Cracking Easter 2023

Spring is here with brighter skies and longer days offering us more time to get outside again and start enjoying some of the attractions available in our local areas

EASTER Cracking celebrate spring with EWE! We are EGG-cited to

The Ewes at The Chester House Estate are getting ready to give birth and all of the team are incredibly EGG-cited to welcome visitors to meet the cade lambs and celebrate spring. The livestock team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the lambing season, EWE can also get involved in the action and help bottle feed the cade lambs.

The spring activities don’t stop there! EGG-splore the Estate and search for the hidden GIANT easter eggs. Collect the letters on your map and receive a tasty chocolate easter egg once you have completed the puzzle. GF/diary free options available. Please allow for up to 60-90mins to complete the hunt.

You will also create a chocolate lolly with the amazing Stamford Heavenly Chocolates, covered in some of your favourite sweets. The chocolate workshop is included in your Spring Passport. Included in your Spring Passport (£15) –

• A Cade Lamb Feeding session

• The GIANT Easter Egg Hunt

• Chocolate workshop ticket

Saturday 25th March – Monday 1st May 2023

(Weekends and School Holidays only)

Easter Events

Egg-cellent for everyone!

There are no shortage of egg hunts in the area! Pulse has pulled together the best so you can prepare for a ‘cracking’ few days over the spring break...

The hunt is on...

The Parks Trust invites you to follow the clues and solve the puzzles at its free Easter Egg Hunt this April.

You’ll begin the search at Caldecotte Brook on Britten Grove in Old Farm Park, and as it’s selfguided you can take the kids and have some fun at a time to suit you. The hunt starts on April 1 and runs through to April 16.

The Parks Trust is also holding an Easter Eggstravaganza at Ouzel Valley Park on Wednesday, April 5. Themed crafts and activities and an adventure on their Easter trail awaits.

We understand the Easter Bunny will be putting in a special guest appearance too! It’s free to attend, there is no need to book and the two-hour event begins at 10am.

doors between 9.30am and 12.30pm for family-friendly, drop-in sessions every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between April 4 & 13.

The Parks Trust will have lots of artefacts for little folks to investigate, including nests, skulls and feathers that have been found across local parks.

Nature-themed challenges and a selfguided trail will also be set up.

On-site parking is free and the Grounds Cafe has hot and cold snacks including vegan options.

Milton Keynes Museum welcomes families to its annual hunt, happening over four days, pic by Sammy Jones

Enjoy

An Easter Egg Trail around Abington Park Museum will be running between Tuesday, April 4 and Sunday, April 9.

It costs £2 to partake in the hunt and every child will receive a choccie egg prize. Get more details, and book places by visiting northamptonmuseums.com

The hunt will once again be on at Milton Keynes Museum this Easter when the search for hidden eggs begins – all leading the way to yummy chocolate rewards, of course.

It is a cracking way to celebrate the festive period – and the egg hunt ensures everyone wins something. Find the exceedingly rare eggs and you’ll get a bumper amount of chocolate treats, so keep your eyes peeled.

The eggs will be dotted around inside the Museum and around the grounds, ensuring a fantastic time for all as you enjoy a wonderful tour of the history hub along the way.

The Museum is also inviting visitors to get stuck into some Easter themed craft activities.

It’s traditional family fun suitable for little chicks and older bunnies alike, and the four day event (April 7-10) is also choc-full of nonsweetie goodness, with plenty of hands-on interaction getting you closer to the past.

Good Friday will be a great Friday for those youngsters who take part in the annual egg hunt organised by Emily’s Star

The Milton Keynes-based charity is once again inviting children to hunt around Wolverton’s Secret Garden in search of letters to guess the hidden word.

All children will receive a prize of an Easter egg or a non-chocolate alternative, and a personalised certificate.

If you want more than chocolate, you’ll be in luck – a barbecue will be serving up savouries, and there will also be a small number of fundraising stalls to take attention.

The hunt begins at 10am and will wrap up at 2pm (last entry at 1.30pm).

Tickets are £4.50 per little person, with adults going for free. Book by clicking to emilystar.co.uk and click on events.

> A limited number of tickets will be available for children who need a calmer and quieter environment to be able to enjoy the hunt. Those ticket holders can arrive at 9.30am and won’t need to queue in order to enjoy the festive fun.

Will you be able to find the eight decorated eggs that have been hidden in the Walled Garden at Delapre Abbey?

Follow the trail and match the patterns to your bingo card and you’ll be rewarded with a chocolate prize – and dairy free options are available, which is fantastic.

A simply egg-cellent time is for the taking for youngsters and their grown-ups, who will also be able to take part in craft activities, lawn games and more.

While on site you will be able to take a look at the 19th century stables which are due for restoration. What do you think the space could be used for? If you have event

or activity ideas, the Abbey would love to hear them.

Come April showers or shine, the egg hunt will be fine – it takes more than a little rain to stop play at this event, which is recommended for those aged 11 years and under.

The Easter Eggstravaganza runs from Good Friday to Easter Monday, between 10am and 4pm daily, with timed entry.

Tickets are £2.50 per child (babes-in-arms go free) and you would be wise to pre-book –visit delapreabbey.org

Easter at Delapre Abbey, pic by Kirsty Edmonds

egg-citement

Add a little to your free time

If you fancy a quiet Easter, the Kelmarsh Show (April 9 & 10) isn’t for you. However, if you want quality entertainment, shopping, yummy food, fun for the kids, music and more, you’ll be well catered for.

Awesome performances and brilliant stunts, demonstrations and interactive displays make this an unbeatable way to spend a day.

Highlights in The Main Arena will include appearances by the Red Devils Parachute Display Team and Paws For Thought Dog Display Team, and elsewhere you can get in a flap at The British Falconry and Raptor Fair. Feeling peckish on site is not something to worry about. With everything from BBQs to vegan choices, and tempting curries, cheeses and pies, your tastebuds will be in overdrive. Got a sweet tooth? There will be just as much choice, and a few companies will be selling their alcoholic beverages too. From gin to cider and all kinds of other temptations.

The Wilson Browne Kids Zone will have balloon modelling, gold panning, Punch & Judy and face painting, so little mites will be all smiles.

There’s so much more, including a Pet Dog Arena, a Craft Marquee, Traditional Rural Crafts and plenty of Have A Go Activities.

Investigate the full line-up for yourselves at kelmarshshow.co.uk

At The Umbrella Fair Organisation in Northampton, an Easter craft fair and bonnet parade is being held on Sunday, April 2.

A number of stalls will be selling handmade goods, some of which will be Easter themed. The fair will run between 2pm and 6pm, and entry is free. Well behaved dogs are welcome too, because Rover might like to get involved.

Helen Verrill runs regular recycled craft workshops at the Umbrella Fair, and she will also be hosting a recycled materials Easter bonnet making workshop on March 31.

Hat’ll do nicely for those of you wanting to be fun and festive at the craft fair.

For more details

email helen.verrill@hotmail.co.uk

MK Handmade and Vintage will be back in Rushden for its Easter Fair on Good Friday and Easter Saturday (April 7 & 8).

It’s another chance to shop a variety of independent designer-makers, artists, vintage and antique dealers and small businesses from the area; everything from clothing and gifts to homewares and accessories will be for sale.

“With the beautiful spring nature walk, the Easter fun and activities onsite, and the treats from our exhibitors plus the amazing shops and eateries, it’s the perfect spot for your Easter Friday or Saturday!” encouraged organiser Jen North.

Entry and parking is free and the event runs between 9am and 6pm both days.

Animals in Need is holding its Spring Fayre on Easter Sunday. Head to Pine Tree Farm in Little Irchester and ready the pennies and pounds – there will be raffles, a tombola and lots of stalls ready to entice you as the charity raises much-needed funds to look after the 100s of animals in its care.

The animals will be on their best behaviour and ready to greet you too – it’s a welcome chance to meet the furries and the farm animals and show them some love.

You can pop to the cattery, be social with the doggies when they are out for walkies around the site, and swing by to see the resident farm animals living a safe life in the care of AIN. Entry is just £2 and if you are feeling peckish, the cafe will be open and serving lots of yummy vegan food.

St Peter’s Church in Brackley invites primary school aged children (and their grown-ups) to get in ‘the mix’ and Bake the Easter Story on Saturday, April 8, with an event that will explore the meaning of Easter...but might just include a sprinkling of 100s and 1000s!

The cost is £5 per family, and the baking begins at 9.30am.

Popkids UK will visit Kiln Farm venue MK11 for The Big Easter Neon Rave.

Aimed at youngsters aged between four and 12 years, this afternoon nightclub bash promises two hours of entertainment and music. Kids will be able to let loose their inner pop star singing along to familiar songs spanning Disney to chart hits.

Ticket-holders will have the opportunity to meet the guests (in the past, Pikachu, Iggle Piggle, Bugs Bunny, Elsa, Olaf and The Greatest Showman have made appearances) with some lucky youngsters able to join onstage for a really special time. And parents, don’t get pop envy – you’ll be able to get involved too!

Adding to the fun, there will be giveaways and prizes, a face painter, full lighting and laser show, confetti, foam and more.

Little ears are fragile and so the sounds will be monitored and kept at a safe level. The Popkids Neon Rave will run between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday, April 12. As organisers say, ‘There ain’t no party like a Popkids party!’

To book tickets for your little ravers, head to mk11kilnfarm.com

At Olney’s Cowper & Newton Museum, children will be invited to get stuck into some craft making activities for half term, which they can take home afterwards.

Happening outdoors, and using the Museum’s pretty gardens for inspiration, participants will work to create a decorative tile. All the necessary materials will be provided. The activity – on April 4 & 6 - is suitable for children up to the age of 12 and runs between 2pm and 3.15pm.

Miniature game craft making will also be offered. It costs £4 per child and places are limited, so advance booking is recommended. Email info@cowperandnewton museum.org.uk

The Museum will also offer garden collage making sessions on April 13 & 14. Timings, costings and booking details as above.

Find your sport this Easter with MK Movers, at Midsummer Place. Children can explore dance, martial arts, parkour and more, with demonstrations and FREE taster sessions across the weekend!

No need to book, just come along and join in the fun. Find it in the boulevard, 15th and 16th April.

PASSION FOR PING PONG?

Come and get active in our FREE Ping Pong Parlour. Open from March 22nd. Find it next door to the LEGO store, opposite Next Beauty and Home.

FOR MORE VISIT

Spring at Midsummer Place

Spring is a time for change and growth, so there is no better time to read up on the latest trends and the exciting changes coming to Midsummer Place!

FASHION

Spring is finally here! We finally have the warmth of the sun on our skin and the gloves have been packed away. Now it’s time to explore our favourite spring fashion trends with Midsummer Place.

Detailed Denim - Think tasselled jackets, patchwork flares and embroidered shirts! The seventies are back and we are here for it. Find your denim look at Levi’s, New Look or Tommy Hilfiger.

Flower Power - Florals, for spring?

Groundbreaking’, we’ve all seen the memes but you know you can’t resist a floral. Floaty skirts and bold dresses, we’re thinking colour and drama for spring! Looking to add florals to your wardrobe? Check out Jack Wills and Hugo Boss!

Scarlett accessories - Ties, belts and handbags, oh my! Go for bold red this spring and your ensemble is sure to stand out. Michael Kors and Charles Clinkard have you covered for this hit trend.

Larger-than-life bags - Oversized bags will be everywhere this spring/summer and not only will they carry your entire life, but they will be available at every price point too! Tommy Hilfiger and Hollister are ready with the latest carry-all bags.

Pockets! - You know that feeling of joy when you discover your new purchase has pockets? You can now live that feeling out over and over again as the trend has finally caught up! Jackets, trousers, dresses, all with the comfort of knowing you have pocket equality. Check out Superdry and New Look for all your pocket needs!

For the Mrs Hinch fans, ‘Welcome to Hinch Farm’ is sure to be a sellout! For those of you in need of a good emotional story, fan-favourite Jojo Moyes brings us ‘Someone Else’s Shoes’, a tale of the struggles and successes of two very different women.

THE BOULEVARD

2023 will be an exciting year for the Apple store at Midsummer Place. We are all looking forward to the launch of the brand new MacBook Pro featuring a huge leap in processor technology, perfect for work, design and gaming!

TECH BOOKS

Was your New Year resolution to read more in 2023? Well, you aren’t short of new releases coming this spring. From Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood, try the warped retelling of fairytales in ‘Old Babes in the Wood’

Exciting changes are in the works at Midsummer Place. Take your tastebuds on a journey around the world with our brand-new food court! Whether you’re catching up with a bestie, having a date lunch or just a quick break from the office, The Boulevard will have something perfect for you. Keep an eye out for exciting announcements and get those tastebuds ready!

Check out Midsummer Place on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more events, news and fashion and check out the latest spring summer trends here https://midsummerplace.co.uk/blog/ spring-summer-2023-fashion-trends

Hop aboard the bunny train

The Rushden Historical Transport Society is inviting you to ‘hop’ aboard the Easter Bunny Express for some seasonal fun. Visitors to Rushden Station on Sunday, April 9 & Monday, April 10 will also see the Easter bunny and can enjoy an egg hunt.

There will be crafts for the kids, and refreshments will be available from the buffet carriage.

All children will receive a free Easter egg (advise if you need an egg alternative and replacements will be sourced in advance).

Animals in Mind will join in the fun, and they are bringing some very special guests with them; fluffy animals, minibeasts and reptiles!

Tickets are £5 each for children and adults. For more information and to book click to ticketsource.co.uk/rhts

Meet the Easter bunny at Rushden Station

Oversized bags will be in vogue this spring/summer

The latest fashions are at the forefront in Midsummer Place

Pick up a handy town guide when you visitavailable in most of the local eateries and shops!

Eat Drink Shop Olney

Escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to historic Olney

Slow down for a while and enjoy a drink in one of the pubs, or enjoy a tempting snack or afternoon tea in one of the tea and coffee shops. Take your time as you browse around the shops, offering fashion, vintage, antiques or unique gifts. Escape for an evening out and enjoy a drink and a delicious meal in one of the town's many and varied restaurants, everything from Turkish to modern English cuisine.

Make your next escape to Olney

FREE PARKING A SHORT WALK FROM THE HIGH STREET

The real meaning of Easter

There is no shortage of egg hunts to be had in the coming weeks, but in Milton Keynes, Church Without Walls (CWW) will mark Holy Week and Easter with a weeklong series of events planned.

They begin with a Palm Sunday Dinner at Broughton Field School (Sunday, April 2, from midday) where visitors can eat, chat, pray and reflect on the events of Palm Sunday.

The family-friendly opportunity will end with bread and wine shortly before 1.30pm. A day later, the Easter Trail will begin. The fun will run through to Easter Sunday, and if you are up for the challenge, you will travel across Broughton and Brooklands, following the clues in the windows, learning the Easter story as you go.

A Maundy Thursday gathering is being hosted at the Hummingbirds Children’s Centre on April 6 with a shared meal, prayers and reflections.

“As Jesus gathered with his disciples to share a meal on the night before he died, so we gather as a community to eat and pray together during this holy week,” said Ruth Maxey, Community Minister for Broughton & Brooklands.

Byte on this!

The National Museum of Computing has some STEAM Family half term activities in the diary, guaranteed to unlock imaginations, inspire and entertain young minds.

There are three drop-in sessions each day (11am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm, 3.30pm-5pm) meaning that there is plenty of opportunity to explore the Museum too.

Sessions on various days will cover robotics, programming, digital music, engineering and augmented and virtual reality.

Those wanting to get a feel for all the activities, but who can only make it along to one event are advised to check in on Saturday, April 8 or 15 for the ‘A Bit of Everything’ sessions which will cover the most popular activities. Visit tnmoc.org to discover what’s on, when.

Easter for Everyone –happening on Good Friday – is a child friendly morning of crafts and activities at Broughton Fields Primary School between 10.30am and midday.

Little participants can get creative making Easter gardens, before a simple service will explain the Easter story. Drinks and hot cross buns will be available.

The Church of St Lawrence in Broughton will welcome you for Good Friday Meditation (April 7, 3pm), but this is one event unsuitable for young children.

The same church invites you to Easter Sunday Communion (April 9, 9.30am) before the focus switches to Broughton Fields School from 10.45am for the Easter Sunday Celebration –enjoy warming, toasted hot cross buns, pasties and coffee, worship and an egg hunt before sharing in communion.

For more information on any of the events mentioned visit the FB page @mkchurchwithoutwalls drop an email to mkcommunityministry@gmail.com or click to mkchurchwithoutwalls.org.uk

Easter on the ‘cheep’

It’s no surprise that retailers have managed to monetise Easter, but you don’t have to buy into it. Even if you choose to stay at home you can do lots of Easter friendly things with your children, and they needn’t be expensive.

On the hunt

You could hold your own chocolate hunt around the house, using own-brand choccies, or sweeties. Kids don’t care where they are searching, just so long as they get the reward at the end!

Be crafty

Arm them with some pieces of coloured paper, some stick on eyes, a couple of pipe cleaners, a few empty toilet roll tubes and some crayons, and who knows what they’ll present you with when they let their imaginations run loose. And they can do it at the kitchen table.

You don’t need to bake it – you can fake it. Kids love being little helpers in the kitchen, and while it can be messy, it doesn’t need to

> Families living with disabilities are invited to a session of Easter Holiday Fun at Broughton Fields Primary School on Wednesday, April 12.

Attractions include an MK Art gallery, trikes and bikes, inflatable slide (so long as the weather is fine), Easter egg hunt and more besides.

Entry is £3.50 per child or £10 for a family ticket (under 2s go free) and the two hour event begins at 1.30pm. Book in advance by tapping to ticketsource.co.uk/xtra-special-families

be expensive. Head online for simple Easter cake, biscuit and cookie recipes – some of them won’t even require you to switch the oven on!

Get outside

We’re now in spring, and signs are everywhere, as the hardiest of flowers dare to bloom, seeking out the early sun. We live in an area bursting with green spaces where you can enjoy the new life, so jump in - connect with nature and fill your lungs with fresh air.

Get busy with the seeds

Little ‘uns love getting grubby, and if you help them plant seeds, they’ll love watching them grow, too – fun and educational in exchange for a few pence. You could even start with something super simple, like cress heads. They don’t have to be grown in egg shells, you could use yogurt pots or even potatoes – once a grown up has scooped out a hollow in the top and made a flat surface at the base - little gardeners in training can get to work. And they’ll sprout in days.

Hands-on Easter fun at Church Without Walls

Silverstone gears up for Easter fun

Anew ‘On Track’ exhibit at Silverstone Museum this Easter will take attentions –the world famous Silverstone Formula 1 Circuit has been recreated by the team at Scalextric for the exhibit, and visitors will be able to pick up a throttle and enjoy epic battles with iconic cars around the two lane Grand Prix circuit.

The Scalextric set will be a highlight of the exhibit, but throughout the Easter period (April 1-16), the Museum will also have a range of full size cars on display alongside their

Scalextric versions, including Damon Hill’s Williams FW16B-07, a Ford Lotus Cortina, Honda Civic Type R and a Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth.

“For generations, Scalextric has been a beloved brand among racing fans of all ages. Now, with our collaboration with the Silverstone Museum, we’re taking that love to a whole new level,” said Simon Owen, Head of Scalextric Brand.

“With our collective passion for racing together with the Museum’s unparalleled collection of artifacts and racing memorabilia, we’re creating

an experience that’s not just fun and exciting, but also informative and educational.”

Fancy building your own Scalextric circuit? How about designing your own livery competition? They are just two of the family friendly activities on offer. Others include an ‘On Track’ trail that will take you on a nostalgic journey through the history of this household name.

> For more information and ticket bookings, get into gear and visit silverstonemuseum.co.uk/ontrack

Lamport Hall and Gardens ready for 2023 season

Lamport Hall opened for the first time this year in February and were delighted to welcome over 1,000 visitors to enjoy their splendid snowdrop and spring flowers display. They really were a treat to behold this year. The daffodils are just starting to show their heads after a beautiful covering of snow but all staff are now looking forward to warmer months and welcoming lots of visitors this spring.

The Gardens will be open every Wednesday and Thursday from the 5th of April to the end of October from 10am to 4pm. The Hall will open from the 3rd of May to allow a restoration project in the library to be completed before visitors return. Tours of the Hall will be by guided tour only at 11am and 1pm with a monthly ‘freeflow’ access option being added new for this year. Please see the website for more details on this. The café will be also be open 10am-3pm offering light refreshments and delicious homemade cakes. All full price tickets to the house and/or gardens will be automatically upgraded to a 12 month annual pass, meaning you can enjoy the changing seasons with just one entry cost. Alternatively you can gain free access as a member of Historic Houses or 2 for 1 access with a Gardener’s World card. The season of events kicks off with a much-anticipated Antiques and Collectors Fair over the Easter weekend. The event will be open on Easter Sunday and Monday, 10am4pm with adult entry costing £5. There will be a huge variety of antiques and collectables for your perusal ranging from pocket money toys to something for even the most discerning of collectors.

April also sees the return of the Art, Craft and Design Fair. Come along to the Hall on the 30th of April and 1st of May, 10am-4pm to enjoy a wonderful display of handmade and artisan gifts and crafts. Adults are £5 entry, with under 16s free and dogs on leads welcome. Indulge in some shopping supporting the best local makers and artists, some of whom will be demonstrating their craft. Refreshments will be available and demonstrations in our Museum of Rural Life will be running on both days.

Lamport Hall are also looking to add to their wonderful team of volunteers. If you have a passion for history, meeting new people or gardening, do get in touch with Sarah on house@lamporthall.co.uk to discuss how you might be able to give some of your valuable time to our wonderful Grade I listed country house.

Check the website for more details on the Hall and Gardens opening and exciting calendar of events in 2023 at www.lamporthall.co.uk

Antiques

April 5th -

Oct 26th

Art,

April

Are you ready for spring and summer events including racing at Ascot and Chester or family and friends’ weddings?

Come and discover the stunning new fabrics from across the globe available at Saint Crispin Bespoke menswear, put an appointment in the diary today to make sure you are ready for the important events this spring.

Hanging honeycomb ombre Easter egg 40cms £20 talkingtables. co.uk

Hop into Easter

Easter is just around the corner, so we’ve pulled together a curated collection of products to help you hop into the festivities this year!

Characterised by traditional bunny, egg and chick motifs along with the signature powdery pastel colour palette, we’ve hand-picked a few of our favourite Easter-inspired products to help you create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that that the whole family will love.

Society of wanderers pineapple thrills Linen bunting £39 antipodream.com

Rows

eggs cushion £33.59 welovecushions.co.uk

Easter side table decorations with pastel candles lights4fun.co.uk

Pastel Glass Easter Egg Decoration £14.99 lights4fun.com

Set of six pastel glass Easter egg decorations £14.99 lights4fun.com

of

Yellow & Green Cupcake Cases & Bunny Toppers - 24 Set £10

Faux green rabbit decoration £9.99 sophieallport.co.uk

Peeking bunny Easter napkins £4.49 gingerray.co.uk

The Bunny evieandskye.com

Easter egg wreath £39.99 sophieallport .co.uk

Faux pussy willow wreath £60 oka.com