Rascals Of London 2nd edition

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 1

2 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

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Face Painting EVERY DAY and hosting Bear Factory parties as well as selling gorgeous dressing up outfits (for children and bears!), beautiful gifts for both girls and boys and pocket money priced toys to

Our fabulous shop is now open. We are

name but some of our lovely goodies! With top brands such as Disney, Orange Tree, Lego and Harry Potter there is something for everyone!

16b/17 Royal Oak Centre, Brighton Road, Purley, CR8 2PG 07702 836 255

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 3

Quick Numbers

Natasha Hewett

Lucy Pailing

Editor-in-chief

Copywriter

Rebecca Harding

Gavin Bridle

Assistant Editor

Art Direction

London travel: 0843 222 1234 London Underground: 0845 330 9880 London Buses: 0845 300 7000

With many thanks to our contributors:

Barclays cycle hire: 0845 026 3630

A wish for Megan, Isabelle from DreamMakers, Sarah Cottle from

Oyster customer services: 0845 330 9876

Tea dance, Creation station, Lucy Simmons, Victoria Hutch, Devenia Brown, Einstein Entertainers, Shoe station, Elsa Lamia, Anne-Maria

Congestion charges: 0845 900 1234

from Diddi Dance, Ready Beds & all our advertisers..

Boots Pharmacy Piccadilly: 020 734 6126

Advertising with us:

The Portland Hospital Woman and Children: Children 020 7390 6504 Maternity 020 7390 8274

Email: natasha@rascalsoflondon.co.uk Tel: 0751 485 2648 Web: www.rascalsoflondon.co.uk No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, without the express permission of the editor.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The opinions expressed within Rascals Of London magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Rascals of London is printed by Warners Midlands PLC

4 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

NHS Direct: 0845 4647 Child benefit: 0845 302 1444 Tax credits: 0845 300 3900 Job centre: 0800 055 6688

What’s inside

Sept

The best bits 7 Top 10 Play Centres Get out of the rain and into some indoor fun.

17 Rascals go Back 2 School Every parent’s essential guide to getting them back to school.

36 Antenatal Classes Every new parent looks forward to the joy and ecstasy of meeting their child.

45

45 Happy Halloween A complete guide to our favorite family holiday of the year. Help your kids get into the spooky spirit.

All the rest 16 Rascals News Keep up to date on all the latest news.

23 A message from me to you Back to school massages from loved ones.

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31 ”Sisters doing it themselves” Read how two sisters came up with their business.

39 How to get your child to sleep through the night Parental advice from a mum of 4 helping you get a goodnight sleep.

41 Top Parental Apps We choose the top apps to make parenting easy and fun.

44 Cake Reviews We reviewed 2 top cake shops, and here is our trusted verdict.

46 How to carve a pumpkin Step by step instructions.

50 The best Halloween books Scary tales to get those little spines tingling.

52 Roald Dahls Birthday Join in the fun to celebrate what would have been his 95th birthday.

54 Kids Stuff Take a peek at what’s hot on the shelves.

56 Disabled Fun

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Have some fun at our hand picked disabled friendly venues.

58 Remember Remember the 5th of November

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The complete guide to firework displays across the city.

60 Save it for a rainy day Raining outside? You can still have fun and we tell you how!

64 Directory and Services Rascals of London l September 2011 - 5

From the Edito r

Hello

Here´s to some happy reading Well we are back and we have a jam packed edition for you. I can’t believe we are on our second edition already, feels like only yesterday that I last wrote to you.

We have all had the summer holidays and I do not know about you, but I feel like I need a holiday. Even though there was so much going on in London, I probably came up against the same problems as you, with Henry bending my ear for something to do every day. Note to self, next year summer camps are a huge must.

On a brighter note, I did make it out of the summer holidays alive and we did have a good holiday on the whole. Inbetween juggling Henrys football clubs and putting together this edition, we managed a camping trip. I have to admit, that I am not very good at setting up tents and roughing it for a few nights. I opted for the glamping option with electric and showers supplied. Cheating, well yes, but Henry loved it. For those of you who are looking for a break away, camping is a fab idea, just don’t forget the games.

With my holiday antics aside, I should move onto what you really want to hear about, our September edition.

Well we have got Halloween and firework night covered. We also have some very essential parenting advice and some good old get the children to school laughter.

Well enough of the chat, I should let you get on and read it for yourself. I think it is an amazing edition, but I would say that, so why not let me know your thoughts.

So until our Christmas edition, yes I said that word “Christmas” , do not worry, we have got it all covered, trees, decorations, grottos and toys galore, making your Christmas as stress free as possible.

See you all soon, Enjoy

Natasha

Inside this issue 6 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

13th September 2011 marks the sixth annual Roald Dahl Day, on what would have been the great man’s 95th birthday, with celebrations happening throughout September. - Page 52

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 7

Henrys House

An indoor soft play centre for children ag ed between 0-9 years. they have two area s of play, under 2’s and over 2’s. Onsite they offer Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, Bear Factor y parties and shopping for mummys, courte sy of Angels to Zombie s.

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They have a Coffe e Shop/Bistro offering parents the opportunity to relax and enjoy a cuppa while your children play in safety” Tel: 0776 610 0393 Where: 16b / 17 Ro yal Oak Centre, Brighton Ro Gambado activity play ad, centre is a supermarketPurley. sized warehouse of high Web: www.henrys octane, high energy fun for ten house.co.uk year olds and under! The centre has a range of zones each capturing the magic of circus and associated skills.

Constantly evolving activities for active minds and active bodies making sure no two visits will be the same.

Gambado

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Where: 7 Station Court, Townmead Road, Chelsea - Natwest Sports Ground, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham Tel: 0207 384 1635 / 0208 662 6910 Web: www.gambado.com

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Eddie Catz

There are two Eddie Catz play centres within the M25,

in Wimbledon and in Putney, both offering great facilities to keep your children happy for many hours.

Their main emphasises is hands-on-discovery to foster children’s learning while they are playing and having fun.

They aim to excite children’s minds, promote socialisation and encourage the development of motor skills.

For babies and toddlers there are soft play areas, rides, and bouncy chairs. For children 3+ there are themed playframes, reading/quiet zones, and interactive games in multiple languages.

For children 5+ there are interactive video games, air hockey, mini basketball, internet access, books and magazines.

Eddie Catz hosts birthday parties, music and movement classes, and other workshops.

Where: 68-70 Putney High Street, Putney - 42 Station Road, Wimbledon.

Tel: 0845 201 1268 Web: www.eddiecatz.com

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4

Snakes and Ladders

5 Bramleys Big Adventure

Snakes and Ladders is a huge indoor softplay barn filled to the brim with climbing frames, ball ponds, cargo nets and slides with a three tier playframe, dedicated zones for toddlers and 2-5s, electric motorbikes which are a must and an outdoor ‘Adventure Assault Course’.

Kids can really let off steam while parents relax in our comfortable café.

Make sure you look out for toddler events like ‘Musical Mayhem’ and ‘Arty Crafty’.

The play centre is based in the grounds of the beautiful Syon House, so this is the perfect opportunity to package up a little culture along with some great entertainment for the kids.

Bramley’s Big Adventure is an indoor adventure playground for children up to 11 years old. The centre consists of a giant three level playframe with slides, ball pools, swings, climbs, spooky den, giant balls, sound effects and separate under 5’s and baby areas. Parents can relax in the cafe area meeting friends, reading or having a meal. Other facilities include separate children’s toilets, disabled toilets, baby changing and pram park.

Bramley’s is a very popular venue for children’s parties and has had over 250,000 children through it’s door since it opened in October 1996..

Where: 136 Bramley Road, Kensington Tel: 020 8960 1515 Web: www.bramleysbig.co.uk

Where: Syon Park, Brentford Tel: 0208 847 0946 Web: www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

Topsy Turvy World

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Topsy Turvy World houses a multilevel maze of tunnels, climbs, drops, slides and ball cannons providing endless energetic entertainment for children up to the age of twelve and accompanying adults. For the little ones there is a dedicated under 3 area on the mezzanine floor and a new learn-through-play under 5 area. Their air-conditioned café serves hot frothy cappuccinos and delicious family friendly food all day long.

Where: Prince Charles Drive, Hendon Tel: 020 8359 9920 Web: www.topsyturvyworld.com

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 9

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Kidspace

This adventure park provides a fantastic environment for children from 2 to 12 to play, and they look after the adults pretty well too. At the centre you will find one of the largest indoor adventure playgrounds anywhere. Great for Birthday parties, they are a speciality. There is a dedicated party zone for adults and children. They have a fully licensed restaurant serving a full selection of coffees and drinks as well as freshly baked pizzas and panninis.

Where: 619 Purley Way, Croydon

Tel: 0208 6860040

Web: www.kidspaceadventures.com

Partyman World of Play

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A massive multi-level structure complete with ball cannon shooting arena and fantastic drop and twirl slides. They have an interactive stage for lots of fun with singing and dancing plus an outside ‘beach’ with bouncy castles, gold panning, adventure golf, a giant climbing wall, and much more.

Partyman World of Play dedicate one night a month to those children with special needs, where the entire playcentre is closed for their use only, providing a safer, more relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy.

Where: Vale Farm, Watford Road, Wembley Tel: 0208 904 9044 Web: www.partymanworld.co.uk

Little Dinosaurs Nice little soft play ce ntre and cafe in the The Grov e (between Muswell Hill and Alex andra Palace) along with our outdoo r parkland area.

Enclosed area for to ddlers to run around in and then a seperate area for younger babies.

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Cafe on site with lovely coffee, delicious breakfasts and lunches, cakes, and a kids menu. You can see your toddler from the seating area and adults can go in and play too!

Where: The Grove - Alexandra Park Tel: 0208 444 1338 Web: www.littledinosaurs.co.uk

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Tumble in the Jungle Tumble in the Jungle guarantees fun filled entertainment for children who are free to “run wild” in their jungle themed activity centre, designed for children aged 1 to 8 years old. Perfect for birthday parties, special dress up days and many fun filled activites.

On the first floor they have a TSP youth space for 8 to 12 year olds which includes snooker tables, IT room, Table Tennis, Games room and so much more. They also have a large hall used for drama, street dance, karate, disco’s and other events.

Tumble In The Jungle also has a stylishly designed cafeteria offering a wide selection of high quality food and drinks where adults can relax and take “time out” while their child is busy at play.

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Where: 245 Wood Street, Walthamstow Tel: 0870 626 0710 Web: www.tumbleinthejungle.co.uk

Where

they are in the City

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Rascals of London l September 2011 - 11

The Grove Muswell Hill N22 7AY T. 0208 444 1338 info @littledinosaurs.co.uk www.littledinosaurs.co.uk Open , y a d y r e ev or f t c e f per es! parti

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Advertising - Rascals of London

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 13

Advertising - Rascals of London

Classes held all over London!

For classes in SE London: Bermondsey, Blackheath, Crystal Palace, East Dulwich, Telegraph Hill, Hither Green, Lee & Rotherite Call Anne-Marie: 07973 982790

For classes in North London: Crouch End, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, Newington Green & Stoke Newington Call Charlene: 07892 711162

14 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Advertising - Rascals of London W Ch eddi rist ngs eni / ngs

Ex t De ensiv li e Ar very ea

t fec Per nder U For 5s

lic Pub ility b a Li ver Co

Advertise with Us In time for the Christmas rush!

50%

off all

advertisements purchased before 1st October

No. 1 place to advertise in London

Call us on: Or email Natasha at: 07514852648 natasha@rascalsoflondon.co.uk Rascals of London l September 2011 - 15

Rascals News

Where: 16b-17 Royal Oak Centre, Croydon Tel: 020 8793 6553 Web: www.angelstozombies.co.uk

Henrys House New Indoor Play Centre for Children - Soft Play providing 2 areas of Soft Play, under 2’s and over 2’s to 9yrs. On site face painting, various party options, toy and fancy dress shop. Cafe/Bristro offering light refreshments including fresh cakes delivered daily.

Tea Dance for Little People is the new family dance café open in Brockley aimed at 0-5 year old’s and their parents.

Tales on Moon Lane

Angels To Zombies Opened 3rd July Imaginative party planning and your one stop party shop, Daily Face painting, toys, party wear and dressing up galore. A must visit for all those with young hearts.

Open 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday.

9.30am - 5pm and Sundays 10am - 5pm.

Tea Dance

Web: www.tdlp.co.uk

Something to look out for in September.

Amazing Esme is a book written by Tamara Macfarlane, the owner of the fantastic book shop Tales on Moon Lane, and is being published in September this year.

A hugely enjoyable book where spirited circus performer Esme spends the summer with her cousins and an eclectic array of animals.

Young readers will love the imaginative adventures, including hundreds of hatching baby penguins and the creation of a helter skelter.

Where: 16b-17 Royal Oak Centre, Croydon Tel: 07766 100393 Web: www.henryshouse.co.uk

Just Williams Toy shop Just Williams launched their third Just Williams toyshop on the 9th July in Clapham South. Always providing excellent quality toys perfect on the run up to Christmas 4 months away now so get buying to avoid disappointment on those little faces.

Where: 8b Balham Hill, Clapham South Tel: 020 3538 6798

Kidspace Romford seeks new charity 15 July 2011: Kidspace Romford, a leading indoor adventure play centre located at the Brewery in Romford, is looking for a new charity to partner with. Every year Kidspace Romford takes on a nominated charity to support and help raise awareness of their work in the local area Please email nominations to: Helen@kidspaceadventures.com by end September 2011.

Web: www.kidspaceadventures.com

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Happy Faces Hair Salon Happy Faces hair salon opened its doors in Fulham on Saturday 2nd of July. A luxurious children’s hair salon with a huge difference.

Established in 2009 by a local mum who wanted to create a salon that loves children and most importantly understands their hair.

Where: 288 Munster Road, Fulham Tel: 0207 610 3553 Web: www.yourhappyfaces.com

RASCALS O

Look Bunny Find

F LONDON

PARTNERS H

We are delighted to announce the partnership between Look Bunny Find and Rascals Of London. Look Bunny Find is the ultimate iphone app for discovering all the activities available to you and your children throughout the UK.

Fostering Network’s Annual Conference Looking at new approaches to foster care such as social pedagogy, evidence-based programmes, theories, the evidence and how you can put it all into practice. Taking place on Tuesday 22 November 2011. The conference will bring together foster carers, fostering services and young people to talk about the latest thinking in foster care and how it can be applied, including topics such as social pedagogy and evidence-based practice.

Where: America Square Conference Centre, Tower Hill.

Tel: 020 7620 6429 Web: www.fostering.net

IP

Every parent’s essentia l guide to getting them back to sc hool.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 17

AND BREATH! We all know getting back into the swing of things for the back to school rush can be a nightmare and to get the school run to run smoothly, how many mornings did you hear yourself shouting “find your shoes or i’m leaving without you” or “ were going to be late” These easy steps should help you get through the morning rush and get to school on time.

Get organised

Time for you

(Make time to get organised)

Aim to get up before your children, have a shower and coffee and ready yourself for the day. Put a smattering of make-up on and you will feel more human. Trying to get children ready in the morning can feel like hard work try to set a challenge like “I bet you can’t get downstairs in five seconds.” This should get them moving a little quicker.

Get the children and your partner to help.

Make sure EVERYONES school and work clothes are set out ready for the morning, this includes knickers/Pants, socks. Write a rota for PE days and any other activities that require different clothes or equipment. Make sure lunch boxes are also prepared and are kept in the fridge to keep them fresh. Place all school bags and anything that’s needed for school or work by the front door the night before, this way you’re sure to fall over them rather than forgetting them.

Time for breakfast Make time to eat breakfast after all this is the most important meal of the day, Try and all sit down together and enjoy breakfast, everyone will be in a much better mood and leave for school and work on a happy note. If you find that you are really pushed for time, then check out whether your school has a breakfast club.

Many now do, and they are an invaluable help to many working parents.

Check out some of our favorite and most popular lunch boxes which can be found on the market for the upcoming school year.

Spongebob Lunch Bag www.ryman.co.uk £8.99

LEGO Lunch Box 8 Brick www.lunchboxworld.co.uk £10.99

Time to leave Always aim to leave the house at the same time everyday, start trying to get everyone out of the house 5-10 mins before you actually need to leave, this way you have a little more time so no one will get too stressed under the pressure of getting to school on time.

Create a routine For younger children, who crave familiarity and routine. If you stick to the same procedure every day – get up, get dressed, have breakfast, clean teeth and leave the house – then it can be done almost on auto-pilot. Start this type of a routine for them when they are young, it will just become part of everyday life.

Sleep Make sure all members of the family receive enough sleep, children 0-4 years are recommended 12-13 hours sleep a night and children 4-11 years 10-11 hours but all children differ. Make sure you have bed time routine e.g bath/wash story and bed.

AND BREATH! Congratulations! You’ve made it in good time. Give them a big kiss and hug, and watch them skip into school. Treasure these moments because they really won’t be little forever. Be proud of yourself, and breathe a huge sigh of relief. Mission accomplished. And if you don’t make it before the bell rings?

Well, there’s always tomorrow…

18 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Postman Pat Box / Bottle Combo www.postmanpatshop.com £6.99

Ladybird Lunch bag www.lunchboxworld.co.uk £9.50

Bilingual Schooling

• Combined French National and Early Years curriculums.

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La Chouette School is an independent bilingual pre-prep school in London that offers children between the ages of 2 to 6 the following:

Opening date : 4th of January 2012 in Ealing Broadway

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It is in these early years that children are at their most receptive to picking up new languages, so what better time to benefit from this opportunity to give them that fantastic start in life!

New Independent Pre-Prep Bilingual School !

la

We are lucky to be living in an international and vibrant city such as London, which is why at La Chouette School they believe that offering a bilingual education to children from the age of 2 has many advantages (especially cognitive).

• Teaching based on bilingualism through immersion.

Combined French National and Early Years Curriculums

• An education favouring children’s personal development, placing emphasis on their general ‘’Well being’’.

Bilingual Education through Immersion (50% taught in French)

• An opportunity to discover and raise awareness on important issues such as our environment and sustainable resources.

An Education that focuses on developing each child's well-being Environmental Awareness Children aged 2 to 6 years old - Small class sizes - Extra Curricular Activities - Before&After School Care Facilities - School Meals

www.lachouetteschool.co.uk Tel: (+44) (0) 7557 029255

info@lachouetteschool.co.uk

17 The Mall, London W5 2PJ

What did you do today?

The question that’s never answered “what did you do today?” Always trying to find out what your child did at school? Never getting an answer?

Heres a few helpful tips to help you get a little more from your child than just one word answers.

Encouraging a child to talk about their school day can sometimes be tricky. There are a number of different ways that children can be encouraged to talk about how they are finding school.

Some children can find this more difficult than others for various different reasons. Here are a few ideas that may help.

When asking your child a question, keep it simple. For example, ask: “did you do PE in the hall or outside?”, or “What book did your teacher read to you today?”

You could talk to them about what school was like for you when you were their age. Talking about what you liked and disliked about school, might also help them. For example, “when I was your age, I loved singing in Mrs Foster’s music class. Do you do anything like that?””

Allow for spontaneity. Children will often be doing something and then remember what they did at school or with a friend and just blurt it out.

Relax, don’t think too much about things, if it sounds a little too farfetched from the truth, it may well be. It is normal for your child’s imagination to run away with them.

Young children have the most amazing imaginations. If something is worrying you, talk to their teacher first, there may be some truth in what is being said, but they may have become a little confused to.

Try writing a story together or draw a picture about your child’s school day. You could write about your work day. You may need to use your creative skills for this!

When drawing your pictures, try discussing what you are drawing.

This will encourage them to do the same.

Distractions can help your child to talk more openly, rather than having to have a face to face conversation. Why not try cooking together or going for a walk, simply spending quality time together, may encourage them to talk more.

If you are ever worried about your child at school, talk to his or her teacher first. If this cannot be resolved, ask to speak to the Headteacher.

Remember, children can have great imaginations and you may need to check out things for yourself. .

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 19

Work with us a t

How to be

A Cool Parent: Pet Names This is a definite No No! Under no circumstances should you ever in public, never mind within earshot of his or her peers, use your child’s pet name Poodle Pumpkin. However cute and meaningful it may be in your household, chances are your child will be teased and no one will think you are the COOL parent of the playground.

Sports Day

Need extra income without leaving your home?

Are you busy? Are you struggling to find work to fit around the school runs? Do you have a hectic family schedule? Or are you thinking of easing your way back into work after having children?

Then this could be perfect for you!

We need warm, friendly, hard working, diligent sales people.

But it is a very soft sell.

Work when you want, how you want - just a couple of hours each week or 6 hours per day.

It’s up to you – you are your own boss!

All you need: is a computer, good organisation skills an excellent telephone manner.

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity please email us at:

jobs@rascalsoflondon.co.uk Or call 0751 485 2648 20 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

If you go, ask your child if they mind you taking part before the race begins to save them getting embarrassed by your pink tracksuit.

Food If you send her to school with a packed lunch, plan the menu carefully. Brie with grape salad sandwiches on rye might be fabulous, but not when all around the rest of the children are eating chips, dippers and cheesy triangles.

Road Rage More important than having the right car at the school gates is not losing it when other parents take an age to park, move off. Even cursing under your breath, turning increasingly deeper shades of red and batting your forehead looks damn foolish. Even less acceptable, however, is being one of those parents who double parks then puts on their hazard lights leaving the car unattended while nipping to the school gates. Just too uncool to even contemplate!

Clothing Never do a Simon Cowell on your child and pull his trousers up to his armpits. Likewise, do not wear your own clothes like this. And never try to dress cool it never works and your children will just cringe with embarrassment TV Talk You might think you’re getting down with the homeys, but whatever you say about any programme they like once they are passed the age of four your child and her friends will think you’re from another planet. Same applies to music your just not meant to be into the same music, as your 10 year old, its just not cool alright!

Time Do not expect your child home on time, set a time half hour before you actually want him home. This way you have more chance of him coming home on the time you want him in by.

The Shoe Stati

Putting

on

Foot Fitting First!

Everyone at The Shoe Station prides themselves on the emphasis placed on correct shoe fitting for children.

Shoes are selected from leading brands and wherever possible, The Shoe Station stocks shoes in all half sizes and width fittings.

As a result there is always a choice of footwear for each child, regardless of foot shape or size!

After all, what could be more fun for a young child than sitting on a wooden train at The Station whilst having those little feet measured?!

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The shop is run by two mums who, with 7 children between them, understand that taking the children to buy new shoes can be a challenging experience! Most of the staff have also had first hand experience of the trials and tribulations of finding a children’s shoe shop which matches up to their expectations. At The Shoe Station all of the staff are trained not only to fit the baby’s or child’s shoes properly, but also to make it a fun experience for all concerned.

The Shoe Station

The Shoe Station

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It is first and foremost a children’s shoe shop stocking an amazingly wide range of high quality footwear from highly reputable European manufacturers.

However, The Shoe Station also provides an easy one-stop shop for parents through its impressive selection of accessories for school and leisure as well as a carefully chosen collection of beautiful gifts suitable from newborn to young teenager.

Staff are fully trained in the art of shoe fitting and are fully aware that a massive proportion of foot problems which arise later in life, are caused by wearing ill fitting shoes as a child.

Sho e

The Shoe Station, an independent children’s shop in Kew, West London is a veritable treasure trove for parents and children alike. It is an absolute delight to shop in this bright and cheerful shop in the heart of leafy Kew where customer service is the number one priority!

The shop is literally a stone’s throw from Kew Gardens Underground Station which serves the District Line as well as the London Overground. Parking is available outside the shop.

Acc

Foot fittings plus fun accessories and fabulous gifts add up to happy children and parents and a great shopping experience.

...and much more!

theshoestation.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 11-5

next to Kew Gardens tube station

Shoe Station ad.indd 1

12 Station Parade, Kew, Surrey, TW9 3PZ

Phone: 020 8940 9905

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 21 18/5/11 08:38:38

Fun is the key to the growing popularity of science among children, writes Professor Horace Googlesplat. Surely old Albert would have approved. A group of keen, young scientists are using him as their inspiration to excite and enthuse primary school children about science and the environment.

Einstein’s Entertainers have been operating out of modest office in Croydon since 2007 and now offer fun science after school clubs to many primary schools all over London and the South East. Lessons are designed to entertain and engage the children, but the material fully supports the aims and goals of the National Curriculum and was created in collaboration with teachers. They are also very pleased to be affiliated The ‘professors’ build and demonstrate rockets to give the children an insight into power and propulsion; they let them experiment with ‘slime’ to bring the mysterious world of polymers to life; and they use a Van De Graff generator to show where electricity comes from – a real hair raising experience!

Volcanoes One child rather alarmed his mum and dad one evening by telling them he had “learned how to make volcanoes” in school that day; and “Gory Science” always goes down well – although maybe not always with the parents!

One child rather alarmed his mum and dad one evening by telling them he had “learned how to make volcanoes” in school that day; and “Gory Science” always goes down well – although maybe not always with the parents!

However, the secret of the Entertainers success is as much to do with presentation as material. They are an eclectic bunch, largely made up of ‘resting’ actors with the performing talents and presentation skills needed to put on a real show for the kids, get them engaged in hands-on tasks and bring the subject to life.

The driving force behind it all is founder and managing director Sarah Rose aka Professor Teapotty who, along with her loyal sidekick the pink-haired Emma (Professor Weable), has gathered a gaggle of science devotees around her. These include Professors Wibblysocks, Bouncy and Gustaf Sausage to name just a few – and fun is a serious business for them all.

And the fun and games don’t end after school – they do parties, sleepovers and summer camps too. The Entertainers roam far and wide over the South East getting children excited about science and they are

22 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

clearly making their mark as the testimonials of their satisfied ‘customers’ shows: “I have made up my mind now to be a scientist when I am older, it is so much fun. I can study science and then I can even work at Einstein’s Entertainers, can’t I? ” says Ben.

All the challenges facing humanity depend on scientists coming up with solutions. We urgently need armies of people with the right skills to tackle global warming; extreme weather; energy and water shortages and so on.

And Joy liked the fact you could have fun and “learn your school work” too while Patrick thinks the Entertainers are: “fun and educational and cool. I wish all my lessons were like this”.

The rapid success of Einstein’s Entertainers shows that the days of science being a dull and dry subject are long gone.

“We are having fun and so are the kids, but we don’t lose sight of our serious purpose. By getting them excited about science now, we can make sure enough want to take up vital professions in engineering, technology, environmental management and so on to safeguard our future.”

“We enjoy what we do, but we are also really proud of the fact we are contributing something to society,” says Prof Teapotty.

For more information about making science fun or arranging clubs and parties go to: www.e-entertainers.co.uk

Fun Science Parties!

Stress Free Parties Fun Science Shows Crazy Experiments CRB Checked Entertainers Relax and Enjoy Age Range: 6 - 12 Other Events Please Contact Us Rockets, Hovercraft, Slime, Candyfloss, Pink Potions, Dry Ice and other themed events.

Call or email * 020-8123-8697 * info@e-entertainers.co.uk * www.e-entertainers.co.uk

Want to see yourself in our Magazine Contact us with a description and photos and we will see what we can do.

Call us on: 0751 4852 648 Email us at: natasha@rascalsoflondon.co.uk

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 23

Avoid the chaos Get organised now for the kids going back to school This September, my 1 year old is settling back into Nursery, my 3 year old is graduating to pre-school, my 5 year old is moving to Year 1 and my 8 year old is adjusting to her new school. In the meantime, I will be quietly dividing myself into four people, just to manage the school/Nursery runs!

Starting Nursery for the first time?

Settling in Your nursery should provide you with free settling in sessions prior to your child starting.

They should also encourage you to stay with your child until your child feels comfortable.

It’s crucial for your child to see you interact with the staff before you leave her alone with any of them.

Your child will take her cues from you as to whether to trust the staff or not. As your child feels more comfortable with being at Nursery, gradually start taking some time out of the room and, eventually out of the Nursery so that she can learn to settle without you there.

You’ve probably read lots of articles about what to expect and how to prepare for September, so I’m going to skip some of the basics. I’m going to tell you just a few of the things no-one ever tells you, because we’re all so busy dealing with the busy-ness of being a parent, that we never have time to share our collective wisdom…

Starting School for the First Time?

offering playdates for the first 3 years of Jemima’s school life.

Now, I am used to managing more than one child at a time, so the thought of caring for two children on a playdate is not so intimidating.

Basically, a playdate involves collecting your child and her friend from school, perhaps taking them to the park, giving them a snack and a drink, taking them home to play, giving them dinner and possibly, doing an activity with them or getting them ready for bed.

Shoes You will need more shoes than you’d ever imagined (for your child, not for yourself!).

You’ll need a pair of plimsolls (for gym), a pair of trainers (for sports), at least one pair of everyday school shoes (preferably two to prevent ingrowing toenails), a pair of ‘off duty’ shoes, plus a pair of wellies/boots/sandals, depending on the season.

I have to buy at least 30 pairs of shoes for my children every 6 months. Thanks to my shopping savvy mother-in-law, I now bulk buy from Clarks in Woolwich, which is a factory store. Even if you’re only buying for one child, you can still make some amazing savings by shopping at factory stores for shoes, though choice can be limited.

Playdates These can seem a bit scary if you have never hosted one. For me, the awesome responsibility of caring for someone else’s child put me off

Playdates are brilliant for teaching your child how to be a great hostess. Jemima likes to send out a questionnaire to her guests in advance, asking for details of allergies, preferences for activities and suggestions for snacks. She gives her guest a guided tour of our house, prepares the snacks and explains our house rules (e.g. shoes off and wash hands with soap upon entry).

I always text the parents of our guest to confirm that I have collected their child and that she is safe and happy. I also follow their wishes to the letter – for example, one parent would not allow her child to go to the park or drive in our car, nor were we allowed to have a male in the house (a bit difficult as I live with 4 of them!) However, I respected the fact that this parent was very caring and protective of her child so I complied with their instructions, even though they were a little unusual for an 8 year old!

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Other tips suggested by my staff: label everything, don’t send your child to Nursery in her best clothes (so that she can freely enjoy messy play), don’t send anything to Nursery except for essential comfort objects and be prepared for your child to catch every cough and cold going – it’s all part of building immunity for life and would have happened anyway when your child starts school (better to happen at Nursery when days off have minimal impact).

Child moving to a new school?

Attend events before starting Call the school and find out if there are any events you can attend to familiarise yourself and your child with their new school – exhibition nights, plays, music concerts, assemblies. When Jemima, my eldest, moved school, she was invited to afternoon tea with the girls from her new class before she started at the school and it really helped her to settle in.

Share your feelings Be honest about how you are feeling. When Jemima changed schools at age 7, I was very unsure that we were doing the right thing.

I was very honest with Jemima and told her that, even though her new school would probably foster and develop her love of music, dance, drama and all things kinaesthetic, I knew she would miss the spiritual and pastoral benefits of her former church school. I shared with her how I had felt when I moved country when I was 10 years old, moving from an easygoing state primary School in England to an unashamedly competitive Catholic primary School in Trinidad.

My openness with Jemima meant that she saw me as a fallible human being, with vulnerabilities and fears just like her.

Child moving to Year One? Be your child’s advocate If your child is not reading and writing by Year One (don’t worry, neither Jemima, my 8 year old, nor Carl, my 5 year old, were reading or writing at that point), make sure you start to ‘liaise’ with the school regarding extra support in Year One, starting from September.

By ‘liaise’, what I mean is, speak to your child’s former class teacher, e-mail the Headteacher, make an appointment with the Year One teacher and keep doing so until you get some work to do at home with your child and get some guarantee that your child is getting extra support at school.

This is not a situation to be polite about. I learned this lesson with Jemima and realised, too late, that, however committed and supportive a school is, they have 200 other children to think of. I only have four, which means that my interest in my child outweighs the interest of the school in my child.

At the end of the day, a teacher can retire, change jobs or move town, but you are your child’s parent forever and you are the only person who can/will fight for them. A child

who is not reading and writing at the start of Year One may lose confidence and have damaged self esteem if he cannot keep up with his classmates – he will need help in doing so, even if you are just helping him to reach and stay at the most basic level.

Most parents flatly deny that they are using a tutor, the only people who will gladly share information with you are parents whose children are all aged 11+ (so your child is no competition) or parents who want your child to succeed at the cost of their own (I haven’t met one of these yet!)

Start supporting your child with their homework Single worksheets are great to use if you are a parent on-the-go like me – it’s easy to grab a sheet and take it with you in your handbag/ briefcase/shopping bag. Some parents like to use workbooks – you can get good quality books such as the Letts guides for £1 at the Poundshop (though you might have to wait a while as stock is seasonal). Alternative sources are Costco, where you can buy whole packs of study guides at a wholesale rate or you can buy own-brand resources (e.g. WH Smiths) which are also slightly cheaper than branded products, but are just as good, if not better.

Hiring a tutor If you are planning to hire a tutor for your child, start looking now (yes, at age 5!) The best tutors are booked up months, if not years in advance, so you need to get onto their waiting lists. How to find one? Other parents are very cagey about sharing details of good tutors, particularly tutors who are experienced in the 11+ or private school entry exams.

And finally…

As you settle in to school life again in September, remember to spare some time for YOU! Though I feel like collapsing at the mere thought of the school runs, after school clubs and homework I am going to have to manage, I keep my sanity by ensuring that I still get time to do what matters to me – going to the gym, having a coffee in the local café and going on a playdate of my own…with my husband!

See you in the playground…

Isabelle Parasram is the mother of four children aged 1-8.

She is also a barrister, NCT trained antenatal teacher and the Director of a large children’s day Nursery & Out of School Club near Tower Hill, London. She would love to answer your questions or to have your comments on her article.

Please e-mail her at: Director@mydreammaker.co.uk You can also read more about her at: www.mydreammaker.co.uk/our-ethos

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All images Copyright Charlie Round Turner. www.charlieroundturner.com

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“Sisters doing it for themselves” How two London sisters launched a new online kids clothing emporium, whilst juggling bringing up three little rascals.

Two years ago, Devenia Brown and her sister Diane were on a family holiday together and started discussing the very limited baby and kids’ clothing options available on the UK high street. With three kids between them, the sisters realised they shared the same experience of searching and often failing to find really stylish, comfortable clothing without paying extortionate prices, a particular problem they found when shopping for boys clothing. And while designer clothes for kids The reaction from may look cute, even Suri Cruise customers made and Apple Martin probably spill all the blood, pasta sauce over their Dior and Gucci frocks! Is any dress or shirt sweat and tears really worth over £100?

On their return from holiday, the planning began in earnest. There were so many issues to consider, from where to get the products manufactured and which other designers to stock, through to designing a functional and attractive website, and PR and marketing to drive web traffic and sales.

of the last year well worth it, as the girls realised they’d achieved what they set out to do with the business.

* 15% DISCOUNT VOUCHER *

ONLINE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES STORE FOR GIRLS AND BOYS FAB STYLES AND FAB PRICES * * ENTER RASCALS-LDB AT THE CHECKOUT TO RECEIVE YOUR 15% DISCOUNT www.lovedeebaby.co.uk Running a business and a home – at the same time!

During the first hectic few months of LoveDee Baby’s life, Dee became an expert in juggling the many demands of business and home.

The sisters had agreed that family would always come first, but it is never easy fitting in all the things that mums have to do each day to stay on top of things!

With one child at full time school and the other in pre-school part time, Dee set up her working life to work around the kids’ schedules. Every spare moment was devoted to LDB – nap times and after 7 with both kids in bed, she was back on the laptop liasing with the manufacturer and web designer, running new ideas past Di and looking at product designs.

Of course sometimes things did go wrong with kids up in the night or sick, and she had to find the energy from somewhere to keep working instead of slumping in front of the TV! Somehow Dee kept all the balls in the air with happy kids who saw plenty of their mum and a business that launched on time…

LoveDee Baby in business To launch LDB, Dee organised a pop up shop in Surrey, at which she received fabulous feedback on what LDB had to offer regarding the price, quality, style and colour of the range. The reaction from customers made all the blood, sweat and tears of the last year well worth it, as the girls realised they’d achieved what they set out to do with the business.

The sisters have had a great first year in business and are in the process of designing their next collection.

Follow LoveDee Baby on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LoveDeeBaby) and Twitter (@LoveDee_Baby) to get the latest promotion offers and deals, see new lines added and news from the unstoppable Brown sisters. Take advantage of the exclusive 15% discount available to Rascals of London readers by visiting the website www.lovedeebaby.co.uk entering voucher code Rascal-LDB at the check out.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 31

What’s On

London is great for kids! Keep the whole family entertained with London’s kid-friendly attractions, events and activities.

September 3rd

September 11th

The place to visit for all your baby and child accessories.

Enjoy your Grandparents and make it a fun day and special full of photos and grandma´s cakes.

Me Baby and Toddler show Where: Crystal Palace football club.

Time: 10am - 3pm

Grandparents day

Where: Your Grandparents home

September 4th

September 10th-11th

BBQ and Picnic, bring favourite teddy Fun packed day, facepainting, Monkey Music, Bouncy castle, Superhero & Princesses welcome.

Monster Mania is set to take over The O2 in September when the awesome live action Ben 10 monster truck show enters The O2 arena. Packed with huge monster trucks, motorcycle madness and seriously cool stunts.

Maggies Teddy bear picnic

Where: Fulham Palace, Bishop avenue.

Time: 11.30am - 4pm

Until September 10th Doing it for the Kids

The exhibition presents examples of sustainable toys and other play resources that inspire designers, educators and parents to be more critical and creative. Let this exhibition inspire you to be more knowledgeable, confident and creative in helping your kids to play.

Ben 10 Monster Truck Mania

Where: The O2 arena.

Tel: 0844 856 0202 www.theo2.co.uk

September 10th-24th

In the Night Garden Live

Where: Kingston Museum, Wheatfield way

Until September 12th Serpentine Lido

Join your favourite characters from in the Night garden for this truely spectacular theatre perfomance.

Where: Stadium car park, Brentcross Time Varies Tel: 0844 581 1248 Call to book tickets

Go and experience the outdoors in a unique atmosphere and enjoy a relaxing swim in the Serpentine. Secluded lawn and picnic area, boasts with playground, sandpit and small paddling pool with water jets.

Where: Hyde Park.

Time: 10am - 6pm

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September 18th Roald Dahl Day

Every Saturday Roller Disco

See our Roald Dahl page and check Roald Dahl’s website. www.roalddahl.com

Every Weekend in September Potato Shinding

Come Harvest your own bag of free willow potatoes from the potatoe patch.

Where: Willows farm, Coursers Road, Colney.

Tel: 0870 129 9718

Lots of family fun, all you need is skates and you can hire these too so get skating.

October 22nd

Where: Renaissance Rooms, off Miles street, Vauxhall Time: 11am - 5pm

Peppa Pig Live

October 26th

Elmer The Elephant A fun-filled version of ‘Elmer the Elephant’ based on the best-selling children’s book by author David McKee. Where: Greenwich Theatre, Greenwich.

Time: 11am Tel: 020 8858 7755 Your tiny fans will LOVE this, learn singalong songs and new never heard before stories.

See the popular TV series Live on stage.

Where: Hackney empire. www.peppapiglive.com

October 15th-16th

The Battle of Hasting This annual re-enactment is packed full of drama, tension and intrigue. Easily one of the best family days out in history!

Where: High Street, Battle, East Sussex Time: 10am - 4pm

October 28th

Puppet Making Family Workshop Come and join us for a special half term family performance. There was once a girl so small that she could float on a lily pad and ride on the back of a dragonfly…Thumbelina’s adventures with a frog, a mouse, a mole and a swallow are played out amongst gardening tools leading her to the garden of flowers.

Where: Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Time: 11am and 1.20pm Tel: 0208 299 8732

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More What’s On October 28th-30th Baby Show

October 30th

Creative Space

For all your baby needs, all under one roof, fashion shows, baby changing, bargains galor.

Where: Earls Court. www.thebabyshow.com

October 26th-29th

Polka Theatre Half Term Workshops Daily activities lots of fun and drama.

A unique opportunity to try on costumes, wigs and masks, learn to write your own play.

Hip hop jam on the 29th lots to learn and fun to be had at this workshop.

Where: 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon Tel: 0208 543 4888

October 15th, November 13th Dino Snores

Interactive music concerts organised specifically for disabled children and their families.

Live music, dance and craft activities in a relaxed, friendly environment, led by Create’s workshop leader. Lots of space for movement.

Where: Henry Wood Hall, Trinity Church Square www.childrenandarts.org.uk

Until October 30th

Pirates: The Captain Kidd Story Treasure Island to Pirates of the Caribbean, piracy has long been an inspiration for books, television and films. Now, in a major exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands, families and adults alike can discover the real pirates who ruled our seas over 300 years ago.

Where: Museum of London Docklands Tel: 0207 001 9844

November 30th - January 14th Join the monthly sleepovers and discover what really happens at the Museum when the staff and visitors have gone home.

Cinderella

Where: Natural History Museum Tel: 0207 942 5792

Hickenshed’s spectacular new version of Cinderella takes all the familiar and traditional elements of this much-loved fairy tale, and serves them up with a modern twist.

Where: The Rayne Theatre Tel: 020 8292 9222

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Halloween

What’s On October 22nd-30th

October-December

Brilliant pumpkin carving and daily prizes Free Pumpkin for every child.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires.

Pumpkin Delight Where: Willows Farm Tel: 0870 129 9718

October 30th-31st

London Canal Museum Take your little witches and wizards on a cruise, board a specially decorated narrow boat. Listen to spooky tails, Spine tingling Halloween.

Wizard Of Oz

Where: London Palladium Time: Various www2.seetickets.com

October 31st

London Dungeons

Where: London Canal Museum Tel: 0207 713 0836

October 28th

Gambado Spooky Halloween Truly fantastic Halloween party. A devilish disco, creepy fun and games. Tickets are £8. Fancy dress a must including you mums and dads out there.

Where: Gambado Beckenham Time: 6pm - 8pm

October 28th

Bramleys Big Adventure

1000 years of London’s darkest and most gory history, 14 actor led shows and 3 scary rides make the London Dungeon attraction an educationally chilling experience and a great day out for the whole family. The place to make your hairs stand on end this Halloween.

Where: London Dungeons, 28-34 Tooley Street www.the-dungeons.co.uk

October 28th-30th

Bertie and Boo Spookiest party Fancy dress party, ghost hunt, goody bags, and snack box. Come join the fun at this amazing Halloween party.

Where: 136 Bramley Road Tel: 020 8960 1515

Lots of fun and games, fantastic food and slimy drinks, amazing fun for all the family.

Make sure the whole family dress up.

Call to check final details.

Where: 126 Belham High road Tel: 0208 772 1562 www.bertieandboo.com

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 35

Antenatal Classes Every new parent looks forward to the joy and ecstasy of meeting their child. Whatever happens, your birth should be a positive experience, one in which you feel you are in charge and able to make the best choices for you and your baby. Antenatal can help first time mums and even mums on their 3rd or 5th Child. Check out these Antenatal classes for more details all offering something different all with amazing reviews.

Gilly Keith Antenatal Classes

Birth & Baby - Sofie Jacobs ltd Tel: 0796 060 6863 Web: www.sofiejacobs.com

Tel: 0796 856 6396 Web: www.antenatalclasslondon.co.uk Prices: £395 per couple for a course of five classes. Private Classes are available.

Qualified midwife offering antenatal classes to small groups in London for those seeking a professional and personal approach. Either group classes or private lessons are available. In a comfortable environment making it personal and relaxing. Antenatal classes with a touch of class What Mums Say: “We found it so informative and personal, delivered in a very warm, relaxed environment. We can’t recommend this course highly enough!”.

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The course will help you prepare for birth, baby and beyond and you will meet other pregnant women and couples in your area.

Popular topics include process of labour, natural and medical forms of pain relief, breathing, early days with baby and breast feeding.

What Mums Say: Yumi‘ “Her extensive knowledge gives you a much deeper in sight into what you should expect during pregnancy and labour”.

Calm Birth Calm Baby

Gas & Air

The Active Birth Centre

Tel: 0794 976 4105 Web: www.calmbirthcalmbaby.com Prices: From £218-£245

Tel: 0797 425 3461 Web: www.gasandair.net Prices: Introductory starter sessions are £30.

Group sessions are £40 or 5 for £180.

Couples workshops £180.

Tel: 0207 281 6760 ‎ Web: www.activebirthcentre.com Prices: £350 Per couple

HypnoBirthing, offers a philosophical approach to childbirth that works with the belief that pain is not necessary, and that a woman’s body is perfectly designed to give birth to a baby. Pain is usually caused by fear and tension and this can be eliminated when the body is relaxed. The techniques taught during the course enable parents to release fears, to relax and embrace the birth of their baby, allowing them to achieve the natural, calm, easy and comfortable birth they have planned and prepared for.

What Dads Say: “Attending the HypnoBirthing classes went a long way to reducing the apprehension as well as the knowledge of having our hospital located just around the corner. All fears were swept aside as soon as Zoe went into labour as I saw her get straight into her ‘zone’. She seemed so much more at ease, calm and acting instinctively having rehearsed what she had been taught”.

Sarah & Karen provide antenatal classes that do not feel like traditional antenatal classes but are women-led, enabling them to learn about their pregnancies, allay their fears, grow in confidence towards the birth and enjoy the magical journey to parenthood.

What Mums Say: “Two qualified midwives giving a new approach to the old antenatal classes, making us number 1, perfectly relaxed and even making time to answer individual queries and worries.

Perfect classes for myself as a first time mum I would highly recommend”.

Complete preparation for your birth in 2 inspirational days! During this weekend, you will discover how to give birth actively and naturally. This course, taught by some amazing teachers in the uk will empower you to go through your birth calmly and with confidence. It is an excellent course for partners giving them all the information and guidance needed.

What Mums Say: “Thanks to your amazing weekend course I now have a partner who understands and is genuinely supportive of my desire for a natural birth.

He was reluctant to come at first, and now feels completely prepared to support me both practically and emotionally. That one thing may actually be the factor that has the most impact on my ability to have the best birth outcome I could have and I can’t thank you enough”.

Attended an amazing birthing centre or antenatal class? Let us know by emailing us at: info@rascalsoflondon.co.uk so we can tell the rest of the mums in London and all learn together.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 37

Following a perfectly healthy and ‘normal low risk’ pregnancy in November 2009 the charities founder, Sophia Mason, called her maternity ward to report her baby’s lack of movement. Tragically Sophia’s efforts were too late and her baby, Chloe, was delivered stillborn by caesarean section 3 days before her due date. The umbilical cord was wrapped twice around Chloe’s neck, and the cause of her death was officially registered as unexplained. In the months following Chloe’s death, Sophia set up the charity Count The Kicks to raise awareness of the risks that can occur in the later stages of pregnancy.

A lancet report published in April 2011 shows that the statistics surrounding stillbirth and infant loss in the UK are staggering and among the highest in Europe – 6,500 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth every year in the UK, that’s 17 each day. 70% of these deaths are classed as unexplained and the report concludes that a substantial amount of stillbirths are potentially preventable.

The aim of Count The Kicks is to reduce these shocking statistics by empowering Mums with knowledge and confidence throughout pregnancy. We want to ensure Mums work with their midwives and health care providers so they have the confidence to ask for advice if they are ever worried at all.

Our website provides facts, signs and symptoms on the conditions associated with stillbirth. We provide free antenatal note stickers to enable Mums‐to‐be to have the number of their local maternity ward close to hand and to remind them to seek advice from their midwife if they have any concerns. Our strap line is “If you’re worried at all – make the call”.

We also produce movement monitoring charts and wrist bands for Mums to help keep track of their baby’s movements. By monitoring a baby's regular pattern and movements, Mums will become very aware of a problem if the movements change and will then be able to provide the appropriate information to the health professionals so fast action can be taken if required. In our first year alone we have had a number of testimonies believing our campaign saved their baby’s life as they knew what signs to look out for and were able to get their baby delivered quickly and safely.

As well as information on our website, Count The Kicks is launching the "Empowering Mums‐2‐B” phone app which will offer pregnancy support with particular focus on movement/kick tracking. It will also feature life saving facts and information every Mum‐to‐be should be made aware of throughout her pregnancy. This will be a first of its kind and we believe it will make a huge impact on preventing stillbirths. Be sure to look out for it when it becomes available at the end of the year!

As a young charity we are constantly looking for people to partner with who can either help spread awareness, or bring in the vital funds needed to keep this campaign growing. If you’re interested in helping in any way you can email: support@countthekicks.org.uk or come and talk to us as at one of the many baby shows we’re appearing at throughout 2011.

For your free Antenatal Notes Sticker, please email stickers@countthekicks.org.uk For more information and updates please visit our website, facebook page or follow us on twitter.

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I have to confess my bias on this subject right from the start. As parents, my husband and I believe in setting firm boundaries and enforcing them; we also believe in drawing a clear distinction between adults and children. We figured out very early on in our parenting ‘ career’ that a good night’s sleep makes us more human and therefore better parents. The foundation of all of the above is that we really do love our children and are as sentimental as anyone else when it comes to our four precious little ones.

Discipline, tempered by love, is never more apparent in our household than at bedtime – it has to be, otherwise we couldn’t survive. Maybe that’s why, even when our four children ranged in age from newborn to six years old, they all slept through the night, even though they sleep (and still sleep) in the same bedroom. We have learned the hard way that the only way for us to stay sane with four children very close in age was to have strict routines, stick to them and to work together in our parenting.

Our children are what I describe as ‘portable’ they can be put to bed wherever we go and we just adapt their sleeping arrangements according to our location: in a restaurant (when they were babies, they slept in a quiet corner next to our table), in a ski chalet (our children were the only ones who would go to sleep and stay in bed whilst we dined with the adults downstairs) and at friends’ houses (where they might sleep happily on a sofa whilst we are in the room talking with our friends).

When asked by incredulous friends, clients and colleagues quite how we manage to do this, we came up with the following tips:

4. Don’t cut out daytime naps – daytime naps are crucial to aid sleep at night as night time rest is inextricably linked to daytime rest.

5. Establish a bedtime routine, ideas include lighting scented candles, dimming the lights, reading a story, praying with your child, singing lullabies, a bath before bed, a milky drink, a particular bedtime CD etc.

6. Many sleep specialists say that silence is the best environment for sleep so, take note of the experts, not me on this one. As silence in our house is downright impossible, we threw this rule out of the window from Day One. Instead, our children are used to going to bed in the midst of normal household noises – a radio playing somewhere in the house, the vacuum on, friends ringing the door bell. Now my children can sleep through anything!

I censor most of what my children have access to, although I can’t control the grandparents.

1. Agree with your partner on how you are going to tackle bedtime and stick to it. However gorgeous or heartbreakingly lovely your children are, don’t relent on bedtime rules, except if they have an unmet need or if there is an emergency.

2. Ensure that, before bedtime, all needs are met – your children should have been well looked after during the daytime; this includes eating, drinking, being cleaned, cuddled, listened to and interacted with. The end of the day is not the time for eating and drinking as it will lead to your child waking in the night for the toilet so set a deadline for eating and drinking.

3. Ensure that you set an appropriate bedtime so that your child gets the recommended amount of sleep, look online for a chart.

7. It’s also generally agreed that darkness is required, but I have always left on a dim light in the children’s room, the corridor and the bathroom.

That way, the children don’t have to wake me up to go to the toilet.

8. Make sure that your child goes to bed awake.

Going to bed sleepy is fine, but being put to bed asleep is not. When your child wakes in the night (as is perfectly normal), she will subconsciously take in her surroundings. If the surroundings are as they were when your child went to sleep, she will simply go back to sleep. However, if her sleeping conditions have changed, this acts as a trigger to your child to stay awake as a subliminal check on what is out of place.

9. If your child has a nightmare, comfort and reassure them, however long it takes. Why do children have nightmares? In my mind, it’s very simple – what goes into their head is what comes out. Though I censor most of what my children have access to, I can’t control the grandparents or my children’s school friends, so I try to teach my children not to fill their minds

with things that don’t belong there.

The boys don’t take a blind bit of notice of what I say (Star Wars, dragons and fighting are all part of their staple diet), whereas Jemima is so good at protecting her mind that she refuses to watch a film until she has seen the trailer first.

10. Make sure your child has some form of comfort available so that they can soothe themselves to sleep. Try to ensure that your child is attached to a range of comforters, not just one, or you are making a rod for your own back.

I discovered this to my cost when someone stole our car. We had left Jemima’s favourite (and only) teddy in the car, so he was lost forever.

11. Avoid dummies or other soothing methods that require you to oversee its operation. I am being hypocritical here, advising one thing yet doing another. I am currently trying to encourage my youngest to use a dummy instead of sucking his thumb, which has become sore and cracked through over-sucking. The downside of this is that, every time Theo loses the dummy in the night, one of us has to go and find it for him.

For the past couple of nights, we have ignored Theo’s cries for the dummy and, lo and behold, has managed to find it for himself.

12. If you have more than one child and they are ‘egging’ each other on to test you by staying awake, try the ‘divide and conquer’ approach. My 4 year old and 2 year old ‘gang up’ on us by sword fighting at bedtime (not real swords, I hasten to add!) We nip this in the bud by sending one of them to our bedroom to lie down, whilst the other stays in their bedroom; they are not reunited until they are willing to settle to sleep quietly.

About 50% of the people who use our techniques are successful, but they are the ones who are so worn out that they are determined to stick with it come what may. The other 50% (who are not so desperate) send their children to our house for the night and, by the time the child returns home, they are so grateful to have escaped our regime that they are willing to do anything their parents ask of them…

Isabelle Parasram is the mother of four children aged 1-8. She is also a barrister, NCT trained antenatal teacher and the Director of a large children’s day Nursery and Out of School Club near Tower Hill, London.

She would love to answer your questions or to have your comments on her article.

Please e-mail her at: Director@mydreammaker.co.uk You can also read more about her at: www.mydreammaker.co.uk/our-ethos

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 39

New Partnership Rascals of London and Look Bunny Find have teamed up to provide London mums and dads with the ultimate guide to local events in London.

Look Bunny Find is the ultimate children’s activity finder available as a mobile web app (on any smart phone) or from the App Store for iPhone or iPod owners.

The app is free to download and free to use without any in-app charges. It lists over 4,000 attractions across the UK. The new Events tab needs local people with local knowledge to provide the same quality of information to parents. Rascals of London is the perfect partner.

There is a frustration within the print industry that not all events can be published due to size and time restrictions, the Look Bunny application in partnership with Rascals of London now provides the most comprehensive list of local Events available, anywhere in London at any time.

Maximising the close relationship Rascals of London has with merchants in the London area means that they can offer exposure on a location-based, related app for the benefits of parents.

The Look Bunny Find app uses GPS technology to pinpoint activities and events suitable for children nearest to the user, wherever they are in London or across the UK – a perfect tool for those rainy “I’m bored” moments or the school holidays which seem to go on forever. Whether you’re looking to try out new activities near your home or child-friendly events whilst on holiday, Look Bunny Find in partnership with Rascals of London is a constant source of inspiration and information in your pocket.

40 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

If you’d like your event listed on the app, it couldn’t be easier please send an email to info@rascalsoflondon.co.uk marked Look Bunny Find Events or call 0751 485 2648 for more information. As the appointed partner for Look Bunny Find, Rascals of London can offer you a special reduced rate not available anywhere else. Your event will receive up to five weeks of coverage on all apps and will be supported by a push notification alert to people near or around your location. The app is supported by Google maps so we’ll send direct people right to you.

Victoria Hatch, owner of Look Bunny Find and mum of Eleanor (aged nearly 2) says “we are utterly delighted to announce our partnership with Rascals of London for the benefit of mums and dads and those wanting to promote their Events in the London area. Rascals of London is an awesome, unrivalled magazine, jam-packed with interesting and inspiring information, a sentiment shared by Look Bunny Find.”

Top Parental

Baby On Time

2

BabyOnTime is the first baby tracker app that lets you set alarms to remind you when it’s time for a feeding, a diaper change, medication or other event in your baby’s day. So you can plan your time accordingly.

NCT

You’re out for the day. Your baby is crying up a storm. You don’t know where the nearest baby changing room is? That’s where the beauty of NCT’s Babychange app comes into life.

Look Bunny Find Look Bunny Find is the ultimate tool for discovering all the activities available to you and your children throughout the UK. Whether you want to find new entertainments where you live or you want to find somewhere child-friendly to have fun while on holiday, Look Bunny Find allows you to make the most of your time.

Pregnancy for Men I’m Expecting This app is fantastic as it is a pregnancy companion.

You can track your symptoms, share with your doctor and compare with other moms. You get weekly updates about your baby’s growth, and you can schedule doctor appointments, upload photos of your baby bump, and send out birth announcement and more.

The best-selling pregnancy book for men now on iPhone!

Pregnancy for Men is a frank, factual and funny journey charting what men need to know, need to do, and need to avoid like the absolute plague when their partners are carrying a baby.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 41

The NICE Guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) and RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians & Gyaenecologists) recommend: Any change to regular foetal movements should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately for further assessment. Awareness Saves Lives!

NT KICK COU 0 each NDS - £3.5 WRIST BA

for your FREE Antenatal Note sticker please visit:

www.countthekicks.org.uk

Diary of a New Mum You’ll be pleased to know that I’m plugging on with getting Jackson into some kind of routine, although Jackson clearly hasn’t read the book and doesn’t seem to know when he’s meant to be asleep and when he’s meant to be awake!

Paul and I talk about poo at lot (Jacksons, not ours). It usually goes like this, ‘Guess what, Jaxs did a massive poo today and it was a sticky green one, not a yellow grainy one!’ ‘No, really? How long had it been since his last poo?’ (I consult my diary) ‘Two days. And I’ve changed the last three pooey nappies so it’s your turn next!’

How can such a small, sweet, angelic-faced little beauty, produce such stinky stools? It doesn’t seem possible. We have to open the back door when we change him or we’d suffocate! And those sticky green ones – almost impossible to scrape off his bum. Okay, so you don’t really want to know about Jacksons diapers, but it’s all part of being a parent…

Ok so some great news. Jaxs is sleeping a bit longer through the night which means I sleep and I feel more like a human.

Already I’m looking back in my diary and seeing how far we’ve come from those 3-hourly feeds and no sleep!

So how am I doing?

Thanks for asking.

I’m okay, I think.

Had my hair cut yesterday and it felt strange, sitting in a salon, chatting to the stylist who wanted to know all about Jackson I guess it’s the most normal thing I’ve done in a while.

The arrival of bouncer for Jaxs – with a built-in vibrating action was greatfully recieved. Really! It’s fantastic, and Jackson just loves it. My friend, Rachael, mother of four-month-old Dionne, has one and we tried it last week. The vibrations calmed him down in the middle of a crying session and I knew I had to have one. Rachael said it was the only way they ever managed to get through a meal when Dionne was tiny – I said thanks a lot for not telling me about it sooner!

The other thing we have had to tackle in the last three months since I last wrote to you is those dreaded injections. Jacksons has got to the stage now, where he is really engaging with people – he is great at eye-contact and big, heart-warming smiles.

42 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

In the waiting room he was smiling away at two old ladies like he didn’t have a care in the world. I felt so cruel, knowing what was to come. I took him into the surgery and Jackson smiled at the nurses, who commented on how cute he was. Jaxs beamed some more.

As the nurse came towards him with the needle in her hand my heart just broke. Jaxs was all innocent wide eyes and happy gurgles – until the needle went in and then his voice broke into the most terrible wail.

It was like he was saying, ‘Why? Why! I’ve been so good and so happy, how could you do this to me?’

I was upset all day after that. And felt irrationally annoyed that Paul hadn’t come with me. I know that if I’d really asked him, told him how much I needed him there, he would have been happy to come. But I didn’t want to be a pain. Serves me right!

Meanwhile Jackson was out of sorts all day. I’d given him baby paracetamol, as directed, half an hour before his jabs, but this didn’t seem to have helped much. He was fractious and crying, I was fractious and crying, and when Paul got home at five (after a desperate text from me) he found me pacing up and down with Jaxs in my arms – the only way I could calm him. It was horrible.

So how am I doing? Thanks for asking. I’m okay, I think. Had my hair cut yesterday and it felt strange, sitting in a salon, chatting to the stylist who wanted to know all about Jackson. I guess it’s the most normal thing I’ve done in a while – and the first thing I’ve done in months that’s been just for me. But I didn’t like sitting in front of a mirror much – they had these full-length ones and I ask you: Who looks good in front of a mirror when they’re sitting down? Not a woman who’s just had a baby, that’s for sure!

So it has been a busy few months with, haircuts and routines and upto my eyes in poo! but Paul and I have got to the three month stage, not sure how but we have and I am proud of our little family and Jacksons putting weight on and is healthy despite my worries of stopping breastfeeding. He is doing just great and so am I. Till next time and how scary is this, Christmas it will be our first Christmas together as a proper family. Jacksons first Christmas, how amazing is that. All I need is a camera to take all those photos.

See you in Rascals third edition - cant believe how quick time is going.

X

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Rascals of London l September 2011 - 43

Cake Reviews Pure indulgence cakes for any occasion. They are made from the finest organic ingredients, baked with love and decorated with passion. If you have a special occasion from a wedding, birthday, anniversary or baby shower, let us design your dream cake with superb WOW finish.

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Over 50 cake flavours to choose from and all suitable for vegetarians. We also provide unforgettable children’s cookery parties in your home or hall make delicious home made cakes, biscuits, pizza and lots more… Why not let us come and run a cooking party for you? We travel to London, Essex & Herts. Why not book your next birthday party with us?

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Rascals Lemon Cake Reviews Luscious lemon cake. Yum yum! “Becky May“ I’m Blown away utterly amazing, take them away from me before I eat them all! “Helen” Whow these are amazing soft moist, melt in your mouth Devinne. “Naomi“

Rascals Carrot Cake Reviews

Look 10 taste 10 the best iv tasted where can we order more? “Guy”

Some of the most deliciously moist, squigey and light carrot cakes I have tasted! The glitter was a lovely touch. “Naomi“

Delicious lemon cake the best iv tasted, guess who will be supplying my cakes in the future. “Vince”

The cake was moist and of a sponge like texture. Some carrot cakes can be quite sickly and too sweet, this was just right and not too rich. “Gary”

Yum Beautiful highly recommend these cakes. “Sean”

Soft, light, subtle flavour, fruity, lightly spiced, moist and quite delicious! 10/10 if the presentation had been better. “Jenny” I can’t believe it’s non-dairy! This cake is moist, sweet, and delicious. “Chloe“ It was very moist and fluffy. The icing was very tasty and I liked the loaf shape. “Helen” The carrot cake has a perfectly moist texture, beautiful. “Kaz”

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Huge Thank you to our tasters down at social services who spent the time reviewing both cake companies.

44 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

A complete guide to our favourite family holiday of the year. Help your kids get into the spooky spirit with some fun facts, recipes, costumes ideas and much more.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 45

Note: Parental supervision is required to carve a pumpkin since a sharp knife needs to be used - do not attempt alone.

STEP 1

Choose a firm, ripe pumpkin. Any shape will do, whatever appeals to you. Make sure there are no bruised or rotten spots and the stalk is firmly attached.

STEP 2

Have an adult cut the top off the pumpkin using a sharp knife. Cut on an angle so when you put it back on the pumpkin it won’t fall through.

STEP 4

Either draw a face on your pumpkin or use a pumpkin pattern. You can attach your pattern to the pumpkin with straight pins. You can find many free patterns online.

STEP 6

Have an adult cut out the outlined areas with a sharp knife.

Be very careful doing this.

STEP 3

Scoop out all pumpkin seeds and ‘guts’. A soup ladle makes a good scoop. You can scrape off a layer inside the pumpkin to make smooth and ‘gunk’ free.

STEP 5

If you are using a pattern, poke a straight pin around the edges of the eyes, nose and mouth of the pattern through the paper into the pumpkin skin. When you have poked around all the part remove the pattern paper. The outline where you cut will be visible with tiny pin holes.

ST EP 7

Once you have your eyes, nose and mouth cut out check inside to make sure all seeds and pulp have been removed. Place a candle in the base of the pumpkin.

Tea light candles work well.

ESIGNS

D PUMPKIN

46 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Pumpkin Perfect Soup Ingredients: 2 kg Butternut Pumpkin Approx 500mls water 8 Slices of bacon 2 white onions 150mls sour cream 1 tsp chicken stock powder 30 grams butter 4 bread rolls

Method: First ask your parents to help cut the top off the pumpkin REMEMBER Knives and scissors are sharp ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP! 1. Firstly scoop out the seeds of the pumpkin, now cube the pumpkin into pieces approx 1.5cm x 1,5cm.

2. Next we need to finely chop a onion once again making sure we ask for help.

3. Now we can chop bacon into small squares.

4. Now time to use the oven, remember the oven is HOT HOT HOT! Heat butter in a large stock pot on a medium heat. Once sizzling ask your adult helper to add the bacon. Fry bacon for a few minutes, stirring constantly and then add the onion.

5. Next add the pumpkin ask your helper to stir.

6. Ok were going to need water for this next part so make sure the pumpkin is lightly covered.

7. Now sprinkle in stock powder and bring to the boil.

8. Reduce heat and simmer pumpkin until it is soft (approx 15 minutes).

9. Now ask your helper to remove from heat.

10. I like to have a very thick pumpkin soup, so will use a slotted spoon to remove pumpkin in batches, leaving some liquid behind.

11. Place batches of pumpkin into a jug and ask your helper to puree the contents.

12. Pour pureed mixture into a large bowl and begin pureeing another batch of pumpkin.

13. Continue this process until all the pumpkin has been pureed and you are happy with the consistency of your lovely soup.

14. Now all you need to do is empty any excess contents from the stock pot and return soup to the stove to heat through. Don’t forget your helpers guys we don’t want any burns.

15. Now to serve in a nice bowl and freshly warmed rolls lovely for that Halloween party or those cold chilly evenings.

Believe it or no t, there are yell ow, white , green, tan, red and blue pumpk ins, out there.

After planting, it takes a pumpk in approximatel y 90 to 120 da ys to mature.

Pumpkins are fr uit, not vegetabl es.

The y are actual ly 90% water an d are low in calories and hi gh in fiber.

The y are an ex cellent source of vitamins A & B. The bigg est pie on record was m ade in Februar 2006, in Ohio. y It w eighed over 20 00 pounds and required a mer e 900 pounds of pumpkin.

“Pumpkin” firs t appeared in th e 17th centur y when the Cinde rella fair y tale was written The y w ere once touted as a cure for freckles.

Pumpkin flow er s are edible.

Who won the skel eton beauty contest? Answer: No b ody

st say to the o h g e n o id d What er: Do you w s n A t? s o other gh ple? eo believe in p

Henry and I had great fun making this and we hope you did as well. Send us your photos and we will post them in our next edition and Don’t forget you always need a helper and it is dangerous to play with knives and scissors and that oven is HOT and can still be HOT even if turned off !

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 47

Halloween Safety: Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.

Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.

Carry a mobile phone and know how to reach a parent, and how to call 999 in an emergency, like if they get lost.

Have their full names and phone number attached to their costumes somewhere if they are too young to remember them.

Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them. Although the risk that your child’s Halloween sweets have been tampered with is extremely low, there is also the chance that his sweets are unwrapped or spoiled.

Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.

Want your kids to be the scariest (or cutest) on the block this Halloween?

Here’s how you can turn your little angels into little monsters.

Perfect Pumpkin 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Draw the outline of the pumpkin in red and use a damp, but not wet, triangular sponge to fill it in with orange. Blend the paint around the edges with a sponge to make it look rounded.

Outline the shape in brown with a paintbrush and draw in the vertical segment lines.

Ask your child to look upwards and line underneath in black with a paint brush. Then draw in two black triangles.

Use a paint brush to draw in a pumpkin smile – paint where the gaps in the teeth should be.

Finish off by painting in a green stalk on your child’s forehead, and some leaves if you are feeling artistic and confident.

Scary Skeleton 1.

2.

3.

4.

Apply a white base to your child’s face with a damp sponge.

Use a black brush to paint in the eye sockets, the hollows under the eyes and cheeks, the shape of the skull, nasal cavity and the outline of the teeth on the outside of your child’s lips. Then paint the teeth in white.

Use a fine brush to paint in cracks on the skull surface around the forehead and eye sockets.

For a really terrifying finishing touch, you could also paint your child’s eyelids in white, then draw in black eyeballs and red veins.

Wicked witch 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

48 - September 2011 2011 ll Rascals Rascalsof of London London

Lightly dab your child’s cheeks, eyebrows and chin with pink paint. The idea is to give the face a tinge, not a complete covering.

Use a fine brush to draw on black lines from the top of the nose to the forehead and outline the lips.

Add more curvy black lines to make spiders’ webs and draw in a spider.

Paint on white highlights for the webs, cheek and spider.

For easy star shapes, instead of trying to draw an outline, start with a circle and flick outwards to make sharp points.

Getting them dressed

to scare on Halloween Fancy Dress shops in London Angels Fancy Dress

Escapade

Carnival Store

Where: Shaftesbury Avenue London WC2H 8AE Tel: 0207 836 5678 Web: www.fancydress.com

Where: Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AJ Tel: 0207 485 7384 Web: www.escapade.co.uk

Where: Hammersmith Road London W14 0QH Tel: 0207 603 2918 Web: www.carnivalstore.co.uk

Madworld Fancy Dress

Party Superstores

Pantaloons

Where: Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BA Tel: 0207 253 1003 Web: www.madworldfancydress.com

Where: Lavendur Hill, Claphem London SW11 1LJ Tel: 0207 924 3210 Web: www.partysuperstores.co.uk

Where: Lupus Street, Pimlico London SW1V 3EN Tel: 0207 630 8330 Web: www.pantaloons.co.uk

Ghost Witch

Red Devil

Frankinstien

Pumpkin Witch

Vampire Skeleton

Here is a selection of great costumes for you to choose from Rascals of London l September 2011 - 49

Best

n e e w o l l Ha

Books

I’m Looking for a Monster

Ghosts in the House

By Timothy Young

By Kazuno Kohara

In this hilarious book, monsters are popping up all over the place.

Literally. It’s a pop-up book. A little boy is looking for the perfect monster. Not too scary. Not too big. “It should have horns…but not antlers.”

When a young girl goes to live in a magnificent, old house at the edge of town, she doesn’t seem at all worried to find that it is haunted by not one, but many, floaty white ghosts.

Tucker’s Spooky Halloween

The Skeleton By The Bay

Everyone Loves a Spooky Story

ery Tales of Myst and Magic ton

By Hugh Lup

By Leslie McGuirk

and orld of mystery w g in h itc w e b A ing elves you! Meet sing its a aw ic g a m s that feet; skeleton l a ic g a m h it w and a own accord; ir e th f o e v o m its a ird who outw b k c la b ic ro e h powerful king.

By Melissa M. Rounds

When Tucker was just a puppy, he dressed up as a cute little pumpkin for Halloween. Now that he’s all grown up, he’d rather be spooky than cute. Follow Tucker as he tries on countless cute costumes before finding THE ONE!

On one special night, only once a year when the kids all cry, “Halloween is here!” This very mysterious skeleton will rise, and travel for miles to go into town to see Halloween sights and hear Halloween sounds...

Can you see what I see?

Scaredy-Cat, Splat!

What Was I Scared of?

Where’s My Mummy?

By Walter Wick

By Rob Scotton

By Dr. Seuss

By Carolyn Crimi

On a scary, scary night, beneath a scary, scary moon, In a scary, scary town, in a scary, scary castle, up scary, scary stairs, in a scary, scary tower, In a, scary, scary cupboard, on a scary, scary shelf, In a scary, scary bottle - is a ghost!

It’s Halloween and Splat is determined to be the scariest cat in the class. Unfortunately he’s just too much of a scaredy-cat.

He’s afraid of a little spider, and everyone says his costume looks more silly than scary.

A frightening pair of empty pants is haunting a nervous little guy.

In the woods, fishing, and even riding a bike, the empty pants scare the fleeing narrator until a transformative encounter in a snide bush.

Little baby mummy is stalling at bedtime and wants just one more game of Hide-and-Shriek.

As the game gets underway, little baby mummy runs into Drac, Glob, Bones and other wacky creatures.

50 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 51

13th September

13th

Septemb er

13th September 2011 marks the sixth annual Roald Dahl Day, on what would have been the great man’s 95th birthday, with celebrations happening throughout September.

same day as Roalds actual bir thday.

Take Part in: Ce

EVENT

Follow that Peach to celebrate the 50th anniversary! lebrate Roald Dahl´s b at the R irthday This is an interactive, international campaign that invites oald Dah l´s Muse S t o ry um and Centre o children and adults all around the world to celebrate the n 18th S from 11a e p tember 50th anniversary of James and the Giant Peach. By sending m to 5pm , as part a swishw peaches to family and friends worldwide, we can help James of iffling

“keep the peach rolling!”

Go to www.followthatpeach.com for details on how to make your peach and send it around

the world, make sure you write a note and

your county (where you live) and send to family and friends around the world, Take a picture making sure the person you send

of you with your

it too does the same and make the Peach and send it to us

peach travel the world.

info@rascalsoflondon.co.uk we will print the best ones in our Christmas edition.

52 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

series of events th at will t ake place eve ry weeken d througho ut Septembe r.

Discover Children’s Story Centre Discover Children’s Story Centre is a place where children (aged 0-11) and their families can enjoy playing, learning and making up stories together. There is lots to explore with an indoor story trail that includes a secret cave, trip trap bridge, puppet theatre, dressing up and lots of stories to listen to. Run out into the garden and explore a spacecraft, pirate ship, mammoth musical instruments and a monster with a slide for a tongue!

Discover’s current exhibition (on until April 2012) is WELCOME TO MONSTERVILLE – a monster town created by top children’s illustrators Sarah McIntyre, Ed Vere and Neal Layton which includes a Beauty and the Beast Parlour, The Tiniest Monster Picture House in the World, Monster Gallery and Lolliplops cafe.

This season is also packed with gloriously grotesque stories every weekend and monster magic throughout the school holidays. During the summer holidays we are open every day for monster hunts, hands full of slime and stacks of your favourite stinky monster stories.

d reet, Stratfor 387 High St 338 e: er h W 36 5555 Tel: 020 85 g.uk .discover.or Web: www .org.uk er ov sc ings@di Email: book

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 53

Teacup Piggies Sure to be a huge hit with the girls.

Price: From £4.99 Web: www.tomy .co.uk

t f

!

Monopoly Revolution Electronic sounds and music can be turned on and off just listen out for that jail door slamming.

Price: £14.63 Web: www.myschleich.co.uk

Eggbods ap heads and Cleverly allow you to sw craze. d bodies. Great playgroun Price: £7.00 m Web: www.hamleys.co

Smurf Figurines from Schleich After the Smurf Movie hit these figures are a must have for any Smurf or Smurfet.

Price: £19.99 Web: www.notonthehighstreet.com

54 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

ZingZillas Big Zing Guitar Have fun strumming along to the Big Zing at home with this fun Zingzillas guitar. Play acoustic, bass or electric guitar. Includes 2 songs from the show plus the theme tune and fun character phrases.

Price: £22.99 Web: www.elc.co.uk

Moon Dough Barn mould it!

Hours of fun, Squish it, shape it, and which rial mate Moon Sand is a cool modeling again. and n agai used never dries out, it can be Price: £19.97 Web: www.toysrus.co.uk

Justin Bieber Doll

LeapPad A new multi-functional, child friendly learning tablet from LeapFrog featuring a built-in camera and video recorder, microphone and motion based gameplay with over 100 games and apps including interactive e-books, videos, an art/animation studio and more.

Doll sports one of Justin Bieber’s outfits that he wore in the music videos, Plays a 30-second clip of the hit song “One Less Lonely Girl” Includes a microphone accessory and mini fan magazine.

Price: £44.99 Web: www.tadshoppe.co.uk

Price: £79.99 Web: www.smythstoys.com

Cars 2 Lightning McQueen Atlas Let your children take a tour around the world from the comfort of their home with the Lightning McQueen Atlas! With six adventurous activities, touch sensitive hotspots and a big Lightning McQueen button, your child will stay entertained as he/she learns basic geography.

Price: £18.00 Web: www.disneystore.co.uk

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 55

Disabled Friendly

Places to Visit in the City Markfield Centre

The Log Cabin Markfield is a community centre promoting rights, independence, choice and inclusion for disabled people and their families.

Children with disabilities want and deserve the same opportunities to play as their peers. At the Log Cabin they experience exactly that, children are encouraged to explore and experiment at their own pace, with the emphasis placed on their abilities.

They run a range of after school clubs and holiday playschemes for disabled children and their siblings, aged 5 to 19 years.

Where: Markfield Road, Markfield.

Tel: 0208 800 4134 Web: www.markfieldproject.co.uk

Where: Northfield Avenue, Ealing.

Tel: 0208 840 3400 Web: www.logcabinuk.org

Lee Valley Riding Centre

If you know of any great places across the city which offer superior facilities for disabled people please let us know by emailing us at: info@rascalsoflondon.co.uk

Set in the heart of East London, in the green surroundings of Lee Valley Regional Park, Lee Valley Riding Centre caters for beginners and experienced riders in a friendly environment.

London Zoo

In partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association, providing riding lessons for children with disabilities. There’s full wheelchair access and the centre has a ramp and hoist to assist riders with limited mobility to mount horses.

Most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties. Manual and electronic wheelchairs are available at the main entrance. There is ramp access to most buildings, the paths are generally tarmacked, and toilets throughout the Zoo include disabled facilities.

Where: Lea Bridge Road, Leyton.

Tel: 0208 556 2629 Web: www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Where: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park.

Tel: 0844 225 1826 Web: www.zsl.org

56 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

London Eye London Eye has full disabled access, this includes a ramp and walkway which incorporates the ticket hall, toilet facilities and Costa Coffee.

The Eye itself also has full disabled access. Disabled guests may board at the base of the Eye on Queen’s Walk where the access ramps are located. Members of staff will always be on hand to assist guests (if required).

All paying disabled guests can bring a carer free of charge and can use the fast track service provided.

Where: Westminster Bridge Road.

Tel: 0871 222 0188 Web: www.londoneye.com

LEGOLAND Windsor is an exciting place with thrills and fun for the whole family.

LEGOLAND Windsor is a theme park dedicated to children aged 3-12 years old.

An inspirational land where the kids are the hero. It’s a family attraction like no other - where the fun never stops and imagination knows no bounds. With over 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland; LEGOLAND Windsor is a unique family theme park.

Legoland Windsor has been designed with the needs of guests with disabilities firmly in mind. Risk assessments and policies are reviewed annually to ensure the park remains as accessible as possible. Wheelchair users may remain within their chair on the following rides and attractions: Aero nomad, Orient Expedition, Digger challenge, Hill train, Enchanted forest, Lokis Labyrinth and X-Box 360 Gaming zone.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the advertised show time and make yourself known to the ushers. There is an Exit Pass Policy on many rides which has been designed to assist guests who do not understand the concept of queuing, have difficulties with everyday social interaction, have limited capacity to follow instructions, to understand other emotional feelings or expressions and may become agitated or distressed having to wait for periods of time.

A free ticket is available for disabled carers when documentation is provided Dogs are allowed but not on rides First aid centre is situated in LEGO city Toilets are fully accessible

EVENT

10th 11th S eptember

A fantastic show featur ing the ever popu lar Monster Trucks in th e Special Ev ents Arena as supe r machines an d awesome vehi cles return.

Atlantis

Submarine Voyage

Now Open!

Scooby -Doo Fireworks

-

The Curse Of The Lake Monster 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th October 5th November Help Scooby-Doo and the Gang in a whole host of weird and wonderful activities as they search for clues, follow the trail and discover the legend of the Lake Monster.

Have fun in The Mystery Mansion walk in the haunted house, take part in the Scooby-Doo and the Gang Character Hunt, learn how to make Swamp Slime, then round off the day with a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 57

p o T s l asca

k r o Fireswplays Di London

R

s

acros

Battersea Park Display

The Enfield Display

Saturday 5th November - 8pm

Saturday 5th November - 7:30pm

Promising something special for visitors of all ages, lighting up the skies of Battersea Park with a dazzling show. Expect huge crowds on the night in one of London’s biggest and most popular annual events. A licensed bar is also on the premises.

Put on by the Enfield Scouts and is a great family-friendly affair that continues to be a traditional must for anyone in the area. The whole event kicks off in Enfield Town Park.

Cost: Adults £6.00, Children £4.00

Cost: Adults £10.00, under 10´s go free

Walthamstow Display Carshalton Display Saturday 5th November - 7pm

Make the most of the tradition of gazing upwards at the colourful pyrotechnics lighting up the cold autumnal sky and pay a visit to the park’s bonfire if you need to warm up.

Cost: Entry fees apply, under 5´s go free

The Blackheath Display Saturday 5th November - 8pm

Something special for 2011, one of the most anticipated London fireworks displays each year, a truly dazzling display.

Cost: Free

Ealing Cricket Club Display

Saturday 5th November - 8pm The Walthamstow fireworks display takes place at Chestnut Showground (behind Walthamstow Town Hall) Children and families can enjoy fun fair rides and other events.

Cost: Entry fees apply, under 5’s go free

The Richmond Display Sunday 6th November - 7:30pm This year’s Richmond fireworks display will be a traditional affair, boasting a programme of family friendly entertainment. Alongside the fireworks there’ll be mulled wine, a very tasty hog roast, a bonfire and funfair rides for kids. And if it rains then fret not, they have a big covered stand to keep you dry.

Cost: Adults £10.00, Children £5.00

Saturday 5th November - 8pm

If you like your firework displays to be dramatic and set to some rousing music, then head to the Ealing Cricket Club for a fantastic night. The fireworks will be accompanied by some very exciting rock music which will no doubt set the colourful displays off a treat.

Cost: Adults £6.00, Children £4.00

Scooby-Doo Display, Legoland Saturday 5th November - 8pm Round off your day at Legoland with a spectacular fireworks display in the evening, there’s fun galore and something for everyone!

Cost: Yet to be confirmed

For up to date information about these firework displays please visit: www.viewlondon.co.uk

58 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

11th September

Happy Grandparents Day When I think of grandparents I often think of old people sitting by a warm fire in their rocking chair with their slippers on sipping sherry. Grandparents are great cooks and make lovely home baked cakes for little church fairs.

Grandfathers are proud men who smoke pipes. They look after the garden and grow their own vegetables. They spend their time reading very large news papers.

Grandmothers spend their days washing granddads clothes, baking and making granddads tea, before sitting down for a well earned cuppa.

Now fast forward several decades and meet the grandparents of 2011. They text and they send emails. They speak to their grandchildren via Skype and they are in the know about the children’s latest rage.

The Day Care Trust report that there are 14 million grandparents in the UK. With one in two grandparents, having grandchildren by the time they are 54. The majority of children that are under six have living grandparents, half even have great-grandparents.

According to a survey by the Early Learning Centre, on average children see their grandparents at least once a week. These grandparents are wealthier, healthier and more technologically savvy than ever before. A study

by Oxford University and the Institute of Education, found that grandparents who are involved with their grandchildren’s upbringing, also contribute to their wellbeing.

So what’s the trick? Well, it’s not that grandparents are younger than those of previous generations, but that they seem younger. Jackie Highe, author of The Modern Grandparents Guide 2009, suggests that in the old days, grandparents tended to hand over the reins once their children, had children and “sort of settled down into nothingness”. Today grandparents are having none of that, preferring to take an active part in their grandchildren’s lives.

“Grandparents are the only ones who can pass on traditional pastimes and knowledge to another generation,”.

However, Ground rules are important. Note to parents: don’t take advantage of your parents.

Note to grandparents: know when to step back; your children may not always appreciate your advice.

But it’s not about spoiling your grandchildren rotten or being their slave. “It’s about devotion, mutual trust, you being there for them and them knowing this.”

So what are the special skills that grandparents offer? Well first of all, children love to hear family folklore, whether it’s about their greatgrandfather’s eleven siblings or the adventurous brother who was killed by a grizzly bear in Regents Park. “A grandparent is, after all, a link in the human chain that reaches back through centuries,” The link gives us our background, our heritage and, we now understand, our genes.”

Grandparents make our parents who they are today and they make us who we are and we make our children who they are its just one big chain, but grandparents are truly special to all of us and we should cherish them and that’s why on this one day of the year we can celebrate our Grandparents and our children can celebrate their grandparents.

Grandparents are also the ideal people to pass on traditional skills – cooking from scratch, simple carpentry, sewing and knitting – all the canny accomplishments that are back in vogue in these credit-crunching times.

And of course, part of the fun of going to the grandparents’ house should be the thrill of doing things that are taboo at home.

Climbing trees in the back garden was one of my personal favourites at my own grandparents house.

My grandparents and my great-great grandmother who is now 100 years old are a huge part of my life, our family now has five generations, myself and my son couldn’t be without our grandparents we really have learnt so much.

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 59

Save it for a Rainy Day As summer turns to autumn and the days get cooler and, yes, even wetter, you may dread the challenge of entertaining your young children. When you’ve exhausted soft play, swimming and trips to museums (and the money they all cost!), it’s time to get creative and keep them busy at home.

First of all, you need to think ahead:

Collect things Put a large cardboard box out of reach and use it to collect materials for your rainy day activities. Don’t throw anything away! Shoe-boxes, toilet-roll holders, scraps of tin foil, wrapping paper, bottle tops, leaves, buttons, shells and stones – use your imagination! Grown ups’ junk is children’s treasure.

Take turns Parents can take turns too! Offer to host a couple of your children’s friends and suggest rotating each week so all of the parents get a day to relax, go shopping or get all those irritating chores done, happy in the knowledge that your little ones are having a great time.

Have fun!

Let your inner child run wild. When did you last do finger painting, potato printing or build a crazy collage? So much of our time is taken up with the mundane or the stressful activities involved in keeping a house running or holding down a job. Why not indulge in some therapeutic messy play?

So, you’ve collected your materials and paint-proofed the house. The sky’s the limit.

Be guided by your children or suggest a challenge. Dinosaurs, space rockets, elephants or aeroplanes will all get them cutting, sticking, painting and constructing with great excitement. Don’t expect to see the resemblance between your child’s creation and the fairy castle they claim it to be.

You can be sure your little artists will be delighted as much by the process of making things as the end product.

Here are a few cheap, rainy day ideas taken directly from the hugely successful Tea Dance for Little People where pre-school children experience a unique approach to physical and creative development led by

specially trained artists, dancers and musicians. Unlike other cafes, at this one, jumping on the sofas is positively encouraged! Swing by and let Sally and her team of artists do all the hard work or easily replicate some of these ideas at home:

Tea Parties Ask your children to invite their very best soft toys to a tea party. Spread a large blanket on the floor and let them serve imaginary cakes and tea to their guests.

Tea Leaf decorating Blob the glue in patterns on coloured paper, tin foil or cardboard, sprinkle all over and shake off the excess. Tea leaves are a lot easier to sweep up than glitter and are natural and safe to play with, however young the children.

Make believe Turn your sofa into a shipwreck and use your cushions to get to Treasure Island.

Your children will be so caught up in their make-believe world, you might have time to whip up a few pirate sandwiches and treat them to some chocolate gold coins!

What is Tea Dance for Little People?

Tea Dance for Little People is a social enterprise that offers parents and carers of young children a relaxed escape from routine in a quality cafe, serving excellent fresh salads, sandwiches, cakes and, of course, tea and coffee.

The cafe’s theme changes regularly so no two visits are the same. Meticulous planning, a creative approach to frugal resources and incredible generosity of many volunteers have helped transform the cafe from living room to beach overnight!

To find out more about Tea Dance for Little People, its outreach programmes, methodology, ethos or even its birthday parties. Visit: www.tdlp.co.uk or contact Sally at: info@tdlp.co.uk

60 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

A Wish for Megan

A loving mother´s story

Megan was initially diagnosed with Spina Bifida while I was just 14 weeks pregnant as a result of the Triple Test (a combined blood test and ultra sound). Within a week the results were returned with a higher than normal hormone level which could have been the result of a multiple pregnancy or Spina Bifida. While at work one Monday afternoon I received a phone call to let me know this information. My world stopped and I couldn’t get an appointment to see a consultant until the following Friday, which seemed a lifetime away.

An ultrasound performed by a consultant at our local hospital confirmed there was an opening in my baby’s spine, which appeared as a black gap along the spine. We were also told the corpus colossum was not the normal shape, there was a part of the brain missing and the hands were clawed. Within the space of four weeks we had gone from elation to what felt at the time like the collapse of our world.

The following week we attended an appointment at UCH (University College Hospital) for an ultrasound to confirm the extent of the condition.

The wait for the appointment seemed to last forever and when our turn finally came I was an absolute nervous wreck. After the ultrasound we spoke with the consultant who saw no reason why our baby could not lead a fairly normal life, albeit from a wheelchair. As we left the hospital we discussed our babies future and agreed that even a perfectly healthy child could have something awful happen to them and need to live their life in a wheelchair, you wouldn’t love them or want them any less. For the first time since that fateful phone call things were starting to look positive.

Our beautiful baby girl Megan was born at 00:10 on 26th March 2008 (10 minutes after Daddy’s birthday) by emergency caesarean and was transferred straight to SCBU. The following day she was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in preparation for her first operation, to close her spinal column and cover the nerves that had been exposed and damaged while in the womb.

There is no cure for Spina Bifida and every case is different, because no two people have the same collection of nerves exposed. In general though all Spina Bifida sufferers will experience a lack of sensation and control in their legs and bladder and/or bowel problems. To date Megan has had a further operation on her bladder to reduce the risk of kidney infection. For the first 14 months Megan was frequently in hospital, but this operation was a complete success.

Shortly after Megan’s birth we took her to a local pediatric consultant who informed us that she would be unable to sit independently, would probably be unable to crawl and would rely on her wheelchair. BUT, although later than most children Megan did learn to sit independently and began to commando crawl pulling herself forward with her elbows. Slowly over time she began to gain strength and slowly progressed to crawling on her hands and knees, a huge achievement. Shortly after this time Megan was joined by a baby sister Imogen. As Imogen began to learn to crawl Megan’s progression sped up as she tried to keep up with her younger sister. Imogen learnt to cruise around the furniture and inspired Megan to start copying. To our delight Megan started to pull herself into the standing position resting on her knees, something we never thought she would be capable of.

During this time we were working closely with Megan’s local pediatric physiotherapist who had provided her with a wheelchair. While Megan was still a baby we were told that at the age of 3 she would be using a self propelling wheelchair. I remember looking at my husband thinking that was very ambitious, but by the age of 2 and a half Megan was propelling herself in a manual wheelchair, pulling herself up the furniture and was even attempting to climb stairs.

Today Megan is working towards walking with the aid of leg and a collator walking frame.

However due to NHS politics and problems with funding Megan has had to wait for over 9 months for these braces, delaying her progress by a year. It is for this reason that we decided to start raising money to purchase the equipment she needs when she needs it. Within the space of four weeks Megan has began to learn to walk with these aids and is leading a life we did not even dare dream of for her. We couldn’t be more proud of her and the amazing thing is she takes everything in her stride (literally now) and just gets on with being herself and smashing any goals that are set for her.

will be joined by a baby brother who will bring a whole new dynamic to the family. Megan is constantly asking if I am okay and desperately wants the baby to arrive so that she can feed him.

An item of equipment that we have always wanted for Megan is a lightweight wheelchair specifically made for Megan and her needs.

Currently Megan is borrowing an NHS chair, which is lent to any child of the right size regardless of their needs or abilities. We have trialled a chair which came with a quotation of £3,400!!! Fund raising kicked into overdrive then. Once Megan turns 5 she will require a sports wheelchair again with a similar price tag.

We want to give Megan the same opportunities as her friends, but without money to purchase such things the doors are closed to her.

Having her wheelchair has made Megan so much more independent and is able to freely move around wherever she likes. With this independence Megan loves nothing more than a social event and has been very involved in all the fundraisers we have held for her so far, including selling reindeer food at her pre-school over the Christmas period and even making Christmas cards to sell, she was guest of Honour and completely spoilt at a Race Night held at our local social club to raise funds for her and even got up on stage with me to make a speech at our latest fundraising event with the author Adele Parks. She has also been hard at work making bracelets which we have been selling to friends and family and at all our events.

There is nothing Megan can’t do and even has ambitions to dance one day. No one can predict what the future holds for Megan, she has already proved so many people wrong and as her parents we want to keep encouraging her to progress and develop the skills we were told would never be possible, but we know that in order to achieve that we need to be able to purchase any equipment she needs at the time she needs it.

We are constantly looking for new supporters, new ideas and support from anyone and everyone that might be able to help us. We have a website www.awishformegan.yolasite.com where as much as possible we keep everyone up to date about Megan’s progress, recent fundraisers, future events and photos. People cam also email us directly at awishformegan@yahoo.com

Megan is a real character and has a knack of stealing the hearts of everyone she meets. She loves meeting new people and even enjoys her trips to the hospitals viewing her consultants and physio’s as friends. Her best friend without doubt is her little sister Imogen who is now 17 months and has been such a huge inspiration and great motivation to Megan, and shortly they

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 61

Advertising - Rascals of London

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Get in touch to: ~ Try our products ~ Host a home Tasting ~ ~ Fundraising events & stalls ~ ~ or even Become a consultant! ~ Nicola Blake - Contacts - Laura Virgoe 07702 648633 07775 728830 nicblake@mysecretkitchen.co.uk lauravirgoe@mysecretkitchen.co.uk

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62 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Advertising - Rascals of London

HAPPYSPACES.CO.UK IS THE ONLINE SHOP TO BUY COLOURFUL, FUN & FUNKY WALL ART Featuring exclusive art by acclaimed artists from every corner of the style sphere, our canvas & fine ar t prints are guaranteed to look fabulous in any child’s room.

Enter special offer code: RASCALS at checkout for 10% off.

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Rascals of London l September 2011 - 63

Directory & Services Classes

Private schools

Day Nurseries

Art Barn

Ashton House School

2 Steps Day Nursery

Tel: 0796 049 6481

Tel: 0208 560 3902

Tel: 0774 703 1582

Baby Sensory

Bassett House

A Perfect Start

Tel: 0759 437 1664

Tel: 0208 969 0313

Tel: 0208 902 6231

Baby Yoga

Channing Junior School

Ackroyd Community Nursery

Tel: 0208 342 9862

Tel: 0208 291 4933

Tel: 0783 417 0485

Chepstow House

Boogie Babies

Tel: 0207 243 0243

Asquith Battersea Day Nursery

Tel: 0208 968 1900

Baby Sensory

Tel: 0796 049 8208

Bright Sparks Tel: 0203 194 3178

Buzy Beez Tel: 07903 813 618

Catch a Ball Tel: 0208 398 3034

Caterpillar Music

Devonshire House Prep School

Tel: 0175 320 1122

Tel: 0207 435 1916

Tel: 0208 695 9959

Dallington School

Blossoms Day Nursery

Tel: 0207 251 2284

Tel: 0208 760 0540

Eaton House School

Blue House Day Nursery and Preschool

Tel: 0207 924 6000

Eaton Square School

Blooming Kidz

Little Leo’s Nursery Tel: 0208 211 3119

Mary Poppins Day Nursery Tel: 0170 872 2800

Matilda Day Nursery Tel: 0207 480 6396

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Tel: 0208 538 3999

Indoor Play Adventure Playzone Tel: 0208 539 8343

Bramleys Tel: 0208 960 1515

Eddie Catz Tel: 0845 201 1268

Tel: 0208 681 7579

Funky Monkeys Tel: 0208 814 2167

Tel: 0208 693 9731

Tel: 0207 931 9469 ‎

Bluebell Nursery

Chatterbabies

Falkner House

Tel: 0208 566 7876

It’s a Kid’s Thing

Carlton Hill Community Nursery

Tel: 0208 739 0909

Tel: 0207 624 3814

Tel: 0208 444 1338

Dicky Birds - Surbiton

Toddlers World

Tel: 0208 942 5779

Tel: 0208 527 5431

Dreammaker Day Nursery

Tumble in the Jungle

Tel: 0207 480 7166

Tel: 0870 626 0710

Tel: 0780 115 1968

Tel: 0207 373 4501

Childrens play room

Francis Holland School

Tel: 0207 639 1812

Tel: 0207 730 2971

Crafty Tales

Garden House School

Tel: 0781 059 6342

Tel: 0207 730 1652

Culture Kids

Hall School

Tel: 0781 844 0771

Tel: 0207 722 1700

Dance Stars

Heathfield School GDST, Pinner

Tel: 0775 374 8819

Digswell Toddler Group

Tel: 0208 364 6876

Boo!

Green Gables

Tel: 0207 287 9090

Tel: 0207 488 2374

Creative Biscuit

Hillyfields Day nursey

Tel: 0208 532 2824

Tel: 0208 694 1069

Creation Station

Jackanory

Tel: 0844 854 9085

Tel: 0784 917 1524

Fait Maison

Jelli Tots Nursery

Tel: 0208 222 8755

Tel: 0208 451 5477

Lila’s Party

Jigsaw Day Nursery

Tel: 0772 232 0862

Tel: 0208 646 6075

Nutty

Keiki Day Care Nursery

Tel: 0788 405 0954

Tel: 0208 340 3841

Perform Parties

Kiddi Caru Day Nursery

Tel: 0845 400 4000

Tel: 0208 679 4009

The Action Station

Little Angels

Tel: 0870 770 2705

Tel: 0208 457 5200

Tel: 0207 274 8333

The Little Things

Wetherby School

Little Elves Montessori Nursery School

Tel: 0142 487 0398

Tel: 0792 176 1835

Tel: 0208 670 0644

Discover - Story Making Centre

Knightsbridge School

Tel: 0208 340 9196

Tel: 0208 536 5555

Tel: 0207 590 9000

Jo Jingles

Lloyd Williamson Schools - Telford Road

Tel: 0208 445 8889

Kids Play Cafe Tel: 0208 655 1583

Latino Bambino Tel: 0796 183 8349

Monkey Music Tel: 0208 438 0189

Tumble Tots Tel: 0121 585 7003

Toy Library Tel: 0207 231 3755

Footprints Playgroup Tel: 020 8305 0520

West London Tots Tel: 07939 070 773

Parties Before Baby

Highgate Pre-Preparatory

Kids@N20

Tel: 0208 566 4774

Goldstar Montessori Nursery

Tel: 0208 868 2346

Tel: 0143 871 4893

Tel: 0149 477 8989

Giggles & Wiggles

Little Dinosaurs

Tel: 0208 962 0345

La Choutte School Tel: 0755 702 9255

L’Ecole Des Petits Tel: 0207 371 8350

London Christian School Tel: 0203 130 6430

Notting Hill Prep Tel: 0207 221 0727

The King Alfred Lower School

Tel: 0207 727 9581

Yesodey Hatorah School Tel: 0208 800 8612

Little Herberts Day Nursery Tel: 0208 316 7203

64 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Tel: 0207 183 6756

Tin Pan Annie Violet and Lily Tel: 0208 946 2353

Directory & Services Half Term Camps

Photography

Health Centres

Shops

Active Sport:

Ada

Victoria Medical center

Bambinos

Tel: 0115 973 1676

Tel: 0208 525 1444

Tel: 0207 834 2298

Tel: 0207 733 4838

Advanturous Muslim Summer Camp

Bravo Post

Waterloo Health Center

Biff

Tel: 0207 287 7811

Tel: 0207 928 4049

Tel: 0208 299 0911

Tel: 0207 252 0509

Clare Breheny

Birdhurst Medical Practice

Blue Daisy

Tel: 0797 375 3636

Tel: 0208 686 2070

Tel: 0207 681 4144

Garnham Photography

Bloomsbury Street Surgery

Boots

Tel: 0771 194 1208

Tel: 0207 837 8559

Tel: 0207 409 2982

Little Lookers

East Barnet health centre

Bonpoint

Tel: 0779 395 3610

Tel: 0208 440 1251

Tel: 0207 792 2515

Lomography

St James Medical center

Caramel

Tel: 0207 434 1466

Tel: 0208 684 5353

Tel: 0207 589 7001

Magic Rainbow

Killick Street health centre

Early Learning Centre

Tel: 0794 638 0581

Tel: 0207 833 9939

Tel: 0207 581 5764

Murphy James

Mitchison Road surgery

Hamleys

Tel: 0207 278 4770

Tel: 0207 226 6016

Tel: 0871 704 1977

Silverprint

The London General Practice

Easy 2 Name Lables

Tel: 0207 935 1000

Just Williams Toys

Allsorts Tel: 0208 969 3249

Camp Beaumont Tel: 0126 382 3000

Crazee Kids Tel: 0208 444 5333

Creative Wiz Kids Tel: 0207 794 6797

Cross Keys Tel: 0208 371 9686

Hampstead Dyslexia Clinic Tel: 0208 455 5107

Fit For Sport Ltd Tel: 0845 456 3233

FZY

Tel: 0207 620 0844

White Todd Tel: 0207 734 9070

Tel: 0208 201 6661

CityDoc

Tel: 0203 538 6798 ‎

Tel: 0207 256 8668

Let Me Play

Yoga/Fitness

Tel: 0208 735 5379

Beez Kneez

Tel: 0208 807 1888

Jewellery Summer school

Tel: 0208 354 1583

Willow House Surgery

Tel: 0203 176 0546

Egoist Body Studios

Tel: 0208 363 0472

Jonathan Markson Tennis

Tel: 0785 092 7523

The James Wigg Practice

Tel: 0207 603 2422

Good Vibes

Tel: 0203 317 2000

Kids Theatre week

Tel: 0207 240 6111

Clein Dr Lewis

Tel: 0207 557 6799

Light Centre Belgravia

Tel: 0207 580 8356

Little Actors Summer School

Tel: 0207 881 0728

Tel: 0800 389 6184

Tel: 0208 354 1583

Birthing Babies

Me and My Baby Clinic

Tel: 0779 685 0016

Little Kickers Tel: 0193 242 9602

London Childrens Ballet Tel: 0208 969 1555

Music Makers Tel: 0142 565 4819

Stage Coach Tel: 0193 225 4333

Super Camps Tel: 0123 583 2222

React Drama Workshops Tel: 0208 366 1623

Days Made Easier Tel: 0208 201 7072

Allsorts Drama Tel: 0208 969 3249

all4kids Tel: 0787 625 4691

Play five aside Tel: 0203 432 9584

Mama Sambo

Dover House Surgery

Birth Hypnosis

Pregnancy Yoga

Tel: 0774 707 5340

Tel: 0207 483 3344

Gas & Air

Yoga & Pilates London

Tel: 0797 425 3461

Pares Footwear Tel: 0208 297 0785

Please Mum Tel: 0207 486 1380

Tel: 0796 856 6396 Tel: 0777 542 5301

Tel: 0208 923 6452

Mybabyclass

Yoga College of London

Tel: 0781 260 4405

Tel: 0207 373 7070

The Summit

Baby Massage and Yoga

Tel: 0208 340 4040

Ralph Lauren Tel: 0207 590 7990

Roobub&Custard Tel: 0779 645 1513

Rykiel Tel: 0207 493 5255

Small Print Tel: 0208 567 7871

Tel: 0758 206 9378

Portland Hospital

Mum-me-time

Tel: 0207 580 4400

Tel: 0798 145 6470

Tel: 0207 235 7737 Tel: 0207 243 0535

Yoganess Yoga4Birth

Petite Ange Pom D Api

Gilly Keith Antenatal Inspiring Births

Tel: 0207 731 4706

Tel: 0207 247 4949

Tel: 0207 735 2177 Tel: 0795 668 1796

Mimmo

Oh Baby London

The Life Centre Triyoga

Tel: 0208 653 6635

Tel: 0152 254 8811

Tel: 0794 976 4105 Tel: 0208 875 1065

Mush Kids ltd

Mummy & Little Me

Calm Birth Calm Baby Cupcake

Tel: 0207 838 1111

Tel: 0207 581 5764

Tel: 0795 829 6647 Tel: 0207 221 4602

Marie-Chatal

Mother Care

Antenatal

Tel: 0207 751 4170

Tel: 0163 529 8326

The Cross Tel: 0207 727 6760 ‎

Trotters Tel: 0207 259 9620

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 65

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Advertise with Us In time for the Christmas rush!

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Call us on: Or email Natasha at: 07514852648 natasha@rascalsoflondon.co.uk 66 - September 2011 l Rascals of London

Advertising - Rascals of London

SAVE 50% UP TO

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Terms and Conditions: *Save up to 50% during Spring and Autumn, up to 35% during June and Early July and up to 30% during School and Bank Holiday periods (offer applicable to 2011 and 2012 dates and current brochure prices only). Please note, School Holiday dates vary by Local Education Authority, check before booking. **’FROM’ price example correct at time of going to print and subject to change. £89 ‘from’ price is based on a family of up to 6 people sharing a Standard 2 bedroom Self-Catering Holiday Home, for a 4 night midweek (Mon to Fri) break at Golden Sands, Lincolnshire on 15 October 2012 and includes saving.

Offer applies to new direct bookings only and cannot be booked through a Travel Agent, an affiliate or on any Haven Park. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with vouchers or any other discount or offer. Offer applies to selected Parks, grades of accommodation and dates in 2011 and 2012. Offer is subject to promotional rate availability and Haven Holidays reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time. Full Haven Terms and Conditions apply, please call or go online for details. Offer ends and holidays must be booked by 31 October 2011. Bourne Leisure Limited is registered in England, no 04011660. 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. 49953/MS

49953 PROM [182x261] Rascals of London.indd 1

26/07/2011 13:41

Rascals of London l September 2011 - 67

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68 - September 2011 l Rascals of London