Families London Surrey Borders May/Jun 23 PRINT issue

Contact us

EDITOR:

Tamar Pearson

T: 07537 141 998

E: editor@families-lsb.co.uk

Design: Rebecca Carr

Printed by: Buxton Press Ltd

Cover: Depositphotos.com

Next issue: July/August

Booking deadline: 2 June

If you would like FREE copies for your school, club or lesiure venue, just ask!

In this issue

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Calling all young Scientists!

We’re recruiting infants from birth through school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s BabyLab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 3926 1207 babylab @ bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

This

is made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled

Reg, Grandparents’ Stay and Play, Jingle Bugs, and yoga.

Leo Academy Trust welcome West Ashtead Primary

West Ashtead Primary Academy is based in Surrey and has been serving the Ashtead Community for over 50 years.

Mrs Hall, Headteacher at West Ashtead, quotes: ‘West Ashtead Primary School is delighted to be joining LEO Academy Trust. It is a great opportunity for us all to work together enhancing the experiences and opportunities for everyone.

Our children were very interested to discover the wide ranging digital innovations within LEO and are hugely excited about the 1-1 chromebook initiative. We have been warmly welcomed by all LEO staff we have worked with and look forward to the future with enthusiasm.’

LEO Academy Trust are delighted to be working with them, as we continue to develop a family of great schools where collaboration makes a real difference for our children, staff and communities.

More info: www.leoacademytrust.co.uk

Late night parking at the Belfry opens soon

Visitors to Redhill town centre and its new entertainment venue The Rise, will be able to enjoy convenient late night parking at the Belfry Shopping Centre from June.

The Rise is located directly opposite the Belfry on the High Street and will bring a 6-screen premium cinema, The Light, as well as new cafés, bars and a range of leisure activities. The Belfry car park will remain open until midnight every day, providing safe and secure, late night parking to support this exciting new development.

Customers of The Light cinema and entertainment complex within The Rise will benefit from free evening parking at the Belfry after 6pm through a ticket validation scheme.

The Belfry’s recently refurbished 750-space car park has extensive CCTV and LED lighting throughout, electric charging points plus Blue Badge and Shopmobility spaces. The Centre was recently re-awarded the prestigious Police Safer Parking Park Mark accreditation in recognition of the secure parking environment it offers visitors and vehicles.

More info at redhillbelfry.co.uk

Are you or a loved one struggling?

The Wellbeing Therapy Hut is an Epsom based business that is all about making therapy affordable and accessible.

You can choose from face-to-face sessions in our therapy space in the centre of Epsom. If you’d prefer to be in your own space at home or remote sessions fit better with your lifestyle, then you can choose online sessions instead. We offer a client-led and integrative approach, to help you get the most out of the sessions.

Prices at The Wellbeing Therapy Hut start from as little as £18. We have a team of counsellors that are trained to work with children over the age of five, teenagers and adults, as well as couples; therapy is for everyone.

Find out more at www.thewellbeingtherapyhut.co.uk

Equal access to school sports for boys and girls

Girls will be granted equal access to all school sports as part of a package of measures unveiled by the government following a campaign by the Lionesses after their historic Euro 2022 win.

Schools will be told they must deliver a minimum of two hours of PE each week and that girls and boys should be able to play the same sports in lessons and extra-curricular clubs, where wanted.

The government said the measures would be backed by over £600 million in funding over the next two academic years, specifically designed to help improve the quality of PE and sports in primary schools.

Leah Williamson, the England captain, greeted the announcement – on International Women’s Day – by saying: ‘this is the legacy that we want to live much longer than us as a team’.

More info at https://bit.ly/UKGovSchoolSports

2.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS

Open events may require advance booking, call the school to check.

Aberdour School, KT20 6AJ

www.aberdourschool.co.uk

18 May

Banstead Prep, SM7 3RA 01737 363600

Co–educational Prep School, 2–11 yrs

www.bansteadprep.com

11 May & 19 June

Belmont School, Dorking, RH5 6LH

www.belmont-school.org

Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 Sat 13 May

Box Hill School, Dorking, RH5 6EA

www.boxhillschool.com

23 & 26 May

15 & 28 June

Caterham School, CR3 6YA 01883 343028

www.caterhamschool.co.uk

17 May & 21 June

Croydon High School, CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508

Independent Girls’ Day School, 3–18 yrs www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

Senior School - 21 June

Ewell Castle Junior and Senior, KT17

2AW

020 8393 1413

Co-educational day school, 3–18 yrs www.ewellcastle.co.uk

Senior School – 22 June

The Hawthorns School, RH1 4QJ Co-educational day school, 2-13 yrs. Brand New Nursery Launching Sept 2023

www.hawthorns.com

5 June

Homefield Preparatory Sutton, SM1 2TE

www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk

19 May

Lingfield College, RH7 6PH www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk

Prep School in Action Morning

7 June

Micklefield School, Reigate, RH2 9DU

www.micklefieldschool.co.uk

20 May

Oakhyrst Grange, Caterham, CR3 6AF www.oakhyrstgrangeschool. co.uk

26 May

Royal Alexandra & Albert School, Reigate, RH2 0TD www.raa-school.co.uk

20 May

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resorts location of your choice.

Experience one of Away Resorts’ fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, all within areas of natural beauty and close to places of interest. Your accommodation will be offthe-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. Jam-packed with activities, entertainment, fantastic facilities and even events, every member of the family will be grinning from ear to ear.

Explore The New Forest in Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes, Appletree or Cleethorpes Pearl in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex or Golden Sands in North Wales – or perhaps somewhere else will take your fancy. Full list of locations at www.awayresorts.co.uk/parks.

Enter at familiesmag.co.uk/go by 30 June 2023.

T&Cs: Off-peak periods only, subject to availability. Travel, meals and additional activities are not included. Excludes Boston West, Clumber, East Fleet Farm, Gara Rock, Kenwick, Piperdam and Woodland Lakes. Prize must be taken by 31 May 2024. Full T&Cs at https://bit.ly/FamAwayRes23

Downsend School

Leatherhead, Ashtead, Epsom Co–educational Pre Prep School, 2-6 yrs

www.downsend.co.uk

Junior and Senior School

10 June

St John’s School Leatherhead, KT22 8SP www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk

Whole School - 13 May

Sutton High, Nursery and Juniors

Sutton, SM1 2AL www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

Whole School - 22 June

Fun for all at the Reigate Banstead community centres

Our community centres, located in the heart of Banstead, Horley and Woodhatch (Reigate) have a range of children’s activities for a range of age groups. Why not have fun learning phonics with Robot Reg or even dance and sing along at our Jingle Bugs sessions?

The weekly Stay and Play sessions held at Horley and Woodhatch community centres are a great opportunity for grandparents to spend quality time with their little ones while learning important skills through play.

For the full activity timetable please visit our website or the community centre Facebook pages.

Looking for a space to hire for your children’s party or event? We have suitable spaces available that can accommodate up to 150 people with catering facilities.

More info: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/communitycentres

Starting a new chapter after having a child

Having a child shouldn’t be the end of your career but the start of a new chapter.

Confidence is one of the biggest issues facing parents and carers returning to work. All too often women question whether their skills and experience are enough and are often intimated by the prospect of using new or complex technology.

Successful Mums Career Academy doesn’t believe mums should feel there is no choice but to stay at home, or that they should be penalised because of having a baby

The training company offers one-to-one coaching to provide all the support you need when deciding on next steps. With career information, advice and guidance covering getting your mojo back; CV creation; finding a job; applications; imposter syndrome and combatting nerves; the team can help you find a job that fits around your family.

Whether you’ve been out of work for eight months or eight years; get in touch. Email hello@successfulmums. co.uk or visit www.successfulmums.co.uk.

Meet the Head at The Hawthorns School

What does being Head of The Hawthorns School mean to you?

It is an absolute privilege to lead The Hawthorns and I am very proud of the education we offer our children. We love the outdoors, we enjoy competition, we sing and dance, play, explore and love to learn.

The Hawthorns is a happy, family school where children are nurtured and developed. The exceptional breadth of activities on offer, gives every child the opportunity to be challenged in a variety of areas, building confidence and developing character.

Why is The Hawthorns School opening a brand new nursery?

For many years, The Hawthorns School has offered an excellent education to children aged 2 to 13. After an increasing number of requests from families to extend our provision for younger children we are now pleased to make this a reality.

Specially created buildings are based in the same grounds as our well-respected prep school, The Hawthorns Nursery children will enjoy use of our facilities to experience an enormous variety of activities.

The 35-acres of grounds will allow for nature trails, sound walks, bear hunts and our woodland classroom for storytelling, outdoor crafting and bug hunts, dance studios for yoga, a sports Hall for soft play and also storytime in the junior library.

Children can also benefit from specialist teaching in Music, Forest School, Dance and PE.

Meet the Head Special feature

What are the qualities of great nursery staff?

First and foremost is the ability to establish a high-quality relationship with each child so that they feel safe, secure, comfortable and confident. Building a relationship with parents and family is just as important, growing a partnership and community that work together to encourage each child’s growth for years to come.

What is your vision for The Hawthorns Nursery?

We understand that modern life can be busy and wish to support parents by offering the very best in early years care and education so they may continue with their day in the knowledge that their child is safe, loved, cherished and nurtured in the very best place.

Our nursery will uphold the ethos and approach of The Hawthorns School, our experienced nursery staff will nurture each child’s natural curiosity to discover, explore and adventure, guiding each child in their learning through a broad range of engaging activities based around their interests and passions.

Individuality will be cherished, instilling a positive sense of personal identity and developing character, this way the foundations for a lifelong love of learning will be laid.

Surrounding children with positive relationships in turn allows them to learn how to behave kindly towards their peers and treat each other with a well-developed sense of respect and tolerance. Add in a sense of fun, creativity and imagination, patience, tolerance and resilience and you have a great member of our nursery team!

What is your biggest challenge at present?

Opening a brand new nursery at The Hawthorns School has been an exciting project to lead and I am grateful for the support of my Governing Body and Senior Leadership team. I am confident that the development of our brand new nursery building to house children aged 6 months to 3 years will be completed to schedule.

Our nursery team are the reason our current nursery classes receive the excellent care that they do. Whilst we’ve all heard and read about the current challenges recruiting in the early years sector, we are fortunate to have a great team of experienced nursery teachers and are excited to be building upon this team. We are delighted to have made some key appointments which I look forward to announcing in the near future.

What advice would you give to parents choosing a nursery?

Visiting a nursery allows you to get a feel for it in action and a sense of its values. As you tour the nursery look at the children. Are they happy? Are they engaged? How do the nursery staff interact with them? Do you get a sense from around the nursery of whether your child will feel happy and secure?

The Hawthorns Nursery offers flexible session options with a choice of days, times, an all year-round or termly provision to suit your family.

Book your visit today, contact Registrar, Debbie Kingerlee on 01883 743048 x2019 or visit www.hawthorns.com

Families talks to Adrian Floyd, Headmaster at The Hawthorns School.

Brand New Nursery

for children aged 6 months to 4 years

7.15am to 6.00pm, 50 weeks of the year

Where children learn through play and adventure, wrapped in Hawthorns happiness, warmth and care The

for girls & boys aged 6 months to 13 years

Meet your local early years setting

Birdhurst Day Nursery

South Croydon based, Birdhurst Day Nursery provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children. Recently rated GOOD by Ofsted, they focus on following the Government’s Early Years Foundation Curriculum whilst always paying careful attention to your child as an individual.

Christian Family Concern (www.christianfamilyconcern.org.uk) runs Birdhurst Day Nursery and as a registered charity they provide a range of services to help parents meet their children’s needs.

The fully trained staff team are invested in continually developing their own skills to better enhance the education of your child. All the children enjoy playing in their safe and well-equipped large garden and exploring the new Forest School area, which they can access daily whatever the weather!

If you would like to book a visit or find out more, please call: 020 8681 3187 or email birdhurst@christianfamilyconcern.org.uk

Brand-new nursery launching at Hawthorns School

The Hawthorns School in Bletchingley is renowned for providing an outstanding prep school education. We are incredibly excited to be building upon the success of our current Nursery classes to provide a full-day, yearround nursery for children aged 6 months to 4 years.

Our vision is very simple, to nurture each child’s natural curiosity to discover, explore and adventure, guiding children in their learning through a broad range of engaging activities based around each child’s interests and passions. Individuality is cherished, instilling a positive sense of personal identity and developing character, and in this way the foundations for a lifelong love of learning are laid.

The Hawthorns Nursery children benefit from use of the school’s facilities and specialist teaching in Music, Forest School, Dance and PE.

Join us at our Open Morning on Thursday 5 June to experience our happy, family atmosphere and stay for a parent and child Dance lesson. Book your visit at www.hawthorns.com

Godstone Farm Day Nursery and Pre-school

At this time of year, one of the things that Godstone Farm Day Nursery and Pre-school enjoy most is their large garden, and sunny days during their regular visits to Godstone Farm next door.

In the secure garden the children enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, and carefully tending to them each day, checking for signs of growth.

Whilst at the farm, the children have been checking the vegetable patches and even digging up some of the fresh produce, which is now in season. It’s a fantastic way to teach the children where our food comes from, and the attention required to care for the world around us. The children have especially enjoyed getting hands-on with the mud and water – it’s a perfect way to discover nature!

More info at www.godstonefarmdaynursery.co.uk

Banstead Nursery and Prep School

Banstead Prep School celebrates the uniqueness in every child. With tailored learning designed to ignite curiosity and encourage a willingness to try, we inspire children to aim high and dream big.

Welcoming girls and boys aged 2–11, Banstead Prep School and Nursery prepares your child for an exciting future, where they are free to be everything they can be.

Most children start their educational journey in the Nursery, which has had significant recent refurbishment, and they may join at the beginning of any term. From the secure environment of the dedicated Nursery building, children also benefit from being an integral part of the school enjoying specialist teaching and facilities for PE, Music, Languages and Forest School and wraparound and holiday care. The Nursery team, led by a dual qualified Early Years Teacher, ensures our children are completely prepared for a confident transition to Reception and beyond.

Open Mornings Thursday 11 May and Monday 19 June book online at www.bansteadprep.com/visit

For availability of places or to arrange a personal tour, call 01737 363600 or email admissions@bansteadprep.com

Birdhurst Day Nursery

Birdhurst Day Nursery is run by Christian Family Concern, a registered Charity Founded in 1893.

At Birdhurst Day Nursery we care for children aged between 3 months – 5 years and follow the government’s Early Years Foundation stage curriculum, enabling every child to progress.

Our Christian values underpin our outlook, ethos and the care given to everyone that comes through our doors.

We offer:

• Open 51 weeks of the year (except bank holidays) 8am–6pm

• Child initiated learning encouraged

• Daily updates via Family App

• Large fully equipped garden with forest school area

• Sensory room

• Weekly extracurricular activities

• Fully qualified staff with regular training

• Freshly cooked meals prepared by our onsite Chef

Contact us on 020 8688 0251 www.christianfamilyconcern.org.uk

I am smart, funny, brave, kind, curious, unique, creative, energetic, honest, fearless, caring, surprising, determined, playful, musical and a loyal friend.

And that’s just today. I’m free to be wonderfully and wholeheartedly me.

Meet your local Performing Arts School

LCA: Learning Creative Arts

LCA Stage Academy is an award winning Performing Arts and Music school based in Oxted (Surrey), providing a range of performance classes and workshops in singing, acting and dancing, including technique training, one to one sessions, and a range of performance opportunities for young performers aged 3-18.

LCA Stage Academy, established in 2015, teaches students who are successful in their auditions for a place at several universities studying areas of Performing Arts and in leading drama schools such as The Brit School, Arts Educational, Performers College, Bird College, Urdang, Central School of Speech and Drama and The National Youth Theatre.

www.lca-stage.com

Feel happy and confident with Ashtead Ballet School

When you take your child to a dance class for the first time you want them to run in and feel happy from the beginning. Sometimes it can take a few sessions for them to settle, but then the magic starts!

At Ashtead Ballet School, we have a reputation for providing a happy, nurturing environment where everyone is encouraged to discover their own potential, promoting confidence and creativity along the way and hopefully creating lifelong memories. With quality teaching delivered in a fun way we have something for everyone, from age 3, including adult ballet!

Teachers are qualified with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Get in touch to book a FREE trial and let the adventure begin at www.ashteadballetschool.co.uk

TAP & M ODERN

Inspire - Develop - Nurture

A happy nurturing school where everyone is encouraged to reach their own potential. Classes from 3 years to adult.

‘After having tried other dance schools I can honestly say Maxine and her fellow teachers are amazing!

Ashtead Ballet School definitely stands out as one of the best.’

Mrs de Atouguia

30th anniversary celebrations at Phillomena Dance

Now in its 30th year, Phillomena Dance School is one of the most highly regarded dance schools in Surrey.

Based in and around Epsom, Banstead and Stoneleigh, dance classes are offered to children and adults of all ages and abilities in Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft, Street, Acro and Contemporary are taught by our team of passionate, qualified IDTA teachers. We offer a high standard of dance tuition, and we pride ourselves on our professionalism and the ability to create an exciting, happy and rewarding environment for all to learn in.

Our Phillomena Poppets Programme for ages 2-6 specialise in dance, music and movement classes, which link to the Early Years Foundation Stages. Adult classes include Silver Swans®

To book your FREE trial visit www.phillomenadanceschool.co.uk

Book a FREE summer term class with Perform

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

This term, ages 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger for an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates. Meanwhile, ages 7-12s will enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream. The curriculum has an emphasis on fun with free apps and videos to watch at home.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free class in Caterham, Oxted, Purley, Reigate and Shirley. Just visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Five reasons to take part in a summer holiday camp

Families favourite Summer holiday camps

Book early to avoid disappointment

Camp Glide, Surrey’s favourite action-packed multi-activity day camp www.campglide.co.uk

Camp Glide is an Ofsted registered holiday club operating at venues across Surrey.

LCA Musical Theatre

Summer Workshop

31 Jul-4 Aug

Oxted School, RH80AB www.lca-stage.com

Summer day camps provide fun, safe and nurturing spaces for children. Not just useful childcare for working parents, there are many benefits for children too. Consider these:

Learning new skills

Summer camps offer a variety of activities that allow children to explore new interests.

Promoting physical activity

Physical activities help to promote a healthy lifestyle and develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Developing independence and self-confidence

Being in a setting that isn’t home or school and where there are no parents can give children a sense of independence. Taking on new challenges and trying new things gives them confidence in their abilities.

Building social skills

In a whole new supervised peer group, children learn to work together, communicate effectively and develop a sense of community. Kids will also build friendships outside their established school network.

Nurturing leadership and teamwork

By encouraging teamwork, co-operation, empathy and selfconfidence, summer camps will help your child develop emotional intelligence.

Camp Glide’s multi-activity day camps provide fun-filled and affordable childcare during the school holidays for school-aged children. A typical day includes free play, a range of clinics for campers to choose from, swimming and one of our exciting all-camp activities, so you can be safe in the knowledge that your child is having a great time! Enjoy a bouncy castle and jump in the pool (at selected venues).

Kids Critters - Animal School Holiday Camps Surrey 31 Jul & 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 Aug Betchworth www.kidscritters.co.uk

Fancy something different? Come and join our critters in our all-inclusive camp for another summer! Hang out and cuddle the critters, have a calming morning filled with opportunity for team building, nature activities and creative arts.

Kingswood Surrey Music School, Kingswood, KT20 www.kingswoodsurreymusic.co.uk

Summer Music Camp Mon-Fri: 10 Jul–26 Aug

Fun and creative activities for both boys and girls 4 - 16. Include singing in Choir and Solo. Learn to play any Musical Instrument, Acting, Dancing, Band, and Orchestra. Music/festival outings and Summer Performance.

Greatest Musicals, Theatre Medley

Show times: 24–26 August 10 musicals in one show Castings auditions 30 Jun–14 Jul www.kingswoodsurreymusic. co.uk/auditions-performances

Performers are taught several sequences, songs & scenes from a selection of Musicals and then present a demonstration performance at the end of the week.

London TKD Summer Camps

24 Jul-18 Aug

Ewell Grove Primary School, KT17 1UZ www.london-tkd.co.uk/ programmes/holiday-camps

A multi activity camp for ages 5-11.

The Zone Holiday Club

17 July-18

August

Banstead Prep School

www.thezonebanstead.co.uk

The Zone is a multi-activity holiday camp operating from Banstead Prep School, in Banstead. Run by the school staff, we welcome children from all schools, that are currently in Nursery to those currently in Year 6.

Ultimate Activity Camps

Micklefield School: Reigate Sutton High School: Sutton Manorhouse School: Leatherhead www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Ultimate Activity Camps provide an inspiring programme of over 40 stimulating and outstanding activities during the school holidays for children aged 4-14 to enjoy at some of the UK’s leading independent schools.Parents can take the stress out of childcare and join an outstanding school holiday club.

What’s On

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

MAY

20–23 May

Surrey Hills Artisan Festival

27 May-4 June

Half-Term Mini-Beast Trail Hatchlands Park, GU4 7RT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park

Discover the miniature world of minibeasts on a trail around Hatchlands Park. Normal admission applies. No extra charge.

27, 28 &29 May

27 May–4 June

Half-Term Mini-Beast Trail

Hatchlands Park, GU4 7RT

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park

Discover the miniature world of minibeasts on a trail around Hatchlands Park. Normal admission applies.

29 May & 11 June

Surrey S.M.E Open Day

Until 31 May

Spring Nature Trail: The Cuckoo Egg Calamity

Discovery Land, Priory Farm Estate, RH1 4EJ www.prioryfarm.co.uk

Join Timber, Fern and Pebble in finding the ‘Nature’s Secrets’ books and learn about the different creatures who lay eggs here at Discovery Land.

14 May

Cowpie Country Show

Blindley Heath, Lingfield www.cowpie.co.uk

A fantastic day out for the whole family and also a competitions day for the Surrey Young Farmers members.

14 May

Back to Baby Redhill URC, RH1 6AU www.bachtobaby.com

Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together. Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep.

18-21 May

Spring Craft Fair

Hever Castle & Gardens TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

Featuring one hundred and forty exhibitors from the UK’s craft, makers, contemporary artists and The Great Pottery Show Down contestants.

18 May–10 Sep

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes. www.wwt.org.uk

Enjoy a host of art and illustration activities for all ages and abilities, including nature-inspired creative challenges, art workshops and much more, with new events and activities to enjoy throughout the year.

Denbies Wine Estate RH5 6AA www.surreyhills.org

The Surrey Hills Artisan Festival is a wonderful outdoor event that is a great family day out. Come and find out more about some of the local artists, craftsman and food and drink producers in Surrey.

20 May

Cheam Charter Fair

Whitehall Historic House, Cheam SM3 8QD www.sutton.gov.uk/ librariesheritageevents

Come and celebrate the 764th annual Cheam Charter Fair. There will have lots of exciting things taking place all day with craft stalls and entertainment.

26–28 May

Weekend of Wildlife

Morden Hall Park SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park

Throughout the weekend you can join in with hands-on activities to find living things throughout the park, plus there are other special events to join. Spaces for these are limited so book early.

27–29 May

Medieval Festival – A Skirmish Arundel Castle, West Sussex, BN18 9AB www.arundelcastle.org

Set during the 15th century, this three-day event portrays a Lancastrian raiding party engaging with Yorkist forces beneath the mighty castle at Arundel.

27 May–4 June Get Artsy Craftsy

Claremont Landscape Garden

KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden

We’ve lost our crafting materials and we need your help locating them. Can you follow the clues and help us find our missing items?

See Peppa Pig Spa Valley Railway, TN2 5QY www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Take a steam train ride from Tunbridge Wells West travelling to Groombridge where you can alight to see Peppa Pig.

27 May–4 June

Become a Nature Detective Winkworth Arboretum GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum

Enjoy nature and explore the hidden world of the insects that call Winkworth home.

27 May–3 June

Horrible Histories

Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-courtpalace BARMY BRITAIN is back, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

27 May–4 June

Superhero’s Week Bocketts Farm, KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

Brush up your Superhero skills at Bocketts Superhero Academy this half term. Meet Spider-man and the Ice Queen and Complete your superhero look with a visit to our fab face painters whilst enjoying all the farm animals and farmyard activities.

27 May–4 June

Birdworld Explorers Farnham, GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk

Train with our Explorers then head off on your own adventure to test your new-found skills. Navigate the exciting new trail. See how many creatures you can spot on the trail. Test your nature knowledge. Learn eco tips and tricks to take home.

27 May–4 June

May Half Term at Hever

Hever Castle & Gardens TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk see page 14 for details.

Leatherhead

www.ssme.co.uk

Join Surrey S.M.E for their open day and enjoy rides on steam & electric.

29 May

Fairy Tale Treasure Hunt

Gatton Park, RH2 0TW

www.gattonpark.co.uk

Join characters from well-known fairy tales and children’s favourites and follow their clues in a treasure hunt around the magical grounds of Gatton Park. Ideal for families and younger children – the route through the park is easy for pushchairs.

29–30 May

The Brick People

Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents

60 minutes sessions, hosted by The Brick People. Includes brick building. LEGO® and LEGO DUPLO® play areas. Chill and build a LEGO® mosaic.

29 May–2 June

Denbies Nature Train Ride Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events/familyevents

Enjoy a gentle Nature Train Ride around the vineyard this spring with Denbies Woodland friends!

30 May & 25 June

Family Treasure Hunt Dorking Museum RH4 1BS www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk

Be history detectives and find out about Dorking’s past, look for clues by finding features that match the photos on the quiz sheet.

30, 31 May & 1 June

Family Interactive Theatre: St George’s Quest Morden Hall Park SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park

Solve the puzzles and complete the quest, defeat the dragon and be Knighted by St George himself! Booking essential.

1 June Mayfield Lavender Farm

1 Carshalton Road SM7 3JA www.mayfieldlavender.com

Mayfield lavender farm in Banstead will open in June and the flowers will bloom from mid/ end of June to the mid/end of Aug, weather dependent.

3-4 June

See Chase & Marshall from Paw Patrol Spa Valley Railway, TN2 5QY www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Take a steam train ride from Tunbridge Wells West travelling to Groombridge where you can alight to see Chase & Marshall as the steam locomotive changes ends of the train.

3–18 June

Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS)

www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk

The summer open studios event offers visitors the opportunity to view demonstrations, buy artwork, enter a free prize draw and even get involved in creative workshops.

3 June Pawsome Adventures Farnham, GU10 4LD www.birdworld.co.uk

Chase & Skye will be making their debut appearance at Birdworld, appearing at intervals throughout the day.

4 June Summer at Gatton: Picnic in the Park Gatton Park, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Celebrate the start of summer

with a picnic on the parterre or take your hamper to the lakeside or Japanese Gardens. Refreshments available to buy. Plus, children’s activities.

9–11 June

South of England Show

South England Show Ground, RH17 6TL www.seas.org.uk

With a non-stop programme of agricultural and equestrian displays, country pursuits, live entertainment, rural crafts, and a variety of food, drink, and shopping opportunities, the South of England Show offers all ages the opportunity to connect with the countryside and enjoy a great day out.

17-18 June

Father’s Day weekend & Car Event

Hever Castle, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

Come along to Hever Castle’s Car Event ‘Cars at the Castle ‘on Father’s Day weekend and you will discover a variety of cars.

24-25 June

Barnes Literature Festival

Barnes Green SW13 www.barneskidslitfest.org

London’s largest kids’ books party is returning in real life this June. Don’t miss this children’s literature festival, meet the authors, this is an excellent event!

24-25 June

Hever’s Home Front Hever Castle, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

Step back in time to wartime Britain, meet re-enactors from US Army, see a replica Spitfire, enjoy food from the 1940s, Kent Model

Boat displays on lake and toe tapping music in the dance tent.

24, 25 June & 1,2 July

Carshalton Artists Open Streets

www.carshaltonartists.com

A fantastic event showcasing local artists work, a chance to purchase original art works and activities for the kids.

25 June

Oxted Pram Race

www.oxtedpramrace.co.uk

Help raise money for local causes and have lot’s fun in the process. Dress in fancy dress and push a pram from Master Park to The Bell in Old Oxted High Street, whilst stopping at seven licensed premises on the way, and down a drink as fast as you can!

22 Jul-28 Aug

Perform in the Park www.perform.org.uk

A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. Four fantastic musicals for children ages 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN, families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas.

30 May–2 June

London TKD

Half Term Holiday Camps

Ewell Grove Primary School, KT17 1UZ www.london-tkd.co.uk/ programmes/holiday-camps

A multi activity camp for ages 5-11.

30 May–2 June

Camp Glide

Venues across Surrey

www.campglide.co.uk

Camp Glide’s multi-activity day camps provide fun-filled and affordable childcare during the school holidays for school-aged children.

31 May

Kids Critters Holiday Camps

Betchworth www.kidscritters.co.uk

All-inclusive, focusing on animals, environment, conservation, and teamwork. Children will have close up interactive encounters with exotic animals - bearded dragons, snakes, tortoises, chameleon, geckos, frogs and insects.

Don’t forget to say you saw these events in Families London Surrey Borders Magazine!

COME AND PLAY THE

NATURE WAY

HALF TERM CAMPS

RAINBOW COLOUR WALK

A Lavender Walk to Remember

With spring comes the delightful Lavender Walk hosted each year by local charity, St Raphael’s Hospice.

The Nye family wanted to do something special in memory of their beloved son and brother, Brendan Nye. Together they signed up for the charity’s Lavender Memory Walk, strolling through fields of lavender in his honour.

‘The sun was shining, and we simply enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. It’s a special walk that’s comfortable for all ages, we could even bring the dogs! It felt incredible completing the walk for Brendan and for such a deserving charity.’

Gather your friends and families in celebration of your loved ones at this year’s Lavender Memory Walk. Saturday, 24 June 2023, Mayfield Lavender Farm.

www.straphaels.org.uk/lavenderwalk23

Half term in full colour! The Derby Family Festival

Experience racing’s most spectacular carnival in The Derby Family Festival from 2 to 3 June.

Watch history in the making from the ticketed enclosure on the world-famous Hill. In a new location for 2023, closer to the action on the racetrack, there will be all day entertainment for all the family, from tots to young teens.

Don’t miss the return of the Main Stage, a new food festival and selected free rides and activities. Under 12s free! Tickets from £20.

www.bit.ly/DerbyFamilyFestival

Sutton STEAM Fair is coming!

From 25 June a STEAM week of daily FREE local activities will kick start the fair, happening across High Street venues consisting of arts, performance, film, astronomy and science!

This culminates on Saturday 1 July (11am-4pm), where the Sutton STEAM Fair takes over our Town Centre for incredible family activities on Sutton High Street (SM1), in Manor Park and in various businesses, featuring a guide and science trail competition.

This event is part of Sutton STEAMs Ahead, a vibrant programme of cultural and science activities throughout 2023. Bring your family and friends to the Sutton STEAM Fair.

www.steamsahead.sutton.gov.uk

Come and Play the Nature Way at Godstone Farm

Godstone Farm invites you to share their love of the outdoors and all things nature during Whitsun half term.

As ever when the kids are off school, this farm packs heaps of fun into a daily schedule, including numerous up-close encounters with the resident animals. In addition, there’s craft sessions and exciting trails to discover, all with a nature theme. We know you’ll have a field day with all that’s on offer.

Booking online guarantees you the best price tickets www.godstonefarm.co.uk

rhs.org.uk/wisley

Sow Awesome – May Half Term

Summer Fun with Polesden Lacey

story, rhymes, and a fun nature-based craft activity. Free. NAA.

Adventure Cinema, 21-23 July

If you’re looking for a perfect escape from the everyday, then a movie at Polesden Lacey is a must. Films include: Top Gun: Maverick, Mamma Mia! and The Greatest Showman. From £13.86. Gates open 8pm.

May Half Term: Mini golf

Try your hand at a real game of pop-up honeymoon inspired minigolf. £3 pp.

Story Explorers, Every Wed, 7 Jun–19 Jul, 10.30am–12pm

Bring your little story explorers for a morning of fun with a

Summer Open Air Theatre

Bring your deckchairs and join us for an afternoon or evening performance of Little Women (1, 2 Jul) or Romeo and Juliet (8, 9 Jul). Adult: £28.50/ child (under 18): £15.50. Book online. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesdenlacey

Early summer family fun at RHS Garden Wisley

Steeped in history, RHS Wisley is also blazing a trail as a glorious garden of the future.

During May half term, families can discover how fun and easy it is to plant and harvest vegetables and discover where our food comes from. Inspire the next generation of gardeners at RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, discover the abundant produce in the World Food Garden, explore the colourful Exotic Garden and wonder at the tropical Glasshouse. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Enjoy half term at Hever Castle

Unleash your artistic side during May half term at Hever Castle & Gardens from 27 May to 4 June.

Become an artist for the day and depict the castle or gardens in any style, take part in a FREE art challenge or be inspired by the artists in the grounds. Meet actors portraying famous artists, Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo and join them on a journey through the grounds enjoying some challenges along the way. Finish your day with a creative face paint (additional charge – weekends only).

While at Hever, enjoy the popular Water Maze, the thrilling Tudor Towers adventure playground, the natural Acorn Dell play area or, for an additional charge at weekends and school holidays, ‘Have-aGo’ archery and boating on the lake.

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Do you have summer party plans?

Curly Entertainment provides allinclusive, active entertainment for children’s parties.

Curly Parties are full of high energy, dances and competitions, a comedy magic show, balloon modelling, sound system with lights and prizes for all. There are always fun activities for parents to get involved in too.

We provide magic shows, balloon modelling, mascots, sound system with lights, prizes for all and high energy, fun games, and dances. Any party can be catered to a theme. These can include but not limited to; unicorns and rainbows, sports, Peppa, dinosaurs and dragons, Under the sea and circus.

www.curly-entertainment.business.site

11+ Mock Tests

11+ Mock Tests

CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests

WALLINGTON Selective Eligibility Test (SET)

& Stage 2

Orpington/Kent Grammar Schools

Stage 1 - Mock Selective Eligibility Test Stage 2 Sutton Schools Mock Tests

Dates: 30/3/15 – Mon. pm

Dates:

Dates:

– Sat. am

Saturday 3 June

Dates:

9.30am to 11.30am

– Sat. am

Saturday 22 July 9.30am to 11.30am

- Tue. Half term

Where:

Wallington SM6

Where: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Place, Hurst Rd, Bexley DA5 3LH

(ONLINE & IN PERSON)

Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8PR

Where: Sutton SM3 or Wallington SM6

See the website for full address. See the website for full address.

Time: 1.30pm – 3.45pm

Where: The Centre, Milton Rd, Wallington SM6 9RP

Time: 9.30am - 1pm

Fee: From £45 for 2 papers including detailed feedback and access to all questions.

Fee: From £25 per paper including feedback & FREE online tests.*

Fee: £22.50 per paper including detailed feedback and online software to practise.

BOOK NOW

www.mocktestmasters.com

✔

FEEDBACK includes

✔ Detailed report on your child’s Strengths & weaknesses

ü Ranked table of results

ü Your child’s strength and weaknesses report

✔Access to mock test questions & answers

üAccess to mock test questions & answers

✔ Your child’s answer papers returned

The Lotus Practice

Osteopathy

CranioSacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive handon technique that supports body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself. It is suitable for everyone from new-born to elderly.