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Bedfordshire IN THIS ISSUE Spring school open days directory Clubs and classes Easter holiday & What's on guide WIN the Essential Vegan Cookbook from Need2Know Books for your family!

Easter Wizard of Oz 8 - 22 April

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Issue 39 March/April 2019

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11/02/2019 12:06

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

familiesonline.co.uk

E

contents

Spring is a time for new beginnings and new life!

As the trees and plants become greener, flowers begin to bloom and the days become longer, the sun beckons for us to leave our nests and explore the birth of a new Season. There is so much to celebrate & experience! See p4 – 5 for these special dates. Schools begin their Spring Open Days (p7) and your children can choose from a variety of exciting classes (p10 – 11 & 16). Wishing all Mothers, Nana’s and Great Nana’s a Happy Mother’s Day and may you create joyful and uplifting memories over the Easter holidays! (See p 13 – 15).

Michéllin To advertise in this magazine contact:

4-5

Celebrations & News

6 -7

Education

8

Pregnancy

9

Childcare

10 -11

Clubs & Classes

12

Work & Career

13-15

Easter Holiday & What's On Guide

16

Clubs & Classes

Find us and folllow us on:

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

Facebook.com/familiesbedfordshire

Make sure to pick up the May/June Spring-Summer Edition. Out on the 1st May 2019.

@FamiliesBeds families_beds18

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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 only fun, exciting sOmE aMaZiNg sPoRtS sKiLlS? 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 cOm and sharing. Come along . s R mMe and have a try!

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

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

2 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On for Families

March - April 2019

STORYTELLING | EXHIBITIONS | PERFORMANCES | EVENTS

Big Book, Tall Tales

Tales for Tots

Luton Central Library

Wardown House

SUN 3 MAR, 10AM & 2PM

The Giant Jam Sandwich

TUE 5 MAR, 2 APR, 9.30AM

SUN 10 MAR 11.30AM & 2.30PM

Mirror Mirror SUN 17 MAR, 2PM

Luton Library Theatre

£4, ages 0 – 4

Luton Library Theatre

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

Oskar’s Amazing Adventure

Peter Pan & Captain Cook

Wow! It’s Night Time

House Tours for Kids

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Luton Central Library £5, ages 4 – 9

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

The Adventures of Pom

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

The Sand Dragon

The Princess and the Pea

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Luton Central Library

£5, ages 5 – 9

SAT 30 MAR, 11AM & 2PM £7, ages 2 – 8

THU 11 APR, 10AM, 11.30AM & 2.30PM

£7, ages 3 – 7

MON 8 APR, 11.30AM & 2.30PM

MON 8 APR, 11.30AM & 3PM TUE 9 & WED 10 APR 10.30AM & 2.30PM £7, ages 2 – 5

MON 15 APR 11.30AM & 2.30PM

Wardown House

THU 11 APR, 2PM / FRI 12 APR 11AM & 2PM / SAT 13 APR, 11AM

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

Easter Holidays

A Dragon’s Tale

Shh… Bang!

The Magical Library

Luton Library Theatre

Luton Central Library

£5, ages 4 months – 3 years

WED 17 APR 11.30AM & 2.30PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre £7, ages 3 – 7

Luton Library Theatre £7, ages 2+

WED 17 APR, 2.30PM £7, ages 3+

www.lutonculture.com Box Office: 01582 878100

£7, ages 3 – 7

THU 18 APR, 2PM £5, ages 3 – 7

@WeAreLutonCulture @lutonculture

£7, ages 3+

TUE 9, WED 10, TUE 16 & WED 17 APR, 11AM

Wardown House £5, ages 8 – 11

MON 15 APR 11.30AM & 2PM £5, ages 3+

Find out more about our events.

Follow us on social media, check us out online and sign up to our email list

CELEBRATIONS & NEWS Dates to celebrate: Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day): 5 March International Women’s Day: Fri, 8 March – Theme: ‘Better the balance, better the world’ #BalanceForBetter British Science Week: Fri, 8 – Sun, 17 March

Denbigh outstanding Primary School!

Staff and pupils at Denbigh Primary School are having a very happy start to the New Year after receiving an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating following a recent inspection.

The Ofsted inspection team led

by Her Majesty’s Inspector Cindy Impey, visited the school on the 27-28 November and deemed it to be outstanding in all five areas: effectiveness

of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and early years provision.

Praising the leadership at the school, the report identified that ‘leaders, including governors, are united in their vision for excellence’

and commented that the school should ‘continue to strengthen leadership capacity by developing middle leaders’ skills and knowledge through appropriate support and training’ The report also recognised that pupils are ‘polite, courteous and well mannered’ and that ‘pupils in reading, writing are making good and mathematics’ and, in my cases, highlighting high exceptional progress across the school

Last Minute! Simple World Book Day Costumes

With World Book Day coming up on 7 March, you may not have the time, energy, funds or inclination to provide a glitzy costume for your child to wear to school.

So here is Families list of book-related characters that require minimal accessories and that might work for your child this year: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney White shirt + black short + black backpack.

Charlie Bucket from Charlie and

the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Trousers + white top + yellow jacket Tinkerbell – Peter Pan

by J.M. Barrie A fairy costume Sophie - The Tiger who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr Purple dress + blue top + patterned leggings Book characters that Wear Pyjamas/Nightdress Wendy - Peter Pan by JM Barrie Tom – Tom’s Midnight Garden

by Philippa Pearce Boy - Polar Express

by Chris Van Allsburg 'Boy' – Lost & Found

by Oliver Jeffers Red and white striped top + hat + penguin toy

More info: www.worldbookday.com/dressing-up

quality teaching and pupils love of reading key to ensuring that

‘key stage 2 pupil’s in reading are well above average’.

www.denbighprimary.co.uk

Time to Get Smart!

New gas and electricity smart meters are being offered to every home across Great Britain at no extra cost.

With an end to estimated bills and a portable in-home display showing spending on energy in pounds and pence, smart meters equip families with the tools necessary to eliminate energy waste at home and reduce bills.

By reducing energy use, we can cut the amount of carbon we produce as a country and help to tackle climate change.

To reassure the public that smart meters are safe, Public Health

England has conducted and published extensive peerreviewed research. This research has found that while smart meters do use radio waves, they do so at a typical rate of a millionth of the minimum international guidelines and significantly lower than existing devices such as mobile telephones or WI-FI.

To learn more about the benefits of smart meters and protections in place, visit www.smartenergygb.org

Children Targeted by Adults on Social Media Research released by the NSPCC has revealed that one in four young people have been contacted via social media by an adult they didn’t know, and a third of these were children under 13.

2,059 children and 2,049 parents were surveyed for Net Aware, the essential guide to 40 of the most popular social media sites, apps and games that young people use.

Children and parents were asked if they’d seen violent, bullying or adult content on the social networking sites and games they use –

with Facebook and YouTube receiving high risk ratings across the board.

Other sites found to be risky included Twitter and Reddit, with both rated high for inappropriate content, as well as lesser known names such as Sarahah, Episode: Choose Your Story, Omegle, ROBLOX and Yubo (formerly called Yellow).

The NSPCC encourages parents to use Net Aware to learn about the various platforms their child may be using, together with the risk rating of each.

More info: www.tandfonline.com 4 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

CELEBRATIONS & NEWS Dates to celebrate: Spring Equinox: Wed, 20 March Happy Mother’s Day! Sun, 31 March Easter: Sun, 21 April Earth Day: Mon, 22 April

Enjoy British Science Week Families can enjoy wonder-full time together during British Science Week 2019 which will take place from 8 to 17 March.

Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with fascinating, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages taking place across the UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants.

You can also download a series of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need for a science background or expensive equipment.

To find an event close to you, visit www.sciencelive.net

Acorn Day Nursery have introduced an exciting new pioneering educational programme called “NeuroStar” The NeuroStar is an innovative programme based on the developmental stages of the brain and compliments the EYFS. Our babies and 2-year olds, have been scientifically assessed to have improved language development and our older children have been assessed to have an amazing knowledge of the world as well

as emotional development. This was also reflected in our latest Ofsted report where we achieved an “outstanding” in all areas.

To book a tour contact: 01582 574390 or e-mail: sabrina.admin@acorndaynurseryluton.co.uk

Spring open day at Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden!

The Walled garden is the focus of a volunteer run project to revive the garden and its buildings.

Children are very welcome and will love exploring the Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden.

Spring Open Day is on 17th April (see advert on page 15) and the Garden will be open every Wednesday from the beginning of May to the end of September.

There are open and family

days throughout the year with children’s activities and family fun. A café is on site and you might spot some fairy doors in the Woodland Walk on your way.

For details of news and events see our website: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Local charity creates new community woodland The communities of Wixams and Wilstead had a fabulous day, on Sunday 10th February, helping to create a new woodland, with the Forest of Marston Vale charity.

Despite the wet weather on the day, 350 people joined the Charity and its team of volunteers to plant 2500 trees.

Creating the Forest of Marston Vale is a long-term project for the Charity, who have been planting trees since the early 1990’s to create 11

community woodlands and turn the 61 square miles of the Marston Vale into a thriving Forest.

This new woodland was made possible with the support of L&Q Estates, the developer of the Wixams who gave the land to Wilstead Parish Council.

The Forest of Marston Vale charity will continue planting trees on this land over the next 2 years to establish a woodland for both communities to enjoy on their doorstep.

The woodland doesn’t have a name yet – if you have any suggestions, contact sam.hayden@marstonvale.org www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedfordshire 5

EDUCATION

Learning the Times Tables - Tips & Tricks Track In 2020, it becomes compulsory for all Year 4 students to undergo a new times table test and this is likely to put additional pressure on parents to help their children get to grips with their times tables.

Children’s inability to instantly recall times tables and manage simple multiplication is a recurring theme of mathematics teaching reported by teachers in primary schools.

These skills need to be embedded by Year 4 in order to prepare for the maths teaching for the next two years.

At secondary school, lack of basic numeracy, including not knowing their multiplication tables really well, can lead to an inability to grasp new concepts and really slow children's mathematical progress.

While it may seem tedious to practise times tables with your child, by ensuring your child is confident with times tables you will be equipping them with essential tools for success in maths.

Getting Familiar with Multiplication Concepts The first step with multiplication is to make sure your child understands what multiplication really means. In other words, they need to understand that 4 x 3 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 and be confident with such number sequences.

The Rule of Commutativity Show your child that each answer repeats, so, technically, they only have to learn half of the tables. In other words, 4 x 5 is the same as 5 x 4. The rule of commutativity helps them understand that they know more than they might think.

Point Out Patterns It doesn't all have to be memorised by rote.

There are clues and helpful hints that can be learned.

For example 2x is just doubling the number.

This is the same as adding the number to itself: 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6, 2 x 4 = 8 etc.

So the pattern is 2, 4, 6, 8 etc. And once these are remembered then the rule of commutativity above means they also know 3 x 2, 4 x 2 etc.

9× has a pattern too: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90. Notice how the tens (first digits in every number) go up by one and the units (second digits) go down.

All the multiples of ten end in zero.

All the multiples of 5 end in either 5 or 0 and are half as large as the multiples of ten. (10 x 5=50 which is half of 10 x 10 = 100).

Any number x 0 is always 0. No matter what.

The answers to the 4 times table are double the answers to the 2 times table. For example, 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as 3 × 2 × 2. Likewise, the answers to the 8 times table are double the answers to the 4 times table. For example, 5 × 8 = 40 is the same as 5 × 4 × 2.

Learning the 11 times table is actually easy up to the number 9. It is simply doubling the appearance of the number you wish to multiply by. For example, 2 x 11 = 22, 3 x 11 = 33, 4 x 11 = 44 and so on.

Teach the Tricks The great thing with times tables is that there are many tricks that can help your child memorise them more easily.

Let's take a look at a couple of tricks: 2 times tables: Double it! Two times a number simply means add the number twice. 6 x 2 is actually 6 + 6 and 8 x 2 is the same as 8 + 8.

4 times tables: Double the number you are multiplying, then double it again! It is simply a matter of doubling the number, then doubling the answer.

For example, 4 x 5 is 5 + 5 = 10 and then 10 + 10 = 20. 4 x 5 is 20.

12 times table is 10x plus 2x.

For example: 10 x 4 = 40, then add 2 x 4 = 8

Drilling Some drilling is inevitable. Drilling should be done once the child is familiar with their tables or at least a set of numbers. Drilling should be started in order and once you feel they are getting there you can mix it all up.

They may hesitate at the beginning but the more you drill the more the times tables will be embedded into their memories.

Everyone’s Different Some children like to learn by rote; for others it doesn’t work at all. To support their learning, work out what will make times tables stick in your child’s mind, whether that’s singing them, putting them into practice with puzzles, playing games with them or writing them out.

Good luck!

6 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Spring School Open Days Bedford Girls School Girls Ages: 7 – 18 yrs Bedford, MK42 0BX 01234 361918 Wed 7 Mar & Thurs 3 May, 10am www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk. admissions@bedfordgirlschool.co.uk Bedford School Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU 01234 362200 Sat, 27 Apr, 10am www.bedfordschool.org.uk Rushmoor School Bedford, MK40 2DL 01234 352031 Admissions Secretary: Philippa Abruzzese Sat 2 Mar, 10am – 12noon www.rushmoorschool.co.uk St Andrews Bedford, MK40 2PA 01234 267272, Admissions Secretary: Mrs Sheila Heaney Sat, 2 Mar, 10am – 12noon www.standrewsschoolbedford.com Pilgrim’s School Bedford, MK41 7QZ Registrar: Mrs Karen Sinclair 01234 369555 Sat 16 Mar www.pilgrims-school.info

Orchard Independent School Bedfordshire, MK45 4RB 01582 882054 Mon, 11 Mar www.orchardschool.org.uk Swanbourne House Milton Keynes, MK17 0HZ Registrar: Mrs Pratten 01296 720264 Sat 23 Mar, 9.30am www.swanbourne.org.uk Webbar Independent Stantonbury Fields, MK14 6DP 01908 574 740 Wed, 13 Mar & 24 Apr, 10am – 12noon www.webberindepenedentschool. com Broughton Manor Prep School Milton Keynes MK10 9AA 01908 665234 Thur 14 Mar, 10am – 11:30am www.bmprep.co.uk Walton Pre Preparatory School & Nursery Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB 01908 678403 Tue, 12 Mar, 10am – 11:30am www.waltonpps.co.uk Milton Keynes Preparatory School Milton Keynes, MK3 7EG 01908 642111 Wed 13 Mar www.mkprep.co.uk

Five Tips for De-Stressing Getting to school

Children don’t understand time in the same way as adults.

This can make school mornings a stressful time of day for parents.

Here are five tips to that may help make things a little easier.

Tip One: The Crucial 10 Minutes Being up 10 minutes earlier gives you a fair chance of making sure both you and your children are ready 10 minutes before you have to leave and gives you a chance to have a cup of tea or coffee.

This will give you time to gather your thoughts and make sure you have everything. No more rushing out of the door and rushing back to pick up forgotten items!

Tip Two: The Night Before Do everything that can be done to prepare for the morning - the night before. Lay out school uniform, make pack lunches, sort snacks, check all homework and sports kit are where they should be. Make showers/baths and hair washes part of the night time routine, rather than obstacles to overcome in the morning.

Tip Three: Have a Checklist A checklist could include: eating www.familiesonline.co.uk

breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, packing lunch and water bottle, putting on shoes and coat. It’s good to have a plan of their weekly school routine to hand so that you know when school library books are due back, which day is swimming or games and so on.

Tip Four: Provide a Pay Off Give kids an incentive so that if they finish their school morning routine early they are rewarded with some time for tv, reading or something they would like to do before school.

Tip Five: Use Devices Set reminders on your phone for special tasks such as remembering to give your child signed permission slips or leaving early for a school club. Think about an alarm for children who struggle to wake up. Set a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for showering, so that you can keep your children on schedule.

I believe in the spirit of inquiry Open Mornings Wednesday 6th March, 10am Thursday 2nd May, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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

Bedfordshire 7

PREGNANCY

How to celebrate Mother's Day after Losing a Baby

By Petra Boynton

Mother’s Day is supposed to be a time for happy families and honouring all that mums do. But it can be a bittersweet time if you’ve lost a baby recently or in the past. Grief can leave you feeling isolated and lonely, and you may feel you need to hide this from others, particularly if your friends or relatives have been awkward or unsympathetic about your loss(es). Perhaps you’re under pressure to keep up a ‘perfect mum’ persona that leaves no room for feelings of anger or frustration about your loss. Or you may simply be unsure how to mark the day.

At a time of year where you’re expected to be around children and celebrate motherhood you may struggle if you are missing a baby you lost, or are navigating family gatherings where you might feel envious of those who have children. You may want to take pride in being a mum while still find it difficult to adjust to not having a particular baby (or babies) with you.

While it’s not often talked about, it isn’t unusual for mums or their wider families to find Mother’s Day a tricky time – particularly if it’s your first anniversary following

bereavement. Your partner may feel the same way, but say nothing – particularly on a day that’s supposed to be about the person who carried their babies.

Similarly, young children may not be so aware of your losses but can still can be affected by grief; while older children may be struggling but unsure how to ask for help.

Everyone in the family may have different ways of coping and managing their emotions and reactions and this can be tricky especially if what one family member wants to do conflicts with someone else’s needs.

There is no straightforward journey through the grieving process and there’s no set time by which you’ll feel better.

Instead there will always be good and bad days.

This can mean Mother’s Day can either become a powerful time for remembrance, or a trigger for distress. You have permission to mark the day in whatever way you wish – it’s worth noting that you may not end up managing Mother’s Day in the way you anticipated.

It’s absolutely fine to tell others how you are doing, how you wish to treat Mother’s Day and how you’d like them to support

you. This may include asking them not to make a big deal of the day or to join in celebrations that honour the memory of the baby (or babies) that aren’t with you.

It’s your day, so you get to define, change and mark it in whatever way works best for you.

Support groups are a good place to connect with other people who have experienced losses. In the run up to Mother’s Day and during the day itself, making use of online forums, groups on Facebook, charity helplines or email advice services can be very reassuring if you need support.

Establishing New Traditions after Loss

You may want to pick a meaningful place to visit like a walk in peaceful surroundings, a beautiful beach, or somewhere you feel happy.

Not everyone wants to celebrate after loss. That might mean doing very little to mark Mother’s Day; you may want to spend the time quietly or on a retreat with other parents who’ve experienced similar loss.

Alternatively, your preferred Mother’s Day treat might be something that’s focussed on your living children or those of other relatives or friends, whilst still remembering any babies not with you.

Meaningful dates can be good times to make memorials – these could include planting a tree, creating a memory box or scrap book, or joining an online memorial page.

If your baby has a grave to visit, spending some time there on Mother’s Day either alone or with family members can feel important and meaningful. You may want to take flowers or other mementoes.

You might ask for donations to a baby loss charity, made in the name of all your children or that of the baby (or babies) you’ve lost.

Petra Boynton is the author of Coping with Pregnancy Loss, published by Routledge, RRP £11.99. Get 20% off the book with the code CWL20!

Other sources of support can be found at https://copingwithpregnancyloss.com/support as well as local Bedfordshire groups: http://bedssands.blogspot.com/ and www.asterbabyscan.com who provide support groups for those who have lost a baby.

8 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

CHILDCARE

Ensuring Your Child is Happy at Nursery

By Kristen Harding

The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges.

However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from the childcare arrangement.

Before a child arrives at a new nursery, nursery staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early.

Settling In Parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled. It’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in. Try to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does. Communicate regularly with as much detail as you need with the nursery. This can help ease your nervousness and worry.

Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery.

Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as possible about your child’s individual needs, their behavior when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps calm them.

Often, anxiety of a child lessens when their nursery assigns a key worker to them. By identifying one particular carer who is going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, they will have the stability of knowing there is an individual

there that they can rely on.

Eating Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact on the confidence and comfort of a young child. When

you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time occasionally.

Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable.

Potty Training It is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of peer pressure between parents or children!

When you do decide to begin potty training, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach.

Sleep It is important that home and nursery work together over nap times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. If your child struggles to sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide comfort and help them drift off.

Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For more information, visit www.tinies.com

Harpers Nursery & Forest School BLUNHAM MK44 3NX

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

NEW SEPARATE BABY ROOM AT ACORN DAY NURSERY! We have passionate, highly qualified staff.

We are friendly, with a homely atmosphere, our large gardens offering our children a wonderful outdoor experience all year round. We have a new separate baby room, which takes babies from 3 months onwards.

TO BOOK A TOUR CALL 01582 574390 OFSTED: OUTSTANDING 2017 2 – 4 Roman Road Luton LU3 2QT E-mail: sabrina.admin@acorndaynurseryluton.co.uk Manager / Proprietor: DR C E Fisher www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

www.harpersnursery.co.uk

Tel: 01767 641499

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

Bedfordshire 9

CLUBS & CLASSES

Join All Stars Cricket Today!

All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket.

Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure!

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year we have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it’s a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star's achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more on how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your child's place booked as sessions begin in May 2019.

Monkey Music in Biggleswade - loud and clear!

Today over 150 talented Monkey Music teachers share their love of music with more than 12,000 families every week. Monkey Music is one of the leading lights in pre-school education and, is an award-winning pre-school music group for children aged 3 - 4 years.

10 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

Classes run every Monday in Biggleswade and every Thursday in Stotfold.

Monkey Music is written by professional musicians with a unique teaching curriculum.

Classes support developmental language, physical and social skills. Catchy songs are mixed with specialist instruments,

magical props, enticing puppets, bubbles and fun activities.

Monkey Music classes are designed to prepare children for their next musical steps, which may include learning an instrument.

Book your free taster class online and join in on the fun and giggles all the way! https://bit.ly/2KaaXhF www.monkeymusic.co.uk Tel: 01462 626735

www.familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Outdoor Sports Clubs that are Ideal for Children

As children get older, they get less active. As they move through primary school, the number of children meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and maintenance of healthy weight drops by 40%. Getting children involved in a sport from a young age can help them keep fit and encourage the development of a lifetime habit of regular exercise.

As spring approaches, here are some outdoor sports options to consider: Athletics Athletics offers opportunities for use of the widest range of skill sets of any sport as its various disciplines provide the opportunity to throw, run or jump. It is suitable for all children as different body shapes, skills and preferences suit different activities. Most junior athletics clubs run taster days or tester sessions so that new participants can see whether they like the club before signing up. To find a local club, visit www.englandathletics.org Cycling Cycling is an essential part of growing up – it’s great fun, helps children feel independent and keeps them fit and healthy. Local kids’ cycling clubs are fantastic places for children to get out on a bike, with expert coaching, a gang of riding buddies and access to some amazing cycling facilities.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Sessions are often weekly and many clubs offer cycling holiday camps at which children can spend the entire day on two wheels. To find a local club, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk or www.dorvicscycles.co.uk Rugby The first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either. Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, noncontact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their clothing. The focus here is developing passing and running skills. Your local rugby club is likely to have junior and ‘mini’ teams starting at under 6s and there are also a large number of providers which offer rugby classes which from toddler age upwards.

To find a local football club visit www.rugbytots.co.uk and www.littlescrummers.com Football Many local football clubs run teams for boys and girls starting from age 7 as well as regular community coaching programmes for children from age 3, with the emphasis on skill development and fun and not on winning.

As with rugby there are many providers offering classes and school holiday camps introducing the sport to children as young as 2 years. To find a local club, visit leonbarnettfootballacademy.co.uk and www.socatots.co.uk Orienteering Orienteering is an outdoor sport which the whole family can enjoy

together. It offers a unique mix of mental and physical challenge and you can progress at your own pace. The aim is to navigate, in sequence, to different control points that are located on a special course, using a specially-drawn map. Clubs hold events in local parks, green spaces and forested areas. To find a family friendly event near you, visit www.xplorer.org.uk Tennis Children from 3 years of age can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) runs the Mini Tennis programme which uses smaller courts and equipment, combined with lower bouncing balls to introduce children aged between 3 and 10 to the sport.

Also run by the LTA, Tennis for Kids offers children ages 4 to 11 an introductory course of six sessions

course delivered by specially trained coaches at various locations across the UK. For more info, visit www.lta.org.uk and www.teddytennisuk.co.uk Multi-Sports If you are not sure which sport to choose for your child, look out for multi-sports sessions run by independent providers or local authorities at which kids can try out a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available both in term time and in school holidays and are a great way for kids to experience a number of sports and find out what they like for themselves.

Visit: Leighton Buzzard Multisport www.leightonbuzzardtennis.com/ coaching.asp or www.ssgservices.co.uk

The Benefits of Signing in Schools, Preschools and Nurseries The Signing Company teaches British Sign Language in classes with families and young children, they also go to Early Years settings to teach staff and children. This can either be done through weekly classes, Signing Workshops or with the signing teacher shadowing the staff and interacting with the children whilst teaching appropriate signs.

The children thoroughly enjoy learning sign language and staff seem pleased with the results.

The babies (in nurseries) are now using their knowledge of signs to communicate their needs, alleviating any frustrations that might have previously occurred.

For further information, please contact Jules Hepburn 07766492037 Jules@thesigningcompany.co.uk, www.thesigningcompany.co.uk

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

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

For more details, just call or email:

0345 313 6712

shauna@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

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

Bedfordshire 11

WORK AND CAREER

Flexible working is one of the top three benefits that today’s jobseekers look for – particularly if they are parents. Meanwhile, employers are being encouraged to publish their parental leave policies and increasing numbers of employers are offering family friendly parental leave policies, from carer’s leave to the ability to buy extra holiday.

Finding More Family Friendly Work

By Mandy Garner It’s not just women who want family friendly working.

Workingmums.co.uk’s recent survey of dads shows 73% say they are considering seeking flexible working. The truth is that modern family life requires flexibility and employers who don’t offer it will lose out. Employers also need to do more than offer flexible working policies; they need to back this up with a culture that normalises different ways of working. Otherwise employees often feel side-lined or end up working overtime because expectations are not reduced in line with hours.

When this flexible working policies and the right culture work together, great opportunities arise.

Samantha Hamilton-Davies is a Senior Associate [Due Diligence] in the homeworking legal team of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, based in Manchester. Samantha works four days a week from home and has been promoted since joining the homeworking team. In her previous role

Samantha had faced a long commute. She says that without her homeworking role she might have eventually left the legal profession.

Claire Brown left a ‘million miles an hour’ job in the City and is now working part time as Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] Manager at Carpetright.

The post means she can use her skills and experience in a senior role AND still has enough time for her family and voluntary job running her village’s residents association.

Such cases are not confined to the big corporates. SMEs like IT firm, Hireserve, has grown by employing experienced professionals on flexible hours.

Their hours have increased as their families and the firm has grown.

So how do you land this kind of job? The answer is research and being clear about what you want and why it is good for your employer. Research the best family-friendly employers.

Don’t just look at their policies everyone can look good on paper, but read what others say about them; talk, if possible, to people who work there; find out what the companies offer beyond the statutory requirements; and look at whether they are shouting out about it on their careers page or LinkedIn. Does it matter to them?

Do they really get it?

It’s not just the provision of a flexible role that matters. It is about the employers’ overall attitude to flexible workers. Line managers’ attitudes, in particular, are crucial to ensuring flexible working doesn’t mean career stagnation.

With regard to clarity, it is best to be upfront about what you need and to put a business case for why it is in both your interests and that of your potential employer. What do they get by allowing you flexi hours? What do you bring to the organisation that they need? Remember not to downplay or apologise for skills gained outside the workplace.

When Visa in Europe was advertising the post of Director of Talent, mum-of-four Pippa Edwards, who was a Talent Manager, expressed her interest but told her manager that she didn’t want to work full time. He said: “Have you considered a job share?” “In that one sentence everything changed for me,” says Pippa. “I started to believe I could have my cake and eat it.” Pippa now job shares with mum-of-three Vicki Mawson, former Talent Acquisition Director at L’Oréal. Both women think the company has benefited from the job share, getting a depth of expertise that one person alone would not provide.

“Before I thought that I would have to make a choice between working part time and having a career” states Pippa. I had come to accept that that was the reality, but my boss showed me that I could have both and that was so powerful. So many women should have that opportunity and not have to make that choice.”

Mandy Garner is Editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, which links top family-friendly employers with female professionals and highlights examples of best practice to encourage greater innovation across sectors. They have just launched a partner website for dads at www.workingdads.co.uk 12 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Fun for Families at Luton Culture If you’re looking for something to do with the kids over the next couple of months, there’s plenty in store at Luton Culture venues: Luton Library Theatre, Luton Libraries, Stockwood Discovery Centre and Wardown House.

Come on an adventure ahead of World Book Day, with Big Book, Tall Tales to discover washed away words and help find the story. There’s more storytelling at Wardown House with

Tales for Tots a new monthly storytelling session for youngsters.

There’s Oskar’s Amazing Adventures, a heart-warming and entertaining play full of good humour, adventure, music and song, and who would want to miss a theatre production of classic children’s story The Giant Jam Sandwich or Mirror Mirror, a mischievous take on

the ever-popular Snow White, combining loveable puppets, spirited storytelling and mesmerising sign.

For venue information, dates, times and prices head over to www.lutonculture.com You can book tickets online or call the Box Office on 01582 878100. If you’re feeling organised, book ahead for Easter holidays too – there’s plenty of fun with Luton Culture – see page 3 for further details. see some being born. BBQ, Refreshments, Raffle, Tombolas & entertainment for the kids.

Cash only event.

NEW Easter Wizard of Oz at Mead Open Farm!

8 – 22 APRIL Journey through the magical land of Oz this Easter at Mead Open Farm in their NEW immersive walk through experience. Plus, see NEW Easter Shows and adorable Baby Animals. There’s NEW huge extended Indoor Play and Grain Store Kitchen Café to discover too, as well as lots of Outdoor fun.

Are you ready to begin your Easter adventure?

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Easter Owl Encounter 8th, 12th & 17th Apr 10:30am or 2pm Meet, Handle and Fly Owls from around the world and enjoy Easter crafting. Enjoy a warm drink with a scrummy Easter Cupcake which includes entry into the Birds of Prey Centre and Farm. Booking required, prices online. birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Hip Hopperty Fun at Herrings Green Animal Farm Sat 9 & Sun 10 March Hop over to the farm and enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family! There will be rabbit masks for children who can take part of a carrot hunt, meet giant rabbits and meet Peter!

No booking required. birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Wilstead Lambing Day Sun, 17 Mar, 1pm – 3pm Manor Farm, MK45 3DS Kids will love seeing the lambs and if theyre're lucky they might www.familiesonline.co.uk

Wild Things at Easter at The Lodge (RSPB) Sat 6 Apr to Mon 22 Apr, 10.30 am - 4 pm Go on an Easter adventure with your family and follow the Wild Things at Easter trail. Use clues to work out the answers about wildlife, nests and eggs! Along the trail you can stop to take part at activity stations, try to make a bird’s nest and make a den at the den building station!

Booking not required. Cost per child for trail sheet £2. Collect your ‘Wild Thing’ fridge magnet (limited availability) and Wild Time Certificate after the trail! www.rspb.org.uk Easter Egg Hunt at Kiosk at the Park Wed 10 Apr – 9.30 – 12.30 41 The Embankment, MK40 3TP Meet in Russell Park for egg decorating (£2) with Creative Days and join in on the exciting Easter Egg Hunt (FREE!) – meet at the Kiosk at the Park. http://pavilion.attheparkbedford. co.uk Easter Egg Hunt - Bedford Park Pavilion at The Park, Park Ave, MK41 7SS Wed 10th Apr 10 am – 12.30 pm Join in on the Easter Fun in Bedford Park during the Easter holidays for an Easter Egg Hunt. http://pavilion.attheparkbedford. co.uk Pongo’s Party!

Thurs 18 Apr, 2pm (Harpur Suite) Today is Pongo the Pig’s birthday!

Help him celebrate in a colourful farmyard, lovable puppet characters and dress in your best party clothes and help make Pongo's Party a day to remember, by joining in a show full of fun, songs and laughter – play in a huge children's band and take part in the town’s biggest ever game of

pass the parcel! Includes a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny himself!

Ages: 2 – 7 yrs. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Linslade Easter Floating Market 19 Apr – 22 Apr, 10am - 5pm Located near The Globe Inn, Glove Lane, LU7 2TA, Leighton Buzzard This Easter the Roving Canal Traders will be visiting Linslade for a fun and beautiful weekend of outdoor shopping. Visit the Floating High Street and see some wonderfully colourful creations traders make and sell. FREE EVENT Easter Eye Spy Trail 19 Apr – 22 Apr, 10 am – 3pm Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Rd, LU7 0EB The Easter Trail will run over 4 days where families can explore the park, answer questions on the trail sheet and return it to ‘The Heron’s Hatch to collect a chocolate egg reward! Booking required. £3.50 per child taking part.

01525 234260. visitorservices@greensandtrust.org Mini Chocolate Easter Hunt at ‘Don’t Get Locked In’ Fri 19 & Mon 22 Apr 10 am – 8 pm Hunt for mini chocolate Easter goodies in the 1940’s - themed ‘Secret Hut’ room. Prices vary.

Booking required.

Ages: 8 – 13yrs (must be accompanied by an adult). www.dontgetlockedin.com Easter Fun and Egg Hunt at Milton Keynes Museum Fri 19 Apr – Mon 22 Apr Unscramble MK Museum’s muddles up eggs which are hidden around the museum for you to find to win a yummy chocolate prize! Everyone will win something. www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk Houghton Regis Easter Egg Hunt Sat 20 April, 9 am – 12 noon Pees Street, LU5 5EY Pick up your free entry form at Houghton Regis Library to take part in the Easter Egg Hunt at Bedford Square Shopping Centre.

FREE EVENT 01582 708540. info@houghtonregis.org.uk Easter Trail Sun 21 - Mon 22 Apr Pop the date in your diary for now and keep an eye on Forest of Marston Vale’s website – details still to be confirmed.

01234 767037. www.marstonvale.org/events Meet the Easter Bunny and take part in an Easter Egg Hunt!

Sun 21 - Mon 22 Apr Opening hours: Page's Park ticket office and shop are open from 10am to 4pm on running days.

Go on an Easter Egg Hunt, meet Leighton Buzzard Railway’s famous Easter Bunny, have some lunch at the Buzzrail Café and pick up some fantastic souvenirs to remember your fun–filled family Easter experience! www.buzzrail.co.uk Gulliver’s Land Easter Extravaganza Dates to follow – visit website.

Special appearances from the Easter Bunny while you enjoy a variety of entertainment from games and competitions, the Easter Bonnet Parade and The Big Bunny Bounce. Enjoy a selection of rides and attractions. Toddlers can enjoy the soft play areas. www.gulliversfun.co.uk

EASTER EGG QUIZ Runs from Saturday 6th to Saturday 20th April (During normal museum opening times)

FREE QUIZ FOR CHILDREN:

Solve the mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize!

Museum open* Tues to Sat, 11am to 4pm (last entry 3.45pm) *Closed Good Friday

John Bunyan Museum & Library, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU, www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum 01234 270303

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 Also don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Bedfordshire Magazine.

THEATRE GUIDE

*See Page 3 for Luton Culture’s Mar/ Apr shows Luton Library Theatre St George’s Square, Luton LU1 2NG www.lutonculture.com Women-Wise Thu 7 Mar 2019 7:30pm - 8:30pm In celebration of International Women’s Day Untold Dance Theatre entertains us with a highly visceral, physical and emotive piece which explores woman’s cycles, the beginning of menopause, the gender pay gap and other female challenges that Women – Wise explores.

Suitable for all ages Quarry Theatre St Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN. www.quarrytheatre.org.uk Kite Tue 12 Mar 4.30 pm & 7.30 pm An orphan girl discovers a kite which comes to life and takes her on a wild adventure.

WIN

the Essential Vegan Cookbook from Need2Know Books for your family!

Suitable for all ages. ‘A poignant love – song to the wind, freedom and the joy of play.’

Grove Theatre Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable 01582 602080 www.grovetheatre.co.uk Exciting Science Sat 30 March, 11am Wiz! Bang! Pop! & Splurt!

An exciting and brand-new educational show which will amaze & astound all ages 4+.

Recreating fun and fact – filled experiments such as volcanic eruptions and turning vacuum cleaners into missile launchers.

In the Night Garden Live!

Tue 2 April 1pm & 4pm and Wed 3 April 10am & 1pm See your favourite characters Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends beautifully brought to life with full – size costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music in this brandnew show.

Spring Open Day WED 17 APR, 10.30 – 1PM Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden, LU1 4LE Free activities for children Entry £5, children £3 (4yrs and over) Refreshments available No access from Luton Hoo Hotel www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Barracudas Activity Day Camps

Are you looking for creative and healthy alternatives to your current diet or interested in learning about Veganism?

The Essential Vegan Cookbook

by Isabel Hood is packed with great ideas to set you on the right path of Vegan eating.

Vegan cooking is far from dull and the recipes included are full of tasty ideas. Need2Know books are giving away 3 copies.

Just simply enter the competition to be in with a chance to win.

To enter: 1) Like and share our Families Bedfordshire Magazine Facebook page.

2) Answer the multiple-choice question posted on our page (1/3/2019) and send answers with your name & contact details to: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Entry Deadline: 26th April 2019, 5pm.

14 Families Bedfordshire March/April 2019

Have loads of fun with Easter Holiday entertainment for 4.5–14-year olds with a brilliant programme of over 80 amazing activities. Standard hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm and cost £40/day. The camps run at Bedford Girls School from 8-18 April. Early & late pickups are available to extend the day from 8am to 6pm.

Visit www.barracudas.co.uk/ camps or phone 01480 467567 for further details.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party SUNDAY 28 APRIL Enjoy crafts, magic, and new for 2019, a Punch & Judy show! Be entertained by Alice in Wonderland characters and features in the fairy-tale surroundings of the Swiss Garden – the perfect setting for fun and fantasy. Bring your own Mad Hatter picnic, and dress up if you can – mad hats at the very least! www.shuttleworth.org/ madhattersteaparty

Dancemania Sun 24 March, 3.30pm Experience an evening of action – packed street dance styles. It promises to be highly entertaining.

Jungle Book Mon 22 April, 1.30pm & 5.30pm A brand-new hilarious family production of The Jungle Book.

Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre - Houghton Hall Park Lake Street, LU7 1RX www. leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre. co.uk 15 Mar, 7.30pm — 16 Mar, 2pm & 7.30pm The Slipper & the Rose A lively, funny and charming musical version of Cinderella with great songs for all of the family to enjoy. Filled with talent and energy from LB Youth Theatre.

Leighton Babies: A Dog's Way Home 19 Mar, 10.30 (doors open 9.45 am)

CLUBS AND CLASSES Rugbytots Times and days vary in each area.

Ampthill (MK45 2NU) Bedford (MK40 4GP), Bedford (MK40 2QD) St Neots (PE19 8HN), Biggleswade (SG18 ONE), Flitwick (MK45 1TH).

Fun and exciting rugby classes for ages: 2-7.

FREE taster session available https://bit.ly/2ErBTGg The Signing Company Times and days vary in each area.

Classes run from St. Andrew’s Rooms in Biggleswade, Lakeview Village Hall in Wixams, The Stables (Ampthill) and Woodentops Pre-School in Potton. jules.thesigningcompany.co.uk Monkey Music Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth, Knebworth, Stotfold and Welwyn: Age specific morning classes every day for babies of 3 months rising 4 years.

For more information on classes, days and times visit: https://bit.ly/2Im1Z1a Book a FREE TASTER: baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk 01462 626735. www.monkeymusic.co.uk Little Scrummers Rugby Saturday morning Rugby classes for ages: 1½ - 7yrs.

Times vary for different age groups.

If your child is no more than 2 years old you can bring them along to a safe environment, watch a film for grown-ups and maybe meet other parents.

The Place Theatre Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE www.theplacebedford.org.uk A Midsummer Night's Dream Wed 20 – Fri 22nd March, 7.30pm Enjoy the laughter and love of intertwining stories and watch them disentangle and move towards a happy ending.

Great for ages 8+ and suitable for the whole family.

Milton Keynes The Stables https://stables.org 6 Mar, 4.30 pm & 7 March, 10.30am & 1pm Zog Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog comes to life in this magical show featuring live musicians.

Fun for all ages.

Classes held on the pitch at Park at Kings Oak Primary School, Oak Road, Bedford, MK42 0HH. www.littlescrummers.com.

0330 088 1172

MARCH Green Dragon Eco Farm Mon – Sun 10am – 5.30pm Beautiful countryside, farm and nature trails, animal barn, outdoor play area for children and soft play. Enjoy freshly made food from local producers at the Eco Centre. www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Bedpop Science Sat, 9 Mar, 10am – 5pm Save the date – more details to follow on website.

FREE hands on science workshops and activities in Bedford venues. www.bedpop.co.uk Mermaids & Pirates Themed Family Tea Sun 10 Mar, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm Dive beneath the ocean waves, solve the buried treasure puzzle & win a surprise.

All ages. Booking required. www.moggerhangerpark.com NCT Nearly New Sale Sat 23 Mar, 12 noon – 1.30pm Mentmore Rd, LU7 2AE Grab yourself some bargains and get your family set for summer! £1 entry. leightonbuzzard@nct.org.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on Leighton Buzzard Handmade & Craft Market 23 Mar & 27 Apr 9am - 4pm LB Market, The High Street, LU7 1HD Specialist Handmade and Craft Market stalls. Meet the artists, designers and makers. Original gifts across arts and crafts, home wares and food.

Bedfordshire's Biggest afternoon tea in aid of Keech Hospice Care Sun 24 March, 2 – 5pm The Cross Keys, Pulloxhill, MK45 5HB Live jazz band, raffle and free glass of prosecco. www.keech.org.uk/afternoontea call 01582 707940 Bedford StrEAT Feast Fri 29 Mar & Fri 29 April Riverside North, Bedford Monthly Street Food Event. Enjoy an array of international flavours from established food trucks and caterers in the local area.

Celebrating good food, great company & live music.

FREE EVENT. Bedford Vegan Market at John Bunyan Museum Sat 30 Mar & Sat 27 April, 10am - 4.00pm Eat, shop and meet. This market is for everyone not just for vegans. Find out more info on what Vegans eat and what Veganism is about, and shop for ethical products. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk Spring Fayre Sat 30th Mar 1.30 – 4.30pm Astral Park Sports and Community Centre, LU7 4AY Stalls, family entertainment and light refreshments throughout the event, with something for the whole family to enjoy together.

MOTHER'S DAY Sun 31 Mar Woodland and Manor Hotel Mothering Sunday Spoil your mum and enjoy the grand surroundings while you enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and cosy atmosphere. www.woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk Jordan’s Mill Show your Mum just how much you appreciate her with a special Riverside Café Mother’s Day lunch, all freshly prepared and made using locally sourced ingredients. https://jordansmill.com/events

APRIL TrackPlay, Bedford (Wilstead) Sat 6 Apr, 10am - 4.45 pm Come and enjoy a day of track play with Thomas and his friends.

Booking Required. www.trackplay.co.uk Made in Bedford's Spring Artisan Fair Sun 7 Apr, 10am – 4 pm Bedford's largest local arts, crafts and produce fair. Buy unique cards, gifts, homewares, handmade chocolates and other treats for Easter. Live music.

FREE EVENT. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk April Animal Encounter Sat 13 Apr – Sun 14 Apr, 12.30 – 3.30pm Meet guinea pigs, hedgehogs, giant insects and invertebrates, tortoises, owls and more!

Café open.

No booking required.

FREE EVENT. Have your photo taken with an owl for just £3! http://clophillecolodges. org.uk

17th April 10.30am -1pm

www.lutonhooestate.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Mother’s Day Tea with Owls March 30th & 31st 10.30, 1.00 or 3.00 Give your Mum a gift they will remember and cherish.

Includes an hour with a variety of Owls and a relaxing tea experience with an array of cakes.

Prices online. http://birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

Wishing all Mothers, Nana’s and Great Nana’s a Happy Mother’s Day

SPRING OPEN DAY For all the family

Children’s craft and garden activities in the Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden

Mother’s Day at Ridgemont Vintage Tea Room will be open from 9am – 5.30pm advance booking essential.

01525 287120

Entry £5 & children £3

Earth Day 22 Apr, 12.30 – 3.30pm Celebrate Earth Day & have a go at some wilderness crafts including making willow hurdles, willow weaving, shelter building & fire starting. All ages.

Booking required.

FREE EVENT. Bedfordshire’s 2 Day Mind Body & Soul Fair (18th Year) Sat 13 Apr, 10am – 5pm

& Sun 14 Apr, 10 am – 4.30 am The Rufus Centre, MK45 1AH Wide selection of therapies.

Natural products, handmade jewellery from Brazil, hand-made bags, angel gifts, hand painted cards.

Home-made food & cakes. http://www.reikisounds.co.uk/

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Treat your mum to an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, scones with rich strawberry preserve and clotted cream, and an assortment of cakes and treats. www.moggerhangerpark.com Mother’s Day Sunday Roast at Shutteworth 31 Mar Sittings run from 12.00 – 2.30 Treat your Mum to a delicious carvery style Sunday Roast in the magnificent setting of The House, Shuttleworth & receive complimentary entry into The Swiss Garden. www.shuttleworth.org

St. George’s Festival Sat 27 - Sun 28 April 10am - 5:30pm A weekend of shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle.

Loads of fun and entertainment for kids. www.english-heritage.org.uk

A PARTY MAD HATTER’S TE 2019 SUNDAY 28 APRIL

dancing and Morris and Maypole tertained by en Enjoy crafts, magic, Be ch & Judy show! new for 2019, a Pun characters and features in the fairynd rla de on W ng your own Alice in the Swiss Garden. Bri tale surroundings of nic and dress up if you can.

Mad Hatter pic r a family per child & £28 fo £12 per adult, £3

ticket

aparty .org/madhatterste www.shuttleworth The Swiss Garden, Old Warden, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175 Families Beds QP Mar-Apr 2019.indd 1

01767 627933

Bedfordshire 15 21/01/2019 16:19:50

ERS BEGINN FER OF SPECIAL

S 4 WEEK FREET ABLE

UNS 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