Families Bedfordshire May-June 2013

BedfordshireIssue No.4 May–June 2013

Top tips for a perfect party!

How to... garden with kids

Win! £50 worth of gift vouchers

Plus, what’s onin May & June

FREE

13,000 copies to parents & children aged 0–12 across Bedfordshire

2 Bedfordshire [email protected]

News & Information 3

Education news 6

Party feature 8

Health news 10

How to... garden with kids 11

What’s On: 12in May & June

Editor: Judith Doweditor@familiesbedfordshire.co.ukwww.FamiliesBedfordshire.co.ukMob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929Twitter: @familiesbedsPart of the Families® magazines group, established 1990. All franchisedmagazines in the group are independently owned & operated under license.www.FamiliesOnline.co.ukDesign: Cath Ranzetta

Photo credits:Front cover courtesy of Claire Greenway http://clairegreenway.co.uk;pg 8 © Lauchlan Photography; © oksun70 – Fotolia.com; pg 9 © oksun70 –Fotolia.com; pg 10 © barneyboogles – Fotolia.com; © Arkady Chubykin –Fotolia.com; pg 12 © iloveboo.deviantart.com; pg 16 The Gnat and the Lion,Edward Bawden linocut, 1970 © The Edward Bawden Estate

Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 8484440) on papersourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

Distribution: We are printing 13,000 copies which will be distributed to selectedpoints in Bedfordshire. For further distribution information please [email protected].

We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers & distributerscannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, the accuracy of thecontents nor for any consequences. Any original material submitted for publicationis sent at owner’s risk and neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss ordamage.

Bedfordshire

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S WELCOMEHello and welcome to the May/Juneissue of the magazine.

We’ve got lots of useful advice to sharewith you about how to plan yourchild’s birthday party in our double-page feature. Plus, there is plenty ofinformation about all the new thingsthat are opening up in Bedfordshire, including Jordans Mill, JungleJims and the newly renovated Bedford Higgins museum. Surely agood sign that the local economy is starting to move in the rightdirection?

Our What’s On section is, I’m told, the part of the magazine thatreaders really value and keep close to hand. So, if you are planningany events that you would like us to include, then please get intouch by email at [email protected] or you canfind us on Twitter or Facebook at @familiesbeds.

Finally, I’m delighted to confirm that from this issue we areincreasing our distribution to 13,000 copies across the county. Soa big thank you to everyone who has helped to make this happen.

Best wishes,

Judith

P.S. Our July/August issue will cover summer camps and activities,plus travelling with children.Copy deadline is Friday 7 JuneAvailable from Monday 1 July

Edward Bawden (1903 – 1989) Aesop’s Fables ‘The Gnat and the Lion’ 1970, linocut © The Edward Bawden Estate

Opening 21st June 2013......get ready to explore

3Bedfordshirewww.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION

This year it’s Child Safety Week from 24–30June. According to research* undertaken bythe people behind new blind cord safetydevice Cord Lock Away, while over 90% ofparents were aware of the risks posed bycontinuous looped blind cords, almost 50%did not use a safety device to protect theiryoung children. Sadly, 13 UK toddlers havedied in the last two years as a result of blindcord entanglement.

Ivor Seddon from Speedy Products, thecompany behind Cord Lock Away said: ‘It’s alltoo easy to think the worst won’t happen toyou. It can take as little as 20 seconds for achild to die from asphyxiation with a windowblind cord around their neck.’

The Child Lock Away safety wand is availablenationwide from John Lewis, priced £5.50.*Speedy Products questioned 91 parents ofchildren aged three and under in February2013.

In March when snow was still on the ground(not THAT long ago!) the Forest Centre atMarston Moretaine revealed its new play area

BEDFORD BOROUGH ENCOURAGES PARENTS

TO CHOOSE REAL NAPPIES

You may not be aware but Bedford BoroughCouncil’s real nappy cash back scheme has alimited number of subsidies and is invitingparents and guardians who have not used realnappies to give them a try!

If you are a parent or guardian living inBedford Borough you may be entitled to £25cash back from the Council when you spend£50 or more on washable nappies or laundryservices.

For more information on the cash backscheme or questions about washable nappiesyou can contact Bedford Borough Council on01234 718060 or visitwww.bedford.gov.uk/recycling.

With Father’s Day coming up in in June, TheBlu!er’s Guide to Fatherhood by Paul Merrillmight be just what you are look for, whetheryou are about to become a dad or you alreadyhave children. It’s a spoof on many of theparenting guides that are already available.And as a father of three boys, Mr Merrillclearly has experience of what you shouldexpect when plunged into the wonderfulworld of fatherhood.

We particularly liked the following questions.Children instinctively know to which parentthey need to ask di!erent things. After all, asa father, you can’t be expected to knoweverything about everything all the time, canyou? Or even some of the time? It is alwaysgood to know what to expect!

Questions they ask Mum:What’s for breakfast?

Where’s my school bag?Can I go to Chloe’s after school?

When is rugby?When is my homework due?

Where are my pyjamas?What can I have to eat?

How do I top up my phone?

Questions they ask Dad:Where’s Mum?

The Blu!er’s Guide to Fatherhood: HowTo FoolPeople IntoThinking You’re A Competent Dad ispublished on 1 June 2013 by ThistlePublishing: www.thistlepublishing.co.uk.

Forest of Marston Vale opens new playground

Child Safety Week

which is now open to all!More info: www.marstonvale.org.

The Bluffer’s Guide to Fatherhood

Price: £8.99 (paperback); £6.30 (e-book).ISBN: 978-1-909609-46-4


Bedford-born Tommy Balaam is the owner ofthe successful Captain Fantastic partybusiness. Bought up in Potton, his family stilllive there and run a successful buildingcompany. Tommy himself tried his hand at the

features a hugely expanded floorspace forexhibitions, state-of-the-art modern facilitiesand the latest technology to enable people ofall ages to enjoy the displays.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, DaveHodgson, said: ‘The redeveloped HigginsBedford belongs to us all, and I hope localpeople of all ages will come along time andagain to enjoy what is on o!er.’

With lots of events being planned for childrenand families over the summer, there should besomething of interest for everyone.More info: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk.

IS THERE A CAPTAIN IN THE HOUSE?

NEWS & INFORMATION

The transformed art gallery and museum, TheHiggins Bedford is due to re-open on Friday 21June, from dawn to dusk on the longest day ofthe year! Located in the historic buildings ofCastle Brewery and the adjoining Victorianfamily home, both were built by the Higginsfamily in the mid-19th Century.

The Higgins Bedford will bring together aninternationally renowned art collection with abrand new visitor experience of nationalsignificance, that does justice to the storiesbehind the people, places and collectionsassociated with both the former museum andart gallery. The £5.8 million project also

Jungle Jims in Sandy is Bedfordshire’s newestplay and party centre, aimed at 0–10 yearolds. It opened its doors in March this year,and as Leeann Nicholls, who runs Jungle Jimsconfirms, they have had a great responsefrom parents to its opening. They also o!erparties and children will be able to celebrateand go wild in their new safe, clean, secureand fun Jungle with two level play frames anda separate area for smaller ones.

From May, Jungle Jims are planning to o!er asession for special needs children on the firstWednesday of every month, from 6pmonwards; they are also considering a similarsession for siblings only. For more detailsphone 01767 682808 or go towww.junglejimsplayland.co.uk.

The Higgins Bedford re-opens in June

Children’s Allergy Clinicin Milton Keynes

by Dr David Cremonesini,Consultant Paediatrician

Clinics held atBMI The Saxon Clinic,Milton Keynes andHinchingbrooke Hospital

Dr David sees all general problemsand allergies:

Immunotherapy for difficult hay feverSkin prick testing for eczema/asthma

Food allergy testing/advice/adrenaline pens

Phone: 01487 814256www.kidsallergy.co.uk

Jungle Jims proves a success in Sandy

trade but then decided to take up a place atthe East 15 Acting School. After leaving, heformed his party business in 2009 and hasnever looked back with the business nowexpanding into o!ering baby group sessionsand theatre shows. Parties are booming withGangnam Style still the most popular song formany younger and older kids, and HarlemShake coming in a close second. With plans tolaunch a summer school later in the year,Tommy, who leads his seven other ‘Captains’,is a man on a mission: one to entertain!More info: www.captain-fantastic.co.uk.

A N N A B E L K A R M E L N E W B O O K

Annabel Karmel MBE launches the first in her‘Quick and Easy’ series: Quick and Easy ToddlerRecipes in June.

This 144-page full-colour recipe book has beendesigned to help hard-working families feedtheir children a healthy, balanced diet – inquick time! The book has over 100 delicious,nutritious, timesaving recipes packed full of natural flavour. Breakfast,healthy snacks, lunch and dinner all feature along with plenty of time-saving tips and tricks to encourage children to eat well and experimentwith di!erent sweet and savoury flavours.

With over 26 books and four million sales to her name, it’s safe to sayMs Karmel knows a thing or two about how to feed fussy kids!

Quick and Easy Toddler Recipes (RRP £9.99) will be published by EburyPress on 20 June 2013.

The John Bunyan boat, which is currently under construction, is dueto set sail from Bedford in June. Commissioned by the Bedford &Milton Keynes Waterway Trust it will be available for river trips andparty bookings.

There will be four trips available; namely Kempston, the town lock,Cardington lock and finally, a longer cruise to the Anchor Inn, GreatBarford.The perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, messing abouton the river with the family!

For more info and to book: www.b-mkwaterway.co.uk.

The John Bunyan Boat

NEWS & INFORMATION

5Bedfordshire

This year’s NationalYoung Writers’ Awards has now been launched. Thecompetition, organised by Explore Learning, is now in its fifth year andwill be judged by best-selling author Cressida Cowell, writer of the worldfamous How To Train Your Dragon series, which inspired the hugelysuccessful DreamWorks movie.

Children aged 5 to 14 are invited to write a 500 word short story on thisyear’s theme – ‘Around the World’. The competition closes on Monday 3June. You can enter via www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters or bypicking up an entry form from the Bedford Explore Learning Centre(tel: 01234 365905).

The winner will be presented their prize of a trip to Disneyland Paris fortheir whole family – and £500 worth of books for their school – by Cres-sida Cowell in June.

Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: ‘We’revery excited about this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards andanticipate it to be bigger than ever before. There will be regionalwinners selected and each child who enters will receive a certificatecelebrating their e!orts. Cressida and the team will be judging theentries on their creative approach, ingenuity and use of descriptivelanguage – and of course taking into account age.’

National Young Writers’ Awards launched

An inspiring story setin extraordinary times

JOHNBUNYANMUSEUM BEDFORD

Contactt. 01234 270303e. [email protected] www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

FREEENTRY

Find usJohn Bunyan Museum,Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street,Bedford MK40 3EU

• BUNYAN MEETING HISTORIC CHURCH• LIBRARY OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY• COFFEE SHOP & TRAIDCRAFT GOODS• PRE-BOOKED GROUPS & SCHOOLS WELCOME YEAR-ROUND

Museum Open MARCH TO OCTOBER

Tues - Sat 11am to 4pm(Closed Good Friday)

Last admission 3.45pm

W I N W I N W I N !Gift vouchers worth £50 from the Creation Station

Families Bedfordshire has teamed up with theaward winning arts and crafts classes andparty provider The Creation Station(www.thecreationstation.co.uk) to giveYOUthe chance to win £50 worth of CreationStation gift vouchers.

You can put them towards an Arty Party, or one of their hands-onweekly classes for children aged 4 months to 5 years, or on their onlinearts and craft store.

And as your child’s birthday is the mostimportant day in the world, you want to givethem a unique and memorable day and makelife easy for yourself too!

You can rest assured that with over 100,000children already inspired by this award-winning children’s activity business, theirleaders are experts in ensuring your child,their friends and you, enjoy an entertaining,inspiring and totally fun party.

Competition question: At what age do Creation Station classes start?

Enter online at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitionsby Monday 3 June 2013.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire [email protected]

EDUCATION

6

‘There seems to be a growingidea amongst both parents andchildren that the only functionof learning and school is to geta job and that, QED, the betterthe school the better the jobwill be. This style of thinkingtruly exasperates me.

‘As director of La Petite Ecolein Bedford, I am frequentlyasked why we persist withFrench and don’t teach themore ‘economically useful’languages. Apart from tryingto point out that any languagecan be economically useful,depending on what you do with it, I am also keen to stress that my aimis ‘to get children to be confidently self-expressed in a foreign lan-guage’ and that we just happen to choose the medium of French to doit. Once you have the confidence that you can master one language,you will see others as easy meat.

‘My children attend a number of after school classes and clubs, tobroaden their horizons and give them a more balanced perspective inlife. In addition, I am not ashamed to admit that, even in our fashion-ably secular world, as a family, we belong to a church partly in the hopethat my children will grow up with a faith which will act as a guide andmoral compass in life, should they be faced with di"culties and we arenot around to help.

‘I attended a talk on working with, and identifying, gifted and talentedchildren recently and one of the ideas suggested by the speaker (theex-head of a very prestigious independent school) was to take themto the ballet. I would take my children to the ballet – not in the hopethat they want to become ballet dancers – but that they would seewhat sublime acts of grace and beauty can be developed by the posi-tive aspects of human nature.

‘In the same vein, I cut out a Prison Service job advert recently andstuck it on the kitchen notice board. My wife asked if I was thinking ofapplying. The advert asked: ‘Are you confident, mentally strong andnot easily intimidated?’. The reason I stuck it up is that these are someof the core qualities which I want my children to grow up learning, andI think it’s our job to foster this in them.

‘My point is that no-one knows what the future will bring. We have thecapacity to learn so that we can survive. The best learner-adapters arethe best survivors, whether that be economically or physically. Ibelieve that by teaching children how to learn, un-learn and re-learn,they will develop the key skills to make them and future generationsemployable in the global market.’

Tom Barwood is director of La Petite Ecole Française(www.lpef.co.uk) and senior course provider of LikeMinds Consult-ing (www.likemindslearning.co.uk).

VV ii eewwppoo ii nn tt by Tom BarwoodGet walking

Yes, it’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk To School Week runs from20–24 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teach-ers and parents and promising to be the biggest and best yet! As part ofNational Walking Month, the campaign aims to teach children about thebenefits of walking, with each day focusing on a di!erent aspect of walk-ing including safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendly and social time. Takepart in Strider’s 5-Day Walking Challenge and reinforce the benefits ofwalking, plus download puzzles, pledges and challenges at: www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-work-week-13-17-may-2013.

Radio stardom for pupils of The Meads, Luton

Year 4 pupils at The Meads primary school in Luton have become mediastars after creating a new radio road safety advert for Luton Council.

By winning a competition run by Luton Borough Council’s road safetyteam, they recorded their winning script live in Heart FM’s studios andtook home a £500 prize for their school.

The advert they created asks parents and pupils in Luton to consider alternative ways of travelling to and from school other than using a carand was aired throughout April. The winning entry asks: ‘Is congestionoutside your school driving you insane?’ Suggestions include walking,cycling, ‘or a di!erent route… you could scoot!’

‘Two legs are better than four wheels,’ the pupils say, before ending witha plea: ‘Please help, we can’t do this alone. Congestion outside schoolsis putting children’s safety at risk.’

Photo (above): The Meads pupils – Patrick Gribben, Jackson Baldwin, Abinav Santhiramohan and William Abram.

EDUCATION

7www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Bedfordshire

Dr Christiane Fisher, the owner of Acorn DayNusery in Luton, is planning to open a newPreparatory school this autumn, subject to OF-STED approval. It will be based at the same siteas the Nursery. Dr Fisher, who has a PhD inbrain research, has been running the AcornNursery for several years now.

The new school hopes to o!er three classesacross Key Stage 1, all of which will be small in

First Class Learning runs classes in both Lutonand Bedford as part of its 200 centres acrossthe UK. Luton is run by Karim Kingsley, a former Sports teacher, whose classes are heldin the Bushmead and Warden Hill CommunityCentres. She o!ers small classes in Englishand Maths, where she and her two assistantsare able to help a range of children of mixedages and abilities, aged four upwards, inpreparation for their school Standard Attain-ment Tests (SATS), as well as helping thosewho may have learning di"culties anddyslexia. ‘Confidence is a major thing’, saysKarim. ‘A child can be quiet and timid, but ouraim is to get them to start talking.’

The reasons why parents send their childrento a tuition class may be varied. Karim saysfor some it is to: ‘Consolidate [their knowl-edge] and get them to the top of their class’,while others ‘...are looking to get their chil-dren into the grammar system... parents are much more aware of scholarshipsinto private schools.’ But she also says that itis up to parents as to how much additionalwork their children take on. ‘Parents can adjust their programme; it is their decision[the parents] – they can advise us, and it isnot set in stone.’

Karim o!ers a two week free trial at herclasses in Luton. She is also starting up Early

Morning Maths classes at schools, from 8amonwards – a bonus if parents need to drop o!their children before school starts. While in Bedford, Andrew Turpie returned tohis home town to set up his classes last summer. He emphasises the need to go backto a traditional way of doing things with pencil and paper and is seeing a big demandfor tuition services, as well as one-to-onehelp.

To contact either Karim or Andrew, visit theFirst Class Learning website: www.firstclasslearning.co.uk.

Pictured: (left) Daniel, age 11,Year 6 Bramingham Primary School(above, top) Enam, age 8,Year 3 Bushmead Primary School(above) Kishan, age 10,Year 6 Ashton Middle School

As part of its preparations to celebrate its90th anniversary, Polam School in Bedford isappealing for its alumni and friends of theschool to come forward and share any memorabilia, photographs or even old school reports to help illustrate the institution’s 90years of service to its community.

The school has issued an open invitation foranyone wishing to contribute to visit theschool and share their personal memoriesand stories of their own experiences of PolamSchool which they can do via their Facebookpage.

Phillipa Villa, head teacher of Polam School,said: ‘I am delighted with the level of enthusi-asm our pupils have shown at the prospect oflearning more about their school’s historythough the memorabilia. Our aim at PolamSchool is to inspire and encourage a spirit ofenquiry and exploration.’

A week of celebrations beginning on 10 Junewill mark the anniversary and the school’sflag will be raised for the first time in over adecade. During the week-long celebrationsPolam School pupils will welcome guests totour their school and visit the exhibition of alldonated and loaned memorabilia. They willculminate in a celebratory garden partywhich will be held in the school’s grounds onSaturday 15 June. The day’s events promiseto provide a range of activities for childrenand adults alike.

More info and to book tickets: www.polamschool.co.uk/90th.html.

G I V I N G C H I L D R E N A F I R S T C L A S S S T A R T POLAM SCHOOL CALLSFOR MEMORIES

Photo (right): Seven year old Arthur Standbridge.The boys in his photos are his dad and uncle!

Luton Prep School due to open in Septembersize, and to attract pupils from across thesouthern Bedfordshire region.

For more details please contact Dr Fisher on:01582 574390. www.acorn-nurseryschool.com

A birthday party is the high point of the year for most kids – so the pressure is on to get it right. The secret, as ever, is in the planning. But how do

you find out which party is right for your child? We guide you through the options.


I T ’ S P A R T Y T I M E ! by Joanna Moorhead

PARTIES

The action partyWhat is it? Paintballing, go-karting, swimming, Go Ape etc.

Who’s it suitable for? Older children (seven plus); kids with lots of energy

who enjoy racing around.

The pros: Your house remains intact; the kids have something to focus

on, and lots of opportunities to let o! steam; many children end up cov-

ered in bruises from paintballing (though they don’t seem to mind!)

The cons: It can be very expensive; although some options, e.g. a swim-

ming pool party, trip to an adventure playground, can be good value.

Sarah Elam at Polam School, Bedford, confirms this view and says: ‘For

an alternative way to celebrate a child’s birthday, a pool party can be an

exciting, fun and a!ordable way to entertain larger groups of children.’

She adds: ‘Parents can relax knowing that all they have to do is turn up

and provide the food for the hungry kids. These parties are one of the

few that charge a flat fee of £100 for the 90-minute party, as opposed to

a charge per head, making it an a!ordable option.’

Top tips to make it work: 1. If the activity is long and energetic it might be best to postpone a

winter birthday party to the spring (the kids might get wet and cold

as they’ll be outside for ages).

2. Take plenty of water, squash, snacks including fruit – they’ll need

plenty of energy for all that running around.

3. Make ABSOLUTELY sure you’ve checked all restrictions, e.g. height

restrictions, beforehand – there’s nothing worse than finding out on

the day that one of your guests is too small to participate.

4. Make sure you get parental consent forms signed well in advance –

the venue will require you to do this before they allow you in.

5. Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at all times.

The traditional partyWhat is it? An at-home for the birthday child and friends, with traditional

games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey,

and musical bumps.

Who’s it suitable for? Great for nursery and reception age children, but

don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of eight or nine who

often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house

and having a girly time. Newly launched Primrose Parties in Bedford also

caters specifically for girls aged 4–12 plus (www.primroseparties.co.uk).

The pros: It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly can be); other parents often

stay to help you out, keep you company, especially if you promise a glass

of prosecco to help everyone through.

The cons: You may need to redecorate afterwards; you’ll certainly need

to do a major tidy up. It can be di"cult to keep your birthday child’s

siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict.

Top tips to make it work: 1. Agree ground rules with the birthday child beforehand about which

rooms are in and out of bounds.

2. Have a timetable for what’s happening when.

3. Think about a project, e.g. build-a-bear kits, jewellery making, pirate

games. Or consider bringing in someone like the Creation Station,

who can provide bespoke arts and crafts parties, tailored to your

child’s age and likes and your budget.

(more info: www.thecreationstation.co.uk)

4. Give them a chance to let o! steam in the garden.

5. For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the floor and get them to

sit around the edges of it. At the end, simply fold it up with all the

rubbish inside and bin.

PARTIES


The church hall partyWhat is it? An indoor party in a hired venue, such as Trinity Arts & Leisure

in Bedford (tel 01234 291777) or the Stockwood Discovery Centre in

Luton (tel 01582 548600).

Who’s it suitable for? Children of five plus, who are confident about

being left somewhere they don’t know.

The pros: A lot more space than they’d have if you were at home.

The cons:You’ll have to leave the place spotless afterwards, and pay for

any damage.

Top tips to make it work: 1. Try to find somewhere with outdoor space as well in case it’s a lovely

day.

2. Ask if you can borrow/use playgroup play equipment.

3. Have lots of help, and have tea reasonably early in the afternoon so

you can get it tidied away before the end.

4. If you’ve got the budget, consider hiring an entertainer – the extra

space will make it a lot more fun.

5. Musical games, dancing, discos etc are great fun in church halls.

The restaurant partyWhat is it? A meal-based party in e.g. a pizza restaurant, where the kids

are allowed to help or watch in the food preparation.

Who’s it suitable for? Older kids of 8–12; children who enjoy the chance

to meet and chat more than the chance to run around.

The pros: At its best, it’s very civilised; you can even have a second table

in the restaurant and invite some other parents along, so it’s a meal out

for you as well. Children enjoy a sense of being ‘grown up’ and eating out

with friends.

The cons: It’s expensive; raucous behaviour will upset other diners.

Top tips to make it work: 1. Make sure you’re booked for a time when the restaurant won’t be

busy.

2. A restaurant near a park, where kids can run o! a bit of energy

afterwards, is a good idea.

3. Don’t rely on the pizza-making/chef-watching for absolutely

all the entertainment. Bring e.g. colouring packs or check

the restaurant will provide them, and think of some easy

games to play round the table, e.g. I-Spy, in case things

flag.

4. Make sure you sort out the cake arrangements before-

hand; most restaurants allow you to bring your own (don’t forget

the candles and matches).

5. Don’t limit yourself to chain restaurants – your local eaterie may well

be prepared to accommodate your party, and may be more flexible

than bigger establishments.

AND FINALLY.. .Whatever sort of party you’re having don’t neglect the party bags! Every

kid, at every party, is secretly (or not so secretly!) longing for a party bag

– and part of the excitement for your child is helping to put the bags

together. Have a budget and stick to it – party bags can add hugely to the

cost of a party – but try and limit the wasteful plastic toys that get thrown

away immediately.

See our online Children’s Parties Section for more top tips at:www.familiesonline.co.uk/ourbestpartytips

8 low cost party bags ideas: www.familiesonline.co.uk/lowcostpartybags

Check out the Families Bedfordshire Directory of party providers: www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/Bedfordshire/Directory

Parties forPrincessesages 4–12+

Primrose Partiesin Bedford, offersyour daughtera unique, creativeparty with the opportunity of making it truly bespokeand original.The parties include handmade costumes, fabulous inventive activities and creative crafts.

To book or for more information, please call Hayley on 07989 329046.

Email: [email protected] online: www.primroseparties.co.uk.

Introducing Bedfordshire’s New Indoor Play and Party Venue

Jungle Jim’s Playland LtdCelebrate and go wild in our new safe, clean,secure and fun Jungle with two level playframe and separate area for little cubs. Let us organise the best party with a hot orcold Jungle Feast. All parties have their owndedicated Jungle Ranger, Balloons on Sticks,Animal Face Masks, Party Games and more...

BOOK NOW:www.junglejimsplayland.co.uk

Tel: 01767 682808

HEALTH

10 [email protected]

Little StepsPhysiotherapy

Alison Shipp & Erin OakmanChildren’s Physiotherapy Practice

Covering Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire& Cambridgeshire

07961088392 / 07752088228www.littlestepsphysiotherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Coeliac Awareness Week runs from 13–19May this year. The disease itself is believed tobe present in up to 1 in 100 of the population.However, only 10–15% of people with thiscondition are actually diagnosed with it. Oneof the reasons for this is because not every-one has symptoms, and in many people whodo, the symptoms might be very general e.g.lethargy or tummy upset.

It’s something parents often worry aboutand so is important to properly diagnose asthe treatment (gluten free diet) can make ahuge di!erent to the child.

The earliest time we might see it is in babieswho have been weaned onto cereals contain-ing gluten. There’s no way of knowing until achild has had gluten. Typical symptoms afterstarting gluten include:• bloated tummy • irritability • failure to grow properly when before

gluten introduction was doing fine • anaemia.

Some children have an increased risk of developing coeliac disease if there’s a familyhistory of it or if they have diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease.

If you think your child has coeliac disease thefirst step is see your doctor and arrange ablood test. However, in order to do the test

the child must have been taking gluten everyday for six weeks. The test looks for anti-bodies to gluten, and they might not bepresent if the child has stopped gluten, so anegative test while o! gluten might befalsely reassuring.

If you feel you don’t want to restart glutenyet are sure your child has coeliac disease,then you need to speak to your doctor aboutit. It is ok to keep o! gluten, but after a timereintroduce it and see how the child is. Suchsymptoms might be due to an intolerancethat your child outgrows. Coeliac diseasehowever, is a lifelong diagnosis, which is whyproper and accurate testing needs to bedone to confirm it. Without positive testing,your GP might not prescribe you gluten freeproducts, so the six week challenge is worthdoing if your child copes with it.

If the blood test is positive, some childrenmight need a biopsy from their gut to confirm it. This decision will be discussedwith a paediatric gastroenterologist and normally is arranged if there is any doubt inthe diagnosis.

Treatment is a gluten free diet and youshould see a dietician for advice and ongoingfollow up.

For more information visit:www.coeliac.org.uk.

Bedford mum Fiona Cowan says: ‘I certainlydidn’t realise so with my son. Three years agowhen my son was in Reception, I was calledover by his teacher at pick up time and wasadvised to take him for an eye test as he hadcommented that he couldn’t see the white-board.

‘When I took him to the optician indeed he didhave a problem, but they would only prescribeglasses at half the strength required as the fullprescription would have been too much of ashock for him. We were then referred to theHospital’s Eye Clinic for a more detailed exam-ination where they prescribed full strengthglasses.

‘When I first knew he would need glasses, I decided that if the NHS glasses were as bad asthe ones that I remembered friends at school

Chocolate-tea fever recently arrived in Bedfordshire, with resident Susan Izzard (pictured, with helpers) hosting her first BigChocolate Tea Party for the charity The SickChildren’s Trust.

The event, which took place at her home inGamlingay during April, raised at least £400for two houses in Cambridge – Acorn Houseand Chestnut House – which support familiesof sick children being treated at Adden-brooke’s hospital and the Rosie hospital.

To join the campaign or to receive a BigChocolate Tea Party Pack, go to:www.sickchildrenstrust.org.Email: [email protected].

COELIAC DISEASE: it’s more common than you think

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

Could you tell if your child had a problem with their eyesight?

Chocolate-tea funraises more than £400

having, then I would pay for better ones. Whenwe looked at the frames available free on theNHS, I was amazed at how nice they were andto this day we have never had to pay for aframe. We have paid for a pair of prescriptionswimming goggles so that his vision is not reduced for swimming.

‘My son now has his sight checked every sixmonths at the hospital, with new glasses prescribed once a year. He knows he will neverbe able to be a pilot due to his eyesight but hecan now see as well as any other eight year old.

‘I do often wonder whether if his poor visionhad been noticed earlier and glasses prescribedthen his vision would not be as bad now, but Iwill never know.

‘Children have their eyesight tested in Recep-tion year at school and it is then your responsi-bility to get it checked every year at anoptician. Certainly I will always make sure mychildren have their eyes tested every year.’

More info: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hearing-and-vision-tests-for-children/Pages/Why-it-is-necessary.aspx.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

HOW TO... GARDEN WITH KIDS

How to get the kids to grow thingsAs we reach for the back door, or open a window for the first time in sev-eral months, we may spot a da!odil emerging through the cold hardground, and just maybe the first sight of blue sky overhead – what bet-ter time to encourage your children to explore their environment anddiscover the world of gardening. Involving children in gardening can bea great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age. Children canreally get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those withshorter attention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipationand excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, evenmaking mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they cancall their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, asyou point out the wonder of the natural environment around them. Andwhat better way to learn about photosynthesis, by watching it happen infront of your eyes! Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

Getting StartedGardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a windowbox or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enoughsunlight and start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lotof money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, andif you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making asaving!

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containersyou might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dip-ping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a wateringcan. Who would have thought watering the plants could be so much fun!

Opportunity to learnThere is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children thatthe seeds have popped underground and been covered up to sleep, help-ing them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treatthem with care. Make sure they know to water regularly and then sitback and watch it grow.

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up awhole host of great experiments and di!erent ways of looking at things,almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea toshow how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to growthree separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water,one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with nowater. The di!erence will be there to see.

Inspire their sensesWe all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our sensesand children are no di!erent; point out plants with soft leaves and brightflowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustlewhen blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children withspecial needs and requirements.

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attractbees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have apurpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugsand snails, and worms create holes in the soil.

Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves, just try with peas,cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgot-ten. They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegeta-bles that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our ownfresh foods.

Prepare for mess!Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough forchildren to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV andexplore the garden – touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs.Once they get in the garden and explore, in time they will want to takecare of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasurealong the way.

Enjoy!We recommend The Family Kitchen Garden by Karen Liebreich, JuttaWagner and Annette Wendland (14 May 2009).

HOW TO... GARDEN WITH KIDS by Elizabeth Dolton

11Bedfordshire

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 11 May, 10am

Bedford School,

De Parys Avenue, Bedford

Tel: 01234 362200

or www.bedfordschool.org.uk.

DAWN CHORUS FOR

LATE RISERS ! A BIRD WALK

Saturday 11 May, 7 –10am

Forest of Marston Vale

Marston Moretaine, Bedford

Find out all sorts of amazing

things about the spring migrants

and residents that are burbling

away in the Country Park.

Meet at Forest Centre Reception.

Tickets £3; £1 reduction for

children, concessions, volunteers

and members.

Booking essential: 01234 767037.

BRITISH ALPACA SOCIETY

NATIONAL SHOW

11–12 May, 10am–4pm

Bury Farm Equestrian Village,

Slapton, Mill Lane,

nr Leighton Buzzard

A fantastic funday in aid of the

educational charity Amantani.

Free.

www.buryfarmestates.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

12

BLUEBELLS & SPRING BIRDS

Saturday 11 May, 11am–1pm

RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy

This walk will show the reserve at

its best, as the trees are blooming,

flowers are blooming and birds are

singing.

Adults £5, RSPB members £4,

children £3, RSPB Wildlife

Explorers £2

Tel: 01767 680541.

FOOTBALL FUNDAY

Saturday 11 May,

10.30–11.30am

Barton Library

Free football activities.

Bedfordshire

Please always phone before

setting out in case details have

changed since press deadline or

if we got it wrong.

Please send events to be listed to:

[email protected]

MAYCREATION STATION

Tuesday mornings, 10.30am

The Scout Hut, Marston Moretaine

Friday mornings, 9.50am & 11am

Flitton and Greenfield Village Hall

Weekly events for pre-school

children.

To book: email louiseplatt@

thecreationstation.co.uk

or call 0844 854 9178.

MID BEDS NCT ! ‘BUMPS,

BABIES AND BEYOND’

Wednesday afternoons, 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.

LITTLE LAMBS CLUB

Every Thursday 10am–12noon,

term time only

Dunstable Downs,

Chilterns Gateway Centre,

Whipsnade Road, Dunstable

Enjoy a chat with other mums as

the kids enjoy some creative play!

Suitable for children under 5yrs.

Small donations for material costs

are welcomed.

PRINCE & PRINCESSES

4–6 May

Thurleigh Farm Centre,

Cross End, Thurleigh

www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk

X FEST

4–6 May

Santa Pod Race Course,

Airfield Road, Podington,

Wellingborough

For fans of in-line skating, skate-

boarding, BMX’ing, scooters, and

mountain bikes!

More info: www.xfest.co.uk.

MIKE THE KNIGHT

AT MEAD OPEN FARM

Saturday 4 May

Mead Open Farm,

Stanbridge Road, Billington

Children’s TV favourite Mike The

Knight will be making a special

visit to Mead Open Farm!

Included in entry price.

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

or call 01525 852 954.

INDIA COMES TO

BEDFORDSHIRE AGAIN!

5 –6 May

Page’s Park Station, Billington

Road, Leighton Buzzard

The Leighton Buzzard Railway

and the Darjeeling Himalayan

Railway Society will join forces

again to pay tribute to the narrow-

gauge railways of India.

Tel: 01525 373888

or www.buzzrail.co.uk.

[email protected]

13www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

STEAM FAIR

& COUNTRY SHOW

11–12 May, 10.30am–5pm

Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold

Fun fair, arena displays, steam

engines, milling and more!

Adults £6; children 4–16 & senior

citizens £3; under 4s free.

www.stotfoldmill.com

SUPERHEROES & FAIRIES DAY

Saturday 11 May

Snakes and Ladders,

Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis,

Dunstable

Tiny Tinkerbells, budding Batmen,

and wannabe Wonder Women are

invited for a day of magical fun.

Free entry with a Facebook voucher

for adults accompanied by a child in

fancy dress, from:

www.facebook.com/

snakesandladdersDunstable.

www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk/

events.html

FUN DOG SHOW & ANNIVER"

SARY CELEBRATIONS

Sunday 12 May, 12–4.30pm

HULA Animal Rescue,

South Midlands Animal Sanctuary,

Glebe Farm, Salford Road,

Aspley Guise

Dog show classes for all. Dog photo

competition. Charity bazaar. Fun

and games for children.

Free Parking. Admission: £2 adults;

accompanied children £1.

Tel: 01908 584000.

www.hularescue.org

or email: [email protected]

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT

16–18 May, 5–9pm

Wardown Park Museum,

Old Bedford Road, Luton

Experience Wardown Park

Museum at twilight with fun

family activities. Free. Small dona-

tions may apply to some activities.

TODDLER TIME

Friday 17 May,

10 –11am & 12 –1pm

Stockwood Discovery Centre,

London Road, Luton

Fun and creative activities.

Aged 3–5 years; Free.

Booking: 01582 548600.

THE SNOW QUEEN

Saturday 18 May,

2pm & 6.30pm

Luton Library Theatre

5+ years. Kumar’s friend embarks

on a journey to rescue him from

the Snow Queen.

£5 children, £8 adults, £22 family.

www.lutonculture.com/

luton-library-theatre

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE !

DUNSTABLE & DISTRICT

Saturday 18 May,

11.45am–1pm

Watling Lower School,

Bullpond Lane, Dunstable

Entry £1 per adult.

For more info, email Nicola:

[email protected]

or tel 07904 315117

or 0844 243 6112.

STACK UK KITE

COMPETITION

18 May–19 May, 10.30am–5pm

Dunstable Downs,

Chilterns Gateway Centre,


Kite Competition taking place over

two days, plus family fun week-

end with craft stalls, fun fair.

To book: tel 01582 500920

or email dunstabledowns@

nationaltrust.org.uk.

RSPB SPRING FAIR

18 May–19 May, 10am–5pm


Treat yourself to exciting gifts,

crafts, plants and produce along

WHAT’S ON

with some fun activities for the

children.

Price: £1 per car; some small

charges for activities.

More info: tel 01767 680541.

BUTTERFLY WALKS

18 May & 25 May, 11am–1pm

Meet at the Chiltern Gateway

Centre, Dunstable Downs,


Fun, informative guided walk to

look for butterflies.

All tickets £2 per person.

To book: tel 01582 500920

or email dunstabledowns@

nationaltrust.org.uk.

TEDDY BEARS’ OUTING

Sunday 19 May

Leighton Buzzard Railway,

Page’s Park Station,

Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard

Lots of bear-themed activities,

competitions and displays, plus

kids travel free if they bring a bear

and a fare-paying adult.

www.buzzrail.co.uk

THE MAIN

24 –27 May

Santa Pod Race Course,

Airfield Road, Podington,

Wellingborough

Top level Drag Racing, plus fun for

all the family.

Kids under 16 go free!

www.santapod.co.uk/e_main.php

BIRDS 4 BEGINNERS

Friday 24 May, 10am–3pm


Helping beginners to identify birds.

Bring a packed lunch.



Explorers £2.


MARVELLOUS MEAT"EATERS

25 May–2 June, all day

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable

A week celebrating the Zoo’s

carnivores.

www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

THE GRUFFALO

25 May–2 June

Thurleigh Farm Centre,

Cross End, Thurleigh

Take one of the timetabled tractor

trailer rides up to the Wacky Woods

and help to become part of the

Gru!alo story.

Included in entrance price.

www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk

Bedfordshire

WHAT’S ON


THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE

Saturday 25 May, 11am–12 noon

Kempston Library

Stories and crafts for all the family.

WIMPY KID

HALF"TERM COMPETITION

Saturday 25 May

Barton Library

Design your own cartoon strip and

Wimpy Kid character. Best entry

wins a prize.

ROBIN HOOD AND HIS

VERY MERRY MEN

Saturday 25 May, 2pm


4+ years. An exhilarating, interac-

tive family adventure featuring live

music and puppetry.

£5 per child; first adult free,

£6.50 additional adults.



INTERNATIONAL KITE

FESTIVAL

25–26 May, 10am–6pm (Sat) &

10am–5pm (Sun)

Russell Park, Bedford

Kites from the four corners of the

world; together with adult and

children’s workshops in the

marquee.

www.bedfordevents.co.uk

LUTON CARNIVAL

Sunday 26 May, 12–6pm

Starts: Wardown Park,


www.carnivalarts.org.uk/

Carnival2013.aspx

WREST AT WAR!

26–27 May, 11am–5pm

Wrest Park, Silsoe

Experience the theatre of war from

all quarters at Wrest Park. From

WWI trenches to the WWII D-Day

landings, experience life in

tumultuous times, with music and

performance and lots of fun for all

the family!

Adults £10, concessions £9,

children £6, families £26.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/

wrest-park

SAM TASTIC

AT MEAD OPEN FARM

27–31 May

Mead Open Farm,

Stanbridge Road, Billington

Children’s entertainer Sam Tastic

will be at Mead Open Farm with his

fantastic shows! Lots of games,

amazing balloon modelling, high

energy fun and crazy dancing as

well. Included in entry price.

More info: 01525 852 954 or

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk.

AWESOME ARCHAEOLOGY!

28–31 May, 11am–4pm

Wrest Park, Silsoe

Let the kids get stuck into history

with the chance to uncover clues

and handle artefacts. Take part in a

sand pit dig to unveil secrets from

the past. Plus plenty of hands on

activities.

Adults £8.80, concessions £7.90,

children £5.30, family ticket £22.90.

All children are welcome to join in

the Time Travellers Go… events. An

additional £1 will be charged on

standard admission for every child,

member and non member.


wrest-park

THE ELEPHANT BRIDESMAID

Tuesday 28 May, 2.30pm

The Grove Theatre, Grove Park,

Court Drive, Dunstable

The Elephant Bridesmaid is a

musical about weddings and

wombats and the loveliest

elephant the world has ever known!

www.grovetheatre.co.uk

KITES AND WINDSOCKS

Tuesday 28 May, sessions at

10–11.15am, 11.30am–12.45pm

& 1.30–2.45pm

(20 children per session)

Forest of Marston Vale,


Make your own kite or windsock

out of recycled materials. Then

bring it on a test flight or flutter in

the park.

£3.50 per child. All children must

be accompanied by an adult.

More info or to book:

tel 01234 767037 or email

[email protected].

ONCE UPON A TIME…

Tuesday 28 May, 2.30–3.15pm

Sundon Park Library

Wednesday 29 May,

11–11.45am Lewsey Library

Thursday 30 May, 11–11.45am

Marsh Farm Library

Thursday 30 May, 2–2.45pm

Luton Central Library

Thursday 30 May, 2.15–3pm

Leagrave Library

Friday 31 May, 3.30–4.15pm

Bury Park Library

Saturday 1 June, 11–11.45am

Stopsley Library

Saturday 1 June, 2.15–3pm

Wigmore Library

Tales of Jack the Giant Killer, and

other fairytale favourites, with

crafts and games.

5+ years. Free. Drop in.



ST FRANCIS’ CHILDREN’S

SOCIETY PHOTOSHOOT

Tuesday 28 May, 10am–2pm

Woolstone, Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes families are invited

to spend a few hours doing a

photo shoot in return for some

stunning family pictures to keep

forever.

Wendy Grant, accomplished fine

art photographer, has donated her

services to provide images for

informational material and

publicity for this adoption charity.

More info: 01908 572700 or email

a picture with your contact details

to [email protected].

CIRCUS WORKSHOP

Tuesday 28 May, 2–3pm

The Rufus Centre, Flitwick

Aimed at children aged 6–10

years. Have a go at lots of di!erent

circus skills. From plate spinning to

tub stilts and other balancing

skills!

Tickets: £5.50, incl refreshments.

Pre-book on 01525 631900.

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS

Wednesday 29 May, 3–5pm

Wootton Library

Fabulous Captain Underpants fun

for everyone.

BE A PRINCE OR A PRINCESS!

Thursday 30 May,

8.45am–12noon (£5 per child) &

2–4pm (£3.50 per child)

The Rufus Centre, Flitwick

Make your own crown to wear at

the Coronation Celebration on

2 June, hunt for the Queen’s

treasure, crafts, games, biscuit

decorating and more!

Pre-book on 01525 631900.

WHAT’S THAT WARBLER?

Thursday 30 May, 10am–12noon


Listening to the songs of the

warblers that breed at The Lodge

and giving tips on how to identify

them on this walk around the

reserve.



Explorers £2.

More info: tel 01767 680541.


STEAM ON THE MARSTON

VALE LINE!

Thursday 30 May

The Buxton Spa Express day trip

stops at Bletchley and

Bedford on its way to Buxton.

www.railwaytouring.net/

uk-day-trips/buxton-spa-express

WIMPY KID CHAOS

Thursday 30 May, 3–4pm

Toddington Library

Fabulous, free Wimpy Kid fun for

everyone.

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES

Friday 31 May, sessions at

10–11.15am, 11.30am–12.45pm

& 1.30–2.45pm

(20 children per session)

Forest of Marston Vale,


Find out what butterflies you could

see in the park and make a butterfly

headdress or hat.

£3.50 per child. All children must be

accompanied by an adult.

More info or to book:


[email protected].

JUNETEDDY TIME

Saturday 1 June, 11am & 2pm


Bring your teddy along and see two

classic fairytales. 4–7 years. £5 per

child; first adult free,

£6.50 additional adults.

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

WEEKEND

1–2 June, 10.30am–5pm

Gullivers Land, Milton Keynes

Bring your teddy for a day out.

Teddy gets in free and gets you a £1

discount o! admission per child per

teddy. www.gulliversfun.co.uk

CORONATION CELEBRATION

DAY

Sunday 2 June, 12–4pm

Rufus Centre Field, Flitwick

Family fun as part of Flitwick

Festival 2013.

Fabulous food stalls, beer tent, live

entertainment, children’s activities.

Adult entry £1, children 50p.

KEECH SUPERHEROES

RUNNING EVENT

Sunday 2 June, 11.30am


London Road, Luton

Sponsored 5k running event for

the whole family and all budding

heroes out there!

www.keech.org.uk/superheroes

BABY TIME

Monday 3 June, 10–11am


London Road, Luton

Sensory play for babies and

younger toddlers.

Ages 0–2 years; £3.

Book on: 01582 548600.

TODDLER TIME

Friday 7 June, 10–11am

Wardown Park Museum,


Fun and creative activities.

3–5 years; £3.

Book on: 01582 546722.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE:

ANGELINA BALLERINA’S

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Saturday 8 June

Leagrave Library 11–11.45am

Luton Central Library 2–2.45pm

Saturday 15 June, 2.15–3pm

Marsh Farm Library


Mouse tales & mouse crafts.

A DAY TRIP TO THE ZOO!

Saturday 8 June, 10am–6pm

West Bletchley Carnival,

Rickely Park, Milton Keynes

Free.

www.westbletchleycouncil.gov.uk

CHILLI FIESTA

8–9 June, 10.30am–4pm

Mansion House,

Old Warden Park, Biggleswade

Cookery demonstrations, chilli

stands and fun for the kids

featuring Fireman Sam and Peppa

Pig look alikes!

To book tickets tel 01767 626262.

www.themansionhouse.org

ACTION DAY

Wednesday 12 June

Bedford Modern School,

Manton Lane, Bedford

Tour of the school during a normal

working day.

To book a place:


[email protected].

GREAT DAY OUT BY TRAIN

Saturday 15 June

Great day out from Bletchley–

Bedford to East Grinstead and the

newly opened extended steam

train journey to She"eld Park on

the Bluebell Railway.

Optional extra visit to She"eld

Park Gardens.

www.bbrua.org.uk/events.htm

ORCHID HUNT & NATURE

WALK

Saturday 15 June, 11am–1pm

Meet at the Chiltern Gateway

Centre, Dunstable Downs,


Join this fantastic walk and

discover the natural gems of the

Downs. Hopefully the orchids will

be in full bloom!

All Tickets £2 per person.

Car parking charge of £2 applies.


POLAM GARDEN PARTY:

90th ANNIVERSARY

Saturday 15 June, 1–3pm

Polam School,

45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford

Book at: www.polamschool.co.uk/

90th.html.

FATHERS’ DAY

Sunday 16 June

Leighton Buzzard Railway,

Page’s Park Station,

Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard

Free ride with the driver of a steam

train for all fare-paying dads!

www.buzzrail.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

BEN & HOLLY’S

LITTLE KINGDOM

19 –20 June, 1pm & 4.30pm

Bedford Corn Exchange,

St Paul’s Square, Bedford

www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

THE HIGGINS BEDFORD

RE"OPENS!

Friday 21 June, dawn to dusk!

The Higgins Bedford,

Castle Lane, Bedford

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

Friday 21 June, 7.30pm

Gates open at 6.45pm

Wrest Park, Silsoe

Bring your chairs, picnics and

friends to enjoy an enchanting

evening of outdoor theatre at its

best. Adults £15, concessions £13,

children £13.


wrestpark

NATIONAL BOOKSTART WEEK

24–28 June, various times &

locations across Luton

Weekly ‘Time for a Rhyme’

sessions to celebrate National

Bookstart Week. Free. Drop in.

www.lutonculture.com

PICNIC IN THE PARK

Wednesday 26 June,

10am–2pm

Wardown Park, Old Bedford

Road, Luton

Fun activities targeted at the

under-5s, plus over 100 early

years providers and community

organisations in attendance

o!ering a range of essential

information to parents.

Parking: £1 on Popes Meadow.

www.luton.gov.uk

JAMBOREE WEEKEND

29–30 June, 10.30am–5pm

Gullivers, Milton Keynes

Calling all Scouts, Beavers, Cubs,

Guides, Brownies and Rainbows.

If you run a group then this is your

invitation to join Gullivers on their

Jamboree weekend. Open to the

public as well.

Reserve a place on 01925 4448

or www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE:

ANGELINA BALLERINA’S

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Saturday 29 June,

Wigmore Library 11–11.45am

Stopsley Library 2.15–3pm

Mouse tales and mouse crafts.


Documents

Families Bedfordshire May-June 2013