Families London-Kent Borders Issue 16 November/December 2013

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–teens Issue 16: November/December 2013

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London–Kent Borders

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Christmas Special

PLUS:

• Fantastic reader offers from: Green Owl Toys, Winter Wonderland and Charlie and Lola Best Bestest Play

Christmas Shopping Locally • Christmas at Bluewater •

Plus: News, ‘What’s on’ & much more inside! ★ For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Book the bestest Christmas treat!

Madam Events and Watershed Productions present the BBC Worldwide and Polka Theatre production of

Interactive practice from the 11+ experts

Take the stress out of summer 11+ preparation Based on the characters created by Lauren Child adapted by Jonathan Lloyd

age

3+

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Unlimited questions and mock tests for all four 11+ subjects Auto-marking with answer feedback Parental reports to monitor progress and highlight weaknesses Available as monthly and annual online subscriptions

New! Tests and Papers 13 DeCemBer – 5 January onLy show times from 11am DaiLy! at GLow, BLuewater’s events venue

0844 847 2479 For more details see www.ticketmaster.co.uk/charlieandlola

Charlie and LolaTM and © Lauren Child 2005. Charlie and Lola is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and distributed by BBC Worldwide Ltd. BBC Worldwide logo ™ & © BBC 1996.

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline and may vary from other networks calls from mobiles will cost significantly more.

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For free practice and more visit:

www.bond11plus.co.uk November/December 2013

Cover courtesy of The White Company (www.thewhitecompany.com)

In this issue

4 News 6 Clubs & Classes 8 Education news 9 Christmas at Bluewater 10 Christmas locally 13 What’s On

Follow us on Facebook at Families London–Kent Borders Magazine and on Twitter @familieslkb © Families London–Kent Borders. 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 consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families London–Kent Borders nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families London–Kent Borders is part of the Families® group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

Printed by Williams Press Ltd, www.williamspress.co.uk

Welcome to our fabulous festive issue. Check throughout the magazine for some tremendous competitions and reader offers with some great Christmas ideas for shopping in our area. Our What’s On pages are packed of exciting things to do in the festive season and still so much more online at www.familieslondonkent. co.uk. We wish all our readers a happy and joyous festive season with your families and we will be back for the next issue in January 2014. See you then.

Mima Walia , Editor 020 8466 6977, editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

perform.org.uk

020 8466 6977

Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1316

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 3

News

News & Views Team Freddie Farmer!

At the end of September, a team of determined youngsters from Eltham, Bromley and Bexley schools took part in the Hever CastleTriathlon and raised thousands of pounds for the Freddie Farmer Foundation - wow!

Very few races in the country offer such a stunning and inspirational race setting as Hever Castle, and this year over 1200 children took part, representing numerous charities and making it the largest children’s triathlon in Europe, if not the world.

The Freddie Farmer Foundation was set up in 2011 to raise funds to set up a specialised physiotherapy centre in southeast London for children and young people with cerebral palsy and serious mobility problems. Having raised over £230,000 to date, the charity hopes to open the new centre in Bromley early in 2014 to help 100 children per year.

The inspiration behind it all is nine-year-old Freddie Farmer who was born at 28 weeks with cerebral palsy, weighing just 2lb 12oz.

At present, Freddie goes to a specialist centre near Oxford three times a year for three weeks of treatment, travelling there and back every day.The treatment includes a ‘Spider’ – elasticated ropes that allow Freddie and the other children to get vital support as they do their exercises.

The Spider would be the single most important piece of equipment when the local centre is developed. To find out more or offer your support, visit www.freddiefarmerfoundation.org.uk.

Save 10% on Say it Personally gifts

Our friends at Say it Personally are on a mission to solve our Christmas shopping dilemmas.

They are offering an Early Bird deal of 10% off any of their hampers, gift sets or alternative bouquets if bought before the 30 November – and will deliver them to your chosen address with a gift message in time for Christmas. Look out for their Luxury Christmas Hamper or their Boy’s Night in: new hampers for Christmas.

Alternatively their Choc and Sock bouquets make a lovely present for friends, sisters, or even as a thank you for a teacher.

Now all you need to do is sit back… and relax! www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

Pirate adventure from Lego Duplo

Let your little one help protect the Lego Duplo treasure aboard Jake and the Neverland Pirates Pirate Ship Bucky with the shooting cannon in a pirate adventure featuring Jake and Captain Hook!

Stop Captain Hook from sneaking onboard Jake’s Pirate Ship Bucky and taking the treasure! Spot him from the turning lookout tower, fire the cannon and hoist the sail to evade that pesky pirate. Escape to the island and bury the treasure where no one will find it!

The LEGO DUPLO set includes Jake and Captain Hook figures. £39.99 Stockist www. duplo.lego.com

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November/December 2013

News

Win one of 2 Cyclist Push Alongs worth ÂŁ28 each from Green Owl Toys

N WI S! Great E Z I PR

Green OwlToys presents an innovative new push along toy:The cyclists.

These 2 great sportsmen straighten their legs and lift their backs at each turn of the wheel. It’s beautiful to watch them race along the floor.The second part to this toy is a push stick.The child needs to join the stick with the cyclists and can push the cyclists along the floor. Green OwlToys has many new and interesting toys for UK children.

We source our toys that are unique, safe and excellent quality for every child. Our toys range from puzzles and jigsaws, art and craft and multi functional wooden toys. People are quickly hooked to our range. We think its because we love what we do, and we build great relationships with our customers.

What is the name of the English cyclist who won theTour de France in 2012?

For your chance to win one of the 2 push alongs, send in your answer with your name,age and address to Green OwlToys, 80 Elmstead Ave, BR7 6EG or competitions@greenowltoys.co.uk Closing date: 31 December 2013.

Win tickets to Charlie & Lola’s Best Bestest play

Business Mums Wanted Successful local business is seeking five partners to work part time from home without compromising family commitments If you have a Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your famil] s needs please call:

Katie 01737

or 07909 681884 Sabrina on 07968 395940

You could win family ticket of 4 to come and see Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play at Glow, Bluewater’s events venue.To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question correctly What is the name of Lola’s imaginary friend? a) Charlie b) Soren Lorenson c) Sizzles the dog Please apply online at www.familieslondonkent.co.uk Closing date: 11 December 2013.

Terms and conditions The winner will be selected at random from all correct entries.The winner receives a family ticket of 4 to see Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play at Glow in Bluewater for any performance between 13 December 2013 & 5 January 201.

Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Best available seats will be given.Tickets to be collected at the box office with no cash alternative.Tickets are subject to availability and cannot be resold or transferred to another performance.This competition is brought to you on behalf of Charlie and Lola by boom ents (www.booments.com)

Win tickets toWinterWonderland

Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland returns for the 2013 Christmas season with all new festive experiences for the whole family, including the new enchanted Santa’s Grotto and ice rink.The magic comes to life from Friday 29 November until 5 January, promising a dazzling outing for kids of all ages.Held in Bluewater’s unique events venue Glow, Winter Wonderland is delivered in partnership with Mercury Events and will bring the magic of Christmas to life. Children from two years old can experience a world of winter fun with the revamped Santa’s Grotto, stunning real ice rink, 40-metre snow slide and stacks of traditional rides and amusements.

To win a family pack (4 tickets) toWinter Wonderland simply answer the below festive question. Two family pack prizes are available.

Which of Santa’s reindeer has a red nose?

Please enter online www.familieslondonkent.co.uk Closing date: 29 November 2013.

020 8466 6977

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 5

Clubs & Classes

Perform opens new venues at Kemsing and Langton Green

Spanish Amigos Dartford Multi-sensory, fun & cultural classes for children aged 2-12yrs School Clubs

Spanish with Mama y Papa

Nurseries/Preschool

Adult tuition

0208 1233028 michelle@spanishamigos.co.uk

www.spanishamigos.co.uk

Perform offers an impressive range of after school classes, holiday workshops, drama in schools and drama themed birthday parties.

The focus is exclusively on the 4 C’s, Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Co-ordination. But at the same time promises to be the best fun of the week.

Read on for a brief run-down of exactly what’s on offer.

Workshops Perform runs workshops every week during term time. Sessions last 1½ hours at the weekends and 1 hour during the week.

Each term, Perform focuses on a different theme – usually a real or imaginary world brought to life by a little boy called PF who has been transported there through his television. Accompanying each theme is a large colour sticker poster to be completed week by week as various songs and dances are learnt, and an audio CD packed full of songs, dances and stories about PF’s adventures, designed especially for the 4-8 year old age range. This term Perform is

adventuring through the Fairytale Forest to save the Happily ever after’s from the Wicked Queen.

In Spring 2014 the children will visit ‘The Wonderful Wild West’ and be trained up as junior cowboys and cowgirls and go on an adventure to rescue the horse with the golden mane.

Perform is opening two new venues in January 2014 in Kemsing and Langton Green.

KEMSING: Mondays 3.45pm–4.45pm & 4.45pm–5.45pm at the St Edith Hall, Kemsing.

LANGTON GREEN: Mondays 4pm –5pm & 5pm –6pm at the Langton Green Village Hall.

Perform offers a FREE TRIAL SESSION to every child at their classes all over Kent including Bromley, Beckenham, Kings Hill, Rochester and Petts Wood.

0845 400 4000, enquiries@perform.org.uk http://www.perform.org.uk

Help your baby to communicate BEFORE speech with our award winning MUSIC program.

Our unique music courses combine action songs and nursery rhymes with gestures derived from sign language.

Contact Karen 01689 837 905 e: singandsignbromley@gmail.com Classes in Bromley, Beckenham & Orpington www.singandsign.com

To advertise your Clubs & Classes in the next issue, call

020 8466 6977 6

In Spring 2014 the children will visit ‘The Wonderful Wild West’ and be trained up as junior cowboys and cowgirls November/December 2013

Clubs & Classes

Bromley 020 8941 6073 Dartford 01732 750783 Orpington 01732 750783 Sidcup 01732 354007

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are swinging into Bromley!

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes group based after school lessons are exciting, varied, challenging and unique and will endeavour to set your child on a musical path they will never forget.

Director and founder Ali Edwards has designed the course as, through her own extensive training as a musician, she understands the importance of children learning to read and write music.

This unique and stimulating introduction to general music and more specifically keyboard/piano skills is a perfect (and more affordable) way to get started especially if your child isn’t quite ready for individual lessons.

Classes have been launched in Trinity United Reformed Church, Freelands Road, Bromley - book your trial now for either reception classes (4-5 years) or junior classes (5-8+ years) by visiting www.funkymonkey.info or calling Ali on 0800 107 7949

AQUAKIDS www.aquakids.co.uk

XMAS FISHES FROM AQUAKIDS

❄TERM TIME CLASSES❄ WE WISH YOU A HAPPY XMAS AND A SWIMMING 2014

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY Small classes held at Bromley High School 3 years and upwards. Teacher in the water

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SWIMMING LESSONS AND COURSES VISIT WWW.AQUAKIDS.CO.UK OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR @AQUAKIDSUK ON TWITTER

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Fancy becoming a swimming teacher?

For local courses visit

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www.aquabilityttc.co.uk

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To advertise in the January/ February Issue of Families London-Kent Borders call 020 8466 6977 020 8466 6977

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Education

130mm x 87mm wide:Layout 1 08/10/2013 12:51 Page 1

A + for modern languages...

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Excellence CELEBRATES 130 YEARS OF

‘It is important to be able to celebrate languages and international culture in the school today,’ says Headteacher Louise Simpson. ‘On the back of our recent International School Award from the British Council, and the diversity of pupils, it has been a day of celebration for us all.’

REGISTER NOW TASTER DAYS AND ASSESSMENTS

Find out more about life at Bromley High School S BH

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The Modern Languages Department and the entire Senior School at Bromley High enthusiastically celebrated an international Day of Languages. Girls, teaching staff, support staff and catering staff, were involved to make this an unforgettable day.

This is a Europe-wide event and Bromley High girls wished to extend it to an international level this year.The day started with a fantastic assembly prepared by Head of Spanish, Miss Delatorre, with the help of some bilingualYear 7 andYear 8s.This was followed by a quiz forYears 7 to 11 organised byYear 12 linguists: they acted as Language Ambassadors throughout the day.

‘At Bromley High we realise just how important languages are,‘ says Madame Caroline Strange, Head of Languages.

‘With currently around a quarter of our Sixth Form studying Languages at A level, including several studying more than one language, and many of the girls will continue to study languages at University.’

4+, 7+, 11+, 13 + and 16+

Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/fken1

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

re a dc ers l i Ch uchpted!

Vo acce

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November/December 2013

Shopping

Christmas at Bluewater Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a shopping trip to all the magical stores that Bluewater has to offer. Why not plan a trip over the festive period?

Open late 15–23 December. Check www.bluewater.co.uk for more details

Build-A-Bear Workshop® The perfect Christmas Present as you get to make your own stuffed animal friend! Choose from over 30 furry friends to make, stuff it and give it a heart filled with your wishes – a Build-A-Bear Workshop® trademark. Then personalise it with hundreds of fashions and accessories.

LowerThames Walk, www.buildabear.co.uk or call a personal party planner at 0800 542 0635

Open Days

The Entertainer

The Entertainer is where you will find a wide range of toys and games for Christmas. You will be welcomed by a friendly and knowledgeable staff that will be able to help you find that perfect toy or take part in the regular demonstrations, events and competitions. The Entertainer strive to be the Ultimate Toy Shop and will make your shopping experience a fun and memorable one.

Upper Rose Gallery www.thetoyshop.com 01322 384170

Funky Fairy

Funky Fairy is Bluewater’s smallest independent children’s retailer for the perfect Christmas gift, offering funky gifts for the 0-5s as well as personalised embroidery service onto baby clothing. Funky Fairy endeavour to deliver lovely unusual gifts dedicated to new arrivals and toddlers.

UpperThames Walk www.thefunkyfairy.co.uk 01634 713212

020 8466 6977

Lego

No matter what age you are you will love a Christmas Present from LEGO! For LEGO fans, the official LEGO Store is the ultimate shopping destination, delivering engaging, entertaining and fun experiences for the whole family. Join in building events for hands-on, minds-on play, see what’s new and get LEGO Exclusive sets you won’t find anywhere else.

LowerThames Walk www.lego.com 01322 427272

Winter Wonderland

Experience a magical day out for all the family at Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland.

Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland returns for the Christmas season with all new festive experi-

ences for the whole family, including the new enchanted Santa’s Grotto, ice rink, ice palace, 40 metre snow slide and much more! The magic comes to life from Friday 29th November until 5th January promising a dazzling outing for kids of all ages. This festive family outing will be taking place at Glow, Bluewater’s events venue.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.bluewater.co.uk

Charlie and Lola

Madam Events is thrilled to announce that its first show will take place at Glow, the live events and exhibition space at Bluewater. Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play will form a key part of the Christmas events offering at Bluewater this festive season and will run from 13 December 2013–5 January 2014.

Telephone 0844 847 2479 Online Booking (24-hour): www.ticketmaster.co.uk/charlieandlola

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 9

Christmas locally

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December lunches at the Boathouse

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Creative play ideas from Win Green

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Danson Park in Bexley,The Boathouse offers a unique location for a December Lunch.

Due to multiple requests last year, they have decided to open on selected days in December for lunch: Friday 6th, Wednesday 11th,Thursday 12th, Friday 13th,Wednesday 18th,Thursday 19th and Friday 20th.

The bar opens at 12pm and lunch will be served at 1pm.

All bookings must vacate by 4pm.

Get a £20 Voucher for January 2014 when you book online.

Win Green’s beautiful collection of hand-embroidered and appliquéd, 100% cotton playhouses and accessories encourage children to explore their imaginations through creative play. Designed in the UK and brought to life using traditional Indian weaving and dying techniques, Win Green products tempt the growing desire to get back to basics when it comes to playtime and support parents increased desire to invest in quality made products that stand the test of time.

Playhouse designs include an enchanting Princess Castle, swashbuckling Pirate Shack, magical Fairy Cottage and seaside Beach House. And not forgetting their popular accessories which include bean bags, toy bags, Christmas stockings, sacks and even a skirt for your tree!

Book online, by telephone or just walk in!

The Boathouse, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8HL 020 8298 0284 Info@dansonboathouse.com http://dansonboathouse.com/

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Special reader offer: 10% off online orders using code FAM10.

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Smile Please Studio

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We’re a small family run business based in Sidcup and have been established since 2004. We pride ourselves on customer service, and all our services offered are carried out on site.

Christmas is fast approaching, so why not have a portrait of your loved ones?

We charge no sitting fee – you just pay for what you order.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL OFFERS 3 10”x 8” Prints for £65 30 images on a disc for £200 & receive a FREE 16”x 20” print Mention Families when booking and with every customer that orders a disc they will also receive a set of 6”x 4” prints for FREE We also do Canvas Prints, Digital Printings, Novelty Gifts (including personalised iphone/ipad cases) & much more Smile Please Studio 020 8331 5836 www.smilepleasestudio.co.uk

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Get fit with Pilates and Booty?

Ismini Phillips is a Pilates teacher, registered with REPS as a Level 4, Specialist Instructor, who specialises in low back pain and breast cancer post operative recovery.

Ismini teaches on a one to one basis and mat classes in Chislehurst, Eltham and Eynsford.

Also, Ismini teaches the Booty Barre method – the hottest barre workout worldwide! Lift, tone and blast total body fat! A fun, sexy and energetic class bringing together fitness techniques from dance, Pilates and yoga that will define, tone and sculpt the whole body with high intensity cardio intervals.

Ismini’s Booty Barre classes are running at the Lounge, Chislehurst and she is offering Booty Barre at introductory prices for all new clients until 31 January 2014.

Contact Ismini quoting ‘Families Magazine Booty Barre’ offer by email at Ismini@isminiphillips.com tel: 07711 906750 www.isminiphillips.com

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www.familieslondonkent.co.uk November/December 2013

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Christmas locally

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Angelcast keepsakes

Angelcasts are a unique baby casting company offering quality casts in high definition. Specialising in beautiful 3D keepsakes such as baby feet or pregnancy bumps in Plaster, Clear, and Bronze and Silver. Also selling beautifully packaged DIY Casting and Imprint Kits, which are perfect, gifts for new parents or parents to be.

Every kit comes with FREE 1-1 help should it be needed via the phone, email or social media.

They currently have a FREE Baby Imprint with every framed pair of Baby Feet Casting booked before Christmas.

All appointments include a home visit and are undertaken by friendly and highly skilled staff. Each cast only takes up to 30 seconds to take. Appointments can be booked for just £25 deposit, which is fully refundable.

Last bookings for castings to arrive by or before Christmas: Plaster casts: 6 December. Silver & Bronze casts: 26 November Book online and view our styles at www.angelcasts.co 07402882542 angelcastshelp@gmail.com www.facebook.com/angelcastshelp Twitter: @angelcastshelp

Double horses by Green Owl Toys

The double horses have a beautiful, elegant shape to them.They gallop up and down as they are pulled forward.

Children want to hold it, to feel it, to listen to it, to find out what it tastes like.They want to see what happens when they push it, pull it, stack it, sit on it.They love the freedom this toy, and others, give them.

The Double horses are handmade in Europe and sold in the UK by Green OwlToys. We specialise in toys for children aged 0 to 6, using the best European manufacturers. Children love the feel and look of our toys, and are hooked by their simplicity. Parents love to watch their children learn while they play. Our customers appreciate our toys’ stylish design, natural materials and durability. Green Owl toys are the ones they’ll keep forever.

Free delivery and 10% discount on all orders up to 29 November. Code: ‘WithLove’ Green Owl Toys 020 8851 9904 www.GreenOwlToys.co.uk

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❄ Festive clothing from Curly Locks

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Curly Locks children’s boutique opened in 2005 and offers inspiring and imaginative collections for both boys and girls from birth to 12 years.YanaTrabalza, founder of Curly Locks, travels extensively to source the best in children’s clothing. Collections include Oilily, Mini ATure, Mayoral, I Love Gorgeous, Scotch Shrunk, No Added Sugar, Mayoral and Angel’s Face Pettiskirts.

Whether you’re looking for practical everyday clothing, special occasion wear or unique gifts for baby showers, birthdays, or Christmas, the team at Curly Locks are on hand to give assistance or you can shop via the website www.curlylocksclothing.com

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Blossom For Children We’re all about finding nicer stuff for children with medical needs, and as a social enterprise every spare penny we make goes straight back to our parent charity, Tree of Hope (www.treeofhope.org.uk).This means that not only can you find stuff to make a child’s day; you’re raising money to fund surgery, treatment, therapy and equipment for sick children across the UK. Stylish pieces from bObles tumbling furniture range will help develop your child’s gross motor skills, build core strength, develop muscles, strengthen bones and encourage children’s imagination and passion for exploration.

43a Little Mount Sion, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YP Tel 01892 710978 www.tumblingfurniture.co.uk

Mention Families London-Kent Borders and receive an exclusive 10% off (valid until 31 December 2013).

340 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN 01689 860 490 www.curlylocksclothing.com

020 8466 6977

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Shopping

children’s boutique Childrenswear (0–12 years) • New Born Gift Sets Occasionwear • Footwear • Baby Shower Gifts

413a crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent

01689 860490

opposite Barclays Bank backs onto Sainsbury’s Car Park

340 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN www.curlylocksclothing.com 01689 860490 www.curlylocksclothing.com ROOM R

SEVEN

M IN I A T UR E

Win Green’s beautiful collection of 100% cotton, embroidered playhouses and accessories have been designed to encourage creativity, imagination and fun… the good old fashioned way!

020 8295 5413 • www.wingreen.co.uk

GreenOwlToys.co.uk 020 8851 9904

Na ti del onwid iver e y

Looking for unique gifts and hampers this Christmas?

Babies, birthdays and beyond...

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Hand made in Europe

For gift s with a personal touch!

To advertise in the January/ February Issue of Families London-Kent Borders call 020 8466 6977

Call: (01482) 638355 www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

November/December 2013

What’s On

What’s On

re mo On’ ies r o F at’s mil k a h ‘W ww.f t.co.u n w e k it vis ndon lo

THEATRE

www.rmg.co.uk/ cuttysark 7 & 8 December Family Fun Weekend: Christmas Cargoes Make a beautiful Christmas decoration inspired by the cargoes ‘Cutty Sark’ carried around the world.

8 & 27 December Ahoy Captain!

Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, and hear tales of his voyages across the high seas.

29 & 30 December Tea Treasure Chests Make and decorate your own tea chest and have a go at making a tea bag to store safely inside.

CHURCHILL THEATRE Bromley, 08448 717 620, www.atgtickets.com/bromley 6–9 November Room on the Broom The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a mighty wind blasts the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night! Fasten your seatbelts for a rip-roaring ride on a truly magnificent broom! Age 3+.

29 November-5 January Cinderella Enjoy spectacular sets and costumes as Prince Charming searches for Cinderella. Matt Lapinskas (EastEnders and Dancing On Ice) stars as Prince Charming, with Anna Williamson (Daybreak, CITV and Nickelodeon) as Cinderella and Andrew Agnew as Buttons.

THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK Maidstone Road, Paddock Half term fun at the LondonTransport Museum

FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane, Croydon, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk 11 & 12 November Room on the Broom 18 & 19 November Moscow City Ballet perform Swan Lake 20 November Moscow City Ballet perform The Nutcracker 5–24 December Santa Claus and The Christmas Adventure Enjoy this unforgettable adventure at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole!

6 December–5 January Peter Pan The UK’s most popular TV baddie, Steve McFadden stars as Captain Hook in this entertaining panto.

THE ORCHARD Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED, 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 14 December–4 January Cinderella Bradley Walsh stars in this rags-to-riches fairytale, complete with special effects and audience participation.

THE STAG London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ, 01732 450175, www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 7 December–5 January Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood This entertaining show stars Neighbour’s Doctor Karl Kennedy as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Andy Abrahm from the X Factor and 90’s pop sensation Lolly, aka Anna Kumble.

DAYS OUT

CHISLEHURST CAVES Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL, 020 8467 3264, www.chislehurst-caves.co.uk See website for opening times and special events.

Entrance to the caves is by guided tour only. Tours last 45–50 minutes.

CUTTY SARK Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT,

020 8466 6977

Armed with only a nut map and a little courage Mouse must make sure she doesn’t end up as dinner for these wily woodland creatures! The perfect combination of music, laughter, physical theatre and just the right touch of scary fun, The Gruffalo is the must see family show for lovers of the timeless story and everyone looking for a smashing day out!

Tall Stories’ hit musical adaptation of the award winning picture book The Gruffalo, the modern classic, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY 01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 & 24 December Santa Specials

KENT LIFE Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk 30 November–1 December Christmas on the Home Front

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QY, 01892 537 715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December Santa Specials

Historical Houses & Gardens HALL PLACE AND GARDENS

Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ, tickets must be booked in advance, 01322 621238, www.hallplace.org.uk 8–10, 15–17, November All About Owls

The Gruffalo returns for a monster Christmas season Tall Stories’ magical, musical stage adaptation of The Gruffalo returns for a sixth sensational West End season, making it a firm favourite and the perfect festive treat for the whole family at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 20 November to 12 January 2014.

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood – in the search for hazelnuts – as she meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake, and outwits them all with the story of the fabled Gruffalo.

Wood, Kent TN12 6PY, 01622 872068, www.thehopfarm.co.uk 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 December Christmas Markets 7–24 December Meet Father Christmas

HEVER CASTLE Hever, near Edenbridge, TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk 30 November–24 December (various dates) Christmas at Hever Take a Carousel Ride on the traditional gallopers (£3) and visit Santa in his snowy grotto (£10, booking essential). is set to a wonderfully catchy musical score with original songs.

This enchanting production continues to entertain audiences worldwide, bringing everyone’s favourite furry monster to life, live on stage.

Watch the trailer at: www.gruffalolive.com

NATIONAL TRUST Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk CHARTWELL Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 868381 29 November–1 December Christmas Market 7 & 8 December Festive Family Weekend Pick up your family trail and follow it to find Father Christmas.

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What’s On 14 & 15 December Christmas Crafts and Cookies EMMETTS GARDEN Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA, 01732 750367 30 November–24 December Letters to Santa 30 November–24 December Elf Trail IGHTHAM MOTE Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, 01732 810378 30 November–23 December Children’s Christmas Craft Activities 30 November–23 December Christmas Traditions KNOLE Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP, 01732 450608 / 01732 462100 7–21 December Children’s Christmas Decorations Workshops RED HOUSE Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JF, 020 8304 9878 7 & 8 December Olde Father Christmas 21 & 22 December Christmas Crafts

7, 8, 14, 15 & 16–24 December Meet Father Christmas £7 per child. Booking essential.

14 December Holly Hullabaloo!

14 December, from 4pm Festive Fun Night 15 December Animal Christmas Trees

331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP, 020 8319 8900, education@thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Closed Mondays.

1 December Christmas Fair 14 December Bird Watching Walk

FUN WITH NATURE

COOLINGS GREEN & PLEASANT

FUN WITH ANIMALS Cudham Road, Downe Village, Kent BR6 7LF, 01689 861603, www.xmastreefarm.co.uk

LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK & VISITOR CENTRE Eynsford, DA4 0JF, 08458

EAGLE HEIGHTS WILDLIFE PARK

247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 21–24 & 26–31 December Activity Trail

Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, 01892 870307, www.penshurstplace.com 30 November–22 December Father Christmas in Narnia 6 & 7 December Christmas Market

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB, 01322 866 577 www.eagleheights.co.uk Check website for Christmas events and Husky experience days.

FOAL FARM ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3AX, 01959 572 386, www.foalfarm.org.uk 1.30pm–4.30pm (except Tues).

Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury CT4 5EL, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts November: Missing Links December: Advent Animals

WILDWOOD Herne Common, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ, 01227 712 111, www.wildwoodtrust.org Pre-book; charges apply.

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Services

PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John:- James & Lamont 020 8462 4646-07802 535695

Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous serivice.

www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502

RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE

Sales People Wanted

Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ, 020 8300 0084, www.ruxley-manor.co.uk Charges apply.

8 November–7 January Real Outdoor Ice Rink & Ice Café 9 November–24 December Santa’s Grotto

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK

HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK

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Tuition

THE WOODLANDS FARM TRUST

Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LJ, 01959 534386, www.coolings.co.uk Booking essential 28 November Storytelling for Under 5s: Handa’s Surprise £4.50 per child (includes Little Seedlings lunch).

30 November Santa Claus Arrives at Coolings Green & Pleasant 30 November, 1, 7, 8 & 14–23 December Visit Santa £8.50 per child.

5 December Children’s Christmas Tea with Santa Claus 19 December Mrs Claus’ Gingerbread Workshop £4.99. Age 5+.

PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS

Classified

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Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HX, 08458 247 600,www.kent.gov.uk/ kentcountryparks 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 December Santa’s Grotto 20–24 & 26–31 December Activity Trail We have taken every care in preparing the listings 8 in this magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed, so please double check details before setting out.

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Christmas at Leeds Castle

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near Maidstone, ME17 1PL, 7–22 December Christmas www.leeds-castle.com Market Browse handmade 7 Grounds open daily 10am–6pm, decorations for your home, last admission 4.30pm, quality gifts, beautifully crafted admission £13.50 children, £21; traditional wreaths and festive tickets valid for a year. garlands. Many local suppliers 7, 8, 14, 15 & 19–24 December 7, 8, 14, 15 & 21–24 December will be offering homemade Father Christmas Visits Follow Husky Sleigh Rides Children pies, meats, cheeses, fudge, the trail of glittering woodland will love these new husky chutneys, spirits and liqueurs, decorations around the castle sleigh rides, plus they can ‘hug ideal for the Christmas dinner andSleigh discoverRides an enchanted Husky Castle Decorations a husky’ and have their photo table. A £7 grounds and market forest grotto where children 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 to 24 December 7 to 24 December taken. £3 per child per ride. only ticket is available if you do can meet Father Christmas and willalove our new at Leeds Castle Rides are run on a Christmas first-come- is alive not have a Key to the Castle Children receive traditional gift tohusky take first-served basis and ticket.

11am–6pm and sleigh home. rides. £3 per child per ride. thisare year. Nature hasOpen crept into the Handyman ad.indd 1 £10 per child. A valid designed for children no taller castle untilrooms 9pm onto 12,create 13, 19 & magnificent a Key to the Castle ticket is also than 1.3 metres.

20 December.

Christmas Market Pre-booking required. glittering Twelve Days of Christmas. The required.

Leeds Castle presents

The Twelve Days of Christmas

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Great part time telesales opportunities for natural sales people who have the ability and capacity to sell, but want the freedom of managing their own hours and to work from home. Paid on an hourly rate.

Candidates must be confident to use CRM systems, be friendly whilst persuasive.

See more at www.workingmums. co.uk/jobs/part-time/ selfemployed/10-000-19-999/ homeworking/the-salesagents-south-east-ltd/7368602/ freelance-sales-agent. thtml#sthash.ofdopFVU.dpuf Contact me for more information

and a friendly chat on 07900588475 or jen@thesalesagents.co.uk

To advertise your business in the Classified Section call: 020 8466 6977

7 to 22 December

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Real Reindeer 7 to 24 December Meet Father Christmas’ reindeer outside the castle.

Our first Christmas Market with German market style chalets and traditional carousel rides. Browse handmade decorations for your James & Lamont.indd 1

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Leeds Castle presents

The Twelve Days of Christmas Castle Decorations 7 to 24 December

Husky Sleigh Rides 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 to 24 December

Christmas is alive at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas.

Children will love our new husky sleigh rides. £3 per child per ride.

Real Reindeer 7 to 24 December

Our first Christmas Market with German market style chalets and traditional carousel rides. Browse handmade decorations for your home and quality gifts, as well as locally-produced fare ideal for the Christmas dinner table.

Meet Father Christmas’ reindeer outside the castle.

Father Christmas Visits 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 to 24 December Discover an enchanted forest grotto where children can meet Father Christmas.

The Christmas Market 7 to 22 December

leeds-castle.com

A £7 grounds only ticket is available.

Late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 December.

There is so much to discover at Leeds Castle this Christmas.

Next issue: Travel Special & Nurseries Feature To advertise, call Mima on

020 8466 6977

For further information and booking details visit leeds-castle.com

25480J2 LC Xmas advert 133x90.indd 1

14/10/2013 12:35

the

boathouse

Blend Celebrate with friends, family and colleagues at one of our DJ Parties or Tribute Nights.

We have some great acts which include: Freddie Mercury, ABBA, Robbie Williams, Elvis, Soul & Motown & more...

On New Years Eve we open until 2am, see details and book online at:

www.BlendBarGrill.com

Book for Christmas now www.dansonboathouse.com

272-274 Broadway, Bexleyheath.

0208 298 0284

0208 298 0284

In Danson Park, Bexleyheath

020 8466 6977

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 15

S

ANTA’S GROTTO

at BLUEWATER’S WINTER WONDERLAND

29 th Nov ~ 24th Dec

Book now at bluewater.co.uk #christmasishere