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West Kent

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Focus: school news and open day directory Clubs and classes Whatâ€™s On Half-term activities

Issue 1 September/October 2018

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

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I chose Bethany because it is a small school with a family feel, with lots of choices of activities and subjects. Madeleine

LO V E W H AT YO U L E A R N

Take a fresh look at Bethany School and discover a world of freedom. No limiting your options, just the independence and support you need. Fantastic facilities and an expansive activities programme allow children to ﬂourish and achieve the best possible results. Join us at one of our next Open Mornings Saturday 22nd September 10am -1pm Wednesday 17th October 9am -11.30am

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Contents Page 3 Welcome Page 4-7 Education Focus Page 8 Joy of Reading with great books giveaway!

Editor’s Welcome

Welcome to the first issue of Families West Kent Magazine. I’m delighted to introduce this Families magazine full of local news, articles and information about family life in the beautiful West Kent area. As a mum bringing up two children in the area I hope to give you useful information, ideas for days out and family trips, upcoming events and interesting features for those rare moments when you can sit down with a coffee and enjoy a good read. Families West Kent will be published every two months with 16,000 distributed in the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone areas. Families come in all shapes and sizes and our magazines are aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12. There is something for everyone, from our Education Focus on school open days and tutoring to book giveaways for all ages, and from support groups for new parents to clubs and classes for babies and kids. And our What’s On pages give you a comprehensive listing of trips, attractions and days out, family theatre, and events both free and paid for. Have a great autumn and October half term. Best wishes

Page 9 & 10 Out and About Page 11 Bumps and Babies Pages 12 Clubs and Classes Page 13-16 What’s Ons including half-term and spooky Halloween fun

Helen PS. Our next edition will be November/December so look out for our Christmas panto and theatre guide. And remember to find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Page 16 Directory listings

@FamiliesWestKentMag

Sutton Valence Preparatory School

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svs.org.uk

West Kent Editor Helen Cook editor@familieswestkent.co.uk 07980118626 Next issue: November/December 2018 Booking deadline: October 1 Artwork deadline: October 5 Advertising: email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk or call 07980118626. What’s on listings: please email details to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk Listings may be included space permitting but cannot be guaranteed. Distributing to schools, nurseries, leisure centres, play centres, theatres and more in: Sevenoaks, Weald, Westerham, Brasted, Sundridge, Tunbridge Wells, Pembury, Bidborough, Lamberhurst, Cranbrook, Benenden, Tonbridge, Hildenborough, Paddock Wood, Kings Hill, West Malling, Aylesford, Maidstone, Bearsted, Rochester and areas in between. Issue 1 September/October 2018

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

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NEW 50-week Nursery From January 2019, Sutton Valence Prep School will be offering high-quality nursery provision for 50 weeks a year.

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.

Our next edition will be November/December so look out for our Christmas panto and theatre guide. To advertise please contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk or call 07980118626. www.familiesonline.co.uk

Please contact Abigail Betts for further information: T: 01622 842800 | E: bettsa@svs.org.uk

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

EDUCATION FOCUS

Making the move: settling into secondary school Bethany School has over 150 years’ experience of helping new pupils settle in and has the following advice for parents: 1. Find out about taster days or induction events for new pupils. 2. Manage anxieties by doing a ’practice run’ to school. 3. Pack their school bag the night before. 4. The homework load will be higher, so be aware of assignments and deadlines. 5. Print your child’s timetable so

you know what lessons they have each day. 6. Stay in touch with your child’s tutor and let them know about any concerns. 7. Encourage your child to participate in clubs and trips. 8. Agree with your child where to meet if you need to pick them up late. 9. Make sure they know where to leave belongings safely during the day. 10. Check whether the school has a policy on mobile phones.

See listings for details of Bethany School Open Day

How to choose a tutor

We all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. If you are considering employing a tutor to work with your child, how do you go about selecting the right one? What questions should you ask to check suitability for the job?

✱ Is this tutor a qualified, DBS-checked teacher? ✱ Can this tutor assess my child’s needs? ✱ What resources will the tutor be providing?

By Sevenoaks Tutoring

✱ Where will the tuition take place? Look out for the word “instructor” or “qualified tutor” used in place of “qualified teachers”. Unfortunately, the tuition industry is unregulated and anybody can tutor without being a qualified teacher. It is up to you to make sure you ask questions to ensure you are getting the right person and the service you require.

If you would like to find out more about the services we provide, and book a free assessment, please visit our website www.sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk or contact us on 01732 453657

Only Half of Pre-School Children Being Read to Daily The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20% since 2013, according to recent research. The annual Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69% of preschool children were read to daily in 2013, that figure had now dropped to just 51%. The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16% said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t feel comfortable in bookshops, and nearly half are

overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books. The publisher Egmont, which co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily, and warned that the “steep decline” in reading to young children “signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact”. More info: www.egmont.co.uk

✱ Do you want your child to love books and reading? See page 8 for our special features on children’s authors and our book giveaway!

4 Families West Kent September/October 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION FOCUS

Digital Citizenship Classes study “digital citizenship” to The internet and social media learn about their rights and are a permanent part of modern responsibilities online and that childhood and for most children social media companies should they offer huge opportunities to rewrite their terms and conditions learn and connect, according to in far simpler language. the Children’s Commissioner for Children already learn about England. using the internet and staying safe However, children are now online at school but Ms Longfield the internet’s biggest users and wants to make this learning part of Anne Longfield believes they have the curriculum from age 4 with the inadequate skills to negotiate their focus on ‘digital resilience’. lives online and are frequently She has produced a ‘Digital 5 a giving away personal information. Day’ guide which sets out ways in Ms Longfield recommends which families can make sure time interventions from government online time is productive. to make sure children are better This guide can act as a base for equipped to make safe and family agreements about internet informed choices online. She use during term and holiday time. recommends that children should More info at www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk

Should You Help with Homework?

Sutton Valence Prep School – 50-week Nursery

Sutton Valence Preparatory School is delighted to announce the launch of a new 50-week Nursery from January 2019. The School has a history of providing outstanding education and exceptional nursery care in stunning surroundings. The safe and nurturing environment enables children to play, learn and develop their skills with growing confidence. Our partnership with parents facilitates a smooth transition from home

to Nursery and the 7.30am – 6.00pm wrap-around care supports working families during the first important steps into education. There will be a morning bus service from Headcorn station and government-funded free entitlement sessions will be available (15-hour and a limited number of 30-hour arrangements). Children may start in the term that they turn three.

To learn more, please contact Abigail Betts, email bettsa@svs.org.uk, 01622 842800, or come to our next Open Morning on Friday 12th October. www.svs.org.uk

When your children settle down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hands off? Researchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence. The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently, the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later. However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less taskpersistent the child’s behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer more and more help. “One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child’s skills and capabilities. This,

in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities,”Associate Professor, Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland explained. Similarly, concrete homework assistance - especially if not requested by a child - may send out a message that a parent doesn’t believe in their child’s ability to do their homework. When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently, leading to poorer development of skills. “It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering homework assistance. Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” Viljaranta said.

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

We can help your child: • Build confidence • Move up a set

• Improve exam results • Develop and reach goals

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

FREE Assessm ent & Taste r Lesson

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

More info at www.sciencedaily.com www.familiesonline.co.uk

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EDUCATION FOCUS

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

Beechwood Sacred Heart School, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QD (Junior & Senior co-ed) Saturday October 6 www.beechwood.org.uk 01892 532747 Benenden School, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA (Girls senior school) Thursday September 20 (11+ candidates only) & Saturday October 6 www.benenden.kent.sch.uk 01580 240592 Bethany School, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 1LB (Co-ed senior school) Saturday September 22 and Wednesday October 17 www.bethanyschool.org.uk 01580 211273 Cranbrook School, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JD (Co-ed, selective, state-funded day and boarding senior school) Wednesday September 19 (Year 7 & 9 Open Evening); Friday September 21 (Year 7 Open Morning); Tuesday September 25 (Year 9 Open Morning); Wednesday September 26 (Year 9 Open Morning); Tuesday October 16 (Year 7 Open Morning) www.cranbrookschool.co.uk 01580 711800 Dulwich Prep School, Cranbrook, TN17 3NP (Co-ed junior school to age 13) Thursday October 4 www.dulwichprepcranbrook.org 01580 712179 Fosse Bank Prep School, Hildenborough, TN11 8ND (Co-ed junior school) Saturday September 22 (open day); open week Monday 24 - Friday September 28 www.fossebankschool.co.uk 01732 834212 Hilden Grange Prep School, Tonbridge TN10 3BX (Co-ed junior school to age 13) Saturday October 6 2018, from 9.30am12.30pm www.hildengrange.co.uk 01732 352706 Hilden Oaks School, Tonbridge

TN10 3BU (Co-ed nursery and junior school) Tuesday October 2 9am-11am www.hildenoaks.co.uk 01732 353941 Holmewood House School, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0EB (Co-ed junior school to age 13) Friday October 5 www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk 01892 860006 Kent College, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4AX (Girls Prep and Senior school) Saturday October 6 (senior school) Tuesday October 16 (Prep school) www.kent-college.co.uk 01892 820218 King’s Rochester, Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester ME1 1TE, (Co-ed pre-prep, prep and senior school) Saturday September 29 www.kings-rochester.co.uk 01634 888590 Marlborough House School, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook TN18 4PY (Co-ed junior school to age 13) Friday October 12 www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk 01580 753555 Radnor House School, Sundridge, Sevenoaks TN14 6AE (Co-ed Senior school) Saturday October 13 2018 www.radnor-sevenoaks.org 01959 563720 Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SY (Co-ed junior school to age 13) Wednesday October 3 www.rosehillschool.co.uk 01892 525591 Sackville School, Tonbridge TN11 9HN (Co-ed Senior School) Saturday September 30 & Tuesday October 10 www.sackvilleschool.co.uk 01732 838888 Sevenoaks Prep School, Sevenoaks TN15 0JU (Co-ed junior school to age 13) No open days but individual visits on request. www.theprep.org.uk 01732 762336

Sevenoaks School Sevenoaks, TN13 1HU (Co-ed day and boarding senior school) Saturday September 15 www.sevenoaksschool.org 01732 455133 Solefield School Sevenoaks TN13 1PH (Boys prep school) No open days but individual visits on request. www.solefieldschool.org 01732 452142 St Andrews Prep School, Rochester ME1 1SA (Co-ed prep school) Saturday October 13 www.st-andrews.rochester.sch.uk 01634 843479 St Ronans, Hawhurst TN18 5DJ (Co-ed junior school to age 13) No open days but visits by arrangement. www.saintronans.co.uk 01580 752271 Sutton Valence School, Sutton Valence, ME17 3HL (Co-ed Pre-prep, Prep and Senior school) Saturday September 29 (Senior School) Friday October 12 (Prep); www.svs.org.uk 01622 845200 The Granville School, Sevenoaks TN13 3LJ (Prep school for girls 3-11 and boys 3-4 years). No open days, visits by arrangement. www.granvilleschool.org 01732 453039

The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5SN (co-educational prep school), 01892 525837 www.meadschool.info For forthcoming open days please see website. The New Beacon School, Sevenoaks TN13 2PB (Boys prep school to age 13) Friday October 12 1-3pm. Please register online. www.newbeacon.org.uk 01732 452131 The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge TN11 0NJ (3 schools, 1 co-ed pre-prep, 1 girls prep, 1 boys prep) Friday September 21 & Saturday September 22. www.somerhill.org 01732 375951 Tonbridge School, Tonbridge TN9 1JP (Boys senior day and boarding school) Saturday October 6 www.tonbridge-school.co.uk 01732 365555 Walthamstowe Hall, Sevenoaks TN13 3UL (Girls day junior & senior school) Senior School Open day Saturday September 29. For the Junior School, parents are invited to book a tour. www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk 01732 451334

Take advantage of Kumon’s two-week Free Trial Kumon study helps children of any age and any ability to shine. Established for 60 years, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable students of all ages and abilities to develop into confident, independent learners with strong study skills. We believe this opportunity to grow academically and personally should be available to all children. That is why, between September 1 and October 31, your local Sevenoaks study centre is offering a two-week Free Trial of the Kumon programmes for new students.

To take part in our Free Trial, just contact your local Instructor, Mandy Yarnold, and book a consultation. The Kumon Sevenoaks Study Centre is located at The Kippington Centre, Kippington Road with classes running on Mondays and Wednesdays between 4 and 6pm. To find out how Kumon study can help your child to shine, contact your local Instructor, Mandy Yarnold, on 01342 851221 or email sevenoaks@kumoncentre.co.uk

You’ll find more information on our website, www.Kumon.co.uk 6 Families West Kent September/October 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION FOCUS

Get the best out of Open Days This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours.

What is an Open Day? School open days help you decide what school you want your child to go to. During an open day, prospective parents are shown around the school, often on a school day, to give them a flavour of the working life of the school and the school environment. You will be able to see the children in lesson and talk to the teachers and pupils. Sometimes pupils are given the task of showing parents around the school. This is a great opportunity to ask them how they enjoy being at the school. How settled, relaxed and confident these children are can give you an idea of how happy the children are there. Usually, the head teacher or a senior member of staff also gives a talk which includes a general overview of the school and its values and ethos. This is often followed by a presentation by the head of admissions or the relevant head of the section of the school (for example, head of reception, or sixth form). When Are They Held? State schools generally hold

Open Days in September and October aimed at children and families looking for a school place for the following year. It’s

Tips for handling your school visit ✱ Take your child with you.

There is no point in falling in love with a school only to find your child does not want to go there.

✱ What is your general feeling about the school? Your gut reaction is very important. ✱ Do the pupils look happy and engaged? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask the pupils what they think of the school. ✱ Don’t make decisions on individual teachers. They often move on and large departments have a variety of teachers that will rotate every year to teach your child a particular subject. ✱ If your child has a particular interest in a subject, make sure you visit the department and look at the kind of work they will be doing. ✱ What extra-curricular activities do they have? Are there clubs that will engage your www.familiesonline.co.uk

child and allow them to pursue a broad range of interests?

✱ While exam results aren’t everything, every parent wants their child to do well. Academic performance is a top priority for many families. It’s a good idea to see how the school is performing compared to other local schools, using exam league tables and Ofsted reports. ✱ If, after the all your initial visits, you are still undecided, go back and visit the schools on your shortlist again during a normal working day. ✱ Finally, in making your decision, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts; you know your child and you are best placed to ascertain what is right for them. If your child is older, do take account of their preferences too and include them in the decision making process. The best decision will undoubtedly be the one you all agree.

a good idea to start looking a year in advance. So if your child is starting school, start looking at schools when they are three.

If you are looking for secondary school places, start looking in year 5 (when your child is nine or ten). You can then revisit the schools you are most interested in with your child the following year. Independent schools often hold Open Days throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They can have waiting lists for Reception-age children or require children to take a schoolspecific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place, so you need find out the criteria for entry to the school and visit well in advance. How are Open Days Organised? Schools organise Open Evenings as well as days to allow working parents to visit the school too. Some schools (mainly independent) hold Open Days on a Saturday. All schools put a lot of care and organisation into the events and they all want to show their school in the best light. However, there may be a lot of people attending so do be sure to turn up on time and follow the school’s directions during the event.

Improve your child’s study skills Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Sevenoaks Study Centre Mandy Yarnold 01342 851 221

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

JOY OF READING

There is no doubt about the benefits of reading for children from an early age. Research also shows the longer children keep an enjoyment of reading going, the greater the benefits are in the classroom. Ten-year-olds who enjoy reading have a reading age 1.3 years higher than their peers who do not enjoy reading, rising to 2.1 years for 12-year-olds and 3.3 years for 14-year-olds (Source: The Literacy Trust) And with so many exciting children’s authors around, it’s a perfect time to encourage your child to discover the mind-expanding world of imagination and knowledge between the pages of a book. We bring you a Families special feature on the joy of reading, with author interviews, details of exciting literary events for children – and a great book giveaway with signed and personalised copies up for grabs! Read on…

The mystery of history AUTHOR

Horse Tales A 25-year career as a mounted police officer gave Emma Toomey the inspiration and material for her books about her horse, Freddie Windsor, and his adventures. Emma, who lives in the Sevenoaks area, explains: “I started a diary when I was transferred to the Metropolitan Police in 2004, then I turned them into one book but quickly realised our job is so varied that one book turned into 10. My books are from real life - you couldn’t make this up!” So far she has published Freddie Changes the Guard at Buckingham Palace (Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers 2013) and Freddie Goes Back to School (Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers 2016) with Freddie Goes to Football planned for Christmas 2018 or January 2019. Her books are illustrated with photographs of Freddie and his friends as they perform their police duties including changing the guard. Freddie was her faithful steed in the Met for six years and was a shire horse who adored children. Emma says the books can be enjoyed from ages three to 15, and are ideal for horse-mad youngsters, but adults like them

AUTHOR

too for their insights into the lives of working police horses. Emma explains: “Our roles are from Changing the Guard, ceremonial events in London, football matches, demonstrations like the Trump visit to high visibility patrols.”

Emma has TWO copies of EACH of her two published books to give away, signed and personalised. To enter for the giveaway, please email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk with your contact details and say which book you would like to receive and the name to be included. Winners will be picked at random on Nov 1 and notified and emails and personal data will be deleted and not retained.

Freddie has his own Facebook page Freddie Windsor Police Horse and website www.freddiewindsor.co.uk and look out for Freddie Goes to Football!

Successful writer Nikki Young is inspired by the idea of the past intermingling with the present and her latest book Time School: We Will Remember Them explores this concept. The children in the story arrive at their school one morning to find it is all different, buildings are missing, other pupils are dressed in strange uniforms, there is talk of the war… they soon realise this is no ordinary day. Time School is aimed at young readers aged nine to 12. Nikki, from Sevenoaks, explains: “The children in the stories uncover things about their past they had no idea about, but that have a direct reflection on their current lives. This helps them to understand more about themselves, shaping who they are as young people trying to make sense of the world.” She says the inspiration came from her own school.“I had the idea for Time School years ago and wanted to create a series that explored different periods in time. It made logical sense to go back to WWI when the school was relatively new. I hope schools can use the book when discussing the WWI Centenary.” Time School: We Will Remember Them is published by Troubador, as is her other book The Mystery of the Disappearing Underpants (2017) which is suitable for ages eight to 10. When Harry and James form a secret agency for the summer,

their first task is to investigate the disappearance of Harry’s lucky underpants. It is based on the street where Nikki grew up in West Yorkshire and draws on her childhood memories. Nikki also presents workshops in schools and runs Storymaker classes for young writers in Sevenoaks. For more details see her websites http://www. nikkiyoung.co.uk and http:// www.storymakersclub.com and see information about the writing classes on the Clubs and Classes page in this issue.

Nikki has TWO copies of EACH of her two published books to give away, signed and personalised. To enter for the giveaway, please email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk with your contact details and say which book you would like to receive and the name to be included. Winners will be picked at random on Nov 1 and notified and emails and personal data will be deleted and not retained.

Inspired event for young readers

There will be also be free author performances and activities all Young at a children’s literature festival in her inspiration and giving her young day from 10.30am to 3pm in a marquee on the Vine, at the readers Sevenoaks. fans tips on how to be an author bottom of Sevenoaks High Street. have a Organised by Sevenoaks or illustrator. She will be signing And award-winning author and chance to Bookshop, the first Sevenoaks books in Sevenoaks Bookshop in meet multiYoung Readers Festival on Saturday, Sevenoaks High Street after her talk. illustrator, David Litchfield, will be bringing his musical million-copy September 29 will include a full day Emma Carroll, Hilary McKay, and Bear Band to the selling, of author visits and free events at Katherine Woodfine will be talking More book day with a awardvenues in the town. about how they gain inspiration events for kids performance winning Cressida will be talking about her from history to create their exciting at Cranbrook in the Vine author Cressida Cowell, creator brand new book The Wizards of adventures for children aged 9-12. Literarature Bandstand of the How to Train Your Dragon Once: Twice Magic, the amazingly Other events were already sold out Festival - see the at 2pm. and The Wizards of Once series, popular How To Train Your Dragon, at time of going to press. What’s On For details and to book for the ticketed events please visit www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk/ and www.sevlitfest.com/ pages. 8 Families West Kent September/October 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

Go Wild this Autumn! By Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks

Autumn; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors. There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas: Make Leaf Mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile. You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle. ✱ Collect colourful fallen leaves cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick in the woods or the park. ✱ Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in. ✱ Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. ✱ Thread leaves and seeds along the twine. ✱ Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine. Go Wild Foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Gather some berries, nuts and leaves. Make sure you know what’s safe to eat though before you give your permission for your children to eat what they’ve collected! When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds.Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads.

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs? You will need: basic cooking equipment eg: a griddle, frying pan and Dutch oven (a cast iron cooking pot with lid), measuring cups, knives, spoons and a mixing bowl. Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque. You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips, and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar. Alternatively, a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes. Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods! Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins.

Make Jam with Wild Fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam. Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar. Simmer for about one Outdoor Halloween For a real Halloween adventure, go to the woods, the park or into the garden after dark for a scary feast, made more festive with wild decorations! Create: Pumpkin faces - no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and scary faces. Leafy decorations - cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting. Leafy lanterns – tie string around jars to make handles. Cut scary faces in colourful leaves and attach them to the jars with elastic bands. Pumpkin lanterns - carve pumpkins into decorated lanterns and place them in a trail for your friends to follow.

hour or until it sets (does it form a jelly on a cold saucer?) Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on. Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. Cover the lid with a large leaf.

Prepare a warming Halloween feast; cheesy baked potatoes and pumpkin soup, sausages wrapped in chunks of bread, toffee apples or apple tarts, and sweet pumpkin pie. Set up a Halloween mystery trail with a few scary surprises, perhaps a ghost in the trees and a spider’s web across the path?

More about Going Wild - Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book. The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published by Frances Lincoln in July 2018. For more information, visit www.goingwild.net www.familiesonline.co.uk

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OUT AND ABOUT

Revel in traditional Christmas tales at Hever Castle and Gardens Enjoy the Christmas spirit at Hever Castle Wednesdays to Sundays from 24 November and daily from 10 to 24 December as the castle in Kent plays homage to traditional Christmas tales. Rooms of the castle will be beautifully decorated and themed around stories including the Nutcracker, The Tailor of Gloucester and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Outside in the stunning grounds discover the festive trail themed around Charles Dickens’ classic novel ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Father Christmas will visiting on select dates over the festive period and there’s the chance to experience Hever Castle after dark at Twilight Christmas evenings taking place on 1, 8, 14, 20 and 21 December.

For further information about Christmas activities, prices and booking Father Christmas visits, see hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on

Project helps to teach children about bats National Trust property Ightham Mote is launching a ‘citizen science’ project to involve local residents and school children in all aspects of bat surveying and to learn about safeguarding the historic property’s bat species and their habitats. Over the last 20 years, eight different types of bat have been identified at the 14th century moated manor house and several of these are classified as ‘priority species’, for example the brown long-eared and noctule bats. These ‘indicator species’ are especially sensitive to changes in land use practices and the environment, and variations in these bat populations can point to changes in aspects of biodiversity. Now the 500-acre estate near Sevenoaks has received a grant of £7,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £4,900 from Ibstock Enovert Trust for the bat monitoring and habitat creation project.

The aim is to establish a consistent monitoring system to accurately identify and protect the bat population in their natural habitats on the estate. Local schools, communities and visitors can find out more about the project and the significance of bat conservation through volunteering, organised bat walks and a new bat trail. The Bat Trail Story will run at Ightham Mote from 20-28 October and has been written by children from Leigh and Weald primary schools who took part in a writing competition. The Ightham Mote learning team visited both schools before the summer to give a lesson on bats. Ightham Mote’s Lead Ranger, Andy Goodwin, said: “By engaging the local community, visitors and local schools in our wildlife projects, we hope to engender a love of wildlife and the outdoors, reconnecting families with nature.”

Brown long-eared bat (c) NT Hugh Clarke

Updates on the bat monitoring and conservation will also be available on Ightham Mote’s website (below), and via the property’s Facebook and Twitter social media channels.

The Bat Trail Story will run from 20-28 October, at Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, near Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, entry fee applies. Full details www.nationaltrust.co.uk/ightham-mote For evening bat walks in West Kent see the What’s Ons section pages 13 -16.

Cycling the countryside

Bough Beech Reservoir

A love of exploring the beautiful local countryside with their two children Jess, 12, and Max, 10, inspired Tim Seddon and his wife Suzy to set up Countrybike to make it easier for other families to enjoy West Kent by bike. Now Countrybikes are stationed ready to use at 11 attractions, pubs and farm shops around Kent and East Sussex like Chiddingstone Castle, The Spa Valley Railway in Groombridge, Penshurst Place & Gardens and The Dirty Habit 11th Century Pub on the 10 Families West Kent September/October 2018

Pilgrims Way near Maidstone. To access the bikes customers can either just use a simple Mobile app to hire bikes at these locations or alternatively prearrange delivery of bikes to different places in the area for the day. Four of the venues have kids’ bikes suitable for 8-11 year olds stationed at them whilst further kids’ bikes, a tag along and a baby carrier can also be reserved in advance. All the venues have free to use cycle helmets available to people hiring the bikes too. So there’s no need to wrestle your own bikes onto the bike rack for weekend and half term days out. It is ideal if you don’t own bikes for the whole family as you can hire enough for all or if you have friends visiting for the weekend and want to give them a bike’s eye view of the countryside. Tim explained: “We believe that time spent away from screens and exploring the countryside by bicycle is time well spent for kids and adults alike.

“Many of our partner venues are on or close to off-road cycle routes and so are perfect for carefree cycling with the whole family. The Mobile App technology we use has enabled us to open up the countryside and many of these routes in a way that was simply not possible to do in the past.” Countrybike has been shortlisted as finalists by The Rural Business awards for Best New Start-up in the South East, judged in October. For more details about the bikes, where to find them and how to use Countrybike, visit the website at www.countrybike.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

BUMPS AND BABIES

Support for new parents When you have a tiny baby, managing to get out of the house can seem like Mission Impossible. But once you do get out it is so much better for morale to meet other parents and find some friendly groups and venues. Here are just a few local suggestions: ● If you want some mood-boosting exercise you can do with your baby in tow, Sling Swing classes in Maidstone and Barming offer parents or caregivers the chance to dance and bond with baby. Mums can attend classes from when babies are six weeks old (as long as mum is over the birth and baby has had the six week check). You can bring baby in your own carrier or borrow a sling at the class. The classes are run by Kimmy Falconer of Mid Kent Babywearing, who also organises the local sling library in Maidstone for mums to try out different baby wearing slings. Free stretchy slings hire is

offered for babies under six weeks old. Mid Kent Babywearing also offers expectant parent workshops and new baby workshops. For more information see the Facebook page Mid Kent Babywearing, call 07930 758763 or email kimmyfalconer@ slingswing.co.uk ● Breastfeeding can be a mixed experience for some mums but help is at hand. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) group near to you will probably have a breastfeeding clinic or consultant to give advice. The NCT linked Baby Café meets every Monday in term time from 10am to 12noon at the Manna Cafe, Christ Church, High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UT. All pregnant or breastfeeding mums are welcome. For information see http://www. thebabycafe.org and look for the Tunbridge Wells café. The first session is Monday September 3. To find your local NCT branch

3.30pm. On Saturdays, Dads can head along to Dad & Co with their children aged seven and under. This is 9am - 10.30am and normally, but not always, the first Saturday of the month. For more information visit www.stnicholas-sevenoaks.org and look in the What’s On. Do you want your group or playgroup to feature in Families West Kent Magazine? Please email information to

editor@familieswestkent.co.uk to let other parents know about help and support.

Babies prefer hearing voices of other babies

Can’t imagine what a Good Birth looks like?

Recent research has revealed that babies appear to be much more interested in listening to other babies than adults. Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal conducted experiments on five month old babies. By using a synthesizer that simulates movements of the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords, they were able to produce vowel sounds that mimicked human voices. The babies displayed a clear preference for the synthetic baby voices, listening to

Three top resources to help you paint your own picture… By Charlotte Edun Hypnobirthing Practitioner

It’s the same from movies to soaps, reality TV to glossy magazines. Our picture of birth is wall to wall sweaty, out-of-control women, accompanied by panicky men, while stern, white-coated medics ‘Take Charge’. It’s always the heat of the moment. The brink of disaster. Our only story about birth, is how awful it is. This matters. And it matters because if all you’ve ever known is that birth = pain + suffering, it’s kind of hard to do anything except feel pain & suffer. So what if birth made you bolder? What if it made you stronger? What if you walked away feeling overcome with pride in yourself – however that baby came out of your body? It can happen. A good birth is a realistic option. And if you want to begin to paint a picture of what it might mean for you, here are 3 top resources to take a look at. 1. In person The Positive Birth Movement – there’s a group in Sevenoaks! https://www. positivebirthmovement.org/

and get information about services and meet ups, visit www.nct.org. uk or find the group on Facebook. ● Local church playgroups can be a great place to meet other new mums. In Sevenoaks, St Nicholas’ church hosts its Babies Club, a midweek group for mothers and carers with babies aged up to 12 months every Thursday during term time from 10-11.30am in the St Nicholas Undercroft. For pre-school children and their carer, the church also runs two Mum and Co sessions which meet every Wednesday during term time in the St Nicholas Undercroft from 9.45-11.15am and 1.45-

them for 40% longer, on average, than the adult voices. Linda Polka, a professor at McGill University, says babies do like their parents’ voices but adds:”However, infant speech captures and holds infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions. This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalisations, perhaps energising and supporting spoken language development.” More info at www.sciencedaily.com

Hypnobirthing & antenatal 2. In print The Calm Birth Method book, by Suzy Ashworth - https://www.amazon.com/CalmBirth-Method-Practical-Hypnobirthebook/dp/B06X9XPB19 3. Online Tell Me a Good Birth Story - http://www. tellmeagoodbirthstory.com/ Charlotte Edun is a Hypnobirthing Practitioner and Positive Birth Movement Facilitator. Her courses support women as they create a positive, realistic mindset and environment for birth, regardless of how it happens.

Workshops Resources Classes Courses

Are you ready to take control?

For more information about working with Charlotte, visit www.thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk or email charlie@thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

CLUBS AND CLASSES

Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform

Top Tips for choosing classes, activities and clubs for your child By Elisabeth Dolton

A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential. Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential – even those that are shy and reserved. “Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication.

“Classes are small with both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.” Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children. “Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen.

For more information on your local classes in Bidborough, Hempstead, Kings Hill, Langton Green, Maidstone, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Creative Writing Club for children aged 7+ years Does your child love to write stories? Children’s author Nikki Young runs Storymakers creative writing classes for children aged seven and over. The weekly groups in Sevenoaks include: ✸ The Story Writers - in this group, children learn the art of writing stories, from harnessing ideas, to developing characters, settings and plot. ✸ The Writer Buds – children can explore different writing styles and techniques with the Writer Buds and have fun with writing in small group settings. ✸ The Young Writers - for children aged 11 years or above, the Young Writers meet fortnightly to undertake writing projects, as well as to work on their creative writing techniques. For information email storymakers@nikkiyoung.co.uk or visit www.storymakersclub.com 12 Families West Kent September/October 2018

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the range and volume of activities, classes and clubs available for your child to join? Aside from the important issue of LOGISTICS, in other words, how are these activities going to fit into your schedule, how do you go about deciding what to choose? Here are my top tips: ✸ Talk to your children, explain how many activities you think there is time for and find out what they are interested in pursuing. ✸ Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves. ✸ Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn and don’t impose your own preferences. ✸ If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist. ✸ Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children. ✸ Always consider the benefits of an activity. For instance, there’s great value in discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time and teach value skills such as leadership and team work eg putting on a play. ✸ Don’t assume that high cost equals high quality. ✸ Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience. ✸ Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so try to include a sport. ✸ If you are stuck between two similar activities, consider the usefulness, e.g. drumming lessons might be cool, but the guitar might have wider applicability. Good luck!

Get in the swim

Kids often love water-based clubs and learning to swim can be a life-saver – literally! Have a look for clubs in the area. Sencio offer swimming lessons at their leisure centres in Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and Swanley. Courses run every 10 weeks and they offer a special swimming lessons membership. Find out more at www.sencio.org.uk/memberships 12 www.familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on

SHOWS THEATRE FESTIVALS ACTIVITIES

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.

September

3,10,17 & 24 SEPT 10-11.30am Storytelling in Knole House bookshop, Green Court, Knole House, Knole Park, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP. Free event for children under 5 to enjoy short stories and nursery rhymes www.nationaltrust.org. uk/knole/whats-on 7,8 & 9 SEPT 10.30am-5pm Weald of Kent Country Craft Show at Penshurst Place near Tonbridge TN11 8DG. Exhibitors, demonstrations, stalls of gifts and artisan crafts. Visit www.ichf.co.uk to pre-book tickets. 8 SEPT 10am-5pm The 21st annual Dragon Boat Festival at Bewl Water in aid of charity. Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst TN3 8JH. Crews of 16 paddlers (plus a drummer) race in Chinese-style Dragon Boats over a 250-metre course. Info at www.funraisers.org.uk 8 & 9 SEPT 10am-4pm. Hops and Honey Weekend, Scotney Castle, near Lamberhurst TN3 8JN. Guided walks and tours throughout the day to the working hop farm at Little Scotney. Local stalls, hog roast and ale tasting. Normal admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle. (Tours to the farm cost £3pp.)

8 & 9 SEP 10am-5pm Tonbridge Castle Medieval Fair, Tonbridge. The fair will take place on the Castle lawn with stalls along the River Walk. Free Admission. Full details at www.tmbc.gov.uk 9 SEPT 10am-4pm The 6th Tonbridge Dragon Boat Race, Tonbridge town centre on the River Medway at www.familiesonline.co.uk

the Watergate (Big Bridge). On the same weekend the Tonbridge Medieval Fair will take place. Details at www.tmbc.gov.uk

Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD. Children ages 5+. Donations welcome. Information at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

8 & 9 SEPT 10am-4pm Sevenoaks Festival for All, Vine Gardens, Sevenoaks High Street. For details see www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk

15 SEPT 6-10pm Beauty & The Beast Outdoor Screening in the courtyard at Knole House TN15 0RP. Tickets from www.nationaltrust.org.uk

9 SEPT 11am-5pm Country and Food Festival at Chiddingstone Castle Edenbridge TN8 7AD. A festival of Country Life with the Annual Family Dog Show, music, terrier racing, country displays and this year, a new Food and Drink Festival. Full details on website: www.chiddingstonecastle.org. uk 9 SEPT 12noon entries open, 1.30pm classes start. Annual End of Season Dog Show at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks TN15 0RR. Entry fee. Full details on: www.riverhillgardens.co.uk 9 SEPT 2pm-4.30pm Woodland Craft Activity Day, Bough Beech Oast House, Bough Beech, Winkhurst Green, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks TN14 6LD. Country crafts, folk musicians, games, crafts and activities for all ages. Donations welcome. Details at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

15 SEPT 11.30am Up and Running group meet at Hollybush café, Hollybush Park, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3UH. A friendly and supportive running group for women dealing with depression or mental health issues. The 10-week course is aimed at beginners, and is run twice a year in spring and autumn, coached by Shona and Harriet, see www.upandrunninginsevenoaks. org.uk 15 & 16 SEPT 9.30am-5pm Paws in the Park, Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF. Arena displays and entertainment. Details at www.pawsinthepark.net

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

15 & 16 SEPT 11am-5pm The First Great Comp Fine Food Festival, Great Comp Gardens, Comp Lane, Platt TN15 8QS. Entry fee. Full details of this new event which includes artisan food stalls are at www.greatcompgarden.co.uk 16 SEPT 10.30am-12:30pm Introduction to Bird Identification at Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR. Free event. Learn to identify some common garden, woodland and farmland birds. Info at www.boreplace.org 21 SEPT 7pm-9pm Astronomy Evening with the Edenbridge and District Astronomers at Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone,

12 SEPT 6pm for 6.30pm-8pm Owls in the Barn at Kent Wildlife Trust, Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD. Kent Wildlife Trust welcomes back Kent Owl Academy for an evening of exciting and interactive talks and presentations for all ages. The Visitor Centre will be open prior to the event. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. To book visit https://www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk 14 SEPT 6-10pm The Greatest Showman Outdoor Screening in the courtyard at Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP. Tickets from www.nationaltrust.org.uk 14 SEPT 7-10pm Bat Walk at Bough Beech, meet at Oast House, Bough Beech, Winkhurst Green, Ide Hill, Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine. 1986-Halloween-2018-87x130-Families-AW.indd 1

13 02/07/2018 16:57

What’s on

Children’s theatre 11-12 SEPT (Tue at 1pm & 4pm, Wed at 10am & 1pm) Bing Live! at Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU. Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Bing Live! is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.1hr20mins inc interval. Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 01892 530613 23 SEPT 2.30pm There Was An Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly at Hazlitt Theatre Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL. A musical show for all the family. Info at www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/HazlittTheatre 01622 758611 SEPT 30 11am & 2pm Hey Diddle Diddle EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School 212 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 IJP. A hilarious adventure filled with live music and puppetry, for ages 3+. Details at www.emftheatre.com 01732 304241 9 & 10 OCT 10am, 1pm & 4pm both days. Bing Live! at Hazlitt Theatre Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL. Pre-schoolers and their families will love this brand new children’s show with their

Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR. Suitable for children aged 5 and up. Children must be accompanied. Paid event. Book tickets at www.boreplace.org 23 SEPT 7.30pm Rochester Castle - outdoor screening by Luna Cinema of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002, PG, 154 min) Rochester Castle, The Keep, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SW. For further details call 01634 332901 or see http://www.enjoymedway.org/events/ outdoor-cinema-rochester-castle-lunacinema 23 SEPT The Gruffalo at Kent Life, Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU. The Gruffalo makes a return to Kent Life following the success of his previous visit. The magical monster will be making personal appearances at 10.40am, 12pm, 1.20pm, 2.40pm & 4pm. Entry fee. Info at www.kentlife.org.uk 25 SEPT, OCT 23, & NOV 20 NCT Maidstone Prams in the Park meet ups. For more events and meet ups including mums to be meals, coffee mornings and storytimes go to www.nct.org.uk/branches/maidstone and find NCT Maidstone on Facebook. All events are open to members and non-members and are free. 14 Families West Kent September/October 2018

favourite characters. Info at www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/ Hazlitt-Theatre 01622 758611 13 OCT 2pm & 4pm Tabby McTat A new musical stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic book. EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School 212 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 IJP. Details at www.emftheatre.com 01732 304241 14 OCT 4pm Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert. Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ. This concert (75 mins) is suitable for children and their families and includes the Toreador’s March, an Argentinian Tango and Beethoven’s Turkish March. Book online at: www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 01732 450175 22-23 OCT 10:30am & 11:30am (both days) Out of the Hat at the Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ. A story about friendship and true magic, full to the brim with lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez. It’s a spectacular theatre experience for all ages - especially 2-8 year olds! Book online at: www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 01732 450175

The Cranbrook Literature Festival

is hosting some events for children on SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29 10am Jonny Duddle at Cranbrook Town Library Jonny will be drawing and illustrating and talking about his work on the Pirate Books and Harry Potter. He has written Pirates of Scurvy Sands, The Pirates Next Door, Gigantosaurus and The King of Space. Also an illustrator, Jonny was recently commissioned by Bloomsbury to re-design the covers for all of the seven Harry Potter books. Tickets £3. 10.30am -11.30am Museum ‘Rudyard Kipling and the Just So Stories’ with Geoff Hutchinson at Cranbrook Museum Just So Stories, performance duration 15 minutes and repeated during the time frame. Free tickets available directly from the Museum via email education@cranbrookmuseum.org 11am John Rice, Poetry for children in The Windmill, Cranbrook. Tickets £3. For more information or to book tickets visit www.cranbrookliteraturefestival.com

Out of the Hat, 22-23 Oct

25-27 OCT 7.30pm/7.30pm/2pm on Sat Disney’s High School Musical by the Hazlitt Youth Theatre at Hazlitt Theatre Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL. Box office: 01622 758611 www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/HazlittTheatre 25, 26 & 27 OCT 7.30pm The Hunting of the Snark promenade performance at Bedgebury National Pinetum, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ. Characters from Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem, The Hunting of the Snark, are brought to life by outdoor theatre company Burn the Curtain. The performance includes a walk of 1.5-2 miles, with some uneven ground, and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Please wear suitable footwear/ clothing for the weather conditions and all terrains. Suitable for ages 6+. Info at www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

29 SEPT The inaugural Sevenoaks Young Readers Festival, with ticketed author talks and free events in a marquee on the Vine, Sevenoaks, organised by Sevenoaks Book Shop, 147 High Street, Sevenoaks, TN13 1JX. For full details see www.sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk 29 SEPT 10am-4pm Apple and Orchard Day at Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, near Sevenoaks TN15 0NT. Apple tasting and stalls. Entry fee. Full details www.nationaltrust.co.uk/ightham-mote 29 SEPT 10am-4pm Musical Day: The Lion King (one day workshop with performance) for age 7-13 years, Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. To book go to www.trinitytheatre.net or call Box Office on 01892 678678 SEPT 30 1.30pm registration. Family Fun Run (5km and 2km), Knole Park, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP Run, skip or walk to raise money for Hospices of Hope charity. Adults £12.50 or £15 on the day. Email events@hospicesofhope.co.uk or visit www.hospicesofhope.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on October

5 OCT 7pm-9pm Bat Walk at Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR A nocturnal quest to see bats and their amazing aerial acrobatics and other night time animals. Book at www.boreplace.org OCT 6 10am-6pm The 12th annual Cranbrook Apple Fair, with a Zombie Jamboree theme! Calypso music, steel band, street food, apple rum punch, in High and Stone Street, Cranbrook. Free event. Full details at www.cranbrookapplefair.co.uk 6-7 OCT 10am-5pm Apple and Cider Fayre at Kent Life, Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU. Kids can see Basil Brush in the Big Top, enjoy music and Morris Dancers and watch apples being harvested and squeezed in the giant Victorian press to be turned into juice. Entry fee. www.kentlife.org.uk 7 OCT 10am-12 Noon Fungal Foray at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH. Enjoy a Sunday morning identifying the numerous species of fungi found on the reserve. Young children under parental supervision. Flat easy walking. Wheelchair users welcome, but please advise when booking. Donations are welcome. Booking essential. Information at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ 7 OCT 10.30am-12.30pm Walk with the Warden Introduction to Bushcraft Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3DH. Come and find out how to be a bushcrafter at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. Meeting point Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre. Minimum age for children 6+. May be suitable for wheelchair users- please check when booking. Paid event. Information at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ 13-14 OCT 11am-5pm Autumn Extravaganza, Great Comp Gardens, Comp Lane, Platt TN15. 8QS Celebrating 50 years of the gardens. Bat Walk at Bore Place, 5 OCT

Castaway Island: Perform’s three day October half-term course

for 4-10s Ahoy me ‘earties! We’re setting sail on an imaginative adventure filled with drama, song and dance. Prepare to climb aboard The Jammy Dodger as we voyage to a tropical island of lush sandy beaches and Caribbean sounds. Joining Long Gone Silver, the Pirates Pants Gang and the Mermaids of the Pink Lagoon, our team of theatre professionals will take your child on a sparkling adventure using confidence building games, songs and dances, topped off with a mini-musical performance on the last day. “Alexander and Frederick thoroughly enjoyed their Perform course, it was inspiring to see how much they learned. Wonderful!” Emily Cox

Age range: 4-10 years Dates: 22-24 October from 10am to 3pm Venue: St Luke’s Parish Church, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1XT. Contact: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/castaway

Stalls and exhibitors, local artisan food producers and crafts. Entry fee applies. Info at www.greatcompgarden.co.uk

accompanied by a responsible adult (no charge). Child tickets: £20 Info at www.boreplace.org

13 OCT 10am-4pm Musical Day: School of Rock (workshop and performance) for age 7-13 years at Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP. To book go to www.trinitytheatre.net or call Box Office on 01892 678678

23-26 OCT 10.30am-4pm Half Term ‘Make It’ Workshops at Maidstone Museum, St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LH. Enjoy a week of creative craft activities inspired by autumn and Halloween. Small charge applies. Suitable for ages 4-11 years. See website for details and to book https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/whatson/events/ 01622 602838

20 OCT 6-9.30pm The Sky at Night at Bough Beech Oast House, Winkhurst Green, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD. Stargaze through astronomical telescopes, discover more about planets, black holes and quasars; activities for all ages. Donations welcome. Information at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ 20-28 OCT Bat Story Trail around the gardens, Ightham Mote National Trust property, Ivy Hatch, near Sevenoaks TN15 0NT. Entry fee. Full details www.nationaltrust.co.uk/ightham-mote 22 OCT 10am-1pm Apple Fun Day at Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR. This fun event includes baking tasty organic apple and oat muffins (to eat whilst warm or take home), visiting our orchard, vegetable garden and farm. Child tickets: Free. Info at www.boreplace.org 23 OCT 10am-1.30pm Pumpkin Half Term Fun at Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR. Carving lanterns and baking, with the opportunity to meet the cows and visit the farm. For children 5-11 years but older/younger children welcome to attend. Children must be

24 OCT 10.30am-12.30pm Autumn Fun at Tyland Barn, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD. A fun autumn event for all the family with a woodland theme. Make a variety of crafts including a woodland person out of natural materials, follow the Fairy Door Trail around the nature park. All materials will be provided. Booking essential. Paid event. www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk 25 OCT 10am-4pm Stage Makeup Basics (workshop and photoshoot) for 7-13 years. Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP. To book go to www.trinitytheatre.net or call Box Office to book from 10am-3pm, Mon to Sat on 01892 678678 26 OCT 10.30am-12noon & 1pm-4pm. Discover Forest Skills- Shelter Building at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH. A fun autumn outdoor event for families with young children. Morning session suitable for younger children, afternoon session minimum age 5. Booking essential. Paid events. Book tickets and info via www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Would you like to see your event in our What’s Ons? Deadline is Oct 1 2018 for our Nov/Dec issue. Please email your listing with your contact number to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk and if we have space we will try to include it. www.familiesonline.co.uk

email: editor@familieswestkent.co.uk

Turn to page 16 for Halloween events 15

What’s on

Spooky Halloween events 20-28 OCT Halloween Half term fun at Hever Castle, Hever, TN8 7NG Treat the kids to a spine-tingling programme of entertainment over the half term break with prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Creepy craft workshops, awesome activities and a spooky trail to follow in the grounds. Entry fee. Full details at: www.hevercastle. co.uk/whats-on/halloween-half-term-fun/