Families Bedfordshire Mar-Apr 2015 issue 15

FREE

MAR/APR

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ISSUE 155

What's on

this Easter!

Baby & Toddler show special

Spring school open days

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Confidence Building Fun

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Call 0845 400 1315 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class For families with young children aged 0 -12 in Bedfordshire

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Editor's Welcome Hello!

In this issue you'll find lots of info about what to do and where to go for days out over the Easter holidays, both in the magazine and online at our new searchable calendar: www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/ Bedfordshire/whats-on Plus, we have competitions to enter for family days out at Mead Open Farm as well as tickets to win to the first ever Bedfordshire Baby & Toddler Show (www.bedsbabyshow.com)!

It's happening in Bedford on Sunday 19 April - come and say hello to us at our Stand at the Baby & Toddler Show, as we'd love to meet you!

Finally, this year it's Families magazines’ 25th anniversary; quite an achievement and definitely something to be proud of.

We're delighted to celebrate it and proud to fly the Families flag!

NEWS & INFO

Contents

5

NEWS AND COMPETITIONS

6

CHILDCARE QUIZ

7

CHILDCARE & BABY SHOW NEWS

8

HEALTH NEWS

9

CLUBS & CLASSES

10-11 12 13-16

EDUCATION LEARNING WITH NATURE WHAT’S ON: MARCH-APRIL & EASTER!

Editor: Judith Dow editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Mob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929.

Enjoy your Easter break.

Part of the Families ® magazines group, established 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned & operated under license.

Design: CBF - www.cbfnet.co.uk

Judith

Photo credits

P.S. Our May-June issue will include our ever popular party feature plus lots of May half-term What's On! Copy deadline: Friday 10 April.

Competition winners The three winners of a Family Ticket to the Milton Keynes Railway Exhibition were R Rackstraw, K Hurst and S Knight.

Front cover: © Abby Wilkes (www.abbywilkes.com) Page 3 © 2008: Liz Scarff; © Bedford Borough Council. Page 4 © Abby Wilkes; © Brain Tumour Research/Bourton Meadow Schools. Page 5 © By kind permission of John Bunyan Museum. Page 6 © golovianko – Fotolia.com; © Paul Hakimata – Fotolia.com; Page 8 © shpock – Fotolia.com. Page 10 © chomnancoffee – Fotolia.com; © highwaystarz – Fotolia.com. Page 11 © Dan Wooller. Page 16 © Milton Keynes Theatre.

Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based. Distribution: we are printing 15,000 copies which will be distributed to selected points in Bedfordshire. Further distribution information please contact: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Maths & English tuition centres For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

Ofsted registered - we accept Childcare Vouchers.

Free trial session - book today!

Bedford Luton

01234 365905 01582 742979

www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

March/April 2015

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

re a dc ers l i Ch uchpted!

Vo acce

News and info

Look up, look down ,

THE BIG OUTDOOR SHOW

look around!

Mother’s Da y & Afternoo n Tea in the Swiss Garde n - 15 March

IS ON ITS WAY!

Looking ahead to May, the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes (pictured) will headline the new 3-day Big Outdoor Show (www.thebigoutdoorshow.co.uk) from 23-25 May at Milton Keynes' Willen Lake.

Joining him will be Bedford’s own adventurers, Richard Harpham and Alex Jackson. Providing musical entertainment at this exciting new show will be the county’s best known blues rock band, Pearl Handled Revolver. The event promises affordable, interactive fun and entertainment for campers, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Day tickets cost £9.50 for adults, and £4.50 for children aged 8 and over, with under 8s going free!

17 April

Spring Walk & Lunch with Craftsman Gardener - 17 April

Shuttleworth is home to a period Swiss Garden and the Collection of historic aircraft, vintage vehicles and motorcycles.

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP

More info and tickets: www.thebigoutdoorshow.co.uk

www.shuttleworth.org/events

Reg Charity No 307534

Families Beds QP March 2015.indd 1

Bromham Lower School's new site opens

Photo shows pupils from Bromham C of E Lower School with the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, in the school’s new building which was opened at the end of January. The school is on two sites and had an old temporary unit on each site, which have now been replaced with a new permanent building. For more information on the school see: www.bromham.beds.sch.uk

13/02/2015 16:35:20

Cycle or scoot to school via the

Big Pedal!

The Big Pedal (2 - 20 March), the UK’s largest cycling and scooting competition, is back! This year, former Olympian and TV presenter Sharron Davies (pictured) is encouraging families to cycle and scoot the school run by taking part in The Big Pedal, an inter-school competition organised by the charity Sustrans.

Sharron Davies MBE, Olympic medallist and founder of www.parents4sport.co.uk said:

by Joanna Parry

Sunday

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 15 March so why not put your thinking cap on early and come up with something special for your mum? Or you could start dropping hints for your partner and children to treat you. A day out with the people dearest to you can hit the spot perfectly, so why not check out the many museums, stately homes, farm parks, theme parks and National Trust properties that are running special Mother’s Day events, including a yummy afternoon tea at the Swiss Garden at Shuttleworth (www.shuttleworth.org).

Top it off with a lie-in and breakfast in bed, and you’ll have the perfect day!

“Parents are often bombarded with advice on keeping their children healthy and while they’re juggling family-life with work-life the potential of the school run can easily be overlooked.

“When children live near to school, changing their journey can transform their health by incorporating a little exercise into their daily routines - before the school bell rings.”

Last year over 1,200 schools took part in the event and teachers, parents and pupils made over a million journeys (1,142,374) to school on their bikes and scooters.

To register for The Big Pedal 2015 go to: www.bigpedal.org.uk To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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News and info Bedfordshire Grandparent Support Group If you're a grandparent in Bedfordshire or Bucks, who looks after a relative's child(ren) because they are unable to live with their parents, you may be interested to know about the Grandparents Support Group (Kinship). They meet every Tuesday from10am to 12 noon at Kent's Hill Community Centre, Firthwood Crescent, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes, MK7 6HQ, to offer support and advice, speakers and the occasional craft morning.

Children may live with their grandparents for many reasons, including mental health, family separation, neglect, abuse, drug and alcohol issues. Some grandparents will be involved with the local authority, and some will have had to go to court to obtain legal paper work for the children.

Karon Jennings is the local Bedfordshire representative and she confirms there is always plenty of chat, tea, coffee and biscuits available at the group and that new members are always welcome.

Hat Day

Wear a Research

Join in for Wear A Hat Day on Friday 27th March! It's the premier Brain Tumour Awareness event in the UK. By helping to support long-term, life-saving research, it’s moving us ever #CloserToACure.

There are so many ways to get involved. Register now to receive your free fundraising pack, then visit the Hatter’s Workshop for all your hatty extras; from posters to quizzes, hat-templates to merchandise order forms. It’s all there and ready to help you, help us make 2015 the hattiest yet! www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday

Birds

More info: www.grandparentsupportgroup.org.uk/index.html

ABBY WILKES

Our March-April front cover picture is by photo artist Abby Wilkes. Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children two years in a row. Abby specialises in photographing children and families, creating art from life’s special moments. Abby travels throughout the UK and abroad for assignments. To arrange a photo shoot, or for more information call: 07966 867306 or see: www.abbywilkes.com

Charity partners with Andy Day to take UK schools on a journey through music International Children’s Charity, Angels, has teamed up with children’s TV presenter Andy Day (pictured) to launch the ‘Angels Welly Beat Schools Challenge’. The two prizes include the chance for a school to star in the music video of a specially written song called ‘Angels Welly Beat’ which will go on general release and another will win a visit from Andy for an ‘assembly takeover’!

Open to all UK pre and primary aged school children (including day nurseries and after school clubs) the ‘Angels Welly Beat Schools Challenge’ is designed to unite UK children with those in South Africa for an incredible journey through creative music and raise money to fund Angels Bags and their essential feeding and education programme.

To participate in the competition the school’s head teacher must register before 2 April 2015 at www.angels-charity.org

for Brain Tumour

Do More Than Tweet!

Just in time for spring, a new book featuring British bird songs goes on sale from this month. "The Little Book Of Garden Bird Songs" (£12.99), is an interactive book which features 12 of our most common garden birds and their calls, including the wren, bluetit and goldfinch, amongst others.

This solid board book is chunky enough for even the smallest hands to manage, and includes a page of beautifully illustrated information about each of the birds.

What brings it to life is the sound bar, which enables you to identify each different bird by its song.

Aimed at children aged 3 plus, it's available to buy via www.finefeatherpress.com and all good book stores.

New

Skate Park opening in Dunstable

A £250,000 skate park is due to be unveiled this month in Dunstable, located in the town centre off Court Road complete with street course and bowl. As an open access skate park it is free to use all year round with floodlights.

This partnership project between Dunstable Board Riders, Dunstable Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council has seen a close collaboration between the users and the two Councils, with the users assisting with the design of the park, as well as designing the logo and its name.

To celebrate, there will be a free launch event on Saturday 21 March from 12 noon to 4 pm. As well as being among one of the first to ride the park there will be lots of free giveaways, music, competitions for scooters, BMX and skateboards with prizes to be won.

More info: www.dunstable.gov.uk

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March/April 2015

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

News and competitions

Baby and Toddler show Competition

UK’s no.1 for childcare during the school holidays

Families Bedfordshire has ten pairs of tickets to giveaway to the The Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show at the Bedford International Athletic Stadium on Sunday 19 April 2015.

Where the action never stops

The Show is the biggest and best parenting event in the county with over 85 fantastic companies all under one roof, celebrating everything pregnancy to preschool Bedfordshire has to offer. There’s great shopping, a fantastic demonstration programme, activities, refreshments and fun filled family entertainment.

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014

Find out more at www.bedsbabyshow.com, or like the Facebook page for all the latest Show news, special offers and giveaways www.facebook.com/ bedsbabyandtoddlershow

@baWTl 9e\WTl +-#ɀ T!`Ɋ )-#ɀ c!`Ɋ Activities for boys and girls ages 4-14 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk

To win a pair of tickets to the Show, simply answer the question below: How many companies will be attending the Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show?

A 75

B 85

C 95

Enter online at www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/ competitions by Monday 30 March 2015.

Calling all budding

artists!

John Bunyan Museum's (www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum ) art competition has just launched, with the deadline for entries being Friday 22 May. Photo shows last year's winners of the literary competition with judge, Geraldine Mclaughlin. This year, Alasdair Bright will judge the competition.

The theme this year is “An adventurous journey from bad to good!” Like John Bunyan’s own story, the Museum is looking to see the different stages of a journey moving from bad to good, and some of the adventures on the way.

All entries need to be two dimensional and suitable to be wall mounted. They can include photographs, paintings, drawings, and collages. The size of the artwork should be A4 minimum and maximum A3. There are four age groups: 3-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-17 years, and 18+, and prizes will be awarded in each age group. Over the summer the winning entries will be put on display.

Finally, an exciting new trail entitled the “Pattern Tracker” is set to be completed soon, in conjunction with The John Bunyan Museum, The Higgins (www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/) and Panacea Museum (www.panaceatrust.org/the-panacea-museum/) in Bedford. More details to be announced shortly!

Win family tickets To Mead Open Farm!

There’s so much Easter fun from 28 March-17 April at Mead Open Farm’s (www.meadopenfarm.co.uk) Easter Bunny Bonanza and Families Bedfordshire has six sets of Family Day Tickets (each admitting 2 adults and 2 children) to give away!

New for 2015, explore Hoppy the Easter Bunny’s wonderful newly themed Easter Garden. Plus, every day, you can earn a chocolate treat by hunting for eggs and even meet real Easter Chicks! And all the ‘eggs-tra’ fun is included in admission!

Elsewhere at Mead Open Farm, there’s plenty more springtime fun to be found; the Lamb Nursery is packed with newborns and expectant mums-to-be; the older lambs want bottle feeding and the rabbits can’t wait to meet new friends in Bunny Hop! Plus don’t miss plenty more outdoor and indoor play including Shaggy’s huge indoor PlayWorld, Go-Karts, Crazy Golf and not forgetting the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes courses, and the Giant’s Rock Climbing Wall.

To win a family ticket to Mead Open Farm, simply answer the question below: Where will you hunt for Eggs this Easter at Mead Open Farm?

A Peter’s Easter Paradise B Bunny’s Easter Valley C Hoppy’s Easter Garden Enter online at www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions by Friday 27 March 2015.

To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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Childcare quiz

Childcare quiz: what's best for me?

By Joanna Moorhead

There are a whole host of factors to take into account in working out what childcare is going to be best for you and your child or children. Joanna Moorhead guides you through the questions you need to ask yourself - and offers a key to what kind of care your answers might point towards.

7. Do you have a long commute?

You need to add travel time to your working hours, and if you're commuting a long distance a nursery or a childminder might be trickier.

SCORE 3 for yes

1. How many children do you have?

Different forms of childcare suit different sizes of family, primarily for cost reasons. For example, even though some nurseries offer reductions for a second child your bill for two children is still going to be a lot more than it will be for one, whereas with a nanny the cost is the same whether it's one child or three, because you pay for the nanny's time.

SCORE 1 per child; plus 1 if there's a high chance you'll be pregnant again in the next 18 months

8. Do you have a spare bedroom?

A live-in nanny needs a place to sleep; though if you don't have the space, you can still consider sharing a nanny who lives in the other family's home.

SCORE 3 for yes 9. Does your child have an allergy or health issue of any kind?

A health issue could make a nanny the best bet, because her care can be concentrated on your child and all activities/meals/outings can be planned with your child at the centre.

SCORE 3 for yes

2. What ages are your children?

The younger your youngest child is, the more individually-tailored care you're likely to need.

SCORE 3 if your youngest is under a year, 2 if he/she is under two 10. Are you a 'laissez faire' or a 'controlling' parent? years, and 1 if he/she is three-plus If you're the kind of parent who's going to be happy to leave your childcarer to make decisions on your behalf through the day, 3. Do you live in a rural or an urban area? you're probably going to be happier with a childminder or nursery The more populous your area, the more childcare options there setting than if you want to be able to lay down exactly what you will be available, in terms of more nurseries, and a higher number want to happen while you're at work. of childminders. If you live somewhere really remote, hiring a SCORE 1 for laissez faire, 3 for controlling nanny might be the only option.

SCORE 3 for a rural area, 2 if you live in the suburbs, 1 if you're We hope you enjoyed this quiz, it is just to make you think of your an urbanite options in a different way and it may not provide the correct answer for you!

4. Are you a single parent?

If so you're likely to have less back-up, but also a lower disposable SCORES income.

SCORE 2 if yes Up to 10: Could a nursery be the right choice for you? Look round some of the nurseries in your area and see what your instinctive 5. How much disposable income do you have? feel about them is. Nurseries provide more structured care that The money you spend on childcare is less about what you've got can suit many families, though it's harder for them to cater for left over and more about investing in your career for the future. But parents who work very long or unpredictable hours. you still need to have some spare income to pay for it.

SCORE 3 if you have what you'd consider a high disposable 10-20: Are you the perfect fit for a childminder? For families who income; 2 if medium; and 1 if low like the idea of childcare in a different setting from home, with other children but with some flexibility on timings, this can be a 6. Is your work predictable? perfect option - and childminders tend to be lower-cost than Knowing you're going to start and finish work at the same time nurseries or nannies. each day makes nursery a much more realistic option than if you're likely to be called in to your workplace at the drop of a hat, 20-30: If you have the space and the income, hiring a nanny or in the middle of the night, or if you might end up staying until the means you can provide care that's tailored precisely to your child early hours with little or no warning. or children. Plus if your family is still expanding, a nanny can be a SCORE 1 for yes, 3 for no cost-saver in the long term.

Childcare & baby show news

View from a

The Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show

Nursery

The Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show is coming to the Bedford International Athletic Stadium on Sunday 19 April.

The Show is the biggest and best parenting event in the county with over 85 fantastic companies all under one roof, celebrating everything pregnancy to pre-school. There’s great shopping, a fantastic demonstration programme, activities, refreshments and fun filled family entertainment.

Helen Harper, owner of Harpers Nursery (www.harpersnursery.co.uk) in Blunham comments: “Many nurseries including ours offer flexible care and education for children to suit working parents. We are open all year round for 11 hours per day and offer some places to meet parent or carers needs who work on a rota or shift patterns. We also offer a home care service of babysitting over weekends and evenings.

There is a jam packed programme in the Demonstration Area with a whole range of different activities, and taster sessions for you to try, including: hypnobirthing, baby massage, baby yoga, baby and toddler music and movement classes, pre-schooler dance classes, baby signing and much more.

You can also enter your little one in the Face of the Bedfordshire Baby & Toddler Show competition, with a chance to win a fantastic prize package courtesy of Two-D Photography!

“Ensure you have a good partnership with the nursery and your child's key person - communication is everything. Nurseries such as ours have many resources including items of extra clothing, wellingtons and coats so if anything is forgotten there is no problem. Key events like dressing up days and special events are also catered for so anything that has been overlooked is never an issue.

Enter our competition on page 5 to win tickets to the Show, or buy discounted tickets in advance for £2.50 at www.bedsbabyshow.com, or on the door for £3.50. All advanced ticket holders are guaranteed to receive one of the 500 amazing Goodie Bags!

“Mums can only do so much, and juggling work and children is like spinning plates and occasionally we drop some, so a good nursery will always be there to support you. The role of the key person is to also support children at home so partnership with parent/carers is vital for consistency and continuity. We offer sibling discount of 5% on the second child attending.”

For the latest Show news, special offers and giveaways see: www.facebook.com/bedsbabyandtoddlershow Sponsored by

Harpers Nursery School, Baby Unit and Forest School BLUNHAM ‘A Unique Learning Experience’ 

 3 months to five years  Open from 07:30am to 18:30pm 51 weeks of the year  Secure, rural location  Vouchers accepted & funding available “when I finish my lunch I am a full moon”

Banana Moon Day Nursery Manor Farm Court, Lower Sundon, Bedfordshire LU3 3NZ

Tel: 01525 874114 www.bananamoon-lowersundon.co.uk



Forest School lessons Full Early Years Curriculum Funded places available for 2,3 and 4yr olds Experienced and qualified teaching staff OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding’ Hands-on meaningful learning Home cooked healthy meals Safe, caring and happy environment Teaching and Learning for children aged 6wks-5yrs

Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-6.00pm Acres of grounds for curiosity and challenge

Tel: 01767 641499 www.harpersnursery.co.uk To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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Health news ÂŽ

Business is (baby) booming for homebirths and independent midwives

Yoga inspired classes/parties

Fun classes to encourage movement, enhance development and inspire confidence in your baby and child 0-7 years Enhance Creativity, Improve Concentration Develop Communication, Increase Strength

Ć www.tattybumpkin.com/bedford bedford@tattybumpkin.com facebook.com/tattybumpkinbedford

how much does he actually see?

(Unfortunately, he won’t know what he’s missing. Do you?)

Children under 16 are entitled to a free eye examination under the NHS

New guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have confirmed that homebirths and midwife-led centres are ‘best for many mothers’. And, with evidence that giving birth at home is often as safe for babies as in hospital, it certainly looks to be the way childbirth is headed. A home birth can give you the space and time to deliver they way you want, with evidence showing that homebirths and midwife-led births often have lower rates of intervention, as women are more comfortable in their environment and are assisted by midwives they know and trust. No wonder they are booming! As this boom continues the demand for midwife-led care and independent midwives, particularly where the service is not offered by the NHS, is growing.

We all understand the importance of continuity of care, and dream of the same midwife accompanying us throughout our pregnancy, through birth and into the post natal period.

The College of Midwives is calling for more midwife-led units to be set up across the country so that all mothers-to-be can have the choice of a midwife-led or home birth, if they want one. At the moment 9 out of 10 babies in England and Wales are born in doctor-led obstetrics units in hospital, however the new guidelines say that 45% of women are at extremely low risk of complications and may be better off giving birth elsewhere especially those who have already had at least one child.

In the meantime, many women are turning to independent midwifes to get the birth and continuity of care they want, either at hospital or at home, and hiring one of these fully qualified midwives who work outside of the NHS to oversee everything. Take a look at Independent Midwives UK to find out more. www.imuk.org.uk

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March/April 2015

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

DUNSTABLE EYE CENTRE

free eye

exam.

01582 608 449 www.decopticians.co.uk 5 Ashton Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3SN On presentation of this voucher | Cannot be used with any other offer

Is your child missing anything?

We tend to take accurate eyesight as a given and this is understandable with nothing specific to compare it with. Children however, may not even realise they have less than perfect vision and this can affect their performance at school and sports.

A study by *Taylor Nelson Sofres determined that more than 1 in 3 parents with school age children did not have their child's eyes tested within the last five years. Visual screening is not mandatory in schools, so book your child's free eye examination now. Dunstable Eye Centre (www.decopticians.co.uk) has been established as an independent practice since 1978. They pride themselves on delivering an exceptional service, in a friendly professional environment.

More info: * Children's Eyesight Study by Taylor Nelson Sofres (www.tnsglobal.com)

Summer holiday clubs and&activities Clubs classes Supper Club is here!

OK, so strictly speaking it's a club for grown-ups and not our kids, but we all need to have an evening out once in a while.

The twice-weekly menus at the Pavilion Supper Club in Bedford Park, Bedford on a Wednesday and Friday night, look super yummy and are described as being “...like a dinner party, but a lot less hassle”. The bring your own bottle policy definitely adds to the atmosphere (£3 corkage). Sounds just like our cup of tea!

More info on menus and to book: www.pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk

Yoga classes for babies in Bedford!

Free maths and English activities from Explore Learning: Tuesday 31 March and Tuesday 14 April!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

On Tuesday 31March or Tuesday 14 April, your local Explore Learning centre in Bedford and Luton, will be hosting a day of free workshops for children ages 5-14 in the local community.

Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Fun yoga adventures for babies and young children (6 weeks - 7 years) are now taking place weekly in Bedford. There’s lots of excitement, movement and laughter as they combine storytelling with music and yoga movement.

They're aligned to the Early Years curriculum with classes provided in nurseries and schools as well.

It gives all the babies from 6 weeks to 2 years a great physical foundation to development and a little stretch and relaxation for the adults too!

Hayley from Tatty Bumpkin will also be at the Bedfordshire Baby & Toddler Show as well, so please do pop over and say hello!

Baby Bumpkin classes combine storytelling, music You can contact Hayley on 07592 660885 or www.tattybumpkin.com/bedford for further and simple baby yoga movements with the fun Baby Bumpkin demonstration doll. details, including availability and booking options!

· Self Protection and Anti-Bullying · Safe, Disciplined and Fun

FREE! Four weeks Beginners Course Every Sunday at 11.15am and Every Tuesday at 5pm Upstairs Martial Arts Room Dunstable Leisure Centre Court Drive, Dunstable LU5 4JD Email: tiska.karate@btconnect.com www.tiska.com

Special rates for families Minimum age 4 years. All our instructors are Enhanced CRB checked.

7th Dan Black Belt International Instructor

Tel: 01753-882012 or 07885-294418 Families Bedfordshire : (F) 180 x 130mm

To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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Education

Parents’ guide to Independent schools (4-13 years)

By Hannah Hunter

We all want to give our children the best start in their educational life. If you can afford it, the independent sector provides an alternative to the state system, which can often operate like a postcode lottery. An increasing number of parents are looking at the independent sector– a report from the association of Teachers and Lecturers shows numbers rising at their fastest rate since 2008.

A variety of Independent schools An independent school is a school that is free to operate outside of many of the rules and regulations of the state system (there are, of course, statutory education, health and safety standards). Independent schools are also fee-paying, and governed by an elected board.

Within the umbrella term of ‘independent’, you will find an array of different types of schools. Pre-prep is the name sometimes given to schools which cater for infant aged children (4-7), that usually are feeder schools for a prep (preparatory) school (for 8-13 year-olds, and sometimes younger). The preparatory school takes its name from its original function of preparing pupils for entrance to senior schools. This might be a ‘public’ school – the older private schools, whose name derives from the fact that they are open to the public (providing they can pay the fees of course!).

You will also find different kinds of Independent schools that will cater for infant and junior-aged children. These include schools with different learning styles, such as Montessori schools (often for younger children) and Steiner schools.

Why choose an independent school?

Independent schools can offer smaller class sizes, meaning more time for one-to-one attention, helpful for children with learning difficulties or other additional needs. Teachers have time to challenge more able children - prep schools often have specific gifted programmes.

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In grammar schools areas, these schools may also offer preparation for the 11+.

It’s not just the academic kids who will benefit from what a prep school offers. Sport is taken very seriously, and they will offer a wide range, from rugby to badminton. They also cater for other interests, offering a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as dance, drama and music, which you might not be able to access in the state system.

How to find a school Your first port of call should be the government’s database of all UK schools, which allows you to search by area and type (private or state funded). You might want to look at this early on - according to the Good Schools Guide, getting a place can be cut throat: ‘For a small number of schools (mostly in or near to London) the only way to gain a place is to register your child's birth then head straight to the school and etch their name on the waiting list; try not to deliver in July/August - places are likely to have been nabbed by autumn births.’

Expect an interview, even for early years places – this is likely to involve some sort of assessment of basic speech, interaction and social skills. By age 7 or 8 you might expect a test of Maths and English ability, with possibly an IQ test. This could be accompanied by a school visit, to assess how your child will be placed at the school.

As with any school, you should make appointments to visit the school and check their inspection reports (these may be delivered by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, or Ofsted).

Useful links Government school search www.gov.uk/find-school-in-england Independent Schools Inspectorate www.isi.net

Their better working conditions, with more resources and higher salaries, mean that independent schools can attract the best teachers. There is also a higher staff to pupil ratio, on average about 1:10 (it’s around 1:20 at state primaries), giving staff and pupils more time to get to know one another.

Ofsted www.ofsted.gov.uk

If you’re looking at an independent secondary school, a pre-prep will ensure that your child gets the best out of their common entrance exam (necessary in getting a scholarship or bursary).

Advice on choosing a prep school: www.telegraph.co.uk/ education/9264856/How-to-choose-the-perfect-prep-school-for-your-child.html

March/April 2015

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Independent Schools Council www.isc.co.uk Independent Association of prep schools https://iaps.uk Good Schools Guide www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/

World Book and International Children's Book Day

By Joanna Parry

This spring, delve deep into your bookshelf and read something you’ve never read before, in honour of World Book Day on 5 March. Throughout March and April schools, libraries and bookshops across the country are holding exciting events and workshops for young readers, plus you can register online for your free book token and choose from titles including Michael Morpurgo’s Best Mates and A Pirate’s Guide to Landlubbing by Jonny Duddle. Don’t miss The Biggest Book Show on Earth at www.worldbookday.com, a series of short videos starring this year’s World Book Day authors, where you can hear them talking about their work. You can also design your very own National Book Token and have your design distributed to bookshops nationwide in time for Christmas.

The competition closes 17 April 2015. It’s the biggest celebration of books across the world!

It’s also International Children’s Book Day on 2 April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen himself. International Children’s Book Day aims to inspire a love of reading from an early age, so check out the website to find out more about all of the events across the country (and the world!), including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators.

You can also find out about a whole host of fabulous children's books you may never have heard of at www.ibby.org/index.php?id=269.

Bold Imaginative 5HÀHFWLYH 7KUHH ZRUGV WR GH¿QH your daughter’s future.

Add three more:

Open Morning Wednesday 11th March, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 | www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

Spring Open Days Here's a selection of the school Spring Open Days coming up in March and April:

Announcing the 5th year of the prestigious Wicked Young Writers’ Award!

By Joanna Parry

Action Day Wednesday 4 March, 9.45am Bedford Modern, Manton Lane, Bedford www.bedmod.co.uk Open Day Saturday 7 March, 10am-12 noon Rushmoor School, 58-60 Shakespeare Road, Bedford www.rushmoorschool.co.uk Spring Open Morning Wednesday 11 March, 10am-1pm Bedford Girls School, Cardington Road, Bedford www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Get scribbling now for your chance to enter this competition, championed by their Patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and judged by a panel including Cressida Cowell, the hugely popular author of the How to Train Your Dragon series. The competition recognizes excellence in writing, while encouraging creativity and developing writing talent in young people aged between 5-25. ‘I am delighted to be asked to be a judge on the Wicked Young Writers’ Award,’ said Cressida Cowell. ‘As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust it is wonderful to be involved in an award which celebrates young people’s writing and creativity.’

Deadline 18 April 2015.

Find out more at: www.WickedYoungWriters.com

Open Day Saturday 14 March Pilgrims Pre-Prep, Brickhill Drive, Bedford . www.pilgrims-school.info Open Day Saturday 14 March, 10am-12 noon St Andrews School, 78 Kimbolton Road, Bedford www.standrewsschoolbedford.com Open Day Saturday 25 April, 10am Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford www.bedfordschool.co.uk To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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Learning with nature

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March/April 2015

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

On March-April & Easter!

What’s on: Here's our guide to Easter performances, Pantos, Egg Hunts, Holiday Activities and fantastic Days Out. There really is something for everyone!

Mini Maestros – every Thursday during term time 10.45-11.15am (0-4 years) Cost for each is £2.50 per child. More info: www.polamschool.co.uk

Please also keep an eye on our new online searchable calendar, which features events for up to two months in advance. We'll be keeping it bang up-to-date with what's happening and where, for families in Bedfordshire. You can find it at:

British Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition Until Sunday 15 March Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton , LU1 4LX 01582 548600 or www.lutonculture.com/ stockwood-discovery-centre/

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/ whats-on

LISTEN! Until Sunday 19 April Wardown Park Museum, Please always phone before Old Bedford Road, Luton setting out in case details have Immerse yourself in an accessible changed since press deadline or if interactive exhibition of sound. Free we got it wrong.

Bookstart Rhyme Time Please send events to be listed to: Tuesday 3 March: 9.30-10am, Bury editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Park Library; 9.30-10am, Leagrave Library; 11-11.30am, Luton Central Library, 2.15pm-3pm, Marsh Farm Library Wednesday 4 March: 9.30-10am, Grandparents Support Group Leagrave Libray; 9.30-10am, Stopsley (Kinship) Library; 10.30-11am, Leagrave Libray; Kents Hill Community Centre, 2.15-2.45pm, Lewsey Library Firthwood Crescent, Kents Hill, Milton Thursday 5 March: 10.15-10.45am, Keynes, MK7 6HQ. Marsh Farm Library; 2.15-2.45pm, Meets every Tuesday during Stopsley Library. Songs and rhymes termtime, 10am-12noon. inspired by first or favourite words.

Grandparents' support group Create a leaf with your baby or toddler covering Bedfordshire and and add their word to our Poet-Tree.

Buckinghamshire.

Free.

More info:

MARCH 2015

www.grandparentsupportgroup.org.uk/

Rhymetime Dunstable Library Mondays (term time) 10.45 to 11.15am & Tuesdays (term time) 10.45 to 11.15 All under 5s and their carers are welcome!

World Book Day Thursday 5 March All Luton Libraries Celebrate World Book Day at your local library, email a children’s librarian to book: childrenslibraries@lutonculture.com For school aged children. Free.

Donations Welcome.Part of WordFest - a month long literature festival featuring comedy, family events, poetry, spoken-word, talks, theatre and workshops.

Activity Time Dunstable Library Wednesdays (term time) 10.45 to 11.30 Come along for stories and crafts, for Bedfordshire Festival of Music, under 5s and their carers.

Speech and Drama Saturday 7 March – Saturday 14 Chillout Club March Dunstable Library Bedford Corn Exchange Complex, St Thursdays (term time) 4 to 5pm Pauls Square, Bedford Games, fun and meet friends. All 8-12 Concerts, choirs and more for year olds welcome. amateur performers. All ages.

More info: Lego Club www.facebook.com/bedfordshirefestival Dunstable Library Saturdays (year round) 10:45 to Family Fun Day 11.45 For over 5s Saturday 7 March, 11am-3pm, Luton Central Library Tiska Karate A fun-filled day of free activities all Every Sunday at 11.15am and every around the theme of “Words”. All Tuesday at 5pm ages. Drop in. Free.

Upstairs Martial Arts Room, Dunstable Leisure Centre, Court Family Fun Time Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4JD Saturday 7 March, 2.15-3pm, More info: www.tiska.com Stopsley Library From Elmer's Parade To The Polam baby & toddler classes Dinosaur who pooped a lot!, share Polam School, 45 Lansdowne Road, stories and join in with activities based Bedford on characters who have their very Polam Roly Polys: every Tuesday own World Book Day book. School during term time 2-2.45p, (1-4 years) aged children. Free.

Polam Messy Play – every Wednesday during term time 2-2.45 (2-4 years)

JOHN BUNYAN MUSEUM

Bedford

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DISCOVER THE BEDFORD MAN WHOSE WRITINGS TOUCHED THE WORLD... ............................................................................................................

Family holiday fun A warm welcome Summer exhibition School and group visits Open February to October half-terms* Tue to Sat, 11am to 4pm *Closed Good Friday

............................................................................................................

Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

01234 270303

Family Quiz Night Saturday 7 March from 6pm Rufus Centre, Flitwick Quiz and children's disco to raise funds for Flitwick Carnival 2015. Tel 01525 631900 to book your team in.

Mother's Day Crafts Saturday 7 March, 10am-12 noon, Shefford Library Awesome Astrosaurs Crafts Saturday 7 March, 10.30am-12noon, Wootton Library Scale Model Exhibition Sunday 8 March, 10am-4pm The Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade, SG18 9EP. Sixth annual scale model exhibition Adults £10; children free.

Tel: 01767 627927 or www.shuttleworth.org Mother's Day Baskets Monday 9 March – Saturday 14 March, all day, Sandy Library.

Bedtime Stories Tuesday 10 March, 4.45-5.15pm, Leagrave Library Wednesday 11 March, 4.45-5.15pm, Luton Central Library Thursday 12 March, 4.15-4.45pm, Lewsey Library Mums are great; the books about them? Even better!

Children aged 3+ and their families Free. Donations Welcome.

Family Fun Time: My Mum Saturday 14 March 11-11.45am, Leagrave Library 2.15-3pm, Marsh Farm Library Mums are great; the books about them? Even better!

Children aged 3+ and their families Free. Donations Welcome.

Rotary Club Swimathon Saturday 14 March,10am Stantonbury Leisure Centre Pool, Stantonbury Campus, Milton Keynes Raising money for local charities supported by Rotary International.

Teams of up to six swimmers can register via Rtn Jim Huggan.

Email: jim@huggan.comor.

Tel: 01908 506448. www.rotary-milton-keynes.org Mothers Day in the Swiss Garden Sunday 15 March, 1pm or 4pm The Shuttleworth Collection , Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade, SG18 9EP Yummy Mother's Day tea at the Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth! Booking is essential. All day entry to the Swiss Garden is included in the price. Adult £20.50; child £6.25.

Tel: 01767 627927 or www.shuttleworth.org/events/ mothers-day-in-the-swiss-garden/ Tourism Week Saturday 14 & Saturday 21 March Various including John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford and Ridgmont Heritage Centre.

As part of Tourism Week, the John Bunyan Museum is joining other Bedfordshire museums to celebrate a famous person with links to their collection. There will be a free family trail about the life of John Bunyan on offer in the Museum on the two Saturdays.

Ridgmont Heritage Centre will also be offering 'themed' events to tie in with Tourism Week, including an appearance by Jack Turner, the last Station Master at Ridgmont.

More info: www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum/ and

www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/

To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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What’s on Ridgmont Heritage Centre re-opens!

Tuesday 17 March, 10-4pm Re-opening of Heritage Centre, Tuesday-Sundays until the end of November 2015. Plus, lovely tea shop! More info:

Earn a chocolate treat by hunting for eggs in Hoppy’s new Easter Garden, meet real Easter Chicks, visit the Lamb Nursery and more! With all the extra fun included in entry and plenty more farm fun! www.meadopenfarm.co.uk or tel: 01525 852 954.

Art Studio – Composition Construction (with Lisa Tilley) Saturday 21 March, 2-4pm The Higgins Studio, Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Workshops for children with a strong interest in the arts. £10.35 per session. For children aged 9 – 13 years.

Tel: 01234 718618 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/

Annual Easter Egg Quiz Saturday 28 March to Saturday 11 April, 11am-4pm John Bunyan Museum , Mill Street, Bedford Annual Easter Egg Quiz at the Museum. Complete the Quiz to win a chocolate egg!

Tel: 01234 270303 or www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum/

www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/

Celtic Craft Event Saturday 21 March, 10am-11am Free tickets from Leighton Buzzard Library Family Fun Time: Stars… poetry…fish Saturday 21 March 11-11.45am, Luton Central Library; 2.15-3pm, Stopsley Library To mark Shakespeare Week, listen carefully to The Whisperer, Nick Butterworth's retelling of Romeo and Juliet from a rat's-eye-view. Then make puppets and props to perform the story to your parents. Suitable for school aged children. Free.

Launch of Biggleswade Green Wheel Sunday 22 March, from 1.30pm Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Langford Road, Broom nr Biggleswade www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ biggleswadegreenwheel.

Where's Wally Fun Run Sunday 22 March Russell Park, Bedford In aid of National Literacy Trust. £10 to enter. More info: www.facebook.com/KioskatthePark

Easter Crafts Monday 30 March, 2.30pm-4.30pm, Wootton Library Monday 30 March, 10am-4pm, Sandy Library Tuesday 31 March, 10am-4pm, Sandy Library Tuesday 31 March, 3-4pm & Thursday 9 April, 10am-11am, Shefford Library Foxy-pots Tuesday 31 March, 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Make a cheeky fox character. £2.25 per participating child.

Tel: 01234 718618 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/ Big Hero 6 (film) Tuesday 31 March 2pm, Tues 7 April 2pm, Thurs 2 April 2pm Leighton Buzzard Theatre Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Box office: 0300 300 8125

APRIL AND EASTER!

Family Fun Wednesdays Wednesday 1 April, Wednesday 8 April, 10am-4pm Bletchley Park.

Have fun while learning about the Wear a Hat Day home of the code-breakers.

Friday 27 March #Wear a Hat Day or organise an event More info: www.bletchleypark.org.uk/ for Brain Tumour Research The Odd Egg: Colouring and More info: www.wearahatday.org Crafting Wednesday 1 April, 11-11.45am Family Fun Time: On the Luton Central Library Ning Nang Nong There's something big, green and Saturday 28 March snappy in Duck's egg. Add a scale to 11-11.45am, Leagrave Libray; a lifesized baby 'duck' at Luton 2.15-3pm, Marsh Farm Library Our Poet-Tree, now covered with your Central Library. words, is ready to bear verse. Join in with some noisy nonsense and help write a rhyme or three. Suitable for school aged children. Free.

Tory Freestone Trio Saturday 28 March, 3.30-5.30pm Pavilion in the Park, Bedford Park, Bedford Part of the Bedford Milton Keynes Jazz Festival. Free. More info:

Poisson D’Avril (French for April Fool’s) Wednesday 1 April, 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Fishy, foolish, tricky Easter garlands. £2.25 per participating child.

Tel: 01234 718618 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/

Easter Bunny Bonanza!

Saturday 28 March - Friday 17 April Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, LU7 9JH.

The Odd Egg Saturday 4 April, 11-11.45am, Luton Central Library Saturday 4 April, 2:15-3:00pm, Stopsley Library Tuesday 7 April, 11-11.45am, Bury Park Library

www.facebook.com/BedfordandMKJazzFest

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March/April 2015

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Thursday 9 April, 11-11.45am, Lewsey Library Saturday 11 April, 11-11.45am, Leagrave Library Saturday 11 April, 2.15-3pm, Marsh Farm Library When Duck finds an egg of his own he's delighted.

Find out the big surprise in Emily Gravett's book, then help to make a life sized 'duck'. Snap! 3+ . Free.

Easter Adventure Quest Friday 3 - Monday 6 April, 11am-5pm Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR Meet characters from the past with stories of times gone by - maybe a king, a butler, a Roman centurion or even a monk. Explore Wrest Park and crack the clues. Price includes entry to House & Grounds. Members: Free.

More info: www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest

Stockwood Country Fair Sunday 5 & Monday 6 April, 11am – 4.30pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton A taste of the countryside, with rural life demonstrations, local craft stalls and much more. £4 adults, £3 children, concessions £3 under 5s go free Steam into Spring Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 April Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pages Park, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard.

More info: www.buzzrail.co.uk Musical story time featuring the Frog Chorus Monday 6 April Kiosk at the Park, Russell Park, Bedford Plus live lambs!

More info: www.facebook.com/KioskatthePark

Festival of Power Friday 3-Sunday 5 April Santapod, Airfield Rd, Podington , Wellingborough Family drag racing entertainment.

More info: www.santapod.com

Easter Eggstravaganza Monday 6 April, 10am-4pm Bletchley Park www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Bedford's Big Easter Egg Hunt From Saturday 14 March-Saturday 4 April Look for Easter eggs in Bedford town centre from mid-March. Then claim your prize at St Cuthberts Hall, Newnham Road, Bedford on Saturday 4 April.

Re-work Artwork Wednesday 8 April, 11am,12noon, 2pm and 3pm The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Recreate famous artworks. £2.25 per participating child. Tel: 01234 718618 www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/

Easter Trail Sunday 5 April & Monday 6 April, 11am-4pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine £2 per child, prize for all entrants. No booking required! More info: www.marstonvale.org.

Shaun the Sheep Movie Thursday 9 April, 2pm Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Box Office 0300 300 8125

Rabbits & Hares - Kids' Crafts Tuesday 7 April, 10am to 2pm Forest of Marston Vale, Classic Rally & Autojumble Sunday 5 April, gates open at 10am. Marston Moretaine Can you tell the difference between The Shuttleworth Collection , rabbit and hare? Come and find out Shuttleworth (Old Warden) and make a rabbit or hare mask to Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade, wear when you hop home. Sessions SG18 9EP cost £3 per child. Suitable for ages Classic vehicles on display, flying displays (weather permitting), plus an 4-10. To book tel: 01234 767037.

Easter Egg hunt for the kids! Adults Mini Highland Games £8; children £4.

Tuesday 7 April, 11am, 12noon, Tel: 01767 627927 or 2pm and 3pm www.classicmotorshows.co.uk/ The Higgins Bedford, #!old-warden/ Castle Lane, Bedford 100 years after the Highland Games Cadburys Easter Egg Hunt Friday 3 - Monday 6 April, 11am-3pm in Bedford, join in some flinging, Dunstable Downs, Chiltern Gateway singing and dancing. £2.25 per Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, participating child.

Tel: 01234 718618 or LU6 2GY Become an Eggsplorer at Dunstable www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/ Downs. Use the clues to navigate your way around the trail and collect a Viking Crafts Tuesday 7 April, 10am-4pm, Cadbury Egghead prize when you Sandy Library make it back to basecamp. £2 per child Tel: 01582 500920 or Priming Party www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Wednesday 8 April dunstable-downs-chilterns-gateKiosk at the Park, Russell Park, way-and-whipsnade-estate Bedford Colouring sheets & fun activities, Easter Egg Hunt plus an Easter Egg Hunt!

Saturday 4 April, 10am-noon More info: Bedford Square Shopping Centre, www.facebook.com/KioskatthePark Houghton Regis. Free.

Sunflower Crafts Thursday 9 April, 10am-4pm, Sandy Library

Cat Puppets Friday 10 April, 10am-4pm, Sandy Llibrary 


Easter Crafts and Colouring In Friday 10 April, 10am-10.30am, Shefford Library Global Fan Club Challenge Friday 10 April, 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Help make 40 fans from around the world. FAN-tastic prizes for the best fans! ÂŁ2.25 per participating child.

Tel: 01234 718618 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/ Arts and Craft Play Station Friday 10 April, 11am – 4pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Shake a tail feather! Make your own spring inspired headdress using recycled materials. £2.50 Butterfly Crafts Monday 13 April, 10am-4pm, Sandy Library The Library Games: Launch Monday 13 April, 4-5pm, Luton Central Library Thursday 16 April, 4-5pm, Leagrave Library Enter The Library Games! Compete in games, old and new, of skill and chance. Perfect for children aged 10+. Free.

Meet Easter Lambs & Chicks!

Easter Bunny Bonanza! 28 March - 17 April Join in the ‘egg-stra’ bunny fun at Mead Open Farm‌ ([SORUH +RSS\ȉV QHZO\ WKHPHG (DVWHU *DUGHQ DQG KXQW IRU HJJV WR FODLP D WUHDW PHHW WKH (DVWHU %XQQ\ DQG YLVLW WKH /DPE 1XUVHU\ 3OXV UXQ ZLOG LQ 6KDJJ\ȇV KXJH 3OD\:RUOG DQG SOHQW\ PRUH IDUP IXQ

Near Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH

01525 852954 Bedfordshire Baby & Toddler Show Sunday 19 April, 10am-4pm.

Bedford International Athletics MOF-AM-15-013 Ad-Easter Families 118x70.indd Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford First ever Bedfordshire baby & toddler show. Families Bedfordshire will be there. Come and say hello! More info: www.bedsbabyshow.com/ NCT North Beds Nearly New Sale Saturday 25 April, 12pm – 1:30pm (11.30am for NCT Members) Bedford Athletic Stadium, Barker Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB

Top quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices. £1 admission fee.

Free tickets from Leighton Buzzard Library. Make and design your own mosaic. Over 6s only.

St George's Day Saturday 25 April, 11am-4pm Priory Gardens, Dunstable St George’s Day event with entertainment for all of the family!

Free.

St George's Festival Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April, 10am-6pm Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton, MK45 4HR Witness the ultimate showdown as gallant St George takes on his arch nemesis in England. Early Bird tickets available until 11 April. www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest

1

www.nct.org.uk/branches/ north-beds-north-bedfordshire-nct

Roman Mosaic Craft Saturday 25 April, 10am-11am

03/02/2015 12:42

Art Studio – Entitles Saturday 18 April, 2-4pm The Higgins Art Studio, Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford Workshops for children with a strong interest in the arts. A chance to collect evidence for Arts Award Explore. £10.35 per session.

For children aged 9 – 13 years.

Tel: 01234 718618 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/ NCT Nearly New Sale Saturday 18 April, 2.15pm-3.30pm Stratton Upper School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Clothes 0-8 years, maternity, wear, nursery furniture and equipment, toys and games, buggies and prams.

Admission ÂŁ1. More info: email: biggleswadenearlynewsale@gmail.com

or www.nct.org.uk/branches/ biggleswade-sandy-district/ nearly-new-sales

George and the Dragon Saturday 18 April, 11-11.45am, Luton Central Library Saturday 18 April, 2.15-3pm, Stopsley Library Saturday 25 April, 11-11.45am, Leagrave Library Saturday 25 April, 2.15-3pm, Marsh Farm Library Who saves the Princess from the Dragon in Chris Wormell's book?

George of course - the mouse, that is! 3+. Free.

The Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show, sponsored by Water Babies and Bambo Nature, is coming to the Bedford

International Athletic Stadium on Sunday 19th April 2015, from 10am to 4pm.

The Show is the biggest and best parenting event in the county with over 80 stalls, great shopping, fantastic demonstration programme, giveaways, activities, and fun filled family entertainment, including a large soft play area, and special guest appearances from Fireman Sam, Minnie Mouse and friends!

You can also enter your little one into our Face of the Bedfordshire Baby & Toddler Show competition, with a chance to win a fantastic photo prize package worth over ÂŁ140 courtesy of Two-D Photography, and a bundle of baby and toddler goodies!

Whether you are expecting your first or are a seasoned pro, this is the premier parenting event in the county, celebrating everything pregnancy to preschool Bedfordshire has to offer!

Discounted advanced tickets are just ÂŁ2.50 and are available now at www.bedsbabyshow.eventbrite.co.uk, or buy them on the door for ÂŁ3.50.

All advanced ticket holders will receive one of our FREE 500 exclusive goodie bags!

For more information go to www.bedsbabyshow.com or for show news and exclusive special offers follow us at www.facebook.com/bedsbabyandtoddlershow Sponsored by:

To advertise: 01727 373929

March/April 2015

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Handa’s Surprise Tuesday 17 March, 10.30am and 1.30pm, Lewsey Community Centre Wednesday 18 March, 10.30am and 1.30pm, Futures House Community Halls Thursday 19 March, 10.30am and 1.30pm, Farley Community Centre The much loved children’s book by Eileen Browne, is brought to life through puppetry, dance and song. Ages 2-5. £1 per person (adult or child). Book via the Community Centres.

More info: www.lutonculture.com/community-centres/

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs Saturday 21 March, 2-3pm Luton Library Theatre, St Georges Square, Luton Join Flinn as he discovers a Pirate in a cupboard and tumbles into an action-packed adventure. From the book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto. Ages 5+ plus. ÂŁ6. Booking essential. Tel: 01582 878100.

PERFORMANCES Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure Saturday 7-Sunday 8 March, 10am, 1pm & 4pm Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Pulpits and Prison Doors Monday 16-Friday 27 March John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Full House Theatre and John Bunyan Museum present a dynamic museum theatre experience for Key Stage 1 and 2 school children. Book via schools. Email sophie@fullhouse.og.uk or tel: 01234 838138.

Everything you've ever needed to know ever (and some extra stuff) Tuesday 31 March, 2pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Polhill Avenue, Bedford New family comedy show.

Tel: 01234 793197 or www.beds.ac.uk/theatre/whatson/family Little Howards Big Show for Kids Wednesday 1 April, 2pm Leighton Buzzard Theatre Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Box office: 0300 300 8125

The Pirates of Treasure Island Friday 3 April - Sunday 5 April Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable Easter panto for all the family, based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Tel: 01582 60 20 80 (option7) or www.grovetheatre.co.uk Threads: presented by Next Generation Youth Theatre and How It Ended Friday 10 April, 7.30pm (tbc) & Saturday 11 April, 2.30 & 7.30pm Hat Factory, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton A brand new play about growing up in a modern world. More info: www.lutonculture.com Luton Youth Jazz Orchestra Friday 17 April, 7.30pm (tbc ) Luton Library Theatre, St Georges Square, Luton 10+ ÂŁ7, ÂŁ5 concessions More info: www.lutonculture.com Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Saturday 18 April, 1pm & 4pm, Sunday 19 April, 10am & 1pm Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable www.grovetheatre.co.uk Sing-a-long-a-Frozen Sunday 19 April, 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes Join in with a screening of the film with lyrics on screen and sing along with Elsa and Anna.

More info: www.singalonga.net or www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

EASTER FUN

AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD

Tuesday 31st March Foxy-Pots Make a cheeky fox character with a useful container body.

Tuesday 7th April Mini Highland Games 100 years after the Highlanders’ Games in Bedford, join in some à LQJLQJ VLQJLQJ PDNLQJ DQG GDQFLQJ

Wednesday 1st April Poisson D’Avril (French for April Fool's) 7ULFN\ IRROLVK ÀVK\ Easter garlands.

Wednesday 8th April Re-Work Artwork Recreate famous artworks by dressing up and posing your parents and painting the result.

Visit the website at

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Email

Friday 10th April Global Fan Club Challenge Help us make 40 fans from around the world. FAN-tastic prizes for the best fans!

Come and Explore!

Entry free Activities ÂŁ2.25 per participating child

thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

or call us on

01234 718618