kent family medway autumn 11

LOCAL NEWS l WHATS ON l MATERNITY l PARENTING l SCHOOL DAYS

family tickets to santa’s Wonderland at Paultons Park

Autumn WhAt’s onKent Country ParKs

Choosing the right sChoolPlAnes, trAins AnD AUtoMoBiles

For parents with children aged 0- 16 years

autumn 2011

medWayedition

FREE

READON-LINE

2

ADVENTURE KIDZ LIMITEDUNIT 2 EUROWAY WOOD CLOSE QUARRY WOOD RETA IL PARK AYLESFORD KENT ME20 7UB

www.adventurekidz .co.uk

This October we’re opening theSoutheast’s FIRST Indoor Adventure Centre

with high ropes AND indoor quad bikes! We also havebrand new soft play with multiple slides, including a 6

metre drop slide, football and basketball area, atoddlers’ zone, three big party rooms and so muchmore! We’re very easy to find, we’ve got ampleparking AND we have our own chef on-site too!

So book your parties NOW! Call us on

01622 719898or email [email protected]

OPening soon

CONTENTS

4

8

12

16

20

22

24

32

38

42

46

Planes, trains and automobiles

What’s on this autumn

Medway news

Choosing the right school

Kentish history comes to life

Pets with benefits

Step outside this autumn

Back to school blues

Toddler talk

Mama and baby

Competition page

WELCOMEto our new look autumn issue

The start of the school year is a great opportunity for a fresh start. So we thought we’d begin the autumn term with our own equivalent of new school shoes – a fresh, new design for the magazine!

It’s still packed with local information, things-to-do and Medway businesses but we’ve got lots more comments and contributions from the people whose opinions matter – Medway parents.

We hope you enjoy our ideas for autumn and we’d love to include your suggestions and opinions in future issues. So get in touch via email, facebook or twitter to see your comments in print next time.

Lara SlavinEditor

To advertise 01634 [email protected]

Bomb Hole Park, Leybourne

Tucked away in the heart of Leybourne village (on Oxhey Shaw Lane) is a newly opened natural play area. It has a real ‘wow’ factor with a snaked slide descending from a wooded hill, hidden cargo nets, balance beams and a huge model of a plane wreck with bombs. It’s only a small park but the possibilities for dens, hide and seek, and battles will really fire up their imaginations. Local parking can be found near the village hall and parade of shops.

While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of details in Kent Family magazine, we cannot accept responsibility for such. Views expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the editors and publishers. Articles and advertisements created by us are copyright of the publishers, Kent Family Magazines, and may not be reproduced without prior consent.

43,000 copies given FREE to parents-to-be and families in Medway, Maidstone

and throughout mid-Kent

Kent Family magazine

@KentFamilymag

A family ticket to Santa’s Christmas Wonderland at Paultons Park, see page 46

BRAND NEW

READON-LINE

Planes, trains and automobiles

Hornby Visitors Centre Westwood, margate

You start by entering an Aladdin’s cave full of Scalextric, Hornby, Airfix and Corgi models, creating much excitement for young (and old) boys, and you have only gone as far as the shop! Hornby trains were once manufactured here and you can now spend a couple of hours, looking at the excellent displays of these much loved toys from their inception through to the modern day models. Parents and grandparents can read about the history and reminisce, while kids will enjoy looking at over 850 models and seeing how they were designed and produced. Everything is inside so it’s a great way to spend a few hours on a rainy day or combine it with a visit to the nearby aircraft museums at Manston for a longer day out.

Prices: Adult £4, children (5-15) £2, under 5s free. Family ticket £10.www.hornby.com/visitorcentre

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Got a train, aircraft or vehicle enthusiast in the family? Kids, dads and grandparents will love these transport-related days out!

4 www.kentfamilymagazine.co.uk

http://www.hornby.com/visitorcentre

Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway near Sittingbourne

Whilst this may not be one of the longest steam railway lines in Kent, it is certainly one of the most delightful. Spend a couple of hours riding the train and looking at the exhibits, or stay all day and enjoy a picnic too. This narrow gauge railway and impressive collection of more than 40 beautifully restored vintage steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, cars and tractors, is set in 30 acres of beautiful woodlands on the North Downs. Opening times/days are limited so check in advance.

Prices: Adults £7.50, children £3, under 3 free. www.bwlr.co.uk

Brooklands Museum Weybridge, Surrey

Set on the site of the world’s first purpose-built racing circuit, allow a whole day to explore Brooklands fascinating history from a Grand Prix race track in the early 1900s to a centre for aircraft design and manufacture.

What’s there: Outside are six 50s-70s passenger aircraft that you can explore inside, including sitting in the pilot seat. The museum is home to the only Concorde in the South East with visitor access, and for a small additional charge (£4 adults, £2 children) you can go on board, see the simulator used to train the Concorde pilots and enjoy a virtual supersonic flight.

Within a restored WWII aircraft hangar there are more than 40 replicas of early aircraft and original warplanes. And car enthusiasts will enjoy walking on the banked racing circuit and getting up close to more than 100 racing cars, motorbikes and bicycles inside the original clubhouse and racing car workshops. The museum also has the largest collection of working historic London Buses in the world. Guides are on hand to bring the stories to life, some of whom actually flew the planes. And older children will enjoy testing their skill on the Formula 1 simulator in the Grand Prix Exhibition. The opportunity to explore inside the aeroplanes and sit in a Harrier jump jet, airliner cockpit and F1 racing car makes it a truly exciting day out.

Prices: Adult £10, Children (5-16) £5.50, under 5s free. Family ticket £27.00.www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Kent Family 5

http://www.bwlr.co.uk

http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Be the star of the show!

Blue WhaleSwimming Schooll Family run. Est 1995l Max 8 per classl For non-swimmers to pre-competitivel ASA qualified teachersl Classes every weekday

Children's Swimming Classes for non-swimmers and beginners: Oaklands Junior School, Chatham

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday

Westlands, Sittingbourne, Saturdays

Tel: Garry or Nicola on 01622 [email protected]

www.bluewhaleswimschool.co.uk

Fun Kidz Club

01634 202257 / 07888 827577www.funkidzworld.com

n Various flexible sessions to fit your needs during Winter, Easter and Summer school holidays and half-terms.

n Competitive prices.

n Located in the prestigious grounds of King’s School in Rochester and at St Lukes Church Centre, City Way, Rochester.

n Stimulating and enjoyable indoor and outdoor activities.

For more information or to book a space contact:

NEW Breakfast club at Balfour School for Infants and Juniors

HaLF TERm aNd SCHOOL HOLIday CLuB HELd aT:

King’s School Chadlington House,Rochester, ME1 1RH

School Holiday ClubFor children aged 3-12

Open 8am-6pm


R o c h e s t e Rschool of Dance

Ballet, tap and modern/jazz. ages 2 1/2 to 18Work toWards our theatre shoW, Istd exams

or just for fun!samantha seenan a.I.s.t.d on 07710 547672

First lessonFreejoin now and Be part of our january show at the Brook

theatre in Chatham.

Lynda Chambers trading as

Lessons for children & adults: non-swimmers, beginners, special needs, improvers,

advanced, survival and rookie lifeguard.

King’s School RochesterHilltop School Frindsbury

Oaklands School WaldersladeArethusa Centre Upnor

SeahorseSchool of Swimming

Call Lynda Chambers on 07931 581125

[email protected]

CHiLdRen FROm 18 mtHS tO AdULtS.mAximUm 8 pUpiLS peR CLASS.pRivAte 1-1’S & 1-2’S. Est. 10 years

Highly regarded independent swim school

Lessons in medway - mon to Sat taking bookings nOW:

www.seahorseschoolofswimming.co.uk

Kent Family 7

WHATS ON

1 OctOberGrandparents Day at Kent Life, near Maidstone. Grandparents go free when accompanied by their grandchild(ren).

1 OctOberFungi Walk Explore Shorne Woods Country Park, near Gravesend with mushroom expert Bryan Bullen. £7.50pp. Book in advance on 08458 247 600.

2 OctOber FreeFungi Foray at Cobtree Manor Park, near Maidstone. 10am -12noon. Book in advance on 01622 683695.

14 OctOberThe Numberjacks Children’s TV favourite the Numberjacks at the Central Theatre, Chatham. 11am and 2pm.medwayticketslive.co.uk

15-18 OctOber FreeCanterbury FestivalCarnival parade through the streets on 15th October marks the start of this music,

arts and theatre festival. Lots of free family events canterburyfestival.co.uk

16 OctOber FreeOpen day at Trosley Country Park, near Meopham. Guided tours, woodland demonstrations and crafts. 10am-3pm.

21 OctOberMini-screamTrosley Country Park, Meopham. Follow a spooky trail and encounter costumed characters. £5 per child. 6-7.30pm. Book in advance on 08458 247 600.

22-30 OctOberSpooktacular Fun at Kent Life, near Maidstone. Knock on the doors of their historical homes for some safe and educational trick or treat fun.

22-30 OctOber The Haunted CastleDover Castle. Week-long half-term Halloween event.

22-28 OctOber Free Kent Coastal WeekCelebrate Kent’s wonderful coastline with 100+ free or subsidised events.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

23 OctOber Mini-scream. Shorne Woods, Gravesend. Follow a spooky trail and encounter costumed characters. £5 pp. 6-7.30pm. Book in advance on 08458 247 600.

24-27 OctOberHalf term drama workshops for 5-12s, Spotlites @ Kings Theatre, Chatham. Harry Potter, Horrible Histories, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. £5 per child. spotlites.co.uk

24-28 OctOber Half term craft activities This Art of Mine, Maidstone. Spooky pottery painting, craft and more. £12 per workshop.thisartofmine.co.uk

What’s on this

AutumnFor more family-friendly events in Kent visit

www.kentfamilymagazine.co.uk

For more family-friendly events in Kent visit


http://www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

http://www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

http://www.thisartofmine.co.uk

October and November are a busy

time with half-term activities and

workshops, Halloween events and

Guy Fawkes Night! Medway libraries

have a full week of storytime

activities for ages 3-8 over half term.

For details of these and other free events, visit our website.

24-28 OctOber Maidstone Museum half-term craft activities Make spooky spiders, mystical mummies and crazy crowns. £2.50 per child. Drop in daily between 10.30-12.30 and 1.30-3.30.

25 OctOber Autumnal Leaves Craft Workshop, Riverside Country Park, 10am–12noon. Make collages with seeds, berries and autumn leaves. For accompanied children aged five to 12 years old. £1 per child. Drop in any time.

25 OctOber African Circus Spectacular Half day circus workshop, Brook Theatre, Chatham. Ages 8-14 years. £7. Book on 01634 338338.

26 OctOber Halloween Walk, Capstone Farm Country Park, 6.15–7.15pm and 7.30–8.30pm. Annual spooky ghost walk. For accompanied children

aged five to 12-years-old. £3 per person. Book in advance on 01634 338191. Also at Riverside on 27th October, book on 01634 337432.

27 OctOber Lindy Hop Style One day dance workshop. Ages 8-16 years.10am-3.30pm. Brook Theatre, Chatham. £14. Book on 01634 338338.

27 OctOber Free Oh what fun we had! Gillingham Library 2.15-3.15pm. Play games including cats cradle, hopscotch, jacks and French skipping. 6-12 years. Parents, carers and grandparents welcome.

29 OctOber Caterpillar Halloween Special at Rochester Dance Junction. 3-5pm, £5 per child, 2 -11years, adults free. Call Laura on 07939 241 105

5 nOvember Scarcrow Making, Riverside Country Park.

10am – 1pm. £2.50 per child. Book in advance on 01634 337432.

5 nOvember Free Bonfire Night at The Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham. A bonfire will be lit at 7pm followed by the fireworks at 7.30pm.

5 & 6 nOvember Leeds Castle Firework Spectacular www.leeds-castle.com

5 nOvember Fireworks at Kent Life kentlife.org.uk

5 nOvember Firework Spectacular at the Hop Farm Paddock Wood.thehopfarm.co.uk

6 nOvember Robots: Extreme Wars Live Maidstone Leisure Centre. Adults £15, children £10. roamingrobots.co.uk

Whilst we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event details, these can be subject to change, please contact the venue in advance for final details.

http://www.leeds-castle.com

http://www.kentlife.org.uk

http://www.roamingrobots.co.uk

Knightsplace Farmequestrian centreL i v e r y & R i d i n g S c h o o l

Under New Management!

Child, adult and pre-school lessons. Mother & toddler coffee mornings.

NEW fully equipped cafe.

Private lessons, group lessons,walkouts, hacking & indoor school.

Direct access to woodland riding.

Halloween and Christmas holiday activity weeks. Birthday parties.

Fully insured. Qualified staff.

20% oFF

first le

sson

quote ‘Kent

Family’ Cobham Rochester Kent

Tel 01474 824333

Kent Family 11

Highly recommended swim school, working in line with the ASA National Teaching Plan

including Water Skills, Safety Skills, Distance Badges and Rookie Lifesaving plus links with one of the local swimming clubs in Medway.

Learn, Improve, or Develop your swimming ability with Emma (FISTC-CC) Club Coach.

Classes for children (max of 8 per class) Mondays @ St Margaret’s Junior School, RainhamTuesdays @ Arethusa Venture Centre, UpnorThursdays @ Hilltop School, FrindsburyFridays @ St Margaret’s Junior School, RainhamSaturdays @ Hilltop School, Frindsbury

Call Emma Bristow on: 01634 850082 / 07872 336267

[email protected]

Looking for something different to do this half-term? Knightplace Farm Riding School near Strood is running a week-long holiday club where children can learn about caring for horses, horse safety and have daily horserides, as well as taking part in fun Halloween-themed activities such as apple bobbing, pumpkin carving, spooky mask making and a fancy dress gymkhana.

Recently under new management, the stables provide a safe and secure environment for beginners through to advanced riders. The centre has a large indoor riding school, new café and access to fields and woodlands for walk rounds and hacking. For details of regular lessons, special events or their Halloween and Christmas holiday clubs call 01474 824333.

MEDWAY NEWS

Creativity seems to be a popular theme this October, with Big Draw events taking place at venues in Medway, Maidstone and Kent. Promoting drawing as a useful skill and encouraging creative thinking, The Big Draw events take place throughout the UK from 1st – 31st October. A full events listing can be found on the website below. Close to home, on 29th October the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone is inviting children to draw what Maidstone will look like in 2211 and Shorne Woods Country Park is holding a creative event on Tuesday 25th October.

www.thebigdraw.org

A Kent scheme to help support children at risk of being excluded from primary school has received a funding boost. Medway-based Family Futures has received additional cash for their Cool Connections project. Says project manager Vicky West “teachers find a noticeable difference in pupils who have taken the Cool Connections course. Pupils learn techniques to help them identify their emotions, and control them”. The 11 week course takes place in schools. For more information contact Vicky West on 01634 829550.

Horsey Halloween Fun

READON-LINE


This October half term sees the return of the annual Kent Coastal Week – a chance to discover and explore Kent’s 350 miles of coastline through free and subsidised workshops, events and activities. This year’s theme is ‘Creative Coast’. Up to 100 events will be taking place, featuring everything from creative workshops, beach art and boat trips, to shingle sculptures and storytelling.

Launching in Whitstable on 22nd and 23rd October, there will be activities at the Harbour from 10 am until 4pm each day. With visitors able to enjoy inspiring, free, creative events, demonstrations and workshops all of which will be taking place under cover. During the week there will be family events at Turner Contemporary – the new gallery in Margate, storytelling on the beaches of Thanet, beach sculpture on the Canterbury coast and a host of other events from Dartford to Dungeness.

Kent’s Coastal Week events are organised by local organisations and coordinated by Kent County Council. To see a copy of the full events programme visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent or call 08458 247600 to request a postal copy.

Medway Cooks Volume 2!Following the success of last year’s Medway Cooks free recipe collection, A Better Medway have launched another competition, inviting local residents to submit their recipe ideas by 2nd December.

Winning entries will be included in the next recipe collection launching in January 2012. www.abettermedway.co.uk/medwaycooks

feedbackFinding fun things to do on a rainy day can be a challenge. We asked readers for their wet weekend suggestions.

Cineworld Rochester’s £1 Movies for Juniors or Odeon Kids Cinema where parents go free. The kids feel like they’ve had a treat and you haven’t spent a fortune. Tim Upton

My 2 and 8 year olds really enjoy bowling. We go bowling in Maidstone in the morning then go somewhere for lunch after. Kerry Copping

READON-LINE

Kent Family 13

If the rain isn’t too heavy then a walk in the park splashing in puddles. Or the library. Tracy Phillips

The Thomas Aveling SchoolAn Academy for Success

Arethusa Road ROCHESTER Kent ME1 2UW Tel: 01634-844809e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.thomasaveling.co.uk

Headteacher: Mr Paul Jackson

Parents and prospective year 7 pupils are warmly invited to visit the school on our Open mornings to see the school at work. No appointment necessary, please come along:

OPEN mORNINGS: Tuesday 11 October 2011 Wednesday 12 October 2011 Thursday 13 October 2011

9.00 - 10.30 am9.00 - 10.30 am9.00 - 10.30 am

“Thomas Aveling is a good and very popular school with many outstanding features” – Ofsted Nov 2008“The quality of care, guidance and support for students throughout the school is outstanding”“Students achieve well throughout their time at school because of effective teaching, a curriculum that matches their needs and the excellent support they receive”

“the school is extremely well led and managed”


www.kipmed.co.uk

ofstedregistered

Kip McGrath’s qualified teachers createindividual tutoring programmes for your child.

3 kent & medway 11+ 3 Core skill for ages 6-16 3 gifted/talented programme

Call Terry on 01634 201777 4 ashdown house, walderslade Village, me5 9lr

thinking about 11+ 2012 entry?

telephone our eleven plus help line on: ) 01634 201777 for free advice and information.

Begin your Kumon journeyMaximise your child’s development with Kumon’s tailored maths and English study programmes.

Contact your local study centre today

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. *Terms & conditions apply.

kumon.co.uk

*Enrol your

child between

1 September &

31 October 2011 for

a two-week Free

Trial and begin your

Kumon journey.

Chatham, Walderslade Study Centre Donna Wood 01634 682760 [email protected]

Now open Saturday mornings

Kent Family 15

YEAR 6 – OPEN EVENINGSir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School

Sir Joseph Williamson’sMathematical School,

Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3EL

01634 844008Headteacher: Gary Holden

OPEN EVENING –Thursday 20th October 2011

DAY TOURSWednesday 12th to 19th October

Contact the school to arrangeHEADTEACHER SPEAKS

6pm, 7pm and 8pm

“Aspire. Achieve. Excel”

EDUCATION

PRIMARY SCHOOL

With 82 primary, infant and junior schools in Medway, parents may find they have 3 or 4 schools within easy reach of their home. So how to choose?

The best starting point is Medway Council’s primary school admissions booklet. It lists details of every primary school in Medway, and the oversubscription criteria each school applies to new applications, if there are more applications than there are places available.

The booklet will be available from November and can be viewed online at www.medway.gov.uk . Once the booklet has been published you can collect one from any Medway primary or infant school or contact the Council on 01634 331110 to request a copy.

Primary schools cater for children aged 4-11 whilst infant schools include children aged 4-7, and junior school covers ages 8-11. A number of schools now have a pre-reception class,

pre-school or nursery on site, however these are separate from the primary school admissions process and attendance doesn’t guarantee a place at the school, or increase your child’s chances of getting a place. Instead each school will have a set of oversubscription criteria such as distance, whether a sibling is at the school or perhaps religion, which Medway Council will use to match applicants to schools.

If you have a choice of several schools or just want to find out more about the school closest to you, most parents recommend a mixture of research and asking other parents. All Medway primary schools have their own website and a prospectus with information about the school. Whilst most don’t have formal open evenings, you can contact the school to book a visit.

READON-LINE

“Word of mouth is a good place to start so have a chat with other parents you know about where they are sending their children, especially if they have older ones, and why.

Also think about your child’s needs before reading Ofsted reports, as some children do better in smaller schools. Find the best three schools local to you, and look round them all. You usually get a feel for the school you want your child to go to, but of course s/he may not get in, so definitely have a second choice” Caroline Marks, Rainham

Choosing the

RIGHT schoolThe new school year may have just begun but this term also sees the start of the application process for next year’s entrants. Choosing the best school for your child can be a big decision, so we spoke to Medway Council for advice and to local parents to find out how they made their choices.


SECONDARY SCHOOLS

There are 17 secondary schools in the Medway area, of which six are deemed selective (grammar schools), for which children must pass the Medway Test (11+) to attend. Children in year six have already received their introduction to secondary school booklet, which came out in June.

For secondary schools, being aware of the individual school’s selection process is even more important than at primary level. Some secondary schools work on an access area or distance from the school whist others may choose those with the highest 11+ scores, regardless of distance. So it is worth considering which schools your son or daughter may get into, as well as which ones you prefer.

The Secondary School booklet, which can also be viewed online, lists open sessions at secondary schools for year 6 pupils where parents and children can find out more about the school facilities and ethos.

This year the Medway Test (11+) took place on 24th September, with results being available on 7th October. Enabling parents and children to make an informed choice of selective or non-selective schools before the deadline for secondary school admissions on 31st October 2011.

READON-LINE

“We read about the schools in the information booklet and visited the ones we were interested in. It is a good idea to visit during the day where you will see the school in action and get a feel for it’s atmosphere. If you like it then I would recommend going to the open evening and reading the Ofsted report. But be warned, despite all your careful research and weighing up of pros and cons, you may not meet the criteria for the school you have chosen.

It is therefore wise not to be negative about any of the schools in front of your child. It is important that children come too, but be aware that they may like or dislike a school for quite funny reasons, which you may need to compensate for. My eldest liked a school because he was given a pen and a sticker when visiting and he disliked another because he was shown round by a sixth former in a suit. As luck would have it we were allocated the ‘disliked’ school and he quickly decided that it was actually a GREAT place” Pernille Richards

“I think you need to go to as many of the open evenings as possible. It’s a bit like buying a house, it just feels right when you go into one” Andrea Howatson

For more information, online applications and information booklets visit: www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions

What is the Medway Test? And how can you help your year 5 child prepare for it? Read our tips from parents and tutors online at www.kentfamilymagazine.co.uk

READON-LINE

WHAT ARE OFSTED REPORTS?The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regularly inspect schools, nurseries and childcarers in the UK. The reports give an impartial inspectors view of the school at the moment of inspection taking into account their interviews with head teachers, pupils, staff and parents. Search for reports online at www.ofsted.gov.uk

Kent Family 17

Great Minds

Learning Centre

11+ Tuition for Yrs 4 & 5English and Maths for ages 4-18GCSE & A Level ScienceSpecial needs and dyslexia

Convenient Gillingham location, near A2 Call Zarqa on 07792 522234

Friendly, professional tuition for all ages and abilities

Educational advicE, assEssmEnts & tuition

Very small group classes Classes for Yr 3 - Yr 11 Evenings & Weekends All public exams: SATs, 11+(Kent & Medway), GCSE, Common Entrance and Scholarships Holiday & revision programmes Handwriting courses One to one (subject to availability)

Please contact Mrs Clemens

Full 11+ preparation. 98% success rate over many years. Over 300 students helped towards grammar school each year.

01634 814420

73a Maidstone Road, Rochester

est 1987Family

Business

RTC AD 2.indd 1 14/12/08 23:18:21

www.rochester-tuition-centre.co.uk

Educational advicE, assEssmEnts & tuition

Very small group classes Classes for Yr 3 - Yr 11 Evenings & Weekends All public exams: SATs, 11+(Kent & Medway), GCSE, Common Entrance and Scholarships Holiday & revision programmes Handwriting courses One to one (subject to availability)

Please contact Mrs Clemens

Full 11+ preparation. 98% success rate over many years. Over 300 students helped towards grammar school each year.

01634 814420

73a Maidstone Road, Rochester

est 1987Family

Business

RTC AD 2.indd 1 14/12/08 23:18:21

Years 3,4,5,6 English and Maths l Core skills l Confidence building l Handwriting

11+ Specific Performance Programme for Year 5 pupils - Kent and Medway tests l Lessons in English, Maths, VR, NVR l Exam practice l Assessment, skills analysis and score forecast l Advice and guidance l Very high success rate

16 Union Street, Rochester, ME1 1XZCopyright of Kent Family Magazine.

All artwork created by us is for use within

Kent Family magazine only.

For more information about copyright

contact Lara Slavin on 01634 814364.

Rainham School for GirlsThe school for success

ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2012OPEN SESSIONS

Wednesday 12th October6.00pm to 8.00pm

Guided Tours – 10th to 14th Octobereach day 9am to 10.30am

and 11am to 12.30pmFor admission to year 7 to 9 contact the office:

Derwent Way, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0BX 01634 362746 [email protected] www.rsg.org.uk


ages 6–16

3 Reading/spelling 3 Regular feedback 3 Small classes (max 5) 3 Confidence building

ROCHESTER CENTRE01634 400240

Is your child in year 5? Start planning ahead for the 11+ in 2012

l Fully qualified and CRB checked staff.l Frequent feedback and exam practice.l Small class sizes. Convenient locations.

New classes starting in October and November for year 5 children

www.11plus-academy.co.uk01634 893659 / 07766 223254

[email protected]

St mary’s Island Community Centre St Mary’s Island, Chatham• Saturday 10.30am – 12noon• Saturday 12.30pm – 2pm

Chattenden Community Centre Chattenden, Strood, Rochester• Thursday 5pm -6.30pm

Kings Hill Community Centre Kings Hill, West Malling• Tuesday 4.30pm – 6pm• Wednesday 5.30pm – 7pm

madginford Hall, BearstedMaidstone• Tuesday 4.30pm – 6pm

Classes for year 5 pupils starting NOW

mEdWay & KENT11+ SPECIaLISTS

Help is at HandMaths

LiteracyVerbal Reasoning

Non Verbal Reasoning

Effective tuition for 11+ grammar school tests in

Medway and Kent

Call 05602 538 882 or visit our website

www.rainhamtuitioncentre.co.uk

Classes for Year 5 pupils now open. Call to book.

Located in Parkwood, Rainham. 5 mins from Hempstead Valley.

11+ PreparationRainham Tuition Centre

Kent Family 19

WHAT’S THEREKids love touching and feeling things to help learn about the world around them. At Kent Life there’s lots of opportunities to get ‘hands-on’ at various exhibits, historical houses, animal petting areas and in the paint-a-pot studio. And with some great play areas too - there is plenty of space for children to run off steam.

Historical buildingsStep inside a collection of historic houses including an Oast house, Victorian farmhouse, village hall, original hoppers’ huts and WWII home to see how people lived and worked at various stages in Kent’s history. You may even encounter some of their new costumed characters sharing stories of Kent’s colourful past.

Cuddle cornerFarming and agriculture feature heavily and

there are various herb gardens, orchards and hop gardens to explore. In the cuddle corner, kids can get up close to Kent Life’s cutest and smallest animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and, in the spring, try bottle-feeding the lambs.

Soft play areaUnder cover of the farmyard barn there’s a café and three-storey soft play area. Parents can relax over a coffee while the children explore slides, tunnels, scramble nets and a baby sensory area. Entrance to Kent Life is free for under 4s and adults can attend unlimited times with an annual membership (£29.95), so this area has become a popular meeting point for parents with pre-schoolers.

Outdoor play areasThe outdoor play area, revamped to cater for children of all ages, features rope swing, climbing frames, a gypsy wagon, replica Oast

DAYS OUT

KENTISH HISTORY

Kent Life , near Maidstone, has always been a fascinating day out – mixing Kentish history with good old-fashioned fun! Recent investment has seen new attractions, events and activities being added. So we went along to find out more.

comes to life


House tower with slide and for a small extra charge you can whizz round the race track on quad bikes. Seasonal events are being added all the time such as this summer’s big hit – the performing sheep show! And in December the ZingZillas are coming!

Special extrasPaint-a-pot studio. With prices starting at just £2.50, kids can create their own masterpiece which is dried and sealed, ready for pick up at the end of your visit.

Their 50s style Dotty’s tea room serves refreshments, home-made cake and light lunches on vintage crockery, against a backdrop of spotty table cloths and bunting.

Themed children’s birthday parties including groom-a-goat, paint-a-pot and cuddle corner parties. With a dedicated party room in Dotty’s tea room.

Prices (correct until 6th Nov) Open all year round. Adults £8.95, children £6.50, family £25.95. Under 4s FREE.

Annual memberships available, giving unlimited visits from £20.95 per year for children.

01622 763936www.kentlife.org.uk

Did you know…Kent Life run a schools programme of workshops, demonstrations and themed weeks including WWI, Victorians, Tudors, Romans and Florence Nightingale. And have hands-on history boxes that can be hired by schools for six weeks, for just £10.

Upcoming events:Grandparents Day Sat 1 Oct

Apple Weekend 8 - 9 Oct

Spooktacular Fun 22 - 30 Oct

Bonfire & Firework Spectacular 5 Nov

Meet the ZingZillas 3 Dec

Christmas Holiday Fun 17 Dec - 3 Jan

Living Farm Nativity 18 Dec

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LOCAL BUSINESS

The last few years have seen a huge resurgence in growing your own fruit and veg, home baking and crafts. Rising supermarket prices have meant that many parents are looking for ways of ‘doing it yourself’ – and discovering that a bit of self-sufficiency can be fun!

Local mum of two Debbie Cooper from Wouldham, near Rochester, has recently launched a new business called Kent Chickens, selling everything you need to set up your own back garden chicken coup and start collecting freshly laid eggs. We asked Debbie what prompted her new venture.

Why did you start keeping chickens yourself?

Children love pets, particularly if they are small, cute and fluffy. Over the years we have had the usual family pets; guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits. But after the initial novelty wore off I was always the one that ended up looking after them and cleaning out their cages. So I was adamant we would not have any more.

Then my partner suggested owning chickens as a way of reducing our escalating supermarket bill. The kids could enjoy them as pets and we’d get a regular supply of eggs – a kind of ‘pets with benefits’. We researched it thoroughly and worked out that in under a year the hens would have paid for themselves in eggs.

Do they really make good pets?

I was surprised at how fond I became of our hens. They are really relaxing, and very funny to watch. I hadn’t realised what friendly creatures they were. They follow the children in the garden and appear at the back door when they hear me in the kitchen.

How easy are they to look after?

They are very low maintenance. The hens love free ranging in the garden and are happy to roam around with minimal supervision. I remember the dramas I used to have chasing my pet rabbit round the garden when it was time to put it away and never have this problem with the hens. They happily follow me to the coop and quite often will stay perfectly still to let me pick them up. Our coup has a removable tray and lidded nesting box so it’s easy to lift these out once a week to clean them.

What prompted you to turn your hobby into a business?

Keeping chickens at home has become increasingly popular. We have learnt a lot by keeping them ourselves. As well as offering customers a reasonably priced complete service where they can get everything they need from simply buying a couple of hens to our comprehensive starter package, we also provide ongoing advice to our customers if it is needed.

Pets with benefitsHow keeping our own chickens can be enjoyable and rewarding


When they contact us to ask questions it also gives us an opportunity to hear their stories of how much they are enjoying their chickens. Do you need lots of space?

Even a small garden can be home to a couple of hens. Our smallest coops are about the same size as a rabbit hutch and the hens will need access to ground for foraging either by free ranging or in a run.

How many eggs do you get a day?

Hybrid hens are the most suitable for a home set-up as they will provide eggs all year round and are much more docile and friendly than most pure breeds. From two hens you will get about a dozen eggs a week. I am still amazed that my pets can produce something as useful as an egg nearly every day.

What about foxes and cats?

It is important to make sure your coop is fox proof. We recommend paving around your coop to prevent foxes from digging underneath. Our coops are all made from fox proof wire and are fully enclosed making them inaccessible to cats as well.

Kent Chickens can supply, deliver, install and fox proof a range of coops and provide hens, sundries and starter packs. Based in Wouldham, they cover the whole of Kent and can give advice and information to ensure customers get the most from their new chickens and coup.

call 07882 558573 or 01634 863675 www.kentchickens.co.uk

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the Anderson school of Dance

To register or for info call Debbie on: 01634 307977 u 07711 342687 www.theandersonschoolofdance.co.uk

Dance classes for ages 3½ to adult

Daytime, after-school and evening classes at:

Parkwood Junior School, Rainham

White Road Community Centre, Chatham

Hook Meadow Hall, Walderslade

Fun and friendly atmosphere where you can work toward IDTA exams or

take part in our regular shows.

PLUS themed hoLid

ay workShoPS,

including 8

0s (pictu

red), Gaga

& more

COUNTRY PARKS

STEP OUTSIDE THIS

Teston Bridgenear maidstone

Just off the A26 Maidstone to Tonbridge Road, Teston Bridge is as much a country walk as it is a country park. Situated alongside the River Medway there’s a huge open field and play area, great for picnics and games and the location for several events throughout the year, including the famous annual kite festival.

But the real delight is the walk along the River to Bow Hill Bridge and marina. The route takes you along the riverbank and through fields so it’s best tackled by children aged 5+. Great views, interesting boats and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

Manor Parknear West malling

Stunning in autumn, Manor Park ticks all the boxes with it’s large lake and resident birdlife, children’s play area and big grassy meadow for walking and ball games.

The lake has a beautiful backdrop of trees. And the surfaced path alongside it makes it easy to navigate with a buggy, so it’s a real favourite with toddlers wanting somewhere to feed the birds. A pleasant circular walk takes you round the lake and back to the play area through fields and paddocks. Next to the car park, The Green Café serves light lunches, hot drinks and refreshments and is open daily from 9am-5pm.

autumn


Best of the rest:White Horse Wood Country Park near DetlingLocated on the North Downs this park mixes nature and history. Fabulous views, 5 hectares of open grassland and the medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle to explore.

Leybourne Lakes leybourneFlat lakeside pathways make this ideal for pushchairs, cycling and walking. For kids there’s a play area and wooden wildlife sculptures of dragonflies, snakes and butterflies to spot as you walk round the lake.

Jeskyns Country Park near gravesendFour walking trails varying in length from ¼ mile to 2 miles take you round this open space dotted with unusual wooden play areas. Kids love the cone pool – a natural alternative to a ball pond using pinecones instead of plastic balls.

Make the most of the autumn sunshine with a blast round some of Kent’s lesser known country parks.

Trosley Country Park near Wrotham

Great for walking and cycling, this 130 acres site has several colour coded routes including one suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and beginner cyclists. There’s a picnic site, trim trail, viewing point and café as well as a programme of seasonal events and children’s activity trails during the school holidays.

www.kent.gov.uk/countryparks

www.tmbc.gov.uk/llcp

www.forestry.gov.uk/jeskyns

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http://www.kent.gov.uk/countryparks

http://www.tmbc.gov.uk/llcp

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/jeskyns

Every Girls Dream

www.pure-glitz.co.uk

Spectacular Girls glitter partiesHair, Make-up, Nails, Temporary Tattoos, Friendship Bangles, Craft Making, Dancing, Party Games, Prizes and lots more.

Plus fantastic Pure Glitz party bagsCall Nina on 01634 408867 or

Kate on 01634 233688

Magical Party Entertainment

Many different themed parties for boys and girls including Disney Princesses, Pirates, Knights, Fairies, Superheroes, Scooby Doo, Minnie Mouse, Mini Disco,

Quality Facepainting, Glitter Parties and more.

Call Lisa 01474 702523 / 07932 665516

www.littlepoppetsfacepainting.co.uk

Little Poppets


INDOOR & OUTDOOR bouncy castles.Ideal for birthday parties, christenings,

anniversaries, halls or just for a fun packed day.

y CastlesBounC

www.bubblesbouncycastles.co.uk01634 390195 / 07505 018007

Prices from £55BuBBles

A truly entertaining and magical show loved by children of all ages (3+)

Children’s magic shows ◆ Close-up magicBalloon modelling ◆ Learn circus skills

Birthday parties, schools, nurseries, youth groups and corporate events

Call Chris on 01732 847808 or 07807 927637

www.christhemagician.co.uk

Chequered Flag offers a unique

PARTY experience for children and adults on 6 LANES of newly

extended 150ft track at Elm Court in Hempstead just off the M2/J4.

Fast n’ Furious Racing action brings permanent smiles throughout. Medals & Trophies on the Podium! Party bags.

Party food or bring your own! From £69 Age 4+

www.chequeredflag.info 0844 809 4501

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLUBS £6.50 pp for 2 hrs racing!! FREE tea & coffee for parents.

Bookings now being taken for our Christmas Character Racing PartiesVisit our website for full details

Princess, Fairy

& Pirate Parties

Tiny Tots

Packages

Face Painting

Character

Appearances

Tailor-made

Themes

Get in touch or to book a party, call us on01622 735554 07788 998441

www.enchantedevents4kids.co.uk

Magical Entertainment for Children’s Parties and Events.Available for birthday parties, fetes, weddings, christenings and corporate events.

Packages from £85.

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www.apollokids.co.ukApollo kids brings the party to you!

With our FUN, innovative and CREATIVE party format that mixes kids disco parties with your child’s favourite TV character, pop star or theme. Call Jon on 07702 669511

Disco, lighting, bubble and smoke machines.

Party games and prizes.

Themed parties - Ben 10, Hannah Montana, Sponge Bob and more...

Fully CRB checked. Available for children’s parties, special events and school discos.


Move over cupcakes! Cake pops are the latest must-have party treat. Originally from America these bite-sized morsels of cake, covered in coating and popped on a lollipop stick are catching on fast in the UK.

Gravesend-based Cake Pop Princess (www.cakepopprincess.co.uk) produces amazing designs ranging from children’s TV characters to rugby balls, handbags and even camper vans! Whilst this level of creativity may be beyond us mere mortals, you can make simple cake pops at home that still taste delicious and look great.

Cake pops are essentially crumbled cake mixed with a fondant icing, cooled and then coated. It can be messy process so the kids love getting involved too!

Using shop-brought cake, a packet cake mix or a home-baked cake, break the cake up into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Ideally choose a moist, heavier cake like Maderia cake rather than something light and spongy.

Once you’ve crumbed your cake, stir in a creamy fondant icing such as buttercream icing and shape into 3-4cm round balls. Place on a lined baking sheet and put in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.

Melt some chocolate and dip a lollipop stick (from cake suppliers or craft shops) in about 1cm, then insert into your cake pop (the melted chocolate helps the stick stay in place). Then cover the whole cake pop in your chocolate coating and decorate! Finally place the cake pop stick upright in some polystyrene to set. Poptastic!

bakerella.com

PARTY NEWS

Bouncy Fun!Bouncy castles are normally associated with sunny, summer fetes and back garden BBQs. But this time of year indoor bouncy castles can be a great addition to halls and large rooms for children’s birthday parties or special occasions. Lisa from Bubbles Bouncy Castles (01634 390195) advises:

l Before hiring a castle, check the ceiling height of your venue to ensure the castle isn’t too tall. Most websites include dimensions of the castles available. Note any obstructions such as hanging light fittings or beams, you want the castle to fit in your venue and be safe.

l Most bouncy castles will require blowers to be plugged in to keep them inflated. So make sure there are power points available and you know where they are.

l Allow at least 30 minutes before the party for the castle to be set up and again at the end of the party for collection. Bouncy castles are bulky items so check there is clear access to your venue, both in terms of parking and getting through the door.

l Always have an adult available to supervise the children on the castle to ensure sensible play. But don’t forget to let them have a break from ‘bouncy castle duty’.

How to make: Cake Pops!


‘‘Want to choose the best sports club for your child? Look for the Clubmark’’– says Jon Rye, Vice-Chairman of Medway Community Sports Network. More than 10,000 clubs across around 35 sports are currently Clubmark accredited. These cover a diverse array of sports from ball games such as tennis, cricket and rugby to water sports like swim-ming, canoeing and rowing. In Medway we have more than 30 Clubmark accredited clubs. These are actively promoted by the Medway Community Sports Network, so we spoke to Jon Rye for his advice on choosing the right club for your child.

What is a Clubmark club?Overall, these sports clubs will be providing a safe, effective and child-friendly sporting environment for our children to learn, take part and compete within. Clubs that achieve accreditation have high quality standards in; the playing programme; safeguarding and protecting children and young people; knowing your club and its community; and club management.

How can parents find a local sport club for their child?Medway Council Sports Development Team has a comprehensive list of sports clubs in Medway on their website www.medway.gov.uk/london2012. Split into 58

Top marks for SPORTS CLUBSIn 2002 a national quality accreditation scheme was introduced by Sport England to raise the standards of clubs with junior sections. Clubmark clubs operate to a set of consistent standards and clearly established guidelines, making it safer and more enjoyable for your children to enjoy organised sport.

SPORT

Kent Family 31

sporting categories - from archery to yachting - the list also includes details of local Clubmark accredited clubs. Sometimes there are different names for the Clubmark scheme in different sports i.e. ClubsFirst for Hockey, GymMark for Gymnastics and Trampolining etc. But each accredited club should be displaying the Clubmark logo. There are 195 Clubmark clubs within Kent and those outside of Medway can be found through the Kent Sports Development Team’s website www.kentsport.org

Tell us about the Medway Community Sports Network?There are many sports clubs which have achieved Clubmark accreditation within Medway and each one belongs to the Medway Community Sports Network. The network has been set-up to actively promote the Clubmark clubs and to assist in the development of other local sports clubs. We want to ensure that parents under-stand what makes a quality sports club, what to look for and what questions to ask.

For more information:

Medway Sports Development Team – www.medway.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment

Kent Sports Development Unit – www.kentsport.org

Clubmark – www.clubmark.org.uk

caSe StuDy:In 2004, Holcombe Hockey club, near the Rochester airport site, became one of the first Hockey clubs in the country to achieve the Clubmark accreditation. Says the Club Vice-Chairman: “Clubmark has allowed us the chance to open our doors to club members and parents to enable them to understand all of the background work that the volunteers put into running our club, and the policies and procedures that ensure we provide a safe and effective club. Holcombe Hockey Club is a large family friendly hockey club with mens, ladies and six junior teams. We provide many training and competitive opportunities and a great facility with two astroturf pitches. At first glance in a club directory or on a website, we hope that parents understand the importance of Clubmark and why our club is one of the best within the local area”.

www.holcombehc.org.uk

The summer seems to be one long round of entertaining children, friends and family. So when life goes back to ‘normal’, we suddenly seem to have time to reflect on what we want to be doing between the school run, home time and whatever else fills our lives.

For some us that can actually be quite uncomfortable. We really aren’t used to putting ourselves, and what we want, first and the contrast between the busyness of the summer and that inevitable jolt back into reality leaves a sudden and deafening silence that we need to fill somehow.

Two years ago, when my son started school, I felt a real battle going on inside my head.

I had a good career and a wonderful family but I found myself questioning where I was going. I had an overwhelming desire to be able to work flexibly around school hours and from home but I also wanted to do something useful, something that used ALL of my skills and passions in a way that excited me and left me feeling energised at the end of the day.

Looking back, the increasing stress I was feeling from my career was a big sign that all was not well. And in the end, I had to literally make myself ill before I recognised that something had to change – and drastically.Two years’ on, and life is very different. I’m building the business I dreamed about and helping other mums to do the same. I believe

Back-to-School

Blues

REAL LIFE

The start of the school year can prompt many mums to think “what about me?” We spoke with Maidstone-based life coach, and mum-of-one, Andrea Beadle for her advice to help you find what you want from life.

By Life Coach, Andrea Beadle


that all our life experiences, jobs, skills and passions are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that come together in a totally unique way for us. They fit together into something that only we can do; whether that is a job, a business or some other way.

But it is like the pieces of the puzzle are scattered all over the place and are all face down with no picture to guide us. We need to collect together enough of the pieces and really examine them before we can see what the picture is. But once we do, it seems amazing that we didn’t see it before!

So if you are feeling a little empty and flat now that the children are back as school here are a few tips from my own journey and work with others that might help:

1 Rather than dwelling on where you are right now, start to think about what you would like your life to be like. Imagine your ideal day. What would you be doing? How would you be feeling? Where would you be? Be as specific as you can but don’t worry if this is hard. When I started this process all I could think was that I wanted to be able to walk my son to school each morning and gradually I built up from there. This process begins to open your mind to the possibilities that might be there rather than feeling stuck.

2 Review the pieces of your own puzzle. Lay them all out on the table face up and sort them all out into something that makes sense for you. List key jobs and experiences. List your skills and hobbies. What are you absolutely fired up and passionate about? Don’t leave out anything that you think doesn’t fit or seems off the wall. Often that will be the piece that makes all the difference!

3 Be open to seeing how everything combines into a job, business or way of life. If you find yourself thinking that it isn’t possible for all of this to come together or that you can’t find a way to combine them – STOP. Just tell yourself that you are open to finding a way to see how they fit together and sleep on it.

4 You may begin to get the beginnings of ideas coming to you. Don’t dismiss anything. Write it all down and just explore how it makes you feel. A couple of pieces may start to fit together but may need some of the other pieces before they fully make sense. Allow yourself some time, it may take days, weeks or months before your ideas come together.

5 One of the biggest things I’ve learned in the last couple of years has been to ask for help. We can get so used to being the one that sorts everything out for other people that we find it hard to admit that we might need a helping hand from time to time. Reach out to someone, let them know how you feel. Tell people what support you need and most importantly, let them help you when they offer!

Andrea Beadle (07855 529798) is a Certified Life Coach and offers individual telephone coaching sessions with ongoing email support.

Visit www.andreabeadle.com for more information, to read her blog or to book a complimentary first session.

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Kent Family 35

Just For Ki dzQuaLITy uSEd aNd NEaRLy NEW

l children’s clothing l toysl prams and pushchairs

l cots and nursery equipmentl from prem baby to 4

01634 819887Open mon – Sat 10am til 5pm

www.just-for-kidz.co.uk

126 High Street, Rochester (Opposite Casino)New stock weekly. We buy and sell.

Tumble Tots is Britain's leading NationalActive Physical Play Programme forchildren from 6 months to 7 years

Please call on: 01634 682760 or visit:www.tumbletots.com/medway

Classes at Medway, Maidstone West and Meopham

• Using specifically designed equipment yourchild will learn agility, balance, climbing andco-ordination skills.

• A structured fun programme designed to buildself confidence and develop essential listening& language skills.

TT Ad 64x60>16710 aw:Layout 1 19/7/10 16:

Fun and friendly class introducing ballet and funky moves. Musical instruments, props and dressing up add to the fun!Giving your child an excellent introduction to the world of dance.

Classes held at Arethusa Road, Rochester.

Pre-school Ballet Classes

R o c h e s t e Rschool of Dance

Samantha Seenan A.I.S.T.D

07710 547672

Call now and get your first lesson FREE


CAll Nikki oN 07815 063136email: [email protected]

NEW kids weekend workshops coming soon

FUN & EXCITINGpre-school cookery classes for you and your child in Medway.Book now!

One hour of magical songtime and dancing, instruments and props. Actions, counting, colours and much more.Ages 6 weeks to 5 years.Classes in Rochester Barming, Snodland, Borough Green, and Maidstone.

Call Trudy on 07946 704181www.monster-music.co.ukFully insured and CRB checked.Pre-schoolers birthday parties from £85.

£2.50 per child & £1

for siblings

Adult and child lessons for ages 18 months and over.Classes at Frindsbury Strood and Walderslade Chatham.Small class sizes. Start anytime.

Toddler and Pre-school Swim classes

Seahorse School of SwimmingLynda Chambers 07931 581125www.seahorseschoolofswimming.co.ukseahorseschoolofswimming@hotmail.com

Booknow

This unique programme combines the benefits of both music and baby signing to stimulate your baby’s speech and language development. Hearing babies from as young as 7 months are using gestures to communicate BEFORE their first words.

For more information on our multi-award winning classes in Medway and Maidstone contact Lorraine on

Baby Signing the FUN way!!

Book now for january

classes

07954 439579 [email protected]

Kent Family 37

plans for our autumn & winter holiday clubs!

to advertise call 01634 814364 23

Book your FREE trial class now at Caterpillar Music

Babies & children enjoy learning in a fun atmosphere with exciting puppets, songs & lots of surprises every week!

Caterpillar Music also offer amazing Birthday Parties, Nursery and Children’s Centre sessions!Visit www.caterpillarmusic.com or call Jo on 01634 670370

2 to 4year oldsCreativePhysical

Fun

PartiesNurseryClasses

Free trial

Making Movement Matter!Classes in:

ST MARY’S ISLAND,

WALDERSLADE, STROOD

AND MAIDSTONE

Call Lisa Jarrett on01634 682181

[email protected]

There’s nothing quite like Dinky Dancers

Part-time class leaders wanted. Call for details

Kent Family Medway Winter '10.in23 23 15/11/10 22:48:02

TODDLER TALK

Autumn StorytimeMedway libraries are holding a week of stories and craft for children aged 3 to 8 this October half term. Themes include elephants, spooky tales and bats. And best of all – they are all free. Contact the library in advance, as booking is essential.

Elephants Mon 24 Oct, 2.15-3pm, Rainham LibraryTues 25 Oct, 3.30-4.30pm, Hempstead library

Spooky TalesTues 25 Oct, 2-3pm, Strood Library

Autumn FunTues 25 Oct, 2.15-3pm, Twydall LibraryThurs 27 Oct, 10.30-11.30am Wigmore LibraryThurs 27 Oct, 3.45-4.30pm Thomas Aveling School and Community LibraryFri 28 Oct, 2.15-3pm, Rainham Library

Bats and All ThatWeds 26 Oct, 2-3pm, Walderslade Hook Meadow Library

Starbursts and SparklesThurs 27 Oct, 2.30-3.15pm, Cuxton Library

Autumn LeavesThurs 27 Oct, 2.15-3pm, Luton LibraryThurs 27 Oct, 2.30-3pm, Rochester Community Hub

SparklingFri 28 Oct, 3.30-4.15pm, Lordswood Library

Bats and All ThatFri 28 Oct, 2-3pm, Walderslade Village Library

With the new school year well underway, there is a fresh term of classes starting for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in a range of fun activities from music and movement and baby signing to ballet and pre-school cookery classes. We’ve put together our round up of the best classes for under 5s in Medway and Maidstone, listing days of the week they take place and how to find out more about them. Visit our website to read the full article online at:


NEARLY NEW

READON-LINE

Theatre for Under 5s

Unless it’s to see their favourite CBeebies star, a trip to the theatre might not seem the obvious choice of outing for very young children. But this winter we are in for a treat, with Spotlites @ Kings Theatre and The Brook Theatre putting on special shows just for pre-schoolers.

The Christmas Adventure of Snowy the Fox is a tailor-made 50 minute show for children aged 3-6 years. Running from 7th December until Christmas Eve at the Brook Theatre in Chatham. This festive adventure tells the story of Snowy the Fox and his friends who perform a magical show for Father Christmas, giving him a wonderful present. But something goes missing, and with lots of help from the audience they travel high and low to create a happy ending. Tickets are £6.95 for adults and for children. www.brookchristmas.co.uk

At Kings Theatre in Chatham, Spotlites @ Kings Theatre are performing two interactive shows especially for children aged 2-5. With lots of audience participation, children are encouraged to come onstage throughout. In The Enormous Turnip (Wednesday 26th October) kids can help granddad plant the tiny seed, slide in the snail slime and blow up the enormous turnip. And in The Magic Porridge Pot (Saturday 29th October) there are lots of laughs as they cook magic porridge, have a magic food fight and jump in a huge sea of porridge. Tickets are £5.50 for children and £6.50 for adults, or £22 for a family of four. www.spotlites.co.uk

Second hand doesn’t have to mean second best, with many parents finding they have clothes and toys in excellent condition that they would like to sell. And there are always plenty of parents wanting to use their money wisely and buy a bargain. As well as the popular NCT nearly new sales offering a range of toys, clothing, baby equipment and maternity wear, there are a growing number of private individuals running nearly new sales.

Here’s our pick of the Kent organisations to keep an eye on if you are looking for pre-loved goods at great prices or want a place to sell your outgrown items.

Buy it Baby! run baby and toddler nearly new sales in the Sevenoaks and Orpington areas. www.buyitbaby.co.uk

Kids and Kabbodle organise nearly new sales with items for boys and girls from birth to age seven. They have upcoming events in Kings Hill, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells and a very comprehensive website where you can also sell items online. www.kidsandkaboodlesales.co.uk

Nearly New Sales Kent run bi-annual general baby and toddler nearly new sales in Maidstone and are holding a special Christmas event on 5th November selling toys, books and games. www.nearlynewsalekent.co.uk

Weekends R Us run a range of events for adults and children at locations around Kent, including nearly new sales. The next of which takes place at Tiny Town in Larkfield on 30th October. www.weekendsrus.co.uk

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2 to 4year oldsCreativePhysical

FunCertificates

PartiesNurseryClasses

Free trial

Making Movement Matter!Classes in:

ST maRy’S ISLaNd, WaLdERSLadE, STROOd

aNd maIdSTONECall Lisa Jarrett on

01634 [email protected]

There’s nothing quite like Dinky Dancerswww.littlekickers.co.uk [email protected]

N substitute

Call 01732 849694

Nothing is more rewarding than watching achild learning new skills, keeping fit andloving every minute of it! That’s why moreand more parents are bringing their childrenalong to our training sessions.APPROVED FOOTBALL TRAININGFOR KIDS FROM 2 YEARS TO7TH BIRTHDAY.

Classes in Medway. Book now!


For classes in Rochester and GravesendCall Claire on 07754 866592

or email: [email protected]

Our unique classes are bursting with fun games and activities that boost children’s natural speech and language development. Talking Tots provides the

perfect combination of fun, stimulation and learning for children from 12 months to five years.

Fun classes that help children to communicate with confidence

N Social confidenceN listening and attentionN Sharing and turn-takingN Vocabulary buildingN Pre-literacy skills

Kent Family 41

www.pqacademy.com084567 32022

Ages 6 to 18. Limited spaces available.Call 07961 387798 or email [email protected]

SUMMERSCHOOL

Find Us At:Rochester Grammar School

Maidstone Rd., Rochester ME1 3BY

From 10am - 4pm

MON AUG 15th - FRI AUG 19th

Learn how to act for camera with professional screen actors and receive a free DVD and a green screen certificate!

POPPETS for 4 to 6 year oldsSign up now for September waiting list.

Classes held Saturday

mornings at Rochester Grammar School.

Ages 4-6

PQA Poppets come in short and sweet 90-minute sessions, including movement, dance, poetry, speech, singing, rhythm,

teamwork, mime, expression and imagination, whilst building your

Poppet’s confidence and social skills.

Call 07961 387798 or email [email protected]

42

On 3rd October a new midwifery-led unit will open at Medway Maritime Hospital. Called The Birth Place, the new unit will cater for around 800-1,000 births a year and aims to offer a comfortable, home-from-home environment, where the emphasis is on a relaxed birth experience which involves partners at every stage.

There will be five birthing rooms; four postnatal beds; two birthing pools; a low risk triage (assessment) and an education room where workshops will be held to help prepare mums and dads for life as parents. It can care for ten women at any one time.

Karen McIntyre, head of midwifery and gynaecology, explained: “The new unit will be very family focussed and partners will be encouraged to stay all the way through the birth. The rooms even have double beds so partners can stay overnight. The rooms will be ready for an active birth which means ladies will be encouraged to move about freely and to find their own comfortable upright positions during contractions. The bed will not be the main focus of the room and will only be used when needed. Active birth is well known for improving the birthing experience as less medical interventions are needed.

The unit is designed to get parents parenting straight away – to start changing nappies and organising feeds from the outset with the support of midwives – so they are more prepared when they go home.”

medway.nhs.uk/our-services/maternity-services

MAMA AND BABY

Woodlands Children’s Centre, Gillingham 7-9pm, 10th Oct and 12th Dec.

And at Temple Mill Children’s Centre in Strood, 6-8pm, 14th Nov.

READON-LINE

Breastfeeding Friendly MedwayOver the summer the Medway Breastfeeding Network took part in a Milk Crawl to find out how breastfeeding friendly Medway cafes and restaurants are, and their results have now been published on www.abettermedway.co.uk. Beverley Dyke, Infant Feeding Project Officer said “Mums are the best people to let us know where they feel relaxed and happy breastfeeding in Medway. Every woman can breastfeed in confidence. Don’t feel you should apologise or feel guilty if someone takes offence, you are now protected by law, which means you can breastfeed wherever you like in public. We hope through sharing experiences, other Medway mums will feel more confident to breastfeed their baby in public.”

New Maternity Unit Opens


Find out more about local services for parents-to-be at Medway Pregnancy Evenings.

Please call on: 01634 682760 or visit:www.tumbletots.com/medway

Classes at Medway, Maidstone West and Meopham

• Exercises and colourful equipment to encourage your baby to sit, crawl and eventually walk!

• Action songs & rhymes to develop listening skills and enjoyment of music.

Gymbabes classes are tailor madefor babies from 6 months upwards and hasbeen voted Best children’s activity provider byTommys’ baby friendly awards.

Give your babya head start in life!

Gymbabe Ad 64x60>16710 aw:Layout 1 28/7/10

Lots of ideas you can use at home. A great way to bond with your baby, make friends and have fun.Classes in Rochester and Hempstead.

At last, a class JUST for babies

Come join the fun! Call Sarah on 07813 632 552

Enjoy a wonderful sensory experience with your baby. From birth to 13 months. Bubbles, light shows, glow balls, bells, music and more.

Pregnancy Evenings At Temple Mill Children’s Centre, Cliffe Road, Strood from 6 to 8pm

14th Nov 2011, 9th Jan 2012, 12th march 2012

All stages of pregnancy welcome.Pop in anytime for an informal chat,

free treatments, demos and info.For more info call Sandra on 01634 338205

Find us on facebook ‘Medway Pregnancy Evenings’

Reflexology

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and lots more..

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Kent Family 43

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affordable and effective advertising to 43,000 parents in Medway,

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Kent Family 45

Mobile Hairstylist

Professional cutting and haircare all in the comfort of your own home.

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Family & couples discounts.

Contact Eve on: 01634 71257907906 255620

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We supply everything you need to start owning poultry.

Wide selection of high quality coups and hybrid hens.

Ongoing support and advice.

Starter packages include coop, hens, feed, delivery and set up.

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The new Kent Air Ambulance Shop in Station Street, Sittingbourne urgently needs your good quality donations of clothing, bric-a-brac and FURNITURE.

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Call 01795 427535

Please help us to keep the ambulance flying and save a life in Kent.Boost your school/club/scout/guide funds with ‘Phil’ the Bag

www.philthebag.co.uk

COMPETITION

Be amongst the first visitors to enjoy this yuletide magical experience at Paultons Family Theme Park in Hampshire by entering our competition to win tickets for a family of four (two adults and two children) to Santa’s Christmas Wonderland and Peppa Pig World.

For a chance to win a family ticket for the opening day of Santa’s Christmas Wonderland on Saturday 19th November 2011 (worth up to £73) enter online at www.kentfamilymagazine.co.uk, email your entry to [email protected] or post to Kent Family Magazine, 91 Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1RL. Closing date for entries is midnight 1st November 2011. Entries must include a contact name and phone number, address and, to ensure an appropriate gift, the ages of both children. Only one entry per family. The winner will be notified by 4th November. For full terms and conditions visit www.kentfamilymagazine.co.uk

inFOrmatiOnPaultons is just off exit 2 of the M27 and is within 2.5 hours drive from Kent. For more information about the park, winter openings, Peppa Pig World and Santa’s Christmas Wonderland visit www.paultonspark.co.uk

A family ticket To the opening of Santa’s Christmas Wonderland at Paultons Park

READON-LINE

cHriStmaS cOmeS tO PaultOnS!• Adorable animated characters

greet you at your every turn as you make your way through the enchanted snow scene.

• Don’t miss Rudoloph and Donner the singing reindeer and see the elves working hard to finish all the gifts in time for Christmas Eve in Santa’s toy factory!

• At the end of the journey children meet Santa Claus and receive an exciting present.

• The magic continues at the Christmas themed Village Life Museum where adults can enjoy hot fruit punch and a mince pie served to the accompaniment of the animated soldier band! Look out for our seasonal illuminations!

• See the new animated characters and snow scene and experience Peppa Pig World at Christmas with magical illuminations, Christmas trees and more!

Peppa Pig © A

stley Baker Davies/Entertainm

ent One U

K Limited 2003


http://www.kentfamilymagazine.co.uk


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Kent Family 47

ad g?nop itThinking about

G66

19

www.medway.gov.uk/adoption

01634 335676Talk to us

AdoptionAdvert_Kent Families_AdoptionAD_Kent Families 07/09/2011 12:00 Page 1

T H E B R O O K T H E A T R E C H R I S T M A S S H O W 2 0 1 1

Wednesday, 7 to Saturday, 24 December 2011

www.brookchristmas.co.uk01634 338338

Tailor-made 50 minuteshow

A magical festive adventure full ofmusic, dance and delightful costumes,

created specially for children agedthree to six-years-old.

Tickets £6.95 for children and adults

BrookXmasShow_Kent Families BACK_BrookXmasAd_KentFam 12/09/2011 12:01 Page 1

kent family medway autumn 11

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