A baby in the house?

To encourage families to switch to real nappies Lambeth council is issuing free Real Nappy Packs to families agreeing to use real (reusable) nappies for babies up to age 6 months. As part of Real Nappy Week starting on Monday 15th April you can drop into Brockwell Park One O’Clock Club ( just inside the park – by Arlingford Road SW2 entrance)  on Wednesday 17th April between 1pm and 2pm for advice and to collect your pre-booked Real Nappy Pack.

For more details see post dated 8th April on  http://lambethenvironment.wordpress.com  or email realnappies@lambeth.gov.uk

Lambeth families throw away 2,000 tonnes of disposable nappies every year – costing tax payers nearly £300,000 a year. Families can save up to  £650 a year by switching to reusable nappies.

New nursery at St Lukes Church

Alphabet Lanes Nursery & Preschool is a welcome addition to the West Norwood community -  and opened last autumn in St Luke’s Church Chambers  SE27 0HS on Norwood High street. Toni, the owner, says “We take children aged 2 -5 and  we are a friendly and fun loving nursery  open 7.30am to 6.30pm all year round. Come along and see us – or call for more info 020 8670 8833”

There is also a free Saturday group for families with young children living in the local area.

Winter Coat Scheme

LionHeart, a local charity , gave out over 70 coats to children and adults last winter. If you know of  anyone in need of a warm coat direct them to the Foodbank schemes so more coats are given out to those most in need. Norwood’s Foodbank is at St Luke’s church, Knights Hill SE27 0HS  on Tuesdays 10am to 1pm and Fridays 10am to 2pm

Sheniz Tan says   “ If anyone wishes to donate a coat please get in touch with LionHeart.”

http://www.litc.org

St Matthew’s church fair on Saturday

All welcome to AUTUMN FAIR between 11am and 3.30pm on  SATURDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2012at St Matthew’s Catholic Church Hall, 37 Norwood High Street SE27 9JU (on one-way system opposite the South London Theatre).

Wheel of Fortune, Win a Bottle, Cakes, Groceries, Face Painting, Cards & Calendars, Money Tree, Toiletries & Fancy Goods, White Elephant, Toys and much more. Delicious refreshments also available.

Entrance: Adults 20p, Children 10p.

http://www.stmatthews-westnorwood.org.uk

October is Black History Month

Lambeth has a great programme of events  see brochure for details here.

In West Norwood we have storytelling during half-term week on  Monday  29^th  October at 2.30pm and on Wednesday 31^st October at 3.30pm in West Norwood Library 14 Knights Hill SE27 0HY. All children and families welcome . Free entry.

And a Hip Hop history  by Rashid Nix on the evening of Wednesday 31^st October at 6pm in West Norwood Library.

Take a break at Brockwell Park

If swings, seesaws and slides are favourites with your children, then look no further than Brockwell Park with its fantastic playground and paddling pool makeover!  Located between the Tulse Hill and Arlingford Road gates, the playground offers a host of varied equipment suitable for all ages, including infant swings, regular people swings, rope climbing gyms and wooden wendy houses.  The water play is slightly further south, past the duck ponds  , for little ones to enjoy water play, fountains and the sandpit, with plenty of grassy space for parents and picnic blankets.  But beware – the water’s cold!

And afterwards, Brockwell Park Café SE24 0NG, situated at the top of the hill is the ideal spot for a refreshments and a fantastic view. Delicious hot meals such as aubergine parmagiana or chicken risotto served with choices of roast veggies, chips or salad.  Good sandwiches, great coffee, a wide range of cakes and biscuits, milkshakes and nostalgic ice cream flavours are also on offer – all at reasonable prices.

Check out Park Opening and closing times here.

Story time at Dulwich Books

What do you do if an elephant stands on your foot?  Or if a spider wants to be your family pet?  Or a tiger gifts you a potted plant? Come to Story Time at Dulwich Books and find out!

11am Thursdays and Saturdays is Story Time at Dulwich Books – a wonderful way to engage and inspire children through the joys of reading and help support the independent book industry as well!

Join Annie as she navigates you through the adventures of four specially selected books, like What to do if an elephant stands on your foot, Aaaarrgghh, Spider!, Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice and The Last Tiger, followed by a brilliantly themed craft activity, such as making your own tiger mask or London bus.

Annie can also provide a number of helpful reading suggestions to suit your child’s age and interests.

Dulwich Books (London’s Independent Book Shop of the Year 2012), 6 Croxted Road, West Dulwich, London SE21 8SW.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm

http://www.dulwichbooks.co.uk/

4ALL’s Community Autumn Fair

All welcome on Saturday 22nd September 2pm to 5pm at All Saints Church, Lovelace Road SE21 8JY
This is a great community event for everyone in Norwood and West Dulwich. There’s something for everyone:

• find out about local organisations
• admire the work of local craftworkers
• enjoy delicious teas and burgers
• lots of fun for children – games, face-painting, circus workshop, book stall
• performances by local school choirs
• pamper bus
• Dr Bike repairs
• visit by the Mayor of Lambeth
• supported by Norwood Forum.

4ALL – Building Community in West Dulwich brings people together to better their community.
For more information call 07432 118859 or email info@4-all.org.uk

New Julian’s School at Leigham Court Road

Plans are under way to rebuild the Julian’s school building on its existing site off Leigham Court Road SW16 2RB to help meet the large  increase in demand for primary school places in West Norwood and Streatham. The school was  originally built as a one form –entry school, taking 30 children each year . The new plans create  a 3-form entry school off Leigham Court Road taking 90 children per year. To allow building work to start in February 2013 and be completed by July 2014 so to be ready to open in September 2014 the whole school will move to the new sister Julian’s School in Wolfington Road in December 2012.

The plans for the new Julian’s  Leigham Court Road school can be seen on the council’s web site via the Planning Database-   http://planning.lambeth.gov.uk/online-applications/

Just type in ref  “12/03039” . The deadline for comments is Tuesday 25^th September.

Wind in the Willows in the Brockwell Park

Sixteen Feet invite you to its brand new adaptation of Wind in the Willows. Join Ratty, Mole and friends as they embark on an uplifting tale of adventure, high jinks and camaraderie. The production will take place in the magical surrounds of the Walled Garden in Brockwell Park and the audience will be encouraged to explore this beautiful setting in order to watch the story unfold.

For a more hands-on experience, children will have the opportunity to participate in workshops after daytime performances. Though this production isn’t just for the young it’s universal appeal will surely capture the imaginations of the young-at-heart too.

Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am and 2:30pm; Friday 2:30pm and 6:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 3pm and 6pm
Tickets weekdays: adults £8; children age  3-12 years £6
Weekends and evenings: adults £10.50 children age 3-12 years £7.50

For details see http://www.sixteenfeet.co.uk/