FREE TAKE ME HOME

Bedfordshire

All Included in Entry! All New Summer Fun

From 23 July there’s so much new at Mead Open Farm • NEW! Huge Indoor Play • NEW! End of day Foam Party • NEW! Veggie-tastic Shows • NEW! Maize Maze • NEW! Baby Animals 01525 852954 Plus lots more summer fun! Near Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH

MOF-AM-18-50-Summer-118x70 v4.indd 1 05/06/2018 11:21

Issue 35 July/August 2018 email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 familiesonline.co.uk Editor’s Welcome 4-5 News Grab your sunglasses, hats and sunscreen and let the Summertime adventures begin! It’s time to kick off 6-8 Education our shoes and make the most out of being outdoors with our families, as Parenting we re – energize in the sun. 9 It’s been an absolute joy putting this issue together, bringing you 10-11 Summer Feature inspirational ideas on planning contents outdoor adventures and, sharing with you some of the best local Summer days out. 12-13 Summer Days Out I will also be running some awesome competitions on our Facebook Page over the Summer, so please do 14-15 What’s On like, share us, and enter. Wishing you all a warm, beautiful and memorable Summer! & Competitions Michéllin

To advertise in this magazine contact: BEGINNERS Michéllin Store - Editor Make sure to pick up the Find us and like us on Facebook SPECIAL OFFER Sept/ Oct ‘Back to School’ m: 07824 377175 Facebook.com/familiesbedfordshire e: [email protected] issue. Out on the Aug 3. Sarah Harmer - Designer Follow us on Twitter 4 WEEKS @FamiliesBeds www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk FREE TISKA CLUB

ClassesBEGINNERS held SPECIAL OFFER Every Tuesday at 5.30pm 4 WEEKS Every Saturday at 10.30am FREE TISKA DUNSTABLE The Chalk Hills LeagraveCLUB High Street Classes held LU4 0NE Every Tuesday at 5.30pm5.30pm For more informaAon please contact us on Every Saturday at 10.00am10.30am

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure 07709327274 or 01753 882012 and Barring CerAficates The Chalk Hills Academy

[email protected] High Street www.Aska.com Luton LU4 0NE

For more informaAon please contact us on

All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure 07709327274 or 01753 882012 and Barring CerAficates

[email protected] www.Aska.com

Families is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Bedfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Bedfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, Families Bedfordshire and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

2 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk 4-5 News

6-8 Education

9 Parenting

10-11 Summer Feature

12-13 Summer Days Out Luton Culture Presents 14-15 What’s On & Competitions

Take a journey of d ! iscovery this summer

Thursday 26 July – Sunday 19 August

Family fun for children aged 3-8. WATCH an exciting performance, LEARN new skills and MAKE something fun Book your family session now Box Office Tickets Tel: 01582 878100 £9 www.lutonculture.com p ps

Stockwood Discovery Centre London Road Luton, LU1 4LX

WeAreLutonCulture lutonculture

LCUL_9282_2_A4_Poster_AW.indd 1 27/04/2018 14:53 NEWS

Mischief Makers – the 2018 Schools join research into Summer Reading Challenge the effect of air pollution Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during on children’s health the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence. 2018 will be the 20th challenge. It’s open to primary school children of every ability. This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary certificate and medal. next year. Children can choose, Children are challenged to recommend and review books at read at least six library books the Book Sorter on the Challenge over the school holidays and website. This is the largest collect incentives, such as stickers, database of children’s peer-peer to earn their final challenge reading recommendations.

For more information visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Over 3,000 primary school This study will tell us 4 in 10 UK Parents Believe a children in polluted areas of whether this type of low London and Luton will have emission zone improves Sun Tan is Healthy their lung health monitored children’s lung growth and Research released by the MET over a four-year period in a development, and whether office and NHS reveals relaxed new international study led they should be implemented in attitudes to sun care amongst by Queen Mary University of towns and cities in the UK and many parents. London, launched by the Mayor globally. The study found that 34% of London Sadiq Khan. The researchers will find think a sun tan helps build The CHILL study (Children’s out if improving air quality resistance to the sun while 37% Health in London & Luton) encourages children to think a sun tan is a sign of good is funded by the National spend more time exercising health. Institute for Health Research. outdoors. However, according to NHS It will test whether policies to The researchers will England, there’s no safe or improve air quality, such as compare the health of two healthy way to get a tan. It London’s new Ultra Low Emission large groups of primary school doesn’t protect your skin from the Zone (ULEZ), are associated with children (aged 6–9 years). sun’s harmful effects and is a sign improved growth of children’s 1,500 children will come that the skin has been damaged lungs and reduced chest from central London primary and is trying to protect itself. don’t always stop UV rays, so symptoms. schools where the ULEZ will Repeated sun exposure can lead it’s very easy to get sunburnt Researchers from the be implemented, and 1,500 to skin cancer. in the UK, even when it’s not University of Bedfordshire children from primary schools The MET says that UV levels particularly warm. Parents can and Queen Mary University in Luton, a large town close to are usually highest between check the UV forecast on the of London are currently London with a broadly similar May and September. Clouds Met Office app. recruiting schools to take part. population and air quality.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/livewell For more info, including how to join the study, or www.metoffice.gov.uk visit the CHILL website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/chill/

Early Years Care Better for Children’s Development A study funded by the friends or non-Ofsted registered associated with Department of Education carers, it was more beneficial for a similar amounts of has found that the provision 2-year old’s development to have benefit for social of early education to spent time in early education and and behavioural children aged 2 has a care in a group-based setting, outcomes. significant positive effect on such as a nursery or playgroup, or The Study of their language and socio- with a registered childminder. Early Education emotional development Interestingly, the report found and Development when they reach age 3. This that increased time spent with (SEED) is is regardless of their family’s registered childminders at age 2 is following the level of advantage. associated with a better outcome development The report found that no in terms of verbal development of almost 6,000 matter how rich and how for children at age 3 than time children in high the quality of a child’s spent in group-based settings. England from home environment is or if early However, spending time in ages 2 to 7. childcare is provided by relatives, group or childminder settings is For more information visit www.natcen.ac.uk

4 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk NEWS

Come join Bedfordshire Mums Network Group!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Mum’s Networking Facebook Group

In the group you will find: RECRUITING NOW! - Local Family Activities To join Lesley Hawksley, a successful business woman, this group - Advice/Support is seeking 5 working partners to work part - time please - Opportunities to Buy/ from home, alongside and without compromising use the family commitments or current career. following Sell/ Recommend link: If you have a Supervisory, Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self - Employed background, or you wish https:/www.facebook.com/groups/ to develop an extraordinary lifestyle. 2047581442181545/?ref=bookmarks Please call Lesley on 07532 616787

WIN an Annual Family Pass to Gulliver’s World Milton Keynes (worth more than £300!)

Magical memories are created every day at Gulliver’s World, which is specially designed for children aged 2 to 13. So there really is something for children of all ages to explore and enjoy!

From theme park classics like the rollercoaster, log flume and dodgems to weird and wonderful rides and attractions, there’s loads to discover and new things to see and do all the time. Attractions include soft play areas, interactive shows, activities and entertainment, as well as life-size and lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, SFEAR high ropes climbing challenge, Splash Zones and a Nerf Zone.

An Annual Family Pass entitles you to visit as many times as you wish for one year and is valid for up to four people. And there is free parking all day, every day!

For more information, visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk

TO ENTER Email your answers ✸ Tell us in 50 words ✸ How likely are you to respond to a to the following questions (and the (or more) why you piece of advertising you see in Families? name of the town/village where you find Families magazine a Very likely live) to [email protected] a useful tool for b Possibly no later than 17 August 2018: family life? c Unlikely

Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. There must be at least one adult and one child in each party admitted.

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 Bedfordshire 5 EDUCATION Preparing Your Child for School If your child is starting school in September, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this big new adventure!

Firstly, don’t worry if they can’t read a word or write their own name. The ability to interact, communicate and exercise a degree of independence is actually far more important than reading or writing skills when a child starts school. In fact, research shows a link between strong personal, social and emotional skills in Reception and higher levels of attainment in the future. So if you want to strengthen your child’s skills in these areas, here are some tips.

Independence The aim is for children to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and their actions at school. Help your child learn to get dressed, put on their coats/shoes, go to the toilet, tidy away toys and select their own activity resources.

Communication and Language Research demonstrates that competent speakers develop into competent readers and writers; without competent spoken language, learning to read and write is more difficult. Language allows children to interact with the world. Being able to communicate their message effectively is satisfying and develops their esteem and self-confidence. Model good spoken language, with correct pronunciation of sounds, and encourage your child to speak in full sentences using an expanding vocabulary. Talk to your child about their experiences and feelings throughout the day and develop a positive ethos around the importance of communicating and expressing feelings, of any kind. This will have multiple benefits (including knowing how your child is really feeling and maintaining an Often the most open and trusting rapport), both now and in effective learning the future. occurs when a child is left to his own Sharing and Interaction devices, without nicely- The more opportunities your child gets to prepared resources and interact and learn how to share and take prescriptive instructions turns, the less of a shock it will be when about how to do he or she starts school! However, expect this something. to be an on-going process. Allow your child lots of opportunities to play with siblings and organise lots of play dates. If disagreements occur between children, talk to them about how to resolve issues, modelling language and Physical (Gross and Fine Motor Skills) do something. Make a conscious effort to behaviour which gives them strategies and All activities require some sort of physicality, step back and allow your child the opportunity words to prevent or resolve disagreements in whether it be large (gross) or small (fine) to use his initiative and develop his creative, the future. movements. Gross motor skills are developed imaginative and innovative skills through when hopping, skipping, running, jumping, exploring, investigating and initiating his own galloping, balancing, pedalling a bike, using learning. Children learn by exploring, trying out Respect for Behavioural Boundaries a scooter, climbing, throwing, catching, and and adapting ideas for themselves and taking At school, behavioural expectations kicking a ball. Varying the speed and direction ownership. Present your child with a large and boundaries are likely to include: of movement activities also develops spatial cardboard box (and the opportunity to access ● Listening the first time they are awareness. Your child can have fun developing other resources/toys). See what he or asked to pay attention fine motor skills at home with every day she does with it. In the latter stages of his or ● Keeping hands/feet to themselves activities such as using pegs and scissors, her ‘creation’ you may wish to step in to play ● Sharing and taking turns bead threading, button fastening, moulding too, but allow your child to initiate the ● Looking after things play-dough, and painting. direction of the play and conversation. ● Tidying away All the above skills can be naturally ● Being kind to others Exploring and Investigating weaved into your everyday lives. Enjoy You can reinforce these expectations at Often the most effective learning occurs and treasure these precious last few home by teaching children to respect when a child is left to his own devices, months with your child at home, and themselves, their actions and the feelings without nicely-prepared resources and keep the above tips in mind to promote a of others. prescriptive instructions about how to positive start to your child’s school life.

Sarah McKinlay is a mother and school teacher with qualifications in psychology and can provide support and strategies to give your child a happy transition to school. For more information visit www.bounceparental.co.uk

6 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk EDUCATION Preparing Your Child for School How to seize the summer with Explore Learning The summer holidays are Send a postcard a great time for families to Let your friends and family know spend time together. However, what you’ve been up to. They’re it can also be a time when only short so are a wonderful children forget some of the way to get a bit of writing going skills they have mastered at during the holidays. If your child school. is reluctant to write, then why not Miss Evans, a year 6 teacher, try a postcard app like ‘By Post’? stated “Teachers often find that They can take their own pictures children begin the new school to make into postcards and type year having forgotten key skills. their message. It is important that children have Read, read and read opportunities over the summer some more Tuition to a tuition centre where there break to continue to develop their Pop a book in your bag so you can To keep your children progressing are lots of other children getting abilities.” use this when travelling on days over the summer, a tuition centre involved. Explore Learning offers out. We will be uploading weekly is a great option. Prevent the battle free taster sessions, so get in Here are some ideas from activities that you can complete ground of getting children to do touch today by calling Charlotte Gater, Head of with your child to help keep work at home and get them along 033 01243802. Curriculum at Explore Learning, them engaged with what they on how to seize the summer. are reading. Visit explorelearning. Explore Learning was voted Start a blog co.uk/summer to find out more the number one private tuition Explore Learning is Give your child a little note book and download your first activity! centre in the UK. With over 137 offering a saving to jots ideas down whilst you are Play some games centres nationwide, Since 2001, of £50 to the first 65 out and about, then write up These are great for so many they have helped over 200,000 members who what you’ve done. Take lots of reasons, from developing children aged 4 to 14 to achieve join between 11th July – pictures as these are a great tool language to improving memory their potential. They get to know 11th August 2018. to help children who find writing skills. Needs some new games? every child as an individual, giving Visit tricky. Encourage them to describe Have a scavenger hunt in local them the space to unlock their explorelearning.co.uk/offer what is happening in the picture charity shops to see who in the imagination and discover the T&Cs apply. to get their creativity flowing. family can find the best game. magic of learning.

Award- winning maths and English tuition

Research shows 2 OF CHILDREN FALL BEHIND 3 IN THEIR STUDIES OVER

We believe that progress shouldn’t stop at the end of term and crucially, research shows it shouldn’t either.

Why not try us for free? The first 033 0124 3802 | explorelearning.co.uk

65 NEW MEMBERS* Your nearest centres are in Bedford, Luton Park and SAVE £50 Luton Dunstable Road.

*11th July - 11th August 2018, T&C’s apply

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 Bedfordshire 7 EDUCATION

‘Natural The Benefits of environments have a marked effect on children; it brings to them a calmness, Forest School creating a space for peacefulness and reflection that may otherwise be difficult for them to experience in their day to day lives.’

freedom to be physically active thereby improving their stamina, co-ordination and overall physical well-being.

Staying Safe but Taking Risks Many of our children are now sheltered from taking risks. Whilst staying safe is always important, children nowadays are not encouraged to manage risk on their own. Forest School gives children space to be part of a ‘wild’ yet safe Summer is here! That means spending more time outside and enjoying the benefits of nature. environment. They can learn more independently and are With the blessings of sunny The variety of benefits that Developing Resourcefulness encouraged to assess and take days upon us we begin to children can experience and Creativity supervised risks and to deal with really appreciate the benefits of by taking part in Forest With no defined projects, kit and test their own abilities in spending time with our children School activities are worth or targets to meet, children are unfamiliar and unpredictable outdoors. considering if you’re looking free to explore the environment, situations such as when for ways to entertain your think of something to create, climbing trees. With the increasing pressure on children this summer. find what they may need and children to do well at school, the Some of these include: use these things to make it: a Understanding Nature presence of 24-hour social media, magic wand, a bow and arrow, and the Environment along with the loss of ‘free play’ Letting Kids Be Kids a stick frame. This builds the If there is one thing about being options and time that most of Forest Schools are fun and foundations of resourceful and in nature, it’s that it’s always us experienced as children, are encourage children to play, creative thinking. changing. So there is never a just some of the reasons why we explore and discover. Having shortage of things to see and should take every opportunity freedom to follow their Allowing Reflection explore. Spending more time and make time to be outdoors interests, they are allowed to Children today have so many outside means children can – even if it is raining – I believe run, make a noise and get their distractions and pressures. Target begin to understand the seasons, we can find beauty in all of the hands dirty. It doesn’t get any driven school life, social media, identify different animals, elements. better than that! computer games and, if in the insects, trees, and flowers and Nurseries, other organisations city, urban stimulation. Natural observe plant and animal life offering after school and holiday Developing Resilience environments have a marked cycles - all important parts of clubs and even some state Building dens, playing games effect on children; it brings living in our world. Encouraging and independent schools are and lighting fires all come with to them a calmness, creating children to develop a also actively offering children their unique challenges and a space for peacefulness and relationship with the natural opportunities to learn whilst inevitable disappointments: a reflection that may otherwise be world also helps them to outside. den may fall over, a fire takes difficult for them to experience in value the importance of time to prepare and start. their day to day lives. protecting the environment The idea of ‘Forest School’ Forest School is a safe space for generations to come. exemplifies this concept. in which these challenges can Improving Physical Health Originating in Scandinavia, be met and overcome, thus It’s a no-brainer that being Forest School offers children building lifelong skills. outside allows children the the chance to explore, play and learn in nature, as part of a group, with a qualified leader and away from the If you’re feeling inspired and would like to offer your children classroom. a taste of what Forest School is all about, Jane Worroll and Research has shown that Peter Houghton’s book ‘A Year of Forest School’ offers a children and young people host of free and fun seasonal activities that you can try just are not only stimulated by the by heading outside to your local park or woods, outdoors but over time, learning about the outdoors helps improve whatever the weather. their self-awareness, confidence, For more information visit self-motivation, empathy, www.facebook.com/theforestschoolway communication and problem- or www.theforestway.com solving skills, sense of belonging and emotional well-being.

8 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk PARENTING Raising a compassionate child Children have an inborn capacity for compassion. Small in stature themselves, they naturally identify By Miriam Rowland with stuffed animals, other children, pets, and underdogs.

However, this natural empathy even though ideally you should must compete with other limit this. If you cannot keep developmental forces including your tone and your words under limited impulse control and their control, try not to engage with belief that their needs must your partner on sensitive subjects absolutely come first – always! when your children are around. However, when arguments do With so much hatred and happen, the key is to prevent turmoil in the world, not to them impacting your children: mention the extraordinary if you fight in front of them, child-centredness of our society, make up in front of them too. A it seems more important than good rule of thumb is: if children ever to raise children who can never see conflict resolution in a understand and be kind to other relationship, they will be unlikely people. to be able to resolve conflicts in their own later relationships. Teaching kindness doesn’t Make sure to take the other mean lectures or visits to party’s perspective into account food banks. It can be part of when resolving your difficulties. everyday life and you can Speak for those who cannot model it in how you answer speak for themselves your child’s questions, how Children frequently exhibit you help your child solve empathy toward babies, who conflict in the playground naturally elicit empathy as part and, how you nurture of an evolutionary adaptation to their growing capacity to ensure that they get taken care understand and think about of by older humans. To make other people. the most of this phenomenon, make sure to discuss and wonder Of course, temperament aloud with your child about plays a role – some children are what babies (and pets) may be naturally more tuned into other Children are feeling. people’s feelings and difficulties watching Model respect for those whilst others are a bit oblivious. you to learn who seem different Either way, you have the appropriate ways Children are naturally fascinated influence and the ability to foster of behaving and by those who are different. your child’s ability to empathise. interacting... If a child is curious about someone with a disability, don’t Take it in small doses and just shush them. Make friends don’t expect too much from with the person and allow your them at first. It’ll be a slow and Connect feelings, thoughts may have been thinking or child to see that this person gradual journey for your child and behaviours feeling at the time. is more similar to him than to understand that other people When talking about feelings, Let them see YOU resolve different. Often, the person have feelings, and that their use words to explain how conflicts in your life will explain his disability to your feelings count. certain behaviours connect with Almost everyone argues in front child, if your child is prompted to these feelings so children can of their children sometimes, ask respectful questions. Teach children about understand cause and effect. emotions This can be done through stories, Children can’t empathise with play-acting or reading books. Talk what others are feeling if they to children about the thoughts, don’t know how to use words to feelings and behaviours of the describe their own emotions. As characters. What might the your child goes through their day, characters do next? make sure to point out which Connect these scenarios with emotions you see them feel, your child’s own experiences. and also which ones you’re For example, if a character is sad feeling too. because she misses her parents, Model how to connect that feeling to a time value feelings the child also expressed sadness Whenever possible, model about something similar. This warmth and empathy towards helps your child more clearly others when you are with your understand the connection children. Children are watching between feelings, thoughts and you to learn appropriate ways of behaviours. behaving and interacting, and After conflicts, discuss what are known to be influenced by everyone was feeling the behaviours they see around Don’t try to discuss feelings while them. You can be a good role your child is hitting his sibling. model by acknowledging and Once you’ve separated the two valuing others’ feelings, and of them and they have calmed showing understanding and down, it is great to go back and sympathy when someone is sad, talk about what each child was upset, distressed, frustrated or in feeling. Younger children can be need of help. helped to figure out what they

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 Bedfordshire 9 SUMMER FEATURE

Outdoor AdventuresBy Claire Winter

The weather is getting warmer and the summer holidays are looming. Families takes a look at some cool, outdoor adventure activities to get everyone off their screens and enjoying the great outdoors.

Ziplining up until the end of September. Liquid Leisure Adrenaline junkies can experience Europe’s (www.liquidleisure.com), Europe’s largest fastest zipline in Wales. The Zip World Aqua Park based in Datchet, near Windsor, Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales is also the has amazing inflatable play zones, including longest zip wire in the world. There are age a floating trampoline and is suitable for and height restrictions, so please check on children aged 6. There is also a park in Oxford their website for details. For the velocity zip (www.oxfordaquapark.com) and one in wire, children need to be aged 10+. Rutland (www.aquaparkrutland.co.uk). More information at www.zipworld.co.uk. Wild Swimming Park Run Swimming in hidden lakes, rivers and If you haven’t come across the phenomena secret coves is all part of the wild swimming that is Park Run you should check out your movement. You can check out places to visit local options. Volunteers set up 5km races in via their website at www.wildswimming. parks across the UK and there are now 500 co.uk. Please ensure that you and your locations. They also do shorter runs for kids family are strong swimmers and stay safe aged 4 to 14, which are 2km long. at all times. We go running as a family about once a Rock Climbing month and then have a massive brunch Take yourself to new heights and learn afterward. It’s a great way to exercise new skills climbing on real rocks. together and best of all it’s free! Newquay Riding Stables in Cornwall Climbing courses are great for building More information at www.parkrun.org.uk. (www.newquayridingstables.co.uk) offers confidence and inner resilience. There are Horseriding on the Beach beautiful scenic beach and coastal rides. lots of outdoor climbing courses that you Even for a beginner, there is nothing quite You can also ride on the beach with can undertake in the Lake or Peak District. like riding a horse on a beach. Studland Riding stables in Dorset More information at (www.studlandstables.com). www.pureoutdoor.co.uk. Coasteering Caving Coasteering is an exhilarating activity that If you are feeling really brave, why not try a allows you to explore rocks and the sea. It family caving trip? Not good if you don’t like Swimming lessons combines rock climbing and scrambling, with enclosed spaces, but the kids will love the jumping and swimming in the water. Britain challenge of exploring underground. Caving has an amazing and varied coastline and many specialist www.gocave.com offers a variety from little fishes locations that offer coasteering. of caving trips for people aged 6 to 60 in a You wear a wetsuit and helmet for the activity, variety of locations around the UK. classes for babies/toddlers and preschool children and it is suitable for children aged 8+. Wilderness Survival teaches valuable lifesaving There is a plethora of coasteering companies Embrace your inner Ray Mears by trying skills in Britain. Favourite locations are in one of the many bush craft or wilderness involves sub-surface Wales (www.celticquestcoasteering.com), survival courses on offer. You can take the swimming Scotland (www.myadventure.org.uk) whole family on a three-day course in Kent warm pools perfect for babies Dorset and Cornwall and learn how to make a basic shelter, light we teach structured and (www.xtremecoasteering.co.uk). fire without matches and cook on an open progressive lessons through play and having fun Navigation Skills in the Lake District fire. More information at we have almost 20 years Never get lost again! Learn basic navigation www.natural-pathways.co.uk. experience and teach over skills and how to use a compass in the fells. Canoeing 1800 babies/children to swim each week. Lots of outdoor centres also offer beginner, A canoe is perfect for a family adventure intermediate and advanced navigation afloat. You can canoe on lakes, rivers and the courses. More information at sea and it’s an accessible sport for the whole Little Fishes are pleased to offerclasses at various locations, for more www.thelakedistrictwalker.co.uk. family. You can share kayaks and double details please contact us Aqua Parks canoes too. Suitable for children aged 8+, Outdoor water play parks are popping up all this activity is fabulous fun for the whole Tel: 01707 276734 over the UK, and they offer a great way to burn family. You can find canoeing activities all Mobile: 07805 309102 [email protected] off some steam during the warmer months. You over the country at www.littlefishesswimclub.co.uk can wear wetsuits and can usually go to a park www.britishcanoeing.org.uk.

10 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk SUMMER FEATURE 5 Summer Holiday Activities to Boost your Family’s Wellbeing By Dani Binnington

Children work very hard during the school unstructured play-time to feature as often as year and rightly deserve some time off to possible. It is actually good for your child to Holidays are a great time to enjoy themselves. The summer holidays be bored! During the school year, your child’s undertake family activities like cycling, are a great time to refresh and recharge. days are filled with school work, activities, walking or even learning a new board With a careful bit of planning, they also sports and clubs, leaving very little time for game, but they can also include some provide a brilliant opportunity for children to them (or us) to even think about what they powerful and simple activities that develop key habits that will help them thrive WANT to be doing. Sometimes our children will stimulate the brains of all family when they go back to school in the autumn. need to feel bored to come up with creative members and help each one to get in Remember to allow down time and ways of spending their time. touch with their inner self. Here are my top 5 strategies for boosting you and your child’s physical and mental wellbeing this summer:

Practice Self-Care your child about their goals and doesn’t need to be a bungee- Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga Teaching our children the dreams. Everyday life often leaves jump! You could order some clay teacher and wellness warrior 1important practice of self- us with too little time to speak and try making a vase; cook a dedicated to providing practical care is vital for their development about anything that isn’t entirely new healthy recipe, which your steps for achieving physical and and a great building block for necessary. Allow your child to child picks out of a magazine; mental wellbeing for the whole their adult life. It’s great to start dream! Then set a realistic goal or head to your nearest car boot family. For more inspiration, during the holidays when they which your child can achieve sale and sell some old toys. recipes, classes and events, visit are less governed by a strict over the holidays. It can be as Have a Happy Summer! www.healtywholeme.com timetable. Allow your child to little or big as appropriate. From tell you when they need to rest drawing a picture for each family or when they want to read; offer member to learning a new skill, CHAPTERHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY them a bath in the middle of like roller blading. Setting a the day if they feel they would goal, working towards it and like to relax. These things help achieving it is an empowering connect us to our gut-feelings, and positive experience. You which are usually overridden can always remind your child by our schedule and to-do list. about how successfully he or Learn to give your body and she achieved this goal later on mind what it needs as often during the school year if things as possible. are tough.

Get Talking Explore A weekly family meeting Cultivate curiosity. Why 2offers many benefits. Set 4does our brain ‘grow up’ a time and arrange a place for and stop being curious and your family to gather. No phones explorative when we become or other gadgets allowed. No an adult? Explore more, see the television. You can either set world with big, wide, open eyes. a topic that you would like to Maybe go for a walk in your local discuss (like the next family neighborhood and walk down holiday or even a rewards chart streets that you have not been The Swiss Garden you want to get started) or allow down before. Your child can Old Warden, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP anything to come up. This practice take a packed-lunch and you can Thursday 16th August, 6:30pm is about listening and being make it into a real adventure. listened to. You could start by Or print off a map and ask your Ticket and Information: asking each person to tell the rest child to lead you to a certain of the family how their week has destination. Or maybe watch a 01767 627933 Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm been so far. Practice listening and YouTube video about weird and www.shuttleworth.org/robinhood teach your child not to interrupt. wonderful animals together. Being listened to without the Something that takes you out usual daily interruptions is a of your everyday experience will Adult £16 / Child £10 / Family (2 adults, 2 children) £46 very powerful experience for offer you and your child a fun 10% discount for parties of 10 or more adults and children alike. way to connect. Gates open at 5:30pm Discuss Goals Try Something New With hopefully a little more Discuss with your child what 3time at hand and longer 5you could try out that is summer evenings to be enjoyed, new to you both. Pick something it can be lovely to talk with age and budget-appropriate. It

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 Bedfordshire 11

Families Beds QP July - Aug 2018.indd 1 30/05/2018 10:29:02 SUMMER DAYS OUT

The Magical Milton Maize Maze NEW Attractions at Mead Open Farm

NEW for 2018 - From 23 the pumpkin house and up July – 31 August, enjoy a high to the veggie tower-there’s spectacular summer day out hours of play! There’s NEW with lots of new attractions at funny shows daily too plus Mead Open Farm’s join in with amazing NEW Summer of Fun! end of day foam parties With a BRAND NEW on the farm, the perfect way state of the art Play Barn to cool off after all that play! featuring hours of indoor farm Throughout August the famous fun and an amazing new cafe Maize Maze will be back too, serving barista coffee, wood scamper through over 4 acres fired pizzas and homemade of corn fun to earn a prize! treats you won’t want to Best of all, all the extra miss it! Adventure through veggie fun is included in Farmer Rob has been busy – so remember your towel! the professor’s NEW indoor admission- it’s going to be getting the Maze ready and We will also have the wooden vegetable wash, climb inside veggie-tastic! this year you can explore maze, and all the activities in our giant 7 acre Magical and the Field of Fun; Go karts, For further information and prices call 01525 852954 Mythical Maze - perhaps you Duck Racing, Zip Wire, The or visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk will come across a Phoenix or Milton Mine & The Tractor Unicorn along the way! and Trailer ride around the Following the success and farm. Exhibition at John Bunyan Museum popularity of Jezo’s visits You won’t go hungry as there last year we will have daily will be a daily BBQ on The Field entertainment in our large of Fun or you can have a cup of entertainment marquee “The coffee and a delicious slice of Crazy Cornitorium”, with cake in The Old Dairy Café. daily shows from the end All of the attractions in the of July. field of fun are included in Water Wars will return the entrance price. Summer Activities National Play day at St Augustine’s school playing fields Wednesday 1 August 2018 Introduction to Wildlife Trust Rangers (13 to 19 year olds) and photography “Bunyan Inspired 2” at John collection (as well as the workshop on Blows Downs Bunyan Museum, is a free buildings of Bunyan Meeting). Wednesday 8 August exhibition running from Tues Give your children the Inflatable Day in Grove House Gardens 10th July to Sat 6th October opportunity to be inspired every Friday 10 August and, at Basement at Bunyan Thursday in August from 11- Skate Jam at Dunstable Skate Park from Tues 10th to Sat 21st July. 3.30pm, with a fun programme Sunday 12 August The exhibition of artwork of children’s craft activities. On B-Fest at Beecroft school has been created by students Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd, playing fields from ‘Youth Inspired.’ (Youth and 29th August 10-12 children Thursday 16 August Inspired is a Community can have a go at some of the ‘It’s a Knock Out’ inflatable team Interest Company for young creative techniques on display in challenge game. Bennett Memorial people and adults with the exhibition. Recreation Ground autism, learning disabilities, Monday 20 August and mental health issues). Opening Hrs. Tues- Sat 11am – Art Attack in Priory Gardens The students used different 4pm. Admission is free. Thursday 23 August – artistic techniques and, were John Bunyan Museum, Mill For more details please visit inspired by objects from John Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU. www.dunstable.gov.uk Bunyan Museum & Library’s 01234 270303

12 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk SUMMER DAYS OUT

NEW Attractions at Mead Open Farm Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious Powder. With the main chalet destination for the ski season, - Au Coin du Feu - plus two but how about a summer chalets next door, you can visit? Summer offers enough organize your own meals, or green (the mountains) and join the party at ‘Au Coin du blue (the sky) to set you up Feu’ for dinners that you usually for the whole year - and only dream of. Family friendly plenty of fresh air to fill early evening meals for your families’ lungs. the children and a daytime With reasonably priced crèche for little ones not quite flights from London airports as active as you, with drinks in to Geneva then a short drive the bar for the grown ups – or to Morzine, there is a warm in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – welcome waiting from Paul Paul and Francesca will make and Francesca Eyre at Chilly you wish that this was home! For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit http://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/activities/summer-activities/

Luton Culture’s ‘Little Stock’ Dunstable Town Council’s Exciting Annual 4 Week Activities Programme

Little Stock is a brand new immersive puppetry performance from a pair of experience of exploration for parents and wonderful wanderers, followed by a fireside Dunstable Town Council invites you to join children aged 3-8 years. This summer play tale from Grandad and puppet-making them for their annual 4-week Summer with Dinosaurs, build puppets, join the fun during Thursday 2 August to Activities Programme, starting on 1 circus and get up close and personal with Sunday 2 August. August. It is suitable for families with creepy crawlies! Join Professor Strange for his unique children and young people of all ages. Join Luton Culture at Stockwood magic show, make juggling balls and then From photography to National Play Day, Discovery Centre and a host of special use them in a jam-packed circus skills to It’s a Knock Out and The Skate Jam, guests for a new journey of discovery every workshop from Thursday 9 to Sunday there is something for all interests. week that includes live shows, unique 12 August. Inflatable Day returns to Grove House performances, arts and crafts workshops The last week you can join a bug-tastic Gardens with even more attractions to and fun activities. adventure, learn all about insects & their bounce away the hours on. Discover Dinosaurs kicks off importance to our planet. From Thursday Art Attack returns to Priory Gardens with on Thursday 26 July to Sunday 29 July. 16 - 19 August, Nick Wadham (wildlife Aboriginal themed arts to make and take. Join professional story-teller Mike Dodsworth presenter) will be running the bug-safari, For the full programme, dates, times for stone-aged stories, dinosaur arts and crafty beaded bugs workshop and creature and venues visit crafts, a lively & interactive dinosaur show close-ups. Cost: £9 each. www.dunstable.gov.uk/summer- from fantasy theatre company, Los Kaos. activities-2018 or like us on Facebook See spellbinding and interactive www.lutonculture.com 01582 878100 www.facebook.com/dunstabletowncouncil

Beat the Traffic & Take the Train to the Bedford River Festival! GroupSave Rail Tickets (Saturday(Saturday 14th16-Sunday -Sunday 17 July15th 2016) July 2018) Great rates for Families! •• Normal hourly hourly Saturday Saturday service service from Bletchley from to Third off for groups of BeBletchleydford PLUS to Bedford PLUS 3-9 adults, kids half-price,

For further information please contact: •• Special Fireworks Fireworks Flyer Flyerfrom Bfromedford Bedford at 11:10 p m calling under 5s free! Stephen Sleight Marston Vale Community atat a 11.10pmll stations t ocalling Bletchley at all stations to Bletchley Rail Partnership •• Special Sun Sundayday service service from 11:00a- fi rstm train – 6:30p fromm (c Bletchleyonnections atavailable 10.48am to Leighton Tel: 01234 832645 Bu& zzard)last train PLUS from Bedford at 5.53pm (connections at Bletchley E-mail: [email protected] • Aavailable number otof dir Leightonect services Buzzard to Milton & Keynes Milton C entralKeynes on SunCentral)day for the first time! Visit our website! • Great free fun family day out: Carnival Parade, Medieval Village, Live Music, • Great free fun family day out: Carnival Parade, live www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Dragon Boat Race, Fairground & much more! Find us on Facebook! • Don’tentertainment, fancy the River river Festival? events, Ridgmont funfair, Station sports, Heritage arts andCentre also open all www.facebook.com/marstonvalecrp weheritageekend Fr villagesee entry! and so much more! Follow us on Twitter! Lots of other great value days out by train this summer - @marstonvalecrp Lotscontact of other us great for valuedetails! days out by train this summer – contact us for details!

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 Bedfordshire 13 We aim for accuracy but do check with the venue before setting out in case details have changed after What’s on print... and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Bedfordshire Magazine. SUMMER READING competition WIN A COPY OF THE WORLD OF DAVID WALLIAMS: CHALLENGE ACTIVITIES BOOK OF STUFF *LUTON CENTRAL LIBRARY, In celebration of ten Published in glorious colour, this spectacularly funny St Georges Square, LU1 2NG wonderful Walliams years, feast of a book is jam-packed with exclusive sneak *LEAGRAVE LIBRARY, Families Bedfordshire peeks, fun character facts, games and quizzes. Marsh Rd, LU3 2NL is offering you the It’s the ultimate compendium for super fans, new www.lutonculture.com opportunity to win this fans and anyone who enjoys laughing out loud! 01582 878100 brand new compendium See how to enter on page 15. perfect for the ultimate SAT 14 JUL, 11AM – 12NOON David Walliams fan. For how many years has David Walliams (*Luton Central Library) Published by HarperCollins been writing children’s books? SAT 14 JUL, 2 – 3PM Children’s Books this is a) 50 b) 2 c) 10 (*Leagrave Library) David Walliams’ first ever Closing Date:17 August. Tricky Tricksters & Popular activity book, perfect for bags of fun this summer! For T&Cs, see www.familiesonline.co.uk Pranksters! Interactive story telling adventure. Follow fox through wildwoods DANCING WED 1 AUG and city playground to play pranks RECRUITMENT: FRI 6 JUL Celebrate Play on Playday UK with Anansi, make up jokes with RECRUITING NOW! Barn Dance Playday is a campaign that Loki, howl with coyote and make 7.30pm - 11pm highlights the importance of mischief with monkey. Christ the King Parish Hall play in children’s lives. Cost: £3. Ages: 5+ Harrowden Road, Bedford You can hold and register your MK42 0SP own Playday event or find one MON 6 AUG Prize for best dressed person. close to you by visiting (*Luton Central Library) Bar available, Raffle, Bring www.playday.org.uk Mischief Makers Comic your own food. Pond Dipping and Underwater Workshop For info call on 01234 965497 Bingo - Kids Outdoor Activity Learn how to create your own Forest Centre Beds, MK43 0PS comic books, cartoons and other WALKS 9.45am, 11.30am & 1.45pm graphic ways of storytelling with If you have a Supervisory, SAT 21 JUL Ages: 5 – 10. Nigel Baines. Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Bee Walk Create your own Underwater Cost: £3. Ages: 8+ Recruitment or Self - Employed Woburn Abbey and Gardens Bingo-indoor crafts. No need to background, or you wish Bedfordshire MK17 9WA wear waterproofs – not going TUES 28 AUG – SUN 2 SEP to develop an extraordinary Ages: Suitable all ages underwater. (*All Luton Libraries) lifestyle. Lesley Hawksley, a Scientific studies have shown a www.marstonvale.org Summer Reading Challenge successful business woman, decline in many British insects over Celebration is seeking 5 working the last 50 years. During the Bee CAMPING A free celebratory event for partners to work part - time Walk you will learn the importance SAT 4 AUG - SUN 5 AUG those taking part in the Summer from home, alongside and of attracting bees to your garden The Big Wild Sleepout RSPB Reading Challenge. There will be without compromising family and, more importantly, how to The Lodge fun activities for the whole family. commitments or current career. attract them. The Lodge, Potton Road, Free. Ages: Suitable for school Please call Lesley on www.woburnabbey.co.uk Sandy, SG19 2DL aged children 07532 616787 Camp for a night under the Silsoe, Bedfordshire, stars. Connect with nature. MK45 4HR Twilight walks, star gazing with competition WIN TICKETS TO MEAD OPEN FARM MON 23 - FRI 27 JUL, Sandy Astronomical Society & THIS SUMMER! MON 20 - FRI 24 AUG warm up around the fire with To win tickets to Mead Open Farm, all you have to do is go to page Fairy Finders marshmallows. 12 and read the news piece ‘New Attractions at Mead Open Farm’ to 11am - 5pm 01767 693333. answer the question below: Tip toe around the gardens to www.rspb.org.uk find the smallest, most magical What can you climb inside this summer in the NEW! Indoor residents! Victorian adventurers EVENTS Play Barn at Mead Open Farm? will guide you around the site FRI 20 - SUN 29 JUL a) The Pumpkin House and tell you fascinating stories IF: MILTON KEYNES b) Big Ben inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL c) A Christmas Tree experience with fairies. How Multi – arts programme, includes See how to enter on page 15. Closing Date: 16 July 2018. many doorways will you find? new outdoor theatre, circus, TUE 28 - FRI 31 AUG stand up comedy, Live Music, Family Activities and Free Events...... Ugly Bug Safari JOHN 11am - 5pm www.ifmiltonkeynes.org Family holiday fun Join in on the big hunt for some FRI 20 JULY BUNYAN DISCOVER A warm welcome Summer exhibition mini beasts. Discover the secret Festival Central, MUSEUM THE BEDFORD MAN School and group visits Bedford WHOSE WRITINGS life of creepy friends and create Campbell Park MK9 4AD ...... Open February to TOUCHED October half-terms* your own to take home. 9.45pm (Firework finale at Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU Tue to Sat, 11am to 4pm www.english-heritage.org.uk/ 10.30pm - timings approximate) www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum THE WORLD... *Closed Good Friday 01234 270303 wrestpark Streets light up with super-sized

...... Insects - giant cycle-powered SAT 28 - SUN 29 JUL steam-breathing ants, spiders and Kite Festival praying mantises. Parade starts at Dunstable Downs and the INTU MK (Saxon Gate East side) Whipsnade Estate, firework finale in Campbell Park. Dunstable Road, LU6 2GY SAT 21 & SUN 22 JULY 11am - 5pm Le Théâtre de la Toupine: Cow Show-stopping kite displays. Go Round & Mooh Organ Giant kite displays, synchronised Free. 11am - 1pm and team routines and power kites. 2pm - 5pm both days www.nationaltrust.org.uk Carousel of extraordinary cows,

14 Families Bedfordshire July/August 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk crafted from wood, scrap & crafts & community stalls. The Lodge, Leighton Buzzard leather. 2 - 6 years old can www.partyonpotton.org.uk Potton Road, Sandy, Library Theatre climb onto the carousel. Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Houghton Hall Park Only goes round if grown-ups SAT 25 AUG www.rspb.org.uk Park Rd N, , WIN A COPY OF THE WORLD OF DAVID WALLIAMS: milk mechanical cow providing Kempston Fun Day Sun 8 Jul 2018 Dunstable, LU 5FU BOOK OF STUFF all the power. Addison Howard Park, Bedford THE ADVENTURES OF DR www. SAT 21 JULY & SUN 22 JULY Road, MK42 8PN DOLITTLE BY ILLYRIA leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre. Theatre of Widdershins: 12noon - 5pm. Free. Ages: 4+ co.uk Treasure Chest Tales Fun & entertainment, charity and Show starts at 6pm. PIRATE PEARL AND THE BLUE and Furry Tales trade stalls, displays, arena events, Entry from 5pm. MONSTER 11am, 12.50pm and 2.40pm children’s rides and refreshments. A funny, much-loved and exciting Sat 18 Aug 1.30pm & 4pm both days Profits are distributed to local adventure, with a strong message Join Pearl aboard the Mirabel All Ages. Free needy people and organizations. about responsibility towards Ship as she sales the 7 seas, & Music, puppets & audience 0779 207 2741 animals and the environment. finding a little blue monster on this interaction. Treasure Chest swashbuckling pirate adventure Tales: Stone Soup, Granny Milton Keynes Theatre with her shipmate Grandpa Bert. Dumpling and The Princess and Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 the Pea. Furry Tales: Three Little LOCAL THEATRE GUIDE Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes Grove Theatre Pigs, Goldilocks and Three Billy Bedford Pavillion www.atgtickets.com/ Grove Park, Goats Gruff. Park Ave, Bedford, miltonkeynes Court Drive, MK41 7SS DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Dunstable FRI 24 AUG - Pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk Thurs 19 – Sat 21 July 01582 602080 MON 27 AUG ROMEO AND JULIET Ages: 3+ www.grovetheatre.co.uk Party On Potton Fri 6 Jul, 7.30pm Dinosaur World Live brings Wed 22 – Sat 25 Aug Henry Smith Playing Field, Mods and Rockers style. Set on dinosaurs to life on stage, using SLEEPING BEAUTY A NEW Brook End Beds, SG19 2QS Brighton seafront amidst the chaos stunning puppetry in an interactive MUSICAL Daytime events start of music and style, audiences can and educational live show for all at 12 noon. expect nothing short of Oddsocks the family. Carnival through the pretty chaos and comedy. SHREK THE MUSICAL town of Potton. Live music and THE TEMPEST Wed 25 Jul – Sun 5 Aug RE fun games after carnival. Sat 7 Jul, 7.30pm Shrek The Musical brings over OE Pillow bashing, giant sized Shakespeare’s tale of illusion 100 much-loved fairytale games, space hoppers, little and revenge is brought vividly to characters, plus a 14 foot dragon, familiesonline.co.uk tykes cars, zorbing, archery, life in Oddsocks’ musical Sci – fi to life in an all-singing, dog show, face painting, arts & adaption. all-dancing extravaganza.

COMPETITIONS: How to enter. Please send your answers to [email protected] with your name and contact number. Please remember to add the competition heading in the subject box & make a note of the closing date to competitions you wish to enter. Winners will be contacted by telephone call by Michéllin Store – Families Bedfordshire Magazine Editor.

Intensive Crash Courses

Monday 23rd July – Friday 27th July 8.30-9.00am Beginners 4+ 9.00-9.30am Improvers

Monday 6th August-Friday 10th August 8.30-9.00am Beginners 3+ 9.00-9.30am Improvers

Monday 20th August-Friday 24th August 8.30-9.00am Beginners 4+ 9.00-9.30am Improvers £32.50 per course

Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Beds, LU5 5PY 01582 866 141 [email protected]

www.sll.co.uk @LifestylesHRLC /LifestylesatHoughton

www.familiesonline.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07824 377175 Bedfordshire 15 Harpers Nursery & Forest School BLUNHAM EXCELLENCE IN MK44 3NX CHILDREN’S DAY CARE A unique learning l Providing a safe caring l Open from 7:30am to 6:30pm experience for environment for children – 51 weeks of the year aged 3 months to 5 years children aged l (government funding Outstanding facilities with from 6 months available) outdoor learning environment to 5 years. Please give us a call today or visit the website to arrange a viewing.

Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas Limited spaces now available for 30 hours of FUNDED childcare

Banana Moon Day Nursery, The Old Vicarage, www.harpersnursery.co.uk 132 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BQ Tel: 01234 855492 bananamoon-kempston.co.uk Tel: 01767 641499

Toad Hall Nursery Church Road, Colmworth Looking for childcare? We pride ourselves on offering the very highest standard of care to all our children and ensuring they experience a safe and stimulating environment that promotes children’s learning and development.

Reasons to choose Toad hall: ● Extracurricular activities including Spanish and sports (all inclusive) ● Nutritionally balanced menus cooked fresh on site daily ● Large, stimulating garden to explore, where children have free flow access from rooms ● Discounts for emergency services and NHS available ● 2,3 and 4 year old funding available ● Experienced, qualified staff all holding DBS and paediatric first aid

For further information Please contact us on : Telephone: 01234 378880 Email: [email protected] Or find us on www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk or Facebook.com/ToadHallNurseryColmworth