Win a Family Ticket to 'The Lightning Thief' Musical
Win a Family Weekend Ticket to The Good Vibrations Society Festival
Win a Copy of 'How to Unplug Your Child'
Win a Pair of MyFirst AirWaves Headphones
A huge welcome to our Spring edition of The West Kent Family Grapevine Magazine
As always, our magazine and website feature hundreds of local family orientated business listings, local upcoming events and some amazing competitions.
In this edition, We've got some great content from the brilliant Barefoot Books celebrating Earth Day to include:
• How to plant an edible flower feast,
• How to create a chive hairdo, and
• A recipe for an awesome 'sweet 'n' refreshing fruit smoothie'
We've included our selection of upcoming family events and venues over the Spring period, and for regularly updated information, please do check our website at www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent
We have four fantastic competitions with chances to win:
• A family ticket to see the 'The Lightning Thief' musical in London
• A weekend family ticket to the Good Vibrations Society Festival
• A copy of 'How to Unplug your child', and
• A pair of MyFirst AirWaves headphones!
Our online hyperlinked edition of the magazine, if you fancy a read while on the go, is available on our website.
Our magazine and website is a great quick reference guide for local families, and you can check in at any time on social media for regular local family information.
Our aim is help make parenting a little bit easier and let you know about great local family businesses and services.
We offer free busness listings, free events listings and are a very effective way of reaching families in print, online and via social media. If you run a business and would be interested in finding out more about how we could support, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
We hope you have an amazing (and hopefully sunny) Spring!!
Our Very Best Wishes James and Clare
Competitions • Puzzle Time
Local Business • Family Services
Helping residents to become more active with Everyday Active
Everyday Active is helping people move more in their everyday life. Moving more every day can help prevent many diseases (including some cancers), reduce the risk of serious health problems, manage long term health conditions and improve mental health. Whether it’s walking, dancing, gardening, housework, online exercise classes, or team sports like walking football or walking netball, keeping active can improve your mood, energy, sleep and overall wellbeing.
To help you and your family move more in everyday life, visit Everyday Active. Under ‘Your Communities’, you’ll find a list of low cost, inclusive activities taking place in your local area. You can also reach out to your Everyday Active Champion if you need help finding an activity or you have an activity that you’d like to add to your community page. Discover the perfect activity for you with Everyday Active.
Please seek medical advice if you’re unsure about exercising with an existing health condition.
Local Businesses
ABCS UK, award-winning bookkeeping practice helping parents with their business accounts www. abcsuk.com, 01732 495224
Babyprints, Unique 3D cast of babies, children, families and pets, 07714 531747
Trek Tots, A simple, smart and portable solution to parenting on the go - Trek Tots Play Mat creates a soft, safe play space wherever your adventure takes you. Play.Fold.Repeat @trektots www.trektots.com
Child and Family Health
Woodland Chiropractic Clinic caring for the whole Family, Borough Green, 01732 887177
Demelza, delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, 01795 845299
Everyday Active, helping residents become more active, www.everydayactive.org.uk
Family Bear Club, creating healthy beginnings- from pregnancy to age 2. Mother & baby wellness, 07393 995583
Hairforce, nit and head lice professional treatment, 0208 2497381
Hayley G Wellness Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, EMDR, EFT & TFT
Practitioner, 07818 426171
Health Visiting Services, supporting families with a new baby or a child aged under five-years-old, 0300 7900243
The Children’s Wellness Centre, 0-18yrs, Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, www. childrenswellnesscentre.co.uk/kent, 01892 320087
Tiz Kids, mindfulness classes, 3-11 yrs, tunbridge wells. private and group sessions, 07887 951968
Tracey Cambridge, Osteopath specialising in babies, 01342 323 851
Tunbridge Wells Cloth Nappy Library, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, 07733 161744
“The Baby Item I Didn’t Know I Needed!”
Say goodbye to bulky play mats and hello to effortless adventures with your little one! Trek Tots is all about making life easier for parents on the go.
The Trek Tots™ Play Mat is a compact, portable, and durable solution designed for busy families. Lightweight and easy to carry, it creates a soft, safe play space anywhere - indoors or outdoors.
Trek Tots has been making waves, from receiving amazing feedback from parents to being recognised by ex-Dragon Theo Paphitis through his SBS community.
Founded by Sevenoaks mum Kim, Trek Tots was born out of her own struggle to juggle everyday outings with babies and toddlers. She set out to create something simple yet practical, giving parents more freedom and flexibility to enjoy adventures with their little ones.
Child and Family Support and Advice
Amanda Sokell Practical support for parents with a child struggling at school, 07711 183919
Buss Murton Law, your local solicitors providing legal expertise to individuals and businesses since 1713, www.bussmurton.co.uk
CASPA supporting Autistic young people and their families and adults, 07957 924297
Certified sleep consultant, newborn to 6 yrs. Gentle, tailored approaches used www.ameliapasfieldsleepconsultant. com, 07857 575723
Strong Like Mama - postnatal doula support in the early weeks with your baby, www.stronglikemama.co.uk
Ubuntu Doula Tarnia, Postnatal Doula, night or day support to settle in with baby, www.ubuntudoulatarnia.co.uk, 07841 786910
Breastfeeding, Weaning Help and Support
Baby Umbrella, free breastfeeding and early parenting support in West Kent, www.babyumbrella.org.uk
BoobieMilk Ltd, Maternity and Nursing Bra fittings and sales, 07951 600777
NCT Baby Café, Manna Café, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 522323
NCT Breastfeeding Helpline, 0300 330 0700
South Tonbridge Children’s Centre, Tonbridge, 03000 418008
Spring House Children’s Centre, Sevenoaks, 03000 411035
Strong Like Mama - prenatal breastfeeding preparation and postnatal support, www. stronglikemama.co.uk
Children’s and Family Centres
Edenbridge Children’s Centre, 03000 420995
Little Foxes Children’s Centre, Waveney Road, North Tonbridge, 03000 418008
Paddock Wood Children’s Centre, open week days 9am-12pm. Activities for 0-5 yrs, 03000 411035
South Tonbridge Children’s Centre, Tonbridge Youth Hub, 03000 418008
Spring House Children’s Centre, Sevenoaks, 03000 421137
Tunbridge Wells Family Hub, Grove Hill Road, 03000 418 059
Nannies and Au Pairs
Angel Placements Childcare Agency, 01622 815271
County Nannies, meeting the needs of parents and childcarers, 01795 520060 East Green Childcare Services, taking care of all your childcare needs, 01732 838417
Elizabeth Henry Nannies: Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Nursery Staff, babysitting, 01732 851313
Harmony at Home Kent Downs is a Nanny and household staff agency, 01622 801501
Katie Nanny, professional Nanny Ad Hoc, Daytime, Evening, Travel, Temporary, Emergency, 07852 345124
The Little Au Pair Agency: Bromley based, small, friendly, covering the UK, 020 8462 6041
Tinies Childcare, 0203 6918828
Baby and Toddler Groups
Baby Yoga with Margarita, postnatal yoga for mums, gentle baby yoga and massage for babies under 10 months, www.yogabymargarita.com
Baby & Toddler • Music & Dance
At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal., 07707 346552
Baby Sensory, baby development classes from birth to 13 months in Frant, TW, 07921 998654
Baby Stay and Play, The Ark Childrens Centre, Broadwater Lane, 03000 414600
CYCLEme TOTS, Mid-Kent Classes, 2-7 years, 07739 389281
Gymboree Play and Music, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, 0-5 yrs, www. gymbo.co.uk/locations/sevenoaks, 07827 910978
Gymboree Play and Music, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, 0-5 yrs, www.gymbo.co.uk/locations/ tunbridge-wells, 07724 101305
SEVENOAKS, Baby and Parent Cinema Club, Stag Community Arts Centre, Tues10.30am, 01732 450175
Sing and Sign Bromley & Sevenoaks, for babies from 5 months to 2.5yrs, singandsignbromley@gmail.com
St Matts’s Baby & Toddler Group, High Brooms Rd, TN4 9BW, Thursdays 9.30am - 11.30am, www.stmattsschurch.org.uk/kids, 01892 618108
Toddler Sense, toddler adventure classes from 13 months to 4 years in Frant, TW, 07921 998654
Tots Play Baby and Toddler Development classes, Paddock Wood and Tonbridge www.totsplay.co.uk/ tonbridge
Tots Play Tunbridge Wells, birth to 2 Years, baby and toddler class, www.totsplay.co.uk/tunbridgewells, 07823 385426
Trinity Theatre, mums and babies film club, 01892 500673
Mother’s Groups
Singing Mamas, St Stephen’s Church Community Centre, Tonbridge, Mondays 10.30-12, www.lauralamn. com/singingmamas
Additional Needs Groups
The Children’s Trust School Taddies Playgroup for children with complex needs, 01737 365810
EASTER WORKSHOPS
Baby and Toddler Yoga
Baby Yoga with Margarita, postnatal yoga for mums, gentle baby yoga and massage for babies under 10 months, 07305 622446
Baby Bumpkin: Age 6 weeks-2 yrs, Baby Massage and Yoga, 07511 048803
Banana Studio Yoga, Toddlertastic Yoga Club. Pre School & Youth Yoga Courses, 07834 518619
Bodyprayer, pregnancy yoga, private and small group classes, 07890 555596
Creating healthy beginnings- from pregnancy to age 2. Mother & baby wellness, 07393 995583
Fitness and Form, mother and baby pilates class, www.fitnessandform. co.uk, 07913 994432
Mummy & Me Pilates Classes every Wednesday at 11am at Pembury Pavilion, , 07876 787869
Postnatal Yoga for Mum & Baby Massage, Yoga and songs for babes!, 07702 751143
Tatty Bumpkin, Sevenoaks, fun yoga-inspired activity, 6wks-7yrs, 07870 598606
Zen Baby Massage, Baby Massage & Yoga, Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Tunbridge Wells, www. zenbabymassageyoga.com, 07539 501402
Baby and Toddler
Massage
Baby and Toddler Explorers, for 0-2 years, for your child’s sensory development, 07947 380135
Baby Massage, for babies 6-16 weeks, Sevenoaks, 07788 971627
Baby Yoga and massage classes and courses in Tunbridge Wells, www. yogabymargarita.com
Blissful Bébé Massage group and private baby massage courses, 07732 808623
The Dance Studio, 2.5yrs+ Ballet, Tap and Jazz. T Wells, Paddock Wood, Otford, 07812 565826
The Talentz Musical Theatre 5-16yrs, 07899 998249
Theatre Train Dance Act Sing 6-18yrs, 07710 478246
Trinity Youth Theatre 8-18yrs, 01892 500673
VR School of Dance, Ballet, Street Jazz, Modern, Musical, Sevenoaks, 07539 551568
Fencing
MX Fencing Club is based in Sevenoaks Kent., we welcome all ages and abilities from age 9 plus, www.mxfencing.co.uk
MX Fencing Club is a dedicated sabre-only fencing club based in Sevenoaks, welcoming fencers of all abilities, from complete beginners to competitive athletes.
We provide expert coaching in this fast-paced and tactical Olympic sport, helping fencers develop skill, strategy, and confidence.
We welcome children from age 9 and encourage fencers of all ages to come along and join. Whether you’re looking to try something new, improve your technique, or compete at a high level, MX Fencing Club offers a supportive environment to grow.
Fencing is a sport of precision, agility, and quick thinking—but most importantly, it’s a lot of fun! Come and experience the art of sabre fencing with us.
For more information visit www.mxfencing.co.uk
Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club, 7 years +, 07786 000488
First Aid Courses for Children
British Red Cross, 0800 028 0831
Daisy First Aid Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks, Family First Aid Classes, 07939 507662
St John Ambulance Kent, enquiries, 0344 770 4800
Fitness and Activity Clubs
‘A’ Team Fun Club, 5-12yrs,Sat 09:3012:00, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, 01732 772685
At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal., 07707 346552
A-Z Activities for Children
Tunbridge Wells Taekwon-Do provides expert instruction in the traditional Korean martial art, welcoming children and adults of all abilities - whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring competitive athlete - starting from age 4 and up.
Led by Master Luke Thompson, a 7th Dan Black Belt and coach to the England National Taekwon-Do Team, our club offers a supportive and friendly environment where students can thrive.
We emphasize a well-rounded approach to Taekwon-Do, focusing on discipline, self-defense, fitness, fun, and the competitive aspects of sport Taekwon-Do. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical fitness, learn valuable selfdefense skills, or pursue excellence in competition, we cater to a range of goals and abilities.
As the only club in Tunbridge Wells officially recognized by the International Taekwon-Do Federation and ITF England, we are proud to be part of a respected national governing body that ensures the highest standards of instruction and recognition in the Taekwon-Do community.
For more information visit www.twellstkd.co.uk
Mummy & Me Pilates Classes every Wednesday at 11am at Pembury Pavilion, , 07876 787869
Target Shooting School - Term time classes, holiday workshops, parties 8-18 yrs, 07426 301849
Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, up to 7 years, 0208 432 0982
Pure Football Academy, Additional Training, Kent & Sussex, 18mnths14yrs, 07872 864016
The Rondos Advanced Football Academy, 5-18yrs, Hildenborough, 01892 822554
Toddler Football, up to 4yrs, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, 01732 865665
Tonbridge Invicta FC, New! Girls Football for 11yrs+, football club and coaching, 07891 626537
Tunbridge Wells Foresters FC, Football Club and coaching 5yrs+, 07718 393138
Tunbridge Wells Ladies FC, Girls Football 5-16yrs, 07801 045941
Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, Fun Footie 5-7yrs, Girls 11-14yrs, Junior U16yrs, 01892 540744
Golf
Hever Castle Golf Club 5yrs+, 01732 700771
Hilden Golf Centre, Tonbridge 3yrs+, 01732 833607
Knole Park Golf Club, Sevenoaks, junior membership 11-17 years, 01732 452150
The Llama Park at Ashdown Forest with Christmas Wonderland, Wych Cross, 01825 712040
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Spring Family Events in West Kent
March
Astronomy Adventures - Telescopic Space Viewing, 7th March www.wildeyeadventures.com/astronomy
The Great Big Dinosaur Show at Southborough Civic Centre, 8th March www.applause.org.uk/whats-on
Stargazing Walk, Learn the Constellations at Bore Place, 13th March www.boreplace.org
Contemporary Dance for Over 60s with Cascade Dance, 13th March – 3rd April www.cascadedance.co.uk
‘What is ADHD?’ LIVE – Online Event, 13th March www.facebook.com/Starjumpz
Hilden Grange School Open Morning, 14th March www.hildengrange.co.uk/admissions/open-days
Open Mic Night at House in the Basement, 28th March www.houseinthebasement.weebly.com
Robin Hood (by Wicked Productions) at the EM Forster Theatre, 28th – 30th March www.emftheatre.com
Mothering Sunday Face Painting & Crafts at Penshurst Place, 30th March www.penshurstplace.com
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Kent Life, 30th March www.kentlife.org.uk/events
Mother’s Day at Leeds Castle, 30th March www.leeds-castle.com/events
April
The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, April – December www.heverfestival.co.uk
Spring Family Events in West Kent
Easter Adventures at Chartwell, Quebec House and Emmetts Garden, 5th – 21st April www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
Easter Holidays Garden Trail at Penshurst Place, 5th - 21st April www.penshurstplace.com
Spring Into Fun at Godstone Farm, 5th - 21st April www.godstonefarm.co.uk
Spring Into Easter at Kent Life, 5th - 21st April www.kentlife.org.uk/events
The Little Mermaid at The Hazlitt Theatre, 6th April www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/hazlitt-theatre
Comedy Club 4 Kids at The Trinity Theatre, 6th April www.trinitytheatre.net
Woman Like Me-The Little Mix Show at The Hazlitt Theatre, 9th April www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/hazlitt-theatre
Birdsong Walk at Bore Place, 13th April www.boreplace.org
Wilderness Survival for Adults (18+) – Embrace Your Wild Side, 19th – 20th April www.wildeyeadventures.com
Easter Sunday Storytelling Shows at Penshurst Place, 20th April www.penshurstplace.com
The Easter Rabbit Goes on Holiday at Penshurst Place, 21st April www.penshurstplace.com
Spring Foraging Walk at Bore Place, 26th April www.boreplace.org
Day Out with Thomas at The Spa Valley Railway, 26th April – 4th May (*Selected Dates) www.quaytickets.com/dayoutwiththomas
Please tell advertisers you heard about them through the www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent'Grapevine'
Easter Adventures at Chartwell & Emmetts Garden
at Chartwell and Emmetts Garden
5-21 April. £3.50 per trail, includes a dairy or Free From chocolate egg.
Go on an Easter Hive Hunt to learn about Chartwell’s honeybees.
Roll up for Edwardian circus-themed activities at Emmetts Garden.
This April, go on an Easter Adventure with the National Trust! There’s heaps of fun for all the family. Head to Chartwell for an Easter Hive Hunt and learn about honeybees. Make your way along the trail to take part in activities around the garden and discover how honey is made at Winston Churchill’s family home. Find out what the buzz is all about. Roll up, roll up for circus-themed activities at Emmetts Garden. In the Edwardian era when Emmetts Garden was the home of Frederic Lubbock and his family, the circus was a popular form of entertainment. This spring, Easter at Emmetts is inspired by the daring acts, clever animals and laughter under the big top. Come along to have a go Edwardian circus-themed activities set up in the meadow at Emmetts Garden.
At both Chartwell and Emmetts Garden, Easter trails take place from Saturday 5 April to Monday 21 April 2025, from 10am to 5pm with last entry at 4pm. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg which is suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies. (Whilst stocks last.) Normal admission or National Trust membership also applies. Under 5s can visit for free.
Once you’ve had your fill of chocolate eggs and activity trails, visit Quebec House for the Georgian Cooking Programme. Tempting scents fill the air as our volunteer cooks prepare 18th-century-style treats in the kitchen. Explore the childhood home of General James Wolfe then head over to the Coach House to taste the delicious bakes. The tasting event is free with normal admission or National Trust membership but remember to bring some spare change to make a donation in support of the ongoing care and conservation of Quebec House. Taking place from Saturday 19 April to Monday 21 April, from 11am to 3:30pm, visitors are advised to pre-book a timed-entry ticket to select a preferred date and time to tour the house.
Find out more and plan your visit on the National Trust websites: nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
