News & views Clubs & classes Out & about Health Parenting Education

News & views
Clubs & classes
Out & about
Health
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2 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

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 Families London–Kent
 Borders Magazine
 or Twitter @familieslkb

In this issue...
ISSUE 49: MAY - JUNE 2019

4 
 Family News
 Ban idling cars near schools,
 learning life-saving skills,
 foster care fortnight

7 
 Parenting
 The future of work

8 Health
 How to sleep better

9 
 Clubs and classes
 Holiday camps and more 13 gNaardtioennainlgchwildeerek n's
11 
 Families
 It's party time!
 Front cover:
 Deposit Photos

12 
 Out & About Editor:
 The best of What’s On near Mima Walia 07792 006546
 editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk
 you this Spring Design: Kevin Smith
 Listings Editor: Anna Blackshaw

 Fundamental Movement Skills

 Gymnastics based program for children aged
 Gymnastics based program for
 from 18 months to five years to discover,
 children aged from 18 months to
 explore and learn fundamental movement
 five years to discover, explore and
 skills in a fun and engaging way.
 learn fundamental movement skills
 in a fun and engaging way.
 Improve your child’s fitness and confidence!
 Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Print
 Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group Improve your child’s fitness and
 are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is Parent & Toddler and Independent classes
 confidence!
 a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta held in Bickley, Bromley and Orpington.
 Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of
 Families London-Kent Borders are fully protected by copyright and
 Parent & Toddler and Independent
 none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in classes held in
 For more details andBickley, Bromley
 how to book classes
 any form without prior consent of Families London-Kent Borders. and
 pleaseOrpington.
 contact us:
 Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the 07976720908
 franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing Alternatively email
 For more details and howcherylene@yunimoves.com
 to book classes please contact us:
 cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the
 www.yunimoves.com
 accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. 07976720908
 Alternatively email cherylene@yunimoves.com
 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019
 www.yunimoves.com
 3

Family News

 Ban cars from
 idling near schools
 Cars should not be allowed to idle with
 engines on when parked near schools, a
 report has proposed.

 Public Health England has recommended
 local authorities “consider a range of
 interventions” to protect children from the
 harmful impacts of air pollution.

 The report says air pollution was the biggest
 environmental threat to health in the UK.
 Air pollution is linked to up to 36,000
 premature deaths in the UK each year and
 more than 2,000 schools and nurseries are
 near to roads with damaging levels of motor
 emissions.

 This report has been followed by a survey of
 teachers by YouGov which found that nearly
 two-thirds would support a ban on cars
 outside school gates during school drop off
 and pick up times.

 More than half (59%) of the teachers
 surveyed want the Government to take urgent Parent school holiday fines
 at record level
 action to improve air quality near schools.

WALK TO SCHOOL
WEEK 2019
T housands of children across the UK will
 celebrate the benefits of walking during
national Walk to School Week from 20 to 24 May.

Families will be encouraged to walk to school for
the whole week to see the big differences that
come from small steps: from healthier and happier The number of fines issued to parents in England for taking
children, to fewer cars outside the school gates. children on term time holidays has risen to record levels,
 according to figures from the Department of Education (FfE).
Walking to school is an easy way for children to
fit more activity into their day whilst also helping Penalty notices for unauthorised absences rose to 260,000 in
them to develop vital road safety skills. 2017-18, an increase of 110,000 compared with the previous
 year. "Unauthorised family holiday absence" was the most
 common reason for attendance fines, the DfE said.
As awareness grows of the dangers of air pollution
on our health, walking to school is a positive action
 In September 2013 the government changed the law so head
people can take to help clean up our air.
 teachers could only grant a leave of absence to pupils during
 term time in "exceptional circumstances", such as funerals.
Special Walk to School Week classroom packs are
available for school pupils containing wallcharts, Councils can require parents to pay £60 each per child taken
stickers, diaries and fun walking journey activities. out of school without permission. This rises to £120 if not paid
For more about Walk to School Week, visit livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw within 21 days, and after 28 days parents can be prosecuted.

4 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Family News

FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT
You Can Make a Difference
Foster Care Fortnight™ runs from 13 to 26 May and
is the UK's biggest foster carer awareness raising
campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity,
The Fostering Network.

 The campaign showcases
 the commitment, passion
 and dedication of foster
 carers. It demonstrates
 that 'foster care transforms LEARNING LIFE-SAVING SKILLS
 lives' - not just the lives of
 the young people who are TO BECOME COMPULSORY
 fostered, but also those Beginning in 2020, all state schools in England will be
 of foster carers and their required to teach “life-saving skills” under new plans
 families and friends. for health education announced by the Government.
 According to draft guidelines released by the
 Undoubtedly fostering
 Department of Education, primary school children are
 is challenging but there
 set to learn basic first aid, as well as steps they can
 are tremendous rewards
 take to protect and support the health and wellbeing of
 including making a positive
 others, including calling emergency services. Children
 difference to a vulnerable
 age 5 years will learn basic first aid and children as
 child or young person,
 young as 11 years will be shown CPR at school.
opportunities to expand skills through training courses,
the chance to develop relationships that can last a lifetime
 "Learning the basic skills of first aid and techniques like
and generous financial incentives. The satisfaction and
 CPR will give young people the confidence to know that
pride in helping a young person with difficulties develop
 they can step in to help someone else in need and in the
into a rounded individual is the ultimate
 most extreme cases - it could potentially save a life”
reward for the majority of foster carers.
 announced Education Secretary, Damian Hinds.
For more information, visit More info visit: www.gov.uk/government/news
www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/couldyoufoster

FIRST CLIMATE CHANGE TEACHERS TO BE TAUGHT IN THE UK

T eachers across the country have the opportunity to become
 the first climate change teachers accredited by the UN.

This one of a kind climate change education programme will use
innovative learning technology so teachers can learn at home or on
the go. The aim is to make sure teachers can help protect the climate
by educating their students with the latest data and information on
climate change, sustainability, and the green economy.

Education provider YPO sponsors this FREE, global education
programme. All you have to do is sign up to Harwood Education’s
UN CC: Learn Teacher Academy.

The course, which takes just 8 hours to complete explores the
science that supports the existence and effects of Climate Change
on children, cities, human health, and gender.
If you work in a school or want to get your child's school involved go to
www.unccteacheracademy.com to find out more.

 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019 5

Wellbeing
Education

Maths Anxiety
Affecting Young
Children
Children as young as eight can feel fear,
rage and despair as a result of “maths
anxiety”, a condition which can severely
disrupt their performance.

Researchers at Cambridge University
recently surveyed 2,700 primary and
secondary students and found that a
feeling that maths was more difficult than
other subjects often contributed to maths
anxiety and loss of confidence.

Researchers say maths anxiety should be treated as a “real
concern” because children suffering from it do not fulfil
their true maths ability and can find themselves locked in
a vicious circle; suffering from anxiety which harms their
 UNLEASH THE
maths performance, which in turn leads to increased MAGIC IN
anxiety. Even children who have normal competency levels
in maths may avoid it because they feel anxious. YOUR CHILD
 If you were about to meet
Key triggers for anxiety include poor marks, test pressures,
 an author, what would
teasing by fellow pupils and a confusing mix of teaching
 you wear? That’s an easy
methods, the study found. More info at www.cam.ac.uk/research/news
 question for the Reception
 class at Russell House - a
 magic hat of course!

 The children had read how a magic hat helped a rabbit

 11+ Mock Tests
 realise he could do anything if he tried. When the class met
 the author, that’s what they wore. Do you know what they
 learnt? It really was true – they could do anything. But the
 magic doesn’t come from the hat - it is inside them.
 11+ for Orpington Grammar schools
 Discover how Russell House helps children realise their own
 ST OLAVE’S & NEWSTEAD WOOD SUBJECTS
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 Dates: Sat 8th June, Sat 13th July
 Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR

 CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests
 BEXLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
 Dates: Fri 31st May, Sat 29th June
 Where: Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH

 Kent Subjects 11+
 Love Opportunity
 KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOLS Love Success
 Dates: Sat 8th June, Sat 13th July
 Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR
 Also in Dartford, Woolwich and Maidstone.
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 From £27.50 per paper including detailed feedback and free online test Russell House
 BOOK NOW 01959 522352
 www.mocktestmasters.com
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 ✔ Your child’s answer papers returned www.russellhouseschool.co.uk

6 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

THE FUTURE
OF WORK
What Can We Do to Prepare Our Children?
By Gabrielle Nash

It is exciting when your child heads the future
off to school for the first time. What of AI is not
will their first day be like? What to replace
will spark their interest? The goal humans but to
of school is to give your child the change what
necessary tools and skills to enter our humans are
grown-up world and ultimately find a capable of.
job. But what kind of job will that be?
 Interactive Scientific,
The world of work is undergoing a a British software
transformation and future careers company, believes that
will look very different to the those of we can teach children key
today. Many of the jobs our children skills like good communication,
will do don’t currently exist, just as persistence and problem solving,
the top ten jobs in 2011 didn’t exist in all before knowing what future
2004. As new technologies explode technologies will look like. These
onto the scene, new job opportunities skills will be vital for our children
are created. According to Randstad, to navigate an unpredictable jobs a curiosity about technology and
it is estimated that today’s students market. digital fluency is paramount, gaining
will have 10 to 14 jobs before their complex skills like coding is not the
38th birthday! What Can You Do to Prepare Your recipe for success (partly because
 Child? machines will do that very well);
What Type of Jobs? However good an education your instead it’s more personal or “soft”
Just as our parents had never child is receiving, there are very few skills that will help our children excel.
heard of job titles like “social media establishments with a futureproof
manager” or “app developer” neither curriculum, one that can wholly offer The key things to remember?
can we as parents fathom what the development of skills needed for 1. Interpersonal and communication
our children might grow up to do. getting a job in 15 to 20 years’ time. skills are vital, because the human
Redundant is the traditional question: factor in a job will still be valuable
“What do you want to be when you This is perhaps why more and 2. The ability to adapt is crucial. One
grow up?” Our children will need more emphasis could be placed set of skills will not last 20 years, so
to keep an open mind about their on vocational education. The Edge teaching a child to be resilient and
career path. Predicting what jobs Foundation works on developing comfortable with change will help
will be in demand is difficult. They the future of education. They argue them to continuously learn and evolve.
could perhaps include biomedical that old certainties like a university
engineers creating artificial organs; degree will no longer guarantee a job. So if your child seems like they’re not
interpreters (a growth industry Edge Chief Executive Alice Barnard excelling in traditional measures of
despite automated translation believes “We need to support excellence, don’t panic Instead focus
tools becoming popular); or new young people to capitalize on their on developing their other skills and
healthcare roles looking after our creativity, develop the problem- exploring all pathways. A child who is
increasing number of over-65s. All solving, communication and team- behind on maths and English might,
of these industries we know have a working skills that employers are in fact, have fantastic potential
future. crying out for.” people skills. If they’re empathetic
 and kind, or adaptable and able to
Naturally our images of the future Whilst, as parents, we might think find solutions, that could take them
workplace are dominated by artificial that giving our kids a head start with further than their academic ability
intelligence, robotics and automation. coding, for example, will equip them and give them the foundation to
And whilst it is predicted that the with the kind of skills they will need tackle a myriad of roles in the future.
“march of the robots” will remove a for the future, this is surprisingly not For more from Gabrielle Nash, read her blog
quarter of jobs, experts believe that the case. Surprisingly, whilst fostering @londonishmum

 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019 7

Health

 How to Sleep Better
 By Dr. Neil Stanley

A s we approach the run up
 to the busiest and most
stressful time of the year, any
 How do you know whether it’s
 working? Simply, if your child is
 happy, healthy and well behaved and
 Rationalise Sleeping Arrangements
 If children feel scared, insecure or
 lonely, they generally want to be
sleep difficulties you generally you and your partner feel awake, alert comforted and reassured by a parent.
experience can be heightened. and focused during the day, don’t The most natural thing in the world if
If you are a sleep deprived parent, it’s worry. If any of you are sleepy, moody they are sleeping in a separate room
most likely because you have a child and prone to temper tantrums, is to come to into your room, and
who is not sleeping well. Of course, then your sleeping habits need perhaps get into the bed. The way
there are things that you can do to improvement. you deal with this is down to you, but
help your child get a better night’s if your child is going to sleep with a
sleep, which will hopefully result Here are some of my tips on how parent, it would probably be far easier
in improved sleep for you but it is parents can sleep better: for you or your partner to relocate to
also important that parents seek to the child’s room or another bedroom,
improve their own sleep. Avoid an Overloaded Schedule if available.
 If your child does not have the time
The key to a well slept household they need to sleep, then it’s likely you Alternate Night Time Parenting
is to put in place whatever sleep won’t either. Identify and prioritise Rather than sharing the parenting
arrangements are right for you, your activities that allow for relaxation and duties every night, which just means
partner and your children - not what sufficient sleep time for yourselves that you are both disturbed, you can
your friends, neighbours, mother- and your children. alternate duties so one partner gets a
in-law, sleep experts or self-help good night sleep every other night. It is
parenting books tell you. Take a Nap, Don’t Resort to even better, if you have the space, to
 Stimulants have a ‘sleep’ bedroom and a ‘parent’
Firstly, take control of the situation If you feel sleepy during the day, room, so your children genuinely do
and agree the ‘sleep rules’ that work your body wants sleep - it does not disturb only one of you every night.
for you, your partner and child. How want to be stimulated by caffeine or
will you react to your child crying in anything else! A 20 minute power nap Get Up and Do Something Relaxing
the night or wanting to get into bed will boost your mental performance If you are disturbed during the night
with you? How will you handle their and that improvement will last for a and find it hard to go back to sleep,
resistance to going to sleep at a set few hours. Napping for more than 20 it is best to get up and do something
bed-time? What is the right bed minutes means that you risk waking relaxing, only going to bed again when
time? Once agreed, you need to stick in the deepest stage of sleep and will you feel sleepy. Lying in bed feeling
to these rules and, if they are working, feel worse when you wake than you frustrated that you are not sleeping is
don’t change them. did before your nap. counter-productive.

 Don’t Get Uptight about Not
 Sleeping
 The reality is that you will survive a
 bad night’s sleep and cope okay the
 next day. Getting over anxious about
 not sleeping will only compound
 the problem. Remember that your
 children will not always need you
 during the night – all these things
 shall eventually pass!

 Outdoor Exercise Works
 Getting exercise outside during the
 day is an ideal way to improve both
 your physical and mental health and
 aiding good sleep. You don’t have to
 jog or go to the gym - just a walk in
 the park will be beneficial.
 Dr Neil Stanley is an independent sleep expert
 and the author of How to Sleep Well: The
 Science of Sleeping Smarter, Living Better
 and Being Productive (Capstone, July 2018).
 For more information,
 visit www.thesleepconsultancy.com

8 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

 YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR HIGH QUALITY, ACTION PACKED
 AND FUN SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CAMPS!
They are a family owned company
offering outstanding Easter clubs
and summer clubs to keep children
entertained in the school holidays.
With over 80 activities on offer,
Kids love our multi-activity camps.
Their programmes have been
developed over 25 years. Trusted by
parents, we care for more children
at our Easter camps and Summer
camps than any other operator.

They run high quality Ofsted pretty good job, but just to be sure innovative programmes and activities
inspected activity day camps for we’re registered with Ofsted who to always give children a choice to
children and young people aged have graded us as 'Outstanding' keep them busy and safe. They do
4 ½ - 14 years more times than any other childcare it with enthusiasm, professionalism
 provider – 23 times since 2014. and FUN and always aim to give every
Delivering reassuring peace of mind child such an amazing experience
for parents and fantastic FUN for Committed to offering the very they can’t wait to come back!
kids. We like to think that we do a best children’s camps. Introducing www.barracudas.co.uk

DEVELOPING FUNDAMENTAL
 Perform weekly drama, dance
MOVEMENT SKILLS and singing classes for 4-12s

W e all want our children to have as many
 opportunities to be happy healthy and confident.
YuniMoves is a Bromley based, independent company set
up by Cherylene McLean: a teacher, parent and gymnastics
coach who wanted to create a new opportunity to give
toddlers and pre-schoolers a great start to developing a
healthy lifestyle and a love for learning.

YuniMoves offers a gymnastic based program for
18-months to 5-year olds to discover, explore and learn
Fundamental Movement Skills in a fun and engaging way.
The programs are intended to help children learn not only Perform is a unique children’s drama school which
physical skills but to educate them in social, linguistic has an emphasis on child development. Perform uses
and problem-solving skills. It is designed on the British a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every
Gymnastics FUNdamental Program and uses themes, child’s potential. Run by energetic and inspiring actor-
songs and props to develop body awareness whilst teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4
focussing on agility, balance and co-ordination. Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and
 Concentration.
A parent and child class is currently running in the Glades,
Bromley and classes The curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of
for children to work energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All
independently run class materials are written by Perform, with apps,
during the holidays in music downloads and videos allowing the magic to
Bickley. New classes continue at home.
are planned for 2019
in Orpington and Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Visit
other areas. www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today.
Visit www.yunimoves.com 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk / www.perform.org.uk
for more info

 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019 9

Clubs & Classes

Holiday sports camps
Youngstars are delighted to announce
that they will be delivering the Holiday
Provision of Children’s Activities at
the Eric Liddell Sports Centre, Eltham
College. The facilities are nothing
short of amazing, covering a stunning
70 acre site, there is a huge sports
hall, 4 MUGA pitches (Multi-Use
Games area), swimming pool, tennis
courts & ample field space to run our
vast selection of sports & activities.

Starting from May Half Term the
camp will be opening up it’s age range
to cater for children between 5 and 14
years. Children will be grouped by age structured and rotated arts and crafts and operate our Holiday Camps has
at the start of each day before they activities. safe guarding at the very centre of it.
embark on a day guaranteed to be full
of fun, games and excitement along Our team is a great blend of full time
with a multitude of sports including; Teachers, Activity Leaders and Sports MAY HALF TERM HOLIDAYS
Football, Hockey, Rugby, Tennis, Coaches who possess the character, Dates: Tues 28th - Fri 31st May
Swimming, Badminton, Cricket, enthusiasm and experience to deliver Times: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Athletics, Dodgeball, Tri-Golf, Netball, a fun, structured and safe Holiday (Half Day options of
Basketball & more. Every game, drill Camp. This is combined with a strong 8.30am - 1pm & 1 - 5pm)
and exercise apart from being fun, desire to work with and make a Cost: £16 p/half day, £32 p/full
is designed to improve coordination, difference with our target age group. day (£4 p/extended day)
awareness, motor skills and above all
team work. All of our venues are OFSTED All bookings can be made via the
 registered and can accept all form website www.young-stars.co.uk/
All of our Youngstars attendees need of childcare vouchers including the camps.php
a bit of downtime during their time Government’s Tax-Free vouchers.
with us; so after snack and lunchtime We take our responsibility over the For more info Email: info@young-stars.co.uk
we will be getting the creative juices safety and care of your children very Call 0845 222 1313 or 07749 343116
 www.young-stars.co.uk
flowing with 20/30 minutes of seriously and the way we structure

 COMPUTER CODING
 y C 2
 25
 sw ear ele 01
 im s o br 9
 WORKSHOPS
 IN DULWICH
 m f h ati
 in ig ng
 g h
 le qu
 ss a
 on lit
 s y Summer Holiday computer
 coding workshops
 Spark4Kids are running all-day holiday
 workshops that introduce children to computer
 coding through the medium of games. Available
 are courses on Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding,
 Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit & Arduino
 HURRY... PLACES GOING QUICKLY! coding, Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript and
 SUMMER INTENSIVE WEEK Unity/C# in a fun, engaging environment. Ages
 5-7 years, 8-12 and 13-16. The Summer Holiday
 22-26 July at Bromley High 8.15 - 10.15am
 workshops are taking place over two weeks
 Lessons at Bromley High, Bickley Park and Green Street Green
 Adult and Child Lessons at Green Street Green in Dulwich from Monday 29th July to Friday
 Swimming is an essential life skill - so make sure you get it right! 2nd August 2019, and then from Monday
 Visit our website: www.aquakids.co.uk
 12th August to Friday 16th August 2019.
 Follow us on Twitter: @aquakidsuk, Instagram: @aquakids.uk Visit www.spark4kids.com or call
 or connect with us on Facebook: Aquakids 020 8090 1444 for more details.
 Swimming Lessons that last a lifetime
10 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families

 IT'S
 Pa r t y t i m e !
P lanning your child’s birthday
 can involve deep-breathing
and military-style planning. This
annual event has kids jumping for
joy but many parents breaking out
into a cold sweat. Claire Winter
takes a look at some different party
ideas to inspire you.

Food Parties
Kids love food, so why not theme
your party around it? A pizza making
party is always winner. You can go
to your favourite pizza restaurant or
hold a DIY party at home. Cupcake
decorating parties also go down
well and the guests can take home You can also do a whole variety fancy dress options for boys and
the tasty treat instead of a party of different activities at your local girls. There are also loads of great
bag. How about a doughnut themed leisure centre. They often offer a decorations you can make, or buy if
party? They are even trending variety of swimming, inflatable and you don’t have the time!
on Pinterest! Why not set up a sports parties. Why not pick a sport
Doughnut Wall covered in a variety your child loves? You could also Another popular party is a Harry
of doughnuts? You could even check out your local trampoline park Potter party. You can make up lots
attempt a DIY version. to see what party packages they of magical games to recreate a mini
 offer. Other easy activity parties Hogwarts at home. You could also
You could also serve food that has include paintballing, bowling, laser try something a bit different like a
a surprise element to it. A cake quest and go-karting. Mexican themed party. Decorate the
that is full of sweets when you house with cacti, serve guacamole
cut it. Ice cream cones filled with Parties at Home and dips, hit a Piñata and have
savoury fillings. You could also mix If you want to host a party at home, plenty of themed games.
up healthy food with treats, such think about hiring a company to
as marshmallows and fruit kebabs help. You can even get specialists Art Parties
or tortilla chips with hummus and to come in and set up a sleepover If your child loves making things, an
crudités. Number cakes decorated these days. They will put up tents in arts and crafts party is the perfect
with fruit, meringues, and flowers your garden or your home, and some choice for them. You can go to
are also all the rage. They make a even supply breakfast on a tray! pottery centres, art studios or get a
great centrepiece on a party table. party provider to come to your house
 Or host a science party where to host a craft party. You can do a
Active Parties someone comes in to do experiments huge variety of things like mosaics,
According to Pinterest searches for and make goo with the children. pottery, painting and jewellery
scavenger parties are up by 302%. They’ll even clean up afterwards. making. Your potential Picassos will
These are similar to treasure hunts There are also gaming party providers also get to take their masterpiece
and start with a list of things to find who bring all the entertainment to home instead of a party bag.
(or do) and a time limit. But there you. If you prefer a more traditional
is no set path as players scavenge party, why not hire an entertainer like Remember not to stress too much!
around and search for all of the a magician or clown? Your child will remember your
items on the list. The player or team efforts whether you hire a circus
who finds everything on the list first Themed Parties performer and a bouncy castle; host
or finds the most items before the Magical forest and flower-themed a fun party at home or organise a
time is up wins. These parties can be parties are great fun to host if you trip out the cinema or a trampoline
great fun and relatively inexpensive - like being creative. A perennial park. Enjoy it and embrace the
you could hold one in your garden or favourite is also a superhero party. It mayhem; they grow up quickly!
a local park or wood. ticks a lot of boxes and offers great
 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019 11

Clubs & Classes

 Out & About T H E B EST O F W H AT ’S O N N EA R YOU

 MONSTROUS FUN IN THE
 WEST END THIS SUMMER!
 THE GRUFFALO LIVE ON STAGE

 Celebrating the 20th birthday of the much-loved
 picture book, Tall Stories’ hit musical adaptation
 ‘The Gruffalo’ live on stage returns, with a UK tour
 and limited ten-week West End season at The Lyric
 Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from Wednesday 3 July ONGOING musicians. Zog promises to be
 FAMILY EVENTS AT roaring fun for all ages.
 to Sunday 8 September 2019.
 CUTTY SARK Until 6 May
 01322 220000
 The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and Cutty Sark, King William Walk, www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
 Greenwich, London, SE10 9HT
 illustrated by Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan
 Children’s Book in 1999, was adapted for the stage Calling all…sailors! Take 4 M AY
 by Tall Stories in 2001 and has since been delighting
 the family to Cutty Sark in BROMLEY PARKRUN
 Greenwich for an action- Norman Park, Hayes Lane,
 audiences around the world. Founded by Artistic packed day out on the Bromley, BR2 9EF
 Directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell, Tall Stories’ fastest ship of its time. Meet Time: 9am
 other productions include ‘Wilde Creatures’, ‘The characters from the ship’s past Weekly free 5km timed run. Go
 Canterville Ghost’, ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’, ‘Emily Brown such as Captain Woodget and along and join in whatever your
 the ship’s cook and listen to pace! Please register before
 and The Thing’, ‘The Snail and The Whale’, ‘The Snow
 their epic stories about life on your first run.
 Dragon’ and ‘Room on the Broom’. board. Try and outwit the crew
 0300 303 8658
 in the Sailors’ Challenge game, www.parkrun.org.uk/bromley
 Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, find your sea legs by taking
 dark wood. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the helm at the ship's wheel,
 follow a family trail or take MAY DAY FESTIVAL
 the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high- Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
 part in fun workshops. Book
 spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo now to save 10%. Celebrate May Day at Hever
 save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Castle & Gardens over the
 woodland creatures? After all, there is no such thing early May Bank Holiday. Join
 as a Gruffalo – is there? 3 M AY Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
 and dance around the Maypole
 ZOG
 Expect songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children with brightly coloured ribbons
 The Orchard Theatre, Home
 Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
 intertwined. There’s a Green
 aged 3 and up and their grown-ups!
 Time: 11am, 2pm, 4:30pm Man trail through the grounds
 and a duckling trail in the
 Julia Donaldson and Axel
 WEDNESDAY 3 JULY – SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Castle, plus children can have
 Scheffler’s much-loved Zog
 Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES their face painted.
 comes to life in this magical
 Gruffalolive.com Until 6 May
 adaptation with a sumptuous 01732 865224
 folk score featuring live www.hevercastle.co.uk

12 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Out & About

5 M AY Time: 10am-4pm 1 1 M AY Wood, Gravesend, DA12 4SD
MINIATURE STEAM Award winning Village fete BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE Go along to the Family Festival
TRAIN RIDES with displays, activities, KINGDOM at Riverview Junior School.
Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong dog show, Cycling info, bike Churchill Theatre, High Street, Back by popular demand the
Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LG marking and tryouts, stalls, Bromley, BR1 1HA very talented Miss Vintage.
 fun, food and drinks.
Whatever the weather the Join Ben and Holly, and
miniature trains runs every
 www.facebook.com/
 their friends on this exciting, FAMILY FOREST FUN CLUB
 WickhamDay SESSIONS
Sunday from April to October, enchanting and magical
2pm until 5pm, at the grounds musical adventure packed full Pickhurst Infant Academy, Eastry
of the Cascade Leisure Centre. 1 1 M AY of games, songs and laughter. Avenue, Hayes, Kent BR2 7PQ
50p a ride – FUN FOR ALL! MUM2MUM NEARLY This beautiful story of elves,
 Time: 10-11.30am

www.gmmes.co.uk NEW SALE princesses and childhood These sessions are for any
 Christchurch Hall, Christchurch innocence will delight all the child age 0-10 years old
MONTHLY FARMERS Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 3DH. family! accompanied by an adult.
 Time: 2-4pm During a session children
MARKET Also 12 May
 Grab a bargain or sell 020 3285 6000 will be playing and exploring
Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
 your nearly new items. the site, mud painting, den
Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ
Time: 10am - 2pm Refreshments, cake, face building, and much more, as

On the first Sunday of every painter and kids activities at 1 3 M AY well as collecting wood for the
 every event. Free car park. BRING YOUR OWN BABY camp fire. There will always be
month you can buy the a craft on offer such as making
best local produce at Hall Also 8 June COMEDY
 www.mum2mummarket.co.uk a bird feeder or planting a
Place. Meet the farmers The Orchard Theatre, Home
 Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
 seed.
and producers, try food
samples and buy everything WITH MAP AND MUSKET Time: 12-2pm Also 15 June
 www.forestfunclub.co.uk
from home-grown fruit National Trust Quebec House, Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
and vegetables, through to Quebec Square, Westerham, is the UK’s premier baby
delicious cakes, breads and
 Kent, TN16 1TD
 friendly comedy club! Their 1 9 M AY
 Time: 1-4pm DORSET ROAD ALLOTMENTS
cheese. Free entry. shows feature the funniest
Also 2 June
 Bring history to life with an comedy stars from the circuit OPEN DAY
01322 526 574 historic re-enactment. Join the and TV. Dorset Road Allotments, Dorset
www.hallplace.org.uk eighteenth century surveyor as Also 10 June Road, Beckenham, BR3 4EA
 he explains how map makers 01322 220000 Time: 11am-3pm
6 M AY played a key role in the Quebec www.orchardtheatre.co.uk A fun day out at this
 campaign.
WEST WICKHAM community run allotment
VILLAGE DAY Also 8 June 1 8 M AY site. Lots to see and do,
 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-
Blake Park Recreation Ground, house
 FAMILY FESTIVAL including activities for children
Pine Ave, West Wickham BR4 0LW Riverview Junior School, Cimba and a range of stalls and

 THIS SUMMER, WHY NOT GET INVOLVED IN
 NATIONAL CHILDREN’S GARDENING WEEK?
 Happening from 25 May to 2 June, this week-long event
 sees garden centres around the country providing activities
 and resources that offer parents a great opportunity to get
 children outside enjoying nature, plants and wildlife.

 Gardening can play a huge part in a child’s health and
 wellbeing with over 1.5 million children gardening at school in
 the UK. As well as simply good outdoor fun, school gardening
 has been shown to have many benefits to health and
 wellbeing. These include being more physically active and
 feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

 There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s
 Gardening Week from DIY activities at home to attending an
 event at a garden centre.
 Visit www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk for DIY project ideas and
 details of local events.

 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019 13

Out & About

entertainment. Go along to the crafting tent During May half term at Hever the whole family! Direct from
www.dorsetroadallotments.org.uk to decorate a mask with Castle you can meet costumed their new series on itv Sooty,
 an abundance of natural characters from the Edwardian Sweep and Soo head into
 materials to choose from. era and play traditional games town accompanied by TV’s
2 0 M AY
 Craft flowers from pipe of the period. Traditional Richard Cadell.
BRING YOUR OWN BABY cleaners. Take the perfect Punch and Judy show and 01322 220000
COMEDY portrait as spring blooms in games from the period such www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
Churchill Theatre, High Street, the Red House garden. as hoopla, tin-can alley, and
Bromley, BR1 1HA
 Until 2 June boules. 2 8 M AY
A funny, friendly afternoon www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red- 01732 865224 BACH TO BABY FAMILY
of top comedy and... you can house www.hevercastle.co.uk
 CONCERT: VICTORIAN
bring your baby! Bring Your
Own Baby Comedy is the UK's MAY HALF TERM EXOTIC SHORNE WOODS HALF VOX POP
premier baby friendly comedy ANIMAL TRAIL TERM ACTIVITY TRAIL Bromley United Reformed Church,
 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY
club! Their shows feature the Chartwell - National Trust, Shorne Woods Country Park,
funniest comedy stars from Mapleton Road, Westerham, Brewers Road, Shorne, This spring, celebrate the
the circuit and TV. Kent, TN16 1PS. Gravesend, DA12 3HX 200th birthday of Queen
020 3285 6000 Time: 10am-3pm Victoria with Bach to Baby!
 Discover Winston's favourite
 Cost: £3 Doors open at 10am. Concert
www.churchilltheatre.co.uk exotic pets and animals from
 London Zoo and all around the lasts for about an hour.
 Explore the woods following
2 2 M AY world hidden throughout the our self-led activity trail and www.bachtobaby.com/bromley-
 garden on this fun family trail. music-concerts-for-baby-and-
TOM GATES LIVE ON STAGE see what you can discover
 family
 Some of them roar, some of about the park. All completed
The Orchard Theatre, Home
Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED them climb, others fly, two of trails will receive a small prize.
Time: 10:30am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, them swim and one of them DINO MAY
 Until 9 June
7pm even hops! 03000 41 18 11 Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne
 www.kent.gov.uk Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ
Based on the best-selling Until 2 June
books by Liz Pichon, this www.nationaltrust.org.uk Go and have a ROARING
brand-new story is bought 2 6 M AY time at Hall Place & Gardens
to you by the award-winning HALF-TERM ACTIVITY TRAIL ELLIE’S MINI MARATHON this May! Includes a hilarious
producers of Horrible Histories Lullingstone Country Park, Castle story and dinosaur craft to
 Cyclopark, The Tollgate, Wrotham
and Gangsta Granny. It’s Road, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JF Road, Gravesend, DA11 7NP take home. 10am & 2pm
 Time: 10am-3pm (1 hr session). £4 children,
pure fun for the whole family
 Cost: £3 Ellie is calling children aged adults free. Advance booking
whether you're a lover of the
 5-16 years old to take to required.
books or new to Tom and his Explore the woods following the tracks at Cyclopark
friends! the self-led activity trail and Until 31 May
 in Gravesend for the best 01322 621 238
Until 26 May see what you can discover children’s Fun Run in town! www.hallplace.org.uk
01322 220000 about the park. All completed This is a chance to inspire
www.orchardtheatre.co.uk trails will receive a small prize. our young philanthropists as
 03000 41 18 11
 3 0 M AY
 each participant is asked to
2 5 M AY www.kent.gov.uk raise a minimum of £30 in
 BIG PET EVENT
MAY HALF TERM ACTIVITIES sponsorship to support this Gravesend Borough Market, Queen
 EDWARDIAN LIFE Street, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0AZ
Red House, Red House Lane, local hospice. Time: 9am - 5pm
Bexleyheath, London, DA6 8JF Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG www.ellie’sminimarathon.
 A fabulous pet event is taking
 place at Gravesend Borough
 SING-A-LONG-A THE Market this May. There will be
 LIVE GREATEST SHOWMAN
 The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books.

 a market full of pet related
 ON Churchill Theatre, High Street, stalls, you can take part in fun
 STAG Bromley, BR1 1HA
 E free activities and enjoy talks
 Sing-a-long-a Productions and advice from the animal
 brings you their newest show, experts.
 the smash hit film musical that www.gravesendboroughmarket.
 everyone can’t stop singing - co.uk
 The Greatest Showman! Fancy
 dress is strongly encouraged 3 1 M AY
 and full audience participation THE LUNA CINEMA - THE
 essential. Please note this is a
 GREATEST SHOWMAN &
 screening of the movie not a
 live stage show. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
 Danson House, Danson Park, Danson
 020 3285 6000
 Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL
 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
 Danson House will once
 again play host to the Luna
 BASED ON THE PICTURE BOOK BY 2 7 M AY
 big screen this summer.
 JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER THE SOOTY SHOW This beautiful grade 1 listed
 The Orchard Theatre, Home Palladian villa, built in 1766, and
 WED 3 JUL - SUN 8 SEP
 Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
 Time: 11am, 2:30pm
 its award winning grounds will
 provide the ultimate backdrop
 BOOK NOW gruffalolive.com Izzy wizzy let’s get busy! Sooty
 is back in a brand-new show
 for some fantastic nights of
 cinema under the stars.
 with guaranteed giggles for
14 MAY - JUNE 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Out & About

Until 1 June Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP
www.thelunacinema.com Time: 11am-4pm

1 JUNE
 All are welcome at the
 Woodlands Farm Trust
 FAMILY FUN AT HEVER
ENCHANTED CHILDREN’S Summer Show which is CASTLE & GARDENS
FESTIVAL 2019 combined with Open Farm
Priory Gardens, Orpington BR6 Sunday again this year. Go
0HH and meet our animals, watch Discover more about
 the Falconry Show, a Sheep the Edwardian era
A free children's community
 Shearing Display and an with a host of fun
festival set in the beautiful
 opportunity to try the Tractor-
Priory garden's, Orpington half term activities
 Drawn Trailer Rides.
This is a one day event that at Hever Castle and
 020 8319 8900
will allow children and their
 www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Gardens (25 May to
families to enjoy a free, fully
programmed day of arts 2 June).
and creativity with music, 15 JUNE
performances and loads of FATHER’S DAY SUPERCAR Visitors can enjoy
free workshops. WEEKEND
 a traditional
www.enchantedfest.com Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
 Punch and Judy
 Classic cars in a stunning
2 JUN location with a myriad of
 show as well as
THE BIG LUNCH food options to boot – the try their hand at
Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne perfect way to thank dad this games including
Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Father’s Day is at Hever Castle hoopla, tin-
The Big Lunch is the UK’s & Gardens. There will be
 supercars on display as well as can alley and
annual get together for a
 fun activities for the kids. boules or enjoy
nationwide act of community
and friendship. Until 16 June a leisurely game
 01732 865224
So why not go down to
 www.hevercastle.co.uk
 of croquet.
Hall Place and picnic in the
beautiful grounds with friends
and family, or even enjoy the 17 JUNE Join famous author Arthur Conan Doyle as he
BBQ and Riverside Café onsite. ANNIE investigates reports of fairy sightings around the
01322 621 238 The Orchard Theatre, Home gardens.
www.hallplace.org.uk Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
 The smash-hit production
 Children will also have a chance to learn about the
8 JUNE of ANNIE comes to Dartford
 roles of the household at a Butler School.
CHILDREN’S ART WEEK for one week only direct from
Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne London’s West End. With its
Road , Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ Tony® award-winning book In the Castle young visitors can learn about
 and score you can bet your
A UK wide programme to Edwardian inventions.
 bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
encourage children, young
 Until 22 June More info at www.hevercastle.co.uk
people, families and teachers
 01322 220000
to engage with the visual arts. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
Join in by visiting Hall Place
and drawing your favourite
 22 JUNE
 head on their Grand Adventure 29 JUNE
scene. with their friends Flutterstar MUM2MUM NEARLY
Until 16 June
 HEVER’S HOME FRONT the Fairy, Chuck the Cowboy
 Hever Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG NEW SALE
01322 621 238 and Grandad Jack but most
www.hallplace.org.uk Ravens wood School, Oakley
 Step back in time to wartime importantly the real stars of
 Road, Bromley BR2 8HP
 Britain at Hever’s Home Front the show, the babyballet boys Time: 10am-12noon.
9 JUNE at this 1940s event. Take and girls.
 Grab a bargain or sell
CHEEKI MONKEYS BIG BABY part in a swing dance in the 01322 220000
 your nearly new items.
 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
& CHILDREN’S MARKET tea dance tent, tap your toes
 Refreshments, cake, face
Gravesend Borough Market, Queen to music and browse stalls
 painter and kids activities at
Street, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0AZ selling vintage wares and 28 JUNE every event. Free car park.
Go along to the Cheeki
 refreshments. CHISLEHURST FOOD & www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
Monkeys Big Baby & Children‘s Until 23 June DRINK FESTIVAL
 01732 865224
Market from 10am-2pm. Save Chislehurst Recreation Ground,
 www.hevercastle.co.uk
 London, BR7 5DF
 1 J U LY
up to 90% on quality pre-
 CANADA DAY
loved goods - clothes, toys, Something for all the family,
prams, cots, walkers, high
 23 JUN National Trust Quebec House, Quebec
 with food stalls, hot food and
chairs, books, playpens and BABYBALLET: TWINKLE & beverages. Friday: 11am to
 Square, Westerham, TN16 1TD
 Time: 1-4pm
much more! TEDDY'S GRAND ADVENTURE 7pm, Saturday: 9am to 7pm,
 The Orchard Theatre, Home Help celebrate Canada Day
www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk Sunday 10am to 5pm.
 Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED with storytelling and go and
 Until 30 June
 Time: 10.30am 1.45pm & 5pm try Mrs Wolfes recipes.
SUMMER SHOW www.marketsquaregroup.co.uk
 Join Twinkle and Teddy as they nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331

 www.familiesonline.co.uk MAY - JUNE 2019 15

Ages 5-14yrs

 SPORTS CAMPS
 Basketball, Cricket, Swimming, Rugby, Golf, Tennis,
 Football, Hockey, Netball, Badminton and more...
 WE ACCEPT
 CHILDCARE
 TUESDAY 28 - FRIDAY 31 MAY TH ST VOUCHERS

 Times: 8.30am - 5.30pm
 (Half day options of 8.30am -1pm & 1pm - 5pm available)
 Price: £16 p/half day, £32 p/full day, £4 p/extended session

 Mottingham Lane,
 London, SE9 4QF

 Contact John on 07749 343116 or 0845 222 1313.
 E: campbookings@young-stars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk

2144-Edwardian-Life-2019-87x130-Famalies-AW.indd 1 09/04/2019 17:37

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