Families East Kent Magazine

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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 self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle

please call Vicki King 07501 433 922

Issue 4 July/August 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

Summer fun for all the family Lose weight for summer!

Caroline 07967 347484 As seen on TV ‘The Crash Diet Experiment’

The benefits of Forest School Fruity summer snacks ideas familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent

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The Hope Tree Family Matters Parent and Children Activity Days Summer Fun Programme The Hope Tree is a not-for-profit organisation, set up in Ashford in 2015 it aims to provide a holistic support service to children and their families. We also run Family Matters activity days, during the holidays where children and their parents come together to play engaging in arts and craft activities.

Activities: • • •

Arts and crafts Dance and singing workshops Face painting

•

Traditional games and more

Dates: 26, 27, 30, 31 July and 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 August, 10-3pm each day.

Parent and 2 children £10 per day each additional child £3 per day. Lunch and snacks provided. Suitable for children up to 12 years.

Where: The Centrepiece Bank Street, Ashford TN23 1BA

For more information or to book contact The Hope Tree Call 07444299575/ 07920428324 Email info@myhopetree.org.uk Visit www.myhopetree.org.uk 2 Families East Kent

familiesonline.co.uk

East Kent Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieseastkent.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Amanda Biggs amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk Next issue September/October 2018 Booking deadline 3 August Artwork deadline 6 August

Contents

Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd

4. News & views 6. The benefits of Forest School

Distributing to: Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Whistable, Herne Bay, Broadstairs, Margate, Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, Folkestone and all the areas in between.

Familieseastkentmagazine Cover Image: M&Co © Families East Kent 2018 Families East Kent 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 East Kent are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families East Kent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families East Kent ; our distributors, 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.

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7. Summer reading 8. Are you entitled to tax free childcare 9. Fruity summer snack ideas 10. Summer fun for all the family 11. How to help your child to ride a bike 12. What’s on and summer highlights in July & August

Free Magazines for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - just ask!

editor@familieseastkent.co.uk or 07789 882467

Six issues per year

What’s on Clubs & Classes Education Parties and more!

Advertise your business with us from as little as £31.20 per month and reach over 40,000 parents in East Kent 6 issues per year delivered directly to parents and carers in Canterbury, Ashford, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Thanet, Dover, Deal, Folkestone and surrounding areas.

Regular features include: Clubs & Classes I Parties I Holiday Clubs I Education I Childcare Parenting I Seasonal Events I School Holiday Activities Plus, we produce a great guide to what’s on in the area for Families in every issue!

To feature in our September/October Back to School Special issue, email: editor@familieseastkent.co.uk or call 07789 882467.

Booking deadline is 3 August.

Families East Kent 3

News & views Back to school labels and stickers with Easy2name

Limit children’s snacks to 100 calories twice a day Parents have been advised by health officials to restrict children to only two snacks of 100 calories or less per day to reduce sugar intake between meals.

Now with the holidays underway and thoughts turning to the back to school uniform, Easy2name have some great solutions to getting this sorted quickly with the StickEasy Label! Developed by mum of four, Melanie King, this little label is totally fabulous.

Easy2name will save hours as their labels just stick onto wash care labels and they stay put no matter what.

Try a Sticky Starter pack Get 10% with brightly coloured off your first stickers which are order wash proof and go in shoes easily, with clear Use code: covers popped on the FAMHW top.

Save 10% on your next order. Use code FAMHW and visit www.easy2name.com to order and see the full range

RESEARCH ASSISTANT WANTED Families East Kent Magazine is looking for a Research Assistant to compile our what’s on guide and features for each issue. The position is working from home on a part time basis very two months.

You must be reliable, highly organised, live in East Kent, know the area well and what activites/events are happening, be able to edit information and work to deadlines.

To apply, email your CV and covering letter to editor@familieseastkent.co.uk The work is to start in September as a freelance contract. Payment is on a fixed fee basis.

Additional work may be available from time to time.

Recent research has found that half of children’s sugar intake is being consumed between meals. On average, children are consuming at least 3 unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third of children consuming 4 or more. The overall result is that children consume 3 times more sugar than is recommended.

The ‘100 calorie snacks, two a day max’ tip applies to all snacks apart from fruit and vegetables.

To help parents make healthier choices Public Health England has developed ‘Be Food Smart app food scanner’ app that shows by scanning the bar code how many calories, sugar, salt and saturated fat is in the food they are buying. For more information, visit www. nhs.uk/change4life

Early years care better for children’s development A study funded by the Department of Education has found that the provision of early education to children aged 2 has a significant positive effect on their language and socio-emotional development when they reach age 3. This is regardless of their family’s level of advantage.

The report found that no matter how rich and how high the quality of a child’s home environment is or if early childcare is provided by relatives, friends or non-Ofsted registered carers, it was more beneficial for a 2 year old’s development to have spent time in early education and care in a group-based setting, such as a nursery or playgroup, or with a registered childminder.

Interestingly, the report found that increased time spent with registered childminders at age 2 is associated with a better outcome in terms of verbal development for children at age 3 than time spent in group-based settings. However, spending time in group or childminder settings is associated with similar amounts of benefit for social and behavioural outcomes.

The Study of Early Education and Development (SEED) is following the development of almost 6,000 children in England from ages 2 to 7. Visit www.natcen.ac.uk for more information.

Homewood School Farm awarded National Lottery funding Homewood School Farm, part of the Tenterden Schools Trust, has been awarded a National Lottery grant to help extend its educational role and outreach programmes.

The grant, worth almost £9,000, will fund the building of a new dedicated small animal care centre with a combined animal housing and classroom space, and an open-sided pen for outdoor teaching sessions and animal interactions.

Located on a two-acre site on Ashford Road, Homewood School Farm has had an active role in local education for over 50 years, delivering animal care training, providing animal-related enrichment activities, and promoting understanding of the relationship between food and farming to hundreds of children each year.

OL! BACK TO SCHO ON K IC ST IRON ON SEW ON SEW NO IRON - NO GS BA & ILS PENC 4 Families East Kent

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“The positive impact of contact with animals, particularly for children and adults with behavioural or mental health issues or from challenging backgrounds, is widely acknowledged and documented,” said farm manager Laila Hameed. “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, we will now be able to broaden our educational activity and outreach to more local groups.”

Building work will start in July and continue over the Summer holidays to ensure that the new facilities are ready for the Autumn Term. Visit www.tenterden-schools-trust.com familiesonline.co.uk

Start your weight loss journey with Cambridge Weight Plan Just over 6 years ago Caroline discovered Cambridge Weight Plan. Caroline’s weight had ballooned to well over 18 stone and was suffering with Post Natal Depression following the birth of her third son.

A Cambridge Consultant supported and guided Caroline on a one-to-one basis each week, and she lost 7 stone through a nutritionally structured plan that suited her lifestyle and changed her life.

Caroline said “I went on to train to become a Consultant, a job which fits around my family, and am happy to say I have helped hundreds of people lose weight, reduce health complaints and become more confident; all using nutritionally complete meal replacement products before re-introducing conventional food when ready”.

Start your journey and change your life today. Contact Caroline on 07967-347484 or email cwpthegazzards@yahoo.com to find out how.

Voices in the Middle Sadly, 1 in 3 children in UK will see their parents split up before they reach their 16th birthday. Voices in the Middle is a charity that is raising awareness of the impact of divorce and separation on young people in the UK. This includes providing a place for young people to find help and ways to share their voice, without being put in the middle of any arguments.

At the centre of this support, a new digital platform has been launched, www.voicesinthemiddle.com, a dedicated place where young people can find help and support, voice their views and share their experiences, read helpful content and connect with discussion boards, helplines and local services. It is a collaboration between young people, the family law and mediation sector and The Family Initiative charity.

Celebrate play on Playday UK Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 1 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces – Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

If you have any local news to share with our readers, and would like to include it in our September/October issue, email it by 1 August 2018 to editor@familieseastkent.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families East Kent 5

The benefits ofForest School Summer is here! For most of us,

weather permitting, that means spending more time outside and enjoying the benefits of nature.

These days, most of us appreciate the benefits of spending time with our children outdoors. The increasing pressure on children to do well at school, the presence of 24-hour social media, coupled with the loss of the ‘free play’ options and time that most of us experienced as children are just some of the reasons why we should try to do this as often as possible.

get their hands dirty. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Developing Resilience Building dens, playing games and lighting fires all come with their unique challenges and inevitable disappointments: a den may fall over, a fire takes time to prepare and start. Forest School is a safe space in which these challenges can be met and overcome, thus building lifelong skills.

Developing Resourcefulness and Creativity

Nurseries, other organisations offering after school and holiday clubs and even some state and independent schools are also actively offering children opportunities to learn whilst outside. The idea of ‘Forest School’ exemplifies this concept. Originating in Scandinavia, Forest School offers children the chance to explore, play and learn in nature, as part of a group, with a qualified leader and away from the classroom.

With no defined projects, kit or targets to meet, children are free to explore the environment, think of something to create, find what they may need and use these things to make it: a magic wand, a bow and arrow, a stick frame. This builds the foundations of resourceful and creative thinking.

Research has shown that children and young people are not only stimulated by the outdoors but over time, learning outdoors helps improve, among other things, their self-awareness, confidence, self-motivation, empathy, communication and problemsolving skills, sense of belonging and emotional well-being: in other words, their holistic development.

Children today have so many distractions and pressures. Target driven school life, social media, computer games and, if in the city, urban stimulation. The natural environment has a marked effect on children; it brings to them a calmness, creating a space for peacefulness and reflection that may otherwise be difficult for them to experience in their day to day lives.

The variety of benefits that children can experience by taking part in Forest School activities are worth considering if you’re looking for ways to entertain your children this summer. Some of these include:

Improving Physical Health

Letting Kids Be Kids Forest Schools are fun and encourage children to play, explore and discover.

Having freedom to follow their interests, they are allowed to run, make a noise and 6 Families East Kent

Allowing Reflection

It’s a no-brainer that being outside allows children the freedom to be physically active thereby improving their stamina, coordination and overall physical well-being.

Staying Safe but Taking Risks Many of our children are now sheltered from taking risks. Whilst staying safe is

always important, children nowadays are not encouraged to manage risk on their own.

Forest School gives children space to be part of a ‘wild’ yet safe environment. They can learn more independently and are encouraged to assess and take supervised risks and to deal with and test their own abilities in unfamiliar and unpredictable situations such as when climbing trees.

Understanding Nature and the Environment If there is one thing about being in nature, it’s that it’s always changing. So there is never a shortage of things to see and explore. Spending more time outside means children can begin to understand the seasons, identify different animals, insects, trees, and flowers and observe plant and animal life cycles - all important parts of living in our world.

Encouraging children to develop a relationship with the natural world also helps them to value the importance of protecting the environment for generations to come.

If you’re feeling inspired and would like to offer your children a taste of what Forest School is all about, Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton’s book A Year of Forest School offers a host of free and fun seasonal activities that you can try just by heading outside to your local park or woods, whatever the weather.

For more information visit www.facebook. com/theforestschoolway or www. theforestway.com familiesonline.co.uk

Book Corner

Summer Reading We all know that our children need a break during the summer, so they come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. However, research consistently shows that children can lose up to a third of what they have learned during the holidays. Remind your children about the wonder of books and let them choose what they want to read.

Phonics fun this summer Have fun this summer introducing and reinforcing letters and sounds to help children get off to a good start on their reading journey.

Here are some ideas for the beach: 1.

Phonics Pebbles These are pebbles with letters (phonemes) written on them.

They can be bought, but it is easy enough to make them if visiting the beach.

Phonics pebbles are good for games such as ‘Full Circle’, to help blend the sounds together. To play, make a word such as ‘pin’. Then change one pebble at a time to make new words and then get back to the original word (e.g. pin – pit – pat – sat – sit – sin – pin).

Mischief Makers the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge

2. Phonics Run-Around Write a few big letters or groups of letters to represent a sound, such as ‘sh’, ‘ch’, ‘oo’, ‘oa’ in the sand in a hopscotch sort of pattern. Call out different sounds and let the children jump around to the correct sounds.

3. Sand Writing A sandy beach is the perfect canvas for writing: write the biggest letter you can; take turns writing in the sand just before a wave comes and try to say it before it is washed away; get children to look for things on the beach starting with or ending with the sound that is written in the sand.

As soon as your child has learned the first few sounds, they can start to read. There are many decodable reading schemes available, such as Phonics Bug, Floppy’s Phonics, Big Cat Phonics, Yellow Door Phonics.

For more information on phonics books and access to a wide variety of reading schemes, visit www.readingchest.co.uk. Reading Chest is offering Families readers £5.00 off their first month’s membership with the code FAM18.

Curious Sam and the Courgette–Marrow Maureen Gordon supports children and their families in schools and in community settings as a therapeutic counsellor. She is a director of the Hope tree Counselling and Consultancy services Ltd which is based in Ashford.

Maureen is also an author and writes books on different genres she has written several books for children. Curious Sam and the Courgette –Marrow is an early reader book.

Sam’s Mum attempts at gardening often ends in failure, with rotten tomatoes and dried up beans. But all this changes one summer when she buys a vegetable plant that looks dead and plants it in the garden. Join curious Sam and his Mum as they discover that this vegetable has a big surprise in store for them.

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence. 2018 will be the 20th challenge. It’s open primary school children of every ability.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal. Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website. This is the largest database of children’s peer-peer reading recommendations.

“This is a cleverly written book for 5-6 year olds. This book teach about the science of gardening in a story that children will enjoy”- J. Gayle Teacher

For more information, visit www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk or visit your local library

Available in paper back and as an ebook on www.amazon.co.uk

Image ©DC Thomson Ltd (2018)

familiesonline.co.uk

Families East Kent 7

Are you entitled to tax free childcare?

By Stephanie Rough In April 2017, the Government launched a new system called the Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme offering a new form of childcare vouchers. It also increased free childcare hours. Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria to meet.

Are you eligible?

Yes , IF: •

Both parents are working (or a sole parent is working)

•

Both earn over £120 per week

•

Employed or Self Employed

•

Live in England

No, IF: •

Either Parent earns over £100,000 per annum

•

You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works

New Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme Companies have offered corporate childcare vouchers under the Company Childcare Voucher Scheme for many years and so are familiar with this salary sacrifice scheme. The new Tax-free Childcare Vouchers Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered not by companies but purely by parents.

Parents must open an online account and the Government will pay £2 for every £8 paid into the account by the parent up to a maximum of £2,000 every year (ie a Government contribution of up to £500 per quarter). Parents will then be able to pay their OFSTED registered childcare provider (nursery, childminder or nanny) directly from this account. The benefit of this new scheme 8 Families East Kent

is that it is calculated per child (not per parent), therefore those with more children and higher childcare costs could be at an advantage. In addition, those that are selfemployed were not previously entitled to join company schemes but are eligible under the new scheme. Unfortunately though, there are disadvantages too: namely that every 3 months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme, it is ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age 15 under the previous scheme) and, of course, parents must meet the eligibility criteria.

15 and 30 hours free childcare For many years all children in England, aged 3 and 4 have been entitled to 15 hours of free childcare, available at participating childcare providers from the term following their child’s 3rd birthday. These hours are administered direct by the childcare providers through the local council (although parents do sign to confirm they are not getting the hours elsewhere).

Since September 2017, if parents meet the Tax Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to additional 15 hours free (hence the name ‘30 hours free’ childcare) which is offered for 38 weeks a year (roughly in line with school terms). In order to apply for the additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in which they are entitled to the benefit. For example, if your child turns 3 in November, you will be entitled to the additional 15 hours from 1 January, therefore you must apply prior to 31 December. Again, every three months you will be asked to re-confirm your eligibility.

What next?

Firstly, parents should check their eligibility and entitlements for any of the new offerings.

It’s also important to fully understand the financial impact of such changes on your family.

Free hours Due to funding issues, most nurseries are offering increased hours, but not necessarily the full 30. They are not able to charge you extra fees for the additional hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance. Check with any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child what their specific offering is.

Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme Comparing the benefits of the Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme and the Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme is essential, especially whilst you still have a choice – you do have up to October 2018 to enter a company scheme. (This was going to be April 2018 but the company scheme received an 11th hour reprieve from the Government.) Many parents will be better off under the current Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme but new Tax Free childcare WILL provide savings for some parents.

It is worth noting that you are able to combine the employer supported Company Childcare Voucher Scheme AND the 30 hours free childcare but NOT the Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme AND the New Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme. So you need to decide which is best for you. In addition you can’t use Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit or tax credits.

For more information visit www. childcarechoices.gov.uk Stephanie Rough is Childcare Manager at Parental Choice; a “one-stop shop” designed to help you make the right decision on your childcare needs including nanny searches and payroll. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.

familiesonline.co.uk

Fruity Summer

s k c a n S

Fruity Sticks Great for a lunchbox treat, these colourful snacks will soon disappear!

You will need: Mixture of fruit such as grapes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, pineapple, banana, apple

Healthy Banana Granola Bars These tasty bars are full of protein thanks to the hidden gems; quinoa and chia seeds.

You will need: 120g oats 2 mashed bananas 60g quinoa ¼ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp chia seeds ½ tsp vanilla extract 30g chopped almonds

30g chopped pecans 40g dried cranberries 50g butter or margarine 2 tbsp honey

Lemon or lime juice 3 thin plastic straws

Children who How to make: are under four 1. Cut the larger fruit into squares and should not be offered squeeze some lime or lemon juice over whole grapes them to prevent them from going brown. because of the danger of choking.

2. Push the straws through the pieces of fruit one at a time – make sure you mix up the colours to make it look extra special.

How to make: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Heat the oven to 350F degrees / 180C / Gas 4.

Grease and line a baking tray roughly 20cm square.

Mix together the quinoa, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon with the oats in a large bowl. Add the mashed banana and vanilla and then the nuts and dried fruit.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over a low heat and add the honey. When melted, fold in to the granola mixture.

Pour into the pan and press it down until it is level.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Snowy Strawberries You will need: 1 punnet strawberries 1 large pot Greek yoghurt

Fruity Summer Rolls Usually filled with tofu, herbs and noodles, they are a great snack and if you can find the rice paper wrappers in a local oriental food supplier, you can not only make those but also these amazing fruity rolls, perfect for lunch boxes.

You will need: Mixture of summer fruit; watermelon, strawberries, apple, pear, peach, mango, kiwi fruit etc.

How to make: 1.

How to make: 2.

1.

2.

3.

Wash the strawberries and trim the stalks and leaves off each one.

Put some of the Greek yoghurt in a bowl and roll each strawberry in the yoghurt. Lay them on a flat baking tray.

When you have covered all the fruit with the yoghurt, place the tray in the freezer on an empty shelf and leave to freeze overnight. You can then take them off the tray and store them in freezer bags until needed.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

familiesonline.co.uk

Mint leaves (optional) Lime juice Rice paper wrappers

Take the fruit you are going to use, wash and peel if necessary, then cut into very small, cubes.

Drizzle with lime juice over the fruit to prevent browning and stir well to combine the fruits together.

Add a few small or torn mint leaves if your child likes them.

Place a small pile of the fruit at the centre of a rice paper wrapper.

Roll one side in, then the two ends and finally roll it up.

Lay it on the open side to stop it falling open.

If you like you can tie it with a chive or a small piece of string but this should be taken off before your child eats it.

Place a few rolls in a small lunch box for your child’s packed lunch Families East Kent 9

Punting at Leeds Castle

Cycling at Betteshanger Park

© Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London 2018. All rights reserved.

Summer fun for all the family The summer holidays will soon be here! While our children are looking forward to it, many of us parents are wondering how we are going to juggle work, play, and activities within our budget in a way that works for the whole family. If you’re short on ideas for fun on a budget, take a look at some ideas that won’t break the bank in London or closer to home.

Visit a Museum Britain has an amazing array of museums and entry is often free or by donation.

Head to London for one of the “big 3” - the Science Museum (www.sciencemuseum. org.uk), the V&A (www.vam.ac.uk) or the Natural History Museum (www.nhm.ac.uk), here you’ll need at least half a day as there are thousands of exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, to volcanicity, to evolution. Don’t miss the skeleton of the Blue Whale in the Hintze Hall, which is truly majestic. If you’ve done these, try a lesser-known one, like The Cartoon Museum (www.cartoonmuseum. org) in Holborn. Entry is £7 for adults and £3 for children.

Locally you could visit Dover Museum, this modern museum tells the fascinating story of this rich and important area. Entry is free and they run a family day during the holidays, which is a themed day with lots of activities to entry from 10.30am - 3pm. www.dovermuseum.co.uk Dover Transport Museum is home to many forms of vintage transport and also features vintage shop fronts. With a large visitor operated model railway and a taxi and bus hunt for children, a visit to the museum makes a memorable family day out. For opening times and prices visit www. dovertransportmuseum.org.uk

40 acre forest or expereince exotic birds and small animals at Wingham Wildlife Park and why not sign up for one of their experience days.

Visit a Landmark If you visit Tower Bridge in London this summer, you can also visit the exhibition with a new family activity pass (family tickets usually start at £15.30). This pass will give you free access to family activity days for six months. Activity days give families a chance to step inside the Bridge to experience the Glass Walkways, exhibitions and atmospheric Victorian Engine Rooms while exploring its fascinating history and engineering feats through soundscapes, storytelling and art activities.

Enjoy the beach Britain has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. We have nearly 7,800 miles of coast, ideal for surfing, walking, exploring and wildlife watching. Kent is no exception with 10 Blue Flag beaches to enjoy. Blue Flag Award is an internationally recognised stamp of approval for water quality and cleanliness so why not head off to Tankerton, Broadstairs or Margate this summer for a low cost family day out.

Go Wild Why not visit one of Kent’s great Wildlife Parks or Zoos - all offer a great family day out. Head to Howletts Wildlife Park and Port Lympne Reserve. Or experience life on the farm at Rare Breads Centre in Ashford

Closer to home, the White Cliffs of Dover are possibly one of the most famous iconic landmarks with stunning views, a serene walk and wildlife to enjoy Dover Castle is as iconic of all English fortresses. You can climb the Great Tower, meet costumed characters and roam through centuries of history for a great action packed day out. There are lots of great family days out to enjoy this summer, see www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/dover-castle for full details.

Discover 900 years of history and explore 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens at Leeds Castle. Visit this summer to see the blossoming gardens, find your way through the yew-tree maze, enjoy free flying falconry displays, spectacular events and many more all-year-round attractions. www.leeds-castle.com

Enjoy British wildlife at the Woodland Trust where more than 300 native animals live in a 10 Families East Kent

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Hever Castle & Gardens

Tips for teaching your child to ride a bike

Experience 700 years of history at Hever Castle & Gardens, the romantic doublemoated 13th century castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds.

Enjoy lots of family events this summer including Knights and Princesses School, Tudor Tales and Jousting as well as Castle Canines. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Family friendly festivals Most festivals now have family friendly entertainment and a special kids areas, and plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. bOing will run 25-26 August in Canterbury. There will be free outdoor performances, incredible staged productions, live music, workshops and adventures across the University of Kent campus all weekend. Broadstirs Folk Festival, a big family music festival runs from 10-17 August with activities including music, workshops, dancing and more.

Get active and outdoors Kent has more than 4200 miles of countryside and coastal paths. Take a stroll along the woodland trails at Betteshanger Park or take a family bike ride on the longest road cycle track in the UK. The Park is also abundant with native wildlife, look out for frogs, newts, water voles, dragonflies, butterflies, spiders, jays, waxwings, kestrels and owls. www.betteshanger-park.co.uk The Royal Geographical Society’s Discovering Britain website has a whole series of free, self-guided walks to help you explore the unique geographical and historical stories of the Kent county – see their walks in Faversham, Sandwich, Margate, the Hoo Peninsula, Dungeness, Folkestone, Deal and Dover.

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Summer is a great time to teach your child to ride their bike. Here are a few tips for those of you taking on this important project.

Teach in short sessions: Do not overtire your children or they may be put off cycling. 30 minutes at a time is enough for young children. Finish the session on a high, even if they haven’t managed to pedal unaided, and stop when boredom or frustration set in.

the saddle if necessary to the lowest setting.

Location: It is best to use a hard, level surface, rather than grass. Ideally, choose somewhere with a gentle slope. Make sure the location is traffic-free but keep an eye out for pedestrians, animals and parked vehicles.

Supporting: Whilst they are learning to pedal you may need to support them.

Hold them gently under the arms or by gently holding the middle section of the back of your child’s top.

Bike setup: Check the rider’s clothing is appropriate and the helmet fits correctly with the straps not too loose or too tight.

It should be seated over the front of the rider’s head.

Braking: The best way for children to grasp the concept of braking is for them to walk alongside the bike with their hands in position and attempt to use the brakes in this way.

Balance: Use a balance bike or take the pedals and stabilisers off a normal bike.

Stabilisers are not recommended when children are learning to ride as they will learn the wrong weight distribution and arm movements for turning. Make sure the rider can reach the brake levers and can put their feet comfortably on the ground when seated on the saddle. Lower

Scooting: Ask the rider to let go of the brakes and start scooting. They should use the bike like a hobby horse and push along the ground using their feet.

Time to let go: Many children may not realise they are riding without help and will be amazed when they stop and turn round to see you are now some distance away. Congratulate them on their achievement and pause for a breather!

Visit www.cycling.org for more tips and information.

Did you know that Every Sunday your can join Betteshanger Bikers at Betteshanger Park in Deal from 10–11.30am for their weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers ages 8 - 14 years. You can get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from British Cycling qualified coaches, all within our exhilarating, traffic-free 250-acre park.

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WHAT’S ON &

SUMMER Highlights Your essential guide to family events this July & August. 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.

To promote your local event, nearly new sale, theatre shows or community event in the next what’s on guide please email editor@familieseastkent.co.uk

Every Monday NCT Drop-in Antenatal Exercise Barton Court Church Canterbury, CT1 Relax, stretch and breathe. Call 07831 615 998 for more details.

6.30-8pm.

A festival of summer fun at Dreamland Margate Visitors to the seaside amusement park can enjoy the nine new rides, catering to families and thrill seekers alike. And the fun doesn’t end there! There’s a raft of family entertainment throughout the season with appearances from Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and The Octonauts, circus acts, magicians and street football – there’s too much to do all in one day!

Resident circus, Gorilla Circus, will be performing twice-daily on selected dates. Providing a high-octane outdoor show, the circus combine aerial, high wire, trapeze and other “fly by the seat of your pants” entertainment. The family entertainment and the circus is included in all of the park’s entry options.

There’s something for everyone, from delicious street food to watching the circus, enjoying the new and vintage rides or simply soaking up the park’s unique atmosphere and pop-up entertainment. The beat goes on into the evening with full line up events across the summer from live music and DJs to variety and sports. Go to www.dreamland.co.uk/events for details.

Throughout July & August Explorer Trail Westgate Parks, St. Peter’s Street, Canterbury, CT1 2BQ Pick up an Explorer Trails from the Westgate Towers Museum or the Beaney Library and join Julius the roman soldier on a voyage of discovery through the Westgate Parks. £2.50 (including crayons).

Throughout July & August Baby Rhymetime Local libraries across East Kent Songs, nursery rhymes and fun for all at libraries across the region for 0 - 4 years and all events are free.

Please check with the library before visiting as some sessions may not run during school holidays.

Throughout July & August Summer Fun Whitefriars, Canterbury, CT1 2TF Summer of fun activities and summer market, plus free arts and craft activities for kids at selected times.

Throughout July & August The Story of the Ladybird artists 1940-75 The Beaney, Canterbury, CT1 2RA Step into the nostalgic world of Ladybird Books told through original artwork, books and objects. Ladybird Books have been a familiar fixture on children’s bookshelves since the 1950s but few people are aware that they actually date back to the early days of the Second World War. This exhibition puts on display an unparalleled collection of books, original artwork and artefacts.

Enjoy our selection of creative family friendly activities Free admission.

Throughout July & August Triumphant Women Smallhythe Place Tenterden, TN30 7NG Exploring women’s history and suffrage through the anniversary of women gaining the vote. The new exhibition Triumphant Women will be on display at Smallhythe Place celebrating the women of Smallhythe in the Suffrage movement, Normal admission applies. 11am - 5pm 12 Families East Kent

Every Tuesday NCT Mother and Baby Yoga Lower Hardres Village Hall Canterbury, CT4 5NP 11am-12:30pm Mother and Baby yoga postnatal drop in every tuesday morning. £8 per session or £30 for a batch of 4 sessions.

techniques, learn new skills and make new friends. Booking required. Call 01227 765665. 10am - 12noon Every Sunday Junior Park Run Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF A free 2k junior park run takes place every Sunday morning at 9am and is suitable for ages 4 - 14 years. Pre-register at www. parkrun.org.uk/betteshangerjuniors

Every Thursday NCT Bumps & Babies Westgate Hall Canterbury CT1 2BT Group for expectant mums and parents with babies or children under three. Refreshments are available from the Cafe and some toys will be provided for children.

12-2pm.

Every Sunday Betteshanger Bikers Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF Join Betteshanger Bikers, our weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers. Get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from our British Cycling qualified coaches, all within our exhilarating, traffic-free 250-acre Park. For ages 8 – 14.

10–11.30am.

Every Saturday (term time only) Saturday Mornings Art Club Espression Interactive Arts Café Canterbury, CT1 2DZ A creative arts club for primary aged children 5 - 11 year olds, to try out different art and craft

Until 14 July Deal Music and Arts Festival Deal Music & Arts presents an annual summer Festival that celebrates great classical and contemporary music from some of the world’s finest music-makers,

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as well as literature, theatre, opera, cinema, dance and the visual arts.

All of this is done in a range of eclectic venues from theatres to castles and from historic gardens to ancient churches. For details. www.dealmusicandarts.com 1 July Wealden Literary Festival Boldshaves Garden Woodchurch, TN26 3R???

Set in the beautiful Boldshaves Garden near Tenterden in the Weald of Kent and the fields and wild woods that surround the gardens, Wealden Literary Festival brings together renowned authors, poets, artists and makers who look first and foremost to nature, wilderness and the spirit of place for inspiration.

6, 7 & 8 July Kent County Show County Showground Maidstone, ME14 3JF The Show is a wonderful day out with plenty of displays, entertainment and local food.

With over 400 exhibitors and trade stands and over 300 competitions, activities and displays. 8am - 6pm 7 - 15 July Hythe Festival of the Arts & Heritage Hythe Town Hall Hythe, CT21 5AJ There will be music, dancing, crafts, vehicles both new and vintage on display, and much more, with a variety of excellent food and drink for those attending.

Visit www.hythefestival.co.uk for full details.

8 & 22 July Learn to Ride Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF Aimed at children aged 5 -12 years our ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions are perfect for those who have never ridden a bike before, those who are ready to move on from stabilisers or those looking to build confidence. British Cycling qualified coaches will teach the basics of balancing, pedalling and confidence on the bike. Games will be used to test newly learnt skills in a fun and informative manner. £14. 12noon - 1pm 11 - 22 July Shrek The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, CT1 2AS Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy.

14 July Mum2Mum Market Canterbury St John’s Church of England Primary School Canterbury CT1 1BD Indoor nearly new sale with everything maternity, baby and kids from age 0-6 including familiesonline.co.uk

designer prams, cots, bouncers, nappy bins, sterilisers, baby mobiles, toys, clothes, books.

Adults £2, kids free. 9:30-11:30am 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29 July Jousting Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, TN8 7NG The Knights of Royal England will be entertaining the crowds with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England in the procession to the Jousting arena. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-toone combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion.

15 July Cherry Fair Brogdale Farm Faversham, ME13 8XZ The Cherry Fair is packed with cherry entertainment including a cherry pip spit, messy cherry pie eating competitions, live music, local producers and a display of cherries like you have never seen or tasted before!

18 - 21 & 25 - 28 July Forrest Family Fun Fair Walmer Green, Deal With rides and attractions it’s great fun for the whole family!

21 July The Collective Market Dover Port Cruise Terminal 1 The Collective Market at Dover Port Cruise Terminal 1 is a place of leisure, very much a lifestyle Market, where you can shop for food, cosmetics, fashion, wedding services, well being services, furniture, cars, have a bit of pampering (nails, makeovers), photography, eat and drink. Free entry and parking. 10am - 4pm.

Jousting at Hever Castle

25 July Junior Zoo Keeper Experience Wildwood Trust Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ 10am - 12 noon Find out exactly what it’s like to look after wild animals with our Junior Zoo Keeper Experiences.

Aimed at children with a keen interest in becoming a zoo keeper or working with animals later in life. £50 per child. Ages 7 - 11 years. Booking required.

21 July Day out with Thomas Kent & East Sussex Railway Tenterden, TN30 6HE Peep Peep! All aboard! for a day of family fun with Thomas and Friends. 10am - 5pm.

23 July Paw Patrol Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ Appearances throughout the day.

We’ll be having a special visit from PAW Patrol’s Chase & Marshall will be taking a break from their busy days protecting the community and they are coming back to Dreamland this summer.

This time they are bringing with them a new game Pup, Pup,

Enjoy Knights & Princesses School this summer at Hever Castle & Gardens from 21 July - 27 August Throughout the summer holidays kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times at Hever Castle’s Knights & Princesses School.

Suitable for children ages 6-12, classes last for around 40 minutes and take place daily at 11:30am, 12:30, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Children are encouraged to come in costume to really get into the spirit of their training session. Knights will learn how to prepare and protect their armour and discover the best way to arm and disarm their master before battle. Princesses are shown the correct way to give a proper and perfect curtsey.

At the end of each session, children take part in a fun Have a Go Jousting activity before receiving their ‘Knight School Certificate’ and being officiated as knights and princesses of Hever. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk.

Boogie. Pup, Pup, Boogie is an interactive dance game where you can make your moves celebrating your favourite characters from Paw Patrol. 11am - 3pm.

26 July A Midsummer Night’s Dream Smallhythe Place Tenterden, TN30 7NG 7.30pm - 10pm.

A rumbustiously traditional production with its pair of naïve young lovers, enchanting fairies, rude mechanicals and Lords and Ladies produce magical moments, mistaken identities and lashings of humor. Tickets £14. Booking essential.

26 - 29 July Open Days The Big Cat Sanctuary Smarden, TN27 8PJ A fabulous fun day, see our amazing cats including lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars as well a learn out our conservation work. Pre booking essential.

27 July & 24 August Folkestone Festivals ArtMart Bouverie Place Shopping Centre Folkestone, CT20 1AU Specialist Art, Craft and Artisan Food event. A variety of stalls including Cupcakes; Stained Glass; Hand Knitted Toys; Chocolates, Fudge and Sweets; Jewellery; Jams, Chutneys & Pickles; Greetings Cards; Handmade Soaps & Bathbombs; Artisan Bakery; Textiles & Throws and German Sausages. 9am-5pm 28 July Family Bushcraft Day Belmont House Faversham, ME13 0HH On our family bushcraft day you will get the chance to spend quality time together learning new skills and enjoying a summers day in the woods. The day includes learning different ways to create a flame, shelter building, campfire cooking, nature walks, plant identification and more. Ages 7+.

Call 01795 890 228 to book. 10am - 4pm.

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5 & 19 August Learn to Ride Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF Aimed at children aged 5 -12 years our ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions are perfect for those who have never ridden a bike before, those who are ready to move on from stabilisers or those looking to build confidence.

28 & 29 July Tudor Tales and Jousting Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Come along and try on a suit of armour or dress up as a knight or princess. Then support your chosen knights in the spectacular Jousting Tournaments taking place over the weekend.

29 July Countryside Funday Sunday Samphire Hoe, CT17 9FL There will be fun side shows such as spin painting, feed the trout, insect roulette, excavate the T-Rex skull, the orchid challenge and see giant bugs. There will be many more stalls and an exhibition of ‘The Wild Boy who inspired Countryside Protection’. Food and drink will be available. 12 noon 4pm 30 July Captain Barnacles and Kwazii from the Octonauts Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ Captain Barnacles and Kwazii from the Octonauts are venturing back down to Dreamland for their next adventure. Come and see the underwater explorers at intervals throughout the day and there will also be a storytime for all you land lubbers at the end of the day. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

12noon - 3pm.

1, 15 & 29 August Junior Zoo Keeper Experience Wildwood Trust Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ Find out exactly what it’s like to look after wild animals with our Junior Zoo Keeper Experiences.

Aimed at children with a keen interest in becoming a zoo keeper or working with animals later in life. £50 per child. Ages 7 - 11 years.

Booking required. 10am - 12 noon.

2 August Archaeology Day Dover Museum, Dover, CT16 1PH 10am - 3.30pm Family days at Dover Museum are fun for children of all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult during the activity.

3 August Open Air Cinema - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Join Luna Cinema for a night at the flicks with a difference. A spellbinding night out for all muggles!

Get ready to wave your wands for a magic evening watching the first ever Harry Potter film set against the dramatic backdrop of Leeds Castle. Wingardium Leviosa!

4 & 5 August Weald of Kent Steam Rally Little Engeham Farm Woodchurch, TN26 3QY The Weald of Kent Steam Rally is the largest event of its kind in Kent and is a great educational day out for all the family. Veteran and vintage cars, and motorcycles, free parking on site, beer tent, food stalls, side shows and stalls, engine rides, ploughing engines, stationary engines, old time fun fair, air displays, falconry displays and much more. 10am - 5pm.

4 & 5 August Bilsington Country Fair St Augustines Priory Ashford, TN25 7AU 9.30am - 6pm St Augustines Priory opens its doors to a great Country Fair filled with entertainment, shopping, bars and eateries. Whatever takes your fancy there is something for all the family.

4 & 5 August Castle Canines Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Enjoy a weekend dedicated to our canine friends with informative displays, entertainment and a fun dog show.

5 August Peter Pan (open-air) Smallhythe Place Tenterden, TN30 7NG Performed in the open-air, Immersion Theatre invite you to soar away to Neverland as they proudly bring their trademark energy to their most magical musical to date, Peter Pan. £15 adults, £8 child. Booking essential. 6pm - 7.45pm.

10 - 17 August Broadstairs Folk Week Broadstairs, CT10 1JX Broadstairs Folk Week is a traditional folk music and dance festival. Over the past 53 years, the festival has become a magnet for people who love authentic music, an opportunity to dance and sing and meet up. There will be concerts, Ceilidhs, workshops, dances, children’s festival, crafts and a music fair, plus festival campsite, Morris Dancers and pub Sessions. Festival Tickets are available now with or without camping for a week, weekend or day. Call 01843 604080 or visit www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 24 - 27 August Jousting Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, TN8 7NG The Knights of Royal England will be entertaining the crowds with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England in the procession to the

Wild Summer 2018 Starts Here Held in safari-style woodland camps, our back-to-nature adventures are packed full of exciting bushcraft activities all through the summer holidays.

3-day camps available at Penshurst Place, Kent for children aged 6-15.

Jousting arena. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-toone combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion.

11 & 12 August Stationary Engine Rally Kent & East Sussex Railway Tenterden, TN30 6HE 10am - 5pm A unique collection of steam and stationary engines, vintage cars and tractors at Tenterden Town Station over the weekend.

13 August Peppa Pig Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ The loveable pigs will be making personal appearances in the park at intervals throughout the day with a storytime at the end of the day. 11am - 3pm 12 August Plum Day Brogdale Farm Faversham, ME13 8XZ Enjoy a display of plums in all colours & sizes, take a tractor trailer ride around the orchards and talk to the guides who will tell you all you need to know about the fruit in season.

13 August Justin’s Band Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ Star of children’s TV and stage Justin Fletcher brings his show to Dreamland following a No1

Penshurst Place Kent

Book online at

www.campwilderness.co.uk 03332 004469 Hello@campwilderness.co.uk

Brought to you by The Bushcraft Company – the experts in real outdoor adventures.

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UK tour! Justin’s Band will be playing the outdoor Scenic Stage.

Join Justin and his friends on a musical journey singing lots of songs and learning about musical instruments along the way! 10am 2pm & 3-7pm. Tickets from £20.

17 - 19 August Open Air Theatre - Peter Pan Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Get ready to think happy thoughts and fly high as the mischievous Peter embarks on an awfully big adventure. Immersion Theatre invites you to soar away to Neverland with catchy music, audience interaction, a laugh-aminute script and the opportunity to meet the characters after the show. This hilarious and exciting musical is the perfect family summer’s evening out. 6pm.

18 - 19 August Biddenden Tractorfest and Country Fair Woolpack Corner Biddenden, TN27 8BH A fun packed family weekend with tractors, classic cars, vintage motorcycles, horticultural machinery, animals large and small, arena events, rides, crafts, food hall & much more. A wonderfully old-fashioned day out for the whole family. 10am - 5pm.

Don’t forget to say you saw these events advertised in Families East Kent Magazine

18 & 19 August Combined Ops - Military & Air Show Headcorn Aerodrome Headcorn, TN27 9HX A family event which includes static military vehicles, living history re-enactment groups, arena events, military stalls, children’s entertainment and food stalls makes a perfect day out.

10am - 5pm.

19 August Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Belmont House Faversham, ME13 0HH Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meet a whole host of colourful characters. From the unforgettable White Rabbit and the madcap Mad Hatter to the terrifying Queen of Hearts, Alice’s journey couldn’t be filled with more adventure.

Enjoy a picnic in our beautiful walled garden with your friends and family. Gates open at 1pm.

23 - 27 August Sandwich Festival Sandwich Town, CT13 9AH An extravaganza of free entertainment in the Town Centre and on the Quay Green.

25 - 26 August Teletubbies Live The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, CT1 2AS Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, LaaLaa and Po in a show full of love

Explore the great outdoors this summer at Betteshanger Park Betteshanger Park, near Deal, guarantees an energising and enjoyable day out for all the family.

The Park, built on the spoil heap of the former Betteshanger Colliery, offers outstanding leisure and recreational facilities; miles of trafficfree cycling, muddy mountain bike trails; plus woodland, grassland and marshland to explore. There’s a programme of lively outdoor activities, including archery, geocaching, fossil hunting and a military-style obstacle course.

The calendar is packed with a wide range of seasonal events. Not to be missed during July and August are: Cycling Spectacular (28 - 29 July): A weekend dedicated to celebrating cycling, featuring the UK’s leading bike stunt team, Mobile Bike Events. The team, including World Champion, Tom Cardy, will perform breath taking shows throughout the weekend.

Wind Festival (5 August): Making the most of one of Betteshanger’s defining features, the wind, with professional kite flyers, kite buggies and wind turbine demonstrations Wild Weekend (18 - 19 August): A weekend of fun. A chance to spend time escaping modern technology and enjoying Betteshanger’s wilderness. www.betteshanger-park.co.uk and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland.

Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them. 10am, 1pm & 4pm.

25 - 27 August Journey through History and Jousting Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Visit Hever Castle’s history event and immerse yourself in different periods in history with encampments, re-enactments and stalls as well as more thrills and spills as our brave knights compete in this year’s Jousting Tournament over the bank holiday weekend.

Vintage inspired knitwear for the modern day baby and toddler

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25 - 27 August Grand Medieval Joust Dover Castle, Dover, CT16 1HU Experience a spectacle of speed and skill as four of the most masterful knights in the kingdom,

mounted on their magnificent steeds, battle for victory. Choose your champion and see who is victorious in this colourful display of chivalry and courage. Surround yourself in pageantry. The living history encampments will take you back in time, where you’ll be kept entertained by the court jester and merry musicians. Budding knights can enjoy their own hero moment as they test their bravery in the hobby-horse jousting. 10am 5pm.

26 August Open Day Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Sandwich, CT13 9PF Photo exhibition, talks, walks, family activities. Free admission.

10am - 4pm.

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active this summer Explore the great outdoors Family fun

Event highlights

Walking & running Cycling Play area Archery Fossil hunting Geocaching Shelter building Forest school Obstacle course Military-style fitness

Cycling Spectacular 28 – 29 July Wind Festival 5 August Open Air Cinema 11 August Wild Weekend 18 – 19 August Extreme Weekend 25 – 27 August

Come and find us betteshanger-park.co.uk #betteshanger Sandwich Road, Deal

Betteshanger Park

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Festival-inspired entertainment and a scenic beach backdrop, visit Dreamland Margate for a perfect day out

DREAMLAND.CO.UK Advance tickets and membership available online

Families East Kent

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