A Night of Hope

Tonight is Halloween, and while you may have been ready to carve your pumpkins with scary faces and getting ready for some 'safe scares', World Vision are using Halloween to highlight the reality of life for children in Syria, for whom a 'scary' night happens every night.

This Halloween, World Vision are asking that you carve a heart into your pumpkin instead of a scary face, to show the children of Syria that they have not been forgotten and turn a night of fear into a Night of Hope. As well as standing up for a cause, which you can also donate to via text, the heart pumpkins look really nice and add a different twist to the tradition of pumpkin carving!

Never carved a pumpkin before? It's actually pretty simple...

1. Just cut around the stalk by cutting around the stem in about a 5cm radius to create a bit of a lid. 
2. Then scoop out the filling, using a spoon, and get it as clean as you can so that more light will shine through. 
3. Draw on and cut out your shape, a heart if you're trying out this idea, using a small knife and cutting away from yourself incase the knife slips. 
4. Finally, pop a tea light inside the pumpkin to see the shape glow out, and position it in your window for all to see.

Spooky Railway Walk this Halloween...

Milton Keynes theatre of Comedy actors and Olney drama club, are teaming up to provide a spooky evening of entertainment this Halloween (31st october). Come along to Clifton Reynes, Olney, and walk the disused railway track. It's like no other spooky walk, and you will be led along the railway by your guide as you are surprised by zombies, pirates, witches and other spooky characters.

The walk is designed to be scary in the same way that a pantomime villain can be scary, and your guide will send off any unwanted spooky guests for you, so it's suitable for all the family.

Wrap up warm and bring wellies and waterproofs, each walk will last approximately 30 minutes and it may be chilly and wet, a torch may also be useful. You are welcome to come in fancy dress if you would like, from ghosts and ghouls to superheroes and fairies!

Tickets MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE, and you need to select your chosen time slot when you book. Tickets cost £4 each, or £13 for a family ticket, and children's tickets include a glow stick and quiz sheet. You can book your tickets on the MKTOC website by clicking here.

Half Term Activities in MK

MYIMA @ Hollington Woods Wednesday 29th October- Over Half term, MYIMA will be offering family earthy explorer sessions. Story Express will be from 10.30m-1pm for children under 6 years, and Earthy Explorers: Nature Detectives will be from 2-4.30pm for children over 6 years. The sessions will be packed with uniquely interactive and creative activities to promote ecological awareness with a sprinkling of Halloween for flavour! Booking is essential as spaces are limited. The sessions cost £4.50 for 1 child, £8 for 2 children or £11 for 3. Email Jessica Flowers on badgerfish21@yahoo.co.uk to book.

Milton Keynes Museum- Half term activities all week from 11am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday. MK museum is open all half term for family frights and spooky goings on. Seasonal children's activities will be on offer, and you can meet Professor Beamish and his diabolical devices!

Bletchley Park Presents- Family Fun Wednesdays (29th October)- There will be activities for the whole family, including a range of craft and spy workshops for all ages, children's guided tours,  trails, quizzes and handling competitions. Have fun while learning about the home of the Codebreakers!

There are also a number of Halloween activities this half term, including some spooky walks at Howe Park Wood and the Spooky Railway Walk at Clifton Reynes in Olney, to name but a few!

These are just a handful of activities going on, there are a lot more available in your local area!

Don't forget the clocks go back tonight so you get an extra hour in bed tomorrow morning!