The Horniman made the final 5 of the UK's best Family-friendly museums last year. There's a week or so left to nominate

From the site:

Kids in Museums is delighted to be working with the Guardian on the 2007 Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award. The Award is only in its fourth year, but already it is the biggest museum award in Britain, attracting more nominations than any other award. Most importantly, it is families who choose the winner - again, the only award where this happens.

Vote by email at

http://www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk/the-guardian-award

The Horniman Museum is voted pick of the poll

779 people voted in an online poll to find the borough?s ?Pride of Place?. According to the results, the Horniman Museum was chosen as the place which makes Lewisham residents feel most proud of their home town.

The Catford Cat and Blackheath Village were voted into second and third spots. These were followed by Goldsmiths in New Cross, Sydenham Wells Park, Beckenham Place Park in Bellingham, the Laban in Deptford, The Broadway Theatre in Catford, Lewisham Town Centre and Downham Health and Leisure Centre.

http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndEvents...OfPoll.htm

And we took third place nationally, which is nice

oh im so glad to hear that

So, the Catford Cat generates more pride in Lewisham residents than Laban Centre. Hmmm

Well, it's clearly about who's managed to get their people out in the greatest number. But, well...we got our people out in the greatest number. Every bit of good publicity helps

The Horniman Museum looks set to re-landscape the animal enclosure to include a path through its middle. They're calling for students to submit designs:

http://www.capel.ac.uk/courses/animalcare/competition/

New forum members might be interested to know that they are also asking for more general ideas on redeveloping the gardens - see the following page on their website and the a thread from the old se23.com forum:

http://www.horniman.ac.uk/gardens/gardens2.php
http://www.se23.com/forum-archive/messages/9/954.html

And although there doesn't seem to be any info on the website, their latest 'what's on' pamphlet says they're also planning on raising funds for a revamp to the natural history (stuffed animals) section. Sounds good but I hope they keep the walrus.

Looks like a really nice development - hope the animals approve too.

they absolutely MUST keep the walrus .. he's the main attraction

It seems that some of the other changes have already been included in this map (see the education centre, the new path on the field down the hill from the enclosure, the new greenhouse above, etc.)

It would be nice to see this enhanced. I don't quite understand the new fencing though. Will they split the animals into two areas? Will the new walk though fence be lower so as to make it more like a petting zoo than a high security prison for the animals?

The local SE London slingmeet group is meeting at the Horniman on Fri 22nd of Feb from 1pm onwards, so if you're pregnant or have a baby and is interested in using a sling / babycarrier- please come along.

We're an informal group of local mums who carry our babies in slings and we provide help and advice to others who

*want to use a sling, but dont know what type to get
*have used a sling or babycarrier, but gave up as it was uncomfortable
*want help with breastfeeding in a sling

and lots of other sling and baby related issues.

There will be different types of slings (wraps, ringslings, pods, pouches, Mei Tais etc) available to try, as we all bring our own, and as we're not selling slings there is no pressure to buy.

Using the right sling correctly will enable you to carry you baby in comfort till he/she is 35-40lbs, and slings can be so stylish! Its definitely the way to go for urban mums who struggle getting on public transport with a pram or pushchair, or navigating shops and cafes.

The slingmeet group will be in the Horniman cafe or the conservatory from 1pm onwards.

You might want to bear in mind that the Horniman Cafe will most likely be packed, as the 22nd is the last day of half term week.

Hi Rikke,

My wife is 33 weeks pregnant and will be going on maternity leave shortly. She won't be able to come along to your meet up this Friday 22nd as she's still working, but do you have any details of any other meet ups, or a contact address so she can find out about future get togethers?

Thanks,
KK

Hi, I am also interested in slings but will be at work. I am only 18 weeks so plenty of time to make a decision but wondered if there were any other meets planned?

The SE London Slingmeet group meets every two weeks, if you can't make it this Friday.

x
Maria, another local BW mum

Hi there

Yes, as Maria says we meet every two weeks, changing the day in the week so that everyone can at least make one of the meets if they are working part time for example. We often meet at the Horniman, but our last meet was at the Plough for example, so its worth checking the slingmeet calendar for details of the venue.

So dont worry if you cant make this Friday's meet, and yes it will be busy at the Horniman (!), there are plenty of other opportunities to come to a slingmeet.

Rikke

Hi there

Yes, as Maria says we meet every two weeks, changing the day in the week so that everyone can at least make one of the meets if they are working part time for example. We often meet at the Horniman, but our last meet was at the Plough for example, so its worth checking the slingmeet calendar for details of the venue.

So dont worry if you cant make this Friday's meet, and yes it will be busy at the Horniman (!), there are plenty of other opportunities to come to a slingmeet.

Rikke

Thanks Rikke, that's great to know. Can you please tell me where I can find the slingmeet calender so I can check it?

Thanks,
KK

Hi KK

I have sent you a pm through this forum with the link.

Or alternatively if you have any specific sling / babywearing questions you are welcome to send me a pm through this forum.

Rikke X

IMHO the food and drinks in there are unbelievably overpriced for the quality and the range lacks any imagination. An opportunity for a stellar catering operation in a stellar establishment sadly missed I feel. Am I alone?

Without being elitist it is only a Cafe! If it was setting itself up as a Bistro or a Fine Dining club then I would agree with you but it's a bog standard cafe in a museum.

Had coffee in their on Fri and found it pleasant enough.