Families Bedfordshire Mar-Apr 2013

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Bedfordshire Issue No.3

March–April 2013

Things to do with the kids this Spring

What’s On in the Easter holidays!

Childcare feature

CONTENTS Bedfordshire EDITOR’S WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the March/April issue of the magazine. Having battled through the cold and snow it’s great to think ahead to the prospect of Spring, and of course, the Easter holidays!

We have plenty of ideas about things to do and see, including an extensive What’s On section, which includes Easter egg hunts that are local to you, and how to make your very own Easter tree with the kids!

Plus we are bringing you bang up to date with the new childcare changes that were recently announced by the Government.

Essential reading if you are contemplating a return to work.

If you have some news or views that you would like to share with our readers then get in touch by email at editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk or you can find us on Twitter at @familiesbeds.

News & Information 3 Education news 6 Independent Schools: Open Days Health 7 Childcare feature 8 Things to make & do 10 Book reviews 11 What’s On: 12 in March and April Including Easter Egg Hunts!

Best wishes,

Judith

P.S Our May/June issue will cover parties, entertainers and venues and May half-term.

Copy deadline is Friday 12 April Available from Tuesday 7 May

The perfect pool for all ages

Editor: Judith Dow editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk www.FamiliesBedfordshire.co.uk Mob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929 Twitter: @familiesbeds Part of the Families® magazines group, established 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned & operated under license. www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Design: Cath Ranzetta

Photo credits: Front cover Courtesy of Ocean Eyes Photography by Katherine Neale, www.oceaneyes.co.uk; p3 © Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com); p4 Jordans Mill; p6 © Sainsburys Tu/PR Shots; © Vibe Images – Fotolia.com; p7 Laura Llewellyn; p8 © Alliance – Fotolia.com; p9 © Tatyana Gladskih – Fotolia.com; © Rhphotos/ Dreamstime.com; p12 © Johanna Goodyear/Dreamstime.com; p13 © House of Bath; p14 © Bletchley Park Trust Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 8484440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

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

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

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Small classes delivered in a warm pool by highly qualified and friendly staff. Classes for babies and children aged 16 weeks through to age 11, plus our ever popular Aquanatal courses.

Intensive holiday courses and birthday pool parties.

To find out more or to book your place, visit www.polamschool.co.uk/swim t: 01234 261864

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION

10 things to do with the kids this Spring

1. Look for tadpoles Check out the ponds at the RSPB reserve in Sandy. www.rspb.org.uk/reserves 2. Fly a kite Bedfordshire’s kite-flying hub is centered on Dunstable Downs (www. nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstabledowns), or join the Dunstable Rangers on the first Sunday of every month outside the Chilterns Gateway Centre at 2pm. All families are welcome to try out some free activities with the Rangers – from making grass trumpets and dens to hunting for bugs or geocaches.

3. Build a garden den Download a free guide to den building from the Woodland Trust. www.naturedetectives.org.uk 4. Plant a garden Give each family member a small plot of their own for favourite veggies or blooms!

5. Climb a tree A major study by Play England, part of the National Children’s Bureau, found that half of all children have been stopped from climbing trees – a travesty!

6. Jump in a muddy puddle A great way of having fun even during the wettest April shower!

7. Look out for snowdrops and bluebells Bedfordshire is rich in these beautiful wild flowers. Or travel to Kew Gardens to see over five million bulbs in bloom. The swathes of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils are set to be a riot of colour to melt away the winter blues. www.kew.org 8. Run around big open natural spaces... such as the heathland expanses and woods that are home to a wide range of bird and wildlife species.The Forest at MarstonVale offers space to walk, run or cycle some of the 17km of paths and trails or explore their Wetlands Nature Reserve (small charge applies).

9. Follow the Wildlife Safari at Marston Vale... an exciting trail packed with fun facts, games and interactive play (www.marstonvale.org). Or plan your own in your back garden! The First Book of Garden Wildlife is an indispensable guide.

10. Put up a nestbox... ready for the bird breeding season – for online advice on types, styles, costs and locations visit www.rspb.org.uk/advice.

With thanks to the RSPB’s Connection to Nature campaign.

More info: www.rspb.org.uk/getoutdoors

Easter Eggs: did you know?

• Eggs are a symbol of rebirth in most cultures and had already been given as springtime gifts before Easter was first celebrated by Christians.

• Eggs are coloured brightly to symbolise the sunlight of spring.

• The first Cadbury’s Easter egg was made in 1875, in dark chocolate; milk chocolate didn’t arrive until 1905 with the launch of Dairy Milk.

• A new Guinness World Record for the most entrants in an egg hunt was set in London last Easter after 12,773 entrants took part in The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt.

• The charity event also broke another World Record when a giant chocolate egg created for the competition became the most expensive non-jewelled chocolate egg ever, selling at auction for £7,000.

• Egg rolling, which symbolises the rolling away of the rock in front of Jesus’s tomb, was traditionally played with hard-boiled eggs being rolled down a hill.

• About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs.

• The average time for children to start tucking into their first chocolate Easter egg is 11am on Easter Sunday, with 30% of children eating their chocolate egg instead of breakfast!

by Allison Thomas

All aboard the...

E aster E ggspress!

Thursday 11 April 2013 (subject to confirmation)

John Bunyan Museum and Bunyan Meeting

Museum Open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am to 4.00pm

19th February to 2nd November 2013 (Closed Good Friday)

ADMISSION FREE

Groups/school parties are welcome throughout the year by prior arrangement.

Contact 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU

Church and Coffee Shop – open Tuesday to Saturday Sunday Service – 11.00am and 6.30pm

John Bunyan Museum – An inspiring story set in extraordinary times

Easter prize for all children with Easter bonnets or headwear!

For further information please contact: Stephen Sleight Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Tel: 01234 832645 Email: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk Visit our new website www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/marstonvalecrp Follow us on Twitter@marstonvalecrp

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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Decorated carriages FREE face painter and balloon modeller on board Refreshments for sale

GroupSave Ticket

Up to 4 adults for the price of 2 (off pe plus up to 4 ch ak) ildren for only £1 ea ch.

Under 5s go free.

Marston Vale Easter Eggspress trains depart: Bletchley 1201 1401 Bedford 1255 1455 or join at any station along the route.

Amazing value – special rate for families! £6.40 adult return; £3.20 child return

Bedfordshire

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NEWS & INFORMATION Luton Hoo’s Kids’ Book Festival

On Sunday 21 April 2013, you can enter the magical Luton Hoo Walled Garden and for one day only you will discover a fabulous world of the imagination with the best in children’s literature.

Children of all ages will be entertained by authors of many much-loved stories, such as Philip Ardagh (The Grunts), Sally Gardner (Maggot Moon), Cressida Cowell (How to Train your Dragon) and Lauren Childs (Charlie and Lola). They will be able to enter the mythological world of Beast Quest; go on an adventure with the Famous Five or have fun with storytellers from the Roald Dahl Museum.

Visitors will also be able to see how world famous illustrators like Guy Parker-Rees (Giraffes Can’t Dance) bring stories to life through pictures or they can have a go at writing their own story in the Creative Cart Shed.

Tickets go on sale on 4 March and more information is available at www.hoobookfest.org.uk.

NIN E- YEA R-O LD O PENS O NL IN E SW EE T SH OP Move over Richard Branson! Nine-year-old Henry Patterson, from Lidlington, has just launched his third business, an online sweet shop for children, selling mud, worms and aliens and children’s gifts. His website, Not Before Tea (www.notbeforetea.co.uk) was based on his mother’s response whenever he asks her for sweets.

‘No one knows the type of sweets that children like better than a child,’ says Henry. ‘Sweets must be as fun as toys and do stuff,’ he adds.

But as well as ensuring that each jar was an adventure in its own right, Henry set out to solve the biggest problem with confectionery – how to soften the blow when the sweets are all gone. Not Before Tea products come with glass pens to decorate the jars. Henry also includes reward stickers for grown-ups to give children to make sure they clean their teeth.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Henry’s school friends think that selling sweets is the ultimate job.

And his three ambitions are to earn £10, meet David Walliams and see his products being sold in shops. We’re sure he’ll go far!

Families Bedfordshire readers can get a 20% discount using the code: beds1 at www.notbeforetea.co.uk.

We'll see you there!

J O RD A N S M I L L O PE N S I T S DOO RS

There’s plenty for the family to discover at the newly refurbished Jordans Mill near Broom, just outside Biggleswade, which is due to open in April.

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Everyone’s favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure across the UK! In Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him.

With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out – you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way! Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along.

The new oak-framed Mill Store sits on the River Ivel and incorporates the Riverside Café with decking out over the Ivel, a new shop selling local produce and first floor meeting and function rooms.

This historic Flour Mill, home to the Jordan family for over 150 years, was revolutionary for its time and could be compared with the dawn of the internet age today. Milling was once a major industry in Bedfordshire with over 400 mills in the county alone. A fire at the mill in the late 1800s brought about the change from traditional stone milling to metal roller mills. This technological leap enabled the mill to increase production significantly and helped Jordans Mill to become one of the leading producers of flour in the region.

DORA TOUR!

Surrounding the Mill are wildflower gardens which are due to open later in the summer.

The Flour Mill, Mill Store, The Barn and gardens all form part of the Jordans Trust, a registered charity, and will be run by volunteers. If you have some spare time and would like to learn more about volunteering, then visit the website, www.jordansmill.com.

Nickelodeon’s Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys heads to the Milton Keynes Theatre this summer from 2-4 August.

To book tickets visit nickjr.co.uk/doralive.

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION WIN DRY LIKE ME

POTTY TRAINING PACKS!

Families Bedfordshire magazine is delighted to offer five readers a Dry Like Me ‘Smarter Way to Potty Train’ pack worth £15 each. Each pack contains four boxes of Dry Like Me pads and a lovely reward chart and stickers – all the tools you need to help your little one achieve potty training success!

Dry Like Me potty training pads are a real break-through in the challenge to get children out of nappies and into their own pants. They have won lots of awards and are endorsed by child toilet training charity, ERIC. Dry Like Me pads help your child to recognise their body’s cues for the loo, a key part of potty training. While they are learning, they capture small accidents and so reduce the mess and stress. They are soft, comfortable and suitable for children of all ages with one size fitting all. In research they reduced accidents after only one week.

For more information go to www.drylikeme.com.

Competition question: What is the Dry Like Me website address?

Enter the competition at www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

by Monday 8 April 2013.

O P E NI N G O F K E E C H S H O P I N S AN DY Keech Hospice Care, which offers offers support to children with life limiting conditions across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes and adults from Luton and South Beds, has recently opened a new shop at 3 Market Square, Sandy.

Local TV personality, Robert Dawes who has been appearing as the Prime Minister in the West End’s Yes, Prime Minister, officially opened the shop, along with Sandy Mayor Cllr Mrs Susan Sutton and Keech Chief Executive Mike Keel (pictured).

Robert Dawes said: ’I have had a lovely time opening this brand new store for Keech Hospice Care. Keech is a charity very dear to my heart and I wish it every success. I am sure the people of Sandy will support it with their fabulous purchases and donations and that it will become a key part of the community.’

The Sandy store joins the other 26 shops in the charity’s retail operation that raise vital funds for Keech. The shop will be selling a range of good quality furniture, bric-a-brac, clothes, books and toys. Donations to the shop can be made at any time during opening hours and all donors will be asked if they would Gift Aid their donations if they pay tax.

More info: www.keech.org.uk

Children’s Allergy Clinic in Milton Keynes

by Dr David Cremonesini, Consultant Paediatrician

Clinics held at BMI The Saxon Clinic, Milton Keynes and Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Dr David sees all general problems and allergies: Immunotherapy for difficult hay fever Skin prick testing for eczema/asthma Food allergy testing/advice/ adrenaline pens Phone: 01487 814256 Email: kidsallergy@gmail.com

Labels4Kids launches new website

Leading UK-based international kids’ labelling specialist Labels4Kids is launching its new look website in March (www.labels4kids.com).

Attention to detail is something Labels4Kids does well and to make high quality labelling easily available to help families save money on returning property to them is something vital more so than ever before with the cost of new clothing, shoes and other belongings increasing all the time.

Ann-Maree Morrison, the founder and Managing Director, commented, ‘The new Labels4Kids site will make ordering so much more pleasurable, with faster load times and better images, as well as allowing on site design and easier access to our social media hints and advice.’ www.labels4kids.com/fam.

Real Nappies... Real Change!

This year’s Real Nappy Week takes place from 15 to 21 April, with the theme of ‘Real Nappies... Real Change!’ to inspire a new generation of parents to make the change.

This year you can get take part in The Great Cloth Diaper Change on 20 April at 11am local time, and be part of a world record-breaking attempt for the most Real Nappies changed simultaneously. On 21 April join in the Real Clean and hang a chain of washing up in your garden, as others will do up and down the land.

More info: www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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EDUCATION Independent Schools: Open Days READING OUT LOUD IN CLASS ‘DOES CHILDREN NO GOOD’ Well-loved children’s author Julia Donaldson has said that reading aloud in class is too ‘wooden’ to interest children in books, and instead they should be taught how to read by acting out plays. The Children’s Laureate has suggested that reading aloud makes children feel like they are being tested, rather than inspiring them.

The author of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom said that when she visits a classroom she takes small groups of students aside and works on the play with them, before reading it to the rest of the class. ‘It can develop children’s reading’ as well as build confidence, she said. The author launches a new series of short plays written especially for schools this winter, including plays by authors such as Vivian French, Alison Hawes and Steve Barlow.

LONG DIVISION RULES

From now on, children are to be awarded extra marks for using long division in maths, as long division and multiplication make a return to maths exams. As part of a Government incentive to increase standards in primary schools, 11 year olds will receive extra marks for using traditional methods of calculation in their SATs. Even if they end up with the wrong answer, the workings-out of sums will receive additional marks. The changes are due to be introduced from 2016 and coincide with the introduction of a new primary maths curriculum which places greater strength on times tables and mental arithmetic, plus calculators will be banned in maths tests sat by 11-year-olds at the end of primary school.

The draft national curriculum for primary maths says that children should learn ‘efficient calculation methods’, such as short and long multiplication and division, and that nine-year-olds should know all their times tables up to 12x12 and confidently work with numbers up to 10 million by the end of primary school.

IT’S TRUE – PHONICS WORK!

English schools climb the international league table in reading thanks to phonics. PIRLS, the international comparison of reading teaching achievement, has published results which show that figures for reading in England have improved significantly, with the country moving up eight places to number 11. ‘It’s incredibly good news to see England rising up the table,’ said Chris Jolly, Publisher of Jolly Learning, the synthetic phonics programme of choice for many primary schools. ‘There is still work to be done though; we need to work harder in reducing the widespread range of achievement in England, and the huge difference between girls and boys which is unreasonably high. Synthetic phonics has shown over the years what a fantastic difference it makes for helping children to learn to read and write. I see no reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for the number one position currently held by Hong Kong and Russia.’

Compiled by Joanna Parry

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SPRING OPEN MORNING Bedford Girls’ School, Cardington Road, Bedford Tuesday 5 March from 10am–1pm More info: 01234 361918 or email: admissions@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

OPEN MORNING Rushmoor School, 58-60 Shakespeare Road, Bedford Saturday 9 March from 10am–12 noon More info: 01234 352031 or email: admissions@rushmoorschool.co.uk www.rushmoorschool.co.uk OPEN DAY Orchard School, Higham Gobion Road, Barton le Clay Saturday 9 March from 9.30–11.30am More info: 01582 882054 www.orchardschool.org.uk OPEN DAY Walton Pre-Preparatory School, The Old Rectory, Walton Drive, Milton Keynes Tuesday 12 March from 10–11.30am More info: 01908 678403 www.waltonpps.co.uk OPEN DAY Milton Keynes Preparatory School, Tattenhoe Lane, Milton Keynes Wednesday 13 March from 10–11.30am More info: 01908 642111 www.mkprep.co.uk

OPEN DAY Broughton Manor Preparatory School, Newport Road, Broughton, Milton Keynes Thursday 14 March from 10–11.30am More info: 01908 665234 www.bmprep.co.uk OPEN EVENING St Andrew’s School, 78 Kimbolton Road, Bedford Thursday 14 March from 6.30–8pm More info: 01234 267272 www.standrewsschoolbedford.com

SCHOOL IN ACTION DAY Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Brickhill Drive, Bedford Friday 15 March from 9.30–11.30am and 1.30–3.30pm More info: 01234 369555 www.pilgrims-school.info OPEN DAY Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Brickhill Drive, Bedford Saturday 16 March from 10am–12 noon More info: 01234 369555 www.pilgrims-school.info

ACTION DAY Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford Thursday 25 April: tours commence at 9.45am, 11.15am & 2.30pm More info: 01234 332500 or email: admissions@bedmod.co.uk www.bedmod.co.uk

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

HEALTH

HAY FEVER: its symptoms and how to alleviate them

by Dr David Cremonesini, Consultant Paediatrician, BMI The Saxon Clinic, Milton Keynes

A breath of salt air...

Here’s something different. The Salt Cave (www.saltcave.co.uk) in Milton Keynes, where the walls and floor are coated with Dead Sea salt, and the air itself contains micro-particles of salt, welcomes adults and children (including babies over six months old) into an unusual but relaxing environment,with separate treatment rooms for both adults and children.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of salt have long been recognised, and in 1843 studies on the positive health of salt-mine workers saw the beginning of salt cave treatments.

The first consultation and visit are free. To book an appointment phone 01908 888 480.

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is on the increase and can affect children of any age. However it’s more likely in a child who’s had eczema, a food allergy or asthma and it can be a big reason why their asthma is getting worse.

The classic symptoms to look out for are an itchy nose, red eyes, watery discharge from the nose or eyes, or a blocked nose.

Seasonal hay fever is due to pollens – tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in summer and moulds in the winter. But all year long, hay fever is usually due to house dust mites or pet hairs. And the best way to find the cause is by allergy testing, which your GP should offer.

This is particularly important because hay fever can affect sleep and concentration, and the symptoms can lead to embarrassment, wheezy chests and a drop in exam grades at school. With the right treatment it can be well controlled in the majority of children.

IMPORTANT DO’s

1. Avoiding the allergen (mattress covers, remove the pet, stay indoors) can help but this is not always practical and never enough on its own.

2. Take an antihistamine every day, but make sure it’s a non-sleepy one as some can affect school performance. They can be taken all year round.

3. Next step up is nasal steroids and newer ones are much safer. Use them every day when there are symptoms. Point the spray to the outside of the nose and no HARD sniffing; keep the medicine in the nose to work for at least 10 minutes 4. If there is still a problem, sublingual immunotherapy can be very helpful.

For more information visit www.allergyuk.org.

Families Bedfordshire readers can also enjoy 25% off their first Salt Therapy Package purchase, valid until the end of May 2013 (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer).

TRAIN THEM UP

Leading Health and Safety training company Aid Training has set up a petition to make first aid training compulsory in schools. St John Ambulance reports that 140,000 people in the UK die each year in situations where first aid could have saved them and Aid Training intends to reduce this number. First Aid is a mandatory subject for Welsh and Northern Irish pupils, but in England and Scotland it is only an option within the curriculum, and in a survey of more than 1,500 schoolchildren, seven out of 10 said they would not know how to help in an emergency and eight out of 10 said that they would feel safer if they had some first aid knowledge. Over 400,000 children are injured each year at school and compulsory first aid training can save lives and ensure minor injuries don’t become major ones. ‘Ninety seven percent of young people said they believed first aid education would improve their skills to act in a crisis,’ said Paul Hosking, Managing Director at Aid Training. ‘Training in schools would give people the confidence to respond to emergency situations; it is a fundamental life skill, literally!’ www.aid-training.co.uk/news

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire

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CHILDCARE

HOW CHILDCARE IS CHANGING

C

by Joanna Moorhead

hildcare in Britain costs more than childcare almost anywhere else in the world – according to recent figures, 27% of the income of families with young children is spent on the costs of a nanny, a childminder or a nursery. Everyone agrees it would be better if childcare was more affordable – especially for parents with two or more children, many of whom say it doesn’t make financial sense for them both to be at work.

But how can childcare be made cheaper without compromising on quality? That’s the question everyone, from government ministers to childcare providers, is grappling with at the moment.

WHA T T H E G O VE R N M E N T IS S A Y I N G

In late January the government announced a new plan to change staffto-child ratios for childminders and nurseries, in a move it says will cut costs for parents and raise pre-school standards.

IS PROPOSING THAT: EARLY YEARS MINISTER ELIZABETH TRUSS

looking after currently restricted to Childminders, who are be able to e to five, should in future three children aged on . look after four children

☝

☝

Her basic argument is that the current relatively tight ratios have two main effects: they mean higher costs for parents, and lower pay for staff.

The changes she’d like to see would, she believes, lead to lower fees for parents and higher pay for staff, and this in turn would improve the quality of childcare workers over time.

But Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Stephen Twigg says he believes the plans would undermine the quality of the UK’s childcare.

‘I think this is one area where we’ve got something to teach other countries,’ he says. ‘If you look at France, there’s quite a big public debate about whether they’ve got this right.’

ldren aged wed to look after two chi They would also be allo ld under ing restricted to one chi under one, instead of be one.

☝

☝ ☝

o-child ratio d to increase their staff-t Nurseries will be allowe 1:6. from the current 1:4 to io will rise from For under-ones, the rat

1:3 to 1:4.

ff – they’ll raised for new nursery sta Qualifications would be English and SE grade C or above in be required to have a GC Maths.

the introduction of a Other changes include alification. early years teaching qu

new graduate-level

Truss says the proposals won’t lead to children being neglected: she points out that the changes she is suggesting will still leave England with higher staff-to-child ratios than those for childcarers in France, Denmark and Germany, three countries that are often cited as providing highquality care for pre-school children.

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Marg Randles, managing director of Busy Bees, the UK’s largest childcare provider with 213 nurseries across the country, says, ‘ This flexibility already exists within settings for three to five year olds where providers can choose to adopt a 1:13 ratio where there is a qualified teacher or EYP working directly with the children.’

She believes Busy Bees’ baby ratios of 3:9 and toddler (two to three year olds) ratios of 3:12 works best across its 213 settings, but others may find they can work within the new ratio guide lines. She welcomes changes that put the decisions in the hands of individual childcare experts and trust they will make the right choice for their children, parents and business. ‘But the important issue for Busy Bees is childcare vouchers: currently, employers are allowed to give employees up to £55 a week in tax-free vouchers to pay for childcare; raising this to £75 a week would make a real difference to parents,’ the chain argues. In comparison, the saving to families if the Truss proposals go through would amount, says Busy Bees, to less than £3 per week.

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

CHILDCARE

How to CUT your childcare costs in the short term So the bottom line is that there’s not a huge amount happening at government level to cut your childcare costs right now – so if you need to get them down, it’s up to you to find a way. Here are a few ideas we’ve come up with at Families:

☞

Change your working hours: as a parent with a child under 16, you’re entitled to request flexible working hours from

your employer, provided you’ve worked there for more than

six months. You could ask to fit your work into fewer days that are longer – then your partner could collect your child or

children from your carer on the days you’re working, and you can cut childcare bills.

☞

If you work part-time and use a nursery, check out whether the fees are lower on certain days of the week (they

sometimes are) and see if you can switch the days you work.

☞

Wh a t a b ou t T A X B R EA K S? Childcare vouchers are one form of tax break for parents paying for childcare. However, before the recent Truss announcement it had been hoped that the scheme would be reformed and extended, allowing more parents to benefit from the scheme, and those already using it to save more.

Team up with a friend who’s also working part-time and has

a child of a similar age. So you look after her child with yours while she’s working, and vice versa.

☞

When you’re choosing a childminder, check whether she can

access the free 15 hours’ childcare a week that all three and four-year-olds are entitled to – not all childminders can do

this, and it can be worth up to £180 for 38 weeks of the year.

Unfortunately these hopes haven’t come to fruition: Ms Truss has said changes are in the pipeline, but that they’re ‘going to be slightly longer in the gestation than would be ideal’.

So the details of the scheme are still being worked out, and it’s been widely reported in the press that there are ideological differences within the coalition. Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister, has suggested that changes should be for those on lower incomes, while the Conservatives are believed to want the breaks to be universal.

While we wait for another announcement, it’s being reported that the scheme under consideration could be worth thousands of pounds – sources close to the government have said that working women with children aged under five could become entitled to claim a flat rate tax allowance of £2,000 a year to pay someone to look after their children.

But if that’s the good news, the bad news – sadly – is that with all the political wrangling going on behind the scenes, the plan could take some time... though some experts still believe it could be introduced before the next general election.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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THINGS TO MAKE & DO Eggspress

yourself this

Luca and Maya make... an Easter tree – by Gabrielle Starkey

Easter!

If you are looking for something

different to do this Easter then how

about jumping aboard the Marston

Vale Community Rail’s Easter

Eggspress? It will be running on Thursday 11 April (subject to

confirmation), and on this special day

the railway will have decorated

carriages, free face-painting and an

Easter prize for specially decorated bonnets and hats. Passengers can

also alight at Bedford and take part

in an Easter egg hunt at the John

Bunyan Museum (www.bunyan

meeting.co.uk/museum) before heading home.

The Bedford to Bletchley line aims to cater for families and other groups, and with the Heritage Centre and cafe at Ridgmont Station due to

open during the summer of 2013,

there is plenty for everyone to see and do over the coming months.

More information and updates can be found at: www.marstonvale communityrail.org.uk.

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

BOOK REVIEWS : ED ’S READING ROOM For Ages 5–7 Years

For Age 7+ Years

Arthur and the Mystery of the Egg

by Johanne Mercier (Phoenix Yard Books £4.99)

Ghost Buddy: How to Scare the Pants Off Your Pets

by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver (Scholastic £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Arthur finds an egg in his grandparents’ garden. It’s a fairly ordinary egg but when he takes it into the house the grownups make a huge fuss. It really is a puzzle where it came from as there are no chickens nearby – and they all try to solve that great mystery, which came first, the chicken or the egg? They are in for a big surprise when the egg cracks, leading Arthur to ask the grown-ups another tricky question!

ED SAYS: ‘Billy Broccoli and his ghostly pal Hoover Porterhouse III, also known as Hoove, are off on another adventure.

Hoove is seriously lacking in responsibility so Billy makes it his business to help Hoove improve in this area and he decides a good way forward would be to find Hoove a pet to take care of. But Hoove is not really an animal type so will Billy succeed in helping Hoove mend his ways?

‘This is a lovely story for young readers who are sure to see things from Arthur’s point of view. There are super illustrations throughout the book which is the first in a new series.’

The Smug Pug

by Anna Wilson (Macmillan Children’s Books £5.99)

‘This is the latest story in this hilarious series. The adventure shared by these unlikely friends is very entertaining and is gripping from beginning to end.’

Bone Quill

by John & Carole E Barrowman (Buster Books £6.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Matt and Emily Calder are twins who possess extraordinary powers including the ability to bring paintings to life. In this their second adventure they try to find their mother who has gone missing and they desperately search for the ancient and mysterious bone quill by travelling back in time. Will they be able to stop those who attempt to abuse its power?

ED SAYS: ‘Welcome to Crumblyunder-Edge! Pippa Peppercorn hates the idea of going back to school after the holidays but it is not as bad as she thinks because there is an intriguing new girl at school called Tallulah with an equally intriguing dog, Smug. But when Pippa tells Dash the dachshund at Mrs Fudge’s salon Chop ‘n’ Chat how amazing her new friends are, he is less than impressed.

‘This is a laugh-out-loud story that is packed full of action and fun. The delightfully wacky characters will amuse boys and girls alike.’

‘This is a thrilling story with fantastic characters and settings. It includes references to real and imaginary paintings thereby encouraging an interest in art. It’s a real page-turner of a book.’

Ed’s Reading Room (www.edontheweb.

com) is an exciting free online book and

story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently

published books are selected as Ed’s

Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7)

and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there

are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including wordsearches,

quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime

Stories.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

A one day festival for all ages with top authors, illustrators and more...

bringing favourite books to life in the magical setting of the Luton Hoo Walled Garden!

SUNDAY 21st April, 10am – 5pm FOR

TICKETS AND INFORMATION SEE

WW.HOOBOOKFEST.ORG.UK Bedfordshire

11

WHAT’S ON

Thursday 7 March, 4–5pm Leagrave Library

RE=CREATED PRESENTS D THE LITTLE VARDO VILLAGE See up-close the traditional Romani gypsy living wagon and the Pakistani truck that have been transformed into folk-art masterpieces by the Re-Created youth team. Free entry. Drop in. Charges or donations for individual activities may apply.

Friday 15 March, 2.30pm Putnoe Library

Monday 11 March, 4–5pm Marsh Farm Library

Saturday 9 March, 11am–3pm Lewsey Park, Luton

Monday 18 March, 2.50pm Wootton Library

WORLD BOOK DAY D ZOO’PER STORY=TELLING! 29 March–1 April Sessions at 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable Animal tales for the under 5s!

More info: www.zsl.org/ zsl-whipsnade-zoo

Saturday 23 March, 11am–3pm St George’s Square, Luton

GARDENING TIME Saturday 16 March, 11–12noon Kempston Library Fun activities for all the family.

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or if we got it wrong.

WORLD BOOK DAY Dangerous Books goes global as we explore the terrifying world of text.

8 – 12 years. Free. Drop in.

Please send events to be listed to: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Monday 4 March, 4–5pm Wigmore Library

MARCH

MID BEDS NCT D ‘BUMPS, BABIES AND BEYOND’ Every Wednesday afternoon, 1–3 pm Flitwick Village Hall Drop-in group for parents-to-be and parents with babies.

NCT breastfeeding counsellor available during term time.

Suggested donation £2 per week.

Refreshments provided.

CREATION STATION AT THE FOREST CENTRE Every Tuesday during term time, 10.40–11.30 am Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Weekly events for pre-school children, suitable for ages 15 months to 5 years. £5 per child (reduction for siblings).

To book, email louiseplatt@ thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 854 9178 TRAINS, BOATS AND PLANES Stories, facts and quizzes about all sorts of transport.

5+ years. Family event.

Free. Drop in.

Saturday 2 March, 2–2.45pm Luton Central Library Saturday 9 March Wigmore Library 11–11.45pm Stopsley Library 2.15–3pm Marsh Farm Library 2.15–3pm Saturday 16 March, 11–11.45am Leagrave Library

12

Bedfordshire

TODDLER TIME D MOTHERS’ DAY Friday 8 March at 10–11am & 12–1pm Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton A programme of fun and creative activities for toddlers. £3 per child.

Please book on 01582 546722 TEDDY’S PICNIC Saturday 9 March, 11am Luton Library Theatre Theatre, mime, puppetry and songs you can join in with, as Eddy the Teddy and his best friend Sammy Ragdoll decide to go on a picnic.

2–6 years. £5 per child.

First accompanying adult free.

Additional adults £6.50.

Book on 01582 547474 or 878100

SPRING OPEN DAY & BUNNY BONANZA Sunday 10 March, 1–3.30pm HULA Animal Rescue, South Midlands Animal Sanctuary, Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise Talk on ‘How to keep your Rabbits Healthy’; rabbit photo competition (win a prize for your rabbit, only £1 per entry); rabbit costume competition; Meet the Rabbit Welfare Association. Admission only £2 adults. Accompanied children free.

More info: 01908 584000 www.hularescue.org STOTFOLD MILL RE=OPENS 10, 24 March & 7, 21, 28 April from 1–4pm for the mill machinery; Tea room open 12.30–5pm Mill Lane, Stotfold More info tel: 01462 734541 or www.stotfoldmill.com DUNSTABLE DOWNS D 5K & 10K TRAIL RUNS Sunday 10 March, 9.30am Start and finish at Dunstable Downs Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs £10 for affiliated Club Runners; £12 for other runners.

Entry available online: www.dunstableroadrunners.org

HUGLESS DOUGLAS RHYMETIME Fabulous stories and songs, plus the chance to meet Douglas!

Thursday 14 March, 11am Bedford Central Library

MISS SAIGON 14–16 March, 7.30pm Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford Tickets: £6 adults, £4 concessions.

Box office: 01234 332664 MID BEDS NCT D EASTER EGG HUNT Sunday 17 March, 2–4pm Clophill Village Hall, Clophill Toddler Easter Egg Hunt at 2.30pm; decorated bonnet parade with prizes at 3.30pm; refreshments, craft with the Creation Station, stalls, raffle, tombola. Tickets £3.50 per participating child, with three chocolate prizes per ticket.

Tickets on the door or email Emma Gleeson at emmalbrophy@hotmail.com TODDLER TIME D HERE COMES SPRING Friday 22 March, 10–11am & 12–1pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton A programme of fun and creative activities for toddlers. £3 per child.

Please book on 01582 548600

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON DEWEY DETECTIVES Can you solve the mystery with the help of the subject index and the Dewey classification numbers on the books? Drop into the Homework Help session and put your skills to the test. 7+ years. Free.

Friday 22 March, 4–6pm Leagrave Library Sunday 24 March, 11am–1pm Luton Central Library Tuesday 26 March, 4–6pm Marsh Farm Library Stopsley Library Sundon Park Library Wednesday 27 March, 4–6pm Bury Park Library Lewsey Library Thursday 28 March, 5–7pm Wigmore Library EASTER CRAFTS Saturday 23 March, 10–12noon Wootton Library Drop in any time to make amazing Easter cards.

EASTER ‘EGGHEAD’ HUNT 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 March & 1 April, 10.30am–4.30pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Complete the trail exploring the Downs and win a yummy Cadburys chocolate egg! £2 for trail and chocolate prize.

Booking advisable: 01582 500925 CREATION STATION FAMILY FUN ART & CRAFT SESSIONS Luton, Leighton Buzzard & mid-Bedfordshire For 1–11 year olds running in the Easter Holidays.

For dates, venues and booking please check: www.thecreationstation.co.uk or email Louise Platt: louiseplatt @thecreationstation.co.uk.

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL 29 March–1 April, 11am–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Have fun searching for clues within the magnificent grounds of Wrest Park during an Easter Fun Trail.

Every youngster who cracks the trail will be rewarded with a small prize. Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90, children £5.30, family ticket £22.90.

More info: 0870 333 1183 or www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark EASTER BUNNY BONANZA 29 March–14 April Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington Earn a chocolate treat by hunting for eggs in ‘Hoppy’s Hamlet’ and real Easter chicks. Plus, the new Easter Express Tractor Ride!

More info: 01525 852 954 or www.meadopenfarm.co.uk EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 29 March–15 April, 9.30am daily Thurleigh Farm Centre, Cross End, Thurleigh Bottle feed the baby lambs, enjoy the antics of the mischievous piglets and cuddle a bunny. Can you find Nibbles the Easter Bunny for a memorable photo opportunity?

Enjoy egg hunts over the long Easter Weekend plus find the answer to the Easter Trail for a small reward.

More info: 01234 771597 or www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk WHIPSNADE ZOO EASTER EGG=STRAVANGAZA! 29 March–1 April Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable Find hidden eggs and work out the secret Easter password; then collect a special prize from the Easter Bunny. www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

EASTER EGG TRAIL IN THE ABBEY GARDENS 29 March–1 April, 10am–5pm Woburn Abbey, Woburn Search for the Easter Egg Trail signs hidden in the gardens of Woburn Abbey More info: www.woburn.co.uk EASTER EGG QUIZ 30 March–13 April, 11am–4pm Tuesday to Saturday only (Closed Good Friday) John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Search the museum for the brightly coloured eggs, find the hidden letters and re-arrange them to find the mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize. Free! www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/ museum MONSTER CREEPY CRAWLIES EXHIBITION 30 March–3 November Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton See, hear, smell, touch… giant bugs! This highly interactive magnified world of ‘mini-beasts’ features human-sized animatronic models of creepy crawlies. Admission charges apply. More info: 01582 548600

EASTER FUNDAY Sunday 31 March Leighton Buzzard Railway, Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard Meet the Easter Bunny and join in the family fun, with extra steam trains at work on the holiday weekend.

More info: 01525 373888 or www.buzzrail.co.uk

EASTER EGG HUNT Sunday 31 March, 10am–3pm Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger More info: 01767 641007 www.moggerhangerpark.com EASTER TRAIL 31 March–1 April, 11am–4pm The Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Follow the Easter Trail laid out around the park and answer the questions to the wildlife quiz as you go. £2 per child.

More info: 01234 767037 RUMPELSTILTSKIN AND THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE Saturday 30 March, 11am Luton Library Theatre New version of the Grimms classic tale. 4+ years; £5 per child. First accompanying adult free; additional adults £6.50.

Booking: 01582 547474 or 878100 WHO’S THE BEST? 30 March–13 April Luton Mobile Library – all stops Who’s the best? Champion your favourite friend or foe. Will it be the Doctor, or a Dalek? Peter Rabbit or Mr McGregor? All ages. Free entry.

Drop in.

STOCKWOOD COUNTRY FAIR Sunday 31 March & Monday 1 April, 11am–4.30pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Rural life demonstrations, an animal petting farm, a local farmers’ market, local craft and gift stalls, children’s activities and much more! £3.50 adult, £3.00 concessions and Culture Card holders, £2.50 children, free for under 5s.

Bedfordshire

13

WHAT’S ON APRIL

BROMHAM MILL RE=OPENS April–October, 1–5pm, Sundays and bank holidays only Bromham Mill, Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford More info: 01234 824330 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Monday 1 April Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes Annual family event with trails, craft activities and chocolatey prizes.

More info: 01908 640404 or www.bletchleypark.org.uk

EASTER EGG HUNT Tuesday 2 April, 10–10.30am & 11 –11.30am Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton Fun outdoor trails for toddlers. £1.50 per child.

Please book on 01582 546722 PETER RABBIT & FRIENDS Stories, songs and activities.

3–7 years. Free. Drop in.

Tuesday 2 April, 2.15–3pm Lewsey Library Wednesday 3 April Sundon Park Library 11–11.45am Luton Central Library 2–2.45pm Stopsley Library 2.15–3pm Thursday 4 April, 2.15–pm Marsh Farm Library

A DATE IN YOUR DIARY Thursday 4 April, sessions 11am–3pm Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton Make a diary to take home.

6+ years. £2 per child. Drop in.

SPRING CRAFTS Thursday 4 April, 3–4pm Toddington Library FUN, FACTS & CRAFT D HOP TO IT Thursday 4 April, 10am–2.45pm The Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Find out about frogs with some frog themed fun and games. £2.50 per child.

To book: 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org

ART ADVENTURERS HOLIDAY CLUBS D GARDEN CREATURES SPECIALS More info: Karen Gleave 01525 635823 or email karen@artadventurers.com

EASTER FUN 2 April–14 April Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Face-painting. Trail packs. Bouncy castle. Rides. Children’s craft activities. For the whole family.

Drop in. Free entry. Individual charges for activities may apply.

14

Bedfordshire

Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 April, 10am–12noon Flitwick Thursday 11 & Friday 12 April, 10am–12noon Bedford FAMILY FUN Wednesday 3 April Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes The whole family can enjoy special activities including craft and spy workshops, children’s guided tours, trails, quizzes and handling collections.

More info: 01908 640404

Saturday 6 April Wigmore Library 11–11.45am Stopsley Library 2.15–3pm THE DOCTOR vs JAMES BOND D WHO’S THE BEST? As both these characters celebrate 50 years on the screen, come and support your favourite.

8+ years. Free entry. Drop in.

Monday 8 April Luton Central Library 2–2.45pm Leagrave Library 4–5pm Tuesday 9 April, 2.15–3pm Lewsey Library Wednesday 10 April Sundon Park Library 11–11.45am Wigmore Library 2.15–3pm Bury Park Library 3.30–4.15pm

Wednesday 10 April, 11–11.45am Leagrave Library

SPACE ACADEMY HOLIDAY CLUB 2–5 April, 10am–12.30pm Flitwick Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Flitwick Children aged 4–11. Registration forms available from holidayclub@flitwickmethodist.org Free.

MONSTER CREEPY CRAWLIES From tales of arachnids to creepy crawly crafts. 5+ years. Family event.

Free. Drop in.

Thursday 11 April, 2.15–3pm Marsh Farm Library

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Friday 5 April, 11.30am & 2.30pm Luton Library Theatre Kenneth Grahame’s classic characters come to life in this vibrant and fun family participation musical. 4+ years. £5 per child. First accompanying adult free.

Additional adults £6.50.

Please book on 01582 547474 or 878100

BUNYAN MEETING’S EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB 9–11 April, 10am–12.15pm John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford ‘A Knight’s Tale’. Find out what it means to know the King of Marks gospel through drama, small group discussions, songs and short talks.

For primary school aged children.

Cost £2 per day or £5 for all three.

Contact Samantha for more details: 07874 229709 or youthbunyan@gmail.com

FAMILY FUN Wednesday 10 April Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes TODDLER TIME D EASTER Friday 5 April, 10–11am & 12–1pm Special activities including craft and spy workshops, children’s Wardown Park Museum, guided tours, trails, quizzes and Old Bedford Road, Luton handling collections.

A programme of fun and creative More info: 01908 640404 activities for toddlers. £3 per child. www.bletchleypark.org.uk Please book on 01582 548600

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EASTER EGGSPRESS Thursday 11 April from 12 noon (subject to confirmation) Decorated carriages, free face-painting and balloon modellers on board the Marston Vale Community Rail line. Prizes for best Easter headwear.

More info: 01234 832645 www.marstonvale communityrail.org.uk FUN, FACTS & CRAFT D BLUEBELL WOOD Thursday 11 April, 10am–2.45pm The Forest Centre, Station Road, Bedford Design your own spring woodland and make a bluebell. Find out where you can enjoy bluebell woods in the Marston Vale. £2.50 per child.

To book ring 01234 767037 www.marstonvale.org MONSTER CREEPY CRAWLIES From tales of arachnids to creepy crawly crafts. 5+ years. Family event. Free. Drop in.

Saturday 13 April Leagrave Library 11–11.45am Luton Central Library 2–2.45pm PANACEA MUSEUM OPEN DAY Saturday 13 April, 10.30am–4.30pm (last admission 3pm) 9 Newnham Road, Bedford Come along to the Open Day and be one of the first people to look around the Panacea Museum.

Entry is free, but pre-booking is required as spaces are limited in some of the buildings.

Tel 01234 353178 or email museum@panacea-society.org JORDANS MILL Monday 15 April (date subject to confirmation) Langford Road, Broom, nr Biggleswade Newly restored Jordans Mill opens to the public.

More info: www.jordansmill.com

TUESDAY TRAILS D FLORA & FAUNA Tuesday 16 April, 10–10.30am & 11–11.30am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Fun outdoor trails for toddlers. £1.50 per child.

Please book on 01582 548600.

TODDLER TIME D MINI GARDENERS Friday 19 April, 10–11am & 12–1pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton A programme of fun and creative activities for toddlers. £3 per child.

Please book on 01582 548600 NCT NEARLY NEW SALE D BIGGLESWADE, SANDY & DISTRICT BRANCH Saturday 20 April, 2.15–3:30pm Stratton Upper School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Early entry at 2pm for NCT

TRAILS, TREES AND TEARING ABOUT…

members with a valid membership card. Admission £1 (in aid of NCT).

More info: email nearlynewsale@ biggleswade-nct.org.uk or Facebook Page (Biggleswade NCT) PEPPA PIG AT MEAD OPEN FARM Saturday 20 April Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington Children’s TV favourite Peppa Pig will be making a special visit to Mead Open Farm!

More info: 01525 852 954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk MONSTER CREEPY CRAWLIES Saturday 20 April, 2.15–3pm Marsh Farm Library From tales of arachnids to creepy crawly crafts. 5+ years. Family event. Free. Drop in.

Advertorial feature

Wrest Park is about to spring into action as it opens its doors seven days a week from Friday 29 March.

The English Heritage gardens near Silsoe, between Bedford and Luton, have plenty to keep the kids entertained during the Easter holidays, and beyond.

Over the Easter weekend can your kids crack the clues to complete an ‘egg-citing’ trail? Find the missing eggs around the grounds to be rewarded with a yummy Easter prize, available Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April, 11am – 4pm.

Throughout the holidays the gardens will be open seven days a week, 10am to 6pm. However, Wrest Park is so much more than a garden – with 90 acres at your feet, there’s ample space for kids to play hide and seek, for a family picnic or a lively game or two!

Tearing youngsters away from the unique play area may be hard, full of swings, slides and even a zipwire – it’s just next to our cafe.

And you can pick up an activity backpack with lots of things to do for all ages as you explore the grounds, wildlife and nature.

Looking ahead, don’t miss history coming to life at the spectacular St George’s Day Festival on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April. Early bird tickets are now available at www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrestpark or you can call 0870 333 1183. Meet St George and his dragon for the biggest St George’s Day extravaganza in the country!

To find out more about Wrest Park log on to the website or call 01525 860000 or check out their Facebook and Twitter pages.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire

15

WHAT’S ON

ANNUAL ST GEORGE’S DAY FESTIVAL Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 April, 10am–6pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Packed with historical action and patriotic flag waving, the annual St George’s Day Festival promises an exciting day of family entertainment. Adults £15.00, concessions £13.50, children £9.00, family ticket £39.20. Reduced prices for English Heritage members.

More info: 0870 333 1183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark HOO’S KIDS BOOK FEST Sunday 21 April, 10am–5pm Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Luton Hoo, Luton Second children’s book festival at Luton Hoo’s Walled Garden.

Tickets go on sale on Monday 4 March. Entrance fee is £5 with under 2s free. Ticketed events are £3 and some events are free.

More info: 01582 879089 www.hoobookfest.org.uk

BEN & HOLLY AT MEAD OPEN FARM Saturday 27 April Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington Children’s TV favourites Ben & Holly will be making a special visit to Mead Open Farm!

More info: 01525 852 954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk ST GEORGE AND THE DRAGON Dragon tales and craft session. 5+ years. Family event. Free. Drop in.

Saturday 27 April Leagrave Library 11–11.45am Luton Central Library 2–2.45pm MY BROTHER THE ROBOT Saturday 27 April, 11am Luton Library Theatre Tall Stories presents its brand new show, with humour, music and storytelling. 5+ years. £5 per child.

First accompanying adult free.

Additional adults £6.50.

Booking: 01582 547474 or 878100

MID BEDS NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Saturday 27 April, 2–3.15pm Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Road, Flitwick Early entry at 1.45pm for NCT Members with a valid membership card. Entry 50p per adult.

Bargains on quality baby and children’s clothing (0-7), toys, books, and equipment.

More info: 0844 243 6206 or email midbedsnctnns@ hotmail.co.uk FLYING DAY Sunday 28 April, gates open 9am. Flying from 2pm.

Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, near Biggleswade Adults £20; children under 16 free!

More info: 01767 627929 www.shuttleworth.org

Harpers

Nursery School and Baby Unit BLUNHAM ‘A Unique Learning Experience’

OPEN DAYS Full Early Years Curriculum

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

pre-preparatory school

…inspires each child to love learning An independent, non-selective school for children aged 3 months to 7 years.

FRIDAY 15th MARCH

9.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 3.30pm

SATURDAY 16th MARCH 10.00am - 12 noon

For further details visit our website or call 01234 369555 Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Brickhill Drive, Bedford.

pilgrims-school.info A HARPUR TRUST SCHOOL