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CANTERBURY & COASTAL GUIDE DISTRIBUTION & PICK UP POINTS
CANTERBURY DISTRIBUTION
Canterbury, Artichoke Inn Canterbury, Broom Park Golf Club Canterbury, C&H Fabrics Canterbury Stage Bus Station Canterbury University Darwin Canterbury University Elliot Canterbury University Keynes Canterbury University Rutherford Canterbury University Tyler Court Cathedral Gate Hotel, Canterbury Canterbury, Christchurch University Canterbury, Coach House Hotel Canterbury, Debenhams Canterbury, Druidstone Art Park Canterbury, Goodnestone Park Canterbury, Howletts Animal Park Canterbury, Old Gate Inn Canterbury, Sun Hotel Canterbury, Tourist Information Centre Canterbury, Whitefriars display stand outside Boots Canterbury, Whitefriars display stand outside Tesco McDonalds, Argos, Tourist Information Centre, Eat, Costa Other Canterbury local businesses
COASTAL DISTRIBUTION Battle of Britain, Folkestone Brook Hill Country Park, Hythe Brooks Restaurant, Hythe Burstin Hotel, Folkestone Coastguard Restaurant, Dover Commissions House, Whitstable County Hotel, Dover De Bradelei Wharf, Dover Dungeness Railway Coffee Shop Dungeness Ticket Office Hippodrome, Herne Bay Hotel Continental, Whitstable Hotel Relish, Folkestone Hythe Railway Hythe Swimming Pool Leas Lift, Folkestone McFarlane;s Butterly World, Dover New Romney Railway Station Oasis Diner, Old Romney Salisbury Hotel, Folkestone Smith Court Hotel, Margate Transeuropa, Ramsgate Wheatsheaf Hungry Horse, Margate Whitstable Coast Country caravans Whitstable Commerce, Whitstable Wildwood Wildlife Park, Herne Bay
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CONTENTS 2. Distributions & General 3. Contents & Editorial 4. What’s on 5. What’s on 6. What’s on 7. What’s on 8. What’s on 9. History & Heritage, places to visit 10. Fireworks Special 11. Where to go this Bonfire Night 12. Family days out 13. Family days out 14. Markets and Car Boot Sales 15. Christmas Fairs 16. Mother & Toddler Groups 17. Mother & Toddler Groups 18. Schools & Playgroups 19. Theatres, Cinemas & Museums 20. Clubs & Leisure 21-26. A~Z SERVICES & CLASSIFIEDS 27. Useful telephone number 28. ADVERTISE WITH US
The Big Please only apply if your answer is “yes” to all the
above - Thank you
In this double edition, we have a great line up for you. Christmas markets & fairs, Santas grottos and lots more.
To help you decide where you want to go, we have listed the events in date order. Please keep those events coming in and we will list them in this section for free.
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4th December : 8pm The Bubble Club - EZIO: Deep, honest, emotional
songs that hit a raw nerve; two lead guitarists Ezio Lunedei and Mark Booga Fowell together form a perfect unit. Expect a breathtaking live performance. Horsebridge Arts & Community
Centre, 11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1AF 01227 281174 www.horsebridge-
centre.org.uk 5 December 2009 - 10 January 2010:
Various Cinderella: Join us for the greatest pantomime of them all this Christmas when Cinderella takes to the stage starring Lesley Joseph as our magical Fairy Godmother. The
Orchard, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
5th December: 9am - 1pm Collectors Fair - Stamps & postcards: This is a small Stamp Fair involving local stamp dealers offering a range of stamps, covers and related collectable items to any interested members of
the public. Further information available from the organiser A&P Promotions. The Landmark Centre
129 High Street Deal CT14 6BB 01304 270948
5 December 2009: 10am - 6pm Christmas Tree Festival: Open day with various
stalls and refreshments. Culminating at 5pm with a Christian Aid 'Big Christmas Sing'. Price: Free
admission to open day - Big Sing Gillingham Methodist Church, Third Avenue, Gillingham Kent.
5th December 2009: 7.00pm-10pm M.A.P.S Christmas Disco and Karoake Night: This
is an event that welcomes everyone including people who have a learning disability. There is a
tuck shop open throughout event as well as Dancing,Singing and plenty of music!Walderslade
Baptist Church Catkin Close, ME5 07770912437 www.mapsactivityprogrammes.co
28th & 29 November 10 to 4pm Christmas festival, gifts and crafts for sale by
traders, meet santa on his magical tractor sleigh and children will receive a yummy treat, mulled
wine and more...Kent Life Maidstone Kent 14 Nlov - 24 December 2009
The Hop Farm hosts a Christmas Extravaganza 'The Christmas Market' and 'Santa's Magical Kingdom'
where The Hop Farm will be transformed into a magical Christmas land. The major festive
experience will include a traditional Christmas market featuring indoor and outdoor trade areas, funfair, undercover ice rink and all The Hop Farm
attractions 1st dec to 24th dec
Christmas at the Castle. Step back in time and enjoy a traditional Christmas at Leeds Castle. See the
beautifully decorated castle rooms transformed into a world of enchantment inspired by classic fairy
tales; enjoy a warming lunch in the restaurant after relaxed shopping in the castle shops and bring the children or grandchildren to meet Father Christmas
in his Grotto 26 dec to 6th January
Also at Leeds Castle ~ Fairy tale trail, search for charachters from Fariy tales with a reward for children completing the trail 10:00-17:00, Last Ticket Sold: 15:00, Last entry to castle: 15:30
Leeds Castle, Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL Tue Dec 1, 2009 to Thu Dec 24, 2009
The Hop Farm Kent With over 50.000 tickets available for the 2 and a half hour experience,
Christmas scenes brought to life through magic tunnels, special effects and a Sky diving Santa
Claus & Christmas Market - The Hop Farm Tonbridge Kent TN126PY
3rd to 5th December: 7.30pm Beauty and the Beast: It’s Behind You! Oh yes it is!!
Don’t miss St Edmund’s first-ever pantomime performed by the Senior, Junior and Pre-Prep
Schools. A musical extravaganza for the whole family School HallSt Edmund's School Canterbury
St Thomas Hill CT2 8HU 01227 475600 www.stedmunds.org.uk
4th December: 7.30 pm Christmas Spectacular: An informal concert of festival music. Performers include Tonbridge
School's Big Bands, Chamber Orchestra, Vocal Group and Wind Ensembles. EM Forster Theatre
Tonbridge School High Street Tonbridge TN9 1JP01732304241
WHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARYWHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARYWHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARYWHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARY
5th December: 7.30pm An Evening of Baroque Music for recorder and oboe: Performed by Award Winning Whitstable
Recorder Ensemble. Members of this Group performed at a recent Schools' Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Concert profits
shared between Strode Park Foundation & new musical instruments. Tickets from Strode Park
Shop Tankerton or phone 01227 275709 Swalecliffe Free Church (Baptist), Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Whitstable, Kent CT5 2LR
5th December: 7.30pm Charity Christmas Concert: Concert by the
Snowdown Colliery Male Voice Choir to raise funds for Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity that
provides homes, care, training and opportunities for adults with a learning disability. The choir are returning by popular demand. The Falcon Centre Rare Breeds Centre Woodchurch Ashford TN26 2HZ do not use Sat Nav ! 01233 732684/01580
766683 5th December: 7.30pm 6th December:
pick ups from 10.00am Dickens Country Christmas: Join us on a tour to Gads Hill, home of Charles Dickens and take a stroll through the winter woodlands before lunch in a country pub.
Afterwards we will go to the setting of Great Expecations where we enjoy a Victorian tipple tour of Dickens Country. Pick ups throughout
Medway and Gravesham 07588 727510 6th December 2009: 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Christmas Fayre: Christmas Fayre will be held at Our Lady of Hartley School, come and meet
Father Christmas, other attractions for the family a chocolate and bottle tombolas, raffles, games,
toy stalls and much much more……entry by donation Our Lady of Hartley RC Primary School,
Stack Lane, Hartley, Longfield, Kent DA3 8BL 07947758739
WHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARYWHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARYWHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARYWHAT’S ON ~ DECEMBER & JANUARY
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ADMISSION FEES MAY APPLY - PLEASE CONTACT VENUES LISTED BELOW FOR DETAILS
10 December: 7.30pm Amnesty film night: Come to a special film night
at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, held by Amnesty International. The film we're showing is Nineteen Eighty-Four, the bid screen version of
George Orwell's dark political thriller. Big Brother is watching us all! Stag Community Arts
Centre, London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1ZZ 01732 451548
11th Dec to 3rd January: 10am, 2.30pm, 5pm Cinderella: The well-known and much-loved tale
of Cinderella’s encounter with her Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming includes much
comedy with her grotesque and funny ugly sisters and faithfull friend Buttons. This year’s production will feature many colourful scenes, spectacular effects, live music and a dancing chorus cast from the Theatre’s successful in house Arts School pupils. Granville Theatre Victoria Parade Ramsgate Kent CT11 8DG 01843 591750 www.granvilletheatre.com
11th December: 7.45 pm Christmas Concert: Gravesend Entertainment and Musical Society (GEMS) Choir present an evening of Christmas songs and carols, with audience partipation, raffle and refreshments.
Chalk Parish Community Hall Chalk Road Chalk DA12 2ND Joyce 01474 560731 or Josie 01474
363778 12th December: 10am - 4pm
Collectors Fair - Stamps & Postcards: This is a small Stamp Fair involving local stamp dealers offering a range of stamps, covers and related collectable items to any interested members of the public. Further information available from
the organiser A&P Promotions. Biggin Hall Biggin Street Dover CT16 1DL 01304 829827 or
07702270948 12th December: 7.30 pm
Christmas Concert: Gravesend Entertainment and Musical Society (GEMS) Choir present an evening of Christmas songs and carols, with
audience participation. Proceeds to the Church restoration fund. Milton Parish Church St Peter and St Paul East Milton Road Gravesend DA12 2JL Clare 01474 357476 or Josie 01474 363778
12th December: 7.45 pm The Ulimate Juke Box PArty: Let the good times
roll with this production that is wowing audiences all over the country. Over 60 songs
including those from Dusty Springfield, Meatloaf, Grease and Buddy. Brilliant party
atmospher that will have everyone on their feet and dancing. Book early and put you dancing
shoes on! Queen's Hall Theatre, Waterloo Road Cranbrook Kent TN17 3JD 01580
711856 www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk
13th December - 18th April: 2pm Robinson Crusoe: the Lost Jedi Knight:
Professional interactive play for 5-12s! Kids come onstage throughout! Spotlites @ Kings Theatre
338 High Street Chatham ME4 4NR 01634 829468 www.spotlites.co.uk
14 December: 7.30pm Merry Xmas Everybody Tour: This is the perfect
way to get Christmas started! The Orchard, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1ED 01322
Wildlife of the Rocky Mountains: Tonbridge RSPB illustrated talk by Ian Rumley-Dawson on a cross
section of some of the Canadian animals and plants. All are welcome. St Philip's Church, Salisbury Road, Tonbridge TN10 4PA 01732 366660 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/tonbridge
17 December 2009 : 7.30pm Talk: The Plant Hunters, at Hadlow College: The Plant Hunters Thursday 17 December A talk by
Stephen Harmer on the famous men and women who risked life and limb to bring us the plants
from overseas that we now enjoy in our gardens. 7.30pm talk in Pym Hall. Hadlow College,
There are many recipes for classic Christmas cake. Here is one for you to try this year if you dare!
Christmas Cake
Makes 1 x 20cm (8in) cake 675g (11⁄2 lb) mixed dried fruit 115g (4oz) blanched flaked almonds 115g (4oz) mixed candied peel, chopped 115g (4oz) glacier cherries, well rinsed, then quartered 300g (101⁄2oz) plain flour 1 tsp powdered cinnamon 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 225g (8oz) lightly salted butter 225g (8oz) soft brown sugar, light or dark 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp black treacle 4 medium eggs 1⁄2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tbsp milk brandy 1 Preheat the oven to 140˚C/275˚F/gas mark 1, and line a 20cm (8in) cake tin with a layer of brown paper, then a layer of Bakewell paper.
2 Mix the dried fruit, almonds, peel and cherries in a huge bowl. Turn them well and add the flour, spices and lemon zest and juice.
3 Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, then add the vanilla extract and treacle. Still beating, incorporate the eggs, then stir the mixture into the fruit and flour. Finally, dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the milk and stir this into the fruit thoroughly as well. Add brandy to taste by the spoonful, until you have a soft dropping consistency.
4 Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and hollow out the top slightly. Bake for 31⁄2 hours, then test it with a larding needle or skewer (if this is just dry, the cake is ready). Remove the cake from the oven, when it is done, and leave it to cool in its tin.
5 When cool, peel off the Bakewell and brown paper. Wrap in clingfilm, and then put into an airtight tin (or in foil). The usual thing is to keep the cake for at least a month before icing it, and to sprinkle it occasionally with more brandy.
6 To finish off the cake for Christmas, you will need marzipan and icing (see the recipes on the following page). Do not buy the marzipan ready-made – your own may not look as yellow as it does in the shop, but it will taste much better! Keep reading on the following page....
Almond Paste or Marzipan Why not put that little bit of extra effort in this year and make your own marzipan;
Covers a 20cm (8in) cake
225g (8oz) icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
500g (1lb 2oz) ground almonds
1 large egg (weighing about75g/23⁄4 oz)
3-4 tsp lemon juice
glaze: 1 tbsp apricot jam
1 Sift the sugar into a bowl and mix in the almonds. Beat the egg well, then add it and the
lemon juice to the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, beat to a firm paste, then knead on
a work surface that has been sprinkled with icing sugar. (If you don’t find most marzipan too
sweet, add another 225g/8oz sugar and use 2 medium eggs instead of 1 large.)
2 Slice the top from the cake to make it even, then turn it upside down and put it on a wire rack.
Boil the jam and 1 tbsp water in a small pan, sieve it into a bowl and, while it is hot, brush some
over the top (what was the bottom) of the cake.
3 Set aside a third of the marzipan and roll out the rest to a circle a little larger than the cake –
do this on a sheet of clean greaseproof and use the cake tin as a guide. Press the glazed side
of the cake down on to the marzipan. Remove the paper and smooth the marzipan over the
sides.
4 Measure the depth of the cake and its circumference. Roll out the remaining marzipan to
these measurements, again on a sheet of greaseproof. Brush the cake sides with the remaining
hot apricot glaze and roll it slowly along the strip of marzipan. Pat everything into place,
closing the cracks, and put the cake back on its rack.
Royal Icing
Covers a 20cm (8in) cake:
4 small egg whites
4 tsp lemon juice
1kg (2 1⁄4 lb) icing sugar, sifted
1 Whisk the egg whites until they are white and foamy but not stiff. Stir in the lemon juice, then
the sugar, bit by bit, using a wooden spoon. When everything is combined, continue to beat
the mixture until it is a dazzling white. Cover the basin and leave for an hour before using.
2 To ice the cake, have a bowl of hot water handy. Put half the icing on the cake, dip the palette
knife into the hot water (it shouldn’t be too wet), then use it to spread the icing. Cover the cake,
then put on the remaining icing, either roughly to make a snowy effect or with the aid of a
forcing bag and nozzles. Leave for at least 2 days to set before eating.
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INDOORS PLANET LAZER
A great fun day out for all. www.laserarena.co.uk/ 41 St. George's Place, Canterbury 787377 CANTERBURY TALES
Step into medieval Canterbury with Geoffrey Chaucer and his colourful characters on their magical pilgrimage from London to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in
Canterbury Cathedral, St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury (01227) 479227 KIDS KINGDOM
Indoor play park. Fun for children all ages. Ashford road, Chartham, (01227) 732323 HERNE BAY HIPPODROME
Children Indoor Play Area with snack bar and lots of refreshments. Open daily from 10am Kings Road, Herne Bay, Kent (01227) 366299
LASER RUSH Great fun for all ages. Good for parties and all other social events. 45a Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate,
ASHFORD,43/79 Station Road Kent TN231PP / (0844) 8263010 MAIDSTONE59/71 King Street Kent ME141DF / (0844) 8263023
IMAGINE Indoor play park. soft play area for babies, sports zone, restaurant Millbank Rd, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN233JD / (01233) 650789
KIDS SAFARI DOVER Unit 1 Whitfiesd court, White Cliffs Business Park, Dover CT16 EH
INDOORS & OUTDOORS
WHITEFRIARS SHOPPING CENTRE A great shopping experience in the heart of Canterbury
FARMING WORLD FAVERSHAM Animals, kids play area, Nash Court Boughton Faversham ME139HY / (01227) 751144
LEEDS CASTLE Acres of beautiful grounds, varied events all year. Maidstone, ME171PL / (01622) 765400
HOP FARM Family fun day out, wax museum, indoor play area. The Hop Farm Family Park Paddock Wood, Tonbridge
Kent TN126PY/ (01622) 872068 KENT LIFE
Family fun, animals, open houses. Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME143AU/(01622) 763936 RARE BREEDS CENTRE
Lots of family fun, see and feed the animals, play areas, Woodchurch, Ashford, TN263RJ DIGGERLAND
Great indoor & outdoor fun. Roman Way, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Strood, ME22NU
FAMILY DAYS OUT FAMILY DAYS OUT FAMILY DAYS OUT FAMILY DAYS OUT
We have listed a complete rundown of Indoor and Outdoor entertainment which suits all ages. We love to hear from our readers, if you visit one of these places,
we would like to hear from you and will include your letter in one of our future editions.
OUTDOORS CANTERBURY RIVER NAVIGATION COMPANY
Relaxing trips along the River. Wonderful scenery & chauffeured by experienced boatmen. Westgate Grove, Canterbury (07816 )760869
BLEAN WOODS The largest woods in Kent. Enjoy the bleans varied wild life, learn some history, Canterbury
CANTERBURY TOURIST GUIDES Official Canterbury Green Badge tourist guides, providing walking tours of the city in English and several
European languages. 12-13 Sun Street, Canterbury, Kent (01227) 459779 DANE JOHN GARDENS
Recently judged one of the best parks in the country, Dane John Gardens has been awarded both the Green Flag Award and the Green Heritage Site Award. Canterbury 01227) 862000
DRUIDSTONE PARK Enchanted woodland. Farmyard. Play areas. Honey Hill, Blean, Canterbury (01227) 765168
GHOST TOUR Meet on St Margaret's for a tour. A mix of history, humour and haunting Canterbury
HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK A 90 acre wild adventure in beautiful parkland, the world's largest family group of gorillas in captivity.
A beautifully landscaped garden by the River Stour adjacent to Westgate Towers.. Westgate Grove, Canterbury (01227) 862000
WILDWOOD Woodland Discovery Park is an ideal day out for all the family. Experience British wildlife.
Wildwood's mission is to educate all about our active and once native wildlife, Herne Common Herne Bay (0871) 7820081 WINGHAM WILDLIFE PARK
Meet various animals including our American Alligator, cafe, kids play area, experience the hands on talks about reptiles. Rusham Road, Wingham, Canterbury (01227) 720836
PORT LYMPNE WILDLIFE PARK A 350 wild animal park set in natural wild countryside, safari ride, historic mansion, Lympe
FOLKESTONE SKI CENTRE Radnor Park Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT195HX / (01303) 850222
CANTERBURY HISTORIC RIVER TOURS Kings Bridge, St Peter's Street, Canterbury (07790) 534744
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FAMILY DAYS OUT FAMILY DAYS OUT FAMILY DAYS OUT FAMILY DAYS OUT
10am-6pm, Christmas Day: Closed, Boxing Day: 10am-6pm, New Years
Eve: 10am-6pm, New Years Day: 10am-6pm Winter Wonderland, The West Village, Bluewater, Greenhithe
Kent DA9 9S
Mon Nov 23, 2009 to Wed Dec 23
Westwood Cross Christmas Market
Picturesque market stalls in traditional wooden cabins will be
offering a regularly changing selection of special gifts and
craftwork. Westwood Cross Shopping and
Leisure Centre, Broadstairs Kent CT10 2BF
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This section is for all those mums, expectant mums, and dads with babies and toddlers who would like to get together with other parents and children. We have tried to cover as many groups and coffee mornings as we can get our hands on. These events are great for meeting new mums & dads, especially if you have just
moved to the area. They are full of useful information and more.
Please note some fees may apply, please contact the group for information.
Take a look at the leisure centres Canterbury and the surrounding areas have to offer. These centres are not just great for keeping fit but also
for a fun day out with the kids. If we have missed any off the list, please let us know and we will feature it in next months edition.
KINGSMEAD LEISURE CENTRE Kingsmead Road, Canterbury, Kent (01227) 769818
Offering a great range of activities, with 3 pools, including a beach pool.
WHITSTABLE SPORTS CENTRE Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent (01227) 274394
The Whitstable Sports Centre is open evening and weekends with sporting facilities & kids parties
HERONS SWIMMING POOL William Street, Herne Bay, Kent (01227) 742102
Providing a varied swimming programme including sessions for serious, general swimmers & children. With a beach pool, fun equipment and a spiral
flume. Great for the children.
WHITSTABLE SWIMMING POOL Tower Parade, Whitstable, Kent (01227) 772442
Providing a varied swimming programme which includes sessions for all swimmers and children.
THE PIER SPORTS CENTRE Central Parade, Herne Bay, Kent (01227) 366921
On Herne Bay seafront. Great gym, dance and sports facilities.
KENT COUNTY CRICKET CLUB The St Lawrence Ground, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, (01227) 456886 Home to Kent County Cricket Club for over 160 years, set in 12 acres.
WILDLIFE SAILING 8 Western Esplanade, Herne Bay, Kent (01227) 366712
Sea watch cruises, wind turbine / maunsell fort cruises, bird watch cruises, day charges, short sails.
FILLED KIDS CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS FOR SALE Take the stress out of Christmas this year and buy our fantastic Xmas stockings for your children items include, Hanna Montana, High School musical, Ben 10, Starwars and more...please log onto EBAY item number 170385275087
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