Families Suffolk May-June 2014 Issue 17

Families Suffolk – The local magazine containing useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds

Free

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Suffolk w w w. f a m i l i e s s u ff o l k . c o . u k

29th May - 7th June

In this issue

pulseipswich.co.uk 01473 295900

Local News – Clubs and Classes News –Pulse Festival – Ip-Art 2014 Suffolk Show News, plus much more Baby Massage can have many benefits including; • Helping to relieve colic and digestion discomfort • Helps both parent and baby to learn to relax • Improve baby’s sleep and therefore yours too!

• Strengthens bond between parent and baby • Encourages baby’s co-ordination and development.

www.BabySenses.co.uk

Baby Massage s Group course available in East and h West Ipswic

£35pp in a group

Learn to massage your baby in 5 weekly sessions Certified Infant Massage Instructor

Welcome Welcome back to Families Suffolk and I hope that you are enjoying the lovely weather and the outdoors, either in your garden or exploring our pretty county. We have so many pages in this issue to help you enjoy the outdoors, from our Local News pages to our Clubs and Classes News, from a water safety article to information on the many family events happening over the coming 8 weeks. There is something to inspire you all to enjoy the outdoors whether you are taking part in sport, looking for a new challenge, enjoying some family fun time, or just looking for some me time we have something for everyone. I hope you enjoy this issue, please do get in contact if you would like us to feature any specific article or event, we are always happy to hear from you.

My little people

Happy Reading

Local News

– Editor

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3-4 5

Lisa Giddings

Clubs & Classes News

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Most Active County News

12 - 14

What’s On Family Events Including Ip-Art, Pulse, Hadleigh Show and The Suffolk Show

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Competition Page

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Toddler Talk Massage, not just for babies

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7

Parents Place Mums in business interview and water safety

P.S If you enjoy Families Suffolk magazine why not register for our bi-monthly newsletter, this contains more useful articles, information and offers for you to enjoy www.familiesonline.co.uk/user/register

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Next issue - July / August 2014 Circulation - 16,000 copies of Families Suffolk are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other distribution points throughout Suffolk. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please contact us.

Contact details 01473 788546 / 07887 945767 editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Editorial, Advertising & artwork editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC/ PEFC suppliers www.magprint.co.uk

DESIGN & EDITING Cresign: 01473 422 779 info@cresign.co.uk www.cresign.co.uk COVER IMAGE With thanks to Ipswich Borough Council – Ip-Art

Families Suffolk 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 the magazine, but the publishers and distributers can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

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To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Local News

sponsored by

Kidzone Mobile Creche

Glass and Craft

June 2014 sees the opening of Glass & Craft, a glass painting studio & local craft shop located in the wonderful surroundings of Kersey Mill near Hadleigh. The idea of the glass painting studio stems from Stacy’s current business, Unique Glasses, where Stacy hand paints all types of glassware for all occasions for customers throughout the UK. Stacy thought it would be fun for others to try their hand at glass painting and the idea of Glass & Craft was born. The concept of the glass paint studio is similar to the ceramic cafes in and around Suffolk where you can paint on pottery. There will be a wide range of glassware and pre-templated glassware to paint on and there will always be help at hand. Glass & Craft will also be offering decopatch for those who would prefer to do this than painting a glass. are a crafter and would like to sell at the new shop in Local craft makers required - As an addition to the Kersey Mill please contact Stacy or Richard glass painting studio there will also be a wide range of 01473 487 987 www.glassandcraft.co.uk handmade items for sale from local craft makers. If you www.facebook.com/GlassAndCraft

An Educational Resource

Concord Media is an educational charity which has been operating in Ipswich for about 50 years. They specialise in programmes on DVD about social issues, including several child care programmes, which cover a variety of topics from ‘I don’t need Toys’, about children playing with everyday objects, to baby massage and yoga for very young children, and the ground-breaking films by James and Joyce Robertson, which show the effects of separation from the mother, and ways in which the trauma can be lessened. These historic films were instrumental in changing visiting regulations in hospitals and the way little children are cared for when separation is inevitable. You can’t fail to be moved by the experience of the little boy who has never been away from his mother before, when he goes into a residential nursery for nine days and is cared for by a number of different nurses, and fails to connect with them.

Birch Farm Family Fun Day On Saturday 28th June from 8.30pm – 3pm Birch Farm Play Complex & Nursery, Hintlesham are opening their doors to everyone and hosting a family fun day. There will be much for every member of the family to enjoy. As in the past two years there will be class sessions for you to observe and in some cases taster sessions to try plus many craft and retail stalls for you to browse around. New for this year is a varied schedule of activities and entertainment during the day for the children to enjoy, from feeding and petting horses to being in awe of a magician (TBC), from painting crafts to teddy bear fun and much more. All the facilities will be open for you to view and the under 5’s play barn will be open all day. So put the date in your diary and pop along with all the family and have some fun whilst at the same time finding out about all that is on offer at Birch Farm. www.birchfarm.co.uk

There are also animated films helping young people to understand relationships and grief, and a very popular title on personal hygiene called ’Some of your Bits ain’t Nice’.

Some interesting series show a child growing up, and comparative child care in different cultures.

Concord has perhaps the largest number of programmes in this country on all aspects of counselling.

View their website www.concordmedia.org.uk, or give Concord a ring on 01473 726012

Run, run, run

This year’s Larking Gowen Ipswich half marathon will take place on Sunday 21st September 2014.

The event will again be hosted in the picturesque Christchurch Park, Ipswich with the race starting and finishing in front of the iconic Mansion House.

The main race will start at 10:00am and there is

Quayside Nursery’s Big Lunch

The Big Lunch is an event held in partnership with the Eden project to help bring communities together. Quayside Nursery holds a Big Lunch on the 1st Sunday of June each year with a twist, calling it the Big Diversity Lunch, welcoming everyone. They aim to have as many different foods from around the world as well as entertainment and stalls.

Quayside Nursery in Ipswich belongs to Bright Horizons family solutions which raise money for the foundation which supports local family units.

This year they have two photographers for the event, one taking studio shoots and the other of the event as it unfolds with over 30 stalls from beauty to homemade crafts, books, Avon, flowers, Ipswich Guide Group, charity groups and food including a burger van, South Indian food and entertainment provided by the Ipswich Malayalee association.

also a free to enter, family fun run starting at 10:15am. As well as the races there will be entertainment for the whole family so put the date in your diary and join in the fun!

The event is being organised by Larking Gowen, Ipswich Jaffa Running Club and Ipswich Borough Council . Entries for the half marathon are now open and filling up fast so enter soon to avoid disappointment!

Susie Hood, Manager at Larking Gowen, commented; “We are very proud to be part of this event and are looking forward to 21 September. This sponsorship is an excellent way to show our commitment to helping the local community and we continue to do all we can. I am also delighted that through the event we are able to support St Elizabeth Hospice and EACH this year along with the many other charities participants support.”

For details of how to enter, raising money for one of the nominated charities as well as training plans and tips from Ipswich Jaffa Coaches please visit our new event website www.ipswichhalfmarathon.co.uk

There will be a disco for the children with face painters, popcorn and candy floss machines as well as junk modeling, outdoor games, treasure hunts and forest school activities. Each stall is donating a raffle prize which will be held on the day.

The organizers would love to invite everyone down to Quayside Nursery’s One Big Diversity Lunch to engage with their local community, have lunch, play games and have a chat.

01473 295890 or thebiglunch@brighthorizons.com

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Local News A New Playschool Is Coming to Grange Farm, Kesgrave

Martlesham Playschool is pleased to announce they are opening another playschool on Grange Farm. After discussions with Kesgrave Town Council they are proud to be using the Millennium Jubilee Hall, at Millennium Way, Century Drive, Grange Farm. Everyone concerned are very excited with the facilities – a large main room, kitchen and toilet areas, storage and a secure outdoor area. Great location near a large green area, the woods and parking! The new playschool shall be open Monday to Friday, term time only, morning sessions only and hope to be ready for the autumn term. The sessions will be 9.15am to 12.15pm to fit in with the day at local schools – Cedarwood, Gorseland, Heath, Birchwood, Bealings, Martlesham Beacon Hill and those further away.

If you are interested in a place for your children at Kesgrave’s brand new playschool get in contact now. They shall be registered to take children from 2 to 5 years of age, and have space for 20 children per session. There has already been lots of interest so don’t miss out 01473 621315/625986, mplayschool@btinternet.com www.playschool.martlesham.org.uk

in association with

The New Wolsey Theatre

Hands on fun with natural creations this May

Your children can enjoy getting messy this May half-term, and there’s no cleaning up for you to do! Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service will help entertain the family during the May half term with fun-filled activities from weaving and fabric design to taking over the art room!

Head to Ipswich Museum on Tuesday and Wednesday 27 and 28 May to Meet the Saxons. Join the Saxon farmer to find out about how he and his family made use of the natural world in everyday life, and create your own Saxon souvenir to take home. £2, bookable:10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 2pm, 3pm The Tudors are visiting Christchurch Mansion on Wednesday and Thursday 28 and 29 May. Meet our friendly Tudor lady, who will take you round the kitchen garden and explain which plants she’d use in her dayto-day life and have a go dyeing your own cloth. £2, bookable:10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 2pm, 3pm Budding artists can let their imagination run free at Ipswich Art School’s Tidal Margins workshops on Wednesday 28 May. Take inspiration from the Tidal Margins exhibition and marine collections to create your own piece of coastal art using all sorts of sensory materials.

Make Fundraising Fun with Phoenix Trading

£3, drop-in 10.30 - 12.30pm + 1.30 – 3.30pm call 01473 433691 for more information or to book Ipswich events.

Colchester can offer an action packed May half term, with the newly refurbished Castle (open 2 May) providing a memorable family day out.

Ride a chariot around a Roman Circus, hear tales of battle and bravery from a Gladiator, excavate a doctor’s grave and much more! www.cimuseums.org.uk/whats-on for more information.

If you want a fun and friendly way to fundraise, Phoenix Trader Debbie Sinclair may be able to offer a solution! As the weather improves, so we all get together, and fetes and fundraisers start popping up in our local communities. Many of you will have schools, pre-schools, community clubs or church groups that need help and support in raising much needed funds. Or, it may be that you do not belong to a group, but you want to raise money for a charity close to your heart.

Phoenix Trading is passionate about giving back to the communities in which it operates, and to date has raised over £1.6M for charities here in the UK. As an Independent Phoenix Trader, Debbie is passionate about giving something back and has many different ways in which to help you to raise funds. Debbie can support you by attending events and giving a donation of my profits to charity – this can be anything from a table top sale, to a Coffee & Cards event held at your home. Alternatively Debbie can also work with a group of willing volunteers who collect orders, or leave your group with a basket of cards. However big or small, Phoenix Trading can work with you to make your fundraiser a success! Please get in touch to find out more about help with your fundraising.

Debbie Sinclair, at debscardbiz@gmail.com or on my mobile 07814 235 050.

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Sailfish swimming parties.

Sailfish swimming parties offer a party package with exclusive use of a swimming pool at Bradgate, Elton Park in Ipswich. The newly built pool offers a relaxed, clean, safe and fun environment for your child’s party. For 2 hours, they can entertain your party guests with 1 hour of fun and games in the pool with up to 2 lifeguards being present depending on age/ability.

After changing we provide and serve the party tea, with either hot or cold options which can be tailored to suit your needs. All this for £175 for up to 12 children, additional children can be booked on at £12.50 per head. Parties can also extend the party and organise a beautician to come in afterwards to paint the girls toenails for an additional £35. Why not do this instead of having party bags! So why not, sit back, relax and let us organise a party to remember. www.poolpartiesipswich.co.uk

For more party ideas and articles visit www. familiessuffolk.co.uk/parties

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Clubs & Classes News

sponsored by Ipswich Borough Council The largest sport provider in Ipswich

Jenny Wren’s Yarns classes

Jenny Wren’s Yarns was set up two years ago by mother and daughter team Sue Newbery and Lois Mickleburgh. Both have a love of knitting and crochet and wanted to bring a new kind of yarn shop to Ipswich. As well as selling beautiful yarns Sue and Lois wanted to bring knitters into the shop in a more social way so they planned a space with a large table to use for clubs and classes. They host a weekly knit group on Fridays between 12-2pm where knitters and crocheters can bring their projects and have a knit and natter with tea and biscuits! There is a full programme of classes covering topics from beginner knitting and crochet to needle felting and spinning.

The full list is available at www.jennywrensyarns.co.uk/classes or pop into the shop at 14 St Peters Street, Ipswich.

Ready, Steady, Go

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the freedom of cycling but lack the confidence to get on your bike? Perhaps you’ve never learned to cycle and now want to begin, or maybe you just want to update your road skills. Then Pink Sky Cycle training is definitely for you.

Cycling is becoming so popular as a means to keep fit and have fun. Pink Sky Cycling are keen to ensure more women are cycling with the skills and confidence to negotiate traffic on the roads today. We believe cycle training is the way forward and have trained over 400 women since 2008, with the support of funding from Realise Futures/CLSD. 4 week courses (one morning OR one afternoon a week) are held at various locations in Ipswich from 29 April – July, and Felixstowe from 3 May. Bicycles and equipment are provided, you just turn up on the day. The total course cost is £30, with free places for those unemployed or on low income. Places are limited to 6 women on each course to ensure a personal and relaxed approach, with two female instructors to support with building confidence. For full course details and to book your place online Jennie – 07753328544 www.pinkskycycling.com

Join the pre-school waiting list now for September 2014

Junior Soccer Club!!

Coached sessions at Maidenhall on Wednesdays and Whitton on Fridays with age categories ranging from 5-11!!

Trampolining!

Coached sessions every weekday at one of the centres, either Gainsborough, Whitton or Northgate, where children are encouraged to work through achievement certificates. Ages range from Baby Bouncers (2-4) up to Junior Jumpers (4-16) and there’s even a family trampolining session too!!

Rollerskating!

Skate in a disco environment at Gainsborough, Whitton or Maidenhall (ages 5+) including another family session and bring your own skates if you have them although there are limited numbers available!!

Athletics!

If your child is ready for a structured athletics session with experienced coaches these are available at Northgate!!

In addition to these casual activities there are also junior courses including tennis, trampolining and archery. So if you’re feeling inspired to get active, you can find all the information including days, times and costs on their website www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport or call them free on 0800 0371 371

Gymnastics in Ipswich’s Little Teddy Bear and Teddy Bear classes are becoming increasingly popular for children aged 2 and a half to full time school age. The gymnastic courses are a structured and fun way to learn Gymnastic skills and helps children of Pre-School age prepare for their time at school by interacting with other children, as well as being part of a structured class.

With the new school term coming up, the eldest of our pre-schoolers will be going up to our Recreational Classes for full time school age upwards after the summer holidays, resulting in vacancies in our Pre-School classes. In order to get your child onto a course, contact our Reception Desk on 01473 433676 or email admin@pipersvale.co.uk to put their name down on our waiting list in preparation for the new term commencing 1st September.

Gymnastics in Ipswich don’t just offer Gymnastics Courses. They also have casual sessions for Parent and Toddler, Youth Night and Free Running as well as Adult Night sessions every week! In addition, they also offer Children’s Gymnastic Parties most weekends throughout the year.

For times and prices www.gymnasticsinipswich.co.uk or 01473 433676

Win a free private family swim for up to 8 people!!! iSwim Ltd based in Clopton (10 mins from Woodbridge and Ipswich) are an ASA accredited Swim School offering swimming lessons and activities for all ages from 0 - 100. Dolphin pool at Clopton is tucked away just off the B1078. A large free car park leads through to a secret pathway which uncovers a delightful light, airy pool with large reception/play area plus full shower and changing facilities. The pool which is heated to 32.0 degrees is ideal for family fun and perfect for teaching. iSwim had a busy Easter with children taking part in Diving, Snorkelling and Family fun sessions. The newest activities starting in May are a Ladies open swim on a Tuesday evening as well as a parent and child open session on Wednesday mornings for those that don’t want formal lessons just yet! During the coming half term you can bring the whole family to the pool and enjoy the pool to yourselves, taking advantage of the range of inflatables or try out our snorkelling. Over summer more is planned with summer intensives, swim camps for all over 3 and scuba diving taster sessions. 01473 277 085 www.iswim.biz To enter our competition to win a Free Family Swim session answer the following question: Can you name 2 activities that iSwim offer at their Clopton pool?

Email your name, tel number and your answer to editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk T&C’s apply see familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions

As well as all the very popular swimming classes run each week at Crown Pools and Fore Street, there are also many other junior classes to get involved with.

Here’s some of the options!

Are you ready to stretch your Tots imagination with Daisy Tots?

Professional Storyteller Justine de Mierre joins the Lazy Daisy Team For the last 15 years Justine de Mierre has worked as a storyteller entertaining young children and adults alike. Justine has an impressive list of accolades to her name, including ground breaking work in a Children’s hospital where her sessions enabled children to tell their own stories as part of their recovery from a wide range of conditions.

Justine has joined the Lazy Daisy team as a Daisy Tots yoga teacher. Her great new sessions are available to parents and children and to nurseries, schools, pre schools and toddler groups. Each class takes the children in the group on a journey, maybe to the jungle or underwater or even to the moon. Throughout this journey the children develop a wide range of skills which help them achieve key early learning goals such as personal, social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and creative development.

Daisy Tots classes will run on Tuesday afternoons in Woodbridge at 2.15pm and every second Saturday of the month at 10am. Sessions can be booked by nurseries, schools, preschools and toddler groups.

For more information eastsuffolk@lazydaisy.co.uk or call 07944 070 362

Little Kickers

Little Kickers hold classes Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Capel St Mary, Kesgrave and Ipswich for children from 2 – 5 years. There are also run sessions at Melton Montessori nursery and the quay side nursery (bright horizons) in Ipswich. All nurseries are offered a 2 week free trial and if a nursery signs on for regular classes they offer a FREE membership (which includes complete football kit and drinks bottle) to all customers and staff to their children.

Little Kickers also offer very competitive quotes on birthday parties and have venues that can be offered as part of the party package and coming soon birthday cakes as an extra option.www.littlekickers.co.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Sports Spotlight

Martial Arts Most youngsters have energy levels which often provoke comments such as ‘where do they get all their energy from’ or, ’ I wish I had their energy’ from the parents/carers who are racing around after them hoping that sometime soon their child/children may slow down and need a rest. If you are the ‘owner’ of children that fit this description have you ever considered channelling this energy into a martial arts class?

Martial arts classes are a fun way for both boys and girls from the age of four to achieve fitness and focus. A typical hour-long class begins and ends with a bow to the teacher, or master. After a warm-up, students practice the art’s particular skills, which may include kicks, punches, and blocks. Each requires concentration and strict attention. Progress is often marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colours until black. Testing for each new level is a good exercise in setting and achieving goals.

Martial Arts help teach self-discipline and socialization skills. The respect children learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, can be the most important benefit of classes which often carries over into school, helping to improve confidence, behaviour and even results within the classroom. In fact, some parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success in martial arts classes because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.

Local Martial Arts Academy owner Gary Staff explains what has kept him involved in the sport for many years ‘Martial arts is a discipline, self-defence technique, power tool an all. But most importantly it is a way of life. The knowledge it has to offer to live a better life is limitless, therefore we explore....... It has been a way of life for me for many years. Although I have had many fights inside the ring, life’s battles can be very different, Martial arts has helped me conquer life’s battles and also helped me become a better person.’

In order to share his knowledge and enthusiasm to adults and children alike Gary offers a variety of sessions at his Martial Arts Academy. There is even a weekly family drop in session so you and your children can experience a session together.

If you would like more information about martial arts or any specific session please contact Gary on 01473 233633 07794167527 or visit www.gsmaa.co.uk

ithernsea

by

ethorpes

outh

Mablethorpe

T 01473 328408 www.altonwater.co.uk

Alford

by

Skegness

Wellsnext-the-Sea

Cromer

Sheringham

Boston

Hunstanton

Holt

North Walsham

Fakenham

Stalham

Aylsham

Holbeach

Hoveton

King’s Lynn

ing

Swaffham

gh

Wymondham

Downham Market

March

Watton

Loddon Attleborough

Littleport

Chatteris

Ely

Thetford

Haverhill Saffron Walden

Royston

Redhill

On Sale Now • Sail • Windsurf • Outdoor Adventure

Burnham-on-Crouch Rayleigh

Southend-on-Sea

fun & affordable - for all Age groups & Levels!

Tilbury Gravesend

Croydon

eigate

Clacton-on-Sea

West Mersea

Summer Courses

Maldon

Basildon

Dartford

ead

Frinton-on-Sea

Witham

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Felixstowe Harwich

Colchester

Chipping Ongar Billericay Brentwood

Dagenham

nd

Ipswich

Braintree

Harlow Chelmsford

NDON Ilford

Aldeburgh Woodbridge

ALTON WATER

Halstead Great Dunmow

Hertford

Epping

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Wickham Market

Stowmarket

Hadleigh

Sudbury

dock Buntingford

Bishop’s venage Stortford

Southwold

Eye Framlingham

Bury St Edmunds

We Are here...

ade

Beccles

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Mildenhall

Newmarket

Lowestoft

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Diss

Halesworth

mbridge

ield

Great Yarmouth

Acle

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ey

ves

Caister-on-Sea

Norwich

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Canvey Island Sheerness Grain

Rochester Chatham

Maidstone Sevenoaks Tonbridge

Yalding

Royal Hawkhurst Tunbridge

Whitstable

Herne Bay

Margate Broadstairs

Ramsgate

Sittingbourne

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546 Canterbury

Charing

Ashford

Hawkinge

Sandwich Deal

Dover

Parents Place

w e i v r e t n i s s e n i Mum in Bus Your name: Claire Bewley Name, location and nature of your business: My Care at Home based in Mid Suffolk providing Home Care we cover Mid Suffolk and Felixstowe

How long has your business been running and the reason why you started your own business?

My care at Home started trading in July 2013. The idea came about when myself and my business partner were on maternity leave. We were talking about the care that our grandparents had before they passed and decided that we could provide a quality service that we would be proud of. We then spent our entire maternity leave researching the business and getting all our processes in place. We provide care that is tailored to the individual needs of our clients supporting them to be as independent as possible in their own home. We employ the best staff and train them face to face to ensure that the service we provide is of high quality and is a service we would be happy for our grandparents to receive.

What do you enjoy about running your own business?

I love the new challenges that it provides. This has been a real journey for me and I have achieved things I never thought I would have. I have grown in my own self confidence.

I also love the fact that I am providing such as positive role model for my daughters. I have 3 girls, 7, 5 and 18 months, the oldest two talk about the work I do and are really interested in it. They both talk about them stating their own businesses when they are older and that makes me smile.

Is there anything you don’t enjoy about running your own business?

It is a lot of hard work and you can never switch off as there is always something going round in your mind. Although as the business grows this will get easier as there will be more staff to take on some responsibility.

What does the future hold for your business?

We hope to continue to grow and be able to start to provide care in other parts of Suffolk and then eventually beyond.

How do you fit your business around family life?

It’s hectic! I mostly try to work in the evenings or while my children are at school and the youngest is asleep, although this is not always possible. I have a good network of friends and my mum that help me out with childcare where possible. I do try to make sure I make time for the kids and do as much as possible with them. The time I do spend with them is quality time.

What advice would you give to any parents considering starting up their own business?

I would say go for it. The whole reason for starting this was to be able to have a good work and family life balance and on the whole I do manage it. It is good to be in control of your own destiny and to know that all the work you do is shaping your families future.

Keeping your child safe around water

Puddle Ducks top tips

As reported by the ASA and highlighted in a video message recorded by Prince William, drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental deaths of children in England.

Some of these tragedies could be averted, below are some top tips on how to keep your child safe near water: Make sure that you fully supervise children at all times around water. It isn’t just paddling pools, ponds and rivers – it can be buckets of water, recycling barrels and even puddles Empty water from the paddling pool at the end of every day – not only does this prevent accidents from happening but it can also prevent the water becoming stagnant and bugs breeding Always supervise bath time (never leave children unattended). Empty the bath as soon as possible after use Being on your mobile phone or reading takes your eyes away from your children – this is not full supervision

With summer just around the corner and the weather warming up, people will be spending more time outdoors and potentially around water in and away from the home. Did you know that people can drown in as little as 2cm of water?

Large pools should be kept secure, ideally with child resistant fences around them and lockable gates If a child goes missing check water features first, including any outdoor containers which may be carrying water Teach your children to wait until a grown up gives them permission to go near or into water – this can save lives Whilst it may be a hot day, the water temperature could still be very cool so be careful with young children as the temperature could shock them Teach older siblings the dangers that water can cause to younger more vulnerable children If your child’s lips turn blue when in water, get them out right away, change them and keep warm until the lips return to their normal colour Take special care when visiting other people’s gardens and keep an eye out for dangers Structured baby swimming classes such as Puddle Ducks, teach children to be safe in water by teaching them key life-saving skills in a fun way, appropriate to the age of the children. Puddle Ducks believe that swimming can be enjoyed by babies from a few weeks old. From an early age they are taught basic survival skills such as kicking, reaching and turning. The older children learn discipline around water alongside progressive swimming techniques.

For more information on Puddle Ducks classes in Suffolk, please visit www.puddleducks.com/suffolk or call us for a chat on 01473 356 222

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Baby & Toddler Talk

Adapting the Massage as Your Infant Grows

by Ann Lay from Baby Senses

Lazy Daisy

Victoria Woolston and her son Jonas won the Baby Massage competition Families Suffolk ran earlier in the year. We asked Victoria a few questions about their experience of the Baby Senses course.

Your name: Victoria Woolston Your childs name: Jonas Woolston

It’s easy to massage a newborn baby when they lay still, “Not so easy when they are getting wriggly and on the move” is a common place response I get. Yes it is slightly more challenging, I agree, coming away from it looking like you’ve been in a sauna is not the idea!

But often this is the reality and therefore sadly the point that baby massage tends to stop being used.

But with the right adaptions, it can still be easy and great fun for both.

You will also be able to continue the same benefits as before; Helping with digestive problems, general aches and pains in the body, as well as maintaining a strong bond and nurturing/ loving touch.

Any siblings name and age: Callum 9

So how do you adapt?

How often and how long was the session and course you have just completed?

Every week for 5 weeks lasting one hour 30 mins.

With an Active Crawler

• • •

• •

Make the massage more playful and fun Massage their favourite area or Adapt the massage to accommodate your child’s position (The back will probably be the easiest area to get access to) Pick the best time for them (quiet but alert) Use songs, rhymes and quiet toys to distract and entertain

With a Toddler

And finally Teenagers Yes Teenagers!

If you have kept some sort of massage going with your child all through their upbringing, this will not seem strange to you or them.

But be mindful of;

• •

Remember all of the above but also;

• At this stage they will not appreciate being called a • baby, so rename it big boy/girl massage • Their favourite word tends to be ‘no’ so when asking permission instead of getting a yes/no answer, ask an open question such as giving a choice of area to be • massaged • Use relaxing strokes before your child goes to sleep • Massage over clothes (unless already undressed) to

Respecting their modesty Hormones! Hopefully you will know them well enough to gauge when to stay clear and when it’s ok to approach them Don’t make a big thing of it, a simple foot or shoulder rub whilst chatting or watching TV will maintain many bonding and nurturing benefits If you have a daughter, she may find pamper treatments or manicures are great fun!

save time and hassle

From Pre-school age onwards

•

•

Adjust the strokes to allow for longer limbs, for example, work from the knee or elbow down.

‘Imagination massages’ are very popular. You tell a story and the strokes you use should fit what is happening in the story. Or as they get older, get them to tell the story and build on their imagination at the same time.

You can learn baby massage from birth right up to 12 months old at one of the Baby Senses classes and also the Wriggle and Relax class for older babies from 4 months to crawling.

8

sponsored by

To book your place, contact Ann on 07748914370 or visit www.BabySenses.co.uk

Have you in the past attended a baby massage course?

Yes with Callum What were you hoping to gain for you and Jonas by attending a baby massage course?

To spend time together leaning how to massage him correctly and the benefits it had. It really made me feel good as a mum being able to do something to him that made him smile so much but was also doing us both good.

Did you find the massage moves easy to learn and how did Jonas respond to them?

Ann goes over everything slowly and as the class sizes are so small she’s able to give you her help if you need it in mastering a stroke.

Have you used the massage techniques at home at all?

Yes, Jonas enjoys it after his bath. I have also used some of the moves on his tummy in the night which has soothed him back to sleep.

His older brother has also asked for a massage. Ann shows you how you can adapt the massage for older children too so not only have Jonas and I benefited but Callum has too.

Have you enjoyed attending the course?

Very much so, I’ve found it relaxing as well. I’ve really enjoyed concentrating on Jonas and finding out what he likes massaged, the benefits it has and where his tickley areas are.

Has it been of benefit to you and Jonas? If yes, in what ways?

Yes. It’s taught me how to relax him, how to help with tummy trouble. It’s great in giving you skin to skin contact too, I feel that I’m really able to bond with him too as we are making eye contact most of the time.

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

Our Community

sponsored by

Ipswich Building Society

In this issue the Our Community page finds out about two fund raising events happening in our community over the coming weeks.

Both are fun to participate in but have serious causes they are fundraising for.

Are you ready to get your wig on?

21st May 2014 is Wig Wednesday, one big day in May when people across the UK will be wearing a wig to raise vital funds for children and young people with cancer.

It’s so easy to take part, just ask your friends, family and colleagues to get a wig on for the day and ask everyone to make a small donation to raise money for CLIC Sargent – you could make a huge difference.

Sarah Archer In 2013, lots of schools, companies, sports clubs and community groups had such a wig-tastic time and most importantly helped raise over £120,000 to help CLIC Sargent support even more children and young people with cancer.

Why getting your wig on makes a difference Every day, 10 children and young people in the UK hear the shocking news they have cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer is a frightening experience. The gruelling, often life-saving cancer treatment can last up to three years and frequently leads to children and young people losing their hair. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading charity for young cancer patients and their families and we need your support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. In 2013 we supported 67 families in Suffolk alone with 34 of those being newly diagnosed. We also provided 71 grants totaling £11338. By getting involved in Wig Wednesday this May, you can make a big difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer.

Sign yourself or your workplace up to take part today by visiting www.clicsargent. org.uk/wigwednesday, giving us a call on 08451 212 492 or emailing wigwednesday@clicsargent.org.uk. We’ll send you a free fundraising pack in the post with posters, balloons and an event guide full of ideas on how you can make your Wig Wednesday a huge success.

Charity Reg. No: 1107328

March of 1,000 Fairies A Guinness World Record attempt fundraising for Woolverstone

March of 1,000 Fairies - the world record attempt for the largest gathering of fairies in one place, in aid of Woolverstone Wish is happening on Sunday 22nd June, times TBC but it will be around lunchtime.

Once again Kerseys Solicitors have taken on the challenge to organise another Guinness World Record attempt for the largest gathering of fairies in one place. The finer details are still to be arranged but make sure you save the date Sunday 22nd June - for some fabulous fairy fun!

The idea is to gather as many fairies as we can into one area (Ipswich Cornhill) and once we’re all assembled, stay there for 10 minutes to qualify for the record.

All participants are required to wear a tutu and a pair of wings and be waving a wand.

For more info, updated times, details on entertainment and competitions please visit www.woolverstonewish.org.uk or like our facebook page (search for A Flutter of Fairies) or follow us on Twitter (@FairiesGather).

We have 871 to beat, so we’d love to see as many of you there as possible

CONCORD MEDIA EDUCATION THROUGH FILM

Recruiting NOW!

@

Educational Films on Child care Available to buy

concordmedia.org.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Family Matters Pre-nuptial agreements explained

by Josephine Hayes

In previous articles, Family Solicitor, Josephine Hayes, has considered family-related legal issues such as the law relating to unmarried couples and how to identify your legal position to take account of your personal circumstances. She also offers advice on a daily basis to those whose relationships have broken down. In this article, she discusses the subject of pre-nuptial agreements, what they are, who should consider making them, and what the current legal position is regarding them.

A fine romance?

Of course this is an extreme example, but it may prove a useful tool for relationships where one party has significantly greater assets than the other. Also remember that if those assets are tied up in property, discuss any future property purchases carefully with your solicitor.

Does it hold up?

Historically, pre-nups were not worth the paper they were written on, but the tide is definitely turning in this respect.

Pre-nups cannot replace the jurisdiction of the Court or the Child Support Agency, but they are no longer void on the grounds of public policy. The Court will take them into account when exercising its discretion during financial proceedings on divorce. As with the case just discussed, pre-nup agreements are increasingly accepted by courts following a marriage breakdown.

The Court of Appeal recently reviewed the enforceability of pre-nups and indicated that in future, ‘due weight’ should be given to any contract freely entered into by couples, under the judge’s discretion. There was a landmark decision in the Supreme Court a few years ago and that case, now known as Radmacher, laid down the principle that a pre-nuptial agreement is likely to be binding provided it is fair.

To prove that the agreement is fair, it is essential that a pre-nuptial agreement is entered into correctly and that it complies with general contractual requirements, such as:

For many of us, when we think about a pre-nuptial agreement or (pre-nup as they are often shortened to), we think of celebrity couples or the super rich, unsentimentally agreeing their financial status before getting married. However, for ordinary people, it can feel very unromantic to whip up a pre-nup in the same breath as a marriage proposal, and there is some uncertainty as to whether they are actually legally binding in the event of a marriage breakdown.

1. The agreement must be procedurally fair, free from undue influence and agreed on the basis of independent legal advice

2. Full financial disclosure should be provided

3. The agreement should be fair and meet both parties’ basic needs

4. The agreement should be executed as a Deed

5. No obligations should be imposed on a third party unless they have expressly agreed

6. Both parties must intend to create legal relations

7. The agreement cannot seek to override the jurisdiction of the Court

In essence, a pre-nup is a contract entered into before marriage between both parties with the intention of regulating the couples’ financial affairs if the couple separates. It can be an especially useful tool for those entering into relationships on an unequal financial footing. They serve to provide financial security, and therefore peace of mind by financially protecting the individual and their family, and make family finances easier to manage should the relationship breakdown.

The Law Commission has recently proposed a draft bill to make pre-nuptial agreements legally binding. This would create a climate where families would have financial control and independence without being reliant on the findings of a court following costly and time-consuming litigation.

Pre-nup anyone?

So who should consider a pre-nup? Well, if you are a young couple and it is your first marriage, with both of you in a similar financial position, a pre-nup is probably not for you. If however, you are a young heiress who has fallen head over heels in love with the gardener, then you would be well-advised to consider a pre-nup. In a recent case, (Luckwell v Limata [2014] EWHC 502 (Fam)) where an heiress did marry an ordinary working man, a pre-nuptial agreement was entered into, willingly by both sides, with good independent legal advice. The judge found that because the man, Frankie, was age 36 at the time of the pre-nuptial, of normal intelligence and mentally stable, there was no great reason not to take the pre-nup at its word. The pre-nup settlement was heavily in favour of the wife, whereas the starting position in divorce is to consider splitting assets equally between the couple. In this case there had been children born during the marriage and so the judge felt it was appropriate not to cause difficulties for the children living one lifestyle with mum and a more limited lifestyle when with dad. He awarded the husband a substantial sum, to provide a home for his children, until the youngest child reached the age of 22, at which point the house would have to be sold and a large proportion of the balance returned to the wife.

10

Even if you are not an heiress marrying the gardener, you may well be considering a second marriage. If you also own property, you may wish to safeguard it against the possibility of your second marriage ending in divorce. If you already have children, you may also wish to ensure that property is not claimed by your future spouse against their interests.

Although this may seem mercenary, it is practical and wise to consider the demise of a marriage as a possibility.

Should you separate, any property you bring into a marriage will be seen as a marital asset. The starting point for the court in dividing those marital assets if you divorce is always equality.

Discussing your options with a solicitor who is familiar with the current status of pre-nuptial arrangements will be prudent in many cases. Above all, do not leave the resolution of your family finances and the security of your children’s future to chance. Consider your financial position carefully and protect yourself and your family by taking legal advice.

Josephine Hayes is a specialist family lawyer able to offer advice on a wide range of family law issues.

Margary + Miller Solicitors are a long established partnership providing professional legal services throughout Suffolk and beyond. With an established reputation built on reliability, customer service and flexibility, the firm prides itself on providing quality advice, supported by legal expertise and local knowledge. Offering fixed fee and bespoke services, Margary + Miller Solicitors are confident that all of their services offer clients value for money. Margary + Miller’s Family Department subscribe to the Resolution Code of Conduct which aims to reach a fair outcome as quickly and cost effectively as possible without the need for stressful court battles.

For more information visit www.margary-miller.co.uk

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

dates for your diary Celebrate the Queen’s Baton Relay’s visit to Suffolk Monday 9th June The Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay is the curtain-raiser to the XX Commonwealth Games. Over a period of 288 days the baton will visit 70 nations and territories, cover 190,000 kilometres and involve a third of the world’s population, making it the world’s most engaging relay. On Monday 9th June, midway through its two-week tour of the country, it will arrive in Suffolk. During the Baton’s day in our region, it will be taken to a number of locations across Suffolk to celebrate the Commonwealth Games, Team England and promote participation in sport.

LOWESTOFT – 08:00 The Baton’s journey through Suffolk will begin in Lowestoft, England’s most easterly town, with a breakfast run, jog, walk, buggy push or toddle along the seafront. A mini festival of sport will take place at the same time, and will inspire Lowestoft to join in and try a range of sports and activities.

NEWMARKET – 11:30 Then it’s onto the world famous Newmarket Racecourse for a mass participation relay involving local schools to take place on the Rowley Mile.

Again, a mini festival of sport will give school children and spectators a chance to try out a range of sports and activites.

IPSWICH – 16:45 The first stop in Ipswich for the Queen’s Baton Relay will be at Northgate Sports Centre where the Baton will participate as a special VIP guest in the closing ceremony of a Quad Kids Athletics competition involving 750 young people.

QuadKids is an exciting sporting concept designed to give more children the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of athletics and to identify the stars of tomorrow. This is an invitation only event.

IPSWICH – 18:15 After leaving Northgate the Baton will make its final appearance of the day in Christchurch Park to join a fun mass participation run taking place that evening.

Runners and spectators alike will enjoy music, sports, activities and events.

Find out more about how Suffolk schools are celebrating the Baton Relay visit. www.suffolkbatonrelay.com

BURY ST. EDMUNDS – 13:30 The Queen’s Baton will create an inspirational moment at a Super 8’s athletics competition at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre involving 300+ local disabled and non-disabled school children. The team-based run, jump, throw format is fast and furious involving both track and field short format competitions.

This is an invitation only event.

Women’s Tour charity cycle ride Sunday 11th May Women and girls are being invited to take part in a charity cycle ride in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care on the day that the world’s best female cyclists cross the finish line on the Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds at the end of the inaugural Women’s Tour.

The Women on Wheels charity ladies cycle ride will allow participants to choose from a short (5 miles) or long (20 miles) route through countryside cycle paths starting at 8am and 8.30am (sign in from 7am). The rides will start in Charter Square and finish at the Abbey Gardens before The Women’s Tour’s grand finish on Angel Hill. The ride will be fully marshalled and signed and is open to women and girls of all abilities aged 8 years and over.

Mildenhall Cycling Club and the West Suffolk Wheelers and Triathlon Club are working with organisers Cycle Suffolk and supporters Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Sport and Abbeycroft Leisure to make the event a fantastic fundraiser for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

St Nicholas Hospice Care is a local charity which supports people and families who are living with a lifeshortening illness in West Suffolk and Thetford. All of their services are

provided completely free of charge so they rely on the local community raising the £11,000 per day it costs to run the Hospice.

Participants need to register to take part in the event in advance at www.suffolksport.com/wow. The event costs £10 to enter (free for those under 16 who are accompanied by a paying adult) with participants receiving a goody bag. There will be a limited number of loan bikes available and a pre-event bike maintenance class.

Find out more about the Womens Tour at www.thetour.com

Helping Suffolk to become England’s Most Active County www.mostactivecounty.com

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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What’s On - Family Days Out The New Wolsey Theatre’s Pulse Festival Pulse Festival Ipswich is back in 2014, and in the heart of the ten days is Family Day on Sunday 1 June. Based at the New Wolsey Theatre, Family Day is a full day of events based at the theatre, studio and outside on the terrace. This year you can expect the following shows that will entertain a whole range of ages: STORYMAKER - If you’re 3 or 6 you can leave your family downstairs in the New Wolsey Café Bar and come upstairs to meet the Storymaker yourself for an amazing adventure, or an exciting escapade.

TRAVELING TREASURY - A magical story telling experience that takes places in a beautifully transformed caravan. Step inside the pages of a book and let the stories unfold, quite literally before your eyes.

BLAST OFF! - The Noisy Animals are the biggest band in the world, and they’re about to blast off into outer space on a super duper really fast adventure around a rock ‘n’ roll musical universe.

PIRATE AND PARROT - The world’s smallest pirate meets world’s biggest parrot = fun and adventure. Join A Little Commitment for a fun workshop after the show aimed at parents, carers and children that explores the concept that everyone is different.

TITUS - The smash hit drama about big lies and small truths. Suitable for ages 10+ Tickets are on sale now. To book or for more information, call the Ticket Sales team on 01473 295900 or visit www.pulseipswich.co.uk

Welcome to the greatest show on earth … well in East Anglia! Ip-art 2014 Four weekends of fun! That’s the format of the new– look Ipswich Arts Festival this summer.

Ip-art 2014 has certainly got something for everyone, from Jessie J and The Vamps to a Big Top of cabaret and from an Indian Mela to McBusted.

There is also Ipswich Music Day, the UK’s biggest one-day free music festival, an open air screening of The Great Gatsby, the madcap Pantaloons ‘ History of Britain, silent cinema and classical music treats.

And for the first time, Ip-art will kick off with a town centre celebration – a weekend of film, a summer market, a Suffolk Pride parade and Benjamin Bloom with his unique take on musical theatre.

Ip-art is organised by Ipswich Borough Council and its partners and runs from Friday 20th June to Sunday 13th July.

Gordon Mole, the Council’s Head of Cultural Services, said: “We have put together a festival for the family designed to attract people from Ipswich and all over the region. This year it is based around four special weekends but there is plenty for everyone in between. Clearly, with McBusted and Rizzle Kicks, we have stepped up a level but we have other favourites such as Global Rhythm and sensational classical pianist Noriko Ogawa. Ip-art has established itself as the biggest arts festival in the region and this year we are expecting to welcome up to 150,000. This is the people’s festival … come and be part of it.”

For more information and details on all the Ip-art events visit www.ip-art.com Twitter @ip_art

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The 175th Hadleigh Show - Saturday 17th May 2014 Hadleigh Show located as always in the beautiful setting of Holbecks Park (IP7 5PE) is one of the oldest one-day Agricultural Shows in the Country; this year it is celebrating 175 years. Organised annually by the Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association, this annual fund raising event has all the features you might expect from a traditional celebration of the best of rural Suffolk but also a great deal more.....

This year’s focus is “How we farm today”. There will be lots of modern farm machinery on show, both on display and showing what they can do in the rings. The 175 year old heritage will be represented by vintage tractors, the “Flying Fergies” and our very own Suffolk Horses.

The Land Train, introduced last year, will once again take children around the showground to stamp their “passports” at various stands to claim their prize.

There are more than 150 classes of cattle, sheep, goats and horses on show; over 120 trade stands exhibiting; the Art Exhibition and Sale; Rural Crafts and the popular Flower Tent; “Have a go” areas including the Education Tent, featuring art from local schools and where you can mill wheat, make bread dough and test your skills in identifying seeds and vegetables. The Food Hall will as usual showcase the very best of our local food and drink producers, tempting you to sample and buy.

For the second year running, tickets can be purchased on-line from this website as well as the usual retail outlets. If booking before 5pm on Friday 16th May, visitors can take advantage of the ‘Early-Bird Discount’, which reduces a Family Ticket (2 Adults with up to 3 Children) to just £24.00. www.hadleighshow.co.uk

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

sponsored by

Easton Farm Park

It’s Suffolk Show time!

Time for all the family to explore, discover, taste and enjoy everything about this fantastic county!!

The annual Suffolk Show, held on May 28 and 29 at Trinity Park, Ipswich, is the county’s biggest two day pop-up family event.

This year the organisers, the Suffolk Agricultural Association, have announced a real focus on the Show being even more accessible and a real family friendly occasion.

All children aged 14 and under will be able to enter for free and young adults aged 15-18 can enter for just £5 if they buy tickets before midnight on May 25.Visitors can once again bring their dogs when the gates open at 7.30am on both days.

This year the Show has introduced many more hands-on interactivity for all ages and more opportunities to discover all about food and farming. The new major feature is the Farm Discovery Zone - a journey through every aspect of food production from the ground to the plate, all laid out in different themes, including the farm machinery used over the years to discover how technology has developed. The family can cook together with cereal crops like wheat and oats with Cook With Me Kids, see the beginnings of the poultry lifecycle with the new Easton Farm Park hatchery, hold a newborn chick, they stroke a sheep, milk a cow, discover where sausages come from.

Suffolk is a fantastic county for food and the Greene King Eat Street has new vendors with amazing food to go. Among them,Aspalls will bring its famous cider barn, Eleveden Estate its tea tent, chose from foods from the Waffle Works, Flippin’ Pancakes, Hadleys Dairy Products, Simply Duck, International Seafoods and find out what’s jumping at Bonni’s Reggae Hut! The Adnams Food and Drink Experience will showcase more than 42 regionally produced new tastes and offer the opportunity to sample and buy local favourites to take home, cook with and enjoy.

Ipswich Building Society at the Suffolk Show As Grand Ring Sponsors of the Suffolk Show since 2010 we know a good day out when we see one, which is why we’re returning this year to be part of Suffolk’s biggest event showcasing the best our county has to offer.

This year promises to be good family fun, with children aged under 14 being able to enter the Show free of charge and a new special price ticket for young people aged 15-18. You can take advantage of early bird prices by purchasing your tickets by 25 May, available at any of our 9 branches throughout Suffolk.

Whilst you are at the Show please come by and say hello! We’ll be at stand number 501 with fun and games for all the family. Our interactive stand will include iPads for you to see and play our new app “My Puppy: Maths & Money”.

Aimed at primary school children the app is an interactive learning game which helps learn numeracy and skills through play. What’s more we promise that the app, and any updates, will always be completely free.

We hope to see you soon – in the meantime, keep up to date with our news by visiting www.ibs.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @IpswichBuildSoc.

The nine showing and display rings will be filled with more than 1000 large and small livestock from daybreak to dusk, all hoping to be award winners. Among the ring displays are the Luscitanos and the fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National with riders looking for a place in the next round and just fresh from the Windsor Horse show. This initiative has launched the career of several famous National Hunt jockeys among them Sam Tristram-Davis, so is well worth a watch to spot the jockeys of the future.

All around the avenues are various entertainments, musicians and acts. Popular Jitterbug Dancers will get people dancing in the aisles, the living statues will amuse and for Thursday there is the giant animatronic T-Rex dinosaur, who organisers hope will not encounter the new Parrot Roadshow – the only travelling one of its type featuring rescue birds.

The Military Zone will represent all the armed forces and not only feature an Apache, but also a special Apache simulator not usually seen outside the base.

If shopping until you drop is a must for a great day out there is plenty to choose from – more than 700 tradestands, including 72 new ones. As ever, the Show has plenty of different activities to entertain and amuse for all the family. Suffolk Sport will showcase more than 20 sports to have a try at, completely free of charge, Suffolk Skills will showcase practical skills from students from the region’s colleges and give you a chance to talk about future careers and further education in the Careers Discovery Zone.

Buy adult and concession tickets prices £20 and £18 and car parking for £4 in advance of midnight on May 25 and save pounds For breaking news about the Show visit: www.suffolkshow.co.uk And follow, Share and Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

13

What’s on pages

sponsored by

Easton Farm Park

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

We try our best to ensure the information listed is correct, but please always check with the venue before setting out in case things have changed

Theatre

production. With a live orchestra and specially designed stage set, this is the musical hit of the Pirate Gran summer! This is an amateur Sunday 18 May, 2pm production presented as part of New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, the New Wolsey’s annual Open Ipswich Season.

Presented by Scamp Theatre call 01473 295900 and Watford Palace Theatre www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits.

You’d never guess she was Scooby Doo a Pirate! An absolute treat for Friday 27 June to Sunday 29 seafaring children aged 3+ and June 2014 their shipmates of all ages.

Ipswich Regent call 01473 295900 Scooby-Doo and the gang are www.wolseytheatre.co.uk back by popular demand and

Waterfront Food and Drink Festival Friday 16 - Sunday 18 May 2014 Ipswich Waterfront An event for all the family to enjoy. Visit the waterfront for an exciting food and drink market featuring award winning Michelin star, French chef, Jean Christophe Novelli. Plus you can enjoy the live music stage with CoCo and the Butterfields, children’s entertainment and a beer festival. www.allaboutipswich.com

Fares please . Bygone Buses & Coaches Bank Holiday Monday 26 May 2014, 11am - 4pm Ipswich Transport Museum See a selection of classic buses and coaches, with an emphasis on vehicles made by Bristol Commercial Vehicles.

Includes free bus rides to and from the museum. www.ipswichtransportmuseum. co.uk

Magic Monday at Easton Farm Park Bank Holiday Monday 26 May with even more Spooky Mystery Weird and Wonderful Wood Science Museum Live presents and fun.

2014, 10.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 The Energy Show Easton Farm Park, Easton, May 2014 www.ipswichregent.com Saturday 24 May to Sunday 25 Haughley Park, Wetherden, Nr Woodbridge May 2014 Enjoy a little extra Bank Stowmarket

Ipswich Regent Weird and Wonderful Wood is a Holiday fun with magic shows Methane bubbles are set alight unique and exciting event which throughout the day to make fireballs, hydrogen 01728 746475 is never the same from year balloons explode and rockets www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk to year. There are new things The Suffolk Walking Festival are fired into the audience. happening and new experiences Stand back and cover your ears 2014 Super Worm every time, including many Saturday 10 May, 10.30 – 6pm – theatre just got dangerously spontaneous happenings from Tuesday 27 May 2014, 2pm – Sunday 1 June 2014, 10.30 exciting! Produced by the world street performers and acoustic - 4pm – 5pm famous Science Museum in Foxburrow Farm, Melton, musicians alike. This year are London, this show is suitable for Now in its seventh year, the different stalls, demonstrations Woodbridge Suffolk Walking Festival is bigger everyone aged 7+. and workshops for children and Family afternoon fun with mud and better than ever before, with www.ipswichregent.com and wriggly things adults - as well as established nearly 80 guided walks planned, £2.50 adults and children favourites. covering the whole of the county.

Open Air Theatre www.weirdandwonderfulwood. 01394 380113 or visit With a lovely mix of short strolls Wednesday 25 June 2014 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org co.uk around medieval villages and Mansion Lawn, Christchurch market towns and longer Park, Ipswich Meet the Saxons May Fair at Foxburrow Farm Enjoy another fantastic theatre rambles through the gentle Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 Sunday 18 May 2014, 11am landscapes of Suffolk, through performance at Christchurch May 2014, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, - 4pm Areas of Outstanding Natural Park. This year the iconic and 2pm, 3pm Foxburrow Farm, Melton, classic Peter Pan story will give Beauty and along the glorious Ipswich Museum Woodbridge audiences a chance to join the Suffolk coast.

Activities for all ages around the Join the Saxon farmer to www.suffolkwalkingfestival. gang - team up with the Lost find out about how he and farm and in the yard. Original co.uk Boys, Indians or Fairies and his family made use of the crafts for sale, folk dance and let your imagination run wild music, art trail, storytelling, pond natural world in everyday life, South Suffolk Show in a playground full of fun and and create your own Saxon dipping, outdoor making and Sunday 11 May 2014 adventure. Don’t forget your souvenir to take home. games. Refreshments.

Ampton Racecourse, near picnic!

Please book.

Adults £3, children £2 Ingham, Bury St Edmunds www.allaboutipswich.com 01473 433691 01394 380113 Enjoy a traditional, rural day out www.cimuseums.org.uk www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org with craft marquee, food hall, Oliver! countryside area, vintage farm Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 Living the Iron Age life!

Visit the dark, dark Forest! machinery, trade stands and June 2014 Colchester Castle Saturday 24 May 2014, 8pm New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, superb children’s entertainment. – 10pm Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk Ipswich May 2014 Rendlesham Forest Presented by The Co-op Juniors Explore the magic of the forest Talk to an Iron Age character in Alton Water 10k, 5k ,2k Fun Run Theatre Company the in the roundhouse, handle on a spring night: Experience Sunday 11 May 2014 With more hits than any artefacts, dress-up and hear a world where you can talk to Supports local schools and musical deserves - Consider owls, tune in to bats and witness stories enjoy a fun day out.

Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two, strange night time phenomena. as you sit around the fire! Free To register visit Food Glorious Food, and I’d after Castle entry.

For ages 8 and over. www.altonwaterrun.co.uk Do Anything - Lionel Bart’s 01206 282940 call 03000 680400 smash-hit bursts onto the New www.cimuseums.org.uk www.forestry.gov.uk Wolsey stage in a brand new

Activities & Events

Birch Farm Open Day Saturday 28th June 2014 8:30am—3pm Why not come along and see what Birch Farm has to offer both you and your children Ice cream Pampered Chef Usborne Books

Maya Rose Photography Handmade Rhythm (Drumming) Reflexology

Horse petting Jo Jingles Utility Warehouse

And lots more to see and do, Taster sessions on all day

For more information  01473 652152  mini@birchfarm.co.uk  www.birchfarm.co.uk

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Prickles’ Story Walk Tuesday 27 May 2014, 10:30am - 12oon Thornham Walks Join Prickles the Hedgehog on a trail of discovery around Thornham Walks. Have fun with activities, games and a story for the young explorer.

Recommended age - 7 and under.

Cost £2.00 children (accompanying adults FREE) www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/ leisure-and-culture

Fun Dog Show and Agility Display Sunday 8 June 2014, 10.30am – 5pm Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre and Beach All dog lovers should join this fun dog show on Dunwich Heath. There will be a number of fun classes plus displays by the Lowestoft Dog Agility team.

01728 648022 Watery wildlife www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Friday 30 May 2014, 2pm - 4pm dunwich-heath-and-beach Foxburrow Farm, Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Family afternoon pond dipping Mediaeval Experience & and wildlife crafts Father’s Day Special £2.50 per person Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 Book by phone 01394 380113 June 2014 or visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust. Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, org Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Mr McGregor’s Flower Garden 08456 807 897 Friday, 30 May 2014, 1pm - 4:30 pm www.owl-help.org.uk Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury Father’s Day- Survival Skills This year Mr McGregor invites Sunday 15 June 2014, children of all ages to join us in 10:30am - 2:30pm making a flower garden. They Rendlesham Forest will be able to make hundreds A great opportunity for Dads of paper flowers, create a floral to spend a fun time with their carpet depicting Beatrix Potter’s children; activities include: fire ‘Peter Rabbit’ and transform lighting, shelter building, stick our evergreen yew hedge into a whittling and open-fire cooking. flowering explosion. There will For ages 8 and over also be a ‘Green trail’, as well Book online as drawing and colouring of 03000 680400 www.forestry. pictures. Follow the clues on the gov.uk trail to win a prize www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ CAFF Saturday Art Club melford-hall Saturday 14 June 2014, 10:30am - 12:30pm Festival of the Naked Sheep Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, Sunday 1 June 2014, 10am - 5pm Ipswich Baylham House Farm, Mill Lane, CAFF Saturday Art Club Baylham sessions offer children 5-11 It’s all about wool. The sheep yrs unique opportunities to are sheared, the fleeces create artwork from a direct prepared and folded, the wool experience of animals and prepared and spun. Lots of stalls nature. selling wool and craft related Gemma Barley products plus the opportunity on 01473 786 618 to see and talk to experienced www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk spinners, knitters, felters and weavers and have a go yourself. Woodbridge Regatta & 01473 830264 Riverside Fair www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk Sunday 15 June 2014, 12 Noon – 5pm Open Farm Sunday Deben river wall from Tide Mill Sunday 8 June 2014, 10.30am to model yacht pond.

- 5.30pm The Regatta returns with Easton Farm Park, Easton, a whole range of activities Woodbridge, on the river and stalls and Lots of country fun tied in with entertainment along the entire the National Open Farm Sunday. riverside walk. You’ll find fun Get up close and personal with for all the family with music, the animals those that look rides, face painting, music and after them. entertainment.

01728 746475 01394 610548 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk Gruesome Goings On Tuesday 27 - Friday 30 May 2014, 10am-5pm Framlingham Castle Ghastly gallows, horrific hangmen and terrifying torture – travel back in time and discover the painful punishments your history teacher’s too timid to tell you about www.english-heritage.org.uk

Wild Beach Sunday 8 June 2014, 2pm - 4pm Southwold Boating Lake & Cafe Fun family activities on the beach As part of ‘Touching the Tide’ celebration day, 10am 4pm SWT are running a free taster of the some the Wild Beach activities we are offering in the summer holidays. No unaccompanied children. www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

The Rendlesham Show Saturday 21 June 2014, 11am – 4pm Jubilee Park, Mayhew Road, Rendlesham Superb entertainment for all the family!

Come and see members of Angelcynn – the Anglo Saxon re-enactment group showing the way Raedwald’s subjects would have lived; a Fun Dog

Show and Dog Agility; Stands, Stalls and Competitions galore – many run by local clubs, organisations and businesses including Stokes Sauces; a Birds of Prey Display; BBQ, Refreshments, Ice Cream Van; Entertainments including mega bouncy castles suitable for all including adults and teens; Donkey Rides: a fabulous multi Prize Draw and an Aerobatic Display by the only female Spitfire pilot in the UK, Carolyn Grace! www.choosewoodbridge. co.uk Felixstowe Book Festival Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June 2014 Various locations across Felixstowe For tickets and schedule of events visit www.felixstowebookfestival. co.uk Beautiful Birdscapes for Ip-Art Ipswich Art School Saturday 28 June 2014, drop-in 10.30 - 12.30pm + 1.30 - 3.30pm Work with artists to create wire frame birds and help create a soundtrack for the museum’s bird gallery.

Suitable for all ages. Free.

01473 433691 www.cimuseums.org.uk Tribal Survival Sunday 29 June 2014, 10:30am-2:30pm Thornham Walks Family bush craft adventure.

Build a natural den in the woods, learn how to light a fire, make string out of stinging nettles, try some whittling and cook your own bread over the fire.

Advance booking essential 01379 788345 www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/ leisure-and-culture

Suffolk For more What’s On listings please visit familiessuffolk.co.uk/

To contribute to future editions please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 788546

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Competition Page Win a weeks worth of school holiday activities We’ve teamed up with local company Anglia Sports Management to bring you the chance to win a whole weeks worth of sport and activities at Brantham Leisure Centre during the summer holidays.

To view their May halfterm programme visit angliasportsmangement.com or call 01206 392506

with Anglia Sports Mangement The lucky winners will receive 5 days worth of free activities from their summer holiday programme. A typical week includes a range of fun, activity days for both boys and girls including 5-a-side football tournaments, football coaching, arts-n-crafts, multi sports, Kwik cricket and tag rugby, hair braiding/nail polishing, dance, dodgeball, mini commonwealth games and water fights with the coaches.

The winner can choose from a variation of morning sessions (09:30-12:00), afternoon sessions (13:00-15:30) or a whole day, which includes a fully supervised lunchtime. (just provide a packed lunch and plenty of drink).

To enter the competition

email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk and tell us in less than 100 words why you would like to win a weeks’ worth of sport and activity with Anglia Sports Management.

Closing date 30th June 2014 Terms and Conditions apply see below and also familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions The 5 days can be taken consecutively or split over the 6 weeks holiday. They can be taken as 5 full days or 10 morning or afternoon sessions. A lunch and drink must be provided if taking a full day. All sessions included in the prize are subject to availability and must be taken from their normal scheduled programme.

T’s & C’s The 5 days can be taken consecutively or split over the 6 weeks holiday. They can be taken as 5 full days or 10 morning or afternoon sessions. A lunch and drink must be provided if taking a full day. All sessions included in the prize are subject to availability and must be taken from their normal scheduled programme.

ANGLIA SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Win a family weekend pass The Suffolk Fun Festival is offering one Families Suffolk family the chance to win a family weekend pass including to the festival held at Easton Farm Park.

The Suffolk Fun festival on 2nd & 3rd August celebrates its second year at Easton Farm Park with an action-packed full weekend programme of events that will include music, magic, street theatre, puppets, kites, clowns and canoeing PLUS all the fun of the circus with stiilt-walking, plate-spinning, juggling, tightrope walking and more. The Crafty Barn will present a world of weather-proof indoor activities including face-painting, rocket building, cheese making, chocolate tasting, soap baking and lots more to inspire and amuse all ages and on Saturday night the Barmy Barn will host a fancy dress competition and disco.

The RSPB and The Suffolk Wildlife Trust will be on hand to educate and entertain in equal measure with a range of naturebased activities and even the tiny tots can play, create and explore with the Imps toddler team. The spectacular Suffolk Kites will be back on Sunday with giant-size displays and make-yourown kite workshops, Snetterton Park models fly and race the latest model planes and cars and the more intrepid adventurers can build and fire a rocket or go canoeing along hidden stretches of the beautiful River Deben.

Join the team of eggcollectors, enjoy a pony ride, or a train ride, explore the indoor play-barns, experience the brand new outdoor playground with its giant sandpit and new tractor and trailer slide or settle down and watch a classic movie in their own little theatre. The outdoor band-stand will stage a spectacular array of local talent with live music, including a samba band, morris dancers and the Easton Rabble Choir (who you can join on the spot and sing along with) and everyone‘s favourite traditional seaside stars, Punch & Judy will battle it out on the Green. An assortment of delicious hot and cold food and drink will be available all day in the Farm Park café plus a range of hand-picked local food stalls will offer a wide variety of tasty treats, snacks, ice-creams and drinks.

To enter the competition please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk stating The Suffolk Fun Festival in the subject box by 30th June 2014.

Terms and conditions apply please visit www.familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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And Finally

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Birch Farm Play Complex & Nursery