Families Bedfordshire Nov-Dec 2012

F R

E

E

Bedfordshire

Nov–Dec 2012

LAUNCH ISSUE

What’s on at Christmas

Local panto guide

How to learn times tables

CONTENTS

Bedfordshire EDITOR’S WELCOME

Hello there and a very warm welcome to the first issue of Families Bedfordshire magazine. We’re new to Bedfordshire, but part of the wider Families group. We’ll be appearing once every two months in a place near you.

In this issue we are welcoming in the Christmas season, and we have lots of ideas about places to go to see and do things, including pantomimes, in our ‘What’s On’ section. And our fabulous gift guide should provide a good starting point for ideas for presents for the kids.

For those of you who may be seeking out an ‘alternative’ Christmas this year, for whatever reason, then we have some suggestions about where to go and what to do.

Finally, we’ll be taking a regular look at education, health, child care – and pretty much anything that impacts upon family life – so if you have any suggestions or ideas about what you'd like to see in the magazine, please do get in touch with me at: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

News, Reviews & Information 3

Education: How to learn 6 the times tables Education News 7

Health: The truth about sugar 8 in our children’s diet Holidays 9

Alternative Christmas – feature 10 Christmas Gift Guide 12

What’s On: 14 in November and December

What’s On: 16 Our guide to pantomimes

Best wishes,

Judith

P.S. Our next issue will focus on pre-preps, nursery and nursery schools, travel and February half-term activities.

Copy deadline is Friday 7 December.

Available from Monday 7 January 2013.

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: (p2) House of Fraser/PRshots; (p5) Brain Tumour Research/ Coppleston Primary School; (p6) Sainsbury’s TU/PRshots; (p7) Explore Learning, Heatons/PRshots; (p10) Aliye Mullen Photography; (p11) Nick Daley: Stourhead, National Trust, © Mauricio Jordan De Souza Coelho/Dreamstime.com; (p14) thecentremk.com, Leighton Buzzard Railway, www.giftshop.bhf.org.uk/PRshots.

Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 8484440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

Distribution: We are printing 12,000 copies which will be distributed to selected points in Bedfordshire. For further distribution information please contact editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers & distributers cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original material submitted for publication is sent at owner’s risk and neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

2

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

BOOK REVIEWS & NEWS

The LEGO® Ideas Book

by Daniel Lipkowitz Published by Dorling Kindersley Publishing RRP £16.99 Hardback ISBN 9781405350679

With over 500 models and ideas, this book is a Christmas must for all Lego fans! It’s a visual treasury of building ideas with lots of tips and tricks to inspire your own creations. Children can quite easily build from the clear and colourful pictures – it’s a great way of re-using all those Lego bricks in the house.

The book is divided into six sections Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Town and Country (buildings and bridges); Out of This World (space ships, robots and aliens); In Days of Old (castles, dragons and catapults); A World of Adventure (pirates, Vikings and wild animals); Make and Keep (useful pieces like desk tidies, mini-figure displays, picture frames and board games).

Families Rating: 6 out of 6 Reviewed by Louise Turner

Mac’s Christmas Star

by Margaret Forrester, illustrated by Sandra Klaassen Published by Floris Books RRP £5.99 Paperback ISBN 978 086315 842 1

Who hasn’t been tempted to open a Christmas present early? Catriona didn’t mean to but, following Mac the cat into her parent’s room, she couldn’t resist peeking into a box and trying on the sparkly ring she found. In the chaos of Christmas tree decorating though, she loses it. Now what will she do?

Meanwhile, Mac has his eye on that tree…

A beautifully illustrated picture book that captures the atmosphere of a real Christmas: excitement, secrets, tinsel and just a little stress! A lovely new Christmas story for younger children.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reviewed by Jan Deykin

Peter’s Railway Reader Offer

Every Families Magazine reader can now get a free Peter's Railway book with every book purchased via the Peter's Railway website.

For any child that just can’t get enough of train stories these books are a must, full of exciting adventures, escapades on the railways, making of a real locomotive and some hair raising tales from the olden days.

Simply go to www.petersrailway.com and enter the online bookshop, click the book you would like to buy and in the personalised dedication box type ‘FAMDEC’ and any dedication you would like. Your chosen book and a FREE book from the series will be sent to all readers via the website until the end of this year.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

The Story of the Snow Children

by Sibylle von Olfers Published by Floris Books RRP £10.99 Hardback ISBN 978-086315-909-1

This reissue of a German fairytale from 1905 is a beautiful little book with gorgeous Mabel Lucie Atwell style illustrations. It contains everything you need in a Christmas story: ice castles, fairy-children and snowmen waiters.

In the tale Poppy is whisked away to the Snow Queen’s palace for a feast and returns home on a sleigh pulled by polar bears. It’s a simple, familiar story, but told in that rather dated fairytale language it does take time to read, and three year olds may struggle to concentrate. If so, the magical illustrations tell the story perfectly well without the text.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reviewed by Sarah Naughton

‘PIG has taken over my brain’

So says Bedford children’s author and former teacher, Barbara Catchpole, who earlier this year published her Peter Ian Green (‘PIG’ for short) books. All Peter’s friends call him PIG; even his teachers. He is a boy for our time: aged 12, with sticky-out ears and bright red hair, he lives with his single mum. But as PIG says, she looks more like a double mum or even a treble mum. Barbara says she ‘tried to make it really funny’ and that ‘plain language, using unusual words’ was important.

The books are aimed at readers aged 9–12 but will also be of interest to the 7+ age group, particularly with titles like ‘PIG and the Long Fart’! They are published by Ransom Publishing and are available on Amazon.

Bedfordshire

3

NEWS & INFORMATION Big Bucket Collection 2012 comes to Bedfordshire

On safari... in Woburn

CLIC Sargent’s Big Bucket Collection, which is held every December as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is coming to Bedfordshire with 13 collections taking place across the county.

The collection raises valuable funds to help the charity provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to children and young people with cancer, and their families by aiming to raise £200,000.

On Friday 7 and Saturday 8 December, LIDL Kempston, Bedford (MK42 8PX) will hold a collection and the charity are now looking for volunteers who are able to donate a few hours to support a collection. If you could give a little time with friends, family or

colleagues to help out on the day and have a bit of fun interacting with the local community, then they’d love to hear from you.

Grandmas are doin’ it for themselves!

RSPCA launches Wild About Britain story competition

Sign-up by phoning 0845 121 2495, or at: www.clicsargent.org.uk/bigbucketcollection

The RSPCA has launched its Wild About Britain story competition, backed up by research that shows in the south east and east of England, 23% of people chose foxes as the wild mammal they saw as most British, while 19% opted for the badger and 17% for the hedgehog.

Songwriter, singer and Riseley-based artist and grandmother of one, Juliet Lawson has done and seen it all. With two new EP albums coming out at the end of November, it is 37 years since her cult hit album ‘Boo’ was first released. ‘I've never stopped writing,’ she says, and confirms that ‘my ideas are absolutely flowing’.

Her eclectic career also includes writing the music for 1980’s children’s TV programme ‘Chips Comic’, and she is one of the artists in resident at Bedford’s Eagle Gallery.

Juliet continues to play live, with a gig at London’s Rosemary Branch Theatre coming up on Sunday 11 November. Meanwhile, she says she’s ‘got to give it one more go’, as she prepares to release her new songs.

Available from the end of November at www.julietlawson.com or on Amazon for £4.99.

4

Bedfordshire

The competition opened on Friday 26 October and will close on Monday 10 December with two categories: for 11 years and under; and for 12–16 year olds. The story must feature an animal or animals from British wildlife and be 500 words long. www.rspca.org.uk/ getinvolved/theden/britishwildlife

My family and I had never been to Woburn Safari Park – until earlier this year. Set in gently rolling Bedfordshire countryside with big blue skies (well, it was late summer) to boot, it was the road safari that we headed down first.

We were able to drive (windows shut, of course) past some beautiful but impressive ‘wild’ animals who live at Woburn. My fouryear old son was suitably impressed. ‘Look at the horns on that rhino!’ was his reaction to cruising past rhinos who were as leathery as they were large. In the gated area we were faced with an amur tiger – the largest in the world, who are found in China and North Korea. They were very beautiful creatures and we were all extremely excited and slightly scared to be so close.

The monkeys who came to sit on visitors’ cars provided a very entertaining distraction – and they were closely watched by the Rangers who patrolled the park.

But a parade of giraffes was the most beautiful and impressive sight of all. After an hour and a half, we headed off for our picnic where my son was able to let off a bit of steam in the play area. The afternoon continued with a ride on the very popular swan pedaloes on a small lake, the Woburn train and Birds In Action demonstration – which were all included in the entry price.

From 6 November open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.

Open daily for Holidays 27 December to 7 January.

10am – 3pm (last entry) closing at 4pm www.woburn.co.uk

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION Win tickets to SantaLand at Mead Open Farm!

Families Bedfordshire has got eight sets of tickets to give away admitting two adults and two children to SantaLand which opens at Mead Open Farm (www.meadopenfarm.co.uk) on 24 November, where you’ll get the chance to meet Santa, his cheeky elves and more!

Running until 23 December, Santa will be taking up residence daily in his grotto and giving out special ‘Golden Tickets’, exchangeable for a toy in his well-stocked Toy Shop. There is also an animated reindeer ride to Lapland and back on the ‘Lapland Express’, the walk through Winter Wonderland, writing to Santa in the Elves Workshed and for little explorers, ‘Frosty’s Trail’ with treats to win. Plus, new for 2012, and with a little help from Mead Open

Farm’s new real Reindeer, you can watch the ReindeerCam live on the website!

To win tickets to SantaLand at Mead Open Farm, all you have to do is answer the question below and send your answer, together with your name, address and daytime phone number by Monday 3 December 2012 to: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

What will Santa give to exchange in his Toy Shop for a gift? a) Bronze Voucher b) Silver Badge c) Golden Ticket

Show your support for Brain Tumour Research There are lots of ways to support Brain Tumour Research this year and next (www.braintumourresearch.org). You can buy Christmas cards which start from £3 for a pack or 10, or prepare to take part in ‘Wear A Hat Day’ on Thursday 28 March 2013.

The event is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer. It’s a day every year where people are asked to wear a hat to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. A day when people are encouraged to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home.

From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: ‘Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on 28 March 2013.’

Register your interest today by emailing: sarah@braintumourresearch.org.

Win a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas!

New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O.Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJs that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays. FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O.Pyret stores.

For your chance to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10th of December: Terms and conditions apply.

Winner will be notified via email on 11 December.

Nearest stores in London or Cambridge: www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Protect yourself & your loved ones affordably Get peace of mind & enjoy life

for a friendly chat call 01923 682222

Jigsaw Independent Financial Advice Ltd 119 Oakwood Road, Bricket Wood St Albans, Herts, AL2 3QB Bedfordshire

5

EDUCATION

L

How to learn the times tables

by Elisabeth Dolton

earning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths. With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12x12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents’ help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques should help you make major progress.

Start with explaining the concept If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 x 2. Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers: 6 x 4 means 6 added together four times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6).

▲▲▲ + ▲▲▲ + ▲▲▲ = 3 x 3 Create a number line from 0 to 100. Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

Show them the tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end, e.g. 10 x 5 = 50. They are all listed on www.mathsisfun.com/tables.html.

Further ways to help them memorise Your aim now is to recite memorised facts quickly and in any order.

If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back. Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts.

Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples – 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. – and also as sentences – 1 × 5 = 5, 2 × 5 = 10, etc. Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes, ‘He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is 64’.

For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions. Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ – knock your fists twice on the floor, then put out the number of fingers of a times tables. The winner is the first to say the answer.

Games to reinforce multiplication facts After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly. Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games.

There are a whole host of multiplication computer games – multiplication.com, Learn-timestables.com, themathsfactor.com, mathsisfun.com, maths-games.org, and computer apps such as Squeebles, Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout. Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com, EnchantedLearning.com or math.about.com.

6

Bedfordshire

Keep it fun!

Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important – go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together. Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them!

Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling. There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months. That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall – their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

EDUCATION NEWS The demise of the GCSE

by Joanna Parry

Education Secretary Michael Gove is to replace the existing GCSE exam system with new, tougher qualifications in a major overhaul of the exam system. The new English baccalaureate – the EBacc – will replace GCSEs with single, more difficult examinations in the biggest change in the system for over 25 years. The new exams are likely to do away with the existing continuous assessment modules, will reintroduce the traditional three-hour examinations and restrict the number of top grades awarded. In fact, one of the key aims is to remove starred grades entirely and make sure that far fewer pupils win the top grades compared with the three in 10 pupils who currently receive As and A-stars. Teenagers will also be prevented from re-sitting individual modules and will have to re-take the entire exam if they want to improve their grades. The government insists that these changes will end ‘grade inflation and dumbing down’ and comes after both Coalition parties have shown themselves keen to see the introduction of more rigorous teaching and exams in key subjects. However they are not scheduled for introduction until September 2018.

Is your school ready?

This autumn Ofsted has issued new guidelines in regards to e-safety provisions in schools. From now on Ofsted will be concerned about how each school protects and educates its staff and students in their use of technology, plus ensuring there is support in place should any issues arise. Although many schools might already have existing policies in place, others will need to revise their priorities to include this immediately. E-safety is constantly changing but by empowering both students and teachers with enough know-how to identify online risks, we can make sure children, even at an early age, can protect themselves from abuse, cyberbullying and other internet threats throughout their school life and into adulthood.

Stop the bullies

Find out more about Anti-Bullying Week, which takes place 19-23 November this year with the theme ‘We’re better without bullying’. See www.antibullyingweek.co.uk for details of anti-bullying resources, workshops and roadshows, as well as the AntiBullying Week competition where you can win £100’s worth of prizes for you and your school.

Help your child get off to a flying start!

School Open Day

Bedford Modern’s School Open Day takes place on Saturday 17 November 2012 with tours between 10am – 12 noon and 1 – 3pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to see the School at its most open and hear talks by the Headmaster and the Head of the Junior School. Take a guided tour led by current pupils, then join other prospective parents for light refreshments and the chance to ask questions of key academic staff and current pupils.

More information: www.bedmod.co.uk.

Tel: 01234 332500

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Research has found that at least two thirds of children fall behind in their studies over the summer holidays. This large gap in studying can leave a child feeling insecure in their ability, which in turn can lead to a lack of confidence.

While the new academic year has already begun, it is still an ideal time to seek extra support. Explore Learning is a network of maths and English tuition centres for children aged 5 to 14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning. With 63 centres located nationwide, they are the perfect way to help your child get off to a flying start in the new term.

Bedford centre: 01234 365905.

Bedfordshire

7

HEALTH Addictive, unwholesome and everywhere: The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet

S

by Elisabeth Dolton

o you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice. Thinking this is a good start to the day, you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar. This scenario is common across many families. Over the past ten years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains more sugar than their bodies can cope with.

A silent revolution

Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucosefructose syrup, produced from surplus corn, started in the 70s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a ‘just baked’ sheen on bread and cakes, makes everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to years. At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste.

Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet. As a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

Unavoidable

UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten year olds. Added sugar is now found in almost all processed foods and not just obviously sweet foods – glucose-fructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing and sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

Increasing addiction

Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought. Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

The dangers

‘Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,’ says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, ‘is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness striped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.’ She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other auto-immune deficiencies. Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a 50% drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet. Excess sugar rots teeth and let’s not forget, poor memory, low moods and depression all have been linked to the overconsumption of sugar. The recognisable ‘sugar high’ you get after

8

Bedfordshire

eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary.

After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness. Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

So, as we scratch our heads on how to get our kids to eating less sweets and exercising more, perhaps we also need to start looking more closely at what are putting on their plates at meal and snack times.

Reducing added sugar in your family’s diet •

Remember natural sugars are good – soak apricots, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods.

•

Ensure every meal includes protein. Have meat, fish, vegetable or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything for the body to function properly.

•

Eat from scratch. Eat real food not processed food – porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day.

•

Make your own pasta sauce, stuffed with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens.) Make a large batch then freeze on small portions.

•

Make smoothies using a hand blender and a jug. Add in a vegetable or fruit, e.g. avocado and strawberry. Cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand.

•

Children eat what is there. Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, and instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables or Whole Earth peanut butter.

HOW TO SPOT A HIGH SUGAR FOOD?

Look for ‘total sugars’ on the label which include natural and added sugar.

A food with less than 5g ‘total sugars’ per 100g is classified as low, more than 15g per 100g is high Check out these products...

Volvic Touch of Fruit Lemon and Lime, 1.5l McDonald’s milkshake Orangina 500ml Tesco Pure Orange Juice Smooth, 250ml Dolmio Bolognese sauce, 500g Walls soft scoop vanilla ice cream, 200ml Serving of Kellogg’s Frosties Two McVities Jaffa Cakes Müller Light strawberry yoghurt, 175g

(Source: Dailymail.co.uk) – 16½ teaspoons of sugar – 16 teaspoons – 13 teaspoons – 6 teaspoons – 6 teaspoons – 4½ teaspoons – 4 teaspoons – 3 teaspoons – 2½ teaspoons

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

HOLIDAYS Top tips for family skiing holidays

Paul and Francesca Ayres moved to Morzine 18 years ago, started a family ski company, Chilly Powder, and had three children. We asked them what were the most important things you should consider when taking your family on a ski holiday.

❉ Don’t rush to high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under the age of one to go up in high cable cars because of the air pressure. ❉ Finding a resort with an easy, short airport transfer will be a blessing! Also check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has the child car seats you’ll need. ❉ While your on your transfer vehicle from the airport to your holiday accommodation, try to sit as near to the front of the bus as possible – then there’s less chance of the windy roads making your children sick.

❉ It’s pointless wasting money on expensive ski clothes for your children – they’ll only outgrow them by next year!

❉ If your children are attending ski school or childcare, make sure you sew their names in to their clothes so they don’t get mixed up with others. ❉ If you’re taking a pushchair to use during your holiday, take one with large wheels. Standard chairs will be impossible to push in the snow but it might be that your holiday company has a stash of them for you to borrow. ❉ Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer. Take sun block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in!

www.chillypowder.com; phone: 020 7289 6958

Tying the knot abroad – with kids?

And if you are thinking of going abroad to tie the knot, then new research has found that 40% of those choosing a wedding overseas already have children, according to website www.Marryabroad.co.uk.

And the site’s wedding planners, based on both long and short haul destinations, typically found that over five years, they have seen on

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

average a 17% increase of couples with children or step-children, getting hitched. Joint Founder Steph Bishop perceives this trend, currently big in the wedding industry, to be especially suited to destination weddings – as couples often will combine their wedding with a family holiday.

Bedfordshire

9

CHRISTMAS Alternative Christmas by Joanna Parry

T

here are many reasons why some of us find Christmas difficult, whether it be the loss of a family member, loneliness or the memories associated with the season. With the shops shut and attractions closed, you can feel like a prisoner in your own home with only endless episodes of EastEnders for company. But whether you want to escape the festivities or are looking for a different way to spend Christmas this year, there are plenty of alternatives out there.

Get active and busy!

‘A friend of mine who was single one year volunteered to help at one of the Crisis at Christmas lunch centres,’ says Robina. ‘While we all admired her altruism, she said it was the best thing she’d ever done – rather than moping at home alone, she was helping other people, and came away appreciating what she did have, rather than what she didn’t.’ While some charities shut up shop for the Christmas period, others, particularly those supporting the homeless, elderly or sick, are extremely busy, and are looking for people with a range of skills and backgrounds to do a whole host of different things this Christmas.

Help out at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

Many shelters are set up especially for Christmas so they need extra volunteers to help give out clothing, look after luggage and perform cleaning and kitchen duties. Many also provide services such as hairdressing, dentistry and medical services so they need volunteers with these skills too. They even need musicians, magicians and entertainers! Crisis is one of the biggest homeless charities and over Christmas will need up to 8,000 volunteers nationwide.

Manning a helpline.

Helplines such as Samaritans and ChildLine can be a real lifeline at Christmas but they require volunteers to keep them running. Most involve a training programme before you start, so get in contact as early as possible.

Selling Christmas merchandise.

Cards and gifts are great sources of income for charities but they usually need extra help selling them. Volunteer at your local charity shop or offer to sell to friends and family. Alternatively, contact Card Aid, a charity that produces Christmas cards for about 300 different charities.

Throughout the UK there are around 30 Card Aid shops needing help over the festive period.

Collecting for Christmas.

Contact your favourite charity and offer to help with Christmas collections. You only need spare a few hours and there are no necessary skills to take part – just enthusiasm!

Be a DJ. Radio Lollipop provides entertainment and comfort for children in hospitals, which is especially important over Christmas. If you’re enthusiastic, positive and outgoing, why not try this?

Animal lover?

Crisis at Christmas not only provides support to homeless people but their dogs too. Dogs suffer equally from a life on the streets so if you’re an animal lover this could be for you.

Keep it local.

There are lots of organisations that need help within the community.

Charities such as Bedford Foodbank (www.bedfordfoodbank.co.uk; tel 01234 268569), Age Concern or The Alzheimer’s Society often require helpers in their local centres; you can coordinate carol singing for Christian Aid; and the Salvation Army is very active at this time of year. For opportunities in your area, visit www.do-it.org.

this eas to inspire you Get loads more id d an uk g. nteering.or Christmas at volu ing. er te un ol -v as /christm timebank.org.uk

Help a lonely neighbour.

There are many charities across the country working towards a community where neighbours look out for each other. They need your help this Christmas – invite a lonely neighbour for lunch, help with transporting them to local services or do a few jobs around their house to make their lives easier.

Donate food.

FareShare is a national charity promoting the message ‘No good food should be wasted’. Donate food at your nearest location or help with distribution and delivery.

10

Bedfordshire

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

CHRISTMAS Get away from it all

T

he first Christmas after my mother died, I couldn’t bear the idea of a big family Christmas at home without her,’ says Annie, ‘so my husband booked us into the Grand Hotel in Brighton. The distraction of the Grand’s celebrations, the sea air and being somewhere without memories turned what could have been sad into an occasion we still remember for all the right reasons.’

Book a cottage (or stay with a friend).

Whether you’re on your own or with family, tuck yourself away for the holiday period.

Go wild in a theme park.

From Alton Towers to Thorpe Park, theme parks across the country offer exciting Christmas packages. Or for a more back-to-nature experience with many new activities, try CenterParcs.

Hole up in a hotel.

Forget tinsel and badly decorated Christmas trees, many hotels from The Ritz in London to Thornbury Castle near Bristol offer festive breaks with a touch of glamour, with everything from champagne receptions to treasure hunts.

See a city.

Spending a few nights in York, where you can take a trip back in time wandering its Roman city walls, or taking a ride on the 33m high wheel in Edinburgh can fill the holiday period with history and excitement.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Take a day trip.

Why not spend Christmas Day at a National Trust or English Heritage property? Many are open on the day itself and will be given spectacular Christmas makeovers! Several tour companies also run day trips to places such as Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath and Dover.

Book a retreat.

From Holy Island in Scotland to the Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre near Yeovil, Somerset, you can avoid the festivities and find peace over Christmas.

Seek the sun or snow.

If you’re after true escapism try diving in Egypt, skiing in the Rockies, partying in Moscow, soaking in the hot springs in Iceland or shopping in the spectacular markets of Cologne or Vienna. Be truly alternative and climb Mount Kilimanjaro, go horseriding in Arizona or practise yoga in Goa.

Volunteer abroad.

The perfect solution – get away from it all while helping others. Companies such as www.statravel.co.uk, www.travelmatters.co.uk and www.handsupholidays.com offer holidays where you can do your bit, whether it’s painting houses in a favela in Rio de Janeiro or cleaning up a village in Borneo.

Bedfordshire

11

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Editor’s favourites

We’ve sifted through masses of press releases and here it is: our own selection of toys for Christmas 2012. This year we’ve chosen toys we’d buy ourselves, either because they offer great play value, develop creativity or physical play or because they are made of reusable material. With a recession on, choosing toys that will last long enough to be handed down is a wise move too. Most toys can be ordered from your local toyshop, who always provide great advice too if you are not sure about what to buy. Enjoy.

For boys and girls

For girls

Kiddimoto Award winning Kiddimoto help children develop their skills of balance and coordination and make a seamless transition to a pedal bike without the use of stabilisers. Wide variety of designs and can be personalised!

For 2–6yrs. Available from www.kiddimoto.co.uk £59.99.

Doodle Daysack Comes complete with a special Doodle Pad that can be used for drawing, painting or even playing games. Once your child has finished their masterpiece, the pad can be displayed proudly in the daysack’s clear, front pocket. www.littlelife.co.uk for stockists.

Age 4+; RRP £19.99.

Wobble Deck Exciting electronic balance board features four games, tipped to become the latest craze up and down the country.

Test skill, memory and agility with hilarious challenges. www.worldsapart.com for stockists.

RRP £24.99.

BigJigs Village Shop This brightly coloured shop has a bright yellow counter and shelves that have been decorated with pictures of the kind of products you would expect to see in a village store. It also comes with a clock on the sign so you can display opening hours! Educational yet fun, this is a permanent favourite with children from WoodenToyShop.co.uk.

Age 3+; RRP £97.95 (groceries and accessories additional).

For babies

Luan Hall, who runs Ampthill’s Fairies ‘n’ Frogs says that she is seeing a lot of people buy eco and British products from her shop.

She stocks Green Toys and Indigo Jamm and both are proving popular buys for this age group. Luan also offers a baby changing room for parents, along with a free cup of tea or coffee, which is undoubtedly service above and beyond the call of duty! www.fairiesnfrogs.co.uk Phone: 01525 840271

For toddlers

Play, stack, tower and build with the Alphabet Zoo ABC House Blocks. Toddlers will develop their motor skills while creating buildings complete with roofs, windows and doors, before turning the pieces upside down to nest within one another. Made of high quality wood and non toxic paint. Suitable for age 12+ mths; RRP £28.00 from www.bibsandstuff.com.

12

Bedfordshire

Darcey ‘Ballerina’ doll Removable thin knit ballet style cardigan, lycra leotard and satin tutu with mesh underskirt. Wire integrated in arms and legs mean Darcey can hold various ballet positions.

Removable ballet shoes and pink satin pyjamas and slippers for bedtime. £35 from Silver Cross.

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Editor’s top choice

Makedo – for those who enjoy the Christmas packaging!

Every parent knows that feeling, when you’ve spent a fortune on the latest high-tech toy only to find your children much more engrossed playing with the packaging.

Makedo’s brilliant idea is to help those kids make better use of the packaging! It supplies a Safe-saw for cutting and punching through materials safely, Re-clips and Lock-hinges for connecting – the child’s creativity and instinct for building things from boxes, cardboard boxes and wrappings then takes over from there.

Check out the website for videos and photos of inspiring creations made by people from around the world. Winner of three of the most prestigious International Design Awards.

From £7.99 RRP from www.marbeltoys.co.uk.

Make your own presents!

I know, you are too busy, and have no time… but take a minute to consider whether you might benefit from ‘taking the time’ to do it; and

homemade presents are always much appreciated! Here are some suggestions:

★

GIVE

Solar Mechanics Experiment with green energy using solar cells to build a mini robot, cooling fan and more, from the Science Museum, age 8+; £17 from www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk.

order some from Vickie Humber (www.humbershomemade.co.uk),

World ‘Jampion’ in 2012 for her strawberry jam! ★

Make your own raw chocolate from scratch, no cooking involved,

★

Frame a beautiful child’s drawing/painting for a relative.

★ ★ ★

just mixing ingredients.

Make your own Christmas decorations for fun.

Turn your family photos into a collage, calendar, place mat etc.

Paint your own pottery (mug, plate, dish, teapot etc) at a local pottery cafe – try Bedford’s The Kiln

(www.bedfordkiln.co.uk; telephone: 01234 216 799). ★

For older children

Make your own jam or chutney (do invest in nice looking labels) or

Dig out that candle-making kit your children never used. It is really

easy and results do look good.

★

Knitters will have fun making rattles, jumpers, scarves, dolls etc.

★

Try a craft kit: they allow you to learn the techniques of a craft by

There are some great books to show you how.

creating a finished item from the supplied components. Many kits

available are for mums too, including mosaic, soap making,

jewellery, knitting, paint your own cup, mobiles for baby, bath

bombs and much more. Free delivery for all orders over £30 with

www.makeitnow.co.uk and http://direct.hobbycraft.co.uk have a wide choice of kits.

Finally, invest in beautiful packaging as it will make all the difference!

A GARDEN THAT

RECYCLES AS IT GROWS!

A Keyhole Garden allows an African family to grow three meals a day. The design, which looks like a keyhole from above, incorporates a central basket where composted waste is put and water from the kitchen is poured.

Just £12 will provide training in how to build a Keyhole Garden for one family. www.sendacow.org.uk

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire

13

WHAT’S ON 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

NOVEMBER

TODDLER TIME: FRUITY FUN Friday 9 November sessions at 10am and 12 noon Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton £3 per child.

Booking: 01582 548600 CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE & JOHN BUNYAN MUSEUM OPEN DAY Saturday 10 November from 10am – 3pm Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford £1 admission includes free cup of tea/coffee; accompanied children under 14 free.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Saturday 10 November at 11am Leagrave Library, Marsh Road, Luton Saturday 10 November at 2pm Luton Central Library, St Georges Square, Luton Stories and crafts as the days grow shorter. Free.

CREATION STATION AT THE FOREST CENTRE Two sessions are running: Tuesday 13 November 10.45 am; Tuesday 27 November 10.45am.

The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.

Arts and crafts sessions for 15 months to 5 years.

Email booking: louiseplatt @thecreationstation.co.uk TODDLER TIME: MAKING MUSIC Friday 16 November Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton £3 per child.

Booking: 01582 546722

14

Bedfordshire

‘LAND OF ENCHANTED DREAMS’ CHRISTMAS DISPLAY 16 November – 31 December The Centre MK, Milton Keynes Train rides through the display, photo opportunities with interactive touch-screen games, the magical wishing pool, Yuletide Village, a traditional Christmas Carousel and Fairytale Castle grotto.

More information: www.thecentremk.com MONSTERS & ALIENS EVENT Saturday 17 November from 10 – 12noon Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton Join in craft activities.

AUTUMN FAIR Saturday 17 November from 1.30 – 4pm Meppershall VA Lower School, High Street, Meppershall, SG17 Christmas crafts and gifts, French café, beauty treatments, outside games and BBQ!

LIGHTING UP LUTON FOR CHRISTMAS Sunday 18 November from 11am – 6pm St Georges Square, Luton Children’s activities, rides and entertainment. From 5.30pm for switch on ceremony leaving from Park Town Children’s Centre and arriving in front of the Town Hall.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Wednesday 21 November from 7pm Bedford Embankment, Bedford More information: www.bedfordevents.co.uk ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Thursday 22 November from 10am – 4pm St Andrews School, Bedford More information: 01234 267272

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Saturday 1 December from 1 – 8pm; Sunday 2 December from 1 – 6pm The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Trees for sale, along with crafts, Christmas wreaths and flowers, funfair and chance to meet Father Christmas (small charge applies).

More information: www.marstonvale.org LEIGHTON BUZZARD CHRISTMAS WEEKEND Friday 30 November Lights switch on and fireworks.

1 – 2 December from 10am – 4pm Santa’s grotto, Christmas market and funfair.

More information: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

THE HARE & THE TORTOISE Saturday 24 November at 11am Luton Library Theatre, Bridge Street, Luton £5.50 per child plus one adult free; additional adults £5.50.

Book tickets online: www.lutonculture.com

CHRISTMAS FAIR BRITISH RED CROSS Sunday 25 November from 10am – 4pm Barns Hotel Tythe Barn, BEDFORD MODERN OPEN DAY Cardington, Bedford £3.50; children under 14 free.

Saturday 17 November Tours: 10am – 12 noon CHRISTMAS and 1pm – 3pm.

AT STOTFOLD MILL More information: Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold www.bedmod.co.uk 24 – 25 November from 10.30am – 5pm CHRISTMAS FAYRE Visit Santa in his grotto.

17 – 18 November www.stotfoldmill.com from 10am – 4pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Take a browse through a wide range of stalls and get all of your Christmas gifts in the setting of The RSPB’s headquarters. Hot soup, rolls and mince pies available.

More information: 01767 680541

DECEMBER

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS 1 – 24 December daily from 9.30am Thurleigh Farm, Cross End, Thurleigh, MK44 2EE Entrance fee is all inclusive.

More information: www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk WINNIE THE WITCH Saturday 1 December 2.15pm Marsh Farm Library, Purley Centre, Luton Saturday 1 December 2pm Luton Central Library, St Georges Square, Luton Free – drop-in.

More information: 01582 547418

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON ST ANDREW’S DAY Saturday 1 December from 11am – 3.30pm Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton Drop-in session to find out about this patron saint and take part in Scottish craft activities. £2 per child.

More information: 01582 546722 FESTIVE FAMILY FUN TRAIL 1 – 2 December from 11am – 4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Solve the festive mystery! Bring along the whole family to crack the clues and earn a prize.

Adults £8.50, Concessions £7.70, Children £5.10, Family Ticket £22.10.

English Heritage members free.

More information: 01582 860000 TREE PLANTING Sunday 2 December from 11am – 3pm The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Plant a tree at the Forest of Marston Vale. Trees, tools, a toilet, cups of tea are all provided. Bring warm clothes and loads of enthusiasm! Open to everyone.

More information: www.marstonvale.org CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH A VIEW 3 – 13 December Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable £19.95 for three courses.

Sumptuous Christmas lunch with magnificent views of Dunstable Downs.

Details & bookings: 01582 500920 WINNIE THE WITCH Saturday 8 December 11am Leagrave Library, Marsh Road, Luton Free – drop-in.

More information: 01582 556650

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS EVENT Saturday 8 December from 10am – 12noon Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton Festive craft activities.

MARSTON VALE LINE SANTA SPECIAL Saturday 8 December from 10am – 3.30pm From Bedford to Bletchley; normal rail fares apply.

Please check – as this event is still to be confirmed.

More information: www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk SANTA SPECIALS Santa’s Specials trains are running on the following dates: Saturday 8, 15 & 22 December; Sunday 9, 16 & 23 December; Wednesday 5, 12 & 19 December; Friday 21 December.

Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pages Park Station, Leighton Buzzard.

More information & bookings: www.buzzrail.co.uk or phone 08444 771000 (Ticketmaster) FESTIVE FAMILY FUN TRAIL 8 – 9 December from 11am – 4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe (Details as above.)

MARKET HALL Saturday 8 December from 10am – 4pm Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger Stalls, Regency Santa and roasted chestnuts!

More details: www.moggerhangerpark.com STOCKWOOD CHRISTMAS FAIR Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Sunday 9 December from 11am – 4pm Visit Father Christmas £3.99.

Book Father Christmas in advance: 01582 548600

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT WARDOWN 15 – 16 December from 1 – 4pm Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton Craft activities: £2 per child; £3.99 to visit Santa.

BEDFORD VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR 7 – 9 December from 10am – 7pm (Fri & Sat); 10am – 5pm (Sun).

Harpur Square and Midland Road, Bedford Traditional fairground rides and attractions along with a comprehensive street entertainment programme, character cameos, school performances, bands across the three days.

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN TRAIL 15 – 16 December from 11am – 4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe (Details as above.)

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS EVENTS Saturday 8 December from 10am – 12 noon Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton

CHRISTMAS STORY Monday 17 December from 5.15pm – 5.45pm Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton

TODDLER TIME: SANTA’S SLEIGH Monday 10 December sessions at 10am and 12noon Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Suitable for the under 5s; £3 per child.

Booking: 01582 548600

TODDLER TIME: VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Friday 21 December 10am – 1pm Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton £2 per child.

Booking: 01582 546722

FATHER CHRISTMAS IN THE GROTTO Saturday 15 December from 11am – 3pm Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, near Biggleswade Adults: £2; Children £7.

Book online: www.shuttleworth.org or call 01462 819370 (Carolyn Daniels) CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Saturday 15 December at the following venues: 11am – Stopsley Library, Hitchin Road, Luton 2.15pm – Wigmore Library, Wigmore Lane, Luton 2.15pm – Marsh Farm Library, Purley Centre, Luton Free – donations welcome.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Saturday 22 December at two venues: 11am – Leagrave Library, Marsh Road, Leagrave 2pm – Luton Central Library, St Georges Square, Luton Free – donations welcome.

FESTIVE FUN Thursday 27 December from 3 – 4pm Toddington Library, 9 Market Square, Toddington Christmas fun for all.

No need to book.

NEW YEAR CHEER Trains are running on: 29 – 30 December Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pages Park Station, Leighton Buzzard.

More information & bookings: www.buzzrail.co.uk or phone 08444 771000 (Ticketmaster)

Bedfordshire

15

CHRISTMAS SHOWS PANTOMIMES

AND

CHRISTMAS

SHOWS

ALADDIN BY THE GRIFFIN PLAYERS

Luton Library Theatre, Bridge Street, Luton 30 November – 8 December Griffin Players Box Office: 07906 075455 Library Theatre Ticket Office: 01582 547474

A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY BALLET THEATRE UK

Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable Saturday 1 December at 7.30pm.

Adults £19; Children £10 More info: www.grovetheatre.co.uk or phone: 01582 602080

RAPUNZEL

Tads Theatre, Conger Lane, Toddington Friday 7 to Sunday 9 December; Friday 14 December; Saturday 15 December.

Box office: 07952 633234; Email: boxoffice@tadstheatre.org

WILD THINGS

The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford Inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are 12 – 24 December Ticket information: www.theplacebedford.org.uk

RAPUNZEL

Luton Library Theatre, Bridge Street, Luton 15 – 28 December 2012 Tickets from £7.50 Buy tickets: www.lutonculture.com

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable 14 December – 6 January 2013 More info: www.grovetheatre.co.uk or phone: 01582 602080

CINDERELLA

Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford 28 December – 2 January 2013 Tickets: £14 adults, £10 child, £39 family More information: www.bedfordpanto.info

THE SECRET GARDEN BY PROTEUS THEATRE

Stables Theatre, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes Well-loved children’s classic.

19 December – 5 January 2013 More information: 01908 280800 www.stables.org or boxoffice@stables.org

CINDERELLA

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes 7 December – 6 January 2013 Box Office: 0844 871 7652 (booking fee)

Distributors Wanted...

Families Bedfordshire is looking for distributors in the Bedford area.

If you have a car, a few hours spare every two months and want to earn some extra money, please contact Judith on 01727 373929 or email editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.