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West Kent

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN a season ticket to Kent Life Bumper guide to days out and What’s Ons Summer camps & childcare directory Education and early years news

Don’t start your summer without it! Issue 6 July/August 2019

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

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Contents Page 3 Readership survey competition win family membership to Kent Life Page 4 Early Years News & competition Pages 5 Joy of Reading & competition Win a new book from Odd Dog Out’s Rob Biddulph Pages 6 &7 Education News & museums learning guide Page 8 & 9 Summer camps special activities, camps and childcare to see you through! Page 10-16 A summer of fun! Our 7-page leisure guide of Out and About ideas and What’s On listings including events, shows and attractions. Plus theatre ticket competition Page 16 Directory of really useful businesses Facebook “f ” Logo

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Editor’s Welcome

Welcome to the July/August issue of Families West Kent Magazine We’re here to kick start your summer! Our special centre spread on summer camps, activities and childcare will help you plan the school holidays and keep the kids occupied and happy. Check out our SEVEN leisure pages of What’s Ons, theatre, dance, family-friendly attractions, festivals, events and castles across the area. And please enter our reader survey competition on this page for a chance to win a family membership at Kent Life. We want to know your feedback on our magazine. Have a wonderful summer! Helen Editor: Helen Cook Advertising: Helen Cook and Amanda Biggs What’s Ons compiled by Kate Craggs Designer: Sarah Harmer

To advertise contact editor Helen Cook on 07980118626 or email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk Booking deadline August 1 for our Sept/Oct issue. Our useful magazine is published every two months and 18,000 are distributed through Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone areas. Our next edition will be Sept/Oct 2019 so look out for our Back to School and Clubs & Classes Special feature. Never miss an issue! You can download our magazine and our back catalogue at www.issuu.com

WIN a Family Membership to Kent Life + £20 voucher for the Tea Rooms! (Membership worth £99) Kent Life Visit Kent Life, a working farm, and enjoy the animals, Owl Academy and cuddle corner - always popular with visitors!

where history and family fun sit side by side!

Explore the Oast House and period homes in the Vintage Village, then relax with a homemade cake in Dotty’s Tea Room. Children can enjoy indoor and outdoor play, bouncy castle, tractor, land train rides and more! With annual membership, the fun continues for a whole year with discounts in the catering areas and gift shop and FREE entry to most of our special events, including the annual Hops ‘n Harvest Beer Festival in September. Kent Life is situated at Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU 01622 763936 www.kentlife.org.uk TO ENTER

Email your answers to the following questions (together with your post code) to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk no later than 16 August 2019.

✸ Tell us in 50 words (or more) why you find Families magazine a useful tool for family life?

✸ How likely are you to respond to a piece of advertising you see in Families? a Very likely b Possibly c Unlikely

T&Cs apply. See website for full details. 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

EARLY YEARS NEWS

Talk, Sing and Play to Build Young Brains A survey of more than 2,000 parents and expectant parents by the NSPCC found that 62% were unaware that moments playing, singing or telling stories can help to build children’s brains. Almost two thirds of the parents in the study didn’t know that this kind of back and forth interaction with their child from birth can help their babies’ social, emotional and cognitive development. NSPCC research has found some parents struggle with ideas about how to interact with their young child beyond eye contact and cuddling, especially in the early

months when they do not receive obvious feedback from their babies. In response, the charity is launching a campaign, ‘Look, Say, Sing, Play,’ to encourage new parents to use everyday scenarios to have more two-way interactions with their babies. Going to the shops, having a bath, going to bed – whatever you and your baby are doing can be turned into a back-and-forth. Parents can sign up to get weekly brain building tips that are fun and age appropriate. More info: www.nspcc.org.uk

COMPETITION

Keep Little Ones Safe In The Sun With Cuddledry’s SPF50+ Poncho Towel Toddlers can now play safely in the sun with the SPF50+ Poncho Towels by Cuddledry. From the creators of the original hands-free baby bath towel, the SPF50+ poncho towel is the first of its kind in the UK. It uses the patented RayosanTM technology from Australia, deflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays like a mirror, protecting delicate skin from potential sun damage. The SPF poncho towel is made with Cuddledry’s signature blend

of supersoft bamboo and cotton. With handy poppers under the arms and a hood to keep little heads protected, it features fun sea life characters. For more information see www.cuddledry.com

They cost £27.99 each but we have one to give away. To enter email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk with header ‘Cuddledry’ and a winner will be picked at random after closing date of August 10.

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO A

GOOD BIRTH Hypnobirthing Classes & Courses Birth Doula Positive Birth Movement Sevenoaks

YOUR FIRST CLASS FREE www.thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk 4 Families West Kent July/August 2019

Nursery children being ‘coached for exams’ Education experts are concerned that nursery children are already being coached for school exams. Research by the National Education Union has found children as young as three are being grouped by ‘ability’ to prepare for Phonics Screening Check and Key stage 1 SATs. In 2017 the Government announced that the new assessment would be introduced in Reception from September 2020, as a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school. The new test focuses on communication, language and literacy, numeracy and ‘selfregulation’.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance, has warned the test risks putting pressure on children and also encourage the coaching of pre-schoolers to ensure they were ‘test-ready’. Melanie Pilcher, quality and standards manager at the Alliance, commented: “Grouping very young children by ability goes against the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and its emphasis on the ‘unique’ child.” She added: “The report’s findings are clear: assessment in reception will lead to more ‘teaching to the test’ throughout the early years and first years of school.”

Stop press – new classes launch! New Busylizzy classes are launching in Tunbridge Wells for mums to be, mums and babies. A Busylizzy membership is a ‘must have’ for mums looking to enjoy a fun and friendly pregnancy, or postnatal fitness (no childcare required!). You can choose any combination of mummy fitness sessions: Baby Massage, Baby

Boogie, Mummy & Me Pilates, Mummy & Me Aerobics, Mum-to-bee Yoga and more. Sign up to a free taster session in July/August (booking essential) at www.busylizzytunbridgewells.co.uk/ or call 01892 323232 / 07747845346 or email: tunbridgewells@busylizzy.co.uk

ESTABLISHED NANNY AGENCY BASED IN SEVENOAKS We provide professional and fully checked permanent or temporary: ✿ Nannies ✿ Maternity Nurses & Night Nannies ✿ Housekeepers ✿ Babysitters Facebook: www.facebook.com/mumsthewordkent/ Website: www.mums-the-word.co.uk (follow the link to the Kent branch)

Email: kent@mums-the-word.co.uk Telephone Kaz on: 07545-147204

NO PLACEMENT, NO FEE - GUARANTEED! www.familiesonline.co.uk

JOY OF READING

Why I love the Grinch: Rob Biddulph on rhymes and inspiration

Best-selling author/illustrator Rob Biddulph’s picture books have won many awards and are loved by children all over the world. Rachel Bailey talks to Rob about being chosen as the Official World Book Day illustrator for 2019/20 and his newest book ‘Show and Tell’ which is published in August.

Are all your books written in rhyme? Why? Yes. Rhyming stories are the ones I enjoy reading out loud the most. I love the way that the children at my live events join in as I read, and sometimes finish off the lines for me. I guess it’s a bit like remembering song lyrics. There is also a lot of potential for humour within the rhyming structure, and that’s really fun to play around with. A great example of a funny rhyme is How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss. It’s just perfect, and my favourite children’s text ever. I think I initially used the rhyming structure as something to hide behind. I spent years working on magazines and newspapers with some of the best writers in the world and I guess that as a result I felt I wasn’t worthy of the title “author” and that if I wrote in prose it would expose me as a charlatan. Writing in rhyme, I thought, was more like puzzle solving. I do really enjoy the writing process. It doesn’t come easily – sometimes those stories that take about ten minutes to read can take up to a year to write. I believe that rhyming stories should be perfect – no half rhymes, no speeding up to fit in more syllables – and that is really hard to do. There’s nothing worse than a bad rhyme. When you finally have your story working smoothly all the way through, the sense of achievement is amazing. We’re a bit late in congratulating you on being chosen as the Official World Book Day illustrator, but what has that involved? I had to come up with the look and feel for the entire campaign. We wanted it to be character based so I came up with lots of little bookmark people. I thought it would be good to have hundreds of different ones, dressed up in all kinds of outfits (a bit like the sausage dogs in my book Odd Dog Out) because then, hopefully, every child would have at least one character that they could relate to. Then it was a question of producing the artwork, promoting the big day and then finally going on the WBD Tour. I’ve also had to go on telly a few times (I even went on Blue Peter and got a badge!), visit 10 Downing Street, and present an award at the British Book Awards. Also, I’m off to the Houses of Parliament in a few weeks to make a speech. All very exciting stuff. I really love being involved with WBD – it’s such a great charity and I’m really passionate

COMPETITION

Show and Tell will be available in hardback from 8 August priced £12.99. Families have two copies to give away. Email your details and put ‘Show and Tell’ in the header to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk and two people will be picked at random on August 20 to receive a copy. Visit Rob’s website: www.robbiddulph.com or follow him on: Facebook: @robbiddulphauthor Twitter: @robbiddulph Instagram: @rbiddulph about encouraging children to read for pleasure, which is what the whole WBD movement is all about. Which book do you wish you had written? Probably How The Grinch Stole Christmas, for the reasons stated earlier. I mean, just look at this verse: The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

So, so good!

We’re looking forward to reading your new book, Show and Tell, next month. Have your children ever taken you into school for ‘Show and Tell’? Ha. No, I’d be far too embarrassing! I have visited their school quite a few times to read my stories and do some drawing, however. I usually try out my live show there before I take it on the road. If I can survive my own daughters’ criticisms I can survive anything! Rob Biddulph’s picture books include Blown Away, GRRRRR!, Odd Dog Out and the Dinosaur Junior series. His books have appeared as a CBeebies Bedtime Story including Odd Dog Out which was read by Tom Hardy in 2017. He won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2015.

Space Chase - 2019 Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday. Children’s reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure. This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’ - an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of

the first moon landing. Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July 2019 in England and Wales. For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Reading Picture Books Kind: A book about Kindness, foreword by Axel Scheffler and pictures by 38 kind illustrators. A beautiful book illustrated by the very best from the world of children’s illustration. As well as a visual feast, this is a book which tells children all the fantastic ways they can be kind. With a portion of the profits from sales going to the Three Peas charity, you couldn’t ask for a more delightful book to share with your child. Books for 5-8yrs olds The Bolds Go Wild by Julian Clary The latest instalment of funny adventures featuring The Bolds Family, a pack of hyenas trying to stay disguised as humans. This time the Bolds are in trouble when Grandma Imamu arrives from Africa. She is not impressed with the youngest Bolds’ human traits and sets out to take them back to their wild roots with surprising results! Containing humour for both young and young-at-heart, a great summer read. Books for 9-12 yrs Malamander by Thomas Taylor Eerie-on-Sea is a strange town with a secret. When Herbert Lemon (Lost-and-Founder at the town hotel) meets a mysterious girl looking for her lost parents, his life takes a new, exciting turn. A super adventure, with an excellent cast of nautically named characters, this a super read for those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. Reviews supplied by: 147 High Street Sevenoaks TN13 1XJ 01732 452055 www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk

Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine.

EDUCATION

Study finds sport and exercise can benefit academic performance A new report on sport in schools found that physical activity significantly improves mental toughness and can help students cope with the pressures of exams. Further it suggests that sports are a good balance to the academic demands of school work and parents should not stop children taking time to play sport in the run up to exams. Research commissioned by The Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) analysed the GCSE results of 1,482 male and female students from 19 independent schools. They examined the effect that participation in sports such as badminton, cricket, hockey, netball, rugby and tennis had on their results. Professor Peter Clough, Head of the Psychology department at Huddersfield University who carried out the research, said:

“Overall, taking part in sport appears to have a lot of positive impact. There is no evidence that people involved in sport get any worse GCSE results. “But they are happier, psychologically healthier, less anxious and more resilient and robust. Taking part in sport on a regular basis is not doing them any harm and it is doing them good.” Prof Clough added: “Balance is important, and sport plays a vital role in preparing them for the pressures of the exam room. It can even help some young people thrive when in stressful situations.” Prof Clough’s research comes as the Government steps up efforts to get more school children to take part in character-building competitive sport, with the Education Secretary announcing that a new School Sport Action Plan is to be published soon.

The HMC represents 289 of the UK’s most prestigious independent schools, including Eton College, Harrow School and Winchester College. For more information see www.hmc.org.uk

New sports arena at Beechwood School Children at Beechwood School in Tunbridge Wells will be able to benefit from sports and exercise with the unveiling of a new all-weather sports arena. The recently finished Multi Use Games Arena will allow students to take part in sports whatever the weather conditions. Mrs Carol Mitchell, Head of PE (1988 – 2018), officially opened the MUGA after the whole school gathered together along with parents, staff and friends. The new arena was immediately

put to use after the unveiling ceremony recently for the Staff v Sixth Form Netball Match! The new floodlit all-weather pitch will provide students with opportunities to hone their sporting skills as well as hosting school matches. Beechwood Sacred Heart School, 12 Pembury Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3QD 01892 532747 www.beechwood.org.uk

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There is a way to super-charge your child’s Maths confidence. Jade Lewis, a working mum of 2, was worried about her daughter: “Lola was finding maths quite tough, both at school and at home. In turn, her confidence was non-existent, meaning she struggled to enjoy maths activities. Since using Maths Club by Post, there has been a genuine shift in Lola’s attitude towards learning Maths and her confidence is flourishing! She loves receiving her maths packs! She particularly loves the games, and the sense of achievement she gets once she has completed them.”

If, like Jade, you are worried about your child’s Maths, see if a FREE pack from Maths Club by Post can help your child flourish too. Go to: MathsClubByPost.co.uk

Assessm ent & Taste r Lesson

Sevenoaks Tutoring, 69c London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX. Email: teaching@sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk

6 Families West Kent July/August 2019

Try for FREE at MathsClubByPost.co.uk

Don’t miss our Sept/Oct issue for a Back to School special and open day listings for independent schools. www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Keep on learning all summer long Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Museums and heritage properties abound through the area. Many have exhibitions and interactive sessions that back up National Curriculum topics and sometimes entrance is free or low cost. And the children will be enjoying themselves so much they won’t notice they are actually learning new information! Heritage and history Visit National Trust properties such as Chartwell (for exhibition on Churchill and WWII), Quebec House in Westerham (for exhibition on General Wolfe), Knole House (for exhibition on history and conservation), Bodium Castle (for video and exhibition on crusades), Smallhythe Place (imaginative theatre and costume museum). Entrance fee. For details on these and other properties see www.nationaltrust.org.uk For information on Leeds Castle, Hever Castle and Chatham Historic Dockyard see pages 11&12. Maidstone Museum Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s St, Maidstone, ME14 1LH. Learn more about the Maidstone Museum dinosaurs, examine the collection of oil paintings in the Bentlif Art Gallery, or learn about the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent. Extra craft and children’s workshops often running for small cost. Free admission. Info at www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk Lullingstone Roman Villa Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, DA4 0JA.

Among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain and situated in an undercover visitor’s centre. A specially commissioned light show brings the villa to life, and galleries display Lullingstone’s collection of Roman artefacts. Kids can try on the Roman costumes and play games from the period. Admission fee applies. Info at www.english-heritage.org.uk Down House Down House, Luxted Road, Downe, BR6 7JT. The home of Charles Darwin who devised the theory of evolution, this hosts exhibitions and activities to encourage children to learn about scientific developments and discoveries. Entrance fee. Info at www.english-heritage.org.uk Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Museum Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG. Displays take the visitor through the 19th century, the Boer War (when the Sharpshooters were formed), the two World Wars, and modern times. Interactive touch screens bring to life the stories of people who served in the regiment. Access included in the grounds ticket price.

Info at www.ksymuseum.org. uk/KSYM Royal Engineers Museum Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, ME7 1UR. Discover the story of the Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live, move and fight for over 300 years. Kent’s largest military museum. Admission fee applies. Info at www.re-museum.co.uk Fort Amherst Khartoum Road, Chatham, ME4 4UB. Over 300 years of military history, 20 acres of parkland, daily tours of the network of underground tunnels.Take a stroll to the highest point of the Fort to enjoy commanding views. Free admission to grounds and cafe. Tunnel tour fee applies. Info at www.fortamherst.com Rochester Castle Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW. Guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding. Family

Please check opening times and charges before setting out to avoid disappointment. For more ideas on educational trips and venues, check our Out and About and What’s On pages p10-16.

trails and craft activities. Admission fee applies. Info at www.english-heritage.org.uk Tonbridge Castle Castle St, Tonbridge TN9 1BG. See and hear what it would have been like to be a Lord or Lady 700 years ago. The castle tour is a recreation of medieval life; it is dark in places, has life-like models and involves climbing many steep steps, so may be unsuitable for very young children. Admission fee applies. Info at www.tonbridgecastle.org Crossing the River Medway – A story of the Rochester Bridge Trust On tour at Tonbridge Castle, Castle St, Tonbridge TN9 1BG until 31 January 2020 Find out more about 2,000 years of bridges at this exhibition featuring historic artefacts, interactive displays and Langdon’s den, the dedicated children’s area. Entry is via paid access to Tonbridge Castle, but a 20 per cent discount voucher can be downloaded at www.rbt.org.uk/bridgeworks

Teachers ‘As Good As Tests’ at Predicting Success Sats are no better than teachers at predicting pupil’s GCSE and A-Level results, a study has found. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, found teacher assessments at age 7, 11 and 14 were just as effective as using Sats results to predict pupils’ subsequent exam success. Researchers say their findings, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, question whether the benefits

of standardised exams outweigh the costs. A lead researcher Dr Kaili Rimfeld, from the King’s College London, said: “We have shown for the first time that teacher assessments predict GCSE and A-level results just as well as earlier exam scores. “The fact that exam scores correlate so highly with the teacher assessments raises questions about the value of the testing culture that characterises compulsory education in the UK.”

More info at www.kcl.ac.uk/news www.familiesonline.co.uk

Love Opportunity Love Success

Love Russell House 01959 522352 An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 2-11

www.russellhouseschool.co.uk email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

SUMMER SPECIAL

SUMMER CAMPS CHILDCARE

The long summer holidays are wonderful for kids, but there is a lot of time to fill and the six-week stretch can be challenging for working parents. Here is a selection of the holiday camps and childcare in the West Kent area to help you entertain your youngsters all summer long.

SUMMER CAMPS Camp Wilderness Overnight Camps at Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG 3- & 5-day camps available throughout July and August. Fire-lighting, archery, shelterbuilding, bush craft, survival skills, camouflage and concealment, fireside stories & marshmallows. Info at www.campwilderness.co.uk Bedgebury Bright Sparks Summer Holiday Forest Camp at Bedgebury Pinetum, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ Suitable for ages 7-12. Children can build dens, use tools, light fires, explore the woods, do natural arts and crafts, cook over a fire. Tuesday & Thursday each week of the holiday, 9am-3pm, £45 per child per day. To book visit https://khwp.org.uk/forestschool/summer-camp/ Barracudas Activity Day Camps for children aged 4.5 years – 14 years for summer holidays at Walthamstow Hall in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge Grammar School and Maidstone Grammar School. Call 01480 467567 or visit www.barracudas.co.uk

Ultimate Activity Camps for 4-14 year olds at The New Beacon School, Sevenoaks, TN13 2PB 22 Jul - 23 Aug. With over 40 activities. Book online www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or phone 0330 111 7077. Freddie Flintoff Cricket Academy at The New Beacon School, Sevenoaks, for 5-16 year olds. 9.30am-4.30pm 12-14 August. Booking via website www.activatecamps.co.uk or call 01785 711 572. Camp ACTIVE at Nizels Golf & Country Club, Nizels Lane, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 8NU. Run by Active Primary Sports, the camps offer activities including: multisports games, bouncy castles, inflatable assault courses, zorbing activities, swimming and much more! Suitable for age 4 -13 years. 9am - 3pm with the option of early drop off at 8am and late collection at 4pm. Please check website for dates throughout the summer and to book: www.activeprimarysports.com

Junior Driving Days A full day of instructorled activities including 4x4 driving, off road rally buggies, quad bikes and powerturns. for ages 11* upwards Contact us for further information and to make a booking: www.thewrightevent.co.uk 01732 529511 The Wright Event, Ashtree Farm, West Malling, Kent. ME19 5RL *Minimum 1.4m height restriction applies 8 Families West Kent July/August 2019

Super Camps at Russell House School, Station Road, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 5QU, for children aged 4-12 years, including sports, arts & crafts, games and occasional highlight activities such as Archery and ZooLab workshops. Info at https:// www.supercamps.co.uk/Venues/ county/kent Camp Beaumont at Kent College, Old Church Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4AX. Different clubs for age ranges from 3 to 16 years. For full information visit https://www.campbeaumont. co.uk/our-camps/ Recre8 at Tonbridge School A variety of week-long courses, two-day Musical Theatre workshops, football courses with Skills Academy or prepare for the up-coming 11+ assessment with a mock examination. https://sportscentre.tonbridgeschool.co.uk/recre8 7OaksMultisports camps at Chevening Primary School, Sevenoaks. Weeks commencing 29 July, 5 August, 12 August, £25 per day or £110 for 5 days, sibling discounts.10am-3pm, for age 4-11years. Visit www.7ms.co.uk Chipstead Junior Football Club holiday courses at Chipstead Recreation Ground, Sevenoaks, holiday football courses: 25 & 26 July; 29 July - 2 August; 27 - 30 August. For children in Year 1 to Year 6. £25 per day. Booking a place can be done via the link below: https:// members.chipsteadfc.org.uk

Tonbridge Angels FC holiday sports camps, at Longmead Stadium, Tonbridge Angels FC, for age 4 -13years. For full information and dates visit the FB page, to book message via Facebook page or email tafccommunity@hotmail.com or call 07548 989666. Charlton Athletic Football Academy at The New Beacon School, Sevenoaks on 22-26 July. For details and to book visit www.CACT.ORG.UK/COURSES Ollie Ireland Live Biking Mountain bike courses for all ages and abilities in the summer holidays at Sevenoaks Primary Trails and Samsara Bike Park, Riverhill, Sevenoaks. For more info or to book visit. www.livebiking.co.uk Rugbytots Classes run all through the summer! 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. New mid week classes in Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells. Full details on all our classes in West Kent at www.rugbytots.co.uk

Try Camp ACTIVE at N I Z E L S ● Multisports games ● Bouncy castles ● Inflatable assault courses ● Zorbing activities ● Swimming and much more! For age 4-12 years. Head to our website for more information on our summer camps. Hours: 9am-3pm with the option to drop off early at 8am and collect late at 4pm. Our experienced sports coaches are Fully Qualified and Enhanced DBS Checked.

www.activeprimarysports.com

At Nizels Golf & Country Club, Nizels Lane, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 8NU Try Camp ACTIVE at Nizels!

www.familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER SPECIAL

SUMMER CAMPS CHILDCARE

MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA CAMPS Perform Summer Camp We’re off to see the wizard this summer, as we sing and dance our way down the yellow brick road in our Wizard of Oz holiday courses. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as we bring this story to life. Book online at www.perform.org.uk/wizard Age range: 4-10 years.

Dates: 29 July 2019 - 31 July 2019 & 12 August 2019 - 14 August 2019. Three, four and five-day courses. 10am to 3pm each day at The Parish Church of St Luke, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XT Call 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk Lisa Maybank School of Dance Junior Summer School at Sawmill Studios, Rectory Lane, Brasted, Westerham TN16 1JR Dance, games and fun from 10am to 3.30pm 29 July to 2 August. To book call Vicky on 07799950586 www.lisamaybank.net

HOLIDAY CLUBS AND CHILDCARE Bidborough Village Nursery School Kids Summer Club at Bidborough Village Hall, Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Kent TN3 0XD. From 5 to 16 August 2019, 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday, for children aged 2 to 6 years. Activities include handcrafting, sports, messy play, dancing and singing and outdoor play. Booking info: Contact Nursery Manager on 07517145731 or email info@bvns.co.uk.

CRAFT ACTIVITIES A Touch of Clay ceramics studio A Touch of Clay ceramics studio offers summer holiday crafts. All sorts of creative activities are available, from pottery painting and craft activities, to creating hand and footprint mementoes in clay and silver. Try throwing a pot on the wheel. To book a slot call Jackie on O7796878371. A Touch of Clay, 61 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, TN13 3NY www.atouchofclay.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Holiday Club at Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR 31 July – 8 August (various dates), 9am-4pm A new programme of fun holiday mini-adventures for children. Drop children off for some healthy, outdoor holiday time. Info at www.boreplace.org Play4Ages, Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Road, Sevenoaks. All-day sessions through the summer, contact 07855 999607 or email sevenoaks@play4ages.co.uk

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Outdoor activities The Wright Event Junior Driving Days for children aged 11 upwards. Full day of instructor-led activities at our farm venue in West Malling. Activities include 4x4 driving, quad biking, off road rally buggies and powerturns. For further information visit the website: https://www. thewrightevent.co.uk/leisure/ experience-days/junior-drivingdays or call 01732 529511.

Hillview School Summer Performing Arts Stage School at Hillview School for Girls, Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2HE Two separate weeks of musical theatre, dance and drama with performance for children 9-14 years, open to children from any school. W/c Monday 29 July and Monday 5 August 2019. £100 for one week or £185 for two weeks booked together. Email Sarah Orris at orriss@hillview.kent.sch.uk to book. Details at https://www. hillview.kent.sch.uk/community/ summer-school/

Funky Monkey Keyboard Workshops Group keyboard tuition summer workshops: ONE HIT WONDER WORKSHOP (4-8 yrs) is on Wednesday 31 July 9.30-1.30pm at The Drive Methodist Church, Sevenoaks, £35/£30 sib discount. KEYBOARD SUPERSTARS (5-8 yrs) is on Monday 5-Friday 9 August, 10am-1pm every day, Drive Methodist Church, Sevenoaks, £125/110 sib discount. www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100 Email mail@funkymonkey.info

MiniMunchkins Holiday Club, Westerham Hall, Quebec Avenue, London Road, Westerham TN16 1BG 01959 565 675 8.30am start and extended hours till 5.30pm July 25 to August 30. From £25 per day, sibling discount. Aged 2-11 years. www.minimunchkinspreschool.co.uk

School, Sussex Road, Tonbridge Kent TN9 2TP 07596 596 100 For information visit https://www. polkadotsclubs.co.uk/about-us

The Hive holiday playscheme at Bishops Down Preschool and Nursery, Rydal Drive, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SU. www.bishopsprimaryschool.org contact Jo Sheldon on 01892 520114. Polkadots Out Of School Care Holiday club, Sussex Road Primary

Harlequin Out of School Clubs Holiday clubs (Coxheath and Tunbridge Wells) 7:30am to 6:30pm daily through holidays Information at www.hosc.co.uk Telephone: 01892 518065 or 07760 788820 Pink Elephants Nursery Holiday club, Maidstone. For 5-13 year olds £25 per day. Holiday nursery: 2-5 year olds £45 per day. See Facebook page for details https://www.facebook. com/pinkelephantsnursery

Are you running children’s activities in the October half-term? To promote them to our readers contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk or call 07980118626.

CREATIVITY FOR ALL AGES PARTIES, WORKSHOPS, DROP INS

✱ Keepsake Handprints ✱ Fun with Clay ✱ Pottery painting ✱ Mosaics & lots more ✱ Make a pot on the wheel ✱ Adult evenings and hen parties www.atouchofclay.co.uk O7796878371

Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine.

OUT ABOUT including our What’s On guide

Our packed 7-page summer leisure section

COMPETITION

Win tickets for family shows at Hever Festival Theatre!

Hever Festival Theatre’s 2019 season offers a programme of vibrant and varied performances from 4 May to 30 August. The popular annual open-air summer Festival, now in its 36th year, takes place in the gardens of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Families has teamed up with Hever Festival Theatre to offer one set of four tickets for Tales from Adriamus with Anthony Browne on Weds 21 Aug 2.30pm AND one set of four tickets for Fizzlebert Stump: The Boy That Ran Away From The Circus on Wed 28 Aug 2:30pm. In Tales from Adriamus former Children’s Laureate and illustrator Anthony Browne narrates his book Willy the Wimp with musical

accompaniment from the Adriamus Ensemble, while Fizzlebert Stump is a brandnew children’s production featuring puppetry and magic. For the first time, a discounted theatre and Hever Castle gardens joint ticket is available to buy in advance to enable patrons to make a day of it and visit the castle gardens before the theatre shows. Tickets are bookable online www.heverfestival.co.uk or the Box Office is open for telephone bookings Monday-Friday 10am – 2pm on 01732 866114. To enter email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk with your contact details, say which show you would like to see, and head the email ‘Theatre competition’. Two entries will be chosen at random on the closing day and the winners will be notified. The closing date is August 10.

Free theatre tickets for kids in August

For the whole of August, a child Kids Week includes a wide aged 16 or under can go to any variety of London musicals, plays, participating show for free where operas, comedies and dance tickets are available as long as productions to choose from. they’re accompanied by a full Throughout August some paying adult. participating shows will also be Adults can also buy up to two holding special activities, including extra children’s tickets at half price Q&As, dance workshops and and there are no booking fees. behind the scenes tours. Ismini Phillips Familys Magazine For more-information and to advert book 3mm bleed DEC 2018_REPRO.pdf visit https://officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week/

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OUT AND ABOUT

CELEBRATING 900 YEARS

27th & 28th July In celebration of Leeds Castle’s 900th anniversary, join us for the ‘Carnival of History’. A dazzling riot of colour, music, dance and giant costumes will travel through nine centuries of the Castle’s history across two days. Communities from across Kent will come together to bring this spectacular event to life.

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Terms and Conditions - Kids for a Quid valid from 22nd July - 1st September 2019. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers. Further T&Cs apply, please see our website for details.

ALL INCLUS IVE TICKET VALID FOR 12 MONTHS

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Science S how Retro Bea ch A Pirate’s Life for Me Family Su mmer Exh ibition

EXPERIENCES MADE IN

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www.familiesonline.co.uk

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

Enjoy a Summer of Family Fun at Hever Castle Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events and activities set amidst award-winning gardens. The Knights of Royal

England will once again delight crowds with the annual Jousting Tournament on July 13 & 14; 20 & 21; 27 & 28, August 10 & 11; 17 & 18; 23 – 26. Kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval time during Knights & Princesses School (from 24 July). New for 2019 is Once Upon a Castle. Help locate a new shield for Flame the Dragon and the Princess’ missing cat on 27 and 28 July. Enjoy a weekend dedicated to our four legged friends on 3 and 4 August with Castle Canines. Jousting comes to an end over the August bank holiday weekend where visitors are also invited

to discover different eras with Journey through History, featuring

encampments, re-enactments and stalls and demonstrations.

Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk 01732 865224

Family day out at Weald of Kent Craft Show Offering you a festival vibe but without the mud, The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show at Penshurst Place is set to host over 120 stallholders. Discover everything from handmade jewellery and furniture, to local food and drink - you’ll be spoilt for choice! Visit our street food market,

stop by and listen to some live music or try one of our hands-on workshops. If you’re feeling competitive try some laser clay pigeon shooting, or visit the swing boats and colour-in caravan - perfect for the kids! Tickets £8 (book before Monday 26th August). KIDS GO FREE!

Visit www.ichfevents.co.uk for more details, and follow us on Twitter: @countrycraftuk Facebook: Country Craft Shows Instagram: @countrycraftshows

A Carnival of History not to be missed at Leeds Castle In its 900th year, Leeds Castle will welcome communities from across Kent for a spectacular two-day Carnival of History on the 27 and 28 July. Visitors will be treated to a whole weekend of family friendly activities including

12 Families West Kent July/August 2019

authentic re-enactment shows, pop-up music performances, large-scale costumes and a dazzling riot of colour and celebration. Historical arena shows will recreate significant moments from the last nine centuries of Leeds Castle’s history while carnival performers and costumed characters will roam the grounds interacting with visitors. Living History encampments promise to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the past. On July 28 around 1,000 performers, re-enactors, community groups and schools will take part in a magnificent grand finale procession. With a

roll of drums and a fanfare, the carnival groups representing each century of history will wind their way around the estate.

This event is included in the price of admission. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

For more information and prices please visit the website; www.leeds-castle.com www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON JULY AUGUST

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.

July

13 JULY VVS Super Car Saturday Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH Some of the world’s rarest and most exclusive super cars at Bewl Water reservoir. £4 parking applies. Info at www.bewlwater.co.uk

JULY UNTIL 8 SEPT 10am-6pm A Pirate’s Life for Me The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ Piratical fun for all the family including a touring exhibition from the V&A Museum of Childhood. Entry fee. Info at thedockyard.co.uk EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL 26 OCT 2pm Walking with Goats Experience Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Wierton Road, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, ME17 4JW Lead your own personal goat on a leisurely stroll along the various footpaths around the sanctuary. Suitable age 12+. Paid event (booking required). Info at www.buttercups.org.uk JULY UNTIL 3 NOV 1-4pm (Sundays & Aug Bank Holiday weekend) Mrs Wolfe’s Recipes Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD Recreate some of Mrs Wolfe’s 18th century recipes such as King or Queen Cakes or macaroons. Free event with general admission fee. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quebechouse 5 – 7 JULY 8am-6pm Kent County Show 2019 Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF Animals, food and fun at this three-day event showcasing the best of Kent farming, countryside and rural life. Paid event. Info at www.kentshowground.co.uk 5 – 7 JULY Tonbridge Music Weekend Tonbridge Castle, Castle St,

EVENTS www.familiesonline.co.uk

Tonbridge, TN9 1BG A weekend of music and festival fun on the castle lawn. Info at tonbridgemusicweekend.com 5 – 7 JULY 4pm-10pm (5th), 10am-10pm (6th), 11am-5pm (7th) The Spirit of Tenterden Festival Tenterden Recreation Ground, Tenterden, TN30 6RH Real ale festival, gin bar, antiques & collectables, arts & crafts, live music, dog show, food stalls. Info at www.spiritoftenterden.co.uk 6 JULY 11.30am-5pm Canterbury Medieval Pageant and Trail Canterbury City Centre, Canterbury, CT1 2BZ A host of activities for the family including medieval archery and sword fighting, arts & crafts and a historical parade. Free event. Info at www. canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk 6 JULY 10.30am-12.30pm Beeswax Wrap Making Tyland Barn Visitor Centre, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD Design and decorate your own beeswax wrap. A good way to reduce your plastic and general waste as they are eco-friendly and reusable. Paid event. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org. uk/events

SHOWS

13 JULY 12pm-4pm Ightham Summer Fair Ightham Recreation Ground, Ightham Village, TN15 9AU Bouncy castles, face painting, raffle/auction, dog show, pony rides, plus food & drink including BBQ, tea & cakes, ice-cream, Prosecco & beer tent. Info on Facebook: @ighthamsummerfair

6 & 7 JULY PLUS 3 & 4 AUGUST, 7 & 8 SEPT Railway Weekend The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ Go along and witness locomotives steaming through the historic site. Info at thedockyard.co.uk

13 JULY – 26 AUGUST (various dates) 1pm Summer Jousting Event Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena. Included in admission price. Also view the castle and gardens and try out the water maze. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

6 & 7 JULY 11am-3.30pm Battle of Britain Air Show Headcorn Aerodrome, Ashford, TN27 9HX See Spitfires, Hurricanes and other aircraft from the Battle of Britain era. Paid event. Info at www.headcornevents.co.uk 7 JULY Deutsche Fest Brands Hatch, Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG An all-out celebration of German efficiency and engineering with German vehicle displays, German food and music. Paid event. Under 13s free. Info at www.brandshatch.co.uk

JULY & AUGUST 10am-4.30pm, Tues-Sun Rare Breeds Centre Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford, TN26 3RJ Farm animals, falconry displays, indoor & outdoor play areas within 100 acres of Kent countryside. Info at www.rarebreeds.org.uk

12 – 14 JULY 10.30am-5pm Volks Weald Family Volkswagen Show Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Retro VWs, live music, stalls, food, an inflatable pub and family entertainment for the third year of the annual Volks Weald Family Show. Info at www.volksweald.co.uk

T H E AT R E

F E S T I VA L S

13 JULY – 1 SEPT 11am-6pm Penshurst Maize Maze Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Circumnavigate the Penshurst Place Maize Maze, collecting clues and stamps as you go. Entrance to the maze is included in the garden entry ticket price. Info at www.penshurstplace.com

ACTIVITIES

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WHAT’S ON JULY&AUGUST Send your events in to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by August 1 and if we have space we will try to include them 21 JULY – 1 SEPT 11am-5pm Summer Sundays at Penshurst Place & Gardens Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG With garden pantomimes, crafts and falconry displays. Entry fee. Info at www.penshurstplace.com 21 JULY – 1 SEPT (various dates) 11am-4pm Dragon Eggs, Wizard Wands, Potion Making and other activities Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR A variety of children’s activities throughout the school holidays, plus Yeti spotting, included in admission price. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

20 JULY 10am Bedgebury’s Butterflies Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ A guided walk to learn about the resident and migrant butterflies that can be found in the pinetum. Paid event. Info at www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk 20 – 22 JULY A Day Out with Thomas on the Kent & East Sussex Railway Kent & East Sussex Railway, Station Road, Tenterden, TN30 6HE Join Thomas and Friends for a day of family fun at the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Take a ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and say hello to Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty. Info at www.kesr.org.uk/events 20 JULY – 1 SEPT 10am-4pm Children of Scotney Summer Adventures Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN Re-live the adventures of the Hussey children who lived at Scotney Castle in the late 19th century as you take part in the summer trail and activities. £2 per trail. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle

27 & 28 JULY Carnival of History Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Using large-scale costumes re-enactors will travel through nine centuries of the castle’s history with extraordinary shows reimagining medieval battles, Henry VIII on his way to the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520, the Battle of Maidstone in 1648 and other historic events. Admission fee applies. Info at www.leeds-castle.com 24 – 28 JULY Big Cat Sanctuary Open Days 2019 Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn Road, TN27 8PJ The Big Cat Sanctuary are once again opening their doors for their annual educational open days. Under 3s go free. Booking applies. Info at www.thebigcatsanctuary.org 24 JULY – 30 AUGUST Daily at 11.30, 12.30, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Knights & Princesses School Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Free classes include hands-on activities for kids to experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times. Suitable for children ages 7-14. Admission charges apply. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Animal Antics show with the livestock team, plus a variety of new shows in the Big Top. With the Vintage Village, indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor / train rides, donkey rides. Admission fee applies. Info at www.kentlife.org. uk/event 29 JULY – 2 AUGUST 10am, 11.30am & 2pm Animal Magic Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexleyheath, Bexley, DA5 1PQ Bearded dragons, bunnies, meerkats, pygmy hedgehogs and more. Get up close and personal with all the amazing animals from Animal Magic. Paid event. Info at www.kentattractions.co.uk/ attractions 29 JULY & 12 AUGUST 10am-5pm Big Tree Climbing Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN Join highly skilled instructors who will teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes and karabiners and gain experience that can’t be found on the ground. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

August

3 AUGUST 7.30pm (film starts 9pm) Open Air Cinema: The Greatest Showman Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Dress up and soak up the atmosphere, take a picnic or enjoy food and drink available to purchase on site. Booking essential. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

10 & 11 AUGUST Family Living History Event at Rochester Castle: Medieval Merriment Rochester Castle, Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW Visit the castle to experience life in medieval times, with men-at-arms, archery & falconry displays, a courtly jester, have-a-go archery, traders’ stalls, refreshments and children’s crafts. Included in admission fee. Info at www.visitmedway.org 10 & 11 AUGUST 11am-5pm Great Comp Garden’s Annual Summer Show Great Comp Garden, Comp Lane, Platt, Sevenoaks, TN15 8QS A popular horticultural event; with crafts, local artists, Pimms and jazz on the lawn. Paid event. Info at www.greatcompgarden.co.uk 11 AUGUST Buddhist Art & Activity Day Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7AD Family activities themed around the castle’s Buddhist Collection. Paid event. Info at www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 13 – 21 AUGUST (various dates) 9am-12pm Summer Crafts, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and other activities Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR A variety of fun children’s events from pizza making and cake baking to den building and summer crafts. Paid events. Info at www.boreplace.org

24 JULY – 1 SEPT 10am-6pm Summer Holiday Fun – Animal Antics

To advertise in our September/October 2019 issue contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk 079801 18626. Booking deadline August 1, artwork deadline August 5. 14 Families West Kent July/August 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AUGUST&SEPTEMBER 14 – 25 AUGUST (every Sunday) 3pm-5pm Tonbridge Castle Summer Band Concerts Live music on Tonbridge Castle lawn. Free event. Info at www.kentattractions.co.uk/events 17 & 18 AUGUST 9am-5.30pm Truckfest The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY Truckfest South East returns to The Hop Farm and is the must see show for enthusiasts, families and the road haulage industry. Paid event. Info at www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events 17 & 18 AUGUST 10am-5pm Biddenden Tractorfest and Country Fair Woolpack Corner, Tenterden Road, Biddenden, TN27 8BH A not-for-profit annual event. Tractors, country fair, crafts, food stalls and more attractions than ever for the whole family. Paid event. Info at www.tractorfest.co.uk 24 – 26 AUGUST 11am-5pm

Plant Hunters Weekend Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA Celebrating the lives of some of Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters. Visitors can experience an authentic expedition camp, complete with plant presses, roaring fire, porters and canvas tents. Info at www.lullingstonecastle. co.uk/events 25 AUGUST 12pm-9.30pm Music on the Green Bearsted Village Green, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4EJ A music event that showcases local musical acts, plus Kids’ Zone, food stalls and festival bar. Info at www.musiconthegreen.co.uk 30 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER 10am to 5pm Weald of Kent Country Craft Show Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Live music, marquees of artisan food and drink stalls, street food stalls, craft village of quality handmade crafts, jewellery, glasswork, craft demos, children’s entertainment, vintage fun fair,

adventure playground. Paid event. Info at www.ichfevents.co.uk or call 01425 277988. 31 AUGUST 10am-4pm Bewl’s Big Dog Day Out A fun day out for all the family, especially your four-legged-friend. The day includes a treasure trail, a dog agility course and stalls. Free event. Parking fee. Info at www.bewlwater.co.uk

September 7 & 8 SEPT 10am-6pm Taste of Kent Food Festival Bradbourne House, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6DZ

Artisan producers from Kent, food demos with top chefs and stars of the great British Bake Off, cookery masterclasses and children’s entertainment along with performances on the main stage. Paid event. Info at www.tasteofkent.co.uk 8 SEPT 12.30-2.30pm Family Dog Show & BBQ Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Family dog show with fun classes for all abilities, plus food stalls and bar. Info and details of how to enter your dog at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

WHAT’S ON THEATRE & DANCE 6 & 7 JULY 7pm (6th), 1.30pm & 4.30pm (7th) Dancin’ In the Rain The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ The pupils from the Laura Bruce Dance Academy will take you on a journey of musical theatre, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, lyrical and tap numbers to entertain all ages. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 13 & 14 JULY 6pm (13th) & 2pm (14th) Over the Rainbow The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ Featuring ballet, tap, street dance, drama, singing and gymnastics. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 24 JULY & 25 JULY 4pm (24th) 11.30am, 2pm (25th) We’re Going on a Bear Hunt EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP Adaptation of the classic story with songs and adventure. Info at www.emftheatre.com 25 JULY 2.30pm Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show

EVENTS www.familiesonline.co.uk

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

1 AUGUST 2.30pm Alice in Wonderland The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG A fun musical version of the classic story for all the family. Info at www.heverfestival.co.uk

The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Featuring a menagerie of 21 loveable puppets, the vibrant colour and humour of the main character makes Elmer a great show for children of all ages. Info at www.heverfestival.co.uk 28 JULY 4pm Film: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ The classic film starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

SHOWS

T H E AT R E

10 AUGUST 11am Baby Broadway: An Interactive Family Concert The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ Sing and dance along to songs from popular musicals and films such as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Frozen and many more. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 10 AUGUST 8-10pm Wind in the Willows Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, ➺

F E S T I VA L S

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

ACTIVITIES 15