South East - Jubilee events Lessons to learn before you are ten Adventures at home Party trends - Families Online
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FREE
TAKE
M E HOM
E
South East
IN THIS ISSUE
Jubilee events
Lessons to learn
before you are ten
Adventures at home
Party trends
Issue 213 May/June 2022
familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE familiesonline.co.uk
Families South East • May / June 2022 1 1
Calling parents living
in South East London!
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Magazine
2 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813
LITTLE NEWS ROUND
ABC Sports Stars
In addition to their Saturday
morning classes in Mountsfield
Park, Hither Green, ABC have
Millennium Primary School Head of
recently launched new Saturday
School Cara Took with pupils.
classes in Ruskin Park, Camberwell. Classes will be suitable
for 2-10yr olds and include football and multi-sports.
Millennium Primary School 2-3 year olds: fun nursery games, based around the EYFS
achieves Inclusive School Physical development stage
Award 3-5 year olds: fun sports day themed classes with the focus
on imagination and teamwork
Congratulations to Millennium Primary School, based in the
6-8 year olds: understanding positional play and leadership
heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, which has achieved the
skills within the sport chosen
nationally recognised IQM Inclusive School Award.
8-10 year olds: focusing on aspects of their game they want to
The Inclusive Quality Mark (IQM) is awarded to schools that
learn. 1-1 coaching points
can demonstrate the importance they place on inclusion and
how they promote equal opportunities for all pupils, whatever Each session is based around the ABC Sports stars
their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background. philosophy using ABC’S Agility, Balance and co-ordination to
create sports stars of the future.
The school’s location close to Canary Wharf means many
families travel with work so it has a high mobility of pupils – www.abcsportsstars.co.uk
with some joining at different points in the academic year and
others leaving before they finish their primary education. Over
46% of pupils have English as a second language, 11% have Walk to
special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and 26%
are classed as disadvantagaed.
school week
Thousands of children across
Millennium Primary School’s full IQM report can be the UK will celebrate the health
accessed at: https://iqmaward.com/news/millennium- and wellbeing benefits of walking
primary-achieves-the-inclusive-school-award/ during National Walk to School
Week from 16 to 20 May.
Perform’s Peter Pan Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and
summer courses for Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that can
come from small steps—from healthier and happier children to
4-10s BOOK NOW! fewer cars outside the school gates.
Inspire your child’s imagination this summer Free Family Walk to School Kits and interactive wall charts
with a unique drama, dance and singing and stickers are available to download. Schools can obtain
holiday course. In July or August, your 4-10 Walk to School classroom packs to help teach children about
year old can fly away to Neverland with the benefits of being active, with daily reward stickers and
Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an special rewards badges at the end of the week for those who
unforgettable confidence-building adventure. travelled actively every day.
With a sprinkle of Perform fairy dust, a team of skilled actors, www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school
musicians and dancers will ensure your child enjoys every
minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to
delight family and friends.
Summer camps
“Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a with Camp
lot of confidence in her ability to join in,make new friends and
perform songs and dances. We were so proud of her.” Emma
Beaumont!
Robinson (parent) With the school holidays just
around the corner, and the dilemma
Beckenham 8-12 August Blackheath 25-29 July Dulwich 15-19 of childcare approaching, Camp
August and East Dulwich 1-5 August . All courses run 10-3pm. Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced
www.perform.org.uk/peterpan day camp provider, is on hand to
Try some free weekly fun this summer term provide your child with a fun-filled
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s adventure at over 40 locations across
and 7-12s run throughout the summer term and, with over 300 London and the South-East.
classes running each week, there’s sure to be a class near you. With over 50 activities each week, not only can your child
NEW VENUE in Orpington! Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to sharpen up their social skills, they can also pursue new
book a free trial session. 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform. interests, develop new talents and unleash their creative
org.uk side. Activities range from Aqua Olympics to Movie Maker to
Superhero Academy, and each activity programme is tailored
by age group, including a nursery-style Playtime Programme
To advertise: 07980 556813
for 3-4 year olds, a unique Magic Programme for 5-7 year
Editorial: editor@familiesselondon.co.uk olds, a thrilling Active Programme for 8 to 11 year olds and an
exclusive club style Teens Programme for 12-16 year olds.
Visit www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and
our media pack. Next issue: July / August 2022 Childcare vouchers are accepted and all bookings are flexible
with their COVID flexible booking promise.
Facebook: @FamiliesLondonSouthEast
Twitter: @FamiliesSE To book, visit www.campbeaumont.co.uk
or call 01604 851 0000
Families South East is part of Families Print Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House,
Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of
Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers
nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. Designed by 45 Degrees www.fortyfivedegrees.co.uk. Printed by Buxton Press Ltd.
Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 3
EARLY YEARS
Developing humour
as an infant
By Dr Elena Hoicka
As a research team, we have always been fascinated by
humour in children and so we set out to discover the types
of humour that are present in early development and the
ages at which different types of humour emerge. To do this,
we mapped young children’s understanding of jokes for the
first time using data from a new study involving nearly seven
hundred children ages 0 to 47 months.1
Incredibly, we identified twenty one types of humour. Children
under one year appreciated physical, visual and auditory
humour. This included hide and reveal games like peekaboo, also suggest that perhaps 2-year-olds are starting to understand
tickling, funny voices and noises. In the first year, children are that other people’s feelings can be hurt too. While many parents
learning to process sensory information, such as what things won’t be too happy to see their children laugh at someone’s
look, sound and feel like and their humour reflects this. So once expense, this may signal that a child is understanding other
they know what a voice should sound like, they notice when people in more complex ways.
someone’s voice sounds strange and find it funny.
Finally, 3-year-olds played with social rules, for example, saying
One-year-olds appreciated humour that involved getting a naughty words to be funny and showing the beginnings of
reaction from others. This included teasing, for example, offering understanding tricks and puns. This reflects the way in which
and withdrawing objects, scaring others and taboo topics, for children’s understanding of language and the social world keep
instance, toilet humour. They also found it funny to act like developing and are simultaneously reflected in their humour.
something else, such as an animal. Interestingly, it is around the
age of 1 that children start to understand other people’s minds. Dr Elena Hoicka is an Associate Professor at the School of
Their understanding and appreciation of humour reflects this. Education, University of Bristol.
Two-year-olds’ humour reflected language development, Want to participate in future research? Sign up at
including mislabelling (for instance, calling a duck a cow), www.babylovesscience.com
playing with concept (for example, saying: ‘dogs say moo’) and
nonsense words such as ‘moogly boo.’ They also demonstrated 1 ‘The Early Humor Survey (EHS): A Reliable Parent-Report Measure of Humor
Development for 1- to 47-Month-Olds’ by E Hoicka et al in Behavior Research
a mean streak as they appreciated making fun of others. As Methods.
most children start to speak by the age 2, humour reflects this,
showing children enjoying playing with language. Our findings
When to expect humour How to joke with your
in your child child
Some parents reported that their children appreciated humour Parents are very good at joking with their young children.
as early as 1 month old and produced humour as early as 4
months old! But this wasn’t typical. Our research estimated that Professor Gina Mireault, from Northern Vermont University,
fifty percent of children appreciate humour by 2 months old and found that when parents joke around with little ones ages 3 to 6
produce humour by 11 months old but that means fifty percent of months, they smile and laugh, letting their baby know they are
children don’t appreciate humour until 3 months old or later and joking. Professor Vasu Reddy, from the University of Portsmouth,
don’t produce humour until 12 months old or later. found that when parents laughed at their 7 to 12 month-olds’
jokes, their babies often repeated them.
You can start looking for humour in your child’s first year but
don’t worry if it doesn’t happen as early as you expect. Every In my research, we found that parents smile more when joking
child is different and some may understand different types of with their toddlers and make more eye contact. Furthermore,
humour earlier and other types later. For instance, a very verbally parents explain they are joking. They often express jokes like a
precocious 1-year-old might understand mislabelling jokes earlier question, for instance: ‘The ducks say moo?’ which highlights
than expected, whereas a child who has just started speaking at they are not being serious. After joking, they often explain what
2 years may understand this joke type later. they did wrong. For instance, saying: ‘Ducks don’t say moo!
They say quack!’. In response, children smile and laugh at their
Remember, joking isn’t a race, it’s about having a positive, social parents’ jokes, make eye contact and copy the jokes.
experience with your child that allows you to bond and enjoy a
joke together. So, when you joke with your child, make sure you smile, laugh,
make eye contact and even explain your jokes!
4 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813
SPECIAL EVENT
THE
QUEEN’S
PLATINUM
Make a crown, don your best
airs and graces and prepare to celebrate as the country
pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
JUBILEE A summer of celebrations will mark 70 years of service to
the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms
and the Commonwealth.
colourful field of flowers to mark the
Platinum Jubilee. Grab a mat and slide
down the Superbloom slide and follow the
visitor route through the display.
people will gather to have fun and get
Trooping the Colour to know one another a little better. This
From Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard’s year’s Big Lunch is set to be a right royal
Parade SW1 knees-up! Sign for a free organisers’ pack
2 June Over 1,400 parading soldiers, or find a local event.
200 horses and 400 musicians will come
together in the traditional Parade to mark Celebrate at Hever Castle Reuthe’s Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks
The Queen’s official birthday, usually Hever Castle, Kent TN8 7NG
Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0HB
held on the second Saturday in June. www.hevercastle.co.uk
2-5 June Where better to celebrate the www.allevents.in
The Parade will close with the traditional
Jubilee than the home of two former 4+5 June Platinum Jubilee Family Fun
RAF fly-past, watched by The Queen and
Members of the Royal Family from the queens of England - Anne Boleyn and Weekender Two days of fun including live
Buckingham Palace balcony. Ticketed and Anne of Cleves. Follow a free trial to spot music, Jubilee craft activities, a children’s
televised event. mischievous Corgi dogs, crowns, jewels party, alpaca meet and greet; a huge beer
and queens. It isn’t a celebration without garden and Kent’s longest picnic blanket
Museum of Brands food, so take your own party food and join for your own royal feast.
Lancaster Road W11 1QT a ‘street party’ style picnic fit for royalty.
www.museumofbrands.com Life Through a Royal Lens
From 21 May 200 Years of Royal Party at the Palace
On BBC TV at your own ‘palace’ Kensington Palace W8 4PX
Souvenirs See how UK consumer culture www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace
and Royal history have changed since 4 June The BBC will stage and broadcast
a special live concert from Buckingham Until 4 October A new photographic
the Victorian era, through a fascinating
Palace, bringing together some of the display explores the British Royal Family’s
display of Royal-inspired packaging and
souvenirs, complete with a children’s trail. world’s biggest entertainment stars to enduring relationship with the camera;
2-6 June Children go free, try some object celebrate the most significant and joyous from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s
handling, make your own bunting and moments from The Queen’s seven decade patronage of photography during its
crown. reign. infancy, to lesser known intimate family
portraits, dating from the 19th century
Platinum Pageant
Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA right up to the present day.
www.platinumpageant.com
5 June The Platinum Pageant will combine Hampton Court Palace
street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival East Molesey KT8 9AU
and costume to celebrate Her Majesty’s www.hrp.org.uk
unwavering duty, love of the natural world 1-5 June Jubilee Joust Witness the sport
and dedication to the Commonwealth. No of kings as knights from around the
booking required. country joust to celebrate the Queen’s
Platinum Jubilee. Pick your favourite
Superbloom at the Tower The Big Jubilee Lunch
Tower of London EC3N 4AB www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the- knight and cheer them on as they
www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london big-jubilee-lunch compete for the coveted Jubilee Cup.
1 June - 18 September Over 20 million 2-5 June It’s the party that’s right up your Pomp, ceremony and splendour will reign
mixed seeds have been sown in the street, and everyone’s invited. Across supreme at this family-friendly event
Tower’s moat to create a spectacular, streets, gardens and neighbourhoods, within the spectacular palace gardens.
Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 5
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6 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813
SPONSORED FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
The impact of
Wellbeing and Growth
Mindset education in
Early Years
In today’s society, we are still seeing a trend towards a
predominantly ‘reactive’ response model to wellbeing
and mental health. Similar to a firefighting analogy,
things are largely left waiting until there is a problem with
an individual where interventional steps are then taken to
try and deal with that specific case.
wellbeing and mental health, but we are
also experiencing a knock on effect with
children going on to succeed and do
better across all areas of the academic
curriculum as a result. This can be seen
both with the Early Learning Goals at
the end of Reception and the children’s
increasing progress as they move up
through the school.
Over the last 2 years, we have been
developing a body of work that seeks
to translate key thinking and skills in
a way that young children can access
Here at the Villa School and Nursery, to quickly access powerful thinking that
and take on in a meaningful way. Using
rather than waiting for mental ill health can help them to face challenges with a
pedagogical research, we have based our
to arise, we have been busy seeking to positive mindset. If I was to say to you,
provision around three main themes of
develop a more proactive and positive ‘Old McDonald had a….’ or ‘Twinkle,
Self-esteem, Character and Resilience.
response model for all. One that aims twinkle little….’ I am pretty confident that
to go back to the start to plant seeds at Within the area of Resilience we have your mind has instantly given you the next
the foundation stage. Seeds that, when found particular success using growth word because it has become so ingrained
watered over time, will grow strong roots mindset in helping our children to shift as an internal reflex response it takes little
and develop into trees of the future that their thinking and the way they respond to no effort to think and know it. That’s
will not easily be shaken when the storms to challenges. Through trial and error we how it works with these phrases. Over
come. have created a set of key phrases that we the last period, we have seen children go
have introduced to the children as ‘Steps from tears and frustration to consistent
Over the last few years, our team at The
to Success’. They are taught in order and proud success by slowly building in these
Villa have been on an exciting journey
build up as a progression on top of each foundations of positive growth mindset
that is starting to yield significant results.
other to help establish strong foundations thinking. It’s not just the children noticing
Not only are we seeing our children
in habitual thinking. These phrases act the difference; parents are too!
developing strong foundations in
like memory hooks and enable children
From a recent parent survey:
‘I love it. Wish we had something similar as kids. Sadly we don’t have space to go through all of the phrases we
She’s sunny and positive and resilient!’ are using in detail here but if you would like to know more, feel
free to get in touch. This is a journey and we are far from our
‘I have seen a huge improvement in overall attitude destination but we step forward determined to provide our early
to learning, going from very negative to now a years children with the best possible foundations for the future.
positive mindset. I have also seen a vast improvement
in willingness to have a go and take a risk.’ Matt Bawler
‘I hear my child say “I can’t do it YET” with a big Reception Teacher and Early Years Development Lead
smile, or explain that, “Everyone makes mistakes, The Villa School and Nursery, 54 Lyndhurst Grove SE15 5AH
www.thevillaschoolandnursery.co.uk
that’s how we learn!”’ Matt.bawler@thevillaschoolandnursery.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 7
EDUCATION
Lessons to learn
before you’re 10
By Gail Hugman
We live in a world where it’s easy to
become overwhelmed. So teaching young
children to make good use of their working
memory, exercise self-control and get
organised will really help them develop the
skills they need to succeed in life.
_Layout 1 03/02/2020 11:52 am Page 4
These key skills underpin everything we do in life and it takes
just a few minutes a day to boost them so your child learns more too! Keep a tally so they can track their improvement and praise
effectively and confidently. What’s more, growing these skills can them for being clever. Explain that this is more than just a fun
be fun! challenge, it’s all about teaching their brain to have a really good
memory.
Developed by experts who understand how children’s brains
develop and form, try these starter activities to set your child off You can say: ‘When your teacher shows you something in
on the right path. school, your brain will remember it better if you sort the
information first. You’ll be able to remember names, countries,
Working memory ADVERTISEMENT PROOF lists, linked facts and even do magic tricks by remembering a
bunch of playing cards in order - how cool is that?’
Play
outh east london Kim’s Game.
Self-control
To set up, gather ten objects together on a tray. Give your child
one to two timed minutes to look at the objects, then cover them Ask your child to tell you really quietly what colour socks they
Please find
up.below a proof
Depending of your
on age and artwork forthem
ability, ask Families
to tell,South
draw East magazine.
or write are wearing. Then ask them to tell you again as LOUDLY as
check all information
which is correct,Asespecially
ones they remember. telephone
they progress, add more numbers
objectsand possible
addresses.
(it may not be such fun for you, but they will love it!)
or give them less time to remember them. Each time they whisper or shout, give feedback to their brain
by telling them ‘that’s great whispering, can it be quieter?’ or
Please contact us by return to either amend or approve your advertisement ‘excellent LOUD voice, is that the loudest you’ve got?’
There are ways help brains recall objects; the trick is to make
links info@familiesse.co.uk
and spot patterns. or chris@lancasters.co.uk
Do this exercise a few times and congratulate your child on their
Give approved
considered them these and
tips: ready for print unless we hear from you self-control.
within 24Tell them that taking charge from the inside is a very
hours.
grown up thing to do.
To start with, count how many objects you’ll have to remember.
Look to see if any can be linked together, by colour or by Decide one thing you’d like your child to get under control. For
material, such as all plastic or all wood, by shape or by use; eg example, it may be to resist the impulse to call out in class. Or
knife and fork go together, tools together, toys together. leave their desk when they should be sitting quietly. Make it a
positive.
Older children ages 7+ might be able to order the objects in a
sequence or a story. Explain to your child that you’d like them to focus on this one
thing every day for a week. Remind them each day, ask how they
The more children play the game, the better they will get at got on and praise their progress. In this way, you’ll support their
recalling the objects. Why not see for yourself and play along effort to control their impulses.
Gail Hugman is the bestselling author of 100 Things to Learn
LET'S DRUM! Before You’re 10. A children’s life coach, she owns and runs
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8 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813
HOLIDAYS
The lowdown on
school holiday camps
and workshops
By Andrew Campbell
Summer holiday camps, schools and workshops are not only
an ideal way to fill in childcare gaps during the long summer
break but offer the opportunity for your child to discover a
new hobby or take their existing passion to a new level.
Multi-activity day camps
Offering a varied daily programme of sports and creative competitive game or demonstrating a completed project.
activities, with each session lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours, For children who have an established interest, single activity
multi-activity camps are ideal for children who have a range of camps or workshops offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite
interests or have not yet found their ‘thing.’ Some camps offer an coaching and tuition, often from highly qualified or experienced
astounding range of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, instructors which can result in a significant boost to their
games and challenges. Generally, camps can be booked for existing skill level, confidence and enthusiasm in their chosen
single days, half days and full weeks, including extended hours endeavour.
and multi-week discounts.
For a child curious about an activity, single activity camps or
Sport/single activity camps or workshops workshops are a great opportunity for an immersive experience
which will test their interest and aptitude and for gaining an
These intensely focused summer schools offer specialisation. appreciation of what a regular commitment to weekly term time
Think a specific sport such as football, gymnastics and cricket, classes, often run by the same organisation, could offer.
one creative activity such as painting, photography and cooking,
a single performing art like drama, musical theatre or dance or For children who may struggle to find school friends who share
an area of STEM such as computer coding, robotics and game their ‘passion,’ activity camps or workshops are a great way to
design. meet ‘like-minded’ peers in their local area.
Generally operating for two to five hours per day and running And for you? A patchwork of activity camps and/or workshops
for just one day or as a progressive course from a few days to can be expensive but there is a distinct advantage in that
two weeks, these camps or workshops often cater for all ages they offer some mainstays of childcare across the summer
of children and culminate in staging a performance, playing a that simultaneously allow your child to be doing something
enjoyable, fulfilling, exciting or unique.
Calling all young Scientists!
Help us discover how babies & kids learn!
We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun
studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London.
Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses.
We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home
www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies
020 3926 1207
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Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 9
PARTIES
2022 children’s party trends
By Claire Winter
Many of us have missed celebrating important birthday parties and milestones
with family and friends during the pandemic. With restrictions lifted and the
summer months upon us, things are looking up at last!
Did someone say party? Here’s how to party like it’s 2022.
Outdoor parties Food
The pandemic drove us outside and Grazing platters may look fabulous but
having a party in the garden or going to some delicious goodies in individual
an outdoor venue still appeals to many recyclable cardboard boxes are simple to
parents. A huge outdoor picnic and good serve, create less waste and can be eaten Instagrammable installations
old-fashioned games like tug-of-war, anywhere. A firm favourite is a cream tea
quoits or skittles always go down a treat. in a box! You can also outsource food to If you’re all about the ‘gram and other
Pack bats and balls and you’re ready for a party organiser or caterer. Or, instead of social media shares, you can hire amazing
rounders. It’s a party with no crumbs and having one large statement cake, why not balloon displays, giant LED numbers and
more space to let off steam! Alternatively, offer a fabulous display of cupcakes and neon signs for the party. Do be conscious
parties at venues like Go Ape are an mini desserts? It will look gorgeous and of sharing pictures of your party-goers as
easy option and the children will love to the kids (and parents) will love it. not all parents are comfortable with their
monkey around in the trees. children on social media.
Retro gaming parties Sleepover in style Flower power
If you have a gaming fan in the house, For an extra special sleepover if you have Whether they are dried or fresh, flowers
why not hire a gaming company to take the garden space, consider hiring a bell have made a huge comeback. Scatter
them back to the eighties? Pac-Man and tent or teepee. One for the older children rose petals on the party table or freeze
many of the old-school favourites will - decorate with fairy lights, set up mini them in ice cubes. Create a huge bouquet
fascinate and intrigue them. There are Bluetooth speakers and let the fun begin! as a centrepiece or if you are going all
also loads of great VR games that you can Just don’t expect too much sleeping.... out, hire a flower wall. Perfect for tweens!
hire for the day too.
Call in the experts The party bag Old-school fun
A seasoned magician or entertainer will Give small meaningful gifts instead of Take a full-on trip down the traditional
provide the fun crowd control you’re after. plastic. It’s just not the done thing any route. There’s nothing wrong with keeping
Younger kids love the games, banter and more to fill party bags with sweets and it simple. Two hours of games like pass
dancing while you sit back watching the land-filler plastic tat. A few popular (more the parcel, musical statues, a treasure
fun. eco-friendly) alternative ideas could be a hunt and a spot of dancing before tea still
book, a packet of wildflower seeds or a jar do very nicely, thank you.
of make-at-home cookie mix.
10 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813HOLIDAYS
Adventures at home
By Zoe Lake
I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home for weekends and holidays. Here are some of our favourites, which
can be easily adjusted if the weather does not behave. All the activities can be tailored to children and adults of all ages, adding
a little magic to precious family time.
Garden music festival Twenty four hours without Stargazing
electricity
Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old
and cushions, power up the radio and Challenging the family to go without inflatable pool, patched with duct tape
set up camp. Spend the day listening to electricity is great fun. Not only does it and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill
music in the comfort of your own garden. encourage you to get creative with your out whilst we snuggle down and watch for
Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP time, it also opens up the broader topic of the first star to appear amidst the myths
lanyards allow unlimited access to the eco-living and which small changes can and legends. Look out for the Big Bear,
snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and be made at home. Activities for the day the Pegasus and Draco the dragon, which
ultimately, the lavatory - without needing might include painting, poetry, games, snakes across our sky.
to queue! bird watching, cooking over an open
flame and sleeping outside.
Garden fete Mini Olympics Wildlife hunting
Village fetes are often a washout but Our annual garden Olympics is one of Find out who you share your garden
you can schedule yours when there’s our favourite days of the year. Open with, using a nature guide to help with
glorious sunshine! String up your bunting, with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and identification. Or encourage a few new
bake some scones, set up a raffle and homemade hanging flags, followed by residents with a log pile house for insects,
a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), competitive rounds of egg and spoon, hanging feeders for birds, a compost
provide an (unplugged) microphone for sack races, hula hooping, bean bag heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs
announcements, hold a pet show, even set throwing and swing ball. Keep score on and a colourful flowerbed for bees and
up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here). a chalkboard and finish with salt dough butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of
medals at an elaborate award ceremony. what you all see.
Family heritage Reading nook
Spend a bit of time asking relatives about A reading nook is a wonderful place to
their own adventures, jotting them down spend a lazy afternoon. Set up a den or
as you go. If the weather is a bit rubbish, a teepee and make it cosy inside. Fill a
this is the perfect excuse to scour old basket with books and make the most of
family albums full of photos of when they little ones curled up in your lap for story Zoe Lake’s book Adventures
were young. And if the weather is kind, time. Or even have a go at writing your at Home (Pimpernel Press) is
ask them to take you around their old own story together. available at all good book shops
haunts, perhaps to where they grew up. and at www.zoe-lake.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 11ANNE BOLEYN CANALETTO’S VENICE, NATIONAL CATS AND DOGS
AT HEVER CASTLE MARITIME MUSEUM AT THE HORNIMAN
What’sOn
14 May Handa’s Surprise Travel to Kenya and follow in
Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend
Akeyo, in the next village. Ages 2-6.
MAY AND JUNE 2022
Compiled by Robina Cowan Greenwich Theatre
Crooms Hill SE10 8ES
All details are as provided when going to press, however in www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out 10+11 May Vixen An original story about a young girl
who is turning into a fox. Expect to see beauty hidden
in unremarkable places, friendships that don’t follow the
DIARY DATES rules, the things that unite us and a girl aching to belong.
Ages 7+.
Dulwich Festival 25+26 June The Tiger Who Came To Tea Join the tea-
In and around Dulwich SE21 guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with
www.dulwichfestival.co.uk oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos.
13-22 May A celebration of arts workshops, open Ages 3+.
houses, performances, local walks and events for all
ages, culminating with a Festival Fair on Goose Green on Terrible Thames
22 May. From Tower Bridge Quay
www.terriblethames.com
Brockley Max Provided by the Horrible Histories team, this is a boat
In and around Brockley SE4 tour all about the history of the Thames with the nasty
www.brockleymax.co.uk bits left in! There’s no better way to learn about the
27 May - 4 June Nine days and over 60 events including country’s most famous river and the incredible history of
art trails, performances and more, created by talented the nation’s capital. Departing from Tower Bridge Quay,
individuals and collectives within the Lewisham Borough the fantastic journey incorporates immersive theatre
of Culture calendar. The final day brings Art on the to surprise and shock in equal measure as it delivers a
Park on Hilly Fields - an afternoon of music, children’s unique take on London, thrilling both children and adults
workshops, storytelling, craft stalls, demonstrations and alike.
reviving food and drinks.
Peacock Theatre
Independent Bookshop Week Portugal Street WC2A 2HT
Nationwide www.sadlerswells.com
www.booksaremybag.com 27-29 May Anne of Green Gables Anne is a lively,
18-25 June Independent bookshops are staffed imaginative 11 year old orphan who lives on Canada’s
with book experts who are wildly passionate about Prince Edward Island. Adopted by an elderly brother
reading and getting the right book into the right hands. and sister, Anne gets herself into endless scrapes but
During this year’s celebration week, hundreds of indie eventually wins over the community with her endearing,
bookshops across the country will feature author events, fearless character and passionate nature. A London
bookshop crawls, guest bookselling and much more. Children’s Ballet production with a cast of 51 talented
young dancers aged 9-16. Ages 5+.
THEATRE & SHOWS Southbank Centre
Southbank SE1 8XX
Theatre Peckham www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Havil Street SE5 7SB 29 May OAE Tots: The King of the Sea Plunge
www.theatrepeckham.co.uk into Poseidon’s underwater world in an interactive
2 May - 5 June Peckham Fringe Across five weeks, concert performed by the Orchestra of the Age of
27 visiting companies will take over the main theatre Enlightenment. Ages 2-5.
and studio space. With theatre, spoken word, live
music, multi-media performances and live cooking Unicorn Theatre
on-stage, Peckham Fringe offers a smorgasbord of live Tooley Street SE1 2HZ
entertainment. It includes fun for all the family with www.unicorntheatre.com
works such as the interactive musical Errol’s Garden, and 13 May - 12 June Get Dressed! This riotous, fun and
Skate of Mind Live. touching show explores the relationship between a child
and her dad as they negotiate their world together. Ages
Canada Water Theatre 2-5.
Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR 1 June - 3 July Marvin’s Binoculars Join Marvin as
www.thealbany.org.uk he discovers wildlife and friendship in the most unlikely
12 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813CUTTY SARK RIG DULWICH GREENWICH
CLIMB EXPERIENCE FESTIVAL PARK
places. Touching on themes of racial prejudice, Marvin’s Horniman Museum
Binoculars is a highly engaging and vibrant show that London Road SE23 3PQ
will inspire children to explore the outdoors in their local www.horniman.ac.uk
green spaces. Ages 6-11. Until 30 October Cats and Dogs Discover more about
our fascinating furry friends in this interactive, family-
Bromley Churchill Theatre friendly exhibition offering a revealing pets’-eye view
High Street Bromley BR1 1HA of the world. Immersive displays explore the scientific,
www.churchilltheatre.co.uk social and cultural role that cats and dogs play in our
31 May + 1 June In The Night Garden Live Igglepiggle, world, and invites visitors to go on an exciting, sensory
Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their journey, exploring what it’s like to be a cat or a dog. The
fun-filled live show ‘Igglepiggle’s Busy Day.’ Pip-pip, exhibition is presented in three languages - English,
onk-onk! French and Spanish - and also features animations
developed by students from the London College of
The Puppet Theatre Barge Communication, featuring their interpretations of the
Opp Blomfield Road W9 2PF exhibition’s theme.
www.puppetbarge.com
21 May - 3 July The Hare and the Tortoise The story National Maritime Museum
of the most famous race on earth is beautifully brought Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF
to life with some of Aesop’s other famous morality tales. www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum
Ages 3+ Until 25 September Canaletto’s Venice Revisited
This major exhibition will display the complete set of 24
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Venetian views painted by Canaletto in the 1730s. The
Various venues works, from the world-famous collection at Woburn
www.byobcomedy.com Abbey, form the largest single commission the Italian
A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby artist ever received.
can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows
feature a new line up of comedians each month with
two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 Holborn
months. sadlerswells.com
31 May in Hither Green
16 June in East Dulwich
Bach to Baby
Various venues
www.bachtobaby.com Machine
de Cirque
Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies
and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on
exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with
as much noise as they like!
9 May in Dulwich Village
26 May in Greenwich & Blackheath 1 – 11 June 2022
27 May in West Dulwich
29 May in London Bridge & Borough
31 May in East Dulwich
MUSEUMS Half price tickets
for under 16s*
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Gallery Road SE21 7AD
www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
4 May - 4 September Reframed: The Woman in the
Window Featuring artworks from ancient civilisations to
present day, the exhibition brings together over 50 works
by artists including Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, Dante
Gabriel Rossetti, David Hockney, Louise Bourgeois, Cindy
Sherman. The enigmatic motif of the ‘woman in the
*Half price tickets subject to availability
window’ is portrayed through painting, sculpture, print,
photography and film.
Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 13HANDA’S SURPRISE, CANADA WATER HORRIBLE HISTORIES IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE,
THEATRE TERRIBLE THAMES BROMLEY CHURCHILL
7 May and 18 June SENsory Sailors Families with and what some of those stars are famous for today. Learn
children with special educational needs and disabilities are all the Moon and why it seems to change shape over the
invited to explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity course of a month. Ages 7+.
to be creative together as a family, and meet other local
families. Sessions are led by a SEND specialist and respond Cutty Sark
to the needs of the participating families. Ages 13 and King William Walk SE10 9HT
under. Free, book first. www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
21 May LGBTQ+ Family Network A safe space for Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters
local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master,
in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s
within the collection. Free. cook, and a dockworker character, who all have special
11 June World Oceans Day Take part in a range of stories to tell. Ages 3+.
exciting family-friendly themed events, activities and talks 30 May - 3 June All Hands on Deck Explore how Cutty
across the RMG sites. Sark works, communicates and celebrates through a
22 June Windrush Day On 22 June 1948, the SS series of hands-on activities and workshops including
Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in London. celebrating a royal visit, learning about signal flags and
Windrush Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Windrush tales from character actors.
generation and acknowledge the contributions and Various dates Rig Climb Experience Climb the famous
sacrifices of British Caribbean communities. masts and enjoy views of the Thames and London like
no other. Visitors can traverse one of the ship’s lower
Queen’s House yardarms before reaching the top platform, taking in the
Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF view from the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12+.
www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house
All the Queen’s Men Uncover the lives of Elizabeth Brunel Museum
I’s male courtiers and their personal and political Railway Avenue SE16 4LF
relationships with the monarch in this new display at the www.thebrunelmuseum.com
Queen’s House. Featuring paintings of Sir Francis Drake Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom
and Thomas Seymour, the display also showcases the Brunel changed the world with their inventive tunnels,
Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, one of the treasures of bridges and viaducts, built during the Victorian reign.
Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection. All ages, free. Housed in their Thames Tunnel Engine House, today the
Woburn Treasures While Woburn Abbey is closed for museum celebrates both engineering and performance in
refurbishments, many significant pieces are available to its Grade II* listed Tunnel Shaft. Open weekends.
view, including works by distinguished artists such as Van
Tower of London
Dyck, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Poussin and Canaletto,
EC3N 4AB
alongside art from the national collection of Royal
www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
Museums Greenwich.
1 June - 18 September Superbloom at the Tower Over
20 million mixed seeds have been sown in the Tower’s
Royal Observatory Greenwich
moat, to create a spectacular, colourful field of flowers to
Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ
mark the Platinum Jubilee. Grab a mat and slide down the
www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Superbloom slide and follow the visitor route through the
Various dates The Sky Tonight A live show taking
display.
visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky,
complete with a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe.
The British Museum
Ages 7+.
Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD
28 May Astronomy and Islam Arabic tales are filled with
www.britishmuseum.org
characters and creatures that people imagined seeing by Until 17 July The World of Stonehenge For the very
joining together the bright stars in the sky. Find out which first time in a major exhibition in the UK, the story and
stars astronomers still call by their original Arabic names secrets of Stonehenge are brought into focus, revealing
that prehistoric Britain was a place of big ideas, commerce
PAINTING & DECORATING and travel, rather than a shadowy land of mystery.
Interior / Exterior • Experienced, Reliable, Clean Natural History Museum
Fully Guaranteed / Insured Cromwell Road SW7 5BD
www.nhm.ac.uk
FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE
Until 5 June Wildlife Photographer of the Year 100
John: James & Lamont powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under
020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 pressure. Gaze through the lens of some of the world’s
jamlam.john@btinternet.com best wildlife photographers and marvel at the beauty of
our planet.
14 Families South East • May / June 2022 To advertise please call 07980 556813LEGACIES, MARVIN’S BINOCULARS, SUPERBLOOM AT
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM UNICORN THEATRE THE TOWER OF LONDON
Monthly dates Dino Snores for Kids Spend a night 31 May Discovery Day: Orienteering Free, educational,
amongst the museum’s incredible collections, exploring nature-inspired activites for the whole family.
its world class galleries after hours and sleeping beneath
Hope, the breath-taking blue whale skeleton in Hintze City Splash Festival
Hall. After setting up camp in one of the amazing galleries, Brockwell Park SE21
there’s an evening of awesome learning activities before www.city-splash.com
bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11.
29 May Over 60 performers and bands playing live,
celebrating the impact and importance of Caribbean and
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB African music on British culture. Vibes, music, food and
www.ltmuseum.co.uk fun for all ages.
Explore the heritage of London and its transport system,
and the stories of the people who have travelled and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee for Kids
worked in the city over the last 200 years. Family East Street SE17 2JN
events include singing, storytelling and craft activities. E: kadonash@yahoo.co.uk
Accompanied children go free. 4 June A park party for the kids to eat, enjoy and
Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. No booking
Many people know about the history of Windrush, but required.
are less familiar with London Transport’s advertising
recruitment campaign to attract employees directly from Eltham Palace and Gardens
the Caribbean to London from 1956 to 1970. Uncover Court Yard SE9 5QE, www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham
stories and memories from first, second and third
28 May - 5 June Kids Rule! Head to the grounds of
generation Caribbean people who worked for LT in the
Eltham Palace to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
past and now work for its successor, Transport for London
(TfL). with costumed storytellers, hands-on activities and fresh-
air family fun.
The Foundling Museum
Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ Hampton Court Palace
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk East Molesey KT8 9AU
Until 28 August Superheroes, Orphans and Origins www.hrp.org.uk
Enter into the world of superheroes in this first major 1-5 June Jubilee Joust Experience the sport of kings
exhibition to explore the representation of foundlings, as knights from around the country joust to celebrate the
orphans, adoptees and foster children in comics, graphic Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Pick your favourite knight and
novels and sequential art from around the globe. cheer them on as they compete for the coveted Jubilee
Cup. Pomp, ceremony and splendour will reign supreme
Hever Castle & Gardens
at this family-friendly event within the spectacular palace
Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
gardens.
www.hevercastle.co.uk
2-5 June Platinum Jubilee Where better to celebrate
the Jubilee than the home of two former queens of Pub in the Park
England - Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves. Follow a free Dulwich Park SE21 7EB
trial to spot mischievous Corgi dogs, crowns, jewels and www.pubintheparkuk.com
queens! It isn’t a celebration without food, so take your 24-26 June A culinary festival featuring a huge line-up
own party food and join a ‘street party’ style picnic fit for of renowned chefs led by Tom Kerridge, with incredible
royalty. food, chart-topping live music and a healthy serving of
Until 22 November Becoming Anne: Connections, good times. The whole weekend caters to families as
Culture, Court Visit the childhood home of Anne Boleyn much as growunps, with a dedicated area just for kids, and
for an exhibition depicting her early life and learn how she a jam-packed schedule of activities.
became the woman who so caught Henry VIII’s eye.
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Kew TW9 3AE
www.kew.org
Greenwich Park Kew for One Pound A new low-cost entry has been
London SE10 8EJ introduced for a visit to Kew Gardens and its sister site,
www.royalparks.org.uk Wakehurst in Sussex, for people in receipt of Universal
28 May Play in the Park A pop up day camp packed with Credit or Pension Credit. For families or other groups,
tentfuls of free play fun. Join in with outdoor play and there is also now a reduced price for early booking of just
nature-based craft activities. £15 per adult.
Familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesSE Families South East • May / June 2022 15Inspiring
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