FamiliesBedsSeptOct2019AutumnIss42

FRE E

TAKE M

E HOM

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Bedfordshire

IN THIS ISSUE ●

Education Focus

●

Clubs & Classes

●

ADHD Awareness

Childcare, Parenting, What’s on in September & October ●

Freaky FunFest

21 Oct – 1 Nov

Halloween family fun including…

• NEW Pumpkin Patch* • NEW Spooky Shows • 5 Spooky Halloween Attractions • T iny Terrors Tractor Ride • Plus lots more …

Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9J H

* Small

Issue 42 September/October 2019

SAV when E yo book u onlin e!

meadopenfarm.co.uk

extra charge to choose and carve your own pumpkin

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

05 MOF-AM-19-134 Ad-Halloween (Families-Beds-118x70).indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk

21/07/2019 20:12

contents

Bedfordshire

Be a part of our November/December 2019 Christmas/Winter Edition!

Tell 34, 000 Bedfordshire parents about your Panto/Family Shows, Event, Clubs & Classes in 2020 or be included in our Christmas Gift Guide Directory.

Booking Deadline: Fri, 4th October 2019 Email: Michéllin at editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk for more info To advertise in this magazine contact:

4-5

News

6

Parenting

7

Childcare

8-9

Education

10

October is ADHD Awareness Month

11-12

Clubs & Classes

13

Halloween Cooking

14-16

What’s on

Find us and folllow us on:

Michéllin Store - Editor m: 07824 377175 e: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Sarah Harmer - Designer www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Facebook.com/familiesbedfordshire @FamiliesBeds families_beds18

Make sure to pick up the Nov/Dec Christmas edition.

Out on the 2nd November 2019.

COMPETITION CALLING ALL AVENGERS FANS! WIN! 1 OF 3 AVENGERS: ENDGAME DVD’S! For a chance to win 1 of the 3 Avengers: Endgame DVD’s just tell us the correct answer A B or C How many Infinity Stones are there in total?

A) 2 B) 4 C) 6 Avengers: Endgame is available on digital now, and on DVD and Blu-ray from 2nd September.

Please send your answers and contact details to editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

Entry deadline: 10th October 2019.

Winners will receive a telephone call.

Many thanks to the DDA Group for running this competition.

Sunday 29 September, 1pm www.grovetheatre.co.uk Box Office: 01582 60 20 80 (opt. 2) Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4GP

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 2019

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Grove Theatre, Dunstable October Half Term Workshop Mon 21st – Wed 23rd October 2019 10am – 4pm

Book Now!

A thrilling 3-day dance/acro workshop where you can learn exciting acrobatic art, dance and drama skills. Come alive, heighten your senses and enhance your confidence to the sounds of the Greatest Show!

Jogging bottoms or leggings must be worn with a t-shirt and trainers, or jazz shoes.

Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of bottled water.

A delightful show for the festive season

ages

6 -12 years

£21

per person,

per day

Sat 14 - Sun 29 Dec Luton Library Theatre Ages 3+ www.lutonculture.com @LutonLibraryTheatre @LutonLibraryTheatre

www.familiesonline.co.uk

DUNSTABLE | LU5 4GP BOX OFFICE 01582 60 20 80 WWW.GROVETHEATRE.CO.UK

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

Managed by SLL in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council

Bedfordshire 3

NEWS Visit the Family Learning Festival The Family Learning Festival which runs from 19 October to 3 November is a national celebration to inspire a love of learning in family life.

Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of FREE creative family learning activities.

This year's Festival theme is ‘Future Families’ and organisers will be holding activities to encourage families

to become earthy explorers, digital discoverers or wellbeing warriors!

Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity, Campaign for Learning, believes learning that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning that takes place in school classrooms and formal education.

The family is where we learn important life skills and positive attitudes to learning, which enable us to become confident, motivated lifelong learners.

To find a local event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com

Reduction in School Breaks ‘Unhealthy’

School break times are much shorter than they were two decades ago meaning children are missing out on valuable opportunities to make friends and develop social skills and exercise, according to research by the Nuffield Foundation.

The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools.

It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the same, break times are being squeezed even further with

potential serious implications for children’s well-being and development.

Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated; they are now only available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks with reported lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less.

According to the authors, break times are important for children to get physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons.

More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org

Sad Dads

It is well recognised that new and expectant mothers can experience mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to new fathers.

Amidst recent research suggesting that at least 10% of new fathers suffer from depression, a new study has found new fathers can be beset by feelings of guilt and failure to live up to societal expectations to be stoic, strong and providers of support.

The researchers found that

fathers often interpret their struggles as a personal failure as a man and father, and refuse to regard their own problems as legitimate compared to those of their partner. This leads to reluctance in reaching out or seeking advice, further compounding any issues and making isolation a significant problem.

New fathers also reported a lack of prior knowledge or awareness of the mental health challenges they could face as a result of having a baby.

More info visit: www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/dads-and-partners

Free Family Fun with Heritage Open Days This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date.

Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England's history and culture, allows visitors FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children,

including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides.

With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside.

Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.

For local events visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk. See What’s on pages for Heritage Open Days in Bedfordshire 4 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS Autumn Season at The Culture Trust - Luton There’s theatre shows, family activities, memorable storytimes and a whole host of fun this Autumn Season at venues across Luton; Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Libraries and Luton Library Theatre. Find out about the action-packed line-up for October Half Term, the magical talents of the Spontaneous Potter Kidz and the array of festive fun for the holidays, including the Christmas

show Santa’s Marvellous, Magical Toyshop at Luton Library Theatre (Thursday 12th - Sunday 29th December).

Find out more and book tickets: www.lutonculture.com or call the box office on 01582 878100

Foster for Luton Council Do you have experience of working with or supporting children? Could you make space in your home and heart for a vulnerable child who needs a secure and loving home environment?

Luton Council have been working hard to keep families together; but when a family breaks down, they need foster carers to provide a safe, calm place, to care for and support a child through difficult times If you have a spare bedroom, patience, understanding, willingness to be flexible and the ability to support a child through challenging times, Luton Council want to hear from

you - they will be with you every step of the way and support you to care for their children. Luton Council provide competitive allowances, 24 hours’ support, on-going professional support, training and a supervising social worker to support you along with a team of experienced practitioners.

Call 01582 547569 or visit www.luton.gov.uk/fostering

Have you discovered TOT BOP? Funky and imaginative jazz dance and creative movement classes for children aged 1-7; with NEW Tap classes starting in September 2019.

Experience Tot Bop’s colourful and imaginative classes; cleverly underpinning the Early Years framework to ensure a broad learning experience for your little ones.

Tot bop’s is a truly creative and funky introduction to dance!

One Facebook review said: “Our little girl loves Tot Bop. It has been really good for her confidence and her physical development. Rachel is such a lovely, warm and supportive person - the kids love her …”

Whether it’s working on core

movement abilities to develop motor skills, getting imaginative in storytime or developing musicality, these classes are brilliant for child development.

For a LIMITED TIME ONLY get a discount when booking both a jazz class and a tap class!

Weekly Bedfordshire classes available in and around Leighton Buzzard.

Book your space today - www.totbop.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

NEW! Horizon Nannies childcare service in Bedfordshire

Horizon Nannies is based in Bedfordshire and provides nannies and other childcare professionals to families in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and North London. Emma Hodson worked extensively as a nanny for local families, worked her way around the globe for high – profile clients. Emma

founded Horizon Nannies so that she could eventually be at home with her own children and put all of her energy into them, just as she did with the families she worked for over the years. Horizon Nannies are offering a 20% discount to all new families on their first placement fee, once the right nanny is found.

Visit www.horizonnannies.com for more information.

Contact: 07544 951008 or 01234 766507 or Email: info@horizonnannies.com

Flitwick Scouts Receive Prestigious Award Flitwick Scouts were recently presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

by HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis.

During the presentation everyone was encouraged to try various activities ranging from learning first aid to making a ballista. The event, also attended by UK Chief Commissioner for Scouts Tim Kidd, gave parents, carers and invited guests the opportunity to see the wide range of activities provided by the volunteers in the Group. HM Lord Lieutenant emphasised the importance of youth organisations and recognised the dedication of the adults in the Group. Jonathan Smith, lead volunteer for the

Group said, “All volunteers involved with the Group are truly inspirational. They plan, organise and provide a fantastic programme of activities for our Young People.

Many of these children are experiencing these activities for the first time.”

For further information about Flitwick Scout Group, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk

New Book Release: Dairy Free and Happy Michelle Diana Lowe has released a new and inspiring book for 5 - 8-year olds called 'Dairy Free and happy' Dairy Free and Happy, is a unique self-awareness book for children with dairy allergies.

It gives a variety of useful tips and strategies to help children manage the physical, emotional, psychological and social aspects of their allergy.

With this book, Lowe brings a new discourse on food allergies to the table by taking a holistic approach to dealing with them. There’s much more to allergies than food avoidance. Allergies can have a real impact on every aspect of a child's life.

As an adult with multiple allergies and intolerances, Lowe is passionate about sharing her wisdom with allergic children and their families and empowering young people who are facing similar difficulties.

The book can be purchased from Amazon, Waterstones and Foyles (RRP £5.99)

For further information, please visit Michelle’s website: www.michelledianalowepress.uk

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

Bedfordshire 5

PARENTING

How Parental Engagement Improves Learning

By Stephen Fraser

As a parent or carer, you want to give your child the best start in life and you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s learning before school and throughout their time in education. Research is clear that levels of parental engagement are also consistently associated with better learning outcomes.

At no point is parental engagement more important than in the early years. They are a vital time in the life of any child and play a significant role in shaping the person they will become and the opportunities in life they will have. It is also a critical, and often difficult, time for parents, trying to balance the wellbeing and development of their child with the need to provide financial stability, and especially for first time parents, with the emotional and practical complexities that can accompany the joys of parenting.

and attainment, even among young children, is clear-cut, longstanding, and difficult to break.

Unfortunately, the early years are where we first see the attainment gap – the difference in educational outcomes between young people from the least well-off backgrounds and their classmates – first take hold. There is already a big gap in the school readiness of less well-off children and their more advantaged classmates when they start school: five year olds from economically disadvantaged homes are estimated to be over four months behind their peers.

This link between family income

Research by charity, the Sutton Trust, has found that good parenting and a supportive home environment are more important determinants of good levels of learning at age 5 than family income. It also found that most children with a good level of learning at age 5 are read to every day, taken to places of interest, and given regular bed times.

Evidence from our Early Years Toolkit suggests that effective parental engagement can lead to learning gains of around four months over the course of a year.

But there is nothing inevitable about this trajectory. The best research we have provides a much more hopeful message.

As a parent, your occupation, education and family income matter less to your child’s intellectual and social development than what you actually do with your child.

In short, parenting can trump background.

This shows what is possible.

Challenges, of course, remain.

Many parents, as well as being time-poor, may lack confidence in their own reading, writing and maths skills. Some parents may have had negative experiences at school that have an impact on how well they can engage in their own child’s learning.

But there are simple, practical and evidencebased steps that parents can take to support their child’s development. And the most effective approaches are often the most obvious - daily stories, teaching them songs and nursery rhymes, and playing with letters and numbers. These are all proven to help children discover the joy of learning. This, in turn, will help close the early attainment gap.

Of course, part of the answer to early years education lies in giving toddlers and pre-schoolers access to high-quality nursery provision, with well-trained and skilled staff. But parents are a crucial part of that equation.

After all, they are their child’s earliest educators.

So it is encouraging to see the Department for Education make improving the home learning environment one of its key priorities. This commitment is backed by a £5 million fund which will be used to find out how early years settings can best work with parents to support their children in language and reading at an early stage.

There are some practical things that schools and early years’ settings can do, too, such as monitoring parental engagement activities to get the most out of them, looking at the best ways to communicate with parents, and strategies for supporting learning at home.

By building effective practice, it will be possible to support more parents to actively engage in their children’s learning, from the early years and throughout school, radically improving their life chances.

Stephen Fraser is Deputy CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, an independent charity established in 2011 to improve the educational attainment of the poorest pupils in English schools. For further information, visit www.educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk 6 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

It’s Time for Nursery or Pre-School!

Many children are left at nursery as babies, around the time when separation anxiety kicks in and both parents and children feel bereft. However, a few weeks on, the tears turn to smiles and both parties relax into their new routine.

Depending on your circumstances, your child will be entitled to some free hours of childcare each week. Who wouldn’t want to make use of this?

As with babies, starting a new nursery or pre-school can be unsettling for both child and parent, but with good transition plans, you will both adjust more quickly than you expect.

Choosing the Right Environment By now you will probably have an idea of what kind of child you have. Are they aged two and already counting to one hundred or are they happier covering themselves in mud and running amok in the garden? There will be a setting just right for their style of learning through play. Because this is what it is…their first official step into education and learning.

Some pre-schools are academic-focussed, and the room settings will reflect this, while others will look very much like

a playgroup. Visit and choose the one in which you both feel most comfortable. Remember, your child will be restricted to a classroom environment from age 4 to 18, so it is okay to think play rather than lessons!

Get Them a Place In pockets of the UK, supply for funded childcare is outweighed by demand and waiting lists can be long. Apply and secure your place as soon as you can.

Use your Settling-In Days You won’t be a highmaintenance parent for requesting as many settling – in sessions as you need. The setting staff would much rather have a happy child on day one, than one who is unsettled and not having fun.

The Importance of Goodbyes This is one of our key pieces of advice. It may feel easier to sneak away while your child is distracted but imagine how they feel when they turn around to show you what they are doing, and you aren’t there. If they haven’t been left before they may feel abandoned and worry that you aren’t coming back. Actively say goodbye. Give cuddles and kisses and let them know when you will return.

Play Dates Are there friends who will be

Helen Harper, Harpers Nursery & Forest School shares with Families Bedfordshire her top 5 tips on what to look for when choosing a nursery for your child and 5 key questions to ask when selecting a nursery…

My 5 top tips on what to look for when choosing a nursery for your child 1) How do staff interact with the children?

2) How well do these interactions support children’s learning?

3) Are the children happy and engaged in their learning?

4) Is the environment both indoors and outside exciting and challenging?

5) Do you think your child would enjoy themselves and have fun in the nursery?

Harpers Nursery & Forest School BLUNHAM MK44 3NX

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

1) How does the nursery support individual children’s needs?

2) How is children’s learning and progress shared with parents?

3) How does the nursery ensure the on-going suitability of their staff?

4) How does the nursery selfevaluate the service it offers?

5) What development plans does the nursery have in place to ensure on- going progression of teaching and learning?

Do you have any top tips to share when choosing a Nursery?

Please share it with us on our Facebook, Twitter or our Instagram page – see page 2 for links.

positives when there are tears or make them laugh by asking silly questions. Try to ask open questions. Display their artwork so they develop a sense of pride in what they are achieving.

Every child is a small human reacting to a new environment and experience and we need to respect their feelings.

One thing is for sure though, they will definitely have a blast!

Parental Choice are childcare experts with a team that can help you find your ideal nursery setting locally to you. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk

My 5 key questions to ask when selecting a nursery

‘I feel consistency and continuity is vitally important for children’s learning and well – being. I would suggest sticking to one Early Years provider. From my experience two different settings can impede learning and development and, I feel this prevents support to children and staff to continue to build on children’s knowledge’.

Helen Harper, Harpers Nursery & Forest School

www.familiesonline.co.uk

going to the same nursery? Invite them over for a play or meet in the park so your children can get to know each other.

Play dates are also a great time for parents to share worries. You will find you aren’t the only one dreading the first drop off morning.

Show an interest to your child’s day Make sure you talk to your child about their day. Look for

Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas Limited spaces now available for 30 hours of FUNDED childcare

www.harpersnursery.co.uk

Tel: 01767 641499

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

Bedfordshire 7

EDUCATION

The Key Components of a Mentally Healthy School

By Dr Margot Sutherland

Health and safety policies cover children’s bodies in schools – so why do they not exist for children’s minds and brains too? Neuroscience research is now sufficiently advanced that we have all the evidence we need on the adult-child relationship experiences that cause and heal mental health problems.

Painful life experiences predominantly cause mental ill-health – especially when a child is not helped to process and make sense of what has happened. One of the biggest public health studies of our time, The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study), found that adverse childhood experiences are a leading determinant of all major mental and physical illnesses in the West.

These experiences include childhood events like living with parental separation/divorce, suffering a major loss, witnessing domestic violence and living with a parent who has addiction issues or mental health problems.

The more adverse childhood experiences a child has without an emotionally available adult to help, the more vulnerable they are to developing mental health problems.

These adverse experiences also trigger toxic stress, which negatively affects the developing brain, immune system and endocrine system.

However, a Government Green Paper* published in December 2017 makes the point that appropriately trained and supported school staff can achieve comparable results to trained therapists in helping children with anxiety, conduct disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, caused by adverse childhood experiences. So toxic levels of stress in a child can be reduced if a child’s school environment can offer such resources.

So how can schools provide these resources and help reduce the toxic stress of vulnerable pupils?

The answer is by introducing a whole-school mentally healthy culture.

What Would a Mentally Healthy School Look Like?

A school in which children feel listened to and understood at every level, and are encouraged to engage in conversation with empathic adults about their mental state as well as being taught to label their feelings. A mentally healthy school would validate the feelings underneath a child’s behaviour and give children and parents information about the causes and diagnoses of mental health symptoms as well as working with them to relieve these.

A Relationship Policy for Staff A mentally-healthy school would have a policy that ensures school staff consistently engage with children in an 8 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2019

open, warm and respectful manner. It might include policies like ’meet and greet.’

Meet and greet in primary schools involves the teacher addressing each child individually by name, with a warm open expression at the school entrance. This intervention calms children and has also been found to dramatically increase attendance figures.** Practices that Reduce Stress Levels of Vulnerable Pupils Many children arrive at school in an emotional state not conducive to learning.

There are a number of research-backed practices designed to reduce stress levels in vulnerable children, best implemented at the beginning of the school day. These include time with animals, time outside, sensory play, mindfulness, Tai chi and accompanied drumming. A mentallyhealthy school would make these practices available.

School Staff that are ‘EmotionallyAvailable Adults’ Having daily, easy access to at least one specific emotionally-available adult and knowing when/ where to find that adult can effectively bring down stress levels in pupils. Staff in mentally healthy schools would be trained to adjust their expectations and actions around vulnerable children to match their developmental capabilities and experience of traumatic events. This would

Staff in mentally healthy schools would be trained to adjust their expectations and actions around vulnerable children to match their developmental capabilities and experience of traumatic events. include removing vulnerable children in a kind, non-judgmental way from difficult situations.

A Policy around Testing and Exam Stress Mentally healthy schools would help pupils understand that their self-worth is not solely defined by tests and exams.

Finally, if schools are to become mentally healthy places, the value of wellbeing has to start at the very top, with organizations like the Department for Education and Ofsted balancing the scales between outcomes and emotional wellbeing. There must be national recognition of the importance of monitoring wellbeing in schools, and the wellbeing of staff and pupils must be a key performance indicator for schools. * Green paper entitled Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision **When the Adults Change, Everything Changes Paul Dix 2017

Dr Margot Sunderland is a child psychologist, psychotherapist, neuroscience expert, award-winning author and the Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health, a non-profit organisation that provides mental health training in schools and Co- Director of Trauma Informed Schools UK. For further information visit: https://www.childmentalhealthcentre.org. www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Calls for Compulsory Climate Change Education in Schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures.

The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue.

They claim they have “barely

learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.”

According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.”

More info: www.change.org

School Open Days – Call to book your place now!

Bedford Girls School, Girls Ages: 7 – 18 yrs Bedford Girls School offer many different opportunities to get to know them: An Open Morning, a personal tour, a meeting with the Head, or an opportunity to attend one of their events.

Bedford, MK42 0BX 01234 361918 Open Morning: Sat, 12 Oct 10am – 1pm & Wed, 13 Nov 10am – 1pm www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk. admissions@bedfordgirlschool.co.uk

Bedford School Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU 01234 362216 Open Morning: Sat, 5 Oct admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk Rushmoor School Bedford, MK40 2DL 01234 352031 Admissions Secretary: Philippa Abruzzese Sat 28 Sep 10 am – 12 noon www.rushmoorschool.co.uk

St Andrews Bedford, MK40 2PA 01234 267272, Admissions Secretary: Mrs Sheila Heaney Sat 28 Sep 10 am – 12 noon www.standrewsschoolbedford.com Pix Brook Academy Arsley Rd, Stotfold 01462 410450 Open Evening: Wed 27 Nov 6 pm – 8pm www.pixbrookacademy.co.uk

Pilgrim’s School Bedford, MK41 7QZ Registrar: Mrs Karen Sinclair 01234 369555 Sat 16 Nov 10 am – 12 noon www.pilgrims-school.info Swanbourne House Milton Keynes, MK17 0HZ Registrar: Mrs Pratten 01296 720264 Open Morning: Sat 12 Oct 9.45am www.swanbourne.org.uk

I believe in the spirit of inquiry Open Morning Saturday 12th 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

www.familiesonline.co.uk

9

OCTOBER IS ADHD AWARENESS MONTH

Busting the Myths about ADHD

By Tony Buckley

October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

“

“

When you think of ADHD, what comes to mind?

Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork. Maybe even violence. But if your child is not displaying these symptoms, could they still be suffering from ADHD? The answer is “yes.”

Sensational symptoms like screaming, violence and refusal are those that provoke the most sympathy when a parent discusses their child with other parents, or the ones that look most interesting and are easiest to identify when portrayed in the media. They are real symptoms that real children with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. But these aren’t the only symptoms someone with ADHD might have – they’re simply the symptoms that a parent or guardian are most likely to notice, as they affect people other than the person with the condition.

It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused.

Simply believing that they are can make it more difficult for those who display less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to get a diagnosis, as well as creating a damaging stereotype of children with the condition.

It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused.

So What are the Other Symptoms of ADHD? ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both adults and children.

People with this condition will often experience symptoms such as impulsiveness, poor concentration, hyperactivity, poor organizational skills and being easily distracted. But some will experience other symptoms, either as well as or instead of these more wellknown symptoms. Symptoms tend to change with age,

Primary, Secondary and A - Level Home Tuition

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and will be different for each person.

This is especially true if their symptoms don’t match those expected and recognized by society. Many people with ADHD will reach adulthood without even realizing that they have the condition. Some adults may only find out that their symptoms are ADHD-related if their own child is diagnosed with it, and some symptoms become less obvious as a child matures and enters adulthood.

Many adults have no idea that their difficulty with social interactions or executive functions is a result of a hidden impairment, but, as parents, there are symptoms you can watch out for to find out if your child has the condition.

How Can Parents Recognize Symptoms of ADHD in their Children?

Children with ADHD will be impulsive. They’ll find it difficult to prioritize the various tasks and responsibilities that they need to deal with, and you may notice that their peers are more organized than they are. If a child has ADHD, you may find

that they struggle to focus on the task at hand.

Multi-tasking is another thing that children with ADHD tend to struggle with and this can cause child and parents significant frustration. Children with ADHD may feel under much more pressure than other children and feel that they need to be more active and work harder than others in order to keep up.

Understandably this contributes significantly to their stress levels as they try to deal with all the tasks they need to complete.

Children with ADHD can find it hard to cope with this degree of stress and pressure and may act this out in a variety of ways, becoming angry, emotional, withdrawn, panicky, argumentative or displaying a range of other stress-induced behaviours.

Equally though, a child with ADHD may simply appear to be trying to focus very hard on their learning to get through the day and keep up with their classmates.

In neither of the above cases will a child with ADHD necessarily look like a child screaming and throwing things as portrayed in the media.

Where Can Parents Find Out More?

For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at http://need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/theessential-guide-to-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD. Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount! www.familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Why should we teach our children British Sign Language (BSL)?

Child psychologists have proven that babies We aim to provide an inclusive environment understand the spoken word much earlier than and a fun way for children and adults to learn they can verbally communicate themselves. together.

Frustrations can arise when babies and Jules (BSL Instructor) is available to shadow toddlers can’t express their own needs. staff in settings, have weekly signing classes Clubs and Classes By teaching basic Sign Language we have and/or to do an introductory proven to help alleviate some everyday BSL workshop. frustrations and help communication.

Contact Jules Hepburn 07766492037 Jules@thesigningcompany.co.uk www.thesigningcompany.co.uk

Fun & funky dance and creative movement classes for 1– 7yr olds.

A fantastic introduction to dance through development of motor skills, co–ordination, musicality, confidence and imagination.

Bedfordshire classes in & around Leighton Buzzard.

More info & book online at

www.totbop.co.uk

Why should we teach our children British Sign Language?

Fun Monkey Music Classes in Biggleswade!

Children develop the skills to understand what people say much earlier than they can verbally communicate their own needs.

age-specific classes for babies of 3 months Imagine being able to understand what someone is saying to you but not being rising 4 years. Classes run Mondayback. We believe by teaching children basic sign language able every to communicate to bridge the gap and alleviate some frustrations. in Biggleswade as well aswill7help other venues nearby. Monkey Music supports every The use of sign language is rising dramatically because of its benefits in aspect of child development, whether it supporting and encouraging communication in babies and children. Creating an inclusiveor environment, be speech, language, physical social. provides the child and the practitioners a fun way to learn together thus enhancing their understanding, learning, memory and expressive Catchy songs are mixed with specialist skills. instruments, magical props, enticing puppets, I am available to shadow staff in settings, have weekly signing classes and/or to do bubbles and fun activities. an introductory BSL workshop.

Book your free taster class online and join in Forthe further information, contact Jules Hepburn 07766492037 on the fun and giggles all way! https://bit.ly/2KaaXhF Jules@thesigningcompany.co.uk

Today over 170 talented Monkey Music teachers share their love of music with more than 13,000 families every week.

Monkey Music is known as the leading-light in pre-school music education and has award-winning

www.thesigningcompany.co.uk

www.monkeymusic.co.uk Tel: 01462 626735

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

For more details, just call or email:

0345 313 6712

shauna@rugbytots.co.uk

Swimming lessons from little fishes

classes for babies/toddlers and preschool children Fun Monkey Music Classes in Biggleswade!

Today over 170 talented Monkey Music teachers their love of music with more teaches share valuable lifesaving than 13,000 families every week. skills Monkey Music is known as the leading-light in pre-school music education and involves sub-surface has award-winning age-specific classes for babies of 3 months rising 4 swimming years. Classes run every Monday in Biggleswade as well as 7 other venues warm pools perfect for babies whether it nearby. Monkey Music supports every aspect of child development, weCatchy teach structured and with specialist be speech, language, physical or social. songs are mixed progressive lessons through instruments, magical props, enticing puppets, bubbles and fun activities. play and having fun Book your free taster class online and join in on the fun and giggles all the way! https://bit.ly/2KaaXhF we have almost 20 years experience and teach over www.monkeymusic.co.uk Tel: 01462 626735 1800 Have you discovered TOT BOP?! Funky andbabies/children imaginative jazz dance and to swim each week. creative movement classes for children aged 1-7; with NEW Tap classes starting in September 2019.

Don’t miss an issue of Families Bedfordshire Magazine.

Download the latest edition and backlog Fishes are pleased to offer classes Come and at experience classes; cleverly underpinning issuu:our colourful and imaginativeLittle at various locations, for more the Early Years framework to ensure a broad learning experience for your little ones. details please contact us A truly creative and funky introduction to dance! www.issuu.com

Tel: 01707 276734 Mobile: 07805 309102 enquiries@littlefishesswimclub.co.uk www.littlefishesswimclub.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

Drama classes at Bedford School of Performing Arts Join us this Autumn for a FREE trial of our popular weekly drama classes at Bedford School of Performing Arts!

From just £5.25 per week and 50% off for siblings.

Book online at www.bsopa.co.uk, call us on 01234 815 744 or email enquiries@bsopa.co.uk. www.familiesonline.co.uk

leaaryn to

pl or

sing

We have centres in: • Leighton Linslade • Ampthill • Biggleswade We also offer music lessons, free loan of some instruments and school holiday courses.

in school or join our groups with musicians of all interests, abilities and ages.

• Individual/Group lessons • Orchestras • Theory • Bands

• Choirs • Rock and folk groups • Pre-School activities and much more...

For more information visit www.inspiringmusic.co.uk @CBCInspiringMusic @InspiringMusic1 email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 11

CLUBS & CLASSES

Most Parents Don’t Know Non Contact Rugby for 1½-7 yr olds

NoN CoNtAcT RuGbY FoR 1½-7 yR oLdS

Would you like your child to run off some energy and make new friends? Play as a team and learn some amazing sports skills?

WoUlD yOu lIkE yOuR cHiLd tO rUn oFfLittle sOmEScrummers eNeRgY Rugby aNd mAkE nEw fRiEnDs? PlAy aS a tEaM aNd lEaRnrugby classes non-contact are not sOmE aMaZiNg sPoRtS sKiLlS? only fun, exciting and professional; they also help to improve your child’s gross motor skills, sporting ability and confidence.

Classes have a positive effect on communication, behavioural, and social skills by encouraging team work m and sharing. Come along O c Rs. mMe and have a try!

CrU

VeNuEs nEaR yOuIaL Tr e E Fr Nl

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Book online 0330 088 1172 www.littlescrummers.com mail@littlescrummers.com wWw.lItTlEsCrUmMeRs.cOm bOo

0330 088 1172

mAiL@lItTlEsCrUmMeRs.cOm

More than two thirds of parents don’t know how much exercise their child needs to do to stay healthy, new research has revealed.

NHS guidelines state that children ages 5 to 18 should do an hour of physical activity every day, but 68% of UK adults didn’t know this or thought the target was lower.

The survey of 2,000 adults,

by YouGov for the Youth Sport Trust (YST), found that only a quarter knew the recommended exercise time for young people and on average people thought it was 46 minutes.

Meanwhile, figures recently released by Sport England show only 17.5% of children are reaching the 60-minute target daily.

More info: www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise

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

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES 12 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN COOKING

Things that Go YUM in the Night!

Conjure up some ghoulish AND tasty Boo-meringue Pops this Halloween!

BOO-meringue Pops are tiny spectres that sit quietly in their cups until an unsuspecting little someone gets within snacking distance. Our friends at Wonderbly have come up with this fantastic spook-tastic recipe.

Follow the simple steps below to make your own.

Ingredients For the meringues ✱ 115g caster sugar ✱ 115g icing sugar ✱ a pinch of salt ✱ 4 large egg whites, at room temperature ✱ large freezer bags ✱ greaseproof paper ✱ tiny chocolate drops ✱ a bar of milk or dark chocolate

Now for the cups…

✱ Put your freezer bag into a glass and fold the edges over the sides. Spoon in your meringue. Take the bag out, twist the top shut and snip off the bottom corner. Make sure you hold the bag gently so the ghosts don’t escape! ✱ Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray and place the cardboard circles (aka the cut-out cup bottoms) on the tray. ✱ Pipe a ghost onto each, add choc-drop eyes and pop in the oven for 1½ to 1¾ hours.

✱ Place your cup upside down on the crepe/tissue paper and draw a circle about 1cm wider than the rim. ✱ Cut out the circle and make small criss-cross slits in the centre of the crepe paper. ✱ Paint your cups a deep dark colour.

When they’re dry, draw on some cobwebs or other creepy patterns.

✱ When your ghosts are cooked and cooled, melt the chocolate (in a bowl) over a saucepan of boiling water. ✱ Using a toothpick or similar, give your ghouls some mouths, eyebrows, whatever you fancy!

✱ Take your ghosts on their cardboard circles and tape the lollipop sticks to the cardboard. ✱ Pop your ghosts-on-sticks into their cups from above. (Tell them to prepare their scary face…) Glue the edges of your tissue circles to the inside rim of the cups.

For the cups

✱ paper cups ✱ utility knife ✱ paint ✱ brush ✱ Posca pen ✱ lollipop sticks ✱ masking tape ✱ a sheet of tissue/crepe paper ✱ scissors

Let’s make BOOmeringue Pops: ✱ Keeping little fingers safe, cut the bottom out of your paper cups with the utility knife. Preheat the oven to 100°C or gas mark ¼. ✱ Put the caster sugar into one bowl and sift the icing sugar into another (and be careful not to sneeze!) ✱ Put the egg whites into a large bowl with a pinch of salt and use the electric whisk on medium power until the mixture forms soft peaks. ✱ Whisk on high power, adding 1 tbsp of caster sugar at a time until you’ve used it all. ✱ Fold in the icing sugar.

By now the mixture should be glossy with scared-stiff peaks. (If you want to keep the meringue really white, you can add ½ tsp lemon juice and bake on a lower temperature for longer.)

And voilarghh!

You have a shroud of supernaturally cute treats ready to surprise lots of little monsters!

Wonderbly create meaningful, magical personalized stories, which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things.

Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedfordshire 13

What’s on FAMILY SERVICES Dress Making Based in Biggleswade Lola, your personal designer offers bespoke garment making services, creating a pattern based on your body measurement.

For your wedding, birthday, prom, bridesmaids or any special occasion email: Lola: lola@tealgarments.co.uk or visit: www.tealgarments.co.uk to browse through examples of garments made by Teal Garments.

NEW Private Baby Scan Clinic in Bedfordshire: Aster Baby Clinic Aster Baby Scan Clinic is a private pregnancy scan clinic providing consultant led pregnancy scans, antenatal classes & reflexology; provide early reassurance pregnancy scans from 7 - 12 wks, the nuchal translucency scan, gender or sexing scans from 16 weeks, growth scans, wellbeing scans and 3D/4D scans from 24 - 32 wks.

Call 01582 943 770.

Visit: www.asterbabyscan.com Email: info@asterbabyscan.com

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

CLOPHILL ECO LODGES Old Church Path, MK45 4BP www.clophillecolodges.co.uk Fri 6 – Sat 7 Sep Trails & Tales – Walk & Campfire 6.45 pm – 8.45 pm Sat 26 Oct Pumpkin Festival 12 noon – 4pm. Free entry.

Reserve your pumpkin online & support your local grower.

Sun 27 Oct Sunday Teas & Halloween Crafts - 1pm – 3pm

Sat 21 Sep

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Heritage Open Days: A Closer Look at Straw 11am – 3pm. Free event.

Straw marquetry, plaited items like baskets and dolls. Due to the fragile nature of the material these are rarely on show.

Sat 14 Sep

Risely Traditional Village Show Risely Village Hall, MK44 1DU 1.30pm – 4.30pm. j.writgh077@btinternet.com Sat 14 Sep

Sun 8 Sep Leighton Buzzard Roller Disco – Rollback Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, LU7 2AF 3pm – 4pm www.rollbackworld.com FOREST CENTRE volunteers@marstonvale.org Sun 15 Sep

Eco – Friendly Messy Church London Rd Methodist Church MK42 0NT. 11am – 1pm 01234 355032 CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL, MK42 0SP 01234 965497 Sat 14 Sep Table top sale. 9am - 12noon

London to Brighton Bike Ride Raise money for the Forest.

Tue 22 Oct

OCTOBER HALF

BLETCHLEY PARK, MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

LUTON CULTURE www.lutonculture.com Luton Central Library St George’s Square Luton

Family Tours - Amazing People, Amazing Machines. 11am – 4pm

Roald Dahl Day. 10am - 4pm WARDOWN HOUSE, MUSEUM AND GALLERY Sun 15 Sep 19

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Heritage Open Days: Up on the Roofs 11 am – 3pm. Free event.

Take a close up look at the chimneys of Wardown House and the historic

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

14 Sep

29 - 31 Oct Family Activities: The Illustration Game. 9.30 – 5pm Sun 15 Sep & 20 Oct Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade.

9.30am-4.00pm www.madisonevents.co.uk Wed 18 Sep

Macmillan Cancer Support www.harpersfood.co.uk Fri 20 Sep 0 Sun 22 Sep Flower Festival St Mary’s Church, Eaton Bray.

Start & end times vary. www.stmaryseatonbray.org.uk Fri 20 – Sun 22 Sep www.fullhouse.org.uk Houghton Regis Hullabaloo Free outdoor festival celebrating theatre, cinema & dance in Houghton Regis.

Sat 21 Sep My House at Houghton Regis Hullabaloo. 11am, 1pm & 3pm www.fullhouse.org.uk Sun 22 Sep Milton Country Park’s Autumn Festival 10.30am – 5pm. A celebration of country living, food, craft & heritage. Stalls, artists, workshops & musicians. www.miltoncountrypark.org Sun 22 Sep

Fri 27 Sept, 25th Oct Afternoon Vintage Tea. 2pm - 4pm

10am - 3.15pm TERM Indoor Crafts - Hedgehog Making

Sat 14 Sep – Sun 15 Sep

14 Families Bedfordshire September/October 2019

graffiti on the roof, with our Heritage Collections Curator.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Heritage Open Day at The Swiss Garden & Shuttleworth House Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5pm.

Free access only applies to Wed 18 Sep as part of Heritage Open Days. www.shuttleworth.org Fri 20 Sep

Starlight Hike Sue Ryder St. John’s Hospice, Shuttleworth, SG18 9EA Fundraising for St John’s Hospice.

Hike under stars. https://bit.ly/30gfdki Fri 20 Sep, Sep, Sat SatSep Sep21 21& Sun 22 & Sun 22 Sept Sept Harpers Craft & Gift Fair 10am – 3pm. Free. All donations collected for large raffle goes to

Woburn Abbey Honey festival Woburn Abbey (Sculpture Gallery) Milton Keynes, MK17 9PG Demonstrations incl. the traditional craft of skep – making & candle rolling & a variety of children’s activities. www.woburnabbey.co.uk Fri 27 Sep Story Massage Group for 2 – 4 year olds Rogan’s Book Shop, Castle Lane, Bedford 10.30 – 11.15am www.rogansbooks.co.uk Bedford Vegan Market John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, MK40 3EU 10am – 4pm. Enjoy hot & cold food & drinks & shop for ethical products. This market is for everyone, not only Vegans.

Sat 28 Sep NCT Nearly New Sale Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Rd, MK45 1HP. 2pm – 3.15pm www.nct.org.uk GROVE THEATRE Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP www.grovetheatre.co.uk 01582 602080 (opt.2) Sun 29 Sep Ariana Grande & JoJo Siwa.

1pm. Booking Required.

See page 2 for more details Mon 21 – Wed 23 Oct

OCTOBER HALF TERM

Come Alive October Half Term 3-day dance & drama skills workshop.

Ages: 6 – 12 yrs.

See page 3 for more details.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Tue 22 Oct

OCTOBER HALF TERM

Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs: The Magic Cutlass 2.30pm & 4.30pm.

Booking Required.

Wed 23 Oct

OCTOBER HALF TERM

The Snow Queen 2pm & 5pm. Ages: 5+ Booking Required.

THE QUARRY THEATRE At St Luke's Peter's, 26 St Peters MK40 2NN www.quarrytheatre.org.uk Mon 21 Oct You’ve Got Dragons.

2.30 pm.

Ages: 3 – 10 yrs.

Taking Flight Theatre Company Thu 24 – Sun 27 Oct

Tues 1 Oct Spooky Sprint 12am. Virtual run – run anywhere at any time. All funds raised support the vital work in helping & improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinsons. https://bit.ly/2ziKt6J

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Times Vary. All Ages Sat 28 Sep Tricky Teddy’s Birthday Magic Show Award winning & features mind boggling magic show and comedy.

Sat 5 Oct – Sun 6 Oct Scarecrow & Apple Festival Herrings Green Falconry Centre 10am – 5pm. Tickets required. birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Fri Oct 5 – Sun Oct 6

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Camping at Stotfold Mill for the Working Steam Weekend 10.30am – 5pm. Booking required. www.stotfoldmill.com

Tues 22 – Fri 25 Oct The Higgins Enter the World of Dreams and Nightmares (& Halloween activities) Times Vary.

Enjoy spooky and creative activities including mask making, Halloween clay models and potions! www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Sun 6 Oct & 2 Nov Dunstable Downs – 50 Things to do 2pm – 3.30pm Free Event. No booking required https://bit.ly/2fnN4Vf Sat 12 Oct Jumble Sale Houghton Conquest Village Hall.

MK45 3LE 2pm www.saods.org.uk Sun 13 Oct Indoor Boot Fair Redborne Upper School, Ampthill, MK45 2NU. 8am – 12pm www.redbourne.com PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com Oct 19 – Nov 3 Howl – o – ween Spooktacular Free pumpkin carving incl. with Ticket purchased.

Sun Oct 6

Tues 22 Oct – Sat 2 Nov Autumn Half Term Fun at Ridgmont Station HERITAGE OPEN DAYS Heritage Centre!

Hop on our exciting fully refurbished former London Underground trains to Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre – new exhibition about the trains, Museum, Gift Shop & Tea Room. Family Quiz & Puzzle Booklet available for just £1!

Free entry!

Call 01234 832645 or visit www. marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

BEDFORD CORN EXCHANGE St Paul's Square, MK40 1SL www.bedfordcornexchnage.co.uk Tue 22 Oct The Little Mix Experience Main Auditorium. 6pm.

Booking required Wed 23 Oct

OCTOBER HALF TERM

Cbeebies Sid’s Time to Play.

12noon & 3pm Fri 25 Oct

Rumpelstiltskin & The Snail of Destiny 2pm. Theatre of Widdershins.

Booking required.www.stables.org Sun 20 Oct Bromham Mill Apple Day Bromham Mill & Gallery, Bedford 11am – 5pm. www.familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 26 Oct

Pumpkin Carving & Chocolate Apple Dunking Newport Rd, MK17 8UE www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk FIREWORKS DISPLAYS Sat 2 Nov, 7pm Annual Fireworks Display Axe & Compass, Leighton Rd, Heath & Reach, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0AA info@theaxeandcompass. co.uk

Santapod’s Flame & Thunder – Kids Halloween Disco U12. 4pm – 6pm www.santapod.co.uk Sat Oct 26 – Fri Nov 1 Gulliver’s Land – Monster Mania www.gulliversfun.co.uk

THE MAGICAL ADVENTURE THAT INSPIRED

FROZEN IS BROUGHT TO LIFE ON STAGE

Sat 2 Nov, 5pm Blunham Annual Fireworks Display & Bonfire 36a Barford Rd, Blunham, MK44 3ND BBQ, Bar & Fair Rides Bonfire – 6pm.

Bonfire Display – 7pm.

Sun, 3 Nov, 16:00 – Mon, 4 Nov, 22:30 Pulloxhill Fireworks Display The Cross Keys, 13 High St. Pulloxhill, Bedford www.pulloxhillfireworks.

OCT - 2PMPresents & 5PM Rail 23RD Partnership co.uk Marston Vale Community WED GROVETHEATRE.CO.UK BOX OFFICE: 01582 60 20 80 (OPT. 2)

Great Days Out on the Marston Vale Line (Bedford - Bletchley) GroupSave Rail Tickets this Autumn!

Gre

All aboard the Santa Special

at rates for familie s!

Third off for groups of 3 - 9 adults, kids hal Hop fprice, under 5’s Ridgm off at o go free H ! erita nt Stat festive

Saturday 16th December 2017 Kids and adults are all welcome on Santa’s train on the Marston Vale Line, come and enjoy: Santa on board in his grotto

Grandparents Day Grandparents go for free with 1 full paying child Sat 12 Oct

Sat 26 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

What’s on

Bedford StrEAT Feast 4pm – 9pm at Riverside Bedford Monthly Street Food Market offering a variety of international flavours Fri 25 Oct Halloween Party Gallone’s Ice Cream Bedford 6pm – 8pm. Booking required www.gallonesicecream.co.uk

Face-painter & balloon modeller Refreshments available

at Hop offrd Bedfo as s tm for Chriinment a Entert town in the re cent

ge C Festive entre Crafts £2.5

0 per ch ild includ squash in and ca ke.

ADVAN C C ALL IN E BOOKING O NL FORMAT ION LI NE

Santa Special Times Ticket Prices Marston Vale Santa trains depart: Normal train fares apply Bletchley - Bedford return: Bletchley 10:01 12:01 & 14:01 Lots of Great Destinations to Choose From! Adult £7.30 Bedford 10:55 12:55 & 14:55 Bedford – Vue Cinema, Kids Millbrook - Gateway £3.65 to Child or join at any station along the Marston Vale Line!

World & Laser World and the the Millennium Country Under 5s travel for free The Santa Special takes place on the scheduled Marston Vale Line Senior Saver - Bedfordshire Concessionary Higgins Bedford, John Park.

Pleasant walk or cycle service; unfortunately it is not Bunyan possible to reserve seats.

Travel Pass Holders travel for half price!

Please avoid non-folding buggies limited. third off for groups of 3-9 adults with GroupS Museum & bringing Panacea Museum – as space ride istovery the ForestACentre. all museums free entry!

Take your bike on the train – Half-term activities at The no charge!

Information Line: Higgins Bedford Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre - Museum, Gift Shop & Tea Room. marstonvalecrp Free entry! Plus family@marstonvalecrp friendly circular walks! www.marstonvalecommunityrail.or Bletchley Park – Home of the Code Breakers – 2 for 1 discount for rail passengers!

PLUS much more!

01234 832 645

01234 832 645 www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

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

Bedfordshire 15

r e v o s i D cThe Lodge

5 things to do this Autumn at The Lodge 1 Search for weird and wonderful fungi along the trails.

Over 600 species of fungi have been discovered at The Lodge, some large and colourful and some just specks hidden away in the undergrowth!

W ild play nature trail en ts RS PB shop and re fr eshm Events and activiti es

2 Walk through trails covered in golden rust autumn leaves.

Crunch through the fallen leaves on the trails and spot any acorns and conkers amongst them

Free cup of coffee with this advert.

RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens, Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 693333

rspb.org.uk/thelodge facebook.com/RSPBhertsandbeds Images: children by RSPB (rspb-images.com). Butterfly by RSPB. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654. LGE-0908-18-19

4 Wrap up and enjoy the Wild Play Trail.

Have great fun den building, clanging the wooden xylophone, balancing and climbing over and under logs, while pretending you are a weasel or a badger.

5 Discover the gardens, ancient hillfort and named and colour marked trails through the reserve.

After a long autumn walk, warm up with a hot chocolate and cake from the RSPB shop

3 Search for flocks of foraging winter thrushes.

Fieldfares and redwings arrive here from Scandinavia and the north and feed on berries along the trees and bushes.

Image Š 614 Mark Brandon /Robin Gilmore 47261RSPB The Lodge poster advert A4 AW.indd 1

47261RSPB The Lodge poster advert 131x194P AW.indd 1

01/05/2019 15:18

01/05/2019 15:16

Foster for Luton Could you be there for a Luton child?

I’ll be there for you 47261RSPB The Lodge poster advert A4 AW.indd 1

01/05/2019 15:18

Show you care, take the next step and foster for Luton.

47261RSPB The Lodge poster advert A4 AW.indd 1

To find out more call 01582 547569 or visit www.luton.gov.uk/fostering

01/05/2019 15:18