Families Bedfordshire Magazine

FRE E

TAKE M

Bedfordshire

E HOM

E

IN THIS ISSUE

Clubs & Classes Back to School Halloween What’s on Guide

Freaky FunFest

Fun By Day

all included in entry!*

20 - 31 Oct RECRUITING NOW! Lesley Hawksley, a successful business woman, is seeking 5 working partners to work part - time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

It’s back! With family Halloween thrills a-plenty, don’t miss Freaky Funfest at Mead Open Farm!

If you have a Supervisory, Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self - Employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle.

Please call Lesley on 07532 616787

Near Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH

01525 852954

*Small extra charge for Pumpkin Carving

Issue 36 September/October 2018

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

MOF-AM-18-086 Halloween-118x70-PT-Beds.indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk

13/08/2018 13:24

What a glorious Summertime we have had! And now it is time for nature’s earthy journey back into fresh, cool and crisp mornings with clear – blue skies; Autumn walks with crunching leaves and animals preparing for their long sleep.

Children are Back to School and Halloween is around the corner!

Find a cosy place with a nice warm drink and page through this issue to find School – Open Days, Autumn and Halloween inspirations as well as some awesome Oct – Half Term events in our What’s On Guide.

To All of the Wonderful Grandparents out there, Happy Grandparents Day!

contents

Editor’s Welcome

3-4 5-6 7

Clubs & Classes News Celebrating Grandparents Day

8 9-11 12 13 14-15

School Open Days Education Autumn Halloween What’s On

Michéllin

To advertise in this magazine contact: Michéllin Store - Editor m: 07824 377175 e: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Sarah Harmer - Designer www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesbedfordshire Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesBeds

Make sure to pick up the Nov/Dec ‘Back to School’ issue. Out on the Nov 1.

Toad Hall Nursery

Church Road, Colmworth Looking for childcare? We pride ourselves on offering the very highest standard of care to all our children and ensuring they experience a safe and stimulating environment that promotes children’s learning and development.

Reasons to choose Toad hall: Extracurricular activities including Spanish and sports (all inclusive) ● Nutritionally balanced menus cooked fresh on site daily ● Large, stimulating garden to explore, where children have free flow access from rooms ● Discounts for emergency services and NHS available ● 2,3 and 4 year old funding available ● Experienced, qualified staff all holding DBS and paediatric first aid ●

For further information Please contact us on : Telephone: 01234 378880 Email: Colmworth@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Or find us on www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk or Facebook.com/ToadHallNurseryColmworth Families Bedfordshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families ® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Bedfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Bedfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, Families Bedfordshire and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

2 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

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CLUBS & CLASSES

The Importance of Drama

By Alexa Brant

When choosing an after-school club or activity in which to enrol your child in, it may be worth considering drama and the performing arts.

Joining a drama class doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be pushed onto a stage and expected to sing and dance and, there are some significant benefits.

Academic Performance A range of research studies have found that students who participate in the Arts don’t just do better in school, they perform better in areas that contribute to success outside the classroom. Children active in the Arts demonstrate higher academic performance and are also more likely to participate in community service.

Self-Confidence Improvisation in Performance Arts help children understand how to appraise situations. Students learn to think outside the box, be more confident and, trust their ideas and abilities. The skill of confidence gained applies to school, career and life.

Imagination “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”Einstein.

Through creativity students learn to make creative choices allowing them to view the world around them in new ways.

Empathy Students relate better to different situations, backgrounds, and cultures they encounter in real life by understanding characters, roles and sub-text of plays and musicals, encouraging them to show compassion and tolerance for others.

Co-Operation An effective drama programme embraces both extroverted and introverted children.

For best outcomes, combining creative ideas and all abilities of participants is required. Everyone engages in discussions, feedback, rehearsing, and performance.

Concentration Playing, practicing, and performing develops the abilities and skills necessary for children to focus their minds, bodies and voices.

Communication Skills Performing arts improves vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression.

Importantly, it also develops listening and observation skills. These skills will benefit a young person throughout their life.

Fun Drama delivers elements of play, humour, and laughter – it improves motivation and reduces stress.

Emotional Outlet Acting and drama games allow students to express a range of emotions, encourages them to understand and deal with similar feelings

they may be experiencing. Aggression and tension can be released in a safe, controlled environment – often allowing for a period of reflection afterwards.

Memory Rehearsing and performing lines and movements will improve your child’s memory.

Memory requires exercise, just like a muscle!

Stagecoach Performing Arts gives their students the creative courage to embrace life and make the most of their talents and opportunities. Stagecoach has over 30 years experience in performing arts teaching, running over 600 schools.

They have Supported over 1 million children helping them to reach their potential.

Regular national events are held at iconic

theatres across the country and there are over 22,000 casting opportunities made available via their talent agency, creating a unique educational framework, which will teach your child how to sing, dance and act while developing a broad range of skills.

For more information visit: www.stagecoach.co.uk or contact your local branch – see contact numbers below.

Stagecoach Performing Arts

Unlock your child’s potential...

With our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity.

Ampthill 01525 790795 Bedford 01234 350799 Dunstable 01582 966730 Leighton Buzzard 01525 790795 Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are opened under franchise and are independently owned by their principals.

Stagecoach and Creative Courage for Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 3

CLUBS & CLASSES

Is Your Child Sport Ready?

By Raymond Vestibule

Physical activity is good for children of all ages and participation in organised sports may be an enjoyable way for children to be physically active.

However, sporting activities must be developmentally appropriate for your child.

Enrolling your child in a sport or activity beyond their developmental ability can lead to frustration and early dropout.

Ages 2 to 5 Toddlers and pre-schoolers may be beginning to get the hang of many basic movements but are too young for most organised sports. So, at this age don’t stress too much if your little one isn’t enrolled in a dozen different activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, toddlers who participate in organised sports typically don’t gain any

long-term advantage in terms of future sports performance. At this age, unstructured free play is usually best. Try running, tumbling, throwing, catching and swimming.

Ages 6 to 9 As children get older, their vision, attention span and transitional skills, such as throwing a ball for distance, improve. They’re also better able to follow directions.

Consider organised activities such as running, football, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and martial arts.

Ages 10 to 12 By this age, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. Children of this age are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, such as football, basketball, hockey and volleyball.

As well as considering whether a sport is age-appropriate for your child, consider how much they

will enjoy the activity based on their maturity and abilities.Your child may show a natural preference for one activity over another, which shouldn’t be ignored.

Remember children change as they grow and it’s normal for them to show a keen interest in one activity one year, only to switch to another by the next. Keep monitoring their level of interest and stay involved with their progress.

Be positive and encouraging by emphasising effort and enjoyment over winning and never try to persuade your child to continue with a sport they clearly don’t enjoy, whatever age they are.

More information visit www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle and www.nhs.uk/change4life

Top Tips for Choosing Classes, Activities & Clubs for Your Child

by Elisabeth Dolton

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the range and volume of activities, classes and clubs available for your child to join? Aside from the important issue of LOGISTICS, in other words, how are these activities going to fit into your schedule, how do you go about deciding what to choose?

Here are my top tips: ✱ Talk to your children, explain how many activities you think there is time for and find out what they are interested in pursuing.

Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves. ✱ Help them choose activities that

Swimming lessons from little fishes classes for babies/toddlers and preschool children teaches valuable lifesaving skills involves sub-surface swimming warm pools perfect for babies we teach structured and progressive lessons through play and having fun we have almost 20 years experience and teach over 1800 babies/children to swim each week.

Little Fishes are pleased to offer classes at various locations, for more details please contact us Tel: 01707 276734 Mobile: 07805 309102 enquiries@littlefishesswimclub.co.uk www.littlefishesswimclub.co.uk

4 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

reflect who they are and what they want to learn and don’t impose your own preferences. ✱ If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist. ✱ Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children. ✱ Always consider the benefits of an activity. For instance, there’s great value in discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time and teach valuable skills such as leadership and

team work e.g. putting on a play. ✱ Don’t assume that high cost equals high quality. ✱ Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience. ✱ Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so try to include a sport. ✱ If you are stuck between two similar activities, consider the usefulness, e.g. drumming lessons might be cool, but the guitar might have wider applicability. ✱ Remember to breath and have fun discussing clubs and classes options with your child. Make it an exciting occasion!

Learn Fitness & Discipline with Tiska Karate Tiska Karate teaches the importance of fitness and self defence to their students. The outset teaches that Karate is to be used for defensive purposes and, are reminded never to use their fighting skills outside the dojo (training hall) except in cases of extreme provocation and, even then only in self-defence.

During the first few weeks of their training, children learn the essentials of basic etiquette.

Emphasis is placed on politeness and, respect for their fellow students, instructors and parents.

They soon become aware that good manners consist of having the utmost respect for others.

Karate can help equip children with essential skills for life!

Beginners Special Offer – 1 Months Free Trial at Tiska Dunstable Club.

For more information visit: www.tiska.com or call: 07709 327274 www.familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS

Only half of pre-school children being read to daily The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20% since 2013, according to recent research.

The annual Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69% of preschool children were read to daily in 2013, that figure had now dropped to just 51%.

The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16% said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t feel comfortable in bookshops, and nearly half are overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books.

The publisher Egmont, which

co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily, and warned that the “steep decline” in reading to young children “signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact.”

More info at www.egmont.co.uk

New Marie Curie Shop Opened in Bedford!

On the 17th August Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin opened Marie Curie’s new shop on Bedford High Street.

The shop, at 75 High Street, is stocked with all the preloved items you would expect, including an exclusive high-end women’s section which features items from designer brands such

as Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Jasper Conran and Jaeger – all selling at a fraction of their original price.

Every purchase will help Marie Curie support people living with a terminal illness - last year alone, Marie Curie’s free Support Line helped 358 people from Bedford.

More info at www.mariecurie.org.uk

Come join Bedfordshire Mums Network Group!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Mum’s Networking Facebook Group In the group you will find: - Local Family Activities To join - Advice/Support this group please - Opportunities to Buy/ use the Sell/ Recommend following link:

https:/www.facebook.com/groups/ 2047581442181545/?ref=bookmarks www.familiesonline.co.uk

I believe in the value of knowledge Open Morning Saturday 13th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 5

NEWS

Digital Citizenship Classes Required for Children

The internet and social media are a permanent part of modern childhood and for most children they offer huge opportunities to learn and connect, according to the Children’s Commissioner for England.

However, children are now the internet’s biggest users and Anne Longfield believes they have inadequate skills to negotiate their lives online and are frequently giving away personal information.

Ms Longfield recommends interventions from government to make sure children are better equipped to make safe and informed choices online. She recommends that children should study “digital

citizenship” to learn about their rights and responsibilities online and that social media companies should rewrite their terms and conditions in far simpler language.

Children already learn about using the internet and staying safe online at school but Ms Longfield wants to make this learning part of the curriculum from age 4 with the focus on ‘digital resilience.

She has produced a ‘Digital 5 a Day’ guide which sets out ways in which families can make sure time online time is productive.

This guide can act as a base for family agreements about internet and l device use during term and holiday time.

More info at www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk

Babies Prefer Hearing Voices of Other Babies

Recent research has revealed that babies appear to be much more interested in listening to other babies than they are listening to adults.

Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal conducted experiments on 5-month-old babies. By using a synthesizer that simulates movements of the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords, they were able to produce vowel sounds that mimicked human voices.

The babies displayed a clear preference for the synthetic baby voices, listening to them

for 40% longer, on average, than the adult voices.

“This doesn’t mean mum or dad should give up oohing and aahing in high voices “says Linda Polka, a professor at McGill University. “Babies do respond to these kinds of sounds. However, infant speech captures and holds infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions. This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalisations, perhaps energising and supporting spoken language development.”

Home Instead Senior Care Luton & Central Beds

I believe in keeping an open mind Open Morning Saturday 13th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

6 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

Mary, 59 a Mother and Grandmother went to work as a CAREgiver for Home Instead Senior Care Luton & Central Beds.

Having a grown-up family, Mary wanted a part time flexible role and heard about Home Instead from a family member, who had experienced their companionship-based care. Without experience but supported by the training provided, Mary gave it a go and started working four hours a day for just two clients.

Six years on, Mary is a reliable CAREGiver for Home Instead, and says “their principle of having calls lasting one hour ensures you know your clients and their needs very well.

Everybody is friendly, flexibility of hours and the support they

offer means Home Instead is a great employer,” said Mary.

At Home Instead they want to change the face of caring and I can vouch that is exactly what we do”.

For more information to develop a career with Home Instead please visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/luton-and-central-bedfordshire or contact 01582 742275 www.familiesonline.co.uk

CELEBRATIONS

Celebrating Glorious Grandparents Day!

by Claire Smith

Grandparents’ Day was first introduced in 1990 by the charity now known as Age UK. The first British celebrations began in 2008 and the October date was selected to honour the autumn years of a grandparent’s life.

On Grandparents’ Day this year, it’s worth considering how you would cope without the support of your parents, or parents-inlaws. Terribly? You are not alone.

Recent research from the Baby to Toddler Show has found that 55% of new parents wouldn’t be able to return to work at all without the help of their children’s grandparents.

According to Grandparents Plus, a staggering 1 million working mothers in the UK rely on grandparents for childcare.

And the importance of a grandparent in a child’s life goes much further. An overwhelming 92% of parents say that the involvement of their parents enriches their children’s lives while 84% look to their own parents for parenting inspiration.

Grandparents have a big presence in the lives of young UK children - 21% of new grandparents see their grandchildren daily and 43% see them at least once every week.

Two thirds of new parents would, in fact, like their children to see even more of their grandparents! For the vast majority of children in the UK, grandparents are regularly on hand to offer support, advice and comfort.

I spoke to Ellie, a nurse, who lives with her partner Ben and

www.familiesonline.co.uk

daughters Imogen, Beatrice and Matilda. Ellie recognises how much her family has benefited from the assistance of two sets of grandparents.

“We have been very lucky to have both sets of grandparents living close by to help with childcare and bringing up our girls. I have gone back to work between having each of our children and having grandparents around has allowed me to do this. I love my job and feel that it is important for my girls to see me going out to work, so me working is beneficial for everyone.

“Our girls’ grandparents take them to amazing places, play games with them and are there for stories and cuddles. They are only able to do certain activities and classes that they love because their grandparents are around to take them when we are working.

This means that the girls don’t miss out on opportunities. Having their grandparents around in their lives has enabled us as a family to get so much more out of life.”

The role of a grandparent has never been more vital or appreciated. Whether

it’s advice on raising children, giving their time for childcare or supporting busy parents, grandparents are an ever-present shoulder for parents to lean on and, as our research reveals, it does not go unrecognised! And it’s not just the children and busy parents that benefit from the relationships. There is evidence to suggest that increased social interaction for the elderly is linked to a reduced risk of disease, improved

This year Grandparents’ Day will be celebrated by families on Sunday 7th October.

mood, mobility and memory.”

Happy Grandparents Day! Thank you for making our lives better, we love you!

Are you looking to develop a career in Caregiving?

Home Instead provides care, companionship and conversation to clients who are older individuals.

Understanding the bond it takes to care for someone as if they were a member of your own family is a vital role of the Caregivers at Home Instead.

We are looking for people who are: ● Kind, compassionate and have personality ● Friendly but professional ● Great Listeners who deliver excellent care ● Passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people ● Like to spend time with older people ● Looking to pursue a career in caregiving ● Seeking development opportunities in caregiving For more info on our application process please visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/luton-and-central-bedfordshire or contact 01582 742275

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 7

EDUCATION

Making the Best of Open Days What is an Open Day? School open days help you decide what school you want your child to go to.

During an open day, prospective parents are shown around (usually accompanied with a presentation which includes a general overview of the school and its values and ethos) by the school headteacher, senior member of staff, head of admissions and sometimes pupils. You will be able to see the children and teachers in lessons and ask questions.

When Are They Held?

State schools generally hold Open Days in September and October aimed at children and families in search of a school place for the following year. Start looking a year in advance. If your child is in starting school, start looking at schools when they are three. When your child is in year 5 (aged nine or ten) start looking for secondary school places. With enough time you can revisit schools you were most interested in with your child the following year.

Independent schools often hold Open Days throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They might have waiting lists for Reception-age children or require children to take a school-specific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place. Find out the criteria for entry to the school and visit well in advance.

This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours.

How are Open Days Organised?

Open Day and Evenings are organized to allow working parents the choice to visit at different times. Some schools (mainly independent) hold Open Days on a Saturday. All schools put a lot of care and

School Open Days BEDFORD GIRLS Cardington Rd, MK42 0BX. Girls 7 – 18 yrs.

Open Morning: Sat, 13 Oct, 10am – 1pm.

By Appointment: 01234 361 918.

Bedford Girls’ School is a vibrant independent day school for girls aged 7-18.

We place the pupils at the heart of all that we do and our expert understanding of girls and young women imbues us with the ability to ensure your daughter will reach her true potential – academically, socially, emotionally and ethically. admissions@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk MILTON KEYNES PREP MK3 7EG. Co – ed: 2mths – 11yrs.

Open Days: Sat, 13 Oct & Wed, 17 Oct, 10 – 11:30 am. *BR: 01908 642111. www.mkprep.co.uk WALTON PRE – PREP & NURSERY MK7 6BB. Co – ed: 2mnths – 5 yrs.

Open Days: Sat, 13 Oct & Tues, 16 Oct, 10 – 11:30am. *BR: 01908 678403. www.waltonpps.co.uk WEBBAR INDEPENDENT MK14 6DP. Co – ed: 4 – 18 yrs.

Open Days: Whole School: Sat, 29 Sep – 10 am – 12 pm *BR: 01908 574 740. www.webberindependentschool.com BROUGHTON MANOR PREP MK16 0JT. Co – ed: 2mnths – 11yrs.

Open Days: Sat, 13 Oct, 10 – 11:30 am. *BR: 01908 665234 www.bmprep.co.uk 8 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

organisation into the events. They all would like to show their school in the best light. It is best to turn up on time to follow the schools direction as there might be a lot of people attending.

Please check website to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days.

Listings are subject to change. Please note: *BR – Booking Required.

SWANBOURNE HOUSE MK17 0HZ. Co - ed 3 – 13 yrs.

Open Morning: Sat, 13 Oct. *BR: 01296 720264. www.swanbourne.org BEDFORD SCHOOL & BEDFORD PRE – PREP MK 40 2TU. Boys 3 – 12 yrs & 7 – 18 yrs.

Open Morning: Sat, 6 Oct, 10 am.*BR: 01234 362216. www.bedfordschool.org.uk POLAM SCHOOL MK40 2BU. Co – ed: 12mnths – 9 yrs.

Open Day: Tue, 2 Oct, 10am – 12pm. *BR: 01234 261864. www.polamschool.co.uk RUSHMOOR MK40 2DL. Girls 2 – 11yrs & Boys 3 – 16yrs. *BR: 01234 352031. www.rushmoorschool.co.uk ST. ANDREWS MK40 2PA. Girls 3 – 16 yrs.

Open Morning: Sat, 29 Sep, 10 am – 12 pm. *BR: 01234 267272. www.standrewsschoolbedford.com PILGRIMS PRE – PREP MK41 7QZ. Co – ed: 3mnths – 7yrs.

Open Day: Sat, 17 Nov, 10 am – 12 noon. *BR: 01234 369 555. www.pilgrims-school.info BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL MK41 7NT. Co – ed: 7 – 18yrs.*BR: 01234 332690. www.bedmod.co.uk ORCHARD INDEPENDENT MK45 4RB. Co – ed: 0 – 9yrs. *BR: 01582 882054. www.orchardschool.org.uk

THE LINDEN ACADEMY LU1 3HJ. Co – ed: 4- 11yrs. *BR: 01582 211441. linden.thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk WHIPPERLEY INFANT ACADEMY LU1 5QY. Co – ed: 4 – 7yrs. *BR: 01582 725 868. www.whipperleyinfantacademy.co.uk THE STOCKWOOD PARK ACADEMY LU1 5PP. Co – ed: 11 – 18yrs. stockwoodpark.thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk CHALK HILLS ACADEMY LU4 0NE. Co – ed: 11 – 18 yrs. chalkhills.thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk KINGS HOUSE PREP LU4 9JY. Co – ed: 2 – 11yrs. www.kingshouseschool.co.uk ST. GEORGE’S LU5 4HR. Co – ed: 4 – 11 yrs. www.stgeorgesdunstable.co.uk FERRARS ACADEMY LU4 0LL. Co – ed: 3 – 7 yrs. www.theferrarsacademy.co.uk ST. CHRISTOPHER’S LU5 4NJ. Co – ed: 2 – 11yrs. www.stchristophersacademy.org KIM BOLTON SCHOOL CAMBRIDGESHIRE PE28 0EA. Day & Boarding School.

Co – ed: 4 – 18yrs. www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Explore Learning – “Her school work and self-confidence has significantly improved” Explore Learning provides Math and English tuition to children aged four to 14, with 139 Centre’s across the country. Families caught up with an Explore Learning member to find out more about their experience.

How long have you been going to Explore?

Emily joined Explore Learning over 3 years ago.

Why did you decide to join Explore?

To help raise Emily’s low selfesteem and to provide her with confidence with her learning and within herself.

What impact has Explore had?

Emily was provided with the tools to enable her to take pride in her work, whilst learning and gaining confidence. It’s taught Emily how to prioritize her work whilst completing the work within the required timescales.

Who would you recommend Explore to?

Any parent, guardian or child of any school age and of any ability.

What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to Explore?

Attend a ‘free’ trial session with your child at a Centre convenient to them.

Can you tell me what you think makes Explore Learning a unique tutoring service?

Their knowledgeable members of staff/tutors who really care about the children and their on-going learning.

What kind of child do you think Explore Learning is for?

Explore would suit any kind of child because the excellent members of Staff are trained to understand and guide the children with the correct level of individual learning, while following the National Curriculum.

How do Explore tutors support your child in their sessions?

Tutors create a welcoming environment for Emily. They are supportive, friendly, approachable and encouraging. Praise is given for good work or any difficulties overcome.

What does Emily enjoy about her sessions at Explore Learning?

Emily finds the sessions fun, calming, challenging and most of all rewarding.

How has Explore supported what your child is working on at school?

Explore worked with Emily prior to starting her SAT’s to ensure her learning was set at the correct level and in line with the National Curriculum. Emily’s school work and self-confidence has significantly improved which is evident in her school reports.

Emily’s SATS tests at Junior School showed great results which attributed to attending Explore.

Emily commenced Senior School

with great self-confidence and an eagerness to continue with her successful learning.

How has Explore worked with you as a family/ supported you as a family?

Explore provided reassurance of a safe and secure learning environment for our daughter.

Regular parent’s meetings with reports produced provided an opportunity to discuss Emily’s progression, strengths, challenges and set any new goals Emily needed to succeed

Get in touch with Explore Learning today by calling 033 0124 3802 to discuss your child’s need and book your free trial. Alternatively, visit explorelearning.co.uk to find your nearest centre.

Preparing them for

the moments

that matter F R E E T R IA L S E S SION !

More than maths and English tuition 033 0124 3802 | explorelearning.co.uk Bedford · Luton Bramingham Park · Luton Dunstable Road · Centres nationwide www.familiesonline.co.uk

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Rated ‘Excellent’ Bedfordshire 9

EDUCATION

Helping Your Child Cope with Stress

by Claire Winter

Stress in primary school children has risen to worrying levels according to school leaders. 78% of school primary teachers in a recent survey reported a general increase in stress and anxiety among primary pupils.

According to the report by the website, Key, a national school support service, 27% of teachers surveyed attributed the increase in anxiety and stress to tests and 37% to social media. Thankfully MPs have finally acknowledged the adverse side-effects of SATs and have proposed eliminating them for 7-year olds by 2023. The government has also committed £300 million to improve young people’s mental health. Many educationalists argue that this is too little, far too late. With evidence of self-harm, eating disorders and stress being on the increase in schools, what should we as parents be doing to help our kids feel less stressed?

Get Talking According to a poll run by Time to Change, 55% of families do not openly discuss mental health. Katie Buckingham from the social enterprise, Altruist Enterprises (altruistuk.com) believes families should talk more about their problems. She believes the first step to combating this problem is to simply start a conversation.

Here are Katie’s six tips (think APPLES) when you talk to your child: Approach casually: mention well-known celebs like Adele who openly discuss their issues Positivity: avoid negative language Patience: no one likes to be pressured Listen carefully: ask open-ended rather than leading questions Encourage your children to pursue things they love Support: Seek extra help if you feel it’s needed.

• Maths and English lessons for Primary to Secondary Level including SATs, 11+ and GCSE level at an affordable rate • IT Training for All Ages & Maths English s Lesson

www.dunstablett.co.uk

tel: 07548 518004 / 07709 518529 Suite 1, Ashton Square Business Centre 22 Ashton Square, Dunstable LU6 3SN

10 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

Create a Healthy Routine Dr. Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director, and GP at Your Doctor (www.your-doctor.co.uk) says that having a healthy routine can help combat stress, particularly when your child is making the transition to a new school or starting the new school year.

Here’s what is important: Get Enough Sleep Sleep improves our memory, sharpens our attention span and helps us maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding gadgets an hour before bed and doing more relaxing activities such as reading or having a bath can make all the difference to the quality of your child’s sleep.

Always Eat Breakfast Have a healthy and nutritious meal to start your child’s day. This will boost their energy and can also improve memory and decrease stress levels.

Check-in with your Child If your child seems stressed, they are not sleeping well, not eating well, behaving more emotional than usual or are less interactive or more clingy, try to gently encourage them to share and talk through their feelings with you, to lighten their burdens. Choosing the right time to talk is important. Set aside a time to talk when you are both not tired, on the walk to school, or after dinner.

Exercise Regular exercise can reduce stress - for example walking to school with your child, visiting a playground or park on the way home or go out for a weekend walk. Encourage your child to participate in a sporting or physical activity which will build exercise into their schedule automatically.

Try Mindfulness Mindfulness and meditation help children and parents alike. There is a growing body of evidence that mindfulness helps to improve concentration and self-awareness, and helps to manage and regulate difficult emotions.

Anxiety and stress can be selfperpetuating, your child might be anxious and only focus on the things in their life that are causing them to feel stressed. Encourage them to take time to focus on their breathing, write out their thoughts, allow them the space to voice their fears and see the positive in challenging situations. If you help teach your child about resilience and how to cope with the tough times, as well as the good ones, you will be teaching them a great skill for life.

If you are concerned about your child, please make sure you seek help from a medical professional. www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Educating your Child about Social Media

By Claire Winter

During the primary school years, there is a tendency to want to bury your head in the sand when it comes to the issues and challenges of mobile phones and social media. If you have children under 10, you may feel you don’t need to pay attention to this yet.

However, by Years 5 and 6 many of your children’s peers will start to actively use apps like Snapchat and Instagram. It’s important to start understanding how to help your child navigate the online world.

The legal age for children to use social sites like Facebook, Instagram, Musical.ly and Snapchat is 13. But, according to a report by the Children’s Commissioner, around 75% of 10 to 12-year olds have a social media account. The study makes sobering reading stating that children face a ‘cliff edge’ when it comes to using social media when they go to secondary school.

Getting comments and likes on their posts becomes a priority, especially when their whole class are now using mobile devices and have social media accounts.

Children become more concerned about how they look and feel anxious about staying connected at all times.

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) becomes much more prevalent.

Class WhatsApp groups and the like mean that whilst your

child has their phone they are connected to their peers 24/7.

This is the equivalent of having the “noise” of the playground with them at all times. It makes it impossible for children to leave behind the social interactions of the day, including any negative

ones, and switch off emotionally.

It means your child is at risk of being negatively impacted by any hurtful throwaway remarks or comments made by their peers which may not have been intended to be hurtful. Social posts without accompanying

tone, facial expression and gesture are more likely to be interpreted negatively or the meaning questioned, than words delivered face to face. In short, you need to set limits on social interaction if your child is going to remain sane and grounded.

Here are some things to consider before your child becomes active on social: ✱ Explore the privacy settings on all the apps your children will use and explain how they work. ✱ Make sure their accounts aren’t public and are only available to their friends. Explain they should only friend or follow people they know on all their social media accounts. ✱ Stress that it is crucial for them to tell you if someone they don’t know is trying to contact them. Explain not everyone is who they say they are online. ✱ Remind them they can block people they don’t know or users who are giving them unwanted attention (including their peers). ✱ There are many things your children should not see on the internet. Ensure your children feel comfortable talking about what they have seen online or things that have been sent to them. Conversations need to be open and frank because sexual and violent content can only ever be a few clicks away. www.familiesonline.co.uk

✱ Follow them or add them as a friend on your social accounts, so you can see what they are doing. Many parents make this a condition before allowing their child to have an app, especially if they are younger. ✱ Tell them not to share private information about themselves, like where they go to school or their address. ✱ Remind them not to post, snap or chat

about something that they don’t want to be shared or seen by a wider audience. Remind them pictures can be captured by screenshot and shared with people they don’t know.

✱ Tell them that bullying should not be tolerated in real life or cyberspace. If they are being bullied or see someone being bullied, tell them to tell a trusted adult. ✱ Limit how long they can be online.

Put the Wi-Fi on a timer or set a daily limit of time for how long they can be on their device.

If you are not on the social platform, explain that you will want access to their account to see what they are doing (actually follow through on this). Some people may feel this is an intrusion on their privacy, but my personal view is that young teenagers need some supervision and guidance.

As parents, we need to lead by example, so limit the time you spend on social platforms when you are with your child.

Accept that your child is bound to make some mistakes on social media.

The key is to have an open dialogue with them about it so they can ask for advice if things go wrong and learn how to create healthy boundaries around their online activities.

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 11

AUTUMN

Go Wild This Autumn!

by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks Autumn; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors. There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool.

Here are just a few ideas: Make Leaf Mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile.

You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle. ✱ Collect colourful fallen leaves, cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick in the woods or the park.

✱ Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in. ✱ Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. ✱ Thread leaves and seeds along the twine. ✱ Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.

Go Wild Foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Gather some berries, nuts and leaves. Make sure you know what’s safe to eat though before you give your permission for your children to eat what they’ve collected!

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs?

You will need: basic cooking equipment e.g: a griddle, frying pan and Dutch oven (a cast iron cooking pot with lid), measuring cups, knives, spoons and a mixing bowl. ✱ Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque. ✱ You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips, and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar. ✱ Alternatively, a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes. ✱ Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods!

Make Jam with Wild Fruit ✱ Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam. ✱ Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar.

Simmer for about one hour or until it sets (does it form a jelly on a cold saucer?) Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on. ✱ Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. ✱ Cover the lid with a large leaf.

Safety Tips ✱ When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds ✱ Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads ✱ Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking.

More about Going Wild Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published by Frances Lincoln in July 2018. For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

Remember, Remember the 5th of November...!

Your Guide to Guy Fawkes Night by Olivia Malaure The ‘plot’ was simple - to blow up The Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder hidden in its cellar.

Guy Fawkes was given the job of lighting the fuse but, on the 5 November 1605, the plot was discovered and he was taken to the Tower of London and executed. To celebrate his own survival, King James 1 ordered his people to light a great bonfire every year on the night of 5 November.

Many schools hold organised fireworks displays, but if the idea of being outdoors with very young children on a cold November evening sends a chill down your spine…

Gunpowder, treason, and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.

12 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

Here are some ideas to help you enjoy Bonfire Night at home: Start with a Bang: Kids love listening to the popping of microwave popcorn that they can munch on.

Add some Colour: Make a rocket! Wrap silver paper around an empty kitchen roll tube and stick down. Cut out a circle of coloured card (approx. 9cm) and make a cone shape.

Tape the cone to the top of the cylinder.

Decorate the cylinder with stickers and stick strips of red or orange cellophane to the bottom for flames. Kids can fly their colourful creations around the garden!

Bonfire Baked Potatoes: Cook up edible bonfires! Fill jacket potatoes with childfriendly toppings. Sprinkle some Red Leicester cheese on top for flames, or put the fire out with a spoonful of creme fraiche on top!

Light Up the Night Sky: Kids love torches and they’re a fun, safe way for them to play in the dark and enjoy the atmosphere of Bonfire Night.

See page 15 for Firework Displays in Bedfordshire. www.familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN

Halloween Craft

How to Make a Doorway Dare Knock, knock, Whoooo’s there…

Kids love trick-or-treating - but sometimes it rains, or the neighbours pretend to be out. Here’s a crafty trick or treat game from our friends at Wonderbly that you can make and play with at home.

You’ll create two doorways: one leads to a trick and the other to a treat. Will your little visitor get a chocolate or an eyeball?

It’s a shifty fifty-fifty.

Follow these eight simple steps to build your doorways.

You will need: ✸ 4 shoeboxes (no lids) ✸ a utility knife ✸ a metal ruler ✸ paint ✸ brushes

✸ a black marker pen ✸ 2 pieces of dark cloth ✸ 2 large buttons, or bottle tops ✸ cobwebs (preferably fake) or feathers ✸ tricks and treats

How to make your Doorway Dare Step1 Take two of the shoeboxes and draw a door-shaped rectangle on each. Using the knife and ruler, cut along three sides of the door, leaving it on its hinges.

Step 2 Grab some brushes and paint the boxes. Try boldlycontrasting colours for the door and brickwork. Leave your doorways to dry.

Step 6 Tape the hallway boxes to the doorway boxes, so reaching through the door will lead to the sensory items.

NEW Halloween Attractions at Mead Open Farm There’s stacks of spooky fun plus NEW attractions for the whole family at Mead Open Farm’s Freaky FunFest from 20 – 31 October. With 6 incredible Halloween attractions, help Little Red Riding Hood find her way to Grandma’s house in NEW Scary Tales and explore the NEW Haunted House.

Plus, don’t miss the twists and competition. For a small extra turns of Mr Topper’s Twister charge, you can even carve and tiptoe through The Shed. a pumpkin to take home!

For little ones, take a seat on With all the usual farm fun the NEW Tiny Terrors Tractor too including Indoor, Outdoor Ride especially for toddlers. & Animal activities there’s There’s NEW Trick or Treat something for the whole family Training Shows daily too plus whatever the weather.

Ghost Stories and a fancy-dress Mead Open Farm is just south of Leighton Buzzard - LU7 9HJ Visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Contact 01525 852 954

Join Us if You Dare on the Marston Vale Line Fancy Dress Express!

Friday 26th October 2018 Step 3 Get a thick marker pen and add some details: letterbox, doorbell, house number. For a doorknob, you can sew on a button or glue on a bottle cap.

Step 4 Turn your boxes around.

Glue or staple a piece of cloth inside each, then cut a slit down the centre of the cloth (for intrepid hands to reach through).

Put these boxes to one side.

Spooky trains will whizz along the tracks, steering clear of ghouls and bats!

Step 7 Find something lovely and something not so lovely.

(Plastic spider/strawberry lolly, lychee eyeball/pound coin etc.) Hide the treat in one doorway and the trick in the other.

Group S Rail T ave ickets Great rate

Step 8 Dim the lights and invite your little trick-ortreaters to choose their fate.

You can even make it a breakfast ritual in the build-up to Halloween. Ratatatat…

Third s for familie off fo s!

Take the Marston Vale Line of 3-9 r groups adults Take the Marston Line (Bedford – Bletchley) to Vale Milton Keynes kid , Marston Vale Line Ghost Trains depart: (Bedford – Bletchley) to Milton Keynes s half-p Model Rail Exhibition 2016! rice, 12.01pm & 2.01pm from BletchleyModel Rail Exhibition 2016!under 5s go fre e!

12.55pm & 2.55pm from Bedford Or join at any station along the Marston Vale Line!

Goody bag for all kids in fancy dress!

On board:

Step 5 Now take your other two boxes. Decorate the insides with fake cobwebs, feathers or other touchy-feely things. One should feel lovely, the other should feel icky! These will form the backs (or hallways) to your doors. www.familiesonline.co.uk

Wonderbly are creators of beautiful personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiosity and kindness in children all over the world.

A treat for any curious little mind.

Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

Face painter & Balloon modeller

Normal train fares apply.

Gro upS a R

ve ail T Great G uic ratero pkets 1/3 R ailsTfor Sfaave Gre ickemilies at of of 3raf for gr ou ts !

9 tes fo Saturday 13 February: 10 – 4:30 pm ul ,r faps ha1/lf-3 ofad milies fortsgr kids of 3-pricfe, oups !

9 Stantonbury Centre, Stantonbury Arts Saturday 13 Leisure February: 10 – 4:30 pm ulun goad ha5s ts der lf-pr & Leisure, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes icfree! , kids Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Stantonbury Arts 5s go e, under free & Leisure, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes Free vintage shuttle bus from Milton Keynes Central Station!!

Discounts on admission for Marston Vale Line passengers!

Free vintage shuttle bus from Milton Keynes Central Station!

Adults: £6 (£5.50 with valid rail ticket); Discounts on admission for Marston Vale Line passengers!

Children: £3.50 (£3.00 with valid rail ticket); Adults: £62 (£5.50 valid rail£11 ticket); Families: adultswith + 3 children (£10.00 with valid rail ticket).

Children: £3.50 (£3.00 with valid rail ticket); Families: adults for + 3further children £11 (£10.00 with valid rail ticket).

Call 014942773759 information or visit www.mkmrs.org.uk/exhibitions Call 01494 773759 for further information or visit www.mkmrs.org.uk/exhibitions

Refreshments

Hop off at Rigdmont Station Heritage Centre to enjoy spooky crafts. £2.50 includes squash and cake. ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. PLEASE CALL NUMBER BELOW. For further information please contact:

For further information please contact: Stephen Sleight For further information please contact: StephenVale Sleight Marston Community Stephen Sleight Rail Partnership Marston Vale Community Marston Vale Community Tel: 832645 Rail01234 Partnership E-mail: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk Tel: 01234 832645 Rail Partnership Visit our award winning website!

E-mail: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Tel: 01234 832645 Visit our award winning website! www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk E-mail: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk Visit our website! www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ Find us on Facebook! marstonvalecrp www.facebook.com/ marstonvalecrp Follow us on Twitter! @marstonvalecrp Follow us on Twitter! @marstonvalecrp

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Bedfordshire 13

What’s on SEPTEMBER STARTING IN SEPTEMBER Pre – school AquaEd Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, LU5 5PY. Classes offer a new approach to swimming with the emphasis being on fun and enjoyment.

Teachers spend time interacting with your child to make sure they get the most from each lesson they attend. Aqua Ed classes reward every effort made no matter how small.

01582 866141 www.sll.co.uk SAT 8 SEP Crabby: A Snappy Little Tale of Grumpy Feelings & What To Do About Them at Luton Library Theatre Join a multi-sensory musical seaside adventure exploring tantrums, frustration and ways to handle big feelings as Crabby embarks on a mission to find a new shell to call home before the tide comes in. www.lutonculture.com SAT 8 SEP Everybody’s Talking about Jaimie Inspired by a true story, Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

Funny and feel good show for children aged 12+. www.grovetheatre.co.uk SAT 8 SEP Bromham Mill Music Festival Enjoy a day of music with children’s attractions, face painting, food, ice – cream, craft beer and gin bar. www.bromhamparish.co.uk SAT 8 – SUN 9 SEP Craft Weekend at the Mill A wide range of crafts will be on display and for sale over the weekend including; ceramics, jewellery, textiles and sculptures. www.stotfoldmill.com

We aim for accuracy but do check with the venue before setting out in case details have changed after print... and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Bedfordshire Magazine.

FRI 14 – SUN 16 SEP Bedfordshire Steam Fayre The Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society gives an insight into the country life at the turn of the 20th Century when steam was in its hey day.

Visit the beer garden with the kids, listen to the band and watch the Stage Show. Stay into Saturday evening and end your day marvelling at the magnificent line-up of showman’s engines generating the fairground rides and attractions. Dogs on leads are welcome. www.shuttleworth.org THUR 6 – SUN 9 SEPT Art 4 Africa Charity Art Exhibition Help change the lives of disadvantaged children by visiting this fund raising exhibition of 70 national and local artists and artisans with over 500 pieces to support the education of vulnerable children in Tanzania. There will be a gift and card area as well as BBQ on Sat and Sun. The Old Chapel House, Keysoe, Beds. www.rise-africa.co.uk SAT 22 SEP Woburn Abbey Honey Festival Join in the celebrations of everything honey, set against the stunning backdrop of Woburn Abbey and Gardens. Talks on beekeeping, honey and hive products by The Bedfordshire Beekeeper’s Association.

A selection of stalls include local honey, candles, other beeswax related products and food items. www.woburnabbey.co.uk SAT 22 SEP & MON 22 OCT Mushroom and Wild Food Foraging Course Walks Discover edible wild plants & mushrooms growing all around us. Find out how to tell them apart from their poisonous lookalikes, learn what recipes can be made, and sample tasty wild food treats. www.kerrybowness.com/ foraging-courses

SUN 23 SEP Rushmere Country Park’s Local Food Fest 11am - 4pm Celebrating locally produced food and drink. Fun activities for kids, including a bouncy castle and live music.

Free entry. www.greensandtrust.org SUN 23 SEP Autumn Festival Milton Country Park’s Autumn Festival is the park’s biggest fundraiser to keep the park accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Supporting local independent foodies, crafters and creatives.

Children can be found playing in piles of hay, climbing on tractors, dressing up and enjoying wood craft and magical workshops. Parents can enjoy some of the finest local street food, real ales, cider and live music. www.miltoncountrypark.org FRI 28 – 30 SEP Harpers Food Annual Craft & Gift Fair The Annual Craft & Gift Fair helps raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and last year raised £716.00. The event starts at 10 am and ends at 3pm. www.harpersfood.co.uk SAT 29 SEP CHUMS Dog Show and Family Fun Day Wrest Park, Silsoe 10.00am to 1.30pm Join us for classes including: Most Handsome Dog, Best Paw Shaker and Dog with the Waggiest Tail. There will also be a bouncy castle, raffles and prize stalls and a few stalls selling bits and pieces. You don’t need to have a dog to attend!

For more info email: anna.bunney@chumscharity.org

FRI 26 OCT Marston Vale Line - Ghost Train - ‘Fancy Dress Express’ & Spooky Crafts Decorated carriages, free goody bag for children in fancy dress, face painter, balloon modeller and refreshments on sale.

Trains depart Bedford at 12:55 & 2:55 (3 minutes later from Bedford St. Johns).

Or join at any station along the Marston Vale Line!

Normal rail fares apply.

Register via Eventbrite to enter a draw for first class family tickets to London!

Spooky Crafts at Ridgmont

OCTOBER SUN 7 OCT The Lodge Discovery Day An event full of fun and discovery. Experience bird ringing demonstrations throughout the event & get nice and messy making bird cake. Hot soup, tea and coffee, sandwiches, cakes and snacks for sale from the shop. www.rspb.org.uk THU 13 – FRI 14 OCT Working Steam Weekend A rare opportunity to see a unique collection of steamdriven machines for ploughing, threshing and harvesting, that revolutionised farming. www.stotfoldmill.com SUN 21 OCT Bromham Mill Apple Day The ever-popular Apple Day returns to celebrate country living, food, art, craft, heritage of the mill, music and apples.

There will be a vast selection of food and drink and, lots of fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy. www.biddenham.org.uk SAT 20 – SUN 28 OCT Halloween Treat At 11am or 2pm treat yourself to an experience in meeting and handling a variety of owls, then let the kids loose on Pumpkin Carving, enjoy a Glass of Witches Brew and a scrummy Creepy Cupcake Centre of Hocus Pocus - Join the Creepy Critter Encounters, Zombie Hunt on the Tractor & Trailer, try your hand at Pumpkin Carving and so some creepy crafts. birdsofpreycentre.co.uk SAT 20 OCT Full of Beans Fee – Fi - Fo – Fum, what do

Station Heritage Centre from 12:20 – 4pm.

Make your own ghost, string of monsters or anything that might spook the trick or treaters.

Sessions are approx 1 hour. £2.50 per child including refreshments. Full journey on the Ghost Train before alighting at Ridgmont recommended to allow time to enjoy all of the activities on the train.

Advance Booking essential – call 01234 832645 www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

14 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

magic beans become? Children and grown ups a like will be charmed and enthralled by this fairy tale adventure. www.fullhouse.org.uk SAT 27 OCT Princess Charming A contemporary topical exploration of gender identity and stereotypes for children aged seven – eleven. This family – friendly and fun-filled show celebrates being exactly who you are. Through cabaret, sticker books, song and dance and, even acrobatics! www.theplacebedford.org.uk TUE 23 OCT Woodland Lantern Making Make a willow and tissue lantern decorated with autumn leaves collected around the Park, which will look amazing lit up at night for Halloween or Bonfire Night, or just to add a woodland glow to a room. Suitable for ages 5 – 10. www.marstonvale.org WED 24 & THU 25 OCT Kids’ Halloween Disco Dust off your best fancy dress costumes and get ready to dance, scream and play lots of party games in celebration of the spookiest time of year!

Parental supervision is essential!

Hot food will be available for adults, and the bar will be open as normal. www.marstonvale.org FRI 26 – WED 31 OCT Pumpkin Carving at Woburn Sands Get creepy this Halloween and carve a Pumpkin with Woburn Sands spooky events team.

The team will be on hand to assist with those tricky designs!

Included in the price is a batteryoperated tea light and a cup of our famous witches brew. www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk SAT 27 OCT – 4TH Annual Pumpkin Festival 12 – 4pm Instead of buying a pumpkin from the supermarket, go and carve a locally grown pumpkin and take home ready for Halloween. Wardens will hollow out the pumpkins for you so no slimy scooping is necessary! To avoid disappointment, reserve a pumpkin online. Face painting, pony rides, tumbling teddies, craft corner and a selection of stalls selling local produce, BBQ, bar and cafe is all part of the festival. www.clophillecolodges.org.uk FRI 26 OCT Meet Owlette & Gekko from PJ Masks Both can be seen at intervals in Mammoth Play Ark throughout www.familiesonline.co.uk

the day on the decking of the Mammoth Play Ark. www.woburnsafari.co.uk SAT 27 OCT Halloween at The Swiss Garden A friends of the Swiss Garden Production.

A family fun - filled evening of scary stories with ghoulish games (including a spooky biscuit and drink). If you dare, come along for scarier stories later in the evening! Don’t forget to bring your torches for this Halloween event! www.shuttleworth.org SAT 27 OCT – FRI 2 NOV Wizard School Wizard School at Woburn Sands As Halloween approaches, young Witches and Wizards of all ages are invited to join the Professor at Frost’s Wizard School.

No previous spellcasting is necessary during this magical 35 min experience. Entertainment, songs, Chocolate Apple Dunking and definitely a trick or treat (or two!) www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk SUN 28TH OCT Halloween Crafts 2pm – 4pm Cafe with hot & cold drinks, homemade cakes and soup open.

Children can have a go at one of the Halloween Crafts activities to take home with them, suitable for all ages. Activities such as badge making, spooky sign decorating, basic bats and more. clophillecolodges.org.uk

Guy Fawkes Fireworks Displays FRI 2 NOV Ampthill Fireworks In its 8th year running the event will begin at 6pm when doors open with a Pre-Show to be announced with the lighting of the beacon and Fireworks display at 8pm.

Tickets on sale in Sep/Oct via outlets in Ampthill.

The event will incorporate concessions, amusements and fair ground rides.

For further info email info@ampthillfireworks.co.uk SUN, 4 NOV Houghton Regis Town Council will be holding its third Fireworks Display on Tithe Farm Recreation Ground at 7pm.

The free family event is shaping up to be an exciting

evening and in addition to the display, there will be a fairground as well as food, hot drinks and some essential glowing items for sale.

The gates will open at 4pm for the fairground and the stalls. www.houghtonregis.org.uk MON 5 NOV Dunstable Fireworks Display will be held at Creasey Park Community Football Centre.

The event is free and will have a large fire works display with food and funfair. www.dunstable.gov.uk SAT 3 NOV Leighton - Linslade Council is running their Fireworks display at Brooklands School at 7pm. www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

31 OCT – 30 NOV Spooky Sprint Dare yourselves, friends and family members to take on a Spooky Sprint. Spooky Sprint is a virtual challenge so you can run anywhere at anytime and, as many times as you like. All money raised goes toward vital work in helping and improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinsons. www.parkinsons.org.uk

NCT Nearly New Sale Buy and sell kids’ high quality clothes and toys at a bargain price.

Mid Beds: 22 SEP, 2pm – 3:15pm Flitwick Village Hall, MK45 1HP sarahdempsey@flitwick.gov.uk North Beds: 6 OCT, 12pm – 2pm Bedford International Athletic Stadium,MK41 9SB 01234 351115 Biggleswade & Sandy: 13 OCT, 10:30am – 12pm Stratton Upper School, SG188 01767 220000

Issue 46 : (E)

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 15

Harpers Nursery & Forest School BLUNHAM MK44 3NX

A unique learning experience for children aged from 6 months to 5 years.

Preschool

Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas

New classes available starting in September 2018, Sign up now

Limited spaces now available for 30 hours of FUNDED ERS childcare This facility is managed in Partnership with

Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire LU5 5PY 01582 866 141

Find us online www.sll.co.uk

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www.harpersnursery.co.uk S 4 WEEK Tel: 01767 FREE 641499

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NS ISKA DU TThe Chalk Hills Academy U CL B

Leagrave High Street Luton Classes held LU4 0NE 5.30pm Every Tuesday at 5.30pm For more informaAon please contact us on 10.30am Every Saturday at 10.00am All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure 07709327274 or 01753 882012 and Barring CerAficates The Chalk Hills Academy

Aska.karate@btconnect.com www.Aska.com Leagrave High Street

Luton LU4 0NE

For more informaAon please contact us on

07709327274 or 01753 882012

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure and Barring CerAficates

Aska.karate@btconnect.com www.Aska.com