18 minute read
and competition Competitions & kids crossword
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 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.
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.
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 2 families stand a chance at winning a Sow Lush ‘Gift Seed Kit’. 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 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, 22 March.Competition entry closes: 10 March 2020.
To enter answer the following question: What is the name of Dorothy's pet dog? a) Toby b) Toto c) Tutu 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. WIN a family ticket worth £69 to see the Wizard of Oz at The Grove Theatre on Saturday, 18 April, 6pm
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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. 8
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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 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
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
www.familiesonline.co.uk email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175 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
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.
What’s on 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 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 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 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 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 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+ 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 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 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 ADULTS ONLY 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 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
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
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 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
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
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 Over Easter
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
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
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G r oup S a v e R ail T ic k ets G r e a t r a t es f or families! T hi r d o f or g r oups of 3 - 9 adult s , k ids half - pri c e , under 5 ’ s go f r ee! Saturday 16 th Decemb All aboard the Sa Symbol Spot on the Marston Vale Line (BletchleyBedford) this Spring!
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
Sun 8 Mar 11am & 1.30pm CAN’T SIT STILL PRESENT OH NO, GEORGE! £10/£8.50/£32 family Thu 12 Mar 7.30pm HFH PRODUCTIONS THE NAUGHTY FOX £5/10
Tue 7 Apr 11am NICK COPE INTERACTIVE MUSIC SHOWS FOR CHILDREN £10/£8.50/£32
01234 832 645 www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Information Line: 01234 832 645 Santa Special Times Marston Vale Santa trains depart: Bletchley 10:01 12:01 & 14:01 Bedford 10:55 12:55 & 14:55 or join at any station along the Marston Vale The Santa Special takes place on the scheduled Marston Vale L service; unfortunately it is not possible to reserve seats. Please avoid bringing non-folding buggies as space is very limi marstonvalecrp @marstonvalecrp What will you see? What will you learn? Can you nd the Symbols at each station and in the train? What can you spot out of the window between stations? Adults take part too! Symbol Spot hunt and map skills at Ridgmont Station! Collect your own booklet and pencils with your train ticket!*
Connections to: Bletchley Park, Forest of Marston Vale and Bedford museums! 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 The Marston Vale Line is the first route in the country to have a Symbol Spot along the route! Collect 12 Symbols for a prize!** Learn about Railway Safety!
BEGINNERS SPECIAL OFFER TISKA DUNSTABLE CLUB 4 WEEKS FREE
Classes held:
