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PENSHURST PLACE INTRODUCES INTERACTIVE ‘ TOYS THROUGH TIME ’ WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS
THE LIBERTINES HEADLINE DREAMLAND MARGATE FOR A MASSIVE HOMETOWN CONCERT
Sharing toys from the past with generations of the future , Penshurst Place ’ s new interactive ‘ Toys Through Time ’ workshops for primary schools use toys from a bygone era to help bring history to life and support children ’ s learning . The interactive sessions include playing with retro toys like hoopla , cup-and-ball and dominoes , or having a go at making old-fashioned toys like spinning disks , Jumping Jacks and kaleidoscopes .
The Toys Through Time workshops have been specially designed to combine education and fun , including interactive elements and opportunities for discussion , as well as supporting the KS1 and KS2 national curriculum on the themes of ‘ materials ’ and ‘ change ’. Available as a morning or full-day workshop , they comprise sessions on object handling , crafting , playtime and the Toy Museum .
Commenting on the new initiative , Nicky Stitchman , head of visitors and collections at Penshurst Place , said : “ The new Toys Through Time workshops have helped us to reach even more young people and , we hope , stimulate engaging multi-generational conversations at the same time as supporting their school learning .”
THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM STRIKES GOLD WITH VISITENGLAND AWARD
The Historic Dockyard Chatham has been honoured with the prestigious Gold Award from VisitEngland in its annual Attraction Accolades . VisitEngland , the national tourism body promoting England as a world-class travel destination , created the awards to celebrate excellence across the visitor attraction sector , highlighting businesses that go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences .
In recognition of this , The Historic Dockyard Chatham achieved an outstanding 95 % score in its VAQAS assessment - the highest score awarded since the scheme ’ s inception . Presented at a ceremony at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire , the Gold Award reaffirms the dockyard ’ s position as a must-visit destination in Kent and the South East .
“ Receiving VisitEngland ’ s Gold Award for the fifth time is a true honour and a reflection of the dedication and passion of our fantastic team ,” said Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust ’ s chief executive , Richard Morsley . “ Their commitment to delivering the highest standards of service ensures that every visitor to The Historic Dockyard Chatham enjoys a memorable experience .”
Beloved rock ’ n ’ roll rebels The Libertines have announced a huge hometown show as part of the Margate Summer Series on Saturday 5 July 2025 . This will be the band ’ s debut performance at the iconic Dreamland venue , with special guests Soft Play , Sports Team and more to be announced .
Emerging in the late nineties like a storm through the post-Britpop scene , The Libertines introduced a fresh wave of London bohemianism with their gritty tunes , red military jackets and the reckless ‘ live now , pay never ’ ethos that defined early 2000 ’ s angst .
Further cementing their connection to the coastal town , the band expanded their creative ventures by opening The Albion Rooms , a residential studio , HQ / art and events space in Margate , where their latest album , All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade , was recorded . Two decades after their landmark debut , Up the Bracket , The Libertines continue to make music as powerful as ever and this hotly-anticipated hometown show from one of Britain ’ s most influential bands is not to be missed .
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