Easter 2017 North & West Kent Primary Times by Alison Watson

e e r f

E D I GU N O S ’ AT H W

for families with primary aged children

in North & West Kent

CHALLENGE

NEW: Aqua Challenge Reloaded! Plus Roller Disco, Super Heroes, Circus Skills, Cheesebox Photobooth + more

Visit www.maidstoneleisure.com

Book Online

The Best Family Guide to What’s On Easter Edition • Issue 102 • 20 March - 14 May 2017

Great outdoor fun all season long Our heated Outdoor Pool is open from the Easter holiday until the end of September. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to meet friends, enjoy a splashing time and grab something delicious to eat!

Jump in and join us!

Open from 1 April to 30 September 2017

01732 367449 www.tonbridgepool.co.uk

Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust Working in partnership with:

’S AT WH

IDE GU ON

for families with primary aged children

Dear Readers

in North & West Kent

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining every now and then, the trees have begun blossoming and Spring is on its way, finally, so welcome to our Spring/Easter magazine. We’ve tried our best to get in The Best Family Guide to What’s On the mood for this egg-cellent time of the year with an eggstra-ordinary magazine with egg-citing listings, egg-specially for all our readers ... no more eggs I promise unless they’re of the chocolate variety! CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE

NEW: Aqua Challenge Reloaded! Plus Roller Disco, Super Heroes, Circus Skills, Cheesebox Photobooth + more

Visit www.maidstoneleisure.com

Book Online

Easter Edition • Issue 102 • 20 March - 14 May 2017

As usual we have loads of events to choose to go to over the Spring break. Hayley and Miriam have had their heads down beavering away getting you the very best of things to go to. If you do visit any of these places we would love you to mention that you read about them in Primary Times. Look out for our fantastic Brighton Fringe competition too where you could end up winning a weekend in Brighton with accommodation, a meal, tickets to the Fringe and wonderful memories. To be in with a chance of winning this competition there’s one simple question to answer and you could be off on a very jolly weekend with your family and we could be receiving a pretty postcard from a very happy reader!

Peter and the Primary Times team The Primary Times Team: Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Gill Pearce, Andrew Langridge, Ashley Inglove & Karen Ellul Listings: Hayley Hughes & Miriam Theobald Editorial: Anna Stringer Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson

inside this issue.... Primary Times is now printed on recycled text paper, from 100% post-consumer waste, made in Europe by a paper mill that is certified and supports responsible forestry. Recycle 0% d 10

If you do enter this or any of our other competitions do remember to include your contact details. We often get entries from people we would love to pick as prize winners but if we can’t contact you we can’t let you win....

Contents

E c ola b el P E

News..................................4 What’s On..........................6 Family Theatre Guide........9 Fun Days Out this Spring..14 Camps, Courses..............20 and Classes

e fre

Look out for our next issue published in time for May Half Term and in schools from 15 May 2017

Education.........................24 Competitions....................29 Good Work Page.............35

Primary Times in North & West Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.net Twitter: @PT_Kent

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Medway and Kent. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Medway and Kent for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times North & West Kent is operated under franchise licence.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

News

Film & DVD Preview Guide Beauty and the Beast Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.“Beauty and the Beast” is released in the UK and Ireland on 17 March.

The Boss Baby Meet a most unusual baby. He wears a suit and speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin.‘The Boss Baby’ is a hilarious story about how a new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative seven-year old named Tim.Tim is jealous of his fast-talking, briefcasecarrying baby brother. When he embarks on a mission to win back the affections of his parents, he stumbles upon a secret ploy by the CEO of Puppy Co. that threatens to destroy the balance of love in the world.Tim and his brother must come together to stop the dastardly scheme.With a sly, heart-ﬁlled message about the importance of family,The Boss Baby is an authentic and broadly appealing original comedy for all ages. DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Boss Baby’ will be released in cinemas on 7 April.

Zip and Zap and the Marble Gang

Two iconic Spanish comic strip characters Zip and Zap come to life in this exciting adventure. Brothers Zip and Zap thought they would get to enjoy their summer holidays. But after they’re sent away to summer school, they soon realise their summer isn’t going to be any fun after all. The headmaster is a one-eyed, patch-wearing man whose motto is ‘no play is allowed’ who, along with his chief security guard, runs the school with strict discipline. Zip and Zap quickly make friends and form ‘The Marble Gang’ with the aim to wreak havoc around the school by creating mischief and playing pranks whilst everyone sleeps. During one of their adventures, they discover that the headmaster is hiding a mysterious secret - one the brothers are just itching to solve…Zip and Zap is in cinemas from 31 March 2017.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops

Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school. Focusing on child development, Perform uses a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention by the experienced actor-teachers who focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration and having the best fun of the week. The Perform curriculum uses a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform with a different theme each term to keep young imaginations buzzing. The summer term starts in April with two new and exciting themes. Perform 4–7 year olds will be saddling up and going on a Wild West adventure to find the Horse with the Golden Mane. Children will be rodeo-riding through a spooky ghost town, dancing to the Hip Hop Hoedown and meeting Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux Tribe. Meanwhile, the 7–12s will be zooming off on a fun-filled outer space adventure with Robinson Crusoe. After crash-landing on Mars, the intergalactic hero has to save the Martian children from being eaten by the evil Commander Cannibal. With infectious tunes and highenergy dance, this space-age version of the castaway survival classic has been transformed into an explosive new show. Perform offers a no-obligation, free trial session. To book or find your nearest venue, contact: 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform.org.uk/try.

What is Walk to School Week?

Join thousands of teachers and children across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings during this year’s Walk to School Week, 15 – 19 May. Challenge your school to walk every day during Walk to School Week and make a real difference to your children’s happiness and wellbeing. Get your school involved by ordering a Walk to School Week 2017 challenge pack. Each challenge pack contains everything needed to run the five-day walking challenge for a class of up to 30 pupils, including a classroom wall chart, teacher and pupil wall chart stickers, pupil activity diaries and teacher instructions. This year’s challenge will take pupils on an imaginary journey from the dramatic skylines of the city, via rolling countryside, to charming coastal areas. Each day, activities and games will enable pupils to explore key features of each environment, whilst also enjoying the many benefits of a daily walk to school. Step up the fun during Walk to School Week by taking part in Happy Shoesday. On the Tuesday of Walk to School Week, raise money for Living Street’s walking projects by wearing your happy shoes and donating £1. Shiny, decorated, colourful, cartoon, gorilla feet - whatever has you smiling on your walk to school. Register your school and Living Streets will send you a free fundraising pack, plus all sorts of fun materials to help make running the day a big success. Find out more about Walk to School Week and order your challenge pack at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walktoschoolweek or call 020 7377 4908.

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

Pink Lady® apples and the Guild of Food Writers have announced their partnership in the Guild’s Write It competition for young food writers. The competition encourages children from three age groups (10 and under, 11 to 14 and 15 to 18) to capture one of their favourite food experiences on the page. This year’s theme is Partnerships: this could be the combination of favourite foods, cooking or eating with friends or family, or your ultimate food partnership such as apple crumble and custard, bacon and eggs, strawberries and cream or perhaps something more unusual. This year’s judges include the Guild’s President, Xanthe Clay, and Stefan Gates, award-winning documentary maker, TV presenter and author of books on food and science for young people. Also on the judging panel is Jo Ingleby, Cook of the Year in the BBC’s Food and Farming Awards 2015, and award-winning food writers Diana Henry and Felicity Cloake. They’ll use their collective experience, enthusiasm for food and drink and love of a good read to find and celebrate the outstanding work in each age group. The competition closing date is Sunday 30 April. To enter visit www. pinkladyapples.co.uk. For more details on the competition and prizes, visit www.gfw.co.uk.

Milo Murphy’s Law is Coming to the UK From creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh of BAFTA nominated animated series “Phineas and Ferb” fame, comes Milo Murphy’s Law. Milo Murphy is the fictional 13 year old great-great-greatgreat grandson of the Murphy’s Law namesake, and he’s the personification of the law which says that anything that can go wrong – will go wrong.

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Children are Encouraged to Write It

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Milo Murphy is always expecting the unexpected and prepares for every possibility. He was born with Extreme Hereditary Murphy’s Law condition (EHML), a trait that has affected the men in the Murphy family for generations. Armed with knowledge, a backpack of supplies, and an endless sense of optimism and enthusiasm – Milo can turn any catastrophe into an adventure. Each 22 minute episode comprises of two 11-minute stories, where Milo and his best friends Zack and Melissa find ways to think outside of the box while enjoying life’s obstacles. Milo Murphy’s Law will premiere in early 2017 on Disney Channel.Visit www.disney.co.uk/disney-channel and start getting excited.

Join Sidney Squirrel and explore the beautiful lakes and parkland surrounding Bluewater as you walk the 45 minute trail. Pick up a leaflet in the mall, follow the map and complete the activity sheet to receive a reward! Visit Bluewater for lots of Easter fun, see bluewater.co.uk for more details.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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

Ongoing Daily

Gruffalo Trail, Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ

Download The Gruffalo Spotter app before you visit. Along the trail look out for clues which lead to footprint marker posts - point the app at these and watch Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo appear before your eyes. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd9humpt

Fri 31 Mar

Wear a Hat Day, Nationwide

Wear a Hat Day takes place every March during Brain Tumour Awareness month to raise funds and awareness for this disease. Schools, workplaces and individuals take part by donning crazy headgear. Register now to start planning your event. For more information visit www. wearahatday.org

Make your Own Medusa Mask, Canterbury Roman Museum, CT1 2JR

Go along and have fun making a colourful Medusa Mask to take home. For more information visit www. canterburymuseums.co.uk

Until 2 April

Sappers & The Somme, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

This exhibition will commemorate the contribution of the Royal Engineers in supporting the Army at the Battle of the Somme. Free admission. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Until 1 May

Doc. Yard’s Secret Lab, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

(Selected dates) Young scientists will find out about the tiny world of the atom and the electron, have hair raising fun finding out what happens when exposed to 100,000 volts of electricity and more. Fun for all the family. For times, booking and more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

March

Wed 22 Mar

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB

7–9am. A great opportunity to see and hear the many species of birds with a guided estate walk. Afterwards you can warm up with a breakfast treat in the restaurant. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Wed 22 – Sun 26 Mar

Make your own Viking Brooch, Canterbury Heritage Museum, CT1 2NR

11am-5pm. Would you like to be a Valiant Viking? Go and make your own colourful brooch to wear just like a Viking. Drop in, admission charges apply. For more information visit www.canterbury.co.uk/museums/ heritage-museum

Fri 24 Mar

For the Love of Bears, The Salvation Army, Hythe, CT21 6EG

7.30-9.45pm. An audio-visual talk by Ian and Marie-Laure Stone about the Forests and Lakes which are home to the European brown bear and the Polar bear. A donation would be appreciated. For more information visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 25 Mar

Mothers’ Day Woodland Crafts, Hunstead Wood, Canterbury CT4 7NT

10am-3pm. Try out new crafts including jewellery making, using your own handmade beads and dyed fabrics, charcoal pencil making and woodcraft activities. Meet in the parking area. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.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

Saturday Craft Club, Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, TN1 1JN 10am-12noon, 2-4pm. Go along to a free drop in session of craft. Self-led event and March’s theme is Time Travelling Tableau. For more information visit www. tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

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

“

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

”

Sat 25 – Sun 26 Mar

A Wild Mothers’ Day Out, Howletts Wild Animal Park, Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, CT4 5AE

Explore the award-winning wild animal park to see the new arrivals and their animal mums, including adorable Mizi, our baby black rhino. You can take part in free crafts and make Mum a special card. For times, more information and to book visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts

Mothers’ Day Workshop, Milbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

9.30-11am. Get creative at the parent and child workshop as together you make a fanciful fairy garden to

take home. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. millbrook.co.uk

A Weekend for Mum, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

12noon-4pm.Visit on Sat to create a special card and maybe a hand-made present or two for Mum. On Sun, you can treat her to a Mothers’ Day lunch in the Garden Restaurant. For more information and to book visit www.penshurstplace.com

Mothers’ Day Afternoon Tea, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ 12noon-2pm. Plan the ideal day and spoil mum with an Afternoon Tea. Held in the beautifully restored 1920s Ballroom, this is the perfect setting to accompany the delicious array of scones, cakes and finger sandwiches. For more information and to book visit www.dreamland. co.uk

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 8...

Win a Cracking Day Out at Bluewater this Easter

Bluewater has teamed up with Primary Times to offer readers the chance to win an entertaining day out. The lucky winner will receive a £200 Bluewater gift card to spend on this season’s top fashion picks, enjoy a spot of entertainment or dine out at one of Bluewater’s family-friendly restaurants. There’s something for everyone at Bluewater this Easter, with over 300 stores to choose from offering the latest brands and must-haves. Why not make a day of it and enjoy the many family friendly activities taking place, including the Lindt Gold Bunny Warren for chocolate fans, Bluewater’s Egg Trail and Story Time performances with Goldilocks and the Three Bears to keep the kids entertained? Head outdoors to check out the new and improved Nature Trail which now features interactive games and a floral maze. Visit www.bluewater.co.uk to discover more family-friendly experiences coming soon. To enter, simply tell us the name of your favourite shop at Bluewater. Send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Bluewater Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Bluewater’ as the subject, by Friday 28 April For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

Easter Holiday Activities

1st - 17th April

at Maidstone Leisure Centre • • • • •

NEW Aqua Challenge Course Meet and Greet Characters Mr Muddles the Magician Circus Skills Workshop Wave Rave Pool Party

• • • • •

Family Roller Disco Waves & Flume Bouncy Castle Ice Hill Slide Rapids

www.maidstoneleisure.com Maidstone Leisure Centre Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7RN Tel: 0845 1552277

/MaidstoneLeisureCentre @SwimInMaidstone

Maidstone 190 x 135.indd 1

10/03/2017 10:54

Ightham Mote & Knole When you watch nature wake up, you help us care for the places nature can thrive When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.

nationaltrust.org.uk/kent

The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images.

#nationaltrust

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

March

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

Mothers’ Day Weekend, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Treat mum to an afternoon tea or a delicious lunch. Children can decorate a flower pot to give mum on her special day in a free craft workshop and can also join a biscuit decorating workshop (charges apply). For more details and to book visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 25 Mar - Sun 23 Apr Easter Bunny Hunt, Broadditch Farm Shop, Southfleet, DA13 9PU Enjoy a woodland walk whilst looking for the bunnies on the Easter Bunny Hunt. When you find a bunny write the first letter of its name on the worksheet, when your worksheet is complete claim your prize. For more information and to book visit www. broadditch.co.uk/easter

Sun 26 Mar

Family Workshop, Turner Contemporary, Margate, CT1 1HG

(Also 7 May) 1-4pm. Experience the calming and creative techniques of weaving and tapestry to create your own masterpiece, using recycled materials and methods. Drop-in session. Charges apply. For more information visit www. turnercontemporary.org

Mothers’ Day Garden Tour and Cream Tea, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

2.15pm–4pm. Enjoy a garden tour, finishing back at the Mulberry Room for a cream tea. For more information and to book visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Mothers’ Day Craft, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA

entertain you as well as offer a unique 1940s swing dance lesson. To book and for more information visit www.fortamherst.com

Mothers’ Day, Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY

12noon-5pm. Treat mum to a two course Sunday Lunch and you will receive a free gift for her. Booking essential. For more information and to book visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Mothers’ Day and Family Fun, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QS 10am-5pm. Fun for the family, there will be a Bouncy castle, face painting, meet one of the magical Grooms and a free gift for all the Mums too. For more information visit www. groombridgeplace.com

Mothers’ Day Lunch, Barnehurst Golf Course, DA7 6JU

Treat Mum to a delicious 3 course meal on this special day, and for an extra £2, a glass of prosecco. Charges apply. Book on 01322 523 746. For more information visit www. mytimeactive.co.uk/barnehurst

Mothers’ Day, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD

12noon–3pm. Treat Mum to a very special lunch, or champagne afternoon tea, for Mother’s Day at Port Lympne Hotel. For more information visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

Mothers’ Day Celebration, Quex Park and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington CT7 0BH

11am-5pm.Delicate sandwiches savoury pastries and scones served with preserves and a delectable array of sweet pastry confections. Choose speciality tea or fresh coffee, along with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. For more information and to book visit www.quexpark.co.uk

Mothers’ Day Costume Tour and Cream Tea, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

11.30am. This Mothers’ Day treat Mum to a fascinating costume tour and a traditional English cream tea at Smallhythe Place. For times and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ smallhythe-place

10am–4pm. Make your own token as a treat for Mum. Materials are provided for this self-led craft. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden

Mothers’ Day afternoon Tea, Fort Amherst, Chatham, ME4 4UB

12noon–3pm. Afternoon tea will be held in the historic Guard House where you will enjoy a selection of delicious freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes, scones and pots of tea. Afterwards, you will head upstairs where the Lindy Hop dancers will

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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

“

International Bear Day, Port Lympne Reserve, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD

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

”

Mothers’ Day, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG

12noon and 3pm. Treat mum and enjoy a three Course Carvery Lunch and take in the beautiful surroundings of Salomons Estate. For more information and to book visit www. salomons-estate.com

9.30am-5pm. Help celebrate International Bear Day and see the stars of the day, adorable spectacled bear pair, Oberon and Rina. For more information and to book, visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

Swalecliffe & Chestfield Spring Bazaar, The Community Centre, Swalecliffe CT5 2QU 9.30am – 12.30pm. Help raise vital funds by visiting this Spring Bazaar. More information visit www. lordwhisky.co.uk/news-and-events

Easter Holiday Fun, Howletts Wild Animal Park, Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, CT4 5AE 9.30am–5.30pm. Discover wonderful animals as you explore the park and spot all the adorable new arrivals. There will be fun trails to follow, and free crafts and activities. For more information and to book visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/howletts

Mothers’ Day, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Treat your mum like a Queen on Mothers’ Day. Enjoy an afternoon in style in the 16th century Maiden’s Tower, or treat the whole family to a traditional roast lunch combining a day out at Leeds Castle. Or book a table in the Castle View restaurant for evening dining. For more information visit www.leeds-castle. com

Easter Craft, Canterbury Heritage Museum, CT1 2NR

Fri 31 Mar

Tribute Night, Barnehurst Golf Course, DA7 6JU Go along to this fantastic David Bowie Tribute act and enjoy a delicious buffet. Charges apply. Book on 01322 523 746. For more information visit www.mytimeactive. co.uk/barnehurst

11am–5pm. Have fun colouring in a beautiful Easter Egg, then search the museum for interesting Easter facts and complete the puzzle to win a reward. Charges apply. For more info visit www.canterburymuseums.co.uk

Sat 1 - Sun 2 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt Weekend, Dover Transport Museum, CT16 2JX Join the Easter egg hunt at the museum for a great day out. The museum is home to many forms of vintage transport and also features vintage shop fronts. For times and more information visit www. dovertransportmuseum.org.uk

Fri 31 Mar – Mon 17 Apr Bluewater Egg Trail, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Follow Bluewater’s Egg Trail around the shopping centre and gro1111unds. Will you win a yummy treat at the end? For more information visit www.bluewater. co.uk

Dog Walk & Campfire Challenge 1-4pm.Walk your dog and then join in by the campfire to toast the ultimate marshmallow. For more information visit www. riverhillgardens.co.uk

April

Sooty Show, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Sat 1 Apr

Dawn Chorus Walk, Loose Valley, Maidstone ME15 0BL 5–8am. Join the annual local dawn chorus walk, and enjoy one of nature’s spectacular events. Enjoy the song as the resident birds awake, plus a good chance of seeing a kingfisher. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.rspb.org.uk

Garden Party, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup DA14 5BQ Go along to a garden party event where there will be special offers, Spring food tastings, face painting, tombola, games and barbeque demos and much more. Free event. For more information visit www.ruxleymanor.co.uk/

Go along and watch The Sooty Show in the Big Top, stay around and catch the magic show too. Charges apply. For more information visit www. kentlife.org.uk

Sat 1 – Thurs 13 Apr

Easter Holiday Family Fun, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT (Themed Thurs 11am-3pm). Keep the kids entertained during the holiday with a Spring Activity Pack, craft activities and the chance to go wild in the play area. Normal admission applies. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 20...

Chester Tuffnut Gomito Theatre have discovered a brand new type of creature: the treemole. Chester Tuffnut isn’t your ordinary treemole – in fact he is one of a kind. Chester likes wearing jumpers and sitting in his armchair, but most of all he loves adventure. The curious creatures in Woodland have gone so long without excitement they’ve forgotten how to have fun. Luckily, Chester is on hand to bring happiness and laughter back to his new Woodland friends. This new production created by Gomito and Polka Theatre for ages 2–5, is an action-packed escapade with a one-of-a-kind creature, Chester Tuffnut, based on an original character first seen at Greenwich Theatre in 2013. Mischievous Chester takes centre stage in this celebration of individuality and togetherness. Told with puppets, original music and imaginative antics, this show is full of humour, thrills, spills, near misses and great escapes. It’s a story about discovering new places and making friends, while encouraging everyone to have at least one adventure a day. You can also have your very own adventure, with the chance to stay, meet the Woodland creatures and explore their dens after the show. To book tickets for this show, which runs from Friday 14 – Monday 17 April, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Ben and Holly Somewhere, hidden amongst the thorny brambles is a little kingdom where everyone is very very small. From the

From the makers of Peppa Pig, the BAFTA award winning television show HHHH “Ma for smgaicll children ” Whats onst age.c

Live on stage!

Thu 6 April 4.30pm Fri 7 April 10am 1pm, 4.30pm Box Office 01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk www.benandhollylive.com

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Family Theatre

Family theatre

makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA awardwinning television animation live on stage. Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure.

Family Theatre

Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston the Ladybird clean up his messy cave. They go on a trip into The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum and even plan a surprise birthday party for King Thistle and, oops, let’s hope there’s not another jelly flood. Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. Ben and Holly is showing on Thursday 6 April at 4.30pm and Friday 7 April at 10am, 1pm and 4.30pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre. Adult tickets cost £14 and child tickets are £12, plus a £1.25 per ticket booking free. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01892 530 613 or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk. Photo credit: Dan Tsantilis

My First Ballet Enjoy everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three and upwards. Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamourous ball. Abandoned to an evening of drudgery,

she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and a fantastic family day out. This unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is choreographed by George Williamson and performed by second year students of English National Ballet School. My First Ballet: Cinderella runs at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 April. Book your tickets now at www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220 000. Photo credit: ASH

Goldilocks and the Three Bears In this ballet for children, Goldilocks is a mischievous little girl with hair as bright as gold. Always on the look-out for an adventure, one day her curiosity leads her to a house full of many surprises. With a family of friendly bears, a beautiful blue bird and bowls of delicious porridge, this ballet is just right.

“A gorgeous treat for kids and parents” The Daily Express (on My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty)

orchardtheatre.co.uk 01322 220000 10

Easter Thu 6 – Sat 8 Apr ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet Illustration: Mark Ruffle

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

The First Hippo on the Moon Who’s going to be the first hippo to make it to the moon? Will it be the enormously rich Hercules WaldorfFranklin III or the ultra-ingenious Shelia? Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it to the moon first? Based on David Walliams’ original children’s book with illustrations by Tony Ross, The First Hippo on the Moon is an explosively funny

12 April

WEDNESDAY 2.30pm THE AUDITORIUM

space adventure and it’s coming to The Woodville, Gravesend on 12 April. The First Hippo on the Moon has been adapted for the stage by acclaimed theatre company Les Petits following their hugely successful production of Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs which won the Primary Times Children’s Choice award at the Edinburgh Fringe. Catch The First Hippo on the Moon at The Woodville, Gravesend on 12 April at 2.30pm. To book tickets, visit woodville.seatlive.com or call the Box Office on 08442 439 480. Photo credit: The Other Richard

Family Theatre

Bringing this classic children’s story to life, Goldilocks and the Three Bears is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. With sell-out performances and hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations including Ugly Duckling and Tortoise & the Hare, Northern Ballet’s Short Ballets for Small People are not to be missed. This child friendly performance lasts approximately 40 minutes. Goldilocks runs on Wednesday 5 April at 2pm and 4pm (relaxed performance) at the Assembly Hall Theatre. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children, they can be booked online on www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office at 01892 530 613. Photo credit: Brian Slater

EM FORSTER THEATRE NEW SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

PAT-A-CAKE BABY Riotous rhyme and zany puppets Sat 29th Apr 1.30pm & 3.30pm

THE WAR OF THE BUTTONS Music, puppets and sign language Sat 17th June 2pm & 4pm

NT LIVE: PETER PAN ‘SPELLBINDINGLY IMAGINATIVE’ SAT 10TH JUNE 2PM

Primary Times Horizontal 66mm x 90mm March 2017.indd 1

27/02/2017 11:45:58

Illustrations © Tony Ross, 2014 Author’s name branding © Quentin Blake, 2010

From Number One bestselling Children’s author David Walliams comes an explosively funny space adventure for children of 3 and up. Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it to the moon ﬁrst? 3...2...1...BLAST OFF! David Walliams has taken the literary world by storm and his brilliantly funny stories

www.woodville.co.uk

Box Office

08442 439 480

Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD

are adored by children the world over! This is a fantastical adventure featuring puppetry, music, mayhem and a giant space race to the moon! Age recommendation 3+

Tickets ADULTS

£18.50

UNDER 16s

£14.50

FREE EVENING PARKING FROM 6pm

Tweet us at like us on @TheWoodville Facebook /WoodvilleGravesend

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Family Theatre

4 Apr

Big Howard’s LOL-tastic Yukfest for Kids and Well-Trained Adults

Family theatre guide Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 530 613 5 Apr

Goldilocks & the Three Bears

Bringing this classic children’s story to life, Goldilocks & the Three Bears is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time.

6 – 7 Apr

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom

Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical, musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter.

14 – 16 Apr

The Little Mermaid

A laugh-a-minute Easter family pantomime from Wicked Productions. Make a splash and join them under the sea.

Brook Chatham Box Office: 01634 338 338 6 - 9 Apr

Peter Pan

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

Central Chatham Box Office: 01634 338 338 1 – 2 Apr

The Wizard of Oz

Join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure and watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz.

6 – 8 Apr

Peter Pan

Close your eyes and imagine, close them tight and pretend as you take off on a magical trip to Never Land, where you never grow old. A Youth Theatre production by Rare Productions.

5 Apr

9 Apr

The Sooty Show

Expect magic, music and mayhem with buckets full of audience participation. A spectacular treat for Sooty fans old and new - plus a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show.

E M Forster Tonbridge School Box Office: 01732 304 241 22 – 23 Mar

forget to say you saw it in Primary Times!

Journey into the depths of Sherwood Forest and discover the truth behind the legend of Robin Hood in this musical comedy and enjoy a riotous romp through the medieval mayhem of Merry England.

1 Apr

Ballet Central 2017

See the company’s young and dynamic dancers on the cusp of their professional careers showcasing newly commissioned works and celebrated masterpieces.

29 Apr

Pat-A-Cake Baby

Little children will love this creative Long Nose Puppets show full of riotous rhyme, songs and music.

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 3 Apr

The Happy Warrior

A playful imagining based on the unbelievable true story of Private Wojtek; a Syrian Brown Bear who was enlisted into the Polish Army Corp during WW2. Ages 7+.

3 – 4 Apr See The Explorer leap, swim, float into space and enjoy a rather bumpy elephant ride as she tries to find a way back home. She might need a little help along the way too. Ages 3-8.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids (and Childish Adults)

The time travelling magic duo Morgan & West present a jaw dropping, heart stopping, brain busting, opinion adjusting, death defying, outlook Enjoy changing, furniture the show! rearranging magic And don’t extravaganza.

Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies

The Explorer

This hour of fun features standup, interactive digital animation, sound effects, jokes and lots and lots and lots of clever nonsense (Warning! Some of the clever nonsense will be extremely stupid).

6 – 8 Apr

The Thing That Came From Over There!

With comedy and thrills galore, the show features visual gags, verbal wit, giant puppetry, and even a little bit of live music. Ages 10+.

9 Apr

Sammy and the Snow Leopard

Sammy’s Mum won’t let him have any pets, but he thinks he’s found a way to have one that doesn’t actually come to the house. He soon finds himself on an adventure that quickly spirals out of control.

12 Apr

Guess How Much I Love You Explore this playful story of love and nature as it unfolds on stage through puppets, live music and interactive play for children aged 3 and up.

13 – 14 Apr

Eloise & The Curse of the Golden Whisk Served up with lashings of laughs, thrills and scrumptious live music, the show is a swashbuckling, culinary adventure of hope, magic and stepping up to the plate. Ages 7+.

14 – 17 Apr

Chester Tuffnut

The woodland creatures have gone so long without excitement, they’ve forgotten how to have fun. Luckily, Chester is on hand to bring

happiness and laughter back to his new woodland friends. Ages 2-5.

23 Apr

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories.

30 Apr

Ulla’s Odyssey

OperaUpClose tell the story of fourteen-year-old Ulla as she attempts to become the youngest person to sail the world single-handedly in her trusty sailing boat ‘The Homer’. Ages 7+.

Hazlitt Maidstone Box Office: 01622 758 611 23 Apr

Alice in Wonderland

Imagination runs wild and logic is abandoned in this fantastical, larger-than-life musical brimming with nonsensical fun and excitement for the entire family.

7 May

Cinderella

Based on the traditional story, the ballet will surely touch and reach out to everyone’s heart, with its combination of pure classical dancing and a touch of pantomime. Presented by Vienna Festival Ballet.

Orchard Dartford Box Office: 01322 220 000 26 – 27 Mar

Mr. Bloom’s Nursery Live

Bring your ‘tiddlers’ along and join Mr Bloom and the Veggies on their first ever live tour. A fun and inspiring show with strong educational values which will entertain parents and tiddlers alike.

6 – 8 Apr My First Ballet: Cinderella

Enjoy everyone’s favourite ragsto-riches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three upwards. Performed by second year students of English National Ballet.

9 Apr

Naomi’s Wild and Scary Tour

Join Naomi as she recalls some of her most exciting wildlife experiences from the world and introduces the audience to some of the most fierce and frightening animals she met along the way.

Stag Sevenoaks 16 Apr

The Sooty Show

Izzy wizzy let’s get busy. Sooty is back in a brand-new show with guaranteed giggles for the whole family. Direct from CITV, Sooty, Sweep and Soo head into town accompanied by TV’s Richard Cadell.

17 Apr

Dick and Dom – Live

A show that promises to get the whole family on their feet, the performance will be full of madcap challenges and audience participation games that will have you in stitches.

1 May

Justin’s Party

This is a brand new show packed full of fantastic songs, dances and hilarious games guaranteed to make it the party of the year.

5 – 6 May

Dinosaur World

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to

Box Office: 01732 450 175 24 Mar

The Close-Up Show

(Also 28 Apr) 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 26 Mar

The Adventures of Pinocchio

This live theatre experience encompasses maximum energy, fluency and wit, with myriad effects and lots of audience participation in a minimalist setting.

1 Apr

Easter Bunny’s Eggsellent Adventure

A family show particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds, followed by the popular meet, greet and treat with the Easter Bunny himself – plus a free Easter present for every child.

30 Apr

Oliver in the Overworld

A picaresque tale of a little deaf boy who travels to The Overworld, The Land of Machinery, seeking the parts to mend the memory of his best friend Oliver the Grandfather Clock. Ages 3-7.

The Woodville Gravesend

13 Apr

The Amazing Bubble Man

From fog-filled, heliumpropelled rocket bubbles to tornado bubbles, the Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

1 May

Box Office: 08442 439 480 10 - 11 Apr

The Little Mermaid

Wicked Productions return with their musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s, ‘The Little Mermaid’. This show is sure to warm your cockles and win the hearts of your little sea urchins.

12 Apr

The First Hippo on the Moon

From Number One bestselling children’s author David Walliams comes an explosively funny space adventure. Two big hippos. One enormous dream. Who can make it to the moon first? Ages 3+.

Don’t Dribble on the Dragon

Family Theatre

discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

This spectacular feel good musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is based on the fabulous new book by Steven Lee with magic designed by Paul Daniels. Ages 2+.

Marlowe Canterbury Box Office: 01227 787 787 2 Apr

Mr Bloom’s Nursery

Featuring all of the much loved elements of the TV show, Mr Bloom will be joined by all his gardening friends. A show with educational values which will entertain parents and tiddlers alike.

Win Tickets To See Gangsta Granny Live On Stage

Prior to its West End debut, Gangsta Granny, the new stage version of David Walliams’ book, is the must see show for all the family. Gangsta Granny tells the story of Ben, who stays with his granny every Friday night. There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows it’s going to be sooooooo boring! What Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret. Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! You can see Gangsta Granny at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells from Wed 21 – Sun 25 June.

The Assembly Hall have given us two family tickets to be won (2 adults and 2 children) for Wednesday 21 June at 7pm with a meet and greet after the show. For your chance to win, tell us who wrote the book Gangsta Granny. Send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Gangsta Granny Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Gangsta Granny’ as the subject by Friday 28 April

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Fun Days Out this Spring

Easter Fun at Broadditch Farm

Can you help find the lost bunnies at Broadditch Farm? Enjoy a woodland walk whilst looking for the bunnies on the Easter Bunny Hunt. When you find a bunny write the first letter of its name on the worksheet and when your worksheet is complete claim your prize. Look out for food for the bunnies to eat and search for other woodland animals. Along the way you will also see ‘hot spots’ where you will find a fact about the wood or even a joke. The Easter Bunny Hunt is open from Saturday 25 March until Sunday 23 April, £4 per child.

Explore an Easter Wonderland from Friday 14 to Monday 17 April. A magical wonderland awaits you, where the White Rabbit will enchant you with an Easter Tale and you will receive an ‘egg-citing’ gift. A trip to wonderland at Broadditch Farm costs £6.50 per child, £1 per accompanying adult. Take advantage of the great Child Combo offer for Friday 14 to Monday 17 April only - £10 for The Easter Bunny Hunt and The Easter Wonderland. Advance Combo tickets can be booked online at www.broadditch.co.uk/easter to avoid disappointment.

Royal Engineers Museum Historical Headgear Hunt Throughout the Spring holidays join in at the Royal Engineers Museum, Bridge Study Centre with a host of familyfriendly creative activities, exploring some of the fascinating historical headgear on display in the Museum. Each day visitors can make a different historical headgear from Victorian Tropical Service Helmet to the Royal Engineers winning 1875 FA Cup Football Cap.

EASTER BUNNY HUNT AT BROADDITCH FARM From Saturday 25th March until Sunday 23rd 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 EXPERIENCE 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 14th April until Monday 17th April. £6.50 per child, £1 per accompanying adult Child Combo Ticket: Friday 14th April until Monday 17th April only, £10 per child for The Easter Bunny Hunt & The Easter Wonderland Experience

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

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle

For some magical family moments this Easter, hop through Hever Castle Gardens on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to win an adorable miniature fluffy bunny. There’s family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays from 1-17 April designed to put a spring in everyone’s step. Besides joining the hunt to find the Lindt Gold Bunny, children can make and decorate an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops (for a small additional charge). There’s an opportunity to parade your creations in front of the Castle

each day with treats for the best Easter bonnets. Enjoy more family fun inside the Castle where you can take part in a fun Easter quiz. The Easter event is also a great opportunity to explore the awardwinning gardens surrounding Hever Castle. At this time of year visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of flowers along the moat and in the Italian Gardens from late flowering daffodils to hyacinths and blossom. As well as fun Easter themed activities and the gardens to explore, why not challenge yourself in the Yew Maze and see how long it takes you to find the way out? Then round off the day with seasonal home cooked food and mouthwatering cakes in the restaurant followed by a visit to the Gift Shop stocked with Easter goodies including Lindt chocolate eggs and treats. Normal admission charges apply. For more information please visit the website www.hevercastle.co.uk or call Hever Castle on 01732 865 224. Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens

Fun Days Out this Spring

Activities are suitable for age 3+ but all are welcome. £2 per activity per child. This holiday is also the last chance to see the temporary exhibition Sappers & The Somme, open until 17 April. The exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, it explores the duties of the Royal Engineers before and during the battle, from arranging water supply and transport, to fighting as infantry and coordinating communications. The exhibition is housed in the Bridge Study Centre; entry is free to the Bridge Study Centre until this date due to current building works on the main museum building. Don’t forget to say hello to Snob the dog, the Museum mascot, who was adopted by the Royal Engineers after the Battle of Alma in the Crimean war.You can follow Snob @ REMuseum_Snob or head to www.re-museum.co.uk to find out about all the fun family-friendly activities and education events taking place at the Museum.

Easter Fun at The Hop Farm

Enter the magical Hop Farm Family Park from 10am every day this Easter holiday, 1-17 April. The £2 per person entry fee includes all day indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play and crazy golf. Continued on page 16

Easter Fun at the Farm! - 1 - 17 April Farm Activities and Live Entertainment! EAS

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EAS CHI TER LAM CKS, BUN BS & NIES

PARK ENTRY

ONLY £2 PER PERSON!*

Plus see Peppa Pig & George at intervals on 5 April

Children’s Attractions HOVERMANIA EASTER ENTERTAINMENT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PLAY AREA HOPPER’S ANIMAL FARM HOPPER’S DINER & SOFT PLAY 4D CINEMA JUMPING PILLOWS MAGIC CASTLE GROOM A PONY INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT BUMPER BOATS HORSE & CART RIDES BOUNCY CASTLE GIANT SLIDES AND MUCH MORE… SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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, FREE PARKING

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Fun Days Out this Spring

Continued from page 15 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. Eat fabulous real dairy ice-cream and sorbets from Hopper’s Cream & Ice Bar and get the kids egg-cited with plenty of Easter games. Get close to lots of gorgeous lambs, bunnies and chicks and look out for the special Peppa and George event on 5 April where kids will get the chance to meet the characters at intervals during the day. There are lots of exciting new features in the Family Park - you have to go along and see. And 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. Don’t miss the daily timetable of fun indoor entertainment. Treat the kids to a great day out this Easter school holiday. Plan your trip by visiting www.thehopfarm.co.uk.

A Vaudevillian Extravaganza

This Easter weekend’s Festival of Steam and Transport (16 and 17 April), is set to dazzle visitors with a variety of show stopping entertainment: Classic transport displays, two days of live music, running steam trains, jugglers, dancers, side shows, comedy, food, drink, merriment and much, much more. The ‘Star of the Show’ is a traditional funfair, free with ticket purchase, that visitors can ride again and again all day. One price, one extraordinary day, one big adventure. Visitors will be entertained by Songsters, Dancers and Jokesters all weekend long with Side Show entertainment on the Dockyard streets. Live music will fill the air and hundreds of classic and vintage vehicles will be on display, to complete the lineup of transport through the ages. Children can let off steam in the indoor soft play and outdoor play areas, and everyone can enjoy the range of food on offer and opportunities to buy that special Easter gift. For the parents, there is an exclusive opportunity to take a walking tour around the location for the popular TV drama series ‘Call the Midwife’ and see how areas of the Dockyard were transformed to become the perfect backdrop for the programme. This Easter weekend, visitors from all ages can discover everything The Historic Dockyard Chatham has to offer. Take a journey through maritime history, warships, galleries and attractions and, for this weekend only, enjoy two days of remarkable family entertainment. Early Bird discount tickets are now available to purchase online. For more information go to www.thedockyard.co.uk/steamandtransport 16

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Greenwich Tall Ships

Visit The Tall Ships festival over the Easter Weekend 13-16 April in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.There will be four days of live entertainment, fireworks, ships visits and cruises. Expect a great event which will close on the Sunday with the Parade of Sail as the fleet of Tall Ships head out along the river to sea. Greenwich Borough will come alive with maritime entertainment, live music and fireworks to mark the start of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta – a transatlantic race organised by Sail Training International. Around 50 young people have been awarded places as Sail Trainees on the first leg of the race from Greenwich to Sines in Portugal During the festival there will be over 30 tall ships along the Greenwich riverfront and the public will be able to visit some of them via the piers. Others can be visited by a shuttle service ferrying people out to visit the bigger ships in deeper water. This is in addition to the Tall Ships Cruises which can be booked via www.timeout.com. There will be two festival villages, one in Royal Woolwich Arsenal and one in Maritime Greenwich where shore side attractions will include live music, historical re-enactments, street entertainers, children’s activities, traditional funfair rides, street food stalls and bars as well as evening fireworks To find out more about the Tall Ships Festival, head over to www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk.You can also keep up to date with what’s going on with all announcements about the event at the royalgreenwichtallships Facebook page.

14th to 17th April Join our Robin Hoodie trail this Easter and help him in his quest to save Maid Marion. Whilst you explore the gardens and enjoy the fun-filled ‘Walking Theatre’ adventure, keep an eye out for Robin Hoodie, Maid Marion and the merry band of naughty outlaws.

Easter Quest | 1st to 17th April 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 chocolate reward.

leeds-castle.com

Fun Days Out this Spring

Eggstraordinary Days Out

Join the team at Port Lympne Reserve during the Easter Holidays to enjoy ‘eggstraordinary’ big days out! Explore Dinosaur Forest and meet their newest prehistoric creature – the spectacular Spinosaurus and journey through time as you follow the special Dinosaur trail! On Saturday 1st April, Port Lympne will be celebrating International Bear Day and the adorable spectacled bear pair, Oberon and Rina will be the stars of the day. Throughout the holidays, you’ll be able to spot the cute new Spring arrivals, take part in free crafts, games and activities, meet Education Presenters for fun and factfilled talks, watch Easter themed animal enrichments and take part in our special Easter egg trail competition to win fantastic prizes. For more information please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/ port-lympne.

Come along and enjoy four days of music, ships visits, river cruises and evening fireworks

For further information or to book a river cruise: www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallships

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20 Mar - 14 May ‘17 02/02/2017 11:58

Enjoy Kent’s Only Safari Experiences

Fun Days Out this Spring

Waypoint Project Easter Egg Hunt

Local churches, primary schools and businesses in Maidstone are coming together to put on a town-wide Easter Egg Hunt as part of the Waypoint Project. Maidstone primary schools are decorating eggs which will be displayed as part of the Easter trail on Saturday 15 April. Children will follow a map guiding them where to look for eggs, each with a different character from the first Easter. Once complete, children can claim their chocolate egg, together with a book, ‘The First Easter’. The Free Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday 15 April from 10am–4pm in Maidstone Town Centre. Go and look for the eggs and discover the Easter Story. Maps will be available from Fremlin Walk and the Mall. For more information, visit www.waypointmaidstone.org.uk.

Electrifying Science Fun

The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s popular “Doc. Yard’s Secret Lab” is open to visitors with a brand new electrifying experience. It’s open for the Easter holiday and beyond, all the way up until the May Bank Holiday (Monday 1 May). Young (and not so young) budding scientists can experience a 45 minute hands-on visit to the eccentric Doc Yard’s Secret Lab in the company of the equally eccentric assistant Bunsen. In the Prep room, all young scientists will don lab coats and stylish safety specs ready to enter the Lab. Can the children pass the ‘are you a bright enough spark’ test to enter Doc’s atomic research facility? And can the adults pass a test of their own? Once in the lab, the fun begins.Young scientists will find out about the tiny world of the atom and the electron, have hair-raising fun finding out what happens when exposed to 100,000 volts of electricity and learn about the pulling power of magnets, including discovering how to make their own. It’s fun for all the family in Doc.Yard’s Secret Lab, open at weekends and school holidays (and for school visits during the week). To find out more, please visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Visit Howletts this Easter for some eggcellent family fun and to make unforgettable family memories! Discover wonderful animals as you explore the park and spot all the adorable new arrivals. Howletts will be holding free factpacked animal talks every day at various locations around the park, plus free activities and crafts. There will be fun trails to follow, so you can find out more about how they send animals born at the park back to protected areas of the wild. You could even win a Junior Ranger or Keeper Academy Experience when you enter Howletts’ free competitions. The popular Treetop Challenge and Animal Adventure Challenge will also be open every day throughout the holidays, so you can test your skills on the exciting obstacle courses. To find out more please visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/howletts.

Free Easter Family Fun at Hempstead Valley

Head to Hempstead Valley during the Easter holidays, from 3-15 April, for 13 consecutive days of free family events. Makendoo return for seven days with their popular Easter art and craft workshops from Monday 3 until Sunday 9

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

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Fun Days Out this Spring

April. Children can decorate an Easter card or a flower pot and plant a sunflower seed. Once again children can take part in the popular art and craft workshops, including painting a bunny mask, chick, egg or butterfly using paint and glitter. These workshops will be held outside Boots from 11am to 1pm and resume from 2pm to 4pm daily. Staff are on hand to help with all the messy stuff. From Monday 10 until Easter Saturday 15 April, the centre will be hosting six days of Easter activities. Join in with free Easter egg trails on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 April, plus Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Find the clues around the centre and return to claim your free chocolate treat. On Wednesday Explore Nature 12 and Thursday 13 This Easter with Medway Valley Countryside Partnership April children can take www.medwayvalley.org home a balloon model. These activities will be held outside Wallis. All workshops will run from 11am to 1pm and Explore the nature this Easter with pond resume from 2pm to 4pm. dipping, bush craft, Easter trails and much There is no need to book more! Contact us for more details and parental supervision is lyndsay.wayman-rook@kent.gov.uk 03000 419956 required at all times. acebook.com/medwayvalley @MedwayValley Find out more at www. hempsteadvalley.com.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK ONLINE VISIT

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06/03/2017 16:46

Easter Holiday Fun!

Tuesday 4 - Thursday 13 April

Get creative at our fun craft workshops 3 sessions per day 10:30, 11:30 & 13:00

£3 per child, 2 for £5 Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years Book on arrival

facebook.com/MaidstoneMuseum @MaidstoneMuseum p 01622 602838

www.maidstonemuseum.org Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent Primary Times - quarter pg 90mm x 135mm h PROOF 2.indd 1

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17 3/2/2017 10:47:55 AM

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April Sat 1 – Fri 14 Apr

Easter Trail, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup DA14 5BQ

Have fun finding the twelve Easter bunnies hidden around the store. One winning entry will be chosen on 15 April to receive to receive £25 of vouchers to spend in the Toy Department. A free event. For more information visit www.ruxley-manor. co.uk/

“

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

Sat 1 – Sun 16 Apr

Alice in Wonderland Circus Adventures, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QS

10am-5.30pm. Meet the Mad Hatter, Alice, The Queen of Hearts, Cheshire cat and of course the forgetful White rabbit! A day packed full of fun activities with a circus themed twist. A great day out for all the family to enjoy. For more information and to book visit www.groombridgeplace. com

Sat 1 – Mon 17 Apr

Spring into Easter, Kentlife, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Go along and meet the baby animals and have a go at bottle feeding some of them. Keep an eye out for the Easter bunny for some yummy treats. There will also be a variety of shows in the Big Top. For times and more information visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Rabbit, Friends and Relations, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS 11am–4pm. Help bunny find the missing members of the Churchill family around the home of Sir Winston. Along the way, you’ll discover what their nicknames were before tucking into a chocolatey treat. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Extraordinary Days Out, Port Lympne Reserve, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD 9.30am-5pm. Explore Dinosaur Forest, meet the spectacular Spinosaurus and journey through time as you follow our special Dinosaur trail. Throughout the

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 20

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

”

holidays take part in free craft, games and activities as well as the special Easter trail. For more information and to book visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

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. For more information and to book visit www. leeds-castle.com

Cadbury Egg Hunt, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 10am–5pm. Collect your trail map and follow the Cadbury bunny’s trail through Knole’s medieval parkland, and historic courtyards. Solve the clues and claim your chocolate prize before the deer beat you to it. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Camps, Course Street and Hip Hop Dance Classes

Fresh, modern, exciting and exhilarating, Perform X dance classes are unique high-energy weekly sessions designed to boost children’s coordination, improve their concentration and give children an energetic way to develop physical skills, get fit and have fun. Combining energetic games, physical improvisations and exhilarating moves, these weekly sessions are not only great fun but are also guaranteed to get young hearts beating faster. And, with studies citing British children as being among the least active in the world, never before has it been so important to get children moving.

Rabbits, Riddles and Rhymes - The Big Easter Break, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Your sleuthing skills are needed to help unravel the riddles left by the Easter Rabbit. Will you help to decode his clues in time for Easter? You can write your own riddle, make a pair of rabbit ears and help to colour in our giant story poster. For more details and to book visit www. penshurstplace.com

Easter Trail, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Enjoy family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays including an Easter bunny hunt, Easter trail, bonnet making workshop and best bonnet parade. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt - Lubbock Lamb, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 11am-4pm. The Lubbock Lamb has escaped from his pen. Can you find out where he has escaped to? Complete the trail to earn your Cadbury reward. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 26... Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Perform X classes use original street and hip-hop music and are based around a specially designed curriculum. All class materials are produced by Perform and at the end of each term, there’s a performance of a choreographed piece to a specially written track. Children aged 6-12 years old can try a free, no-obligation trial at a Perform X class. Bookings can be made by calling 020 7255 9126 or by visiting www.perform.org.uk/x

Camp Wilderness at Penshurst Place

Penshurst Place is a stunning private estate boasting 2,500 acres of woodland including both rivers and lakes, making it a perfect location for Camp Wilderness. The estate is just one hour from London, and offers both 2-Day and 3-Day summer camps, making it perfect for children who are on the younger end on our spectrum of adventurers.

Camp Wilderness pride themselves in leaving children with memories they will treasure forever, as well as teaching them skills they can continue to practice in their own time, and when they return to Camp Wilderness in years to follow. Whether it’s a new experience for a lone adventurer or an exciting trip away for a group of friends, Camp Wilderness has something that everyone can enjoy. Find out more at www. campwilderness.co.uk or call 03332 004 469.

New Funky Monkey Classes

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are swinging into the Angel Centre, Tonbridge with a completely free trial on Wednesday 26 April from 4pm. These action-packed, group

HOLIDAY COACHING COURSES Our holiday courses offer a range of coaching activity for girls and boys from the age of 5 upwards. Courses are held at a range of venues across the County. Coaches are ECB L2 qualified and hold DBS and First Aid qualifications.

Wild Summer 2017 Starts Here Held in safari-style woodland camps, our back-to-nature adventures are packed full of exciting bushcraft activities all through the summer holidays. 2-Day and 3-Day camps available at Penshurst Place, Kent for children aged 6-15

Go to www.campwilderness. co.uk/summer-camps to see all of our 2-day, 3-Day & 5-Day camps and to find our special offers.

Canterbury Christ Church University Date

Time

Age

Suitable for

4th April

10-2pm

5-9 years

mixed ability

Cost

5th April

10-3pm

10-13 years school & club cricketers

£20

6th April

10-1pm

14+ years

£30

£16

school & club cricketers

Medway Brompton Academy Book online at

4th April

10-2pm

5-9 years

www.campwilderness.co.uk

5th April

10-3pm

10-13 years school & club cricketers

£20

6th April

10-1pm

14+ years

£30

03332 004469 Hello@campwilderness.co.uk

mixed ability

£16

school & club cricketers

Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you. Wear whites or a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms with non-marking trainers. Please contact Heidi Coleman for further detail:

* heidi.coleman.kent@ecb.co.uk ) 01227 473618 Online booking is available at: www.kentcommunitycricket.co.uk/play/coaching-camps

DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Brought to you by The Bushcraft Company – the experts in real outdoor adventures.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Camps, Courses and Classes

es and Classes

Available for children aged 6-15, these action-packed camps offer a real variety of bushcraft activities by day, including fire-lighting, shelterbuilding and wilderness cookery. By night, they’ll be playing woodland games, toasting marshmallows and enjoying fireside stories with hot chocolate. The Penshurst Place woodland also offers something that no other estate can provide – hours of fun playing in the Maize Maze, which has been listed as one of the top 10 things to do around Kent.

Camps, Courses and Classes

electronic keyboard lessons are perfectly designed for 4-9 year old beginners to learn how to read and write music and play the electronic keyboard to first grade. With unique, step by step workbooks, activities galore and an instrument hire scheme this really is a music lesson with a difference! For more details and to book, visit www. funkymonkey.info or call Ali on 01732 457 100

Tonbridge Outdoor Pool and Games Hut

Tonbridge Swimming Pool is opening their Outdoor Pool and Games Hut in time for families to enjoy during the Easter holiday. The Centre is also offering swimming lessons for non-swimmers and beginners as well as a Learn 2 Swim course for those 7 years+, plus new Drop In Clinics for those looking to work on a particular area. The heated Outdoor Pool will open on Saturday 1 April. The Pool, complete with shallow beach area, water arch and swim through channel to the indoor pools is a great place to meet friends, picnic and of course swim. During the season the pool is available for casual visits, early morning swims and private hire. There’s even a poolside kiosk serving ice creams and light refreshments throughout the day. For a great family day out, follow up your visit to the pool with a trip to the Games Hut in Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground. The Games Hut, just a short walk from Tonbridge Swimming Pool, has a nine hole Mini Golf course, tennis and access to the park’s huge play area and shaded sandpit. There’s also a ‘street course’ skate park, outdoor gym and ball court.You could also take a visit to historic Tonbridge Castle just a short walk from the park. For more information, visit www.tonbridgepool.co.uk or call 01732 367 449.

YMCA Maidstone’s Holiday Club

Why not book YMCA Maidstone’s Holiday Club for your children this Easter. Held at Loose Sports and Community Centre with sports, fun, games, prizes and friends, your children will love being part of YMCA’s holiday club. Their sessions run from 9am to 4pm but if you need extended hours they have their Breakfast Club from 8am and their Movie Club from 4-6pm. Every Wednesday afternoon is their ‘WOW Wednesday’ special event plus there will be an Easter Egg hunt where all children will get a prize. The event is suitable for children from school years 1-7. At Tovil Community Centre, based at the new Community Centre, there will be a Year Reception only Hub where your children can make friends, play games and win prizes as well as have lots of fun. This is great for the little ones to have their own holiday club. Spaces are limited so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and to book a place, visit www. maidstoneymca.org.uk or call 01622 749 404. 22

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Feed your children’s imagination and watch their confidence grow. Children across North & West Kent have just completed another fun-filled 11 weeks of drama, singing and dance. Some dazzling end-of-term shows and mesmerising presentations made for some very happy performing arts tutors. With one term ending and a new term just around the corner, thoughts now turn towards a theatre trip. This April, Jigsaw students and their families are jumping aboard a magic carpet ride and are off to see Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End. Meanwhile, a brand-new Jigsaw school is opening in Bushey and children from Jigsaw’s agency, Jigsaw Arts Management, are continuing to appear on both stage and screen.

Easter Crash Courses Available

CALL TODAY

07432 530 104

Camps, Courses and Classes

Jigsaw Performing Arts

£5 OFF QUOTE PT5

TUITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY

nwkent@angelasswimschool.co.uk

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools Monday 3rd - Friday 7th April Monday 10th -Thursday 13th April

All in all, it’s been an incredibly exciting spring term for Jigsaw, and staff and students alike can’t wait for the next term to get underway.

SCHOOL IN:

Sevenoaks ✴ ✴ ✴

For more information or to book a two week trial, visit www.jigsawarts.co.uk or alternatively you can call 020 8447 4530 and a member of the team will be more than happy to help.

3–18 years

Kids Holiday Club Sessions at Loose & Tovil Community Centre Call 01622 749404 to book www.maidstoneymca.org.uk Charity No: 1110087

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage stagecoach.co.uk/maidstone maidstone@stagecoach.co.uk

™

Creative Courage For Life

0808 208 5134 20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Education Education Education Changing the World, One School Meal at a Time

Mary’s Meals provides daily meals to more than 1.1 million of the world’s poorest children every day they attend school. The nutritious meals enable children to attend school and learn so they can work towards a more prosperous future. The impact of these daily meals is clear. Independently verified studies have shown that after a year of serving Mary’s Meals, school enrolment increased, attendance improved and teachers reported their pupils were more hopeful for the future.

The work of Mary’s Meals began in Malawi in 2002, when the charity set up its first school feeding programme, supporting around 200 children. One of those children was Veronica, who is now studying Education and Business Studies at college.Veronica told Primary Times, “When you are hungry, you cannot be able to think. I used to go to school without food. After receiving Mary’s Meals I was active and able to listen to what the teacher say.” For young people such as Veronica, Mary’s Meals can break down barriers to education and help unlock their future. Mary’s Meals is a grassroots movement, which relies on the dedication and kindness of thousands of volunteers, fundraisers and supporters. In Malawi alone, more than 80,000 community volunteers take turns to cook and serve the meals for the children. Thanks to this cost-effective model, it costs just £13.90 to provide a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year. Hundreds of primary schools across the UK have chosen to join the Mary’s Meals movement and learn more about their work. An Education Officer works with primary schools to ensure teachers have the resources they need to share the Mary’s Meals story with children of all ages. Mary’s Meals would love to work with your school. If you would like to find out more about their work, get in touch via email schools@marysmeals.org – they’d love to hear from you! More information can be found online at www.marysmeals.org.uk

Get Writing!

Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery have come together with the Library to create a variety of different inspiration boxes full of intriguing objects, articles, books and images that children can use as inspiration for creative writing. This fantastic new resource is aimed at schools in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells to get children writing more often and to look to the world around them for inspiration. The best bit? They are absolutely free! Based at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery,

Free boxes including objects, articles and images, aimed at schools to get children writing Tunbridge Wells Museum, Library & Art Gallery have come together to create 10 different inspiration boxes full of interesting objects, articles, books and images that children can use as inspiration.

Where are they? Open Evening Thurs 28th Sept 2017 - 6pm-9pm School Tours Mon 2nd & Tues 3rd October 2017 9.15am and 11.30am Mon 16th & Tues 17th October 2017 9.15am and 11.30am

They are based at Tunbridge Wells Museum, Library & Art Gallery, you will need to call the museum to order your box. However they can be delivered to your local library anywhere in the Borough for you, where you can collect and drop-off. Each school can loan one box at a time, for 2 months. Call us to book now: 01892 554171 museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org/cultural-hub Funded as part of the development of the Tunbridge Wells Cultural & Learning Hub *Please note this offer is only available to schools in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells.

Big enough for choice; small enoughto care kent.gov.uk

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers

We can provide advice, support and help for you and your child.. Along with...

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

FRE

Intro d Asse uctory ssm ent

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

Education, Education, Education

Do you think your child may need screening for Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and/or Visual Stress??

An opportunity for your child to attend their OWN school; whilst also enjoying specialist tutoring off site.

01732 824143/07846 107386 narinda@algarsacademy.co.uk www.flexi-schooldyslexia.co.uk

AWARD-WINNING

schools simply need to call the museum to order a box. They can be delivered to your local library anywhere in the borough for collection and return. Each school can borrow one box at a time for a period of two months. These boxes are funded as part of the development of the Tunbridge Wells Cultural & Learning Hub which is an exciting redevelopment of the Library, Museum and Adult Education buildings. The project brings together the Museum, Library, Art Gallery, Adult Education, Tourist Information and Gateway services in one modernised building. Contact them to book a box on 01892 554 171 or email museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk. For more details please check out the website www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org/cultural-hub

YOUR NEAREST CENTRE IS IN:

Year 5 Taster Days at MGGS Book Now Online

6th and 13th June 2017 Full details of these events and our Year 4 & 5 Primary School events are available at www.mggs.org - just search online bookings. The Primary School events include Taster Days, One-Off Sessions, Series of Sessions and Summer School Experience. Non sibi sed omnibus

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

A Tradition of Excellence

62% A*-C The New Gold Standard* Now the best school in Maidstone

Our Grammar Stream provides a genuine alternative to Grammar schools with the added bonus of the supportive culture our reputation is built on

Looking for high standards, better grades and the best support? Why choose second best? *The A*-C Pass Rate in English and Maths. Maplesden Noakes achieved the highest Gold Standard of all Maidstone High Schools www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk 01622 759036

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April

Mon 3 – Thurs 6 Apr

Easter Fun at the Farm, Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY

9am–5pm. Enjoy all day indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play and crazy golf. There will be egg-citing Easter games for the kids. And you can get close to our gorgeous lambs and chicks. Meet Peppa Pig and George on 5 Apr too. For more information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sat 22 Apr

Bittern Breakfast, RSPB Dungeness Boulderwall Farm, TN29 9PN 7-10am. Go on a sunrise walk and listen to the distinctive call of our booming bitterns echoing from the reed beds. Jump out of bed, join in for an experience to remember, and round it all off with a tasty cooked breakfast. For more information and to book visit www.rspb.org.uk

Sun 2 Apr

No Worries, Wrap and Weave, Turner Contemporary, Margate, CT9 1HG

(Also 16 Apr) 1–4pm. Learn about the Shaman Legend of the Worry Dolls and create your own wrapped up Worry-Person using fabric, threads and recycled materials. Drop in. Charges apply. For more information visit www.turnercontemporary.org

Sevenoaks Rotary 10k Run, Knole Park, TN15 0RP

11am. The Rotary Club is hoping to raise at least £12,000 from entries of which ellenor will receive 25%. Join them in this vital fund raising. There will be a fun run at 10.15am. For more information visit ellenor.org

Walk with a Warden, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH

10.30am-12.30pm. A family friendly guided walk looking for signs around the reserve. Fun activity sheets for the children to enjoy. Booking essential. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Mon 3 Apr

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST Catch a Story Time performance of Goldilocks and Three Bears to keep your children entertained while you buy the Easter treats at Bluewater. For more information visit www. bluewater.co.uk

Mon 3 – Fri 7 Apr

Explorer Backpacks, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH Pick up an Explorer Backpack to embark on a family quest around Canterbury Cathedral. Use your binoculars and magnifying glass to investigate tombs, monuments and stained glass. Then take part in a fun drawing challenge. Ages 3-12. For more information visit www. canterbury-cathedral.org

Medieval Story Garden, Canterbury Tales, CT1 2TG 11am-3pm. (Also 10–14 April). Learn about Medieval Medicine in the herb garden and Maypole Dancing. Be knighted after taking lessons at Knight School. Admission charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.canterburytales. org.uk

Ruxley Rascals: Daisy the Bunny Create your own Daisy the Bunny with soft fur and cute floppy ears, a favourite for any bunny lover. Session includes soft bunny lining, stuffing, birth certificates, star wish, bunny activity sheet and crayons. For more information visit www.ruxley-manor. co.uk

Mon 3 – Sun 9 April

Easter Fun, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, ME7 3PD 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Makendoo return with their popular Easter art and craft workshops. Children can decorate an Easter card or a flower pot and plant a sunflower seed. Also paint a bunny mask, chick, egg or butterfly. For more information visit www.hempsteadvalley.com

Family Mondays, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

(Also 10 Apr) 11am-3pm.Visit Knole on Family Mondays during the Easter holiday for a range of Spring themed activities. Create some wild art and learn how to make a home for a wild animal Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Wildcraft, Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park, Faversham ME13 7UD

10am–12noon, 1-3pm. Get involved in some wild craft using natural materials to create your own masterpiece. For more information visit www.medwayvalley.org

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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

Tues 4 Apr

”

Bug Road Show, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY

10am–3pm. See and handle giant millipedes, stick insects, katydids, cockroaches, leaf insects and giant moths to name but a few and discover lots of facts about them. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Tues 4 – Thurs 13 Apr Make an Easter Helmet, Rochester Castle, ME11 1SW

10.30am–3.30pm. (Selected dates). Join the hands on family craft activity to make an Easter Helmet for Norman the Knight. Charges apply. For more information call 01634 332 901 or visit www.enjoymedway.org

Easter Holiday Fun, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH 10.30am–2pm. Go along and enjoy a host of activities including make your own felt puppet, decorate a suncatcher, make an Easter basket and much more. Charges apply. Ages 4+. For more information visit www. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Wed 5 Apr

Equator: African Drumming and Singing Worshop, Horsbridge Centre, Whitstable, CT5 1AF

Animal Puppets, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH 10.30am, 11.30am and 1pm. Join in the fun and make a felt animal puppet. Simply drop in on the day to book. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit museum.maidstone. gov.uk

2pm. A hands-on session learning and playing southern African drum patterns and rhythms combined with singing some simple African songs. A short performance by our lead artist from the performance group U’Zambezi will follow the workshop. For more information and to book visit www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk

Caribbean Storytime, Rochester Library Community Hub, ME1 1EW

Bushcraft, Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park, Faversham ME13 7UD

10.30–11.30am. Part of Legacy, a season of free lyrical and literature events, rooted in African and Caribbean culture. Take part in Caribbean Storytime with Anansi The Spider and Brer Rabbit for 3-12 year olds. Book in advance, call 01634 337 799 or visit the library.

Rocking Rockpooling, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone, CT20 2JP 11am. Go along and explore the amazing reef and rocky shore of Lower Leas Coastal Park. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Victorian Tropical Service Helmet, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

(Also 11 Apr). 10am-3pm. Learn to make and light a fire. Build your own shelter from natural materials. Decorate a beautiful Easter tree and go in pursuit of the chocolate eggs as you follow the woodland Easter trail. For more information and to book visit www.wildlifetrust.org.uk

10.30am-2pm. Go along and enjoy decorating a suncatcher to catch the Spring sunshine. A drop in and book on the day session. Charges apply. Ages 4+. For more information visit museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Grow your own Quex Mystery, Quex Park and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, CT7 0BH (Also 11-14 Apr). Join in this Easter to find out more about the fruit and vegetables that grow in the Walled Garden. Then decorate your own plant pot, sow your mystery seed and see what mystery Quex goody you grow. For more information visit www.quexpark.co.uk/events

Family Forest Skills Easter Event, Hunstead Wood, Canterbury, CT4 7NT

Suncatchers, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Use the hunt trail for historic headgear and be inspired to create your own Victorian Tropical Service Helmet. Ages 3+ Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Tues 4 – Fri 7 Apr

10am–12noon, 1-3pm. Join in for a Bushcraft taster session and test out your wilderness skills. For more information visit www.medwayvalley. org

MKII Second World War Helmet, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am -1pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Drop in and be inspired to create your own soldiers MK II Helmet complete with camouflage covering by using the trail to hunt for historic headgear. Charges apply. Ages 3+. For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 28... Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Katie

lown’s Bunny Bonanza

Spot 5 Differences A

Rabbit Word Search

R E T E P S R A E C

G E W K C U B T H A

W H O D C N A I O R

O U Y D M I N B P R

R T Z A L C G B P O

R C G L H P R A I T

U H H I M G K R N S

B F L O P P Y W G W

V L J K Y C N U O B

A B W A R R E N B D

Can you find all these words in the word search? Rabbit, Hopping, Tail, Ears, Carrots, Hay, Peter, Bouncy, Chinchilla, Warren, Hutch, Burrow, Doe, Floppy, Buck

How do rabbits travel? By Hareplane!

How can you tell which rabbits are getting old? Look for the grey hares!

What’s a rabbit’s favourite dance style? Hip Hop!

How many rabbits does it take to change a light bulb? Only one if he hops right to it!

Why was the rabbit so upset? She was having a bad hare day!

How many Easter Bunnies can you see?

Draw a picture (no larger than A4) or write a poem about anything to do with ‘the Easter Bunny’ 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:

Answers How many Easter Bunnies?

Send your entry together with this completed form to: Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG Closing date: 28 April 2017. Good Luck!

Spot the Difference: In Picture B, there is an extra blue flower at the top. The egg shell is blue. The pink egg is missing. There are three rabbits along the bottom left. There is another chick in the middle on the left. 18

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April

Mahdi Kufi cap. Charges apply. Ages 3+. For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk

Chick Stick Puppets, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

Easter Trail, Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park, Faversham ME13 7UD

Weds 5 – Sun 9 Apr

11am-4pm Go along to a great fun, creative Easter Holiday workshop and design your own stick puppet. For more information visit www. riverhillgardens.co.uk

Thurs 6 Apr

Rhododendron Family Walk, Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend, DA12 3HX

10am–12noon. Go along on a Family Guided Walk along the Heritage Trail. For more information visit www. medwayvalley.org

Eco Easter Birds, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH

10am-1pm. Learn how to use stencils, potato stamps and collage to create your own printed pattern on recycled card. Develop it into an Eco Easter Bird by cutting and folding with leftover pieces to make your bird truly unique. For more information and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Easter Baskets, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

10.30am-2pm. Join in the Easter fun and make an Easter basket to take home to collect all the lovely eggs. Simply drop in on the day to book. Charges apply. Ages 4+. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Alberto Shako Hat, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

10.30am-1pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Go along and use the trail to hunt for historic headgear and be inspired to create your own Albert Shako Headdress with feathers or a ball plume attached at the top. Charges apply. Ages 3+. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Fri 7 Apr

Pond Dipping, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Centre, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH

11am–4pm. Join a pond dipping session at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve to discover what creatures are living in one of the ponds on the reserve. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

African Mahdi Kufi Cap, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

10.30am-1pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Go along and use the trail to hunt for historic headgear and be inspired to create your own bright and colourful African

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

(Also 12 Apr) 10am–12noon, 1pm–3pm. Follow the Easter Bunny’s clues along a self-guided trail to find the treasure at the end. For more information visit www.medwayvalley. org

Fri 7 – Sat 15 Apr

Lindt Bunny Warren, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Visit the Lindt Gold Bunny Warren in the shopping centre at Bluewater to keep your children amused while you stock up on Easter goodies. For more information visit www.bluewater. co.uk

Sat 8 Apr

Big Fish Little Fish, Hall by the Sea, Dreamland, CT9 7PD

2-4pm. A fun big night out for Big kids and Little kids. Bringing together the experience of seasoned clubbers and award winning family activities, it’s a social environment that provides a unique space to play and rave. For more information and to book visit www.dreamland.co.uk

Field Trip, Oare Marshes, Faversham, ME13 0QA

9am. Enjoy a trip to the Reserve which consists of grazing marsh with freshwater dykes, open water scrapes, reed bed, saltmarsh and seawall.You can expect a good variety of bird species; this sight regularly turns up exciting rarities. Free event. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk

Peppa Pig & Family Fun, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY

Travel by heritage train to see children’s favourite Peppa Pig who will be on hand at Groombridge Station. There will be face painters, Punch and Judy shows throughout the day at Tunbridge Wells West and an arts and crafts table. For more information and times visit www. spavalleyrailway.co.uk

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The White Cliffs of Dover, CT16 1HJ

11am–1pm. Join the knowledgeable guide on a gentle walk to South Foreland Lighthouse. Enjoy the fantastic views across the channel whilst learning about the varied history of this beautiful place. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/white-cliffs-dover

Sun 9 Apr

Mon 10 – Sat 15 Apr

Easter Family Fun, Hempstead Valley Shopping Valley, ME7 3PD Join in with a host of six days of Easter activities. Take part in the Easter Egg hunt and enjoy balloon modelling. For more information visit www.hempsteadvalley.com

Tues 11 Apr

Easter Trail, Cobtree Manor Farm, ME20 7AG 10am-12noon. Have fun and follow the Easter Bunny’s clues along a self-guided trail to find the treasure at the end. For more information visit www.medwayvalley.org

Easter Make & Take Workshops, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend DA13 9PA

Spring Walk, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

10.30am-12.30pm. Join a Spring walk around the estate, spotting bluebells as you go. The walk sets off from the visitor reception. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

10am-2pm. Have fun and enter a world of imagination. Today you will paint a Toadstool Bird Feeder. Also at Staplehurst Centre, TN12 9BT. For more details and to book visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

Wings, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

Mon 10 Apr

Pond Dipping, Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park, Faversham ME13 7UD

10am–12noon, 1-3pm. Go along and discover the mysterious watery world of the mini beast. For more information visit www.medwayvalley. org

Beastie Days, Brogdale, Faversham, ME13 8XZ

Hunt and collect bugs in the orchard, meet the Bug Roadshow’s impressive collection of Mega Bugs and get creative and build your very own bug to take home with you. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.brogdalecollections. org

10.30am-4pm. Enjoy a session of arts and crafts, make a set of butterfly or dragonfly wings to wear. Suitable for ages 4+. Simply drop in on the day to book. Charges apply. For more information visit museum.maidstone. gov.uk

Royal Engineers Beret, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Go along and use the trail to hunt for historic headgear and be inspired to create your own Royal Engineers beret with cap badge. Charges apply. Ages 3+. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Easter Make & Take Workshops, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend DA13 9PA

A Very Victorian Easter, Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, TN1 1JN

Mon 10 – Fri 14 Apr

10am–12noon, 2–4pm. Take part in a special Victorian egg hunt throughout the Museum & Art Gallery, and find the hidden coloured eggs to win a prize. And make your own Victorian Easter Egg to take away as well. For more information visit www. tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

10am–2pm This Easter enter a world of pure imagination as you join in the workshop. Design your own Land of Make Believe door. Ages 3-8. Charges apply. Also at Staplehurst Centre, TN12 9BT. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Spring Week, Godinton House and Gardens, Ashford, TN23 3BP

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

birth certificates, star wish, bunny activity sheet and crayons. For more information visit www.ruxley-manor. co.uk

1-4pm. A week of seasonal activities for families to enjoy. With traditional treasure hunt, garden games and children’s crafts. Charges apply. For more information visit http:// godintonhouse.co.uk

Ruxley Rascals: Daisy the Bunny, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

Create your own Daisy the Bunny with soft fun and cute floppy ears, a favourite for any bunny lover. Session includes soft bunny lining, stuffing,

Family Forest Skills, Hunstead Woods, Canterbury, CT4 7NT 10am–3pm. Join in with the bushcraft and Easter activities at Denstead Wood, nr Chartham Hatch. Learn to make and light a fire. Get creative decorating an Easter tree and go in pursuit of the chocolate eggs as you follow the woodland Easter trail. For more information www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 30...

Win a Family Trip to Meet the Gruffalo at Chessington

Win Guinness World Records Blockbusters! Goodie Bag

New for 2017 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure will take you and your family on a picturesque riverboat journey with Mouse through the deep dark wood. As you splash down the lazy river, the story of The Gruffalo will magically unfold in front of your eyes with exciting twists and turns along the way. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure will be accompanied by many other exciting Gruffalo offerings across the whole Resort, including six brand new fully themed Gruffalo rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel, The Gruffalo Gift Shop, The Gruffalo Bites food outlet, character meet and greets and film showings at The Gruffalo Arena, plus much, much more!

Lights, camera, action! Guinness World Records 2017 Blockbusters! is here, packed with the latest records from your favourite films, social media, toys and beyond… Which movies took the box office by storm? Who’s the world’s best-selling kids’ author? Which YouTube stars have the most fans? What’s the most used emoji? The latest edition of Blockbusters! holds all the answers to your need-to-know pop-culture questions. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive challenges for a chance to set your very own blockbuster record! Out to own from 23 March – pre-order now at http://amzn.to/2lGa6Jw. For more information visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com/blockbusters

Is your family ready for an adventure in 2017? Win a family day out to Chessington where you can come face to face with The Gruffalo! Plus you will also receive Fastrack tickets to the brand new Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, a world first, as well as exclusive goody bags! For your chance to win all this, tell us the name of the new riverboat ride at Chessington For entry details see the bottom of this page.

Primary Times has three Blockbusters! goodie bags to give away to three lucky Primary Times readers. Each bag contains a copy of the 2017 Blockbusters! book, a backpack, stopwatch, a pair of headphones and a mini chocolate egg basket. For entry details see the bottom of this page.

Terms and Conditions apply. Please see www.primarytimes.net

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 the Brighton Fringe and what better way to celebrate than a fantastic competition for our readers. The 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 6 May to 5 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 in a family room at the ibis Hotel on the first Sunday of half term [Sunday 28 May]. The ibis Brighton City Centre Hotel is ideally located close to Brighton train station, offering 140 modern rooms with the innovative new ‘Sweet Bed by ibis’ for your ultimate comfort. The prize also includes a meal for four at Polpo. Polpo is a bàcaro. This is a Venetian word to describe a humble restaurant serving simple food and good, young Italian wines. They offer tasty small plates in a setting that reflects the gloriously faded elegance of Italy. On top of all this we are giving away a family ticket [up to 2 adults and 2 children] to two Brighton Fringe family shows of your choice on either Sunday 28 or Monday 29 May [subject to availability].

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h e o b h t t y h u

p a h l j r o c k n

l d g u d l wb f b x y d f s k s m f a

p l f e v a d g n i

i l c a p c e n l r

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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 ‘Brighton Fringe’ as the subject by Friday 28 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 competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competion name as the subject by Friday 28 April. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April

Willow Weaving and Pond Dipping, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD

1-4pm. Come and join a pond dipping session to catch and identify creatures that live in the pond and then weave your own fish out of willow, wool and other natural materials. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Wed 12 Apr

Easter Make & Take Workshops, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend DA13 9PA

10am–2pm. Give a Gnome a home. Enjoy painting and naming your very own gnome. Charges apply. Ages 3-8. Also at Staplehurst Centre, TN12 9BT. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Eggs and Art, Wraik Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3BY

10am-1pm. Join in with some fun Easter activities for the whole family. Make and fly your own kite, decorate an Easter tree to take home and see who can spot the hidden eggs to win a tasty treat. Meet in the Car Park. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Chinese Chao Guan Hat, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

10.30am-1pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Go along and use the trail to hunt for historic headgear and be inspired to create your own Chinese Chao Guan hat covered with red tassels and topped with gem stones. Charges apply. Ages 3+. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Pond Dipping, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD

10.30-11.30am.Go along 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. Each participant will get a spotter sheet to take home. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Wed 12 – Mon 17 April Bunny Hunt, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

Easter Make & Take Workshops, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend DA13 9PA

10am-2pm. Enter a world of imagination while having fun and make your own magical accessories, choose from wings, a horn or potion pot. Charges apply. Ages 3-8. Also at Staplehurst Centre, TN12 9BT. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

1875 FA Cup Football Cap, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG

10.30am-1pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Go along and use the trail to hunt for historic headgear and be inspired to create your own 1875 football cap out of felt, complete with tassel. Charges apply. Ages 3+. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Thurs 13 – Sun 16 Apr Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival, Various Locations

Visitors can enjoy four days of river cruises (booking essential), live entertainment, fireworks and ship visits. The event will close on Sun with a Parade of Sail as the fleet of Tall Ships head out along the river to sea. There will also be 2 festival villages, one in Royal Woolwich Arsenal and one in Maritime Greenwich. For more information visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ tallships

Fri 14 – Mon 17 Apr

£1 Weekend, East Kent Railway Trust, Shepherdswell, CT15 7PD Travel for just £1 over the Easter weekend. The four mile round trip takes you on a scenic journey. For times and more information visit www.eastkentrailway.co.uk

Easter Weekend, Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway, ME10 2XD

11am-4pm. Running on all four days, join in celebrating the reopening of the Railway for the 2017 Season. A quick return trip takes about an hour, but you can stay longer and visit the award winning gardens, museum and more. For more information visit www.sklr.net

10.30am–4pm. Hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the rhododendrons and earn yourself some chocolate egg rewards. For more information visit www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Thurs 13 Apr

Spring Mix, Maidstone museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

10.30am–2pm. Go along and make your choice from a range of Spring crafts. Drop in on the day to book. Charges apply. Ages 4+. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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

”

Easter Fun & Frolics, Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, TN26 3RJ Meet the Easter Bunny, join in the chocolate hunt, go pig racing, visit the lambing tunnel and don’t miss the Easter panto ‘Red Riding Hood’. Charges apply. For daily activities and more information visit www. rarebreeds.org.uk

Wildlife Easter Trail, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, TN13 3DH 11am–4pm. Go and find clues along the Kingfisher Trail to claim your chocolate prize at the end. For more information and to book visit www. wildlifetrust.org.uk

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

Cadbury Egg Hunt, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB

11am-4pm. Take part in the Cadbury Egg hunt in the grounds of the world famous garden created by Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West. Follow the trail to claim your sweet treat prize. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle

Cadbury Easter Trail, Smallhythe Palce, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

11am–5pm. There’s been a breakout. King Bunny’s chocolate army is missing, and now it is up to you to find out where the bunnies are, and who unleashed them. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

Easter Adventures Quest, Walmer Castle, Deal, CT14 7LJ 10am-5 pm. Go along and meet the King and characters from the past with stories of times gone by. Rise to their challenge and win a reward. For more information visit www. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ walmer-castle-and-gardens/

Cadbury Egg Hunt, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

A magical wonderland awaits you, where the White Rabbit will enchant you with an Easter Tale and you will receive an egg-citing gift. Booking recommended. For more information and to book visit www.broadditch. co.uk/easter

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, DA3 8NG

11am-3.30pm. Join in for the annual Cadbury Egg Hunt trail with puzzles and games to keep the family occupied. Find your way around the medieval moated manor and tuck into a delicious prize at the end. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ightham-mote

Cadbury Egg Hunt, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD

11am-4pm. Explore the house and gardens at General Wolfe’s home. Then travel back to the eighteenth century in the house as it was when his family lived there, then collect your Cadbury bunny at the end. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

This is the championship’s only 2017 visit to the ‘bullring’ Indy circuit. With mouth-watering motorcycles from Ducati,Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Suzuki, and more. For more information and to book visit www. brandshatch.co.uk

Cadbury Egg Hunt, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN

Mr Fox’s Easter Trail, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD

12–4pm. Come to Tyland Barn and join in our fun wildlife themed Easter trail. Help Mr Fox to find the clues around the nature park and claim your chocolate prize at the end. For more information and to book visit www.wildlifetrust.org.uk

10am–4pm. Follow the clues around the garden, use your map and find the treasure to claim your chocolate bunny. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/scotney-castle

Easter Snail Trail, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD

Discover Easter, Brogdale, Faversham, ME13 8QG

Romney Rainbow Sheep’s Easter Trail, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY

Easter Adventures with Robin Hoodie and Maid Marion, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

12noon–4pm. Join in to find the clues around the oast house and surrounding grounds, then claim your chocolate prize at the end. For more information and to book visit www. wildlifetrust.org.uk

11am–3pm. Help Romney Rainbow Sheep to find the clues around the gardens and grounds near the visitor centre then claim your chocolate prize at the end. For more details and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Visit the animals and see the live chicks hatch at Easter.You can tour and explore with the whole family on the Easter trail. Take a ride on the Faversham Miniature Railway and get stuck into Easter kids crafts. For more information and to book visit www.brogdalecollections.org

Look out for Robin Hoodie, Maid Marion and a merry band of naughty outlaws in the ground for a fun

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 32...

t ’ a s h N e w W We’re Going on an Egg Hunt Activity Book

Can you ﬁnd all the Easter eggs and help the Easter Bunnies get through the maze to escape from the wolf? This super activity book is bursting with colouring, puzzles, games and over 100 lovely stickers. Based on the bestselling We’re Going on an Egg Hunt, there will be plenty to keep you occupied over the Easter holidays. Laura Hughes’ beautiful illustrations jump off the pages and children will adore the cute springtime animals. It costs £4.99 from bookshops or online.

The Pirate Craft Book

Entertaining your little buccaneers can be a treacherous job but Laura Minter and Tia Williams have come up with a swashbuckling solution – The Pirate Craft Book. Packed to the gunnels with a whole heap of crafts to allow you to create everything your little pirate needs, ‘The Pirate Craft Book’ contains 15 fantastic pirate-themed projects that will get children crafting and creating in no time. Aimed at boys and girls aged 3+, all of the projects can be made either from readily available items or from easy-to-source materials. As well as pirate projects to wear and essential pirate accessories, there are also pirate-themed cakes and nibbles to make too. Each project comes with beautiful photos and easyto-follow step-by-step instructions. If you want to keep your ship out of Davy Jones’ Locker and avoid being marooned by boredom ye best be buying ‘The Pirate Craft Book’, available from selected high street and online retailers at £6.99.

My Doodles Hooded Rucksack

The Great Easter Egg Hunt Kit

Toilet Trouble

Playmobil Easter Eggs

The ‘My Doodles Hooded Rucksack’ is perfect for weekends, school, days out, or holidays away.With the Hooded Rucksack, your child can carry their lunchbox for school, their favourite stories and games for the journey or even their picnic for a walk. If it starts to rain, you’ll be prepared with the handy attached hood, just pop it up and on to keep their heads dry. When adventure calls on that walk to school or at the seaside, children can have fun becoming a shark or an owl. ‘My Doodles Hooded Rucksack’ retails at £6.99 and is available in many high street and online retailers.

Filled with suspense and excitement, Toilet Trouble from Hasbro is a new hilarious game for both kids and families. The aim of the game is to flush but be the last player left without getting sprayed. Players take turns spinning the toilet paper roll which will dictate how many times each player must flush the toilet handle. If the player hears the flushing sound, but no water is sprayed they are safe, but watch out for the random spray of water as that player will be eliminated. Toilet Trouble is available from retailers on the High Street and online.

For a true Easter celebration, an Easter egg hunt is a must. The Great Easter Egg Hunt Kit makes sure you have everything you need to set up your celebrations in your garden, or in the house. Simply follow the footprints and signposts to become the greatest Easter egg hunter ever. The kit includes seven signs, four sets of bunny footprints, eight tasty treat bags to stash your chocolate eggs in and one golden egg. The Great Easter Egg Hunt Kit, available on Amazon, is a fun and easy way to make this Easter ‘egg-stra egg-citing’, and at £8.50, it’s a bargain too.

Playmobil’s ever-popular gift eggs are back with four new themes for Easter – Dragon Warrior, Queen Moonbeam with Pegasus, Kite Surfer and Tightrope Walker. The egg is a perfect alternative to chocolate, with each colourful egg containing a brand new character and fun accessories. The gifts eggs can be used all year round to store beloved Playmobil characters, keepsakes and secret treasures, with a slot underneath to help children saving their pocket money. Give your children an Easter present that will last longer than Easter day and provide entertainment for hours on end. The eggs retail at a very reasonable £6.99 and are available online or at selected high street retailers.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April filled ‘Walking Theatre’ adventure of silliness and laughter - perfect for all the family on Easter Bank Holiday weekend. For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Wildlife Easter Trail, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, TN13 3DH 11am-4pm. Join in at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve for a wildlife themed Easter Trail. Find the clues along the Kingfisher Trail to claim your chocolate prize at the end. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Snail Trail, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 12noon–4pm. Join in to find the clues around the Oast House and surrounding grounds, then claim your chocolate prize at the end. For more information and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 15 Apr

Easter Trail and Crafts, Westgate Parks, Canterbury, CT1 2BX

10am-3pm. Solve clues to complete the challenge and receive an Easter egg. Make your very own Easter chicks or rabbit faces to take home. For more information visit www. westgateparks.co.uk

Vaisakhi Festival, Gravesend Town Centre, DA11 0TA

11am–4pm. Another massive street party and a host of religious ceremonies will light up the town, which has celebrated Vaisakhi every year since 1999. For more information visit www.visitkent.co.uk

Tame the Flame Dragon Day, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am-2pm. Enter a world of imagination, meet the fire breathing dragon and enjoy dragon fun and games. Charges apply. Ages 3-8. For more information and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Easter Fun Day, Happy Endings Rescue, Faversham, ME13 0SD 12noon. Enjoy bouncy castle, meet and feed the animals, Easter egg trail. There is also a craft corner and much more. Charges apply. For more information visit www. happyendingsrescue.org

Also make your very own Easter chicks or rabbit faces to take home. Ages 4-12. For more information and to book visit www.westgateparks. co.uk

Sat 15 – Sun 16 Apr

Easter Afternoon Tea, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ 12noon–2pm. Enjoy the delight with a traditional afternoon tea, held in a beautiful restored 1920s ballroom. A perfect setting to enjoy an array of scones, cakes and finger sandwiches. For more information and to book visit www.dreamland.co.uk

Sat 15 – Mon 17 Apr

Broadstairs Food Festival 2017, Pierremont Park Grounds, Broadstairs, CT10 1JX 10am–5pm. This fair brings together over 50 Kent food and drink producers. Children’s art activity and face painting will be available and an Easter bonnet competition will be held. For more information visit www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

Sun 16 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt, Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham, ME13 2BX

12noon-3pm. Take the family along this Easter to enjoy an afternoon of activities. Explore the gardens and search for Easter eggs to get your very own treat. Charges apply. For more information visit www. belmont-house.org

Sun 16 – Mon 17 Apr

Happy Hopper Storytelling, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

2–3pm. Settle in for a cosy Easter tale inside the historic home with Aardvark Productions, who have a wonderful story to share with you about a very silly Easter rabbit. For more information visit www. penshurstplace.com

Festival of Steam and Transport, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham,

There will be steam displays, traction engines, travelling Locomotives and classic/vintage cars displayed, and you will see an array of festival entertainment including traditional

Easter Egg Hunt, Maidstone Town Centre, ME15 6YT

10am -4pm. Go and look for the eggs and discover the Easter Story. Pick up a map available from Fremlin Walk and the Mall. For more information visit www.waypointmaidstone.org.uk

Easter Trail and Crafts, Westgate Parks, Canterbury, CT1 2BQ

10am-3pm. Follow a self-led Easter trail and solve clues to complete the challenge and receive an Easter egg.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

“

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

Dawn Chorus and Moth Breakfast, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR

”

steam funfair, live music, street acts and much more. For more details and to book visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Sat 22 Apr

Birchington Indoor Fair, The Village Centre, CT7 9EG 9am– 12noon. Go along and have a fun day out and help to raise vital funds To find out more about the event call 01303 862 622 or visit www.lordwhisky.co.uk

Birds at Hothfield Heathlands reserve, Nr Ashford TN26 1HD 9–11am. Ian Rickards, Ashford Area Warden for Kent Wildlife Trust leads this walk looking for birds such as tree creepers, woodpeckers, linnets, and possibly even the first cuckoo of the year. For more details and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

The English Festival, Riverside Country Park, Gillingham, ME7 2XH 11am-5pm. Enjoy a fun packed free day out for the whole family celebrating the most iconic and ironic of English traditions. For more information contact 01634 333 333 or visit www.enjoymedway.org/ events/english-festival

Hanami Festival, Brogdale, Faversham ME13 8XZ Enjoy a Japanese exhibition, Japanese performances, and Japanese food and children’s activities to celebrate Hanami the Japanese Festival dedicated to cherry blossom. For more details visit www. brogdalecollections.org/hanami

Sun 23 Apr

Bluebell Cream Tea, Poulton Wood, Aldington, Kent TN25 7DT 12noon–4pm. Enjoy the beauty of the wood, brimming full of Bluebells and enjoy a tasty homemade cream tea. For more information visit www. rarebreeds.org.uk

Mon 24 Apr 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 29 Apr

Bluebell and Wildflower Walks, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB 2pm–4pm. (Also 29 Apr). Take a guided tour of the estate with the ranger team and enjoy the sight and high scent of this colourful season. Cream tea included. For more information and to book visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurstcastle

5.15-8am. Get up with the lark and join us for a wander through the beautiful woods to experience spring song at its finest. Afterwards warm up with a spot of tea and toast before checking the moth trap to see what’s flown in overnight. To book and for more information visit www. boreplace.org

Pond Dipping, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD 2-3pm. Join in for a great family event - 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. Every participant will take away a spotter sheet. For more details and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Dawn Chorus Walk, Vinters Valley Nature Reserve, Maidstone, ME14 5EH 5.30am. Go along to hear and see a number of bird species found in the reserve. The bird spotting team will help you identify the different birds and their song. A free event, however donations would be appreciated. For more information visit www. vintersvalley.co.uk

Saturday Craft Club, Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, TN1 1JN 10am-12pm, 2-4pm. A free drop-in craft sessions for all ages - children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. April’s theme is Feathery Friends. For more information visit www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

Sat 29 Apr – Mon 1 May 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

Sweeps Festival, Rochester Town Centre, ME1 1LX This three day spectacular event celebrates the 19th Century Sweeps annual holiday. Highlights include Morris dancers and entertainment throughout. For more information contact 01634 333 333 or visit www. enjoymedway.org/events

Spring Activity Pack, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am–4.30pm. Have fun outside with our Spring activity pack (free web download or £2 from reception) and tick off some of your 50 things to do before you are eleven and three quarters. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

For lots more Roundabout ideas see page 34... Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

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STAR READ

Thunder Struck - Ali Sparkes (Oxford, £6.99)

Alisha and Theo had just met when they were both struck by lightening. Luckily they both There’s more than a hint of magic in my latest selection, survived, but it had a big impact on their lives, leaving them able to see ghosts.They are luckier not to mention ghostly activity, chocolate and some than the two young ghosts, Doug and Lizzie, they very determined youngsters coping with extraordinary meet who were killed by a lightening strike.The four form the Strike Club and are getting used to being together when situations. Have fun! things take a darker turn. Aisha and Theo realise not all ghosts are Counting With Tiny Cat - Viviane Scwarz (Walker Hb, £11.99) friendly when they start seeing sinister, faceless grey ghosts peering I love this book! Tiny cat must love red balls of wool in at them at school. Could bits of stone with Latin inscriptions have to have so many. He starts to count with them, but anything to do with them? Are the pupils at their school at threat it isn’t as easy as it ﬁrst seems, in fact he gets into from an old peril and if the Strike Club can work out what is going quite a muddle. This very clever, book has hardly any on, will they be in time, or capable of, averting a disaster? This is an words, but tells an hilarious, laugh out loud story with unputdownable story full of excitement mixed with some humorous simple, expressive pictures. Great for new or reluctant and spine tingling moments. Fair size print, medium length novel.

Debbie

readers, but fun for everyone.

The Young Magicians and the Thieves’ Almanac - Nick Mohammed (Puffin, £6.99)

Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory - Elys Dolan (Oxford, £6.99) Mr Bunny runs a very successful chocolate factory thanks to his hard working chicken employees. Despite making him very rich, he isn’t satisﬁed and wants more, insisting his workers work faster for longer.This makes them tired and causes accidents until they have had enough and go on strike. Rather than listen to them he tries to run the factory on his own — resulting in a disaster.Will the chickens go to his rescue? Will he learn the error of his ways? Will Debbie be found? The answers are in this very funny, thought provoking picture book with just a few sentences on each page and detailed pictures adding much to the story. Perfect for beginner readers.

A Race for Toad Hall - Tom Moorhouse (Oxford, £5.99) S Ignoring its reputation for being haunted,Teejay, Mo and ratty enjoy exploring the run down Toad Hall. On one excursion they accidentally fall into a tunnel and discover an ice house with a very surprising occupant — none other than Mr Toad who, it turns out, had been frozen for over a hundred years.There are plenty of shocks in store for him, not least of all the run down state of his home, and the fact it had been sold ready for demolition. Luckily being frozen hasn’t subdued his spirit and he sets out to protect his heritage — with a LOT of help from his new friends who thankfully are much less rash and more sensible than he is. This is the ﬁrst in ‘The New Adventures of Mr Toad’, a series revisiting a much loved character, bringing him up to date. He is as bombastic and funny as ever. Large print and pictures on every page make this a good bridge from picture books to novels.

Louie in a Spin

Rachel Hamilton (Oxford, £5.99)

Despite the best efforts of his friends, Louie persists in seeing the best in people and is totally oblivious to any bad feelings or negative actions against him. He is also unaware of his own limitations, especially when it comes to dance. He is delighted when he is chosen to represent his school in the ballet section of a competition that is very important to Madame Swirler, even though it is a mistake. Despite many disasters during rehearsals he is still convinced he can win, although no one else shares his belief. See if he can overcome all the odds in this latest ‘Unicorn in New York’ story with all the fun, laughs and adventures of the previous stories. Large print and hilarious illustrations add to the story making this great for newly developing and reluctant readers.

The Ghost Light

Zack, Jonny, Sophie and Alex are young magicians who meet on a Magic Circle induction week. Each with their own skills, they immediately bond and are disappointed to ﬁnd how much the president seems to dislike young magicians and is against them joining the Circle. Being rather adventurous and keen rule breakers, at least Zack is and the others follow, they discover all is not well and the society is in ﬁnancial trouble. When a seemingly impossible crime is committed, Zack works out it can only have been done using magician’s tricks. Is a member of the Circle a thief? The friends set out to discover the truth which involves a search for a secret book and a couple of death defying stunts — at least they hope they defy death! This is a gripping story full of humour and magic with well rounded, likeable, quirky characters.There are many surprises and breath taking moments in this full length novel.

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart Stephanie Burgis (Bloomsbury, £6.99)

Sarah Rubin (Chicken House, £6.99)

In her latest adventure, Alice Jones is helping out with a new production for the re-opening of the Beryl Theatre when seemingly ghostly activities threaten the cast. Alice accepts her sister Della’s request to investigate so she can prove ghosts don’t exist. As she delves in to the theatre’s past an unsolved mystery is revealed. Could this have something to do with current events? She is sure there is a plot to stop the theatre re-opening and thinks she has discovered who is behind it, but is all as it seems? Once again aided, and sometimes hindered by Kevin, Alice unravels the clues one at a time, giving would be detectives the chance to see if we can solve the case before her. This is as absorbing as the ﬁrst book in the series, full of excitement and suspense. Full length novel.

Aventurine is a brave, adventurous young dragon who rebels against family restrictions by going out on her own to capture a human.Things don’t go exactly to plan when the human she ‘captures’ tricks her into drinking magical chocolate which turns her into a human. This leaves her with a passion for chocolate and a very different, limiting, body to come to terms with. She has lost none of her spirit and, learning the human city has chocolate houses, sets out to ﬁnd one. After many false starts and causing quite a bit of chaos, she succeeds in becoming an apprentice to a chocolatier surprisingly making human friends and realising the amazing similarities between humans and dragons. But what will happen when her dragon family come to get her? Will she have to take sides or can she stop a very dangerous situation developing? Find out in this hugely entertaining story full of surprises. Fair sized print, full length novel.

The Secret Keepers - Trenton Lee Stewart (Chicken House, £6.99)

Reuben lives in a run down part of the city controlled by an evil being called ‘the Smoke’. No one ever sees him, but his ‘Directions’ frighten people into doing his will. When Reuben ﬁnds an old pocket watch he is amazed to discover it has an incredible power that can turn the holder invisible. This makes him feel invincible for a while until he realises he is in great danger as the Smoke is after the watch. Setting out to discover its origins, he meets an amazing family keeping a big secret. With the help of two of them Reuben sets out to achieve the impossible — to outwit the Smoke and destroy his power. There many more surprising discoveries to be made on the way and mortal dangers to face. This is a long novel full of twists and turns with many surprises and heart stopping moments. It will keep you guessing to the end. For older, capable junior readers.

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary across the Spring season

April

Merton Village Show, Faversham Showground, ME13 9HY There will be various trades and crafts for you to explore. There will be 500+ exhibits covering tractors, small steam engines, stationary engines, cars, motorbikes and much more. Also enjoy stilt walking, juggling and a Magic and Fire show. For more information visit www. mertonvintageshow.co.uk

Sun 30 Apr

Bluebell Walk 2017, Heart of Kent Hospice, Harrietsham Village Hall, ME17 1AP

Begin your 6 mile walk anytime between 8.30am and 10.30am amongst the Bluebells on the North Downs. Afterwards, refuel with a bbq and refreshments and enjoy some light entertainment around the village hall. For more information and to register visit www.hokh.org

Sun 30 Apr – Mon 1 May

May Bank Holiday Weekend, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

10.30am- 6pm. Refresh your woodcraft and outdoor skills with Camp Wilderness, who will be camped deep within the Woodland Trail, waiting to greet you with crackling fires, camping hacks and a host of bushcraft skills to teach you. For more information visit www. penshurstplace.com

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

10am–4pm. Follow marvellous mice cousins Angelina and Henry on their camping trip in the garden. Join the children’s literature favourite and tick off number 45 of your 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Sun 30 Apr – Tues 2 May

Spring Activity Pack, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-4pm. Explore the wider Ightham Mote estate and complete some of your 50 things challenges as you go. Pick up an activity pack from reception and run off steam in the natural play area. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

your garden looking wonderful this Summer. Charges apply. For more information visit www.belmonthouse.org

Wed 3 May

Estate Walk, Bluebells, Godington House and Gardens, Ashford, TN23 3BP

3-4pm. Join Nick Sandford, Estate Manager for a walk around the wider estate. Wellington boots or walking boots recommended due to uneven ground. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit godintonhouse.co.uk

Sat 6 May

Boot & Spring Fayre, Park House, Canterbury, CT4 6AN Boot Fayre 8am. Go along to raise some vital funds needed. There will be entertainment at 12noon including live music. Lots of fun for the children including pony cycles, pony rides and more. For more information visit www.lordwhisky. co.uk/news-and-events

Enbosu Family 3D Workshop, Rochester Art Gallery, Medway, ME1 1LX

10.30am or 1.30pm. Join artist Wendy Daws for a hands-on 3D making workshop inspired by her exhibition. Free but places must be booked in advance. Ages 7+. For more details and to book call on 01634 338 319 or email arts@medway.gov.uk

Boot and Spring Fayre, Park House, Stelling Minnis, CT4 6AN

8am-3.30pm. Go along to this event and help raise much needed vital funds for this great cause. For more information visit www.lordwhisky. co.uk

Sat 6 – Sun 7 May

Spring & Bluebells, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

2-5 pm. Discover the joys of spring with beautiful views during this six mile guided family walk. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

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,

May Mon 1 May

Spring Fair, Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham, ME13 2BX

11am-4pm. A perfect way to spend a Spring day and a great opportunity to get some advice on how to get

20 Mar - 14 May ‘17

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

”

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

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 with plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. For more details and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Sun 7 May

Wildflower Ramble, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR

10am–12noon. Take a leisurely walk to take in the wonderful spring blooms on offer in the fields and woodlands. Learn how to identify a few common species or just soak up the sights and sounds of some of the resident wildlife. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Tues 9 May

Walk with the Warden – Migrant Birds, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD

9.45am–12.30pm. This Spring walk is at a great time to see migrant birds and resident breeding birds, look at spring flowers and if the weather is sunny you may see early butterflies like the orange tip. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Sun 14 May

See Paw Patrol, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Go along and see Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol at intervals throughout the day. In between sesseions, why not join in with other activities on site. For times and to book visit www.kentlife.org.uk

Pilgrims 5k Colour Run, The Oval, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2GB

11.30am. Raise money in this explosion of colourful fun run which takes you along Palm Bay. Walk or jog through the brightly coloured paint clouds as you pass through each colour station. After finishing you will receive a medal. For more information visit www. pilgrimshospices.org/colourrun

Rainbow Run 2017, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU

Get behind Heart of Kent Hospice with friends and family by taking part in Kent’s most colourful and messy event of the year. Register now for the Early Bird option for family bookings that are made before Monday 3 April. For more information visit www.hokh.org.

Wed 17 – Sat 20 May

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 20 May

The White Cliffs of Dover, CT16 1HJ

Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun Half Term Crafts, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

11am-1pm. (except Tues). Join in the arts and crafts in the garden and decorate a special memory with a handmade photo frame or fashion a kite to have fun with in the spring breeze. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ smallhythe-place

Half Term Family Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

10am–4pm. Explore the garden and woodland to find out how the Churchill children played outdoors. A chance to start ticking off some of 50 things activities. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

50 Things Family Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Explore the garden and find best spots to tick off some of the 50 things activities. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrsut.org.uk/emmettsgarden

Mon 29 May

Tudor Costume Demonstrations, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

Go along to Stone Court 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/knole

Our next copy deadline is

28 April 2017.

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

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Good Work Page Ella Easton Millns aged 5

Libby Bird aged 10 Jessica Blackwell, Theodore competitions in our February Half Term magazine. Congratulations to the following people who won and the Darkness Hex Lee won copies of Geek's Guide to Britain books. Amy Blakesley, Rosie Chitham and Koppany Csamajtin Alicia Roberts. Betty and Matthew & Emma Seaber, Kane Gordon winners were Amara & Raema Cook, Marziyah Raza, son ah Puttock won tickets to Howletts. Harri If you would like to see Brady won tickets to Port Lympne Reserve. Hann Richmond Theatre while Matthew at d Worl saur Dino see to ts ticke won urg your work displayed van Rensb and Henry Kampjes won Trolls DVDs. Glee Theo , Haler Grace els, Wess ah Alann here then just send us a e, Clark Annie's Colouring Competition and years 4-7 age the won 5 aged s Milln n drawing, poem, riddles, Easto Ella to all our winners and enjoy the done Well 10. aged Bird Libby was er winn jokes or short story and our older . page this on poem and we'll do our very best to rk artwo include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Niladri Kar for his imaginative drawing, Jewel Jacob for her lovely rainbow picture, Suhasini Tapadar for her fun China Dragon picture and Maya Topolski for her detailed Harry Potter picture. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

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