North & West Kent February Half Term 2018 Primary Times by Alison Watson

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for families with primary aged children

February Half Term Edition Issue 108 29 January - 18 March 2018

in North & West Kent

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The Best Family Guide to Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Film Preview Guide Disney Pixar’s Coco

Coco is about a 12-year-old boy with big dreams. Miguel is an aspiring singer and self-taught guitarist who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, the most famous musician in the history of Mexico. However, Miguel’s family forbids music.When Miguel unearths a secret from his family’s past—a connection to Ernesto de la Cruz, he rushes to share the news with his family, thinking it will clear the way for him to be a musician.To his surprise, it only makes matters worse. As events unfold on Mexico’s ‘Day of the Dead’, Miguel is forced to team up with a scrappy, streetwise skeleton named Héctor and they set out to ﬁnd Ernesto de la Cruz, who they believe holds the key to Miguel’s bafﬂing and decidedly unmusical family history. Disney Pixar’s Coco is in cinemas now. Photo credit: 2017 Disney.Pixar

Early Man

Early Man is the new prehistoric comedy adventure from director Nick Park and Aardman, the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Shot in Aardman’s own distinctive style, the ﬁlm will take audiences on an extraordinary journey into an exciting new world unleashing an unforgettable tribe of unique and funny new characters. Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the Earth, Early Man tells the story of courageous caveman hero Dug, voiced by Eddie Redmayne, and his best friend Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy, Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City, to save their home. Leading Dug’s tribe of lovable misﬁts is Chief Bobnar who is joined by Treebor, Magma, Asbo, Barry, Gravelle, Eemak and Grubup. Maisie Williams voices Goona, the gallant rebel who befriends Dug and helps the tribe in their battle to beat the Bronze Age. Also joining the stellar cast is Rob Brydon, who voices the Message Bird - an ingenious Bronze Age communication device. Catch Early Man in cinemas now.

Tad the Lost Explorer and the Secret of King Midas

After Sara Lavroff discovers one of the three gold rings from King Midas’ necklace, proving that this ruler who turned everything he touched into gold really did exist,Tadeo, the most awkward explorer, travels to Las Vegas to join his friend at the exhibition where this incredible archaeological discovery will be revealed for the ﬁrst time ever.Tadeo and Sara’s happy reunion turns sour when villain, Jack Rackham, and his crew of bandits steal the jewel and kidnap the young archaeologist, knowing full well that whoever puts the three rings from King Midas’ necklace back together again will inherit his power and immense wealth. Tadeo will have to be clever in order to save Sara and destroy Rackham’s wicked plans. His travels will take him halfway around the world, through Spain, Greece and Turkey, alongside his friends the Mummy, Belzoni the parrot, his dog Jeff and the latest cast of characters to join the adventure. Tad the Lost Explorer will be in cinemas from 9 February.

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

Monster Family

Based on David Safier’s best-selling novel, Monster Family follows the very unhappy Wishbone clan.With a struggling bookshop, an overworked husband and two misunderstood teenagers, Emma is at her wit’s end trying to be the perfect mom to a family who are constantly at each other’s throats. In an attempt to reconnect the family, Emma drags the clan to a costume party, but the plan backfires when they are cursed by an evil witch and transformed into their own monstrous costumes.The Wishbone family must pull together to battle real-life beasts, reverse the curse and prove that even a vampire, a mummy, a werewolf and Frankenstein’s monster can eventually form one big happy family. When the Wishbones snap, only love can stitch them back together. Emma has to fight to keep her Monster Family together and uncover the secret of their curse, eventually leading them to the Prince of Darkness himself, Dracula. Featuring the voices of Catherine Tate and Nick Frost, watch a monster family become human again.This family blockbuster comes to cinemas on 2 March.

The Highway Rat

From the creators of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man,The Highway Rat will be available on DVD from 5 February. The beautifully animated ﬁlm seen on BBC One this Christmas is a swashbuckling adventure of bandits and biscuits based on the richly imaginative book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Schefﬂer.The Highway Rat tells the tale of a ravenous rat who craves buns, biscuits and all things sweet.Tearing along the highway, he searches for sugary treats to steal until his sweet tooth leads him to a sticky end. The sweetly satisfying animation features the voice talents of an all-star, home grown cast including David Tennant, Rob Brydon, Frances De La Tour and Tom Hollander.An instant classic the whole family can enjoy,The Highway Rat will be available from Amazon and other online stores.

Win Jungle Bunch Goodies & DVD Join in the jungle adventure with Maurice and his friends by winning a whole host of fun merchandise including Jungle Bunch badges, t-shirts, a safari hat and binoculars. One lucky winner will win all this as well as The Jungle Bunch on DVD, and four runners up can also win the DVD. Maurice may look like an emperor penguin but he’s a real tiger inside. Raised by a tigress, he’s the clumsiest Kung-Fu master ever. Along with his friends, the Jungle Bunch, he intends to maintain order and justice in the jungle, just as his mother did before him. But, Igor, an evil koala, wants to destroy the jungle once and for all with help from his army of silly baboons. The Jungle Bunch is out on Digital and DVD now!

To be in with the chance of winning, tell us what kind of animal the evil Igor is? Send your answer to us along with your name, age, address, school and phone number to

The Jungle Bunch Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email your answer together with your details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘The Jungle Bunch’ as the subject by Friday 2 March.

Dear Readers

r though ppy Christmas and New Yea I hope you all had a very Ha solutions Re r Yea w Ne r you are . How it seems a while ago now to start but my of them? My diet has yet going? Have you kept any at least I can so g rkin wo is n er more ofte resolution on seeing my sist tick one off. really starting year it looks like events are After a quiet start to the new nds of usa tho e you look through the rs trying to happen so do make sur hou nd spe y The iam have found. the let listings that Hayley and Mir do ase and things to do so ple es. to discover places to go Tim ry ma Pri read about them in organisers know that you ple of months are forward to over the next cou Some of the things to look cake is lemon pan ite our y 13 February. My fav Pancake Day on Tuesda lentine’s Day on ? Then the next day is Va and sugar, what do you like to get chocolates or Will you be lucky enough Wednesday 14 February. February. 2018 is 16 ay w Year is on Frid flowers? Then Chinese Ne to our Chinese án jíxiáng or the Year of the Dog. Gôuni Day is on r’s the Dog year. Finally Mo readers - Good luck for this appreciated ays alw is t sen pre ade card or Sunday 11 March. A handm so get drawing now! s so do look out e fantastic competition As always we have som they close. We e you enter them before for them and make sur give us your n’t do won them if you can’t let you know you’ve too! If you want m the e lud inc sure you contact details so make d them in the sen t competition then jus to enter more than one tely. Please ara sep m the d n’t have to sen though. same envelope, you do ries r ent the competition on you do include the name of rch so enjoy ter magazine on 19 Ma We’ll be back with our Eas the next half term.

Peter and the Primary

Times team

The Primary Times Team: Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Gill Pearce, Andrew Langridge, Sarah-Jane Chapple & Clarry Frewin ... the UK’s biggest free Listings: Hayley Hughes & ‘What’s On’ magazine Miriam Theobald for parents. Editorial: Anna Stringer & Primary Times in Dunya Simões North & West Kent distributes Production: Alison Watson more than 38,500 copies Office Manager: Chris Blower seven times a year and is Administrators: Claire Wood & part of a national network Tina Love distributing more than 2.7 Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey million copies in 59 regions Social Media: Rachel Benson across the UK & Ireland

Tel: 01622 522116 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Kent Instagram: @primarytimesse

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Primary Times in North & West Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

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.

Contents

inside this issue.... News................................................... 4 Family Theatre.................................... 6 What’s on Diary................................... 8 Whatever the Weather..............................9 Time to Party........................................ 12 Education News................................. 14 Competitions...................................... 19 All About You!................................... 23

Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition Open to all primary school age children in Kent In groups of up to four, create a breakfast dish using local, seasonal ingredients

Three lucky groups will be chosen to cook their dishes in the main Show Kitchen at the Kent County Show on Friday 6th July with prizes of:

1st Prize £300 2 runners-up prizes of £100 (for cookery or gardening projects for your group)*

Closing date 25th May 2018 For full competition details and how to enter visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/kentisdelicious @KentisDelicious Email kentisdelicious@diocant.org for more information and the chance to win mini prizes *Prizes given as gift vouchers

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

News

Indicates a book is part of a series

Bookstore

Here are some ideas for reads for World Book Day on 8 March. This year is the centenary of the first women getting the vote. One of these is an eye opening story concerning the actions of suffragettes who fought to achieve this.

STAR READ

Nevermoor - Jessica Townsend (Orion Hb, £12.99)

Debbie

Morrigan is used to being blamed for every calamity around and knows her life will be short. She is less accepting of the fact than those around her and dreads the approaching day of her death. But at the last minute she is whisked away by a mysterious patron to an even more mysterious land called Nevermoor she didn’t know existed.There she is told she must undergo a series of trials to gain admittance to the Wundrous Society making her one of the elite and offering her protection. This is a frightening prospect and she is already unsure of everything and everyone around her, but it’s better than the life she had before. As she starts to appreciate the place and make friends the need to succeed becomes stronger, but what is it all about and how can she discover her special knack? There are plenty of shocks ahead, not all of them good, in this well crafted, absorbing story full of entertaining characters, magic, intrigue and inventive plot twists. First in a new series with fair size print to encourage readers on to longer novels.

Emmeline and the Plucky Pup

Wear A Hat Day

Get involved in Wear A Hat Day on Thursday 29 March (or any day in March) to help raise funds for research into brain tumours. The devastating disease kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. To date, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours. During last year’s Wear A Hat Day, individuals, families, schools and other organisations all came together and raised over £300,000 to fund research. This year’s target is £600,000 – enough to fund a team of researchers for a year. Help fund the fight today. For more information and to register visit, www.wearahatday. org.

Megan Rix (Puffin, £5.99)

After running away from the workhouse Alfie and his sister Daisy are taken in by Emmeline Pankhurst. He learns that she is the leader of the Suffragettes starting their ‘Votes for Women’ campaign which causes conflicts with the authorities. During one protest meeting Alfie rescues a puppy he calls Rascal and together they become messengers for Mrs Pankhurst, helping to keep lines of communication open. As the campaign hots up and suffragettes are arrested enduring terrible hardships in prison, Alfie and Rascal are often placed in dangerous situations narrowly avoiding capture.This story is full of excitement, adventure and historical detail dealing with actual events that took place between 1910 and 1918. Many of the characters are based on real people and it paints a vivid picture of the struggles that eventually led to women getting the vote. Fair size print, full length novel.

Trouble in New York - Jennifer Gray (Usborne, £5.99) S

Adopted by the Grand Duchess Maria, Ermine is a very lucky and determined stoat.The duchess asks her friend, Michael Megabucks, to look after Ermine as she stays in New York on the ﬁrst stop of her trip to see the world. Ermine and Michael’s son, Mike Junior, get on well especially when she saves him from being eaten by crocodiles. But they are unaware their adventures have only just begun as they are inadvertently mixed up with two jewel thieves who want their jewel back.This leads to all sorts of exciting episodes in this laugh out loud story, ﬁrst in a new series ‘The Travels of Ermine’, with an endearing and highly entertaining title character. Large print and lots of detailed pictures add to the plot and encourage new readers.

Dog in Boots - Paula Metcalf (Oxford, £6.99) Phillip is smitten from the moment he sees his new neighbour, Penelope, with her kind eyes, waggly tail and beautiful smile. But there is a big (or should that be small?) problem. Although they have only seen each other through windows, Penelope looks very tall while Phillip is very short. Desperate to impress her, he comes up with some cunning plans, with the help of his friend, Ralph, but they are rather disastrous leaving Phillip devastated, while Penelope seems happy. Find out why in this touching and very funny picture book with revealing ﬂaps to lift.

Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition A survey by the British Nutrition Foundation last year showed that nearly a third of the five to seven-year-olds asked thought that cheese came from a plant. It’s often suggested that getting young people involved in cooking can help them be more interested in their food. A cookery competition championing the fantastic produce available in Kent is now seeking to do just that. Open to all primaryschool aged children in Kent, the Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition is easy for any primary or junior school, homeschool group, Rainbow, Cub or Scout pack to get involved with. All participants need to do is to create a breakfast recipe that uses as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. With a first prize of £300, 2 runners-up prizes of £100 (given in vouchers) for a cookery or gardening project and a chance to cook at the Kent County Show up for grabs, it’s well worth stepping up to the ‘hot’ plate to get involved. With so much confusion among people about where their food comes from, Kent is Delicious is a really fun way for children to get hands-on with their food. The Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition is organised by the Diocese of Canterbury’s Communities and Partnerships team and closes on Friday 25 May. For more details, contact kentisdelicious@ diocant.org.

Text © D J Williams 2018

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

News

DRIVERS NEEDED FOR BUSY CIRCUIT. CALL NOW FOR DETAILS

Exploration and Discovery

Get creative and enter the British Science Association’s annual poster competition, which challenges children from nursery to Year 9 to create posters on this year’s theme of exploration and discovery. Your students can make their poster about anything around the theme, from space travel and futuristic advances to iconic discoveries in science. The five best posters from your school can be entered into the UK-wide competition with the chance for students to win an array of prizes. Entrants will be judged within four age categories: Early Years (nursery and reception), Infant (Years 1-3), Junior (Years 4-6) and Senior (Years 7 to 9). Entries from youth groups and other organisations are also welcome in addition to schools. Entrants can be teams or individuals; however each school/youth group can only enter up to a maximum of five entries. Entries must be 2D and submitted on one side of A4 or A3 paper only. Posters must include the entrant’s name (all names if a team) and age (all ages if a team), age category (of the oldest team member) as well as the school/youth group name and address. Once your students have completed their posters, check the competition details online at www.britishscienceweek.org before sending your top five entries to: Discovery and Exploration Poster Competition, British Science Association, Wellcome Wolfson Building, 165 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5HD. The competition closes on Friday 6 April at 6pm.

50 Years of Inspiring Young Readers Throughout 2018 the Federation of Children’s Book Groups will be celebrating 50 innovative years of enthusing hundreds of thousands of children with the power of story and the joy of reading. By always putting children’s voices and a community focus at its heart, the Federation of Children’s Book Groups has led the way, by working with families, schools and libraries across the UK and beyond to share a passion for books and reading in all its forms. To celebrate this big anniversary, the Fifty Favourite Books from the Last Fifty Years booklist has been chosen by members of the Federation. It’s a great resource for books to inspire your children and even delve into some stories from your own childhood. This is now available on the website www.fcbg.org.uk/ booklists and print copies can be requested from info@fcbg.org.uk. There is an exciting programme of parties, exhibitions and special events planned by local children’s groups throughout the year including Share a Story Month in May, the Golden Children’s Book Award and Non-Fiction November. Find out more at www.fcbg. org.uk.

Chocolate Orange Brownies

Get tucked into original recipes from some of your favourite sport and entertainment stars in a new book put together by triathlete coach Helen Murray.Try the Murray family’s legendary shortbread recipe, enjoy protein mufﬁns from Alec Stewart, former England cricket captain and taste delicious gooey chocolate crispy squares, with an indulgent recipe from BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Rachel Burden. Try this delicious recipe for yummy Chocolate Orange Brownies by Lucy Andrews. It’s pretty simple but you should make sure you have an adult with you especially when you’re using the hot oven.

Method:

Ingredients: 200g butter 200g dark chocolate Zest of 1 large orange 4 large eggs 350g caster sugar 100g plain ﬂour (also works with gluten free ﬂour) 50g cocoa powder 1 Terry’s Chocolate Orange broken into pieces (milk or dark)

These delicious Chocolate Orange Brownies are just one of the many recipes for you to discover in the new book, Fuelled by More Cake. Proceeds from the book will raise money for several charities including Young Epilepsy, a national charity which supports children and young people aged 25 and under with epilepsy and associated conditions, as well as their families. Their unique blend of specialist services includes a school, college and residential services providing education and healthcare for children and young people. Find out more at www.youngepilepsy.org.uk

Stage 1

stage 2 start

stage 2 finish

stage 3 start

1 Start by lining a 24 x 20cm brownie tin with baking parchment

and preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. 2 Melt the butter, dark chocolate and orange zest over a gentle heat and then leave to cool. 3 Whisk the eggs and sugar together with an electric whisk until pale and doubled in volume, then stir in the cooled chocolate mixture. 4. Sift over the ﬂour and cocoa and fold in, before gently stirring in the chocolate orange. 5 Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes. 6 Leave to cool in the tin and then cut it into 20 squares.

stage 3 finish

stage 4 29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

stage 5 5

Family Theatre

Hazlitt Maidstone Box Office: 01622 758 611 31 Jan – 3 Feb

Sister Act

Stage Theatre Society are proud to present the disco dancing, soul singing, funniest and funkiest musical around!

4 Feb

Chinese New Year Extravaganza

Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 530 613 6 Feb

11 Mar

The Wind in the Willows

15 Feb

2018 Chinese New Year Extravaganza

Showcasing amazing Chinese performing arts. From the cheerful spirit of the auspicious Lion Dance, to majestic and awe-inspiring contortion, the show is a colourful display of Chinese cultural tradition.

27 Feb – 3 Mar

The Sound of Music

One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in this magnificent five star production to enchant the young and the young at heart.

Using a unique blend of puppetry physical theatrical and traditional performance, you will be transported into a theatrical world like no other. Ages 3+.

23 – 24 Mar

The Nutcracker

Bluebell School of Dance presents a tale of young Clara who is taken on a fantastic voyage, starting with a battle with the Mouse King, through the Land of Ice and Snow.

E M Forster Tonbridge School Box Office: 01732 304 241 14 – 17 Feb

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

7 Mar

A Spoonful of Sherman

Catch this practically Big Dance perfect family production in its Extravaganza premiere UK tour Eleven primary celebrating one schools from the Primary hundred years of Wealden area will Times! Sherman family music. be showcasing a Ages 8+. variety of dance styles as they take on this year’s theme of Exchange Studio ‘open entertainment’.

Maidstone

14 – 15 Mar

Teletubbies Live

Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, LaaLaa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland.

Brook Chatham Box Office: 01634 338 338 3 Feb

One Year On

Join in the celebration with an evening of drama, dance and musical theatre from their stars. Presented to you by AMJ Theatrical.

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

Box Office: 01622 758 611 28 Jan

Little Red Riding Hood

Moon On A Stick combine enchanting puppetry and absorbing storytelling with all the traditional pantomime elements in a gentle, imaginative show designed especially for our tiniest audience members. Ages 3+.

16 Feb

Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl

Go along and meet all of your favourite fairy tale characters but in a different light and with a surprising ending.

Noggin the Nog

The brave and mighty Thor Nogson and the great green bird Graculus go on a journey of adventure and discovery to battle the fearsome Ice Dragon and the dastardly deeds of Noggin’s wicked uncle, Nogbad the Bad!

16 Feb

The Little Mix Experience

Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest Girl-Bands. With breathtaking dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest vocals in the UK.

11 Mar

Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles.

Box Office: 01732 450 175 17 Feb

Dance-Worx’s Variety Show 2018

You are invited to see the Theatre School students showcasing their talents on the big stage, including Ballet, Tap, Modern and Musical Theatre. Suitable for all ages.

24 – 25 Feb The Dance Act Variety Show 2018

A must see for all the family, children between 3-18 years of age will be showcasing their talents, performing fabulous routines to include Ballet, Tap, Modern, Disney Pop, Street Dance and Musical Theatre!

18 March Dance with Grace

A dance show for 3-37 year old performing Ballet, Tap, Modern, singing street and drama pieces.

Trinity Tunbridge Wells

The Jungle Book

Join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure. Filled with catchy music, audience interaction, and the chance to meet the characters after the show.

Oasthouse Rainham Box Office: 01634 374 183 / 08448 793 224 Until 3 Feb

Sleeping Beauty

The evil fairy Poison Ivy has not been invited to the celebration of the Christening of Princess Aurora and in her anger places a deadly curse on the Princess.

Orchard Dartford Box Office: 01322 220 000 7 – 11 Feb

Awful Auntie

Tiddler and other Terrific Tales

Stag Sevenoaks

Family Theatre

1 – 3 Mar

Enjoy the world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

Box Office: 01892 678 678 18 Feb

The Ugly Duckling and Other Tales

From the pen of one of the greatest children’s authors come four of Hans Christian Andersen’s most well-loved stories: The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Emperor’s New Clothes.

15 Mar

So You Think you Know about Dinosaurs

Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Ben talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet.

The Woodville Gravesend Box Office: 08442 439 480 12 Feb

Furry Tails

Storyteller is on the run from those three-headed monsters, trying to bring you the most fantastic tales from the Magic Land of Three.

CHILDREN & FAMILYAction HIGHLIGHTS packed group tuition! Term/holiday courses Read/write music 4-9 years Reserve your FREE taster session today

FREE trial!

www.funkymonkey.info Wed 14 Mar to Thu 15 Mar

TELETUBBIES LIVE 01732 457 100

Call us on 01622 322817 or 01634 893524 email medway@razzamataz.co.uk or maidstone@razzamataz.co.uk Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

FREE trial

EM FORSTER THEATRE NEW SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Fri 13 Apr to Sun 15 Apr

ALICE IN WONDERLAND CHRISTOPHER NIBBLE 2+

Sat 11th Feb 11.30am & 2.30pm assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk | 01892 530613

/ AssemblyHallTheatre / ahttw #yourlocaltheatre AssemblyHallTheatre

ROOM ON THE BROOM Sat 11th March 4pm, Sunday 12th March 11.30am & 1.30pm

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

10/01/2017 15:27:03

February Half Term Activities at Maidstone Leisure Centre

Bouncy Castle - Mon 12th Mr Muddles Magician - Tues 13th Flame the Dragon - Wed 14th Face Painting - Thurs 15th Bouncy Castle - Fri 16th Family Roller Disco - Fri 16th

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

PT_Kent Maidstone 190 x 135 Feb 2018.indd 1 Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

/MaidstoneLeisureCentre @SwimInMaidstone

30 Jan - 19 Mar ‘17

7 29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

02/01/2018 14:37

What’s On Your family diary for February and March Ongoing Until 4 Feb

Clangers, Bagpuss and Co, Sissinghurst Castle, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB 11am–4pm. Organised by the V&A Museum of Childhood, Clangers, Bagpuss and Co tells the story of these much loved family favourites. Go and meet Bagpuss, see the Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle-garden

Until 2 Mar

My Ightham Mote Winter Adventure, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am–3.30pm. Have fun in the countryside with the winter activity pack as you tick off some of the best 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

January Fri 26 Jan – Sun 18 Feb

The Early Man Trail, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST If you’re looking for an adventure, you can search for twelve prehistoric characters from the new Early Man movie. Pick up a trail map from concierge desk outside M&S lower mall. Find all the characters to win a prize. For more information visit www.bluewater.co.uk

Tues 30 Jan

Storytime and Book Making, Strood Library, Rochester, ME2 4TJ 4-5pm. Join in for Storytime and a book making activity to celebrate National Storytelling Week. Ages 4-10. Free event. For more information and to book call 01634 337 799.

Sat 3 – Sun 25 Feb

Dark Skies, Deal Castle, CT14 7BA Experience the starry night sky as expert astronomers reveal stargazing secrets. Unwind with a hot drink as you listen to talks and demonstrations. For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

Sun 4 Feb

Farmers’ Market, Ashford, TN24 8TD 10am–2pm. Snap-up a variety of delicious home-grown produce, from seasonal fruit and vegetables to tempting sweets from the food stalls. Listen to live music from local bands as you stroll through Ashford’s cobbled streets. For more information visit www.visitkent.co.uk

Wed 7 Feb

Skips After School Club, Theatre Royal Brighton, BN1 1SD 4pm. Led by experienced workshop leaders, these are fun and informal sessions. This Dragon themed session includes games, a look on stage, drama and craft activities and squash and biscuits. Ages 6-10. Charges apply. To book visit www.atgtickets.com

Fri 9 – Sun 18 Feb

Circus Zyair, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY Treat the kids to a spectacular show! A ragtag band of clowns, acrobats and jugglers plies its distinctive talents before fearless daredevils brave the high wire and wheel of death. For more information and to book tickets visit www.thehopfarm. co.uk

Sat 10 Feb

Winter Olympics, Strood Library, Community Hub Strood, ME2 4TJ 2-3pm. Pop-in Winter Olympic literary games for 4-10 yrs. For more information about this free event visit www.enjoymedway.org/events

February Thurs 1 Feb

Harry Potter book Night, Strood Library, Community Hub Strood, ME2 4TJ 4-5pm. Celebrate Harry Potter book night with a special storytime and craft activity for 4-10 yrs. Costumes are encouraged for this free event. For more information visit www. enjoymedway.org/events

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

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

“

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

”

Film Fun: The Jungle Book, St Mary the Virgin, Ashford, TN23 1QG 1.15pm. Be ready to swing with the king of the jungle in the screening of The Jungle Book. Small entry charge applies. For more information and to book visit www.revelationashford. co.uk

Film Fun: Mary Poppins, St Mary the Virgin, Ashford, TN23 1QG 3.15pm. A Disney classic starring Julie Andrews as magical nanny Mary Poppins. Small entry fee applies. For more information and to book visit www.revelationashford.co.uk

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Feb

See PJ Masks Catboy, Gekko & Owlette! Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Children’s favourites from the PJ Masks will be on hand to see their fans arriving on trains hauled by a steam and diesel locomotive from Tunbridge Wells West. For times, more information and to book visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Sat 10 – Fri 16 Feb

Children’s Week on the Railway, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Hythe Station, TN28 8PL Members of The Travel Bug can travel free during Children’s Week on the Railway. Also, there are free activities for all Romney Rover ticket holders. For more information visit www.rhdr. org.uk

Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb

Half Term Explorers, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Become a junior outdoor explorer this Half Term and follow your activity booklet around the grounds to solve clues, spot wildlife and be rewarded with a chocolate prize at the end. Included with the admission price. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Half Term Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS Explore the gardens and woodland on a new trail inspired by Lady Clementine Churchill, wife of Sir Winston. Why not venture out to the bomb crater in the woodland or go wild in the outdoor play area. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Scavenger Hunt, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF 10.30am–3pm. Put your tracking skills to the test and hunt for the objects hidden around the park. Check everything off your list, crack the code and claim your prize. A fun family day out. For more information visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Geocaching, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF New routes will take you to unexplored parts of the park, track the cache locations using a handheld GPS and find the hidden clues and treasures. Give the new and improved geocaching courses a try. For more information and to book visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Enchanted Garden Trails, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG 10.30am–5.30pm. Discover the enchanted forest dwellers who have descended from the parkland to visit the grounds. Each character holds a clue that will help you unveil their hidden message on your trail sheet. For more information visit www. penshurstplace.com

Family Half Term Fun - Living with Nature, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG In conjunction with the RSPB and during National Nest Box Week spend some time at one with nature. Various activities including a Wildlife Detective Walk, Bug House Building, Castle Trail and RSPB Workshop. Admission charges apply.For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk/whatson

February Half Term Trail, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am to 4pm. Discover the classic story of the Elf Mound as you follow the trail around the garden. Pick up a winter activity pack full of fun ideas and tips for playing outside. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/ightham-mote

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 14...

Whatever the Weather! Fun Days Out with the Family up! Learn about reflections in a room of mirrors followed by the scientific magic of lasers making balloons burst.You can even explore the use of light in submarines and look at periscopes too. Don’t miss the splat zone, where mixing paint colours shows how Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. Step into a UV zone and see whether anything you’re wearing shows up. Grab your lab coat and glasses upon arrival and prepare for some Light Fantastic fun at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this February Half Term. For more information please visit www.thedockyard.co.uk.

Secret Lab: Light Fantastic

There’s a lot to keep you busy this year at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. Have you ever wondered why red light is used in submarines? Doc.Yard’s able assistant Bunsen is back from Saturday 10 until Sunday 25 February with all things Light Fantastic in a fun and interactive 45-minute experience at The Historic Dockyard. This year marks The Dockyard’s 400th birthday and Secret Lab: Light Fantastic will kick off a fun-packed season of events, talks, exhibitions and activities. With four zones of interactive fun, there’s something for everyone. Be careful not to be fooled by the optical illusions as you walk through – the bridge on the floor is quite high

Half Term at Port Lympne Reserve

This February Half Term at Port Lympne Reserve, explore over 600 acres to discover where the wild things are and take part in the Golden Gorilla competition where a private ranger’s tour is up for grabs every day. From Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, try to find the golden gorilla in his hiding place around the Reserve and you could find yourself and your friends and family enjoying a special safari on the very same day of your visit. Jump on board a safari truck to travel through Port Lympne’s South American, Asian and African plains, spotting incredible animals including Kent’s only spectacled bears and the Reserve’s famous giraffe family.

’S

DOC. YARD FAMILY FU ACTIVIT N IES

Light Fantastic INCLUD IN YOU ED ENTR R TICKETY

thedockyard.co.uk

H 10T - 25 RY FEBRUA 2018

Kindly supported by

#secretlab Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

Whatever the Weather!

Look out for brand new arrivals including vicugna, Brazilian tapirs, rhea and the lovely Bactrian camels. Later, steel your nerves and venture into the exciting Dinosaur Forest where you’ll discover the spine-tingling Spinosaurus, terrifying T Rex, soaring Pterodactyls and the mighty mammoth, to name just a few. Wander the trails as your adventure continues to spot other new animals including wallabies and ring tailed lemurs too. Book your day tickets online and save 10% on your wild winter day out. For further information, visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/ portlympne

The Early Man Trail at Bluewater

Families looking for an adventure between now and 18 February can join the tribe at Bluewater in search of twelve prehistoric characters from the new Early Man movie, including caveman hero Dug and his best friend Hognob. Free to join in, guests can pick up a trail map from the concierge desk outside M&S on the lower mall and when they’ve found all the characters, they’ll receive a prize. For the ultimate interactive experience, those taking part in the trail can download the augmented reality app to bring the characters to life.

Half Term Explorers at Leeds Castle

Set within 500 acres of beautiful Kent parkland, Leeds Castle has attracted crusaders and kings, courtiers and queens, witches and villains, world statesmen and icons of the silver screen. Explore the Yew Maze or conquer the Knight’s Realm and Squires’ Courtyard adventure playgrounds.You can even watch the daily free flying falconry displays.

see them on the pavements. Make sure to watch your step! Once out of hibernation, the frogs will head to the water to breed. They lay their spawn in still fresh water anywhere from small ponds, slow flowing streams to larger reservoirs and lakes. Keep a look out for the bubble-like spawn in shallow streams, ponds and boggy areas near where you live. Can you tell the difference between toad and frog spawn? Toad spawn comes in long strings as opposed to frog spawn which comes in clumps. See what you can spot! Photo credit: Christine Martin

Get Your Geek On

Back for its second year in Margate, GEEK (Games Expo East Kent) is a three-day festival of games and play hosted by the home of entertainment, Dreamland. The 2018 edition of the event will have a space theme as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of Space Invaders. Visitors can expect hundreds of games from retro consoles to modern day technology, as well as coding, science and cosplay from 16-18 February. The family-friendly event will be bigger than ever as it showcases technology, creativity and fun at the iconic Dreamland site. It will present a behind-the-scenes look at gaming with a plethora of entertainment on offer. Featured games will include old favourites spanning generations to virtual reality experiences, all amongst the entertainment park’s very own vintage arcade and pinball machines. GEEK will offer a full programme of exclusive workshops and talks, and throughout February, there will be insightful educational activities with local schools and community groups - which aim to lift the lid on the gaming industry. Tickets to GEEK are on sale now at bit.ly/GEEK2018. Under 5’s go free. Dreamland Members get 10% discount. For more info on membership, visit www.dreamland.co.uk/membership B dis ook co on un lin te d t e fo ick r et s

Become a junior explorer in the grounds of Leeds Castle from 10 to 18 February. Follow an exciting fun packed activity booklet filled with clues to help you spot different birds and trees as you adventure through the Castle estate. Complete your journey and be rewarded with a chocolate prize. This event is included in the price of admission. A valid admission ticket to Leeds Castle is required. Annual tickets cost £24.90 for adults, £21.90 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free) and £16.90 for children (under 4s free). The grounds open at 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 3pm and gates close at 5pm (October to March). For more information on Leeds Castle attractions, activities and events during 2018 visit, www.leeds-castle.com.

Leapfrog into Spring

If you’re out for a walk any time soon, you may start to see a few changes around you. If you’re lucky enough to have a pond in your garden then February is the time to start looking out for some hoppy frog action. As the days become warmer, frogs will start to come out of their hibernation deep down in the silt at the bottom of ponds, in compost heaps or under logs, decking or sheds. If you’re really quiet on a rainy day you can 10

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

Half Term Explorers 10th to 18th February Become a junior explorer in the grounds of Leeds Castle. Follow an exciting, fun-packed activity booklet to solve clues and spot different birds and trees as you adventure through the estate. Complete your journey to be rewarded with a chocolate prize. This event is included in the price of admission.

leeds-castle.com

Whatever the Weather!

Living with Nature at Hever Castle

Discover more about conservation and local wildlife as part of Hever Castle’s February half term event, Living with Nature from 10 – 18 February. Following on from the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (27 – 29 January) and the Big School’s Birdwatch (2 January to 23 February), families and individuals are invited to visit the historic castle in Kent between 10 – 18 February to enjoy ‘Living with Nature’ aimed at school aged children. Find out how to create habitats and encourage wildlife into your garden and join the RSPB workshop. Join RSPB volunteers on a stroll around the grounds to learn about natural and manmade habitats or take a self-guided ‘Wildlife Detective’ walk to investigate animal footprints and tracks. In the Castle, learn about nature throughout history from how fur was used to keep warm to which birds belong to the Queen. Encourage creepy crawlies into your garden by building a bug hotel (additional charge) or buy a bag of bird food (50p per bag) and feed the birds and ducks. Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk for more information.

WONDERFUL WINTERY WOODS THURSDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 1.00 - 3:30pm

White Horse Wood, Detling Hill, ME14 3JE

Get wrapped up and learn all about trees in winter... with fun twig crafts, games and storytelling for family fun This event is *free but booking is required. Please contact us by calling 03000 422997 or by emailing medwayvalley@kent.gov.uk * Parking charge applies

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13 - 18 February 10.30am - 3.30pm Normal Entry Fee Applies £2 per child, per activity Drop in sessions

www.re-museum.co.uk Prince Arthur Road | Gillingham | Kent | ME7 1UR

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12–16 February 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm

Join Museum Mascot, Snob the Dog and celebrate Chinese New Year with hands-on family activities inspired by General Gordon’s exploits in China

Free admission

ite

Half Term Family Activities

The Adventures of Toad

ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM

08/12/2017 16:19

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The fantastic stories from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ are brought to life by our costumed storyteller in these fun and interactive sessions. No booking required. 10:00am–5:00pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and Bank Holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH

Share your experience boemuseum T: 020 3461 5545

www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

Time to Party Birthday Parties at The Hop Farm

The Hop Farm Family Park in Paddock Wood, Kent, is the ideal venue for your child’s birthday party. With a range of party packages tailored to suit your child, choose from a variety of fun party rooms, food and drink options, and entertainment aimed at boys or girls or both. Included in each package is all day entry into the indoor soft play centre and outdoor adventure play area. Some packages include the popular giant jumping pillows and optional entertainment items range from farm activities to making fairy gardens. For the more energetic kids, there are combat laser games and Segway boards. Starting from just £12.95 per child including food and drink, the Family Park is ideal for parties and the experienced team certainly know how to take the strain of the day. For more information, including availability and booking, call 01622 872 068 or visit www. hopfarm.co.uk.

Blush Parties and Balloons

Looking for a fabulous party venue? Then look no further! Blush Parties are based in the heart of Bexley Village and have been hosting children’s parties for over eight years. The shop has been transformed into a stunning princess parlour where they offer an array of party packages and school holiday workshops. So, whether you are looking for a Princess Pamper Party, Cake Decorating Party, Bath Bomb Making Party, Pamper Craft Party or even a Slime Party, Blush Parties cater for these and more. They have lots of extras to make your little one’s party even more special including princess mascots, luxury afternoon tea, bespoke party bags, and of course you can add a few of their luxury bespoke balloons too. Blush’s balloons are amazing for any occasion Birthdays, Baby Showers, Christenings, Weddings, in fact for any event where you would like the WOW factor. Whether you need just one or two balloons or a whole event set up you will receive the same great service from the team at Blush Parties and Balloons. As a thank you for taking the time to read this they would like to offer you a 10% discount on any balloon order until May 2018 and 5% discount on any party booking until May 2018 when you mention their advert. Call the team on 01322 556 677 where they will be delighted to help For more detailed information on all great services visit the website www.blushpartiesandballoons.co.uk or like them on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on all their special offers.

Sencio Leisure Birthday Parties

A birthday party with Sencio Community Leisure promises to be a fun event for all. Sencio leisure centres at Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and White Oak offer a range of birthday activities from bouncy castles and trampolining to roller discos, go-karting and wet and wild fun in the swimming pool. A wide range of fun sporting activities are available including football, basketball, cricket or netball – perfect for your children and their friends to demonstrate their sporting skills. Kids will love the traditional party games sessions packed full of exciting activities such as parachute games, musical chairs, team relays and more. If it’s fun in the water you’re looking for, inflatable sessions are always a big hit, as well as the flumes at White Oak - these water slides are sure to provide lots of fun and thrills. Party guests can enjoy exclusive 12

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

use of the pool as they have a wet and wild time on giant inflatable floats. Your child and their friends will have a fantastic time and best of all you can sit back, relax and enjoy the special day as Sencio will do all the hard work of hosting. Sencio will provide the party food and invites and do all the cleaning up afterwards - all you have to do is remember the cake. To view the full list of party activities and prices, visit the individual centre’s websites, www.sencio.org.uk/edenbridge/parties, www.sencio. org.uk/sevenoaks/parties or www.sencio.org.uk/white-oak/parties.

Pop Star Parties

If you’re looking for a thrilling party idea and if singing is a household feature, then this experience simply cannot be beaten. The renowned Pop Star Parties comprise of a two hour group singing session in a professional recording studios in Frant near Tunbridge Wells. After a brief introduction at their cool facilities, an exclusive studio party producer will get your new ‘supergroup’ in to the live room to go about recording their chosen hit pop song. There’ll be fun, laughter, and lots of singing on the way. Enough time is given to sing ‘practice recordings’, decide who’s singing which bits and tweak those high

KIDS BIRTHDAY

PARTIES ALL WRAPPED UP! Book your child’s birthday party at The Hop Farm Family Park and let our team bring fun and enjoyment to their special day. A range of party packages are available with the option to have their own fun party room, party food, drinks and a choice of entertainment and activities included.

FROM

£PEiR2CH.IL9D5! FIND OUT MORE TODAY BY CALLING 0I622 872068 OR VISIT WWW.HOPFARM.CO.UK Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

pitch notes to perfection before you record the real deal. The studio will then mix, master and print everyone a CD to take home with them whilst guests bring some buffet snacks or birthday cake to enjoy. Drinks are included. Every CD has your inventive band name printed upon it, together with the photograph taken in Popstar Parties’ additional portrait studio. For more information visit www.popstarparties.co.uk or call 0800 567 7197.

Blush

Fabulous Party Venue in Bexley Village

Princess Pamper Party • Cake Decorating Party Bath Bomb Making Party • Pamper Craft Party • Slime Party School Holiday Workshops booking now Amazing Balloons available for any occasion - Birthdays, Baby Showers, Christenings Weddings or any celebration with the WOW factor! Book with Julie on 01322 556677 or visit www.blushpartiesandballoons.co.uk

‘Close Encounters’ Animal Experiences

With over forty years’ experience of keeping reptiles and with an extensive range of snakes, tortoises, lizards, tarantulas and insects, Steve and his ‘Close Encounters’ team are well equipped to bring some magic to your child’s birthday party. Will it be a fearsome ‘Jurassic’ or a ‘Slithering’ wizard party or perhaps an ‘Easter Party’ with a difference? They also provide educational ‘hands-on’ shows for nurseries, schools, holiday and after-school clubs and fêtes. They have performed many ‘Close Encounter’ animal experiences for primary and secondary schools to coincide with themes such as habitats, classification and predators. There is also the chance to win a free ‘Mini-Beast’ and set-up for your classroom! Contact Steve on 07971 102 705 or email info@petaholicsltd.co.uk for a brochure. Check out the website www. petaholicsltd.co.uk and click on ‘Exotic

Pet Parties’ for more details.

12th-16th February 2018

Children’s holiday activities Pool activities Taster sessions

Swimming courses Under 5s activities

www.sencio.org.uk EDENBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE

Follow usChildren's on Twitter - @PT_Kent NR Gize Holiday Activities Advert - 190x135.indd

Like us on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on our offers!

48 Bexley High Street, DA5 1AH large car park to rear 10% DISCOUNT on any BALLOON order and 5% DISCOUNT on any PARTY booking until May 2018 when you mention this advert

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

0800 567 7197 Includes Photo Shoot and CDs!

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

Let us take care of your next birthday party! Bouncy castles Flumes Roller skating

SEVENOAKS LEISURE CENTRE

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

Parties & Balloons

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

Sport-fun Trampolining Inflatables

WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, Kent BR8 7BT 01322 662188 | wolc@sencio.org.uk

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

13 12/01/2018 16:11

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February Spring Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY 10am-4pm. A full week of fun to include indoor entertainment, magic shows, indoor inflatable extravaganza, discos, best-dressed prize draws, animal farm, driving school and more. Charges apply. For information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Snow Drop Walk, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG A heavenly carpet of snowdrops will provide a magical trail for visitors to follow. Around seventy thousand snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the gardens over the past few years. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Half Term Fun, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD Go along and try to find the golden gorilla in his hiding place and take part in the competition. Also venture into the exciting Dinosaur Forest if you dare. Wander the trails and spot new arrivals to the reserve. For more information and visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne

Half Term Hot Air Balloon Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Discover the story of the inventor of Emmetts’ water pump on a brand new trail inspired by his other invention – the hot air balloon. Pick up a map and follow the paths around the garden. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden

Half Term Fun, Howletts Animal Park, Bekesbourne Nr Canterbury, CT4 5AE Go along and fall in love with the snow leopards and help raise funds for the protection of these wild animals by taking part in a raffle. Plus see how many new arrivals you can spot. Test your skills on the Tree Top Challenge and more. For more information visit www. aspinallfoundation.org/howletts

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 10 – Sun 25 Feb

Secret Lab: Light Fantastic, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

With Doc away grab a lab coat, it’s time to be Doc yourself and learn, with Bunsen, all things lights. Listen to Doc’s instructions and pick up your lab coat before entering the Secret Lab … don’t forget your goggles too. For more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

February Half Term, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN Meet the artists who have been inspired by Scotney on a new trail. Get creative afterwards and try some art for yourself.You can also join our rangers on an interactive estate walk and have a go at hedge planting. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle

Sun 11 Feb

Create a Moonlit Snow Scene, Samphire Hoe Shelter, Folkestone, CT17 9FL 11am.You shall create a magical snow scene to shine in the dark. A suggested donation of £5 per person towards materials appreciated. For more information and to book visit call 01304 225 649.

Mon 12 Feb

Fairtrade Baking, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 10am–1pm. Go along and enjoy making organic cow cookies and chocolate banana muffins. Experience the organic dairy farm with an informative guided tour. Ages 9+. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

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

Education News

Bee Bright Tuition

Bee Bright Tuition offer one to one and small group tuition for children in Year 1 to Year 11. They follow a strong, flexible and dynamic learning system that focuses on the key Maths and English learning outcomes for the National Curriculum. The Maths and English tuition programmes help children to form good study habits. They increase confidence and develop self-esteem, equipping every child with the fundamental skills required for success. The English programme is made up of carefully structured modules including reading and spelling, handwriting, vocabulary extension, grammar and punctuality, comprehension, planning and independent writing and also exam preparation. If your child is in Year 10 or 11 they may require additional support with the new Maths and English GCSE. Bee Bright offers one to one and very small group classes for the Higher/Foundation Maths and English Literature/Language. All students achieved excellent grades last year. If your child is in Year 4 or 5 you may be thinking of preparing your child for the 11+ Kent and Medway test. Bee Bright Tuition runs Intensive Easter and Summer 11+ test classes. These classes run over four days a week from 9am to 12.30pm. The classes are an excellent way to go over previous skills and identify any gaps before the test as well as providing pupils with an opportunity to sit mock tests in exam conditions. For more up to date details on venue and dates for the 11+ courses visit their website www.beebrighttuition.com, email info@ beebrighttuition.com or call 07859 822 264.

Seeking Young Designers

Living Streets is on the hunt for the next young budding designers to design a badge that can be used as a prize in the year-round WOW walk to school challenge which rewards pupils for walking to school once a week with collectable WOW badges. Every year over 100,000 children take part in the competition, making it one the UK’s biggest art competitions. Of the designs received, eleven are turned into the monthly badges with winners receiving prizes for themselves and their school, as well as the prestigious accolade of seeing their designs turned into more than 450,000 badges for use in over 2,000 schools across the UK during the next academic year.

“Education in Heaven”

Explore Learning shared with Primary Times one member’s experience over his 4 years at one of their maths and English tuition centres in Urmston. Here is Aysin’s journey. “Explore Learning is what I call education in heaven. The best place to learn new things and improve on things you already know. Similarly, school is the same but the only difference is Explore Learning helps you learn and perfect what you have learned in school. The staff are kind and do their job extremely well. They are honestly the most helpful people you can find. I would definitely recommend anyone to join because it is fantastic to come here and everyone who is still in school deserves to join too. Explore Learning to me is like a home. A home in which you are welcome. Each tutor is more helpful than the other. I feel that a part of me has attached here. This place always had a calm atmosphere and makes me happier than ever.” Explore Learning are 100% confident you’ll love it too, so why not see for yourself? Call 03301 243 801 to book your free trial at one of Explore Learning’s local centres. Alternatively, visit www. explorelearning.co.uk.

Famous American Doctor visits FSD

Flexi-School Dyslexia (FSD), the specialist provision for primary aged dyslexic children to access both mainstream schooling and specialist dyslexia teaching, were very excited recently to welcome Dr Tracy

Packiam Alloway PhD to their school based in Wrotham. Dr Alloway is an American psychologist who has published over 100 scientific articles on ‘working memory’, an area which can be a significant issue for dyslexic learners. When undertaking her Masters Level Specialist teaching qualification, the founder of FSD, Narinda Algar’s interest was sparked by Dr Alloway’s work and she contacted her via social media. Dr Alloway visited FSD and presented some of her findings and advice on ‘working memory’ to parents and professionals involved with pupils at FSD. It was a wonderful day, concluding with Dr Alloway saying she would “be honoured to be part of the exciting work” FSD was doing by becoming their Patron. Founder, Narinda Algar, told us, “It is a great privilege to have such a leading light in the field of dyslexia as our Patron.” To find out more about Dr Tracy Packiam Alloway’s work, search ww.tracyalloway.com To find out more about FSD, visit www.Flexi-SchoolDyslexia.co.uk or check out their Facebook page Flexi-schoolDyslexia.

Education News

This year’s theme is Walk the Seasons with pupils being taken on a year-round journey through autumn, winter, spring and summer - bringing to life what pupils see across the year on their journey to school. The competition closes on Friday 16 March. Entry forms can be downloaded now from the Living Streets website www. livingstreets.org.uk.

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

Flexi-school Dyslexia

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

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29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February Geocaching, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF New routes will take you to unexplored parts of the park, track the cache locations using a handheld GPS and find the hidden clues and treasures. Give the new and improved geocaching courses a try. For more information and to book visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Family Monday: Wild Art, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Go along and make your own bookmark or clay leaf dish inspired by Knole Park. Ages 5-11. Booking essential. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Mon 12 – Fri 16 Feb

The Fairy Tale Castle, Dover Castle, CT16 1HU 10am–3pm. Step into the castle’s real fairy tales with storytelling brought to life in spellbinding adventures. Journey into our realm where fairy tales and England’s past collide. For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

Holiday Heroes, Swallows Leisure Centre, Sittingbourne, ME10 4NT Go along for some Half Term holiday fun. A different activity for each day of the week, to include tennis (Mon/ Thurs), tag rugby (Tues), football (Wed), aqua challenge (Tues/ Fri)

Closing The Loop Children’s Workshops, The Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable, CT5 1AF 10-4pm. Paper making workshop for age 6 and under and jewellery upcycling workshop for age 7 and over. Turn old jewellery and beans into a new piece of special jewellery. To book visit www.horsebridgecentre.org.uk

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

Calling all Budding Writers!

WICKED, the award-winning West End musical that tells the incredible untold story of the witches of Oz, together with the National Literacy Trust, has announced the eighth year of the prestigious WICKED Young Writer Awards. The closing date is 12 March so enter as soon as you can! Details can be found at www.WickedYoungWriterAwards.com. As in previous years, entrants can enter one of five different age categories; 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs, 1114yrs, 15-17yrs and18-25 yrs. Pieces of original writing can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until 12 March. The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience to the West End production of WICKED, including an exclusive backstage tour, £50 book/eBook tokens, the 5-7yrs, 8-11yrs and 11-14yrs categories will win £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books. In addition the 5-7 age category winners will receive a creative writing workshop for their class. The three schools with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective schools. All finalists’ entries will be printed in the WICKED Young Writer Awards anthology. The WICKED Young Writer Awards raises money for the National Literacy Trust, who campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy. Exclusive teachers’ resources can be found online including tips for inspiring and encouraging writing in the classroom. 16

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

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

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and a sports day (Fri). For more information and to book visit www. swaleleisure.com

Holiday Heroes, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN Go along for a week of fun with a range of activities to keep the children entertained throughout Half Term. For more information and to book visit www.maidstoneleisure.com

Children’s Holiday Activities, White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley, BR8 7BT Enjoy pool activities, taster sessions, swimming courses and activities for under 5s during Half Term week. Also happening at Edenbridge and Sevenoaks Leisure Centres. For more information and to book visit www.sencio.org.uk

Mon 12 – Sun 18 Feb

Wild Adventures Week, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG 10am-4pm. Go along this February Half Term to Groombridge Place there will be lots to see and do, There will have den building, wildlife crafts, build your own bug hotel and pot your own plant to take home. For more information and to book visit www. groombridgeplace.com

Mon 12 – Mon 26 Feb

Have Breakfast for Heart of Kent Hospice, Various Locations You are invited, the local community, to organise a breakfast to raise money for Heart of Kent Hospice. By hosting a breakfast you can catch up with family, friends, colleagues or your social or school group. For more information visit www.hokh.org or email breakfast@hokh.co.uk

Tues 13 Feb

Pancake Day Fun & Games, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR Make and eat delicious cinnamon swirl pancakes and healthy seasonal Swiss chard pancakes. Learn the art of tossing a pancake (without dropping it on the floor) and join in a pancake race at the end of the workshop. Ages 7+. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Design your own Robot, Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham, ME4 4TX 2.30-3.30pm. Craft activity and storytime for 4-10 yrs. Booking is essential for this free event. For more information visit www.enjoymedway. org/events

Mr Muddles Magician, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN Don’t miss out on the magic shows and balloon modelling. For more information visit www. maidstoneleisure.com

Dragons At The Ready, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am and 1.30pm. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolise power, strength, and good luck. The Emperor of China presented Gordon with a beautiful blue silk jacket. Get creative and decorate your own jacket-shaped trinket box, using metallic pens and stickers. For more information visit www.re-museum. co.uk

Make & Take Workshop, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am and 2pm. Go along and paint a ceramic bird drinker. Charges apply. To book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

I Love Robots, Strood Library, Community Hub Strood, ME2 4TJ 2-3pm. Craft activity and storytime for 4-10 yrs. Booking is essential for this free event. For more information visit www.enjoymedway.org/events

Green Gang: Den Building, Elms Vale Recreation Ground Car Park, Dover, CT17 9NN 12noon. Build a shelter largely of natural materials at the base of Whinless Down. Learn how to find fuel, and build and light a small campfire. Suggested donation of £5 per person appreciated. For more information and to book call 01304 241 806.

Tues 13 – Thurs 15 Feb Half Term Fun, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH

11am–3pm. Explore the Cathedral’s gargoyles and grotesques, then get creative and make your own – will it be a big cat with claws, a green man – or even a mermaid? Free activities, normal Precincts charges apply. For more information visit www. canterbury-cathedral.org

Really Wild Wooders MiniSurvival Days, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF Learn new and exciting survival and bushcraft skills, ranging from fire lighting to animal tracking.You’ll also face lots of different challenges where you’ll have to use logic and tactics to get through. For more information and to book visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

Explorers Backpacks, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 11am–4pm. A fun and interactive trail as well as helpful tools for all to enjoy. Inside the backpacks are binoculars, magnifying glasses and magnetic compasses – all to help

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

An Interview with Lisa Thompson Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldﬁsh Boy, has just released her second book, The Light Jar. A story of fear and hope, loneliness and friendship – the Light Jar is full of heart, engaging characters and propulsive mystery. Nate and his mother are running away, hiding out in a tumbledown cottage in the middle of a forest. When Mum heads off for provisions and then doesn’t return, Nate is left alone and afraid. But comfort can come from the most unexpected places – a mysterious girl trying to solve the clues of a treasure hunt and the reappearance of an old friend from the past. The Light Jar is a brilliant mix of page-turning tension and heart-warming relationships leaving you beaming as you’re reading. Rachel Benson from Primary Times spoke to Lisa just after the book’s release.

When writing The Light Jar, what message did you want to leave your readers with? I think that you can ﬁnd hope in the most unexpected of places, and not to be too judgemental of people.You may not know what has happened in the past and Nate judges people when he doesn’t know what’s going on in their lives.

Which characters do you most relate to and why? There’s a little bit of me in everyone. Nate’s freaky facts book was very much my kind of thing. I used to love all of those weird books and I would bore my parents to tears with them! I suppose I’m more like Nate and his Mum in trying to make the best of things, I’m quite good at that. In a bad situation I like to look on the bright side. Nate doesn’t always do that, but he does cope in his own way and I think I’d be the same.

The Light Jar is available online and from all good high street retailers for £6.99. For more information visit, lisathompsonauthor.com.

Your book ‘The Goldfish Boy’ is also available as an audiobook. Will The Light Jar be available in this format too? I don’t know! I love the radio, and listening to podcasts. There are so many books I want to read and no time to do it, and I think with audiobooks it’s the power of your ears that make it so special. Listening is like reading a book, you create the pictures in your mind. I don’t think we realise the power of the medium.

What inspires you when writing your books? I ﬁnd music really inspiring to listen to when writing. I never used to because I thought you shouldn’t, but I remember reading that Stephen King listens to loud rock music when he writes, and then I read about more and more authors who listen to music so they can zone out of the world. The Light Jar came about from a tweet I read. Somebody tweeted ‘There are no ghosts, just imaginary friends who have been abandoned’. It made me wonder what happened to imaginary friends when they’re not needed anymore and it spiralled from there. A couple of lines can be enough to push you to write a full length novel.

Was there a particular soundtrack you listened to when writing The Light Jar? There were two songs that I listened to all the time. One was the main theme from The Revenant, it’s a really haunting theme. I listened to that a lot in the really bleak parts of the book, and Mr Blue Sky was for the uplifting parts. It’s even referenced in one of the scenes.

Have you got any advice for any young, budding writers? I found that writing was a way to live out a dream. Try short stories. The Goldfish Boy came from one so you never know where they’re going to lead. Write something that you want to read, don’t try and write to fit a formula. That way you may find it easier to do.

What is next for you? I’m writing book three now, which is hopefully out this time next year… if I ﬁnish it in time!

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February young explorers investigate places and objects within the Cathedral. Usual Precincts charges apply. For more information visit www. canterbury-cathedral.org

Tues 13 – Fri 16 Feb

Half Term Activities, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Enjoy a week of fun-filled creative workshops with an animal theme to keep the children entertained, including design an animal-inspired t-shirt or make your own pop-up animal puppet. Ages 4-11. Charges apply. For session times and more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Wed 14 Feb

‘Love Bugs’, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 10am–1pm. Children will make jammy love heart cookies and create a super-cute ‘love bug’ from recycled materials before heading outside to meet our herd of organic dairy cows. Ages 3-6. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. boreplace.org

Make & Take Workshop, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am and 2pm. Go along and make and paint a wooden bird feeder. To book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Chinese Patterns and Prints, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3.30pm. On display in the Museum are a collection of beautiful Chinese silks. Using inspiration from their patterns and prints, turn a fabric shoulder bag into a work of art. A drop in session. For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk

Flame the Dragon, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN Go along to meet and greet Flame the Dragon. Can you tame the flame? For more information visit www. maidstoneleisure.com

Recycling Workshop, Kent Wildlife Trust, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY

make and cook tasty campfire snacks. For more information and to book visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

The Friends’ Valentine Ball, Little Hermitage, Higham, ME3 7NU Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a 3 course meal (set menu), and live entertainment from the Abigail Cardwell and Chris Kennedy Jazz Band. Plus lots of added fundraising magic throughout the evening. For more information and to book visit www.fowh.org.uk

Cycle Club, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF A combination of road/mountain bike trails within the park as well skills training and games, all led by a British Cycling qualified coach. All participants will receive a certificate of completion. Advance booking required. For more information and to book visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

Winter Bird Walk, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, TN29 9PN 10.30am-12.30pm. Winter is a great time to see the thousands of ducks and geese that visit us during this time. Look out for Goldeneye, Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal and you might be lucky enough to find the beautiful Smew. For more information and to book visit www. rspb.org.uk

Wed 14 – Thurs 15 Feb Family Weaving Workshop, Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX

Join Ann Bowdler for a fun interactive workshop exploring a whole range of weaving techniques. This is a drop in session. Small charge applies. For more information and to book visit www.huguenotmuseum.org

Family Workshop: Create a Colourful Birdhouse, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 10.30am and 1pm. Assemble your own wooden birdhouse and decorate it with colourful paints. Create a mossy nest inside for a bird to use in your garden. Charges apply. Booking essential. For information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ knole

11am–12 noon. Have fun turning recycled plastic materials such as bottles, cartons and bags into your own unique animal or sea creature. All materials supplied. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Protection from the Elements, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF Learn how to construct a campfire and how to maintain it.You’ll light a fire using a flint and steel plus you’ll

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

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

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

”

millipedes, with some crazy props for brave volunteers! Plus there will be a handling session. For more information and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Make & Take Workshop, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am and 2pm. Go along and make and paint a bird house. Charges apply. To book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Wed 14 – Fri 16 Feb

Thurs 15 – Sun 18 Feb

10.30am–12noon. Each day there will be a different workshop of pottery painting for your children to enjoy. Booking is advisable. Charges apply. For more information visit www. picknpaintapot.co.uk

10.30am-2.30pm. Go along and do some drawing, painting and create environmental art sculptures out of natural materials. Suitable for adults and supervised, accompanied children. Meet in car park, New Road, Thornden Wood Road. For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Children’s Half Term Workshops, Pick ‘n Paint a Pot, Cliftonville, CT9 2RL

Thurs 15 Feb

Fish and Chip Lunch Special, Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY 11.45am departure. Why not treat yourself and the kids to a fish and chip lunch and dessert as you travel by heritage steam train through the beautiful Kent and Sussex countryside. Charges apply. Booking essential. For more information and to book visit www.spavalleyrailway. co.uk

Wonderful Wintery Woods, White Horse Wood, Maidstone, ME14 3JE 1 - 3.30pm. Get wrapped up and learn all about trees in winter with fun twig crafts, games and storytelling for family fun. For more information call 03000 422 997 or email medwayvalley@kent.gov.uk

Face Painting, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN Get into a fun and colourful mood with some spectacular face painting. For more information visit www. maidstoneleisure.com

Woof Woof Year Of The Dog, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am–1pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Drop in and make a non-sew sock dog to use as a companion. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Fire Lighting and Campfire Cooking, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, CT14 0BF Learn how to construct a campfire and how to maintain it.You’ll light a fire using a flint and steel plus you’ll make and cook tasty campfire snacks. Bring a packed lunch. Ages 8+. For more information and to book visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Wiggly Wild Show, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 11am and 12.30pm. An entertaining show by a qualified ranger about unusual live exotic animals such as stick insects, beetles and giant

Family Wild Arts Event, West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ

Fri 16 Feb

Family Roller Disco, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN Go along for roller skating fun with music, disco lights and all the fun of the roller rink. No booking required. Suitable for all ages, participants must be able to skate. For times and for more information visit www. maidstoneleisure.com

Nick Sharratt’s Big DrawAlong, Woodville Studio Theatre, Gravesend, DA12 1DD 2pm. Join this much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a fun filled draw-along for all ages. He’ll be showing you how he creates characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways to invent your own crazy creatures and more. For more information and to book visit woodville.seatlive.com

Wiggly Wild Show, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD 1pm and 2pm. An entertaining show by a qualified ranger about unusual live exotic animals such as stick insects, beetles and giant millipedes. Plus there will be handling session at the end. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Sky Birds of Prey, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Go along to meet and greet with a selection of birds, talk and craft. To book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Closing The Loop Children’s Workshops, The Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable, CT5 1AF 10am–4pm. Create a printed piece of art work using repurposed materials for age 6 and under, and screen printing for age 7 and over. Give an old item of clothing new life. To book tickets visit www.horsebridge-centre. org.uk

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

Win an Annual Pass to Leeds Castle

Imagine being able to visit Leeds Castle as many times as you want in a year, discovering something new and exciting about the historic attraction each time. You could do just that if you enter this exciting new competition to win a family annual pass. Discover almost 900 years of history and explore 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. The whole family will enjoy the maze and hidden grotto, punting on the moat, adventure playgrounds and more. The Bird of Prey Centre, located behind the Maze, is open on a daily basis and houses 30 birds of prey from a British Kestrel to Laughing Kookaburras from Australia. With all this and plenty more, a packed programme of special events awaits you throughout 2018 at Leeds Castle. To be in with the chance of winning an annual pass to Leeds Castle, simply tell us which Australian birds live in Leeds Castle’s Bird of Prey centre? See below for entry details.

Win Signed Sets of Ross Welford’s Books

Competitions

Competitions Perfect for readers aged 9-11, Ross Welford’s series of exciting and hilarious children’s books will leave kids hooked. Win one of five signed sets of his children’s books and be captivated by the exciting and surprising worlds he has created. With entertaining titles including Time Travelling with a Hamster, which follows a 12 year old on a race through time, and What Not to Do if You Turn Invisible, Ross’s latest novel will be as unusual, funny and full of heart as ever. The 1000 Year Old Boy tells the story of a 1000 year old, nearly teenage boy, who embarks on a mission to find friendship, acceptance and a different way to live in the modern world. To be in with the chance of winning a signed set of Ross Welford’s books, simply tell us what animal the main character travels with in Welford’s first book? See below for entry details.

Win a PS4 with Tad the Lost Explorer After Sara Lavroff discovers one of the three gold rings from King Midas’ necklace, proving that this ruler who turned everything he touched into gold really did exist, Tad travels to Las Vegas to join his friend at the exhibition where this incredible archaeological discovery will be revealed for the first time ever. © 2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Cert U. #Tad

Primary Times has one PS4 Slimline 500GB to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send it to the address at the foot of the page. R E R O L P X E E H K J C V A B A R R T Q U T R B R U R B G C X R V A T A D E O Z O M S N V Y F D L

D N A P W

B D T R T L E W E J A D S F S A D

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Explorer

Gold

• Kidnap • Sara

Tad

Bandits

T L R E D T L G D D C X V K

Midas

Parrot

• Jewel

• Adventure

I M K

Name................................. Age................................... address............................. ....................................... 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 2 March. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February

Sun 18 Feb

Fri 16 – Sun 18 Feb

Geek Game Players, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ 10am-3pm. A three day festival of play and gaming arrives at Dreamland for Half Term family fun. Meet, make and play together undercover at Geek with multiplayer and interactive gaming. Charges apply. To book and for more information visit www. dreamland.co.uk

Chinese Chao Guan Hat, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Drop in and create your own Chinese Official’s formal winter Chao Guan, covered with red tassels, feathers and topped with gem stones. Ages 3+ Charges apply. For more information visit www.re-museum.co.uk

Sat 17 Feb

Chilli Dip, St Julian’s Club, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RX 10am. Why not be brave and take part in an ice cold dip into the frosty waters of the outdoor swimming pool whilst raising money for Ellenor. For more information and to register visit www.ellenor.org/events

Fun Weather Experiments, Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, CT17 9FL 2pm. Go along to measure a rain drop, create a rainbow, make a cloud in a bottle and more. Suggested donation of £2 appreciated. For more information call 01304 225 649.

Mon 19 Feb – Sun 25 Mar

Snow Drop Walk, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG (Wed–Sun only). A heavenly carpet of snowdrops will provide a magical trail for visitors to follow. Around

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

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

”

seventy thousand snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the gardens over the past few years. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Fri 23 Feb

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

Sat 24 Feb

Fur, Feather & Exotic Exhibition, Boughton-under-Blean Village Hall, Faversham, ME13 9AH 10am-4pm. Support the Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund and meet lots of different animals and birds and learn how to care for them. For information call 01303 862 622 or visit www. lordwhisky.co.uk

March Thurs 1 Mar

World Book Day, Nationwide Join in this celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) a celebration of reading. For more information visit www. worldbookday.com

Fri 2 Mar

World Book Day Crafts and Dress Up, Community Hub Strood, ME2 4TJ 3-5pm. A pop-in craft session celebrating World Book Day for 3-8 yrs. Go along wearing a book character costume. For further details visit www.enjoymedway.org/ events

Sun 4 Mar

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

World Book Day 2018: Save the Date The world’s biggest celebration of reading for pleasure, World Book Day, returns on Thursday 1 March. On a mission to encourage children and young people to read and love books, World Book Day will once again play host to a stellar line-up of authors, illustrators and events across the country for its 21st annual celebration. This year’s theme ‘Share a Story’ intends to mobilise the nation to ‘Take 10’ and recognise the positive impact that reading together for only 10 minutes a day can have on a child’s learning. Parents, teachers and children are encouraged to go beyond dressing up on World Book Day to reignite a love of shared reading and the sense of wellbeing that it brings. As always, there will be exciting new books from bestselling children’s authors and illustrators for children to explore, including 11 titles released for just £1. Children can purchase these using their World Book Day tokens and set off on their 2018 reading adventure. With titles suited to a range of different ages and abilities, from classics like Mr Men and Paddington Books to new releases from Clare Balding and Tom Fletcher for more advanced readers, there is something for everyone. Alongside activity on World Book Day itself, the charity will also be running a national tour of author/illustrator events around the country in ‘The Biggest Book Show on Earth’, from 26 February to 3 March, and bringing back the incredibly successful World Book Day Award (WoBoD) for the fourth time. The WoBoD competition involved over 76,000 children, their families and communities in 2017 and £25,000 of Walker books were won. World Book Day marks the world’s biggest celebration of reading, where the nation’s entire book industry comes together to work proactively to address falling literacy levels and create the readers of the future. Last year, over £650,000 was raised for charity by World Book Day and over 1.2 million £1 book tokens were redeemed, enabling 1 in 4 children (1 in 3 for those receiving free school meals) to ‘purchase’ their first ever book. Book tokens will be sent out to schools across the UK and Ireland in late February and can be used to claim a free World Book Day title in participating bookshops and supermarkets until 25 March.Visit www.worldbookday. com to see the full list of books and events.

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

t ’ a s h N e w W Bob the Artist: Dominoes

Bob the Artist: Dominoes is a beautifully illustrated, fun and educational dominoes game for children aged 3+. Bob the Artist loves to paint with brightly coloured splashes, but he has got into a bit of mess. Help Bob clear up his paints by matching the colours and numbers in this fun game of dominoes. In this fantastic follow-up to the picture book Bob the Artist, children can learn how to match colours, pictures and numbers in a fun and educational way.The beautifully packaged game contains 28 card dominoes in a sliding box that is easy to tidy away. Bob the Artist: Dominoes will be available online for £9.99 from 26 February.

Coco Guitar

Encourage your child to make music with the new Coco guitar. Inspired by the musical aspirations of Miguel, the star of Disney Pixar animation Coco, they can discover a hidden talent and serenade the family with this great new instrument. Just as Miguel has big dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz, your child can begin their musical adventure with their very own guitar. The Disney Pixar Coco Guitar is available from Amazon and the Disney store, RRP £32.99.

Botley the Coding Robot

Kids can become technological wizards with Botley the Coding Robot. Use the remote programmer to enter commands and watch him come to life. The Botley set comes with 77 pieces, including robot arms, mats and accessories to create mazes and new challenges. Botley feeds back with what he thinks too, with friendly audio responses to help young coders develop their critical thinking skills. Encouraging early programming skills, Botley the Coding Robot is perfect for any budding engineers and is available online for £59. For more information visit www.learningresources.co.uk.

Five Boys Clothing

The new moon on Friday 16 February marks the official New Year in China and celebrations continue until 2 March. To celebrate the start of spring and the year of the dog, Five Boys Clothing have created a series of t-shirts inspired by the Chinese New Year. To kick off the year of the dog choose from a red geometric canine on white or a skateboarding dachshund white silhouette on red or blue. Both tees are available in ages 3 to 12 and are £15 each. Children born in the year of the dog (2006) are said to be loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Whether this sounds like your child or not, they’re sure to love a dog t-shirt. Each 100% cotton t-shirt is hand screen printed in Bristol. The Five Boys Clothing brand is owned by two Mums with five boys between them who set out to make shopping for boys more fun. The newest additions to their collection do just that. For more information, visit www. fiveboysclothing.com.

Superhero Snap

Superhero Snap, illustrated by Jason Ford, puts a new superhero spin on the popular card game. Based on characters from Jason Ford’s brilliant superhero activity books, children battle it out with slime monsters, rocket men, dastardly villains and more. As players turn over matching superheroes or villains, the first player to shout ‘snap!’ collects all the cards in the middle. The winner is the first player to hold all the cards. Containing fifty-two cards, featuring thirteen different superheroes and villains in matching sets of four, Superhero Snap is suitable for two or more players and will be released online on Amazon and Laurence King Publishing on 5 February. Get your set now for £7.99. For more information visit, www.laurenceking.com.

Pirates Magnified

Set sail on a swashbuckling search-and-ﬁnd adventure that lets you see history up close and personal.With 10 unique things to spot on each spread, children will uncover the lives of 10 of history’s most notorious pirates. Complete with three magnifying glasses, traverse the globe on your own pirate adventure and learn to talk like a real pirate using a comprehensive glossary of fun terms. Hoist the mainsail and set sail for the journey of a lifetime with Pirates Magniﬁed, available online and from all good high street retailers for £14.99.

Roald Dahl Jigsaw Puzzles

This February, Paul Lamond Games will be releasing special Roald Dahl puzzles in time for World Book Day. The puzzles will feature some of Roald Dahl’s most loved characters including Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG. Each 250 piece game has one of Quentin Blake’s iconic pictures plus quotes from the book around the edge. There will also be a giant ﬂoor puzzle with bigger pieces for younger children. Bring the joy of reading to life with a Roald Dahl jigsaw puzzle.

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

March Sat 10 Mar

Children’s Crafts, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG 12noon–4pm. Step inside The Old Coach House and create a beautiful card to tell mum just how much you love her. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Mar

Mothers’ Day Weekend, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Spoil mum on Mother’s Day weekend with a memorable family day out and meal. Craft workshop for young visitors to make that special gift to take home and a celebration menu in the restaurant. For more information and to book visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Sun 11 Mar

The Snake Dance, Samphire Hoe Shelter, Folkestone, CT17 9FL 11am.You will be making adder sculptures and creating a snake dance to celebrate spring. Suggested donation of £5 per person towards materials would be appreciated. For more information and to book call 01304 225 649.

Mothering Sunday, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Hythe Station, TN28 8PL Treat Mum to a fabulous day out on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Make the day even more special with the opportunity for Mum to Drive The Train! For more information visit www.rhdr.org.uk

Dartford Half Marathon, DA1 1JP 9.30am–12.30pm. Join #TeamDemelza and take on the Dartford Half Marathon to help raise vital funds. For more information and to register visit www.demelza.org.uk

Mothering Sunday Lunch, Canterbury Cathedral CT1 2EH 12.30-3pm. Every Mum deserves this Sunday off to relax! With Chef’s delicious 3-course lunch and the opportunity to take a stroll in the Cathedral grounds, Mum will be truly spoilt at The Cathedral Lodge this year! For more information and to book visit www.canterburycathedral.org

Mothers’ Day Cream Tea and garden tour, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS 2-4pm. Give your mum a special treat by taking her to Churchill’s family home for a tour of the garden followed by a cream tea and a glass of Prosecco. For details of event and charges visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/chartwell

Make Mum’s Day, Ightham Mote, Kent, TN15 0NT 11.30am-3.30pm. Make mum feel special with a visit to Ightham Mote where children can pop into the Squire’s Room to make mum a present. Mums can also enjoy a luxury hand massage in the shop and lunch or a cream tea in the café. Charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ighthammote

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live-action event not to be missed! For more information visit www. penshurstplace.com

Sat 17 – Fri 23 Mar

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

Wed 14 Mar

Wildlife Walk, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, TN29 9PN 10.30am-12.30pm. Join a knowledgeable guide on a walk around the reserve and see what delights you can spot at this time of year. Booking essential. For more information and to book visit www. rspb.org.uk

Sat 17 Mar

Elizabeth I & the Armada: Ready the Battle Stations! Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Walk through the house and be transported back to the 16th century, as the staff of the time welcome you to see and learn all about battle preparations and their plans to defend Penshurst Place! A

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

29 Jan - 18 Mar ‘18

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

Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Go along and you’ll feel uplifted this spring during Hever Castle’s new Dazzling Daffodils event. With 14,000 daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Fri 23 Mar

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

Shakespeare Teatime story and craft, Strood Library, Community Hub Strood, ME2 4TJ 4-5pm. A Shakespeare themed story time and craft activity for 4-10 yrs. For more information about this free event visit www.enjoymedway.org/ events

Wed 21 – Sun 25 Mar

Sat 24 – Sun 25 Mar

Tue 13 Mar

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

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

Sun 25 Mar Sun 18 Mar

Heart of Kent Hospice Road Run, Maidstone Road Run, Hubbards Lane, ME17 4HX From 9am. Take part in a 5k or 10k fun run for families and children through beautiful country roads around Linton, Boughton Monchelsea and surrounding villages. Why not get sponsored to run in fancy dress for the hospice? For entry details visit www.hokh.org

Birchington Silver Band Concert March, Birchington Village Centre, CT7 9EG Enjoy an afternoon concert by Birchington Silver Band including marches, light classics, music from the shows and popular melodies. For more information visit www.visitkent. co.uk

Duathlon, HolePark, Rolvenden, TN17 4JB 9am. With two different events to choose from Hole Park Duathlons will be held within the picturesque award-winning gardens and grounds. Go along and watch this great event. For more information visit www. trispiritevents.com

Wed 21 Mar

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

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

Resolution Run, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU 10am. Join in and run either 5k, 10k or 15k and help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association. To enter online and for more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution

All to Discover, Discovery Event Centre, Sandwich, CT13 9FF 10am-4pm. At this Spring Fair there will be stalls of food and quality, handcrafted arts and crafts. Plus live music, food stalls, body and nail art, balloon modelling, face painting and more. Entry charge applies. For more information visit www.caranoevents. co.uk

Our next copy deadline is

2 March 2018.

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

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All About YOU! Zuzia Florek aged 9

Jane Doherty aged 6 Coakley, Amber Youssef competitions in our Winter/Christmas issue. Oliver Congratulations to the following people who won Bonnie Allen won Tangled and ngton Warri n Imoge es. goodi on won Ferdinand Mnari, Josephine Roberts, Leo Everard and Ella Clerks etition winners were comp go ale won Cars photomurals.Lego Ninja photomurals and Stanley Jones and Benjamin Bleasd Bags y Good ds ns. Guinness World Recor Matthew Clarke, Oliver Coakley and Harry Macki If you would like to see , Charlie Doherty, Luna Woodbridge, White ie Frank d, Ahme h Swale were won by Hibah y Stanle easer, ey-Cr Freakl your work displayed Chloe uire, Jessica Salter, Kathleen D'Souza, Kayleigh-Ann Macq n for the etitio Comp ng Drawi Annie the here then just send us a won 6 aged ty Owen and George Uzunov. Jane Doher done to all our prize Well . group older our for it won drawing, poem, riddles, 9 aged Florek younger group and Zuzia jokes or short story and page. this on rk winners and enjoy the artwo

we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Jaime Vince for the lovely trees drawing, Jocelyn Liu for her clever French drawing, Esther Chana for her fun rocket and Michael for his cute caterpillar. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

G F R E E Z I N G P

N F H G L O V E O M

I C B D B D X M S R

T I L E K O P P N O

A T I L C O L D O T

K C Z S M W S D W S

S R Z H R E T N I W

E A A Q F R A C S O

C T R C R I J K C N

What did Frosty call his cow? Eskimoo!

What do you call an old snowman? Water!

Copy the Picture and Colour it in

I V D G O F T G L S

Can you find the following words in the word search Winter, Cold, Freezing, Snow, PomPomHat, Glove, Scarf, Fog, Blizzard, Sledge, Iceskating, Arctic, Snowstorm, Firewood

Answers

Winter Word Search

Spot the Differences

lownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winter Warmer

In picture B, the first hat and scarf set has two ends to the scarf, the 4th hat along has some eyes, the 5th scarf has lost its ends, the first hat in the second row has a pompom, the 2nd hat sets gloves have been flipped, the 4th hat has been changed to red. On the 3rd row the second hat includes sun glasses, the final hat has lost its pompom.

Katie

What do you get if you cross a snowman and a shark? Frost Bite!

Spot the Eight Differences

What is a snowmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite drink? Ice Tea!

Draw a picture of anything to do with Winter. Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to: Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG Closing date: 2 March 2018. Good Luck!