Families Bedfordshire July August 2013

FR EE

Bedfordshire

Issue No.5 July–August 2013

Learn a new skill this summer

Win! Family day out tickets

Plus, our biggest & best What’s On in July & August

13,000 copies to parents and children aged 0-12 across Bedfordshire

CONTENTS News & Information

Competitions

Health Education Summer Activities What’s On: in July & August

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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 © istockphoto.com; p4 © Gary Nunn; p5 © Water Babies; p6 © mangostock – Fotolia.com; p11 © John Bunyan Museum; p12 © Bedford Borough Council; p16 © Luton Council 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 13,000 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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EDITOR’S WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the July/August issue of Families Bedfordshire!

We have two fantastic competitions from Mead Open Farm and Snozone Milton Keynes in this edition, so there is a great chance to win some perfect prizes for both you and your family.

We’ve also got some great suggestions about how to master some new skills over the summer break. And our What’s On section is the most comprehensive one to date! Please send your events for future inclusion to: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

Enjoy a relaxing and and sunny holiday break.

Best wishes,

Judith

P.S. Our September/October issue will focus on clubs and classes and going ‘back to school’, including independent school open days. Plus half-term and Halloween activities!

Copy deadline is Friday 26 July.

Competition winner: Congratulations to M Arkwright who won the £50 Creation Station Gift Voucher.

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

Summertime at Shuttleworth

The 2013 WABA World Breastfeeding Week takes place from 1–7 August, with this year’s theme being Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers. The week concentrates on Breastfeeding Peer Counselling, highlighting the fact that even when mothers are able to get off to a good start, all too often in the weeks or months after delivery there is a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates, particularly in exclusive breastfeeding. Continued support to sustain breastfeeding can be provided in a variety of ways, including Peer Counsellors who are trained to support mothers, which World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight.

You don’t just have to be an aircraft enthusiast to find something of interest to you and your family at the Shuttleworth Collection.

Based at Old Warden Park near Biggleswade, it has been open to the public since 1963. It includes a showcase of aircraft housed in hangars that allow you to discover 100 years of flight, along with a vehicle section, displaying vintage and veteran cars, motorcycles and bicycles and, from a bygone era, a coach room with horse-drawn carriages.

Name your child’s ‘s tuff’ The summer holidays offer a wonderful chance for children to kick off their shoes and enjoy carefree days – which is great until they mislay their shoes, outer layers, swimming goggles, etc.

For more info and to submit your pledge for World Breastfeeding Week 2013: www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org

Summer Reading Challenge

Ann-Maree Morrison, founder of Labels4Kids, advises parents to label everything, ‘Because kids lose stuff! Better still, label it twice: once inside a pocket or on the care label, and once on the collar so there is no doubt who things belong to.’

Ann-Maree was recently invited to be a member of No. 10 Downing Street’s EU E-Commerce task force along with ASOS to give her advice on e-commerce. Labels4Kids’ own relauched website makes it easier for you to find your way to the right products. Choose from brilliant, named stick-on clothing labels, easy iron-on labels and woven iron-on labels, vinyl labels for hard surfaces and selection packs.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is Creepy House (www.creepy-house.org.uk) which aims to help children aged four to 11 into libraries to keep up their reading skills over summer. Children are encouraged to read six books from the library. Each time your child finishes a book they’ll receive stickers and rewards – and there’s a certificate for everyone who finishes. More info: www.bedford.gov.uk/libraries www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/libraries www.lutonlibraries.co.uk

READER OFFER: Families Bedfordshire readers can save 10% when using the code ‘families’ at the checkout: www.labels4kids.com/fam.

However, there is also a visitors centre, restaurant and the Jubilee Play area (pictured above left), designed for children of all abilities. The latter proved very popular with my son when we last visited.

Plus, Shuttleworth is also home to the Birds of Prey and Falconry Centre, which is the largest in the UK. This houses birds from all around the world including falcons, hawks, owls, eagles and vultures, some of which are rare and endangered species.

Shuttleworth also includes the Swiss Garden which is currently undergoing a £2.8 million refurbishment. It is due to re-open in the spring of 2014. In the meantime, there are behind the scenes tours taking place throughout the rest of the year.

Over the summer, there will be flying days, nights and even a flying proms taking place at Shuttleworth. With the Bedfordshire County Show also featuring on 13–14 July, there is much to choose from for a family day out.

Children under 16 go free with a paying adult.

More info: www.shuttleworth.org

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Opening Soon!

Open from late summer until the end of October from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm. Free Entry!

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

Facilities will include:

Heritage Centre telling the story of the station and the people who lived there ● Tea room ● Souvenir shop ● Tourist Information Point ● Plus walks from the station for all abilities!

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.

St. Johns

Kempston Hardwick Stewartby Millbrook

Lidlington

●

Lots of other great value days out by train this summer – contact us for details!

BEDFORD BEDFORD

MILTON KEYNES Central

BLETCHLEY

Ridgmont Aspley Guise Woburn Sands

Bow Brickhill Fenny Stratford

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NEWS & INFORMATION Ridgm ont S tati on H eri tage Cen tre d ue to op en in July

Ridgmont Station House is one of the oldest railway buildings in Bedfordshire and dates back to 1846. Following a five-year refurbishment programme, it is now due to open at the end of July, with a free Heritage Centre, café with a 1930s theme, shop and tourist information centre in place. Volunteers are being encouraged to come forward to help staff the site, which is due to stay open until October, as a meeting place and venue.

Families who come to Ridgmont will be able to enjoy a woodland walk down the Greensand Ridge, while enjoying a cuppa on the way!

For more info or to sign-up, please see: www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/ category/ridgmont.

Ne xt G e ne r a t i o n Y o u t h T h e a tr e m a k e t h e ir ma rk Luton-based Next Generation Youth Theatre co-founders David Lloyd and Laura Hobson, are bright, young and full of enthusiasm for their company, which they formed just over a year ago. David says, ‘I’m really passionate about how the arts can create change.’ With a background in professional acting and dancing, as well as education (David still teaches full-time) their commitment to their project and what they are hope to achieve is clear.

Comprising dance and drama classes, a youth theatre and dance company, they have come a long way in a short space of time with over 160 students now on their books.

Running affordable and inclusive classes (£4/£5 each; first one half price), the idea behind the company is to create original work that can be taken nationally on tour, such as their recent piece RIP Ned. Their aim is to perform at next year’s Edinburgh Festival.

David and Laura offer up the following four tips for any aspiring young actors: hly 1. Be prepared to be hig ion. resilient and take reject you. in ns bur n 2. Ensure passio the t Pu it. to life r 3. Give you hours in! y are 4. Treat everyone as if the son you per ant ort imp the most et. me ht mig

More info: www.ngyt.co.uk

Award-winning tuition Explore Learning Centres provide maths and English tuition to five to 14 year olds of all abilities, and also run special courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open seven days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use childcare vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, meaning that tuition fits easily into busy family life.

As members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all courses map to the National Curriculum. This combination of benefits has led to the company being named Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the prestigious Education Investor Awards for the past two years running.

July is the most popular time of the year for families to join Explore Learning, as parents look for an engaging way to keep their children’s brains active over the long summer break. Also, families joining in July will receive 25% off their first full month of tuition at participating centres, so now is a great time to join if you haven’t already!

Explore Learning has centres across the UK – try us for free to find out how your family can benefit! To book your trial, call your local centre in Bedford or Milton Keynes, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & COMPETITIONS WIN six family tickets to Mead Open Farm!

Wright family makes a splash together!

This summer, Mead Open Farm (www.meadopenfarm.co.uk) has a brand new attraction for you to brave – and Families Bedfordshire has six family tickets for two adults and two children to give away!

Towering 20ft high, the unique and exciting Sky Trail High Ropes* Course will be included in entry. Plus, with a small Sky Tykes course for tiny tots, it will be an experience for the whole family to enjoy!

Across 30 acres, Mead Open Farm has plenty more summer fun to discover. Enjoy plenty of daily animal activities, hop on board for a Tractor & Trailer ride, explore the A-Maizing Maze (back in August) or win a medal at Mead Open Farm’s very own ‘Lamb National’!

Plus, race go-karts, challenge your friends at crazy golf, scale Giant’s Rock Climbing Wall and run wild in Shaggy’s huge PlayWorld!

Competition question: How high does the new Sky Trail tower at Mead Open Farm? a) 3 feet high b) 10 feet high c) 20 feet high Enter online by Monday 29 July 2013 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

*Please note, closed toe shoes must be worn on the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes Course.

WIN A FAST TRACK SKI OR SNOWBOARD LESSON FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR!

This summer, Snozone Milton Keynes, the indoor real snow slope at the Xscape Centre, is oering more ways than ever to keep the children active and entertained throughout the summer. Find out more at www.snozoneuk.com/summer.

Snozone Milton Keynes has teamed up with Families Bedford shire to oer one family of four 5two adults and two children6 the chance to win a Fast Track Lessons Programme, worth over £500.

This will take you from absolute beginner to recreational standard in just two days!

Bedford’s remarkable Wright family has made a big splash at Water Babies swimming lessons, which have helped them overcome nerves shared by many parents of children with additional needs.

Catherine Wright, who is severely to profoundly deaf, is proud mum to Anneka, ďŹ ve, also deaf, and Maisy, two, who can hear fully. Catherine has always been determined that despite their dierences, her two little girls will always be treated equally, enjoying all the fun activities available to children, including swimming.

Catherine discovered Water Babies ďŹ ve years ago, when Anneka was nine months old, having heard about the lessons from a close friend.

Catherine says: ‘I was nervous about our ďŹ rst lesson because I worried about the teacher understanding that I would need to see her face at all times in order to lip read. My worries soon disappeared, as Dawn Halstead, our teacher at FordďŹ eld House Nursery in Millbrook, made sure we knew exactly what to do and that the other parents were aware of our situation. All the mums and dads were really friendly so the lessons also helped me to make new friends with other parents in the area.’ Catherine continues: ‘Anneka and Maisy both love swimming and now they have no fear of going under the water. In fact, Anneka can happily swim ďŹ ve metres without a oat which makes me really proud. Water Babies has helped both the girls socially too, even though they obviously have dierent needs.’ For more info: www.waterbabies.co.uk www.teambedsandluton.co.uk/accessibility/clubs

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Competition question: How long does it take to learn on Snozoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fast Track programme?

Enter online by Monday 29 July 2013 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire

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HEALTH A HOP, SKIP & A JUMP: PRE-SCHOOL GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

by Alison Shipp & Erin Oakman, Paediatric Physiotherapists, Little Steps Physiotherapy Child development encompasses many areas from speech and cognition to fine and gross motor skills. Gross motor skills are the movements that involve the body’s largest and strongest muscle groups.

A children’s physiotherapist can complete a full assessment of your child’s gross motor skills and offer advice or devise a treatment plan to help your child meet their full physical potential.

At pre-school age your child will be learning and refining many new gross motor skills such as running, jumping, hopping, skipping and balancing. This is an important time in your child’s development and it is often a time when problems can become apparent.

For more information see: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Physiotherapy/Pages/Accessingphysiotherapy.aspx www.littlestepsphysiotherapy.com

There are many activities you can do as part of family fun that will help your child to develop their gross motor skills. For example swimming, playing in the park or garden, walks over uneven ground or on sand, playing at soft play centres, ball games and dancing to music. All of these activities will help to strengthen your child’s muscles and develop their coordination and balance.

If you have noticed that your child is walking in a funny way such as on their tiptoes, seems excessively clumsy, is frequently falling, is not meeting gross motor milestones or complains of persistent aches or fatigue, then you should seek professional advice.

Sunshine, Vitamin D & tired tots by Joanna Parry

Our understanding of the sunshine vitamin has improved in recent years, as we have become aware that exposure to natural sunlight can affect our levels, and with too little sun we are in danger of becoming deficient. We are all keen to slap the sunscreen on our children and to keep them out of the sun when it is at its highest which is of course important, but children do need some sun. A lack of vitamin D is not only responsible for poor bone health but a new study has found a strong correlation between excessive daytime sleepiness and vitamin D. In fact, researchers found that for most participants in the study, sleepiness increased as blood levels of vitamin D decreased. So, if you or your little one suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness, it may be time to take action.

According to The Department of Health, vitamin D deficiency is a concern, particularly for at-risk groups such as pregnant women, infants and young children. The Department advises that daily vitamin D supplements should be taken by all pregnant and breast-feeding women and children under five, due to the fact that breast milk, on average, contains only 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Other recent studies show that more vitamin D during infancy, whether this is gained through supplements or natural sunshine, can help reduce the risk of major health concerns later on in life.

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Your phone. Your health.

Your call.

by Joanna Parry

Environmental dangers are all around, but you don’t need to be a health nut to avoid them. Radiation emissions from smart phones are much higher than from standard phones, but now a new mobile app, tawkon, will alert you to the potential radiation hazards from your phone and make suggestions on how to keep your exposure low.

Mobile phones provide communication via a network of base stations, with information transmitted from the phone to the base station via powerful, high-frequency electromagnetic fields, and the level of radiation exposure is greatest when close to its source. Your phone is equipped with internal measurements that offer insight into its radiation output – tawkon will tap into this, extracting data from your phone such as network type, band-GSM, UMTS, CDMA, channel, signal strength and phone model, before calculating the phone’s radiation level and user exposure. With the right guidance you and your children can minimise radiation exposure, so find out when radiation levels rise and do something about it!

For more on the subject: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ radiation.www.tawkon.com

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

EDUCATION Ke e ping childre n’s brains ac t i ve o ve r t he summe r h olidays Learning is just like exercise: take several weeks off and the treadmill feels a lot steeper when you finally get back on. It’s no different with maths and reading. Various research suggests that a long break without any mental activity can result in a decline of mathematical, reading and language skills as well as concentration levels.

Daily study can help make all the difference when it comes to keeping ‘in shape’ between school terms. Your local Kumon Study Centre stays open throughout the school holidays and offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, their programmes enable children to develop their independent study skills and confidently tackle advanced work beyond the international standard for their age. As we look to the start of a new school term in September, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with these core subjects and with the learning skills vital for academic progression.

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO CHOOSE A NURSERY! b y M ari a Ri l ey Choosing the people who will care for your baby in your absence is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make. So what should you do? First, take your time. Visit lots of nurseries as they all differ. Prior to your visit, view the nursery website, read their Ofsted report, ask other parents for recommendations and go armed with a list of questions!

Students complete daily worksheets at home and visit the centre up to twice a week. The school holidays are therefore the ideal time to settle into this new routine, so students can get off to a flying start in the new term.

Before enrolling, each child can benefit from a free assessment. This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that their study is individualised to their needs from the outset.

In addition to developing academic ability, study fosters in students the mind-set and skills for self-learning.

Students initially start at a comfortable level with a focus on building a strong foundation in the way they study; they will develop invaluable study skills such as concentration, pace and rhythm before progressing to more advanced work.

More info: www.kumon.co.uk Theresa Burnett from the Ampthill & Flitwick Kumon Study Centre (tel: 01525 860279 or email: flitwick@kumoncentre.co.uk) will be running a seaside themed stall at the Ampthill By the Sea Gala Day on Sunday 7 July (www.ampthillfestival.co.uk) where you can pop by and have a chat with her. You will also be able to see some of the materials and book your free assessment.

Staff should spend time finding out about you and your baby with genuine interest. It should be staffed by qualified people who have been trained specifically in the care and development of babies. They should be experienced and be able to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity towards your child’s individual needs, and be able to prove how safe it will be to leave your baby in their care. Today’s nurseries are about ‘shared care’ and you should leave your visit feeling reassured that the care of your baby is one which is shared with you not taken from you.

But don’t just focus on the Baby Room! Soon your baby will be a toddler and then a pre-schooler. The nursery should introduce you to the staff who will be caring for your child in the next age group. They should be able to describe how they will support you through your child’s developmental phases and give you support on things such as toilet training, eating and sleeping habits. You should be reassured that the same continuity of care will exist when your child is of preschool age.

When you are introduced to the three to five year olds, observe the quality of learning taking place. Watch the social interaction between them and imagine your child there in a few years time. There should be no pressure to make a decision, certainly we would ask you if you want to view a number of other nurseries for comparison. You know you have made the right decision when you would rather not waste any more time in doing so.

Maria Riley is the Early Learning Teacher and Nursery Manager of The Haven 2000 Nursery and Pre-school, Bedford.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES TEN SKILLS TO LEARN OVER THE HOLIDAYS... by Joanna Moorhead The long summer break is almost upon us; but whether you’re having a staycation or going away, why not fold some learning into your vacation plans? We’ve got 10 great ideas for skills you and your family can master over the weeks ahead – wherever you are.

1. Sleep outdoors Nothing says ‘summer’ like the chance to kip outside. If you can, find a campsite where you can go for a few days; but if you can’t get away, put up a tent in the garden. No tent? Borrow one. You’ll be amazed at the amount of fun kids can have with a few torches under canvas.

Make sure they have lots of snacks – and don’t forget the singsongs!

2. Go wild swimming Swimming in rivers and lakes may sound like an experience, not a learning activity – but swimming in a natural environment helps kids learn about nature, and it’s a totally different experience from swimming in a pool, even an outdoor one. See www.wildswimming.co.uk for ideas of where to try it out. Or at the other end of the weather spectrum your kids can practise their sledging in summer! Try Snozone with sites in Milton Keynes or further afield in Castleford. (www.snozoneuk.com) 3. Have a treasure hunt There are loads of different ways to run a treasure hunt, so read up on the different methods online. It’s all down to good planning, so don’t stint on that: you’ll spend more time on planning than on the event itself. As a rough rule of thumb, kids can manage twice as many clues as their age.

4. Make a movie With the arrival of the iPhone and the iPad, it’s never been easier to make a (surprisingly professional) home movie. Choose your location, put together your storyboard and... action! There are various apps that can make filming easier (e.g. filmic pro, which locks the camera’s settings for the duration of a shot).

5. Build a den It’s come to symbolise childhood freedom, and there’s little doubt it’s an activity children (and their parents) absolutely love. Dens are best built in woods, but even a small garden or a bedroom will do as a venue. The secret is to allow your child to let his/her imagination run wild (and not worry too much about the tidying up afterwards).

6. Ride a horse Some kids are pony-mad, but even those who don’t do regular lessons usually love at least the occasional chance to ride. Look up a riding school and see what they can offer in terms of a one-off experience; ideally, you’ll want to go too. There are a number to choose from locally, including The Stables (www.thestablesec.co.uk) in Wilstead and Sunshine Riding School (www.sunshineriding.co.uk) in Luton.

7. Find your way using a map and compass Whether you’re in a city or the country, whether it’s somewhere you know or somewhere new to you, there’s loads to learn from this. It’s tricky working out compass points, so a good activity to do en famille; also great to acclimatise children with maps and their usefulness.

8. Track wild animals Again this is something that can be done in the local park or your back

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garden. Your children are looking for signs that animals have been here: pawprints, claw marks, scuff marks and – most fascinating of all for most kids – poo.

9. Identify at least ten constellations Invest in a good chart, wait for a dark night, keep your eyes peeled. You get a huge sense of satisfaction, and awe, when you manage to do it.

10. Make a family tree Learning about your family history is a fascinating way to put flesh on the bones of history lessons. What’s more, grandparents and greataunts and uncles won’t always be around to fill you in – so ask the questions now.

Marvellous Mills!

In Bedfordshire alone there used to be 400 mills in existence, several of which dated back to the Doomsday Book! Now, however, only four remain, namely Jordans, Stotfold, Stevington Windmill and Bromham.

The latter two are both run by Bedford Borough Council (www.bedford.gov.uk) but all are open to the public.

The renovated Jordans Mill (pictured), offers visitors the chance to view a world that while gone has certainly not been forgotten. Offering young and old the opportunity to take a guided tour around the Flour Mill; it is also a beautiful spot for a relaxed cuppa by the River Ivel in the Riverside Café. While the grounds for the wild flower gardens are currently being prepared they are due to open by the end of July with Chelsea Flower Show winners Toll & Kitson at the helm.

More info: www.jordansmill.com While over at Stotfold Mill, open on Sundays during the summer months, not only is there the chance to look around the Mill but there is also a lovely nature reserve by its side – perfect for picnics and running around. Stotfold Mill also has its own tea shop and is running kids events throughout the summer. Open most Sundays but check website for info: www.stotfoldmill.com

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

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

FLYING EVENING Saturday 6 July, gates open 12 noon. Flying starts 6.15pm Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, nr Biggleswade Adults £15 in advance; children free! www.shuttleworth.org

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

JULY

CREATION STATION SUMMER CLASSES: Little Explorers Shapes 2, 9, 16 July, 10.30am Marston Moretaine Scout Hut Shapes 5, 12, 19 July, 9.50am Flitton and Greenfield Village Hall Family Fun Sessions 13 August, 20 August, 10–11am Marston Moretaine Scout Hut 26 July, 9 August, 10–11am Campton Village Hall 16 August, 10–11am Flitton and Greenfield Village Hall To book: email louiseplatt@ thecreationstation.co.uk or tel: 0844 854 9178 LITTLE EXPLORERS Mondays, 9.40–10.30am Pages Park Pavilion, Pages Park, Leighton Buzzard Tel: Kimberly Kavanagh on 0844 874 7353 or email kimberlyk@ thecreationstation.co.uk Tuesdays, 1.10–2pm Raynham Way Community Centre, Luton Tel: Zoey Caldwell on 0844 874 733 or email zoeycaldwell@ thecreationstation.co.uk SUMMER EVENTS AT MEAD Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington Mead Open Farm has a brand new Sky Trail and Sky Tykes Course High Ropes course to brave! Towering 20ft high, this unique and exciting High Ropes Plus, with a small Sky Tykes course for tiny tots, is an experience for the whole family to enjoy! The course is included in the entry. Plus there is also the Lamb National and Ferret Racing. Daily throughout the summer holidays.

Tel: 01525 852 954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

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SUMMER OF FUN Snozone Xscape, 602 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes Funzone, Snocamps, summer school, plus Snozone learning seminars for families. Daily activities include mini tennis, capture the snoflag, wacky races, reptile road show and sledging!

Half and full-day sessions available including snacks and lunch.

Tel: 0871 222 5673 Book online at: www.snozoneuk.com/summer or email elena.kale@snozoneuk.com TODDLER TIME Friday 5 July, 10–11am Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton £3. Fun and creative activities suitable for ages 3–5.

To book, tel: 01582 548600 AMPTHILL FESTIVAL 5–7 July Ampthill Park, Ampthill Amprocks (5 July), Ampthill Park Proms (6 July) and Ampthill Gala Day (7 July) More info: www.ampthillfestival.co.uk FARLEY COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Saturday 6 July, 12 noon–4pm Farley Community Centre, Delphine Close, Luton CARS FAMILY EVENT Saturday 6 July, 11–11.45am Barton Library, 28 Bedford Road, Barton-le-Clay Stories and crafts.

SYMPHONIA AT SUNSET Saturday 6 July, doors open 7.15pm. Show starts 8pm Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Tickets £10 adults; £8 students/under 16s and Friends of the Forest.

To book, tel: 01234 767037 http://symphonia-academica. weebly.com/ MUSIC ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON Sunday 7, 14, 21, 28 July, 12 noon–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Enjoy music in the stunning surroundings of Wrest Park on a relaxing summer afternoon.

Adults £8.80; concessions £7.90; children £5.30; family ticket £22.90. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark BABY TIME Monday 8 July, 10–11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton £3. Sensory play for babies and younger toddlers aged 0–2.

To book, tel: 01582 546722

FOLLY EXPRESS Saturday 13 July, 1.30pm Starts at Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine Train and walk to Folly Wood, a new plantation created in 2011 that hangs on the Greensand Ridge. £2.20 for a single train ticket.

To book, tel: 01234 767037 BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW 13–14 July, 10am–5pm Old Warden Park, nr Biggleswade Adults £10; children (5–16) £4.50; family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £25.

Children under 5 free. www.bedfordshirecountyshow. co.uk CREEPING VINE TAKES OVER THE LIBRARY 13 July–31 August Mobile Library Luton, all scheduled stops Recommended for ages 4+. Free.

SOUTH WARD FESTIVAL Saturday 13 July, 12 noon–4pm Park Town Community & Children’s Centre, Bailey Street, Luton HIGH TOWN FESTIVAL Saturday 13 July, 1pm until late High Town Road, Luton Enjoy music, food, drink and the arts.

CREEPY STORIES AND CRAFTS Saturday 13 July, 11am Barton Library, 28 Bedford Road, Barton-le-Clay Mark the start of the Summer Reading Challenge and join us for spooky stories and fun!

GLOW WORM NIGHT WALK Saturday 13 July (Sharpenhoe) & 20 July (Whipsnade), 10pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable & Sharpenhoe car park.

Come and observe these fascinating little creatures at night. Bring a torch!

Meet at Sharpenhoe car park, 13 July and at the Chilterns Gateway Centre, 20 July. £2 per person.

Booking essential: 01582 500920

BUSINESS MUMS WANTED

Successful local business is seeking partners to work part-time from home on a flexible basis with elite training and support.

If you have Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment, Teaching or Self-Employed background – or if you wish to develop a better lifestyle around your family's needs

Call Vee on 07957 718659

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

WOBURN SANDS FOLK FESTIVAL Saturday 13 July, live music from 12 noon Edgewick Farm, Woburn Sands Children’s activities. Food, arts & crafts. Free entry!

More info: Woburn Sands Folk Festival Official Page (Facebook)

TODDLER TIME Friday 19 July, 10–11am & 12 noon– 1pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5. £3 To book, tel: 01582 548600

BUSHMEAD FESTIVAL Saturday 20 July, 1.30–4.30pm Bushmead Community Centre, Hancock Drive, Luton

A WEEKEND AT THE SEASIDE 13–14 July Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington Family fun with sandcastles, Punch & Judy, live music and children’s entertainment. Free.

CREEPY HOUSE C ENTER IF YOU DARE! 13–24 July, various times Luton Libraries Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. For ages 5+. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk BOB THE BUILDER AT LEIGHTON BUZZARD! Sunday 14 July Leighton Buzzard Railway, Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard Take the special steam train to see Bob. He will make a personal appearance at intervals on the arrival of each passenger train!

Special train fares apply: adults £10; children £7.

Tel: 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk A TREASURE HUNT IN THE NATURE RESERVE Sunday 14 July, 1–4pm Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Follow the secret map to try and find the hidden treasure in the Nature Reserve. Free.

For ages 5–12 years.

Tel: 01462 734541 www.stotfoldmill.com CHILDREN’S OPEN DAY Sunday 14 July, 1–4pm HULA Animal Rescue, South Midlands Animal Sanctuary, Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise Bouncy castle, children’s games & charity bazaar. Plus a chance to meet rescued pets and resident animals. Dogs welcome! £2 adults; accompanied children free.

Tel: 01908 584000 www.hularescue.org

DEWEY DETECTIVES 14–19 July Homework Help sessions, Luton Libraries Use your Dewey detective skills to find out about the Summer Reading Challenge. For ages 8–12. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk BUG BUSTING GAMES & STORIES ON THE BEACH Monday 15 July, 2–3pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington Free.

WAGGY WOODLAND WALK Sunday 17 July, 7pm Meet outside the Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine.

Join ‘Barking Mad’ the dog trainers for a walk in the Park followed by a barbecue. £5 including burger and soft drink.

Booking essential: 01234 767037 or barkingmaddts@googlemail.com

MODEL FLYING WEEKEND 20–21 July Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, nr Biggleswade Adults £9; children free.

To book, tel: 01767 627927 www.shuttleworth.org

BOOKSTART BEAR’S BASH 15–19 July Luton Libraries Time for A Rhyme and All Join In sessions. Celebrate the start of the summer Bookstart Bear.

For ages 0–4. Free.

More info on locations: www.lutonlibraries.co.uk JOHN BUNYAN EXHIBITION 16 July–14 September John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Free exhibition marking the 15th anniversary of the museum, celebrating the vibrant new display of the life and works of John Bunyan. Includes family friendly activities and the chance to draw your own object to join the exhibition.

Tel: 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk BUILD A BUG Wednesday 17 July, 10am–4pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington £2.99 per child.

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WHAT’S ON

DRAGON BOAT RACE Sunday 21 July from 10.30am Bedford Embankment, Bedford Bankside entertainment, music, food and activities for the whole family. www.bedfordevents.co.uk FAMILY DAY AT THE FAIR 20–21 July, 12 noon–6.30pm The Mansion House, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade Online ticket prices: adult £4, child £9, family £21. www.themansionhouse.org PIRATE GAMES & DIG FOR TREASURE Monday 22 July, 2–3pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington Free.

TIME TRAVELLERS SCHOOL 22–26 July, 11am–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Kick off the school holidays with a journey through time with Bzents.

Take part in a variety of plays that explore some of England’s fascinating history and monarchs and play the fool at the circus school!

Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90, children £5.30, family ticket £22.90.

An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark PIRATE COLOURING IN FINGER PUPPETS Wednesday 24 July, 10am–4pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington £2.99 per child.

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MEET THE SKELETON FAMILY ROBINSON 27 July–13 August, various times Luton Libraries Find out about the characters from this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Creepy House.

For ages 5+. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk

MAKE YOUR OWN CREEPY 3D HOUSE 25 July–1 August Luton Libraries Recommended for ages 5+. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk RUMPELSTILTSKIN AND THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE: BEDFRINGE EVENT BY THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS Friday 26 July, 11.30am & 2.30pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford Not for under-5s!

To book, tel: 01234 718112 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk FINDS UP CLOSE Friday 26 July, 11am–1pm & 2–4pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford Come by and view some of our objects brought out specially to celebrate the Festival of British Archaeology. Free drop in.

Tel: 01234 718618 www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk WILDLIFE EXPLORERS CLUB Saturday 27 July, 10.30am–12 noon RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Free trial event for monthly Wildlife Explorers Club, for ages 8–12.

Booking essential: 01767 680541 KITE FESTIVAL 27–28 July, 11am–4pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Giant kite flying across the Downs, & kids events, entertainers, stalls. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunstabledowns

MONSTER CREEPY CRAWLIES C MEET THE CREATURES! Sunday 28 July, 11am–4pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Come face to face with a variety of creatures including snakes and lizards, chinchillas and more! £7 adults, £5 children, under 2s free.

Ticket price includes entry to Monster Creepy Crawlies exhibition.

To book, tel: 01582 548600 FLYING DAY: WINGS & WHEELS Sunday 28 July, gates open 9am.

Flying starts 2pm Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, nr Biggleswade Adults £20 in advance, children free. www.shuttleworth.org POND DIPPING & DESIGN Monday 29 July, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Come and discover who lives in the pond and make a pond on a plate. £3.50 per child.

For more info or to book, tel: 01234 767037 or email anna.charles@marstonvale.org.

REGAL GAMES & STORIES ON THE BEACH Monday 29 July, 2–3pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington Free.

DRAMA SUMMER SCHOOL 29 July–3 August, 10am–4pm Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick Suitable for 6–16 year olds.

Delivered by Up-Stage Theatre Company, children and young people can learn a variety of drama skills, which culminates in two performances on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. £75 for the week.

To book, tel: 01525 631900

SUMMER EVENTS Thurleigh Farm Centre, Cross End, Thurleigh Storytelling Daily, at 11am, 2pm, 4pm Kids Olympics Monday 29 July Rockets in Space Monday 5 August Pirate Mania Monday 12 August Dinosaurs & Fossils Monday 19 August Princes & Princesses Monday 26 August Entrance is all inclusive. www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk VICTORIAN FUN & GAMES! 29 July–2 August, 11am–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Victorian games and displays and a look at how children would have lived in the 19th Century at Wrest Park. Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90, children £5.30, family ticket £22.90. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member & non member. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark HABITAT DETECTIVES Tuesday 30 July, 2–4pm RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Take a habitat detective kit backpack and find out more about the heathland and wildlife on the reserve.

For ages 9–16. Adults free, children £5, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3.

Tel: 01767 680541 WHO STOLE THE DUCKS? Tuesday 30 July, 11am–4pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford You’re the detective: solve the clues, find the evidence, interview the witnesses and present your case to the Justice.

Drop in. £2 per child.

Tel: 01234 718618 www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

STORYTIME WITH WOLF KID & BUNNY BOY 30 July–22 August, various times Luton Libraries Storytime with Wolf Kid and Bunny Boy, two of the characters from Creepy House.

Recommended for ages 5+. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk FAMILY FUN WEDNESDAY 31 July, 7, 14, 21, 28 August, 12 noon–5pm Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes Special days for families in the school holidays. www.bletchleypark.org.uk PRINCES & PRINCESSES Wednesday 31 July, 10am–4pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington £2.99 per child.

CREEPY HOUSE EVENTS at Dunstable Library Wednesday 31 July, 12 noon–1pm Come and create a spooky musical soundscape to scare the bravest among you, with Inspiring Music.

Wednesday 14 August, 10–11am Make your own monster puppet with illustrator Kristina Bullen.

Friday 30 August, 12 noon–1pm ‘Shake dem bones’ at our dance workshop led by Dance Digital.

CREEPY HOUSE EVENTS at Houghton Regis Library Wednesday 31 July, 10–11am Come and create a spooky musical soundscape to scare the bravest among you, with Inspiring Music.

Wednesday 14 August, 12 noon–1pm Make your own monster puppet with illustrator Kristina Bullen.

Friday 30 August, 10–11am ‘Shake dem bones’ at a dance workshop led by Dance Digital.

RIDGMONT STATION & HERITAGE CENTRE OPENING End July 2013 (date tbc) More info: www.marstonvale communityrail.org.uk

WHAT’S ON AUGUST

A<MAIZE<ING MAZE AT MEAD OPEN FARM Opens in August Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington Find your way through this A-Maize-ing Maze with over four acres of corn fun.

Tel: 01525 852 954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk CREEPY HOUSE EVENTS at Toddington Library Thursday 1 August, 10–11am Come and create a spooky musical soundscape to make your skin crawl, with Inspiring Music.

Thursday 15 August, 12 noon–1pm Make your own monster puppet with illustrator Kristina Bullen.

Tuesday 27 August, 10–11am Toddington Library ‘Shake dem bones’ at a dance workshop led by Dance Digital.

FAMILY FUN THIS SUMMER AT WREST PARK Get set for an action-packed summer of family fun at Wrest Park’s Time Travellers Go... events every weekday through the school holidays. Step back in time and experience life as a Queen or King, play games like the Victorians, test your skills as a soldier in our WW2 obstacle course or become an explorer and hunt bugs in the beautiful gardens.

With events every weekday from Monday July 22nd right through the holidays until Friday 23rd of August, there’s no chance of the kids getting bored at Wrest Park.

CREEPY HOUSE EVENTS at Leighton Buzzard Library Thursday 1 August, 12 noon–1pm Help transform the library into a creepy house and create a spooky musical soundscape with Inspiring Music.

Thursday 15 August, 10–11am Make your own monster puppet with illustrator Kristina Bullen.

Tuesday 27 August, 12 noon–1pm A dance workshop that will put a shiver up your spine with Dance Digital.

TODDLER TIME Friday 2 August, 10–11am Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton £3. Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5.

To book, tel: 01582 548600

Advertorial feature

Events include: Time Travellers Go...Time Travellers School Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July Kick off the school holidays with a journey through time at Wrest Park. Take part in a variety of plays that explore some of England’s fascinating history and monarchs, plus play the fool at our circus school.

Time Travellers Go...Victorian Fun and Games Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August Play games like the Victorians, with lots of fun challenges to get your competitive spirit going!

Time Travellers Go... Soldiers School Monday 5th to Friday 9th August See how you would have fared as a soldier during the Second World War. Find out what life was really like in the 1940s and take part in the children’s drill and obstacle course.

Time Travellers Go... Ugly Bug Safari Monday 12th to Friday 16th August Grab a magnifying glass and join the explorer for a hunt through the gardens at Wrest Park to find a mass of fascinating mini beasts.

Time Travellers Go... Awesome Archaeology Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August Get stuck into history with the chance to uncover clues, handle artefacts and unveil secrets from the past in our sand-pit dig!

As well as the lively events, there’s 90 acres of gardens to explore which are perfect for picnics, hide and seek and soaking up the summer sun. Open every day from 10am to 6pm, Wrest Park offers a full day of entertainment with activity packs with lots of things to do for all ages, plus a playground with swings, slides and a zip wire! And of course, not forgetting the scrummy cake and ice creams in the café.

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

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WHAT’S ON

TREASURE BOXES Friday 2 August, 11.30am–3.30pm John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Have a go at creating your own ‘Treasure chest’ to take home. £2 per child. Drop-in. Suitable for age 4+, accompanied.

Tel: 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk MINIBEAST SAFARI Friday 2 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Join a hunt for minibeasts in the park. £3.50 per child. www.marstonvale.org

CREEPY CRAWLY STORIES 2 August & 20 August, 11am–3pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Creepy crawly themed story sessions. For ages 3–7. Free. www.stockwooddiscovery centre.com HOT HOUSE HORROR 3–20 August, various times Luton Libraries Create your own creepy plant and take it home to see it grow.

For ages 5+. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk

BABY TIME Monday 5 August, 10–11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton £3. Sensory play for babies and younger toddlers aged 0–2.

To book, tel: 01582 546722

Discover Forgotten Metro-Land 3, 4 & 7 August 2013

London Transport Museum and Buckinghamshire Railway Centre present family days out in early August. Set in the beautiful Vale of Aylesbury, the special open days will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground and a forgotten part of what was once known as Metro-Land.

Family fun activities include rides in vintage carriages pulled by real steam trains, miniature railway rides, The Runaway Train storytelling sessions and make-and-take craft workshops. Children can also climb on board the red travelling Night Mail carriage which was used by the Post Office to sort and deliver post, and explore the old Quainton Road station and Museum.

Family tickets, early-bird discount, and group discounts available. Free car parking and free vintage bus service from Aylesbury Vale Parkway station on 3 and 4 August.

Booking: www.ltmuseum.co.uk or tel 0207 565 7298.

Bedfordshire

THE PANTALOONS PERFORM SHERLOCK HOLMES Sunday 4 August, 2pm RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Outdoor performance of Sherlock Holmes, held on the lawn of The Lodge.

Adults (over 16s) £12.50, children £8. Under 7s free.

To book, tel: 01767 680541 SUMMER GARDENING CLUB Tuesdays from 6–27 August, 10.30am–12 noon Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Luton Hoo, Luton Suitable for ages 4–10 years.

Tel: 01582 879089 or email office@lhwg.org.uk

AREA NORTH FESTIVAL (Bramingham, Icknield, Limbury, Northwell and Sundon Park) Saturday 3 August, 12 noon–4pm Futures House site, The Moakes, Luton

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SUMMER ON THE LAWN 3–4 August Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes Tea and music on the lawn, local craft and produce stalls, children’s activities. www.bletchleypark.org.uk

MONSTER CREEPY CRAWLIES C MEET THE CREATURES! 5–15 August, various times Luton Libraries Animal Edutainment visits your local library with a range of live creepy creatures for you to meet.

Recommended for ages 5+. £2.50. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk SOLDIERS SCHOOL 5–9 August, 11am–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Training for the Tommy and the Home Front forces. How would you have fared as a soldier during World War 2?

Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90, children £5.30, family ticket £22.90.

An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark

FREE ACTIVITY Monday 5 August, 2–3pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington KRAFTY KIDS: OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE Tuesday 6 August, 1–3pm Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Suitable for children aged 5–10. £2 per child.

To book, tel: 01462 734541 or email events@stotfoldmill.com MAGIC SHOW WITH MR MAGICIAN Tuesday 6 August, 2pm Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick For ages 3-9 years; tickets £2.50.

To book, tel: 01525 631900 HONEYCOMB 3D SEA LIFE SHAPES Wednesday 7 August, 10am–4pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington £2.99 per child.

MARSTON MUD Thursday 8 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine, Bedford A walk into the wetlands to make mud pies and clay creatures.

It will be messy! £3.50 per child. www.marstonvale.org MUSEUM OF CLAY Friday 9 August, 11.30am–3.30pm John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Drop in. Have fun using clay to make your own object from the museum. £2 per child, Suitable for age 4+, accompanied.

Tel: 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk FLYING DAY Sunday 11 August, gates open 9am; flying starts 2pm Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, nr Biggleswade Adults £20 in advance, children free. www.shuttleworth.org

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

FREE ACTIVITY Monday 12 August, 2–3pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington UGLY BUG SAFARI 12–16 August, 11am–4pm Wrest Park, Silsoe Grab a magnifying glass and join our explorer for a hunt through the gardens at Wrest Park to find minibeasts.

Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90, children £5.30, family ticket £22.90.

An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark KRAFTY KIDS: PRINCESSES & PIRATES Tuesday 13 August, 1–3pm Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Suitable for children aged 5–10. £2 per child.

To book, tel: 01462 734541 or email events@stotfoldmill.com JUNGLE ANIMAL FINGER PUPPETS Wednesday 14 August, 10am–4pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington £2.99 per child.

STREET SNOOKER COMPETITION Wednesday 14 August, 10–11.30am Hinksley Road Playing Field, Flitwick £1 per child. For ages 6–12 years.

For more info, tel: 01525 631900 HOLIDAY HARVEST TIME Thursday 15 August, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Find out about harvest time and make a corn dolly. £2.50 per child. www.marstonvale.org LITTLE CREATURES 16–18 August, 10am–6pm Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable Specially designed for the under 10s, there’ll be colourful characters, interactive storytelling, arts & crafts! www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

TODDLER TIME Friday 16 August, 10–11am & 12 noon–1pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton £3. Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5.

To book, tel: 01582 548600 BIRTHDAY CARDS & PARTY HATS Friday 16 August, 11.30am–3.30pm John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Celebrate the museum’s birthday by making cards and hats. £2 per child, suitable for ages 4+, accompanied. Drop-in.

Tel: 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk THE FLYING PROMS Saturday 17 August Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, nr Biggleswade Flying displays, full orchestra and spectacular firework finale!

Online advance booking: 1 June–16 August, adult £31, children £16; Telephone bookings: 01767 627933, adults £33, children £16; On the day: adults £40, children £16. www.shuttleworth.org CHALLNEY FESTIVAL Saturday 17 August, 11am–3pm Chaul End Community Centre, 515 Dunstable Rd, Luton

FREE ACTIVITY Monday 19 August, 2–3pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington POND DIPPING & DESIGN Monday 19 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Forest of Marston Vale, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Another opportunity to come and discover who lives in the pond and make a pond on a plate. £3.50 per child. www.marstonvale.org AWESOME ARCHAEOLOGY! 19–23 August, 11am–4pm Let the kids get stuck into history with the chance to uncover clues and handle artefacts.

Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90, children £5.30, family ticket £22.90.

An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark

WHAT’S ON

Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick Make your own moon sand, help create a seaside collage, play pier games & more! £5.50 per child. For 4–9 year olds.

To book, tel: 01525 631900 A TREAT FOR TEDDY Wednesday 21 August, 10am–4pm Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington £2.99 per child.

SPOOKITTY & FRANKENMOUSE MYSTERY TRAIL Thursday 22 August, various times Luton Libraries Follow the trail of clues to see if the frightful cat, Spookitty, ever manages to catch Frankenmouse.

Ages 5+. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk

KRAFTY KIDS: LUCKY DIP Tuesday 20 August, 1–3pm Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Suitable for children aged 5–10, £2 per child.

To book, tel: 01462 734541 or email events@stotfoldmill.com SEASIDE FUN DAY Wednesday 21 August, 8.45am–12 noon

MONSIEUR GHOULASH IN THE CATASTROPHIC KITCHEN 17–28 August, various times Luton Libraries Join Monsieur Ghoulash, from the Creepy House, in his catastrophic kitchen to create some weird recipes. Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk NATURAL LUTON: GET INVOLVED Sunday 18 August, 11am–4pm Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Learn more about our impact on the earth and the fun things we can do to save the planet and keep ourselves happy and healthy.

All ages. Free entry; donations may apply.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON

FUN FANS & BRILLIANT BOOKMARKS Friday 23 August, 11.30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;3.30pm John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Make and decorate your own fan or bookmark. Drop-in. ÂŁ2 per child, Suitable for age 4+.

Tel: 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk

CREATE YOUR OWN CREEPY CHARACTER 27â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 August, various times Luton Libraries Create your own creepy character.

Come dressed up as a character from your favourite story, or maybe even a character from the Creepy House! Recommended for ages 5+.

Free. www.lutonlibraries.co.uk

VIP EVENT: SUNSET SAFARI Sunday 25 August Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Park Exclusive after-hours access to the park and discover a magical evening of animal encounters.

Tickets: ÂŁ59 per adult, ÂŁ49 per child.

Tel: 01525 290333 www.woburn.co.uk

ARK FARM & FAMILY PICNIC Thursday 29 August, 12 noonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2.30pm; farm open from 12.30pm Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick Enjoy a family picnic in the Rufus Centre grounds before seeing your favourite farm animals. Plus stories & rhymes! ÂŁ3 per child; adults free.

To book, tel: 01525 631900

FROSTS CHILLI FESTIVAL 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27 August, 10.30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4.30pm Frosts Garden Centre, Newport Road, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes Traditional Mexican live music, live cooking demonstrations, tastings galore and chilli plants. Free.

WORKING MUSEUM DISPLAYS & MINIATURES Monday 26 August Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard The working museum of narrow gauge locomotives plus the 7.25â&#x20AC;? track at Stonehenge Works will on display.

Tel: 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk DISCOVER8 27â&#x20AC;&#x201C;30 August, 11amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford Sign up for four days of exciting art activities leading to a Discover Arts Award. For children aged 8 only.

Booking essential.

For more info tel: Learning Team on 01234 718627

NOW O

PEN

SUMMER DAYS, DRIFTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; AWAY.

SHOEBOX MUSEUMS Friday 30 August, 11.30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;3.30pm John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford Make your own 3D museum to take home. ÂŁ2 per child, Suitable for age 4+, accompanied. Drop-in.

Tel: 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk THE PANTALOONS PERFORM SHAKESPEARE'S A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Saturday 31 August, 2pm & 7pm RSPB, The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy Adults (over 16s) ÂŁ12.50, children ÂŁ8. Under 7s free.

Tel: 01767 680541

Enjoy locally sourced food in the stunning Riverside CafĂŠ.

4AKE A TOUR AROUND *ORDANS -ILL TO SEE HOW IT REVOLUTIONISED THE MILLING INDUSTRY AND BECAME THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE *ORDANS BRAND

7ILD m OWER GARDENS OPENING 3UMMER

SPY MISSION Wednesday 28 August, 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;12 noon Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick Take part in spy related games and activities! ÂŁ5 per child. For ages 6-12 years.

To book, tel: 01525 631900

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk