By Kate Hodges
17th November 2021
RECIPE PUDDING ON THE RITZ…
It’s Stir Up Sunday – five weeks before Christmas, and the day on which you’re meant to make your Christmas pudding - find out all about its traditions and history here. There’s an excellent vegan recipe for traditional pud here, but this year, why not try something a bit different? Try our vegan/paleo recipe, or this orange and chocolate festive alternative. Alternatively, why not make a vegan Christmas cake or paleo/vegan chocolate cake? Don’t forget to make a wish as you stir…
EVENT EARLY KIDS
November 17 is World Prematurity Day – a global movement powered by EFCNI that raises awareness of premature birth and the devastating impact it can have on families. This year’s theme is Zero Separation, campaigning for babies born too soon to be allowed to be together with their parents and families. Find resource material here.
Every year, hundreds of families across the country take part in BLISS’ Little Lights walks which aim to light up the night for premature and sick babies and their families. Grab a lantern, glow stick or candles and host your own walk, or register for a walk near you!
EVENT AND LEARN TREE-ANGLES
Maths on Toast are on a mission; to give families across the UK positive, social experiences of maths, and to make everyone feel positive about numbers! If you’re in London, you can drop in to their in-person sessions at Ealing Road Library, but their free events are also open to everyone; this Saturday, join the gang to find out how to build a TetraTREEdon; a cool, festive decoration created from tetrahedrons. Next month’s star doodling session is also bookable now.
EVENT WITHIN THESE WALLS
Wish Oxford Castle a happy 950th birthday party this weekend. To celebrate, the mighty building will host its first, full-scale projection. Created by sound and light artist in collaboration with researchers, a huge video will be projected onto the ancient walls, while socially distanced, interactive games will be in full swing. Learn about the incredible events that have taken place inside this place; of kings, princesses and prisoners through this unique, large-scale piece. Free, but ticketed. Find out more here. Part of the incredible Being Human festival; check out this weekend’s events here.
EVENT BONJOUR!
The bilingual – French and English – South Ken Kids Festival is, after a year online, back at London’s Institut Francais, with an exhibition by Quentin Blake, film-making workshops and screenings, book readings and poetry slams.Highlights include the world premiere of the film about Blake, The Drawing of My Life and a spellbinding adaptation of The Little Prince by storyteller Matthew Crampton and pianist Olga Jegunova. Some events are ticketed, others are free; view the programme here. Or delve into the Institut’s archive for more French-English books, resources and videos.
WHAT WE’RE READING When photographer Mary Berridge’s son was diagnosed with Asperger’s, she began to see his world in a new light. She set out to capture a series of everyday – and exceptional – stories, one image at a time Read more here
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING Shark with Steve Backshall celebrates the wonder of sharks and dispels the myth of the creatures as cold blooded killers (there are, groundbreakingly, no mentions of shark attacks). Steve Backshall, a naturalist and shark expert, gets us closer to these mammals, revealing a diverse and incredible family of over 400 different types. This global journey will travel from the freezing water of Alaska, to the tropics and down into the depths of our ocean. Find the trailer here and read more here. Watch the series on Sky Nature at 8pm
