Summer 2010 Maidstone edition of Kent mama

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Kent

From pregnancy to 11 years MAIDSTONE NEWS

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ISS SUM UE 17 MER 2010

Maid sto editio ne n

Good Kent beach guide!

SUMMER HOLIDAY WHAT’S ON

Family tickets to Howletts an Port lympne d ut o y a d y l i Fam nd to legola Local News What’s On Maternity Parenting School Days ● ●

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Nothing is more rewarding than watching a child learning new skills, keeping fit and loving every minute of it! That’s why more and more parents are bringing their children along to our training sessions.

APPROVED FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM 2 YEARS TO 7TH BIRTHDAY.

N substitute

Call 01732 849694

www.littlekickers.co.uk

abarnard@littlekickers.co.uk

Classes in Kings Hill, Maidstone and Medway. Book now!

Kent mama is changing to…

Kent family

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family

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editor: lara slavin 01634 814364 sub-editor: Katharine lang 01634 306321 designer: Jackie Pugh 01634 849949 Printing: Headley Brothers Ashford, Kent

Kent

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Five years ago, while chatting with friends over coffee, babies crawling around our feet – we came up with the idea for a local magazine that shared the kind of information you pick up at playgroups, nurseries and the school gates. And so Kent mama was born.

MADE BY MUMS

PARK

As our own families have LIFE grown, so too has the magazine. Originally From pregn ancy started in Medway to 11 years we launched our Stay-at-hom Maidstone edition last e Me dads!! d year and now have edit way ion Local News What ’s On a print run of 35,000 Maternity Parenting Sc hoo l Days copies covering the whole of mid-Kent.

IS AUTU SUE 18 MN 201 0

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Get in touch

For information, advertising or editorial contact 01634 814364 info@kentmama.co.uk www.kentmama.co.uk

Kent Mama Magazine group

35,000 copies given to parents-to-be and families in medway, maidstone and mid-Kent.

Green mama cic, publisher of Kent mama, is an independent not-for-profit organisation. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of details in this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for such. Views expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily refl ect those of the editors and publishers. Articles and advertisements created by us are copyright of green mama cic and may not be reproduced without prior consent.

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Dads, grandparents, parents-to-be and those with grown-up children now read the magazine and as our readers have changed – we feel it’s time for us to change too. So look out for our new name and exciting new features in our Back to School issue.

out 28th september

Call 01634 814364 for advertising and editorial.

Join our family…

wa nte d

Maidstone correspondent

local knowledge is a vital ingredient in our magazine.

We are currently looking for a part-time maidstone correspondent to work with us in writing articles for local families and approaching potential advertisers. if you want to work from home during school term time, are interested in writing articles and have the confidence to approach local businesses call Lara on 01634 814364 or email lara@kentfamily.co.uk

to advertise call 01634 814364

3

Days Out

Kent Mama’s

Kent coastal festivals & events

GOOD BEACH

● Hythe Festival

2nd July to 11th July

● Whitstable oyster Festival

Guide

24th to 30th July

● Broadstairs Folk Week 6th to 13th august

● monster Bass Festival at ramsgate 14th and 15th august

● dippers and dunkers at margate 20th to 27th august

● Herne Bay Festival 21st to 29th august

● sandwich Festival Best for toddlers

by Sue Wade Minnis Bay is a beautiful sandy beach where the children can use their nets in the rock pools. It’s got a fantastic promenade and a little paddling pool.

Joss Bay is a sandy beach and fantastic for toddlers.

Our pre-school takes the children there every year and Broadstairs is a great place for a day out with the kids. Both beaches are great for swimming.

I also take mine to Leysdown on Sheppey because it’s close and clean and it has a lovely park and arcades. We have a great time there stuffing our faces with icecream; you get a real sense of holiday. None of these allow dogs in the summer months so they are very safe and clean.

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www.kentmama.co.uk

22nd to 30th august

Best by train Make the journey part of the adventure and travel by train.

Whitstable and the Thanet coast are all around an hourlong train ride from Medway, while Folkestone and Dover are within easy reach of the Maidstone line. Southeastern Trains have some great offers for families this summer.

Kids for a Quid allows up to four children between the age of 5 and 15 to travel off-peak for just £1 each with one full-paying adult.

Best For natUre

reculver and Folkestone. search rock pools and hunt for marine life at summer beach safaris organised

by Kent Wildlife trust, visit www.kentwildlifetrust .org.uk for dates.

deal beach

by Emma Shaw

Deal Castle is just behind the stony beach looking out over the channel so we tend to visit both together - picnic on the beach and park in the castle’s car park. The castle is smaller than nearby Dover but good for littler /less energetic folk and has loads of ‘secret’ passageways to explore. Family ticket to the castle is £11.30.

dog Friendly BeaCHes in Kent

sandgate, nr Folkestone

By Lara Slavin Quick drive down the M20, very clean sea and beach.

Sea shelves away quickly so it wouldn’t be suitable for toddlers, but if you have older kids who swim it’s great. Always quiet, even on the sunniest of bank holidays, easy parking and 200 yards

Whitstable. dumpton gap, Broadstairs.

Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs. sandgate, Folkestone end.

Fulsam rock, margate. eastcliff, ramsgate. greenham Bay, Birchington.

from the high street with restaurants, cafes, great fish and chip shop, toilets and pubs. Quiet enough for a beachside BBQ and only a short walk on the coastal path to nearby Folkestone and the Leas Coastal Park.

Kent’s Blue Flag Beaches 2010 This year, nine Kent beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag.

Botany Bay, Broadstairs

Joss Bay, Broadstairs

minnis Bay, Broadstairs

margate, main sands

ramsgate, main sands

st mildred’s Bay, Westgate

Camber Sands has always been a favourite of ours. The wide, long sandy beach provides countless hours of fun and if you don’t like crowded beaches, head East or West to find a quiet spot. Ideal for sandcastles, paddling, beach volleyball and even BBQs, it’s a beach that keeps all ages happy – even my teens come along when we head there and that’s a miracle! There are toilets in the carpark complete with a sink to wash off your sandy feet and buckets and spades, fish and chips and the usual beachside kiosks, cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for a bit more culture, head to nearby Rye for fish and chips or quality coffee and cakes and a bit of retail therapy in the quirky shops. If it’s raining, don’t worry about escaping the beach – just stick up the brolly and enjoy the adventure! Camber Sands may be just over the Kent and East Sussex border but it’s worth the drive.

stone Bay, Broadstairs

WestBrooK Bay, margate

West Bay, Westgate

to advertise call 01634 814364 5

Picture credit for Westbrook Bay: Valerie Cameron

Best for older kids by Shelley Whittaker

Children’s magician and entertainment in Medway, Kent and East London.

Private parties or schools.

INER TERTA0798 4021479 N E ’S N ne: ILDRE ● Ph o

CH om .uk az z.co bt internet .c agicb z@ z a b magic Magic shows, balloon modelling, kids disco, party games and plenty of fun and laughter w w w.m

A truly entertaining and magical show loved by children of all ages (3+)

Parties r e t it l G s l ir G

Hair, Make-up, Nails, Temporary Tattoos, Friendship Bangles, Craft Making, Dancing, Party Games, Prizes and much more.

Plus fantastic Pure Glitz party bags

Call Nina on 01634 408867 or Kate on 01634 233688

Children’s magic shows ◆ Close-up magic Balloon modelling ◆ Learn circus skills Birthday parties, schools, nurseries, youth groups and corporate events Call Chris on 01732 847808 or 07807 927637 www.christhemagician.co.uk

www.pure-glitz.co.uk

Renaissance Crafts

Paint Your Own Pottery

● Late night opening for adults ● Parties ● Large room for groups - Scouts, Guides, WI etc ● Baby footprints ● Make unique gifts

Pots of fun for everyone!

Open Monday to Friday 10am-5.30pm. Late night Thursdays.

Saturday 10am-5pm. (Other times by arrangement)

16 Starnes Court, Union Street, Maidstone.

01622 750467 www.renaissancecrafts.co.uk

Want to work with Jamie?

Be part of the Jamie at Home team.

Low start-up costs, free training and fantastic products.

Earn money towards holidays or Christmas.

Call elizabeth on 07770 888720 elizabeth.m@talktalk.net

Jamie at home to advertise call 01634 814364 7

What’s on this summer

From BUg HUnting to sCienCe roadsHoWs tHere’s Plenty For Kids to do tHis sUmmer, WHateVer tHe WeatHer. saturday 24th & sunday 25th July

archaeology in the Park, shorne Woods Country Park 10am–4pm. Weekend of Medieval reenactments and activities.

Saturday 24th July

Forest skills, Capstone Farm Country Park 10am–12noon, ages 8–13. Learn traditional forest crafts. £3 per child. Book in advance on 01634 338191.

Saturday 24th July Festival of archaeology, maidstone museum 10.30am and 1.30pm. See how pre-historic man

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thursday 5th august

saturday 7th & sunday 8th august

mini beast hunt, riverside Country Park 10am–12noon. Ages 5–12. £1. Book in advance on 01634 337432.

astrodome mobile Planetarium, strood library 12–1pm, 2–3pm, 4–5pm and 7–8pm.

Booking essential on 01634 335890.

Kite Festival, teston Bridge Country Park 11am–5pm.

Fly kites, make kites or just watch the professionals.

monday 2nd august

thursday 5th august

dinosaur week, maidstone museum Make glove claws, fossil footprints and pop-up dinosaurs.

Drop-in activities for under 12s throughout the week. 10.30am and 1.30pm. £2.

minibeast safari, shorne Woods Country Park 10am–12noon, 1pm–2pm. £1. Ages 5–12. Be a wildlife detective and find bugs. Book on 08458 247600.

Wednesday 11th august

thursday 5th august

thursday 5th august

made his tools and weapons.

tuesday 27th July

rainforest Workshop, lullingstone Country Park 11am–1pm, £7.50. Handle lizards, small reptiles, giant snails and millipedes.

Ages 4–11.

Book on 08458 247600.

www.kentmama.co.uk

monster and critter masks, riverside Country Park 10am–12noon and 2–4pm. Ages 5–12. £1. Book in advance on 01634 337432.

saturday 7th august

Jam in the Park, Brenchley gardens, maidstone 12noon–6pm.

Children’s Fun day, trosley Country Park 11am–3.30pm, £6.50.

Ages 3–11. Cowboy and Indian themed event. Face painting, make a headdress and decorate totem poles. Book on 08458 247600.

Win

Kent mama competitions

thursday 12th august

Pond dipping, Haysden Country Park, tonbridge 10am–12pm. £1 per child. Ages 5–12. Book on 01622 683695.

to Maidstone.

Booking essesntial on 01622 752344. Part of Space Hop themed events.

Wednesday 18th august

thursday 26th august

Wildlife photography workshop, teston Bridge Country Park 2pm–6pm. Suitable for all the family. Book on 01622 683695.

saturday 21st and sunday 22nd august

Festival of Wildlife, sevenoaks 10am–4pm. Last year more than 2,000 people attended Kent Wildlife Trust’s family event featuring live music, activities, and ‘best of Kent’ stands. Visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org. uk for details.

thursday 26th august

travelling science roadshow, maidstone Children's library 10am.

Professor Mark Brake and Science Rapper, John Chase bring their roadshow

Forest crafts for children, shorne Woods Country Park 10am–12.30pm.

Ages 5–12 years. £5.

Make traditional forest crafts such as a whistle, jewellery and a mallet. Book on 08458 247600.

Friday 27th august

theatrical guided walk, White Horse Wood, detling 2pm–5pm. All ages.

Watch characters come to life and tell you about their lives on the Kent Downs.

Book on 01622 683695.

saturday 28th august

european bat night, Cobtree manor Country Park, maidstone 6.30pm–10.30pm.

Ages 5-10. Learn about bats, make your own lanterns and play bat games.

Small charge to cover crafts. Book on 01622 683695.

Y A FAMIL O TICKET T

S HOWLETT A FAMILY TICKET TO

PORT LYMPNE Experience the wild at Kent’s best animal parks.

For two chances to win a family of four ticket to either Howletts or Port Lympne email winwild@kentmama. co.uk or post your entry to the address below.

2 Family tickets to legoland Windsor Enjoy a fun packed day out at LEGOLAND Windsor including their brand new pirate themed action show and The Jolly Rocker swinging galleon. For two chances to win a family ticket worth up to £152 email winlego@ kentmama.co.uk to enter: Email your name, address and telephone number to: winlego@kentmama.co.uk and/or winwild@kentmama.co.uk Or post your entry to: Kent Mama Magazine, 91 Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1RL Or enter online at www.kentmama.co.uk Winners will receive one set of four tickets which can be used for either adults or children. LEGOLAND tickets valid until 7th November 2010. One entry per person, per competition. Open to Kent residents only. Closing date 23rd July 2010. Winners will be contacted within 7 days of closing date. Full terms and conditions on www.kentmama.co.uk.

Holiday&&revision revision programmes programmes Holiday Handwriting courses Handwriting courses Oneto toone one(subject (subject to to availability) availability) One

Educational advicE, assEssmEnts & tuition Family Family 87 est 19 87

tsi19 ness Bu Full 11+ preparation. 98% successes rate Business over many years.

Over 300 students helped 73a Maidstone Road, Rochester 73a Road (Union St.side) Rochester towards grammar school each year. ME1 1RL 73aMaidstone Maidstone Road, Rochester Please contact Mrs Clemens

Please contactand Mrs Clemens Years 3,4,5,6 English Maths Very small group classes

016343 -814420 814420 Yr 11 01634

for Yr ●Classes Core skills

& Weekends ●Evenings Confidence building

All public exams: SATs, 11+(Kent & Handwriting GCSE, Common Entrance 14/12/08 23:18:21 RTC AD 2.indd 14/12/08 11+1and Specifi c Performance Programme for 23:18:21 Scholarships YearHoliday 5 pupils&-revision Kent andprogrammes Medway tests Handwriting courses ● Lessons in English, Maths, VR, NVR One to one (subject to availability) ● Exam practice ● Assessment, skills analysis and score forecast Family ● Summer holiday and revision classes est 1987 Business ● Advice and guidance ● Maidstone Very highRoad, success rate 73a Rochester ●

RTC AD 2.indd Medway), 1

Please contact Mrs Clemens

01634 814420

Classes at Priestfields, Rochester.

Weekday sessions at: 6.30am, 9.30am & 7pm and Saturdays at 10am

www.rochester-tuition-centre.co.uk

Call Pip on 07981 225799

Blue Whale Swimming School

RTC AD 2.indd 1

(est 1995) Family run ● ASA qualifi ed teachers ● Max 8 per class ● For non-swimmers to pre-competitive ● Classes every day of the week ●

Summer Crash Courses Oaklands Junior, Walderslade, 26-30 July, 2-6 & 9-13 August 2010.

Woodgrove Primary School, Sittingbourne, 26-30 July 2010.

Book now for Summer Courses and September 2010 Parent & child lessons starting September 2010

tel: garry or nicola on 01622 741949 www.bluewhaleswimschool.co.uk 10

www.kentmama.co.uk

14/12/08 23:18:21

Maidstone news

and incentives along the way to encourage them.

After completing the challenge children receive a certificate and medal.

Special Event: Blast off with books!

This year’s summer library reading challenge will have space and cosmic travel as its theme.

The scheme will be blasting off in libraries in Maidstone and throughout Kent from 17th July.

Aimed at children aged 4-12 years, readers will receive a membership card and poster when joining the scheme.

Over the summer they will be encouraged to read six books, with stickers

Professor Mark Brake and Science Rapper, John Chase, will bring their Travelling Science Roadshow to Maidstone Children’s Library at 10am on Thursday 26th August. Book this free event in advance on 01622 752344.

the sound of music Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone Town Centre, will be swinging to the sounds of pop, jazz, folk, samba and more. Maidstone Council’s annual big band season takes place every Sunday throughout July and August. For more details visit www. maidstonearts.com

● roman week 26th to 31st July ● dinosaur week 2nd to 6th August ● WW2 week 9th to 13th August ● natural history week 16th to 20th August

a week at the museum Maidstone museum has a packed programme of events to keep the kids busy whatever the weather this summer. They will be running a series of themed weeks with activities, arts and crafts and story times.

Craft activities are aimed at children aged under 12 years. They take place between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm, run on a drop-in basis and cost £2 per child.

But on Free Friday’s they are offering a no-cost activity where children can make or do something for free.

● egyptian week 23rd to 27th August

For more information about these events and more visit www. museum.maidstone. gov.uk

to advertise call 01634 814364

11

Genesis Hypnotherapy Your life, your way

From bump to birth and beyond. ●

Natural pain control for a better birth experience. ●

Lose your fears and feel confident in your own abilities. ●

Call Paula for a confidential chat on 01732 875346 or 07944 942260

www.genesis-hypnotherapy.com

Get in shape after having a baby!

“No need to worry about childcare... bring baby with you!”

Weekday Locations: The Strand, Riverside Country Park, Jeskyns Country Park (off A2 near Shorne) and Rochester Castle Gardens.

Helping to ease many conditions including: Sickness & nausea Back pain & sciatica Overdue baby Stress & anxiety Blood pressure fluctuations Digestive disorders Sleep disorders Postnatal problems

... and more Call Georgina Strickland MAR 01634 313158 / 07870 409681 www.lifespanreflexology.co.uk 12

www.kentmama.co.uk

Contact Michelle on 07766 012584 to book. www.buggyfit.co.uk facebook: BuggyFit Medway and Gravesham

Baby Signing the FUN way!! 

ASK ABOUT OUR SUMMER DROP-INS

 This unique programme combines the benefits of both music  and baby signing to stimulate your baby’s speech and language  development. Hearing babies from as young as 7 months are using gestures to communicate BEFORE their first words.

For more information on our multi-award winning classes in  Medway and Maidstone contact Lorraine on 

07954 439579 lorrainemurray@singandsign.co.uk

Maidstone baby & toddler talk Be sun safe

Flying start

Mums and dads swop shop Gravesend mum of four Clare Knowles found herself with too much clutter and not enough time to sell it. So she set up a Facebook group amongst friends. Within hours pictures were posted and word spread.

The group now has nearly 3,000 local members and she runs swopping events for mums and dads at community halls in Medway, Gravesend and

Swanscombe.

Says Clare: “The events are a great way to meet other parents, sell or swap unwanted items or pick up something you really need”. She is currently looking for halls in the Maidstone area and local parents to help her run events here. For details of upcoming events join the Kent mums and dads swop shop group on Facebook or visit www.madcafe.co.uk

summer signing drop-ins

Sing and Sign are running summer drop in classes in Penenden Heath (6th and 13th August) and Kings Hill (2nd and 9th August).

Suitable for babies from 7 months to 2 years. £3 per family.

Contact Lorraine on 07954 439579.

Famed for its long history and beautiful buildings and grounds – King’s School, Rochester has invested in a new purpose-built Nursery due to open in September 2010.

Offering flexible sessions the new nursery will have extensive facilities for children aged 3 and 4 years old. Contact 01634 888566 or visit www.kings-schoolrochester.co.uk

Local business Jessies Little Angels has a range of items to keep your little ones safe in the sun this summer. From the excellent Banz sunglasses (£14.99) to this Baby Warmer Wetsuit (£18.99) she sells online via www. jessieslittleangels and offers free local pick-up from her Medway base.

Spot the Dog is 30!

Celebrate Spot the Dog’s 30th Birthday at Maidstone Library on Thursday 12th August, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2-4pm.

There will be stories

and crafts and children will have the chance to read stories to real dogs!

Booking essential, call the library on 01622 752344.

to advertise call 01634 814364

13

01795 471412 / 07950 736617

d.colley@socatots.com

www.socatots.com

BABY & ME Baby Massage Classes Communicate with your baby through touch. ❊ Come along and meet other mums at this wonderful baby group whilst learning all the benefits of Baby Massage. ❊ Classes are held weekly in Rochester, Maidstone and Ashford and taught by a fully qualified infant massage instructor. ❊ For all babies aged from 6 weeks - 10months 5 week course £42.

01233 756003/ 07961401388 www.therapiesandme.co.uk 14

www.kentmama.co.uk

Big Toys On the Beach and more...

Surrounding your angel in love with convenience and safety in mind

0800 8620628

f

Classes in Medway, Maidstone and Sittingbourne. Walkers to age 5.

Feeding Time

Medway based - free local pick-up

www.jessieslittleangels.co.uk

of

As well as being fantastic fun!

Bedtime

M co d a e m a

Improve your child’s: ● Football skills ● Co-ordination ● Balance ● Social skills ● Self confidence

Nursery Furniture Child Safety

10 %

The world’s first pre-school football programme.

Making Movement Matter!

2 to 4 year olds Classes in: Creative maidstone,Kings Hill, Physical Fun Walderslade, STROOD and St Mary’s Island. Certificates Parties Call Lisa Jarrett on Nursery 01634 682181 Classes www.lisajarrett@dinkydancers.com Free trial There’s nothing quite like Dinky Dancers

to advertise call 01634 814364

15

Moment s

tiny

photography

Maternity And Baby Fine Art Photo Sessions Taken In Your Own Home.

Female photographer, relaxed sessions with no time limits. Lighting and props are brought to your home. I have been specialising in ONLY maternity and baby sessions since 2002 (one of the first in England), blemishes / stretch-marks can be airbrushed if required. Session disc available to purchase.

Special offer for Kent Mama readers: Two additional 8 x10 prints FREE with every session. Please mention this advert when booking.

Telephone Karen on 07860 754317 or visit www.tinymoments.co.uk for prices and info.