Kingston Museum’s summer exhibition this year will be for the people, of the people and by the people!
Festival! will celebrate the 800th anniversary of Kingston’s surviving charter which was granted to the town by King John in 1208.  This charter granted the citizens of Kingston the right to raise their own taxes and pay them directly to the King.  It represents the birth of Kingston as an independent community.  Since then, that community spirit has been expressed through festivals which persist and diversify to this day.

Festival! will look at Kingston festivals both past and present, from the May Day games and dances of the sixteenth century to the multi-cultural events of today, including Kingston Readers’ Festival, the Korean Festival and Kingston Carnival.  Throughout it will consider the human impulse to gather and celebrate in public. And this is where you come in.  The Museum is asking for contributions to the exhibition: photographs, video footage, banners, costumes and any other memorabilia from festivals that have taken place in the Borough.  “We would love to hear from anyone who has items they can loan us for our exhibition," says Museum Curator, Peta Cook.  “We want the exhibition to represent as wide a range of our residents as possible and to show that we in Kingston know how to celebrate!”

Kingston Museum, Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS www.kingston.gov.uk/museum

Looking for a fun way to occupy your little ones? Look no further than BRAND NEW Gymboree Surbiton! Opening in July at Cannons Health Club, Surbiton. A variety of fun and inspired classes including Gym, Music and Play are on offer for 0-5 year olds. Classes, led by experienced and enthusiastic teachers, are run throughout the year in fabulous, fully-equipped premises. Gymboree members are also given access to open gym sessions free of charge on days when Gymboree Surbiton is open. Facilities include ample free parking, baby changing, bottle warming facilities & breastfeeding cushions, a crèche, a nursery as well as a restaurant with high chairs and a children’s play area.

Cannons Health Club, Simpson Way, SURBITON, Surrey, KT64ER

ST Johns church, Northdown Road ,Belmont, Sutton.

ART 4 KIDS is a fun, educational art class for children. Learn about different artists and experiment with mixed media.All classes are taught in a positive and relaxed atmosphere by a professional artist and experienced teacher of art. Summer school is on every Tuesday throughout August that being the 8th, 15th 22nd and 29th. Starts 10:30 am untill 3:30pm. Costs £20 per child per day. (sibling discounts available).
After school classes commence in September in Belmont and at Westcroft Leisure centre in Carshalton. Classes cost £5.50 per child for each session. For more info or to book a place for your child for either the summer school or after school club please contact either Julian or Laura on 020 8395 9765 or 0781 507 4929. alternatively you can email us at  lauraobrien@blueyonder.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

Call: 020 8395 9765

Turk Launches offer a great day out with our versatile fleet of traditional and modern vessels. From April to mid-September, scheduled cruises operate between Hampton Court, Richmond and Kingston, with journey times of 35 minutes to three and a half hours. Special group tickets are available , and our fleet of luxury vessels is equipped with bar and toilet facilities. For more information on times and fares, please contact the office. 020 8546 2434. Town End Pier, 68 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1HN

The Small Boat Club is located on Stephens Ait, an island in the River Thames on the reach above Teddington Lock, below Kingston Railway Bridge and just downstream of the Boaters Inn pub, located in Canbury Gardens. The Small Boat Club runs various activities orientated around the river, river cruising and socialising on our island home.
sec@smallboatclub.co.uk
Phone: 07973 900 169
Established: 1953
Latitude:  51.42
Longitude: -0.306

This is a working farm with a wide variety of animals. Trailer rides, pony rides, pig racing, play areas and of course the animals.
Good tannoy system announcing what's going on so you don't miss anything. Face painting usually available. This little tiger's face is care of Wendy who also does children's parties (see places to have a birthday party below).
(A246 south of Leatherhead).
Phone 01372 363764.Open daily from 10am-6pm. Young St. Fetcham

105 acres of inspiring wetland landscape in Barnes SW3. Over 140 wild bird species, 300 butterflies and moths, insects and amphibians. There is an observatory, a film introducing the conservation work done by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Pond Zone which is a must for the kids and much more. You'll find it at Queen Elizabeth Wlk, Barnes, London SW3 9WT: CAll 020 8409 4400.

Open all year no matter what the weather. Farm animals, play areas, sand pits, straw pits, tractor and trailer rides, under 5 soft play area, refreshments. Great for birthday parties and school parties. Horton Lane, Epsom (off the B280). Phone:01372 743 984.

On the River Thames and at Little Venice, London: For details of performances please see their website.

Fullers Way North, Tolworth Tel: 020 8547 6904

Highly recommended parties for children aged 5 to 12. For the younger ones games, dressing up, glitter, dance and song. For the older ones original choreography, make overs, performance etc. Very popular - call us to discuss your requirements.
Call: 01932 782588

We offer a Birthday Party Package 7 days a week. This includes invitations, Film tickets, goody bags, cinema snacks, balloons, Badge and Projection box tour for the birthday child and friend. There is the optional use of Party Room with Party Host. Available for ages up to 12yrs. For more information call 01372 739752
14b-18 Upper High St, Epsom, KT17 4QJ.

Recommended by The Observer and Tattler, Twizzle provide the complete party service. They can organize magic, games, prizes, balloon modelling and puppet shows for all ages. Plus discos, bouncy castles, fab theme parties, table and chair hire, food and party bags.
Call 020 8392 6788

Castles and ball ponds plus latex and helium balloons for every occasion. Call 020 8393 2616 for details.

Takes the stress out of birthdays and Christenings by making the food and cake. Call for menus and ideas.
020 8336 0395

Wonderfully fun musical parties for 1-7 year olds. The birthday child and guests can join in with hopping, rhythm games, circle games, dancing with bubbles and a special appearance from Bobo the clown (puppet). Prices are around £75-£85. All entertainers are accomplished performers.
Call 020 8677 6871 for more details and bookings.

: Facepainting Association member since 1995. Besides unrivalled Facepainting skills, we offer professional services including balloon modelling, Mrs Saucepan & Dee Dee: magical slapstick comedy Clowns; prizes for all. Regular clients include Thorpe Park; Planet Hollywood; The Amazing Great Children's Party in Battersea.....Why not visit our website. Phone - 01932 781954

Available for parties promos and festivals, themed parties and corporate events. Call Wendy on 0208 274 9257

Professional entertainment for children- clowns, jugglers, magicians and entertainers. 180 Ellerton Rd. Surbiton 020 8399 6007

Glitterbugs

For something different why not try one of Glitterbug's funcraft birthday parties. For details call Sue on 01737 356625

For a jumping place for a birthday party...Call 020 8337 3853.

Magic show, mini disco, karaoke, competitions and prizes. Call 01932 786 023.

Pop Star Parties www.theucompany.co.uk/popstarparties

Parties for children aged 5 to 12 in Kingston and surrounding areas. Dance routine, games, singing, make overs etc. Qualified and experienced teachers and entertainers. Make your child a star for their birthday!
19 North Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4HA. Call 0208 878 7817

details: Sparkles Parties is a specialist catering company designing and making cakes and party foods for all occasions. Carefully themed food and decorations make your child's party extra special. Have a bespoke cake which reflects their interests, personality, or a momentous occasion in their life.
call 020 85492561

Yo Baby! is a new music & movement group and is now avaible for parties.
Please contact Shirley for further details, email shirley@yobaby.co.uk or call: 07970 202 473

Address: C/o Top Floor, 35 Victoria Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 5DL

Fantastic fun for all ages, whether it would be a Birthday Party, Pre-schools, School sports day’s, Magic shows, or Balloon Modeling Richard covers children and adults, Corporate hospitality from the ages of 3 - 103.
Tel: 0208 549 9234   Mobile: 07974 357 911  
The Clock House 43 Douglas Road Kingston-upon-Thames Surrey, KT13PX  

Families are made to feel very welcome here and the pizzas are superb. 41 High St. Kingston (Kingston end of Portsmouth Rd, close to river). Phone 020 8546 1447 or see the Rotunda page for details of the Rotunda Pizza Express.

Thanks to M Woodward for the following recommendations.
in the Bentall Centre is a good alternative to MacDonald's and has a kids menu which includes sandwiches and jacket potatoes as well as the usual nugget and chips.

Do not have a kids menu but our children like the chicken satay and noodles.

If you would like to nominate a restaurant which doesn't rush to put the closed sign up when they see you ramming their doorway with a double buggy then please email us.

• Professional tuition in ALL mainstream subjects
• Exam preparation: SATs, 11+, Common Entrance, GCSE, AS/A level, scholarships
• Highly qualified and experienced tutors from top private and state schools
• Ongoing tuition and revision courses
• English as a Foreign Language
• one-to-one and group tuition
• Excellent results to date
• Centre-based classes ensuring high standards, access to resources and happy students!

392-394 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7BB phone: 020 8390 8810

Learn how to use simple sign language to engage your baby in two-way communication. You will learn: What signs to show your baby, when to start signing, how to make the signs and how using signs will enhance your baby's early language development.
Call: 020 8404 1432

An informal music group for children aged 6mths to 4yrs. Come & join in the fun & bring Mummy too ! Classes held in Worcester Park. Phone:07721 581 672

Singing Lessons with Prof. Trained Singer/Teacher All ages welcome. Surbiton. Call: 07753 822 726

Arts Classes for Children at Petersham and Ham Sea Scouts Hall a 10 week course on saturdays for children aged 8 - 11. Call 0468 721 631

Language courses for everyone aged 2 upwards. Lots of different courses and clubs available. Courses are run for all levels in a friendly relaxed environment. For details of these and other packages either call 020 8946 4777 or visit their website.97 Revelstoke Road, Wimbledon Park, SW18 5NL

Pre-instrumental music classes for one to five year olds. All classes are run by professional musicians and teachers. Classes cover singing, movement, percussion, developing knowledge and experience of classical musical instruments and rhythm. Classes are in Kingston Methodist church , Fairfield South. Other classes in Hampton, Weybridge, Carshalton, Twickenham. Call Kelly Porter on 020 8783 0436

Give your child a brighter future. Professional Tutoring English, Maths, Reading and Spelling.
Call 020 8786 2000.
Charter House,
26 Claremont Road.
Surbiton. KT6 4QZ.

Electronic Keyboard Classes for children 5-8, 9-11 years using original, fun teaching material. Small group lessons carefully structured to introduce reading and writing music and playing a variety of music on the keyboard. Guildhall/Trinity exams possible, a great all-round music lesson! Wednesdays from 4pm, Teddington.
PO Box 45420, London, SE26 6DX
Call 0800 107 7949

Ballet, tap, modern, theatre craft at the Chatterbox Day Nursery: Enquiries: The Studios, Fairmead, Tolworth: 020 8399 9429.

Best Shot provide drama activities for young people aged 9 to 25. There are Saturday drama workshops in four age groups and holiday production courses including The Hobbit, Les Miserables and A Midsummer Night's Dream. All working with a professional theatre director.
1 Queensland Avenue, London SW19 3AD Call 020 8540 1238

Yo Baby! is a new music & movement group and is now avaible for parties.
Please contact Shirley for further details, email shirley@yobaby.co.uk or call: 07970 202 473

Address: C/o Top Floor, 35 Victoria Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 5DL

Kingston Science offers private tuition in:

• GCSE Combined Science £16
• A-Level Biology £20

(will also teach in student's home for £5 extra per lesson on top of normal fee plus any travel expenses)
Introductory offer - 50% off price of first lesson if you say where you've seen this ad!
Please ring Jo Stafferton on 07970 536708 or e-mail kingstonscience@hotmail.co.uk
Call: 07970 536708

If you want to build your child’s confidence, improve their concentration or give them a creative outlet to make new friends and have fun, come & try a FREE Drama Workshop at Perform.
Perform really is different. We use a mix of drama, dance and singing to help bring out children's true potential.  From our experience, we believe the best time to do this is when they are under 8 which is why we're the specialist in this age group.
We hold weekly workshops on Tuesdays a Surbiton Hill Methodist Church Hall, 39 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6AF from 4pm – 5pm and 5pm – 6pm.

Summer Workshops 4th – 8th August 2008 :10.00am -12.00pm MERMAIDS AND PIRATES, ESHER at All Saints Western Village Hall1, Chestnut Avenue, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8JA

If you would like further information, please visit our website www.perform.org.uk or call 0845 400 4000.

SOCATOTS is the first soccer-specific physical play concept for pre-school children and is designed to develop a child’s physical skills of agility, balance and co-ordination. This is done through the use of SOCATOTS specially designed brightly coloured balls and equipment. The programme is structured to develop each child’s positive personality traits, building confidence and self-esteem, and subtly introducing the very first steps of soccer skills and techniques. Each weekly session is led by trained staff and is structured according to the different ages and stages of a child’s development. An essential element of the sessions is the involvement of parents in the activities. This enables the coach to concentrate on the whole group as they learn through repetition and practice.

Email for info or go to website j.khorshid@socatots.com

Talking Tots

The unique interactive classes, which follow the developmental stages of language, are bursting with fun ideas and games!
Watch your child’s language skills blossom, as they enjoy a variety of exciting and exclusive Talking Tots’ activities.
The children have lots of fun and everyone joins in!
TalkingTots classes for:
Speech Sprites 12 months-2 years,
Speech Sprinters 2yrs-3yrs,
Speech Sparklers 3yrs- pre school coming to Barnes, St Margaret's and Putney in January.

Monday pm St Michael's Church in Barnes
Tuesday am Putney Leisure Centre
Wednesday pm St Stephen's Church in St Margaret's.
Starting the week beginning 7th January.
Please call 07881622470 or email hanna@talkingtots.info for more information and to book a class.
Communication skills can be taken for granted …. yet, communication is one of the most important, complex skills that we ever learn but rarely do we support it or develop it in the same way that we might actively support, for example, learning to walk!
Lisa Houghton & Tracey Park are both paediatric Speech & Language Therapists, with over 30 years experience between them and after noticing a decline in the social & communication skills of the general pre school population, they developed Talking Tots classes in September 2005.
The first classes that they started became so popular that they decided to launch Talking Tots throughout the UK, by franchising the business! Talking Tots classes and now running across the country and are due to begin in January, in Barnes, Putney & St Margaret’s

Dominiques offers French Lessons for children in Kingston and surrounding areas. Private or Group Lessons at your Home at a time convenient for you. Native teacher, qualified to teach french as a foreign language and enthusiastic to give well prepared and structured lessons. Children aged 3 and upwards welcome.

Visit our website or telephone 07939 75 66 06 to book a first lesson.