N&W Kent October Half Term 2019 Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

47,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

North and West Kent

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

AssemblyHallTheatre

HALF TERM FUN • THEATRE • LOCAL NEWS • COMPETITIONS

ahhtw

AssemblyHallTheatre

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2019 14 OCTOBER - 24 NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE 120

October Half Term Activities at Maidstone Leisure Centre Saturday 19th - Sunday 27th October 2019

Book now!

Fun for all the family! •

Bouncy Castle BOOK Now

•

Face Painting

•

Arts and Crafts Workshop

•

Mr Muddles

•

Roller Disco

•

Fancy Dress Halloween Party

+ LOADS more

Aqua Challenge every day!

Maidstone Leisure Centre Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7RN Tel: 01622 220232 MaidstoneLeisure

www.maidstoneleisure.com

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

Congratulations on reaching the first half term of the new school year. Hopefully by now school is really familiar and you’re ready for the half term. As usual we’ve searched high and low for fun ideas that are around for the October half term. Lots of them are free to enter so do take a look. Our listings are prepared quite a while in advance which is why we always include contact details. Do double-check before going to any event, we would hate you to be disappointed. If you do go to any of our listings please remember to mention you saw them in Primary Times! With the fireworks season upon us it seemed a good time to remind you about Firework safety. Thank you to Child Action Prevention Trust for their advice. For further information visit www.capt.org.uk 1. Make sure children stand at a safe distance from the bonfire. 2. Keep everyone well back from the display. 3. Never return to a lit firework.

Contents

inside this issue.... Latest News..............................4 What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre..........................8 Autumn Days Out........................15 Education News.......................23 Out of School Activities...........24 Competitions...........................27

4. Never throw fireworks. 5. Keep fireworks in a closed metal box. 6. Always follow the instructions when using fireworks.

All Your Own Work!................. 31

Did you know: A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph. Our next magazine will cover all the way from Christmas through to February Half Term so look out for us in your book bag from the week beginning 25 November.

Peter and the Primary Times Team This magazine is audited by BPA Worldwide 47,100 copies - Easter Edition 2019

Halloween Books to Get Children Reading With Halloween just around the corner, what better excuse is there to get your kids reading? Sterling Publishing have released two new children’s picture books, which take classic tales and give them a spooky, Halloween twist. Complete with captivating illustrations and entertaining characters, not only could these books get your children enjoying reading, they could also educate them in some classic titles. For older readers, All-Action Classics have got a great new take on Dracula by Ben Caldwell. In 1897, Bram Stoker gave the world one of literature’s most compelling characters and since then Dracula has thrilled and terrified generations of fans. Now the evil Count Dracula comes alive in an electrifying graphic novel that follows the vampire from his looming and ominous castle in Transylvania to Victorian London. Michael Mucci translates the tale and Ben Caldwell has created actionpacked images, with meticulous attention paid to the finer details in each piece of art, from facial expressions to the historical accuracy of costuming, architecture and heraldry.Young readers will be completely transfixed. This action packed new version of Dracula is available for £7.99 from Amazon.

For younger readers, there is a Halloween take on a classic with Moldilocks and the Three Scares - A Zombie Tale. Written by Lynne Marie and illustrated by David Rodríguez Lorenzo, this book promises to give the classic fairy tale a new creepy lease of life. Forget Goldilocks and the Three Bears in this delightfully zombie-tastic new version of the popular story. Papa Scare (a monster), Mama Scare (a mummy) and Baby Scare (a vampire) live in a haunted house where they eat finger sandwiches and alpha-bat soup. One night, they go out to walk their dog (a bloodhound, of course) to let their soup cool down. While they’re away, in walks the zombie Moldilocks, looking for food, a chair and a bed that’s just right. Kids will love this hauntingly funny story with its surprise ending. Moldilocks and the Three Scares - A Zombie Tale is available for £12.99 online and from all good high street stores. For more information about either book, please visit www. sterlingpublishing.com.

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Latest News

Be a Hero against Homelessness

Bluewater are relaunching their Nature Trail in partnership with the classic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, celebrating 50 years since the book was first published. To enjoy the trail, children can pick up a free trail map in the Mall and follow The Very Hungry Caterpillarthemed signs to explore the lakes, play areas, bug hotels, stepping logs and hopscotch. Amidst their adventures, children will also discover an incredible, giant wooden sculpture of The Very Hungry Caterpillar crafted by local sculptor Steven Porchmouth. There’s also a new spider climbing frame in the heart of the Nature Trail, adding to the host of fun outdoor activities.

Tasty Eyeballs Recipe!

These white chocolate covered little cakes are eye-poppingly good. The easiest way to make them is with a cakepop mould, which you can pick up from stores or online.

Ingredients (makes approx. 20 eyeballs) For the cake 70g superﬁne caster sugar 70g softened butter A few drops of vanilla extract 2 eggs 70g self-raising ﬂour ½ tsp baking powder Cake-pop mould For the decoration Wooden skewers 200g white candy melts/ white chocolate Blue, green, red, and black food colouring gel Horrid hint: if you

don’t have a cake-pop mould, you can bake the cake in a normal pan, break the cake into crumbs then roll with buttercream into balls.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Using a

wooden spoon, cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract, then slowly beat in the eggs. Fold in the ﬂour and baking powder.

2. Grease your cake-pop mould with butter. Use a teaspoon to add the mixture to the bottom of the mould, ﬁlling it to the top. Place the other side of the mould on top. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

3. With an adult’s help, put the cake pops in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool a little, then remove the top of the mould and release each cake pop onto a cooling rack. Leave until completely cool. 4. Push a wooden skewer into each cake

pop. Place the candy melts or chocolate in a microwavable bowl and heat in 30 second blasts in the microwave until melted. Dip and roll the cooled cake pops in the candy or spoon it over them until they are nicely coated.

5. Put the skewers upright and leave to

completely set. If you use white chocolate it may take a bit longer to set.

6. Dip a paintbrush into the blue or green food

coloring and paint a circle onto the cake pops. You could also paint some brown if you like. Leave to dry for about an hour. You may need to do more than one coat to get a good effect. Horrid hint: You could use royal icing instead to cover the eyeballs. Dip them in the same way and allow to harden before painting on the food coloring.

7. Add a black pupil with black food coloring, then some fine red veins. Remove from the skewer to finish. For this and plenty more scarily yummy recipes and to find some horribly fun craft activities see The Horrible Craft Book by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, available online and from all good bookshops for £12.99. Thanks to Gill for testing out the recipe for our office too - they were delicious! 14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for October and November Ongoing Every Sat

Junior Parkrun, The Strand Leisure Park, Gillingham, ME7 1TT

9.30am. A junior version of the hugely popular parkrun programme. 4-14 year-olds can join in this fun 2km run for all standards. Registration is free. For more details visit www.parkrun. org.uk/medway-juniors

Until 26 Oct

Walking with Goats Experience, Buttercups Sanctuary, Maidstone, ME17 4JW

Take a goat out for a walk along the various footpaths around the sanctuary, whilst the goats feast on the foliage – a fun experience for the whole family. Booking required. For more details visit www.buttercups. org.uk

Until 31 Oct

Autumn Sundays, Hole Park Gardens, Cranbrook TN17 4JA

(Selected dates). The Gardens are renowned for their beauty all year round including spectacular autumn colour.Visitors can enjoy a circular walk past a delightful carved wooden sculpture and also a renovated ‘Ice House’ built in 1740 to store ice before the days of refrigeration. For more information visit www. holepark.com

House Timed Tickets: October, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS You can pre-book afternoon tickets for the house online up until 24 hours in advance. All e-tickets should be exchanged at the visitor welcome centre for a house ticket. Children are welcome. Booking is essential. Admission applies. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell

And its club famously plummeted further than any in history after being ejected from the Football League. Free. For more information visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk.

Until 29 Feb

Woolly Watery World, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH (Selected dates) Go along to see this ‘undersea’ art display, from an octopus to a seahorse and a chalk reef, has been knitted and crocheted by Kent Wildlife Trust’s volunteers and staff members as part of their ‘Guardians of the Deep’ project. For more details visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

October From 1 Oct

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

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Oct

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

Enjoy a triple header season finale on the world-famous Grand Prix circuit in October with three incredible races across the weekend. Under 13s are admitted free. For more details and to book visit www.brandshatch. co.uk

Fri 18 – Thurs 31 Oct

Pick Your Own Pumpkin, Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone, ME14 3BE

10am-4pm. At Pumpkin Moon they specialise in fun for little (and not so little) people. With over 80 varieties Until 3 Nov of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from, plus the popular maize Mrs Wolfe’s Recipes, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD maze and face painting, you can make 1-4pm. Join the team as they recreate a real day of it. For more information visit www.pumpkinmoon.uk. some of Mrs Wolfe’s eighteenth century recipes such as lemon drops, King or Queen cakes or macaroons. Tastings available. Children are Our listings welcome. Free event, admission are prepared a long applies. For more details visit www. time in advance. nationaltrust.org.uk/quebechouse

Until 18 Jan

Maidstone: United in Football, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

(Selected dates). 10am-5pm. The story of Maidstone football is special. The town had a pioneering role in a number of aspects of the game.

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

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

”

Fri 18 Oct – Mon 6 Jan

Ice Rink, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

(Excl 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan). It wouldn’t be Christmas at Ruxley without the indoor Ice Rink. More off peak sessions than ever before as well as toddler sessions, new SEN sessions and a whole host of other exciting events on the ice. Make sure to book early to avoid disappointment. For more information visit www.ruxleymanor.co.uk

Sat 19 Oct

Make Your Own Halloween Crafts, Temple Manor, Strood, ME2 2AH (Also 20, 26 and 27 Oct) 10am4pm. Join this hands-on family craft activity on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www.enjoymedway.org

Kids’ Film Club, Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX

10am-12noon. Mirai. A pampered young boy has trouble coming to terms with the arrival of his baby sister, until he encounters a magical garden which allows him to travel through time and space. Rated U. Toys and play mats available for the little ones. For more information visit www.huguenotmuseum.org

Sat 19 – Sun 27 Oct

Spooky Pumpkin Trail, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW

Take part in the spooky heritage trail around the Keep for a chance to win a small prize. Age 5-12. Small charge. Drop-in. For more information visit www.enjoymedway.org

Half Term Activity Trail, Lullingstone Country Park, Eynsford, DA4 0JF

10am-3pm. Explore the woods following the self-led activity trail and see what you can discover about the park. All completed trails will receive a small prize. Book online or drop-in. For more information visit www. kentcountryparks.co.uk

Half Term Activity Trail, Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend, DA12 3HX

Enchanted Dockyard, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE

Get ready to be enchanted as you walk through an immersive magical ‘inside garden’. This experience is like no other. Sit on toadstools as you join in with the digital storytelling led by a wizard. Also includes slime making and butterfly origami. Be spell bound this October Half Term. For more details visit https:// thedockyard.co.uk

Halloween Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY

10am-4pm. Treat your little ones to a spook-tastic feast of fun. Join in lots of activities like pumpkin carving, ghoulish face painting, and storytelling plus on Tues 22, kids can meet The Gruffalo. Charges apply. For more details, timings and to book visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

October Half Term Family Fun, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-5pm. The woods around the house are home to Tawny Owls, Little Owls and Barn Owls. Kids can find out more about owls and try to complete a fun trail in the gardens. Booking not needed. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

Spooky Pumpkin Trail, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW

10am-4pm. Take part in a spooky heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www.enjoymedway.org

Autumnal Nature Trail, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

12noon-4.30pm. Keep the kids busy and pick up a trail sheet from visitor reception. Follow the pictures around the garden, what word will be revealed once the trail is complete? Free event, admission applies. For more details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/smallhythe-place

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 14

Family Theatre

Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comprehensive. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy. From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Horrible Histories comes this amazing new production of David Walliams’ best-selling story. David Walliams told Primary Times, “BSC’s Gangsta Granny stole my heart, so I’m really excited that Billionaire Boy is coming next. I can’t wait to meet Joe Spud and all the gang. It promises to be a brilliant show!”

Family Theatre

Billionaire Boy runs from Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 November. Tickets range from £16 to £24. To book, visit www. orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01322 220 000. Photo credit: Mark Douet

Christmas Rox

See Billionaire Boy at the Orchard

David Walliams is on a roll. The celebrated comedian, talent show judge and writer closed last year as the country’s biggest-selling author for the second year running, which is not surprising given global sales of his books have reached thirty-two million copies. His story Billionaire Boy, which was adapted for television, is now touring the UK in a brand-new adaptation from the acclaimed producers Birmingham Stage Company.

Christmas Rox is the fourth Christmas show that The Woodville has produced in-house and they have been delighted with the response that they have had for their previous shows. This year they wanted to incorporate some of the great Christmas rock songs and the result is Christmas Rox. The show is the story of a little girl who wants to be an Elf and play her guitar on Santa’s sleigh. She practises really hard and enlists the help of her guitar teacher, Mr Kerrangle, and finally sets off to ask Santa to grant her wish when she visits him at the grotto in Gravesend. But, before she gets to meet Santa she has to answer the questions put to her by Elfis, who is something of a guitar man himself. Meanwhile, Santa is desperately worried

11-24 December

Children £12, Adults £10, Grand Tickets £8

M AN EET WIT D GRE E HS ANT T PRE A S EVE ENT FO + RY C R HILD

Rox plays guitar and has been practising really hard so that she can play for Santa and his Elf at the grotto; and maybe even join them on the sleigh!

LIVE ON STAGE!

Santa is worried about Rudolf who has got a very sore foot and may not even be able to pull the sleigh. Come and join Santa, Rudolf, Elf and Rox at the Woodville Studio for their rockin’ Christmas show. Wednesday 11 December Friday 13 December

SHOW TIMES

2.30pm 11am

Saturday 14 December

2pm

Sunday 15 December

11am

Monday 16 December

10.30am

12pm

Tuesday 17 December

10.30am Children £12, 10.30am Adults £10, Saturday 21 December Sunday 22 December Grand Tickets11am £8

Wed 13 - Sun 17 Nov 01322 220000 orchardtheatre.co.uk 8

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Thursday 19 December

12pm

Friday 20 December

12pm

Monday 23 December

11am

Tuesday 24 December

10am

2pm 1.30pm

2pm

www.woodville.co.uk

Box Office G RAVES E N D

01474 337 500

Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD

like us on Facebook /woodville.halls

Tweet us at @TheWoodville

A Theatrical Half Term at Greenwich Theatre

October is officially upon us which means the half term is slowly creeping up. But, have no fear, Greenwich Theatre has some fantastic family theatre for all to enjoy. From a scarecrow’s wedding to a pirate adventure, there’s something for everyone this half term. Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Scarecrow’s Wedding promises wit, drama and wedding bells. Packed with live music and laughter, this is one hour’s magic that you and your children will never forget. Next up, Les Petits Theatre Company’s Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: The Magic Cutlass is a non-stop action packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs. In Rise and Fall you’ll meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs. Hold your breath and go sailing away with a poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. Looking forward to Christmas, Andrew Pollard returns to Greenwich Theatre for a very special pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. A sleeping princess, an unlikely hero, an even more unlikely villain, grab your tickets for this time-travelling,

Family Theatre

about Rudolf who has a really sore hoof and doesn’t even know if he will be able to pull the sleigh. With plenty of songs and audience participation, join The Woodville as they help Rox make her Christmas dream come true. There is also a meet and greet with Santa and an early Christmas gift for all the younger audience members after each show. The show runs from 11 - 24 December. For more information, please visit www. woodville.co.uk.

continent-hopping, gravity defying treat, written to celebrate 50 years of theatre in Greenwich. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8858 7755.

See Peter Pan in Tunbridge Wells

Flying into Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre for Christmas this year is the swashbuckling adventure, Peter Pan, from Saturday 7 December to Sunday 5 January. Meet Peter, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and Tinker Bell and get ready for a family show full of fun, fairy dust and pirates galore. Set sail for Neverland, take on Captain Hook and prepare for extraordinary flying effects, galleons of laughter and the hungriest of crocodiles…

Tunbridge Wells audiences are guaranteed yet another year of spectacular sets, dazzling costumes and side splitting comedy, directed by the Assembly Hall’s own JJ Almond and produced by Martin Dodd for UK Productions by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Ltd, in association with the Assembly Hall Theatre. Starring Disney’s Art Attack’s Lloyd Warbey as Peter, Nick Junior’s Go Go Go star Holly Atterton as Tinker Bell, Paul Bradley from Holby City as Captain Hook, Sarah Jane Buckley from Hollyoaks as Mrs Darling and, of course, Tunbridge Wells’ favourite returning Dame, Quinn Patrick as Mrs Smee! Suitable for young ones (and those who never want to grow up), this festive extravaganza is on sale now so hook your seats today for Tunbridge Wells’ must see Christmas show on www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Assembly Hall Theatre is offering Peter Pan Special Effects STEM Workshops for schools who come to the pantomime. With sessions ideal for Key Stage 2 students, your pupils can marvel at all the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic elements that go into creating theatrical special effects.

HEAD TO GREENWICH THEATRE FOR A HALF TERM TREAT! 24 & 25 OCTOBER

Saturday 7 December – Sunday 5 January When you book two adults and two children together on any Standard or Saver performance. Subject to availability.

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Box Office: 01892 530613 AssemblyHallTheatre

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

ahttw

AssemblyHallTheatre

Stag Sevenoaks

Family Theatre

21 – 24 Dec

Get Santa

It’s Christmas Eve but Holly isn’t happy. All she’s ever wanted from Santa is to meet her real dad for the first time, and every time, Santa’s failed to deliver, bringing lots of useless presents instead. Well, Holly’s had enough, this year she has a plan. But that’s only the beginning of the adventure.

Orchard Dartford

Family Theatre Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells

Box Office: 01892 530 613 27 Oct

Stagecoach Haywards Heath

Their biggest ever show to celebrate 10 years with their Principal!

7 Dec – 5 Jan

Peter Pan

Set sail for Neverland, take on Captain Hook and prepare for outof-this-world flying effects, galleons of laughter and the hungriest of crocodiles.

Central Theatre Chatham

01634 338 338 www. medwayticketslive.co.uk 12 Dec – 5 Jan

Cinderella

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 22 - 23 Oct

The Scarecrows’ Wedding

This epic love story promises wit, drama and wedding bells! Packed with live music and laughter, this is one hour of magic that you and your children will never forget. Ages 3+.

24 – 25 Oct

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: The Magic Cutlass The children are whisked away for another fantastic adventure to a world of devious dinosaurs, deep sea dangers and smelly sausages. It’s all aboard, me hearties, for a real live pirate adventure. Ages 3+.

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

26 – 27 Oct

Rise and Fall

Explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature, in this poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. Ages 2+.

29 Oct – 1 Nov

Shakespeare Schools Festival

See Shakespeare’s timeless stories brought to life like never before, and support young people from your community as they take to the stage.

22 Nov – 12 Jan

Sleeping Beauty

A very special pantomime, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reopening of Greenwich Theatre with a tale of a sleeping princess, an unlikely hero, an even more unlikely villain – and an adventure that’s out of this world…

21 Dec

Comedy Club for Kids – Christmas Cracker Expect the finest Christmas Cracker jokes, tinsel tomfoolery, festive funnies and even Santa doing standup!

Hazlitt Maidstone

Box Office: 01622 758 611 3 Nov

Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass

Join Vienna Festival Ballet on a magical journey with their unmissable production of Snow White. This spellbinding ballet promises to entertain and dazzle the whole family.

Box Office: 01322 220 000 18 – 20 Oct

Aladdin

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever!

choir, some world class circus and all the laughs and traditions their audiences have come to know and love, will all make sure Aladdin is a festive treat not to be missed!

Get ready for a road-trip full of adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice creams to muddy puddles, there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy.

Milkshake! Live Be part of this fantastic production as you learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, lights, costumes and stage come together.

10 Nov

A Tribute to and JoJo

A much loved cast, sensational six piece band, glorious gospel

TThe Woodville Gravesend

Box Office: 01474 337 500 19 Oct

3 Nov

Disgusting Songs for Revolting Enjoy Children the show!

And don’t forget to say you saw it in

Jay Foreman provides a devilishly cheeky hour of songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages Primary in this family-friendly Times! show which regularly sells out its entire runs at the Edinburgh Ariana Festival Fringe.

The UK’s number one tributes to global superstar Ariana Grande and kids’ sensation JoJo Siwa come together in the most exciting new pop production of 2019.

11 – 12 Nov

Dear Zoo

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

13 – 17 Nov

Billionaire Boy

Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country! He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money! But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend.

23 Oct

Arthur’s Dreamboat

A magical playful children’s show with breath taking puppets, so enchanting that everyone will want to sail away with Arthur in his dream boat.

2 Nov

Card Ninja

Riotous fun and a sweep of highflying card tricks can only mean one thing, Javier Jarquin, otherwise branded as Card Ninja, is back in town. Expect deadly and risky fun as he performs his extreme cardflicking stunts. Ages 6+.

6 Dec – 1 Jan

Beauty and the Beast A handsome prince is cursed to spend his life transformed into a hideous beast. Discover if Belle and her friends - the ‘glamorous’ Dame Darcy Derrière’ and her wilfully witless son, Phillippe Philoppe - can outwit the arrogant bully Clarence Casanova, and lift the curse.

11 – 24 Dec

Christmas Rox!

30 Nov – 31 Dec A tale as old as time... With lavish scenery, sparkling costumes, dazzling special effects and riproaring comedy routines guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles.

Snow White

6 Dec - 5 Jan

When Flinn, Pearl and Tom are in the middle of their school play their old nemesis, Mr T the T-Rex, appears and kidnaps the children forcing them to hunt for the secretive Magic Cutlass; a sword that grants the holder any wish!

Beauty and the Beast

Box Office: 01732 450175 22 Oct

14 Dec – 5 Jan

Peter Pan

Take a fairy tale flight to Neverland this Christmas in the swashbuckling family adventure as the Jolly Roger navigates the perilous high seas and throws anchor in the Thames for another unmissable festive season in Dartford.

Rox has always wanted to be an Elf and ride on Santa’s sleigh. As Christmas gets closer and closer join her adventures to make her dream come true. Includes a meet and greet with Santa and a gift for every child. Under 7s.

Feel the Magic this Christmas with Aladdin

From the producers of last year’s spectacular laugh-out-loud production, Peter Pan, comes a pantomime spectacular for 2019, Beauty and the Beast.

A spectacular production of Aladdin is flying into the Stag Theatre this Christmas, as the Sevenoaks Panto team return for another fabulous family pantomime.

Starring ‘EastEnders’ and West End Star Aaron Sidwell as The Beast, Olivier award winning Leanne Jones as Fairy Ooh La La and returning Gravesend favourites Robert Pearce as the Hilarious Dame Darcy Derrière and Rob Cummings as the dastardly Clarence Casanova.

Following the record-breaking Dick Whittington and Snow White, Sevenoaks Panto is back with a bang in what promises to be its biggest panto ever. Along with a much-loved cast, a sensational six piece band, glorious gospel choir, world class circus, and all the laughs and traditions local audiences have come to know and love, Aladdin is a festive treat not to be missed.

A handsome prince is cursed to spend his life transformed into a hideous Beast. Go along to the Woodville Theatre in Gravesend to discover whether Belle and her friends - the ‘glamorous’ Dame Darcy Derrière and her wilfully witless son, Phillippe Philoppe - can outwit the arrogant bully, Clarence Casanova, and lift the curse. Let yourself be whisked away to the sleepy French town of Château de Toilet where you’ll join in a race against time filled with fun, adventure and laughter. With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible special effects and bags of slapstick fun, Beauty and the Beast is a delight for all the family to enjoy. Beauty and the Beast runs from Friday 6 December to Wednesday 1 January. Tickets range from £15 to £25. To book visit www.woodville. co.uk, give them a call at the box office 01474 337 500 or email boxoffice@gravesham.gov.uk.

As usual, Silly Billy will be providing the laughs, this time playing Aladdin’s brother, and teaming up with audience favourite Danny Beard who is stepping down off his hoop to play panto dame, Widow Twankey. Jasette Amos has moved over from the dark side to play the Genie of the Lamp, and Lucy Reed will once again be returning to play Princess Jasmine.

Family Theatre

Beauty and the Beast at the Woodville, Gravesend

With a reputation for incredible production values, the Stag Theatre’s pantomime will feature one of the biggest bands in all of pantoland, with six talented musicians playing live on stage. The gospel choir that made such an impact on audiences in Dick Whittington will be gracing the stage once again. Tickets, priced from just £15, are on sale now. For all the latest news follow Sevenoaks Panto on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, visit www.sevenoakspanto.com or call the Stag Theatre Box Office on 01732 450 175.

G R AVE S E N D

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Family Theatre

The Snow Queen

When her friend is stolen by the cold hearted Snow Queen, Gerda must find the strength and courage to travel across the lands to save him. An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend? This November and December the classic tale of ‘The Snow Queen’ by Hans Christian Andersen will be brought to life in a stunning one-act adaption by the ‘This is My Theatre’ company in association with the Churches Conservation Trust. Audiences are invited to celebrate the festive season as the production tours various churches in Kent, Sussex and beyond. With live music, song and characters that all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this Christmas. Venue details, tickets and more information are available at www. thisismytheatre.com/the-snow-queen .

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

The Olivier Award nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came to Tea is coming back to the West End for Christmas, opening at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 9 December and playing until 5 January.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! When Sophie and her Mummy welcome the hungry Tiger to tea, he proceeds to eat all the sandwiches, buns, biscuits and more. He even manages to drink all the water in the tap! What will Sophie’s Daddy say when he gets home? Join the Tiger, Sophie and her Mummy and Daddy, in this musical slice of teatime mayhem with sing-a-long songs, oodles of magic and interactive fun. The show is an ideal introduction to live theatre for children aged three and above and the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family. Tickets start from £14.50. For more details go to www. tigerstealive.com or call the Box Office on 020 7930 8800. The show has a total run time of 55 minutes and is suitable for ages 3+.

Chatham Panto Will Be a Night to Remember!

You’ll have a BALL at Chatham Panto! Cinderella opens at The Central Theatre on 12 December and runs through to 5 January. The show stars Lucy Benjamin as Fairy Godmother who is best-known as Lisa Fowler in BBC EastEnders – currently back

Win a VIP Experience to See Beauty & The Beast at the Hazlitt Theatre

This Christmas, join the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone for a tale as old as time - Beauty & the Beast. Share the next spectacular pantomime adventure. Go along and see if the Beast finds love before the last rose petal falls. With lavish scenery, sparkling costumes, dazzling special effects and rip-roaring comedy routines guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles, this beast of a panto is a must-see for the whole family. Win a family ticket to VIP opening night of Beauty & the Beast on Friday 29 November. This night is by invitation only. Doors open at 6pm and the evening is sponsored by Biddenden Vineyards providing free drinks and The Village Hotel serving canapes. After the show, meet the full cast! Plus, included in the prize, to celebrate their new children’s menu, feast on a £100 voucher to treat the family at Côte Brasserie Maidstone.

For your chance to win tell us where the Hazlitt Theatre is. Send your answer to us along with your name, age, address, school and phone number to Hazlitt Theatre Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email your answer together with your details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Hazlitt Theatre’ as the subject by Friday 8 November. 12

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Left at home by the ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go to the ball. However, with the help of her Fairy Godmother and brilliant buffoonery from Buttons, the most exciting night of her life can begin… This year’s magical extravaganza is brought to you by Jordan Productions, the team behind last year’s smash hit Dick Whittington and his Cat and once again they promise stunning sets, the most sensational costumes, slick choreography and spectacular live music. Book now for Cinderella at The Central Theatre, Chatham by visiting www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or calling 01634 338 338.

Peter Pan Flies into the Orchard

The Orchard Theatre Dartford have announced that soap star Steve McFadden will lead their panto cast as the villainous Captain Hook in this year’s swashbuckling family pantomime,

Peter Pan. Former British Soap Awards ‘Villain of the Year’, Steve McFadden, is one of Britain’s favourite soap-baddies and has been a regular on our TV screens for nearly two decades. Steve’s TV credits include The Bill, Minder, Bergerac, Kevin and Perry Go Large, Murder in Mind, Britain’s Hardest and, most famously, EastEnders. Speaking on his casting, Steve McFadden told Primary Times, “I can’t wait to be on stage at the Orchard this Christmas. I’m also really looking forward to working with Andy once again and bringing some festive magic to Dartford and beyond.” Joining him as the hilarious shipmate Mr Smee, will be comedian Andy Ford. One of pantomime’s most successful comedians, Andy has appeared on stages across the UK entertaining thousands of theatregoers with his quick-wit, physical routines and sense of humour winning rave-reviews and legions of fans wherever he performs. Peter Pan will reunite Steve and Andy who performed together to critical acclaim in Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth in 2017.

Family Theatre

on screen with an explosive storyline leading up to Christmas. Milkshake presenter Derek Moran joins Lucy to play Dandini. As well as presenting, Derek produces, directs and choreographs for the Channel 5 show. The cast also includes Jessica Croll as Cinderella, Mark Newnham as Buttons as well as Richard Pocock and Harry Hart as the ugly sisters plus 20 young dancers from Medway and Kent.

Peter Pan will be running from Saturday 14 December to Sunday 5 January at the Orchard Theatre. Ticket prices start at £20 with a range of discounts available. For more information, visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01322 220 000.

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

What’s On

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

October Spooky Halloween Trail, Upnor Castle, ME2 4XG 10am-4pm. Take part in a spooky heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www.enjoymedway.org

Night Knight Trail, Temple Manor, Strood, ME2 2AH

10am-4pm. Help a Knight have a good night’s sleep by finding all the spooky ghouls and ghosts around the site. Find them all for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more information visit www.enjoymedway.org

Get Spooked, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ

11am-5pm. Celebrate Halloween with nine days of frightfully good fun by the sea for families to enjoy. New for 2019 will be a family friendly maze for the brave and not so brave. There will also be ghoulish party games, devilish disco dancing and a variety of spooky crafts and activities to take part in too. Dressing up is encouraged. For more information visit www.dreamland.co.uk

Half Term Fun, Broadditch Farm, Southfleet, DA13 9PU

(Selected dates). Pumpkin Carving workshops, Monster Madness, The Bone Yard outdoor maze, Boo Bungalow and Freaky Forest. Spooktacular entertainment for all the family. For more information and to book visit www. broadwitchhauntfest.co.uk

Halloween Fear and Fun, Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, TN26 3RJ Dare you join the Rare Breeds Centre for a week filled with ghosts, ghouls and a whole lot of fearsome fun? Complete the Spooks Trail, join ‘The Devil’s Pig Race’ and so much more. Dress up in your scariest costume for the chance to win a prize. For more information visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Sat 19 – Thurs 31 Oct

Halloween Half Term Fun, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Prepare to be spooked at Haunted Hever. Enjoy a vast array of spooktacular events such as spooky storytelling, craft activities and a scarecrow scavenger hunt. Sink your teeth into a sweet treat at the deadly delicious biscuit decorating workshop or take part in the fancy dress competition. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Freaky Fossils Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Tread carefully around the garden this half term with a freaky fossils trail. Watch out for

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

freaky fossils and terrifying trees as you head out around the gardens on the family trail. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmettsgarden

Beastly Bat Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

10am-4pm. Fly around the gardens of Chartwell this autumn half term and discover more about the beastly bats that live there. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Spooky Spider Hunt, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, Romney Marsh, TN29 9PN

10am-4pm. Explore the nature trail and learn about the wonders of spiders on your way round. Can you find the answers to all the questions on spiders which are hidden around the trail? There’s a small prize if you can find them all. Small charge for activity sheet. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/dungeness

Sun 20 Oct

Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Draw-a-long, The Woodville, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

2pm. A family-friendly, fun-filled draw-along for all ages. Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt and draw along with him. He’ll be showing you how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope. To book visit www.woodville.co.uk

Mon 21 Oct

Owl Meet and Greet, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Get up close and personal with an array of owls from Sky Birds of Prey and learn all about these fascinating creatures. Session lasts 45 minutes and includes a mask to take home and decorate. Charges apply. For more information visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

Mon 21 – Wed 23 Oct

Make Your Own Halloween Crafts, Upnor Castle, ME2 4XG

10.30am-3.30pm. Join in the hands-on family craft activity on site. Ages 5-12. Drop-in. For more information visit www.enjoymedway.org

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

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

Tues 22 Oct

Mon 21 – Thurs 24 Oct

Tues 22 – Wed 23 Oct

10am-6pm. Celebrate the launch of ‘A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ by creating your own Shaun the Sheep from clay! Head to Moon Court on the day to book a slot. Small charge applies. For more information visit www.bluewater. co.uk.

10.30am-12noon. It’s nearly Halloween, so why not prepare by making a mobile to hang up at home? Paint your wooden mobile ring and cut out and decorate spooky bats to hang from it. Charges apply. Ages 5-11. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

”

Shaun the Sheep Clay Modelling, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Our Amazing Animal World, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

(Also 24 Oct). 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm. Enjoy a truly unique and fully interactive animal experience. The team are back with a selection of weird and wonderful rescued animals for your child to meet. Learn lots of amazing facts. Charges apply. For more information visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Hanging Bats Halloween Decoration, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

Mon 21 – Sun 27 Oct

Tues 22 – Fri 25 Oct

Hocus Pocus Circus, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup DA14 5BQ

Make It! Workshops, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm (no 3.30pm on Thurs or Sun). John Lawson’s Circus returns to Ruxley Manor this half term for a spooktacular showing! With plenty of Halloween-themed family entertainment to dance, scream and sing along. It is the perfect way to celebrate the spookiest of seasons. For more information visit www. ruxley-manor.co.uk.

10.30-11.30am, 12noon-1pm, 1.302.30pm, 3-4pm. Enjoy a week of sports-themed craft activities. Tues - create your own table football game, Wed - make your own giant foam sports hand, Thurs – design your own sports-related baseball cap, Fri – create your own winners’ trophy. Ages 4-11. For more information and to book visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Halloween Half Term Fun, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, ME7 3PD

Make Your Own Halloween Crafts, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW

11am-3pm. Halloween fun with kmfm Street Team is frightfully good. Kids can have their face painted for free or take part in Halloween make and takes. Plus on Thurs 24 and Fri 25 there will be live creepy crawlies in the centre. For more information visit www.hempsteadvalley.com

Halloween Monster Academy, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Activities will include learning to move like a monster, perfecting your scare technique and complete an obstacle class. There will also be a spooky trail through the grounds as well as daily ghoulish games and a frightful fancy dress competition. To book tickets visit www.leeds-castle. com

Pumpkin Carving, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

Treat your little pumpkins, witches and ghosts to a pumpkin carving session this Halloween. New this year there will be a range stencils provided with each pumpkin so you can now create spooky or cute designs with your little ones in a 45 minute session. For more information and to book visit www.ruxley-manor. co.uk

10.30am-3.30pm. Join in this handson family craft activity. Ages 5-12. Small charge. For more information visit www.enjoymedway.org

Wed 23 Oct

Indoor Go-Karting, Becket Sports Centre, DA1 2JB

2.30-4pm. Enjoy a Bouncy Hopper course and Goal ShootOut alongside the Go-Karting! Refreshments available and prizes up-for-grabs… Ages 4-10 (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) For more information visit www.becketsportscentre. co.uk.

Magical Halloween Party, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

10.30am (Pre-schoolers), 12.30pm (SEN), 3pm (Ages 5-10). Have spook-tacular fun with the magical wizards and witches from Mascot Moments. Enjoy party games and dancing, sweet treats, crafts, balloon modelling plus glitter face painting. All included in ticket price. For more information visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

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

and More days out...

Halloween Fun at The Hop Farm Treat the kids to a spook-tastic feast of fun for the half term holidays. Dress up in your best Halloween fancy dress and go and join in. Fun activities available include pumpkin carving, best fancy-dress competition, ghoulish face painting, creepy storytelling, magic shows, a magic castle and animal farm. Some activities are subject to change. There will also be fang-tastic entertainment in the Red Barn. Go and join their Hogwarts team for a fun-filled spooktacular entertaining time for all ages. Enjoy an interactive, funny, spooky story with a twist, told by the farm’s storyteller and loveable puppets. Take a photo onstage with a costume character and get a balloon model as well. Join in with some fun-filled themed party games, and get your dancing shoes on for the Monster Mash UV Glow Disco. There will be many other activities taking place throughout the week, including Boyles and Ghouls, where you can get down and boogie with DJ Bones and the gang. With all of this, plus dance competitions, top tunes and terrifying tracks, the week is promising to be fantastic.

i9-27 OCTOBER

Treat the kids to a spooky day out and dress up in your scariest Halloween costumes! Indoor Halloween Entertainment Ghoulish Face Painting pumpkin carving Magic Castle Giant Jumping Pillows Animal Farm And much more Halloween fun!* * subject to change

Information Line: 0i622 872068 Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Spooky Events at Rare Breeds Centre

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

Happy Halloween

For an extra treat, on Tuesday 22 October, the Gruffalo will be visiting The Hop Farm for meet and greets at intervals throughout the day. Halloween will be taking place at The Hop Farm from 19 – 27 October. Some of the activities cost tokens. For more information, please visit www.hopfarm.co.uk.

Rare Breeds Centre dares you to join them for a half term week filled with ghosts, ghouls and, of course, a whole lot of fearsome fun. New Theatrical Adventures returns with a magical and interactive tale full of colourful characters, toe-tapping numbers and side-splitting comedy. Grab your magic wand and prepare yourself for the most spellbinding tale of all time. Collect a tasty treat when you dare to complete the Spooks Trail. Find all the Spooks around the farm and be rewarded with a tasty treat. The fun doesn’t stop there. Join Dr Torny Skudpants and Effel Fartwaffer for a forensical phenomenon with gungungly gruesome interactive family fun. Get a fearsome face paint with Jax (at a small extra cost) and dress up in your most scary costume to take part in the daily fancy dress competition. There will, of course, be prizes for the younger participants. For those not keen on Halloween, there will be all the usual fun of the farm, with friendly animals, big red trailer rides and outdoor and indoor play. The Granary Restaurant will also be open from 10am – 5pm for Halloween_PrimaryTimes_2019.pdf yummy food at great prices. Halloween activities will be 1 04/10/2019 14:59 taking place from 19 – 27 October. For more information, please visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk.

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14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

01233 861508 RAREBREEDS.ORG.UK

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

Truck Racing and Fireworks Spectacular at Brands Hatch

Celebrate Santa’s Arrival at Royal Victoria Place

For a family bonfire night celebration with a difference, head to the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent on Sunday 3 November for the spectacular British Truck Racing and Fireworks, featuring bombastic track action and one of Britain’s biggest aerial pyrotechnic displays.

It’s time to get the family feeling festive, so on Thursday 14 November, go along to Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells to enjoy lots of festive fun. Experience Santa’s arrival and the lighting up of his magical grotto plus enjoy free parking between 4pm and 8pm - perfect to get some early Christmas shopping done.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. See the incredible spectacle of five-tonne mechanical monsters doing battle on track plus hundreds of show trucks on display throughout the venue. Watch them take to the circuit for a twilight parade with lights blazing and horns sounding. It’s a sight not to be missed!

Santa will make his big entrance for the official opening of his brand new arctic-themed grotto from 4.30pm with a little help from his PAW Patrol friends, Chase and Marshall giving Santa a helping hand on the night. kmfm Breakfast Show presenter Laura Nevitt will also be at Royal Victoria Place to kick off the festivities in style.

After the track action, eyes turn to the sky as darkness falls, for the traditional season-closing firework extravaganza which lights up the entire circuit. The venue’s natural amphitheatre means it is a superb spot for watching a display, and grandstand seats and indoor hospitality are available for those who want to enjoy the event in comfort. Other family attractions include a circus show, an internationallyacclaimed illusionist, tribute concert, a funfair, go karting, kids’ driving experiences and much more. Adult tickets are £20 in advance and under 13s go free. See www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 01474 872 331 for more details and to book.

Santa’s Grotto will then be open until 8pm for those who want to be the first to meet the man himself. Chase and Marshall will also be meeting fans at intervals throughout the event. There will also be the chance to get close and personal with the biggest teddy in Tunbridge Wells. To find out more about Santa’s Grotto and what’s on this Christmas at Royal Victoria Place, please visit www. royalvictoriaplace.com.

Enter the Enchanted Dockyard Be transported into a magical world as The Historic Dockyard Chatham pulls back ancient ivy to reveal the Enchanted Dockyard from Saturday 19 until Sunday 27 October. A mystical garden and seasonal crafts will await families inside No.1 Smithery. Grown-ups and children will be tasked with making their own magic wands and origami butterflies, plus they’ll also be able to carve pumpkins and make their own goo-ey slime before entering the Enchanted Garden. A small charge applies. Families will be invited to ‘charge’ their magic wands and creep quietly through the secret door into the mysterious world of the Dockyard’s fairies and mystical creatures. Explore the garden, wander around the koi pond and peek into the fairy village before gathering on toad stalls under the trees for story time. Follow the plight of the lost ship Phoenix as a digital storybook comes to life, led by narrator Little Victory.Visitors will need to help Neewollah the Wizard and his band of fireflies guide the Phoenix safely home through the storm. This immersive experience will take approximately 1 hour. Access to the Enchanted Dockyard is included in an entry ticket but a timeslot must be booked upon arrival. It is an undercover, all-weather experience and visitors are encouraged to come dressed in magical and mystical outfits.

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14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

Half Term Halloween Fun at Hempstead Valley Halloween half term with the KMFM Street Team at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is frightfully good. Go along and see what spooktacular free events you can find from 11am-3pm on Monday 21 – Sunday 27 October. Take part in creative Halloween make and takes, have your face painted, plus on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October, there will be live creepy crawlies in the centre! These free sessions are suitable for all ages from toddlers to grandparents, however children must be supervised at all times. Events will be held inside the centre, outside Boots. Please note, that these free events are very popular during the school holidays, therefore you may need to queue for face-painting and other activities and that children must be aged 3+ to have their face painted. During busy periods the queue may need to close by 2.20pm to allow children already queuing for this event to have their face painted or see the creepy crawlies. You’ll find Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre just off junction 4 of the M2 and with free parking for up to 6 hours, it’s a great place to shop, eat and for your children to have fun.Visit www.hempsteadvalley.com for more information.

at Bluewater With three storeys of soft play , a whole host of interactive dinosaur activities and endless adventures to be had, Dinotropolis is a soft play park like no other. It’s the perfect place to celebrate

Birthdays

ROARsome

with three party rooms and a selection of

packages to choose from. Parties include: Full access to the park for 2 hours Private party room 2 x free adult entries Downloadable party invites Party food for every Ranger

ALL FOR

£20

PER GUEST*

For more information or to make a booking call us on

01322 876127

or visit dinotropolis.co.uk/parties *Minimum numbers apply

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

Pumpkin Hunting with Demelza Hospice Care A spook-tacular charity event is to take place during this October Half Term. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt has been organised by Demelza Hospice Care for Children with events taking place in Sevenoaks and Rochester on 24 October and West Malling, and Gravesend on 25 October. At each event, pumpkins will be on display with various retailers and at local landmarks and children will be required to hunt for them around their local town while picking up treats from shops and businesses along the way. Children are of course encouraged to wear fancy dress. The best Halloween costume in each location will win a prize and winners from each town will then be judged against each other for the chance of winning a £250 voucher from John Lewis. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt takes approximately one hour to complete and is open to children aged 3 - 11, costing £5 per child which includes two adults free of charge. Money raised will go to Demelza Hospice Care for Children, a charity which provides specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions. For more information, please visit www.demelza.org.uk.

Peur Sur Le Parc How do you fancy crossing the Channel for your Halloween treat this year? In the space of a decade, Peur sur le Parc (Fear in the Park) has become an unmissable event at Parc Asterix during Halloween and the half term holidays. Once again this year, from 5 October to 3 November, Parc Asterix will undergo a metamorphosis and become a permanent show featuring monsters and terrifying creatures. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Peur sur le Parc, a massive surprise awaits those who love to be afraid - head for The Catacombs, the new haunted house at Parc Asterix! A system of traffic lights shows the level of scariness in the different zones of the park: ‘Slightly scary’ for the youngest, ‘Moderately frightening’ for all the family and ‘Absolutely terrifying’ for the most daring. For young Gauls who want to transform themselves, The Workshop of Curiosities offers a make-up workshop. A plant world can be discovered in the Forêt d’Idéfix. Little ones can follow the trail of a living garden.Vegetation will have pride of place with larger-than-life creatures. In Le Chemin des Sorciers, under the influence of a terrible spell, the Nationale 7 train goes crazy and whisks you off on its ancient rattle traps for a ride packed with pitfalls, witches, wizards and pumpkins. Dare you risk Les Chaudrons Infernaux… bubble, bubble, toil and trouble? Watch out, you’re not alone! Phantoms whirl around you in the darkness. The Pict awaits Young Gauls in the Village of the Indomitables for an animated story-telling session with plenty of surprises. For more information, visit www.parcasterix.fr.

Learn to be a Monster at Leeds Castle’s Monster Academy Are you a little monster? If so, you’ll fit in perfectly at the brand new Monster Academy at Leeds Castle, open from 2127 October. This Halloween explore the castle grounds and complete spooky classes, winning stamps from each teacher to graduate from the Academy. Activities will include learning to move like a monster, perfecting your scare technique and completing an obstacle course. A fun new haunted trail will also guide younger visitors through the Woodland Walk. Look forward to frightening fun and ghoulish games. At 12noon and 3pm, dance in the outdoor children’s Monster Mash Ball, and take part in the daily fancy dress competition at 2.30pm with prizes for the best costume. A valid admission ticket to Leeds Castle is required for this event. There are two types of ticket available, valid for either one adult and up to five children (aged 15 or under) or two adults and up to four children. Admission tickets are valid for 12 months. To purchase tickets and for pricing information, visit www.leedscastle.com. Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 3pm and gates close at 5pm.

October Half Term Activities

at Maidstone Museum

Make It! workshops 22 - 25 October

Sports-related craft activities. 10.30-11.30, 12-1, 1.30-2.30, 3-4 £3 per child, MMF £2.50

Halloween Ghost Tours 30 October for kids 7-11yrs

Follow our storyteller round the museum’s creepy rooms and ice a gingerbread ghost! Tours at 4.00 & 5.00pm £6, MMF £5

Visit our FREE exhibition

Maidstone: United in Football

14 September - 18 January 2020 MaidstoneMuseum

www.maidstonemuseum.org 18

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

2019 Primary Times 90X277mm.pdf 1 16/09/2019 11:24:57

One of the UK’s oldest family circuses, Paulos Circus, makes a welcome return visit to Millbrook Garden Centre (located on Staplehurst Road in Staplehurst) this October Half Term.

October half-term fun at Millbrook Staplehurst!

From breath taking stunts and laugh out loud comedy to beautiful artistry, the Paulos family have created a show to give you and your family ever lasting memories. Each show features clowns, acrobats, aerial skills, magic, wire walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and many, many more amazing acts. Show times are 12.30pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 October and on Sunday 27 October at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £7 per person while children under the age of 2 years get free entry. There is a group discount available on bookings of 10 or more. This is a great family half term treat not to be missed! Previous visitors have commended Paulos Circus and told Primary Times, “All my family loved every moment of it!” and “The best year yet, the show was amazing!” It is strongly advised to book early, tickets can be booked in store or online at www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

Paulos Circus is Back!

Tick

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Book online: millbrookgc.co.uk

23rd - 27th October 2019 Millbrook Garden Centre

21ST TO 27TH OCTOBER Are you a little monster? If so you’ll fit right in at our Monster Academy this Halloween. Explore the Castle grounds and complete spooky classes. Learn to move like a monster and perfect your scare technique.

Staplehurst Road, Marden, Kent. TN12 9BT 01622 832299 Facebook /MillbrookGCStaplehurst

leeds-castle.com

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

SKATE Tunbridge Wells in Calverley Grounds From 15 November – 5 January, Calverley Grounds will be transformed into the ultimate winter destination, signalling the start of the festive season. SKATE Tunbridge Wells returns for 2019 with stylish skating, festive food and drink, music and Christmas spirit. Booking is open now. By day or night, visitors can skate in the beautiful splendour of Calverley Grounds’ amphitheatre, decorated for Christmas with twinkling festive lights. There will also be very exciting additions this year with a second rink. This will be a very special tiny tots rink dedicated to 2 - 4 year olds and will be open all day from 10am with the last session at 5pm daily. There will also be storytelling workshops taking place and SKATE Tunbridge Wells will once again collaborate with The Forum, the lifeblood of the live music scene, and host live music events. Local choirs will be performing on Sundays and there will be Carol-okie and Christmas Wreath making workshops and story sessions.

Broadwitch Hauntfest Go along to Broadditch Farm, the home of Halloween, this half term between Saturday 19 and Sunday 27 October for lots of fangtastic fun for the whole family. Enter the Freaky Forest if you dare. Board the tractor trailer and journey to be entertained by the Freaky Forest folks. You will have a wizard time, as the batty band keep you spellbound with their amusing and delightful antics. The Boo Bungalow is an exciting and fun-packed haunt with spooktacular entertainment for all the family. There’s plenty for younger children with Monster Madness, a fun and colourful introduction to Halloween for your little monsters to enjoy and the Bone Yard, a fun outdoor maze for younger children. Exercise your creative side with Pumpkin Carving Workshops, a great way to design and carve your own pumpkin and leave the mess behind. For lots more information and details of opening times and special deals, visit www.spookycastle. co.uk/day-events. Brave grown-ups can check out the night time events too!

The venue is also set to be one of the best food and drink destinations in the South East this Christmas with the Polar Bar, Apple and Cor, and beautiful pop-ups serving pizza, crepes and, of course, mulled wine. For more information, please visit www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas. com and www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.

A Perfect Autumn Day Out at Pumpkin Moon

th th Sat 12 & Sun 13 October th - Thurs 31st O ctober Fri 18 10am - 4pm

Pumpkin Moon is a family run business that offers PYO pumpkins at both their sites in Maidstone and Rainham. With over 80 different varieties of pumpkin, squash, gourd and a maze made of maize, PYO at Pumpkin Moon offers a fantastic family day out. Primary Times spoke to owner, Charlie Eckley, who told us, “At Pumpkin Moon we want to offer a fun day out for families and foodies alike. As well as our ever-popular maize maze, PYO pumpkins and face painting, we’re also working with Anna’s Family Kitchen this year to develop some delicious wintery pumpkin recipes including a fabulous Chocolate & Pumpkin Brownie!” Entry to Pumpkin Moon is free with pumpkins costing from just £1 each and there are delicious food and beverage stalls at both farms. Fancy dress is always encouraged. This year Pumpkin Moon is continuing to support Demelza House Children’s Hospice. They were able to donate over £4,000 to Demelza and other charities in 2018 with the support of their visitors. You’ll find Pumpkin Moon farms in Old Chatham Road, Sandling and Lower Rainham Road, Rainham. They’re open daily between Friday 18 - Thursday 31 October from 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.pumpkinmoon.uk or follow them on Facebook or Instagram, searching for pumpkinmoonuk. 20

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

FREE ENTR Y

OLD CHATHAM ROAD, SANDLING, MAIDSTONE, ME14 3BE LOWER RAINHAM ROAD, RAINHAM, ME7A 2YA www.pumpkinmoon.uk

Are you looking for some spooky family fun this October Half Term? Keep the kids entertained at Ruxley Manor, in Sidcup. If you’re in need of a spooky adventure, John Lawson’s Circus is coming to Ruxley Manor once again this half term for 45 minute sessions of spooktacular fun. Everybody’s favourite ringmaster Attila Enresz will return with Rudi the Clown and a host of other fantastical performers to delight and entertain you for just £6 per person with babes on laps free. With plenty of Halloween themed family entertainment to dance, scream and sing along to, it is the perfect way to celebrate the spookiest of seasons. You can continue the fun with a themed afternoon tea or brunch in The Mulberry Tree Restaurant; these must be booked online in advance.

The The Place Place to to SSccre this this Halloween Halloween

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

Sat 19th until Sun 27th October

Thirteen 'Live' nights for brave adults looking for a more intense experience (over 16's only)

*Fri 11th until thurs 31st October

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

If you’re looking forward to Halloween and all the spooky fun of the season, treat your little pumpkins, witches and ghosts to Pumpkin Carving. For just £5.49 per child you can create spooky or cute designs with your children in a 45 minute session. As if that wasn’t enough, Ruxley Manor’s real, all-weather Ice Rink will be open from 18 October with a lot more off peak sessions this year – perfect for the budding Dancing on Ice star! For more information about all Ruxley events and to book tickets, visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk.

Happy Halloween and More Days Out...

Halloween at Ruxley Manor

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

TICKE TS ONLY

£6

Pumpkin Carving

21st-27th OctobeR £5.49

21 -27 OctobeR st

VARIOUS SESSIONS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY

TICKE TS ONLY

45 Minute shows 10:00am, 11:30Am, 1:30pm 3:30pm Everyday (NO 3.30PM SHOW ON THURSDAY & SUNDAY) CHildren under 2 YEARS on laps go free

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

www.ruxley-manor.co.uk 14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

What’s On

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

October Halloween Arts and Crafts, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, EN30 7NG

1-3pm. Grab your broomsticks, hats and cloaks and get ready for an afternoon of spooky arts and crafts at Smallhythe Place. Go along dressed in your scariest Halloween costume, the best dressed wins a prize. Free. Ages 3-10. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhytheplace

Wed 23 – Thurs 24 Oct

Wild Things at Halloween, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, Romney Marsh, TN29 9PN 11am-3pm. Learn about some of the awesome and gruesome wildlife at the reserve. Delve into ponds to discover leeches and toads, mix up concoctions in a cauldron to feed the birds, search for slimy slugs and unusual fungi. Collect materials to make your own monsters. Booking essential. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/dungeness

Wed 23 – Sun 27 Oct

Paulos Rockets Tour, Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst, TN12 9BT

Showcasing a brand-new thrilling autumn show from breath taking stunts, laugh out loud comedy to beautiful artistry, the Paulos family have created a show to give you and your family everlasting memories. For more details and to book visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk/centre/millbrookstaplehurst

Thurs 24 Oct

Mystical Creatures, Dover Museum, CT16 1PH

10.30am-3pm. Enjoy making masks and trying puzzles with a magical theme. Free. For more details visit www.dovermuseum.co.uk

October Half Term, Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX

11.45am-3pm. Create your own tile design. Get inspired by the incredible designs of Huguenot descendant William de Morgan, and draw your designs on a blank ceramic tile. Why not go along with a group of friends and create a collaborative tile panel? Drop-in. For more information visit www.huguenotmuseum.org

Thurs 24 – Thurs 31 Oct Pumpkin Hunt, Demelza Hospice Care for Children, Various Locations

Looking for things to do with the kids during the half term holidays? Take along the whole family for some frightfully good fun at the 2019 Pumpkin Hunt. Children are encouraged to wear fancy dress, and could win a prize. Ages 3-11. For more information visit www.demelza. org.uk

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Fri 25 Oct

Fright Night Express, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, TN30 6HE

5pm. Join the Fright Night workshop including pumpkin carving and face painting. The Fright Night Express departs at 7pm. Enjoy a firework display before the return journey to Tenterden. For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk

Marli the Magician’s Magic Show!, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 2pm. Marli the Magician will present a 45 minute magic show that’s full of Halloween fun, followed by balloon modelling. Ages 3+. Charges apply. Booking essential. For more information visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Oct

Halloween Spooky Specials, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Hythe Station, TN28 8PL

A spooky spectacular, full of family fun, but, beware of the ghostly games and activities. See Amazing Animal Encounters where you can get upclose and personal with a variety of creepy critters. The RH&DR team will be dressed up and customers are invited to do the same. For more information visit www.rhdr.org.uk

Sun 27 Oct

Halloween Magic, Lullingstone Castle, Dartford, DA4 0JA 12noon-7pm. Halloween Magic on the last day of the season. Pumpkin carving, spooky house tours (2pm and 6pm), garden tours and Halloween inspired light bites in the café marquee – perfect for all the family. For more information visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Mon 28 Oct

Owl Meet and Greet, Millbrook Garden Centre, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ

10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 2pm. Get up close and personal with an array of owls from Sky Birds of Prey and learn all about these fascinating creatures. Sessions last 45 minutes and includes a mask to take home and decorate. Charges apply. For more information visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

“

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

Tue 29 Oct

”

Halloween Trails, Haysden Country Park, Tonbridge, TN11 9BB

Bonfire Night, Swanley Recreation Ground, St Mary’s Rd, BR8 7BU

Swanley Council are holding their annual fireworks event tonight. Gates open at 5pm, bonfire lights up at 6.30pm with fireworks at 7.30pm. For more information call Swanley Council on 01322 665 855.

Minster Magical Fireworks & Bonfire, Brecon Chase, Minster, ME12 4HS

Follow the clues around the park and find the answers. Wear fancy dress if you can. Afterwards a trick or treat challenge will be available for those who dare. Limited places so arrive early, booking from 10am. For more information and to book visit www. tmbc.gov.uk

6-8.30pm. Every year Minster In Sheppey Primary School holds one of the best firework displays in the area, not just for the school but for the whole community. There’ll be a BBQ, refreshments, BRFM roadshow, glowsticks and, of course, the fireworks. Tickets are available from the school office.

Our Amazing Animal World, Millbrook Garden Centre, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ

Gravesend Musical Fireworks Display, Riverside Leisure Area, DA12 2BT

(Also 31 Oct). 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm. Enjoy a truly unique and fully interactive animal experience. The team are back with a selection of weird and wonderful rescued animals for your child to meet. Learn lots of amazing facts. Charges apply. For more information visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

Wed 30 Oct

Halloween Trails, Leybourne Lakes Country Park, Aylesford, ME20 6AA Follow the clues around the park and find the answers. Wear fancy dress if you can. Afterwards a trick or treat challenge will be available for those who dare. Take along a torch. Limited places so arrive early. Booking from 5pm. For more information and to book visit www.tmbc.gov.uk

Halloween Ghost Tours for Kids, Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

4-6pm. Dare you leave your family behind and follow the storyteller to explore the museum’s creepy rooms? Finish by icing your own gingerbread ghost. Tours at 4pm and 5pm. Ages 7–11. For more information visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Lantern Workshop, Millbrook Garden Centre, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ Create a spooky lantern. Charges apply. Ticket includes a spooky tattoo, biscuit and drink. For more information visit www.millbrookgc. co.uk

November Fri 1 Nov

West Farleigh Fireworks, Elmscroft Park, ME15 0NU

Gates open from 6pm to soak up the atmosphere of a great village event. Enjoy musical entertainment, sample delicious local food and drink, before a magnificent bonfire and spectacular fireworks display. Tickets available online only. For more details visit www.westfarleighsportsclub.com.

Gates open at 6.30pm and the firework display starts at 8pm. Also includes a fun fair from 5-9pm, live music from 7pm and refreshments. The event is free. For more information visit www. visitgravesend.co.uk

Fireworks Night, Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, Nr Maidstone, ME14 3AZ

There is nowhere better to celebrate Bonfire Night than this beautiful open green space with rolling hills and the beautiful Kent countryside as a backdrop. From 6pm there’ll be a BBQ, sweets and popcorn, glow lights and face painting. Fireworks start at 7.30pm. For more information visit www. mytimeactive.co.uk

Spell Workshop, Millbrook Garden Centre, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ

10.30am and 2pm. Create a magic potion and wand. Charges apply. Ticket includes a spooky tattoo, biscuit and drink. For more information visit www.millbrookgc. co.uk

Sat 2 Nov

Marden Fireworks Display, Southons Field, Tonbridge, TN12 9AB

Gates open at 5pm, with refreshments and glow toys available on the field. A colourful spectacular in the night sky, accompanied to music! For more information see their Facebook page.

Edenbridge Bonfire Night

At 6.30pm a torch lit procession tours through the town. Then make your way to the Recreation Ground where fairground rides, stalls, and the resident DJ keep everyone amused during Kent’s oldest and best traditional fireworks display. For more details visit www. edenbridgebonfire.co.uk .

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

Education News Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, or as it is more fondly known, MGGS, has a strong community spirit which is underpinned by the fact that the happiness of all their students is vital in enabling them to succeed. The school’s house system brings students of all ages together in many whole school activities and creates friendships which endure and last well beyond their years at school. The school’s continued proven track record, together with their Advanced Thinking School status, underpins the academic curriculum at MGGS, providing students with a thorough grounding for their careers which will take them far into the 21st century. Maidstone Grammar School for Girls is well known for its broad curriculum (all students study two languages at Key Stage 3) and academic excellence. It is also well known for the many extra-curricular activities provided for students. They use Google’s G Suite for Education and are acknowledged by Google UK to be one of the most advanced schools for the integrated use of technology to promote student learning. MGGS has been recognised by the Department for Education for its high standards in computing and is now a Computing Hub for the South East. The school are offering to girls in Years 5 and 6 a selection of taster days and one-off taster lessons throughout the year for parents/carers to book directly online. For more information, dates, booking conditions and how to book, please visit www.bookings.mggs.org.

Sevenoaks Tutoring has been giving to us advice on how to choose a tutor. We all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. If you are considering employing a tutor to work with your child, how do you go about selecting the right one? What questions should you ask to check suitability for the job? • Is this tutor a qualified, DBS-checked teacher? • Can this tutor assess my child’s needs? • What resources will the tutor be providing? • Where will the tuition take place? Look out for the word ‘instructor’ or ‘qualified tutor’ used in place of ‘qualified teachers’. Unfortunately, the tuition industry is unregulated and anybody can tutor without being a qualified teacher. It is up to Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers you to make sure you ask Tailored work plans to address your questions to ensure you are child’s needs. getting the right person and We can help your child: the service you require. • Build confidence If you would like to • Improve exam results find out more about • Move up a set the services Sevenoaks • Develop and reach goals FR Tutoring provides, and Call 01732 453657 to Intro EE d Asse uctory book FREE Assessment. ssm book a free assessment, ent please visit their website www.sevenoaks-tutoring. Sevenoaks Tutoring, 69c London Road, co.uk or contact them on Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX. Email: teaching@sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk 01732 453 657.

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Education News

How to Choose a Tutor

Year 5 Primary School Events Book Now Online

We have a selection of primary school events for girls wishing to gain a place at MGGS in 2021. Full details of our Primary School Events are available at

https://bookings.mggs.org/

11+ Preparations, Taster Days, One-Off Sessions and Masterclasses. Non sibi sed omnibus

A forward-thinking community with a tradition of excellence

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

What’s On

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

November Bonfire & Fireworks Night, Central Park, Dartford, DA1 1JP

7-10pm. This event is hosted by Dartford Lions Club. For more information visit their Facebook page.

Sat 2 – Sun 3 Nov

Fireworks Spectacular, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Arrive from 2pm, fireworks from 5.30pm. 25,000 starbursts will fill the sky above the Castle for the for the biggest and best firework display in the South East of England, this year themed to ‘Around the World’. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.leeds-castle.com

Sun 3 Nov

Family Bonfire & Fireworks, Lyminge Village Hall, CT18 8EW

The Hall will be hosting a fireworks show, with gates opening at 6pm and the main event starting at 7pm. There will be food and refreshments also available. Tickets on the gate. For more details visit www. lymingevillagehall.org.uk

Truck Racing and Fireworks, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

The Kent circuit’s annual fireworks display is now firmly established as one of the best in the south east, and this year’s display will be the biggest yet. All whilst some of the UK’s finest road-going HGVs take to the circuit with headlights ablaze for a twilight convoy. For more information and to book visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Thurs 7 Nov

Firework Spectacular, Kenward Place, Yalding, ME18 6AH

Gates open at 4.30pm with last entry at 7.10pm. Fireworks start at 7.30pm for an hour, with a James Bond theme. The evening also includes live music from Marylebone Jelly. For more information and to book visit www.kenward-firework-spectacular. eventbrite.co.uk.

Outdoor Classroom Day, Nationwide

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to get more children playing and learning outdoors every

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. 24

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Out of Schoo

“

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

”

day at school and at home. Sign up for resources to help you join in at www.outdoorclassroomday.org.uk

Fri 8 Nov

Breakfast Bingo, Ifield Smile, Gravesend, DA12 5JT A fun-filled morning raising funds for We are Beams and Ifield School. Prizes to be won. For more information visit the We are Beams Facebook page.

Sat 9 Nov

Craft Morning, Chiddingstone Nursery, Edenbridge, TN8 7AD 10.30am-12noon. To celebrate their 3rd Outstanding Ofsted report, join the nursery team for a morning of free craft with your children, and explore the wonderful setting in the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle. For more information visit www. chiddingstonenursery.co.uk

Fireworks Spectacular, St John’s Catholic Primary School, Gravesend, DA12 2SY

6-8.30pm. The PTA are hosting this fireworks event which includes a BBQ, glow sticks, rides and a sweet tombola. All tickets must be bought in advance. For more information and to buy tickets see their Facebook page.

Sat 9 –Sat 30 Nov

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Trail, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

10am-3pm. Inspired by Knole’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition, read the story as you follow the wooden deer around the park. Answer the questions on the way, and at the end of the trail return to the Visitor Centre to collect your very special Christmas present. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Sat 9 Nov – Sat 4 Jan

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Storytelling, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP (Selected dates). 10.30pm-12noon. Storytellers will be picking a tale to read from the bookshelves in the story corner of The Tiger Who Came

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

October Half Term at Mount Mascal Stables

Mount Mascal Stables is a large, modern equestrian facility based in Bexley - set over 70 acres of stunning ground and woodland, with a track record of success. Their goal is to share the fun, interest and excitement of the sport with you. October is a beautiful time to get out and about and Mount Mascal’s super facilities ensure ‘whatever the weather’ fun and they’ve got lots planned for half term week. Mini Mornings and their new Midday Minis for the very little people (recommended age 2+) are a great introduction to the friendly, patient ponies. Pony Fun Days (recommended age 5+) offer an abundance of pony-related activities. Both are a fabulous taster for riders of all abilities and complete beginners are very welcome! Mount Mascal’s October Activity Camp is a perfect solution to keep your children entertained and engaged over the half term week. They offer a well organised programme with a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions for children to enjoy. Camp week runs Monday to Friday 9am–4pm. It costs £225 which includes all food and refreshments. Mount Mascal also offers early drop-off options and later collection times to help you with your busy schedule. Call them on 020 8300 3947 and they will be happy to discuss your booking with you.

Activities at the Becket Sports Centre

The Becket Sports Centre is based on the site of the Dartford Grammar School for Boys. The Centre offers a range of sporting activities including badminton, table tennis, football, basketball, netball and martial arts. They have a 31-station Gym and Dance Studio used for a variety of fitness classes and also offer dedicated Teen gym memberships. Activities for children include gymnastics, karate and ju jitsu. Parties for children are run throughout the year on Sundays

and the party package includes a bouncy castle, 5 a-side football and soft-play equipment. During the holidays the Becket Sports Centre runs numerous activities for children, such as badminton and table tennis sessions. They also run children’s holiday activities which include Indoor go-karting, race & play with a bouncy hopper course and goal shoot-out. For more information, visit www.becketsportscentre.co.uk.

Showtime Performing Arts is bursting with talent. Showtime has begun the school year by welcoming many new students and hopes they find success like Showtimers Archie, who has just finished filming the new movie Jo Jo Rabbit alongside Scarlett Johansson, Bong-Ra who is playing Fletcher on stage in The Bodyguard or Cody who will be playing John in Peter Pan. Showtime is a great place for children to learn the skills that schools have little time to teach. It’s no secret that involving your children in the performing arts does so much more than improving their singing, dancing and acting. Often parents see a boost in their children’s confidence, physical ability and social skills with a new network of friends. Children learn best when they are having fun and head teachers regularly invite Showtime to run workshops in their schools.

Out of School Activities

ol Activities

Learn All Sorts of Skills with Showtime

Showtime exists to help every child experience the fun of taking part in a performance and is unique in providing scholarships to children deserving of a chance to perform. Becket Sports Centre Shepherds Lane Dartford Kent DA1 2JB Tel: 01322 280646 www.becketsportscentre.co.uk

Be part of one of their amazing shows or go along to improve your singing, dancing or acting skills at Strood, Maidstone, Malling, Oxted, Sevenoaks or Tonbridge. Visit www.showtime.london or call 01732 523 456 to reserve your place.

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Katie

Crossword Answers 1 Crab, 2 Whale, 3 HermitCrab, 4 Mantaray, 5 Turtle, 6 Seahorse, 7 Squid, 8 Octopus, 9 Lobster, 10 Shark, 11 Dolphin

lown’s Shark Shindig Word Search M B G K S K R A H S

T H R E S H E R R B

K H E G B L U E C N

P S A N D T I G E R

E I T H N U R S E X

T F W G N I K S A B

I S H O R T F I N U

H F I N A R B E Z L

WD L A T E I H G R E E RM DM B A L H

Puzzle Time

A n s w e r s

What is a sharks favorite sandwich? Peanut butter and jellyfish! What do you call a solitary shark? A “lone” (loan) shark

Did you hear about the shark who dreamt he ate an enormous Can you find all these words fish? He woke up and in the word search? it was just a bream! Shark, Hammerhead,

Basking, Shortfin, Thresher, Bull, Tiger, White, Blue, Nurse, Greatwhite, Fish, Fin, Zebra

What did the shark say to the whale? What are you blubbering about?

Interesting Facts • There are over 500 species of sharks in our oceans. on Sharks • Nursehound sharks live in our chilly UK waters. • Sharks have a top of the class sense of smell. • Sharks have lived in our oceans for more than 420 million years For more details That makes them older than trees! on sharks visit www.visitsealife.com/ • You can tell a black tip reef shark by the black markings on their ﬁns! brighton • Why are Zebra Sharks spotty not stripey? That’s because when they’re babies these sharks are covered in black and white stripes which break up when they grow and turn into polka dots.

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

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

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

competitions@primarytimes.biz

Closing date 8 November 2019. Good Luck!

Shark Colouring Corner

Win a Family Ticket to VIP Night at The Central Theatre, Chatham Left at home by the ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go to the ball. However, with the help of her Fairy Godmother and brilliant buffoonery from Buttons, the most exciting night of her life can begin… This year’s magical pantomime extravaganza at The Central Theatre, Chatham promises to be a night to remember with stunning sets, the most sensational costumes, slick choreography and spectacular live music. Book now by visiting www. medwayticketslive.co.uk or calling 01634 338 338.

To win a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to the VIP night for Cinderella on Thursday 19 December 2019 at 7pm, just tell us what Cinderella leaves behind at Prince Charming’s Royal Ball? Is it a pumpkin, a magic wand or a crystal slipper? See below for entry details.

Win Pantomime or Ice Rink Tickets We are already thinking about Christmas and have two great ticket giveaways for you. Win a Family Ticket* to see the swashbuckling adventure, Peter Pan, at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre. Meet Peter, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and Tinker Bell and get ready for a family show full of fun, fairy dust and pirates galore. Set sail for Neverland, take on Captain Hook and prepare for extraordinary flying effects, galleons of laughter and the hungriest of crocodiles. If you like ice skating, from 15 November – 5 January, Calverley Grounds will be transformed into the ultimate winter destination, signalling the start of the festive season. SKATE Tunbridge Wells returns for 2019 with stylish skating, festive food and drink, music and Christmas spirit. We have a Family Ticket* to give away for any session, subject to availability. For your chance to win tell us which of these prizes you would prefer. See below for details of how to enter. *Family ticket = 4 people

Design the Primary Times Christmas Card!

Win an Abominable Merchandise Bundle

Every year, we at Primary Times send out thousands of Christmas cards and we’d like you to help us create the picture for this year’s card. It can be any picture you like to do with Christmas in some way.You might like to make it Father Christmas, a snowman, Rudolf e ??????? to give away to with his red nose or maybe a nativity For your chance to win, scene.You can draw or paint your ?????????. Send your answer to picture on an A4 or A5 piece of card or th your name, age, paper. and phone number to Our picture shows our card from last ition, Primary Times, year which was designed for us by ews, London SE12 8LG Gabriel Eufrasia from Blean Primary together with your details to School. primarytimes.biz with See the bottom of this page for details of how to enter but bject by Friday 27 September. please note that the closing date for this competition is

DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio’s co-production ‘Abominable’ takes audiences on an epic 2,000-mile adventure from the streets of Shanghai to the breathtaking Himalayan snowscapes. When teenager Yi encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin and Peng, name him ‘Everest’ and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish, a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr Zara to help Everest get home. Abominable is in UK cinemas from 11 October.

Friday 8 November. Teachers and schools are very welcome to send in a whole class’s entries in a single envelope.The winner will see their design used for the Primary Times Christmas card and will also receive fifty copies of the card with envelopes.

Competitions

Primary Times has exciting Abominable merchandise bundles to give away to ten lucky readers. For your chance to win, simply tell us which city Yi first encounters the Yeti in. Please see the bottom of the page for details on how to enter.

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 competition name as the subject by Friday 8 November 2019. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

What’s On

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

November to Tea exhibition. There will be a selection of tales about tigers, classics from Judith Kerr and favourite nursery rhymes to captivate your little one. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Thurs 14 Nov

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Christmas Lights, Across Town

As the lights are switched on across the town, make an evening of it and browse the local shops taking part in the Rotary Club Christmas Shop Window Competition. There’ll be a whole host of festive family activities to enjoy and a chance to see Santa Claus himself. For more information visit www.visittunbridgewells.com

Thurs 14 – Sat 16 Nov

The Wealden Times Midwinter Fair, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY

Choose from a wide selection of high-end gifts for the home or garden and the children.You’ll also find everything for the festive season, from the perfect fairy for your tree, yummy festive treats and seasonal fashion. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wealdentimes. co.uk

Thurs 14 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Ice Skate at Bluewater, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

Perfect for all the family to enjoy, there are skating aids for kids, bob skates for those who need to be steady on the ice and skate lessons for anyone hoping to whirl, skate and slide around the huge sparkling Christmas tree. Hot drinks and refreshments are available. For more information visit www. bluewater.co.uk

Sat 16 Nov

Rochester Christmas Lights, Rochester High Street

Fun starts at 3.45pm with lights on around 5pm. Enjoy festive music and family entertainment with kmfm host Rob Wills. Stars of the Central Theatre’s pantomime, Cinderella, will be turning on the lights alongside the Mayor of Medway. For more information visit www.medway.gov. uk/christmas

Father Christmas’ Arrival, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Nr Sidcup DA14 5BQ

Join Ruxley Manor to welcome Father Christmas to his Grotto. The big man himself will arrive on an open top double decker bus to officially open his Grotto after saying a few festive words in the Mulberry Tree Square. There will also be stilt walkers and a Rock Choir as well as the arrival of the Ruxley Reindeer. For more information visit www. ruxley-manor.co.uk

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Nov

Children’s Book Festival 2019, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

Knole’s second Children’s Book Festival, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Much-loved names including Cressida Cowell, Chris Riddell, and Jacqueline Wilson. With Gromit and Shaun the Sheep workshops from animation favourites Aardman and a visit from a certain multi-coloured elephant. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

Sat 16 Nov – Tues 24 Dec

Christmas Grotto, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup DA14 5BQ

A magical 45 minute experience in a winter wonderland where you and your children can enjoy the wonder of Father Christmas’ workshop and Grotto. Each session includes two activities, one with Mother Christmas and one with elves, before meeting Father Christmas and receiving a gift. For more information visit www. ruxley-manor.co.uk

Traditional Christmas Grotto, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, ME7 4PD The grotto features reindeer, set amongst a towering Christmas tree bedecked in fairy lights and beautiful rose gold, silver, pink and purple baubles. Enjoy meeting Father Christmas himself, who will have a wrapped gift for children. For more information visit www. hempsteadvalley.com.

Thurs 21 – Sun 24 Nov

Christmas Market, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

10am-4pm. Pop along to the Christmas Market and discover a wide range of gifts from local businesses. From chocolates to candles, jewellery to hats, there is something for everyone to be found. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Fri 22 Nov

Gillingham Christmas Lights, Gillingham High Street

Fun starts at 3.45pm with lights on around 5pm. Carol singing, dancing and prizes to be won. Don’t miss the Mayor of Medway and Minions Bob

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and Kevin turning on the Gillingham lights. Meet Minions Bob and Kevin at 2pm in the Gillingham Community Hub, free but booking is essential on 01634 337 799. For more details visit www.medway.gov.uk/christmas.

Sat 23 Nov

The Big Chatham Christmas Launch, Pentagon Shopping Centre and Chatham High Street

A crazy Santa/Comicon/Panto mash up! At 12noon watch Santa and Cinderella from the Central Theatre’s Pantomime, arrive in the High Street parade. Enjoy the comic and screen festival where kids can ‘come as themselves and leave as a superelf’. Festive lights switch on around 5pm. For more details visit www. pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk.

Tenterden Illuminations, High Street

Tenterden kicks off their Christmas celebration with an impressive light procession and switch-on. This also marks the opening of their traditional Christmas market set along a high street full of independent retailers. If Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, warm up with a scrumptious hot chocolate in one of the quirky coffee shops nearby.

Torchlight Procession, Bonfire and Fireworks, King George IV Playing Field, Hawkhurst, TN18 4PG

Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society hold their annual Torch Light Procession to mark the end of the Sussex Bonfire Season. The procession starts at 7pm from the top of Highgate Hill and is followed by a bonfire and firework display at The Moor. For more information visit www.hgbs.org.uk

Sat 23 – Sun 24 Nov

Festive Market, Sissinghurst Castle, nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB

10.30am-3pm. Kick-start your Christmas shopping. Local food, drink, crafts and produce will give you ideas for all those special gifts, plus treats for you and the family. There’ll also be live entertainment with the Cranbrook Band (Sat) and the Kent Police Band (Sun). For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/sissinghurst-castle

Sat 23 Nov – Sun 8 Dec Christmas Market, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

(Weekends only).Visit the Christmas Market on the lawn overlooking the Castle to discover a splendid array of seasonal gifts, toys, festive decorations, specialist food and drink.

Enjoy nostalgic fairground rides whilst live music keeps everyone entertained. Normal admission applies. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Sat 23 Nov–Sun 15 Dec Father Christmas, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

(Selected dates). 10.30am -4pm. Wander through the Christmas Market to an enchanted path leading to a magical grotto. Father Christmas will be waiting to greet you. Those who have been good, which of course you all are, will receive a traditional gift to take home. For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Sat 23 Nov – Tues 24 Dec

Christmas at Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

During the day you will be met with beautifully decorated Castle rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees. Outside in the grounds follow the whimsical Alice in a Christmas Wonderland themed interactive trail and wander through the illuminated gardens as dusk falls. For more information visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Millbrook Grotto, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

A truly magical experience awaits children of all ages in the Magical Millbrook Grotto. Receive a special train ticket to board the Millbrook Express and be transported to a winter wonderland. Enjoy games, make magical reindeer food and Christmas badges with Santa’s elves. For more information visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk

Sat 23 Nov – Wed 1 Jan Magical Birds and Festive Feathers, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Let your Christmas wishes take flight at Leeds Castle as the beautiful state rooms are transformed into a magical kingdom of birds and festive feathers. Start your journey through the magnificent Castle rooms with a magical forest of owls to red breasted robins surrounded by glittering snowdrops. For more information visit www.leeds-castle. com

Sat 23 Nov – Sun 5 Jan

Christmas Eve with the Hussey Family, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN Celebrate the Victorian Christmas that the Hussey family would have enjoyed. Play with children’s toys under the Christmas tree and see the dining room being dressed for Christmas celebrations. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/scotney-castle

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

Film Preview Guide Barbican Family Film Weekender This year’s programme over the weekend of Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 November offers a packed weekend of ﬁlms, workshops and events for families. Using the Barbican’s annual theme Life Rewired as the main focus young audiences are invited to explore future cities, robots, spaceships and superhumans and learn more about visual effects and how technology shapes what we see on screen.There’s an array of interesting workshops and screenings including a BAFTA event with Framestore and screenings of Wall-e and Nausicaä:Valley of the Wind.Award-winning children’s author and screenwriter, Frank Cottrell Boyce, will discuss the inspiration behind his latest book, Runaway Robot, and introduce a screening The Iron Giant. For more information, visit www.barbican.org.uk

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil In Disney’s sequel to the 2014 global box office hit, Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and dark new forces at play.The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora.Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished.Yet the hatred between man and the fairies still exists. Aurora’s impending marriage to Prince Phillip is cause for celebration in the kingdom of Ulstead and the neighbouring Moors, as the wedding serves to unite the two worlds.When an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be family. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in cinemas on 18 October. Photo credit: Jaap Buitendijk © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc

The Addams Family Get ready to snap your fingers! Just in time for Halloween,The Addams Family is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Happily ensconced in their Addams way of life for years, Gomez and Morticia prepare for a visit from their extended family for Pugsley’s “Sabre Mazurka,” a rite of passage ceremony to prove he is ready to become an Addams Family man but there’s trouble on the horizon in the shape of design TV phenomenon Margaux Needler.The Addams Family mansion is the one thing blocking her dream of selling all the houses in the neighbourhood. Funny, outlandish and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbour. Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron lead the spook-tacular cast.The Addams Family is in cinemas from 25 October.

The Pilgrim’s Progress This autumn, for the ﬁrst time, John Bunyan’s epic masterpiece ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ is hitting the big screen. In this tale of a pilgrim and his burden, Christian begins a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City as the ultimate enemy tries everything in his power to distract him from his destination. Experience the friends and foes he meets along the way and the ultimate choice he must make to reach the King. One of the most popular books of all time is brought to life as a feature length, CGI animated movie which is released in selected UK cinemas on 25 October.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Shaun the Sheep’s highly anticipated return to the big screen heralds the arrival of a mystery visitor from far across the galaxy - an impish and adorable alien called LU-LA who crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm. Shaun soon sees an opportunity for alien-powered fun and adventure as he sets off on a mission to shepherd LU-LA home. Her magical alien powers, irrepressible mischief and galactic-sized burps soon have the ﬂock enchanted. Can Shaun and the ﬂock avert Farmageddon on Mossy Bottom Farm before it’s too late? A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon will be released on 18 October to UK cinemas.

Abominable DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio’s co-production Abominable takes audiences on an epic 2,000-mile adventure from the streets of Shanghai to the breath taking Himalayan snowscapes.When teenager Yi encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin and Peng, name him ‘Everest’ and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish, a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr Zara to help Everest get home.Abominable is in UK cinemas from 11 October.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN To be in with a chance of winning one of ten Abominable goody bags, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Abominable’ as the subject by Friday 8 November. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

What’s On

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

November Noah’s Ark Children’s Trail, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG

Take part in the festive family trail around the garden inspired by the Victorian Noah’s ark that will be on display in the house. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/scotney-castle

Fri 29 Nov

Rainham Christmas Lights, Rainham Shopping Centre, ME8 7HW

Fun starts at 3.45pm with lights on around 5pm. Join the carol singing and enjoy family entertainment with kmfm presenter Andy Walker. The lights will be turned on by the Mayor of Medway and Shrek! Meet Shrek at 2pm in Rainham Library, free but booking essential on 01634 337 799. For more information visit www. medway.gov.uk/christmas

Sat 30 Nov Strood Christmas Lights, Friary Place, Strood High Street

Fun starts at 3.45pm with lights on around 5pm. Singing, dance, musical theatre and competitions with kmfm’s Rob Wills. The lights will be turned on by the Deputy Mayor of Medway and Kung Fu Panda star Po. Meet Po at 2pm at the Strood Community Hub, free but booking essential on 01634 337 799. For more information visit www.medway. gov.uk/christmas

Giant Snow Lion, Chatham High Street

Meet this giant mythical creature at pre-arranged intervals throughout the day. For more information visit www.pentagonshoppingcentre. co.uk

Willow Christmas Decorations, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 10am-2pm and 3-7pm. Ditch the plastic mass-produced Christmas decorations - and make your own. Angels, stars or Christmas trees and a wreath - use locally grown willow and hedgerow materials to make your own decorations. For more information visit and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 1 Dec Christmas: Storytelling Weekend, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

9.30-11am, 11am-12.30pm, 1-2.30pm, 2.30-4pm. Enjoy story time with Mrs Everest, Winston Churchill’s nanny, this Christmas. See the tale of the Gingerbread Man come to life and enjoy arts and crafts activities. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

14 Oct - 24 Nov ‘19

Christmas Mini-Market and Opening Weekend, Ightham Mote, nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-4pm. There will be local producer stalls to get those Christmas gifts. Father Christmas is visiting from 11am-2.30pm and will be handing out gifts to children. There will also be craft activities, a trail for children, as well as other fun festivities. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

Sat 30 Nov-Sun 15 Dec Christmas Trail: Hunt the Slipper, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD

1-4pm. Delve into Georgian family traditions at Christmas time with Quebec House’s family trail. The Georgians loved playing all sorts of different games such as hunting for slippers hidden around the house as a Christmas game for the children. Complete the trail this winter and discover all about the Georgian tradition. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebechouse

Rochester Christmas Market, Rochester Castle Gardens, ME1 1SW

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grotto and take part in festive interactive fun with Santa and ‘The Naughty Snowman’, then meet Santa for a one-to-one chat. For more information visit www.rarebreeds. org.uk

Sat 30 Nov–Tues 24 Dec Santa Specials, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, TN30 6HE

On board the festively decorated steam trains, you’ll meet Santa during the 1 hour 10 minute return journey. Look out for his elf helpers with their sacks full of lovely presents - every child receives an age appropriate gift from Santa himself whilst teenagers (13 to 15) receive festive chocolates. For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk

Millbrook Grotto, Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst, TN12 9BT

(Selected dates and times). Browse a variety of stalls for unique gift ideas and stocking fillers. Wander through the Bavarian food village or visit the funfair. There will also be live performers. For more information visit www.medway.gov.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Thurs 19 Dec

Rudolph’s Romney Return, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Hythe Station, TN28 8PL

Christmas: Magical Fairy Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA

10am-3pm.Visit Emmetts Garden this Christmas for a Magical Fairy Trail. See if you can spot the magical fairies hiding around the gardens and enjoy the beautifully decorated evergreens along the way. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ emmetts-garden

Sat 30 Nov–Mon 23 Dec A Truly Magical Christmas, Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, TN26 3RJ

Christmas is coming and Santa and his friends will be visiting for another season of festive fun. Receive a warm welcome in the magical

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

(Selected dates). Depart Hythe (CT21 6LD) station for the 30 minute journey to New Romney where your hour of festive fun begins. See Santa arrive on his sleigh and visit him in his grotto for the children to receive their gift. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rhdr.org.uk

December Sun 1 Dec

Christmas Lights Switch On, Station Road, Westgate-onSea, CT8

11am-5pm. Station Road plays host to a fantastic day for all the family - Father Christmas in person, exciting funfair for all the family, entertainment throughout the day, carol singing and over 70 craft and food stalls. Loads of fun and laughter promised all day. Light switch on 4.30pm.

Santas on the Run! Herne Bay Seafront Join the jolliest jog of the year as you dash along Herne Bay seafront with hundreds of fellow Santas in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. An

event for everyone, you can walk, run, jump or skip along. Buggies, wheelchairs and sleighs all welcome. Entry includes a 5-piece Santa Suit. For more information visit www. pilgrimshospices.org

Sun 1 – Mon 16 Dec

Father Christmas at The Ice Rink, Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1BT

(Selected dates). 10am-6pm. Go along to this amazing open-air ice rink in Calverley Grounds.You can also visit the wonderful Father Christmas in his cosy, warm log cabin set in the trees and snow. For more information and to book visit www. visittunbridgewells.com

Sun 1 – Mon 23 Dec

Father Christmas, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY

(Selected dates). 10.30am-4.40pm. Treat the kids and meet the big FC up close and in person in his magical grotto experience. Lots of festive fun to be had in the Big Red Grotto. For more information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Sun 1 – Tues 24 Dec

Santa By Train, East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell, CT15 7PD

(Selected Dates). Enjoy a jolly on the festively decorated train down to the North Pole and meet Santa in his grotto with his elves. Children receive a personalised present suitable for their age and gender and adults receive a Mince Pie and Sherry or Hot Drink. For more information visit www.eastkentrailway.co.uk

Sat 14 Dec

Pentagon Panto-thon, Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham ME4 4HY

See local school children participate in ‘variety-style’ performances throughout the day on the first floor of the Pentagon. For more information visit www. pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk

Sat 21 Dec

Black Eagle Acrobats, Military Square, Chatham High Street

Catch these amazing acrobats in action at intervals throughout the day. For more information visit www. pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk

Our next copy deadline is

8 November 2019 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All your own work! Sophia Stretton aged 4

Brooke Ann Baker aged 9 years 5 months

Frankie White won a competitions in our September Back to School issue. Congratulations to the following people who won getting a visit from the be will l Schoo ry Prima Wood from Bysing short break to Parc Asterix. Cara Hughes and the pupils Butterworth, Amelie Tristan , was won by Eshan Rana, Ashlyn Joseph Reindeer Centre. The Wonder Park DVD competition Fair at Ardingly. Game and Show n ey won tickets to the Autum Hill and Thomas Windle. Emma Cooke and Lara Broml inding prize from spellb a won nna McKe Henry Jacob Orchard Theatre. Lucy Cornwall won tickets to Billionaire Boy at the ews, Roisin -Andr the Mini Maestro concerts were won by James Geary The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Family tickets for won a Irving Lola an. Rahm Kinza Ice tickets were won by Leon Lau and for Jackson, Emma Gange and Emily Quinn. Disney on etition comp ring colou Annie our won on Strett of Adventures. Sophia family ticket to Howl'o'ween at Chessington World page. this on rk artwo Baker. Well done to all our winners and enjoy the the under 8's and our older winner was Brooke Ann

Thank you to Ms Khalid and Class G1, Year 2 from Nelson Primary School for their excellent drawings. We received an envelope with entries from the whole class which made judging them very difficult for us. Enjoy the four examples of their hard work and thank you very much Class G1! We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

If you would like to see your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

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SHOW TRUCK DISPLAY

FULL PROGRAMME OF TRUCK AND SUPPORT RACES

TRUCK PARADE UNDER DARKNESS

HUGE FAIRGROUND

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