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What’s Ons & Festive Guide Indoor play venues Early Years & Schools Exclusive interview - Jacqueline Wilson

Issue 2 November/December 2018 email: [email protected] familiesonline.co.uk WOODSIDE SCHOOL OF BALLET Our Principal Nicola Moriarty trained at the Royal Ballet School and danced professionally throughout Europe. Coming into her 20th year as a teacher. Pupils benefit from small, intimate classes and enjoy Nicola’s expert training in our airy, spacious and modern studio.

• Elite Ballet School (10 hours per week, evenings/weekends) Serious Ballet hopefuls ONLY Parents of serious ballet • Associate Programme (Sundays 10am-3pm) students aged 8-15 years • Ballet Intro classes for 4-11 years please tell us about your son or daughter’s dance journey, • Baby Ballet for 1-3 years Supporting their hopes and dreams. • Training Days dance parents If appropriate a free • Intensive Courses as well as assessment may be dance available with our Principal Summer Schools • students! Nicola Moriarty.

For full information about our lessons and our school in leafy West Kingsdown

email us on [email protected] or call us on (01474) 852 377Facebook. “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Please visit our website at www.woodsidedanceretreat.com

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What’s Ons & Festive Guide West Kent Indoor play venues Early Years & Schools Improve Exclusive interview - Jacqueline Wilson your child’s Editor: Helen Cook For advertising, editorial and What’s Ons study skills contact [email protected]

Issue 2 November/December 2018 email: [email protected] 07980118626 familiesonline.co.uk What’s Ons compiled by Kate Craggs Advertising: Amanda Biggs and Helen Cook Writers: Helen Cook & Claire Winter Kumon’s maths and English (unless otherwise stated) study programmes work to build Next issue January/February 2019 Booking deadline Dec 1. Artwork deadline Dec 8. your child’s confidence and Distributing 18,000 copies to schools, nurseries, leisure centres, play centres, theatres and more in: Sevenoaks, inspire a passion for learning. Weald, Westerham, Brasted, Sundridge, Tunbridge Wells, Pembury, Bidborough, Lamberhurst, Cranbrook, Benenden, , Hildenborough, Paddock Wood, Kings Hill, West To unlock your child’s potential, contact Malling, Aylesford, Maidstone, Bearsted, Rochester and your local Instructor for a free assessment. areas in between. Families West Kent is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. Sevenoaks Study Centre All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Mandy Yarnold 01342 851 221 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 Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

2 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk West Kent Contents Page 4 Bumps and Babies Editor’s Welcome Welcome to the November/December issue of Free advice sessions and groups for Families West Kent Magazine. new parents Our magazine is published every two months and 18,000 are distributed through schools, nurseries, Page 5 Early Years leisure centres, family friendly venues and play centres in Sevenoaks, Which is best, play-based learning or Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone areas. adult-led learning? The feedback on our launch September/October issue from readers and advertisers was so good we have added 2,000 on our Pages 6 & 7 Education print run and also many new distribution points for our magazine! Latest news and views from schools We were told readers loved the What’s Ons and all the local including open days, anti-bullying week content and information - so we have a bumper local edition for and new reception tests you here including a big guide to Christmas events throughout West Kent – from markets and fairs to theatre and panto, from lights Page 8 Arts News switch-ons to Santa’s grottos. Festival of Remembrance is launched plus As a mum bringing up two children in the area I understand find out about a new ballet school the challenges winter poses for keeping little people happy and occupied, so we have compiled a Parents’ Survival Guide to indoor Page 9 Families Exclusive! activities across the area. Interview with (Dame) Jacqueline Wilson We have something useful and interesting on our pages for when kids ask the questions parents or carers of children of all ages from birth to 12, from our AND win a copy of her latest book Bumps and Babies page through to Early Years and school news. Plus we have an exclusive Families interview with famous Pages 10 Parents’ Survival Guide children’s writer Jacqueline Wilson. Where to go for fun undercover Have a lovely November and a great festive season! activities this winter Helen Our next edition will be January/February 2019 so look out for our bumper Health Pages 11-15 What’s Ons and our and Wellbeing feature and ideas on how to Beat the January Blues. Plus lots of bumper Festive Guide to Christmas interesting features, local articles and school news, What’s Ons and days out. events throughout the area To advertise in Families West Kent Magazine and reach our 40,000 readers please contact [email protected] or call 07980118626.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Page 16 Families West Kent Directory Booking deadline Dec 1. Artwork deadline Dec 8. Useful businesses including yoga We are not only a magazine! Our busy Facebook page is regularly and massage for mums, and kids’ updated with lively stories, competitions, recipes and ideas for activities clubs and classes and weekend events in the area. Find us at @FamiliesWestKentMag And follow us on Twitter @FamWestKentMag for regular updates and information for families.

WHERE CLIMBING MEETS THEME PARK

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 WHERE CLIMBING www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] 3 MEETS THEME PARK

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 BUMPS AND BABIES

Expert help and support for parents Free drop in sessions with a midwife Then on Tuesday, November 6 from 10.30 to and family relationship practitioner are 11.30am, Sarah Weller of The Weller Way will available at Langton Green Pavilion Café in give a free talk on A Guide to Positive Parenting. Speldhurst near Tunbridge Wells. This aims to help parents gain an insight into Midwife, hypnotherapist and birth trauma the philosophy and research-based evidence resolution therapist Anne Bayati is available behind why a Positive Parenting approach every Wednesday from 10am to discuss any helps establish discipline that works, and how issues mums and dads may have regarding children develop emotional resilience and good birth, parenthood and beyond. self esteem. Sarah will suggest some easily Anne specialises in the psychological issues implemented tips for parents to try at home. surrounding pregnancy, birth and the postnatal Following the talk, she will then be available period. However the focus of the informal free with Anne for a parenting/postnatal wellbeing sessions are more on the mental wellbeing of drop in session and to discuss Positive Parenting. parents rather than clinical advice for mum or Some issues covered in Positive Parenting baby. include difficulties in your relationship with your Anne explained:“Having a baby brings child, negative behaviour patterns in your child with it a complete change in lifestyle for new or if you want to find a positive behavioural parents which can sometimes feel challenging management system that considers the needs The Pavilion at Langton Green Recreational and overwhelming as well as wonderful. behind the behaviours, or if your child is anxious Ground is in Speldhurst Road, Langton Green, Looking after you and how you are feeling is or stressed due to the pressures of exams. Near Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0JJ. really important and often overlooked once baby has arrived.” For more information visit FB Langton Pavilion Cafe and www.langtonpavilion.com New weekly breastfeeding and sling group for mums

are available a rental service for a small fee if those going away on trips or throughout you want to take one away to try. going back to work. West Kent You can bring your own sling Hot drinks and snacks, through for help with using it or getting it plus fruit for children, will non-profit more comfortable. be offered each week. All organisation Other services: information and support is Kent Baby Maternity and nursing bra provided at this group free of Matters fittings- A local bra fitter will charge. Some additional services (contact visit each week who will work will be available at a small or details below). to find a comfortable fit for you discounted cost so that the At the before and after baby arrives. group can be sustainable beyond Sevenoaks If this service becomes busy, the first year. group, a organisers may start booking Hope Church is at Mill Lane, lactation appointments in the future. Sevenoaks TN14 5BX. consultant and Breast pump Hire - Pumps will breastfeeding be available for hire for any Stop Press! At time of going to A new breastfeeding and counsellor will be there every reason. Initially there will only press it was announced a new sling group now runs weekly week at the church in Mill Lane be small numbers which will be Breastfeeding and Sling group at Hope Church in Sevenoaks from 9:30-11:30am along with prioritised for those who need for Tonbridge will start on every Friday morning and will volunteer breastfeeding peer them the most. Organisers hope Nov 6 at Tonbridge Baptist be running until April 2019. This supporters who can help answer to build up numbers to have the Church Tuesdays 9.30am- is a new community group started any questions. capacity to offer the service for 11.30am. Details on website. through grant funding provided by Kent Sling Library will also Sevenoaks District Council. visit to provide information on For information visit www.kentbabymatters.org or call 03003020223. Similar groups offering help using slings and carriers, and offer Find on FB at Kent Baby Matters

Can Babies Sense Stress? Babies may not be able to reunited, Infants of mothers convey complex emotions, in the “high-stress” condition but they can still feel what experienced matching their mothers are feeling, at changes in heart rate. This least when it comes to stress. stress contagion effect grew In a recent study, 69 mothers stronger as time passed. and their babies ages 12 to “Your infant may not be 14 months had cardiovascular able to tell you that you sensors attached to them to seem stressed or ask you record heart rate. what is wrong, but our The mothers were divided work shows that, as soon into groups to perform tasks as she is in your arms, she ranging from “no-stress” to is picking up on the bodily “high stress.” Their babies responses accompanying were not with them whilst they your emotional state and carried out these tasks and they immediately begins to feel were reunited ten minutes later. in her own body your own Researchers then examined negative emotion” said study changes in heart function. researcher Sara Waters of Within minutes of being New York University.

More info, visit www.parentingscience.com

4 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk EARLY YEARS Play or Structured Learning in the Early Years? In , the current Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum stipulates a 50/50 balance between By Maxine Henderson child-centred, play-based learning and adult-led learning.

Over the years there have been but challenging adult-led activities individuals who question the for each child, taking account of system and look to introduce new their preferred learning style and ideas. For example Liz Truss, a past developmental level. Education and Childcare Minister, During the den-building championed the introduction of a activity, carers were able to French-style ‘structured learning’ identify which children: approach, with a graduate-led ● confidently led the action workforce responsible for larger ● preferred to watch groups of children, and a reduced ● were interested in creating child-to-carer ratio. the tents and dens, Whilst the benefits of a more ● disappeared when all the highly qualified workforce are building and mending was done indisputable, there are other ● wanted to play in the dens considerations. If teachers are when they were completed, responsible for larger groups then delegating characters to each opportunities for vital play-based other and adding furniture to learning are reduced. create narratives for their games. Whilst the ‘structured learning’ realised they were busy working throughout the process such as: A mixture of adult-led and model is hailed for its effectiveness together to construct a range of How many pegs have you play-based learning is important in socialising children, teaching interestingly shaped homes in the used? How is this staying up? for the child’s development. them manners, and creating a garden, entirely from their own What does your sign say? The individual child needs to calm, organised atmosphere, it imaginations. The learning that took place learn structure and rules, and is not an environment in which Some children were making that afternoon was incredible – participate as part of group but young children learn best. And it signs to indicate who lived where; the children were self-motivated, they also need to explore their definitely doesn’t encourage them others were adding connecting interested in the task and invested own interests, likes and dislikes to be inquisitive, self-motivated tunnels and others still were in a positive outcome. In adult- and see where they fit into the learners. creating places for everyone to led learning, we often meet whole. Children need to practise sit and a welcoming atmosphere. resistance, as a child does not When considering the negotiating with each other It wasn’t all smooth sailing. The want to complete the task in the introduction of new ways and experience problem solving children often disagreed about way that we expect. However, of learning for children, it’s situations, without the direct how to construct the dwellings this leads to other teaching important to consider the impact supervision of an adult. If they are and tempers flared when some opportunities and is equally as this can have on the individual unable to practise these skills in children “borrowed” things from important as play-based learning. development of a child, as well free play, they become reliant on one den to improve their own, but The two work well in tandem, as the changes that will need to adults to both intervene for them it was fascinating to observe. giving the children opportunities be made to group learning. For in social situations and to motivate Our carers were on hand to to develop core skills, find their example, increasing the number and inspire them to learn. support the children – making sure own strengths and become of children each worker has in A great example of the benefits they were safe and allowing them well-rounded individuals. their care makes it more difficult of play-based learning happened to negotiate between themselves. Currently observations are made for detailed observations to in one of our nursery settings When necessary, they offered about a child’s development be made about each child and recently. I observed the children suggestions to help the children while they play, helping carers to organise adult-led activities carrying large construction blocks, make decisions, but they provided plan structured learning which are appropriate for both lengths of fabric, pegs and sticky choices rather than answers. activities relevant to that child’s the development of individual tape out of the building and They also asked open questions development. children and the group. Inevitably, These observations include the this forces settings to move to individual interests, abilities and a classroom-style environment levels of assistance required by in which, sadly, children lose Wraparound care in a each child. This makes it possible vital free-play learning and beautiful setting to organise interesting, achievable development opportunities. Bishops Down Nursery is Maxine Henderson is a Childcare Expert at Tinies Childcare, a a sessional nursery, led leading childcare specialist with over 30 years’ experience helping by qualified teachers, for families, nurseries and other childcare settings find the right childcare children aged 3-4 years professionals to suit their needs. For more information, old. We are very proud of our visit www.tinies.com provision and, we believe, we offer our children the best start possible. Bishops Down Preschool and Nursery Acorn Class is on the same Bishops Down Nursery, Rydal Drive, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SU wonderful site as Bishops Down We’ve Got you Covered Primary School and the children Nursery Sessions: 8.45am to 3.30pm get to enjoy and share the where every child’s contribution Breakfast Club from 7.30am amazing grounds, facilities and is valued. We aim to give each After School Club until 6.00pm dedicated staff. child a sense of achievement and Holiday Play Schemes during all The Nursery provides a success. Through practical activity school holidays stimulating, exciting, secure and children broaden their growing G G friendly learning environment understanding of the world. From Age 3 Qualifi ed Teacher led G 30 hours Funding Available G Forest School G Cooked School Dinners G Extra Buy In To come to an open session or tour and to find out about the G Beautiful Outdoor Space Sessions available wraparound care and holiday playschemes every school holiday, contact Jo Sheldon on 01892 520114. BISHOPS DOWN NURSERY SCHOOL www.bishopsprimaryschool.org Call Jo Sheldon on 01892 520114 - Bishops Down Preschool and Nursery, Rydal Drive, Open Sessions thoughout the year or private tours available. Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SU. offi [email protected] www.bishopsprimaryschool.org www.familiesonline.co.uk Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine. 5 EDUCATION

Curiosity Is Key to Early Childhood Success New research links curiosity the students weren’t very good levels in young children with at a self-control measure called later academic success. “effortful control,” which tracks Researchers from the how attentive and persistent University of Michigan assessed students are when completing the reading and maths ability tasks. of 6,200 kindergarten children “Even if a child manifests low and found that the children of effortful control, higher curiosity parents who reported their child’s may be associated with more behaviour as highly curious did optimal academic achievement,” the best at school, regardless the authors of the study wrote. of socio-economic status. The The study, published in the results were consistent for both journal Pediatric Research said boys and girls. that cultivating curiosity in The children’s reading and children, especially in those from maths scores were consistently deprived backgrounds, may better the more curious they be a valuable way of fostering were. That was true even when academic achievement. More info at www.nature.com New Reception Compulsory Relationship and Test Criticised Health Education Relationship and health education will At secondary school, teachers will build become compulsory for school children on the foundation of relationship education from September 2020, the Government in primary school and, at the appropriate has announced. time, extend teaching to include intimate Under the proposals, all pupils will study relationships as well. compulsory health education and new At both primary and secondary, pupils will reformed relationship education in primary learn about staying safe online and how to use school, as well as relationship and sex technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. education in secondary school. Classes will also cover physical health, such Teachers will talk to primary school pupils as the importance of exercise and healthy in an age appropriate way about the features eating, as well as the benefits of a healthy of healthy friendships, family relationships and lifestyle and how it contributes towards the other relationships they are likely to encounter. prevention of health problems. More info can be found under Consultations at www.gov.uk/government/publications

November independent Children who start Reception in school open days September 2020 will be the first group to take the new Reception test, a baseline Please check details with school and measure to track pupils’ progress during whether you need to book a place primary school. It is proposed that it will before setting out. take place during the first 6 weeks of the autumn term. Benenden School, Guidelines recently released by the Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA government say the new reception baseline (Girls senior boarding school) assessment will be short (about 20 minutes), Please book online. All start at 9.45am. interactive and practical. It will cover language Thurs Nov 8 at 1.45pm (11+ candidates and communication, early mathematics and only); Tues November 13 Music & Sport social and behavioural skills. Open Day; Sat Nov 17 Open day; Tues Nov However, the proposed test has been 20 (13+ candidates only). criticised in a report written by an expert The list for 11+ entry in September 2019 is panel and published by the British Education now closed but with a waiting Hilden Oaks School, Research Association. list operating. Tonbridge TN10 3BU The report’s authors say that the assessment www.benenden.kent.sch.uk (Co-ed nursery and junior school) is highly likely to produce unreliable and invalid 01580 240592 Fri November 9: 9am-11am results, as it fails to recognise that young Contact school to book a place. children develop at different paces and doesn’t Fosse Bank Prep School, www.hildenoaks.co.uk adjust for key factors, such as differences in Hildenborough, TN11 8ND 01732 353941 ages and family background. (Co-ed junior school) Add to this the fact that teachers and Open week for reception places Sutton Valence School, practitioners are likely to become increasingly Mon 5-Fri 9 November 9am-4pm; Sutton Valence, ME17 3HL pressured to ‘teach to the test’, and it is Open Morning Kindergarten Parents (Co-ed Pre-prep, Prep and Senior school) difficult to see how baseline results will have Thurs Nov 8 9-10am Sat Nov 10 (Senior School) any real value, the report comments. www.fossebankschool.co.uk www.svs.org.uk 01732 834212 01622 845200 More info at www.bera.ac.uk

6 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk EDUCATION

Odd Socks Day for A Daily Mile Improves Anti-Bullying Week Children’s Health Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12 to 16 November 2018 and the theme this year is choosing respect over bullying. The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand: ● The definition of respect ● That bullying is a behavioural choice respect each other, both face to ● That we can respectfully face and online disagree with each other Students are being i.e. we don’t have to be best encouraged to wear odd friends or always agree with socks to school on Monday 12 each other but we do have to November to show their support show each other respect and raise money for a good An initiative to get how much moderate to vigorous ● That we all need to choose to cause. schoolchildren to walk or physical activity (MVPA) they run a mile every day leads to were undertaking every day, To get involved, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk significant improvements in and for how long they were their health, according to a sedentary. Children who were study. doing the Daily Mile were . . . The Daily Mile scheme was significantly healthier than those competition competition originally the brainchild of a who were not. Scottish head teacher who started According to the Daily it in 2012. Mile Foundation, more than Researchers at Stirling University 3,600 schools worldwide compared the health of children have introduced the initiative, at a primary school taking part in including about 1,200 in the scheme with those at a school England, 770 in Scotland, 210 that wasn’t participating. in Wales, 85 in Northern Ireland The children wore and more than 100 in the accelerometers which recorded Republic of Ireland.

More info at www.stir.ac.uk and www.thedailymile.co.uk

Time travel tales Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers Budding young writers all The parents/guardians or over Britain aged 5 to 13 tutors will be contacted via email, Tailored work plans to address your child’s needs: years are invited to join in phone or post by April 30 2019 if • English • Maths • 11+ • SATs • GCSEs • CE • celebrating ’s the child’s story has been selected 900th birthday by writing a as one of the top ten stories in We can help your child: short story about castles and each category. time travel. Each child selected as one • Build confidence • Improve exam results The two winning stories of the top ten stories in each • Move up a set • Develop and reach goals picked by the judges, including category will be invited to attend renowned broadcaster and the awards ceremony with their children’s author Clare Balding, family and/or tutor on May 30 Call 01732 453657 to book your FREE Assessment. will go into a time capsule to be 2019. For more information visit: sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk buried by the winning children Only one story is accepted and HRH Princess Alexandra and per child and it must be wholly only opened again in 100 years’ written by them. This competition time. is open to anyone between the Entries will be sought in two ages of 5 and 13 on 1st April age brackets: 5 to 9 years and 2019 and a full-time resident of 10 to 13 years. The winning the UK. children, with their family, will FREE be invited to a very special Entry for Assessment Awards Day at Leeds Castle in this challenge 2019 to meet Clare Balding and closes at 12pm on & Taster will win a basket of prizes. They March 5 2019. Lesson will also be invited to take part No late entries in the ‘time capsule’ ceremony will be with Royalty later in the summer. considered.

For further details about the competition including terms and conditions and how to submit a child’s entry Sevenoaks Tutoring, 69c Road, Sevenoaks, visit www.leeds-castle.com/Education Kent TN13 1AX. Email: [email protected]

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] 7 ARTS NEWS New Ballet School to nurture young talent The new Woodside School and taught by her, son Elliott has of Ballet is the latest venture just joined the Royal Ballet School of ex-professional Ballerina in Year 7, having been picked as Nicola Moriarty with the aim one of only 13 successful boys of of making an impact on ballet the 850 who applied from around training within the UK. the world. Having studied at the On top of the Elite Ballet prestigious Royal Ballet School School, Ballet Intro classes are run and danced as a professional for ages 4 to 11 years which gives classical dancer for three years the chance to introduce correct throughout Europe. Nicola was technique as early as possible, given the chance to teach aged and also Baby Ballet classes from 23 and she never looked back. 1-4 years. Nicola explained: “In Now in her 20th year of keeping with our belief that teaching, Nicola has been The classes should be kept small, we Head of Dance at The Centre will only take 16 per age group, - Performing Arts College in so only 32 within the school in Maidstone for the last 12 years globe with a range of short courses The school is aimed at ballet total within the two current and four years ago Nicola and and two weeks of International hopefuls aged 8-15 years. age groups.” husband Simon established Summer Schools. These are aimed Nicola trains the Elite Ballet Winter Auditions for ages 8-15 Woodside Dance Retreat. at helping young dancers who School students 10 hours a week, years are being held on December They opened up their family need a boost in their ballet training two evenings and Saturdays, 12 from 7pm-8pm. Please email home approximately 30 days a in a friendly, private and nurturing many traveling from all over the for an audition application form year and their home studio in environment. South East to attend Nicola’s to be considered. West Kingsdown to young ballet For the International Summer Ballet School. Students all have enthusiasts from around the Schools they have welcomed star an eye on places at Vocational dancers and teachers including Ballet Schools, or moving into a Edward Watson MBE, Principal professional career in dance. dancer with the Royal Ballet, No rest on a Sunday either, with Ricardo Cervera, Ballet Master the WDR Associate Programme at The Royal Ballet, and former running every Sunday 10am- Principal dancer at the Royal Ballet 3pm, giving a boost to other Zenaida Yanowsky. dance students with a passion Now they have also launched for Ballet and a desire for more Woodside School of Ballet, which training hours. Working on ballet started in September this year as technique, strength, stamina, a chance for Nicola to work with musicality, flexibility and artistry, her own young talent and nurture Nicola really covers it all. them from a young age. Following in Nicola’s footsteps

To find out more please [email protected] www.woodsidedanceretreat.com 01474 852 377

Armistice Telling children Day the truth about war Remembrance Day on Sunday November website at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies 11 will be especially significant as it As part of ‘Sevenoaks Remembers’, a festival will mark 100 years since the original to commemorate 100 years since the end of agreement to end fighting during the WW1, The Stag Youth Theatre in Sevenoaks is First World War in 1918, also known as presenting Great Power, an action packed and Armistice Day. educational history of WW1, suitable for Key Discussing war with children can be Stage 2 and upwards. quite difficult. Recognising this, CBeebies This short play, performed by ten members has produced a short animation, simply of the youth theatre, will be touring schools in titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of November including Trinity School, Seal Primary remembrance in a way that resonates with a School, Academy, Amherst Primary young audience. School, Seal St Lawrence Primary School, Lady It is a beautiful piece to watch and would Boswell’s Primary School and Hilden Oaks be a great way to introduce any discussion School. of Remembrance Day. The two-minute film The public performance will be on Sunday follows a bunny who starts off playing in November 17 at 7pm at the Stag Theatre. a meadow, which then becomes a WW1 Tickets £8, Concessions £5 from Stag Theatre, battlefield. London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. Call the The film can be viewed on the CBeebies Box Office 01732 450175.

8 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk FAMILIES EXCLUSIVE JACQUELINE WILSON Beaker’s Back! Young readers get to quiz ‘JW’ about her inspiration as a writer, how she was able to re-imagine Tracy Beaker from a child to a grown up in her latest book, and what her advice is for new writers – young and old. See below for the chance to win a copy.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is Is Tracy’s daughter the same or Kids put the arguably Britain’s favourite different to Tracy? contemporary children’s Olivia, age 8, Aylesbury author. She has over one They certainly look alike, but Jess questions hundred published books to is a quieter girl, partly because she her name, most of which deal has had a much easier, more loving, with the often troubling and caring upbringing than Tracy herself to JW! unvarnished realities of being had. Jess is probably more studious, a real-life child or parent. and more of a bookworm, but First published in 1991, when push comes to shove Jess can Tracy Beaker quickly became certainly stand up for herself too. Jacqueline’s most well-known character. Now, over a decade after her last literary appearance, Did you and your illustrator, the fiery, former foster-kid is Nick Sharratt, disagree at all about back in new book My Mum Tracy how Tracy and her daughter should Beaker, and while she’s now be drawn? Your books depict real children’s was about eighteen. They had a mature and mother to Jess, she’s Rosie, age 9, Twickenham real lives and challenges in a car and went on a drive through still the same Tracy readers know I mostly leave it to him, and way that few others do – how do France and Spain and got and love. certainly I think he has done Jess you get inside the heads of your boyfriends! It wasn’t the most Families Magazine is lucky wonderfully. He suggested that characters? inspiring work! enough to have secured an Jess might wear glasses, which I Lizzie’s mum, Glasgow exclusive interview with Dame thought was a very clever touch Bizarrely, I can remember very Jacqueline Wilson in which our because it gives them that little vividly what it is like to be a child. How do you select names for readers and their children ask bit of difference, and also Jess is a I mean, ask me what happened your characters? her some of their most burning total bookworm and it just looks or how I felt about something a Readers at the Chatterbook questions about her new book right for her to be wearing her little couple of years ago and my mind Group, Ringwood Library, Dorset and her life as a writer. glasses. I was very pleased with that is a complete blank, but ask me I like to try and have slightly addition. what I was worried about when unusual names, and if they Why do you think Tracy is one of I was nine, say, and I remember are pertinent to the story that your most popular characters? entirely. It’s just a happy trick of pleases me - for my identical Harbinder, age 7, Croydon What’s been the highlight for you of nature that I can take myself back. twins in my book Double Act, I I think because she’s naughty! She being the Children’s Laureate? had them called Ruby and Garnet has reason for her bad behaviour, Emma’s mum, Portsmouth because they are both red jewel of course, and she’s naughty but It gave me a chance to speak to What advice would you give to stones. For The Illustrated Mum, she’s not spiteful, she’s funny. lots of children and teachers and aspiring writers, young or old? the mother Marigold has a great I think she’s a character that librarians, and the particular thing Amaya’s mum, Harrow passion for tattoos and has called children would like as a friend - I wanted to promote was reading I always suggest aspiring her girls the rather outlandish I’m not sure about adults, I think aloud to children. Because right writers read lots to enrich their names of Star and Dolphin, a little of her as a child goes a from when they are one year imagination and increase their simply because they are very long way! old, any child likes to sit on a lap vocabulary and try and get into a popular tattoo icons. With Tracy I and hear the simplest of stories, regular writing habit. Maybe keep wanted a quirky, bouncy modern and I also suggested that even a diary - just so you learn to write name - and with Hetty Feather, How have you made the grown-up when your child has learned to even when you don’t feel like it! Hetty is an old-fashioned name Tracy as appealing to children as read, sometimes it’s fun to read and Feather because she’s light Tracy, the child? aloud a book that they might as a feather! Lily’s mum, Leeds not necessarily tackle themselves When did you first I’ve kept her, not exactly naughty, because it’s a bit difficult to get become a writer? but mischievous. She’s quite into, or the vocabulary is quite hard, Emily, age 10, Sevenoaks surprising - she might suddenly do but they would love to listen to the Well, by the time I was fifteen I something a bit mad, or a bit silly. story. If they are doing colouring, or had written what was - at least I think being a mum has slightly building something, or just petting in length - a full book. It wasn’t changed her because she’s a very the dog or whatever, or at bedtime, very good though! It was about loving, caring mum. children do still like to be read to two sisters, Margot was about aloud. fifteen, the narrator, and the sister

My Mum Tracy Beaker by Dame Jacqueline Wilson is out now, published by Doubleday. Dame Jacqueline was awarded an OBE in 2002 and was the Children’s Laureate for 2005-2007. a copy of My Mum Tracy Beaker. To enter, email your name and contact details to WIN [email protected] with ‘JW competition’ in the subject header. A winner will be chosen at random on Dec 31 and notified. No information will be retained.

www.familiesonline.co.uk Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine. 9 OUT AND ABOUT

Stick me on the Parents’ Survival Guide fridge! Wintry weather is starting to get a grip - rainy days and bored, complaining children may be on the horizon. But don’t despair! Here at Families West Kent Magazine we have researched ways to help you keep your sanity and make your winter more enjoyable.

We’ve compiled an in-depth guide to indoor energy, let them bounce it off at Jump centre), The Weald Sports Centre in activity options throughout West Kent. So In trampoline centre Tonbridge (www. Cranbrook (www.fusion-lifestyle.com/ when the temperature plummets and the gojumpin.com/tonbridge) or Gravity, centres/the-weald-sports-centre) skies open, take a deep breath, put Paw Maidstone (www.gravity-uk.com/ or Tonbridge Pool, Larkfield Pool and the Patrol on for ten minutes and start reading. lockmeadow-maidstone). It’s better than Angel Centre in Tonbridge (all at Importantly many of these venues have cafes having them bouncing on your sofa! For some www.tmactive.co.uk). with coffee, cake and other grown ups. challenging high ropes and indoor quad How about bowling? Look at Hollywood Please make sure you look at the bikes try out Adventure Kidz in Aylesford Bowl Maidstone (www.hollywoodbowl. details on the websites first and check (www.adventurekidz.co.uk) which also co.uk/our-centres/maidstone- opening times and days before setting has soft play for younger ones. lockmeadow) and at Knight’s Park, out to avoid disappointment. If they are climbing the walls, take Tunbridge Wells (www.hollywoodbowl. If you have very little ones and their idea them somewhere they can do that safely. At co.uk/our-centres/tunbridge-wells). of fun is to throw themselves around soft play ClipnClimb in Tonbridge there are activities to For ice skating, check out the skating areas, leap onto small bikes or cars and hurtle suit all levels plus a kids’ play area (see below rinks in our What’s On and Festive guide or down slides, take them off to a soft play and www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk). ditch the blades and head for Sevenoaks centre. Many centres cater for older children Done indoor play and activity centres? Leisure Centre roller disco every Saturday too with fairly challenging older age activities. Head for a museum. No longer places of evening (www.sencio.org.uk). So head for Minor Mania in Frant near dreary items in glass cases and hushed Some heritage properties and Tunbridge Wells (www.minormania.co.uk), tones, many local museums host children’s National Trust properties put on special Manic Monsters at Edenbridge activities, crafts, interactive exhibits and special children’s craft and festive activities at this (www.manicmonsters.co.uk), events especially in school holidays. Why not time of year so take a look at the What’s Wear M Out - Tonbridge and Maidstone investigate Maidstone Museum On guide which lists activities like making (www.wearmout.co.uk), Cheeky Dino (www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk), or Christmas cards or Christmas decorations at children’s play centre, Maidstone Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham properties like Knole. (www.cheekydino.co.uk), Little Street, (www.re-museum.co.uk). If crafts don’t hit the spot, for Maidstone (www.little-street.co.uk/ If you don’t want to go too far afield, guaranteed undercover entertainment maidstone/) or Tiny Town, Larkfield check out your local leisure centre. You will (you can’t get more undercover than in a (www.yourtinytown.co.uk/). find swimming a good indoor option, plus tunnel) check out Fort Amherst at Other indoor venues like play cafes many leisure centres have soft play areas and Chatham, the largest Napoleonic Fort in also put on activities and soft play sessions play sessions. Take a look at Maidstone Leisure Britain with tunnel tours and activities like the Little Play Café in Tunbridge Wells Centre (www.maidstoneleisure.com), (www.fortamherst.com). (www.thelittleplaycafe.co.uk) or the leisure centres in Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and After a full day of these activities, even the Soft Play at Sevenoaks Rugby Club Swanley (www.sencio.org.uk) Tunbridge most energetic child should crash out in the (www.thesoftplaycafe.co.uk). Wells Sports Centre (www.fusion-lifestyle. car on the way home – giving you a nice quiet If they want to work off some serious com/centres/tunbridge-wells-sports- evening. Win win! Get Clip n Climbing! Kent’s first and the world’s Jungle Vine, reach new heights automatic belay devices take up largest Clip n Climb is a place on Sky Scraper, take the speed the slack as you climb and then where climbing meets theme climbing challenge, get tangled lower you gently to the ground. park in an exciting new leisure up on Spaghetti Junction, tackle After the safety briefing there is concept for ages four and up. the Lightening Crack or go Face an hour in the climbing arena. It is challenging fun for all the to Face and race against friends. The facility also includes a kids’ family to enjoy. Each climbing wall has three play area, free wifi and a café, One of 150 centres worldwide, different challenges with differing plus plenty of car parking. Full the Tonbridge centre has 33 degrees of difficulty so there is a party packages are available. The individual and multi climber wall challenge for the novice as well venue is open 2pm to 8pm during challenges of varying design as the more experienced. the week and 9am to 8.30pm and difficulty. These include two No climbing experience is at the weekends and school special attractions: the infamous necessary as a full safety briefing holidays. Vertical Dropslide and Stairway to is given for every session, and ClipnClimb Tonbridge, Unit Heaven. includes a 30 minute safety 4 Tonbridge Business Park, 2-8 Intrepid visitors can test their brief and harness fitting – the Morley Road Tonbridge TN9 1RA. resolve and determination across the arena - climb commando on Visit www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk or call 01732 753330

10 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk s on & What’ Guide Festive

Firework Displays November

A selection of what is going on in the area: 1 NOV ONWARDS Food, crafts and gifts for Sevenoaks Remembers arts Christmas. £3 entry. 2 NOV festival Info at www.thefatcarot.co.uk 6.30pm – 8pm The Stag Theatre, London Road, Pembury Annual Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ 11 NOV Firework Display The Sevenoaks Remembers festival 10.15am & 1.30pm Lower Green Recreation Ground, is a series of special events to Autumn Nature Explorers Lower Green Road, Pembury, commemorate the end of the First Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and TN2 4DZ. World War, including a new play Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, Recreation Ground opens at The Dimming of the Day set in TN13 3DH. 6.30pm, with a collection Sevenoaks, Great Power (devised A fun autumn event where for local charities. Info at and performed by the Stag Youth families can get stuck in with www.pemburyparishcouncil.gov.uk Theatre) and other events. pond dipping, mini beasting, bark For details see rubbing, searching for fungi and 2 NOV 3 NOV www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Booking much more! Paid event. 6pm – 9pm 5.30pm – 7.30pm is online or via the Box Office Info at 4th Sevenoaks (St John’s) Dunorlan Park Fireworks, 01732 450175. www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ Scouts Firework Night Tunbridge Wells Pembury Road, events 4th Sevenoaks Scout HQ, Mill Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QN EVERY SATURDAY Lane, Sevenoaks, TN14 5BU. Gates open at 5.30pm, enjoy 6pm – family session; 8pm – 15 – 17 NOV Fireworks, bonfire, food and food and drink and firework open session (ages 8+ only) 9am – 5pm drinks. Gates open at 6pm with display is at 7pm. Dunorlan Park Roller Disco Wealden Times Midwinter Fair the bonfire lit at 6.30pm. Fireworks is a great natural amphitheatre Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, with music and laser light show by for fireworks with the lake Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY. Silver Pines Sound and Light. reflecting all of the action for TN13 1LW. Set in a tented village at the Info at www.eventbrite.co.uk double the spectacle. Customers are allowed to bring Hop Farm, showcasing over Info at www.rtwrt.org/info their own skates however no inline 220 exhibitors for three days. 3 NOV skates are allowed. Paid event. Info at 5pm 4 NOV Info at www.sencio.org.uk www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events Sevenoaks Round Table 5pm – 8pm Fireworks Display The Greatest Firework Show 3 NOV & 1 DEC 17 & 18 NOV Sevenoaks School, Dukes Meadow, Offham School, Church Lane, 12pm-5pm Mid Winter Market Sevenoaks, TN13 1HU. West Malling, ME19 5NX. Penshurst Christmas Fairs at The Tithe Barn, Lenham Event starts in the High Street Fairground rides, hot food, by Support Local Pop Up Markets Court Lodge Farm, Lenham with live entertainment for all ages wine & beer tent, glow stall, Kingdom Penshurst Tonbridge ME172QD plus stalls selling food & drink tombolas, face painting, bumper TN11 8DU Free Entry Lenham’s medieval tithe barn and Christmas gifts. At 7pm the raffle and lots more. Paid event. Browse a selection of homeware, hosts its 5th pre-Christmas ‘made Torchlit Procession will start along For tickets call 01732 842 355 gifts, jewellery, clothing, candles by hand’ craft and art market the High Street towards Dukes or buy from Offham School, and much more. including local food and drink Meadow. Gates open at 7pm and The Kings Arms Offham and www.supportlocalpopup.co.uk producers. It will showcase the the firework display starts at Spadework. work of 60 stall holders, mainly 7.45pm prompt. 4, 18 & 25 NOV & 2, 9 & 16 DEC Kent based artisans. Advance discounted tickets 4 NOV 10am-4pm Info at available from Stag Theatre, British Truck Racing Tunbridge Wells Christmas Fairs www.facebook.com/thetithebarn/ Lorimers, Sevenoaks Travel. Championship & Fireworks by Support Local Pop Up Markets Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, One Warwick Park Hotel 18 NOV 3 NOV Longfield, DA3 8NG. Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TA The 6.30pm The British Truck Racing Find Christmas gifts by local Christmas Lights Weald Fireworks Association Championship crafters including homeware, Royal Victoria Place, 300 Victoria Scout Field, Glebe Road, Weald. headlines a spectacular weekend jewellery, clothing, candles Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2SS. Torch procession will leave the of family entertainment which and more. This year the lights will be Memorial Hall at 6.30pm with will end with a ‘big bang’ on www.supportlocalpopup.co.uk switched on across town when the firework display, bonfire and the Sunday – their longest and Father Christmas takes up barbeque at the Scout Field, Glebe biggest fireworks display yet. 11 NOV residence in his Festive Grotto Road at 7.30pm. Profits will go to (Fireworks on Sunday 4 Nov 11am-4pm under cover of Royal Victoria local clubs. only.) Paid event. Tonbridge Vegan Festive Fair Place Shopping Centre. Info at www.sevenoakswealdpc. Info at Angel Centre, Angel Lane, Info at kentparishes.gov.uk www.brandshatch.msv.com Tonbridge TN9 1SF www.visittunbridgewells.com

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. www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] 11 s on & What’ Guide Festive November

24 & 25 NOV Always wanted to be able to tell your Festive Market at favourite trees apart in the winter? Join the Sissinghurst Castle Garden Community Engagement Officer on a short Sissinghurst Castle Garden, walk to find out how. Booking essential, Biddenden Rd, Cranbrook, TN17 2AB. suitable for all ages. Local foods, drink, crafts and produce, live Contact [email protected] entertainment, including the East Grinstead to book. concert band playing on Sunday. Shop and restaurant will be open throughout the 30 NOV weekend. Free event, but normal admission Christmas Lights Switch On, charges apply for the venue. Sevenoaks High Street, Sevenoaks Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk Ian Waite, of Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two fame, will switch on the Christmas 24 & 25 NOV Lights. With entertainment and stalls in the 10am – 5pm High Street. For further information 22 NOV Hospice in the Weald Christmas Market see www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk Hever Christmas Fair Hospice in the Weald, Pembury, Hever Castle, Hever, TN8 7NG. Maidstone Road, TN2 4TA. 30 NOV Hever Castle hosts the fair with all proceeds With over 45 varying stalls in and outside Langton Pavilion Cafe – Christmas Fayre going to Hever Primary School and St. Peter’s of the building and the return of Father The Pavilion at Langton Green Recreational Church, Hever. Entry to Fair £3, free entry Christmas and his Grotto. Ground, Speldhurst Road, Langton Green, to grounds, castle entry £2.75. Tickets not Info at www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk TN3 0JJ. available online. Info at Christmas fair with gifts and vintage style www.hevercastle.co.uk/whatson 24 NOV-16 DEC Christmas decorations, food, children’s gifts, Christmas Market Leeds Castle homeware, candles, unusual crafts, local stall 23 & 24 NOV Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL. holders. Christmas Fair at Chiddingstone Visit the Christmas Market on the Cedar Info at www.www.langtonpavilion.com Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Lawn overlooking the Castle to discover Edenbridge, TN8 7AD. an array of seasonal gifts, toys, festive 30 NOV & 1 DEC Shop unique and unusual gifts from stalls decorations, specialist food and drink. Penshurst Christmas Market spread throughout the historic house and See reindeer and birds of prey and enjoy Penshurst Village Hall, High Street, grounds. Pre-booking essential. traditional fun fair rides (additional charges Penshurst, TN11 8BP. Info at www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk apply) and live music performances from the Free event to raise money for local charities. band stand at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm each day. Festive entertainment from local schools and 24 NOV – 9 DEC Info at www.leeds-castle.com choirs, BBQ and refreshments. Rochester Christmas Market Info at www.facebook.com/ High Street, Rochester, ME1 1SW. 25 NOV PenshurstChristmasMarket Set in the Rochester Castle gardens; browse 10am – 4pm the stalls for unique gift ideas and unusual St Julians’ Christmas Fair 30 NOV – 30 DEC stocking fillers. Wander around the Bavarian Rumshott Estate Ltd, St Julians, Christmas at Bedgebury food village or visit the funfair. With live Sevenoaks, TN15 0RX. Bedgebury Pinetum, Park Lane, performances and a guaranteed snowfall, all Annual Christmas fair with local crafts and Goudhurst, TN17 2SL. framed by Rochester’s cathedral and castle. unique gifts for adults and children. A new festive woodland walk for all the Info at www.medway.gov.uk/christmas This event is open to non-members. family. Singing trees, scented fire, Free event. Garden Canopy of Light, Father Christmas, 24 NOV Info at www.stjulians.co.uk seasonal food. Paid event. 10.30am & 1pm Info at www.christmasatbedgebury.co.uk Explore Bird Twitching 25 NOV Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery 2.30pm – 6pm 30 NOV – 31 DEC Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH. Tonbridge Rotary Christmas Festival Maidstone Panto’s Winter Wonderland Take part in a migratory bird trail, listen to a & Christmas Lights Maidstone Panto, The Friars Event Space, bird watching talk and get stuck in with some Entertainment on stage and Christmas stalls. Aylesford Kent ME20 7BX. craft activities. Paid event. Christmas Lights switch on at 5pm. Fireworks Maidstone Panto’s Winter Wonderland Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events from . Free event. includes an ice rink, white-knuckle rides, food Info at www.tmbc.gov.uk stalls and Christmas market, plus a 24 NOV – 24 DEC fully-licensed bar. Guests will be able to visit Christmas at Hever Castle 25 NOV the Winter Wonderland before and after their Hever Castle, Hever, TN8 7NG. 1pm – 4pm Pantomime showing and entry is free. With welcoming log fires, and beautiful Fosse Bank Christmas Market Info at www.maidstonepanto.com decorations in the Castle, a Christmas trail to Fosse Bank School, Noble Tree Road, follow and the chance to see Father Christmas Hildenborough, TN11 8ND. – be enchanted by the magic of Christmas at Children can enjoy visiting Hever. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk Father Christmas while parents wander around the 24 & 25 NOV festive stalls. 10am Info at The Friars Christmas Fayre www.fossebankschool.co.uk The Friars, Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, ME20 7BX. 27 NOV Visit Santa’s Parlour, enjoy the skating rink, 3pm - 4.30pm Polar Express train, Christmas craft market, National Tree Week entertainment, ceramic workshop, seasonal Winter Walk refreshments and much more. Under 12s free Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, - Adults £4.50. Upper Grosvenor Rd, Info at www.visitmaidstone.com Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LW.

MARKETS FESTIVALS WALKS FAIRS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

12 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk Family theatre & Panto

30 NOV – 24 DEC 8 – 30 DEC AM & PM performances Aladdin Sammy the Sheep Saves Christmas The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, The Brook Theatre, 5 The Brook, Dartford, DA1 1ED. Chatham ME4 4SE. Marti Pellow, the lead singer of 80s sensation Join Sammy on a Christmas adventure Wet Wet Wet stars as the evil sorcerer Abanazar that travels from the festive farmyard to in Aladdin at The Orchard Theatre. Expect flying far-away lands, as the little sheep tries carpets, a wish-granting genie, to save Christmas for us all. an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs. Please note that the Brook Theatre Christmas Info at www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 2 NOV shows are promenade theatre, which means 7.30pm that seating is not available (under special 13 DEC – 2 JAN Vienna Ballet Nutcracker circumstances some seats may be made AM & PM performances The Stag Sevenoaks, London Road, available on a very limited basis). Wind in the Willows Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. Info at www.tickets.medway.gov.uk Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Be swept away on a magical adventure in one Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP. of the most famous classical ballets of all time. 30 NOV – 31 DEC Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Toad and embark on a series of adventures Maidstone Panto, The Friars Event Space, and misadventures caused by his insatiable need 4 NOV Aylesford Kent ME20 7BX. for speed! Info at www.trinitytheatre.net 2.30pm Maidstone Panto’s production of Snow Tales from Shakespeare White and the Seven Dwarfs has an all-star 15 DEC Trinity Theatre, Church Road, cast, amazing special effects and a troop of 11am Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP. seven dwarfs. And this year there is a Winter Baby Broadway Concert Three of Shakespeare’s plays are brought to Wonderland (see page 12) which is free entry. The Stag Sevenoaks, London Road, life and are specially adapted for the whole Info at www.maidstonepanto.com Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. family making them fun, engaging and An interactive Christmas performance suitable accessible. Info at www.trinitytheatre.net 30 NOV – for all ages; from new-borns to school age to 6 JAN grandparents. The whole family can sing and 11 NOV Dick dance along to seasonal show tunes from hit 2pm Whittington musicals and well-known songs from Christmas Vienna Ballet Nutcracker The Stag films, all performed by West End singers. Hazlitt Theatre, 36 Earl St, Sevenoaks, Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Maidstone, ME14 1PP. London Road, With its combination of enchanting Sevenoaks, 15 DEC – 6 JAN choreography and unforgettable music, this TN13 1ZZ. Jack and the fabulous ballet is a real Christmas treat. Britain’s Got Beanstalk Info at Talent star EM Forster www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre Danny Beard, Theatre, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks’ favourites Ant ‘Silly Billy’ School, Tonbridge 13 & 14 NOV Payne and Jasette Amos, all return for the TN9 1JP. Tues 13, 1.30pm & 4.30pm Stag’s 10th Christmas panto. Wicked Wed 14, 11am & 1.30pm Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Productions’ Jack Stick Man and the Beanstalk Hazlitt Theatre, 36 Earl St, 1 – 31 DEC promises to be a Maidstone, ME14 1PP. Aladdin glittering Christmas treat for the whole family to Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Hazlitt Theatre, 36 Earl St, enjoy. Info at www.emftheatre.com Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man. Maidstone, ME14 1PP. Info at Richard Blackwood, former Eastenders star, 17 DEC www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre actor, comedian and rapper, will lead the 1pm & 7pm cast of Aladdin as he plays the Genie for Cinderella on Ice 18 NOV Kent audiences. Planet Ice, Gillingham Business Park, 2.30pm Info at Ambley Road, Gillingham ME8 0PU Snow Queen www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre A magical retelling of the classic story – Fairy Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Godmother, glass slippers, carriages made of Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP. 7 DEC – 2 JAN pumpkins, and other such delights on the ice. When Gerda’s friend Kay is taken by the Snow Sleeping Beauty Fun for all the family. Queen no one knows what’s become of him, The Assembly Hall Theatre, Info at www.iceaccount.co.uk/events but the heart-broken Gerda decides she must Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU. set out to find him. Theatre production for This magical pantomime promises to be 17 – 24 DEC (VARIOUS) children and families. jam-packed with smash-hit songs, stunning Flipper’s Perfect Present Info at www.trinitytheatre.net sets, spectacular costumes and magical The Stag Sevenoaks, London Road, special effects. Sevenoaks, 25 NOV Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk TN13 1ZZ. 2.30pm Flipper’s Perfect Snow Play 7 – 31 DEC Present is an Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Dick Whittington and his Cat interactive theatre Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP. The Central Theatre, 170 High Street, experience for What would you do if one year Winter Chatham, ME4 4AS. children. At the end decided to stay and move into your house? Star of stage and screen, Ray Quinn, takes of the show every Well, that’s what happens in this snowy the title role of Dick Whittington in the child meets Santa spectacular show where you are guaranteed a rags-to-riches tale of a young man and his and receives a gift in white Christmas, no matter what the weather loyal cat on their exciting quest to find the grotto. or the time of year! fame and fortune. Info at www. Info at www.trinitytheatre.net Info at www.tickets.medway.gov.uk stagsevenoaks.co.uk

To advertise in this magazine email [email protected] or call 07980118626. Deadline Dec 1 for Jan/Feb issue. www.familiesonline.co.uk Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine. 13 s on & What’s on What’ Guide Festive December

1 & 2 DEC 8 DEC 15 – 22 DEC Parades at 12pm & 4.45pm 10am & 3pm 12pm – 6pm Dickensian Christmas Rochester Willow Christmas Decorations Fort Amherst Winter Market High Street, Rochester, ME1 1SW. Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Fort Amherst, Dock Road, Uncover a feast of Victorian delights, familiar Chiddingstone, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7AR. Chatham, ME4 4UB. costumed characters, parades and open air carol Angels, stars or Christmas trees and Find Christmas presents and stocking concerts. Remember to dress-up and join in the a wreath – use locally grown willow fillers, enjoy an enchanted Tunnel tour at parade. Everyone’s welcome! and hedgerow materials to make your this Napoleonic fort, mince pies, and a hot Info at www.medway.gov.uk/christmas own decorations. Children must be chocolate or mulled wine. Family friendly accompanied by a responsible adult. Paid event. 1 – 24 DEC ON SELECT DATES event. (The 10am-2pm workshop includes Info at www.fortamherst.com Spa Valley Railway Santa Specials soup lunch, the 3-7pm workshop includes Eridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LE. mulled wine and mine pies.) 19 DEC Christmas at the Spa Valley Railway starts at Info at www.boreplace.org 3.30pm - 5.30pm Eridge where inside the waiting room will be two Feeding Frenzy face painters ready to decorate children’s cheeks 9 DEC Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, with Christmas trees or snowmen! Then enjoy 2pm - 3.30pm Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LW. a train ride through the winter countryside to Carols with Create ❅ As the weather gets colder and food supplies Tunbridge Wells West. During the journey Santa Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper❄ for our UK bird species get harder to find, will visit every child on board with a gift. Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LW. give some birds in your garden or in the park Info at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk FoGH (the Friends of the park) invite a helping hand by providing them with some you to join them at the Hub for some food balls in the Hub. Suitable for all ages, 1 – 21 DEC Christmas carol singing, with mulled wine, drop in. Suggested donation of £1 per person. Twilight Christmas juice, and mince pies. Suitable for all Info at www.fogh.org.uk Hever Castle, Hever, TN8 7NG. ages, no booking required. Singing will be Discover the festive trail themed around the outside if the weather is good. Charles Dickens classic novel ‘A Christmas Info at www.fogh.org.uk Carol’. Ride the carousel and enjoy vintage fairground stalls, meet the huskies, and some 9 DEC characters along the trail. Father Christmas will 10am - 11.30am be visiting on select dates. Paid event. Winter Forest Skills – Woodcraft Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH. 1 DEC – 2 JAN Have a go at using natural materials to 10am – 3pm make wearable art items, suitable for all Christmas Deer Trail the family. Paid event. Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP. ❄ Info at The trail will take you on a walk around beautiful www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events parkland at Knole Park. Once you have found the 10 festive deer be sure to return to the 9 DEC Visitor Centre to claim your prize. Everyone 12.30pm - 3pm 26 DEC welcome. Paid event. Winter Forest Skills – Fires 2pm Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/whats-on Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Boxing Day Walk Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH. Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP. 2 DEC Learn how to safely make and light fires Discover more about the ancient parkland, 10am without matches! When you’re done you its history and flora and fauna. Suitable for Tonbridge Angels FC Annual Christmas Fair can toast marshmallows and enjoy hot all the family. Booking not required. Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, chocolate by the fire. Suitable for all the £2 suggested donation. TN10 3JF. family. Paid event. Info at Stalls, festive food and drink, and a possible Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/whats-on appearance from Santa Claus and his reindeer! www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events £1 Entry. Ample free parking. 27 DEC – 1 JAN Info at www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk 11 DEC Winter Walks 4.30pm - 6.30pm Hever Castle, Hever, TN8 7NG. 8 DEC Christmas Greeting (cards) ❅ Wrap up warm and blow away the cobwebs, 10am & 1pm Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper walk off the Christmas pudding and enjoy Natural Christmas Decoration Workshop Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LW. winter walks in the stunning Hever Castle Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD. Visit the Hub and have a go at making gardens. During this period, you will only Make your own environmentally friendly your own greetings cards to send to your need to pay for Garden entry and you’ll Christmas decorations. Suitable for families, loved ones. Suitable for all ages. Drop in, receive free entry to the Castle. children and adults. Paid event. suggested donation of £2 per person to Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events cover materials. Info at www.fogh.org.uk 1 JAN 8 DEC 2pm 10am – 3pm 15 & 16 DEC New Year’s Day Walk Spadework Christmas Market 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Knole Park, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP. Teston Road, West Malling, ME19 5NA. Children’s Deer Decoration Workshop Discover more about the ancient parkland, Free-range meat, game, fresh fish, cheese, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP. understand its seasons and when and bakery, charcuterie and smoked meat, pastries Make a wooden decoration, inspired by where to return to enjoy the seasonal and cakes, confectionery, vegetarian food, Knole’s deer, to hang in your home this changes. Suitable for all the family. ready to eat food, Indian specialities, jams and Christmas. Children must be accompanied Booking not required. preserves, beer, cider and apple juice, cobnuts, by an adult. Paid event. £2 suggested donation. handmade soap, candles and craft. Info at Info at Info at www.spadework.net/farmers-market www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/whats-on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole/whats-on

MARKETS WORKSHOPS WALKS FAIRS CAROLS

14 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk Santa’s Grotto

17 & 18 NOV, 24 & 25 NOV, Christmas in his grotto 30 NOV – 24 DEC with a gift for every child, Santa’s Magical Christmas Grotto 30 minutes skating on the Polhill Garden Centre, London Road, ‘Magic Ice’ rink, unlimited Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, TN14 7AD. fairground rides (suitable Each slot will last 20 minutes where Santa for children only, queuing will interact with all his guests and read a system will be in place) and Christmas story or sing one of his favourite much more. songs. Gifts will be suitable across a wide Info at age range. Info at www.polhill.co.uk www.bewlwater.co.uk

24 NOV – 23 DEC 1 – 23 DEC The Christmas Grotto, Penshurst Place Father Christmas at Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG. the Hop Farm Make crafts in Father Christmas’ workshop, Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, visit his study, and see the man himself in Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY. his super-secret Penshurst Office. Each child Treat the kids and meet will receive a gift and a candy cane during Father Christmas in his magical grotto festive arts and crafts surrounded by the their visit, and be able to enjoy crafts, face experience. Paid event. wildlife garden. Paid event. painting and the adventure playground. Paid Info at www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events/father- Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events event. christmas-at-the-hop-farm Info at www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on NOV – DEC (DATES TO BE CONFIRMED) 15 & 16 DEC Brookside Christmas Grotto 24 NOV – 24 DEC Natural Christmas Grotto Brookside Garden Centre, Seven Mile Lane, Millbrook Grotto, Staplehurst and Christmas Fair East Peckham, Tonbridge, TN12 5JG. Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst Road, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Return of the award-winning Christmas Tonbridge, TN12 9BT. Harrison Visitor Centre, grotto, supporting local charities and good No Christmas is complete without a visit Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH. causes. to see Santa and in the Magical Millbrook Activities throughout the day including carol Info at www.brooksidegc-kent.co.uk/grotto Grotto there is always lots to see and do. singing, local stalls, craft activities, nature Paid event. walks and much more. Ticket price for the 24 NOV-16 DEC ON SELECT DATES Info at www.millbrookgc.co.uk/whats-on grotto visit, entry to the reserve and other Santa’s Grotto, Leeds Castle activities is free. Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL. 1 – 24 DEC Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events Wander through the Christmas Market to an Christmas Experience enchanted path leading to a magical grotto. (Santa’s Grotto & Ice Skating) 15 & 16 DEC Father Christmas will be waiting to greet you. Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Nature Barn Christmas Grotto And meet Father Christmas’ reindeer in Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH. Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD. their stable at the Christmas Market. Ticket price includes visit to see Father Meet Santa and his elves and enjoy some Info at www.leeds-castle.com

Ice Skating

including a Bratwurst sausage in a bun, and many other attractions. waffles and cakes, hot and cold drinks. Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Info at www.ruxley-manor.co.uk 30 NOV – 31 DEC Maidstone Panto’s Winter Wonderland 15 NOV – 6 JAN (with ice rink) Skating at Bluewater Maidstone Panto, The Friars Event Space, Bluewater, Greenhithe, Aylesford Kent ME20 7BX. DA9 9ST. ❄ Includes an ice rink, white-knuckle rides, food Undercover outdoor ice rink stalls and Christmas market, plus a fully- so you can skate around the huge sparkling licensed bar. Guests will be able to visit the Christmas tree, come rain or shine! Beverages, Winter Wonderland before and after their hot drinks and refreshments are available from Pantomime showing and entry is free. Info at the rink side cabins. www.maidstonepanto.com Info at www.bluewater.co.uk

20 OCT – 4 JAN 16 NOV – 2 JAN 10am – 5pm Calverley Park Ice Rink Ruxley Manor Ice Rink Calverley Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1SJ. Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Set in the amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds ❄ Maidstone Road, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ. in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, the real Peak and off peak sessions available ice rink is a favourite festive destination. Father throughout the festive season. Christmas Food Christmas will be welcoming families on Market offers a great place to sit and watch selected dates from Saturday 2 December the ice skating with a range of refreshments, to Sunday 24 December. With a fair ❄ Would you like to see your event in our What’s Ons? Deadline is Dec 1 2018 for our Jan/Feb issue. Please email your listing with your contact number to [email protected] and if we have space we will try to include it.

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] 15 Directory Find useful businesses for both children and parents, from clubs and classes to yoga and tutors.

Antenatal classes Clubs and Classes The Good Birth Practice Woodside School Are you ready to take control? The Good of Ballet Birth Practice offers hypnobirthing and Run by Nicola Moriarty, antenatal workshops, resources, classes and West Kent ex-Royal Ballet School courses. Charlotte Edun is a Birth Doula, and professional dancer, Hypnobirthing Practitioner and Positive Birth Woodside School of Movement Facilitator. Her courses support To find out about advertising Ballet has an elite ballet women as they create a positive, realistic your business in Families West Kent school and Associate programme for ages mindset and environment for birth, Magazine please email 8-15 years for serious ballet hopefuls regardless of how it happens. [email protected] or only. Plus Intro to Ballet for ages 4-11 and Find out more at call 07980118626. Booking deadline Baby Ballet classes from 1-4 years. Based www.thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk Dec 1 for Jan/Feb 2019 issue. in West Kingsdown. Auditions being held or email [email protected] for ages 8-15 years on December 12 from 7pm-8pm – please email nicola@ Yoga classes Leisure Attraction woodsidedanceretreat.com for application form or for more information on the Yoga By Lucy ClipnClimb, . See advert on page 2 and feature Need more “me” time? Yoga offers fantastic Kent’s first and the world’s on page 8 of this issue. benefits for both physical and mental largest Clip n Climb is a www.woodsidedanceretreat.com wellbeing. Fun, friendly classes for adults place where climbing meets and teens of all abilities in Shoreham Village theme park in an exciting Rugbytots and Sevenoaks area. new leisure concept for ages Dynamic weekly play Private tuition also available. four and up. ClipnClimb sessions for boys and girls Special trial offer: Tonbridge, Unit 4 Tonbridge Business Park, aged 2-7years. Our fun, 75-minute group class only £5! 2-8 Morley Road Tonbridge TN9 1RA. structured play sessions Find out more at: www.yogabylucy.co.uk Visit www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk take children on a journey of sporting or email: [email protected] or call 01732 753330. imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the Massage Therapies Tutoring way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a ScarWork Treatments Kumon Sevenoaks team. Call us on This incredibly gentle Kumon study helps children of any age and 0345 3130807 to book your free taster therapy is suitable for most any ability to shine. Established for 60 years, class. New mid week classes in Paddock scars, including C-sections, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes Wood and Tunbridge Wells. hip and knee replacements, enable students of all ages and abilities Full details on all our classes in West Kent mastectomies and abdominal surgeries. to develop into confident, independent at www.rugbytots.co.uk Addressing underlying adhesions of surgical, learners with strong study skills. To find accidental and burn scars, this type of out how Kumon study can help your child Nurseries and Preschools massage creates better and more to shine, contact your local Instructor, comfortable movement, corrects numbness Mandy Yarnold, on 01342 851221 or email Bishops Down Preschool and Nursery, or sensitivity and improves the visual [email protected] You’ll find Tunbridge Wells appearance of scar tissue. more information on our website, Bishops Down Nursery is a sessional Deep tissue, pregnancy and sports www.Kumon.co.uk nursery, led by qualified teachers, massage are also offered, with 10 years’ for children aged 3-4 years old set in experience as a massage therapist. Quiet Sevenoaks Tutoring Centre beautiful grounds. To come to an open treatment room in south Tonbridge or at We all want the best for our children, session or tour and to find out about your home. Contact Silke at The Massage especially when it comes to their education. the wraparound care plus the holiday Practice for more details and to book your We offer professional tuition from fully playschemes every school holiday, contact appointment. www.themassagepractice.co.uk qualified teachers and tailored work plans to Jo Sheldon on 01892 520114. Bishops Email: [email protected] address your child’s needs. We can help your Down Preschool and Nursery, Rydal Drive, Call: 07815 742 266 child build confidence and improve results. Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SU. If you would like to find out more about www.bishopsprimaryschool.org Fitness the services we provide, and book a free assessment, please visit our website Ante & Post Natal Exercise www.sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk Fiona Sullivan Personal or contact us on 01732 453657. Training offers personalised The team at exercise programmes Clubs and Classes Families delivered in your own home West Kent to meet your health and The Rock Project fitness goals. Specialising in ante and post For ages 7-11 & 11-18. would like natal fitness, Fiona is a level 3 qualified Play in a band every week, to wish Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor perform at our annual gig. all our teaching PiYo, Insanity and Circuits classes in Beginners welcome: guitar a number of locations in Sevenoaks. Please lessons, singing lessons, readers a see the full timetable on her website: bass and drum lessons. Two hour sessions very happy www.personaltrainersevenoaks.co.uk or weekly or one hour lessons in Sevenoaks. Christmas and a get in touch for further details via email: Can use own instruments. [email protected] More info at www.therockproject.com prosperous New Year. or mobile: 07737565610. or call 07739379838.

Our next issue is our January/February 2019 magazine – with a Family Health and Wellbeing feature, ideas on how to Beat the January Blues, plus early years & school news, What’s Ons and days out.

16 Families West Kent November/December 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk