Page 91 - Phonebox Magazine October 2014

The School Run
Get ready for a spooky holiday HSamantha Smeraglia
ow often does it seem that the children have only just returned to school, before they are off again? For some, the October half-term offers a welcome break from newly- established school routines. For a lucky few, the colder
days mean they will be jetting off to warmer climes (I wish!). However, for the rest of us, it helps to have some activities to entertain the children over the break.
This time, half-term means Halloween, which raises a whole set of questions. How many sweets do you buy in case of trick-or- treaters (and do you buy the sweets that you like, in the hope of leftovers)? Where can you find the best (or cheapest) Halloween costumes? Do you allow your children to trick-or-treat and, if so, do they only visit people you know and/or the immediate neighbours? What time is the right time to go calling on people, and when is it too late for older and younger ones to be out? Or do you abandon it altogether and look for places like Frosts Garden Centre (frostsgardencentres.co.uk/Centres/Events_Guide_2014) or Woburn Abbey (woburnabbey.co.uk/news/halloween-events)? Both are offering some Halloween-themed fun. Also, there is a football camp run by Olney Town Colts Football Club. There are plenty of activities for children, big and small, to enjoy during the half-term. Opposite are a couple of ideas.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKY WALK
Friday 31st October, 5.00pm - 7.30pm. £4.00 or £13.00 for a family ticket for four
The guided walk runs along the railway track in Clifton Reynes, with some creepy visitors lurking in the shadows to surprise you along the way. But there’s a guide on hand to keep away any terrifying guests. The Robin Hood pub is the Halloween HQ, and spooky treats and drinks available to buy. Parking is available in the rear field behind the pub. Each child ticket includes a glow stick and quiz (quizzes must be handed in at the Robin Hood Pub for the chance to win a prize). Fancy dress is optional, and ghosts, witches, pirates, spidermen and even fairies are all welcome. This must be booked in advance via the website, thelittleboxoffice.com/mktoc
LEARN TO KNIT AND CROCHET
(Moving from Olney at the end of September to 1 High Street in Newport Pagnell)
Owner Ana Sánchez-Forner will be running knitting and crochet workshops during half-term. They are likely to be at a beginner level for 8 to 15 year olds (bring an adult with you). Just £1 per person per day (towards tea/coffee/fruit juice), they run from 3.30-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can book for the whole week or drop in on sessions on the days that suit you. This year, those taking part will have the option to learn to knit, crochet, or both! Contact: ana@the-wool-shop.com
MARVEL AT THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY
For some local children, this year’s half-term will end with their favourite display of colour. The Olney Fireworks Night is booked for Sunday 2nd November, at the Recreation Ground (behind the Football Club, off East Street, Olney). Gates open at 5pm and the display starts at 6.30pm.
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Phonebox Magazine 91