N&W Kent October Half Term 2018 Primary Times by Alison Watson

e e r f

IDE U G N O ’S T A H W

for families with primary aged children

in North & West Kent October Half Term• Issue 113 • 8 October - 25 November 2018

Friday 7 December Wednesday 2 January Christmas at Assembly Hall Theatre • www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

The Best Family Guide to What’s On

Holiday activities with Maidstone Leisure

Saturday 20th Sunday 28th October

October Half Term Activities! • Super Stars Holiday Club

• Bouncy Castle

• Polar Adventure Soft Play & Ice Hill Slides

• Face Painting

• Swimming Lessons • Aqua Challenge

• Fancy Dress Halloween Party

• Wave Rave

& much more!

Maidstone Leisure Centre Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7RN MaidstoneLeisure Tel: 08451 552277

www.maidstoneleisure.com

• Mr Muddles Magic Show

Dear Readers Primary Times in North & West 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: Gill Pearce, Catherine Dillon, Lola Olowofela & Andrew Langridge Listings: Dingile Kasote Editorial: Alina McCrone Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Medway and 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 Medway and 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 North & West Kent is operated under franchise licence.

Phew that was a quick half term, or it felt that way to us! Welcome to the latest issue of Primary Times, out just in time for October Half Term. Welcome also to Dingile who is our new Listings Editor. She has done a fantastic job finding hundreds of ideas for you all to have a brilliant half term so do let the organisers know that you read about them in Primary Times. Do also check the latest information by contacting them before you visit. Our listings are prepared a long time in advance and details can change. Fancy winning a weekend away at the wonderful Leeds Castle including entrance fees, bed and breakfast? Then look no further and enter our Leeds Castle competition. With Leeds Castle you can explore almost nine centuries of history and discover the gardens, maze, falconry and much more. Look out for our other competitions too and don’t forget to include your contact details when you enter them There will be lots of firework displays happening soon. We looked on the RoSPA website and these were their top ten tips on how to stay safe. 1 Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable. 2 Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. 3 Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary. 4 Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back. 5 Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. 6 Never return to a firework once it has been lit. 7 Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them. 8 Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators. 9 Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. 10 Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. Visit www.saferfireworks.com/firework_code for lots more advice

Contents

inside this issue.... News.........................................4 What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre........................ 10 Autumn Adventures.................... 17 Education News.......................24 Katie Clown’s Games Page....26 Competitions...........................27 All Your Own Work!................. 31

Look out for our wonderful winter magazine from 26 November.

Peter and the Primary Times team When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

Anything Nose in Schools Next March Red Nose Day is back for 2019, and Comic Relief is calling on all teachers to clear their school’s diary on Friday 15 March to take part in the epic fundraising extravaganza. Red Nose Day is a time in the school year that students remember for a lifetime - donning a nose, dressing up and coming up with all kinds of wacky ways to raise funds for a good cause. It isn’t just an exciting opportunity to take part in a fantastic day of fundraising. Red Nose Day also gives students a great chance to learn more about the world around them and how Comic Relief is working to support vulnerable people both at home in the UK and around the globe. To help schools get red-y for a day of fundraising and events, teachers can now pre-order a free fundraising pack tailored specifically for primary schools. The packs are bursting with ideas – fundraising guides, posters, stickers and balloons – to help ensure schools will have an unforgettable time. Comic Relief also offers school curriculum materials and videos that teachers can use to help raise awareness of the world around them and those living incredibly tough lives. To have these tips, tools and classroom ideas land in your school’s post box this January, pre-order your pack now – just head to www.rednoseday.com/primarytimes. Comic Relief is a registered UK charity that aims to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic

Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people both here at home in the UK and across the world. For more information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit www.comicrelief.com. 8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

News

Film Preview Guide Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween Sonny Quinn and his best friend Sam, or the ‘Junk Brothers’, are known for collecting discarded stuff other people don’t want.This leads them into the path of Slappy, the mischievous ventriloquist dummy who is up to no good. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween follows the Quinn family as they face an entirely new set of spooky, exciting and funny events. At ﬁrst Slappy wants nothing more than to be part of the family, but when his antics go too far, Sonny and Sam realise that this obsessive puppet must be stopped. Rejected, Slappy decides to build his own “family” by kidnapping Sonny’s mother and causes further disruption, bringing all his Halloween friends back to life.The town is turned into a Halloween disaster full of freaky creatures and creepy garden gnomes.The boys, Sonny’s sister Sarah and their neighbour Mr Chu team up to save Kathy and the town from Slappy’s wicked plan, but will they succeed? Goosebumps 2 is released in cinemas on 19 October.

The Nutcracker & the Four Realms

All Clara wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother. At her godfather Drosselmeyer’s holiday party, a golden thread leads her to the key; however it disappears into a strange and mysterious world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip, a gang of mice and the regents who rule over three Realms: Land of Snowﬂakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger.Will they retrieve the key and return harmony to the unstable world? Featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new magical holiday feature ﬁlm “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is inspired by E.T.A Hoffmann’s classic tale and is in cinemas from 26 October.

The Grinch

The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas. Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mount Crumpit. Rigged with inventions and contraptions for his dayto-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbours in Who-ville when he runs out of food. Every Christmas, the Whos disrupt the Grinch’s tranquil solitude with their celebrations, and when they declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realises he must steal Christmas. Meanwhile, Cindy-Lou is plotting to trap Santa Claus on Christmas Eve so that she can thank him for helping her overworked single mother.As Christmas approaches however, her good-natured scheming threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one.Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal or will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all? The Grinch will be in cinemas on 9 November.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

To be in with a chance of winning one of ﬁve The Grinch goody bags, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘The Grinch’ as the subject by Friday 9 November. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Sencio Community Leisure Sencio Community Leisure offers children’s holiday activities for all ages in their NR-Gize programme every school holiday. This offers a range of activities from spooky to sporty to splashy, so there is no reason to allow boredom to fester in your home while children are away from school. Parents find NR-Gize to be a perfect alternative to expensive holidays or boring days in. Reader, Elizabeth Holak told Primary Times, “We didn’t go away this summer and therefore my children took part in a number of different activities that [Sencio] provided. From swimming lessons to different craft activities, they loved them all.” Regular exercise is so important in helping children to grow up healthy and happy, so you can take Half Term as an opportunity to enrol them in a swimming course or to join any of the energetic events held throughout the week. There are plenty of workshops to learn and play in this October.Young scientists can enter Frankenstein’s laboratory, performers can learn circus skills and football fans can play with the Charlton Athletic Community Trust. Keep an eye out for the programme with more activities for toddlers to teenagers at www.sencio.org.uk.

Crazy Noodles While seven-year-old Lily Gray struggles in Maths and English due to dyslexia, her creative abilities soar far beyond her years. For as long as Emily can remember, her beautiful daughter has been drawing, tearing things up and creating art that stands on its own. In a unique project, Lily and Emily have now teamed up to release ‘Crazy Noodles’, a kid’s colouring book unlike anything else. There are no rules, expectations or convention – just a volume that allows children (and adults!) to unleash their talents and explore creativity in a fun and memorable way. But this is not just a colouring book. It is a journey through a funny world of interesting characters each with their own little stories. From a forest of lollipop zombies haunted by Hansel and Gretel, to Sensei Lemonhead and his fruit headed Kung Fu masters in their bamboo clad Dojo! You are free to doodle, cut out pages and above all have fun! The characters are cute, quirky and totally random. There are funny comments and rhymes on most pages which will appeal to adults and children alike. ‘Crazy Noodles’, from Troubador, is available now at Amazon. For more information, visit the publisher’s website.

News

Festival Children’s Book Prize

Meet Santa at Royal Victoria Place

Do you ever see yourself as the author of a children’s book? The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival and the Salariya Book Company have opened their Children’s Picture Book Prize competition. Launched in 2017, the competition is open to unpublished writers and illustrators so submit an entry by 31 January and have the chance to win a prize of £1000. A prestigious panel of judges will be reading the entries and the winner will receive career advice from a leading literary agent and publicity through the Stratford Literary Festival. The winning entry may also be published by Salariya imprint, Scribblers, in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Camille Whitcher, the most recent winner had her book Luna and The Moon Rabbit published in April 2018, with a launch reception in London and an event at the Stratford Literary Festival. Her book has also just been stocked by bookshops in the United States. If you are interested in writing and children’s books, then you don’t want to miss out. For details on how to apply go to www.stratlitfest.co.uk/ bookcompetition

It’s that time of the year when everyone starts to get excited about Christmas and of course the arrival of Santa at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells. Santa will make his big entrance on Sunday 18 November as part of the centre’s Festive Family Fun Day from 12 noon (you can park free all day). Then, Santa will be making children’s wishes come true every day right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve. You’ll find Santa’s Grotto located on Level 1 opposite M&S. Royal Victoria Place is also the perfect place to head for all your Christmas shopping with all your favourite shops and cafés located all under one roof. Plus this year, you can take your time and shop late every night ‘til 8pm between Monday 17 and Saturday 22 December with free parking after 4pm. Let your little ones experience the true magic of Christmas with a visit to see Santa at Royal Victoria Place. Book in advance at www. royalvictoriaplace.com. Entry to Santa’s Grotto is only £5.50 per child including a wrapped gift. To capture the special moment, a photography service will be available at Santa’s Grotto offering great gift ideas for family and friends. To find out more about Santa’s Grotto opening times and what’s on this Christmas at Royal Victoria Place, visit www.royalvictoriaplace.com or sign up to their free e-newsletter today.

Win a Mini Break at Leeds Castle This autumn Primary Times has an exciting prize to give away to a lucky family - An annual pass for two adults and two children to Leeds Castle, plus an overnight stay in the grounds of Leeds Castle at the Stable Courtyard B&B and dinner in the Castle View restaurant for up to £150. There will also be runner up prizes of five more family annual passes for two adults and two children. There’s plenty going on this October Half Term at Leeds Castle. Help Monster Hunter Valerie Van Helsing on a quest to investigate ‘The Case of the Halloween Monster’, but watch out for Halloween bandits along the way! Look out for characters such as Vinnie the Vampire and Frank Frankenstein on the trail and collect your chocolate reward at the end. There’s also a fun new haunted trail for younger visitors through the Woodland Walk, a ‘Monster Mash Ball’ and daily fancy dress competitions with prizes for the best costumes. If you’re brave enough, visit Leeds Castle this half term for ghoulish games and frightening fun for all ages.

Leeds Castle is perfect for a family day out and the annual pass means you can visit the Castle all year round, not just in the autumn. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them both to Leeds Castle Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Leeds Castle Competition’ as the subject, by Friday 9 November.

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Find the following words Vampire, Frank, Vinnie, Leeds, Castle, October, Webs, Boo, Scary, Trail Name...................................................................... Age.......................................................................... Address................................................................... ................................................................................ ................................................................................ School......................................................................

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

Your family diary for October and November Ongoing Until 27 Oct

Walking with Goats Experience, Buttercups Sanctuary, Maidstone, ME17 4JW (Saturdays only) 2pm. Take one of our goats out for a walk along the various footpaths around the sanctuary, whilst the goats feast on the foliage – a fun experience for the whole family. Booking required. For more information visit www.buttercups. org.uk

Costume Tours, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG (Saturdays only) 1.15-1.45pm. Delve into the store for a peek at the delicate and lavish costumes once worn by Ellen Terry and her actor friends. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

Until 28 Oct

Mrs Wolfe’s Eighteenth Century, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD Every Sunday volunteers cook 18th century delicacies from recipes used by the former resident of Quebec House. Tackle a colouring in sheet in the exhibition room after. Free event, normal admission applies. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/quebec-house

Until 10 Nov

Re-Imagining the Doll’s House, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH A collaborative exhibition of historic doll’s houses from the museum’s own collections, combined with contemporary artists’ and makers’ work. For more information visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Until 25 Nov

400th Anniversary, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

VC: For Valour Exhibition, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR 2018 Marks the centenary of the Armistice which brought the First World War to an end. The museum will be marking the anniversary with a major exhibition and communitybased project focusing on the Sapper Victoria Crosses of the First World War. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Untold Stories: A Celebration of Black People in Kent, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE Untold Stories seeks to tell the story of African and Caribbean people across Kent and Medway in the 19th and 20th Century. For more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

October Mon 1 – Sun 28 Oct

Autumn Colours, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle to enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and spectacular autumn tints. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Thurs 11 Oct

Story Time, The Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX (Also 18 and 25 Oct) 10.15-11.15am. Bring your under 5s along every Thursday morning to have fun with toys, games and music. Squash, milk and play mats available. Charges apply. For more information visit www. huguenotmuseum.org

This year marks the 400th anniversary since the Royal Dockyard was established. Go along and celebrate. There are a number of programmes and activities organised throughout the year. For more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

Until 2 Dec

Bird Ringing, Northward Hill Nature Reserve, Eastborough, ME3 8DS (Sundays only). 9-11am. Come along to a public bird ringing demonstration, led by a BTO qualified ringer. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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

Fri 12 Oct

”

The Big Draw, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LN

3.30-5.30pm. Join in the Hub and draw your favourite way to play in the park. Suitable for all ages, children to be accompanied. No need to book. For more details visit www. thebigdraw.org

Fri 12 – Sun 14 Oct

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Join the title celebrations with all of the champions at the end of Sunday as Brands Hatch brings the curtain down on another incredible season of action. Under 13s are admitted free. For more information visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Fri 12 Oct – Fri 30 Nov Story Time, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

(Fridays only) 10.30am-11.00am. Enjoy a fun morning of story-telling and craft activities in the Bentlif Gallery. Perfect for under 5s. Charges apply. For more information visit museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Sat 13 Oct

Sat 13 – Sun 14 Oct

Heart of Kent Hospice Moonlit Walk 2018, Aylesford, ME20 7PU 8pm-12midnight. Enjoy a night out with a difference with your family and friends. Take on this fun evening 8 mile walk to remember loved ones or to support your local Hospice. For more information visit www.hokh.org

Pick your Pumpkin, Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone, ME14 3BE With over 70 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from, plus a range of fun activities, including the popular maize maze, face painting, storytelling and pumpkin painting, enjoy this family day out! (Also in Rainham). For more details visit www.pumpkinmoon.uk

Sun 14 Oct

Time Capsule by Esther Johnson at Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR 10am–5pm. Local artist Esther Johnson holds her first ever exhibition at the Royal Engineers Museum. Including original pieces currently featured in Chatham Dockyard and Fort Amherst. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Sun 14 Oct – Sun 2 Dec Festival of Apples, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD

12noon-4.30pm. Stroll in the old apple orchard. Taste, test and select apples of all shapes, sizes and colours. Create your own apple pig, weave some willow, and much more, all to the sound of our merry folk band. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Kids’ Film Club: Mary & The Witch’s Flower, The Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX

Fri 19 – Sun 28 Oct

10am-12noon. Based on “The Little Broomstick” by Mary Stewart, a strange flower grants a girl magic powers. Fun for the whole family toys and play mats available. Booking is required. For more information visit www.huguenotmuseum.org

(Daily) 10am-4pm. With over 70 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from, plus a range of fun activities, including the popular maize maze, face painting, storytelling and pumpkin painting, enjoy this family day out. (Also in Rainham). For more details visit www. pumpkinmoon.uk

With Map and Musket, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD (Also 10 Nov) 1-5pm. Join our eighteenth century surveyor as he explains how map makers played a key role in the Quebec campaign. Free event, normal admission applies. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

Pick your Pumpkin, Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone, ME14 3BE

Fri 19 Oct – Sun 6 Jan

Ice Rink, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ It wouldn’t be Christmas at Ruxley without the opportunity to get your skates on and pirouette around an all-weather, covered ice rink! Skate

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 8... Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

SWIMMING LESSONS MEMBERSHIP At Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and White Oak

£30 per month

Find out more at sencio.org.uk/memberships

Includes free swimming 7 days a week

EDENBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE

Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5LU 01732 865665 • elc@sencio.org.uk

SEVENOAKS LEISURE CENTRE

Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1LW 01732 470700 • slc@sencio.org.uk

WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE

Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, Kent BR8 7BT 01322 662188 • wolc@sencio.org.uk

Children's activities at all our centres this half term!

Download a programme at sencio.org.uk and search NR-Gize

Swimming & NR Gize - Primary Times Ad - 135mm h x 90mm w.indd 1

13/09/2018 12:45

Come see

Santa at our

magical Grotto Open every day* from Monday 19th November until Christmas Eve. Entry to Santa’s Grotto is £5.50 per child and includes a wrapped gift. Online booking available.

royalvictoriaplace.com *Daily Grotto opening times may vary.

Regional_HalfPage_190x135mm_Grotto_RVP.indd Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

01/10/2018 10:087

What’s On

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

October aids for younger children are available to hire plus an opportunity to skate with Mr. Incredible. Charges apply. To book visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Sat 20 Oct

The Sky at Night, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 6-9.30pm. Stargaze through astronomical telescopes, discover more about planets, black holes and quasars; activities for all ages. Enjoy a short talk with a rolling film show. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 20 – Sun 21 Oct

Railway Weekend - October, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE Come and see steam trains up close and running. They’ll be a perfect backdrop for photo opportunities for train enthusiasts and for all the family too! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Formula Ford Festival, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG The world-famous Formula Ford Festival returns to Kent’s Brands Hatch for two days of fast and furious club-level motorsport. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply. For more information visit www. brandshatch.co.uk

Sat 20 – Sun 28 Oct

Halloween Half Term Fun, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Prepare to be spooked this Halloween! Listen to ghostly tales, follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds, learning about the ghosts of Hever, create creepy crafts or decorate a ghoulish biscuit and so much more. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Half Term Family Fun, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-3pm. Enjoy a visit to Ightham Mote as you follow a bat trail around the garden. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Spooky Pumpkin Trail, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW 10am-4pm. Take part in a spooky heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. For more details visit www. visitmedway.org

Spooky Halloween Trail, Upnor Castle, Rochester, ME2 4XG 10am-4pm. Take part in a spooky heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. For more details visit www. visitmedway.org

Night Knight Trail, Temple Manor, Strood, ME2 2AH (Also 21, 27 and 28 Oct) 10am-4pm. Help a Knight have a good night’s sleep at Temple Manor by finding all the spooky ghouls and ghosts around the site. Find them all for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. For more details visit www.visitmedway. org

Children of Scotney Halloween Trail, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 10am-4pm. Follow the trail around the garden to hear about the ghosts of Scotney Castle and find the answer to collect your prize. Admission fee and charges applies. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

Enchanted Garden, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE Enter the Enchanted Garden once again this October Half Term and find out what the Fairies have been up to since last year. A week packed full of fun activities and storytelling for all ages! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Halloween Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY 10am-4pm. Treat your little ones to a spook-tastic feast of fun for the Half Term holidays. Join in lots of activities like pumpkin carving, ghoulish face painting, and storytelling plus on Wed 24, kids can meet TV favourite Fireman Sam. For more information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Broadwitch Hauntfest, Broadditch Farm Shop, Southfleet, DA13 9PU Broadwitch’s daytime events are fangtastic fun for the whole family! These include Freaky Forest, Boo Bungalow, Bone Yard, Monster Madness, Pumpkin Carving Workshops and more. Charges apply. For more details visit www.spookycastle.co.uk/ day-events

“

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

”

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Meet the weird and wonderful rescued animals from the Amazing Animal World, get creative at spooktacular make and take workshops and enjoy a magic show with Marli the Magician. Charges apply.Visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Mon 22 – Sun 28 Oct

Sat 20 – Sun 4 Nov

The Halloween Monster Quest, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

10am-4pm. Explore creepy Chartwell looking for petrifying pumpkins around the garden this Halloween. Ages 2-10. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Help Monster Hunter Valerie Van Helsing on a quest through the Castle grounds to investigate ‘The Case of the Halloween Monster’ but watch out for Halloween bandits along the way! Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Pumpkin Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

Terrifying Tree Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Explore the garden to discover tales of our most terrifying trees this Halloween. Ages 2-10. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ emmetts-garden

Mon 22 Oct

Apple Fun Day, Bore Place, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR 10am-1pm. Celebrate the Kent countryside at this fun, free, applethemed morning. The event includes baking tasty organic apple and oat muffins, visiting an orchard, vegetable garden and farm, tasting apple varieties and apple juice and applethemed crafts. Ages 4-12.Visit www. boreplace.org

Make Your Own Halloween Crafts, Upnor Castle, Rochester, ME2 4XG (Also 24 Oct) 10.30am-3.30pm. Join in with a hands-on family craft activity to make your own witch, cat and bat. Charges apply. For more details visit www.visitmedway.org

Kids’ Camps, Bewl Water Country Park, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH (Also 25 and 26 Oct) Keep the little ones entertained during the school holidays. Activities differ on a daily basis, ensuring that those attending for multiple weeks enjoy new experiences each day and stay engaged. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.bewlwater. co.uk

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Oct 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

Wacky Wizards and Witches Week, Millbrook Gravesend, DA13 9PA

Bluewater’s Toy Testing Lab, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST Test and review this year’s must-have toys from popular brands including LEGO, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Disney and The Entertainer. The free, fun-filled testing lab is perfect for a spot of play with a whole host of top toys ready to be enjoyed by children of all ages.Visit www.bluewater.co.uk

Pumpkin Carving, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ Don’t miss this spooky treat! Scare your family and friends by carving your own pumpkin. Choose whatever design you want to create the choice is yours. Charges apply. To book visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

John Lawson’s Circus, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ Acts include Ringmaster Attila Endrész introducing acts all appearing at Ruxley for the first time - Tennis Racket Juggling with Rico Brukson, from Italy Miss Elena on the Aerial Silks, amazing Quick Change Illusions with TN Quick Change from Hungary, on the Aerial Cradle Duo Velvet and Clown Rudi. Charges apply. To book visit www.ruxleymanor.co.uk

Tues 23 Oct

Nick Sharratt’s Big DrawAlong, Greenwich Theatre, SE10 8ES Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt to find out how he creates his picture books. He’ll show you how to draw Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, kings and cats and all kinds of crazy creatures. Charges apply. For more information visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Pumpkin Carving and Baking! Bore Place, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR 10am-1.30pm. Children can choose and harvest their own organic pumpkins to carve into a spooky Jack O’ Lantern. Then bake delicious cheese scones to enjoy with pumpkin soup for lunch. Charges apply. Ages 5-11. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16... Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

WITH ALL WEATHER COVER

LAUNCH NIGHT

OPEN EVERY DAY from 19th October until 6th January* * Excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

WWW.RUXLEY-MANOR.CO.UK RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE, MAIDSTONE ROAD, SIDCUP, KENT DA14 5BQ

T:020 8300 0084

Family Theatre

...oh yes it is! Silly Billy is Back in Sevenoaks! This Christmas season will be the tenth anniversary of the return of pantomime to the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, and to celebrate, a trio of the town’s favourite panto performers are returning for Dick Whittington! The hilarious Ant ‘Silly Billy’ Payne, who is also a popular children’s entertainer, is one of the Stag’s best loved panto comics. After four years away, Silly Billy is back for this year’s show. Britain’s Got Talent star

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Danny Beard was a hit with audiences when he made his panto debut in the record breaking Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs last year. He returns this year as the Spirit of London, guiding Dick Whittington on his way and helping him defeat the wicked Queen Rat. Back for her sixth season in Sevenoaks, Jasette Amos has played fairies, genies, evil witches and wicked queens. In Dick Whittington, Jasette returns to play Queen Rat, doing battle with the people of London to defeat our hero. Dick Whittington features a live gospel choir and a fantastic five piece band as well as the latest theatrical technology and effects, in what promises to be the Stag’s most spectacular Christmas show yet. With tickets from £15, visit www.sevenoakspanto.com to find out more. Dick Whittington runs from 30 November - 6 January.

Greenwich Gets Festive This Christmas marks the return of not one, not two, but three family treats to Greenwich Theatre, the South London venue making a clear bid for the title of most festive theatre. First in the line-up sees Andrew Pollard, one of the country’s most renowned pantomime dames, returning to Greenwich after a year away to give the panto treatment to the rarely performed Robinson Crusoe and the Search for the Pirate Gold, opening on 23 November. The ever-popular Comedy Club 4 Kids also returns on 26 October, bringing a host of professional

A Christmas Carol On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited and miserly old man, is visited by the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley. Shown Christmas’ Past, Present and Future he is offered the chance of redemption...but will he take it? This November and December the classic tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens will be brought to life in a stunning one-act adaption by the ‘This is My Theatre’ company in association with the Churches Conservation Trust. Audiences are invited to celebrate the festive season as the production tours various churches. Along with traditional carols for all to sing and festive refreshments this will definitely get all of the family in the mood for Christmas.

Bring the whole family along to celebrate and enjoy an exciting production of a classic piece of literature this Christmas. Venue details, tickets and more information are available at www. thisismytheatre.com/a-christmas-carol

Santa’s Christmas Robin The Woodville is delighted to be bringing Santa’s Christmas Robin to town this year. Following on from the success of Freya the Fairy and Flipper the Penguin in previous years, the show in the Woodville Studio in the week before Christmas is an enchanting tale about Maurice the Robin and his wish to become Santa’s Christmas Robin. Santa has decorated his garden beautifully. The holly is all trimmed, he has hung up his mistletoe. He has even found the perfect yule log but there is just one thing missing - a Christmas Robin to perch on the log and sing to cheer up the cold winter days. Santa decides to visit the Yule School and have an audition for the Robin to find the most beautiful voice to make his Christmas garden complete. Join Maurice the Robin in his quest to become Santa’s Robin. See his adventures in the forest where he meets a portly fox and makes friends with the talented Mrs Woolybottom. Will Maurice get his wish? Will Santa find the perfect Christmas Robin? One thing is for sure, all visitors will meet Santa and his friends and receive a special Christmas gift at the Woodville studio this December. The show runs from Saturday 15 – Monday 24 December. For more information and to book, visit www.woodville. co.uk.

Family Theatre

comedians to Greenwich with a set designed to recreate the experience of going to a comedy club, but with all the jokes aimed at children – and all themed around Christmas! Then finally, in an eagerly awaited return, SharkLegs return to the Greenwich Theatre Studio from 4 to 30 December after last year’s hit Snow-Pocalypse. This year they are set to tell the tale of Knitmas, all about a Christmas jumper – but this jumper’s arms aren’t the right size and they aren’t the same length. One Christmas he was unwrapped, thrown aside and forgotten and he’s been alone ever since but this year, something might be about to change. Before every performance of Knitmas, children are invited to join a free craft workshop to make something that will be used in the show. Visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk to book tickets or for more information.

D A+ D AN ANT HIL T C S E ME ITH VERY T W OR E EE GR NT F E ES PR

Saturday 15 December to Monday 24 December Friday 7 December Wednesday 2 January Box Office: 01892 530613 assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk AssemblyHallTheatre

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AssemblyHallTheatre

Santa’s decorations are beautiful, he has even found the perfect Yule Log. There is just one thing missing… Who will he choose to be his Christmas Robin?

Ticket Line: 08442 439 480

www.woodville.co.uk 8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Tickets ADULTS

£10

CHILD

£12

GRAND TICKET*

£8

Family Theatre

You’ll be ‘Hooked’ this Christmas

Create an Extraordinary School Play

From the producers of the smash hit Easter pantomimes, Wicked Productions return to the Woodville Halls in Gravesend this Christmas with the high flying Peter Pan. ‘Never Never’ will your swash be more buckled than when you see this fabulous show. Starring JJ Hamblett from Boy Band UNION J as Peter Pan with firm favourite Robert Pearce returning to play the hilarious pirate dame Mrs Smee, and Rob Cummings back by popular demand as Captain Hook. Watch as Peter Pan, Wendy and the children head for the second star to the right and straight on ’til morning to beat the vicious Captain Hook and provide a loving home to the Lost Boys. But ever lurking in the water is the nasty croc, waiting to get the‘upper hand’ of anyone who dare come too close. With all the fabulous scenery, costumes, special effects and laughter you have come to expect from Gravesend Panto, Wicked Productions welcome you to set your spirits flying as you join in the adventure of the child who never grew up. Hook your tickets today – the croc is ticking – from www. woodville.co.uk.

The National Theatre is inviting primary schools looking for inspiration for their school play to take part in its Let’s Play programme. Let’s Play provides everything that teachers need to create an outstanding piece of theatre and inspire creative learning across the curriculum. Schools signed up to the programme can send up to four teachers on a theatre making course led by professional theatre artists and get access to specially commissioned scripts, musical scores and backing tracks for original songs as well as curriculum-linked teaching resources for Key Stages 1 and 2. Schools can choose from a selection of plays. Children taking part will be able to get involved with all aspects of planning and creating a theatre production – from performing to designing costumes, to operating sound. Let’s Play offers the whole school community the chance to celebrate the creation of a school play and the achievements of all involved. The National Theatre is aiming to recruit hundreds of schools across the UK to take part in Let’s Play over the next three years. Schools can visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/letsplay to find out more about the programme and to register to apply. Let’s Play is based on an original idea by Katie Mitchell.

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Chatham Panto is PURRRfect! This year’s pantomime at the Central Theatre, Chatham is simply the cat’s whiskers! Dick Whittington and his Cat opens on 7 December and runs until New Year’s Eve. The cast is led by star of stage and screen, Ray Quinn, in the title role. Ray’s first screen appearance was in Brookside as Anthony Murray. He was runner-up in The X Factor final in 2006, leading to a career in music and musicals including Grease, Legally Blonde, Dirty Dancing and, currently, the UK tour of Summer Holiday as Don. Ray is also known for ‘doing the double’ on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, winning in 2009 and again in 2014. He is no stranger to panto, having performed in venues all over the country. Joe Tracini returns to Medway for a third year, this time as Idle Jack, the son of Sarah the Cook who is played by panto veteran Ian Good. Joe is known for his time on Hollyoaks as Dennis and also as the presenter of CBBC’s The Dengineers. Ian has appeared in over 35 pantomimes as well as performing in and directing many stage musicals and plays. Dick Whittington promises to be the adventure of a lifetime! Book now at www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01634 338 338.

Win Pantomime or Ice Rink Tickets We are already thinking about Christmas and have two great ticket giveaways for you. Win a family ticket for four to see ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at The Assembly Hall Theatre at 2pm on Saturday 8 December plus a programme! Following last year’s record-breaking panto, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ promises to be their biggest production yet and the cast includes TV and West End star, Claire Sweeney as Carabosse, Channel 5 Milkshake’s Derek Moran as Silly Billy and returning Dame, Quinn Patrick as Nurse Nelly.Sleeping Beauty runs from 7 December until 2 January. Book online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk. Love ice skating? We are also offering a family ticket for four to the Royal Tunbridge Wells outdoor ice rink valid from Friday 16 November – Saturday 1 December. The outdoor ice rink, set in the beautiful amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds, offers spectacular views of the park. Open seven days a week from Friday 16 November – Tuesday 1 January, the ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability (excludes Christmas Day). Go to www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com to find out more. To enter simply tell us which prize you would like to win. Send your answer to Assembly Hall Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email it to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Assembly Hall Competition’ as the subject by Friday 9 November.

Win a VIP experience to Aladdin at the Hazlitt Theatre Richard Blackwood, the former EastEnders star, actor, comedian and rapper will lead the cast of Aladdin at the Hazlitt Theatre, playing the Genie for Kent audiences. This wonderful show will have all the family excited as it tells the well-known tale of flying carpets and magic lamps. Join Aladdin in this wonderful, must-see pantomime as he tries to defeat the evil Abanazar and falls in love with a princess with the help of the Genie along the way. For more information or to book tickets visit www.hazlitttheatre.com

You have the unique chance to win a family ticket to attend the VIP launch of the performance (which is by invitation only) on Friday 30 November, as well as meeting the cast after the show. This special opportunity includes a £45 Wagamama voucher for a pre-show dinner to treat the family and start off the spectacular evening. This is a prize worth wishing for! Send your details to Hazlitt Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email them to competitions@ primarytimes.biz with ‘Hazlitt Competition’ as the subject by Friday 9 November.

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Family Theatre Theatre Family

Family Theatre

11 Nov

The Nutcracker

Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the most famous classical ballets of all time. With its combination of enchanting choreography and unforgettable music, this fabulous ballet is a Christmas treat like no other.

13 – 14 Nov

Stick Man

...oh yes it is!

Touching, funny and utterly original, this delightful adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson is back! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man. Ages 3+.

Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends. Peppa and friends are excited about their adventure full of games, laughter and live music.

17 – 28 Oct

Circus

Centre Stage will transfer you into the magical world of the Circus, featuring over 200 students! Including songs from The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge, Finding Neverland and more.

19 Oct

Guess How Much I Love You

up and singing songs. Going to the theatre… it’s a Bing thing!

1 - 31 Dec

Box Office: 01892 530 613 17 Oct

23 Nov – 13 Jan

Swan Lake

Set sail this Christmas for a swashbuckling panto in this action-packed adventure awash with pirates, romance, exotic creatures and songs-a-plenty! Hit the high seas with Robinson as he battles the wicked Pirate Queen to find the lost gold.

Follow the story of Aladdin, a simple laundry boy who falls in love with a Princess. All that stands in his way is the evil Abanazar. Can Aladdin 21 Oct defeat him, keep the This is The Greatest Enjoy lamp and save the Show the show! girl of his dreams? Enjoy a show inspired And don’t by the imagination of Orchard forget to say PT Barnum. Join a cast you saw it in Dartford of the finest West End Primary Box Office: singers and the live Greatest Show Band on a Times! 01322 220 000 journey through music. 24 Oct

Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells

This is a tale of two young women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely one can easily be mistaken for the other. A wonderful evening out for all the family.

1 Nov

Flawless: Chase the Dream – The Reboot

Robinson Crusoe

4 – 30 Dec

Knitmas: A Winter Yarn

7 Dec – 2 Jan

LongSleeves is a jumper whose arms aren’t the right size. One Christmas he was unwrapped and forgotten. Every year, he decorates a tree in the forest but this year, maybe he won’t have to do it alone. Ages 4+

Sleeping Beauty

Hazlitt Maidstone

Following their world tour, Flawless are back in the UK performing even bigger and more jaw-dropping routines than ever before.

Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful princess was born. Cursed by a wicked fairy, she was destined to sleep, until awakened by true love’s kiss. A magical pantomime for the whole family.

Central Chatham Box Office: 01634 338 338 7 – 31 December

Dick Whittington and His Cat From the streets of London to a white-knuckle trip across the seven seas, join Dick Whittington, his acrobatic cat and a whole host of fabulous characters, including Sarah the Cook and her wayward son Idle Jack on the adventure of a lifetime!

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 17 – 18 Oct

Bing Goes to the Theatre

26 – 27 Nov

23 Oct

Stick Man

Touching, funny and utterly original, this delightful adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson is back! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man. Ages 3+.

Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley

8 – 30 Dec

Take an unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley with magical puppetry, original music and interactive play that will delight young audiences and encourage them to be part of a unique storytelling experience. Ages 4-7.

A fantastic new ballet for the whole family. Stunning dancing, much loved characters and super costumes bring the famous tale to life in this magical ballet production. Ages 2-11.

Aladdin

17 Nov

25 – 27 Oct

Stag Sevenoaks

Box Office: 01622 758 611 14 Oct

Alice in Wonderland

Disney’s High School Musical on Stage!

Join Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the gang, enjoy the musical based on the Disney Channel Original Movie!

28 Oct

The Wind In The Willows

Meet all your favourite characters including loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and wise old Badger as they do their best to keep the mischievous Mr Toad out of trouble.

Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing14

Join Little & Big Nutbrown Hare, as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this magical journey through the seasons. Ages 3+.

Aladdin

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Jump aboard a high-flying magical carpet headed for Dartford and make this Aladdin show one of your three wishes. It’s a spectacular adventure for the entire family to enjoy.

The Little Mix Experience

Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl bands. This is a high-energy show from beginning to end, packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits and suitable for all ages.

Box Office: 01732 450 175 30 Nov - 6 Jan

7 Dec – 1 Jan

Dick Whittington

Watch as Peter Pan, Wendy and the children head for the second star to the right and straight on ’til morning to beat the vicious Captain Hook and provide a loving home to the Lost Boys.

This panto, from Wicked Productions, features a live gospel choir, a fantastic five piece band and the latest theatrical technology and effects, in what promises to be the Stag’s most spectacular Christmas show yet

The Woodville Gravesend Box Office: 08442 439 480 13 - 14 Oct

Peppa Pig’s Adventure

Peter Pan

15 – 24 Dec

Santa’s Christmas Robin

Santa’s decorations are beautiful and he has even found the perfect Yule Log. There is just one thing missing. Follow Santa on his quest to choose his Christmas Robin?

What’s On

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

October Kent Life After Dark, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Come along after dark to explore the spooky sights that Kent Life has to offer.Venture on a spooky guided tour if you dare or visit the Ugly Bug Ball. Take a ride on our Land Train and hear a ghostly tale or two. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Make Your Own Pumpkins, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW (Also 25 and 26 Oct) 10.30am3.30pm. Join a hands-on family craft activity to make two different pumpkins to display at home. Charges apply. For more details visit www.visitmedway.org

Tues 23 – Fri 26 Oct Half Term ‘Make It’ Workshops, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

10.30am-4pm. Enjoy a week of creative craft activities inspired by autumn. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Tues 23 – Sun 28 Oct Poppy Making, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR

10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Throughout the Half Term holiday, get creative and contribute to the poppy ‘Wall of Remembrance’ as part of the 5000 Poppies exhibition. Drop-in sessions. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Wed 24 Oct

Autumn Fun, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Make a variety of crafts including a woodland person out of natural materials, a woollen pumpkin and a spooky bat badge. Follow the Fairy Door Trail around the nature park and collect stickers. Charges apply. Ages 2+.Visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Halloween Crafts, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG 1-3pm. Grab your broomsticks, hats and cloaks and get ready for an afternoon of spooky arts and crafts. Come dressed in your scariest Halloween costume, the best dressed wins a prize! Suitable for ages 8 and under. Admission charges apply.Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhytheplace

Marli’s Spook-tacular Magic Show, Millbrook Gravesend, DA13 9PA (Selected dates) For the Spooky Season, Marli presents a 45-minute show that’s full of Halloween fun. Expect comedy, music, audience

participation and of course magic. Charges apply. For more details visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

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”

Wed 24 – Sun 28 Oct

Paulos Circus, Millbrook Staplehurst, Tonbridge, TN12 9BT (Selected times) Showcasing a brand new thrilling autumn show from breath taking stunts, laugh out loud comedy to beautiful artistry, the Paulos family have created a show to give you and your family everlasting memories. Charges apply. To book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Thurs 25 Oct

Weaving Your Own World, The Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX 11.45am-4pm. Have you ever used weaving to tell a story? Join artist Lydia Brockless and take a journey into the world of the Huguenots. Get inspired by the objects in the museum collection to dream up your own Huguenot character. Charges apply.Visit www.huguenotmuseum. org

Thurs 25 – Sun 28 Oct

Circus Vegas, Jackson Recreation Ground, Rochester, ME1 1DU A one-of-a-kind performance, featuring the most talented dare devil performers from across the Globe showcasing a Las Vegas production. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.circusvegasuk.com

Fri 26 Oct

The Big Draw: Botanical Drawing, The Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX 11.45am-4pm. Surround yourself with nature, think big and be inspired by botanical artwork. Experiment with real plants and flowers to create a massive shared drawing in the Museum. Children can take away their sketches. Charges apply.Visit www.huguenotmuseum.org

Discover Forest Skills, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12noon. A morning of outdoor fun. Children will have a go at building mini animal shelters

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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

BARC Club Car Championships, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

using natural materials, learning about some native species, and discover how to identify trees. Charges apply. Booking is essential. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Fri 26 – Sat 27 Oct

Fireworks Spectacular in Kent! The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY 4.30-10pm. Get ready for a magnificent fireworks display, funfair and more. Attractions include the animal farm, outdoor adventure play area, and magic castle which will be open during the day. Charges apply and booking is essential. For more information visit www.thehopfarm. co.uk

Sat 27 Oct

Crockham Hill Fireworks, Edenbridge, TN8 6RD Enjoy a torchlit procession, bonfire and firework display in the village of Crockham Hill. Charges apply. Tickets available from local venues. For more details email crockhamhillbonfire@ gmail.com or search ‘Crockham Hill Bonfire Night’ on Facebook.

Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3BE 10am-4pm. Heart of Kent Hospice will be down on the farm painting masks and helping you all to pick and weigh your pumpkins. There’ll be plenty of ways to keep you or your family entertained with a maize maze, face painting, storytelling, pumpkin painting and hot food and drinks. For more information visit www.hokh. org/events

Sat 27 – Sun 28 Oct

Railway Weekend – October Half Term, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE Come and see steam trains up close and running. They’ll be a perfect backdrop for photo opportunities for train enthusiasts and for all the family too! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Pumpkin Weekend, Millbrook Staplehurst, Tonbridge, TN12 9BT 10am. Enjoy a non-carving pumpkin session! You will see examples of different fun and Halloween-themed designs. Paint and create your own spook-tacular pumpkin to take home and proudly display. (Also at the Gravesend branch) Charges apply. To book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

The British Automobile Racing Club is back at Brands Hatch for a race weekend late in the season. Expect championships to be won and lost here this weekend! Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply. For more information visit www. brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 28 Oct

Halloween Magic, Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA 12noon-7pm. Enjoy pumpkin carving, a spooky house and garden tours – perfect for all the family. Learn about the origins of pumpkins whilst children spot the Halloween tricks in eerie torchlight. Fancy dress is welcome. Charges apply. For more details visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Make a Spooky Woolly Bat, Temple Manor, Strood, ME2 2AH 1-3.30pm. Enjoy hands-on family craft activities on site. Admission free. For more details visit www.visitmedway.org

Guided Walk, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10.30am-12.30pm. Enjoy a visit to Ightham Mote via a led walk around the estate. Booking is essential. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Wed 31 Oct

Ghost Tours for Kids, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

4-6pm. Dare you leave your parents behind and follow a storyteller to explore the museum’s creepy rooms? Finish by icing your own gingerbread ghost. Ages 7-11. Charges apply. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

November Thurs 1 Nov

Flawless: Chase the Dream – The Reboot, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU

7.30pm. Following their world tour, Flawless are back in the UK performing even bigger and jawdropping routines than ever before. This is a fantastically high energy, acrobat-fused, feel good, family show. Charges apply. For more details visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Fri 2 Nov

West Farleigh Village Fireworks, Elmscroft Park, Maidstone, ME15 0NU 6-10pm. Enjoy the village fireworks festival. Events on the night include live stage music, light entertainers, samba band, refreshments, stilt walkers and more. The fireworks and monster bonfire are set to be incredible. Charges apply. For more details visit www. westfarleighsportsclub.com

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 28... Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Fun Days Out with the Family The Enchanted Gardens

Monster Quest at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle has a lot of spooky Halloween fun for the family this Half Term. Older ghouls can help Monster Hunter Valerie Van Helsing on a scary quest through the castle grounds to investigate ‘The Case of the Halloween Monster’, but watch out for bandits along the way! Find frightening characters hiding across the estate, such as Vinnie the Vampire and Frank Frankenstein and complete your trail card for a special chocolate reward… who knows who else you will find? There is also lots for younger ghouls. Take part in the new haunted trail through the Woodland Walk and dance in the children’s outdoors ‘Monster Mash Ball’. Fancy dress is welcome as there will be daily competitions with prizes for the best costume. Only the spookiest will win. Bring the family and get your Halloween costumes ready for lots of ghoulish games and frightening fun this Half Term. The Monster Quest and other creepy Halloween activities are taking place from 22 to 28 October and come with an admission ticket to Leeds Castle. For more information, visit www.leeds-castle.com

The

Autumn Adventures

This year is The Historic Dockyard’s 400th Birthday and they are marking this special moment in our national history with Festival 400, celebrating the world’s most complete dockyard from the age of sail through an exciting and inspiring calendar of exhibitions, activities and events. Back by popular demand this October Half Term, the Enchanted Gardens has returned to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for a fun-filled week of magic in the magnificent grounds of The Commissioner’s House. This is part of the exciting calendar of events taking place to celebrate the Dockyard turning 400. The fairies have been keeping busy throughout the year getting ready to welcome you all to the Enchanted Garden.Visit this half term to join the fairies and take part in the exciting new activities on offer including craft, such as making wands and dreamcatchers, and the fairy trails around the garden. There will be perfect photo opportunities so visit and make memories this half term for all the children to enjoy. Pumpkin carving will also be on offer so you can have a go at sculpting your own masterpieces without the mess at home. With so much more enchanting fun on offer, be sure to visit the Enchanted Garden when you visit The Historic Dockyard. Entry is included in your ticket price. For more information visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

N OWEE HALL THIS FUN ER B OCTO ERM T F L A H

PUMPKIN CARVING STORY-TE LLING WAND MA KING FAIRIES DREAM C ATCHERS PLUS MOR E...

Halloween

Monster

QUEST

ED INCLUD

ENTRY

KIDS FOR A QUID ON

IN YOUR

TICKET

LINE TICKETS ONLY

22ND TO 28TH OCTOBER Look out for Vinnie the Vampire, Valerie Van Helsing and Frank Frankenstein as they share their spooky tales to help solve a mysterious riddle, plus ghoulish games and a daily fancy dress competition.

Kids for a quid valid 15th October to 28th October 2018. Online tickets only - further terms and conditions apply.

ENCHANTMENT MADE IN

EXPERIENCE MORE leeds-castle.com

#enchanteddockyard

DISCOUNTED TICKETS ONLINE NOW

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn Adventures

Brands Hatch Trucks and Fireworks

Kent’s local race circuit is celebrating with a bang on 3 and 4 November, bringing to the public Brands Hatch’s longest, biggest and most spectacular fireworks display yet. There will be a whole host of child friendly fun at the British Truck Racing Championship & Fireworks event such as a free Dexter the Dinosaur display, Mini Monster Trucks and an extensive fairground with exciting rides open till late. The epic family weekend will guarantee to keep the kids happy with under 13s going free. There will be a huge show trucks display over both Saturday and Sunday with over 100 pristine show trucks of varying types, sizes and eras. Team Maximum Lock will perform an epic stunt show on the Sunday, performing daring stunts, drifting and some of the closest synchronized driving you will ever see. On the Sunday, there will also be free kids’ entertainers with workshops for circus skills, balloon workshops and arts and crafts along with a climbing wall. Don’t miss out on this Guy Fawkes spectacular.Visit www. brandshatch.co.uk for more information. Tickets are available online in advance for £20 and, don’t forget, under 13s go free!

Ice Skate in Calverley Grounds

A favourite festive destination, skating in Royal Tunbridge Wells offers something for skaters, shoppers and spectators across the season. Starting with a special launch event on 17 November, Calverley Grounds will be transformed into the ultimate winter destination, signaling the start of the festive season. Storytelling workshops will be taking place and the ice rink will once again collaborate with The Forum to host live music events every Thursday night. Of course no family visit to the ice rink would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas. It is advised that you book in advance to avoid any disappointment.

celebrating the season paying homage to traditional Christmas tales. Rooms of the Castle will be beautifully decorated and themed around stories including the Nutcracker, The Tailor of Gloucester and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with twinkling lights and welcoming log fires. Revel in the Christmas spirit at Hever Castle Wednesdays to Sundays from 24 November and daily from 10 to 24 December. For further information about both Halloween and Christmas activities, prices and booking Father Christmas visits, see www. hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on.

Enjoy a Ghoulish Adventure

There’s a spook-tacular charity event happening during the October Half Term – with families urged to book their places now to avoid disappointment. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt has been organised by Demelza Hospice Care for Children with events taking place in Gravesend, Sevenoaks, West Malling, Chislehurst, Greenwich, Hastings and Whitstable on Thursday 25 October and Friday 26 October. With each event, pumpkins will be on display with various retailers and at local landmarks. Children will be required to hunt for them around their local town while picking up treats from shops and businesses along the way. Children are encouraged to wear fancy dress with lots of witch, wizard, bat, cat and monsters costumes expected. The best Halloween costume in each location will win a prize and winners from each town will then be judged against each other for the chance of winning a Merlin family pass. The whole family are invited along for some frightfully good fun. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt takes approximately one hour to

Main skating sessions will take place from 11am until 8pm. Please note the last skating session will be 6pm on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The ice rink will be open from 16 November to 1 January. Dedicated thirty minute Parent and Toddler sessions will take place every morning at 9.45am, 10.15am and 2pm until the schools break up for Christmas. For more information, please visit www. tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com.

Haunted Halloween at Hever Castle

Prepare to be spooked this Halloween at Hever Castle & Gardens, the former home of Anne Boleyn at Edenbridge in Kent. Listen to ghostly tales in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair, follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds and get spooked learning about the ghosts of Hever in the Castle over Half Term from 20-28 October. You’ll be able to create a ghost puppet in a free creepy craft workshop or decorate a ghoulish biscuit (small additional charge). With prizes for the scariest costumes, a visit to Hever Castle is sure to be spine-tingling fun for all the family. Looking forward to Christmas, Hever will be 18

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn at the National Trust

If you’ve spent September being nostalgic for summer, the National Trust is here to help you embrace autumn at venues near you. Celebrate the golden days of harvest with apple picking at Smallhythe Place, the orchard bounty at Ightham Mote and other events at many more venues. There are crunchy leaves waiting to be swished, conkers and acorns to be collected and busy wildlife to spot in the woodlands. In the gardens, apples need picking, pressing, juicing and swigging, pumpkins are crying out for carving and nature trails won’t explore themselves. Dig out your favourite snuggly jumpers, stick on your wellies and bring the whole family out this Half Term to enjoy the most colourful, crunchy, tasty and spooktastic of British seasons. There are also all kinds of family-friendly and Halloween events on offer so the kids certainly won’t get bored. From a Bat Trail at Ightham Mote to a Petrifying Pumpkin trail at Chartwell and Terrifying Trees trail at Emmetts Garden, there’s something fun for everyone to experience this October at National Trust venues in Kent. For more information about events and activities, visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/kent

Photo credit: National Trust Images/John Millar

The The Place Place to to SSccre this this Halloween Halloween

Broadwitch is a truly amazing experience for all, from the fear seeking brave souls to the fun loving. A introduction to Halloween for younger visitors - Daytime Half Term Fun

Sat 20th until Sun 28th October Thirteen 'Live' nights for brave adults looking for a more intense experience (over 16's only)

Autumn Adventures

complete and is open to children aged 3-11. Those taking part will be given their own Pumpkin Passport to get stamped and will be given treats at stops along the route. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt costs £5 per child and grown-ups can go along for free. Find out more at www.demelza.org.uk.

*Fri 12th until Wed 31st October

*Check website for the 13 'live' night dates, full event details & ticket sales

Broadditch Farm Shop, Manor Farm, New Barn Road, Southfleet DA13 9PU • 01474 834161 www.broadwitchhauntfest.co.uk

Half-term family fun Find leaf-crunching, wellystomping family adventures at a National Trust place near you this half term. Chartwell Emmetts Garden Ightham Mote Scotney Castle nationaltrust.org.uk/kent

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn Adventures

Ruxley Manor

It wouldn’t be Christmas at Ruxley without getting your skates on to pirouette around their all weather, covered ice rink. This year it’s going to be better than ever, with daily sessions from 19 October 6 January (excluding Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day). Ruxley Manor have all the fun activities you’d expect. For just £5 at 10am and 11am on weekday mornings (5 November – 14 December), why not try the Little Penguins - the helpful little skate aids that encourage your little ones onto the ice? One adult and one child under the age of five can skate with one skate aid. With a reduced capacity, you’ll have the time and space to help your little one get to grips with skating in a more relaxed environment. Skate with Mr Incredible on weekday afternoons from 4pm from £2 per session. You can get a reduced rate during the Half Term circus week. After the incredible feats of John Lawson’s Circus (22 – 28 October) extend your trip with preferential rates on the ice. Watch the show, then enjoy some ice skating action from as little as £2 per toddler and £5 for those aged three and up, for a 45 minute skate session. If you’re hungry, enjoy a traditional German Bratwurst, cooked on a giant charcoal BBQ in Ruxley’s Christmas Food Market. If you’re thirsty, treat yourself to a speciality hot chocolate or mulled wine under the sparkling lights while you’re watching the skating. For more information, please visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk.

Forest School Adventure

Learn how to light a fire without matches, build a shelter to sleep in, cook on a fire, hunt for bugs and much more. Forest School Adventure is the ultimate guide for children of how to interact with nature and gain outdoor skills to bring them closer to the natural environment. There is something for all ages; younger children can be immersed in messy play and crafts, whilst older ones can learn more complex skills such as sourcing water and how to light a fire safely. Filled with simple steps children can learn how to build shelters, identify plants and tie different knots which will help them to gain knowledge on what it is like to survive in the outdoors. This advice is given by authors Naomi Walmsley and Dan Westall who are bushcraft experts and educators with the passion for teaching others how to get the most of the great outdoors safely. Having undertaken a five-month Stone-Age immersion in the US, where they lived in the wilderness without any modern equipment, the book is filled with their helpful advice of what they experienced and entertaining anecdotes. Forest School Adventure will educate children on how to be safe and imaginative in the outdoors, whilst also helping families to reconnect to the wild in an exciting and creative way. Forest School Adventure is available for £16.99 from high street book shops and online.

See the Circus at Millbrook

Roll up, roll up, roll up, Paulos Circus is coming back to Millbrook Garden Centre in Staplehurst this October half term! One of the UK’s oldest circus families, Paulos Circus, makes a welcome return visit to Millbrook Staplehurst between 24 and 28 October. Showcasing a brand new thrilling autumn show with breath taking stunts, laugh out loud comedy and beautiful artistry, 20

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

the Paulos family have created a show to give you and your family ever lasting memories. Promising non-stop excitement from start to finish, each show features clowns, acrobats, aerial skills, magic, wire walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and more. Tickets cost only £7 per person and can be booked in store or online at www.millbrookgc. co.uk.

Kent Wildlife Trust

This half term Kent Wildlife Trust are putting on a range of outdoor events to help your child get closer to nature. Artful Owlers at Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, running from 2526 October, will provide loads of creative and fun autumn events to entertain the kids. At Tyland Barn Visitor Centre on 24 October there will be a woodland theme, with a variety of crafts including woodland people, woollen pumpkins and a bat badge, as well as a fairy door trail. Discover your forest skills at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on 26 October. The event is a great way to get

Autumn Make It! Workshops 23 - 26 October

A whole week of creative craft activities inspired by autumn, ideal for ages 4 - 11 yrs 4 sessions per day, £3 per child, MMF members £2.50

Ghost Tours for Kids 31 October

Dare you leave your parents behind to follow our storyteller and explore the museum’s creepy rooms? 4pm & 5pm £6 per child, MMF members £5

MaidstoneMuseum www.maidstonemuseum.org

the kids outside and learning about woodland skills. Create your own miniature shelter and help protect some of the native wildlife.

October half-term fun at Millbrook Staplehurst!

This half term is a great excuse to get outside and explore nature. Prices and times of events vary, so please visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk for more details.

Pumpkin Moon

Autumn is on its way and what better way to enjoy some fresh farm air than picking your own pumpkin? Pumpkin Moon is a family run business that specialises in fun for little people (and not so little people). With over 70 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from, plus a range of fun activities including the popular maize maze, face painting, storytelling and pumpkin painting, you can make a real day of it.

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There are two Pumpkin Moon farms to choose from at Maidstone and Rainham. Entry to Pumpkin Moon is free with ample parking and fancy dress is always encouraged. Both sites are open on 13 and 14 October and daily from Friday 19 – Sunday 28 October. Pumpkins, squashes and gourds are priced from £1, depending on variety and size. Extras such as face painting and storytelling are charged individually, starting from £2.50 per child. Visit www.pumpkinmoon.uk or search @pumpkinmoonuk on Facebook to find out more.

Autumn Adventures

2018 Primary Times 90X277mm.pdf 1 9/10/2018 8:35:40 AM

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24th - 28th October 2018 Millbrook Garden Centre

Staplehurst Road, Marden, Kent. TN12 9BT 01622 832299

FREE ENTR Y

Facebook /MillbrookGCStaplehurst

SANDLING, MAIDSTONE, ME14 3BE LOWER RAINHAM ROAD, RAINHAM, ME7 2YA

pumpkinmoon.uk

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn Adventures

Tales of Adventure on Board Cutty Sark

She Tells Sea Tales, the Cutty Sark’s storytelling festival of high-seas adventure returns this October Half Term from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 October between 10.30am and 4pm. Storytellers have been busy crafting wonderful stories themed around ‘adventure is out there’. Brace yourself for tales of adventure, mermaids and storms in a teacup. If you are feeling inspired by these stories, join the ship to make your own adventure kid suitcase or create your own animated sea story with Chocolate Films. Discover the ship with an explorer trail or an under-5s backpack. See one of the Cutty Sark characters who will bring incredible stories about the ship’s past to life. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master and Emma Louise Ray, the mother of a young apprentice, or Nannie the Witch, the ship’s figurehead. Each has a special story to tell. Cutty Sark characters will appear at 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. All activities are free with an admission ticket to the ship and are suitable for ages 3 and above. Activities vary throughout the week, so please check the website for details www.rmg.co.uk

Get Spooked at Dreamland

One of the oldest surviving amusement parks in the UK, Dreamland Margate is a world-class visitor attraction offering all the fun of a festival for the whole family. Guests can enjoy vintage, family and thrill rides, pop-up entertainment, live music and art installations alongside eclectic bars and street food.

As well as a host of fun and entertainment, there are Dreamland’s new rides to enjoy, as well as the much-loved Dreamland Ark - here animal lovers can enjoy a special creepy crawlies experience as they climb aboard to meet spiders, reptiles and much more. Jess du Preez, Event Producer at Dreamland, told Primary Times, “Families looking for fun this half term should head to Dreamland to enjoy a whole host of Halloween-themed activities. Those brave enough can try out our thrilling new rides too.Visitors can experience a really action-packed day out. There’s seven days of family fun at Get Spooked, or seven nights of fear at our scare festival, Screamland, for those who dare.” For more information, please visit www.dreamland.co.uk.

Hop Farm Halloween Half Term Spectacular

Treat the kids to a spook-tastic feast of fun for the Half Term holidays. Dress up in your best Halloween fancy dress and go and join in. There’s lots of fun in store including indoor Halloween entertainment, pumpkin carving, best-dressed competition, ghoulish face painting, laser games, creepy storytelling, magic shows, a magic castle and an animal farm. Plus on 24 October, Fireman Sam will be visiting the farm. Events are subject to change so make sure you check the website to stay up to date. On the 26 and 27 October there will be the annual gigantic Hop Farm Firework Spectacular, complete with funfair and food and drink outlets. Gates open at 5pm and the display starts at 7pm on

Get Spooked is back at Dreamland Margate this October Half Term, with seven days of frightfully good fun by the sea for families to enjoy at the award-winning amusement park. Get Spooked in a slippery slime factory, put your craft skills to use in a Halloween-themed costume workshop, get jumpy in a spooky games arena or lost in a puzzle hedge maze. There will also be a character appearance from children’s TV superhero favourites, PJ Masks, on Wednesday 24 October. Get Spooked will take place from 12noon4pm on 20-21 and 24-28 October. Please note the amusement park will be closed on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 October. Indoor areas include the vintage arcade, roller disco and children’s soft play area. The Octopus’s Garden will be open daily.

WILDWOOD

20-28 OCTOBER

Treat the kids to a spooky day out and dress up in your scariest Halloween costumes!

KENT

Visit Wildwood this

Halloween Half Term SAT 20TH OCTOBER-SUN 28TH OCTOBER 22

Spooky Talks, Spooky Trail, Spooky Crafts & much more Find out more at www.wildwoodtrust.org Phone: 01227 712 111

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

SPECTACULbAerR

26 & 2OP7 OFActo RM.co.uk www.H

Indoor Halloween Entertainment Ghoulish Face Painting pumpkin carving Magic Castle bumper carz Animal Farm And much more Halloween fun!

Information Line:

0i622 872068

The Hop Farm have planned a fantastic week for all the family. It’s ideal for kids who want to join in the Halloween spirit over Half Term. Look out for some extra special treats that you’ll find on arrival. Order your tickets today from the Hop Farm reception desk or online at www.hopfarm.co.uk.

ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM Gillingham, Kent

Bluewater’s Toy Testing Lab

What is the average child’s idea of the perfect job? Well, being a ‘toy tester’ must be high up there on the list. A toy testing lab is coming to Bluewater in October giving you the chance to try out this year’s must-have toys. Families looking to keep the kids entertained this half term are invited to take a trip to Bluewater’s Toy Testing Lab, popping-up for one week from 22-26 October. Before writing the all-important list to Santa, you’re invited to test and review this year’s most desirable toys from popular brands including LEGO, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Disney and The Entertainer.

See website for detail s

The free, fun-filled testing lab is perfect for a spot of play with a whole host of top toys ready to be enjoyed by children of all ages. Children who participate will receive a signed certificate on completion of their expert testing duties. For more information on Bluewater’s Toy Testing Lab and details on family-friendly shopping, dining and entertainment at Bluewater visit www.bluewater.co.uk.

Autumn Adventures

the Friday and 7.30pm on the Saturday. Friday’s display will be kid-themed with less loud bangs. Advance discounted tickets are now on sale at £7 each (£10 normally on the gate). OAP and concession advance tickets are only £5 and under 1s go free.

23 Oct - 28 Oct 10.30am - 3.30pm w w w. r e - m u s e u m . c o . u k Prince Arthur Road | Gillingham | Kent | ME7 1UR /RoyalEngineersMuseum/

@ REMuseum

FREE TO TAKE PART! Kids can dress up in a lab coat and try out all the latest toys!

GraVity Trampoline Park

Showcase Cinema de Lux

Bouncing Trampoline Fun at GraVity plus a two-storey obstacle adventure course and climbing wall!

Showing all the latest movies including Smallfoot.

Find out more at bluewater.co.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

health of children’s lungs everywhere. These findings also highlight the need for better public health communications when it comes to the risks of children breathing toxic air – especially when exposed to vehicle fumes outside the school gates. Schools can order a clean air schools pack at www.friendsoftheearth. uk/cleanair and choose ‘Clean Air Schools Pack’.

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Education News

Anything Nose in Schools Next March

Red Nose Day is back for 2019, and Comic Relief is calling on all teachers to clear their school’s diary on Friday 15 March to take part in the epic fundraising extravaganza. Red Nose Day is a time in the school year that students remember for a lifetime - donning a nose, dressing up and coming up with all kinds of wacky ways to raise funds for a good cause. It isn’t just an exciting opportunity to take part in a fantastic day of fundraising. Red Nose Day also gives students a great chance to learn more about the world around them and how Comic Relief is working to support vulnerable people both at home in the UK and around the globe. To help schools get red-y for a day of fundraising and events, teachers can now pre-order a free fundraising pack tailored specifically for primary schools. The packs are bursting with ideas – fundraising guides, posters, stickers and balloons – to help ensure schools will have an unforgettable time. Comic Relief also offers school curriculum materials and videos that teachers can use to help raise awareness of the world around them and those living incredibly tough lives. To have these tips, tools and classroom ideas land in your school’s post box this January, pre-order your pack now – just head to www. rednoseday.com/primarytimes. Comic Relief is a registered UK charity that aims to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people both here at home in the UK and across the world. For more information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit www.comicrelief.com.

Clean Air Schools Pack

Friends of the Earth have launched the latest edition of its Clean Air Schools pack inviting schools everywhere to monitor air quality around them and engage children, parents and teachers in the fight for clean air. The free Friends of the Earth’s Clean Air Schools pack has already equipped 950 schools with air quality monitoring tubes that test Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels. It also taught pupils campaigning skills to make their voices heard including how to write a persuasive letter to politicians and how to run a poster competition to raise awareness in their school. With the risks of breathing toxic air still slipping under the radar of many parents, Friends of the Earth is calling for a range of measures, including Clean Air Zones, to fight air pollution and improve the 24

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, (MGGS) has a long and successful history in the town of Maidstone and has been providing an outstanding education for girls since 1888. Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions families ever make. MGGS has a strong community spirit which is underpinned by the fact that the happiness of all their students is vital in enabling them to succeed. The school’s house system brings students of all ages together in many whole school activities and creates friendships which endure and last well beyond their years at school. The school’s continued proven track record (rated as Outstanding by OFSTED since 2009), together with their Advanced Thinking School status, underpins the academic curriculum at MGGS. Not only is MGGS well known for its broad curriculum (all students study two languages at Key Stage 3) and academic excellence, it is also well known for the many extra-curricular activities provided for students. Pupils regularly participate in school sports clubs, activities such as astronomy and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Several sports teams compete at regional and national level and a number of students also represent the country in their individual sports. In addition MGGS has a number of music clubs, the various school choirs being very popular. For more information about Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, please visit www.mggs.org.

MGGS 11+ Open Evening

Years 4, 5 & 6: Tuesday 9th October 2018

6pm - 9pm

11+ Open Mornings & Afternoon

Years 4, 5 & 6: Monday 15th & Tuesday 16th October 2018 9am - 11am Wednesday 17th October 2018

1.30pm - 3.30pm

No booking required

www.mggs.org

Non sibi sed omnibus

A Tradition of Excellence Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Flexi-SchoolDyslexia is Kent’s only Specialist Dyslexia Provision offering part-time, flexible support to primary aged children from its base in Wrotham Village. FSD is now in its sixth year, with new pupils joining them from as far and wide as Hythe on Kent’s East Coast and Epsom in Surrey. Narinda Algar LLB(Hons) PGCE ATS SpLD (dyslexia) and her team provide a holistic intervention, looking at all aspects of why a pupil may be a struggling learner. FSD’s unique approach to learning places great emphasis on building children’s confidence physically and socially as well as academically. Staff place great importance on teamwork and nurturing the best possible outcomes for each individual child. Both other children and staff are always there to lend a helping hand. Many who join FSD are extremely unhappy and not making the expected progress in school, but as a new parent told Primary Times, “FSD has given us back our happy girl and she just can’t stop talking about how she is now learning in a way that finally works.” For more information, please visit www.flexi-schooldyslexia.co.uk, email Lucy@algarsacademy.co.uk or call 07855 471 726.

How to Choose a Tutor

Everyone wants the best for their children, especially when it comes to their education. If you are considering employing a tutor to work with your child, how do you go about selecting the right one? What questions should you ask to check suitability for the job? It is always good to check if the tutor is a qualified, DBS-checked

teacher.You need to see if they can assess your child’s needs and what resources they will be providing. It is also good to check where the tuition will take place. Look out for the word ‘instructor’ or ‘qualified tutor’ used in place of ‘qualified teacher’. Unfortunately, the tuition industry is unregulated and anybody can tutor without being a qualified teacher. It is up to you to make sure you ask questions to ensure you are getting the right person and the service you require. If you would like to find out more about the services Sevenoaks Tutoring provide and book a free assessment, please visit www.sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk or call 01732 453 657.

Education News

Lending a Helping Hand to Dyslexic Children

Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers Tailored work plans to address your child’s needs.

Flexi-school Dyslexia

Flexi-School Dyslexia is a unique provision offering primary-aged children access to specialist dyslexia teaching in small groups during the school day in a beautiful setting.

www.flexi-schooldyslexia.co.uk

07855471726 matt@algarsacademy.co.uk

We can help your child: • Build confidence • Improve exam results • Move up a set • Develop and reach goals Call 01732 453657 to book FREE Assessment.

FRE

Intro d Asse uctory ssm ent

Sevenoaks Tutoring, 69c London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX. Email: teaching@sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk

The High Weald Academy

• Ofsted ‘Good’ • Attendance above national average • Above national average attainment ‘A calm and orderly place to learn. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and caring. …..students feel safe at school.’ (Ofsted) For more details visit our website at www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk To arrange a tour and see the academy in session email admissions@hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk or call 01732 500600

Brook Street • Tonbridge • Kent • TN9 2PH

An 11-18 School for the Cranbrook Community - welcoming students of all abilities

Come and see the plans for our brand new building opening 2019 For more details visit our website at www.highwealdacademy.kent.sch.uk To arrange a tour and see the academy in session email enq@highwealdacademy.kent.sch.uk or call 01580 712754 Angley Road Cranbrook Kent TN17 2PJ

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

atie lown’s K Leafy Landscapes

Nature Crossword 1 (across) bee 1 (down) butterfly 2 strawberry 3 fish 4 leaf 5 lizard 6 hive 7 flower 8 mushroom 9 (across) stone 9 (down) stump 10 ladybug 11 mouse 12 grass 13 cloud. Answer: NATURE Types of Leaves 1 Ash, 2 Magnolia, 3 Oak, 4 Maple, 5 Banana, 6 Beech

Word Search

Nature Crossword

E M K

A O

O M A

H M A

N A

N O

N W O

U O U

G V

G A

What is the cutest season? Awwtumn!

Can you find all these words in the word search? Plant, Leaf, Stalk, Deciduous, Vein, Stem, Chlorophyl, Green, Brown, Blade, Oak, Red, Foliage, Bulb, Frond, Root, Moss, Tree, Bud

What’s green and sings? Elvis Parsley!

Can you draw round an autumn leaf and make it into a picture or can you make a fun design based on leaves? 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

Why couldn’t the gardener find his pile of leaves? Because they all had to leaf!

How does an elephant get out of a tree? Sits on a leaf and waits until Autumn!

Identify the leaf 1

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 9 November 2018. Good Luck!

Design the Primary Times Christmas Card! Every year, we at Primary Times send out thousands of Christmas cards and we’d like you to help us create the picture for this year’s card. It can be any picture you like to do with Christmas in some way.You might like to make it Father Christmas, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose or maybe a nativity scene.You can draw or paint your picture on an A4 or A5 piece of card or paper. Our picture shows our card from last year which was designed for us by Oliver Carpenter from St Joseph’s Primary School. See the bottom of this page for details of how to enter but please note that the closing date for this competition is

Competitions

Competitions Win a Grinch Goody Bag

The Grinch, based on Dr Seuss’ beloved holiday classic, tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Each year at Christmas the Grinch’s neighbours in Who-ville disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realises there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet. He must steal Christmas! However, as Christmas approaches, Cindy-Lou’s goodnatured schemes threaten to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious ones. Funny, heart-warming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. The Grinch will be released in cinemas on 9 November. Primary Times has five The Grinch goody bags to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one, tell us what colour the Grinch is? For details of how to enter see below.

Friday 2 November. Teachers and schools are very welcome to send in a whole class’s entries in a single envelope.The winner will see their design used for the Primary Times Christmas card and will also receive fifty copies of the card with envelopes.

Win a box of books for your school

Primary Times are offering schools the chance to win a selection of great books for their library. We have a whole box full of titles from super stories to fun educational books. We have several boxes of books to give away and the titles in each may differ. To enter the competition send your name, address, phone number and the name of your school using the details below.

Your chance to win lots more prizes We have many more books, toys and games to win than we have room for on these pages. For your chance to win a prize follow us on

@PT_Kent

and retweet to win

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competion name as the subject by Friday 9 November. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

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

November Fireworks Extravaganza, Elizabeth Harvey Field, Bearsted, ME14 4HT 6pm. Enjoy a fantastic night of fireworks for the whole family. Display to begin at 7.30pm. For more details and to book visit www.bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk

Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm. The best decorations on any Christmas tree are those made by loved-ones. Sew your own Christmas tree dove to hang on your tree, or give to a friend. Booking is essential and charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ightham-mote

Sat 3 Nov

Annual Firework Spectacular, West Park Road, Maidstone, ME15 7AE 6pm. Maidstone Grammar School Parent’s Association presents an evening of fireworks and fun for the whole family. Fireworks begin at 7pm and refreshments will be on sale. Charges apply. For more details visit www.mgs.kent.sch.uk

Farriers Fireworks and Bonfire Spectacular, Farriers Arms, Mersham, TN25 6NU Our annual professional fireworks and bonfire spectacular will take place at the riverside meadow! A great evening for all the family with food stalls and outside bar. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 7pm, bonfire 7.30pm. For more details visit www.thefarriersarms. com

Dunorlan Park Fireworks, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QN Gates will open at 5.30pm and you can come along to sample some local food and drink, take in Dunorlan Park, and maybe go on a ride or two. The Fireworks will start at 7pm and last for approximately 25 minutes. Charges apply. For more details visit www.rtwrt.org

LEGO® and Art Club, Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham, ME4 4BP (Also 1 Dec) 2-4pm. Join a LEGO® and Art Club for children ages 4 and up. There will be plenty of colouring, a different art activity available and lots of LEGO® bricks. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.nucleusarts.com

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Nov

Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Maidstone, ME17 1PL 25,000 starbursts will fill the sky above the Castle for the biggest firework display in the South East of England. This year’s funky theme will have everyone dancing the night away during this incredible evening of party pyrotechnics. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.leedscastle.com

Falconry Display at the Fireworks Spectacular, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL 3pm. Enjoy a free flying display in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. The display lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and features a range of birds including Hawks,Vulture, Falcon and Owls. Admission charges apply. Firework ticket holders only. For more information visit www.leedscastle.com

Fireworks Spectacular, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Be stunned by fire breathers, a mesmerising bonfire and witness a spectacular firework display. The evening will be entertaining for all ages with activities including face painting, children’s fairground rides, glow sticks galore and more. Charges apply and booking is essential.Visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Railway Weekend – November, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE Come and see steam trains up close and running. They’ll be a perfect backdrop for photo opportunities for train enthusiasts and for all the family too! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

British Truck Racing Championship and Fireworks, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, D3A3 8NG The British Truck Racing Association Championship headlines a spectacular weekend of family entertainment which will end with a spectacular fireworks display. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply. For more information visit www. brandshatch.co.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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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

Sat 10 Nov

Heart of Kent Hospice Volunteer Open Morning, Aylesford, ME20 7PU

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Sat 3 Nov – Sun 16 Dec Winter Opening, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD

(Selected dates) 1-4pm. As the winter nights draw in warm up by our open fire in the drawing room, and enjoy Hunt the Slipper house trail. Free event, normal admission applies. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

Sun 4 Nov

Walk With a Warden, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12.30pm. Join a knowledgeable warden to look for evidence of the different animals that call the reserve their home. Charges apply. For more information visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

The Greatest Firework Show, Offham School, ME19 5NX 5-8pm. A family-focused event which will include a Guy Fawkes parade, celebrity bonfire lighting, an award winning display, music, a fairground, refreshments, a variety of tombola, chocolate face painting and more. Charges apply. Tickets available from school office and selected local shops

Tue 6 Nov – Fri 21 Dec 100,000 Poppies, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR

10am-5pm.Visit or take part in a Community Tribute of Respect and Remembrance. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Wed 7 Nov

Musical Merry-Go-Round, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Join in the musical fun at Maidstone Museum. Sing nursery rhymes and play instruments for under 5s. Charges apply. For more information visit museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Fri 9 Nov

Westerham Fireworks Spectacular, Westerham Valley, TN16 1QP 5-11pm. The team at Westerham Valley, supported by local RAF Air Cadets, are delighted to reignite the Westerham Fireworks. Funds are being raised for local worthwhile causes. There will be refreshments and live music. Charges apply. For more details visit www. westerhamfireworks.co.uk

10am-1pm. Come along for a chat to find out how you can do something rewarding while supporting an important local cause. Kent Hospice offers a range of volunteering opportunities. For more details visit www.hokh.org

Christmas Market, Riverview Junior School, Gravesend, DA12 4SD 10am - 3pm. Start your Christmas shopping at this market with a large variety of stalls to browse including crafts, face painting, refreshments and more. For more information email parent_ association@riverview-junior.kent. sch.uk

Father Christmas’ Arrival, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ 11.30am. Join us at Ruxley Manor to welcome Father Christmas to his Grotto. Make it a full day out for all the family with a festive Afternoon Tea from The Mulberry Restaurant! Charges apply. To book visit www. ruxley-manor.co.uk

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Nov

Vee Festival and Victor Meldrew Trophy, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG The traditional end of season festival for Formula Vee is renowned for superb racing action, close grids and plenty of drama. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply.Visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 11 Nov

Autumn Nature Explorers, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12.15pm or 1.30-3.30pm. A fun event where families can get stuck in with Pond Dipping, Mini Beasting, Bark Rubbing, Searching for Fungi and much more! Ages 2+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Thurs 15 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto, Bluewater, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Treat the kids to a wonderful experience in a beautiful grotto. Their festive journey will begin with a traditional Christmas story presented in 4D; they’ll then join Mrs Claus for crafts, meet Santa and receive a lovely toy to take home. Charges apply.Visit www.bluewater.co.uk

Thurs 15 Nov - Sun 6 Jan Skate at Bluewater, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Take a trip to a spectacular undercover outdoor ice rink, located outside by the lakes at The Village. Perfect for all the family to enjoy, there are seal shaped skating aids for

Your family diary for October and November

November kids, bob skates for those who need to be steady on the ice and skate lessons. Charges apply.Visit www. bluewater.co.uk

Fri 16 Nov

Christmas Lights Switch-On! Quarterhouse, Folkestone, CT20 1BN 5.30pm. Dig out your festive jumper, get Bublé back on your playlist and join us for the Creative Quarter Christmas lights switch-on. Meet at the top of The Old High Street. For more details visit www.quarterhouse. co.uk

Fri 16 Nov – Wed 2 Jan Ice Skating in Calverley Ground, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU A favourite festive destination, Ice Skating in Calverley Grounds offers something for skaters, shoppers and spectators across the season. Suitable fun for the whole family. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com

We Three Kings of the Castle Trail, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW (Selected dates) 10am-4pm. Take part in a festive heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. For more details visit www.visitmedway.org

Sat 17 Nov

Family Science Day, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 10.30am-2.30pm. Come and enjoy a family-friendly science session as you explore crazy liquids and fun science experiments using everyday household materials. Charges apply. For more information visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Snowdog Secret Stones, County Square Shopping Centre, Ashford, TN23 1YB 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Join the Secret Stones craze and create a mini trail to live on after our Snowdogs leave. Inspired by your favourite Snowdog on the trail, create a Snowdog outline on your stone and fill it with your own design. Ages 5+. For more details visit www.ashfordsnowdogs. co.uk

Sat 17 – Sun 18 Nov

Britcar ‘Into the Night’ Race, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Enjoy a night of racing with headlights ablaze, glowing brake discs, and exhaust flames. This is a rare chance to enjoy night racing on the legendary Indy circuit. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply.Visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 18 Nov

Festive Family Fun Day, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SS Get in the festive spirit and enjoy a day bursting with lots of Christmas fun. See Santa’s arrival and the lighting up of his Grotto plus enjoy free parking all day. Entry is free. For more information visit www. royalvictoriaplace.com

Mon 19 Nov–Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SS

Let your little ones experience the true magic of Christmas with a visit to see Santa at Royal Victoria Place. To capture the special moment, a photography service will be available offering great gift ideas. Charges apply. For information and to book online visit www.royalvictoriaplace. com

Thurs 22 Nov

Strood Christmas Lights, High Street, ME2 4TW Enjoy singing, dance, musical theatre and competitions with Heart’s James Heming. The lights will be turned on by the Mayor of Medway at 5pm. Appearances from Raymond Briggs characters’ The Snowman and Snow Dog. For more details visit www. medway.gov.uk/christmas

Thurs 22 – Sun 25 Nov Chartwell Christmas Market, Westerham, TN16 1PS

10am-4pm. Stock up on gifts ready for Christmas or buy your newest decoration at our Christmas market. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell

Rochester Christmas Lights, High Street, ME1 1DA Enjoy festive music and family entertainment with Heart’s Jonny Meah. Stars of the Central Theatre’s pantomime – Dick Whittington and his Cat, will be turning on the lights alongside the Mayor of Medway. For more details visit www.medway.gov. uk/christmas

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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Thurs 22 Nov – Sun 6 Jan

Christmas with Clemmie: Big Circus Garden Family Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

10am-4pm. Go back in time to 1947 and join the Big Circus at Chartwell, to celebrate Christmas with Clemmie. Explore the garden on this fun family festive trail. Chartwell is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chartwell

Exhibition: A History of Winston Churchill, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS 11am-3pm. Be one of the first visitors to see the new permanent exhibition. Featuring the fascinating collection of Churchill’s own cherished possessions, collected by him over the course of his lifetime. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell

Fri 23 Nov

Gillingham Christmas Lights, Smiths Square, High Street, ME2 4TW Fun starts at 3.45pm with lights on around 5pm. Enjoy carol singing, dancing and prizes to be won with Heart’s Claire Lawson. Don’t miss the Mayor of Medway and Catboy from PJ Masks turning on the Gillingham lights. For more details visit www. medway.gov.uk/christmas

Fri 23 – Sat 24 Nov

Christmas Fair, Chiddingstone Castle, TN8 7AD Shop unique and unusual gifts from stalls spread throughout the historic house and grounds. Pre-booking is essential. For more information visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Sat 24 Nov

Explore Bird Twitching, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12noon or 1-2.30pm. Come on a migratory bird trail, listen to a bird watching talk and get stuck in with some craft activities, all whilst enjoying a nice hot chocolate. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Father Christmas, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL (Also 25 Nov, 1 and 2 Dec) 10.30am4pm. Wander through the Christmas Market to an enchanted path leading to a magical grotto. Children will receive a traditional gift to take

home. Charges apply. For more information visit www.leeds-castle. com

Meet the Reindeer, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL (Also 25 Nov, 1 and 2 Dec) Meet Father Christmas’ Reindeer in their stable at the Christmas Market. Whilst at the market you can discover a splendid array of seasonal gifts, toys, festive decorations, specialist food and drink. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

What’s On

More What’s On

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Santa’s Super Saturday, Chatham, Pentagon Shopping Centre and Chatham High Street, ME4 4HY A day of festivity to welcome the start of Christmas. There will be elf recruitment, magicians, circus acts and more. Around 5pm stars of the Central Theatre’s pantomime will turn on the festive lights with the Deputy Mayor of Medway. For more details visit www. pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk

Sat 24 – Sun 25 Nov

Christmas On The Home Front – WWII Experience, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU 10am-4pm. Step back into yesteryear and re-live the festive season in the 1940s. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of ‘Christmas on the Home Front’. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. kentlife.org.uk

Sat 24 Nov– Sun 9 Dec Christmas, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

(Selected dates) Enjoy a variety of Christmas activities at the castle and grounds.You’ll be welcomed by log fires and twinkling Christmas trees. Activities include vintage fairground stalls, a carousel ride, a chance to meet Father Christmas and more. Charges apply.Visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec

Santa Specials, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, TN28 8PL A festive day out for the whole family! Travel by train to Santa’s grotto in Dungeness and enjoy some seasonal treats. Departing from New Romney Station. For more information and to book visit www. rhdr.org.uk

Magical Millbrook Grotto, Millbrook Staplehurst, Tonbridge, TN12 9BT Expect to be taken on a magical journey through a winter wonderland full of enchanting sights and sounds with fun and games along the way. When you find Santa’s house, he’ll be there to greet and give out gifts. (Also at the Gravesend branch) Charges apply.Visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 30...

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

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

November Sat 24 Nov – Tues 1 Jan Leeds Castle Presents ‘Once Upon a Time at Christmas’, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

This Christmas, Paddington™ and classic festive stories will be brought to life through illustrations in the magnificent Castle rooms. Children will receive a traditional gift to take home. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.leedscastle.com

Sun 25 Nov

Pinkerton Mystery and How to Write a Great Story, Quarterhouse, Folkestone, CT20 1BN 11am. In a lively talk illustrated by images from her books, Caroline Lawrence shares some of her best writing tips. Pure gold for wannabe writers aged 8-80. Charges apply. For more details visit www.quarterhouse. co.uk

Hibernation Station, Tyland Barn Visitor Centre, Maidstone, ME14 3BD 11am-12.20pm or 1-2.30pm. Learn all about hibernating animals and meet a real live hedgehog. Create some craft pieces and explore wild dens. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Tues 27 Nov

Bach to Baby – Winter Concert, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 10.30-11.30am. Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together. Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep. For more information visit www. canterbury-cathedral.org

Fri 30 Nov

Rainham Christmas Lights, Rainham Shopping Centre, ME8 7HW Fun starts at 3.45pm with lights on around 5pm. Enjoy the majorettes, choir singing and dancing and prizes to be won with Heart’s Becky Ives. The lights will be turned on by the Deputy Mayor of Medway. Chase from PAW Patrol will make an appearance.Visit www.medway.gov. uk/christmas

stars. Witness the enchantment of the grounds festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas. Charges apply. Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Santa Specials, Spa Valley Railway, Eridge to Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LE (Selected dates) Christmas at the Spa Valley Railway starts at Eridge, visitors are met with the smell of hot chestnuts and a roaring coal fire in the festively decorated waiting room. Board the train and meet Santa on the journey! Charges apply and booking is essential.Visit www. spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Advent Wreath Workshop, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 11am-3pm. Come and make your family’s Advent Wreath with greenery from the Cathedral gardens. All material for making your wreath will be provided. For more information visit www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Snow Lion and Festive Farmers Market, Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham, ME4 4HY 9am-2pm. From the Forests of Eternal Snow pads the giant white lion, a mythical emblem of the season celebrating the light of human kindness in the depths of winter’s darkest days. For more details visit www.pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 2 Dec

Snowdogs Discover Ashford: Farewell Weekend, Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford, TN24 9QX Based on the popular children’s story The Snowman and the Snowdog by Raymond Briggs, Ashford’s Snowdog trail highlights the themes of life, loss, fun, friendship, companionship, strength and kindness – a story told at Pilgrims Hospices each day.Visit www.pilgrimshospices.org

Christmas Opening Weekend, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-3.30pm. Come to Ightham Mote this weekend as we unveil the house dressed for Christmas and host our annual Christmas mini-market. Craft activities and trail for children will available. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ightham-mote

December Sat 1 Dec

Twilight Christmas, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG (Also 8, 14, 20 and 21 Dec) For a magical after dark experience, wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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

”

Sat 1 – Sun 16 Dec

A Georgian Christmas, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD (Selected dates) 1-4pm. Come and see the house decorated with greenery as it would have been in the Georgian era. Join in the Georgian fun and play Hunt the Slipper around the house. Free event, normal admission applies. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/quebec-house

Christmas with Clemmie, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS (Weekends only) 11am-3pm. It’s 1947, Clementine Churchill wife of Sir Winston Churchill is celebrating Christmas at Chartwell. Join Clemmie for this festive season and explore the ground floor of the house. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell

Sat 1 – Sat 22 Dec

Santa Specials, Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB (Selected dates) 1-5pm. Enjoy a visit to Father Christmas, a carefully chosen gift and a free miniature train ride. Charges apply. Book at Museum Kiosk from 12.30pm on arrival. For more information visit www. cramptontower.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 23 Dec

A Truly Magical Christmas, Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, TN26 3RJ (Selected dates) A family Christmas isn’t complete without a visit to see Santa and here at the Rare Breeds Centre, Christmas is a much-loved tradition and heart-warming family experience that will leave everyone feeling suitably festive. Charges apply. For more details visit www. rarebreeds.org.uk

Father Christmas, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY 10.30am-4.40pm. Father Christmas is back at The Hop Farm during selected dates. Treat the kids and meet the big FC up close and in person in his magical grotto experience. Charges apply and booking is essential. For more information visit www.thehopfarm. co.uk

Sat 1 – Mon 24 Dec Meet Santa, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

(Selected dates). Meet Santa in his magical grotto and take home a special gift. There’s also the opportunity to decorate some festive gingerbread too! Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Sat 1 Dec – Wed 2 Jan

Christmas Present Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Celebrate Christmas with the Boise family, former owners of Emmetts Garden. Explore the garden looking for Christmas presents hidden under decorated trees on this festive family fun trail. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/emmetts-garden

Sun 2 Dec

Walk With a Warden, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12.30pm. Come and find out about the different birds that visit the reserve in the winter months. Charges apply. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Christmas Storytelling, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL (Also 9 and 16 Dec) Join a storyteller in the Maiden’s Tower to hear ‘Paddington and the Christmas Surprise’ by Michael Bond. On this festive adventure Paddington™ discovers why Santa Claus makes everyone’s Christmas so special. Charges apply. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Christmas at Brogdale, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME13 8XZ Shop, eat and sing at Brogdale this Christmas. Enjoy a mince pie whilst shopping for locally made gifts for all from the local produce market. For more information visit www. brogdalecollections.org

Advent Carol Service, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 3.15-4.30pm. Celebrate the start of the Advent season with the Cathedral’s Advent Carol Service. For more information visit www. canterbury-cathedral.org Our next copy deadline is

9 November 2018. If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

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All your own work! Isabella Steyn aged 8

Isla Connolly aged 7

Bishop from St Crispins etitions in our September Back to School issue. Miss Congratulations to the following people who won comp DIY Circus Lab for Kids shirt. Palace l Crysta signed a won Eaton and Tyler Infants School won a box of books for her school. Riley ti.Zara Edwin won a Cignit o Norrington,Joseph Dryden and Matte books were won by Bethan Lewis, Otto Retallick, Caitlin uin's match and will Harleq a to s ticket won re. Chloe Freakley-Creaser family ticket to Robinson Crusoe at Greenwich Theat er. Runners up Prockt Chloe was etition comp r Flowe 's & The Witch meet a rugby hero. Our first prize winner in the Mary ook plus a Millbr at Circus Alex Saunders won a family ticket to see the prizes were won by Zoe Lewis and Jessica Marshall. April. Chloe and s Wilkin Nikki ton, Eccles Asia Elmes, Zakareeya Clarke mini hamper. Our Paddington in Concert winners were & g drawin Annie the won 7 aged lly Conno Isla Weekend at Wakehurst. Lisa Draghi won a family ticket to Bountiful Botanics r was Isabella Steyn aged 8. Enjoy If you would like to see poetry competition for the under 8s and our older winne new competitions in this issue. our all ng your work displayed all the artwork on this page and good luck enteri

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 Isaiah Peart-Myers for his poem and drawing of his trip to feed the ducks, Karolina Ficek for her colourful garden scene and Annabel Whitby for her fun memories of the summer holidays. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

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