BEDFORD, SANDY & BIGGLESWADE SPRING ACTIVITIES P4-5 COMPETITIONS P28 WHAT’S ON? P6, 18, 22 & 29 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2023
raring2go.co.uk 3 Raring2go! WELCOME Welcome to the Spring Edition! Spring is finally here and it is great to be able to get outdoors and enjoy all that it has to offer …Spring flowers, Lambs in the fields and lots of Easter eggs! There are plenty of ideas and suggestions throughout the magazine about places to go and things to do and in the “What’s on” guide on pages 18, 22 and 29. You can also discover more about things to do on our website www.raring2go.co.uk/area/bedfordand-biggleswade/ and by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please visit our website and subscribe to our monthly newsletters, enter our fantastic competitions and take advantage of our offers! Have a wonderful Spring and a very Happy Easter! Tilly xx 07855 952956 bedford@raring2go.co.uk p.s. Please remember to mention Raring2go! wherever you go! Copyright © 2023 by Gemini Print No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying & recording, or by any information storage & retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Raring2go! Bedford Tilly Bartens Phone: 07855 952956, Email: bedford@raring2go.co.uk All information in the booklet is published in good faith. We do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printers: Gemini Print: 01273 464884 Layout by Free Range Design: 01234 315493 General Competition Rules: No cash alternatives to prizes. Please refer to individual closing dates. Personal data only used to administer competitions. f Stay In Touch! Make sure that you re-subscribe so we can keep telling you about the great offers, competitions and things to do! @ www.raring2go.co.uk ? Are you getting your message across? Free Range design & print solutions helping you to crow about it I business cards I flyers I leaflets I logos I brochures I posters I banners I stickers I adverts... designed, printed, delivered. 01234 315493 I enquiries@freerange-design.co.uk www.freerange-design.co.uk
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! GIFT IDEAS Lets go fly a kite up to the highest height! Now we don’t want to go too deep, but Kite Flying is great for kids to learn about physics, aerodynamics, weather and ecology (with the broadest of smiles on their faces. It’s also proven that flying a kite is brilliant at helping to develop better hand-eye coordination. Plus it’s the biggest thrill ever when the wind catches it and take it soaring away! Hold a family picnic in the park Picnics are a fun and way to help escape the daily routine of mealtime. An outdoor picnic in the park is a brilliantly simple way to make an everyday event that little bit different. Eating outdoors in a group can also foster better mental health and it’s been shown to improve the habits of fussy eaters! Feeding the ducks This is a great way in which to help your children get a better understanding of nature. Kids love watching a ducks heads bobbing up and down and are amazed at their speed in racing across water to capture that tiny square of bread that has been thrown in. Make a Mothers Day Card! There are plenty of resources available to help children make that extra special mothers day card this year. The look on Mums face when she opens the ‘hand made with love card’ is will be priceless. This is a great activity to do together to really make mum feel special. Puddle Jumping There’s no upper age limit here. For some reason, even adults derive enormous pleasure from putting on their wellies for a good old puddle splashing competition! 1 3 2 4 5 10 fun Spring family
raring2go.co.uk 5 Raring2go! EDUCATION Plant a spring garden (or just a plant) Capability Brown started somewhere, probably with his parents messing around planting a few things and look where he ended up! Gardening provides family fun time plus teaches valuable lessons about mother nature at work and how things grow. Get outside! Visit a farm and spot the spring babies! There is nothing as enchanting as a childs face as they watch a lamb take its first few faltering steps. Make sure you tell your children what is happening as it is happening and then prepare yourself for a relentless barrage of questions as they witness new life beginning in a very lovely setting... Get on your BIKE! Don’t panic, most kids won’t want to cycle for miles and miles. But they’ll love that feeling of speed, power and the wind rushing by them. Make sure they’re cycle proficient before taking them on public roads. Cycling is brilliant for physical and mental wellbeing! Play Tarzan - Climb a tree Add an element of competitiveness to a tree climb by inviting them to do their best impression of Tarzan! We mean his unique wailing noise and not his agility in jumping from vine to vine or from tree to tree! Physical fun and a sense of achievement. Walk on an empty beach! If you’re lucky enough to live within a relative short drive of a beach, this is one for you.Your kids will marvel at the fact that apart from a dog walker in the distance and possibly a boat off shore, you guys have the entire beach to yourselves. Enjoy it! 7 6 8 9 10 y activities to try!
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Understanding Masking Tuesday 20th April 7-9pm (Online) Coffee Morning - Local Charities and Other Organisations Monday 24th April 9.30-11.30am Evening Drop-in with our Chair Wednesday 10th May 7-8pm (Online) Coffee Morning - SEND Support Monday 15th May 9.30-11.30am Coffee Morning - Early Years (0-5) Monday 5th June 10am-12pm Preparing for Adulthood Day (Over 16's) Tuesday 6th June Sensory Processing and Sleep S Wednesday 7th June 7-9pm (Online) Evening Drop-in with our Chair Wednesday 14th June 7-8pm (Online) Coffee Morning Monday 19th June 9.30-11.30am Autistic Burnout Wednesday 21st June 7-9pm (Online) Coffee Morning - Summer of SEND Monday 3rd July 9.30-11.30am Coffee Morning Monday 17th July 9.30-11.30am Check out our website for more information or to book your place www.bbpcf.co.uk/events Summer Term Events
raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! HELPING HANDS HEALTHY PARENT CARER TRAINING Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum are leading on the delivery of the programme to parent carers of children who have SEND in Bedford Borough. Those running the programme are all parent carers themselves. In the Spring Term we will be running another online programme. This will be every Thursday evening for 12 weeks from Thursday 20th April to Thursday 13th July 2023 (with a break in May Half Term) from 7-9pm. In order to book you must be a parent carer living in Bedford Borough. The healthy parent carer programme is designed to improve parent carers' health and wellbeing by promoting emotional balance through understanding, empowerment, confidence and resilience. You will need to commit to the full 12 weeks in order to get the full benefit of the course. Please book your place via the eventbrite link.
Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids aged 2-13. Trusted by teachers and parents alike, watch your child’s confidence, motivation and progress skyrocket in just 15 minutes a day with Reading Eggs. With access to all 5 programmes, including Mathseeds, for up to FOUR children, it’s the perfect way to fit in some positive screen time. Ages 3–9 Learning Maths Nurture an early love of maths with structured lessons and activities that build essential maths skills. Ages 7–13 Building Confidence Older children can continue building key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school. Ages 3–7 Learning to Read Children follow structured, one‑on‑one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills. Ages 2–4 First Steps Delight your toddler with fun games and activities that build alphabet knowledge and ready‑to‑read skills. Ages 5–10 Mastering Phonics Fast‑paced lessons cover key phonics skills, perfect for both emergent and struggling readers. Valid for new customers only. FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/r2gospring Scan QR code for 30‑Day FREE trial *30‑day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of your trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel at any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only.
raring2go.co.uk 9 Raring2go! HELPING HANDS Be Moore Foundation The world around us is fast paced, we are connected more than ever on a 24 hour cycle of news and information and we live in a state of high expectation and have it all culture – this alongside the recent pandemic and news of increasing war zones ever closer to home has led to one of the highest rates of mental health challenges faced. Whilst this impacts everyone our young adults are having to navigate these challenges whilst also dealing with the challenges faced through puberty, hormones, exams, friendships, relationships and dreams of the future- so it’s a lot! And not to continue in a bleak frame of mind but resource for mental health support is simply far too stretched with waiting lists going in years. It feels like a huge mountain and where to start – well here at The Bemoore Foundation we decided we had to start somewhere, and every small change is a good thing. As a relationship therapist and coach, I was already working with women in private practise on creating healthy relationships and having a great sense of self. When someone mentioned it would be ideal for our young adults I thought ‘brilliant let’s design a program just for them’ – a mum of two grown women now and step mum to a teenage daughter I have seen first hand the challenges faced. However, I also quickly realised that offering private practise was not reaching the main audience – I saw that you needed 2 things in place to access support Funds to make that happen – as free resources are truly limited at this time. Someone who is in your corner who notices and helps you find it. And therefore, the idea of setting up a Community Interest Company and offering funded placements came to be! Originally, we planned to be in schools working with groups – and did a successful set of trials in an MK Upper school – however when covid happened this all had to change. So now we focus om offering 121 coaching – our first 8-week program is called Roaring 4 Life and is all about feeling good about being you – whilst tackling topics such as social media, body image, peer pressure and providing a space to talk about challenges and opportunities for the future. We now have 3 coaches on board- all trained, insured and fully DBS checked. We are small organisation, but we have big dreams – to have more programs to support more groups, to get back into schools, to provide ongoing mentoring and one day to have our own HQ in which to support our growing community. You can help by liking our social media page and you can also become a supporter through donations with our Go Fund Me link directly on the webpage (we will soon have our own webpage which is a very exciting project). In a world where young women are told they can have it all there is immense pressure – so help us to help them get that strong and stable platform of self-esteem! Thank you to Tilly and Raring2go! Bedford for supporting us. Ali Moore www.facebook.com/ thebemoorefoundation www.bemoore.uk/thebemoore-foundation Bemoore FOUNDATIONlogo.qxp_BeMoore foundation logo 29/03/2022 17:09 Page 1
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 10 raring2go.co.uk Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to a fun spring adventure with the National Trust. From getting active in the great outdoors, to spotting signs of spring, and experiencing nature bursting into life at the places the National Trust cares for, there are over 190 Easter trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year. There will literally be an Easter egg trail a stone's throw from where you are. Every single National Trust Easter trail will be different and will celebrates nature, history and beauty. Follow winding garden paths, crash along muddy woodland trails or time travel with adventures to castles, towers, and mansions. An Easter egg trail at any National Trust property is an opportunity for children to let their imaginations run wild. Watch in wonder as their faces light up as they discover so many amazing things in the most natural of settings. Each National Trust Easter trail ends with a chocolate egg, or vegan and free from egg, made here in the UK using cocoa that is responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. National Trust Easter egg trails cost £3 per child, plus the standard National Trust admission/free entry for National Trust members. Have a magical Easter of fun this Spring with National Trust. Easter egg trails at National Trust Discover your nearest National Trust Easter trail at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/easter
raring2go.co.uk 11 Raring2go! EDUCATION Bedford North 07341 583675 kumon.co.uk Boost your child's confidence Kumon's Maths and English study programmes work to build your child's confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child's potential, get in touch for a free assessment. Bedford North Study centre 07341 583 675 Kumon’s Maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child’s protential, get in touch for a free assessment. Bedfor orth Study Centr 07341 583 675
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your local area and is a great way to get to know your community a little better. Thousands of events will take place in every corner of the UK this May as people take to their streets, gardens, parks and community spaces to join the Coronation celebrations and mark this historic occasion. There are Free downloadable resources available online by the Big Lunch team to help people and local communities start their Coronation Big Lunch planning. To give you a helping hand, here’s a few tips: Pick a time: You don’t have to have your Big Lunch at Lunchtme! If for various reasons, it’s proving trickey to get everyone together for a daytime lunch, how about a Lunar Lunch? If anyone is fasting during Ramadan, or working irregular shift patterns, the Lunar Lunch will bring people together after dark and you can feast your way into the night! Invite the neighbours: Got a local WhatsApp or Facebook group? Invite the neighbours and spread the word. Publicise your event locally and if you're not a member of Nextdoor yet, take a minute to sign up so you can connect with locals that way too. And of course, try to invite people personally, as you'll no doubt find people who want to help with the organising too! Hang the bunting: Make bunting using scraps of old material, plastic bags or the contents of your recycling box. You could ask others to make bits and link them all together. On the day, give the kids some chalk to decorate the pavement. Take a look at a few of our simple ideas for decorations. You could have a prize for the 'best dressed' home! Tickle the Tastebud: You could ask everyone to bring something to share, odd numbers bring savory, evens sweet, or keep it simple and safe and just ask people to bring their own lunch. If you have the time, take a look at some simple recipes shared online by Big Lunchers. Enjoy the day! Try to make sure that your entertainment, games and activities are suitable and safe for all. Set a time for lunch so that everyone comes out at the right moment. Organise some music or ask everyone to tune into the same radio station or open their windows, or see what local talent there is to organise a little live performance or sing along! attling the elements on Big Lunch day. Take plenty photos and selfies and most importantly, have fun! Fundraise at your Big Lunch Lots of people use their Big Lunch to raise awareness or funds for a cause close to their heart, be it for their own community group or a local asset such as a children's play area, or for a national charity. In 2022 a whopping £22 million pounds was raised at Big Lunch and Big Jubilee Lunch events across the UK, and the majority of that was for local charities and causes. After the party Once the bunting is down, don’t forget to share your story, using hastags like: #TheBigLunch and #TheCoronationBigLunch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Oh, and this is the grown up bit... make sure you tidy up and take your rubbish home with you! The Coronation Big Lunch Join the nation in celebration and be part of history on Sunday May 7th!
raring2go.co.uk 13 Raring2go! EDUCATION SprIngfIeld PrImary School Springfield Primary School Orchard Street, Kempston MK42 7LJ 01234 306000 www.springfieldprimaryschool.org.uk @SpringfieldBeds BEDFORD BOROUGH SANTA CHALLENGE WINNERS 2023! YOUNG VOICES 2023 2 2 In March we took over 100 KS2 children to Wembley Arena to perform at Young Voices 2023. The children were very excited about this annual trip and sang as part of the massed schools' choir with brilliant enthusiasm. Performing alongside professional musicians and dancers in such an amazing venue was a real boost to confidence and well-being. We're looking forward to being able to register for next year's concert as soon as dates are released! Times Table Rockstars (TTR) is a previously trialled app that we aim to implement throughout Springfield. The website and app are child friendly, engaging and extremely beneficial. Children can challenge themselves, other children and even teachers from across the school! Along with TTR, we have purchased ‘Numbots’ - accessible via the TTR website and app. Numbots is an app that supports children with addition and subtraction skills and guides them through increasingly difficult levels.
raring2go.co.uk 15 Raring2go! VOLUTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Tel: 01234 888 931 www.poweracademyofdance.com The Big Help Out is a national day of volunteering which is due to take place on May 8th, the Bank Holiday Monday of the Coronation weekend. The Big Help Out is all about inspiring people to volunteer for the first time if they never have before. It is hoped that thsi will mean there will be more people to call upon for volunteering in future. The Big Help Out has been developed by the Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service, with the organisational skills of the Together Coalition. Jointly, the aim is to inspire a new whole generation of community volunteering. To encourage people to take the plunge and experience for themselves just how amazing volunteering can make you feel. Dozens of charities from across the United Kingdom will be taking part and they will be enthusiastically using the day to encourage as many people as they can to ‘Lend a Hand and help make a change.’ One of the key aims of the day is to make the option of volunteering easier and more accessible. Around 1 in 5 people have never been asked to volunteer, and many have no idea how to begin. The Big Help Out wants to encourage people to look more closely at volunteering and to giving serious thought to giving it a go themselves. People will be invited to join the work being undertaken to support their local areas and gain an understanding of how rewarding volunteering can be. It is also hoped that The Big Help Out will help to bring communities even closer than they currently are, as they unite and come together to create a lasting volunteering legacy from the celebrations of the Coronation Weekend. The Big Help Out is set to be one of the centrepieces of the nationwide celebrations for the Coronation of HM The King and HM The Queen Consort in May. We think it will indeed leave a lasting legacy of kindness from the historic weekend. The Big Help Out will give everyone an opportunity to join in. From rolling up your sleeves to helping a local group, to joining some of the UK’s best-known national charities. Monday May 8th will be your chance to get involved. Get involved in THE BIG HELP OUT Volunteering opportunities are as diverse as the communities we live in: from grassroots social action and helping out in a local voluntary organisation, to regular volunteering roles for a large charity or in the public sector. The Big Help Out will help us tell this story, especially for people who may not see volunteering as something for them. Sarah Vibert, NCVO CEO Volunteering has always been a huge part of what makes this country great. The Big Help Out will put volunteering centre stage for a day and give people who want to volunteer easy ways to join in. So please save the date and join us in your community. Bear Grylls OBE, Chief Scout
A GREAT DAY OUT at the Forest Centre Amble around the Park’s trails and visit the willow huts Explore the Sensory Wildlife Garden Book onto one of our many children’s activities and events, including magic, crafts and parties. Wander around the Wetlands Nature Reserve and spot our seasonal wildlife visitors, there’s fantastic views from our Tower Hide and entry is free for Friends of the Forest Have fun in the playground then relax and refuel in the Café Hire an Explorer Pack to inspire your adventures around the Park or purchase an activity sheet for a small cost The Forest of Marston Vale is a Community Forest and a charity and sitting at the very heart of the Forest is the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, with lots to offer families all year round….
Free parking at the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park Free entry to the Wetlands Nature Reserve A tree dedicated to you in the Forest A Welcome Pack with Forest gifts A monthly e-newsletter Discounts at the Forest Centre Free parking for Friends of the Forest Become a Friend of the Forest from just £5 per month and you’ll be helping the Forest to plant more trees and create more Community Woodlands to make life better for people, wildlife and for the planet. In return you’ll receive lots of fabulous benefits including: FRIENDS OF THE FOREST Join us from just £5 per month. Scan the QR code to find out mo re.
18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Apr Easter Wonderland @ Mead Open Farm 1 – 14 Apr Let the story of Alice in Wonderland come to life, as you follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter the immersive wonderland! www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Easter Egg Hunts @ Wimpole Estate 1 – 16 Apr Make your way along the trail and find natureinspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place daily between 1 - 16 April 2023, from 9.30am - 3.30pm, explore the beautiful gardens of Wimpole Estate. The price of the trail is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Easter Adventure Quest @ Wrest Park 1 – 16 Apr You can take on the quest every day of the school holidays. With eggs, chocolate and family fun, it’s the perfect way to get out and about in history this Easter. The quest costs just £2, which you can pay when you arrive at the site. This is in addition to the normal ticket price. www.english-heritage.org.uk Easter @ Herrings Green Farm 1 -17 April Lots of fun to be had at Herrings Green Farm this Easter! www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Easter @ Dunstable Downs 3 – 10 Apr Join in the fun at Dunstable Down this Easter. The fun, family trail is a take on the 200 year old local tradition of Orange Rolling. Easter egg prize included. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Easter Activity Trail @ Forest of Marston Vale 6 – 11 Apr The crafty bunnies have stolen the Easter Bunny’s eggs! Help find the culprits and get the eggs back in time for Easter. Spot them all, and complete the trail sheet to say where you saw them, and win a prize! Price - £3 per child (age 1+) www.marstonvale.org Easter Bunny Flies-In and Egg Hunt @ Shuttleworth 8 – 9 Apr Look up to the sky at around 11am and watch the Easter bunny make an entrance! Follow the Easter bunny’s helpers into Shuttleworth Gardens and find the eggs they left behind through the Swiss Garden. Once you have collected three Easter eggs, take them to the Discovery Hub and claim a chocolate surprise from the Easter bunny. www.shuttleworth.org Krisgar’s Magic Show @ Forest of Marston Vale 13 Apr Krisgar’s back again with his popular magic and puppet show for the whole family. Join award winning Krisgar and sidekick Tricky Teddy for a magical morning at the Forest Centre. Suitable for ages 4+. £5 per participating child. www.marstonvale.org
raring2go.co.uk 19 Raring2go! RECIPE
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Fun Spring crafting ideas from our friends... Our friends at Red Ted Art have given us these wonderfully simple and fun spring craft ideas to share with you. Not only do kids LOVE to create when crafting, there are lots of hidden learning opportunities too. Everything here and on their website is easy to set up and very do-able, even for the most “non crafty” among us. So fear not, Red Ted Art has your back. Just pay a visit to to Red Ted Art’s amazing website for full instructions and further guidance on the suggestions below and many more. For hundreds more crafting ideas, go to: www.redtedart.com Paper Tulip Origami Pop Up Rainbow Cards Paper Butterflies Origami Bookmarks Butterfly Lifecycle Paper Craft Large Paper Plate Flowers
raring2go.co.uk 21 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Discover New Local Walks! From many of the Marston Vale Line stations there are some fabulous walks that can be enjoyed by all the family. Check out the Let’s Go! website - www.letsgo.org.uk for full details One of our favourites is: • Forest Centre to Lidlington & Folly Wood - Check out https://www. marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/days-out. Refreshments available at the Forest Centre and the Green Man in Lidlington We would love to hear all about your adventures using Let’s Go! Why not share your photos and stories with us on our Facebook page? stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk 01234 832645 @marstonvalecrp @marstonvalecrp f Marston Vale Line Events & Walks Marston Vale Line Suspension Train services are currently suspended following an announcement that Vivarail (the company which maintains the trains) had gone into administration. As Vivarail directly employed the maintenance staff, it was no longer safe to operate the trains. London Northwestern Railway are exploring a range of options to resume services as soon as possible. A full rail replacement bus service (all stations and limited stop) is operating in the meantime. Please make your views known via www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/contact-us/ customer-relations. Please check the Marston Vale CRP website and social media pages for updates. Milton Keynes Model Railway Exhibition Saturday 10th June 2023 Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill - 10:00 – 4:30 The venue is accessible from the Arriva 4 Bus Route from Milton Keynes Central Station. There is a free car park on site and refreshments available. The Exhibition is one of the largest in the area with something for all ages! Adults £6 Children (5—16) £2 Under 5s go free! Please visit https://mkmrs.org.uk for details. Tel: 07905 742994 Saturday 10th June 2023 MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION 10:00am — 4:30pm The Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TH Adults £6 Children (5—16) £2 Under 5s go free Layouts in all the major scales - Traders Refreshments - FREE parking
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Ministry of Science Live – Science Saved the World! @ Milton Keynes Theatre 14 April Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! www.miltonkeynes-theatre.co.uk King’s Coronation Kids’ Crafts 14 Apr Let your little ones get creative this Easter holiday and celebrate the King’s Coronation by decorating their own crown to take home! Each child will receive a crown to paint and decorate. All art and craft supplies provided and crown ready for decoration - you just need to let your imagination run wild with the design! Crafts can be messy so make sure appropriate clothing is worn. Aprons are not provided. Price - £4 per child (age 3+) www.marstonvale.org Goldilocks & The Three Bears @ Grove Theatre 15 Apr This Hilarious and Spectacular Pantomime style show will include some of the very best seasoned performers, top circus and speciality acts as well as all the ingredients of a family show that KD Theatre Productions have become known for; high energy choreography, loveable characters, colourful set and costumes and an opportunity for the audience to meet the characters after the show! www.grovetheatre.co.uk Welsh National Opera – The Magic Flute @ Milton Keynes Theatre 19 – 21 April Step into a land of mystery, magic and adventure. With a magic flute and a set of magic bells for protection Tamino sets off on his quest to save Pamina from the grip of an evil enchanter, accompanied by his sidekick the endearing Bird Catcher. www.miltonkeynes-theatre.co.uk St George’s Festival @ Wrest Park 22 – 23 Apr Celebrate our green and pleasant land and immerse yourself in the story of England at the biggest, most action-packed St George’s Day celebration in the country. Enjoy a weekend of shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle. Cheer on gallant St George as he mounts his mighty steed and takes on his fiery green nemesis in the ultimate, dramatic show down. www.english-heritage.org.uk Junior Feather & Fur Day @ Herrings Green Farm 29 Apr & 13 May Calling all young animal keepers, for a day with feathered and fur friends at the farm. This day has been designed to be a real hands on experience for the children, giving them the opportunity to get close to the birds and animals. Price: £34.00 per child. www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
raring2go.co.uk 23 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Our Easter Afternoon Tea includes a selection of themed sandwiches, sweet treats and non-alcoholic bubbly, served in the beautiful setting of Ridgmont Heritage Centre. Book today: tearoom@bedsrcc.org.uk 01525 287120 ridgmontheritage.org.uk Station Road, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire MK43 0XP Celebrate Easter with Ridgmont Heritage Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Bedford South Study Centre Kirsten Putman 01234 268 608 kumon.co.uk
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 24 raring2go.co.uk AN EVENT FOR ALL MINIS AT GOODWOOD MOTOR CIRCUIT PARADE LAPS - NAVIGATIONAL DRIVE - SPECIAL STAGE BOOK NOW: WWW.MINISATGOODWOOD.COM/TICKETS
raring2go.co.uk 25 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES SAVE 10% ON HOME INSURANCE One Broker’s local and independent teams are on hand to find the perfect policy to suit your individual needs. Get a quote today using the code ‘RAR23’ 01223 792265 www.onebroker.co.uk PERSONAL INSURANCE • SPECIALIST SECTORS • BUSINESS INSURANCE PROMOTION. One Broker is a tradingname of One Broker (Cambridge) LtdandOne Broker (GDIS) Ltd. AuthorisedandRegulatedby the Financial Conduct Authority. From home and car to landlord and business insurance, we’ve got you covered! SWIMMING LESSONS SCHOOL OF FISH ENROLMENT STARTS APRIL 2023 TO ENROL COLLECT A FORM FROM TRINITY RECEPTION OR EMAIL AT KESMITH@TRINITYLEISURE.CO.UK 01234 291777 www.trinityLeisure.co.uk Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2BS ONLY £7 PER LESSON MON - FRI: 4PM - 6PM SAT: 8:30AM - 2:00PM 7 LEVEL SWIMMING SCHOOL DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN AGED 3+ WITH ANY ABILITY April - July 2023 Term
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! RECIPE Easter Cookies Makes 15 Portions • Suitable for freezing Preparation 10 minutes 12 minutes cooking time Oven: 180°C, 350°F, Gas Mark 4 INGREDIENTS 185g plain flour 1 ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 50 g butter (room temperature) 85g soft light brown sugar 1 large egg yolk 2 tbsp golden syrup Assorted Decorations e.g. Mini Smarties, M&M’s, currants or raisins Writing Icing or white and pink icing made with Royal Icing mixed with water METHOD • Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Fan 160 o C. • Line or grease two large baking sheets with non-stick baking paper. • Sift the flour, ginger and bicarbonate of soda into a mixing bowl. • Cut the butter into chunks and add to the bowl. • Rub the butter into the flour using your fingers until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. • Stir the sugar into the mixture, then add the egg yolk and golden syrup and mix everything together using a wooden spoon. (Tip If you heat your spoon in hot water before you measure the syrup it will slide off the spoon easily). • Sprinkle a clean work surface with flour and knead the dough until it is smooth. Cut the dough in half. • Sprinkle the work surface with a little more flour and roll out the dough starting at the centre of the dough and rolling evenly outwards. • Repeat with the second ball of dough. • Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Re-roll the trimmings until all the dough is used up. You can add currants for eyes before the cookies are baked if you like. • Place on the lined or greased baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. • Allow to cool then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. • Once cool, ice, decorate and enjoy!
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Spring Competitions To enter all of these fantastic competitions and many more go to www.raring2go.co.uk/Bedford-and-biggleswade/competitions Win Sunday lunch for 4 at The Saddle & Spoke 2 adults 2 children Includes: Starter, main and dessert each. 1 bottle of house wine for the table and 2 soft drinks. Valid until: May 31st 2023 Pre-booking is essential. Closing Date: 15th April 2023 Tilly’s Review Recently I took my girls for Sunday Lunch at The Saddle & Spoke Free House Pub & Dining Room in Biggleswade. Under the new ownership of seasoned publicans, Sonia and Fiyaz Rehman , The Saddle & Spoke, housed inside one of the market town’s most historic buildings, is named for the legacy and contribution that Biggleswade has made to the world of cycling. The team were only too delighted to welcome us to enjoy this home away from home. With sumptuous interiors including comfy sofas, soft fabrics, low lighting and tasteful wall art, The Saddle & Spoke is the place to unwind and get comfy while enjoying some of the best food for miles. Dining doesn’t get much better than this with the chef and rising star, Will Ingarfill. I tend to cook roast dinner at home, it’s just something I love doing and find it hard to find somewhere that matches a homecooked roast. The roast at The Saddle & Spoke was most definitely homecooked and made with the finest quality ingredients. I had the pork which was tasty and succulent, the roast potatoes were amazing and there was a good selection of vegetables. The Yorkshire Pudding was huge! My daughter had the Chocolate Brownie to finish which was amazing! Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a celebratory gathering, lunch on the hoof or a proper sit-down Sunday roast for all the family, Will’s constantly evolving menus are delicious and memorable. Food is served Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 7am-11am, 12pm3pm & 6pm-9pm Friday – 7am-11am, 12pm-9pm Saturday – 9am-9pm Instagram: @saddle.and.spoke Facebook: @saddleandspoke www.saddleandspoke.com Address: Saddle & Spoke, (inside Stratton House Hotel) London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8ED Booking: info@saddleandspoke.com 01767 603900
raring2go.co.uk 29 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON See Bin & Flop @ Gulliver’s Land Bing and Flop will be making special appearances each operation day at Gulliver’s Land, Milton Keynes throughout 2023. They will be voooshing by at selected times each day. www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk May Season Premiere Air Show 2023 @ Shuttleworth 7 May The air show season is almost here and the Season Premiere is always worth the wait! Expect a thrilling air display from historic aircraft, fantastic children’s activities, and a chance to explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden. There is something to keep the whole family entertained! www.shuttleworth.org The Worst Princess @ Grove Theatre 26 – 28 May A modern fairy tale turned on its royal head, this bright and bouncy show will have children of all ages cheering along for The Worst Princess! Feisty Princess Sue escapes the clutches of her twit of a Prince in a funny, feminist twist on the traditional princess tale. This is a story about adventure, mischief and unlikely friendship. Packed full of music and mayhem The Worst Princess is made for 3+ but suitable for all. www.grovetheatre.co.uk Dino Week @ Mead Open Farm 27 May – 4 Jun Check out the website for more details nearer the time! www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Colour Obstacle Rush @ Milton Keynes 27 May Colour Obstacle Rush is the biggest run in the world that combines the fun of colour and obstacles. This will be the most memorable, fun and colourful run of your life! www.colorobstaclerush.co.uk Wrest Park & Kids Rule! @ Wrest Park 27 May – 4 Jun Get ready for a right royal knees-up at the Kids Rule events this May half-term. Join the fun at Wrest Park to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. Book online and save 10%. www.english-heritage.org.uk Jun Party with a Princess @ Forest of Marston Vale 2 Jun Join this children’s afternoon tea fit for royalty (12.30-1pm) followed by meet and greets, games and sing-a-longs with the Miracle and Flower princesses! (1-2pm). Dressing in your best finery or fancy dress of your choosing is encouraged, but not mandatory. Parental supervision at all times is essential. Suitable for ages 3+. £15 per child. www.marstonvale.org Please go to www.raring2go.co.uk/ bedford-and-biggleswade/whats-on for all the latest information and details of what’s on in the area
THE King & Queen 1. What date is the King and Queen Consort’s W coronation? 2. Where will the coronation take place? 3. What is King Charles’ birthday? 4. What is King Charles full name? 5. What is the surname of the king? 6. Where do the King and W Camilla, Queen Consort live? 7. What crown will Charles wear for the coronati 8. Will Camilla, Queen Consort wear a crown? W 9. How many children does the King have? 10. How many other Kings of England have en called Charles? QUICK QUIZ Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! H be on? ANSWERS: 1. May 6th 2023 - 2. Westminster Abbey - 3. 14th Nov 1948 - 4. Charles Philip Arthur George - 5. Windsor 6. Buckingham Palace - 7. St Edwards Crown - 8. yes - 9. 2 - 10. 2
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