The West Kent Family Grapevine

SUMMER ONLINE 2020

WEST KENT The Essential Guide for Families in West Kent BIGGER BETTER ONLINE

Online (with hyperlinks hyperlinks)) Inside

Essential Information for Parents Competitions Daisy First Aid Summer Tips Lucy McKenzie Lockdown Doorstep Project Staffroom Secrets by Jane Chappell S.E.N.D. in the Clowns by Suzy Rowland Abiola Bello Children's Author Calming Colic by Christian Bates The 'First Year is Survival' by Leonie Huie Jack's American Smartielicious Cookie Recipe

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Childcare • Education • Parties • Helplines • Local Business • & More...

WEST KENT

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Profile picture by Lucy Mckenzie Photography

01892 711114 james@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent

@FamilyGrapevineWestKent

@FamilyGrapevineWestKent

@GrapevineJames

The West Kent Family Grapevine traditionally distributes a minimum of 10,000 copies of this magazine, three times a year, throughout West Kent, to schools, nurseries and family venues. We have a dedicated website, and a good presence on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you're interested in advertising with us, we'd love to hear from you. We can provide options for all budgets, without any obligation. As standard we offer a FREE online promotion for magazine advertisers, FREE advert design and FREE Social Media sharing.

You can also add your business or local event listing for FREE on our website.

All FREE listings are checked regularly to ensure they are up to date, but if you call a number and it is incorrect, please let us know so we can find the right one for you.

The Family Grapevine is built on free business and events listings, so if you would like one, it's quick and easy, just fill out the form on our website. You can also download our rates and advertising information by clicking HERE

Print Publication Dates are 1st week in March, July and November Artwork deadlines 10th of the month prior to publication Discounts are available for series bookings in consecutive issues

Disclaimer: The Family GrapevineWest Kent is independently owned and part ofThe Family Grapevine Group operated by Grapevine Magazines Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of the material in this publication and to ensure the accuracy of its content, no warranty is given as to its correctness. All adverts are submitted and approved by the advertiser and this does not imply a recommendation or necessarily the views of the publisher. You should make your own enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. I accept no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the directory, from errors or omissions, from claims made by advertisers or from omissions or inaccuracies relating to an advertisement or other entry, regardless of how caused.

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Welcome!!

Introduction A huge welcome to our online Summer edition.

Due to lockdown we've done things a little bit differently but we hope you'll like it. We've still got most of our usual listing information, but also some fantastic editorial content.

We're very pleased to have Summer First Aid tips from Nicola at Daisy First Aid, a great article from Jane Chappell, about supporting your child educationally through lockdown. and we also have an article from Suzi Rowland who has very kindly written us a piece specifically about the challenges of supporting children with additional needs. There's a lot more which we hope you will find both interesting and useful.

Please also do take the time to have a look at the pages supporting local charities and initiatives which need our help more than ever during these complicated times. As always we've got some great competitions and most importantly a recipe for Jack's Smartielicious cookies! Send us pictures of your variations!

Each advert and article is linked directly to the appropriate website, so for more information just click on the image or the page. We try hard to keep our listings up to date but please do bear in mind that every business and service has been affected one way or another

by Lockdown. Consequently not everyone will be running their usual service.

We hope you have a wonderful Summer.

Please try and support local and stay safe.

You can follow us on social media and check out our website for updated family events, information and posts.

James and Clare

Contents Competitions 7 Articles Staffroom Secrets 4 Lockdown Doorstep Project 14 Daisy First Aid Summer Tips 18 S.E.N.D. in the Clowns 22 Abiola Bello Children's Author 28 Calming Colic 32 'The First Year is Survival' 46

Information Kent Baby Matters 13 Time School End of Year Event 26 Friends for Families 27 Jack's American Smartielicious Cookie Recipe 36 Living Well Community Health Fair 42 Sure Start Children's Centre 44 Places to visit in Kent 48

Listings Local Business 8 Family Health & Support 12 Baby & Toddler Groups 16 Preschooler Activities & Daycare Nurseries 20 Primary & Independent Schools 24 Private Tutoring 25 A-Z Activities for Children 5-16 yrs 30 Everything Party...

38 Holiday Schemes & Activities 40 Family Days Out 40

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Competition Page

To enter visit: www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent/competitions/ (T&Cs Apply)

WIN a family ticket to celebrate Halloween at Godstone Farm!

WIN

the second instalment of the fantastic Time School series by Nikki Young A family ticket allows entry for up to 2 adults and 2 children during the week of October Half Term, 24 October – 1 November 2020 HoW to eNter: One winner will be drawn at random. Please fill out the competition entry form and see terms and conditions here: www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent/competition-entries

CLICK HERE For more details and to enter or visit the competition page on our website

ClosING date: midnight Friday 16 October 2020

To enter visit: www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent/competitions/ (T&Cs Apply)

WIN a family ticket to see STRIKE

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Local Business • Family Photographers 07586830056 Deep Cleans Regular Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans Communal Cleans Office Cleans Builders Cleans

Free Quotes Available www.kwcleaning89.co.uk kwcleaning89@gmail.com kw_cleaning89 kwcleaning89

Local Businesses A21 Taxis, Family & pet-friendly taxis, up to 8 seats, for those who need extra care, tel 01892 642121 Babyprints, Unique 3D casts of babies, children, families and pets, tel 07714 531747 Baldwins Travel, independent travel agent, tel 01892 506445 Cheeki Monkeys baby’s & children’s tabletop sale, Tonbridge, buy or sell, tel 07940 252265 Congnitive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness Qualified and accredited with BABCP, tel 07845 031102 Felicity Harvest, Humanist UK Clebrant, for your namings & other ceremonies, tel 07708 933607

Organic, preservative and additive free ready meals delivered to your door, tel 01892 740023 RMW Services, Kitchen painting and custom painted furniture, tel 07761 530679 Sarah McIntyre specialises in bespoke baby naming ceremonies.

Truly memorable, tel 01732 833121 The Good Estate Agent Sevenoaks, friendly & professional local agents, low rates, tel 01732 617066 Esther Nichols Photography, specialising in bespoke newborn & lifestyle portrait photography, tel 07578 596183 Lucy McKenzie Photography, Maternity, Baby & Children, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07863 550676 Nic Bisseker Photography - Family Portrait and action dog photography, tel 07879 840171

Gifts and Keepsakes Babyprints, Unique 3D casts of babies, children, families and pets, tel 07714 531747 Caricatures by Lesley Harvey, drawn from your favourite photo, tel 07722 236741 Independent travel agent specialising in family holidays worldwide, tel 01892 882750 KMJ Property, your local, independent Estate Agent, tel 01892 515188 KW Cleaning, professional cleaning with a personal touch, tel 07586 830056 Mum2Mum, nearly new sales in Kent www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/

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The Magical World of Children’s Books. Huge discounts. Find us on fb, tel 07895 243757 Toy Central, Quality Wooden Toys, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 467307 Vibrance Beauty, Mobile Beauty Therapist. Tonbridge & surrounding areas, tel 07377 994655 Xtreme2Clean, professional Carpet & upholstery care 07903 654710

Kiddicone, themed gifts to celebrate the first day at school, tel 07976 828348

Bereaved Parents and Family Members Financial & emotional support for families who’ve lost a young adult aged 16-25, tel 01323 482772 Widowed and Young (WAY) a UK charity that offers a peerto-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday, www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

Child and Family Health Woodland Chiropractic Clinic caring for the whole Family, Borough Green, tel 01732 887177 Creating healthy beginnings- from pregnancy to age 2. Mother & baby wellness, tel 07393 995583 Hairforce, nit and head lice professional treatment, tel 0208 2497381

Outdoor Activity Equipment

Mindfulness classes, 3-11 yrs, tunbridge wells. private and group sessions, tel 07887 951968

The Adventure Zone- try before you buy, swings, trampolines, tel 01732 822659

Supporting families with a new baby or a child aged under five-years-old, tel 0300 7900243

Photographers

Employment Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells Cloth Nappy Library, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, tel 07733 161744

Capture Me Happy, relaxed family photography, location, studio and event, tel 07977 564811

Successful Mums help mums return to work, change career or start a business, tel 07761 615371

Yoga in primary schools to nurture physical & mental wellbeing. Mindful fitness, tel 07914 837102

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Local Business

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Local Business

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Local Business

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Family Health & Support • Antenatal • Postnatal

TKE Training: Parent First Aid courses at your home re Baby & Child emergencies, tel 0800 756 2348

Stop the struggle.

Call the nit and head lice professionals.

Summon The Hairforce

0208 249 7381

bromleyandselondon@hairforceclinics.com

or visit www.hairforceclinics.com

Registered Children’s Complementary Therapists Osteopath for the little ones with Ian Clutton, Integrated Health, tel 01732 464109

Speech and Language Hayley Quinn, Speech Language Therapist, tel 07780 910992

Stay Fit and Healthy MyPilates group mat mixed abilities classes, Sundridge & Brasted, tel , tel 07375 200495 Tonality Dance/Aerobic Fitness Classes - Frant Hall, Frant Near Tunbridge Wells, tel 07721 747201

Antenatal Services Child and Family Support and Advice

Domestic Abuse, Support and Advice

Amanda Sokell Practical support for parents with a child struggling at school, tel 07711 183919

National Centre for Domestic Violence, tel 0800 970 2070

Helping families become fully functional through Coaching and Mentoring, tel 07825 411793 The Money Advice Service, clear unbiassed money advice, tel 0300 500 5000

Children and Young People with Disabilities Auditory Verbal UK- helping deaf babies and children listen and talk, tel 01869 325000 IMAGO, support and empower vulnerable groups, tel 01892 530330

Children with Reading or Learning Difficulties Cog-Ed, Educational, Dyslexia and Psychological Services, tel 07972 624969 Early Action for Autism: 1:1 ABA therapy, tel 07400 608998

Counselling Services Helping families become fully functional through Coaching and Mentoring, tel 07825 411793 Psychotherapist/Counsellor working with adults on personal + relationship issues, tel 07970 440441

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First Aid Training for Parents and Carers Daisy First Aid Baby & Child First Aid Classes for Parents & Classes for children aged 5+, tel 07939 507662 TKE Training: Parent First Aid courses at your home re Baby & Child emergencies, tel 0800 756 2348

Mediation Services West Kent Mediation, free family mediation for families living in West Kent, tel 01732 469696

Parenting Courses and Support Daisy First Aid Baby & Child First Aid Classes for Parents & Classes for children aged 5+, tel 07939 507662 Baby and You, a course for new parents and their babies, 6wks-6mths, tel 03000 411035 Baby and You, The Ark Children Centre, 6wks-6mths, tel 03000 411035 Mummas & Beans Hypnobirthing & Positive birth focused antenatal education, tel 07864 596165 New Parents Groups, Paddock Wood Children’s Centre . New BornsCrawling, tel 03000 411035

Providing practical and emotional support for new mothers and their families, tel 07974 001362

Antenatal and Postnatal Exercise At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal, tel 07707 346552 Buggyfit Sevenoaks, outdoor prepostnatal fitness for mums and babies, tel 07487 774380 Busylizzy Tunbridge Wells, Antenatal and Postnatal Fitness and Baby Classes, tel 01892 323232

Unity Birth Programme Comprehensive mind & body antenatal courses in T-Wells, tel 07702 751143 You Baby Beyond, 1-2-1 PT (studio or home visits) + Mum & Baby Fitness Classes, tel 07592 305124

Hypnobirthing Good Birth Practice, practical & fun hypnobirthing classes, courses & workshops, tel 07905 986810 LoveBirth, feel relaxed and confident about the upcoming birth of your baby, tel 07738 001564 Mummas & Beans Hypnobirthing & Positive birth focused antenatal education, tel 07864 596165 TrueWay Hypnobirthing antenatal classes for a positive birth experience, tel 07966 483931

Midwives and Doulas Flourish Birth & Baby, Carole Youdan, Birth & Postnatal Doula, tel 07786 610328 Private Midwife prenatal & postnatal care. One-off appointments/packages of care, tel 07985 526595 Providing practical and emotional support for new mothers and their families, tel 07974 001362

Daisy Birthing Antenatal Classes, Birth Preperation Workshops T-Wells & H/Hurst, tel 07773 685765, www.thedaisyfoundation.com/ teacher/anna-hayes/

Breastfeeding, Weaning Help and Support

Freestyle Yoga Project Studio, Pregnancy Yoga, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 624398

NCT Baby Café, Manna Café, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 522323

Inhalexhale Yoga, www.inhalexhale.co.uk Tiger Stripes Hypnobirthing & Positive birth focused antenatal education, tel 07864 596165 Pregnancy Yoga & Postnatal Yoga with Baby Massage in Tunbridge Wells, tel 07702 751143 Pregnancy YOGA, Paddock Wood Children’s Centre, TW, Saturdays at 10.30am, tel 07885 754556 Sandrines Pilates, Mum and baby pilates, tel 01892 618493

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Boobie Milk Ltd, maternity and nursing bras, etc, tel 07951 600777

NCT Breastfeeding Helpline, tel 0300 330 0700 South Tonbridge Children’s Centre, Tonbridge, tel 03000 418008 Spring House Children’s Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 03000 411035

Children’s and Family Centres Edenbridge Children’s Centre, tel 03000 420995 Harmony Children’s Centre, Rusthall, tel 03000 420890 Little Forest Children Centre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 03000 420892

Kent Baby Matters

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Doorstep Lockdown Project • Lucy McKenzie

The Lockdown Doorstep Portrait Project

by Lucy McKenzie Photography supporting Widowed and Young

It has been, and continues to be, an unprecedentedly strange time! Lockdown has challenged us all in many different ways: we will never be quite so complacent about buying toilet rolls; the happy birthday song will forever be associated with hand washing; we’ll appreciate teachers, postal workers, rubbish collectors, shop workers and, of course, NHS workers so much more; and we will never again take a hug for granted.

All being well, we will never experience anything quite like this again. It will be something that we reminisce about when we’re older and that our grandchildren will struggle to believe…

“You mean you didn’t have to go to school for months?!”

To mark this unique moment in time (and as possible proof to those future disbelieving grandchildren!), Lucy from Lucy McKenzie Photography is offering families the opportunity to enjoy a Doorstep Portrait Photoshoot: quite literally, a photoshoot on your doorstep. From the compulsory 2 metres away, she will capture photographs of you and your family.

You can use it as a (currently very rare) opportunity to dress up or you can fully embrace lockdown with photos in your pyjamas; the furry members of your household can be included; or your beautifully drawn rainbow pictures… it’s entirely up to you!

There is no fee for the session or for the images, which will - in line with the current climate - be delivered electronically. Instead, professional photographer Lucy is asking for a donation to the nationwide bereavement charity, Widowed and Young (WAY).

As we are all well aware, Covid-19 is indiscriminate, and there will be many people who have suddenly and unexpectedly lost their

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Doorstep Lockdown Project • Lucy McKenzie partners, and in a time when we cannot put our arms around each other. WAY is supporting those who need them with information online, local support groups and a 24 hour helpline.

This charity has personal significance for Lucy, who turned to WAY after her husband died in a motorcycle racing accident, when she was just 32. Their baby daughter was 6 months old at the time.

Lucy has seen first-hand how hard it is for most of us to talk about bereavement: as a community we just don’t know how to approach it, what to say, what not to say, how to help and, our fear of doing the wrong thing often renders us too fearful to do anything at all.

WAY is a peer-to-peer support group operating within a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through.

When she first met another local WAY member, Lucy said that sharing the emotions, the experiences and the grief together was very powerful: “we didn’t have to explain anything to one another as we had a common ground, and it made me realise how exhausted I was trying to hold so much inside. We shared tears and concerns about being both mum and dad to our young children, but also ideas and ambitions: encouraging each other to explore what was possible within the new perimeters of our lives.” The result of Lucy’s explorations became her dream business photographing babies and families: Lucy McKenzie Photography.

Lucy hopes to help families celebrate the positive part of the lockdown experience with her doorstep portrait sessions. “It seems right that I support WAY by doing the very thing WAY gave me the strength to achieve” she concluded.

If you would like to be a part of the Lockdown Doorstep Portrait Project, and help WAY volunteers support young widows, widowers and their children across the country, then visit www.lucymckenziephotography.com or Lucy McKenzie Photography on Facebook Donations to WAY can be made via the Just Giving page:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lucy-mckenzie-photography If you have lost a partner and are under the age of 51, please visit WAY for further information about how they could help support you.

www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

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Baby & Toddler Groups Little Foxes Children’s Centre, Waveney Road, North Tonbridge, tel 03000 418008 Paddock Wood Children’s Centre, open week days 9am-12pm. Activities for 0-5 yrs, tel 03000 411035 South Tonbridge Children’s Centre, Tonbridge Youth Hub, tel 03000 418008 Southborough Children’s Centre, tel 03000 420891 Spring House Children’s Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 03000 421137 The Ark Childrens Centre, Broadwater Lane, tel 03000 414600 West Kingsdown Children’s Centre, tel 01474 854624

Babysitters and Childminders Angel Placements Childcare Agency, tel 01622 815271 Ofsted ‘outstanding’ childminder in Edenbridge, term time, tel 07917 744515

Dad & Me 0-5yrs Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church 1st & 3rd Saturdays, tel 01892 541118 Daddy and Me 0-5yrs, Pantiles Baptist Ch, Frant Rd, Tunbridge Wells 2nd Sat am, tel 01892 521093

Father’s Groups

Baby and Toddler Yoga

Dad & Me 0-5yrs Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church 1st & 3rd Saturdays, tel 01892 541118

Baby Bumpkin: Age 6 weeks-2 yrs, Baby Massage and Yoga, tel 07511 048803

Daddy and Me. Ark Childrens Ctr 1st Sat of every month, tel 03000 414600

Banana Studio Yoga, Toddlertastic Yoga Club. Pre School & Youth Yoga Courses, tel 07834 518619

Lingfield Littlies, Friday 9.00am 10.30am, free stay and play, baby & toddler, tel 01342 778772

Pandas Playgroup Daddy and Me, 2nd Saturday mornings 0-11yrs, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 521903

A TRAVEL NANNY. Professional Nanny Providing Travel Nannying all year round, tel 07852 345124

SEVENOAKS, Baby and Parent Cinema Club, Stag Community Arts Centre, Tues10.30am, tel 01732 450175

Pops and Tots for Male Carers, 1st Sat monthly, New Life Ch, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 691509

Angel Placements Childcare Agency, tel 01622 815271

Trinity Theatre, mums and babies film club, tel 01892 500673

Baby and Toddler Additional Needs Groups

County Nannies, meeting the needs of parents and childcarers, tel 01795 520060

Tumble Tots Classes, T-Wells & Ashford for children from 6 months - School Age, tel 01580 831709

The Children’s Trust School Taddies Playgroup for children with complex needs, tel 01737 365810

Nannies and Au Pairs

East Green Childcare Services, taking care of all your childcare needs, tel 01732 838417

Mummy & Me Pilates Classes every Wednesday at 11am at Pembury Pavilion, tel , tel 07876 787869 Postnatal Yoga for Mum & Baby Massage, Yoga and songs for babes!, tel 07702 751143

Yoga for children 4+ Available for group sessions in schools or youth clubs, tel 07885 754556

Event Childcare, tel 07557 043736

Baby and Toddler Massage

Family Rules childcare employment services for nannies, maternity nurses, etc, tel 020 8133 5437

Baby and Toddler Explorers, for 0-2 years, for your child’s sensory development, tel 07947 380135

Professional Nanny Ad Hoc, Daytime, Evening, Travel, Temporary, Emergency, tel 07852 345124

Baby Massage, for babies 6-16 weeks, Sevenoaks, tel 07788 971627

Sunny Smiles Au Pair Agency, specialising in placing European aupairs in the UK, tel 07717 214041

Blissful Bébé Massage group and private baby massage courses, tel 07732 808623

The Childcare Company, nannies and au pairs, tel 01732 451997

Continuing to deliver a comprehensive and extensive education across the whole School...

Daisy Tinies baby massage & Daisy Wrigglers baby yoga, T-Wells, H/ Hurst, Bodiam, tel 07773 685765, www.thedaisyfoundation.com/ teacher/anna-hayes/

Look under the ‘Admissions’ tab on our website to view virtual tours.

Sunny Smiles pregnancy and postnatal yoga and baby massage classes, tel 07944 029443

Tinies Childcare, tel 01732 458822

Baby and Toddler Other Groups

Inhalexhale Yoga

Tatty Bumpkin, Sevenoaks, fun yoga-inspired activity, 6wks-7yrs, tel 07870 598606

Elizabeth Henry Nannies: Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Nursery Staff, babysitting, tel 01732 851313

The Little Au Pair Agency: Bromley based, small, friendly, covering the UK, tel 020 8462 6041

Family Bear Club, creating healthy beginnings from pregnancy to age 2. Mother & baby wellness, tel 07393 995583

At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal, tel 07707 346552

Baby and Toddler Music and Dance

Baby Sensory, baby development classes, birth-13mths, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07793 682490

Babee Ballet, ages 2.5-5yrs. Buzzie Bee Ballet fun! Various locations and times, tel 07889 647338

Baby Stay and Play, The Ark Childrens Centre, Broadwater Lane, tel 03000 414600

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Physically closed but still open for learning... www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk

01342 838153

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babyballet Song and Dance Academy, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07809 148348

Baby & Toddler Groups

Telephone:

(07834) 737211

SWIM SCHOOL Parent & baby/toddler swimming classes, Swimming lessons for children from 4 years +

Baby and Toddler Swimming

Dynamic Dance, for all ages from toddlers, various venues, based in Tonbridge, tel 01732 357518

Aquatots, baby swimming, Sevenoaks, Halstead, and Otford, tel 020 8688 6488

Evolution Dance Academy, ballet, street, musical theatre, several venues, 2yrs+, tel 07709 348723

Little Fishes, parent and baby/ toddler/children 4ys+, Oxted and Westerham, tel 07834 737211

Firefly Dance School, Ballet, Modern, Tap, National, Irish Boys/Girls, all ages, tel 07734 816989

Puddle Ducks, swimming classes from 0-4 yrs - Sevenoaks, Hildenborough & Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 617246

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Kindy Drama, preschool classes, 2½-5 yrs, tel 07587 006176 Inception Dance, fun, lively ballet and dance classes, Hartfield, 2yrs+, tel 07920 181454

PARENT & BABY LEVEL 1 – 25% DISCOUNT!

SwimKidz NW Kent & Sevenoaks, for Pregnancy, Babies, Toddlers and Children, tel 07809 227637

1-2-1 swimming lessons, Small groups, Instructor in the water with non-swimmers

Turtle Tots West Kent, tel 07539 727775

WESTERHAM – OXTED – CATERHAM

Water babies, from birth, Classes held across Kent, tel 01424 892568

KA Dance Academy, Ballet, Tap and Stage, 3yrs+, Crockham Hill Village Hall, tel 07810 443575

Preschooler’s Art and Messy Play

Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07817 290552

Messy Monsters - Messy play company, weekend Sessions, suitable for 6m - 5yrs, tel 07538 952689

Dance Ages 3-18, tel 0208 123 7927

Jigsaw Performing Arts, 3-18 years, Sevenoaks, tel 020 8447 4530

Make Believe Sevenoaks: Sing, Act,

Colourstrings Music Classes, Tunbridge Wells, babies - 7yrs, various groups, tel 01892 559319

Mummy and Me Ballet with Just Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 864517

Gymboree Play and Music, The Plaza Suite at the Stag Theatre, 0-5 yrs, tel 01732 450175

Musical Bumps Music Classes with traditional songs, lullabies and musical games, tel 01732 321217

Story Sock, arts and crafts, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, Crowborough, tel 07957 136270

Tatty Bumpkin, Yoga and Music 2-7yrs, tel 07511 048803

Preschooler’s Dance and Drama

Mummy and Me Tiny Tutus Ballet, 18 mths+, Hildenborough Village Hall, tel 07966 398224

Babyballet Song and Dance Academy, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07809 148348

Showtime Performing Arts 3.5yrs+ Malling School Oxted School Weekends Only, tel 07749 650222

Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07817 290552 Make it Groovy, Dance, craft, story time and Music classes for children aged 18 months-6 years www.makeitgroovy.co.uk

Top of the Tots, baby/ toddler music, Bessels Green Baptist Church, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 454921

Mini Boppers, the fun innovative way to keep your kids in shape, tel 07909 984547

Baby and Toddler Signing and Communication

Catherine Bellinger School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells 2yrs+, tel 01892 542549

Monkey Music - Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Pembury, Hildenborough, tel 01892 671997

Sing and Sign Baby Signing the fun way, Tunbridge Wells area, tel 01342 836743

Diddi dance, funky pre-school dance, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, Hastings, tel 07788 246073

Mini Motion, creative parent/ toddler classes, Crowborough, T’ Wells, Langton Grn, tel 07734 863791

Southborough School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells 3yrs+, tel 01892 531632 Theatre Train Mini’s Dance Act Sing 4-5yrs, tel 07710 478246

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Daisy First Aid • Summer First Aid Tips

Summer first aid tips There is nothing better than a trip to the park or a day trip in the summer months with little ones, but it can all go horribly wrong if you are not prepared for all eventualities, from weather changes to any accidents that may occur.

With 2 young children myself I have learnt to never leave home (even for a short walk) without my first aid kit as bumps, bruises, grazed knees and elbows are a regular occurrence. So plasters, cold compresses and a bottle of water are always with me!

Before setting off I always make sure everyone is wearing sunscreen rather than struggling to apply it to them once out. There are lots of different sunscreens that are suitable for children, but you should ensure they are a SPF 30 or above and have a UVA rating of 4 stars or above.

In the UK from March to October the advice is to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm particularly children. Babies under the age of 6 months should stay out of direct sunlight. This can be tricky when visiting the beach or out for the day and so where possible find a shady spot, have a beach umbrella or tent, wear sun hats, protective and light clothing plus sunglasses for everyone! Children’s skin is sensitive as it is thin and delicate, so also make sure sunscreen is re-applied whilst out.

If your child does burn treat it the same as other burns in that you should: đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Place the burn under cool running water for a minimum of 20 minutes (Keep your child warm whilst doing this and distracted where possible). đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Remove clothing around the burn unless it is stuck to the skin.

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Daisy First Aid • Summer First Aid Tips đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Cover the area with a burns plaster or cling film to stop infection đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Seek medical advice. đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź For pain relief age appropriate painkillers can be given.

Water is also important with any trip out but especially in warm weather to keep everyone hydrated, so encourage them to drink plenty. Plus, clean running water is the best thing to clean grazes and cuts. Naughty or difficult behaviour could indicate your child is dehydrated. If this occurs get them to drink and if needed Ice creams or lollies can also be a good source of liquid, they also tend to cheer everyone up!

After some time running around in the sun, heat exhaustion can occur which is the body’s reaction to a loss of water and salts due to excessive sweating. Some of the signs that your child has heat exhaustion could be that they look pale and sweaty, loss of appetite, feeling sick, breathing fast, vomiting or stomach, arm, or leg cramps. They may say they feel cold but will be hot to touch as their body temperature will raise above 38 degrees. If heat exhaustion is not treated it will lead quickly to sun stroke which is a serious condition.

You will need to act quickly by: đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Moving them to a cool area out of the sun and give them plenty of water to drink. đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Remove excess clothing and lay them down. đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź Always obtain medical advice, even if they seem to have recovered. đ&#x;Œźđ&#x;Œź If they do not improve or the symptoms worsen (such as responsiveness) dial 999.

Daisy First Aid runs award winning and CPD accredited Family First Aid Classes which due to COVID -19 are currently available online through e-learning or live interactive classes via zoom. From 15th June 2020 outdoor classes for groups of up to 5 are also available, held in your own garden subject to first aid and government social distancing guidelines.

To find out more get in touch with Nicola at tunbridgewells@daisyfirstaid.com or click here for online class bookings Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for further first aid tips.

Nicola Glover Daisy First Aid Tunbridge Wells & Sevenoaks

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Preschooler Activities • Daycare Nurseries Preschooler’s Gym and Physical Play Charlton Football Coaching 3-5yrs, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Jumping Beans: Creative, physical and fun classes, 3mths-5yrs, tel 07768 038172 Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, 18mths7yrs, tel 0208 432 0982 Pre School Gymnastics, 6mths3yrs with parents or 3-4yrs, tel 01892 540744 Preschool Gymnastics and Trampoline, U5yrs, Angel Leisure Centre, tel 01732 359966 Ready Steady Sport - Multi sport for all children 3yrs upwards, tel 07764 187401 Ruggerbugs, Sports Development inspired by non-contact rugby, 18m-6yrs, tel 01279 797777 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Toddlers Gym, tel 01732 470700 Tiggers Trampolining Time, Preschool, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Toddler Gym, under 5yrs Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Toddler Sports, U5yrs, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, tel 01732 865665 Toddler Trampolining under 5yrs Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700 Tumble Tots Classes, T-Wells & Ashford for children from 6 months - School Age, tel 01580 831709

Preschooler’s Educational and Multilingual Sessions Caroline Cunnington-King, French tutor, Tonbridge, tel 07884 255749

Monkey Music - Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Pembury, Hildenborough, tel 01892 671997 Moo Music, Edenbridge and Oxted, tel 07940 503624 Music Bugs, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, tel 07738 878821 Musical Bumps Music Classes with traditional songs and musical games, tel 01732 321217 Pipsqueaks Music, Otford, tel 07951 587806

Preschooler’s Swimming Alison Marks Swim School, Hildenborough, 3yrs+, tel 01732 365440 Aqua Swimming Ltd, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells venues, 3 years+, tel 01732 455800 Puddle Ducks, swimming classes from 0-4 yrs - Sevenoaks, Hildenborough & Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 617246

Soft Play Centres Buzy Bee’s, Soft Play Area and Café and outside toys, Ash, 0 to 12 years, tel 01474 874118 Edenbridge Leisure Centre 0-4yrs, tel 01732 865665 Little St Sevenoaks, Children’s Role Play Centre, tel 01732 668347 Manic Monsters, The Gardiner Business Park, Edenbridge TN8 6LH, tel 01732 866115 Minor Mania, soft play, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 752042 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Wear’m Out, 6a Sovereign Way, Botany Trading Estate, Tonbridge TN9 1RS, tel 01732 353773

Daycare Nurseries

Kidslingo Preschool French and Spanish, from 18 months, tel 07726 590289

BRENCHLEY, Kinderversity Pre-school, wrap around care, holiday clubs, 0-11 years, tel 01892 458231

Preschooler’s Multisensory Sessions

DUNTON GREEN, Broughton Cottage Day Nursery, TN13, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01732 462339

Baby Massage, Rhyme and Music, Sevenoaks, 4 -18 months, tel 07788 971627

EDENBRIDGE, Monty’s Day Care, TN8, 3 months-5 years, tel 01732 864629

Preschooler’s Music and Movement

HILDENBOROUGH, Stables Daycare, TN11, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01732 833266

Humpty Dumpty Club Music and Movement, tel 07860 801173

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Edenbridge High street, 3 months - 5 years, tel 01732 605341 Ofsted Registered Childminder ‘Trish’s Tiddlers’ Please call for availability, tel , tel 07940 029793 PADDOCK WOOD, Barnies Day Nursery, Hop Farm, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01622 872788 PENSHURST, Well Place Day Nursery and Preschool, 3 mths-5 yrs, tel 01892 870118

Little Notes Music Classes by top notch musicians, tel 01892 300103

SEVENOAKS Day Nursery, Otford Road, TN14, tel 01732 460384

Brittens Music Colourstrings Kindergarten music classes for 0-7 Tunbidge Wells, tel 07724 466064 Family Music Fun 3mths-5yrs Angel Centre, Tonbridge, Friday am’s, tel 01732 359966 Hartbeeps, various venues, tel 07795 103197

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SEVENOAKS, Acorns Day Nursery, TN13, 6 months to 5 years, tel 01732 459162

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Asquith Day Nursery and Preschool, TN4, tel 0333 920 2726

SEVENOAKS, Asquith Nursery and Preschool, TN13, tel 0330 057 6242

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Bishops Down Primary School Nursery 3+ yrs, tel 01892 520114

SEVENOAKS, Busy Bees Children’s Day Nursery, TN13, 6wks-5yrs, tel 01732 450466 SEVENOAKS, Oakley Day Nursery, TN13, 3 months -5 years, tel 01732 459651 SEVENOAKS, Steps to School Day Nursery, TN15, 3 months - 4 years, tel 01732 780431 SEVENOAKS, Teddies Nurseries, (Bright Horizons), TN13, tel 01732 742252 SOUTHBOROUGH, Asquith Woodlands Day Nursery, TN4, tel 0330 057 9741 TONBRIDGE, Asquith Nursery and Preschool, Pembury Road, TN9, tel 0370 218 8553 TONBRIDGE, Asquith Nursery, West Kent College, Brook Street, TN9, tel 0330 057 3654 TONBRIDGE, Barnies Day Nursery, Hadlow, TN11, 3 months to 5 years, tel 01732 850033 TONBRIDGE, Hilden Oaks Nursery, TN10, 3mths+, tel 01732 353941 TONBRIDGE, Oaklands Day Nursery, TN9, 4mths-5yrs, tel 01732 353486 TONBRIDGE, Teddies Nurseries, (Bright Horizons), TN9, tel 01732 500565

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Forest Park Nursery and Pre-School, TN2, 0-5yrs, tel 01892 512313 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Cottage, Breakfast / Tea available, 2-4 yrs, two sites, tel 07702 180487 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Rascals Nursery, TN1, 6 months-5 years, tel 01892 313245 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Nuffy Bear Day Nursery, Knights Park, TN2, tel 01892 882795 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Rainbow Creche and Nursery, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, TN4, tel 01892 517215 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St Georges’ Childrens Project Nursery, TN4, babies-5yrs, tel 01892 543982 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Teddies Nurseries, (Bright Horizons), TN4, tel 01892 531128 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Green Cave Organic Day Nursery, TN1, 14mths5yrs, tel 01892 800033 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Tunbridge Wells Nursery and Montessori PreSchool, 3mth-5yrs, tel 01892 540068

Preschooler Activities • Daycare Nurseries

Montessori Nurseries SEVENOAKS, Hollybush Montessori Nursery, TN14, tel 07984 133318 SEVENOAKS, Moniques Montessori Day Nursery, tel 01732 452931 Trillium Montessori House, Nursery Pre-School, Paddock Wood, 2-5 Years All Year, tel 07848 855820

FORDCOMBE, Fordcombe PreSchool, Village Hall, tel 07895 472610 FRANT, Frant Nursery School, 2 to 5 years, tel 01892 890961 Groombridge, Groombridge PreSchool, tel 01892 861113 HADLOW Community Pre School, 2 to 5 years, tel 01732 853225

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, New World Montessori, Linden Park Cricket Club, Fir Tree Road, tel 07787 155247

HARTFIELD, Hartfield Playschool, am and pm sessions, 2 -5 years, tel 01892 770830

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Tunbridge Wells Nursery and Montessori PreSchool, 3mth-5yrs, tel 01892 540068

HILDENBOROUGH, Stocks Green Preschool, TN11, 2½ to 5years, tel 01732 834115

Sessional Preschools and Nurseries BIDBOROUGH, Village Nursery School, Village Hall, TN3, 2 to 5 years, tel 07517 145731 CHIDDINGSTONE, Chiddingstone Nursery School, TN8, 2 to 4 years, tel 01892 871315 EDENBRIDGE Nursery School, Edenbridge Primary School, 3 to 4 yrs, tel 01732 863787 EDENBRIDGE, Church House Preschool, Rickards Hall, tel 07748 673798

HILDENBOROUGH, The Oaks Nursery, Riding Lane, TN11, tel 01732 834401 LANGTON GREEN, Village House Nursery, Village Hall, tel 07935 156969 Little Fosse Nursery, Fosse Bank School 2-3yrs, tel 01732 834212 PADDOCK WOOD, Scalliwags PreSchool, tel 01892 835980 PEMBURY School House Nursery, TN2, 2-5 years, tel 01892 825580

SEVENOAKS, Bradbourne Park PreSchool, grds of Sevenoaks Primary, 2¾ to 5 years, tel 01732 779149

PENSHURST, Penshurst PreSchool, Village Hall, 2 -5 years, tel 01892 870250

SEVENOAKS, Chevening School Nursery, TN13, 2½-5 years, tel 01732 452342

RIVERHEAD, St. Mary’s PreSchool Group, Village Hall, tel 07502 428413

SEVENOAKS, Halstead Nursery, Otford Lane, TN14, 2-5 years, tel 07950 681846

EDENBRIDGE, Marsh Green Preschool, St John’s Church, tel 01732 864553

RUSTHALL, Holding Hands Pre-School Nursery, 2-5 years, tel 01892 513777

EDENBRIDGE, St Paulinus PreSchool, 2-5 years, tel 07796 795811

SEAL, Top Banana PreSchool, 2-4 years, tel 07958 528808

SEVENOAKS, Pipkins Nursery School Chevening, TN14, 2-5 years, tel 07480 832356

SEVENOAKS, Platt School Nursery, TN15, 2-5 years, tel 01732 886600 SEVENOAKS, Plaxtol Nursery School, TN15, 2½-5yrs, tel 01732 811395 SEVENOAKS, Radnor House Nursery, 2.5 years +, tel 01959 563720 SEVENOAKS, Spring Board PreSchool, TN13, 2 years 3 mths-4 years, tel 01732 452039 SEVENOAKS, St Lawrence PreSchool, TN15, tel 01732 763354

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S.E.N.D in the Clowns • by Suzy Rowland

Supporting children with additional needs during lockdown.

An article by Suzy Rowland - Author of 'S.E.N.D. in the Clowns' A key element of maintaining the well-being of your family is having a routine that feels safe and organised. Knowing there is enough food in the cupboards, who is in and out at what time, and everyone having enough to eat! Covid-19 changed all that. Instead of a newnormal, we seem to be in the midst of a system re-boot. Some have experienced a comfortable lockdown; others have experienced the uncertainly of furlough, job losses, illness or even the bereavement of a family member. It’s been an intense time for many families.

Parenting children with additional needs is challenging without a global pandemic. The changing routines and not being able to go outside when they want or see trusted carers has created heightened anxiety in many autistic or ADHD children. Children with complex needs, especially those requiring hospital care, have been at risk during lockdown, causing more stress for hundreds of families. Trying to organise daily life is difficult, when the world around you is changing so fast.

How can I reduce my family’s anxiety levels?

1. Create new systems and plans. Draw a basic timetable of daily activities for everyone in your family and stick it on the fridge so your days have a structure. Put everything on it including play time, walking the dog, home learning, mealtimes, taking a walk. Feeling in control plays a major role in maintaining self-esteem and mental health.

2. Make time to talk. Talking to your partner or your children about their feelings can be awkward, consider conversation when you’re doing something else, so it feels more relaxed. Children like to ‘protect’ their parents but it’s not healthy for them (or you) to carry stress and worry alone. Use openended questions when talking to your children, avoid the word ‘should’ if you can. Young Minds has great tips on talking to young people.

3. Solutions to soothe an anxious child. Autistic & ADHD kids are highly sensitive to atmosphere and mood, if you’re tetchy and irritable, they reflect that back. They may become stressed about things that didn’t bother them before. Here’s what you can do to help: • Share your knowledge of how worry affects the body: it can cause headaches, tummy aches, difficulty sleeping, being short-tempered. Reassure them these feelings are normal. If your kids are worried about something bad happening to a family member or anxious when you leave the house, this is normal too. Visual timetables help them understand what the day will look like.

• Sensory soothing. If your child is highly sensory, provide a toy or game to keep their hands busy and help calm the nervous system.

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S.E.N.D in the Clowns • by Suzy Rowland • A worry box or jar. Use an old cardboard box or glass jar, as place for your child to ‘store’ their worries. Write the worries down with your child on a strip of paper, fold each worry and put it into the jar or box. Once they’re in the box, they’re not in the child’s head. You can take them out later to discuss, or discard with the child’s permission.

• Yoga movements & breath work. Lots of kids take to yoga instinctively. Even if they’re not naturally flexible, the action of moving the body in a slow and deliberate way whilst mindfully breathing increases blood flow around the body, and helps them to feel calmer.

• Mindfulness is simply mastering the technique of absorbing yourself fully on one activity to the exclusion of everything else. It works as the brain focuses on the present moment, it becomes calmer and so do you, as you’re not fretting about what’s coming next. Examples of mindful activity are making a daisy chain, potting some seeds, colouring, etc.

• Colourful or rainbow eating. Encourage your child to taste food of different colours. Not only will it ensure they eat a healthy diet full of mood boosting nutrients, but it can become a fun, learning activity in itself.

Hurrah they’re going back to school!

We thought it would never come, but it’s time for some children to go back to school. Some of your kids have been going to school since lockdown started, but what about those who’ve been at home, or shielding? It’s another big change in routine. If you’re a single parent household, and according Gingerbread there are 1.8 million single parents, life with children with additional needs, can be difficult due to increased financial and emotional strain.

How to make transition back to school easier -Review your paperwork: SEN support/EHCP – If you’ve had a risk-assessment, make sure you’re happy with what support will be in place for your child at school post-Covid. If your child had an LSA at playtime before lockdown, will that be in place once they’re back? What if your child’s learning support assistant is ill or shielding? How will school support your child, in a socially distanced school or classroom?

Check online - Councils post their back to school protocol online and have lists of registered childminders. Academy Schools will post re-opening plans on the SEND (special educational needs and disability) pages of their website. Find the helpline number for your local SENDIAS (information service). Local disability support groups and charities will build your special educational needs network. It may not easy, but however you manage this, stay healthy, stay happy.

© Suzy Rowland

Article by Suzy Rowland, founder of the #happyinschool project, and author of S.E.N.D. In The Clowns due for release on September 1st 2020 by Hashtag Press www.happyinschoolproject.com/happy-in-school-project-founder

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Primary Schools • Independent Schools

SEVENOAKS, Steps to School Day Nursery, TN15, 2 - 4 years, tel 01732 780431

TONBRIDGE, Longmead Nursery (Robin Class), 3-5 years, tel 01732 350601

SEVENOAKS, The Children’s Workshop, TN13, 2-5 years, tel 01732 741391

TONBRIDGE, Playaway Preschool, Cage Green School, TN10, tel 01732 354325

SEVENOAKS, Weald PreSchool, Church Road, tel 01732 450272 SOUTHBOROUGH, Holden Park Preschool, 2 to 5 years, tel 01892 520626 SOUTHBOROUGH, Southborough Preschool, Community Centre, Crundwell Rd, 2-5 years, tel 01892 538666 SPELDHURST, Speldhurst Nursery School, St Marys Lane, 2-5 years, tel 01892 860577 The Little Learning Tree Preschool @ Salvation Army TW, for children 2-5 years, tel 07948 085991 TONBRIDGE, Brenchley Preschool Limited, 2-5 years, tel 01892 724261 TONBRIDGE, Capel Preschool Playgroup, tel 01892 833363 TONBRIDGE, Delarue Crickets PreSchool (2-5 Years), Welland Rd, TN10 3TD, tel 07496 288372 TONBRIDGE, East Peckham Preschool, tel 01622 871268 TONBRIDGE, Happy Faces PreSchool, Hectorage Rd, TN9, 2 to 5 years, tel 01732 368823 TONBRIDGE, Horsmonden Kindergarten, 2-5 years, TN12, tel 01892 724805

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TONBRIDGE, Roselands Preschool, Woodlands School Grounds, TN10, tel 01732 368580 TONBRIDGE, Sevington Playgroup, TN9, tel 01732 367391 TONBRIDGE, St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Nursery School, TN9, 2-5 yrs, tel 01732 358000 TONBRIDGE, STEPS, St Stephens Church Pre School, Waterloo Road TN9, tel 01732 363642 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Hawkenbury Nursery School, Forest Road, tel 07833 772857 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Dragon’s Playgroup at St George’s, tel 01892 543982 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Owls, Toch Hall, tel 07840 977238 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Little Rascals Preschool, TN1, 2 -5 years, tel 01892 313244 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Manor Road PreSchool, tel 07972 739852 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Nivan Lodge PreSchool, King Charles the Martyr Hall, 2-4 yrs, tel 07563 908977 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Niven Lodge PreSchool Nursery, Tunbridge Wells TN2, tel 01892 547259 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Number One Pre School, Number One Community Centre, TN2, 2-5 yr, tel 07747 052348

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Papillon Nursery School, TN1, 2 to 5 years, tel 01892 537723 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St Augustine’s Nursery, TN4, tel 01892 542783 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St James’ Church PreSchool, TN2, tel 07905 276612 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St Matthew’s High Brooms PreSchool, Church Hall, TN4, 2-5 years, tel 07768 518191 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, St. Luke’s Nursery School, St Luke’s Church Hall, TN4, 2½4yrs, tel 01892 619955 TUNBRIDGE WELLS, The Rocking Horse Nursery, TN1, 2 yrs+, tel 01892 532704

Independent Schools Beechwood Sacred Heart, Tunbridge Wells 3-18yrs, tel 01892 532747 Easy2name, you name it - we label it, tel 01635 298326 Fosse Bank School and Fosse Bank Kindergarten, Hildenborough 2-11yrs, tel 01732 834212 Hilden Grange School, Tonbridge, coed, 3-13 years, tel 01732 351169 Hilden Oaks School and Nursery, Tonbridge 3mths-11yrs, tel 01732 353941 Holmewood House School, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells 3-13yrs, tel 01892 860000 Kent College Prep School, Pembury 2.5-11yrs, tel 01892 822006

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Kent College Senior School, Pembury TN2, 11-18yrs, tel 01892 822006 New Beacon School, Sevenoaks, boys 4-13yrs, tel 01732 452131 Radnor House Prep School, Sevenoaks, tel 01959 564320 Radnor House Senior School, Sevenoaks, tel 01959 563720 Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells, 3-13yrs, tel 01892 525591 Russell House School, Otford, Sevenoaks, tel 01959 522352 Sackville School, Hildenborough 1118yrs, tel 01732 838888 Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst 3-11yrs, tel 01892 783414 Sevenoaks Preparatory School, 2½-13 years, tel 01732 762336 Sevenoaks School, co-ed, day and boarding, 11-18yrs, tel 01732 455133 Solefield School, boys, Sevenoaks TN13, 4-13yrs, tel 01732 452142 Somerhill Pre-Prep at The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge TN11, co-ed, 3-7 yrs, tel 01732 352124 St Michael’s Preparatory School, Otford 3-13yrs, tel 01959 522137 The Granville School, Sevenoaks girls 3-11yrs boys 3-4yrs, tel 01732 453039 The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells TN2, co-ed, 3-11yrs, tel 01892 525837 The Schools at Somerhill, 3 schools, pre-prep co-ed, boys 3-13yrs, girls 3-11yrs, tel 01732 352124

Private Tutoring The Schools at Somerhill, Derwent Lodge, Tonbridge TN11, girls, 7-11 years, tel 01732 352124 The Schools at Somerhill, Yardley Court, Tonbridge TN11, boys, 7-13 years, tel 01732 352124 Tonbridge School, boys, day and boarding, 13-18 years, tel 01732 365555 Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks 3-18yrs, tel 01732 451334

Primary Schools Bishops Down Primary School, Tunbridge Wells, 3-11 years, tel 01892 520114 Brenchley and Matfield Primary School, Tonbridge TN12, 4-11 years, tel 01892 722929 Broadwater Down Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN2, 4-11 years, tel 01892 527588 Cage Green Primary School, Tonbridge, 4-11 years, tel 01732 354325 Edenbridge Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 863787 Fordcombe Cof E Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN3, tel 01892 740224 Four Elms Primary School, Edenbridge, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 700274 Ide Hill Cof E Primary School, Sevenoaks, 4-11 years, tel 01732 750389

Ightham Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 882405 Kemsing Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 761236 Langton Green Primary School, tel 01892 862648 Long Mead Community Primary School, Tonbridge, 3-11 years, tel 01732 350601 Longmead Community Primary School, tel 01732 350601 Paddock Wood Primary School, Paddock Wood, tel 01892 833654 Pembury Primary School, 4-11 years, tel 01892 822259 Penshurst Primary School, Penshurst TN11, tel 01892 870446

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Time School - End of Year 6 Book Launch Special Event Time School series author Nikki Young invites Year 6 students to celebrate their last days of Primary School with a dedicated event About this Event Time School: We Will Honour Them is due for release on 23rd July and we would like to invite the amazing Year 6 students to come together virtually - in the classroom or in their homes - to celebrate the launch of this book in a dedicated event just for these fabulous children who have seen the last few months of their Primary School lives upended by the coronavirus! Author Nikki Young will host a reading, talk about the series which launched on World Book Day just before the pandemic hit the UK, encourage the children to join in with some activities, and discuss the importance of historical fiction for children.

The Time School books are set in the early years of Secondary School and one 11-year old reviewer said of the first book (Time School: We Will Remember Them): "It got me excited about moving to a different school and I learned a lot about life in England at the end of World War One." Nikki is going to reveal a competition, open to all year six children embarking on the exciting journey to secondary school, which will close at the end of the summer holidays.

As well as joining this dedicated event for Year 6 students, it offers a chance for boys and girls to 'meet' an author, find out more about the creative writing process from an expert (Nikki also runs the Storymakers Club which offers creative writing workshops for children) and hopefully they'll be inspired to read, write and illustrate stories in the future.

Whether you'll be in school, homeschool or at home chilling for the afternoon, we would love you to join us... and tell your friends!

All those who RSVP will be sent a Zoom invite nearer to the event and will be invited to buy copies of Time School 1 and 2 before the event if they wish with a discount code. You'll also be invited to send in your questions in advance so you can get a shout-out and your question answered by Nikki Young!

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Friends For Families

Who we are

Every year hundreds of families in Sevenoaks District and Dartford suffer severe poverty, and families with young children are among the most affected. Each individual family’s circumstances are different, but common factors that lead to these vulnerable circumstances include: mental health problems, fleeing domestic abuse, and a lack of a wider family support network. No matter the cause, the poverty and vulnerability that each of these families faces means parents can often struggle to provide their children with the basic essentials of life that most people would take for granted.

Friends For Families is a small, local charity run by a dedicated group of volunteers that aims to provide vital relief to families in the Sevenoaks and Dartford Districts who are in desperate need of someone to provide a helping hand and basic kindness. The charity was set up two and a half years ago by a group of local women in the Sevenoaks area. We have no staff or premises, so our overheads are absolutely minimal – less than 2% of our income.

What we do

We work through Kent County Council Children’s Social Work Services, providing items that social workers have assessed the families as desperately needing but being unable to afford. We work in this way as it allows us to respond directly to the needs of the families, while using the expertise of Children’s Services to ensure that every pound donated by our supporters is spent responsibly and has a direct impact for families in severe poverty.

Why we need your support

The need in Sevenoaks and Dartford has been increasing over the last few years, and the pandemic has exacerbated this. We’ve stepped up since lockdown to provide more support than usual, especially with food supplies for vulnerable families, and at the same time we’ve had to cancel our fundraising events. We rely on the generosity of our community to help us make a difference to the lives of children growing up in poverty, and your support is the rock we depend on. Together, we can change lives.

To contact us or to find out more please visit us at:

www.friendsforfamilies.org @F4FSev @F4FSev Friends for Families (Sevenoaks) is a charity registered in England and Wales (1178499)

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Abiola Bello • Children's Author Abiola Bello is a publishing entrepreneur and prize-winning, Carnegie-nominated author of the Emily Knight middle grade fantasy fiction series. The third book, Emily Knight I Am… Becoming is due for release on September 17 from independent publishing house Hashtag Press. For more information about Abiola Bello: www.a-bello.com Children’s author explains why it’s vital that gatekeepers step up and choose books responsibly and mindfully It’s so important that children see themselves reflected in books, whether it be race, background, disability, or religion. Books are created to inform but also to entertain and children should feel as though the book is speaking to them. Of course, you can be inspired by a book with a character that is the complete opposite to you, but I remember as a child I was so excited to read about a black person. This didn’t happen often as there weren’t many options in the 90s, but those books seemed to touch me differently, when it was about someone so similar to me.

Parents/guardians/teachers are the gatekeepers to which books children have access to. It is their responsibility to do their research to find the best books for their child. I feel that the books children should be reading are those that are inclusive; that show a diverse cast, because as children get older, they will be able to connect better with people from different backgrounds.

Where do you find these books? The first stop should be your local library. Librarians are responsible for knowing about new books, themes, what’s suitable for what age group etc. You can request a book in your library (I do this all the time) especially if they are a small one, as they may not have all the titles to hand.

Next, check your child’s library. Schools have so much influence over young people and if you don’t see a range of books then speak up! I work in publishing and I know when librarians ask for certain books, publishers are very quick to suggest titles and send books for free.

Indie bookshops are way more diverse than the big stores such as Waterstones. And because they’re small, the staff have more time to help you. Plus they need our support right now, more so than ever, so do browse your local indie shop – online if you can’t get to the shop itself.

I wrote my first Emily Knight book when I was twelve years old. I didn’t read many books with black characters, but I did read about ambitious, fun, smart young girls from authors like Judy Blume and Jacqueline Wilson. What I didn’t see in books were girls just as tough as the boys. Girls that can kick butt but still look cute doing it! So I wrote my book.

Since then more books have come out with brave, ambitious girls like Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games or Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. It is much easier now to find books with characters in all shape and sizes but there is still a need for more books with ethnic characters and disabilities.

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Abiola Bello • Children's Author I go into schools as an author and I spent years in schools as a street dance teacher. I didn’t tell the children about my author work but they have a way of finding out! Once they do, they’re so excited and usually tell me they have never met an author before. They immediately want to know what my book is about, what inspired me, where can they buy the book and how they too can become authors. Most of them never even knew that being an author was a job, which is funny as I felt the exact same way as a child. I had no idea about the publishing industry in general until my English teacher in Year 7 told me I should be an author.

I have a book competition for young writers called The little BIG Book Comp (www.thelilauthorskool.com) that gets hundreds of submissions whenever I open up a new round. When I talk about the competition at schools I always get so many kids asking me how to enter. It just shows how many children would love to see their words in print.

The feedback I’ve received for the Emily Knight series has been incredible. Teachers, parents and children are always so excited to read about a girl who is brave, strong and rich, who has to deal with real life issues like family dramas and boys but she’s also a superhero. It’s refreshing to read a book with a black girl by a black writer that isn’t about racial issues. Emily Knight just has issues because she is a teenage girl! Readers love that the cast is diverse because they’re able to at least read about one character that is similar to them.

I hope as publishing develops there will be more UK diverse books published for young people.

We will no longer need to use the hashtag #WeNeedDiverseBooks because it will be the norm.

I ‘m excited for a time when I can walk into a bookshop and see a range of books displayed proudly on the bookshelf that feature Black, Asian, Spanish, disabilities, LGBTQI+, Muslim etc, written by writers from all backgrounds.

The next book in the Emily Knight series is officially confirmed for release on 17th September 2020! The eagerly anticipated third book follows the incredible success of Emily Knight I am...

Awakened, which released in September 2017 and has since received a prestigious Carnegie nomination and enjoyed first place in the London's BIG Read 2019.

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Private Tutoring • A-Z Activities for Children

Platt Primary School, TN15, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 882596 Rusthall Primary School, TN4, tel 01892 520582 Seal Primary School, Seal, 5-11 years, tel 01732 762388 Sevenoaks Primary School, TN13, 4-11 years, tel 01732 453952

St Mary the Virgin C of E Primary School, Hartfield, 4 to 11 years, tel 01892 770221 St Michael’s Primary School, Withyham, 4 to 11 years, tel 01892 770307 Temple Grove Academy, Tunbridge Wells, 4-11 years, tel 01892 520562

Shoreham Village School, Sevenoaks TN14, 4 to 11 years, tel 01959 522228

Weald Primary School, come and visit us just outside Sevenoaks to find out more, tel 01732 463307

Southborough C Of E Primary School, tel 01892 529682

West Kingsdown CE Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01474 853484

Speldhurst C of E Primary School, 4-11years, tel 01892 863044

Woodlands Primary School, Tonbridge, tel 01732 355577

St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN4, tel 01892 529796

Tutoring, standard school subjects and 11+

St George’s C of E Voluntary Controlled Primary School, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 882401

1:1 tuition; Maths, English, piano and 11+ for all ages. Free trial lessons, tel 0800 1120303

St James School, 7- 11 years, tel 01892 523006

11+ Training, KS1-KS3 English, Maths, Science, Mock 11+, Summer Courses, tel 07759 045444

St Johns C of E Infant School, Sevenoaks TN13, tel 01732 453944 St John’s Cof E Primary School, Tunbridge Wells TN4, 4-11 years, tel 01892 678980 St Katharine’s Knockholt Church of England Primary, Sevenoaks TN14, 4 to 11 yrs, tel 01959 532237 St Lawrence C of E Primary School, Sevenoaks TN15, 4 to 11 years, tel 01732 761393

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English all ages to A level/IB, Creative Writing, French, tel 07786 392763 Exams Access Arrangements Assessor (Y5-Y13) available now West Kent/ Sussex, tel 07504 939649 Extra Tuition Centre, all over Kent, 11+, tel 0800 917 4194 First Class Learning in Sevenoaks maths and English tuition for all ages, tel 07760 419307

Fleet Tutors: Britain’s Leading Tutoring Service Provider, tel 0333 920 9629 IELTS Exam Lessons. 1:1 with very experienced teacher. Tunbridge Wells area, tel 07504 939649 Kip McGrath, English and Maths Tuition, Tunbridge Wells, 6-16 years, tel 01892 458184 Kumon Maths, Sevenoaks, tel 01342 851221 Kumon Maths, Tonbridge, tel 01622 817544 Lyn Wurf private tutor - I teach primary Maths/English/touch typing from my home & online, tel 07792 052292 Student Support Centre, home based study in English and Maths, tel 0800 999 6999

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Tutor English GCSE. Very experienced teacher. Tunbridge Wells area, tel 07504 939649

Foreign Language Tuition Caroline Cunnington-King, French and Spanish Tutor, Tonbridge, tel 07884 255749 Elisabeth Reichert-Eckersley, conversational german tuition, tel 01342 811099 Fable Languages Spanish for all ages and abilities, tel 01892 543094 German Saturday School, Tonbridge Kidslingo Preschool French and Spanish, to 11yrs, tel 07726 590289 Les Puces Ltd, early years French classes, tel 07534 954807

A-Z Activities for Children 5-16 yrs

My Spanish Tutor. Personalised Spanish tuition at home for all ages and levels, tel 07545 018144

Clip n Climb, Indoor climbing arena for adults and children, tel 01732 753330

Sevenoaks English Language Centre, english for foreigners, tel 07717 214041

Extreme Ventures, outdoor rock climbing courses, nr Tunbridge Wells, 6yrs+, tel 07835 528548

Spanish for children, Edenbridge rea, native teacher, tel 07917 744515

Kent and Sussex Climbing Indoor, Climbing Academy 6yrs+, tel 01892 673167

Tonbridge Russian School, Beginners to GCSE and A-level, 10yrs experience, 3yrs+, tel 07715 559035

Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Caroline Stinton, Piano, Bassoon and theory lessons, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 524315 Classical singing lessons Tunbridge Wells from beginners to advanced. all ages, tel 01892 538453

Kids @ Chimera, minimum age 5 years (under 16’s adult supervision required), tel 01892 457294 Nuts 4 Climbing Outdoor Climbing activities, tel 01892 860670 The Climbing Experience Fun Wall and Bouldering Gym, Maidstone 4+, tel 01622 677977

Cookery

Climbing

Dancing Boutique, 82 Victoria Road, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 529720

Evolution Dance Academy, ballet, street, musical theatre, Edenbridge area, 2yrs+, tel 07709 348723 Firefly Dance School, Ballet, Modern, Tap, National, Irish Boys/Girls, all ages, tel 07734 816989 Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Otford, Sevenoaks, 5-18yrs, tel 01689 812336 Inception Dance, fun, lively ballet and dance classes, Hartfield, 2yrs+, tel 07920 181454 Italia Conti, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 529112 Jigsaw Performing Arts, 3-18 years, Sevenoaks, tel 020 8447 4530 JPA Academy, Acting Singing Dancing Academy 6-18yrs, tel 07870 460687 Judy Hamlet School of Dance, Kemsing - Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Street for 3yrs+, tel 07971 679055 Just Dance: Ballet, Modern, Tap, Street Dance, Musical Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 864517 KA Dance Academy, Ballet, Tap and Stage, 3yrs+, Crockham Hill Village Hall, tel 07810 443575 Kent College Theatre Academy, Theatre and Drama lessons, 5-18yrs, tel 01892 822006 Lamberhurst School of Theatre Dance, from babies to adults, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07817 290552 Make Believe Sevenoaks, Sing, Act, Dance Ages 3-18, tel 0208 123 7927

Chimera Climbing Centre, a vibrant and modern public amenity, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 457294

Dynamic Dance, for all ages from toddlers, various venues, based in Tonbridge, tel 01732 357518

Medway School of Dance, Tonbridge, Latin Ballroom and Disco Dance 3 yrs+, tel 01732 358355

Joe’s Academy of Music: music for all ages and abilities, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07938 226435 Timothy Lowe ARCM, FISM Expert piano and theory tuition, tel 07588 549622 TW Music School: Drum, Guitar, Bass, Vocal Piano, tel 01892 750157

Activities for additional needs children

Children’s Cookery Classes -Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, ages 2-16, tel 07904 108591

Cricket Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club 7yrs+, tel 01892 825513

Cycling Southborough and District Wheelers, 8yrs+, tel 01892 537758

Dance and Theatre Arts

Bradbourne Riding Centre (Riding for the Disabled), Sevenoaks, tel 01732 453592

Act II Academy of Drama & Performing Arts, LAMDA Teaching in the Sevenoaks Area, tel 01732 463293

Arts and Crafts

Cannon Irish dancers 2yrs+, tel 07977 500673

Little Springers: Baking, cooking, Crafts, Gardening, Music 3yrs+, tel 07768 466327

Basketball Sevenoaks Leisure Centre 14-15yrs, tel 01732 470700 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, under 16s, tel 01892 540744

Circus Skills Showtime Performing Arts 3.5yrs+ Malling School Oxted School Weekends Only, tel 07749 650222

Cascade Dance: Ballet, street, contemporary, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, tel 07540 724027 Catherine Bellinger School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells 2yrs+, tel 01892 542549 D2Dance School: Ballet, Modern, Street, Singing, Tap, Musical Theatre 3yrs-adult, tel 07709 173256 Dance Academy Sevenoaks, RAD Ballet Cont tap Modern, Commercial Jazz, 3yrs+, tel 01732 469806

Pauline Quirke Academy Summer School, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, tel 07961 387798 Perform weekly drama, dance and singing class for 4-7yrs and 7-12yrs, tel 020 7255 9120 Razzamataz FREE TASTER SESSIONS in Singing Dance & Drama for ages 2-18, tel 07401 801318 Showtime Stage Schools now in Kent & Medway, Sat & Sun 4-18yrs Free Trials, tel 01732 430300 SJ School of Dance Academy 5yrs+, tel 07880 499801 Southborough School of Dance, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 529720 Stagecoach Performing Arts, 4-16 yrs, Tonbridge, tel 01444 456208 The Dance Studio, 2.5yrs+ Ballet, Tap and Jazz. T Wells, Paddock Wood, Otford, tel 07812 565826 The Talentz Musical Theatre 5-16yrs, tel 07899 998249 Theatre Train Dance Act Sing 6-18yrs, tel 07710 478246 Trinity Youth Theatre 8-18yrs, tel 01892 500673 VR School of Dance, Ballet, Street Jazz, Modern, Musical, Sevenoaks, tel 07539 551568

Fencing Junior Fencing, School ages, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 359966 Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club, 7 years +, tel 07786 000488

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Calming Colic by Christian Bates

Why is my baby crying?

Christian Bates qualified as an Osteopath and Naturopath in 1997. In 2008 he opened the award-winning Perrymount Clinic in Haywards Heath and he also won the CAM award “Outstanding Contribution To The Community” in 2013 due to his work with babies and for writing the book 'Calming Colic'.

One of my pet hates is the common advice that “all babies cry” and to “wait until 12 weeks and your baby’s colic will go”. This is typical advice for a new parent. If they were to do some internet searching for help with a colicky, crying baby they might also get information such as “there are no known causes of colic”, “colic is not understood” and there “is no cure for colic”. None of which are true. There is lots of science to back this up now and getting this information to mums in an easy and effective way to help their baby is what I am passionate about.

My 20 years experience as an osteopath and naturopath and the research I have done has led me to find that the causes for colic are actually known and understood, yet not told to those that need the knowledge; new mums!

There is certainly plenty you can do to help a colicky, crying, upset, not sleeping baby. Also let me clarify here that I’m not speaking about a baby that is crying because they are tired, need a nappy change or are hungry. The babies I mean are excessively crying, even though they are fed, clean and not tired! The mum doesn’t know what to do, feels helpless and just doesn’t understand what’s wrong with their baby.

Unfortunately there is no “magic” cure for a colic, crying baby, if there was everyone would have it and there wouldn’t be any colicky babies! Instead there are a number of “causes” that have triggered a baby to have colic, wind, reflux and excessively cry. These are what a mum needs to understand to help her baby. Once you know the “cause” you can apply the help. A very common cause of an upset baby occurs after antibiotics, which upset the balance of good / bad gut bacteria in the baby’s gut. Just like they do when adults have them.

Huge amounts of research comes out almost daily on the benefits of good gut bacteria and how it is preventative of disease but can promote problems when out of balance. I love reading research on this and translating it into useful help for mums and their baby. New research shows that the bacteria starts to get established in the baby whilst INSIDE mum during pregnancy, not just picked up at the delivery. This gives the opportunity for mum to start to help her baby’s bacteria balance whilst pregnant. For example, a mum could take a probiotic herself in the last trimester to encourage this.

I very often use probiotics specifically designed for babies after they are born, especially if mum has had antibiotics, which is very common. A mum can take these and pass them in her breast milk or because they are in drops, they can be given direct to baby. They are very effective. I am very happy to help you with these if you want to email me.

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Calming Colic by Christian Bates More recently, research has been revealing the powerful affect that a mum’s diet has on the bacteria in her breast milk and so affects her baby’s gut bacteria. Also that the foods she eats promote the correct growth of good bacteria in her baby. It wasn’t so long ago that all mums were told that what they eat has nothing to do with what’s in their breast milk. This simply isn’t true and guess what foods are great for bacteria? Healthy foods! Things like fruit and vegetables which have fibre that feeds good bacteria. Something like a Mediterranean style diet that also contains healthy fats.

I love helping mums look after their own health to help their baby’s health. This might include improving a little on what a mum is eating because usually it is very much snacky, grab foods as they are tired and rushed. Foods like this can be a common trigger of wind in a baby as sugary foods create wind. A simple tip I have for mums is to look at the food you know you are really over-doing and eating multiple times every day. This is the one you are often “overloading” on.

It’s also fascinating to understand that a mum’s stress or relaxation can pass to her baby via breast milk or amazingly by just holding her baby, so applies to bottle feeding mums too. A mum’s state of stress or calmness “rubs off” onto her baby and so her baby takes up the emotional state the mum is in. This is scientifically proven. So if a mum is able to take some time to relax, deep breathe or even meditate she can “pass” this more relaxed state to her baby and relax them. This activates the calming side of the nervous system for both mum and baby. It is often called the “rest and digest” side. Who doesn’t want their baby to be better at resting and digesting!

Did you know “stroking”, is scientifically proven to be extremely relaxing for babies? It promotes the release of chemicals for love and decreases stress hormones. If you baby is upset, try gently and slowly stroking them on their bare skin whilst you cuddle them.

There are many approaches that can be used to help a colicky baby and each one will be more or less relevant to different babies. Each baby is different, each delivery is different and each mum is different. Some babies will need help to balance their gut bacteria as they had antibiotics, other babies may need more hands on help, using the extremely gentle cranio-sacral therapy, as they perhaps had a forceps or ventouse delivery or got stuck for a long while. In my approach I use as many ways as possible to help mother and baby as quickly and safely as possible.

Christian has since created an online colic solution which also includes every other piece of advice he has from his 20 years of helping mother and baby. For a free trial of this course visit:

www.calmingcolic.com/trial Christian can be contacted on christian@theperrymount.com to book appointments

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A-Z Activities for Children 5-16 yrs First Aid Courses for Children

coaching, tel 07891 626537 Tunbridge Wells Foresters FC, Football Club and coaching 5yrs+, tel 07718 393138

Daisy First Aid, Baby & Child First Aid Classes for Parents & Classes for children aged 5+, tel 07939 507662

Tunbridge Wells Ladies FC, Girls Football 5-16yrs, tel 07801 045941

British Red Cross, tel 0800 028 0831 St John Ambulance Kent, enquiries, tel 0344 770 4800

Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, Fun Footie 5-7yrs, Girls 11-14yrs, Junior U16yrs, tel 01892 540744

Fitness and Activity Clubs

Golf

‘A’ Team Fun Club, 5-12yrs,Sat 09:3012:00, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 772685 At home fun Mama & Baby/child workouts, suitable for all ages incl, prenatal, tel 07707 346552 Mummy & Me Pilates Classes every Wednesday at 11am at Pembury Pavilion, tel , tel 07876 787869 Ruggerbugs, St Gregory’s School, Tunbridge Wells, Sat am. 9am-noon, tel 01279 797777 Sarah’s Runners, Nevill Pavillion Cricket Ground, TN2 5ES, minimum age 17 years, tel 07900 825836 Saxons Orienteering, Juniors to Adults, various venues, tel Contact through website

Hever Castle Golf Club 5yrs+, tel 01732 700771 Hilden Golf Centre, Tonbridge 3yrs+, tel 01732 833607 Knole Park Golf Club, Sevenoaks, junior membership 11-17 years, tel 01732 452150 Lamberhurst Golf Club, Tunbridge Wells 6yrs+, tel 01892 890591 Nevill Golf Club, Tunbridge Wells 6yrs+, tel 01892 525818

Sevenoaks Nordic Walking, tel 01732 453271 Target Shooting School - Term time classes, holiday workshops, parties 8-18 yrs, tel 07426 301849 TeenFit and Junior Spin 11-15yrs, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744

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Football

years, tel 0208 432 0982

Charlton Football Coaching 3-13yrs, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700

Pure Football Academy, Additional Training, Kent & Sussex, 18mnths 14yrs, tel 07872 864016

D&D Footie Focus, weekend and evening football coaching for 2½ to 8 years, tel 07969 669153

The Rondos Advanced Football Academy, 5-18yrs, Hildenborough, tel 01892 822554

First Class Football: Advanced Football Skills Coaching 2yrs+, tel 07929 861394

Toddler Football, up to 4yrs, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, tel 01732 865665

Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, up to 7

Tonbridge Invicta FC, New! Girls Football for 11yrs+, football club and

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Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge 8yrs+, tel 01732 364039 Tonbridge Golf Centre 3yrs+, tel 01732 353281 Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Gymnastics Gymnastic Club Kent, Tunbridge Wells, all ages, tel 01892 550530 Gymnastics, Angel Leisure Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 772685 Kent College Gymnastics Academy

A-Z Activities for Children 5-16 yrs Singing Mamas Choir Fridays 1.30pm at Brittens Music - all women welcome, tel 07724 466064

Tunbridge Wells Sports and Tennis, Swimming classes for all ages, tel 01892 540744

Outdoor Pursuits Centres

Table Tennis

Bowles, Eridge Green nr Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 665665

Byng Hall Table Tennis Club 7yrs+, tel 07768 742414

Out of School Clubs

Tennis

Hubbub Out of School Club, After School Childcare 3-6pm, tel 07942 937006

Evolution Tennis Coaching at Brenchley and Matlock Tennis Club Juniors, tel 01622 532354 Jarrett Tennis School at Tunbridge Wells Sports and Indoor Tennis Centre, tel 01892 538445 Jarrett Tennis School for 5-14yrs, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 538445 Oakbury Tennis Club Juniors, Sevenoaks, tel 07821 621403 Short Tennis, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre 4-10yrs, tel 01892 540744 St Johns Tennis Club, Tennis Courses, 5-18yrs, tel 01892 546252 Tennis Academy, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, tel 01959 523377

Rollerblading and Skateboarding Tunbridge Wells Tigers Inline Roller Hockey 7yrs+, tel 01892 535439 Gym lessons 5-18yrs, tel 01892 822006 PreSchool, Juniors, 7-11yrs and Tramps, 5-14yrs, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Gymnastics, 4-16yrs, tel 01732 470700

Hockey Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club 6-16yrs, tel Email via website Tunbridge Wells Inline Hockey Club 6yrs+, tel 01892 535439

Horseriding Bradbourne Riding Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 453592 Hadlow College Equestrian Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 852204 , tel 01732 853588 Matfield and District Riders Association, 5yrs+, tel 01892 836058 Orchid Riding School, 6yrs+, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 652020 Riding Farm Equestrian Centre, 4yrs+, Hildenborough, tel 01732 838717 South Farm Riding Stables, 5yrs+, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 864807 Wellgrove Farm Stables, Pembury 3yrs+, tel 01892 822087 White Rocks Farm Western Riding, near Sevenoaks, tel 01732 761888

Leisure Centres Angel Leisure Centre, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SF, tel 01732 359966 Edenbridge leisure Centre, Stangrove Park, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5LU, tel 01732 865665 Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Mascalls Court Rd, Tonbridge TN12 6NZ, tel 01892 838290 Sencio Community Leisure Centres, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865665 Sencio Community Leisure Centres, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 470700 Sencio Community Leisure Centres, Swanley, tel 01322 662188 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre: pool, gym, sports hall, crèche, martial arts, tel 01732 470700

Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Wildernesse Sports Centre, Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Martial Arts, Self Defence Bushido Judokan, Tunbridge Wells 5yrs+, tel 07823 441460 Fortitude Taekwondo, 3yrs+, Sevenoaks, Edenbridge, Westerham, Hildenborough, tel 01342 302192 Frontier School of Karate and Kickboxing (FSK), Crowborough, 3yrs+, tel 01273 702662 Martial Arts for ALL ages and abilities in Tunbridge Wells. 4 WEEK FREE TRIAL, tel 01342 302192 Martial Arts South East Juniors, Tunbridge Wells, tel 07986 825817 Oaks Martial Arts, 3yrs+, Sevenoaks, Hildenborough, Edenbridge, tel 01732 759988 PPCKD Self Defence for children as young as 3.5 years. Fun, fitness and friends, tel 07590 559421 Sama Karate Kids Karate 4yrs+ and Kickboxing 10yrs+, tel 01444 461889 Sevenoaks KJK Club (Karate Jutsu Kai), all ages from 5 yrs, tel 07976 482384 Shinseido Karate, Riverhead Parish Hall, Sevenoaks, 18yrs+, tel 07710 437485 Vision Taekwondo, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre 3yrs+, tel 01892 540744

Multiple Sports EXCEL Fitness Programme, 1116yrs, Angel Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 359966 Kickstart Fitness mixed games 5-10yrs, Angel CentreTonbridge, tel 01732 772690 Langton Green Community Sports Association, tel 01892 862967 Multi sports for 3-16yrs 3rd Sun 13:0014:30 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, 5yrs +, tel 01892 540744

Music Groups, Centres Brittens Music School, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 559319

Rugby Rugby Tots for 2-7 yr olds, weekday and weekend classes throughout West Kent, tel 0345 3130807 Tunbridge Wells RFC Girls Rugby Years 7-13 girls only / Years R-6 Mixed, tel 07753 933936

Snow Sports Dry Ski Slopes at Bowles, Eridge Green nr Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 665665

Squash Tunbridge Wells Squash Rackets Club - Junior Squash and Racket Ball, tel 01892 527736 Wildernesse Sports Centre, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club, tel 01892 525625

Trampolining Edenbridge Leisure Centre, trampolining coaching 5-16yrs, tel 01732 865665 Jump In, Unit 2, Morley Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RA, tel 0845 8386214

Swimming, Pool Sports

Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Paddock Wood 5yrs+, tel 01892 838290

Alison Marks Swim School, Hildenborough, 3yrs+, tel 01732 365440

Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Trampolining, 4-15yrs, tel 01732 470700

Angela’s Swim School, Sevenoaks, tel 07703 185837

Trampolining, Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744

Aqua Swimming Ltd, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells venues, tel 01732 455800

Wildernesse Sports Centre Trampolining, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Edenbridge Leisure Centre Swimming, Classes and fun swimming, tel 01732 865665

Uniformed Groups

Helens Swimming School, 4 months +, tel 01892 662484 Holmewood House Swim School 5yrs+, Langton Green, tel 01892 860035 Little Fishes, parent and baby/toddler/ children 4ys+, Oxted and Westerham, tel 07834 737211 Penguin Swim School, Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks 2yrs+ 07795 177214 /, tel 01892 535438 RTW Monson Learn To Swim (Level 3-competitive swimming), tel 07779 703317 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Classes and fun swimming, tel 01732 470700 Starfish School of Swimming all ages and abilities, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 834186 Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Castle Street, indoor and outdoor pools, tel 01732 367449

Girlguiding UK for your nearest Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, tel 0800 999 2016 Scoutbase UK for nearest Beaver, Scout, Venture, Air and Sea, tel 0345 300 1818

Watersports Bewl Water Outdoor Centre: canoeing, sailing, wind surfing etc, 8 years +, tel 01892 890000 Edenbridge Sub Aqua Club, Edenbridge Leisure Centre, 14yrs+, tel 07702 473898

Yoga Banana Studio Yoga, Kids Yoga & Teens Yoga, tel 07834 518619 Yoga in primary schools to nurture physical & mental wellbeing. Mindful fitness, tel 07914 837102

Youth Clubs The Hub, South Tonbridge, tel 03000 418008

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Jack's American Smartielicious Cookies

Jack's American Smartielicious Cookies You Will Need: 100g butter 1x egg 150g self raising flour 1x tube of Smarties (or chocolate chips) A pre-heated oven at 190c / Gas Mark 5 The fun bit Beat the butter with the sugar until pale Mix in 1x egg Fold in the self raising flour and the smarties Drop dessert spoon size lumps on a greased baking tray OR JUST MAKE ONE REALLY BIG GLOOPY MESS FOR A MONSTER TREAT

Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes Leave to stand for one minute then cool them on a wire rack Allow a grown up to test 2 or 3 first to make sure they taste good then enjoy!

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37

Everything Party...

Hall and Room Hire Ashurst McDermott Village Hall, tel 01892 740618 Bells Yew Green Village Hall, tel 01892 543025

Bespoke Celebration Cakes & Parties

Benenden Village Hall, tel 07419 989830

PUPPETS BAllOONS MAGIc & lAUGTHER

Bessels Green Baptist Church, Bessels Green, Tonbridge, tel 01732 454921 Bidborough Village Hall, tel 07517 145731 Brenchley Memorial Hall, tel 01892 832579 Camden Centre - Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 521384 Copt Hall, Hawkhurst, tel 01580 752058 Cowden Memorial Halls, 2 halls, kitchen and car park, day and evening, tel 01342 850532 Delarue Hall and Barn, weekend and bank holiday hire, tel 01732 367917 Delarue Hall, Tonbridge, Hire for all occasions, tel 01732 367917 Dunton Green Village Hall, tel 01732 469610 Edenbridge WI Hall, tel 01732 865368 Frant Memorial Hall, tel 01892 752123 Groombridge Village Hall, tel 07552 170679 Hadlow Old School Hall, tel 01732 851878

Allsorts of fun

Contact Jacqui

littlesprinklescakeclub@gmail.com

07720 986299

St Mary’s Church Hall, Riverhead, tel 01732 450408 St Matthew’s Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 618108 St Paulinus Church Centre, Edenbridge, tel 01732 864070 St Peter’s Church, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 327734 St Philip’s Church, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 531031 St Stephen’s Church Community Centre, Tonbridge, 3 halls, tel 01732 771977 Sunnyside Hall, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 08450 743399 TN2 Community Centre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 538230

...has A BRAND NEW character...

TERRy DAcTAll the Dinosaur Hunter!

Call NOW for parties, on the Dinobone:

07845 320001 TAKING BOOKINGS NOW!

Tonbridge Christ Church Centre, tel 01732 770334 Trinity Youth Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 500673 Wesley Centre, Paddock Wood, tel 01892 521384

Party Venues Angel Leisure Centre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 359966 Birthday experiences at Bowles, Eridge Green nr Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 665665 Diggerland, Medway Valley leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood ME2 2NU, tel 0871 22 77 007

Hildenborough Village Hall, six rooms for hire, tel 01732 833092

Temper Temper Chocolate, Chocolate workshops and parties Wear’m Out, Softplay, Tonbridge, tel 01732 353773

Horsmonden Village Hall, tel 01892 723955

Wildernesse Sports Centre, Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 451437

Langton Village Hall, tel 07581 471147 Mencap Hall, Hitchen Hatch Lane, tel 01732 458775

Woodland Parties, the perfect woodland venue for children’s parties, tel 07889 094821

Pembury Baptist Church Hall, Pembury, tel 01892 825590

Party Supplies and Planners

Pembury Village Hall, tel 07983 228181 Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Paddock Wood, tel 01892 838290

Party Bag Online, your one stop shop for personalised filled party bags, tel 07976 728857

Rickards Hall, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865368

Twilight Tents provide beautiful themed Tent Sleep Over Party packages, tel 07710 078467

Showfields Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 514544 Speldhurst Village Hall, tel 07786 948952

Walking Balloons offer a great variety of animal balloons that walk beside you, tel 07763 860066

St Barnabas Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells

Party Catering, Cakes

St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Southborough, tel 01892 529158

Clever Cooks, Catering and China Hire, tel 07768 993456

St James Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 521703

Sprinkles Cakery, bespoke Cakes for all occasions with free delivery in Tunbridge Wells area, tel 07720 986299

St John the Baptist, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 541710 St John’s Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 540897

Large selection of partyware, balloons & cake decorating in Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 526222

St John’s Methodist Church, Southborough, tel 01892 544578

Vintage Afternoon Tea served in your own venue perfect for that special occasion, tel 07545 807031

St Luke’s Church Hall, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 743045

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Edenbridge Leisure Centre, tel 01732 865665 Extreme Ventures, outdoor rock climbing/scrambling, nr Tunbridge Wells, 6yrs+, tel 07835 528548 Jump In, Unit 2, Morley Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RA, tel 0845 838 6214 Manic Monsters, Soft Play, Edenbridge, tel 01732 866115 Minor Mania, soft play, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01892 752042 Parties at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, tel 01892 540744 Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre Paddock Wood, tel 01892 838290 Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, tel 01732 470700

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Everything Party • Holiday Schemes & Activities Pic-n-Mix Parties for boys and girls, 1-11yrs, tel 07860 801173 Princess and the Pea Events, fun, unique, affordable & professional singing & dancing Character Entertainment Packages, tel 07557145648 Ready Steady Sport - Multi sport for all children 3yrs upwards, tel 07764 187401 Show Offs Parties: Circus Acts, Balloon modelling, themed parties, tel 07749 650222 Stagecoach Parties, tel 01444 456208 Story Sock Parties, for 2-6 years, tel 07957 136270 Superstar Pamper Parties exclusive pamper parties for girls aged 5-14 years, tel 07941 509495 Vintage Afternoon Tea served in your own venue perfect for that special occasion, tel 07545 807031 Zebadee Kidz Parties Tonbridge, one stop shop for all your entertainment needs!, tel 07773 066645

Holiday Schemes and Activities

Party Entertainers Allsortsoffun, Pirate, knight, spy party, magic, puppets, tel 07845 320001 Angels’n’Divas, Pamper Parties for girls (4-16yrs), tel 07771 964626 Buzy Bee’s, themed parties such as Frozen, Princess, Football and more, 0-12 yrs, tel 01474 874118 Captain Fantastic Parties, Parties for 3 - 7 year olds, tel 07540 539190 Childrens party entertainer and magic shows, Kent, Sussex and Surrey, 4-11 years, tel 07734 101987 D&D Footie Focus, football themed parties, 5 to 12 years, tel 07969 669153 Dance Parties for girls and boys, aged 3-12yrs. One or two hours available, tel 01892 864517 Dandelion and Clover Yoga - Yoga and art parties with a theme of your choice, tel 07734 435708 diddi dance parties for pre-school children, tel 07788 246073 Enchanted Events, magical party & events entertainment, styling & catering, tel 07788 998441 Face and body painting, glitter designs and tattoos. Surrey Kent & Sussex, tel 07931 935539 First Class Football Parties 2yrs+, tel 07929 861394 Froggle Parties, drama games, dancing, story telling, balloon models, prizes, tel 0208 617 9070

Froggle Parties, face painting, glitter tattoos, any kind of designs, tel 0845 0504509

Activity packs for kids, crammed with snacks and travel activities, 3-10 years, tel 07798 773960 Alison Marks Swim School Holiday Courses, Hildenborough, 3 years+ (not Winter), tel 01732 365440 Angel Centre, Tonbridge - Drop in fun sessions, tel 01732 359966

Aqua Swimming Ltd, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells venues, tel 01732 455800 Barracudas - Activity Day Camps, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Maidstone, tel 0845 123 5299 Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, kids camps, variety of activities, 4 years+, tel 01892 890000 Bishops Down Holiday Play Scheme, Tunbridge Wells, 3-11yrs, tel 01892 520114 Camp Beaumont Holiday Camps, Kent College, Tunbridge Wells, tel 01603 851000 Funtech.co.uk - Summer Tech camps, Tonbridge, tel 01628 621216 Holden Park Preschool and After School Club, 2 to 11 years, tel 01892 520626 Hubbub, School Holiday Childcare, education, fun & adventure, High Brooms, tel 07942 937006 Junior Summer Golf Camps, Poult Wood, Tonbridge. 7-14yrs, tel 01732 364039 M Sporti Football and Multisports, tel 07920 780983 Nuts 4 Climbing Outdoor Climbing activities, tel 01892 860670 Perform, holiday activities and workshops, tel 020 7255 9120 Pied Piper Activities, tel 01273 504485 Play ‘n Grow holiday club is a new club for 2-11 yrs, 8am-6pm Tue to Thu, tel 07727 692645

Funky Footsteps, high energy disco parties, games, facepainting & fun!, tel 07912 685680 Hartbeeps the most original musical parties on the planet, tel 07795 103197 Humpty Dumpty Club Musical Parties, tel 07860 801173 Jumping Beans Parties, tel 07768 038172 Kazzamataz comedy magic show, crazy games and dance routines, tel 07859 015231 Little Kickers, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, 18mths-7 yrs, tel 0208 432 0982 M Sporti Football and Multisports, tel 07920 780983 Mini Motion dance parties, Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, 3-7 yrs, tel 07734 863791 Music Bugs: Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, tel 07738 878821 Nuts 4 Climbing Outdoor Climbing activities, tel 01892 860670 OnceUpon a Wish Events - Events and Party entertainment tailored to suit you!, tel 07739 584988 Perform Parties for 4-7 years are high energy, fun and totally infectious, tel 020 7255 9120

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Holiday Schemes & Activities • Family Days Out

Premier Playscheme - action packed activity days, several venues, tel 01953 499 040 Southeast Kids Camps, activity day camps across Sussex/Kent - Children 4-12 yrs, tel 01444 461889 Super Camps, holiday activities in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, tel 01235 467300 Target Shooting School - Term time classes, holiday workshops, parties 8-18 yrs, tel 07426 301849 Workshops & science activities, school summer holidays, tel 01323 832731

Family Days Out

Chartwell, family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill, Westerham, tel 01732 868381 Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge Kent TN8 7AD, tel 01892 870347 Emmetts Garden, an Edwardian estate, tel 01732 868381 Groombridge Place, moated manor house, fun things to do for families, tel 01892 861444 Heaven Farm, nature trail, camping, tea room, family fun, tel 01825 790226 Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865224 Penshurst Place and Gardens, the medieval Baron’s Hall is one of the grandest, tel 01892 870307 Quebec House, the birthplace of General James Wolfe, tel 01959 567430 Spa Valley Railway, journey through the High Weald countryside, tel 01892 537715 The Hop Farm Family Park, full of attractions, Paddock Wood, tel 01622 872068

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Tonbridge Castle, Motte and Bailey Castle with a splendid 13th Century Gatehouse, tel 01732 770929

Places to Visit

EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge, tel 01732 304241 Emmetts Garden, an Edwardian estate, tel 01732 868381

Chartwell, family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill, Westerham, tel 01732 868381

Groombridge Place, moated manor house, fun things to do for families, tel 01892 861444

Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge Kent TN8 7AD, tel 01892 870347

Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, tel 01732 865224

Creams Café, T-Wells, Geltao, Waffles, Sundaes, Crepes, Indulge your senses, tel 01892 680059 Diggerland, Medway Valley leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood ME2 2NU, tel 0871 22 77 007 East Grinstead Museum - Kid’s activities and exhibitions take place all year, tel 01342 302233

Kent Life Heritage Farm, tel 01622 763936 Kent Wildlife Trust, lots of events for the whole family, Sevenoaks, tel 01622 662012 Penshurst Place and Gardens, the medieval Baron’s Hall is one of the grandest, tel 01892 870307 Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Hythe CT21 4LR, 50 species of animals to see, tel 01303 264647 Quebec House, the birthplace of General James Wolfe, tel 01959 567430 Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, tel 01732 459777 Scotney Castle, National Trust, Lamberhurst, Kent, tel 01892 893820 Spa Valley Railway, journey through the High Weald countryside, tel 01892 537715 The Hop Farm Family Park, full of attractions, Paddock Wood, tel 01622 872068 The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceaux, tel 01323 832731

Tonbridge Castle, Motte and Bailey Castle with a splendid 13th Century Gatehouse, tel 01732 770929

Attractions Out of Area Blue Reef Aquarium, the ultimate undersea safari, Hastings, tel 01424 718776 Bluebell Railway, steam hauled trains, great day out, tel 01825 720800 Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, tel 01580 830196 British Wildlife Centre, Newchapel, nr Lingfield, RH7 6LF, tel 01342 834658 Chislehurst Caves, miles of mystery and history, tel 020 8467 3264 Christmas Tree Farm, Downe Village, feed the animals, tel 01689 861603 Farmyard Childrens Parties at Christmas Tree Farm, Downe Village, tel 01689 861603 Go Ape, Bedgebury, high-wire Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Junior, tel 01603 895500 Godstone Farm, so much to do, a great family day out, tel 01883 742546 Hastings Adventure Golf- outdoor family fun on the seafront, tel 01424 437227 Heaven Farm, nature trail, camping, tea room, family fun, tel 01825 790226 Leeds Castle, 900 years of history, 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, tel 01622 765400 Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS, tel 01323 844224 The Llama Park at Ashdown Forest with Christmas Wonderland, Wych Cross, tel 01825 712040

PLEASE CHECK WITH ANY VENUES OR ORGANISERS BEFORE YOU SET OUT EVERY CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN COMPILING THIS LIST, HOWEVER OPENING ARRANGEMENTS & www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent CONDITIONS OF ENTRY SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BEFOREHAND

Family Days Out • Summer Reading Challenge

SCIENCE BASED EVENTS & AC T I V I T I E S F O R E V E RYO N E !

W W W . T H E - O B S E R V AT O R Y . O R G • 0 1 3 2 3 8 3 2 7 3 1

PLEASE CHECK WITH ANY VENUES OR ORGANISERS BEFORE YOU SET OUT EVERY CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN COMPILING THIS LIST, HOWEVER OPENING ARRANGEMENTS & Please tell advertisers heard about them through the 'Family Grapevine' Please tell advertisers you heard about them through the 'Grapevine' CONDITIONS OFyou ENTRY SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BEFOREHAND

41

Living Well Community Health Fair

We’re helping to organise an amazing event aiming to bring all local services and businesses around health (physical, mental, disabilities) & well-being into one area for anyone to come along and access the information, support & products. Entry to the event will be free and we estimate that it will be relevant to up to 50,000 people in West Kent and East Sussex, where it will be promoted.

The date had been set for Friday 1 May, however for obvious reasons it has been postponed and we will communicate the new date as soon as we can (not before Sept 2020 & possibly as late as spring 2021).

We will be using the Camden Centre main hall for 27 stands (2m x 1m tables) and one more for leaflets, flyers etc and are asking you to now express any interest you may have in securing a stand. Stands will be allocated to ensure we cover a broad range of businesses and services and you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful.

Pitches can be used for: • Selling relevant products which fit the theme of wellness • Sharing information about a service • Promoting a company which meets the needs of those with any type of condition • Raising money for relevant charitable organisations

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Living Well Community Health Fair The cost for a stand will be a minimum £20 donation to our justgiving page where all monies, less minimal set-up costs will be going equally to the West Kent Different Strokes charity and The National Autistic Society.

There will be a coffee area and a quiet space area in the main hall too, plus various guest speakers and activities going on in the adjoining Victoria Suite throughout the day and into the evening.

Event time for main hall stands will be 12 - 5pm. Stand holders will be able to set-up from 10am (driveway entrance for drop-off/un-loading only and parking in Royal Victoria next door thereafter). Pack-up 5pm and not before.

Please advise us with your expression of interest whether or not you will require access to a plug point and if you will be bringing any props, eg clothes rail etc.

There will be free public wifi available and tablecloths should anyone require one to be provided. Pease do let us know if you would like to be kept up to date and be sent a registration form? You can follow us on social media:

@livewellkwntfair @livingwellkent1 Please feel free to contact us on the email below if you have any questions, or comment on the above pages if you’d like to be considered for one of the limited number of stands. You can also leave a donation on the fundraising page using the link below. We thank Tunbridge Wells Together for their sponsorship of our event.

www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/dashboard Lisa Beaumont & Trish O’Dwyer.

West Kent Different Strokes & Autism Threads Ltd.

westkent@differentstrokes.co.uk

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Sure Start Children's Centres The Tunbridge Wells Children's Centre, staff are currently producing weekly Activity Sheets for parents to do with their children at home around a range of topics such as: Messy Play, Physical Play, Singing, Junk Modelling, Heuristic/ Sensory play and much more The activities are being sent out via a weekly email which also includes a 'Useful Information' section with links to a range of services for families which you might find helpful at this time.

If you wish to receive the activity sheets you can do so by sending us an email with your contact details (including telephone number) to SouthboroughCC01@kent.gov.uk. This will then give us your consent to share information with you.

We also have a lovely facebook page that has daily posts of fun activities to do with your children along with support and advice for yourself. Visit www.facebook.com/TWChildrensCentre

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4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: STOP AND THINK – what dangers can you see?

Don’t be caught out on your own – STAY TOGETHER If you fall in, stay calm and FLOAT to live Someone in trouble?

CALL 999 OR 112 and tell them that someone’s in trouble in the water

BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Registered charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland

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45

The First Year is Survival • by Leonie Huie

The First Year is Survival The Essential Guide to Parenting Twins & Multiples

by Leonie Huie Being a mother has its challenges and whether you have one baby, twins, triplets or more, we all have one thing in common—sleep deprivation—especially in the first year. This is something I battled with in my first year as a mother of twins. Let’s be honest, finding out you are expecting twins can be really exciting, as well as frightening at the same time; the mixed emotions are surprisingly overwhelming. But ultimately I was left feeling blessed that I had been given such a gift, after all, it’s not every day a woman finds she's expecting two!

In my book, ‘The First Year Is Survival,’ I talk about my experiences as a new mum of twin girls and include experiences from other parents of multiples from around the world who have provided useful tips and advice on how best to survive this first year including themes such as sleep deprivation, getting organised, anxiety, depression, returning to work and date night.

There are a number of areas to focus on and consider before your newborns arrive: getting organised, the impact of sleep deprivation, and understanding the potential of anxiety and post-natal depression. One of the first things I did when I found out I was having twins reorganise my home to accommodate my new arrivals. I discussed with my husband what I wanted to change and I could tell from his facial expression that he knew he had a mammoth task on his hands! I was one of those mums who went into complete ‘nesting’ mode, there was so much going on in my head at once, I’m surprised it didn’t explode!

Planning and preparing for your twins’ arrival can start as soon as you find out about your pregnancy – in the early stages you need to try to focus on resting as much as you can. I recommend writing a list of things you need – try dividing your list into sections so it’s not overwhelming.

Items you may wish to purchase for twins including clothing, furniture and home decorations (paint/ wallpaper/new blinds!). During pregnancy I know many mums are still working, which can be pretty challenging, as pregnancy weight gains can cause problems such as backache, swelling, tiredness, breathlessness, the list goes on… all of which then slows you down from completing all the tasks

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The First Year is Survival • by Leonie Huie you need to before the twins arrive! That’s why having a list that you can tick off as you go along is so important. The last thing mummy needs to be doing at eight months pregnant is moving furniture, painting or reorganising the home!

When organising your home, it’s a good idea to have a cupboard or area you can easily access – so make sure it’ll be where you envisage spending the most time with your newborns. You want to have easy access to the changing area, clothes and nappies that you’ll need. This also includes feeding time and resting time, and might I add again, please do rest as much as you possibly can.

I remember I made the mistake of trying to tidy up, prepare feeds, cook, clean when I should have been resting. I learned the hard way as the sleep deprivation was unreal because my daughters did not sleep and feed at the same time. One had health issues to begin with too, so I struggled.

Another very important aspect of surviving the first year of parenting twins is protecting your mental health. Post-natal depression and anxiety are two common mental health issues women can experience after giving birth. Some women end up going undiagnosed, like I did, with PND because I thought the way I was feeling was down to being a new parent of multiples and a lack of sleep. How wrong I was! Some of you may have heard of the ‘baby blues,’ which commonly lasts up to two weeks after giving birth; leaving you feeling tearful for no reason, emotional, irritable or depressed. If this feeling persists after two weeks you should seek medical advice from you GP or health visitor. Try not to keep how you are feeling to yourself: tell your partner, a friend or someone you can confide in because PND is treatable.

The same applies with anxiety, something plenty of mums and dads experience during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. I also had anxiety and had counselling to help me cope, which was very hard for me at first but the sessions really helped me use different tools such as breathing techniques and meditation. I needed tools to help me cope with the constant worrying I was doing throughout my pregnancy and the first year of parenting. Once again, this kind of anxiety can be helped and eased, and you should seek medical advice from a professional. It’s so important for new parents to know they’re now alone, particularly when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Many parents feel this is “just” a part of parenthood but there is a big difference between overwhelm and constant fear of getting things wrong as a parent and that is where the professionals can help you differentiate between the two. There is also a lot of support available provided by organisations such as NCT, Twinstrust and Mind to help you cope with many different aspects of parenting twins and ways to survive the first year. Remember, this period of time will pass – it won’t be like this forever!

For more information about 'The First Year is Survival', click HERE. If you would like to find out more about the author, Leonie Huie, you can visit www.empowerme.london

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Places to Visit in Kent

Kent has some great places to visit, for the whole family. T his is a small selection of and full details can be found on our website www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent/ places-to-go-in-kent With the current Govt restrictions in place please ensure you check openings and any restrictions before travelling Walking, Cycling and Open Spaces Ashdown Forest, between Crowborough, Forest Row and Maresfield, one of the largest free public access spaces in the South East. Great walking, spectacular views and known the world over as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh. The heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and The Ashdown Forest Centre is an information point for visitors.

01342 823583 Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst. A 2,000 acre forest for walking, family cycling trails, mountain bike and dirt jump area, cycle hire, horse riding for TROT members, adventure play trail, Go Ape, 01580 879842/879820 Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH, walking, cycling, fishing, model boating, boat trips, playground, crazy golf and hydro balling, bike hire, 01892 890000 Kent Wildlife Trust - centres in Sevenoaks, Bough Beech and Maidstone with events, trails, pond dipping, bushcraft, theatre, recycling and craft workshops, 01622 662012 Toys Hill, near Brasted Chart TN16 1QG. Nature trails through 200 acres of ancient woodland, designated SSSI with abundant wildlife and spectacular views over the Weald of Kent. 01732 868381

Children’s Farms, Zoos and Wildlife Centres

Christmas Tree Farm, Cudham Road, Downe, Orpington BR6 7LF. Animals including alpacas, donkeys, ponies, goats, cows, rabbits, etc, all of which can be petted and stroked.

Open all year including winter when animals are indoors.

01689 861603

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Heaven Farm, Furners Green, Uckfield, TN22 3RG. A 100 acre farm with nature walks, tea rooms, rural life museum, camping etc. 01825 790226 Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne, nr Hythe, CT21 4PD. One of the largest wild animal parks in the UK. Primates, otters, rhinos, small cats, wild dogs, gorillas, lions, giraffe, zebra, tree house hotels, camping. Organised safaris can be booked.

0844 842 4647 The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY. Lots of indoor and outdoor attractions including driving school, fun rides, pirate cove, gingerbread hut, soft play area, farmyard, bird of prey centre, visitor centre. 01622 872068 Lullingstone Roman Villa, Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford DA4 0JA, Among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain, Lullingstone provides a unique all weather family day out, Weekends only in the winter. 01322 863467 Quebec National Trust House, Quebec Square, Westerham TN16 1TD. The Family House of General Hames Wolfe with an exhibition of the dramatic battle for North America. 01732 868381 Riverhill House, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 ORR. Riverhill, Sevenoaks TN15 ORR. Garden with lots of activities for children, 01732 459777

Animals, Sealife and Nature

Beaver Water World, Waylands Farm, Approach Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2JT. Animal rescue centre and charity for beavers, deer, lemurs, meerkats, small primates, reptiles and birds. Supervised handling sessions, parties, educational and walk and talk with the aid of volunteers.

01959 577747 Coolings Green and Pleasant Nature Trail, Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7NN. Once a plant nursery, now 6 acres of habitat for native plants, creatures and resident animals accessible by bark pathways. Attractions include a colony of around 25 wallabies, welsh badger-faced mountain sheep, woolly pigs or Mangalitzas, goats, geese, ducks and moorhens. 01959 532269 Eagle Heights, Kents Bird of Prey Centre, Eynsford DA4 0AR. Animal experience centre, indoor and outdoor aviaries, daily bird of prey displays, reptile house, meerkats, camel, arctic fox and coati mundi. 01322 866466

PLEASE CHECK WITH ANY VENUES OR ORGANISERS BEFORE YOU SET OUT EVERY CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN COMPILING THIS LIST, HOWEVER OPENING ARRANGEMENTS & www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/west-kent CONDITIONS OF ENTRY SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BEFOREHAND

Places to Visit in Kent

Adventure Parks and Family Fun

Rock UK Carroty Wood Adventure Centre, Higham Lane, Tonbridge, TN11 9QX - 58 acres of beautiful, mature, enclosed woodland ideal for outdoor education; 01732 361361

Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest, TN3 9QG, enchanted forest with giant swings, zip wires and Crusoe’s World, animals (including a Zedonk), canal boat ride, daily Birds of Prey displays, 01892 861444

Diggerland, Roman Way, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Strood, Kent ME2 2NU. 08700 344437

Hever Castle, Hever, Nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG. Gardens/maze, playground, House closed but lots of events, 01732 865224

Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge TN12 6PY, fun fair rides, giant jumping pillows, bumpercarz, the Magic Castle, facepainting, the Megablaster, Hopper’s Animal World, Bird of Prey Zone, Hopper’s Diner and indoor Soft Play Area, many seasonal events. 01622 872068 Knockhatch Adventure Park, on A22 at Hailsham, Hailsham BN27 3GD, animals, falconry, indoor year round soft play at Froggies, go karts, outdoor playgrounds and paddling pools, ski slope, 01323 442051 Manic Monsters Soft Play, Gardiner Business Park, Little Browns Lane, Edenbridge TN8 6LH, kids’ fun zone for aged birth to 12, open daily 10am to 6.30pm, 01732 866115

Places of Historic Interest and Gardens

Chartwell, National Trust House, home of Winston Churchill, Mapleton Road, Westerham TN16 1PS. Gardens only in the winter, 01732 868381 Chislehurst Caves, Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL. The caves at Chislehurst are a labyrinth of manmade tunnels forming a maze covering over six hectares, 30 metres below woodlands above. They were dug for chalk used in lime burning and brick-making for the building of London, also for flints to fire the tinderboxes and flintlock guns of yrs ago. Lamp lit tours last 45-50 minutes. 020 8467 3264 Dover Castle. Castle Hill, Dover, CT16 1HU. Open weekends only in the winter. Explore the atmospheric Secret Wartime Tunnels including the vivid recreation of the Dunkirk evacuation in Operation Dynamo: Rescue from Dunkirk, complete with dramatic projections of swooping Spitfires and a colourful contrast is the richly-furnished Great Tower, where costumed actors introduce medieval life at King Henry II’s court. 01304 211 067 or 0870 333 1181 Down House (the home of Charles Darwin), Luxted Road, Downe BN6 7JT. 0870 333 1181 Emmetts National Trust Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks TN14 6AY. An Edwardian estate owned by Frederic Lubbock, the garden was laid out in the late 19th century and contains many exotic and rare trees and shrubs. Traditional children’s games available.

01732 750367

Ightham Mote National Trust, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 ONT. Romantic moated manor house built nearly 700 yrs ago surrounded by gardens and woodland walks, 01732 810378 Knole National Trust House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP. Built as a palace in a medieval deer-park, Knole was owned by the Archbishops of Canterbuy, the Tudors and the Sackville family who still live here. The Estate Office tells the story of Knole, 01732 450608 Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL. Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; now it is one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain, lots of seasonal activities, 01622 765400.

Outdoor Pursuits

Amazon Outdoor Events at Knockhatch Adventure Park, Ski Centre Car Park, Hailsham By-pass, Hailsham, provides outdoor activity adventure days including family fun days, 11yrs+, 0844 2570433 Arena Pursuits, near Bewl Water, 6yrs+, company organising outdoor adventures for all members of the family such as 4x4 driving, the quads, team tasks, the assault course, clay pigeon shooting, orienteering and paintballing, 01580 879614 Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2SJ, ideal space for walking, running, cycling, riding, adventure play, 01580 879820, and Go Ape, 0333 331 7928 Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JH watersports, climbing and residential centre, 8yrs+, 01892 890716 Blackland Farm, East Grinstead RH19 4HP, climbing, zipwire, abseiling, canoeing, archery, orienteering etc, 01342 810493 Bowles Activity Centre, Eridge Green TN3 9LW, ski slopes, rock crags, ropes courses, archery range, 8yrs+, 01892 665665

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