Families London­Kent Borders September/October 2011 Issue 3

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–12

®

Issue 3: September/October 2011

! e e r F

London–Kent Borders

Autumn delights

 Back to School  Clubs & Classes Special  What’s On

10

7

ways to encourage a love of learning  Plus: Competitions & much more inside!

For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

In this issue

4 Bumps & beyond 5 Bookworms 6–7 Education special 8–11 Clubs & Classes 12–15 Out & about

LEARN YOUNG HAVE FUN Rally round for a smashing time.

A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2-8 yr olds.

Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court.

Aids agility, co-ordination and balance.

A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun.

Weekend and weekday sessions now available.

For further details ring Gordon on 07877391005 or e-mail gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

www.tennis-4-kids.com

Welcome

to the September/October issue where we celebrate all things Autumnal from going back to school to embracing the great outdoors.

We have lots of suggestions for fun things to do including new ideas for clubs and classes and exciting things to do at the weekends and during October half-term. Plus we have two great competitions for you to enter: two prizes of a free term of Monkey Music Classes (page 11) and a Jolly Phonics Home Kit (RRP ÂŁ99.99) to win (page 4), so do visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/competitions

Juliette Dixon, Editor 020 8466 6977, editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk Follow us on Facebook at Families London–Kent Borders Magazine and on Twitter @familieslkb Š 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 FamiliesŽ 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

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$FWLRQ VRQJV DQG UK\PHV 0XVLF DQG PRYHPHQW )XQ ZLWK SHUFXVVLRQ 0XVLFDO JDPHV Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

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www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

MICROSPORT -real sport for under 5 s CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! A fun & educational introduction to ball sports: soccer, tennis, hockey, cricket and much more. We have a long proven record of success & our small sports come back again & again.

Trained adult coaches & lots of classes.

AGES 2,3 & 4 For classes in Bromley, Beckenham & Tatsfield: jane@micro-sport.co.uk 01263 741938 For classes in Sevenoaks, Pembury, Orpington, Dunton Green, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells: microsports.7oaks@tiscali.co.uk 07863 330200

www.micro-sport.co.uk

next issue: Christmas Special If you would like your Chirstmas event to be included please contact editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk To advertise call 020 8466 6977 Deadline early October

Bumps & Beyond

Time for school...

Phontastic!

My Jolly Phonics Home Kit is an indispensable treasure trove of all things phonic packed into a bright carrying case. With an interactive storybook, songbook and CD, activity books, poster, Games CD, DVD and coloured pencils it is an excellent way of introducing your child to the 42 letter sounds that will help them to read and write.

Jolly Stories is a great place to start and children will gradually learn their sounds by listening to the stories and identifying the sounds, tracing the individual letters and making the appropriate letter action, and playing the ‘find the pictures, say the sounds’ game which appears on each page. The eight-part DVD reinforces what has been learnt in Jolly Stories and introduces children to the enchanting world of Inky Mouse as she shows her friends Snake and Bee how to read and write.

The Jolly Phonics Games CD (for PCs and Macs) is lots of fun and includes 20 interactive games which can be played at three different ability levels, while the Songbook and accompanying CD features easy to remember songs, set to popular tunes which your children will be singing enthusiastically in no time.

Finally, the Activity Books reinforce what your child has learnt through colouring, pencil trails, games, flash cards and word and picture matching.

My Jolly Phonics Home Kit is a fun and memorable way to explore the world of phonics with your child while instilling in them a love of learning.

My Jolly Phonics Home Kit (£99.99) is suitable for children from the age of 3 and is available from www. jollylearning.co.uk – the products can be purchased separately and prices start at £3.99 for an activity book.

Win! We have teamed up with Jolly Phonics and have a

My Jolly Phonics Home Kit (RRP: £99.99) for one lucky reader to win. Simply visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/competitions and answer the following question: How many letter sounds does Jolly Phonics teach? Closing date: 31 October 2011.

Off to school with a hop, skip and a jump Children will love these cute animal Zoo Packs from Skip-Hop. Each backpack has a roomy main compartment, insulated front pocket and adjustable straps, and is BPA, Phthalate and PVC free.

With six different animal friends to choose from your little ones will be spoilt for choice. Matching Zoo Lunchies are also available (£14). Zoo Packs cost £20.75 and are available from www.bibsandstuff.com

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Bookworms

Scoobits your scooter

A new craze is coming to a playground near you! No more losing expensive scooters with Scoobits, the first ever collectable scooter accessory. Scoobits (£3.99) are a unique range of cute, colourful characters that kids can strap onto their scooters, making them stand out from the crowd. Choose from nine different characters including a monster, shark, bunny, puppy and bee.

Visit www.scoobits.com for your nearest stockist.

The Comic Strip Big Fat Book of Knowledge Sally Kindberg & TraceyTurner, Bloomsbury, £8.99 This excellent book which combines the Comic Strip’s History of the World, History of Space and the Greatest Greek Myths is a great read for all the family. Its entertaining style makes it easily accessible and perfect to dip into when you want to discover some fascinating facts on anything from the Ming era to tips for living in space.

The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse Eric Carle, Puffin, £12.99

Do you Kaloo?

Born out of a father and son’s dream to create a toy for newborns made out of the softest materials and in a rainbow of colours, the new range of baby toys from Kaloo are utterly delightful. Available from www.johnlewis.com, these French toys set the standard in luxury for babies, and each Kaloo comes beautifully presented in a stunning decorated hatbox, making them the perfect gift for a new arrival. We love the Kaloo Liberty Rabbit and the blue hand puppet Doudou Bear (pictured).

This vibrant picture book will delight young children and feed their imagination as they discover a host of colourful animals including a blue horse, a red crocodile, a pink rabbit and a green lion.

Hello Kitty: 123 Ladybird, £4.99 Babies and toddlers will love learning to count with Hello Kitty and her loveable friends in this brightly coloured board book. Look out for the other books in the series: Hello Kitty: ABC (£4.99), Hello Kitty: Buggy Book (£4.99) and Hello Kitty: Touch and Feel Playbook (£7.99).

Top 100 Meals in Minutes Annabel Karmel, Ebury Press, £9.99 Annabel Karmel comes to the rescue of time-starved parents with Top 100 Meals in Minutes for babies and toddlers.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Packed with nutritious meals it includes everything from babies’ early food to curries and casseroles which the whole family can enjoy. Its simple instructions and handy time guides make it a must have if you want to get the new school year off to a healthy start.

Does the Queen Wear Her Crown in Bed? A Children’s Book about Buckingham Palace Marion McAuley, Royal Collection Publications, www.royalcollection. org.uk/shop £3.95 As you open the book you’re met by a footmen who takes you on a fascinating journey through Buckingham Palace. Along the way you learn about life in the palace and interesting facts about The Queen and her daily duties – a great book for your would-be prince and princess.

Brain Games for your Child: Over 200 Fun Games to Play Robert Fisher, Souvenir Press Ltd, £15 With over 200 games, this book provides a fun way to help your child improve their reasoning, language, number and social skills.

The games are intended for children aged 0 to 10 and are arranged in four age-specific chapters. You will find old favourites such as Hangman and I Spy plus games from around the world and strategy, memory and number games. This is a great book for getting back to good old fashioned fun!

Education issues

That’s education...

Elisabeth Dolton believes a child’s education starts at home and shares her tips on how to encourage a love of learning both inside and outside of the classroom Did you know that just by keeping books in your home you can significantly increase your child’s likelihood of going to university and that’s irrespective of background, size of family, where they live, parents’ occupation or any other social factor? Further research has also shown that the biggest impact on a child’s educational development is reading to them from an early age.

So if your child is starting school for the first time this year, or they are already progressing rapidly through their school years, undertaking a few small activities at home can make a huge difference to their development and education and powerfully build on the learning they receive from school.

Why bother?

Most of us want our child to do well at school and a parent’s role in that success cannot be underestimated. Studies in Britain have shown that children who are supported by their families with homework are likely to perform significantly better in academic examinations at 16 years old and beyond than those who do not. Recent reports show boys are still having difficulties with literacy (reading, writing or spelling) and girls are having difficulties with numeracy, despite improvements in primary school results. Even the best and brightest teachers can be hard pressed to address the individual needs of every child, especially in a crowded classroom. And what if your child shows a particular interest or aptitude towards a certain topic? A love of physics can start at any age. Similarly, if your child finds a topic difficult, your interest as a parent will help, no matter how well or how fast your child understands what they are being taught.

Parents’ small actions can plug these gaps, support their child and really boost their development.

1

Keep a library Place a few books in easy reach of your child for them to pick up any time for browsing or talking about.

A recent study conducted in the US found that children coming from a ‘bookish home’ remained in education for around three years longer than young people born into families with empty bookshelves.

2 What activities can be taken?

Activities that involve reading, listening, writing, number awareness, sequencing, counting and learning to become aware of the world that surrounds them are perfect. They will help encourage a love and understanding of language, maths and science which are basic tools to boost any child’s education.

Readtoyour child Sharing stories and reading together are vital to the development of a child’s literacy skills. Just ten minutes at the start or end of the day will be enough to help them to acquire the skills they need to develop as a reader.

3

Download free games, activities and worksheets online There are many websites offering free activities that encourage basic skill development for children and keep it fun.

Most of us want our children to do well at school and a parent’s role in that success cannot be underestimated.

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4

Get number crunching Talk about numbers and show them how useful numbers are in almost everything we do. Measure their height and work out how much they have grown, spot speed signs and funny number plates, say the time out load and how long before the next stop, compare the prices of vegetables in the supermarket and how much money you will need to pay, how long tea will take to cook, how much milk you pour on your cornflakes, and so on.

5

Problem solving Encourage your child to work things out for themselves. Ask them why they think metal goes rusty, why the sky is grey and why the Police car makes a noise, etc. Point out things that are different to home such as buildings, accents, clothes, food and customs.

6

Keeptalking New experiences are always stimulating, so encourage your child to try new things. Look for opportunities to talk to your child about their day as children enjoy sharing what they are learning.

7

Put a pen intheir hands Help them develop their handwriting skills by writing words and sentences for them to copy. Point out examples of lovely handwriting and pictures when you see them, encourage them to ‘sign’ birthday and Christmas cards and always get them to sign their own artwork.

Overall, making sure your activities with them are fun will make a real difference. Children thrive on encouragement and giving them a little personal attention that they can’t get in the classroom, all add up to fun learning for your child and peace of mind for you that they are achieving the best they can.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Making the most of Open Days Open Day visits are much more worthwhile when you have a clear idea of what you are looking for before you go, such as: • A strong preference for single sex or co-ed schooling. It can be interesting asking school heads for their views, as each will support their own intake with compelling evidence!

• A school that specialises in your child’s strength in science, performing arts or sports. Alternatively, one which scores highly on academic achievement; or maybe a school with a strong community feel where confidence and happiness are paramount?

• Don’t be shy of asking lots of questions – good school staff have nothing to hide and will appreciate your interest. Take your child with you to gauge their initial impressions and to see if the staff are interested in your child as well as making a good impression on you.

• You will obviously be most interested in the year your child will be going into, but look at the final year group as well to see the outcome of the school’s teaching.

• Listen to the Head’s address and if you can, talk to them too. A good school will have an inspiring, enthusiastic and committed headteacher, supported by a loyal and united management team – and it will show.

• Where do pupils move on to? This is a good indicator of final results, along with the numbers who move onto their first choice when continuing their education.

• Look for examples of classwork to see for yourself where teachers are awarding marks and how ‘hot’ they are on spelling and grammar, etc.

• Enquire about the extra help available for children who are above or below average in a particular subject.

• In senior schools look beyond the headline exam results. Can pupils sit exams in all the subjects they want? How many pupils leave to go to another sixth form and how many new pupils join from other schools?

• Is there a varied programme of afterschool activities for those who want it, and are your child’s interests covered by them?

• Does the school have an active PTA, and what sort of activities does it organise (expect fundraising!)?

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Copy by Robina Cowan

Independent School Open Days • Babington House School, Chislehurst (020 8467 5537), 8 October, times tbc • Bickley Park School, Bickley (020 8467 2195), 14 October, 9.15am–12pm • Bishop Challoner School, Shortlands (020 8460 3546), 8 October, 9am–12pm • Breaside Preparatory School, Bromley (020 8460 0916), 8 October, 9.30am–11.30am • Bromley High School, Bromley (Senior: 020 8781 7000), 1 October, 9.30am–1pm (Senior) • Colfe’s School, Lee (Pre-Prep: 020 8463 8266 Prep: 020 8463 8240, Senior: 020 8852 2283), 22 September, 4pm–7pm (Senior); 8 October, 9am–12pm (Pre-prep & Prep) • Eltham College, Mottingham (Junior: 020 8857 3457, Senior: 020 8857 1455 ), 17 September, 10am–12.30pm; 19 November, 10am–12.30pm (Junior School) • Farringtons School, Chislehurst (020 8467 0256), 24 September, 9am–12pm • Merton Court Preparatory School, Sidcup (020 8300 2112), 24 September, 9am–12pm; 12 October, 5.30pm–8.30pm; 15 November, 9am–3pm • Wickham Court School, West Wickham (020 8777 2942), 24 & 29 September, 9.30am–12 pm For more information visit: www. familieslondonkent.co.uk/education

7

Clubs & Classes

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Clubs & classes

We’ve put together a selection of fun clubs and classes to keep the children (and parents!) busy. For a more comprehensive list and even more ideas visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

‘LearnYoung, Have Fun!’ says Gordon Wood (www.tennis-4-kids.com) – a great moto for everything from crafts to performing arts (such as Jigsaw, above) to sport

News Congratulations to Crystal Palace Diving (www. crystalpalacediving.co.uk) whose divers were crowned ASA National Age Group Team Champions in Shefield. • Monkey Music (www.monkeymusic.co.uk) has launched Little Monkey Club for members featuring musical fun and money saving offers. • Microsport (www.micro-sport. co.uk) is 20 years old! • Well done to Spotlights Theatre School’s (www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk) agency which currently has students cast in Shrek, Oliver! & Jungle Book. • Stagecoach (www.stagecoach.co.uk) is offering a twoweek trial and for families enrolling a second or subsequent child there’s a 50% sibling discount.

Events Bromley Youth Music Trust (www.bymt.co.uk) is holding its annual ‘Try a Musical Instrument’ morning on Saturday 10 September (10am–1pm).

• Beckenham Festival of Music, Dancing and Speech & Drama

(www.beckenham-festival.org.uk) takes place in November. There are around 500 classes to choose from, with certificates, medals and trophies to be won, so get those entries in asap!

New Classes Aquakids (www.aquakids.co.uk) Tuesdays at Bromley High. • Babyballet Song and Dance Academy (bromley@babyballet.co.uk) Bromley on Fridays & Chislehurst on Mondays. • Ballet Belles (www. wix.com/richardersk/balletbelles) Tuesdays in Bromley. • Bexley School of Dance (www. bexleyschoolofdance.com) in Sidcup, Bexley & Bexleyheath. • Hartbeeps (finew1218@ aol.co.uk) Bromley & West Wickham.

• Lucy Griffiths Dance and Theatre Academy (www.lucygriffiths.co.uk) ‘Shinin Starz’ Drama & Theatre. • Rugby Tots (www.rugbytots.co.uk) Orpington.

• Sew Fun (www.sewfunclasses.co.uk) Adult classes from October. • Street Starz (vickysinfield2@yahoo.co.uk) Bexleyheath.

Studio 74 opens in Bromley

Studio 74, The Hall, St Augustine’s Avenue, Bromley BR2 8AG. 0208 295 4255, info@studio74dance.co.uk, www.studio74dance.co.uk

Local mum and professional dancer Claudine Payne has turned her dream into a reality and opened Studio 74, a mecca for all things dance and performing arts related just off Bromley Common.

With three mirrored studios, including a ballroom and stage, recording and photographic studios and a milkshake bar and coffee bar, the facilities are certainly inspiring.

Claudine is very keen to cater for everyone no matter what their interest, age, gender or ability and just examining the list of classes shows she’s definitely achieved her aim as children and adults will be spoilt for choice with the huge array of classes on offer. There’s everything from baby massage to tots tennis, ballet to zumba, musical theatre to cheerleading, breakdancing to yoga and bellydancing to taekwondo, plus an agency coming soon.

So pop along, have fun and immerse yourself in the Studio 74 experience.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Clubs & Classes Arts & Crafts Art for Kids Chislehurst, www.artforkids.org.uk Sew Fun Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley, 07932 626691 (Anne), annecoopermail@gmail. com Sewing classes for children and adults with fun and exciting projects.

Birth Preparation Daisy Birthing Antenatal Class Saturdays, St Mary’s Church, Bromley, 07894 300392, anastasia@ lazydaisybirthing.co.uk Gentle yogainspired moves suitable for all.

Cooking Cookies Kitchen Orpington & Bromley, info@cookieskitchen.co.uk Kitchen Stars Beckenham & West Wickham, 07904 238748, www.kitchenstars.co.uk Mini, Junior & Super classes for 2–16yrs, plus holiday & adult workshops available.

Dance Bexley School of Dance Barnehurst, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, 07527 846251, www.bexleyschoolofdance.com Classes in ballet, tap, modern, hip-hop & street jazz. Glee Club, GCSE Dance Choreography & adult zumba. Age 3+.

Dance Fusion Orpington, 07973 559158, dancefusion@fsmail.net www.dancefusion4all.co.uk Dance Off Studios Orpington & Chelsfield, www.danceoffstudios.com The Funky Chicks Academy Beckenham, Bexleyheath, Chislehurst, Orpington, Sevenoaks & Sidcup, info@funkychicksacademy.com 3+.

Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance Chislehurst, mlsidwell@hotmail.com

Shimmi Shake Chislehurst, Orpington, Petts Wood, Shortlands & Sidcup, sue@shimmishake.co.uk Street Starz Bexleyheath, 07989 433073, vickysinfield2@yahoo.co.uk Street Dance Classes. Age 5–18.

Languages El Quijote Spanish Club Bromley, 020 8325 1043, languageclub2000@yahoo.co.uk La Jolie Ronde French Classes Beckenham, 07903 461747, corinne.olatunji@gmail.com Fun French classes for 5–8 year olds.

Spanish classes start in October.

Music Beckenham Junior Choir & Beckenham Youth Voices www.beckenhamjuniorchoir.co.uk Singers welcome without audition.

Bromley Youth Music Trust Bromley, www.bymt.co.uk

Performing Arts Act Arts Bexleyheath & Bromley, 020 8304 7800, www.actarts.co.uk All the Arts Theatre School Bexley, Chislehurst, Mottingham, Eltham & Sidcup, 020 8850 2384, enquiries@allthearts.co.uk Bird College Sidcup, www.birdcollege.co.uk Footsteps Performing Arts Bromley & Sevenoaks, 020 8123 6826, tori@footstepspa.co.uk Fun and friendly classes where children learn to perfect the latest moves and improve fitness, confidence, concentration and social skills. 3+.

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Biggin Hill, Chislehurst, Hayes, Orpington, Petts Wood, Sevenoaks & Shortlands, 01689 812336, bromley@helenogrady.co.uk Age 5–17yrs.

AQUAKIDS

www.aquakids.co.uk

SMALL CLASSES held at bromley high school 3 YEARS AND UPWARDS • TEACHER IN THE WATER

TERM TIME CLASSES crash course 24-28 October NEW tuesday CLASSES STARTING SEPTEMBER aquakids@me.com

The UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children Rugbytots® is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven.

Separated into three age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child’s social and physical skills.

Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence.

All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in paediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.

For further information please call

0845 313 3242

david@rugbytots.co.uk • www.rugbytots.co.uk

Ballet Belles Term time classes

A fun intro to ballet with Royal Ballet/RAD trained Belle for ages 6 months to 3 years Movement & music to inspire your mini ballerinas!

First class free Call Belle for more details 07703 531060 Classes held at St Marys Church Hall, College Road, Bromley

www.wix.com/richardersk/balletbelles

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Clubs & Classes Pre-School Classes

Microsport Beckenham & Bromley (jane@micro-sport.co.uk) Baby Sensory & Orpington, Sevenoaks & Dunton Bromley & Green (microsports.7oaks@tiscali.

Orpington (bromley@ co.uk) Skills for all ball sports including babysensory. throwing, hitting (the ball!), catching, co.uk), Bexley & aiming, movement skills, team games, Sidcup (dartford@babysensory. etc. Age 2–4yrs. co.uk), Beckenham & West Wickham Monkey Music Dartford, Bexley (beckenham@babysensory.co.uk) & Eynsford (bexley.

Up to 13 months. dartford@monkeymusic.

Babyballet Song co.uk) & Bromley, & Dance Academy Chislehurst, West Bromley, Chislehurst, Wickham & Beckenham Bexleyheath, Sidcup, (beckenham.bromley@ Bexley, Blackfen, monkeymuisc.co.uk) Introducing Crayford, Dartford & Greenhithe, children to music in a fun, interactive The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys dartfordandbexley@babyballet.co.uk way.

From 3 months–4yrs. and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment. / Bromley@babyballet.co.uk Classes PipSqueaks Music Orpington, for boys and girls teaching ballet Otford & Petts Wood, 01689 basics in a fun, friendly and caring 823880, www. environment. Age 6 months–5yrs. pipsqueaksmusic.

Ballet Belles Contact Miss Jessie on co.uk Bromley, 07703 Fun weekly classes for 020www.wix.com/ 8311 2824 531060, children from 6 months–5yrs. dartfordandbexley@babyballet.co.uk richardersk/balletbelles spotlightstheatre. bromley@babyballet.co.uk The classes are taught in small groups A fun introduction to co.uk Fantastic The UK’s first rugby specific play which helps small children to gain programme for trained young children ballet with Royal Ballet/RAD www.babyballet.co.uk drama, dance and confidence.

Belle. Age 6 months–3yrs. singing classes that Rugby Tots Orpington Boppin Tots build self confidence. & Sevenoaks, 0845 Bromley borough, Age 2–16yrs.

3133242. Small classes info@boppintots.

Stagecoach develop social and For further information please call co.uk Fun drop-in Dartford & 0845 313 3242 physical attributes sessions with a Orpington while gently encouraging rugby weekly theme.

(01732 750783) specific skills. 2–5yrs.

Gymboree Bromley 020 8313 & Sidcup (01732 Sing and Sign Beckenham, 3921, bromley@gymboree-uk.com 354007), www.stagecoach.co.uk Bromley, Petts Wood & Chislehurst BabyPlay, Play and Learn, Music, Arts, Singing, dance and drama classes (01689 837 905, singandsignbromley@ Theatre Arts, Fitness Fun and School to give children confidence both on gmail.com) & Bexley & Dartford Skills. Under 5s. and off stage. Age 4–18yrs.

(01322 334966) Hartbeeps Bromley & West Studio 74 Talking Tots Wickham 07957 383313, finew1218@ The Hall, Beckenham, Bromley, aol.co.uk Multi-sensory music classes.

St Augustine’s Orpington & West Jo Jingles Beckenham & Bromley Avenue, Bromley, BR2 8AG, 0208 Wickham, 07504 (jojinglesbromley@ntlworld.com) & 2954255, www.studio74dance.co.uk 166107, nicola@talkingtots.info Gravesend, Dartford & Bexley (07525 This new venue offers a huge array The sessions involve unique games Untitled-3 1 21/07/2011 08:59 865030) Age 3 months–5yrs. of classes for babies up to adults and activities to help children develop Jolly Dinosaurs Music including baby ballet, tots tennis, good communication and pre-literacy Club Orpington, New Eltham & mother & baby music, baby massage, skills. Age 1–5yrs.

Sidcup, 01689 852194 mother and baby yoga, toddler yoga, Toddler Sense Bromley & Little Fingers Beckenham & bop & bounce, zumba, taekwondo, Orpington (bromley@toddlersense.

Bromley, info@littlefingers.co.uk cheerleading & hip hop.

Come and Join the Fun! Various classes available in

Bexley, Dartford & Bromley area

Italia Conti Chislehurst, admin@italiaconti-chislehurst.com Jigsaw Performing Arts Bexleyheath, Bromley, Chislehurst & Sevenoaks, 020 8447 4530, enquiries@jigsaw-arts.co.uk From 6 months–18yrs. Learn stagecraft, jazz, modern & singing from teachers who work or have worked professionally in the industry.

The Lucy Griffiths Dance and Theatre Academy Chislehurst, Green-Street-Green & Orpington, 01689 827 669, lucy@ lucygriffiths.co.uk Ballet, tap, modern, street dance, theatre performance, drama, singing & pre-school classes.

Age 18 months+.

Perform Beckenham, Bromley, Petts Wood & Sevenoaks, 0845 400 4000, enquiries@perform.org.uk Spotlights Theatre School Beckenham, Bromley, Orpington & West Wickham, 020 8460 5711, info@

Rugbytots® is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven.

Separated into two age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child’s social and physical skills.

Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence.

All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in pediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.

david@rugbytots.co.uk • www.rugbytots.co.uk

Now enrolling for the Autumn term!

For a prospectus or further details please contact your local school:

Dartford 01732 750783 Orpington 01732 750783 1 SidcupUntitled-2 01732 354007 or visit

www.stagecoach.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes co.uk), Bexley & Crayford (bexley@ toddlersense.co.uk) & Beckenham & West Wickham (beckenham@ toddlersense.co.uk).

Wiggly Kids Music & Movement Bexleyheath, 07546 221000, music@wigglykids.co.uk Age 1–4yrs.

Sport Football First Class Football Sevenoaks, 07740 703397 (Ben) ben@firstclassfootball.com Learn the fundamentals needed to be able to outwit an opponent. U7s–U14s.

Little Kickers Beckenham & Bromley (ksullivan@littlekickers. co.uk), Petts Wood, Orpington & Sevenoaks (pbanister@littlekickers. co.uk) & Bexley, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, (nrobinson@littlekickers.co.uk)

Gymnastics Bromley Valley Gymnastics Centre office@bromleyvalley.co.uk Pre-School Gymnastics LA fitness, St Pauls Cray gymnastic-academy2000@ hotmail.co.uk Scallywags Mini Gym Bexley, Bexleyheath & Wilmington, mail@scallywagsminigym.co.uk

Horse Riding Mount Mascal Stables Bexley, info@mountmascalstables. com Lessons for all at the largest riding centre within the M25.

North Cray Riding School 020 8300 1378, www.northcrayridingschool.webs.com Private, group lessons and hacks at this friendly, family-run stables.

Martial Arts Bromley Martial Arts Academy Bromley, 07799 065590 (Simon White) Age 4+.

Knights Karate Club Bromley, 020 8658 2629, www.knightskarate.co.uk

Rugby Beckenham Rugby Club www.pitchero.com/clubs/beckenham Bexley Rugby Club www.bexleyrfc.co.uk Bromley RFC www.bromleyrugbyclub.co.uk Dartfordians RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/dartfordians Old Elthamians RFC www. pitchero.com/clubs/oldelthamians Sidcup RFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/sidcuprfc

Skiing Bromley Ski Centre Sandy Lane, Orpington, 01689 876 812

Swimming Aquatots Classes in Beckenham, Otford, Petts Wood, Sevenoaks & Sidcup, 020 8688 6488, info@aquatots.com Up to 6yrs.

Aquakids Bromley High School on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Sundays, www.aquakids.co.uk Small classes mean children get lots of attention. Deep water experience, rookie award, survival & diving awards for more advanced swimmers. 3+.

Crystal Palace Diving Crystal Palace, 020 8771 4729, info@CrystalPalaceDiving.co.uk Join the ‘Learn to Dive’ school where children aged 6 to teens will be placed in age/ability groups to work towards their ASA diving badges.

Orpington Ojays Swimming Club enquiries@orpingtonojays.com Superkids Swimming School Beckenham & Dartford, mrick@superkids.eclipse.co.uk

Come and Join the Fun! The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.

Various classes available in

Bexley, Dartford & Bromley area Contact Miss Jessie on

020 8311 2824 dartfordandbexley@babyballet.co.uk bromley@babyballet.co.uk

www.babyballet.co.uk

Tennis Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash & Racketball Club 01322 524544, www.bexleyclub.co.uk Chislehurst Lawn Tennis Club 07754 089280, www.chislehursttennis.org.uk Age 5+.

Tennis-4-Kids Bromley, 07877391005, www.tennis-4-kids.com Fun and positive lessons with entertaining games and drills which will ensure a desire to play tennis for life.

Win a whole term of Monkey Music Lessons Monkey Music is giving away TWO prizes* of a FULL term’s subscription to their award winning lessons, one prize in the Dartford/Bexley/Eynsford area & one prize in the Bromley/Beckenham/ Chislehurst/West Wickham area.

For your chance to win one of two prizes worth around £100 visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/competitions * The competition is open to everyone, including members and non-members of Monkey Music.

• Closing date: 31 October 2011.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

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What’s On

Out & about

J = Half-term fun

Theatre

Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU, 01892 530613/532072, www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music! 11 Sept, 2pm & 4.30pm How The Koala Learnt To Hug 25 Sept, 2.30pm Mr Stink 7–8 Oct High School Rocks Sun 30 Oct, 2.30pm

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Churchill Theatre Bromley, 08448

9am till dusk. £3 (Mon– Fri), Adult £5, child £4, senior citizen £4 (Sat–Sun, Bank Holidays & school holidays). Additional charges for events.

Infinity Dragon Boat Festival 17–18 Sept, 10am–5pm

The Bluebell Railway Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, 01825 720800 www.bluebell-railway.co.uk Kids for a Quid 22–30 Oct

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717 620, www.ambassadortickets.com/bromley

Brands Hatch Circuit

The Jungle Book 27 Sept–1 Oct Rumble in the Drama Jungle 17 Sept, Drama sessions inspired by The Jungle Book. Booking required.

Joseph 4–9 Oct

Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG, 01474 872331 www.motorsportvision.co.uk/ brands-hatch Children under 13 free Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship 1–2 Oct MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship 7–9 Oct Delphi British Truck Racing Championship 29–30 Oct

Fairfield Halls Croydon, www.fairfield.co.uk HanseL AND GRETEL 24 Oct

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The Hop Farm

The Orchard Dartford DA1 1ED, 01322 220000, info@orchardtheatre.co.uk www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Open Day Sept 11, 11am–3pm Free admission to various activities & events. The Very Hungry Caterpillar 12–14 Sept High School Rocks 24 Oct, 2.30pm

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The StaG Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ, 01732 450175, enquiries@stagsevenoaks.co.uk, www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk That’s Magic – Family Concert 16 Oct, 4pm Watch a Master Magician conjure some wonderful wizardry from Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra. Age 5–12.

Days out

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2SJ, 01580 879 820, www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury 8am–7pm (Sept), 8am–6pm (Oct).

Admission free, parking £8.50.

Ongoing events Family cycle trails (bikes for hire: 01580 879 694), Go Ape (www.goape.co.uk), Archery, Autumn Trail forest discovery day 11 Sept Don’t miss the mass tree hug (2pm).

Electric Forest 22–30 Oct, 6.30pm– 9pm Adult £15.50, concessions £10, family ticket £41. Tickets from Bedgebury or www. theelectricforest.co.uk Explore the forest by night on this illuminated 1.5km trail.

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Bewl Water Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JH, 01892 890000, www.bewlwater.co.uk

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Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY, 01622 872068, www.thehopfarm. co.uk 10am–5pm (Sat–Sun & school holidays).

SOUTHERN MODEL AIRSHOW 17–18 Sept, 9am–6pm Skeletons and Scarecrows 22–30 Oct, 10am–5pm Halloween activities including a host of menacing games and spine tingling activities.

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Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU, 01622 7633936, www.kentlife.org.uk 10am–6pm (weekends & school holidays), 10am–5pm (weekdays). Adult £8.95, child (4–15) £6.50, family (of 4) £25.95.

Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival 10–11 Sept, Hop picking, beer, cider and live music from local bands. Free pint of beer for every full paying adult. grandparents day 1 Oct Free entry for all grandparents accompanying their grandchildren.

Apple Weekend 8–9 Oct Watch whole apples turn into fresh juice as they are squeezed in the giant cider press.

Spooktacular Fun 22–30 Oct, 10am–5pm Knock on the doors of the historic homes and see who is lurking behind them and be grossed out in the ‘creepy crawley cuddle corner’ workshops.

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Kent & East Sussex Railway

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J Fright Nights 28 & 29 Oct Take a ride from Tenterden to Bodiam Station on the popular ‘Fright Night Train’. £14.50. Booking essential.

spa valley Railway West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QY, 01892 537 715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Meet Peppa Pig and George 10 Sept Adult £9, child £4.50.

A Day out with Thomas 1–2 & 8–9 Oct Plus Fat Controller’s Tea Party.

Child £13, accompanying adult £10.

Days out – House & Gardens bromley museum

The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HH, 01689 873826, bromley.museum@bromley.gov.uk Free family club first Saturday of the month.

Chiddingstone Castle Hill Hoath Road, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD, 01892 870347, www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 11am–5pm (Sun–Wed). Adults £7, child £2–£4.

Woodcraft & Countryside Day 11 Sept, 11.30am–4pm Learn crafts and traditional countryside pursuits from a bygone era and join Paddy the llama and his friends for a trek round the new nature trail. Tickets for Llama trekking £7.

crofton roman villa

KENT LIFE

01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk Adult £13.50, child (3–15) £8.50, senior citizen £12.50, family £37.

Hop Pickers Weekend at Bodium Station 10–11 Sept, 10.30am–6pm Halloween Fun 24–28 Oct Enjoy spooktacular entertainment at Tenterden Station.

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Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8AF, 020 8460 1442, crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com. 10am–1pm & 2pm–4.30pm (Wed & Fri), Adult £1.50, concessions £1, family (of 4) £4. open house Sun 18 Sept, 10am–4.30pm guided walk Sun 2 Oct, 2pm–4.30pm

English Heritage Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Eltham Palace & Gardens

Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5QE Time Travellers Go… Ghosts & Ghouls 23–35 Oct, 11am–4pm £1.

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home of cHARLES DARWIN (down HOUSE) Luxted Road,

Downe BR6 7JT, 01689 859119.

Time Travellers Go…Discoveries & Inventions 26–28 Oct, 11am–4pm £1.

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Lullingstone Roman Villa Eynsford DA4 0JA, 01322 863467.

Groombridge Place Gardens & Enchanted Forest Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG, 01892 861 444, www.groombridge.co.uk 10am till dusk.

Adult £8.95/£9.95, child £7.45/£8.45. Boat £1.

Halloween Half-Term Fun 22–30 Oct Spooky tales in the forest.

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www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On

Chislehurst Festival 17 September–1 October

www.chislehurstfestival.org.uk There’s something for everyone at this year’s festival. Highlights include: The Big Draw (17 Sept) on Chislehurst Common, a Country Fair (18 Sept), Chislehurst Rocks (24 Sept) – a day of music in Chislehurst Rec and Chislehurst Chase (25 Sept).

Paws in the Park 17–18 September

Kent Showground, www.pawsinthepark.net A pawfect event for dog lovers everywhere with have a go events and attractions including agility, K9 AquaZone, flyball and search and rescue.

1–31 October

Don’t miss the launch at Kings Place, Islington (25 Sept). The Chislehurst event (17 Sept, 1pm–5pm) coincides with the Chislehurst Festival and celebrates the 2012 London Olympics. For local events visit www.campaignfordrawing.org

Celebrate Autumn

Get out in the fresh air and crunch through fallen leaves as you celebrate all things Autumnal. Look out for local events such as apple days, hops ‘n’ harvest or visit a local park or wood. For ideas visit: www.greenchain.com • www.woodlandtrust.org. uk • www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent • www.visitwoods.org.uk • www.naturedetectives.org.uk

Half-Term Getaway Firework Displays Visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk for a comprehensive guide to Firework Displays happening in the area.

Available from 1 October.

Thinking of recharging your batteries this half-term?

Then why not visit one of Libbear Barton’s award winning, self-catering holiday cottages in North Devon? These luxurious cottages are individually furnished and are baby, toddler & family friendly.

0791 809 0081, enquiries@libbearbarton.co.uk, www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Electric Forest 22–30 October

15th Mayor’s Thames Festival 10–11 September

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, 6.30pm–9pm, www.theelectricforest.co.uk

www.thamesfestival.org Celebrate London and its iconic river at the capital’s largest free festival with music, dancing, street arts, river races and much more.

The Baby Show 28–30 October Earls Court, London, 9.30am–5.30pm www.thebabyshow.co.uk

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

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What’s On

Hall Place and Gardens

Weald of Kent craft show 9–11 Sept, 9.30am–5pm Spooky Holiday Halloween Activities 24–30 Oct, 12pm–4pm Lots of spooky fun. 30 Oct, 2pm–3.30pm Storytelling and a fancy dress competition at 4pm.

Bourne Road, Bexley. Kent DA5 1PQ, 01322 621238, www.hallplace.org.uk 10am–4.30pm (Mon–Sat), 11am–4.30pm (Sun & Bank Holidays).

Pretty Polly 24–27 Oct, 10.30am & 2pm Come and make a multicoloured parrot to take home. £4 per child. Booking required.

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Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RR

HEVER CASTLE

Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle. co.uk 10.30am–6pm (gardens), 12pm–6pm (castle).

Adult £14, child £8, senior citizen £12, family £36.

New Country Life at the castle 16–18 Sept A celebration of country life with rural demonstrations. The Castle Triathlon Series 24–25 Sept Supporting ‘Help for Heroes’.

Halloween Half-Term Spooky Fun 24–30 Oct Halloween craft workshops and scary stories from The Lady of the Wildwoods.

www.riverhillgardens.co.uk Open until 11 Sept.

Wed–Sun, 10.30am–5pm. Adult £6.25, child (4–16) £3.95, family £17.50. Watch out for the yeti. blackberry Picking 10–11 Sept

Fun with animals Christmas Tree Farm

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Cudham Road, Downe Village, Kent BR6 7LF, 01689 861603, www.xmastreefarm.co.uk 10am–5.30pm, 9am–5.30pm (school holidays, weekends & Bank Holidays). Adult £4, child £2.

Check website for holiday activities.

LEEDS CASTLE near Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com 10.30am–6pm. Adult £18.50, child £11, senior citizens & disabled £16.

Sunset Jousting and Open Air Cinema 9 Sept Medieval Jousting 10–11 Sept Displays at 12.30pm & 2.30pm.

Halloween Half-Term 22–28 Oct £2.

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National Trust Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk bodiam castle Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830196 Brass Rubbing 10–11 Sept, 11am–4pm Additional charge applies. The Sussex Peggers: Skill on Horseback 17–18 Sept, 11am–12.30pm & 1.30pm–3pm Watch an exciting medieval battle as the local Sussex Peggers compete in their annual medieval skills on horseback competition. Medieval Food & Cookery 24–25 Sept, 11am–4pm Have a Go Falconry 1–2 Oct, 11am–4pm HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS: Owls, Vultures & Other Amazing Critters 22–23 Oct, 11am–3pm Spooky Challenge 22–30 Oct, 11am–3pm £2. Dress to Impress 24–28 Oct, 11am–3pm £2.

Crone’s Corner 29–30 Oct, 11am–3pm Chartwell Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 868381 Heritage Open Day 10 Sept, 11am–4pm.

Orchard Harvest 1–2 Oct, 11am–4.15pm Halloween twilight trails 26–28 Oct, 4.30pm–7pm Only the brave should embark on this Halloween trail. But beware and be careful and you might make it back to the restaurant for a home cooked Halloween supper. £10.95. Booking essential 01732 861161. Under 12s.

Emmetts Garden Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA, 01732 751509.

Heritage Open Day 10 Sept, 11am–4pm Fantastic fungi 24–25 Sept, 11am–4.15pm Spooks and splashes 22–30 Oct, 1pm–4.15pm Discover splashes of red, yellow and gold and find out about the garden’s other secrets.

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Colchester Zoo Ightham Mote

Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378 (Ext100). apple and orchard day 24 Sept, Wild Child: Woodland Trail 24–30 Oct £1 per trail. The Big Draw 27 Oct Knole Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP, 01732 450608 / 01732 462100.

Heritage Open Day 10 Sept, from 10.30am Deer Rut Walk 16 Oct, 2pm–4pm £2.50. Booking essential. Family Deer HunT 16 Oct, 2pm–3pm £1. Booking recommended.

Autumn Trail 26–28 Oct, 11am–3pm £1.

Quebec House Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 1TD, 01732 868381 Garden trail 10 Sept, 11am–5pm Scarecrow trail throughout Westerham. £5. All proceeds to St Mary’s Westerham Heritage Trust. red house Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JF, 020 8304 9878.

Heritage Open Day 10 Sept, 11am–4.15pm Scotney Castle Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JD, 01892 893 820.

Wild Child – Lovely Leaves 1–30 Sept Enjoy themed activities, crafts and trails.

Cinema Under the Stars – Mamma Mia (PG) 16 Sept, 7.15pm Tangled (U) 17 Sept, 7.15pm Adult £12, child £10, family £40. Booking required 0844 2491895. Wild Child – Acorns and ConKers 1–31 Oct Themed activities, crafts & trails.

Halloween: Horrid Half-Term Histories 26–30 Oct Hunt for secret clues around the grounds on this Spooky trail and if you’re brave enough head up to the Discovery Room to dabble in some crafty crafts. £3. sissinghurst castle Sissinghurst, nr Cranbrook, 01580 710700.

Heritage Open Day 10 Sept, from 10.30am Autumn Trail 24–25 & 28 Oct, 11am–4pm

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Eagle Heights

Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB office@eagleheights.co.uk www.eagleheights.co.uk Daily, 10.30am–5pm, adult £9, child £5.50, concessions & students £7.50, disabled/carer £7.50. Flying displays 12pm & 3.30pm, reptiles and mammal encounter 1.45 pm & daily demonstrations. Check website for holiday activities. Celebration of Speed 18 Sept Cheetah versas Man versas Machine. Who will you back? Family day with the Big Race, Bungee Race, Tortoise Racing and BBQ.

Farming World Nash Court, Boughton, Faversham, Kent ME13 9HY, 01227 751144, www.farming-world.co.uk 9.30am–5.30pm. Adult £6, child £5. Check website for holiday activities.

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). Check website for holiday activities.

Godstone Farm & Playbarn Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8LX, 01883 742546, www.godstonefarm.co.uk 10am–6pm. Adult £4.50, child (1 year) £1.80, child (2–16) £5.90. Check website for holiday activities.

howletts wild animal park

Penshurst Place & Gardens Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, 01892 870307, www.penshurstplace.com Adult £7.80/£9.80, child £5.80 /£6.20, family £23/£26.

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL, 01206 331292, www.colchester-zoo.com Shriek Week 22–31 Oct, 9.30am–4pm & 25, 27, 29 & 31 Oct, 4.30pm–9pm Enjoy plenty of spook-tacular fun with halloween crafts, a walk through the spine-chilling haunted forest and spooky-themed displays and activities.

Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, Kent CT4 5EL, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/ howletts 10am–6pm. Adult £19.95, child £15.95, under 3s free – tickets valid for 12 months.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

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L at don ble ies Lonavailafamil o.uk w. nt.c wwonke d lon Port Lympne Wild Animal & Safari Park

Lympne, Nr Hythe, Kent CT21 4PD, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/ portlympne 10am–6pm. Adult £22.95, child £18.95 – tickets valid for 12 months.

The Woodlands Farm Trust 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, Kent DA16 3RP, 020 8319 8900 www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Apple Day 23 Oct, 11am–4pm

Nearly new sales Buy it Baby

07958 762828, www.buyitbaby.co.uk 22 Oct, 1pm–3pm Otford Village Memorial Hall, Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ

Children’ Nearly New 26 Sept & 31 Oct, 10am–12pm Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH, childrensnearlynew@hotmail.co.uk New ‘nearly new sale’ taking place on the last Monday of the month.

NCT Nearly New Sale www.nct.org.uk Children’s clothing, equipment and sales at very affordable prices. Entry £1.

Bexley & District 17 Sept Christ Church Hall, Victoria Road, Erith, DA8 3AN (nns@nctbexleydistrict.org) West Wickham & Hayes 15 Oct The Assembly Rooms, Gates Green Road, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9JW (Jacqui. bullard@sky.com)

Nearly New Children’s Sale Christ Church Dartford, Christ Church Road, Dartford, rachaelmarchant@sky.com 24 Sept

Fun with nature

Coolings Green & Pleasant Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LJ, 01959 534386 Activities must be pre-booked.

We’re Going on a Bear hunt 29 Sept, 10am, 11am & 12pm Storytelling for the under 5s. £4.50 (lunch included). The Gruffalo 20 Oct, 10am, 11am & 12pm Storytelling for the under 5s. £4.50 (lunch included).

Half-term events for children: scavenger hunt 24–28 Oct, 9am–4.30pm £3. halloween cookie workshop 24 & 28 Oct, 11am £8.50. 5+.

Build a bug or bird box 25 & 27 Oct, 11am £8.50. 5+.

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High Elms Country Park Shire Lane, Farnborough, Kent BR6 7JH, 01689 862 815 Nature Toddle 19 Sept, 1pm Under 5s.

Booking required. Adult £1.75, child £1.10.

Lullingstone Country Park & Visitor Centre Castle Road, Eynsford, DA4 0JF , 08458 247 600, kentcountryparks@kent.gov.uk, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks Fungi Walk Sat 8 Oct, 10am–12pm Adult £7.50, child £7.50. Booking required.

The Big Draw Sat 27 Oct, 10am–2pm Get creative and take part in this national themed week. £1.

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Ruxley Manor Garden Centre Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5BQ, 020 8300 0084, www.ruxley-manor.co.uk Wooden Spoon Witch Puppet 22–24 Oct, 10am–4pm £1.99.

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Shorne Woods Country Park Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HX, 08458 247 600, kentcountryparks@kent.gov.uk, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks Storytime by Lantern Light 10 Sept, 5pm–7pm Adult £5.00, child £5.00. Booking required. Fungi Walk 1 & 15 Oct, 10am–12pm Adult £7.50, child: £7.50. Booking required.

J Half-Term: Activity Trail 22–30 Oct, 10am–3pm Trail sheets cost £2.50.

Mini Scream 23 Oct, 5pm–6.30pm Follow a pumpkin trail and encounter some of the park’s spooky residents along the way. Child £5.

Under 8s. Booking required. The Big Draw 25 Oct, 10am–2pm Get creative and take part in this national themed week. £1. Shorne Scream 28–29 Oct, 6.30pm–8pm What will you encounter lurking in the woods on this spooky woodland trail? Adult & child £7.50.

8+. Booking required.

Trosley Country Park Waterlow Road, Vigo, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0SG, 08458 247 600, kentcountryparks@kent.gov.uk, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks Open Day 16 Oct, 11am–3pm Includes tours, woodland demonstrations, café specials and local crafts. Mini Scream 21 Oct, 6pm–7.30pm Follow a self led pumpkin trail and encounter some of the park’s spooky residents. Child £5. Under 8s.

Booking required.

The Big Draw 24 Oct, 10am–2pm Get creative and take part in this national themed week. £1.

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Wilderness Wood Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4HJ, 01825 830509, enquiries@wildernesswood.co.uk, www.wildernesswood.co.uk Hallowe’en creations 26 Oct, 10.30am–12pm Venture into the woods and collect materials to make bats, spiders and dreamcatchers. Adult £4.40, child (6–11) £7.

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We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed, so please double check details before setting out.

Look out for the November/December issue Countdown to Christmas, plus festive markets, visiting Santa, what’s on and much more.

Classifieds If you have enjoyed reading Families London–Kent Borders magazine and would like some complimentary copies for your school, nursery , shop or family-friendly business, etc, please call 020 8466 6977 or email editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk and we will arrange for some to be delivered.

Cooking Classes and Parties for Children Ages 2-16. Holiday and Adult Workshops www.kitchenstars.co.uk 07904 238 748

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

To advertise call 020 8466 6977 or email editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

15

★ New Dance school now open in bromley ★ CHILDREN'S Classes: Baby Ballet • Baby Massage

• Baby & Mummy & Toddler & Parent Yoga • RAD Ballet • ISTD Modern & Tap • Disco • Funky Freestyle • Baby & Toddler Music Classes • Street Dance • Tots Tennis • Hip Hop • Breakdancing • Cheerleading • Drama • Bellydancing • Bop & Bounce Dance •Ballroom • Stage School • Musical Theatre • Musical Production • Taekwondo ★ plus: Children's Photography & Recording Studios • Children’s Birthday Parties ★ adult classes: Ballet • Tap • Dance Fitness • Zumba • Flamenco • Pilates • Street Bellydancing • Egyptian Bellydancing •Ballroom & Latin • Circuit Training • Bikini Bootcamp

★ WITH: Air-conditioned Studios, Stage & Ballroom ★ plus: Funky Coffee & Milkshake Bar ★ coming soon: Studio 74 Agency

★ www.studio74dance.co.uk • 020 8295 4255 • info@studio74dance.co.uk studio 74, the hall, st augustine’s avenue, bromley, Kent br2 8ag