Families Kent May/June 22 PRINT issue

EEHome FTRake Me

Kent

IN THIS ISSUE

Education What’s On Summer Camps Adventures at Home

Issue 23 May/June 2022

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CONTENTS

Welcome

CONTACT US:

Warm sunny days are on the horizon including two bank holidays, one of them extra-long! Yippee! It’s time to start planning some local family adventures as well as exploring the outdoors closer to home with our Adventures at Home feature.

Editor: Rebecca Carr T: 07789 882467 E: Editor@Familieskent.co.uk

Advertising sales: Amanda Biggs T: 07835 848066 E: amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk

Next issue: July/August Booking deadline: 3 June To receive free copies of Families Kent for your school, club, class or venue, call or email us.

Readership of over 40,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published six times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

IN THIS ISSUE: 4 Education 6 Meet the Head 8 Summer Camps 10 Clubs & Classes 11 Adventures at Home 12 What’s On 14 Gardening 15 Travel Cover image:

Depositphotos.com

The long summer break is also just around the corner so take a look at our summer camps feature for some ideas on how to manage school holiday childcare, as well as giving your child some great experiences.

If you have a little one who starts school in September or a child transitioning to secondary school, now is also the time to start thinking about preparation. Find tips and advice in our Education section.

Finally, in this issue, we have cute and cuddly Care Bears to give away! Apply for these colourful companions for your child to fall in love with at familiesmag.co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine straight to your inbox with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Rebeccca Editor, Families Kent

Where is Families Kent?

DARTFORD

MARGATE RAMSGATE FAVERSHAM SEVENOAKS

CANTERBURY

MAIDSTONE

TONBRIDGE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

ASHFORD

DOVER FOLKESTONE

© Families Kent 2022. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Win a Great British WIN! Map of Wonders Let the adventures begin!

Families Kent Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout East and West Kent.

You can get a copy FREE from: schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, and other family-related venues. If you would like to copies to give to parents, please get in touch.

Ages 2-11

Families has teamed up with ST&G to offer ten lucky readers their very own Great British Map of Wonders.

There are so many amazing adventure-filled things to do here in Britain, that it’s hard to take them all in without a ginormous map! For children ages 6+, this map includes 1000 of the most fun things to do and places to visit around Britain, with great games to play, boxes to tick, notes to fill in and a huge colouring map. Find and explore amazing animals, awesome activities, brilliant beaches, thrilling quests, super-fun festivals, funny place names and legendary places. For more information, visit www.marvellousmaps.com

To enter, visit familiesmag.co.uk/go

Closing date: 20 June. T&Cs at https://bit.ly/MapofWonders

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Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Southborough and Tonbridge Themed craft cooking games outdoor play trips 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri during school holidays (excluding Bank Holidays) 07727 692645 I play.growholidayclub@gmail.com Families Kent 3

EDUCATION

Lessons to learn before you’re 10

By Gail Hugman We live in a world where it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So teaching young children to make good use of their working memory, exercise self-control and get organised will really help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

These key skills underpin everything we do in life and it takes just a few minutes a day to boost them so your child learns more effectively and confidently. What’s more, growing these skills can be fun!

Developed by experts who understand how children’s brains develop and form, try these starter activities to set your child off on the right path.

Working memory Play Kim’s Game.

To set up, gather ten objects together on a tray. Give your child one to two timed minutes to look at the objects, then cover them up. Depending on age and ability, ask them to tell, draw or write which ones they remember. As they progress, add more objects or give them less time to remember them.

There are ways help brains recall objects; the trick is to make links and spot patterns.

Give them these tips: To start with, count how many objects you’ll have to remember.

Look to see if any can be linked together, by colour or by material, such as all plastic or all wood, by shape or by use; eg knife and fork go together, tools together, toys together.

Older children ages 7+ might be able to order the objects in a sequence or a story.

The more children play the game, the better they will get at recalling the objects. Why not see for yourself and play along too! Keep a tally so they can track their improvement and praise them for being clever. Explain that this is more than just a fun challenge, it’s all about teaching their brain to have a really good memory.

You can say: ‘When your teacher shows you something in school, your brain will remember it better if you sort the information first. You’ll be able to remember names, countries, lists, linked facts and even do magic tricks by remembering a bunch of playing cards in order - how cool is that?’

Self-control Ask your child to tell you really quietly what colour socks they are wearing. Then ask them to tell you again as LOUDLY as possible (it may not be such fun for you, but they will love it!)

Each time they whisper or shout, give feedback to their brain by telling them ‘that’s great whispering, can it be quieter?’ or ‘excellent LOUD voice, is that the loudest you’ve got?’

Do this exercise a few times and congratulate your child on their self-control. Tell them that taking charge from the inside is a very grown up thing to do.

Decide one thing you’d like your child to get under control. For example, it may be to resist the impulse to call out in class. Or leave their desk when they should be sitting quietly. Make it a positive.

Explain to your child that you’d like them to focus on this one thing every day for a week. Remind them each day, ask how they got on and praise their progress. In this way, you’ll support their effort to control their impulses.

Gail Hugman is the bestselling author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10. A children’s life coach, she owns and runs Human at Core (www.humanatcore.com), which helps parents motivate and engage their children in developing a bright future and provides science-based online personal development courses for children and parents.

Time management

Organisation

Organising time is a great skill, but children first need to grasp how long things actually take. Our ‘just a minute’ might take five or ten minutes and young brains may understandably be fooled into thinking only a minute has passed.

Have fun using a timer to count how many of the following things they can do in one minute: hops, writing their name neatly, reading words out loud, starting a colouring-in page.

Show them a timetable of their day with blocks of playtime in which they can plan their own fun.

Good habits created early on pay dividends in later life!

Help your child put together a homework kit so all the stationery they need is at hand before they start working.

Teach your child to get ready the night before, setting out tomorrow’s clothes and any extra kit they will need.

Time homework. If it’s supposed to be thirty minutes, don’t spend longer on it. If your child is not finishing on time, either the teacher needs to know or they need to focus more effectively.

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EDUCATION

Understanding executive function

By Usha Patel Executive functioning is a way of describing the series of mental processes that are required to complete a task.

Broadly speaking, executive function skills involve selfcontrol, working memory and flexible thinking.

Children labelled with a learning or behavioural problem will often display issues with their executive functioning, for example, in staying organised and focused. But many of the symptoms that parents may be told to medicate away are, in fact, executive functioning problems that might respond to a different kind of therapy.

These are the kids who lose the homework they stuffed into overflowing backpacks. Or the children who realise at 9pm that they need supplies for a vital project due the next day. When the tasks of daily life become unbearable, they melt down in a convulsion of emotion.

Whether the diagnosis is ADD, dyslexia or something else, these kids share a common problem: they just can’t manage the simple daily tasks that come easily to some of us.

Many children experience problems with their executive functioning, regardless of whether they have an underlying condition. Difficulty with one skill usually manifests across lots of different areas of a child’s life. For example, a child who has difficulty with time management is likely to both struggle to be on time and be unable to estimate how long a task will take.

Executive function difficulties seem pervasive but I believe it is possible to deconstruct their symptoms and pinpoint cognitive

skills that can be strengthened using the latest research. These difficulties are manageable and respond well to intervention. The first step is to observe your child and their behaviour, look for any executive functioning problems and then talk to them about their difficulties.

A child’s struggles can come from a variety of sources but these may be mysterious and frustrating for both you and your child and the source may be difficult to pinpoint. However, the chances are there is an underlying cognitive skill that needs strengthening. By understanding the root cause of the problem, you can then implement helpful therapies.

You may find it helpful to download my self-assessment that highlights behaviours associated with executive functioning problems. You can find this at https://bit.ly/exfuinfo Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist and expert in executive functioning, along with other special educational needs. She runs Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk).

What is executive function?

Identifying executive function weaknesses

If you think about the structure of a large company, it’s easy to understand the term executive function. Just as the executive team of a corporation manages and co-ordinates the various departments around a common goal, your brain’s executive functions co-ordinate different cognitive abilities around your goals. You require these skills to set and achieve goals, whether modest or ambitious.

Rule out learning disorders It’s possible your child isn’t turning in homework because they don’t understand the subject and are embarrassed to ask for help. It isn’t uncommon, for example, for children gifted in the arts to have a learning disability when it comes to maths.

Society creates structures for children that mimic adulthood in part to help them develop their executive function skills. School, sport and other activities help children create and work towards goals.

Rule out emotional issues Perhaps a bully is targeting your child. Maybe they’re too anxious to read their homework out loud. Maybe they’re concerned the teacher dislikes them and will give them a bad grade. Children’s emotional pain may not make sense to us but it’s very real to them.

Here are some key areas of your child’s life where executive function can help: Paying attention in class or at home; Managing time and prioritising tasks, such as homework; Being organised and planning ahead; Remembering tasks and chores; Starting tasks and staying focused on them; Controlling emotions; Understanding both their and other’s emotions.

Understand the patterns There is an unmistakable pattern to executive function problems in children. If your child often loses their homework and their bedroom is always a mess, this may indicate problems with organising. If they can’t resist playing video games or another fun activity until homework is finished, then they may have trouble with self-control. If that’s the case, then they will probably want to eat dessert before dinner too!

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Families Kent 5

EDUCATION

Meet the Head Kent College, Canterbury Families talks to Mr Mark Turnbull, Headmaster of Kent College, Canterbury What attracted you to Kent College, Canterbury?

How would you describe the ethos of Kent College?

Canterbury seems to be growing and blossoming, in part due to the migration from London during the pandemic. The school is very well positioned to capitalise on this.

Kent College has a reputation as a friendly school. It is most definitely a place where teachers really get to know the pupils, and have the time and space to give individual attention, both academically and pastorally.

I am a Yorkshireman by birth, but I’ve lived 24 years of my life in Kent, so far. My parents moved to Chislehurst and then Rochester when I was at school, and I got my first job in teaching at Sevenoaks School. Returning to Kent has allowed me to be close to family, explore Canterbury with its thriving cultural environment and to enjoy the landscape of the Downs and the Weald.

We are a school deeply rooted in the Christian Methodist tradition that welcomes all pupils of every faith and none, and celebrates diversity in all aspects of our school life. ‘Do all the good you can’ is a guiding principle, and one that allows pupils to grow and develop into confident young adults, aware of their responsibilities and their place in the world.

What was it about Kent College that made you want to apply for the position?

I am a believer in breadth in education and I think we are seeing this echoed in our awakening to the importance of managing our wellbeing. Good schools recognise that learning takes place across the curriculum and the confidence the pupil gains from success in one area can translate to others.

This means being active in the day, staying connected with a range of other people, being creative and giving to others. I think the care for each child at Kent College reflects this well.

How do you think your students would describe you?

Tall and maybe slightly scary, but fair, direct and always keen to listen.

What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey?

An ambition to learn, a desire to participate in all that is on offer, even if it pushes them out of their comfort zone, and a respect for others.

What are the qualities of a great teacher?

Showing their own passion for their subject and bringing it alive for the students.

I vividly recall two of my geography teachers bringing the subject alive and encouraging me to pursue it at university.

What does being a Headmaster mean to you?

Putting the best interests of all pupils first and enabling all staff to develop.

In what way is Kent College different from other schools?

A key element of a Kent College education is its breadth and the opportunity provided to engage in a wide range of co-curricular activities that support learning, wellbeing and the development of life skills.

Students are actively encouraged to positively participate in at least 2 cocurricular activities, which are centrally recorded and can support UCAS applications or a CV. With over 60 activities, from Astronomy to Coding, from Orchestra to Stable Management, there really is something for everyone at Kent College.

How do you help pupils who need extra academic support?

We are proud of our ability to provide bespoke timetables and a strong element of flexibility allows courses to be tailor made for each individual. Experienced teachers and small class sizes means excellent support is provided in class, but our Learning Support Centre is an incredible resource for those students who require additional academic support.

What would you like to achieve over the next couple of years and beyond?

Investing in the improvement of our campus is vital to ensure the highest of standards in the provision of a world class education.

Plans are already in discussion as to how we can make a tangible, valuable and significant change to our campus that our current students can enjoy, as well as those for many years to come.

If you weren’t Headmaster of Kent College, what would you be?

Bruce Springsteen but if that post isn’t available then Jools Holland.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A cowboy What is your most useless skill?

Beat the Intro What are you best known for?

Being tall A book or a movie?

Probably a book Sport or a movie?

Definitely sport To find out more about Kent College, visit www.kentcollege.com

6 Families Kent

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EDUCATION

A parent’s guide to secondary school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

The move from primary to secondary school is a major change for children. Most see this as an exciting next stage in their school journey but, for some, the change can make them feel anxious and uncertain. And all this at an age when children are already going through many physical and emotional changes ahead of adolescence.

Bringing up children is a slow, staggered process of detachment, from the moment they learn to crawl to the moment they finally leave home. When a child starts secondary school, with a mobile phone and travel card, it’s easy to see impending adulthood in the paraphernalia of independence as the detachment process begins.

Our role is to give our children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is and wings to fly away. The roots begin to form during early years education; secondary school is the place where children start to grow their wings.

Whilst most children will have a positive secondary school start and will embrace the new experiences on offer, research has found that the shift to secondary school can be stressful for about one in four children and that nearly three quarters of parents are anxious themselves.

Our input at this stage is crucial and our role as parents is to be our child’s sounding board, establishing an open relationship in which they feel valued, respected and connected. By adopting this non-judgemental response, our children are more likely to

keep talking to us as they get older.

Finally, while we may no longer be at the school gates, our involvement continues to be crucial to both our children’s emotional wellbeing and academic success. There are still many opportunities to stay involved: by joining the PTA, becoming part of a class WhatsApp group and getting to know the school and what support it offers.

Talk to your children about their day but possibly not the moment they walk through the door - a snack and a drink often help to ease the way into a pleasant chat.

The key to a healthy ongoing relationship is to keep the communication going. Remember that you are your child’s emotional coach.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Before your child starts

Change and uncertainty

Exploring Recognise and talk about their primary school highlights and achievements - and things they may miss.

Find out what they are looking forward to at their new school, addressing worries and concerns.

Connecting Look at the new school website with your child and take part in any induction events.

Help your child think about how to approach new people and start conversations.

Find other children on the new school route to travel with.

Empower your child Encourage your child to take more responsibility at home to build their confidence and independence.

Support steps towards independence: allow them to walk home alone in their final term (if practical), meet a friend locally or run an errand for you.

Notice when your child does something well and praise them.

Organisation is key to success Help your child plan out their journey and do a few trial runs together.

Make sure you have all the uniform and equipment ready in time.

Plan a suitable space and time for daily homework.

During times of change children will typically experience many emotions, just as adults do. Remember that change is a normal part of life and can help us develop courage, flexibility and resilience.

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So how can we help them understand and manage their feelings?

Acknowledge challenging feelings and events. help them learn that life is not perfect and that there may be hard days and difficulties. Teach them to accept these feelings knowing that this acceptance will help them to move on with the emotional strength that they will need as they mature.

Validate your child’s feelings. encourage them to process and talk to you about what is going on. Try not to dismiss their concerns and worries as trivial.

Help your child learn what they can and can’t control. we can control our goals, relationships and how we spend our time. We can’t control natural disasters, pandemics or loss.

Maintain family routines. knowing what to expect will help your child feel grounded and secure, especially during times of transition.

Families Kent 7

SUMMER CAMPS

The lowdown on school holiday camps and workshops

By Andrew Campbell

Summer holiday camps, schools and workshops are not only an ideal way to fill in childcare gaps during the long summer break but offer the opportunity for your child to discover a new hobby or take their existing passion to a new level.

Multi-activity day camps Offering a varied daily programme of sports and creative activities, with each session lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours, multi-activity camps are ideal for children who have a range of interests or have not yet found their ‘thing.’ Some camps offer an astounding range of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, games and challenges. Generally, camps can be booked for single days, half days and full weeks, including extended hours and multi-week discounts.

Sport/single activity camps or workshops These intensely focused summer schools offer specialisation.

Think a specific sport such as football, gymnastics and cricket, one creative activity such as painting, photography and cooking, a single performing art like drama, musical theatre or dance or an area of STEM such as computer coding, robotics and game design.

Generally operating for two to five hours per day and running for just one day or as a progressive course from a few days to two weeks, these camps or workshops often cater for all ages of children and culminate in staging a performance, playing a competitive game or demonstrating a completed project.

For children who have an established interest, single activity camps or workshops offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition, often from highly qualified or experienced instructors which can result in a significant boost to their existing skill level, confidence and enthusiasm in their chosen endeavour.

For a child curious about an activity, single activity camps or workshops are a great opportunity for an immersive experience which will test their interest and aptitude and for gaining an appreciation of what a regular commitment to weekly term time classes, often run by the same organisation, could offer.

For children who may struggle to find school friends who share their ‘passion,’ activity camps or workshops are a great way to meet ‘like-minded’ peers in their local area.

And for you? A patchwork of activity camps and/or workshops can be expensive but there is a distinct advantage in that they offer some mainstays of childcare across the summer that simultaneously allow your child to be doing something enjoyable, fulfilling, exciting or unique.

What to take to a camp/ workshop

Residential camps – the benefits

A refillable water bottle – there should be drinking water available but remind your child to stay hydrated during the day.

A residential summer camp may feel daunting for both parents and children but there are significant benefits in having time away from home.

For outside activities, make sure your child has sun cream already applied. Ask them to re-apply it every four hours. Ensure they have a sun hat.

Choose well-worn, weather-appropriate practical clothing and comfortable footwear. Layers are good if the weather is unpredictable. Avoid flip-flops which can cause health and safety issues.

Remember swimming costume and towel or apron/old shirt for creative activities.

Packed lunch, plus additional snacks for break times/extended hours.

Rucksack (to carry everything).

Leave mobile phones at home – they are often prohibited by camp organisers anyway.

8 Families Kent

Acquire new life skills. Whatever the type of camp, your child will learn new life skills based on their experiences. They may discover a sport or hobby they have not considered before.

Gain more independence. From choosing what to wear, to ensuring they eat well and keep their area tidy, your child will gain a sense of independence and responsibility that can only come from being away from you.

Experience a sense of belonging and make new friends.

Having fun with peers can foster a sense of belonging. Kids bond with their teammates on tasks and feel included in the activities taking place, not to mention making new friends.

Character development. With more responsibility and freedom comes newly gained confidence which could see your child becoming better organised, making better choices and achieving more in the future.

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SUMMER CAMPS

Are you looking for ofsted registered childcare?

Fun-filled adventures with Camp Beaumont

Play ‘n Grow Holiday Club, based in Tonbridge and Southborough is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (subject to demand).

With the school holidays just around the corner and the dilemma of childcare approaching, Camp Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced day camp provider, is on hand to provide your child with a fun-filled adventure at locations across London and the South-East.

Play ‘n Grow offer arts, crafts, free play, fun and games and cooking activities, plus visits to the local parks and woods.

Children are given a cooked lunch and snacks throughout the day. There are often trips available and special visitors come to each site.

They accept children from ages 2 to 11 at Southborough and primary school age children at Tonbridge. There are two session 8am to 6pm or 9am to 3pm. Prices start at £35 per day and they also offer sibling discount.

Book now for May half term, Mon 30 May to Wed 1 June or book for the summer holidays, 25 July to 26 August.

Play ‘n Grow is open every holiday and you can pre-book all through to Christmas 2022.

More info at playngrowholidayclub.schoolipal.co.uk

Inspiring school holiday adventures your child won’t want to miss BOOK NOW

With over 50 activities each week, not only can your child sharpen up their social skills, but they can pursue new interests, develop new talents and unleash their creative side. Activities range from Aqua Olympics to Movie Maker to Superhero Academy, and each activity programme is tailored by age group, including a nursery-style Playtime Programme for 3-4 year olds, a unique Magic Programme for 5-7 year olds, a thrilling Active Programme for 8-11 year olds and an exclusive club-style Teens Programme for 12-16 year olds.

Camp Beaumont’s award-winning multi-activity adventure camps take place every school holiday. Childcare vouchers are accepted, and all bookings are flexible with their COVID flexible booking promise.

To book, visit www.campbeaumont.co.uk

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Families Kent 9

CLUBS & CLASSES

Clubs, classes & holiday clubs CONFIDENCE BUILDING FUN Try a FREE drama, dance and singing class Book at www.perform.org.uk/try

Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Southborough, and Tonbridge Themed craft, cooking, games, outdoor play and trips.

8am to 6pm Mon-Fri during school holidays (exc. bank holidays).

Ages 2-11

Make your child’s development more fun

TRY RUGBYTOTS 0345 313 0807 westkent@rugbytots.co.uk

Call 07727 692645 play.growholidayclub@gmail.com

Learn to read, write & love music.

Keyboard tuition for ages 5-8 and 9-12 years. Free trial available.

Call 01732 457100. www.funkymonkey.info

To feature your club, class or holiday club in our regular directory call Amanda on 07835 848066

Try some free weekly fun this summer term Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12 run throughout the summer term and are specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Perform’s Peter Pan summer courses Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course. In July or August, children ages 4 to 10 years can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an unforgettable confidence-building adventure.

With a sprinkle of Perform fairy dust, a team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to delight family and friends.

Ashford: St Mary’s Community Centre, TN24 9LH Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall, DA5 1AP Faversham: West Faversham Community Centre, ME13 7RH Hempstead: Hempstead Valley Community Centre, ME7 3PD Kings Hill: Kings Hill Community Hall, ME19 4LG Langton Green: Langton Green Village Hall, TN3 0JJ Maidstone: St Pauls Church, ME14 2AN Riverhead: Riverhead Village Hall, TN13 2EL Sevenoaks: The Parish Church of St Luke, TN13 1XT Tonbridge: St John’s Church Centre, TN11 9HT Tunbridge Wells: Christ Church Centre, TN1 1UT

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120.

‘Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a lot of confidence in her ability to join in, make new friends and perform songs and dances. We were so proud of her.’

Emma Robinson (parent) Courses take place from 1 to 5 August and 15 to 19 August in Sevenoaks.

For more info and booking, visit www.perform.org.uk/ peterpan

10 Families Kent

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ACTIVITIES

Adventures at home

By Zoe Lake I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home for weekends and holidays. Here are some of our favourites, which can be easily adjusted if the weather does not behave. All the activities can be tailored to children and adults of all ages, adding a little magic to precious family time.

Garden music festival Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden.

Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory - without needing to queue!

Twenty four hours without electricity Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. Not only does it encourage you to get creative with your time, it also opens up the broader topic of eco-living and which small changes can be made at home. Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.

Stargazing Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends. Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon, which snakes across our sky.

Garden fete

Mini Olympics

Wildlife hunting

Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours when there’s glorious sunshine! String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).

Our annual garden Olympics is one of our favourite days of the year. Open with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals at an elaborate award ceremony.

Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification. Or encourage a few new residents with a log pile house for insects, hanging feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you all see.

Family heritage

Reading nook

Spend a bit of time asking relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is a bit rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young. And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts, perhaps to where they grew up.

A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon. Set up a den or a teepee and make it cosy inside. Fill a basket with books and make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even have a go at writing your own story together.

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Zoe Lake’s book Adventures at Home (Pimpernel Press) is available at all good book shops and at www.zoe-lake.co.uk Families Kent 11

TOYS

What's On

Fun for all the family

To promote your local event, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next issue, email editor@familieskent.co.uk.

Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and venues are open.

Dinosaur World Live

DIARY DATES Throughout May & June Gruffalo Sculptures Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ When you explore the National Pinetum you may spot the Gruffalo and his friends. Can you find them all? The Gruffalo, Fox, Mouse, Snake, Squirrel and Owl are spread out across the pinetum.

Wed 4 May Stories and Rhymes Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Listen to a story and rhymes, join in with actions, and make a themed paper craft to take home. Under 5’s.

Book in advance. £2.50 per child.

Sat 7 to Sun 8 May See Peppa Pig! Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Children’s favourite Peppa Pig will be appearing at Groombridge station! Take a steam train ride from Tunbridge Wells West travelling to Groombridge where you can alight to see Peppa Pig as the steam locomotive changes ends of the train. Adult £13, Child (2-15yrs) £6 or Family (2+2) £32.

Sun 8 May Faversham Family Bike Ride The Abbey School, Faversham, ME13 8RZ Shake off the winter blues and enjoy the fresh air and have fun.

12.5 km, so all ages and abilities can enjoy it.

Sun 8 to Sun 15 May Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland Eastgate House, Rochester Curiouser and curiouser! The Mad Hatter, The Cheshire Cat and The White Rabbit – meet them all in Lewis Carroll’s timeless, dreamchild world. Ages 8+. £14 Thur 12 to Sun 15 May Spring Craft Fair Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge TN8 7NG Head to Hever Castle in May 12 Families Kent

for a contemporary spring craft fair organised by Craft In Focus.

Discover around 180 exhibitors from the UK’s finest designer makers and contemporary artists at this craft fair based in the heart of the Kentish countryside.

Sat 14 to Sun 15 May The Little Welly St. Clere Estate, Sevenoaks, TN15 6NL Specially created for kids aged 4 to 12, The Little Welly obstacle course has more than 30 challenges over a 3-5km route. It includes climbing walls, a huge water slide, scramble nets, balance poles, a foam pit and of course, mud! Pre-Book tickets at thelittlewelly.co.uk Mon 16 May Stay & Play – Toddler Group Whitstable Umbrella Centre, Whitstable, CT5 1DD Stay & Play group for parents/ carers and under 5s. 9:30-11:30am.

Sun 22 May Bubble Rush Event Betteshanger Park, Deal CT14 0BF There’s just so much foamy fun for all the family as you burst through a rainbow of bubbles in this sudsy spectacle! Bubble stations will create a pathway full of colourful foam, so you can run, jog, walk, dance or toddle through the route.

Wed 25 to Thur 26 May Dinosaur World Live 2022 Winter Gardens Fort, Margate CT9 1HX Come along and enjoy a roarsome interactive show for all the family!

4.30pm.

Sat 28 May to Wed 1 June Art Week Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge TN8 7NG Get arty this May half term. Learn about works of art, become an artist for the day, enter a painting competition, dig for mosaic pieces, create a bookmark with Origami paper and search for paintings in the grounds and Castle.

Summer fun at Hever Castle

Sat 28 May to Wed 1 June Baa-rilliant Half Term!

Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU A variety of activities for families to enjoy this half term. Plus, enjoy an outdoor play area, fun farm rides, a hunt around the site with a sweet treat and the chance to get arty in the Paint-a-Pot studio. Adults, £12.

Child (2-15): £12. Conc £12. Family (2+2) £44. 10am–5pm.

Mon 30 May to Wed 1 June May Half Term Jubilee Make it Crafts Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, ME14 1LH Three days of Platinum Jubilee themed Make It sessions for children. 3 sessions per day – 10.30–11.30am, 12–1pm or 1.30– 2.30pm. Ages 4–11 years. £3 per child per session. Adult to stay.

Booking required.

Sat 30 May to Sun 5 June Children’s Activities Elmley National Nature Reserve, Sheerness, ME12 3RW Walk the trails, head to the hides, and Elmley’s in-house wildlife guides will be hosting nature-based children’s activities on certain days at 11am, as well as a range of additional wildlife tours.

Thur 2 June Decorate a Jubilee Biscuit Ightham Mote Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT This summer half term, join us to decorate a biscuit and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by decorating a biscuit with your own unique crown design.

11.30am-3.30pm. £1.50 + entry.

Thur 2 June to Sat 4 June Shrek the Musical Margate Winter Gardens Fort, Margate, CT9 1HX Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy.

Thur 2 to Sun 5 June A ‘Darling’ Celebration Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU With 1950s Darling Buds of May entertainment, there will be a real street party vibe, with bunting galore and a traditional village fete feel. Adult: £12. Child (2-15): £12.

Concessions £12. Family (2+2) £44.

Under 2’s: Free. 10am–5pm Thur 2 to Sun 5 June Queen’s Jubilee Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge TN8 7NG Celebrate the Queen and her 70 year reign in the beautiful grounds of Hever Castle. A whole of host of celebratory activities will be taking place over the weekend, plus bring a picnic and take part in Hever’s own street party!

Thur 2 to Sun 5 June Jubilee Weekend Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Join in for this very special June weekend and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Enjoy bunting workshops, the return of Tudor Legacies and some story performances by Aardvark as you relax into the long weekend.

10am–5pm.

Fri 3 June Peter Pan by J.M Barrie, adapted by Oliver Gray Hever Castle, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Peter Pan was first performed by Illyria in 1997. The 2022 production, however, will be the first to feature REAL flying! Peter Pan is presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Concord Theatricals Ltd. £13.50 Sat 4 June Platinum Jubilee Kids Party Reuthe’s Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, TN15 0HB The best children’s party in town and fun for adults too! Kids £8, Infants £4, Adults £3, Parking £5.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Sat 4 to Sun 26 June See The Gruffalo Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU The Gruffalo makes a return to Kent Life making personal appearances throughout the day. Whilst you’re here, why not take a visit to see some of the resident owls and other animals that appear in The Gruffalo story. Join in one of the many activities. 10am–5pm (last admission 4pm).

4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 June Fun Craft Workshops at Bodiam Castle Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA Children can enjoy this wonderful craft activity, where they are encouraged to imagine themselves as a knight, a Lord or Lady and decorate their own wooden castle, shield or crown! Perfect for celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. £5 per item. Ages 4-8.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sun 12 June Fireman Sam – Save The Circus Winter Gardens Fort, Margate, CT9 1HX Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.

Sun 12 June Little Warrior Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QN Unleash the warrior within at Demelza’s Little Warrior event in Tunbridge Wells this June! Walk, jog, or run your way around the exciting obstacle course in the beautiful Dunorlan Park.

Fri 17 to Sun 19 June Black Deer Festival Eridge, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9JT The Black Deer Festival is a compelling and engaging music festival which brings Americana and Country music to the UK.

Sun 5 June Teddy Bears Picnic Willesborough Windmill, Ashford, TN24 0QG Bring your brave teddy along to abseil down the Mill. Enjoy a go on the bouncy castle, have your face painted and get involved with some arts and crafts. Cream teas and light refreshments will be available in the Barn Cafe. No mill tours.

Family ticket £10

Mon 20 to Sun 26 June Hever in Bloom Hever Castle, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Hever in Bloom showcases the glorious award winning gardens at the height of their summer beauty.

You will be able to enjoy one of the finest displays of more than 4,000 roses in Kent, the Garden of England.

Sun 5 to Mon 6 June Raver Tots Family Festival Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU The nation’s biggest kid-friendly rave is heading to Maidstone, Kent for an amazing family festival. All ages.

Every Friday Story Time Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP Join in with a magical new story

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

and interactive songs each Friday in Trinity’s Kitchen and Bar, from 9.30–10.15am. Suitable for preschoolers. Free.

and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.

Fri 3 June Twelfth Night EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge TN9 1JP Join The HandleBards at The EM Forster Theatre, for a bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Duke Orsino is in love with Lady Olivia, but she won’t have anything to do with suitors.

Viola is shipwrecked and believes her twin brother Sebastian to be dead. Meanwhile, a bunch of Olivia’s servants plot to make a fool out of her pompous butler, Malvolio.

There’s drunkenness, frivolity and cross-dressing a plenty. This is an outdoor production, so bring your own chair or blanket, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather.

Doors open 6pm, show starts 7pm.

Wed 4 to Sat 7 May Gangsta Granny The Orchard Theatre, Dartford DA1 1ED It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! £23-£25.

Thur 5 to Sat 7 May Aladdin The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ When street rat Aladdin frees a genie from a lamp, he finds his wishes granted. However, he soon finds that the evil has other plans for the lamp and for Princess Jasmine. But can Aladdin save Princess Jasmine and his love for her after she sees that he isn’t quite what he appears to be?

Sat 4 June Ministry of Science – Science Saved the World!

The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! 11am & 2.30pm. £16.50

Sat 21 to Sun 22 May Dance Act Variety Junior Show The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ Students from Dance Act will be taking to the stage to perform in the dance schools Variety Show. A must see for all family and friends.

Ages 3-18 years.

Wed 22 to Sun 26 June Billionaire Boy The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country!

He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money! But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy! Ages 5yrs+. From £12.50

Mon 23 to Sat 28 May School of Rock The Orchard Theatre, Dartford DA1 1ED School of Rock is the global hit musical based on the iconic movie starring Jack Black. Don’t miss out!

Book your tickets today to see the hit musical that everyone’s raving about.

Tue 28 to Wed 29 June Dinosaur World Live Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. From £16.50

28 May Twirlywoos Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us! Expect mischief, music

Get creative at Hever Castle during Art Week There’s so much on at Hever Castle during May half term! From 28 May to 1 June, join a Victorian governess and tutor to learn about the artistic techniques that Victorian children would have been taught. Get a chance to try out some of these techniques as part of a free thirty minute show.

Dig for mosaic pieces or create a bookmark with Origami paper.

Join sculptor and Dragon’s Den star Guy Portelli, alongside Escape Arts Centre from Tonbridge and try painting in the plein air.

Enter a painting competition and depict the castle or gardens in any style for a chance to win a prize. Selected artwork will be displayed at The Escape Arts Centre. Go on an art trail and discover paintings from the castle which are hidden in the gardens or wander through the castle and find out interesting facts about the paintings there (included with castle admission only). Finish off your arty day by getting your face painted! (£5 charge).

More at www.hevercastle.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

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Garden time

By Jo Behari Ah, the summer breeze is in the air! Looking forward to spending more time in the garden? Maybe not, if your garden is like mine and covered in green moss and winter dredge. So, it’s time to make it shine!

Pressure washing is your friend when it comes to sprucing up your garden after the winter. You can hire a pressure washer from a tool rental company for around £40 for the weekend. Or invest in one if there’s space to store it. Use the brush tool on the pressure washer to lift any green moss. Treat the areas with a disinfectant like Jeyes fluid beforehand, scrubbing them with a stiff bristled brush.

What about rust on metal furniture or BBQ’s? Most rust spots can be cleaned and treated easily by soaking them with white vinegar. Scrub the vinegar off with a stiff brush or even a light sand with sandpaper for stubborn spots. For some metals you can even use WD-40 to lift off rust but test this on a small area before treating larger spaces.

Think outside the box and bring some interesting non-plant features into your garden. Mirrors are a brilliant way to add a quirky element to your garden. Hang them from fences or trees to create a secret garden feel. Light up your entire garden with solar powered lights that can be hung from trees and bushes on fence panels or even staked into the ground.

Now the garden’s looking better - apart from the graveyard of discarded toys on the lawn. How can you get that Insta-garden feel whilst still making sure the kids have plenty of space and toys to play with?

And don’t be afraid to use old, discarded items as planters or garden features to make your garden feel that bit more characterful. For example, old tyres make great herb planters, hanging plants can be suspended from pallets and old wooden ladders look great with plants trailing on them.

Everyone knows the importance of good storage in a family home and that’s true outside as well as inside. For a multifunctional garden, storage that doubles up as furniture is a great idea. Look for garden benches that have in built storage or footrest/storage boxes. Plastic garden storage solutions don’t always look great but are functional. Get quirky and creative and use old chest of drawers or cupboards outside.

If you get the entire family involved in coming up with creative ideas, it won’t be long before your garden feels unique to you and a place you really want to spend time this summer.

Jo Behari is an entrepreneur, DIY expert and TV presenter www.jobehari.co.uk

How to bring colour into your garden

Creating a kids play area on a budget

Obviously, plants and flowers provide colour but this may only last a few months of the year.

Kids garden toys can be pricey so start by using what you already have.

Another way of introducing colour and vibrancy which will last all year is to paint fences and furniture. You can choose any colours you like from pastels to vibrant shades. Cuprinol do a great range of outdoor paints but if you are looking for something more environmentally friendly, Graphenstone paints remove CO2 from the atmosphere, so make a great eco choice.

Hang pipes, old bottles, funnels and tubes to the fence to create a water run for young kids who love water play.

Use soft furnishings like brightly coloured cushions and throws to bring in colour too. Just make sure you have a decent place to store them, so they don’t get ruined by being left out overnight.

As we all know, it generally rains plenty during a UK summer!

Invest in an outdoor rug for your seating area. This can be left out overnight and all year round and makes a great addition to any garden seating area, offering additional colour as well as pattern.

14 Families Kent

Put two washing up bowls side by side, one containing mud and one containing water. Add a few old kitchen utensils and some plastic bowls and you have yourself a mud kitchen!

Use old wellie boots as planters so kids can look after their own plants. These are great for strawberries and small flowers.

String some old tins and pots to the fence and with an old wooden spoon let little ones bang out a tune. Paint them some fun colours to make them really bright and appealing for younger children.

Old tyres can be picked up cheaply and can be used to create an obstacle course for older kids. These are also easy to paint so another great way to bring colour into the garden.

Familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL

Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly as family-friendly as it claims.

So, to offer you some recommendations that have been tested and rated in this regard, Families asked the experts at Tested by Tots for their suggestions for your next family break. Here’s what they’ve come up with.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest, Hampshire

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Nestled in the beautiful New Forest, Sandy Balls Holiday Village by Away Resorts won the Holiday Resorts category of the Tested by Tots Staycation Awards 2021. With excellent facilities, bars and restaurants, it has activities for all ages including soft play, bike hire, archery, crafts and alpaca walks. Great location, great staff, great service and something for everyone.

This charming family-run campsite is ideally located for Bolton Abbey and local tea rooms and pubs. Choose from camping, bell tent glamping or timber pods, with an on-site coffee shop, regular shop, BBQ and fire pits (with pizza ovens) for hire, plus electric hook up and WiFi.

www.awayresorts.co.uk

www.catgillfarm.co.uk Forest Holidays, Cropton, North Yorkshire

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, Croyde, North Devon

Beautiful cabins in peaceful woodland with a beach nearby. Bookable activities include horse riding, archery, cycling and forest ranger activities. The kids will love being outdoors, whether in the forest or play area; and there’s even the option to bring the dog.

Awarded Best Campsite in the Staycation Awards 2021, this spacious site is spread over several well-kept camping fields and sits only three hundred metres from the beach. Amenities include on-site wetsuit and board hire, ice block exchange, small device charge station, showers, numerous toilets, tuck shop and even a Sri Lankan food truck.

www.forestholidays.co.uk

www.cherrytreecampingcroyde.co.uk

Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire, Scotland

Drayton Cottage, Bembridge, Isle of Wight

No top picks should be without a Parkdean resort!

Sandylands is in a beautiful location for outdoor exploring and comes with excellent facilities: adventure playground, indoor swimming and toddler pools, arcade and kids’ club, plus a range of organised activities. Cosy accommodation with plenty for everyone to do.

This ‘home from home’ cottage won the Best Holiday Lets category in the Staycation Awards 2021.

Easy walking distance to the beach and close to local amenities, the cottage is geared for families looking to relax and explore the island. It has a secure garden with seating and BBQ and bike storage.

www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk

www.theholidaycottages.co.uk

Ham Bottom, Somerset These self-catering lodges are perfectly designed for families: open plan with big kitchen tables, en-suites to every bedroom and kitted out with children’s equipment.

Each property also comes with a trampoline, slide and climbing frame, football goals, indoor heated pool, sauna, hot tub and BBQ shack. It’s a paradise for families set in beautiful countryside. www.groupstays.co.uk

Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick A comfortable hotel in a great location to explore the attractions in and around Warwick. It’s great value, as are most of the Holiday Inn hotels: under 17s stay for free if in their parents’ room and up to four children can eat free if they’re under 12. Free parking and WiFi add great value to a city break. www.ihg.com/holidayinn

Tested by Tots takes the stress out of travelling with children. It recommends only products and services that it has checked out and agrees are child-friendly. All this and hints and tips on holidaying with children, including holiday packing checklists at www.testedbytots.com Familiesonline.co.uk

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