Families Suffolk Magazine - Nov/Dec 2019 - Issue 50

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In this issue

Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Christmas Feature Crafts, Christmas Trees and Cheer at Suffolk Museums

Christmas Fire Safety Advice Is your home a child friendly zone?

Issue 50: November/December 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

Photo Credit: Father Christmas at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich familiesonline.co.uk Families Suffolk: Issue 50 1

C H R I S TC H U RC H MANSION, IPSWICH

A unique nine-month exhibition featuring portraits by renowned artist Colin Davidson, photography by Mark Surridge and personal items portraying the journey from Ed’s school life in Suffolk to international stardom. Many of these intimate works have never been seen before.

Exhibition is free, online booking essential at www.made-in-suffolk.co.uk

O N N OW U N T I L 3 M AY 2 02 0 2

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

Colchester + Ipswich Museums

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Welcome & Contents

Hello...

In this Issue

Welcome to our 50th issue.

Families Suffolk Magazine was launched back in September 2011, and just over 8 years later I am so proud to now be publishing our 50th issue. What a journey it has been and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped along the way. I’m very excited to see what the next 50 have in store.

Our new issue is packed full of great local content, including a new look ‘What’s On’ guide on pages 4-5. With the Editors pick of some of the best events and days out over the next few weeks for your family to enjoy. We also have a helpful Family Law article from Blocks Solicitors and Christmas fire safety advice from Suffolk Fire & Rescue, plus so much more.

We have also teamed up with Ipswich Building Society to put together an alternative advent calendar to help your family have a positive impact on the community this Christmas. It includes 25 random acts of kindness, and we would love to see your family get involved, so please share your pictures and experiences with us through our facebook page.

4-5

What’s On - Editor’s Pick

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Public Health

7

Family Health & Wellbeing

8

Family Law

9

St Elizabeth Hospice

10-11 Random Acts of Kindness Christmas Advent Calendar

12

Suffolk Fire & Rescue

13

Education

14-20 Christmas Feature. Including Christmas in Suffolk Museums

Whatever the festive season has in store we hope you have a happy and healthy Christmas and wish you all the best for the New Year.

With Best Wishes

Stacey x

Follow us: Facebook /FamiliesSuffolk | Twitter: @familiessuffolk

Contact us: Editor: stacey@familiessuffolk.co.uk | 07951 946736 Advertising: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk | 07951 946736 Events & What’s On: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Print: Printed in the uk by Warwick Printing.

OUr next issue: January/February 2020 Main features: Education / Clubs & Classes Circulation: 20,000 copies of Families Suffolk are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected retail outlets and various other distribution points throughout Suffolk. If you would like copies for your organisation please get in touch.

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Print Disclaimer: Families Suffolk Ltd is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Suffolk Ltd are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Suffolk Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Suffolk Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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What’s On: November/December 2019

Huddl Parent Talk on Mental Health, Wellbeing & Resilience

Crafts, Christmas Trees and cheer at Suffolk Museums

Illuminated Garden Trail 2019

Kesgrave High School Thursday 14th November

Various Locations From Wednesday 26th November

Huddl speaker Dr Hazel Harrison shares the latest evidence-based ways for us to explore how we can help young people build their wellbeing (and our own too!).

There is lots of festive fun to be had in Suffolk Museums this Christmas. From Christmas Tree Festivals to meeting Santa.

Please see page 18 for more information.

An unmissable event to start off the festive season, see the grounds adorned with thousands of lights transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland.

Please see page 17 for more information.

www.huddl.uk

www.suffolkmuseums.org

www.helmingham.com

Helmingham Hall Gardens Sat 23rd Nov - Sun 8th Dec

Peter Pan

Christmas Trail

Santa’s Workshop

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Friday 29th Nov - Sunday 19th Jan

Alton Watersports Centre Sat 30th Nov - Tue 24th Dec

Everything changes on the dull, dreary day Wendy Darling meets a strange young boy called Peter Pan He takes her to Neverland; filled with fiendish pirates, funky mermaids and an incredibly hungry crocodile.

Visit Alton Watersports Centre and enjoy their Christmas Trail, following the clues to find some interesting nature facts and claim your chocolate reward and goodie bag!!

Kersey Mill Every Saturday & Sunday throughout December

www.theatreroyal.org

www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/whats-on

www.kerseymill.net.

Father Christmas at the Museum of East Anglian Life

ARTHUR’S DREAMBOAT

Tea with Santa

New Wolsey Theatre Tuesday 3rd - Sunday 29th Dec

Hollowtree Farm Available Monday to Thursday only Mon 2nd - Thu 19th December

Stowmarket Every Saturday & Sunday throughout December Visit the museum this December for a traditional family Christmas experience and expect to find beautiful Christmas trees.

www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

4

This brand new show is brought to you by Long Nose Puppets and based on the book by Polly Dunbar. It is the story about a little boy who has a dream.

www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

Santa’s Workshop is truly a magical and unique experience primarily for children aged 2 up to 10 years. Younger children may also enjoy the experience as well as the adults too!

Children can enjoy a festive feast in our Farm Cafe followed by the chance to meet Santa in his grotto and receive a gift from him as well.

Don’t forget to say hello to his cheeky elves too!

www.hollowtrees.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Our editors pick of the best family days out, Shows, and events.

The Magic Fishbone

Dickensian Christmas

Christmas on the farm

The Red Rose Chain Fri 6th - Tue 31st December

Kentwell Hall Sat 7th - Sun 8th December

Easton Farm Park Weekend and Holidays: 7th - 24th Dec

This December Joanna Carrick’s acclaimed adaptation finally comes home to The Avenue!

Charles Dickens at Christmas is a magical, unmissable treat for all the family and the perfect alternative to the traditional panto.

Kentwell’s Dickensian Christmas is truly a wonderful festive family day out. Visit Father Christmas. Train to be an Elf at the Elf Training School, plus assault course. Enter the magical world “Beyond the Wardrobe”. Plus more.

The whole experience lasts 2 1/2 hours and includes a visit to Father Christmas, Elf Workshop with craft activities, Storytime and cookie decorating with Mother Christmas, Meet the Animals session and children’s party food.

www.redrosechain.com

www.kentwell.co.uk

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

christmas days out with Thomas East Anglian Railway Museum 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December Calling all little engineers! Join Thomas, the number one blue engine, as he visits the East Anglian Railway Museum for a day of family fun.

Please see page 17 for more information.

www.earm.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto

Cinderella

The Suffolk Punch Trust Fri 13th - Sun 15th December

Ipswich Regent Sat 14th - Tue 31st December

Come and meet Santa in the stables!

Plus visit the Christmas Farmyard, meet the animals, visit the shop and warm up with a hot chocolate in the cafe.

Join in the festive fun with the lovable Buttons, the handsome Prince Charming, the wicked Ugly Sisters, the magical Fairy Godmother and of course, the beautiful Cinderella and make it a Christmas to remember for the whole family.

www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk

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FAMILY LAW

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WHAT’S ON

Red Riding Hood

Sleeping Beauty

Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge Friday 20th - Sunday 30th December

Quay Theatre, Sudbury Saturday 14th Dec - Saturday 4th Jan

Red Riding Hood manages Grandma’s very successful bakery “The Rolling Scones”. Sire Percy Widdle, the evil landlord, raises all the rents. His henchmen, Stinky and Winky, are tasked with collecting the monies.

In a kingdom not too far away, a beautiful baby is born – the Princess Aurora. Due to an administrative error, the evil fairy Distaff, is not invited to the christening. In revenge, she casts a magic spell.

www.seckfordtheatre.org

www.quaysudbury.com

familiesonline.co.uk

g of grand openin Don’t miss the the AGE FARM at May. the new HERIT Anglian Life this Museum of East

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EDUCATION FEATURE

Aldeburgh Museum is passionate about bringing heritage learning to life.

Find out more about the educational visits available at Suffolk Museums.

MINI FIRST AID

Naomi Cooper from Mini First Aid Suffolk shares her expert advice on giving CPR

CLUBS & CLASSES

Some great ideas for local clubs & classes for your children to join this term. o.uk 47 1 Suffolk: Issue online.c Families families Issue 49: September / October 2019

familiesonline.co.uk .co.ukMay Issue 47:

familiesonline

/ June 2019

familiesonli Families Suffolk: ne.co.uk Issue 49 1

Showcase your family friendly event in our Jan/Feb issue Deadline: 5th December 2019 Contact: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Young children will have injuries and accidents from time to time.

Most will be minor, but some can be more serious.

Did you know that the majority of injuries in under 5-year-olds happen at home?

Children grow and learn all the time and they can take us by surprise with a sudden breakthrough in their development. Accidents can happen very quickly when your back is turned just for a moment, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidental injury in your home.

Visit: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/childfriendly to take the quiz and find tips and advice to keep your home a Child Friendly Zone!

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Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Family Health & Wellbeing

mini First Aid advice on:

Head Bumps

By Naomi Cooper When teaching parents and grandparents first aid, Mini First Aid Suffolk cover a lot of topics such as CPR, choking, recovery position, burns, febrile convulsions and so on. For the majority of people who attend our classes, most of them will hopefully never need to put these skills into practice. However, if you have a little one in the house, the chances are you will have to deal with head bumps every now and again.

Most head injures are not serious, however, all head injuries have the potential to be very serious because they can damage the brain and make someone lose responsiveness. The severity of a head injury depends on how someone hit their head and how hard the impact was.

What you need to do: 1 Sit them down, and hold a cold compress against the injury. (A bag of peas from the freezer will do the job, but make sure they are wrapped in a cloth to prevent ice burns to the skin) Carrying instant cool packs for when out and about can be really useful.

The benefits of baby swimming

By Rebecca Succamore, Water Babies Suffolk and North East Essex Ltd

There are so many benefits to baby swimming for not only your little one, but you too!

Introducing your baby to the pool can do wonders for their physical, emotional and social development – and helps them develop aquatic skills that will turn them into amazing little swimmers! But did you know that it’s also wonderful for you and your baby’s wellbeing too? Focused time in the water strengthens that bond, through holding them close and that skin-to-skin contact in the comforting warmth of the water. Your baby can smell you, feel your heartbeat, hear your breathing, which all helps calm and relax them (and you). It’s this stimulation that reminds them of the security and safety of the womb.

As if that wasn’t enough, warm water relaxes your baby, while swimming stimulates their appetite. This means they’ll have healthier eating patterns, as well as a good nights’ sleep (which is great news for you too!). Regular swimming lessons also help structure your day and week.

And the fact that they’re fun and social means you’ve got something to look forward to!

It’s never too early to start. So what are you waiting for?

When you’re ready, we’re ready!

To find out more visit: www.waterbabies.co.uk

2 Treat any wounds by applying direct pressure.

3 If you see any of the following immediately after, or within a few days, then you should go to A&E/ring 999: ∞ Brief loss of responsiveness ∞ Drowsiness ∞ Vomiting ∞ Confusion ∞ Memory loss ∞ Dizziness ∞ Seizure ∞ Unequal pupil size or problems with their vision ∞ Fluid coming out of their ears or nose.

To book onto a Mini First Aid course near you visit www.suffolk.minifirstaid.co.uk The 2 hour class is just £20pp, the cost of our child’s life is priceless. Private classes in your own home with friends of family are also available.

Bonding builds in your arms

01206 841126

blastoff@waterbabies.co.uk waterbabies.co.uk

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Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Family Law

S o l i c i t o r s

Who Will take care of your family?

Did you know over half of all adults in England and Wales do not have Wills?

This percentage also increases the younger a person is. Blocks Solicitors tell us more...

This is partly because of a number of myths. Many people think that Wills are not something that one has to do until old age and some even think that they are likely to die once they have completed a Will. Another common misconception is people think their estate will automatically pass to their partner or to their children and therefore a Will is not required.

Private Client service

Only by properly executing a Will can you confirm who you would want to administer your estate and to whom it is to be distributed.

If a Will has not been produced, the rules which are then used to govern how a person’s estate is distributed, date from the Victorian period. They do not therefore reflect life in 21st Century England and Wales, particularly with regard to unmarried couples or second families. If you are not married your partner cannot inherit from you under the intestacy rules. If you have a second family the only way to reflect your wishes and avoid disputes is to put a Will in place. If you have children or you own property or a business, a Will is a necessity.

As it is such an important document, professional advice and drafting is key – but it is worth noting that not all providers in the legal market are regulated.

Our Private Client department provides a caring and professional Only solicitors can provide the peace of mind that they are service in all areas including: regulated and insured. A solicitor can ensure the best estate Making a Will Estate Planning Powers of Attorney Probate, Intestacy and Estate Administration Court of Protection and Deputyship advice Deeds of Variation Trust Advice and Administration of Trusts Elderly Client and Care Fee Advice

planning for your family, giving you the reassurance that the advice is given for your benefit rather than to persuade you to use complicated schemes with little practical benefit to increase the Will writers fee.

Meet the Experts Owen Thomas is a Solicitor with over seventeen years’ experience, specialising in the Private Client Sector. Owen and his long established Team can advise on all aspects from Will drafting, Estate Planning, Probate & Intestacy to Trust, Court of Protection & Deputyship issues.

For further information and appointments, please contact

Owen Thomas: omt@blockslegal.co.uk Alice Vernon: anv@blockslegal.co.uk Lorna Thresh: lat@blockslegal.co.uk 01473 230033 www.blockslegal.co.uk 2-6 Arcade Street, Ipswich, IP1 1EL

8

01473 230033 | jac@blockslegal.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

familiesonline.co.uk

St Elizabeth Hospice

Care at Christmas

By St Elizabeth Hospice

With Christmas fast approaching, at St Elizabeth Hospice we are putting in place our plans to care for patients during the festive season.

The hospice cares for local people 365 days a year, but at Christmas we try so hard to make it special for those we support.

Support your local hospice

That’s why we’re asking local people to give their support to their local hospice this festive season through our Care at Christmas campaign.

Whether it’s joining in the fun by wearing your favourite jumpers during Woolly Pully Week from 9 to the 15 December or making a splash on Christmas Day by taking part in our Christmas Day Dip at Felixstowe, the festive season promises to be plenty of fun!

Christmas Remembrance Service We understand that Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are without loved ones, so we would like to invite those who would like to take some time for reflection to join us at our Christmas Remembrance Service at St Mary Le Tower in Ipswich on Sunday 15 December.

To find out more about all the ways you can support your local hospice this Christmas, including shopping with us or donating your time, please visit: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/careatchristmas

Woolly

St Elizabeth Hospice

Pully Week Get creative and fundraise this Christmas for your local hospice and help support patients and families over the festive period. Take part in Woolly Pully Week from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 December 2019

Join in today at stelizabethhospice.org.uk/woolly Text CARE to 70507 to donate to St Elizabeth Hospice and make a difference to local families today familiesonline.co.uk

Pully Woolly eek W Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Available to existing members or new applicants resident in postcodes IP, NR, CO, CM, CB and PE. See product terms and conditions for further information.

Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered on the Financial Services Register. Firm Registration Number (FRN) 104875 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Suffolk Fire & Rescue

Christmas

Fire Safety Advice Many of the things we enjoy over the Christmas period, such as fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

FOLLOW THESE 12 CHRISTMAS FIRE SAFETY TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS.

1 .

2 .

3 .

4 .

5 .

6 .

Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard.

Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.

Test your smoke alarms monthly and only remove batteries when replacing them.

Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended.

Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

7 .

8 .

9 .

10 .

11 .

12 .

Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

Store fireworks safely. Never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

Make sure cigarettes are put out properly.

Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire.

SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

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Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Education

Encouraging a Growth Mindset in your Child

By Gabrielle Nash

Children are like sponges, aren’t they?

They soak up every new thing, whether it’s a new word or the latest trend. But are they learning new things in the right way?

You may not have given it much thought, but the way we speak to our children can have a huge impact on how they learn.

If you’re new to the phrase ‘growth mindset,’ don’t be put off. This simple concept could help both you and your child. Developed by Carol Dweck, an American Professor of Psychology, the ‘growth mindset’ ethos has become increasingly popular in schools globally. Dweck believed that by changing their ‘mindset’ anyone (children included) could increase their abilities and improve their intelligence solely through dedication and hard work.

Many of us battle with a ‘fixed mindset.’ For example, the belief that if we aren’t naturally good at languages, that won’t change and therefore we shouldn’t try to learn them. But by shifting to a ‘growth mindset,’ we can actually motivate ourselves to succeed.

In the last 10 years more and more schools have embraced the theory of growth mindset into their teaching ethos, not placing so much focus on the natural gifts children have but instead focussing on the work they put in. Integral to growth mindset is the understanding that making mistakes is okay. It’s natural to encounter challenges and make mistakes when learning so many new things. However, failure can sometimes dent a child’s confidence. By embracing mistakes and failures, teachers can give children the reassurance that it’s okay to struggle, rather than the idea that mistakes and failings are wrong.

Growth mindset means praising a child for effort and not natural talent. Teachers can adjust how they give feedback to motivate a child to continue to work hard. If a child does an impressive painting, instead of praising the child’s natural talent, the teacher can instead praise the effort, process and commitment put into creating that painting. A child that is praised solely for their natural ability may not believe that to be attainable again, so may not try. Yet a child who gets noticed for the effort they put in will feel able to repeat that success.

Tom Dobson, an education expert at Leeds Beckett University says the growth mindset ethos places the onus on pupils to take control of their own learning and development. “Rather than the teacher telling children what they have achieved and what they now need to achieve, pupils can become aware of what their own steps for progress are.”

Growth mindset can be used at home too. There’s a tendency in modern parenting towards over-praising children, to protect them and their precious self-esteem. While it is important to be positive, the growth mindset theory suggests that instead of heaping praise at every opportunity, we should rephrase the praise to encourage development.

Encourage your child to talk about the struggles they encountered today. Getting them to understand that it’s okay to find a task or activity tricky is central to having a growth mindset, because that’s how we learn.

We exercise our bodies but what about our brains? Encourage your children to see their brain as a muscle that needs exercising; the more they use it the stronger it becomes. Refer to the different things they learn as light bulbs; each time they learn a new skill, they turn on a new lightbulb. Each time they practice it, the light bulb gets bigger and brighter. All of which contribute to a stronger brain.

When your child is struggling with something, whether it’s a physical or mental task, try to motivate them to not give up.

The mantra “try, try and try again” really can have incredible results. Not only does this develop their growth mindset but it also builds resilience, something so vital for the grown-up world.

Don’t forget though, this isn’t just for your children. If you’re facing a challenge whether at home or work, try applying some of these principles to it. You might surprise yourself whilst setting a great example to your kids at the same time!

For more parenting tips and advice, read Gabrielle’s blog: @thelondonishmum.

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T H E

THE MOST WONDERFUL

TIME OF THE YEAR...

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING • INDEPENDENT GIFTS FESTIVE THEATRE • PANTOS • CAROL SINGERS CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVALS • FESTIVE CRAFTS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES • MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS WINTER STREET MARKETS • AND MORE...

WWW.ALLABOUTIPSWICH.COM/CHRISTMAS 14

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

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Christmas feature

Christmas

Letter from Santa

All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? Here are two ways of making this happen

Royal Mail Letter to Santa For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.

Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa

NSPCC Santa Letter Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 9 December. www.letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk/letter-from-santa

The Tiger Who Came to Tea The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr, will come to TV this Christmas adapted as a half-hour animated film for Channel 4.

It will feature a star studded cast of voices including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse.

The role of Sophie will be played by 7 year old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut.

For anyone that doesn’t know the book, it tells the tale of the tiger that shows up at young Sophie’s front door and proceeds to eat the family out of house and home, even going so far as to drink all of the water out of the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I think I’d better go now,” and departing.

Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this film will capture the same special place in every family’s imagination watching it. familiesonline.co.uk

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Christmas Feature

Illuminated Garden Trail 2019 See Helmingham in a whole new light….

Our magical Illuminated Garden Trail is back and is bigger and better than before!

23rd November – 8th December 2019 4:30pm – 8:00pm

Book your tickets online now at www.helmingham.com Helmingham Hall Gardens, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF Tel: 01473 890799 | Email: events@helmingham.com

2019 10 Families Festive Season.qxp_130mm h x 90mm w 15/10/2019 09:50 P

The Festive Season

at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Have the day off.

All you need to do is book!

Festive Lunch

available throughout December

£17.95 2 courses £19.95 3 courses

THE MERMAID IPSWICH Yarmouth Road, Ipswich IP1 2EN www.mermaidpubipswich.co.uk

Christmas Day Lunch

£72.50 per adult adul

£29.50 (5 -12 years old) under 5’s FREE

Boxing Day Lunch

£35.00 per adult £19.50 (5 -12 years old)

under 5’s FREE

t 01394 383555 ext. 325 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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Christmas Feature

Festive Day out with Thomas East Anglian Railway Museum 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec | 10am-4.30pm

Illuminated Garden Trail Helmingham Hall Gardens 23rd Nov - 8th Dec

Christmas at Ufford Park Christmas Day and Boxing Day lunch

The magical Illuminated Garden Trail is back at Helmingham Hall this Christmas and it is bigger and better than before!

Why not spoil yourself this year and let someone else do the cooking for you?

Calling all little engineers!

Join Thomas, the number one blue engine, as he visits the East Anglian Railway Museum leading up to Christmas for loads of family fun!

The Fat Controller will be on hand to make sure Thomas is being a really useful engine whilst Rusty and Dusty, Sodor’s Station Sweepers, will be causing mischief. Father Christmas will be here as well!

Day Out With Thomas is an event the whole family can enjoy. Take a real steam train ride behind Thomas and his friends, Daisy, Percy and Toad will all be here. Complete your Passport To Adventures and Junior Engineer certificate, watch re-enactments of classic Thomas stories and much more.

A great family day out, voted a hit by visitors young and old.

ONLINE PRICE: Adult/Senior: £15, Child: £11, Family (2 adults/2 children): £48, UNDER 2’s FREE.

See the grounds adorned with thousands of lights transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland. Start the trail off by crossing Helmingham Hall’s famous drawbridge.

Continue through the gardens absorbing the magical sights and sounds, gather around the fire pits to toast marshmallows. End the evening browsing the Stables Shops where you may be able to find some early Christmas gifts! www.helmingham.com

Ufford Park are now taking bookings for Christmas and Boxing Day lunch.

Their three course Christmas Day lunch is £72.50 per adult and £29.50 per child (five to 12 years) and includes a gift delivered by Santa. Or relax after a busy Christmas with their delicious Boxing Day buffet lunch, £35 per adult and £19.50 per child (five to 12 years).

Children under five are free on both days! www.uffordpark.co.uk

Please note, these are online prices which are discounted.

Tickets purchased on the door will cost more.

Escape Room - Codebreakers Experience Saturday 30th Nov & Sunday 29th Dec

The Mermaid Ipswich

Solve a series of brain-teasers, puzzles and clues to escape from the museums Victorian waiting room or vintage railway carriage, get your skates on...you only have 60 minutes!

Yarmouth Road, Ipswich IP1 2EN

Available throughout December.

For more information call: 01473 230278

To find out more about all events visit: www.earm.co.uk.

Inspire Suffolk: Affordable and fun holiday clubs for kids aged 5-12yrs

FUN PACKED HOLIDAY CLUBS

EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY

∞ Ipswich ∞ Woodbridge ∞ Hadleigh ∞ ∞ Lowestoft ∞ Bury St Edmunds ∞ At Inspire Suffolk, they work hard to ensure that children leave their clubs looking forward to the next one!

They provide an exciting range of activities, including sports, dance and crafts, so your child spends the day doing the things they love. Whether it’s 5-a-side football or a lesson from the Ipswich School of Dancing, there are so many options for a fun and active day.

Book now at www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1101519

Their holiday clubs run throughout Suffolk, offer great value for money and allow you to choose a length of day that suits you.

BOOK ONLINE NOW For more information visit: www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk

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Christmas at Suffolk Museums

Crafts, Christmas Trees and Cheer at Suffolk Museums

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Diary Dates Saturday’s & Sunday’s throughout December Santa Specials at Mid-Suffolk Light Railway www.mslr.org.uk/visit-us/santa-specials

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Tuesday 26 November 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020 Christmas Tree Festival at Christchurch Mansion www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/ christmas-tree-festival

There is lots of festive fun to be had in Suffolk Museums this Christmas.

Christchurch Mansion will be hosting its first ever Christmas Tree Festival. The event is free to attend and offers festive folk the chance to come and see some of their marvellous trees and vote for their favourite. Aldeburgh Museum’s Dickensian Christmas Trail is another event not to be missed. Families will follow the Dickens trail around the town to the museum, which will be hosting an array of fun festive activities.

CHRISTMAS TIME CRAFTS Merry makers are invited to the Mini Music Makers party at The Red House, where families can come along and sing some Christmas songs, enjoy some festive treats and even have a go at decorating their own Christmas tree. Rumour has it there might even be a visit from a special festive guest…

There will be further opportunities to get crafty this Christmas at the Tide Mill Museum, which will be asking families to bring in their used Christmas wrapping paper, and then recycling it in a crafty project or two.

SANTA’S COMING TO SUFFOLK MUSEUMS Join Father Christmas on his tour of Suffolk museums this winter! The big man in red is set to visit The Long Shop Museum, where visitors are free to visit the winter wonderland all day (10am-4pm). Among the gifts available at the wonderland, will be jewellery, artwork, homemade trinkets and much, much more. Santa will also be visiting Ipswich Transport Museum on their final opening day of the year, which promises to be a celebration of impressive festive decoration, entertainment and will offer families the opportunity to take a ride in some of the museum’s vehicles!

The final stop on his journey is Christchurch Mansion, where families can expect to find him spreading Christmas cheer in his grotto. Visitors can also take part in seasonal craft activities where they will have the chance to get in the Christmas spirit with storytelling and singing of Christmas songs.

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Sunday 1 December, 10-4pm Christmas Fayre at The Long Shop Museum www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/leiston-christmas-fair Sunday 1 December Santa at Ipswich Transport Museum www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk Sunday 1 December Christmas at Bawdsey Radar www.bawdseyradar.org.uk/whats-on

Saturday 7 December, 1-4pm A Dickensian Christmas at Aldeburgh Museum www.brittenpears.org/event/dickensian-christmas Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December, 11-4pm Xmas Fair at Dunwich Museum www.dunwichmuseum.org.uk/whats-on Saturday 21 December, 2-4pm Xmas Stories at Dunwich Museum www.dunwichmuseum.org.uk/whats-on

Sunday 8, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December Meet Father Christmas at Christchurch Mansion www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meet-fatherchristmas-3 Friday 13 December, 10-11.30am Mini Music Party at The Red House www.brittenpears.org/event/mini-music-party

Tuesday 17 December, 2-3pm Carols at The Red House www.brittenpears.org/event/carols-at-the-red-house Monday 30th December Craft Morning at Woodbridge Tide Mill www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/event/christmasrecovery-crafty-morning

Families Suffolk: Issue 50

familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas at the Mansion

26 November-5 January 2020 Come along to Christchurch Mansion from 26 November 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020 to see beautifully decorated trees as part of our Christmas Tree Festival. You can also meet Father Christmas, take part in festive activities and listen to jolly live music on Sunday 8, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December.

February Half Term Tuesday 18 - Thursday 20 February IPSWICH MUSEUM

Animal Invasion

THERE’S LOTS ON AT IPSWICH MUSEUMS IN FEBRUARY HALF-TERM! Animal Invasion is back and very popular so book early if you want to meet some real critters.

Plus there will be arty workshops at Christchurch Mansion Find out more at www.ipswich.cimuseums/events familiesonline.co.uk

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