and even shoulder pain as the spine is twisted and held in this position. Also, avoid crossing your feet. Instead, see if you can stand with your weight evenly balanced on both feet, without locking the knee joints. This relieves pressure on the joints and can reduce aches and pains.

Standing Visualisation One of the principles of Pilates is standing tall and elongating the spine. Imagine you have fountains of water travelling up your body from your feet. When it reaches the top of your head, the water cascades down your body like a waterfall. This simple visualisation instantly lifts the spine, promoting a sense of lightness and length.

Breathing How many of us actually breathe correctly?

When stressed, we often resort to shallow breathing, which we can notice in our chest and in the rising of our shoulders. Sometimes, we even find ourselves holding our breath!

Try to focus on breathing – particularly at busy times. Think of expanding the whole ribcage with air, like inflating a balloon. Notice your ribs move as you inhale and exhale. Try putting your hands around them to get a feel for the movement. Focusing on the breath helps calm us down.

Keep moving Hunched over the computer or wrapping presents? This forward posture is bad for the spine, which loves to extend, rotate, bend sideways and move in all directions, promoting flexibility and ease of movement. A few simple changes can help: don’t send an email across the office, walk instead - it breaks the pattern of sitting; climb the stairs rather than taking the lift; get off the tube or bus a stop early and walk the remaining distance. This all helps to combat fixed, flexed postures.

Wishing you a happy, healthy Christmas!

extra

Jeannie Di Bon and her team from Creattiva Pilates teach Pilates mat work and studio equipment sessions in Esher and Thames Ditton.

For more information, visit www.creattivapilates.com

Give your child the gift of a beautiful smile for life l Friendly family dental practice l Preventive dental care l Latest pain-free technology l Sealants to prevent decay

FREE CHILD EXAM

l Half term fun event for young patients

01784 454899 NovemberDecember 2012

Thorpe Road . Staines . TW18 3EQ

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7

parenting

Dealing with

By Kirsty Nelson

TODDLER TANTRUMS any attempts you make to ignore your toddler’s behaviour. Bend down so you can talk to your toddler at her level and use simple words and short sentences. By hugging her, you are saying “it’s OK, I’m here for you, I love you.”

Here are some key tips for dealing with toddler tantrums: Understand normal toddler behaviour It’s possible that your toddler’s behaviour is perfectly normal for her age and knowing something is “normal” generally makes dealing with it easier! It’s important to understand how your toddler’s brain develops and what she is physically capable of doing and understanding. For instance, she is incapable of empathy. Her brain is not developed enough to understand that other people have feelings too. Similarly, whilst she might understand that the word “sharing” means she has to let other children play with her toys, she won’t understand why it’s important. Toddlers brains are not yet sophisticated enough to regulate their emotions and behaviour, so when they are having a tantrum, they are unable to control their feelings and calm

down, even if they want to. They need the help of a caring adult to assist them.

Try to see things from your toddler’s point of view How is your toddler feeling right now? How was he feeling before the tantrum? During?

By empathising with your toddler and imagining yourself in his shoes, you will gain valuable insight into what exactly has upset him and how to comfort him.

Understand that your toddler is not behaving badly to manipulate you or wind you up – even if it feels that way. His behaviour is simply his way of expressing what he is feeling.

Offer comfort Believe it or not, tantrums are scary for toddlers. It is very frightening for them to be experiencing such overwhelming emotions. A big hug will be much more effective and positive than

Describe the positive behaviour you would like from your toddler Rather than saying “we don’t hit people,” say instead “we touch other people gently.” Your toddler doesn’t understand: “Don’t do this.” Instead he hears the words that describe the unacceptable behaviour, so, in repeating these, you are likely to simply reinforce that behaviour. Try also to name your toddler’s feelings for him, for instance, “I can see you are angry,” or “When he took your toy, you felt sad didn’t you?” This helps your toddler makes sense of what he is feeling and later, when he is better able to articulate, he will be able to express feelings verbally rather than having to rely on crying, whining, biting or hitting.

Give your toddler choices It’s amazing how giving your toddler some control can improve her behaviour. For instance, lay out three different outfits on the bed each morning and let her choose which one she wants to

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Parenting a toddler is hard.

Gone is your warm, snuggly, immobile baby bundle and in its place is a wilful, curious, fast moving ball of energy, fighting for control and independence.

One of the most difficult things for any parent to deal with is a toddler tantrum, particularly if this occurs in public. Should you use behavioural techniques such as naughty steps, time out, stickers and rewards or is it more effective to simply ignore your toddler when he misbehaves? wear. Think about things from your toddler’s point of view – she doesn’t have any control over most of the aspects of her life, so giving control to her when you can, can make her much happier.

Help your toddler express her feelings through play Play can also help your toddler to feel in control of her world and let go of scary emotions.

Give her the opportunity to paint her anger or model her sadness out of play dough.

Try not to direct her play - even if you find it frustrating when she paints trees pink instead of green – it is important toddlers are allowed to do some things themselves, their way.

Kirsty Nelson runs local classes of ToddlerCalm™, a new company offering unique toddler calming classes for parents of 1 to 4 year olds, dealing with behaviour such as tantrums, picky eating and sleep problems. Take a look at page 9, if you would like the chance to WIN a free place on a ToddlerCalm™ workshop! For further information, visit www.toddlercalm.co.uk/teacher/kirsty-nelson

Helping your child choose a SECONDARY If you are currently in the process of trying to choose a secondary school for your child, you may be feeling more stressed than usual and, perhaps, wrangling with your child or your partner about which school your child should or shouldn’t choose.

What can we do to support our children through this episode in their lives? My son and I are looking at new schools at the moment. Before we began this process, the first thing I did was to ask myself honestly what I wanted for him. In my experience, all most parents actually want is for their children to feel relaxed and

8

happy. This should be the primary consideration throughout the process of choosing a new school.

Secondly, ask yourself what your child wants. Check that you are clear about this and that your child is actively involved and participating positively in the process of choosing a school. For me, this means taking my sons to visit various schools and letting him select the ones in which he’s interested.

Thirdly, do your best not to compare your child with other children. All children have unique skills, talents and personalities that will support them in their lives. Heed the saying: “Compare and despair!” There is always someone doing better than you

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

and so if you compare you will despair.

Lastly, be careful not to impose you own wishes and needs on your child. I have caught myself doing this. Allow your child find a level that suits them. Every parent would like their child to go to a top school, but, in the long run, it’s much more important that your child goes to a school where he or she is happy.

SCHOOL

By Alison Banks

extra Alison Banks is mother of three and founder and owner of Parenting Tutor. Alison helps families develop and nurture their interpersonal relationships in the healthiest, most fulfilling way possible. For a FREE private coaching session with Alison, take a look at page10!

For more information, visit www.parentingtutor.co.uk November-December2012

Acknowledging

parenting

By Sana Issa

YOUR CHILD’S FEELINGS

We love our children so much that we can`t stand see them hurt, upset or sad. We don`t want them to be angry and we can`t bear them to grieve or show any signs of discomfort at all. When they do, we quickly try to comfort them by telling them “It’s going to be okay! It’s not that bad! It will be better tomorrow!”

However, when we put a Band Aid on a child’s feelings in this way, the feelings don’t go away, they simply go underground. Very likely, they will either reappear later on in the form of negative behaviour, or the child will start to deny his feelings altogether, cutting off from his emotional world. A child whose feelings go unacknowledged is unable to trust himself and grows up lacking in confidence and self-esteem. It’s vital that we teach our children how to express their feelings appropriately.

Kate G recently attended one of my parenting workshops with her husband. They were keen to learn how to become better parents.

During one of the sessions, Kate talked about something that had happened whilst she and her husband were at the workshop the previous week. Her 9 year old son, Josh, had become very upset and shouted at his child minder that he “wanted his mummy” and was “missing his mummy,” as well as shouting at his brother to be quiet. The child minder, a friend of the family, told Josh that his mother and father wouldn’t be coming home yet and that they deserved time out on their own. His crying intensified.

Kate didn’t understand why Josh was so upset by her absence and felt that he was too old for such behaviour. She was concerned that Josh was suddenly saying that he missed her when she was only going to be gone from the house for a short period.

When Kate described Josh’s behaviour, it indicated to me that he was experiencing feelings that needed to be acknowledged and accepted. He needed to be given space to express these feelings. What would be very

unhelpful at this stage would be for him to be told “Stop being silly! You are a big boy now.

You must say sorry to your brother and to the child minder.”

As Kate started to listen to Josh and allowed him to express his feelings, he started to calm down. I suggested Kate ask Josh to draw how he feels. Once feelings are expressed creatively on paper, they feel lighter and easier to talk about. To Kate’s surprise, Josh was feeling really scared that he would lose her because he had recently had a dream in which she was being chased by dinosaurs! Kate listened while Josh to talked about this. She acknowledged how scary it must have been for him to think that she may disappear and Josh felt supported. His feelings had been respected and acknowledged by a significant adult.

Empathising and acknowledging a child’s feelings is so powerful that when parents try it consciously for the first time, some describe the process as “ Magic!” Paying attention to what your child is saying, keeping eye contact, expressing care and interest and

crouching down to the same height as your child, help demonstrate that you are listening and that you care. Imagining how your child might be feeling and naming the emotion for him also demonstrates empathy.

Acknowledging and accepting the feelings of our children will teach them to feel and express these emotions appropriately and grow into strong, confident adults able to face the challenges life throws at them.

extra

Sana Issa runs Parenting Workshops “How Talk So Your Kids Will Listen”™ in Twickenham and Hampton Hill. For further information, email sana@lovechildren.co.uk

WIN! COMPETITION! COMPETITION! WIN! ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH YOUR TODDLER’S BEHAVIOUR? DEALING WITH TANTRUMS OR A YOUNG CHILD THAT WON’T SLEEP OR EAT? ENTER OUR TODDLERCALM™ COMPETITION AND WIN A FREE PLACE ON A TODDLERCALM™ TANTRUM OR SLEEP WORKSHOP! ToddlerCalm™ offers unique classes and workshops which help parents better understand the behaviour of their toddlers and use this knowledge to help soothe and calm them. A ToddlerCalm™ class can make a real difference to a parent whose toddler is having tantrums, or has issues with sleep or eating.

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08/12/2011 07:25

9

“My Birth Is Easy...”

I

That’s the script you want for yourself, isn’t it? But can you really have it? Georgina Everett says “yes” and tells us how.

magine the rush of emotion when you see your “positive” pregnancy test.

This is it! You’re going to be a parent!

The image of that little baby in your arms is so strong. Fast forward a day, a week, several months. You turn on the television and there, on the screen, is a woman in labour. Suddenly birth appears fraught with pain and obstacles. You meet a friend and her new baby and share your hopes for a natural birth. She talks about epidurals, caesareans and episiotomies. Are you hoping for too much?

It is quite normal be a little anxious about birth. Typical concerns include worrying that something might happen to you or your baby during labour; that your doctors/midwives will ignore your instructions or requests; that you won’t be able to communicate your needs; or that you will lose control of your birth experience or bodily functions.

Preparation Preparation is the key to feeling confident.

During labour, everything your body does, however unfamiliar, has a purpose.

Understanding what happens and why, prepares you for what to expect. Find an antenatal class that suits you, where you are also likely to find other pregnant mums with whom you can talk through your concerns. Remember that if something is worrying you, it’s probably worrying someone else or will concern someone else in the future.

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Discuss your birth plan with your midwife, make sure it is clear and find out whether anything else should be covered. Ask your midwife the same questions over and over again if you want! Discuss your birth plan, your wishes in different scenarios, and your concerns with your birth partner, so that he or she can speak for you, if required.

Positioning If your baby is in the optimum position when labour begins, then his connection with your cervix is better, which, in turn, stimulates the release of oxytocin to bring on the next contraction. This means that unless your baby turns during labour, your birth should be easier and shorter. Here are a couple of simple techniques to encourage your baby into a good position. ● When sitting on the sofa, try not to slump backwards. This creates less space in the pelvis and encourages the heaviest part of baby, its back, towards your back. Sit forward on your seat bones with your knees below your hips. ● When sleeping, lying on your left side not only takes the weight of your baby off the vena cava, but also encourages babies spine to the left.

Oxygen We all know that, in labour, we need to breathe. But why? The uterus, like any other muscle, needs oxygen to work smoothly and without discomfort. Breathing and using movement sends oxygen around the body. In

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some birth preparation classes, such as Daisy Birthing® classes and Couples Workshops, a range of breathing techniques are practiced, but, whatever breathing technique you decide to use, make sure it is familiar enough to be instinctive on the day. Sarah, 39, phoned me after her birth and said: ‘I did the whole thing without pain relief.....I wouldn’t have got through it without the breathing techniques I learned at your classes.’ Sarah was completely comfortable with her practiced breathing technique and this enabled her to stay calm and keep her body working effectively throughout each contraction.

Relaxation A relaxed mind leads to a relaxed body, full of endorphins, which will birth more easily. If your adrenaline is pumping, less oxygen can reach the uterus and these natural endorphins are inhibited. You can use relaxation and meditation to help keep adrenalin low and to bypass the conscious mind. This helps you to find a deep focus during labour and block out some of the distractions around you. Have a think about what relaxes you and makes you feel safe. Is it a particular track of music? A gentle massage or hug from your partner? Exercises that you have used throughout pregnancy?

Which brings me back to the power of positive thought. Just keep thinking...

My birth is easy!

extra

Georgina Everett, mum of 2 young children, teaches Daisy Birthing® and Daisy Baby™ classes in Richmond and Surbiton.

For further information, contact Georgina at georgina@thelazydaisychain.co.uk

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November-December 2012

My Journey with Miles M iles was born in August 1999, a long-awaited and much wanted first baby. My pregnancy was routine other than a few bouts of morning sickness and I remember feeling very lucky and deliriously happy to be pregnant at long last.

When the big day came, my labour and delivery all went smoothly. After two and a half hours, my precious baby was born and I held him in my arms for the first time. I was so proud of myself; I was totally elated.

Sadly, this joyous feeling was short-lived.

Some minutes later, Miles was being given a bath and I saw his little face. An overwhelming sense of despair came over me; I had a sinking feeling like I was falling into a big black hole and my stomach lurched. I looked at my husband and said: “There’s something wrong!” and then said to my wonderful midwife “I think he’s got Down Syndrome”. She tried to reassure me I was wrong.

But instinctively I knew I was right. I didn’t cry; I was in shock. My very first thought was bizarre and I blurted out in panic “What are the neighbours going to say?” I felt a mixture of shame and fear. I even said that I couldn’t possibly breastfeed him. I was utterly distraught.

Shortly after, a paediatrician came and said he couldn’t confirm just yet whether Miles had Down Syndrome. He had a number of characteristics that suggested he might, but only a blood test could confirm the diagnosis.

The paediatrician was very gentle and softly spoken and told me that he had a cousin with Down Syndrome and that he was the

Down Syndrome Information and Support Down Syndrome Association National organisation helping people with Down Syndrome www.downs-syndrome.org.uk 21&Co Down Syndrome Support Group based in Surrey www.21andCo.org.uk MeToo & Co Twickenham-based charity supporting children with additional needs, their parents, carers and siblings www.metooandco.org.uk Three Wings Trust Richmond-based charity supporting children and young people with additional needs www.threewingstrust.org

Tracy signing with Miles

nicest person he knew. I felt comforted by his comment, but yet was still numb. We stayed in hospital for a whole week because I was simply too scared to go home.

The two-week wait for the test result felt like an eternity but I knew full well what I was going to be told. Looking back, those early weeks and months were dominated by a crushing sense of loss: I was mourning for the baby I thought I was going to have and for the family unit I thought we were going to be. Yet, here I was with a delightful little boy, alive and kicking - no-one had actually died!

An instinct kicked in and I knew I would not give up on Miles and couldn’t let myself succumb to this feeling of grief. Instead, I developed a strong need to learn, get involved and be proactive. Within eight weeks I had joined the Down Syndrome Association; two

Down’s Side Up Informative and supportive blog by mum of Natty, a child with Down Syndrome www.downssideup.com Singing Hands Baby and Toddler signing classes and sign language resources in Twickenham and Teddington www.singinghands.co.uk Tiny Talk Baby and Toddler signing classes in Kingston, Thames Ditton, Cobham and Weybridge www.tinytalk.co.uk The Makaton Charity A Language system featuring signs and symbols alongside speech to help support communication development www.makaton.org

By Tracy

Upton

groups for families with children with additional needs, baby massage; swimming classes; and my NCT group coffee mornings. I went into overdrive!

Within a few months, Miles started various therapies and I began to learn a basic sign language called Makaton, as children with Down Syndrome usually have delayed speech and language development. And so began our journey together. Grief turned to acceptance; fear and shame gave way to pride and joy in what Miles can and will achieve in life. At last, I whole-heartedly embraced the new direction that I was going in as a parent. I realised that our life was not over – it was just going to be different. Without question, it can be difficult and challenging, but Miles has enriched and enlightened my life, the life of his brother and of all those that he meets.

Likewise, I changed and I was inspired to develop a fulfilling, new career as co-founder of Singing Hands, a local baby/toddler signing company which raises awareness about the benefits of signing for all children. We have done incredible things such as creating songbooks, CDs, award-winning DVDs. We have worked for Cbeebies and in amazing settings such as hospices, schools, nurseries, and at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

So, this is how life is for us now – we are in a good place - and it’s all because of my lovely boy (now a teenager!) called Miles.

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November-December 2012

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11 11

MUM and CAREER By promotin flexible w g o and offer rking ing more family policies, friendly the li of key em kelihood p remainin loyees g in their roles incr ea dramatic ses ally.

Reaching Out to the World

by Beatrice Hatherley

According to new research, more than 1 in 3 British mums turned their talents, creativity and initiative to setting up their own businesses in the last year, with 34% saying the recession played a part in spurring them on.

Part of this boom can be attributed to the opportunity mothers now have to run their businesses from home, reaching readers worldwide with their own websites.

In 2003, Melinda Mulcahy started designing and creating jewellery to sell.

In 2010, she set up her own website www.melindamulcahy.com Business boomed and this year Melinda has been nominated for an award in the www.mumpreneurawards.com competition.

‘I work around my family commitments, between school runs and extracurricular activities’ says Melinda. ‘This requires some juggling, but I wouldn’t miss being at home for my children during these early years.’

Melinda’s business really took off after setting up her own website. She says, ‘My new website significantly improved sales. I design and make my jewellery pieces, photograph them and then load them on to my website and they go on sale immediately. It makes the process of sales and marketing so quick and easy that I have more time to spend designing new items.’

These days, setting up a professional website is easy. Melinda used Mr Site which gave her all the tools she needed online. ‘It was extremely easy to use and very cost effective. My website allows my business to compete as an international online retailer.’

Melinda particularly loves being able to reach out to the whole world. ‘Occasionally, I receive requests from bloggers wanting to write about my jewellery and I love connecting in this way. A whole new business world has opened up online and I’m a part of it!’ she says. ‘My business plan is purely internet based and I often have to use an online translator to converse with international customers, but I am so thrilled that the business is building worldwide.’

extra

For more information about how to set up a professional website online, visit www.mrsite.com

12

Flexible Working: Mums Know your rights! By Sarah Jane Butler

The ability for a mother to return to women, it is, therefore, mothers who primarily work after she has had children should bear the brunt of such attitudes. be a right not a privilege. It should be However, attitudes and policies are slowly unquestionable. Yet so many mothers changing. Employers are slowly discovering experience difficulties in returning to that a lack of availability of flexible working work after they have taken maternity patterns, as well as their poor utilisation, is a leave or a career break. key factor in women leaving their jobs.

The law states that a woman who has By promoting flexible working and offering taken up to 52 weeks maternity leave has more family friendly policies, the likelihood the right to return to exactly the same job of key employees remaining in their roles that she left. She can return to work at any increases dramatically. A survey in 2011 found time before the end of her maternity leave that there was a “striking correlation” between provided she gives her employer at least eight employees being “happy with their work-life weeks’ notice of the date she intends to balance” and the “flexibility and support return. If the original job was full-time and provided by their employer.” Happiness she would prefer to work on a more flexible at work means greater commitment and basis, she has the right to request flexible productivity, a win-win situation for employers working. and employees alike, especially since it can cost However, whilst the law may be clear up to three times the salary of each woman on the principles, the reality is not always leaving work, to replace her. so straightforward. The request for flexible Ultimately, the key for women wanting to working, for example, has to be made return to work is to be properly prepared and in accordance with particular statutory to understand their rights. guidelines and even then, although a mother has the right to request flexible working, she doesn’t have the right to have that request Sarah Jane Butler is co-founder of automatically granted. An employer can Parental Choice, a one-stop-shop refuse on a number of grounds and a further for parents that helps them make request cannot be made within the following the right decisions about childcare 12 months. and guides them through their legal Even if an employer agrees to a request rights, during and after pregnancy. for flexible working, unfortunately there is For more information, still an attitude, in many workplaces, that visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk if individuals request a flexible working pattern they are not “serious” about their careers. This concern has been further evidenced in a survey of Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years 800 women solicitors, which suggested that Kingston half of women lawyers 020 8286 6038 considered that solicitors who took up flexible working were ‘viewed as Richmond less serious about their 020 3092 131 careers’. The majority of flexible working Weybridge proposals are requested 01932 847439 by individuals needing to manage their childcare and, as this is still largely www.littlekickers.co.uk a responsibility borne by

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extra

Where learning’s a ball

November-December 2012

MUM and CAREER

Redefining Your Goals to Suit Family Life

By Tamsin Crook

Maternity leave or an extended career break can be more than just an opportunity to dedicate yourself to the care of a new baby: it can also be an unprecedented opportunity to redefine your goals. Away from the workplace, and at a time when your primary focus is, by necessity, your new family, you have the space to think about your life, your career and your future.

For many people, it is hard to go back to work after the birth of a child. Some feel overwhelmingly guilty about leaving their child, no matter how diligently the best possible care has been chosen. Most parents overcome this feeling eventually, and appreciate the benefits that work brings to the family as a whole, but many people feel frustrated on their initial return to work. One mother, Sarah, expressed her feelings like this: ’My whole attitude to work changed after I had Zac. I wanted to go back to my job, but I just wasn’t interested in the office politics. I became impatient during meetings, wanting people to hurry up and get to the point. I didn’t want to be missing time with my son just because other people wanted to bicker and prevaricate. I actually think I became much more effective because I focused on what was really important. ’ Some people choose to make dramatic changes to their lives after having children.

‘After I had the twins, I knew there was no way we could afford for me to go back work, even if I had wanted to,’ said Emma. ‘Childcare for two children cost a lot more than I earned.

But we also had all these extra costs to cover, without my salary contributing. We thought long and hard and decided to move a bit further out of London where we could get more space for less money. It was hard to begin with, but it was the right decision for us, at that time.’

Others choose to make incremental changes to their work circumstances, like flexing their hours gradually or working in a similar role at a more parent-friendly organisation. Anna enjoyed her work as an accountant, and had worked hard to pass her exams and build her career. Moving from a fast paced city role to a charity head office based locally enabled her to fulfil her career ambitions, save time and money on transport, and work more regular hours.

Not everyone wants to relax the pace when

they have children. Kate says: ‘I always thought that I would give up work when I had children, certainly while they were young. But I was really surprised at how important work had become to me over the years. I craved the sense of identity and independence that my job gave me. It sounds like a cliché, but I know that I’m a better mother now that I am back at work.’

Of course, life is never straightforward.

None of us know what is round the corner or how we might feel some years down the track.

However, it’s worth remembering that decisions made now do not have to be permanent.

These days, with working lives spanning fifty years or more, and an increasing tendency for workers (of both genders) to change career, or manage more than one career at a time, it is more acceptable to vary the levels of job intensity or responsibility at different times. It is not uncommon for people to get a ‘second wind’ when their children are older and they have greater freedom to commit to a working role. The book “Never Too Late to be Great” by Tom Butler Bowden provides

inspiration and encouragement to such “late bloomers!”

Using your career break to evaluate what you and your family need out of life can be tremendously powerful. It can initiate conversations with loved ones that you never thought you would have, and lead to major transformations that you would never have predicted. Or it might just lead to some small adjustments that make life easier and happier for the whole family. If you are lucky enough to have choices about what you do in life, take some time now to make sure you are making the right ones.

extra

Tamsin Crook is proprietor of Making Careers Work, a maternity coaching and careers counselling service which helps mums and mums-to-be reach their full potential in their careers within the context of their family life.

For more information, visit www.makingcareerswork.com

BE Flexible WITH A FRANCHISE The team at Mum and Working tell us about running a franchise business If you would like to start up your own business but don’t have a specific business idea and/or are anxious about going it completely alone, you might consider purchasing a franchise.

As a parent, you’ll be aware that that there are an amazing range of activities and classes on offer for children including music, cooking, dance, art, yoga, swimming and so on. Very often, these classes are taught by other parents, working flexibly, often in their own franchise businesses.

November-December 2012

The cost of a franchise varies enormously from around £1,500 through to £25,000 plus, depending on its profit-making potential and how well the brand is known and established. You will also probably have to pay the franchisor a % of your income.

In exchange, you will own an exclusive territory in which to operate your business.

The price paid for the franchise generally includes the training you will need to start up the business and other resources required

to run the class, such as manuals, branded equipment, lesson and activity plans and marketing support.

Usually the main skill required to run such a children’s activity franchise is the ability to interact well with children, to get on their level and teach them in a fun, engaging way.

The cost of a franchise varies enorm ously from around £1,500 thro ugh to £25,000.

extra

Mum and Working showcases a wide range of career and job opportunities suitable for mothers, including franchise opportunities, businesses for sale and other jobs with flexible working hours. For more information, visit www.mumandworking.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

13

MUM and CAREER

Does your heart sink when you think about going back to your old job?

Ready to change career?

Alison Reid offers expert advice

It’s never too late to change your career.

The sooner you do something about this, the quicker you’ll find yourself doing work you really care about!

Take stock

Examine your current work situation. Get clear about what’s not working for you, but also be honest about what is. When we’re unhappy and de-motivated, it’s easy to get things out of perspective. Do you hate your job or just your boss?!

Ask yourself what specifically it is that you don’t like about your job, as well as what you enjoy. What does this tell you about what you want to change?

Crucially, what regrets will you have if you do nothing? Your answer will tell you how important it is to you to make a career change.

What’s important to you?

When we’re doing work or working for an organisation which isn’t aligned with our

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GOING BACK TO WORK AFTER MATERNITY LEAVE OR CAREER BREAK? Anxious? Daunted?

You are NOT alone!

We offer: ● Skills and Confidence Coaching ● Job Application Support ● Interview Preparation email

info@mum-is-the-word.co.uk visit www.mum-is-the-word.co.uk

values, things don’t feel right. Try this exercise to help you get in touch with what’s important to you.

Set the timer on your phone for 5 minutes.

Without stopping, write an answer to this question: “What’s important for you to be, do or have in your work?” Underline the key words or phrases that spring out at you. What does this tell you about what’s important to you and what’s missing from your current job?

What don’t you want in your work?

What are you great at?

Often, what we enjoy is also what we’re good at. Really knowing your strengths and skills can point you towards your ideal career. But when you’re a busy parent and may have been out of the workplace for a while, it’s easy to lose sight of these things.

Ask at least 5 people close to you what they see as your key strengths and what about you they most admire. Take some time to wallow in their feedback!

What lights your fire?

When we’re feeling demotivated, it’s often because we aren’t doing enough of what really makes us tick.

You may have heard of sports people being “in the zone” when they’re at their best. When have you been “in the zone” and enjoyed yourself so much that you lost track of time?

What were you doing? This may or may not be at work! It could be an animated debate with a colleague, a training course or even writing an article…

What did you love about what you were doing? How can you get more of this in your career?

What could you do?

Have you ever had a career idea and then dismissed it straightaway with “I couldn’t possibly do that” or “I’m not qualified”?!

Coming up with reasons not to do something protects us from failure! Let yourself generate ideas without either censoring or committing to them. That means it is okay to have” astronaut” on your list!

Some questions to get your ideas flowing: ● What are the brilliant ideas you keep ignoring? ● If you couldn’t fail, what would you do? ● What occupations do your friends, family or acquaintances have which you envy? ● As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

What is it that appeals to you about each idea? If you’ve put down “astronaut”, is it the sense of adventure?

Breaking new ground?

Or the jazzy suit?!

or call Pauline on 07957 232253

14

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Take action!

Once you’ve had time to reflect on what you want from your career, it’s time for action! This isn’t about committing to a career path. It’s about researching and exploring. Taking action generates momentum and helps to propel you towards a new, more fulfilling career. ● Research and plan your career change. Negotiate with your family to get the time you need whether that’s an hour a week or a weekend! Tell them they’ll have a much happier mother/ partner/daughter if they help you out! ● Set goals and milestones. By what date do you want to have made a career change? Working backwards from this, set milestones for what you need to do by a particular date to achieve this goal.

It’s okay if the dates move, but having a specific goal and milestones will keep you focused. ● Use your network. Who do you know who does something you fancy doing, or knows someone who does? Could you buy them a coffee and bend their ear? Think laterally about your network – friends, colleagues, neighbours, family… ● Work and play. How could you experiment with one of your career ideas?

For example, if you’ve always fancied being a photographer, could you offer to photograph the child of a friend at her birthday party? ● Stay motivated. Tell a friend or loved one what you’re up to and ask for support, join a networking group or get career coaching to keep you on track.

Remember that changing career doesn’t happen overnight. Be realistic about the time and effort that changing direction takes. Just keep focused on why you’re doing it and you’ll get there in good time.

extra Alison Reid owns and runs career coaching service, Beyond Bounds, and has many years’ experience of helping people find fulfilling new careers. For more information, visit www.beyondbounds.co.uk November-December 2012

MUM and CAREER

Returning to thE workforce

By Pauline Williams-Wogan

“Research shows that 7/10 mothers are anxious about returning to work after maternity leave or a longer parenting break.” (source: Personnel Today 2004.)

Many women leave employment when they have children, finding the hours are too long, the stress too great or the travel impossible.

For others, the cost of childcare means that returning to work is just not financially viable.

At some point though, whether straight after maternity leave or later, when their children go to school, many mothers want to return to the workforce. For some, this prospect can seem daunting.

Frequent questions and concerns are:

Are my skills outdated?

I don’t have any current experience!

I’m not feeling very confident…

I feel guilty about leaving my children!

Will I find a family-friendly job?

I don’t want to return to my old job. What can I do? ● My CV is not up-to-date I haven’t attended an interview for years!

Does any of this sound familiar?

Then, read on: ● ● ● ● ● ●

I feel guilty!

What can I say about guilt? A recent study by the Institute of Education indicates that there is no evidence to suggest that being a working mother causes any developmental problems in children or affects their behaviour. Before you return to work, cherish the time you have with

your child, and after you’ve returned, spend quality time together whenever you can, even if it means forgetting about housework! Two thirds of mothers work, compared with less than a quarter 40 years ago. Whilst combining parenting and work is an on-going balancing act, for most of us, it is one which can be happily managed.

Are my skills outdated?

Whether you’ve been out of the workforce for 9 months or 5 years, it’s easy to lose confidence. Do not underestimate yourself.

You still have the skills you developed in your previous employment, and you’ve gained many more as a parent. Every day you exercise excellent time management skills, communicate effectively, organise and delegate, negotiate, persuade and lead your child! These are all transferable skills that would be welcome in any workplace.

Can I find a family-friendly job?

The simple answer is…yes! Changes in legislation in recent years mean that many organisations are reaping the benefits of flexible working, making it easier for women to return to work and have time to be a parent.

I don’t want to do the sort of job I used to do. What can I do?

makingcareerswork

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November-December 2012

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so that I could work more flexibly and be around more for the girls. I founded Mum Is The Word because I wanted to help other parents through some of the challenges and experiences I have faced myself. With many years’ experience in recruitment, training and people management, it was the obvious next step for me. I am doing something I am passionate about whilst still having the work/ life balance that we all want. It’s hard work, as I’m responsible for generating an income and I work long hours. Having said that, most of my work is done while my children are at school or safely tucked up in bed!

career support for mums and mums-to-be

Negotiate flexible working Manage your return to work Identify an alternative career Achieve better work/life balance Start up a business Develop your CV

Pauline Williams-Wogan owns and runs Mum-Is-TheWord, which offers Confidence Coaching, Packages for Mummy mum and working mum and working Returners, CV Services, Job www.mumandworking.co.uk Application Support,www.mumandworking.co.uk Resources and Workshops to facilitateJobs Jobs your return to work. Please Direct Selling/Party Plan Direct Selling/Party Plan call Pauline on 07957 323253 Franchises Franchises for details of the next workshop!

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Consider visiting a Careers Coach. Once you have come to some conclusions, it is then time to get your CV up to date and start preparing for interview.

GOING IT ALONE By Pauline Williams-Wogan In May 2006, I gave birth to twin daughters. I loved being at home on maternity leave, but our financial circumstances meant that I had no choice but to return to my old job. Part of me was excited about returning, but I also felt guilty and worried about leaving my daughters.

At the time there was little support for mothers returning to work so I wasn’t able to talk these feelings through with an objective third party or receive any advice.

When my girls started school, I knew that I really wanted to set my own working hours so that I never missed a school appointment or play. I decided to set up my own business

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15

MUM and CAREER

Jewellery

by Charlotte Bezzant

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A PROFESSION!

Labelling stamps by

By Nicola Scott

For the three years I have worked at Richmond Adult Community College (RACC), I have admired from afar the students who attend the creative courses that we run.

I’m referring to those who take classes in cake decorating, ceramics and sculpture, painting and drawing, glass making and jewellery courses, to name but a few.

These students have the pleasure of learning about something for which they have a serious passion and have something beautiful to show for their new found skills at the end of each week.

With a little experience and without even realising it, students are putting together collections of their work and selling them.

They often start by making gifts

RACC’s Parkshot Gallery

for friends and family but then, realising their potential as artists in their own right, they move onto selling their work at small exhibitions and craft fairs.

Jewellery designer, Charlotte Bezzant, (www.charlottebezzant.com) works from her garden studio. After completing a degree in fashion, Charlotte studied traditional metal smithing techniques at RACC and began making silver jewellery. For a while, she made pieces for herself, and for friends and family, but, over time, more people asked her to make things for them. With encouragement, she set up her own business, originally from her workbench in the kitchen!

Charlotte and her business have been selected as part of Start-up Britain and the Pop-Up Britain

venture, a national campaign set up by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs (www.startupbritain. co). This gave Charlotte the opportunity to display and sell her jewellery on the British High Street in Richmond for two weeks last month. You may have seen her in the Pop Up Shop on the Kew Road opposite Richmond Station!

In support of enterprising students like Charlotte, RACC has recently set-up its own gallery, which provides students and local artists an outlet to display and sell their work. RACC charges a small commission to each artist and ploughs back the money received into student bursaries to fund courses for those less fortunate. It’s a win/win situation for the artist, the college and the community.

Stamptastic

The benefits to starting up your own business and turning your passion into a profession can be enormous, especially if you also have a family to look after. Doing something that gives you hours of pleasure, fits into the time you have available and still provides an income, can be inspiring, motivating and fulfilling as well as offering the crucial work/life balance that busy parents crave.

extra

Nicola Scott is Head of Marketing at Richmond Adult Education College.

You can find the Parkshot Gallery at RACC’s Parkshot site until the end of the year and, from January, for two years, at the RACC’s Clifden site. The Gallery is a perfect place for some retail therapy. It’s full of beautiful paintings, handmade ceramics, jewellery and glass and a one-off piece makes the perfect Christmas gift! For more information, visit www.racc.ac.uk

THINKING OF SETTING UP YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS? Nicola Scott tells us about Business Start Up Courses At RACC, we see many students who have a great idea for a small business. Some have a very clear plan for a business they want to start-up. Others attend a Business Start Up course having no idea of the business they would like to develop. They generate their ideas during the course and leave with a business plan they can then put into action.

Business Start-Up courses provide the basics to get you

started and cover subjects such as how to prepare and develop a business plan, sourcing possible funding, seeking professional advice and support, setting business objectives, financial planning and marketing techniques including internet and social media marketing.

Francesca Gubbay who runs Stamptastic (www.stamptastic. co.uk), a new and fast way of naming all your belongings, was a

student on one of RACC’S social media courses. She used the course to understand the impact of social media and networking tools and applied them to her business to help it grow.

Francesca says “Attending the course has helped us to develop and implement a social media strategy for our business and we now reach a global customer base of over 500 followers on Twitter and 400 on Facebook.”

Helen Watson of Space2think Solutions, a professional organising and de-cluttering service for home and office, also did a RACC business start-up course. Helen says “The course helped provide me with a clear focus and confidence to get my business up and running.”

For more information about RACC Business Start Up courses, visit www.racc.ac.uk

Take the First Step To Business Success ▲ Transform your aspirations into

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Apply for your complimentary one-to-one session Visit: www.business-accomplish.co.uk or call Christine on 07931 174500 November-December 2012

It was hard to believe that Tania had started her business literally from her kitchen table, only a few years ago.

Arriving at her premises, I was impressed. Around the work-room were large photographs of lavish rooms promoting the bespoke, luxury soft furnishings her business produces. The work room was active but calm, with each seamstress working with quiet competence.

For Tania, making soft furnishings started as a hobby.

During her time at home bringing up children, she sewed curtains and cushion-covers for friends and family and progressed to dropping a few cards into local curtain shops. The business developed from there and now employs full-time staff making soft furnishings and some part-time admin staff. Tania’s business is successful.

So how could I help? As I stepped into the Tania’s office I noticed the photographs of her two children on the wall. I also noticed the mound of paperwork on her desk and the ringing telephone which she frequently answered herself. It soon became clear that, apart from the actual manufacture, Tania was handling practically every aspect of the business herself.

She wanted to understand the implications of moving her business to the next level of growth. Would the business still be profitable if she took on more staff and reduced her operational workload?

Is it possible to take a business from the kitchen table to substantial success?

The answer is “yes.” The more complex question is, once there, how does the owner reap the rewards while propelling the business to the next level? The experience of one of my client’s illustrates some of the steps required to do this.

Know Your Customer, Your Business, Your Competitors

Before determining Tania’s future options, we had to get a good understanding of the present so we examined every aspect of Tania’s current business, including the products she was supplying to different types of customers, their pricing and profitability.

She researched the offerings and pricing of some of her competitors and compared the findings with her own business, with some revelations. We studied the current financial status of the business. This review resulted in some immediate actions for improvement, such as the introduction of a minimum fitting charge.

Plan

With a solid understanding of the current position of the business, we turned to the future, clarifying Tania’s goals and examining a range of options. In particular, we planned how the business could take on more staff and on which of her target customers it would be most profitable to

focus. This process clarified in Tania’s mind her ambitions for the future of the business and gave her “ownership” of the plan.

Position and Promote

The business that had started at Tania’s kitchen table and then progressed to private clients, had already developed into the manufacture of bespoke soft furnishings for a small number of the premier interior designers in London.

The decision, based on the time required for customer care compared with profitability, was to place an even greater emphasis on these lucrative trade clients. This requires the business to understand fully what is important to these clients, to meet these expectations in a unique way and to promote itself accordingly.

Implement

As a result of the review and planning stages, we identified clear actions for improvement. Once clear about what she wanted to achieve and having developed a route map to achieve it, Tania

has continued to implement her growth plan, despite the emotional challenges of declining small, one-off jobs for long-term clients, in favour of large professional jobs.

It is easy to let day-to-day matters overwhelm those (sometimes uncomfortable) actions which will influence the future of our business and help us reap the rewards of our efforts. One of the key elements of Tania’s success is having the discipline to implement such actions.

Repeat

Planning and developing your business is a constant process: review your business; plan; position and promote; implement. Over and over!

extra

Christine Southern is the founder of Business Accomplish Ltd and she supports business owners to develop and grow their businesses. For more information, visit www.business-accomplish.co.uk

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17

MUM and CAREER

FROM KITCHEN TABLE TO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AND BEYOND By Christine Southern

&

clubs, classes activities

news

Theatrebugs holds Festive Fun Days in Cobham, Hinchley Wood and Weybridge!

Singing Hands Raises Money for Shooting Star Hospice!

For the fourth year running, Singing Hands, provider of baby/toddler signing and singing classes, is holding a Sign-and-Singalong, aiming to raise over £1,000 for the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in Hampton. Directors and founders of Singing Hands, Suzanne and Tracy, are keen supporters of the Hospice. Suzanne says “Thirteen years ago, the

Hampton hospice didn’t exist so I had to travel to Guildford for support with my daughter’s care.

Since then, Tracy and I have had personal and professional experience of the incredible support a hospice can offer so please come and help us raise funds for this worthy cause.” The event is on 1st December 2012 at 10.30am at St Mary’s Parish Hall, Teddington.

To book, call 020 8288 1706 or email info@singinghands.co.uk. Minimum £15 donation per family. Prize for best Christmassy fancy dress outfit!

Kingston’s New Soft Play Centre, The Pod, opens at YMCA Hawker Centre

Cobham Martial Arts Academy launches new class

The Pod, Kingston’s exciting, new soft play facility, opened to the public last week.

The two storey, 125 square metre structure consists of tunnels, slides, obstacles, cannons, ball pits and interactive elements for children up to 11. It includes a multi-sensory room, a calming space which provides gentle sensory stimulation via bubble mirrors, laser start projector, bubble tube and infinity tunnel.

The room is a fascinating experience for children, including those with additional needs.

The Pod is open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays and is available for children’s parties and private hire. For further information, visit www.ymcalsw.org

The Academy has launched a new class for children ages 9 to 13 on Saturdays from 12.30 to 1.30pm. This new class supplements the full range of different classes the Academy already runs. The class comprises Martial Arts and Life Skills, promoting discipline, respect, concentration, confidence and self- esteem. For more information or to book a free trial, email saffron.power@gbmaa.com or call 07584 473784

Save

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FATHER CHRISTMAS IS HERE! › Hop on board the Santa Express to his magical haybarn workshop to receive a gift. › Voted top 6 in the UK by ‘The Guardian’

Plus newborn lambs and a gift shop full of stocking fillers!

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

✃

SPECIAL

OFFER 18

In 2010, Lynette Pitzolu, a mother with a BA (Hons) Fine Art, as well as design and teaching experience, started art classes at her kitchen table. Two years later, in response to rapidly growing demand, Lynette has just finished building an art studio at her home in Sunbury! At The Art Class, children can experiment with new ideas, techniques and materials in a fun, safe and creative environment.

Forthcoming Workshops include: Weekend Portrait Class: 25 November & 9 Dec (2hrs) Holiday Classes: 18 & 19 Dec (Half Day/Full Day) Drawing Workshop (ages 5-11): 3 Jan (Half Day/Full Day) Lynette will also be holding pre-schooler sessions on Thursdays starting in the New Year! For further information, contact her at lynette@the-art-class.com or on 07971 475373 or visit www.the-art-class.com

New Play Café Opens in Teddington Two local mums have just opened The Playhut, a new play cafe in Teddington for children aged 0-5.

Located at the Teddington Baptist Church, mums/ carers can relax at tables and chat whilst having coffee, confident that the range of toys provided will fully engage their children! A great range of food is available and the café is open Mondays from 9.00am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays from 9.00am to 12 noon.

For more information, email Andrea at andrea.vastagh76@googlemail.com or call 07940 135433

Storytelling Adventures Christmas Party!

Do your kids love The Stick Man by Julia Donaldson?

Then they will love the Storytelling Adventures Christmas Party on Saturday, 15th December from 12 noon until 2.00pm. Children will go on an “adventure” through the story of The Stick Man. It’s a Christmassy extravaganza with games, party food, Christmas disco prizes…and some very special guests! Tickets £5 for children, £7 for adults or family ticket (for 4 people) £20. Venue tbc, so contact Amanda on 020 3222 3085 or at info@bridgeac.com to find out more.

Meet Santa’s Reindeer!

Bocketts Farm Park 29th Nov - 24th Dec

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

The Theatrebugs Festive Fun Day, based on the magical story “Where’s Santa?” includes merry music, dancing, art, craft, games and a delicious Christmas Tea Party with the Magical Christmas Fairy and Father Christmas! For ages 3.5 to 8, kids can come in their favourite festive costumes.

Cobham: United Reform Church, 38 Stoke Road, KT11 3BD, 15th December 1.30pm - 4.30pm; Hinchley Wood: British Legion, Betts Way, Long Ditton, KT6 5HT, 8th December 1.30pm - 4.30pm and Weybridge, Oatlands Village Hall, St Mary’s Road, Weybridge, KT13 9PT, 8th December 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Book early!

For further details, visit www. theatrebugs.co.uk/epsom, call 01483 882244/07971 004134 or email Hannah at hannahmason@ theatrebugs.co.uk

Sunbury mother launches The Art Class

£2 off full price farm entry per person

(max 5 people) valid from 5th - 30th November 2012.

Only with this voucher.

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First time ever at The Urban Farm

Follow our magical Christmas trail, receive a gift from Santa in his grotto and meet our real live reindeers!

WEEKENDS from 1st December OPEN 10am to 5pm 7 days per week

Hounslow Urban Farm Faggs Road, Feltham TW14 0LZ Phone: 020 8831 9658 November-December 2012

Enjoy top-class racing and a host of complimentary festive cheer for all the family on Saturday including:

FRIDAY 7 AND SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER 2012

Sleigh Rides Santa’s Grotto Live Pantomime Performances Christmas Games Christmas Market Carol Concert GATES OPEN 11.00AM 1ST RACE 12.50PM (FRI), 12.20PM (SAT) LAST RACE 3.40PM

TICKETS FROM £15* EXCLUSIVE OFFER – save 10% plus no booking fee** Under 18s go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. * **

Payment processing fee applies.

Quote SPTC2012 online. Terms and Conditions apply.

ONLY UTES 25 MIN FROM N LONDO LOO WATER

St. Margarets Dance Academy Kool Kids n’ Kool Moves After School Dance Classes Cool routines specially designed to improve your child’s fitness Cool music to ensure your child has fun!

Children (5+): Thursday 17.00 -17.50 Teens (10+): Thursday 17.00 -18.00 Only £75 per term!

Where: Our Richmond Studio, 222 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW10 Birthday Parties . Half Term Holiday Camps Call Nuria on 07931 342926 or visit www.stmargaretsdanceacademy.co.uk

st Fir is ss cla e!

Fre

Weekl y drama-based workshops for children aged 18mt hs - 7 years.

A fun way to develop your child's confidence and communication skills.

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Twinkle Toes Ballet Enchanting ballet classes for 0 – 5 years

NEW!

Just Imagine Dance

Imaginative dance & RAD ballet for 5+ years

!

Twinkle Toes Ballet is GROWING

We’re now offering RAD classes for children aged 5 years and upwards! For more information or to book a

FREE TASTER CLASS contact our resident Fairy Godmother info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND – EAST SHEEN – KEW – TWICKENHAM Founder & Principal Jessica Williams

November-December 2012

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

19 19

&

clubs, classes activities

news

Exciting changes at Gymboree in St Margarets!

Sangeeta and Stephen Gardiner, new owners of Gymboree in St Margarets, have hit the ground running with an exciting programme of changes.

A new management team is in place and the venue is being fully refurbished, to include new lighting, heating and cooling throughout and a new baby changing and feeding facility. “The facilities will be brighter and more comfortable” says Sangeeta. “We are also completely refurbishing the activity room where our art, music, baby classes and parties are held.” Other enhancements include a tea and coffee lounge with fully equipped children’s area, available exclusively for members to use. “This will take all the hassle out of trying to get pushchairs into a coffee shop and give children the opportunity to play at the same time” remarked Sangeeta.

Gymboree in St Margarets is attached to a lovely, old fashioned toy shop which the new owners have re-named The Toy Box. Visiting before Christmas is a must as the shop will be stocked with lots of new and exciting brands, as well as high quality traditional toys.

Sangeeta and Stephen will shortly be holding an Open House Week during which parents can see the new facilities and book a free trial of an unlimited number of the new and improved classes. Art, Music and Play and Learn classes will all be on offer during Open House Week. For more information, pop in or call Sangeeta or Stephen on 0208 607 9995.

Baby Sensory launches Toddler Sense classes in Kempton Park and Addlestone Sense classes the week beginning Following the success of her Baby Sensory classes, Jo Ashe is launching Toddler Sense, the follow on programme to Baby Sensory, in Kempton Park on Mondays and in Addlestone on Thursdays. ‘Ever since I started running Baby Sensory, I’ve had people reluctant to leave when their babies reach 13 months’ says Jo. ‘So I’m launching Toddler

Teeney Weenies Play Café recently opened its new crèche at the Teddington Imperial Sports Ground.

Creche Manager, Laura Mullings said “This is the best time to register and book at the creche, as we have a fantastic assortment of themed activities coming up in the next couple of months,

Corner of Teeney Weenies Creche

provided from home.

It has a strict 1:3 ratio and all staff including those in the cafe are CRB Enhanced checked and insured to look after children.

SportsCoach Richmond helps educate Kenyan children

Grant Felix from SportsCoach Richmond, along with two of the founder members of SEEDS (Samburu East Education Development Support) recently travelled to the Samburu region in Kenya with text, educational and story books, writing materials and a school bell for a nursery and primary school there. This was SportsCoach Richmond’s second visit to the schools. Earlier in the year, they raised £1,800 from various charity events and donations to buy sports equipment and basic materials to support them. SportsCoach Richmond trains 4 to 16 year olds in Richmond every Sunday. For more information, visit www.sportscoach.co.uk/richmond

Little Frogs Sensory Play Classes Resume in Teddington! at Teddington Baptist After a 2 year maternity break, Natalie Di Oliveira has resumed her Little Frogs Sensory Play classes on a Friday morning

 

including painting and cooking.”

The crèche accepts children between the ages of 6 months and 2.5 years. Prices are on the Teeney Weenies website and you can book in half hour slots for a max of 2 hours. The crèche offers a lunch menu for children and can also reheat food

For further information, visit www.teeneyweenies.co.uk, contact Laura at crèche@teeneyweenies.co.uk or call 07818 141718

19th November!’

With great music and equipment, Toddler Sense offers new adventures including climbing mountains, swimming with dolphins and hunting for dinosaurs.

Sessions are designed to enhance the development of a young child’s physical, communication, learning and social skills.

For further information about class times and locations, call Jo on 07810 540352 or email at weybridge@babysensory.co.uk

Teeney Weenies Play Café Opens New Creche

    

 

Church. Class times are: 9.45am for ages 18 months to 4 years and 10.45am for babies from 7 to 18 months.

Little Frogs classes offer a combination of activities in one class, including music, soft play, imaginary play and messy play.

High quality, fun and educational resources and activities engage imaginations and

encourage growth of gross and fine motor skills. Classes are small and friendly and give little ones ample time to explore each individual area.

Parents can explore alongside, watch or socialise with a cuppa!

For more information, email Natalie at littlefrogs@ymail.com

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

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

For 4-12 year olds.

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IMAGINE | CREATE | LEARN | PLAY 20

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November-December 2012

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SHAW HELENA DOWLING as the Genie

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21

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE

A Passion for Programming

By Slavka Jovanovic

I

started programming children’s theatre at Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) and, whilst working there, also had two children of my own, both of whom have been brought up on a regular diet of theatre and visual arts. I love physical theatre, music, dance and circus skills, so I like to programme shows that blend two or more of these aspects. I am also a great fan of puppetry.

As Children’s Theatre Programmer at Waterman’s Theatre for 11 years now, I am responsible for selecting the shows which are performed at the theatre and creating a balanced programme of shows that covers a range of art forms.

Whilst Waterman’s core audience Monster in Piano at Waterman’s Theatre

Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall at Waterman’s Theatre

Waterman’s Theatre

is between 3 and 7 years, I try to programme shows that also span different age ranges. I aim to see as many shows as I can before placing them into our schedule and I also regularly attend a national Childrens’ Programmers meeting, where we share ideas and discuss work that we have seen. It’s great to hear other programmers’ views on shows and to see how vastly our opinions differ on occasion!

I have regularly heard the word “marmite” used to describe a show, meaning you either love it or hate it!

One of the most popular shows I have programmed at Waterman’s is an adaptation of The Gruffalo, presented by Tall Stories Theatre Company. I’m sure this will not come as a surprise to many of you, due to the popularity of the book, but what I and many people really loved about this show was the delivery of the

piece. The set was incredibly simple and the power to make it a huge success lay almost entirely with the performers. They had fabulous physical theatre skills and represented the animals with great aplomb; in addition, they were very good at characterisation. I really like the work of this talented company and have programmed many of their shows in the past.

I love puppetry and I would say about 50% of the programme at Watermans contains puppets of some sort. My favourite puppet show ever, is a show by Little Angel Theatre called The Mouse Queen. It’s a puppet musical (script by Tim Kane, songs/music

by Ben Glasstone) designed

by Peter O’Rourke. It was an amazing feat to blend acting, puppetry and song so seamlessly.

The show had a large cast of 6 performers (children’s shows often only have 2 or 3) and they all were multi-talented, playing a range of

The Rose in the Garden

By Linda Stone, Editor

Last Christmas, The Rose took theatre into the community, presenting a range of special performances in Kingston to celebrate its adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. This year, The Rose is partnering with RHS Wisley and interactive theatre company, Bad Physics to present The Enchanted Story Trail, a production that complements The Rose’s Cinderella The Midnight Princess which plays at The Rose from Friday, 30 November to Sunday, 6 January.

On The Enchanted Story Trail, visitors will embark upon a journey through a magical wonderland on a quest to save RHS Wisley from a never ending Winter!

From mysterious ponds to mystical pines, there will be strange and colourful characters to meet, The Enchanted Story Trail 22

with even stranger stories to tell, and clues and riddles to discover at different locations around the Garden. It’s a wonderful wintery tale with fun, music, and silliness thrown in, aimed at adventurous children and playful adults!

“The Enchanted Story Trail will be a wonderful experience for children and families, drawing them into an adventure in which they are the heroes” says Alexis Pym, Learning and Families Manager at RHS Wisley. “It’s a brilliant opportunity to explore the garden on a crisp winter day and take part in an interactive show that fits with your own pace of exploring the garden.”

Visitors will receive a Trail Map to help them find the different locations and characters, which can be visited in any order. Visitors can pick and choose where they go - see one or discover them all.

The Enchanted Story Trail is free with admission to RHS Wisley and can be included in a visit at any time between 10am and 4pm from 22 December to 6 January (excluding 25 & 31 Dec). Admission Prices: RHS Members Free.

Adults £10.50, children 5-16 years £4.50 (all excluding gift aid), under 5s Free.

For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

instruments, singing and handling puppetry. I loved the show so much, I went to see if 5 times!

Since then, I have programmed Little Angel Theatre’s version of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, a very similar style of production by the same creative team.

I have worked really hard to select a range of wonderful shows for our audiences this Autumn/ Winter season. I hope you enjoy them!

extra

Slavka Jovanovic is the Children’s Theatre Programmer at Waterman’s Theatre. You can find more details of Waterman’s Autumn/ Winter season on page 26 of this magazine and by visiting www.watermans.org.uk

Subscribe to our weekly e-bulletin for up to date information about events and activities for families and children in the local area!

Just register at www.familiesuponthames .co.uk or subscribe on Facebook at www.facebook.com/familiesuponthames

Cinderfella

riverhouse in association with

proudly present

Have a ball at our Family Christmas Panto!

Dec 14, 15, 21 & 22 (7pm) Dec 18, 19, 20 (5pm) Sat 15 and Sun 16 2pm

Join in the fun at our family friendly theatre, gallery and cafe For all ages – Tickets £8 (£6 carpet)

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 SPF www.riverhousebarn.co.uk OR CALL 01932253354

November-December 2012

Young People Thrive at The Rose

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE

By Ciaran McConville

DOORS OPEN ALL DAY

By Linda Stone, Editor Theatres are now more than places to go and see a play. Aiming to be relevant to a wider, inter-generational audience, many are working hard to be inclusive and are actively seeking to engage the wider community.

This is certainly true of The Rose Theatre.

The glass windows of its Culture Café face directly on to the street and inside, you’ll discover a spacious, welcoming environment, a relaxing, hassle-free place for mums and dads to bring their kids for a bite. The café is also the venue for the groups the theatre holds for babies and toddlers throughout the week, including its popular, drop-in Rhyme Time session every Monday morning.

The Rose works hard at getting children closer to the action and engaging them more fully with the magic of the theatre. For instance, families can buy “pit cushion” tickets and enjoy a much more informal experience, whilst seated on the floor in front of the stage. Cushions can be rented from the theatre or parents can bring their own!

Increasingly, The Rose is also mounting informal performances for the very young, such as Rainy Day Bear’s Adventure in January. Pre-schoolers and their carers are invited to the intimate Upper Circle area, to be part of an audience of only 50.

They will watch this fun, song and dance filled, interactive journey about Milly and her adventure with her favourite toy, seated entirely on rugs.

This is sure to be a very special introduction to theatre for those aged 2 to 6 years.

For more information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org November-December 2012

The Rose Youth Theatre performs Oliver!

Over the last three years, The Rose Theatre has increasingly been reclaimed by the young.

Walk past its fish-bowl frontage on almost any weekend of the year and you will see groups of Rose Youth Theatre students working on scripts, playing drama games and charging through its Culture Café.

On Monday mornings, the theatre is taken over by an army of pushchairs and prams, as toddlers march over the furniture and swing from the lampshades (well, almost!) in its Rhyme Time sessions. Simultaneously, The Rose’s family shows do a roaring trade, with Julia Donaldson adaptations, such as The Gruffalo and The Snail and The Whale leading the field.

Currently, the technical department is working flat out to realise some fabulous designs for Cinderella The Midnight Princess, The Rose’s big Christmas production. Even its Shakespeare plays and classics seem to draw an increasing number of students and young people to the theatre.

What is perhaps most exciting is the theatre that is made by The Rose Youth Theatre, which has now been running for three years.

The Rose doesn’t produce huge radio-mic musicals or work towards exams or assessments. It doesn’t audition newcomers. Its purpose is to provide inside access to acting technique for any young, local person who wants it. On the edge of Surrey and in a very arts-minded part of London, there are plenty of good stage schools, many of whom have a rigorous audition process and a strong focus on performance. It is only right that The Rose Theatre should offer something different - that it should be open and inclusive.

What the students of The Rose Youth Theatre learn extends well beyond acting technique and a

love of theatre.

Crucially, they learn that it’s okay to talk about the things you love, that it’s important to speak up about the things you don’t, and it’s absolutely crucial to listen to others.

A lot has been written about the current generation of teenagers, particularly since the riots a year ago. But despite being subjected to the pernicious cult of celebrity, if my experience of The Rose Youth Theatre is anything to go by, this generation embodies an enormous measure of hope.

At The Rose on a weekend afternoon, its students (and they are from a range of backgrounds and cultures) are strikingly forthright and fearless when they talk about the role of art in society and their aspirations for change.

Disarmingly, they make and sustain eye-contact, something many adults can’t manage, let alone teenagers. They approach their teachers with theatre projects.

The Rose Theatre auditorium and exterior

They perform plays off their own bat. They understand the importance of connecting, both with the past and with each other.

They are interested in the potential of art and stories, not in the labels attached by previous generations.

How wonderfully refreshing this is.

extra

Ciaran McConville is Director of Learning and Participation at The Rose Theatre in Kingston. For more information about The Rose Youth Theatre, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

23

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE

Perfect Panto!

Blood, Sweat and Glitter

ond Theatre Put on a Panto Workshop at Richm

W

hilst pantomime remains a seasonal treat for most people, here at the Richmond Theatre we think about it all year round. Planning and preparation for next year’s panto will start before this year’s show, Aladdin, even starts rehearsing, so it is constantly on our minds.

You might be forgiven for thinking that the main action happens onstage, but there is

Pantomime Family Fun Day at Richmond Theatre

plenty of activity and drama behind the scenes too, with tickets to sell, posters to design and casting to announce. For me, in the Creative Learning Department, it’s all about planning a range of activities to complement the pantomime and enhance the audience’s experience.

This process starts in the summer when I brainstorm possible activities, ensuring that there’s something for people of all ages. One of our most popular events is our Pantomime Family Fun Day, to which families can come along before the show to see stilt walking and balloon modelling, have their 24

faces painted and take part in art workshops.

Meanwhile, our technical team are hard at work, making sure that when the set arrives, it will fit perfectly onto our stage. The Richmond Theatre is quite small so, meticulous planning is involved to get all of the backcloths, lights, magic carpets and palaces into a small space. As we have other shows in the theatre until the week before Aladdin opens, the cast rehearse at a studio elsewhere and only come to the theatre for a final week of technical and dress rehearsals.

A key task for me is writing and preparing our resource packs and workshops. This year, for the first time, we will be hosting a Relaxed Performance for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and others who may find visiting the theatre challenging. In order to prepare the resource pack for this, I will need to visit the company in rehearsal and to get to know the show well. Visiting a show in rehearsal always feels like a treat, an opportunity to see the performers honing their craft, getting to grips with a dance routine or experimenting with the delivery of a line.

Suddenly, in the week before the show opens, there is a rush of blood, sweat and glitter as

Creative Learning Department, Richmond Theatre

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

By Jane Metcalfe

everything comes together and Christmas comes early. The building is full of actors, dancers, children, and sometimes even animals! An average pantomime has over 80 costumes, so there is a never-ending supply of sequins to be sewn, shoes to be dyed and tights to be washed. A particular smell fills the theatre; a combination of hairspray, fireworks, and slightly sweaty dance shoes, and you can’t go anywhere without getting covered in glitter!

On opening night, after all the hard work, it is fantastic to see a house full of people laughing, singing, shouting and booing.

Pantomime is many children’s first experience of theatre, and that’s why we like to make it as magical as possible. This year, one of our bars is going to be transformed into Aladdin’s Cave.

We’ll also have story-telling on a magic carpet, pre-show art and craft activities, a puppet-making workshop, and a technical theatre insight workshop.

Every afternoon, the sound of panto comes over the tannoy into our usually quiet offices.

By the end of the first week of performances, I know all of the songs off by heart. One morning in December, I delight in taking over the stage with a group of children to learn a song and dance routine from the show in our annual Put on A Panto Workshop. For two hours we perfect our box steps and jazz hands, before performing our routine onstage for friends and family. Sharing our stage with the stars of the future is lovely, and if we’re lucky one or two of the panto stars will appear to watch or offer advice.

There aren’t many workplaces where you might have to step over a dancer mid way through their warm up on your way to the water-cooler, or fight through fans at stage door on your way out for lunch; there is never a dull day, and I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to work in such an exciting and eccentric environment.

extra

Jane Metcalfe is Creative Learning Manager at The Richmond Theatre. For further details about Aladdin and other workshops and events mentioned in this article, turn to page 26 or page 35 or visit www.atgtickets.com/richmond

A Day in the Life of a Stage Doorkeeper...

By Jane Metcalfe

The Stage Doorkeeper is the eyes and ears of the theatre. At pantomime time, he is even busier than usual!

8.30

Arrive, unlock the building, make tea

9.00

Wardrobe mistress arrives to wash and press costumes for today’s shows

9.30

Post arrives – lots of fan mail for the cast!

11.30

Cast and crew begin to arrive, hand out post, dressing room keys and general good advice and cheer

12.00

Phone rings – another request for a ‘shout out’ or ‘happy birthday’ during the show – we get lots of these!

12.30 A much needed, but very brief break for lunch

12.55

A technician is needed onstage – put a call out over the tannoy system

1.00

Curtain up on the matinee. The theatre becomes a hive of activity, with people running up and down from the stage…

3.00

End of the first show – lots of autograph hunters at Stage Door!

4.00

Brief calm between the storms – time for another quick cup of tea before it all starts again for the evening show...

7pm

Curtain up (again)...

November-December 2012

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE

Toby Bryant, age 6 tells us about his day at The Riverhouse Barn

Riverhouse Barn Art Club

On Saturday, we went to a big barn with lots of other rooms in it.

When we got there I thought it was going to be really boring. It was all black on the outside but then we went through some big iron gates. They had a mouse and a spider and a flower and a mole on; not real mice and moles but ones made of iron. Inside there was a café with a sofa and it smelt yummy. There were books to look at and a train set!

Upstairs there was a huge white room with lots of pictures hanging up. The ceiling was made of glass and it felt like being on a cloud.

Some of the pictures were made of different bits of material and one was really big but I didn’t know what it was a picture of… it looked like a tree with light bulbs and frogs on it but Mummy said it wasn’t a tree and she didn’t think they were light bulbs or frogs. Her and daddy talked about it for ages.

Then we went downstairs to the café. We sat on the sofa and I played with the bricks on a big red carpet. I had a chocolate brownie and an apple juice. Mummy had a coffee and daddy had a big piece

My Day at the Big, Black Barn extra of cake with yellow stuff on the top and bits of orange things inside.

Everyone was smiling and talking. It was nice.

Then I had to go and draw some pictures in another room. It was a small room with wooden tables with paint blobs all over them.

The teacher was really nice and let me get paint all over my hands! I painted a big tree with light bulbs and frogs all over it. When I showed mummy afterwards she laughed and called me Picasso.

Then we had lunch in the café.

I had a cheese sandwich with the crusts cut off (I don’t want curly hair.) Mummy and Daddy had soup which made their breath smelly.

Mummy didn’t want her bread roll, because she says she is too fat, so I had it with lots of butter on. Daddy told the lady in the kitchen that the soup was lovely and it made her smile at him.

Then we went into the big black barn to watch a play. It was brilliant! There were different coloured lights and a pretend hill with a castle and trees on it. There were different puppets too and a man was playing the guitar and

SUZANNE SHAW HELENA TIM DOWLING VINE Back by popular demand

From Nickelodeon

as the Genie

as Princess Jasmine

singing. It was about a giant who was sad and a little boy who made him happy. When it finished, we all clapped a lot and the man with the guitar let us look at the puppets and say “hello” to them.

One of the puppets – I think it was Jack Frost - bit my nose! It made everyone laugh. I didn’t think it was very funny.

In the café, I had an ice cream in a tub which had a tiny little spoon in the lid. I have kept the spoon to put in my memory box. I hope we go back to that place again soon.

It was brilliant!

The Riverhouse Barn is a theatre/music venue and workshop converted from an old 19th century barn. It has a regular and diverse schedule of children’s and family theatre, events and workshops as well as a gallery, a craft studio and a cafe and bar serving home cooked food and cakes.

For further information, visit www.riverhousebarn.com

WIN! COMPETITION

!

CINDERELLA, YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL! This is a chance for 10 lucky girls and boys to win an invitation to their very own Cinderella Tea Party!

Dress up in your ball gowns or Prince Charming outfit and attend the Cinderella Tea Party in the Upper Circle Bar at The Rose Theatre on Saturday, 22 December at 4.15pm.

You will be entertained by courtiers and be served a sumptuous tea fit for a Prince or Princess at 4.30pm.

Each winner will also receive a special Cinderella gift AND 3 WINNERS will each receive Family Tickets worth £70 (2 adults and minimum 2 children) to see Cinderella The Midnight Princess at The Rose Theatre on Friday, 14th December at 7pm.

The Rose Theatre Production of Cinderella The Midnight Princess, adapted by Charles Way and directed

by Rachel Kavanaugh, comes to the stage between Friday 30 November 2012 and Sunday 6 January 2013.

This is a not-to-be-missed Christmas treat for the whole family.

Charles Way’s enchanting adaptation has something for everyone: a fairy godmother, wicked step-sisters, a handsome prince, a glass slipper and a struggling court composer called Mozart.

Cinderella is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, former Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, where her productions of Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz were hugely popular.

To enter: go to our website at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk and answer the following question: What is the name of the struggling court composer in Cinderella The Midnight Princess?

Closing Date: Friday, 7th December 2012 (Terms and Conditions Apply)

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT! FROM THE CREATORS OF THE GRUFFALO

Live

On Stage

FRI 7 DEC - SUN 13 JAN RICHMOND THEATRE atgtickets.com/richmond (fees apply)

0844 871 7651 (fees apply)

November-December 2012

A high energy treat

★★★★ The Sunday Times

LYRIC

THEATRE SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

Based on the best-selling book by

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

WED 21 NOV – SUN 13 JAN

BOX OFFICE: 0844 412 4661 PICCADILLY CIRCUS

watch a sneak preview online at www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

25

LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE The Rose Theatre 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL 0844 482 1556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org

WED 7 NOV to SUN 11 NOV Room on the Broom For Ages: 3+. “How the cat purred and how the witch grinned as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind!” Adapted for the stage from the best-selling book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Room on the Broom is a spellbinding adventure from the creators of The Snail & The Whale and The Gruffalo.

SUN 18 NOV to MON 19 NOV How Lion Became King of Tinga Tinga Land For Ages: 3+. This is an interactive show for the whole family, combining famous nursery rhymes with tales from the animals of the Masai Mara, and with a traditional East African welcome.

FRI 30 NOV to SUN 6 JAN Cinderella the Midnight Princess For: All ages.

Bring the whole family to see the most magical fairy tale of them all!

This enchanting adaptation by Charles Way is perfect family entertainment, with something for everyone: a fairy godmother, wicked step-sisters, a handsome prince, a glass slipper and, wonderfully, a struggling court composer called Mozart! Cinderella The Midnight Princess is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, former Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, where her productions of His Dark Materials, Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz were hugely popular and critically acclaimed.

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

WED 17 OCT to SAT 16 FEB Too Many Penguins For Ages: 3-4. How many penguins are too many penguins? Polar bear thinks one is more than enough, but Penguin has other ideas. Squeeze into this fun theatrical experience and find out just how many penguins we can get into one space!

SAT 20 OCT to THU 14 FEB Too Many Penguins Toddler Version For Ages: 1-2. Toddler performances are not adapted in any way but are at a reduced capacity to provide a more intimate experience for very young children.

26

TUE 30 OCT to 10 NOV Red Riding Hood For Ages: 4-7. Once upon a time there was a young girl who went to spend the night at her Grandma’s house and her little brother came too!

Join the intrepid twosome on a night to remember in Olivier award-winning writer Mike Kenny’s brand new adaptation of the classic children’s tale.

FRI 23 NOV to 16 FEB The Wind in the Willows For Ages: 5-11. In this delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story of friendship and bravery, this winter warmer will take you on a journey through the seasons. A wonderfully funny tale brought to life with music, songs and Polka magic!

Hampton Hill Playhouse

90 High Street, Hampton Hill TW12 1NY 0845 838 7529 www.teddingtontheatreclub.org.uk

What’s important in my life?

More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk FRI 14 DEC to SAT 22 DEC Cinderfella For ages: All Cinders is back! But this time she’s a feller, or rather he is! Come along and have a ball at the Riverhouse Family riverhouse in association with

proudly present

Christmas Pantomime. Reg and Stan the two madcap policemen will be there and so will a whole host of other fun characters, ready to make your Christmas one to remember!

With live music and fun aplenty, make sure you’re there to see the ‘shoe’ go on!

The Richmond Theatre

The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets.com

Watermans Theatre

40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk SUN 11 NOV Hullaba Lulu For Ages: 4+. Thingumajig Theatre has produced an entertaining, hilarious and poignant show, features exquisite puppetry, live music and songs.

SUN 18 NOV Stuck For Ages: 3-7s. It all begins when Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree. He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck, so he throws up his other shoe and that gets stuck too. Along with the cat, a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orangutan and a whale!

By Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company.

SUN 25 NOV Chicken Licken For Ages: 3+. It’s baking day and an inexperienced baker needs all the help he can get.

A baby chick hatches from an egg and grows up to become the star of the well-loved stories of Chicken Licken and The Little Red Hen. By Dynamic New Animation Theatre Company.

SUN 2 DEC Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall For Ages: 3+. An exciting and inventive theatrical experience performed in English with a little Japanese. By A Thousand Cranes Association with Arts Depot.

SAT 8 DEC to SAT 15 DEC Beauty and the Beast A tale as old as time, sparkling with the wonderful Disney characters and songs we know so well.

The Riverhouse Arts Centre

Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SAT 10 NOV The Firebird For ages: 5+. A fast, physical and funny re-telling of a traditional Russian folk tale. Stimulating, entertaining and intelligent story-telling theatre for children.

SAT 1 DEC The Emperor & the Nightingale For ages: very young upwards. The Emperor loves to hear the Nightingale sing! If you can sing as brilliantly, you might win a prize.

SAT 8 DEC Whose Story Is It Anyway?

For ages: All. Improvised theatre for kids (and playful adults!) Presented

by Kepow Theatre Company, this wonderful comedy theatre show guarantees to make children (and adults) laugh out loud, as it celebrates the power of the human imagination.

Seven Ages Time: 7.30pm. Cost: £14/£12 For ages: 8+. An improvised comedy about the seven stages of life! Seven Ages has been praised for its wonderful combination of comedy, drama and pathos, as it aims to explore two of the most important questions one can ever ask oneself: Why am I here? and

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

FRI 7 DEC to SUN 13 JAN Aladdin Aladdin is the family-friendly festive adventure with genies by the lamp-load, so rub the magic lamp, enter the cave of wonders and be transported on a flying carpet ride into the mystical world of the Far East. By popular demand, Richmond favourite, Tim Vine, will be making a welcome return to pantomime as Wishee Washee. Aladdin is a glittering journey into a fun, fairytale world that is guaranteed to ‘wow’ the whole family with the same mix of magical ingredients that audiences have come to expect from Richmond Theatre pantomimes: stunning sets, glittering costumes, wonderful songs, and dazzling dancing all topped off with plenty of laughter and audience participation.

The LYRIC THEATRE

Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES Box office: 0844 412 4661 www.nimaxtheatres.com WED 21 NOV to SUN 13 JAN

Room on the Broom For Ages: 3+.

If you fancy a trip into town, you can also see this magical, musical delight here. Will there ever be Room On The Broom for everyone?

SAT 8 to SUN 23 DEC The Enormous Turnip Christmas Show For Ages: 2+. From the company who brought to you the very successful ‘The Little Red Hen’ and ‘3 Little Pigs’. Stuff and Nonsense return to Waterman’s with their unswerving energy, eccentric puppetry and live music in a re-potted version of the world famous children’s story. In a tiny house the size of a shed, Mr and Mrs Chickweed live on their allotment surrounded by vegetables. But they can’t resist planting one more seed and as their turnip grows it threatens their house with disaster! Can anyone help pull up their Enormous Turnip?

The Vera Fletcher Hall

4 Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton KT7 0LQ 0844 884 8832 www.verafletcherhall.co.uk SAT 24 NOV Pinocchio For Ages: 5 to 11. Image Musical Theatre presents this family participation musical. Gepetto’s wooden puppet Pinocchio comes alive as a mischievous little boy.

November-December 2012

WHERE TO SEE SANTA

Santa at Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

A Guide to Christmas Grottos By Andrew Campbell Bentall’s Department Store 3rd Floor, Children’s World, Bentall’s Department Store, Kingston Open: 15 Nov to 24 Nov. Cost: Free or £3.95 with gift.

More info: www.bentalls.co.uk Bockett’s Farm Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS Open: From 29 Nov to 24 Dec. Cost: £5.95 plus normal admission.

Children will love the experience as they hop on board the Santa Express trailer for a short trip to his magical haybarn workshop. Once inside, each child will meet Santa and receive a wrapped gift!

More info: 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Festive Zoo Days at Chessington World of Adventures Leatherhead Road, Chessington Open: 8, 9, 15, 16 Dec & from 22 Dec to 1 Jan. Cost: Normal Admission.

For a festive adventure, explore the Zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Open 10am - 3pm. Don’t miss the chance to have your photo with the Reindeer and see the live festive show with Father Christmas and his crafty elves. Santa’s Grotto will be in the Resort Hotel.

More info: 0871 663 4477 www.chessington.com Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Open: 15 & 16 Dec. Cost: Child £10 includes entry and present.

More info: 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden Ham House Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Open: 1, 2, 8.9,15 & 16 Dec. Time: 11.30pm to 3.00pm.

Cost: £3 per child.

More info: 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Hounslow Urban Farm Faggs Lane, Feltham TW14 0LZ Open: every weekend from 1 Dec. Cost: TBA. Santa has crash landed at the Urban Farm and one of his reindeers has gone missing! Come and help look for him!

Sat 1 Dec at 11am.

More info: 01932 247579 www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk Squires Garden Centre Long Ditton Woodstock Lane North, Long Ditton KT6 5HN Open: Every weekend from 1 Dec until Christmas.

Chessington Garden Centre Cost: Free Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NG Santa’s Grand Arrival on his 1970s Open: 17 Nov to 24 Dec. Le-mans Ferraris is on Sat 1 Dec at 11am Cost: £8/£9 includes gift.

More info: 020 8398 7170 Your visit will start with a short festive www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk animated film, followed by a magical Also see Cirque Normandie!

Squires Garden Centre trip to meet Santa. Along the way you Open: 1 Dec to 6 Jan Shepperton will journey through a wonderland Time: varies. Cost: Adult £12, Child Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham TW2 5PA of stunning fairy-tale inspired scenes, £10, Family £38.

Open: Every weekend from starting with an Alice inspired trip down By popular demand, the “Cirque 24 Nov until Christmas. a rabbit hole to the Mad Hatters tea Normandie” returns! Each 60 minute Cost: Free. party and the Queen of Hearts court. performance has been specially created Santa’s Grand Arrival on horse & Its then on to meet the impulsive Mr for children under 10 in mind. This carriage on Sat 24 Nov & 1 Dec at Toad and other residents of Toad Hall; year’s show is bigger and better than 11am. including Ratty, Mole and Badger and ever, featuring an international cast of More info: 01932 784121 the mischievous weasels. Following a aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, as well www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk rare chance to get to see inside the Elves as Tolly and Company - clowns with Squires Garden Centre mystical workshop, you will then travel a much loved brand of side splitting Twickenham through an Icy Winter Wonderland with comedy. Hosted in a centrally heated Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham TW2 5PA ice skating penguins and a polar bears Big Top. Open: Sun 25 Nov & 2 Dec. Sat,Thu & Fri from 1 Dec and Sundays from For more information about Meeting Santa or Cirque Normandie, 9 Dec. contact 01372 725638 www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk Cost: Free.

For the first time ever at the Urban Farm, More info: 01932 253354 Santa’s Grand Arrival on Routemaster follow the magical Christmas trail, receive www.riverhousebarn.co.uk Bus is on Sun 25 Nov & 2 Dec at 11am. a gift from Santa in his grotto and meet Santa Trains at Thames Ditton More info: 020 8977 9241 real live reindeers!

Miniature Railway www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk More info: 020 8831 9658 Claygate Lane, Thames Ditton KT7 0LE Tudor Williams Haberdashery, www.hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk Open: Sun 9 Dec. Ride the special Santa New Malden Kew Gardens Train to the North Pole.

High Street New Malden, KT3 4BU Prince of Wales Conservatory, Bookings online.

Open: 8, 15 22 Dec 10am to 4pm.

Kew Gardens.

More info: 07761 081153 Cost: £3.50 per child.

Open: From 8 to 23 Dec. www.malden-dsme.co.uk More info: 01932 589 536 Cost: Free with normal admission.

Squires Garden www.themedicinegarden.com More info: www.kew.org Centre Cobham Winter Wonderland Weekend Medicine Garden Stoke Road, Cobham at London Wetland Centre Downside Road, Cobham KT11 3LU Open: Every Sat from 8 Dec Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Open: 15, 16, & from 20 to 23 Dec. until Christmas.

Barnes SW13 9WT Cost: £7.00 per child.

Cost: Free Open: 8 & 9 Dec. More info: 01932 589 536 Santa’s Grand Arrival on Routemaster Cost: Free with admission, £5 for www.themedicinegarden.com Bus will be on Sat 8 Dec at 11am.

Santa visit.

Painshill Park More info: 01932 862530 For Ages: 8+. Visit to Father Christmas Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk and his huskies.

Open: 1 & 2 Dec, and from 8 to 24 Dec. Squires Garden Centre More info: 020 8409 4400 Cost: Child £8.50, Adult £7.

Hersham www.wwt.org.uk More info: 01932 584284 Burwood Rd, Hersham KT12 www.painshill.co.uk 4AR Riverhouse Arts Centre Open: Every weekend Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF from 1 Dec until Open: 21 Dec. Time: 5-7pm.

Christmas.

SOFT PLAY CAFÉ Cost: £2.50 Cost: Free.

For Babies to Age 5 Santa’s Grand Arrival on TEDDINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH Routemaster Bus will be on tea party, before finishing with your personal meeting with Santa in his enchanting ice palace.

PLAYHUT

Christmas Lights Switch On

17 Church Road, TW11 8PF

Get in the festive spirit with your local community and enjoy Christmas Parades, fairs, stalls, music, food and, of course, mulled wine and mince pies!

Brentford, Fri 23 Nov Cobham, Fri 30 Nov East Sheen, Thu 6 Dec Ham, Tue 4 Dec, 5pm Hampton, Sun 2 Dec Hampton Hill, Fri 30 Nov

November-December 2012

Hounslow, Fri 16 Nov Kew Sparkle, Fri 7 Dec, 5-8pm Kingston, Thu 15 Nov, 6pm New Malden, Fri 30 Nov, 5.30pm Richmond, Fri 30 Nov St Margarets, Sun 9 Dec Teddington, Thu 29 Nov

Thames Ditton, Sun 2 Dec, 4.30-5.00pm Twickenham,Thu 29 Nov, 6.30pm Walton, Sat 17 Nov, 5.30pm Weybridge, Sat 24 Nov Whitton, Sun 25 Nov, 5pm

Relax, chat and unwind while your children play!

Toys divided by age group.

Hot drinks, food, lunch bags, magazines OPEN: Monday 9.30am to 12.30pm Wednesday 9.30am to 12.00pm 915 222736 Call Avie on 07 940135433 07 on or Andrea

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

27

NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL Anita Hill SYSTEM WITH A DYSLEXIC CHILD

EDUCATION

By BA (Hons) PGCE

A

s an experienced school teacher, I have a good idea of what various different ages of children should be capable. So when my 7 year old son struggled to remember the names of the rooms in our house and used words such as ‘adult’ instead of ‘father,’ when referring to his friend’s dad, I knew something was wrong. Friends and family could see that, in many ways, he was clearly a bright and able boy, but he was also on the ‘special’ table at primary school – the one reserved for the children who need extra help all the time!

Being trained to spot learning difficulties in children, I suspected that my son was dyslexic, but this obviously required an official diagnosis. This can be provided by Dyslexia Action or any charity focusing on learning disabilities, but we contacted an independent educational psychologist recommended to us

Fun WithMusic!

Music!

Fun With

In Central CentralRichmond Richmond In Music Classes for for Music Classes Music Classes for 1-5 Year Olds 1-5 Year Olds 1-5 Year Olds

by a friend. The diagnosis was mild to medium dyslexia. The assessment cost £300 and gave us a professional document that was recognised by schools.

Despite the existence of this document, my son’s school was unwilling to recognise his condition and support him, so we moved him to a prep school where the principal assured us they could help.

A few years earlier, I had set up a tutoring business helping to prepare children for secondary school entrance exams. This area is saturated with good independent schools, whilst Kingston and Sutton have state funded grammar schools as well, but they all have separate entrance exams. Through the tutoring business, I came to understand the entrance examination system, which frankly, for many parents, can be totally daunting. We had navigated this system with our daughter and now we had to do it with our son, but this time with the added complication of his dyslexia.

My son’s new school gave him one-to-one support for just one hour a week in school, whilst simultaneously pushing him academically.

With an extra 25% of time to complete exams, because of the assessment we had obtained and some verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice, alongside other children I tutored, he eventually won a place at Kingston Grammar.

I’m happy to report that my son is now happy and settled in his new environment and would encourage any parent that believes their child may be suffering with dyslexia, to get an official assessment as soon as they can.

extra Anita Hill and her husband Tim own and run ElevateEleven which offers a wide portfolio of services to support parents, including a Find-A-School Consultancy service, mock-tests and a wide range of tutoring options. For further information, visit www.ElevateEleven.com

For For more information, more information call: call:

020-8332-2275 www.christinasfunwithmusic.co.uk

SCHOOLS NEWS Newland House School Plans Musical Christmas Feast

Talented pupils from Newland House School will bring their singing skills to the community this Christmas.

On 4 December, pupils will be amongst 750 from 18 London schools participating in a special Christingle Service held in the nave of Westminster Abbey to raise money for the Children’s Society.

Closer to home, year 6 girls will sing carols at John Lewis in Kingston on 10 December and to the over sixties at the Elleray Hall Social Club in Teddington on 1 December.

Head of Music, Gavin Pettinger, who also organises the school’s highly regarded carol service and Christmas play, says, ‘Music making plays a big part in the life of the school and our children thoroughly enjoy the chance to share the spirit of Christmas with a wider community.’

For further information, contact gpettinger@newlandhouse.net

An introduction to the world of fitness and football for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years

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Are you a parent of a child in years 4/5/6?

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Come and meet us and we will answer your questions about the 11+ process and discuss your child’s tutoring needs!

17:55

Page 1

Following the huge success of the Little Kickers football training programme for kids, here is another great idea we decided to run with. Little Rugby is a fun introduction to the sport and is non-contact, so it’s safe and friendly.

APPROVED RUGBY TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM 2 TO 5TH BIRTHDAY

TM

Does your child hate school?

Maybe your child can’t read properly?

Many children hide their problems.

INTRODUCING A Structured Set of Fun Reading Books with a Handbook, for you to use to help your child to read.

MAGGIE TANNER Call 02030921313 01932 429602

BA(Hons), PGCE, PGDip.Counselling

Reading Therapist

www.littlerugby.co.uk cchalmers@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlerugby.co.uk gware@littlerugby.co.uk

✔ www.ElevateEleven.com ✔ or call Anita on 07730 955699 28

Don’t panic! You are not alone.

As experienced tutors, with a child-friendly approach to getting children into Tiffin and many other schools, Anita and Tim decided that they wanted to help other parents of years 4/5/6 students choose a secondary school for their child. So they wrote a book called Eleven Plus Without the Fuss, a distillation of their personal and professional experience of navigating the secondary school maze and a response to the many distressed called they get from desperate parents needing help with this.

Eleven Plus Without the Fuss is available from Amazon, at www.elevenplusexams.co.uk or from Tim and Anita at Elevate Eleven.

It will shortly be available from Waterstones in Kingston.

FOOTIE TOTS

For more information, call:

020-8332-2275 020-8332-2275

Elevate Eleven

CAN’T FIND YOUR WAY OUT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL MAZE?

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk 819 Little Rugby A Jan11.indd 1

Tel: 01372 456013 www.write2read.co.uk maggie.tanner@virgin.net November-December 2012

15/12/2011 07:54

By Maggie

Tanner

I taught him ALL the symbols (groups of letters) that represent sounds in words Words are made up of sounds and these sounds are written with symbols i.e. groups of letters. For instance, in the word ‘brought,’ the symbol ‘ough’ represents the sound ‘aw’ as in ‘paw.’ Struggling children benefit from learning all the symbols used to represent each sound.

Every child has the right to learn How did I help my to read, yet some children still grandson? leave school without this basic skill.

I taught him Good Listening I didn’t want to go to school. I Skills! struggled to read and was labelled a I now understand that my failure by my teachers and shamed Pitman’s shorthand course was, How did I teach the Sound/ or bullied into working. I enjoyed in effect, an intensive ‘listening’ Symbol relationship? much more success at Pitman’s course. I was required to hear College, where I learned shorthand. individual sounds in words, and I used Mind Mapping, a fun, This course also taught me to read, write shorthand symbols to creative way of grouping together which enabled me to learn. represent them. words with the same symbols in I started studying at the age of Teaching reading to a child who them. This allowed my grandson 27 and qualified 9 years later, with cannot hear the sounds in words, to discover for himself the different a BA & PGCE in History & English, is like teaching tennis to someone ways in which sounds are written. defying all earlier predictions. I who lacks hand/eye co-ordination!

I played games and asked him taught for 15 years at a comprehenIn my experience, teaching dyslexic to complete simple tasks, which sive school where my students children and other poor readers ensured that he combined saying excelled because I taught them to involves teaching them to LISTEN and hearing the sounds, with think, learn and remember. Later INTENSELY. In this way, they start writing and looking at the symbols. on, in an attempt to understand to hear tiny sounds, when they are This approach is effective, and the problems of illiteracy, I studied pushed together in words. If they reflects recent research on how Psychology and Psychotherapy for ‘sound out’ the short sounds that children think, learn and remember.

7 years. make up each word, they will learn However, I still had no formal to hear each word. For example, if I developed his Mental Agility qualifications when I realised that you say the sounds for ‘p’,’i,’ ‘n,’ My grandson needed to learn one of my own children clearly had and ‘k’ and listen, you can hear the to read sounds differently, no more idea about reading than word ‘pink.’

I had had! Fearful that my failing child would struggle at school, I How do you know if your child tried to help but didn’t succeed. I struggles with listening skills? tried different schools but was told I had to accept that ‘my child just Select some age appropriate wasn’t very bright.’ I knew this words from the following list wasn’t true – after all, it was what and ask your child to write IAPS | Founded 1935 had been said of me! them down: I am now also the grandmother block string splint library of a child who struggled with January thermometer reading. His experience, however, If he has left out any sounds, it has been very different. I taught indicates that he is struggling to 100294_FamiliesonThames_NovDec_87x85mm :Layout 1 18/07/2012 13: him to read when he was 7. hear these sounds.

depending on the word(s) in which they appeared. Using the word ‘brought’ again, you can see that the symbol ‘ough’ represents the sound ‘aw.’ BUT this is not so in other words. He had to learn that ‘ough’ could be sound ‘ou’ in plough, or sound ‘oo’ in ‘soup.’

Every time he read something, he learnt to accept that symbols can represent different sounds in different words. Initially, when he wouldn’t read, I played simple games with him to develop his ability to understand this.

Teaching reading is not difficult, as the initial stage – decoding - is a skill. Skills are easy to teach and can be learnt through practice.

extra

TM

Maggie Tanner is a Reading Does your child hate school?

Therapist who Maybe your child can’t read properly? has developed a unique system Many children hide their problems. for teaching dyslexic children and INTRODUCING poor readers. TheAsystem is called Structured Set of Fun Reading Write2Read and is supported by Books with a Handbook, for you to a set of reading books use toentitled help your child to read.

Write2Read with Bessie TANNER Buss.

MAGGIE BA(Hons), PGCE, PGDip.Counselling For further information, email Reading Therapist maggie.tanner@virgin.net Tel: 01372 456013 www.write2read.co.uk maggie.tanner@virgin.net

Staines Preparatory School | Co-ed | Aged 3 - 11

An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Open Mornings Whole School - 10:00am - 12:30pm Introductory talk 10:00am Saturday 17 November Saturday 9 February Saturday 9 March For further information, tel: 01372 473624 or email: jtilson@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

New state-of-the-art teaching and performance facilities being built 2012 • High academic standards and results • Nursery provision from rising 3 to 4 years of age • Out of hours childcare facilities

• Wide range of activities • Highly caring environment with excellent facilities • Active Friends’ Association • School bus service • Holiday Club

For assistance with fee planning and other fee information please contact the Bursar. Means-tested bursaries available subject to assessment.

Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines, Middlesex. TW18 2BT

www.claremont-school.co.uk

November-December 2012

EDUCATION

TEACHING DYSLEXIC CHILDREN TO READ

Please contact the Registrar at Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines, Middlesex.

TW18 2BT | tel: 01784 450909 | email: registrar @ stainesprep.co.uk website: www.stainesprep.co.uk | Registered charity no: 296691

01784 450909 | www.stainesprep.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

29

Seasonal Offerings Top Tips for Family Skiing Holidays

holiday accommodation, sit as near to the front of the bus as possible. There’s less chance of the windy roads causing car sickness! ✔ Don’t waste money on expensive ski clothes for your children – they’ll be too small next year! Borrow from friends or try TK Maxx in the autumn. ✔ If your children are attending ski school or childcare, sew their names into their clothes so they don’t get lost. ✔ If you need a pushchair during your holiday, check whether your holiday company loans them.

If not, take one with large wheels. Standard chairs are impossible to push in the snow. ✔ Sun block is as important on a winter holiday as in the summer. Take block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in!

Extra Chilly Powder operates catered chalet ski holidays. Its 3 luxury ski chalets have unrivalled in-house childcare facilities and genuine ski-tothe-door locations, which sets them apart from other ski chalets in Morzine.

For more information, visit www.chillypowder.com

Paul and Francesca Ayres moved to Morzine, an alpine resort near the French/Swiss border, 18 years ago, started a family ski company and had 3 children.

We asked them for guidance on taking your family on a ski holiday.

Their tips are: ✔ Avoid high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under 12 months to go in high cable cars because of the air pressure. ✔ Find a resort with a short airport transfer.

Check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has child car seats. ✔ Whilst travelling from the airport to your

Looking for children’s clothes that are as special as your children?

Tillypop is named after Tilly and Poppy, the two little girls who inspired their mother, Emma Dowson, to start a business designing and lovingly creating, unique, colourful, and playful clothes for children.

Emma searched all over to find high quality clothes that both she and her daughters loved.

“I wanted limited production pieces that would be as unique and special as my girls but, crucially, were also affordable” she says.

“After much searching, I realised these things just weren’t available.” Emma decided to use her passion for design to create her own and promises that, for each piece of clothing she designs, no more than 150 pieces will be made in any size.

Emma’s designs are inspired by her own childhood memories. The theme of the

Tillypop Christmas Collection is Christmas Eve, with stockings hung by the fire waiting for Father Christmas to visit and excited faces gazing skyward hoping to catch a glimpse of his sleigh.

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

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to unlock your child’s potential, building their confidence and independent study skills.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Chessington Abby Sharma 01372 602 099

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30

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

The New Year will be upon us in a moment!

Look out for our second Education Focus in our Jan/ Feb issue, due out first week of January.

Also in Jan/ Feb, another fantastic Clubs, Classes and Activities feature with plenty of ideas of how to keep the kids busy after school and at the weekends during the winter months!

Stuck for Christmas Gift Ideas?

Dreading the Christmas shopping crowds this year? Planning to do most of your Christmas shopping online?

Then forget about “Not on the High Street.” For novel gifts, check out www.sayitpersonally.co.uk Say It Personally specialises in unique, quality gifts delivered to your door.

It has developed a lovely range of distinctive and unusual gifts with something for everyone this Christmas, including a Budding Gardener Gift Set and Mini Chef Gift Set for the kids, a Sock Bouquet for your teenage niece, a Watch the Birdie Gift Set for your favourite “twitcher” and a Spuddy Buddy Couch-Potato for the men in your life!

Say It Personally’s Hazel Beckett says: “We’ve loved putting this range together. It’s fantastic being able to choose products which we’d love to receive ourselves and which are just that little bit different” For more information, visit www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

Les and Lou put the fun back into travelling.

Surrey mum, Lesley Hill, hopes that her new product will help take the headache out of travelling and eating out with young children. The Roll-Up Chalk Mat is a blackboard on one side, a wipe-clean placemat on the other and rolls up neatly to tuck into your bag.

This clever new product is the design of Lesley and her friend Louise who have teamed up to form Les and Lou. Lesley is no stranger to business, having been a partner at a Big 4 firm in London before becoming a full-time mum, but she admits that it’s completely different taking an idea from scratch and getting it off the ground.

“It’s very exciting though and the reward will be seeing other parents and their children getting enjoyment out of our product”says Lesley.

Visit www.lesandlou.co.uk for details of a special introductory offer of a chalk mat, chalk AND free delivery for just £9.99 – perfect for Christmas!

NEW FOR CHRISTMAS 2012!

The amazing Roll-Up Chalk Mat

Unlimited fun, unlimited creativity!

The perfect Christmas present for a busy boy or girl from 3-7 years old, the Roll-Up Chalk Mat is a blackboard on one side, a wipe-clean placemat on the other and it rolls up so you can take it everywhere!

Great for restaurants, trains, holidays and home!

Available in pink or blue.

Special offer of £9.99 includes free chalk & delivery!

Designed by two mums in England

Buy yours now on www.lesandlou.co.uk november-december 2012

FOR RENT

for sale

properties

The

Home Guide NB Pantone Colour 5635

VILLAGE PROPERTIES Specialists in Letting to Corporate and Professional Tenants

village-properties.co.uk

020 8392 3996

Barnes Village, SW13 £3500pcm Unfurnished A fabulous 4 double bedroom, 3 bathroom, refurbished ‘Lion House’ moments from the Pond, family kitchen, w.c., utility room and garden. Close to Barnes Station. Available now.

East Sheen, SW14 £3600pcm Unfurnished Interior designed 5 bedroom period family home with stunning kitchen, 2 bathrooms, utility and w.c., double reception and garden.

Close to Mortlake Station. Available January 2013

Kew Village, TW9 £3800pcm Unfurnished Impressive 6 bedroom period house moments from Kew Village, off-street parking, 2 reception rooms, newly fitted kitchen, 2 bathrooms, w.c., cellar and large garden. Close to Kew Station.

Available November.

NB Pantone Colour 5635

NB Pantone Colour 5635

Barnes • Richmond • East Sheen • Mortlake • Kew • St Margarets • Kingston • Twickenham • Ham • Petersham 20 Mortlake High Street, London, SW14 8JN November-December 2012

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

31

The

Home Guide BUYING YOUR

By Gabby Adler

YOU AND YOUR AGENT

By Samantha Avery

When it comes to looking for a family property, either to rent or buy, there is little more frustrating than being shown homes that are entirely unsuitable. As parents, we run our own busy family companies, as well as holding down a job or two, and so trying to move to new Head Quarters can be unduly stressful and time consuming, if you aren’t being listened to or understood by your chosen property agent.

To avoid this, it’s really important that before you even appoint a property agent, you have a very clear idea of the characteristics of the property for which you are looking. It’s useful to draw up a list, perhaps dividing it into Essential and Desirable.

This will then serve as a check list for you as you inspect properties and can also be given to your agent, so that you are both on the same page.

It often feels as if life’s Inbox is fuller than its Outbox, and sadly, this is also the case when it comes to yet another irrelevant email pinging through from a property agent who would like to show off a fabulous 1 bedroom penthouse that has just come on to the market, should you decide to secure a hideaway from the rest of the family! Again, a good agent lives by the motto “Less is more” which means you can be assured that the information you receive from them will be meaningful.

It’s always sensible to go and meet your appointed property agent face to face and your agent should want to meet you too, in order to ask you more specific questions about what you are looking for and find out how many children you have and their ages. A good agent will want to know you and your family’s needs in far more detail, understanding that “faux pas” like showing a property that only has a shower room to parents of very small children, simply doesn’t wash

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To help you interrogate your agent about a property and to avoid wasted viewings, here are a few key questions for your list: ✪ Does the property have outside space, and if so, is it paved or turfed? ✪ Is there a shed for storing all the children’s bicycles? ✪ Is there parking available at the property or close to it? ✪ Are there local schools, transport links and shopping nearby? ✪ Is there enough space

The challenges of the local property market, such as a lack of houses coming onto the market, escalating house prices and restrictive school catchment areas, does not make finding your next family home an easy task. There are so many factors to consider when buying a property and, with the cost of moving so high, it’s vital to be sure that you are buying something that will continue to suit you as your family grows. for buggies in the hallway and general storage throughout? ✪ Is the Landlord happy to have children at the property? ✪ Are the main reception areas carpeted or have easy to clean wooden floors? ✪ Is there a lift if the property is in an apartment block? ✪ Are there any glaring safety hazards for (small) children?

Choosing an agent who is responsive and understands your needs is half the battle and can either add to your daily stress or alleviate it completely.

extra

Samantha Avery is the founder of Village Properties, a specialist lettings agency with offices in Richmond and Barnes. Sam and her colleagues Joanna and Anna are, between them, mothers to a total of 8 children of varying ages and are very well-qualified to anticipate what you need from a property, even before you’ve thought of it yourself! For more information, visit www.village-properties.co.uk

Here are my Top 5 Tips:

View as many properties as possible Don’t be tempted to simply trawl online property sites until you see your dream home. It can be difficult to do regular viewings when you work and have a family, but you need to schedule time to view properties, even if they end up being unsuitable. This focusses your search and gives you a clear sense of what you really want.

You will gain something from each property viewing and, in my experience, people rarely buy what they thought it was they wanted!

Buy in a good school catchment area Check which streets make up the catchment area of Ofsted- rated “Outstanding” schools. This information will either be provided by the local council or by schools themselves. Properties in good school catchment areas are a great investment as their value is generally unaffected by downturns in the property market. Beware though, exact school catchment areas change year to year and many are contracting. So try to purchase a property as close to the school as possible to guarantee

Music classes for babies and young children! ®

Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, To book your complimentary class, call and introduces music to very young children in a way they Kingston and Surbiton: 0208 224 3971. can easily understand and enjoy.

Banstead and Claygate: 01932 223309.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Weybridge, Cobham and Molesey: 0208 Heigh ho – from 12 months 224 0096. Richmond, Twickenham and Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Teddington: 0208 847 4031 Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds

time of music Nur turing a life

monkeymusic.com 32

Winner of the Best National Pre School Activity Award.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Buying a new property?

Re-mortgaging? Buying to Let? Life or Critical Illness Protection.

We have been offering helpful and impartial advice to people all over the UK for many years and can arrange mortgages and mortgage-related insurance products.

We are based in Surrey and willing to undertake local travel.

01932 428925 david.saunders@rosemountfs.co.uk www.rosemountfs.com Rosemount Wealth Management is a trading style of Rosemount Financial Solutions Ltd who are an Appointed Representative of Intrinsic Financial and Mortgage Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by The Financial Services Authority. Intrinsic Financial and Mortgage Planning Limited is entered on the FSA register (http:/www.fsa.gov.uk/register/) under reference 440703 and 44071.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Some Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the FSA.

November-December 2012

LETTING WITH CONFIDENCE!

FAMILY HOME

the long term benefits of being within the catchment area.

Look at the long term potential for the house Whilst it may not be in your immediate plans, would you be able to increase space by extending the house in the future? Have others in the street extended into their lofts? Could you build at the back of the house or do a side return? Being able to extend a property gives it a much longer shelf life.

Taking too much time will cost you money Many families try to fit house hunting in around the rest of their lives. Whilst this may be unavoidable, casually searching for your next home over many months will cost you money. If you don’t make your search your number one priority, six months or more can easily pass, by which time, the average price of a house

Classified

Your questions answered by David McGeachie Many local families that are moving decide to keep their existing property and let it.

If this is you, here are some points to consider.

How do you choose an agent?

Don’t just go for the cheapest.

Instead, get agents to sell themselves to you based on the service and value they offer, not just how much they cost. Your agent will be able to give you an idea of what kind of rental income your property might attract.

How much will the agent charge?

Between 7% and 11% of the rent plus VAT. Should I ask my agent to manage the tenancy?

You can do this yourself but do consider the inconvenience it could involve. For instance, do you want to have to organise an emergency plumber whilst you are on your overseas holiday?

Should I renovate or redecorate first?

Don’t start renovating the bathroom before you get your agents advice. You may be tired of looking at it, but your agent may think it’s fine. However, if you do have bright coloured décor, it’s probably worth repainting. Decor should be neutral and you can’t go wrong with white. Avoid magnolia

may well have increased by tens of thousands! For instance, the average price of a semi-detached house in Richmond Upon Thames increased by £41,662 between August 2011 and August 2012.

How to negotiate the best price?

Before you make an offer, make sure you are armed with as much information as possible. Use Net House Prices to research the prices for which properties on the same street have been selling. When, you are ready to make an offer, it’s essential you demonstrate that you can and will follow through with the purchase. Have your finances sorted, be ready to demonstrate this to the estate agent and be ready to move. . If you start your search before you are ready to move, you risk finding a house you love and being unable to secure it.

extra

Gabby Adler is a Property Finder working exclusively in Richmond Upon Thames. Gabby finds buyers or renters their dream home at the best possible prices.

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

though –it’s a bit dated now.

Gardens should look cared for, tidy and as spacious as possible.

How clean should my property be?

Make sure you have the whole property professionally cleaned, as the tenants will then have to do the same when they leave.

Do I need an inventory?

It’s advisable. Whilst this is something you have to pay for, it’s worth doing in case you need it to claim on the tenant’s deposit further down the track.

What if the tenants trash my home or don’t pay the rent?

This is rare but reduce the chances by checking references properly and going by gut instinct too. If you are concerned you can take out insurance, which can be surprisingly inexpensive, as little as £150 for a year.

Most tenants are perfectly nice, professional people and the vast majority of tenancies go very well, so ‘let with confidence!’

extra

David McGeachie owns and operates Tenant Finder, a lettings agency in St Margarets, Twickenham.

For further information, visit www.tenant-finder.co.uk

WIN! COMPETITION! COMPETITION! WIN! in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

WIN A £200 SHOPPING SPREE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

New clothes make any occasion extra special.

The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now

FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores.

For your chances to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/ win by 10th of December.

Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December.

Nearest Stores: www.polarnopyret.co.uk London and South East: Westfield White City, Westfield London, House of Fraser Oxford Street, House of Fraser Guildford Brent Cross Shopping Centre, King Edward Court Windsor

Pilates in Twickenham Bumps, Babies, Beginners welcome

Mrs Jones EDUCATION 11 PLUS TUITION West & South West London

Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Exam Practice, Interview Technique Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers

November-December 2012

Cobham - Sat 15th Dec 1.30pm-4.30pm Hinchley Wood/Long Ditton Sat 8th Dec 1.30pm-4.30pm Weybridge - Sat 8th Dec 1.30pm-4.30pm

“Where is Santa?”

Funfilled interactive panto performed right there in the comfort of your setting!

Written specifically for the nursery age group !

15% group booking discount 10% early bug discount quote 'snail10' (limited period only!) T&C's apply

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Pant

£30

The Theatrebugs Elf takes children aged 3 months to 7 years on a magical festive adventure!

EXCELLENT RESULTS

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

Festive fun day of acting, merry music, dancing, arts, crafts and festive games!

Suitable for boys and girls 3.5-8 years

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& Mock Exam Practice Y3 (pre-Plus), Y4 and Y5 (11 Plus) State Grammar and Private Schools Bursaries and Scholarships

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www.performpilates.co.uk

Greater London: 0800 9755290 enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk

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Epsom & Surrounds: 01483 882244 hannahmason@theatrebugs.co.uk

Book online: Funfilled www.theatrebugs.co.uk interactive panto performed right there in the comfort of your setting! (written specifically for the nursery age group

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Classifieds

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(020) 8568 5706 tim@timbarnes.biz www.timbarnes.biz Member of The Magic Circle

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Christmas Fairs & Shopping Events

Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and other delights whilst you shop for Christmas!

Tudor-Style Christmas Market in Kingston From 8 Nov to 24 Dec in Kingston Town Square Dramatize Christmas Craft Fair On Sat 24 Nov, Riverside Arts Centre,59 Thames St, Sunbury TW16 5QF Time: 1pm to 5pm. Cost: Free More info: www.dramatizetc.com 07912183085 Tiffin Girls’ School Christmas Craft Fair Sun 25 Nov at Richmond Road, Kingston KT2 5PL Time: 11am to 3.00pm.

More info: 0208 398 0322 Leicesters.4@virgin.net Christmas Craft Fair in Teddington Thu 29 Nov at Happy Potter Ceramics, 14 Broad St, Teddington TW11 8RF Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Cost: Free.

More info: 020 8973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk Hampton Wick Christmas Craft Fair Sat 1 Dec Outside The White Hart, Hampton Wick Time: 2.00pm.

More info: www.hamptonwick.org.uk Christmas Craft Fair in Sunbury Sat 1 Dec St Saviours Church, 205 Vicarage Rd, Sunbury TW16 7TP Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm. Cost: £1.

More info: 07980 647302 Christmas Extravaganza Fair in Surbiton Sat 1 Dec Grand Avenue Primary School, Grand Ave, Surbiton KT5 9HU Time:11am to 3pm. Cost: Adult £1, Children Free.

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what’s on More info: lucky07@blueyonder. co.uk Christmas Market at the Medicine Garden Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec at Downside Road, Cobham KT11 3LU Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Cost: £2 donation.

More info: 01932 589536 www.themedicinegarden.com Tolworth Girls School Christmas Food and Gift Market Sun 2 Dec at Fuller’s Way North, Surbiton, KT6 7LQ Time: 12.00 noon to 4.00pm.

Cost: Free More info: 07946 343821 tracykstapleton@gmail.com Christmas Shop & Relax at Riverhouse Arts Centre 10 Dec at Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF Time: 6.30pm to 10.00pm. Cost: Free More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk Thames Ditton Christmas Fair On Sun 2 Dec at High Street, Thames Ditton Time: 4.30pm-5.00pm. Cost: Free More info: dwgra@the-blands.co.uk Christmas Shopping Events at Squires Garden Centres Hersham Thu 6 Dec, Long Ditton Wed 12 Dec, Cobham Thu 6 Dec, Shepperton Thu 13 Dec, Twickenham Wed 5 Dec Time: 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Cost: Free More info: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk Christmas Fayre in Twickenham Sat 8 Dec Archdeacon Cambridge C of E Primary School, The Green TW2 5TU Time:12.00pm to 4.00pm. Cost: Adult £1. Child Free.

More info: 07860 665087 http:// www.archdeaconcambridges. richmond.sch.uk/

Nearly New Sales

SAT 17 NOV Walton Twins Club Nearly New Sale in Walton The Playhouse, Hepworth Way, Walton Time: 10.00am to 11.30am.

More info: 07968 055 210 www.waltontwinsclub.org SAT 24 NOV Cherished Nearly New Sale in Staines St Peters’ Church Hall, Staines TW18 2DX Time: 10.45am to 12.00pm.

More info: 07931 617339 SUN 25 NOV NCT Nearly New Sale in Twickenham All Hallows Church, Erncroft Way TW1 1EW Time: 2.00Pm to 4.00Pm. Cost: £1.50.

More info: 0844 243 6304 www. nct.org.uk SAT 1 DEC NCT Nearly New Sale in Byfleet Byfleet Village Hall, High Rd, Byfleet KT14 7QL Time: 2.30pm to 4.00pm.

More info: 07876 416184 www.nct.org.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Chessington Garden Centre Circus

Mum2mum Nearly New Sale in Teddington Teddington Baptist Church, Church Rd, Teddington TW11 8PF Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

More info: www.mum2mummarket. co.uk

For Parents

THU 13 DEC For Sanity’s Sake Christmas Party in Twickenham at Cabbage Patch Night Club, Twickenham Time: 8.00pm-12.00am. Cost: £15.00.

Head to the refurbished Cabbage Patch night club with your party gear on!

Performances by the Tempo Tots choir and classy, burlesque caberet “Flirty not Dirty.” Professional DJ, private bar and chill out zones!

More info: rachel@forsanityssake. com www.forsanityssake.com/ events

Hampton Court Palace Chlore Centre

Hampton Court

Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF Time: 5-7s 10am, 8-11s 11.30am, 8-11+ 2pm. Cost: £6 per class.

Children begin to learn the many facets of art in this intimate setting.

More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SAT 10 NOV Blackout! at Elmbridge Museum Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP Time: 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Cost:Child £1.50.

How did Elmbridge residents spent the long hours of blackout during the Blitz?

Activities, puzzles, tricks, conundrums.

More info: 01932 843 573 www.elmbridge.gov.uk

Christmas Carols

Christmas Carols at Osterley Park On Sun 2, 9 & 16 Dec at Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 2.00pm & 3.00pm. Cost: Free with normal admission.

More info: 020 8232 5050 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park Hampton Wick Christmas Carols On Fri 14 Dec at The Foresters, Hampton Wick Time: 6.00pm More info: www.hamptonwick.org.uk Kingston University Carol Services On Tue 4 Dec 5.30pm at St John’s Church, Grove Lane, Kingston KT1 2SU On Wed 12 Dec 1.00pm at Coombehurst Studio, Kingston Hill Campus KT2 7LB Cost: Free.

More info: www.kingston.ac.uk Carols by Candlelight at Landmark Arts Centre On Sat 15 Dec at Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN Time: 7.30pm. Cost: Adult £12, Under 16 £5.

More info: 07732 058705 www.landmarkartscentre.org Carol Singing at Hampton Court Palace On 17, 18, 19, & 23 Dec at Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU Time: 6.00pm & 8.00pm. Cost: £7.

More info: 084 4482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk Rose Christmas Concert On 11 Dec 7.30pm at 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL Time: 7.30 pm. Cost: £8 / £20.

For: all ages.

Songs, poems, readings. Major contributions from the Euphonix community choir and The Rose Youth Theatre.

More info: 08444 821 556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

SAT 10 NOV, 1 DEC & 8 DEC Saturday Art Club at Riverhouse Arts Centre

SAT 10 NOV & SAT 1 DEC Sassy Stirrers Saturday Cooking Club in Kingston/Esher Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Cost: £6 for Mini Chefs (3-5s), £22 for Junior Chefs (6-12s).

For Ages: 3-5s & 5-12s. Booking Required.

More info: 07789 792676 info@sassystirrers.com FRI 16 NOV & FRI 14 DEC Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 9.30am. Cost: £4.50 per child.

For Ages: under 5s. Booking required.

More info: 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org.uk FRI 16 NOV to SUN 2 DEC The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, Brentwood TW8 8JF Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm. Cost: Adult £7.00, Child £3.00.

Syon Park illuminates its gardens and Great Conservatory. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.

More info: 020 8569 7497 www.syonpark.co.uk SAT 17 NOV Christmas Launch at the Treaty Centre Hounslow Town Centre, Hounslow TW3 1ES Time:11am – 4.30pm. Cost: Free Come and see Sid the Sloth and Diego the Sabre-toothed Tiger from the film Ice Age 3.

Plus Sam the Bubble Man and a special appearance by Father Christmas.

More info: www.treatycentre.co.uk SAT 17 NOV & SAT 15 DEC Runnymede Young Archaelogists at Chertsey Museum 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time:11.00am to 2.00pm or 3.30pm.

Cost: £4.50 per child.

For Ages: 8-16. Illuminated manuscripts.

More info: 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org.uk FRI 23 NOV & FRI 7 DEC November-December 2012

t Palace fireworks

Snow at Hampton Court Palace

Classical Babies at Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN Time: 11.00am. Cost: £10 per adult babies/toddlers free.

For Ages: 0-3s. Chamber-music performed by professional musicians for parents/babies. Relaxed setting.

More info: 07966 446152 www.classicalbabies.com SUN 25 NOV Spelthorne Santa Sprint Time: 9.30am. Cost: Adult £8.50, 3-16 years £5.50.

Open to all. Participants can take part for their chosen charity.

More info: 01784 451499 www.spelthorne.gov.uk/santasprint Staines Christmas Parade Two Rivers & Elmsleigh Shopping Centres, Staines Time: 10.30am. Cost: Free Santa leads parade. Meet him at 11am. Children’s fair rides and bungee trampoline.

Stir-Up Sunday at Gunnersbury Museum Popes Lane, London, W3 8LQ. Time: 11.30am, 1.00pm & 2.30pm.

Cost: Free.

Drop-in family activity. Join the Victorian servants as they prepare for Christmas.

More info: 020 8922 2247 www.hounslow.info SAT 1 & SUN 2 DEC, SAT 8 & SUN 9 DEC, SAT 15 & SUN 16 DEC Christmas Family Fun at Ham House Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 12.00pm to 4.00pm. Cost: Free with normal admission.

Family activities, festive food and drink demonstrations/sampling!

More info: 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk SAT 1 DEC TO 6 JAN Hampton Court Ice Rink Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU Time: 10.00am to 10.00pm. Cost:Adult £12.50/11, Child £9/8.50, Family £36/34.

Skate in royal style within the setting of the Palace.

More info: 084 4482 7777 www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink. com SAT 1 DEC 15 Minutes of Fun at Chertsey Museum The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Cost: Free.

Drop in family craft activities.

More info: 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org.uk Festive Singalong with Singing Hands St Mary’s Parish Hall, Langham Road, Teddington TW11 1HF Time: 10.30am. Cost: Minimum £15 donation per family.

Sing and sign with popular baby/toddler signing group, Singing Hands to raise money for Shooting Star Chase.

More info: info@singinghands.co.uk SUN 2 DEC Sunday Afternoon Art at Orleans House Gallery Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Time: 2.00pm-3.30pm. Cost: Free.

For Ages: 4+. Free drop-in workshop for families.

November-December 2012

Museum at Kew Gardens in Winter

More info: 020 8831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts Gothic Goblets at Strawberry Hill House 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham TW1 4ST Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Cost: £4.95 per child.

Paint a gothic goblet fit for a banquet.

More info: 020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk TUE 4 DEC Christmas Ghost Tours at Ham House Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Cost: £22 all tickets.

Discover the ghostly tales that pepper the history of Ham House.

More info: 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk WED 5 DEC to FRI 21 DEC Riverhouse Magical Christmas Exhibition Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF The Robert Phillips gallery becomes a magical Christmas grotto.

More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SAT 8 DEC Pantomine Family Fun at Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ Time: 6.00pm. Cost: Free “drop in” for ticket holders.

Pre-show face painting, stilt walking, entertainment, art/craft.

More info: 0844 8717651 www. atgcreativelearning.co.uk/richmond Sassy Stirrers Christmas Cooking Party in Kingston/Esher Time:1.00pm to 4.30pm. Cost: £24 per place.

For Ages: 5-12s. Booking Required.

Xmas baking, party games & bowl-licking fun.

More info: 07789 792676 info@sassystirrers.com The Twelve Days of Christmas at Elmbridge Museum Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP Time:2.00pm to 4.30pm. Cost: Child £1.50.

Create your own festive decorations inspired by the Christmas song.

More info: 01932 843 573 www.elmbridge.gov.uk

Riverhouse Barn Art Club

SUN 9 DEC Victorian Paper Crafts at Strawberry Hill House 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham TW1 4ST Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Cost: £4.95 per child.

Make christmas lanterns, marble wrapping paper and paper chains for your tree.

More info: 020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk Panto Puppets at Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ Time:10am to 12pm. Cost: £8.

Booking Required. Make a puppet version of your favourite panto character and learn to make it move!

More info: 0844 8717651 www. atgcreativelearning.co.uk/richmond FRI 14 DEC Tempo Tots Christmas Party York House, Twickenham TW1 3AA Time:10am & 2pm for older ones, 11.30am & 3.30pm for younger ones.

Booking Required. Tempo Tots Christmas party with a visit from Father Christmas, Tempo Tots choir, mince pies, Christmas carols, fancy dress and presents!

More info: bookings@tempo-tots. com SAT 15 to MON 24 DEC Christmas Children’s Trail at Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm. Cost: Child .50 per trail.

Follow the Christmas trail around the Garden.

More info: 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk SAT 15 DEC Put on Panto at Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ Time: 10am to 12.30pm. Cost: £10.

Booking Required. Take to the stage and learn a song and dance from Aladdin!

More info: 0844 8717651 www. atgcreativelearning.co.uk/richmond SUN 16 DEC Christmas Craft Day at Bedfont Lakes Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont TW14 8QA Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm. Cost: £2 child, £4 adult.

Make a willow wreath and other tree

Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace

decorations using nature’s own materials.

More info: 0788 741 0811 www.hounslow.info SAT 22 DEC Family Fun Raceday at Ascot Ascot Racecourse, SL5 7JX Time: 2pm to 7pm. Cost: £18 per person.

Ice rink, fairground rides, Santa’s reindeer plus gift from Father Christmas.

Carols to finish.

More info: 0844 346 3000 www.ascot.co.uk Christmas Winter Wonderland at Bedfont Lakes Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont TW14 8QA Time:11.00am to 2.00pm. Cost: £5 child.

Booking Required. Fun activities/games and a winter wonderland walk.

More info: 0788 741 0811 www.hounslow.info 22 DEC TO 6 JAN (exc 25 and 31 Dec) The Enchanted Story Trail at RHS Wisley RHS Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Time: 10am to 4pm. Cost: Included in admission price A collaboration between RHS Wisley, interactive theatre company, Bad Physics and The Rose Theatre, visitors will embark upon a journey through a magical wonderland on a quest to save RHS Wisley from a never ending Winter!

More info: 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Enrolling NOW for our new term.

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www.thelittlegym.co.uk Hampton & Teddington 98-102 High Street Hampton Hill  TW12 1NY 0208 977 0099 hampton_teddington@thelittlegym.co.uk

Wandsworth & Fulham Compass House, Riverside West SW18 1DB, Wandsworth 0208 874 6567 wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk

Families upon Thames is designed by Sarah Harmer and printed by Warners, in Lincolnshire. Copyright, Families upon Thames magazine 2012. 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.