Families London Kent Borders March - April 2017 Issue 36

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In this issue...

ISSUE 36: MARCH - APRIL 2017

4 Family Screen time guidance 5 Gardening How to get your child outside gardening 6 Wellness Renew your mind body connection 7 Kicking off Sports clubs and outdoor activities for you little ones 10 Education Teaching your children their Times Tables... easily

09

Sports clu b activities f s and outdoor or your litt le ones

DILLON LAW LLP

FAMILY LAW & EMPLOYMENT LAW

12 Out & About The best of What’s On near you

Front cover: Bigstock photography Editor: Mima Walia 07792 006546 editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On Editor: Louise Kettlety Design: Kevin Smith

Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders Magazine are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

SPECIALISING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: • Divorce and Finances • Children • Child protection • Pre-nuptial Agreements • Co-habitation disputes • Co-habitation and Separation Agreements • Domestic Violence and Injunctions • Civil Partnership • Employment law issues

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DILLON LAW LLP Ground Floor, 51 Tweedy Road Bromley, Kent BR1 3NH 020 8460 0174 • office@dillonlaw.co.uk • www.dillonlaw.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2017

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Family RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN – MARRIED COUPLES Following a marriage breakdown, one of the main issues for any parent who has primary care of the children, is how they will be able to stay in the family home and whether they will be entitled to maintenance.

Leading figures call for official guidance on screen time If you’ve ever worried about the amount of time your children spend in front of smartphones, computers, consoles and TV, you’re certainly not alone. A group of 40 leading authors, educationalists and childdevelopment experts have called for official guidelines on the use of screen devices by children up to 12 to be drawn up by recognised authorities on child health and development.

In a letter to The Guardian the group, which includes author Philip Pullman, psychotherapist Susie Orbach, childcare expert Penelope Leach and the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, said it also wants to see the creation of a minister for

children. This cabinet-level role would have the responsibility for assessing the impact of all government policies on children’s health and wellbeing.

The letter also called for a kindergarten-style education for 3 to 7-year olds, which would emphasise emotional and social development and encourage outdoor play.

In the case of a married couple, the court’s primary consideration will be where the children live.

If at all possible and if it is affordable, the parent with primary care of the children will be permitted to remain in the family home (this is subject to both parties providing full financial disclosure and affordability). A financial settlement can be tailored, taking into account a couple and their specific needs.

As for ‘spousal’ maintenance, there is provision for a claim to be made in this regard when dealing with the division of the matrimonial assets and the amount and term will be considered within the negotiations. An agreement can be reached about the division of a pension, redundancy pay, or property to be sold in the future.

Turning to the issue of child maintenance, this is dealt with separately. The non-resident parent is legally obliged to provide for the children, in accordance with the guidance set out by the CSA or CMS. In the first instance, an agreement as to amount should be negotiated but in the event this is not possible an application will need to be made to the CSA. www.dillonlaw.co.uk

“If children are to develop the self-regulation and emotional resilience required to thrive in modern technological culture, they need unhurried engagement with caring adults and plenty of self-directed outdoor play, especially during their early years (0–7),” the letter reads.

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Activities Travel

How to get the kids outside gardening G

ardening can be a great way to get your kids playing outside, learning about nature and engaging with the environment. From the smallest seed in a pot to growing huge sunflowers in the garden, your children will love getting their hands dirty and watching their garden grow.

While we may not have the best weather here in the UK, it’s so important for kids to experience the natural world, get some vitamin D and learn some great lessons through gardening.

So how do you get them outside?

We’ve put together a few creative ways that you can encourage your children to start gardening.

DO A TREASURE HUNT! Every child loves hunting for treasure, and what better way to get them outside than to go on a nature hunt?

You’d be surprised how many different species are in your garden - dandelions, vegetables, woodlice, earthworms.

See who can find the most different animals and plants. If they don’t know what it is, help them to find out on the internet. This is something you can keep up throughout the year, encouraging them to observe the changing seasons and what plants grow at different times. Ask them what plants and animals they would like to see in their garden and start growing these/encouraging wildlife together.

ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO TAKE THEIR FAVOURITE TOYS OUTSIDE... ...and build miniature worlds for them.

Help them create a race course with ramps for toy cars, a jungle for their favourite animals to hide in or a fairy-tale wood for their princess dolls. Encourage them to think about what their little world looks like, and start to name the plants with them while they play.

GROW YOUR OWN DINNER! There’s nothing better than eating peas straight out of the pod or picking your

first strawberry, and all of these can be grown in your own garden.

If you’re not hugely confident with gardening, cress is the best place to start, and you can grow it on your window sill. It’s a great way for children to learn about how plants grow, watching seeds turn into tasty snacks.

It can encourage your children to try new foods, after all - they grew it themselves, and it can add to their important 5-a-day!

It’s a great way for children to learn about the food they eat and where it comes from, and standing in the mud with a big spade is a million miles away from the supermarket, and far more fun. Some great fruits and vegetables to grow with your little ones are carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, courgettes, salad leaves, herbs, peas and potatoes. Grandparents are great at this kind of knowledge: why not organise a trip to a garden centre with them to choose seeds and plants?

Keep an eye on the time of year and encourage your kids to read up on their plants, water them when needed, and take care of them. Don’t worry if it doesn’t go to plan and you only get one tomato - it’s a learning process, and your kids can think about why it might not have grown and what to try next time.

CREATE A WILDLIFE GARDEN Kids love animals, bugs and creepy crawlies, and a wildlife garden can be a great way to get them outside and stuck into gardening. Plant flowers such as lavender, honeysuckle and verbena to encourage butterflies and bees in the summer. Maybe think about building a pond to encourage frogs, dragonflies and water boatmen, and

let your children learn about the life cycle as they turn from frogspawn to tadpoles to baby frogs. Encourage them to learn about and identify the different creatures and how to attract them to your garden and help them to make new habitats and learn where animals live, from bug barns to hedgehog houses. Great fun!

FILL YOUR GARDEN WITH COLOURS, SMELLS AND TEXTURES Choose bright flowers like geraniums, pansies and sunflowers so your kids can enjoy making the garden more beautiful. Choose strong smelling plants like honeysuckle, or plants that make interesting noises, like bamboo rustling in the breeze. Encourage your kids to make their garden their own, and if they love it, let them loose at Grandma’s too!

GET MESSY! There’s something so satisfying about getting all muddy: kids can’t resist it.

Gardening doesn’t have to be about neat rows of flowers. Let your kids dig ‘til their hearts’ content. If they can’t get enough of mess, try making bird cakes to hang from the trees, and let them watch as quietly as possible as birds come to feed. Or how about a bird feeder made out of Cheerios and pipe cleaners? Encourage your kids to get crafty in the garden, making everything from bottle top wind chimes to lolly ice stick plant markers, so they know which plant is which.

For more awesome activity ideas with the kids visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/activities

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Wellness Travel

RENEW YOUR MIND BODY CONNECTION THIS EASTER

Spring, lent and Easter are fast approaching and this is always a good time to reflect on our health and fitness, and perhaps make some changes. Easter representing new life, new beginnings - what a wonderful opportunity to renew our mind body connection, for the two really are one.

The brain is so powerful in governing our every move or non-move! The body is made up of connective tissues, so a pain in one area will have an effect elsewhere and our brain is capable of assisting the healing process of the body if we allow it. We are such control freaks that we create tension throughout our body which impairs movement.

Our sedentary lifestyle impairs our movement. It creates backpain, shoulder pain, neck pain, hip pain etc etc.

Our bodies were never designed to sit for long periods and movement is what the body craves! Movement maintains healthy joints, healthy tissue and healthy mind. Once again Pilates and exercise has received positive press, confirming that it can help with back pain and more and that it is more effective than painkillers. We have some amazing classes to get you started and help you reach your goals. If you have back pain, hip pain, shoulder and neck pain, arthritis, require post-operative rehabilitation, Pilates can help you.

Exercise is also good for managing neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s etc and it has been shown to provide positive results. We have classes suitable for all ranging from Pilates to bootybarre, Arc barrel Phillips pregnancy - Familys Magazine advert AWPilates 2710914_AW.pdf Pilates toIsmini HIP Pilates, & post-natal and

yogalates! As my colleague, Joeli says, “I say no to pills, the only pill I take is PILL-ATES!” Do contact me for more details and let my team and I help you reach your goals. www.isminiphillips.com email: ismini@isminiphillips.com mob: 07711 906750

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Clubs & Travel Classes

KICKING OFF

How to get your little ones involved in sports clubs and which outdoor activities to choose from. By Adrian Warner

M

ost parents agree that getting young children involved in sport from a young age will help them to keep fit and get into the habit of enjoying regular exercise.

Sport can also help kids learn important life lessons such as how to deal with winning and losing. It also encourages them to make friends and learn how to be part of a team.

Outdoor sports are a great way for children to get some fresh air and have fun with their friends. But how do you choose which sport is right for your child?

It’s important for children to get a flavour of a range of sports available and decide for themselves which one they prefer. Sport should always be fun, especially for small kids, so to help you decide which one to introduce your child to, here are five outdoor options they will love:

5. MULTI-SPORTS – If you are not sure which sport to choose, look out for multi-sports sessions run by companies or local authorities where kids can try out a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available in the summer holidays and are a great way for kids to find out what they really like.

Adrian Warner has been a sports journalist for 30 years and has reported from 13 Olympic Games and 5 World Cups for Reuters, London’s Evening Standard and the BBC. He also lectures in Sports Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire.

AS SEEN ON

1. FOOTBALL - There are a number of clubs around the country that offer coaching during the school holidays for boys and girls aged from five to 11. These are usually a morning or afternoon class where young children are introduced to the basic skills of the sport.

2. RUGBY – Firstly, don’t panic: the first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either.

Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, noncontact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their clothing. The focus here is on developing passing and running skills.

3. TENNIS – Children from three years old can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis using smaller courts and nets and with child-sized rackets. Some clubs will also have squash and badminton courts, so your child can try out a range of games with friendly coaches.

4. HOCKEY – For children, the game will be much gentler than that for adults and sticks and pitches are smaller.

Some clubs have a game called “Quicksticks” which is suitable from seven years, which is a four-a-side game that can be played anywhere and uses a bigger ball for safety.

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

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The world’s favourite rugby play programme www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2017

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Clubs & Classes Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Easter Music Workshops

PERFORM DRAMA, DANCE & SINGING WORKSHOPS Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school. Focusing on child development, Perform uses a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention by the experienced actorteachers who focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration and having the best fun of the week.

The Perform curriculum uses a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform with a different theme each term to keep young imaginations buzzing.

The summer term starts in April with two brilliant and inspiring themes: Perform 4–7 year olds will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane. Children will

be rodeo-riding through a spooky ghost town, dancing to the Hip Hop Hoedown and meeting Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux Tribe.

Our ‘Funky Chicken’ workshops are brilliant taster one or five day courses for 4-9 year old beginners. Carefully devised fun-packed, varied one day or week long courses in which we incorporate how to read, play and write notes C-A alongside learning basic keyboard technique. Wrap this around countless inspired music-based activities including composition, artwork, singing and performance skills and you have the perfect music making course that little ones love. Booking early essential - 10 places ONLY per course.

3rd-14th April 2017 Streatham, Herne Hill, Sydenham, Sevenoaks 01732 457100 mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info

Meanwhile, the 7–12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe.

After crash-landing on Mars, our intergalactic hero has to save the Martian children from being eaten by the evil Commander Cannibal.

With infectious tunes and highenergy dance, this space-age version of the castaway survival classic has been transformed into an explosive new show.

Perform offers a no-obligation, FREE trial session. To book or find your nearest venue, contact: 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform.org.uk/try For more information please contact: Perform 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

COMPUTER CODING FOR KIDS Games Coding, Robotics Drones, Websites, Minecraft Fun, engaging sessions Term/Holiday courses Ages 5 to 14+

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Put a Spring in Your Step with Drama, Singing and Dance Spring is in the air, which means a new school term lies just around the corner… the ideal opportunity for your Little One to discover drama, singing and dance for the very first time.

One thing is for certain: if you’re looking for an enjoyable extra-curricular activity for your child this spring, then look no further than the performing arts.

Feed their imagination… watch their confidence grow.

Visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk for more information, or call 020 8447 4530 to book a two week trial.

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There was a sense of excitement in the air last term at Jigsaw Arts. Children across London and the Home Counties took part in 11 fun-filled weeks of performing arts classes. Alongside this, children from Jigsaw’s agency have been involved in exciting work on film and TV, and the Youth Theatre are getting ready for their upcoming performances at the Oxford House Theatre, London.

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2017

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Education Travel

HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS THEIR TIMES TABLES…EASILY H

ands up who got their iPhone out the last time they had to add anything up? You’re not the only one. Relying on a calculator is easy and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, times tables, is vital for children if they are to succeed at school.

Helping your little ones at home and doing some extra work to ensure they feel confident in their learning can almost be as important as what they do in the classroom. It can, however, be tricky to navigate the teaching journey when you’re not actually a teacher.

The thing that can really turn children off learning their times tables is the practise it will take. Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest and holding their attention. Here are some top tips to help you.

WHAT SHOULD THEY KNOW? How and what children learn in primary school sets them up for success in secondary school. If the foundations are in place for them to be able to work out an equation like 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they will find it easier when it comes to tackling harder arithmetic.

The education curriculum changes, but at the moment, children are required to know 12x12 by the age of nine.

HOW CAN YOU HELP THEM KNOW IT? Buy posters of times tables or make your own; you can then stick them up throughout the house. On the wall opposite the loo, or under a magnet on the fridge, so that they are taking it in without even realising it. You can even tape it to the ceiling above their bed so that they have something to talk about with you when you’re snuggling down, instead of a bed-time story.

START WITH THE TWOS Adding two to a previous number is something most children will find achievable in primary school and this sets up a pattern for learning about

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the other times tables. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern has an easy rhythm to help children remember it.

APPLY IT TO REAL LIFE If times tables is something your children can apply to daily life, they will show much more of an interest. Instead of testing what they know, be playful about it when you’re at the supermarket and they’re helping you with the shopping (it can happen sometimes!).

If you’re buying loose fruit and veg, ask them if they know what the price would be if you bought three instead of two.

FIND OUT WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD Like anything with children, once you discover what works best for them – stick to it. If your child learns best using visual aids then go down that route. If, on the other hand, listening and chanting helps them learn, then explore the different types of apps available on the iPad or computer and try downloading some of them. It may be a good idea to keep these activities supervised so that if your child does make a mistake and comes up with a wrong answer, you are on hand to explain where they may have gone wrong and encourage them to try again.

PICK OUT THE PATTERNS Come on, admit it; everyone has a favourite times table. It’s probably your favourite because you find it the

MARCH - APRIL 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

easiest to remember or you like the pattern. Picking up on things like this will make it easier for your little ones to learn. The 9 times table has one of the easiest patterns to remember because, whilst the tens go up each time, the other number just goes down; 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81 and 90.

DON’T BRING YOUR OWN FEELINGS INTO IT Teaching methods have changed a lot since us parents were learning our times tables. Your children are probably learning in a completely different way now so chances are that you may have to brush up on your arithmetic too. Ordering yourself something like Maths for Mums and Dads could help if you are feeling outside of our comfort zone when you’re topping up the teaching at home.

Discovering new ways of learning can make it fun for both of you.

BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE There is more to maths than arithmetic and it’s important that your little ones don’t lose interest in maths as a subject because it feels too difficult or seems too time consuming. Break down learning into bite-size chunks and make it as playful as possible.

Encourage your children and praise them for trying when they do. Show them how far they have come since last week or last month and this should spur them on to keep improving.

EDUCATION

Speaking Out for Bromley High From Reception to Upper Sixth, the curriculum at Bromley High School encourages girls to be confident, articulate speakers and debaters.

“We are fortunate that the girls have had the opportunity to hear such inspirational speakers this year,” said Headmistress, Angela Drew, “Natural communicators like Historians Michael Wood and Lucy Worsley, Classicist Dr Rosie Wyles, Neuroscientist Sir Colin Blakemore and Humanitarian Terry Waite.”

‘Historian Michael Wood with Bromley High’s Head of History & the Sixth Form History Society’

Year 11 team, speaking on the topic ‘Will tomorrow be better than today?’ won through to the second round of the ESU Public Speaking Competition qualifying for the London regional finals in March.

Tiffin Girls and two teams from Brighton College. Placed second of 38 teams, Chrisa Prachalias (Year 10) and Nilou Davis (Year 9) will progress to the National Finals at the Oxford Union.

Priyanka Patel (Year 11) and Raveena Rao (Upper Sixth) also came first of the five schools competing in the second round of the ESU Mace second round.

We look forward to meeting you and your daughter at one of our forthcoming open events on 19th May and 7th October 2017.

And debaters and public speakers have Finally, our Y9 and Y10 debaters Raveena Rao and been inspired competed at UCL in the ICYD Priyanka Patel FamLnd&Knt:BHS_LndKnt 22/2/17 Page 1 reaching the Final against this term.

The 09:54 Competition

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL ‘ E X C E P T I O N A L ’ ( I S I 2 0 1 6)

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EDUCATION

THE RAF COMES TO HARRIS ACADEMY BECKENHAM! As year 8 students, we were invited to attend an assembly aimed to actively promote women in engineering roles within the RAF, demystify some of the myths around engineering and explore the physics of flying.

The ‘Fun with Flight’ presentation allowed us as students to discover how the physics we study in our science lessons plays an integral part of the work that engineers undertake in the RAF and other engineering organisations.

A large drone with a video camera was flown above us, this was a great way to introduce the assembly as all of us were excited, especially as our image was displayed on the screen! We recapped the forces involved in keeping the planes in the sky and a volunteer student was able to take part in a demonstration to represent up-thrust. It was interesting to learn that RAF pilots and engineers begin their training using high tech simulators. I was able to try this out by putting on some head gear; I felt like I was on a rollercoaster! In addition, we were able to see real jet engines and hear how loud they go in real life!

Overall the assembly was fantastic, with lots of learning opportunities. It was amazing to be able to speak to an

11+ Mock Tests New style 11+ for Orpington Grammar schools ST OLAVE’S & NEWSTEAD WOOD SUBJECTS Dates: Sat 17th June, Sat 8th July, Wed 26th July Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR

CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests BEXLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS Dates: 2nd June, Fri 28th July Where: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH

Kent 11+ KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOLS Dates: Sat 17th June, Sat 8th July, Wed 26th July Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR From £25 per paper including detailed feedback and free online software trial

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MARCH - APRIL 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

RAF engineer and ask lots of questions about his role and experience from when he was deployed in Afghanistan. As a result of speaking to him, I now know that there are many roles within the RAF; you can be a doctor, engineer, pilot, musician, chef, dentist, policeman, personal trainer just to name a few!

Written by Marina Maraj – Y8 student HARRIS ACADEMY BECKENHAM www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk

2016 ISI Inspection New Year – New ideas – already a teacher then come and re train or learn something new…

Bishop Challoner School met all the Compliance standards with no action points at its recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The Quality of Pupils’ Academic and other Achievements has been graded as ‘Good’ and the Quality of the Pupils’ Personal Development has been graded as ‘Excellent’.

“Pupils’ personal commitment to the school and the local community is very strong, they are beacons for the school in the community”. (ISI 2016) The Headteacher, Paula Anderson, expressed her thanks to the school community for its continued commitment and dedication and to the pupils for always ‘daring to do their very best’.

Read the full report on the school website: www.bishopchallonerschool.com

Out & About 8 MARCH

Bach to Baby Family Concert Christ Church, Cross Road, Dartford, DA1 3ET. www.bachtobaby.com

Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together.

Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep.

Doors open at 10.00am.

Concert lasts for about an hour.

See website for programme details and ticket options.

Also 29 Mar 2017

10 MARCH

British Science Week at Leeds Castle Leeds Castle, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL. 01622 765400. www.leeds-castle.com

Leeds Castle is supporting British Science Week with a trail through the grounds, available to pick up on arrival. The main purpose of British Science Week is to inspire and facilitate a grassroots celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths featuring events and activities all around the UK.

DICK AND DOM - LIVE!

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford MON 17 APRIL, 2PM & 5PM

The legends of Children’s TV, Dick and Dom are about to be unleashed on a theatre near you!

Touring the UK in a show that promises to get the whole family on their feet, the performance will be full of madcap challenges and audience participation games that will guarantee to have you in stitches.

The BAFTA winning stars of such memorable shows as Diddy TV, Absolute Genius with Dick & Dom, The Legend of Dick & Dom and of course Dick & Dom in Da Bungalow will be live on stage and bringing their unique bundle of fun and anarchy to life!

This is a show you won’t want to miss WARNING: You may get messy!

Book online at orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000

Buy or sell good-quality baby and children’s clothes, nursery equipment, toys, books and maternity wear.

11am - 12.30pm (NCT cardholders 10:45) £1.50 donation to the NCT for entry.

Until 19 Mar 2017

11 MARCH Bugs and Grubs

Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU. 01622 763936 www.kentlife.org.uk

Get up close to nature as you join the bug-hunters to discover all the mini-beasts living there.

Take the nature trail to find as many hidden creatures as you can and marvel at creepy crawlies such as African land snails, scorpions, stick insects and tarantulas! There’s even a chance to meet Kent-based author, Joseph Hopkins, creator of Lydia Greenfingers.

Until 12 Mar 2017. 10am-5pm / £6.95 (adults); £5.50 (children 3 15 years); £19.95 (family 2 adults + 2 children); £5.95 (concs)

18 MARCH

NCT Nearly New Sale St Johns United Reformed Church, Lynwood Grove, Orpington, BR6 0BG. www.nct.org.uk/branches/ orpington-district/nearly-new-sales

THE BEST OF WHAT ’S ON N EAR YOU

19 MARCH Family Day

The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

A day of workshops for families to take part in together, themed with magic, mischief and all the fun of fairytales! The day will include: Magical storytime, Arts & crafts, Games, Workshops, Face painting, Family disco, Quizzes & competitions and lots, lots more! Dress up as your favourite fairytale characters to be in with a chance to win a prize in the Fancy Dress Parade.

Suitable for 3 years + 11am - 3pm / £6, Family Ticket £20 (4 people, must include 1 adult). Price includes lunch.

25 MARCH

Mother’s Day Weekend Hever Castle and Gardens, Hever Road, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG. 01732 865224. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Treat mum to a delicious meal

or simply enjoy quality family time together. Children can decorate a flower pot to give mum on her special day in a free craft workshop and can also join a biscuit decorating workshop* (£1.75 in addition to admission).

For an extra special day celebrate with a delicious lunch or afternoon tea (pre-booking is essential). Booking closes at 5pm on Tuesday 21 March. See website for full details.

Mother’s Day Arty Hearts Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Use pins and threads to create works of art with your Mum. 11am – 4pm. Normal admission charges apply.

Until 26 Mar 2017

26 MARCH

Until 26 Mar 2017

Mother’s Day Family Fun Day

Children’s Book Festival

Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG, 01892 861444. www.groombridgeplace.com/ events-at-groombridge-place

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RP. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Join the first ever Children’s Book Festival at Knole. Stories will come to life across the weekend, as some of your bestloved children’s authors and illustrators host workshops, readings and book signings.

The festival author events are suitable for families with children aged 3-113/4. Every child at the festival will have the chance to meet the authors and illustrators personally and get their books signed. Tickets for all author events are £5 each (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket). See website for full details.

Until 26 Mar 2017

Fun for the family with Bouncy castle, face painting, meet one of the magical Groms and a free gift for all the Mums too!

10am - 5:30pm.

30 MARCH

Wojtek: The Happy Warrior Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA. 020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Wojtek: The Happy Warrior is a playful imagining of an unbelievable true story: ‘Wojtek’, Syrian brown bear is adopted by the Polish Army in the middle east during WW2.

Through storytelling, live music and playful physical theatre The

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2017

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Out & About

Quarter Too Ensemble bring to life a version of the events in Wojtek’s life that highlight the nature of friendship and empathy against the chaos of war. The show is created for a family audience with an advisory 7yr+ 5:30pm / £8.50, Concessions £6.50, Family Ticket - 4 tickets £26.

1 APRIL

Rabbits Riddles and Rhymes The Big Easter Break Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG. 01892 870307. www.penshurstplace.com

Creative hats at the ready! We need your sleuthing skills to help unravel the riddles left by the Easter Rabbit who has been dropping his carrots throughout the Gardens! Will you help us decode his clues in time for Easter? Don’t miss a visit to The Old Coach House, where you can write your own riddle, make a pair of rabbit ears and help us colour in our giant story poster!

Until 17 Apr 2017. Trails 10.30am – 6pm until the 17th / Crafts 12noon – 4pm until the 16th.

Alice’s Circus Adventures Easter Event Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG. 01892 861444. www.groombridgeplace.com

A fun filled Easter event themed around Alice’s adventures in Wonderland. Meet the Mad Hatter, Alice, The Queen of heart, Cheshire cat and of course the forgetful White rabbit! The event has been organised in association with Acting Moon events and every

day will be full of fun filled activities with a circus themed twist. For further information and to book tickets online for a 10% discount visit the website.

Until 16 Apr 2017. 10am - 5pm / Adults £10.95, Child (3-12)/Senior Citizens £9.45, Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) £35.95.

2 APRIL

The Sooty Show Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA. 020 3285 6000. www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Expect magic, music and mayhem with buckets full of audience participation. A spectacular treat for Sooty fans old and new - plus a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show!

11am & 2pm / £13 - £15.

3 APRIL

The Sleep Sheep Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ. 01322 526574. www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

Everyone counts sheep to fall asleep, but what happens when one goes missing? Find out with this hilarious story and make your own fantastic paper pompom sheep to take home.

Booking essential.

Until 07 Apr 2017. 10am & 2pm (1 hr session) / £4 children, adults free.

5 APRIL

Growing up as a Roman Child Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 8AF. cka.moon-demon.co.uk/villa.htm

What was it like to be a Roman baby & did Roman children

go to school? Find out the answers, make a lucky charm and do a quiz to win your Roman citizen certificate.

Sessions at 10.30am and 2.00pm. For up to 11 year olds.

Children must be accompanied.

No booking needed.

Wells West will be our popular face painters and also Punch & Judy who’ll be undertaking shows throughout the day. For departure times and prices visit the website.

Also 07 Apr 2017 & 12 Apr 2017 Entry £4 per child, adult carer free.

Lambing Day

6 APRIL

My First Ballet: Cinderella The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Enjoy everyone’s favourite ragsto-riches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three upwards.

With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and a fantastic family day out. The English Natinoal Ballet also offer Creative Dance Workshops for any budding ballerina’s and their families see website for full details.

Until 08 Apr 2017. Shows 11am, 2pm, 5:30pm / £18.00 & £23.00, Family Of Four £77.

8 APRIL

See Peppa Pig & Family Fun Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY. 01892 537715. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Children’s favourite Peppa Pig will be on hand at Groombridge Station to see her fans arriving on trains from Tunbridge Wells West but that’s not all, located in our engine shed at Tunbridge

9 APRIL The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, DA16 3RP. 020 8319 8900. www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

See our new-born lambs, and enjoy the chance to buy quality local produce at reasonable prices, including home-made preserves, cakes and honey.

Relax in the café, enjoy the treasure hunt or get involved in craft activities. A great family day out! No parking, please use public transport. Sorry, no dogs allowed. 11am – 4pm.

Entry: £2 adult, £1 children under 16, £5 Family Ticket (2 adults & up to 3 children).

12 APRIL Bunny Hunt

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the rhododendrons and earn yourself some chocolate egg rewards.

Until 17 Apr 2017. 11am – 4pm.

14 APRIL

Easter Eggsplorer & Easter Train Rides Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent, TN3 8JH. 01892 890 000 www.bewlwater.co.uk

Collect your Easter map, hop

MR BLOOM’S NURSERY LIVE

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford SUN 26 - MON 27 MARCH | 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, 4PM

Bring your ‘tiddlers’ along and join Mr Bloom and the Veggies on their first ever live tour. Mr Bloom and his Veggies are getting the Nursery ready for a very special occasion - a member of the Royal family is paying them visit! Can you lend a hand and help them get the Allotment ready in time?

They certainly hope so!

Featuring all of the much-loved elements of the TV show, Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) will be joined by all his gardening friends: Margaret, Joan, Colin, Raymond and Sebastian, the lovable Wee MacGregors, and not forgetting Mr Bloom’s trusty machine ‘The Compostarium’. Come and sing along to all your favourite songs: This Is My Allotment, Meet The Veggies, The Compo Song and Night Night Veggies.

Using song, play and interaction Mr Bloom’s Nursery is a fun and inspiring show with strong educational values which will entertain parents and tiddlers alike!

Book online orchardtheatre.co.uk Ticket Office 01322 220000

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MARCH - APRIL 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Out & About

on your bike or walk around the Bewl trail and see if you can see the Easter eggs and bunnies! Then collect your Easter egg prize on return after your adventure! £4 per child for trail map and prize. You can also hop aboard and enjoy an exciting train ride and take in the beautiful views and sights of Bewl Water as you journey around the country park.

Until 17 Apr 2017. 10am-3pm £3.00 per person (children under 1 year of age free of charge).

Medieval Easter Weekend Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU. 01304 211 067. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Take a journey back in time where medieval knights and princesses roam. Re-live the story of George and the Dragon, as St George valiantly battles with the dastardly dragon on horseback. With storytelling and fire eating jesters too, it’s a medieval fun-packed day of time travel for kids of all ages!

NAOMI’S WILD AND SCARY!

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford SUN 9 APRIL | 2PM

Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson is embarking on a nationwide tour in spring 2017.

The show will be packed full of fun and surprises as Naomi is joined on stage by ‘Animal Mark’, and some of his scariest creatures.

Join Naomi as she recalls some of her most exciting wildlife experiences from the far-flung corners of the world and even introduces the audience to some of the most fierce and frightening animals she met along the way! The show is suitable for kids of all ages and guarantees a great time for the whole family.

Book online orchardtheatre.co.uk Ticket Office 01322 220000

01892 537715. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

01892 870307. www.penshurstplace.com

The steam and heritage diesel trains will be in action over Easter period, plus enjoy a variety of family fun from arts and crafts to face-painting. Don’t forget to take part in the Spot the Easter Bunny competition!

Settle in for a cosy Easter tale inside the historic home with Aardvark Productions, who have a wonderful story to share with you about a very silly Easter rabbit!

Until 17 Apr 2017 10am – 5pm. Adult £19.40, Child (5-15 years) £11.60, Concession £17.50, Family £50.40.

Until 17 Apr 2017 Family ticket £31.

Easter Specials

Happy Hoppy Storytelling

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY.

16 APRIL

Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG.

Until 17 Apr 2017 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm.

23 APRIL St George’s Day

Hever Castle and Gardens, Hever Road, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG. 01732 865224. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Celebrate St George’s Day at Hever Castle & Gardens. See website for full details.

28 APRIL

Navi As Michael Jackson Sevenoaks 2017 Stag Community Arts Centre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. 01732 450175. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Navi is the World’s No 1 Michael Jackson Impersonator, simply ‘Chosen by Michael’ and the ONLY impersonator who has worked with the legend himself. Navi is the ONLY tribute to be applauded and receive a standing ovation

by MJ. Navi has performed in over 250 international shows in 57 different countries and is the ONLY impersonator to be associated with Sony, MJJ Estate and MJ’s family.

7.30pm / £20.00 / £19.00 (concessions) / £15.00 (under 15s).

29 APRIL Glow In The Park

Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF. www.glowinthepark.co.uk

The ultimate night time neon 5km fun event for families & friends. Electrifying light shows and energising beats will carry you around the course as you

get your glow on in the Foam Zone, powder up in the UV Paint Blast Zone and get grooving in the Time Tunnel. Open to all abilities, young or old - whether you dance / walk / jog or run Glow in the Park is your time to shine. Early bird offers available – see website for details.

May Bank Holiday Weekend Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG. 01892 870307. www.penshurstplace.com

Refresh your woodcraft and outdoor skills this May Bank Holiday with Camp Wilderness, who will be camped deep within the Woodland Trail, waiting to greet you with crackling fires, camping hacks and a host of bushcraft skills to teach in time for your summer adventures!

Until 01 May 2017 10:30am - 6pm

30 APRIL

Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7AD. 01892 870347. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/ literary-festival

Come along to the second annual Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival. Enjoy three days of fascinating talks and performances from celebrated authors, poets, actors and theatrical groups; with Sunday, 30 April for adults; Bank Holiday Monday, 1 May for families and a dedicated Schools Programme on Tuesday, 2 May. Until 02 May 2017. 11am - 5pm

Want more?

There are just too many fun, family ideas to fit in so head online for the full list at:

Familiesonline.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk MARCH - APRIL 2017

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FAMILY ENTERTAINM ENT

SUN 26 - MON 27 MARCH

SUN 9 APRIL

SAT 1 - SUN 2 JULY TUE 31 OCT SAT 4 NOV MON 21 - WED 23 AUGUST

SUN 17 SEPTEMBER

THU 10 - SAT 12 AUGUST

LOOK OUT FOR OUR

12+

CORY THE CAT’S KIDS’ MENU MEANS THAT EVEN OUR LITTLEST THEATREGOERS CAN ENJOY A TASTY MEAL BEFORE THE SHOW!

AVAILABLE AT CERTAIN PERFORMANCES.

ORCHARDTHEATRE.CO.UK TICKET OFFICE: 01322 220000