Families Bedfordshire Magazine Issue 45 March April 2020

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TAKE M

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Bedfordshire IN THIS ISSUE Win a family holiday with Away Resorts Celebrating Motherhood Mums and babies classes directory School open days Competitions, What’s on & more

Easter Wizard of Oz 6 - 17 April

• Wizard of Oz Walkthrough • Easter Shows NE W Baby La • Bu mbs, nnies & Chic ks • Tractor & Trailer Rides

Plus plenty of Indoor, Outdoor & An imal Activiti es!

Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9J H

Issue 45 March/April 2020

MOF-AM-20-019 Ad-Easter (FHerts 118x70).indd 1

meadopenfarm.co.uk

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175 06/02/2020 09:20

familiesonline.co.uk

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EASTER EGG QUIZ Runs from Saturday 4th to Saturday 18th April (During normal museum opening times)

FREE QUIZ FOR CHILDREN:

Solve the mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize!

Museum open* Tues to Sat, 11am to 4pm (last entry 3.45pm) *Closed Good Friday

John Bunyan Museum & Library, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU, www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum 01234 270303

“ FUN, ENERGeTIC AND DELIGHTFUL”

***** BROADWAY BABY

FRI 29TH MAY 2.30PM

big red bath - A FULL HOUSE AND HALF MOON CO-PROducTION -

SAT 30TH MAY 11AM + 1PM

SUN 31ST MAY 11AM + 1PM

Adapted from the book by Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds

more events at

www.quarrytheatre.org.uk 2

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Luton International Carnival Celebrates VE Day 75 8th May 2020 Luton International Carnival is making an exciting return to Luton Town Centre as part of this year’s VE Day 75 commemorative event, which celebrates 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the early May bank holiday is moving from Monday 4th to Friday 8th May and Luton Council will be providing a programme of activities as part of the National commemorations in St George’s Square.

Luton’s vibrant and colourful Carnival will be a major part of the townwide celebration, moving from its traditional Spring Bank Holiday spot to Bank Holiday Friday 8th May, with the theme of “Give Peace a Chance”.

As a major cultural event in the town, Luton International Carnival brings together all of Luton's diverse communities.

What better celebration can there be, than to mark 75 years of peace?

The Carnival parade will begin at 12-noon at Wardown Park, but this year the route will be adjusted to take in St George’s Square in the Town Centre. The parade will then lead the crowds to return to Wardown Park where the party will continue with a range of music, food, stalls and funfair attractions for families until 7pm.

Commemorative events will take place across the 3-day weekend and also include: Fri, 8 May 12 noon Luton International Carnival

Celebrates VE Day 75 Carnival parade begins at 12 noon at Wardown Park Saturday 9th May Family day with groups and families free to organise their own celebrations.

Sunday 10th May Formal church celebration at St Marys & St Lukes Churches followed by Street Party style celebrations organised by Luton’s BID in the region of The Mall.

For full details about the Carnival route, and what celebrations are taking place around the town that day, visit www.carnivalarts.org.uk

Gin Palace One Five O The Old Palace Lodge Hotel invites you to a wonderful evening of Gin.

The OldDaniel Palace Lodge Guest Speaker Patton from Two Birds Spirits will be showing off their gins, how to with Bird Spirits mix themTwo and throwing in some interesFng facts. invites you to Join us on

Gin Palace One Five O Thursday 26th Gin Tasting in aid of March 2020 The British Red Cross 18:30 till 21:30 Henry’s Restaurant, Old At the Old Palace The Lodge Palace Lodge Hotel, Church Street, 26th March 2020 Dunstable, LU5 Ticket 4RTPrice £25

£12 of ticket sale goes to the British Red Cross Bedfordshire To book tickets Contact 01582 589083 cnorrish@redcross.org.uk All Gin’s supplied by

www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/fundraisTwo Bird Spirits Supported ing-and-events/gin-palace-one-five-o

BRILLIANT MINDS Crack the code this Easter with our family activities.

Find out more bletchleypark.org.uk

by Jeremy Hardy at Matthew

TheThe British Red Cross society, incorporated by Royal charter 1908, is a charity Bri(sh Red Cross society, incorporated by Royal charter 1908, is a charity registered in registered Englad & Wales (220949), Scotland England &inWales (220949), Scotland (SCO37738) & Isle of(SCO37738) Man (0752) & Isle of Man (0752)

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Reach over 30 000 readers, advertise in Families Bedfordshire, email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire 3

NEWS & VIEWS In this issue: 3 4- 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Luton Carnival & VE Celebration News Celebrating Motherhood Mums and babies classes directory Tech consumer to tech creator Dealing with Asthma in children Education Fabulous Families book quiz and competition 12 Competitions & kids crossword 13-15 Local events and What's on in March and over Easter

Contact no. 07824 377175 Email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Editor: Michéllin Store.

Design: Sarah Harmer.

Published six times a year.

UPCOMING ISSUE: May/June – Parties feature, May half term & Summer holidays preview Due out: Early May Advertising and editorial deadline: Monday 6th April 2020 Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FamiliesBeds Follow us @FamiliesBeds

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Thank you to everyone who entered into our Jan/Feb (Issue 44) competitions and to all of our competition suppliers. Here are the winners of the Jan/Feb 2020 competitions: ✹ Peppa Pig - Best Day Ever - Amy and family ✹ Milton Keynes Model Railway Exhibition Kim, Sarah and Emily & families ✹ Wanda Water Jar - Gerlie and Lucia ✹ Made Good Bars - Rachana and Julie ✹ The Fred & Woody Series – Kairen and Gemma

Competition winners reviews:

Tot Bop are finalists in the ‘Business Growth of the Year’ category with The Family Network Business Recognition Awards and, have been nominated for ‘Best Independent Business’ in this year’s ClubHub Awards.

Tot Bop’s dance and creative movement classes are pitched perfectly for every stage of development, whether your child is 1, pre-school aged or at school.

Tot Bop’s classes provide a perfect introduction to dance. These colourful classes are designed to build confidence, develop

co-ordination and motor skills, enhance musicality and develop little imaginations. Their syllabus is aligned and underpinned with the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS) guidelines.

Join the fight against plastic with the Great British Spring Clean Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 20 March to 13 April.

Run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action

environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the environment on their doorstep.

It’s easy for families to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litterpick in your community or join an organised event.

To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean

New skate park in Biggleswade A detailed design for the new Chambers Way skate park in Biggleswade has been signed off by Central Bedfordshire Council with construction work set to start in April.

The £200,000 project was developed with input from local skateboarders and BMX and scooter riders of all ages and abilities and is set to open in the summer.

It will feature quarterpipes, a 360º rollover and two volcanos

as well as sens r-controlled LED lighting. The existing wooden fence will be removed as part of the scheme.

Cllr Ian Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We believe that by working with users and our design partners Maverick Industries we have come up with a unique and exciting format that challenges the most expert but also meets the needs of the less experienced.”

www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Jan/Feb '20 Iss 44 Winner of Grove Theatre ticket – Peppa Pig 'Best Day Ever’–

Heron Watch returns to Rushmere Country Park

‘Thank you for the tickets, the kids loved it!’ – Amy, Mum

The grey herons are back at Rushmere Country Park (*RCP) bringing the return of Heron Watch, where visitors can view the herons nesting, clearly visible from the visitor centre's deck, and volunteers share their expert knowledge with visitors, helping them make the most of their Heron Watch experience.

The first egg was laid on

Nov/Dec ’19 Iss43 Winner of The Stables ticket – The Scarecrow’s Wedding – Rosie Williams, age 7 wrote: ‘We had a wonderful time.

I went with my friend.

My favourite bit was all the singing. All the actors and actresses at the play were amazing!

4

Tot Bop nominated for 2 businesses awards in the last 3 months!

Tuesday 4th February - around three weeks earlier than usual - spotted thanks to the in-nest camera. *RCP hope to see the first chick possibly in the beginning of the month. Last year ten of the nests were occupied and we estimate around 15 chicks reached the fledgling stage.

The herons stay at the park until mid-June.

The Greensand Trust, which runs the park on a not for profit basis, is raising funds to look after the optical devices used by visitors, as well as the HD in-nest cameras. Donations can be made online at www.greensandtrust.org/appeal/heron-watch-appeal

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NEWS & VIEWS Participate in British Science Week British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 6 to 15 March.

The annual festival features fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK, designed to appeal to families with children of all ages.

Your child can also enter the

annual poster competition and/or download a series of FREE activity packs at www. britishscienceweek.org, filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school. The good news is these activities don’t require parents to have a science background or buy any expensive equipment.

The British Red Cross

To find your local event or activity, visit www.sciencelive.net or visit The Higgins for the BedPop Science Lab, Sat 7 Mar www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Treewell Farm The Kempson family moved to Treewell Farm in May 2019 which forms part of the original Moggerhanger Park estate, designed by Soane, Bank of England’s architect. Based between Willington and Sandy, the farm’s treelined avenue is also mentioned in Humphrey Repton’s red book of 1792. Families are invited to Treewell to grow their own produce for free and be part of Bedfordshire’s first organic community farm. Onsite family friendly workshops are run in the newly restored Serenity Shed and Glass House by local businesses such as Rosehip Bespoke Floristry (Bedford). The farm can also

be exclusively hired for events, weddings and parties (and maybe even at a reduced rate if you're willing to lend a helping farm hand).

For more information email customerservice@treewellfarm.com or call 07736573982.

Harpers Nursery & Forest School BLUNHAM MK44 3NX

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

I wonder what you might know about the British Red Cross? That they are internationally responding to emergencies or that they do something with first aid? Both points are right but have you heard of all of the amazing work they do right here in Bedfordshire? The British Red Cross respond to emergencies right here in the UK. They support our local services with fires, floods, power cuts and major situations like explosions and human trafficking. Their emergency vehicles are loaded and ready to go 24/7, 365 days a year with essentials packs, trained volunteers and a cup of tea. They also loan mobility aids and support the community with their independence living service

helping Bedford hospital reduce bed waiting times.

The British Red Cross provide free first aid training to students, people looking after elderly family members and to the older communities. They also support refugee and asylum seekers, many of who have been trafficked here as slaves or, have left war torn countries.

All fundraising within Bedfordshire stays within Bedfordshire services and projects, £150 will buy a new wheelchair, £100 could provide 10 people a wheelchair for a week, £20 could provide emergency food supplies for a family of 4 during a crisis, £10 provides a blanket and £5 provides a food pack.

To find out more visit www.redcross.org.uk or contact Charmaine Norrish cnorrish@redcross.org.uk 01582589083 for more information.

Looking for childcare in Bedfordshire?

*20% sole agency discount

Since 2004, Harmony at Home has been finding the perfect nannies for families across the UK. We now have a dedicated and professional service to create ‘Harmony at Home’ for families in Bedfordshire.

Contact Sally now: T: 01234 522360 / 07812 605106 E: sally@harmonyathome.co.uk www.harmonyathome.co.uk

Swimming lessons from Little Fishes Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas Limited spaces now available for 30 hours of FUNDED childcare

www.harpersnursery.co.uk

Tel: 01767 641499 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Classes for babies, toddlers & preschool children ✹ Sub – Surface Swimming ✹ Warm Pools perfect for babies ✹ Structured and progressive lessons through play & having fun ✹ Over 20 years’ experience Location1: Hilltop Swimming School, 22 Backstreet, Clophill, MK45 4BY. *Please note: Can offer classes at various locations.

For more details contact: Tel:01707 276734 Mobile:07805 309102 enquiries@littlefishesswimclub.co.uk www.littlefishesswimclub.co.uk

If you have any news for the next issue, email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire 5

Celebrating Motherhood - Pregnancy, birth and beyond

By Pippa Moss, Owner of Karmanuture

Motherhood is sometimes referred to as the most important, and hardest job in the world. While most of us would probably agree with that, I am sure we would also agree that it is extremely rewarding, meaningful and life changing.

Becoming a mum – or a mum again – is a really big deal! Although sometimes, I feel that in our culture, the focus is on the material things, or advice overload, rather than nurturing the mother.

We were designed to live in close-knit communities and to have continuous support.

I wonder if you have heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”? It takes a village to raise a mother too!

I believe we could learn some things from other cultures around the world, where a new mother is cared for by female family members for a month before, and after the baby is born. She doesn’t have to cook, clean, shop, or do any other chores. This is so she can focus on nurturing herself and her baby.

Often, “mama blessings” are held; she is ceremoniously bathed and massaged with gorgeous oils and fed nutritious food. Poems or prayers are read, meaningful gifts are given, often symbolising female support for her during birth. There is sense of ritual to honour this journey she is taking; this rite of passage.

After the baby is born, she has plenty of time to rest, recover from birth, get to know her baby, and establish feeding.

I feel our culture has kind of lost its way a bit when it comes to looking after new mothers. Many of us do not live with – or even near – our families. Modern life is stressful! And healthcare is often rushed and impersonal.

To enrich and honour this important time, why not prioritise you and your baby’s wellbeing? Here are some suggestions that we can make time for: Bond with your baby. Find some time out for relaxation and mindfulness; to relax and focus on your pregnancy and baby.

Pregnancy Yoga is so wonderful for all this. Where you can prepare mentally and physically for birth, and meet other pregnant women, therefore building all-important connections.

Feel nurtured. Pregnancy-specific treatments and complementary therapies

such as massage, acupuncture, osteopathy and reflexology can help you feel nurtured, relaxed, and ease any aches and pains.

Get support. You may choose to employ a Doula. Research shows that having a Doula increases your chance of a positive birth experience, successful breastfeeding, and lessens the risk of postnatal depression.

They get to know you and your partner, provide a non-judgemental ear, evidence-based information, and if needed, a shoulder to cry on. They offer support through pregnancy and birth, and also postnatally. Most have payment plans to help spread the cost.

Community. Seek out local people, or online groups and communities. Often you can visit a free breastfeeding group whilst pregnant, or a Positive Birth group that meets near you for information and making contacts. Maybe there’s a Sling library, a Home Birth meeting, or an Attachment Parenting group near you?

Antenatal classes. There are a whole range available, from free ones run by local midwives, through to private Active Birth and Hypnobirthing classes. Make friends and learn about having a baby!

Podcasts and books can provide some great info, and online resources like remote courses and MP3 Hypnobirthing tracks to download and relax to.

Birth plan – or preferences. We can get to know our options and think about what’s important to us. E.g. do you plan to use

hypnobirthing, or use a birth pool? Would you prefer not to take medical pain relief, or opt for an epidural? What about if you are offered induction, or a Caesarean? Homebirth, or hospital? Support with breastfeeding?

Postnatal Plan can also be very useful. Batchcooking healthy, nutrient-rich meals ahead of the birth, limiting too many visitors initially, ask visitors to help out in the house when they visit. Or maybe outsource some things (and ask family to contribute as gifts if money is tight) e.g. book sessions with a dog walker, or cleaner. Knowing where to go or who to contact for breastfeeding or other support.

Out and about with your baby, try not to arrange too much too soon. Go at your own pace. Allow for feeding, nappy changes, feeling tired, needing to eat and drink.

Self-care. Mindfulness and time to rest and breathe (which can feel like a long-forgotten memory when caring for your baby!)

Postnatal Yoga and Baby Massage classes can offer a relaxed vibe compared to other, stimulating classes. There’s an opportunity to chat over tea. These chats have proved to be one of the most valuable times for many mums in my classes over the years.

In conclusion; seek information, find support, reach out, and to connect with others. Support each other. Be part of a “village”. It will make the world’s hardest job a little more special and amazing.

Pippa Moss is an experienced Doula, Massage Therapist, and Yoga teacher specialising in women, pregnancy, and postnatal. Her aim is for mums to feel informed, empowered, supported and nurtured through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

She offers unique Wellbeing and Support Packages for mothers in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, and also runs day retreats for Women, Pregnancy, and Mums and Babies. You can find details on her website: www.karmanurture.co.uk 6

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MUMS & BABIES CLUBS & CLASSES DIRECTORY Make a Splash with Little Fishes Swimming Club!

Swimming is such a fantastic experience for any parent and baby to share. There’s lots of eye and skin contact – a wonderful way to bond with your baby. And, not only is it great fun, but swimming with your baby will improve their general health and awareness as well as their eating and sleeping patterns and strengthen their cardiorespiratory functions.

Little Fishes Swimming club now have over 1800 children and employ 20+ staff.

The classes teach valuable lifesaving skills and involves sub – surface swimming, structuring the lessons through play and having fun. One of their locations – Hilltop Swimming School in Clophill is a privately owned pool. It has a very good car park and has been updated over the last couple of years. Changing rooms are big in comparison to our other pools and have waist height changing shelves with changing mats on as well as a play pen. The pool is heated to higher temperatures than normal pools so is very suitable for little ones. It also has a small café type area with a vending machine.

For more information contact Debbie at 01707 276734 or 07805 309102.

Bedfordshire Tot Bop Classes Creative movement classes for every stage of development. Ages 1 – 7.

Thu, Fri & Sat mornings Wing Village Hall, LU7 0NN. Billington Village Hall, LU7 9BW. Astral Park Community Centre, LU7 4AY Mon & Fri afternoons Linslade Community Hall, LU7 2NR

& St Leonard’s Lower School, LU7 0AX. Ages and times vary at each location.

Visit www.totbop.co.uk or call 01525 237474 Karma Nurture Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga with Teacher, Doula and Therapist, Pippa Moss. Offers nurturing and informational classes, treatments and support for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Based in Bedfordshire, also offers 1-2-1 services and bespoke packages to meet the needs of you, your family or private group.

See page 14 for events and retreats in spring 2020.

For more info visit www.karmanurture.co.uk/karmabirth or call Pippa Moss 07903 838006 The Signing Company Offers Signing Babies for 5 months 18 months +. Classes give the opportunity to communicate and bond with your baby/toddler, expand on vocabulary through puppets and specially created songs and nursery rhymes, fun activities, bubbles, props and each session is based on a theme.

Covers listening and turn-taking skills, emotional vocabulary, and much more.

Class locations vary. www.thesigningcompany.co.uk Baby Sensory Bedfordshire Multi-sensory activities. For babies from birth to 13 months. Activities include music, movement, baby signing, massage, baby music, light shows, themed sessions, water play, messy play, puppet shows, bubbles and hundreds of props! www.babysensory.com

Baby College Bedford Infant (0 – 9 mnths), toddler (9 – 18 mnths) and BC Junior (18 mnths – 3 yrs+) classes.

Classes include a variety of fun activities which are designed specifically for each age group developing confidence, promoting language and social skills and supporting increased independence with fun and stimulating games. www.babycollege.co.uk/bedford Char Char Chimps Cha Char Chimps is an award winning, fun – filled, confidence building, interactive musical fun show, for accompanied pre-school children.

To find the nearest class in your area visit www.ccchimps.com Lindy Lous Glow Babies Interactive music classes for baby and toddlers from 3 months – 5 yrs. www.lindylous.co.uk Buggy Bootcamp Provides safe, friendly, relaxed and fun outdoor exercise classes specifically designed for postnatal (and beyond). www.buggy-bootcamp-bedford.co.uk Infant Aquatics Swimming classes for babies from 10 weeks old to 4 years old.

Courses are progressive, promoting water parenting skills and helping to develop your joint love of the water as well as safety and water confidence.

Locations vary. www.infantaquatics.co.uk

I believe in keeping an open mind Open Mornings Wednesday 4th March, 10am | Thursday 7th May, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 | www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

Bedfordshire 7

Tech consumer to tech creator

By Andrew Campbell

Some commentators regard our children’s obsession with technology as one of the greatest challenges facing parents today.

Whether it is YouTube, videogaming or Facebook, technology is occupying more of our children’s time and energy than ever before and drastically changing the experience of childhood.

Whilst experts debate whether this exposure is causing harm to our children’s mental health and wellbeing, we parents are left to ponder how and whether we should resist the seemingly unstoppable technological tide taking over our children’s lives.

For some children, a solution may lie in channelling their preoccupation with all things digital into more productive and creative technological pursuits. In this way, they become active creators rather than just passive viewers, skilled designers instead of mindless users, makers instead of consumers.

Here are some alternative digital paths you may be able to lead your tech-fixated child along.

Creative Tech Toys There is a host of creative technology toys available which may tempt your child away

from a screen and allow them to become the builders and makers of technology.

Additionally, these toys can provide a fun and practical introduction to STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). LEGO now offers a range of toys that can be built and programmed from humanoid robots, games, and printers to bionic reptiles and creatures. Or try awardwinning Botley, The Coding Robot (www.learningresources.co.uk) which teaches tactile problem-solving skills in a fun, hands-on way and introduces children as young as 5 years of age to coding without using screens.

Board Games for Logic Before introducing your child to coding, board games can introduce the fundamentals of computer programming logic to children as young as 4 years of age. The games require a similar logical approach as coding but are fun and can involve the whole family. ThinkFun (www.thinkfun.co.uk) makes a range of logic-related board games including Robot Turtles for ages 4 plus and Code Master for ages 8 and up. The Genius Square (www.happypuzzle.co.uk) is another board game for ages 6 to adult which uses strategic planning and speed of thought.

Coding Coding means telling a computer what to do by giving it commands to which it responds.

Learning coding puts children in control. It lets them learn through experimentation

and master concepts such as logic and consequences. You might think coding is too complex, especially if getting your child to learn their times table is a struggle. However, with the right computer language, coding can be accessible to children as young as ages 7 or 8 years. You may consider purchasing a Raspberry Pi (£22 plus VAT) which is a basic programmable computer the size of a credit card, which can be plugged into a keyboard, screen and mouse to form a fully functioning unit.

Building a Personal Website Why not help your child build their first website? This will give them the freedom to create, design, edit and develop a personal web presence. They could choose a topic such as a sport or hobby and also include their own blog. There are scores of website creator programmes now available that are free, inexpensive and safe and they make the process simple for all ages and levels of technical experience.

Try www.wix.com, www.bravenet.com and www.doodlekit.com which also claims to have advanced security features that allow parents to monitor their children’s website.

It’s advisable to protect your child’s identity by password protecting their site. By doing this, you ensure that any visitor to the site has to enter the username and password you have provided. Be sure to only give login details to close friends and family and let them know you don’t want the login information shared.

Even if you password protect the site, it makes sense to ensure your child understands how to stay safe online, including not publishing their contact details. You will also need to monitor what they are posting.

If a website sounds too daunting then your child could sign up for a free blog hosted by one of the many blogging platforms such as WordPress (www.wordpress.com) or Blogger (www.blogger.com).

Whatever technological path you accompany your child along, they are sure For more tipsto and advice,from readbeing Gabrielle’s blogwith @thelondonishmum benefit creative technology, rather than simply reacting to it.

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Families Bedfordshire March/April 2020

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Dealing with Asthma in children

By Toby Buckley

According to Asthma UK, 1.1 million children (1 in 11) are receiving treatment for asthma and one of the most common causes of missed school days during childhood is attributable to this condition. The good news is that it can be managed and many children do grow out of it.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is an ongoing, chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This inflammation makes the airways vulnerable to tightening, causing episodes of difficulty in breathing which are called asthma attacks. Common triggers include allergens like pollen, colds, stress, pollution and exercise. Asthma is managed by controlling inflammation with drugs, avoiding triggers when possible and using medications to treat asthma attacks.

Any illness that complicates a child’s breathing should be evaluated by a doctor, whether or not it matches the symptoms of asthma. Whilst there is no cure for asthma, if your child is diagnosed with the condition, parents can work with their child to reduce symptoms by following an asthma action plan. Having an action plan makes dealing with the condition much easier.

Symptoms of Childhood Asthma The following symptoms and indicators are very common in children with asthma, though it’s worth noting that every child and episode will be different: ✱ Nighttime coughing, and coughing while crying, laughing or playing; ✱ Chest tightness or pains in the chest; ✱ Muscle pains in neck and chest; ✱ Loss of breath or difficulty breathing; ✱ Occasional rapid breathing; ✱ Chronic cough (sometimes this is the only symptom a child will have); ✱ Wheezing (a highpitched whistling or purring sound when breathing in or out); www.familiesonline.co.uk

✱ Feelings of weakness or tiredness; ✱ Retractions (see-saw motions in the chest from difficulty breathing).

Diagnosing Asthma in the Under 5s Diagnosing asthma in children under the age of 5 years is challenging. This is because, in infants and young children, the primary symptoms of asthma — wheezing and coughing — may be caused by other conditions.

It is important to keep in mind that until a child is aged 5 years, standard diagnostic tests used to measure how well someone is breathing cannot be used easily or accurately. This is because breathing tests are not always easy for younger children who may have difficulty following the precise instructions.

If an infant or very young child experiences shortness of breath or wheezing coughs, the illness will likely respond to asthma medications.

However, the doctor will generally refer to the illness as “reactive airways dysfunction syndrome” or “bronchiolitis.”

This is a common lung infection among infants. It can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. There may be a link between bronchiolitis and developing respiratory conditions such as asthma in later life, but currently the link is not fully understood.

Monitoring and Treating Asthma Peak flow meters, spirometry and other tests used in adults can be used by doctors to monitor and diagnose asthma in children aged 5 years plus. These tests measure how well the lungs are working by calculating how much air a child can quickly force out of their lungs.

Most children diagnosed with asthma will have to take medication. Liquid and pill forms are available for some medicines.

Referred to as ‘long-term control medicines,’ some asthma medicines work by helping to keep airways from getting irritated and will need to be taken daily. Inhalers and nebulizers are designed to get medication straight into the lungs so that they can take action effectively.

Emergency Situations Many of the problems caused by asthma in children can be reduced through proper asthma treatment, which will also improve day-to-day breathing and reduce the occurrence of asthma flareups. Unfortunately, in some circumstances a trip to A&E may be necessary if a child has a severe asthma attack, as these can be life-threatening.

In children the following symptoms may suggest an asthma emergency: ✱ Severe difficulty breathing; ✱ Red zone readings on the peak flow meter; ✱ Being unable to speak without gasping; ✱ Persistent coughing or wheezing.

For more information about asthma, check out Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Asthma at www.need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/theessential-guide-to-asthma/ This book discusses the diagnosis and symptoms of asthma and looks at how it affects all age groups.

To receive a 25% discount, quote N2K25OFF at checkout.

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Bedfordshire 9

Home Tuition: Creating lasting memories and empowering children through positive foundations

By Praema Stelling, Owner of The Tutor Train

“Your school days are the best days of your lives” – I wonder what your reaction to this might be or, what feelings have just come to mind for you? It is a statement that raises a mixed reaction amongst most adults.

I personally found the experience of my primary education as fun, carefree, full of joy and wonder - every day was exciting and my teachers were warm and caring.

That was until Year 5, where the class teacher was anything but fun. I remember when we had to stand up until we got an answer correct during times tables drills – for me this meant I was always one of the last few standing. I never managed to complete comprehension sheets as they were pages long and I rarely knew the answer. From what I remember, my Year 5 class teacher never smiled and thinking back, I am not sure she actually liked us. My confidence was shattered to such an extent that even now my times tables causes me to panic.

Good memories are like pictures imprinted on our minds, but unfortunately so are the negative ones. This has been such a driving aspect for me as a primary school teacher and now as the owner of The Tutor Train – to create lasting, positive memories that leave children feeling empowered, confident and with a love for learning.

How does Home Tuition create positive memories?

Children are naturally inquisitive and learn by touching, exploring and manipulating things. This basic instinct forms the bases for most tuition lessons as tutors provide plenty of opportunities to use practical resources to aid learning. This kinaesthetic (hands-on) approach taps into the natural desire of a child to move and be active, therefore increases the likelihood of prolonged engagement during the lesson.

The use of games is another fantastic tool used in home tuition to make learning enjoyable and fun. This may include board game style games or ones that involve movement e.g. hunting for answers to questions hidden around the garden or learning timetables songs with actions of heads, shoulders knees and toes. Simply, we are more likely to retain memories that are fun.

Home tuition provides a valuable opportunity to give children the gift of time – time to explore, time to think and time to ask questions to gain a richer and deeper understanding. By moving at the pace of your child they are more likely to feel in control of their learning. This is a very empowering feeling and can significantly increase the desire to learn.

When is a good age to start tuition?

Home tuition during the Primary years at school can have such a positive impact on how your child views school and learning. By building confidence and a healthy ‘can do’ mindset, your child may face challenges rather than shy away from them or ‘give up’. By providing the foundations in learning, your child may actively participate more during lessons. By being full of curiosity, your child may ask more questions, of others and themselves.

Home tuition can create so many positive memories that lead towards a life-long love of learning. We owe it to them to make the start

of their journey exciting and full of fun – they are only little once.

For more information on how to sign up for tuition classes with The Tutor Train see page 11 or contact Praema on 0750 0862722.

Parent testimonial ‘I am really impressed with the service delivery that The Tutor Train provides for my 5 and 6 year-old. My kids love and enjoy the tuition they are receiving.

I love the passion and high quality standard that Praema provides. She really gets down to my children’s level by being creative, enabling and empowering them to achieve and learn in each tuition. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication which you are delivering to my children’.

School Open Days BEDFORD GIRLS SCHOOL Girls Ages: 7 – 18 yrs.

Bedford, MK42 0BX 01234 361918 Wed 4 Mar & Thurs 7 May, 10am www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk. admissions@bedfordgirlschool.co.uk

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL Independent Co-educational Day School with children from 7 – 18yrs.

Wed 11 Mar. 9.45 am – 11.15 am Manton Ln, Bedford MK41 7NT. 01234 332690 www.bedmod.co.uk

BEDFORD SCHOOL Independent boarding and day school for boys aged 7 – 18yrs.

Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU 01234 362200 Sat, 25 Apr www.bedfordschool.org.uk

RUSHMOOR SCHOOL Bedford, MK40 2DL 01234 352031 Admissions Secretary: Philippa Abruzzese Sat 7 March, 10am – 12noon www.rushmoorschool.co.uk

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Families Bedfordshire March/April 2020

PILGRIM’S SCHOOL Independent school for children aged 3 months – 7 yrs.

Bedford, MK41 7QZ Registrar: Mrs Karen Sinclair 01234 369555 Sat 16 Mar www.pilgrims-school.info ST ANDREWS Bedford, MK40 2PA 01234 267272, Admissions Secretary: Mrs Sheila Heaney Sat, 7 Mar, 10am – 12noon www.standrewsschoolbedford.com www.familiesonline.co.uk

Fabulous Families book quiz and competition

Ages 8 to 11 Years

Encourage your child to have a go!

With World Book Day having just passed, you and your child may have been thinking quite a bit about books and reading already this Spring.

So now’s the perfect time to test your knowledge!

Families has teamed up with Young Writers to bring you this amazing quiz. It’s divided into two sections for ages 4 to 7 and ages 8 to 11.

We have a £50 National Book Voucher for the winner of the ages 4 to 7 category.

Thanks to Young Writers, we have a fantastic book bundle of 10 books for the winner of the ages 8 to 11 category, including popular, recently published books such as You Won’t Believe This by Adam Baron, Agatha Oddly Murder at the Museum

by Lena Jones and What’s that in Dog Years?

by Ben Davis.

To enter the competition

just email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your child’s name, age, your telephone number and answers to the questions in the relevant section.

Closing date: 15 June 2020.

Only one entry per child please!

1. Where do Silky, Moon Face and Saucepan Man live?

Ages 4 to 7 Years 1. Name 3 fruits the Hungry Caterpilla

2. How is Stanley Lambchop bette

2. In the Charlie and Lola books, wha t is Lola’s invisible friend called?

3. Who is the main character in Diary of Wimpy Kid?

3. Which book series do the character s Bottomley Potts and Blitzer Maloney featu

4. Who does Barney meet when exploring an old chalk pit?

r ate.

re?

4. Which animal visits Sophie and her mummy one tea time?

5. Who wrote Where the Wild Thin

gs Are? 6. Who was there ‘Room on the Broo m’ for?

7. What is the name of the boy who builds The Snowman?

r known?

5. In the book Holes, who gets sent to Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Cent re?

6. Who wrote about characters calle d James, Matilda, Sophie and Charlie?

7. Which David Walliams’ book is his character Joe from?

8. What is the name of Biff and Chip

8. What are Mary Norton’s tiny characters called?

9. Who lives in Hundred Acre Woo d?

10. Aliens, pirates and dinosaurs love

9. Who is the main character in The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson

’s dog?

11. Who is Perfect Peter’s rather naughty brother?

12. What are the names of the witch and cat Valerie Thomas writes abou t?

these…

10. In which book series does Hiccu p Horrendous Haddock III appear?

11. The dormouse, a gryphon, a moc k turtle and a rabbit are characters from whic h classic children’s book?

12. Who wrote My Brother’s Famo us Bottom book series?

Young Writers organise poetry and creative writing competitions for children in schools. For further information, visit www.youngwriters.co.uk Look out for the answers to the quiz in our next magazine or request them in your email entry. T's & C's online.

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

AMPTHILL 01525 790795 stagecoach.co.uk/ampthill DUNSTABLE AND LUTON CENTRAL 01582 966730 stagecoach.co.uk/dunstable LEIGHTON BUZZARD 01525 790795 stagecoach.co.uk/leightonbuzzard

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated 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 11

COMPETITIONS & KIDS ACTIVITIES

WIN a Family Holiday at an

Away Resort of your Choice*!

Just take part in Wear a Hat on 27 March to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

Away Resorts offers family holidays at award-winning holiday parks, each superbly located and unique.

Mill Rythe on Hayling Island offers a holiday jam-packed with activities from zorbing to an outdoor high ropes course, plus daytime and evening entertainment.

Sandy Balls in the New Forest gets you back to nature; delve into the forest with its resident alpacas, enjoy a serene spa, fantastic on-site restaurants, and an array of activities including cycling and swimming.

Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is a water world away. From fishing and pedalos

to jet-skiing and a water aqua park, there’s fabulous on-site restaurants, rooftop bars, indoor/ outdoor splashpads and activity programmes for all.

Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight offers the perfect balance, with rolling countryside on one side and a beautiful sandy beach on the other. The park bustles with great on-site activities to keep your family busy.

To Enter: 1. Register for Wear a Hat Day 2020 at www.wearahatday.org and take part on 27 March.

2. Email your competition entry to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your full name and post code or enter online at

https://bit.ly/2OytS6D by 30 April 2020.

Use the same email address, name and post code for both steps 1 and 2.

T&Cs: *Excludes Mersea Island Holiday Park and Barmouth Bay Holiday Park.

Prize is for a seven-night stay for

two adults and two children.

Accommodation provided will be of Superior or Luxury grade at Sandy Balls, Tattershall Lakes and Whitecliff Bay, and Ambassador at Mill Rythe, subject to availability.

Prize value will be dependent on location and time of year chosen.

More T&Cs online.

2 families stand a chance at winning a Sow Lush ‘Gift Seed Kit’.

Gift Seed Kit choices include: • Edgy Veggies Gift Seed Kit six voluptuous veggies that are easy to grow: purple haze carrots, Turkish Turban Squash, colourful beetroots, chocolate sweet pepper, multicoloured Swiss chards and Tigrella tomatoes worth £16.99 • Herb Your Enthusiasm Gift Seed Kit six delicious and easy to grow

seed varieties for sensational home grown herbs: aromatic basil, sage, thyme, mint, parsley and chives worth £16.99 • Beets, Roots and Leaves Gift Seed Kit six delicious varieties for sensational home grown salads: Beetroot Rainbow Mix; Spring Onion; Radish Blushing Mix; Tomato Yellow Pear; Red and Green salad bowl mix

WIN a family ticket worth £69

to see the Wizard of Oz at The Grove Theatre on Saturday, 18 April, 6pm To enter answer the following question: What is the name of Dorothy's pet dog?

worth £13.97 All you need to do to enter is answer the following question: What type of tomato comes in the Edgy Veggies gift seed kit?

To find out more about Sow Lush Gift Seed Kits visit www.sowlush. com or visit Amazon to purchase your own kit or gift one to your Mum for Mother’s Day on Sunday,

PICTURE CROSSWORD

Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

1 3

2

1 3

2

4

a) Toby b) Toto c) Tutu

4

For more information on The Wizard of Oz show at Grove Theatre see page 16.

Entry closes on Thursday 26 March, winner will be announced on 30 March. *The ticket will only be valid for the performance on Sat 18 Apr 2020 at 6pm for 2 adults and 2 children under 16 years old.

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HOW TO ENTER THE ‘WIZARD OF OZ’ AND ‘GROW – YOUR – OWN’ COMPETITION – Send answers to editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk with your name and contact number.

PLEASE NOTE: Add competition name in heading of subject box when you email your answer across.

T&C’s apply. All competition prizes are not exchangeable for cash prize and can’t be re – sold.

No entries will be accepted after the deadline date. Winners will be contacted by phone call by Michéllin – Families Bedfordshire Magazine Editor. We normally do a shout out to winners over Social Media and in the following edition, please do let us know if you would prefer us not to include your name.

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22 March.Competition entry closes: 10 March 2020.

Families Bedfordshire March/April 2020

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www.familiesonline.co.uk

LOCAL EVENTS Symbol Spot Trail along the Marston Line!

The Marston Line is full of History, Engineering, Heritage, Industry, Maths, Sports, Art, Nature and Science!

From Mid-April, collect your Symbol Spot Trail booklet and pencils to start a great fun adventure hunt. Will you find all the symbols? Look out the windows-how far can you see? Look on the train-any symbols there?

Search the Heritage Centre! A prize for all who finish!

Symbol Spot Trails have been created by Mini MapMakers with the aim being to get families out exploring and learning together safely. Discover new places and experience new things – buying a train ticket, riding a train or visiting heritage museum.

The Marston Line opens adventure along the whole line!

Come and join in!

Booklets available at Bedford/ Bletchley Stations with each Child Ticket purchased or collect Ridgmont Heritage Centre for all other stations.

For more info visit www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk After sold out Children's Concerts in November, Ampthill Orchestra will perform a Musical Journey Through stories and Time at Dunstable's The Grove Theatre on Sunday 8 March.

Featuring music from family film favourites such as Harry Potter, The Incredible, Oliver and more, the two short afternoon concerts (2pm and 4:30pm), in association with Central Bedfordshire Council's Inspiring Music service, are a great opportunity to introduce children to classical music.

The shows, for all the family, will also give local school choirs the chance to sing with a live orchestra, hopefully inspiring the next generation of musicians and orchestra members.

Schools taking part in concert one (2pm) are: ● Hadrian Academy ● Toddington St George ● Lark Rise Academy ● Ridgmont Lower School ● Kingsmoor Lower School Schools taking part in concert two (4:30pm) are: ● Ardley Hill Academy ● Hawthorn Park Community ● Primary School ● Icknield Lower School ● Swallowfield Lower School ● Out of the Box Choir For tickets, go to: www. grovetheatre.co.uk/events/amusical-journey-throughstories-time-concert-1/

Easter Wizard of Oz at Mead Open Farm 6th – 17th April This Easter Holidays from the 6th to the 17th of April, Mead Open Farm’s Wizard of Oz is back with www.familiesonline.co.uk

stacks of fantastic family fun and adventure for even the littlest munchkins. Join Dorothy and her friends to follow the Yellow Brick Road through the magical land of Oz. Get set for an enchanting and immersive Easter adventure as together you defeat the Wicked Witch of the West by completing egg-citing Easter challenges.

Plus, don’t miss hilarious Easter Shows in the Show Zone throughout the day to earn a special chocolate treat. There’ll be stacks of adorable animal fun too, see new-born Lambs & explore the huge Indoor Play area!

Book online now for discounted tickets and get set for the best Easter Holidays yet. Find out more at www.meadopenfarm.co.uk.

Children’s author workshops at Bletchley Park Have you always wanted to know how books are written?

Bletchley Park is delighted to be hosting two fantastic Children’s author workshops.

Meet children’s author Paul Morris on Saturday 28 March where you’ll discover the time travelling adventures of Danny from ‘Danny and the Codebreaker'. In this exciting story, young agent Danny travels back in time to Bletchley Park on a crucial day during World War Two, meeting codebreakers Alan Turing and Dilly Knox and a variety of other real-life characters.

On Saturday 18 April, join award-winning children’s author Christopher Edge for his latest book, ‘The Longest

Night of Charlie Noon’. This heartpounding mystery-adventure follows Charlie, Dizzy and Johnny who get lost in the woods at night and experience something they cannot quite explain. Secrets, spies or maybe even a monster…. what lies in the heart of the wood?

Charlie, Dizzy and Johnny are determined to find out.

Tickets cost £6, with the option to pick from two sessions: 13.00 – 14.30 and 15.00 – 16.30.

These fun interactive workshops are particularly aimed at 8 – 14-year-old children with accompanying adults.

Sessions last 1.5 hours and include a talk by the author, fun activities, followed by a Q & A session.

Pre-booking is essential. Paul Morris (Saturday 28 March): https://bit.ly/2uxwjQ4 Christopher Edge (Saturday 18 April): https://bit.ly/2OHyiby There are some lovely shows happening at The Place Theatre Bedford this spring!

On Sun 8 March (11am & 1.30pm), Can’t Sit still Productions presents ‘Oh No, George!’

Oh No, George! is a delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand new

show for children age 3+ and their families uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy and live music to bring George’s chaotic and joyful escapades to life.

Tickets prices vary £10/£8.50/£32 family On Thursday 12 March (11am) HFH Productions presents ‘The Naughty Fox’. Snuggle up with comfy creatures: Honk, Splash and TaWit TaWoo as they teach The Naughty Fox a very important lesson: it’s better to share. Feel your way through the immersive, multisensory journey of friendship and play for little ones and their grown-ups. Experience a world of puppetry, music, light projection and bountiful energy as our two storytellers bring magic to household objects.

Ticket prices vary - £5/10 On Tuesday 7 April (11am) Nick Cope presents ‘Interactive Music Shows for Children’.

Nick Cope is a professional singer and songwriter, and has over 20 years of experience in music, including international success as lead singer and songwriter with The Candyskins in the 90’s. With songs about head lice, redundant robots, gender stereotyping and dragons called Keith, Nick performs his very special live music concert for families. Ticket prices vary £10/£8.50/£32 See website for further ticket details: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ tickets or call the box office on 01234 354321

Big Red Bath

Planning ahead for May Half Term already? LOOK NO FURTHER! The Quarry Theatre, Bedford are delighted to bring you BIG RED BATH. A quirky, vibrant and humorous adaptation of Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds’ popular children’s picture book.

Rubba-Dubba-Giggle, RubbaDubba-Laugh, there’s magic to be found in the Big Red Bath.

Splish! Splosh! Splash! Bubbles burst and bubbles rise and a frothy feast of animals jump right

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

in to join in the fun. Join Quarry Theatre as they go on a bubbly, barmy bath time adventure around the world and home again celebrating all things bath time.

Big Red Bath is an exciting collaboration between Full House Theatre and Half Moon,that blends music, song and humorous character based performances in a unique take on this well-loved book.

For more information on dates and times see page 2.

Bedfordshire 13

What’s on MARCH Sat 7 Mar Womens’ Wellbeing Retreat 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm.

The Granary Yoga Studio nr Marston Mortaine.

Cost: £55, or bring a friend and pay £45 each. www.bookwhen.com/karmanurture

WE AIM FOR ACCURACY BUT DO CHECK WITH THE VENUE BEFORE SETTING OUT IN CASE DETAILS HAVE CHANGED AFTER PRINT. ALSO DON’T FORGET TO TELL BUISNESSES YOU SAW THEM IN FAMILIES BEDFORDSHIRE MAGAZINE

Sun 15 Mar Riseley Spring Fair Craft and goods perfect for all the special people in your life.

Fundraiser in support of May Moon Walk.

12 noon – 3 pm.

Riseley Village Hall, Bedford, MK44 1EG. Mon 23 Mar

Sat 7 Mar Bedpop Science Lab Celebrate British Science Week with experiments, workshops, demonstrations and all kinds of STEM related fun at The Higgins, MK40 3XD. 10 am – 5 pm. Free Event. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk Sat 7 Mar – Sat 2 May Make it with Mary Learn a variety of hand sewing skills, whilst creating a personalised room decoration.

11am. Cost involved.

Ages 6+.

Hat Factory, Luton, LU1 2EY. www.culturetrust.com Sat 7 Mar Round Green Pre-School Craft Fair 11 am – 2 pm.

Entrance by donation.

Refreshments & Raffle.

St. Christopher's Church Hall, Felix Avenue, LU2 7LE. Sat 14 Mar & Sat 18 Apr Saturday Archaeology Club Find out about the past and how we explore and conserve it through hands-on activities.

10.30 am – 12 noon.

Ages: 8 – 16. Booking required.

Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HR. www.english-heritage.org.uk Sat 14 Mar – 25 Apr (every Sat) Bedford Roller Disco Rollerskating for the whole family at John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, MK42 9TS. No age restrictions.

3 pm – 4.30 pm.

Booking required. www.rollbackworld.com Sun 15 Mar Craft and Food Artisan Fair Support amazing local home crafters and food artisans.

1.30 pm - 5 pm.

50p entry for adult plus free raffle ticket included.

Silsoe Village Hall, MK45 4DY 14

Mothers’ Day Mum & Baby Mini Retreat 10:15 am – 2:15 at Little Breathing Space – Yoga & Wellbeing Studio nr Marston Mortaine. £35 Early bird (before 1 March), £45 thereafter. www.bookwhen.com/ karmanurture Thu 26 Mar

ADULTS ONLY

Gin Place One Five O Gin tasting with Two Bird Spirits in aid of British Red Cross at the Old Palace Lodge.

Cost: £25 Booking required.

Contact 01582 589083 or email cnorrish@redcross.org.uk Sun 29 Mar Bedford Baby & Children's Market Nearly-New Sale.

2 pm – 4pm. £1.50 per adult, kids free.

John Bunyan Sports Centre, MK42 9TS https://bit.ly/2OYLEAk

APRIL Sat 4 – Sat 11 Apr The Mad Hatter’s Eggstravaganza Fun and games for everyone with an egg-cellent egg hunt, egg-stremely silly storytelling, decorating a yummy chocolate Easter egg and even a visit from the Easter Bunny too with a special treat for you!

Pre-booking is essential.

Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands, MK17 8EU. www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk Sat 4 April Little Darling - Magical Memories of Peter Pan Join the littlest of the Darling children as he tries to make sense of his magical childhood and the memory of the boy who never did grow up, Peter Pan. A whimsical and fun adventure story for small people with big imaginations 2.30 pm.

Ages: 4+

Booking required.

Location – The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s, Bedford, MK40 2NN. www.fullhouse.org.uk Sat 4 Apr Pregnancy Retreat, with Karma Birth and Chilled Mama.

10 am – 4 pm at Toft Manor in Sharnbrook, £167 (couples £227) www.chilledmama.co.uk/ pregnancy-retreat2EY

Sat 4 – Sat 18 Apr Easter Egg Quiz Solve the mystery word and win a chocolate egg surprise!

Opening times: 11 am – 4 pm.

John Bunyan Museum, MK40 3EU. 01234 270 303. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk

Tue 7 Apr – Fri 17 Apr Easy bees-y felt workshop for kids.

Ages: 8 – 12.

Wardown House, LU2 7HA. www.culturetrust.com Fri 10 – Mon 13 Apr Cadbury Easter egg hunt Trail all about Easter on the Downs. Can you see any birds carrying nesting materials?

What spring flowers can you see? Includes Easter trail with a chocolate - y prize at the end.

Child’s event. Cost: £1.50.

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, LU6 2GY. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Fri 10 Apr Easter egg Hunt at the Leaside Hotel. www.chums.uk.com Fri 10 Apr

Sat 4 – Sun 19 Apr Easter Adventure Quest Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail through the gardens. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and delicious treats from Hotel Chocolat!

No booking required.

Cost involved.

10 am – 6 pm.

Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HR. www.english-heritage.org.uk Sat 4 – Sun 19 Apr Eggcellent Egg Trail Follow the trail to gather all the eggcellent egg facts.

11 am – 3 pm. £2 per activity sheet.

The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy, SG19 2DL. www.rspb.org.uk

Easter Magic Show 30 minute fun filled Magic & puppet show perfect for the whole family.

10.30 am – 4 pm.

The Olde Mill Shopping Centre, MK45 4RF. www.oldewatermill.co.uk Tue 14 Apr Easter Pantomime Goldilocks and the 3 bears Fun Panto extravaganza featuring pop songs, magic and puppets.

Booking required.

Bedford Corn Exchange, MK40 1SL. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Wed 15 Apr Alice and The Very Happy Unbirthday Ages: Under 7’s.

Showing at Stockwood Discovery Centre, LU1 4LX. www.culturetrust.com

Mon 6 – Fri 17 Apr Easter Wizard of Oz Complete enchanting and immersive Easter challenges with Dorothy and friends through the magical Land of Oz. *See front cover for more details. www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Mon Apr 6 Little Red Riding Hood.

Ages 3+.

Showing at Luton Central Library, LU1 2NG. www.culturetrust.com

Families Bedfordshire March/April 2020

Thu 16 Apr Dust Little Titch and her scruffy rucksack arrive at the giant pink house, and it is not what she expected. Together the pair discover they have more in common than they first thought and that friendship can heal hidden wounds. A striking and emotional new play of a joyous reminder about just how playful the world can be.

11 am.

Ages: 4 – 9.

Cost involved.

Booking required. www.culturetrust.com www.familiesonline.co.uk

Wed 18 Apr Rolling Down the Road Family singer songwriter David Gibb is proud to be the driver of the world's first bus to be powered by song. From talking sunflowers to digging for buried treasure, David needs your help to find the perfect song for each of his passengers and get his magical, musical bus rolling down the road!

11 am. Ages: 3 – 11.

Cost involved. Booking required. www.culturetrust.com Sat 18 Apr The Wizard of Oz 2 pm & 6 pm.

Join in the fun over the rainbow spring 2020 as Enchanted Entertainment present a wonderful Easter pantomime version of L. Frank Baum’s much-loved fairy tale. Packed with brilliant dance routines, well known pop songs, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family!

See page 12 to WIN a family ticket worth £69! www.grovetheatre.co.uk Sun 19 – Wed 22 Apr Easter Egg – travaganza Lamb feeding, giant Easter egg hunt, Easter crafts, meet the Easter bunny, Easter egg trail with prize.

Herrings Green Activity Farm, MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Sat 25 Apr Earth Day Open Day 12 noon – 4 pm.

A free afternoon of countryside craft activities suitable for the whole family. Shelter building, fire lighting, hurdle weaving, and for younger guests, making bird

feeders, art with nature and several quizzes. Eco café open serving hot & cold drinks and light snacks. www.clophillecolodges.co.uk Sat 25 – Sun 26 Apr St. George’s Festival 10 am – 5.30 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

A weekend of shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle.

Try out your circus skills, games and join interactive medieval music workshops. Witness graceful hawks and glorious falcons in flight with the Festival’s expert falconers.

Wrest Park, MK45 4HR. www.english-heritage.org.uk

What’s on Fri 8 May– Sun 10 May

Sun May 8

Luton Carnival & VE 75th Commorative Event Carnival parade begins at 12 noon at Wardown Park, route through St. George’s Square in Town centre.

For more info see page 3. www.carnivalarts.org.uk

Musical Journey Stories 2 pm & 4.30 pm.

Ampthill Orchestra perform music form family film favourites in association with Central Bedfordshire Council’s Inspiring Music service. www.grovetheatre.co.uk

Make your experience of pregnancy, birth and beyond feel really special

Mid – April (Available this Easter) Symbol Spot Get out exploring and learning together safely. Discover new places and experience new things – buying a train ticket, riding a train or visiting heritage museum. www.marstonvalecommunityrail. org.uk

✤ Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga ✤ Positive Birth Preparation ✤ Specialist Massage & Treatments ✤ Support & Information ✤ Bespoke Wellbeing Packages

Over Easter

Find out how you can invest in you and your baby’s wellbeing through one of the most important experiences of your life with Pippa Moss.

at Bletchley Park Brilliant Minds in Hut 8 Exciting interactive exhibitions helping adults and children alike to understand the different methods the Codebreakers used to help them with their work. bletchleypark.org.uk Easter lambs & chick and bunny cuddling Hands on activities, with chicks, guinea pigs and reptiles. Tractor rides, crazy golf, carousel and teacup rides, jumping pillows, indoor play area and much more.

Woodside Animal Park, LU1 4DG. www.woodsidefarm.co.uk

www.karmanurture.co.uk pippa@karmanurture.co.uk facebook: @karmarbirthandnurture

Symbol Spot on the GroupSave kets Marston Vale Line (Bletchley-GreatRarateil Tic s for families!

Third off for groups of Bedford) this Spring!

3 - 9 adults, kids hal f

All aboard the Sa price, under 5’s go free!

Saturday 16

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th

Decemb

Kids and adults are all welcome on Santa’s train on the Marston Vale Line, come and e Santa on board in his grotto Face-painter & balloon modeller Refreshments available

Tue 7 Apr 11am Sun 8 Mar 11am & 1.30pm CAN’T SIT STILL PRESENT

OH NO, GEORGE! £10/£8.50/£32 family

NICK COPE

INTERACTIVE MUSIC THE NAUGHTY SHOWS FOR FOX CHILDREN Thu 12 Mar 7.30pm HFH PRODUCTIONS

£5/10

£10/£8.50/£32

See website for further ticket details: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets or call the box office on 01234 354321 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Santa Special Times Marston Vale Santa trains depart: What will you see? What will you learn?

Bletchley 10:01 12:01 & 14:01 Symbol Spot hunt and map Collect your own booklet and Bedford 10:55 12:55 & 14:55 skills at Ridgmont Station! pencils with your train ticket!* or join at any station along the Marston Vale Adults take part too!

Can you find the Symbols at The Santa Special takes place on the scheduled Marston Vale L each station and in the train?

Collect 12 unfortunately Symbols for service; it is a notprize!** possible to reserve seats.

Please avoidto: bringing non-folding buggies as space is very lim Connections Bletchley Park, What can you spot out of the Forest of Marston Vale and window between stations?

Learn about Railway Safety!

Bedford museums!

Information Line:

01234 832 645

The Marston Vale Line is the first route in the country to have a Symbol Spot along the route!

Available Easter 2020 *Booklets available with each Child ticket purchased and maps available for each Adult ticket purchased at Bedford or Bletchley stations. Booklets and Maps can be collected with proof of travel from Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre ** collected at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre

marstonvalecrp @marstonvalecrp

01234 832 645 www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

To be included in the May/June issue, email us by 6 April.

Bedfordshire 15

Don’t miss our May/June issue, to be included email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

ERS BEGINN FER OF SPECIAL

S 4 WEEK FREESTABLE UN TISKA D B CLU

Classes held: Every Tuesday at 5:30pm & Every Saturday at 10:15am Dunstable Leisure Centre, (Martial Arts Room) Court Drive Dunstable, LU5 4JD For more information please contact us on

07709 327274 or 01753 882012 tiska.karate@btconnect.com

www.tiska.com

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