Here’s our pick of the best activities on offer in and around Croydon this month.
(Artwork by Local Mum and Artist Helena Vaughan)
Mothers Connect
27th April - 25th May
Tuesdays, 8-9pm,
5 weekly online sessions.
Run by Mothers at Home Matter
Book your place here
Storytime Online
While Libraries were closed, Local Mums Online ran Storytimes Online every Wednesday. We have a catalogue of Storytimes available for children to watch anytime here
The Southwest Songbirds Online
Despite social distancing and the unprecedented challenges that the coronavirus pandemic faces us all with, The Southwest Songbirds (Earlsfield’s favourite ladies’ choir) have still been rehearsing for our summer concert, only now we’ve taken it online! Our repertoire offers our usual mix of music, with something for everyone, and ranges from Gustav Holst’s Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda (a lovely and unusual classical piece) through to Adele’s Skyfall from the Bond film, along with another Bond favourite, Diamonds are Forever, and also includesEdward Elgar and even Billy Joel – and there’s more to come.
Our next term starts on Monday 20th April and we’ll be rehearsing using Zoom, with pre-recorded guide tracks and our musical director, Polly May, conducting us live once a week! Once we’ve all learnt the repertoire we’ll be recording ourselves singing and Polly will work her magic to pull together a virtual concert which everyone can enjoy online. Every concert we do raises money for a really good cause and this one’s no different – we’re raising money for Shelter, the homelessness charity, who help millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through advice, support and legal services, and who have experienced a sharp increase in the number of calls for help during the coronavirus crisis, from people worried about losing their jobs, their homes and keeping their family safe.
So, if you’re a soprano, second soprano or alto and interested in joining us, the more the merrier, as up to 100 people can join the 40-minute sessions allowed by the free Zoom download. The cost for the term is £50 per household, and proceeds (after costs) from this subscription will be donated to the charity.
All you need to do is…
be able to read music - sign up by Friday 17th April by emailing swsongbirds@gmail.combe able to download Zoom on a laptop or tablet (we’ll send you instructions) - be able to access Dropbox from the link we’ll send you to download the music and backing tracks
Please pass this on to anyone you think might like to join, and if you have more than one Songbird in your household, mothers / daughters / sisters / housemates are welcome to join in – subscription is per household!
The Southwest Songbirds is a friendly and fun, all-female community-based choir, in Earlsfield.
Our musical director, Polly May, set up the choir in 2013 to bring together women from South West London to sing a varied repertoire, both secular and sacred, at two concerts a year. The choir rehearses and performs at St Andrew’s Church, on the corner of Garratt Lane and Waynflete Street in Earlsfield SW18.
Our winter concerts feature seasonal and Christmassy-music and never fail to get everyone in the festive spirit! Our summer concerts are very varied and have featured modern choral favourites, songs from the musicals, pop songs, and classical choral pieces, to name but a few. We choose a different charity / good cause to support with every concert, and have raised funds for many different good causes, including Get Further, Hackney Pirates, Sound Minds, Housing for Women, Ben Thapa Foundation, Just Shelter, stem4, Gutsy Gastros, First Touch, Earlsfield Foodbank, SANE, Somerset Flood Funds, Philippines Typhoon Fund
There is no audition and, although it does help, you don’t have to be able to read music – all we really ask is that you bring your enthusiasm and commitment! Music is provided and there is a reasonable termly fee to cover expenses.
For more information, please email Polly at swsongbirds@gmail.com, and come along one Monday night to have a listen and say hello – we’d love to meet you!
***Please note activities below are postponed due to Covid-19***
Local Mums Discount
Art Tipple is offering Local Mums 20% discount on tickets.
Contact:
Cheren Myers
Art Tipple
Tel: 07914807860
Email: artylicious@artylicious.net
ART-TIPPLE on Facebook
www.artylicious.net/arttipple
CODA 75th Anniversary Cabaret
Book tickets here
If you have any questions or special requirements please contact us here: tickets@codashows.co.uk
Duet Dance Club
Ballroom and Latin dance for kids
New beginners class for under 12s
Call to book first complimentary lesson!
Tel: 07561162099
Duet Dance Club on Facebook
Rugbytots
Rugbytots is a fun and dynamic pre-school play programme designed to build confidence and enhance core skills for 2 - 7 year old boys and girls. We look forward to meeting you and giving you a fun and friendly introduction to rugby in a positive and encouraging environment. Let’s make it more fun!
Make your child's development more fun!
Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.
Our motto
Our motto is simple; "make it more fun". We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents and children alike.
What to expect
"Be prepared to run across the jungle, wade through the quick sand or sprint through Rugbytots Valley avoiding all the smoking boulders. Get ready to protect your egg, launch a missile or attack the pirates and seize the ship, all this of course, whilst trying to avoid the evil side lines!”
Find your nearest Rugbytots class here
Stanley’s Film Club
Based in Stanley Halls, South Norwood - Croydon
We have a Bring Along A Baby event that screen's a film chosen by the parents. It caters to Parents/carers with baby's up to 12 Months. We have extra room for buggies and prams, as well as a devilery service from the coffee shop next door.
We also have a Kids Club event bi-monthly that normally has a additional activity for the children.
Down in the Woods
A Long Day in the Woods
A day in the woods for the Tweenies 12+.
This day will include Team Cooking sessions where Lunch and dinner will be prepared and cooked as a group. We will look at Tracking Trailing and sign, tracking down someone lost in the woods and communicating with walkie talkies.
An introduction to Spoon carving and making tools to make life in the woods easier. We will end the day with Hot chocolate and Smoors.
Expect you children to be asleep with 10 min of collection.
Bookings can be made via our Facebook page
Read Local Mums’ reviews of Down in the Woods
Contact:
Chris Pryke,
Down in the woods
Tel: 07813 772664
Email: info@downinthewoodsltd.co.uk
www.downinthewoodsltd.co.uk
Down in the Woods on Facebook
Bookstart Wiggle And Jiggle.
Free sessions designed for the lively toddler.
11.00am.
Term time only.
Wednesdays: Central Children's Library,
Level 0,
Central Library,
Croydon Clocktower,
Katharine Street,
Croydon,
CR9 1ET.
Tel: 020 8726 6900
libraries@croydon.gov.uk
Fridays: Shirley Library, Wickham Road / Hartland Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8BH
Shirley Library,
Wickham Road / Hartland Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8BH
Treasure Box Storytime. Story time sessions for children from about two and a half years upwards. Thursdays at 2:15 pm.
Bookstart Rhymetime
Free sessions for the under fives and their parents or carers
Friday 10.00am. Term time only. Shirley Library, Wickham Road / Hartland Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8BH 10.00am. Term time only. New Addington Library. Central Parade, New Addington, CR0 OJB
Babes In Arms. 10.00am. Meets once a month on a Friday.
Adult reading group for parents/carers.
Sanderstead Library, Farm Fields, South Croydon, CR2 0HL.
Tel: 020 8726 6900
sanderstead@croydon.gov.uk
Croydon Children's Library, Saturday events:
Level 0, Central Library, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET. 020 8726 6900 libraries@croydon.gov.uk
Saturday Rhymetime: 10.00 am. The ideal way for parents and carers to introduce babies and toddlers to nursery rhymes, action rhymes and songs. Free sessions for under fives and their parents or carers
Saturday Story time: 11.15am. A session of stories and rhymes, where your child can also make a small craft item to take home. The sessions are informal, although children need to be ready to sit together to share the activity. For 3 to 7 year olds and their parents or carers.
Saturday Rock And Rhyme:
Free sing-along sessions for the under fives and their parents or carers:
10.00 am, Coulsdon Library, Brighton Road, Coulsdson, CR5 2NH
10.00 am. Shirley Library, Wickham Road / Hartland Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8BH
10.30 am. Purley Library, Banstead Road, CR8 3YH
11.15 am. New Addington Library. Central Parade, New Addington, CR0 OJB
Jigsaw
Christ Church Hall
9.30am – 11.00am
The second Saturday of each month during term times.
861-863 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2BN
020 8763 8291
office@christchurchpurley.org.uk
www.christchurchpurley.org
Connecting dads and their children. For children aged 0-6 and their dads games, toys, baby area, crafts, refreshments. For more details contact Mark Channon via the Church Office.
Storytime at The Green Dragon,
Saturdays 1.00 - 3.00pm
The Green Dragon Pub, 58-60 High Street, Croydon Surrey CR0 1NA
Upstairs at the Green Dragon
A drop in session run by Jenny Lockyer upstairs at the Green Dragon. Aimed at 3-7yr olds and their parents/carers. Lots of activities including listening to and reading stories, puppets, arts activities and songs. Every Saturday unless otherwise stated. Bring your own stories to read if you like or if you wish come dressed as your favourite story character. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE
Lawn bowls club for families and children
Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm
Coulsdon Memorial Ground Bowling Green
Friends of Marlpit Lane Bowling Green, a non-profit which has recently restored and reopened the Coulsdon Memorial Ground Bowling Green.
Running every Wednesday, special junior bowls available for children (officially age 8+, but youngest regular bowler is currently 4) and soft balls available so that younger children can take part. All coaching and equipment is provided. We offer a bowls taster session free for players who haven't played before. Afterwards, the cost is a maximum of £3 per adult player with discounts for children (minimum £1 per child) - which all goes towards maintaining the green. The club starts at 3 and runs until the green closes at 6. Players can arrive whenever they want during this time, to allow for varying school closing times.
www.marlpitlanebowlinggreen.co.uk
Toddler World - Soft Play and Mini Sports for 0-4years
Sessions start from Sunday 22nd June with our FREE grand launch party.
Waddon Leisure Centre, CR0 4RG
Mondays, Fridays and Sundays 10-12
Tuesdays 12-2pm
£3.50 first child, £1.50 siblings
www.croydon-leisure.com
Kettlebells the FitFun Way!
FitFun Kettlebells targets every aspect of fitness – Explosive and Dynamic Strength, Stamina, Balance and Agility. The class is designed in such a way that accommodates different levels of fitness; from beginners to advance exercisers. Not an inch of your body will be left untouched with this hour workout that maximises your capacity to burn calories, build lean muscles and tighten up your ‘love handles’. Our classes are £6 and run Tuesdays 18:45-19:45 at Impact Academy, Inness Yard, Croydon, CR0 1ND.
For more info contact Altesse on 07886 176893 or the Impact Academy on 020 8680 9176. Indoor car park available next door.
www.fitfunactive.co.uk
Paediatric First Aid practical day
Train Aid
Monthly at the Friends Meeting House near East Croydon station.
The course follows the latest guidelines from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and meets Ofsted requirements. The following topics are covered and much more:
How to check for signs of breathing
Assessment of injuries
Use of the recovery position
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Major Bleeding & Shock
Choking
The day costs £50 and you can pay on the day
Paediatric First Aid practical day
Is your child experiencing emotional, behavioural or educational difficulties?
Redfern Psychology is an
Independent Practice of highly experienced Clinical Psychologists and a Child Psychotherapist covering Sutton, Coulsdon, Croydon and the surrounding areas. We work at our clinic base, in family homes and with schools.
We have a team of professionals with over 20 years experience, the majority of which has been in NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Some of our clinicians have Private Healthcare Provider Recognition.
We provide diagnostic assessments and treatment for problems including:
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Examination/ college or school stress
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Low self-esteem
Feeding and sleep problems
Parenting difficulties
Tantrums and behaviour problems
Parent-baby bonding problems
Depression
Problems with friends
Anxiety and Panic
Obsessive – Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Toileting problems
To see what more we can offer and to discuss what your family might need, please visit www.redfernpsychology.org or tel: 07774 222241
Ecology Centre Activites for children
Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3NY
(unless otherwise stated)
www.sutton.gov.uk/biodiversity
For bookings phone 020 8770 5822 or email biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk
Spring/Summer activities. Some ctivities require advance booking: call 020 8770 5822 or email biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk. There is a cost for some of these activities. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing.
Honeywood Museum Wed - Fri: 11am - 5pm Sat, Sun and Bank Hol Mon: 10am - 5pm Honeywood Walk Carshalton
After extensive refurbishment from Heritage Lottery funding, this stunning house reopens with lots of great activities for children and fascinating local history exhibits.
Read Carshalton Mums’ news story.
Deen City Farm
Ongoing
Check out Deen City Farm for goats, sheep, cows, pigs, alpacas, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits, horses, guinea pigs and ferrets. Deen City Farm also do horseriding lessons – check their website for more details.
Tue-Sun, closed Mon (except Bank Holiday); 10am-4.30pm; free, donations welcome.
Deen City Farm, 39 Windsor Ave, Merton Abbey SW19 2RR
Tel: 020 8543 5300
www.deencityfarm.co.uk
The Sutton\Merton Arnica Group
1st Thursday of the month
from 7.30 – 9pm
Clovelly Homeopathy Practice,
17 Lyveden Road,
Colliers Wood SW17 9DT.
We will be talking about natural ways to prevent or treat flu. So please come along if you want to learn more on how to naturally and safely support your children’s and your own health.
Mumpreneurs meet on the first Thursday of the month at The Sun Pub, North Street, Carshalton, 8pm.
For mums in business or with an idea to start a business to come and meet, have a drink, chat, soundboard your ideas and promote yourself and meet other mums in business you may be able to support, work with. Please pass the word around, let your friends know and if you would like to come, you could contact us or just turn up! Contact us via info@localmumsonline.com for more details.
Friday Morning Market
Every Friday morning there is a market, held in the Memorial Hall in Kenley, the stalls are full of exciting things for sale, jewellery, clothes (both new and 2nd hand) 2nd hand books from 50p,loads of bargains, and a cup of tea in the cafe, do come it's a fun morning.
8am untill 12midday.
Free entry.
The Memorial Hall, Godstone Rd, Kenley Surrey CR8 5AA
Family Activities At Morden Hall Park
Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden London SM4 5JD
The park has a network of footpaths, including many with wide smooth surfaces suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Design your own circular walk taking in the river, the water mills, the rose garden, the meadows or the wetlands.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhallpark
Pilates classes with Park View Pilates,
Surrey and South West London's premier Pilates company.
Mixed ability Pilates at Laleham Lea School, 29 Peaks Hill, Purley CR8 3JJ.
Tuesdays @ 6.30pm - mixed ability Pilates (class up and running)
Tuesdays @ 7.45pm – mixed ability Pilats (from 26th Feb)
Mixed ability Pilates at St Barnabas Church Hall, Higher Drive, Purley, CR8 2HR.
Wednesdays @ 9.30am (from 27th Feb)
Mixed ability Pilates at St Swithun’s Church Hall, Grovelands, Purley, CR8 4LB.
Fridays at 11.15am – mixed ability Pilates
£7.50 per class, payable in advance by term, or £9.50 on the door. If there is space, people can join after a term has begun, paying for the remaining weeks in the term at the £7.50 per class rate. Pre-booking is essential. We have other Pilates classes running nearby, and are looking to add pre and post natal classes at our Sutton studio. Please visit our website for more details - www.ParkViewPilates.co.uk or call Lorraine on 020 8274 1572
Do you have any other listings for What's On in Croydon? Would you like to write a review of somewhere you have been? Email us at info@localmumsonline.com