Issuu

FRE E

TAKE M

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West Kent

IN THIS ISSUE

Easter activities & What’s Ons * Win chocolates for Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers

Issue 10 March/April 2020

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

West Kent

Contents Page 4 Joy of reading - World Book Day and new books for spring Page 5, 6 & 7 Education Focus Discover your child’s learning style, full list of independent school open days, plus a feature on ten great educational apps for children Page 8 &9 Early Years Special Beat the stay at home blues with our play café and play centre guide, plus feature on how your baby learns to talk and how you can help them, and win a bathtime hooded towel

Welcome to our 10th issue! So much to look forward to as we head into Spring, and we have lots of ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day and Easter. Check out our packed What’s On pages and Easter activity guide with Easter egg hunts and days out (p13-16). Win luxurious Mother’s Day chocolates (page 13) or a family weekend ticket to The Little Welly (page 12). We also have reader offers for 10% off Little Welly Tickets (page 12), and £40 off Perform classes (page 10). Have a great time.

Helen, Editor We are fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper Editor Helen Cook, Advertising Helen Cook & Amanda Biggs, Design Sarah Harmer, What’s Ons Kate Craggs

Page 10 Clubs and Classes - Find a new class to benefit your child

We reach 40,000 readers through Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone areas every two months.

Page 11 & 12 Out and About - Days out ideas and win a family ticket to The Little Welly for muddy fun!

To advertise please contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk or call 07980118626. Booking deadline March 24, artwork March 26 for our May/June issue.

Page 13-16 Our bumper What’s On and Easter holiday guide - including events, Mother’s Day trips, Easter Egg Hunts and family theatre. And win exquisite chocolates for Mother’s Day Page 16 Directory - of really useful businesses Facebook “f ” Logo

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Look out for our May/June issue with the winner of our Cover Star competition! If you’d like to enter, email a picture of your child to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by March 3 and see the competition details on the pinned page on our FB page. And like our page for updates or to vote for your favourite photo! CMYK / .eps

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Nursery at King’s Register now for September 2020 An exciting and balanced curriculum developing happy, confident children PLUS specialist Music and German teaching Excellent pastoral care • Before and after school care available Safe, stimulating learning environment The world’s oldest Cathedral Choir School Conveniently situated close to Rochester’s historic heart and train station Pre-Preparatory School Visitor Morning Thursday 19th March 9:30am to 11:30am

01634 888590 • admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk • www.kings-rochester.co.uk Families West Kent 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 West Kent are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families West Kent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, Families West Kent and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. www.familiesonline.co.uk

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

JOY OF READING

Celebrate World Book Day with new books for Spring!

It’s World Book Day on March 5, not just a day to panic over last minute book character costumes but a reminder to encourage our children to learn and develop through reading. Reading has so many benefits for children – not simply the enjoyment of discovering new, exciting worlds between the pages of books. National studies show that the longer children keep an enjoyment of reading going, the greater the benefits are in the classroom. Children who enjoy reading are more likely to do

better at reading than their peers who don’t enjoy it. At age 14, children who enjoy reading have an average reading age of 15.3 years, while those who don’t enjoy reading have an average reading age of just 12 years, a difference of 3.3 years. And reading can be a lifelong benefit for boosting moods and promoting mental health.

Children who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have good mental wellbeing than children who don’t enjoy it. As parents it seems encouraging a love of reading from an early age is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Other research shows the need to celebrate books is greater than ever. The research

shows that only a quarter (26%) of children now read daily, compared with 43% in 2015. (National Literacy Trust surveys).

Recommended reads for March and April Reviews supplied by: So here are some ideas for new books to nurture a love of reading in children in age ranges from preschool to age 12. Picture Book Tad by Benji Davies Tad is small, even smaller than the other tadpoles. She has to try harder, swim faster and think quicker if she wants to stay out of the grasps of Big Blub. A lovely story about the value of persistence and determination.

5-8 years The Day I started a Mega Robot Invasion by Tom McLaughlin Molly should be doing her homework but instead she builds a robot. But things start going wrong when the robot starts building more robots! Can Molly stop the invasion before things get out of control? With a sassy heroine, embarrassing parents, a terribly nosy neighbour and an army of Bobs, this book is an action packed, funny read.

For more ideas of how to celebrate World Book Day visit www.worldbookday.com

9-12 years Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan Winner of the Costa award, this is a wonderful adventure set in India. When Asha’s beloved father, who is working away, stops writing and stops sending money home, things quickly get tough for Asha and her family. She decides to set out and discover what has happened to him. Asha is accompanied by her best friend and guided and protected by her spirit bird on her journey. This is an exciting adventure with a hint of magic but mainly themes of bravery, friendship and family.

Sevenoaks Bookshop,147 High Street, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XJ 01732 452055 www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk

BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART SCHOOL

discover BEECHWOOD

adventure discover

www.beechwood.org.uk

Join us for our

OPEN DAY Tues 3rd March 2020 9.30am-11.30am

12 Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QD T: 01892 532747 E: registrar@beechwood.org.uk

4 Families West Kent March/April 2020

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EDUCATION FOCUS

What is your child’s learning style? How do you help equip a primary school child with the techniques they need to revise? We look at some exam preparation techniques for different learning styles By Claire Winter

Whether it be for SATs, 11+ or school exams, your child is likely to need to do some preparation at home. Of course, your child’s school may provide practice exam papers which are important tools but it may be that your child needs to hone in on revising particular subjects or topics in order to complete these successfully. Educators, scientists, and psychologists have developed different models to understand the different ways that people learn. One popular theory, the VARK model, identifies four primary types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Each learning type responds best to a different method of teaching. For example, auditory learners remember information best after reciting or explaining it back, while kinesthetic learners jump at the chance to participate in a handson activity. Most pupils don’t learn in just one way, so often using a combination of techniques will work best. Once you have established your child’s preferred learning style, you can try a variety of these methods to help your child prepare successfully for exams. Mind Mapping A mind map is a visual representation of information, introduced in an organised, but innovative method. This method is great for visual learners. Mind maps can be as detailed as your child likes, organising notes and suggestions around bigger, www.familiesonline.co.uk

connecting ideas, around one idea, or around several topics. Mind maps can enhance memory and learning by 15% compared to conventional study methods. Creating Visual Reminders Note-taking and highlighting are mainly reading-based learning techniques, but flashcards, post-it notes, and mind maps all take advantage of visual recognition too. If your child is naturally creative, then making flashcards with essential keywords or formulas on them can help them recall what they are studying. Try sticking flashcards or post-it notes around the house and every time your child comes across one, encourage them to describe the keywords or information in more detail. Organising Information Children who learn by reading and writing will like planning their work by topic. Not only will this help them access the information they have to learn much faster, but the act of planning can make a child feel more in charge of their learning. Visual learners can use colour coded post-it notes to help remind them about the different topics too. Note Taking Taking notes on important facts from current classwork can be a good way for your child to keep the essentials in mind. If your child likes writing and reading, then they may find this highly effective. For younger children, highlighting important information can be just as efficient. Verbally Explaining Another great revision technique for auditory learners is to ask your child to verbally explain something they retain more information revising this way. Ask your child questions about their classwork such as:“Can you tell me more about XYZ?” This will encourage your child to use memory recall to remember the important facts. You can also use questions to identify any gaps in their knowledge. An excellent revision game to

make your child the teacher. Get them to pretend they are in front of a class and talk about certain topics as if they were teaching themselves. This is a great learning technique for primary school kids who enjoy drama and acting things out. Listening to a Recording or Watching a Video Auditory learners can record information (even in the form of songs they make up!) and listen to it. Watching videos is also a good way to revise. Assembling Charts and Diagrams Kinesthetic learners learn by

assembling charts and creating diagrams. Flashcards can also help kinesthetic learners; if you physically turn them over and write on them, it engages many different parts of the brain. Keeping fingers busy, tracing words or tapping out sequences can help your child retain knowledge too. Using a mixture of many learning techniques is the most successful way to help your child retain information. You will soon learn what they like doing and what helps the most in their tests and exams.

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EDUCATION FOCUS

Independent School Open Days for March & April 2020 Please check with school before setting out and you are advised to check ahead if you need to register for a place.

Beechwood Sacred Heart School

Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QD (Co-ed Junior & Senior School) Beechwood is a fully co-educational day and boarding school situated in a large campus overlooking open countryside. Situated close to the historic town centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, the international day and boarding community for boys and girls comprises a Pre-Prep, Preparatory and Senior School. The enthusiasm and passions of the pupils are nurtured by a dedicated team of teachers who inspire our students to give of their very best both in and outside the classroom, at school and at home. Whole School Open Day Tuesday 3 March www.beechwood.org.uk 01892 532747 Benenden School Cranbrook, TN17 4AA (Girls Senior School) Prospective Parents’ Mornings Friday 6 March (1:45pm), Tuesday 17 March: 9:45am unless noted. www.benenden.kent.sch.uk 01580 240592 Bethany School Cranbrook, TN17 1LB (Co-ed Senior School) Open Morning Wednesday 1April www.bethanyschool.org.uk 01580 211273 Cranbrook School Cranbrook, TN17 3JD (Co-ed, selective, state-funded Day & Boarding Senior School) Check website for dates. www.cranbrookschool.co.uk 01580 711800 Fosse Bank Prep School Hildenborough, TN11 8ND (Co-ed Junior School) Every day is open day please contact school to arrange a visit. www.fossebankschool.co.uk 01732 834212 Gad's Hill School Higham, Rochester, ME3 7PA (Kindergarten, Junior & Senior School) Open Day 10.30am-1pm, Saturday 7 March www.gadshill.org 01474 822366 Hilden Grange Prep School Tonbridge, TN10 3BX (Co-ed Junior School to age 13) 6 Families West Kent March/April 2020

Open Morning Friday 13 March, 9am to 12noon. www.hildengrange.co.uk 01732 352706 Hilden Oaks School Tonbridge, TN10 3BU (Co-ed Nursery & Junior School) Open Morning Wednesday 11 March and Friday 20 March 9am–11am www.hildenoaks.co.uk 01732 353941 Holmewood House School Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0EB (Co-ed Junior School to age 13) Open Morning Thursday 19 March www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk 01892 860006 Kent College Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4AX (Nursery, Prep & Senior School to age 18) Senior School Open Morning 3 March 9.30am-12.00pm www.kent-college.co.uk 01892 820218 King's Rochester Rochester, ME1 1TE Co-ed Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior School age 3 to 18. King's Rochester is the oldest choir school and the second oldest school in the world. It offers coeducation from 3 to 18 and the structure of Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools enables the school to offer a tailor-made experience for each age group while giving access to the excellent facilities of the whole school. Nestled in the Cathedral precinct, King’s is a forward-looking school with 620 pupils on the School roll and excellent academic results. The school ethos is to create a happy and friendly place where moral values, self-discipline, emotional intelligence and a Christian spirit underpin the family community. Prep school Tuesday 3 March from 9am to 12noon Nursery and Pre-Prep Thursday 19 March from 9.30am to 11.30am Whole School Open Morning Saturday 25 April from 9am to 12noon www.kings-rochester.co.uk 01634 888590 Marlborough House School Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, TN18 4PY (Co-ed Junior School to age 13) Contact school to arrange a visit. www.marlboroughhouseschool. co.uk 01580 753555

Radnor House School Sevenoaks, TN14 6AE (Co-ed Senior School) Weekly Tours led by the Head and Heads of School. Parents are advised to book in advance. www.radnor-sevenoaks.org 01959 563720 Rose Hill School Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SY (Co-ed Junior School to age 13) Open Morning Friday 20 March www.rosehillschool.co.uk 01892 525591 Russell House School, Otford, Sevenoaks TN14 5QU (Co-ed aged 2-11 years). Contact school to arrange a tour. www.russellhouseschool.co.uk 01959 522352 Sackville School Tonbridge, TN11 9HN (Co-ed Senior School) Contact to arrange a tour. www.sackvilleschool.co.uk 01732 838888 Sevenoaks Prep School Sevenoaks, TN15 0JU (Co-ed Junior School to age 13) Individual visits on request www.theprep.org.uk 01732 762336 Sevenoaks School Sevenoaks, TN13 1HU (Co-ed Day & Boarding Senior School) Group Visits March and April Group visits – contact school. www.sevenoaksschool.org 01732 455133 Solefield School Sevenoaks, TN13 1PH (Boys Prep School to age 13) Open Day (and individual visits on request) Friday 6 March, 9am-10.30am www.solefieldschool.org 01732 452142 St Andrews Prep School Rochester, ME1 1SA (Co-ed Prep School) Individual visits on request www.st-andrews.rochester.sch.uk 01634 843479 St Ronan’s Hawkhurst, TN18 5DJ (Co-ed Junior School to age 13) Individual visits on request www.saintronans.co.uk 01580 752271 Sutton Valence School Sutton Valence, ME17 3HL (Co-ed Pre-prep, Prep & Senior School) Open Mornings Prep 13 March

Senior School 14 March 2020 Open Morning: Friday 24 April www.svs.org.uk/ 01622 845200 The Granville School Sevenoaks, TN13 3LJ (Prep School for girls 3-11 & boys 3-4 years). No open days but visits on request www.granvilleschool.org 01732 453039 The Mead School Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5SN (Co-ed Prep School) Individual visits on request www.meadschool.info 01892 525837 The New Beacon School Sevenoaks, TN13 2PB (Boys’ Prep School to age 13) Open Mornings 13 March – 1-3pm 17 April – 1-3pm www.newbeacon.org.uk 01732 452131 The Schools at Somerhill Tonbridge, TN11 0NJ (3 schools: Co-ed Pre-prep, girls’ Prep, boys’ Prep) Open morning Friday 13 March 9.30-11.30 www.somerhill.org 01732 375951 Tonbridge School Tonbridge, TN9 1JP (Boys Senior Day & Boarding School) Open Morning Saturday 7 March,10am www.tonbridge-school.co.uk 01732 365555 Walthamstow Hall Sevenoaks, TN13 3UL (Girls Junior & Senior Day School) Senior School Open Day Thurs 12 March, 9.45am Junior school: parents are invited to book a tour of the Junior School. www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk 01732 451334 www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION FOCUS

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’!

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.

Cursive Writing Wizard (£4.99) By L’Escapadou Age 6-8 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.

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.

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.

Toca Lab: Elements (£3.99) By Toca Boca Age 6-8 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 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 6-8 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 problemsolving skills. The Human Body (£3.99) By Tinybop Inc Age 6-8 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. Artie’s Magic Pencil (£2.99) By Minilab Ltd Age 3-5 Boost your child’s drawing skills with this creative

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 practise them. There are several engaging games to play and a training area that also teaches and tests maths skills too. EduGuru Maths (£1.99) By The Game Creators Specifically created for children ages 3 to 5 years, this app brings maths to life with cute animated graphics which will get them engaged straight away. It concentrates on basic maths skills, shapes, sequences, coins and number recognition. 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. Are there any apps that your kids love? Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram page.

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email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

Beat the stay at home blues! Here’s our parents’ guide to play cafes and play centres for preschoolers

New research has found that over half (56%) of parents with children under the age of five experience loneliness at least some of the time. The study by the charity, Coram Family and Childcare, reveals that the issue affects significantly more women than men, with twice as many mothers than fathers saying they often feel left out, as well as younger parents. Nearly 37% of parents aged 18 to 24 often feeling a lack

of companionship, compared to 21% of parents aged 25 to 34. Loneliness is most prevalent around the birth of a baby, particularly if parents are unable to get out of the house easily and when the children are older but haven’t yet started school. Getting out and about with babies and toddlers can be very difficult but it stops parents especially mums from feeling isolated and helps entertain little ones.

Here are a selection of simple, lower cost venues to suit all budgets. Please do check details on websites ahead of setting out to avoid disappointment. Cafes with play areas The Coffee Beam cafe at Pegasus Gymnastics Maidstone www.facebook.com/The Coffee Beam 01622 688719 The Little Cabin, Riding Lane, Hildenborough, TN11 9LN. A tiny cabin cafe with toys and activities for the children and small play garden. Based on an equestrian centre with horses to watch! https://www.facebook.com/ Thelittlecabintearoom/ Café at the Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ Sevenoaks (play and book corner) www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Café at Sencio Leisure Centre, Sevenoaks (small playframe and ballpool) www.sencio.org.uk The_inside_TW café in Calverley Park, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SH (recently opened in 2020) next to adventure playground. Café at Hope Church, Sevenoaks. For preschool parents,

every Tuesday 9.30-12noon plus Kent Baby Matters breastfeeding support session and meet up (Kent Sling library) on Friday mornings 9.30-11.30am. www.hopechurch7oaks.org Baby Cafe, Tunbridge Wells (NCT) term times only every Monday 10am to 12noon Manna Cafe, Christ Church, High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UT www.thebabycafe.org Angel Café at Christ Church, High Street, Tonbridge is a Community Cafe with play space. Freshly baked cakes as well as healthy snacks and kids and adult lunches. FB page https://www.facebook.com/ Angelcommunitycafe/ Playcentres for Tinies Hartfield Early Education Sevenoaks (entry fee, booking may be required) www.hartfield.org.uk See article on this page. Soft Play Café at Sevenoaks Rugby Club (small entry fee) www.thesoftplaycafe.co.uk

Pre School Bounce soft play at Angel Centre, Tonbridge (entry fee) http://www.tmactive.co.uk/ juniors/soft-play Larkabout Soft Play at Larkfield Leisure Centre, Aylesford (entry fee) http://www. tmactive.co.uk/juniors/soft-play Soft Play centre at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre (entry fee) https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/ centres/tunbridge-wells-sportscentre/ Polar Adventure play centre at Maidstone Leisure Centre with Under 5s area (entry fee) (www.maidstoneleisure.com) Soft play/inflatables sessions for toddlers at Sevenoaks Leisure centre (paid sessions) (www.sencio.org.uk) Library fun Free activities in local libraries can get you through a rainy morning with a baby or pre-schooler. Check out the websites and Facebook pages for the posts about special events as well as

regular sessions such as Bounce and Rhyme sessions for toddler and babies to enjoy singing and action songs. Meet Up Groups If you want more regular meet ups or to make new friends, join a group. Mummy Meet up Kent A mummy and child meet up group that offers a weekly schedule of meet ups at different venues across west Kent. With a WhatsApp group, a Facebook group and a members’ only website with full details of the group. www.mummymeetupkent.co.uk Email mummymeetupkent@ outlook.com NCT groups for your area find on Facebook or look up on the NCT website, for coffee mornings, meet ups, events, lunches, walks, sales and social events. www.nct.org.uk Whatever you do, get out and about and enjoy yourself with your baby or toddler.

Sensory room inspires children at early education centre

Mother and daughter team Elizabeth and Catherine, both experienced teachers, have created a unique centre at Hartfield Early Education in Sevenoaks.

The centre is a cross between a high-quality early years’ classroom and a stylish home from home. Adults are catered for with cosy sofas and smart decor while children can enjoy the educational toys and equipment. Every morning there are classes for different ages centred around a children’s book. This theme is picked up in the small world and role play area and art and craft play area.

Open play afternoons give visitors a chance to enjoy the play environment which changes every week. A special feature is the sensory room where children can operate the colours and bubbles in the bubble tube and wonder at the light effects. Everything has an educational basis ranging from sensory play for babies and activities to develop fine motor control, to phonic puppets for older children.

For more details and bookings contact visit www.hartfield.org.uk, email hello@hartfield.org.uk, telephone 01732 451188 or see @hartfieldsevenoaks on Instagram for more information.

Do you have an early years play centre, nursery, play café or classes you would like to promote to our readers? Contact us on 07980118626 or email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk for information. 8 Families West Kent March/April 2020

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EARLY YEARS

When Should Babies Start Talking? By Andrew Campbell

By Andrew Campbell

During the first three years of life, a baby’s brain is developing rapidly which is why this period contains so many critical milestones for their speech development. Interestingly, much of your baby's speech development depends on your "baby talk" skills as well as those of your baby! The first “baby talk” is nonverbal and happens soon after birth. Babies grimace, cry, and squirm to express a range of emotions and physical needs, from fear to hunger to frustration. It is important to listen to your baby’s different cries, work out what they mean and respond accordingly. At the age of 3 months, you’ll notice your baby listening to your voice, watching your face as you talk, and turning towards other voices, sounds and music. Before babies start talking, they are gathering information. That information eventually becomes the foundation of the first baby talk. And the best way for parents to help their babies make it to those first words – and thrive with language development in the months after – is to talk to them. At around 6 months of age, you’ll hear your baby begin to babble and coo, as they play

WIN

around with different sounds. This “baby talk” is a happy, gentle, repetitive, sing-song vocalisation which sounds similar the world over, despite the language of a baby’s parents. After 9 months of age, babies can say and understand a few basic words like "no" and "bye-bye". They also may begin to use a wider range of consonant sounds and tones as they try out sounds and find their own voice. Babies may also be able to point to people, objects, and body parts you name for them. They repeat words or sounds they hear you say, like the last word in a sentence, but they often leave off endings or beginnings of words. For example, they may say "daw" for "dog" or "noo-noo's" for "noodles". Most babies say their first words sometime around their first birthday - possibly "mama" and "dada”. Now, importantly, they know what they are saying. They should also respond to - or at least understand, if not obey - short, one-step requests like: "Please put that down.” Over the next six months, your baby will start to use language in a more recognisable way and you may start to hear them talking. You might find that initially only you and a few of your baby’s favourite people can make out what they’re saying though! By the age of 2 years, babies can string together short phrases of two to four words, such as "Mummy bye-bye" or "me milk". They're learning that words mean

new design baby towel for easier bathtimes

Cuddledry have launched a new design for their award-winning hands-free baby towel. The classic white towel features a grey star hood, making it a perfect unisex gift for any new or expectant parent. Winner of the Mumsnet Best award for Best Newborn Gift nine years in a row, the super soft hooded towel makes bath time both easy and stress free. The Cuddledry towel is held up by a strap around your neck, leaving

both hands free to lift baby safely from the water, no matter how wriggly they are! It’s made from natural bamboo fibres too. This costs £35.99 from www.cuddledry.com but we have one to be won!

To enter, send an email headed “Cuddledry competition” to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by April 24. A winner will then be chosen at random and notified. www.familiesonline.co.uk

more than objects like "cup" they also mean abstract ideas like "mine". Over the course of the next year, your baby’s vocabulary expands rapidly, and "makebelieve" play spurs an understanding of symbolic and abstract language like "now," feelings like "sad," and spatial concepts like "in". Ideas to Encourage Talking The more words children hear, the more they learn. Here are some fun things to do together to encourage your baby’s speech and language development: ✱ Chat to your baby about the things you’re doing, even if you think they’re boring – for example, ‘Daddy’s vacuuming the carpet to get rid of the dust that makes you sneeze.’ ✱ Repeat your baby’s attempts at words to encourage a two-way conversation. For example, if she says “mama” you could say

“mama” back to her. Build on your toddler’s words. For example, when baby says: “train,” you say: “Yes, it’s a big red train.” ✱ Show interest in your baby’s babbling and talking by smiling and looking him in the eye. ✱ Respond to and talk about your baby’s interests. For example, if your baby starts playing with a toy train, you could say “Toot, toot.” ✱ Read, tell stories, share songs and nursery rhymes with your baby. ✱ Praise your baby’s efforts to talk. For example, if your baby points to a dog and names it, you could say: “Well done for pointing out the dog, Georgie!” Infants all develop at a different pace, but if you're worried about your child's speech or language development, talk to your GP or health visitor. If necessary, they will refer your child to your local speech and language therapy department.

More info: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/helping-your-childs-speech www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/learning-talk-and-communication-your-baby

Learning with nature

Ofsted Good rating

✿ Traditional teaching values in a rural garden setting ✿ Now enrolling children from age 2 ✿ Our children enjoy a large outdoor play area with special activities designed for rain, hail or shine ✿ We focus on expressive and creative lessons based around craft, cooking and art in our caring and nurturing preschool Weald Preschool, Sevenoaks Weald, TN14 6LT

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CLUBS & CLASSES Sounds Right CLUBS & CLASSES Phonics Classes

directory

To list your class here call 07980118626 or email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk Storymakers – Preparing for Writing The Preparing for Writing Group for children in Reception and Year 1 aims to help children develop the valuable skills they need to support them with their writing. This includes refining fine motor skills, as well as strengthening the core. We will also begin the process of understanding what constitutes a story, from plot, to setting and characters. Saturday classes in Sevenoaks. Book via www.storymakersclub.com

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes, Sevenoaks Fun-packed group keyboard tuition for kids and adults! Read, write, play and learn to love music to first grade. 4-8 yrs and adult sessions, free trial for kids. Classes Mon am, pm, (adults) Wed pm, Thurs pm (kids) www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100 mail@funkymonkey.info

Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children aged 1-4 years - and the best part is that children don't even realise that they are learning! Classes run in Sevenoaks, Weald, Edenbridge and Westerham. Created by experienced Early Years teachers, the classes aim to equip pre-schoolers with the phonics skills to begin their reading and writing journey at school. In The Minis Class, children approx 12 - 30 months explore sounds and rhyme, while in the Preschool Class for age 2.5-4 years, children learn different sounds and letter recognition. To book contact Kat on kat@ soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk. Please visit the website www. soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk and like the FB page Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids Sevenoaks

Perform weekly drama dance and singing classes

Quote WK300420 for introductory £40 discount when you book. About: Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Go to www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class. Venues: Hempstead, Maidstone, Kings Hill, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Bidborough, Langton Green and Tunbridge Wells Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

Rubgytots for energetic youngsters Rugbytots Dynamic weekly play sessions for boys and girls aged 2-7 years. Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Call us on 0345 3130807 to book your free taster class. Mid-week classes in Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells. Classes run all through the summer holidays. Full details on all our classes in West Kent at www.rugbytots.co.uk

Superheroes: Perform’s three day Easter holiday course for 4-10s. Fly with us to Superhero School this April for an action-packed Top Secret Mission to save the world. Your child will discover their own special powers as they zoom towards a supercharged showcase for family and friends. Filled with brilliant music, funky dances and fabulous costumes, this course is a real Easter treat. www.perform.org.uk/superheroes Age range: 4-10 years. Dates: 6-8 April and 15-17 April. Three-day courses from 10am to 3pm each day. Venues: The Parish Church of

St Luke, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1XT Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk

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. We all want our children to be happy, feel confident enough to try new things and interact well with others. 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 10 Families West Kent March/April 2020 2296-Easter-Ad-Families-87x130-AW2.indd 1

improvisation for 6 year olds, but it's teaching problemsolving and team-work too. Early drama, dance and singing lessons changed my life and helped shape my vision for Perform - to deliver classes with a specific focus on developing a child’s confidence and social skills - not to create just another drama school. Try a FREE no-obligation drama class in Hempstead, Maidstone, Kings Hill, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Bidborough, Langton Green and Tunbridge Wells. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book. And quote WK300420 for an introductory £40 discount when you book by April 30. www.familiesonline.co.uk

24/01/2020 10:36

OUT AND ABOUT

It’s Kids vs Mud time at the Little Welly 2020! Get ready for another dose of muddy fun as The Little Welly – the UK’s largest obstacle course for children – returns to the St Clere Estate, off the A25 near Sevenoaks, on 16 and 17 May. Especially created for kids aged four to 12, The Little Welly obstacle course has more than 30 challenges over a 3km or (new for 2020) an optional 5km route. Scale the towering heights of The Web Frame, conquer the looming Dark Crawl, splash through the Mud & Water Pits, brave the Spider Tunnel, fearlessly face the Three Hump Dragon, balance on the Long Pole Run and slide around in the Foam Pit. And as a reward for all that

effort every child can collect a Little Welly medal as they cross the finishing line. The Little Welly Festival Village has something for all the family too, including a Toddler Activity Area, Climbing Wall, Mobile Cave, Human Hamster Balls, Pony Rides and Bungee trampolines. There will be live music on stage and free entertainment throughout the day in the Show Tent. An array of culinary delights will include pizzas, artisan coffee, prosecco and pancakes, burgers and vegetarian alternatives, waffles and ice creams. Share the magic of the great outdoors with your kids and enjoy new activities and experiences through fitness, foam and fun.

Visit www.thelittlewelly.co.uk Reader offer: use the unique code FAMILIESWKENT10 for 10% off when booking!

Easter Fun at Hever Castle this Spring

WIN

Win a family ticket to the Little Welly We have a family ticket to the Little Welly to be won! To enter, send an email headed “Little Welly competition” to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by April 24. Please include contact details. A winner will then be chosen at random and notified.

WINNER : BEST NEW UK FESTIVAL

THE WILCO WATERBOYS

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 Easter 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. As well as the Easter themed activities, a visit in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of

spring blooms from daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and early tulips. In the grounds, children aged 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. It features three slides and two poles and lots of interactive elements including musical instruments, a floor maze and hidden boxes to find. Under 7s can enjoy the natural play area, Acorn Dell, with its 2 metre high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a mound with tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame. Other things for families to enjoy including the challenge of the Yew Maze or the popular Water Maze (but don’t forget to bring a towel!)

For more information and to book visit www.hevercastle.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

SAVING GRACE FT.

ROBERT PLANT & SUZI DIAN

The dead south

IMELDA MAY JADE BIRD LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL THE MILK CARTON KIDS COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS SAM DUCKWORTH aka GET CAPE. WEAR CAPE. FLY SHOVELS & ROPE THE FELICE BROTHERS THE SECRET SISTERS SHOOTER JENNINGS IRISH MYTHEN

BIRDS OF CHICAGO WILDWOOD KIN JACK BROADBENT WADE BOWEN MADISON VIOLET THE EAST POINTERS AMY MONTGOMERY NATIVE HARROW WILLIAM PRINCE JOSH OKEEFE MIDNIGHT SKYRACER THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED Camping Kids Adventures Smokehouse Cooking Renowned Chefs Gospel Brunch DJ’s Custom Motorcycles & Cars

ERIDGE PARK, KENT 19TH - 21st JUNE 2020

TICKETS ON-SALE NOW AT

BLACKDEERFESTIVAL.COM email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

Relax on a gite holiday in a French paradise

After 19 years bringing their family up in Hildenborough, Penelope and Allan Sinclair decided to look for a retirement home in France. They did not expect to find what they feel is paradise on earth. Now they love to welcome families to their base in the rural Dordogne setting, in the village of St Saud Lacoussiere, within the Perigord Vert area of the Parc Naturel Regional Perigord Limousin.

They have two gites which are furnished to a high standard for families to enjoy. The wonderful setting, green surroundings and more relaxing pace of life is what inspired them to name them Peace and Serenity Gites. The gites each sleep six, with a private terrace, secure gardens and grounds and a shared salt water swimming pool. It is just a 10-minute walk to the village with its shops, boulangerie and market, and 15 minutes walk to the local lake with crystal clear waters. The region is steeped in history with Chateaux, prehistoric caves, rivers, canoeing, forests, beautiful towns and adventure parks in easy reach. Bird song, starry skies and gastronomique local food are guaranteed. The gites are 45 mins drive from Limoges airport, with flights from Stansted airport. Hosts

Penelope and Allan will even cook a delicious meal for tired families to welcome them when they arrive. Pets are welcome by arrangement and bikes and toys are provided for families. Penelope emphasises the closeness to nature and the peaceful setting can help families

enjoy the outdoors and leave a busy life (and their screens!) behind: “Hopefully the space we have created will ignite something in families so that they start to feel reconnected with nature and its powerful effect on our physical and mental well being.”

For more information see www.psgitesfrance.com/ To book contact Penelope on psgites@gmail.com or call her on +33 6 45 56 35 55. Do you have a lovely holiday home you would like to share with our readers? Get in touch on 07980118626 or email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

Junk Orchestra at Leeds Castle From 10-13 April, join the Junk Orchestra at Leeds Castle in Kent for daily musical ‘jamming sessions’. Create and play with instruments that have been cleverly constructed using bits of old rubbish. Founded by former STOMP member Saul Eisenberg, the Junk Orchestra uses a super-sonic recycled collection of objects to create fun and fabulous music for the whole family to enjoy. Families can also drop in to the ‘Makendoo’ stand during the Easter weekend and give their creative skills free reign at the ‘mad hat’ making workshop. Choose from making some bunny ears, an egg monster or a lovely flower headband! If you’re feeling extra creative, get stuck in this Easter with a fabulous crafty workshop. Visitors can help Leeds Castle decorate a gigantic butterfly

and make their own spring themed creation to take home. Choose from bunnies, flowers, butterflies and ladybirds! Round off the fun with an Easter Trail through the grounds to win a chocolate reward. A small additional charge of £1 applies. Admission tickets to Leeds Castle are valid for 12 months and include access to many family friendly events. For information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Step into spring at the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show will transform the grounds of Penshurst Place from 1 – 3 May. From artisan crafts – think beautiful pottery, hand-crafted garden sculptures and exquisite jewellery – to kids’ activities, The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show is very much a family affair. Set in the beautiful grounds of Penshurst Place, discover unique products from over 150 stall holders.

Soak up the atmosphere in the street food market, enjoy some live music, or try your hand at a workshop. The first day of the show will be decorated in red, white and blue to commemorate VE Day 75. The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show is at Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent SAT NAV TN11 8DH from 1– 3 May. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult.

For tickets visit www.thecraftshows.co.uk/kent/spring/ Alternatively, phone the Ticket Hotline on 01425 277988. 12 Families West Kent March/April 2020

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WHAT’S ON MARCH APRIL

We aim for accuracy but do check with the venue before setting out in case details have changed after print... And don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families West Kent. 16 – 21 MARCH 11.30am-2.30pm Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL In the lead up to Mother's Day, treat someone special to an afternoon tea in The Mill Restaurant overlooking the beautiful plant area. www.millbrookgc.co.uk 19 – 21 MARCH 3.30pm (19th/20th), 10am & 2pm (21st) Mother's Day Planter Workshop – Crowborough Millbrook Garden Centre, Tubwell Lane, Jarvis Brook, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ Create a colourful planter in a wicker basket at one of the seasonal workshops. Open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.millbrookgc.co.uk 19 – 21 MARCH 3.30pm (19th/20th), 10am & 2pm (21st) Mother's Day Planter Workshop – Staplehurst Millbrook Garden Centre, A229 Staplehurst Road, Marden, Nr Staplehurst, TN12 9BT Create a colourful planter in a wicker basket at one of the seasonal workshops. Open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.millbrookgc.co.uk 21 MARCH Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, or upgrade to a ‘Prosecco afternoon tea’. www.salomons-estate.com/events 21 & 22 MARCH Mother’s Day Weekend at Hever Castle Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Celebrate with a Mother’s Day Weekend Afternoon Tea (prebooking essential) in the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant situated in the Italian Garden overlooking the Lake. Children can take part in a free craft workshop or run off some energy in the adventure playground. www.hevercastle.co.uk 21 & 22 MARCH Slots available 11am and 4pm Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Emily Jackson House, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XH A selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones. Please contact us to inform of any dietary requirements or allergies. £3 per

adult and £1 per child. Please book by March 16 to avoid disappointment. Slots can be booked by contacting 01732 743824 or emilyjackson.activities@ barchester.com 22 MARCH 10am-5pm Mother’s Day Prosecco Cream Tea Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JB Celebrate Mother’s Day at Scotney Castle with a traditional cream tea, served with Prosecco. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle/whats-on 22 MARCH 10.30am-5pm Mother’s Day Celebration Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Make your own lavender bags or potpourri to take home and enjoy the scents of a Spring garden in your home. Perfect for children of all ages. www.penshurstplace.com 22 MARCH 12pm-3.30pm Mother’s Day Special Afternoon Tea The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY A traditional afternoon tea in the Shires function suite of the historic hop farm, which opens out to the manicured wedding terrace and lawns. Booking essential. www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events

Win Mother’s Day chocolates worth £100 If you want to show your Mother just how much you love her and appreciate all she does for you, choose an extra special present for her from The Chocolate Shop in Sevenoaks. We have TWO prizes of delicious chocolates in handcrafted fabric covered boxes to be won, worth £50 each! Winners can either select a beautiful bespoke box from the shop’s collection or children can come along to choose which luxurious chocolates they would like to go into their box. The shop, which has been in London Road, Sevenoaks, for 26 years, has its quality chocolates made in Sussex by small suppliers, and by a Belgian chocolatier.

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Easter chocolates and novelties are also available, for a range of prices from pocket money budget upwards. To enter, send an email headed “Chocolate competition” to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by noon March 18. Please include your phone number. Two winners will then be chosen at random and

WIN

immediately notified to claim their prize ready for Mother’s Day. Shhh! Don’t tell Mum!

The Chocolate Shop is at 69 London Road Sevenoaks TN13 1AX 01732 742350. You can also order online at www.thechocolateshopsevenoaks.co.uk Email: info@thechocolateshopsevenoaks.co.uk

WEEKENDS ONLY IN MARCH (DAILY FROM APRIL) 2pm Falconry Display Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Free flying demonstrations take place in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze, featuring a range of birds including hawks, vulture, falcon and owls. (In bad weather the display may be shorter or cancelled.) Included with admission. www.leeds-castle.com Nature Trail 9am-5.30pm (Mon-Sat) 10am-4.30pm (Sun) Coolings Green and Pleasant, Main Road, Knockholt, TN14 7LJ A range of wildlife and birds, including wallabies, raccoon dogs, goats, rare-breed pigs, sheep, chickens, ferrets, rabbits, and a Falabella miniature horse. Also birds of prey including owls, hawks, kestrels and buzzards. www.coolingsgreenandpleasant.co.uk 7 MARCH 2pm to 5pm Dog Show Emily Jackson House, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XH Dog show: £1 to enter each category. Categories are: prettiest pooch, handsomest hound, best puppy (under 12 months), best pedigree, best cross-breed, waggiest tail, best show dog talent, most obedient, best trick and the dog the judges most want to take home. Contact 01732 743824 or email emilyjackson.activities@ barchester.com 7 & 8 MARCH 11am-3pm World Book Day Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JB Celebrate World Book Day at Scotney Castle to take part in a trail and exchange your voucher for a free book. Why not come dressed up as your favourite book character? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle 13 MARCH 7pm-9pm Astronomy Evening Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR. Join the Edenbridge and District Astronomers for an evening looking

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WHAT’S ON MARCH& APRIL at the night sky in the farmyard. The team will talk you through the observations and give hints and tips about other key astronomical objects or events you can look out for over the coming months. Paid event. www.boreplace.org 14 & 15 MARCH 10am-5pm Bugs and Grubs Weekend & Meet the Gruffalo Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Get up close and personal with nature and join the bug hunter for a weekend of creepy crawly fun. Special guest the Gruffalo will be appearing at intervals throughout the day. Paid event; free to members. www.kentlife.org.uk/event 14 & 15 MARCH 11am-4pm Lambing Weekend Hadlow College, Tonbridge Rd, Hadlow, Tonbridge, TN11 0AN Activities include the new-born lambs, animals and reptiles to view, tractor trailer rides (weather permitting), birds of prey display, lecturers in the lambing shed providing commentary during the day, catering stalls and more. Paid event. www.hadlow.ac.uk 16 – 22 MARCH Dazzling Daffodils Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG With 14,000 new daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy with a free Daffodil Walk & Talk and free craft activity. View the displays of daffodils in the Castle rooms – admission fee applies. www.hevercastle.co.uk 28 MARCH 10am-4pm Bewl’s Big Dog Day Out Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH Includes doggy treasure trail and agility course plus face-painting, professional photography opportunities and refreshments will be available at The Waterfront Café. www.bewlwater.co.uk

4 & 5 APRIL 10am-5pm Kent Big Weekend at The Hop Farm Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, Beltring, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY In association with Visit Kent, The Hop Farm is taking part in the Big Weekend. Open to all visitors (ticket holders and non-ticket holders), this weekend will include attractions and live entertainment. www.visitkent.co.uk 19 APRIL 10am-3pm Tenterden Spring Fair 24 High Street, Tenterden, TN30 6AN Spring fair selling arts & crafts, food & drink. www.mytenterden.co.uk 21 – 26 APRIL Tulip Celebrations Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG The Italian Garden at Hever Castle will play host to the largest of the tulip planting displays with a medley of colours fanning down the length of the gardens towards the Loggia and the lake. Admission fee applies. www.hevercastle.co.uk 22 APRIL – 3 MAY (EXCEPT 27TH APRIL) 10.30am-5pm The Bluebell Festival Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Bluebell walks & Bluebell Craft Fair. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk 10am-4pm (Sat & Sun and school hols) Play Zone – Family Activities Polhill Garden Centre, TN14 7AD Enjoy food and drinks from the restaurant while the kids play in the outdoor play area, or have a go at crazy golf, go-karting, or the mini boating lake. Info at www.polhill.co.uk 12.30pm & 3.50pm (Sat & Sun) UK Owl and Raptor Centre Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG Two displays per day plus exhibitions and experiences available for all the family. www.groombridgeplace.com

Peace & Serenity Gites Family & Pet Friendly Holiday Accommodation Set in the beautiful Parc Naturel Regional Perigord Limousin, Dordogne. 45 mins from Limoges, flights from Stansted. www.psgitesfrance.com psgitesfrance@gmail.com Penelope +33 6 45 56 35 55 14 Families West Kent March/April 2020

WHAT’S ON EASTER Easter holiday events 28 MARCH – 13 APRIL 10am-4pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Chartwell Chartwell, Mapleton Rd, Westerham, TN16 1PS The Young Naturalists Trail includes some examples of Winston Churchill’s favourite books and children can follow in his footsteps, looking for signs of different creatures like butterflies, insects, ants, birds and fish all around the gardens. With a chocolate treat at the end. Paid event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell 28 MARCH – 13 APRIL 10am-4pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Ightham Mote Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT Children can take part in a trail to discover wild animal clues. Find the special wooden animal tracks placed around the garden, which might also include clues such as the creature’s pellets or the food they eat. Figure out which animal the tracks belong to and a tasty chocolate prize awaits. Paid event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote 28 MARCH – 13 APRIL 10am-4pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Emmetts Garden Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA Join the Spring Awakens family trail at Emmetts Garden this Easter. This interactive trail will get kids exploring the Edwardian garden as they discover the bee-related clues. A chocolate prize awaits. Paid event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmettsgarden 28 MARCH – 19 APRIL 10.30am-6pm The Easter Rabbit Strikes a Pose! Penshurst Place, Penshurst,

Tonbridge, TN11 8DG The Easter Rabbit has been snapping selfies in its favourite spots! Use your photo album trail sheet as a guide and walk through the 11 acres of gardens to see if you can find all the locations the Easter Rabbit used to strike a pose! www.penshurstplace.com 1 – 5 APRIL 11am-4pm Cardboard Creations Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Use recycled cardboard to create your own wacky models. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk 2 – 15 APRIL 10am-5pm Spring into Easter Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Help with bottle feeding of lambs and goat kids and meet Easter chicks and piglets. From Friday 10th to Monday 13th, the Easter Bunny will be popping up with some Easter treats. Paid event; free to members. www.kentlife.org.uk/event 2 – 19 APRIL 10am-4pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Scotney Castle Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JB With two Easter trails to choose from; one in the garden for younger children aged 4-9 and the other out on the wider estate for children aged 9 upwards, little ones can hunt around the An garden for signs of spring exciting while the older kids can holiday discover a series of largeclub for scale animal homes built 2-11yrs by the ranger team out on the estate. Paid event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle 2 – 19 APRIL Easter Family Fun Easter Holidays Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Thur 2 to Wed 15 April 8am-6pm Hever, Edenbridge At Holden Park Preschool, Southborough, TN4 TN8 7NG Craft activities * Fun and games Follow the trail of Trips out! (additional cost) * colourful carrots to claim 10% 9am-3pm £25. 8am-6pm £35. your chocolate treat and Sibling take part in an Easter egg discount Pick up & drop off £2.50 per day You provide a lunch box, we hunt around the Castle. Create an egg-shaped provide snacks and a light tea. decoration to hang on Call Sarah on 07727692645 or email the Easter tree in a free play.growholidayclub@gmail.com craft activity.

Play ’n Grow Holiday Club

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WHAT’S ON EASTER As well as the Easter themed activities you can explore the spring blooms in the Castle gardens. Admission fee applies. www.hevercastle.co.uk 2 – 19 APRIL 10am-5pm Easter Fun at the Hop Farm Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, Beltring, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY Meet Spring lambs and piglets plus Easter trails for the kids. An indoor soft play centre, outdoor adventure play park, crazy golf and animal farm provide entertainment for the whole family. www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events 4 – 19 APRIL 11am-3pm Celebrate Easter at BHMM St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, Main Road, Biggin Hill, TN16 3EJ Family crafts and Easter treasure trail at Biggin Hill Memorial Museum. Make Easter-themed crafts with free sessions then take part in a treasure trail around the museum in search of chocolate planes. Admission fee applies. www.bhmm.org.uk 7 – 17 APRIL 11am-3pm Easter Family Fun: VE Day

Royal Engineers Museum, Prince Arthur Rd, Gillingham, ME7 1UR VE Day took place on May 8th, 1945 when more than 1 million people celebrated in the streets of cities, towns and villages in the UK. Join in and create wooden bunting ready for your own celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. www.re-museum.co.uk/events 8 – 13 APRIL 10.30am - 4pm The Bunny Hunt Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the rhododendrons and earn some chocolate egg rewards. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk 10 – 13 APRIL 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm Easter Fun with the Junk Orchestra at Leeds Castle Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Daily musical ‘jamming sessions’. Create and play with instruments that have been constructed using bits of old rubbish. Founded by former STOMP member Saul Eisenberg, the Junk Orchestra use a recycled collection of objects to create fun and music for the whole family. www.leeds-castle.com

11 APRIL 12pm – 3pm Easter Egg Hunt Emily Jackson House, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XH £3.50 per entry for egg hunt. Entrance is 50p. All refreshments will be charged separately (only cash). Easter Bunny will be visiting and available for photographs. Lots of activities and games. Contact 01732 743824 or email emilyjackson. activities@barchester.com 11 – 13 APRIL 11am-5pm Easter Egg Quiz Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA. Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden kicks off its season with an Easter trail and quiz. Plant hunters will be able to scour two acres of The World Garden for Easter clues and then report on their discoveries to claim a prize. www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk 12 APRIL 12pm-3pm Easter Storytelling Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Join Aardvark Productions this Easter for an interactive story about the Easter Rabbit – ideal for children (and adults!) of all ages. Spaces limited and allocated on a first

come first served basis. www.penshurstplace.com 12 & 13 APRIL 10am-6pm The Festival of Steam & Transport The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ Whether you’re a steam fanatic, a classic car collector, a steampunk follower or you’re just looking for a family day out – this festival has it all. With live music, a fun fair, food & drink and entertainment. https://thedockyard.co.uk/ 15 – 19 APRIL 11am - 4pm Weird & Wonderful Clay Eggs Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Family fun crafts in the Garden Room. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

EASTER FUN

Junk WITH THE

ORCHESTRA 10th to 13th April Back by popular demand, join the Junk Orchestra at Leeds Castle for daily musical ‘jamming sessions’. Children can make and play instruments constructed from bits of old rubbish. This event is included with the price of admission.

LOOK OUT FOR THE EASTER TRAIL WITH A CHOCOLATE REWARD

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FAMILY THEATRE, MUSIC & DANCE 8 MARCH 2.30pm There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Hazlitt Theatre, 36 Earl St, Maidstone, ME14 1PP Live action, puppetry, sing-alongsongs and animation bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best-selling book. Suitable for the whole family. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk 12 MARCH 7.30pm Sleeping Beauty by the Vienna Festival Ballet The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ The classic fairy tale ballet for the whole family. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 15 MARCH 2.30pm There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP Live action, puppetry, sing-along-songs and animation brings one of the world’s best loved

nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best-selling book. Suitable for the whole family. www.emftheatre.com 28 MARCH 7.30pm Ballet Central EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP A diverse and captivating repertoire created by internationally acclaimed choreographers. A wonderful introduction to professional ballet for any young dancers. Age 8+. www.emftheatre.com 1 – 4 APRIL Emil and the Detectives – Youth Theatre The Oast Theatre, London Rd, Tonbridge, TN10 3AN Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off on a journey that will change his life. www.oasttheatre.com 3 APRIL 1pm & 5pm The Wizard of Oz The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ