Clapham Village Fete, Bellevue Road Summer Fair and September inspiration: Your What’s On activity guide from NappyValleyNet

Dear NappyValleyNetter,

Welcome to your weekly What’s On activity guide from NappyValleyNet! 

A pinch and a punch and all that lark.  It’s a new dawn, a new day, a new month, but it still feels like summer, so bury that head in that still-warm sand, and carry on regardless.  Eke out these last rays and days of carefree sunshine while shoe-horning in the odd bit of name-taping, pencil sharpening and shoe-buffing. Some may still be off school, some may be back, most are preparing for a shift in the schedules.  It’s a new term, and that’s clear on our calendar.  It’s brimming with bright new ideas.  So while you have one eye on the last of the summer fun (and wine), have the other on some fresh inspiration to ease happily into the weeks ahead.  Multitasking at its best. (click here)

Made a decision while out of town to move house when you’re back?  Here’s where to start.  We have homes for sale and to rent in the neighbourhood with school catchments all mapped out to help you find the right pad in just the right spot. (click here)

Take a look at these four homes from our Preferred Property Partners this week

For sale with Marsh & Parsons is a 4-bedroom family house in the popular Hydefarm estate in Balham near to two local primary schools, with a separate annexe at the end of the garden ideal for an office, gym or cinema. …click here for more details

For rent with Rampton Baseley is a 5-bedroom semi-detached house off Clapham Common North Side, near to Clapham Junction and Northcote Road, with excellent entertaining space including both a dining room and reception room/playroom, both opening onto a lovely garden. …click here for more details

Available to rent with Hamptons International is a 5-bedroom family home in Balham, close to Clapham South tube and Clapham Common, with a fully extended kitchen opening via bi-fold doors onto a manicured south-facing garden. …click here for more details

Did you know Portico can give you an instant valuation on your home in just sixty seconds? So if you’re considering a move and want to know what your property might be worth, just click here to get an instant property valuation!

It’s a brilliant weekend in the ‘hood.  Think summer’s over?  Think again

This very evening sees the first of The Hive Lates over in Kew Gardens, the chance to see this fabulous structure illuminated by thousands of flickering lights and to spend your evening immersed in the world of the British bee.  Grown-ups only, and if you can’t make tonight, there’s another chance later this month. …click here for more details

Saturday brings the Clapham Village Fete as the Old Town heads back to yesteryear with an outdoor family fair to keep your feet a’tapping and to give your sunglasses one final hurrah!  Live performances, coconut shy, carousel, dog show, local history, arts and crafts and a trusty fire engine.  Summer’s not over yet! …click here for more details

The Big Barnes Picture Show brings you open air cinema on Saturday evening over in SW13.  Settle down to The Blues Brothers on the big screen and tuck into a fantastic sounding BBQ thanks to The Ginger Pig.  Will it be pulled pork in a brioche bun or beef burgers with fried onions?  You had me at pulled… …click here for more details

Hooked on the new series of GBBO? Indulge your love of cake (making) by going along to a Celebratory Cake and Floral Decoration Workshop near Wandsworth Common. Led by Holly of East London’s The Floury, you’ll learn the art of baking as well as some tips for stunning decoration.  Mel and Sue would be proud. …click here for more details

And on Sunday it’s the Bellevue Road Summer Fair, so head to the parade for fantastic family fun with over forty stalls, face painting, falconry, a dog show, a music stage, a petting zoo and new children’s zone including total wipeout, a disco dome, giant chess…not to mention all the shops and boutiques open for business! …click here for more details

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is still on at Cadogan Hall, just off Sloane Square, and runs until Sunday.  A musical play adapted from the brilliant and much-loved book by Judith Kerr, it’s full of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos as the tiger arrives, most unexpectedly, at the door.  A perfect end of summer holiday family treat. …click here for more details

Fresh ideas for you, for the children, or for all of you together

Inspired by our brilliant hockey team in Rio?  Wanderers Hockey Club is looking for new juniors to play in Battersea Park.  Boys and girls from U6 (Y1) to U9 (Y4) will have fun learning new skills, and both training and matches will kick start your Sunday mornings. Is there a future Maddie Hinch in our midst? …click here for more details

Start next week on a high note, with the Musical Adventurers over in Putney.  Professional flautist, Lucy McIntyre will introduce the dizzying range of sounds and effects of the flute and piccolo with a lively programme exploring music related to Planes, Trains & Automobiles.  Keep your eyes peeled for Steve Martin. …click here for more details

It’s a new term for Rugbytots in Balham, Earlsfield and Southfields, offering dynamic, fun and structured sessions for 2 to 7 year olds who will expend a great deal of energy while having a great deal of fun!  Free taster sessions on offer so you can see if yours is a rugbytot, or not. …click here for more details

The Teddy Bears’ Group in Wandsworth gets its new term underway next week with a regular Tuesday get together. Arts and crafts, toys, a sing-along and healthy snacks will keep you all happy, with ‘Little Teds’ for those under 12 months too. Caffeine and chat for you and a great space for little ones to roam and play. …click here for more details

Lavender Leonardos runs After School Art Classes for those with a passion for art.  Choose between midweek sessions or a regular Saturday slot in the studio and work on everything from line to colour to 3D.  Children work at their own pace and creative juices flow! …click here for more details

There’s a Yoga September Special on offer with a lovely deal for three classes, either Pregnancy yoga or Vinyasa flow, so whether you’re expecting or not, this could be just the new exercise regime for you. …click here for more details

The Duke is a one man play, written and performed by Shon Dale-Jones at The Unicorn, a story about the world we live in, playful and imaginative mixing fantasy with reality and gently challenging the audience to consider our priorities in a world full of crisis.  Great for everybody aged over 8, just one hour and pay as you see fit afterwards with proceeds going to Save the Children. …click here for more details

If your thoughts are turning to going back to work after having your baby, then head to the Clapham NCT Returning to Work workshop, a great chance to think about everything from the practicalities to the emotional challenges and balancing home and work life. …click here for more details

It’s the Tooting Foodival again soon, an award-winning celebration of local food growing and cooking.  Bring in your bumper harvest and then locals compete for the accolade of Top Tooting Cook by cooking up a storm with the locally-grown produce.  Ready, steady, cook in our own back yard (or allotment)! …click here for more details

There’s a Summer Beach Party on St John’s Hill soon (mid September, we’re thinking Indian Summer) with acoustic sessions, street food, craft beer, over 30 stalls, face painting and more – fun for young and old(er). …click here for more details

That’s it.  Don’t forget to keep an eye on any new goings-on via our calendar – it’ll keep you in the loop. (click here)

Love,

Annabel & the NappyValleyNet team xx