What, where and when for children during the holidays

SPORTS

The Park Club offers a secure private space, larger than Ravenscourt Park, where children of every age can get fit, play in the woods, swim, take part in a range of sports and meet other children. As well as offering state of the art facilities for its adult members - the gym, three pools, spa, bar & restaurant and much more – children are tempted by a multitude of outdoor and indoor classes, activities and events, ranging from sports classes to skill-based and creative activities.

During half term and holiday breaks, the Club’s Rangers host holiday clubs and coach sports camps for your children, in addition “Urban Parx” offers children over 11 years a place to meet with friends and chill out! The Club also has a fantastic children’s club, The Ark in the Park. It introduces children from 6 weeks upwards to curriculum based education and development. The facilities, staff and equipment are superb and it has its own gardens, nature reserve and play park. Membership enquiries call 020 8740 4599, reception on 020 8743 4321 or see www.theparkclub.co.uk.

Dive Solutions Scuba Diving courses for children 8 +! The PADI Bubblemaker program introduces scuba diving to children between the age of 8 and 10 and allows them to experience the underwater world for the first time! The Seal Team program is an ongoing course which gives children a chance to swim around underwater and experience adventure, discovery and thrills. Call 020 8834 7238 or email info@divesolutions.com

Little Kickers classes introduce football to children aged from 2 to under 5. Valuable concepts such as sharing and teamwork are introduced in a fun environment. Classes also enable children to develop agility, co-ordination and balance whilst providing them with a positive introduction to sport. Contact the Little Kickers hotline 0208 748 0077 for further information, or www.littlekickers.co.uk

Old Actonians Cricket Club Colts are holding summer coaching sessions during the week commencing on 21st August. Budding Freddie Flintoffs will be supervised by ECB approved coaches. Phone John Walker for details on 020 8574 0512

Rocks Lane Tennis and Football Centre Chiswick - opposite Turnham Green Tube Station. Holiday and term time sports courses in football, tennis and cricket for kids. Now with a great pitch and put course.  Call 0208 994 1313.

Chiswick Bridge Golf Range Dukes Meadow, Great Chertsey Road W4. A junior club operates on Saturdays from 3.30pm - 4.30pm and is open to 4-14yr olds. Throughout the holidays junior tuition days will be held (no membership is required). Call 020 8995 0537 for details.

Will to Win Juniors Lessons are given indoor and under floodlight during the winter. Tennis camps are also operated during the school holidays, and a junior tennis league is also available. Teams play in the Middlesex League. 020 8994 1466

DRAMA / SINGING / DANCE

Education in Stage and Theatre Arts, (ESTA), Drama School in Chiswick which caters for 7 – 18 year olds.  For details of holiday courses call 020 8741 2843 or e-mail esta@clara.co.uk

Stagecoach Theatre Arts prepares children for life. Performers, keen to train for a stage career and explorers who see in us a chance to stretch themselves, make new friends, learn new skills and discover how much they can grow will love the summer holiday courses. Whatever their future role may be, youngsters could be rehearsing for it, while they enjoy themselves at Stagecoach. To book a place or find out more, call 020 8398 4709 or email Chiswick@stagecoach.co.uk

Little Luvvies Stage Academy - is for 3 – 8yrs old. Students are taught singing, drama, music/percussion, movement and dance with an equal time devoted to each. The children are involved in the main school’s summer production every year, and have their own Christmas show too! It is an ideal out of school activity for the little ones helping them with co-ordination, speech, developing social skills, and a great confidence booster…invaluable to any youngster’s development!!  Held at Ravenscourt Theatre School E-mail: info@pssa.co.uk or Phone: 020 8742 1294

incorporates 2 schools under one roof. Your child can attend either the Stage Academy which teaches street dance, drama and singing to 3 – 19 yrs old, or the Pop school which teaches song writing, studio and microphone techniques, performance and intense vocal coaching to 12+yrs or both schools at a reduced fee. PSSA welcome's everyone, some of the students are highly ambitious others simply enjoy the fun and excitement of the lessons. What they learn benefits their daily lives now and in the future.  E-mail info@pssa.co.uk Phone: 020 8742 1294

It's all happening at Gunnersbury Park where a week long course is taking place that allows children to experience the wonders of Narnia. Children from 8 to 11 can xplore the magical world of C.S.Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in a five day drama workshop…games, improvisation and script-work, ending with a short performance for family and friends. There is a Theatre Set Design workshop for older children. Call the Education Department on 020 8992 2247

A BIT OF EVERYTHING

offer specialist courses and workshops for ages 5-16 during the school holidays. The venue is Ellen Wilkinson School, W3 (just off the North Circular Road). For further information visit www.chiswickcourses.co.uk or telephone 020 8742 3936 for a brochure. Last week of courses begins on 14th August.

Nature Reserve Holiday Club at Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve, opposite Chiswick Park Tube (Bollo Lane). The Triangle Club, which is aimed at 7-11 year-olds, will take place from 2 – 4pm, every Thursday in the Summer holidays and costs only ₤3 per child. Activities will include pond dipping; woodland safaris; nature detective games; weaving magic shields and learning about tree lore; weaving a willow dome; making felt from sheeps fleece; making marionettes and tree spooks. Phone 020 8747 3881 or 07792 955 614 to book

FOR THE YOUNGER ONES

Amanda’s Action Kids - Fun, Fitness and Music for babies and pre-schoolers An interactive, physical & educational workout involving music, dance, exercise & special props. Amanda says ‘We dance, we sing, we learn through music, but most important of all we have fun.’ visit www.amandasactionkids.co.uk for our internet special offers. For more information call 07946 707 695 or 020 8578 0234

Childsplay Cafe - Playcentre and cafe for parents/carers and under 5's. Four different playrooms, outdoor area, various daily activities, and children's parties see www.childsplaycafe.co.uk or call 07881 950 303

Dandelion Playtime in the Park Pre-school play for under 5’s and their carers. Inside play area with toys, drinks, snacks, cakes and magazines for mums; large fenced outside area with cars, slides etc. Entrance £3 per child and £1.50 per sibling – stay as long as you like. All set in leafy Chiswick House grounds at the Cricket Pavilion, Staveley Road entrance, open 10-3 Mon-Fri Call 07981 566858 or 07770 931231 for more details.

August 11, 2006