Families Cambridgeshire Jul-Aug 2011

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www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

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Ž Cambridgeshire I s s u e 1 1 • Ju ly / Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

Summer Activities Special Win Tickets to Wind in the Willows Easy 2 Name Giveaway 10% off Polarn O. Pyret Win Tickets to Snow White

We cater for 2-5 year olds in a fun, stimulating and multicultural environment.

Excellent Ofsted Reports Committed & Professional Established over 45 years

All Staff Fully Qualified Safe and secure Good outdoor facilities

Come and see for yourself Make an appointment Please telephone Principal: 01223 356565 4a Millington Road, Newnham, Cambridge www.millingtonroadnursery.co.uk

The Useful magazine for families with children from birth to teenage

Editor’s Welcome Welcome to the eleventh issue of Families Cambridgeshire - the really useful magazine for parents and children!

I’m really excited about this issue and know that you will find plenty to keep your little ones occupied during the holidays, both in our Summer Activities pages as well as our jam packed Out and About pages.

Once again we are highlighting the dangers of your youngsters using wifi and mobile phones, please do let us know your thoughts on the forum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk and any other issues you would like to share!

As you know, we are very concerned about the state of education here in Cambridgeshire, so you might be interested to read that Cambridge is one of the worst funded Counties in the Country (page 8). We’re also looking forward to our ‘Back to School’ issue in September, where alongside details of schools, clubs and Open Days we’re working on an informative article about school policies and bullying. We know that every school is doing what they can, but what can we do?! There is already a thread on our forum so please join in with your opinion or any issues you may have, or contact me at editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk I wish you all a fantastic summer holiday and as always, I do hope you enjoy this issue of Families and feel free to contact me with any news or events that you would like to see featured in future issues. Please mention Families whenever you contact one of our advertisers.

Best wishes

News - July/August 2011 Stay sun safe with a UV Angel Slapping on the suncream can be a battle especially when children don’t understand why it’s necessary. Families Leeds has discovered a fun range of sun jewellery from Yorkshire based UV Angel. These great products, made from sun sensitive beads, change colour to let you know that the UV you’re being exposed to could be damaging your skin.

“The idea came after a good friend developed skin cancer,” says Angela Thompson from UV Angel. “When the beads change colour, it makes you think. It reminds you that there’s UV out there and you need to protect yourself.”

There’s a wide range of UV Angel products to choose from including bag tags, key rings, necklaces and bracelets.

There’s a fun range for children, as well as a more contemporary range for mums. The darker the beads go, the more UV there is and they act as a great way to prompt not just sun cream application, but also conversation about the dangers of the sun.

Sara

Cover photograph courtesy of Win Green www.wingreen.co.uk Aprons £15.00 Tablecloth £35.00

In this issue 02 News 04 Baby Page 06 Mobile Phones and Wifi 07 Dad’s Point of View 08 Education News

10 Summer Fun 12 Great Days Out in Cambridge 13 Childcare 15 Out and About

Circulation 12,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, libraries, selected shops and restaurants.

If you would like copies for your establishment please let me know.

Contact Sara Carr, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk tel: 01223 319437 mobile: 07748 183700 Print: Bishops Printers Limited, Portsmouth tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk.

Design: Louis T Koehorst tel: 01223 576688 ted@happyted.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families Group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing for the magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

“Kids cook quickly so it’s a parent’s responsibility to protect them,” says Angela. “If you have a bead on your bag or your body and you see it change colour, ask do the kids need more cream? Do we need to get out of the sun?”

Take a look at the full range of UV Angel products at www.uv-angel.com.

Prices start at £2.50.

Changes to SEN Special educational needs statements will be replaced with a ‘health and care’ plan – and parents will be given a personal budget to spend on implementing it, under new government proposals. The aim is to give parents whose children have SEN more power over their care – but ministers also believe it will reduce the number of children labelled as having SEN, because they believe too many children are currently given SEN status. The new plans are being piloted from September 2011, and will be introduced nationally next year. http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/sen/a0075339/s engreenpaper

Purple Fitness tel: 07545 284 928 www.purplefitness.co.uk ® Mention when calling to receive a free taster Boot Camp! ®

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By Joanna Parry and Sara Carr

News

Mediation for divorcing couples Mediation has become the first-tier approach to sorting out disputes between divorcing couples, under new measures that came into force in England and Wales this spring.

Ministers hope the measures will dramatically reduce the burden of divorcing couples on alreadyoverworked family courts, and also that they will reduce the emotional and financial cost for couples who are splitting up – many who do end up in court say later that their battle wasn’t worth putting themselves through, and that mediation would have been a better way. Under the new rules, any couple wanting to use the courts will have to undergo a compulsory mediation session costing up to £140 – and only if mediation is found to be unworkable will they be allowed to proceed to court. http://www.nfm.org.uk/home Let me know your views at editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a forthcoming article on this story.

Your child? in a mobile classroom?

Up to 72,000 families across the UK will fail to get their first choice of primary school this September, according to predictions. The disappointment is likely to be greatest in London, where there is most pressure for school places – there, around a fifth of pupils are unlikely to get a reception class place at their first choice school. A rise in birthrates, combined with an influx of immigrants in some areas, has contributed to the current pressure on places – and 70 per cent of councils are now planning to install mobile classrooms in playgrounds, or to erect new buildings, to cope with the shortfall. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/Cho osingASchool/DG_4016309

The curse of the social sites?

Almost half of parents believe their children would do better in school if they weren’t constantly distracted by social networking sites and other websites, according to new research. The YouGov poll found 62 per cent of parents with kids aged 12 to 17, and 36 per cent of those with children aged six to 11, were worried about slipping grades and a detrimental effect on schoolwork. In an earlier survey of 500 teachers, half said pupils’ fixations on social networking was affecting their ability to concentrate in class. http://www.talktalkgroup.com/press-centre/news/pressoffice/217/school-grades-suffer-as-social-networking-hampers-homework

July/Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

Council bosses have announced Cambridgeshire’s Guided Busway will open on Sunday, 7 August.

The revolutionary new link will offer a reliable, fast and frequent service between Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge giving residents a high quality alternative to the long queues and uncertain journey times on the busy A14.

Stagecoach and Whippet Coaches, who will run the services on The Busway, are now in the process of registering the new Busway routes with the Traffic Commissioner.

Busway services will run seven days a week, and from Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm there will be buses running between St Ives and Cambridge at least every 10 minutes. Services to Huntingdon will be every 20 minutes with an hourly evening service running until midnight.

Cambridge Gateway – a project to improve bus, cycle and pedestrian access into Cambridge railway station – was completed earlier this year, and the new link to Hills Road will also open on 7 August to tie in with the start of Busway services.

Bath Time with Munchkin Make bath time a fun time with brand new bathing products from award-winning baby brand, Munchkin. The new collection includes innovative bath safety essentials that tell you when the water is too hot for your baby and bath toys designed to excite and delight children, whilst making parents’ lives easier. The colourful range starts from £1.99 and is available to buy in select Wilkinson and Asda stores across the country. For more details on the range visit: www.munchkin.eu.com.

The Munchkin bathing range includes yellow Ducks with a difference!

Using pioneering White Hot® technology, the award-winning bath toy lets you know if the water is too hot for your baby. Simply place the duck in the water and the word 'hot' will appear on the usually blue base if the water is too warm. Simple and cost-effective, this household essential eliminates the risk of scalding to your baby.

Made from a watertight, durable rubber the Munchkin Bath Ducky never loses its colour and does not sink, leak or mould plus it has been tested to ensure it never fails. The patented White Hot technology is unique to Munchkin and is also used on the Munchkin White Hot® Inflatable Bath Tub a small bath for babies, providing parents with total peace of mind at bath time. The Safety Bath Ducky is available for £1.99 and the White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub is priced at £12.99. ® ®

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8Baby Care

Post baby shape up Lose that baby weight! Congratulations, you have a baby! Or two, or even three…. The downside of the arrival of your little bundle of joy is probably that, like most of us, you’re carrying some extra weight and you’ve got a mummy tummy and flabby thighs, not to mention the stretch marks! But when is it time to really think about exercising? And with summer here and that bikini threatening, just what is out there for new mums?

Exercise at home With a new baby, finding the time to exercise can be difficult. Lack of sleep and breastfeeding can leave you feeling drained of energy, but remember that not only does exercise help your body recover from pregnancy and birth, there’s also some research to show that it can help treat and prevent postnatal depression.

From pilates to yoga and running in the park to yummy mummy clubs, there is a whole range of exercise out there that is just for you.

by Joanna Parry

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Out and about If you want to lose weight as well as tone you will need to do some cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking or swimming. If you’re lacking motivation, why not try a buggy class in the park? It’s a great way to meet other mums and companies such as Buggy Fit hold classes in Cambridgeshire.You can also do a buggy work-out on your own or with friends with the Pushy Mothers Buggy Workout Album – just download it from iTunes. With an hour of motivating music plus expert exercise advice for postnatal mums, it’s like have your own Pushy Instructor on your iPod! For the more hardcore, Purple Fitness (07545 284 928) and Renaissance Fitness (07769 336 369) run outdoor exercise classes across Cambridge if you can leave your baby and buggy, at home.

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Getting back in shape is not something you can rush. It has taken nine months for you to gain your pregnancy weight, so it may take a similar length of time to lose it. Your body has done an amazing job of bringing your baby into the world, so give it a chance to recover. It’s also important to remember that if you’ve had a caesarean you should give yourself six weeks to heal before you even think about any exercise.

If you’ve had a normal delivery there are some exercises you can do straight away - the ones you'll have benefited from doing all through your pregnancy – the pelvic floor! 2-3 weeks later, it’s OK to do some simple abdominal crunches, providing you have been checked out by a doctor. Your abdominal muscles have been stretched during pregnancy and may have split down the middle so it’s important to be examined before exercising.

After six weeks, there are more exercises you can try at home:

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On your hands and knees, breathe in and as you breathe out, tighten your pelvic floor muscles and pull your belly button in and up. Lift your left arm straight out in front of you and hold it there for 10 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times and then repeat again with the right arm

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In the same position, lift your left leg out straight behind you.

Hold this position for 10 seconds without holding your breath or allowing your pelvic floor or tummy muscles to relax. Repeat up to 10 times and then repeat with the right leg

R

Stay on your hands and knees and lift your right arm out in front of you and your left leg out behind you at the same time.

Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times. Then do the whole thing again with opposite arms and legs

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Lie on your back and bend your knees. Tighten your pelvic floor and then lift your bottom into the air as high as is comfortable. Hold this position for around 5 seconds while breathing normally. Lower and repeat 10 times

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Still on your back, bend your right knee and keeping your left leg straight, lift it slightly off the floor. Try not to allow your left knee to wobble and keep your hips level. Hold for 5 seconds.

Lower your bottom to the floor and repeat 10 times. Then repeat with the other leg.

R

Lie on your right side with knees bent towards your chest.

Tighten your pelvic floor and lower tummy muscles. Keeping your heels together, lift your left knee up towards the ceiling.

Hold for 5 seconds and then lower. Repeat 10 times, then move to other side.

R

Do some gentle sit-ups by lifting your head and shoulders off the floor. Hold for 3 seconds and lower

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Nice and warm, indoors If you don’t fancy the park, there are many other classes around that are specifically designed for postnatal women. Yoga is not only great to prepare you before the birth but is also good exercise for new mums.

Many yoga centres offer mother and baby classes where you can do yoga while your baby lies on a mat next to you, (hopefully) gurgling happily.

Then it’s baby’s turn, where yoga and music are used to encourage your baby’s development and flexibility. Bikram Yoga is another popular option.

Taking place in a room heated to 40 degrees with 60% humidity, it might not sound like everyone’s cup of tea but it is a good way to build core strength after you’ve given birth, and the heat adds a detoxing element.

If you are breastfeeding, remember to get advice from your doctor before taking part.

Postnatal pilates is another option that is great for strengthening your core and burning calories. Many pilates classes offer a holistic approach to rebalancing your body while improving strength, flexibility, posture and stamina.

Gyms and spas Many gyms offer postnatal exercise classes and also have crèches you can use. With your membership you will often be offered a free session with a personal trainer, who will be able to create a training programme especially for you, so take advantage of this.

If none of this rocks your boat and you think drastic action is called for, there’s always a residential bootcamp. From luxury, women-only bootcamps to the more military style, if you can leave for your baby for up to a week you’ll be sure to see the results!

Whatever form of exercise you choose, remember to get checked out by a doctor before you start, don’t push yourself too hard and above all, good luck!

Websites

Gyms and spas

www.babycentre.co.uk, www.supernanny.co.uk www.babyandpregnancy.co.uk

www.theglassworksgym.co.uk www.greensonline.co.uk www.davidlloyd.co.uk

Out and about

Bootcamps

www.caribrearley.com/fitbuggies www.buggyfit.co.uk

www.purplefitness.co.uk www.ren-fit.co.uk www.britmilfit.com Ju ly/ Augu st 2011

Family

Olympic Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton will be taking part in Cycletta sponsored by Sky Ride, a unique series of women-only, mass participation events, created for women to cycle for fitness and fun in the perfect environment and to inspire more women to take up cycling. Two events are scheduled in 2011; Cycletta North on 2nd October at Tatton Park near Manchester and Cycletta South on the 11th September at Whipsnade Zoo, Beds near London. Thousands of women are expected to take part, inspired by the opportunity to cycle alongside Victoria and take on a new sporting challenge.

racing bike for my 37th birthday and I fell in love with it at first sight.

Going on a long bike ride with my husband or my friends is so sociable that after three hours on the road you forget that you have just done some great exercise. It's a wonderful way of keeping fit, staying healthy and getting toned. And if you plan your route well you get to see some amazing things too. And it's easy on the joints so I reckon I can keep going for at least 50 more years. So ladies of Britain get on your bike and give Cycletta a go, you'll love it.”

TV Presenter Clare Balding said “My first bicycle was a key to a

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Cycletta events will take place on 40km course, a distance specifically designed to provide a fitness challenge, while remaining fun, achievable and accessible. Cyclists of all abilities will be tackling the challenge, from committed enthusiasts looking for a blast on traffic free roads, to women who are eager to regain their confidence back in the saddle. The Cycletta experience will begin from registration, with regular training tips, equipment and nutrition advice, including personal anecdotes of support from the current Olympic gold medallist.

new world. It was a taste of freedom - I could travel under my own steam, I was suddenly independent. As I grew older, instead of getting braver, I got less so and I wonder if that's a widespread problem.

Collectively, we women may have lost our nerve. Recently, I have filmed Britain By Bike and rediscovered my love of and faith in the bicycle. I hope the Cycletta will encourage more women to get back in the saddle and once again enjoy that childhood feeling of freedom and fun."

Victoria Pendleton said:

Comedienne Miranda Hart said “Cycletta is an amazing way to

“Cycling has been my passion since I was a child. Through the Cycletta series I want to inspire women to join me and cycle; as a hobby, a sport, a way to get fit and healthy. Whatever the reasoning, cycling can improve your life. I hope Cycletta will bring women together as they take on their own cycling challenge. “

inspire womankind to take to the bicycle. The thought of 1,000s women all cycling together conjures up many entertaining thoughts and should be a huge amount of fun for everyone participating; so come on girls, go for it.”

Victoria is joined by a dynamic group of Cycletta ambassadors including celebrity Mothers Gabby Logan, and Gail Emms as well as Miranda Hart and Clare Balding who will do their part to encourage and motivate women to take up cycling. Join Victoria and others by visiting www.cycletta.co.uk

"Sky and British Cycling are working in partnership to get a million more people in the UK cycling regularly by 2013 so we’re delighted to be supporting the Cycletta events, which will give thousands of women the opportunity to get on their bikes and rediscover the sheer fun of cycling again.”

TV Presenter Gabby Logan said “Cycling is an amazing sport. I have

For more information and to register for the Cycletta events, please visit www.cycletta.co.uk.

come late to it, I used to be more of a jogger but i got my first proper July/Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

Corin Dimopoulos, Director of Cycling at Sky said:

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Education “BAN mobile phones and wireless networks in schools”, say the Council of Europe

Did you hear the news? A Council of Europe committee examined evidence that the electromagnetic radiations have "potentially harmful" effects on humans, and concluded that “immediate action was required to protect children.”

They also said that mobile phones and computers with wireless internet connections pose a risk to human health and should be banned from schools. The committee said it was crucial to avoid repeating the mistakes made when public health officials were slow to recognise the dangers of asbestos, tobacco smoking and lead in petrol.

The report highlighted the potential health risks of cordless telephones and baby monitors, which uses similar technology. Fears have been raised that electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices can cause cancers and affect the developing brain. Children (and definitely babies) have much thinner skulls than adults, so are not affected in the same way, see illustration. Obviously no one can do any research on real babies, so there is no official levels for babies. Levels officially quoted as ‘safe’ are those of a male adult! where is the safety in this for babies?

At Families Head Office we have switched off our WIFI and removed all our cordless phones. We simply bought wired phones and wired all computers, it took a Saturday afternoon and the price of a few phones: I can report it is business as usual here. We tested our office radiations and interestingly our microwave oven to see how far the radiations go: we were shocked to see it radiates the whole room and goes through walls! (see our video online).

Although, thankfully, most children are not allowed to have their mobiles on at school, the WIFi is full on at school. Luckily, at home, parents can do something to protect their children. We’ve thrown away our home cordless phone and bought a wired one, we do not have babies any more but I would never use a cordless baby monitor. (see baby recommended baby monitors on our site)

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Powerwatch.org.uk is about to publish a list of 150 pieces of research showing the detrimental of WIFI on humans. 150? How many more are required before action is taken?

We’ve gathered in one convenient place (www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation), lots of useful and jargon free articles, clear, easy to read books, good websites and recent media coverage. As a parent myself I urge you to: Inform yourselves, do a bit of reading. Has your child’s school or nursery got WIFI? If not, it may still come powerfully from next door! Check whether your house or school is situated next to a mast (you can’t always tell as they are often disguised as trees or bill boards, but you can find out where they are on www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk).

Protect your children at home, don’t wait for things to change quickly. See how to protect your children, now, on our dedicated mini site. Can you switch off your WIFI at night to begin with?

Take action. It is time to push for a moratorium until all scientists agree: Download a ready written letter to your MP from our website and write to him/her, talk to parents around you, write to your school. Find other parents to join up with you and see what you can do together. Let’s not be complacent.

Useful sites: www.wiredchild.org www.wifiinschools.org.uk www.mobilewise.org *At time of going to press there was coverage of the issue in the Telegraph, Mail, Metro, Radio 4 Your and Yours.

Ju ly/ Augu st 2011

Family

A dad's point of view

Meet Bruce Sallin who celebrated his 100th “A dad’s point of view” column in www.superdads.co.uk No nonsense advice for parents.

I find it hard to believe but this is my one hundredth “A 6. Do women need men?

A popular feminist slogan of the 1960’s and 1970’s went something Dad’s Point-of-View” column. How best to celebrate this like: “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” “We’ve come a milestone? I’d like to look back at the previous 99 and long way, baby” is another slogan, I believe, from a cigarette that was choose ten strong ideas among them and briefly share marketed to women during the same general era. More bunk. Women need men just as much as men need women. It was foolish to think them with you. otherwise back in the hippie days and it’s foolish to think so now. The 1. There’s no such thing as quality time.

I learned early on in my parenting that the often-quoted notion of “Quality Time” was bunk. The only thing that matters to our children is “Quantity Time” since the only time they will open up is when they are good and ready. You can’t schedule time with your children the way you might with a business appointment and the moments that will surprise you the most are when you least expect it. There is no such thing as quality time, only quantity time.

2. Gratitude About five years ago, I survived a car crash that should have left me dead or worse. A man I greatly respect, Dennis Prager, has often said that the single most important ingredient to happiness is gratitude.

That accident reinforced, very dramatically, his words to me. Too often we are living our lives waiting for that something we think will make us happy rather than counting the blessings right in front of us.

3. My kids aren’t me, in spite of sharing the same DNA I learned a valuable lesson about parenting before I became a parent, when I was a Big Brother to a little girl. We shared nothing in common. I learned to bond with her in spite of our differences and found that experience to be the best prep course for parenting my own two boys, who also turned out to not fully share my interests. Too many parents think that just because their children share their DNA (which of course is not the case in adoption) that their children should share their same interests. All this does is set a pattern of hurt and disappointment for both child and parent. Don’t do this. Support what your child is interested in rather than push him or her to do what you want them to do.

4. Words that hurt, words that heal The power of words can be as harmful as the power of a fist. With the advent of modern technology, we’ve seen the damage that a simple text can do to a middle school child when something hurtful is spread around about him or her. And, like a leaf blown in the wind, it can’t be retrieved. It is incumbent upon us as parents to teach our children to watch what we say, what we write, and what we text and to model good behavior in this regard and not gossip and not disparage others with casual disregard.

5. Best friend or best parent The job of being a parent is not being our children’s best friend, yet too many parents confuse the two and try to be their children’s buddy. To achieve this buddy status, they forego being their best parent. That may mean not being strict, not holding high standards, or relaxing them when their children pout or throw a tantrum. Being the best parent you can be may sometimes mean your son or daughter doesn’t like you at a given moment. So what. Being liked isn’t your job. Being their best dad or mom is!

July/Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

fact that women now can earn as much and can do what men can do just levels the playing field but doesn’t change our inherent natures.

7. A story of giving One of the blessings of my writing and radio show is meeting people from all over the world. I met a group of children from a girl’s school in Ghana, Africa, through my “A Dad’s Point-of-View” Facebook page. My family began sending them books and soon my readers and radio show listeners were also sending them books, toys, and other things. We all learned the blessings of giving and charity and how when we give, we get so much more than we ever could expect.

8. There are no perfect friends My mother taught me this basic lesson and I kept on forgetting it as I kept on wanting my friends to be perfect. Just like me. Ha! I also saw how my own boys got into spats with their friends over silly and unrealistic expectations of their friends. My mom always said that if you wanted perfect friends you wouldn’t have any.

9. The family dinner I read somewhere that the children from families that share meals together suffer fewer problems than those that don’t. The family dinner is essential glue for my family and something that belongs as a ritual in every family. As our children grow older and their friendships and extracurricular activities intrude more and more upon their lives, it is easier to allow the family dinner to drift away. We parents must insist on having a family dinner at least once a week, period.

10. Walk a mile in my shoes Empathy is a simple but very important word. How often do we pass a homeless person without a thought or glance? Or hear a friend’s problem and promptly forget about it? Until you really do as the song says and walk a mile in someone’s shoes, you can’t really know what he or she may be going through. Too often we are caught up in our own problems, big or small, to pay attention to someone else’s problems, which I suggest, are usually bigger than ours. A little reflection upon someone else is a good thing to do now and then. It is good for your soul.

I hope these short reflections from these columns give you some pause to consider the blessings in your lives, maybe to think what you might do to help a friend or neighbour, or to simply hug a loved one and offer a kind word or thought. For me, it’s on to the next hundred.

Article courtesy of www.superdads.co.uk. Superdads, helping men everywhere make the transition into fatherhood and beyond !!

We'd love to hear what you think about Bruce's views. Let us know on the forum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk. ® ®

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Educational News

by Joanna Parry

Can stress be helpful?

New research has been published that reveals that stress can actually help when studying for exams. In fact, the stress that can occur when revising at the last minute helps the brain form stronger memories, suggesting that this way of studying for exams might be the best way to learn. Scientists have discovered that when we are stressed, hormones are produced within our bodies that cause changes within our brain cells, helping memories to be retained in a more productive and efficient manner. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin actually cause changes in the way the genes inside neurons function, so enhancing their learning ability. Lead researcher Professor Hans Reul, neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, said that his findings suggest that studying while feeling stressed could help increase the ability of students when learning. "We often find that unpleasant memories are the ones that stay with us for the rest of our lives,” says Professor Reul.

“This is because of the role that stress plays.

Essentially the stress hormones are enhancing the process that is normally taking place when you are learning." But Dr Reul warned that while some stress can be good for retaining information, too much stress may well have the opposite effect. "When we are extremely stressed it is not possible to pick up any new information," he adds. "The brain goes into an override mode and so the memory formation is not efficient. Chronic, long term stress is also not good."

MPs JOIN FORCES IN SCHOOLS FAIRER FUNDING BID

MP Jim Paice with Philip Hodgson the Chair of Governors and Assistant Principal at Bottisham Village College.

MPs from across Cambridgeshire have joined the campaign to secure a fairer funding deal for Cambridgeshire’s schools.

Cambridgeshire has received low levels of school funding for many years. In the 2010-11 financial year, Cambridgeshire received a government grant of £4,093 per pupil – ranking it 132nd out of 151 local authorities.

For the current year, Cambridgeshire will receive £4,643 per pupil – meaning the county now drops from 132nd to 143rd out of 151 local authorities.

SCHOOL FUNDING

Neighbouring Essex receives £4,816 per pupil, ranking the county 108th, while Peterborough receives £5,168 – making it the 55th bestfunded authority.

If Cambridgeshire was funded at the national average of £5,082 per pupil, this would mean nearly £35m more for Cambridgeshire’s schools – or an extra £441 per pupil.

As fees rise, pupil numbers dip Fewer children are being sent to independent schools after average fees have climbed above £13,000 for the first time. According to the Independent Schools Council, the number of children in private education fell this year, dropping for the second year in a row as fees rose faster than earnings increased. Information from the ISC shows the average parent will pay £13,179 in annual fees this year which is a 4.6 per cent increase on last year, and with the economic climate and the Coalition’s cuts already forcing families to tighten their belts, this increase is making private education less and less affordable.

While the economy continues to force many private schools to shut every year and boarding schools are looking more and more to foreign pupils to fill their numbers, private school pupils fell by 786 this year.

However, school leaders are insisting that the figures actually show a positive result for the private sector in the face of enormous pressure on family incomes. “ISC independent schools are showing remarkable resilience against a difficult economic background, reflecting the high quality of education that our schools offer to parents and the value for money that this represents,” says David Lyscm, ISC chief executive.

He continued to say that the average fee rise was the second lowest since 1994 and showed that independent schools were "very sensitive to the needs of parents and doing everything they can to keep fees to a minimum".

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The Cambridgeshire Schools Forum – chaired by Bottisham Village College Chair of Governors Philip Hodgson – is leading the campaign to secure a fairer funding deal for Cambridgeshire, supported by Cambridgeshire County Council and the region’s MPs. Cambridgeshire’s six MPs have now written a joint letter to Education Secretary Michael Gove, calling for an end to the current funding system and a fairer method of distributing money to schools.

MPs James Paice, Andrew Lansley, Jonathan Djanogly, Shailesh Vara, Stephen Barclay and Julian Huppert say they welcome the Government’s moves to change the current funding system, but add: “We are asking that every pupil receives a basic funding entitlement that reflects the cost of educating a child anywhere in the country.

Philip Hodgson said: “It is clearly wrong that Cambridgeshire receives so much less than neighbouring authorities. It is the pupils themselves who lose out. Headteachers have said how much more could be provided for each pupil with funding levels at the national average – more teachers, greater and earlier intervention for students in need, extra lunchtime supervision and additional provision for sport, music and drama. It is time for the Government to act.”

Cllr David Harty, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Learning added: “This inequality in funding has gone on for too long. It needs to be addressed now. I am delighted that our MPs have joined forces in taking Cambridgeshire’s campaign to the highest level, and I hope the Secretary of State will give our schools the funding they need and deserve.”

Ju ly/ Augu st 2011

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E H VDIH W K LV V XPP H U • Improve your child’s swimming BEFORE the holidays • With our award winning swimming lessons • Learn from 5 months old • Join today, new spaces available!

H[ W U D

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*When your children are enrolled in swimming lessons get an extra 25% off your Everyone Active membership. Available at selected centres.

Abbey Pool 01223 213352 Jesus Green Outdoor Swimming Pool 01223 302579

Kings Hedges Learner Pool 01223 353248 Parkside Pool 01223 446100

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Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Cambridge City Council EOA2191

Feel better for it

Magical Theatre in Magical Surroundings Milton Country Park, Cambridge, CB24 6AZ Thursday 11th August, 3.00pm Chapterhouse Theatre Company enters its 12th season of touring open-air theatre at some of the most beautiful country houses, castles and heritage sites across the UK and Ireland.

Snow White

By Laura Turner

Polarn O.Pyret launches online www.polar nopyret.co.uk Stores throughout the UK and Ireland including Grand Arcade, Cambridge.

LAUNCH OFFER For a 10% discount for Families Cambridgeshire readers please quote FMCAMB11 Valid from July 1st - August 31st 2011.

July/Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

Children and adults alike will adore this lovely new adaptation of such a familiar story, set in some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK. Snow White is a lovely traditional fun filled show where six 1940s’ children decide to perform their own version of the tale one hot summer’s afternoon. Join the children and their special friend Milky-White the cow and a host of woodland creatures for a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment – and don’t forget to come in fancy dress for the Fairytale Parade during the interval!

Tickets and Information from The Visitor Centre (01223) 420060 The Junction (01223) 511511 See Tickets (0871) 2200260 • www.seetickets.com Adults £11 / Students and Children £7 / Families (2 Adults & 2 Children) £32 • 10% Discount for parties of 10 or more Grounds open for picnics from 2.00pm. Refreshments on sale.

Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating.

Chapterhouse is also bringing The Taming of the Shrew to Milton on 27 July.

Win a family ticket with the opportunity of your child writing his or her own review to appear in the September/October issue of Families Cambridgeshire! Simply e-mail editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk with your contact details.

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Summer ideas !

The sun is out, the school holidays are almost here. What are you going to do – ideally without spending a fortune – in the lovely, long (we hope!) summer ahead? Joanna Moorhead shares her top ideas for how to enjoy the days – and lay down some happy memories.

By Joanna Moorhead

Pitch a tent in the garden Whether your family are regular campers or not, there’s nothing to beat the excitement of a tent pitched in the garden. If you don’t have your own, borrow one from a friend who camps – not too big, ideally, and not too difficult to assemble. Once it’s up, encourage the children to decorate it with all they need for a long, lazy day in the garden – cushions, blankets, books, iPods. And of course, lunch and tea can be picnics under canvas!

Families loves www.wingreen.co.uk

Visit a pick-your-own farm “That was the best day of my life,” says my daughter Miranda, 12, of our trip a couple of summers ago to a pick-yourown farm. She loved everything about it: choosing which farm to go to beforehand, looking online at what would be in season on our visit, running around picking strawberries when we got there, and making jam and puddings with her fruit when we got home afterwards. There are more than 600 pickyour-own farms across the UK; to find some in your area, see http://www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk/ Or try these local farms for fresh produce and fun!

The Maize Maze - enquiries@themiltonmaize.co.uk Gog Magog Farm Shop 01223 248 352 Burwash Manor www.burwashmanor.com

Choose a night when the sky is very clear, and there’s no moon. Before you go out, look online or at a book about the constellations, and choose a shape to look for that should be visible at the time of year, and in the area you’re facing (check these before you go). Look out for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. If you’re an amateur at stargazing, start with a (relatively) easy constellation to spot, such as the Big Dipper. It might take a while to work things out, but stick with it – and once you’ve identified a constellation, you’ll always find it easy to spot. Always magical.

Go cycling Dust off

If you enjoyed your Royal Wedding street party – or if you looked on enviously at other people’s parties – why not throw one this summer? It’s a lovely way to spend a summer evening – and if you don’t want to go to the hassle of getting the council to close the road, and you’re lucky enough to have a park or green space nearby, you could always hold it there instead. Simply drop invitations through your neighbours’ doors, and organise a planning meeting.

Families love bunting from www.lockstockboutique.com

your helmet, pump up your tyres, and head for a spin through a local park, along a canal bank, or along a cycle track. If you’re not sure what routes are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk .

Or, if you really don’t have any old bikes hanging around that you can crank back into service, why not investigate the possibility of hiring them for a day (or even a week) and exploring your neighbourhood in a whole new way? And if your kids are tiny, invest in a baby seat – my children loved nothing more, as toddlers, than the chance to ride across the common singing nursery rhymes on the front of my bike.

Cambridge Bike Tours 01223 366 868

Plant a veggie grow-bag

Build a den

Organise a street party

You don’t need any more space than a window-box, or a tiny space in your yard, for a veggie grow-bag – and your kids will love deciding what to plant, sowing the seeds, remembering to water them and then charting their progress from seedling to stomach. Potatoes are an ideal starter veg if you’re new to growing.

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Stargaze!

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Den-building courses abound (see www.forestry.gov.uk or google them), and taking your kids on a course can give them ideas for dens for the entire summer. But you don’t need a tutor: denbuilding is as natural as breathing to most kids. Look for spaces that are especially conducive to dens – woods, of course, are ideal. If you’re confined to the garden, find some props to get them started – a huge cardboard box is perfect. If you’ve not got one to hand, try Ju ly/ Augu st 2011

! Summer ideas asking a local builder or large store whether they have any packaging you could have.

Why not try the organised Den Building events at Wicken Fen on Monday 1st August, Wednesday 17th August and Friday 2nd September.

Go wild swimming... ...or even, if your kids are tiny, wild paddling? Nothing beats the fresh, cool, vibrant feel of wild water on your face or even just between your toes. Some of my happiest summer days as a mother have been spent picnicking, and paddling, and even swimming in the streams and brooks around where my parents lived in west Yorkshire. For ideas of where to go to find wild water near you, see www.wildswimming.co.uk. If you’re an abject townie who really can’t get to somewhere with a stream or river, make do with a lido instead – www.lidos.org

Families love...

Jesus Green Outdoor Swimming Pool 01223 302 579 Grantchester Meadows - to jump into the Cam! Hobson’s Brook (off Brooklands Avenue) for a paddle!

Try sand sculpture Sand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papers groan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildings and entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have to be a professional art – why not take your children on a beach day out with sculpture in mind? Start with a flotsam and jetsamcollecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas, and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a time limit for the creation of their masterpieces.

Organise a rounders match Everyone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket).

Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space for the match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls, the post-markers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard!

It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.

Families love..

Lammas Land, Newnham Granchester Meadows Midsummer Common

Row a boat or Take a Punt Everyone has a park with a boating lake somewhere within striking distance, so why not throw caution to the wind and try out the boats? Make sure the kids wear life jackets (which should be available from the hire attendant), and take it in turns to row (so what if you end up going round and round? It’s all part of the fun.).

We love taking canoes over to Grantchester and having lunch at The Red Lion (www.redlion-grantchester.co.uk)

Families love.....

Scudamores 01223 359 750 • Granta Punts 01223 301 845 July/Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

Go fishing Kids love fishing! If you know an adult who enjoys fishing, get your child to chat with them – or go to visit the local riverbank or lake where people fish, and let your child ask the fishing folk questions. If your child seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit – but if you’d like to try it out without a big outlay, or your kids are young, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and your child take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

Borrow a dog You might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip this idea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re not a dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that a dog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for the day or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Rocco and George, while their owners are away: my children love the chance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’s all the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning.

To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.

Fly your kite The sun is out, the sky is blue. There’s a breeze fluttering: and what could be more fun than watching your child’s kite playing on the gentle wind? Kites don’t always fly first time, of course – they take practice. But most homes have at least one kite forgotten in a cupboard – or you can make your own, using dowelling and paper and glue. If you’re really keen, there are even professionals who’ll give you kite-flying lessons in windy spots across the country – see www.kitevibe.com Families love Gog Magog Hills or Wandlebury for this!

Summer Fun at St Neots Museum Have fun, be creative and get your hands stuck in! St Neots Museum is a hub of activity in the school holidays with fun for all the family.

Every week a different activity tempts you to have a go, and this summer the museum is all about the Holidays. From sandcastles and Punch and Judy, to sightseeing and hotels, holidays come in all shapes and sizes. Come and explore the past and present of summer ‘get-aways’ in the summer exhibition WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS, on show from Saturday 23 July to 3 September at St Neots Museum.

Have a go at puppet-making, help decorate the beach hut mural, or why not get creative with the computer and make a digital comic strip? For the first time, activity days will be every Thursday and Friday. Each week there will be a mixture of craft and digital activities for families to enjoy. The activities start at 11am and end at 3pm so drop in at any time and stay for as long as you like.

Have a look at our Out and About section on pages 15 - 16 for more inspiration, and if your family have done something fun this summer, why not share your experience on the forum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk ® ®

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days out ☺

Play the days away this summer

The Great Days Out consortium of top days out in and around Cambridge embrace National Play Day on 3 August with funpacked family activities throughout the summer holidays With members ranging from castles to cathedrals, galleries to gardens, museums to mazes, wild fenland to fantastic heritage houses, Great Days Out attractions have the summer sorted, whether it’s inside or out, sunshine or showers!

Cambridge is a treasure chest of collections, which draw together through the summer to inspire the innate creativity of every child from 3 to 93! Every afternoon from Tuesday – Friday in August, families can drop in at Kettle's Yard to experiment with art materials in the company of a gallery assistant who will help unlock the ideas behind the exhibition and support the use of some messier materials. Have a go at collage, painting, sketching, sculpture.... At the Fitzwilliam Museum, free, drop-in family drawing activities run on Wednesday afternoons throughout August, plus there are bookable workshops for the over 5s to create buried treasures and curious keepsakes to take home (www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk for full details).

Sunny skies encourage even the most determined DS devotees to explore and discover the great outdoors: at Anglesey Abbey there’s den-building, wildlife watching, and even dressing up on offer, while at close-by Wicken Fen, there’s pond-dipping every Tuesday in August and even the chance to join a Fenland School to learn outdoor skills and crafts (01353 720274 for more information). At the Botanic Garden in the City, young explorers can borrow a backpack containing everything required by all aspiring Darwins to get up close with nature. From 4-7 August, the Botanic Garden’s Flower Power festival celebrates the scents and colours of summer flowers with lavender bag making, flower crowns and stink bombs from the Fairyland Trust (www.botanic.cam.ac.uk or 01223 336265 for more).

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At the Stained Glass Museum in Ely, families can day-trip the light fantastic and design their own stained glass windows on the special light box, or go on a safari to discover hidden animals in the windows. On the afternoon of Monday 1 August 2-3.30pm, a Catching the Light workshop invites children to make their own mobiles and light catchers from everyday materials (01353 660347 or www.stainedglassmuseum.com for more) It’s a busy time at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, with families invited to discover what life was like during the Second World War by sitting in a real ejector seat, meeting a costumed character and taking part in a whole host of hands-on activities. Machines come to the fore at two great events: the Summer Car Show on 7 August and the iconic Duxford Air Show ends the holidays on 3-4 September, with the chance to see the best historic and modern aircraft taking the skies (duxford.iwm.org.uk).

May/June 2011

2 childcare

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Holiday Childcare – Your Options

By Best Bear Childcare www.bestbear.co.uk

Arranging suitable childcare during the school holidays can be a huge challenge for working parents.

Day nurseries care for children and babies from three or four months old up to school age.

Many families get a hand from grandparents and other relatives, but if you do not have the luxury of family close by then we can help you explore the different options for holiday childcare and activities.

The majority of nurseries open between 7.30 and 8.00 and close at 6 or 6.30. They tend to cost from £150 to £200 per week, again depending on location.

Good quality childcare can provide your children with fun and new experiences during holidays, with school opportunities to make new friends, stay fit and healthy and maybe even learn a new skill at the same time.

Best Bear offers a comprehensive childcare search http://bestbear.co.uk/find-childcare/ once you have decided which options are most suitable for your holiday childcare needs.

Holiday playschemes/clubs Holiday play schemes offer organised play and activities for school aged children during the school holidays, at an affordable price.

Activities on offer are designed to stimulate and educate children, and include sports, outdoor and indoor games, arts, crafts and drama, swimming and day trips.

http://bestbear.co.uk/nursery-search/

Nannies and home-based carers Nannies are employed by parents to look after children in the family home either on a live-in or live-out basis. They should either be qualified childcare professionals or should have at least two years’ experience of caring for children.

They can look after children of any age, and their hours are usually flexible.

Nannies' fees will start at around £6.00 (or £9.00 in London) per hour, but this tends to vary greatly. You will also have to pay your nanny's tax and National Insurance contributions.

To cut costs, you might also want to consider a nanny share. Not only will this cut the costs by nearly half it will also provide a playmate for your child/ren. You can only operate a nanny share with one other family. If a nanny takes on children from three families or more they would have to be registered as a childminder. http://bestbear.co.uk/find-nanny/

These clubs can be offered as part of a school's extended services, but can also be run by private or voluntary organisations. They can be based on school premises, or in youth clubs, village halls, community centres or sports/leisure centres.

They usually open five days a week during school holidays, and offer childcare for children aged 5 to 11, though some do also cater for older children. They tend to run from 9.30am to 3.30pm, with children staying for lunch, though many also offer additional breakfast and late afternoon sessions, offering a full day’s childcare from 8am through to 6pm. Some holiday clubs only open for selected weeks in the holidays.

On average, holiday playschemes cost £20.00 per day, but this varies. http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=18&LGIL=8& ServiceName=Find+out+about+school+holiday+schemes+near+you

Community playschemes Community play schemes (which tend to be run by councils or voluntary organisations) are sometimes held for two week periods in the summer holidays in community centres, schools or village halls. They provide morning and afternoon sessions and cater for children 5 - 12 years.

There is usually a nominal charge to cover costs.

Childminders and day nurseries

Childminders offer childcare in their own home, and usually work from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm but many are flexible. They will charge anything between £2.50 and £7.50 an hour depending on location.

Your local Family Information Service (FIS) can give you a list of childminders with places available

July/Au g u s t 2 0 1 1

A number of organisations offer adventure and holiday camps for children. Some of these are residential, while others are simply day camps. Activities offered include sport, arts and crafts or camping trips.

The British Activity Holiday Association is the trade association for providers of activity holidays and courses in the UK. Member centres have all agreed to abide by the BAHA Code of Practice and are committed to high standards of safety, value for money and customer service. http://www.baha.org.uk/

Regulation If a childcare setting caters for children younger than eight years old, they must be registered by Ofsted. Likewise, if they open more than two hours a day on more than five days a year, they also need to be registered with Ofsted. All registered providers offering childcare will have been issued a certificate from Ofsted providing details of the number of children, age range and qualifications of the staff or provider.

c

Some childminders and day nurseries will offer places during school holidays, depending on whether they have free spaces.

0800 096 0296 http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/

Holiday camps

Anyone who works with children and young people will also have had to have had a police check (CRB check).

If you recruit childcare direct, for instance employ an au pair or nanny from a website which offers CV listings, such as Best Bear, then it is always recommended that you ensure references are thoroughly checked. Best Bear offers a cost effective reference checking service where we speak to each referee on the phone, asking detailed questions before providing a report within 7-10 days. http://bestbear.co.uk/reference-checking-service/

Childcare Vouchers You may wish to consider joining a childcare voucher scheme.

Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for all types of registered childcare, including day nurseries, nannies, au pairs, crèches, childminders, out of school clubs, holiday schemes, activity clubs and qualifying childcare offered by schools.

They provide tax savings and allow you to spread the cost of holiday childcare throughout the year.

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Cambridge Touring Theatre Wind in the Willows – Outdoor Family Theatre “has families rolling around their picnic mats with laughter.” (The Guardian) Cambridge Touring Theatre, Cambridge Touring Theatre, this robust and vibrant family theatre company, bursting with energy and enthusiasm takes to the road for the ninth successful year with its lively and often hilarious performance of ‘Wind in the Willows’. They invite you to take a journey to The Riverbank with them.

Great competitions on www.Familiesonline.co.uk

They perform Fun Family Theatre at some of the most picturesque spots in the country. They sing, dance, steal your sandwiches and spray you with water.

What more could you want!

They also run drama workshops aimed at 5 -11 year olds before most performances. These last 45 minutes.

Together we explore the story of ‘Wind in the Willows’, taking them through some adventures and introducing the children to characters from the play.

This production has been especially written for the family audience; lots of jokes, fun for all, audience participation and songs and dances.

Toad is boastful and proud and obsessed with motorcars. It is the job of Ratty, Moley and Badger to keep him under control. Poop, poop! Along the way, they learn important lessons about what it is to have friends and to be a friend.

WIN • Little Charley Bear Musical TV • The DVD ‘Are you there, Charley Bear’ • CBeebies magazine featuring Little Charley Bear!

This group of dedicated performers is headed up by Rosie Humphreys who moved to Cambridge after working for the English National Opera in London. “We have a very strong family feel to the company”, she says. “All performers are chosen because they enjoy working with families.

© Chapman Entertainment Limited and Annix Studios Limited 2011 www.littlecharleybear.com

To win a family ticket to the Wind in the Willows performance at Anglesey Abbey on 6th August, please e-mail editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk. Good luck!

To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 5th September 2011.

Easy2Name Off to School set We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set is worth £17.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw simply e-mail editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag in red or blue.

All readers can also get a 10% discount by mentioning ‘Families’ when ordering.

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!

T he full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk Log on to read other interesting articles and to have your say on the forum.

Have an item to sell or need to source something locally? Why not ask our other forum members! We promise we NEVER give your details to ANY third party to mailshot you.

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Ju ly/ Augu st 2011

What’s on/Events Saturday 2nd July 2011 Fitzwilliam Museum Family First Saturdays. 14.00 - 16.00 Activity Trails throughout the museum. 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@list.cam.ac.uk

Pymoor Agricultural and Country Show Nr Ely, Cambridgeshire 01353 698 569 www.pymoorshow.com

Sunday 3rd July 2011 Aquafest, Ely, Cambridgeshire

Tuesday 26th July 2011 (and every Tuesday until 30th August) Wicken Fen. Pond Dipping for all. from 10.30 Pure pond dipping with guidance. Optional Minibeast hunt. Pond dipping £1.50 Minibeast hunt. 75p Booking required. 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 27th July 2011 (and every Wednesday until 31st August) Wicken Fen. Stand up Paddleboarding

www.aquafest.moonfruit.com

A one hour introductory session. Booking essential. £15 adult £10 child (over 1.4 metres) 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Thursday 7th July - Saturday 9th July 2011

Wed 27 - Sun 31 July 2011

The Newmarket July Festival

Time Travellers Go…

Newmarket, Suffolk. 0845 579 3010. www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

WWII Air raids, rationing, evacuation - how would you have fared during WWII? Find out what life was really like during the 1940s, and learn about Audley's role during the war, then take part in the children's drill and obstacle course. 0870 333 1181 customer@english-heritage.org.uk

Friday 8th July - Sunday 10th July 2011 The Big Weekend - Cambridge Summer in the City.

Parker’s Piece, Cambridge. Fair and attractions for all ages www.cambridge-summer.co.uk

Wednesday 27th July 2001

Just Dogs Live East of England Showground. Peterborough

Mud Glorious Mud. 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wicken Fen.

01733 234 451 www.justdogslive.co.uk

Thursday 28 & Friday 29 July 2011

Ely Folk Festival

St Neots Museum Holiday Treasure Box

07500 527 334 www.elyfolk.co.uk

Saturday 9th July 2011 Wind in the Willows - Wimpole Hall 18.00. Open Air Concert 01223 20 60 00 www.wimpole.org

Bjorn Again and Bootleg Beatles One of the world's leading tribute acts, the Bootleg Beatles, and the most famous ABBA show, Björn Again, bring a rare double-headlining evening of non-stop hits to Audley End this summer.

0845 658 6960 www.picnicconcerts.com

Saturday 9th July - Sunday 10th July 2011 Flying Legends Air Show, Imperial War Museum Duxford

Suitable for age 4+ All children must be accompanied by an adult £2 per child 01480 214 163 education@stneotsmuseum.org.uk

Friday 29th July 2011 Wicken Fen Fairies and Pixies 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 30th July 2011 Fitzwilliam Museum. 10.30 - 12.30 Buried Treasure. Ages 5+. £5 per child 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

30 - 31st July 2011 Anglesey’s Finest Hour

Fitzwilliam Museum 10.30 - 12.30

Generations of families have grown up watching Dad’s Army following the antics of the Walmington on Sea Home Guard led by Captain Mainwaring – now visitors to Anglesey Abbey will be given the opportunity to experience life in the Home Guard. Anglesey’s Finest Hour (30-31 July) promises a weekend of nostalgia and family activities as the National Trust salutes Lord Fairhaven and the contribution of Cambridgeshire residents to the War effort. Why not join the Home Guard for drill practice, attempt the Army Cadets assault course, make a gas mark, learn how to fold a parachute, sample the delightful fair from the Field Kitchen, dress up in 40’s fashion and dance to wartime hits. With vintage military vehicle displays and a rousing speech from Winston Churchill, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.

01223 810 080

Exploring Archeology. Ages 8+. £5 per child 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

Monday 1st August 2011

Scouting for Girls and Sophie Ellis Bextor

Wicken Fen. Den Building

Indie-pop heroes Scouting for Girls have made an indelible mark in the UK - don't miss them bringing their Brit Award-nominated live show to Audley End! Also appearing will be disco-pop star Sophie Ellis Bextor.

0845 658 6960 www.picnicconcerts.com

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Monday 25th July 2011

Drawing for all ages. Fitz Family Welcome Point 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

01223 835 000 www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Tuesday 12th July Fitzwilliam Museum 10.00 - 12.30 It’s Magic. Discover how art can be magical. Ages 2-5. £3 per child 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

Saturday 16th July 2011

Wednesday 3rd August 2011 Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00

Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors. 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

May/Ju n e 2 0 11

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What’s on/Events Thursday 4 & Friday 5 August 2011 St Neots Museum Beach Hut Fridge Magnet Suitable for age 4+ All children must be accompanied by an adult £2 per child 01480 214 163 education@stneotsmuseum.org.uk

Wicken Fen. Den Building 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Friday 19th August 2011 Wicken Fen. Wild Boutique

6th August 2011

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Anglesey Abbey Wind in the Willows. Open Air Concert.

Duxford Imperial War Museum American Air Day.

Workshop 16.30 - 17.15. Show 18.00 (See our competion to win a family ticket!) 01223 810 080 www.cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk

A family friendly day showcase.

01223 835 000 www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th August 2011

Monday 22nd August 2011

Audley End Time Travellers Go… Horsing Around

Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors

Are you mad about horses? Grab a hobby horse and take part in our gymkhana and cavalry drill, then design a horse brass and learn about horses through history. customer@english-heritage.org.uk

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wednesday 7th August 2011

Wicken Fen Fairies and Pixies

Wicken Fen. Wild Boutique

Wedsnesday 24th August 2011 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Thursday 25th August 2011

Saturday 6th August 2011

Fitzwilliam Museum 10.30 - 12.30 Curious Collections.

10.30 - 12.30

Fitzwilliam Museum Family First Saturdays. 14.00 - 16.00 Activity Trails throughout the museum.

01223 748 100 fitzwilliam-enquiries@list.cam.ac.uk

Ages 5+. £5 per child 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

Friday 26th August 2011

Monday 8th August 2011

Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors

Wicken Fen Fairies and Pixies

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sun 28 & Mon 29 August 2011

Wednesday 10th August

WWII: Soldiers & Spies

Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors

Visit Audley End House aka Station 43 this weekend and be transported back to the time of WWII. Join our troops as they train for battle, learn more about Audley's secret wartime history and witness an explosive arena display customer@english-heritage.org.uk

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Thursday 11 & Friday 12 August 2011 St Neots Museum Wish You Were Here! Postcards galore Rainbow Windmills Pebble Painting Suitable for age 4+.

All children must be accompanied by an adult £2 per child 01480 214 163 education@stneotsmuseum.org.uk

15th - 16th August Cambridge Summer Music Festival

28th - 31st August 2011 Cambridge Folk Festival 01223 357 851 www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

Wedsnesday 31st August 2011 Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00 Drawing for all ages.

01223 894 161 www.cambridgesummermusic.com

Fitz Family Welcome Point 01223 332 900 fitzwilliamenquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

Wednesday 17th August 2011

Wicken Fen. Wild Boutique

Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00 Drawing for all ages.

01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Fitz Family Welcome Point 01223 332 900 fitzwilliam-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk

Professional tuition in maths & English tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods. ; Maths ; English ; Reading ; Spelling

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301 Histon Road, Cambridge, CB4 3NF

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DW Sports Fitness, Unit 2a (near ASDA), Beehive Centre Cambridge, CB1 3ER Lessons at

May/Ju ne 2011