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SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
>> Wednesday
The Cinema Under The Stars event continues this week at Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre. Each evening until Friday a different film will be screened at 8pm. Tonight it’s the recent blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens which is then followed by The Full Monty tomorrow and James Bond: Spectre on Friday. Gates open at 6.30pm so bring along a picnic and some blankets to snuggle up in and enjoy the magic of the movies under the stars. Tickets cost £14 each. For more details visit www.heverfestival.co.uk or call the box office on 01732 866114.
Wildlife Wednesday happens every week at Scotney Castle during the summer holidays, so if your children are into creepy-crawlies, fish and bugs they’ll enjoy the twice-daily pond-dipping sessions from 11.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-2.30pm. Visit www.nationaltrust.org/scotneycastle
This is the penultimate week for children to take part in Bewl Water’s Summer Camp. They can do a half day of activities from 9am-1.30pm for £24.99 or a full one until 4pm for £39.99. As well as nature walks and treasure hunts, other pursuits include mountain biking, football, painting and pedalos. Open to children aged five and over. Pre-booking and payment is essential. For more information visit www.bewlwater.co.uk
>> Thursday
This summer you can experience the beauty of Groombridge Place and also benefit from a little theatrical entertainment at the same time. Theatre troupe Brymack is putting on two productions each day of The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up – a play based on the life of Peter Pan. They will also be holding drama workshops. Tickets cost £10.95 per child and £14.95 per adult. www.groombridgeplace.com
If you prefer to indulge in a more relaxing recreational activity, then why not treat your tastebuds to afternoon tea on the picturesque Spa Valley railway line? Running today at 2.30pm, tickets cost £31.95 per person. If you can’t make this one there are others on September 10, October 15 and 27. For more details go to www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Jazz on the Pantiles continues its summer run this evening with a performance by Protect The Beat. See www.facebook.com/JazzOnThePantiles
>> Friday
Enjoy some forest fun at Bedgebury Pinetum. Children will help set up the school ‘camp’, build dens and fires, explore and play in the forest, and even have a go at wild cooking! For more information please visit www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
Or you could try out the Wilderness Camp taking place in the glorious grounds of Penshurst Place over the Bank Holiday, which is being organised by the Bushcraft Company. For more information have a look at www.penshurstplace.com
The fifth Rye Jazz & Blues Festival takes place this weekend, so if you fancy seeing the likes of Mica Paris, Liane Carroll, Joe Stilgoe and Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion in a variety of scenic settings then make sure you pop along to this series of free and ticketed concerts dotted around the pretty town. For further information visit www.ryejazz.com
>> Saturday
Kicking off today and running until Bank Holiday Monday is the Southborough & District Lions Club Art Show. Established over 70 years ago, this is one of the organisation’s most popular events
and draws a big crowd every year when it’s held on the main common. All proceeds go to charity and the show runs from 10am to 5pm. Mayor of Southborough Cllr David Elliott will officially open the show today.
Cascade Dance is hosting two summer dance camps at the Camden Centre from 9am-5.30pm. So whether you want to introduce your children to the wonderful world of dance, brush up on technical steps or try out something new, then these brilliant one-day courses divided into junior and senior levels are for you! Click on www.cascadedance.co.uk
This evening at the Assembly Hall the Kent County Youth Orchestra will perform their summer concert. Included in it will be Mussorgsky’s musical work of ten pieces: Pictures at an Exhibition, and extracts
from the work of three great American composers, including Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and John Adams. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15 (£6 concessions). To book visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613.
>> Sunday
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday that will keep all the family amused, then why not try the Forest Way Trail? The whole route runs from East Grinstead to Groombridge but you can easily make a shorter journey of it by starting off at the old Goods Yard House in Hartfield.
Popular with horse riders, runners and cyclists, it’s flat, well-shaded, off-road and enjoyable for all levels of ability. For more information visit www.sustrans.org.uk
Another good family day out on a Sunday is a visit to Hadlow’s Broadview Gardens, which has something to offer for everyone. Part of the famous agricultural college that is based there, the grounds provide hands-on experience for horticultural students but also plenty of enjoyment for keen gardeners who would like to browse around for inspiration. There are also tea rooms and there’s a farm food shop, too. To find out more visit www.broadviewgardens.co.uk
>> Monday
Before the summer holidays finish, make sure you take the time out to visit the glorious Bodiam Castle in East Sussex. Every day they will be holding Have-a-go Archery sessions as well as how to be a knight or princess workshops, so there really is a lot of fun for everyone to enjoy. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
It’s the final day of the Pashley Manor Craft Show, so if you want to shop for some unique finds for your home or self then pop along to this picturesque spot in Ticehurst and enjoy a day of browsing the stalls and the beautiful gardens. www.pashleymanorgardens.com
Trinity Theatre’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot continues all this week, so make sure you get a chance to see this classic piece of British comedy. See the Times’ Arts and Culture section on p76-77 for our inclusive interview with the show’s director. For tickets see www.trinitytheatre.net
>> Tuesday
To keep little ones amused head along to the Tunbridge Wells Library where there will be another series of Holiday Happenings going on. This week’s theme is the Great Outdoors, so there will be plenty of arts and crafts-related action going on about the wonder of nature. Sessions run from 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.
Starting today at Trinity Theatre there will be a series of artistic workshops hosted by Chinese brush painter Lisa Class. The two-hour sessions will take place over the next fortnight and are aimed at all levels of experience. Lisa will talk a little about the history and the materials of this ancient Asian art form, which dates back thousands of years, and will lead the class with demonstrations and practical work showing you how to create classic Chinese designs such as elegant bamboo and peonies.
Recreate the magic of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book by visiting his childhood home at Batemans. Simply follow the special trail that’s been created for this summer in order to find Baloo, Akela and other characters from the book who are hiding in the garden. Usual National Trust entry fees apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
WORTH THE TRIP:
England’s Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle August 27-29
Whether you’re a history buff or just love being in the great outdoors then this festival, which is now in its 24th year, is a must-see. You can either camp for the duration over the Bank Holiday weekend or just visit for the day, but however long you wish to stay you’ll certainly see plenty of action thanks to the jousting, archery, medieval music and falconry displays happening. There’s also a fabulous medieval market to browse around, too.
