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IN THIS ISSUE RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle
please call Diana Page 01235 533362 • 07747 086518
Issue 54 March / April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
Easter Issue Win A Family Holiday With Away Resorts News Clubs and Classes Education Out & About with Easter Hunts
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Ages 5-12yrs
EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS Basketball, Cricket, Swimming, Rugby, Golf, Tennis, Football, Hockey, Netball, Badminton and more...
WE ACC EPT CHI LDC ARE VOU CHE RS
TH MONDAY 6TH -THURSDAY 9 & TH TH TUESDAY 14 – FRIDAY 17 APRIL
Times: 8.30am - 5.30pm
(Half day options of 8.30am -1pm & 1pm - 5pm available) Price: £20 p/half day, £40 p/full day, £4 p/extended session
“A gorgeous treat for kids and parents”
Mottingham Lane, London, SE9 4QF
The Daily Express (on My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty)
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9 – 10 May
Contact John on 07749 343116 or 0845 222 1313. E: campbookings@young-stars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk
churchilltheatre.co.uk 020 3285 6000 ,OOXVWUDWLRQ 0DUN 5XƲH
Advertise your business to over 60,000 local readers each issue! Call Mima on: 07792 006546 to discuss! 2
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In this issue...
Families London–Kent Borders Magazine or Twitter @familieslkb
ISSUE 54 MARCH / APRIL 2020 4-5
News and Views Win A Family Holiday With Away Resorts Discover National Parks Join The Fight Against Plastic Maintained Schools Outperform Academies and Free Schools Having Fewer Toys May Be Better Kumon’s Free Registrationand Free Trial New eBooks Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables Participate in British Science Week
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Clubs and Classes Easter Clubs Studio 74 10% Off Quote Families Healthy Easter Cookies Perform £40 Off Quote LK300420 Organised Activity for under 5’s
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Education Ten Great Educational Apps
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Book Competition
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Out and About Easter Egg Hunt & Lots more activities over Easter.
Editor: Mima Walia 07792 006546 • editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk Managing Editor: Sarah Hodgson Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Listings Editor: Anna Blackshaw
Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London-Kent Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. familiesonline.co.uk
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Next issue: ADVERTISERS: Book now for our May / June’ magazine. Call Mima on 07792 006 546, or email editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk before Monday 6th April.
Calling all Baby Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach via public transport and we refund travel expenses.
020 7631 6258 • babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk
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News & Views
Discover National Parks this Spring Saturday 4 April marks the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight, a celebration event aimed at inspiring people of all ages to explore outside and learn more about these special places. There are fifteeen National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. Ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. National Parks protect almost 10% of England, 20% of Wales and 8% of Scotland. The UK-wide celebration includes a wide range of events and activities running throughout the Easter holidays, including guided walks, geocaching and wildlife experiences at every park. These events offer families a great opportunity to explore, learn, relax and unwind. To find about more visit: www.nationalparks.uk/discover
Join the Fight Against Plastic with the Great British Spring Clean Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 20 March to 13 April. Run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the environment on their doorstep. It’s easy for families to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litter-pick in your community or join an organised event. To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean
Maintained Having Fewer Schools Outperform Toys May Academies and Free Schools Be Better Maintained schools in England outperform academies and free schools in national exams taken at the end of year 6, according to figures released by the Department of Education (DfE).
This data seemingly contradicts assurances given by government for several years that conversion of schools from council-maintained to academies and the opening of free schools would drive up education standards.
You’ve probably suspected it – well, it may now have been confirmed! Children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime, a new study suggests. Researchers at the University of Toledo in Ohio, US, recruited 36 toddlers and invited them to play in a room for half an hour, with either four toys, or sixteen toys.
The DfE reports says 66% of pupils in local authoritymaintained schools reached the government’s expected standards in both maths and reading, whilst 65% did so in academies and free schools. In sponsored academies, only 58% of pupils reached the required national standards.
They found that youngsters were far more creative when they had fewer toys to play with. They also played with each for twice as long, thinking up more uses for each toy and lengthening and expanding their games.
Free schools also compared poorly with maintained schools, with 62% of pupils reaching the expected standards. In maths alone, 77% of free school pupils reached the expected standard, compared with 80% in maintained primaries.
The authors of the study conclude that parents, schools and nurseries should pack away most of their toys and just rotate a small number regularly, to encourage children to become more creative and improve their attention spans.
More info: www.gov.uk/government/ 4
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More info: www.sciencedirect.com
News & Views
Start New Year with new skills!
New eBooks Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables
Take advantage of Kumon’s Free Registration and Free Trial
Parents of fussy eaters can now access new FREE resources courtesy of the ‘See & Eat’ project, an initiative supported by the British Nutrition Foundation, to support parents in persuading their children to eat more vegetables.
Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable students to develop the confidence and skills to tackle challenging work independently. Through the Kumon worksheets and with guidance from their Instructor, we are looking to develop children’s abilities such as curiosity, noticing hints and clues, and showing them that if they pause and think deeply, they can work out the answers themselves. Learning in this way is powerful, memorable and more rewarding than simply being taught a process of doing something.
Resources include 24 new eBooks which can be downloaded from the ‘See & Eat’ website. These have been developed based on past research which has shown that showing hard-copy picture books about vegetables to children helps to familiarise them with new food and ultimately, helps them to eat a wider variety.
As opposed to traditional tuition providers, rather than ‘teaching’ students, Kumon encourages them to become independent learners who feel confident in their own abilities and able to face unfamiliar work. These skills will support children to easily grasp new topics in school and approach examinations such as SATs, GCSEs and their 11+ exam in the most effective and efficient ways. To take part in our Free registration or Free trial, contact your local Instructor, Shakhlo Ubaydullaeva, and book a consultation. As our programmes are individualised, your child will be assessed so their study can be tailored to their ability. The Kumon Orpington Study Centre is located at Orpington Village Hall, Orpington High Street, with classes running on Wednesdays and Fridays 4:30-6:30pm.
Participate in British Science Week British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 6 to 15 March. The annual festival features fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK, designed to appeal to families with children of all ages. Your child can also enter the annual poster competition and/or download a series of FREE activity packs at www. britishscienceweek.org, filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school. The good news is these activities don’t require parents to have a science background or buy any expensive equipment. To find your local event or activity, visit www.sciencelive.net familiesonline.co.uk
The ‘See & Eat’ eBooks each tell the farm to fork journey of a different vegetable and can be personalised with pictures, videos and text. To access eBooks, visit www.foodunfolded.com/seeandeat
WIN a Family Holiday at an Away Resort of your Choice*! Just take part in Wear a Hat on 27 March to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. Away Resorts offers family holidays at award-winning holiday parks, each superbly located and unique. Mill Rythe on Hayling Island offers a holiday jam-packed with activities from zorbing to an outdoor high ropes course, plus daytime and evening entertainment. Sandy Balls in the New Forest gets you back to nature; delve into the forest with its resident alpacas, enjoy a serene spa, fantastic on-site restaurants, and an array of activities including cycling and swimming. Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is a water world away. From fishing and pedalos to jet-skiing and a water aqua park, there’s fabulous on-site restaurants, rooftop bars, indoor/ outdoor splashpads and activity programmes for all. Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight offers the perfect balance, with rolling countryside on one side and a beautiful sandy beach on the other. The park bustles with great on-site activities to keep your family busy.
To Enter: 1. Register for Wear a Hat Day 2020 at www.wearahatday.org and take part on 27 March. 2. Email your competition entry to info@familiesmagazine. co.uk with your full name and post code or enter online at https://bit.ly/2OytS6D by 30 April 2020. Use the same email address, name and post code for both steps 1 and 2. T&Cs: *Excludes Mersea Island Holiday Park and Barmouth Bay Holiday Park. Prize is for a seven-night stay for two adults and two children. Accommodation provided will be of Superior or Luxury grade at Sandy Balls, Tattershall Lakes and Whitecliff Bay, and Ambassador at Mill Rythe, subject to availability. Prize value will be dependent on location and time of year chosen. More T&Cs online. 5
Clubs & Classes
Camp Beaumont For families looking for fun educational experiences for children to take part in during half term and the school holidays, look no further than Camp Beaumont. The UK’s most experienced day camp provider which is now in its 40th year hosts a wealth of activities for three to 16-year-olds to enjoy such as zorbing, go-carting and arts and crafts as well as a range of sports including tennis, swimming and hockey.
Computer Coding Workshops In Dulwich Easter Holiday computer coding workshops, 020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com Spark4Kids are running all-day holiday workshops that introduce children to computer coding through the medium of games. Available are courses on Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding, Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit & Arduino coding, Python, HTML/ CSS, JavaScript and Unity/C# in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7 years, 8-12 and 13-16. The Easter Holiday workshops are taking place in Dulwich from Monday 6th April to Thursday 9th April 2020.
The camps are a great chance for kids to try something new and make new friends, while having lots of fun in the process. Jof Gaughan, Operations Director, said: “It’s always great to see the children having such a fun time at our camps. Whether they come for a day or the whole week, it’s nice to see them making new friends and getting stuck in with exciting activities. “Coming to camp is a great way to make the most of the holidays and ensure they are making memories to last them a lifetime.” For more information visit www.campbeaumont.co.uk
Visit spark4kids.com for more details.
Youngstars The facilities are nothing short of amazing, covering a stunning 70 acre site, there is a huge sports hall, 4 MUGA pitches (Multi-Use Games area), swimming pool, tennis courts & ample field space to run our vast selection of sports & activities.
2019
Celebrating 25 years of high quality swimming lessons
BOOKING FOR EASTER INTENSIVE COURSE NOW AT BROMLEY HIGH Spaces available at new venue Midfield Primary School, Grovelands Rd, Orpington BR5 3EG Weekly term time Lessons at Bromley High, Bickley Park and Green Street Green. Adult and Child Lessons at Green Street Green
Children will embark on a day guaranteed to be full of fun, games and excitement along with a multitude of sports including; Football, Hockey, Rugby, Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Cricket, Athletics, Dodgeball, Tri-Golf, Netball, Basketball & more. Every game, drill and exercise apart from being fun, is designed to improve coordination, awareness, motor skills and above all team work. Next up is Easter so we’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Swimming lessons that last a lifetime! Visit our website: www.aquakids.co.uk Follow us at: @aquakidsuk
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Families London Kent Borders
@aquakids.uk
Aquakids
Dates: Monday 6th – Thursday 9th & Tuesday 14th – Friday 17th April For further info please contact us on 07749 343116 or info@young-stars.co.uk • www.young-stars.co.uk
Clubs & Classes
Are you looking for a fun and fabulous place for your children to build their confidence and learn performance skills? Look no further than the prestigious Studio 74 Dance & Theatre School. Based in Bromley, they offer a wide variety of classes such as Ballerina Babies, RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap & Modern, Street Dance, Drama & LAMDA, Singing lessons, Jazz, Competition Classes, a Saturday Stage School and so much more. Inspirational teachers have created the most enchanting ‘Ballerina Babies’ class, which has proven to be one of their most popular options for pre-school children; using an ‘Enchanted Forest’ theme your budding ballerinas will be taken on a fairytale journey using basic ballet steps and imagination. Simply magical! Not only do they offer a comprehensive variety of dance classes for little tots up to teens, they also offer a wide range of children’s birthday parties in their gorgeous chandelier-clad ballroom - or if you have a pop-star in the making, they have a groovy recording studio where your little star can record a pop song with
their friends and have a truly memorable experience. With a hugely talented and wonderful bunch of students their main philosophy is to encourage every child to shine, and their wealth of experience and impressive record of children in leading West End shows, TV and theatre enables them to do just that! The school also has a talent agency where children are represented and you can find many of their students in shows such as Matilda in the West End. For the last few years they have provided the whole team of children for the annual panto at The Orchard Theatre and for numerous pantomimes across London and Kent. They are currently looking for new talent to join their books for 2020 so get in touch. What makes Studio 74 so special? It appears to be their dedicated and committed team of staff and teachers – all bringing experience and passion to the children they teach. There are numerous performance opportunities open to the
children throughout the year, including trips to perform on stage in Disneyland Paris and they have performed on some of the UK’s biggest stages – The Palladium, The Royal Albert Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and so many more. On top of all this they offer fun workshops and classes throughout the school holidays. What more could you ask for? Maybe a class for adults? Well, they also offer this – Pilates, Yoga, Ballroom and Zumba! So, there is something for everyone. Give them a call or drop them an email to find out more information.
0208 295 4255 info@studio74dance.co.uk e.co.uk www.studio74dance.co.uk e.co.uk
PLEASE QUOTE FAMILIES FOR 10% OFF YOUR CHILD’S FIRST CLASS BOOKING. VALID UNTIL 30TH 0TH APRIL 2020.
familiesonline.co.uk
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Clubs & Classes
Healthier Easter Cookies
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These are easy to make, with plenty of opportunities for the kids to get involved with mashing, measuring and mixing. They’re made healthier with the use of bananas and oats, but still offer the satisfying chocolate hit we all love! Makes 12 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients 2 bananas 3 tbsp honey 2 tbsp cocoa 150g rolled oats 80g chocolate mini eggs
Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), 180°C fan, Gas Mark 6. Line a couple of baking trays with baking paper. 2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl, then add the maple syrup and mix well. 3. Stir in the cocoa and oats until evenly combined. 4. Divide the mixture into 12 (about 2 level tablespoons each) and roll into balls. Place them on the baking trays.
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5. Press a teaspoon into the centre of each cookie to create a nest shape. 6. Bake for 12 minutes, then cool on a wire rack. 7. Add a couple of chocolate mini eggs to the centre of each cookie. You’ll find more great recipe ideas in Get Your Kids to Eat Anything by Emily Leary (www.amummytoo.co.uk), published by Mitchell Beazley, RRP £16.99 and available online and in all good bookshops.
Invisible Goodness Wrapped Up in Fun Perform founder, Lucy Quick tells us more. Perform classes are a bit like a pasta sauce that’s filled with hidden vegetables: kids think it’s really tasty and don’t realise that it’s full of healthy nutrition. I see our classes like this - invisible goodness wrapped up in an hour of games, role-play, dance routines and songs. The children think they’re enjoying an hour of fun but they’re also being equipped with essential confidence-building social skills.
Taking part in regular drama activities encourages confident and fluent speaking, boosts reading and writing abilities and enhances coordination and spatial awareness. Rescuing a mermaid from a pirate ship might seem like just imaginative improvisation for 6 year olds, but it’s teaching problem-solving and team-work too.
We all want our children to be happy, feel confident enough to try new things and interact well with others.
Early drama, dance and singing lessons changed my life and helped shape my vision for Perform - to deliver classes
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Families London Kent Borders
with a specific focus on developing a child’s confidence and social skills - not to create just another drama school. Quote LK300420 for an introductory £40 discount when you book by 30th April 2020. Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Beckenham, Bexley and Chislehurst. Visit www.perform.org. uk/try to book.
Clubs & Classes
Organised Activity Options for Your Child Under 5 By Gabrielle Nash If you ask mums and dads about what activities they enjoyed with their children when they were very young, many will speak fondly of their favourite playgroup or class. Such activities can become a lifeline for parents during those isolating and overwhelming first years and they’re essential when you’re desperate for some adult conversation. Of course, classes and groups are also a great opportunity for you to bond with your baby and give them early opportunities for socialization too.
Library
Maybe you have already pre-booked a weekly sensory, music or swimming class for your little one or perhaps you’re at home reading this with your baby or young toddler, thinking of ways to entertain them (and you) this week. Or maybe you’re finding it tough just getting out to the shops. However you’re feeling, there’s no doubt that getting yourself along to something social can be hugely beneficial for you and your child.
Sensory or Music
Sarah has one daughter, now aged almost 4, and speaks fondly of the classes they participated in: “I loved having a music class booked each week with my 18 month old. It was something to look forward to – she loved the music and I enjoyed meeting other mums and drinking a rare coffee while it was still hot!” So, what’s the best way to find a class or group? You’ll regularly find local options in this magazine and, as well as your local mum friends, you can also ask the wider local parent community on social media – word of mouth is great for a recommendation. It’s worth checking out your local Children’s Centre and library for suggestions too – some of these may be free. Next, which type of class or group should you go for? This may depend on the options available where you live, as well as on your budget.
Playgroup If your main aim is to get something regular in the diary that is easy, cheap and good for meeting other parents with similarly aged children, then your local church or community playgroup is a great option. Playgroups are often central parts of a local community so if you’re new or unfamiliar to an area you can find local support both from those attending and those running the group.
familiesonline.co.uk
Most local libraries have a weekly story or rhyme time session. These are simple drop-in activities and chances to socialise that can form a regular part of your week. They are almost always free! A library activity is also a great way of introducing this important source of books and resources to a young child and highlighting the importance of reading.
Though not free, sensory or music classes can be lots of fun for older babies and toddlers. They are a fantastic opportunity for little ones to make a noise with their voices and with instruments, move around creatively and explore a new environment, all conveniently facilitated by a professional. You get a much needed chance to sit back and watch your child having fun, without having to provide it yourself!
Swimming or Gym If something a bit more physical appeals to you, then baby swimming or a gym/soft play-based class might be right for your child. Baby swimming can be a beautiful way to bond with your baby and a gym-based class is great way for very active toddlers and preschoolers to burn off energy, as well as develop their gross motor skills.
Classes for YOU Whilst it’s harder with a toddler, when you have a baby, there are many activities aimed at you which your baby can attend too. Whether it’s an outdoor exercise or yoga class or a baby friendly cinema showing, the change of environment is fun and stimulating for your baby too. You may even get to improve your fitness! Any children’s group or class will support a child’s development: the routine, the opportunities for socialising and the experience of being in a new environment. So if it helps YOU get out of the house, share happy times with your child and get talking and meeting other parents in your situation, then nothing could be more worthwhile. Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum
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Education
DON’T FORGET TO GO TO AN EASTER EGG HUNT!
11+ for Orpington Grammar Schools ST OLAVE’S & NEWSTEAD WOOD SUBJECTS
SEE PAGE 13 FOR ALL THE LOCAL EVENTS!
DATES: 17th April 2020 29th May 2020 WHERE: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington B26 8PR
CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests BEXLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS DATES: 10th April 2020 2nd May 2020 WHERE: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH
Kent Subjects 11+ KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOLS DATES: 17th April 2020 29th May 2020 WHERE: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR BOOK YOUR ONE-WEEK FREE TRIAL TODAY!
Also in Dartford, Woolwich & Maidstone
BOOK NOW
www.mocktestmasters.com FEEDBACK includes: Detailed report on your child’s strengths & weaknesses Access to mock test questions & answers Your child’s answer papers returned
ANAGRAM
Can you unscramble the letters to spell out the names of five popular book characters?
1. d i a t m l a
2. p e t h o r r a t y r
3. k t e r a c y r e b a e
4. f g e e l f r y e g h
5. l g p i c n p s k i p g t o o i n
When you’re done, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message! The answers are: 1. Matilda 2. Harry Potter 3. Tracey Beaker 4. Greg Heffley 5. Pippi Longstocking. Message is: Happy Reading 10
Families London Kent Borders
Education
Ten Great Educational Apps for Children
By Claire Winter
Children learn in many different ways including outside of the classroom. This is where educational apps can come in very useful as the best of these engage even the most reluctant learner. As well as being fun ways to learn, educational apps also turn screen time into a positive experience, rather than something you are constantly arguing with your children about.
Here are Families top ten educational apps that will keep any child ‘appy!’ Cursive Writing Wizard (£4.99) By L’Escapadou This version provides a UK-friendly cursive font, and is ideal for teaching young primary kids how to write. It’s based upon a tracing system and there are 50 plus animated stickers, sound effects and interactive games that animate letters at the end of the tracing. You can also print off writing PDFs for the kids to practice on and even import their current spelling list.
Safari Tales (£2.99) By Kuato Games Age 6-8 • Children can develop their storytelling skills with this beautiful and fun animal-themed app. Safari adventurers can explore the Savannah and learn interesting facts about the five baby animals. The game is so much fun they won’t even notice that they are boosting their reading and litearacy skills at the same time.
Endless Wordplay (Free + In App Purchase) By Originator Inc. All ages • This app focuses on learning simple spelling patterns while reinforcing letter names and sounds. Each stage is a different rhyme, with the user spelling three words from the same word family. Once you complete all three words, you are taken to a sentence screen with a silly sentence and cute animation that will encourage and delight the player. It’s free to download but to play more than three levels you have to pay £4.99.
Toca Lab: Elements (£3.99) By Toca Boca
during chemical reactions when they are warmed, cooled, combined and much more. Your kids can induldge in exciting virtual experiments that won’t blow up your house!
Hoopa City (£3.99) By Dr. Panda Ltd Age 6+ • This engaging app allows children to let their imaginations run wild building cities and towns with a combination of different materials. The game will boost their understanding of mechanics and engineering and also help them develop their problem-solving skills.
The Human Body (£3.99) By Tinybop Inc Age 6+ • If you have a budding biologist or child with a ‘why’ imagination then this is the app for them. Explore the human body and learn about how our amazing internal organs perform.
Monster Maths Program (6 app subscription £29.99/yr) By Makkajai Edu Tech Private Ltd. Age 5+ • The Monster Maths program is a suite of 6 Maths games designed to help your child to develop and practice ‘number sense’. Includes offline printable activities to augment digital games for fun math learning.
Toddler Counting 123 – Learn to count for kids (Free) By GiggleUp Kids Apps Teach your toddler to count with this fantastic free app. Designed for pre-schoolers this simple game gets them to tap and count a variety of real life objects.
Artie’s Magic Pencil (£2.99) By Minilab Ltd Age 3-5 • Boost your child’s drawing skills with this creative app. It shows 3-6 year olds how to draw by means of an engaging game in which a monster destroys everything in its path and Artie has to rebuild the world with his magic pencil.
Squeebles Times Tables (£3.99) By KeyStageFun If you are tired of getting your child to repeat their times tables again and again, then get these lovable characters on hand to inspire your child to sit and practice them. There are several engaging games to play and a training area that also teaches and tests maths skills too.
Writing wizard fonts and play with letters
Age 6+ • This funky app is a virtual chemistry set to inspire future scientists. It introduces your child to all 118 elements of the periodic table as cool, fun characters. It also presents the concepts of what happens familiesonline.co.uk
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Out & About Competition
Fabulous Families Book Quiz and Competition Encourage your child to have a go! With World Book Day having just passed, you and your child may have been thinking quite a bit about books and reading already this Spring. So now’s the perfect time to test your knowledge!
Ages 4 to 7 Years
Ages 8 to 11 Years
1. Name 3 fruits the Hungry Caterpillar ate.
1. Where do Silky, Moon Face and Saucepan Man live?
2. In the Charlie and Lola books, what is Lola’s invisible friend called?
2. How is Stanley Lambchop better known?
3. Which book series do the characters Families has teamed up with Young Writers to bring you this amazing quiz. It’s divided into two sections for ages 4 to 7 and ages 8 to 11.
Bottomley Potts and Blitzer Maloney feature?
4. Which animal visits Sophie and her mummy one tea time?
We have a £50 National Book Voucher for the winner of the ages 4 to 7 category. Thanks to Young Writers, we have a fantastic book bundle of 10 books for the winner of the ages 8 to 11 category, including popular, recently published books such as You Won’t Believe This by Adam Baron, Agatha Oddly Murder at the Museum by Lena Jones and What’s that in Dog Years? by Ben Davis.
5. Who wrote Where the Wild Things Are? 6. Who was there ‘Room on the Broom’
3. Who is the main character in Diary of Wimpy Kid?
4. Who does Barney meet when exploring an old chalk pit?
5. In the book Holes, who gets sent to Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre?
for?
6. Who wrote about characters called 7. What is the name of the boy who builds
James, Matilda, Sophie and Charlie?
The Snowman?
7. Which David Walliams’ book is his char8. What is the name of Biff and Chip’s
acter Joe from?
dog? To enter the competition, just email info@ familiesmagazine.co.uk with your child’s name, age, your telephone number and answers to the questions in the relevant section. Closing date: 15 June 2020. Only one entry per child please!
8. What are Mary Norton’s tiny characters 9. Who lives in Hundred Acre Wood? 10. Aliens, pirates and dinosaurs love these…
11. Who is Perfect Peter’s rather naughty Look out for the answers to the quiz in our next magazine or request them in your email entry. Ts&Cs online.
brother?
12. What are the names of the witch and cat Valerie Thomas writes about?
Young Writers organise poetry and creative writing competitions for children in schools. For further information, visit www.youngwriters.co.uk
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Families London Kent Borders
called?
9. Who is the main character in The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson
10. In which book series does Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III appear?
11. The dormouse, a gryphon, a mock turtle and a rabbit are characters from which classic children’s book?
12. Who wrote My Brother’s Famous Bottom book series?
Out & About
My First Ballet: Cinderella
We have compiled below al list of all the Easter Egg Hunts available, Enjoy!
Give your children their first taste of the magical world of ballet. Enjoy everyone’s favourite rags-toriches story, in a beautifully adapted new version for children aged three upwards. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and a fantastic family day out. Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamourous Ball. Abandoned to an evening of drudgery, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the Ball. Since its creation in 2012, over 320,000 people have enjoyed our My First Ballet series. This unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is performed by second year students of English National Ballet School. SAT 9 & SUN 10 MAY 2020 English National Ballet Churchill Theatre, Bromley https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/
FROM 6 TO 19 APRIL EASTER EGG HUNT TRAIL
FROM 28 MARCH TO 13 APRIL YOUNG NATURALISTS TRAIL – CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT AT CHARTWELL Chartwell - National Trust, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. Time: 10am-4pm Explore the garden and woodland to discover all about the mammals, insects and pondlife that live at Chartwell. Learn new skills along the way to collect your chocolatey prize at the end. £3 per trail (including National Trust members). Normal Admission Applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell
FROM 28 MARCH TO 13 APRIL SPRING AWAKENS TRAIL – CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT AT EMMETTS GARDEN National Trust Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA. Time: 10am-4pm Join us this Easter at Emmetts Garden to not only see the beautiful spring colours but learn more about them on our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. £3 per trail (including National Trust members). Normal Admission Applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden 01732 868381
FROM 2 TO 19 APRIL
Hever Castle Family fun at Hever Castle & Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step (2-19 April). Hunt for the colourful carrots and the Hever bunny in our fun free Easter trail or take part in an egg hunt in the grounds. Each child will receive a chocolate for completing the trail and a mini chocolate egg for each Easter egg they find. Take part in an Easter themed trail in the Castle to learn about creatures that hatch and create an egg shaped decoration to hang on our Easter tree in our free craft activity.
Lullingstone Country Park, Castle Road, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JF Time: 10am – 3pm Cost: £5 Go to Lullingstone to follow the exciting Easter Egg Hunt Trial. Solve the clues and collect your Easter surprise. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
FROM 10 TO 13 APRIL HENRIETTA’S HORRIBLE REMEDIES – CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT AT QUEBEC HOUSE National Trust Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD Discover revolting Georgian remedies for illnesses and diseases from Mrs Wolfe’s recipe book using ingredients she grew and found in her garden at Quebec House, before claiming your chocolate prize at the end. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
FROM 11 TO 13 APRIL EASTER EGG QUIZ Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JA Time: 11am–5pm Cost: £10 adult - children under 15 go FREE Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden kicks off its season with family fun with an Easter Trail & Quiz. Aspiring plant hunters will be able to scour two acres of The World Garden for Easter clues and then report on their discoveries to claim an eggtastic surprise, plus the chance to meet some Easter characters! www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk
EASTER TRAIL
12 APRIL
Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Make some special family memories this Easter, hop through the beautiful grounds following the trail of colourful carrots to claim your delicious chocolate treat. As well as an Easter trail, your little ones will also be able to take part in an Easter egg hunt. www.hevercastle.co.uk 01732 865224
Shorne Woods, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX Cost: £6 Complete the Easter woodland trail & find the Bunny to claim your Egg. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
BUNNY HUNT
FROM 4 TO 18 APRIL CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT: DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HONEY BEE Red House, Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, London, DA6 8JF The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt returns for the Easter holidays. Get out and about with nature, follow the trail and solve the puzzles to win the chocolate prize. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house
hevercastle.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
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Out & About EVERY SATURDAY BROMLEY PARKRUN Norman Park, Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF Weekly free 5km timed run. Go along and join in whatever your pace! Please register before your first run. 9:00am 0300 303 8658 www.parkrun.org.uk/bromley
4 & 11 MARCH SONG & STORY TIME WITH EASTGATE CHURCH Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0AZ Time: 10:30am - 11:30am Go and meet other families and have fun, for under 5s and carers. 01474 873040 www.eastgate.org.uk
9 MARCH BRING YOUR OWN BABY The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is the UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club! The shows feature the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV, and the events are all about you, the parents! But don’t worry – younger guests are also taken care of. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 0w1322 220000
10 MARCH BACH TO BABY: AROUND THE WORLD IN 60 MINUTES Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY Time: 10.30am It took Phileas Fogg eighty days, but this enchanting chanteuse will whisk you on a magical journey around the world in under an hour - tasting La Vie en Rose in Paris, to the beaches of Ipanema, and all the way out of this world to Somewhere Over the Rainbow. www.bachtobaby.com/bromley-music-concertsfor-baby-and-family
13 MARCH BABY BROADWAY Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA Baby Broadway brings West End musicals to your doorstep. The whole family can sing and dance along to well-known songs from hit shows such as Mary Poppins, Singin in the Rain, Motown, Mamma Mia, Frozen and many more performed by our West End singers. www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 020 3285 6000
14 MARCH MUM2MUM NEARLY NEW SALE Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 3DH. Grab a bargain or sell your nearly new items. Refreshments, cake, face painter and kids activities at every event. Free car park. 2-4pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
Refreshments, cake, face painter and kids activities at every event. Free car park. 10am-12noon. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
FROM 16 TO 20 MARCH DAZZLING DAFFODILS Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Feel uplifted this spring during Hever Castle’s Dazzling Daffodils event. With 14,000 new daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy. 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk
WITH MAP AND MUSKET National Trust Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD Time: 1-4pm Bring history to life with an historic re-enactment. Join the eighteenth century surveyor as he explains how map makers played a key role in the Quebec campaign. Booking not needed Free event (admission applies). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
14 MARCH & 25 APRIL MUM2MUM NEARLY NEW SALE Ravens wood School, Oakley Road, Bromley BR2 8HP Grab a bargain or sell your nearly new items.
FROM 28 MARCH TO 9 APRIL HENRIETTA’S HORRIBLE REMEDIES TRAIL AT QUEBEC HOUSE National Trust Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD Discover revolting Georgian remedies for illnesses and diseases from Mrs Wolfe’s recipe book using ingredients she grew and found in her garden at Quebec House. This one is just for fun, so is completely free with no prize at the end. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
18 MARCH KALEIDOSCOPE The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD Time: 12.30pm; 2pm. Kaleidoscope is a brand new piece of theatre for babies aged 6 - 18 months inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour. 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk
29 MARCH GRAVESEND STREET CHILLI MARKET Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0AZ Time: 10am - 4pm Go along to the Gravesend Street Chilli market with lots of chilli to eat, drink, taste and buy. 99% Chilli products are plant based and vegan. www.chillifest.net
FROM 19 TO 21 MARCH MOTHER’S DAY PLANTER WORKSHOP
FROM 30 MARCH TO 20 APRIL
Millbrook Garden Centre, Station Road, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9PA Cost: £6 Make Mother’s Day extra special this year, by creating a beautiful planter, at one of the seasonal workshops. Tickets cost £6 and include a choice of colourful plants to fill a pretty wicker basket. Finish the gift with a handmade tag & ribbon! Please note: Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Booking is essential and places are limited. www.millbrookgc.co.uk
APRIL HALF TERM TRAIL
21 MARCH FOOD FESTIVAL Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5BQ Time: 11am - 4pm Go along to Ruxley Manor for their second Food Festival & Supplier Showcase for a day of great food and drink, live music and entertainment and family fun! This is a free event and no ticket is required to attend. www.ruxley-manor.co.uk 020 8300 0084
Shorne Woods, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX Time: 10am – 4pm Cost: £3 Pre-book online or drop-in between 10am and 4pm and pick up one of the trail sheets. Explore the woods following a self-led activity trail and see what you can discover about the park. All completed trails will receive a small prize. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
FROM 1 TO 4 APRIL OI FROG & FRIENDS! Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA Join FROG, CAT and DOG in this new action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling series of books with songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 020 3285 6000
3 APRIL GUIDED BAT WALK
FROM 21 TO 22 MARCH MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Show your mum just how much you love her with a wonderful family day out to Hever Castle on Mother’s Day Weekend. Work up an appetite with a wander around the stunning 125 acre grounds or let the kids run off some energy in the Tudor Towers adventure playground and the natural play area, Acorn Dell. Your little ones can make a keyring in a free craft workshop. 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk
22 MARCH MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA
14 MARCH & 4 APRIL
Afternoon Tea served in the café area. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Spoil your Mum with a special afternoon tea at Hall Place. Enjoy a traditional tea with finger sandwiches, cake, scones, jam and cream. Who would not want to indulge? www.hallplace.org.uk 01322 526 574
22 MARCH MOTHERS DAY WALK & AFTERNOON TEA Lullingstone Country Park, Castle Road, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JF Time: 1-4pm Celebrate Mothers Day with a guided walk through the beautiful Lullingstone Country Park followed by an
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
Lullingstone Country Park, Castle Road, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JF Cost: £6 Enjoy a walk through Lullingstone Park as we listen and learn about the nature of bats. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
3 APRIL CAMPFIRE ART AND CRAFT Lullingstone Country Park, Castle Road, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JF Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm Cost: £7 Join the rangers for some natural art and craft, and toast a marshmallow over the camp fire. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
4 APRIL RETRO AND VINTAGE FAIR Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent Time: 10am - 4pm Cost: £2.50 All welcome to the Retro and Vintage Fair at Mayfield Grammar School. There will be vintage clothing, collectables, pop up beauty parlour, tea room and live entertainment with Adam Hoffman. For more information: Jan 07885692114/ Karen 07903521745
Out & About
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
4 APRIL
11 APRIL
16 APRIL
SPRING SHOW AND PLANT SALE
THE BROTHERS DIMM
BETTER TOGETHER
Meadow Rooms, The Street, Meopahm, Kent, DA12 3BZ Time: 2-4pm All welcome to the Cobham gardeners Spring Show and Plant Sale. Including: gardening tips, adult and junior show categories, flowers, vegetables, preserves and photographic, tea, coffee and home made cake sale. Free entry! www.cobhamgardeners.weebly.com
The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD Panto LEGENDS (well, according to them) Ant Payne & Rob Cummings return to the Woodville this Easter bringing their crazy, madcap retelling of some of your favourite fairy tales! Join these two dimwits for an hour of silliness, laughter & chaos. They’re fairy tales, but like you’ve never seen them before! 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk
The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD Join the three delightful Clowns who make waiting at a bus stop a tragically complicated affair. Full of slapstick, acrobatics and physical comedy, Better Together is an artful, intelligent and hilarious piece. 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk
19 APRIL 4 APRIL
12 APRIL
NATURAL NASTIES: THE POISONOUS PLANTS OF SHORNE
THE HEALING ZONE HALF MARATHON
Shorne Woods, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX Cost: £5 Join us for a fun and educational walk through the woodland and discover some surprising nasties growing where you least expect them. Gain a greater understanding of native poisonous plants and the catastrophic consequences they could have! www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
Cyclopark, The Tollgate, Wrotham Road, Gravesend, DA11 7NP Time: 8am - 5pm Can you run and raise for two fantastic local charities, Ellenor and Cyclopark Charitable Trust? There will also be music, food, entertainment, goody bag, finishers T-Shirt plus a medal! www.events@cyclopark.com
12 APRIL FROM 4 TO 19 APRIL CELEBRATE EASTER AT BHMM Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3EJ Time: 11am – 3pm Get your Easter holidays off to a flying start with family crafts and Easter treasure trail at Biggin Hill Memorial Museum. You can make Easter-themed crafts with free sessions then take part in a treasure trail around the museum to see if you can see where the chocolate planes have landed. www.bhmm.org.uk
MINIATURE STEAM TRAIN RIDES – EASTER SUNDAY SPECIAL EVENT Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LG Time: 2-5pm Cost: 50p Whatever the weather the miniature trains run. Go for a ride every Sunday from April to October, 2pm until 5pm, at the grounds of the Cascade Leisure Centre. Why not make a hat for the occasion? With a little coloured paper, some cardboard and sticky tape, you could have your own designer hat in no time at all! friciafilley@hotmail.com
LAMBING DAY The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP Time: 11am – 4pm Cost: £2 per adult, £1 per child under 16 or £5 per family. All are welcome at the Woodlands Farm Trust Lambing Day. Go and see new-born lambs, and enjoy the chance to buy quality local produce at reasonable prices. Enjoy the treasure hunt or get involved in craft activities. www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org 020 8319 8900
FROM 21 TO 26 APRIL TULIP CELEBRATIONS Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG The Italian Garden at Hever Castle will play host to the largest of the tulip planting displays with a kaleidoscope of colours fanning down the length of the gardens towards the Loggia and the lake. You will be able to go on a self-guided trail to view the tulips or why not take part in one of the free tours with a member of the gardening team. 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk
25 APRIL 5 APRIL FARMERS MARKET AT HALL PLACE Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Time: 10am - 2pm On the first Sunday of every month, you can buy the best local produce at Hall Place. www.hallplace.org.uk 01322 526 574
FROM 6 TO 7 APRIL TWO DAYS OF THEATRE FUN: JUNGLE WILD The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD Time: 10:30am-4pm Wanna turn the studio theatre into the African jungle? Take your wild side and join us during the Easter holiday for two days of drama workshops and prop making. All abilities welcome. Ages 7-17. Materials provided. Wear comfortable clothing, preferably all black. Don’t forget a packed lunch! 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk
14 APRIL BACH TO BABY FAMILY CONCERT Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY Time: 10.30am Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family to enjoy together. Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep. www.bachtobaby.com/bromley-music-concertsfor-baby-and-family
14 APRIL DEN BUILDING AND CAMPFIRES Shorne Woods, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX Cost: £8 An action packed workshop, building dens and lighting your own campfire. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
15 APRIL FROM 6 TO 9 APRIL EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Time: 10am-2pm Go and enjoy a hilarious story and craft family activity. Places are limited so please book well in advance to avoid disappointment. www.hallplace.org.uk 01322 526 574
FROM 6 TO 9 APRIL ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Millbrook Garden Centre, Station Road, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9PA Join us in ‘Wonderland’ for Alice-inspired make-andtake workshops, themed parties and Mad Hatter Magic Shows! Booking is essential and places are limited. www.millbrookgc.co.uk
ALL STAR WRESTLING The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD All Star Superslam Wrestling continue their 50th Anniversary tour with a second visit to The Woodville. Some of the very best wrestlers from home and abroad will be seen in the ring for two hours of nonstop action that is sure to have you on the edge of your seats. 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk
16 APRIL GEOCACHING EVENT Shorne Woods, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX Cost: £10 Find your way through the wilds of Shorne using our GPS handsets. www.kent.gov.uk 03000 41 18 11
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
WIZARD OF OZ The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD We are delighted to announce a brand new Easter panto production of Wizard of Oz. BASIL BRUSH as the Wizard, with further star casting to be announced imminently. A fantastic family show suitable for all ages and promising loads of fun and laughter! 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk
26 APRIL MINIATURE STEAM TRAIN RIDES – ST GEORGE’S DAY SPECIAL EVENT Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LG Time: 2-5pm Cost: 50p Whatever the weather the miniature trains run. Go for a ride every Sunday from April to October, 2pm until 5pm, at the grounds of the Cascade Leisure Centre. Take or make yourself a St George’s flag to wave and join in the fun. friciafilley@hotmail.com
E B R A TI N
40
3 to 16 year olds
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Camp Be aumont
Inspiring adventures throughout the school holidays Learn new skills • Make new friends • Enjoy new activities
Over 20 fantastic locations across London and beyond including St Olave’s Grammar School Orpington
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