Families London Kent Borders May - June 2016

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London-Kent Borders ISSUE 31: May - June 2016

LONDON–KENT BORDERS

PARTY THEMES YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE PLUS:

News & Views Education

GET THE PARTY STARTED

May & June Events Diary

T H E E S S E N T I A L M AG A Z I N E F O R PA R E N T S O F C H I L D R E N AG E D 0–T E E N S For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent

Award-winning tuition maths & English ages 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

Crayford 01322 352 760

Orpington 01689 867 302

Sidcup 0203 714 1229

West Wickham 0203 700 2611

www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

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In this issue...

ISSUE 31: MAY - JUNE 2016 As recommended by

Kids’ uniform going astray?

BUY OF THE DAY

need The easy one-snap way toHigh label clothing! quality care education High quality care and education Every day youand can have settings across London. settings across London. a meaningful career….

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We arefor currently recruiting for Caring babies from 33 months Caring for babies from months Call: (0844) 5611994 experienced and passionate to children up to 5 years of children up to 5 years of age. age. their toclothes...

09 Party themes kids will love

nursery nurses and room leaders. www.snappytags.co.uk 0333 920 0411

0333 920 0411 Interested? Please call the recruitment team on 0800 141brighthorizons.co.uk 2909 or send your brighthorizons.co.uk CVparentenquiry@brighthorizons.com to Laura.ray@brighthorizons.com parentenquiry@brighthorizons.com As recommended by

Recommended by Kids’ uniform going astray?

need

Buy of the day BUY OF THE DAY

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The easy one-snap way to label clothing!

PUSH—CLICK— SNAPPED ON! Brought to you by Say It Personally Ltd

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Call: (0844) 5611994 www.snappytags.co.uk

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Swimmers needed!

04 News & Views Plus win tickets to The Gruffalo Live

05 Honored to speak 08 Super camps and Birthday celebrations 09 Party themes kids will love 11 Get the Party started Four ideals for an unforgettable party

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

Teaching, Training and Developing New

Aquability Swim Instructors School & & Competent Swimming

School Teachers We need swimmers in conjunction Swimmers needed for an ASA Level 2 with a teacher training programme teachers course.

27 - 30 July 2015: Summer 4 day Intensives

2.15pm - 3.45pm lessons are half an hour.

25-28 July and 1-4 August 3 - 6 August 2015:

Eric Liddell Sportslessons Centre are half an hour.

2.15pm - 3.45pm 2.15 - 2.45pm, 2.45 - 3.15pm Book before June 7th and get the early Cost: £30 of £25 for one course of £50 for bird price Book in for both weeks for £45 both courses.

After 7 June - £30 for one course and £54 for both.

Fancy a New Career - why not train Small classes with a teacher in the water as an ASA Swim Teacher or coach?

Suitable 4 years andfor upwards and all Loads offor new courses 2016 for new abilities.

Diving and Lifesaving skills for and qualifi ed teachers. more advanced swimmers.

Eric Liddell Sports Centre, Eltham College, Grove Park Rd, Mottingham London SE9 4QF

Take a look at the website or contact us To book email: bookings@aquabilitytttc.co.uk admin@aquabilityttc.co.uk www.aquabilityttc.co.uk 07802 660516 | www.aquabilityttc.co.uk

Front cover: Image Studio Photography www.theimagestudio-uk.com

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.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

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News & Views

WIN! Tickets to see Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo live in the WEST END! To celebrate The Gruffalo Live’s 15th Birthday this May, Families magazine has one VIP family ticket (admits 4) to give away! To win just answer the question below and enter online: www.familieslondonkent.co.uk. Winner will be selected on 31st May 216.

- How many times is Mouse pictured in this issue of Q Families London Kent Borders Magazine? Find them all in the What’s On Section.

The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – Macmillan Children’s Books 1999

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures?

After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grownups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!

THE GRUFFALO LIVE From 6 JULY, Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue BOOK NOW 0330 333 4812 www.gruffalolive.com

Terms & Conditions The ticket prize admits 4 (min 1 adult) to see Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo Live at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue for performances between 4 – 24 July (min 1 adult) and must be redeemed by 24 June. Tickets are non-transferable and hold no cash value.

Let your imagination run wild for Den Day To celebrate their 15th Birthday, local Playhouse designers Win Green, are helping support the annual Save the Children’s Den Day event by donating £2 for every Playhouse sold in June 2016.

Kids can join in the fun on the 17th & 18th June by building their own snazzy den or camping out overnight, raising awareness and money for children around the world who might not have somewhere safe to sleep each night.Save the Children’s Head of Fundraising Campaigns Vicky Fallon said “We are thrilled that Win Green is supporting Den Day this year by donating £2 from every Playhouse sale to Save the Children. With their help we will raise even more funds to help less fortunate children around the world.”

So whether you grab some bed sheets for a DIY Den or buy an enchanting Playhouse from Win Green’s Collection, we hope you have great fun getting creative … and helping a great cause too!

Find out more at: denday.savethechildren.org.uk www.wingreen.co.uk

Pregnancy Pilates with Ismini Phillips Pilates & Body Movement Studio We are pleased to launch a new Pregnancy Pilates class on Sunday mornings from 11.15am to 12.00pm starting on Sunday 15th May at the Studio, Chislehurst. Pilates is a safe and gentle exercise that can help relax, tone, energise and keep you fit and flexible as well as prepare you for labour. The exercises are tailored to meet the changing needs of your body as you go through your pregnancy. If you are already doing Pilates and are pregnant you may continue with your classes, but may wish to switch to a specific ante-natal Pilates class which can see you through all three semesters. If you are new to Pilates then we do not recommend that you begin classes until you are 16 weeks pregnant.

If you would like to join this class please contact me now at ismini@isminiphillips.com or 0n 07711 906750 to enrol.

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MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Breaside celebrates

Outstanding examination results Breaside Preparatory School prepares pupils from 2½ to 11 years for both Grammar and Independent Senior Schools in a caring and nurturing environment.

We have an excellent record of places gained to local Grammar and Independent Schools. Once again, SATs and 11+ entry results for 2016 were outstanding, with 100% of Year 6 pupils gaining their first choice at Senior School, also pupils being offered academic, creative and sports scholarships.

Parents are given guidance on the schools that we recommend for their children throughout their time at Breaside and we pride ourselves on getting the children into the right school for them as individuals.

For more information or a personal tour of the School and Kindergarten please call 020 8460 0916, info@breaside.co.uk, www.breaside.co.uk

Calling all aspiring young writers!

Is your child excellent with words? Do they like telling stories? Or do you want to encourage their creativity? Well it’s time for them to put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned for the eighth year! Judged by best-selling author of the Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books, Lauren Child and organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, this year’s theme is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are asked to write a 500 word story of a ‘mash-up’ of two genres. Whether it’s an alien landing his spaceship in Victorian England or a Disney princess as a zombie slayer, there is huge scope to let their imaginations run wild!

The competition is free to enter and your child could win a fabulous family trip to Disneyland and £500 worth of books for their school.

Open to children aged 14 and under, the closing date is June 7th.

Children can fill out an application form at their local Explore Learning Centre or enter online at www. explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Education Travel

Honored to speak

By Ryan Parsons – Year 9 Student.

I was asked to perform a speech for Sir Jack Petchey CBE, and I was absolutely honoured to be given such an opportunity to address a knight and esteemed guests such as the Rt. Hon Kate Green MP OBE. On the way to Victoria I was continually practised my speech as I didn’t want to make any mistakes when it was time to perform it!

After arriving at Westminster and eventually at the Houses of Parliament, I was screened by security. As expected, the security at the Houses of Parliament was very strict, in fact the rigorousness of the checks were very similar to that of an airport - like Heathrow - it took about 10-15 minutes for my belongings to be scanned and for me to be checked.

I initially met in Westminster Hall the CEO of the Speaker’s Trust, Julie Holness, and Programme Organiser Becky Griffiths and once all the guests had arrived, I was escorted to the Jubilee Room.

From there I made my speech to everyone and I was very nervous before I spoke... However I soon forgot about who was there and the venue, which made it a lot more comfortable to talk to everybody in the room.

Once I had finished, light refreshments were served, it was time to start the tour! We began where we entered, in Westminster Hall and was greeted by a more than loquacious tour guide who had encyclopaedic knowledge that

11+ Mock Tests 11+ Orpington Grammar schools

dated back 900 years . He explained everything from the fresco artwork to the statues of Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill etc.

I was lucky enough to be able to see the House of Lords and the House of Commons, which both sharply contrasted.

I look forward to returning to the Houses of Parliament as, for some reason, I felt very comfortable there, more than in the House of Lords!

Maybe next time I go I will be watching PMQs from the public gallery above the House of Commons!

Harris Academy Beckenham, BR3 3SJ 020 8650 8694 info@harrisbeckenham.org.uk www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk

BREASIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL For boys and girls aged 2½-11 years

ST OLAVE’S & NEWSTEAD WOOD SUBJECTS Dates: Sat 2nd July & Fri 29th July. Both 11am-1pm Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR

CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests BEXLEY GRAMMER SCHOOLS Dates: Sat 28th May & Sat 18th June. Both 10.30pm-12.30pm Where: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH

Kent 11+ KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOLS Dates: Sat 2nd July 9.30am-12am & Fri 29st July 9.30am-1pm Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR From £25 per paper including detailed feedback and free online software trial

BOOK NOW

www.mocktestmasters.com

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FEEDBACK includes Detailed report on your child’s strengths & weaknesses ✔ Access to mock test questions & answers ✔ Your child’s answer papers returned

Achieving Excellence Please contact the school for information on our next Open Day or make an appointment for a personal tour of the school. We will be delighted to welcome you to Breaside.

41 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 2PR Tel: 020 8460 0916 info@breaside.co.uk www.breaside.co.uk Outstanding October 2014

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

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Travel Promotion

NEW 5 STAR HOTEL

revealed in Northern Sardinia Following a €4.5 million makeover, the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA in Costa Rossa, North-West Sardinia, has been awarded five star status - a first for the area of Alghero and Santa Teresa Gallura.

Located in an enviable position overlooking beautiful sandy bays and crystal-clear, azure waters; Hotel Marinedda allows you to discover paradise on ‘one of the best beaches in Sardinia’.

Even the most experienced traveller will be astonished as they’re enveloped by the brilliant turquoise coast and immersed into a landscape of wind-eroded pink granite rocks and Mediterranean Maquis-perfumed air. Just a stone’s throw away from the delightful fishing village of Isola Rossa, the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA combines an authentic, unspoilt environment with a new and truly luxurious experience.

HOTEL MARINEDDA THALASSO & SPA FACTBOX:

The transformation which will be unveiled to the public in May 2016 sees a smooth restyling across all rooms, the addition of prestigious Junior Suites, decorated by expert local craftsmen, Family Suites featuring interconnecting bedrooms and a number of new services including beach side amenities, additional dining facilities, free Wi-Fi across the resort and helicopter transfer capabilities. Free sports activities for guests to enjoy include a new gym with Technogym equipment, Archery, Tennis, Five-a-side Football, Mini-Basketball, Yoga, Trekking routes, Snorkelling and a full Mini and Junior Club programme. The sprawling five star setting allows guests the freedom to enjoy excellent facilities within exceptionally beautiful and extensive natural surroundings.

For couples looking for a sensuous spa seclusion, the splendid Executive Elicriso Suite has its own terrace and private Thalasso pool with heated seawater and Jacuzzi.

Arguably the jewel in Marinedda’s crown is the Elicriso Thalasso Centre & SPA- one of the largest and most modern wellness centres in the Mediterranean. Specialising in the art of Thalassotherapy, the 2,500 m2 dedicated spa centre contains four pure seawater pools heated to different temperatures, two saunas, a Hammam with panoramic views over La Marinedda bay and a wide range of treatments including massages, beauty treatments and a cardio-fitness gym offering aerobic classes and holistic treatments.

Hotel Services include: • 195 rooms located over ground and first floors, decorated in traditional Mediterranean style and finished with chestnut beams and local stone. All rooms feature a veranda or terrace.

• The 2,500 sqm Spa centre is dedicated to Thalassotherapy. State–of-the-art facilities include heated seawater swimming pool with hydromassage, outdoor Thalasso circuits, cardiofitness gym, Turkish bath and sauna, beauty treatments and a relaxation area.

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• • • • • • • • •

5* 195 rooms 1 thalasso & spa (4 seawater pools) 2 pools 3 restaurants + 1 pizzeria Children’s Club Nearest Airport: Olbia / Alghero Flights are available from major UK airports 2016 dates: Open from 14th May – 1st October

• All treatment programmes at the Thalassotherapy & Spa include use of the Thalasso and Wellness Circuit.

• Four restaurants. The main restaurant; Petra Ruja, serves a Mediterranean buffet alongside stunning views of the bay. Punta Canneddi and Tramonto with waiter service and candlelight. Gluten free meals are also available on request. Pizzeria “Basariccò” offers pizzas cooked on wood-fired oven with several suggestions, starters buffet and ice cream.

• The Mini and Junior Kid’s Clubs cater for children aged 3 –11 years and run six days a week from 9.30am – 1pm and from 3.30pm – 6.30pm.

Group tennis and five-a-side football lessons are also available.

• Guests can also take advantage of the Delphina excursion service with a choice of half-day and full-day trips to the local sights and surrounds.

Half-day excursions include trips to Castelsardo village, sea safari cruise around the island or Isola Rossa and boat trips to the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena and the Natural Reserve of the straits of Bonifacio.

The five-star Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA will be open from 14 May 2016 and prices start from €120/£93 per person per night on a half board basis. Less than a hour’s drive away from Olbia and Alghero airports, paradise is just a 2hr flight away.

Delphina Hotels & Resorts is the number one destination for an unforgettable holiday in the beautiful surroundings of northern Sardinia.

With eight 4* and 5* destinations nestled on the north Sardinian coast in Gallura, Delphina has accommodation to suit every traveler.

For more information or to book: Visit: www.hotelmarinedda.com Email: info@delphina.it

Tel.: 0039 0789 790018

Like Us at Facebook: / Delphina Hotels Resorts Sardegna Follow us on Twitter: @DelphinaHotels

MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk *Rates based on exchange rate of £1 -€1.29 at time of writing

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

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SUPER CAMPS The school summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keeping active in body and mind.

At Super Camps we give children the opportunity to do just that, with a range of camps and courses to suit everyone. Our camps are full of great new activities for 2016, with a guarantee of water activities at all camps during the summer.

Multi-Activity - This camp includes a variety of sports, games, and arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities... even swimming, quad-biking and archery where facilities allow. Bookable daily and weekly.

WEEK LONG COURSES • RAW Adventure - New theme for 2016! I’m a RAW Adventurer... Get Me In There! An opportunity for children to connect with nature and even encounter live animals.

• The Great Super Camps Bake-Off - New recipes for 2016! Children will love this week-long culinary challenge, baking new recipes and old favourites.

• The Great British Takeaway - New course for 2016! Children will learn cooking techniques from around the world to produce healthy versions of your favourite weekend treats.

• A Passion For... Arts & Crafts - New theme for 2016! This year, children celebrate all-natural materials with techniques that have been around since the birth of mankind. Using wood and wool, felt and feathers, children will create cloths, design clothes and stitch hand-puppets.

• A Passion For... Super Science - New course for 2016! Crazy experiments and the wonders of everyday science.

You can also rest assured knowing that your children are receiving the best care, having received yet another ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating in 2016.

Camps run from 8am – 6pm for ages 4-14. Call 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

2016 is an exciting year for Microsport: we are celebrating our 25th birthday! Over the years we have grown from a single class in Beckenham, to over 30 classes at eight locations, including our latest edition in Biggin Hill! How have we made it so far? We like to think that the way we run Microsport, and the experience we have accumulated, has contributed to our success. At Microsport the focus is on learning sports skills through fun. By offering a massive diversity of sports, many of which preschool children will never have experienced before, and maybe won’t again, boredom is kept at bay! Combining this with a teaching approach tailored to individual abilities, children not only enjoy themselves and learn fundamental sports skills, but also their confidence soars and their social skills rocket.

During the past 25 years, thousands of children have benefitted from coming to Microsport. Our consistently high numbers are testament to the advantages of our approach to sport. Indeed, some of our very first children are now parents themselves, and are bringing their own children to Microsport! What better recommendation could there be!

Contact Microsport 01689 600992 angela@micro-sport.co.uk

MICROSPORT - real sport for under 5’s CELEBRATING 25 YEARS! A fun & educational introduction to ball sports: soccer, tennis, hockey, cricket, rugby & more.

Trained adult coaches & lots of classes.

AGES 2,3 & 4 (& up to 7yrs in our Beckenham After School Sportsclub) For classes in Bromley, Beckenham & BigginHill:

angela@micro-sport.co.uk 01689 600992 For classes in Sevenoaks, Pembury, Orpington,

Dunton Green, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells: jnoble@micro-sport.co.uk 07863 330200 www.micro-sport.co.uk

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MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Party

Party themes kids will love Parties can go with a swing if you choose a theme your little ones can have fun with. From fancy dress costumes to themed plates, cups and decorations, here are some great ideas for a themed children’s party.

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DISNEY

Invitations: Whether your child loves Frozen, Mickey Mouse or Cars, create an invitation to your Magical Kingdom using stickers of favourite Disney characters and glitter.

Wear: Most kids will have a Disney costume or two lurking in the dressing up box. Say that dressing up is optional and have a few accessories that kids without costumes could wear such as paper crowns and a sash made from coloured paper.

Play: Create a Disney piñata by covering a balloon with papier maché and cutting a little opening in the top to put in some treats. You could turn it into a Mickey Mouse head, a character from Cars or a simple balloon shape with some Disney characters pasted on it.

Eat: Serve drinks in mismatched teacups for an Alice in Wonderland party, make cucumber sandwiches for

a Princess theme and create cupcakes in Disney cupcake cases.

Party bags: Disney bags will be great going-home gifts. Fill with a treat to eat and some play princess jewellery or stickers.

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TEA PARTY

Invitations: Pretty florals and pastel colours are the key to this theme, so make invitations festooned with flowers cut from wrapping paper.

Wear: Ask the kids to dress up as if they are going for afternoon tea at a posh hotel. Girls can wear pretty dresses and boys can put on smart trousers and a shirt.

Play: This theme really suits all those old-fashioned party games like Pass the Parcel and Musical Chairs.

Eat: Make some dainty sandwiches with the crusts cut off, with little cakes and serve them on vintage mismatched cups and saucers. You can even buy cardboard three-tiered cake stands.

Party bags: Create some unique party bags out of old floral fabric you have lying around the house and pop in some pretty fake jewellery or unique trinkets along with a piece of cake.

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SUPERHERO

Invitations: Create bright invitations in Superhero colours and write the child’s name on as a character – for example: “Dear SuperZac, please come to my Superhero party.”

Wear: If your little guests don’t have costumes, why not create simple

paper or felt masks and add a badge with each child’s name and their super power on them.

Play: Create a super hero obstacle course in the garden. Kids have to crawl beneath ropes, through pop-up tunnels, in and out of boxes and over big cushions.

Eat: Make some colourful cupcakes and finish them off with cake toppers with the words “Boom!” “Pow!” and “Zap!” on them. Create food and a birthday cake in your child’s favourite character’s colours.

Party bags: Instead of a party bag, why not give each child a small plastic superhero toy.

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JUNGLE Invitations: Make animal themed invitations; these can be as simple or artistic as you like.

Wear: Encourage the kids to come dressed as their favourite animal or bring a toy with them if they don’t want to dress up. You could also make some simple animal face masks.

Play: Have a safari game in the garden where you hide pictures of animals the kids have to spot, then to calm them down, play Sleeping Lions.

Eat: Create your own Bush Tucker Trial; long, thin sandwiches make great ‘caterpillars’ (use little pieces of chives to create legs and sliced black olives for eyes). A bowl of pasta with pesto can be called ‘slithering snakes’ and jelly masquerades as ‘slime’.

Party bags: Little bags can be filled with a piece of the cake and some jungle stickers, little rubber snakes and other animal toys.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

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Party Time 2 O sp of h 0 y ver ok ig e e s h q ar w ua s im li le ty ss on s

be

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VERY FEW SPACES REMAINING ON SUMMER INTENSIVE.

October half term now booking 24-28 October

CIRCUS

Book online now to avoid disappointment

Invitations: Why not create an invitation that looks like a big clown’s shoe? Or even go for a circus ticket theme.

Swimming is an essential life skill - so make sure you get it right!

Visit our website: www.aquakids.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @aquakidsuk Connect with us on Facebook: Aquakids

Wear: Kids can all dress as circus folk using garments they may already have at home; ballet costumes double as acrobats, riders can wear jodhpurs and all of the kids can be clowns with some face paint.

Swimming Lessons that last a lifetime Ismini Phillips - Familys Magazine advert AW 2710914_AW.pdf

Play: Buy some clever modelling balloons and have a practice before the kids arrive. Play tumbling games and give a prize to the winner.

Eat: Think of food you find served at circuses; make popcorn in the microwave and have hotdogs and burgers in buns.

C M

Party bags: In a circus theme party bag, pop some animal chocolate biscuits, balloons and a fake moustache.

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Y

CM

PIRATES

Invitations: Create a treasure map by drawing a rough map of your street and put “X marks the party spot” where your house (or the party venue) is. A suitably pirate-inspired poem would be a good addition with plenty of “aaaaaahhhhhhhs!”

MY

CY

CMY

K

Wear: Encourage kids to dress as pirates and give each a bandana or eye patch to wear as they arrive.

Play: Fill a wooden chest (or cardboard box painted to look like a treasure chest) with torn up newspaper and pop in some wrapped small gifts for a lucky dip.

Eat: Give them vegetable, chicken or fish fingers and let them eat with their hands like real pirates. Jelly with pomegranate seeds or blueberries in the bottom looks like sunken treasure.

The table can be covered with a blue paper cloth and then scattered with shells, star fish and fake jewels.

Party bags: Send them home with a treasure chest party box containing a piece of cake and a fun gift like an inflatable sword or pirate stickers.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

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MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Working from home opportunity • Can you free up 10 hours per week?

• Do you have a burning desire to change your current circumstances?

• Are you a positive, out going person?

• Are you ambitious and driven to succeed?

If you can answer yes to any of these then we would really like to hear from you.

For more information please contact Emma Mason on 07947 167 293 or emmamason.12@outlook.com

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29/09/

Party Time

GET THE PARTY STARTED Movie Star Parties Pixinapod is a family run business based in Bromley, Kent. We provide fun photo booths for parties, weddings and corporate events. Our packages include instant unlimited high quality prints, 100’s backgrounds, endless video recording, prop box, karaoke and a USB stick after the event and much more.

We will send one of our qualified attendants to assemble the booth in advance of the event and they will stay throughout to ensure that everything runs smoothly and your guests have a fantastic time.

Contact Debbie: 020 8463 7358 / 07728 96383 or email: info@pixinapod.com . Visit our website: www.pixinapod.com As seen at Top Model UK

Children’s Cupcake Parties

Cupcake parties are a fun way to get creative and have lots of fun learning how to decorate cupcakes. They will learn how to handle sugar paste, use lots of different cutters, pipe the cakes using buttercream and use edible glue to create their own little cupcake masterpieces.

The party will run for approx 1 hour and the children will get to take home their cupcakes. This is a great way to allow children to use their imagination, creativity and learn a new skill whilst having fun! Minimum of 6 children of ages 6 and up, younger children will need supervision and Adult Cupcake Classes are also available.

For more information and prices please call Syma (Cupcake Coach) 07956 398461, email symaqureshi@aol.com or connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cupcakes-By-Sugar-RushUk-115704881838183/

Pixinapod photo booth hire

provides fun booths for parties, weddings, corporate events or any celebration.

• Instant, unlimited high quality pictures • Green screen - choice of 100’s of backgrounds • Facial Recognition and Instant Social Media Uploads.

• Extra fun with digital facial props • Karaoke option included • Keyrings available HIRING TO LONDON, GREATER LONDON AND KENT Contact us on: 020 8463 7358 / 07772 896383 info@pixinapod.com www. pixinapod.com

Parties they’ll Dig

What better way to entertain the kids, than to let them loose in a theme park full of diggers! Let them climb over, drive, ride and operate a variety of diggers and feel like a real grown up in a muddy construction themed adventure park…

Entertained by their dedicated party host, Diggerland birthday parties provide a real VIP experience from start to finish with: · Personalized party invitations for your special guests · Diggerland welcome video to watch upon arrival · Entry to Diggerland for all invited guests (minimum 10 children) · Two hours of birthday party fun in the park riding, driving and operating REAL diggers & dumpers! · 45 minutes of party food with Diggerland balloons and birthday cake time! (Please provide your own cake) · Diggerland souvenir lunchbox for each child to keep! · Diggerland souvenir certificate for each child to keep! · Free entry in to Diggerland for up to 4 adults All of this for just £16.99 per child (minimum 10 children) Four adults are admitted for free, extra adult tickets can be purchased on the day for £12 per person or booked in advance.

Call 0871 2277007 or visit www.diggerland.com

Photo Shoot Parties at Image Studio Visit our bespoke party studio and celebrate with friends as you don a cowboy hat and strike a pose. This fun party lasts for two hours and includes delicious food cooked by our in-house chef. We have a number of party packages available and an option to add more guests (max. 20) and extra party gifts. So why not call the Studio and book a party to remember?Parties start at £200 for six people and include a 6”x4” print for each guest.

Call 020 8309 9406 for more information.

Image Studio, Beaverwood Club, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6HF. www.theimagestudio-uk.com

THE UK’S NO.1

FROM

£30 PER DAY

HOLIDAY FUN! MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 6PM

WITH ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 4 - 14

01235 467300 • WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

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TH E B EST OF W H AT ’S O N N EAR YOU

Out & About THE GRUFFALO CELEBRATES ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY ON STAGE Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue 6 July 2016 – 4 September 2016 Box Office: 0330 333 4812 www.gruffalolive.com This July everyone’s favourite furry monster roars back into the West End in celebration of his 15th anniversary on stage!

Tall Stories’ smash hit production of The Gruffalo, which first opened on the 12 May 2001, 18 months after the book was first published, returns to the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue by popular demand from 6 July until 4 September 2016, forming a huge part of this summer’s West End calendar.

5 March to 6 March Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

1 M AY

01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD 01892 870347 www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Get up close to a variety of high performance and classic cars from around the world. The cars will be displayed on the Castle lawns with plenty of other entertainment for the whole family to enjoy including a looka-like Lightening McQueen and the ‘89 Batmobile.

Literary Festival

New for 2016! Don’t miss Chiddingstone Castle’s inaugural Literary Festival three days of exciting talks and performances from famous authors, poets, actors and theatrical groups. The programme offers author events for adults and teenagers on Sunday 1st, events for families and children on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May and a whole day of events dedicated to schools on Tuesday 3rd May. In addition to author talks, there will be drama, story-telling, children’s theatre, music, illustrations and performance poetry; not to mention sparkling wit and wisdom, a dazzling array of delicious food, tea and cakes, and cocktails. £12 adults and £5 children including entry into the Castle and Collections

May Bank Holiday Fun Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8DG 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

Create a grow-your-own grass head to take home that will sprout its own wacky hairstyle for you to trim and style!

Until 2 May 12pm - 4pm

7 M AY

Motors by the Moat Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

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Until 8 May

Park and features steam engines, stationary engines, vintage vehicles and tractors and much more, 10am - 5pm. On Sunday, full size engines and any legal road historic vehicles will gather in Overy Street at 12pm for a road run around the town in memory of Richard Trevithick the great engineer of steam.

Central Park, Cranford Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JP www.dartford.gov.uk

Celebrate Dartford’s industrial heritage with a weekend of free activities. On Saturday the main show will take place in Central

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY 01892 537715 www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Take a round trip on the train from Tunbridge Wells West and see none other than Paddington at a station en route.

Trains depart from Tunbridge Wells West: 10:10, 11:30, 13:30 and 14:50. / Adults £9, Children £4.50, booking recommended.

1 4 M AY

Great Tower at Night Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU www.english-heritage.org.uk

Dover’s Great Tower opens into the evening and after dark. A rare opportunity to explore the castle’s special atmosphere after hours. Part of Museums at Night.

8 M AY

1 5 M AY

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

Danson Park, Danson Lane, Welling, Bexleyheath, DA16 2BL www.communityhospice.org.uk

Most spring birds should have arrived and they should still be singing. There is also a chance of

THE CAT IN THE HAT

From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for children aged 3+.

MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

See Paddington

Until 8 May

THURSDAY 2 – SATURDAY 4 JUNE

Book online orchardtheatre.co.uk Ticket Office 01322 220000

10am / £2 per person; £1 children under 18 (not suitable for very young children). Members and volunteers: Free

Member (Adult) £9.00 Member (Child) £8.00 Adult £9.50 Child, 5-15 years £8.50 / 6.30pm - 10pm

Late Spring Bird Walk

Steam Rally

good weather and less wet fields!

Colour Run

Open to anyone over 12 years of age, you can crawl, walk, jog or even run or dance your way round the 5km course to

get Covered in Colour. Raising funds for Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. 11am / Registration in advance will be £15. Registration includes a pair of sunglasses, a bag of powder paint for you to celebrate with at the finish line party, a medal, and a well-deserved hot drink.

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

Take a round trip on the train from Tunbridge Wells West and see Peppa Pig at a station en route.

Trains depart from Tunbridge Wells West at 10:10, 11:30, 13:30 and 14:50. / Adults £9, Children £4.50. Booking recommended.

2 1 M AY

Owl Encounter Fort Amherst, Khartoum Road, Chatham, ME4 4UB 01634 847747 www.fortamherst.com

Whether you are an enthusiast or someone who has never experienced birds of prey, this 30 minute one-to-one personal experience will give you the chance to handle and fly an owl up close and personal making your encounter truly memorable. Suitable for ages 6 and over, but participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

10am - 4pm / £20.00 per adult or child (and £2.50 per nonparticipating guest). For the safety of both the birds and the participants, a maximum of 4 nonparticipating guests per session are permitted. Booking required.

2 7 M AY

‘Much Ado About Nothing’

home with you.

wheeler and much more!

Until 5 June. Trails 10.30am - 5pm | Crafts 12noon - 4pm. See website for full details.

Until 5 June 11am - 6pm / £19.90 exhibition and adult park entry / £17.90 exhibition and child park entry

Edwardian Life

Scavenger Hunt

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

Half term holiday fun! Enjoy an Edwardian School, costumed characters, traditional games and prizes for the best dresses boy and girl.

Until 5 June 10.30am - 6pm See website for full details.

Grand Medieval Joust Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

See fully armoured jousters battling it out in a real competition. Enjoy living history encampments, firepower and trebuchet demonstrations and mounted skill at arms displays. Included with the price of admission see website for full details.

Until 30 May

Half-Term Family Fun Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT 01732 810378 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Fun for all the family with a superhero theme, plus Paw Patrol characters will be appearing daily.

Until 5 June 9am - 5pm / See website for full details.

2 9 M AY

Outdoor Cinema - LABYRINTH

Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby and Children’s Market

Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre, Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3AX 01959 572386 www.foalfarm.org.uk

Christchuch Hall, Charterhouse Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9EP www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

Watch this great fantasy film under the stars!

Cheeki Monkeys BIG Baby & Children’s Markets are community events for the whole family, where mums & dads can buy or sell quality, gently used babies’ and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. Market venues are buggy friendly. Preloved stalls are complimented by craft stalls offering handmade and unique products.

11am - 1pm / Admission: Adults £1.50 Children Free. Stalls: Preloved stalls £10+ VAT, Craft stalls £19+ VAT Business stalls £29+VAT

Booking Required. Doors open at 7pm, Film Starts at 8.30pm / Adults £10, Child (Under 15) £6 Price includes a free drink. Booking Required.

3 0 M AY

Hedgehog Rock Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ 01322 621238 www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

Come and listen to the story of the Hall Place hedgehogs and help them make some noise!

Make your own hedgehog hat

May Half Term - Sheepstakes

The ‘Beautifully British and bonkers’ cycling Handlebards perform Shakespeare once again in The Walled Garden.

Cheer on our sheep during the sheep races, get involved racing the Kent Life ferrets and join in the family fun and games on the green. Watch the farmer get the sheep ready for summer in our Sheep shearing demos (Tues to Sat) and meet the sheep dog.

British Mammals Spring Trail & Crafts

Until 5 June (Sat 28th May Monday 30th May) 10am - 6pm

Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8DG 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys Exhibition

Join us this Spring Holiday for our British Mammals trail and learn all about our native furry friends and how to make your garden friendly for them.

Then head over to The Old Coach House to create some wonderful Spring crafts to take

10am - 12noon

www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Until 5 June 10am - 5pm / 50p per trail plus normal admissions charges.

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

2 8 M AY

Follow the scavenger hunt with a country park theme, finding the items on the list; a challenge for the children. Then take the biodegradables challenge.

The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY 01622 872068

With a treasure hunt trail around the gardens, activity cart in the Squire’s Room, house quizzes, natural play area and a seasonal activity pack there’s lots to keep the family entertained.

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

Gates open 5.30pm, Performance 6.30pm / £15 adult , £10 child.

Booking required.

Haysden Country Park, Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 9BB www.tmbc.gov.uk

Summer Half Term Fun at The Farm!

Dreamland, Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ www.dreamland.co.uk

The fantastic exhibition will be displaying props and costumes from the cult TV series, including Del Boy’s flat, the famous and (unreliable… ironically), Reliant Regal three

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

13

FAMILY DAY AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

11 JUNE

Sunday 26 June 10am – 2pm

Chislehurst Common - Nr Prickend Pond, Chislehurst, BR7 6AH www.ChislehurstRotary.Club

A day of workshops for families to take part in together, themed with the adventures of storybook heroes and villains! Suitable for 3 years + The day will include: • Children’s theatre show • arts and crafts • theatre workshops • face painting • family disco • quizzes and competitions and lots, lots more!

Tickets £6* each, Family Ticket £20* (4 people, must include 1 adult) *includes lunch

and become one of the band.

Until 3 June Booking Required.

10am & 2pm (1hr session). £4 children, adults free.

3 1 M AY

Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks & Incredible Invaders

magnificent, funny and heartwarming story perfectly suited to the open-air.

supply it.

Until 2 June Performances start at 2:30pm; Gates open at 1:45pm; Exit 6pm / Ticket Price: Adult £16.50; Child - £14; Family Ticket (2A&2C/1A&3C) - £52

5 JUNE

Summer Festival Lanterns

Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

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

Two two-hour plays in this ever-popular, entertaining, spectacularly dramatic historyon-stage series!

Create wonderful lanterns to take home for summer evenings.

Until 5 June 11am – 4pm

Until 4 June Tickets from £7.75 £17.75. A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies,

4 JUNE

Penshurst June Farmers Market

1 JUNE

Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8DG 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

Danny The Champion Of The World The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG 01732 866114 www.heverfestival.co.uk

The Times named Penshurst Farmers’ Market in its list of top ten markets in the UK, with over 40 stalls offering the best local food and drink, the market is a must for anyone looking to learn more about the produce of Kent, and the people who

ILLYRIA presents Roald Dahl’s ‘Danny The Champion Of The World’ Adapted for the stage by David Wood. Illyria promises a

9.30am - 12.00pm

Sandwarriors Family Craft Activities

The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - Macmillan Children's Books 1999

The Sunday Times

10am - 4pm

12 JUNE

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Party Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

Sandwarriors combines art with sand using specially designed cards, bookmarks and magnets with vibrant coloured sand to make highly effective pieces of art work. £2.50 – £3.50 per activity, pay on the day. No need to book in advance.

17 JUNE

Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ 01322 621238 www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

6 JUNE

Glorious Garden Crafts Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8DG 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

Enjoy an afternoon of special outdoor crafts ideal for adults and children, ready to take home and display in your gardens.

Big 7 Scooter Rally The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY 01622 872068 www.thebig7scooterrally.com

A weekend of live bands, DJ’s, vintage scooters, hot food, custom show, market and more. Visit website for full details & tickets.

Until 19 June

12.00pm - 4.00pm / See website for details.

Sevenoaks, Kent

Stretch young bodies and minds with great family workshops this half term at Riverhill FAMILY QUIZ CHALLENGE

“MONSTROUS FUN!” ★★★★

14

On the second Saturday in June, every year, the common comes alive again with stalls, sideshows and entertainment - and it’s completely free of charge to enter!

Join in our birthday party fit for the Queen with family games on the Pavilion Lawn. Children can play a variety of party games, enjoy a stilt walking band, Punch and Judy shows and raffle tickets will be drawn to win one of 90 cupcakes from our giant royal cake tower! Included with the price of admission - see website for full details.

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

“A FINE PIECE OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE” ★★★★

Chislehurst Summer Fair

Saturday 28th – Monday 30th May. 10.30am – 4pm

Daily Mail

SUMMER FESTIVAL LANTERNS

Wednesday 1st – Sunday 5th June. 11am – 4pm

LYRIC THEATRE FROM 6 JULY BOOK NOW 0330

333 4812

(No additional charge for these workshops) nimaxtheatres.com gruffalolive.com

MAY - JUNE 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Visit

/RiverhillGardens or www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Out & About

18 JUNE

Peppa Pig’s Surprise Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Enjoy fun, loads of songs and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show.

Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers!

Until 19 June 10am, 1pm & 4pm / Tickets: £15* - £17* *A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies.

‘Chill at Riverhill’ Acoustic Concert & BBQ Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill , Sevenoaks , Kent , TN15 0RR 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Jay Scott and The Find + special guests perform in The Walled Garden. ‘Free local Ale’ for Dad - A Father’s Weekend Treat’ 6-9pm / £10 adult, £8 child.

Booking required.

Father’s Day Super Cars Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

Hever Castle presents a collection of Ferraris, F1 cars, classic motors and motorbikes. Sit in a Ferrari with Dad and take a photo as a memory of your day or experience the world of motor sport at the track where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button honed their skills in a kart

simulator now owned by John Surtees. Children can take part in a free craft workshop and let off steam in the in the Adventure Playground and Water Maze, while visitors of all ages enjoy exploring car club displays and the awardwinning gardens. See website for full details.

19 JUNE

01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

Kent, TN13 3DH 01732 456407 www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Leeds Castle will again host the Junior Aquathlon for children aged from 8 to 14 years old.

Come and experience a hilarious adaptation of this eighteenth century adventure with puppety, songs, voyages, floating islands, giants and tiny people. Bring a picnic and enjoy the show! A great event for all the family.

Kent Game & Country Fair Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4JB 01580 241344 www.livingheritagecountryshows.com

Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD 01892 870347 www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

A fun day out for all the family with arena attractions, family entertainment, world of dogs, mini food festival, chainsaw carving, fishing and field sports, crafts and shopping.

Colourful Summer Vintage Fair with stalls, refreshments, dancing and entertainment from bygone days.

Until 26 June 10am-6pm / Tickets on the day: Adults £13, Over 65s £12, Children (15 and under) £4 (Under 5s Free) – Discounted advance tickets available online.

Summer Vintage Fair

11am - 4pm. £4 Adult, £1 Child (513) and Under 5’s Free.

21 JUNE Knole Late

Knole House, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RP 01732 462100 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Explore the showrooms, courtyards, garden and park for free. Part of the Sevenoaks Summer Festival, there will also be music, treasure hunts, games and crafts, tours of the private garden and guided walks of the park, so there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy!

5.30 - 8.30pm

25 JUNE

Junior Aquathlon Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Tapas Revolution, Bluewater Introduce your kids to the joys of Spanish food this Spring at Tapas Revolution, Bluewater.

Rest those weary legs postshopping and tuck into an authentic Spanish meal from Madrid-born TV chef Omar Allibhoy. Inspired by the lively and bustling tapas bars of his hometown, Omar’s mission is to bring the joy of Spanish food to Britain. From crowd-pleasing classics, like calamari, chorizo and paella, to yet-to-be-discovered family favourites, each dish is freshly prepared in-house with the best ingredients direct from small Spanish producers. The little ones can choose from a range of Spanish soft drinks, such as homemade lemonade with a touch of saffron, or tuck in to Churros con Chocolate (a delicious donut-like snack served dipped in chocolate) for dessert, while you test drive the brand new Spanish ‘Gin Tonic’ menu – go on, you’ve earned it.

Tapas Revolution Upper Mall, Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9ST www.tapasrevolution.com

26 JUNE

‘The Pantaloons’ perform Gulliver’s Travels Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks,

2:30pm - 4:30pm / £13 Adult, £8 Child, £37 Family (2 x adult 2 x child). Booking Essential

Fun Dog Show Hawley Garden Centre Ltd , Hawley Road, Hawley, Dartford , Kent, DA2 7RB 01322 224108 www.hawleygardencentre.co.uk/ Events-U41

Classes include waggiest tail, the best young handler, best mover, prettiest bitch and most handsome dog. Registration 9am with judging from 11am.

Classes £2. Spectators can watch the show for free!

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens See www.riverhillgardens.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ riverhillgardens for further details Kent Garden’s Trust Lecture ‘Capability Brown’ Sat 21st May, Booking Required

Garden historian and author, Michael Symes, will give an illustrated talk on Capability Brown and other contemporary developments in the 18th century landscape garden. Further details: kentgardenstrust.org.uk

Much Ado About Nothing’ by Shakespeare Fri 27th May, 5.30pm Gates Open 6.30pm Performance. £15 Adult £10 Child/season ticket holder Booking Required

The ‘beautifully British and bonkers’ Cycling Handlebards perform Shakespeare once again in The Walled Garden.

Family Quiz Challenge Sat 28th - Mon 30th May, 10.30am - 4pm No additional charge after admission

The hugely popular Family Quiz - how will you fare with the 2016 questions?

Summer Festival Lanterns Wed 1st - Sun 5th June, 11am -4pm, No additional charge after admission

Creat wonderful lanterns to take home for summer evenings.

Afternoon Tea & Jazz Sun 12th June, 2.30pm - 5pm, £25 Adult £15 Child Booking Required

Celebrate ‘The Year of the English Garden’ with a quintessentially British event.

Afternoon tea and jazz in a marquee overlooking The Walled Garden

Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt Sat 18th & Sun 19th June, 11am 4pm

Family challenge as you help your Dad to find objects around the gardens - cameras or phones needed.

Chill at Riverhill’ Acoustic concert & BBQ Sat 18th June, 6pm - 9pm, £10 Adult £8 Child/season ticket holder Booking Required

Jay Scott and The Find + special guests perform in The Walled Garden. ‘Free local ale’ for Dad - A Father’s Weekend Treat.

‘The Miser’ by Molliere Sun 26th June, 3.30pm Gates open 4.30pm Performance, £8 Adult £4 Child/season ticket holder Booking Required

A Tonbridge School open air production of Molliere’s classic in The Walled Garden.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2016

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