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L o n d o n – K e n t B o r d e r s

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–teens Issue 12: March/April 2013

Free!✭

easter egg trailsLambing dayseaster Holiday Clubs

easter special

PLUs: supporting your

left handertop tips for a good

night’s sleep

For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent★Plus: News, ‘What’s on’ & much more inside!

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rights before, during and after pregnancy.

Our services include:4 Advice on maternity and paternity employment rights 4 Complete childcare package sourced for you4 Guidance on all your childcare options and the costs4 Nursery search to find the best nursery closest to you4 Advice on employing nannies4 Bespoke employment contracts and payroll services.

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THE POTTY TRAINING BREAKTHROUGH THAT’S WINNING AWARDS

Dry Like Me potty training pads (www.drylikeme.com) are a real break-through in the challenge to get children out of nappies and into their own pants. They have won lots of awards and are endorsed by child toilet training charity, ERIC.

Dry Like Me pads turn all pants into potty training pants by adding an absorbent layer and help your child to recognise their body’s cues for the loo, a key part of potty training. While they are learning, they capture small accidents and so reduce the mess and stress. Dry Like Me pads are suitable for children of all ages with one size fitting all. In research they reduced accidents after only one week. For more information and special offers go to www.drylikeme.com and share your experiences at facebook.com/DryLikeMeUK.

*Closing date 30 April 2013.

WINDry Like Me are giving away five ‘Smarter Way to Potty Train Packs’ worth £15. Each pack contains four boxes of Dry Like Me pads and a reward chart & stickers!*

Dry Like Me are available from Tesco Extra, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Superdrug, Wilkinsons, Ocado and Amazon and cost around £3.49 for a pack of 18.

To enter visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

© Families London–Kent Borders. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families London–Kent Borders nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families London–Kent Borders is part of the Families® group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. Printed by Williams Press Ltd, www.williamspress.co.uk

In this issue4 News & products 6 Clubs & Classes & Education 7 Helping your left handed child 8 Easter Holiday Clubs & Lambing 9 Easter Trails 10 Out & About 11 Events 14 Museums 15 How to achieve a perfect night’s sleep

Preparing the Easter issue is always fun – we love hunting for the best Easter Egg Trails, the best places to watch newborn lambs and finding fun clubs, workshops and events to keep the children entertained throughout the Easter holidays. Plus, don’t forget to enter our competition to win five ‘Smarter Way to Potty Train Packs’ from Dry Like Me – a good way to start potty training so you can have stress free days out! To enter, visit www.familieslondonkent.co.uk/competitionsHappy reading!

Juliette Dixon, Editor 020 8466 6977, editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook at Families London–Kent Borders Magazine and on Twitter @familieslkb

020 8466 6977 3 Untitled-8 1 08/12/2011 23:04

Next Open Day: Thursday 21 March & Tuesday 30 April. Doors open at 10.45am

10

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

L O N D O N – K E N T B O R D E R S

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–teens Issue 12: March/April 2013

Free!✭

Easter Egg TrailsLambing DaysEaster Holiday Clubs

Easter special

PLUS: Supporting your

left handerTop tips for a good

night’s sleep

For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent★Plus: News, ‘What’s on’ & much more inside!

Families cover 12.indd 10 20/02/2013 22:29

Cover image by Sham Samuel from S. Samuel Photography, 07528 190 773, sham@samuelphotography.comwww.samuelphotography.com

4 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Babble from the Borders

Gifts for all occasions from Say It Personally Say It Personally is a team of six women specialising in unique, quality gifts delivered to the door to make any occasion extra special. As well as the usual events such as birthdays and Christmas, they have developed a wide range of gifts for babies, birthdays and beyond, and have a lovely new range for Mother’s Day.

Placing the emphasis on providing a personal service, their ‘alternative bouquets’ are a refreshing change from traditional floral arrangements, using practical items such as baby clothes or ladies socks. If bouquets aren’t your thing, the range includes gift sets beautifully compiled with attention to detail, giving the real Wow factor!

Say It Personally gives you the opportunity to celebrate a nephew’s first day at school, send a birthday gift to a budding gardener or mini-chef, as well as cheering up Granny if she’s been feeling under the weather! ‘Having worked together in the past, the team already has a great rapport and can work to our individual strengths. We’ve loved putting this range together, choosing products we’d be delighted to receive ourselves.’ Says Say It Personally’s Hazel Beckett.

To view the products or for more information visit www.sayitpersonally.co.uk or call 01482 638355.

Chislehurst Society awards The deadline for the 2013 Environmental Awards for the Chislehurst Society is 19 April. The theme this year is the Flora and Fauna of Chislehurst and the

competition is open to all students aged between 4 and 19 living or going to school in the Chislehurst area; projects can be created individually or as a group. Judging will be at Babington House School on 7 May (6pm–8pm).Entry forms are available from Chislehurst Library or

download them from www.chislehurst-society.org.uk

1. Luxury Sock Bouquet from Say It Personally (£22) – perfect for a Mother’s Day or birthday gift. www.sayitpersonally.co.uk2. Bramble Toadstool Nightlight (£55) This gorgeous nightlight, available with either a red or blue top, features Bramble the Elf with

his friends, lizard hedgehog and mole. Height 22cm. For stockists contact www.whiterabbitengland.com3. The Interactive Art Book, published by Tango Paper (£20) With 60 art masterpieces,12 three-dimen-sional models and a separate activity book, this fascinating book by renowned paper engineer Ron van der Meer presents art in an understandable, entertaining and exciting way – a must for children and adults alike!4. Love Bombing – Reset Your Child’s Emotional Thermostatby Oliver James, published by Karnac Books (£9.99) This intriguing and inspiring book aims to get the parent-child relationship back on track. 5. Bunny Adventure Wall Stickers (£55) www.lovemae.co.uk6. Disney Princess and Cars Multivitamin Gummies from Holland & Barrett (£6.99) These chewable multivitamins not only contain essential vitamins and minerals, zinc and DHA from fish oil but are in the shape of your favourite characters. Available from Holland & Barrett stores and www.hollandandbarrett.com

News & ViewsCoolings gets schools busy gardening

This issue we love…

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Coolings Garden Centre in Knockholt has introduced a schools’ outreach programme. The free initiative which launches this Spring sees their Busy Bee Gardener visiting schools to lead gardening workshops, talk to pupils and award prizes.

The scheme caters for primary aged children and teaches them about seed sowing, bulb planting and the science of gardening; schools will also get the opportunity to attend both guided tours at Coolings and special events throughout 2013.

To help your school to buy plants and gardening equipment, Coolings has launched a school vouchers scheme whereby customers are awarded a voucher for every £5 they spend, so don’t forget to register your school.For more information or to get your school involved email Jane Wiseman at janewiseman@coolings.co.uk or call 01959 532269.

Babble from the Borders

Bromley High donates uniform to Ghana Bromley High School made a difference to the lives of school children in Nankesido, Ghana. A smart school uniform is a real luxury for these children but Bromley High students were delighted to be able to help by sending them their old-style school uniform kindly donated by the parents. The school will be paying the transport costs of the final shipment, as their Christmas charity donation for this year.

Coolings gets schools busy gardening

Sew on a Thursday Sew Fun Classes for Children now has additional classes on a Thursday after school. These fun and popular sewing classes always include exciting and beautifully made projects and take place at Ripley Arts Centre in Bromley. For information call Anne on 020 8467 3920 or visit www.sewfunclasses.co.uk

Rugbytots arrives in the South East Rugbytots, the non-contact children’s rugby play programme for 2 to 8 year olds, is in full swing in the South East thanks to Head Coach John-Paul Dudley. John-Paul has returned from South Africa after starting and running the Rugbytots franchise over there.The classes, which are suitable for boys and girls, aim to improve a child’s motor, develop-mental and social skills through games that will encourage team work and build their own self confidence. Classes take place in Beckenham, West Wickham and Eltham College.For more information or to organise a free demo in your area, nursery or school, contact jp@rugbytots.co.uk or 07582997752.

Kiddi Cardio expands Kiddi Cardio, the new sports classes for 2 to 5 year olds, has started new classes in Beckenham at Christ Church Halls on Tuesdays and is launching at Coney Hall, Assembly Rooms on Mondays from 15 April. Each week each age appropriate class (2–3 years and 3–5 years) features a different sport which is broken down into its key parts giving the children the opportunity to learn essential skills needed as part of their development. A free trial is available for all new classes. For more information call 07812 676815, email info@kiddicardio.com or visit www.kiddicardio.com

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Clubs & Classes & Education

11plus Ltd prepares children for recent exam changes Much discussion has taken place about changing the 11plus exam system. This system which tests pupils at the start of Year 6 for entry into selective schools has been a thorn for many yet thousands flock to sit these exams. Parents who forgo all to ensure their children are best prepared for these competi-tive exams have one thing in common. They seek the best education for their child. There are those who advocate that grammar schools should be dispensed with and those who call for more grammar schools to open. It remains however, that the limited number of grammar schools continues to see unprecedented demand for its places. Collectively, the schools seek to minimise the impact of tutoring in a bid to give every bright child the opportunity to gain a grammar school place regardless of income.

The London Borough of Bexley recently announced changes to its 11+ exams for entry into one of the four grammar schools namely, Beths Grammar, Bexley Grammar, Townley Grammar and Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar schools. Pupils will now sit papers which include questions to test their Maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. Previously, only Maths and verbal reasoning skills were tested but English comprehension and non-verbal have been cited as crucial indicators of a child’s ability. Newstead Woods in Orpington appears to have made no changes with children sitting verbal and non-verbal papers. St Olaves continues to test core Maths and English skills for its 11+ exams. Ultimately, pupils will need to be familiar with all four subjects, as such 11plus Ltd, will be running several mock tests in all four subjects for which detailed feedback will given. These tests will give pupils the opportunity to sit exams in a formal test environment and provide valuable feedback.

For parents keen on trying out the new Bexley test format, 11plus Ltd will be running mock exams in this format from April 2013. Simply request the Bexley format papers when booking. Courses take place on 3 April, 28 May & 26 July at Crofton Halls in Orpington. For more details and to book call 0845 299 7444 or visit www.11plusmocktests.com

• Babington House School Chislehurst (020 8467 5537) 9 March, 9am–12pm • Baston House School Bromley (020 8462 1010) 21 March & 30 April. Doors open at 10.45am. Principal’s talk at 11am • Bishop Challoner School Shortlands (020 8460 3546) 9 March, 9am–12pm • Breaside Preparatory School Bromley (020 8460 0916) 16 March, 10am–12pm • Bromley High School Bromley (020 8781 7000) 9 May, 2pm–3.30pm • Farringtons School Chislehurst (020 8467 0256) 12 March, 9am–11am • Merton Court Preparatory School Sidcup (020 8300 2112), 1 May, 5.30pm–8.30pm

* Please note some Open Days require you to register before attending so please call first.

To keep up-To-daTe wiTh local News

sTories VisiT www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

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or call 0845 313 6711 • jp@rugbytots.co.uk

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New After School Sewing Classes Now running on Thursdays at Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley Lots of Fun Creative Projects Please look at our website www.sewfunclasses.co.uk Anne Cooper 020 8467 3920

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Left behind?

Messy handwritingIf you have a child who is left handed, chances are they haven’t been taught to write. Left handers push the pen across the page which can lead to smudging and untidy work. At an early stage a left handed child should be encouraged to master the correct handwriting position and paper placement to avoid problems. The paper should be rotated to 45 degrees with the hand and wrist below the writing. Any pen needs to be held in a strong 3-point grip. In Early Years this can be supported with a triangular bodied pencil or a moulded grip around a regular pencil. If your child can get into good habits from the start, they will avoid prob-lems when they graduate to a fountain pen and longer writing assignments.

Hook gripSome left handers use a hooked grip to avoid the problem of smudging, and angle the pen in the same way a right hander would. This be-comes more uncomfortable the more you write and leads to an overtight grip and aching hands which in turn lead to messy handwriting. The wrist should always be below the writing line. If your child is developing a hook grip, consider introduc-ing a sloped surface to resolve the problem.

Elbow collisionYour child should always be placed at the left hand side of a shared desk or next to another left hander. This gives them plenty of space to get their paper positioned correctly and avoid knock-ing elbows with a right handed neighbour.

White boardsWhite boards and chalk boards are a great learning tool but if you’re left handed you can end up eras-ing as you write. Good grip and placement of the board gives left handers half a chance. However if your child isn’t completing white board work quickly or neatly enough, it may not be their fault.

Mirror writingIt’s common for left handed children to begin on the right hand side of the page and write from right to left, and when you think about it, it makes sense. If they are sat next to a right hander, they are simply mirroring their work. Encourage them to start on the left hand side of the page by placing a coloured star in the margin as a reminder.

The right equipmentMany left handed children learn the basics with the wrong equipment. Give a left handed child

some right handed scissors and they’ll find the blade is upside down and so they can’t see the line they are cutting. Check your school has left handed scissors to offer your child. Ambidextrous scissors don’t exist – trust me!

As they progress to writing, shiny barrelled pens are to be avoided. Make sure whatever pen you choose has a good grip so it’s easy to hold even when hands get hot and tired. Left handed fountain pens are available from www.anything-left-handed.co.uk. They’re worth the investment for older children as the have an angled nib.

You can make a differenceKeith Milsom campaigns for better support of left handed children in our schools:

‘Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher to make sure they know that he/she is left-handed and may need assistance and advice. Ask your child’s teacher to talk you through the support they’re going to give them so you can be sure they really understand. The school should have left-handed scissors available and pens that will help left-handers write in the correct style.

If children are left to their own devices it is very unlikely they will find writing and cutting out easy. Apart from the practical difficulties this can mean they are working more slowly than the rest of the class and lose some of confidence – especially if the teacher tells them off for “not doing it right”. Lefthanders can end up under-performing at school and having difficulty with written exams as a result of a lack of informed guidance at an early stage. It’s important parents keep the pressure on schools to support their left handed children.’

USEFUL RESOURCESwww.anythingleft-handed.co.uk has some great left handed guidance sheets for parents and teachers and is a super source of equipment.www.lefthandedchildren.org is another great website with some top tips for parents looking to support their left handed child.

1 in 10 children are left handed, but many fail to get the support they need in the early years of their education. sarah Butters, mum to a left hander, shares some tips for helping them out

Aquakids Easter Crash Course• 8–12 April, 9.30am to 11.30amBromley High School, Bromleywww.aquakids.co.ukIntensive courses for all ages and abilities. The small classes ensure huge progress. Age 3+.

Babyballet Teddy Bears Picnic• 10 April, 11am–3.30pmDanson Park, Bexleyheath www.facebook.co,/dartbexbrom Enjoy lots of dancing and fun and a special visit from Twinkle the baby-ballet bear. Free.

Baby Sensory™ Baby’s First Easter• 24 March, Hillsgrove Children’s Centre, Welling, bexley@babysensory.co.uk• Easter WeekendDartford, dartfordandgravesend@babysensory.co.ukBaby Sensory presents Baby’s First Easter Eggstravaganza with Baby Bunnies, Chicks, Ducks and spring surprises! Booking essential.

Bromley Virgin Active Snorkelling Club• Various dates and times

The Lido, Baths Road, Bickley0845 270 4082Five-day snorkelling course. £50 for non-members. Age 8+.

Chucklebox Easter Holiday Club• 2–12 April, 8am–6pm (full and half days available)Hawes Down Centre, Hawes Lane, West Wickhamwww.chucklebox.co.ukEnjoy an exciting timetable in pur-pose built premises plus fun trips, including horse riding, swimming, Quasar and Gambado. Age 4–11.

Dance Fusion Easter Activities, Games & Dance Workshops• Various dates, 10am & 4pmHoly Trinity Church Hall, Bromley Common & Small Civic Hall, Orpingtonwww.dancefusion4all.co.ukWorkshops and fun activities.

Easter Holiday Wind Band at BYMT• 3–5 April, 9.30am–2.30pmBromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT), Southborough Lane, Bromleywww.bymt.co.ukChildren will prepare music from TV,

Films, Cartoons and Shows. Open to woodwind, brass and percus-sion players, beginner to approx. Grd 5. £75.

Easter Tots• 3 & 4 April (10am or 11am)Trinity United Reform Church, Freelands Road, Bromleynicola@talkingtots.infoThese mixed age classes are sim-ilarly structured to regular Talking Tots classes, building on listening, attention and language skills. £6 per child. Age 1–4.

Holiday Active at David Lloyd Sidcup• 2–12 April, 9am–1pm Baugh Road, Sidcup0208 309 4900Activity Days include sports and workshops including Circus Skills and cooking. Age 5–11.

Perform’s Easter Holiday Courses:Hansel and Gretel• 3–5 April, 2.30pm–4.30pmThe Parish Church of

St Luke, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks0845 400 4000

RAW Tennis Easter Camp • 3–5 & 8–9 April, 9.30amOld Wilsonians’ Lawn Tennis Club, Hayes Hill, Hayeswww.rawtennis.co.ukSessions for under 7s and over 8s.

Studio 74 Easter Workshops• Various dates and timesSt Augustine’s Ave, Bickleywww.studio74dance.co.ukWorkshops include specialist BabyBallet, Fairy School, Bunny Beats, Funky freestyle, Easter bop and hop (with a visit from the Easter Bunny), Musical Theatre and Fame Academy workshops. Age 0–17.

Toddler Sense™ Easter Special

• 29th Marchbexley@tod-dlersense.co.uk Join them for Easter fun, complete with an egg and spoon race and egg hunt!

Booking essential. Age 1–5.

Lambing days in KentOur pick of the best lambing events in the county!

Easter Holiday Activities & Workshops

1Lambing Weekend at Hadlow College Hadlow (9 & 10 March, 11am–4pm) Celebrate the arrival of Spring Lambs at Hadlow College’s Hadlow

Campus and enjoy fun activities for all the family. www.hadlow.ac.uk

2 Spring into Easter at Kent Life Maidstone (29 March–14 April) Have a go at bottle-feeding the newborn lambs, hop on a tractor for a ride

around the grounds, paint a pot in the art studio and have a cuddle with other furry farmyard friends. www.kentlife.org.uk

3 Easter Lambing Fun and Frolics at South of England Rare Breeds Centre Ashford (29 March–21 April)

Lots of lambs and baby animals to see, plus a falconry display, Easter trail and Bunny Hunt. www.rarebreeds.org.uk

4 Lambing Day at The Woodlands Farm Trust Welling (7 April, 11am–4.30pm) Come and

see the newborn lambs, stroll around the stalls displaying local country crafts and take part in crafts and games. www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

8 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Easter Holiday Clubs

Lambing days in Kent

Easter Egg Hunts & Trails

1Annual Easter Egg Trail at Hever Castle (29 March–1 April) This is a

great opportunity to explore the gardens as you hunt for clues with the help of Henrietta the Hen and Bobby Bunny to claim your chocolate egg. Traditional brass

bands add to the festive atmosphere. www.hevercastle.co.uk

2 Easter Eggcitement at the Bank of England

(2–5 & 8–12 April, 10am–4.30pm) Follow the treasure trail to find the chicks and eggs hidden in the Museum and win a prize, then create and

decorate an Easter basket to take home. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

3Easter Trail at the Household Cavalry Museum (30 March–14

April) Join a cracking Easter Trail around the museum and discover more about the Household Cavalry and their famous black horses. Successfully complete the trail and claim a prize and certificate. www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk

4Easter Egg Trails with the National Trust and Cadbury (29 March–

1 April) Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a special Cadbury prize. Each trail is unique to its host property . To find your nearest event visit www.eastereggtrails.com

5Easter Bunny Hunt at Broadditch Farm

(23 March–21 April) Hunt among the spring flowers for bunnies and then claim your prize. £3.50. www.broadditch.co.uk

6Easter Egg Hunt at London Wetland Centre (29 March–14 April)

Discover the nesting and spawning secrets of wetland wildlife as you follow the springtime trail. Crack the clues and you’ll be rewarded with a prize. www.wwt.org.uk

7 Easter Garden Trail at Hall Place and Gardens (29 March–14 April,

10am–4.30pm) A fun trail that leads you through the Hall Place Gardens with a chocolate egg prize. Pick up your trail sheet from the house reception. £2 per trail. www.hallplace.org.uk

8Easter Treasure Hunt at Leeds Castle (29 March–1 April) Follow

a family treasure trail through the grounds in reward for a chocolate coin. An additional charge of £2.50 per child applies, which will include a treasure hunt card, chocolate coin and craft activities. www.leeds-castle.com

9Easter Bunny Hunt at Riverhill Himalayan

Gardens (27 March–1 April, 10.30am–4.30pm) Search for the hidden bunnies among the Rhododendrons and

receive a chocolate mini egg as your reward!

www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

10Easter Egg Hunt on the Cutty Sark (29 March–1 April, 10am–

5pm) The Cutty Sark’s chickens have been laying their eggs in some strange places -

how many can you spot around the ship? Free with entry. www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Did you know?• Eggs are a symbol of rebirth in most cultures and had already been given as springtime gifts before Easter was first celebrated by Christians.• Eggs are coloured brightly to symbolise the sunlight of spring.• The first Cadbury’s Easter egg was made in 1875, in dark chocolate; milk chocolate didn’t arrive until 1905 with the launch of Dairy Milk. • A new Guinness World Record for the most entrants in an egg hunt was set in London in 2012 after 12,773 people took part in The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt. The charity event also broke another World Record when a giant chocolate egg created

for the competition became the most expensive non-jewelled chocolate egg ever, selling at auction for £7000. • Egg rolling, which symbolises the rolling away of the rock in front of Jesus’s tomb, was traditionally played with hard-boiled eggs being rolled down a hill. • About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs. • The average time for children to start tucking into their first chocolate Easter egg is 11am on Easter Sunday, with 30% of children eating their chocolate egg instead of breakfast!

020 8466 6977 9

Top 10 Easter Egg Trails

What’s On

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Out & aboutFor m

ore

details & ideas

visit www.families

londonkent.co.uk

THEATRE & BAllETCHURCHIll THEATREHigh Street, Bromley, 08448 717 620, www.atgtickets.com/bromley27 & 28 April My FIRsT CIndEREllA The English National Ballet and the English National Ballet School present everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story in a beautifully adapted version for young audiences. Prokofiev’s ravishing score is accompanied with narration to ensure that everyone enjoys this classic fairytale.

FAIRFIEld HAllsPark Lane, Croydon, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk23 March ARTHUR dAvIson FAMIly ConCERTs: spACE AdvEnTUREs FEATURIng FRoM InFInITy To BEyond29 March CHInEsE sTATE CIRCUs: yIn yAng Marvel as 2,000 years of tradition explode on stage with 30 Chinese artistes performing remarkable acrobatics and martial arts. 3–6 April KATIE & THE MonA lIsA 11 April AlICE In WondERlAnd Enjoy this enchanting production from Ballet Theatre UK. 13 April CHRIs & pUI RoAdsHoW23–27 April JosEpH And HIs AMAzIng TECHnIColoUR dREAMCoAT

THE oRCHARdHome Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED, 01322 220000, info@orchardtheatre.co.uk www.orchardtheatre.co.uk4–6 April CHInEsE sTATE CIRCUs: yIn yAng Enjoy this spectacular two-hour extravaganza featuring 30 Chinese artistes performing acts which include human juggling, the legendary ‘Bicycle Act’ and the appearance of the formidable Shaolin Master known as ‘The One’.

pEACoCK THEATREPortugal Street, London WC2A 2HT, 0844 412 4322, www.sadlerswells.com27 March–7 April My FIRsT CIndEREllA 25–28 April, THE sECRET gARdEn London Children’s Ballet, and its cast of 55 talented dancers aged 9 to 15, returns for its annual performances with this new production of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s charming and much-loved story.

sAdlER’s WEllsRosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN, 0844 412 4300, www.sadlerswells.com29 & 30 March FAMIly WEEKEnd – BAllETloREnT RApUnzEl Enjoy this new version of the Brothers Grimm fairytale written by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Family Weekend is Sadler’s Wells annual two-day festival and includes exciting games and activities for all the family.

THE sTAgLondon Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ, 01732 450175, enquiries@stagsevenoaks.co.uk, www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk14 March THE slEEpIng BEAUTy Vienna Festival Ballet returns with an enchanting production of this classic fairytale.

dAys oUT BEdgEBURy nATIonAl pInETUM & FoREsTBedgebury Road, Goudhurst, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2SJ, 01580 879 820, www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgeburyONGOING EVENTS Seasonal trails, family cycle trails, horse riding & Go Ape2–5 April EAsTER Egg HUnT Follow the Spring Trail to spot the eggs, then make an Easter card and enjoy a treat from the lucky dip tub. £3 per child.

THE BlUEBEll RAIlWAySheffield Park Station, East Sussex, 01825 720800, www.bluebell-railway.co.uk Booking essential. 29 March–1 April EAsTER spECIAls Meet Little Bo Peep and receive an Easter Gift.

BRAnds HATCH CIRCUITFawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG, 01474 872331,www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch30 & 31 March dUnlop MsA BRITIsH ToURIng CAR CHAMpIonsHIp 5–7 April MCE InsURAnCE BRITIsH sUpERBIKE CHAMpIonsHIp20 & 21 April dElpHI BRITIsH TRUCK RACIng CHAMpIonsHIp

CHIslEHURsT CAvEsCaveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL, 020 8467 3264, www.chislehurst-caves.co.ukSee website for opening times and special events. Entrance to the caves is by guided tour only. Tours last 45–50 minutes.

CUTTy sARK Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark11 April CUTTy sARK FAMIly FUn WEEKEnd: AHoy CApTAIn! 29 March–1 April EAsTER Egg HUnT 2 & 4 April CUTTy sARK CoMICs Get creative with cartoons in this fun family workshop. Age 7+.3 & 9 April RACIng pUppETs Find out about the ships that raced Cutty Sark around the world and make your own racing puppets. 6 & 7 April FAMIly FUn WEEKEnd: FAnTAsy FIgUREHEAds Create your own figurehead to guide you safely across the seas.10 & 11 April sToRy sHIp HMs BElFAsTThe Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2JH, 020 7940 6300, hmsbelfast@iwm.org.uk iwm.org.uk9 & 10 March & 20 & 21 April HIsToRy In yoUR HAnds Discover hidden stories about HMS Belfast and explore the fascinating lives of the men who lived and worked on board.16 & 17 March HMs BElFAsT CElEBRATEs 75 yEARs sInCE HER lAUnCH! 23 & 24 March sIgnAls AT sEA Send and decode secret messages and find out how the navy used secret signals to communicate. 29 March–7 April dARnIng And yARnIng AT sEA Get crafty and learn how sailors repaired their clothes at sea.

KEnsIngTon pAlACEKensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace29–31 March EAsTER BonnET CoMpETITIon Make your own Easter bonnet inspired by costumes you have seen.

London’s Children’s Ballet performs The Secret Garden

(Peacock Theatre, 25–28 April)Photo by Peter Teigen

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29 March–1 April FAMIly FUn AT KEnsIngTon THIs EAsTER Enjoy live performances and storytelling and explore the gardens with Peter the Wild Boy’s Easter Egg Hunt.1–7 April spRIng pAlACE TApEsTRy Help make a big felt and textile spring tapestry.

KEnT & EAsT sUssEX RAIlWAy01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk29 March–1 April EAsTER FUn There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, an Easter Quiz and activity sheets to fill in during the train ride.

2–12 April KIds FoR A QUId 13 & 14 April gRAndpAREnTs WEEKEnd Take a nostalgic steam train journey with your grandparents; one grandparent travels free with one fare-paying child.

KEnT lIFELock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk9–10 March pEppA pIg Peppa Pig returns with brother George to enjoy the activities at Kent Life. 29 March–14 April, spRIng InTo EAsTER

Have a go at bottle-feeding the newborn lambs, hop on a tractor, paint a pot in the art studio and have a cuddle with other furry farmyard friends.

RIvERHIll HIMAlAyAn gARdEnsSevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RR, 01732 459777, www.riverhillgardens.co.uk9 & 10 March MoTHER’s dAy & FloWER MAKIng Layer tissue paper to create a beautiful bouquet, personalised for your Mum. Age 3–10.16 & 17 March KITE FlyIng All ages.

EventsTIgER TRACKsSt Pancras International Station, London, www.savewildtigers.org 1–20 March Enjoy Tiger themed entertainment at the world’s largest ‘Save Wild Tigers’ event. 16 & 17 March Tiny Tigers This family event includes interactive workshops, face painting and celebrity readings.

gREAT MUMs gET TogETHER 2013www.clicsargent.org.uk/gettogether10–17 March Get together with other mums over tea, coffee and cakes to raise money for CLIC Sargent. All the money raised will help continue to provide clinical, practical and emotional support for children and young people with cancer. Visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/gettogether or call 08451 206 658 to register for your fundraising pack.

BIg BAng FAIR 2013ExCel, London, www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/home.cfm16 & 17 March The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair has 12 featured zones covering all aspects of education and science and provides an excellent opportunity for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community to come together to enthuse and inspire young people about careers in STEM. Free for 7–19 year olds. Must pre-register: call 01252 771010 or email TBBTicketOffice@delegate.com

IdEAl HoME sHoW 2013Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, London, SW5 9TW, www.idealhomeshow.co.uk15 March– 1 April With seven dedicated show areas catering to every need and

taste, this is the only place to visit when making your home ideal. Children under 16 free when accompanied by a paying adult.

InsTRUMEnT TRy oUT dAy AT ByMTBromley Youth Music Centre, Southborough Lane, BR2 8AA, 020 8467 1566, www.bymt.co.uk16 March, 10am–1pm Enjoy a fun morning at BYMT and get your children to try a host of musical instruments from every section of the orchestra, plus piano and guitar. Teachers will be on

hand to provide information and advice. Free.

vITAlITy sHoW 2013Earls Court 2, London, www.vitalityshow.co.uk21–24 March Join hundreds of leading experts from the worlds of health and nutrition, sports and fitness, life change, health and healing and beauty and styling at this year’s show. Visitors will be able to try out new food products and beauty treatments and enjoy over 60 free fitness and yoga classes, be inspired by interactive attractions and

be entertained by X-Factor sensation Ella Henderson. Adult: £25 (£20 in advance). Concession: £10 (£8 in advance). 21 March, after 5pm: £5. Under 14s: free. Spa packages with Neal’s Yard Remedies available to book.

IT’s All ABoUT THE pIAno!Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT, 020 7871 3515, www.institut-francais.org.ukVisit the website to book. 22–24 March Events include: Free Piano Tuition for Kids with Music’all; Piano Nuts and Bolts with Alain Chauvel, Cinékids: Musical Medley, Baby Tales: La Musique with Frédéric Chopin), Cinékids: The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. and Worbey and Farrell.

BABy & ToddlER sHoWGlow, Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST, www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk19 April (11am–5pm) & 20–21 April (10am–5pm)Everything for expectant and new parents, from nursery, travel and feeding essentials, workshops and free expert advice. Adult: £13 (£12 in advance). Children free.

Booking now!

020 8466 6977 11

What’s On

Everyone’s favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure across the UK! In Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out – you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way! Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along.

Search for the City of Lost Toys heads to the Churchill Theatre (High Street, Bromley) on 12–14 August! To book tickets visit nickjr.co.uk/doralive

Nickelodeon’s Dora The Explorer LIVE!

Vitality Show 2013: visitors can enjoy over 60 free classes

12 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On

27 March–1 April EAsTER BUnny HUnT 3–7 April sTICK MAnIA Get creative with sticks in this fun workshop.10–14 April sEEd MosAICs Arrange seeds in interesting shapes, colours, sizes and smells.17 & 19 April plAnT IT, gRoW IT, EAT IT Get involved in the new Walled Garden as part of National Gardening Week. Age 5–10.

RoyAl oBsERvAToRy gREEnWICHBlackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ, 020 8312 6565, www.nmm.ac.ukShows include The Sky Tonight Live, Space Safari, Solar System, Galaxy, Universe, Meet the Neighbours and We Are Aliens! Days & times vary.18 March MAKE A plAnET FIndER Age 7+.27 April sATURdAy spACE EXploRERs

spA vAllEy RAIlWAyWest Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QY, 01892 537 715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk29 March–1 April EAsTER spECIAls Spot the Easter Eggs along the line. Booking essential.28 April FAMIly MAgIC dAy

ToWER oF londonEC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, visitorservices.TOL@hrp.org.uk www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon29 March–7 April ColonEl Blood And THE gREAT CRoWn JEWEls RoBBERy It’s 1671 and adventurer Colonel Thomas Blood is planning to steal the new Crown Jewels, but can he succeed?31 March–6 April FAMIly FUn AT THE ToWER Storytelling and craft activities.

HIsToRICAl HoUsEs & gARdEnsCHIddIngsTonE CAsTlEHill Hoath Road, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD, 01892 870347, www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk23 & 24 March ‘My BIg KEnT WEEKEnd’ And dAFFodIl spECTACUlAR14 April EgypTIAn dAy

CRoFTon RoMAn vIllACrofton Road, Orpington BR6 8AF, 020 8460 1442, 07805 138 46, crofton.roman.villa@gmail.com3, 5, 10 & 12 April HERoIC AdvEnTUREs oF THE AnCIEnT gods! £4.

HAll plACE And gARdEnsBourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ, tickets must be booked in advance, 01322 621238, www.hallplace.org.uk29 March–14 April HolIdAy ACTIvITy: EAsTER gARdEn TRAIl A fun trail that leads you through the gardens. Pick up your trail sheet from the house reception. £2.

7 April WIld THIngs Transform a milk bottle into a buzzy bee-shaped plant label. £3 per child.8–12 April HolIdAy ACTIvITy: THE Ugly BUg BAll Don a bug hat and dance to the music.

HEvER CAsTlEHever, near Edenbridge, TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk29 March–1 April AnnUAl EAsTER Egg TRAIl Traditional brass bands playing throughout the Easter weekend add to the festive atmosphere.2–7 April sTEp InTo EAsTER Make your own brass rubbings at the drop-in workshop.

lEEds CAsTlEnear Maidstone, ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com29 March–1 April EAsTER TREAsURE HUnT

nATIonAl TRUsTMembers free. For prices & opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.ukBodIAM CAsTlEnear Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 83019629 March–5 April EAsTER TRAIl £2.8–14 April THE BodIAM HoUsEHold Activities vary each day.13 & 14 April dREss To IMpREss 21 April sT gEoRgE’s dAy ACTIvITIEs CHARTWEllMapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 86838129 March–1 April EAsTER TRAIl £2 per trail.10 & 24 April sTRoll InTo spRIngEMMETTs gARdEn Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA, 01732 75036710 March MoTHERIng sUndAy Enjoy afternoon tea and children’s crafts.

22 March sTAR gAzIng EvEnIng £4. Booking essential.29 March–1 April EAsTER Egg TRAIl £2.3, 10, 17 & 24 April nATURE WAlK 28 April dAWn CHoRUsIgHTHAM MoTEMote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, 01732 81037810 March MAKE MUM’s dAy 30 March EAsTER TRAIl £2.50.

13 April dEn BUIldIng £5. Booking essential.KnolESevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP, 01732 450608 / 01732 4621002 April EAsTER gARdEn TRAIl £2 per trail.4 & 11 April dREssIng Up In THE gREAT HAll polEsdEn lACEyGreat Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD, 01372 45204829 March–1 April EAsTER WEEKEnd FAMIly FUn, sponsoREd By CAdBURy’s 2–11 April EAsTER HolIdAy TRAIl £1 per trail. QUEBEC HoUsE Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 1TD, 01732 86838131 March & 1 April CAdBURy’s EAsTER TRAIl Face painter, prizes and an Easter trail. £2. REd HoUsERed House Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JF, 020 8304 987829 March–1 April EAsTER FAMIly FUn Try out the Easter trail and win an egg, plus learn about William Morris and Red House. On Easter Monday there will be an egg and spoon race at 2pm!5 April FAMIly FRIdAys Enjoy creating something Morris inspired.sCoTnEy CAsTlELamberhurst TN3 8JD, 01892 893 82031 March & 1 April THE BIg EAsTER TEA pARTy Book your family a place at The BIG Easter Tea Party. £8.50 per ticket (minimum of four).sIssIngHURsT CAsTlESissinghurst, nr Cranbrook, 01580 710700.29 March–14 April EAsTER TRAIl £2 per trail.13 April dAWn CHoRUs WAlK £12.50.26–28 April BlUEBEll & WIldFloWER WAlK £12.50. Booking essential.

sMAllHyTHE plACE Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG, 01580 76611129 March–1 April EAsTER TRAIl £2.

pEnsHURsT plACE & gARdEnsTonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, 01892 870307,www.penshurstplace.com10 March MoTHERIng sUndAy Learn about the origins of Mother’s Day and treat your mum to a handmade card or present.23–24 March ARMAdA! Experience life at Penshurst Place as the militia prepare to ward off the invasion of the Spanish Armada.

Enjoy Easter Egg Trails with The National Trust and Cadbury’s this Easter

What’s On

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29 March–14 April EAsTER HolIdAy FUn 31 March & 1 April EAsTER BAnK HolIdAy TAlEs: THE sToRy oF lAMBERT sIMnEl6 April pEnsHURsT FARMERs’ MARKEt

FUn WITH AnIMAlsBoCKETTs FARM pARK Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS, 01372 363764, info@bockettsfarm.co.uk www.bockettsfarm.co.uk30 March–15 April EAsTER EggsTRAvAgAnzA

CHRIsTMAs TREE FARMCudham Road, Downe Village, Kent BR6 7LF, 01689 861603, www.xmastreefarm.co.uk 10am–5.30pm.

EAglE HEIgHTs WIldlIFE pARKLullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB, 01322 866 577 www.eagleheights.co.ukCheck website for opening times and events. Flying displays 12pm & 3pm, reptiles and mammal encounter 1.45 pm & daily demonstrations.

FoAl FARM AnIMAl REsCUE CEnTREJail Lane, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3AX, 01959 572 386, www.foalfarm.org.uk 1.30pm–4.30pm (except Tues). Check website for holiday activities.31 March BUnny sUndAy

HoWlETTs WIld AnIMAl pARKBekesbourne, Nr Canterbury, Kent CT4 5EL, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts March: MARCH on: Walk a mile in the animals’ footsteps. April: nosEy nEIgHBoURs: Who makes their home under the noses of the big carnivores?

poRT lyMpnE WIld AnIMAl & sAFARI pARKLympne, Nr Hythe, Kent CT21 4PD, 0844 842 4647, www.aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne March: HUngRy HERBIvoREs: Find out why herbivores are so important in the food chain. April: BIg And sMAll: Find the biggest to the smallest and the youngest to the oldest animals, plus follow the Easter trail.

soUTH oF EnglAnd RARE BREEds CEnTREWoodchurch, Ashford, Kent TN26 3RJ, 01233 861 493, www.rarebreeds.org.uk29 March–21 April EAsTER lAMBIng FUn And FRolICs

WIldWoodHerne Common, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ, 01227 712 111, www.wildwoodtrust.org Pre-book; charges apply. 2 April sUpER slEUTHs! Become a wildlife detective. £3 per person. Age 5+. 3 April CsI: WIldWood – WHo KIllEd MR BUnny? Crack the case and solve the woodland murder mystery

using authentic forensic techniques. £3. Age 7+.4 April BRIllIAnT BIRd BEAKs 5 April FAnTAsTIC FlyERs! 8 April, spRIngTIME RABBITs And CHICKs 9 April TEETH, BonEs And sKElETons Why do animals have different teeth and bones depending on what they eat and where they live? 10 April Food, dIgEsTIon And poo! Find out what happens to the food animals eat with the help of a real animal stomach and intestines.11 April dEATH And dECAy WoRKsHop12 April AnIMAl sEnsEs 13 April spRIng BUsHCRAFT Age 12+.14 April spRIng WoodlAnd dIsCovERy WAlK £3. Not suitable for toddlers or pushchairs.25 April FRog Moon nIgHT ToUR Age 10+.

THE WoodlAnds FARM TRUsT331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP, 020 8319 8900, education@thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Closed Mondays. 14 & 28 April BIRd WATCHIng WAlK29 March THE WoodlAnds FARM EAsTER Egg HUnT £1 per child.3 April dREAMCATCHERs Make your own dream catcher. £1 per child.5 April gUIdEd AnIMAl ToUR Free.7 April lAMBIng dAy Adult: £1. Child: 50p.21 April dAWn CHoRUs BIRd WATCHIng WAlK £2 per person, £1 for under 18s.

FUn WITH nATURECoolIngs gREEn & plEAsAnT Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LJ, 01959 534386,

www.coolings.co.uk Booking essential21 March & 18 March, 10am, 11am & 12pm sToRyTEllIng FoR UndER 5s £4.50 per child (includes ‘seedlings’ lunch). 1, 4, 8 & 11 April, 11am CUp CAKE MAKIng £8.99 per child (includes a picnic lunch). Age 5+yrs.

lUllIngsTonE CoUnTRy pARK & vIsIToR CEnTRECastle Road, Eynsford, DA4 0JF, 08458 247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks29 March–14 April EAsTER HolIdAy ACTIvITy TRAIl Trails available from the visitor centre. £2.50 per trail sheet. No booking required.14 April opEn dAy Lots of fun, free activities to choose from including pond-dipping, a scavenger hunt, face painting, make your own bird box and join an education ranger to make a mini den for wildlife visitors to your garden. No booking required.

RUXlEy MAnoR gARdEn CEnTRE Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ, 020 8300 0084, www.ruxley-manor.co.uk2–4 April pAInT A BIRd BoX £4.99. 8–10 April plAnT A vEg BAsKET £4.99.

Le tri• 07551 329 645 (Julianah)

• info@letri.co.uk www.letri.co.uk

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Wilderness Wood has lots of fun weekend activities inspired by nature

14 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On

sHoRnE Woods CoUnTRy pARK Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HX, 08458 247 600,www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 29 March–14 April EAsTER HolIdAy ACTIvITy TRAIl £2.50. No booking required.31 March–1 April EAsTER BUnny HUnT £527 April opEn dAy And spRIng FAIR

TRoslEy CoUnTRy pARKWaterlow Rd, Vigo, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0SG, 08458 247 600, www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks 30 March EAsTER BUnny HUnT £5.21 April opEn dAy

WIldERnEss WoodHadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4HJ, 01825 830509, enquiries@wildernesswood.co.uk, www.wildernesswood.co.ukSee website for lots of fun weekend activities including camp building, bushcraft, woodskills, storytelling and crafts. Pre-book; additional charges apply.23 March & 3 April FAiry & ElF GArdEns 24 March & 2 & 9 April WE’rE GoinG on A BEAr HunT 29 March sprinG WorksHop: EGG dEcorATinG29 March & 10 April sprinG crEATions – Birds nEsT cHAllEnGE 30 March–1 April EAsTEr Bunny HunT 2 April WoodlAnd BAkinG4 April MAkE A Bird FEEdEr & Bird Box 5 & 12 April FloWEr FAiriEs8 April roBin Hood

nEARly nEW sAlEsCHIldREn’s nEARly nEWchildrensnearlynew@hotmail.co.ukBaby and children’s clothing, nursery essentials and shoes. Free parking and free admittance.18 March, 10am–12pm BElvEdErE (In partnership with St. Augustines Children’s Centre) Leather Bottle Pub Function Room, 131 Heron Hill, Belvedere DA17 5HJ15 April, 10am–12pm BExlEy Hurst Community Centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH29 April, 10am–12pm EriTH Christ Church Hall, Victoria Road (Glebe Way entrance), Erith DA8 3AN

nCT nEARly nEW sAlEwww.nct.org.uk £1 per adult; members can enter 15 minutes early (bring membership card)16 March, 10.30am–1pm BEckEnHAM St John’s Church, 251 Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham BR3 3JN, nctsales-beckenham@hotmail.co.uk16 March, 10.45am–12.30pm orpinGTon St John’s URC, Lynwood Grove, Orpington BR6 0BG, orpnns@hotmail.co.uk23 March, 10am–12pm EriTH Erith Christ Church, Erith DA8 3AN, nns@nct-bexleydistrict.org

We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed, so please double check details before setting out.

MUsEUMsBAnK oF EnglAnd MUsEUMThreadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum2–5 & 8–12 April, 10am–4.30pm Easter Eggcitement Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the Museum. You can then create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won.

BRoMlEy MUsEUMThe Priory, Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HH, 01689 873826, bromley.museum@bromley.gov.ukFree family club first Saturday of the month. Easter activities to be confirmed.

dARTFoRd BoRoUgH MUsEUMMarket Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1EU, 01322 224739, museum@dartford.gov.uk www.dartford.gov.uk/museumuntil 20 April Just Add imagination – creative play over the years This exhibition looks at hobbies and toys which require the use of imagination and self-expression from construction toys to dolls.

HoRnIMAn MUsEUM100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.ukuntil 24 november Amazon Adventure This exhibition mixes hands-on experiences with multimedia and live fish displays. You will also learn about the environmental dangers facing the Amazon today and be introduced to the people who live along its banks.

nATIonAl MARITIME MUsEUMGreenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.ukWeekly, free events, include Explore saturdays, discover sundays and play Tuesdays, until 28 April Ansel Adams: photography from the

Mountains to the sea Explore the exhibition with a free activity trail. Age 5+.

sCIEnCE MUsEUMExhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk10am–6pm. Free; charges apply to some exhibitions, IMAX cinema & simulator rides.How much of you can be rebuilt? A new display in the Who Am I? gallery featuring an artificial human body – representing the most advanced

medical prosthetics in development and on the market today. The display will look at the work currently being undertaken by scientists and engineers to create spare body parts that fit seamlessly onto the real human body. The story explores our perceptions of human identity in the face of an increasingly bionic future. How much of your body can you replace before you stop being ‘you’? Or should the question be, how much of your body do you have to replace before you feel whole again?

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LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUMCovent Garden Plaza WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6344, www.ltmuseum.co.ukEntrance to the Museum is free for children under 16. Adult admission is £15 (£11.50 concessions) and tickets allow unlimited entry for a year. Children under 16 free (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult).Open 10am–6pm (last admission 5.15pm), Saturday–Thursday. 11am–6pm (last admission 5.15pm), Friday.1 April–12 April Easter Family Fun at london Transport Museum Throughout the Easter holidays families can join London Transport Museum’s make and take arts and crafts workshops and story time sessions inspired by the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground.Activities include: storytime (11am & 2pm) Find out about London’s Underground stations and meet the imaginary characters who live there. Listen to tales of adventures as they reveal the secrets of what life is like on the Underground. Open to all ages but most suitable for age 3–7yrs.Make and Take craft Workshop (11.30am & 2.30pm) Add your contribution to a model tube station, before becoming a junior architect and designing your own fantastical station. Open to all ages, but most suitable for age 4–12yrs.

Do you walk around in a daze, feeling you are in a permanent cloud? Rest assured you are not alone. Deprivation of sleep is

something that every parent experiences, but when it starts to become part of your everyday life then it is time to stop and ask ‘Is this how I want it to stay?’

First of all, it is important to understand children’s sleep cycles. Children tend to be awake for a 12 to 13 hour day before they reach their ‘window of tiredness’. If a child wakes at 6am–7am they will need to be in their nursery by 6.50pm with lights out by 7pm if they’re to get to sleep easily. If you miss this window of tiredness your child will get their ‘second wind’, lasting for one sleep cycle (90 minutes). This means that they will not settle again until 8.30pm.

Secondly, it is good to remember that all of us, even adults, wake on average six times a night. The difference is we know how to settle ourselves and return to sleep. Babies are not born with this skill of self-settling and need to be taught. You can’t make your baby sleep, but you can teach them how to put themselves to sleep.

A top tip to help your baby settle them-selves is to keep their room dark. If your child comes into a light sleep and can see things around them they won’t be encouraged to go back to sleep. Sprinkle water over the window panes in the nursery and press sheets of foil to the windows. Cut the foil close to the frame and this will block out 100% of the light.

Samantha’S Story: I called on Kathryn Mewes, author of ‘The 3 Day Nanny’, to help with my five year old’s sleep problems. We had got ourselves into a situation where we sat with him for up to 45 minutes each night until he fell asleep. It didn’t stop there. If he woke in the night he would come into our bed, and I would be breastfeeding my daughter while losing precious sleep space to my son. I had got to a stage of thinking my son would never sleep in his own bed. Kathryn claimed that she could solve any challenge in 3 days, but she hadn’t met my son! However, Kathryn soon devised a reward system, giving my son incentives.night 1When it came to bedtime the message was

simple. A relaxing routine followed by saying ‘Goodnight. I’ll see you at breakfast time.’ Kathryn walked out of the bedroom with ease and confidence… only to be followed by my son! She returned him to his room with an air of calm even though he was protesting, and every step of the way she explained what she was doing.

After 30 minutes my son realised that this was the way it was going to be. This may sound a long time but it was taking longer when sitting on his carpet waiting for him to fall asleep.

He did wake that night, but instead of allowing him into my room Kathryn guided him back to bed. In the morning I found Kathryn and my son working on their reward system. I could see a change in him instantly - he had someone believing in him. He could sleep through the night.

night 2As you can imagine, my son gave me a quite a run for my money, but the most important thing Kathryn taught me was how a child can sense your emotions. If I wanted to get him to stay in his bed he had to believe that I was serious and that I was not going to back down. I had to remain calm yet in control, and 20 minutes later he stayed in his bed. That night he slept through until morning.

night 3By night 3 my son knew the routine. He let me

put him to bed and leave the room. It was all so straightforward. Why hadn’t I done this sooner?

Kathryn’s top tips for Solid Sleep• remain consistent with the 3 B’s: Bath, Book/Bottle, Bed• Get your children to bed at the right time – aim to be leaving their bedroom at 7pm• have your own little routine in the bedroom that should last no longer than 20 minutes. the longer you stay the harder it is to leave• Ensure the room is dark when you leave• have the door closed or pulled to. the door only opens when it is breakfast time• Don’t react to your child’s requests. no more talking after ‘See you at breakfast time’• Create a reward system for an older child to encourage them to remain in their bed a silent night can be achieved. Believe in yourself and your child, remain consistent and it only need take 3 nights. I promise!Kathryn Mewes is the author of ‘The 3 Day Nanny’ published by Vermillion, £12.99.Kathryn also provides a bespoke service. For details call 07787 821525 or visit www.bespokenanny.com

Kathryn Mewes explains why understanding your children’s sleep cycles are so important and shares her top tips to stop them waking in the night

And finally...

‘It is important to understand children’s sleep cycles. Children tend to be awake for a 12 to 13 hour day before they reach their window of tiredness’

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