What goes on in the mysterious world of the beehive?
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With guidance and demonstrators from Wimbledon Beekeepers' Association's beekeepers, you will have the opportunity to take a look inside a hive and discover the fascinating craft of beekeeping.
The session will consist of a practical introduction to the world of the honey bee and experience some of the various tasks a beginner will have to master. You'll be able to see inside a hive, hold a frame with honey bees on it and get to know if beekeeping is something for you.

Please join us for our July lunchtime concert at St John's, Wimbledon with our Director of Music, Robert Mingay-Smith (organ)

Generously supported by the Tertis Foundation, Robert will be playing works by Charles Villiers Stanford in his centenary year.

Doors open from 12.30pm for tea/coffe/homemade cake and savouries. Entry is free with a retiring collection to support St John's Music Fund.

To join our mailing list and for more information about upcoming concerts, please email: jane.long@me.com.

Please note that there is no August recital but we look forward to seeing you again in September.

Wednesday 14 - Sunday 25 August

Recommended for ages 2-5

Returning due to popular demand after a sell-out run in 2023!

Come and explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature. In Rise and Fall you’ll meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs. Forever expanding and contracting, balloons are free to float, fly and sway. Hold your breath and go sailing away.  Rise and Fall is a poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go.

At the end of the show you can take your own balloon home with you! 

A gentle and relaxing show for ages 2 - 5 years and their families.

Approximately 50 minutes (including a 15 minute stay and play)

Tickets from £14*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

It's the August Bank Holiday weekend, and the last full weekend of August, so why not?

Come out and celebrate all things Pollards Hill, with fun, games, rides and activities for all ages, DJ and karaoke, food, drink, health and wellbeing sessions, money advice and much more.

This year, we will also be having a number of special guests, so watch this space for confirmation.

Oh, and IT'S ALL FREE!

Holiday at Home is a week of good company, good food and good fun aimed at retired people. It is held at Dundonald Church Raynes Park during the last week of August.

The day starts at 10.30 with coffee and cake. There are various fun workshops where visitors can try out something new. We will eat a meal together in the middle of the day and in the afternoon there are various workshops and activities going on, as well as a short talk. The day finishes about 4pm.

There will be a range of things to do so visitors can get involved as much or as little as they like; if they want to just sit and read a newspaper, that’s fine!

The event will run from Tuesday 26th August to Friday 30th August 2024 this year– guests can come for one day or the whole thing.

There is no need to book.

There is no charge for this event but guests are welcome to make a donation for lunch if they wish.

Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow.

Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.

Remember: Up to 2 children come free on every Adult Ticket!
Book directly from our website

Programme:

The Four Seasons: Summer | Henrietta Wayne, violin & Karen Glen, harpsichord
Summertime, when the living is easy, the music is soft and the sounds are sweet. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Vivaldi's evocative 'Summer' concerto from his 'Four Seasons', as we bask in birdsong and peer through a rampaging storm. So hush little baby, don't you cry.

Get £2 off on your first concert when you sign up to our e-updates. Be the first to hear about concerts in your area, exclusive & special events, e.g. Buckingham Palace, offers and early bird ticket sales on our website

Come along to Merton’s free cost-of-living event to access the advice and support you need with your finances including bills, debt, and benefits, as well as energy saving, employment, wellbeing and more. It’s Saturday 14 September 10.30am–1.30pm at Colliers Wood Library.

Every household that attends will receive a £10 supermarket voucher.

Please join us for our September lunchtime concert at St John's, Wimbledon with Naomi Wright (cello) after the August break in our series.

Generously supported by the Tertis Foundation, the programme is TBC.

Doors open from 12.30pm for tea/coffe/homemade cake and savouries. Entry is free with a retiring collection to support St John's Music Fund.

To join our mailing list and for more information about upcoming concerts, please email: jane.long@me.com.

Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 September

Recommended for ages 0-8

Big Dreams Early Years Theatre Festival returns to Polka!

Join us in our 45th year for a celebration of Early Years Theatre and creativity.

With engaging UK and international shows, inspiring talks with famous Early Years authors, and free activities including a tongue-twisting installation, face-painting, glitter tattoos and more… enjoy an array of exciting creative experiences specially for our younger audiences and their families.

Timings: All day

Tickets from £12*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.

Thursday 3 October - Sunday 6 October

Recommended for ages 8-12

Armed with just a suitcase, NIE’s ensemble of actor/musicians tell this big, famous (and gruesome!) story in a funny and accessible way.

With some help from the audience, the cast bring the story to life, unpacking an old tale with new meaning. What happens when Macbeth is tempted by power and riches? Should he go after what he truly desires?

A combination of Shakespearean verse and contemporary language (and the occasional recap!) makes the original story clear and easy to follow.

Punctuated effortlessly by an original soundtrack, live music and sound effects, the cast will create comedy, tragedy, fast action, and terrifying power.

With minimal set (but plenty of atmosphere!) the show can introduce Shakespeare to first timers and reveal contemporary themes in a play that many know well. 

Oh, and we should warn you...there’s lots of death.

Approximately 1 hour

Tickets from £14*
(Group and multi-buy offers available)
*£2.50 transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings. T&Cs apply.