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Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers Tailored work plans to address your child’s needs: • English • Maths • 11+ • SATs • GCSEs • CE •

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• Improve exam results • Develop and reach goals

Call 01732 453657 to book your FREE Assessment. For more information visit: sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk

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Sat 8 – Sun 9 Jun 2019 ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet

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Booking now for our July/August issue. To reach our 40,000 readers across west Kent email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk or call 07980 118626 Booking deadline June 1. Artwork deadline June 5. www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Contents Page 4 Early Years Are you missing out on tax-free childcare?

Editor’s Welcome

Page 5 Joy of Reading Summer book reviews & a children’s literature festival

Welcome to the even bigger and better May/June issue of Families West Kent Magazine! The feedback from readers and demand from advertisers has been so good we have gone up 25 per cent in size this issue with now 20 pages packed full of local news, articles and ideas for family trips. This time we have EIGHT pages of What’s Ons, theatre, dance, family-friendly attractions, festivals, events, castles, adventure playgrounds, racetracks and museums across the area. Plus win a family weekend ticket to the fab Black Deer Festival in June (page 14). We have something useful and interesting on our pages for parents or carers of children of all ages from birth to 12, from our Early Years page and school news to our Back to Work page for working mums. And our special centre spread feature this issue is kids’ party ideas – from splashing good fun at Flume parties to daredevil climbing adventures, from sporty parties to creative or drama parties. Our useful magazine is published every two months and 18,000 are distributed through schools, nurseries, leisure centres, family friendly venues and play centres in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone areas. Our next edition will be July/August 2019 so look out for our bumper guide to summer camps, workshops and activities for kids to help you plan your summer. Have a lovely May and June in our stunning west Kent!

Pages 6 & 7 Education Is your summer-born child ready for school? Pages 8 &9 Parties special feature It’s Party Time! We take the stress out of planning kids’ parties Page 10 Summer Camps Which type is best to choose? Page 11 Back to work Getting back on the career path

Out and About – An 8-page guide Page 12 Chocks away! New museum honours WWII flying aces Page 14 Festival Fever WIN a weekend family ticket to Black Deer Festival of Americana Page 15 Racetrack thrills! Head to Motorsport at Crystal Palace

PLUS

Helen

Pages 16-19 What’s Ons, attractions, Father’s Day events & Theatre listings Page 20 Directory Useful businesses from antenatal classes to tutors Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

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Editor: Helen Cook Advertising: Amanda Biggs and Helen Cook What’s Ons compiled by Kate Craggs Designer: Sarah Harmer

CMYK / .eps

NEXT ISSUE JULY/AUGUST 2019. Booking deadline June 1, artwork deadline June 5. For advertising, editorial and What’s Ons contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk 07980118626 Our magazine is published every two months and 18,000 are distributed through schools, nurseries, leisure centres, family friendly venues and play centres throughout Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Sevenoaks, Westerham, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Malling and Kings Hill. Never miss an issue! You can download our magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com

We are not only a magazine! Our busy Facebook page is regularly updated with lively stories, competitions and ideas for activities and weekend events in the area. Find us at @FamiliesWestKentMag And follow us on Twitter @FamWestKentMag for regular updates and information for families.

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.

You never lose your heart for nursing - are you ready to return? We would love to hear from previouslyregistered RMNs and RNLDs who are considering regaining their PIN and coming back into the workplace. We run a Return to Practice programme in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University. The next intake begins

in January 2020 with the deadline to apply in October. You can work this entirely around your family life. To find out more, visit www.kmpt.nhs.uk/return-to-practice or call Emma Hutchinson on 01227 812351.

Creating an equal opportunities environment, where we can all be ourselves

Brilliant care through brilliant people #KMPTProud

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EARLY YEARS’ NEWS

The last word in providing help for families For local mum Kaz Cockburn, 30 years of childcare experience meant running her own nanny agency was an obvious step. Her career included roles as a professional nanny for several years, then working in primary schools for 12 years as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and in Special Needs support. And Kaz, from West Kingsdown, is herself mum to two grown young men. She runs the Kent branch of Mum’s The Word, a leading UK nanny agency, sourcing candidates for one-off, shortterm or long-term domestic support for clients. She is able to help families find high quality nannies, domestic help and child care

professionals throughout the county. The Kent branch covers the entire county from Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages as well as all areas of Kent as far as Dover. With so much experience and with a friendly yet professional approach, she and her team use empathy and understanding to ensure the best possible matches for the candidates and families. They provide a bespoke level of service, so personally interview all candidates and ensure that they go through the relevant DBS and reference checks, and that all relevant skills and qualifications are kept up to date. The service starts with an initial consultation to make

sure the client’s domestic and childcare requirements are fully understood. Mum’s the Word can provide full time, part time, live in or live out nannies, and can also help

with other domestic services such as mother’s help, nursery nurse, housekeepers, cleaners, maternity nurses, babysitters, gardeners and handymen/ handywomen.

To contact Kaz Cockburn at Mum’s the Word Kent, call 07545 147204, email kent@mums-the-word.co.uk or visit www.mums-the-word.co.uk/about-us/kent/

Wellbeing sessions aimed at parents Free midwife-led drop-in wellbeing sessions are on offer every week in Tunbridge Wells. Midwife, hypnotherapist and birth trauma resolution therapist Anne Bayati holds the event at the Langton Pavilion Cafe, with the focus on parents’ wellbeing rather than clinical advice, giving an opportunity to chat or just to find someone to listen. The informal sessions on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm are aimed at all mums and dads, whether new parents or those

with a growing family. This could help deal with difficult birth experiences, postnatal issues, sleep deprivation, feeling low, for example.

For more information see www.annebayatihypnotherapy.co.uk 07990573917. Sessions are at The Pavilion at Langton Green Recreational Ground, Speldhurst Road, Langton Green, Near Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0JJ

Speech and Language Products Help your child express themselves confidently and creatively with language.

Fun and easy-to-use speech and language tools for everyone To find out more visit www.yoohoo.org.uk Get 20% off your first order with code FamiliesOFFER19

4 Families West Kent May/June 2019

Low take-up of tax-free childcare Government figures show that far fewer families than expected are using the tax-free childcare offer. According to figures released by HMRC, just 91,000 parents accessed the offer by December 2018, far below the 415,000 the government had budgeted for. This number represents just 5% of the 2 million families the government estimated would be eligible for the scheme when it was first launched. The tax-free childcare scheme is a replacement for the previous childcare voucher system, which closed to new entrants from October 2018. Ongoing technical difficulties,

the complexity of the system and low awareness have been attributed as causes for the poor response by families. The government has said it is running a national communications campaign to raise awareness and encourage more parents to apply.

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

New books for summer reading Here are some new books to encourage a love of reading in children from preschool to age 12. Picture Books for preschool children The Steves by Morag Hood The Steves have fallen out about who is the best Steve. There’s name calling and hurt feelings. How will they ever make up? Another hilarious picture book from the Scottish author, Morag Hood. Children will also enjoy the bright, eye-catching illustrations. 5-8yrs Fabio the Flamingo Detective by Laura James Fabio the flamingo detective is back. This time he is on a fantastic journey on the Ostrich Express. When a priceless ruby is stolen, Fabio is on the case! Who can be trusted, who is not what they seem? Brightly illustrated and fast paced, the perfect chapter book for new readers.

Children are VIPs at the Literary Festival at Chiddingstone Castle near Tonbridge which takes place over the first Bank Holiday in May, from Saturday 4 to Tuesday 7 May. This year the event has expanded to four days to include more varied author events, performances and hands-on workshops for children and adults. Events are ticketed. Bank Holiday Monday May 6 is the Family Day, with events including Pericles Theatre company presenting two outdoor performances of The Little Mermaid. This year Aardman Animations are celebrating 30 years of Wallace and Gromit. To mark this, back to back screenings of these iconic films will run throughout the day, so visitors can drop in and watch one. This is a free entry event. Kids aged 7+ can take part in a clay modelling workshop and then produce their own short animated film with Press Play Films. Using animation clay and craft materials to create bespoke models and animation theatres, children produce a stop-motion

animation using cameras, animation software and sound tracks. The animations will be sent to parents. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of iconic picture book Giraffes Can’t Dance, children can join illustrator Guy Parker-Rees for a trip into the jungle with Gerald the Giraffe and friends. This a morning of drawing, creativity and of course dancing! Suitable for all ages. Sevenoaks-based children’s author Nikki Young will lead a Storymakers creative writing workshop, suitable for ages 7-10 years. This workshop will help young writers find inspiration for their own stories from what is around them. Tuesday 7 May is Schools Day. Local schools and home educated children (aged 4-13 years) are invited to attend the day’s events featuring top children’s authors Frank CottrellBoyce, Dan Freedman, Maz Evans, Joseph Coelho and festival favourites Really Big Pants Theatre Company. A programme of events is available for schools to book.

For information on all these and other adult workshops and events over the four days, please visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literary-festival-2019 Ticket prices vary. Under 3s go free.

9-12yrs Mossbelly MacFearsome and the Dwarves of Doom by Alex Gardiner Roger is just an ordinary boy living an ordinary life until Mossbelly Macfearsom, a grumpy dwarf warrior, appears. Mistaking Roger for a hero, he gets Roger to join him on a quest to defeat his mortal enemy and his horde of (terribly polite) monsters. Readers from 9-12yrs will enjoy following the adventures of Roger, the permanently confused but surprisingly triumphant hero.

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EDUCATION

Unleash the magic in your child

Ban Cars from Idling Near Schools Cars should not be allowed to idle with engines on when parked near schools, a report has proposed. Public Health England has recommended local authorities “consider a range of interventions” to protect children from the harmful impacts of air pollution. The report says air pollution was the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK. Air pollution is linked to up to 36,000 premature deaths in the UK each year and

more than 2,000 schools and nurseries are near to roads with damaging levels of motor emissions. This report has been followed by a survey of teachers by YouGov which found that nearly two-thirds would support a ban on cars outside school gates during school drop off and pick up times. More than half (59%) of the teachers surveyed want the Government to take urgent action to improve air quality near schools.

Helping your child overcome Maths Anxiety If you were about to meet an author, what would you wear? That’s an easy question for the Reception class at Russell House - a magic hat of course! The children had read how a magic hat helped a rabbit realise he could do anything if he tried. When the class met the author, that’s what they wore. Do you know what they learnt? It really was true – they could do anything. But the magic doesn’t come from the hat - it is inside them. Discover how Russell House helps children realise their own magic. Call Anne Irvine on 01959 522352 and arrange a visit.

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Brain scans show that a quarter of the population suffer from Maths anxiety, responding to sums in the same way that arachnaphobes respond to spiders. If your child panics over Maths lessons and homework, helping them now will prevent problems in the future. There are loads of ways to include Maths learning in every day tasks without it becoming a big issue (see facebook.com/mathsclubbypost). Find gentle ways to practise Maths. Start with things that are easy for your child until they have developed more resilience. Try Maths Club by Post for some fun puzzles and games,

selected for your child’s ability and confidence level. Last, but most importantly – don’t look for mistakes – that’s the teacher’s job – just give them lots and lots of PRAISE! Try Maths Club by Post for FREE at mathsclubbypost.co.uk

Learning Life-Saving Skills to Become Compulsory Beginning in 2020, all state schools in England will be required to teach “life-saving skills”under new plans for health education announced by the Government. According to draft guidelines released by the Department of Education, primary school children are set to learn basic first aid, as well as steps they can take to protect and support the health and wellbeing of others, including calling emergency services. Children age 5 years will learn basic first aid and children

as young as 11 years will be shown CPR at school. “Learning the basic skills of first aid and techniques like CPR will give young people the confidence to know that they can step in to help someone else in need and in the most extreme cases - it could potentially save a life” announced Education Secretary, Damian Hinds. More info visit: www.gov.uk/government/news

Children with Better Co-Ordination More Likely To Achieve Love Opportunity Love Success

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

www.russellhouseschool.co.uk 6 Families West Kent May/June 2019

Young children with better eyeto-hand co-ordination are more likely to achieve higher scores for reading, writing and maths according to new research by the University of Leeds. More than 300 children ages 4 to 11 took part in various computer tasks designed to measure eye-to-hand coordination, such as steering, taking aim and tracking objects on a computer screen. The results revealed that the children who did better in the eye-to-hand co-ordination tasks tended to have higher academic attainment in reading, writing and maths. In particular, those with the best performance

in the ‘steering task’ were on average 9 months ahead of classmates who struggled. The findings raise the question of whether schools should be doing more to give support to children who are less well co-ordinated. More info at www.leeds.ac.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION Summer-born children ‘too young’? Parents who have children born in late spring and summer often don’t know this but they can ask to delay their child’s entry to reception for a year. Children usually start school in the September after they turn four but parents of children born between 1 April and 31 August, also known as “summer-born” children, can request to start school later. While the government requires school admission authorities to arrange for the entry of all children in the September following their fourth birthday, a child does not reach compulsory school age until the “prescribed day” following their fifth birthday (or on their fifth birthday if it falls on a prescribed day). The prescribed days are 31 December, 31 March and 31 August. So a parent cannot be required to send their child to school before this point. Some parents do apply to delay school if they feel their child is just too young to start school. But there are a couple of issues to consider: firstly, if starting school

is delayed, typically this means their child will start school in Year One, skipping the reception year completely. And requests also may be refused by the education authority. A government report has found that although it appears the number of requests for delayed admissions is currently small, there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest such requests have often been refused. Where a request is refused, and unless the parent agrees to send their child to school before compulsory school age, the child will miss the reception year.

For the full government guidance on delaying starting school, visit www. gov.uk/government/publications/summer-born-children-school-admission

Tutoring tailor-made with care for your child Centre owner Zoe Trodd writes: “If you suspect that your child might need additional tuition in maths or English, Sevenoaks Tutoring’s fully qualified teachers can offer you all the advice you need.” Offering expert tuition to both primary and secondary school aged students, the centre can help ensure your child’s academic success. The bespoke tuition programmes are devised using multi-sensory resources specifically designed to target areas of need identified in the original assessment. The Tutoring Centre and education programmes are designed to enable your child to make progress fast, utilising a positive, warm and friendly learning environment to ensure previously unrealised success. Zoe, like all her staff, is a qualified and experienced teacher. She is also a trainee L5 Dyslexia specialist teacher and is a Youth Mental Health First Aider. At Sevenoaks Tutoring Centre, caring and

supporting the whole child is part of the ethos. The Centre offers tailor-made individual tuition programmes for 6-16 year olds in maths, English, reading, writing, spelling and comprehension. Exam preparation for 11+ and GCSEs is also offered. At Sevenoaks Tutoring we: • believe that all children can succeed, if given the right support • help your children in a way that builds confidence and selfesteem. • pave the way to exam passes and success

Phone 01732 453657 to arrange your free assessment/taster lesson or visit the website for more details: www.sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk

where everyone is unique BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART SCHOOL

Join us for our OPEN MORNING Wednesday 1st May : 9.30am-11.30am

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

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PARTIES SPECIAL

It’s Party Time! The thought of hosting your child’s party can be a bit daunting – How many kids will there be? What are they going to DO, especially if the weather is bad? How much work will it be to assemble and serve the food? However, there are lots of options for fun kids’ parties for a range of budgets – and the beauty is, many of them can be hosted at venues elsewhere so giving parents a hassle-free day, phew. Here are some party options, from the dramatic to the arty and creative to the adventurous and sporty.

Perform Parties

Arty Farty Parties

Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure. From the moment the lively leaders walk in the door, they’ll give your child and friends the best birthday party they’ve ever had. Whether your child wants to be a sensational superhero, a shimmering princess or a wise wizard, they’ll be sure to have a brilliant time. “As Hugo went to sleep, he asked if that superhero could come back for his party next year

There are plenty of ways to get arty at parties at Arty Farty Retreat in Tunbridge Wells. And if young children also like to get messy – then this is the place for them! The centre offers art-inspired parties for all ages from four-years-old to teenage and however messy the parties are, the good news for parents is they don’t have to clear up afterwards! For ages 4-8 years, party themes include: Superheroes: Make your own superhero mask, design your superhero name, powers and special super handshake; Sensory art: Messy play with three different craft tables, lots of colour and lots of mess! For ages 9-14 years, party

because she was so amazing!’ Jessica Cuatrecasas (previous party booker). Themes include: Superheroes, Mermaids and Pirates, Pirates and Princesses, Fairytale Forest, Knights and Princesses, Puppy Patrol, Popstarz, Moana, Ghost Hunters, Alice in Wonderland, Outer Space, Secret Spies,The Ice Queen, Dinosaurs, The Magician’s Chamber, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Beauty & the Beast and Trolls.

To find out more or book a party call 0207 255 9120 or visit www.performparties.co.uk

Sencio Parties Birthdays are a big event! Make the next one unforgettable with one of Sencio’s huge array of packages. Sencio sorts out the activity, invitations, food and clear up - leaving parents to enjoy the party with the children. Your local leisure centre, whether it is Edenbridge, Sevenoaks or White Oak (Swanley), has a perfected party experience with none of the stress. Pool parties: Mini Splash (teaching pool) – under 8s, Big splash (main pool) - over 8s. A pool party with floats and toys in the main pool which you’ll have to yourself; Inflatable fun time (main pool) - over 8s fun session on our giant inflatable and floats with exclusive use of the main pool. Flume splash down (at White Oak) Flume 8 Families West Kent May/June 2019

options include: Miniature worlds: Sculpting with polymer clay to create your own little world in a jar; Puppet making: Designing your puppet’s character and creating your own moveable sculpture; Pottery painting: Paint your own trinket box (to be fired and collected later). Arty Farty Retreat is at 126 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 0PL

For more information or to book, visit www.artyfartyretreat.co.uk call 07792 033 156 or email enquiries@artyfartyretreat.co.uk

parties: have you got the courage to ride the shark shocker, whale whirler and dolphin glider? Sport and play parties: Bouncy Castle fun (under 8s). Bouncy castle plus toys and soft play. Treasure Island (at White Oak): have your party in Treasure Island, our fantastic soft play adventure area. Trampolining (at Sevenoaks); Jump as high as you can! Dance party (at Sevenoaks): We’ll play the best music and teach you some wicked moves at our dancing parties. Roller skating party (at Sevenoaks): A roller skating party just for you and your friends with disco lights and your own fancy dress theme. Go-karting (at Sevenoaks): sample a real kid’s motorsport party experience with Formula Kidz. Drivers from 4 -11 years old can race one of the amazing F1 styled karts.

Archery (at White Oak) Learn the basics of target archery, and become Robin Hood for the day! This fun party is a chance to learn a new skill.

Find out more at www.sencio.org.uk/pages/parties www.familiesonline.co.uk

PARTIES SPECIAL

Clip n Climb Parties Bold adventurers can enjoy a party at Kent’s first and the world’s largest Clip n Climb, a place where climbing meets theme park in an exciting new leisure concept for ages four and up. One of 150 centres worldwide, the Tonbridge centre has 33 individual and multi climber wall challenges of varying design and difficulty. The centre runs full party packages with a safety briefing, 55 minutes climbing session and party food. The birthday climber also gets a go on the two special attractions:

the infamous Vertical Dropslide and Stairway to Heaven! Intrepid party guests can test their resolve and determination across the arena - climb commando on Jungle Vine, reach new heights on Sky Scraper, take the speed climbing challenge, get tangled up on Spaghetti Junction, tackle the Lightening Crack or go Face to Face and race against friends. Each climbing wall has three different challenges with differing degrees of difficulty so there is a

challenge for the novice as well as the more experienced. No climbing experience is necessary as a 30 minute safety briefing and harness fitting is given – the automatic belay devices take up the slack as you climb and then lowers you gently to the ground. The facility also includes a kids’ play area, free wifi and a café, plus plenty of car parking. The venue is open 2pm to 8pm during the week and 9am to 8.30pm at the weekends and school holidays. ClipnClimb Tonbridge, Unit 4 Tonbridge Business Park, 2-8 Morley Road Tonbridge TN9 1RA.

Visit www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk or call 01732 753330

A Touch of Clay Parties A Touch of Clay studio in Sevenoaks offers a range of creative parties for children from the age of five. For age 5+years, ceramic artist Jackie runs a ‘fun with clay’ pottery party, when children can experience the feel of the clay. For the younger children there is a selection of simple ideas using cutters, printing shapes and rolling pins. Children over the age of six can build on those simple ideas, allowing them the freedom to express themselves. The children then add coloured decoration to their work, the items are then fired and glazed at the studio and are ready around two weeks later. The studio also offers jewellery parties for age 7+, using a range of glass, silver and ceramic beads. For children aged 9+, Jackie runs Mosaic parties to create mosaic design tiles, and for age 8+ there are Silk painting parties.

Whatever the age and ability everyone produces a masterpiece to be proud of! You can even bring your own food and birthday cake. To book contact Jackie by email on atouchofclay@aol.com on 07796 878371 or visit the studio at 61 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, TN13 3NY.

More information is at www.atouchofclay.co.uk

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 www.familiesonline.co.uk

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SUMMER CAMPS

Choosing summer childcare By Andrew Campbell

The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either within their local area on a daily or weekly basis or, increasingly, attend an American-style residential summer camp. Here’s our guide to some of the options available. Don’t miss our July/August issue for our special summer holiday camps and activities directory to help you plan your childcare before the kids finish school.

Residential Camps These are independent holidays for unaccompanied children aged from 7 years and above. Children are supervised round the clock in a secure residential environment such as a boarding school. Group leaders usually take care of children’s pastoral and welfare needs whilst Instructors provide a programme of activities. Camps can offer specialist courses or a multi-activity programme. Sports/Activity Courses or Workshops Specialising in a specific sport or activity such as performing arts or art and craft, these courses are usually for children of 7 years and above. They generally operate for 2 to 3 hours per day, running for just one day or as a progressive course over 4 to 5 days. Sports courses are often led by qualified instructors/coaches or by local authority sports/leisure centres. Performing arts workshops tend to be run by performing arts schools who also offer term time classes for children.

Multi-Activity Day Camps These are non-residential full-day camps running in your local area. They are for unaccompanied children from 3 years and above which usually run from Monday to Friday, offering a varied programme of sports or creative activities throughout the day. Generally, children can attend for as many days as they wish, with a price discount for a full week’s attendance.

Holiday Play Schemes These offer non-residential full or part-day supervised childcare for unaccompanied children from age 3 and above but are usually run by voluntary organisations or local authorities. Activities at play schemes may involve sports, crafts, and possibly trips out to attractions. In the main, they are provided for children living in the catchment area of the venue.

✸

To advertise in the special summer activities for kids feature in our July/August issue, contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk or call 07980118626. Booking deadline is June 1.

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10 Families West Kent May/June 2019

Rated 5 Stars - Jan 2019

they can’t wait to come back!

Perform Producer, Gemma Payne, tells Families why she loves running Perform’s drama, dance and singing holiday courses. Holidays should be fun and my job is to take the children on a magical adventure they will remember. Together, we work on songs, dances and character and it’s a joy to see the quieter ones come out of their shell and the bubbly ones become focused on learning song lyrics and lines. On the last day, there’s a show

for friends and family and the parents are so surprised and proud when they see what their child has achieved. The children’s faces light up when they hear the applause and they know they’ve done a good job as they run to their families for a cuddle. It’s a busy week but the feeling when you’ve put together something memorable and entertaining for the parents is just magical. And I suspect most of the children won’t ever forget it either!

Perform Wizard of Oz holiday courses run across July and August in Sevenoaks. Visit www.perform.org.uk/holidays for full details. www.familiesonline.co.uk

BACK TO WORK

Come back to nursing Little wonder Ola Idowu went into nursing having watched her mother Felicia care devotedly for her patients in Nigeria. Not only did she pass on an enduring passion for the profession to her daughter, she instilled a work ethic Ola now wants her son to witness. And these are the reasons she has returned to nursing. Felicia passed away before seeing her daughter graduate with her BSc nursing degree, before seven-year-old Tami was born and before the 33-year-old became a treasured member of the team at the Trevor Gibbens Unit in Maidstone where her skills, experience and heart for mental health have been making a difference for the past year. She said: “It has been great. If I said I didn’t initially feel guilty, I would be lying. But Tami was six, at school and I reached a place where I thought I can do this. To show him the pride I have in my work is important.

“It seemed a little daunting and I was thinking would I remember, but it was like riding a bike. You never lose that love for caring.” Ola’s husband Deji also works for the NHS as an IT contractor. The flexibility shown by both their managers means they can share all the roles and responsibilities that come with family life. Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust would love to hear from previously-registered RMNs and RNLDs. It runs the Return to Practice programme in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University. The next course starts in January 2020 with the deadline to apply in October. Like Ola, you could look to come back into the workplace now on flexible hours as a healthcare assistant in advance of the course starting and you regaining your PIN. To find out more, log on to www.kmpt.nhs.uk/return-to-practice or for an informal chat, give Emma Hutchinson a call in the recruitment team on 01227 812351.

More Protection for Mums Returning to Work

School Holidays Put Single Parents under Pressure

Single parents struggle particularly with the extra costs involved in school holiday childcare, according to recent research commissioned by the credit information New parents returning to work could receive provider, Equifax. greater protection from redundancy under A fifth of single parents admit to calling new government proposals. in sick because they are unable to afford The government is proposing that mothers childcare. 35% of single parents take returning to work from maternity leave will be unpaid leave, compared to just 18% of protected from redundancy for a minimum of dual-income households, which puts them six months. under further financial pressure. The announcement followed research School holidays also come with the which found that one in nine women had added pressure to spend money to keep been fired or made redundant when they children entertained. The research revealed returned to work after having a child, or were that most parents expect to spend £178.29 treated so badly they felt forced out of their during a half-term holiday. job. 4 out of 5 parents agree that school It is also considering giving the same holidays are getting more expensive every protection to parents returning from adoption year, with more than 76% saying there are Ismini Phillips - Familys Magazine advert 3mm out bleed or shared parental leave. fewer free entertainment options of DEC term time, compared to five years ago.

2018_REPRO.pdf

Mums Working Close to Home Fuels Gender Pay Gap Women in every part of the UK are more likely than men to live within a 15 minute commute to their place of work, according to statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 43% of women get to work in no more than 15 minutes, whereas 61% of commuters who travel for more than an hour are men. This ‘gender commuting gap’ starts to widen after the birth of the first child in the family and continues to grow for around 10 years after that, according to analysis of the statistics by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS). Economists think this constraint on commuting longer distances may be one of www.familiesonline.co.uk

CMY

the factors contributing to the ‘gender pay gap,’ as mothers, in K particular, are limited by distance in their choice of work, needing to work closer to home and childcare facilities. More info: www.ifs.org.uk email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT The museum’s mission is ‘Inspiring generations, remembering the Few and honouring the Many’.

New museum honours wartime pilots

A new museum has opened it doors to pay tribute to WWII flying aces and tell the story of Biggin Hill airfield and the brave airmen and ground crews who served there

RAF Biggin Hill was originally founded in 1917 to be used by the Royal Flying Corps in WWI. It then played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain which was fought over the skies of Kent and the South East. Biggin Hill Memorial Museum opened on February 2 and brings this history to life through exhibitions, storytelling, film, collections of letters and wartime objects. Spitfires and Hurricanes were based there and 454 pilots were killed flying from RAF Biggin Hill during WWII. It was part of a chain of airfields that protected the capital, described by Winston Churchill as ‘the strongest link’. Because of its strategic importance, the airfield itself became a target for enemy attack, with 39 people killed on the ground. The museum is built around the St. George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, grade-II listed and

built in 1951, very close to the modern day Biggin Hill Airport. Items on display include a 50kg bomb (deactivated!), a table from a local pub with fighter pilots’ names carved into the wood, an escape crowbar for a Spitfire, fragments of pilots’

maps, compasses, uniforms and flying jackets. Many of the objects are personal and have been donated by people who served or lived at Britain’s most famous fighter station. A child’s gas mask and box brings back the reality of a child living through the threat of gas and enemy attack. Historian Dan Snow provides the museum’s audio commentary, along with veterans including the late Geoffrey Wellum (the youngest Spitfire pilot to fly in the Battle of Britain at just 19 years old).

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is at Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3EJ. For more details visit www.bhmm.org.uk

M WH EE ER TS E TH CL EM IMB E IN PA G RK

NG K BI AR IM P CL ME RE THE E H W ETS E M

Tonbridge is home to the biggest Clip n Climb in the WORLD

Book your session now: www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk | 01732 753330 UNIT 4 TON BUSINESS PARK, 2-8 MORLEY ROAD, TONBRIDGE, TN9 1RA

12 Families West Kent May/June 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

Top Five outdoor events for May & June 4-6 May Weald of Kent Country Craft Show Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG (SAT NAV TN11 8DH) A fun-packed family day in the grounds of Penshurst Place, featuring live music, street food stalls, a gin and Prosecco bar and 150+ stalls of crafts, jewellery, home and garden wares. Activities for children, petting zoo, adventure playground, vintage swing. To book tickets in advance go to www.ichfevents.co.uk 11 May The Little Welly Obstacle Course and Festival St Clere Estate, Sevenoaks, TN15 6FP This outdoor event for families and children has more than 30 challenges over a 3km route including the foam run and the big slide. Food and drink and music. Info at www.thelittlewelly.co.uk 7, 8 & 9 June Woodlands Festival Elm Wood, Off Risden Lane, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, TN18 5DU An independent family friendly festival in a relaxing woodland setting with music, food and drink, outdoor cinema, silent disco, glamping and camping, kids activities, bushcraft, and more. Info at www.woodlandsfestival.co.uk 21, 22 & 23 June Black Deer Festival of Americana and Country Music Eridge Park, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JT Family-friendly and awardwinning festival of Americana and Country Music with kids enjoying their own Young Folk festival. Huge range of activities, workshops and experiences for children, BBQ, music, glamping. Info at www.blackdeerfestival. com See this page for a chance to win tickets! 30 June Run or Dye Penshurst Place, Kent, TN11 8DG (SAT NAV TN11 8DH) Experience this most colourful fun run with friends and family. Now with new foam zone. Tickets include your race entry, bib number, t-shirt, goodie bag and entry to the post-race dye festival. For info and to book visit www.runordye.co.uk 14 Families West Kent May/June 2019

WIN

tickets to the Black Deer Festival - Americana for families

Americana is a celebration of music, family and food – the three pillars of the award-winning, modern-day festival that is Black Deer. Located on your doorstep at Eridge Park, Black Deer welcomes children of all ages and offers families the chance to create memories that will last forever. Kids can safely climb to the top of ancient oak trees, work together to help to build a Wild West town or listen to stories around the campfire. The event near Tunbridge Wells runs from June 21 to 23 and offers a ‘festival within a festival’ just for the kids called Young Folk. Outdoor adventure activities include building a

town with Woodland Tribe, giant tree climbing, cowboy/cowgirl skills and Bucking bronco. The kids will even have their very own stage, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Arts and craft workshops, guitar lessons, face painting, dressing-up tent - you name it, your children will find it. Adults will enjoy a line up on the main stage including Band of Horses, Jessie Buckley performing songs from the Wild Rose soundtrack, Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers, Billy Bragg and many more. The southern (American) style food, outdoor smokehouse cooking, drink and hospitality will be a treat for your family’s taste buds.

There’s a range of glamping and camping options for all budgets to help make a memorable weekend.

Black Deer Festival of Americana and Country Music is on 21-23 June 2019 at Eridge Park, Kent. For information and tickets go to www.blackdeerfestival.com Black Deer is giving away 2xadult weekend camping tickets plus 2xkids weekend camping tickets – a family of four package. The face value of this prize is £460. To enter, please tell us the name of the Black Deer artist who also plays the lead role in the new critically acclaimed film ‘Wild Rose’. Please email your answer to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk headed Black Deer Competition. Ts&Cs will be emailed to you. The competition closes at midnight on May 14. A winner will be selected at random and notified.

New attractions at Leeds Castle Leeds Castle has opened two fantastic new family attractions as part of its 900th anniversary celebrations. The brand new Knights’ Stronghold Playground is a thrilling new adventure playground designed for full-on fun. Children will love letting off steam by navigating through a wooden replica of Leeds Castle with spiralling slides, fireman’s poles, giant cargo nets and zip wires. The fun doesn’t end there. This year families will be able to enjoy

another new attraction as Leeds Castle will become one of the only heritage destinations in the country to open its very own adventure golf course! The course will be designed on Leeds Castle, with more challenging holes themed to daily attractions, such as falconry and the Maze. Using artificial grass, rocks, sand and planting by the gardening team, this beautiful and fully accessible new course will be open for visitors to enjoy, all year round, whatever the weather.

For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Edwardian Life at Hever Castle Discover more about the Edwardian era with a host of fun half term activities at Hever Castle and Gardens from 25 May to 2 June. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy show as well as try their hand at games from the period including hoopla, tin-can alley and boules or croquet on the lawn. Join famous author and friend of the Astor family, Arthur Conan Doyle, as he investigates reports of fairy sightings around the

gardens. And in the Castle young visitors can learn about Edwardian inventions. In the grounds, children aged 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. Under 7s can enjoy the natural play area, Acorn Dell, with its 2 metre high living willow structure and a giant sandpit. And there’s 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

OUT AND ABOUT

Racetrack thrills and a family day out at Motorsport at the Palace Under-fives go free at Motorsport at the Palace at the famous Crystal Palace track in south London over May Bank Holiday 26 and 27 May. The event includes a motor cycle demonstration, sprint races and car show. And young visitors are made at home with children’s activities and attractions as well as the thrill of watching car and motorbike racing. Held on parts of the old Crystal Palace motor racing track within the grounds of Crystal Palace Park, the show attracts cars from 1931 right up to the most modern vehicles including classic, historic, sports and single seater cars from every generation. The iconic Crystal Palace track

is one of the oldest motor sport venues in the world since it staged its first motor race in 1899. It has played host to some famous battles involving some of the sport’s greatest names like James Hunt, Jim Clark, James Hunt, Stirling Moss, Jochen Rindt, Jackie Stewart and John Surtees. This could be an early Father’s Day treat for many motor enthusiast dads! Sevenoaks & District Motor Club have run the event since 1997 with an average public attendance figure of 4,500. Around 110 cars will take part on each day, split into 20 classes. Cars race against the clock in a timed competition. The sprint course is roughly 740 meters long

and uses a good percentage of the original Crystal Palace motor racing track. The motorcycle demonstration includes classic and historic bikes ranging from 1933 right through to the 1970s and 1980s including sidecar outfits. Things on offer for children include activities organised by Diggerland and go-karts from KiddiKart. A nominal fee will be charged. There will also be a small fun fair and Reptile Events will be there with some reptiles for children to see and touch.

There is plenty of parking onsite with a £1 charge going to charity. Event organiser Karen Webber said: “We want to make this event a family day out for all ages, to enable everyone to view the cars in the paddock without restriction and enjoy all the other attractions on offer.” This is an affordable day out with tickets priced at £25 for a family of four, or adults at £12, children under 16 £6. Under 5s are free. For full details and to book tickets, visit www.motorsportatthepalace.com

NEW FAMILY ATTRACTIONS AWAIT AT LEEDS CASTLE KNIGHTS’ STRONGHOLD PLAYGROUND & LEEDS CASTLE ADVENTURE GOLF

Two new thrilling attractions designed for full on fun!

CELEBRATING 900 YEARS leeds-castle.com

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email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

15 05/04/2019 09:01

WHAT’S ON MAY JUNE

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.

May

12 MAY Race from 11am (registration desk opens at 10am) Run, Walk or Push Against Dementia Knole Park, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP Help raise money for local Dementia services with a 3k, 5k, or 10k family walk/run Info at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ runwalkpush

EVERY FRIDAY 5-7pm Frantic Fridays Children’s Club for 8-11 year olds Vine Baptist Church, Park Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 3UP Table tennis, movie nights, cooking & craft, sports & games. Free activity. Info at www.vinebaptistchurch. org.uk/youth--children 4-6 MAY Weald of Kent Country Craft Show 10am-5pm Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG (SAT NAV TN11 8DH) A fun-packed family day in the lovely grounds of Penshurst Place, featuring shows and live music, street food stalls and an artisan food market, a gin and Prosecco bar and 150+ stalls of crafts, jewellery, home and garden wares. Activities for children, petting zoo, adventure playground, vintage swing (pictured). Paid event. To book tickets in advance go to www.ichfevents.co.uk or call 01425 277988. 4-6 MAY 10.30am-6pm May Day Festival Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG A host of customs and activities to enjoy in the beautiful grounds including maypole dancing, morris dancing, Jack in the Green Procession and the Green Man Trail, plus face painting. Entry fee applies. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk 4-7 MAY 11am - 5pm Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7AD This year’s event has expanded

EVENTS 16 Families West Kent May/June 2019

18 MAY 10am-12pm Dog Show Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG Dog show with basic agility course and refreshments. £5 suggested donation. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events to four days, with talks, performances and workshops for both adults and children in the historic house and grounds. Ticket prices vary, for more information visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/ literary-festival-2019/ 6 MAY Kent Life May Day Celebrations 10am-5pm Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Traditional May Day event with Morris dancing, tug o’ war, annual parade and more. Paid event. Info at www.kentlife.org.uk/event 6 MAY 12-5pm Family Fete Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG Music & entertainment, bouncy castles, donkeys, food & drink. Free event, but donations welcome. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events

SHOWS

T H E AT R E

11 & 12 MAY 9.30am-4pm The Little Welly St Clere Estate, Sevenoaks This outdoor event for families and children has more than 30 challenges over a 3km route including the foam run and the big slide. Food and drink and music. Paid event. Info at www.thelittlewelly.co.uk 11 MAY 10.30-3.30pm Family Science Day Maidstone Museum ME14 1LH Explore crazy liquids and fun science experiments. Charges apply. For details visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk 11&12 MAY Motors by the Moat Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL Hundreds of vintage high performance and classic cars will be displayed on the Castle lawns, plus a programme of events including a Jet Ski display on the moat. Admission fee. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

F E S T I VA L S

24 MAY 8-10pm Bat Walk Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR A nocturnal quest to see bats and their amazing aerial acrobatics and other night time animals. Paid event. Info at www.boreplace.org

Half Term MAY & JUNE 2pm (daily) Falconry Displays Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL Free flying demonstrations take place in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. Admission fee applies. Info at www.leeds-castle.com EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT 6pm – family session; 8pm – open session (ages 8+ only) Roller Disco Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Buckhurst Lane,

ACTIVITIES www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON MAY& JUNE Send your events in to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by June 1 and if we have space we will try to include them 25 – 27 MAY Medieval Jousting Tournament Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Jousting, archery, medieval music and living-history encampments to discover. Admission fee applies. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

Sevenoaks, TN13 1LW In association with Atlantis Entertainment (Kent Roller Disco). No inline skates are allowed. Paid event. Info at www.sencio.org.uk 25 & 26 MAY 10.30am-6pm Bushcraft Bank Holiday Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Learn invaluable skills to make your camping adventures truly magnificent. Paid event. Info at www.penshurstplace.com 25 & 26 MAY 11am-6pm Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival A festival of tastes in the Castle’s lovely grounds with 70 stallholders. Free entry.

25 – 31 MAY 10am-5pm Baa-rilliant Half Term featuring The Sheep Show! Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Animal activities for the whole family to enjoy. Info at www.kentlife.org.uk/event 25 MAY − 2 JUNE 10am-5pm The Rooster and the Fox compass trail Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT Explore the garden with the Rooster and the Fox compass trail and tick off one of your 50 things. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25 MAY − 2 JUNE 11am-4pm Make a Monster! Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Create new friends for the Yeti. Bank holiday and half term family fun. Admission fee applies. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

25 MAY – 2 JUNE 10am-4pm Exotic Animal Trail Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS Discover Winston’s favourite exotic pets and animals hidden throughout the gardens. Plus kids will love the two-storey treehouse in the woods. Admission charges apply, trail £1. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell 26 MAY 10am-5pm Cranbrook Goes Nuts in May! A Chelsea Fringe Event. Cranbrook High Street, TN17 3EE Stalls, children’s activities, music, food & drink. Free event. Info at www. cranbrookgoesnutsinmay.co.uk 26 & 27 MAY 11am-5pm Medieval Weekend Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA Step back in time and experience Lullingstone Castle’s transformation into a medieval village. Admission charges. Kids go free. Info at www.lullingstonecastle. co.uk/events 27 MAY 11am-2pm What a Hoot! Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH A day of owl and bird based fun with a live outdoor display and talk from Kent Owl Academy.

Paid event. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org. uk/events 29 MAY 10-11.30am Creative Writing Sevenoaks Library, Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 1LQ Creative writing workshop for children aged 8-11 with Sevenoaks-based children’s writer Jemma Hart. Free event. Book in person at the library or call 0300413131. 29 MAY 11am-12.30pm & 1.30-3pm Discover Bugs and Birds Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH. Discover the amazing range of bugs and birds which inhabit the nature reserve. Paid event. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org. uk/events 30 MAY 9.30am – 4pm Garden Crafts Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR Spend the morning having fun with garden crafts and then visit the dairy cows. Paid event. Info at www.boreplace.org

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise in our July//August 2019 issue contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk 07980118626. Booking deadline June 1, artwork deadline June 5. www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

WHAT’S ON MAY& JUNE

June 1 JUNE 6-7pm The Great British Dog Walk Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT Enjoy a fun-filled sponsored walk with your furry friend. Kids go free. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk 7, 8 & 9 JUNE Woodlands Festival Off Risden Lane, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, TN18 5DU An independent family friendly festival, raising money & awareness for Alzheimer’s Society & Macmillan Cancer Support Info at www.woodlandsfestival.co.uk 8 JUNE 12-2pm Children’s Open Water Swim Session Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL Thetrilife.com will be hosting an open water swim session for 8 to 16 year olds. Paid event. Booking essential. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

8 JUNE 11am-6pm Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race Dunorlan Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3QN One-of-its-kind soapbox kart race to raise cash for local charities. A family fun day. Paid event. Info at www.crazyjeansevents.com 21, 22 & 23 JUNE Black Deer Festival Eridge Park, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JT Family-friendly and awardwinning festival of Americana and Country Music with kids enjoying a festival within a festival. Huge range of activities, workshops and experiences for children, BBQ, music, glamping. Ticketed event. Info at www.blackdeerfestival.com 22 & 29 JUNE 10-11am Guided walks to see the fawns at Knole Knole Park, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP The fawns will have been born from mid-June onwards, and you will be taken to the places you are most likely to catch a glimpse.

Families and children welcome on this two-mile walk but no dogs. £2 suggested donation. Park gates open at 9.45am, meet at the front of the house. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk 29 JUNE Junior Aquathlon Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL Junior Aquathlon for children aged from 8 to 14 years old. Paid event. Booking essential. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

30 JUNE 11am-4pm Tonbridge Vegan Food & Health Show Angel Leisure Centre, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 1SF Vegan clothing, beauty, well-being, lifestyle, jewellery, craft and more. Talks and demonstrations. Kids go free. Info at www.facebook.com/ SouthEastVeganEvents/

BAND OF HORSES John Butler trio THE STAVES

Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers THE MAVERICKS BILLY BRAGG Neko Case The dead south

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ERIDGE PARK, KENT 21ST - 23rd JUNE 2019 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW AT

BLACKDEERFESTIVAL.COM

Roxanne De Bastion GORDIE MACKEEMAN & HIS RHYTHM BOYS Groundhogs EMILY MAE WINTERS king buffalo THE Trials of Cato Irish Mythen SAM MORROW THE Black wizards William Crighton ROSEANNE REID AMY MONTGOMERY Daniel AntopolSKy Paul Cauthen JOANA SERRAT ARIELLE Morganway SAM BEER THE SOUTHERN COMPANION HANNAH WHITE & THE NORDIC CONNECTIONS D u e l M o u n ta i n s H O T R O C K P I L G R I M S S t u b b S o n i c G y p s y R e d w o o d

MORE THAN 70 ACTS ACROSS 6 STAGES Whiskey Preachin

Big Steve Arlene

Hank JD Sleek

Texas Two-Step

bluegrass bluesACROSS country gospel MORE THANFOLK 70 ACTS 6 STAGES

bluegrass FOLK blues gospel CAMPING CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES ARTISANS country & MAKERS KIDS ADVENTURES CREATIVE WORKSHOPS & TALKS SMOKEHOUSE COOKING & BBQ COMPETITION

SMOKEHOUSE COOKING CRAFT BEER custom motorcycles ARTISANS & MAKERS CREATIVE WORKSHOPS & TALKS KIDS’ OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

18 Families West Kent May/June 2019

*AIF UK Independent Festival Awards 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON FATHER’S DAY 15 & 16 JUNE Father’s Supercar Weekend Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Classic cars in a stunning location including Alfa Romeos and Ferraris. Plus kids activities, the water maze and adventure playgrounds. Admission fees apply. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

16 JUNE Jazz for Dads Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Father’s Day event. Explore the gardens, then bring a rug & picnic and enjoy the music no booking required. (Free tea for Dads in the café.) Admission fee applies. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

16 JUNE Father’s Day at Ightham Mote 10am-3pm Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT A fun day for all the family including games, beer tasting and fishing in the moat. Admission fee. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WHAT’S ON THEATRE & DANCE

4 MAY 8pm Horrible Histories Barmy Britain The Festival Theatre, Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Horrible Histories live on stage with a new West End show that has never toured before. It’s the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! Paid event. Info at www.heverfestival.co.uk 22 & 23 MAY AM & PM performances Dear Zoo Hazlitt Theatre, 36 Earl St, Maidstone, ME14 1PP This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Info at www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk 29 MAY 1pm Three Little Pig Tails Smallhythe Place, Smallhythe Road, Tenterden, TN30 7NG A brand new version of the classic story of the three little pigs set in Paris. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ smallhythe-place

EVENTS www.familiesonline.co.uk

SHOWS

29 MAY 2.30pm Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves The Festival Theatre, Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Literary classic packed with cliff-hangers, larger-than-life characters, and laughs galore. Paid event.Info at www.heverfestival.co.uk 2 JUNE (half-term) 2pm & 6pm The Wizard of Oz The Stag Theatre, London road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ Summer Pantomime adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic story. Fun for all the family! Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

An hour of songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages. Info at www.emftheatre.com 27 – 29 JUNE 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm The Tiger Who Came to Tea Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU A stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem. Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

8 & 9 JUNE 12 & 4pm Sat and 11am & 3pm Sun My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU Give children a first taste of the world of ballet with the National Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty. Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 9 JUNE 2pm Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge TN9 1JP

T H E AT R E

F E S T I VA L S

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk