FamiliesBedfordshireMagazineNovDec18

FRE E

TAKE M

E HOM

E

Bedfordshire

IN THIS ISSUE Win Panto Tickets!

Christmas Toy Must Have’s Local Theatre & Panto What’s On Guide Exclusive Interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson Bedford Ski Trip

th

08

- 17

th

February 2019

.

Book online

NEW! The Magic of Christmas

& SAVE

20%!*

Selected Dates from 1 – 24 Dec

Great value, Christian holiday during Bedfordshire’s half term - all welcome.

2-hour and festive A brand NEW e Magic Th s is m don’t experience, n Farm! pe O at Mead of Christmas

Near Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH

01753 880753 email@goldhillholidays.co.uk

01525 852 954

*Discount applies to child prices. See website for full details and opening times.

Issue 37 November/December 2018

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

MOF-AM-18-137 Christmas-118x70-FM.indd 1

meadopenfarm.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

10/10/2018 12:01

The magic of bonfire night paints the sky with colour.

The excitement of Christmas dances in the air as we experience a quiet beauty in the stillness of Winter; And its welly season - where we can practice our puddle tap dancing skills with our children! I am thrilled to share our Winter Christmas Edition with you, filled with insightful education & parenting articles, clubs & classes options, Christmas Panto competitions, as well as an exclusive interview with the amazing contemporary author, Jaqueline Wilson.

Enjoy creating warm memories with this edition and have a Merry & Joyful Christmas everyone!

Michéllin To advertise in this magazine contact: Michéllin Store - Editor m: 07824 377175 e: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Sarah Harmer - Designer www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

4

contents

❆ Editor’s Welcome

5 6 7 8

❆

10

❄ News

Education

Parenting Childcare

Clubs & Classes

Exclusive Interview

11-13 Christmas gift guide, Days out, Theatre & Panto

14-15 What’s On & Competitions

Find us and folllow us on: Facebook.com/familiesbedfordshire @FamiliesBeds

Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Presents families_beds18

All aboard the Santa Special!

Make sure to pick up the Jan/Feb ‘New Year New You’ edition. Out on 5 Jan 2019.

Group Save Rail Great ra Tickets tes for fam Third o ff for gro ilies! u 3 - 9 ad ults, kid ps of s half price, u nder 5’s go free !

All aboard the Santa Special!

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

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

Santa on board in his grotto Face-painter & balloon modeller Refreshments available

.50 per child in cluding squash and ca ke.

ADVAN CE BO O KIN C ALL IN FORMAT G ONLY ION LI NE

Santa Special Times Ticket Prices Marston Vale Santa trains depart: Normal train fares apply Bletchley - Bedford return: Bletchley 10:01 12:01 & 14:01 £7.30 Adult Bedford 10:55 12:55 & 14:55 £3.65 Child SantaorSpecial Times join at any station along the Marston Vale Line!

Under 5s travel for free The Santa Special takes place on the scheduled Marston Vale Line Marston Vale Santa trains depart: Senior Saver - Bedfordshire Concessionary service; unfortunately it is not possible to reserve seats.

Travel Pass Holders travel for half price!

Bletchley 10:01 12:01 & 14:01 Please avoid bringing non-folding buggies as space is very limited. for groups of1 3-9December adults with GroupSave!

At 10.30amA third on off Saturday 2018 Santa will fly in to Bedford 10:55 12:55 & 14:55 Shuttleworth - come and watch him arrive (free)!* Normal train fares apply.

Once landed Santa will make his way to his Grotto in the or join at any station along the Marston Vale Line!

Swiss Garden. Visit him on 1 or 2 December and then join in with fun and festive activities in the Garden Room. Booking essential – available from 3 September. £8.00 per child marstonvalecrp

Saturday 15th December 2018 Santa on board in his grotto Face-painter & balloon modeller Refreshments available

Hop Ridgm off at Heritagont Station eC Festive entre for Crafts £2

SANTA’S GROTTO AND CHRISTMAS FLY IN

Information Line:

01234 832 645

Hop on at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre to enjoy Festive Crafts. £2.50 per child including squash & cake. ADVANCE BOOKING ONLY. PLEASE CALL INFORMATION LINE.

01234 832 645

@marstonvalecrp

www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

Bookwww.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk via 01767 627933 or enquiries@shuttleworth.org

Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Beds SG18 9EP *Flying subject to aircraft serviceability and weather on the day.

Families Bedfordshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families ® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Bedfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Bedfordshire. Every care is Families Beds QP Nov-Dec 2018.indd 1 09/08/2018 09:31:30 taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, Families Bedfordshire and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

2 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

❄

What’s On NOV-DEC 2018 Stockwood Discovery Centre | Wardown House | Libraries | Luton Library Theatre Full of Beans 3 NOV

Christmas at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Lewsey Library

10 NOV Stockwood Discovery Centre

17 NOV Luton Central Library £3, ages 4+

UT

LD

O

Little Meerkat’s Big Panic SAT 10 NOV, 11AM

SO

Luton Central Library £3, ages 0+, SEN suitable

Visit the beautifully decorated house for Father Christmas visits, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol NOV show, a festive Mouse Trail, seasonal Music in the Full House Theatre Museum, carols from the B.I.G Hat Factory Choir The Enormous in Partnership with Lutonand Culture Afternoon Teas in the Dining Room Turnip overlooking Wardown Park.

Present Storytelling show

SAT 17 NOV, 11AM & 2PM

NOV

Luton Central Library £7, ages 3-10

Christmas at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, beautifully decorated for the festive season Santa visits

Christmas at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, beautifully decorated for the festive season

Full House Theatre Full House Theatre in Partnership with Luton Culture in Partnership with Luton Culture Present Present XXth - XXth Santa visits

Dickens Show

Festive Mouse Trail

December 2018

Dickens Show Festive Mouse Trail Festive Music in the Museum Carols from Big Factory Choir Christmas Afternoon Tea ACE LOGO

Festive Music in the Museum Carols from Big Factory Choir

Luton Library Theatre Box Office: 01582 878100 13 – 24 DECEMBER 2018 XXth - XXth lutonlibrarytheatre.com Christmas Afternoon Tea

ACE LOGO

December 2018 LUTON LIBRARY THEATRE Luton Library Theatre AgesBox4+ Tickets: £10.50 - £12 Office:

878100 XXth -01582 XXth lutonlibrarytheatre.com December 2018

Luton Library Theatre Box Office: 01582 878100 lutonlibrarytheatre.com fullhousetheatre.org.uk fullhousetheatre.org.uk lutonculture.com Box Office:LOGOS 01582 878100 @lutonculture @Wearelutonculture

LOGOS

NEWS

New Reception Test Criticised Children who start Reception in September 2020 will be the first group to take the new Reception test, a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school. It is proposed that it will take place during the first 6 weeks of the autumn term.

Guidelines recently released by the governments say the new reception baseline assessment will be short (about 20 minutes), interactive and practical. It will cover language and communication, early mathematics and social and behavioural skills.

However, the proposed test has been criticised in a report written by an expert panel and published by the British Education Research Association.

The report’s authors say that the assessment is highly likely to produce unreliable and invalid

results, as it fails to recognise that young children develop at different paces and doesn’t adjust for key factors, such as differences in ages and family background.

Add to this the fact that teachers and practitioners are likely to become increasingly pressured to ‘teach to the test’, and it is difficult to see how baseline results will have any real value.

More info at www.bera.ac.uk

Talking to Young Children About War this Remembrance Day Remembrance Day this year will be on Sunday 11 November and will be especially significant as it will mark 100 years since the original agreement to end fighting during the First World War in 1918, also known as Armistice Day. Accordingly, you can expect that there will be a great deal of media coverage given to this significant commemoration and your child may be prompted to ask you questions.

Discussing war with children can be quite difficult.

Recognising this, CBeebies has produced a short animation, simply titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of remembrance in a way that resonates with a young audience.

It is a really beautiful piece to watch and would be a great way

to introduce any discussion of Remembrance Day. The 2minute film follows a bunny who starts off playing in a meadow, which then becomes a WW1 battlefield.

The film can be viewed on the CBeebies website at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies

Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week

Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12 to 16 November 2018 and the theme this year is choosing respect over bullying.

The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand: ✱ The definition of respect ✱ That bullying is a behavioural choice ✱ That we can respectfully disagree with each other i.e. we don’t have to be best friends or

school, as well as and relationship and sex education in secondary school.

Teachers will talk to primary school pupils in an age appropriate way about the features of healthy friendships, family relationships and other relationships they are likely to encounter.

Students are being encouraged to wear odd socks to school on Monday 12 November to show their support and raise money for a good cause.

To get involved, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Craftmas Christmas Fair Fundraiser Luke Newman from Potton, Bedfordshire has been helping improve education for children in Kenya and, is organising his next fundraiser event.

Luke has made five trips to Nakuru, helping children who are living in a deprived environment and will be returning next year with his wife, Hayley, and twin eight-year-old boys Harryand Oliver.

The Newman family will return to Mama Kerry School in the heart of the Rhonda slums of Nakuru. In 2018, the work included building a new classroom and kitchen, and purchase of furniture, plus other essential items.

The family aim to raise over

£9,000 for the projects and are hosting ‘Craftmas Christmas Fair’ on Sunday 2 December 2018 (11.00am until 3.00pm) at The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade. With quality stalls, refreshments and a raffle. It is free entry to the public.

For more info contact Luke on 07709 44648 or email: luke.j.newman@hotmail.com

Compulsory Relationship and Sex Education Relationship and health education will become compulsory for school children from September 2020, the Government has announced.

Under the proposals, all pupils will study compulsory health education and new reformed relationship education in primary

always agree with each other but we do have to show each other respect ✱ That we all need to choose to respect each other, both face to face and online

At secondary school, teachers will build on the foundation of relationships education in primary school and, at the appropriate time, extend teaching to include intimate relationships as well.

At both primary and secondary, pupils will learn about staying safe online and how to use

technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Classes will also cover physical health, such as the importance of exercise and healthy eating, as well as the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how it contributes towards the prevention of health problems.

More information can be found under Consultations at www.gov.uk/government/publications 4 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Equipping our Children for a Digital Future

By Casey Farquharson

Analysts Gartner have predicted that £19bn will be spent globally on educational technology by 2019. But are we sure that this will make our children better prepared to succeed in the future? Will they possess the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digitalized world?

Coding is a key tech skill which can help prepare our children for the future. Yet, according to an article in The Guardian, over 67% of primary and secondary school teachers believe they cannot teach coding because of a lack of ‘skills and teaching tools.’ Many schools simply don’t have personnel with the required skills and understanding to teach pupils how to code. There is an urgent need for more investment in the education sector to train teachers to code; to attract more individuals to learn and teach coding; and to equip schools, both secondary and primary, with the necessary hardware.

However, it isn’t all about technology. Yes, we want our children to have good tech and digital skills, but character, creativity, and social skills are also vital. No matter how digitalized the world becomes, these three attributes of success cannot be compromised.

The components of character are courage, determination, the audacity to be different, focus, and the ability to ask questions and make one’s own decisions.

With creativity comes problem solving skills, innovation, critical thinking, and the ability to think outside the box. Rapport and relationship building, the ability to effectively express oneself both orally and, in writing, confidence and collaboration are key components of social skills.

Plying our children with tablets and other forms of tech hardware is most definitely not a sure-proof way to ensure they have these attributes. The point here is not that tablets are bad or not useful, but that they should never be utilized as a be - all and end - all. Technology should not be a foundation of learning, but rather an enabler and a catalyst. www.familiesonline.co.uk

There are seven learning styles* that need to be understood and embraced if our primary-age children are to get the most from their technology learning experiences: Aural Listeners – individuals that respond primarily to sound.

Technology can be utilized to effectively engage with such individuals via the use of podcasts and audio teaching tools.

Logical learners – individuals with logical and organized minds.

Mind mapping technology can be effectively utilized to improve their learning experience.

Physical learners – individuals who respond to words that incite feeling and activity. They like to understand what it feels like to go through the motions of what they are learning.

Virtual reality technology can be utilized to optimize their learning experience.

Social learners – Individuals that respond to teachers who are inquisitive and ask what

they are thinking and feeling about key topics and concepts.

Search engines such Google, Google assistant and Siri can be utilized to maximize their learning experience.

Solitary listeners – individuals that are more comfortable sorting out problems on their own. Videos, online tutorials and audio learning can be utilized to optimize their learning experience.

Verbal listeners – individuals who absorb information more effectively via verbal instruction.

Innovative technology such as Siri, Cortana and Ok Google can be utilized to teach such individuals.

Visual learners – individuals that learn more effectively with pictures and imagery. Tablets and virtual reality technology can be utilized to optimize their learning experience.

It’s clear from the above that technology has the potential to be an effective enabler of specific and overall learning experiences.

However, the key to its sustained effectiveness when it comes to education lies in technology being utilized in a supportive capacity, as against a leading one.

If we want our children to succeed in the future, then we must protect their emotional and psychological wellbeing. It is time to take responsibility for educating children, not only on the distinct dangers of the digital world but also on the importance of the true foundations of positive self-esteem. In order for our children to prosper in the future it is absolutely vital that we improve and preserve their emotional well-being – and appropriate technology training and learning scenarios can play a part in that education.

*Source: www.educationdegree.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Casey Farquharson is the founder of IDEAS Bus, an interactive educational platform (on wheels!) designed to help educators discover the latest cutting-edge learning technology and students to get hands on coding, tech and digital media experience. More info at http://theideasbus.org.uk email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175

Bedfordshire 5

PARENTING

Supporting your Child with Friendship Challenges

By Lianna Champ

Life and relationships are not always easy and we learn our skills as children, watching the interactions of our parents and other adults in our lives. What we learn as children then sets our patterns of relating in adulthood.

using clear language how they are feeling and what happened.

Try a bit of role play around a friendship challenge which can help your child see what is happening more objectively. If you think your child’s behaviour was the catalyst for a fall out, role play can help them learn how to be a better friend in the future. It can also help them see more clearly whether they were at fault.

Always take an interest in your child’s friendships and if you sense something out of the ordinary, be there as a buffer.

But avoid taking sides, actively

Falling out with friends is normal during childhood and it is through struggling with friendship challenges that our children learn about themselves, relationships and how best to interact with others. Through experience, children also learn how to set boundaries - what they will or will not accept in a friendship.

We cannot make these decisions for our children but we can guide them gently and encourage them to use their instinct, intuition and intellect.

The most important thing we can do when our children are struggling with friendship issues is to listen. Falling out with their friends can feel like the worse thing in the world. Saying anything negative about their friends at this point will only cause your child to withdraw and can create further emotional confusion for them. Gently encouraging your child to talk about their feelings can help to identify areas of conflict, disagreement or unfairness which may have led to the fall out.

Ask what they think went wrong. Do they think they could have reacted differently? Do they feel that they did nothing wrong?

When friends fall out, it doesn’t necessarily mean any of the

children in the mix did anything wrong. Fall outs just happen and they can happen all the time! Girls especially can change friends quickly, moving from one to another in succession.

There is an important lesson here too - that friendships grow and change and sometimes come to an end. Children are still developing and so must their friendships.

The most important thing we can do when our children are struggling with friendship issues is to listen.

As we grow up, it is healthy that our friendship groups grow and diversify. Our needs change and different people provide different things. Learning how to be a friend is like learning anything else. Sharing your own stories of your own friendship experiences can be helpful, showing your children that

6 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

friendships can hit a rocky patch which has to be worked through.

Help your children to understand the importance of sharing, taking someone else’s feelings into account and listening to each other. It’s important that children learn about allowing their friends the privilege of sharing their feelings without being judged. Teach your children that their friends should also allow them this privilege too.

We can teach our children to decide whether a friendship is worth persevering with or whether it’s best to just walk away. Don’t be afraid to talk about the differences between healthy and toxic relationships. It’s important to help children understand that there are different kinds of friends too – best, great, good and casual friends - and that new people are constantly coming into our lives. As we navigate life we can’t expect to get everything we need from one friendship, which is why we need quite a few to fulfil our needs.

Children have a tendency to think about things over and over again. Gently reflect back to them

We can teach our children to decide whether a friendship is worth persevering with or whether it’s best to just walk away. interfering or taking decisions for your child about their friendships. Working through their experiences is an extremely important part of growing up and a learning curve for adulthood and taking this away from them robs them of the chance to learn valuable life lessons. Equally, do not make them feel like a victim in a relationship as this can prevent them from taking responsibility in relationships later in life. Encouraging new activities and providing arenas for new friendships can give your child confidence in their ability to make new friends and be a good friend.

Studies show that children who have healthy relationships with the adults in their lives are more likely to make sound decisions about friendship, because they understand things like empathy and mutual respect, and they have better problem-solving skills.

So above all, nurture your own relationship with your children and others in your family.

Lianna Champ has over 40 years’ experience in bereavement and grief recovery. Her new book How to Grieve Like a Champ is out now priced £9.99. More information at www.champfunerals.com www.familiesonline.co.uk

CHILDCARE

Harpers Nursery & Forest School BLUNHAM MK44 3NX

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

EXCELLENCE IN CHILDREN’S DAY CARE l Providing a safe caring l Open from 7:30am to 6:30pm environment for children – 51 weeks of the year aged 3 months to 5 years l Outstanding facilities with (government funding outdoor learning environment available)

Please give us a call today or visit the website to arrange a viewing.

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

www.harpersnursery.co.uk

Tel: 01767 641499

Banana Moon Day Nursery, The Old Vicarage, 132 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BQ Tel: 01234 855492 bananamoon-kempston.co.uk

Toad Hall Nursery

Church Road, Colmworth Looking for childcare? We pride ourselves on offering the very highest standard of care to all our children and ensuring they experience a safe and stimulating environment that promotes children’s learning and development.

Reasons to choose Toad hall: Extracurricular activities including Spanish and sports (all inclusive) ● Nutritionally balanced menus cooked fresh on site daily ● Large, stimulating garden to explore, where children have free flow access from rooms ● Discounts for emergency services and NHS available ● 2,3 and 4 year old funding available ● Experienced, qualified staff all holding DBS and paediatric first aid ●

For further information Please contact us on : Telephone: 01234 378880 Email: Colmworth@toadhall-nursery.co.uk Or find us on www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk or Facebook.com/ToadHallNurseryColmworth www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedfordshire 7

CLUBS & CLASSES

What Type of Activity is most Beneficial for my Child?

Parents are faced with a daunting array of extra-curricular activities from which to choose appropriate classes for their children and the choices just keep getting wider! The vast majority of these activities offer many skills and benefits, as well as being enjoyable and fun.

To help guide you in your decision making, Families takes a look at the benefits of some of the available options.

Dance If your child is always practising their moves and can’t help getting up and moving as soon as there’s music in the air, signing up for dance classes is a great way to tap into their enthusiasm. Dance classes improve: Physical health: flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture.

Spatial and Self Awareness: feeling more at home in their own skin, becoming more agile and paying more attention to others sharing their space.

Self-expression: expression of their feelings with immediacy through dance and movement.

This can help children who struggle to express their feelings verbally.

Socialisation: working as part of a team, developing a greater sense of trust and co-operation, and making new friends. Dance is a highly social activity.

Cognitive development: improving memory skills through learning choreography.

Self-confidence: which comes with each new routine they practice and master.

There is a wide range of dance classes available – for both boys and girls – from pre-ballet classes and tap, street dance, contemporary, creative movement to music and more.

NoN CoNtAcT RuGbY fOr 1½-7 yR oLdS

NoN CoNtAcT RuGbY FoR 1½-7 yR oLdS

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

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

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

CrU

VeNuEs nEaR yOuIaL Tr e E Fr Nl

Ko

s

TlE

lIt

Ww.

w InE

FrEe TrIaL

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

0330 088 1172

mAiL@lItTlEsCrUmMeRs.cOm

8 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

Karate Self-Confidence and Respect Karate teaches self-confidence and respect, not only for yourself but for others, including an opponent. As your child masters complex moves, stances, and fighting forms, he or she will know how to hold themselves in any situation. Your child will set goals with each belt earned and learn how to achieve those goals, and in so doing, build valuable confidence. Confidence comes naturally when you can handle your own, even when faced with a bully or another challenge.

Leadership skills Your child will learn selfleadership, as well as how to lead others as your child advances in his or her belts.

Self-discipline Karate requires self-discipline in order to advance in rank. As your

child earns new belts through hard work, self-discipline is the natural result. In time, your child will learn to approach all areas of life with this skill, as Karate is so much more than a mere fighting style or physical sport.

Physical Fitness This style is not just physical, but it is also a lifestyle and state of mind. Yet, in following that life style and mindset comes greater overall physical health and wellbeing. Well-being is at the core of Karate.

Learning life-lessons: great for instilling an attitude in children that success and rewards come from hard work.

Ball Sports As children grow, learning how to play a variety of ball games is a great way of keeping fit. The remarkable thing about playing with a ball is that your child can run for miles without noticing, because their mind is focussed on the action and not the physical exertion. Some benefits are: Physical health: maintaining a healthy weight, good level of fitness and strengthening of bones and muscles.

Co-ordination, timing and attention: improving all of these!

Sociability: making friends, gaining confidence and improving self-esteem.

Life skills: learning to handle

victories and defeats, persistence, problem solving, self-discipline, leadership and working with others towards a common goal.

Confidence: coaches are trained to help children take small steps to learn the basic skills required and to improve their confidence.

They don’t have to be naturals!

Languages Learning another language can be exciting and empowering for children, whether to communicate with friends or family or to understand more when abroad.

While English is an important language, it’s still the case that only 6% of the worlds’ population speak it as a first language - 75% don’t speak any English at all!

Some benefits are: Growing kids’ brains: people who are bilingual are better at tasks that require multi-tasking and focussed attention. Brain scans show they have more grey matter in the regions of the brain involved in executive function.

Boosting results in core subjects: children who have studied foreign languages perform better in English and mathematics and SAT-verbal scores improve with the length of time students have studied a foreign language.

Improving learning skills: develops the skills of memory,

attention to detail, noticing, pattern finding, creative thinking and reasoning.

Ease of learning: post-puberty our aptitude for second language acquisition is reduced. Up until ages 7 or 8, children can learn to speak a second language with fluent grammar and without an accent. After this critical period the ability to master a foreign language gradually declines.

Setting them up for adult life: learning a foreign language as a child means they have a lifetime to benefit from crosscultural friendships, broad career opportunities, exciting travel adventures and deeper insights into how others see the world. www.familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Give your child the gift of confidence for life

e Th fect as r Pe istmt r f Ch Gi

Our professionally led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year olds, allow students to embrace life with creativity and courage.

2 week trials available. Limited places.

Enrolling now. No experience necessary.

Ampthill 01525 790795 stagecoach.co.uk/ampthill Bedford 01234 350799 stagecoach.co.uk/bedford

Dunstable and Luton 01582 966730 stagecoach.co.uk/dunstable NERS BEGIN

L OFFER

SPECIA Leighton Buzzard S 01525 790795 4 WEEK stagecoach.co.uk/leightonbuzzard REE

F

Create courage for life

LE UNSTAB TISKA D B CLU RS

E BEGINN held Classes FFER O

S PECIAL

EKS at 5.30pm WETuesday

4Every Every Saturday at 10.30am FREET ABLE

NS ISKA DU TThe Chalk Hills Academy CLUB

Leagrave High Street Luton Classes held LU4 0NE 5.30pm Every Tuesday at 5.30pm For more informaAon please contact us on Every Saturday at 10.30am 10.00am

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure 07709327274 or 01753 882012 and Barring CerAficates The Chalk Hills Academy

Aska.karate@btconnect.com www.Aska.com Leagrave High Street

Luton LU4 0NE

For more informaAon please contact us on

07709327274 or 01753 882012

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure and Barring CerAficates

Aska.karate@btconnect.com www.Aska.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedfordshire 9

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Beaker’s Back!

Families Magazine is lucky enough to have secured an exclusive interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson in which our readers and their children ask her some of their most burning questions about her new book and her life as a writer.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is arguably Britain’s favourite contemporary children’s author. She has over one hundred published books to her name, most of which deal with the often troubling and unvarnished realities of being a real-life child or parent.

First published in 1991, Tracy Beaker quickly became Jacqueline’s most well-known character. Now, over a decade after her last literary appearance, the fiery, former foster-kid is back in new book My Mum Tracy Beaker, and while she’s now mature and mother to Jess, she’s still the same Tracy readers know and love.

Why do you think Tracy is one of your most popular characters?

Harbinder, age 7, Croydon I think because she’s naughty!

She has reason for her bad behaviour, of course, and she’s naughty but she’s not spiteful, she’s funny. I think she’s a character that children would like as a friend - I’m not sure about adults, I think a little of her as a child goes a long way!

How have you made the grown-up Tracy as appealing to children as Tracy, the child?

Lily’s mum, Leeds I’ve kept her, not exactly naughty, but mischievous. She’s quite surprising - she might suddenly do something a bit mad, or a bit

silly. I think being a mum has slightly changed her because she’s a very loving, caring mum, Is Tracy’s daughter the same or different to Tracy?

Olivia, age 8, Aylesbury They certainly look alike, but Jess is a quieter girl, partly because she has had a much easier, more loving, caring upbringing than Tracy herself had. Jess is probably more studious, and more of a bookworm, but when push comes to shove Jess can certainly stand up for herself too.

Did you and your illustrator, Nick Sharratt, disagree at all about how Tracy and her daughter should be drawn?

Rosie, age 9, Twickenham I mostly leave it to him, and certainly I think he has done Jess wonderfully. He suggested that Jess might wear glasses, which I thought was a very clever touch because it gives them that little bit of difference, and also Jess is a total bookworm and it just looks right for her to be wearing her little glasses. I was very pleased with that addition.

What’s been the highlight for you of being the Children’s Laureate?

Emma’s mum, Portsmouth It gave me a chance to speak to lots of children and teachers and librarians, and the particular thing I wanted to promote was reading aloud to children. Because right from when they are one year old, any child likes to sit on a lap and hear the simplest of stories, and I also suggested that even when your child has learned to read, sometimes it’s fun to read aloud a book that they might not necessarily tackle themselves because it’s a bit difficult to get into, or the vocabulary is quite hard, but they would love to listen to the story. If they are doing colouring, or building something, or just petting the dog or whatever, or at bedtime, children do still like to be read to aloud.

Your books depict real children’s real lives and challenges in a way that few others do – how do you get inside the heads of your characters?

Lizzie’s mum, Glasgow Bizarrely, I can remember very vividly what it is like to be a child.

I mean, ask me what happened or how I felt about something a couple of years ago and my mind is a complete blank, but ask me what I was worried about when I was nine, say, and I remember entirely. It’s just a happy trick of nature that I can take myself back.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers, young or old?

Amaya’s mum, Harrow I always suggest aspiring writers read lots to enrich their imagination and increase their vocabulary and try and get into a regular writing habit. Maybe keep a diary - just so you learn to write even when you don’t feel like it!

When did you first become a writer?

Emily, age 10, Sevenoaks Well, by the time I was fifteen I

had written what was - at least in length - a full book. It wasn’t very good though! It was about two sisters, Margot was about fifteen, the narrator, and the sister was about eighteen. They had a car and went on a drive through France and Spain and got boyfriends! It wasn’t the most inspiring work!

How do you select names for your characters?

Readers at the Chatterbook Group, Ringwood Library, Dorset I like to try and have slightly unusual names, and if they are pertinent to the story that pleases me - for my identical twins in my book Double Act, I had them called Ruby and Garnet because they are both red jewel stones. For The Illustrated Mum, the mother Marigold has a great passion for tattoos and has called her girls the rather outlandish names of Star and Dolphin, simply because they are very popular tattoo icons.

With Tracy I wanted a quirky, bouncy modern name - and with Hetty Feather, Hetty is an old-fashioned name and Feather because she’s light as a feather!

My Mum Tracy Beaker by Dame Jacqueline Wilson is out now, published by Doubleday

10 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

www.familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

This Year’s Must-Have Christmas Toy Guide Every year, desperate parents exhaust themselves searching high and low for the most wanted toys on their child’s Christmas list. To avoid last minute panic and possible disappointment, the key is to do your research and start shopping early.

To help you get prepared, we’ve put together a guide to Families top ten favourite Christmas toys for 2018.

The Poopsie Unicorn Surprise £49.99 www.amazon.co.uk Age: 3+ Mums and dads across the country will be delighted to find this defecating unicorn on Christmas lists! The Poopsie Unicorn Surprise is a ‘cute’ toy that poops out glittery slime when you feed it special unicorn food. While I can hear parents visibly groaning, this is sure to be a hit with unicorn-lovers everywhere. Plus if you are worried about getting unicorn glitter poo all over your carpet on Christmas day, never fear, the toy comes with its own potty! ✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

Chow Crown Game (£24.99) www.argos.co.uk Age: 5+ A silly game for the whole family.

The hat plays music, and while the beats are going, the crown spins round, and the wearer has to eat as many of the food items attached to the forks as possible.

A game that’s most fun when hunger looms, you are in charge of loading the food items on to the forks. You can choose tasty treats like marshmallows and strawberries or items that might not be so palatable! Great fun for parties and sleepovers too.

Pie Face Cannon (£26.99) www.amazon.co.uk Age: 5+ Pie Face continues to make the Christmas list year after year, and 2018 looks to be no different. This year you can buy a Pie Face Cannon. The cannon fires a pie every time, and it’s up to the contestant to use the red hand to stop getting “pied”.

A great game to play after Christmas dinner! Pies away!

Densters (£19.99) www.firebox.com Age: 3+ All children love building a den!

This great kit allows kids to set up their own hideaway in minutes.

The set contains flexible toy monsters so you can create a magical den from everyday household items. It’s a great way to get your kids off a gadget! ✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

Dino Fingerling (£16.99) www.argos.co.uk Age: 6+ This year WowWee Toys’ popular Fingerlings are all about dinosaurs (or mythical unicorns, if you fancy something a little less fierce). The dinos respond to motion and sound and are bound to be a massive hit.

✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

My Rebounder Mini Rebounding Trampoline £89.99 www.myrebounder.co.uk Age: 4+ Classic fun, these rebounders (small trampolines) will keep kids active all year round and can be used inside and out. They help improve strength, balance, coordination and general fitness.

They can also be folded, so they won’t take up too much room. ✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸ LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Set (£89.99) www.amazon.co.uk Age: 9-15 Lego and Harry Potter in the same box, what’s not to love? If you’ve got a wizard-mad child at home, this 878-piece set will allow them to recreate the magic of Hogwarts. This lovely set has lots of detail that will give Harry Potter fans hours of fun.

✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸ www.familiesonline.co.uk

VTech Kiddizoom Smart Watch (£44.99) www.amazon.co.uk Age: 4+ This cool watch features a camera for photo and video taking, 3D style digital and analogue clock faces and eight great games. It also has a motion sensor for a pedometer so they can measure their steps. The watch also has a calculator, calendar, alarm, stopwatch and voice recorder.

Plus the option to download more apps and games! ✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

Gravitrax (£48.29) www.amazon.co.uk Age: 8+ A cool game that encourages kids to boost their STEM skills. Use your imagination to build superb tracks and set the Gravity Spheres rolling!

The game combines physics, architecture, and engineering, to engage and improve young minds. You can also buy additional packs to extend the system. A great buy for kids that love building, marble runs and Lego. ✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

Ani-Mate Mini Movie Maker Kit (£14.99) www.findmeagift.co.uk Age: 8+ Create quirky little movies with your own phone and this ingenious Mini Movie Maker Kit. It includes modelling clay, modelling tools and googly eyes to make your own kooky characters, and backdrops so kids can create their own film. This is a great present or stocking filler for a budding animator or storyteller. ✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

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

Bedfordshire 11

CHRISTMAS DAYS OUT

Celebrate the Festive Season with Luton Culture Enjoy an enchanting, familyfriendly Light Show at Stockwood Discovery Centre, as well as Christmas shopping opportunities, and festive Afternoon Teas in the newly refurbished Garden Café.

Follow the Magic Beans trail around Luton Central Library and be charmed

by Full of Beans, a mini fairy tale adventure ahead of this year’s Christmas show Jack and the Beanstalk (13 – 24 December). See Page 3 for more information.

For the grown-ups, get in the festive spirit with carol singing in the beautifully decorated Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, or watch a performance of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol.

Can’t wait until December for your family theatre fix? Check out Enormous Turnip by the crackin’ Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company at Luton Library Theatre on Saturday 17 November. Guaranteed to entertain!

For more info or to book online visit www.lutonculture.com.

Box Office: 01582 878100. No booking fees.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Grove Theatre From the team that brought you Sleeping Beauty; Evolution Pantomimes returns to Grove Theatre with the greatest pantomime of all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs running from Fri 7 Dec – Mon 31 Dec! To give you an insight into what fantastically

entertaining pantomime magic is in store for you this year, some reviews expressed that Evolution Pantomimes produced amazing, brilliant, comedy – filled pantomimes with a great cast, choice of music, set design, costumes and promises to be a guaranteed great night out!

Freckle Productions present Tabby McTat

Tabby McTat begins on Mon, 17 Dec and runs until Sun, 30 Dec at The Stables Theatre in Milton Keynes.

The children’s production is adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Interwoven with original

songs, Tabby McTat is the heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty from the team behind Stick Man Live and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales.

Suitable for children and families of all ages.

For details of performance times and ticket prices visit www.stables.org

Bedford Pantomine Company - Aladdin

Book Online: www.grovetheatre.co.uk Box Office: 01582 60 20 80 (opt 2) (*A £2 transaction fee will be added to all bookings).

The Santa Special on the Marston Vale Line All aboard Santa’s Festive Train!

On Sat, 15 Dec ’18 the Marston Vale Line (*MVL) will be hosting The Santa Special which is an ode to celebrate Christmas with festively decorated carriages, a face painter and balloon modeller. Children will also get the chance to meet Santa on board in his grotto!

Enjoy picturesque areas such as the Millennium Country Park, Aspley Woods and The Grand Union Canal of Stony Stratford.

These are only three of ten stations between Bedford and Bletchley that you and your family can experience.

The Santa Special takes place on the normal *MVL service

and is valid on any *MVL service throughout the day so you are able to hop off at Bedford for festive activities in the town centre. See p12 in our What’s on pages for more info & train times.

www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk. 01234 832 645 12 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

The Bedford Pantomime Company once again presents one of the biggest and best panto’s in Bedford from 22 Dec ‘18 – 1 Jan ‘19. This year families are zoomed off to the exotic land of princesses, thieves, jewels and other treasures - and of course magic carpets and genies bringing the story of Aladdin to life.

Aladdin is full of real family

fun where families can all join in; kids can join the cast on stage for their now famous “song finale”. You will also get the chance to meet the cast afterwards for a full FREE and relaxed photo opportunity.

Bedford Pantomime Company have been supporting local theatre, families and charities for over 10 years - family tickets are available for all shows.

www.bedfordpanto.com Box office: 01234 718 044 www.familiesonline.co.uk

❆

❄❆

QUARRY THEATRE, St Peters St, MK40 2NN SUN 16 DEC Santa in Love The People’s Theatre Company presents this magical fun filled Christmas show.

Come along to meet Santa & his friends to find out, join in games, giggles & sing your favourite Christmas songs!

FREE presents for children and photo opportunities. www.quarrytheatre.org.uk

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE, Marlborough Gate, MK9 3NZ SAT 8 DEC ‘18 – SUN 13 JAN ‘19 Robin Hood Brought to you by Qdos Entertainment and starring one of the nation’s favourite soap actors Shane Richie. Join the most heroic outlaw of them all - the arrow – shooting hero Robin strives to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion while he and his trusty band of Merry Men outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in a show packed full of comedy, action, adventure and plenty of glitz and glamour!

Nativity the Musical WED 14 NOV – SUN 18 NOV Feel-good, funny and full of yuletide joy, this cracker of a musical was adapted for the stage

by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films. Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see their musical version of their Nativity show at St Bernadette’s school, to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant, the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true.

Age: 5+ www.atgtickets.com

Co return with a wonderful musical, multisensory Christmas Adventure. Suitable for 0 – 7’s and fully inclusive for children and young people with special needs. www.moggerhangerpark.com Sandy Village Hall, SG19 1BN SUN 16 DEC A Christmas Carol

by The Pantaloons The Pantaloons Theatre Company present a new adaptation of Dickens’ fantastical fable performed in a hilarious and moving style. www.thepantaloons.co.uk

THE PLACE BEDFORD, Bradgate Rd, MK40 3DE FRI 28 NOV - TUE 1 DEC Beauty and the Beast Jn Toffee Apple Youth Productions the same team who brought Elf Jnr & Broadway Babies, brings you the classic story of a young woman Belle, the Beast a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress and the story of love and learning to love.

Suitable for all ages. www.theplacebedford.org.uk

❆❆

Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, MK40 1SL THU 29 NOV – SAT 1 DEC The Wizard of Oz www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Based on the original classic story, Rare Productions takes you to the magical land of Oz. Join Dorothy on her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power to send her home.

Meet the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman and the Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey. Including many of the songs from the famous MGM musical.

THEATRE & PANTO GUIDE

THU 20 DEC ‘18 Santa’s Christmas Party A show presented by Honalee Media. Jack Frost wants to stop Santa’s Christmas Party! Help get Santa’s Christmas Party back on track in an adventure full of fun, festive songs and party games. Every child will receive a special present from Santa in this iinteractive family show.

Ages: 2 - 7.

Russian National Ballet - Nutcracker WED 21 NOV A delightful and kind fairy tale with a gemstone of Tchaikovsky’s music.An ideal introduction to people of any age to the magic that is classical ballet.

It tells the story of Marie, a rather sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeier gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve which turns into a prince and the magic starts…

12 DEC, 1:30PM & 7PM Cinderella on ice at Milton Keynes Planet Ice Experience a magical retelling of the classic story – fairy Godmother glass slippers carriages made up of pumpkins and other such delights all on ice! www.planet-ice.co.uk

LUTON CULTURE (*See page 12 for more info.)

Full of Beans SAT 3 NOV Lewsey Library, LU4 0SW. SAT 10 NOV Stockwood Discovery Centre, LU1 4LX. SAT 17 NOV Luton Central Library, LU1 2NG. Ages 4+ The Enormous Turnip – SAT 17 NOV, 11am & 2pm.

Luton Library Theatre, LU1 2NG. Ages 3 – 10yrs Jack & the Beanstalk – THU 13 – MON 24 DEC: Luton Library Theatre, LU1 2NG. Ages 4+

❄

Gulliver’s Land Livingstone Dr, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT Jack & the Beanstalk SAT 29 DEC – SUN 30 DEC Enjoy over 20 rides and attractions at ‘Twixmas’ at Gulliver’s Land - includes a special Panto - Jack & the Beanstalk. www.gulliversfun.co.uk

BEDFORD PANTOMIME COMPANY Bedford Corn Exchange SAT 22 DEC ‘18 – TUE 1 JAN ‘19 Aladdin (*See page 12 to find out more). www.bedfordpanto.com

FROSTS WOBURN SANDS, Newport Rd, MK17 8UE SAT 1 DEC & SAT 8 DEC Jack and the Beanstalk A Fabulous evening of panto entertainment, laughter and food.

Receive a welcome drink of warm apple cider, sit back with your kids and experience mesmerizing interactive storytelling.

Sumptuous 2 Course Christmas Dinner to follow with fun activities for the kids to enjoy.

Special mini pantomime performance of Jack and the Beanstalk! www.frostsgardencentres. co.uk Moggerhanger Park, Park Rd, MK44 3RW SAT 8 & SUN 9 DEC The Christmas Clock Award – winning multisensory musical theatre company Collar & Cuffs Theatre

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedfordshire 13

What’s on

We aim for accuracy but do check with the venue before setting out in case details have changed after print... and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Bedfordshire Magazine.

❆

SAT 10 NOV, 10 am – 2pm Christmas Fayre at Bunyan Meeting Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU Lunches, Teas, Coffees, Stalls, Homemade Cakes, Tombola, Raffle, Craft Stalls www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk

SUN 11 NOV, 12 – 4pm Remembrance Event with Cafe 2018 marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. The English Gardner Theatre Company will perform a dramatization around installation highlighting different aspects of War. 07935 911207 info@clophillecolodges.co.uk

21 NOV – 24 DEC – Selected Dates Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm Coursers Rd, AL4 0PF. Indoor & outdoor fun. Meet Santa & his reindeer in his grotto, receive a golden key to his Toy Shop & attend Elf Academy. www.willowsactivityfarm.com THU 22 NOV Love Bedford’s Christmas begins Meet Santa & his reindeer in the afternoon.

Before darkness see Christmas lights switch on.

7pm onwards fireworks display along the river. www.lovebedford.co.uk

SAT 1 DEC – MON 24 DEC – Selected Dates.

Mead Open Farm, Billington, LU7 9JH NEW for 2018!

The Magic of Christmas at Mead Open Farm packed full of mayhem, merriment and magic. Meet Father Christmas. NEW extended Indoor Play, Adorable Animals & Outdoor Activities included in your ticket too! www.meadopenfarm.co.uk info@meadopenfarm.co.uk 01525 852954

❆

❄ ❆ ❄ ❆ THU 15 – SUN 18 NOV, 10am – 5pm Frost Fair at Aldenham Country Park, Herts, WD6 3BA 150+ Exhibitors, free parking, Father Christmas, festive music and entertainment, choirs, street foods & under cover seating area.

01487 814800 www.battenburgevents.co.uk

SAT 17 NOV St Mary’s Christmas Fair Eaton Bray Village Hall, LU6 3DJ Traditional Christmas Fair with cakes, plants, toys, craft stalls, gifts for Christmas.

Refreshments + lunches - including bacon butties.

SAT 17 NOV, 1pm – 4.30pm Christmas Fayre Parkside Hall, Woburn Street, Ampthill, MK45 2HX. Join this annual Christmas Fayre in aid of Bedfordshire Down Syndrome Support Group. Meet Santa, kids’ entertainment, refreshments, tombola & handmade gift stalls.

07958655347

SAT NOV 17 & SUN 18 NOV, 10 am – 5pm Herrings Green Christmas Craft Fair Enjoy a variety of local stalls, homemade gifts & crafts and locally sourced foods. www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

RECRUITING NOW!

Lesley Hawksley, a successful business woman, is seeking 5 working partners to work part - time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a Supervisory, Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self - Employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Lesley on 07532 616787

14 Families Bedfordshire November/December 2018

FRI 24 NOV, 10am – 4pm Jordan’s Mill Craft Fair Twinkling lights, festive smells and bright colours excite your senses as you browse through gift stalls. www.jordansmill.com

FRI 24 NOV, 10am – 4pm Beds Christmas Fair Bedford School – Grand Hall, MK40 2TT Fabulous & unusual gifts. Coffee shop, homemade cakes & mince pies. Local school choirs singing Christmas carols, chocolate making & flower demonstrations. www.redcross.org.uk

Watch Flitwick Light Up for Christmas!

SUN 25 NOV, 3.30pm – 5.30pm Tesco’s Car Park Celebrate with Father Christmas, Smartie Artie entertainer, live music from Ampthill Town Band, donkeys, stalls, mulled wine, children’s rides, mince pies and more!

01525 631900 www.flitwick.gov.uk SUN 25 NOV, 12 – 4pm Mechbourne Christmas Fair Melchbourne Village Hall, MK44 1BB Lovely stalls including cakes, pickles & chutney, Christmas decorations, accessories, tombola & raffle. Mulled wine, mince pies, soup & bacon rolls. Meet Santa Father between 1.30-2.30pm

FRI 30 NOV, 6pm Potton Christmas Lights Potton Market Sq, Festivities Start in the Market Square at 6pm.

Carol singing & refreshments - hot food & funfair.

Santa will be switching on the lights at 7pm.

FRI 30 NOV – SUN 2 DEC Leighton Buzzard Christmas Festival Begins Fri - Christmas Lights switch on & fireworks at 7pm. 30+ craft & gift stalls, food court & funfair. High Street running a wide range of activities & entertainment throughout the weekend. Sat – Santa’s Grotto & Sun traditional family day with street entertainers.. www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk WEEKENDS FROM 1 – 23 DEC sessions available between 10.30am – 3pm An Audience with Father Christmas Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HR. Enjoy festive fun & meet Santa as he tells festive tales amidst the yuletide decorations. Additional charge of £5 applies to see Santa for all children. Includes a small present. Wrest Park is open between the 27 DEC’18 and 1 JAN’19. Enjoy jumping, strolling & playing in 92 acres of stunning, frost-covered grounds between Christmas and New Year. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrestpark

SAT 1 DEC Luton Christmas lights switch on Christmas Market to run from Thur 29 Nov until switch on of lights in St. George’s Square on the 1 Dec. Theme for Christmas 2018 - the different ways in which Christmas is celebrated by Luton’s diverse population. www.luton.gov.uk SAT 1 DEC Cheeki Monkey’s Big Baby & Children’s Market & Fun Day Pre-loved goods for sale. Craft stalls with handmade & home products.

FREE bouncy castle craft table and games. www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

SAT 1 DEC, 10am – 4pm Woodside Animal Park Christmas Market with stalls selling Christmas gifts and products. Hot and cold food available and free activities for children!

FREE ENTRY TO MARKET ONLY. Plenty of free parking! www.woodsidefarm.co.uk SAT 1 DEC, 11am – SUN 2 DEC, ends 3pm Christmas Tree Festival Amazing stalls selling beautiful homemade gifts and crafts. All profit from Christmas Trees goes back into creating woodlands in the Forest. www.marstonvale.org

SUN 2 DEC, 10am – 4pm MacIntyre’s Charity Christmas Fair at Woburn Visit the beautiful setting of the Antiques Centre at Woburn Abbey. 50+ stalls including arts, crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, food and more.

For more info visit www.macintyrecharity.org SUN 2 DEC, 11am – 3pm Christmas Craft Market See local crafts, produce, local singers & Nativity play. Unusual & unique Christmas gifts & delicious food. www.clophillecolodges.org.uk

SUN 2 DEC, 10am – 4pm Made in Bedford Christmas Artisan Fair Bedford Corn Exchange Bedfordshire MK40 1SL See best local artists, craftspeople & producers showcasing unique cards, gifts & decorations.

Locally made food incl Vegan street food (Scrumdiddly Kitchen). Craft workshops & demonstrations. Local carol singers and musicians.

SUN 2 – SUN 23 DEC, 10am – 3pm Bletchley Park Vintage Grotto Magical 1940s style Christmas Grotto. Santa

www.familiesonline.co.uk

❆

will be at home in the Library in the Mansion throughout December. Every child receives a present - enjoy festive crafts & music while you wait. www.bletchleypark.org.uk

tions i t e p C om WIN! A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 TO SEE ALADDIN (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children).

How to win: Send in the name of the following cast members: Aladdin Princess Mandarin Widow Twanky *Clue: Check out Bedford Pantomimes Facebook Page...

ENTRY DEADLINE: 15/12/18

WIN! A FAMILY TICKET (2 ADULTS & 2 CHILDREN) TO GROVE THEATRE’S PANTOMIME! Answer the question below and send your answer to: Grove.Marketing2@sll.co.uk for a chance to win!

What much loved CBeebies TV show are Joseph Elliott & Richard David-Caine (Cook & Line) from?

A) Swashbuckle.

B) Show Me C) Justin’s House D) Numberblocks Competition ends 6/12/18.

Winner chosen at random & contacted via email.

WIN! 4 TICKETS FOR ONE PERFORMANCE TO SEE JACK & THE BEANSTALK AT LUTON LIBRARY THEATRE THIS DECEMBER! To enter, answer the following question: Q. Fe Fi Fo Fum! What do Magic beans become?

A) Beansprouts B) Beanstalks C) Beanboozled ENTRY DEADLINE: 29/11/18

❄ ❆❆ Christmas Tree Festival WED 5 DEC – SAT 8 DEC, 10am-5pm St Paul’s Church, MK40 1SQ 18th year Festival has taken place. See historic & beautiful St Paul’s Church lit by over 60 trees decorated by many community groups, schools & firms. Evening concerts, competitions & special choirs of all ages sing throughout each day.

SAT 8 DEC 10am – 2pm.

At Houghton Regis Library there will be a surprise present for every child. www.houghtonregis.org.uk SAT 15 DEC Marston Vale Line Santa Special Beautifully decorated carriages, Santa on board in his grotto, face painter & balloon modeller. Ticket is valid on any Marston Vale Line service throughout day. Hop off at Bedford for festive activities in the town centre. See page 2 for ticket prices and train departure times. *Granny & grandad travel for half-price with a Bedfordshire Concessionary Travel Pass!

Recommended - full journey Santa Special before alighting at Ridgemont to allow time to enjoy all activities on the train.

Avoid bringing non-folding buggies as space limited.

Remember seat reservations are not available.

Buy tickets in advance from any manned railway station or on www.marstonvalecommunityrail. org.uk Rail tickets can be purchased on the day from the conductor on the train.

SAT 15 DEC, 10.20am – 4.pm Festive Crafts Ridgmont Heritage Centre, Station Road, MK43 0XP Ridgmont Hop off the Marston Vale Community Rail Santa Special at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre for Festive Crafts sessions (1 hour approx.) £2.50 per child including refreshments.

Advance Booking essential – call 01234 832645

FRI 21 DEC, 6pm – 9pm Winter Solstice Start your winter solstice experience at the Chilterns Gateway Centre with carols, mince pies and a cup of traditional wassail. Follow the procession www.familiesonline.co.uk

WIN! ONE FIRST CLASS FAMILY TICKET TO LONDON VIA BLETCHLEY WITH THE MARSTON VALE LINE (*Clue on page 12) To enter answer the following question: How many stations are on the Marston Vale Line between Bedford & Bletchley?

A) 8 B) 10 C) 12 ENTRY DEADLINE: 30/11/18

led by the Morris dancers and musicians before enjoying a traditional mummer play about the battle of the Holly and the Oak King.

For more info visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstabledowns-and-whipsnade-estate

FRI 21 DEC 4pm – 6pm FRI 28 - SAT 29 DEC Engineering Open Workshop Join The Shuttleworth for their annual 2 day behind the scenes access ‘open workshop’ event. See areas and projects not usually on view to the public, chat to skilled aircraft engineers and volunteers, who love discussing what goes into rebuilding vintage aircraft, maintenance and the skills needed to keep these aircraft flying. The vehicle workshop team will also be on hand to talk about the ongoing restoration projects, what it takes to preserve and run The Collection’s historic Veteran, Edwardian and Vintage cars and bikes.

Free rides available on the 1913 open top double Wellingborough bus (weather permitting).

Ticket price includes entry to The Collection and to the picturesque Swiss Garden, which is a lovely picturesque place to unwind in the fresh air! Pre-booking is recommended. www.shuttleworth.org

WIN! A FAMILY TICKET (ADMITS 4 PEOPLE) TO SEE TABBY MCTAT AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE by answering this question: Name the two people who wrote the illustrated and original Tabby McTat book?

ENTRY DEADLINE: 16/11/18

Santa’s Grotto at The Olde Watermill Visit the Olde Watermill Grotto where Tinseltoes and Snowball are waiting to take you on a special 40-minute, fun-filled adventure of festive singing and high jinks with Rudolph and Percy the Polar Bear, before a surprise visit and story from Santa himself! www.oldewatermill.co.uk

COMPETITIONS: HOW TO ENTER: Send answers to

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk with your name & contact number.

PLEASE REMEMBER: ❄ Add competition name in heading of subject box when you email your answer across. ❄ T&C’s APPLY ❄ All competition prizes not exchangeable for cash prize & can’t be re – sold.

Winners will be contacted by phone call by Michéllin Store – Families Bedfordshire Magazine Editor.

❄

Order your Turkey from Watergate Farm A family farm have been rearing turkeys for over 70 years. Good locally produced food is ever more important.

We, as producers, feel that buying direct from the farmer is the best way of obtaining a product whose high quality is guaranteed. www.watergatefarmturkeys.com

Don’t forget to like and follow us on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter (see page 2 for social media page info) and join Bedfordshire Mums Network Group on Facebook too!

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

Bedfordshire 15

VISIT WREST PARK THIS CHRISTMAS Join us for festive events this December and play in our frost-covered grounds at weekends and between Christmas and New Year.*

* Please see our website for full, up to date Christmas opening times

Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

Aldenham Country Park

NCG

MKTG

SOUTH EAST

5347

NIKKI ANDERSON

LANDSCAPE ADVERT

180X130MM

CMYK

WREST PARK CHRISTMAS ADVERT

christmas frost fair

DALE/SUSIE

AW

16.10.2018

Held in marquees on the event field at Aldenham Country Park WD6 3BA

ENGLISH HERITAGE, BRAND & DESIGN TEAM, THE ENGINE HOUSE, FIREFLY AVENUE, SWINDON SN2 2EH • TELEPHONE 01793 414451

Adults £7.00 Concessions £6.00 Accompanied children (under 16s) Free Discounted advance & bulk tickets available

For details please contact Battenburg Events Ltd 01487 814800 www.battenburgevents.co.uk

Supporting: Follow Battenburg Events on