FamiliesBedfordshireMagazineIss43Christmas

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Bedfordshire IN THIS ISSUE WIN Panto tickets! ●

Eco - Friendly Gift Guide ●

Pull out Advent Calendar ●

Anti - Bullying Awareness ●

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What's on

The Magic of Christmas Selected Dates from 30 Nov – 24 Dec

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• Take the Naughty & Nice Challenge • Join Santa for a Festive Group Story • Graduate from Reindeer Flying School • Discover the 3D Enchanted Forest • Decorate Gingerbread • Make a Bear Workshop Plus Indoor, Outdoor & Animal farm fun

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Issue 43 November/December 2019

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Marston Vale Community Rail Part

Harpers Nursery & Forest School

All aboard the Santa Special!

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

All aboard the S

BLUNHAM MK44 3NX

Saturday 16th Decemb

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

Kids and adults are all welcome on Santa’s fe train on the Marston Vale Line, come and en Santa on board in his grotto er nior Sav

Face-painter & balloon modeller

Se

and Granny travel Grandad ith a w ce half-pri shire Bedford ! bus pass

Refreshments available

Santa Special Times Marston Vale Santa trains depart: Bletchley 10:01 12:01 & 14:01 Bedford Santa Special Times10:55 12:55 & 14:55 join Santa at anytrains stationdepart: along the Marston Vale Li MarstonorVale

Saturday 14th December 2019

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

www.harpersnursery.co.uk

Tel: 01767 641499

Santa on board in his grotto Face-painter & balloon modeller Refreshments available Let Santa know you are coming!

The Santa Special takes place on the scheduled Marston Va

Bletchley 10:59 12:01 &it is14:01 service; unfortunately not possible to reserve seats. avoid bringing BedfordPlease 10:55 12:55 non-folding & 14:55 buggies as space is very l Normal train fares apply. or join at any station along the Marston Vale Line!

tinyurl.com/mvcrpsanta2019 Hop off at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre to enjoy Festive Crafts. £2.50 per child including squash & cake. ADVANCE BOOKING ONLY. PLEASE CALL INFORMATION LINE.

Information Line:

01234 832 645 marstonvalecrp @marstonvalecrp

01234 832 645

www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

Foster for Luton and make a difference We have babies and teenagers who need a fostering family to support them on their journey.

We will provide:■ Training ■ Support ■ Financial package ■ Aim to complete approval in 6 months To find out more call 01582 547569 or visit www.luton.gov.uk/fostering

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Families Bedfordshire November/December 2019

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Bedford Pantomime Company Presents Bradford & Webster’s

at BEDFORD CORN EXCHANGE Single £14 Family £48

Tuesday 17 – Sunday 29 December Tickets now on sale!

Box office 01908 280800 stables.org

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Special Relaxed Show 31st December

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21st December - 1st January

Box Office: 01234 718044 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Reach over 30 000 readers, advertise in Families Bedfordshire, email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire 3

❅ Wishing all of our readers a beautiful festive season!

In this issue: 4-5 6 7- 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

News Pull out Advent calendar of daily kindness Early Years & Competitions Anti-Bullying Awareness Week Parentimg Eco Gift Guide Christmas Feature Christmas Shows & Events What's on

Contact no. 07824 377175 Email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Editor: Michéllin Store.

Design: Sarah Harmer.

Published six times a year.

All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas?

Here are two ways of making this happen.

Royal Mail Letter to Santa For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.

Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/ Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address.

NSPCC Santa Letter Children can also receive a

personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 9 December.

www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/make-a-donation/letter-from-santa/ https://www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa

Step Up for Safe Streets

UPCOMING ISSUE: January/ February – Health and Family Travel Due out: Early January Advertising and editorial deadline: 6 December.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FamiliesBeds Follow us @FamiliesBeds

Letter from Santa

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The Tiger Who Came to Tea Hits the Screen this Christmas

UK Road Safety Week 2019, which takes place between 18 and 24 November, will encourage road users to ‘step up’ and play a part in the creation of a safe and healthy future on our roads.

Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on a British road, yet each of these tragedies is preventable.

This year, the annual event

aims to encourage everyone to Step Up for Safe Streets and learn about, shout about and celebrate the amazing designled solutions that can help end suffering on our roads.

The focus is on how design can stop human error from causing death or serious injury on the roads, can encourage walking and cycling, and can make sure that the air is clean.

For more information and to get your FREE Action Pack, visit www.roadsafetyweek.org

4Mation Store Are you passionate about upcycling and supporting positive organizations who are a part of ‘being the change we need to see in the world?’

On the 18th October the 4Mation Store had their opening. The Trustees of YMCA Bedfordshire and the Reuse Centre Bedford are pleased to

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr, will come to TV this Christmas adapted as a half-hour animated film for Channel 4.

It will feature a star-studded cast of voices including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse.

The role of Sophie will be played by 7-year-old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut.

For anyone that doesn’t know the book, it tells the tale

If you would like to volunteer email: volunteer@ymcabedfordshire.org or for more information call 01234 264107 or visit https://linktr.ee/4mationstore of the tiger that shows up at young Sophie’s front door and proceeds to eat the family out of house and home, even going so far as to drink all of the water out of the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I think I’d better go now,” and departing.

Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this film will capture the same special place in every family's imagination watching it.

For further information, please visit Michelle’s website: www.michelledianalowepress.uk 4

announce the integration/merger of the ReUse Centre and YMCA Bedfordshire. The 4Mation Store is a not for profit that is passionate about helping the local community.

They sell upcycled homewares and eco living products and are based at The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS.

Bullied to Black Belt - Free Program by Proaction Martial Arts Proaction Martial Arts is working with schools and the local community to help stop bullying.

Bullied to Black Belt is a free educational assembly, educating children about types of bullying, why people bully, appropriate responses, assistance for the bullies as well as for the bullied.

PMA will go into schools, hold an assembly with the children and talk to them about bullying and then arrange to go back and hold

a day of free taster sessions for all children in the school.

PMA aim to establish a strong, long term and sustainable school/ club link.

All programs encompass life skill training and reach far beyond the simple realm of kick and punch!

‘We want to serve our local communities and help make the people that we can reach in to positive, focused, educated members of their community’.

For more information visit www.martialartslessons.co.uk

Families Bedfordshire November/December 2019

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NEWS & VIEWS Could you support a Luton child?

Now more than ever we need foster carers for our children in care. Luton Council have children from new born babies right up to teenagers who are in need of a loving family Being in care, for many children has meant change, a struggle and difficult experiences. As a foster carer you can help to transform that experience by providing a safe nurturing home for a child in care.

If you have a spare bedroom, patience, understanding, willingness to be flexible and the

ability to support a child through challenging times, we want to hear from you. We will be with you every step of the way and support you to care for our children.

Luton Council provide training in all aspects of childcare and the fostering role, regular calls and visits from a dedicated social worker, a financial package, opportunity to meet other Luton foster carers and much more. Luton Council aim to complete the process within 6 months.

You can make a difference! Call 01582 547569 or visit www.luton.gov.uk/fostering.

Measles: One in Seven 5 Year Olds Not Proteced of 2019, many linked to visiting One in seven 5-year olds may not be protected against potentially life-threatening measles, Public Health England (PHE) has warned.

PHE has revealed that about 30,000 children may have started primary school with no protection against measles, mumps and rubella, while 90,000 may have had only the first of the two vaccines necessary for protection.

There were 230 cases of measles in England in the first quarter

European countries during holiday periods. As a result of these outbreaks, the UK has now lost its measles-free status, just three years after the virus was eliminated.

PHE is urging all parents to check their child’s Red Book to make sure there is a record of two MMR doses and the 4-in-1 booster vaccine. If not, parents should contact their GP practice to arrange any further vaccinations.

New Sleepy Tales for Children The book publisher Penguin Random House has collaborated with The Children’s Sleep Charity to create collections of Sleepy Tales audiobooks designed to help children relax before bedtime.

For children ages 3 to 6 years, Ladybird Sleepy Tales and for children aged 7+, Puffin Sleepy Tales, they are stories with a difference. Part soundscape, part descriptive narrative, they use relaxing sounds and soothing narrators’ voices to conjure calming settings and

landscapes to help children feel calm and positive at the end of the day.

Each tale is 15 minutes long and has been created to be interesting enough to hold children’s attention, but not too exciting.

Sleepy Tales are designed to become part of a child’s bedtime routine, and can be listened to before or after reading a bedtime story. Children can listen on their own, or with a parent, as a way to wind down.

More info: www.penguin.co.uk/books

Looking for childcare in Bedfordshire?

*20% sole agency discount

Since 2004, Harmony at Home has been finding the perfect nannies for families across the UK. We now have a dedicated and professional service to create ‘Harmony at Home’ for families in Bedfordshire.

More info: www.nhs.uk/NHS vaccinations and when to have them

Contact Sally now: T: 01234 522360 / 07812 605106 E: sally@harmonyathome.co.uk www.harmonyathome.co.uk

Could this be your dream Opportunty?

Work flexible hours from home around your family!

You can make a difference! Call 01582 547569 or visit www.luton.gov.uk/fostering.

Business Families Bedfordshire is Franchise the premium free magazine Opportunity for parents ages 0 to 12 in Low Bedfordshire and it’s now Cost looking for a new owner!

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Bedfordshire

IN THIS ISSUE ●

Education Focus

Clubs & Classe s ADHD Aware ness ● Childc are, Paren What’s on in Septeting, mber & October ●

●

Freaky FunFes t

21 Oct – 1 Nov

If you are interested in:

ME HOM

Halloween family

Nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9J H

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Issue 42 September/Oct ober

2019

extra charge to choose and carve your own pumpkin

SAV whe E n you boo onl k ine !

fun including…

• NEW Pumpkin Patch* • NEW Spooky Shows • 5 Spooky Halloween Attractions • T iny Terrors Tractor Ride • Plus lots more …

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● running your own business and ● learning the skills of print publishing, copy writing, design, sales, social media and business management email: editor@familiesb

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edfordshire.co.uk Tel: 07824 377175 Ad-Halloween (Families-Beds-11 8x70).indd 1

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Become part of a growing supportive network! www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Bedfordshire 5

An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent!

– choose from below or make up your own 1. Smile at everyone you see today 2. Make cards for elderly people in your street 3. Tell someone the reasons you like them 4. Pick up litter in your street or local park 5. Clean up a mess you didn’t make 6. Wish a stranger a nice day 7. Help make dinner 8. Donate pocket money to charity 9. Compliment staff at a café or shop 10. Donate books, toys and clothes to charity 1 1. Volunteer at a festive community event

Zoe took biscuits to school

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12. Leave snacks on your doorstep for delivery people 13. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue 14. Hug someone 15. Bake biscuits to take to school or work 16. Deliver notes to houses with great Christmas light displays 17. Pack away your things without being asked 18. Make someone laugh 19. Take canned food to your local food bank 20. Make a list of the things you’re thankful for 21. Leave a kind note where someone will find it 22. Send a Christmas card to someone overseas 23. Do a chore for someone else 24. Leave food out for Santa and his reindeer!

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Perform an a ct of kindness each day until Ch ristmas!

Pin up the c alendar and keep a daily record of yo ur family’s good deeds .

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ADVENT CALENDAR

EARLY YEARS & COMPETITIONS

Night Time Nappies to No Nappies

By Alicia Eaton

Every parent looks forward to being able to throw away night-time nappies and pull-ups for good.

Try these simple steps towards reaching this milestone.

Words Work Explain to your child that soon they’ll be able to keep themselves dry all night and won’t need napapies/pull-ups. Putting the idea into your child’s mind triggers important thinking processes necessary to become dry at night.

Regularly use phrases like: “Pretty soon, you’ll stop needing these at night-time….”

Step by Step Explain they will need to visit the bathroom instead. Walk through the steps they’ll take and practise this several times, telling them you will leave lights on so they can see their way easily.

Deeper Sleep Avoid leaving night-lights on in the bedroom.

A dark bedroom promotes deeper sleep patterns. This might be enough to ensure your child sleeps through without needing the toilet.

Plan Ahead Put a date in the diary and let you child know when you will stop using nappies/pull-ups.

These actually prevent children learning how to take control because their absorbency means your child’s skin doesn’t feel wet.

Accidents Use an absorbent bed mat in between two layers of sheets. If your child is wet, remove the top layer and use the dry bed underneath.

Declutter Ensure the bedroom floor is clutter-free so your child can easily move around at night.

Drinks Avoid drinks one hour before bedtime, but don’t restrict fluids during the day as this could

make your child constipated - a common cause of bedwetting.

Think Food Avoid fizzy drinks, sugary foods, milk and fruit such as strawberries, grapes and melon at night-time as these affect the bladder.

Avoid Rewards and Bribes They are a distraction and it will be doubly disappointing for your child if they’re not successful one night. Focus your child on learning how to stay dry at night.

Keep Track Track dry and wet nights during your training period so you can figure out what the cause of wet nights might be.

Alicia Eaton is a trained psychotherapist and author of Stop Bedwetting in Seven Days published by Practical Inspiration Publishing. For more information, visit www.stop-bed-wetting-in-7-days.com/

✸ Competitions ✸ Win a Family Ticket for 4 to see Rapunzel at the Corn Exchange Bedford with the Bedford Pantomime Company Answer the following question When are the Bedford Pantomime Company performing their very special RELAXED SHOW of Rapunzel at the Corn Exchange Bedford? *Clue - All the shows are is advertised as a RELAXED advertised on the Corn PERFORMANCE – just tell us Exchange website under which on Date and Time to their What’s on Guide… our WIN a Family Ticket for 4 to performances start on the attend one of our shows – 21st December and run through it’s as easy as that – Good Luck! to the 1st of January 2020… *Special BONUS CLUE – so by going to the “booking it’s the last show of 2019. page” for each of the shows Entry deadline: you will find that ONE OF THEM 5th December 2019

Win tickets to see The Scarecrows’ Wedding at The Stables Two family tickets to be won in The Stables easy-to-enter competition. Just answer the following question…

What is the name of the theatre company who are bringing The Scarecrows’ Wedding to The Stables? *See page 13 for clue.

A – Scamp Theatre B – Champ Theatre C– Ramp Theatre Entry deadline: 1 December 2019

HOW TO ENTER – Send answers to editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk with your name and contact number.

PLEASE NOTE: – Add competition name in heading of subject box when you email your answer across www.familiesonline.co.uk

Time to get creative and Win a Family ticket to see Hansel and Gretel at The Quarry Theatre Candycane Cackles wants your ideas for an exciting SWEET cake, topped with your favourite treats. They will give their favourite a FAMILY TICKET to see ‘Hansel and Gretel – The Pantomime’ at The Quarry Theatre. (Shows run from Sat 14 - Sun 22 December, 12 noon & 3 pm).

To be entered for a chance to win, email your picture to editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

by Saturday, 30th November, 5pm!

Winners will be contacted by telephone call by Monday 2nd December 2019.

Win a Family of 4 Ticket to Peter Pan at Grove Theatre With which popular dance show is AJ Pritchard associated?

A – Strictly Come Dancing B – The Greatest Dancer C– So You Think You Can Dance?

*Clue to answer on page 13. *T&C’s: Tickets will only be available for selected performances due to availability.

Entry deadline: 3rd December 2019

-T&C’s apply -All competition prizes are not exchangeable for cash prizes and can’t be re – sold -No entries will be accepted after the deadline date -Winners will be contacted by phone call by Michéllin – Families Bedfordshire Magazine Editor -We normally do a shout out to winners over Social Media and in the following edition, please do let us know if you would prefer us not to include your name.

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

Bedfordshire 7

EDUCATION

Encourage a Growth Mindset in your Child

By Gabrielle Nash

Children are like sponges, aren’t they?

They soak up every new thing, whether it’s a new word or the latest trend. But are they learning new things in the right way?

You may not have given it much thought, but the way we speak to our children can have a huge impact on how they learn.

If you’re new to the phrase ‘growth mindset,’ don’t be put off. This simple concept could help both you and your child. Developed by Carol Dweck, an American Professor of Psychology, the ‘growth mindset’ ethos has become increasingly popular in schools globally. Dweck believed that by changing their ‘mindset’ anyone (children included) could increase their abilities and improve their intelligence solely through dedication and hard work.

Many of us battle with a ‘fixed mindset.’ For example, the belief that if we aren’t naturally good at languages, that won’t change and therefore we shouldn’t try to learn them. But by shifting to a ‘growth mindset,’ we can actually motivate ourselves to succeed.

In the last 10 years more and more schools have embraced the theory of growth mindset into their teaching ethos, not placing so much focus on the natural gifts children have but instead focusing on the work they put in.

Integral to growth mindset is the understanding that making mistakes is okay. It’s natural to encounter challenges and make mistakes when learning so many new things. However, failure can sometimes dent a child’s confidence. By embracing mistakes and failures, teachers can give children the reassurance that it’s okay to struggle, rather

than the idea that mistakes and failings are wrong.

Growth mindset means praising a child for effort and not natural talent. Teachers can adjust how they give feedback to motivate a child to continue to work hard.

If a child does an impressive painting, instead of praising the child’s natural talent, the teacher can instead praise the effort, process and commitment put into creating that painting. A child that is praised solely for their natural ability may not believe that to be attainable again, so may not try.

Yet a child who gets noticed for the effort they put in will feel able to repeat that success.

Tom Dobson, an education expert at Leeds Beckett University

says encouraging children to take an active role in self-assessment is key to using growth mindset in schools. “Rather than the teacher telling children what they have achieved and what they now need to achieve, what we call “assessment for learning” can promote independence in pupils as they become aware of their own next steps for progress.”

Growth mindset can be used at home too. There’s a tendency in modern parenting towards over- praising children, to protect them and their precious selfesteem. While it is important to be positive, the growth mindset theory suggests that instead of heaping praise at every opportunity, we should

rephrase the praise to encourage development.

Encourage your child to talk about the struggles they encountered today. Getting them to understand that it’s okay to find a task or activity tricky is central to having a growth mindset, because that’s how we learn.

We exercise our bodies but what about our brains?

Encourage your children to see their brain as a muscle that needs exercising; the more they use it the stronger it becomes. Refer to the different things they learn as light bulbs; each time they learn a new skill, they turn on a new lightbulb. Each time they practice it, the light bulb gets bigger and brighter. All of which contribute to a stronger brain.

When your child is struggling with something, whether it’s a physical or mental task, try to motivate them to not give up.

The mantra “try, try and try again” really can have incredible results. Not only does this develop their growth mindset but it also builds resilience, something so vital for the grownup world.

Don’t forget though, this isn’t just for your children. If you’re facing a challenge whether at home or work, try applying some of these principles to it. You might surprise yourself whilst setting a great example to your kids at the same time!

For more parenting tips and advice, read Gabrielle’s blog @thelondonishmum 8

Families Bedfordshire November/December 2019

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11-15 NOVEMBER IS ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

Is your Child Being Bullied?

Anti-Bullying Week runs from 11 to 15 November this year. It’s a good time to ask yourself whether, as a parent, you are alert to the possibilities of your child being involved in a bullying incident.By Toby Buckley

Your son or daughter could be acting as a bully, being bullied or even upset because they have seen others behaving badly but what are the signs that this might be happening?

Frequent Headaches and Stomach Aches Headaches and stomach aches are signs of stress and/or anxiety both of which are commonly linked with bullying. If your child often complains of headaches or stomach aches this could be the first warning sign, especially if these are happening in the mornings before leaving for school. Many people believe you should use these signs as an opening point to talk with your child by asking questions like: “You seem to be feeling sick a lot lately; can you tell me more about that?” Asking open-ending questions creates a non-confrontational space in which you and your child can hopefully get to discuss the root of the problem.

Crying or Intense Emotional Reactions If your child breaks into tears or shows a more emotional reaction than usual when being asked about their day, this could also be a sign of bullying. Again, you should try to avoid ambushing your child in a confrontational way during these situations. Best to offer comfort and then, again, ask open-ended questions to find out what is going on.

Lack of Eating If your child or teen comes home from school and you realise they’ve had very little, if any, of their lunch or don’t seem to have an appetite for dinner, this may also be a sign that they are involved in bullying. It may mean that they feel uncomfortable eating in the dinner hall where they know a bully might be and may be avoiding this area, hence not eating at school at all. It may just be that they are so worried that their appetite is being affected.

Torn Clothing and Physical Marks Of course, this is the most obvious sign of bullying. Again, it’s best to ask open-ended questions: “What happened today at school?”;

Families Bedfordshire Magazine caught up with Shanta Assani from Tiska Karate to hear their take on how Karate lessons can help in combating bullying.

Karate teaches fitness, self-confidence, self-control, discipline, respect for self and others.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

“How did you feel when that happened?”

If you become aware that your child is being bullied, witnessing bullying or even bullying themselves, it’s important to take this up with your child’s school. All schools are legally required to have an Anti-Bullying policy. Make an appointment with your child’s teacher or the Head and aim to work together with them to find a solution.

How to Prevent Bullying Help Children Understand. Talk to your children about what bullying is, how to act safely and ask for help if they’re being bullied.

Communication Talk to your kids on a frequent basis, listen to them, find out who they’re friends with and try to pick up on any changes in their mood and in the way they communicate with you.

Be a Good Role Model Try to avoid any confrontational behaviour in front of your child; this includes things like road rage.

Research tells us that children really do look to parents and caregivers for advice and

Children are taught what kinds of behaviours are acceptable and which ones are not. Karate lessons can help both the victims and bullies understand how to manage their behaviour and how not to react or provoke. Children are taught to control their behaviours by controlling their own thoughts, emotions and impulses.

We feel bullies tend to project their flaws onto others, craving attention by acting out.

By building a bully’s self-worth, and paying more attention to what they can achieve, the flaws become less of an issue. If we can develop their good points and getting noticed and approval for

help on tough decisions. Because of this, it’s recommended that you spend 30 minutes every day finding out about your child’s day.

Sometimes it can be hard to elicit much information but relaxed, regular questions can be effective. You might want to have a chat over dinner, whilst washing dishes or before your child goes to sleep at night.

Useful questions might be: “What was one good thing that happened today? Anything bad happen? What is lunch time like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?”

By doing this daily you should be able to pick up on any changes in your child’s behaviour or activities.

For more information about bullying, check out Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Bullying at www.need2knowbooks.co.uk/ product/the-essential-guide-to-bullying which offers some answers as to why children are bullied and how parents can prevent it from happening, as well as providing some proven methods on how to help a bullied child boost their plummeting self-esteem.

Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount at checkout.

good behaviour, they learn to get attention in better ways. We have found the victims of bullying on the other hand seem to lack confidence and are sometimes unsure of themselves. Karate will build their confidence and give them the aura of self-assurance and demeanour to no longer appear as targets.

An important way to combat bullying is to instil confidence in children- both in bullies and the victims of bullying.

Karate does not teach how to fight. The emphasis is on the defence. The scenarios are practiced in classes in a safe manner, that if practiced enough, the children will recall it instinctively, should a situation require it.

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

The classes treat all children as equal, thereby, allowing them to make friends and learn as equals, ingraining in them the important social skills, of working as a team, teaching and learning from each other and through grading, learn to empathize and understand each other.

Stances and controlled breathing are a fundamental part of Karate. By learning these skills, the children are able to calm their breathing and compose themselves to manage an immediate threat in a calm manner.

For more information on how to sign your child up to classes with Tiska Karate see page 16.

Bedfordshire 9

Talking to Children about Climate Change

By Valentina Giannell

Being a parent is a tough job. The trickiest part is making sure we tell our children the truth, without simultaneously causing them to be either over-anxious or delusional about the future. It applies to an extensive range of aspects in life, and climate change is a relatively new but undeniable one.

My children were 10 and 7 years old when we first started talking about the environmental challenges facing humanity. Even as a journalist who has dealt with such topics for years, I was frankly terrified of this task.

Writing an article is one thing: facing their worried questions was entirely another.

Then, a young girl showed up. Greta Thunberg was everywhere online, with her yellow raincoat and a straightforward concept: we have to DO something to save our planet, or there’s going to be trouble. Action: that was the key. If you know that there is something you can do about a problem – even the smallest thing, anything that is within your power – you feel less hopeless. Less scared.

Here are some of the questions that children -and their parents - have been asking me about Climate Change and the answers that seem to help them.

My child gets Anxious about the Future of Humankind: What Should I Say? Talk frankly, but also help them understand the everyday actions that we can all take to tackle the main issues related to Climate Change.

Action is the best cure for fear. Stop using disposable plastic; start using re-fillable water bottles; make sure you recycle correctly; reuse; exchange instead of buying new things; save energy; save water; walk and cycle more; use public transport or shared transportation.

Show your child we can all make a difference and that if everyone does the same, the future looks more positive.

“What is Climate Change?” – How to Answer The earth is our home, and it is nestled within a precious shelter that is called the atmosphere. Inside the atmosphere, we and other creatures can breathe and live. For nearly 200 years we have used something called fossil fuel (carbon and oil), which we burn in order to fuel our working world, in everything from factories to transportation.

Every time we burn fossil fuels, or cut down trees, the atmosphere temperature rises a tiny bit because the gas (mostly a gas called carbon dioxide) that comes from this burning becomes trapped inside the atmosphere. This means the earth cannot release the heat that it receives from the sun. This is called Global Warming.

As the temperature rises, the climate changes. This brings heavy rains or severe 10

drought, diverts the sea currents and disrupts the natural habitat of many species. It also means that the sea level is rising due to the ice melting in the Poles. All of these are the main effects of Climate Change.

What Can Help Me Communicate the Key Facts to my Child?

It helps to introduce a hero character that allows children to engage their imagination while they absorb abstract information.

Greta Thunberg is a perfect medium for these concepts. Discover other children who have also made a difference – like William Kamkwamba, who inspired the book and film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Who is Greta Thunberg?

Greta is a child who loves to be “in the know” about what is happening to our planet. She comes from a family of scientists and artists,

she has studied the facts, and she is not afraid of being in the spotlight. This combination worked well when she decided it was time to speak out and gain attention from the world about the danger we are facing and what we should be doing to avoid it.

Where Can We Learn More About This?

Sometimes, the news can be challenging for children to understand because it only illuminates part of a problem. Also, some headlines can be scary. Suggest that your child come to you with their questions and look for scientific sources together.

Bookshops and the internet (reliable websites such as http://www.climatekids. nasa.gov) can give a wider view. Look for sources that have been translated in a way that is understandable for younger ages.

Valentina Gianella is the author of We Are All Greta: Be Inspired to Change the World published by Laurence King and available from Amazon and good book stores.

Families Bedfordshire November/December 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families Bedfordshire’s Eco – Friendly Gift Guide

With a growing consciousness around over – consumption, avoiding buying plastic or fast fashion and many people thinking about the things they purchase and consume, we thought it would be a nice idea to share some of our eco – friendly presents you might like to consider for your loved ones this festive season… By Michéllin Store

Kids Best Years have been specialising in making ethical toys for over 10 years and are truly passionate about toys, helping imaginative play. Both elf and wooden bus below can be bought from www.bestyears.co.uk.

Credit: Need2Know Books Bring the Christmas magic to life with your family’s very own Fair Trade, handmade crotchet cotton elf from Best Years Over the last few years it has become a growing trend to introduce your children to their very own elf.

Sent by Santa, the elf stays in your house for the entire month of December until Christmas Day - See page 12 – ‘Prepare a North Pole Christmas Breakfast’ on how to include your elf). £18.99 Wooden toy collection from Best Years Best years will be launching a beautiful collection of wooden toys this Winter, including their iconic London bus, which comes with 23 hand-painted wooden passengers and driver. The wooden toy collection will be available in time for Christmas and priced from £10.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

My First Giant Bubble Kit You can never be too old to play with bubbles. Dr Zigs is made in the UK by a small, Snowdoniabased company. The bubble mixture is fully biodegradable, palm oil and phosphate-free.

It comes in 10x concentrate to massively reduce packaging. The 25cm wooden wands and rope used to create the bubbles are made from sustainably-sourced wood and unbleached cotton. £19.99 www.drzigs.com.

Credit: Claire Winter Experience Gifts Theatre Experience Our son gets so excited when he knows he’s going to see a show at the theatre. Create an adventure around the day of the show you wish to gift your kid/s with and they will remember their experience for years to come (see our Christmas Show Guide on page 13 for inspiration).

Your child might feel inspired to want to one day be a part of a show after their theatre experience, so why not surprise them with an extra special gift of performance art classes with Stagecoach Performance Arts – See page 16 to find your local class.

Gifts for the Earth Help Endangered Wildlife this Christmas with unique gift ideas from Peoples Trust for Endangered Species Gifts of Nature’ options vary.

Prices range from £10 - £100.

100% of money raised help save endangered species worldwide.

You can also find Christmas cards, bird nest boxes, books and more at https://ptes.org

Friends of the Earth Gifts Donate for your Christmas Bee Saver Kit The Bee Saver Kit makes a perfect Christmas gift for a loved one, or even for yourself. The Bee Saver Kit includes: Bee kit folder, Wildflower seeds, Bee ID guide, Garden planner & Christmas goodies. You can donate anything from £12 onwards. I have just bought one for my son and I cannot wait to gift it to him!

Double UK Tree Cover Trees play an incredible role in improving the quality of the air we breathe. Friends of the Earth believe one of the best solutions to protect our environment and achieve net zero emissions (removing as many emissions as we produce) is to double UK forest by 2045. If your child or family love trees and want more planted, you can support this project with monthly donations starting from £5 onward. #MoreTreesPlease. Visit https://friendsoftheearth.uk for more info.

Support Ethical clothing brands For Mums & Dads One of my favourite clothing brands to support is Lucy and Yak. They create the most comfortable dungarees (my personal favourite) with a variety of colours, print, fabrics and cuts to choose from. They are also incredibly environmentally and

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

socially conscious. Every package they send out only contains items that are either biodegradable, re – usable or recycled. If you are looking for something truly unique to gift to someone this Christmas, Visit www.lucyandyak.com Lindex For Kids and Mums I love Lindex clothing as they keep people and the planet in mind. They design safe clothing for children and with gorgeous prints. They offer inspiring and affordable fashion for kids and conscious women and, do what they can to act responsibly and in a sustainable manner. www.lindex.com For Families who love to travel Shine Bar is a perfect gift for the whole family (baby friendly).

With an uplifting aroma, the bar is derived from natural ingredients and lasts up to four times longer than a standard bottle of liquid shampoo. This means no wasted product, no bulky plastic bottles and no mess, while the handy reusable storage tin makes it perfect for travel. £9.50 (75G). Available to buy at www.shineshampoobars.co.uk

Top by Lindex

Bedfordshire 11

FAMILY TIME What do you cherish and remember most clearly about Christmas during your own childhood? Was it the food, the carols and music, going to church, the Christmas tree or seeing one of the annual Christmas shows or Pantomimes at your local theatre? When we look back at our childhood, we don’t remember the gifts that we were given, we recall the things we did as a family that created the most long-lasting memories.

Family Christmas traditions which are experienced year after year during the festive season are an important part of childhood and are often free or don’t cost much.

The Best Christmas Family Traditions

By Claire Winter (with additional notes

by Michéllin Store)

Here are our ten best memory-making traditions for families to enjoy this Christmas.

Send Homemade Christmas Cards Go old school and send some homemade cards. In the modern era of e-Christmas cards, this is a traditional way to make your Christmas celebration special. Making homemade Christmas cards can involve the whole family. Sit down with some eco – glitter from Hobby crafts (visit the new store at Luton Retail Park or visit https://bit. ly/2qhBMrO) stencils, and coloured paper.

Play Christmas music to get you and the kids in the mood, put out festive snacks, have great fun making the cards and then giving them to friends and family.

Make an Advent Calendar Make or buy an advent calendar that can be reused each year (or turn to page 6 for our pull out - ‘An act of kindness every day of advent’). Instead of putting sweets or toys in it, put in a note for each day about all the different things you love about your child.

There would be a full-scale riot in my house if there weren’t a small present or treat in the calendar each day so you may want to consider adding the notes on top of a little present!

Give them a Christmas Eve Box Treat your kids to an early gift with a special box that contains festive pyjamas to wear and a Christmas film to watch. If you want to spend less, you could include a festive book or art and craft activity so they can make a special Christmas Eve decoration for the tree.

Prepare a North Pole Christmas Breakfast An amazing way to welcome the festive season is by preparing a North Pole Christmas breakfast for your family on the first day of

December. Get the kids involved designing the menu and making the decorations. Many families combine a North Pole Christmas breakfast with the Elf on the Shelf who joins them for the meal. The Elf is sent from the North Pole by Santa to keep a watchful eye on your children until Christmas day, whilst also causing a bit of mischief along the way. Not only does this bring the magic of Christmas to life but it can also be very useful when it comes to reminding your children that their elf will be reporting their behaviour back to Santa.

Make Decorations for the Christmas Tree We love to bake salt dough ornaments for our Christmas tree (and give them away as gifts).

It’s really easy to bake and you can be as creative as you wish to be. Once you’ve shaped the dough & it’s hardened you can paint them, add glitter/ feathers to them (see bakingmad.com on how to make salt dough ornaments https://bit.ly/31nJXQd). You can also collect pine cones, paint them and dip them in glitter too – handmade ornaments really do give a special glow to any Christmas tree.

Leave food out for Father Christmas and his Friends Leaving food out for the man in red and his friends is another lovely tradition for Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to prepare the reindeer food out of dried oats and biodegradable glitter and have your kids scatter it in the garden on Christmas Eve. We also go out and gather greenery like holly and ivy from our garden to decorate the mantelpieces in our house.

Watch the Queen’s Christmas Broadcast The tradition of sending out a royal Christmas message to the public started in 1932 with George V. So, gather around the television with your loved ones and a glass of fizz to watch the royal Christmas message from the Queen.

Don’t Forget to Capture a Photo with Your Family Many families forget to take a family photo on Christmas day. So, make time to capture a photo with your family each year in front of the Christmas tree striking the same pose.

It will be interesting to document how you change each year. You could even put the photos in a special album.

Go to a Carol Service Even if you are not generally a church goer, going to a Crib Service at your local church on Christmas Eve is a lovely thing to do with your children. Singing carols and listening to the story of the nativity is sure to put everybody in the festive mood and it’s good to take some time to remember the origins of Christmas.

Go and see a Christmas Show It is always a joyful experience taking the kids to the theatre and watching their faces light up when they see their favourite story book characters come to life on stage and in real life! Read about some of the amazing shows being put on this year on page 13 Hansel and Gretel at The Quarry Theatre, Peter Pan at Grove Theatre, The Bedford Pantomime Company’s – Rapunzel at the Corn Exchange Bedford, Cinderella at The Place Bedford and The Scarecrows’ Wedding at The Stables.

Just a special note to say…

Enjoy the special festive memories you make with your family. Your children don’t stay little for long, and it’s great to remind them that Christmas is about being together and not just about presents and treats.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for reading Families Bedfordshire Magazine!

We would love for you to share your family traditions with us on Facebook or Instagram!

Just hashtag: #familieschristmas2019 #FamiliesBeds #families_beds18 @FamiliesBeds @families_beds18 12

Families Bedfordshire November/December 2019

www.familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS SHOWS & EVENTS

The Scarecrows' Wedding at The Stables Based on the bestselling book by This heart-warming and Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler award-winning adaptation of and presented by Scamp Theatre Julia Donaldson and Axel from Tuesday 17 – Sunday 29 Scheffler’s bestselling book December. is bursting at the seams with Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay Scamp Theatre’s inimitable are excellent scarecrows. Their style. It’s an epic love story wedding plans are all coming that promises wit, drama and together until Harry leaves Betty’s wedding bells! side and the evilishly smooth Packed with live music and Reginald Rake tries to take Harry’s laughter, this is one Christmas place. Will Harry make it back in wedding you and your children time to save their special day? will never forget!

Tickets* are now on sale - call The Stables box office on 01908 280800 or book online at www.stables.org *booking fees apply

Rapunzel at Bedford Corn Exchange Bedford Pantomime Company presents a most brilliant and entertaining show in Bedford from December 21st 2019 until January 1st 2020.

Be lifted to the heights of Rapunzel’s Tower! Fun, laughter and some scary moments keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Will Rapunzel meet the man of her dreams, marry and live happily ever after? Or will the witch win the day?

Join BPC for one of 13 shows across the Christmas and New Year festivities – and as a special community bonus this year BPC will be having a special RELAXED performance on December 31st – where we will welcome ALL members of our community who would not normally be able to attend a full-on panto, or indeed small children who just need a bit more freedom to be themselves in the theatre.

#AutismAware #DementiaCare #SmallChildRelaxedFun All shows finish with BPC’s famous “song finale”. Kids can join the cast on stage for a grand sing-a-long; plus, you can meet the cast for a FREE photo opportunity and program signing.

BPC has been supporting the local community, theatre, families and charities for over 10 years.

Family tickets available for every show – prices held from last year.

www.befordcornexchange.co.uk – Box office: 01234 718044

Peter Pan at Cinderella at The Place Bedford Grove Theatre The 2019 Prince Charming's be towed!

Tuesday 17th December Don’t miss the Grove Theatre’s fun-filled, family pantomime, Peter Pan starring AJ Pritchard (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing), the hilarious Richard David – Caine (Horrible Histories, Swashbuckle), and Dunstable favourite Will Kenning.

Brought to you by Evolution, the same creative team behind the smash-hit Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan promises to be a show you’ll Never-never forget!

To book your tickets for what promises to be a strictly exceptional pantomime, fly on over to www.grovetheatre. co.uk or call the Box Office on 01582 60 20 80 (option 2).

Tickets start at £15.50*, with various discounts available for families, groups, schools and uniformed groups. Relaxed, audio described and signed performances are available.

Show dates are Tuesday 10 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020, at various times.

Please note that AJ Pritchard will not appear in performances from Tuesday 10 to Sunday 15 December 2019. *A £1 transaction fee will be added per ticket.

Annual Ball is almost here and you are invited.

Unfortunately, due to a typo, the Ball will be held at The Place rather than The Palace...nevertheless, please dress to impress and note that illegally parked pumpkins will

Entertainment will be provided by the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Company, presenting a pantomime with a twist featuring live music, audience interaction, ugly sisters, slapstick and wishes coming true.

Saturday 28th December, 2pm & 7pm. www.theplacebedford.org.uk The Prince has granted a special discount: when booking your ticket, use the code CINDERELLAFAM for 10% off!

Vintage 1940’s Christmas Grotto at Bletchley Park Step back in time and experience Bletchley Park’s Vintage 1940’s Christmas Grotto. Father Christmas will be at home in the beautifully decorated Mansion, ready for a magical visit.

The grotto will be open weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 30 November to 23 December from 10.00 to 15.30. Tickets cost just £7.50 for

All aboard the Santa Special!

The Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Santa Special will be held of Saturday 14th December and, features Santa on board in his festive grotto, a face painter and balloon modeller with delicious refreshments on sale.

The Santa Special takes place on the normal Marston Vale Line service on which seat reservations are not available.

Please do register on Eventbrite to let Santa know you’re coming https://bit.ly/2MlcFx3 Avoid bringing non-folding buggies as space is limited.

Your ticket is valid on any

Local Christmas Event

children and entrance to the park is free for the under-12s. Bletchley Park are also offering two tailored autism friendly Christmas Grotto sessions and a fun festive Christmas Maze for the whole family to explore. See website for more details and to book online – Visit https://bit.ly/33FvxMR Local Marston Vale Line service Christmas throughout the day so no Event need to rush back!

Hop off at Bedford for festive activities in the town centre.

For more info on train times see ad on page 2.

Please buy rail tickets in advance if you can from any manned railway station or via our website www.mamarstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk. Alternatively, rail tickets can be purchased on the day from the conductor on the train.

WIN Christmas Show tickets! See page 7 and don’t forget to like and share us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamiliesBeds www.familiesonline.co.uk

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

Bedfordshire 13

What’s on

Christmas Lights Switch On Sun 17 Nov

Sat, 23 Nov

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From 2.30 pm Ampthill Town Council Christmas Lights Grand Switch On. Lights switch on 5pm Father Christmas, fun fair rides, refreshment stalls and entertainment. Town Centre car park and Market Square.

Enquiries to Donna at 01525 404355.

Fri, 29 Nov

Lighting up Luton Lights switch on at 6 pm outside Luton Town Hall.

Live entertainment from 12 noon and hot food, drinks and attractions will be available throughout the event.

Free Event. events@luton.gov.uk. Luton Town Hall, George Street, LU1 2BQ Sun 24 Nov

From 6 pm – 8 pm Silsoe Christmas Lights Switch-On Enjoy well-known Christmas carols performed by the salvation army band, a raffle, stalls and a selection of hot drinks and mince pies. Switch on takes place at 7pm. info@silsoeparishcouncil.org Sun, 24 Nov From 12 noon Harpenden Christmas Carnival Festivities will include the monthly Farmers’ Market, Santa’s Grotto, the Henry Harris Funfair, Main Stage, stilt-walkers, walk about entertainment.

PROCESSION which will make its way down Sun lane, along the High Street and up Vaughan Road from 3pm.

Harpenden High Street.

Christmas light switch on at 5 pm.

Sun, 24 Nov 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On. The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 1

Fri 29 Nov– Sun 1 Dec

Christmas Festival Fri – 4 pm – 8pm. Sat - 10 am – 4 pm. Sun 11 am – 3 pm Free event held at Leighton Buzzard High Street & Church Square. Lights switch on at 7 pm. Over 30 craft & gift stalls, food court, funfair & firework display. Santa’s grotto, Pop – Up Market & entertainment throughout the day. eventsteam@leightonlinslade-tc. gov.uk

Christmas Tree Carols & Torchlight Processions Free event held at Aston Square, Dunstable.

Torchlight procession through Priory House Gardens and carol service with the massed choirs of Dunstable.

7pm onwards. www.dunstable.gov.uk

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YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO

PRINCE CHARMING’S

✩

ANNUAL BALL 2019 AT THE PLACE BEDFORD

✩✩

FROM 16 – 30 DECEMBER 2019 ✩ RSVP AT THEPLACEBEDFORD.ORG.UK ✩✩ OR CALL 01234 354 321 TH

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TH

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Dress Code ~ No Rags. No Buttons Allowed. Wear Sensible Footwear. Please arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the ball.

If you are lucky enough you might even have a chance to meet the Prince and – oh no, it’s midnight, I’ve run out of Directions ~ Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE Please Note: Illegally Parked Pumpkins will be towed.

Cinderella, a traditional Pantomime with a twist is coming to The Place this Christmas. Tickets available NOW! A co – production with the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company

14

November Fri 1 Nov & Sat 2 Nov 6 pm – 9 pm The Swiss Garden at Night See the garden’s lovely collection of trees, shrubberies and architectural features! Crafts in the Garden Room.

Ages: 0 - 12. Ticket required. www.shuttleworth.org Fri 11 Nov – 11 Nov––11pm pm&&Sat Sat2 2Nov Nov – 11 am & am 2 pm& 2 pm I Believe in Unicorns A tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Ages: 6+ but suitable for all.

Booking required.

Luton Library Theatre, LU1 2NG www.wizardpresents.co.uk

gifts, locally sourced foods, craft products and beautifully crafted decorations for your home.

Bar & Fair. No booking required.

For more info on admissions visit http://birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Sun 17 Nov

12 noon – 5.30 pm Carrie’s Christmas Handmade & Vintage Fair and Light switch on.

Free entry. The White Hart, Ampthill, MK45 2NG (The Stables venue at the back of the White Hart Hotel). Drinks at the bar, unique & locally made items for sale. carrie-craft@hotmail.co.uk

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4 pm – 7 pm Barton – Le – Clay Christmas Lights Switch On Switch on at Barton – Le – Clay High Street. https://bit.ly/2pAcNQl

Fri 29 Nov

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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 BUISNESSES YOU SAW THEM IN FAMILIES BEDFORDSHIRE MAGAZINE

Sat 2 Nov

11 am – 3.30 pm Bazaar at St. Augustine’s Church Enjoy refreshments while you browse the craft stalls for toys, gifts, cards, jewellery, preserves and enter the raffle.

Sun 3 Nov

9.30 am – 3.30 pm P.B’s Antiques & Collectors Fair Variety of stall holders selling toys, pottery, jewellery and more.

Parkside Hall, Woburn Street, Ampthill, MK45 2HX Fri 8 - Sun 10 Nov

10 am – 4 pm The Knebworth Christmas Fair Festive shopping, unique gifts, beautiful jewellery, scarves, sumptuous goodies and lovely scented gifts. Doesn’t include Christmas Attractions, but reindeers will be in attendance.

Ticket required. U18’s free. https://bit.ly/31tCkrI Sat, 9 Nov

10 am – 12 noon Plastic Free Bedford Litter Pick Encourage your kids to join in and help by working together to free Bedford from single-use plastic with Surfers Against Sewage. Russel Park, The Embankment, MK40.

Contact bedford.nomoreplastic@ outlook.com OR for more information visit www.sas.org. uk/plastic-free-communities/ Sat 16 Nov

12 noon – 3 pm St Mary’s Christmas Fair Traditional Christmas Fair incl. gifts for Christmas - plants, toys, craft stalls. Refreshments, cakes & lunches - including bacon butties.

Admission 50p Eaton Bray Village Hall, LU6 2DJ Sat 16 Nov – Sun 17 Nov

10 am – 5 pm Herrings Green Christmas Craft Fair Variety of local stalls, homemade

Families Bedfordshire November/December 2019

Thu 21 – Sun 24 Nov

11 am – 4 pm daily Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre Free entry. www. burystedmundschristmasfayre. co.uk Sat 23 Nov

10 am – 3 pm Bedford Christmas Fair 60+ stalls, refreshments, demonstrations, face painting, choir carol singing and a visit from Father Christmas. Cost: £4 per adult children under 12 go free Bedford Boys School, Burnaby Road, MK40 2TT www.redcross.org.uk/ bedfordshirechristmasfair Sat 23 Nov

10.30 am – 3.30 pm St. Mark’s Church 25th Annual Christmas Craft Fayre Entrance 50p. Craft stalls, refreshments, Father Christmas and more.

01234 342613/ 360605 St Mark’s Church & Community Centre, MK41 7UY. http:// thisischurch.com/ Sat 23 & 30 Nov, Sun 24 Nov

More dates in Dec which vary.

Santa’s Grotto 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. Surprise visit and story from Santa himself!

Booking required. Dates and times vary - see website for more details. www.oldewatermill.co.uk Sun 24 Nov

12 noon – 4 pm Melchbourne Village Christmas Fair Fun for all the family. Cost: £1 Adults, kids free. Melchbourne Village Hall, MK44 1BB Sat, 30 Nov

11 am – 2 pm Priory View’s Mistletoe Mania 20 + Arts & Craft stalls,

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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refreshments, spiced cider & hot chocolates, face painting, children’s craft corner, lucky dip, tombola & raffle. Special visit form Santa and resident singers performing.

Priory View, Church Street, Dunstable, LU5 4FG Sat 30 Nov – Tue 24 Dec The Magic of Christmas Join Santa for Festive Group Story at Mead Open Farm and for ‘The Magic of Christmas’.

Kids can graduate from Reindeer Flying School, discover the 3D enchanted forest, decorate a ginger bread man or make a bear and more.

Nr. Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH meadopenfarm.co.uk Sat 30 Nov 2 – 3pm Soonchild An Arctic Adventure with live music, 3D and shadow puppets , integrated sign language plus the cosmic brilliance of the Northern Lights. Booking required.

Ages: 5+ Luton Library Theatre, LU1 2NG. www.lutonculture.com

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Sat 30 30 Nov, Nov,77Dec, Dec,14 Dec & 21 14 Dec & 21 Dec Dec Carols at Wardown Tickets, whilst free are required.

Donations welcome Age guidance: All ages.

Afternoon performances: see website for details.

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Bedfordshire LU2 7HA 01582 878100. www.lutonculture.com

December Sun 1 Dec

12 – 3 pm Christmas Carols, Crafts & Nativity All children welcome to take part in nativity – make contact in advance. Variety of crafts available to children. Carols at 12.30 pm, main events at 2 pm. Refreshments available.

No booking required.

Free entry.

07935911207. www.clophillecolodges.co.uk

Sun 1 Dec

Sat 7 Dec

10 am – 4 pm Made in Bedford's Christmas Artisan Fair Local Artists, craftspeople and produce. Buy unique cards, gifts and decorations. Locally ground coffee, homemade cakes.

Incl. Vegan street food. Plenty of activities, mulled wine and local musicians. A fabulously festive day out for all the family.

Admission is free. www. bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Sun 1, 8, 15 & 22 Dec Father Christmas Visits Wardown House Curl up with Mother Christmas to hear her festive story, share milk and cookies with one of our friendly Elves and meet Father Christmas himself to receive a special gift from under the tree. www.lutonculture.com Sun, 1 Dec 10.30 am – 3 pm Christmas Craft Fair A perfect opportunity to buy some local unique gifts just in time for Christmas! hhp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk Houghton Hall Park, Park Rd North, LU5 5FU Sun, 1 Dec 5.45 pm – 8.45 pm Kid's Christmas Movie in the Courtyard!

Hot Chocolate, popcorn, blankets & patio heaters to keep warm and get into the spirit of Christmas. Vote being held to determine this year’s film. No tickets necessary, just turn up!

The Chequers at Westoning, Park Rd, MK45 5LA Sat, 7 Dec 10.30 am – 4 pm Visit Santa this Christmas at The Swiss Garden Festive trail to find Santa in his grotto. Traditional funfair rides, face painting, mulled wine and hot chocolate, festive pony rides, roasted chestnuts and kids crafts! www.shuttleworth.org

What’s on

The Night Before Christmas Join Full House Theatre for a dazzling and delightful performance which captures every child's excitement on Christmas Eve. Visit https://fullhouse.org.uk for dates, times and prices.

Sat, 7 Dec 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Flitwick TrackPlay Special Event A fun and entertaining time for kids who love trains.

01525 796060. Flitwick Village Hall, MK45 1HP flitwickvillagehallbookings@ gmail.com Sat 14 Dec 10.20 am – 4pm Festive Crafts & Santa Special Make your own Christmas decoration, card or something else! 1 hr sessions approx. £2.50 per child including refreshments.

Advance Booking essential Full journey on the Santa Special before alighting at Ridgmont recommended to allow time to enjoy all of the activities on the train. 01234 832645. Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Station Road, MK43 0XP

Santa’s Marvellous Magical Toyshop Christmas is coming, but after 164 years of service, Santa’s Chief Elf would like to retire.

Poor Santa is left with a very big problem. Who will make all of the toys for the good girls and boys?Luton Library Theatre. www.lutonculture.com

10.30 am – 4 pm Christmas Magic Show A 30-minute fun filled Magic & puppet show perfect for the whole family www.oldewatermill.co.uk.

STEP BACK IN TIME THIS CHRISTMAS

Family Services NEW Private Baby Scan Clinic in Bedfordshire: Aster Baby Clinic Aster Baby Scan Clinic is a private pregnancy scan clinic providing consultant led pregnancy scans, antenatal classes & reflexology; provide early reassurance pregnancy scans from 7 - 12 wks, the nuchal translucency scan, gender or sexing scans from 16 weeks, growth scans, wellbeing scans and 3D/4D scans from 24 - 32 wks.

Call: 01582 943 770.

Visit: www.asterbabyscan.com Email: info@asterbabyscan.com

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Sat 14, 14, 21 21 –- Mon Mon 23 23Dec Dec&&28 Sat 28 15 & 29 Dec Dec, SunDec, 15 &Sun 29 Dec

Sun 29 Dec

Clubs & Classes Drama classes at Bedford School of Performing Arts Join Big Bold Youth this Winter for a FREE trial of their popular weekly drama classes at Bedford School of Performing Arts! From just £5.25 per week and 50% off for siblings, book online at www.bsopa.co.uk, call 01234 815 744 or email enquiries@bsopa.co.uk.

Support your local Badger Hill Christmas Tree Farm in Maulden Badger Hill Christmas Tree Farm are a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association giving you a fresh quality tree at a reasonable price.

Be the first to have the best choice of field grown Christmas trees. Open days are Sat 9 and Sun 10 Nov 10 am – 4 pm. Form Sat 23 Nov – Sun 22 Dec normal opening times are 9 am – 5 pm.

For more info visit www.badgerhillchristmastreefarm. co.uk Made in Bedford at Number 13 Eco – Café and Shop Promoting and selling the work of local artists and makers.

Perfect for authentic gifts Christmas shopping. https://madeinbedford.uk

Experience a fun day out with our 1940s Christmas Grotto, Family Trail, craft activities and Christmas Maze.

bletchleypark.org.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

To be included in the January/February issue, email us by 1 December.

Bedfordshire 15

Don’t miss our January/ February issue, to be included email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

AMPTHILL 01525 790795 stagecoach.co.uk/ampthill DUNSTABLE AND LUTON CENTRAL 01582 966730 stagecoach.co.uk/dunstable LEIGHTON BUZZARD 01525 790795 stagecoach.co.uk/leightonbuzzard

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

ERS BEGINN FER OF SPECIAL

S 4 WEEK FRENESTABLE U TISKA D B CLU

Classes held: Every Tuesday at 5:30pm & Every Saturday at 10:15am Dunstable Leisure Centre, (Martial Arts Room) Court Drive Dunstable, LU5 4JD For more information please contact us on

07709 327274 or 01753 882012 tiska.karate@btconnect.com

www.tiska.com

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