Families Suffolk Magazine - Issue 51 - January / February 2020

ke Ta

FR EE

e m

e m o h

In this issue

Learning outside the classroom at Easton Farm Park Help Fight Plastic Pollution Ipswich Borough Council share advice on reducing plastic pollution.

What’s On: February Half Term Fun Issue 51: January/February 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Suffolk: Issue 51 1

A baby on the way or a new arrival can put lots of pressure on partners. You want to be happy but you can feel overwhelmed.

www.healthysuffolk.org.uk

You’re not going through the same as Mum, but there could be a lot of things you’re trying to come to terms with. Being told to ‘pull yourself together’ or hiding your emotions might not be the answer.

Here in Suffolk we want you to know the door is open to share your feelings in confidence, with support in person, online and through apps. Health professionals are getting expert training from OneLife Suffolk to understand more about how they can support partners during pregnancy.

So, don’t worry if you’re feeling anxious about becoming a new parent. Look out for more information at www.healthysuffolk.org.uk and on social media - and get in touch today.

Life has changed so much since having a baby and I don’t always feel I can talk about these challenges.”

d a D w e n a Is being ? n w o d u o y g bringin talk about it!

Let’s

Dads really do matter and the they are, better supported t they the better suppor mily.” can give to their fa der of EPIC Richard Keeble, Foun erest Company Dad Community Int

Will you make a pledge to support Getting Support

Suffolk

theiscampaign, do your bit greatest to raise job Becoming a Dad life-changing, it is the awareness of the issue and let you will ever have! But it does come with pressures! others know they are not alone?

Support is available in Suffolk. To find out more about EPIC Dads and read stories from other local fathers visit: Contact healthandwellbeing@suffolk.org.uk

towww.healthysuffolk.org.uk pledge and get your badge.

2

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome & Contents

Hello...

In this Issue

Happy New Year Welcome to the first issue of 2020.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your families and wish you a happy and healthy new year.

In this issue we have a fantastic pull out feature on fighting plastic pollution thanks to Ipswich Borough Council on pages 8-9. Find out how some small day-to-day changes could make a big difference.

Our education feature in this issue highlights Easton Farm Park, perhaps better known to many as a great local attraction, but did you know they are a ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ accredited farm? Find out more about how they have been educating Suffolk children since 1974 on page 6.

We also have our top pick of family days out, local events and shows over the next few months on pages 4-5. One event not to be missed this February is the Market for Mums Nearly New Sales. In addition to their baby and children’s market they will also be hosting The Market for Mums Older Children’s Sale.

You can search through thousands of excellent quality items of older children’s clothing being sold by other mums! Up to 60 stalls of parents selling items suitable for 5-15 year olds!

Don’t forget you can stay up to date with local events by following us on Facebook.

4-5

What’s On - Editor’s Pick

6-7

Education Feature

8-9

Fighting Plastic Pollution

10

Family Law

11

Clubs & Classes

12

St Elizabeth Hospice

13

Suffolk Fire & Rescue

14

Suffolk Museums

15-16 What’s On

With Best Wishes

Stacey x Follow us: Facebook /FamiliesSuffolk | Twitter: @familiessuffolk

Contact us:

growing closer

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: March/April 2020 Main features: Places to visit in 2020.

Circulation: 20,000 copies of Families Suffolk are

We’re Suffolk

through and through We’re interested in what our

members and the local community are doing and we’re happy to roll

up our sleeves to help them grow and prosper.

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.

w w w.ibs.co.uk

0330 123 0723

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.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

3

What’s On: January / February 2020

Mini Mammoths – Hibernation

TODDLER TIME: Welly Walk

GET HANDS ON WITH HISTORY

Ipswich Museum Tuesday 21st January

The Museum of East Anglian Life Wednesday 22nd January

Framlingham Castle Saturday 15th - Sunday 23rd February

10.15am - 11.15am & 1.15pm - 2.15pm

10am - 11am

Join the interactive sessions for young children and their parents, grandparents & carers.

Explore the collections & galleries together though a mixture of play, stories & crafts.

Grab your wellies and join in a led walk around the museum site. Your toddler will explore, meet the animals and see how many puddles they can find!

Discover what it was like to live, work and fight in a real-life castle at Framlingham Castle. Join us as the lives of four of our most celebrated and notorious monarchs are brought to life in interactive performances for all the family.

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Robin Hood & The babes in the wood

Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids

Easton Farm Park Half Term Price Drop

Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge Saturday 15th - Saturday 22nd February

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Sunday 16th February

Easton, Woodbridge Monday 17th - Sunday 22nd February

Don’t miss The Company Of Fours’ spectacular family Pantomime. The show promises fun, music, song and dance mixed with the traditional family fun for kids of all ages!

SK Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who makes all kinds of music using just his mouth and a mic. Join this sonic superhero and become one of his sidekicks.

Fabulous family fun on the farm in the lovely Suffolk countryside. Playtime, animals to meet & feed, daily rides and lots more!

Entry price reduced to £6.90pp for Half Term.

www.cof4.co.uk

www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Kids Activity Day

The Jungle Book

Animal Invasion

Anglia Indoor Karting, Ipswich Monday 17th February

The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe Monday 17th February

Ipswich Museum Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th February

An action packed, fun filled training session on the new electric kart fleet. The day will be split into safety briefing, track tour, practice sessions, driver tuition, team competitions, individual racing and much more.

With a laugh a minute script and songs and dance for all ages - you’d be bear mad to miss it! Featuring brand new sparkling sets and glittering costumes you really will have an awfully roarsome time!

Find out more about a range of animals, how they adapt and survive in their environments and how humans have an impact on their worlds.

www.angliakarting.com

www.spapavilion.uk

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

4

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

10.30 - 11.15am | 11.30am - 12.15pm 1pm - 1.45pm | 2pm - 2.45pm

familiesonline.co.uk

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

Milkshake! Live - Milkshake Monkey’s Musical The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Wednesday 19th February

Welly Wednesday

Wordplay pre-school Children’s activities

Christchurch Park, Ipswich Wednesday 19th February

Be part of this fantastic production as you learn amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and stage come together.

Dress in your best wellies and join the fun packed 2.5km route including 5 inflatable obstacles, a welly toss and a prize for the best decorated wellies!

Please see page 12 for more information.

www.theapex.co.uk

www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Suffolk Libraries Monday - Friday Suffolk Libraries have recently launched a new look for their children’s activities for 0-5 year olds, under the new name ‘Wordplay sessions.’

Available in all 44 libraries in Suffolk, Wordplay sessions provide singing, nursery rhymes and play to babies and toddlers with their parents. Typically, all parents will sit in a circle with their children with a member of the library service guiding them through songs and interactive play.

These sessions are split into three groups: Baby Bounce Suitable for babies between 0-18 months, Tot Rock Suitable for children up to 5 years old Storytime sessions Suitable for 0-5s.

Puppets

Toddler Takeover

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Thursday 20th February

Ipswich Museum Tuesday 25th February

Make your very own paper shadow puppet to take home, inspired by the ones used in Ed Sheeran’s ‘Sing’ video, which you can also see in the Made in Suffolk exhibition.

Celebrate the Mammoth’s birthday and explore the world’s wonderful animals through play, art and stories. Come along dressed up as animals to help get Wool-I-Am in the party mood! The day is especially for our youngest visitors age 0 – 4.

The new look for Wordplay sessions includes a series of woodland animals, illustrated by Off the Press design agency, headed by Oona, the owl mascot.

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/wordplay.

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

To find a Wordplay session near you, visit:

EE

ke Ta

HO M E

e m ho

EE

e m

M E

FR

FR

TA KE

IN thIs IssuE

E

IN THIS ISSU

FEATURE EDUCATION bringing passionate about m is the Aldeburgh Museu life. Find out more about g to Museums. heritage learnin le at Suffolk visits availab educational

The Market for Mums - Nearly New Baby & Childrens Market Trinity Park, Ipswich Sunday 23rd February: 10am - 12pm

The Market for Mums - 5 -15yrs Childrens & Teens Nearly New Sale Trinity Park, Ipswich Sunday 23rd February: 2pm - 4pm

The Market for Mums (and Dads, Grandparents and everyone in between). Search through thousands of excellent quality items of children’s clothing being sold by other mums!

Search through thousands of excellent quality items of OLDER children’s clothing. Up to 60 stalls of parents selling items suitable for 5 - 15 yrs.

www.themarketformums.co.uk

www.themarketformums.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

MINI FIRST AID

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

SES CLUBS & CLASfor local clubs & classes Some great ideas join this term. n to for your childre ber

.co.ukSeptem Issue 49:

familiesonline

/ October 2019

Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Christmas Feature

Crafts, Christmas Trees and Cheer at Suffolk Museum s

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

1 o.uk

Suffolk: online.c Families families

Issue 49

Issue 50: November/D

familiesonline.co.uk

ecember 2019

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

Showcase your family friendly event in our March / April issue Deadline: Monday 10th February 2020 Contact: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

5

Education

Learning outside the classroom

Easton Farm Park has been educating children in the heart of the Suffolk countryside since 1974. Their mission has always been to bring children closer to the countryside and where their food comes from.

As a Learning Outside the Classroom accredited farm, Easton Farm Park offers bespoke school and group visits to cover all aspects of the curriculum and can tailor visits to suit all key stages. School visits to the farm offer a fantastic opportunity for children to experience the great outdoors, work together to solve problems and explore the make up and diversity of farming life.

As well as all this, there is great fun to be had – teamworking on the bouncy pillow, pedal tractor racing and hugging bunnies, chicks or lambs.

Practical information for teachers Easton Farm Park have a full range of risk assessments, and school teachers go free on the trip. They even offer a free pre-visit to the trip planner.

Visits can be planned at any time of year, but some activities are seasonal. Bring the children to see the lambs in spring, enjoy the mini beasts and pond dipping in summer, meet the animals and learn about the habitats in autumn or meet Father Christmas in winter. There is also ample bus parking.

To find out more For more information visit: www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk.

Call: 01728 746475 | Email: info@eastonfarmpark.co.uk.

6

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

Ipswich Central Kumon students honoured at awards ceremony Local students from the Kumon Ipswich Central Study Centre were recognised at an Advanced Student Honour Roll awards ceremony at the end of last year, for their success and continued development studying the Kumon Maths and English Programmes.

The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Jan Parry presented students with their certificates and medals for their achievement of reaching the Kumon International Standard, and in some cases, surpassing it, meaning they are studying advanced work in comparison to their peers world-wide.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Devangee Mohapatra said: “A bigger and safer house needs a strong foundation. Likewise Kumon helped me build that strong foundation within me in mathematics fundamentals. It made me confident on basic and complex mathematics operations which helped me in solving complex calculations and problems in quick time”.

Devangee was a student at Ipswich Central Kumon Study Centre and this year has achieved a high rank of 414 for her 11plus exams. For more information visit kumon.co.uk.

Pictured Above: Sangeeta Kumar, Ipswich Central Kumon Tutor with Ipswich student Devangee Mohapatra.

Are you looking for some extra income?

Could you host an international student?

Alpha Guardians bring international students into the UK to study for their GCSE’s and A-Levels in local state and independent schools.

They are currently looking for more host families for these students and offer a weekly payment for this service.

Students come to live in the UK with host families and hopefully become part of the family. The host family is able to assist them with their day-to-day needs whilst providing the student with a safe and secure home environment, enabling them to continue their education in the UK. Alpha Guardians are always looking for excellent host families to assist in this work. They look to select host families that will offer a safe and welcoming environment where the students can live and learn. If you have a spare room and would consider having a student in your home then get in touch.

For more information please contact Alpha Guardians on 01473 559015, email info@alphaguardians.co.uk or visit:

www.alphaguardians.co.uk Host Families Required for International Students

MAY - 15 JUNE 1 21 - 29 February

A rewarding experience Full support and training Short & long term placements Students attend local schools Extra income

Find out how Kumon maths and English study can help your child to achieve beyond expectations. Book now!

Ipswich Central Study Centre 01473 614 665 Developing ability for 60 years Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only.

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

kumon.co.uk

B1 Adastral Park, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3QU T: 01473 559015 E: info@alphaguardians.co.uk W: alphaguardians.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

7

NEW YEAR R Ipswich Borough Council are keeping a lid on plastic pollution and you can help with some small day-to-day changes to make a big difference.

USE A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE. One reusable bottle can replace

HHH H U N HH DH R E D S H2O

of single-use bottles. Visit refill.org.uk to find water refill stations near you.

DON’T USE STRAWS unless you need to, or use paper or reusable straws instead.

USE YOUR OWN REUSABLE CUTLERY or sustainable alternatives when on the go.

USE A REUSABLE HOT DRINKS CUP when you visit your local coffee shop. Many coffee shops even offer a discounted price when you use one!

USE REUSABLE CONTAINERS for food leftovers at home.

CHOOSE CANNED OR GLASS BOTTLED BEVERAGES and products over plastic bottled ones.

USE REUSABLE FABRIC NAPKINS

instead of paper ones, which are often wrapped in plastic.

USE FEWER CHEMICALS FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING. White vinegar, lemon and baking soda can be used for all sorts of cleaning jobs.

TAKE REUSABLE BAGS when shopping.

Buy fruit and vegetables WITHOUT PLASTIC WRAPPERS.

REFUSE single-use condiment sachets.

USE MATCHES

instead of disposable

plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter.

SWAP liquid soaps for solid bars.

8

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

familiesonline.co.uk

ESOLUTION? Why stop at plastic! Here’s how you can keep recycling throughout the year Ipswich Borough Council work closely with Suffolk Recycling to encourage a range of recycling initiatives and ideas that can easily be done at home and with your family.

RECYCLE

REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND SAVE MONEY

Detailed tips and other ways to reduce your food waste follow #FoodSavvytips foodsavvy.org.uk/ savvy-tips

See what you can recycle in your recycling bin at home suffolkrecycling. org.uk/my-bins

LEARN

Arrange a visit for your class or group to see what happens to your waste suffolkrecycling.org. uk/learning-zone

GLASS

can be recycled again and again.

Find your nearest recycling bank at recyclenow.com

GET COMPOSTING!

There are lots of exciting things to do to help reduce your waste, like watching the worms eat your kitchen scraps! Find composting equipment offers at getcomposting.com

familiesonline.co.uk

HAVE A WELLIE BOOT SALE

Wellie boots often get little use and are then too small next season!

TEXTILES

Share outgrown good quality clothes and uniform with other families, take part in a swap shop at your school or donate to charity or local textile banks.

CHANGE TO CLOTH

Cloth nappies are a cheaper, easy to use and a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable nappies. You can save as much as £500 by switching!

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

9

Family Law

SOME TIPS WHEN GOING THROUGH DIVORCE It is natural that where a marriage has broken down, there is usually at least one party feeling angry, sad, disappointed, or a mixture of all of those things.

It is therefore easy for a divorce to become a forum for airing those feelings and for parties to lose sight of what matters.

It might help to bear in mind the following pitfalls and ways to avoid them:

1. Not using a family lawyer.

Sometimes lawyers are approached by clients some way down the line of divorce because they were told by their spouse, family members or friends that they did not really need legal advice. Most people find they have to resort to getting legal advice when the case has already been running and there are entrenched positions which could have been avoided had a family lawyer been instructed from the start.

2. Using the wrong lawyer.

Someone who is combative and ruthless does not necessarily achieve effectiveness and does not guarantee your spouse/ partner will be intimidated and concede. Also, such an approach will be costly and damaging and cause relationships to break down further. Members of Resolution follow a Code of Practice that promotes a constructive approach to family issues and considers the needs of the whole family.

3. Listening to your ex-spouse’s advice.

Your spouse/partner may have been your confidante and the person you went to with your concerns. However, you have to recognise that your spouse may not (and often, cannot) have your best interests at heart any longer. More often than not, your best interests will be in direct contrast to his/her best interests.

4. Listening to bad advice from other people.

Fixed price divorce offer

£525 +VAT and Court Fee Interview with a specialist family lawyer Taking initial instructions to final dissolution or decree absolute All document preparation Correspondence with you, the Court and other party/Solicitors Assistance applying for help with Court fees

Your friends may know the general principles of family law, or know somebody who has recently divorced, but their advice is no substitute for professional legal advice which is accurate, up-to-date and tailored to your situation. Family members may also have a certain opinion of your spouse which clouds your judgement (whether that opinion be good or bad).

5. Using children as pawns in the game.

Children are inevitably affected by their parents’ separation, but the impact on them can be minimised. Spouses may try to limit contact the children have with the other parent to “punish” that parent. Use a specialist family lawyer to fix these issues, not your children.

(Terms and Conditions apply)

Additional services provided outside the fixed fee: Disputes relating to children Financial/property matters Domestic abuse/violence Representation at Court hearings

Meet the Experts John Simpson is a collaborative family lawyer and a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Children Law and Complex Financial Remedies; he can advise on all aspects of separation, divorce, finances and children’s issues.

For further information and appointments, please call Kerissa Blake

01473 230033 or email knb@blockslegal.co.uk www.blockslegal.co.uk 2-6 Arcade Street, Ipswich, IP1 1EL

10

01473 230033 | hlb@blockslegal.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

Children’s Classes at the Quay School of Dance

Young children love to move, be it at play or when listening to music By channelling these energies through structured dance and movement classes it can help to develop cognitive, motor and social skills. It also helps to instil exercise as a way of life.

class for half an hour a week. The lessons are designed to be imaginative, fun and to provide a solid grounding for the dance syllabi that is taught to all children from full-time school age.

As children grow older dance can continue to be a hobby for some or a future career choice for others.

Whatever a child’s goal, dance frequently produces confident, well co-ordinated young people with good posture, self esteem and respect for others. It is also a fun activity which gives young people the chance to experience the thrill of performance and the satisfaction of progressing and gaining qualifications with an international body - the I.S.T.D. (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing).

From age four and a half pupils can attend classes in Ballet, Tap and/or Modern. Children follow a syllabus and work towards I.S.T.D. examinations.

The I.S.T.D. exams have been devised to provide a worthwhile sense of achievement both for children and young adults who dance for recreation, and also for those hoping to pursue a career in dance. They also offer Street Dance classes to children aged 6 and above.

This style has grown in popularity due to this dance style being featured in many current films, music videos and concerts.

Children are accepted from the age of three at The Quay School of Dance.

At this age they attend a ballet-based

Quay School of Dance D B U RY & E L D IN S U H S S E S S LA C T EDMUND N R B U RY S IX W O RT H , Pupils accepted from 3 years

• Ballet • Modern • Jazz • Tap

• Street • Cheer-leading • Adult Tap • Adult Ballet

Exams - Shows - Summer Schools

For more information visit: www.quaydance.co.uk

t: 07771 648649 e: quaydance@hotmail.co.uk

www.quaydance.co.uk Quay Dance

JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING

SWIMMING LESSONS AND GET A...

Terms apply*

VISIT EVERYONEACTIVE.COM/KIDSPASS FOR DETAILS Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre .................... 01449 674980 Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre ...... 01379 384376 *Mainland GB only. 18+. Recipient must be parent/guardian if child lessons. 1x free 6-month subscription code to Kids Pass for each household enrolled on swimming lessons at participating centres.

Opens 21 December 2019 to 31 March 2020. Visit www.everyoneactive.com/kidspass for full terms. Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council.

W

everyoneactive.com

facebook.com/everyoneactive

@everyoneactive

familiesonline.co.uk

@everyoneactive

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

11

St Elizabeth Hospice

How you can support St Elizabeth Hospice in 2020 The New Year is brimming with new events for you to take part in and enjoy!

St Elizabeth Hospice share with Families Suffolk more information about fundraising events that the whole family can get involved with in 2020.

Welly Wednesday Starting with Welly Wednesday on 19 February, this half term event is perfect for those looking for a fun family day out.

The 2.5km sponsored walk at Christchurch Park will host 5 inflatable obstacles to conquer as well as a welly toss and a prize for the best decorated wellies.

Find more information visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org. uk/wellyweds

First 5K Achieve a new goal in 2020 with our new event, the First 5K. Sign up and pledge to raise ÂŁ100 for the hospice, as our headline sponsor FTC Gym provide helpful training tips and guides throughout. Join in with training from January with the big group run on Sunday 15 March.

Find more information visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/event/first-5k

Midnight Walk Finally, we have our Midnight Walk on Saturday 9 May! Back for its 14th year, this sponsored walk will see thousands of you taking to the streets of Ipswich to help us raise vital funds for the hospice, the event is also the perfect opportunity to walk in memory of someone you love.

This year, we have a 10km and a half marathon route to choose from, allowing you to really challenge yourself. As well as route changes, you can now only get 2020 t-shirts with tickets before 10 February, so make sure to sign up before then if you want to rock one of our newest designs.

Headline sponsors, Bluebell Mortgages ltd, are also giving away free reusable water bottles to the first 250 sign ups!

To sign up and find more information on the event visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/midnightwalk

12

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

familiesonline.co.uk

Suffolk Fire and Rescue

Become an

On-Call Firefighter On-call firefighters are a vital part of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. They provide an efficient,

effective service that gives emergency cover across the country. In Suffolk, on-call firefighters make up 66% of the workforce and are generally located in rural communities, small towns and villages.

What are on-call firefighters?

An on-call/part time firefighter is a person who is ‘on call’ to respond to a range of emergencies.

They are doing everyday jobs (for example, shop workers, office workers, mechanics, etc) until the call comes, then they become professional firefighters. Oncall firefighters do not just fight fires.

On-call firefighters live or work within five to ten minutes of their allocated fire station. They are fully trained firefighters who are called into service when they are needed rather than staffing the fire stations on a full time basis.

Most on-call firefighters have other employment and take on the role as a second job; however, you do not need to be in work to become an on-call firefighter.

“

You need to: n Be 18 years old or over. n Have a reasonable level of personal fitness. n Live or work within five to ten minutes of the fire station you provide cover to. n Be able to provide over 50 hours of on-call weekly cover. n Have permission to be released from your main employment to attend emergency incidents. n Have the ability to operate at heights and confined spaces. n Keep calm under pressure. n Work well in a team. n Have the ability to develop your skills and work independently.

One minute you could be sitting at home and the next minute you can be sitting on a fire engine.

RECRUITING IN...

“

• Brandon • Bungay • Clare • Debenham • Elmswell • Eye • Framlingham • Hadleigh • Haverhill • Holbrook • Ixworth • Leiston • Long Melford • Lowestoft South • Mildenhall • Nayland • Needham Market • Newmarket • Orford • Reydon / Southwold • Stradbroke • Sudbury • Wickhambrook • Wrentham

The new recruitment window opens on 20th January 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

13

Suffolk Museums

Family Friendly

Volunteering

Museum of the year in Suffolk Museums On 30th October, staff and volunteers from across the county met at the University of Suffolk for the Suffolk Museum of the Year Awards. Being a county with a large voluntary museum workforce, the event showcased some of the fantastic work that Suffolk’s volunteers are doing in the region.

And the winner is...

Volunteers at Lowestoft Maritime Museum were delighted to receive the ‘Family Friendly Award’ at the awards ceremony.

Chairman, Jim, who attended the ceremony and collected the award, said “It was a brilliant and very unexpected surprise, but so well deserved by the volunteers involved in working with families.”

The Museum, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, is now open 7 days a week from Easter to October.

This award recognises the hard work which has been going on over the last year by the maritime museum’s volunteers, who have been busy creating new trails around the museum to encourage young visitors to spend more time exploring their heritage. Families can now follow a new character called ‘Captain Crabbe’, who highlights an array of interesting objects scattered around the museum, while ‘Admiral’ his cat is hidden somewhere in the museum waiting to be found.

There is also a medley of interactive activities available, such as dressing up and jigsaws to keep young visitors entertained.

Explore with Lowestoft Maritime Museum This year, the Maritime Museum has also joined forces with Sentinel Leisure Trust to launch ‘Love Exploring’, a phone app which encourages families to get active and discover their local open spaces.

Dragons and fairies pop up to ask questions about the surroundings, and points are gained for their school. On top of that, there are also prizes to be had for the most active communities!

To find out more visit: www.lowesoftmaritime museum.co.uk

14

Why volunteer in Suffolk Museums?

Volunteering can be a great thing for families to get involved in. Whether you are between employment and looking to broaden your skillset, looking for some creative stimulation for yourself and your family, or simply wanting a low-pressure way to get to know new people and make new friends - museums can provide the answer.

Voluntary work is also considered to have a considerably positive impact on wellbeing, with many reporting a renewed positive outlook and a connection with their local community. As a lot of current volunteers will tell you, problem solving is embedded in the work of the volunteer, and it is these sorts of activities that can really help to strengthen the bond between family members.

Getting involved with Suffolk Museums Volunteers have the option of getting involved in a whole host of museum activities. Some volunteers work ‘behind the scenes’ maintaining and updating the museum’s collections records, some are involved in exhibition design and education, while others assume front of house roles – whatever your preference there is no shortage of activities to participate in. Another benefit of volunteering is the flexibility, volunteers are giving their time freely, so therefore can offer as much or as little time as they wish.

Museums are regularly looking to recruit more volunteers and Suffolk’s fantastic museums are no exception to this rule.

If you are interested in volunteering yourself, or have family members interested in volunteering, be sure to check out the websites of the museums listed on this page and beyond.

Volunteering Opportunities at Suffolk Museums Dunwich Museum is currently looking for volunteers to help with the general running of the museum. www.dunwichmuseum.org.uk Parham Airfield are looking for volunteers that can help with exhibition design, archive work and work in the café area. www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk The Red House in Aldeburgh is currently looking for both Learning Volunteers and Stewards. www.brittenpears.org/visit Sudbury Museum Trust is currently looking for computer literate volunteers to help co-ordinate their 2020 project to extend the scope of their historic photo collection. www.sudburysuffolkheritage.co.uk Ipswich Transport Museum is currently looking for front of house volunteers. www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

www.suffolkmuseums.org/volunteering

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

2019 12 Families Congo Swim Eat.qxp_130mm h x 90mm w 05/12/2019 13:18 Page 1

Little

Adventurers Day Out

at Ufford Park Woodbridge

A great day out with the children. Enjoy a round on Congo Rapids, a main meal from the children’s menu & a swim.

ONLY

5 TO 15 YEAR OLDS

per child

Sunday 23rd February 2020

£15

Family packages available 1 adult, 2 children

THE BEST MARKET IN SUFFOLK OF QUALITY PRE-LOVED ITEMS FOR

(4 - 12 years old)

£45*

2pm to 4pm at Trinity Park, IP3 8UH £2 entry on the door, under 16’s free www.themarketformums.co.uk

BOOK A STALL Follow us for updates

* Terms & conditions apply. Food is not included for an adult.

Parents must accompany under 12’s at all times.

t 01394 386871 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

Make 100% profit from your good quality, pre-loved items.

Contact us to book: 07523 108900 info@themarketformums.co.uk www.themarketformums.co.uk

Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

family banquet

banquet - de al m o n d ay - f r i d ay 12-7pm

2 medium plate carveries 2 small plate carveries (upgrade the small plate carveries to medium carveries for £2.00 each)

Our carveries include unlimited veg go up to the deck as many times as you’d like

PLUS a sharing dessert for just

people

feed four

20

£

Terms and conditions apply. Family Banquet deal available Monday to Friday 12-7pm and is not available on weekends or Bank Holidays.

Family Banquet offer available on selected red-letter days. The deal is not to be used in conjunction with any other discount of offer. We reserve the right to remove or change the offer at any time.

THE MERMAID IPSWICH CARV1018CHICKCARVMENU

Yarmouth Road, Ipswich | www.mermaidpubipswich.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 51

15

February Half Term Tuesday 18 - Thursday 20 February IPSWICH MUSEUM

Animal Invasion Animal Invasion is back and very popular so book early if you want to meet some real critters.

CHRISTCHURCH MANSION

IPSWICH

Arty Workshops

MUSEUMS

Find out more at www.ipswich.cimuseums/events

SIB 136x190 IPSWICH_Layout 1 05/12/2019 03:23 pm Page 1

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

The Nutcracker Sleeping Beauty Swan Lake

Performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia Accompanied by The Russian State Ballet Orchestra Thursday 5 March - The Nutcracker 7.30pm Friday 6 March - Sleeping Beauty 7.30pm Saturday 7 March - Swan Lake 2.30pm & 7.30pm

REGENT THEATRE, IPSWICH 16

ipswichtheatres.co.uk