Families London-Kent Borders September/October issue 2013

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–teens Issue 15: September/October 2013

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London–Kent Borders

It’s back to school • Education News • Open Days • Independent School Review

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things to consider when choosing a secondary school

PLUS:

Fantastic reader offers including offers from Hello Fresh & Baccarat Hair Design

Plus: News, ‘What’s on’ & much more inside! ★ For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

130mm x 87mm wide:Layout 1 24/07/2013 13:23 Page 1

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Excellence CELEBRATES 130 YEARS OF

Us she will Thrive

With

OPEN MORNING Saturday September 28th 2013, 9.30 am ‐ 1.00 pm

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Monday 7th October 2013 from 6.45 pm

Find out more about life at Bromley High School S BH

4+, 7+, 11+, 13 + and 16+

Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/fken1

                          

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Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

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In this issue

Photos courtesy of Imagethirst www.imagethirst.com

4 News 6 Anti-Bullying Workshops & Jeans for Genes Day 7 Choosing a secondary school 9 Education news 11 Clubs & Classes Special 15 Food Page: Box Fresh 16 Events 17 What’s On 19 Health & Beauty

Welcome to my first issue of Families London-Kent Borders magazine.

As a mum, to 3 year old Aydin and 11 year old Rahil, my aim is to continue to provide a really useful bi-monthly magazine which provides local families with informative articles, features and recommendations to get the best out of family life in our local area.

Now the summer is over and the children are back at school in our first issue we look at Education, as well as clubs and classes. Our what’s on pages are packed with lots of ideas for family outings.

I very much look forward to delivering the second issue to you during the first week of November.

Happy reading and I really hope you enjoy it!

Mima Walia , Editor 020 8466 6977, editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk Follow us on Facebook at Families London–Kent Borders Magazine and on Twitter @familieslkb © Families London–Kent Borders. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families London–Kent Borders nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families London–Kent Borders is part of the Families® group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. Printed by Williams Press Ltd, www.williamspress.co.uk

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

perform.org.uk

020 8466 6977

Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1316

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News

News & Views

Pilates teacher Ismini Phillips focuses on back pain Pilates has become increasingly popular in recent years, but has been around since the 1930s when it was created by Joseph Pilates. It aims to teach people how to engage their muscles more efficiently by realigning and correcting poor body posture and movement.

Pilates exercises focus on lengthening and strengthening all muscle groups which, with continued practise, can enhance athletic performance by making your posture more stable. Pilates can involve mat work with or without small equipment requiring deep abdominal techniques to achieve total body conditioning. ‘In my experience, many people are introduced to Pilates after they have suffered an injury or post surgery,’ says local pilates teacher Ismini Phillips. ‘It’s very good for people with chronic health problems, such as low back pain caused by prolapsed discs, spondylosis, spondylitis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis etc. Osteopaths, chiropractors physiotherapists and general practitioners have referred many clients to me because they view Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise today.’

Ismini sees clients with back pain from a variety of backgrounds. Back pain is present in 80% of adults in the UK and costs the economy huge amounts of money for it can lead to absence from work. The reasons for back pain are not always clear and in 85’% of back pain cases there is no clear pathology. However, clients have reported to her that their back pain has been alleviated by Pilates and she has had good feedback in not only the relief of back pain but also daily stresses.

Ismini Phillips is a Pilates teacher, registered with REPS as a Level 4, Specialist Instructor, who specializes in low back pain and breast cancer recovery. She is a member of the Body Control Association; is a Back4Good Practitioner; is registered with the Back Care Charity; and is also a Pink Ribbon Program Instructor and Instructor Trainer for the program.

Ismini runs Pilates classes, Healthy Back classes, the Pink Ribbon Program and more, in Chislehurst, Eltham and surrounding areas.

To find out more about Pilates visit Ismini’s website at www.isminiphillips.com

Vitapens to the rescue!

Vitapens (RRP £7) come in a sealed bottle ready to be popped open in text-based emergencies. Any time you need to highlight something important or satisfyingly cross something off your to-do list they are there, like a first aid kit for your filing! Each pack contains ten highlighters in five fabulous colours.

For stockists visit www.mzube.co.uk

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www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

News

Back to School with a Personalised Lunchbox from ClaireaBella

Think You Know ClaireaBella? Think Again! Be the coolest kid heading back to school this September with a personalised lunchbox from ClaireaBella!

An absolute favourite among top celebrities such as Michelle Keegan and Kelly Brook, ClaireaBella is the brand taking the personalisation market by storm, not least with their brand NEW personalised lunchboxes.

Founded by Entrepreneur and Mum of five Claire Barratt, ClaireaBella is famous for their girlie and gorgeous personalised Classic Jute Bags.

Previously pictured on the likes of Russell Kane, Lisa Snowden and the cast of TOWIE, celebrities are their kiddies are now scrambling to carry their lunch in style with a fabulous personalised ClaireaBella lunchbox Add your name and own –aBella character, created using ClaireaBella’s incredible online BuildaBella App, to your lunchbox and guarantee your spot at the top this new school year!

Personalise your life with ClaireaBella’s exclusive products; classic jute bags, cotton tote bags, hoodies, t-shirts, pyjamas, phone cases, diaries, notepads, candles and even chocolate bars are available exclusively from www.toxicfox.co.uk/claireabella Families London-Kent Borders readers have been offered 10% R off ClaireaBella. Please use code SCHOOLLUNCH10 valid from DER 1 September to 31 October 2013.

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Snap into action

Our friends at Snappy Tags™ have launched another great new product to make life that little bit easier in the busy run up to Back to School. The Back to School Complete Naming Kit is just what the name suggests.

As well as the snappy tags for naming clothes and soft items, this includes stickers for hard items like lunchboxes, stationery etc, shoe covers to use the stickers inside shoes / trainers, and underwear labels.

Have a little one starting school or nursery this term? Why not treat them to a Happy School Days Set (far left)? – a cute little backpack in either Woodland Creatures or Space Rider design, full of co-ordinating stationery goodies. They’re also great for days out or keeping the kids entertained on a long journey. www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

Learn to read with Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs is the award-winning online reading programme for children aged 3-13. Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs programme is all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities. Proven reading results • Over 90% of parents have noticed an improvement in their child’s reading ability since using Reading Eggs • The lessons content and format are based on solid scientific research • Has a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words supporting what children learn at school • Uses skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success •The programme is used by over 2 million children worldwide

020 8466 6977

Business Mums Wanted Successful local business is seeking five partners to work part time from home without compromising family commitments If you have a Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your famil] s needs please call:

Katie 01737 or 07909 681884

• Reading Eggs has been developed by expert educators with over 20 years’ experience Why children love Reading Eggs • There are over 512 interactive games, motivating rewards & songs • It makes reading fun – children want to learn • The programme supplies one-on-one lessons that match your child’s ability • Detailed assessment reports show and recognise progress • Suitable for children aged 3 - 13 Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn. • Free trial only available for new customers who register at www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn.

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News

Local Writer Inspires Children to Write About a World Without Bullying Children of St David’s College in West Wickham welcomed local workshop company AntiBullying Workshop and writer and former pupil Rachel Wagstaff to a workshop with a difference. The session was inspired by a writing competition organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Random House Publishing for children to write about a world where cyber bullying has been destroyed and everyone can enjoy using the internet without fear of being bullied online.

“The combination of writing and drama exercises really sparked the imaginations of the children who produced some truly fantastic work. I have seen first hand many times, how the creative arts help children deepen their understanding of bullying and how they can tackle this issue for themselves and support others” says, Faye Willingale, Co-Director of Anti-Bullying Workshop.

“I was delighted by the response of the children we worked with and I hope that lots of children will get involved in the competition and enjoy the experience of creative writing that is so beneficial and fun. Good luck everyone!” says Rachel.

If you would like your child or your child’s school to get involved in the writing competition please visit www.antibullyingalliance.org for more details. The winners will have their work published and win books for their school. The competition judges are Laura Dockrill and John Lucas. The closing date is Monday 30 September.

This membership allows access to a network of other specialists focused on tackling bullying.

About Anti-Bullying Workshop Bromley based Anti-Bullying Workshop delivers drama role-play workshops to primary schools in London and the South East. A range of workshops are available to help schools tackle bullying in a fun and creative way. The workshops are designed to get everyone involved. All pupils and staff take part in the role-play process so that by the end of a workshop everyone should feel confident that they know what bullying is and have acted out, in a safe environment, effective strategies for dealing with bullying if it occurs.

Following a workshop, schools are provided with a comprehensive resource pack of further class work to stay focused on tackling bullying.

Anti-Bullying Workshop is an associate member

of the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This membership allows access to a network of other specialists focused on tackling bullying.

About Rachel Wagstaff Rachel feels passionately about the benefits of creative writing and has previously run playwriting courses in primary schools and taught writing courses for young adults at universities across the country. Rachel’s adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ novel “Birdsong” is currently on tour in the UK with The OriginalTheatre Company. More information Faye Willingale Anti-Bullying Workshop 020 8460 5711 info@antibullyingworkshop.co.uk www.antibullyingworkshop.co.uk

Jeans for Genes Day launch first ever children’s campaign T-shirt with Little Punk Renowned UK charity Jeans for Genes Day have teamed up with British brand Little Punk London to officially launch their first EVER Jeans for Genes Day children’s campaign T-shirt – and the campaign’s tee for tots doesn’t disappoint!

Jeans for Genes Day’s first EVER children’s charity T-shirt has been created in collaboration with Little Punk London; a brilliant British-based childrenswear brand, ethically made and sustainably sourced.

Complete with Little Punk London’s trademark Stick On & Play feature, the new tee includes a Velcro strip onto which Jeans for Genes fabric letters can be stuck. Get the kids involved with Jeans for Genes Day 2013; wear your T-shirt and see how many anagrams you can make by rearranging the letters!

Both the long and short-sleeved t-shirts (sizes 0-9 years) are available to purchase in red, navy and blue RRP £25.00 from www.jeansforgenesday. org. All proceeds from the T-shirt will go to Genetic Disorders UK who aim to change the world for children with genetic disorders. www.jeansforgenesday.org / @jeansforgenes Jeans for Genes ® is a registered trademark ©2013 Genetic Disorders UK. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number: 1141583

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Education

Which secondary school is right for my child?

Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

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Make your own mind up.

A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours Listen to your child’s feelings as well as your own.

Use open days wisely. If you can, go to a daytime visit because you’ll see it in working mode.

Nothing advertises a school like its pupils. Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have

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time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

How about the staff – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there?

Listen to your instincts. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else.

Don’t get bogged down in the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school. Does

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Learn to Read in 5 Weeks – for FREE!

it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring?

These things matter more than the nitty-gritty.

Think about your child’s talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home.

Pay attention to what’s on the walls – and not just the artwork.

What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do?

Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

Look at the school’s league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

Where do pupils go on to from this school? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

Go to the head teacher’s talk and take your notebook. This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria.

If you like a school, do your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on.

You’re bound to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

Remember that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses.

There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

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From 26 August to 30 September your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read!

This FREE event will give your child 5 WEEKS FREE* access to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3 – 13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Whats more, for every new sign up Reading Eggs will donate £1 to our charity partner Tommy’s!

FREE 5 WEEK TRIAL*

Hurry, offer ends 30 September, 2013. Register today at

www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn *Free trial only available for new customers who sign up at the above address.

Proudly supporting Tommy’s www.tommys.org

The multi-award winning online reading programme!

020 8466 6977

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When the time comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself enough time. There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools).

Have a plan of action for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for.

Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

Remember that there’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

Remember that parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does.

Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

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Education

Combe Bank School Nursery Preparatory Senior Sixth Form •

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Babington House School Independent School for girls aged 3 – 16 & boys 3 – 11

Rated outstanding and excellent in ALL areas of school life (ISI Inspection).

Come and see for yourself Scholarships available

Open Morning Saturday, 5th October 2013 9.00 am - 12 noon

Headmaster’s address at 10.30 am

Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES Tel: 020 8467 5537 Email: alee@babingtonhouse.com

www.babingtonhouse.com

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Education Advertorial

Have you heard of Babington House School? Fast becoming the school of choice in the Bromley area Babington House School is an independent day school in Chislehurst for girls aged 3-16 and boys aged 3- 11 years. Babington House is an outstanding school in every way. The boys and girls receive first class education in a supportive and academic environment. The school is in a convenient location just 3 minutes’ walk from Elmstead Woods station and with our Breakfast Club and Homework Club it is an ideal choice for working parents.

We select children on their academic ability and potential, as well as personal qualities. Once at Babington, they are expected to surpass their own expectations and we achieve excellent results.

Babington House has high standards of behaviour, dress and conduct, benefiting from small class sizes of no more than 20 pupils and a strong sense of community. We are committed to outstanding sport, music, drama, and the arts and offer a vast array of extra-curricular opportunities.

Since the arrival of the new Headmaster, Mr Tim Lello in January 2013, there have been many positive changes at Babington House School.

• We are now accepting boys until the age of 11 years on the Prep School;

inspire them.

Come along to one of our open events or taster days.

Details available at www. bromleyhigh.gdst.net or email admissions@bro.gdst.net

Bromley High School What makes a good school? Of course we want our children to succeed academically but what about the wider aspects of school life? The atmosphere, the ethos, politeness, enthusiasm and commitment of the pupils; all of these are essential parts of what makes an excellent school, and it is in such a school that your daughter will achieve her potential.

At Bromley High School those ‘extras’ are essential. By providing excellent pastoral care, stimulating and challenging lessons for girls of a wide range of abilities, and by having an outstanding range of extracurricular opportunities, we constantly outperform local schools.

Here you find happy, confident, communicative and well-rounded girls whose personal development is nurtured and encouraged by our excellent staff and whose academic performance benefits from all the additional activities that we offer to challenge, motivate and

020 8466 6977

Breaside Preparatory School Breaside Preparatory School prepares pupils aged 2½ to 11 years for both Grammar and Independent Senior Schools in a caring and nurturing environment.

Once again, SATs and 11+ entry results for 2013 were outstanding with pupils gaining places to Grammar Schools including St Olave’s, Bexley, Chislehurst and Sidcup and Wilmington and Independent Schools including Dulwich College, Trinity and

• Rather than being a mixed ability school, we now select children on their academic ability and potential; • From September a School mini-bus will be available from the Beckenham area to bring children to and from school making it more accessible.

Come and see for yourself.

Open Days Bromley High School 28 September from 9.30am–1pm Sixth Form Open Evening 7 October from 6.45pm

Breaside Preparatory School 16 October from 9.30am–12pm Combe Bank School 5 October from 10am–12pm No appointment required Sixth Form Open Evening 15 October from 10am–12pm Babington House Senior 5 October from 9am–12pm

produces happy, healthy, wellrounded individuals, who achieve well beyond expectations – the value-added performance of the school is outstanding Offering a wide range of excellent educational opportunities. The school is set within a Grade I 18th century Palladian country house surrounded by 27 acres of gardens and grounds, on the Kent/Surrey borders. This beautiful setting provides extensive sports grounds, tennis and netball courts, alongside a sports complex which houses a 25 metre pool, fitness suite, and large multi-purpose sports hall. 400 girls, from nursery through to sixth form, enjoy small classes, outstanding facilities and first rate teaching; the perfect combination to help girls achieve their full potential.

at the end of Year 6.

For more information please call 020 8460 0916, info@breaside. co.uk, www.breaside.co.uk Bromley High, with many gaining academic, creative and sports scholarships.

Breaside is committed to achieving the very best for each child from Kindergarten through to preparation for secondary transfer

Combe Bank School Combe Bank School is a flourishing and highly successful independent school where girls aged from 3 to 18 learn in a breathtakingly beautiful environment.The school

For more information visit www. combebank.kent.sch.uk Email: enquiries@combebank.kent. sch.uk Tel: 01959 563720 (Senior); 01959 564320 (Prep)

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Clubs & Classes

Bromley 020 8941 6073 Dartford 01732 750783 Orpington 01732 750783 Sidcup 01732 354007

To advertise in the November/December Issue of Families London-Kent Borders call 020 8466 6977 TWO IAL TR WEEK LABLE I A AV

Venues in Bexleyheath Chislehurst Sevenoaks and more

T R A T S T N E CONFID A GIVE YOUR CHILD

020 8447 4530

10

www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

JIGSAW WEEKEND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

AQUAKIDS www.aquakids.co.uk

Small classes held at Bromley High School 3 years and upwardsTeacher in the water

TERM TIME CLASSES TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

NEXT CRASH COURSE 28 OCTOBER–1 NOVEMBER 9.30AM-11AM CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS BOOKING FORMS ON THE WEBSITE

aquakids@me.com

Fancy becoming a swimming teacher?

For local courses visit

Photos courtesy of Imagethirst www.imagethirst.com

www.aquabilityttc.co.uk

Clubs & Classes TWO IAL TR WEEK ABLE AVAIL

Languages

A Arts Performing GIVE YOUR CHILD

CONFIDENT START Jigsaw 020 8447 4530

Spanish Amigos

Spanish Amigos is a specialised language school, introducing Spanish language and culture to children. Research suggests that early second language learning has many benefits such as increased confidence, cognitive and literacy skills. Clubs can be opened in schools and nurseries, Spanish with mama y papa and adult tuition also available.

Spanish Amigos Dartford Tel: 0208 123 328 Email: michelle@spanishamigos.co.uk www.spanishamigos.co.uk

020 8466 6977

Venues in Bexleyheath Chislehurst Sevenoaks and more

www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

AllThe Arts

JIGSAW WEEKEND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS

All the Arts could easily be described as the most successful local theatre school, with pupils taking major TV & Theatre roles.

They were also recently voted number 1, by top on-line directory Free Index.

Enrol your budding star at one of their local branches! Visit www.allthearts.co.uk for affordable classes. Tel: 020 8850 2384 Email: enquiries@allthearts.co.uk

Every student can benefit, in some way, from the performing arts. While some join us to build a firm foundation for a professional performance career, others do so to unlock their hidden talents, overcome their shyness or increase their confidence and social skills.

However, what all students enjoy is having fun through drama, singing and dance classes, while making lots of new friends. We look forward to welcoming you to a Jigsaw Performing Arts school.

Tel 020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

11

Clubs & Classes

Spanish Amigos Dartford Multi-sensory, fun & cultural classes for children aged 2-12yrs School Clubs

Simply the Best!

Spanish with Mama y Papa

Nurseries

Adult tuition

Opening in September - Dartford and surrounds

0208 1233028 michelle@spanishamigos.co.uk

www.spanishamigos.co.uk

Act, Dance & Sing from just £4.00 Successful TV & Theatrical agency Bromley, Eltham & Bexley classes 0208 850 2384 www.allthearts.co.uk

sessions. For more information please contact Sarah Phone: 020 7255 9134 Email: enquiries@perform.org.uk Website: www.perform.org.uk

Knights Academy

Could your child

benefit from extra maths lessons?

Find out with a 500+ FREE assessment qualified tutors from the UK’s across award-winning the UK maths tuition service.

The Knight’s Academy of Dance - an innovative school with many classes designed for children and adults. This is an opportunity where everyone can learn dance skills and build their confidence in a fun, relaxed and friendly environment. Offering a variety of dance classes and lots of opportunities to perform as well as opportunities to take part in ISTD examinations. So, whether your child is wishing to pursue a career in Performing Arts or hoping to meet new friends The Knight’s Academy of Dance welcomes you all to join in the fun!

To book your free trail lesson please contact Miss Stacey on 07523 335 360 or email theknightsacademyofdance@ yahoo.co.uk

Call 020 7193 1871 mathsdoctor.co.uk

Our Stagecoach stage schools in the UK run during term time - outside of school hours but the creativity and energy on display at our classes make it so much more than a normal after school club. Each week students at Stagecoach schools participate in singing and acting, dance and drama classes, over a three hour time slot and all at the same venue.

Classes are grouped by age, and class sizes are kept small - so that each child can develop at their own pace, always with the support of the group. Bromley: 020 8941 6073 Dartford: 01732 750783 Orpington: 01732 750783 Sidcup: 01732 354007

Theatre Bugs Pauline Quirk

Calling all budding performing arts stars in the local area of Bexley, Bromley, Dartford and South London!

PQA Chislehurst and Sidcup are enrolling NOW for afternoon sessions in Oct so to receive an information pack visit www. pqacademy.com/locations/chislehurst. PQA also offer free taster sessions so feel free to contact Principal Heather on 007730770455, email heather@pqacademy.com or find her via www.facebook.com/ PQAChislehurstSidcup

Perform

We have 2 new schools opening in the Kent area September 2013, Langton Green and Kemsing. Please come along for a free trial class at either of these schools and receive a 10% discount should you book a block of 10

12

Stagecoach

We squeeze fun, games, drama, song and dance into a jam packed session. They’ll have a bucket load of fun while you watch their focus and vocabulary improve, their confidence bloom and their imagination soar!

Theatrebugs offer a range of services for nurseries and schools, as well as bespoke private classes, holiday workshops and birthday parties. Your child gets the attention they deserve from fully trained, enhanced DBS checked teachers. Suitable for 0-8s. Call 0800 975 5290, email enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk

Pre-School Classes

Baby Sensory

Precious early learning for babies At Baby Sensory, we know just how amazing your baby is! Come along to one of our award-winning sessions and start on an exciting journey of discovery together. A

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Clubs & Classes warm, welcoming and informal atmosphere makes it a great place to meet and make new friends for both you and your baby Renee Micklefield Baby Sensory - SE London & Kent M. 07952 579 044 bexley@babysensory.co.uk

classes catering for all abilities from beginner to advanced. Teacher ratio is 2-8 in the beginner classes.

Teachers and assistants in the water with highly qualified ASA, STA and RLSS teachers.

Have reliable experienced and dedicated teachers. Deep water pool, Badges every term, Diving and Life saving skills and One to one lessons on request. Email aquakids@me. com www.aquabilityttc.co.uk

Microsport Bromley

New for Microsport, now running an after school club for 4-7 year olds at the HSBC sports and social club, Beckenham on Tuesdays. They teach basketball, hockey, cricket, tennis, football and much more. The emphasis is on fun and helping you child to develop a passion for sport to be carried on for the rest of their lives. Email angela@micro-sport.co.uk or phone 01689 600992.

Monkey Music

At Monkey Music, we know that music is fundamental to a pre-school aged child’s development. Our progressive and educational four stage curricula are designed to nurture a lifetime of music: from rock ‘n’ roll to dingdong, classes are a ‘good fit’ for each separate age group. By the time our little monkeys ‘graduate’, they have a sound base from which to build a musical future.

Tel: 01322 862021 or email bexley.dartford@ monkeymusic.co.uk

TumbleTots

UK leading physical play programme for children aged 6 months to seven years has been the springboard to developing children skills for life since 1979. Gymnastic based and structured physical play classes using purpose built equipment designed to develop climbing, agility, coordination and balance.

Sabina Borthwick 0845 619 9915 Tumble Tots Dartford, Bexleyheath and Area www.tumbletots.com/Dartford/

Sports & Lifestyle Aqua Kids

Swimming made fun for kids 3+, A friendly, personal approach to learning to swim. Small

020 8466 6977

Punk Me Up Buttercup

Looking for something creative and unique to keep those cool kids busy? At PUNK ME UP BUTTERCUP, Specialising in bespoke creative parties, workshops and courses tailored to suit your child’s passions. Including healthy and fun food using the highest quality ingredients from our Italian Chef. Call Toni on 07956 785 661 www.punkmeupbuttercup.com

Tutors FleetTutors

Children may have to take the exams but it also requires a battery of skills and knowledge from parents to make sure their children reach exam season possessing a quiet confidence and self-belief, secure in their English and maths knowledge and well-practiced in exam techniques.

Don’t lose sight of your child in all of this.

Focus on what they are doing right.

Confidence drives self-belief which encourages learning and also establishes an outlook that will serve them well throughout life.

Tel: 020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Maths Doctor

Award Winning 1:1 Maths and Physics tuition, delivered by qualified CRB/DBS checked teachers. Teaching 11+, school entry, GCSE and A level maths and physics. Over 500 tutors are available across the UK. They always start by giving pupils a free assessment to define their academic level and learning style to ensure they can hand-pick the correct tutor for your needs.

Telephone: 020 7193 1871 Email: helpdesk@ mathsdoctor.co.uk Website: http://www. mathsdoctor.co.uk

Classes designed exclusively for babies from birth to 13 months

Award Winning Baby Development Classes Babies have an extraordinary capacity to absorb information in their first year at Baby Sensory we don’t waste a single moment!

• • • • • • •

Music Puppet Shows Massage Water Play Baby Signing Fibre Optic Light Shows Movement & Bonding

and so much more the possibilities for learning are endless!

TM

TM

4

2011 Junior AWARDS WINNER TM

E COM OR A GF N ALON LIGATIO B O NO TRIAL!

in association with...

Baby Swimming, Buoyancy and Beachwear

Classes running across Bexley, Dartford, Greenwich and Medway.

For more details visit www.babysensory.com Email: bexley@babysensory.co.uk Or call Renee – 07952 579 044

BS14_babysensory_A6Portrait_ad_c1a.indd 1

13/11/2012 16:35

MICROSPORT -real sport for under 5 s CELEBRATING 22 YEARS! A fun & educational introduction to ball sports: soccer, tennis, hockey, cricket and much more.

We have a long proven record of success & our small sports come back again & again.

Trained adult coaches & lots of classes.

AGES 2,3 & 4 (& up to 7yrs in our Beckenham After School Sportsclub) For classes in Bromley, Beckenham & Tatsfield: angela@micro-sport.co.uk 01689 600992 For classes in Sevenoaks, Pembury, Orpington, Dunton Green, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells: jnoble@micro-sport.co.uk 07863 330200

www.micro-sport.co.uk

13

Clubs & Classes Advertorial w

Let your 4 to 8 year old explore the fantastic Perform fairytale forest Meeting much loved classic fairytale characters as well as new exciting ones along the way…

This term, Perform children in the south-east London area will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring the magical and wonderfully exciting Fairytale Forest! Meeting many of the well loved characters from the classic Fairytales and countless cool new

friends like the Funky Fairy. Don’t miss your chance to capture the magic as our children explore this fabulous fantasy world.

Travel to Fairytale Forest through the magic of Drama!

Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick says ‘Fairytale Forest is the most exciting theme yet. Not only are Fairytales amazingly dramatic stories, but according to child

psychologists, when children deal with dramatic situations through drama, it equips them to deal with real-life situations so much better’.

As well as promising ‘the best fun of the week’, Perform specializes in helping children develop the 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration and according to parents and teacher all over London and the South East ‘you can always

tell a Perform child’.

Any interested 4-8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session.

Classes in Bromley, Petts Wood and Wickham.

For more information contact: Sarah at Perform Tel: 020 7255 9134 enquiries@perform.org.uk Website: www.perform.org.uk

Why Jigsaw? A Parent’s Tale The competition for children’s free time is ferocious. Tennis, ballet, cookery - they can do it all and did!

They tried everything, and as they discarded one activity after another, my bank balance shrank, the pile of unused equipment and clothing grew. So when daughter asked to join a Jigsaw performing arts class, I was reluctant to say the least. Classes every week seemed like a huge commitment- for both of us, and Polly - a shy, timid 7 year old - had never shown any great desire to tread the boards – what on earth could she possibly get out of it?

Well, I was wrong. Eight years on

it the best investment I ever made in my daughter’s future. Jigsaw helped her achieve so much. Apart from having a huge amount fun, the outstanding teachers helped Polly gain tremendous confidence, developed great social skills and learnt how to work in a team.

Jigsaw Arts has many schools in London and the south-east, for students aged 3-18. If you would like your child to learn performance techniques while improving their confidence and social skills, then why not sign them up?

Tel 020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Apart from having a huge amount fun, the outstanding teachers helped Polly gain tremendous confidence 14

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Food

Home-delivered, family friendly recipe box service revolutionises home cooking The headache of weekly supermarket shopping combined with the need for quick, easy food makes it challenging to ensure that children eat balanced evening meals. Hello Fresh offer a healthy, affordable and simple service to revolutionise family cooking.

Hello Fresh is an award-winning, UK-wide, recipe box delivery service encouraging people to rediscover the joys of cooking from scratch. They are now extending their expertise to the world of family cooking with a brand new family friendly box, designed specifically with little ones and parents in mind.

Utter convenience, unbeatable quality and great value are the key ingredients in the Hello Fresh family box.

Even better, we’re bringing an exclusive offer to all our readers. Visit www.hellofresh.co.uk/ familieslk and enter FAMILIESLK at the checkout to get £20 off your first order Hello Fresh boxes arrive direct to the door and are packed full of all of the freshest ingredients, perfectly portioned out, for four

days’ worth of dinners for families of four. Each dish is simple to prepare in around 30 minutes using a colourful recipe card. Recipe cards also include fun trivia on the ingredients and recipes, so that your little ones can lend a hand whilst learning about food and cooking. With no stressful shopping and quick to prepare recipes, you can put fun family time back into dinner time!

Each meal has been specially designed by Hello Fresh’s Head Chef, Patrick Drake, to tackle the unenviable task which parents face of

the

boathouse

ER ADER E R FF O

having to create nutritious dinners for fussy little eaters. All Patrick’s dishes in the family box have received the sticky finger seal of approval, some favourites of which include: • Fish ‘Fingers’ with Sweet Potato Wedges and Minty Sugar Snap Peas • Chorizo Penne with Smoked Garlic • Grilled Chicken with Coriander and Honey Infused GreekYoghurt and Ginger Rice • Pork Fajitas wit Homemade Guacamole The Hello Fresh family box offers flexible, great value home cooking. For £64 per week, families of four can enjoy four night’s worth of delicious, healthy home cooked meals - equating to just £4 per head per meal (far less than the equivalent cost of buying the ingredients in the supermarket). This includes free UK wide delivery over a choice of delivery days. Orders must be placed online by midnight on Wednesdays for delivery the following week.

Hello Fresh makes family cooking simple.

Sign up at www.hellofresh.co.uk/familieslk to enjoy cooking delicious meals together and claim your £20 from Hello Fresh.

Blend Celebrate with friends, family and colleagues at one of our DJ Parties or Tribute Nights.

We have some great acts which include: Freddie Mercury, ABBA, Robbie Williams, Elvis, Soul & Motown & more...

On New Years Eve we open until 2am, see details and book online at:

www.BlendBarGrill.com

Book for Christmas now www.dansonboathouse.com

272-274 Broadway, Bexleyheath.

0208 298 0284

0208 298 0284

In Danson Park, Bexleyheath

020 8466 6977

15

What’s On

What’s On THEATRE

re mo ideasies r o F ls & mil k .fa .u ai det www nt.co e k it vis ndon lo BEWL WATER Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH, 01892 890000, www.bewlwater.co.uk Activities include fishing, crazy golf and cycling.

27–31 October Halloween Fun

CHURCHILL THEATRE Bromley, 08448 717 620, www.atgtickets.com/bromley 14 & 15 October Shakespeare Schools Festival

BRANDS HATCH CIRCUIT Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG, 01474 872331, www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch 12 & 13 October Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship 18–20 October MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship

FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane, Croydon, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk 29–31 October Horrible Science

THE ORCHARD Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED, 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 5–19 October Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 24–27 October Peppa Pig’s Big Splash 30 October Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Machine THE STAG London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ, 01732 450175, www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 12 October Snow White 13 October Family Concert: Heroes and Villains

Museums

CHISLEHURST CAVES Caveside Close,

Half term fun at the LondonTransport Museum Regular activities include: Storytelling, Art Makers, Family Art Fun, African Drumming Workshops for Children, Nature Explorers, Discovery for All sessions and Pond Dipping Until 24 November Amazon Adventure Until 1 March 2014 The Art of Harmony

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk 21 & 22 September Open Houses London Weekend 28 October–1 November The Big Draw – Designs on Your Money

Covent Garden Plaza WC2E 7BB, 020 7565 7298, www.ltmuseum.co.uk 28 October–3 November October Half Term: Puppets and People 11am & 2pm Storytime Told through puppets, the ordinary and famous people who made the underground move reveal their stories. Age 3–7.

11.30am & 2.30pm Make and Take Use felt collage to create finger puppets of London Transport’s most important people. Age 3–7.

BROMLEY MUSEUM The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HH, 01689 873826 Free family club first Saturday of the month. Family events throughout the year. Half term activities tbc.

DARTFORD BOROUGH MUSEUM Market Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1EU, 01322 224739, www.dartford.gov.uk/museum Discover more about Dartford and its history with the help of children’s activity sheets.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk

Events

Paws in the Park Detling, www.pawsin thepark.net 21–22 September A pawfect event for dog lovers everywhere with have-a-go events and attractions including agility, K9 AquaZone, flyball, My Dog’s Got Talent and search and rescue.

The Big Draw: Draw Tomorrow www. campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw

DAYS OUT

BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM & FOREST Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst,

Baby & Toddler Show Glow, Bluewater, www. babyandtoddlershow.co.uk 11–13 October The Baby & Toddler Show is perfect for

THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY, 01622 872068, www.thehopfarm.co.uk Free entry with free and pay/play attractions.

26 October –1 November Half Term Halloween Fun at the Farm

KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY 01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk 28 & 29 September A Day Out With Thomas 28 October–1 November Halloween Fun Week

KENT LIFE Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk 22 September See Mike the Knight 6 October Meet the Blacksmith

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QY, 01892 537 715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 21 September Meet Fireman Sam 5, 6, 12 & 13 October Day Out with Thomas

nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2SJ, 01580 879 820, www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury ONGOING EVENTS Seasonal trails, family cycle trails, horse riding & Go Ape 29 & 30 September The Big Draw 31 October Feed the Birds Age 5+.

Local events: Chislehurst Common: 28 September Emmetts Garden: 5 October Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest: 29 & 30 October

Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL, 020 8467 3264, www.chislehurst-caves.co.uk See website for opening times and special events.

Entrance to the caves is by guided tour only. Tours last 45–50 minutes.

Historical Houses & Gardens CROFTON ROMAN VILLA

mums and mums-to-be, and with over 200 brands exhibiting plus specially designed workshops from everything from baby safety to finance, it really is the place to be. Children free.

The Baby Show Olympia, Kensington, London, www.thebabyshow.co.uk 25–27 October With over 300 baby and maternity brands for new and expectant parents plus advice and fashion shows.

Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8AF, 020 8460 1442, 07805 138 46, crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com Open Wednesdays, Fridays & Bank Holiday Mondays 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm

ENGLISH HERITAGE PROPERTIES Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

ELTHAM PALACE & GARDENS

Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, 0870 333 1183 27–29 October Time Travellers Go… Ghosts and Ghouls

HOME OF CHARLES DARWIN (DOWN HOUSE) Luxted Road, Downe 01689 859119 29 October–2 November Time Travellers Go… Seafaring

LULLINGSTONE ROMAN VILLA Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford 01322 863467

16

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On Wonder at the display of artefacts and dress up in traditional Roman costumes.

HALL PLACE AND GARDENS Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ, tickets must be booked in advance, 01322 621238, www.hallplace.org.uk Weekends in September All About Owls

HEVER CASTLE Hever, near Edenbridge, TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk 28 October–3 November Halloween Half Term Spooky Fun

LEEDS CASTLE near Maidstone, ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com 28 & 29 September Wildlife Weekend 26–31 October Halloween at Half Term

Halloween at Leeds Castle near Maidstone, ME17 1PL, www.leeds-castle.com Grounds open daily 10am–6pm, last admission 4.30pm, admission £13.50 children, £21; tickets valid for a year.

26 October–3 November This half term bring the whole family to ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ for this spooky Halloween events sponsored by the Kent Messenger.

Join in the fun with creepy crafts, face painting and a pumpkin trail; are you brave enough to venture into the

‘spooky maze’?

Come dressed to scare for our daily fancy dress competition at 2pm with prizes for the best costume. Your Key to the Castle ticket is valid for this event.

Older visitors can discover the unpleasant side of Leeds Castle on All Hallows Eve with the ‘Blood, Boils and Black Death’ new evening tour.

Guides will take you on a grisly walk through the dark castle at night, whilst telling you the wonderfully gruesome

history, including tales of the time the castle was used as a hospital and the outbreak of the Black Death.

Tickets for this evening tour cost £15 per person. Spaces are limited so pre-book your time slot online today at www.leeds-castle.com/events

NATIONAL TRUST Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk CHARTWELL Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 868381 31 October Birds and Beasts Roadshow 31 October Family Hallowe’en Twilight Trail and Supper EMMETTS GARDEN Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA, 01732 750367 21 & 22 September Fantastic Fungi 5 October The Big Draw 26–31 October Spooks and Splahses IGHTHAM MOTE Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, 01732 810378

21 September Great British Walk: Children’s Walk KNOLE Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP, 01732 450608 / 01732 462100 2 September–28 October Family Mondays RED HOUSE Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JF, 020 8304 9878 28 October–1 November Knights and Saints

PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, 01892 870307, www.penshurstplace.com 19–31 October Spooky Half Term Fun

FUN WITH ANIMALS

BROADDITCH FARM Southfleet, Kent DA13 9PU, 01474 834161, www.broadditch.co.uk 25–31 October Hauntfest & Pumpkin Carving Booking Essential.

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Cudham Road, Downe Village, Kent BR6 7LF, 01689 861603, www.xmastreefarm.co.uk

EAGLE HEIGHTS WILDLIFE PARK Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB, 01322 866 577 www.eagleheights.co.uk

Family Fun at ChurChill theatre Bromley

Churchill theatre Bromley

copyright © Axel Scheffler & Macmillan Children’s Books

wed 6 - sat 9 nov

0844 871 7620 Groups Line (10+ tickets) 0844 871 7636 (bkg fee)

www.atgtickets.com/ bromley (bkg fee)

tue 11 - sat 15 feb

020 8466 6977

sat 24 – sun 25 may

fri 29 nov - sun 5 jan

17

»

What’s On Flying displays 12pm & 3pm, reptiles and mammal encounter 1.45 pm & daily demonstrations.

FOAL FARM ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3AX, 01959 572 386, www.foalfarm.org.uk 1.30pm–4.30pm (except Tues).

Classified Tuition

HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK

THE WOODLANDS FARM TRUST 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP, 020 8319 8900, education@thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Closed Mondays.

13 October Apple Day

FUN WITH NATURE

COOLINGS GREEN & PLEASANT Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LJ, 01959 534386, www.coolings.co.uk Booking essential 26 September & 24 October Storytelling for the Under 5’s: ‘Elmer’ (Sept.) & ‘We’re Going a Bear Hunt (Oct). £4.50 per child 28 September & 26 October Farmers’ & Craft Market (Rushmore Hill Site)

LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK & VISITOR CENTRE Eynsford, DA4 0JF, 08458 247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 26–31 October Half Term Activity Trail 31 October Mini Scream £5. Under 8s.

RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE

Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, Kent CT4 5EL, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts September: The Social Network October: Folklore & Fantasy

WILDWOOD Herne Common, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ, 01227 712 111, www.wildwoodtrust.org Pre-book; charges apply.

21 September Spiders Day 28 September Animal Homes & Feeders

28 & 31 October Half Term Activities: Halloween Cookie Workshops

Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ, 020 8300 0084, www.ruxley-manor.co.uk Charges apply.

26 & 27 October Halloween Mask & Magic Wand Workshop £2.99.

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK

Services

PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John:- James & Lamont 020 8462 4646-07802 535695

Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous serivice.

www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502

Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HX, 08458 247 600,www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 21 September Fairytale Trail £5. Under 8s.

25 October Shorne Scream £7.50 Age 8–16.

26 October Mini Scream £5. Under 8s.

26–31 October Half Term Activity Trail

WILDERNESS WOOD Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4HJ, 01825 830509, www.wildernesswood.co.uk See website for activities including camp building, bushcraft, woodskills, storytelling and crafts.

Pre-book; additional charges apply.

September Forest Folklore Trail October Chestnut Celebration We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed, so please double check details before setting out.

Leeds CastLe

Halloween at Half term 26 October – 3 November Half term fun for the whole family with creepy crafts, a spooky maze, face painting and a pumpkin trail through the grounds. Come dressed to scare for our daily fancy dress competition.

Pay once and visit all year round.

Terms and conditions apply.

Visit our website for details and ticket prices.

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Health & Beauty

ER D A RE FFER O

A cut above...

The formula for ensuring 11 stylists are kept constantly busy in a suburban hair salon is a tough one, but Baccarat Hair Design of Beckenham has been getting it right for over 34 years

Baccarat Hair Design in Beckenham is owned and operated by husband and wife team Paul and Lynda Wright who believe their focus on a customer-led experience both inside and outside of the salon is the key to their success. Lynda explains ‘Our business is about delivering hairdressing excellence through listening to the customer. We have no prima donnas here. Our staff possesses unparalleled skills in listening and explanation which builds trust with customers. We are noted for it.’

The premises is probably best known for it’s creation of David Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’ hairdo for which it featured on BBC 1’s ‘The One Show’ and despite it’s long trading history, is anything but complacent in it’s ability to deliver top-end hairdressing. ‘We apply the same expertise and professionalism to every customer we see, whether the resultant style walks out of our doors or ends up on the pages of a magazine or on film,’ adds Lynda.

Baccarat’s focus on customer service has been acknowledged with a number of awards including ‘Bromley’s most-loved salon’ 2011/2012/2013 (Best of Bromley), ‘Beckenham’s best customer service’ 2012 (Beckenham’s best night of honour) as well as commendations by Bromley Business Awards in 2012. Its commitment to training young hairdresser’s was recognised with ‘Apprentice of the year’ in 2012/2013

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For all its accolades, Baccarat prides itself on offering price-friendly services to every member of the family with competitive price-scales for Ladies, Men, children and students. ‘Our Student Thursdays, where students can access 30% discount with valid ID cards has proved very popular” adds Lynda. “As has our new free, phone app which offers intro and loyalty discounts to customers.’

Baccarat is open 7 days each week with 4 late nights, offering a choice of over 300 appointments. It is offering our readers an exclusive, 20% introductory discount (Mon-Thurs) on presentation of this article at reception. Offer expires 31 October 2013.

Full details of the phone-app and information on services can be found at www.baccarat-hair.co.uk Baccarat 68 High St Beckenham BR3 1ED 0208 650 6436 0208 650 3542

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