March2014
11/2/14
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Running shoes on! Make 2014 your time to shape up and smile at a fun run that promises to give people of all ages and abilities the chance to get active. Entries open today for the Big Fun Run at Christchurch Park, Ipswich on Saturday 18th October. Organisers, GSi Events believe the 70 acre green space which includes rolling lawns, woods and a beautiful Tudor mansion house is a perfect setting for the 5K event. Big Fun Run director, Neil Kilgour said, “If you’d love to get more active in 2014 then this is a great place to start. The Big Fun Run is strictly for fun and all about easy, relaxed exercise. It doesn’t matter how quickly or slowly you go. You can run, jog, juggle, dress up, take a buggy. It’s your choice. “There’s no pressure, just some easy moves and a lot of laughs. It’s all about taking part and enjoying the day. The events aren’t timed so what’s motivating Big Fun runners is the chance to get together with family or friends and do something healthy in the great outdoors. “They’re family affairs with people across the generations taking part. It’s not unusual to see a grandparent, mum and kids all at the start line. Lots of runners take part in fancy dress. Are you getting a picture of something a little different? This isn’t about testosterone charged athletes charging home in a record time. It’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers on their shoulders, Fred Flintstone running around with his grandma. Throw in 101 Dalmations and you get an unbeatable mix.” The Big Fun Run which starts in Ipswich at 11am is among 18 Big Fun Runs across the UK staged from July until October 2014. More than 7,000 people took part in the nationwide events last year and more than £200,000 was raised for charity. Last year, at The Big Fun Fun, Ipswich husband and wife team, Clair and Ian Collett raised £1,075 for Bliss, a charity which is a lifeline for premature babies and their families. Clair, 40, of Colchester, said, “One in every nine babies in the UK is born either premature or sick. The vital care that babies receive after birth can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives. We were glad to do our bit to help.” Entries for The Big Fun Run in Ipswich cost £11.49 for adults, £9.49 for children and runners over 65 while kids under five go free. Everyone who finishes gets a medal, goody bag and refreshments. To enter the Big Fun Run 2014 go to www.bigfunrun.com
Spring on the farm They say that March is in like a lion and out like a lamb, which is particularly apposite down on the farm. Life at Baylham House Farm is never dull but during spring things start to get really exciting. February’s lambs are all out in the field, leaping around and driving their mums to distraction. Louise and her litter of Berkshire piglets are delighting visitors and the Large Black sows - Nina and Ella - are near to farrowing. Just next door in the lambing tunnel the next batch of ewes are waiting to give birth. The lambs are born from the end of March through the Easter holidays and there is usually plenty of opportunity to cuddle a lamb and, if you’re lucky, the chance to see one born. The Easter Speggtacular (18th to 21st April) is fun for all the family. In addition to lambing there are craft stalls, a treasure hunt, and the chance to hug a bunny in the Bunny Barn. With lots to see and do and, of course, the fabulous Baylham BBQ with local beer and wine, it’s a day out everyone will enjoy. The kids’ play area means they can keep busy, while you can relax with a cup of coffee and a homemade cake. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is six miles north west of Ipswich, off the B1113 between Great Blakenham and Needham Market. It opens Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am – 5pm. With entry prices at £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £3 for children (aged 4-16) and free entry for under fours, it would be difficult to find a more diverting and better value attraction in Suffolk. A family ticket (2 Adults and 2 children) is also available at £18. • For more information visit the website at www.baylham-housefarm.co.uk or call 01473 830264.
Calling all Brides All brides, grooms and their families are welcome this month to pop along to the Foxhall Community Centre’s first Wedding Fair on Sunday 23rd March from 10am until 3pm. Not only will you have a chance to chat to a host of wedding suppliers but you’ll also get to see the centre’s large function room, decorated ready for a wedding reception. Their Dragon room holds up to 250 guests and is the largest wedding and party venue in Suffolk where you can bring in your own choice of outside caterer. The hall also boasts a large stage, its own party lighting and a private bar and entrance for your guests with plenty of free parking. The Wedding Fair will be an ideal opportunity to see the room transformed into a Wedding Reception venue with beautiful drapes and lighting. Foxhall Community Centre still have a few Friday and Saturday nights available for 2014 so whether it’s a christening, birthday or indeed a wedding reception you’re planning, pop along on Sunday 23rd from 10am and see the room and its facilities for yourself. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook for news of forthcoming events. www.foxhallcommunitycentre.co.uk
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