I don't know who's more excited - me or Alex, as tonight we're going to see High School Musical the stage play at Hammersmith Apollo.

I have to admit, like quite a few Hillingdon mums I know, that High School Musical is my guilty pleasure. Usually kids musical movies are just about bearable but this one is toe tappingly adorable. For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, it's like a watered down version of the movie Grease without the sex and alcohol.

Alex and I love nothing more than putting the soundtrack on and running up and down the kitchen bouncing a basketball to his favourite track - Get your Head in the Game.

If you look at a lot of the promotional items associated with the movie you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a girlie musical but actually there's a clever injection of basketball, boys and high energy dance routines involving balls that make it OK for boys to like it too.

We've been busy all this week listening to the sound track and learning the words so we can sing along tonight. I can't wait to see how it will be scaled down for the West End and I'm especially looking forward to seeing Letitia Dean (Sharon from Eastenders) perfectly cast as the drama teacher and hearing the songs performed by a live band! I'll let you know what we thought next week.

We've had the final count up from what we raised at Party in the Park from our charity stalls and, with donations from the fairground rides and ice-cream van etc, I'm delighted to be able to tell you it was over £6,000!

Considering most activities are free of charge and the event is more about putting back into the local community than fundraising, I'm very proud of this achievement and would like to say a special thank you to everyone who came along, supported the event and of course parted with their cash.

This is a special week if you have a child born between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2005 as the forms have just been published this week that allow you to apply for a school place in Hillingdon. Any child born between these dates will start full-time school in September next year.

Completed applications have to be in by Friday, September 26, 2008 and even if you have a sibling at the school or a nursery place you still have to apply for a full time school place. Call 01895 556 644 for details or apply online from August 1 on www.eadmissions.org.uk.

I remember getting the forms and looking at Alex when it was his turn to apply and thinking there was no way on earth he'd be able to cope with a full day at school. With an August birthday he would be the youngest in his class and at that time he was still having an afternoon nap and his aim in the loo was a bit hit and miss. Of course he coped fine and his aim slightly improved!

Cathy recommends:

Kids Week 2008 August 15-29

CHILDREN aged five to 16 years can see a selection of dazzling West End shows for free - as long as they are accompanied by an adult paying full price. Over 30 shows are available to book from July 15 by visiting www.kidsweek.co.uk or calling the Ticketmaster number listed on the website. There are also free kids activities, including peeks backstage and special workshops where youngsters can dabble with make-up, learn to dance and sing with the cast.

Cherubs Summer Fun Day July 13

BBQ, bouncy castles, cakes, free crafts for the kids, nearly new toys, tombola and much much more! This event runs from noon to 3pm at Martin Bakers Sports and Social Club, Tilehurst lane Denham. Entrance £1.50 adults/£1 children, under-ones free. Raises funds for the special care baby unit at Hillingdon Hospital.

Cathy Ranson is editor of Sunshine, the community magazine for families living in Hillingdon. Contact: cathy@sunshinemagazine.co.uk