Families Bedfordshire Jul - Aug 2014

FREE

JUL/AUG

ISSUE

2014

11

What's On: July & August

Summer holiday clubs & activities Fantastic

competitions to enter!

100% Fun

Get ready for a spectacular Summer at Mead Open Farm!

With two new attractions for 2014, it‛s 100% fun, whatever the weather!

InclAll In E uded ntry *

T: 01525 852954

Mead Open Farm, Billington, Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH *Excluding coin operated toys.

For families with young children aged 0 -12 in Bedfordshire MOF-AM-14-051 Ad 118x70-FM 2.indd 1

22/05/2014 13:3

Contents 3-4

Editor's Welcome Hello and welcome to our summer issue!

With the school holidays just around the corner there is still time to plan your days out with the kids. We have lots of ideas of places to go, things to do and people to see. And if you are looking for a summer holiday camp or activities, then our guide gives you lots of ideas about what's going on.

Finally, if you have a child who is starting school in September, then our feature gives you lots of useful tips and ideas about what to consider ahead of the big day.

In the meantime, have a wonderful summer whatever you do!

Judith P.S Our September-October issue will be focusing on going back to school and it will also include our popular Clubs and Classes feature.

Copy deadline: Friday 25 July.

Competition winners Congratulations to J Pointon who won the Playhouse Party.

Also, to E Sawford Smith the winner of the tour of Jordans Mill.

5

NEWS AND COMPETITIONS

6

HOLIDAY FEATURE

7-9

We also have three competitions for you to enter via our website with some fantastic prizes! So do check out our new look website at www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

NEWS AND INFO

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

10 - 11

EDUCATION

13 - 15

WHAT’S ON

Editor: Judith Dow editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Mob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929.

Part of the Families ® magazines group, established 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned & operated under license.

Design: CBF - www.cbfnet.co.uk Photo credits Front cover: M&Co - www.mandco.com Page 4: © RSPCA/ Kyle Moore. Page 5: © Leighton Buzzard Railway; page 6: © Lynne Carpenter – Fotolia.com; © goodluz – Fotolia.com © Fabio Roncaglia – Fotolia.com.

Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

Distribution: We print 14,000 copies which are distributed to selected points in Bedfordshire. For further distribution information please contact: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

2

July/August 2014

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

News and info A Puffin Book series launched

Visit the classic Shuttleworth Collection.

Over fifty unique and mostly original airworthy aeroplanes, vintage cars and motorcycles.

Find admission prices and opening times on our website.

Our special events, airshows, and family entertainment run throughout the year, with airshows from May-October.

Summer 2014 events now available on our website.

Book online or by telephone.

This summer, Puffin is bringing a series of timeless and unforgettable stories to life for a new generation of readers to discover. From Goodnight Mister Tom to Charlotte’s Web to Tarka the Otter, these treasured children’s books have all stood the test of time, remaining as relevant and resonant today as when first published.

01767 627927

A Puffin Book editions will also include additional content such as material unearthed from the Puffin archive, activities inspired by the books, background information on the story, as well as quizzes, author profiles and fun facts.

www.shuttleworth.org Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 9EP Reg Charity No. 307534

*Please see website for full T&Cs

The books will be published in paperback by Puffin on 3 July 2014, price £6.99.

Families Beds.indd 1

02/04/2014 20:25:37

Summer

Reading Challenge

2014

The theme of this year's Summer Reading Challenge is the Mythical Maze which will be happening at a Bedfordshire library near you from 12 July-6 September.

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre is open!

The newly restored and refurbished Ridgmont Station is now open between Tuesday-Sunday until Sunday 2 November.

Offering free entry, a gift and tea shop serving yummy cakes, and a Heritage Centre, it is a great place to take the family. There are two five mile circular walks that start at Ridgmont and you can pick up a map and leaflet from the Heritage Centre. Plus, the train can take you to many exciting events this summer, including Bedford's River Festival, the Marston Vale Forest Centre, Bletchley Park and the Higgins Bedford!

The Heritage Centre is also looking for new volunteers. Full training will be given and travel expenses reimbursed.

Contact Stephen Sleight to discuss further.

Tel. 01234 832645.

The Challenge encourages children to go into their local library to borrow books across the summer holidays, ensuring a clear long-term educational benefit to the scheme whatever the child's age. Plus, it gives children a chance to discover new authors and develop as readers.

Stickers and certificates will be awarded to those who reach the six book target and this increases to a neon green wristband for 12 books. While those who reach 18, will get a gold medal!

Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton Libraries all have a number of events taking place throughout July and August. It's fun, free and open to all so check out our What's On pages for all the event details.

More info: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

3

News and info Labels4Kids continue to expand their website Labels4Kids continue the expansion of their website to improve the ordering process. The new site is state of the art and now in full working order with any “add to basket” issues from last year now resolved with their new specialist developers on it. Labels4Kids is expecting a very busy summer so remember to get in early at the start of summer and order to guarantee a quick turnaround in time for school.

Your ordering process will be much faster and smoother this year. Not only can you design your vinyl order on screen now but postage is free for £20 or more, and they have a 100% money back guarantee if you have any problems with your labels. Labels4Kids offers such a large tried and tested amount of labels that there is something for everyone. www.labels4kids.com/fam

IF: Milton Keynes International Festival 2014 The IF: Milton Keynes International Festival returns once again this summer! The Festival is held once every two years and it promises 10 amazing days (Friday 18 - Sunday 27 July 2014), of arts, sound and music from locations across Central Milton Keynes and South Willen Lake Park.

Enter the RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards This summer the RSPCA is offering young people the chance to win amazing prizes - in return for them getting snap happy with their favourite animals. There are six categories in the competition; under 12s, 12 - 15 years, 16 - 18 years, Pet Personalities and Making Life Better and Portfolio.

The judging panel for 2014 includes long standing judge, wildlife expert, Chris Packham as well as leading wildlife photographers, Jules Cox, Elliott Neep and for the first time a previous winner, Catriona Parfitt.

The overall winner gets a weekend photography break - to take pictures of wildlife such as deer and birds of prey with award winning wildlife photographer Danny Green from Natures Images.

The competition is open to young people aged 18 and under and closes on 25 August 2014.

To enter go to www.rspca.org.uk/ypa

This year there is a special Family Focus series starting on Wednesday 23 July to celebrate the beginning of the summer holiday. Packed with outdoor theatre, puppet shows, workshops, music, dance and comedy, most of these events for children and families are free.

There will also be a night-time spectacle from France played out on the surface of Willen Lake, contemporary circus from Australia, live music, comedy and cabaret in the exotic Spiegeltent, a monumental walk-in sculpture in centre:mk, specially commissioned installations and events, and extraordinary sound and light exhibitions that move across the cityscape.

You can win tickets to see the Puppet State Theatre: The Man Who Planted Trees – see our Competition page. Also, check out our What's On listings of family-friendly events at this year's Festival.

More information: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org Box Office 01908 280800

Parlez vous...?

Wish you had learnt French, as a small child when it was so natural?

French classes for children aged 3-9 years across Bedfordshire.

La Petite Ecole Française

Where the accent is on the French.

For more information about all of our classes:

www.lpef.co.uk ◆ 01234 407915

Small classes. Fun curriculum. Native speakers.

Beat the Traffic & Take the Train to the Bedford River Festival!

(Saturday 19-Sunday 20 July 2014)

● ●

For further information please contact: Stephen Sleight Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Tel: 01234 832645 E-mail: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk Visit our award winning website! www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/marstonvalecrp Follow us on Twitter!@marstonvalecrp

4

July/August 2014

●

●

●

Gro upS a R

Grea ail Tic ve ke tr 1/3rd ates for ts famil o f f f ie o of 39 ad r groups s u halfprice lts, kids 5s g , under o fre e!

Normal hourly Saturday service from Bletchley to Bedford PLUS Special Fireworks Flyer from Bedford at 11:10 pm calling at all stations to Bletchley AND Special Hourly Sunday service (connections available to Milton Keynes & Leighton Buzzard) Great free fun family day out: Carnival Parade, MILTON KEYNES Medieval Village, Dragon Boat Race, Central Fairground & much more!

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre open all weekend BLETCHLEY

Lots of other great value days out by train this summer – contact us for details!

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

BEDFORD BEDFORD St. Johns

Kempston Hardwick Stewartby Millbrook

Lidlington

Ridgmont Aspley Guise Woburn Sands

Bow Brickhill Fenny Stratford

News and competitions tickets to WIN Family Mead Open Farm!

There’s so much fun at Mead Open Farm (www.meadopenfarm.co.uk) this summer holiday and to celebrate Families Bedfordshire magazine has six sets of family tickets (each admitting two adults and two children) to give away!

Now open, enter a land of treetop towers, wibbly wobbly bridges and upside down trees in Mead Open Farm's magical new Topsy Turvy Towers Adventure Play Area!

With a separate area just for under 5’s, there’s fun and excitement for all ages.

Across so many acres, Mead Open Farm has plenty more summer fun to discover. Towering 20 feet high, little daredevils will also love the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes Course.

Plus, enjoy plenty of daily animal activities, explore the A-Maizing Maze (back in August), hop on board for a Tractor & Trailer ride, win a medal at Mead Open Farm’s very own “Lamb National”* or see who will win in the Goat Agility. *Daily until October To win a family ticket to Mead Open Farm, simply answer the question below.

How high is the Sky Trail at Mead Open Farm?

A. 10 foot

B. 20 foot

C. 30 foot

Enter online by Monday 28 July 2014 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

Win a Family Ticket to The Man Who Planted Trees by Puppet State Theatre!

Families Bedfordshire magazine has one Family ticket for four (max. two adults) to give away to the 2pm performance of The Man Who Planted Trees on Wednesday 23 July at The Stables Spiegeltent, South Willen Lake Park, as part of the MK: International Festival (www.ifmiltonkeynes.org).

This multi-sensory theatrical adaptation of Jean Giono’s environmental classic tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren wasteland.

As much a touching tale as it is a hilarious puppet show, The Man Who Planted Trees shows us the difference one man and his dog can make to the world. The show is suitable for adults and children over seven.

To win this Family ticket simply answer the following question: Which animal helps the Farmer plant the trees?

Snozone Milton Keynes and Families Bedfordshire are seeking one child for the 2022 or 2026 Winter Olympics!

If your child was inspired by the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and is now looking ahead to the Winter Olympics in 2018 in South Korea, they now have the chance to realise their full potential with Snozone’s term-time SnoAcademy club (www.snozoneuk.com/ snozone-snoacademy). The club is specifically designed for children aged 3 – 6 years old and 7 – 10 years old, introducing them to skiing and snowboarding and developing their skills every Saturday or Sunday morning.Snozone is searching for the next Jenny Jones or James Woods who they can nurture through to SnoAcademy Excel if they show real potential.

For your chance to win a place in the SnoAcademy for your child, simply answer the following question: In which country will the next Winter Olympic Games be held?

A France B Germany C South Korea When entering the competition please let us know the first name and DOB of your child and opt between: Autumn Term – Saturday (ski or snowboard) Autumn Term – Sunday (ski or snowboard) Enter online by 12pm on Thursday 31 July 2014 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

The Great Railway Treasure Hunt 2014 Here's something different to try this summer. The Great Railway Treasure Hunt is back and it aims to encourage visits to as many heritage railways and museums as possible, answering questions along the way. In Bedfordshire there are two venues taking part, namely the Leighton Buzzard Railway and the Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre.

With over 50 railways participating, this nationwide challenge will get kids exploring the UK’s heritage railways and learning as they go. For a list of participating sites see www.petersrailway.com/treasure-hunt.aspx.

Each Railway or Museum has a Treasure Hunt quiz sheet with 10 questions for kids to answer when they visit which can be downloaded from the website.

This is a free competition is for children under the age of 14 and offers cash prizes for the entrant who has visited the most sites. It closes on 30 September 2014.

A Cow B Dog C Elephant Enter online by Friday 18 July 2014 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

5

Holiday feature

Joanna Moorhead has some ideas on how to do it Summer is a great time to enjoy being together with your nearest and dearest. But for many families these days, even together time is dominated by mobiles phones, iPads, TV and other devices. According to a recent survey, though, even kids themselves recognise the need to unplug and welcome the chance to ‘do something different’. Here are our top 20 ideas for what that ‘something different’ might be.

1. Play a board game: this sounds so simple you can’t quite believe I’m recommending it! But a game like Monopoly or Cluedo, which children can play from a young age or can play in teams, is a genuinely bonding experience. Put those mobile phones and other devices way out of reach – yes, parents too – and concentrate on the game. And on one another.

2. Build a den: whether you do this indoors or in the garden, or out in the woods or on the beach, you’ll have loads of fun. Joint tasks like making a den together bring out team-working skills and help you see one another’s hidden strengths. Once the den is built, do something wacky like having tea in it.

3. Go fruit picking: not only will you have a good time picking your favourite fruits and discovering new ones, you’ll also be setting up your next family project which will be making jams and chutneys or just a massive fruit salad to see you through the next few days.

4. Sleep under canvas: if you’re regular campers this one may be a bit too boring – but for families that haven’t camped before, even one night away can be a huge adventure.

5. Cook on a campfire: this is a perfect add-on to your camping adventure. Get advice online about how to build your fire and what foods are best to cook on it (sausages, haloumi cheese, peppers, burgers are all easy peasy).

6. Go on a long bike ride: if you’ve all got your own bikes you probably do this all the time. If not, it can be a really fabulous and different day out to hire bikes and go on a cycle trail such as the one at the Marston Vale Forest Centre.

7. Go wild swimming: swimming in a pond or lake, or in the sea, is a very different experience from an indoor pool. Children love it, and there are plenty of websites packed with ideas: but do check the one you’re heading for is family friendly.

8. Reorganise your family photographs: these days, many families’ photographs remain in online galleries. They can be a great way of sharing pictures with relatives and friends – but there’s a huge amount of fun to be had from creating an old fashioned album together, when you relive past fun and remember what you enjoy most as a family.

9. Borrow a dog for a weekend: if you have your own dog, this isn’t for you. But if you’re not a dog-owning family, having one on loan for a few days can be a hugely rewarding experience. See www.borrowmydoggy.com 10. Climb a big hill: this can be a mountain or a fairly small hill, depending on how old your children are. Enjoy helping one another to make the climb; your reward is the view from the top, and the picnic lunch you have up there!

11. Go fishing: you can do this with a net in the rock pools at the beach, or in a stream or river inland.

6

July/August 2014

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

12. Have a snail race: find some snails, and set up the course; place bets on which snail will win, and watch the action unfold.

13. Go star-gazing: find a place where the sky is open, ideally away from too many artificial lights; do some research beforehand so you know what to look for, and when you get a clear evening, head off in search of the North Pole, Saturn and the Plough. Take a blanket with you so everyone can lie down and look up, which makes it more relaxing.

14. Hunt for treasure or bones: beaches can be great places for this, or look online to see if there are any ‘treasure troves’ nearby.

15. Go geocaching: ok, so this is one activity you will need your mobile phone for. But the high-tech treasure hunt is fascinating, and it pulls all members of the family in. Try it! More information: www.geocaching.com 16. Switch roles in the kitchen: if you’re usually the meal-maker, and the children are usually the table-setters, do things the other way round. Let the children plan, shop for and prepare the meal (depending on their ages, they may need some help) while you put together an excitingly-laid table.

17. Have a family talent show: this is a good one when you have another family or relatives visiting. Everyone has to do a turn; no wriggling out allowed, however shy the mums and dads are. Allow time for rehearsing, and have one person double up as a compere.

Reciting a poem, singing a song, doing a mime, dancing, playing an instrument…everyone has a talent to share.

18. Make a family journal or scrap book: this can be a good project for a fixed amount of time, like a family holiday or a school holiday. Theme the book to the holiday you’re on or the season you’re in, and invite ideas on descriptions of where you are, reviews of local pubs or restaurants, accounts of days out or activities, book reviews or accounts of favourite ways to spend time together as a family. Writers can write, artists can draw. You’ll keep this book forever; it will be a snapshot of your family in a certain place, at a certain time.

19. Fly a kite: they’re cheap and easy to buy, or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them (www.thekitesociety.org); or if you’re really challenged and doubtful about your skills, seek out a master kiteflyer to help you learn (google kite flying lessons in your area).

20. Go birdwatching: you don’t need to know anything about birds to enjoy watching them, but if you go to a birdwatching sanctuary or wetlands centre you’ll learn loads. Being in a shelter makes birdwatching more fun and should in theory mean you see more interesting birds. Take your binoculars, and get the children to draw pictures of the birds they see. For more information see www.wwt.org.uk or visit the RSPB's Lodge in Sandy.

Summer holiday clubs and activities Summer holiday clubs and activities

There are lots of fantastic clubs and activities going on this summer to keep children entertained over the six week break. From holiday clubs to arts and crafts and forest schools, here's our round-up of some of the exciting things that are on offer this July and August.

Please do check details and book in advance where necessary.

HOLIDAY CAMPS AND CLUBS Harpers Forest School

Harpers Nursery School, Baby Unit and Forest School BLUNHAM ‘A Unique Learning Experience’

Harpers Nursery School and Baby Unit, Station Road, Blunham Harpers Nursery offers Forest School lessons for those children aged 3-5 years old all year round. Led by their own trained Forest School leaders, these inclusive lessons offer hands on learning experiences using real tools within the outdoor environment. By the children dressing themselves in waterproofs and wellies, which Harpers supply, it ensures that whatever the weather, the outdoor environment is an interesting adventure.

More info: www.harpersnursery.co.uk or tel: 01767 641499

Polam Holiday Club

Monday 14 July- Friday 15 August Polam School, 43-45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford More info: www.polamschool.co.uk/holidays or tel: 01234 261864

Snozone SnoCamps

Each day is packed full of fun and is excellent value for money.

Starting the day your child will learn to ski or snowboard with Snozone’s fantastic snow school instructors, followed by lunch and an exciting afternoon activity (e.g. Cinema, Climbing, Airkix or Bowling).

Available for beginners or experienced skiers and boarders from 23 July to 2 September. Lunch and refreshments included. Runs 8.30am - 5.30pm and can be booked by the day or week.

Prices: • Day Camps from £50 per person • £199 for Pros for a full week • £199 for Rookies for a full week Snozone Milton Keynes, 602 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes More info: www.snozoneuk.com/ or tel: 0871 222 5673

Forest School lessons Full Early Years Curriculum Funded places available for 2,3 and 4yr olds Experienced and qualified teaching staff OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding’ Hands-on meaningful learning Home cooked healthy meals Safe, caring and happy environment Teaching and Learning for children aged 6wks-5yrs

Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-6.00pm Acres of grounds for curiosity and challenge

Tel: 01767 641499 www.harpersnursery.co.uk

Banana Moon Summer Holiday Club

Monday 28 July-Friday 29 August; various sessions between 7.30am-6.30pm.

Banana Moon Day Nursery, Manor Farm Court, Lower Sundon, Luton LU3 3NZ Limited spaces available for children up to the age of eight. Plenty of fresh air fun on our field, with arts and crafts, sports actiivities and much more.

More info:www.bananamoon-lowersundon.co.uk Call for more details 01525 874114.

Summer Holiday Club

Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August, 9am-4pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Arts packed week with crafts, recycling, mosaic making and manga art. Achieve an Arts Award Discover or Explore in a week – a national certificate and qualification! For ages 7 – 11 years.

To book call 01582 548 600

Drama School

Monday 18-Friday 23 August, 10am-4pm Rufus Centre, Flitwick Up-Stage Theatre Company will be back with their brilliant Drama Summer School for ages 6+.

Children and young people will learn and perform a play, “Larry Blotter and the Hoot in the Night” in a week to families and friends. £75 per child for the week.

More info: tel 01525 631900 or www.flitwick.gov.uk

FAMILIES LEARN AND PLAY TOGETHER WITH: • Family private lessons only £99 • Coaching and freestyle loyalty scheme • Sledge, slide and snoplay • Family Fun Day 26th July & “SnoFest” Festival 23rd August (Enjoy family entertainment,discounted slope activities and live music!)

PLUS THE SNOCAMPS HOLIDAY CLUBS RETURN!

EMAIL SALESMK@SNOZONEUK.COM

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.SNOZONEUK.COM

To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

7

Summer holiday clubs and activities CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES AND DAYS OUT Mead Open Farm

Enter a land of treetop towers, wibbly wobbly bridges and upside down trees in Mead Open Farm's magical new Topsy Turvy Towers adventure play area, with a separate area just for under 5's. Plus, during the summer holidays the Lamb National & Goat Agility shows will take place. From August, the A-Maize-ing Maze will be open.

Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, LU7 9JH More info: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk or call 01525 852 954

360 Play

360 Play, Roebuck Way, Knowhill, Milton Keynes If you’re looking for a great place to take the children this summer then the place to go is 360 Play Milton Keynes – whatever the weather!

The area’s favourite children’s play centre, at Knowlhill, offers a host of fun, active and creative play opportunities for children ages two to 12, in a clean, safe environment. There are both indoor and outdoor activities that will keep youngsters happy for hours.

More info: www.360play.co.uk or tel: 01908 308360

For the two-hour workshops above, participants will be able to gather evidence for their Arts Award.

Contact Susannah Oliver at The Higgins Bedford to book and pay in advance for these workshops.

Email: susannah.oliver@bedford.gov.uk or tel: 01234 718618

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD

The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and run on a first come, first served basis.

Last admission is 45 minutes before the end of each session.

Suitable for ages 3+. £2.20 per child.

Cézanne, Gauguin, Gone!

Tuesday 29 July: Time flies making a clock inspired by French painters!

Re-Fashion Paris

Wednesday 30 July: Create French fashion clothing of the future.

Cup-a-Face

Tuesday 5 August: Make mini mosaic coasters.

Pharaoh Style Great Creates: Artist-led Workshops at The Higgins Bedford Wednesday 6 August: Make Egyptian headdresses and jewellery.

Imagined Cities

Saturday 5 July – Sunday 14 September Connections Gallery, Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Create an imaginary cityscape across the gallery walls. Illustrator David Litchfield will start things off. Free More info: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July.

Archaeology Park off Castle Lane, Bedford Run by The Higgins Bedford at the Bedford River Festival.

Showtime

Friday 1 August, 11am – 1pm or 2 – 4pm The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Make amazing carnival masks with Utopia Creative Arts.

Monster Metropolis

Wednesday 20 August, 11am – 1pm or 2 – 4pm The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Create fantastical drawings of future cities with amazing illustrator, David Litchfield.

Suitable for children aged 8+. £6 per child.

Drama Summer School at

The Rufus Centre, Flitwick

Up-Stage Theatre Company with

18th - 23rd August

10am - 4pm (Monday - Friday) Bring a packed lunch

Perform “Larry Blotter and the Hoot in the Night” Performances to family & friends 22nd & 23rd August £75 per child for the week; includes 2 FREE tickets to a performance, Professional Coaching, FREE Logo’d T-Shirt, Art Materials to make scenery & MORE!

Box Office 01525 631900 www.flitwick.gov.uk

To request a FULL Summer Programme including Spy Missions, a Children’s Show & more call 01525 631900

8

July/August 2014

Friday 8 August: Make clay pots and finger-puppets inspired by ancient Cyprus.

Hold Very Tight!

Tuesday 12 August: Make a model Routemaster Bus.

Bawden-opoly

Free Outdoors Drawing Activity

For children age 6+

Potty Gods

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Wednesday 13 August: Create your own London game.

Midnight Capital

Friday 15 August: Help create a vision of London at night in the foyer window.

Space-Head

Tuesday 19 August: Design and make a space helmet so that you can ‘Boldly Go…’ More info: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or tel: 01234 718618

Children’s Puppet Show “Little Bo Peep”

by Sea Legs Puppet Theatre Monday 28 July, 2.30pm (runs for 45mins, plus chance to meet the puppets afterwards) The Rufus Centre, Flitwick.

Ages 2-7 years and their families. Tickets £4.50. Magnificent puppets plus lots of singing and music. Pre-book.

More info and to book: tel 01525 631900 or www.flitwick.gov.uk

Summer Playschemes and Games Schemes

Run by Bedford Borough Council From 28 July to 29 August A wide range of weekday schemes for 5-13 year olds in areas across Bedford Borough. £2 per child per session. Places allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.

More information and registration forms see: http:www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/sports_ development/playschemes.aspx

Children's Holiday Craft Activity

Every Wednesday from 6 August, 13, 20, 27 August, 11am-4pm Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton Summer arts and crafts activities, a variety of different arts activities will be available for children to take part in. Drop in. £2. For ages 3+.

Spy Missions

Wednesday 27 & Thursday 28 August, 10am-12 noon The Rufus Centre, Flitwick Two sessions. £5 per child. Ages 6-12 years. Take part in various spy related tasks in preparation for your final mission! Pre-book.

More info and to book: tel 01525 631900 or www.flitwick.gov.uk

Summer holiday clubs and activities Animal Fun Morning

Wednesday 13 August. 8.45am – 12 noon at The Rufus Centre, Flitwick A morning of crafts and games with an animal theme throughout.

Special guest appearances from animals at Teaching Talons! ÂŁ6 per child.More info and to book: tel 01525 631900 or www.flitwick.gov.uk

Sum me h fam oliday r ily t ic see we ket

Children’s Workshops

for

TM

b det site ails

fun Familyer play eath w

Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 August Leighton Buzzard Theatre, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard.

Full House Theatre present drama, mask making and movement aimed at ages 7 -12 years old:

hatever the w

Bewitching Drama

Tuesday 26 August, 10am-12 noon (morning session) Games with magic and myth inspired role-play.

Tickets: ÂŁ6 or stay for the day for both sessions for ÂŁ10

Dreamlike Movement and Physical Theatre

Tuesday 26 August, 12.30pm – 2.30pm (afternoon session) Learn to tell mythical stories with your body, get moving and be creative.

Mystical Mask Making

Wednesday 27 August, 10-12 noon (morning session) Tickets: ÂŁ6 or stay for the day for both sessions for ÂŁ10 Make a mask: big ones, small ones, colourful or plain.

NEW

Outdoor sand-play village

More info and to book all the above: tel: 0300 300 8125

No time limits play all day

open this summer

in Stevenage

Full Club360 outdoor attraction already open in Milton Keynes and Leicester Weather permitting

fre park e ing

www.360play.uk.com

Enchanted Masked Performance

Wednesday 27 August, 12.30pm – 2.30pm (afternoon session) Perform with masks, plus drama games.

e n-on All-i rice p

MILTON KEYNES Knowlhill

MK5 8HL

01908 308360

STEVENAGE Stevenage Leisure Park

SG1 2UA

01438 365744

LEICESTER

Meridian Leisure Park

LE19 1JZ

01162 894731

Great Creates: Artist-led workshops Friday 1st August: Showtime

Make amazing carnival masks with Utopia Creative Arts.

Wednesday 20th August: Monster Metropolis

Create fantastical drawings of future cities with amazing LOOXVWUDWRU 'DYLG /LWFKĂ€HOG These artist-led workshops are 2hrs long.

They are suitable for children aged 8+. ÂŁ6 per child.

11am and repeated at 2pm. To book call 01234 718618

Summer Holiday Activities There are lots of activities for children and families this summer at The Higgins Bedford. Join-in and make a London Routemaster bus, a space helmet or an Egyptian headdress. The activities are £2.20 per participating child, there is no need to book and they are suitable for children aged 3+. Find out more about what’s on at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or call us on 01234 718618

To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

9

Education

10 things your child should be able to do when they begin school by Sarah Butters If your child starts ‘big school’ this September, it’s time to start preparing. Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.

1. Can they dress themselves?

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air.

If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents.

With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.

child feel a little lost. If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.

6. Can they use scissors?

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.

7. Do they understand discipline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations 2. Are they used to sharing? earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only shake off. start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the 8. Can they communicate with an adult? boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means becomes isolated. Start to make a point of praising your they will be able to have some control. How else will they ask to go pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets. to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their 3. Can they use the toilet on their own? work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown-up’s taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind attention. them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’. Beginning school toilet training now will mean fewer accidents in September.

9. Are they able to count?

If your child is about to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this 4. Are they able to eat independently? will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child's toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and can make a child feel to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way use a knife and fork. Show them how to open a yoghurt, put a straw to get one of their 5 a day down them! in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won't help in the 10. Can they follow simple instructions? long run. Practice, however painful, makes perfect.

The school day is full of instructions. Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, walk quietly in corridors and sit cross-legged on the 5. Are they able to recognise their name? carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it repeating instructions and encouraging co-operation, the less time gets misplaced. Starting school can make even the most confident there is for teaching.

10

July/August 2014

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Education Now, what is the French for “puncture”asks Tom Barwood?

Helen Keller once said “life is either a daring adventure - or nothing”.

When I first read this many years ago it really struck a chord with me and I have kept it as a mantra ever since.

I have done a lot of adventurous things in life but once I became a parent I had to rein that side of myself in. For example, I even sold my beloved Dart 16 catamaran to pay for the new patio!

However now the children are getting that little bit older the desire to break away from convention and do things differently is starting to well up in me again so this summer we are going on a family adventure rather than just a holiday.

Our plan is to cycle from Dieppe to Paris along the Avenue Vert (a dedicated cycle route). Although we will have a guidebook, the aim is to be self sufficient, book nothing in advance and rely on finding campsites or other cheap places to stay along the way.

Apart from convincing the children that we have to go for the sake of our French school (what else can Le Directeur and family do?), I've also told them that we (their parents) can’t really speak any French and that all communication will be up to them. Each week I dream up new questions we may need to ask and send them in to ask about it in their French lessons at school.

It is working wonders as they see the need for the language, not necessarily as a survival tool, but as a key to adventure. Whilst far from technically perfect I am always prepared to pitch in and have a go and as a result I can ‘get by’ in an amazing number of languages: I can get road directions in Hindi, tell you I don’t understand in Greek and say goodnight in Hebrew!

So this summer I hope you can enthuse your children in a similar fashion.

Now what is the French for puncture?

Tom Barwood is principal consultant and lead presenter for LikeMinds Consulting and Directeur of La Petite Ecole Francaise (UK). www.tombarwood.com or www.lpef.co.uk

Harrold Pre-School operates two year groups; Dolphins for newcomers aged two and a half to three and Sea Lions for children aged three to four. There are five members of staff, all of whom are qualified in Early Years Foundation Stage and trained in first aid.

The Pre-School focuses on helping develop children’s social skills and self-confidence by using a variety of activities and learning through play. They have access to a large play area where children’s developmental skills continue to be supported.

25% off

with Explore Learning this July!

This summer, Explore Learning (www.explorelearning.co.uk) are offering 25% off your first month when you join in July. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Participating centres  only.

This last term is always a busy one as many outdoor trips take place during the nice weather. A trip to the allotments, the country park and fire station, as well as the annual sports day are all planned. Also, there will be a visit from Chris’s Animal Encounters, who will be bringing an African Land Snail, leaf/stick insects and Madagascan Hissing cockroaches, amongst other things.

The Pre-School has been invited by Barnardo’s to join in with their ‘Big Toddle 2014’ and have agreed to take part this year as they are such a dedicated organisation, making huge differences to children’s lives in the UK. Transition to school Harrold Pre-School enjoys close links with all of the Lower Schools expecting to receive an intake of children in September. Reception teachers are welcome to visit, to introduce themselves and spend time with the children. Due to their proximity, in the same village, they have a particularly close relationship with Harrold Lower School. They are very kindly often invited to spend time at the school interacting with reception children and experiencing their activities. Getting to know the classroom and Reception teachers helps the children towards a smooth transition from pre-school to school and they are looking forward to joining them on a Teddy Bear’s picnic in July. www.harroldpreschool.co.uk

 3 months to five years  Open from 07:30am to 18:30pm 51 weeks of the year  Secure, rural location  Vouchers accepted & funding available “when I finish my lunch I am a full moon”

Banana Moon Day Nursery Manor Farm Court, Lower Sundon, Bedfordshire LU3 3NZ

Tel: 01525 874114 www.bananamoon-lowersundon.co.uk

To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

11



Summer Playschemes

(5 to 8 yrs)

Games Scheme(9sto 13 yrs) and

only

2

£

per se

ssion

Friday 1st August to Friday 22nd August 2014

These schemes offer a wide range of weekday activities from sports, arts and crafts and tournaments to full day trips for children to enjoy during their summer holidays. Sessions cost £2 for 2 hours, with optional trips at an additional cost.

All sites operate on a first come first served basis and every child attending the schemes will have to be registered at a site. A parent/ guardian will need to complete a registration form at their first session. To save time we recommend that you download and compete this form from the Sports Development webpage before their first session.

For more information about the courses available:

www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Twitter: @boroughsports

@ katie.percival@bedford.gov.uk 01234 718829 Facebook: bedfordsportsdevelopment

s e s r u o C s t r o p S r e m m Su Activities for 6 to 15 years

Tennis Bike Ability Golf Football Paddle Sport Basketball Cricket Rowing Sailing Dance Wet n Wild & much more!

Courses run from 28th July to 29th August 2014

The Summer Sports Courses offer a range of different courses for both complete beginners or for those who have had some previous experience. The provision of equipment is included within the cost and instructors are all experienced and qualified.

There are limited places available on each course, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the courses available:

www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Twitter: @boroughsports

@ rachel.felton@bedford.gov.uk 01234 718834 Facebook: bedfordsportsdevelopment

AS065_14

Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit are offering a wide range of summer sports courses for children and young people aged between 6 - 15 years old.

What’s On Please always phone before setting out in case Pantaloons perform Shakespeare's TheTempest details have changed since press deadline or if we Saturday 12 July, 7pm got it wrong.

Woburn Abbey, Woburn More info: www.thepantaloons.co.uk Please send events to be listed to: Bugsy Malone by A-Stars Theatre Academy editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

Saturday 12 July, 6.30pm; Sunday 13 July, 1.30pm & 6.30pm Luton Library Theatre, Bridge Street, Luton JULY Young people age 5-18 present their first summer musical. To book call 01582 878100 Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Owl Craft Morning Tuesday-Saturday. Open until Sunday 2 Saturday 12 July: all morning November.

Barton Library Ridgmont Station, Station Road, Ridgmont Tourist information point. Gift shop. Two circular walks from Ridgmont of 5 miles each. Pick up a Summer Reading Challenge 2014: leaflet from the Heritage Centre. Free entry!

Luton library events More info: www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

Family fun day Sunday 13 July, 12pm-4pm Elizabeth Smith Veterinary Practice, Ickwell Road Upper Caldecote, SG18 9BS Open Day, meet the staff, have a look ‘behind the scenes’, pony rides, face painting, balloon modelling, dog agility & more. More info: 01767 627317 or www.esmithvet.com Luton Hoo Walled Garden open Sunday 13 July, 11-4pm Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Luton Hoo. Open as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Admission £3, Children free. Tel: 01582 879089.

Stockwood Late Night Opening Entertainment Every Thursday from 17 July – Thursday 28 August, 8-8.30pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Arts and crafts activities , live music and street entertainment. Free.

Enter the Labyrinth: Age 5+ Saturday 12 July, Stopsley Library, 11-11.45am & Luton Central Library, 2.15-3pm Saturday 19 July, Leagrave Library, 11-11.45am & End of Term Kids’ Disco Marsh Farm Library, 2.15-3pm Friday 18 July 7pm-9.30pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Invasion Sci fi Exhibition Hairy and Scary: Age 5+ Friday 4 July – Sunday 31 August Saturday 26 July, Stopsley Library, 11-11.45am & Marston Moretaine, Bedford Celebrate the end of term with fancy dress disco & Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Luton Central Library, 2.15-3pm party games. Ticket includes food box and drink.

Exhibition of props and costumes from sci fi Wednesday 30 July, Leagrave Library, £8 per child. Booking essential. movies. More info. www.lutonculture.com 11-11.45am & Lewsey Library, 2.15-3pm Tel: 01234 767037.

Ampthill Festival Dragons: Age 3+ River Festival Friday 4-Sunday 6 July Tuesday 29 July, Luton Central Library, Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 July Rock, Proms and Gala over 3 days.

11-11.45am & Stopsley Library, 2.15-3pm More info: www.ampthillfestival.co.uk Thursday 31 July, Marsh Farm Library,11-11.45am The Embankment, Bedford Bedford's annual River Festival. Dragon boat race, fireworks and more!

Ampthill Literary Festival The Rise of the Phoenix: Age 8 + Saturday 5-Sunday 6 July Saturday 2 August, Leagrave Library, 11-11.45am Special 'Fireworks Flyer' train will leave Bedford, 11.10pm on Saturday all stations to Bletchley.

Parkside Hall, Ampthill (Saturday). Ampthill Park as & Marsh Farm Library, 2.15-3pm Special hourly Sunday service part of Gala Day (Sunday).

Thursday 7 August, Luton Central Library, More info: www.bedfordevents.co.uk & More info: www.amplitfest.wordpress.com 11-11.45am & Lewsey Library, 2.15-3pm www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Nearly New Sale Mermaids: Age 3 + Great British Tennis Weekend Saturday 5 July, 11.15am to 12.30pm Tuesday 5 August, Lewsey Library, 11-11.45am Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 July, 10-4pm Watling Lower School, Bull Pond Lane, Dunstable Wednesday 6 August, Leagrave Library, Russell Park, Bedford Top quality baby and children’s clothes at bargain 11-11.45am. Age 3+ More info: www.clubhouse.lta.org.uk/opendays prices. Tickets: £1. More info tel: 0844 243 6112 History of Britain by the Pantaloons Friday 4 July, 7pm Woburn Abbey More info: www.thepantaloons.co.uk

Bedford Children’s Book Fest Saturday 5 July, 10.30-5pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford Author readings, signings & workshops.

More info: www.facebook.com/booktastic.bedford Luton Youth Festival Family Fun Day Saturday 5 July, 11am-5pm St Lukes Church, Leagrave, Luton More info: www.lutonyouthfestival.co.uk Narrow Gauge Model Fest Saturday 5 July Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pages Park, Leighton Buzzard More info: www.buzzrail.co.uk Band Concerts Every Sunday until Sunday 24 August, 3pm-4.45 pm Grove House Gardens, Grove House, Dunstable. Free.

More info: www.dunstable.gov.uk Annual Fun Night Friday 11 July, 5-7pm Southill Playing Field, School Lane, Southill Evening of family fun. Kids Zone including coconut shy, hook-a-duck and more, BBQ and refreshments, family raffle, bouncy castle & more.

Organised by the Friends of Southill Lower School.

Free.

Woburn Sands Folk Festival Saturday 12 July, 12-8pm High Street, Woburn Sands More info: Woburn Sands Folk Festival Official Page (Facebook)

Stories From Afar: Age 5+ Saturday 9 August, Stopsley Library, 11-11.45am & Luton Central Library, 2.15-3pm Tuesday 12 August, Marsh Farm Library, 2.15-3pm Morris the Mankiest Monster: Age 3+ Wednesday 13 August, Lewsey Library, 11-11.45am & Bury Park Library, 2.15-3pm Komodo Dragons and Big Foot Prints: Age 8+ Saturday 16 August, Leagrave Library, 11-11.45am & Marsh Farm Library, 2.15-3pm Tuesday 19 August, Bury Park Library, 11-11.45am.

Tales from the British Isles: Age 5+ Saturday 23 August, Stopsley Library, 11-11.45am & Luton Central Library, 2.15-3pm The Best Bits: Age 5+ Saturday 30 August, Leagrave Library, 11-11.45am & Marsh Farm Library, 2.15-3pm Saturday 6 September, Stopsley Library, 11-11.45am & Luton Central Library, 2.15-3pm More info: www.lutonculture.com Bromham Show Sunday 13 July, 12 noon-5pm Village Hall Playing Field, Village Road, Bromham More info: www.bromhamshow.com

Close Up and Personal Airshow Sunday 13 July, gates open 9am; flying from 2pm.

The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, near Biggleswade.Get up close to amazing aircraft and speak to the pilots and ground crew. More info: www.shuttleworth.org Tel: 01767 627927

Party in the Park Saturday 19 July, 12 noon - 8pm Grove House Gardens, Grove House, Dunstable Family fun event. More info: www.dunstable.gov.uk Sci Fi Fun Day Sunday 20 July, 11am-7pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Family funday full of space-related adventures and sci-fi activities. More info: www.lutonculture.com Blows Downs Butterfly Walk Sunday 20 July, 2-4pm Half Moon Lane, Dunstable, Galley and Warden , Luton, Links Way Booking essential. www.wildlifebcn.org Outdoor Theatre Festival (Tuesday 22-Friday 25 July) George's Marvellous Medicine Tuesday 22 July, 2pm Castle Mound, Embankment, Bedford More info & tickets: www.theplacebedford.org.uk Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance Tuesday 22 July, 7pm Castle Mound, Embankment, Bedford Ages 5 +. More info & tickets: www.theplacebedford.org.uk Peppa Pig's Big Splash Wed 23 July,1pm & 4pm & Thur 24 July,10am & 1pm Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes Brand new Peppa Pig Show. www.peppapiglive.com

To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

13

What’s On Family Fun Wednesdays Every Wednesday from 23 July, 9.30-5pm throughout the summer holidays.

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes. More info tel 01908 640404 or www.bletchleypark.org.

Jaipur Kawa Brass Band Friday 25 July, 11.30am, 2pm & 4.15pm; Sunday 27 July, 12 noon Free event. Brass band with their roots ion Rajastan.

The Pantaloon's History of Britain Thursday 24 July, 5pm Castle Mound, Embankment, Bedford Free. Aged 5+. More info: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets

Story time Every Wednesday from 23 July - Wednesday 27 August, 11-11.30am Dunstable Library. More info tel: 0300 300 8056.

Periplum: Imaginarium Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July, 11am-5pm Free event. Enter the Imaginarium and unlock fascinating, secret stories.

IF: MK International Festival 2014: family-friendly events

Whalley Range Allstars: Compost Mentis Saturday 26 July, 12 noon & 4pm; Sunday 27 July, 12.30pm & 3.45pm Free event. Live action with puppets, mechanical and musical interventions.

Treasure Island Friday 25 July, 2pm Castle Mound, Embankment, Bedford Aged 5+. Tickets: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets

All at Festival Central, South Willen Lake Park, unless stated.

For info on all of the events and for ticket details see: www.ifmiltonkeynes.org Architects of Air: Pentalum Friday 18-Sunday 27 July, 11am-6pm each day Middleton Hall, centre: mk Walk inside a luminarium!

Ilotopie: Fous de Bassin (Water Fools) Friday 18 & Saturday 19 July, 10pm Willen Lake Park, MK15 ODS Spectacular outdoor production with fire and pyrotechnics on Willen Lake.

Under the Vaulted Sky Friday 18 July, 5pm & 7.30pm; Saturday 19 July & Sunday 20 July at 2pm, 4.30pm & 7pm Cathedral of Trees, Newlands New dance performance by Rosemary Lee.

C-12 Dance: Market Stall Saturday 26 July, 11.30am, 3pm & 4.30pm Sunday 27 July, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm Circus skills, theatre and street dance and parkour all mixed together! Free.

Comedy Club for kids!

Sunday 27 July, 2pm The Stables Spiegletent, South Willen Lake Park Cracking entertaiment for anyone aged six and over!

IF at the World Picnic Sunday 27 July, 1-6pm Campbell Park, MK9 4AD Glorious world party in the park.

Summer Reading Challenge 2014: Magic Dave launch events (age 5+) Casus: Knee Deep Thursday 24 July, 10.30am-11.45am, Friday 18-Saturday 19 July, 7.15pm; Sunday 20 Ampthill Library July, 2.30pm, Monday 21 July, 7.15pm Thursday 24 July, 2.30pm-3.15pm, The Stables Spiegletent, South Willen Lake Park Stotfold Library Beautiful acrobatics and astonishing aerial feats.

Friday 25 July, 10am-10.45am, Houghton Regis Library Puppet State Theatre Company: The Man Who Friday 25 July, 11.45am-12.30pm, Planted Trees Dunstable Library Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 July Friday 25 July, 2.30pm, 3.15pm, The StablesSpiegletent, South Willen Lake Park. oddingon Library Ages 7 +.

Monday 28 July, 10am-10.45am, Potton Library Camapna Itinerania: El Labarint (The Labyrinth) Monday 28 July, 11.45am-12.30pm, Wednesday 23 July-Sunday 27 July, 11am-5pm Putnoe Library Transformation of open air space with highly Monday 28 July, 2.30pm-3.15pm, interactive structures. Solve the conundrum that is Biggleswade Library the Labyrinth!

Tuesday 29 July, 10.30am-11.45am, Leighton Buzzard Library Insect Circus Museum Tuesday 29 July, 2.30pm-3.15pm, Wednesday 23 July- Saturday 26 July, Barton Library 11am-5pm A museum with a difference!

Wednesday 30 July, 10.30am-11.45am, Wootton Library Peut-etre Theatre & Dante or Die: Clunk Wednesday 30 July, 2.30pm-3.15pm, Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 July, 11am, Bromham Library 1.30pm & 3.15pm, Friday 25 July, 11am, 1.30pm & Thursday 31 July, 10am-10.45am, 2.45pm. Created for under 5s and their families.

Bedford Central Library Thursday 31 July, 11.45am-12.30pm, MK Play Association: Workshop with Anna Kempston Library Francis Thursday 31 July, 2.30pm-3.15pm, Wednesday 23- Sunday 27 July, 11am-5pm Sandy Library Use scrap materials to make your own masks and Friday 1 August, 10.30am-11.45am, insects. Free.

Shefford Library Friday 1 August, 2.30pm-3.15pm, Graeae Theatre Company: The Iron Man by Ted Flitwick Library Hughes Wednesday 23 July, 11.30 & 3.45pm; Thursday The Sooty Show 24 July, 12.45 & 3.45pm; Friday 25 July, 12.15pm Thursday 24 July, 11am & 2.30pm & 3.15pm Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square, Bedford Ted Hughes' classic modern fable is brough to life More info: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk through a colossal giant puppet and more! Free.

The Tempest by The Pantaloons Commotion Dance: Little Artist, Big Painting Thursday 24 July, 12noon Saturday 26 July, 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm; Castle Mound, Embankment, Bedford Sunday 27 July, 11am, 1pm & 3.15pm Free aged 5+. More info: Free event. Playful and intriguing show made www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets especially for the outdoors. Great for under 5s and families. Free.

14

July/August 2014

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

A Midsummer's Night's Dream Friday 25 July, 7pm Castle Mound, Embankment, Bedford Aged 8+. Tickets: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets Kite Festival Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 July, 11am-5pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade More info tel: 01582 500920 Maleficient (PG) Saturday 26 & Tuesday 29 July, 5pm Leighton Buzzard Theatre Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty.

Leighton-Linslade Canal Festival Saturday 26 July, 11am – 4pm Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Mentmore Road, Leighton-Linslade Stalls, live music, Morris Dancers and activities.

Free. More info:www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/ events/linslade-canal-festival/ Bec & Tom's Awesome Laundry Sunday 27 July, 2.30pm Bedford Theatre, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford A funny family show with feeling!

6+ years. More info: www.bedfringe.com Summer Super Sunday Sunday 27 July Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pages Park, Leighton Buzzard Miniature train rides and working heritage displays at Stonehenge Works.

More info: www.buzzrail.co.uk Wings & Wheels Airshow Sunday 27 July, gates open 9am; flying from 2pm.

The Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, near Biggleswade Classic car owners and classic car groups join the airshow. More info: www.shuttleworth.org Tel: 01767 627927 Make A Memory Box Tuesday 29 July, 10.45-11.30am Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Dunstable. 8-12 year olds.

Rio 2 (U) Tuesday 29 & Thursday 31 July, 2pm Leighton Buzzard Theatre Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard More info: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ leisure/leighton-buzzard-theatre/ Swiss Gardens to re-open End July. Exact date to be confirmed.

The Swiss Gardens, The Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, near Biggleswade More info: www.shuttleworth.org Tel: 01767 627927

AUGUST Pantaloons perform Shakespeare's The Tempest Saturday 2 August, 2pm, 7pm & Sunday 3 August, 2pm RSPB, The Lodge Potton Road Sandy More info: www.thepantaloons.co.uk

Butterfly Ramble Saturday 9 August, 2 - 4pm Lake View entrance, Houghton Regis, Lake View, Dunstable, LU5 5GJ More info:www.wildlifebcn.org

Aerodrome, near Biggleswade Queen, Robbie, ABBA and more!

More info: www.shuttleworth.org Tel: 01767 627927

Bee and Honey Day Sunday 17 August, 10am-4pm Pirates day on the Beach Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Saturday 9 August Horrible Histories in the Library A family fun day with a buzzy bee theme. Free.

Parson's Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Saturday 2 August, time TBC. Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Dunstable. More Buzzard. More info: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk Minibeast Safari info tel: 0300 300 8056 Monday 18 August, sessions 10am, 11.30am, Wardown Big Summer 1.30pm Saturday 9 August, 10.30am -9.30pm Classic Car & Bike Show Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine Wardown Park, Old Bedford Road, Luton Sunday 3 August, 12noon to 4pm. Car & bike Traditional British summertime fun for all the family. £3.50 per child. Booking essential 01234 767037. owners to be in position on the field by 11.45am.

Plus open air gig with local bands.

Rufus Centre, Flitwick Games Morning More info: www.flitwick.gov.uk Tuesday 19 August, 10-12pm. Dunstable Library, Eid Festival Vernon Place, Dunstable. 8-12 year olds.

Sunday 10 August, noon-6pm Pond Dipping and Dragonfly Hats – Outdoor Dunstable Downs, Chiltern Gateway Centre, adventure Hard Day's Night (U) Dunstable Road, Whipsnade Monday 4 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Thursday 21 August, 8-9pm Family entertaiment.

Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine Archaeological Park, Castle Quay, Bedford £3.50 per child – booking essential.

More info: www.theplacebedford.org.uk WWI Commemoration Airshow Tel: 01234 767037 Sunday 10 August, gates open 9am, Summer Fair and Doggie fun activities flying starts at 2pm.

Make A Mask Sunday 24 August, 1am – 4pm The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Tuesday 5 August, 10-12pm Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath & Aerodrome, near Biggleswade Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Dunstable.

Reach, LU7 0EB More info: www.shuttleworth.org Drop-in; all ages.

Craft stalls, take part in fun activities and bring your Tel: Tel: 01767 627927 four-legged friends to enter the Fun Dog Show.

Piggies' Day Out Free entrance. £2 to exit per vehicle.

Annual Summer Fete Tuesday 5 August, 10am-2pm More info: www.greensandtrust.org/events.html Sunday 10 August, 11-4pm Project 229, 227-229 Bedford Road, Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, St John's Road, Kempston, Bedford Festival of Fun and Praise Moggerhanger, Bedford Piggy book reading, activities, petting zone!

Monday 25 August, 10-5pm More info: 01767 642412 or More info:www.facebook.com/project229 Keysoe College Equestrian Centre, Church Road, email: stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org Keysoe, Bedford Postman Pat: The Movie (U) 100 years of service of St albans Diocese in Beds, Pond Dipping and Dragonfly Hats – Outdoor Tuesday 5 & Thursday 7 August, 2pm Herts, Luton & Barnet with family fun!

Adventure Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Lake Street, www.celebrate100.org.uk Monday 11 August, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Leighton Buzzard Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine More info: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ Labyrinth (U) £3.50 per child – booking essential. leisure/leighton-buzzard-theatre/ Thursday 28 August, 8-9pm Tel: 01234 767037.

Archaeological Park, Castle Quay, Bedford Guided walk at Totternhoe More info: www.theplacebedford.org.uk Create Your Mythical Maze Character Wednesday 6 August, 10am - 12pm Tuesday 12 August, 10-12pm Wilf Powell, a butterfly expert, leads the walk.

A Wild Night Out! Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Dunstable.

Meet: National Trust car park, Totternhoe, Castle Friday 29 August, 7.30pm – 11pm Drop-in; all ages.

Hill Road (turn first right after Park Avenue), Rushmere Country Park, Stockgrove entrance, LU6 1QF. More info: www.wildlifebcn.org Brickhill Road, Heath & Reach, LU7. Discover the Brief Encounter (PG) wonderful creatures that come out as the sun goes Thursday 14 August, 8-9pm The Goonies (12) Archaeological Park, Castle Quay, Bedford down on a night-time walk with the rangers. £10 per Thursday 7 August, 8-9pm Love Bedford Pop up Cinema adult and £5 per child, family ticket available.

Archaeological Park, Castle Quay, Bedford More info: www.theplacebedford.org.uk Booking: 01525 234260 or Love Bedford Pop up Cinema email: info@greensandtrust.org More info: www.theplacebedford.org.uk How To Train Your Dragon 2 (PG) Thursday 14 & Tuesday 19 August, 2pm Pantaloons perform A History of Britain Minibeast safari – outdoor adventure Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Lake Street, Saturday 30 August, 2pm & 7pm Friday 8 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Leighton Buzzard.

RSPB, The Lodge Potton Road Sandy Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine More info: www.thepantaloons.co.uk Minibeast hunt in the park. £3.50 per child. Booking Tel: 0300 300 8125 essential. Tel: 01234 767037.

Footprint Forest – Outdoor adventure Dunstable Rocks Friday 15 August, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Saturday 30 August, 12 noon to 10pm Sci Fi Craft Workshop Local music and main headline act, plus food!

Friday 8 August, 15, 22 & 29 August 10am-12pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine.

More info: www.dunstable.gov.uk Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton £3.50 per child – booking essential.

Tel: 01234 767037 Sci-fi themed craft activities. Ages 7-10 years.

Edwardian Picnic and Evening Air Show Book: 01582 548 600.

Kids Book Swap Saturday 30 August, gates open at 11am, flying Saturday 16 August starts at 5.30pm. The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Storyteller Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Dunstable.

Warden Aerodrome, near Biggleswade Friday 8 August, 2.30-3.30pm.

Drop-in; all ages.

More info: www.shuttleworth.org All ages. Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Tel: 01767 627927 Dunstable Flying Proms Saturday 16 August, gate opens at 12pm, flying Big Wetlands Bat Walk Superhero in the Library begins at 7pm.

Saturday 30 August, 8.15pm-10pm Saturday 9 August, time TBC Flitwick Moor, 70 Maulden Road, Flitwick Dunstable Library, Vernon Place, Dunstable. More The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Foray into the nightlife and bat life of Flitwick Moor.

Aerodrome, near Biggleswade info tel: 0300 300 8056 Booking essential. www.wildlifebcn.org Vintage areoplanes, symphony orchestra and fireworks! Now in its 17th year.

Summer Family Picnic Tour de Forest More info: www.shuttleworth.org Saturday 9 August, Sunday 31 August 10am to 4pm Tel:01767 627927 12.30-2.30pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine.

Banana Moon Day Nursery, Cyle the Marston Vale Forest to raise money to Tribute Concert Manor Farm Court, Lower Sundon, Luton LU3 3NZ Sunday 17 August, gate opens at 1pm, first act at plant more trees and create more green spaces for BYO picnic (sunshine!) and blanket, and join us on 3pm, gates close at 10.30pm. people and wildlife. To register phone: our field for some fresh air fun.

The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden 01234 762605 or email: tour@marstonvale.org All welcome, with free entry to a good old-fashioned family afternoon out.

Tel: 01525 874114 for further details.

`

To advertise: 01727 373929

July/August 2014

15

18–27 July

10 amazing days

Family Events Music, Comedy & Cabaret Outdoor Spectaculars Acoustic Stage Food & Drink

Produced by

@IFMKfest #IFMKfest

IFMKfest