Families London Kent Borders November 2019 Issue 52

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RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 • 07747 086518

Issue 52 Nov/Dec 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

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London Kent Kent London Borders Borders

Families London Kent Borders would like to wish all of their readers, advertisers and distribution points a very happy festive period!

To advertise advertise or or to to request request free free magazines magazines for for your your school, school, nursery nursery To or family family friendly friendly business business in in London London Kent Kent Borders, Borders, please please contact contact or editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

Competition Oi Frog & Friends!

Live on Stage Based on the bestselling books by Kes Gray and Jim Field.

Published by Hachette Children’s Group

WIN a Family Ticket for 4 to see Oi Frog & Friends!

Live on Stage in the West End at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 29 November.

FROG is hidden on several pages in this magazine. To win, find them all and email your answer of the total number with your name and the subject heading OI FROG & FRIENDS! FAMILIES LONDON KENT BORDERS COMPETITION to info@kennywax.com before midnight on Monday 18 November 2019.

Applies to selected performances only*.

Ú`~íë=ëáí=çå=ã~íëI=Ü~êÉë=ëáí=çå=ÅÜ~áêëI=ãìäÉë=ëáí=çå=ëíççäëI ÖçéÜÉêë=ëáí=çå=ëçÑ~ë=~åÇ=ÑêçÖë=ëáí=çå=äçÖëÛ= It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and FROG is looking for a place to sit, but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming...

Who knew there were so many rhyming rules and what will happen when FROG is in charge?

Join FROG, CAT and DOG in this new action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling series of books with songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at.

55 minutes of fun for ages 3+

All Oi Frog illustrations

by Jim Field

2 2

OI Frog.indd 1

www.oifrogandfriendslive.com

T&Cs - Prize is for one family ticket (admits 4, minimum 1 adult) to see Oi Frog & Friends! live on stage at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for selected performances from *29 November – 18 December 2019 only.

The winner will be selected by random prize draw of the entries with the correct answer. Tickets are subject to availability, hold no cash value and are not transferable. No answers will be accepted after the closing date of midnight on Monday 18 November 2019 and all decisions are final.

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13/11/2019 15:27

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In this issue...

ISSUE 52: NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

4-5 News & Views LMB News: Kumon, Step up to Safe Streets, Letter from Santa, Neyoga for Children, Sleepy Tales and Oi Frog Competiton.

6-7 Parenting The Best Christmas Family Traditions 8-9 Pull Out An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent!

Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London-Kent Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

10-11 Parenting Top Ten Christmas Challenges, You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family 12

Meet the real life Willie Wonka

13-15 Whats on The best of What’s On Near you this Christmas.

Front cover: Christmas Issue Editor: Mima Walia 07792 006546 editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

Managing Editor: Sarah Hodgson Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Listings Editor: Anna Blackshaw

Pre-booking is essential

Book a Free Trial

21 OCTOBER TO 20 NOVEMBER

Orpington Maths and English Study Centre

07596 422602 Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

kumon.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

DBS Checked, First Aid trained

NeYoga Kids

Group and partner games, arts & crafts, creative role play, stories, dance and poses; a multi-sensory learning environment where children develop relaxation, focus & mindfulness through kinaesthetic, visual and aural learning.

Orpington Mountfield Community Centre Sundays: 4.5-7yrs 10:00 - 10:45am | 8-11yrs 11:00 - 11:45 am Drop-in class £7 | 5 Class Pass £5 - £6 (block booking) Tiffany: 07852225453 tiffany@neyoga.co.uk www.neyoga.co.uk/neyoga-kids

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News & Views

LMB News NO ROOM AT THE INN? From the inside to the outside. No matter how big or small, terraced or detached. Every detail bespoke to your home. Get the space you crave in your own home by converting your loft with the experts.

They are a family run business with over 25-years’ experience.

Your consultation is free and can open up possibilities in your home. From considering the location of the stairs, to adding a second or third floor, all options can be discussed. All our proposals are costed and itemised, so the price you agree is the price you pay. Browse their website www.lmbgroupltd. co.uk for case studies and testimonials or see work in progress Facebook and Instagram @LMBGroup. on Twitter, Tw To add a a real value for money Christmas offer, they are giving 10% off any quote and subsequent deposit payment made between 18 October and 20 December. betw Book Boo your consultation today 02084069907.

Take advantage of Kumon’s Free Registration Your local Kumon Orpington Study Centre is offering Free Registration to new students who enrol at the centre between 21 October and 20 November 2019.

Their aim at Kumon is to help children of any age and any ability to discover their full potential. Established for over 60 years, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable students to develop the confidence and skills to tackle challenging work independently.

Your child will be assessed so that your Kumon Instructor can tailor their level of study precisely to their ability. This creates a positive learning experience, with work set at just the right level.

The Kumon Orpington Study Centre is located at Orpington Village Hall, 311 High Street, BR6 0NN with classes running on Wednesdays and Fridays 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

To find out how Kumon study can help your child excel, contact your local Instructor, Shakhlo Ubaydullaeva, on 07596422602 or email orpington@kumoncentre.co.uk.

Step Up for Safe Streets

Letter from Santa

UK Road Safety Week 2019, which takes place between 18 and 24 November, will encourage road users to ‘step up’ and play a part in the creation of a safe and healthy future on our roads.

Children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Santa? Here are two ways of making this happen…

Every 20 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured on a British road, yet each of these tragedies is preventable.

For children to receive a free letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.

Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. www.royalmail.com/christmas/lettersto-santa

This year, the annual event aims to encourage everyone to Step Up for Safe Streets and learn about, shout about and celebrate the amazing design-led solutions that can help end suffering on our roads.

The focus is on how intelligent design can stop human error from causing death or serious injury on the roads, can encourage walking and cycling, and can make sure that the air we breathe is clean.

For more information and to get your FREE Action Pack, visit www.roadsafetyweek.org 4

Families London Kent Borders

Royal Mail Letter to Santa

NSPCC Santa Letter Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by Monday 9 December. www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/make-a-donation/ letter-from-santa/

News & Views

Y Youngstars Holiday H lid C Camps @ Eric Liddell Sports Centre, Eltham College Following a fantastic year of providing multi-sports The Eric Liddell Centre is excited to start the planning and preparation for a bumper 2020.

The facilities are nothing short of amazing, covering a stunning 70 acre site, there is a huge sports hall, 4 MUGA pitches (Multi-Use Games area), swimming pool, tennis courts and ample field space to run our vast selection of sports & activities.

Children will embark on a day guaranteed to be full of fun, games and excitement along with a multitude of sports including; Football, Hockey, Rugby, Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Cricket, Athletics, Dodgeball, Tri-Golf, Netball, Basketball and more. Every game, drill and exercise apart from being fun, is designed to improve coordination, awareness, motor skills and above all team work.

Next up is the February Half Term so they will look forward to seeing you there!

Dates: Monday 17th – Friday 21st February For further info please contact 07749 343116 or info@young-stars.co.uk or visit www.young-stars.co.uk

NEW Children's Yoga Orpington** A great start to the week for your little ones!

Introducing your children to yoga at an early age can help them with a healthy, fit start, Neyoga kids classes incorporate fun techniques and props for breathing; imagination for poses; magical stories for relaxation; mandala arts and crafts for focus; group and partner yoga for strength and fitness; games and stories for mindfulness, building self-esteem and self-confidence; song and dance for movement and coordination plus lots more FUN

Benefits: Improves confidence & creativity Builds awareness and mindfulness Enhances coordination Develops strength & fitness Improves focus and

concentration Increases relaxation and calmness Relieves stress and anxiety Better sleep Cultivates joy and connection

And most importantly it is lots of FUN and encourages children to work together both harmoniously and respectfully.

NOW OPEN FOR BOOKINGS! www.neyoga.co.uk/neyoga-kids familiesonline.co.uk

OI Frog.indd 2

Ages 5-12yrs

FEBRUARY HALF TERM CAMP Basketball, Cricket, Swimming, Rugby, Golf, Tennis, Football, Hockey, Netball, Badminton and more...

WE ACCEPT

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

ST MONDAY 17 TH - FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Times: 8.30am - 5.30pm

(Half day options of 8.30am -1pm & 1pm - 5pm available) Price: £16 p/half day, £32 p/full day, £4 p/extended session

Mottingham Lane, London, SE9 4QF Contact Youngstars on 07749 343116 or 0845 222 1313.

E: campbookings@young-stars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk

W Winding ddown: NEW N SSleepy TTales The book publisher Penguin Random House ha has collaborated with The Children’s Sleep Charity to create collections of Sleepy Tales audiobooks designed to help children relax before bedtime. n Sleepy Tales (7+ years) are part soundscape, part descriptive narrative. They use relaxing sounds and soothing narrators’ voices to conjure calming settings and landscapes to help children feel calm and positive at the end of the day.

Each tale is 15 minutes long and has been created to be interesting enough to hold children’s attention, but not to overexcite or overstimulate.

Sleepy Tales are designed to become part of a child’s bedtime routine, to be listened to before or after their bedtime story.

Children can listen on their own or with a parent. Sweet dreams!

More information at www.penguin.co.uk/books

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Parenting

The Best Christmas Family Traditions

By Claire Winter What do you cherish and remember most clearly about Christmas during your own childhood? Was it the food, the carols and music, going to church, the Christmas tree? When we look back at our childhood, we don’t remember the gifts that we were given, we recall the things we did as a family that created the most long-lasting memories. Family Christmas traditions adhered to year after year during the festive season are an important part of childhood and are often free or don’t cost much.

Here are our eight best memorymaking traditions for families to enjoy this Christmas.

Send Homemade Christmas Cards. Go old school and send some homemade cards. In the modern era of e-Christmas cards, this is a traditional way to make your Christmas celebration special.

Making homemade Christmas cards can involve the whole family. Sit down with some glitter, stencils, stickers and coloured paper. Play Christmas music to get you in the mood and your kids (and you!) will have great fun making the cards and then and giving them to friends and family.

Make an Advent Calendar Make or buy an advent calendar that can be reused each year.

Instead of putting sweets or toys in it, put in a note for each day about all the

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different things you love about your child.

There would be a full-scale riot in my house if there weren’t a small present or treat in the calendar each day so you may want to consider adding the notes on top of a little present!

Give them a Christmas Eve Box Treat your kids to an early gift with a special box that contains festive pyjamas to wear and a Christmas film to watch.

If you want to spend less, you could include a festive book or art and craft activity so they can make a special Christmas Eve decoration for the tree.

Prepare a North Pole Christmas Breakfast An amazing way to welcome the festive season is by preparing a North Pole Christmas breakfast for your family on the first day of December. Get the kids involved designing the menu and making the decorations. Many families combine a North Pole Christmas breakfast with the Elf on the Shelf who joins them for

the meal. He then appears every morning doing something mischievous until Christmas day. I think most parents either love or loathe the Elf. I’ll let you decide!

Leave food out for Father Christmas and his Friends Leaving food out for the man in red and his friends is another lovely tradition for Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to prepare the reindeer food out of dried oats and biodegradable glitter and have your kids scatter it in the garden on Christmas Eve. We also go out and gather greenery like holly and ivy from our garden to decorate the mantelpieces in our house.

Watch the Queen’s Christmas Broadcast The tradition of sending out a royal Christmas message to the public started in 1932 with George V. So gather around the television with your loved ones and a glass of fizz to watch the royal Christmas

Parenting message from the Queen.

Don’t Forget to Capture a Photo with Your Family Many families forget to take a family photo on Christmas day.

So, make time to capture a photo with your family each year in front of the Christmas tree striking the same pose. It will be interesting to document how you change each year. You could even put the photos in a special album.

REMEMBERING THE FEW; HONOURING THE MANY

Go to a Carol Service Even if you are not generally a church goer, going to a Crib Service at your local church on Christmas Eve is a lovely thing to do with your children. Singing carols and listening to the story of the nativity is sure to put everybody in the festive mood and it’s good to take some time to remember the origins of Christmas.

Wrap Up Enjoy the special festive memories you make with your family.

Your children don’t stay little for long, and it’s great to remind them that Christmas is about being together and not just about presents and treats.

Share your family traditions with us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag

Visit a living legacy, dedicated to the men and women who lived and served there, whose resilience made Biggin Hill Churchill’s ‘strongest link’. www.bhmm.org.uk

#familieschristmas2019 [social channels here].

Calling all Baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach via public transport and we refund travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 • babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

2019

Celebrating 25 years of high quality swimming lessons Fundamental Movement Skills

BOOKING FOR EASTER INTENSIVE NOW AT BROMLEY HIGH Spaces available at new venue Midfield Primary School, Grovelands Rd, Orpington BR5 3EG

Gymnastics based program for children aged from 18 months to five years to discover, explore and learn fundamental movement skills in a fun and engaging way.

Weekly term time Lessons at Bromley High, Bickley Park and Green Street Green. Adult and Child Lessons at Green Street Green

Improve your child’s fitness and confidence!

Swimming lessons that last a lifetime!

Parent & Toddler and Independent classes held in Bickley, Bromley and Orpington.

For more details and how to book classes please contact us:

07976720908

Visit our website: www.aquakids.co.uk Follow us at: @aquakidsuk

@aquakids.uk

Aquakids

Alternatively email cherylene@yunimoves.com www.yunimoves.com familiesonline.co.uk

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advent calendar 1

Families London Kent Borders

1 s t i Zoe took biscu to school

1. Smile at everyone you see today 2. Make cards for elderly people in your street 3. Tell someone the reasons you like them 4. Pick up litter in your street or local park 5. Clean up a mess you didn’t make 6. Wish a stranger a nice day 7. Help make dinner 8. Donate pocket money to charity 9. Compliment staff at a café or shop 10. Donate books, toys and clothes to charity 1 1. Volunteer at a festive community event

12. Leave snacks on your doorstep for delivery people 13. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue 14. Hug someone 15. Bake biscuits to take to school or work 16. Deliver notes to houses with great Christmas light displays 17. Pack away your things without being asked 18. Make someone laugh 19. Take canned food to your local food bank 20. Make a list of the things you’re thankful for 21. Leave a kind note where someone will find it 22. Send a Christmas card to someone overseas 23. Do a chore for someone else 24. Leave food out for Santa and his reindeer!

Perform an a ct of kindness each day until Ch ristmas!

Pin up the c alendar and keep a daily record of yo ur family’s good deeds .

– choose from below or make up your own

An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent!

familiesonline.co.uk

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Parenting

Top Ten Christmas Challenges Entertain, Excite, Enjoy and Entice (them away from their screens) with Claire Winter’s road tested family games.

Entert This Christmas, bring out your favourite games to play at home with favour family and friends. With a flurry your fa of new games hitting our living room tables recently, the games market has seen something of a revolution. Now there are hundreds of games available that employ brain-teasing strategies 4 and flex your investigatory muscles.

Here’s my Top Ten for a Top Family Christmas!

1

Sherlock Holmes - Consulting Detective Thames Murders game

5 Gather your loved ones, and don your deerstalkers to play this fun mystery game. You have to solve the case by interviewing witnesses, and tracing their steps through Victorian London. This is very much a challenge of the mental ability of the players, rather than a game of chance. The details are wellresearched and give you a real sense of a bygone era. £34.90 Amazon 2

The London Board Game

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Monopoly Cheaters Edition

6 The complexities of the London Underground system make this a great brain-challenging game for players of all ages. The board itself is the London Underground map, so while enjoying the race, you'll also learn more about London. Players must visit six of London's sightseeing hotspots, and the winner is the first person to get back to the mainline station where they started. £30 www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk

The new Cheaters Edition of Monopoly brings a fresh twist to the property trading game that was initially designed to warn

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players about the dangers of capitalism. 7 This version encourages cheating and subterfuge! It includes 15 cheat cards that allow players to steal money from the bank and avoid paying rent. £17.74 Amazon

Exploding Kittens

Tales of Arabian Nights This game is unlike anything you’ll have played and is the closest you can come to being in your own adventure book on a board. You travel around the board choosing how to tackle each random event using a rulebook. Whatever option you choose it has an unpredictable consequence, which makes it both surprising and eventful! £49.98 Amazon

Not technically a board game, this card game is for people who like explosions, laser beams, and kittens. All the players draw from the deck until one of them draws the exploding kitten. At this point, 8 Speech Breaker the only option for survival is to play a This challenging game for children age defuse card that allows them to place 14+ is great fun. You have to put on the the kitten back into the deck. Beautifully game headset, talk into the microphone, designed and riotously funny! and get your teammates to guess who, £19.99 Amazon what, where without saying any of the words on the cards. But…the microphone Pictionary jams your speech with a built-in delay. As This drawing game has been a firm you talk, you'll hear your delayed voice favourite since 1985. The latest edition through the game headset, making it has been updated with two levels of harder to speak clearly. Really hilarious! clues for adults and younger children, £25.52 Amazon making it a fun game for all ages. It also has wipe clean markers and 9 Chess and Draughts boards. Mattel has also released Pictionary Air, which uses an app and According to academics, chess boosts augmented reality, but I prefer the old intelligence and creativity, so this school version!

Christmas teach your children the tactical games of Chess and Draughts to improve £21.99 Amazon their mental agility. These timeless games are also a great way to share one-on-one Dobble time with your child.

This fun picture card game is very £19.99 Amazon popular in our house and it’s really addictive. It depends on speed of observation as players have to match 10 Nudge pick out one icon from a group on a Nudge is an incredibly simple, yet card that matches the same icon in insanely addictive strategy game for a group on another card. This simple children age 14+ designed to send premise then forms the basis for five you and your opponent over the edge. short mini-games, alternatively asking you Designed with the environment in to collect or discard cards as quickly as mind, the game is made from 100% possible. Younger eyes and reflexes are at recyclable materials including the game a definite advantage which means your 5 board, single-colour packaging, and fully year old will beat you fair and square! biodegradable game discs. £12.99 Amazon £9.99 www.nudgegames.co.uk

Enjoy your precious family time this Christmas!

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Parenting

You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.

They say They say Christmas Chr C hris istm tmas as is is the the time time of of bein be being ing g together and with toge to geth ther er a nd spending sspe pend ndin ing g ti time me wit w ith h your your ffamily. il But B t if, if like lilik k some off us, all ll iitt brings is stress and a houseful of volatile relatives, you might be craving a bit of peace or space.

A loft conversion can be the perfect way to strengthen families and ironically bring them closer together.

It’s about creating space, saving space and making more of your new space.

Talk about your feelings The Mental Health Foundation’s top tips for looking after your mental health at Christmas suggest talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with tough times.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the impending arrival of house guests speak to your family.

Think about ideas How would you like your family to use

your home? your hom h ome? e? It It can ca be great to voice some so me of of yo your ur iide de With over 25 years ideas. off experience LMB Group surveyors can i LM help bring your ideas to life and guide you to see what’s possible.

The sky is the limit They don’t just do loft conversions.

How about adding a second or third floor to your home? Some households don’t want to lose garden space for an extension. Where the family is concerned, maintaining valuable areas like the garden ensure that you really are adding to family life and not simply trading one for the other.

But I’ll lose my present hiding spot Rest assured, eaves storage and making the most of some of the nooks and crannies can actually create more usable storage space, not less, in your new loft space. And if you think your home is too

small, think again.

I’m stuck for inspiration If you’re too busy ticking presents off the shopping list to be creative, how about a play room with drop down cinema screen? A master bedroom with en-suite?

Two bedrooms and an extra bathroom?

A teenage study space? The all-important guest bedroom?

Our ideas are endless. Talk to the LMB team today. A plan of action will help you feel more positive. They’re offering 10% off any quote and subsequent deposit payment made between 18 October and 20 December.

For more tips on coping with the festive period see Mind’s 10 ways to reduce Christmas stress or get excited about the potential of your home by browsing LMB Group’s portfolio. https://www.lmb-lofts.com

Book your consultation today.

020 8406 9907

No room at the inn?

enquiries@ lmbgroupltd.co.uk www. lmbgroupltd.co.uk

Get the space you crave in your own home.

Convert your loft with the experts.

10% Discount

from 18th October 2019 - 20th December 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

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Out About Willie&Wonka

Meet the Real-Life

Willie Wonka!

Willie Harcourt-Cooze is an entrepreneur who may have the best job in the world, running his own chocolate making company, here in the UK. He became well known after starring in Channel 4’s fly-on-the-wall documentary Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory. Claire Winter talks to him about his life as a chocolate aficionado.

You found fame on the Channel 4 programme Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory. Where did your love of chocolate begin?

On a cocoa farm in Venezuela, I was given pure cacao to drink, just like the hot chocolate I make today with my 100% cylinders. This hot chocolate energised me and lifted my mood so much that right there and then I decided that it should be made available to everyone. Unlike coffee, cacao gives a slow release of energy that also releases endorphins. There is no slump, such as the one you get when drinking coffee or eating sugar. It’s purely natural, and this is also the reason I only use 100% natural ingredients in my chocolate. I believe all nutrition should come from nature. Of course, it also tastes much better.

You have lived in lots of different countries with your family, what is your favourite place?

My dream of making the world’s best chocolate was born on Hacienda El Tesoro, high in the Cloud Forest in Venezuela, where I farmed cacao for over a decade. This is my favourite place in the world, and it always feels like I’m coming home when I return.

What is the most important thing that you have learnt being a chocolate entrepreneur?

Creating chocolate is an everlasting adventure, and I have learned a lot of things along the way. The one thing that resonates though is to never compromise on the quality of 12

Families London Kent Borders

ingredients as the finest ingredients make the best flavours. Everything I use in my chocolate is 100% natural, and I source the best flavours from around the world.

I know you are passionate about using pure ingredients in the chocolate you make. Why is it better to use quality ingredients?

People have lost touch with what chocolate really is. It has lost its taste and become sugary, fatty confectionary.

Cacao is actually packed full of vitamins and minerals. The ancient South American peoples drank it in religious ceremonies and called it the Food of the Gods. Only now, is research showing us a little of what this ancient civilisation saw in it. It has high levels of flavonoids, which can protect your heart, and it makes your body produce serotonin and feel-good endorphins too.

Can you cheer us all up and tell us the health benefits of eating chocolate (in moderation)?

Research has identified that the high level of flavonoids in chocolate can lower blood pressure and protect your arteries. It even stimulates your body to produce serotonin, the brain’s natural anti-depressant, and feelgood endorphins typically created by exercising. To get these benefits however, you need to be eating good dark chocolate. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate, the better it is for you.

Do you have a favourite family meal that you cook for your family?

The children are all at different stages in their food journey due to being different ages. However, they all agree that they love Empanadas from South America.

They can choose their own fillings according to their taste. One may have black beans, another with white cheese.

They’ve been known to choose octopus as a filling too; they’re always a hit!

How do you work around the demands of family life?

It’s difficult, when you have a passion, to work around family life and compromises have to be made. When one area takes over, work or family, the other area suffers. It’s impossible to put 100% into both 100% of the time, and I must admit I have found it difficult to juggle.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

We’re about to launch our ultimate hot chocolate, which is the first of its kind in the world. I used to make it just for friends and family and sell the surplus in my online shop. It has recently won an IndyBest award for taste and now we’re introducing it to shops. Keep an eye out for the magical package design! This is new and unique as it’s not industrial. It has nothing nasty in it, just two ingredients, the finest single estate cacao and natural raw cane sugar from Barbados; it tastes divine. It’s 100% natural, frothy and creamy, and beautiful with cow’s milk or vegan milks. Until the new package is launched, you can buy it in our online shop at: www.williescacao.com

Out What’s & About On

CHRISTMAS AT HEVER CASTLE DAYTIME This Christmas at Hever Castle they will be taking you on a magical journey down the rabbit hole and into the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland.

During the day you will be met with beautifully decorated Castle rooms,

welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees.

Outside in the grounds follow the whimsical Alice in a Christmas Wonderland themed interactive trail and wander through the illuminated gardens as dusk falls.

EVERY SAT

3 NOVEMBER

BROMLEY PARKRUN Norman Park, Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF Weekly free 5km timed run. Go along and join in whatever your pace! Please register before your first run. 9:00am 0300 303 8658 www.parkrun.org.uk/bromley

DEAR ZOO LIVE! Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA After a successful debut tour, Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage in 2019! This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

EVERY SUN MINIATURE STEAM TRAIN RIDES Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LG Whatever the weather the miniature trains runs every Sunday from April to October, 2pm until 5pm, at the grounds of the Cascade Leisure Centre. 50p a ride – FUN FOR ALL! www.gmmes.co.uk

FROM 8 NOVEMBER TO 15 DECEMBER

MUM2MUM NEARLY NEW SALE Ravens wood School, Oakley Road, Bromley BR2 8HP Grab a bargain or sell your nearly new items. Refreshments, cake, face painter and kids activities at every event. Free car park. 10am-12noon. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

READING RED HOUSE Red House, Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, London, DA6 8JF This Christmas Red House will explore the idea of literature as craft. You’ll be invited to experience the medieval tales that inspired the Pre-Raphaelite artists and even listen to some of their Christmas carols. There’ll be creative writing activities and our traditional medieval hop decorations too- with a few creative pieces thrown in. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

3 NOVEMBER

9 NOVEMBER

2 AND 30 NOVEMBER

CHEEKI MONKEYS BIG BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKETS Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ Time: 10am-12pm Go along to the Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby & Children‘s Market. Save up to 90% on quality pre-loved goods!

Clothes, toys, prams, cots, walkers, high chairs, books, playpens and much more! www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

3 NOVEMBER MILKSHAKE! LIVE: MILKSHAKE MONKEY’S MUSICAL The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED Time: 11am, 2:30pm Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all!

But when stage fright hits, his favourite Milkshake friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

MUM2MUM NEARLY NEW SALE Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 3DH. Grab a bargain or sell your nearly new items. Refreshments, cake, face painter and kids activities at every event. Free car park. 2-4pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

9 NOVEMBER FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR St John’s Catholic Primary School, Rochester Road, Gravesend, DA12 2SY Time: 6-8.30pm Go along for a fireworks spectacular which includes sweet tombola, BBQ and glow sticks!

01474 534546

10 NOVEMBER VINTAGE FAYRE Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ Time: 10am-4pm Go along for a day filled with vintage and retro fashion, accessories, jewellery, homeware, food and live entertainment.

Bring the children to see Father Christmas at Hever Castle, enjoy relaxed Christmas shopping in the Gift Shops, and sample delicious festive food in the restaurants. www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/ hever-castle-christmas

www.gravesendboroughmarket.co.uk fmnvintage@hotmail.co.uk

FROM 11 TO 12 NOVEMBER DEAR ZOO The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED Time: 10:30am, 1:30pm, 4pm After a successful debut tour, Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage in 2019! This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

FROM 13 TO 17 NOVEMBER BILLIONAIRE BOY The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED Time: 10:30am, 11am, 2:30pm, 5pm, 7pm From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Horrible Histories comes this amazing new production of David Walliams’ bestselling story!

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

14 NOVEMBER CHARITY FAMILY FESTIVE EVENING Millbrook Garden Centre, Station Road, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9PA Time: 6.30-8.30pm Take the whole family and join in the festive fun & games whilst raising money for Millbrook’s chosen charity, Guide Dogs. Tickets cost £1 donation on the door. www.millbrookgc.co.uk

15 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Gravesend Town Centre Time: 3:30-6pm With street entertainers around the town from 3.30pm, the main event gets under way at 4pm with entertainment on Community Square. At 4.30pm the spectacular lantern parade featuring hundreds of children from local schools leaves from the square, tours the town before returning for the lighting of the Christmas tree by the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Gurdip Bungar. www.gravesham.gov.uk

FROM 16 TO 17 NOVEMBER BER CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ The highly popular annual Christmas Craft Fair bursting with things to see and do. With over 50 stalls throughout the historic house to choose from including traditional crafts and contemporary gifts you’ll find a gift for everyone.

01322 526 574 www.hallplace.org.uk

17 NOVEMBER BIRDS AND ANIMALS St Andrews Art Centre, Royal Pier Road, DA12 2BD Time: 11am-3pm Cost: £30 Treat yourself to a day and get away from the hustle and bustle of life and book for an Autumn workshop to explore collage. Children half price. fi@ fionaspirals.co.uk www.graveshamarts.co.uk

18 NOVEMBER & 23 DECEMBER BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA The shows feature the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV. The events are all about you, the parents! But don’t worry – the younger guests are also taken great care of. Adults age 18+ and babies under 15 months.

020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

18 NOVEMBER SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival at the Churchill Theatre. Go along this autumn for an exhilarating evening of theatre, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools.

020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

FROM 20 TO 22 NOVEMBER SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD Shakespeare Schools Foundation are the world’s largest youth drama festival, 13

Out & About What’s On

LIVTEAGE Based on the books by Kes Gray and Jim Field. Published by Hachette Children’s Group

ON S

LYRIC THEATRE 29 NOV - 5 JAN

Shaftesbury Avenue nimaxtheatres.com

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Hits the Screen this Christmas The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr, will come to TV this Christmas adapted as a halfhour animated film for Channel 4.

It will feature a star studded cast of voices including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse.

The role of Sophie will be played by 7 year old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut.

For anyone that doesn’t know the book, it tells the tale of the tiger that shows up at young Sophie’s front door and proceeds to eat the family out of house and home, even going so far as to drink all of the water out of the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I think I’d better go now,” and departing.

Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this film will capture the same special place in every family's imagination watching it.”

Get in the festive spirit at Bluewater’s magical Grotto and Ice Rink Get ready for an enchanting Christmas adventure, as tickets for Bluewater’s Santa’s Grotto are now on sale.

On the bank of the picturesque lakes at the West Village, children can expect to meet a host of wonderful characters that will guide them through the story of The Nutcracker. The adventure will take them through the realms of flowers, snowflakes and sweets where they’ll get to make a festive craft.

Finally, children will meet the Sugar

Plum Fairy who will help to prepare them for the most important part of the experience – meeting Santa. Children will receive a collectable plush toy and professional photographs can be purchased at the shop.

Also returning to Bluewater in 2019, is the spectacular outdoor, undercover ice rink, this year bigger and better than ever.

Located by the beautiful lakes next to The Village under a stunning clear roof, Bluewater’s ice rink is perfect for the

whole family to enjoy come rain or shine.

Penguin and seal skating aids are available for little ones and bob skates are there for those who need to be steady on the ice, plus skate lessons can be booked for those looking to become more proficient with their skating.

Sessions are also set aside for school visits, birthday parties, baby and toddler mornings and special evening events with KMFM, perfect for those looking to dance on ice.

More information and tickets for Bluewater’s Santa’s Grotto and Ice Rink are available now at bluewater.co.uk 14

Families London Kent Borders

We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

enabling close to 1,000 schools to bring their interpretations of Shakespeare to 130 professional theatres across the UK. 01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk

FROM 21 TO 24 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKET Chartwell - National Trust, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. The Chartwell Christmas market returns this November! Take a look through a wide range of local gifts from crafts, art and accessories to food and drink, all from undercover stalls. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

FROM 21 NOVEMBER TO 1 JANUARY 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TRAIL Chartwell - National Trust, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. Explore the Chartwell garden on this interactive trail this winter. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

FROM 23 NOVEMBER TO 24 DECEMBER

never forget! 020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

020 8319 8900 www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

FROM 27 NOVEMBER TO 18 DECEMBER

1, 8, 15 & 21 DECEMBER

WOODVILLE POP-UP CINEMA CHRISTMAS SEASON Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ Time: 5pm-7pm Cost: £2.50 Gravesend Borough Market plays host to the Woodville Pop-up Cinema Christmas Season this year, with a Christmas classic. Screenings are every Wednesday from 27 November to 18 December inclusive, between 5pm and 7pm. www.woodville.co.uk.

28 NOVEMBER TREE WEEKEND Millbrook Garden Centre, Station Road, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9PA Enjoy live music, face painting, festive refreshments and more! www.millbrookgc.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT HEVER CASTLE Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG This Christmas go on a magical journey down the rabbit hole and into the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland. During the day you will be met with beautifully decorated Castle rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees. See Father Christmas, enjoy relaxed Christmas shopping in the Gift Shops, and sample delicious festive food in the restaurants.

01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

30 NOVEMBER TO 1 DECEMBER

23, 24 & 30 NOVEMBER& 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS: STORY-TELLING WEEKEND Chartwell - National Trust, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. Go along to Chartwell this Christmas for a weekend of story-telling. Enjoy story time with Mrs Everest, Winston Churchill’s nanny, this Christmas. See the tale of the Gingerbread Man come to life and enjoy arts and crafts activities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

SANTA’S GROTTO Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ You meet the elves, put on your magical robes and collect your wands. Then in through the magic mirror to meet Father Christmas. Father Christmas will then decide if you are naughty or nice and give you a Christmas chocolate! www.gravesham.gov.uk

FROM 23 NOVEMBER TO 24 DECEMBER MAGICAL MILLBROOK GROTTO Millbrook Garden Centre, Station Road, Southfleet, Gravesend, DA13 9PA A truly magical experience awaits children of all ages in the Magical Millbrook Grotto. Receive a special train ticket to board the Millbrook Express and be transported to a winter wonderland! www.millbrookgc.co.uk

24 NOVEMBER FORGET-ME-NOT-VINTAGE CHRISTMAS FAYRE Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ Time: 10.30am-3.30pm All welcome to the Forget-MeNot Vintage Christmas Fayre. Live entertainment. Free entry. Free parking.

Dogs welcome. www.gravesendboroughmarket.co.uk

OLDE FATHER CHRISTMAS Red House, Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, London, DA6 8JF This Victorian Father Christmas, dressed all in green, will fascinate children and adults alike with stories of old Christmas traditions. A wooden child’s toy will be presented to the children. Ideal for ages 5 and above. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

FROM 30 NOVEMBER TO 1 DECEMBER

30 NOVEMBER, 7 & 15 DECEMBER TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ You are very welcome to the traditional Christmas Market. www.gravesendboroughmarket.co.uk

FROM 30 NOVEMBER TO 15 DECEMBER A GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS AT QUEBEC HOUSE National Trust Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD Go and see the house decorated with greenery as it would have been in the Georgian era. Join in the Georgian fun and play Hunt the Slipper around the house. Takes place at weekends. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

FROM 30 NOVEMBER TO 15 DECEMBER

BACH TO BABY CHRISTMAS FAMILY CONCERT Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY Time: 10.30am Magical music, mince pies, mouthwatering coffee, oh my! Grab your friends, harness up your fastest reindeer and head to a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! www.bachtobaby.com/bromley-musicconcerts-for-baby-and-family

CHRISTMAS TRAIL: HUNT THE SLIPPER National Trust Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD Delve into Georgian family traditions at Christmas time with Quebec House’s family trail. The Georgians loved playing all sorts of different games such as hunting for slippers hidden around the house as a Christmas game for the children. Go and complete the trail during the weekends this winter and discover all about the Georgian tradition. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

FROM 27 TO 29 NOVEMBER

1 DECEMBER

26 NOVEMBER

THE SCARECROWS’ WEDDING Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA This epic love story promises wit, drama and wedding bells! Packed with live music and laughter, this is one hour’s magic that you and your children will

familiesonline.co.uk

Out O uWhat’s t & About On

CHRISTMAS FAIR The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP, UK map The annual Christmas Fair with craft stalls, mulled wine and Father Christmas!

CHRISTMAS CRAFT ACTIVITIES Gravesend Borough Market, Queen Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ Go along for Christmas craft activities at Gravesend Market from 10am-3pm. www.gravesendboroughmarket.co.uk

FROM 1 TO 30 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS GARDEN TRAIL Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Find out what’s being baked up at the South Pole this Christmas. Find all the penguins and discover the recipe for delicious cupcakes you can bake at home. Includes small free prize.

01322 526 574 www.hallplace.org.uk

6, 12, 13, 19,20 & 23 DECEMBER TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS AT HEVER CASTLE Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG For a magical after dark experience, wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars at Twilight Christmas. Witness the enchantment of the Castle and gardens festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas. Explore the captivating Christmas trail and meet characters Alice in Wonderland as you wander through illuminated gardens.

01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA This Christmas the Churchill Studio presents Jack And the Beanstalk: a show for children 3+ and their families.

Told in rhyme, this ‘Fee-Fie-Foe’ Fun show will be seeded with silliness, watered with rhythm and bathed in music - an all ‘organic’ storytelling experience that once it takes root will bloom in your memory forever!

020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

8 AND 19 DECEMBER FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Get that festive feeling listening to the fabulous all-age Choir School of Sidcup. They’re promising a fun mix of traditional carols and popular Christmas songs you’ll be aching to join in with.

Includes festive refreshments (mulled wine/juice and a minced pie).

01322 526 574 www.hallplace.org.uk

8, 15 AND 22 DECEMBER SANTA SPECIAL Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LG Time: 1-4pm Forget the Christmas preparations for a while, and go and enjoy a Santa Special Train Ride. Lots of fun for Children and Mums and Dads at the track in the grounds of Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane Gravesend. www.gmmes.co.uk

FROM 6 TO 31 DECEMBER

14 DECEMBER

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1DD With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible special effects and bags of slapstick fun, Beauty and the beast is delight for all the family to enjoy.

01474 337500 www.woodville.co.uk

A JOURNEY INTO CHRISTMAS St George’s Church, Church Street, Gravesend, DA11 0DJ Follow Mary and Joseph and their donkey, and the three wise men on their camels, on a journey through three different historic periods of Christmas in Gravesend (Victorian, WWII and Modern time). The parade will start at 12pm outside St George’s Church. www.gravesham.gov.uk

7 DECEMBER WITH MAP AND MUSKET National Trust Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD Time: 1-4pm Bring history to life with an historic reenactment. Join the eighteenth century surveyor as he explains how map makers played a key role in the Quebec campaign. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

7 DECEMBER RUDOLPH RAVE The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED With glow sticks, glitter and giant balloons, this family-friendly event brings everyone together for a fun filled party afternoon. Santa and Rudolph will be there and the bar will be open for the big kids! 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

FROM 7 TO 22 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS IN THE HOUSE Chartwell - National Trust, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. A warm welcome awaits you at Chartwell this season. For three weekends in December see select rooms dressed for Christmas. Inspired

by Lady Churchill’s classic taste, greenery from the estate decorates the mantle pieces, with glass and gold dressed trees reflecting Christmas as the family would have celebrated it in their first years at Chartwell. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

7 DECEMBER TO 5 JANUARY ALADDIN Starring stage legend Christopher Biggins as the iconic Widow Twankey, and hot off the heels of Cinderella, this year’s panto will be a magic-carpet ride you’ll never forget, in the wish-granting family panto, Aladdin. www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 020 3285 6000

FROM 7 TO 20 DECEMBER

FROM 14 DECEMBER TO 5 JANUARY PETER PAN The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED Take a fairy tale flight to Neverland next Christmas in the swashbuckling family adventure as the Jolly Roger navigates the perilous high seas and throws anchor in the Thames for another unmissable festive season in Dartford.

With star casting, jaw-dropping flying and special effects, barrel-loads of laughter, a ship-full of magic and fairy dust and plenty of festive fun for all the family, Hook your tickets today!

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

16 AND 23 DECEMBER BABY BROADWAY Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA Baby Broadway brings West End musicals to your doorstep. The whole family can sing and dance along to well-known songs from hit shows such as Mary Poppins, Singin in the Rain, Motown, Mamma Mia, Frozen and many more performed by West End singers. www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 020 3285 6000

19 DECEMBER THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED Time: 7:30pm

Get into the festive spirit and celebrate Christmas with the Belvedere Concert Band and guests as they bring you the very best of music and songs from the classics, stage and big screen with plenty of Christmas favourites! A Charity Concert in aid of Mind.

01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

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14T T H NO OV - 5TH H JAN N O OK T IC C KE E TS AT B L UE E WATE E R.. C O.UK K BO