Families Bedfordshire Nov-Dec 2013

FR EE

Bedfordshire

Issue No.7 November–December 2013

Reader offers & competitions!

Where’s Santa this Christmas?

Local panto guide 4

14,000 copies to parents with children aged 0-12 across Bedfordshire

EDITOR’S WELCOME Hello and welcome to the first anniversary issue of Families Bedfordshire magazine!

It’s a massive thank you to all our advertisers, distribution points and distribution team, my designer, and of course, you our readers, who have helped make it such a success.

In this issue, we have lots of fantastic Reader Offers and Competitions for you to enter. Not forgetting that all-important Christmas Gift Guide which this year is focused on active kids’ hobbies.

Finally, we have your essential guide to all the Christmas What’s On, shows and pantomimes that are taking place in Bedfordshire over the festive season. Keep an eye on the website for the most up-todate What’s On information (www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk).

Best wishes,

Judith

P.S. Our January–February 2014 issue will include our fantastic Nursery feature.

Copy deadline is Friday 6 December.

Competition winners: Congratulations to the five winners of the Thomas & Friends DVD who were J Woolerson, W Stewart, R Choosey, K Murphy & A Harding.

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CONTENTS

News, Information, Offers & Competitions Education Viewpoint School Dinner Feature Active Christmas Feature & Gift Guide Christmas Book Reviews What’s On: Where’s Santa?

What’s On: November & December Pantomimes & Christmas Shows

3 8 9 10 12 13 14 16

Editor: Judith Dow editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk; www.FamiliesBedfordshire.co.uk Mob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929; Twitter: @familiesbeds Part of the Families® magazines group, established 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned & operated under license. www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Design: Cath Ranzetta Photo credits: Front cover: © Monsoon/Accessorize www.prshots.com; p6 © stefanolunardi – Fotolia.com; p9 © senkaya – Fotolia.com; p11 © www.christmasgifts.com; p13 © Simon L/Dreamstime Stock Photos; © www.squidoo.com; p15 © Bsilvia/Dreamstime Stock Photos.

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

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS, INFORMATION & OFFERS Rhyme with your tot An exciting new initiative launches this November with Nursery Rhyme Week.

Nursery rhymes play an important role in early childhood development by helping children to master key skills such as language and communication as well as social, physical and emotional skills. Taking place from 11–15 November, this is a national event aimed at promoting and celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes. It is free for anyone who has a child under the age of five or who works with the under fives – all you have to do is register online and you can download a free

music initiative

resource pack containing nursery rhyme themed activities, free songs, activity sheets and participation certificates for everyone who completes the ‘rhyme a day’ challenge.

This initiative is sponsored by Music Bugs: www.musicbugs.co.uk/national-nurseryrhyme-week.

Music Bugs are also starting up two new classes from 7 November at the Trinity Methodist Church, North Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1ES. The first is a ‘Family Bugs’ class which will run at 9.30am, which is a mixed age group class for all children from newborn to four years old. The second class from 10.30am is a ‘Baby Bugs’ class for babies from newborn to crawling. Classes cost £5 per session.

For more enrolment information, email: helenandtracey@musicbugs.co.uk or tel: 0844 822 1711.

Sticking with the musical theme, Bedford Borough Council’s music service is expanding.

It’s offering to ensure that lower, middle and upper school students can all be given an opportunity to learn an instrument, or become part of a new musical group, as details of their new and existing services have been updated.

There are brand new initiatives like ‘Battle of the Bands’ for middle and upper schools, the introduction of instrumental lessons with new fun and colourful instruments, a keyboard festival, and the launch of the first Residential Music Camp.

The Council’s music service is not only continuing to offer instrumental lessons and encouraging students to take up learning an instrument, but it is also offering a programme to teach students about the music industry. Using a partnership approach, they will offer work experience to students in event management, teaching, administration and marketing.

More info: www.bedford.gov.uk/music.

New Peter’s Railway book & reader offer Peter’s Railway Hits the Jackpot is the fifth hardback book in the series, and follows Peter and his Grandpa taking on their most ambitious challenge yet – extending the railway five miles to the next village. In addition to the stories, the book contains all the technical information that young engineers and railway enthusiasts will love.

READER OFFER Families Bedfordshire readers can claim a free extra book with every order, all signed with a personal dedication by author, Chris Vine, to make the perfect Christmas gift, for your very own railway fan.

To claim the reader offer, just go to www.petersrailway.com and order at least one book. Then, into the dedication box, enter ‘FAMDEC13’ and any dedication you would like. Chris will then add an extra free book to the order. For any extra help, just email info@petersrailway.com.

The offer closes at the end of December 2013.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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NEWS & COMPETITIONS

Bizzy Bitz creates a buzz!

With its simple ball and socket system and a phenomenal patented internal socket, Bizzy Bitz (www.bizzy-bitz.com) is set to capture the world with its infinite possibilities.

The company, who have appeared on TV’s Dragons’ Den, have created brightly coloured pieces and a wide variety of shapes, so that children of all ages and stages can create anything.

Bizzy Bitz is the only toy in the world which, with only its basic shapes (no custom made pieces), can create accurate models of absolutely anything and everything. This has the additional advantage that if a piece goes missing you can always build hundreds of things from your remaining pieces.

Different boxes are aimed at different age groups. Children as young as three can enjoy making cars, necklaces and little people, and may especially enjoy the Bizzy

Bitz baseboard; while 13-year-old children have created detailed workers’ lorries, aeroplanes, clocks and exquisite candelabras.

WIN A SUPER MAXI 850 PIECE BOX OF BIZZY BITZ! Cool, addictive, educational and fun, Bizzy Bitz is a must for every family!

To enter, go to www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions by Monday 2 December 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

Ski to the door with young families, says Sarah Pratley A winter holiday such as skiing may not be the first option that springs to mind with small children in tow, but it is in fact a great choice to suit the whole family. Ski schools will sometimes take children as young as two (and if not, three plus), and smaller children and babies can enjoy the snow, whether it be building a snowman, sledging or a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer.

However, it is crucial to find the right resort that will cater for everyone’s needs. Ski school is often the best option for children starting to learn, as this will avoid family arguments on the slopes! It is always worth investigating an English ski school rather than

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO ALICE IN WONDERLAND!

the most convenient foreign one just to make sure you can understand the instructor and your peers. If you and your partner wish to ski alone, many resorts offer excellent childcare programmes. Finally, consider the location of the resort, ideally finding a ski in/ski out one or at least one that is close to the lifts, as walking in ski boots and carrying skis is hard work for children.

Chilly Powder (www.chillypowder.com), a small ski holiday operator located in Morzine, in the heart of France’s famous Portes du Soleil ski area, prides itself on its facilities for families. Four fully-qualified nannies run the resort’s crèche and older children can be picked up from the nursery slopes for the afternoon kids club. For the parents there are saunas, massages, the bar, fine dining and outdoor jacuzzi. Finally, Chilly Powder offers the perfect location for families, with skiing starting at the cable car opposite the chalets and finishing with blue, red or black pistes straight into the garden.

One final tip – take mini chocolate bars and slip them into everyone’s pockets each day.

The extra energy boost will ensure smiles all round!

From the artistic team behind last year’s popular production of The Secret Garden, Proteus Theatre Company will once again be bringing their trademark fusion of music, physical theatre, circus and puppetry creating an anarchic, magical and mad-as-a-hatter version of Lewis Carroll’s classic tales Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass to The Stables, Milton Keynes (www.stables.org).

No storm in a teacup, this show promises to provide all your six impossible things a day, so whatever you do – don’t be late! And if you stick around after the performance then you may also get the chance to meet the cast and characters at the front of the stage. Suitable for all ages over five.

Performances run from Wednesday 18 December 2013 to Saturday 4 January 2014. Families Bedfordshire has one family ticket for four people to see the show. Simply answer the following question correctly and you can be in with a chance to see a performance of Alice in Wonderland at The Stables: COMPETITION QUESTION: Who wrote Alice in Wonderland? a) Lewis Carroll b) Edward Lear c) C S Lewis Enter online by Monday 8 December 2013 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/ competitions

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & COMPETITIONS WIN an After School Party at 360 Play!

Milton Keynes’ and Stevenage’s biggest and best children’s entertainment centre operator, 360 Play, situated at Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, and on the Stevenage Leisure Park in Stevenage (www.360play.co.uk) are hugely popular entertainment destinations for children aged up to 12 years old and their parents.

And now, in conjunction with Families Bedfordshire, 360 Play is offering one lucky winner the chance to win an After School Party for 10 children with free entry for adults too, worth over £120 (the winner will be able to choose which venue they wish to visit).

This fantastic prize includes party food and drink for the children as well as one adult sandwich/panini platter and one adult hot drinks tray.

After School Parties are held for a period of two hours, from 4pm to 6pm, on any weekday and the winner and their friends will be able to enjoy a host of fun play activities.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following question correctly: How long are After School Parties at 360 Play held for? a) 1 hour b) 2 hours c) 4 hours

Enter online by Monday 8 December 2013 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

Someries Infant School immerses itself in learning

Someries Infant School in Luton is pioneering the way in engaging and inspiring children. Their pupils have flown on magic carpets, walked through a rainforest and have even gone to outer space, thanks to their new Immersive Learning Centre, which opened in October – the first one in Luton – which brings learning to life.

New French language CD

Learn French: Original songs & rhymes for children by Club Petit Pierrot has just launched on Amazon priced £20. By listening and singing along to these highly original and contemporary songs and rhymes your child will have fun while effortlessly absorbing French vocabulary, linguistic patterns and grammatical structures. Tips for each song and rhyme suggest ways you can play along with your child. Perfect to listen to in the car or at home.

It took three weeks for designers 4D Creative to transform the school’s traditional ICT suite into a hi-tech, creative, learning space, featuring high quality laptops, led lighting, large projections, motion sensors and surround sound. With these facilities teachers can instantly change the environment quickly and easily by the touch of a button and the sensors allow pupils to interact with the projected image to increase their understanding and learning.

Jenny Meara, the headteacher at Someries Infant School, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted with our Immersive Learning Centre. We trialled it for a few weeks in the summer term and it was a big hit with both pupils and teachers. Now all children will get the opportunity to experience this innovative way of learning.’

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

THE PIONEERING IMMERSIVE LEARNING CENTRE AT SOMERIES

Bedfordshire

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NEWS & INFORMATION di ne o ut i n s ty le a t t he emb an km ent

Agai nst Bullyi ng

We visited The Embankment, Bedford, one Sunday lunchtime as a family to test the waters, and of course, sample the food! After being seated in the newly refurbished dining room at the back, we were pleased when our son was offered a new pack of cards to play with by the waitress. Other children who arrived were also presented with colouring books and pens, which was a nice touch.

Bread and olives were followed by our friendly and helpful waitress taking us through all of the specials of the day. My son and I chose the fish of the day – hake along with the obligatory chips. It was delicious and the policy of serving a half portion for children from the main menu rather than including a kids menu worked well.

We all chose something we fancied for pudding. Two scoops of ice-cream for my son in a cornet was very well received and not too big a portion to send him into a sugar frenzy.

Then after a delicious coffee we were on our way, for a meander around the nearby refurbished Higgins Museum.

We liked The Embankment – it was friendly, relaxed and nothing seemed too much trouble; my son said it was ‘super’! You could have sat outside, alongside the bar or in the back dining room. Either way, it felt a convivial and relaxing atmosphere with plenty of families – young and old – enjoying a tasty and delicious meal.

Christmas menu available now.

More info: www.embankmentbedford.co.uk Tel: 01234 261 332.

National Anti-Bullying Week takes place from 18–22 November this year, with the theme ‘The Future is Ours: Safe, Fun and Connected’. As always, the Anti-Bullying Week website is packed with resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops, practical resources and short films on how to survive bullying.

You can also join the Anti-Bullying Roadshow which tours schools, youth clubs and parent groups throughout the UK during November.

Powerful, fun and exciting, the roadshow includes music, science, strategies and up-todate research and information on bullying.

Check out the website too for their AntiBullying Village for Kids and Teens – a virtual space created by young people for young people where you can interact with others, as well as find out about events on school bullying, violence, racism and xenophobia through workshops, young people’s conferences and exhibitions. www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

Little Ragamuffin make their mark!

Kempston-based firm Little Ragamuffin (www.littleragamuffin.co.uk) had a ringing endorsement for their online children’s accessory business from none other than ex Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis when he named them his Small Business Sunday Twitter favourite of the week earlier this year.

Janie recommends the following bestsellers for Christmas 2013: Crocodile Jigsaw puzzle (£18.95); Cheeky pegboard for bits and bobs (£17.95).

THE EMBANKMENT

The two Bedfordshire mums, Janie Reader and Tracey Banga, started their online business after being made redundant in July 2012, and they are due to meet Paphitis in person this November. Janie, a mother of two, said, ‘We’ve only been in business eight months

and are still work from a small spare room’.

She explained that as a small business they are always learning something new and that they have used social media (Twitter, Facebook) to get their name ‘out there’. They are hoping to bring out their own branded products shortly, and have worked closely with other local small businesses on the website and logo design.

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

EDUCATION: VIEWPOINT S afe and Sm art Online With the growth in the use of mobile devices amongst children and media coverage about the dangers of social media and the perils of inapp purchases, today’s increasingly networked society can sound like the perfect recipe for moral panic. However, a considered and communicative response to the inevitable rise of digital culture is more than enough to nip any problems in the bud. In fact, as James Potter, Director of ICT at Bedford Girls’ School, explains, tech-savvy youngsters – given the right grounding – are perfectly equipped to thrive, whatever life throws at them.

What’s a good age to introduce children to apps and the internet?

As a parent, it’s important to understand that, unlike us, our children are growing up in a digital world and a supervised introduction into this is a good idea from whenever you are comfortable.

disabling in-app purchases. Another simple option is to purchase gift cards rather than assigning a credit card to an account.

For younger children, what are the best apps, games and features to get them started?

For pre-school children there are some excellent phonics apps, such as Pocket Phonics to help spelling and writing. Film making apps like iMovie, and Stop Motion Studio can help fuel creativity. Apps like Kodable, Hopscotch and BeeBot introduce children to the concepts of coding and computer programming in a very accessible way. My four year old daughter has written several programs in Kodable by using the drag and drop interface.

OPEN MORNING

JAMES POTTER WITH

HIS DAUGHTER

Why is it important for children to be tech-savvy?

Improvements in software and hardware will see technology blend seamlessly with their lives as they become adults. If we can encourage children to embrace technology in a sensible and balanced way, they will be prepared as citizens of the digital world, and be able to cope and thrive with whatever the future holds for them.

How can parents ensure their children aren’t spending too long using technology and not enough time interacting?

Using technology and the internet at home should be a partnership between you and your children. Agree rules for device/internet use; for example, set daily time limits. Doing this sooner rather than later can avoid any potential conflict issues in the future!

Independent Schools: Open Days in November Saturday 9 November, 10am–12 noon

Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Brickhill Drive, Bedford More info: 01234 369555 • www.pilgrims-school.info OPEN DAY

Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford Saturday 16 November, 10am–12 noon; 1–3pm

More info: 01234 332500 • www.bedmod.co.uk OPEN MORNING

Friday 22 November, 10am–1pm

Bedford Girls’ School, Cardington Road, Bedford

More info: 01234 361918 • www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Are there some simple steps parents can take to keep their children safe online?

The simplest thing to do is to be with your children when they are online. Look together at www.thinkuknow.co.uk which is an excellent site aimed at children from age 5–17 with activities which can teach both children and parents about online safety. If you’re happy your child’s old enough to use social media, set up their profiles with them. If you’re worried, make it a condition that you have to know their password for these sites. The basic rule of thumb is that anything that is posted online, anyone can take a copy • Enrol NOW for September of, even if it is deleted.

• All abilities are welcome How can parents stop their children from making costly purchases when they’re using iPads and other tablet devices?

Apple’s Parent’s Guide shows you how to enable restrictions on iPads, such as

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• Small class sizes

2014

• Open to ages 3–7 • Favourable rates • Wrap-around care

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

EDUCATION: SCHOOL DINNER FEATURE

W h at’s on the plat e in your school dining hall?

The campaign for better food in Britain’s schools is getting yet another boost – but what else needs to be done, and how can parents help?

Joanna Moorhead investigates.

It’s almost a decade since Jamie Oliver began his indefatigable campaign to revolutionise school lunches, taking TV cameras into schools and drafting in army cooks to teach the nation’s dinner ladies how to make good food on a large scale and to a tight budget.

There’s no doubt that Oliver shone a torch into a dark corner of the school larder and found it wanting, and there’s no doubt at all that he had all the right instincts about educating children about good food and healthy eating, and educating teachers and support staff about why good food and understanding its production and preparation should be part of every child’s education.

What, though, has the campaign achieved? Where has it left school food today – and what are the outstanding issues that still need to be tackled?

Summer 2013 saw a government-commissioned school food review by the founders of the Leon restaurant chain – it called for a ban on packed lunches, which it says are almost always less nutritious than a cooked meal, and it called on heads to lower the prices of lunches to boost takeup. Hot on the heels of that report came an announcement that all children in Key Stage One (reception, Year One and Year Two) will get free school dinners from September 2014, whatever the family’s income level.

It’s a major step towards the really big task on the menu: getting more children to actually eat school food. Only around 38% of secondary school pupils, and 44% of primary pupils, currently take the option of school lunches, while the rest bring in their own: and that matters because a study carried out at Leeds University in 2010 found that only a paltry 1% of packed lunches meet basic dietary standards. In other words, it’s extremely challenging for parents to put together a lunchbox that’s anywhere near as healthy as the food the school provides; and though many parents believe it’s cheaper to provide their own, another study found that in fact it probably costs around £2 a lunch, a sum very similar to the cost of a school-provided lunch.

But if school food wins out against packed lunches, what’s on the dining room menu still has a way to go. Only around 25% of schools provide at least one portion of fruit and veg per pupil per day, and – despite all those years of the Oliver campaign – a shocking 50% of all secondary schools continue to offer pizzas and starchy food cooked in oil on most days – although revised food-based standards are going to also be rolled out next year.

Beyond all this though, there’s the even trickier subject of how you actually get children to make healthy choices. Even when healthy food is offered, around a third of pupils don’t choose it.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

One huge advance the Oliver campaign has brought about is the realisation among parents that they have a voice in the school dining room, and that policies on how food is sourced, how it’s prepared and what’s on offer can be shaped by their intervention.

Below are some of the more imaginative and successful changes already in operation at some schools in the UK – if you like the sound of them, why not talk to staff and governors at your child’s school to see if a similar project is possible there:

School farms are in the middle of a huge revival. In 2006, there were only 60 of them in Britain; today, there are more than 100, and at least 100 more schools have plans in operation to open one. And the big boom isn’t in rural settings, it’s in urban ones; schools in the very middle of cities now have patches of land where vegetables are grown and where chickens and other animals can be housed. Some schools even send their own animals to slaughter and put meat and homemade sausages on canteen menus or sell them through school shops.

Children learn at close quarters about how food is produced; they then go on to learn how it’s prepared and cooked, and then they find out how it tastes.

If you’re interested in trying to get the ball rolling on a farm at your school, start by visiting farms at similar-sized and similarly-located schools. See www.farmgarden.org.uk, the website of the School Farms Network, for more ideas.

At some schools, parents and carers are invited to eat alongside children one day each term or one day each year. It’s easier to talk to your child about the food they had at school if you’ve got a sense of where they eat, what the place smells like, and what the system is for them to choose their meal.

More schools than in the past now have cooking classes and cookery clubs, and at secondary schools cooking is on the curriculum. If a school farm is too ambitious, growing some or all the ingredients for the cookery classes is usually possible – even using home-grown herbs help children make the connection between growing and eating.

Pupil visits to farms are a regular part of the school year in many areas. If your school isn’t organising trips to a farm, ask why not.

Make sure the farm trip includes informative input on how animals are reared, and how crops are grown – and what happens to the meat and vegetables once they leave the farm.

In some schools, the dining hall is now known by a more exciting name (‘Le Bistro’, perhaps) and children eat from china plates and have virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dribble on their salad.

To make food more attractive, you have to boost the quality of the whole eating experience. If your child’s school is still providing plastic lunch trays or grubby melamine plates, ask them to think about an overhaul.

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ACTIVE CHRISTMAS FEATURE the twelve days of an active christmas

O

Six outdoor play & six present ideas to get your child active this winter!

utdoor play and exposure to nature are amongst the best and most effective ways to educate children about the world around them and encourage environmental awareness. Getting children active outdoors is also vital for their health and physical development as well as helping them to improve their sensory, cognitive and social skills.

Despite the weather, the winter months provide a surprisingly wide range of fun and exciting outdoor learning opportunities for your children. Here are six suggestions of activities to encourage them outside:

1.

Fly a kite

What better way to spend a breezy, sunny winter’s day than flying a kite.

You could even get creative and have a go at making your own. Encourage your child to run, jump and chase their kite to keep them active.

Try these toys for size:

1.

Paper Planes

Learn to make 10 different paper planes then fly them in the park! From 7 years; £4.99, from www.galttoys.com and toy shops.

2. Tricycle

Provides plenty of fun for the youngest children whilst developing their motor skills. £69.99; manufactured for Galt by Winther. www.galttoys.com

2. Have a nature walk adventure

Organise a treasure hunt or get children to find and collect a list of objects. Feathers, leaves, fir cones, acorns and animal foot prints are great things for children to look for. 1926 Wooden Flooring has created a downloadable game for kids on their website called ‘Park Adventurers’ (www.1926woodflooring.co.uk/acatalog/park-adventurers.html). It’s designed to encourage children to explore their local park or natural play space while learning about natural habitats, British wildlife, litter and plants all at the same time. It’s packed with fun activities and natural trivia, and best of all it’s free!

3. Try leaf rubbing

Children can create their very own autumn inspired artwork by leaf rubbing. Simply take a large leaf and place on a hard surface. Put a piece of plain paper over the leaf and gently rub over it with a crayon and the leaf pattern will appear on the page. You can have hours of fun by experimenting with different types of leaves and coloured crayons.

4. Get wet!

Allowing children to play with water is not only fun, it can also teach basic science.

Encourage your child to throw different objects (sticks, stones, leaves etc) – get them to guess if they will float or sink.

Teach them to skim.

3. Happy Hopperz

Hours of indoor fun on the crazy Blue Bull!

Suitable from 12 months; £24.99. www.kiddicare.com

4. The Beano Chopper

Covered front-to-back in classic Beano imagery and features black and red grips, seat and back pads – just how Dennis and the gang would want it. £300, from Raleigh stockists.

5. Make walks fun

Turn boring walks into fun. Cycle, climb trees, sing, play simple games such as eye spy, tag and hide and seek or build simple dens with fallen branches, moss and leaves. Check our website for local days out: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

6. Blow bubbles

It’s easy to make your own bubble potion. All you need is water, washing up liquid and a dash of sugar to thicken the mixture. Using coat hangers and pipe cleaners you can easily make your own bubble blowers and create bubbles in all different shapes and sizes.

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

5. Multi Sports Set

Set contains kit to play cricket, football, rounders/baseball, frisbee and beach tennis so there is something here for all tastes, skills and weather conditions! £60. www.thegreatgiftcompany.com

6. Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike

To quickly learn to get the balance, a must-have for any child from three years; £34.99. www.kiddicare.com

ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…

compiled by Allison Thomas

Here at Families we’ve got over 50 children between us, so we’ve got together to make a list of the books and toys that our children have really loved and played with to help you get a winning present this year.

Every bookcase should have one!

Our top books for every age

Babies and toddlers: The Usborne That’s Not My… series; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Dear Zoo; The Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business; & Spot and Maisy flap books.

Pre-school: Anything by Julia Donaldson; The Tiger Who Came To Tea; I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato; Each Peach Pear Plum; That Rabbit Belongs To Emily Brown; & Harry And His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs.

5 to 8 years: Anything by Roald Dahl & Michael Morpurgo; The Faraway Tree; Daisy And The Trouble With Christmas; Ratburger; Dr Proctor’s Fart Powder; & the Spy Dog series.

9 to 11 years: Harry Potter, all of them; Northern Lights; Skulduggery Pleasant; The Ingo Chronicles; Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief; Alex Rider series; The Secret of Platform 13; & The Hobbit.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

• • • • • • •

Games we all love

Orchard Toys board games like Tell the Time, Bus Stop, and Tummy Ache Snakes and Ladders Tiddlywinks Guess Who? Junior or adult Monopoly Connect 4 Uno

For children of about 7 or 8 and over: Why not try Rummikub – a little bit like Scrabble but with numbers? It’s for dyslexic children but not a specific SEN game.

For 10+ yrs: How about Cluedo? Or Balderdash, in which you are given obscure words and if you guess the real definition you get points.

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CHRISTMAS BOOK REVIEWS

Christmas Books... reviewed by Jan Deykin The Smelly Sprout

by Allan Plenderleith Published by Ravette Publishing RRP £5.99 (hardback) ISBN 978-18-4161-322-2

The Winter Sleepwalker And Other Stories

by Joan Aiken, illustrated by Quentin Blake Published by Jonathan Cape RRP £12.99 (hardback) ISBN 978-08-5755-048-4 A fabulous collection of eight stories in the fairy tale tradition with modern twists and satisfying endings. We relished the nasty witch in Blazing Shadows reaping her well-deserved fate and the treacherous village folk in Furious Hill who would surely pay for their actions. Add in for good measure some missing mothers, metamorphosis into a snake, plenty of royalty and a sleepwalking bear and the result is a well rounded collection of intriguing stories perfect to curl up with during the long winter evenings. A great book to share for 9–11 year olds.

Families Rating: 6 out of 6 The Tomten

by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Harald Wiberg Published by Floris Books RRP £10.99 (hardback) ISBN 978-08-6315-153-8 While everyone sleeps through the deep winter snow, the mysterious Tomten silently checks on the animals in the farm, reassuring them in a ‘silent little language’ of the summers to come. The people have only ever seen the small footprints he leaves in the snow. Adapted from a poem by Viktor Rydberg, Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren writes evocatively of long cold winters and the benevolent guardianship of the Tomten. A lovely, feelgood picture book with traditionally styled illustrations that show the Tomten as a genial gnome-like figure. Delightful!

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

A poor little sprout is abandoned on Christmas Day. First he isn’t wanted for the Christmas dinner and is thrown into the snow. Next a Christmas tree rejects him, then even a noseless snowman doesn’t want him. Will he ever find a warm welcoming home? This little picture book is very funny and you can’t help feeling sorry for the little sprout they all call Smelly. Perfect for popping into a stocking, whether you like sprouts or not; also look out for The Christmas Carrot with the opposite problem!

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Silver Bells & Cockle Shells – Illustrated Classic Nursery Rhymes Illustrated by Henriette Willebeek Le Maire Published by Floris Books RRP £12.99 (hardback) ISBN 978-17-8250-005-6 Ever started singing your children their favourite nursery rhyme but then ended up humming it because you don’t remember the words?

This beautiful vintage book should help! The watercolour illustrations are graceful and elegant and each complements the rhyme perfectly. With 30 full-version classic nursery rhymes including all-time favourites such as Jack and Jill as well as other not-so-common ones, this book is a perfect gift for a baby or young child.

(Reviewed by Shaheen Merali) Families Rating: 4 out of 6

Christmas Stories by Michael Morpurgo Published by Egmont RRP £9.99 (paperback) ISBN 978-14-0526-895-0 Four beautifully told Christmas stories from Morpurgo, vividly brought to life by award-winning illustrators. Charlie loves the farm but doesn’t want Gertrude the Goose to be his Christmas lunch. Next we are plunged into the world of a desperately sad princess who needs a miracle. Third is a poignant re-imagining of a Christmas in the First World War trenches and finally a retelling of Jesus’s birth from a young shepherd’s perspective complete with empathetic Angel Gabriel. Perfect as a gift and sure to be brought out every year to read aloud.

Families Rating: 6 out of 6

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON: WHERE’S SANTA? WHERE TO FIND SANTA THIS CHRISTMAS

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or if we got it wrong.

Please send events to be listed to: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

SANTA’S GROTTO Every weekend from 16 November until 7 December; thereafter daily until Christmas Eve; various times.

Frosts Garden Centre, Willington, Bedford Child £8.99; adult £3.49. www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE MILL 23–24 November, 10.30am–5pm Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold The mill will be transformed into a festive wonderland. Visit Santa in his grotto and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies in the tea room.

Free event. www.stotfoldmill.com CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 30 November, 12noon–3pm Southill Lower School, School Lane, Southill, nr Biggleswade Santa’s Grotto (gift and photo taken), children’s stalls, craft activity, raffle and more. Free.

New stallholders contact Karen May on playlemay@yahoo.co.uk or tel: 07957 539594.

MARSTON VALE

CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 30 November, 2–4pm Flitwick Lower School Hall, Temple Way, Flitwick Children’s games, raffle, craft, stall holders, refreshments, and Father Christmas in his Grotto.

More info, tel: 01525 715740.

CHRISTMAS KINGDOM 30 November–23 December & 27–31 December Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington Board the Reindeer Express, walk through the Enchanted Snowflake Forest. Once you land, you'll begin your adventure! Experience the wonder of the Elves’ Miniature Christmas Village, meet Santa in his Grotto. See real reindeer & more. Visit the Elves' Workshop.

Plus, NativityCam at: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk.

Tel: 01525 852954.

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS 1–24 December, from 9.30am Thurleigh Farm Centre, Cross End, Thurleigh All inclusive entrance. www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk

SANTA SPECIALS 1, 4, 7–8, 11, 14–15, 18 & 21–23 December NEW YEAR CHEER 28–29 December Leighton Buzzard Railway, Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard Trains depart: 10.40am, 11.20am, 12noon, 12.40pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm.

To book, tel: 01525 373888 (10am–12noon); or visit the booking office at Page’s Park station during train operating times; or online at www.buzzrail.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS CRACKER Saturday 14 December, 10am–4pm Priory House Dunstable Santa’s Grotto, make crafts and enjoy the Craft Fayre.

SANTA’S GROTTO & CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Sundays 8 & 15 December SANTA’S GROTTO Sunday 22 December Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Bazaar, free seasonal tasting, mince pies and mulled wine, seasonal craft and local produce stalls, plus Santa’s magical grotto (small charge).

More info, tel: 01582 500925. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunstabledowns CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 14 December, 2.30–4pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Disco, party games, meet Santa and get a present. £10 includes kid’s lunchbox and drink.

To book, tel: 01234 762613. www.marstonvale.org

SANTA SPECIAL Saturday 14 December, 10am–3pm Six trains will run on the BedfordBletchley line. On the train there will be Santa's Grotto, face painting, balloon modeller.

Normal train fares apply.

Craft activities at the Ridgmont Station Centre.

Book in advance from Bedford Tourist Information Centre. www.bedsrcc.org.uk WINTER WONDERLAND LUTON CHILDREN CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 14 December, 2–6pm Luton Co-op and Social Club, 48 Stockingstone Road, Luton Wide range of party games, fun galore, entertainment, disco, food, drink and special visit to Santa’s grotto.

Free parking.

Admission: £5.

To volunteer, email: kidsandglam@glamevents.co.uk

WINTER WONDERLAND Saturday 7 December, 11am–4pm Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick Entry includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto, festive story telling & entrance to mini-disco!

Children £3.50; adults free.

More info, tel: 01525 631900.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 7–8 December, 10am–5pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Gifts, fairground, festive plants and trees, Christmas food, meet Santa. Free entry. www.marstonvale.org

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WHAT’S ON: NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

HALLOWEEN STORYTIME Friday 1 November, 9.30–10am Shefford Library Spooky Halloween stories for the under fives.

JEWELLERY MAKING Friday 1 November, 10am–4pm Sandy Library Create jewellery using the sparkly free materials provided.

FUN, FACTS AND CRAFT: SNAKES AND ADDERS Friday 1 November at 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Find out about British snakes and make your own ‘Snakes and Adders’ game.

For children aged 4–10 years. £2.50 per child.

To book, call: 01234 767037 or anna.charles@marstonvale.org.

THE BIG DRAW: THE INCREDIBLE IDEAS GENERATOR Friday 1 November, 11am–4pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford Draw Tomorrow is the theme of Big Draw 2013. There will be drawing tomorrow with Professor Crackpot and his time-travelling friends. £2 per participant. Drop in. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

TODDLER TIME Friday 1 November, 11am Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5. All children must be supervised by a parent or carer. £3.

To book, call 01582 546722.

THE MONKEY AND CROCODILE Friday 1 November, 10am & 11.30am Wardown Park Museum,

Old Bedford Road, Luton or The Hat Factory, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton (weather dependent).

Features aerial circus, acrobatics, juggling, skateboarding, live music and over 100 apples! £3; £1 under 18s.

AUTUMN CRAFTS Saturday 2 November, 11am–12noon Kempston Library CREEPY HALLOWEEN CRAFT MORNING Saturday 2 November, 9.30am–1pm Barton Library KEECH MAKERS MARKET 2–3 November, 10am–4pm Barnfield College, New Bedford Road Campus, Luton Handmade arts and crafts.

Adults £2; concessions £1.50; children under 14 free. www.keech.org.uk

MARKING THE BOUNDARIES WALK Sunday 3 November, 10.30am Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre and Whipsnade Estate Ranger-led walk. Tickets £2.

For more info, tel: 01582 500925.

KEECH MAKERS MARKET

NOVEMBER

BABY TIME Monday 4 November, 11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Sensory play for ages 0–2.

All children must be supervised by a parent or carer. £3.

To book, call: 01582 548600.

CHRISTMAS CARD MAKING Monday 4 November, 10am–4pm Sandy Library

BOOKSTART BEAR IS COMING! Stories for the under 5s and a chance to meet Bookstart Bear.

Tuesday 5 November, 10.30–11am Sandy Library Tuesday 5 November, 2.15–3pm Barton Library Thursday 7 November, 10am & 11am Shefford Library Friday 8 November, 9.30–10.15am Houghton Regis Library Friday 8 November, 2.15–2.45pm Stotfold Library Saturday 9 November, 10–10.30am Biggleswade Library Monday 11 November, 2.30–3pm Ampthill Library Tuesday 12 November, 2.15–2.45pm Leighton Buzzard Library Wednesday 13 November, 10.45–11.30am Dunstable Library Thursday 14 November, 11–11.30am Toddington Library Thursday 14 November, 2.30–3pm Flitwick Library CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE & JOHN BUNYAN MUSEUM OPEN DAY Saturday 9 November, 10am–3pm Bunyan Meeting Church & John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Craft stalls, charity stalls, children’s activities and more. Discover the story of John Bunyan in the Museum.

Admission £1 with free cup of tea or coffee, children under 14 free.

TODDLER TIME Friday 15 November, 11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5. All children must be supervised by a parent or carer. £3.

To book, call: 01582 548600.

DINOSAUR FUNTIME Saturday 16 November, 11am Bromham Library Dinosaur stories and crafts.

Book at library.

ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS Saturday 16 November, 11am–12noon Kempston Library Fabulous free aliens and underpants themed fun!

BEDFORD CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 16 November, 10am–4.30pm Erskine May Hall, Bedford School, Bedford Gifts for all the family.

Tickets £3.50 on the door.

ST JOHN’S HOSPICE BLACK TIE & TIARA BALL Saturday 16 November, 7pm–1am Park Inn, 2 St Mary’s Street, Bedford Tickets £50 per person.

Tel: 01767 642422 or email: jessica.wilson@sueryder.org.

VOCES8 WORKSHOP Sunday 17 November, from 10am (workshop); concert 4.30pm Beechwood Park School, Markyate Workshop held byVOCES8, international award-winning octet at the forefront of British acapella. £35 per person includes lunch and refreshments. Adult ticket for concert only £10; children free.

More info, tel: Louise Peck on 01582 840333 (ext 4) or email: l.peck@beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk ICE SKATING from Monday 18 November Frosts Garden Centre, Willington, Bedford Adult, child and toddler sessions available!

Check website for various prices, times & sessions: www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk

DR WHO STORY MORNING Saturday 23 November, 11am Barton Library Dr Who stories and activities to mark the 50th anniversary.

CHRISTMAS FAIR 23–24 November, 10am–4pm RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Cost: £1 per car.

More info, tel: 01767 680541.

TREE WEEK WALK Sunday 23 November, 11am & Sunday 30 November, 11am Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre and Whipsnade Estate Two hour stroll with the Countryside Rangers to celebrate National Tree week. Tickets £2.

More info, tel: 01582 500925.

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

PURE HEART FASHION SHOW Friday 29 November, 7pm Oakley Village Hall Ladies designer & children’s clothing.

Tickets: £5, includes goodie bag.

Raffle in aid of The Child Development Centre, Bedford.

For ticket & stall info, tel: Tabitha on 07957 580331 or email: tabitha_h_walker@yahoo.co.uk.

AGA WINTER WONDERLAND Saturday 30 November, 11am–4pm The AGA Shop, Vale Farm, Woburn Road (A421) nr Lidlington A festive Winter Market featuring Xmas delights from local craftspeople.

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN TRAIL 30 November–1 December; 7–8; 14–15; & 21–22 December, 11am–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton Help to solve a festive mystery! Bring along the whole family to crack the clues and earn your prize.

Price: (includes entry to event, house & grounds) adult £8.80; child £5.30; concession £7.90; family £22.90; members free.

Tel: 01525 860000. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark HANDMADE CHRISTMAS Saturday 30 November, 10.30am–3pm Ground Floor Coffee Shop, King’s House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford Arts, crafts and vintage market.

HARROLD PRE:SCHOOL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday 30 November, 2–4pm Harrold Centre, High Street, Harrold Tombola, raffle, hook a duck, face painting, glitter tattoos and more!

Adults 50p; children free.

More info, email: harroldpreschoolfundraising@gmx.co.uk.

BEDFORD CHRISTMAS FAIR 13–15 December Harpur Square, Midland Road and Harpur Suite, Bedford The 21st Bedford Christmas Fair.

DECEMBER

TREE PLANTING Sunday 1 December, 11am–3pm Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Plant some trees in the Forest of Marston Vale. Free bus to the planting site. Trees, tools, tea provided.

More info, tel: 01234 762607 (Tues or Weds) or email: guy.lambourne@marstonvale.org.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Sunday 1 December Sandy Market Square

BAWDEN’S CHRISTMAS Thursday 5 December, 6.30–9.30pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford Join a Christmas celebration dusted with Bawden’s imaginative festive magic.

Free entry, though some activities will be charged for. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

CHRISTMAS TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION AND CAROL SERVICE Friday 6 December, from 7pm Ashton Square, Dunstable This traditional annual event marks the start of the Christmas season in Dunstable!

BEDFORD SCHOOL CHAPEL IN THE SNOW

COMMUNITY HEDGE PLANTING DAY Sunday 24 November, sessions start at 10am & 1.30pm Blows Downs Nature Reserve, Dunstable Meet at The Paddocks entrance at the end of Half Moon Lane.

Find out what’s going on at your local nature reserve; meet the team and help plant a wildlife corridor. Free.

To book, tel: Ruth Sneath on 01525 874317 or email: ruth.sneath@wildlifebcn.org.

WHAT’S ON: NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Sunday 8 December, 11am–5pm Castle Lane, Bedford Stalls, events & Christmas lights!

CAROL CONCERT Tuesday 10 December, 7.30pm Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton Carols in the Library at Wrest Park.

Price: (includes entry to event only) adult £15; members £10. Includes a glass of wine or soft drink.

For tickets, tel: 0870 333 1183.

More info, tel: 01525 860000. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark

TODDLER TIME Friday 20 December, 11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5. All children must be supervised by a parent or carer. £3.

To book, call: 01582 548600.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Saturday 21 December, 10.30–11.30am Shefford Library

FAMILY FUN NIGHT Sunday 22 December, 5–8pm Frosts Garden Centre, Willington, Bedford Ice skating, entertainment & food. www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk ENGINEERING OPEN WEEKEND 28–29 December Shuttleworth Collection Meet the engineers Adults: £12; children free. www.shuttleworth.org

CAROL SERVICE Friday 6 December, 6.30pm & Sunday 8 December, 6.30pm Bedford School Chapel, Bedford School, Bedford All welcome. www.bedfordschool.org.uk

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARD MORNING Saturday 7 December, 9.30am–1pm Barton Library Create your own fabulous Christmas cards.

CHRISTMAS STORY TIME Saturday 7 December, 11am Kempston Library Christmas stories to get you into the festive spirit.

CHRISTMAS FAIR 7–8 December, 11am–3pm Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath & Reach Buy a Xmas Tree from the Greensand Trust and Christmas gifts from local suppliers and crafts people.

Admission is free. £2 charge per vehicle to exit.

More info, tel: 01525 234260.

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WHAT’S ON: CHRISTMAS SHOWS PANTOMIMES & CHRISTMAS SHOWS

GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES

BY THE PANTALOONS Saturday 16 November, 2.30pm The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford All ages. www.theplacebedford.org.uk THE CANTERBURY TALES

BY THE PANTALOONS Saturday 16 November, 7.30pm The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford All ages. www.theplacebedford.org.uk GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA @ CAPTAIN BLOOD’S REVENGE @ A PIRATE OPERA Wednesday 20 November, 1pm

The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford For children aged 3 years and up. www.theplacebedford.org.uk

CAPTAIN BLOOD, PHOTO © DAVID ILLMAN

BLAST OFF! A KID CARPET PRODUCTION Friday 15 November, 3.45pm & 6pm The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford For children aged 4 plus. www.theplacebedford.org.uk

The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes Aimed at primary school years 3–4 (ages 8-9).

Box office: 01908 280800. www.stables.org THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF... AND OTHER FURRY TALES BY THE THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS Tuesday 26 & Thursday 28 November, 4.30pm

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS 6 December 2013– 12 January 2014 Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes Box office: 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies). www.atgtickets.com/venues/ milton-keynes-theatre DICK WHITTINGTON 13 December 2013– 5 January 2014 Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable More info, tel: 01582 602080 or www.dunstablepanto.com BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 14–24 December Luton Library Theatre, Bridge Street, Luton

Box office: 01582 547474. www.lutonculture.com/lutonlibrary-theatre ALICE IN WONDERLAND WITH THE PROTEUS THEATRE COMPANY 18 December 2013– 4 January 2014 The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes For children aged 5 plus.

More info, tel: 01908 280800 or www.stables.org PUSS IN BOOTS 28 December 2013– 3 January 2014 Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford www.bedfordpanto.info SLEEPING BEAUTY 6–8 & 13–14 December, various times Tads Theatre Company, Conger Lane, Toddington Tel: 07952 633234 or email: boxoffice@tadstheatre.org