Families Upon Thames Issue 135 January Februaryr 2020

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Upon Thames

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

Happy New Year!

Issue 135 January/February 2020

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 • 07747 086518

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2 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

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contents

4-5

News

6-7

Early Years New Montessori in Syon Park

8

Clubs and Classes Perform celebrates 20th anniversary

...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey Families® Upon Thames • Issue 135

9-10 Clubs and Classes Listing

11

Education

12

Days Out

13-15 Whats on

January/February 2020 • Visit us at

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Upon Thames

To advertise in this magazine contact:

Make sure you pick up our Mar/Apr 2020 issue for everything Easter!

Out early March

0208 088 0117

Venue 1: Christs School, Queens Road, TW10 6HW (Every Tuesday) Venue 2: The Salvation Army Hall, 27 Church Road, TW11 8PF (Every Thursday)

MIMA WALIA, Editor SARAH HODGSON, Managing Editor DESIGN & PRINT, Ridgeway Press m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames @FamiliesuponT Now more than 8,000 followers!

Families Upon Thames is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Upon Thames are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Upon Thames. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

News...

National Storytelling Week National Storytelling Week takes place from 1 to 8 February and is a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories — from conversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows.

Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener.

Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary.

National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes.

To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk

Would You Rent Baby Clothes?

Babies can get through an alarming number of outfits in a day, so there’s no getting away from the fact that you will need plenty of sleepsuits in different sizes, each of which will only fit for a matter of months or weeks.

So how to you avoid ending up with piles of clothes your baby has outgrown?

For more and more new parents, the answer is simple: rent.

Two UK companies have introduced an alternative which they believe solves this problem as well as being affordable and environmentally sustainable by reducing waste. The alternative also reduces time spent by parents constantly re-selling and purchasing clothes.

Families pay a monthly subscription, return outgrown clothes and then receive the next size up, in line with their baby’s growth and the changing seasons. Clothes are professionally cleaned and must pass quality control before being sent to the next renting family.

For more info, visit bundlee.co.uk or www.bellesandbabes.co.uk

Children of Same Ability Missing Out Britain’s got talent – but we’re still wasting it. That’s the main finding of a recent report by researchers from Oxford University.

Children of similar cognitive ability have very different chances of educational success; it still depends on their parents’ economic, sociocultural and educational resources.

This contradicts a commonly held view that our education system has developed enough to give everyone a fighting chance.

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, found that only about half of the difference in educational attainment between children from advantaged and disadvantaged parental backgrounds is due to differences in their cognitive ability. The other half is due to other factors associated with their backgrounds.

Experts are now calling for government to acknowledge that formal qualifications are only one channel for upward mobility for children of disadvantaged backgrounds.

More info: www.ox.ac.uk/news

Air Quality is Worse Indoors A new report into the state of air pollution in UK households has found that our homes are experiencing dangerous levels of indoor air pollution.

The report commissioned by Clean Air Day found that nearly half of UK homes have high indoor air pollution as a result of dangerous levels of formaldehyde and other pollutants.

Data also shows that outdoor air pollution adds to indoor air pollution; it builds up in the home, taking longer to disperse inside than outside.

According to the British Lung Foundation children are particularly sensitive to poor indoor air quality as their lungs are proportionally larger in relation to their body weight than adults and immature immune systems mean they are less able to fight off any problems that arise from polluted indoor air.

Sources of indoor air pollution include smoking, faulty boilers, open fires, gas cookers and heaters, as well as irritant chemicals from new furniture, air fresheners and household cleaning products.

More info: www.cleanairday.org.uk and www.blf.org.uk

4 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

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...News Calling all families - Wear A Hat Day needs you!

Sleep Lessons for School Children School children across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia in young people.

Children and young people’s sleep is being seen as an increasingly important issue.

According to the British Medical Journal, there is increasing evidence emerging that lack of sleep has a major impact on children’s mental and physical health, as well as learning. A recent study by the BMJ suggests that sleep has a greater impact on an adolescent’s mental wellbeing than bullying, physical activity and screen time.

The sleep lessons are aimed at children ages 7 to 16 years and are available as part of the PSHE curriculum. The lessons focus on giving children strategies for falling asleep and raising awareness of how sleep needs change in adolescence.

Experts say the increase in sleep problems is down to a combination of higher obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis among young people More info: www.pshe-association.org.uk www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk/

The annual fundraising extravaganza Wear A Hat Day is coming back in 2020 – Families Magazine and Brain Tumour Research are calling on you to get involved!

Wear A Hat Day 2020 takes place on Friday 27th March, at the end of Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Over the last decade, this hattastic event has raised more than £1 million in support of the charity Brain Tumour Research. It has become a must-do event for many children and parents and their communities.

Taking part is really easy and the charity has some great ideas on their website to help you plan and host wonderful hatthemed fundraising events. Register today to ensure you get your FREE fundraising pack in time: www.wearahatday.org Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. No family should be devasted by a brain tumour. Wear A Hat Day is a really important campaign be involved with – not only is it great fun but with your participation, it becomes a powerful symbol of hope for all affected by this disease.

Funds raised will continue to help the charity build a network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence whilst influencing the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally.

Together we will find a cure.

07484 208274

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Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 5

Researchers at the Birkbeck Babylab expand studies to include school age children! t the Birkbeck Babylab, we don’t just study babies! Our team of friendly researchers create fun and interesting studies to learn how brains in babies, toddlers and children develop. We use cutting edge technology and a variety of methods to achieve this.

Our studies appeal to both babies and children through play, games and computer animations. Lisanne and Aude, two of our wonderful PhD students, are currently studying 2 – 6 year olds.

A

independently requires remembering the order of underwear before trousers and socks before shoes! Aude is also interested in action sequencing and uses a game on a touch screen computer where children build recipes for their favourite cartoon characters. The way the children plan, hesitate or change their minds while playing will provide insight into how action sequences develop and improve throughout childhood.

Lisanne uses motion capture cameras and Duplo toy blocks to learn how the ability to remember instructions and create things in the correct order to achieve a goal develops throughout childhood.

The technical psychology term for this is action sequencing and is essential to daily life. For example, learning how to get dressed

We are currently recruiting children from birth to school age to take part in our research in the heart of Central London. Participants will be compensated for travel expenses.

Enjoy a fun day out in London and sign up today! www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/babylab

6 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

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New Montessori Room for Buttercups Syon Park uttercups Nursery, tucked away in the historic grounds of Syon Park, has had its preschool room transformed into a Montessori oasis - full of interesting activities for the children to explore.

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Decades of Montessori experience has shaped these activities, each one designed to engage the child in a particular skill or learning activity. Children are then free to choose what they want to do, giving them a feeling of independence and control. The role of the teacher is also slightly different. Rather than instruct the class as a whole, the Montessori teacher’s role is to assist each child in what they are learning individually. The resulting levels of focus and engagement are

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astonishing, building essential characteristics for later life.

The Montessori approach has always been an important part of life at Buttercups Nurseries. From a young age all children are encouraged to do things for themselves and given choice. This is the latest Buttercups nursery to receive a dedicated Montessori room, and it seems to be a bit hit.

One parent said, “Thanks to Montessori I’ve noticed my son’s confidence sky-rocket.”

Families Upon Thames • 7

Perform is celebrating its 20th anniversary!

Families chatted to founder, Lucy Quick.

How did Perform start?

I was a musical theatre actress in Oliver! at the London Palladium and I loved working with children. I had a vision for a drama school that wasn’t about talent or auditions; where performing arts would be used to develop what we now call the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

Where is Perform at now?

Starting with two classes in 2000, we now run 472 schools across the South East and West, employ over 250 teachers and have almost 8000 children attending weekly.

What’s the secret of Perform’s success?

We put child development at the heart of everything we do.

What does the future hold?

Opening more Perform schools across the country – we’re just launching in Nottingham - and continuing our confidence crusade to help children fulfil their potential through drama, dance and singing.

Please tell advertisers you found them in

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What are you proudest of?

My teachers. They are the most inspirational bunch of talented and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet.

QUOTE: LUT140220 For an Introductory £40 discount when you book.

Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Kingston, Twickenham and Weybridge. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

Just Imagine DANCE

Ballet For ALL Glimmer~Twinkle~Sparkle ~Dazzle

(6?17 mnths)(18 mnths?5 years) (5?10 years) (11+ years)

BOOK A FREE TASTER CLASS Richmond - East Sheen Kew - St Margarets Twickenham - Teddington

info@justimagineballet.com 8 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

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Clubs & Classes ART & CRAFT CERAMICS CAFÉ KEW Ages: All Children can create something unique.

Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic under-glazes, it is then fired in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within 2 to 4 days. Open Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays on Bank Holidays/half terms.

In: Kew Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS Ages: 6+ Arts and crafts café for all ages offering pottery painting, clay, T-shirt design, mosaics, foam clay and decopatch.

NEW: After School Art Club, plus holiday workshops, baby prints and children’s parties. Adult workshops available also.

In: Teddington Contact: Una 02089731468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

BABY & CHILD DEVELOPMENT Sounds Right Phonics Classes.

For Ages: 2.5-4 years and 12-30 months.

Dates and Times: Tuesdays at 1:15 pm and Wednesdays at 10:15 am.

Location: North Sheen Recreation Ground, TW9. Description of Class/Club/Activity: Preschool class for 2.5-4 years: In this class we introduce a new letter sound each week but don’t despair there is nothing boring about this class! It builds parents’ understanding whilst children have fun learning phonics and reading through play. You’ll find confidence building games, activities to promote muscle development, co-ordination and turn taking along with; music, dancing and laughter! MINIS class for 12-30 months: These classes are wonderfully active, just like most toddlers. They focus on developing language skills through rhymes, games and activities that

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change each week! The classes are 30 minutes of guided activities with 15 minutes of reading, mark making and socialising to finish.

Price (optional): £9 per class.

Contact Name: Zoe Vasiloudis Contact phone number and email for booking: zoe@soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk 07850 060979 Website address: www.soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk

DANCE JUST IMAGINE BALLET Ages: All Just Imagine Ballet is an inclusive ballet and dance school for all ages and abilities. Just Imagine values creativity and expression and focuses on the healing and nurturing aspects of the creative arts. Children can progress through four separate ballet programmes created to be in line with their physical, emotional and social development and aligned with the National Curriculum key stages.

Glimmer (0-18 months), Twinkle (18 months-5 years), Sparkle (6-10 years), Dazzle (11+ years).

Plus: Tap, Contemporary, Street, Jazz, Character Dance, Classical RAD Ballet, Boys Only Ballet, Family Dance/Homeschool Classes, Holliday Camps, Birthday Parties, Adult, Silver Swans Dance (60+ years) and SHINE (SEN Dance classes, workshops and one2one sessions with a Dance Therapist).

In: Richmond, East Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddington, East Sheen, Kew Contact: The Fairy Godmother or Miss Jessica, Principal 07813 741189 info@justimagineballet.com www.facebook.com/JustImagineBalle tLondon STREET DANCE ACADEMY RICHMOND Age: 5-16yrs in 3 squads Date and Time: Every Sunday AM (see website) Location: Christ School, TW10 6HW Description: Street Dance for children Price £10wk/ £120 a term mid term enrolment welcome

Contact: Lorraine / Lisa 0800 0236 236 Info@streetdanceacademy.co.uk www.streetdanceacademy.co.uk STREET DANCE ACADEMY TWICKENHAM Age: 5-18 years ( 5-8yrs, 8-11yrs, 12-18yrs) Date : Saturday 11th January - every Saturday during school term time Time: 9.30-10.30am 5-8yrs , 10.4511.45am 8-11yrs, 12-1pm 12-18yrs Venue: Waldegrave School, Fifth Cross Road, Twickenham TW25LH Price: £10 Contact name: Head office Email: info@streetdanceacademy.co.uk Number: 0800 0236 236 Website : www.streetdanceacademy.co.uk

MUSIC & DRAMA LITTLE VOICES RICHMOND & TEDDINGTON Little Voices is an established company training children aged 4-13 years in Performing Arts preparing them for yearly showcases and prestigious LAMDA exams. They believe in gaining life skills to follow your dreams and that every child has something amazing to share! Their fun and inspiring singing and drama lessons build children’s confidence and promote their development in a happy, positive, safe and stimulating environment.

Mini Voices lessons are for 4-7 years.

Performing Arts training is delivered in small class sizes to build confidence and promote social development.

Little Voices lessons are for 8-13 years.

Technique filled fun and inspiring singing and drama lessons nurturing vocal health and teaching fundamental acting techniques.

In: Christs School, Queens Road, TW10 6HW, Every Tuesday

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Mini Voices 4.30-5.10pm Little Voices 5.20-6.10pm The Salvation Army Hall, Teddington, TW11 8PF, Every Thursday Mini Voices 4-4.45pm Little Voices 4.45-5.45pm BOOK A FREE TRIAL LESSON! https://www.littlevoices.org.uk PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES FOR 4-12S Perform is a unique children’s drama school with a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination, and concentration. The Perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, music downloads and videos for the children to play at home, keeping the magic of the classes alive.

Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today.

Venues: Brentford, Esher, Kew, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham, Walton On Thames and Weybridge.

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS Ages: 4-18 Fun, educational and confidenceboosting classes in singing, dancing and drama, which cater for the varying needs of young performers, whether reserved or budding talents. Classes focus on the Performing Arts and having fun in a structured safe environment, whilst learning life skills to continued on p.10

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Clubs & Classes prepare them for the stage of life. Twoweek trial available.

In: Chertsey, Cobham, Hinchley Wood, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, and Weybridge Contact: Chertsey: 0772 517 6102 Cobham: 020 3723 9702 Hinchley Wood: 01372 238238 New Malden: 020 8540 7791 Richmond: 020 8332 6741 Staines: 07802 800633 Weybridge: 0808 208 5134 www.stagecoach.co.uk STAGECOACH TWICKENHAM / STAGECOACH TEDDINGTON PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES Ages: 4-18 Dates and Times: Thursdays Ages 4-6 4.15-5.45pm Waldegrave School Thursdays Ages 6-18 4.30-7.30pm Waldegrave School Fridays Ages 4-6 4.15-5.45pm Waldegrave School Fridays Ages 6-18 4.30-7.30pm Waldegrave School Fridays ages 14+ 4.30-7.30pm Waldegrave Saturdays Ages 4-6 9-10.30/9.3011/10.45-12.15/ 11.15-12.45 St Catherine’s School Saturdays Ages 4-6 9-10.30/ 9.1510.45/ 10.45-12.15 St Marys & St Peters School, Teddington Saturdays Age 6-18 10-1 and 2.305.30pm St Marys & St Peters School Teddington

Saturdays Ages 6-18 10-1 and 2.305.30pm St Catherines School Saturdays Ages 15+ 3.30-6.30pm St Catherines School Part time Performing Arts classes for children ages 4-18 offering exciting West End performance opportunities, and learning to sing, dance and act all under one roof. A dynamic and exciting extra curricular school club offering Creative Courage for Life!

Price: Ages 4-6 £168 (90 Minutes) ; Ages 6+ £336 (3 hour session) Contact Name: Sarah & Will Chitty 07824 999414 / 0208 979 5276 twickenham@stagecoach.co.uk teddington@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/teddington www.stagecoach.co.uk/ twickenham

SWIMMING TEAM SWIM SCHOOL Ages: 2.5yrs+ Swimming lessons for all abilities and ages. Fun and engaging classes for non-swimmers, as well as taxing for stroke improvers. Children enjoy the whole pool, not just sectioned areas.

NEW: Water Polo for kids – Stage 4 swimmers and above. Contact the school to register interest. Small groups, great results. Plus club swims available three evenings a week. Call or email to arrange a trial lesson.

In: Cobham

Contact: Paul Furness 07915 510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com WATER BABIES Ages: 0-4 An incredible sensation of freedom and empowerment. Babies have a real affinity with water and because they’ve spent 9 months floating in the womb, being in warm water feels much more familiar to them than being on dry land.

However, this early confidence usually diminishes with time and can even turn to fear. That’s one of the main reasons why Water Babies believes in starting them young. But a baby never swims against their wishes, and lots of bonding, fun and socialising is always incorporated so you can be sure that a Water Baby is a happy baby.

In: Chessington, Kingston, Morden, Shepperton, Richmond, Surbiton, West Horsley, Woking, Godalming, Cobham, Farnham, Addlestone, Cranleigh Contact: Melissa Holt 01932 227 428 underthewaves@waterbabies.co.uk www.waterbabies.co.uk

TUITION HANDWRITING WITH MRS CUTLER Ages: 4 to 11+ Achieve neat, cursive, joined-up handwriting and boost your child’s selfconfidence with one-to-one handwriting lessons. Half term group

10 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

courses are available for pre-school and older children. Pre-school children will learn to build fine motor skills to improve strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers. The courses for older children will focus on learning how to hold a pencil correctly, letter formation, spacing and cursive handwriting.

In: Twickenham Contact: Selene Cutler 07521 554 188 selene.cutler@handwritingsupport.co.uk MRS JONES EDUCATION – 11 PLUS TUITION Ages: 8 to 11 Mrs Jones Education aims to enable your child to reach their full potential and successfully gain a place at a good senior school where they will achieve and be happy. Learning is structured to maintain your child’s enthusiasm and imagination and allow them to enjoy learning. In Year 4 children attend 11 Plus Foundation before moving onto

11 Plus Preparation in Year 5. 11 Plus Mock Exams are also available for both age groups.

In: Kingston, Surbiton, Wimbledon, South Wimbledon/Sutton, Hampton, Richmond, Twickenham, Chiswick, Ealing, Hounslow and Isleworth Contact: 020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk

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Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School

Newland House School A Natural Step into School Now open for two years, Newland House’s Nursery School has proved incredibly successful and popular with its surprising range of amenity and outdoor space. The Nursery offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 3 to 4 and is a place where children can develop their own style of learning and where the focus is on increasing confidence and working with parents and children to create an individualised experience. Parents are quick to positively endorse their children’s experience praising the inspirational teaching, the range of stimulating activities and the progress that their children make; Nursery has been the most incredible introduction to Newland House for our son. He literally sprints into the building every day! It is a very special place with nurturing and passionate staff who create exciting learning opportunities for the children every day. He is now more than ready for Reception and I am confident that the transition to school will be easy. Nursery has more than exceeded expectations and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

There are many opportunities to see the Nursery and discover what Newland House can offer your child over the autumn term.

Prospective parents are welcome to visit.

Education

Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School offers an excellent all-round education, with superb pastoral care and exceptional teaching.

Every child is recognised as a unique individual and allowed to flourish in a caring, lively and happy environment.

The school’s latest ISI report found that: ‘The achievements of the pupils are excellent… A close and nurturing atmosphere is at the heart of the school.’

The school’s stunning, new, state-of-theart Prep building borders a local park and pupils enjoy an abundance of outdoor space, with onsite grass playing fields, an all-weather games area and ‘the allotment corner’ with raised beds for growing flowers and vegetables. The welcoming and friendly Pre-Prep School and Kindergarten are accommodated in an attractive Edwardian building with a superbly equipped playground. Part of the Hampton School Trust, the Pre-Prep & Prep School enjoys close links with the nearby senior school and an increasing number of the boys move onto Hampton School via the Assured Place Scheme.

Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep School At Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep School, each child is valued as an individual. Based in Esher, we provide a happy, caring environment, in which all of our staff are committed to helping our children achieve their goals and realise their full potential.

Our curriculum, which includes specialist subject teaching from Nursery onwards, is designed to allow children to explore, to think, to question for themselves and to enjoy their experiences at school.

For further information, visit www.hamptonprep.org.uk

Our children are encouraged to grow as individuals academically, socially and emotionally and they are presented with a wide range of opportunities both in and outside the classroom.

Please contact Mrs Jules Akhurst on 01372 462781 or jakhurst@shstrust.net to arrange a tour, or if you would simply like to chat about our School and your child.

Find out more from admissions@newlandhouse.net newlandhouse.net | 020 8865 1305 Innovate, Nurture, Inspire, Fly …

Handwriting Tutor 3 Achieve clear and confident handwriting 3 Neat handwriting is important in Exams 3 Don't lose marks unnecessarily!

Mrs. Cutler: St Margarets, TW1 T: 07521 554188 E: selene.cutler@handwritingsupport.co.uk BA(Hons) Languages - Professional Handwriting Analysis/Graphology Member of the National Handwriting Association - DAB checked

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Families Upon Thames • 11

RHS Garden Wisley 15 to 23 February February Half Term family fun – Whatever the Weather Enjoy a range of fun all-weather activities at RHS Garden Wisley and discover more about the wild weather of the UK while exploring the great outdoors. https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Bocketts Farm February Farm Fun 15th – 23rd February 2020 Enjoy a great day out on the farm this February Half Term with the start of the Spring lambing. There are up to 70 lambs due from Feb 14th - you may even see one being born!

Birds of Prey will also be at the farm Monday-Friday where you can meet them up close and watch the flying demonstrations twice daily. What’s more, the wonderful 'Gigglettes' from The Giggle Company will be running shows daily with lots of dancing, games, bubbles and more!

Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, small animal encounters and pig racing, plus you can enjoy acres of indoor and outdoor play, inclusive of a giant heated playbarn. Great fun for the whole family, whatever the weather! www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

12 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

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What’s On - Jan/Feb 2020

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DAILY KEW EXPLORER LAND TRAIN Kew, TW9 3AB Times: Every half hour between 10.30am – 4.30pm Price: Adults £5; Children £2.

Enjoy a guided tour around the Gardens on the Kew Explorer land train and learn about Kew's flora and fauna, historic buildings and vital conservation work.

020 8332 5655 www.kew.org EVERY WED MORNING PARENT AND BABY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11.30am Cost: £6.50 Screenings of the latest films for parents or carers with babies under one.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY WED AND WEEKEND LOCOMOTIVES IN OPERATION The London Museum of Water and Steam, Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, TW8 0EN Enjoy a ride on the Museum

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locomotive. Running every 15 minutes from 11am until 3:30, you can enjoy a steam powered trip around the Museum building. www.waterandsteam.org.uk EVERY FRI DURING TERM TIME AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SEE SAW DROP-IN SESSIONS AT ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Ages: under 5s Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Cost: Child £6 (additional sibling £3) Multi-sensory sessions which include music, play materials, soft play, creative activities, stories and rhyme time in a relaxed informal environment.

020 8831 6000 www.orleanshousegallery.org EVERY SAT MORNING FAMILY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11am Cost: £5 per person Your favourite family films old and new, on the big screen. See

website for details. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY SAT & SUN IN OCTOBER WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES WWT London, Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT Discover the wonder of wetlands during the weekend family activities.

Go on migration watch! Gaze through a pair of binoculars to help us find the Autumn Visitors. Look out for brightly coloured ducks and elegant wading birds. Or grab a net and find out what lives in the ponds. info.london@wwt.org.uk www.wwt.org.uk EVERY SUNDAY SUNDAY STORIES Kew, TW9 3AB Times: 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Settle down at Kew Gardens for story time and learn about the fascinating relationship between people and plants. At Davies Exploration House. (Excludes 5th Jan). Included with entry to the Gardens 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

UNTIL 5 JANUARY WOODLAND WONDERS Kew, TW9 3AB Go along to Kew Gardens for songs, stories and seasonal strolls this winter.

Explore the incredible winter landscape at Kew with your family and re-connect with the natural world. www.kew.org UNTIL 14 JANUARY WINTER CHILDREN’S TRAIL Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS Follow Ham’s own four legged friend to spot everything Charlie the dog has found in this winter children’s trail.

Available from visitor reception for £1, keep the little ones entertained as they get out and about in the Christmas holiday. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden continued on p.14

Families Upon Thames • 13

What’s On - Jan/Feb 2020 9 JANUARY AND 13 FEBRUARY MINI ACES UNDER 5S CLUB Brookland’s Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10.30am-12.15pm Mini Aces club brings the Museum to life through stories, craft, song and dance. With a focus on different objects, stories and exhibits each month, children will discover the treasures we have in our collection and build selfconfidence in a new and exciting environment. Under 5’s. Please book in advance.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com FROM 11 JANUARY TO 15 FEBRUARY TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Judith Kerr's much loved 1968 classic will be brought to life at Osterley this winter, complete with a life size tiger to cuddle and displays of illustrations to delight all tiger-loving generations.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark 12 JANUARY FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 2pm The magical inhabitants of a rainforest fight to save their home, which is threatened by logging and a polluting force of destruction called Hexxus.This beautiful film will entertain the entire family – the WWF have also been invited to introduce the film.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SUN 12 JANUARY AND SUN 2 FEBRUARY STORYTIME ADVENTURES Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: 11:45am, 1pm and 2.15pm Join in children's storytelling sessions at Hampton Court Palace for some family fun and become part of a story! The lively, interactive storytelling sessions are based on well-known children’s books which can be linked to Hampton Court’s magnificent history. www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-courtpalace

FROM 13 TO 14 JANUARY TODDLER DAYS The Lookout Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Go along with your toddler to one of the special toddler days. There will be extra activities on such as arts and crafts, story telling and face or hand painting. 10am-4pm, no need to book.

01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ thelookoutdiscoverycentre 19 JANUARY CINDERELLA ASHPUTTEL (3+YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: £10 (£9) This stylish and playful reworking of the Cinderella story explores its powerful fascination in an inventive and imaginative adaptation which will delight both young and old.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 24 JANUARY BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATION Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG This spectacular event will combine an overnight stay in five star luxury accommodation with a tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns. What better place to celebrate this time honoured event than at Hever Castle, where all are welcome, from active participants to quiet appreciators.

01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk FROM 25 JANUARY TO 1 MARCH THE GIANT HOUSEPLANT TAKEOVER RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Step into a house reclaimed by its plants long after its human inhabitants have left.

Visitors to RHS Garden Wisley's Glasshouse will find a banana plant has pushed through the roof, carnivorous plants feasting in the dining room and cacti playing chess.

You may also spot a few plants have grown rather too large and now tower over their relatives. www.rhs.org.uk

MORE ONLINE: familiesonline.co.uk FROM 25 JANUARY TO 15 MARCH FORCES AND MAGNETS The Lookout Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Push, pull, squeeze and jump! Find out about the forces that are used every day in this fun interactive show.

01344 354400 www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoveryc entre 26 JANUARY GOLDILOCKS! (3-7YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: £10 (£9) Hand to Mouth have woven extra drama and humour into this wellloved tale of Goldilocks, stitching together traditional glove puppetry and live music to create a patchwork of delights that is….”just right!”

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 1 FEBRUARY FLYING STARTERS - AUTISM HOUR Brookland’s Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time 9-10am Brooklands Museum is again opening its doors early for families with members on the autism spectrum. Reduced rate admission applies and carers enter free accompanying a paying visitor. This activity has restricted numbers and pre-booking is required.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 2 FEBRUARY RISE AND FALL (2+YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 11:30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm Cost: £10 (£9) In Rise and Fall you’ll meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs. Forever expanding and contracting, balloons are free to float, fly and sway. Hold your breath and go sailing away … An intriguing, non-verbal and poetic piece for ages 2 and up.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 2 FEBRUARY STORY CAFE - PEACE AT LAST Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 3.30pm

14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2020

Take a cushion and cuddly toy to this creative storytelling event.

Enjoy crafty projects, themed activities and a tea-time treat - the perfect afternoon outing for families with small children.

8 FEBRUARY MUM2MUM MARKET OLD WINDSOR Old Windsor Memorial Hall, Straight Road, Old Windsor SL4 2RN Time: 3.30-5.30pm Mum2mum Market's award winning sales have come to Old Windsor! The perfect place to buy or sell top quality preloved baby and children's goods without the hassle of online sites. Admission is £2 for adults (children are free) and the first 100 buyers get a free shopping bag. And for those who want to save a bit more the last half an hour is free! www.mum2mummarket.co.uk FROM 8 FEBRUARY SNOWDROP WALK Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG A heavenly carpet of snowdrops will provide a magical trail for visitors to follow at Hever Castle & Gardens. Around 80,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the Gardens over the past few years including a mix of single and double snowdrops.

01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk FROM 8 TO 23 FEBRUARY HALF TERM TRAIL: COLOUR QUEST Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Head outside with an I-Spy trail to discover all the flora and fauna that make Claremont colourful. With spring on the horizon, colour is returning to the garden once again.

Take your mini adventurers for some half-term fun this February.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremon t-landscape-garden 9 FEBRUARY PUB QUIZ FOR KIDS? (5+YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: £10 (£9) A runaway hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this family fun quiz is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Story knowledge, family familiesonline.co.uk

MORE ONLINE: familiesonline.co.uk film and TV music rounds mix with the mystery round where we know the questions but only one person can know the answer. And that person’s in the audience. Fantastic fun for the whole family together.

Prepare for quick-fire competition, lots of laughs and very few prizes.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 9 FEBRUARY LUCKY DIP DISCO Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Time: 3.30pm Award winning DJ, Janek Schaefer, returns with his retro Disco for children under 7 and their adults to dance together. His Lucky Dip Disco invites you to select the records from a collection of classic dancing music from the 1920s to the 2010s. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointed kids!

FROM 15 TO 23 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN! Bocketts Farm, Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Over 70 newborn lambs due. Meet the Shepherd, fun and games with the Giggle Company, craft corner, a heated indoor play and acres of outdoor fun!

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk FROM 15 TO 23 FEBRUARY LIVING WITH NATURE Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Get back in touch with the great outdoors this February half term at Hever Castle. Go and watch the falconry displays and learn about the work of different wildlife charities as well as take part in children’s activities.

01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk FROM 15 TO 23 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF TERM FAMILY FUN – WHATEVER THE WEATHER RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Enjoy a range of fun all-weather activities at RHS Garden Wisley and discover more about the wild weather of the UK. www.rhs.org.uk FROM 15 TO 23 FEBRUARY HALF TERM TRAIL: SPECTACULAR STICKS Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD familiesonline.co.uk

From den building to swordfighting, there’s no end to the fun that can be had with the world’s greatest toy – a stick! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkwort h-arboretum 16 FEBRUARY THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF (3-6YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: £10 (£9) This is the simple story of three hungry goats and a grumpy old troll, told with a gentle ecological message. Watch out for the dance of the goats, the flying troll and loads and loads of rubbish. Garlic Theatre create a magical world to entrance and delight a young audience. With puppets, live music, storytelling and singing.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk FROM 17 TO 21 FEBRUARY CREATE AND GROW FEBRUARY HALF TERM Shepperton, Halliford Road, Upper Halliford, Shepperton, TW17 8SG Keep the little ones busy this half term with our February Create & Grow event! Drop in between 10am to 4pm. Paint a Ceramic Bird Feeder, Spring Hunt Competition and Spring Flower Maze. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

What’s On - Jan/Feb 2020 hopes that you will too! With a playful energy and a mix of puppetry, music and song, this show will be a delightful celebration of wild creativity and the joy of individuality.

020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

and a mysterious call is heard across the valley. Featuring a cast of extraordinary puppets, this uproarious family show not only entertains, but has an important and timely environmental message to share. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk

FROM 18 TO 21 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF TERM: WILD CRAFTS! Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Roll up your sleeves and join us to make and take home wildflower seed bombs and decorate a grasshead pot! Booking essential.

020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park

1 MARCH FAMILY TERRARIUM WORKSHOP RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Go along to RHS Garden Wisley to create your own family terrarium garden to take home. This practical session provides a demonstration of planting techniques and guidance on suitable plants to choose for this type of project.

Instruction will be delivered by expert RHS horticultural staff. www.rhs.org.uk

1 MARCH WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDDAD (3+YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 3pm Cost: £10 (£9) Something is happening in the woods, voices can be heard, and a strange metallic smell fills the air.

Machines are gathering at its edge

To advertise in Call Mima: 07792 006546

FROM 17 TO 21 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY HALF TERM: READY TO RACE Brookland’s Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN This February Half Term get your overalls on and step into one of the workshops as you explore the science behind speed. Join the pitcrew for a fun and hands-on session and have a go at getting a car ready to race at Brooklands.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com FROM 18 TO 20 FEBRUARY THE MAN WHO WANTED TO BE A PENGUIN (3-10YRS) Watermans Art Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Time: 11am & 2pm Cost: £12 (£11), £10 (£9) This is the story of an extraordinary explorer, a curious conjurer and pioneering problem-solver. You’ll find him pottering in his shed; planning his latest mission. He is learning to speak Penguin and Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

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