What's on spring 2017

April to June 2017

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Festivals & events

Share in the wonderful array of events that are on around Medway.

enjoymedway.co.uk

The English Festival Sat, 22 Apr, 11am-5pm Riverside Country Park will transform into a Heritage Zone, Countryside Zone and Village Square for the annual festival. It’s a funpacked free day out for the whole family celebrating St George’s day and the most iconic and ironic English traditions. medway.gov.uk/englishfestival Riverside Country Park

Rochester Sweeps Festival Sat, 29, Sun, 30 Apr and Mon, 1 May A weekend not to be missed.

A colourful mix of music, dancing and entertainment with more than 60 Morris sides and five outdoor folk stages celebrating throughout the three-day festival. Come along to Splat!

- the Sweeps Big Picnic on Monday. medway.gov.uk/sweepsfestival Rochester

Rochester Dickens Festival Fri, 9 to Sun, 11 Jun Welcome to a weekend of colourful celebration, enlightening entertainment and Dickensian discovery, as we honour one of England’s greatest writers. From costumed parades and street acts to readings and a fair, Rochester's streets and green spaces will be awash with entertainment. medway.gov.uk/dickensfestival Rochester

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Sat, 10 and Sun, 11 Jun, 10am-5pm Step back in time to 1667 with living history events and activities telling the story of the Dutch Raid, plus a reenactment of the historic battle. medway.gov.uk/BoM Upnor Castle

Festivals & events

The Dutch are coming!

Battle of Medway opening

medway.gov.uk/BoM Upnor Castle

Medway in Flames Sat, 17 Jun An amazing one-off show over the River Medway, with Upnor Castle as a backdrop with fireworks and pyrotechnics to tell the story. There will be entertainment and activities for all the family from 2pm, leading up to the late evening spectacular.

enjoymedway.co.uk

Thu, 8 Jun This permanent exhibition is part of Upnor Castle’s interpretation of the battle, illustrating events that took place in and around the castle.

medway.gov.uk/BoM Chatham

Armed Forces Day Sat, 24 Jun, 11am-5pm Come along and support our service men and women during this celebration of all they do.

Great Lines Heritage Park

Wed, 12 to Sat, 15 Jul

Castle Concerts 2017 The much-loved four-day music extravaganza that is the Castle Concerts, is truly is one of a kind.

Book your tickets from 29 March www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk 01634 338338 Rochester Castle Gardens

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Theatres

The Central and The Brook Theatres provide an exciting programme of performances this season. //thecentralandbrooktheatres thecentralandbrooktheatres

Sat, 1 Apr, 3pm and 7pm and Sun, 2 Apr, 1pm and 5pm Enchanted Entertainment presents:

01634 338338

medwayticketslive.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz Starring Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey as Dorothy and Toto and comedy legend Bobby Davro as scarecrow. A magical adventure suitable for all ages.

Tickets: Band A - £19, Band B - £17, group offers and concessions available The Central Theatre

Sat, 1 Apr, 7.30pm

Pollyanna Square Pegs is glad to present an original and musical adaptation of Pollyanna, a heart-warming story about finding the good in everything and everyone.

Tickets: £8 The Brook Theatre

Sun, 2 Apr, 7.30pm Slaughterhouse production presents:

Feast of Fiddles This group of musical friends take to the road again to entertain their growing legion of fans with a show of huge dynamic range, passionate and joyful playing and a liberal dose of fun.

Tickets: £18 The Brook Theatre

Thu, 6 and Fri, 7 Apr, 7.30pm and Sat, 8 Apr, 2.30 and 7.30pm A Youth Theatre production by Rare Productions

Peter Pan Sir James Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who never grew up is reborn as a spectacular musical by Stiles & Drewe and the late Willis Hall.

Tickets: £15, concessions available The Central Theatre

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Theatre Loyalty Scheme member discount

Take comfort in booking your tickets without paying those extra fees.

Theatres

R KING O NO BOO ION FEES ACT TRANS

Thu, 6, Fri, 7 Apr, 7.30pm, Sat, 8 Apr, 2.30 and 7.30pm and Sun, 9 Apr, 2.30pm Three Towns Theatre Company presents:

Once Upon a Neverland Captain Hook thinks that his story is the best story ever, but when he finds out that children prefer princesses and heroes he decides a change is needed.

Tickets: £9 The Brook Theatre

The Sooty Show Izzy wizzy let’s get busy. TV’s Sooty and friends are back with guaranteed giggles for all the family – plus a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show in the foyer.

Tue, 18 Apr, 2.30pm Afternoon Film Treat presents:

Roman Holiday (1953) In this classic romantic comedy, a sheltered princess escapes her guardians while visiting Rome and falls in love with an American reporter. Refreshments available from 1.30pm.

Tickets: £5.50 on the door, £5 in advance, £4.50 by booking three films or more.

The Central Theatre

01634 338338

Afternoon film treat

Tickets: Band A - £12, children - £10, Band B - £10, concessions available, family of four - £38 The Central Theatre

medwayticketslive.co.uk

Sun, 9 Apr, 11am and 2.30pm

Wed, 19 Apr, 8pm Paint The Town Festival presents:

My Beautiful Black Dog: A Musical about Depression Performed and written by Brigitte Aphrodite. This is a poetically wild musical exploring the difficult and beauteous complexity of our fragile minds. Depression is at its heart, but it’s not depressing – it’s joyous, funny and hopeful. www.paintthetownfestival.co.uk Tickets: £12.50, concessions available The Brook Theatre (14+) Community hire

Professional hire

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Theatres

Fri, 21 Apr, 7.30pm Paint The Town Festival presents:

Bucket List by Theatre AD Infinitum When her mother is murdered for protesting corporate and governmental corruption, Milagros finds herself with only a bloodstained list of those responsible. Determined to make them pay, Milagros embarks on a passionate quest for justice, no matter the cost. www.paintthetownfestival.co.uk Tickets: £12.50, concessions available The Brook Theatre (14+)

Sat, 22 Apr, 7.30pm

Soul Legends medwayticketslive.co.uk

Direct from the USA... it’s the music of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, Sam & Dave and more. Amazing performers, choreography and costumes authentically revive Respect, Soul Man, Ain’t Nobody, Knock On Wood, Midnight Hour, Proud Mary, You’re My First My Last My Everything plus more in this feel-good show of the year.

Tickets: Band A - £24, Band B - £22, buy nine get one free The Central Theatre

Sun, 23, Sat, 29, Sun 30, Apr, Sat, 6 and Sun 7, May, from 9am

Medway Stage Festival

01634 338338

Young stage stars of the future from Medway and the south east converge on the Brook Theatre for the Medway Stage Festival. Classes are diverse and range from ballet to modern, tap to song and dance with competitors from four to 20 years of age taking part.

Tickets: £5.50, concessions and five day tickets available The Brook Theatre

Tue, 25 Apr, and Wed, 5 Jul, 8pm

Russell Brand: Re:Birth Following a series of sold-out preview shows, Russell Brand has announced a new stand-up tour, Re:Birth. The Central Theatre can’t wait to have him. The Telegraph is calling it “one of the most impressive sights of the comedy year”.

Tickets: £27.50 The Central Theatre (16+)

For hire

The Central and The Brook Theatres both offer performance and rehearsal space and conference and meeting rooms for hire. For more information phone: 01634 338300 or email: theatres@medway.gov.uk

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Theatre Loyalty Scheme member discount

The Johnny Cash Roadshow Featuring respected singer/songwriter Clive John, this show is bigger than ever. Introducing the Carter Sisters and brass section the JC Horns, accompanied by emotive screen visuals.

This is simply the best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world.

Theatres

Sat, 29 Apr, 7.30pm

Tickets: Band A - £20, Band B - £18 The Central Theatre

Fri, 5 May, 7.30pm

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Tickets: Band A - £20, Band B - £18 The Central Theatre

Fri, 5 May, 7pm

Young Musician Awards 2017 The Rotary Medway Young Musicians Awards is produced by the Rotary Clubs of Medway. The opportunity is given to the best young musical talent in Medway to perform a recital programme for the public under concert conditions.

Tickets: £8, £4 for students The Brook Theatre

medwayticketslive.co.uk

Using huge projection photos, original film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, and Homeward Bound. The Simon & Garfunkel Story is sure to be a brilliant night.

Sat, 6 May, 7.30pm After getting into trouble for sneaking into places he shouldn’t be, Lee Nelson is back where he definitely should be: live on stage with his brand-new, laugh-out-loud, best ever stand-up show.

Tickets: £20 The Central Theatre

01634 338338

Lee Nelson: Serious Joker

Sun, 7 May, 7.30pm

Pasha Kovalev: Let’s Dance The Night Away Pasha Kovalev from Strictly Come Dancing and his fantastic dancers are back, bringing you all your favourite dances, stunning costumes, great music and fun for all the family.

Tickets: Band A - £24, Band B - £23. Meet and greet package available The Central Theatre

R KING O NO BOO ION FEES ACT TRANS

Take comfort in booking your tickets without paying those extra fees.

Community hire

Professional hire

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Theatres

Wed, 10 May, 2pm Middledock Productions presents:

Come Down Memory Lane: visits Workers Playtime Come and join your favourite 1940’s radio show and sing along to all those well known tunes from yesteryear. Price includes tea and cake.

Tickets: £7 The Brook Theatre

Fri, 12 May, 7.30pm

Totally Tina

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The show re-creates the spectacle and energy of Tina Turner’s live shows with a live band, stunning dancers and an incredible impersonation of the queen of rock and soul. With her huge solo hits like Simply The Best and What’s Love Got To Do With It. Tickets: Band A - £20, Band B - £18.50, concessions available The Central Theatre

Sat, 13 May, 7.30pm

City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra Saint-Saens’s magnificent Organ Symphony, performed on an instrument supplied by local organ specialist Douglas HennMacrae, will be a highlight of the CRSO’s season. We are also thrilled to welcome another renowned musician from Kent, guitarist Andrew Keeping, to perform Rodrigo’s ever-popular Concierto de Aranjuez.

Tickets: Band A - £17, Band B - £13, concessions available

Afternoon film treat

01634 338338

The Central Theatre

Tue, 16 May, 2.30pm Afternoon Film Treat presents:

McCabe & Mrs Miller (1971) An itinerant stranger becomes the business partner of a local woman in an Old West mining town. Their business flourishes until a large corporation arrives.

Refreshments available from 1.30pm.

Tickets: £5.50 on the door, £5 in advance, £4.50 by booking three films or more.

The Central Theatre

Thu, 18 May, 7.30pm

That’ll Be The Day A new line-up of sensational classic gold hits, spanning the 50’s right through to the 80’s. Complete with stunning costumes and incredible live music performances, we guarantee you’ll be on your feet and dancing in the aisles before the night is over.

Tickets: Band A - £25, Band B - £23.50 The Central Theatre

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Theatre Loyalty Scheme member discount

Dancing Queen: The Concert Prepare for an action packed party show featuring all the greatest smash hits from Abba, Grease and the 70’s. Featuring Abba classics Dancing Queen, Waterloo, and Mamma Mia, along with 70’s hits Grease Lightning, You’re The One That I Want, Car Wash, YMCA, and Boogie Nights.

Theatres

Fri, 19 May, 7.30pm

Tickets: Band A - £22.50, Band B - £20.50

The Central Theatre Wed, 24 May, 8pm Off the Kerb presents:

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Sean Lock - Keep It Light Tickets: £23 The Central Theatre (15+)

Thu, 25 May, 7.30pm

Some Guys Have All The Luck The Rod Stewart Story Paul Metcalfe delivers an authentic and charismatic performance assuming the persona of this legendary singersongwriter. From the distinctive vocals to the swaggering showmanship and sheer fun that have made Rod Stewart one of the most loved performers of all time.

medwayticketslive.co.uk

Every three years the comedian Sean Lock writes and tours a new stand-up show. Well he’s only gone and done it again.

Tickets: Band A - £20.50, Band B - £18.50, group offers and concessions available

Sat, 27 and Sun, 28 May, 6pm

The Fairest of Them All (AACTS) The musical theatre students from AACTS perform in a brand new, original and exclusive pantomime. The all singing, all dancing production is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

01634 338338

The Central Theatre

Tickets: £12, concessions available The Brook Theatre

Fri, 2 and Sat, 3 Jun, 7.30pm Footsies Dance Centre presents:

Something Old and Something New The 25th Anniversary show promises to bring back memories and make new ones. A magnificent showcase of talented dancers aged 2 to adult. Dazzling costumes, snappy footwork and electric rhythms, there is something for everyone.

Tickets: £12.50 concessions available The Brook Theatre Community hire

Professional hire

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Theatres

Sat, 10 Jun, 7.30pm

The Sensational 60’s Experience Returning by huge popular demand, for one night only, nonstop 60’s nostalgia. Seven legendary names take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten. With the definite feel good factor, this is the must see 60’s show of 2017.

Tickets: Band A - £28.50, Band B - £27.00 The Central Theatre

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Sun, 11 Jun, 11.30am and 2.30pm Blunderbus Theatre Company presents: atare for The

medwayticketslive.co.uk

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

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This fabulous feel-good show features music, songs, handcrafted puppets and Biff, the ballet-dancing dog. This new story for ages 3+ tells the tale of a small dog with big dreams.

Tickets: £7, under 16 £5.50, four tickets £22 The Brook Theatre

Wed, 14 to Sat, 17 Jun, 7.30pm Kentish Players presents:

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Musical Two con men, a beautiful woman and the elite of the French Riviera collide in this sexy, hysterical comedy. Featuring a delightfully jazzy score, the Kentish Players promise highjinks, sophisticated suave with a good dash of mischief.

Tickets: Wed and Thu: £14.50, concessions available; Fri and Sat: £16.50, concessions available

01634 338338

The Central Theatre

Sat, 17 Jun, 7.30pm

The Opera Boys in Concert Leading men from London’s West End combine in a powerhouse of vocal harmony to deliver a stunning blend of music, ranging from opera to pop, and everything in between.

Tickets: £19.50 The Brook Theatre

Sun, 18, 2.30 and 6pm Rochester School of Dance presents:

A Decade of Dance A showcase for all students from 2½ to 18 years and an exciting array of various styles of dance including ballet, modern and tap. Rochester School of Dance are a local, independent dance school and their lessons follow the prestigious ISTD syllabus.

Tickets: £9.50, concessions available The Brook Theatre

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Theatre Loyalty Scheme member discount

Afternoon film treat

Bullitt (1968) After a witness in his protection is killed, a San Francisco cop is determined to find the man responsible.

Refreshments available in the Sandwich Cellar from 1.30pm.

Theatres

Tue, 20 Jun, 2.30pm Afternoon Film Treat presents:

Tickets: £5 in advance, £5.50 on the door, £4.50 by booking three films or more The Central Theatre

Thu, 22 Jun, 7.30pm

Let’s Hang On: the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Tickets: Band A - £23.50, Band B - £21.50 The Central Theatre

Fri, 23 and Sat, 24 Jun, 7.30pm Lana Lambert School of Dance presents:

Step it up Prepare to be dazzled as the students entertain you with fancy footwork with great music from popular shows and movies and other great tunes that will make you want to get up and dance.

medwayticketslive.co.uk

Take a step back in time with an anthology of classic hits including Grease, December 1963, Oh What a Night!, Sherry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin and many more.

Tickets: £12, concessions available The Brook Theatre

The Illegal Eagles This seasoned group of talented musicians are true Eagles fans at heart. Their impressive mastery of the Eagles distinctive sound has made them one of the most sought after shows of their kind in the world.

01634 338338

Sat, 24 Jun, 7.30pm

Tickets: Band A - £25, Band B - £23 The Central Theatre

Sun, 25 Jun, 4pm Dream Academy presents:

Fantastic Films A show for all the family where you can support your local community. They pride themselves on being an inclusive school for 3 to 15-year-olds and do their best to accommodate pupils with a variety of disabilities and special educational needs.

Tickets: £8, concessions available The Brook Theatre Community hire

Professional hire

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Theatres

Tue, 4 Jul, 2pm

Music & Memories Neil Sands and his wonderful West End cast are back with a brand new production for 2017.

Tickets: Band A - ÂŁ12.50, Band B - ÂŁ10.50; concessions available for seniors The Central Theatre

Sat, 8 Jul, 2pm

01634 338338

medwayticketslive.co.uk

The Scarecrows’ Wedding This truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s new bestselling book is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style (Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales, Pirate Gran) and promises wit, drama and wedding bells.

Tickets: Band A - ÂŁ12.50, Band B - ÂŁ11.00, concessions available for children. Family of four ticket ÂŁ42 The Central Theatre

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# ) ) ") &%&() * #$(& *(% & * Join the Theatres’ Loyalty Scheme and start saving straight away For £10 a year you will get a discount on the adult price for shows marked with this symbol.

Once you have booked three events through the theatres’ box office during the course of any 12-month period, you will automatically qualify for two free tickets for the pantomime at The Central Theatre. For further details, please contact the box office: 01634 338338, email: boxoffice@medway.gov.uk or visit: www.medwayticketslive.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.

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Theatre Loyalty Scheme member discount

to avoid disappoint ment

Now booking for 2017 Dancing 9 to 5 (Claire Buckley School of Dancing)

1 & 2 Jul

Brook Theatre

Russell Brand

5 Jul

Central Theatre

The Shakespeare Revue

7 Jul

Brook Theatre

In The Mood 4 New Beginnings

12 Jul

Brook Theatre

14 Jul

Central Theatre

The Big Top (G & A Dance Academy)

15 Jul

Central Theatre

Afternoon Film Treat: Thoroughly Modern Millie

18 Jul

Central Theatre

Lonnie Donegan Jnr - 60th Anniversary Rock Island Line

9 Sep

Brook Theatre

Heather Small

10 Sep

Central Theatre

Afternoon Film Treat: In The Heat of the Night

19 Sep

Central Theatre

Hello Neil Dimond

23 Sep

Central Theatre

Cabaret of Curiosities - Variety Night

29 Sep

Brook Theatre

Afternoon Film: The Smallest Show on Earth

17 Oct

Central Theatre

22 Oct

Central Theatre

Whitney Queen of the Night

28 Oct

Central Theatre

The Ladyboys of Bangkok: Theatre Tour 2017

30 Oct

Central Theatre

Dirty Dusting

31 Oct

Central Theatre

Jackson Live in Concert

10 Nov

Central Theatre

Foster & Allen

16 Nov

Brook Theatre

The King Is Back: Ben Portsmouth is Elvis

15 Nov

Central Theatre

The Nutcracker performed by the Russian National Ballet

17 Nov

Central Theatre

Cabaret of Curiosities - Burlesque Special

17 Nov

Brook Theatre

Bye Bye Baby - The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

18 Nov

Central Theatre

Afternoon Film Treat: Lord of the Flies

21 Nov

Central Theatre

Theatre information More details at: medwayticketslive.co.uk

01634 338338

Jasper Carrott

medwayticketslive.co.uk

A Take From The Movies (Buxton Dance & Drama Studios)

Theatres

Book early

The Brook Theatre: Old Town Hall, Chatham, Kent ME4 4SE The Central Theatre: 170 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4AS (ME4 4RG for sat navs) • The box office is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm or until 15 minutes after curtain up on performance nights. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain up.

• Tickets must be paid for in person, by phone, credit card or by post within three days of reservation or 30 minutes before curtain up (whichever is the earliest) • Tickets should be considered non-exchangeable and nonrefundable and we advise customers to check their tickets upon receipt.

• The Central and Brook Theatre reserve the right to introduce, remove or alter special offers and discounts without notice.

Discounts will not be applied retrospectively.

Community hire

• If you are disabled and require assistance to visit the theatres, become a member of the Assisted Access Scheme and buy an additional ticket for your assistant at half price.

• Wheelchair access and spaces are available at both theatres. Please advise staff of your requirements when booking. Access at The Brook Theatre is by the electronic platform on the front steps or via the ramped entrance at Whiffens Avenue. Access to the Central Theatre is by the front entrance, via a platform, or by the side entrance by the Blue Badge holder car park.

• Management reserves the right to refuse admission.

Professional hire

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Arts

There’s a mix of drama, dance, exhibitions, children’s workshops, community projects and more for you to see and take part in. = Advance booking essential

Workshops, projects and events Mon, 1 May, 11am-4pm

enjoymedway.co.uk

Splat! – the Sweeps Big Picnic A new event during Rochester Sweeps Festival - family craft workshops, children’s shows and roaming performers. A mixture of free and affordable fun. Just turn up and join in.

Highlights include: • The Fairyland Trust – learn about native trees, their folklore and natural history and how to identify them before making your own magic wand.

• Flying the Nest – Handmade Theatre present an eggciting place to learn all about native birds and how to be a good birder. Filled with a fantastic mix of puppetry, facts and fun. This humorous show brings to life native bird characters in a new and engaging way.

• Meet the Meadow Sprites as they flit around or have a chat with the

Medway Dance Network We aim to make dance more prominent in Medway by bringing people together with a dance interest to share, explore and raise awareness of opportunities. Anyone with a link to dance, including those working in collaborative arts, voluntary arts and venues with a suitable dance space are welcome.

mischievous garden fairies nestled within giant topiary bushes.

• Create a May Day garland or screen print flags and tote bags.

Rochester Castle Moat

Mon, 3 Jul, 1-3pm Medway Adult Education, Rochester

Thu, 12 Oct, 10am-12noon Dance Alley, Chatham

For more information contact the Arts Team on: 01634 338319 / arts@medway.gov.uk

Thu, 6 Apr, 3-5pm Rochester Dance Junction

Join the Arts Development Team’s mailing list 01634 338319 or arts@medway.gov.uk

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Medway Print Festival 2017

Various venues throughout Medway

Legacy - A community arts project See page 21 for more details.

enjoymedway.co.uk

The second annual celebration of all things print promises an exciting array of workshops, activities, talks and exhibitions.

Try your hand at techniques like screen printing, gelli printing, linocut, collograph, etching, intaglio and relief printing at fun drop-in workshops for children and adult courses. You can also buy affordable prints direct from the makers.

Participants include Medway Fine Printmakers at INTRA, The Guildhall Museum, The Old Brook Pumping Station, Hazelnut Press, Nucleus Arts and Rochester Art Gallery.

Funded by Medway Council and supported

by local creative venues. Pick up a free MPF17 booklet, visit medwayprintfestival.co.uk or contact the Arts Team 01634 338319 for more details.

Arts

Fri, 9 to Sun, 25, Jun

Thu, 20, Fri, 21 Apr, 2, 4.15 and 7pm, Sat, 22 Apr, 10am, 12.15 and 4pm

Reassembled, Slightly Askew An exciting new arts and theatre festival in venues and hidden spaces across Medway.

For children and families Thu, 20 to Sat, 22 Apr 10, 11.15am and 1.45pm

Neverland This new show for 1-3-year-olds discovers a magical world to explore and play in, with original music and magical performances.

Medway Adult Education, Rochester

For teens and adults

An interactive, audio-based installation that immerses the audience in the writer’s near-death experience. A story of terror, humour, but above all, hope.

Sunlight Centre, Gillingham

Fri, 21 Apr, 7.30pm

Bucket List The story of one Mexican woman’s fight for justice.

For more information see page 6 The Brook Theatre

Wed, 19 Apr, 8pm

Produced by Lyrici Arts in partnership with Battersea Arts Centre.

My Beautiful Black Dog

www.paintthetownfestival.co.uk

A poetically wild musical about depression.

For more information see page 5 The Brook Theatre

PaintTheTownFestival @PTT_Festival

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Arts

Rochester Art Gallery and Craft Case

Xtina Lamb

Wendy Daws

enjoymedway.co.uk

Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1 LX

13 Mar to 21 May

2 Jun to 26 Aug

Enbosu

Of Fireships & Iron

New prints by Wendy Daws Enbosu (to emboss in Japanese) explores notions of memory and interpretation through touch.

This new collection of tactile, embossed paper works uses Japanese woodblock printing and low relief casting techniques to visually represent different eye conditions.

Wendy is known for her inspiring and creative work with blind, partially sighted and older people. The Craft Case features work by printmaker Laura Boswell. Exhibition interpretation is available in Braille and large print texts. Visit Wendy inside the gallery during her creative residency from Fri, 3 Mar.

New works by Lily Dudley, Laura Dunnage, Heather Haythornthwaite, Xtina Lamb and Adam Newton.

Winners of the Medway Council Arts Development Printmakers Bursary.

Five Medway based artists, all pushing the boundaries of contemporary printmaking will be showing new work as part of the 350 year commemorations of the Battle of Medway and Medway Print Festival 2017. This work will be displayed in Rochester Art Gallery and Rochester Cathedral. The artists have drawn inspiration from the Guildhall Museum’s collection of 18th century Dutch prints (see p24), to create responses in a range of printed forms.

The artists have been challenged to experiment with printing techniques. Visitors will experience sculptural pieces and installations using historic found objects, printed ceramics, hybrid images on sailcloth, tactile surfaces, printing on and with iron, some incorporating the original archival images.

Meet the artists at the opening reception on Thu, 1 Jun 6.30-8.30pm, free, all welcome.

Sat, 6 May, 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.303.30pm

Family 3D making workshop Join artist Wendy Daws for a free workshop inspired by her exhibition accompanied by artist Christopher Sacre. This will be BSL assisted. Please book places in advance.

Suitable for adults and accompanied children ages seven years-plus.

Join the Arts Development Team’s mailing list 01634 338319 or arts@medway.gov.uk

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Regular events for children and families

eBooks and eAudiobooks now available to download

01634 337799

Writing a new chapter in library lending

enjoymedway.co.uk

Medway libraries run regular events for children of all ages. To find out where and when these events are happening, visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries or phone your local library.

• Baby bounce and rhyme Babies can enjoy knee bouncing and nursery rhymes.

• Toddler shake and boogie Rhymes, songs and movement for pre-schoolers.

• Pop in and play Parents and children drop-in to meet, chat and play.

• Storytime Stories and rhymes for pre-schoolers.

• Teatime storytime (3-8yrs) After school storytime.

• Chatterbooks (8-12yrs) Readers’ groups.

• Homework clubs Drop-in homework help for all ages.

Libraries

Find out what exciting events and activities are going on at your library. = Advance booking essential

Medway library card holders can borrow and download digital media anytime, anywhere, free of charge. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a variety of devices and will automatically expire at the end of the lending period; meaning no late fees.

For more information and to begin using the service visit www.medway.gov.uk/libraries

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Libraries

Special events - children and families

Spring (4-10yrs)

Thu, 6 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm

Stories and craft.

Easter (3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Mon, 3 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm

enjoymedway.co.uk

Hempstead Library, Neighbourhood Community Hub Hempstead

Tue, 4 Apr, 2-3pm

Thu, 6 Apr, 2.45-3.30pm

Strood Library, Community Hub Strood

Spring birds (3-8yrs)

Tue, 4 Apr, 2.15-3pm

Stories and craft.

Twydall Library, Community Hub Twydall

Luton Library

Fri, 7 Apr, 2:15-3pm Rainham Library

Thu, 6 Apr, 2-3pm

Tue, 4 Apr, 2.15-2.45pm

History of the easter egg (5-12yrs) A talk and craft session in conjunction with Tesco Community Champion.

Spring time (under 8yrs) Stories and craft.

Hoo Library

01634 337799

Wigmore Library

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Tue, 4 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm

Fri, 7 Apr, 2.30-3.15pm

Spring has sprung (4-10yrs)

Spring (3-8yrs)

Stories and craft.

Stories and craft.

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Cuxton Library

Fri, 7 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm Wed, 5 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm

Spring sewing (4-10yrs)

Spring flowers (5-12yrs)

Stories and craft.

Arts and craft.

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Rochester Library, Community Hub Rochester

Thu, 6 Apr, 11-11.45am

Spring has sprung (3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Grain Library

Lordswood Library

Tue, 11 Apr, 2-3pm

Thu, 6 Apr, 11.30am-12.30pm

History of eggs (5-10yrs) A talk and craft session in conjunction with Tesco Community Champion.

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Easter fun (4-10yrs) Stories and craft.

Sat, 8 Apr, 10.30am-12noon

Rainham Library

Strood Library, Community Hub Strood

Sat, 13 May, 1-2.15pm

Easter fun (4-10yrs)

Silver Electra - The English Touring Opera (8+)

Stories and craft.

Hempstead Library, Neighbourhood Community Hub Hempstead

Educational opera about Amelia Earhart and her Lockheed Electra.

Libraries

Mon, 10 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Tue, 11 Apr, 2.15-2.45pm

Spring time (under 8yrs)

Sat, 27 May, 10.30am-12noon

Stories and craft.

Pirate party (4-10yrs)

Hoo Library

Stories and craft.

Grain Library

Wed, 12 Apr, 2-3pm

Baskets and bunnies (3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Tue, 30 May. 2.15-3pm

Pirates and parrots (4-10yrs) Twydall Library, Community Hub Twydall

Thu, 13 Apr, 11-11.45am

Spring into easter (3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Tue, 30 May, 2-3pm

A pirates life for me (4-10rs) Stories and craft.

Lordswood Library

Strood Library, Community Hub Strood

Thu, 13 Apr, 2-3pm

History of the hot cross bun (5-12yrs) A talk and craft session in conjunction with Tesco Community Champion.

Thu, 13 Apr, 2.45-3.30pm

Pretty Polly pirate parrots (under 8yrs) Stories and craft.

Hoo Library

Wed, 31 May, 2-3pm

Spring flowers (3-8yrs)

Pirate mayhem (3-8yrs)

Stories and craft.

Stories and craft.

Luton Library

Walderslade Hook Meadow Library

Thu, 13 Apr, 2.15-3.15pm

Wed, 31 May, 2.30-3.30pm

Baskets and bunnies (3-8yrs)

Hoist the Jolly Roger

Stories and craft.

(3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Walderslade Village Library

01634 337799

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Tue, 30 May, 2.15-2.45pm

enjoymedway.co.uk

Stories and craft.

Walderslade Hook Meadow Library

Wigmore Library

Thu, 13 Apr, 2.30-3.30pm

Spring into teen craft (11-16yrs) Craft.

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Thu, 1 Jun, 2.15-3.15

Pirate mayhem (3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Walderslade Village Library

= Advance booking essential

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Libraries

Thu, 1 Jun, 2.30-3.15pm

Fri, 2 Jun, 3.30-4.30pm

Aargh me hearties (3-8yrs)

Ahoy me hearties, pirate fun

Stories and craft.

Cuxton Library

(4-10yrs) Stories and craft.

Thu, 1 Jun, 11-11.45am

Hempstead Library, Neighbourhood Community Hub Hempstead

Aye aye Captain (3-8yrs) Stories and craft.

Fri, 2 Jun, 2.15-3pm

Lordswood Library

Pirates (4-10yrs) Stories and craft.

Thu, 1 Jun, 2.30-3.30pm

Rainham Library

enjoymedway.co.uk

Pirates off the port bow (4-10yrs) Stories and craft.

Sat, 10 and Sun, 11 Jun, 2-3pm

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Steampunk pirates (5-12yrs)

Thu, 1 Jun, 2.45-3.30pm

Arts and craft.

Rochester Library, Community Hub Rochester

Pirates ahoy (3-8yrs)

Sun, 17 Jun, 10am-12noon

Stories and craft.

Printing workshop (5-12yrs)

Luton Library

Celebrate Medway Print Festival, have a go at printing using printing blocks.

Tue, 2 Jun, 2.30-3.30

Heave ho me hearties (4-10yrs)

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Stories and craft.

01634 337799

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Stories and crafts with Samuel Squeak (under 8s) Hear how Samuel Squeaks escaped the plague and ended up in Medway 350 years ago – you will also meet him in person. A story telling session mixed with arts and crafts – not to be missed.

Sat, 10 Jun 11-11.45am - Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham 2.15-3pm - Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Sat, 17 Jun 11-11.45am - Strood Library, Community Hub Strood 2.15-3pm - Rochester Library, Community Hub Rochester

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= Advance booking essential

Libraries

Legacy - a season of free lyrical and literature events, rooted in African and Caribbean culture.

From Lyrici Arts and Medway Libraries, supported by Medway Council Arts Development Team.

Events for families and young people - school holiday fun Tue, 30 May, 11am-12noon and 1-2pm

Caribbean Storytime (3-12yrs)

Hip Hop and Dancehall workshops (13-19yrs)

Tales of Anansi, the Spider and the mischievous Brer Rabbit, plus fun craft making rabbit face masks, spider headbands and animal face paints.

Rochester Library, Community Hub Rochester

Explore the origins of Hip Hop dance and Dancehall, then try out dance techniques, iconic moves and freestyle methods.

Suitable for all, including beginners. Fully accessible including wheelchair users.

Lordswood Library

enjoymedway.co.uk

Tue, 4 Apr, 10.30-11.30am

Events for teens and adults Thu, 1 Jun, 7.30-9pm

I am the Referee (16yrs+)

Wil Johnson (16yrs+)

Book talk with boxing referee Ian John Lewis and author Mark Heffernan.

A Kent actor’s career from grass roots to national fame.

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Thu, 4 May, 7.30 - 9pm

The Story of Lover’s Rock (16yrs+) Documentary screening followed by Q&A with director Menelik Shabazz.

Rochester Library, Community Hub Rochester

Sat, 1 Jul, 1.30-4pm

01634 337799

Thu, 6 Apr, 7.30-9pm

MOBO: Through the Ages with The Vanbrugh Hill Music Syndicate Live music in your local library.

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but advance booking is advised. To book phone 01634 337799 or visit any library

= Advance booking essential

21

Libraries

Special events – adults Developing your voice

Mon, 8, 15, 22 May and 5 Jun, 11am-1pm

A creative writing course, suitable for writers who would like to stretch themselves. This course, run by the University of Kent, will provide an opportunity to develop your abilities in creative writing, building your confidence to express things in your own unique way.

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

01634 337799

enjoymedway.co.uk

Tue, 18, 25 Apr and 2, 9, 16, 23 May, 12.30-2.30pm

An introduction to the study of fascinating but contentious topics including psychopathy, gang crime and offender profiling. Go beyond what you see on the TV to learn about the psychology of the victim, offender and investigation. Short course run by the University of Kent.

Rochester Library, Community Hub, Rochester

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Mon, 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun and 3, 10 Jul, 11am-1pm

JD Davies author talk

Thu, 8 Jun, 7.30pm

Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham

Gillingham and the First World War, short course Tue, 18, 25 Apr and 2, 9 May, 10am-12noon Come and develop your skills in historical research through our free four-week local history course. Suitable for anyone interested in the First World War, the history of Gillingham, or those who want to develop their skills in historical research.

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Wed, 26 Apr, 7.30-9pm

Ben Kane author talk Historical author, Ben Kane, returns to Medway. March saw the publication of his third book in the Eagles of Rome series - Eagles in the storm.

The Dutch may have raided the Medway, but why did the two countries go to war with each other at all, not just once, but three times? Historian and author J D Davies explores the reasons, and also talks about his acclaimed series of naval fiction set during the wars, the Journals of Matthew Quinton (a series of real panache - The Times).

J D Davies won the Samuel Pepys prize in 2009 for Pepys’s Navy: Ships, Men and Warfare, 1649-89, and was shortlisted for the Mountbatten Literary Award in 2014 for Britannia’s Dragon: A Naval History of Wales. The latest title, The Devil Upon the Wave, set against the backdrop of the Dutch attack on the Medway, is being published in the summer.

Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Hempstead Library, Neighbourhood Community Hub Hempstead

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= Advance booking essential

(the site of the old Strood library)

Theatres

Medway’s new family history and local studies centre at Bryant Road, Strood will open on

Tuesday, 2 May

medway.gov.uk/archives

Regular events for adults

enjoymedway.co.uk

Providing outstanding new facilities for anyone who has an interest in tracing their family history or the story of the local area, including a brand new consultation room for viewing historical documents, regular help sessions from expert volunteers and even more of Medway’s historical records available online.

There are lots of regular groups, classes and activities for adults at libraries throughout Medway. To find out which events are in each library visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries or phone your local library.

Library contact details For opening times visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries or phone: 01634 337799 Medway Mobile Library For routes and times visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries medwaylibraries

@medwaylibraries

Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre, Strood 01634 332714 malsc@medway.gov.uk

medway.gov.uk/archives medwayarchivesandlocalstudies

= Advance booking essential

23

Heritage enjoymedway.co.uk

Experience and enjoy Medway’s rich heritage. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. = Advance booking essential

Opens from Sat, 1 Apr, 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm)

Sat, 1 to Mon, 17 Apr, 10am-5pm

Upnor Castle re-opens

Take part in our trail around the museum’s collections for a chance to win a small prize.

Battle of Medway – 350th Anniversary Fresh interpretation on the Battle of Medway and Upnor Castle’s involvement in it is being created. This will be on permanent display from 8 June. There will also be Battle of Medway themed learning and family activities; talks and entertainment, throughout the year.

Normal admission fees apply Upnor Castle

Sat, 1 to Mon, 17 Apr, 10am-6pm (Last admission 5.15pm)

Easter heritage trail Take part in our trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize.

Mon, 3, Tue 4, Thu, 6 , Fri, 7, Mon 10, Tue, 11, Thu, 13 and Fri, 14 Apr, 10.30am-3.30pm

Easter heritage trail Take part in our Easter heritage trail around the castle for a chance to win a small prize.

Upnor Castle

80p per child, free entry to the museum Guildhall Museum

80p per child, plus admission fee Rochester Castle

Sat, 1 to Mon 17 Apr, 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm)

80p per child, plus admission fee

Easter egg trail

Make your own Weird and Wonderful Easter mask Join our hands-on family craft activity which celebrates some of the museum’s unique and quirky historic items.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free Guildhall Museum

24

= Advance booking essential

Make an Easter hat

It’s a knight’s life heritage trail

Join our hands-on family craft activity to make an Easter hat for one of our barrack block officers and soldiers.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Take part in our heritage trail around the keep. Look for clues to find out what it was like to live in Rochester Castle for a chance to win a small prize.

80p per child, plus admission fee Upnor Castle

80p per child, plus admission fee.

Rochester Castle

Tue, 4, Thu, 6, Tue, 11 and Thu, 13 Apr, 10.30am-3.30pm

Sat, 27 May to Sun 4 Jun, 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm)

Make an Easter helmet

Battle of Medway trail

Join our hands-on family craft activity to make a helmet for Norman the Knight.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Take part in our trail around the castle. Look for clues to find out what happened at Upnor Castle during the Battle of Medway for a chance to win a small prize.

80p per child, free entry to Tower II Rochester Castle, Tower II

80p per child, plus admission fee Upnor Castle

Wed, 5 and Wed, 12 Apr, 10.30am-3.30pm

Workshop with Wendy Daws Join our drop-in artist-led session; crafts will be based around our Weird and Wonderful and The Value of Touch exhibition.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child, free entry to the museum Guildhall Museum

Sat, 6 May to Sun, 12 Nov, 10am-5pm (excluding Mons, apart from bank hols)

Tue, 30 May and Thu, 1 Jun, 10.30am-3.30pm

Make your own king of the castle crown

enjoymedway.co.uk

Sat, 27 May to Sun, 4 Jun, 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm)

Heritage

Mon 3, Wed 5, Fri 7, Mon 10, Wed 12 and Fri 14 Apr, 10.30am-3.30pm

Join our hands-on family craft activity to make your own crown fit for a king or queen.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

80p per child, free entry to Tower II Rochester Castle, Tower II

The Journey to Chatham Battle of Medway – 350th Anniversary A special exhibition of contemporary Dutch prints of the battle and of the men who fought in it. They will be displayed alongside the plans of the fortifications built by the English to defend Sheerness and Chatham in the wake of this unprecedented naval disaster.

The Guildhall Museum

Sat, 27 May to Sun, 4 Jun, 10am-5pm

Battle of Medway trail Take part in our trail around the museum based on the Battle of Medway exhibition for a chance to win a small prize.

80p per child, free entry to the museum Guildhall Museum = Advance booking essential

25

Heritage

Tue, 30 May, Thu, 1 and Fri 2 Jun, 10.30am-3.30pm

Wed, 31 May, 10.30am-3.30pm

Build your own fort Join our hands-on family craft activity based on our Journey to Chatham exhibition, which includes the construction plans for the new fort at Sheerness.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free Guildhall Museum

Join our hands-on family craft activity to make your own flagship – remember to keep it safe from the Dutch.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

80p per child, plus admission fee Upnor Castle

Fri, 2 Jun, 10.30am-3.30pm

Wed, 31 May, 10.30am-3.30pm

Workshop with Wendy Daws enjoymedway.co.uk

Make your own Royal Charles flagship

Join our drop-in artist-led session; crafts will be based around our Journey to Chatham exhibition, part of the Battle of Medway commemorations. No need to book.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child, free entry to the museum Guildhall Museum

Sat, 10 and Sun, 11 Jun, 10am-5pm

The Dutch are Coming!

Print your own ship’s flag Join our drop-in artist-led session to design your own Battle of Medway print for a flag or tote bag. This activity is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free, plus admission fee Upnor Castle

Sat, 10 Jun, 10.30-12.30pm and 1.303.30pm (drop-in sessions)

Make a Dutch tile Local artist Wendy Daws will show you how to create your own Dutch tile, inspired by the collection of Delft tiles at Eastgate House. Suitable for ages 5+. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free activity, normal admission charges apply

A family-friendly event depicting the brave but ineffective battle in 1667 when the Dutch sailed up the river to attack the English fleet at anchor. Members of Sir Marmaduke Rawdon’s Regiment of Foote will delight, entertain and educate visitors, bringing the castle to life with a living history encampment.

Eastgate House, Rochester

Normal admission prices apply Upnor Castle

Free activity, plus admission fee Upnor Castle

Sun, 11 Jun, 10am-5pm (drop-in session)

Print your own badge or magnet Join local artist Christina Lamb to design your own Battle of Medway inspired artwork.

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteering If you want to be more involved in the work we do, and the events and activities we provide to the local community, the Medway Heritage Team has opportunities for enthusiastic volunteers to get involved. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us 01634 332900 or guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk

26

= Advance booking essential

Sun, 2 Apr, 10am-2pm

Wed, 5 Apr, 10am-12noon

Volunteer Conservation Task Day

Family Birdwatching

Get involved by helping with some practical tasks on the site. Meet at the visitor centre.

A birdwatching experience for the whole family. Learn what birds and other wildlife are found in the country park; please bring your own binoculars. Suitable for all ages.

For more details phone: 01634 337432 Riverside Country Park

Outdoors

If you prefer outdoor activities then have a look at what’s going on at our parks and open spaces. = Advance booking essential

£3 per person. Booking essential 01634 338191

Tue, 4 Apr, 10am-12noon Pond dipping and sweep netting Find out what lives in the ponds and wildflower meadows at Capstone, from dragonfly nymphs to grasshoppers, you will be surprised at what you find. Suitable for the whole family. £3 per child, phone 01634 338191 to book Capstone Farm Country Park

Wed, 5 Apr, 10am-12noon or 1-3pm

Big Bug Hunt Pond dipping and sweep netting Everyone’s favourite. Explore the park in search of underwater creatures and amazing mini-beasts, you’ll be amazed at what you will find. Suitable for the whole family, children must be accompanied by an adult.

enjoymedway.co.uk

Mini-Beast Hunt

Capstone Farm Country Park

£3 per person. Booking essential 01634 337432

Tue, 4 Apr, 10am-12noon

Easter Bunny Crafts Join one of our rangers at the country park and create your very own Easter Bunny themed crafts to take home. What will you make? Suitable for the whole family. £3 per person. Booking essential 01634 337432 Riverside Country Park

Riverside Country Park

Thu, 6 Apr, 9-11am

Bird Song Walk Join one of our knowledgeable rangers and get to know which bird sings which song on this gentle walk around the park. No experience necessary, suitable for adults and enthusiastic children. £3 per person. Booking essential 01634 337432 Riverside Country Park

27

Outdoors enjoymedway.co.uk

Thu, 6 Apr, 10am-12noon

Wed, 31 May, 10am-12noon

Egg Art

Mud Faces

Learn about the different eggs laid by birds to inspire your very own egg design this Easter. Suitable for the whole family.

Come and get dirty and create your own mud face after a scavenger hunt to find their facial features. Suitable for the whole family.

£3 per person. Booking essential 01634 338191 Capstone Farm Country Park

£3 per person. Booking essential 01634 338191 Capstone Farm Country Park

Sun, 9 Apr, 10am-2pm

Thu, 1 Jun, 10am-12noon or 1-3pm

Volunteer Conservation Task Day

Big Bug Hunt

Get involved by helping with some practical tasks on the site. Meet at the volunteer block near the orchard car park.

Pond dipping and sweep netting Everyone’s favourite. Explore the park in search of underwater creatures and amazing mini-beasts. You’ll be amazed at what you will find. Suitable for the whole family, children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more details phone: 01634 338191 Capstone Farm Country Park

Sun, 7 May, 10am-2pm

Volunteer Conservation Task Day Get involved by helping with some practical tasks on the site. Meet at the volunteer block near the orchard car park.

£3 per person. Booking essential 01634 337432 Riverside Country Park

Sun, 4 Jun, 10am-2pm

Volunteer Conservation Task Day

For more details phone: 01634 338191 Capstone Farm Country Park

Get involved by helping with some practical tasks on the site. Meet at the volunteer block near the orchard car park.

Sun, 14, May, 10am-2pm

For more details phone: 01634 338191 Capstone Farm Country Park

Volunteer Conservation Task Day Get involved by helping with some practical tasks on the site. Meet at the visitor centre.

For more details phone: 01634 337432 Riverside Country Park

Tue, 30 May, 10am-3pm

Sun, 11 Jun, 10am-2pm

Volunteer Conservation Task Day Get involved by helping with some practical tasks on the site. Meet at the visitor centre.

For more details phone: 01634 337432 Riverside Country Park

Beginners Birdwatching No experience necessary, 10am-12noon classroom based, 1-3pm field based. Please bring your own binoculars.

Sun, 2 Jul, 12noon-4pm

Broomhill Annual Fun Day

£10 per person, £5 for concessions Booking is essential on 01634 337432

All the usual attractions and more, including music and childrens entertainment.

Riverside Country Park

Broomhill Park, Strood

Tue, 30 May, 10am-12noon

Orienteering Family Fun Learn how to use a compass and test your orienteering skills around Capstone. Suitable for groups, families and individuals. £3 per person. Booking essential 01634 338191 Capstone Farm Country Park

28

To find out more about these parks and Medway’s other award-winning green spaces visit: medway.gov.uk/parks

= Advance booking essential

Sport

Sporting action taking place right here on your doorstep. @medwaysport

Tri For You

Wed, 5 and Wed, 19 Apr, 6.30pm

Sun, 2 Apr, 10am-4pm Join Medway Public Health and Medway Sport for a free day of fun activities and lifestyle advice to celebrate the launch of the new family health programme Tri for You.

Medway Park Floodlit Track Races

www.abettermedway.co.uk Medway Park

Join us for the final two races of our series.

5 April is 5k and 19 April 5 miles. Fully chip timed and accredited by UK Athletics.

Mon, 3 to Fri, 7 Apr

Medway Sport Swim Academy and Crash Courses Intensive holiday crash courses for stages 1-4. Plus it’s not too late to book onto our summer term of swimming lessons across Medway Council’s pools. Term runs 18 Apr to 23 Jul. All ages and abilities. £30 per person. Discounts available for Medway Sport Premier Members. www.medway.gov.uk/swimminglessons Medway Park, Strood, Splashes and Hoo pools

Mini Youth Sports Camps Tue, 4 to Fri, 7 and Tue, 11 to Fri,14 Apr, 9.30am and 3.30pm daily Quality holiday sports coaching for seven to 12-year-olds in a range of sports. You can book for single days or up to four days.

Four day camps advanced bookings are £15 per day or £45 for all four days. On the day £20 per day or £55 for all four days.

Discounts available for premier members. www.medway.gov.uk/sportscamps Medway Park

Family Sport Sundays Sun, 16 Apr, Sun, 21 May, and Sun, 18 Jun, 10am-1pm Enjoy free family sporting fun on the third Sunday of every month. Activator-led activities and all equipment provided. Plus find out more about our new dedicated family sport-specific sessions running the two following Friday evenings.

enjoymedway.co.uk

Entry fee is £10 per race (£8 for Premier Gym and Ready 2 Run Group Members) www.medway.gov.uk/sport 01634 338767 Medway Park

Strood Sports Centre

Sat, 6 to Sun, 7 May, all day

Cadet and Junior National Table Tennis Championships The English Cadet & Junior National Championships is Table Tennis England’s flagship event for this age group. Held each year, the championships play host to the most talented young table tennis players in the country.

Free spectator admission Medway Park

Mon, 8 to Tue, 9 May, 9.30am-4.30pm

Paediatric First Aid Level 3 Training Course This two-day paediatric first aid course focuses on emergency scenarios that face those looking after young children and infants. £75. To book a place phone: 01634 336644 or email: medwaysport@medway.gov.uk Medway Park

29

Sport

Fri, 26, 12noon to Sun, 28 May, 9pm

Fri, 9 to Sun, 11 Jun

Pickleball UK Open Championships

Battle of Medway Sports Festival

More than 200 pickleball players from around the world compete in this tournament, coming to the UK for the first time. See this emerging racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis played by the experts. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-open-pickleballchampionships-tickets-21343638397 Medway Park

enjoymedway.co.uk

Mon, 29 May to Wed, 3 Jun, 9am-5.30pm

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification NPLQ qualification including first aid at work and defibrillator training over six days. £295. To book phone: 01634 336644 or email: medwaysport@medway.gov.uk Medway Park

A weekend-long programme of British v Dutch sporting events as part of the Battle of Medway celebrations including Women’s Sitting Volleyball.

Weekend event ticket £5 (under 12s free) www.visitmedway.org/battle-of-medway Medway Park

Thu, 15 and Thu, 29 Jun, 6.30pm

Medway Summer 5k Series Join us for the first two races of this year’s Summer 5k race series. Fully chip-timed and licensed. Open to runners of all abilities.

Juniors aged 11-16 welcome if running with an adult. £10 per race (£8 for Premier Gym, affiliated club runners and Ready 2 Run Group Members) www.medway.gov.uk/sport 01634 338767 Great Lines Heritage Park and Deangate Ridge Sports Complex

Sat, 17 Jun, 11am-2pm

Medway Big Ride Our family cycling festival takes a new direction for 2017, incorporating 30/50/80mile Sportive rides, children’s races and family cycling fun at Medway Park, plus a programme of community rides on Medway’s cycle routes. Souvenir medals and t-shirts for all participants. www.medway.gov.uk/bigride Medway Park

Sat, 24, 8am-3pm and Sun, 25 Jun, 9-10.45am

Kent International Judo Sun, 4 Jun, 9am

Medway 10k Join hundreds of runners for the annual Medway 10k in aid of the Wisdom Hospice.

Entry fee £16 for affiliated runners, £18 unaffiliated in advance or £20 on the day.

Medal and goodie bag for every participant. www.nice-work.org.uk Medway Park

30

Judoka from across the UK and Europe compete over two days at Medway Park.

Plus don’t miss the National Judo Championships at Medway Park 1 July.

Spectator admission £6 per day £8 for the weekend on the door. For more information www.kentjudo.org.uk Medway Park

Sport

Weekly sports sessions Thu, 8-9pm

Synchro New adult session to encourage more adults to get involved in these fitness and social sessions.

Email: medwaysynchro@gmail.com or visit: medwaymermaidssynchro Hoo Sports Centre

Tue, 8-9.30pm, from 18 Apr

Rush Hockey

ParkSport Drop in, have fun and try lots of different sports in a park near you this summer.

Weekly multi-sport sessions and summer weekend ParkSport festivals.

For times and venues visit www.medway.gov.uk/parksport Parks and open spaces across Medway

Walking Football Mon, 10.30am-12noon

£3 per session (first session free).

No booking required Medway Park

From Mon, 10 Apr, 5.30-6.30pm

Tri-Fusion Netball Elements from across the discipline of netball to create a diverse and fun fitness session, incorporating fitness, individual drills and competitive games.

enjoymedway.co.uk

Try this fast, friendly and seriously good fun 5-a-side indoor version of the game. Open to individuals or teams. Equipment provided.

£3 per session, first session free No booking required Medway Park

Medway Park

Tue, 11am-12noon and Fri, 12.30- 1.30pm Strood Sports Centre £3 per player or as part of our senior membership offer Contact medwaysport@medway.gov.uk for more information

Wed, 6-8pm until 25 May

Pickleball Come and try the sport of pickleball a cross between badminton, table tennis and tennis, suitable for all levels and ages.

All equipment provided.

Free admission Medway Park

31

Castle CONCERTS

PRESENTS

THURSDAY, 13 JULY | ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

01634 338338 www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk Follow us for all the latest updates #castleconcerts

• All events listed inside are free of charge unless stated otherwise.

• All children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of going to press, the programme is subject to alteration without prior notice.

This information can be made available in other formats from: Minicom: 01634 333111 01634 333333 If you have any questions about this leaflet and you want to speak to someone in your own language please phone: 01634 335577

G10371 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Team. medway.gov.uk/communications