Kiran (16) heard about the Ideal Home show from adverts on the London Underground.

"There were two demonstration houses near the end of the first hall," says Kiran, "where you could go in and see a designed room. As well this year there was a recycle and natural theme, where Justin and Collien (designers) did a set-up near the waterfall show piece."

"The waterfall was great, with real water and quite big so you can walk under it (not getting wet!). It was a great opportunity to take photos there."

There was certainly plenty to do - Kiran was there at 11.30 in the morning, and only left at 6 p.m.! The Ideal Home Show is held every year, and if you're able to go next time, Kiran recommends that you "plan your day out. It will make it easier for you to see everything. And bring a pack lunch, it's cheaper that way!"

"One more thing," says Kiran. "Demos and freebies was also my favourite thing!"

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“We visited the fantastic Wind in the Willows exhibition, with audio wands to hear the story of Ratty and Mole and Toad,” says Diana (35), who’d heard about it from the local press.

The permanent exhibition is part of the River and Rowing Museum in Henley onThames,

“There were lots more great things in the other galleries,” Diana continues, “including Olympic boats used by Pinsent and Redgrave, an exhibit all about water from the Thames and a whole room devoted to Henley on Thames.”

A family-of-four ticket cost £18.Diana and her family spent four hours in the museum, including lunch in the café.

“It's wonderful and worth the money, with a good cafe, and clean facilities. Free parking was a bonus because the riverside was busy. The children loved the Wind in the Willows – the models were wonderful and very real, exactly like the illustrations in the book!”

 

 

 

Break.out! young reporters visited the "Look at me!" exhibition, which ran for six months at the National Portrait Gallery.

What bit was your favourite?

"I drew my self portrait and enjoyed myself" – Harris, age 6

"Drawing the self-portrait" – Sarah, age 17

"The mirrors!" – Daniel, age 15

"One of the pieces made by someone from ‘Look Ahead Housing & Care’ with the postcards – very original & thought-provoking." – Sophie, age 18

"I found the video portraits particularly intriguing." – Emilie, age 13

"The word wall!" – Alice, age 16

"Reflections (11 or 12 meaningless verses)" – John, age 19

"The Box Room!" – Harriet, age 16

 

How long did it take to go round the exhibition?

"40 minutes" – Harris, age 6

"15 mins" – Sarah, age 17

"30 mins" – Emilie, age 13

 

What advice would you give someone going to the exhibition?

"Drawing - use the facilities!" – Sarah, age 17

"Be open to new ideas and relate to the artists (which is very easy)" – Emilie, age 13

"Go to be surprised by creativity of all kinds of people in all kinds of situations" – Sophie, age 18

"Use the mirrors and watch all the film," – Daniel, age 15

"Make sure to do a portrait after seeing the show." – Alia, age 19 (from USA)

"Look at everything carefully! Be open minded." – Becki, age 16

"To go and see other people’s expressions or ideas reflected in their pieces" – John, age 19