October Half Term 2021 East Kent Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

East Kent

at your Swale Leisure Centres Monday 25th - Friday 29th October 2021

*Clip ‘n Climb® and Softplay only available at Swallows Leisure Centre

Sheppey Leisure Complex Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1HH Tel: 01795 668061 SheppeyLeisureComplex

Swallows Leisure Centre Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4NT For Tel: 01795 420420 SwallowsLeisure

full details and to book visit www.swaleleisure.com

DAYS OUT • COMPETITIONS • THEATRE & MORE...

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2021 11 OCT - 28 NOV 2021 - ISSUE 128

t ’ a s h N ew W

Festive Fun for Everyone with Water Rokit!

This Christmas get your kids outside with an exciting and hands-on, science-based Water Rokit. Hinterland’s original water rocket has been entertaining and educating children, teenagers, parents and teachers around the world for decades. Its simple assembly makes it perfect for science experiments or for pure fun out in the fresh air - with kids racing to collect rockets from far afield. All you need, alongside your Water Rokit kit, is a used plastic carbonated drinks bottle, a bicycle pump and some water (try and use recycled water).The water rocket flies really fast and high into the air. It can reach the height of a ten-storey building! You have to see it to believe it. Newton’s Laws of Motion in front of your very eyes. To find out more, visit www.waterrokit.com.

Christmas Craft Book

Christmas is such an exciting time that it can be hard to know what to do with all that Santa-fuelled energy. Luckily GMC Publications has the answer, the Christmas Craft Book by Laura Minter & Tia Williams! This new book from the award-winning blogging mums, channels that festive power into fabulous fun-ﬁlled crafts! Suitable for kids and parents with little crafting experience, these simple projects are just the thing to spread Christmas cheer and make your home ready for the holiday season. From binoculars for keeping watch for Santa to puppets for putting on festive shows, there is a wide selection of crafts to keep children occupied and entertained right up till Christmas Day.The Christmas Craft Book is available online and in shops for £12.99 and is particularly suitable for ages 4-8.

Dodo ‘World of Animals’ Observation Puzzle

The Dodo ‘World of Animals’ Observation Puzzle (£7.99) is an exciting educational puzzle that includes 80 pieces and is the perfect gift for children ages 5+. The colourful image details many of the various animal breeds that can be found across the globe. It’s educational and great fun – the perfect activity for Boxing Day. Once the puzzle is built, it will reveal a fun ‘ﬁnd and seek’ picture border for added play value, encouraging children to then identify where on the world map those animals can be found. The puzzle is available from www.halilit.co.uk , from high street toyshops or online.

Endangered Animal Bingo

Learn about 64 threatened species that need our help with Endangered Animal Bingo by Magma, illustrated by Marcel George.This family friendly game is packed with astonishing and beautiful creatures from all over the world.What unites them all? They are under threat. But there’s still time! Learn about the okapi, the whale shark and the southern sea otter and be inspired to take action. A proportion of proceeds are donated to the WWF who are dedicated to saving these animals and their habitats. Endangered Animal Bingo is available at www.laurenceking.com.

Try Goat Yoga

You may have heard of Goat Yoga, though you may be very grateful that you haven’t! But if you like goats and you’re partial to a bit of yoga this game is deﬁnitely for you. If you look on YouTube you might see various people doing yoga with goats, however, this is much more fun for all the family and you won’t end up with goat poop on your carpet. In this hilarious party game, players perform real yoga poses while completing ridiculous challenges with an inﬂatable goat - from balancing the goat on your head, to batting it in the air, to bleating the tune of a song. Don’t worry, real goats are not needed, just a sense of fun and some unusual balancing techniques. Goat Yoga is available from the Unusual Gift Company, www.theunusualgiftcompany.com, at £18.99.

So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory

Innovative and fun, the So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory from Canal Toys lets you create squishy slime ice creams with lots of extra decoration. Get creative and make three different textured slimes including ﬂuffy, icee and scented – a completely different way to enjoy slime! Use the ice cream factory mixer to help you get the perfect texture. Pour and press it into the ice cream mould.Then press down and squeeze your slime into the mini cup, use the turntable to create a fabulous swirling effect. Mix the different slimes together to create the perfect slime sundae! The So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory is available in store and online at a recommended price of £21.99.

The Bear and her Book

A bear marched out on a moonlit night, Her fur was thick and her eyes were bright. She sniffed the air and she licked a paw — She loved her home, but she wanted more. In The Bear and her Book by Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor, a book-loving bear sets off to see the world. She takes one special thing—her Bear’s Big Book of Being Wise. But when she meets different creatures, each needing her help, she discovers that books aren’t just brilliant at ﬁxing problems—they can also help you make new friends. And if you’re lucky, books can take you to a very special place indeed… The Bear and her Book is published in paperback by UCLan Publishing at £7.99.

Dear Readers Primary Times in East Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 01622 522116 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Kent Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Ty Smith, Catherine Dillon Andrew Langridge & My Yen Doyle Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrator: Claire Wood Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Kent. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Kent for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times East Kent is operated under franchise licence.

Welcome to the first half term issue of the year. For all our new readers we publish two weeks before each school holiday so once you see us appear in school you know a break is on it’s way. There are so many things to do during half term from activities in local parks and family friendly farms, sports clubs, craft clubs, multi activity day camps, museums, galleries and so much more. This half term magazine also covers Halloween and Fireworks Night. Whatever you end up doing, have fun! We prepare our listings a long time in advance so do remember to check each event before turning up, especially with all the Covid19 uncertainty. If you’re going to have some fireworks then read the following from the British Fireworks Association. • Do not buy fireworks from unlicenced retailers. These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal • Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards • Always keep fireworks in a closed box. Take them out one at a time and close the box. • Never put fireworks in your pocket • Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children • Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night • Ensure your pets are safe • Carefully follow the instructions on each firework • Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise • Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous. • Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length • Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them • Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5• Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire. For more advice visit www.britishfireworksassociation.co.uk

Contents

inside this issue.... Local News...............................4 What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre..........................9 Fun Days Out with the Family.....12 Katie Clown.............................. 14 Competitions........................... 15 Film Preview Guide..................17 All Your Own Work!.................23

Peter and the Primary Times team

With three storeys of soft play, a host of interactive dinosaur activities and endless adventures to be had in our evolved safer environment, bring your little rangers to Dinotropolis at Bluewater!

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Local News

Give Little Amal a Huge Welcome

It’s ‘Pop Up’ Panto Time in Ramsgate this Christmas Family favourite Simple Simon appears in a FUNtastic panto which ‘Pops Up’ at St Ethelbert’s Hall in Hereson Road, CT11 7DS. Dame Dolly discovers she is going to be evicted, so her son Simon sets out on a journey to seek their fortune. He meets a host of interesting characters on the way. Songs, comedy, colourful costumes and scenery, and lots of audience participation fill ‘Simple Simon and the Golden Goose’ with festive cheer. Gordon Clarkson portrays Simple Simon, with versatile and talented actors Stacy Golding, Ian Douglas and Jane Pulford playing all the other characters. Live music from Paul Stewart and Roy Golding accompanies the show. Tickets are great value at only £10 (a family of four go for £35). There are five matinees only at 2.30pm on 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 December, so be sure to book early by emailing popuppanto@gmail.com.

Eny Greenie: The Water Witch What if your family could learn powerful techniques for coping with life’s stresses by simply enjoying a beautifully crafted collection of short stories? Eny Greenie: The Water Witch is a book of short stories for introducing mindfulness techniques to children aged 4-9 years. Louise Beck, a trained hypnotherapist registered with the NCH (The National Council for Hypnotherapy) uses hypnosis combined with Tapping (TFT), NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) and mindfulness techniques within her practice. She has two inspirational daughters and knows first-hand the emotional rollercoaster of family life. For example, the pain of watching an ill child, a child who is upset about attending nursery or school, a child who has frustration from learning difficulties and a teenager facing exams – just to name a few! Louise believes that children are our most valuable gift, and giving them a mindfulness toolkit has become her life’s work. This is why she has now combined her experiences as a parent with her professional expertise in children’s therapy and hypnotherapy to create this mindfulness toolkit in the form of a collection of fabulous children’s stories. Eny Greenie: The Water Witch is available on Amazon (RRP £12.97 paperback). For more information, visit www.lbwellnesspractice.co.uk/ children-therapy and click on the book cover where you can also find free bonus parent resources available for download. 4

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Canterbury is hosting The Walk, a travelling festival of art in support of refugees. At the heart of The Walk is Little Amal, a giant puppet of a nine-yearold Syrian refugee whose search for her mother takes her on an epic journey from her homeland right across Europe. In the evening of Wednesday 20 October Amal arrives in Canterbury looking for a place to sleep. She gravitates toward a big building filled with light. Through a series of illuminated installations, Amal is accompanied to Canterbury Cathedral where she finds a spot outside its walls to sleep for the night. On Thursday morning, Amal wakes outside Canterbury Cathedral and is given a pilgrim’s welcome inside. Joined by the children of Canterbury she will walk to the University of Kent campus where Refugee Tales and Gulbenkian Theatre have planned a storytelling event to welcome her.

Top Twenty for Spring Grove Nursery

For the third year running, Spring Grove Nursery was delighted and proud to receive a Top 20 award from the Day Nurseries website. This award is based on parent reviews and means that, once again, Spring Grove is one of the Top 20 Nurseries in the South East of England. One aspect of the Nursery that is frequently mentioned in parent reviews is the extensive outside space and, over the course of last year, there have been major improvements to the outdoors provision for the Early Years children. Both classes in the Nursery Teddies (2-3 year olds) and Giraffes (3-4 year olds) - have direct access to their own gardens, allowing free flow inside and outside for the children throughout the school day. Both of these gardens have been upgraded with artificial grass to allow access in all seasons, canopies for outside play on rainy days and new equipment. In addition, the Teddies and Giraffes children continue to have full use of the large walled Nursery garden which includes a fairy garden, new climbing equipment, a mud kitchen, sandpits and much more. Spring Grove Nursery is now taking registrations for September 2022 onwards. Contact the school for more information on 01233 812 337.

Wildwood Trust is giving Kent school pupils the chance to learn about history from its very own Norse warrior. Dressed in authentic costume, Erik the Green, who lives at Wildwood near Canterbury, is taking time out from looting and pillaging to visit local schools to teach them all about his life in the Middle Ages. Schools who book a visit will get to see how Erik prepares for an expedition and which weapons he’ll be taking with him. They’ll learn the difference between a seax and lang-seax and hear what Erik does when he’s not raiding monasteries for plunder. The 15-minute taster sessions, which are free of charge and available to book for every Friday, are part of a move to highlight the park’s Living History workshops. Delivered by presenters in full historical costume, the Living History workshops at Wildwood, encourage pupils to take part in authentic hands-on demonstrations, such as painting cave art, weaving with trollens and even fire lighting. Wildwood offers four Living History workshop options in total - Stone Age, Saxons, Vikings and Medieval, with Roman and Tudor modules in development. History Tours are also available to show how our ancestors interacted with animals. There is no obligation to book a Living History Workshop following a free 15 minute taster. For more information about Living History workshops or to arrange a visit from Erik the Green, please contact Wildwood on 01227 712 111 or e-mail education@wildwoodtrust.org.

Book online so you don’t miss out!

Mote Park Outdoor Adventure the Ultimate Fun Day Out in Kent. Discover the exciting range of outdoor activities perfect for everyone, from little adventurers to serious adrenaline seekers, in the heart of Maidstone within Mote Park. This unique attraction is a revelation with four thrilling activities to suit every type of adventurer.

Reach new heights on the Sky Trail with dual-level adventure high ropes up to 32ft, suitable for both adults and children. Whether you’re looking to try climbing for the first time or take your climbing to the next level, Mote Park’s Climbing Wall is for you. With routes to the top for all abilities, the climbing wall is always a popular choice.

Local News

Get Ready for a Viking Encounter

With 9 holes of ROARSOME mini golf, Mini Dino Golf is loads of fun for everyone. Look out for special facts about Maidstone’s resident dinosaur, Iggy, as you go round this specially-designed course. Ever tried Segway? At Mote Park you can set off on an adventure to remember and experience the thrill of riding a Segway on the designated off-road course. This half term, try the School Holiday Special – ‘Sky Trail After Dark’. For a fang-tastic spooky time, book onto the special Halloween-themed Sky Trail After Dark sessions. Fancy dress is optional, having a thrilling time is not! For more information on activities, age restrictions and to book, visit www.moteparkadventure.com

Just turn up to Pay & Play

Whilst the kids’ are having fun, enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat in our café.

www.swaleleisure.com /swallows-leisure-centre/active-zone Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Swallows Leisure Centre Tel: 01795 420420 SwallowsLeisure

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for October and November

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Ongoing Every Thurs-Mon

Open Days, Buttercup Sanctuary for Goats, Maidstone, ME17 4JW 11am-4pm. Entrance to all open days is by donation (suggested £4 per person) with hot and cold drinks, snacks, souvenirs and of course goat food available! The goats like to be spoilt, so why not purchase a bag or two of treats to feed them? For more information see www.buttercups. org.uk.

Every Sun

Betteshanger Junior Parkrun, CT14 0BF 9am. Enjoy a free 2K run suitable for ages 4-14. Registration is essential. Then from 10am11.30am join the weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers. Learn skills and take part in exciting games from British Cycling qualified coaches. Ages 8-14. To book visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

Until 17 Oct

Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival This celebration of all-things puppetry will take place across the town’s iconic venues and open-air civic spaces. There is a mix of ticketed paid and free performances, workshops and events. For more details, visit www.twpuppetryfestival.org.

Until 31 Oct

Pirate Stew Discovery Trail, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ Join Long John McRon, Ship’s Cook, on a new discovery trail this October. Pick up your special recipe booklet and treasure map on arrival and if you can unscramble the anagram and work out what’s for dinner, you’ll receive a special prize. For more details visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Call the Midwife Official Location Tours, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ If you’re a fan of the hit series, a trip to see where Call the Midwife is filmed should be top of your bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne and Dr Turner and explore where the real drama happens. For more information visit thedockyard. co.uk Mission Explore: Climb the Ranks, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ Join the crew as a cadet on your first visit and climb the ranks’ by completing fun challenges to earn your stripes. Unlock new missions and update your membership card on each visit. For further details visit www. thedockyard.co.uk.

Until 7 Nov

Seal and Wildlife Watching Trips, The Kiosk, Pier Yard, Ramsgate, CT11 8LS (Selected dates during Sep, Oct and Nov) Take a trip to an active seal colony inside a National Nature Reserve which also has the benefits of a wide range of birds. Ideal for all the family and brilliant for photographs. Book early by visiting www.visitthanet. co.uk/events/seal-and-wildlifewatching-trips.

Selected Dates in Dec

Christmas at Gulliver’s Land, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT (Selected dates in December 2021) Escape to Gulliver’s Land at Christmas time for a festive family adventure. Look out for

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

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Elfie mischief, fairy fun and snowy surprises. For more information visit www.gulliverslandresort. co.uk

Until 31 Dec

Bing & Flop, Gulliver’s Land Resort, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT Bing and Flop will be making special appearances each day at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, until 31st December 2021. Check the information board for appearance location and times upon arrival. Book tickets early and save more. For details go to www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Until 17 Dec 2022

Pants! Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Why do we wear underwear? What does your underwear say about you? Take a journey by the seat of your pants to discover everything you didn’t know about underwear! Under 5’s free. For more information visit museum.maidstone.gov.uk

October Fri 15 Oct

Just One Tree Day, Nationwide Schools throughout the UK and around the globe have already committed to this international non-uniform day that encourages children to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet. To sign up and for more information visit www. justonetree.life.

Astronomy Evening, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 6.30-8.30pm. Go along for an evening looking at the night sky in the farmyard. Suitable for interested children aged 11+. If your child is younger and would like to go, please call to discuss before booking. For more information, visit www.boreplace. org.

Sat 16 Oct

Medieval Pageant, Canterbury 11am-5pm. Celebrating the legacy of St Thomas Becket the colourful parade features historical characters, music and giants. Various locations in the city will form the Medieval Family Trail with a range of activities. To find out more visit www. canterburybid.co.uk/canterburymedieval-pageant/ Community Craft Fair & Village Market, Reading St, Broadstairs, CT10 3AZ 10am-3pm. Local art and craft stalls selling a wide variety of goods together with village market. A good opportunity to purchase early festive gifts. Refreshments and lunches available. To hire a table please contact 01843 591 605 or go to www.visitthanet.co.uk. Aardman Model Making Workshops, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Get creative with clay and discover how to make your own Gromit, Feathers McGraw or Shaun the Sheep character to take home with you. For ages 8+. Charges apply. Visit www.twpuppetryfestival.org for more information. Eggs on Legs, Camden Centre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SW 11.30am and 2pm. Garlic Theatre conjure a poetic Dr Seuss world full of eggcentric puppets and music which will have you rolling around with

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 8...

Short stories for introducing mindfulness techniques to children Written by Louise Beck, firstly a parent herself, and qualified therapist

‘A great place to grow’ for children aged 2 to 11 years

Available from Amazon for £12.97 Information and free parent bonus resources can be found on www.lbwellnesspractice.co.uk/children-therapy Ramsgate's own 'Pop up' Panto!

SiMPLE SiMON & THE GOLDEN GOOSE ♫

♪

♫

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St Ethelbert's Church Hall | 72 Hereson Road | CT11 7DS

www.springgroveschool.co.uk · Wye, near Ashford, Kent

WED 22 | THU 23 | TUE 28 | WED 29 | THU 30 DECEMBER 2021 DOORS 2PM - SHOW 2.30PM | TICKETS ONLY £10 (FAMILY OF FOUR GO FOR £35) Advance bookings email: popuppanto@gmail.com

The BrickWorks! Adventure 22 - 31 October Interactive workshops, trade stands & building challenges Featuring 15 amazing BRICKLIVE Outer Space models, including a 310 cm high Apollo 11 Saturn V rocket made with 68,583 bricks! Free entry to BRICKLIVE with All Day Rover and Family tickets for the steam railway Book Now!

www.bluebell-railway.com

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October laughter. A cracking family show bursting with wonder and surprise. Suitable for ages 3-8years. To book tickets, visit www.twpuppetryfestival.org.

Sat 16-Sun 17 Oct

Commando Series, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Pick your experience, from the toughest level ‘Treat me like a Commando’ to the more supportive ‘Just get me round’ and ‘We are Family.’ There are different level obstacles and the event is open to everyone from 8 years of age. For more information, visit www. hevercastle.co.uk. PYO Pumpkins, Broadditch Pumpkin Patch, Southfleet, DA13 9PU Love the fun of pumpkin carving but hate the mess at home? Go along to the events barn at Broadditch Farm and leave the

mess behind. Charges apply. For more information and to book tickets visit www.broadditch. co.uk RBC Race for the Kids, Various Locations Sign up to the 2021 virtual RBC Race for the Kids, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital. Take on your own race of 1km, 3km, 5km 10km or 15km, do it alone or with friends and family. Run, walk, wheel or scoot your own race. For more details visit www.rbcraceforthekids.com

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

The Good, The Bad, and the Spooky

Written by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald Looking for the perfect Halloween book and activities, both funny and fun? The Good,The Bad, and the Spooky is based on the New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Bad Seed. Jory John and Pete Oswald’s The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating your own mini pumpkin. Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year. But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course! Can he get a costume together in time? Or will this seed return to his baaaaaaaaad ways? Find out in this hilarious, charming, and thought-provoking continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series. The Good,The Bad, and The Spooky is out now at a recommended price of £7.99. It’s suitable for ages 4 plus.

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

thousands of people uniting with one purpose – to raise valuable funds for life-saving research. Free entry for under 6 years. To register, visit raceforlife. cancerresearchuk.org.

The Lost Colour, Trinity Theatre Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm. Join Heritage Orchard Days & Malcolm Brushell, a professional PYO, Brogdale, Faversham, painter and amateur alchemist, ME13 9QG on his quest to find the pink-est Go along for a fun family paint on the planet! This is a day out and delight in the free event all performed on the wonderful orchards bursting with top of a van 2m in the air! For fruit. Join the expert guides on a more information, visit www. tour of the National Collection, twpuppetryfestival.org. visit the fruit displays, try some Seeing Red, The Pantiles, traditional juice pressing, sample Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN homemade ciders and much (11am, 12.30pm & 2pm) Seeing more. To book visit www. Red is a modern reworking brogdalecollections.org of the classic fairy tale Red Sat 16-Sat 30 Oct Riding Hood, telling the tale of Canterbury Festival, Various a girl who learns how to take Locations matters into her own hands The 2021 programme offers and become the master of her unique experiences from the own fate. For more information quirky to the sublime, aiming about this free event, visit www. to bring together the people twpuppetryfestival.org. of Kent for a celebration of Buzz, The Pantiles, Tunbridge creativity. Pick up a copy of Wells, TN2 5TN the brochure from the Festival (11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm) The Office, 8 Orange Street, show follows Billy’s bee-rillant Canterbury CT1 2JA, or visit adventure and journey of www.canterburyfestival.co.uk. discovery, as he shrinks down to

Sat 16 – Sun 31 Oct

Pumpkin Festival, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR (Please note: closed Mon and Tues) Go along for pumpkin hunting in the gardens and walk through the Pumpkin Grotto for ideas to get carving at home. There will also be pumpkins available to buy. For more information, visit www. riverhillgardens.co.uk. Artistic Autumn Adventures, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4.30pm. Visit this half term as autumn transforms the gardens to fiery red, orange and yellow, and create your own wild art from what you find. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/emmettsgarden

Sun 17 Oct

Margate 5K, Race for Life, Palm Bay, CT9 3PP From 12.30pm. This is a 5K for everyone. An event involving

bee size, meets Buddy the Bee and learns of the troubles that bees face. For more information about this free event, visit www. twpuppetryfestival.org. Special Delivery, Under the Millennium Clock, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2TB (11.45am, 1pm & 2.15pm) When a heavy laden postman is suddenly surprised by a rain shower he discovers that all his packages have lost their labels. In the process of working out their intended recipients he discovers more about people on his rounds. www.twpuppetryfestival. org. The Punjeet and Judy-Gee Show, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN (12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm) Britain’s first Asian Punch & Judy performer. Professor Patel’s Bollywood Punjeet and Judy-

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 8

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Family Theatre

returning to The Marlowe following is incredible performance as the baddie in Mother Goose will be Marc Pickering (Boardwalk Empire, Sleepy Hollow) as Fleshcreep. Further casting is due to be announced soon. Jack And The Beanstalk is running from Friday 26 November to Sunday 9 January 2022. Please check the website for the full schedule of performances that Duncan James will be appearing in. Tickets can be booked at www.marlowetheatre.com or via the Box Office on 01227 787 787.

The best shows around...

Oliver Twist (Online)

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum

West End star and pop icon, Duncan James will be joining local favourite Ben Roddy in this year’s Marlowe Theatre pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk. The show opens in Canterbury on Friday 26 November and will once again be written and directed by Paul Hendy. Duncan will take on the role of Jack and is well-known as a member of pop group Blue. The band formed in 2001 and have had 40 number one singles worldwide, three number one UK albums and sales of over 16 million records. Duncan’s stage credits include Chicago, Legally Blonde, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and The Rocky Horror Show. Ben Roddy will be playing Dame Trott in his twelfth panto at The Marlowe Theatre. Ben was awarded Dame of the Year at The Great British Pantomime Awards for his role in Peter Pan in 2018 and nominated for Best Ugly Sister for his role in Cinderella in 2018/19. Joining them will be Milkshake! favourite Nathan Connor as Billy, West-End performer Bobbie Chambers as the Princess, and

Initially planned to tour the UK in the spring but derailed by the pandemic, this landmark co-production between Leeds Playhouse and Ramps on the Moon of Oliver Twist has been specially filmed for audiences to enjoy online in the comfort of their own home between Monday 25 October and Sunday 21 November. Born into poverty and misfortune, Oliver Twist escapes the workhouse for a life of adventure where he joins Artful Dodger, Fagin and their mischievous gang of pick pockets. But the enjoyment is short lived as he falls under the influence of the vicious Bill Sykes. Bold and beautiful, this highly acclaimed version of Oliver Twist sends you on a dark adventure through the twisted streets of London. It was described by WhatsOnStage as, “an unmissable, extraordinary production”. Ramps On The Moon is a pioneering initiative from seven major UK theatre companies committed to putting D/deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work. All performances feature creatively integrated sign language, audio description and captioning. Online streaming tickets are available from £15 sold via Leeds Playhouse, www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk and search What’s On. Photo credit: Anthony Robling

EVOLUTION PANTOMIMES AND THE MARLOWE PRESENT

FRI 26 NOV - SUN 9 JAN Written and directed by Paul Hendy marlowetheatre.com 01227 787787

Starring West End sta r and pop icon

Duncan Jame

Further ca to be an sting is due nounce d soon.

s SPONSORED BY:

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Family Theatre

Marlowe Canterbury Box Office: 01227 787 787 10-20 Nov

White Christmas

A timeless romantic comedy to warm the hearts of all ages. White Christmas features the classic songs Blue Skies, Sisters and the most famous festive song of all, White Christmas.

26 Nov-9 Jan

The best shows around... Alexander Centre Faversham Box Office: 01795 591 691 31 Oct

Tables, Ladders and Scares

company of talented performers act, sign, sing and dance their way through this fun take Enjoy on the classic panto.

the show! And don’t forget to say you saw it in

Primary Times!

Go along for an afternoon of high-octane, body-slammin’, family friendly action. Featuring a ‘Tables, Ladders and Scares’ match and so much more.

5 Nov

Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra with Steve Waterman The sweet sound of jazz is making the Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra one of the hottest properties on the local music scene.

4 Dec

A Touch of Little Mix Prepare to spend the show singing and dancing in the aisles as these girls rock the stage with their Little Mix inspired fun and magic especially for all you die hard ‘Mixers’ out there!

Astor Deal

Box Office: 01304 370 220 26 Oct

LDN Wrestling

The stars of LDN are back in Deal for another rip-roaring professional wrestling match. This show is the ideal place to celebrate a birthday with the opportunity of VIP backstage passes to meet the stars at the end of the show.

14 Nov

Jack and the Psychedelic Beanstalk

Maddie4Music presents this relaxed and BSL performance. Go and see an inclusive 10

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Gulbenkian Canterbury

Box Office: 01227 769 075 21 Oct

The Walk

Little Amal, a young refugee, embarks on a remarkable journey – that will take her across Turkey and across Europe. To find her mother. To get back to school. To start a new life. Will the world let her?

13 Nov

Groove Baby: Groove into the Woods Go on a jazz and funk fuelled family adventure into the deep dark woods and enjoy a fun mixture of animation, interactive music-making and solid groove from the Groove Baby Organ Trio. Ages 3-7.

4-5 Dec

Stick Man

This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales and Tabby McTat, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

21-23 Jan

Hibernation

As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, staying wrapped up in our nice warm beds seems like a great idea. But have you ever imagined what it would be like to stay asleep for the whole of winter?

Jack and the Beanstalk

girls and the Evils just want a chance to be liked. This is an amateur production suitable for all ages.

21 Nov

The Snow Queen

This spectacular production follows the story of Gerda and her quest to find her friend Kay, whom the Snow Queen has placed under an evil spell. Suitable for all ages.

Tower Folkestone

This year’s fun-filled, family pantomime features West End star and pop icon Duncan James, alongside Marlowe favourite Ben Roddy, with more star-studded cast members to be announced soon.

Quarterhouse Folkestone

Box Office: 01303 760 750 19 Oct

The Walk

Little Amal, a young refugee, embarks on a remarkable journey – an epic voyage that will take her across Turkey and across Europe. To find her mother. To get back to school. To start a new life. Will the world let her? Can she achieve what now seems more impossible than ever?

St Ethelbert’s Hall Ramsgate

popuppanto@gmail.com 22-23 Dec

Box Office: 01303 223 925 11-28 Dec

Dick Whittington

Enjoy this timeless rags-to-riches tale featuring the magnificent Mike Nolan from Bucks Fizz fame, John Pritchard as Edna the cook, and a sparkling supporting cast. It’s the puuuurrfect treat for all the family.

Westgate Hall Canterbury

Phone: 01227 634 886 www.canterburyfestival.co.uk 26 Oct

Fantastic Family Magic Spectacular!

Dynamic duo, Morgan and West, deal out a delightful dollop of deception, deftly delivered with a dash of derring-do. All of their best tricks and silliest nonsense ready to delight audiences of all ages. Suitable for ages 6+.

27 Oct

Simple Simon and the Golden Goose

Comedy Club 4 Kids

The Sinden Theatre

28 Oct

(Also 28-30 Dec) Songs, comedy, colourful costumes and scenery, and lots of audience participation fill this pop up panto with festive cheer. Advance bookings by email at popuppanto@gmail. com.

01580 763 826 28 Oct

Crafty’s Creepy Castle

Go along to this family show in your scariest Halloween costume. There will be a meet, greet and treat after the show with Crafty the Crow himself including a free Trick or Treat present for every child.

Theatre Royal Margate

Cracking entertainment for everyone over six and under 400 years old (no vampires). It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face?”

Card Ninja

WARNING: This show contains Ninjas, not magic. Packed with extreme precision, impeccable timing, astonishing speed and lots of comedy, it’s an unforgettable half-term family treat. Suitable for ages 5+.

Winter Gardens Margate

Box Office: 01843 292 795 27 Oct

LDN Wrestling

Box Office: 01843 292 795 23-24 Oct

Happily Never After The fairy tales you have been told are not what they seem. The Princesses are the mean

The bone-crunching American wrestling stars face the very best of home-grown talent in two hours of rip-roaring entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Suitable for ages 5+.

Gulbenkian in Canterbury have come out of Covid lockdown with a new look and a new, bold family programme. The Gulbenkian Theatre, Cinema and Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall have combined into the new Gulbenkian Arts Centre with a joint programme of live and screen events through the year. The programme includes a new music strand, plus bigger runs of theatre productions, but will maintain Gulbenkian’s reputation for an exciting family arts programme - headlined of course by the annual bOing! International Family Festival in August. On sale already are blockbuster Julia Donaldson favourites Stick Man (December) and Zog and the Flying Doctors (June), both successfully touring productions with Freckle Productions. In November, Groove Baby are organising a jazz and funk fuelled family adventure, Groove Into the Woods and in January, Little Bulb Theatre transport you to a magical forest in Hibernation. Both shows are for 3-7 year olds. Gulbenkian also welcomes back Frozen Light in November, with 2065, a theatre show for audiences with PMLD, and in June 2022 the Oily Cart Company returns, with Sound Symphony, a wonderful journey through music, sound and silence for autistic young people. Little Big Dance Club Origami (March) and Greek National Opera’s Alternative Stage’s Underwater (April) both present interactive dance and movement for babies and toddlers. Plus there are weekly family film screenings, Art31 workshops for young people and much more. Visit www.thegulbenkian.co.uk to find out more. Photo credit: Louise Boulter

Dick Whittington is Coming to Folkestone this Christmas

FHODS and the Tower Theatre are delighted to bring you this timeless rags-to-riches tale for their spectacular annual Christmas panto, featuring the magnificent Mike Nolan from Bucks Fizz fame, John Pritchard as Edna the cook, and a sparkling supporting cast, for the seventh time. It’s the puuuurrfect treat for all the family. Join Dick Whittington on his thrilling adventure to find fame and fortune in the glittering streets of London. Will he be able to outwit villainous King Rat, save the city from his team of revolting rodents and most importantly, win the hand of his love, Alice? Our hero is going to need a little help from you, if he’s going to save the day. So get ready to boo, hiss, cheer, laugh out loud and join in the fun! Expect the cheekiest of jokes, bonkers humour, the chattiest of animals, dancing, live music and fantastic songs, all wrapped up in a magical treat for all ages. Tickets are on sale now, so join FHODS for the ultimate feel-good festive family show. The show opens on Saturday 11 December and with the exception of a few days, will run twice daily up to the 28 December (no performances on Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Check the website for exact show times and dates. For further information and to book, visit www. towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk or contact the box office on 01303 223 925.

Family Theatre

Gulbenkian Relaunches as Gulbenkian Arts Centre

THE TOWER THEATRE

★★★★★

FOLKESTONE

TIME OUT | SUNDAY EXPRESS | WHATSONSTAGE

Starring

DAILY MAIL

MIKE NOLAN

FRECKLE PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

from The Fizz

LIVE

ON S TA G E

11-28 December BASED ON THE BOOK BY

2 21

SAT 4 – SUN 5 DEC THEGULBENKIAN.CO.UK

THE FOLKESTONE-HYTHE OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY CIO

JOHN PRITCHARD

as EDNA THE COOK

BOX OFFICE 01303 223925 or www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk 11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

THE TOWER THEATRE

Fun Days Out with the Family

Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS Margaret Gallagher, NSPCC Service Head of Local Campaigns, tells Primary Times readers about the NSPCC’s new book. “Since the NSPCC launched its Talk PANTS campaign in 2013, it has sparked over 1.5 million conversations between adults and their children to help keep them safe from abuse. “The campaign’s mascot is the bright yellow dinosaur called Pantosaurus. He already has his own animated music video and now he has his own book! The very first book we’ve ever published at the NSPCC. “Titled Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS, the book was launched following a crowdfunding campaign that took place last year which saw NSPCC supporters raise £46,440 for the project. “The book, written by Rebecca Girlings and illustrated by Fhiona Galloway and Jamie Nash has been published in partnership with Ladybird. There’s even going to be an audio book, voiced by actor and NSPCC Ambassador for Childline, Natalie Dormer. “The book will help children learn about the PANTS rules which aim to help keep them safe from sexual abuse. From P through to S, each letter of PANTS provides a simple but valuable rule - that their private parts are private, their body belongs to them, and that they should tell an adult they trust if they’re worried or upset. “In the book, children will read about Pantosaurus getting a new pair of pants and Dinodad tells him that they will give him special powers. Pantosaurus then experiences a problem at school and just as Dinodad told him, his super pants give him the power to speak up. “You can get your copy from selected Matalan stores or at www.matalan.co.uk, selected Blakemore Retail SPAR stores or our NSPCC online shop and all profits from the sale of this book will support our vital work. “This bright and playful picture book is perfect for reading with younger children. Not only will they love Pantosaurus and his roarsome story, it’s also a fantastic tool for parents and carers to spark conversations with their little ones to help keep them safe. “Thanks to all the generous crowd funders who helped us create this essential book so we can empower families to talk to children about this difficult topic in an age appropriate way.” 12

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Fun Days Out w Flip Out in Ashford

Flip Out offers the UK’s biggest and best Indoor Adventure Parks, full of fun for all the family and all ages. Explore the unique arenas and step into an extraordinary world of flippin’ fun as you take on exhilarating activities. Flip Out Ashford brings all the bouncing fun you can possibly imagine to Kent with 59 trampolines and two stunt areas. Visit Flip Out Ashford and you’ll ‘flip-out’ with excitement, challenging yourself to greater leaps and bounds in the most entertaining, family-based environment! Bounce off the walls and fly to new heights with a variety of Indoor Adventure Attractions. This is ultimate excitement, plan your visit today or learn more about all the Flip Out parks by visiting www.flipout.co.uk

Investigate the Wonders of Hornby Visitor Centre

Join Hornby Visitor Centre for a journey through the history

of Britain’s best-loved toys! Featuring rare products from the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives, track the history of Hornby’s iconic model trains from Frank Hornby’s early home-made toys in sheet metal, through the development of Hornby ‘O’ gauge and HornbyDublo. Don’t miss the spectacular Model Railway and Scalextric layouts, and grab the latest products in the Shop which offers an extensive range of Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Humbrol and Corgi products. Collector Club Members can obtain access to the Hornby Visitor Centre Museum free of charge when presenting an indate membership card. You’ll find the Hornby Visitor Centre on the Westwood Industrial Estate in Margate. Find out more at uk.hornby.com/ hornby-hobbies-visitor-centre.

Hoist the Pirate Flag Aloft!

Ahoy, me hearties! Prepare to be hooked this October. The Historic Dockyard Chatham aarrrr pleased to announce a partnership with Bloomsbury Children’s Books to celebrate the paperback publication of the bestselling piratical adventure, Pirate Stew, written by award-winning storyteller Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris Riddell. Go and join Long John McRon, Ship’s Cook, on a new discovery trail around the Historic Dockyard this October (9 31 October). Can you find his missing pirate crew? Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

Pick up your special recipe booklet and treasure map on arrival, search for the motley pirate crew hidden around the 400-year-old site and complete the Pirate Stew ingredients list. If you can unscramble the anagram and work out what’s for dinner, you’ll receive a special prize. Taking part in the Pirate Stew Discovery Trail is FREE as part of an entry ticket to The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Pirate Stew resources are limited and it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment. Find out more and book at www.thedockyard.co.uk.

WILDWOOD KENT

October Half Term at Wildwood

Wildwood near Canterbury is a great day out for all ages where you can see amazing British wildlife from past and present. Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland, Wildwood holds a stunning collection of over 200 British animals in natural enclosures. See bears, wolves, otters, foxes, deer, badgers, owls, wild horses, lynx, beavers, wild cats, bison, squirrels, wild boar, reindeer and many more as you walk around the twisting trails through an ancient British woodland. Finish your day by letting your kids go wild in the amazing adventure play park.

Visit Wildwood this

Halloween Half Term SAT 23RD OCTOBER-SUN 31ST OCTOBER

Fun Days Out with the Family

with the Family

Join animal experts this Halloween for free close-up animal talks and feeds, free activities and a creepy Halloween trail. Wildwood is not just a wildlife park but also a unique conservation project, which aims to protect native British wildlife and bring back the original wild wood. Many of the animals at Wildwood are either extinct in the UK or under threat. The Wildwood Trust is working to protect Britain’s most endangered wildlife and to reintroduce animals back into the British woodland. A visit to Wildwood isn’t just a fun and educational day out. It’s a way to help preserve British wildlife. Find out more about their conservation, education and rewilding initiatives at www.wildwoodtrust.org

Daily Talks, Spooky Activities Creepy Trail & much more

Find out more at www.wildwoodtrust.org Phone: 01227 712 111

RELIVE THE STORY OF BRITAIN’S BEST LOVED TOYS THIS HALLOWEEN

Open 7 days a week: 10am-4pm

Café 10am-3.30pm

Ticket Prices: Adults: £5, Under 5s: Free, Family: £12.50 (2 adults and up to 4 children), Concessions: £2.50 (Senior Citizens and Children aged 5-15) FREE entry to the Retail Shop and Café

Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, Kent CT9 4JX www.hornby.com/visitorcentre

01843 233524

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Katie

lown’s

Halloween Howlers

Word Search H P R G O B L I N D

B N G E L T R L B P

V S H K X D C I E K T S D E I X B KWV O OWO O E TW RWK C C F Y T WD E T

C G O G G T L A O N

I R AM H G J Q N U WA AW L B MA U A

T R E A T J F R L H

Can you find all these words in the word search? Halloween, Witch, Black, Haunted, Brew, Ghost, Goblin, October Trick, Treat, Boo, Fangs, Bat, Magic

Where do baby ghosts go during the day? Day-scare

Spot the 5 Differences

What do ghosts wear when their eyesight gets blurred? Spooktacles!

What’s a zombie’s favourite cereal? Rice Creepies B

Where do ghosts go on holidays? The Boohamas.

What did the fisherman say on Halloween? Trick or trout.

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with Halloween or Fireworks? Make it as bright and colourful as you can! Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Please write your details in CAPITALS Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz Closing date 12 November 2021. Good Luck!

How to carve the perfect pumpkin…

1. Choose a large pumpkin and let a grownup use a sharp serrated knife to cut off the crown. 2. Using a large serving spoon, scoop out the seeds and ﬁbres and discard. Then remove some of the ﬂesh. 3. With a marker pen, draw a simple outline of a face on the pumpkin. Get a grown-up to use a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose and mouth. Always cut away from you in case the knife slips. 4. Pop a tea light inside the pumpkin, light it and replace the crown.

A n s w e r s

Win a Family Ticket to Hever Castle

Hever’s annual outdoor celebration of Autumn Colour heralds a stunning time in the 150 acre grounds with fun for all the family. The historic Castle is arguably at its romantic best in the autumn when the Boston ivy adorning the front of the Castle turns a vivid have ??????? to give away to of red. Visitors ders. Forshade your chance to win,will be treated to glorious ????????????. Send your answer to displays of autumn colour. ng with your name, age, Pack your walking boots hool and phone number to or wellies and head to mpetition, Primary Hever Castle to Times, enjoy the k Mews,crunch London SE12 8LG of leaves underfoot wer together with your autumn details to and spectacular ns@primarytimes.biz with tints.

the subject Fridayvisitors, 28 February. For by younger the

newly created obstacle course and woodland area in Woodland Walk off Lake Walk provides a fantastic forest experience this autumn. Get into the Halloween spirit this October Half Term (23-31 October) with a family friendly spooky interactive trail, garlic bulb planting and Ghoul School audio trail (£1). For your chance to win a family ticket and a Hever goody bag, tell us what colour the Boston ivy turns in autumn. See details Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens below of how to enter.

Win a Family Ticket Hever Castle Win Copies oftoPirate Stew

Hever’s outdoor celebration of Autumn Colour heralds a Meetannual Long John McRon, ship’s cook… and the most unusual stunning time in the 150 acre grounds with fun for all the family. babysitter you’ve ever seen. Long John has a whole crew of wild The pirates historicinCastle tow, and – for two intrepid children – he’s about to is arguably at aitsperfectly ordinary evening into a transform romantic in the beneath a pirate moon. It’s riotousbest adventure autumn thesome Pirate Stew. time when to make Boston ivy adorning Marvellously silly and gloriously entertaining, the front of the Castle this tale of pirates, flying ships, donut turns a vivid shade feasts and some rather magical stew is of red. Visitors will be perfect for all pirates, both young and old. treated to glorious With deliciously rhyming text from master displays of autumn storyteller Neil Gaiman and spellbinding colour. Pack your illustrations by the supremely talented Chris walking boots or Riddell, this is a wonderful book. Pirate Stew wellies and head to Hever Castle to enjoy the crunch of leaves is published by Bloomsbury Children’s books underfoot and spectacular autumn tints. at a recommended price of £7.99 For younger visitors, the Long newlyJohn created obstacle course and trail You can go and join McRon on a new discovery woodland in Woodland WalkChatham off Lake Walk provides(9a- 31 aroundarea the Historic Dockyard, this October fantastic forestSee experience Get into thecrew? Halloween October). if you canthis findautumn. his missing pirate More details spiritatthis October Half Term (23-31 October) with a family friendly www.thedockyard.co.uk. spooky interactive trail, garlic bulb planting and Ghoul School For your chance to win one of five copies of Pirate Stew, tell us audio trail (£1). the name of the pirate cook. See below for details of how to For your enter.chance to win a family ticket and a Hever goody bag, tell us what colour the Boston ivy turns in autumn. Send your

answer to us along with your name, age, address, school and Win phone Tickets number to Hever Competition, to theCastle Grand Premiere of Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back in the animated Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back in the animated the CBeebies Christmas Show SE12 8LG or email your answer together with your comedy sequel, The Addams Family 2. Morticia and Gomez comedy sequel, The Addams Family 2. Morticia The to annual CBeebies Christmas Show is backand and this details competitions@primarytimes.biz withup, are distraught that their children are growing up, skipping Gomez are distraught that their children are The growing year it’s an adaption of the classic poem, Night family dinners, and totally ‘Hever Castle’ as the subject skipping by Fridayfamily 12 November. dinners, Before Christmas. The show will be sprinkled with consumed with ‘scream time’. To Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens and totally consumed with plenty of CBeebies magic, festive music, stunning dance reclaim their bond they decide ‘scream time’. To reclaim performances and a to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, their bond decide to star they cast of CBeebies Uncle Fester and the crew into cram Wednesday, Pugsley, favourites. Follow the their haunted camper and hit Uncle Fester and the crew adventures of Holly the road for one last miserable into their haunted camper family vacation. Always staying and her brother Jack true to themselves, the Addams Eve, as and hiton theChristmas road for one Family bring their iconic they send their wishes last miserable family spookiness and kookiness to Father Christmas. vacation. Always staying But wherever they go. Their they have true to then themselves, theto deal adventure across America takes them out of their element with the mischievous Wish Taker who steals those Addams Family bring wishes. their and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, IT, as well The CBeebies Christmas Show will be in local cinemas iconic spookiness and kookiness wherever they go. Their on as many new strange characters. What could possibly go the weekend 4 and 5 takes December a grand premiere adventure acrossofAmerica them with out of their element wrong? The Addams Family 2 is in cinemas now. in Leicester Square on Sunday 28 November. and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, IT, as well We have five goody bags to give away to lucky readers Primary Times havecharacters. five family tickets to seepossibly the premiere as many new strange What could go in packed with prizes. For your chance to win one, tell us Leicester Square on 28 November. For your chance to win, wrong? The Addams Family 2 is in cinemas now. the name of the Addams family’s cousin. See below for tell us which poem this year’s show is based on. We have five goody bags to give away to lucky readers details of how to enter. See below for details of how to enter. Hever Castle COMP.indd 1 packed with prizes. For your chance to win one, tell us05/10/2021 Pirate Stew COMP.indd 1 the name of the Addams family’s cousin. Send your To enter any of the competitions send your answer alongtowith your with name, age, school, answer us along your name, age,address address, school and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews,toLondon, SE12Family 8LG. 2 Competition, and phone number The Addams Primary Times, 7 email Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively your answer and details to or email your answer together with your details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 12 November 2021. competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘The Addams Family 2’ If you are entering more than one competition as youthe cansubject put all by entries in the same envelope. Friday 12 November.

Win an Addams Family 2 Goody Bag

Competitions

Win an Addams Family 2 Goody Bag

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

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12:15

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What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Gee show is Punch and Judy with an imaginative modern day twist, perfect for all the family with razor sharp satire for adults. Free event. www. twpuppetryfestival.org. The Juke Boxes, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS (12.15pm, 2.15pm & 3.15pm) Using props, masks, puppets and a terrible selection of wigs, the kitsch duo bring to life some favourite celebrity pop stars from past and present such as The Beatles, Sinead O’Connor, Stevie Wonder and many more. See www.twpuppetryfestival.org for more details.

The Magic Shoe, Trinity Theatre Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP 2.30pm. A fisherman has been pulling various items out of the sea - an old boot, a wriggly fish. He is about to give up, when he finally hooks something completely different… a MAGIC

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

SHOE! This is a multimedia performance developed by a group of very talented adults with learning disabilities. Go to www.twpuppetryfestival.org for more details.

The Insect Circus, The Forum, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8YU (3.15pm & 4.30pm) Visit this magical world, forget reality and become immersed in the beautiful world of insects. Beetles, grasshoppers, wasps and dragonflies demonstrate their dexterity with skill and humour. See www.twpuppetryfestival.org for more details.

Fun Run, Tonbridge School Centre, Tonbridge, TN10 3AD 1.30-4pm. Go along to see Bagpuss as he participates in the fun run! Join #TeamBagpuss and take on the 5km or 2.5km fun run at Tonbridge School. The ticket price includes a bib, medal, water and a flapjack. For more information, and to register visit www.hospicesofhope.co.uk. History in Action Sunday Sessions, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN 11am, 12noon & 2pm. Fun family drama and movement sessions with different themes inspired by the Old Royal Naval College each month. Ages 5+. Taking place in the Mews Schoolroom,Visitor Centre. Free, just turn up (first come first served). For more information visit www.ornc.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 18...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Things to Do This Autumn The leaves are changing, the air is cooler and the days are getting shorter, which only means one thing, autumn is here. Primary Times takes a look at what to do outdoors and indoors this autumn.

Pumpkin Picking 

Head down to your local ‘Pick Your Own’ and choose your favourite looking pumpkin, ready to carve.

Watch a Fireworks Display 

Check out your local ﬁreworks display and watch the bright colours light up the sky. Remember to socially distance and take your gloves!

Make Leaf Cookies 

Cut out the shape of a leaf on card and use it to shape your own leaf cookies. Alternatively, use an oval cookie cutter for the base of the leaf, and score the lines into the dough to make a leaf print.

Make a Scarecrow 

They may not actually scare many crows away, but they are great fun to make and they do look good in your home or school garden. So why not have a go at making one. You could use a pumpkin for the head and it’s a good way to get rid of some old clothes.

Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder 

A simple activity that will beneﬁt the birds in your garden through the colder season! Just tie some string around a pinecone. Then spread peanut butter all over it and stick on lots of birdseed. After that, hang it up on a tree or fence and watch the happy birds.

Listen to Spooky Stories 

Get in the mood for Halloween by hosting your very own spooky story session. Choose some age suitable stories and read the haunted tales by torchlight. This could even inspire children to write and share their own spooky stories.

Plant Some Bulbs 

Now is the perfect time to plant some bulbs to give yourself a lovely display come the spring. You can plant in a pot, a window box or in a garden. As spring arrives, it’s so lovely to see the ﬁrst daffodils, tulips or other ﬂowers brighten up our lives after a hard winter.

Make a Leaf Collage 

The leaves are now turning beautiful colours of brown, red and golden. It’s the perfect time to collect a few fallen leaves and create some great autumn artwork.

Celebrate Apple Day 

Apple Day is 21 October but the whole of autumn is a great time for apples. Bake an apple in the oven, make a pie or just bite into one. Can anyone in your family peel an apple in one long strip?

Carve a Pumpkin 

Make Your Own Halloween Costume 

There are lots of designs and tutorials available online. Opt for a ghoulish ghost or why not try and carve your favourite ﬁctional character?

Bake Together 

While the trees are in beautiful colour, take a trip with the family down to a local woodland for some fresh air and exercise.

Whether it’s a ghoulish ghost, vicious vampire or a wicked witch, homemade Halloween costumes are great if you are on a budget. Baking is fun anytime of the year, but why not make the most of the seasonal produce such as apples, pears and pumpkins, to make some pies or tarts. 16

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Explore a Local Park Woodland 

How many can you tick off? For more information about what to do this autumn visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

Film & DVD Preview Guide Boss Baby 2: Family Business

Ron’s Gone Wrong Arrives in Cinemas

20th Century Studios and Locksmith Animation’s Ron’s Gone Wrong is the story of In this highly anticipated sequel,Tim and his Boss Baby little bro have become adults and drifted away from each other.Tim is now a married stay-at-home dad. Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitallyTed is a hedge fund CEO.Tim and his wife, Carol, the breadwinner of the family, connected device, which is supposed to be his live in the suburbs with their super- ‘Best Friend out of the Box.’ Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set within the backdrop of the smart 7-year-old daughter,Tabitha, social media age launch them into an actionand adorable new infant,Tina. packed journey in which boy and robot come When baby Tina reveals that she’s to terms with the wonderful messiness of true a top secret agent for BabyCorp friendship. on a mission to uncover the dark Featuring the voices of Zach Galiﬁanakis, Jack secrets behind Tabitha’s school and Dylan Grazer and Olivia Coleman, the script its mysterious founder, Dr Erwin Armstrong, the Templeton brothers reunite in was created by Arthur Christmas writer, Peter Baynham. Directed by Pixar veteran unexpected ways, leading them to re-evaluate the meaning of family and discover Jean-Philippe Vine, the ﬁlm promises to be fun for the whole family. Ron’s Gone Wrong what truly matters. Boss Baby 2 will be released in cinemas on 22 October. opens in cinemas nationwide from 22 October.

Watch Monster Family 2 at Home A year after the happy end of Monster Family, the Wishbone family are struggling with their various shortcomings. Max is the smallest and most bespectacled kid in eighth grade. Fay has the feeling that all her friends are talented at something but she’s not. Emma tries to help her children, but her advice is at best ignored.Then there’s Frank, whose happiness in his new job is ruined by seeing his family so unhappy. The wedding of the witch Baba Yaga and the hunchbacked butler Renﬁeld provides a much-needed distraction. But just seconds before they can exchange their vows, the two love birds are abducted! The Wishbones have no choice, if they want to save Baba Yaga and Renﬁeld they must transform into monsters again. Monster Family 2 will be available on Sky Cinema and Now TV from 22 October.

The Addams Family 2 Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back in the animated comedy sequel,The Addams Family 2. Morticia and Gomez are distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally consumed with ‘scream time’.To reclaim their bond they decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation.Always staying true to themselves, the Addams Family bring their iconic spookiness and kookiness wherever they go.Their adventure across America takes them out of their element and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, IT, as well as many new strange characters.What could possibly go wrong? The Addams Family 2 is in cinemas now.

DVDs

Daisy Quokka

Feel Festive with Christmas at Cattle Hill

Get ready for Christmas with the fun animated Daisy Quokka is a cute and colourful family adventure from the team behind Peter Rabbit. family adventure Christmas at Cattle Hill. For Klara, Christmas is everything. However, when she When an unbearably adorable, eternally arrives at her father’s farm there’s no festive cheer optimistic Quokka named Daisy wants to in sight.With time ticking away it’s up to Klara, her achieve the impossible – to win the annual new friends and a very hungry gnome to get a ‘World’s Scariest Animal’ championship, she moo-ve on and bring Christmas to the farm. Can enlists the guidance of a washed-up, former they do it? Christmas at Cattle Hill is directed champion, a grouchy Saltwater Crocodile, to help her achieve her dreams and prove by Will Ashurst and written by Ole Christian that champions can come in all sizes. Daisy Quokka comes to Digital Platforms from Solbakken. It will be available on digital platforms from 18 October. Signature Entertainment on 25 October.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN To be in with a chance of winning one of ﬁve Addams Family 2 goody bags, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Addams Family 2’ as the subject, telling us the name of the Addams family’s cousin, by Friday 12 November. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Fri 22 – Sun 31 Oct

The Brickworks! Adventure, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL Go along to this STEM Family Fair, with interactive workshops, trade stands and building challenges. This will feature 15 amazing BRICKLIVE outer space models, including a 310cm high Apollo 11 Saturn V rocket made with 68,583 bricks! For more information, visit www. bluebell-railway.com.

Sat 23-Sun 24 Oct

Steam and Diesel Parade, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney, TN28 8PL The ‘End of Season’ Steam and Diesel Gala is back! All tickets must be pre-booked. For more information coming soon visit www.rhdr.org.uk.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Mishka by Mike Maroney This is a pretty near perfect animal action adventure. Readers will be captivated not only by the heroic actions of Mishka, but Mike Maroney’s relatable characters – both the dastardly and the good guys. Ingeniously setting his story in Siberia, a place we all know little about, also provides plenty of scope for the vivid imaginations of its young readers. It’s a great bedtime story for youngsters, or an independent read for older children. Mishka wholeheartedly deserves to be recognised as a modern children’s classic. It also beautifully illustrates that special bond between grandparent and grandchild. Horridgrad in Siberia lived up to its name, a town full of criminals and corrupt officials, ruled by Ivan the Horrid. When Natasha had to stay, her grandfather bought her a snow-white puppy, to cheer her up. She called him Mishka. Mishka grew to be big and brave. He foiled a post office robbery and saved some children from drowning. Soon he helped scare all the thugs from the streets. Everyone felt safer with Mishka around. But Mishka turned out to not be a little puppy at all. Ivan was not about to let the ‘Big Dog’ ruin his racket. When he discovered Mishka’s secret he plotted to use it to get rid of him for good. Published by Talisman, Mishka is available in paperback priced £6.99 and in Kindle format on Amazon.

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Sat 23 – Sun 31 Oct

Pumpkin Picking, Saffery Farm, Nr Faversham, ME13 9QN 10am-4pm. Go along and pick your own pumpkin but be sure to bring your wellies as it’s a working farm and will be muddy! Pumpkins are priced by size and start from £1. No dogs allowed. For more information check their Facebook page Saffery Farm Pick Your Own Pumpkins.

PYO Pumpkin Patch, Broadditch Farm, Southfleet, DA13 9PU Go along this Halloween with little ones to visit the new pumpkin patch and take part in pumpkin carving workshops (Tues 26-Sat 30 Oct, 1.30am4pm). Charges apply. For more information and to book tickets visit www.spookycastle.co.uk.

Fright Fiesta, Gulliver’s Land Resort, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT Fright Fiesta is nine days of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun. Go together and celebrate the spookiest season of the year at Gulliver’s. To book tickets visit www. gulliverslandresort.co.uk.

Halloween Half Term, Hever Castle, nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Go along dressed in your spookiest outfit, spot Halloween decorations around the grounds and learn how to become the perfect monster in the ghoul school audio trail. There is also Halloween Scream, a two part interactive experience after dark for older visitors. For more details, visit www.hevercastle. co.uk.

Canterbury Festival – Playdate, Westgate Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BT Dive into a day of digital art and video games. There will be two sessions - talks and games 3-6pm and music and games 7.30-11pm. Charges apply. To book visit www. canterburyfestival.co.uk

Halloween Fun at the Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY 10am-4pm Dress up in your best Halloween costume and head to the Hop Farm where you will find children’s rides, animal farm and a Halloween trail. For more information visit www. thehopfarm.co.uk. Halloween Spooktacular, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU 10am-5pm. There’s pumpkin carving, creepy cuddle corner, spooky farm rides and daily fancy dress competitions. Are you brave enough to go along and trick or treat in their historic houses? You never know who’s lurking behind the doors! Prebook your tickets online at www. kentlife.org.uk. Halloween at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Explore the Castle grounds this October half term and take part in spooky themed activities. Check the website for more details nearer the time at www. leeds-castle.com.

Sun 24 Oct

Toys and Collectables Sale, Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB 10am-4pm Admission to the sale is by donation to the museum. For more details, visit www. cramptontower.co.uk. Artisan Market, Tonbridge Castle, TN9 1BG 10am-2pm. The final artisan market of the year at Tonbridge Castle with stalls set both within the grounds and the historic wood-panelled Chamber. Go along to see and buy wonderful local craft and produce. For more information, visit www. tonbridgecastle.org. From UXBs to IEDS, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR 10am-4pm. This is a special event looking at the past and present bomb disposal work of the Royal Engineers. See search dog displays and tour galleries to explore how the Royal Engineers became the Army’s bomb disposal experts. For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk.

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Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 18

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

- Diversity in Children’s Books The DESIblitz Literature Festival 2021 opened in September with leading British South Asian and South Asian literary names for a mix of in-person and digital events. The festival’s aim is to encourage young and aspiring British Asian writers with a programme of author events, workshops, performances and panel discussions, showcasing the work of British South Asian authors and poets, and international writers with South Asian heritage. Primary Times were lucky enough to go to the panel discussion on diversity in children’s books with authors Monika Singh Gangotra, Serena Patel, Sita Brahmachari, and Irfan Master with Tommy Sandhu hosting. Tommy: Why is it important that we see ourselves in stories if stories are escapism? Monika: I agree that books are a way to escape your world, but I also believe that you still want to be you when you’re escaping the world that you’re in. So when you’re escaping the world into characters you can’t relate to, it’s no more than living a normal life. When you’re reading a book and you ﬁnd characters that are aspirational because they look like you, you become a hero in your own life. That’s why books about empowerment and loving the skin you’re in need to be out there - so you feel seen. My colour wasn’t seen. As I’ve gotten older I want people to see my colour, I want them to see I’m brown and that I’m different, because that’s what makes me amazing and makes my kids amazing and our community amazing. I think building our lives in that way, in empathy through diverse characters in books is really important. Tommy: Would you agree with that, Serena? And what books influenced you growing up? Serena: Yeah, I think I never questioned the fact that there were no characters who looked like me who were the hero of the story, but I think it compounded

something in me, again growing up in a majority white community. It compounded feelings of being invisible, that your voice didn’t matter, that your story didn’t matter. Equally, I’ve had messages from readers who are not from a South Asian community, and they’ve never come across a brown person in their lives, but they’ve read Anisha (Serena’s latest book series) and they’ve learnt something new. It works on two levels, it’s a reﬂection but it’s also a window into someone else’s experience. Coming back to what Monika said, that creates empathy. If kids from other backgrounds can see a brown child as the hero of a story, that does something as well, and I think that can be really powerful. Tommy: What does the power of a good story do for children? Irfan: Why is it important for that 5/6 year old to see him/herself in a story? If they feel like superheroes, then they could possibly change the world. Tommy: And for yourself Sita? I want to know the power of a story and what it can do for the kids? Sita: For me, writing stories was initially to help myself, to piece myself together, but now it’s also an offering to children. And you see it, that sense of needing all the pieces of my history talked about, in stories. Belonging. I wrote a book called Corey’s Rock recently with an illustrator called Jane Ray, and when we were growing up we used to go to Orkney on holiday. I have a picture of me and my dad and he’s looking out to sea and he’s standing on a rock and I’m standing next to him. I remember the conversation. I

said, “Dad, what are you looking at? Are you looking for seals?” And he said, “No, I’m looking for home.” And little girl Sita saw the tears in his eyes and he said, “I will always be suspended between worlds.” Children see this stuff! When I was working in Notting Hill in the eighties, I was doing work with young people in communities where they were experiencing extreme racism, and lack of opportunity. I’m old enough now to know that there are repeats in history. There is always the voice of the author, there is always something you want to express and feel, and I’m really emotional when I’m writing, because you’ve got this chance to put something in this book. Then young people write to you about being inspired to write their own books and you think, “this is the best job in the world!” Tommy summed up the discussion with this: When I think back to my childhood, I loved stories. You lose yourself in other worlds, so on a final note I just want to say thank you for creating those worlds for children, it’s brilliant. The panel was full of challenging and inspiring messages, but what really stood out was that the inclusion of more diverse authors in children’s literature is a team effort for a shared gain - we all have a responsibility. The DESIblitz Literature Festival was organised by DESIblitz, the UK’s leading British Asian web magazine. For more information, please visit www.desiblitz.com.

What’s On

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Your family diary for October and November

October Mon 25-Wed 27 Oct

Kids Heritage Orchard Juicing, Brogdale, Faversham, ME13 9QG Go to Brogdale orchards, where you can see more than 2,200 varieties of apples, cherries, pears and plums growing. Pick some seasonal fruit from special heritage orchards and then the kids can have a go at making their own juice. To find out more visit www.brogdalecollections. org.

Mon 25-Fri 29 Oct

Children’s Autumn Trail & Pumpkin Carving, Great Comp Garden, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 8QS (Sessions 10am-12noon and 1-3pm) Go along and enjoy some Pumpkin Carving and take part in the annual autumn trail where children will be encouraged to find leaves, seeds and pine cones around the garden and learn about nature. Visit www. greatcompgarden.co.uk for more details. History Art Award Days, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 9am-3.30pm. Try out different art activities inspired by the museum’s collection and led by the museum’s experienced learning team with Ancient Egyptian and Japanese themed days. Suitable for children aged 7-11 years. Charges apply. For more details visit museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Tues 26 Oct

Wild Classroom Family Cooking Class, Belmont House & Gardens, Faversham, ME13 0HH 10am-1.30pm. Join Wild Classroom with your family and cook over fire using fresh ingredients from their Kitchen Garden. Once the session is complete you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful setting at Belmont. To book, visit www.belmont-house. org.

Den Building and Camp Fire Fun, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 9am-4pm. This action packed day is filled with bushcraft activities, den building, campfire making, finished off with a toasted marshmallow, hot chocolate, and a farm tour. Enjoy your picnic lunch around the campfire in the Green Man Glade. For ages 6-11years. To book visit www. boreplace.org

Tue 26-Thurs 28 Oct

Make it Crafts, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 10.30am-2.30pm. Go along for Egyptian themed Make It! sessions for children aged 4-11 years. There are three sessions per day, which should be booked in advance. To find out more visit museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Tues 26 – Fri 29 Oct

Family Time, Godinton House & Gardens, Ashford, TN23 3BP 10am-12 noon. Go along to the fun hands-on workshops during half term week. Places will be limited and so booking is essential. Charges apply. For more information and to book, visit www.godintonhouse.co.uk.

Wed 27 Oct

Halloween on the Farm, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 9am-4pm. Drop children off for some healthy, outdoor holiday time where they can harvest their own organic pumpkin and carve it into a spooky Jack O’Lantern. There will also be some apple-themed crafts to take home. Charges apply. For ages 6-11.Visit www.boreplace. org to book.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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Gelli Printing and Monotypes, Belmont House and Garden, Faversham, ME13 0HH 9.30-11am. Collect leaves and objects from the garden and use rollers and water-based paint to ink-up Gelli plates and perspex to experiment with colours, textures and overlays. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Suitable for ages 6+. Book online at www.belmonthouse.org.

Sun Printing (Cyanotypes), Belmont House and Garden, Faversham, ME13 0HH 12noon-1.30pm. Using preprepared paper, children collect leaves and flowers from the garden to act as the resist. They decide on their design, set it out on the paper, then take it outside and wait for the sun to work its magic. Suitable for ages 6+. Book online at www.belmont-house. org.

Wed 27-Sun 31 Oct

Halloween Trail and Autumn Colours, Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham, ME13 9TX 11am-4pm. Go along during the October half term for a Halloween pumpkin trail and special autumn colours garden opening. For more information, visit www.mountephraimgardens. co.uk.

Thurs 28-Fri 29 Oct

Spooky Stories by Lantern Light, Lullingstone Country Park, Eynsford, DA4 0JF 4pm. Go along for some spooky fun and make your own lantern, join a magical lantern procession through the woods and enjoy a spooky tale around a crackling fire and a steaming cauldron of hot chocolate. For more information, and to book visit www.kent.gov.uk/countryparks. Dabbers Jackpot Bingo, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ Doors open 6pm, show time 8-10.30pm. Go along at 6pm for retro video games, plus delicious

food and drinks available to purchase throughout the event. Winners will be faced with a choice from 9 treasure chests of prizes. For more information and to book visit www.dreamland.co.uk.

Fri 29 – Sat 30 Oct

Icy Mystery: Halloween Voyage into the Unknown, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN 11am, 12noon, 2pm & 3pm. Meet Captain Sir John Franklin as he regales you with stories of his long lost expedition to the Arctic. Go along dressed as ghostly sailors and follow spooky clues left by missing crew members before taking part in a creative workshop, and receive a special prize at the end. Ages 6+. To book visit www.ornc.org

Fri 29-Sun 31 Oct

Sky Trail After Dark, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU For a fang-tastic spooky time, book onto the special Halloween-themed Sky Trail After Dark sessions. Fancy dress is optional, having a thrilling time is not! For more information on activities, age restrictions and to book, visit www. moteparkadventure.com

Sat 30 Oct

Halloween Hocus Pocus, Lullingstone Country Park, Eynsford, DA4 0JF 10am-12.30pm. Make some spooky craft, toast a marshmallow around the fire and take part in a spooky story telling workshop. Booking is essential. Charges apply.Visit www.kent.gov.uk/ countryparks

Sun 31 Oct

National Garden Open Scheme, Great Comp Garden, TN15 8QS 10am-5pm. Visit this beautiful garden and help raise money for nursing and caring charities. The Old Dairy Tearooms will be open for teas, light lunches and delicious homemade cakes and Dyson’s nurseries will be selling a range of plants. Visit www.greatcompgarden.co.uk for more information.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 20

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Your family diary for October and November

October Halloween Spooktacular, Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, Sittingbourne, ME9 8AT 10am-5pm. Go dressed up for some good family spooky fun featuring a steam train into the woods, walk the Grim Graveyard to see the Carved Pumpkin Display, a Straw Maze, Ghost Hunt and Child and Adult Fancy Dress Competitions. Book tickets online at www.bwlr.co.uk/ tickets-online/ Halloween Magic, Lullingstone Castle, Enysford, DA4 0JA 12 noon-7pm. Go along in your best fancy dress to celebrate Halloween magic with pumpkin carving, spooky garden tours and spot the Halloween tricks in the eerie torchlight! Children under 16 go free. For more information visit www. lullingstonecastle.co.uk UKPW: Faversham – Tables, Ladders and Scares, Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ 1-4pm. Go along to this live wrestling event, suitable for all ages, for an afternoon of high-octane, body-slammin’, family friendly action. Charges apply. To book, visit www. thealexandercentre.com.

November Fri 5 Nov

First Friday Margate, Turner Contemporary, CT9 1HG Go along every first Friday of the month to ‘First Friday Margate’ – a free event showcasing the town’s creative community. Get involved in a range of workshops, poetry and much more! For more information, visit www. turnercontemporary.org. Fireworks Night, Swanley Recreation Ground, BR8 7BU 6.30pm. Go along to the bonfire, with live music, BBQ and fireworks at 7.30pm. For more information call 01322 665 855 or go to www. swanleytowncouncil.gov.uk

Fireworks at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, CT1 3NZ Go along and enjoy live music, fairground rides and much more at Kent Cricket on fireworks night. For more details visit www.canterbury.co.uk

Sat 6 Nov

Bonfire & Fireworks Celebrating Freddie Mercury & Queen, Quex Park, Birchington, CT7 0BH For more details and to book tickets visit www.quexpark.co.uk for details. Dunorlan Park Fireworks, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QN Gates open at 5.30pm and fireworks start at 7pm for 20 minutes. There will also be food and drink vendors. For more information visit www.rtwrt.org

Sat 6- Sun 7 Nov

British Truck Racing & Fireworks, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Sparks will fly as a full field of five-tonne race trucks clatter around the Indy circuit, powersliding and thundering around the iconic venue. The Sunday fireworks spectacular includes a twilight convoy of show trucks on track with headlights ablaze. To book tickets visit www.brandshatch.co.uk. Fireworks Spectacular, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Kent Life opens at 3pm and the firework display will begin at 6pm. There will be entertainment for all ages including face painting, children’s

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fairground rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides and much more. To book tickets visit www.kentlife.org. uk.

Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Spaced themed fireworks show with a full production of projections and lasers onto the castle, ending with a mesmerising lighting finale. Arrive from 2pm to enjoy the castle grounds plus live music and street food pop-ups before the fireworks at 5.30pm. To book visit www.leeds-castle. com

Sun 7 Nov

Tonbridge Charity Fireworks and Laser Display, Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground, TN9 1DS 5-7pm. Annual charity fireworks and laser display. For more information, visit www. tmbc.gov.uk First Sundays: 500 Years of History for £5, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN On the first Sunday of each month enjoy a reduced £5 entry to the Painted Hall (kids go free) with special storytelling sessions for children at 11.30am and 1.30pm included (pre-booking recommended). For more information visit www.ornc.org

Fri 12 Nov Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Fri 19 Nov

Christmas Lights Switch On, Friary Place, Strood, ME2 3.45pm. Go along for an afternoon of festive activities with the Mayor switching the lights on at 5pm. For more details go to www.visitmedway. org

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Christmas Lights and Meet the Gruffalo, Strood Library, Rochester, ME2 4TJ 2-2.30pm. Go along to Strood Library and meet The Gruffalo! This event is free and for ages 3-8 years. For more information go to www.visitmedway.org

Fri 19 Nov-Mon 3 Jan

Skate Tunbridge Wells, Calverley Grounds, TN1 1SJ 10am-8pm. A full sized real ice rink with sessions for parent and toddlers and also Bavarian curling. Save £2 per ticket by booking in advance. For more details, visit www.skatetw.co.uk.

Sat 20 Nov

Christmas Lights Switch On, Military Square, Chatham, ME4 3.45pm. Go along for an afternoon of festive activities with the Mayor switching the lights on at 5pm. For more details go to www.visitmedway. org

Sat 20 –Sun 21 Nov

Model Railway Weekend, Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB 10am-4pm. Featuring 15 railway layouts and four sales stands. Please note there is no onsite parking but there is a public car park off St Peter’s Road which is free on Saturdays. For more information, visit www. cramptontower.co.uk.

Sat 20 Nov-Mon 3 Jan

Twilight Christmas, Hever Castle, nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars. Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas. For more information and to book visit www. hevercastle.co.uk.

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Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

November Sun 21 Nov

History in Action Sunday Sessions, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN 11am, 12noon & 2pm. Fun family drama and movement sessions with different themes inspired by the Old Royal Naval College each month. Ages 5+. Taking place in the Mews Schoolroom,Visitor Centre. Free, just turn up (first come first served). For more information visit www.ornc.org

Thurs 25 Nov

Late-night Christmas Opening, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD 4-7pm. Explore inside the house before joining us in the garden for carol singing. This event is part of the opening of St Mary’s Church’s Festival of Trees with external events taking place in Westerham as well. Normal admission into Quebec House applies.Visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/quebec-house

Fri 26 Nov

Christmas Lights and Meet Bing and Flop, Gillingham Library, ME7 1BG 2-2.30pm. Go along to Gillingham Library and meet Bing and Flop! This event is free and for ages 3-8 years. For more information go to www.visitmedway.org

Sat 27-Sun 28 Nov

Rochester Christmas Market, Castle Hill, ME1 1SW 10am-6pm. There will be familiar costumed characters from the works of Charles Dickens, parades, street entertainment and open-air carol concerts. Visitors will find unusual stocking fillers, unique and personalised gifts and, of course, mulled wine. For more details go to www. visitmedway.org Wartime Christmas Weekend, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR Travels back in time and to explore how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War. Take a trip to

see Sapper Santa’s Grotto & Workshop, where little ones can write letters, receive a special gift and create their own Christmas treasures! For details visit www. re-museum.co.uk

Sat 27 Nov-Fri 24 Dec

Christmas at Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU (Selected dates) Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto where children can select a gift of choice from the toy shop. Each child receives a personalised letter in the post from Father Christmas (subject to booking early enough in advance). For more information visit www.kentlife.org.uk.

Sat 27 Nov-Sat 1 Jan

The Night Before Christmas, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 11am-3.30pm. Step back in time this winter and immerse yourself in an Edwardian Christmas just as the Hussey family would have enjoyed. The event is free but normal admission charges apply for the Castle. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle

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Sun 28 Nov

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Tonbridge Rotary Christmas Festival and Fireworks, High Street, TN9 1AP 2-7.30pm. Go along to this free event which will include entertainment, stalls, the Christmas light switch on and fireworks. For more information, visit www.tmbc.gov.uk.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Sat 4-Sat 18 Dec

Father Christmas’s Fireplace, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 10am-4pm. Meet Father Christmas in his cosy library, leave your wish with him and receive a present! Families are advised to book consecutive slots for more than 1 child. Family bookings will go in to see Father Christmas together. For more information visit museum. maidstone.gov.uk.

December Fri 3 Dec

Rochester Christmas Market, Castle Hill, ME1 1SW 12-8pm (Also 4, 5, 10, 11 & 12 Dec) There will be familiar costumed characters from Charles Dickens, parades, street entertainment and open-air carol concerts. Find unusual stocking fillers, unique and personalised gifts and, of course, mulled wine. For more details go to www. visitmedway.org

Sat 27 Nov-Sun 2 Jan

Christmas at the Castle, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Step inside the Castle dressed with beautiful Christmas décor and walk through 12 different artworks representing the Twelve Days of Christmas gifts. The trail has many interactive elements for little ones to enjoy. To find out more and to book tickets visit www.leeds-castle.com.

gift. Enjoy a mince pie, listen to carols and take a look at the house decorated for Christmas. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ightham-mote.

Christmas Lights and Meet Peter Rabbit, Rainham Library, RM13 9GP 2-2.30pm. Go along to Rainham Library and meet Peter Rabbit. This event is free and for ages 3-8 years. For more information go to www.visitmedway.org

Sat 4-Sun 5 Dec

Christmas Mini Market, Ightham Mote, nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT Kick start your festive shopping at this mini market celebrating local producers. Their shop will be full of tempting treats too, a perfect place to find that special

Sun 5 Dec

First Sundays: 500 Years of History for £5, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN On the first Sunday of each month enjoy a reduced £5 entry to the Painted Hall (kids go free) with special storytelling sessions for children at 11.30am and 1.30pm included (pre-booking recommended). For more information visit www.ornc.org Artisan Craft Curios & Gift Markets, Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ 10am-3pm (Also 12 Dec) Go along to browse and shop with small traders offering a unique range of gifts, curios, artisan and craft items for sale. For more information, visit www. thealexandercentre.com. Our next copy deadline is

12 November 2021 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 22

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

All your own work!

Markus Narkevic aged 4

Daniel Cendrzak aged 10

Imaani Muhaimin aged 9

. Rose Tingley competitions in our September Back to School issue Congratulations to the following people who won a prize with gorill ing amaz the won Day ry School. Noah won a box of books for her school, Miers Court Prima ombe and Dunc Bella kov, Kuten Philip , ovski Nikola Jovan Cindergorilla. Our Epping Ongar Railway winners were mies Mum of copy a won s Roger Elsa Juliette Steyn and Lyla Foster. Daniel Baker, Teddy Flude, Nike Ezeasor, son Harri as, Thom ry Zacha s, Vagg ie Welman, Willow-Dix Unwrapped. Paws in the Park winners were Jackie we had Annie's drawing competition for the under 8's and the won vic Narke us Halliday and Emma Wiffin. Mark n etitio comp our all to done Well and Imaani Muhaimin. two winners in the older catergory, Daniel Cendrzak If you would like to see winners on this page and enjoy all the artwork! your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Katharina Hopkins, Juveria, Mollie Rose Irwin and Freddie Cheshire for all their really lovely, fun artwork. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.