Families London-Kent Borders May/June 2013 (Issue 13)

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–teens

Issue 13: May/June 2013

London–Kent Borders

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! e e r F

Party special!

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Brilliant party ideas for children of all ages

PLUS:

Get your kids gardening SATs survival guide

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 10/04/2013 14:40 Page 1

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Excellence CELEBRATES 130 YEARS OF

OPEN EVENTS May 9th & September 28th 2013

YEAR 5 TASTER DAYS June 13th & June 20th 2013

Register here: www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+

Fees assistance & Scholarships available (11+ and 16+) S BH

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Tel: 020 8781 7000 admissions@bro.gdst.net

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

   

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 

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

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www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

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In this issue 4 News & Views 5 Mothers Mean Business

6 Clubs and Classes & Education 8 It’s Party Time! 10 Out & About 11 Events 13 Museums 14 Get Your Kids Gardening As a mother of three children aged between 7 and 14, I seem to have arranged and attended my fair share of parties. With this in mind we decided to put our heads together and come up with some great party ideas and ways to achieve fab party bags without breaking the bank! Plus, with the lighter evenings and the warmer weather meaning that spending time in the garden is really an option we have come up with some top tips to inspire even the most reluctant young horticulturist.

And don’t forget to enter our competitions both in the magazine and online – to enter, simply visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/competitions Happy reading!

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 want to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your family’s needs, call Katie

01737 766403 / 07909 681884

Juliette Dixon, 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

Let the battle for Leeds Castle commence

Medieval Jousting | 28 May – 2 June Thrilling daily displays of fearless stunts by brave knights on galloping horses, competing for the Leeds Castle Championship.

Pay once and visit all year round.

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Babble from the Borders

News & Views Get walking this May!

Babington Pupils present GrimmTales

The Grimm Fairy Tales were beautifully presented by junior and senior drama students from Years 6 to 8 at Babington House School, Chislehurst. They dramatically and imaginatively depicted the stories of Hansel and Gretel, The Golden Goose and Little Red Cap. Kyra (Year 8) commented, ‘I particularly enjoyed the challenge of creating trees, birds and various other aspects of the scenery with just our bodies.’

Lilla Rebellato, Head of Drama, said the children had worked hard during rehearsals and all their practice showed on the night. ‘It is always such a rewarding and special moment to see a group of students work towards a common goal and do so with such success.’

The performance was enjoyed by a packed auditorium of parents, teachers and governors.

It’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk To School Week runs from 20-24 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents and promising to be the biggest and best yet! As part of National Walking Month, the campaign aims to teach children about the benefits of walking, with each day focussing on a different aspect of walking including safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendly and social time.

Take part in Strider’s 5-Day Walking Challenge and reinforce the benefits of walking, plus download puzzles, pledges and challenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walkto-school/walk-to-school-week

Bromley High joins Majorie McCLure

Bromley High School welcomed the senior Marjorie McClure dancers to the school when they worked with the Year 7 dance group and performed an inspirational partnership piece.

‘It was lovely to be able to welcome pupils and staff for this partnership performance. Our girls loved dancing with their new friends, and I know that they learnt much from the

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experience. We look forward to continuing work with the group in the future.’ Says Louse Simpson, Head.

This partnership followed on from an earlier involvement, when Bromley High School was invited to perform at the Marjorie McClure Specialist School in Chislehurst as part of their Annual Schools’ Dance Festival. The school took a group of Year 9 and 10 pupils to perform a piece from the school dance production. There was a range of local primary schools and two groups from Marjorie McClure participating.

‘Our girls came away buzzing from this experience!’ recalls Natalie Gibbs, Dance Teacher.

Have a cuppa and raise money

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Abbey Wood, South-East London is urging cuppa lovers to take a break for a good cause by organising a Great Big Community Cuppa gathering during Cuppa Week (18–24 May).

The Great Big Community Cuppa is a chance for people across Greenwich & Bexley to come together with family, friends and colleagues to enjoy a nice cuppa and perhaps a cake while raising funds for their local Hospice.

To request your Great Big Community Cuppa pack, contact the fundraising team on 020 8319 9230, email info@gbch.org.uk or visit www.communityhospice.org.uk

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Mothers Mean Business

Serra Chakarto, professional photographer and owner of Smile Please Studio in Blackfen, Sidcup

Get gardening!

Now that Spring is finally here, why not get the kids gardening? We love this Budding Gardener Set (RRP £20) from Say It Personally. The set has everything for the young gardener, including sunflower seeds and ‘ladybird’ seed markers, plus gloves, sponge kneeling pad, trowel and hand fork in co-ordinating colours.

The set is available in pink or green. To order visit www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

020 8466 6977

I’ve always been interested in photography as my Dad is a professional photographer – when I was a child I would be forever trying to boss people around and take their photographs like my Dad! Originally my parents had a photo printing shop in Sidcup which I took over with my husband in 1999. I then started taking photographs at local toddler groups and wanted to expand this.

Unfortunately, our business in Sidcup became very bad due to everyone using digital cameras and not using traditional film and overnight business took a financial nose dive. At the time, with three young children aged seven, five and three, I remember not having enough money to put food on the table. It was then when I came up with the idea of hosting photo parties.

I realised there was a gap in the market for children’s parties especially for girls aged eight and up. I developed this idea of something glamorous, exciting and fun. We relocated to larger premises; until I got the first booking we had no money coming in. After the first party the children loved it and the response was positive and gradually the bookings started to come in and we slowly managed to catch up financially clearing all the arrears we had accumulated. I am truly passionate about Smile Please Photo Parties as they mean so much to me, when I came up with the idea we were the Original Photo Party Studio.

At a Smile Please Party the emphasis is on fun, fun, fun…

A group of children or adults, normally girls aged from eight up to 60, come to the studio. We then take a wide selection of photographs – these normally consist of group photos of everyone running, jumping and striking poses, to name a few. We also

attempt to do the human pyramid, bundles and piggy backs; we also use a wind machine which makes the girls go wild! They can bring three changes of outfits and we also have hats, feather boas, flowers and other props they can use. At the end of the session they can view the photographs on our TV screen and we provide light refreshments. Depending on the package they can either all receive albums or single photographs. The birthday person is always made to feel special and they walk away feeling like a super model.

When I’m not busy hosting Smile Please Photo Parties you can find me on a tennis court.

I like to spend my spare time playing tennis or at the gym.

When my daughters were younger they used to pose their Barbie dolls with their legs and arms all twisted unnaturally and say ‘Mum we’ve got a new pose for you!’

I think it is important to have time away as every party is very special to that person as it’s their special day, and to stay upbeat and maintain high energy levels you need to have time away to recharge your batteries! The best part of the job is knowing I have made the birthday person feel special and I have created a lifetime of memories for them.

Juggling work with a family is a challenge as our busiest times are when children are off from school which is when my children are also around. Luckily they are very supportive and don’t mind helping me – they are very proud of what I have achieved. I have two girls and a boy; they all help me with ideas which can be very interesting and amusing. When my daughters were younger they used to pose their Barbie dolls with their legs and arms all twisted unnaturally and say ‘Mum we’ve got a new pose for you!’

We’ve just set up Event Photography where I go to any event, set up my portable studio and take photographs. I can bring the fun factor to an event making the guests strike poses with or without props and print them straight away on site.

I would like to set up another Smile Please Studio in the future; in five years time my youngest will be 16 giving me more spare time to set up another studio.

To book a Smile Please Photo Party call 0208 331 5836. Party packages start at £18.50 per person. Mention this article to receive a free 10x8 boxed canvas from your Smile Please Photo Party.

23 Wellington Parade, Blackfen Road, Sidcup DA15 9NB info@ smilepleasestudio. co.uk www. smileplesaestudio. co.uk

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Education and Clubs & Classes

News & Views SATs Survival Guide: the Dos and Don’ts…

• Don’t let your child pick up your anxieties about the tests.

• Don’t abandon all their usual after school activities in test week.

• Don’t try last minute cramming or overdo the practice papers at home.

On the other hand: • Do make sure they get to bed on time and are fully rested.

• Do reassure them you will be happy as long as they try their best.

• Do plan a treat they can look forward to post-SATs. SATS survival guide for Year 6 pupils • Your child will perform better if they are relaxed, and they will only relax if you do.

• Secondary schools nearly always retest children in

September and many reset again at the end of year 7, so SATs are not the be all and end all of their education.

• If your child copes well with SATs, they will find it easier to stay calm for GCSEs and A-levels.

So inthe run up to SATs, what canyou do?

• Remind them to read the whole question; a good way is to underline the key words.

• Advise them to skip difficult questions and go back later if they have time. Even a confident child can get thrown if they get stuck on an unfamiliar problem.

Moving on to questions they can do will stop the panic setting in, and they won’t waste time and forfeit easy marks elsewhere.

• Reinforce the fact that they should show all workings out in Maths because they can pick up marks for method even if a calculation error means they get the wrong answer.

• In reading comprehension, remind them that 3-mark questions means they should give fuller answers than 1-mark questions. This seems obvious to an adult used to sitting exams but not always to a child.

• Tell them if time allows they should check their work when they have finished the paper. It gives them a chance to correct any silly mistakes and can mean additional marks.

• Finally, but most importantly of all, reassure them that you don’t mind what result they get as long as they have tried.

FleetTutors launches Educational Psychologist Service Currently 10% of the British population are dyslexic, but too often this is not identified at school. Many dyslexic children are very bright, but struggle to fulfil their potential in the classroom if dyslexia or other learning difficulties are not properly identified. For many children, however, despite the best efforts of our over-burdened schools, many are unable to achieve their full potential due to a lack of resources, or more worryingly, through a lack of understanding.

Due to growing demand from parents, Fleet Tutors, a supplementary education service provider, has now extended its range of services beyond tutoring to include independent educational psychologist assessments to identify dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties. These assessments will help parents and pupils address their difficulties within the school environment and before the child loses confidence. Assessments are conducted by a fully qualified member of the British Psychological Society, with over 25 years’ experience and a comprehensive understanding of various learning difficulties. Appointments are available now at Fleet Tutor’s West London and Farnborough offices.

With 35 years’ experience helping students of all ages achieve their goals, Fleet Tutors operates a network of over 5000 qualified, experienced tutors across the country.

For more information on FleetTutors’ services, visit www.fleet-tutors.co.uk or call 0845 644 5452.

StagecoachTheatre Arts opens in Bromley Inspiring and enriching young people through the performing arts and now in its 25th year, StagecoachTheatre Arts opens in Bromley this May. Internationally renowned, Stagecoach is the largest part-time theatre arts school in the country. It has over 600 thriving schools throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide and now the opportunity to be part of the fun is on your doorstep!

Stagecoach is open to anyone aged between 4 and 18 who has an interest in the performing arts, whatever their ability.

There are no auditions to join, just enthusiasm for singing, dance and drama.

Saturday mornings during term-time, students enjoy an hour of dance, an hour of drama and an hour of singing; there are also 90 minute classes for 4–6 year olds.

Experienced industry professionals deliver quality training to the students at Stagecoach Bromley and make learning fun, no matter the age of the student.

Classes take place at Hayes Primary School.

For more information about Stagecoach Bromley and to enrol phone 020 8941 6073, email bromley@stagecoach.co.uk or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/bromley

Independent School Open Days • Baston House School Bromley (020 8462 1010) 6 June & 4 July.

Doors open at 10.45am. Principal’s talk at 11am • Breaside Preparatory School, Bromley (020 8460 0916)

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5 June, 9.30am–12pm • Bromley High School, Bromley (020 8781 7000) 19 May, 2–3.30pm Year 5 Taster Days:13 & 20 June, 12pm–3.45pm

(visit www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net to register for both events) • Farringtons School, Chislehurst (020 8467 0256) 8 May, 9am–11am

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Health & Lifestyle

New Bexley 11+ MockTest Centre opens

Due to increased demand, 11plusmocktests.com will now be running its new style Bexley 11+ Mock tests at Hurst View Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH. The first exam takes place on Wednesday 29 May during the half term week. To book a place visit www.11plus mocktests.com

Colin Openshaw MSTAT Alexander Technique Bromley South One-to-one lessons for children & adults Posture • Co-ordination • Awareness www.alexandertechniqueteaching.com Telephone:07984 471412

Breaside celebrates entrance exam success

Breaside Preparatory School is once again celebrating an excellent set of Secondary School Entrance Examination results. This year pupils received academic, sport and art scholarships to Bromley High, Eltham College, Trinity, Colfe’s, St Dunstans, Royal Russell and Walthamstow Hall.

Several pupils were also offered places at St Olaves, The Judd and other local Grammar Schools and Independent Schools.

Breaside children, from Kindergarten at 2½ through to the age of 11, enjoy a balanced and broadly based education in a happy and caring environment. Breaside believes in getting the basics right from an early age and teaching the core subjects with a mixture of traditional teaching styles and more modern approaches to learning.

The school achieved an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report which praised teaching staff and ‘the outstanding quality of education and pastoral care that the school provides’.

The next Breaside Open Morning is on Wednesday 5 June from 9.30am until 12.00 noon. If you are unable to attend you can make an appointment for a personal tour of the School, Kindergarten and Pre-Prep.

For more information contact Breaside Preparatory School, 41 Orchard Road, Bromley BR1 2PR, 020 8460 0916, www.breaside.co.uk info@breaside.co.uk

Win a family pass to ® Legoland courtesy of Little Dish

Dirty Bertie Competition

The family day pass to LEGOLAND® is for two adults and two children.

To celebrate 10 years of Dirty Bertie we have teamed up with Stripes Publishing to give TWO lucky readers the chance to win three books from the series, including the newest release Dirty Bertie Toothy! (RRP £4.99). To find out more about Dirty Bertie visit www.dirtybertiebooks.co.uk We have two sets of Dirty Books to win: Dirty Bertie, Pooh! Is That You, Bertie’ and Dirty Bertie: Toothy!

To enter visit: www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/ competitions

Over the next few months each tasty Little Dish meal or filled pasta will offer one free child’s ticket for every adult ticket purchased to LEGOLAND®.

Little Dish (www.littledish.co.uk) makes healthy, natural food for kids using 100% natural ingredients, no additives or preservatives and no unnecessary salt.

To enter visit: www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/ competitions * Closing date: 30 June 2013.

* Closing date: 30 June 2013.

020 8466 6977

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Parties

Party tips Parties can cost a small fortune so we’ve put together a list of top tips on how to cut costs: Share your party You’ll halve the cost at least and the more the merrier – however, beware of parties with flocks of children as they can be impersonal and a little unruly.

Avoid expensive party bags Try these ideas: Use brown paper bags or sandwich bags.

Make the cake the sweet treat in your party bag.

Packs of books from www.thebook people.co.uk can cost less than £1 each.

Get creative with your party entertainment It’s much more fun to do it yourself than hiring an entertainer but children love traditional games and parents will be impressed. Try some of these: pass the parcel with forfeits, musical statues, musical bumps and disco dancing competition.

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the one with least on their side.

Paint a plant pot. This doubles as an activity and a going home gift and you could add sunflowers or cress seeds too.

Simplify your party menu Pizza delivered to your party is a great idea and the kids love it and for drinks do squash rather than individual juices. Jelly is cheaper and more amusing than lots of biscuits or fairy cakes.

Party in the park or garden If you have a spring or summer birthday then use the park or garden.

Do your venue research or use your house For kids born at cooler times of year it’s hard to avoid the expense of hiring a venue so do your research. Check church halls and council run venues like leisure centres, playgroups or nurseries. If you’re brave enough to have a party in your home then put down big sheets so the mess can be cleared easily and create boundaries for the guests.

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Make a junk robot. Save all your recycled bits and pieces and the children can have fun sticking and painting or do a massive party collage together.

The newspaper game is brilliant fun: a pile of broadsheets, two teams, screw up the paper into balls, shout ‘GO’ and the winning team is

Bespoke parties from Punk Me Up Buttercup

8 Ideas for low cost party bags There is no law that says that parties need to end with hideous party bags full of small pieces of plastic, balloons that burst on sight, lollipops and squished neon cake.

Here are 8 simple ways to end the party in style without stretching the budget.

Brown paper bags with the child’s name in big writing and decorated with stickers are very effective.

Bake cookies or other treats and package them in cellophane tied with ribbon.

Buy enough bouncy balls for each guest, scatter them about your lawn before the party. The balls are a great decoration and each guest gets to take one home.

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food, balloons, ‘the cake’, party bags and everything you need for a unique Punk Me Up Buttercup experience.

For more information contact: Toni Petruzzelli toni@ punkmeupbuttercup.com www. punkmeupbuttercup.com 07956 167429

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gratification! A YUM workshop will see everyone don their chef’s whites and learn to cook some delicious favourites with the Italian Chef.

Punk Me Up Create is where imagination and creativity are stimulated through arts based workshops and the highest expectations. Did you know that a 3 year old can use an airbrush?

Coming soon The ‘Ditch the Party Bag Shop’ - party stationery, party

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Airbrush, print, paint, stamp, badge and embellish bags, t-shirts, caps, leggings and shoes.

Punk Me Up Twist is where ‘traditional’ parties with a difference are built from unique and imaginative options: giant construction, drawing and painting; blackout tent with UV and glow in the dark; dressing up and body art.

Punk Me Up Yum is for those children who love instant

ou o r o n’ di nli t m re ne ct p is or a s y! rty

Punk Me Up Buttercup specialises in bespoke creative parties, workshops and courses for young people aged 3–14 years old. Every party, workshop and course is designed around the passions and interests of the child or children involved.

It’s guaranteed to keep those cool kids busy with a unique experience!

Punk Me Up Style is for the wannabe fashion designer.

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Let the birthday person create their own toys using clay, paint, beads and buttons.

Get cardboard picture frames and slip in a note about where the party pictures have been uploaded online.

Do something arty during the party and let the guests take their handiwork home - cheap plates or bowls can be decorated with ceramic paint and a strip of wood could be decorated with their initial, etc.

Give out seeds to plant in the garden or a cookie cutter that’s related to the party theme.

Print off free colouring sheets of favourite characters from the internet, and burn a CD of the birthday person’s favourite songs.

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www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Parties

Toffee Marshmallow Krispie Cakes 227g packet dairy toffees 125g butter 200g packet marshmallows 200g Rice Krispies 1. Grease a 30cm x 20cm shallow rectangular tin.

2. Unwrap the toffees and put them in a large bowl. Melt in a 900W microwave on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then add the butter and marshmallows and continue to cook in the microwave for 1½ minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth.

3. Add the Rice Krispies and mix everything together until they are well coated in toffee

mixture. Spoon into the tin and push into the corners, using the back of a wet spatula to level the surface. Leave to cool.

4. Lift out of the tin and cut into squares.

Recipe courtesy of Justine Grant of Menu Catering Tel 020 8289 9210; Mob 07790 573186 justine@menu-catering.co.uk www.menu-catering.co.uk Catering for all those special occasions – Birthdays, Christenings, Wedding Anniversaries, Baby Showers....

It’s party time!

The Traditional Party What is it? An at-home for the birthday child and friends, with traditional games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey and musical bumps.

Who’s it suitable for? Great for nursery and reception age children, but don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of 8 or 9 who often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house and having a girly time.

The pros: It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly can be); other parents often stay to help you out, keep you company, especially if you promise a glass of prosecco to help everyone through.

The cons: You may need to redecorate afterwards; you’ll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can be difficult to keep your birthday child’s siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict.

Top tips to make it work: Agree ground rules with the birthday child beforehand about which rooms are in and out of bounds.

Have a timetable for what’s happening when.

Think about a project, eg build a bear kits, jewellery-making, pirate games.

Give them a chance to let off steam in the garden.

For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the floor and get them to sit around the edges of it.

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020 8466 6977

At the end, simply fold it up with all the rubbish inside and bin.

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The Action Party

The Restaurant Party

What is it? Paintballing, go-karting, swimming, Go Ape etc.

Who’s it suitable for? Older children (7 plus); kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around.

The pros: Your house remains intact; the kids have something to focus on, and lots of opportunities to let off steam; many children end up covered in bruises from paintballing (though they don’t seem to mind)!

The cons: It can be very expensive; although some options, eg a swimming pool party, trip to an adventure playground, can be good value.

Top tips to make it work If the activity is long and energetic it might be best to postpone a winter birthday party to the spring (the kids might get wet and cold as they’ll be outside for ages).

Take plenty of water, squash, snacks including fruit – they’ll need plenty of energy for all that running around.

Make ABSOLUTELY sure you’ve checked all restrictions, eg height restrictions, beforehand – there’s nothing worse than finding out on the day that one of your guests is too small to participate.

Make sure you get parental consent forms signed well in advance – the venue will require you to do this before they allow you in.

What is it? A meal-based party (eg a pizza restaurant) where the kids are allowed to help with or watch the food preparation.

Who’s it suitable for? Older kids of 8–12; children who enjoy the chance to meet and chat more than the chance to run around.

The pros: At its best, it’s very civilised; you can even have a second table in the restaurant.

Children enjoy the sense of being ‘grown up’ and eating out with friends.

The cons: It’s expensive; raucous behaviour will upset other diners.

Top tips to make it work Make sure you’re booked for a time when the restaurant won’t be busy.

A restaurant near a park, where kids can run off a bit of energy afterwards, is a good idea.

Don’t rely on the pizza-making/ chef-watching for absolutely all the entertainment. Bring colouring packs or check the restaurant will provide them, and think of some easy games to play round the table in case things flag.

Make sure you sort out the cake arrangements beforehand; most restaurants allow you to bring your own.

Don’t limit yourself to chain restaurants – your local eatery may well be prepared to accommodate your party, and may be more flexible than bigger establishments.

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Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at all times.

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What’s On

Out & about HMS BELFAST

THEATRE & Ballet

The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2JH, 020 7940 6300, hmsbelfast@iwm.org.uk www.iwm.org.uk 11 & 12 May Points on a Compass 25–31 May Sailor Tales 22–26 June Slang at Sea

CHURCHILL THEATRE

High Street, Bromley, 08448 717 620, www.atgtickets.com/bromley 18 May Shaolin Warriors: Return of the Masters 21–25 May WWOS The Sound of Music BOOKING NOW: Nickelodeon’s Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys (12–14 August)

THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY, 01622 872068, www.thehopfarm.co.uk 31 May–2 June Mirror Fest Tickets cost £20.

COOLINGS

Arthurs Garden, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, www.coolings.co.uk 25 May, 6.30pm Babe the Sheep Pig (Rushmore Hill Site) This ‘Theatre in the Garden’ event is especially designed for a young audience.

For information call Lesley 01959 532269.

FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane, Croydon, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk 2 June The Wind in the Willows Contact the Box Office for family tickets.

26–29 June Grandpa in My Pocket – Teamwork!

THE ORCHARD Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED, 01322 220000, info@orchardtheatre.co.uk www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 17–18 May Sensory Play Workshop 19 May Shaolin Warriors: Return of the Masters .

21–23 May Tiddler THE STAG London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ, 01732 450175, enquiries@ stagsevenoaks.co.uk, www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Sevenoaks Summer Festival: 22 June Arthur’s Dream Boat 22 June Boom Boom’s Bow

DAYS OUT

BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM & FOREST Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2SJ, 01580 879 820, www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury ONGOING EVENTS: Seasonal trails, family cycle trails, horse riding & Go Ape

BEWL WATER Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH, 01892 890000, www.bewlwater.co.uk Children’s activities include fishing, hydroballing, crazy golf and cycling.

8 June Bewl Valley Sailing Club Open Day Activities include steam boat, skybus balloon, steel band, hog roast, beer tasting and micro magic.

THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, 01825 720800, www.bluebell-railway.co.uk Booking essential.

11 & 12 May Southern at War

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re mo s, r l o i F eta imes d gt nin eas ilies e p o & id .fam .uk w .co ww kent t i s n vi ndo lo

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace 4–6, 18 & 25–27 May & 28 May–2 June Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness changed history

KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY 01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk 18 & 19 May Fabulous Forties Weekend 28–31 May Kids for a Quid 29 & 30 June Pack up Your Troubles: A Great War Weekend

Cutty Sark: lots of nautical fun for all the family 16 June Father’s Day Event 22 & 23 June Edwardian Weekend 29 & 30 June Model Railway Weekend

KENT LIFE Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone

BRANDS HATCH CIRCUIT Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG, 01474 872331,www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch 17–19 May DTM (German Touring Cars) 8–9 June American SpeedFest 22–23 June Mini Festival

THE CANTERBURY TALES St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2TG, 01227 479 227, info@canterburytales.org.uk www.canterburytales.org.uk 10am–5pm. Adult: £8.25. Child: £6.25.

8 June Medieval Market

ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk 25 May–2 June At the Races 8–9 June Fun on the Farm!

29–30 June Meet Fireman Sam

RIVERHILL HIMALAYAN GARDENS Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RR, 01732 459777, www.riverhillgardens.co.uk 25–27 May Family Quiz 29 May–2 June Hobby Animals Make hobbyhorses, deer, unicorns and dragons.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich,

CHISLEHURST CAVES Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL, 020 8467 3264, www.chislehurst-caves.co.uk Entrance to the caves is by guided tour only. Tours last 45–50 minutes.

CUTTY SARK Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 6 & 29 May Ahoy Captain Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master and hear tales of his voyages around the world.

27–28 May Sea Chests Make a mini sea chest and pack you things inside.

29–31 May I Spy… Create a colourful telescope to take on an adventure.

1 & 2 June Ship Hats Make a ship hat decorated with the Portuguese flag to celebrate Portugal Day.

SE10 8XJ, 020 8312 6565, www.nmm.ac.uk Shows include The Sky Tonight Live, Space Safari, Solar System, Galaxy, Universe, Meet the Neighbours and We Are Aliens! Days & times vary.

Until 8 September Alien Revolution 25 May Saturday Space Explorers

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QY, 01892 537 715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 11–12 & 18–19 May Day out with Thomas 25 May Morris Men and Cars 9 June Meet Timmy from Timmy Time

TOWER OF LONDON EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, visitorservices.TOL@hrp.org.uk www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Historical Re-enactments: Until 24 May Restoration and Rebellion

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On

Events

Museums at Night www.culture24.org.uk/ museumatnight 16–18 May An extended programme of events will be taking place at both large, national institutions and smaller, more specialists venues during this exciting line up of nocturnal activities. Keep an eye out for evenings featuring art, live music and performances as some of London’s most famous institutions open their doors. Venues include:

the Horniman Museum, Down House (Home of Charles Darwin), Museum of London Docklands, Museum of London, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern and London Transport Museum.

Love Your Zoo Week www.loveyourzoo.co.uk 25–31 May Show how much you care about the nation’s animals by visiting your local zoo during this week.

Launched by the British and

LEEDS CASTLE

near Maidstone, ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com

to be a week full of fun while learning about the conservation, education and research that is taking place continually.

Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), zoos, aquariums and wildlife centres across the UK are taking part in what promises

National Family Week www.nationalfamilyweek. co.uk 27 May–2 June National Family Week is back with a week of activities, events, money saving offers and competitions to inspire the whole family. To see what’s

families, whose legacy can be seen in the furnished rooms.

28 May–2 June Medieval Jousting Will you be cheering for the red team of Sir Jasper and Sir Stephen or the blue team of

Open daily from 10am, admission £13.50 children, £21; tickets valid for a whole year.

Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle houses sumptuous interiors and family treasures. Six medieval queens have lived at the castle, and it was regularly visited by Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon and King Edward VI. The castle has been used as a garrison, a prison, convalescent home, and home to the Culpeper, Fairfax and Wykeham Martin

25–27 May Silver for the Sovereign!

From 28 May The People of the Mint

Historical Houses & Gardens CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE

ELTHAM PALACE & GARDENS Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, 0870 333 1183 15 & 16 June Grand Medieval Joust

HOME OF CHARLES DARWIN (DOWN HOUSE) Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT, 01689 859119 28 May–1 June Meet the Darwins!

Hill Hoath Road, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD, 01892 870347, www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 2 June 25th Anniversary London to Brighton Classic Car 16 June Fathers’ Day at the Castle

Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JA, 01322 863467. Wonder at the display of artefacts and dress up in traditional Roman costumes.

CROFTON ROMAN VILLA

HALL PLACE AND GARDENS

Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8AF, 020 8460 1442, 07805 138 46, crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com Contact for school holiday activities.

ENGLISH HERITAGE PROPERTIES www.english-heritage.org.uk DOVER CASTLE East of Dover town centre, Dover, Kent CT16 1HU 4–6, 11–12 & 18–19 May & wknds in June Castle Comes Alive!

25–27 May WWII Weekend

020 8466 6977

LULLINGSTONE ROMAN VILLA

Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ, all tickets must be booked, 01322 621238, www.hallplace.org.uk 28–31 May Owl Lanterns £4 per child.

HEVER CASTLE Hever, near Edenbridge, TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk 25–27 May The Big Edwardian Picnic

LEEDS CASTLE near Maidstone, ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com 18 May The Supercar Siege

happening locally visit www. nationalfamilyweek.co.uk Sevenoaks Summer Festival www.sevenoaksfestival. org.uk 22 June–7 July This annual event showcases the diversity of the local arts with celebrity concerts, events and activities. Tickets available at the Festival Box Office in the Stag Theatre.

For more details visit www. sevenoaksfestival.org.uk

Sir Sam and Lord Ashley? Who will win the prestigious Leeds Castle Championship?

The Knights of Royal England return to Leeds Castle on horseback ready to entertain children and adults with fights and falls in an authentic jousting arena. See medieval weaponry and watch displays of spectacular action, daredevil stunts, falls, fights and galloping horses. New for this year, an exciting ‘Hands on History’ jousting horse will provide lots of fun for children and parents with the chance to dress up as a brave Knight and be strapped into the saddle before galloping towards your opponent. Additional historical themed activities including archery and medieval crafts will be available in a marquee.

A small additional charge applies for these activities.

28 May–2 June Medieval Jousting 8 June Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk

NATIONAL TRUST Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk BODIAM CASTLE near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830196 18 May Bodiam Military 8 & 9 June The Great Cake Bake Competition 15 June & 16 June Have-A-Go-Falconry 29 & 30 June Wildlife Weekend CHARTWELL Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 868381 25 May–2 June Family Fun & Frolics 25–26 May & 15–16 June 50 Things in the Woodland 29 & 30 May Hawking Centre ‘Have a Go’ 1 & 2 June Family Food Plot 1 & 2 June 50 Things in the Garden 8 June Let’s Go Walkies 22 & 23 June Wartime Weekend

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What’s On

PORT LYMPNE WILD ANIMAL & SAFARI PARK Lympne, Nr Hythe,

EMMETTS GARDEN Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA, 01732 750367 27–31 May Explorer Week 29 June Edwardian Garden IGHTHAM MOTE Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, 01732 810378 30 May Wild Child: Pond Dipping KNOLE Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP, 01732 450608 / 01732 462100 28 May Tudor Skittles 1 June Dressing up in Tudor Costume A chance to dress up in Tudor costumes - don’t forget to bring your camera.

POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD, 01372 452048 25 May–2 June Half-term Trail QUEBEC HOUSE Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 1TD, 01732 868381 18 May Mothers and Daughters 18 May Wolfe’s Infantry RED HOUSE Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JF, 020 8304 9878 31 May Family Fridays

SCOTNEY CASTLE

Lamberhurst TN3 8JD, 01892 893 820 25 May–2 June Den Building Adventures

Kent CT21 4PD, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/ portlympne May: The Balance of Nature June: Rainforest in your Shopping Bag Enjoy half-term fun at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

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).

25 May Foal Farm Sponsored Dog Walk 26 May & 30 June Rummage Sale Day

HADLOW COLLEGE

Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0AL, 01732 853257, www.hadlow.ac.uk 9 June Annual Horse Show

HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, Kent CT4 5EL, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts May: Conserve and Preserve June: Twilight Treks

SISSINGHURST CASTLE

Sissinghurst, nr Cranbrook, 01580 710700.

10 & 24 May & 14 & 28 June Farmers Market 16 May May in the Garden 1–9 June Arts Week

PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS

Classified Tuition

Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, 01892 870307, www.penshurstplace.com 25 May–2 June Spring Activities Create your own seed sorter and dial; children can transform into knights or become a noblewoman.

26 & 27 May Woodland Trail 3–9 June Glorious Gardens Week 16 June Father’s Day

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL, 01206 331292 www.colchester-zoo.com 25 May Late Night Celebration 25 May–2 June 50th Birthday Week 29 June Summer Late Night Opening

EAGLE HEIGHTS WILDLIFE PARK Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB, 01322 866 577 www.eagleheights.co.uk Flying displays 12pm & 3pm, reptiles and mammal encounter 1.45 pm & daily demonstrations.

FARMING WORLD Nash Court, Boughton, Faversham, Kent ME13 9HY, 01227 751144, www.farming-world.co.uk Tues–Sun: Hawklands Bird of Prey Centre

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

12 May Bee Day 12 May Leapers and Creepers 18 May Springtime Nature Detectives 28–31 May Minibeast Hunt

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

28 May Brilliant Bees!

29 May Pond Dipping 31 May Woodlands Farm Trust at Danson Park Meet the animals, have a go at cow milking and join in the arts and crafts.

30 June Summer Show

COOLINGS GREEN & PLEASANT

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

COLCHESTER ZOO

Woodchurch, Ashford, Kent TN26 3RJ, 01233 861 493, www.rarebreeds.org.uk 9 June Vintage Vehicle Rally 29 & 30 June Summer Country Fair

FUN WITH NATURE

FUN WITH ANIMALS Cudham Road, Downe Village, Kent BR6 7LF, 01689 861603, www.xmastreefarm.co.uk 10am–5.30pm.

SOUTH OF ENGLAND RARE BREEDS CENTRE

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

Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LJ, 01959 534386, www.coolings.co.uk Booking essential.

23 May Storytelling: The Tiger Who Came to Tea £4.50 per child (includes lunch).

25 May Babe the Sheep Pig (Rushmore Hill Site) To book tickets call Lesley 01959 532269.

28 May Pond Dipping & Bug Hunt 20 June Storytelling: Charlie & Lola – I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato £4.50 per child (includes lunch).

LULLINGSTONE COUNTRY PARK & VISITOR CENTRE Castle Road, Eynsford, DA4 0JF, 08458 247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 25 May–2 June Half-Term Activity Trail

RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ, 020 8300 0084, www.ruxley-manor.co.uk 28–31 May Paint a Flowerpot £3.99.

15 & 16 June Father’s Day Cookie Ties £3.99.

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HX, 08458 247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 25 May Find the Pixie Follow the self-led pixie tray. Solve the mysterious pixie riddle and meet the

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On s

park’s resident pixie before being rewarded with your own magical friend to take home. £5 per child.

Age 8+. Booking advisable.

25 May–2 June Half-Term Activity Trail

TROSLEY COUNTRY PARK Waterlow Rd, Vigo, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0SG, 08458 247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks

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

Pre-book; additional charges apply.

4 & 25 May & 31 May Woodland Monsters 6 & 31 May Castaway 26 May Robin Hood 27 May Super Shelters 27 May Fairy & Elf Gardens 28 May Survive in the Wild 29 May Woodland Baking 29 May & 2 June We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 30 May Make your own Firesteel 1 June Camp Building

NEARLY NEW SALES BUY IT BABY!

Baby and children’s fairs with nearly new sales 07958 762828, www.buyitbaby.co.uk 11 May, 1pm–3pm Otford Village Memorial Hall, High Street, Otford, Sevenoaks TN14 5PQ 8 June, 11am–1pm Chislehurst Christ Church Centre, Lubbock Road, Chislehurst BR1 5JJ

CHILDREN’s NEARLY NEW childrensnearlynew@hotmail.co.uk Baby and children’s clothing, nursery essentials and shoes. Free parking and free admittance.

20 May, 10am–12pm Belvedere (In partnership with St. Augustines Children’s Centre) Belvedere Community Centre, Mitchell Close, Belvedere DA17 6AA 17 June, 10am–12pm Bexley Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE www.nct.org.uk £1 per adult; members can enter 15 minutes early (bring membership card) 11 May, 12pm–1.30pm West Wickham The Assembly Rooms, Gates Green Road, Coney Hall, West Wickham, BR4 9JW, jacqui.bullard@sky.com 18 May, 10.30am–1pm Beckenham St John’s Church, 251 Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham BR3 3JN, nctsales-beckenham@hotmail.co.uk 18 May, 10am–12pm Erith Erith Christ Church, Erith DA8 3AN, nns@nct-bexleydistrict.org 29 June, 11am–12.30pm Orpington St John’s URC, Lynwood Grove, Orpington BR6 0BG, orpnns@hotmail.co.uk 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.

020 8466 6977

MUSEUMS

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum 17 May, 5.30pm–9pm Museums at Night 17 May–19 November Cartoons & Caricatures This exhibition consists of published and unpublished material from the Bank of England’s own collection of prints and drawings and includes works by artists including James Gillray, John Tenniel and, more recently, Steve Bell.

28–31 May, 11am–4pm Money Talks Well known historical figures that feature on the Bank’s notes will ‘come alive’ to talk about their life and times.

BROMLEY MUSEUM The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HH, 01689 873826, bromley.museum@ bromley.gov.uk Free family club first Saturday of the month.

DARTFORD BOROUGH MUSEUM Market Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1EU, 01322 224739, museum@dartford.gov. uk 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 Until 24 November Amazon Adventure This exhibition mixes hands-on experiences with multimedia and live fish displays. You will also learn about the environmental dangers facing the Amazon and meet the people who live along its banks.

27–31 May, 11am–3.30pm Family Art Fun: May HalfTerm Celebrate creatures of the water and the air and make a butterfly or moth finger puppet to swoop and soar, or an underwater

ing list e at e r l s Mo ailab milie .uk av w.fa t.co n wwonke d n lo scene full of swimmers and shimmers.

and where they come from in the world.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.uk Weekly, free events, include Explore Saturdays, Discover Sundays and Play Tuesdays, 5 May Pirate Party Join in a pirate takeover in this fun-filled swashbuckling adventure. £12. Age 5+.

27–31 May Weave Together Create a giant alternative tapestry full of words, colours and patterns explaining why you love your favourite clothes

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 10am–6pm.

Free; charges apply to some exhibitions, IMAX cinema & simulator rides.

How much of you can be rebuilt? A new display in the Who Am I? gallery featuring an artificial human body – representing the most advanced medical prosthetics in development and on the market today.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Covent Garden Plaza WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6344, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Entrance to the Museum is free for children under 16.

Adult admission is £15 (£11.50 concessions) and tickets allow unlimited entry for a year. Children under 16 free (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult).

Open 10am–6pm (last admission 5.15pm), Saturday– Thursday. 11am–6pm (last admission 5.15pm), Friday.

27 May– 2 June May Half-Term: Poster People Activities include: Storytime (11am & 2pm) Cedric Shopping Bags is on a trip around London but he can’t find any peace and quiet! Come and meet Cedric and the poster people he encounters on his journey. Find out about the stop that was missed, an adventure on the escalator – and see if Cedric will ever find somewhere to escape from the hustle and bustle. Open to all ages but most suitable for age 3–7yrs.

Make and Take Craft Workshop (11.30am & 2.30pm) Work with air-hardening clay to create your own tiny Poster Person and bring it to life. Make it walk, dance, clap or wave and use it to tell your own stories, before taking it home to dry off. Open to all ages, but most suitable for age 4–12yrs.

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And finally...

‘Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow’

How to garden with kids!

N

ow the weather’s getting warmer, what better time to encourage your children to explore their environment and discover the world of gardening. Involving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age. Children can really get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those with shorter attention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they can call their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, as you point out the wonder of the natural environment around them. And what better way to learn about photosynthesis, by watching it happen in front of your eyes! Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

Getting started Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot of money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, and if you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving!

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots and any other small containers you find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dipping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can for watering the plants?

Opportunity to learn There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care.

Make sure they know to water regularly and

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then sit back and watch it grow.

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water. The difference will be there to see.

Inspire their senses We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different; point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and requirements.

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil.

Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves, just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They will realise that whenever

they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods.

Prepare for mess! Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV and explore the garden – touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs. Once they get in the garden and explore, in time they will want to take care of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasure along the way.

We recommend: The Family Kitchen Garden

by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland.

Look out for the July/August issue • Special Summer Holiday Issue • What’s On & much more • If you would like to be included, call 020 8466 6977 or email editor@ familieslondonkent.co.uk

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

11+ Mock Tests New style 11+ Bexley Tests Dates: Wednesday 29 May & Saturday 15 June Where: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Place, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH Time: 1.30pm–2.45pm Exam Fee: £15.00 per subject Detailed Feedback Fee: £5.00

Orpington/Kent Grammar Schools

Dates: Tuesday 28 May & Friday 26 July Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Road, Orpington BR6 8PR Times: 12.15pm on 28 May 10.00am on 26 July Exam Fee: £12.50 per subject Detailed Feedback Fee: £5.00

BOOK NOW

www.11plusmocktests.com 0800 242 5525

FEEDBACK includes ✔ Detailed report on your child’s strengths & weaknesses ✔ Access to mock test questions & answers ✔ Your child’s answer papers returned

AQUAKIDS www.aquakids.co.uk Small classes held at Bromley High School.

3 years and upwards. Teacher in the water.

TERM TIME CLASSES

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

SUMMER CRASH COURSE 29 JULY–2 AUGUST ERIC LIDDELL POOL, ELTHAM COLLEGE*

INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL AGES & ABILITIES. SMALL CLASSES AND HUGE PROGRESS.

CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS BOOKING FORMS ON THE WEBSITE

aquakids@me.com

*Please note change of venue due to the refurbishment taking place at Bromley High’s pool

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