Families Suffolk Magazine: Nov/Dec 22 DIGITAL

Welcome

We have everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more. Plus if you fancy a festive UK family city break – which could double as a giftbuying opportunity – then investigate some of the cities that put on the best show in the lead up to the big day.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Get in touch

Christmas What's On Guide

ILLUMINTED GARDEN TRAIL

Helmingham Hall Gardens

Helmingham Hall, Helmingham, Stowmarket, IP14 6EF 18th Nov- 18th Dec www.helmingham.com

CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET & SANTA'S GROTTO

Stonham Barns

Pettaugh Road,Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT

Sat 26th - Sun 27th Nov www.stonhambarns.co.uk

SUFFOLK PONY PARTIES LETTER TO SANTA PONY RIDES

Kersey Mill

Hadleigh Road, Kersey, IP7 6DP

Various dates from 27th Nov www.suffolkponyparties.co.uk

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Easton Farm Park Pound Corner, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EQ

Sat 3rd - Sat 24th Dec www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

WHERE'S SANTA?

The Arc Shopping Centre 14 Prospect Row, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3DG

Sat 3rd - Sat 24th Dec www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/

FESTIVE OUTDOOR FAMILY TRAIL

Ickworth House

The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE Sat 3rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth

STORYTIME WITH SANTA

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park Pannington Hall Lane Ipswich, IP9 2AR Various dates from 3rd Dec www.jimmysfarm.com

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR & SANTA'S GROTTO

Suffolk Punch Trust Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, IP12 3LA

Sat 10th - Sun 11th Dec www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk

BREAKFAST & TEA WITH SANTA

Hollow Trees Farm Semer, Nr Hadleigh, IP7 6HX

Available week days throughout December www.hollowtrees.co.uk

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT NOWTON PARK

Nowton Park Walled Garden, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5LU Sat 10th - Sun 11th Dec www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT KENTWELL

Kentwell Hall Long Melford, Nr Sudbury CO10 9BA

10th - 11th & 17th - 18th Dec www.kentwell.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MARKET & SANTA'S GROTTO

Beach Street, Felixstowe Beach Street Felixstowe, Micklegate Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2GN

Sunday 11th Dec. www.beachstreetfelixstowe.co.uk

Christmas Family Show Guide

Robin Hood Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

Fri 25th Nov - Sat 14th Jan

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Thu 24th Nov - Sat 28th Jan www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Puss in Boots

The Quay Theatre, Sudbury

Fri 16th - Sat 24th Dec www.quaysudbury.com

Co-Op

Juniors Christmas Spectacular Snape Maltings

Fri 23rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.coopjuniors.co.uk

Beauty and the Beast

The Mercury Theatre, Colchester

Sat 26th Nov - Sun 15th Jan

Cinderella

The Regal Theatre, Stowmarket

Sat 3rd - Sun 11th Dec www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

The Wind in the Willows

The Red Rose Chain, Ipswich

Thu 15th - Sat 31st Dec

Snow White

The Spa Pavillion, Felixstowe

Fri 23rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan

Peter Pan

Ipswich Regent

Fri 16th - Sat 31st Dec

Jack and The Beanstalk

The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft

Tue 13th Dec - Sun 1st Jan www.marinatheatre.co.uk

Cinderella Haverhill Arts Centre

Fri 16th - Sat 24th Dec

Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge

Fri 23rd Dec - Mon 2nd Jan www.debenplayers.net

Suffolk’s Holiday Activity Programme

funded by The Department for Education’s Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme is back, offering another chance for children & young people in Suffolk to take part in more activities, across more places for enriching school holidays.

The HAF programme offers free places to children and young people of school age (reception to year 11), who are eligible for means tested free school meals to be able to access enriching activities and healthy food during the Easter, Summer & Christmas Holiday periods.

How do I find out more about HAF?

You may have received information from your child’s school including a code or details of activity, or go to Suffolk InfoLink at www.suffolk.gov.uk/infolink and search HAF.

Where and when is HAF taking place?

There will be venues across Suffolk offering access to HAF activity from Ipswich to Newmarket, Lowestoft to Haverhill and Stowmarket to Sudbury with many venues in between.

The next HAF activities will be taking place during the Christmas holiday period between December 17th – 3rd January

What's On at Suffolk Museums

Nov/Dec 2022

National Horseracing Museum

Friday 25th Nov www.nhrm.co.uk

Toddler

The Food Museum | Wed 30th Nov www.foodmuseum.org.uk Military,

Long Melford Village Hall Friday 2nd Dec melfordheritage.org.uk/events

Suffolk Archives | Sat 3rd Dec www.suffolkarchives.co.uk

The

Thu 8th – Sun 11th Dec www.letteringartstrust.org.uk

National Horseracing Museum

Thursday 15th Dec www.nhrm.co.uk

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th Dec www.mslr.org.uk

Tom

Aldeburgh Museum

Tue 20th & Wed 21st Dec www.aldeburghmuseum.org.uk

Thu 22nd – Wed 28th Dec www.aldeburghmuseum.org.uk

JOIN US FOR FESTIVE FAMILY FUN IN IPSWICH, BURY ST EDMUNDS AND LOWESTOFT!

CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE HOLD

Ipswich, Sat 3 December. 10am - 4pm. Come along to our first festive market and stock up on some Christmas gifts from a range of local independent retailers. Free entry.

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE HOLD

Ipswich, Sat 3 December. 10am - 4pm. Father Christmas is popping in with his elves to help kick off your Christmas celebrations with a visit to his grotto. Suitable for ages 4 -11. Gift included. £5 per child. Booking required.

LET’S GET CRAFTY: CHRISTMAS

Ipswich, Sat 3 December. 10am - 4pm. A selection of fun, festive family crafts. £5 per child. Booking required.

CHRISTMAS ESCAPE ROOMS

Ipswich, Sat 3 - Sun 4 December. Various times. Pit your wits against our festive puzzles and seasonal riddles. Two rooms available, one family friendly and one for adults. Suggested age 8 +. £10 per person. Booking required.

LOW SENSORY CHRISTMAS AT THE HOLD

Ipswich, Sun 4 December. 10am - 4pm. Visit Father Christmas with a BSL Interpreter in a low sensory environment for neurodivergent children and their families. Kids low sensory crafting available. Free entry. Booking required.

CINEMA CLUB: ELF (FILM RATING: PG)

Ipswich, Sun 11 December. 1.30pm – 3pm. A free screening of this Christmas classic. Please book in advance to guarantee seats. Grab a deal and avoid queues by booking a cinema snack box when reserving seats.

LET’S GET CRAFTY: CHRISTMAS

Bury St Edmunds, Sat 17 December. 2pm - 4pm. Join us for some Christmas crafts inspired by our collections. (Suitable for 5 - 11 year-olds). £2 per child. Booking required.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTERNOON

Lowestoft, Fri 16 December. 1pm – 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of Victorian inspired crafts and a mince pie. Free entry. Booking required.

LET’S GET CRAFTY: CHRISTMAS

Lowestoft, Sat 17 December. 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Come and enjoy a selection of festive family crafts. Free entry. Booking required.

play ride eat

We take happiness seriously

At St Joseph’s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every student. Children who thrive are the happiest of all.

Saturday 18 March

Join us for our Prep and Senior School Open Day. Family tours also available, to find out more please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk

Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–19. Nursery open all year round

stjos.co.uk

Understanding subtle forms of bullying

The parents’ guide to primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

Is your mental image of a bully someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child being pursued by bullies on their device? But what about more subtle types of bullying? How do you recognise these? And are they actually bullying?

READ MORE

Has your child just started school? Are you discovering all sorts of unfamiliar school practices and processes as well as strange new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to? If so, our guide will help you get to grips with these.

READ MORE

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game

Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior! Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug Suspend Junior

Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area

School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which

you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient?

READ MORE

term fees!

classes Thurs/Saturdays,

Xmas Workshop 19/12, 10am-1.30pm

Weekly Scan the QR code or visit our website to view our full timetable and book a class! Or contact Miss Abigail on: suffolksouth@babyballet.co.uk

Fun-packed, educational, unique group music lessons using electronic keyboards. Perfect for the 4-13 year old beginner musician!

Learn to read, write & music with

Weekly

love

Xmas Workshop 19/12, 10am-1.30pm just £35

x x x x x x CLUBS & CLASSES

Fun-packed, educational, unique group music lessons using electronic keyboards. Perfect for the 4-13 year old beginner musician! Burlington Baptist Church, London Road IP1 2EZ

Leave your little ones in our capable, creative hands and nip off to your local shops to indulge in a little 'you' time before Christmas! Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes fun-filled 'Jingle Bells' workshops are a perfect Christmas themed taster day for 4-8 yr old beginner musicians. We introduce them to the electronic keyboard, how it works, and how to start reading and writing music too! Interspersed with art activities and games all based around music, there is so much fun, they may not even want to come home!

All about...

GLADWELLS Pet and Counry Store

Gladwells Pet and Country Stores have three branches in Suffolk, situated in Copdock, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

Regular and first-time customers can choose from a great range of pet and animal accessories and equipment, designed to keep your animals happy and healthy in their environment.

The friendly, knowledgeable team at Gladwells Pet and Country Stores will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for in-store.

As an independent retailer, they compare favourably to supermarket prices for animal feeds, treats and accessories, helping you to get more for less for your family pets. They stock feed, accessories bedding and much more for horses, dogs, cats, caged and wild birds, small animals, reptiles, fish, small holdings and poultry.

All about...

SHARON WRIGHTON

INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE ADVISOR

Suffolk mum Sharon Wrighton will be joining Families Suffolk Magazine for the next year to offer valuable financial advice. As an Independent Mortgage Advisor with Wolsey Mortgage Company, Sharon has a wealth of experience that she will be sharing with us.

A mortgage is the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make, but they can be complicated. Lenders can often use technical language that can be confusing, and with thousands of products available it's not easy to find the right deal for your needs.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO AN INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE ADVISOR?

If you go direct to a bank for a mortgage you will be limited by their own deals which may or may

not be the best product for you. There might be other products in the market that have a better rate which will save you money in the long term that an Independent Mortgage Advisors will be able to tell you about.

When it comes to your mortgage I am not tied to any bank or building society and I can look at the whole of market. I will find the most appropriate mortgage deal for you and your family, taking everything into account.

I also have an extensive knowledge of the mortgages available from different lenders and can search the market on your behalf and recommend the right deal.

For more information or to book a FREE CONSULTATION with Sharon, email: sharon@wolseymortgage.co.uk Call: 07955 199219

For more information about Wolsey Mortgage Company visit: www.wolseymortgage.co.uk

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery. Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Pot grown tree care

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can. Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours.

Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Christmas leftovers

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Nature Curious subscription boxes

Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.

Barekind bamboo socks

Bright and colourful stocking filler helps save the endangered animal on them! £7.50

Kabode Alphabet children’s bedding

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play Kits

subscription boxes

Sustainable & organic kits support pre-school brain development. From £80

Bake at Home gingerbread people kit

Home-delivered. Delicious ready-made dough, cutter & recipe. £15

DIY lip tint or cheek balm kit

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients. Plastic-free. £19.99

Target wool blanket

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres. £32

Halo water bottle

Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly. Hydration on the move. From £22

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded cashmere jumpers. £24

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable.

Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99

We take happiness seriously

At St Joseph’s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every student. Children who thrive are the happiest of all.

Saturday 18 March

Join us for our Prep and Senior School Open Day. Family tours also available, to find out more please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk

Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–19. Nursery open all year round stjos.co.uk