Archives : previous events
All meetings are held in the Department of Education at Kingston University (near the Robin Hood roundabout on the A3) at 2:30pm unless otherwise indicated.
Autumn 1999
18th September 1999 "Museum of Me"
Meet at 2.30pm at the Barge House, OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House St, London SE1.
Subs waived; Free to get in.
If you don't recognise anyone, look for people wearing the Explorers web sticker. Below is a write-up by Lydia Conway of the "Evening Standard".
... After signing our names on the wall, we set about filling our "Me cans" (sort of fake bean cans with us as the ingredients with bits of information about ourselves - age, height, shoe size, piece of material that best described us, favourite number etc. The museum challenges both how we think about ourselves and how we think about museums. For example, when the children walked through a velvet curtained room and into a spotlight, the sound of applause played. Watch how they behave. Mine smiled, bowed and played up to the audience. We hid our darkest secrets in a bottle, tied our favourite dreams to a balloon, drew self portraits on the blackboard, plotted our homes on a map, described our journey here, recorded the event today in a diary and sent our messages to the world. Children love being the centre of attention and for an intense exhausting and fascinating two hours they certainly were...
2nd October 1999 "Origami, Kung Fu, Tai Chi"
This afternoon will have something for every one. Kasumi Brooker has kindly offered to teach the children how to do some simple origami models. In the meantime, if the children get frustrated with the intricacies of Japanese paper folding, John-Joe O'Reilly will teach some basic moves of Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi relaxation techniques. John-Joe is a third degree black-belt, qualified and insured instructor, and what's more he is a fully qualified paramedic so we are in safe hands!
16th October 1999 "How to trace your family tree"
Bring your birth certificates and we will show you how to start tracing your family tree. Gill Robinson, our branch contact, has a certificate in Genealogy and History of the family. Paul Robinson, our treasurer, has years of practical experience in tracing family trees and they are here to help you do the same for your family.
We will also have a structural engineering competition to see who can support a raw egg in mid air using raw spaghetti. A fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineering will come along to give advice and judge.
6th November 1999 "Mythological creatures in paintings at the National Art Gallery"
Meet at 2.15pm at the Orange St. entrance of the National Art Gallery.
This was an extremely popular event so we are doing it again. This is at the back of the building. We will be given a guided tour on the subject above. If it is as good as the last time, we are in for a treat. Again, if you don't recognise anyone, look for the Explorers web sticker.
20th November 1999 "Martin's Mystical Science Extravaganza"
Over the years we have had astronauts, astronmers, zoologists. Today is another interactive science event that should not be missed!!!! We may also have something very important to tell you all about science activities in the future.
Spring 2000
15th January 2000 "Cabinet War Rooms"
Meet outside at 2.15pm for the visit due to start at 2.30pm
Admission charges are: Children under 16 free, groups of 10 or more adults £3.40 each. Given the parental expense, the club has decided to waive the subs for this week.
Look for the "jump to it" stickers. The entrance is on Horse Guards Road (at the corner of King Charles Street). Nearest tube stations Westminster and St James's Park (5 mins) or Charing Cross (10 mins) Buses 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77, 88 and 109 to Whitehall (3 mins walk). "All bags are checked at the entrance and it is considerably quicker if they can be left behind".
29th January 2000 "Talk on Emotional Intelligence" --AND-- "Japanese Culture Activity"
Alan Jensen a child psychologist, whom some of you may already know from his previous visits to talk about dyslexia, will talk about a different form of intelligence, EQ. This is the ability to manage feelings so that they are expressed appropriately and effectively. Although it is even more difficult to describe and quantify than IQ it obviously has a direct impact on the well-being of our children. It will be an interactive talk and so should be fun.
As an alternative activity for the children, Patrick Dunne will be organising an exploration of Japanese Culture based on his recent trips to Japan.
12th February 2000 "Beanies and Bugs"
Why not sew and make your own Beanie and Bug Puppets and give them to your Valentine! Led by Gill Woolland, if there are any other budding sewing parents out there that want to help, please turn up. In addition, Jill Robinson will be present to show the latest Dorling Kindersley products and to announce the winner of the best web write-up.
4th March 2000 "Hot Magnets - Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!"
Why don't hot magnets work? Why do cool ones work really well! What is temperature anyway?
Dr Michael de Podesta, a Physics Lecturer from University College London is going to talk and show lots of things that you didn't know about magnets. If you want a taste of what's to come, look up his web site: http://www.physicsofmatter.com/
18th March 2000 "Meet the Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum"
Meet at 2.15pm just inside the front doors, look for the "jump to it" stickers.
Admission for children is free, for adults is £6.50. Again, given the parental expense, the club has decided to waive the subs for this week.
Come and see the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. If you haven't already done so, it is a magnificent display.
1st April 2000 "How to set up a business" --AND-- "Earthsong - World Music workshop"
Two very different activities, A member of 3I, the largest UK Venture Capital company will talk about how you budding entrepreneurs can get your business off the ground. Bring along your business plans.
This term we will go out with a bang. This workshop will be an opportunity to see, hear, find out about and gain hands on experience of a wide variety of unusual instruments from many countries and cultures. Didgeridoos, Djembe drums, rainsticks, panpipes and all kinds of drums, bells, shakers, wind instruments both ethnic and modern from all over the world. Absolutely no experience necessary, suitable for all ages. This session cost 100pounds to book so please come along and make it a success.
Summer 2000
6th May 2000 "Emotional Intelligence Part II"
Alan Jensen will be chairing a discussion based on the presentation he made to us last term. (See the last newsletter). Alan will give a brief 30 minute summary on the concept and then we will have a free form discussion about how this applies to the children of the Explorers club.
20th May 2000 "Dirty Little Grots" - Nower Wood - NOTE THE EARLY TIME!
Find out what goes on beneath your feet - soil structure and mini-beasts galore at the Surrey Wildlife Trust, Nower Wood (click for a map). Meet up the steps from the car-park at the field centre at 10am. Remember to wear long sleeves and trousers. This is the countryside! The whole outing should last about two hours.
10th June 2000 "Genes, Proteins and Computers" and AGM
Dr. Andrew Martin from The University of Reading will tell us about what our bodies are made of, how our DNA is copied, how proteins are made and how computers help with the human genome mapping project. There will be lots of games to play including the transcription game and the translation game!
During the meeting we will also hold our Kingston Explorers Annual General Meeting. Come along and have your say in how the club is run.
24th June 2000 "D'Oh"
Play-Dough, Salt-Dough, Bread-Dough, an afternoon of dough modelling to create your favourite cartoon characters or whatever you want and take home to keep. Gill Wolland who made such a splendid event with the beanie doll making last term will be teaching the children how to make their own dough models. We will also have clay available for the more ambitious child.
15th July 2000 "Summer Pot Luck Party!" - Nonsuch Park, Cheam
Many parents have asked if we could do a simple party so hopefully this will fit the bill. Please meet at 2pm at the picnic area (a dog free area) in Nonsuch Park in Cheam (click for map). Please bring along something for the picnic for us all to share and later we will be taught some folk dancing from a number of nationalities. I'm sure we could have a game of football or two as well if we want! Subs will be waived for this session. (Note the change of venue - not Richmond Park as previously advertised!)
Autumn 2000
23rd September 2000 "Orienteering" - Tanner's Hatch YHA
Here's a chance to combine brain and brawn to see if you can navigate your way around one of Surrey's most beautiful areas. Meet at 2.30pm and bring your compasses Explorers! For directions, see the map overleaf
7th October 2000 "Baroque to Rock"
Five music teachers will be coming with drum kits, guitars and all sorts to play music through the ages. There will be musical questions and plenty of fun. This is a paid activity and, although we acquired a music grant for the activity, we will be out of pocket if there is a low turnout.
We will also have an informal parental discussion that will cover the subject of "What is Giftedness"
14th October 2000 "NAGC AGM and Family Day; Newton Prep, Battersea Park, London."
Children's events include: Chemical Concoctions, Geometry in Art, Palaeontology and Evolution.
Afternoon parent's events include: Getting the Best Help from your School, Tackling the Teenage Years, Specific Learning Difficulties. Sorry I have no times but they call it a "Family Day".
4th November 2000 "Craft Workshop"
It's time to get those sorcerers sewing, magicians modelling and children creating in the latest Explorer's club craft workshop.
18th November 2000 "Kew Bridge Steam Museum"
N.B. The date of this event is the 18th November NOT the 8th as stated in the newsletter!
This is possibly the best day in the year to go to the museum, they are having the largest model railway exhibition from 16mm gauge to garden size models. 4/adult, 2/child (aged 5-15). Subs waived.
Please meet at 2.30pm in front of the main entrance.
2nd December 2000 "Bones R Us and Christmas Party"
Dr Richard Oreffo of "University Orthopaedics, Southampton University" will spend an hour talking about bones. This should be of interest to any budding doctors or biologists but I hope you aren't squeamish about handling bones! We will also have a Christmas party after Richard's activity.
Spring 2001
20th January 2001 "Schultz's Sinister Shenanigans"
Here's a chance try out your acting and detective work. Two groups of Explorers will perform two separate plays of whodunit murders in New York. Each will try to solve the other groups murder. This will be more appropriate for the older children aged 9 and upward. Make sure you dress for the Bronx: sharp suits, macs and trilbies are the order of the day.
10th February 2001 "Weaving"
In this term's explorer's club craft workshop, we are going to explore weaving. There will be a variety of activities for all abilities and hopefully everyone will create something to take home.
3rd March 2001 "Imperial War Museum"
Join us at this excellent museum which covers all aspects of war in the twentieth century. There is a reconstruction of the pre-war suburban semi which stars in the Channel 4 series, The 1940's House. Adults 5.50, children free. Subs waived.
Please meet at 2.30pm under the arches by the entrance. See the IWM map. We may be able to make a group booking including a 2 discount per adult. Phone Paul or Gill before January 31st. Excellent web site: http://www.iwm.org.uk/lambeth/lambeth.htm
17th March 2001 "Gaelic Story Telling"
Gavin Henderson, Head of English at Twyford High School will share some of his experiences in verbal story telling in the form of story telling games for the children.
This will also be the session where we will have a parental discussion group. If anyone has a theme they want to discuss, please phone it onto one of the contacts overleaf.
31st March 2001 "A Journey to Mars"
Paul Latham from the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) who has worked for many years on satellites and space travel will lead a session on a journey to Mars. Why go to Mars? What would we have to do to send robots there or humans?? Learn about the problems we would have to face on the journey as well as what equipment you would need and what you'd find when you get there!
While youi wait, take a look at the NASA or European Space Agency web site.
Summer 2001
12th May 2001 "Food and Art" and AGM
"I'm cooking up some yummy activities for you Explorers this session with which to be creative. Please bring some fruit (e.g. an apple, some grapes, a banana, a few strawberries or a tangerine) and a paper plate!" - Jill Wolland (Explorers Art and Crafts Teacher and parent).
The Kingston Explorers Annual General Meeting will also be held during this meeting.
19th May 2001 "The Secrets of Singing"
Singing is something we all do in the bath. But instead of filling the bath, how do you fill the Albert Hall? And more to the point, how do you fill it with something other people want to hear? Preshi Navaratnam a professional singer on the ascendant will show you how.
23rd June 2001 "Meet a Game Inventor"
Leo Marshall, the inventor of the word game, "Le Cardo", and former member of the NAGC is coming to talk about inventing games.
This will be followed by a discussion with the parents about his experiences as a gifted child. Naturally, this will be the session allocated for a parental group discussion.
9th June 2001 "Summer Party and an Introduction to Bird Watching - Richmond Park"
The other day, I was walking in Richmond Park and a kestrel swooped down onto the path 10 feet away! Earlier I spotted parakeets in some beech trees! Bring some binoculars, your bird books and a food dish to share at the party whewn we will play games!
Please meet at 2.30pm in the car park closest to Pen Ponds - Fees waived
7th July 2001 "The Sun and its Nine Little Companions"
A fun trip in our solar system, where everything turns around everything else. A must for budding scientists - especially girls.
Born in Thessaloniki, MariLiza set her mind to become the first Greek astronaut. She graduated from UCL with a degree in Physics. In Oxford, she has decided to unveil the mysteries of Venus' atmosphere. Talk to her about being a scientist or being a female in a male dominated science world.
Autumn 2001
29th September 2001 "How to make your kids glow in the dark!"
Dr. Michael White from Liverpool University will be travelling down to tell us a little bit about his research. This involves attaching the genes of fireflies and other luminescent creatures to bacteria etc. to make them glow to keep a track of them. Come to listen to a biochemist talk about his groundbreaking research and see if you would like to be a biochemist too.
6th October 2001 "A Morning Visit to Tate Modern"
This is an activity for all the family. The Tate has kindly supplied an extra teacher to take us through some of the exhibits and to get the whole family involved. Although this is ostensibly free to the public, with the anticipated numbers, we have paid for the extra teacher so subs of two pound will be taken to cover that teacher. There are limited places (30 total including parents) for this activity so please ring the branch contact to book.
20th October 2001 "Web and chips: From sand to the world wide web"
Computers have revolutionised the way people work and spend their leisure time. This session will explore some of the basic electronics behind how a computer works and some of the history of computers, bringing us right up to date with the world wide web. There will be a chance to help in the design of the Explorers web pages - tell us what you want to see on them and how you would like the pages to look!
10th November 2001 "We've got Rhythm!"
We have been very lucky to attract a professional classical percussionist to come to talk and play to us. There will also be a chance to play some of the instruments. We are proud to be able to support the music community in this way but these sessions are expensive for the Explorers so we would appreciate a good turnout for this one.
The meeting is being held in the "Gateway Studio" of the Combehurst Studio building on the (usual) Kingston Hill campus. Park in Car Park A or B. See the map of the Kingston Hill campus.
24th November 2001 "Crafts and Christmas"
Come and create those advent calendars and special Christmas cards for the doting grandparents! There is a chance that this will be Gill's last event as the crafts organiser. We would appreciate a new volunteer(s) to continue the excellent work that Gill has started. Thank you Gill This will be the session allocated for a parental group discussion.
Spring 2002
12th January 2002 "Photography Past and Present"
Andrew Martin, one of our "Explorer Parents", will introduce you to the history of photography showing you cameras from the last 100 years as well as old types of photographs. Learn about how photography works and make your own pinhole camera!
26th January 2002 "Let's Make a Play"
Morag Thorpe (a former "Explorer Parent") will be running a drama workshop that will culminate in a play. Morag has a successful touring company called Imagination Productions and hopes to inspire the children to use their imagination during this workshop. Bring anything of interest to inspire (like a shoe or a leaf) or anything to make an interesting character like a hat or a badge.
This will be the best session for parental discussion. If anyone has any topics they wish to discuss, please contact us.
9th February 2002 "Classic Car Rally"
Bring your old bangers and classic cars to Richmond Park (see overleaf) and we will take the kids for rides round the Park. We will even open up the bonnets and talk about how the engines work. If parents have any interesting vehicles, PLEASE ring me and tell me what you can do... Thanks.
Please meet at 2.30 pm in the car park (Labelled P closest to Pen Ponds on the map) - Subs waived
9th March 2002 "Learn Russian (Stage two)"
Some of you will be familiar with the Cyrillic script from Gill's first lesson she gave us. Two years have passed and she reckons we need a refresher course! Come along whatever your level.
23rd March 2002 "Cardboard City!"
This has been a very successful activity at other Explorers and so we are going to try it at Kingston. Bring the biggest boxes you can find and we will create our own life-size city.
Summer 2002
4th May 2002 "X-Rays and 'flu"
Elspeth Garman from the University of Oxford will lead a session on how the structures of proteins can be worked out and how this can help us to treat illnesses like 'flu. Elspeth works on one of the proteins of the virus that causes 'flu in people - and she will also tell us why pigs are important for use getting 'flu!
18th May 2002 "Over to you..." and ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
We are always telling the Explorers what to do well this time it's your chance! Come with anything you want to present from a card trick to a joke to a lecture on quantum physics. Whatever you want to try out on a friendly audience is welcome.
Plus Kingston Explorers Annual General Meeting.
15th June 2002 "Learning Methods and toys..."
Recently one of our committee members attended an entertaining and interesting talk about learning methods, given by Mr Simon Prebble, the headmaster of the local primary school attended by her children. Although the talk is not specific to gifted and talented children, she feels that fellow explorer parents may benefit from it too. We also intend to spend some money on new toys for the cupboard. We are probably going to spend about 150 pounds so come and try them out!
29th June 2002 "Wisley"
Due to popular demand, our outside trip for this term will be to the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley. At the time of printing we are negotiating free entrance on an educational basis but this might not be guaranteed. Fees are shown below just in case. Explorers' fees are waived.
You can see pictures of our last trip to Wisley
By road: the Garden lies between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey, off the main London to Portsmouth road (A3) south of Junction 10 of the M25. Follow the brown tourist flower signs on the A3 and M25 to RHS Garden. (Click for map) Car parking is free. Adult - 6 pounds, Child 2 pounds
13th July 2002 "Vive la Revolution!"
Marie Jackson, who teaches at an after-school French Club, has agreed to come and talk to us about Bastille Day and other entertaining things INCLUDING French games... in French if you want!
Autumn 2002
21st September 2002 "Worms and Poo"
Come along and meet Dr. Piers Clark, an expert on the digestion of sewage sludge. He is especially excited about vermiculture and could teach you a lot you didn't know about worms!
5th October 2002 "Oaks Park Nature Trail"
Take a walk through the formal gardens, meadowlands and woodland of Oaks Park. With over 20 points of interest on the way let's hope it's not too wet! Meet outside the Tea Rooms. (Click for map)
If you are travelling by car there is free parking, or by train to Carshalton Beeches or bus routes 154 & 413 to Carshalton Beeches Station or route S4 to The Warren.
9th November 2002 "Paramedics and Fungi"
Two separate activities! If you enjoy the thrill of all those TV medical dramas, come along and see inside a real ambulance and ask a genuine paramedic what it's really like.
And if you enjoyed spotting some mushrooms on the Oaks Park nature trail our very own "fun guy" (aka Dr. Andrew Martin) will have you looking down the microscope at some spores.
23rd November 2002 "Storytelling Drama Workshop"
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford Youth Department are sending along a member of their team. Be prepared for lots of games and activities to develop characters and storylines for your performance.
7th December 2002 "Christmas Crafts"
The ever popular craft session to get you into the festive spirit. Glue and glitter guaranteed!
Spring 2003
18th January 2003 "It's Music Time"
If you play an instrument please bring it along for a chance to tell others about it. (That includes the grown-ups!) But if you don't, or it's too big to bring, don't worry as we'll be making some of our own and playing something slightly more unusual...
1st February 2003 "What is Giftedness?" and "Board Games"
One for the grown-ups. Val Napier, an expert in the field, is coming along to talk about giftedness in children, what to expect and how parents, teachers and schools can support them. Meanwhile, the children can have some fun playing board games. If you have a favourite game at home bring it along with you or alternatively, why not try inventing your own board game.
15th February 2003 "101 Things To Do With Art Straws"
Well one or two things anyway. Master the fascinating art of corn dollies and maybe something for the dinosaur lovers among you.
15th March 2003 "Visit to Brooklands Museum Weybridge"
MEET AT 1.30p.m. AT THE MUSEUM
Our very own guided tour of the museum. You even get to sit in the planes. Also included is a Senses' science show plus free time in the interactive discovery centre. Special education price of £3 per child and £5 per adult. (Subs waived this time) PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME AS THE MUSEUM CLOSES AT 4 P.M. (Click for map)
29th March 2003 "First Aid"
If you enjoyed the ambulance last time you'll enjoy learning some more first aid skills with a St. John's Ambulance expert.
12th April 2003 "Pub Lunch"
(Extra Event!)
If you're not escaping for the Easter break then come and join us for a pub lunch at the Black Swan (better known as the Mucky Duck) Ockham Lane, Martyr's Green, Ockham and featured in Inspector Morse. Good food, a huge selection of real ales and a garden for the kids to play in. Meet at 12 o'clock in the garden. (Click for map - The Black Swan is under the letter 'G' in the word 'Green', not where it says 'PH'!)
Summer 2003
3rd May 2003 "Maths Workshop"
In the questionnaire we did last year, a number of people asked for a maths activity. Well here it is! Liz Pumfrey from the NRICH team at Cambridge University (http://nrich.maths.org.uk) is coming to run a special maths workshop. I know it's the Bank Holiday weekend, but you'll have Monday to do all those things you usually do on a Saturday. This was an extremely expensive activity to arrange so please make every effort to attend!
17th May 2003 "Cardboard City" and "AGM"
The cardboard city activity last summer was such a success that we decided to run it again. Last time around, the parents got as involved as the children and were equally proud of their creations! For those who weren't able to come last time, or if you just want a reminder of what you managed to create, visit the web site at http://www.surreyexplorers.org.uk/ and see the scrap book. Please bring any cardboard boxes you may have.
Plus Kingston Explorers Annual General Meeting.
7th June 2003 "Snakes!"
Nick Bessant, an expert on snakes will be coming to show us some of his pet snakes. If you like snakes then you will love the chance to see and handle them. If you don't like snakes, well now is your opportunity to overcome your fears and see what fascinating creatures they are! Nick is very experienced with NAGC groups and will run the session in two parts - one for the younger children (pre-school and infants) and one for the older ones (juniors). Meanwhile there will be a session on dinosaurs for the other group as well as the favourite games from the cupboard.
21st June 2003 "Visit to Cobham Bus Museum and Chertsey Fire Station"
MEET AT 2.15p.m. AT THE MUSEUM
Cobham Bus Museum is home to the London Bus Preservation Trust (http://www.lbpt.org) which preserves and restores a collection of over 30 historic buses and other public transport vehicles. This is a special display day and is combined with an open day at Chertsey Fire Station with a free bus service (on a historic 50-year-old bus) between the two sites. There is free parking along the B366 Redhill Road beyond the museum and bus route 462 runs from Weybridge Station to the Museum. Redhill Road is just off the A245 Byfleet Road from the Cobham junction of the A3 heading towards Byfleet and Brooklands (see map). Adult admission price £3 with accompanied under-16s free. (Subs waived)
5th July 2003 "Party in the Park"
MEET AT 2.15p.m. IN THE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND
A chance to relax and have some fun at Bushy Park - bring a picnic tea! The children get a lot out of being able to play and socialize with other children of similar ability. Bushy Park is the second largest of the royal parks (http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/bushy.htm) and the children's playground is just near the entrance on the Hampton Court side (from Hampton Court Road, see map). Note that parking is limited (and about a 500m walk from the playground). There is access by bus (465 Dorking-Teddington; 111 Kingston-Heathrow; 216 Kingston-Staines; R68 Richmond-Hampton; 9 Piccadilly- Hammersmith; 33 Hammersmith-Twickenham) or by train to Hampton Court.
26th July 2003 "Hever Castle"
(Extra Event!)
An extra event for anyone who wants to come along. Highly recommended by an Explorers parent, Hever Castle (http://www.hevercastle.co.uk), near Edenbridge in Kent was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The summer attraction is jousting at 2p.m. Make your own way there (M25 Jct. 5 or 6 or 1 mile walk from Hever station) and meet at the jousting spot at 1.30p.m!
Autumn 2003
20th September 2003 "Brain Gym"
A great event to kick off the autumn term. Come along and get your brains in gear after the long summer break. Evelyn Moniram, a fully qualified brain gym and educational kineseology consultant and licensed instructor, promises an active session for all ages. Please visit http://www.braingym.org.uk if you are new to the concept!
4th October 2003 "Visit to Deen City Farm"
Meet at the farm at 2.15pm.
Normal subs (£2 per child) apply to contribute to costs.
Come and see the animals at this 5-acre community farm. Many of you will already know the farm, but there is always something new to see and the recently appointed education officer is creating some special activities for our budding biologists to make our visit more worthwhile. The farm is open until 5pm and there is a cafe open until 4pm. Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon tube stations are within walking distance; the 200 bus runs to Phipp's Bridge stop in Haslemere Avenue; the Wimbledon to Croydon tramlink stops at both Phipp's Bridge and Morden Road; there is also a car park at the bottom of the farm gate. Our membership covers a wide area of SW London and Surrey and it has been commented that some people have a long journey for an afternoon's outing. If you would like to make a whole day out, you may like to consider combining your trip with a morning at either Tigers Eye Adventure Playground or Merton Abbey Mills. Tigers Eye is an indoor adventure play centre for children aged 2-10 (maximum height 4ft 9/1.45m) at 42 Station Road SW19 and Merton Abbey Mills is on the A24 Merantum Way with a lively weekend market. (See map)
18th October 2003 "Mushrooms and Fungi"
Postponed from last year, but continuing our biology theme, our fun guy Andrew Martin will share with you his interest in the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi. Find out about their biology and learn what to look for when trying to identify them. If you have seen some mushrooms that you want to try to identify, bring them along (just avoid the Death Caps!)
15th November 2003 "Exercise is good for you!"
Neil Jackson, a practising GP will be here to show us the changes that the body goes through during and after exercise. Blood pressure, pulse, temperature - he'll get our hearts pumping to chart all sorts of physiological measurements.
13th December 2003 "Super Bounce Christmas Party (5-7pm)"
Meet at the leisure centre at 4.45pm.
Normal subs (£2 per child) apply to contribute to costs.
Take a well earned break from the Christmas shopping at Westcroft Leisure Centre. Two trampolines plus a bouncy castle for children aged 4-12. The bouncing starts at 5pm followed by Christmas nibbles. This will provide a good opportunity for the adults to have an informal chat and share experiences and maybe raise some issues we may like to explore further at a future event. The Leisure Centre is 10 mins walk from Carshalton or Wallington stations; buses 127, 157, 407, 408, 726 and N44 stop in Carshalton High Street; by car, Westcroft Road is just off Carshalton High Street by the pelican crossing on the A232. Places must be booked and paid for in advance. Please complete and return the reply slip below as soon as possible as available places are limited. (See map)
Spring 2004
24th January 2004 "Brain Gym"
As we were unable to run this session last term we thought we'd try again. A good way to get the brain back into gear after the Christmas hols. Evelyn Moniram, a fully qualified brain gym and educational kinesiology consultant and licensed instructor will introduce us to brain gym and some of the activities. You can find out more about it at http://www.braingym.org.uk/
7th February 2004 "Argh!!!! A Practical Approach to Conflict Resolution between Adults and Children"
Rachael Underwood has worked as a teacher for the past twenty years. She is currently an early years trainer with a particular expertise in conflict resolution with young children. Rachael is a parent herself and so is very familiar with that "Argh!!" feeling. In this session, Rachael will focus on using a practical problem solving approach to resolving conflicts between adult and child in a way that leaves everyone's self esteem intact. She will also look briefly at how to support children to resolve their own conflicts with one another. The content of the session will fit with the book You Can't Come to My Birthday Party! by Betsy Evans which is mentioned on the website http://kidsandconflict.com/ which you may like to visit.
This will be a talk specifically for parents/carers, but there will be a Valentine crafts activity available in a separate room if you need to bring your children.
28th February 2004 "Proteins and DNA"
This is a repeat of an event we ran nearly 4 years ago, but since then we have lots of new members and some of the children have doubled in age, so we thought we'd do it again! Following on from Dr. Neil Jackson's wonderful exercise and physiology session last term, Dr. Andrew Martin from University College London will tell us about what happens at the sub-microscopic level. We will find out about proteins and DNA, how our DNA is copied and how proteins are made. As well as some kitchen chemistry, there will be lots of games to play including the transcription and translation games!
13th March 2004 "Brass Brass and More Brass!"
If you like brass instruments, this is the activity for you. Ed Maxwell is coming along to show his wide range of brass instruments. He will tell you a little about them and how they have evolved. Then he will let you try them. Parents bring your ear plugs!
27th March 2004 "Murder Mystery Suspense"
Back by popular demand (from the children) Sean and Anasuya will be doing the detective plays again. Come with a distinctive item to wear; feather boa, bowler hat, whatever takes your fancy and we will act out some whodunnit plays. Then we will see if the parents are as clever as the children in working them out. (Somehow I think not...)
Summer 2004
1st May 2004 "Discover Leatherhead"
MEET AT 2:15p.m. OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM
Normal subs of £2 per child.
One of those hidden gems of a Surrey town. Come for a guided tour of the Leatherhead Museum which is housed in a 17th Century timbered cottage. There is a permanent exhibition of World War II memorabilia and a Victorian kitchen (you'll have a head start at the drama workshop) amongst other things. There will also be a circular walk down by the river Mole so bring your wellies if it's wet. Leatherhead is clearly signposted from the M25 Jct 9, the A3 or the A24 and there are several pay and dispay car parks in the town. Alternatively the museum is easy walking distance from Leatherhead station which is on lines between Waterloo or Victoria and Dorking, Guildford or Effingham Junction. You could combine your visit with a trip to Leatherhead Leisure Centre, local shops (including a new and excellent music shop) or nearby Boxhill. Meet outside the museum in Church Street, by the bed shop at 2.15 pm. (Click for map)
15th May 2004 "Filthy Dirty... Filthy Rich - A Very Victorian Experience" --and-- "AGM"
Catch the steam train and hold on tight for a whistle stop adventure through Victorian England. Meet the rich boy, the poor girl, the beggar man and thief as Alice's story unfolds. A story of hardship, cruelty and joy from the Victorian era, with reference to the class system, crime and punishment, disease and sanitation, the Crimean War and Victorian entertainment. The children get to participate in the interactive Victorian workshop and act alongside the main characters; then the parents get to watch the performance. Loads of fun guaranteed! This is our most expensive event of the term, so please make every effort to attend. An Imagination Productions event by Morag Thorpe. Morag used to come to Kingston Explorers with her own daughter who is now a teenager. Please visit their website at http://www.imaginationproductions.co.uk
Plus Kingston Explorers Annual General Meeting.
12th June 2004 "Dabbling in Pastels"
Forget the Blue Peter crafts you're used to - this is the real thing. Explore shape and colour with the help of apples and sunsets. Whether you're a watercolour whizz, or have trouble drawing stickmen, I defy you not to be inspired by Kathryn Harper's passion for art. Kathryn is mother to two very able daughters and is also a talented musician herself.
26th June 2004 "Fun With Things That Fly"
Steve Midson has lots of experience working with groups of children and promises an afternoon of fun for any budding pilots! He will begin with discussions and demonstrations using model aircraft, showing not only how they fly, but also how they are controlled in the air. Then everyone present will make, decorate and test fly a model glider which will be yours to keep. Though small, these react in exactly the same way as any real or model aircraft and the piloting lessons learnt apply equally to all aircraft. Click for another picture.
10th July 2004 "Party in the Park - Nonsuch Park, Cheam"
MEET AT 1p.m. IN THE PARK
Subs waived. Note earlier time.
Chill out in the sunshine (we hope!) Bring a picnic and a rug and prepare for some games. Please meet from 1pm at the picnic area (a dog free area) in Nonsuch Park in Cheam (Click for map). Cheam station is on the line from Victoria through Sutton to Dorking. Bring along something for the picnic for us all to share. Subs will be waived for this session.
Autumn 2004
18th September "Magical Mathematical Mystery Tour"
Join the McQuaids for an arithmetical adventure from algebra to zero. It's such a mystery that even they won't tell us what's involved, but it is bound to beat the numeracy hour any day!
2nd October "Visit to the Horniman museum"
MEET AT 2.15p.m. IN THE HANDS ON BASE
Subs waived
Victorian tea trader Frederick Horniman founded the museum in 1901. Today it is the Good Britain Guide Museum of the Year and London Family Attraction of the Year 2004 winner. With a wealth of things to see and do, visit the website at www.horniman.ac.uk to plan your whole day at the museum, but meet the Kingston Explorers at the usual time of 2.15 p.m. in the Hands On Base to join the drop-in discovery session. Entrance to the museum and gardens is free. The museum is located on the South Circular Road (A205). There is parking available in surrounding streets or a pay and display car park behind the local Sainsbury's. Alternatively take the bus 176, 185, 312, 356 or P4 or the train to Forest Hill station. More detailed maps at the Horniman web site.
16th October "Over to You"
Back by popular demand, a chance for the children to take to the floor and share their hobby or passion with everyone. Last time we had everything from music to herbs, sporting achievements and magic tricks. Can you play a tune on the bagpipes? Are you a skateboarding expert? Did you attend any interesting courses over the summer, or are you good at telling jokes? Whatever it is, we want to hear about it!
6th November "Music Time"
We know a lot of you play musical instruments and previous musical activities have been extremely popular. Nicholas Smith, Head of Kingston Music and Arts Service, will be leading a session on African Drumming! Whatever your level of musical ability, come along and join the fun of hands-on music making.
20th November "Perfectionism and Highly Able Children"
Many a conversation has been had during the tea break about what to do with your bright children who think they can't do something if they can't do it perfectly, or who won't try something new for fear of failure. Jo Counsell, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator for Hastings and St. Leonards Education Action Zone and former NAGC Education Consultant will come and share her expertise and wealth of experience with us. This is strictly a talk for the adults only, but if you need to bring your children with you, there will be a supervised craft activity in a separate room.
4th December "Christmas Invention Party"
MEET AT 2:15p.m. AT THE HONEYWOOD HERITAGE CENTRE
BOOKING REQUIRED!
Normal subs of £2 per child.
Come and have a go at making zoetropes and optical toys at the Honeywood Heritage Centre followed by a Christmas tea party. The Centre is in Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey just north of the junction of the B277 and A232 at Carshalton Ponds. There is limited parking in Honeywood Walk and there is a pay and display car park in the High Street. The Centre can also be reached by buses 127, 157, 407 and 726 and is 4 minutes walk from Carshalton Station. Meet at the usual time of 2.15 p.m. at the Honeywood Heritage Centre. Normal subs (£2 per child) apply to contribute to costs. Places must be booked and paid for in advance. Please complete and return the enclosed reply slip as soon as possible as places are limited. Click for map
Spring 2005
22nd January "Mathematical Patterns in Music"
Wilfred Hodges, Professor of Mathematics at Queen Mary, University of London believes 'music is a human universal'. If you enjoy listening to music then you will know that music is full of patterns. Patterns are mathematics, and geometry is the part of mathematics that is devoted to analyzing patterns. Professor Hodges has been 'touring' some of the other Explorers Clubs and we are in for a treat.
5th February "Creative Writing/Storytelling Workshop"
What makes up a gripping tale? Who are your favourite characters? How do you go about turning your ideas for plots and settings into a good story? Morag Thorpe from Imagination Productions (http://www.imaginationproductions.co.uk/) will have you creating stories to share. No actual writing skills are required and the children will be split according to age, so if you can't write yet (or you just don't like writing!) then bring along your ideas and imagination.
26th February "Music Time"
If you thought you'd missed your chance last term, you didn't as this session was canceled! Nicholas Smith, Head of Kingston Music and Arts Service, will be leading a session on African Drumming. Whatever your level of musical ability, come along and join the fun of hands-on music making. We know a lot of you play musical instruments and previous musical activities have been extremely popular.
12th March "Flatland"
To coincide with National Science Week, Dr. Andrew Martin will take you on a tour of 'flatland'. In 1874 Edwin Abbot published a short book called 'Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions' in which he described a world in which the inhabitants could perceive only two dimensions. He went on to show how movements in a third dimension would appear to the people of flatland as changes over time - in other words time can be considered as just another dimension. As you may know, this went on to be one of the main principles of Einstein's theories of the space-time continuum.
26th March "Visit Hampton Court Palace"
Note earlier time. Subs waived in view of the entry costs. Adults £11.80 Children (5-16) £7.70 Family £35
Meet at 12 o'clock outside the ticket office on the main entrance side by the grass. This way we may be able to take advantage of the group discounts available and book ourselves onto a guided tour.
Special events will be taking place in the palace kitchens and a new exhibition Suffragettes, Soldiers and Servants: Behind the Scenes of the Hampton Court Palace Community 1750-1950 will be open. And don't forget there's always the maze in which to get lost!
The palace is located on the A308 and is well signposted from all the major local roads; follow the brown tourist attraction road signs. From the M25 take either exit 10 on to the A307 or exit 12 on to the A308. The palace is also accessible via the A3 and then the A309. Trains run from London Waterloo or use bus routes 111, 216, 411, 416, 451, 461, 513, 726 or R68.
Summer 2005
30th April "Codes and Codebreaking"
Did you know that Mary, Queen of Scots was betrayed by a code or that there exists a code so complex that no one has yet been able to decipher it? In this session Jane Etheridge will show you how secret writing has changed history and how mathematics is used to break codes. You will be a codemaker and a codebreaker and will discover how to send secret messages that only your friends can decode.
14th May "Circus Skills Workshop"
Booking required!
A good activity for improving co-ordination, concentration and co-operation, but above all great fun. Julian the Juggler from Circus Unlimited will have you juggling and plate spinning in no time! As there was no suitable hall available at the university please note that we will be meeting at St. Giles Church Hall, Ashtead. (On the map The Street is the A24 and the dotted line is a drive with parking, although there is an event at the school at 2 p.m. Either arrive early and take a walk in Ashtead Park or use one of the nearby car parks.) Numbers are limited so places must be booked and paid for in advance. [MAP]
11th June "Fascinating Facts about Stag Beetles & AGM"
At Kingston University as usual...
The Stag Beetle is Britain's largest terrestrial beetle, named because the male's huge jaws look just like a stag's antlers. Sadly it is also an endangered species. With the help of live specimens, Deborah Harvey will be talking about the life cycle and biology of the stag beetle and her research at Royal Holloway. This will be at Kingston University at the usual time.
Meet outside the Crooked Billet pub, Wimbledon, 7.30pm
With our new found information, we then plan a bit of stag beetle spotting in the evening on Wimbledon Common. Please meet outside the Crooked Billet Pub near Kings College Boys School at 7.30 p.m. [MAP]
26th June "Fun in the Sun (weather permitting!)"
Note earlier time and day (SUNDAY)
Meet 1pm at the Black Swan
Subs waived
Join us for lunch at the Black Swan (better known as the Mucky Duck) in Ockham Lane, Martyr's Green, Ockham. One for all the family - a bar full of real ales, pub grub and good company and a great garden for the kids to let off steam. Meet in the garden from 1 p.m. [MAP]
9th July "The Cassini Spacecraft Mission to Saturn"
Calling all budding astronauts. Dr. Anasuya Aruliah will talk about the latest news of the Cassini spacecraft mission to Saturn including the Huygens probe which landed on Saturn's largest moon, Titan, in January this year. Titan is larger than the planets Mercury and Pluto and it is unique amongst moons in having a thick atmosphere, just like Earth. There will also be a chance to build models of Saturn or spacecraft too.
Autumn 2005
24th September "Fantastic Plastic"
What's the link between Lego&tm; blocks, zero pollution cars, disposable nappies, liquids that flow up hill and false legs? How is this linked to the perfect recipe for slime? Education Consultant Dr. Averil MacDonald will take you on a tour through the fascinating lifecycle of a polymer followed by some hands-on slime and potty putty making. If you thought you'd outgrown Explorers last term then at least make it to this one as it's sure to be of interest.
8th October "NAGC Family Day and AGM - National Event"
All members should already have received details of the family day at Shenley Brook End School, Milton Keynes. Bookings close 16th September. For further details call 0845 450 0295.
15th October "People in Art"
University College London is home to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. It is closed on Saturday afternoons, so Celine West is bringing the museum to us instead - well just a small part of it. There will be a selection of paintings and drawings of people to study plus a range of materials to make your own portraits including Chinese brushes, quill pens, chalk and charcoal.
5th November "A Pot-Pourri of Mathematical Problems"
Douglas Hainline runs maths masterclasses and also workshops for both NAGC and Mensa. The focus of this session will be on problem solving and how to get started when you don't know where to go. Maths activities are always popular with the children and there will be ample opportunity for parents to be humiliated by their offspring. I know I will be!
19th November "Theatre Museum"
Note earlier time
Meet at the entrance at 2 p.m.
Subs waived
Our outing this term will be to the Theatre Museum, Russell Street, Covent Garden. Nearest Tube station: Covent Garden. Nearest mainline stations: Waterloo and Charing Cross. Buses run to Strand or Aldwych. Entrance to the museum is free. Every visitor to the Theatre Museum can participate in a daily programme of workshops, demonstrations and guided tours, run by a team of professional theatre practitioners and educationalists. Here you can operate puppets, try out make-up and costumes and walk on stage. Sign up on arrival. (There may be a a small charge for some of the activities available on the day).
3rd December "Christmas Crafts"
An old favourite returns. A chance to make some decorations and gifts. Glue, glitter and mince pies guaranteed (and sherry for the adults!)
Spring 2006
28th January "Chinese New Year"
It's too late for Hogmanay, but this day marks the last day of the Chinese calendar. Karen Pang will share her knowledge of Chinese culture with us, not only New Year traditions, but also Chinese writing and art. Taste some Chinese food and find out how good you really are with a pair of chopsticks.
25th February "Science, our Bodies and our Food"
We are very fortunate to be visited by Professor Richard Bruckdorfer who is professor of Biochemistry at University College London. He teaches both science and medical students and his research interest is in molecular aspects of heart disease. The session will begin with a short talk about science as a career, how scientists have helped our understanding of what food contains and its importance to our health. There will be a discussion and practical demonstration of where the main organs in the body lie and what they do. (I have some insider knowledge that this promises to be a real - and potentially messy - treat!) There will be an opportunity to listen to each other's hearts with stethoscopes and to decide what foods are healthy from an array of options. There will also be a demonstration using microscopes and testing different vegetables for the presence of starch.
11th March "Introducing YouthAgency"
You've established that you have a bright child, you've joined NAGC, you've been to Explorers, but then what? Whatever age your child, this is bound to be an enlightening session. Jane Hughes is the YouthAgency Manager at the National Association for Gifted Children. YouthAgency is a virtual community of gifted children aged 11+. Jane's role is to cater for the needs of gifted teenagers by nurturing the community of members. This is by providing enrichment activities and materials, a forum for celebrating members' work and advocacy for giftedness issues. Jane has agreed to come to Kingston Explorers to talk about her current post, her experience of working with gifted children and to help us look at ways of meeting the needs of our older club members. This is strictly a talk for the adults and any interested 11+ children. There will be no provision for younger children at this session.
25th March "Cardboard City"
You know you love it! (Well you did 3 and 4 years ago). Please visit the scrapbook on the web to see what was built at previous cardboard city sessions if you haven't been to one before. You've had plenty of notice to start saving those empty cardboard tubes and interesting shaped boxes. We'll provide some too and plenty of tape.
8th April "Springtime Stroll"
Subs waived. Please meet at the far end of the car park at 2.15 p.m.
I thought calling it a hike might put some of you off! If you're not jetting off to sunnier climes for the Easter holidays, join us for some fresh air and good old English countryside exploring the 1400 acre estate of Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham. It is a National Trust estate so if you don't have National Trust membership, entrance to the gardens and grounds is £6 per adult, £3 per child or £15 for a family ticket. If you want to make it a family day out there is also a house to visit, a shop and tea-rooms. Please visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/polesdenlacey/ for further details. Please see the map. Polseden Lacey is approximately where the 'B' is in Great Bookham and is well sign-posted with brown tourist signs from the A24 and the A246 from Guildford.
Summer 2006
6th May Amazing Animals
Have you ever stroked a leopard or stared down a tiger? Join us for the chance to handle genuine animal specimens from across the globe. We will also be finding out how animals are built perfectly for their environments, in the way they eat, move and protect themselves. We welcome Jack Ashby from UCL's Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy one of the oldest natural history collections in the country.
20th May Climbing at High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre
Please note the time of this event: 2-5 p.m.
This activity had to be booked and paid for in advance.
Please check your e-mail for detailed directions. At the time of writing there are a couple of spare places so please contact me asap if you are interested. Your name could be added to a waiting list in case anyone drops out at the last minute. Please let me know if you can't make it on the 20th so that we can try to fill your place. You can e-mail . (See map)
10th June The Mysterious Electron
We welcome back Doug Hainline who has run workshops in the past for both NAGC and Mensa. As the title suggests we're not going to tell you too much about this one. However, if you were lucky enough to be at our pot-pourri of mathematical problems last year, I'm sure you can imagine that there's a lot more to bits of wire than meets the eye. Don't miss a treat!
24th June Brazzles, Sinistroms and Snagglefangs
They say that everyone has a book in them. Have you ever wondered where authors get ideas for their characters from, or how to go about getting your work published? Elizabeth Kay, author of The Divide trilogy will come and tell us all she knows. Bring along your own copies and she will even sign them for you. Elizabeth's publisher is The Chicken House, whose director, Barry Cunningham, discovered J.K.Rowling. If you're not familiar with Elizabeth Kay's work or even if you have read the books, do visit her website http://www.elizabethkay.co.uk as it's really good. And you may also be interested to know that Elizabeth's daughter, who was herself a member of Kingston Explorers Club is now 26 years old, has a PhD and has just had an insect named after her - Aganocrossus newmanae!
8th July Move Over Mozart
If you play an instrument please feel free to bring it along. (That includes the grown ups!) But if you don't never fear as we can all make music. This will be a fun hands-on session of music making. We will make a recording of our outstanding performance which will be made available next term. Assuming, that is, that a new committee has been formed to continue running next term!
Autumn 2006
16th September: Starlab Planetarium brings astronomy to life!
Enter the planetarium and be transported into a dark starry night, complete with sensation of Earth rotation and planetary close-ups. A memorable experience not to be missed with Royston Dean.
7th October: NAGC AGM & Fun Day, Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes
A packed day of talks & workshops tailored to all age groups. For more information Tel. 0845 4500295 NAGC
14th October: Use mixed media to develop stunning art effects
Jassie Jagdev, artist and teacher will be your guide and if you wish, will capture your 'creativity' on a personalised printed t-shirt.
T-shirts cost extra and will be delivered 4 weeks later.
11th November: Julian Richards, acclaimed archaeologist, broadcaster & writer!
Meet the Ancestors, Blood of the Vikings (BBC TV) Come and share in Julian's passion at this fascinating archaeology workshop!
25th November: Music & Movement
Sue Sealey, national Youth Moves teacher-trainer, invites you to create a 'celebration' of shape & movement. Come in loose clothing. Guaranteed enjoyment for boys & girls.
9th December: Christmas Crafts
Back by popular demand! Come and use your skills to make some very special gifts and join us for an early mince pie!
Autumn 2007
6th October: Fighting With Sticks
Learn Eskrima, the Martial Art of the Philippines. Jim Smith will explain the use of the stick, safe handling of a weapon, how to respect weapons, the history of the sport in Filipino culture - suppressed by the Spanish but revived by the Americans; demonstration and practice in pairs.
27th October: Do You Want to be a Doctor?
Dr Ian Cropley, Consultant in Infectious Disease at the Royal Free Hospital will introduce you to the world of medicine, explain what and tell you what it is really like to be a doctor.
10th November: How to Create Pictures Like the Great Artists
Romany Stratton will give a master class in art, looking at the work of some artists, how they make you see things in a new way, how they use colour, how colours work together, then combining all this into making a felt artwork.
1st December: Kids in Space
An interactive theatrical show performed by Spacefund. After a history of space flight, the rocket takes off for a moon landing then on to a tour of the planets and the sun. Children see what is like to be an astronaut and experience weightlessness, and this as well as orbits and satellites and the sun's place in the universe are all explained.
Spring 2008
Saturday 19th January: Rubbish!
Dirk Hazell, Chief Executive of the Environmental Services Association (this country's "Head Bin-man" ) will talk about what happens to all that we throw out, your local dump, how recycling and incineration works, and whether we are poisoning ourselves with our waste. The conflicts over environment and cost will also be discussed. Please come with your questions.
Sunday February 3rd 11am - 1pm: Mad Science
Note day and time!
These are the science teachers you wished you had. The first topic will be Moving Motion. Children will make progress in this class all about motion, unlike a rocking horse which makes motion but no progress. Friction and inertia are among the forces that we will investigate. The second topic will be the Science of Art. These are more closely matched that you may think from the detection of forgeries to the development of colour paints. Children will make their own distorted scientific work of art to take home.
Sunday March 2nd 11am - 1pm: Double Bill
Note day and time!
(i) Elizabeth Kay, best selling author of The Divide trilogy will talk about how to write books and what inspired her to write science fiction for children.
(ii) Maths beyond anything you dreamed of. Bob Newman, mathematics enthusiast and donor of our huge selection of advanced thinking board games, will present a selection of fun activities involving shapes and numbers. Topics include number friezes, plaiting cubes and sprouts. The latter is not a green vegetable, but a pencil and paper game.
Sunday March 16th 11am - 1pm: Music Workshop
Note day and time!
Everyone will be a member of the band and a guitarist and a drummer will lead, playing on a range of instruments including djembe, Cajun drum, drum kit and glockenspiels. The objective is to learn rhythm, beat, the different styles of music and the principles of composition. This is for all drum fanatics. The workshop will start with musical warm-ups involving body percussion and circle games. Our two instructors are from the Music House for Children.
Summer 2008
Sunday May 18th 10.30am-12.30pm
Come with your own Presentation. This time we will try a totally new format in which the children prepare a 5 minute talk on their own chosen subject, followed by questions. As we a have digital projector they could demonstrate a computer game. So far we have had volunteers from Kate Howes on Origami and Paul Norris on History. We promise to be a friendly audience. If your child would like to present, please email the Chair. If you have slides, please bring a memory stick.
Autumn 2008
Sunday September 21st 10.30am-12.30pm
LIGHT YEARS - The science writer, Brian Clegg will take a historical journey from ancient times to the present day of that most amazing phenomenon, light. From the bizarre ideas of the ancient Greeks that light streamed from our eyes to modern experiments where light has been pushed past its own speed, and so backwards in time, or slowed to a stop, it's a fascinating subject. He will show some of the amazing aspects of light from its incredibly fast speed, unchanged by relativity to the way the very atoms of our body are held together by an invisible web of light.
Sunday November 2nd 10.30am-12.30pm
Andrew Martin (an ex-chair of Surrey Explorers) will return to run a music session. If you play an instrument please bring it along for a chance to tell others about it. (That includes the grown-ups!) But if you don't, or it's too big to bring, don't worry as we'll be making some of our own and playing something slightly more unusual...
Sunday November 16th 10.30am-12.30pm
Don't be Sea Blind. Admiral John McAnally, former commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies and president of the Royal Naval Association will talk about the role of the Royal Navy to-day, what it is like to command a fighting ship, the weaponry and military strategy. He will also talk about the importance of the sea in the 21st century. For any child who thinks the sea is a place on the edge of a beach or the bits in between the continents on a map, this is the time to learn that the sea is more like a physical world wide web.
Sunday December 7th 10.30am-12.30pm
Note change of date!
Robots and Artificial Intelligence. Dr Miroslav Bober, Chief Scientist, Mitsubishi Electric ITE will talk about his work on Robots and Intelligent Agents. What are the best designs today and what can they do for us? How could they be improved? Can they ever become more intelligent then us? We will look closely at technological challenges facing the designers, including the mechanical design, energy supply and above all we will examine the brain of future robots built on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This will be a very hands-on talk, so you will design and build a lot! First, we will build a crawling turtle, a sliding fox, and a two-leg jumping kangaroo. Then you will all talk to and challenge the Zabaware, the "most human" chatting computer and the winner of the Loebner Prize Competition for Artificial Intelligence. We will examine the Zabaware brain (no blood, so please do not worry!) and finally you can have a go at designing a brain using the LOGO programming language. Best of all, you can take the creatures you will build back home with you (but only with your parents and your dog/cat's permission, of course). As numbers are limited, please let us know in advance if your child will be coming by replying to
Spring 2009
Sunday 25th January
ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL Come and meet the great Victorian engineer talking about his life and works. From the Thames tunnel, the first in the world to be built under a navigable river, to the world’s largest steamship 'The Great Eastern', and all of the bridges, tunnels, railways and steamships along the way, Darryl Boot from Spectrum Drama, originally from the Science Museum, will bring the man and his achievements to life.
Sunday 15th February
HOW TO SAVE A LIFE Sorry, indie rock fans, we haven't invited The Fray along, but better than that: some St John Ambulance volunteers (including Explorers member Kate Howes and her brother Matt who are Cadets) to demonstrate important life skills that you're never too young to learn. In a hands-on practical session, you will gain confidence in making a 999 call, and practise emergency resuscitation and the recovery position. These three steps could help you, literally, save someone's life! You can then try your hand at applying slings and bandages as emergency first aid, and a 'body parts' quiz will test how well you know what's under your skin. Once we've fired up your enthusiasm, we'll tell you how to find out about your local Cadets (10-18) and Badgers (5-10) where you can do first aid and so much more!
Sunday 22nd February
CREATING THE SUN HERE ON EARTH (Postponed from 8th February) Slamming together hydrogen atoms to form helium will provide a limitless source of clean energy – when they can get it to work. Chris Warrick from UKAEA Culham will demonstrate how Nuclear Fusion, which fuels the sun and stars, could be replicated in a power station. It works in the laboratory, they have been improving it since 1940, but the contribution to our electricity supply is still precisely zero. At enormous temperatures and pressures, the engineering challenge is immense.
Sunday 1st March
WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO BE THE ONLY HUMAN LEFT ON EARTH? Science writer Henry Nicholls tells the story of Lonesome George, a giant tortoise who is the only surviving member of his species. At the age of 80, George still lives on a remote Galapagos island and is, according to the Guinness Book of Records, "the rarest creature on earth". George's tragic tale takes in Darwin, cloning and DNA fingerprinting as scientists race against time to find a way of reproducing him and resurrecting his species. Henry Nicholls is Editor of the history of science journal Endeavour and is the author of Lonesome George: the Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon.
Sunday 22nd March
INSIDE THE MAGIC CIRCLE The master of disaster and highly skilled delusionist, Gilbert Giggles, will perform his magic. Then he will change out of his tight blue suit and big glasses into his alter ego, Simon Fullerton, who will give us a peep behind the magic circle, demonstrating a few of the tricks of the trade and how to carry off a conjuring act convincingly. You will learn some great tricks to impress your friends.
Tuesday 7th April
Note venue - contact the Chair!
HERSTMONCEUX SCIENCE EXPERIENCE DAY ON ROCKETRY Hidden away in the Sussex hills next to the beautiful castle and gardens is a science centre converted from the wartime home of the Greenwich Observatory. The hands-on activities are better than the Science Museum and a lot less crowded. In order to have a full day, we will stay overnight at a nearby B&B, but it can be done as a day trip if you prefer. Please let the chair know if you are interested (). Fee is about £13 for one child and one adult, £24 for a family of four.
Sunday 19th April
Booking required for presenters - contact the Chair!
YOUR CHILD THE PRESENTER We will be a friendly and informal audience for your child presenting on their favourite topic. We intend to have five or six talks of about 5 minutes each, followed by Q&A. There will be prizes for the best speakers. Our only volunteers so far are Paul on a subject to be decided and Joshua presenting on the asteroids outside Neptune and other Space-related topics. If you have a junior enthusiast on any subject who would like to give a talk, please email the Chair (). Let us know as soon as possible as speaker slots are limited! You will be amazed how confident and fluent your child can be when talking about something that interests them. We have a digital projector for slides if required (please bring a memory stick).