1. family and parenting
2. children

ISSUE NO. 135
ESTABLISHED 1996
EE
FR
DECEMBER 2011
®
www.familiesse.co.uk
south east london
YES, I can touch-type
Touch-typing taught in just 10 hours
Book for Pre-Christmas Intensive Courses
"$")'((#&'%
With proper tuition children can learn to touch-type
surprisingly quickly and, what’s more, enjoy the whole
experience.
■ Improved speed and effectiveness in study.
■ Well presented work increases self-esteem.
■ There are particular benefits for those with
dyslexia or dyspraxia.
Also booking for Saturday classes.
To find out more call:
020 8858 9180
YES Tuition and Training, The Station Building,
187 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8JA.
www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk
THE TREE’S up and twinkling, the cats are twitching their noses at thought
of turkey offcuts so hooray - here comes Christmas...
We would like to give a BIG thank you to the wonderful advertisers who
support Families through the year. Without them, there would be no
magazine - please support them too! Also to the many shops, nurseries,
schools, cafes and more who ensure that there are copies to read every
month - thank you, too (I can feel a group hug coming on). We wish you
all joy, peace and smiles for Christmas and the new year.
Robina Cowan, editor
IN THIS ISSUE
2-3 Local News and Views
Festive fun for little ones, Greenwich as a top destination,
card aid for charities, therapy for children, and the best
local shops in southeast London
4-5 Great Gifts Guide
Inspired ideas for the whole family, at stocking-filler prices
6 Education News
Your chance to rate your child’s school, Streatham girls go
fundraising, how reading buddies are supporting each
other, resources for dyslexics, and Blue Elephant brings
drama to Southwark schoolchildren
7 Olley’s Fish Experience
A family lunch at Herne Hill’s renowned restaurant “where fish is taken seriously”
8 Books for Christmas
Justine Crow’s recommendations for bookworms and
people who just love sharing a picture book
(that’s all of us, then)
9-14 What’s On
Holiday workshops, pantos, ice rinks and festive events,
all rounded up to put a smile on everyone’s face
15 The Dos and Don’ts of Christmas
One mother’s advice on making it a less-stress Christmas
so you’ll remember the laughter and love, come January
16 Mothers Mean Business
Showcasing Home and Kids - a fabulous shop in
Hither Green
17 Christmas Windows
Luca and Maya show your children how to get that stained
glass look to decorate your windows
18-19 What’s New
Useful information and products to make your life a
little easier
20 The Back Page
Local businesses in southeast London
Front cover: Family wardrobe all from Heatons,
www.heatonsstores.com
Next issue: Next issue out
Friday 13 January 2012 (eek).
Copy deadline w/c 19 December
LocalNews
email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk
children
Activities for
Funky Monkey opens new classes
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are expanding their
south London centres from March 2012, adding a new
venue just ten minutes from Herne Hill.
Funky Monkey run exciting and creative electronic
keyboard classes, where 5-8 year-olds learn to read
and write music, and master the keyboard. A relaxed,
fun approach ensures maximum enjoyment with lively
games, composition and first-rate music tuition. Perfect for younger children who are not quite ready for
the piano.
The upcoming venue is in Clapham/ Stockwell SW4,
joining the classes already running in Blackheath,
Herne Hill, Dulwich and Streatham. For more
information, call 0800 107 7949, email mail@funkymonkey.info or visit
www.funkymonkey.info.
Countdown to Christmas
Christmas fun for little ones is spreading all across southeast London, and here
are some highlights:
• There’ll be a Santa’s grotto at LWS Cafe, 46-48 Westow Street in Crystal
Palace, from noon to 2pm on Sunday 11 December, 020 8653 4011,
lwscharity@gmail.com
• Tea Dance for Little People are hosting breakfast with Santa and an
alternative grotto from 18-22 December, plus afternoon parties featuring a
good old-fashioned dance-off with Santa and his Head Elf. Book first 106 Endwell Road, Brockley SE4, 0781 717 6018, info@tdlp.co.uk.
• At the Diddi Dance Christmas party, little visitors can
enjoy some high energy dancing, with refreshments
and a visit from Santa. 17 December at Mycenae
House in Blackheath - book first on 07973 982 790,
info@diddidance.com.
• Theatre Tots are staging The Dinosaurs’ Christmas a Christmas show just for under six year-olds. 13 and
18 December in Greenwich and Hither Green - see
our What’s On listings for details.
• For traditional, “he’s behind you” panto fun, how about Jack and the
Beanstalk at the Broadway Theatre in Catford? Tickets for some
performances are available for a credit crunch £10. 020 8690 0002,
www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk.
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Families South East
PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB
020 8699 7240 www.familiesse.co.uk
editor@familiesse.co.uk
®
Where are we?
Everywhere in
southeast London!
© Families South East. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the
publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers
nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families South East
is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South
West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and
operated under licence.
2
families south east - december 2011
Go Greenwich!
Frommer’s travel guide has listed Greenwich as one of the top ten global
destinations for 2012.
In January, Greenwich will become a Royal Borough, before going on to host
a total of 34 events in nine sports during the London Olympic and Paralympic
Games.
It will also be the year in which the Cutty Sark is restored to its former
splendour in the heart of Greenwich’s town centre.
A cultural festival will animate the borough’s streets and open spaces,
attracting thousands more visitors and taking place before, during and after
the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes the Greenwich Festivals, a
series of high-quality events which celebrate the cultural vibrancy of Greenwich.
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Christmas shopping - right up your street
Not long to go now (oh - the excitement). If you have some gaps in
your ‘to buy’ list (don’t forget Uncle Jack, and the nephews/ nieces and
cousins who were all born since last year), you need a friendly, local
shopkeeper to inspire you. Here are our favourites:
GORGEOUS GIFTS
TOYS and GAMES
Alhambra Home & Garden
148 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26, 020 3417 6385,
www.alhambrahome.co.uk
Aqua Lifestyle
1b Calton Avenue, Dulwich SE21,
020 8693 9222
Bunka
4 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill SE23,
020 8291 4499
Dulwich Trader
9 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21,
020 8761 3457
Juliette’s Handmade World
3 Belvedere Road, Crystal Palace SE19,
open Fridays to Sundays, 07545 955 532
Jumping Bean
45 Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill SE23,
020 8314 4747
Jumping Bean
47 High Street Beckenham BR3, 020 8650 5889
Home and Kids
37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13,
020 8244 0172, www.homeandkids.co.uk
Moe’s Potting Shed
109 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich SE21,
020 8761 2600
Smash Bang Wallop
40 Westow Street,
Crystal Palace SE19, 020 8771 5517
South of the River
56 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19,
020 8653 1669
.
2nd Impressions
10 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3,
020 8852 6192
Art Stationers and Toyshop
31 Dulwich Village SE21, 020 8693 5938
Beckenham Toyshop
226 High Street, Beckenham BR3,
020 8650 5355
Choc-a-Block Toys
5 Nelson Road, Greenwich SE10 9JB,
020 8616 3308
Education Interactive
10 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13,
020 8318 6380
Green Baby
52 Greenwich Church Street SE10,
020 8858 6690
Just Williams
105 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22,
020 8299 3444
Just Williams
18 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24,
020 7733 9995
Ottie and the Bea
12 Old Dover Road,
Blackheath Royal Standard SE3,
020 8465 5318
Soup Dragon
106 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich SE22,
020 8693 5575
BOOKSHOPS
Beckenham Bookshop
42 High Street, Beckenham BR3,
020 8650 9744
Bookseller Crow
50 Westow Street, Crystal Palace SE19,
020 8771 8831
Dulwich Books
3 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE19,
020 8670 1920
Kirkdale Bookshop
272 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26,
020 8778 4701
Review
131 Bellenden Road, Peckham SE15, 020
7639 7400
Tales on Moon Lane
25 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill SE24,
020 7274 5759
Village Books
1d Calton Avenue, Dulwich Village SE21,
020 8693 2808
Challenging children
10th annual Scrooge Award
The TLC team from King’s College London are
conducting a programme aimed at helping parents
manage children’s challenging behaviours,
including aggression, disobedience and tantrums.
The team are looking for families with three to
eight year-olds who experience these difficulties.
Eligible families who wish to participate will
receive free, non-medication-based treatment by
working one-on-one with a therapist in six weekly
1-2 hour sessions at the Denmark Hill campus of
King’s College London. They will be reimbursed
for their time.
By participating in an assessment before and
after treatment, the families will help the team
evaluate the effectiveness of this programme.
The programme will run until January 2013. To
find out more or ask about eligibility, call Jenny Allen
on 020 7848 0756 or Kim McGregor on 020 7848
5836; or email tlc@kcl.ac.uk.
Every year the Charities Advisory Trust surveys high street retailers to see who is using charity to help boost
sales but actually giving very little to charity.
Charity cards used to be an important way of earning money for charities. People bought them cards to
show their friends that they were caring, decent people. However there is no legislation to control the
amount going to charity - companies can give as little as 2% and still label the card as a charity card.
The good news is that years of campaigning by the
Charities Advisory Trust has successfully pushed
the donation to a minimum of 10% for many cards
on the high street, while some such as John Lewis,
Paperchase and Debenhams are giving more.
For the maximum donation (40-60%), buy
your cards through Card Aid shops, online at
www.cardaid.co.uk, or direct from charity shops.
This White Christmas card is from Card Aid
and as they say: “Never say it’s just a Christmas
card - just one pack pays for two weeks
schooling in Africa.”
For the full ‘scrooge’ report, go to
www.charitiesadvisorytrust.org.uk.
Family Legal Services
To arrange an initial free consultation please ring
020 8858 6971
Friendly, professional legal advice
Email family@grantsaw.co.uk Visit www.grantsaw.com
Norman House, 110-114 Norman Road, Greenwich, SE10 9EH
Find us just around the corner from Greenwich train & DLR stations
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december 2011 - families south east
3
The great gift guide:
Underneath the Christmas tree
Our pick of interesting, quirky and fun gifts at stocking filler prices
Under £30
Hang a Eureka Toys Illuminated Moon on your
wall, and use the remote control to scroll through
12 authentic lunar phases. A fascinating
educational toy or a nightlight with a difference you choose. Rrp £29.99 from toyshops including
Choc-a-Block in Greenwich, Just William in East
Dulwich and Herne Hill, and online.
Bounce around the Christmas tree before lunch on
a HappyHooperz sit-on reindeer. £21.99 from
Argos, Amazon and happyhopperz.co.uk.
Delightfully retro wooden Pull Along Frog - watch
him hop up and down. £23 from coxandcox.co.uk.
Go on - you looked and squeaked a big “Aaah” didn’t you. Handmade Snowdrop baby hat,
arrives gift boxed. Baby not included! £20.95,
CobWebKnits, 0560 163 2530, cobwebknits.co.uk.
Victorian Maid costume for girls aged 3-11. How
very Downton Abbey - maybe she’ll make the beds
for you... £25.50 from Kiddymania, 01455 615804,
kiddymania.co.uk.
Under £20
A knitted T-Rex £12.99 - one of many knitted and crocheted toys, vegetables
and donuts from Alhambra on Kirkdale, Sydenham and alhambra.home.co.uk.
Snuggle up in a pair of Gruffalo pyjamas, in blue or pink, £17 from Biff in
Dulwich Village, biffkids.co.uk.
Up Up and Away fabric stickers to personalise notebooks, lunchboxes,
laptops, mobile phones and more. £14, part of an extensive range of mini and
wall stickers by By Love Mae, from Quick Brown Fox of Dulwich, 01206 272 051,
quickbrownfoxofdulwich.co.uk.
Our favourite landmarks from Big Ben to the London Eye via Number 10 all in a bag. London Play Set £14.50 from coxandcox.co.uk, 0844 858 0744.
You’ve bought every book Justine recommends - now stop them toppling
over. Folly bookends in three designs, £18.95 each from follyhome.co.uk or
01455 631984.
Keep out the ccc-cold with fake fur earmuffs from £12 or hat from £13, both
from Vertaubet, 0844 842 0000, vertbaudet.co.uk.
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families south east - december 2011
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Alhambra
Home & Garden
148 Kirkdale, London SE26 4BB
Unique
Christmas gifts for
adults and kids,
plus Spanish rugs,
tiles, food and
cookware.
Special Offer
Shopping Night
Friday 2 December
6pm-9pm
Under £10
Distinguish your child’s scooter from the others lined up in
the park with a Scootrix personalised number plate, rrp
£9.99 from retailers including Home and Kids in Hither
Green, John Lewis and micro-scooters.co.uk.
Personalised LEGO brick key rings instantly name school
bags, coats - or keys. £3.50 from labels4kids.com/fam.
020 3417 6385
www.alhambrahome.co.uk
A box of Carddies is filled with 12 double-sided, hand drawn
characters, colouring pencils and a colour-in backdrop to
create a play scene. Choose from different themes, £8.99
each, carddies.com.
Is it a bird? Yes. It’s also a stylish way to seal bags, display
pictures and keep things together. Coated steel Peter & Paul
Bird clips, gift wrapped and sold in pairs, £9.95 from
carolinemcgrath.co.uk.
A Routemaster mug is a jolly way to enjoy that morning cuppa
before braving the morning commute. £6.95 arrives boxed
with a brief history of the iconic London bus, dieselfrog.com,
01625 419884.
Classic beech wood rattle to shake and chew, £5.99 from
Tippitoes, 0845 600 8595, tippitoes.com.
Dressed in a Baby Reindeer Suit, everyone will want to hold
your little one while you get on with the sprouts. £8, F&F at
Tesco, 0800 505555, tesco.com.
inspirational ideas...
flexible solutions
gardening tutorials
garden design • planting plans
Tel: 020 8289 8086 or 0777 6237288
www.plewsgardendesign.co.uk
Fourway Pharmacy
12 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London SE24 9HU
• Moltex, Nature, Bambo and
Tushies eco-friendly nappies
• Buggiboards
• Baby passport photos
• Green toiletries, homeopathy,
aromatherapy
• Friendly and free health advice
Special offer!
Free pack of eco-friendly nappies when
renting a TENS machine for labour!
Roger Humbles MRPharmS
020 7924 9344
e mail: fourway@npanet.co.uk
wwww.fourwaypharmacy.co.uk
Toasty feet with Claw Slippers, £12 F&F and Tesco, 0800
505555, tesco.com
Protect your Blackberry or iPhone with a gel-style Jelly Belly
case. Scented with Bubblegum, Very Cherry, Blueberry, Top
Banana, Green Apple, Wild Blackberry, French Vanilla, Liquorice
or Grape, £15.99 at Carphone Warehouse.
The outlook's gloomy but the view is brighter through a Stick it
Window Clock. Arrives as a kit and sticks to any smooth glass
or metal surface, £17.50 from coxandcox.co.uk, 0844 858 0744.
When generations gather for Christmas, the family stories come
out. The new Which? Tracing Your Family’s History has
step-by-step instructions and practical tips for tracing your family
history, and creating your own family tree using the CD-Rom
which is included. Rrp £12.99 from bookshops or
which.co.uk/books, 01992 822800.
There’s a moose in the hoos! A selection of hand-carved,
wooden pull-along toys, £19 from unikgifts.co.uk
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december 2011 - families south east
5
Education through art
Education news
Rating your child’s
school
Ofsted is giving parents the
chance to air views anonymously
on their child’s school.
An online questionnaire asks
parents to give opinions on 12 different
statements, ranging from “my child is happy at
this school” to “my child receives appropriate
homework for their age”, and “this school deals
effectively with bullying”. It also asks if parents
would recommend their child’s school to another
parent.
Those completing the questionnaire are asked
to say how strongly they agree or disagree with the
statements, and visitors will be able to look at the
responses for each question for individual schools.
Ofsted chair Baroness Sally Morgan said:
“Parents can already look at league tables to
find out a school’s exam results, but you can’t
necessarily find out really how behaviour is in a
school and you can’t really find out about the
leadership in a school.” She suggested that the
site will be used by parents looking for more
information when they are deciding which school
to send their child to, and by Ofsted when
considering when and whether a school should
be inspected.”
Read more or post comments at
www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk.
Reading buddy scheme
Schools which run ‘reading buddy’ schemes have
seen massive benefits for each child, as well as the
school community in general.
The scheme is run by the National Literacy Trust,
which offers members the resources they need to
set up and pair their own reading buddies. For
more information and a free extract from the
resource, go to www.literacytrust.org.uk.
Actor Tim Lewis, who is
currently starring in The
Railway Children at
Waterloo Station, has
joined Camberwell-based
Blue Elephant Theatre as
their Children’s Patron.
Education and
Development Director
Stuart Cox said: “We are
delighted as Tim is a great role model for young
people, lives in our area and has performed in two
of the most high profile shows for young people
staged in the last five years.”
This is at a really positive time for the Blue
Elephant as one of the primary schools they have
been working with on a regular basis for two years
is just about to announce their best ever OFSTED
inspection. Keyworth primary school in Walworth
has really embraced arts as a way of enhancing
children’s education and has really been a partner
to the Blue Elephant Theatre.
The Blue Elephant is an essential community
resource (nurturing talent and academic ability as
well as offering the opportunity to explore choices
in life). It runs free Saturday drama classes to
Southwark children; a Speak Out project which
takes professional actors into secondary schools;
interactive Forum Theatre performances. For
more information or to offer support, go to
www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk/education.
Let me learn
If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia or dyscalculia, you may be looking to support your child at
home.
Sue Kerrigan is dyslexic and a teacher. She helps children overcome their learning difficulties in maths
and literacy with magnetic fun and memorable learning, and aims “to make the most boring learning fun and
memorable.”
Sue is the founder of Let Me Learn, where she shares her teaching ideas and resources, including a free
newsletter, Dyslexia Playbook and numerous worksheets which cover kinaesthetic and visual learning. Further memory cards, literacy games and revision aids are available to buy. Interested parents and teachers
can find out more at www.letmelearn.co.uk.
Charity aces
Clapham-based charity Ace of Clubs recently
received a welcome donation of £500, thanks to
a fundraising drive organised by Streatham &
Clapham High Junior School.
The four to eleven year old pupils worked hard
in their spare time making cakes, organizing
second-hand book sales, making beds, dusting
and hoovering ñ and even clearing dog mess!
Ace of Clubs helps many members of
society: rough sleepers, those in temporary
accommodation, the lonely, those with mental
health problems, people with addictions and the
elderly. The charity provides meals, welfare and
benefits advice, help with form filling and making
telephone calls, support, encouragement and most
importantly a safe place to be during the day every
day of the year.
The Junior School’s Head, Liz Astley,
commented: “We are delighted that our girls think
so much about others. The energy and enthusiasm
they have put into their fundraising this term has
been fantastic”.
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families south east - december 2011
1 in 5 children ‘has special educational needs’
A new report shows that the number of children diagnosed with special needs has risen by 10 per cent in
the past five years, amid concerns that schools are ‘playing the system’ to disguise poor exam results.
According to the Department for Education, around 1.7m schoolchildren in England, which is more than
1 in 5, have been diagnosed with special educational needs and suffer from behavioural problems, learning
difficulties or physical disabilities. A report published this winter by the Department concluded that both boys
and children from the most deprived backgrounds were more likely to be classified special needs than any
other group.
The study also underlined the link between special needs and poor examination results, with only one-fifth
of children with special needs leaving school with five good GCSEs. Ofsted is concerned that up to half of
children were wrongly labelled ‘special needs’ as a way to mask inadequate teaching, and that “higher
expectations of all children” would lead to an actual drop in the number being diagnosed.
As a result, the government has proposed an overhaul of the system, with ministers trialling the reforms in
a number of locations.
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By Jen Brammer
It can sometimes be tricky to find a local restaurant
that serves good food for all the family to enjoy - as
well as entertaining the kids. As a first timer at the
famous Olley’s in Herne Hill, I must say I was very
impressed.
We went for my birthday treat, and as I have been
watching the calories, I must admit the thought of
fish and chips was a bit worrying - until we browsed
the menu.
She shall have a fishie
(on a little dishie)
Too hungry to wait for Tim to arrive, my daughter
Lana and I pitched straight into sharing some
starters. I can never choose one thing, so was
delighted with the Seafood Platter: a tasty selection
of prawns, bite-size coddies, scampi and calamari
(which I think is always a risk - but it was delicious,
with crisp, light batter and succulent fish). Not bad
for only £4.95.
Cooking up a treat
Choosing a main dish was a bit more tricky however
- so much choice! There are 20 fish to choose from,
or a celeb inspired combo if you’d rather follow in
the footstep of Cilla Black or perhaps James
Nesbitt? All the fish are prepared steamed, grilled or
fried and either with a paste or garnish,
which was a welcome surprise. The
selection of sides was perfect, from broccoli,
spinach and Mediterranean veg to all the usual
suspects of chips, mushy peas and pea fritters
(which I couldn’t resist).
I opted for the steamed hake with a spring onion
and ginger garnish, and Tim chose the fried halibut
with chips and Mediterranean vegetables. Lana
enjoyed the coddies as a starter so chose these
for her main, and at £4.50 for coddie, chips and
a drink, it was really good value.
We’ll be back
Our lunch was amazing - we all thoroughly enjoyed
it, and were far too full for a desert - Olley’s do not
scrimp on portion size! Next time we’ll leave more
room, or perhaps go for the ‘small appetite’ option.
Lana really enjoyed colouring her picture and for
a three year-old, you can never underestimate the
popularity of a balloon. So thanks Olley’s for making
my birthday special. It was great to discover that
fish and chips doesn’t always have to be unhealthy we’ll definitely be back soon.
About Olley’s
Billed as the place “where fish is taken seriously”,
Olley’s has been winning awards for over 20 years.
All of the fish is responsibly sourced from
sustainable stocks and includes lemon sole,
cod, plaice, salmon, halibut and skate, all cooked to
order and served grilled or steamed with a side
order and a smile.
Along with an extensive a la carte selection and
well-priced wine list, there are Mussels & Chips and
Small Appetite specials for £5.50 each, and the
£4.50 children’s menu which includes free ice cream
and a balloon.
Olley’s has a takeaway menu, and also delivers
fish and chips to school quiz nights, children’s
parties and fundraising events.
The restaurant is open from 12noon-3pm and
5-10pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, and noon-3pm and
5-9.30pm at 65-69 Norwood Road (opposite
Brockwell Park), Herne Hill SE24 9AA. For bookings,
call 020 8671 5665. For menus, more reviews and
online bookings, go to www.olleys.info.
The original and largest network of part-time
performing arts schools in the world.
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Nurturing and developing young people’s
potential through dance, drama and singing.
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Blackheath 020 8417 0010
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Beckenham 020 3394 0810
Dulwich 0845 055 63 68
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Sydenham 020 8949 1116
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december 2011 - families south east
7
The Bookseller Crow
is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.
Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse
at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.
SO IT’S THAT time of year again when I eye the car warily and wonder how the
heck we are going to fit all five of us in plus presents and warm coats and still find
enough room for a tube of Pringles to sustain us on our festive family tour of
Britain. If last year we resembled a tightly sprung game of Buckeroo, this year we’ll
be more like refugee tuk-tuk, with our youngest having grown another foot and half
in the last two months poking out of the top like a cheeky periscope. He of course
is thrilled because for the first time ever he is taller than his torturer, Trasha. She
meanwhile, omitted to consider in her lifetime game-plan that she might just have
inherited the small hairy Crow gene that comes with an incredibly low bottom, thus
finding that not only will she never be able to reach that final packet of fig rolls in
Sainsbury’s - this I know - but also that, with a decade of torment for him to
avenge, her tyrannical authority over her brother has ended.
A ZEAL OF ZEBRAS created by Woop Studios - Chronicle
Books rrp £11.99. Thank goodness I own a bookshop. Thus,
the presents slotted hither and thither amidst the elbows and
scowls and overwhelming resentment on the journey will be
flat and robust, including this salivatingly beautiful set of prints
arranged as an alphabetical homage to collective nouns
starting with the poignant ‘aurora’ of polar bears through an
‘implausibility’ of gnus to the final ‘zeal’ in the title. Oh yes,
it will be a murder of Christmas Crows in that car, make no
mistake.
L IS FOR LONDON is a charming stocking filler by Harriet
Rowe, Hogs Back Books, rrp £6.99, beginning with a neat
skyline, it zips through an ABC that features cricket and
double-deckers and Eros, all the way to Victoria
Embankment and, natch, one very famous Zoo.
PIP & POSY, The Scary Monster by Axel Sheffler - Nosy
Crow rrp £7.99. Always slightly suspicious as to where this
relatively recent publisher got its name, it nonetheless has a
big cheese on its payroll with this terrifically simple autumnal
tale about dressing up. I remember him in the days before
a certain Gruffalo. He’s still his own saucer-eyed rabbit.
CHARLES DICKENS, Scenes From an Ordinary Life by Mick
Manning & Brita Granstrom - Frances Lincoln rrp £12.99.
These two specialise in the non-fiction picture book, ensuring
that their historical subjects are really engaging, through the
use of narrative and very more-ish illustrations. Cue indignant
bellowing at the very temerity of the idea: “More?”
THE WOMBLES by Elizabeth Beresford - Bloomsbury rrp
£14.99. There has never, ever been a time without them as far
as I’m concerned. They were there when my last little sister
was born and I wanted to name her after a real place, just like
a womble, though curiously my mum didn’t call her Purley as
I’d hoped. Then they were on the telly in that Clangers slot
with miraculous stop-mo animation that really did wrap windy
newspapers around a baffled Bungo, and they were there
with polystyrene guitars through my Top of the Pops days
when novelty records infected every chart countdown like a
nasty rash. They were even present in France this year when
we drove up from Bordeaux and I exclaimed at a road sign:
“Cholay! So that’s where Madame comes from!” This
splendid illustrated edition comes with a CD read by wobbly bike trumpet fanfare - Bernard Cribbins himself. Who
has also always, always been there.
THE BORROWERS AND THE BORROWERS AFIELD by
Mary Norton - Orion rrp £7.99. This attractive new volume of
the first two tales about Pod, Homily and Arrietty is briefly
spoilt with the sticker on the front informing us that it is ‘2
books in 1’ as if we are only capable of understanding
anything if it is presented to us as a bargain. And what is
the point of using Diana Stanley’s wonderful dust jacket
that clearly references both titles only to blemish it with
something so naff?
THE POP UP BOOK OF POO - Walker Books rrp £8.99.
Ostensibly designed for the somewhat younger relative, this
will be popular with any male in your house under forty.
Meanwhile, I note the recent fad for not crediting the author
on the cover of some non-fiction books. I had to grub around
to discover that the myriad ephemera and related science
delivered in many very entertaining movements, was written
by Gaby Goldsack and illustrated by Ian Dicks. Dismissing
those responsible for the hard work is bad manners on the
publisher’s part. Like leaving the loo seat up, it is either clatty
or thoughtless or lazy. Or all three.
100 PAPER PLANES TO FLY, Usborne rrp £7.99, doesn’t
have any authors on the cover either (did it just magically
appear out of nowhere?), just page after page of colourful
designs to cut out, fold and fly. Designed by Hannah Ahmed
and Brian Voakes (I did my homework), it is the ideal stocking
filler so you can look forward to ducking a volley of flights
from various family members throughout Christmas Day.
THE NOT FOR PARENTS TRAVEL BOOK - Lonely Planet
rrp £14.99. Ah. There it is on the inside cover at least, by
Michael Dubois, Katri Hilden and Jane Price. Aping the iconic
book of records and full of global facts no doubt aimed at
that lucrative market, it is nonetheless rather thrilling to visit
every country in the world without leaving the sofa.
NELSON by various - Blank Slate Books rrp £18.99. This is
a superb present for anyone who likes graphic novels.
Containing just the tiniest hint of how’s-yer-father, it is a
fantastic collaboration of artists including our favourite Gary
Northfield of Derek the Sheep fame, Posy Simmonds and the
great Hunt Emerson who all contribute a page to tell the life
story of Nel Baker thus far, and importantly, profits go to
Shelter. And boy, are they going to need ‘em this Christmas.
More stocking fillers now, this time for the tall, elegant ones
in your life that came without the low-bum gene: LITTLE
DICTIONARY OF FASHION, V & A rrp £9.99, HOW TO
DRESS FOR SUCCESS and ABC OF FASHION, same
stable and rrp. All cloth bound and well-cut (as opposed to
my half cut, haha), boasting pedigree authorship in Christian
Dior, Edith Head, Joe Hyams and Hardie Amies, not only are
they useful but they are also rather lovely objets.
THE ENGLISH VILLAGE by Martin Wainwright - O’Mara rrp
£9.99. If you are stuck for ideas, here’s a clever gift. Without
ever going too deeply into the mud, the history and traditions
of the rural hub marking our countryside like so many drawing
pins on green baize, are chewed over from the perspective of
its quintessential constituents such as the ‘big house’, the
pub, the church and even the pond. As a townie that loves
the country, it made me hanker after whiff of wood-smoke,
a pint, a walk in the fresh air, though that could just be the
prospect of that ruddy Christmas car journey.
THE BEE-KIND GARDEN by David Squire - Green Books rrp
£9.95. Promising apian wisdom for all horticultural pursuits, it
strikes me that this is a fine catch-all gift too. As a passing rep
dryly commented, everyone wants to publish a book that can
be sold ‘off the counter’, and this one ticks all the right clichés
in that regard blending advice, definition, drawing and ditties
as palatably smoothly and sweetly as, well, honey.
THE TWELVE KNITS OF CHRISTMAS by Fiona Goble Ivy Press rrp £9.99. For me knitting is alchemy; enchanted
coloured string bewitched by clicking sticks. The delightful
revival of knitting things, as well as clothes, takes me right
back to a childhood spent in church halls, browsing the lavvy
roll dolls and sprayed pine cones for pocket-money presents
that would go on to gather dust. These days we appreciate
the wit of artistry far more. I’ve got an Arran cardi that the
mother-in-law made that literally stops the traffic. Doesn’t
matter that I’m no longer (hah, like I once was) gorgeous,
people hang out of cars to ask where I got it from - they
wolf-whistle my woolly!
For all the moaning, the kids have been pretty philosophical
about presents this year. Where once the boy would scribble
a list for Santa featuring only global sports logos, and
Trasha would hand us a heavily annotated Argos catalogue
(including rowing machine and Rolex), now they are just so
pleased we will be with all the family, grandma could knit
them a cuddly iPhone each and they’d be happy. If she
could knit me a quiet life I’d be happier. Right, time to load
that car. Merry Christmas!
The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF
Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk
8
families south east - december 2011
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
NARNIA WITH PERFORM
MONKEY MUSIC CHRISTMAS
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE
CRAFTY COOKS CHRISTMAS CLUB
What’sOn
See our online listings for MORE activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What’s On
Holiday Workshops
TO NARNIA WITH PERFORM
19-21 December, St STEPHEN’S MILLENNIUM HALL, Dulwich SE21,
0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk
Perform are looking for a new Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund and
magical friends to travel through the wardrobe, on an adventure based
on ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’.
Exclusively for 4-8 year olds, Perform Winter Experiences are
specially designed to encourage creativity and boost confidence
and communication skills. Children make new friends, stretch their
imaginations and enjoy plenty of fun and laughter as they go on an
adventure of a lifetime. The children will battle with the White Witch,
cheer on Aslan the Lion and discover the wonders of Narnia, preparing
for a thrilling performance for family and friends on the last day.
INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING COURSE
19-23 December, YES TUITION and Training, The Station Building,
187 Greenwich High Road SE10 8HA, 020 8858 9180,
www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk
Learn a new skill during the Christmas break with a touch typing courses
run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are
tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Termtime classes also
available.
MONKEY MUSIC CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAY CLASSES
VARIOUS VENUES, 020 8764 5185, www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Hour-long Christmas musical fun and entertainment in the holidays for
children from 3 months - 7 years. All your Monkey Music favourites plus
original catchy Christmassy songs. Classes will be held at local venues
where old, new and current pupils alike will all receive a warm welcome.
Call Rebecca to book or ask about term time classes.
SOUTH LONDON YOUTH
ORCHESTRA
19+21 December, JASSPA at James Alleyn’s School, Townley Road
SE22, 020 8613 6444, www.jasspa.org.uk
Three days of music for beginner strings to grade 8+ instrumentalists.
The players will finish with a Christmas programme of pieces by Rossini
and Tchaikovsky. Ages 8-19.
CRAFTY COOKS CHRISTMAS CLUB
20+21 December, RUBARB and CUSTARD CAFE, 164 Manor Lane,
Hither Green SE12, 020 8297 9541, 07811 108523,
www.craftycooks.co.uk
Drop off the children and they can make lots of Christmas goodies to
take home while you get some last minute wrapping done! The children
will make Christmas recipes including stained glass biscuits, Christmas
pudding cakes and decorations. Ages 4-11 years, 9.30am-1pm each
day, £30 for one day, £50 for two includes lunch.
THEATREBUGS CHRISTMAS
WORKSHOP
21+22 December, QUAKER MEETING ROOM, Lawn Terrace,
Blackheath SE3LL, 020 8244 2036, www.theatrebugs.co.uk
Have some festive fun with Theatrebugs Greenwich this Christmas by
joining them for one or two days of drama, dance, music, arts and crafts.
Each session runs from 9.30am-12.30pm and is suitable for 31⁄2 to 8 yearolds. One day £26, both days £48 includes a festive snack and drink.
Day 1: The magical sparkling star is missing from the top of the
Christmas tree - where is it? And what’s that grumpy fairy doing there?
Day 2: Someone has stolen all the Christmas Stockings from Toytown whoever could it be? Surely not silly billy Mr. Fox? Maybe the boys and
girls will know the answer.
SOANE COLLECTION WORKSHOPS
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB,
020 7440 4263, www.soane.org
Develop a skill or explore Soane’s treasures with specialist guidance.
Workshops are suitable for children aged 7+, and run either for whole
or half days. £12 half days, £20 whole days, book first.
AWESOME EGYPTIAN AMULETS, 21 December. Touch real Egyptian
artefacts and explore the Museum to find more, armed with only a torch
and your wits! Learn how to write your name or a magic spell in hieroglyphs and make your own amulet inspired by ancient Egyptian designs.
Half day workshop.
DECK THE HALLS, 22 December. Create your own festive decorations
inspired by the light and colours in Sir John Soane’s house. Half day
workshop.
PICTURE ROOM CALENDAR, 29 December. Make a calendar to give
yourself the best start for the New Year, taking inspiration from Soane’s
Picture Room. Whole day workshop.
SIMPLE SOANE SKETCHBOOKS, 30 December. Like any good
architect, Soane kept notebooks and sketchbooks all his life. See
some of Soane’s original books and then make your own, with a
beautifully-decorated cover. Half day workshop.
GALLERY TEA COSIES
28 + 29 December, DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road SE21
7AD, 020 8299 8710, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Help celebrate the Gallery’s 200th birthday by creating a handmade tea
cosy in the shape of the Gallery. Artist Erica Parrett will show children
how to make felt using colourful wool and learn simple stitch techniques.
Ages 6-8 10.30am-12.30pm, ages 9-11 2.30-4.30pm, £18 for both days,
book first.
Shows, Pantos and Christmas Music
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF
EDWARD TULANE
5-21 December, THEATRE PECKHAM, Havil Street SE5 7SD,
020 7708 5401, www.theatrepeckham.co.uk
The story of a lost china rabbit and his extraordinary journey, Edward
Tulane shows that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to
love, to lose, and to love again.
This adaptation of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate
DiCamillo is a magical Christmas story with music, brought to life by a
cast of professional actors. Children as young as five from the Theatre
Peckham workshops play Edward, his owner Abilene and other roles.
Many London schools are part of the “Power of Reading” project and
Edward Tulane is on the syllabus, so parents can support their children’s
literacy as well as having a great family Christmas treat. Theatre
Peckham delivers one of southeast London’s must-see professional
theatre shows each Christmas at affordable prices and this year is no
exception. Ages 5+, tickets £5 children, £8 adults, £22 families;
discounts for schools.
THE DINOSAURS’ FIRST CHRISTMAS
13 December, PISTACHIOS CAFE, East Greenwich, and 18 December,
PISTACHIOS CAFE, Hither Green, 0780 1072776, www.theatretots.com
Joe the time traveller has been given the job of dancing back in time to
give the dinosaurs their first Christmas. It turns out to be the best journey
he has ever made... Theatre Tot’s Christmas show is suitable for under
six year-olds. Both performances 4pm, tickets £10 children, £8 siblings,
book first.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Until 12 February 2012, CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, 32 Earlham Street
WC2, 0844 412 4652, www.matildaathemusical.com
Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic comes alive in this brand new musical.
Tired of being teased by her couch potato parents and horrible teacher
Miss Trunchball, little Matilda discovers that she has a very special gift
and sets out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Tickets from £15.
THE SOOTY CHRISTMAS SHOW
13-31 December, GARRICK THEATRE, 2 Charing Cross Road, London
WC2H 0HH, 0844 412 4662, www.nimaxtheatres.com
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
where’s
Father
Christmas?
We’ve found him in grottos in and
around London and you can too!
Hop onto
www.familiesse.co.uk
for our special listings
The nation’s favourite magical teddy bear returns to the West End this
Christmas, to take centre stage in a charming winter treat packed full of
giggles. The all new Sooty Christmas Show features TV host Richard
Cadell and the inexhaustible trio of Sooty, Sweep and Soo.
The show also features the world’s greatest ringmaster, Norman
Barrett and his performing budgies, alongside iconic Sooty Show
characters Butch the bull dog and Ramsbottom the snake.
The show opens as Sooty, Sweep, Soo and Richard are getting ready
for their Christmas Party. Sooty is having a few problems rehearsing his
magic show, while Sweep’s Christmas cake is a recipe for disaster. Poor
little Soo just can’t decide which dress to wear. Luckily Uncle Norman
drops by to lend a hand assisted by his amazing troupe of performing
budgies! Plus Father Christmas flies in to deliver a present for every
child in the theatre to take home. Tickets from £12.50.
BOING!
13-31 December, Lilian Baylis Studio, SADLER’S WELLS, Rosebery
Avenue EC1R 4TN, 0844 412 1300, www.sadlerswells.com
In collaboration with Champloo Dance Company, Travelling Light and
Bristol Old Vic have created an energetic and enchanting piece of
dance theatre combining comedy, acrobatics and breakdance. Set
on Christmas Eve, Boing! captures the delirious excitement of waiting
for Santa to arrive on the most magical night of the year. Tickets £7
children, £12 adults.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC: THE
NUTCRACKER
13+26 December, LONDON COLISEUM, 33 St Martin’s Lane,
London WC2, 0871 911 0200, www.eno.org
The English National Ballet’s sumptuous production includes two family
friendly performances, when under 5s will be welcome.
On an enchanted Christmas Eve, under the heavy boughs of the
candlelit tree, Clara battles with the Mouse King and falls in love with a
handsome stranger. As the air grows colder and snowflakes begin to
fall, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across
the frost-dusted London skyline from the glistening Land of Snow. Her
fantastical journey continues as dancers from all over the world leap out
of a magical puppet theatre and the Mouse King is finally vanquished.
The full season runs from 8 December to 15 January. Tickets from £10.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
14 December, Richard Hoggart Building, GOLDSMITHS UNIVERSITY
OF LONDON, Lewisham Way SE14 6NW, 020 7919 7171,
www.gold.ac.uk
december 2011 - families south east
9
THE DINOSAURS’ FIRST CHRISTMAS
THE SOOTY CHRISTMAS SHOW
THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER
MoreWhat’sOn
Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
THE SNOWMAN
Join in with the Christmas music, presented by Goldsmiths’ Chamber
Choir and vocal group. 6.30pm start, free but book first.
KING’S CAROL SERVICES
16-18 December, KINGS CHURCH CENTRE, Catford Hill SE6 4PS,
020 8690 4646, www.kingschurchlondon.org
Four carol concerts over the weekend with traditional readings and
carols along with performances, songs and drama. 7.30pm Friday and
Sunday, 5pm Saturday and Sunday, free.
BAGPUSS
22 December - 8 January 2012, SOHO THEATRE, 21 Dean Street,
London W1D 3NE, 020 7478 0100, www.sohotheatre.com
A magical production filled with storytelling, songs, puppetry and
much-loved characters, providing a perfect treat for children and
nostalgic adults. Tickets £11.50 children, £13.50 adults.
THE SNOW QUEEN
Until 8 January 2012, UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ,
020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com
After a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India, Kumar disappears.
Gowri, his best friend, discovers that he has been captured by the
formidable Snow Queen, and embarks on a journey across the length
and breadth of the continent to save him.
Join the Unicorn for a brand new version of Hans Andersen’s
magical tale, set in the burning heat of southern India, through lush
backwaters, glitzy Bollywood and desolate bandit country. Ages 7+,
tickets from £15.
THE SNOWMAN
Until 8 January, PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street, Holborn WC2,
0844 412 4322, www.sadlerswells.com
The live version of Raymond Brigg’s much-loved children’s classic
returns for the 14th consecutive year. When a young boy’s snowman
comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for
adventure. On their travels, they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and
of course, Father Christmas. Tickets from £12.
ALADDIN
2 December - 2 January 2012, Ashcroft Theatre, FAIRFIELD,
Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291
A fun-packed pantomime with Larry Lamb as the biggest baddie of
them all and a west end cast. The show promises big laughs, great
music, stunning sets and dazzling costumes. Tickets from £15.
RING A DING DING
3-10 December, UNICORN THEATRE, 020 7645 0560,
www.unicorntheatre.com
Oily Cart - Britain’s best-loved creators of theatre for young people return with an immersive, interactive and multi-sensory show for young
children. The production is an epic (though tiny) table-top tale of
discovery, where your fingers and noses will never be far from the
action. Ages 3-6, tickets from £9.
NOAH’S ARK
Until 20 December, BLUE ELEPHANT THEATRE, 59a Bethwin Road,
Camberwell SE 5 QXT, 020 7701 0100, www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk
Noah’s Ark is an adventure story about a modern boy who dreams
himself into a behind-the-scenes look at the well-known biblical story.
Mervyn Peak’s play takes a human, witty and down-to-earth approach to
the tale, imagining power struggles on-board the Ark as food rations run
low and some crafty animals look to overthrow Mr Noah’s leadership.
The actors play a variety of parts, both human and animal, and the
production includes original songs and plenty of audience participation.
Ages 7+, tickets £7.50 children, £12.50 adults.
THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER
6-24 December, ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Quay, Deptford SE8.
020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk
Inspired by Shakespeare’s story of ‘The Tempest’, Little Angel Theatre
bring their trademark blend of puppetry and song to this captivating
story of the adventures of a young girl on a magical faraway island.
Join Miranda’s daughter as she discovers for herself Ariel, Caliban
and the wonders of the ‘isle full of noises’, just like her Mum did many
years ago.
Written by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen and directed by
Peter Glanville, this is a delightful and funny story suitable for children
aged 3+. Baby friendly performances Saturdays and Wed 21 December
at 11.30am.
10
families south east - december 2011
ALADDIN
PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT
Until 8 January, GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, London SE10,
020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
1 December - 1 January 2012, CRITERION THEATRE, Piccadilly Circus
W1, 0844 847 1788, www.peppapiglive.com
Peppa Pig and her friends set off on a treasure hunt and get up to
fun and games on a day out on Grandad Dog’s boat. There are clues
a-plenty for the audience to follow, along with true-to-life puppets and
sing-along songs.
Things are not going well for Aladdin. His mum’s laundry barely earns
them enough to live on, let alone feed his pet panda, and to make
matters worse he’s just caught a forbidden glimpse of Princess So-Shy
and is surely in trouble with the Emperor. His one glimmer of hope
arrives in the form of a slightly strange long lost uncle who offers him a
job and the promise of untold riches. Could this be the answer to all his
problems? Adult tickets from £18, children half price.
SANTA CLAUS AND THE CHRISTMAS
ADVENTURE
Until 31 December, AMBASSADORS THEATRE, West Street WC2H
9ND, 08448 11 2334, www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk
Santa Claus will have a very special helper this Christmas as Britain’s
most popular magician, Paul Daniels, takes to the stage in a live
Christmas show with a traditional ‘grotto’ experience.
The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole, The
Reindeer SatNav is programmed and the toys are piled high on the
sleigh, then chaos strikes. Rudolph is missing and the Elves are
misbehaving - will Santa ever deliver the presents to all the boys and
girls? Help Santa find Rudolph, and in return the children will get to
meet him after the show and even receive a present. Parents are
encouraged to bring their cameras in order to capture the magic
moment their little ones meet Father Christmas for the very first time.
Ages 2+, tickets from £8.
SANTA CLAUS + THE CHRISTMAS
ADVENTURE
2-30 December, Arnhem Gallery, FAIRFIELD, Park Lane,
Croydon CR0 1DG, 020 8668 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk
THE LAZY ELF
10-22 December, ARTS THEATRE, London WC2H 7LB,
020 7907 7092, www.thelazyelf.com
Ben Hanson (Bouncer from Tracey Beaker) takes the part of Larry, an
extremely lazy elf who would rather nap than make toys for all the boys
and girls. The audience are asked to join the other elves in helping Larry
realise the value of hard work and the true meaning of Christmas. A
musical show, suitable for families; single tickets £14, family tickets £48
include a small gift for children.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG
15 + 21 December, ROYAL ALBERT HALL, Kensington Gore, London
SW7 2AP, 020 7838 3109, www.raymondgubbay.co.uk
Add your voice by joining in an afternoon of well-loved carols and
Christmas songs with the London Concert Chorus and the London
Concert Orchestra. 2.30pm start, tickets from £12.
SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS
15 December - 14 January, VAUDEVILLE THEATRE, Strand, London
WC2R, 020 7452 3000, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
A musical stage production of Arthur Ransome’s classic story. Follow
Captain John and his able crew as they set sail to Wildcat Island on an
exotic adventure to encounter savages, capture dastardly pirates and
defeat mortal enemies. Ages 6+, tickets from £12.
MOJO
In Santa’s HQ in the North Pole, the reindeer SatNav is programmed
and the toys are piled up high on the sleigh, then chaos strikes Rudolph is missing and the elves are misbehaving. Will Santa ever get
the presents to all the boys and girls? Santa needs your help, and in
return the children will get to meet him after the show and even
receive a present. Ages 3-7, tickets from £10.
16-31 December, Silk Street Theatre, BARBICAN, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS,
020 7638 4141, www.barbican.org.uk
A riot of dance, puppetry and music, Theatre-Rites’ Mojo takes the
audience on a spectacular journey through the magic and mayhem
of growing up. Bursting with energy and evocative movement, objects
come to life and characters discover their mojo. Ages 5+, tickets £7.50
children, £15 adults.
OLIVER
THE GRUFFALO
Until 15 January 2012, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue,
0844 412 4661, www.gruffalolive.com
The hugely popular modern classic by Julia Donaldson and Axel
Scheffler returns to the west end for a monster season. Follow the
quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and
musical modern classic. Discover what happens when he comes face
to face with wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maracashaking Snake. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+
and their families. Tickets from £12.50.
17 December, WANSTEAD HOUSE, 21 The Green, Wanstead E11,
0151 336 4302, mail@littleactorstheatre.com
Little Actors Theatre Company is presenting Theatre Club in ‘Oliver’.
The children aged between five and fourteen will present their own
devised version of the classic Dickens’ story of the unfortunate orphan,
who eventually finds safety and happiness in the world of Victorian
London. Jamie Thompson collated a script which accommodates
every child. Directed by professional actors Tessa Slack and Jamie
Thompson with choreography by Ros Parker. The performances take
place on Saturday 17th December at 11.30am, admission free.
Events & Exhibitions
DIDDI DANCE CHRISTMAS PARTY
17 December, MYCENAE HOUSE, 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3
7SE, 07973 982790, info@diddidance.com
Join the little Diddi Dancers for high energy dancing followed by food
and a visit from Santa. 11am-1pm, tickets £10 per child or £15 for two
siblings, book first.
DULWICH FARMERS’ MARKET
18 December, DULWICH COLLEGE, Dulwich Common SE21,
www.weareccfm.com
A festive treat of locally grown and sourced meats, vegetables, baked
goods, fruit juices and more, plus hand made arts and crafts. 9am-1pm.
SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER
FESTIVAL
Until 11 January 2012, SOUTHBANK, SE1,
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/winter
Festive markets, plenty of free events, and magical shows for all ages.
Here are some family-friendly highlights:
WHITE, 17-31 December. A performance especially for children aged
two to four years, with music, stories and surprises.
SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW, 17 December - 8 January. A multi awardwinning international sensation that has delighted and thrilled audiences
in over 80 cities around the globe. Experience a joyous, dream-like world
full of drama, comedy and snow. Ages 8+. Adult tickets from £20,
children half price.
THE HAHARMONICS CLOWN CHOIR, 20-22 December. Use music,
movement and singing to create your own clown character to keep the
entire family entertained over Christmas.
MURMURS, 20 December - 2 January. A beautiful tour of whirlwind
romance, city labyrinths and undersea encounters told through a blend
of illusion, circus and dance. Ages 8+.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET, until 24 December. Sixty
traditional twinkling wooden chalets along the Queen’s Walk present
unique hand-crafted gifts and unusual Christmas presents.
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An enchanting musical tale for all the family
Original book by Kate DiCamillo
Adapted and directed by Teresa Early
Original music by Roger Goslyn
Wow-ing audiences for 25 years.
Book early!
! !
#
5 – 21 December 2011
#
#!
!
" The Golden Hinde Trust
Units 1 & 2 Pickfords Wharf
Clink Street, London SE1 9DG
Booking/ Info: 020 7403 0123
Email: info@goldenhinde.com
Website: www.goldenhinde.com
www.theatrepeckham.co.uk
Money comes to life
It’s fascinating
and fun!
Special events and
more every day in
the Bank’s Museum
Admission free
10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends
and public holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane,
London EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
Best Entertainment
Olivier Awards Nomination
Starring CBBC’s
Dan and Jeff
VAUDEVILLE THEATRE THE STRAND WC2
18 December - 8 January
0844 482 9675 www.pottedpanto.com
december 2011 - families south east
11
PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT
THE GRUFFALO
MoreWhat’sOn
storytelling beside the Tiffany Christmas Tree during this year’s season
of Skate at Somerset House, presented by Tiffany & Co. All the
storytelling sessions are free. The sessions run 3.15-3.45pm and there
is no need to book. Authors will be on hand to sign books and meet
visitors after each session. Presented in association with Usborne
Publishing and Random House. Skate sessions from £7.50 for children,
£10.50 adults include free skate hire.
Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
U.DANCE - LAUNCH PAD, 7 January 2012. Youth dance companies
from across London perform with the hope of securing a place at
U.Dance 2012; a three-day festival of youth dance at Southbank Centre.
THE GOLDEN HINDE
GOLDEN HINDE, St Mary’s Overie Dock SE1, 020 7403 0123,
www.goldenhinde.com
The full-size replica of Sir Frances Drake’s 16th century galleon is great
fun for children with a piratical bent, and an opportunity to lean about life
on the high seas during the Tudor era. Costumed staff add to the
experience, and at weekends you can book children’s parties.
Self-guided admission £4.40 children, £6 adults, £18 families.
TUDOR FUN DAY, 10 + 17 December. A Tudor fun with a Christmas
twist. Listen to Tudor Christmas stories, play crazy games and join in
with carols. 11am-3.30pm, £3 children, £7 adults, £20 families.
CHRISTMAS MARKET, 11 December. Board the ship and visit various
stalls displaying a wide range of naval, Tudor and pirate gifts.
11am-5pm.
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT, 17+23 December. A local choir will
stand on the main deck of the ship and sing a selection of traditional
and modern carols. There will also be a reading of Drake’s inspirational
prayer and a Christmas bible extract. Mulled wine and mince pies will be
available. 6-7.30pm.
CHRISTMAS TOUR, 23 December. Enjoy a 30-minute whistle-stop tour
around the ship with a costumed educator with tales to tell of Tudor life
at sea. 11am-5pm, tours take place every 30 minutes. Tickets £2.
TRANSPORT MUSEUM EVENTS
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden
WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from
11am Fridays. Closed Christmas Eve to Boxing Day. Admission free
for under 16s, £13 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited
admission.
MOSAIC GIFTS WORKSHOP, 19-23 December. Take inspiration from
the museum’s bright and varied tile collection and make mosaic coasters and wall hangings to take home. Ages 5+, noon-5pm.
KITE WORKSHOPS, 27 December - 3 January 2012. Mark the coming
of the London 2012 Games and show your team’s support by flying their
colours and flags high in the sky on hand crafted kites. Design your own
box or diamond kite from card and fabric. Ages 5+, noon-5pm.
STORY TIME, 27 December - 3 January 2012. Little visitors can hear
stories about a Duck in a Truck and the Little London red train’s
adventures.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
12
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.
GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS
GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893,
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide
amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of
each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in
advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to
Saturdays, from noon Sundays.
CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS
CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A,
www.iwm.org.uk
The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms,
created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works
Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central
core of government and to become a temporary military information
centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval
and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of
those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn
what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the
authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors
where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for
under 16s, £15.95 adults.
BRITONS AT WAR, 17+18 December. In this informal session visitors
are encouraged to consider the fear felt by Britons before war even
broke out. While many of us know about the evacuation of children
from major towns and cities, there were also plans to move the Civil
Service to safety. This engaging session explores the motivations and
preparations involved. As well as discussing the topic with experts,
visitors will have the change to examine genuine objects relating to
the topic. Entry included in general admission price. 11am-12.30pm
and 2-4pm, suitable for all ages with parental supervision.
OUT OF THE BOX, 17+18 December. An engaging drop-in session
where all visitors to the Churchill War Rooms can examine replica
objects that have become unique symbols of Churchill, the most famous
of British wartime leaders. Have a delve into a grown-up dressing up
box, containing iconic Churchill replica items such as hats, coats and
cigars. Take a step further in Churchill’s footsteps by handling the
objects and even trying on the clothes. Interpreters will be on hand to
help visitors learn more about the collections and direct them towards
original items on display, for example Churchill’s own Siren Suit which
can be found in the ‘daily routine’ area of the museum. 11am-12.30pm
and 2-4pm, suitable for all ages with parental supervision.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM FUN
SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868,
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the
Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives,
sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by
engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science,
engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily
10am-6pm except 24-26 December.
ROBOTS FESTIVAL, until 31 December. A showcase of the latest and
greatest in robot research and development. Robots and scientists from
around the word will surprise and educate, including emotibots,
swarming, swimming shark robots, throwable exploration robots,
medical robots and many more. There will be accompanying workshops
for children.
COCKROACH TOURS, weekends until December. Take on the form of
a cockroach; dress up in a realistic costume and take a journey through
the museum, exploring the impact on the climate of scientific and
technological developments from the perspective of one of the oldest,
most resilient life forms on the planet. Book first on 0870 870 4868.
LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science
gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a
rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud.
Ages 8-14, free.
WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive
activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R,
020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England
from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank.
Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine
gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend
the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors.
Until 22 January, SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand, London WC2R 1LA,
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Open 10am-10pm daily.
At the weekends, families and children of all ages are invited to join
some of Britain’s top children’s authors for a magical half hour of
MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2
9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children.
The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears,
games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.
Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and
trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor
sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor
space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.
THE STUFF OF NIGHTMARES, until 26 February 2012. When re-told
to children, fairy tales often assume an air of innocence. Good always
triumphs over evil, heroes are selfless and love is everlasting. Some
fairy tales however, explore the darker side of a child’s imaginary
landscape. The Stuff of Nightmares takes a closer look at the playthings
of innocents, and features an installation made by local schoolchildren,
alongside work by Katherine Tulloh, Ruhe Weinbergh, Daniel Bell and
Sharon Brindle.
MAGIC WORLDS, until 4 March 2012. Delve into the captivating
world of fantasy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the imaginary
and fantastical realms of witches, fairies, elves, dragons, magicians
and illusionists. On display will be costumes, tricks, paintings, ceramics,
beautifully illustrated books and posters, games, optical toys and
dramatic puppets.
families south east - december 2011
MUSEUM OF LONDON
TRANSPORT MUSEUM
ICE MAGIC FOR CHRISTMAS
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD,
020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk
Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover
the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection
of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70
million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on
education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum
open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.
CHRISTMAS AT KENT LIFE
KENT LIFE, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU,
01622 7633936, www.kentlife.org.uk
Open 10am-6pm weekends and school holidays, to 5pm other
weekdays. Admission £6.50 children, £8.95 adults, £25.95 families.
HOLIDAY FUN, 17 Dec - 2 January. Lots of fun things to do to keep the
children occupied including a snowman trail, paint-apot studio and
Santa’s tractor sleigh rides. Extra charges apply (under 4s and
members free).
LIVING FARM NATIVITY, 18 December. Dress up and be part of the
nativity on a journey through the grounds singing Christmas carols, and
discover the nativity story scenes with the help of the animals.
THE HUSKY EXPERIENCE
16-18, 21-28 December and January weekends to 22nd (closed on
bank holidays), EAGLE HEIGHTS WILDLIFE PARK, Lullingstone Lane,
Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB, 01322 866 577, www.eagleheights.co.uk
On arrival you will be introduced to a husky handler over a welcome
drink of tea or coffee. Next, it’s time to meet the dogs, with the chance
to pet the animals and put on their harnesses, while your handler
explains what the dogs do and why and where they come from. Finally
it’s time to hop on the cart for an eight-dog husky ride through stunning
countryside with dramatic views of the Darent Valley. This experience
lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on the dogs. Ages 8+, £75
book first.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT,
020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk
The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with
costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of
men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open
10am-5.30pm daily, admission free.
DRAW YOUR WEAPONS. A colourful and dynamic exhibition exploring
the history of the war comic, in partnership with leading publisher DC
Thomson.
CUMING MUSEUM EVENTS
CUMING MUSEUM, 151 Walworth Road SE17 1RY, 020 7525 2096,
www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum
Thursdays, FAMILY CLUB. Explore and play with the Cuming explorers.
10am-11.15am for under 5s and their parents/ carers.
HMS BELFAST
On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH,
www.iwm.org.uk. (Thames Clipper London Bridge City Pier)
Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring
the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or
take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept.
Open 10am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £13.50 adults.
KYE HISTORY, 10+11 December. Find out more about story of HMS
Belfast and the company that sailed her on her various journeys around
the world, and have a sip of warming naval hot chocolate. Kye is a naval
term for grated cocoa. 11am, 12.30, 2 and 4pm start times.
GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret
Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been
like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of
HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections
will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped
conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space
at any one time. The guns are trained and elevated onto a target some
12.5 miles (20 kilometres) away in north-west London - the London
Gateway Motorway Services Area on the M1 - a reminder of the
awesome power of naval gunnery in the Second World War. Entry included in general admission price.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South
Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
HORNIMAN
DINOSAURS UNLEASHED
Uncover the lady behind the legend at the brand new
Florence Nightingale Museum on London’s South
Bank. The museum presents a vivid retelling of her
story and how modern nursing began. The museum’s
unparalleled collection features highlights such as
Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and
medicine chest from the Crimean War. Engaging
interactive exhibits as well as regular contemporary art
exhibitions enhance the experience, visitors even use
stethoscopes to hear the audio tour. Admission £4.80
child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
EVENTS
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1,
020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk
Museum open daily 10am-6pm. Admission £3.95 children, £5.95 adults, families from £12.50.
THE CHILDREN’S WAR. Look at the home front in
Britain and the impact of WW2 through the eyes of the
children who lived through it. Incorporating hands-on
activities for visitors of all ages, it also features the
popular 1940s house and part of a post-war prefab.
CHRISTMAS IN THE WARTIME HOUSE, 17-23 and
28-31 December. Find out more about how Christmas
was celebrated on the home front during WW2. At a
time of rationing and shortages and no guarantee that
families could be together, it was still possible to
celebrate. Take part in talks and activities in this free
family drop-in. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.
CHILDREN AT THE V&A
V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL,
020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families
During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the
Information Desk and explore the museum through
puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12
year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on
exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum
open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free
Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and
explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories,
puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.
DINOSAURS UNLEASHED
Until 31 December, The O2, Meridian Gardens,
Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX,
0844 844 2121, www,dinosaursunleashed.co.uk
Dinosaurs last roamed Earth 65 million years ago - now
they’re back and unleashed at The O2. With over 22
life-size dinosaurs, a prehistoric CGI aquarium,
holographic video presentations by wildlife expert Chris
Packham, real and replica fossils, interactives galore
and more than 40 educational interpretation panels,
this unique exhibition appeals to family audiences,
especially budding young palaeontologists aged 2-12.
Children can get their hands dirty and dig for fossils,
piecing them together in the Fossil Zone. They can also
create their own dinosaur skins and colours at the
popular Dino-Paints as well as testing their dinosaur
knowledge with dynamic quizzes. Open daily 10am 6pm, timed entry tickets £11.25 children, £14.25 adults,
£42.60 adults, discounted for Greenwich borough
residents.
MUSEUM OF LONDON
DOCKLANDS
MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay
E14, 020 7001 9844,
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands
Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular
programmes of weekend and holiday events and
workshops help visitors find out more about London’s
history, covering events such as the Great Plague,
Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.
VICTORIAN GROTTO, 10-23 December. Father
Christmas has his very own Victorian grotto, clad with
traditional decorations and joined by helpers along the
way. Children can share their seasonal hopes and
dreams with the man in red and of course, go home
with a special gift to start their seasonal merriment.
There is also a chance for kids to have their photo taken
with Father Christmas, mounted as a festive keepsake
to remind them of their visit. Children can share their
seasonal hopes and dreams with the man in red and of
course, go home with a special gift to start their
seasonal merriment. There is also a chance for kids to
have their photo taken with Father Christmas, mounted
as a festive keepsake to remind them of their visit. £5
entry.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, 10 December. Make
some traditional festive decorations with a twist - you
use the computer to create them. Ages 5+, 12.301.30pm and 2.30-3.30pm, free.
MUSEUM OF LONDON
EVENTS
MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN,
020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular
programmes of weekend and holiday events and
workshops help visitors find out more about London’s
history, covering events such as the Great Plague,
Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.
VICTORIAN TRINKETS, 28 December. Make your
own festive trinket to take home. 11am, 12noon and
2pm starts, free with a ticket.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 31 December. Dickens’
classic tale comes to life in a family-friendly ‘close up’
production. 2-3pm, free.
LITTLE MOLES, termtime Wednesdays. Weekly
hands-on creative sessions for 1 to 5 year-olds and
their carers. 3.30-4.30pm, free but book first.
UNDER 5s STORYTIME, last Tuesday of the month.
Stories, music and interactive fun for under 5s and their
carers. 3-3.30pm.
FAMILY EVENTS AT THE
HORNIMAN
HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road,
Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk
Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general
admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions
and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and
hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins
and workshops allow family visitors to explore the
collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and
hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful
green space.
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Offering professional and
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issues including:
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186 Streatham High Road
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The Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London Bridge City
London, SE1 2QN
december 2011 - families south east
13
FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH
JEWISH MUSEUM
MoreWhat’sOn
Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
CAROL CONCERT AND CHRISTMAS MARKET, 11 December. A festive event in the Horniman Gardens with gifts
to browse and buy, and Christmas music from the English Baroque Choir and Crystal Palace Band. Concert 5pm,
market open 3-6pm.
BALI - DANCING FOR THE GODS, until 8 January 2012. An exhibition exploring Balinese culture and the central
role of dance as a visual feast. Beautifully gilded costumes, lavishly decorated artefacts, puppets and sculptures are
featured alongside unique film and photography from the 1930s. Adm fee.
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM EVENTS
National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858
4422, www.nmm.ac.uk.
The museum’s new Sammy Ofer Wing allows the museum to completely change the way it presents its galleries, exhibitions and events. A new, purpose designed exhibition gallery will host a full programme of temporary shows, while a
permanent gallery - Voyagers - introduces the story of Britain and the sea. Rest your sealegs with break in the new
restaurant and cafe, taking in the views over Greenwich Park, along with a state-of-the-art library. Museum open
10am-5pm daily. Admission free.
EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free.
DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries
and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops
designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and
2-5pm, free.
PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as
they explore the museum through making, music, dance and drama.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket
Until 8 January, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7
from the admissions desk.
5BD, 020 7942 5011, www.nhmskating.com
THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular new show, narrated by
Set within the historic Victorian grounds of the Natural History Museum,
Patrick Stewart, explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the
the 1,000 square metre ice rink attracts beginners and advanced
smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital
skaters alike, as well as those simply wanting to bask in the beautiful
simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and
atmosphere, where twinkling fairy lights adorn the surrounding tall trees.
looks at what impact this has on the universe around us.
As well as the main rink there is a children’s rink, a beautiful fairground
HIGH ARCTIC, until January 2012. An exciting exhibition which
carousel and a cafe-bar. Whether skating or spectating, the Natural
conveys the scale, splendour and fragility of our unique Arctic
History Museum Ice Rink is the place to be and be seen. 11am-10pm
environment through an immersive installation which encourages
weekdays, from 10am weekends, children’s tickets from £7, adults from
us to question our relationship with the world around us.
£11.50.
CANARY WHARF
Ice Rinks
DISCOVER GREENWICH
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich
SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk
Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork,
film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent
exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor
beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen
and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special
objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as
fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart
the historic town’s development.
Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new
destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime
Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history
of the magnificent site.
TOWER OF LONDON
Until 8 January, TOWER OF LONDON, Tower Hill EC3N 4AB,
0844 871 8814, www.toweroflondonicerink.com
Feel the cold tingle of London’s crisp winter air, listen to the music, and
take in wonderful surroundings as you glide around the rink in the moat
of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Daily from 10am-10pm,
tickets from £8 children, £10.50 adults.
WESTFIELD STRATFORD
Until 8 January, WESTFIELD STRATFORD, Newham E20, 0844 847
1667, www.westfield.com/uk
Take to the ice in the awesome surroundings of Europe’s largest
shopping centre, overlooking the Olympic Park. Tickets from £5.50
children, £8.50 adults, £23 families.
‘CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK’
Until 8 January, BLUEWATER, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9ST,
0844 858 6753, www.christmasinny.co.uk
Set against the iconic skyline of the Rockefeller Centre, Empire State
Building and Statue of Liberty, guests will experience true down town
New York, including a beautiful ice rink and free Santa’s Grotto, plus
unique activities including a Snow Slide and a traditional Winter
Carousel. Open 10am-9.45pm weekdays and Sundays, from 9am
Saturdays. Skate tickets from £8 children, £10 adults, £32 families.
CANARY WHARF
Until 19 February, CANADA SQUARE PARK, Canary Wharf,
0844 847 1556, www.canarywharficerink.com
Take to the ice beneath the iconic towers of Canary Wharf, surrounded
by twinkling Christmas lights and 200 shops, bars and restaurants.
Expert tuition is available for beginners, or take off on your own.
Sessions run from 9.45am-11pm Mondays to Saturdays, to 7.30pm
Sundays. Children £7.50, adults from £10.
SOMERSET HOUSE
Until 22 January, SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600,
www.somersethouse.org.uk
All the glamour and sparkle of skating within the grounds of Somerset
House. There is a skate school for beginners and novices, a penguin
club for under 8s and free children’s storytelling at weekends by the
giant Tiffany Christmas tree. Sessions from 10am - 11.30pm, tickets
from £7.50.
Art Activities
FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH
DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD,
020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends
and bank holidays. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket
or £3 per child.
ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in
workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session.
Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all
things in between. 2-3.45pm.
CHRISTMAS WREATHS, 11 December. Use recycled fabrics, ribbons
and threads to create a beautiful Christmas wreath to decorate your
door, and make small fabric decorations to decorate your house.
Children aged 6-10 plus an adult. 10.30am-4pm, £12 per participant.
JEWISH MUSEUM EVENTS
JEWISH MUSEUM, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street,
Camden Town NW1 7NB, 020 7284 7324, www.jewishmuseum.org.uk
The museum houses internationally acclaimed collections where visitors
can explore Jewish culture, heritage and identity within the wider context
of British history. Open 10am-5pm daily, Fridays to 2pm. Admission
£3.50 children, £7.50 adults, £18 families.
HANUKAH CANDLES, 11 December. Celebrate the Festival of Lights
by making your own Hanukah candles to light up you home, using
14
families south east - december 2011
coloured wax and traditional techniques. 3-5pm drop-in for all ages, free
with museum admission.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, 18 December. Make a beautiful lantern and join
the museum’s annual lantern procession down Albert Street. 3-5pm for
all ages, book first. Free with museum admission.
ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB,
020 7440 4263, www.soane.org
Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical,
mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s
treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John
Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and
cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils
to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from
contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature,
he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary
contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities
run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and
families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.
SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS
SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600,
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets
available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years
must be accompanied by an adult.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY
TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN
Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.
With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of
reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for
families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but
places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the
start.
FAMILIES AT THE TATE
TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain
Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.
Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free
for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your
discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open
up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow
the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns
and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.
Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and
create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps
make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
The DOs and DON’Ts of a
Happy Family Christmas
By Sarah Butters
DON’T expect it to be
perfect
DON’T expect your
children to be angels
Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You
will overcook the turkey, undercook the pudding and
end up sobbing into a huge glass of Sauvignon
Blanc because your mother-in-law has criticised
your gravy. But because you’ve put so much time
and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the
disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming.
Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella
and it won’t be perfect and you’ll enjoy the parts that
go well.
They’ve broken up from school about to burst with
excitement about the arrival of Santa. You’ve been
using the ‘if you’re not good, Santa won’t come’
since Easter and then the presents are opened and
your little angels turn into little devils. Rules and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be
entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that
with too many treats and lots of attention from well
meaning visitors and the magic of Christmas can
disappear pretty quickly. Try not to let all discipline
go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a
tantrum on the way, remove your child from the
mayhem. During your time out, remind them that
Santa can take gifts back from children who don’t
behave!
DO try and relax
By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are
exhausted. You’ve probably spent the weeks prior
to the big day panic shopping, baking everything
that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and
ferrying the family from one festive event to the next.
Earmark some time for you. It’s supposed to be a
holiday!
DO make your own
traditions
Every family has its own way of celebrating. Now
you have your own children it’s time for you to make
your own traditions. Whether it’s a trip to the local
crib service on Christmas Eve, or a day of Christmas
baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin,
it’s up to YOU to create your traditions. A great idea
I’ve taken from a friend is the Christmas Eve hamper. This is a basket, left by one of Santa’s helpers
filled with goodies to enjoy on the night before
Christmas. In it are festive pyjamas for the children,
new tooth brushes, a mug to make hot chocolate
and a DVD for the family to watch. It’s the perfect kit
to help kick start Christmas.
DO get out and about
You are not under house arrest over the festive
period. We shouldn’t be surprised that if you fill your
home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the
door, there will be arguments. Add some wine and
the results are anything but festive. Don’t be afraid
of getting wrapped up and heading out for a bracing
walk. It will clear the house and let the little ones run
off some steam.
EARLY YEARS
ICAL
MUS TRE
E
TH A
DO give out jobs
A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do
your pre-Christmas shopping list, make sure you
also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big
day. If you know your mother-in-law has a view
about your Yorkshire Puddings, set her to work making some better ones. Remember, a busy cook is
often a quiet cook!
DON’T waste money
Let’s face it, this is going to be a tough year for all of
us. We want to give our children everything on their
list, but won’t bable to. Many will be celebrating just
making it to 25 December with a job and a roof over
our heads. However, you can still enjoy the festivities while being frugal. Swop traditional cards for an
email including a festive photo. Organise a secret
Santa for adult family members with a spending
limit. Or simply suggest that you only buy for the
family’s children. Keep reminding yourself that it’s
not about the money your spend on each other, it’s
about the time you spend with each other.
DO laugh!
Forget the stress of present buying and preparing
a feast fit for a royalty and take a minute to laugh.
Remember, when you strip away all the tinsel and
tat this is about preparing one meal, on one day
with decorations and a gift or two. And if you’re
finding smiling hard, try using our favourite
Christmas Cracker joke to cheer you up: “What’s
Santa’s favourite pizza? One that’s deep, and crisp
and even.”
DON’T stress about the
presents
So you haven’t been able to find the latest Moshi
Monster or bag a pooping Doggy Doo game.
Before you berate yourself, ask yourself this. Do you
remember the presents you didn’t get when you
were a child? Or do you remember the experiences
you had? My Christmas memories are of preparing
lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to
wake my King Charles Cavalier after he’d drink
the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun.
Your kids will remember
the laughter and the
love and when you
wake up in January,
so will you.
Happy
Christmas!
DO enjoy the
preparation
If you’re not careful, baking the cake,
decorating the house and dressing the tree
can begin to feel like a chore. Don’t let it
become hard work. Give yourself the time to
enjoy it and accept that with a little help from
your little ones you can create some lovely
WEEKLY
CLASSES
PRIVATE TUITION
AND EXAMS
EAST DULWICH / FOREST HILL
Christmas memories. OK, you won’t have a cake
fit for Delia. There’ll be precious few needles left
on the tree and your house will resemble the
aftermath of a children’s birthday party. But despite
the imperfections you’ll have happy children and
you won’t have spent a penny. Now that’s a happy
Christmas.
MA
DRA
AGES 12 - 19
CE
DANLUB
T
E
C
E
STR GLEE
&
NORTH DULWICH / HERNE HILL
COME AND AUDITION
FOR OUR CHRISTMAS
PRODUCTION OF
CRYSTAL PALACE / SYDENHAM
Book Your Free Session Today
TEL: 0208 244 4873 info@freedomacademy.co.uk www.freedomacademy.co.uk
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
december 2011 - families south east
15
Imagination for the Everyday
Early years Drama
www.theatretots.com
Mothers Mean Business
Home & Kids
+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath
and Hither Green
+ Schools, nurseries and parties too!
info@theatretots.com - 07801072776
Home & Kids is a treasure trove
of toys, gifts and chic interior
accessories, including many items
made by talented local artists and
creators. It is owned and run by
Maritza Masiello, a mother of four
from Lee.
FSE: What did you do
before opening
Home & Kids?
MM: In my ‘former
life’, I worked as a
legal accountant in
the City before
going into retail.
I previously ran
independent
children’s
boutique Love
Me Again on the
same site with
my former
business partner
but then got the
opportunity to go
it alone.
Home & Kids is a NEW boutique in Hither Green, specialising in
beautiful interior items for the home as well as traditional and
fun toys for babies and children.
We pride ourselves in working with local producers of gifts,
furniture and accessories as well as bringing you great British and
Scandinavian designs including Donna Wilson and Ferm Living.
We also have kids favourites including Mini and Maxi Scooters, Brio
toys, Belle and Boo accessories and baby favourites Sophie Giraffe,
Boo Boo Baby produce, Daisy Roots and Skwish.
Visit our website for more details / or come and visit us at
37 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green SE13 5ND
020 8244 0172
www.HomeAndKids.co.uk
Fun French for Children
• 3 – 11 years old • Games, Songs & Drama
• Native French Teachers • Professional Materials
• Free Trial Session
For SE3, SE4, SE12 SE21,
SE22, SE23 & SE24
Call Séverine:
020 8699 7665
East Dulwich &
Dulwich Park
0778 613 0537
(Suzie)
16
Rotherhithe &
Bermondsey
020 8979 9139
(Tim & Emily)
families south east - december 2011
FSE: Where did the
inspiration come
from?
MM: I decided to focus
on Home and Kids as
there is a growing demand
for something different from
the high street when it
comes to toys, gifts and accessories.
Hither Green is a really vibrant area and has real
buzz about it and I have loved running a business
here. It is wonderful to be able to build on that
experience with my own shop.
FSE: How easy or difficult was it to start up?
MM: As with any new business, there are many
challenges along the way but I believed in Home
& Kids so much, that any difficulties were dealt with
as best as possible. I suppose, when you have
that drive, there’s no stopping you!
FSE: What’s
instore for
customers?
MM: The shop stocks
popular brands including
Brio, Lego storage, and
classic teething toy
Sophie la Giraffe, as
well as Donna Wilson
cushions, Ferm Living,
Belle and Boo and
luxury products from
Abahna. You will also
find lamps and other
eye-catching interior
items for the home
including a selection
of vintage items.
FSE: Tell us about
the locally sourced
products
MM: Local designs on
sale include beautiful
made-to-order
wooden children’s
furniture from Blackheath-based company
Pharos Woodworks, and funky baby t-shirts,
cards, bags and pictures by Greenwich-based Gyp
Designs. Lee artist and illustrator Rachel Pank also
has a small display of original artwork based on her
published children’s books.
FSE: Which are your best-selling gifts for
Christmas?
MM: For the kids, without a doubt are the mini micro
and maxi scooters. They are the most popular must
have. They have been for the last two years and it
seems to be the same trend this year too. For the
grown ups, it has to be the Donna Wilson cushions
and accessories. They are very special and I always
knew that when I eventually ventured into interiors,
I would want to stock them, and the best bit is that
my customers seem to love them too.
FSE: Juggling the shop and a family sounds
like hard work. How do you make the work/
family balance work?
MM: I don’t have a clear cut answer for that one.
I try to be focussed on my kids and husband during
the afternoon/ evening but as soon as the kids are
in bed, I’m usually catching up with accounts,
ordering or marketing. Luckily my husband is in
business too so he is very understanding and is
also a great source of advice and information.
FSE If you ever get any time to yourself, how
do you like to relax?
MM: I don’t have much time
to relax, however the time
between finishing at the
shop and the school run is
precious, and this is when I
usually take my dog for a walk
in Greenwich Park. I find it very
therapeutic to be there and it
definitely gives me time to think.
FSE: Where can readers
find you?
MM: Home & Kids is at
37 Staplehurst Road, Hither
Green SE13 5ND,
020 8244 0172.
We are open from Monday
to Friday 9.30am-5pm and
Saturday 9.30am-6pm,
and online at
www.homeandkids.co.uk.
We are also on
Facebook and Twitter.
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
Luca & Maya make...
christmas windows
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
december 2011 - families south east
17
What’sNew
Baby
r
u
o
Y
d
n
a
u
Yo
Baby calm
When babies cry a lot,
sleep little and may
have colic, many new
parents frantically
search prescriptive books for answers to their tiring
and distressing days and nights.
Baby Calm run workshops for just this stage in
your life. There is an emergency three hour
workshop covering colic and crying; a three hour
antenatal workshop to give parents confidence
before their baby arrives; and a four week course
which is designed to soothe babies and fill new
mothers with confidence.
BabyCalm was founded in 2007 by Sarah
Ockwell-Smith, a psychologist, antenatal teacher,
doula and mother of four. Classes are now rapidly
spreading across the UK, with venues including
East Dulwich, Peckham, Croydon and Streatham.
For more information, go to www.babycalm.co.uk or
call 0845 094 0075.
Be safe,
be seen
School runs still need
to be done, and the
shopping won’t do
itself just because it’s
dark outside.
This Max Viz baby
carrier is an eye-catching
yellow, with reflective silver
piping. It opens flat to
make it easy to strap in your baby, and the wide,
cross over shoulder straps provide decent back
support.
Max Viz is a range of products from Tippitoes at
www.tippitoes.com, 0845 600 8595.
Teenager
r
u
o
Y
d
n
a
u
o
Y
Empty nesters
Career planning
LEARN YOUNG HAVE FUN
Rally round for a smashing time.
A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2-8 yr olds.
Played indoors with small rackets,
sponge balls and scaled-down court.
Aids agility, co-ordination and balance.
A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun.
Weekend and weekday sessions now available.
For further details ring Gordon
on 07877391005 or
e-mail gordon@tennis-4-kids.com
www.tennis-4-kids.com
Crawley Studios
Great Fun for
Any Age
Come along and enjoy the
excitement of painting the item
of your choice.
We provide a large selection of
unpainted pottery, from egg
cups and mugs to ducks and
dinosaurs, as well as paints,
brushes, stencils and stamps.
Children’s parties with
a difference
For further details please ring:
Tel/Fax: 020 8516 0002
www.crawleystudios.co.uk
Open daily weekdays,
weekends and evenings by
appointment only
39 Wood Vale, Forest Hill,
London SE23 3DS
18
families south east - december 2011
A survey of 448 graduates undertaken by
Totaljobs.com found that 43% would not choose
the same university course again, and 38%
blamed their choice of course for their
unemployment after graduation.
BestCourse4Me is a website which guides
students through the best university selection,
based on previous graduates’ earnings. The site
shows courses and careers by subject, with graphs
and charts illustrating the potential earnings for
different graduate careers, along with video
interviews with students.
The site was developed by Metakinetic, whose
director Darren Bull comments: “With UK course
fees rising to nine thousand pounds a year,
university education is one of the most significant
investments a
young person
will make. No
one would
spend almost
thirty thousand
pounds
without doing
some solid
research
about the
potential
return on
that investment and
this is precisely what the BestCourse4Me website
allows people to do.”
BestCourse4me is a free and utterly independent
service provided by Student Information Services
Ltd; a not-for-profit organisation and registered
charity founded in 2009. Find it at www.bestcourse4me.com.
If your teenager started
uni this year, are you
already counting the days
until they’re back for
Christmas?
A new study
undertaken by the
University of Sheffield
reveals just how tough
the first few weeks of
university can be for
parents, and that the
empty nest feeling can be emotionally very difficult.
Debora Green, head of Student Support and
Guidance at the University of Sheffield, said:
“Students have the excitement of new experiences
and new people to ease feelings of homesickness but the parents are left with the empty home. They
also know that they can rely on family for support,
even if they don’t ever ask for it. Parents need to
remember: parenting doesn’t end at this stage, it
only changes.”
The research also showed concerns about their
children’s safety was the number one issue for
London parents (42%), while the emptiness of the
family home came in second place (38%).
Concerns over their child’s financial welfare were
next (32%), with worries about their child feeling
lonely just behind (26%).
Debora advises parents to “Remember that
universities invest in lots of services to help
students: at Sheffield we have a university
health service, residential mentoring support, a
counselling service, front line information and
advice based in the Students’ Union building, a
multi-faith chaplaincy and personal tutoring
support. It’s hard to let go, but they are in safe
hands.”
Meanwhile, there’s not long to go now until the
stray socks are back around the house and your
best biscuits are nabbed as a late night snack...
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
ation
Useful Inform
Speech and language specialist
We are looking for babies and children between
the ages of 0 and 12 years to assist us in a
range of fun activities investigating how children
see.
The Child Vision Lab is based at the UCL
Institute of Ophthalmology in Central London.
We will refund any travelling costs up to £20.
020 7608 6819
The Netbuddy website has added a Speech & Language Therapist to their online experts.
Chris Wade specialises in working with children and young adults with Autism, Aspergers and learning
disabilities. He can answer any questions parents may have on typical speech and language development for example: ‘Should my five year-old be able to say the ‘r’ sound?’ or ‘My child only uses two word sentences,
how can I help her to use longer sentences?’ He can also help explain the maze of assessments or the
complex process of statementing.
Ask your questions or read other parents’ Q&A conversations at www.netbuddy.org.uk.
Paying your dues
The taxman is
looking to
ensure that
payments are
up to date
from people
who work as
tutors,
coaches,
fitness
instructors
and more. We
asked Riyas
Kallan
(pictured)
from Taxfile to
explain what’s
involved:
“The Tax
Catch up Plan
(TCP) is for people with any undeclared income, from
tuition and coaching as a main or secondary income,
on which the correct tax has not been issued. This is
a great opportunity for a large number of south London residents who supply tuition in traditional subjects; instruction or coaching, fitness and dance
instruction, musical instrument tuition, art, services
provided by life coaches and others.
Under the plan, tutors and coaches have until
31 March 2012 to come forward and tell HMRC about
their outstanding tax for the years up to 5 April 2010,
and pay what they owe. The plan makes it easy for
customers to put their tax affairs in order and keep
them on the right track in the future.
Those who come forward by the deadline are likely
to receive the best possible terms for paying the tax
owed. If they have to pay a penalty, it is unlikely to be
more than 20 per cent of the unpaid tax. Conversely,
those who wait for HMRC to come to them will find
that they have to pay much higher penalties, or even
face criminal prosecution. After 31 March, using
information pulled together from different sources,
HMRC will investigate those who have chosen not
to come forward.
The Head of HMRC’s campaign explains it as
follows; ‘We are using various intelligence sources
to identify and then target those who do not take
advantage of this opportunity to declare their full
income. The message is clear: contact us before we
contact you.’
The Tax Catch up Plan has two stages:
• From 10 October 2011 to 6 January 2012, tutors/
coaches/ instructors must register with HMRC to
‘notify’ them that they plan to make a voluntary tax
disclosure.
• By 31 March 2012 those who have registered to
notify must tell HMRC what they owe and pay the
tax, interest and penalties due.”
Still confused about all these changes in the tax
system? Taxfile’ s tax accountants in south London
can provide help for any doubts you might have. Visit
their website or call them on 020 8761 8000 and find
all the answers to your questions, with hands-on help
if you need it.
www.childvisionlab.org
Une école francaise pour enfants
francophones ou bilingues agés de 2 à 7 ans
We don’t teach French as a foreign language
but simply use it as a living language
Herne Hill
Native teachers
Pour plus de renseignements:
www.ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk
email: info@ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk
Contacter Fatima Bida-Foster 07917 301550
At Tumbletots
we endeavour to provide
the opportunities, through a
challenging environment of
active physical play, for children to fully
explore and develop their physical capability, especially
their motor skills of balance, agility and co-ordination,
whilst at the same time stimulating the imagination and
having fun. Classes also include music, songs and rhymes,
and are split into different age groups starting at six months
up to 5 years.
Information / bookings:
for Dulwich, Blackheath,
Battersea and Clapham
Call Julia Forrest on 020 8464 4433
or email julia.forrest1@ntlworld.com
Support for single
parents
Parents in receipt of Income Support will have to
move to Job Seekers Allowance when their
youngest child becomes five years old, under the
government’s proposed new Work Programme,
which is due for implementation early next year.
The Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) notes
that this is proving a real worry for single parents.
SPAN’s development director Simon Bates
explained: “Single parents experience a number
of structural barriers to work, including access
to affordable childcare and employment that is
flexible enough for them to juggle time for being
a parent.” He continues: “The government believes that work is the best route out of poverty for single parents.
At face value this is a difficult position to argue against and SPAN does not suggest that single parents should
always be dependent on the benefits system. Rather, our concern is the implication that this has for parenting,
motherhood, child welfare and social inclusion.”
SPAN has responded by offering single parents a range of online resources to help them. The OneSpace
website includes a searchable tool, ‘Your Local Support’ which details organisations who can help them. Advice
is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Shelter, experts in family law, Child Support and a relationship
counsellor. There is a large online community of other single parents too, offering each other everything from a
supportive ear to shared experiences so no one need feel alone. Parents can also access free courses such as
life skills, assertiveness and ways into work, all aimed at helping any parent to understand their work readiness
as well as an online parenting course. Read more at www.onespace.org.uk.
w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
Come and Join the Fun!
The award winning movement to music, dance and singing
programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run
within a fun, safe and caring environment.
Babies 6 - 18mths
Tiny Toes 18 mths - 3 yrs
Mini Movers 3 - 4 yrs
Tots Tap 3 yrs +
Mini Groovers 4 yrs +
Classes available in Greenwich
and surrounding areas
Contact Miss Stephanie on
07809 148 348
greenwich@babyballet.co.uk
bb_Greenwich
Babyballet Greenwich
www.babyballet.co.uk
As seen on...
december 2011 - families south east
19
Families South East
PO Box 11591 London SE26 6WB
Tel: 020 8699 7240
Email: info@familiesse.co.uk
Contact: Robina Cowan
FAMILY & HOME SERVICES
KITCHEN & BATHROOM
RENOVATIONS
Free advice and quote.
Call Shaun on:
07913 656502 020 8249 3264
PAINTING &
DECORATING
Interior / Exterior
Experienced, Reliable, Clean
Fully Guaranteed / Insured
FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE
Must-Have Design,
Competitive Fixed Fees
www.architect.so
Book a Feasibility Consultation or
Call 02086779145 / 07792781971
Handyman
For all your household repairs and odd jobs.
I offer a professional and courteous service
www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk
020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502
John:- James & Lamont
Advertise HERE
020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695
for new year business
PARTIES
CLASSES
& TUTORS
Families online
For back issues and more articles than we can
squeeze into each issue, a directory of local
companies, competitions and forums plus the latest
What'sOn listings, join us online.
www.familiesse.co.uk
HEALTH & COUNSELLING
THE VALE PRACTICE
DAVID
MULLANY
Structural & Cranial
Osteopathy – Acupuncture
Specialising in the treatment of
children and expectant mothers.
Coaching Services
07970 852788
T. 020 8299 9798
www.thevalepractice.co.uk
Adult & Children’s Entertainer
Magic, Plate Spinning
Balloon Modelling
Interactive Games
Karaoke, Mini Disco
Counselling
Individuals and Couples
Helen Storey
020 8670 6141
• Inheritance disputes
Our experience includes dealing
with substantial assets
We aim to resolve disputes
in a constructive and
non-confrontational way
We can also help with
pre-nuptial and cohabitation
agreements
www.bennettwelch.com
Bank Chambers, Westow Hill,
Upper Norwood, London SE19 1TY
20
07789 654 941
gerryfletcher@yahoo.co.uk
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