East Kent July Bumper Summer 2021 Primary Times

What’s On Where East Kent

R E M R M E U M S M SU S B U L C Y A D HOLI S E I T I S V E I I T T I C V A I T & AC & at Swallows Leisure Centre

BOOK ONLINE NOW!

& Sheppey Leisure Complex Thursday 22nd July - Tuesday 31tst August 2021

Family Swim

• Soft Play & Clip n Climb in our Active Zone • Holiday Clubs include: Arts & Crafts, Sports, Team Games, Outside Play & Swimming for 8+ years

FAMILY DAYS OUT

EDUCATION ROUNDUP

DAILY DIARY OF WHAT’S ON

JULY BUMPER SUMMER 2021 5 JULY - 31 AUGUST 2021 ISSUE 126

Why not let the Kids try something new this Summer Holidays?

Take to the great outdoors and experience the very best of Betteshanger’s energising activities and holiday clubs.

Betteshanger Activity Club

(9-14 year olds)

Get stuck into a range of activities from getting muddy on our Mountain Bike trails, going for gold at Archery, climbing at the obstacle course and taking aim at Battlezone Archery. Activities will include group games while enjoining the great outdoors and getting away from their screens. Our leaders will ensure your child enjoys their day, learns new skills and makes memories!

Wild Ones Forest school

(5-11 year olds)

Wild One's Forest School gets children outside and into nature, giving them freedom to explore for themselves, developing self-confidence, self-esteem, language, understanding, confidence and a whole host of other skills that they can take all the way through their lives.

Archery & Fossil Hunting Activity Duo Come and test your skills with our family Activity Duo! You will be shown how to go for gold on our archery range and then explore our fossil hunting quarry for treasures from the past.

Summer Arrows If you’re looking to try something new with your family this Summer then Betteshanger park has got you covered with our new Summer Arrows sessions! Games will be used to reinforce gained knowledge and test your newly learnt skills!

PLUS ALL OUR USUAL DROP IN ACTIVITIES… Cycling • Mountain Biking • Archery • Fossil Hunting • Military Obstacle Course • Forest School Battelzone Archery • Nerf Wars • Geocaching • Orienteering • plus much more

MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS VISIT: www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Hi Readers Primary Times in East Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 01622 522116 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Kent Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Ty Smith, Catherine Dillon, My Yen Doyle & Andrew Langridge Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrator: Claire Wood Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Kent. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher.

While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Kent for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can.

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times East Kent is operated under franchise licence.

Well what a mixed school year that has been... lessons in school, home schooling, online lessons then back to school. However you’ve been learning, the summer holidays are nearly here so now is your chance to put the year behind you, relax and enjoy a fun summer.

As part of that relaxing take a look at our School’s Out for Summer feature, full of ideas on how to have fun with the family. All the venues listed have had a really tough time this year and will appreciate your visit and support.

Please do mention that you read about them in Primary Times - we also value your support.

Claire and Hayley have spent a long time searching to make this the best ever guide for what to do this summer holiday. Many of the listings are FREE or low cost so do read through them and mark up the ones you want to go to. Our listings are prepared a long time in advance so to make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed, especially with last minute changes due to Covid19 restrictions.

As many of you will know, we publish a comprehensive Choosing your New School feature in our September magazine. The feature is aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils but is handy for everyone to think about. Do look out for that magazine which will be published on 1 September.

inside this issue....

Local News...............................4 Family Theatre..........................6 What’s On.................................8 School’s Out for Summer..............9 Education News...................... 13 Competitions........................... 15 What’s New............................. 19 All Your Own Work..................23

As we are distributed through primary schools this means that this magazine is the last one that our Year 6 readers will receive. We wish you the very best of luck in going to secondary school. Thank you for taking our magazines home, entering our competitions, sending us artwork and all the lovely comments you send us. We will miss you.

Peter and the Primary Times Team

Do You Love Dinosaurs?

Most people do and there will be even more of them when they’ve read this bright and colourful book by Matt Robertson, which is perfect for all young dino-fans.

Young readers can find out fun facts on these mighty creatures. From the ferocious hunters like Spinosaurus and T-Rex to the gentle giants like Diplodocus and Triceratops, the speedyVelociraptor to the armoured Ankylosaurus, discover all the weird and wonderful things that made dinosaurs so amazing!

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Contents

There are double page spreads on armoured dinosaurs, dinosaur eggs, fossils, dino speed and much more. It also features a dinosaur hall of fame and a double page close-up feature spread of everyone’s favourite toothy tyrant, T-Rex! Are you planning a school sports day later in the term? We bet it’s nothing like the one below. Matt Robertson gives us fascinating facts on just how fast (or slow) some dinosaurs were in this example of one of the spreads from the book.

Do You Love Dinosaurs is published by Bloomsbury in paperback at £6.99.

5 July-31 August 2021

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Local News

Adjusting to the New Normal

ShelterBox 21-for-21

It’s hard to believe it’s been more than a year and a half since the first lockdown restrictions were announced and life as we knew it ground to a halt. Primary Times spoke to Wendy Robinson, Service Head at Childline. She gave us some tips to help families adjust.

Although we’re able to enjoy a few more freedoms now, the impact of Covid-19 is likely to be with us for some time to come. It will have a long-lasting impact on children and families, something that they’ve heard a lot about at Childline, which continues to be there for children.

The NSPCC-run service has counselled more than 73,000 children and young people UK-wide around mental health related concerns alone since April 2020. More and more young people are talking about their struggles with mental health generally but also because of Covid-19.

And now as restrictions lift, this can bring a new set of worries for children. So how can we help children regain their confidence in the world again?

Start slowly Getting back into a routine with attending school and seeing friends might feel difficult but a routine of familiar things will help. Take it slowly and don’t be surprised if they are reluctant or hesitant at first, be supportive and help them ease gently back into their old routines.

Try something new Whether it’s a new hobby, joining a club or going somewhere you haven’t been before, trying new experiences can help children feel better about themselves.

See yourself differently If your child is having negative thoughts or thinking too much about things they’d like to change, encourage them to challenge themselves. They could try writing down one thing every day that they like. It could be their smile, kindness, sense of humour.

If they’re struggling, suggest they think what someone who cares about them would say.

Try a new look Doing something different with the way you look can help you go beyond your comfort zone and reclaim a sense of self. Why not help them try out a new hairstyle or choose a new outfit.

Help other people There are lots of ways to help others, from volunteering to just listening to a friend. It’s a great way to help children feel better about themselves and shows they’ve got positive things to share.

Talk to people Try taking a breath and talking slowly and clearly. Try asking about the other person and really listen to what they’re saying. Remind children others can’t see what they’re thinking and they might not even know that they’re nervous.

Building confidence can take time, but these tips are a good place to start. More advice and support can be found at www. childline.org and children can always call and speak to a volunteer counsellor, free and in confidence by calling 0800 1111.

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5 July-31 August 2021

St Paul’s Swanley and West Kingsdown Primary Schools joined forces with Maidstone Riverside Rotarians in an event to raise funds for ShelterBox, a UK based charity that provides shelter and associated equipment where disaster has struck in vulnerable areas in the world.

21 miles is far enough for anyone. 21 miles pulling a ShelterBox Emergency Box through the streets of Kent, in mid-summer, to raise money for the UK based charity, was tough!

On 24 June a small team of Maidstone Riverside Rotarians manually pulled a trailer containing a ShelterBox (www.shelterbox. org) from St Paul’s C of E Primary School in Swanley all the way to Maidstone, a journey of 21 miles, in one day.

This marked the charity’s 21st birthday in 2021 hence the event name 21-for-21.

In the lead up, Rotarians and ShelterBox volunteers, visited both schools to show the children a ShelterBox and explain and demonstrate some of the equipment that is sent to disaster areas. The students were given the opportunity to really get to understand the impact that disasters have, and the support and resources that ShelterBox provide.

At 8.30am on 24 June, the day of the event, some of the children had a go at towing the trailer and contents around the school field before waving off the Rotarians as they took over and set off for Maidstone. The ShelterBox team called in at West Kingsdown School, to be cheered on by the pupils there, and some children from both schools walked part of the route.

For more information or to donate, visit www.riversiderotary. co.uk/21-for-21. w Mission Explore: Climb the Ranks at The Historic Dockyard Chatham “I’m the Captain’s Cat. I live in Commissioner’s House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. This summer the Captain has set me a tough mission. I need to recruit a new crew, one with a thirst for adventure and the skills to weather the fiercest storms. Do you have what it takes?

“Enrol on your next visit and try completing the fun missions. With each set of missions, you will progress through the naval ranks, from Cadet to Admiral. After each visit you will receive a membership card containing a special code that will unlock your next set of missions. Entry tickets are valid for 12 months so you can come back again and again for an entire year. Will you make it to Admiral of the Fleet?

“Find out more about my home at the Dockyard and all the fun you can have there at thedockyard.co.uk.”

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Kent is a particularly special county for moths with several species occurring nowhere else in the UK. Perhaps you’ve spotted a rusty brown and golden Mint moth on your herb pots or been lucky enough to see a vivid pink and green Elephant Hawkmoth or its 9cm caterpillar trundling past your window at dusk. However, moths still remain a mystery to many people.

Butterfly Conservation has launched a three-year project in East Kent called Magnificent Moths, to help save and celebrate some of the UK’s rarest and most beautiful moths. The project will also offer opportunities for people to engage with these moths and overturn prejudices about moths being small, brown, night-flying pests.

Over the next three years the dedicated team will partner with local schools, farmers and an array of community groups and organisations to improve habitats across the county. One of the ways in which Magnificent Moths will do this is to grow food plants for specific species, including Wild Carrot, Hog’s Fennel and Marsh Mallow, and incorporate them into gardens and outdoor spaces hopefully resulting in these moths breeding in new ranges.

Butterfly Conservation run projects to protect more than 100 threatened species and are involved in conserving hundreds of sites and reserves. To learn more, visit butterfly-conservation.org Photo credit: Keith Warmington

Grass, crop and woodland fires can have devastating consequences - injuring or killing wildlife, destroying land, property and livelihoods, and even putting people’s lives at risk.

Last year alone, Kent firefighters responded to 617 accidental grass fires across the county, nearly 200 more than the previous year. And a huge 83% of grassland fires in 2020 happened between May and September when conditions are very dry, causing fire to spread rapidly.

With the weather hotting up, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging everyone to do their bit to prevent these largely avoidable fires, and make the county safer for everyone.

Bonfires, cigarettes and throw away barbecues are the most common causes, so remember to always keep bonfires small and away from property or greenery, and make sure cigarettes and barbecues are disposed of responsibly once fully cool.

Colin King, KFRS’ Assistant Director for Customer Engagement and Safety, told Primary Times, “While everyone can play their part, it’s inevitable that grass fires will still occur and we advise people not to try and tackle grass fires, or any fire, themselves.

Instead, they should move to a safe place and call 999. We will always be here to respond when people need us.”

Local News

Do your Bit to Prevent Fires

w

Are There Elephants in Your Garden?

Seaside Safety • 999 COASTGUARD

Primary Times helps you to follow beach safety advice this summer.

If you’re heading to our UK beaches this summer, make it a trip to remember for all the right reasons. We want you to enjoy the coast and stay out of trouble, so here are some things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.

Watch Kids Closely Each year, more than half of those who lose their life accidentally at the coast, didn’t even plan to enter the water, so please keep an eye on children at all times.

Beware of unpredictable waves, rip currents and cold water.

Never use inflatable toys – they can easily get swept out to sea with you and your child on them. But if you do get swept out to sea, stay with your inflatable and shout for help.

Free Child-Safe Wristbands Ask your beach if they have a local wristband scheme which helps identify children if they wander off. When you arrive, agree a meeting place, and take a photo on your phone in case you get separated.

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Be Prepared Before you head out, check the tide times and use beach forecasts on the Met Office website. Check the weather forecast – you may consider using the Met Office app.

Visit a lifeguarded beach if you can and always swim between the flags. Find your nearest lifeguarded beach online. Always stay well back from the cliff edge and stay on coastal paths. Take note of warning signs and local dangers.

What To Do In An Emergency If you get into danger or see someone else in trouble, don’t hesitate, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t put yourself at risk. They will send the help you need. If there are lifeguards near, alert them.

Meet Colin The Coastgaurd Introduce your family to Colin the Coastguard and his lifesaving friends to teach them the all-important 999 message and other potentially lifesaving tips for visiting the seaside.You can find lots of fun, free and educational safety activities on the HM Coastguard page on the Colin the Coastguard website www. colinthecoastguard.com/hm-coastguard 999 Coastguard Please share this advice with your family and friends, and in your community.

It could keep them safe too. For further safety information, please visit coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk. Have fun and stay safe this summer.

Remember always take a fully charged phone so you can call 999 Coastguard for their help in an emergency.

Float To Live If you or your children are struggling in the water, remember float to live: 1. If you get into difficulty in the water, fight your instinct to thrash around.

2. Lean back, extend your arms and legs.

3. If you need to, gently move them around to help you float.

4. Float until you can control your breathing.

5. Only then, call for help or swim to safety.

5 July-31 August 2021

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Family Theatre

Family Theatre

The best shows around...

Story Seekers

The Unicorn Theatre and the National Theatre are launching Story Seekers, a new creative literacy project for primary schools across the UK. Pupils aged 8-11 are invited to join in a nationwide mission to find, tell and share exciting stories from across the globe.

Pupils will be led through the quest as they undertake the Story Seekers’ Training Programme guided by filmed theatre performances.

There will also be workshops and performances by leading professional storytellers.

The mission will end with pupils creating their own filmed storytelling performances to share with their school community, other participating schools across the UK and beyond. Through the challenge, children will explore the rich oral storytelling tradition from the UK and around the world.

Available free to UK state schools, this project is designed to take place over six weeks and sit alongside the school curriculum. Continuing professional development (CPD) sessions and curriculum-linked resources developed in partnership with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) are provided to support teachers to lead the project.

To sign up your school to take part, visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/storyseekers Story Seekers will be offered on a termly basis. Applications to take part during the autumn term are open until 17 September.

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5 July-31 August 2021

Belmont House

Changeling production. A funny, fantastical feast that will delight all ages. Outdoor performance.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Walmer Castle

www.changeling-theatre. com 16 Jul

Think gothic fantasy meets RuPaul’s Drag Race, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be another unmissable Changeling production. A funny, fantastical feast that will delight all ages.

Malthouse Theatre www.lets-all-dance.co.uk 12 Aug

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Join the teddies as they eat, dance and play in this outdoor performance.

Marlowe Canterbury Box Office: 01227 787 787 24-25 Jul

Mr Maker Live!

www.changeling-theatre. com 6 Jul

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Think gothic fantasy meets RuPaul’s Drag Race, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be another unmissable Changeling production. A funny, fantastical feast that will delight all ages.

Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells

Box Office: 01892 530 613 17 Jul

Enjoy the show!

And don’t forget to say you saw it in

Illusion Impossible

A non-stop show packed With art at with thrilling its heart, magic of this exciting unprecedented Primary production Times! Fromproportions. encourages Apppearing children of all ages to be Superbikes, Impossible creative and have fun. Full Predications, Double of laughter, music and Levitations and a Finale special video calls from beyond expectation. Ages one of Mr Maker’s friends.

8+ Recommended 3yrs+

Mount Ephraim Gardens Faversham Box Office: 01227 751 496 8 Aug

The Wind in the Willows Join Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger on a wild adventure filled with motorcar madness, wicked weasels, exciting escapes and plenty of messing around in boats.

Swarling Manor, nr Canterbury www.changeling-theatre. com 20 Jul

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Think gothic fantasy meets RuPaul’s Drag Race, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be another unmissable

Hazlitt Maidstone

Box Office: 01622 758 611 25 Aug

The Little Mermaid The Little Mermaid is full of happiness, hilarity and heart so go along and be part of this dazzling yet intimate pantomime, suitable for the entire family.

Leeds Castle

www.leeds-castle.com 13-14 Aug

The Jungle Book Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this largerthan-life musical will have you howling with laughter.

Outdoor performance.

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Enjoy your summer safely and help prevent grass fires

Explore the home of military engineering this summer!

• Stub cigarettes right out • Use dirt or sand to put out bonfires when you leave • Make sure disposable barbecues are completely cold before binning them

Discover over 300 years of courage, innovation and skill!

Pre-book at www.re-museum.co.uk kent.fire-uk.org/outdoors 202104-001B2-90x135

Child-Friendly Ballets from Let’s All Dance

Let’s all Dance is back and touring with two fabulous family shows this summer. They’re visiting venues across London and the South East with indoor and outdoor productions.

From the creators of The Princess & the Frog, The Magic Word, The Owl & the Pussycat, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker come two lovely ballets for the whole family.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic combines classical ballet, physical theatre, gorgeous visuals and crystal-clear story telling. This is a lovely show for young children. It’s fabulous for all the family, especially 0 – 8 years, children with special needs, families and nurseries.

The running time is 30 minutes and there are photo opportunities afterwards.

The Ugly Duckling is a touching and funny show tackling themes of social acceptance and liking yourself in a child-friendly manner. It’s great for the whole family, especially children aged 2-12, people with special needs and schools. Running time is 40 minutes with photo opportunities.

Audiences have been enthusiastic about previous shows. Comments we’ve heard include, “Absolutely amazing. Captivating even for under 2 years old! Perfect! Just perfect! Thank you! 5 stars.”, “Fantastic performance for the children. It was the perfect length. Lovely storytelling and a great venue - they could see really well and were mesmerised” and “Absolutely superb, perfect for all ages. Can’t wait for the next performance! 5 stars.”

You can book online at www.lets-all-dance.co.uk or by phone 020 8265 4634. Visit their Facebook page @LetsAllDance, Twitter #letsalldance1 or Instagram @letsalldance_official. Tickets are available from just £5!

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5 July-31 August 2021

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What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for July and August Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Ongoing Until 30 Aug

Hever Festival, Hever Castle, nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG This popular annual festival returns with a programme of varied performances across new spaces within the grounds, allowing audiences to socially distance and enjoy from their own chairs. With performances for children every week of the holidays, visit www.heverfestival.co.uk to book tickets.

Until 31 Aug

Nature Trail, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ Pick up a free booklet at customer services and follow

the clues to find each animal display, answering questions on the way. Post your booklet at the end of the trail for the chance to win a £20 gift voucher. Can you find the new Gruffalo carving at the end? For more information visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk.

Until 30 Sept Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

Water Rokit Turn your children’s old drinks bottles into a fun and educational toy. The Water Rokit is designed to bring science alive for children and schools throughout the world. They won’t even notice that they are exploring Newton’s Laws of motion, acceleration and trajectory as they play.

All you need is your Water Rokit kit, an old carbonated drinks bottle, some water, a bicycle pump or a stirrup pump and some open space.

The Water Rokit has been designed to launch itself automatically at a set pressure, and is engineered to do this repeatedly.

The Original Rokit is a visual, value for money and handson product which brings fun and enthusiasm when teaching pupils of all ages – it’s why so many schools use Rokit as part of their core curriculum since way back in 1983. It’s also a family favourite for real fresh air fun - with kids racing to collect rockets from far afield. The perfect summer holiday treat.

Find out more at www.waterrokit.com.You can buy your Water Rokit from the website or from other online and high street retailers. The complete kit costs £10.95.

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5 July-31 August 2021

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

The Field of Cloth of Gold: A Meeting of Kings, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL A series of displays inside the Castle tell the story of the great events that took place in 1520. The purpose, the players, the politics and the extravagance. Find out about the role Leeds Castle played and what the Castle was like during the reign of Henry VIII. To book tickets visit www. leeds-castle.com

Until 31 Oct

Mischief & Mayhem, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN Discover Nick Ellwood’s charming illustrations in this exhibition inspired by the history of the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall. During August join Nick in person for a series of free drop-in family arts and crafts workshops. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ornc.org.

Call the Midwife Official Location Tours, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ If you’re a fan of the hit series, a trip to see where Call the Midwife is filmed should be top of your bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne and Dr Turner and explore where the real drama happens. For more information visit thedockyard. co.uk

July Thurs 1 Jul - Tues 31 Aug

Mythical Creature Quest & Shield Hunt, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Follow the brave knight on his quest through the Castle, come across mythical beasts and learn the best way to protect yourself. To book tickets visit www.hevercastle. co.uk.

Sun 4 Jul

Summer Arrows, Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 0BF (Also 11, 18, 23, 25 & 30 Jul and selected dates in Aug).

Go along for an introduction to the basics of archery.

Games will be used to reinforce gained knowledge and test your newly learnt skills! Ages 7+. Charges apply. To book, visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk.

Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Jul

Schools Triathlon Days, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Pre-registered primary schools are being given the chance to bring students along to take part in a unique cross curriculum day of sport and history and have the opportunity to train in all elements of a triathlon.

To register your school email a request to admin@ castletriathlonseries.co.uk.

Sat 10 Jul

The Leeds Castle Concert, Maidstone, ME17 1RG Prepare to be enthralled by world-class music and famous performers, then be amazed For lots more What’s On ideas see page 12

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Fun Days Out with the Family families together from all over Thanet to do ‘Their Mile, Their Way’.

Expect exciting activities, fantastic giveaways, upbeat music, and open green spaces where the kids (and parents) can put down their phones and have some outdoorsy fun – all completely free.

Doc. Yard’s Summer Show

Budding scientists can have enormous fun with forces at The Historic Dockyard Chatham between 31 July – 30 August as Doc.Yard and his assistant Bunsen explore how forces shaped the Dockyard. Participate in hands-on science experiments before meeting Doc and Bunsen in their all-new interactive show.

You’ll leave the show being able to answer questions like “How can a ship weighing thousands of tonnes float on water”’ and “Which falls faster, a feather or a hammer?”

All activities are free as part of an entry ticket. Tickets are valid for 12 months, providing fun for the whole family for an entire year. Book via thedockyard.co.uk.

Do the Family Mile Your Way

The Family Mile offers that starting point to a healthier and happier life, whether it’s walking the dog, pushing the pram, scooting with the kids or simply walking together as family. This August, they are hosting their very own free family event at King George VI Park, bringing

The day will be jam packed with Family Mile activities suitable for families of all ages, where parents and children alike can channel their inner adventurer!

With five star Nature Miles, interactive scavenger hunts, fun workouts and games, this is a guaranteed spectacular day out for the whole family.

School’s Out for Summer...

School’s Out for Summer...

They have also decided to create their very own Mason Mile Mascot and are looking for a talented youngster to design it. There will be mascot design packs available on the day, where kids can enter this unique competition for a chance to work with a professional designer and bring their creation to life.

This event will take place on Sunday 27 August from 11am – 2pm at King George VI Park. So, why not go along and join in the fun.

Download the free Mason Mile App beforehand (available on the App Store and Google Play) or visit their vibrant Facebook page www.facebook.com/FamilyMileThanet to join a friendly, supportive community where you can keep up to date with all their latest announcements.

READY FOR FUN

with Doc. Yard’s summer show

YOUR MILE YOUR WAY

FUN ACTIVITIES, MUSIC, WORKOUTS, NATURE MILE, MASCOT COMPETITION Ready to make new memories?

Get set to discover maritime history and enjoy a sensational summer day out.

GET A LITTLE FIT!

VENUE: THANET KING GEORGE VI PARK

(OH AND IT’S ABSOLUTELY FREE)

Friday 27th August 2021 Starts 11am | Finishes 2pm

HAVE A LOT OF FUN!

PAY ONCE, VISIT ALL YEAR thedockyard.co.uk

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16/06/2021 12:35

5 July-31 August 2021

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School’s Out for Summer...

Colourful Fun for All the Family

Chase the rainbow this summer at the family-friendly KM Colour Run on Sunday 22 August.

You can walk, jog or run the rainbow gauntlet making it suitable for all ages.

Even parents with buggies have been seen whizzing along the 5K route at the event, staged each year at Betteshanger Park near Deal.

Take part just for fun or to raise sponsor money for any cause close to your heart from a local PTA or community centre to a national charity.

The KM Colour Run is organised by the KM Charity Team to fundraise for its literacy and green travel programmes for schools - Buster’s Book Club and Active Wow - but a huge 70% of participants’ sponsorship goes to their chosen cause.

On check-in, you’ll receive a limited edition t-shirt, sunglasses and a small bag of coloured powder to throw. Be prepared for fun and laughter along with a bright shiny medal at the finish line!

For more information, or to book, visit www.KMCharityTeam.co.uk/ booking or email kmcharityteam@thekmgroup.co.uk

Take the Leeds Castle Challenges

Join in the adventure this summer and spend the school holidays on a mission to try and complete 55 Leeds Castle challenges! Explore the great outdoors on the Castle’s estate come rain or shine, armed with your challenge booklet to see how many of the fantastically fun summer activities you can tick off the list. Enjoy lots of different family friendly experiences from taking a picture holding the Castle in your hand, getting lost in the Maze, playing pooh sticks in the stream at the Pavilion Lawn and taking a selfie with the Leeds Castle birds of prey.

A Day Out in the Wildwood

Wildwood near Canterbury is a great day out for all ages.You can see amazing British wildlife from past and present. Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland, Wildwood holds a stunning collection of over 200 British animals in natural enclosures.

See bears, wolves, otters, foxes, deer, badgers, owls, wild horses, lynx, beavers, wild cats, bison, squirrels, wild boar, reindeer and many more as you walk around the twisting trails through an ancient British woodland.

Finish your day by letting your kids go wild in the amazing adventure play park featuring zip wires, pine marten towers and a special area for under-5’s.

Join animal experts at weekends and school holidays for free close-up animal talks and feeds, visit the Beaver Lodge Cafe or enjoy your own food in the spacious picnic area.

Wildwood is not just a wildlife park but also a unique conservation project, which aims to protect native British wildlife and bring back the original wild wood. Find out more about their conservation, education and rewilding initiatives at www. wildwoodtrust.org

ESCAPE TO THE CASTLE

Get ready to climb and crawl through rope tunnels and under nets and swing across monkey bars at the brand-new Leeds Castle Obstacle Course.

Aimed at children aged 8 to 12 years, this fun new daily attraction is the ideal activity for kids full of energy during the summer holidays. Only the most adventurous will be able to conquer all obstacles to become King or Queen of the Castle!

With 500 acres of parkland, woodland and streams, three beautiful gardens, a yew tree maze and underground grotto and daily bird of prey displays as well as a magnificent Castle & Gate Tower on a moated island to explore, Leeds Castle offers magical, entertainment for the whole family.

Leeds Castle is located just off junction 8 of the M20. A family ticket, valid for a whole year of visits, for 2 adults and up to 4 children, costs just £90.

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5 July-31 August 2021

FOR THE GREAT DAYS OUT TO COME

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Reach for the Sky at Mote Park Outdoor Adventure!

Looking for an outdoor activity that is fun and active but also has something for inquisitive minds? Then Mote Park Outdoor Adventure in Maidstone ticks all the boxes.

You can find it near the car park and children’s playground within Mote Park. With its towering 32ft Climbing Wall and maze-like high-ropes, which is known as Sky Trail, you can’t miss it.

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COLOUR

Help us to help children and a charity of your choice

Sunday 22nd August 2021 Betteshanger Park, Deal

All ages welcome Run, jog or walk

K

Find out more or book at:

www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/booking

Also on offer is the Segway Terrain where visitors can whizz around the open course on segways and Dino Golf, the dinosaur-themed 9-hole mini golf. Look out for the fascinating dinosaur facts around the golf course celebrating Iggy the Dinosaur, Mote Park’s very own resident Iguanodon, who was discovered in Maidstone!

Mote Park Outdoor Adventure is accredited as ‘Good to Go’ by VisitEngland, the official UK mark to prove it follows Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines to maintain cleanliness and social distancing.

Visit www.moteparkadventure.com for more information on all the activities and to book. Don’t forget to like and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/MoteParkAdventure if you’d like to see the latest updates.

Photo credit: Alex Wilkinson Media

WILDWOOD KENT

Visit Wildwood this Summer

Meet the bears, wolves, lynx and many more native British Th e animals from past and present! ec t

per f a place foray Find out more at d y www.wildwoodtrust.org famil out!

Phone: 01227 712 111

MEERR MM SSUUM S B U L C Y A D I HOL S E I T I S V E I I T T I C V A I T & C &A at Swallows Leisure Centre Family Swim

Swallows Leisure Centre Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4NT Tel: 01795 420420

/SwallowsLeisure

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School’s Out for Summer...

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BOOK ONLINE NOW!

• Soft Play & Clip n Climb in our Active Zone • Holiday Clubs include: Arts & Crafts, Sports, Team Games, Outside Play & Swimming for 8+ years

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11

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for July and August

July by the spectacular Spitfire fly-over and watch in awe at the fireworks finale. To book tickets visit www.leeds-castle. com A Princess Picnic, Tonbridge Park, Deacon’s Field, TN9 1HR 10am-12noon. The royal grounds open from 10am to set up your picnic area and then be whisked away to a fairy tale kingdom with ‘Once Upon a Wish Show’ at 11am.

Expect the show to be filled with your favourite songs and characters, including Tom Swift. To book visit www. bravoproductions.co.uk Boot Fair and Fun Dog Show, Lord Whisky Sanctuary, Canterbury, CT4 6AN Boots from 8am, entertainment from 11am including tombola, raffle, BBQ, and hot & cold refreshments.

There will also be classic

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. cars and animal related stalls.

For more information, visit www.lordwhisky.co.uk or call 01303 862 622.

Sat 10 –Sun 11 Jul

Jousting Events, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG (Also on 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Jul and selected dates in Aug) The Knights of Royal England will entertain visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights.

Families can also enjoy the stunning gardens, play areas, and the popular water maze.

To book tickets visit www. hevercastle.co.uk.

Small in the City

Author and illustrator Sydney Smith has won his second prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for Small in the City. Being small can be overwhelming in a city. People don’t see you.

The loud sounds of the sirens and cyclists can be scary.And the streets are so busy it can make your brain feel like there’s too much stuff in it. But if you know where to find good hiding places, warm dryer vents that blow out hot steam that smells like summer, music to listen to or friends to say hi to, there can be comfort in the city, too.

Follow the little protagonist, who knows all about what it’s like to be small in the city, as he gives his best advice for surviving there.As you turn the pages, Sydney Smith’s masterful storytelling allows you to glimpse exactly who this advice is for, leading to a powerful, heartrending realisation...

Small in the City is published by Walker Books in hardback at £12.99.

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Kent County Summer Fayre, Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF From animals to tractors, food, fun and excitement. No matter what your interests, you’re sure to be entertained at this family fun weekend.

For more details, visit www. kcas.org.uk/kent-countysummer-fayre.

Sun 11 Jul

Tudor Legacies, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG (Also 8 Aug & 5 Sept) 11am5pm. See the fabulous ladies of the Tudor Legacies who will be wandering the gardens throughout the day. During your visit say hello and ask questions about the lives of the Tudor Queens. For more information, visit www. penshurstplace.com

Fri 16 Jul

Grease (PG), Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, TN9 1BG Doors 7.45pm, Film starts 9.15pm. Go along to the Luna Cinema to see this musical classic under the stars. Food and drink will be available to purchase at the site or take along a picnic.

For more details and to book visit www.thelunacinema. com/tonbridge-castle

Sat 17 Jul

The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long (PG), Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, TN9 1BG Doors 7.45pm, Film starts 9.15pm. Sing along to this musical drama that tells the story of P.T. Barnum as he creates and develops his circus in New York in the mid 1800’s. For more details and to book visit www.thelunacinema.com/ tonbridge-castle

Sat 17-Sun 18 Jul

Summer Steam Up!, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Go along for a weekend of steam hauled services between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. Enjoy Bulleid Pacific 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ and Hunslet Austerity No. 2890 ‘Douglas’ hauling trains over the Spa Valley Line.

For more information, visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk.

Working Steam Festival, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL Step back in time at Horsted Keynes station for a weekend of steam powered demonstrations and vintage fairground fun. Buy tickets online in advance at www. bluebell-railway.com.

Sat 17 Jul-Sat 28 Aug

Falconry Shows, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

Enjoy a superb show filled with acrobatics and flying prowess with Joe’s Bows incredible Birds of Prey Falconry Show. Included within the cost of admission.

To book tickets visit www. penshurstplace.com.

Sat 17 Jul-Sat 11 Sept Maize Maze, Stanhill Farm, Dartford, DA2 7HD The theme for this year’s maze is Summer Fun with a giant sunflower shaped maze surrounded by a border of beautiful sunflowers. After you conquer the maze you can spend time picking your own fruit and vegetables. To find out more visit www. stanhillfarm.co.uk.

Sun 18 July

Japanese Storytelling, Chiddingstone Castle, nr Edenbridge, TN8 7AD Family-friendly performance of traditional kamishibai storytelling. The story is based on the Tanabata Festival of Stars, which takes For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

12

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Education News 101 Playground Games

During an average primary school day in the UK, children spend up to 20% of their time playing. That means that 1.4 years of primary school attendance is spent in the playground, which equates to 260 full school days. This provides an opportunity for one-fifth of a child’s time at school to be used to support their recovery from the effects of a year living through a pandemic, and for schools to make playtime more than just a break.

Education specialist Thérèse Hoyle’s new book ‘101 Playground Games’ gives teachers and others tips to organise playtimes which offer children the opportunity to rebuild their social skills, bond with the friends they have not spent much time with over the last year, and develop their ability to think creatively and independently in the wake of a year spent in lockdown.

Primary Times spoke to Thérèse Hoyle who told us, “This generation of children has had their personal and social development interrupted like no generation before them.

Losing the ability to see and interact with friends, family, acquaintances and strangers for months at a time has meant they have missed out on

Learn Locally, Think Globally

The Whitstable School’s ethos of ‘Learn Locally, Think Globally’ is at the core of all they do. As the local choice in Whitstable, they pride themselves on setting high standards for all pupils, supporting them to achieve beyond expectation. Their number one priority is to improve outcomes for all their pupils whilst celebrating their talents.

They believe in the power of oracy and actively build pupils’ confidence through opportunities for speaking and listening.

Core knowledge and skills enable pupils to become confident, resilient members of an ever-changing society. They recognise that curiosity, creativity and hard work form building blocks for pupil progress and deep learning.

They are not only concerned with academic success but are passionate about delivering a pupil’s entitlement to a wealth of enriching experiences.

There are leadership opportunities for pupils as well as a diverse range of clubs, workshops and extracurricular visits. The arts are at the heart of the school’s success and are key to the development of pupils’ self-esteem. The school is on an exciting journey and they are looking forward to sharing this with you during their open day experiences and website testimonies.

See their website for more details www.thewhitstableschool.org.uk.

Education News

thousands of opportunities to develop their social skills and benefit from the fun and joy that playing with others brings.”

101 Playground Games can help primary schools to dramatically improve the quality of day-to-day playtimes and lunchtimes, with impacts on lunchtime behaviour, engagement, learning, social, emotional, mental and physical health and wellbeing. 101 Playground Games offers enriching activities to encourage active learning and social development among young children at playtime. It provides a practical toolkit of ideas to promote lively and enjoyable games and provides clear instructions for adults on how to organise those games.

101 Playground Games by Thérèse Hoyle is on sale now at a recommended price of £24.99.

OPEN EVENING 2021 • OPEN MORNINGS 2021 Visit www.thewhitstableschool.org.uk for details

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13

Answers Spot the Difference In Picture B there are only 2 birds near the sun. There are 3 coconuts not 4. There is a ribbon missing on the hat, There is a stripe missing on the towel and a stripe missing on the ball. There is a star missing near the parasol. The whole cup is grey.

K atie

lown’s Which Weather?

Word Search R L E F H E T B A N E L WM W I G U S N

O S A C V A H N J O

S A R A D U O L TWA V T H U N C L I M G HMC S A I R D I S A B L T I WS T N

P C E D A O G O F L

I C Y E T O H O T P

U M B R E L L A V S

Can you find all these words in the word search?

Weather, Sunshine, Rain, Thunder, Heatwave, Wind, Clouds, Storm, Climate, Cool, Parasol, Umbrella, Gale, Hail, Mist, Fog, Hot, Icy, Snow

When does it rain money?

When there is change in the weather!

Knock knock Who’s there?

Lettuce Lettuce who?

Lettuce in, it’s freezing outside

Spot the 7 Diffences A

What kind of shorts do clouds wear?

Thunderwear!

B What’s a tornado’s favourite game?

Twister

How do you prevent a summer cold?

Catch it in the winter!

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with this summer’s weather?

Make it as wacky and colourful as you can!

Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz Closing date 13 August 2021. Good Luck!

Join the dots & colour in

Competitions

Competitions

Win a Tablet with Tiny Pop’s Monster-Saurus Summer

To celebrate a whole summer of fun on Tiny Pop, we’re giving one lucky reader an Amazon Fire 7 Tablet!

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is complete and cut out the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them both to Tiny Pop Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG. The closing Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Win Family Tickets to Gonger Paws and in the Park aOrFamily Ticket to date is FridayWin 23 July. scan a copy of your completed form and more forPark, exciting adventures dayin the UK Paws in the the largest outdoor every dog show Answer the call of the wild at with ‘Tiny Pop’ as the email it to competitions@primarytimes.biz with Summer! and theTiny best Pop’s day outMonster-Saurus for you and your dog, returns on Chessington World of Adventures subject.

18-19 September at the Kent Showground, Detling.

Resort. Gasp, giggle, shriek and Enjoy a weekend packedWatch Elmo’s World, Find and the do things scream as you see with superb arena G R U A S MOM Cookie Monster’s following you’ve never seen or done before. entertainment and words Foodie Truck, Esme & Roy, Stare wide-V O Y K C I R H demonstrations, exciting • Cookie Gigantosaurus, DinoCity E G N O G A Y R endangered eyed encountering ‘have a go’ dog activities plus • Monster and lots lots more, superb shopping for your C P L DtheRnew animals and E Obrave R even • Gonger furry friends. It’s a pawfect every day from 24 July • Elmo JAW-dropping adventure in 2021 Y S M K I Y K C • Tiny- •Croc Roy Drop. Will you brave the day out with the kids too! on Tiny Pop! • Rocky • Ricky T M L M N B Y D All dogs are welcome to release • Tyradrop • Esme O O C I K Croc E curse?

F E the whatever their size, age Drop joins the ride line-up of over • MomSaur and ability and there areAvailable on R E T S N OM K 40 attractions, alongside family endless K9 activities for you and your dog to take part in. IfFreeview one 207, favourites such as Elmer’s Flying day is not enough, you can stay for the whole weekend with Name .....................................................................

Youview 207, excellent camping facilities.

Jumbos.

Age .........................................................................

Sky 615, For more information or to book online visit Can’t wait to visit? Tickets must be Address ..................................................................

Virgin 737 and www.pawsinthepark.net pre-booked in advance at www.chessington.com. ................................................................................

MDS Shows in partnership with Primary Times are givingFreesat 605.

For your chance ................................................................................ to win a family ticket, tell us the name away 5 family tickets (2 adults & up to 3 children) to Paws inSesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. © 2021 of Chessington’s new ride.

For detals of how to enter, School ..................................................................... the Park. To get your paws on a set, tell us where Paws in please see the bottom of this page. the Park takes place. See below for details of how to enter.

Win a Tablet with Tiny Pop’s Monster-Saurus Summer

Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Gonger and more for exciting adventures every day with Tiny Pop’s Monster-Saurus Summer!

To celebrate a whole summer of fun on Tiny Pop, we’re giving one lucky reader an Amazon Fire 7 Tablet!

To be in with a chance of winning this Find the G R U A S MO fabulous prize, all you need to do is following V O Y K C I R complete and cut out the word search. words Then fill out the form with your details • Cookie A Y R E G N O • Monster and send them both to Tiny Pop R E O L D R C • Gonger Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG. • Elmo Y S M K I Y K The closing date is Friday 23 July. Or • Tiny • Roy T M L M N B Y scan a copy of your completed form • Rocky • Ricky F E E I K O O • Tyra • Esme and email it to competitions@ • MomSaur primarytimes.biz with ‘Tiny Pop’ as R E T S N OM the subject.

Watch Elmo’s World, Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck, Esme & Roy, Gigantosaurus, DinoCity and lots lots more, every day from 24 July on Tiny Pop! Available on Freeview 207, Youview 207, Sky 615, Virgin 737 and Freesat 605.

M H G P C D C K

Name .....................................................................

Age .........................................................................

Address .................................................................. ................................................................................ ...............................................................................

School.....................................................................

© 2021 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.

Tiny Pop COMP.indd 1

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG.

28/06/2021 14:52

Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to

competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 23 July 2021.

If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

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What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for July and August

July place in Japan every year on the 7 July. Designed for children 4-7 years. For more information, visit www. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk.

Thurs 22 Jul

Archery & Fossil Hunting, Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 0BF (Also 24, 29, 31 Jul and selected dates in Aug) Go for gold at the archery range and then explore the fossil hunting quarry for prehistoric plants from the past. Charges

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. apply and all paying children MUST be accompanied by a paying adult. Ages 7+. To book visit www.betteshangerpark.co.uk.

Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines This is a lovely book, written by South London science teacher, Alom Shaha, passing on the recycling message but also trying to inspire children and parents to be as excited as he is about making things. It’s illustrated beautifully by Emily Robertson.

In Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines, he gives you simple instructions for building toys which fly, spin, whizz, and pop. To encourage recycling and re-use, everything in the book is made from household items you’ve probably got lying around.

This book gives clear, stepby-step instructions for over 15 projects. Whether you’re a master engineer or a total beginner, it will spark inspiration for fun activities to engage young people in the marvels of machinery.

And it’s not just a book.You’ll find it includes links to download activity sheets, watch instructional videos, and join Mr Shaha’s community of wondersmiths.

At the heart of the book is the idea that we don’t have to be buying new stuff all the time, instead we can make our own stuff and learn about engineering and science at the same time. Discover the joy of making, and develop your creativity, scientific thinking, problem solving, and practical skills.

Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines will be published by Scribble on 8 July at a recommended price of £12.99. It will be available from high street and online bookshops.

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Thurs 22 Jul-Fri 27 Aug Summer Holiday Club, Maidstone YMCA, ME15 6BD Activities include roller skating, football, basketball, cooking, arts & crafts, plus Wow Wednesday and much more. To book a place visit www.maidstoneymca.org.uk

Thurs 22 Jul-Tues 31 Aug

Summer Fun, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY 10am-4.30pm. At the Hop Farm Family Park kids can enjoy bouncing on the giant jumping pillows, thrilling children’s rides and get up close to the animals in Hopper’s animal farm. To book tickets visit www. thehopfarm.co.uk.

Spellbound Summer, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Take part in a series of activities over the summer holidays, go dressed as your favourite fairy-tale characters, witch or wizard and the best dressed will receive a certificate. You can find full details of the activities which are included in the admission rate at www.hevercastle. co.uk.

Wild One’s Forest School, Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 0BF Days in the forest will be packed with learning how to use a whole range of different tools including woodland crafts, lighting fires, camp fire cooking, building dens, climbing trees and exploring the amazing forest school.

Ages 5-11. Charges apply, to book, visit www.betteshangerpark.co.uk.

Sat 24 Jul

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Margate Beach 7.30pm. Think gothic fantasy meets RuPaul’s Drag Race, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be another unmissable Changeling production. A funny, fantastical feast that will delight all ages. To book tickets visit www.changelingtheatre.com.

Sat 24-Sun 25 Jul

Festival of Bees, Detling Hill, Maidstone, ME14 3JE 9am-4pm. This festival will be full of talks from beekeepers and other interesting areas of nature, as well as activity workshops, the chance to open a hive and inspect bees with a beekeeper plus fun and games for all the family. To buy tickets visit www.festival-ofbees.com.

Railway Day, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, you just have a casual interest or you want to re-live childhood memories, this is the perfect photo opportunity to get up close to the historic railway and chat to knowledgeable volunteers.

For more information, visit thedockyard.co.uk.

Sat 24 Jul-Tues 31 Aug

Castle Kids Obstacle Course, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Get ready to climb and crawl through rope tunnels, under nets and swing across monkey bars at the brandnew obstacle course located near the maze and aimed at children aged 8 to 12 years.

Included with the price of admission. To book tickets, visit www.leeds-castle.com.

The Big Book of Leeds Castle-y Challenges, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Join in the adventure this summer and spend the holidays on a mission to For lots more What’s On ideas see page 18...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

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Film Preview Guide The Paw Patrol Movie When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favourite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head on.While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty.Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City! The Paw Patrol Movie is in cinemas on 9 August

Extinct Op and Ed are sister and brother flummels - cute, furry donut-shaped animals who live on an island in the Galapagos in 1835. Ed, a grumpy pessimist, desperately wants to fit in with the community while Op, overly exuberant, constantly creates havoc that makes them outsiders. Follow them as they plummet through a colourful time portal and pop out into a house in… modern day Shanghai.

Meet Clarance, an adorable little dog who isn’t quite as cute as he seems. Op and Ed meet ‘The Extinctables’ - a family of odd, extinct creatures – and with their help, the siblings race against time to stop Clarance’s evil plans and save the flummels.

Extinct is released on Sky Cinema on 20 August.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania Drac and the pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania:Transformania. Reunite with your favourite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac with his most terrifying task yet.When Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterfication Ray’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy.With help from Mavis and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.Transformania is only at cinemas from 23 July

Jungle Cruise

Moonbound Moonbound is an out-of-this-world family adventure.

Think Wall-E meets Over the Moon.This gorgeous and charming new feature animation follows one boy and his sister on a race against time to restore peace to the Milky Way. Based on one of Germany’s most popular children’s books, Moonbound tells the story of little Pete who embarks on an enchanting journey together with June bug Mr Zoomzeman and the Sandman to rescue his little sister from the evil Moon Man. Moonbound is in cinemas nationwide from 6 August.

Space Jam: A New Legacy Welcome to the Jam! NBA champion and global icon LeBron James goes on an epic adventure alongside timeless Tune Bugs Bunny with the animated/live-action event ‘Space Jam:A New Legacy’.This transformational journey is a manic mashup of two worlds that reveals just how far some parents will go to connect with their kids.When LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue AI, LeBron must get them home safe by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the AI’s digitised champions on the court: a powered-up roster of professional basketball stars as you’ve never seen them before. It’s Tunes versus Goons as the ready-for-action Tunes destroy convention, supercharge their unique talents and surprise even ‘King’ James by playing the game their own way. Space Jam:A New Legacy will be released nationwide on 16 July.

Photo credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

Spirit Untamed This is an epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong who discovers a kindred spirit when her life intersects with a wild horse. Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in the Spirit story following on from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002). Lucky Prescott moves back to a sleepy little town with her aunt and she is unimpressed. She has a change of heart when she meets Spirit, a wild Mustang who shares her independent streak, and befriends two local horseback riders.When a heartless horse wrangler and his team plan to capture Spirit and his herd and auction them off to a life of captivity and hard labour, Lucky enlists her new friends and bravely embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to rescue the horse who has given her freedom and a sense of purpose, and has helped Lucky discover a connection to her Mexican heritage that she never expected. Spirit Untamed is released in cinemas on 30 July.

The Croods 2: A New Age

The Croods have survived their fair share When Disney made a film based on a Disneyland of dangers and disasters, from fanged prehistoric beasts to being forced to come ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, it was so successful out into the light and leave their cave forever. that it spawned numerous sequels.The latest ride But now they will face their biggest challenge to get the film treatment is Jungle Cruise, one of of all - another family.The first prehistoric the earliest Adventureland rides and still popular at family sets off into the world in search Disney parks across the world. Dr Lily Houghton of a safer place to call home.When they enlists the aid of wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff discover an idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their needs, they think to take her down the Amazon in his ramshackle their problems are solved... except for one thing.Another family already lives there, the boat.Together, they search for an ancient tree that Bettermans.When the Bettermans temporarily invite the Croods into their home filled with creature comforts, it isn’t long before tensions escalate between this cave family and holds the power to heal - a discovery that will change the future of medicine.The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and Jack Whitehall.The film is due to be in cinemas a modern one. Just when all seems lost, a new threat will propel both families on an epic adventure, one that will force them to embrace their differences, draw strength from each from 30 July. other and forge a future together.The Croods 2:A New Age is released on 16 July.

Photo credit: Frank Masi

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What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for July and August

July

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

try and complete 55 Leeds Castle challenges. Enjoy lots of different family friendly experiences from taking a picture holding the Castle in your hand to getting lost in the maze. To find out more visit www.leeds-castle.com

Sat 24 Jul-Sun 5 Sept

Summer Fun, Broadditch Farm, Southfleet, DA13 9PU Go back to nature and keep busy with the scavenger hunt challenges and activities as you navigate around the woods. There is also a Maize Experience but with no dead-ends so you can’t get lost! Charges apply. For more information visit www. broadditch.co.uk.

Sun 25 Jul

The Mason Mile, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7RN 11am-2pm. Go and do “Your Mile,Your Way”. A free community event, with something for everyone, designed to improve the well-being of people and families. No need to register, just turn up on the day. For more information, visit www. themasonmile.com.

Community Fun Day, Cherry Orchard Field, Herne Bay, CT6 7HD 11.30am-4.30pm. Go along to this free family event this summer which includes a magic show, bouncy castle, inflatables, music, BBQs, raffles, crafts, classic cars and much more to keep the whole family entertained. For more information visit www. strodepark.co.uk.

Mon 26 Jul

Betteshanger Activity Club, Deal, CT14 0BF (Also 27, 28 Jul and selected dates in Aug) Get your kids involved with outdoor

activities and games such as mountain biking, Battlezone archery, fossil hunting, Geocaching and orienteering.

Ages 9-14. Charges apply, to book, visit www.betteshangerpark.co.uk.

Tues 27 Jul

Falconry Displays, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG (Also on 28, 29, 30 Jul and selected dates in August) Be entertained by the falconry displays from Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre. After the displays you get a chance to see the birds up close. To book tickets visit www.hever. co.uk.

Wed 28 Jul

Kids Summer Gardening Session, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME15 8XZ (Also 4, 11, 18, 25 Aug) 10am-2pm. These practical and fun one-off sessions encourage children to experience growing the food we eat in a wildlife friendly way and there will always be something to take home at the end. For information and to book a place visit www. brogdalecollections.org

Fri 30 Jul

Wildlife Walk Experience, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. Join a group of up to 20 people for a one hour wildlife walk

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with naturalist and wildlife detective Ed Drewitt.

Suitable for adults and children 7 years and over. To book tickets visit www.hever. co.uk.

Fri 30 Jul – Sun 1 Aug

Enchanted Leonardslee, Lower Beeding, RH13 6PP (Also 6-8 Aug) The Enchanted Arena includes live music, breathtaking trapeze shows, street theatre, circus, baby unicorn rides and new for 2021 the Enchanted Woodland Trail. For more information and to book tickets visit www. enchantedleonardslee.co.uk.

Sat 31 Jul – Sun 1 Aug Fire Show, Headcorn Aerodrome, TN27 9HX 10am-5pm. Organised by the Fire Service Preservation Group the Headcorn Fire Show, Planes Fire and Rescue is a weekend family event to celebrate the history of the fire service from Victorian times through to today.

Tickets must be purchased online for this event. To book visit www.visit1maidstone. com Model Railway Weekend, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL Where miniature meets full size! Expect an array of tiny worlds, all expertly modelled and brought to life by the steam and diesel locomotives that wind their way along the tracks. To book tickets visit www.bluebellrailway.com

Sat 31 Jul-Sun 15 Aug Circus Zyair, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY High energy spectacle abounds as Circus Zyair presents its show beneath a big-top tent. A blend of

clowns, acrobats, jugglers plies its distinctive talents before fearless daredevils brave the high wire and wheel of death.

To buy tickets visit www.zyair. co.uk

Sat 31 Jul – Mon 30 Aug

Doc. Yard’s Summer Show, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ After a year of lockdowns and self-isolation, Doc.Yard is bursting with excitement to escape his secret lab and share his love of science with you.You’ll participate in hands-on science experiments before meeting Doc and Bunsen in their allnew interactive show. To book tickets visit thedockyard.co.uk

August Sun 1 Aug

Star Wars – A New Hope (U), Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL (Gates open 7.30pm, Film starts 9pm). Dress up, soak in the atmosphere and sit back to enjoy the original 1977 space epic film written and directed by George Lucas.

Open Air Cinema. To book visit www.leedscastle.com Music4Martha at The Square, Deal Enjoy this free event outside Dunkerley’s, The King’s Head and the Port Arms, with live music and lots of family fun including face painting, table magic, Solley’s ice cream, raffle and an auction. All proceeds will help transform the lives of people with profound disabilities. For more information, visit marthatrust. org.uk.

Tues 3 Aug

Amazing Animal World, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA (Also 11, 19 & 27 Aug) 10am2pm. Go along to one of the meet and greet session with For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

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t ’ a s h N ew W Bounce Your Way Green

If you look at pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, 95% of the waste in its waters is plastic. Similar problems are being experienced all around the planet, and it’s never too early to show children how to look after the environment.The new BioBall from Mondo, a multinational group with over 70 years of experience in the toy market, is the only ball made with a new bio-based formula, which replaces 50% of fossil-derived substances with a renewable sourced plant derivative.The new formula not only makes it the first green ball, but also contributes to improving its flexibility and, consequently, its playability.

Epic Cereal Box Creations

Planet Junko is on a mission to show that toys can be both fun and eco-friendly. Kids can use their creativity and freedom to make their own projects that can be incorporated into existing play and toys.

With Epic Cereal Box Creations, children can make almost anything, whether it’s a car, a space helmet or a unicorn. All that’s needed is a cereal box, a pencil and scissors.When finished playing, just recycle the card.To prove that toys can be exciting and sustainable, get your copy of Epic Cereal Box Creations, available at a recommended price of 14.99 from www. amazon.co.uk/junko.You get a pack with lots of ideas, clear instructions and 30 reusable ‘magic corners’.

Anyone for a Mud Pie?

Get your younger ones away from the screens with the Create & Play Wooden Mud Kitchen from Great Little Trading Company.With this stylishly designed kitchen on hand in the garden, mud pies will most definitely be on the menu! Part play kitchen, part activity centre, it offers 360 degrees of fun.With room for children to ‘cook’ or pot plants on one side and draw and paint on the other, there’s lots to keep them entertained while being out in the fresh air.There’s even a beautifully illustrated weather station on the side for budding meteorologists.The Create & Play Wooden Mud Kitchen is available for £160 from www. gltc.co.uk.

Eco-Friendly Mini Builds

Build Your Own Mini Builds are a new set of four exciting eco-friendly kits that children will have great fun building with their grownups. Designed by award-winning Build Your Own, the Mini Builds are made from 100% sustainable cardboard and paper, and once assembled, deliver maximum fun. Build your own honey bee, ladybird, stag beetle or dragonfly. Promoting less tech and more family time, the Mini Builds are designed for children aged 8+ but are ideal as a family activity, where quality time can be fun and educational. Collaborative team activities help to develop essential skills which children can use in class, with friends and in later life.These innovative plastic-free kits come with everything you need inside the box. Once a child has built them, they make a great addition to a bedroom.These Build Your Own kits cost £9.99 each and are available from www.buildyourownkits.com.

On Your Marks, Get Set… Gold!

Find out everything you could possibly need to know about becoming an Olympic and Paralympic star with this exciting guide to the Games! If you want to become a pro footballer or throw a brilliant karate chop, this book is for you. From every funny and fact filled page you can find out about each sport, skills to pick up and equipment needed to become a pro. Have you got what it takes?

On Your Marks, Get Set… Gold! is written by Scott Allen and illustrated by Antoine Corbineau, and is available to buy from high street bookstores and Amazon.

PAW Patrol Adventure City Calls

Watch out for ‘PAW Patrol Adventure City Calls’, a brand new video game based on the new film ‘PAW Patrol:The Movie’.When the PAW Patrol learns that Mayor Humdinger has taken over a buzzing metropolis, they must save Adventure City from his selfish scheming.

Grab a friend and play as Chase, Marshall, Skye, and new city girl Liberty and use their unique abilities in high-stakes rescue missions, deploy next-level gadgets and vehicles to explore the city and help the pups on the bravest mission yet. Have even more fun with minigames like ‘Pup Pup Boogie’.

Children who love PAW Patrol will be treated to more action-packed adventures with the first full-length feature film ‘PAW Patrol:The Movie’ coming to the big screen on 20 August.

‘PAW Patrol: Adventure City Calls’ launches on 13 August on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PC Digital priced at £34.

Travel Around the World

Do you have a budding explorer or a mini conservationist who has endless questions about our planet? Do they love to play David Attenborough?

Great Little Trading Company’s new Around the World range might be just the thing to ignite their curiosity.

Whether on the wall or on the floor, these beautiful maps incorporate amazing detail from the continents to the oceans and the animals who share our planet alongside us. The range includes the Around the World wall hanging, printed on thick, cotton canvas and featuring beautiful embroidered and tufted details priced at £50. The Around the World rug, priced at £185, is handcrafted and finished from 100% natural wool for maximum cosiness and extra durability. The thick wool is soft on little knees and toes, providing the perfect place for children to sit and play.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for July and August

August the animal rescue charity, join the free wildlife hunts and have a go at the Mad Hatter’s themed 9-hole crazy golf course. To find out more, visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk.

Tues 3-Wed 4 Aug

Family Art and Craft, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Free drop-in workshops with Nick Ellwood with a Gods & Goddesses theme. First come, first serve. For more information visit www.ornc.org.

Wed 4 Aug

Amazing Animal World, Millbrook Garden Centre, Tonbridge, TN12 9BT (Also 10, 20 & 26 Aug) 10am2pm. Go along to one of the meet and greet sessions with the animal rescue charity, join the free wildlife hunts and have a go at the Mad Hatter’s themed 9-hole crazy golf course. To find out more, visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk.

60 Plus 1, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL Help celebrate the volunteer achievements from over the last 60 years with a weekend of displays, activities, music, festivities and, of course, steam engines. Kids Kingdom will provide fun and games suitable for all ages.

To book tickets visit www. bluebellrailway.com

Fri 6-Fri 13 Aug

Broadstairs Folk Week, Venues Around the Town Take your family along to the Hobby Horse Club for free entertainment at the bandstand, visit the new craft and music fair on the seafront and if you fancy the full festival experience, pitch up your tent at the Folk Week campsite. For full details visit www.broadstairsfolkweek. org.uk.

Fri 6 Aug

Kids Outdoor Music Workshops, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME15 8XZ (Also 13 Aug) Learn a piece of percussion-based music using the samba instruments and incorporating Brogdale’s own instruments in the World Music Garden. Ages 7+. To book, visit www. brogdalecollections.org.

Fri 6-Sun 8 Aug

Summer Diesel Gala, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Spend the weekend enjoying classic 1960s traction and ‘Real Ale and Fish & Chip Supper’ trains on Fri 6 and Sat 7 departing from Tunbridge Wells West both evenings for three return trips to Eridge. For more details visit www. spavalleyrailway.co.uk.

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Sat 14 Aug,

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Hairspray (PG), Outdoor Cinema, Strode Park, Herne, CT6 7NE In 1960s Baltimore, danceloving teen Tracy Turnblad auditions for a spot on “The Corny Collins Show” and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, but her journey is interrupted when she becomes a victim of racial discrimination and decides to fight back. To book tickets visit www.strodepark.org.uk

Sun 15 Aug

Superhero 5K, 10K and Fun Run, Hartsdown Park, Margate, CT9 5QZ Be a fundraising superhero and help raise funds for the Kent Association for the Blind (KAB). There will also be a family fun run, stalls and a mini event village. For full details go to www.visitthanet. co.uk.

fundraise for your PTA or favourite charity? Visit www.

KmCharityTeam.co.uk/ booking

Wed 25-Thurs 26 Aug

Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME15 8XZ 10am-12 noon or 1-3pm.

Get outdoors and cook over fire using the very best local, seasonal and foraged foods.

This two hour workshop includes a tour of Brogdale Collections’ stunning Heritage fruit collection.

Ages 4+. To book, visit www. brogdalecollections.org.

Sun 27 Aug

The Mason Mile, King George VI Park, Ramsgate, CT11 8BD 11am-2pm. Go and do “Your Mile,Your Way”. A free community event, with something for everyone, designed to improve the well-being of people and families. No need to register, just turn up on the day. For more information, visit www. themasonmile.com.

Tues 17-Wed 18 Aug Sat 7–Sun 8 Aug

Rock the Mote 2021, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU 11am-10pm. Don’t miss out on 24 of the world’s finest tribute acts as they perform live in Mote Park. There will also be a circus school and fun fair. To book tickets visit www.visitmaidstone.com.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

Juicing, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME15 8XZ Walk through the orchards, where you can see more than 3,200 varieties of apples, cherries, pears and plums growing and then pick some seasonal fruit from the special heritage orchards and the kids can have a go at making their own juice.

Ages 4+. To book visit www. brogdalecollections.org.

Sun 22 Aug

KM Colour Run, Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, CT14 0BF Fun for all the family getting showered in vibrant coloured powder as you walk, jog or run 5K to earn your medals! And why not

Sat 28 Aug

Bubble Rush, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7RN Bubble Rush is a fun run like no other! You’ll start in a sea of foam and as you go around the 2.5km course you’ll encounter four bubble stations pumping out different coloured bubbles.

Limited tickets available. To book visit the event page at www.demelza.org.uk.

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

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Creative Writing With

Julia Donaldson

Primary Times chats with Julia Donaldson, famous author of The Gruffalo and countless others children’s books, to get her expertise on how we can inspire young minds to write creatively!

Julia Donaldson CBE is an English writer, playwright, performer, and the 2011–2013 Children’s Laureate. She is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which includes The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man, and Lydia Monk who illustrated Sharing a Shell and What The Ladybird Heard.

Julia’s Past and Present

As a child, Julia dabbled in her own creative writing. “I grew up in a house with my parents, aunt, uncle and my grandparents. My grandmother always used to save me big brown envelopes to write on. My first story, I recall, was about a wizard who lost his tail.

I remember at school writing a story about a rabbit. An orange rabbit running away from a farmer, perhaps there’s a little bit of Beatrix Potter in there? My latest book, and all my books really, are still similar in nature to those I wrote while at primary school.”

Julia continues to write many children’s books. In 2020, she wrote her fourth book in the Ladybird series, entitled, ‘What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside’. “In every book (in the Ladybird series) there’s this comic duo, Lanky Len and Hefty Hugh who are bungling robbers who always have a plan to steal something. In this latest book they are trying to cut off a mermaid’s hair and sell it to a wealthy famous star. The ladybird gets the seaside animals to thwart the plan. The first two ladybird books have noises, and the latest book has sounds from the sea. The book is illustrated beautifully by Lydia Monk who has illustrated a number of my books now. In fact, the idea of the first Ladybird book came after Lydia and I worked on our book Sharing a Shell and she suggested that we work on a book about farmyard animals, so while on a walk with my son we came up with the Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len characters.”

Inspire Writing

With her own childhood perspectives and her talent for writing children’s fiction, Julia tells us that, to help a child get into the flow of writing, they could start out writing scripts as they are a less descriptive, plot focused, and fast form of creative writing. “I think children love to write short plays. I know I did when I was younger, as it’s actually easier to write a play than a book. You don’t have to write all the descriptive parts with a play like you do with a book.”

If the creative juices just aren’t flowing however, Julia advises that, “Children could take an already well-known story and characters, say the Three Little Pigs, and just create a play about them doing something.”

For parents it’s important to encourage creative writing to help develop literacy skills and inspire imagination. As the 2011-2013 Children’s Laureate, Julia has spent a lot of time promoting reading and writing in many schools and libraries across the UK. During this time she has created her own tips that adults can use to help encourage children’s writing. “When I was a working with children, I would ask them to create a character and give the character a problem. Then make the problem get worse before it gets better. Don’t solve the problem too soon, or maybe trying to solve it gets worse, and then come up with ways the problem gets solved. Following this flow can help channel the creativity. It’s very

hard to create a plot but a child’s imagination can run wild and I would say let the child write about whatever they want to write about without laying down the law to them.”

Between Light and Dark

Children’s literature can be quite dark and scary at times, such as The Gruffalo and The Stick Man. Julia has been able to find that balance of light and dark in her writing and creates twists and turns that make for exciting tales. “Well I think all stories are like this, not just children’s stories, and that’s what makes them interesting.

If you can take the character out of their comfort zone, say when they’re threatened, and they have to pit their wits against an opponent and often things get worse before they get better - because it would be a bit boring if things got solved right away. So I feel that’s the nature of all good stories. There needs to be a dark or threatening aspect, but with all my children’s stories the bad element gets conquered. I think kids like being scared to some extent. My own children were riveted by the troll and the Three Billy Goats Gruff. I remember my sister and I had a book of Greek myths called Tanglewood Tales: Jason and the Golden Fleece and there was a picture of the cut fleece hanging on a tree next to a serpent and we were intrigued by it but also terrified and fascinated.”

The Woolly Bear Caterpillar is the newest children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Yuval Zommer (Macmillan Children’s Books, £12.99)

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for July and August

August Sat 28-Sun 29 Aug

bOing! Festival, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NB A magical weekend of performance and creativity for all ages with the very best in theatre, dance, films and fun for all the family.

For full details visit www. boingfestival.com.

Brogdale Cider Trail, Faversham, ME15 8XZ Brogdale rolls up the barn doors to local producers of Artisan and specialist cider. Entertainment will include live music, activities for little festival goers, fair games and of course cider making demonstrations.

For more details visit www. brogdalecollections.org.

Sat 28-Mon 30 August

Military Odyssey, Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF With over 4,000 re-enactors and living history enthusiasts in attendance as well as over 250 stalls and 200 vehicles, Military Odyssey is the world’s largest re-enactment show with something for everyone. To book tickets visit www.military-odyssey. com.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL The ideal bank holiday day out with bear hunts, games, prizes and fun for all the family and there’s free travel for all children who bring their favourite teddy! To find out more and pre-order your picnic visit www.bluebellrailway.com

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Sun 29 Aug

Kent Tribute Festival 2021, Strode Park House, Herne, CT6 7NE A fantastic day out for people of all ages, plus a fundraiser for The Strode Park Foundation. Includes bouncy castles, face painting, reptile and lizard displays and some beautiful birds of prey from Southeast Falconry. Charges apply. For more information, visit www.strodepark.org.uk.

Sun 29-Mon 30 Aug

Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show, Lingfield, RH7 6LL A family day out where you’ll find close-up encounters with animals of all sizes, from farm animals to pets, poultry, horses, working dogs, falconry, ferrets, bees and bats plus competitions and the best local food and drink . For more information, visit www. edenbridge-show.co.uk.

Sun 29-Tues 31 Aug

Hever in History, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Get up close to weaponry and suits of armour and try them on for size. There will be two arenas where ad-hoc battle displays and demonstrations will take place, plus the Knights of Royal England will return to the annual Jousting Tournament. To book tickets visit www.hevercastle.co.uk.

5 July-31 August 2021

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September Sat 4 Sep

Let’s Rock Kent, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU 10.30am-10.30pm. This one day retro festival comes to Maidstone’s Mote Park with performers including Wet Wet Wet, ABC, Howard Jones, Sister Sledge and many more.

Take along a picnic or buy from a large variety of food stalls. To book tickets go to www.visitmaidstone.com.

Heritage Orchard Days, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME15 8XZ (Also 5, 25, 26 Sep and 16, 17 Oct) Go along for a fun family day out and delight in the wonderful orchards bursting with fruit, try some traditional juice pressing, sample homemade ciders and much more. For more information and to book tickets visit www.brogdalecollections.org.

Social bubbles can be seated together in combinations of up to 4 adults and 2 children.

For more information visit www.rhdr.org.uk.

Sat 11 Sep

Walk this Way, Demelza Kent to Demelza Eltham Help raise money for Demelza by walking 65km from their Kent hospice to the Eltham hospice or choose a half distance of 35km and start in Gravesend.

Registration costs £35 and minimum sponsorship targets apply.Visit the event page for more details at www.demelza. org.uk.

Boot & Autumn Fair, Lord Whisky Sanctuary, Canterbury, CT4 6AN Boots from 8am and entertainment from 11am including tombola, raffle and hot and cold refreshments.

For more information, visit www.lordwhisky.co.uk or call 01303 862 622.

Sat 18-Sun 19 Sep

Paws in the Park, The Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF

Sun 5 Sep

Circus Starr, Victoria Recreation Ground, Canterbury, CT2 8PZ 4.45pm. Circus fun for children with disabilities or facing challenges such as bereavement or living with a life-limiting condition. Every child is free to be themselves, shout with joy, move to the music or appear centre stage!

Visit www.circus-starr.org.uk to book tickets.

From the high-jumping antics of agility dogs to the skill and patience of the popular Guide Dogs and Gun Dogs displays, you’ll be amazed, delighted and surprised by just what our canine companions can do! For more information and to book tickets visit www. pawsinthepark.net.

Our next copy deadline is Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

Bus Rally Day, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Hythe Station, TN28 8PL Take a nostalgic journey by steam train to visit this annual vintage Bus Rally where you will find over 30 vintage buses, coaches and taxis in the car park area.

13 August 2021.

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All your own work!

Anushka Verma aged 6

Zayne NCube aged 9

Nagendran competitions in our May Half Term issue. Alexander Congratulations to the following people who won a Kastercum, Indian Fogt, Zuzia were ers winn Pigs game won VIP tickets to see Zippo's Circus. Giant Pass the s e and Maisee Goodale-Gardner won our Winning Book Leo Blackwell, Wilf Brakewell and Zach Deboo. Esme el l winners were Jessica Moore and Erin Naude. Samu competition. Our lucky Razzamataz Summer Schoo books. and Scarlett Reynolds won Do You Love Dinosaurs?

Croft, Rupert Bentley, Oliver Offord, Nicolas Stipp a won Christine Shelley and Lydia Gough. Anushka Verm Our Maya the Bee competition winners were Mrs to all our done Well e.

NCub e Zayn was er Our older winn the Annie's colouring competition for the under 8's. artwork! competition winners on this page and enjoy all the

Thank you to Genesis Olatunde, Nicole Masek Gil, Florence Newton and Vera Masek Gil for their lovely, fun, colourful drawings.

We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

If you would like to see your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Lapland This holiday is operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd - ABTA V7812 ATOL 2325

Santa Experience Day Trip

Fly direct from your local airport to a still, white wilderness high above the Arctic Circle, where amongst the snowy forests, in a land inhabited by the ancient Sami people, with their husky dogs and herds of reindeer, as children of all ages know, there also lives, hidden from view, a Very Special Person.

Deposit £99pp Flying from London Gatwick 4 December 2021

From £665 per adult £579 per child

Your Lapland Day Break price includes: · Return flights to Pajala in Swedish Lapland, North of the Arctic Circle · Search for Santa experience · Private Santa Meeting · A child’s token gift · Snowmobile Adventure · Reindeer Sleigh Ride · Husky Dog Experience

· Tobogganing, snowballing and snowman-making · Thermal Clothing · Lunch · In-flight catering · Return airport transfers to Santa’s Village · A Perfect Family Memory

See more details of this and other great offers at www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/ptm For further information, to book or to request a brochure please call

0330 160 7927 and quote PTM