Make sure you have the date for the Riverhead Carnival in your diary – Sunday 16 September

ART EXHIBITION: A pop-up exhibition of Textile Art and Ceramics at Riverhead’s Portico Gallery will open on Saturday, 1 September and will run until Saturday 8 September featuring works by Anne McCartney, Gloria Whiting, Dianne Whyte, Janine Pound and Susan Newby-Robson. Portico Gallery, which can be found at 25 London Road in the centre of Riverhead, is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Everyone welcome – entry is free.

GENTLE WALKING: Everyone is invited to the launch of the new free weekly ‘Every Step Counts’ Riverhead gentle wellbeing walking group on Tuesday, 4 September. Meet at 10am outside Tesco next to the Costa Coffee window. If you wish to know more email Irene Collins at everystepcounts17@gmail.com

RIVERHEAD CARNIVAL: Only three weeks to go to this year’s village carnival on Sunday 16 September on Chipstead Common which is, once again, being organised by the 3rd Sevenoaks (Riverhead and Dunton Green) Scout Group. This is always a fun occasion, so save the date! With around 70 stalls and activities plus lots of food and drink on offer, the event encourages local voluntary groups, clubs and businesses to hold a stall on the common. This great community event opens at 12.30pm and is supported with music throughout by DJ Nigel ending at around 4pm.

Activities include bouncy castles, coconut shy, big slide and tombolas, plus beer tent, teas, ice creams and  burger stall. Arena events will include the now famous egg-throwing contest which can get quite competitive! Toilets will be available. The ever-popular dog show will also feature, so start training your family pooch now. To book a  pitch for a stall email now to tracey@3rdsevenoaks.org.uk. (NB no more refreshment stalls are required as these are provided by the Scouts.)

COFFEE MORNING FOR SENIORS: On 1 October, a coffee morning for senior people is being held at The Stag Community Arts Centre Sevenoaks to celebrate ‘The International Day of Older Persons’. The event, which is being organised by the Sevenoaks District Seniors Action Forum will open at 10am. and close at around 1.30pm. Anyone involved in a local society or club which they would like to promote to older people at this event is invited to contact Chris Stewart at chris.stewart142@btinternet.com. Meanwhile, seniors might like to make a note of the date.

BADMINTON: A local group welcomes new players to join friendly sessions at Donnington Hall, Barretts Road, Dunton Green on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. The new season starts 4 September 4. There is no membership fee – just £2.50 per session. Go along and try your hand or phone 01883 722948 for more information.

WILDLIFE FUN: Family events continue on Fridays until the end of the school holidays at the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve (off Bradbourne Vale Road, TN13 3DH) – usually two sessions starting at 11am and 1.30pm. Friday 24 August will feature Leaf Art and Forest Skills while on 31 August the final subject will be Pond Dipping. These events are always very popular, so booking is essential at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk. Click on ‘Things to do’ and use the filters to find events at the Sevenoaks Reserve and the Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve with its walks around the lakes is open free every day from dawn until dusk. (NB no dogs allowed because of the wildlife). The Visitor Centre with its café, small shop and interesting local natural history displays is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5pm (café until 4.30pm) during the summer months.

FAMILY OPEN AIR THEATRE: On Sunday 26 August at the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve (see above) there will be a performance of ‘Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster’ starting at 5pm. Book for this fantastic outdoor family show on-line at littlebluemonster.co.uk where you can also find more information.