FREE MAY/JUNE 2015 ISSUE 16

Party Feature & Directory!

Win some fantastic prizes

What's on this May & June

Call 0845 400 1315 or visit perform.org.uk to Confidence find your nearest venue. Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

For families with young children aged 0 -12 in Contents 3 - 6 NEWS & INFO Editor's Welcome 7 NEWS AND COMPETITIONS Hello and welcome to our fun-filled May-June issue. 8 PARTY FEATURE

We have our Party feature, 9 PARTIES DIRECTORY a must read guide on how to survive a sleepover, plus PARTY FEATURE AND NEWS our Party Directory which 10 will give you lots of ideas of where to turn to when thinking ahead to your child's 11 FAMILY MEALTIMES birthday celebrations. 12 EDUCATION NEWS With summer on the way, there's plenty to see and do, with lots of events taking place for you and your families to enjoy across Bedfordshire. Full details of these and more 13 HEALTH AND EDUCATION NEWS in our News and Info and What's On pages. Plus, there is a chance to win tickets to The Big Outdoor Show taking place 14 - 16 WHAT’S ON: MAY - JUNE at Willen Lakes in Milton Keynes!

Whatever you do, have fun! Editor: Judith Dow [email protected] Judith www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Mob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929.

P.S. Our July-August Summer issue will include lots of Part of the Families ® magazines group, established 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are holiday what's on; activities and ideas about what to do with independently owned & operated under license. the kids over the summer and holiday camps guide. Copy Design: CBF - www.cbfnet.co.uk deadline: Friday 12 June. Photo credits

Competition winners: Front cover: © Juno Photography www.junophotography.uk

pg 2 www.catherinefenton.com; pg 4 © illustration Kerr-Kneale Productions; pg 6 © ZSL; © Nigel Blake The winners of family tickets to Mead Open Farm were C (rspb-images.com); pg 7 © Christin Lola – Fotolia.coml; pg 8 © tcsaba – Fotolia.com; pg 11 © BlueOrange Edwards, A Jefferson, K Knox, H Furminger, T Rook, RR Studio – Fotolia.com; pg 12 © Chris Demott; pg 13 © Monkey Business – Fotolia.com. Stijelja. The winners of tickets to the Bedfordshire Baby Show were C Killen, L Hrabikova, J Cull, S Witts, N Laing, Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable C Ruffing. forests and the inks used are vegetable based. Distribution: we are printing 15,000 copies which will be distributed to selected points in Bedfordshire. Further distribution information please contact: [email protected]

, Maths & English tuition centres

For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. • Adapts to the individual needs of your child. • Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. • Ofsted registered - we accept Childcare Vouchers.

Free trial session - book today! “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, Bedford 01234 365905 age, year group and special educational needs.” 01582 742979 Independent E cacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/e cacy.

www.explorelearning.co.uk Childcare Vouchersaccepted!

2 May/June 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk News and info

Caitlin's a Flitwick Carnival competition winner! Look up, The photo shows the look down, winning entry of the The Collection is home to historic aircraft,look vintage around! vehicles and Flitwick Carnival motorcycles, and a period Swiss Garden Programme design competition. Caitlin Cliff-Reid (aged 8) was Airshows & presented with the award Collection events by Karen Gleave, business owner at Art Adventurers, who sponsored the competition. As well as seeing her winning design on the front cover, Caitlin received an arty prize, an enlarged laminate copy of her design, certificate and keepsake copy of her programme.

The Flitwick Carnival will be held on Saturday 13 June at Plant Fair, Plays & Music events Millennium Park, Road, Flitwick, from 12 noon-7pm and is set to be a fun-filled day for all the family! Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP May-June events at Shuttleworth for all the family! All Flitwick Carnival updates can be found at 3 May - 70 years of VE Day Airshow z 10 May - Plant Fair z 23 May www.facebook.com/Flitwickcarnival. - Classic Evening Airshow z 13 June - Open Garden (NGS) z 7 June - Airshow featuring LAA z 20 June - Edwardian Picnic & Airshow z 21 June - Midsummer Eve in the Swiss Garden (music). www.shuttleworth.org/events Reg Charity No 307534

Families Beds QP May-June 2015.indd 1 30/03/2015 11:21:20

Summer Reading Challenge 2015

Libraries across the UK are getting ready to encourage young readers, aged 4-11 years and their families, to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records as featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2015 which starts on Saturday 11 July.

This year the Summer Reading Challenge has teamed up a  Grov! with Guinness World Records - the global authority in record-breaking achievements and publisher of the annual Tree Fu Tom takes to the Grove Theatre's stage in Guinness World Records ™book – to establish a “Record Dunstable on Saturday 23 May at 1pm & 3.30pm as part of Breakers” themed Challenge. Record Breakers brings his first nationwide 'live' tour! together fact and fiction, challenging young readers to explore astonishing real-life achievements and world You can follow Tom, Twigs, Ariela and friends on an action records. packed adventure through the magical world of Treetopolis! After finding a dusty old map, Tom decides to follow where Children are encouraged to read six or more library books it leads and see if it will take them to any mysterious hidden of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable treasure - but it’s not an easy route to follow. Tom and his incentives and rewards, plus a certificate, or medal for friends must travel through wild weather and catch the every child who completes the Challenge. This year, mischievous Mushas who are making trouble along the participants will be asked to make a pledge to help set a way! new Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign! Libraries are collecting Full of fun, music and laughter, Tom will need your help to pledges across the UK between Friday 10 and Monday 13 do the Tree Fu moves that could help save the day. Be part July. of the magic!

More info: Tickets: call the Box Office on 01582 60 20 80 or visit the www.readingagency.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge website: www.grovetheatre.co.uk

To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 3 News and info Samb over t Luto Carniva!

Keep on running... and swimming and cycling! Luton is welcoming its first Hercules Festival of Sport to the Staying in Luton, the stage is set for the Luton International Inspire Sport Village on Sunday 24 May starting at 7am. It Carnival 2015 which takes place on Sunday, 24 May from 12 builds on the successful season of Triathlon and Aquathlon noon to 7pm and everyone is invited to enjoy an incredible events staged at the Inspire Centre and in 2014. day of free family entertainment. The Festival will play host to an incredible range of sporting events, and will offer something for all the family, including: The town will burst into life as the carnival atmosphere Novice, Sprint and Standard distance off road Triathlons sweeps over Luton. Sound sites will be situated across (swim, cycling, running) and the town centre hosted by local Djs who Standard and Sprint Aquathlon (swim, run events) will be getting everyone in the carnival spirit, playing the Tri Star Kids Aquathlon (300m swim and 2.5km run) sounds of Salsa, Soca, Drum n' Bass beats and much more. Standard and Sprint distances off road Duathlon (run, bike, run) Visit Wardown Park to experience the array of stalls and grab 10 km, 5 km & 1.5 km kids fun run races a bite to eat, with food from all around the world, you'll be 100 km and 100 mile cycle events spoilt for choice! Look out for the variety of entertainment on offer and visit the fairground to get yourself in a spin! Event Director, David Enright, said: “The Festival of Sport in Luton will provide a day long feast of sport and fun for the Don't miss the highlight of the entire day, the carnival city. There are events for every member of the family, as well procession which will leave from Wardown Park. Follow it as a Sports Village and entertainments for spectators and through the streets of Luton to St. George's Square, where supporters.” the carnival bands will showcase their amazing costumes and moves, before heading back to the park to continue More details about how to enter can be found on the website revelling in the celebrations. More info: www.herculesevents.com To contact the event organisers email: [email protected] or tel: 01582 437100. call 0798 446 5923 or email [email protected]

Have tea with a life-size Tiger! Traffic-free cycling guide book launched

Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit: A Judith Kerr Retrospective at A new guidebook to traffic-free cycling in the UK which the Jewish Museum in London includes three routes in Bedfordshire, has been released by (29 June- 4 October 2015) Sustrans, the charity which coordinates the National Cycle invites families to enjoy a Network. showcase of almost 80 years of original artwork and illustrations The guidebook, ‘Sustrans’ Traffic-Free Cycle Rides – 150 by one of Britain’s best loved Great Days Out’, has been created by Sustrans to celebrate authors. the 20th Anniversary of the Network. It features three Bedfordshire routes, namely: The exhibition at the Jewish Museum in Camden celebrates • The University Way, beginning in Market Square, Sandy the picture books still so loved by • Grand Union Canal, beginning in Leighton Buzzard children around the world today, • Luton and South Beds Way, beginning at Luton train station The Tiger who Came to Tea, and the Mog series. It also explores the background to When Each featured route is accompanied by a map and is graded Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, featuring drawings Judith made as from ‘easy’ to ‘challenging’, has a clear start and finish point a child refugee fleeing Nazi Germany. including nearest train station and also includes details on the terrain and gradient. Beginning as a bedtime story for her children, Judith Kerr’s first picture book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, soon The guidebook costs became a classic, and has been translated into 11 £15.99 and is languages since being published in 1968. Visitors can go to available from the heart of the action by having tea with the tiger in the www.sustrans.org.uk/shop. museum, as well as enjoying Judith’s original drawings for the book.

Visitors are also invited to follow 30 years of the lovable Mog series, that was inspired by Judith’s own family and her real-life cat, and young readers can curl up with the books in a cosy basket reading area. More info: www.jewishmuseum.org.uk/JudithKerr

4 May/June 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Join us for the wonder that is Carnival! A fantastic family day! Wardown Park Luton Town Centre 12noon – 6pm

Carnival Arts @carnivalukcca www.carnivalarts.org.uk

Sponsored by Media partners

LycaMobile_Logos.indd 2 22/01/2015 09:39

Annual Kite Festival Meet a farmer on Sunday 7 June

Bedford Borough is preparing for its 13th Annual Kite Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June in Russell On Sunday 7 June, hundreds of farms across the country Park, Bedford. The event, which is free to attend and open will be opening their gates to welcome the public for the to all, is hosted by Bedford Borough Council. 10th Open Farm Sunday. This annual event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), offers a great Each year, approximately 40,000 people gather for the way for people to find out more about where their food occasion which sees Russell Park jam-packed with food comes from, talk to the farmers who produce it and get up stalls and entertainment, and you can travel to the venue close and personal with the countryside. by train. And with Bedfordshire farms including Scald End Farm Kites will be showcased from the four corners of the globe and Franklins of Thorncote taking part, it's the perfect including America, Canada, Japan, China, Germany, opportunity to find out more about the story behind our France, Holland and Belgium as well as flyers from across food. the UK. The programme throughout the weekend will feature kites never seen before in the U.K and childrens’ More info: www.farmsunday.org and adults’ workshops in the kite marquee.

Volunteer this year Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK – and it’s taking place from 1-7 June this year. Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you, but it’s important for anyone thinking about giving their time to find a volunteering opportunity which is right for them, whether it's supporting a victim of crime or helping out at a local sports club. There are lots of events going on up and down the country, including one in Bedford on Wednesday 4 June at The Grange, Addison Howard Park, Kempston to help inspire you during Volunteer’s Week.

To find out more go to www.volunteersweek.org or email [email protected]

To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 5 NewsTBOS-local ad-(87x60)_Layoutand info 1 26/03/2015 18:03 Page 1

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THE NUMBER ONE FAMILY BANK HOLIDAY DESTINATION EVENT! TICKET HOTLINE 0871 220 0260 OR WWW.SEETICKETS.COM New Butterfly House opening at Whipsnade Zoo! www.thebigoutdoorshow.co.uk

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (www.zsl.org/Whipsnade‎) will be opening a brand new Butterfly House in time for May half-term. The beautiful, tropical biome will feature over 30 different species of colourful butterflies, as well as a Metamorphosis Zone in which families can discover more Juno Photography is a family run business based between Cheltenham and Gloucester in the heart of about the life cycles of butterflies through hands-on exhibits. the Cotswolds. We specialise in natural, un-posed The interactive puparium will also feature live caterpillars and family portraits taken in your own environment or somewhere you feel comfortable. butterflies emerging from their pupas in front of visitors’ eyes. The new Butterfly House is being launched by a Tree Fu Tom A typical photo session will usually last around two live show and trail (May half term week only). hours, giving us plenty of time to create some beautiful portraits. We try not to choreograph or arrange the pictures, preferring to let things happen on their own, producing more relaxed and natural portraits. Bedford mum encourages parents to snap up To book a session contact us at: [email protected] or visit our website at places at “life changing” youth club www.junophotography.uk

Bedfordshire’s garden secrets revealed

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch UK survey results were Like many parents of a disabled child Laura Sherwood-King boosted by nearly 90,000 people across the East, who spent faces the daily challenge of providing stimulation and fun for an hour during the weekend of 24 and 25 January watching her 13 year old son Lorcan, who has complex additional their garden and recording any feathered friends that made a needs. She says that specialist youth clubs have made a big flying visit. Over 1.3 million birds were spotted across the difference to family life, and she would urge other parents to region, making it another bumper year. give them a try while there are places available.

Refreshingly, in Bedfordshire, sightings of almost every bird Lorcan has severe learning difficulties and has been going to that featured in this year’s top 10 increased on the numbers a weekly youth club run by disability charity Papworth Trust recorded in 2014, apart from the goldfinch. (www.papworthtrust.org.uk) in Bedford for the past 2 years. Laura said: “Lorcan looks forward to every session and There was no change in the top 2 birds spotted across the always enjoys it greatly. He’s an only child so this socialising county since last year’s survey. House sparrows retained the opportunity is great for him. He also needs to learn how to be top spot, with at least 4 birds seen on average in well over more independent, so not being with us is also very half of the gardens surveyed. This popular garden visitor was important for his emotional and cognitive skills.” followed closely by the noisy and gregarious starling in second place. The well known blackbird pipped last year’s The club runs every Saturday from 9.30am to 1.30pm with number 3 to the post, pushing the colourful blue tit down to sessions for different age group each alternate week. First 4th position in the survey. and third Saturdays of the month are held at Kempston Youth Centre for people aged 13 to 17. Second and fourth However, two species found in Bedfordshire’s Big Garden Saturdays of the month are held at Queens Park community Birdwatch’s top 3 most popular birds remain on the red list of centre for young people aged 8 to 12. Birds of Conservation Concern, highlighting just how valuable our gardens can be. House sparrow and starling are Both clubs currently have places available for young people on the red list meaning that they are of ‘highest conservation with additional needs, aged 11 to 17 years old. For more priority - species needing urgent action’. information, parents or carers can call 0800 952 5000 or More info: www.rspb.org.uk email [email protected].

6 May/June 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk News and competitions

A Strider bike from The WIN Big Outdoor Show!

Head out with the family to The Big Outdoor Show in Milton Father'sby Joanna Parry Day Keynes running from 23-25 May www.thebigoutdoorshow.co.uk. There’s loads of exciting things to do and watch around the beautiful Willen lakeside setting - you can even bring the dog! Go for a day or spend the whole weekend camping there.

If your child is aged 1-5 years old, bring them to the Strider bike course at the show to test-drive the Balance bike. This robust cycle has taught more youngsters to ride than any other bike and Families Bedfordshire and The Big Outdoor Show have It is Father’s Day on Sunday 21 June, so why not put one to give away! your thinking cap on early and come up with something special for your dad? Or if you’re a dad, you could start The 12 inch Strider Sport Balance bike is superlight yet strong dropping hints for your partner and children to treat you! enough to be used on any terrain. Fully adjustable seat and Dads are often overlooked, especially in today’s busy world handlebars allow the bike to grow with the child. No sprockets and if there are young children around, and Father’s Day is or chains interfere with little legs and puncture-proof tyres mean the perfect opportunity to make him feel special and zero bike maintenance. Integrated footrests allow advanced wanted. The celebration was introduced in the United riders to tuck up their feet and get used to the idea of pedals. States in the early 20th century to honour fathers and father figures, although some scholars believe that Father’s The winning bike comes with a 2-year manufacturers warranty. Day is actually much older, and that the custom of celebrat- ing fathers on a special day has been around for nearly For your chance to win a Strider bike, simply answer the 4000 years. Today, it is becoming more and more popular following question: and there are loads of fantastic ways of celebrating it.

Around which lake will The Big Outdoor Show be held? There are some wonderful and unusual gifts out there. But it doesn’t have to be a gift – a day out with the people nearest and dearest to Dad can hit the spot perfectly. Many A. Garda B. Willen C. Windermere properties, museums, stately homes, farm parks and even Enter online at www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/ theme parks hold special Father’s Day events, including competitions by Friday 29 May 2015. this year events at The Shuttleworth Collection (www.shuttleworth.org) and Wrest Park Terms & conditions (www.english-heritage.org.uk/WrestPark), with loads of 1) The prize is a 12 inch Sport™ Strider Feature Rich balance bike worth £80 great activities for Dads and their families. At some of them 2) Available in a choice of colours, subject to availability Dads even go free on Father’s Day. It’s definitely worth 3) Delivered next day anywhere in mainland UK 4) No cash alternatives doing your research!

Win two family passes to The Hive! Families Bedfordshire magazine has teamed up with The Hive Indoor Activity & Play Centre in Shefford (www.thehiveshefford.co.uk/) to offer two family passes (2 adults + 2 children) to our readers.

To win a pass, simply email [email protected] with your name, address and contact telephone number, and put THE HIVE COMPETITION in the the subject header. Enter by Friday 29 May 2015.

Normal Families competition terms and conditions apply (copy available upon request).

To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 7 Parties feature

Love them or hate them, you will be asked at some point to host a sleepover. Sarah Butters looks at How to……survive how best to survive them and how to avoid repeating the experience in the future. a sleepover party LATE DROP, EARLY COLLECT The thought of a sleepover is bearable if you know there is an end scenario will they raid your sweet cupboards in the early hours to to it all. Make it clear at the point of invite when your hospitality replenish their sleep starved bodies. Removal of electrical devices begins and ends. I’ve found a late afternoon drop – coinciding with is a good move – especially in tweenage girls – as the cyber world teatime – is best with a pick up between 9 and 10am. This means can be an inviting but frightening place in the small hours of the your exhausted guests, now suffering from an additive hangover, morning. can have their post sleepover meltdown in the comfort of their own home. You are left with a full day to scrape melted chocolate and KEEP YOUR DIARY CLEAR squashed Haribo from your beige carpet. Plan nothing for the following day. You will have slept like a meerkat balancing on a branch. Your child will have crashed late and woken HAVE A PLAN with the lark. In short, your family is fit for nothing and planning Don’t imagine that five 8 year olds will be able to occupy even the most straight forward activity is doomed to failure. Then, themselves without incident. They won’t. Well they will, but rest as night falls, raise a glass to the fact your survived your first assured it will end in a lot of tired tears. Follow teatime with a fun sleepover. Like childbirth, you’ll need some time to forget the pain activity – karaoke, Wii fun or a board game – before a DVD to take before you do it all again. you through until bedtime. I have heard reports of parents putting their children through 100 bounces on the garden trampoline prior Ask the Expert…… to heading upstairs to maximize exhaustion but you may feel that’s a step too far. Sleepover? They should be called Stay Awake-overs according to sleep expert Sarah Barnes from Gentle Sleep Solutions PREPARE FOR LATE NIGHT LEAVERS (www.gentlesleepsolutions.co.uk). There’s a pretty high chance that one of your guests will want to leave. The reality of a night spent away from home can be a little Here’s her advice for making your night a success. too much for some children. Be warned, homesickness is catching and once one begins to wobble, you could find your other guests 1. Only invite a small group for a child's first sleep over. follow. Make sure you have the parents contact details for all your guests if you do need to make a late night collection call. 2. Discuss with parents of invited children any allergies, medication, comfort objects or other needs. KEEP IT SIMPLE Think camping indoors and you’ve got the perfect sleepover. One 3. Make sure you have contact numbers for all parents in case of of my daughter’s favourite nights away from home saw 7 children late night homesickness. sleeping top to toe, in sleeping bags on the bedroom floor of their friend. Not a king size Aerobed in sight. 4. Make sure you have boundaries in place to avoid chaos. Make the children aware of their bedtime, the no-go areas in the house ADMIT DEFEAT or garden following that bedtime and the rules regarding the use of You aren’t going to be able to stay up late enough to check your gadgets. guests are all asleep. Their very purpose is to out ‘stay up’ the adults in the house so in many ways, reminding them you are still 5. Let the sleep over guests know where you are sleeping and let awake only makes for a later bedtime. Lay out the ground rules them know they can wake you in an emergency. when you say your final (ish) goodnight and leave them to it. Some will fall asleep, some will chat and only in the very worst case 6. Arrange a definite pick up time the following day. Children, especially younger ones are usually ready to go home and sleep!

8 May/June 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Summer holiday clubsParties and activitiesDirectory

® ®

Yoga inspired classes/parties Fun classes to encourage movement, enhance development and inspire confidence in your baby and child 0-7 years Enhance Creativity, Improve Concentration Develop Communication, Increase Strength Ć Quote FAMILIES for 10% Off www.tattybumpkin.com/bedford [email protected] facebook.com/tattybumpkinbedford 0208 617 9070

Party Directory Theatre Bugs Theatrebugs offer a full range of If you're looking for some birthday party inspiration then our exciting and imaginative party Parties Directory is here to provide you with ideas! You can packages specifically designed for also find it online at: 0-7 year olds! Our under 3 parties are jam packed with puppets, song, rhyme, www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/Bedfordshire/ instruments, parachute time and bubbles! Directory/Children-s-Parties A 4+ party is an interactive, fun-filled journey crammed with stories to be told, tasks to be completed, characters to become and different worlds to explore! We have many magical themes to choose from - get in touch for more information! Contact: Amelia Newman POOL PARTIES Tel: 01234 860575 or 07914 084977 Polam Pool Parties E-mail: [email protected] Website: Our popular pool parties can be held www.theatrebugs.co.uk/bedford.html on a Saturday, Sunday or during the school holidays. The 90 minute parties cost £115 for up to 20 children and consist VENUES FOR HIRE of one hour of structured play led by our qualified and experienced swim staff, followed by 30 minutes for tea. The Grove Theatre All you need to bring is the party food and any decorations! The Grove Theatre has a number of spaces Contact: Christine available for children’s parties. Packages can be Tel: 01234 261863 or tailor made to suit your event and can include Email [email protected] room hire, decorations, buffet, children’s Website: www.polamschool.co.uk/pool-parties.html entertainer, party bags and a birthday cake. Your party can also be combined with one of our shows or film screenings to make it that bit more unique! PARTY ENTERTAINERS Contact: 01582 884 181 Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable Froggle Parties Email: [email protected] As seen on CBBC! Froggle Parties provide Website: www.grovetheatre.co.uk amazing children’s parties that are high energy and non stop fun! Filled with heaps of varied party activities that kids absolutely UK Centre for Carnival Arts love! We have loads of fantastic parties to Known as the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, choose from, such as brilliant entertainers and magicians, themed The Centre is the newly branded space for parties, discos, clowns, science parties, games and dancing hire at the same location. A £7.4 million parties, bubble parties, and more!! Get in touch to find out more! state of the art facility providing an exciting Contact: tel: 08450 504 509 space for a range of events including private parties, conferences, Email: [email protected] meetings, exhibitions, seminars, banquets and theatre productions Website: www.froggleparties.com or music events. Our facilities include everything to make your event stand out from the rest.

Tatty Bumpkin With a capacity of up to 550, indoor and outdoor spaces, bespoke Tatty Bumpkin will take your catering packages, bar services and with impressive lighting, child and their friends on a staging and sound options, we are able to accommodate any kind magical adventure tailored to their interests or favourite characters. of event. The adventure involves lots of yoga inspired movement, stories, music and games, finishing with a relaxation, leaving children tired We have a dedicated team on hand to ensure your event runs but happy and relaxed. Our parties are suitable for 1st birthdays to smoothly and professionally. 8 years old and are also perfect for weddings, fetes or holiday get togethers. Please get in touch for more information. Contact tel: 01582 437113 or 01582 437100 Contact: Hayley Simpson The Centre, 3 St. Mary’s Road, Luton, Beds. LU1 3JA Mobile: 07592 660885 Facebook: Carnival Arts. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @carnivalukcca. Website: www.tattybumpkin.com/bedford Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/TattyBumpkinBedford Website: www.carnivalarts.org.uk

To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 9 Parties feature and news

CAN YOU…..exclude individual children?

This is a tough one because as a general rule, you should stick to one of 3 party invite rules. Invite the whole class – this is perfect for Reception age children

Invite all the girls or all the boys – this becomes popular as children head into KS2 and the opposite sex become toxic

Invite a few close friends – this works when you’re keeping the budget down or as you head towards the end of primary

However there are exceptions. If you’re child is the victim of a classroom bully, you’ve grounds to exclude that individual. This is YOUR child’s special day and they’re entitled to enjoy it without fear. Excluding problematic children is more difficult. Planning a party? Need some advice? Sarah Butters takes a Instead, it’s best to ask the parents of said child to stick around look at the very latest party problems posed by parents and to offer a helping hand. gives you some top tips on avoiding serving a can of worms at your child’s next celebration. CAN YOU…..fine a parent for a ‘no show’?

There is little more irritating than the parent who confirms their CAN YOU….say no to siblings? child will be joining the party, only for them to leave an empty chair at the birthday table. The tale of the mum who billed a Most of us wouldn’t dream of turning up to a party uninvited. Yet parent after they failed to show up to her son’s skiing party some parents feel it acceptable to bring along a string of siblings certainly made party no shows THE talk of the playground. Was and presume they too are welcome. she right to have sent the invoice? The reality is there will always be ill mannered individuals who chose to accept an invite, and “They won’t eat. In fact you won’t even know they’re here,” cry go on to make other plans without letting you know. the parents as they sprint out of the door, while said siblings begin pilfering from the pre prepared party bags. The point is if In a world of text messages and emails, a no warning no show is you’ve budgeted for 20 and catered for 20, you’re ready for 20 simply unacceptable. But it’s also inevitable at some point in children – not 25. Very often entertainers insist on a maximum your party throwing life. Invoicing a parent may make the number and siblings can tip you over the limit, and in turn, tip headlines and also make you feel better for a while, but it’s likely you over the edge. Prevent the problem at the point of invite and to alienate your child and make YOU the subject of ridicule at the make the sibling rule clear. A simple ‘Sorry, no room for siblings!’ school gates. Our advice is to make a point of asking what means there’s no question. I find the addition of an exclamation happened to those no show when you next bump into the mark makes you look fun and not mean. parent. In my experience you maximise the middle class embarrassment the more parents there are to witness it.

Dress up and dance for charity!

If your kids love dancing, then Macmillan Cancer Support has announced that fundraising event Dress Up and Dance will be returning to schools, nurseries and uniform groups across the UK this summer on Friday 19 June 2015.

The fundraising event encourages schools and uniform Baby & Toddler Show groups to sign up and ask their students to get dressed up and have a dance, in exchange for making a suggested Families Bedfordshire was delighted to attend the donation of £2 to Macmillan. This year’s special theme is Bedfordshire Baby & Toddler Show in April. Michelle Jay, ‘Legends’ and those taking part are encouraged to go to Managing Director, Bump, Babies and Beyond Events, school channelling their favourite inner champions - be it a organisers of the Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show, pop icon, a super hero, a sports personality or a film star! said: “The first Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show was a huge success! We had over 1,000 parents and parents-to-be Back for its third year this summer, the fundraiser was a huge coming along on the day, and we have received some great success in 2014. Over 3,000 schools registered to take part feedback from our visitors! We are busy making plans for and helped raise £200,000 for Macmillan to help children and the second Bedfordshire Baby and Toddler Show which will families whose lives have been affected by cancer. be held in April 2016, and are looking to make the next one even bigger and better!” For further information,visit www.macmillan.org.uk/dressup.

10 May/June 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Family mealtimes

Family Mealtimes Let's all eat the same! Example “We all have different tastes.” Spaghetti bolognaise and green You should be able to create a meal where By Kathryn Mewes Monday vegetables there is something for everyone. For Top tips on how you don't need Fish cakes and potato wedges example a curry. You might find one family to cook 'Children's meals'. Tuesday and roasted vegetables member prefers the rice, the other the vegetables and the other picks out the Thai chicken curry with rice Wednesday meat. In time they will expand on this and know, I know, I can hear: “My Sausages and mash and onion start to eat more of the meal. A salad can Thursday children eat too early, they eat food gravy with carrots always be served as an accompaniment to I don’t want to eat, my husband/wife is Friday Fish and Chips night! cater for all. home so late.”

“I don’t want to eat early with my children.” The aim is that you prepare one meal for Saturday Pizza and Pasta night! The important thing is that if you are dinnertime. The children eat and you have introducing change you need to lead by a small portion with them. When your Sunday Roast dinner example. You can have a small portion, or husband/wife arrives home they have the mainly vegetables while sitting with the same meal. A portion has been set aside You can alter the menu plan every week children. I have ALWAYS found that for them. or have children behave far better at the table when

2 – 3 that you simply rotate. an adult is sitting with them, ideally eating I believe that it is so important for children not just observing. to realize that they cannot have their This has so many advantages: ‘favourite’ meal each and every day. My Children’s meals ethos is simple ‘A meal is prepared and The food shopping can be done once there are 2 options – Take it or Leave it!’ a week, ordered online for ease. Once this attitude is adopted and you It is very common for children to like ‘dry remain consistent you will find that the Everyone knows what is going to be food’. By this I mean nuggets, fish fingers, children adjust and adapt to your ‘new served. chips, potato wedges, pesto pasta and way’ at mealtimes. sausages. There is terribly nothing wrong You don’t have to think each morning with any of these meals but at some stage I think that there is too much emphasis about the ‘evening meal’. your child needs to expand. There is a today on children having to eat all of their whole world of exciting food beyond You are only cooking one meal for the ‘children’s menus’! I suggest these meals meal. This is what leads us to only giving family. them food we know they will eat. It is are on the weekly menu and they are enjoyed but then there are meals to suit important to realize that your children may Frequently asked Questions leave some of their meal but as they start you. to realize this meal is going to appear at “What if my child won’t eat it?” least once a fortnight they will adjust. Please don’t expect your family to It is a life lesson. There needs to be give Slowly but surely they will ‘tuck in’. instantly adapt. They will ‘dig their and take at meal times. Everyone needs to heels in’ before accepting the see their favourite meal once a week. The key is that your children are seeing a permanent change. If a meal is not variety of foods and you are eating with eaten simply allow fruit for dessert and Mealtime can be for the entire family – not them. a cup of milk to line their stomach just the children. before bed. The most important thing For further information and advice on guiding your child I often suggest creating a ‘meal plan’ so at mealtimes see The 3 Day Nanny by Kathryn Mewes is not to offer them something else – or visit the website to find out about her bespoke service that everyone knows what is on offer that you will then be back to where you www.bespokenanny.com night. once were. To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 11 Education news

National Theatre comes to the classroom

This September, three acclaimed National Theatre productions will be available on demand in schools. Danny Boyle’s production of Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, and Nicholas Hytner’s productions of Illustration by Susan Kelly, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet with Rory published by Learning with Nature Kinnear, and Othello with Adrian Green Books. £17.99. 30% discount Lester, will be free to stream on with free delivery in the UK for demand in every secondary school Families readers with code: classroom in the UK. Each play is FAMILIES2015. recorded in front of a live theatre Valid until 30th June 2015. audience by National Theatre Live, www.greenbooks.co.uk and comprehensive learning resourc- es will support each play. ‘This new initiative underlines the National Theatre’s passionate commitment to supporting teachers and schools Calling all young writers! across the UK,’ said Alice King-Far- low, Director of Learning at the NT. ‘In Do you know a young author? The giving young people access to National Young Writers’ Awards inspirational theatre, we aim to help judges are looking for the best short schools to keep the arts as a vital part story (up to 500 words) based around of the curriculum.’ Find out more at this years theme of ‘Strange Events www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/schools and Peculiar Happenings’. The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris! Where’s Wally fun run The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore Learning, are now Photo shows over 40 in their 7th year. This year’s judge is Where’s Wally lookalikes, renowned author of the Book of Norm including several Wally series of books, Jonathan Meres. It's Dogs, who took to the open to children aged five to 14 and pathways around Russell the closing date is Friday 5 June. Park in Bedford and raised Entry is free and to do so visit £160 for the National www.explorelearning.co.uk/ Literacy Trust in March. youngwriters. Supported by the Kiosk at the Park, Bedford. Share-A-Story Month

This May welcomes the annual National Share-A-Story Month, a rousing celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing. Run by the Federation of Children’s Book Warden Hill meet the Groups, it is a wonderful opportunity to bring children and stories together. High Sheriff! There are a whole host of events The photo shows the 2014-2015 running across the country, from High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, storytelling workshops to craft activities Mr C Osborne Esq MBE with the and puppet shows, and this year the pupils of Warden Hill Infant theme for National Share-A-Story School, Luton, earlier in the Month is Dragons! Find out about the year. The pupils were amazed by culture of Chinese, Welsh and Viking the official regalia and were dragons in stories and poems, explore eager to know about his life and myths and legends about dragons, and job. even discover what a dragon might like for tea. Take a look at the website for More info. loads of ideas, activity packs, posters www.highsheriffs.com/ and Dragon competition prizes. bedfordshire/Index.htm www.fcbg.org.uk/ national-share-a-story-month

12 March/AprilMay/June 2015 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk HealthWhat’s andOn education news how much does he actually see? (Unfortunately, he won’t know what he’s missing. Do you?)

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

Walk to School Week by Joanna Parry DUNSTABLE free eye This year’s Walk To School Week takes place on 18-22 EYE CENTRE May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, exam. teachers and parents, and this year’s event promises to be 01582 608 449 www.decopticians.co.uk the biggest and best yet! Walk To School Week is part of 5 Ashton Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3SN National Walking Month, which takes place throughout May. It also includes Walk to Work Week, so us parents don’t get On presentation of this voucher | Cannot be used with any other offer out of it either!

This year, Walk To School Week is all about the health benefits of walking. During the week, the Walk to School mascot Strider encourages pupils to take his 5-Day Walking NEW Challenge – supported by their fantastic classroom-focused pack. Day 1 focuses on a healthy body, as daily exercise has DEVELOPMENT numerous physical health benefits including helping to reduce the risk of childhood obesity and medial conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Day 2 is health and CHECKS happiness, as regular walking helps to keep young minds healthy and alert ready for their arrival at school. Day 3 concentrates on healthy habits. An energetic walk at the start Parents are to get a complete picture of their child’s of the day encourages healthy eating habits such as having a development at the age of two, as part of new reforms to nutritious breakfast every morning. Day 4 is healthy friends help families. With over £2million pledged to support and family, as the walk to school is the perfect opportunity for joined-up checks on education and health development, some quality family time or a good chat with friends. And parents will now have a better picture of their child’s finally Day 5 is a healthy environment – walking means less progress at this early stage. ‘No parent should be left in pollution and cleaner air – a benefit for everyone! the dark about their child’s development,’ said Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah. ‘There should be an accessible And it’s not just the health benefits.Walking to school can check for all at the age of two, which is a pressure point also save you money – as much as £400 a year! where issues such as speech delay and behavioural problems begin to appear. For us grown ups, Walk to Work Week runs 11-15 May 2015, so if you fancy a bit of healthy competition in your workplace Today’s announcement will mean more families can get check out the website and discover where walking can take valuable information in a more convenient way.’ Health you. Their free workplace walking challenge is a fun way to Minister Dr Dan Poulter added, ‘We know it’s important to get some competition going between you and your check children’s health and development when they are colleagues. Use their free tools to log your walks and see two, so that if extra support is needed it can be identified how many calories you burn, as well as their live workplace early. Integrated reviews and the huge increase in health and team totals and leaderboards to spur you on – see visitors will lead to better outcomes for children and www.walktoworkweek.org.uk families.’ The Integrated Review, which will be implement- ed nationally from September 2015, will be available to More information children between 24 and 30 months old. www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/ walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week Download your What To Expect When guide from the Foundation Years website www.gov.uk/dfe

To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 13 What’s on

Please always phone before setting MK Dons NCT Nearly New Sale Tree Fu Tom Live at Whipsnade Zoo out in case details have changed Sunday 3 May Saturday 16 May Saturday 23-Monday 25 May since press deadline or if we got it Final home game of MK Dons – travel 11.15am - 12.30pm, Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable wrong. to it by train! www.mkdons.com Watling Lower School, Bullpond Lane, Five fifteen minute shows daily to Dunstable celebrate the Zoo's new Butterfly Please send events to be listed to: Georgian Games Galore £1 entry. www.nct.org.uk/ House, plus Tree Fu Tom Trail. [email protected]. Saturday 2 May to Monday 5 May, branches/dunstable/ www.zsl.org 11am-5pm nearly-new-sale Wrest Park , , Silsoe, Hercules Festival of Sport Luton May MK45 4HR Play like a Georgian and Aeromodellers Mayfly Sunday 24 May, begins 7am step back in time this May bank Saturday 16-Sunday 17 May, Inspire Luton Sports Village, Hitchin The Great Railway Treasure Hunt holiday weekend. 11am-4pm Road, Luton, LU2 8DD Triathlon, Visit the Ridgmont Heritage Centre www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest The Shuttleworth Collection , Aquathlon, Duathlon, Sportive, 10K, and Leighton Buzzard Railway to take Shuttleworth (Old Warden) 5K run races and fun run for the little part in the Great Railway Treasure Season Premiere Airshow Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade ones! www.herculesevents.com Hunt (closes 30 September 2015), (Commemorating VE Day) Aeromodellers' annual Spring aimed at children up to age 14, and Sunday 3 May, gates open 9am; weekend event. Adults £10; children organised by Peter's Railway. airshow begins 2pm under 16 free. Sunday 24 May, 12 noon to 7pm More information on the quiz and to The Shuttleworth Collection , Tel: 01767 627927 Luton Town Centre download a quiz sheet: Shuttleworth (Old Warden) www.shuttleworth.org Annual Carnival and procession www.petersrailway.com/ Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade See through Luton which begins at 12 treasure-hunt.aspx. WWII Aircraft and a range of visiting Anniversary Celebrations Fete and noon from Wardown Park. More information on Ridgmont Station military aircraft. Adults £28; children Fun Dog Show Tel: 01582 437100 and this year's Hunt: under 16 free. www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/ Sunday 17 May, 12 noon www.carnivalarts.org.uk/ the-great-railway-treasure-hunt-2015/ www.shuttleworth.org HULA, Salford Road, Aspley Guise Tel: 01767 627927 MK17 8HZ Family Craft Fun www.hularescue.org Tuesday 23 (2-3pm) & Wednesday 50 Things Walk Meet Peppa Pig 24 May (10-11am) First Sunday of every month, Monday 4 May 2015 & Monday 25 Football Storytime Leighton Buzzard Library 2-3.30pm May, 10am-5pm Saturday 23 May, 11am-12 noon Free tickets available from the library Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Woburn Safari Park Kempston Library Downs Appearing at Elephant Meadow at Football themed stories and crafts! Bright Sparks Join the Rangers for a free family intervals throughout the day, fans will Monday 25-Sunday 31 May exploring session. This fun activity have a chance to meet Peppa Pig, The Big Outdoor Show Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes group will get the kids outdoors and get a photo and join the cheeky piggy Saturday 23-Monday 25 May 2 for 1 entry if you go by train. Fun discovering new things from tracking to listen to her favourite tales during Willen Lake, Brickhill Street, Milton activities for the holiday at the home of wild animals to making wild art. story-time sessions. More info: Keynes Amazing outdoor activities for the code breakers. Please dress for the weather. No www.woburnsafari.co.uk/events booking required. all the family, adventure sports www.bletchleypark.org.uk displays & demos on land, air and Summer Open Morning water! Camping on site also available. Wrest at War Family Fun Time: Pirates Love Tuesday 5 May, 10am – 1pm Tel: 01908 246599 Sunday 24 May to Monday 25 May, Underpants Bedford Girls School, Cardington www.thebigoutdoorshow.co.uk/ 10am-6pm. Wrest Park , Silsoe, Saturday 2 May, 11.00am-11.45am, Road, Bedford Silsoe, MK45 4HR Luton Central Libray, 2.15pm- 3pm, www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Classic Evening Airshow An action packed weekend propels Library Saturday 23 May, gates open 11am; you into wartime Britain. Join in with the tall tale of the Family Fun Time: The Queen’s Hat airshow begins 6pm. www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest underwear-loving pirates on their Saturday 9 May, 11.00am-11.45am, The Shuttleworth Collection , treasure hunt for the fabled Pants of Libray Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Home (U) Gold. Create your own pants inspired Saturday 9 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade Tuesday 26 May, 2pm (relaxed by Clare Freedman and Ben Cort's Library Discover the Collection’s vintage screening) & Friday 29 May, 2pm book.Suitable for ages 3+. Free, Saturday 16 May, 11.00am-11.45am, vehicles and motorcycles at this Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, donations welcome Luton Central Libray Classic Evening Airshow, with a Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Saturday 16 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, vehicle parade featuring some of their Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 Save the Rhino Charity Weekend Stopsley Library rarer vehicles and agricultural Saturday 2 May-Monday 4 May, A hat takes the Queen on an exhibits. Adults £28; children under Cinderella (PG) 10am-5pm adventure through London in Steve 16 free. Tuesday 26 May, 5pm Woburn Safari Park Antony's book. Enjoy the story, and Tel: 01767 627927 Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Rhino themed fun and help raise then make a hat of your own. Children www.shuttleworth.org Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard much needed funds for Save the aged 3+ and their families. Free, Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 Rhino International. donations welcome More info: Tree Fu Tom www.woburnsafari.co.uk/events Steam Fair and Country Show Saturday 23 May, 1pm & 3.30pm Minion Crafts Saturday 9 May-Sunday 10 May, Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Tuesday 26 May, 2.30-3.30pm May Bank Holiday Barbecues 10.30am-5pm Drive, Dunstable Follow Tom, Twigs, Toddington Library Sunday 3 May, Monday 4 May, Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Ariela and friends on an action Crafts for children of all ages with a Sunday 24 May & Monday 25 May, Steam Fair which is now in its 13th packed adventure through the Minions theme. 12.30-3.30pm year! www.stotfoldmill.com/ magical world of Treetopolis! Woburn Safari Park Tickets tel: 01582 60 20 80 (option7) Marston Mud Enjoy a selection of mouth-watering The 1600s and all that www.grovetheatre.co.uk/ Tuesday 26 May, barbecue favourites at the Safari Saturday 16 May, 10am-4pm 10am, 11am and 1.30pm Lodge at the heart of the Foot Safari. Priory House Gardens, Dunstable. Family Fun Time: Charlie Cook’s Forest Centre And Millennium Country More info: Free fun-filled day for all the family Favourite Book Park, Station Road, Marston www.woburnsafari.co.uk/events which will include demonstrations of Saturday 23 May, 11.00am-11.45am, Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0PR. the arts and crafts of the period, along Leagrave Libray Mud modelling! £4 per child. The Basil Brush Show with various other interesting and Saturday 23 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, www.marstonvale.org Sunday 3 May, 11am & 2pm exciting activities. See more at: Marsh Farm Library To book, call 01234 767037 Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court www.dunstable.gov.uk Saturday 30 May, 11.00am-11.45am, Drive, Dunstable, Britain’s most Luton Central Libray Steam Fair loveable fox is back on the road along Saturday 30 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, Sunday 17 May, 10am-4pm with his TV chum Mr Stephen Stopsley Library Stockwood Discovery Centre, (aka Chris Pizzey) From kings and queens to aliens and London Road, Luton www.grovetheatre.co.uk/ ghosts, there's something for A chance to enjoy this year's Tel: 01582 60 20 80 (option7) everyone in Charlie Cook's amazing magnificent working steam engine book! Children aged 3+ and their and stationary engines in all their families. Free, donations welcome. glory. Family event. Free, donations welcome. 14 May/June 2015 www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Kate Greenaway Favourites Sow a salad: Kids Gardening Clubs Tuesday 26 May, 11.00am-11.45am, Thursday 28 May, 10am -12 noon Libray Walled Garden, Luton Tuesday 26 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, Aimed at children aged 4-10 years Luton Central Library old. £10 per child. JOHN Wednesday 27 May, Tel 01582 721 443 to book. BUNYAN 11.00am-11.45am, Leagrave Libray MUSEUM Wednesday 27 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, Insect Crafts Bedford Stopsley Library Friday 29 May, 2.30-4pm ...... Thursday 28 May, 11.00am-11.45am, Stotfold Library Marsh Farm Libray Craft for children of all ages with Tuesday 28 May, 2.15pm- 3pm, insect theme. Lewsey Library A picture book party featuring the best 25th St Philips and St James Greenaway nominations. Who will win Charity Golf Day your vote for this year's prize? Friday 29 May Children aged 5+. Free, donations Mowsbury Golf Course, Bedford welcome Golf and dinner in aid of MS Therapy ...... Centre in Bedford and Northants and DISCOVER THE BEDFORD MAN Arts and Craft Playstation Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, WHOSE WRITINGS TOUCHED Tuesday 26 May, 10am-4pm Moggerhanger. More info: Mike THE WORLD... Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Chappell Tel: 07973 703340 email: ...... Road, Luton [email protected] Family holiday fun Paint your wagon. Discover Vardo Art, A warm welcome Summer exhibition a traditional style of decorating horse How the Koala Loved to Hug School and group visits drawn wagons, used by British Sunday 31 May, 2.30pm Open February to October half-terms* Romani people. Take inspiration from Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Tue to Sat, 11am to 4pm *Closed Good Friday the Vardos on display at the Discovery Drive, Dunstable ...... Centre. £2.50 per child A charming tale about the magic of Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum family and the importance of a nice, 01234 270303 Train the troops warm hug. Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, www.grovetheatre.co.uk/ 11am-5pm Wrest Park , Silsoe, Silsoe, Tel: 01582 60 20 80 (option 7) MK45 4HR Discover Wrest Park’s Potted Pantos: Mini 2 Bookstart Rhyme Time: Jungle secret wartime past with this hands on Beautiful Butterflies Saturday 6 June, 2pm Adventures experience of soldiers on the front Sunday 31 May, 2-3.30pm Monday 8 June, 2.15-2.45pm, line. Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Potted Pantos: Mini 1 Lewsey Library www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest Centre, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade Saturday 6 June, 4.30pm Tuesday 9 June, 09.30am-10am, Explore Whipsnade Downs with the Both at Leighton Buzzard Library Bury Park Library, 11.00am-11.30am, The SpongeBob Movie (U) Ranger Team and discover more Theatre, Lake Street, Leighton Luton Central Libray, 2.15pm-2.45pm, Wednesday 27 May, 2pm about the beautiful butterflies that call Buzzard. LBCT production Marsh Farm Library Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, the Downs home. £4 each Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 Wednesday 10 June, 9.30-10am, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Tel: 01582 500920, Leagrave Libray, 9.30-10am, Stopsley Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 email: [email protected] Family Fun Time: Jungle Adven- Library, 10.30-11am, Leagrave Library tures Thursday 11 June, 10.15-10.45am, Working Wednesdays Saturday 6 June, 11-11.45am, Marsh Farm Library, 2.15-2.45pm, Wednesday 27 May, 12 noon-2pm Leagrave Library, 2.15-3pm, Marsh Stopsley Library Stockwood Discovery Centre, London June Farm Library, Road, Luton Saturday 13 June, 11-11.45am, Take a swing through the library book Go along to Stockwood Discovery Lost Landscapes Luton Central Library. 2.15-3pm, jungle with your own little monkey to Centre to see stationary steam Continues until 21 June Marsh Farm Library celebrate Bookstart Week. engines in all their working glory. Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Find your favourite jungle tale on a Free, donations welcome Free, donations welcome. Road, Luton family sized adventure as part of A photographic exhibition exploring Bookstart Week. Bedford Kite Festival Pop Factor: The Concert the evolution of landscapes; those that Children aged 3+ and their families. Saturday 6 June - Sunday 7 June Wednesday 27 May, 6.30pm have been lost, changed or been Free, donations welcome. Russell Park, Bedford Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court rediscovered and questions what may Kites, food stalls entertainment! More Drive, Dunstable, happen to our landscapes in the Airshow featuring the Light Aircraft info: www.bedfordevents.co.uk A must-see, fantastic concert future. Free, donations welcome Association ('LAA') experience that the whole family can Sunday 7 June, gates open 11am; Open Farm Sunday enjoy. Tel: 01582 60 20 80 (option7) Green Man Garden event and Park airshow begins 2pm Sunday 7 June www.grovetheatre.co.uk Champion launch The Shuttleworth Collection , Find out the story behind our food in Wednesday 4 June 10-12 noon Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Bedfordshire farms and beyond! Creepy Crawly Crafts The Grange, Bedford Road, Addison Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade More info on your nearest farm see Wednesday 27 May, 2.30-4.30pm Howard Park, Kempston, Bedford Annual air show bringing together www.farmsunday.org/ Wootton Library Part of Volunteering Week. Contact: aircraft from the Collection, sponsored [email protected]. by the LAA and visiting aircraft, owned Music in the Park Duck in the Truck or built by members. Adults £28; Begins Sunday 7 June, Thursday 28 May, children under 16 free. 3pm-5pm & every Sunday until 11.30am & 2.30pm The Factory Children Tel: 01767 627927 September. Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Friday 5 June & Friday 6 June, www.shuttleworth.org Parsons Close Recreation Ground, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard 7.30pm Pulford Road, Leighton Buzzard. Blunderbus Theatre have adapted the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Tug of War – the Heats Brass and silver band programme of Jez Alborough book for the stage. Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Sunday 7 June from 1.30pm music. Organised by Leighton Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 Leighton Buzzard Children's Theatre (LBCT) production for all the family. Millennium Park, Dunstable Road, Linslade Council. More info: Flitwick www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk Superheroes Crafts Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 Enter a team of 10 and compete for Thursday 28 May, 11am-12noon the shield to become Flitwick The Big Lunch Toddington Libray 100 images of migration Carnival's 2015 Tug of Sunday 7 June Saturday 6 June – Sunday 19 July War Champions. Entry forms from Leighton Buzzard Town Centre Leaf spotting in the nature reserve , Old Bedford [email protected] or Have lunch with your neighbours! Thursday 28 May, 2-4pm Road, Luton tel: 01525 631900. Organised by Leighton Linslade Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Leaf 100 photographs which tell a story Council.More info: spotting in the nature reserve next to about migration; social and cultural www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk Stotfold Mill. www.stotfoldmill.com history comes to life. Free

To advertise: 01727 373929 May/June 2015 15 scenario will they raid your sweet cupboards in the early hours to replenish their sleep starved bodies. Removal of electrical devices is a good move – especially in tweenage girls – as the cyber world can be an inviting but frightening place in the small hours of the morning.

KEEP YOUR DIARY CLEAR Plan nothing for the following day. You will have slept like a meerkat balancing on a branch. Your child will have crashed late and woken with the lark. In short, your family is fit for nothing and planning even the most straight forward activity is doomed to failure. Then, as night falls, raise a glass to the fact your survived your first sleepover. Like childbirth, you’ll need some time to forget the pain before you do it all again.

Ask the Expert……

Sleepover? They should be called Stay Awake-overs according to sleep expert Sarah Barnes from Gentle Sleep Solutions (www.gentlesleepsolutions.co.uk).

Here’s her advice for making your night a success.

1. Only invite a small group for a child's first sleep over.

2. Discuss with parents of invited children any allergies, medication, comfort objects or other needs.

3. Make sure you have contact numbers for all parents in case of late night homesickness.

4. Make sure you have boundaries in place to avoid chaos. Make the children aware of their bedtime, the no-go areas in the house or garden following that bedtime and the rules regarding the use of gadgets.

5. Let the sleep over guests know where you are sleeping and let them know they can wake you in an emergency.

6. Arrange a definite pick up time the following day. Children, especially younger ones are usually ready to go home and sleep!

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Flitwick Carnival 2015 Family Fun Time: Mr Large in Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Race A Midsummer Soiree Saturday 13 June, 12 noon - 7pm Charge Sunday 21 June Tuesday 23 June, Millennium Park, Dunstable Road, Saturday 20June, Willen Lakes, Milton Keynes fizz and canapes included in ticket Flitwick Fun-filled day for all with 11.00am-11.45am, Leagrave Libray In aid of Age UK Milton Keynes price of £25 at 7.15pm & the concert parade, arena acts and more! Saturday 20 June, 2.15pm- 3pm, www.dragonboatfestivals.- starts at 7.45pm South Farm, www.facebook.com/Flitwickcarnival Marsh Farm Library co.uk/dragon-boat-festivals/mil- Shingay-cum-Wendy Celebrate fathers with stories, ton-keynes/milton-keynes-festival/ Fundraising concert for Abington Open Day -- National Gardens including Jill Murphy classic. Does Pigotts Village Hall featuring Adam Scheme your Daddy do the Cha Cha Cha? Walking Trail around Stotfold Protz, pianist composer, Caritas Saturday 13 June, 9.30am-5pm Suitable for ages 3+. Free, donations Sunday 21 June, 12.30pm-5pm Harmony, ladies' choir and the The Shuttleworth Collection , welcome Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold Pick Greenfield String Quartet. South Shuttleworth (Old Warden) up a fun quiz from the Mill which will Farm will be opening their glorious Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade Fathers Day at the Collection guide you around Stotfold. Trail sheet gardens for guests from 6pm and Open Day at the Swiss Garden as Sunday 21 June - £1 donation. there will be an opportunity to picnic in part of the NGS. Adults £8; children The Shuttleworth Collection , www.stotfoldmill.com/ the grounds - bring your own or book under 16 free www.shuttleworth.org Shuttleworth (Old Warden) one in advance. More info and tickets: Tel: 01767 627927 Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade Caritas Harmony Concert tel: 01763 853696 Treat your dad to a three course lunch Sunday 21 June, 6.30pm www.abingtonpigotts.org Luton Festival of Transport and entry to the Shuttleworth Grove Theatre, Dunstable Sunday 14 June Collection Caritas Harmony (formerly Pasque Family Fun Time: Mad Hatter’s Tea , London Road, Luton Tel: 01767 627927 Harmony) the local award winning Party Classic vehicle show. www.shuttleworth.org choir will be singing a varied Saturday 27 June, More info: www.cvpg.net programme of songs to raise funds for 11.00am-11.45am, Luton Central Midsummer Eve in the Swiss Macmillan Cancer Support. Guest Libray Into the Woods Garden artist and compere to be confirmed. Saturday 27 June, 2.15pm- 3pm, Friday 19 June, 7.30pm & Saturday Sunday 21 June, gates open 6pm; Tickets £15 available from the box Stopsley Library 20 June, 2pm & 7.30pm performance begins 7.30pm office 01582 602080 Come dressed as your favourite Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, The Shuttleworth Collection , character and take part in a caucus Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard Shuttleworth (Old Warden) race to celebrate 150 years of Alice in The Advance Theatre Company Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade Wonderland. Suitable for ages 5+. present a wonderful twisted fairy tale The Manor House String Quartet Free, donations welcome in two acts with a score by Sondheim. presents a classical concert on the Box office tel: 0300 300 8125 theme of ‘Music for a Summer’s Evening’ in the beautiful and romantic Edwardian Picnic & Evening setting of the Shuttleworth Trust’s Airshow Swiss Garden. Adults £25; children Saturday 20 June, gates open under 16 free. 1am & airshow begins 6pm. Tel: 01767 627927 The Shuttleworth Collection , www.shuttleworth.org/ Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade. Father's Day Fun and Games Celebrate 50 years of the film "Those Sunday 21 June, 11am-5pm www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk Magnificent Men in their Flying Wrest Park , Silsoe, Silsoe, MK45 t: 01727 373929 Machines"! Adult £28; children under 4HR A chance to practise your skills 16 free.Tel: 01767 627927 at croquet, bowls and lawn tennis! www.shuttleworth.org/ www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest