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ISSUE 38: July - August 2017

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JULY - AUGUST 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families London–Kent Borders Magazine or Twitter @familieslkb

In this issue... ISSUE 38: JULY - AUGUST 2017

4 Family The smartest way to protect your child 6 Education Seizing the Summer with Bromley High School and Explore Learning 8 Nutrition Helping mums and dads feed their hungry hoards

9 Clubs & Classes Fun and fitness for all the family this summer 10 Out & About The best of What’s On near you PLUS win tickets to We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!

DILLON LAW LLP

FAMILY LAW & EMPLOYMENT LAW

Front cover: Bigstock photography Editor: Mima Walia 07792 006546 editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

Summer f u for all the n and fitness family

What’s On Editor: Louise Kettlety Design: Kevin Smith

Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders Magazine are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

SPECIALISING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: • Divorce and Finances • Children • Child protection • Pre-nuptial Agreements • Co-habitation disputes • Co-habitation and Separation Agreements • Domestic Violence and Injunctions • Civil Partnership • Employment law issues

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DILLON LAW LLP Ground Floor, 51 Tweedy Road Bromley, Kent BR1 3NH 020 8460 0174 • office@dillonlaw.co.uk • www.dillonlaw.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2017

Family

THE WATCHPHONE - THE SMARTEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD The Oaxis WatchPhone is the first of its kind in the market, allowing children to keep in touch using the 3G network whilst keeping parents reassured of their child’s location with the built in GPS location tracker. As well as giving parents piece of mind with the one touch SOS Send distress signal, the WatchPhone is great fun for children and with a built in pedometre, emoji’s, text messaging and calls now at their fingertips. It’s sure to be an instant hit with kids and adults alike. The WatchPhone is fully compatible with all pay as you go and pay monthly UK networks using a micro sim. With 3G data, voice memos or calls can be sent and received to any iOS or Android smartphone with a single push. It offers two way communication anytime, anywhere. In a fun, non-invasive way, parents can keep track of their children’s movements with the real time GPS

Lucy Kendall from West Wickham named a regional winner in writing competition

location tracking. Its highly accurate GPS positioning system is fully integrated into the WatchPhone and reports the child’s position via the iOS or Android app. The WatchPhone is not just about safety, it is fun too! Kids love the cool, colourful designs and enjoy being able to call, voice message and send cute emoji’s to their parents, just like they see adults doing. The WatchPhone is now available on Oaxis.com price of only £99.99 with free worldwide shipping

A 7 year old from West Wickham has been named a regional winner in the National Young Writers’ Award! Lucy Kendall from Hawes Down Infant School fought off tough competition from children all over the region with her story. The competition, organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning which has a centre in West Wickham, is now in its ninth year. This year’s judge was TV presenter and adventurer, Steve Backshall. Over 10,000 children from all over the UK entered in an effort to win a trip to Disneyland Paris and £500 worth of books for their school. www.explorelearning.co.uk

Horsemanship for all Choose Mount Mascal Stables - where the motto is ‘Horsemanship for All’ – for the very best equestrian services and facilities. Catering for children and adults - beginner level upwards. Indoor and outdoor options including two arenas with viewing galleries and hacking in private woodland. Open seven days a week. Here are just two of our most popular choices for children. Pony Fun Days - the perfect whatever the weather activity running throughout the upcoming Summer school holidays. The fun always includes a group ride with pony handling & care plus extra choices - gymkhana games, tractor rides & woodland walks, picnics, quizzes and more –Pony Fun Days are varied and no two days will be exactly the same! £38 per day including lunch & drinks. Pony Birthday Parties - specially designed for young riders with little or no experience - a fun group ride with everyone allocated a pony each followed by lunch/tea in the private party room. A rosette & helium balloon for each child, plus a 10% first lesson discount voucher for every guest and a One to One Session voucher (30 minutes) for the birthday boy/girl. £25 per child. Call 020 8300 3947 for all enquiries or visit www.mountmascalstables.com

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www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2017

Education

Exceptional Learning

Learning at Bromley High is rich, diverse, innovative, quirky and fun so the girls achieve as much outside the classroom as within it. Recently our Y5s spent the day with the Dinosaurs and our GCSE and A Level Art, Photography and DT students held an impressive Exhibition showcasing their work. Dino Day at Bromley High

morning in the laboratories”. Dr Rowley Head of Science, Bromley High Read more about the day on our website: www.bromleyhigh.fluencycms.co.uk

Year 5 pupils spent the morning in the Science Department at the senior school exploring the fascinating world in the Jurassic era. They were greeted by #JurassicHigh’s resident T-Rex (thanks to Ellie in Year 10) before being spending the morning making fossils, digging for their own dinosaur bones, making erupting volcanoes and constructing their own Triceratops. “All pupils had a fascinating insight into the work of a paleontologist from their

Annual GCSE/AS/A level/ Art, Photography and Design Technology exhibition ‘The exhibition provided the opportunity to showcase the exceptional work produced by our talented artists. What is so exciting is the marriage of concept with media. The autonomy given to our pupils, allows them to fully express their artistic vision; the result? Work that is poetic, insightful, political and at times confrontational.’ Becky Shepley, Head of Art Serena Gupta, Year 11, pictured right, with her Art and Design GCSE exam book and final piece - using stencils and spray paint, and rusty objects. Serena commented: “It’s so encouraging that being an art GCSE student, it also brings in knowledge of other subjects such as

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Education

SEIZE THE SUMMER WITH EXPLORE LEARNING! At Explore Learning we are encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this we have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently! START A BLOG Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing. HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film. SEND A POSTCARD Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re only short

so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message. READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE A study by OUP showed that just 10mins of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in. We will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/ summer to find out more and download your first activity! PLAY SOME GAMES There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Needs some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game. TUITION To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to

do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch today! www.explorelearning.co.uk

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www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2017

Nutrition

Join the adventure with Tilda’s range for kids Tilda and its Tilli the elephant character focus on helping busy mums and dads to feed their hungry hoards its delicious rice and veggies range – Tilda Kids. Travelling far and wide, Tilda’s yummy kids range is full of goodness providing ‘1 of your 5-a-day’ with a selection of the best natural ingredients to make four tasty child-friendly rice and vegetable meal accompaniments, sure to help busy mums keep their little ones happy and satisfied during mealtimes. All recipes are gluten-free, vegetarian and free from artificial colours and preservatives. Kids can choose from familiar classic flavour varieties such as Cheese

& Tomato, Sunshine Vegetable, Vegetables & Wholegrain and Mild Curry….yum yum! Available in 125g pouches each meal has been specially developed to cater for a child’s taste pallet and growing appetite. They can be eaten on their own or as an accompaniment to all their favourites – meat, fish, or more vegetables! Ideal for those who are weaned and happily eating solid foods. Tilda Kids is for parents looking for a ‘real food’ option opposed to purees. Each pouch takes only 40 seconds to heat in the microwave or a few minutes in a pan. The range is full of goodness and carries the Tilda reassurance of being

Basmati with vegetables full of goodness and tastes great too. Find us in the toddler food aisle

For delicious recipe inspiration visit Tilda.com

JULY - AUGUST 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

made using only the finest quality ingredients containing ‘1 of your 5-a-day’, and is a nutritious alternative to other starchy carbohydrates that children need for energy. The range also caters for fussy eaters as each pouch contains a blend of hidden vegetable puree as well as small pieces to help boost your youngster’s vegetable intake! The Tilda Kids range is available in most retailers with an RRP of £1.15 for a 125g pack. Visit tilda.com/kids to meet Tilli and friends and learn more

Clubs & Classes

THERE’S LOTS HAPPENING THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAY

Summer is a great time to start or continue with your fitness regime

From sea scooting to jet skiing or inflatable fun, there’s so much on offer for children of all ages this summer. With activities for children aged 3 and upwards, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, Putlands Sports & Leisure Centre and The Weald Sports Centre will help the holidays fly by.

When the weather is hot it can sometimes be difficult to motivate ourselves to exercise, however, the body feels more flexible in warm climates and it’s an amazing time to join a Pilates or bootybarre class. Our bodies were definitely created for movement and with more and more people suffering with back pain, neck pain and other joint issues, Pilates and bootybarre have transformed my clients’ bodies with their aches and pains gradually falling away. The two forms of classes complement each other as they both focus on alignment, posture, strength, toning, flexibility, flow and bootybarre has the additional cardio element. Our classes at the Studio, Chislehurst have become a community, a place where people of all shapes and sizes, all ages and genders not only come to workout, but also make long lasting friends. Classes are small and new clients are made to feel welcome and quickly integrate with the longer standing clients, because exercises are modified according to client needs and abilities. If you’re nervous about joining a new class why not give our classes a go. We have a new beginners class on Monday mornings which focuses on building bone strength and keeping back pain at bay, as well as our mixed ability classes throughout the week and bootybarre classes. We have an amazingly talented team who are ready to help whenever you need it.

With so much to choose from, here are our top picks for getting kids active over the holidays: 1. Sea Scooters - if you’re looking for an underwater adventure then the sea scooters (that travel at 5 KPH) are perfect for the over 8’s 2. Jet Skis - for younger water adventurers. inflatable jet skis are just the ticket for 3-7 yr olds 3. Inflatable Fun - children aged 6+ who can swim 25m can try the inflatable obstacle course 4. Holiday Fun - specially designed for children with learning disabilities, you can have two hours to try the trampoline, bouncy castle, badminton, table tennis and short tennis 5. Junior Gym – suitable for anyone over 13 to attend the gym (an induction will be needed beforehand)

Please do call me on 07711 90675, email me at ismini@isminiphillips.com or take a look at my website www.isminiphillips.com and get in touch.

These are just a few of the holiday activity highlights Fusion has to offer at Tunbridge Wells Leisure Centres. To find out more visit www.schoolsout.today

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Clubs & Classes Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Swings into Blackheath Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are excited to be launching term classes on Saturday mornings at the Early Years Suite, John Ball School, Southvale Rd, Blackheath SE3 0TP. Our fun-packed group music lessons teach not only the electronic keyboard to first grade, but also how to read and write music making it a must for any enthusiastic young musician aged between 4-9 years! Free trial scheduled for Saturday 23rd September, 10am onwards, book now! Special offer: Quote Families London Kent Borders – a free trial and 10% off your first term’s fees!

GETTING THE KIDS ACTIVE THIS SUMMER Super Camps’ fabulous new MultiActivity programme allows children to get involved in some great activities. As well as taking part in the funpacked programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment”. www.supercamps.co.uk

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Out & About 2 J U LY

The Hop Farm Family Park Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY. 01622 872068. www.thehopfarm.co.uk

The Hop Farm Family Park will be providing entertainment and fun for the children, from their fantastic indoor entertainment shows in the Big Red Barn to face-painting and bouncing on their popular Giant Jumping Pillows. Plus Chase & Marshall will be visiting on 9th & 23rd August! Open every day from 10am. Until Sunday 3 September

Concession £8.95, Family (2+2) £29.95, Kent Life Members FREE. Until Sunday 6 August 2017

Mad Hatters Tea Party The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, DA16 3RP. www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Come along to our Mad Hatters Tea Party, dress up and join our celebrations as we make fun hats and decorate some biscuits, play games and generally have a fun party! Booking is essential, to book call 020 8319 8900. Don’t be late for this very important date! 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm -4pm. £5 per child

Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8DG. 01892 870307. www.penshurstplace.com

3 0 J U LY

The #PenshurstMaizeMaze will be ready and waiting for you to discover its concealed corridors and clues hidden within. Will you crack the Maize Maze message? Entry to the Maze is included within most standard Garden Entry Tickets. Open daily from 11am - 5pm. Until 3 September 2017

2 2 J U LY

Whacky Races! Summer Holidays Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU. 01622 763936. www.kentlife.org.uk

Join in the summer holiday fun, why not take part in one of the many races or spectate on our animal races. Who will win the most points? Don’t forget to pick up your explorers card, each child that completes the card will receive a free child ticket to Kent Life’s Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday 5th November! Adult £9.95 Child (3-15) £7.95,

EDITOR’S HIGHLIGHTS

2 7 J U LY

1 5 J U LY

Summer Maize Maze

THE BEST OF WHAT ’S ON N EAR YOU

A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

The ‘Beautifully British and bonkers’ cycling Handlebards perform Shakespeare once again in The Walled Garden. £15 adult, £10 child/season ticket holder. 4pm Gates open, 5pm Performance.

3 1 J U LY

Animal Magic Mobile Zoo Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ. 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Bearded dragons, cute bunnies, mischievous meerkats, hungry chicks, pigmy hedgehogs, and many, many more. Get up close and personal with all the amazing animals from Animal Magic Mobile Zoo. An amazing experience for children and adults alike! 10am, 11.30am, 2pm (1 hr session) £6 children, £4 adults. All tickets should be purchased in advance. Until Friday 4 August 2017

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS SETS SAIL AT CADOGAN HALL 2 August to 2 September

The New Vic Theatre’s celebrated production of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days visits the West End this summer with performances at Cadogan Hall. An ensemble cast of eight plays over 125 characters in an imaginative and physically inventive high-spirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!

SUMMER OF FAMILY FUN AT HEVER CASTLE Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this summer for an entertaining programme of events set amidst award-winning gardens. The Knights of Royal England will once again delight crowds with the annual Summer Jousting Tournament on July 15 & 16; 22 & 23; 29 & 30, August 12 & 13; 19 & 20; 25-28. Learn about the history of the bow and its use in Tudor times and wander among the encampments as part of Tudor Tales on 22 and 23 July. Kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times during Knights & Princesses School (from 22 July). Enjoy a weekend dedicated to our four legged friends on 5 and 6 August with Castle Canines. Displays and entertainment will be on offer as well as a dog show with rosettes for the winners in each category. See website for further information www.hevercastle.co.uk

GIVE YOUR TEACHER EVERYTHING! School is almost out for the summer, so why not thank your child’s favourite teacher by treating them to a Bluewater Gift Card? Available from £5 to £500, Gift Cards are redeemable at over 300 stores, 60 places to eat and Showcase Cinema de Lux, making them the ultimate class gift and special treat over the summer holidays. Teachers can head to Bluewater for some retail therapy at stores including John Lewis, The White Company, Ted Baker, Molton Brown and Apple. Then they can refuel at one of many food and drinks spots including Carluccio’s, Bill’s and Comptoir Libanais. Teachers looking for a day out can enjoy a round of mini golf at Pirate Cove, catch the latest film at Showcase Cinema de Lux, or enjoy the seaside at The Beach, open from 22nd July to 3rd September. See website for further information www.bluewater.co.uk

THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PARK EXPERIENCE! Diggerland is The Ultimate Adventure Theme Park Experience where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full- size construction machinery. Located in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire, Diggerland is the perfect destination for action, fun and thrill packed family days out. Fun for all ages from 4 (subject to height restrictions) to 40plus, Diggerland with its 18 different rides and drives and an array of additional activities is the ideal theme park for small to large groups looking for something exciting and truly unique. Get to grips with real JCBs and 180/360 excavators, take a headreeling turn or two on the Spindizzy, rise to lofty heights and enjoy the views on the Skyshuttle, enjoy an off-road ride on the Groundshuttle, or have a go on the Dodgems and Go-Karts! See website for further information www.diggerland.com

For more information and booking, visit www.80dayslive.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2017

JULY 22ND - 23RD - 24TH

Kent & East Sussex Railway Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE

Day Out With Thomas™ © 2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas & Friends™ Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. Thomas The Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. FISHER-PRICE and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel, Inc. and used under licence from Mattel Europa, B.V. © 2017 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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B A N K H O L I D AY M O N D AY

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MOUNT MASCAL STABLES HORSEMANSHIP FOR ALL

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Equestrian fun, excitement & interest for all ages & abilities Riding School & Livery Yard Professional Qualiﬁed Staﬀ

‘Something for Everyone to Enjoy’

1st timer • Nervous Novice

LONDON CHARING CROSS TO BEXLEY RAIL STATION 33 MINS & PLEASANT WALK 15 MINS

Junior Rider • Rusty Returner Horse Owner • Seasoned Competitor

EASY ACCESS FROM A2, A20 & M25 JCT 2 – 10 MINS

Free Showground Entry, Parking £1 for our charities OPEN TO PUBLIC 10:30AM

Pop Up Pony Rides just £4 • Animal Days Out • Jambs Owls • Foal Farm Pat & Chat • Arts & Crafts • Toys & Games • Inflatables & Soft Play • Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos • Traditional Fairground Fun & Stalls • Drinks & Food • Carla’s Donuts & Candy Floss • Lions Indian Snacks • Exciting Equestrian Competition Bring Your Pooch Dog Classes – 1pm start – just £4 per class or £10 for three classes: Super canine prizes to be won, sponsored by Amanda’s Mucky Pups & Posh Poochies Dog Grooming.

Grand Charity Raffle, Cake Stall, Bottle Tombola, Coconut Shy and more in aid of British Red Cross and The Mayor of Bexley’s Charity

2 Indoor Arenas • 1 Outdoor Arena Private oﬀ-road riding in the Garden of England Pony Club Centre • British Riding Club Clinics • Lessons • Hacking Trot to be Trim for Adults Dressage • Show Jumping Cross Country Course Shows • Competitions • Events Parties • Holidays • Vouchers • Gifts ABRS • BHS • NVQ Training • Volunteering (YELA & Duke of Edinburgh) High value tailored services & ﬁrst class facilities across our 70 acre site

www.mountmascalstables.co.uk

020 8300 3947 Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW

Mount Mascal Stables, Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW

020 8300 3947

www.mountmascalstables.co.uk

mountmascalcharityday

JULY - AUGUST 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

@mountmascal

Established & owned by the Window family since 1966

The best equestrian services in Bexley for over 50 years mountmascal

@mountmascal

Out & About Discover Stick Man

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3DH. www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Lots of activities based around Stick Man’s adventures. This popular event sells out fast so book early to avoid disappointment. Children all over the world have been enthralled with Stick Man’s adventures. Come along to hear the story in our special story telling area then participate in a stick man trail, wood craft and even find your own stick man to take home! Sessions at 11am and 1.30pm. £6 per child age 2+. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Under 2’d free with older sibling. Adults free with paying child (limited to 2 adults per paid ticket).

5 AUGUST The Junk Orchestra

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL. 01622 765400. www.leeds-castle.com

Join The Junk Orchestra on a supersonic journey of the UK’s finest recycled objects in this show for the whole family in the Maze area from 11am-4pm. Learn how to build an orchestra, shake it to a recycled rave and join the band for a recycled rock concert. Included with the price of admission. Until Sunday 6 August

9 AUGUST Orienteering

The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, DA16 3RP. www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Have a go at our orienteering trails around the farmyard or

the whole farm. Just make sure you don’t get lost! No need to book just drop in. 10am-2pm. £2 per child

10 AUGUST

Little Shop of Horrors The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Brought to you by a 100-strong community cast and live band, this year’s summer youth project production is a sci-fi musical comedy that will leave you hungry for more! Tickets £18 - £22. Until Saturday 12 August

A FUN DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Have an enchanting day out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on 22, 23 and 24 July 2017 with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and some of his favourite friends. All trains will be hauled by Thomas himself, so hop on and travel behind Thomas as many times as you like between Tenterden and Rolvenden Stations. Whatever the weather you’ll enjoy face painting and unlimited play time on the roundabout, bouncy castles and under fives soft play area, all of which are under cover. Free goody bag for each child on arrival and ‘A Day Out With Thomas’ certificate to take home. Children 18 months to 15 years inclusive £13.50, Adults £18.00, Family Ticket 2 Adults, 2 Children £54, Babes in arms under 18 months are carried free of charge, providing they do not occupy a seat. Tickets can be purchased online at www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/ kentandeastsussexrailway or by calling 01580 765155. Please visit www.kesr.org.uk for further information about the railway.

12 AUGUST

Kent, TN8 7AD. 01892 870347. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY. 01892 537715. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

There will be something for all ages on Egyptian Day including handling objects 3000 years old. Take part in a workshop to make a clay mummy with Kentish artist Brenda Burgess and listen to Egyptologist Mick Oakey who will deliver a talk about a day in the life of an Ancient Egyptian “What did Irethoreru have for breakfast?”

Take Teddy Out for The Day

Take Teddy out for the day on the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells this summer! All accompanied children who bring a teddy travel for £1 and teddy goes free! A timetable with train times can be seen on the railway’s website. To qualify for the £1 child fare you must remember to bring Teddy along and be accompanied by a full fare paying adult! Until Sunday 13 August

13 AUGUST

Ancient Egyptian Day Chiddingstone Castle Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge,

WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD MAKES WEST END DEBUT Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ bestselling picture book What the Ladybird Heard makes its West End debut this summer. This glittering tale of two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird and a whole farmyard of fun will open at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (5 July to 10 September) prior to a major UK tour in early 2018. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they don’t reckon on the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird who has a plan of her own! With original songs and music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs, this action-packed 55-minute production is the perfect treat for families with children aged three and up. For more information and booking, visit www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk

11am and 5pm. Adults £9.50, Children under 5 FREE, Children 5 to 13 £4.50, Families £25.

16 AUGUST

Central Park Cinema Nights E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Central Park, Cranford Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JP. www.dartford.gov.uk

Dartford Borough Council’s

hugely successful outdoor cinema is returning to Central Park this summer. Just bring family and friends, a blanket and a picnic, and settle down to watch one of three classic films in the park’s beautiful surroundings. FREE for Dartford residents.

19 AUGUST

Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL. 01622 765400. www.leeds-castle.com

Mr Alexander brings his amazing Travelling Show to Leeds Castle for the first time. A traditional vintage style family variety show with three different programmes per day including magic, juggling, unicycling, balance and illusion

HHHHH Netmums

Based on the award-winning picture book by

Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks 5 JUL - 10 SEPT 0330 333 4812

nimaxtheatres.com

4 AUGUST

STAVE ON GE

THE PERFECT SUMMER TREAT ! www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2017

Out & About performed on a traditional theatre stage which has the flavour of a Victorian Theatre. Included with the price of admission. Until Sunday 20 August

20 AUGUST

The Little Mix Experience The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

If you’re a fan of one of X Factor’s finest exports you’re sure to L.O.V.E. The Little Mix Experience! Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest Girl-Bands. This is a high-energy show from beginning to end, packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits and suitable for all ages! 11am. Tickets £17.

Minibeasts ‘N’ Kids! Darenth Country Par, Darenth Park Ave, Dartford DA2 6LZ 01322 285497. www.dartford.gov.uk

With John Young – Local enthusiast. A great opportunity for children to enjoy the real countryside and find out what little creatures, both great and small live at the park. Booking Essential 10am.

21 AUGUST

25 AUGUST

Wild West Adventures Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG. www.groombridgeplace.com

Come along partners to Groombridge Place to enjoy some Wild West Adventures. Each action packed day will include Cowboy shows, storytelling and sing alongs. Yee haaawww. Admission is 10% cheaper when booked in advance online.

from The Boogie Woogie Gals or take a trip on our fun farm ride!

The Sleeping Beauty English Youth Ballet

30 AUGUST

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Peter Pan - Open Air Family Theatre

Now in its successful nineteenth year, the award-winning English Youth Ballet will bring together 8 international principal dancers and 100 of the most talented young ballet dancers in Dartford. EYB gives young dancers throughout the UK a wonderful performance opportunity to dance alongside the principals in solo and corps de ballet roles.

10am and 5.30pm. Until Sunday 3 September 2017

21 AUGUST

The Tiger Who Came To Tea The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Until Saturday 26 August

Direct from a smash-hit West End season!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, stripy tiger!

Join the adventure with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and his friends. Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings this children’s classic to life, by arrangement with GOSH charity and Samuel French Ltd. Please bring a chair or rug to sit on, picnics are welcome. 3pm (gates open at 2.00pm). £15 adults, £12 concession, £10 children. 3pm - 4:30pm. Booking required.

28 AUGUST

31 AUGUST

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU. 01622 763936. www. kentlife.org.uk

The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, DA16 3RP. www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Bat Walk

Ice Cream Festival

Kent Life welcomes back the Ice Cream Festival! Sample tasters of what is to offer from our ice cream vendors, chocolatiers and sweet stalls. Take part in the animal activities or visit our face painter! Sit back and enjoy music

Until Wednesday 21 August

Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ. 01322 621238. www.hallplace.org.uk

Join us for a bat walk around the farm. Woodlands farm has a number of different species of bats so hopefully using bat detectors we will be able to find some. 7.45pm, £6 adults, £4 children. Booking is essential to book call 020 8319 8900.

WIN WEST END TICKETS!

Pony Fun Days

Adapted from the book written by and illustrated

‘Ingenious’ Daily Mail

‘Enchanting’

THU 3 AUG - SUN 3 SEPT BOOK NOW 020 cadoganhall.com

7730 4500 Sloane Square 5 Mins

To celebrate We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’s return to Cadogan Hall, Families London Kent Borders Magazine has one family ticket (admits 4) to give away.

bearhuntlive.com

BBC Radio Bristol

There are number of bear paw prints hidden throughout this magazine. To WIN! Find them all and email your answer together with your name and the subject heading BEAR HUNT FAMILIES UPON THAMES COMPETITION to info@kennywax.com before 31 July 2017. T&C’s - Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, min 1 adult) to see the London production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Cadogan Hall from 4 Aug 3 Sept. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, non-transferable and hold no cash value. Answers will not be accepted after the closing date of 31 July 2017 and all decisions will be ﬁnal.

JULY - AUGUST 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

9.45am - 3.45pm

A great opportunity to ride and look after a pony for the day on our 60 acre premises Every Fun Day includes: • Arena riding lessons • Stable management Plus extra options: • Hacking in beautiful woodland • Gymkhana games • Tractor picnic rides... and more

£38 per child

Lunch & Drinks included www.mountmascalstables.co.uk Telephone 020 8300 3947 @mountmascal

Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW

FAMILY FUN THIS SUMMER AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

17 P R OJ E C T 2 0 H T U O Y R E SU M M

E S L H T OP T i L

BOOK & LYRICS BY HOWARD ASHMAN MUSIC BY ALAN MENKEN

TH U 10 – SAT 12 AU GUST

This amateur production will be presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe)

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

SLEEPING BEAUTY

COMES TO DARTFORD!

SUN 20 AUG

THE WEST END & BROADWAY HIT MUSICAL

MON 21 – WED 23 AUGUST Tap Factory Productions Ltd & TBO Productions present

FRI 25 – SAT 26 AUGUST

WED 30 AUG SAT 9 SEPT

ING ! Post ARATBirmingham EXHIL ! PERBewspaper U LY S Sussex N SIMP The

SUN 17 SEPTEMBER

UK TOUR 2017

MON 18 SEPTEMBER

FRI 20 – SUN 22 OCTOBER

SUN 29 OCTOBER

BOOK ONLINE

orchardtheatre.co.uk /The Orchard Theatre

@OrchardTheatre

theorchardtheatre

www.familiesonline.co.uk - AUGUST 2017 15 TICKET OFFICEJULY 01322 220000

Strood, Kent, ME2 2NU KENT TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE STANDARD ENTRY PRICE!

KENT TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE STANDARD ENTRY PRICE! rood, Kent, ME2 2NU

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! Applies to standard entry prices only

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adults can ride & drive real diggers! The onlycan place where children & adults can ride &diggers! drive real diggers! adults ride & drive real

dults can ride & drive real diggers!

15% OFF DIGGERLAND

DIGGERLAND EXPIRY DATE: 29/10/2017 OFFICE USE: 27201

*Applies to standard entry prices only

Pay on the day only. Only originals accepted. Not valid with any other offer, concession or online entry. Height restrictions apply. Max 4 per voucher. Valid at Diggerland Kent only.

Applies to standard entry prices only

PRESENT THIS VOUCHER ON ARRIVAL AT DIGGERLAND KENT TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE STANDARD ENTRY PRICE! Diggerland Kent, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent, ME2 2NU

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THESE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

WWW.DIGGERLAND.COM | 0871 22 77FUN 007 ND.....

FOR OPENING TIMES, PARK LOCATIONS AND MUCH MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US TODAY.

THIS WAY