N&W Kent Easter 2018 Primary Times by Alison Watson

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for families with primary aged children

Spring/Easter Edition Issue 109 19 March - 13 May 2018

in North & West Kent

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Primary Times front cover - Maidstone - EASTER 2018.indd 1

01/03/2018 14:32

JOIN US

GREAT OUTDOOR FUN ALL SEASON LONG Our heated Outdoor Pool is a great place to meet friends, enjoy a splashing time and grab something delicious to eat!

Open from 31 March to 30 September 2018

Swimming lessons available throughout the year and during the holidays.

JUMP IN AND JOIN US!

Visit our website www.tonbridgepool.co.uk Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust working in partnership with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council

Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust Working in partnership with:

Dear Readers

There is talk of the weather getting warmer, the sun is beginning to shine every now and then, daffodils are in the shops so Spring must be on its way, finally, so welcome to our Spring/Easter magazine. We’ve tried our best to get in the mood for this egg-citing time of the year with an eggstraordinary magazine with egg-stra listings, egg-specially for all our readers ... no more eggs I promise unless they’re of the chocolate variety! For the fourth time we are the Family Friendly Media Partner Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Gill Pearce, Andrew Langridge, of the Brighton Fringe - England’s largest arts festival with a Sarah-Jane Chapple & Clarry Frewin fantastic range of comedy, acrobatics, dance, workshops and lots more all over Brighton from May to June. Don’t miss out Listings: Hayley Hughes - book tickets now at www.brightonfringe.org.uk. & Miriam Theobald Editorial: Anna Stringer As usual we have loads of events to choose to go to over the & Dunya Simões Spring break. Hayley and Miriam have been working hard Production: Alison Watson beavering away getting you the very best of things to go to. Office Manager: Chris Blower If you do visit any of their suggestions please mention that Administrators: Claire Wood you read about them in Primary Times. & Tina Love Look out for our fantastic Brighton Fringe competition Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey where you could end up winning a weekend in Brighton Social Media: Rachel Benson with accommodation, a meal, tickets to the Fringe and Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Medway and Kent. Its aims are to inform wonderful memories. To be in with a chance of winning this 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 competition there’s a word search to complete and you could in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, be off on a very jolly weekend with your family and we could sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young be receiving a pretty postcard from a very happy reader! families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are If you do enter this or any of our other competitions do not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the remember to include your contact details. We often get editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent entries from people we would love to pick as prize winners 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. but if we can’t contact you we can’t let you win....

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

inside this issue.... News.........................................4 Family Theatre..........................6 Spring Adventures....................8 Out of School Activities................ 17 Education News....................... 21 Competitions...........................25 Katie Clown Activity Page.......27 All Your Own Work!.................29

Peter and the Primary Times team Recycle 0% d 10

Primary Times is now printed on recycled paper throughout, from 100% post-consumer waste, made in Europe by a paper mill that is certified and supports responsible forestry.

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.

Contents

E c ola b el P E

4, 5, 6 April

THE AUDITORIUM

ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS

MultiSports at Weald of Kent

WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL 2pm THURS 5 & FRI 6 APRIL 11am, 2pm A zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book £14, 10+ £8.50

www.woodville.co.uk

Box Office

08442 439 480

Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD

FREE EVENING PARKING FROM 6pm

Tweet us at like us on @TheWoodville Facebook /WoodvilleGravesend

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

News

Stagecoach World Record Attempt

Hedgehogs on the Edge

A new report issued in February shows that at least half the population of our native hedgehogs has been lost from the British countryside over the last two decades. With the intensification of agriculture, loss of hedgerows and the use of pesticides which reduce the amount of prey available, all contributing to the decline in hedgehog numbers, charities are reaching out to the farming community to help protect this iconic creature. Whilst The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report highlights a worrying decline in our countryside, it shows a more positive outlook for hedgehogs in our towns and cities. Hedgehogs are not disappearing from urban green spaces as rapidly as they were fifteen years ago, and might even be returning. Where they are found, numbers too, appear to be growing in some places. City-dwelling hedgehogs have benefited from the Hedgehog Street programme in which thousands of volunteers pledged to make their gardens more hedgehog-friendly. Urban and suburban areas are becoming increasingly important for hedgehogs, so join over 47,000 hedgehog champions already signed up to help this iconic British species. Go to www.hedgehogstreet.org to become a Hedgehog Champion and find simple advice on making your garden and neighbourhood more hedgehog-friendly. Pledge to make a small hole in your garden fence, wall and other barriers so that hedgehogs can access different gardens and log your ‘hog sightings – dead or alive – on The BIG Hedgehog Map. Photo credit: Dave Bevan

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Deadline for entries is 15th June 2018 and the winner will be drawn on 18th June 2018.

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Activity Kits from toucanBox

Get your kids engaged in fun, hands-on learning with activity kits delivered to your door by toucanBox. The kits contain all the materials to make functional toys, dress-up items or mini masterpieces, plus activity books to take learning and play that little bit further. Each craft is designed and built by a team of educational experts, helping develop key skills and encouraging curiosity into a wide range of topics, championing the national curriculum and STEAMbased learning. Delivered to your door and personally addressed to your child, it makes getting creative convenient, hassle-free and a little bit magical. With over 2 million boxes shipped worldwide and winning countless awards, toucanBox has inspired a craft revolution. Join now and you’ll get your first box for free, with no obligation to continue. Plus, sign-up before 22 March and your first box will be an Easter-inspired special edition. Just use your exclusive free trial code on the leaflet inside this magazine at www.toucanbox.com.

Descendants 3

JUMP! Primary Times is purely the advertiser for this competition and is in no way associated with Barracudas and the services it provides. Tick if you do not wish to be added to the Barracudas database for marketing purposes. Terms & Conditions 1st prize is for a week booking and 2nd prize is for a two day booking at Barracudas camp between the dates 16th July – 24th August (dates may vary across camps). Travel to and from camp is not included. The child must be aged between 4.5 and 14 years. One entry per family. The week cannot split across more than one child or more than one week and cannot be used against an existing booking. Submission of entry must be made by an adult over the age of 18. If you require any further information please call us on 0845 123 5299.

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Young performing arts students from Bearsted, Maidstone East and Tonbridge will feature in a Guinness World Record attempt next summer.They will join thousands of other students in attempt to break the record for the largest simultaneous performance of one show. Almost 200 Stagecoach schools across the UK and abroad are due to perform Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Junior next summer marking 30 years of Stagecoach’s success in the performing arts. Upwards of 6,500 children will be involved. If successful, Stagecoach will break its own record, which currently stands from 2008. Meanwhile, Stagecoach has planned a year-long calendar of exciting opportunities to mark its 30th anniversary milestone, including hosting tea parties in schools across the country around the birthday date of 7 -9 April. Stagecoach Performing Arts Tonbridge, Dartford, Maidstone East and Bearsted are part of a network of more than 650 extra-curricular Performing Arts Schools worldwide. Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions. For details of your local Stagecoach school see their advert on page 17.

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

A legion of Descendants fans received confirmation of the long-awaited news of a Descendants 3 movie in February. The intriguing message, featuring “Mal” (daughter of Maleficent), alludes to a new villain character - Mal’s father - joining the hugely popular story of the teenage sons and daughters of Disney’s most infamous villains. Loyal fans have suspected and even demanded a “trequel” and have skilfully tracked clues across social media and the internet of recent pre-production activities in Vancouver, Canada. Descendants 3 will begin production there in summer for a debut next year on Disney Channel. Many of the all-star cast will be reprising their roles as the children of Disney villains, allowing viewers to dive deeper into these characters and the imaginative world from which they come.

Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre in Tunbridge Wells teamed with up local children’s charity ellenor for Christmas to raise money for children and young people with life-threatening illnesses. Tunbridge Wells Biggest Teddy Bear, aptly named ‘Teddy Selfie’ took up residence inside West Kent’s biggest shopping centre between 19 November and 5 January, with shoppers and their families posting images of themselves taken with the 3.5m high teddy using the hashtag #RVPTeddySelfie and donating money to the charity. Plus the five best selfies won a £50 RVP Gift Card. Katie Gardner, ellenor fundraiser, told Primary Times,“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support people have shown us through the #RVPTeddySelfie campaign. If people would like to support our work to provide specialist hospice care to terminally ill children, they can visit www.ellenor.org.” Royal Victoria Place’s Teddy Selfie campaign raised nearly £3,000 for ellenor funding vital hospice home care to babies, children and young adults, aged 0-18 years across the Kent region. ellenor is the only charity in Kent that provides hospice care for people of all ages – babies, children and adults - and their families.As a pioneer in the field of hospice at home care, ellenor enables children in Kent to receive the very best care and support they need at home, so they can stay with their loved ones. Specialist care such as chemotherapy and respite provided in the sanctuary of the family home enables families to focus on building precious memories in the limited time they have together.

Exploration and Discovery Get creative and enter the British Science Association’s annual poster competition, which challenges children from nursery to Year 9 to create posters on this year’s theme of exploration and discovery. Your students can make their poster about anything around the theme, from space travel and futuristic advances to iconic discoveries in science. Entrants will be judged within four age categories: Early Years (nursery and reception), Infant (Years 1-3), Junior (Years 4-6) and Senior (Years 7 to 9). Once your students have completed their posters, check the competition details online at www.britishscienceweek.org before sending your top five entries to: Discovery and Exploration Poster Competition, British Science Association, Wellcome Wolfson Building, 165 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5HD. The competition closes on Friday 6 April at 6pm.

News

Royal Victoria Place Largest Teddy

Record a hit song in a professional studio visit PopStarParties.co.uk

0800 567 7197 Includes Photo Shoot and CDs!

Knowle Farm Business Centre Wadhurst Road, Frant Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ www.popstarparties.co.uk

8, 9, & 10 June 2018

elm wood, hawkhurst O f f r i s d e n L a n e , h aw k h u r s t , KENT, TN18 5du

small, intimate & family friendly...where kids can be kids again & you can relax, immerse yourself in great music, fantastic food & drink. be together, reconnect or simply escape...if only for a weekend

live music >

line up to be announced

kids activities including woodland treasure hunts,

storytelling

south east's finest

STREET FOOD TRADERS THE BIG

outdoor cinema+

silent disco

& b u s h c r a f t woodland spa Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

beautiful campsite + boutique camping

for more information and tickets go to: www.woodlandsfestival.co.uk /woodlandsfestivaluk woodlandsfestivaluk woodlandsfestuk

in aid of

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Family Theatre

6 Apr

Wizard of Oz

Dorothy goes on a magical adventure to the Land Of Oz as she tries to make her way home. Along the way she meets Scarecrow, Tin Man and a Lion. Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help.

11 Apr

Family Theatre Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells Pop Divas Live

The best songs from all your favourite female stars in one fabulous fun-packed show. Little Mix will cast some Black Magic, Katy Perry will Roar and of course, Adele will be saying Hello and more.

Escape into the Music 2018

Go along to see performances from all ages, 18 months+ to adults. You will get an insight into many different genres of dance; ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, street, performing arts and more!

Central Chatham

13 – 15 Apr

Box Office: 01634 338 338 6 – 7 Apr

Alice in Wonderland

Wizard of OZ

Join Alice as she takes a tumble down the rabbit hole into the world of Wonderland! Grin along like a pack of Cheshire cats as you go on this epic adventure, meeting zany new friends along the way.

20 Apr This is a local dance event showcasing the amazing talent of primary school children. Schools from West Kent have been invited to participate in the event which is themed ‘A Time to Dance’.

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

Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe.

Brook Chatham Box Office: 01634 338 338 23 – 25 Mar Bluebell School of Dance presents a tale of young Clara who is taken on a fantastic voyage, starting with a battle with the Mouse King, through the Land of Ice and Snow. 6

Beauty and The Beast

Have fun at this Easter Spectacular with a star cast, impressive music, energetic dance Primary routines as well as Times! plenty of jokes, slapstick and heaps of audience participation!

11 - 12 May Peppa Pig’s Adventure

The Nutcracker

Dorothy starts her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power to send her home. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey.

14 Apr

DanceFest 2018

19 May

Seasons of Love

Go and see these dedicated, committed and loyal pupils of all ages perform a range of dance styles in their 11th biannual show. Presented to you by Duets Dance School.

Hazlitt Maidstone Box Office: 01622 758 611 5 Apr

The Showstoppers’ Kids Show

The Show takes kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from scratch, right away and in front of your very noses.

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Enjoy interactive stand-up, live animation on stage and lots of jokes and songs. This is a show that all the family can enjoy.

22 Apr

7 Apr

Box Office: 01892 530 613 11 Apr

Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids

Shakespearience

Join Shakespeare’s Men as they fly through Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and Twelfth Night in a whirlwind hour of mischievous storytelling. Lots of audience interaction and mayhem.

Orchard Dartford Box Office: 01322 220 000 1 – 2 May

Dear Zoo

This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Ages 2+.

Stag Sevenoaks Box Office: 01732 450 175 6 Apr

Swan Lake

One of the best known love stories, performed by the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky.

13 Apr

The Close Up Show

An amazing collection of close-up magicians presenting superlative magic right before your very eyes. Seeing is believing!

Trinity Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 678 678 25 Mar

I Believe in Unicorns

Olivier Award nominated Wizard Presents brings best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life. It is a tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas.

1 Apr

The Snow Maiden & Friends

From the snows of Russia, an elderly couple builds a magical

snow child of their very own. She brings such joy to their little home. But what will happen when spring comes?

8 Apr

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass

All aboard for a non-stop action packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs.

15 Apr

Noggin the Nog

Thor Nogson and green bird Graculus join Noggin as he goes North on a journey of adventure and discovery to battle the fearsome Ice Dragon and the dastardly deeds of Noggin’s wicked uncle, Nogbad the Bad!

22 Apr

The Walrus & The Carpenter

Featuring a large weepy walrus puppet and his lugubrious chippy companion following a cameo appearance from Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

The Woodville Gravesend Box Office: 08442 439 480 2 Apr

The Wind in the Willows

Meet loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and wise old Badger as they do their best to keep the mischievous Mr Toad out of trouble. Will they be able to stop the Wicked Weasel from taking over Toad Hall?

4 – 6 Apr

Aliens Love Underpants

This zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning effects, madcap action and original music.

8 – 9 Apr

Alice in Wonderland

You are invited to join the fun of the Mad Hatters tea party, assist a white rabbit with his time keeping and help Alice stay one step ahead of the treacherous Queen of hearts!

10 Apr

Swan Lake

One of the best known love stories, performed by the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky.

Spring Adventures Fun Days Out with the Family in the South American, Asian and African Experiences. Don’t forget to look out for Port Lympne’s adorable spring arrivals too including baby rhino calves, baby takin and many more.You can even watch as the family of gorillas enjoy their very own Easter Egg hunt on Monday 2 April and, for an additional price of £15 per person, you could help keepers give the gorillas an afternoon snack. For more information and to claim your 20% off day tickets, please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/ portlympne and remember to quote PLPT20.

Uncover a Dinosaur Forest

Dinosaur Forest at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve will be even bigger this spring as more pre-historic creatures stomp into Kent’s largest outdoor dinosaur exhibit! This Easter from Friday 30 March to Sunday 15 April there’ll be more teeth, more scales and even more fun, as you come face to face with pre-historic creatures, including the 4 tonne Pachyrhinosaurus and the 9 metre long Carnotaurus, alongside favourites such as the T-Rex, Spinosaurus and Pterodactyls. As you explore the forest that time forgot, remember to look out for the hidden golden eggs to win prizes in the Golden Egg Competition, running each day from Friday 30 March to Sunday 15 April. There are even more new experiences throughout the Reserve including a new Wallaby Walkthrough where you can wander amongst red necked wallabies before jumping on board a safari truck to discover the new species

Easter Fun at the Hop Farm

Enter the magical Hop Farm Family Park from 10am every day this Easter, from 30 March – 15 April. The £3 per person entry fee includes all day indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play, crazy golf and all day entry into the animal farm and activities. The kids can let off steam and enjoy the fabulous children’s attractions and rides including Hovermania, The Magic Castle, Giant Jumping Pillows, Hopper’s Animal Farm and much more. Plus enjoy eggciting Easter games for the kids and get close to some gorgeous lambs, bunnies and chicks. On Thursday 12 April, Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall will come and say hello at intervals during the day. A number of the attractions are undercover, so whatever the weather, children and families will enjoy all the fun at the farm without getting cold or wet.

% DA OFF US Y O E CO TIC NL IN DE K : P ET E* LP T S 20

Easter Fun at the Farm! - 30 March - 15 April

Farm Activities and Live Entertainment! Y LIDA K HO D BAN EEKEN W

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EAS CHI TER LAM CKS, BUN BS & NIES

PARK & FARM

ENTRY

ONLY £3 PER PERSON!*

Plus see Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall at intervals on 12 April

Children’s Attractions

UNCOVER

D I N O SAU R FO R E ST THIS EASTER

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

...and experience Kent’s only safari. aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne | 01303 264647 Nr. Ashford, Kent CT21 4LR

Reg. Charity no. 1100845 T&Cs apply. *Valid from 30th March - 30th April 2018.

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

HOVERMANIA LASER GAMES OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PLAY AREA HOPPER’S ANIMAL FARM HOPPER’S DINER & SOFT PLAY 4D CINEMA JUMPING PILLOWS MAGIC CASTLE GROOM A PONY INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT FARM ACTIVITIES HORSE & CART RIDES FACE PAINTING AND MUCH MORE…

The Hop Farm Family Park Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY

01622 872068

www.hopfarm.co.uk

*INCLUDES ALL DAY INDOOR SOFT PLAY, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PLAY, CRAZY GOLF, ANIMAL FARM & FREE PARKING

certificate. Find out more about these and other events at www. royalvictoriaplace.com. Please note all events are on a first come first served basis and the centre management reserve the right to refuse access or cease the event.

Treat the kids to a great day out at The Hop Farm Family Park this Easter school holiday. Plan your visit at www.thehopfarm.co.uk.

As we enter into spring, now is the perfect time to get children exploring their surrounding environment and discovering how nature changes over the year. Hello Nature Activity Cards are the perfect way to get your young ones exploring the outdoors if you’re looking for a way to get the kids outside this Easter and to get them away from all their chocolate eggs. The pocket-sized set is perfect for little adventurers to take along for a walk in the woods, holidays on the beach or just whilst pottering in their own back garden.

Free Easter Fun at Royal Victoria Place Make sure you get down to Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells for some free Easter fun as they go PAW Patrol crazy on Wednesday 4 April. Kids’ TV favourites Chase and Marshall will be appearing at alternating intervals throughout the day. Plus go along and dance to your favourite PAW Patrol songs and learn each character’s moves with Pup Pup Boogie! The Pup Pup Boogie Dance Activity will take place at 11.45am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm and 2.45pm and you can meet Chase and Marshall on the hour and half hour between 11am and 3.30pm.

Peter Rabbit has become Beatrix Potter’s most infamous character and features in a number of her other titles. So to celebrate the release of his latest film, Peter Rabbit will be hopping along to Royal Victoria Place for some free Easter fun on Wednesday 11 April.You can see Peter Rabbit during Story Time on the hour between 11am and 3pm. Plus join the Peter Rabbit Treasure Trail on the day and every completed entry will receive an official

Getting Outdoors this Spring

Spring Adventures

Don’t miss the daily timetable of fun indoor entertainment. There are always special events going on with the fantastic entertainment team in the Big Red Barn Theatre.You’ll always find something for everyone with magic shows, pantomimes, puppet shows, party dances, discos, balloon modelling, loads of larger-than-life costume characters, cupcake decorating, make and take, games, helium balloons and lots more thoroughly enjoyable fun.

The colourful illustrations show how to identify a tree from its seed, how a frog is different from a toad, where to find the Big Dipper and much more. With thirty fun activities to try, from stone skimming and pond dipping to making feather quill pens, the whole family will be able to celebrate the great outdoors together.You could even get your children’s friends and their parents to come along too and make a day of it, each trying out different activities and swapping the best ones. With 30 activities to choose from, the Hello Nature Activity Cards are sure to keep you and your family entertained for hours. Sets are available for £9.99 online and from all good high street retailers.

free easter fun

WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL PUP PUP BOOGIE DANCE ACTIVITY PLUS SEE CHASE AND MARSHALL FROM PAW PATROL

AT INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL SEE PETER RABBIT TM DURING STORY TIME

AT INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Full details and event times available at Concierge on level 2 or royalvictoriaplace.com

THESE EVENTS ARE FREE AND ARE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION OR ALTERATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

DH6327us RVP Easter PrimTimes Halfpp.indd 1 Follow on Twitter - @PT_Kent

RVP

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

06/03/2018 10:53 9

Spring Adventures

Easter at the Royal Engineers Museum

Forget Easter bonnets and head to the RE Museum this Easter to take part in an historic headwear hunt between 31 March and 2 April. The hunt showcases some of the headgear worn by Royal Engineers throughout history and is included in standard admission prices. The museum will also be hosting handson family activities between 3-6 April and 10-13 April, inspired by life in the modern army. Activities vary each day and include, amongst others, making a model bridge-layer, body armour and a clay medal. Activities are £2 per child plus admission. Please see www.remuseum.co.uk for more information. There is plenty to see and do at the museum including indoor and outdoor play areas, free parking, a gift shop and a café. The museum’s huge collection includes Wellington’s Waterloo map, a piece of the Berlin Wall, the world’s first guided torpedo and a V2 rocket. April will also see the launch of a new free activity trail based on the museum’s mascot, Snob the Dog. Tickets are valid for 12 months meaning you can visit as many times as you like. So if you are looking for family fun this Easter, make sure you visit the Royal Engineers Museum.

Festival of Steam and Transport

The Festival of Steam and Transport is back by popular demand and bigger than ever as part of The Historic Dockyard’s 400th birthday celebrations! Steampunks, funfair attractions and running trains will be amongst your favourites showing the delights of steam throughout the years. Upon entry you’ll have all the fun at the fair with a free traditional funfair included in your entry. Fly high with the sites of The Dockyard’s historic ships in view this Easter weekend on the Chair-O-Planes or the Ferris Wheel and many more. New for this year too are dodgems and swing boats. And if that wasn’t enough – all the usual fun of the Dockyard will be available over the weekend, including three historic warships, ten museum galleries and three play areas. If you’ve never visited The Historic Dockyard Chatham before, this event will provide a real taster for everything on offer.

An Easter Wonderland awaits you over the Easter weekend, Friday 30 March until Monday 2 April. The resident lady farmer will lead you through the wonderland then introduce you to the White Rabbit who will enchant the little ones with an Easter Tale and give them an ‘Egg-citing’ gift. The Easter Wonderland costs £6.50 per child and £1 per accompanying adult. Don’t forget your camera to capture those magical moments with the White Rabbit. Visitors can stay a while, feed the ducks and have a picnic by the duck pond. There are plenty of Easter gifts available in the shop located within the Easter Barn and fresh produce and other delicious goodies in the Farm Shop. Don’t forget Broadditch is a farm so wear suitable footwear and be prepared to get muddy. Buy an Online Child Combo Ticket for Easter weekend only for just £10 including The Easter Bunny Hunt and The Easter Wonderland, available at www.broadditch.co.uk/easter.

Find the Magic at Hever Castle

Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step. Welcome back the magic of the Lindt Gold Bunny from 24 March to 15 April. Explore the beautiful gardens, make special family memories and discover where the Lindt Gold Bunny is hiding at this Easter’s Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Complete the trail and see what Lindt chocolate treat the Easter Bunny has in store for you.

ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM Easter Family Activities:

MODERN ARMY LIFE APRIL 31 Mar-2 Apr: Historic Headwear Hunt Tue 3rd: Identity Tag Wed 4th: Airborne Engineer Parachute Thu 5th:

Clay Hand Grenade Pot

Fri 6th:

Camouflage Aeroplane

With so much family fun entertainment ongoing over the weekend within the award-winning attraction of The Historic Dockyard, there is no doubt that your memories will be made this Easter weekend at The Festival of Steam and Transport. With everything included within your annual ticket, it’s family fun not to be missed. For more details, be sure to visit www.thedockyard.co.uk.

Wed 11th: Model Tank Bridge Layer

Easter at Broadditch Farm

3-6 & 10-13 APRIL

Why not pop down to Broadditch Farm over the Easter weekend and the Easter holidays and join in the fun? The Easter Bunny Hunt will be open for three weeks from Saturday 24 March until Sunday 15 April. Search for the bunnies amongst the spring flowers on a beautiful woodland walk then claim your prize. The bunny hunt costs £4 per child. 10

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Tue 10th: Soldier Body Armour Thu 12th: Clay Medal (1.30pm—3.30pm) Fri 13th:

Royal Engineer Flag

10.30am - 3.30pm £2 per child per activity plus admission

www.re-museum.co.uk P rince Arthur Road | Gillingham | Kent | ME7 1UR /RoyalEngineersMuseum/

@ REMuseum

As well as the Easter themed activities, a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens and challenge yourself in the Yew Maze. Visitors aged 7-14 will love exploring the new Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. Some Easter activities carry a charge in addition to admission prices. Hever Castle is open daily from 12noon, the Gardens from 10.30am. For further information visit the website www.hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 865 224.

EASTER BUNNY HUNT AT BROADDITCH FARM From Saturday 24th March until Sunday 15th April during shop opening hours Come along and enjoy our Easter trail. Hunt amongst the spring flowers for the bunnies then claim your prize. Worksheets £4 each

THE EASTER WONDERLAND A Wonderland awaits you where the White Rabbit will enchant you with an Easter Tale and you will receive an ‘Egg-citing’ gift. The White Rabbit will be in residence from Friday 30th March until Monday 2nd April. £6.50 per child, £1 per accompanying adult

Spring Adventures

Celebrate spring by making and decorating an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops (from 30 March) with a chance to show off your creations in a parade in front of the Castle every day and prizes for the best bonnets. Put your thinking cap on with a fun quiz in the Castle about the history of Easter and the traditions of the season, also from 30 March.

Child Combo Ticket: Friday 30th March until Monday 2nd April only, £10 per child for The Easter Bunny Hunt & The Easter Wonderland

Shop Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm Good Friday 9am-5pm, Easter Monday 10am-4pm

Broadditch Farm Shop • Manor Farm Southfleet DA13 9PU

• www.broadditch.co.uk • 01474 834161

Broadditch Farm.indd 1

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Spring Adventures

Circus Fun at Leeds Castle

Family Fun at One Warwick Park Hotel

The fun continues at the Castle until 15 April with an intrepid Easter Quest for an additional £1. Seek out clues hidden around the Castle grounds on a fun quest for children of all ages. Answer each of the questions and receive a chocolate treat as a reward.

One Warwick Park Hotel have thrown in some extra treats with treats to be decorated by your little ones including some special piping bags and lots of sprinkles, so there can be lots of DIY decorating and fun to be had. All this will be going on while you have the opportunity to enjoy your own tea. What’s more, you’ll be able to let the staff sort the tidying up afterwards! After all, you deserve a treat too.

There’s so much fun on offer at Leeds Castle this Easter, 30 March to 2 April. Prepare to be amazed as Tarzanna presents a playful aerial theatre show where the performers literally climb, jump and swing through the air before your eyes. Tarzanna is a fun filled show for the whole family where children can learn circus skills throughout the day, including the trapeze and tightrope.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Leeds Castle again and again with your annual ticket, from exploring the Yew Maze and conquering the Knight’s Realm to daily free flying falconry displays. The grounds of the Castle will be abundant with beautiful birds to see during your visit and don’t forget to pop into the gift shops and cafés for fantastic souvenirs and delicious treats. Experience the circus with Tarzanna included in your entry price. Annual tickets cost just £24.90 for adults and £16.90 for children (under 4’s free). Pay once and visit all year round. For more information on Leeds Castle attractions, activities and events visit the website www.leeds-castle.com.

One Warwick Park Hotel love welcoming both you and your little ones, so much so that they have introduced Children’s Afternoon Teas. That’s right- all the treats and freshly made sandwiches that you get in your traditional grown up Afternoon Tea but with some added fun!

Children’s Afternoon Tea is available for just £10.00. Call 01892 520 587 for more information or to book now.

Easter at Hempstead Valley

The malls at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre will be filled with specialist stalls selling a wide range of handmade crafts, quality gifts, plants and flowers from Monday 26 to Easter Saturday 31 March. From beautiful hand decorated goose eggs, jewellery and chocolate, to gardening equipment and plants, customers will be able to buy a wide choice of inspiring and quality gifts for Easter. Head to Hempstead Valley from 3 to 8 April for free, family events with the Heart Angels from Heart FM who will be providing families

EASTER

30TH MARCH TO 2ND APRIL Watch jaw dropping aerial acrobatic shows and learn circus skills, plus join our exciting Easter Quest until the 15th April.

EXPERIENCE MORE leeds-castle.com

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Spring!

at Maidstone Museum Easter Holiday Fun Tuesday 3 April Friday 13 April

Enjoy two weeks of creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter! Suitable for ages 4+ 3 sessions per day £3/£4 per child

Easter Eggsplore at Bewl Water

There’s something for all ages at Bewl Water this Easter. Grab your binoculars and become an Easter ‘Eggsplorer’ - the Easter Bunny has left his eggs around Bewl Water and needs your help! Find all 12 eggs and you can claim an ‘eggstra’ special prize at the end. All for just £4 per child, from 29 March to 8 April, 10am-4pm.

Spring Adventures

with free activities including art and craft workshops, face painting and competitions. These events will be held outside Boots from 11am to 3pm daily. Staff are on hand to help with all the messy stuff, there is no need to book and parental supervision is required at all times.Visit www. hempsteadvalley.com for more information.

St George’s Dragon Day Saturday 21 April

You can also keep the little ones entertained during the Easter Holidays with the Bewl Water Kid’s Camps. Action packed with lots of exciting activities like Laser Challenge, rounders or practising driving skills in the mini Ranger Cars - there’s so much fun to be had!

Dare you meet Flame, the massive smokebreathing dragon?

From £37.00 per full day camp and just £19.50 per half day camp! Book a week’s camp and receive a 15% discount. To book, call 01892 890 000.

Small charge for optional craft activities, pay on the day

FREE

See website for opening times

www.maidstonemuseum.org

KIDS PARTIES AT BEWL WATER There's something for all ages at Bewl Water from nature trails, to adventure playgrounds and our soft play area through to mini golf and cycling! For a day which promises no end of fun, make sure you hold your next children's party at Bewl Water!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER Birthday Child goes FREE!! * Simply Quote ‘PRIMARYOFFER’

MINI RANGER SAFARI LASER CHALLENGE DEN BUILDING PIRATE PARTIES SOFT PLAY CYCLING PARTIES BOUNCY CASTLE PARTIES LAND EXPLORER WWW.BEWLWATER.CO.UK Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

01892 890000 |

INFO@BEWLWATER.CO.UK 19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

* T&Cs apply

Spring Adventures

The Big Bluebell Watch

The Big Bluebell Watch will return this spring and, once again, the Woodland Trust needs your help to spot the UK's bluebells. Last year they collected 48,200 bluebell records across the UK and this year, with your help, the Trust hopes to discover even more. Last year’s records showed that native bluebells are going strong. 80% of the bluebells recorded were native and they’re doing particularly well in Kent. Non-native bluebell hotspots were as expected - they were mainly recorded in developed areas, and only 2% of them were recorded in woodlands. Last year’s data was used by a variety of organisations and scientists to support their work and was downloaded over 150 times. Get involved this year and record your local bluebell sightings from 2 April until 31 May.You can also help by working to prevent the spread of non-native bluebells and protect the native species in the wild. But remember – never pull up bluebells in the wild, even if you suspect they are non-native. Native bluebells are protected by law and it can be difficult to tell the difference. Be part of something bigger. Support the Woodland Trust and help create, protect and restore habitat for bluebells. To keep up to date with the Big Bluebell Watch, why not sign up to receive email updates and find out more at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Sniff out Something New to Do

Fed up with the same old walkies? Stuck for ideas on how to keep your hound happy in the winter months? Well worry no more. Pet insurer MORE TH>N has developed a free ideas generator for days out with dogs - owners simply pop in their postcode and push the button, and the tool will recommend dog-friendly holidays and days out across the UK. So whether you and your faithful friend want to explore the pawfectly named Roundball Woods or Barky Beach, or you’re simply looking for a nearby dog-friendly beach, dog-friendly pub, a new walking route in the countryside or a new dog-friendly park – all the information is available at the touch of a button. The search results page also includes testimonials from other dog owners who use the recommended places regularly. Owners can go to www.morethan.com/pet-insurance to explore the generator and find the perfect dog-friendly holiday or day out.

Exciting Events at Bluewater

You can look forward to some exciting events at Bluewater this year. From 23 to 31 March, the Lindt Gold Bunny Warren is making a return to Bluewater offering free chocolate fun for all. Located in the Lower Guildhall, children are invited to hop through the warren and count the gold bunnies to receive a delicious chocolate reward. For eggstra fun, why not snap a picture with the giant Easter eggs, located by The Entertainer. After Easter, there will be a roar-some dinosaur trail at Bluewater arriving on 3 April and staying until 24 June. In a new departure this year, Bluewater is inviting guests to embark on an archaeological adventure alongside explorers Rhys and Rosie. With the arrival of the amazing Dinosaur Trail, kids will come face to face with giant dinosaurs, hiding in and around the mall, whilst discovering interesting facts along the way. Guests can pick up a trail map from the concierge desk outside M&S on the lower mall and once all the prehistoric creatures have been found, they’ll receive a fun-sized prehistoric prize. For more about these and other events at Bluewater, visit www. bluewater.co.uk.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The Big Cat Sanctuary, provides a future for some of the most beautiful and endangered cats in the world. Home to over 50 cats including African Lions, Sumatran Tigers, Jaguars, Amur Leopards and Snow Leopards to name just a few, it’s located in Smarden, in the heart of the Kent countryside. The site has become a sanctuary

CAPTAIN CAT’S

Easte Egg Hu r nt rd th

3 -17 April

Captain Cat’s Easter Egg Hunt Hop on down to The Historic Dockyard Chatham from the 3 -17 April for some eggtastic family fun.

The Captain’s Cat is back with his eggcellent egg hunt and it’s bigger and better than ever before. Hidden amongst the 80 acre site will be The Dockyard’s rope eggs just waiting to be found by eager explorers. Just pick up your Easter trail upon arrival for clues towards where to find them. Find them all and crack the code hidden with them and you’ll get a prize! With everything included within your annual ticket, it’s family fun not to be missed! For more details, be sure to visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

EASTER FAMILY FUN

thedockyard.co.uk

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

SMILES MADE IN

INCLUDED IN YOUR #400moments

PRIZE FOR COMPLETING The HUNT

ENTRY TICKET

Spring Adventures

and breeding centre that takes a personal approach to their wildlife residents. The Big Cat Sanctuary operates by offering personal big cat experiences. These include tours, ranger days, a selection of different photographic workshops, overnight stays in their luxury lodges and adoptions. The Sanctuary holds Annual Open Days where they open the doors to the public, not just for people to see the incredible cats, but also to give an opportunity to get an insight into the global conservation work being done there. This year the open days are 26 to 29 July. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are now on sale online at www.thebigcatsanctuary.org. These are family fun days with arena displays of falconry and anti-poaching dogs as well as a variety of entertainment. Visitors learn about the work being done to save what are House & Gardens some of the most iconic yet endangered species on planet. The Big Cat Sanctuary also contribute to in-situ conservation projects around the globe and also hosts a number of events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness of the in-situ Spring Festival conservation projects they Sat 24th March - Sun 15th April support. The Big Cat Sanctuary is a leading conservation Workshops, Trails, Crafts, Displays organisation of wild cats in Spectacular Garden Spring colours! the UK and are proud to have Upper Dicker recently piloted an education BN27 3QS. programme within schools. www.sussexpast.co.uk

Michelham Priory

Easter Half Term Activities at Maidstone Leisure Centre Easter Egg Hunt Play Polar Adventure Soft & Ice Slides e Meet and Greet real lif super-heroes agon Meet Sapphire the Dr orkshop African Drumming W Bouncy Castle + www.maidstoneleisure.com

Follow on- Twitter @PT_Kent1 Primaryus Times Half page ---Maidstone.indd

19 Mar - 13 May â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;18

02/03/2018 17:43

What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May Ongoing Until 23 Mar

Sport Relief, Nationwide

Whether you run, walk or even dance, whatever moves you, do it for Sport Relief and help change lives. To get a head start, pre-order your free Fundraising Pack. For more information visit www.sportrelief.com

Until 25 Nov

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

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

March

Fri 23 Mar – Sun 17 Jun Powerful Tides: 400 years of Chatham and the Sea, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

This exhibition brings works together for the first time that celebrate not only the Dockyard but also reconnects it back to the sea, exploring the emotions that both Chatham and the sea have had on artists from the 17th century to the present day. For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Earth Hour, Nationwide

8.30-9.30pm. WWF is calling for everyone to sign up and take part in Earth Hour - an annual global demonstration where millions around the world switch off their lights for one hour to show they care about the future of our planet and to call for action on climate change. To sign up visit www.wwf.org.uk/ earthhour

Sat 24 – Sun 25 Mar

Wed 21 Mar

World Poetry Day

A time to appreciate and support poets and poetry around the world. Celebrate Wold Poetry Day today. For more information visit www. un.org/en/events/poetryday

Wed 21 – Sun 25 Mar

Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Go along and you’ll feel uplifted this spring during Hever Castle’s new Dazzling Daffodils event.With 14,000 daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Fri 23 Mar

Astronomy Evening, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 7-9pm. Join the Edenbridge and District Astronomers for an evening looking at the night sky.You can look through powerful telescopes to see the Moon and seek out dark sky objects. The team will talk you through the observations. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Fri 23 – Sat 31 Mar

Kent Big Weekend, Various Locations

Residents of Kent are given the chance to enjoy an amazing day out in their county for free. The ballot will open from mid-February for 4 weeks.You can apply for as many tickets as you like, and the winners will be selected at random. For more information visit www. kentbigweekend.co.uk

Sat 24 – Thurs 29 Mar

Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Make some special family memories this Easter, hop through the beautiful grounds following the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to claim your delicious chocolate treat. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Sat 24 Mar – Sun 15 Apr Easter Bunny Hunt, Broadditch Farm Shop, Southfleet, DA13 9PU Purchase a worksheet from the Farm Shop and set off to the woods to find the lost bunnies. Once your worksheet is completed, return to

Lindt Warren, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST The Lindt Gold Bunny Warren is making a return to Bluewater this Easter offering free chocolate fun for all. Located in the Lower Guildhall, children are invited to hop through the warren and count the gold bunnies to receive a delicious chocolate reward! For more information visit www.bluewater. co.uk

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

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

“

Fri 30 Mar

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

”

the Farm Shop to claim your prize. For more information and to book visit www.broadditch.co.uk

Sun 25 Mar

Dawn Chorus Bird Walk, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 6–8am. Join Tom Forward, the Education Coordinator and bird expert for an early morning birdsong-filled wander through the beautiful fields and woodlands. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Resolution Run, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU

10am. Join in and run either 5k, 10k or 15k and help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association. To enter online and for more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution

Mon 26 – Sat 31 Mar

Easter Gift & Garden Event, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, ME7 3PD

The malls will be filled with specialist stalls selling a wide range of handmade crafts, quality gifts, plants and flowers. From beautiful handdecorated goose eggs, jewellery and chocolate, to gardening equipment and plants. For more information visit www.hempsteadvalley.com

Thurs 29 Mar

Wear a Hat Day, Nationwide

Grab your favourite hat and help raise funds for vital brain tumour research. Take part with your school, workplace or simply at home with family and friends. For more information visit www.wearahatday. org

Thurs 29 Mar - Sun 8 Apr

Easter Eggsplorer, Bewl Water Country Park, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH 10am-4pm. Collect your Easter map from The Waterfront Shop, walk around the Bewl trail and see if you can find the 12 eggs. Children need to wear their ‘Easter Eggsplorer’ Sticker to redeem their prize at the end of the trail. Charges apply. Call to book 01892 890 000. For more information visit www.bewlwater. co.uk

Easter Snail Trail, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD

11am–3pm. Find all the snails around the nature park and answer the questions then claim your chocolate prize at the end. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Easter Trail, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH 11am-3pm. Find the clues along the Kingfisher Trail then claim your chocolate prize at the end. The trail will be available from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Easter ‘Snail’ Trail, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD

11am-3pm. Go along and find the snails around the nature park and answer the questions then claim your chocolate prize at the end. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Fri 30 Mar – Mon 2 Apr Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts, Sissinghurst Castle, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB

11am–3.30pm. Take part in the Cadbury Egg hunt in the grounds of the world famous garden created by Harold Nicolson and Vita SackvilleWest. Follow the trail to claim your sweet treat prize. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/sissinghurst-castle

Circus Fun at Easter, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Tarzanna presents a playful outdoor aerial theatre show, where the performers literally climb, jump and swing through the air. A fun filled show for the whole family where children can learn circus skills throughout the day. For more information visit www.leeds-castle. com

Easter Wonderland, Broadditch Farm Shop, Southfleet, DA13 9PU

The resident lady farmer will lead you through the wonderland then introduce you to the White Rabbit who will enchant the little ones with an Easter Tale before they receive an ‘Egg-citing’ gift. For more information and to book visit www.broadditch. co.uk

Easter Specials, Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY Take a ride through the High Weald on the heritage train hauled by a steam or diesel locomotive. Spot all

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

Out of School Activities Stagecoach Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Children across the country will honour the UK’s leading network of performing arts schools this year, as thousands take part in the 30th anniversary celebrations of Stagecoach Performing Arts. Stagecoach has been inspiring young singers, dancers, and actors since its doors first opened three decades ago. Stagecoach has grown to be a huge success story, boasting a network of more than 700 schools that provide extracurricular performing arts lessons to over 45,000 children world-wide.

Students from Stagecoach Performing Arts schools throughout Kent will join national and international the celebrations in 2018 including performances of a specially adapted version of Beauty and the Beast. Stagecoach Performing Arts schools in Kent form part of the nationwide network of Stagecoach schools that provides extra-curricular lessons in singing, dancing and acting on a weekly basis. Stagecoach aims to make a difference to its students’ lives by teaching essential life skills such as increased self-confidence, self-esteem, team skills, communication and leadership – skills they call “Creative Courage for Life.” Many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to eighteen year olds every weekend during term time. For children and young people interested in professional work Stagecoach has its own agency. For more information, please visit the website or call your local school.

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Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds. BEARSTEAD 01622 910051 bearstead@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/ bearstead

DARTFORD 01732 750783 dartford@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/dartford

EASTER th April to Friday 13

MAIDSTONE EAST 01622 962404 maidstoneeast@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/maidstoneeast

TONBRIDGE 01444 456208 tonbridge@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/tonbridge

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Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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Creative Courage For Life

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Out of School Activities

Ultimate Fun in the School Holidays

Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding activity day camps for 4-14 year olds in the school holidays, where the children’s welfare and having fun are the primary concern. Every day children will enjoy a brilliant mix of sports, games and creative activities led by inspiring staff at amazing locations. For flexibility, you can book by the day or week and change dates for free up to 14 days in advance. You can also use childcare vouchers to pay. For peace of mind, Ultimate Activity Camps are Ofsted registered and all staff are DBS cleared and are qualified teachers or instructors. They run from Monday to Friday with drop off from 8am and collection until 6pm. For the chance to win five free days at Ultimate Activity Camps for your child, answer the following question: what is the earliest time you can drop off your child to the daily camps? Go online to www.ultimateactivity.co.uk to submit your answer by Friday 18 May. Call 03301 117 077 to ask about booking or visit www. ultimateactivity.co.uk to see all the latest offers.

Creating Thrills and Skills for Life

The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds - and the newest Academy is opening in Maidstone on Friday 27 April. Students spend three hours

rotating through hour long sessions in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television. The specialist modules, packed full of tips that Pauline has learnt from over 50 years in the business, will teach you everything you need to know to act, sing, dance or direct like a professional. By working with people the academy believes are outstanding in their field, they aim to provide students with a constantly evolving experience - something that is fresh, exciting and bang up-to-date. Pauline Quirke Academy believe in inspiring and rewarding students so they offer free group Trinity exams, masterclasses, cinema screenings, the chance to join their exclusive agency Quirky Kidz and the opportunity to perform in London’s West End. PQA Maidstone is holding a free open day on Friday 27 April in Maplesden Noakes School from 4.45-8pm and is also enrolling in Dartford, Rochester and Tunbridge Wells! For more information please visit pqacademy.com or call 08005 316 282.

Easy to Pick Up, Tricky to Master

A combination of two popular sports – football and golf – FootGolf is a social sport and great fun to play. The game is played on a golf course using a football. The object is to place the ball into the hole using only your feet in the smallest possible number of shots. It’s a simple idea, but mastering the game takes a combination of power and precision. FootGolf is the perfect activity for friends, families, adults and kids, for corporate days out, or for hen and stag parties. Cobtree Manor Golf, just off the M20 near Maidstone, has a beautiful 9 hole course perfect for juniors and junior parties. The FootGolf course is open on the last Saturday of every month from 3pm. Children’s parties with groups of 12 or more can be booked all Saturdays from 3pm, contact gary.livermore@mytimeactive.co.uk to enquire. Head to Cobtree Manor on Saturday 14 April from 12pm-4pm to discover new exciting plans which include a new clubhouse, gym and 12 bay driving range. On the day junior visitors can have fun on the bouncy castle, have their face painted and receive a buggy ride. 9 holes golf and FootGolf will also be available from 1pm. Find out more at www.mytimeactive.co.uk.

Easter at Carroty Wood

Get your kids active at Carroty Wood this Easter holidays where Rock UK are running a range of outdoor activities for children aged 8–16 at their Carroty Wood Centre in partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. Your kids will be able to enjoy the adventure and experience of abseiling down the climbing tower, hitting bullseye on the 18

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Carroty Wood is situated just outside Tonbridge, Kent. The centre is enclosed in 58 acres of mature woodland and has a range of exhilarating, instructed activities for children to enjoy and challenge themselves. Activities start from only £7.50 per child with a valid Leisure Pass, (normal price is from £15 per child without a pass), and take place from Tuesday 3 April until Friday 13 April. All can be booked online at www.rockuk.org/carroty-holiday-clubs or by calling 01732 361 361.

See in the Summer at Jigsaw

Now that we’ve come through the other side of what has felt like a never-ending winter chill, it’s time to ditch the scarf and dig out the sunglasses as thoughts turn towards a brandnew summer term at Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools. The last few months have been incredibly exciting for Jigsaw Arts with the launch of several new schools and awards recognition in the Forward Ladies National Awards 2017 and the Mumandworking Awards 2018. With more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, now is the time to book a two-week trial and discover the unique benefits of the performing arts at a school near you. For more information on Jigsaw’s weekend drama, singing and dance classes for students aged 3-18, visit www. jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530 and secure a place for the summer term today.

12 adventurous activities including; Archery, High Ropes, Open Canoeing, Abseiling, BMXing, Bushcraft and much more… Visit rockuk.org/carroty or call 01732 361361 to book your place!

Carroty Wood, Tonbridge

FootGolf at Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course Try FootGolf - a combination of Football & Golf! Enjoy playing on the 9 hole course. Ideal for Juniors and Junior Parties. The FootGolf course is open on the last Saturday of every month from 3pm. Parties are available from 3pm every Saturday for groups of 12+

For more details call 01622 753276 email gary.livermore@mytimeactive.co.uk or visit www. mytimeactive.co.uk/cobtree

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

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Sessions from 8am-6pm Lots of fun activities Call 01622 749404 to book www.maidstoneymca.org.uk Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD Find us on

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020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk 19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

Out of School Activities

archery range, taking to the water in open canoes, building a den in the forest or taking the leap of faith on the high ropes.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May

March the Easter Bunnies along the line with chocolate egg prizes for everyone! Charges apply. To book tickets, for times and more information visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Fri 30 Mar – Fri 6 Apr

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

11am–3pm. Follow the Cadbury trail through Knole Park, learning about the variety of birds that make the park their home. Find the wooden bird boxes, solve the clues and claim your chocolate Easter egg at the end. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

Fri 30 Mar – Sun 15 Apr

Alice’s Circus Adventures, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG 10am-5.30pm. All the family can meet the Mad Hatter, Alice, The Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat and the forgetful White Rabbit. See circus tricks high up on the Aerial Hoop and Aerial Trapeze in the forest and join the Mad Hatter for fun filled craft activities. For more information and to book visit www. groombridgeplace.com

Easter Family Fun and Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Hop along to Hever Castle this Easter to enjoy some egg-citing activities including the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Easter bonnet craft workshop, Easter best bonnet parade and a Castle quiz. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Easter Holiday Fun, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD

Six golden eggs are hidden around Dinosaur Forest, which is even bigger this spring. Each egg has a QR code attached to it, simply scan the code to discover if you could win the chance of meeting the baboons at the end of the day, or if you need to keep looking for that elusive winning egg! For more information visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Giant Leaf Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

11am–4pm. Hunt for giant leaves and unscramble all the clues to discover the names of Randolph the rabbit’s favourite trees. Afterwards collect a Cadbury chocolatey prize. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Spring in Easter, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Go along and meet the lambs and goat kids as well as the calves, Easter chicks and piglets! Have a go at bottle-feeding the lambs and kids in sessions throughout the day and lots more. From Friday 30th March – Monday 2nd April, keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny for some yummy Easter treats. For more information visit www.kentlife.org.uk

The Easter Break & The Feverishly Fickle Friend, Penshurst Place, Tunbridge, TN11 8DG

Find the giant Easter eggs and use your knowledge of some of the most-loved woodland mammals to reveal the clues to help you uncover the identity of the Easter Rabbit’s Springtime friend hiding in the garden. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Spring Colour Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 11am-4pm. Explore the garden to find Lubbock the Lamb’s flock and discover their favourite spring colour on plants and trees. See if you can spot Lubbock the Lamb along the way. Collect your Cadbury chocolate prize at the end. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/emmetts-garden

Easter Quest, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Seek out Easter clues hidden around the Leeds Castle grounds on a fun Easter quest for all the family. Answer all the questions and receive a chocolatey treat at the end. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Hidden Animals Trail, Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP (Tues and Sun only) 12noon–3pm. Pick up a hidden animals trail when you visit the showrooms and see if

Easter Fun, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY

10am-5pm. Let off steam and enjoy the fabulous children’s attractions and rides including Hovermania, The Magic Castle, Giant Jumping Pillows, Hopper’s Animal Farm and much more. Plus egg-citing Easter games for the kids. And you can get close to our gorgeous lambs, bunnies and chicks. For more information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

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

“

Sat 31 Mar – Sun 30 Sep

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

”

you can spot the toy animals as you make your way through the rooms. Admission charges applies. Ages 2-7. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Easter, Eastgate House, Rochester, ME1 1EW

Follow the Eastgate Egg Trail and find all the eggs hidden around the house to win a small prize. Charges apply. For more information visit www. visitmedway.org

Sat 31 Mar

Easter Eggstravaganza, Shepway Youth and Community Centre, Maidstone, ME15 7JN

Join in the fun with free craft activities, Easter eggs, balloon modelling, face painting and a bouncy castle. Plus there will be stalls from local craft suppliers. For more information call 07960 989 785.

Sat 31 Mar - Mon 2 Apr Historic Headwear Hunt, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1RU

10am-5pm (last admission 4pm) Children visiting the Museum this Easter can forget bonnets and discover the unusual hats, caps, helmets and more worn by the Royal Engineers over the last 300 years. Included in standard admission. For more information visit www.remuseum.co.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am–3.15pm. Follow the trail around the garden to earn your Cadbury chocolate prize. Have a look out for the extra activities and adventures to be had along the way, including the natural play area. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Easter Egg Quiz, Lullingstone Castle, Dartford, DA4 0JA

11am-5pm. Go along to the 40th season of opening. Enjoy family fun on Easter Saturday with the annual Easter Egg Quiz. Scour The World Garden for Easter clues and then report on their discoveries to claim an Easter eggtastic surprise. Charges apply. For more information visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Outdoor Fun, Tonbridge Swimming Pool, TN9 1HR

Go along and have a splashing time with friends in this outdoor heated swimming pool. Swimming lessons are available throughout the year and during the holidays. For more information visit www.tonbridgepool.co.uk

Sat 31 Mar – Sat 27 Oct Costume Tours, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

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. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/smallhythe-place

April Sun 1 Apr

April Fools’ Easter Storytelling, Penshurst Place, Tunbridge, TN11 8DG 1–2.30pm.Younger children will delight in Storytelling by Aardvark Productions, as they perform a tale about the very silly Easter Rabbit and the funny trick he fell for! For more information visit www. penshurstplace.com

Sun 1 – Mon 2 Apr

The Festival of Steam and Transport, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

Now in its 16th year, the festival will be back with favourites such as Steampunks, Funfair and running trains. New to this year there will be two more funfair rides, the International Food and Drink Festival and the Rock Choir will also be performing. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

British Truck Racing Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

These monsters will crash, smash and thunder their way around the circuit with the ferocity of touring cars. There will be a colourful and fun support line-up too, and there will be plenty of off-track attractions as well. For more information and to book see www.brandshatch.co.uk

Mon 2 Apr

Gorillas Easter Egg Hunt, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD You can watch as a family of gorillas enjoy their very own Easter Egg Hunt and for an additional cost you could help keepers give the gorillas an afternoon snack. For more information and visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

Sat 31 Mar – Sun 15 Apr

Tues 3 Apr

Take part in our Easter Egg trail around the museum’s collections for a chance to win a small prize. For more information call 01634 332 900 or email guildhall.museum@medway. gov.uk

10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is

Easter Egg Trail, The Guildhall Museum, Rochester, ME1 1PY

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 24...

who will present them with their trophy, a trip to Disneyland Paris for their family and £500 of books for their school! David told Primary Times, “It is a real privilege to be named judge for this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards and I am so looking forward to reading what the brilliant brains of our country’s children come up with. To write is such a wonderful, creative outlet for people of all ages and competitions just like this one are a fantastic way of encouraging kids across the UK to take the leap and release their inner authors.” Pick up an entry form from your local Explore Learning centre and return the completed entry before Sunday 29 April or enter online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters.

Education News

National Young Writers

The National Young Writers’ Awards returns with a bang as best-selling children’s author David Walliams is this year’s judge. The competition, organised by Explore Learning has been running for ten years and has inspired hundreds of thousands of children across the UK to put pen to paper. The competition is open to all children aged 4-14 and this year’s theme is ‘Heroes’. Children are invited to write a 500 word story all about a hero. This could be an everyday hero or a superhero. The winner will be surprised at a school assembly by David Walliams

Talking Water in Schools

South East Water has created an extensive education programme to share Pure Know H2ow with the next generation. Led by a team of dedicated and experienced volunteer speakers, South East Water offer school talks aimed at 8 to 11 year olds. The talks are fun, interactive and tie in with a host of National Curriculum topics such as science, nature and the environment. Pupils will meet the WOW (World of Water) family, learn about the importance of conserving water and have the opportunity to become a WOW Agents by completing their World of Water booklet. To

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Year 5 Taster Day Masterclasses @ MGGS

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Students will have a unique opportunity to discover what life is really like at MGGS by enjoying masterclasses in English, Mathematics, Science and Thinking Skills, exploring the school during a normal school day, meeting our current year 7 students and enjoying a school lunch. Parents will also be invited along to share the experience with a talk and tour of MGGS at the end of the day.

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A Tradition of Excellence 19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

The Hayesbrook School

Daniel Hatley is celebrating his second year as Principal of The Hayesbrook School, Tonbridge. The all-boys 11-18 nonselective academy is part of the Brook Learning Trust. Since joining Hayesbrook in April 2016, Mr Hatley has proudly reflected on the successes he and his staff have achieved and says, “I’m lucky to have a team of committed and talented staff working with our boys, with a shared vision of success for every one of them.” GCSE results in 2017 were the best ever and Mr Hatley is particularly delighted that Hayesbrook was amongst the highest achieving comprehensive schools in the county, based on the number of students passing both GCSE Maths and English. Attendance is now above the national average and students consistently perform well above the average for boys nationally. Hayesbrook School was rated by Ofsted as a securely ‘Good’ school in January 2017, with an inspection judgement stating, “The Hayesbrook School is a calm and orderly place to learn. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and caring. Pupils are focused in lessons…” Mr Hatley told Primary Times, “Excellent teaching is at the heart of everything we do. Our creative approach to professional development for staff means we can have a relentless focus on learning new strategies and practising tried and tested ways to make sure our teaching is highly impactful. I’m determined that all Hayesbrook students will be well equipped to engage with the world around them. We should never underestimate the importance of the confidence and self-esteem that comes from feeling loved and well looked after when you go to school.” Mr Hatley is passionate that all boys have high expectations of themselves and what they want to achieve. The Academy’s commitment is to ensuring students are all on a pathway to the career or university of their choice. The Hayesbrook School offers a broad curriculum, enabling students to access an abundance of enrichment opportunities. Additional opportunities are also offered through a range of trips and visits both national and international. Students have recently visited Iceland, France and Thailand. Kurt Saunders a Year 7 Student who joined Hayesbrook this year said, “I’ve made lots of new friends since starting in September, teachers make learning fun and I feel safe and looked after here.” Mr Hatley is looking forward to another successful year with staff and students and the new intake of enthusiastic learners who will join the Academy in September 2018. The Hayesbrook School is an 11-18 boys (mixed sixth form) Academy with sports and mathematics specialisms. It is a genuinely wide ability school and serves the communities of Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Kings Hill and the surrounding areas. Hayesbrook is also the host school for the very successful School Sports Partnership. Their specialisms have been instrumental in the school’s continued drive to raise standards across the curriculum. For more information, visit www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk. 22

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

book a school talk with an expert volunteer, contact education@southeastwater.co.uk. In addition to talks, the STEM ambassador team host the water supply challenge game workshop, where small groups of children can learn how to build their own network of water pipes. To book the water supply challenge game with a STEM ambassador, email communications@southeastwater.co.uk.

The Backpack Project

Mary’s Meals supporters have gifted an incredible 500,000 school bags to impoverished children through The Backpack Project. The school-feeding charity began transporting lorryloads of used school bags in 2005. Since then, the project continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of children and parents from all over the UK, as well as support from churches, schools, clubs, workplaces and other organisations. The backpacks, which are filled with educational and hygiene items, are given to children in schools in Malawi where Mary’s Meals are provided. The 500,000th backpack was handed out during a visit to Junior Primary schools Chigubudu and Ngabu, in the south of Malawi. The Backpack Project is particularly well supported by young people as part of school recycling projects which invite them to bring in their old schoolbags at the end of the final term each year. Backpacks are filled with educational items, toiletries and clothes to ensure that every child has the resources necessary for their education. Alongside the school meals provided, Mary’s Meals is supporting children’s learning across the world. Mary’s Meals is Primary Times’ charity of the year. They currently provide life-changing meals to 1,230,171 children in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Where Mary’s Meals is provided, there is a rise in rates of enrolment, attendance and academic performance. To find out more or to donate, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk.

Susan Daughtrey Education

The Kent 11+ tests the child’s proficiency in a range of English, Maths,Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning topics. The administration of the Kent 11+ is unusual. The two Kent 11+ test papers (Maths/English questions in Test 1 and Reasoning questions in Test 2 are divided into several stand-alone sections and each section is individually timed. Timing is a challenge for many students. The tests are multiplechoice and the candidate is instructed to record their answers on a separate multiple-choice answer sheet which is marked electronically using a special scanner known as an Optical Mark Reader (OMR). The OMR will detect the child’s pencil marks on the answer sheet and the software will then award the child a mark for each question he or she has answered correctly. Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

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Everybody wins with Sport Relief Sport Relief is back from 17-23 March 2018. It’s a fantastic way for your pupils to set personal goals and help others along the way. So, get a head start and order your free schools fundraising pack today. Order your free Primary Fundraising Pack at sportrelief.com/primarytimes

Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland). Photo credit: Alexander Walker. SR18_125

Primary Times spoke to Charnjit Rai from Star Tutoring. She told us, “I am an experienced private tutor based in Gravesend, with many years’ experience tutoring 11+, 7+, SATS, maths and English at primary school level (KS2). I am a University Graduate and I also studied at Gravesend Grammar School for Girls. I have been on the Board of Governors at a primary school for 7 years while my children were pupils at the school. Therefore, I have a very clear understanding Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers of the way in which the curriculum is taught Tailored work plans to address your from Reception to Year 6. Additionally, I have child’s needs. helped many students in gaining confidence and a clearer understanding of the subjects being taught. We can help your child: • Build confidence One of my aims is to enhance the students’ academic skills and Flexi-school Dyslexia • Improve exam results teach them with a technique that suits them best as I understand • Move up a set that each child has individual needs. • Develop and reach goalsis a unique Flexi-School Dyslexia FR offering Initially, I tutored my 3 children and my friends’ children in Callprovision 01732 453657 to primary-aged Intro EE duct children to specialist Asse dyslexia o book FREEaccess Assessment. ssm ry preparation for their 11+ exams; they all passed and managed to ent the teaching in small groups during school day in a beautiful setting. secure places at grammar schools. I am a dedicated and successful www.flexi-schooldyslexia.co.uk tutor who enjoys working with children and I gain great satisfaction 07855471726 Sevenoaks Tutoring, 69c London Road, from helping children to excel in their studies.” Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX.

Education News

Susan Daughtrey Education’s Kent 11+ Mock Exams have been designed to replicate, as far as If you had booked this possible, your child’s most likely experience on the day of the real Kent 11+ tests. This includes the space 47,500+ families type and standard of difficulty of the questions, the timing of the individual sections, the layout of the could be reading all test papers and the test administration. about youris business Following an SDE 11+ mock exam session your child’s multiple-choice answer sheet marked electronically and you will receive detailed feedback, including a letter to parents, Don’trecord delay,table call and an anonymised list of scores. Armed with this information you can finalise your child’s 11+ preparation Gill today and send him/her into the real 11+ ready to do his/her very best. For more information, visit www.susandaughtreyeducation.com

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for

April Mondrian inspired blocks and lines. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

I saw your event in March, April and May Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Easter Holiday Fun, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 Primary Times

Land of Make Believe, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am–2pm. This Easter enter a world of pure imagination as you join in the workshop. Create your own miniature unicorn or dinosaur garden. Ages 3-10. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Tues 3 – Fri 6 Apr

Easter Family Activities, Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1RU (Also 10-13 Apr) 10.30am-3.30pm. Hands-on family activities inspired by life as a Royal Engineer in the modern army. Activities vary each day and include, amongst others, making a model bridge-layer, body armour and a clay medal. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham,ME4 4UG 10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum to take part in Easter family activities. Today you will be making an Identity Tag. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Tues 3 – Sun 8 Apr

Easter Family Fun, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, ME7 3PD 11am–3pm. Go along for some for Easter Family Fun, there will be colouring and craft activities plus face painting. For more information visit www.hempsteadvalley.com

Tues 3 – Thurs 12 Apr

Family Craft, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW (Selected dates) Join the hands-on family craft activity to make an Easter Helmet for Norman the Knight. For more information call 01634 332 901 or visit rochester.castle@medway. gov.uk

1LH

(Selected dates) Enjoy two weeks of creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. There are 3 sessions per day. Ages 4-11. For more information and to book visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Tues 3 – Sun 15 Apr

Easter Holiday Family Fun, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

10am-4.30pm. Keep the kids entertained during the holidays with a house quiz, craft activities, garden trail and the chance to go wild in the natural play area. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

Tues 3 – Tues 17 Apr

Captain Cat’s Easter Egg Hunt, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

”

10am-2pm. Have fun and enter a world of imagination. Today you will make a mermaid or pirate indoor terrarium. Ages 3-10. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham,ME4 4UG

10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands-on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Airborne Engineer Parachute. Charges apply. For more information visit www.remuseum.co.uk

Free Easter Fun, Meet PAW Patrol, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS

Kids’ favourites Chase and Marshall will be appearing at alternating intervals throughout the day. Plus go along and dance to your favourite PAW Patrol songs and learn each characters moves with Pup Pup Boogie! For more information visit www.royalvictoriaplace.com

Tues 3 Apr – Sun 24 Jun

Upcycling - Fabric & Paper, Bore Place, TN8 7AR

Roar-some Dinosaur Trail, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Kids will come face to face with giant dinosaurs, hiding in and around the mall, whilst discovering interesting facts along the way. Guests can pick up a trail map from the concierge desk outside M&S on the Lower Mall, they’ll receive a fun-sized prehistoric prize at the end. For more information visit www.bluewater. co.uk

Wed 4 Apr

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is Dali inspired dripping point. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Get Your Kids Active this Easter, Carroty Wood, Tonbridge, TN11 9QX Kids will enjoy the adventure of abseiling, hitting bullseye, canoeing, den building and taking the leap of faith. For more information and to book call 01732 361 361 or visit www.rockuk.org/carroty-holidayclubs

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

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

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is Seurat inspired dots and spots. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Land of Make Believe, Millbrook Land of Make Believe, Millbrook Garden Centre, Garden Centre, Gravesend, Gravesend, DA13 9PA DA13 9PA

The Dockyard’s Eggtastic Easter Egg Hunt is back and this time bigger than ever! Pick up your Easter trail upon arrival and try to find all the eggs to win a prize. Will you be able to find them all? For more information and to buy tickets visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Tues 3 – Fri 13 Apr

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Thurs 5 Apr

10am–1pm. Make a fabulously useful storage basket from an old shirt, learn how to make paper and make your own nature-inspired pieces. Afterwards there will be a tour of the dairy farm. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Discover Collage, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD

10.30am-11.30am. Collage workshops are fun for all ages; a pile of magazines, a pot of glue, canvas, scissors and a picture to work from. There will be a short talk and demo to help you. Each child will make their own picture to take home. For more information and to book visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Wed 4 – Wed 11 Apr

Make a Victorian Easter Egg, Eastgate House, Rochester, ME1 1EW (Selected dates) Go along to this family workshop with local artist Wendy Daws - Make a Victorian Easter Egg. Drop-in sessions taking place throughout the day. For more information call 01634 332 700 or visit www.visitmedway.org

Wed 4 – Fri 13 Apr

Family Crafts, Upnor Castle, Upper Upnor, ME2 4XG

(Selected dates) 10.30am-3.30pm. Join the hands-on family craft activity to make an Easter bunny hat and a spinning daffodil. For more information call 01634 718 742 or visit www. enjoymedway.org

10am–2pm. This Easter enter a world of pure imagination as you join in the workshop. Create a dream catcher and pixie cone people. Ages 3-10. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc. co.uk

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham,ME4 4UG

10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Clay Hand Grenade Pot. Charges apply. For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk

Sing-a-long-a Beauty and the Beast, Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED

2pm and 7pm. This is your chance to sing your heart out to the Disney songs such as “Be our Guest”, “Belle”, “Gaston” and not forgetting the “Beauty and The Beast”. Dress as your favourite character and get ready to feel part of a real fairytale. For more information and to book visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Thurs 5 – Fri 6 Apr

Easter Holiday Activities, Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX

11.45am–3.00 pm. Go along and make your own felt from scratch during the Easter break. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.huguenotmuseum. org

Fri 6 Apr

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

(Also 13 Apr) 10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is T-shirt printing inspired by this week’s abstract artists. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Land of Make Believe, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

10am-2pm. Have fun and enter a world of imagination. Today you will make a fairyland lantern. Ages 3-10. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 26...

Competitions

Win an Amazing Brighton Fringe Package for Your Family s g h p l d p i e r Can you these t s e a g u l l c i find 10 words: r h o h d l f c v a Beach d e b l w b e a c h Deckchair n l h j f b v p s c Shells Seagull a Win l t a r Big x y Cat a c Encounter l k Candyfloss Pier s The s BigtCato d infSmarden, d eKent cis a c Sanctuary conservation centre for some of the rarest Sea y oftthe y cbig cats. s kThe centre g nhousess e world’s Rock around fifty big cats including tigers, lions, z leopards g handkcheetahs. s m l a d Funfair The n Sanctuary open their doors to the public for just four Sand f days f each u yearnto give f people a ithe chance r l c

Here at Primary Times we are celebrating another year as the Family Friendly Media Partner of Brighton Fringe and what better way to celebrate than a fantastic competition for our readers.

Brighton Fringe is the largest Arts Festival in England, full of a huge variety of fun and quirky events and shows for the whole family to enjoy. It takes place in many venues across Brighton from 4 May to 3 June.

We have an incredible prize for the lucky winner. You and your family will win a mini break in Brighton during the May half term. This will include Which is more dangerous, the great white or the tiger a night's stay [28 May] in a family shark? Which is faster, the hammerhead or the basking suite at the Queens Hotel Brighton, shark? Which considered one of the best Hotels in shark hides Brighton. Breakfast and fromswimming predators access to the pool, gym by andwedging sauna are included. [www. itself into a queenshotelbrighton. crevice and com] The prize fillingalso with includes lunch for four at Red Roaster, a modern, seawater? Sharks: A Trump Card Game includes quirky, botanical, tranquil space serving brunch and lunch little known facts and unusual species, each illustrated under the direction of Michelin chef, Matt Gillan. It’s at by the Kelsey Oseid ratedStreet, by speed, teeth, ferocity, bottom ofand St James very size, convenient for the endangered status and longevity. Spiegeltent area. Lunch is available until 5pm and will be Youa can out who’s great and who’s bait in this must real find treat.

Win Sharks - A Trump Card Game

the cats and find out about their To to besee in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you conservation and education work at the need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form centre and around the world. This year’s with your details and send them both to open days run from 26 to 29 July and there Brighton Fringe Competition, Primary Times, will be a real festival atmosphere with face 7 Southbrook Mews, London, 8LG. Or scan a copy of your painting, BBQ, falconry display,SE12 bouncy completed form email it to competitons@primarytimes.biz castle, arts andand crafts and stalls. Entry with from ‘Brighton as the subject costs £19.80Fringe’ per person with under by Friday 27 April. free. You have to book in advance on Name3s ..............................................................................Age ...................... www.thebigcatsanctuary.org so visit the Address ........................................................................................................ website today. .......................................................................................................................

have agedaway 8+. It’sa published on[up On game top offor all shark this welovers are giving family ticket 23to April and will availableon from goodtotoy and at 2 adults andbe 2 children] 28 May seeshops Sourpuss online from www.laurenceking.com. people from The Komedia Studio - a lovely showThe withnice puppeteer Lori HopkinsKing and Publishing Sourpuss, ahave very given grumpy Lawrence us cat. five copies for Primary Times readers. For your chance to win one, tell us who has illustrated the cards. See below for details of how to enter.

To celebrate, we’re giving away a Big Cat Encounter, which is a tour of all the cats with a hand feed,* for one School person .......................................................................................................... and 3 guests either on a weekday or at a weekend. For your chance to win, unscramble this anagram Engi Trab Ton Cuce then use the entry details at the bottom of this page.

Phone/Email................................................................................................

*age restriction - no hand feeds for under 16s

Win an Amazing Brighton Fringe Package for Your Family Here at Primary Times we are celebrating another year as the Family Friendly Media Partner of Brighton Fringe and what better way to celebrate than a fantastic competition for our readers. Brighton Fringe is the largest Arts Festival in England, full of a huge variety of fun and quirky events and shows for the whole family to enjoy. It takes place in many venues across Brighton from 4 May to 3 June. We have an incredible prize for the lucky winner. You and your family will win a mini break in Brighton during the May half term. This will include a night's stay [28 May] in a family suite at the Queens Hotel Brighton, considered one of the best Hotels in Brighton. Breakfast and access to the swimming pool, gym and sauna are included. [www.queenshotelbrighton. com] The prize also includes lunch for four at Red Roaster, a modern, botanical, tranquil space serving brunch and lunch under the direction of Michelin chef, Matt Gillan. It’s at the bottom of St James Street, very convenient for the Spiegeltent area. Lunch is available until 5pm and will be a real treat. On top of all this we are giving away a family ticket [up to 2 adults and 2 children] on 28 May to see Sourpuss at The Komedia Studio - a lovely show with puppeteer Lori Hopkins and Sourpuss, a very grumpy cat.

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Can you find these 10 words: Beach • Deckchair Shells • Seagull Candyfloss • Pier Sea • Rock Funfair • Sand

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

Brighton Fringe Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to competitons@primarytimes.biz with ‘Fringe’ as the subject by Friday 27 April.

Name ..............................................................................Age ...................... Address ........................................................................................................ ....................................................................................................................... Phone/Email................................................................................................ School ..........................................................................................................

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 Brighton Fringe COMP.indd 1 competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competion name as the subject by Friday 27 April. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

13/03/2018 11:0

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May

April Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Camouflage Aeroplane. Charges apply. For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk

Bounce, Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED The auditorium will be transformed into a soft play paradise with bouncy castles ball pool, toys, arts & crafts and more. Plus special appearances from Cory the Cat. For more information and to book visit www. orchardtheatre.co.uk

Discover Forest Skills - Crafts, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12noon. Have a go at some woodland crafts including weaving with natural materials and make something to take home. There will also be a trail through the woods. Led by one of the Forest School team. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Family Forest Skills - Fires, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 1-4pm. Discover ways to have fun outdoors as a family, making a fire and lighting fires without matches. Finish the afternoon off by toasting marshmallows on the fire whilst enjoying a hot chocolate drink. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 7 Apr

Heritage Transport Show, The Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF 10am-4pm. The Show will have cars, buses, tractors, commercials, motorcycles and stationary engines. There will also be a variety of attractions such as a miniature railway, model displays, trade stands and autojumble. Charges apply. For more information visit www. kentshowground.co.uk

Back for its 60th anniversary season, with some of the closest and most exciting racing you’ll see all year! A full supporting package includes the Renault Clio Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Ginetta Juniors and British Formula 4. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Open Weekend 2018, Poult Wood Golf, Tonbridge TN11 9NR From 9.30am. Ideal for adults and juniors, golfers and non-golfers, go along and get first-hand experience of all that the two great courses and Clubhouse have to offer. If you wish to attend this free event call the Pro Shop on 01732 364 039. For more information visit www.poultwoodgolf. co.uk

Mon 9 Apr

Family Monday: Spring Animals, Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 11am-3pm. Go along during the Easter break for a range of arts and crafts activities. Make your own mask inspired by spring animals and decorate pebbles with colourful paints. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

Mon 9 – Fri 13 Apr

Spring Habitat Trail & Photo Snapshot Activity, Bedgebury National Pinetum, Nr Flimwell, TN17 2SJ 10am–2pm. Follow the fun habitat trail which guides you through the Pinetum and become a top class wildlife spotter! Upload your best photo. Fill an Easter basket to remember your trail. Small charges apply. Suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.forestry.gov. uk/bedgebury

Tues 10 Apr

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH 10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is Kandinsky inspired circles and lines.

Land of Make Believe, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am–2pm. Have fun and enter a world of imagination. Today you will make a home for a gnome. Ages 3-10. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Sat 7 – Sun 8 Apr

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG 26 19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

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

”

Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands-on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Soldier Body Armour. Charges apply. For more information visit www.remuseum.co.uk

Wed 11 Apr

Funky Chicken Music Workshops, The Drive Methodist Church, Sevenoaks, TN13 3AE A splendid all-round introduction to the electronic keyboard for beginners aged 4-8 yrs, with Funky Monkey. Learn how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes. There will be theory, keyboard games, quizzes and art activities all based around music. To book visit www.funkymonkey.info

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH 10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is Pollock inspired paint splats. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Peter Rabbit Story Time, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS 11am-3pm. Go along to celebrate the release of his latest film, Peter Rabbit will be hopping along to Royal Victoria Place for some free Easter fun. Plus join the Peter Rabbit Treasure Trail on the day and every completed entry will receive an official certificate. For more information visit www. royalvictoriaplace.com

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands-on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Model Tank Bridge Layer. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Discover Pond Dipping, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD 10.30-11.30am. Go along to a one hour pond dipping session to find and catch a variety of pond life, then get up close and view them through a microscope and identify what

you have found. Booking essential. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Thurs 11 - Fri 12 Apr Easter Holiday Activities, Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX

11.45am–3pm. Go along and make your own felt from scratch during the Easter break. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.huguenotmuseum.org

Thurs 12 Apr

Easter Holiday Activities, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH 10.30am–2pm. Enjoy creative workshops inspired by abstract artists this Easter. Today’s theme is Munch inspired pastels and chalks. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY Go along for a fabulous day out and enjoy many children’s attractions. Plus see Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall as they make appearances at intervals during the day. For more information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands-on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Clay Medal. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Thurs 12 – Sat 14 Apr Alice in Wonderland, Chiddingstone Castle, TN8 7AD

The Mad Hatter welcomes everyone to Chiddingstone Castle where he is hosting one of his fantastic tea parties this April. Ages 6-10. For more information visit www. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Fri 13 Apr

Discover the Gruffalo, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 11am and 1.30pm. Go along and listen to a story in the special story telling area then participate in a variety of Gruffalo-themed crafts, trails and fun! Ages 2+. For more information and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Modern Army Life, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-3.30pm. Go along to the Museum for hands on Easter family activities. Today’s theme is Royal Engineer Flag. Charges apply. For more information visit www.remuseum.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 28...

Answers Spot the Difference Find the Eggs In Picture B a brown butterfly has lost a wing, there’s another orange and black butterfly, the pink flower has changed to green, there’s a bird sitting on a branch and there is no grass in the bottom corner.

lown’s

atie

Spring Adventures

Spot 5 Differences Word Search

S P ORDWO G G N I R P S BR Z J BMA V HWA RM F E A S T E R E WT Q Y E L P OC S T S I D RH T L L T S GU J UK A P B T T MO S S

N H L D G P U E R O

S Y F D G P B N I L

What flowers grow on face s? Tulips (Two-lips)!

F D A F F O D I L B

What does th e Easter Bunny order at a Chinese restaurant? Hop Suey!

Can you find all these words in the word search? April, Snowdrops, Hatch, Butterfly, Blossom, EasterEgg, Tulip, Lamb, Grow, Daffodil, Spring, Nest, Bud, Warm

When do monkeys fall from the sky? During Ape-ril Showers!

Find the Eggs

Draw a picture (no larger than A4) or write a poem about anything to do with Spring or Easter 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 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 Closing date 27 April 2018. Good Luck!

What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!

Why is everyone so tired on 1 April? Because they’v e just finished a long 31 day March!

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May

April Fri 13 – Sat 14 Apr Bat Walk, Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

7.30-9.15pm. Learn all about these fascinating creatures and use detectors to find them in the beautiful parkland. Bat detectors will be provided. Booking essential. Charges apply. Ages 5+. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

Fri 13 – Sun 15 Apr

British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Some of the British best riders return to Brands Hatch for the 2018 round of British Superbike Championship. Admission charges apply, under 13s enter free. For times, more information and to buy tickets visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sat 14 Apr

Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, Nr Maidstone, ME20 7AG 12noon-4pm. Go along and discover the new exciting plans, which include a new clubhouse, gym and 12 bay driving range. On the day junior visitors can have fun on the bouncy castle, have their face painted and receive a buggy ride, 9 hole golf and footgolf will also be available from 1pm. For more information visit www.maidstone.gov.uk

Sat 14 – Sun 15 Apr

Day Out with Thomas, Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY (Also 21-22 Apr) Thomas will be joined by some of his friends along with some of the Spa Valley friends. Other attractions include Imagination Station, face painting, temporary tattoos, and vintage penny machines. Charges apply. To book tickets and for train times visit www. spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Wed 18 – Fri 27 Apr

Tulip Celebrations, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Visitors will be able to enjoy a tulip trail either self-guided or with Hever’s Head Gardener Neil Miller and marvel at the 20,000 tulips, in a myriad of colours and different varieties planted in the Castle grounds. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Thurs 19 Apr

Wildlife Warden Walk, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 10am-12.30pm. Discover a display of bluebells at their best, summer migrant birds will also be arriving

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

and resident birds already starting to nest. Charges apply. For more information and to book call 01622 662 012.

Fri 20 Apr – Thurs 3 May

Bluebell Festival, Hole Park Gardens, Cranbrook, TN17 4JA Go along and enjoy the amazing display of bluebells while taking the circular woodland walk which also passes a solar powered renovated ice house. For more information email events@holepark.com

Sat 21 Apr

English Festival, Rainham Country Park, Gillingham, ME7 2XH 11am-5pm. Go along and watch a performance by St George and The Dragon, while playing a spot of bingo. Or why not pop along to the petting zoo, listen to live bands, buy local produce, get your face painted, and lots more. For more information visit www.visitmedway.org

The Great British Dog Walk, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT Go along for a walk for dog lovers of all ages. Lots of fun activities to include face painting and tombola. Stalls with lots of great gifts, homemade crafts and refreshments. Plus you’ll be helping us to raise vital funds and awareness so we can train more life-changing hearing dogs. For more information visit www. hearingdogs.org.uk

RSPB and Birdsong Walk, Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 11.30am and 2pm. The local RSPB group will be on-hand to answer all your questions on their work and local bird life. They will lead two walks in the park to identify local bird activity and their songs. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

St. George’s Dragon, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH Dare you meet Flame, the massive smoke-breathing dragon? His friend Bunsen the baby dragon will be there

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

”

too. Celebrate a multicultural St George’s Dragon Day by following our flag trail. Make your own dragon and have your face painted. For more information visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Sun 22 Apr

St George’s Day, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Celebrate St George’s Day with the family at Hever Castle & Gardens and learn more about the patron saint of England. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Mon 23 Apr – Fri 4 May Sustrans Big Pedal, Nationwide

On each day, schools compete to see who can get as many of their pupils, staff and parents cycling or scooting to school.Your school’s best five days will determine your final position, but you can log journeys on all ten days if you wish. For more information visit www. bigpedal.org.uk

Tues 24 Apr

National Garden Scheme Day, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks TN15 0RR 10.30am-5pm. As part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), the West End, a private family garden, is open to the public. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the NGS. For more information visit www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Sat 28 Apr

Spring Bluebell Family Walk, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 2-4pm. Join the guided walk along a pre-historic river bed through Knole’s 1,000 acre ancient deer park to One Tree Hill with its profusion of bluebells. Free, donations welcome. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

Sun 29 Apr

7Oaks Triathlon, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, TN13 1LW 8am. Swimming, cycling and running all in one; take on this year’s 7Oaks Triathlon and help raise money for families facing terminal illness. For more information and to register visit ellenor.org

May

Wed 2 May

Northward Hill Dawn Chorus Walk, RSPB Northward Hill Reserve, ME3 3DS 5am. Hopefully you will see and hear nightingales, cuckoo, whitethroat, garden warbler and blackcap. Meet in the Marshland car park. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk

Thurs 3 – Mon 7 May Maidstone Fringe Festival 2018, Various Locations

Filling the town’s numerous pubs, clubs and music venues with live acts from across many different genres. Incorporated within the festival are a number of all-day events as well as family friendly entertainment in cafes and coffee shops. For more information visit www. maidstonefringe.com

Sat 5 May

Sat 5 – Sun 6 May

Meet the Sweep, Eastgate House, Rochester, ME1 1LX 10am-4pm. Go and meet Joe the Sweep who will tell you all about his work and the May Day holiday. Plus you can make your own chimney sweep’s brush. Charges apply. For more information visit www. visitmedway.org

Railway Weekends, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE Operated by the railway Volunteers, with just under 1 mile of line running through the site you can get ‘up close’ to see our trains in action – with fantastic photo opportunities too! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Sat 5 – Mon 7 May

Pirates and Plunder, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG Go along and meet the naughty pirates of Groombridge! There will be storytelling, a Pirate sing-along, crafts, bouncy castle and lots more to see and do. For more information and to book visit www. groombridgeplace.com

May Day Festival, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Traditional celebrations to welcome in the spring from the mythical Green Man of folklore and Jack-inthe-Green plus Maypole dancing on the Castle forecourt. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 30... Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

All your own work!

Millie Maghrabi aged 10½

Ogo Oshinboni aged 7 lucky winner of a PS4 with Tad competitions in our February Half Term issue. The Congratulations to the following people who won rs up prizes went to Isobel runne and n etitio comp Vacher won the Jungle Bunch the Lost Explorer was Christopher Pearson. Roxy Castle. Rose . Chloe Prockter won an annual family pass to Leeds Cross, Ruby Cornelius, Daisy Doe and Isabel Emby by won d sets of Ross Welford books were Theatre tickets were won by Olivia Brown. Signe d, Athena Crompton and Alina Ballard. -Woo Purdie e Ameli n, If you would like to see Jacob Bowrah, Charlie Gasso etition for the younger age group and your work displayed Ogo Oshinboni aged 7 won our Annie Drawing comp Well done to all our prize winners and enjoy here then just send us a our older winner was Millie Maghrabi aged 10½. drawing, poem, riddles, the artwork on this page.

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

My Hobb ies by Yousuf Waheed I Love cricket, I feel so happy when I hit a wicket. Bowling is my favourite thin g, Bowling is giving the ball a ﬂing! I always hit a big six, I also like playing football And doing lots of kicks. Be ing striker is so much fun , Football makes the players run. I've even been to Lords wit h my ticket, So now you know my favour ite hobbies Are football and cricket!

Thank you to Fred Crouch for his colourful train, Yousuf Waheed for his clever poem, Rhea Patki for her cute summer scene and Suzannie Golding for her beautiful bird picture. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for March, April and May

May Weald of Kent Country Craft Show, Penshurst Place, Tunbridge, TN11 8DG 10.30am-5pm. Discover lovingly created products, gifts, homeware and much more across three days at this fantastic local event. For more information visit www. penshurstplace.com

Sweeps Festival, High Street, Rochester This May Day spectacular celebrates the 19th Century Sweeps’ annual holiday. Last year’s highlights included Morris dancing, free folk music on the open air stages, folk art stalls, an artisan produce fair and fun family activities. For more information visit www.visitmedway.org

Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Top talents race against each other in the most exotic racing cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, BMW, McLaren, and more. Expect plenty of frantic action as the drivers look to climb the order. For booking and for more information visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 6 May

Fish & Chips Supper Train, East Kent Railway Trust, Shepherdswell, CT15 7PD Go along on a trip on the scenic railway and enjoy a fish and chip supper while admiring the view. For more information and to book tickets visit www.eastkentrailway. co.uk

Bluebell Walk 2018, Heart of Kent Hospice, Harrietsham Village Hall, ME17 1AP Begin your 6 mile walk anytime between 8.30am and 10am amongst the Bluebells on the North Downs. Afterwards, refuel with hot food and refreshments from the village hall. For more information and to register visit www.hokh.org

Sun 6 – Mon 7 May

Bushcraft Skills and Camping Hacks, Penshurst Place, Tunbridge, TN11 8DG 11am-5pm. Get grubby with the team at Camp Wilderness and learn the most effective ways to build a fire, tie your ropes, and many more priceless camping hacks, all in time for your summer adventures! For more information and to book visit www. penshurstplace.com

Railway Shop.You will also be able to meet them. Charges apply. For more information visit www.sklr.net

”

Sun 6 – Tues 8 May

Literary Festival, Chiddingstone Castle, TN8 7AD Three days of exciting talks and performances from famous authors, poets and theatrical groups spread throughout the historic house and grounds of Chiddingstone Castle. For more information visit www. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Mon 7 May

Spring Fair, Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham, ME13 0HH 11am–4pm. Browse through the variety of plants on sale. There will be a collection of local crafters and artisans with unique quality hand-made gifts. Local food and drink will be available too. For more information visit www.belmonthouse.org

May Day Celebrations, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU 10am-4pm. Watch the maypole and Morris Dancing throughout the day. Join in the annual parade and crowning ceremony of our May King, Queen, Princes and Princesses. Join in the Grand Tug-of-War or have a go at maypole dancing and more. For more information visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Tudor Costume Demonstrations, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP Go along to see how a Tudor lady dressed in many layers of costume for a visit to court, including replica handling items used by wealthy people in the sixteenth century. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Sat 12 May

Open Air Cinema, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal CT14 0BF Limber up your vocal chords, wrap up warm and join us for an evening under the stars enjoying Golden Globe winning musical, The Greatest Showman. For more information and to book visit www.betteshanger-park. co.uk

Jack the Station Cat and Edward Bear Weekend, Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway, ME10 2DZ 11am-4pm. Jack the Station Cat and Edward Bear are stars in a series of children’s books available from the

“

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

19 Mar - 13 May ‘18

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

Festability, Quex Park and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, CT7 0BH This is a Music Festival for people with disabilities living in Kent. This will include a quiet/chill zone with sensory lights and sounds, a changing places suite, qualified staff to help assist and a karaoke tent. For more information visit www.quexpark. co.uk

Sat 12 – Sun 13 May

Motors by the Moat, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME14 1LH Get up close to hundreds of vintage, high performance and classic cars from around the world. The cars will be displayed on the Castle lawns for the whole family to enjoy. For more details and to book visit www.leedscastle.com

National Mills Weekend 2018, Nationwide This is the annual festival of the milling heritage and provides you with a fantastic opportunity to visit mills, many of which are not usually open to the public. For more information visit www. nationalmillsweekend.co.uk

Sun 13 May

Classic Motorcycle Show, Dover Transport Museum, CT16 2JX Enjoy this annual event with all types of bikes. The museum is home to many forms of vintage transport and also features vintage shop fronts. For times, to book tickets and for more information visit www. dovertransportmuseum.org.uk

Wed 16 May

Spring Migration Walk, RSPB Dungeness, Lydd, TN29 9PN 10.30am-12.30pm. Go and see which birds visit Dungeness in the spring time to feed and breed there. Your walk will be led by a friendly guide with expert knowledge on the wildlife around the reserve. Booking essential. Charges apply. For more information visit www.rspb.org

Rubble from PAW Patrol, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Travel by heritage train to see children’s favourite PAW Patrol who will be on hand at Eridge Station. For more information and times visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Wed 16 – Sat 19 May

Museums at Night, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE Join in on one of the Museum at Night sessions and have a fun filled evening with the team exploring the Dockyard after the doors have shut! For more information visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

Museums at Night, Various Locations A UK-wide festival which seeks to encourage visitors into museums, galleries and heritage sites by throwing their doors open after hours and putting on special evening events. For more information and to find an event near you visit www. museumsatnight.org.uk

Sat 19 May

Charlotte FM Cosmetics Family Fun Day, Aylesford Community Centre, ME20 7AU 10am-4pm. There will be something for everyone. Over twenty stalls selling gifts, jewellery, angel cards and healing, kids stalls, rides outside and more. For more information call 07852 913 663.

Sat 19 – Sun 20 May

For all Things 1940s, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, TN30 6HE Go along for a not-to-be-missed weekend of pure nostalgia! There will be live music, dancing, vehicles, fashion and so much more. For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk

Sun 20 May

Thronefest, Quex Park and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, CT7 0BH 10am-5pm. Go along and enjoy a great day out in this medieval Game of Thrones Event. There will be jousting and re-enactments and more. For more information and to book visit www.quexpark.co.uk

June Fri 8 – Sun 10 Jun

Woodlands Festival, Elm Wood, Hawkhurst, TN18 5DU

Immerse yourself in great music, fantastic food and drink and let kids be kids in this intimate family friendly festival. Kids activities include woodland treasure hunts, storytelling and bushcraft. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. woodlandsfestival.co.uk

Our next copy deadline is

27 April 2018.

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listings@ primarytimes.biz

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW! With outstanding performing arts tuition for 4-18 year olds, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West-End show - what are you waiting for?

FREE OPEN DAY at PQA Maidstone

FRIDAY 27TH APRIL Starts 4.45pm Ends 8pm Find us at The Maplesden Noakes School, Buckland Road, Great Buckland, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0TJ PQA is also enrolling now in Dartford, Rochester and Tunbridge Wells! Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282 Visit pqacademy.com

OF BEING AMAZING