Families Suffolk Nov-Dec 2013 Issue 14

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

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iss NO ue 14 V/ 201 DEC 3

Scrooge Meets Christmas Spectacular! page 10

Suffolk

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

In this issue

Local News - Family Matters - Ipswich Community Playbus - Baby & Toddler Yoga – Suffolk’s Mobile Library Service plus Christmas What’s On I p s w i c h • R U SH M E R E • B E L S T E A D • WH E R S T E A D • P I N E W O O D • K E S G R AV E • H E N L E Y • W I T N E SH A M N A C T O N • H O L B R O O K • SH O T L E Y • C L A Y D O N • Woodbridge • Hadleig h • Sto w market

Welcome

Welcome back to Families Suffolk. I hope you all had a great half term and enjoyed some fun Halloween and Fireworks night celebrations. So here we go, into what for myself and many other parents/carers is one of the busiest terms and times of the year.

So before we all roll into school performances, Christmas planning and shopping, food planning, organising members of the family to attend school performances, a visit to Santa, and the writing of class Christmas cards, to pick just a few from the ‘to do’ list, take Ready for the school run 5 minutes and enjoy some of the articles in this issue. We have on page 10 events which are taking place on the run up to Christmas in Ipswich so you don’t miss anything, plus details of this year’s fabulous Co-op Juniors performance at Snape Maltings, plus 4 pages of Christmas activities and Fairs. We also offer 6 gift ideas guaranteed to get your child outdoors and active, and as most of us spend a bit more money at this time of year, we offer 6 winter activity ideas for your children which are all free!! The Our Community page in this issue highlights 2 mobile services, so at a time of year when you may not wish to drive far it may be handy to know what is available on your doorstep. We also have our regular Local News, Parents Place, Baby& Toddler Talk and Family Matters page, so we hope there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It just remains for me to wish all of you good luck for the next 7 weeks and your ‘to do’ lists ☺, and I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2014.

Happy Reading – Editor

Lisa Giddings

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

editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk twitter.com/Familiessuffolk facebook.com/FamiliesSuffolk

Local News

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Baby & Toddler Talk Parents Place

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Our Community

Ipswich Community Playbus & Suffolk’s Mobile Libraries

Family Matters

The common law spouse myth explained

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scan for our website

It’s Christmas time

What’s On

Next issue - Jan / Feb 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 DESIGN & EDITING Cresign: 01473 422 779 info@cresign.co.uk www.cresign.co.uk COVER IMAGE With thanks to Co-op Juniors Theatre Company

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

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 News from Ipswich Building Society

We’re always trying to get involved with our local communities - from staff volunteering to financial education we spent over 550 hours last year getting “hands on”. This year we’ve had a new project in mind to create an ecogreenhouse out of plastic bottles. It seemed a fantastic challenge and we felt could provide a great asset to a local primary school.

We were put in touch with Somersham Primary School, who have a real focus on all things green and have been chosen as a partnership school by the Royal Horticultural Society. Jemma Addicott, head gardener, jumped at the chance and the project was born. Not being naturals at construction, we knew we needed some help and were delighted when the Martlesham branch of Ridgeons joined in to supply materials and help. All that was left to do was collect the hundreds of bottles! We’ll be making the greenhouse very soon and will let you know how we got on in the next issue.

Calling all parents with infants from birth to pre-school & all expectant mums!

Come along to the Baby Senses Baby Fair on Saturday 23rd November at Kesgrave Community Centre 10am – 2pm and enjoy lots of free activities and fun taster sessions.

With free entry, the main hall will hold 20+ stalls with a wide variety of local businesses displaying their products, services and information. And to keep the little ones entertained, a colouring corner, various crafts and fun, hook a duck and Connect 4. Lots of treats in the Yummy Mummy pamper room and in the Taster room you can enjoy a busy timetable of activities and demos ranging from talks about the benefits of teaching your baby to swim with WaterBabies, how to read and calm your baby from BabyCalm and getting your core restored with Hope Fitness. In addition, sing along with Toddle Talk baby signing, learn about baby massage from Baby Senses or have a kick about with Little Kickers and play music and move with Jo Jingles.

To get more details about the fair which is run in association with the NCT Ipswich and East Suffolk branch call Ann on 07748914370 or visit www.BabySenses.co.uk

Alpha Nurseries in Suffolk

Alpha Nurseries offer high quality, affordable, childcare and education for all children from 3 months to 11 years and have nurseries and out of school clubs in Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent. Their Suffolk settings open between 7.30/8am and 6pm including the out of school clubs. Each setting is individual, and carefully designed to be homely, inviting, safe, and secure.

Alpha Nurseries encourage children to learn independently in a fun, healthy and nurturing environment. They offer a rich and varied environment with a personalised learning and development programme for each individual child. All children and families are welcome in an inclusive environment and their staff are friendly, and dedicated to making sure your child feels at home, happy and secure. Their local nurseries are: Spitfires Ipswich – Ravenswood, Bluebells Ipswich – Bond Street, Treehouse Ipswich – Clapgate Lane, The Oaks Felixstowe – Grange road. Plus their local Out of School Clubs are held at the Spitfires and Bluebells Nurseries plus Burlington rd Out of school club – At Church Hall on Burlington rd. All do school pick up and drop offs for morning mid-day and afterschool.

For more information 01473 725523 www.alpha-nurseries.co.uk

Too much to do, too little time

So we are racing head first into a very busy time of year for mums and carers, there’s Christmas pre-school and school performances to prepare costumes for and attend, Christmas parties/discos for the children, Christmas cards they want to write, if they’re good a visit to see Santa, decorations to put up, presents to buy, food shopping to plan..and the list goes on. At some point during this chaos you could well have a Christmas function to attend and at this point are you’re certain that you can fit into your favourite dress and enjoy your function? If, like me, the inevitable chaos of November and December leaves you racing for some chocolate or a biscuit to keep going you may be pleased to know that Energie fitness for women offer a 6 week empower programme plus wide range of fitness classes to help you achieve results enough for you to confidently wear that dress and enjoy your Christmas party. Energie are so confident that you will be happy with the programme and your workouts at their ladies only gym, that they offer a money back guarantee. See, now there’s something ticked off your list, no need for any last minute dress nightmares.

01473 211338 www.effw.co.uk/ipswich

Santa’s reindeer in Melton.

Melton Under 5’s pre-school Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 30th November from 1-4pm. Put the date in your diary as not only will there be a variety of stalls selling gifts for Christmas presents and stocking fillers but also a prize draw (tickets will be available on the day), and various side stalls (tombola, lucky dip, raffle, pocket money games). Santa’s reindeer will be present and there will be the facility to feed them (until they fill up), plus a side tent with post box where children can write a letter and /or send a picture to Santa. So why not support your local pre-school, do some Christmas shopping and feed Santa’s reindeer all in one afternoon.

For more details 01394 388033

Shotley Kidzone Open Day

It’s exciting times for all concerned with Shotley Kidzone as work has finally been completed on their new extended facilities within Shotley Community Primary School. These facilities will mean that Kidzone will be able to offer more places to children in the community. The new ‘Butterfly Room’ within the school premises will be used for the older pre-school children plus breakfast and after school club. The existing building which has undergone refurbishment will be known as the ‘Caterpillar Room’, and will mainly be used for younger preschool children and as a base for groups such as Home-start and Get Together which are dedicated to support families within the wider community. The new Butterfly Room, which although completely separate is within the primary school premises, means that children will experience an even smoother transition when the time comes for them to leave pre-school and enter full time education. Kidzone would like to thank Councillor Dave Woods, Shotley Parish Council and Suffolk County Council for assistance with funding various aspects of the expansion project, plus Barclays Staff from Barclays Business, Corporate and Health & Safety for all of their time and efforts in helping us transform the old school nursery facilities into our Butterfly room complete with a fantastic butterfly on the playground. Kidzone would also like to thank all parents, committee, members of the

community and staff who gave up their time to help and also Cooks Skips. With these newly extended facilities plus extended opening hours to cater for all childcare requirements, Shotley Kidzone really are striving to deliver the best facilities for children on the peninsular. Why not pop along to the Open day on Saturday 16th November between 10am -2pm to view the facilities and meet the team, alternatively contact Therasa 01473 787873 or visit www.shotleykidzone.co.uk

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Local News

sponsored by

The Jolly Meat Company Hadleigh

New Croc Rock owner

Fun and games at Kidzone creche

Elie Sharratt and her baby daughter had been attending Crocodile Rock classes for a few weeks when the opportunity arose to take it over. Nicky Brigginshaw had been running the baby and toddler music sessions for 13 years. Elie and her daughter Esme had found the classes so much fun it was an easy decision to take up the reigns from Nicky. Elie has kept the format much the same. The classes run three times a week: at Snape Village Hall at 9.30am on a Monday; Wickham Market Village Hall (back entrance) at 9.30am on a Tuesday; and Framlingham Sports Club at 10am on a Wednesday. The songs are fun-filled, involve lots of participation and include props and basic instruments to play with. It is relaxed and friendly and a great way for parents to introduce music to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Elie would love to see you there soon.

Please visit the website for more information: WOW what an amazing 2 months Kidzone crèche have had at Ipswich Sports Club www.crocodile-rock.com or facebook.com/crocodile.rock.suffolk on Henley road, Ipswich. Their permanent new studio looks amazing, and the daily crèche sessions are proving popular with members and non-members using the Birch Farm Christmas Fayre. clubs facilities. Fun day Monday physical play sessions have attracted lots of new Birch Farm are holding a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 30th Nov 9am – 3pm. For families to the crèche as has the always popular singing group, which now runs those of you who enjoyed their summer fayre, or for anyone looking for great twice a week in the studio. Check out their facebook page for timetable information Christmas gifts without driving into town you must pop along. There will be many or call for more information on all sessions and groups that are run at the sports stalls containing Christmas gift ideas from many local businesses plus Mini will do club. If you’re thinking of having a children’s birthday party, christening or other a Jo Jingles session in the upstairs room at 12 noon free to children plus the play social event then why not hire the function room at the sports club, Kidzone can barn will be open as usual for your children to be busy playing whilst you are busy entertain children of all ages with our great value party and entertainment packages, shopping – this could be all of your Christmas gifts sorted in one outing!! make your event or party extra special with a Kidzone mascot appearance, Mickey www.birchfarm.co.uk Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Iggle Piggle, Bob the builder, Princess Belle, Mike the Knight, Jake the Netherland pirate or Ninja turtle look alike characters.

Please call or email for information about crèche and groups at the sports club, Fun for little people Now the weather has changed do you have youngsters charging around the house birthday parties, wedding crèches, bouncy castle hire and mascot appearances.

O7756535059/07724114794 enquiries@kidzonecreche.co.uk with bags of energy? Do you wish you could slow them down a little? If so why www.kidzonecreche.co.uk not take them along to a Little Kickers football coaching class. These classes are for children 18months to 5 years and are a fun way for the children to develop co-ordination, control, confidence and a feeling of camaraderie, all of which will help them in other areas of their lives. The classes are for girls and boys and held at venues in Ipswich, Kesgrave and Felixstowe. Whilst the children are running off some steam it’s a great place to meet other parents, many a friendship has begun whilst watching children participate in classes. So why not give your front room a break from all the racing around and find out about becoming a Little Kicker.

01394 210016 www.littlekickers.co.uk

CHRISTMAS WITH THE OWLS

Accidents happen…..

Accidents are common, but are you confident you would know how to help a child or adult in their time of need? If not, you may be interested to know that family man Matt Buggs, through his business Pure Training provides unique first aid and lifeguard training. All of the training delivered is specifically designed to make your learning experience enjoyable and give you the skills required to potentially save somebody’s life. Matt not only delivers first aid training to parent groups but also schools, colleges, youth groups leisure facilities and businesses in the local community. Pure Training offers cost effective tuition where the delivery and content is of the highest possible standard, Matt has already provided training at a number of locations and the feedback and testimonials received have been exceptional.

There are upcoming courses for parents’ first aid (David Lloyd Sunday 17th November 2-5pm/Birch Farm Saturday 30th November 1-4pm) and also rookie lifeguard lessons (David Lloyd on Fridays 6-7pm and Birch Farm on Sundays 6-7pm which are for children ages 8 years and above).

If you’d like to find out how just a few hours training can make a difference call 0786 129 9298 or visit www.puretrainingservices.com

On Saturday 30th.

November and Sunday 1st. December the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns, will be magically transformed into an owlie Winter Wonderland for the annual Christmas Fair.....and snow is guaranteed!! The 80+ resident birds will be using their incredible hearing to detect the first jingle of sleigh bells in the sky and will guide Santa’s reindeer safely to the ground. Visitors can get up close to two of the reindeer - William and Harry who will be in residence all weekend.

Santa Claus has booked the owl sanctuary’s special grotto once again for his Christmas visit and will be meeting young visitors and distributing presents all weekend (£2.50 per. child). Santa’s elfin helpers will also be on hand to assist with festive activities including paper chain making and bird necklace stringing. Most importantly hot chocolate will be available on tap, free of charge to keep out the cold!!

Admission is free to all for this weekend only and includes an exciting flying display and entry to the Woodland Walk with red squirrels, chipmunks and cheeky meerkat family.

The unique S.O.S. owlie gift shop also offers Mums and Dads the opportunity to discover Christmas presents with a twist!

0845 680 7897 www.owl-help.org.uk

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Crafts and Clairvoyant events Two local mums, Joanne Godley and Sherry Lavington have recently launched their own events business. Joanne and Sherry were thrown together by fate as neighbours, they live in a rural village which they both love and are very lucky insofar that the village has lots going on as well as having two shops, a post office and a pub. Joanne lives with her husband and has four children – all boys – and Sherry lives with her partner and has five children. They started the business by having an Arts & Crafts Fair in their home village followed by an Evening of Clairvoyant Mediumship, they enjoyed managing both events so much that they decided to carry one and have now run several successful craft fairs and clairvoyant evenings.

With Christmas approaching the craft fairs are an ideal way to find some unique Christmas gifts whilst supporting the local business community. There are upcoming Christmas fairs in Woodbridge, Wickham Market and Debenham plus further Clairvoyant/Spiritual evenings.

For all event details please visit www.sherryandjoannesevents.co.uk

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

Baby & Toddler Talk

Baby Yoga

just for the bare foot and omming Written by Jo Cresdee and Shelley Brinkley

Yoga can be an emotive word – especially when we consider its use for babies. Some feel it is only used by those who are very holistic, others worry it might conflict with their religious principles and many just worry that they do not eat enough muesli or hug enough trees to fit into a class. Lazy Daisy Mentors Jo Cresdee and Shelley Brinkley are keen to demonstrate why baby yoga is for everyone and the benefits it can bring to you and your child.

Baby yoga classes are primarily about active bonding with your baby. They are fun for Mummy as well and it’s the reciprocal cycle or “spiral of joy” that is so important.

As Baby feels happy Mummy feels pleased that she has stimulated that happiness in Baby and feels good too – this cycle grows and expands between Mummy and child making everyone feel good and uplifted!

On a weekly basis we use classic nursery rhymes which have been adapted to incorporate yoga postures which encourage baby to turn involuntary movement into voluntary movement as primitive reflexes from birth disappear and muscle memory is developed. These songs and activities also help our babies improve their linguistic skills; through word association and lay the foundations stones for inhibitory control (the ability to stop and go) which is so important in conversation, social environments, safely, communication and generally one of life’s key skills. Rhythm and beat also play many roles in the cognitive development of our baby’s brains, rhythm is not only crucial for the development of speech but also for numeracy skills and physical development and coordination.

There are other physical benefits as babies stretch and extend their limbs they uncurl from the foetal position and improve their muscle strength. Classes also incorporate a large amount of movement and bouncing which develops baby’s Vestibular system. The Vestibular system is the system of the body that controls balance and co-ordination, involving the movement of fluid in the inner ear. It is thought that western children have the worst balance for generations simply because they spend so much time in prams and other containers rather than attached to their mother’s bodies in slings as would have been standard practice in the past and in other countries. Baby yoga is a way to ensure that your baby receives adequate stimulation to develop a healthy vestibular awareness. As we rock, bounce and swing our babies we improve their spacial awareness.

sponsored by

Lazy Daisy

As mothers we all want to encourage our babies to their next milestone but we also care about SLEEP and relieving colic, constipation and reflux! Again baby yoga is proven to help with all these issues. Simple movements help to make space for baby’s digestive system and release spasms, wind and blockages.

The songs that we sing and the actions that we encourage boost circulation to the muscles and essential systems within your baby’s body, flooding your baby with oxygen and nutrients helping their organs to develop and integrate into life outside the womb. Colic and reflux reduce as babies systems mature and stabilise independently of mummy’s body. As mother and child enjoy classes together they release happy hormones and a natural relaxant to promote restful sleep after a class! Baby yoga is also helps to boost the immune system. The gentle movements help support the lymphatic system by encouraging the circulation of lymph (fluid) around the body fighting infection and encouraging fluid to drain from the tissues to the lymph nodes (glands).

Sensorial development is often spoken about in the press and educational circles but what is it and why is it important? Sensorial stimulation or the ability to learn on a multi-sensory level is basically learning via different physical experiences – listening, feeling and hearing. Yoga classes often incorporate different sounds (musical instruments) things to look at and different textures to feel. Babies are encouraged to learn through experience and given the tools to unlock the world in front of them by feeling, listening and watching, this helps their learning journey later in life as they become inquisitive and naturally want to know more about what is going on in the world around them.

The message that we hear most from Mummy’s is that they want a to invest in a baby class that gives their child a skill for life. Far from being a mystical term that is beyond the reach or comprehension of most of us baby yoga does just that - it is an investment in your child’s physical and mental development laying the foundation stones for wider education.

The most important element though, is the fact that it is fun - and the fun feeds hormone release that makes you and your baby feel happy and contented. Your “spiral of joy” is only a yoga class away!

Jo Cresdee and Shelley Brinkley are Lazy Daisy Mentors running baby massage and baby yoga classes in the Ipswich and Woodbridge areas. Classes run 5 days per week at a variety of locations and there are sessions suitable for children aged 6 weeks – 2 ½ years.

Please email EastSuffolkLazyDaisy@gmail.com or call 07944 070 362 for more details.

Visit www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk for information about all our pregnancy and baby classes

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Parents Place Parent to parent interview

Favourite child friendly restaurant?

If you would like to visit any of the places Claire has mentioned please find the contact details listed below:

The Lindsey Rose. We love to go when the weather is good as the play area outside is wonderful. Great to have somewhere to entertain the children!

Favourite alternative health clinic/pre or post natal class?

When I was pregnant, I attended Aqua Natal at the Holiday Inn – wonderful way to keep fit in the safety of water. I now go to the Aqua Aerobics there – she makes sure you sweat!

Plum Green - 82 High St Ipswich, Suffolk. IP7 5EF 01473 822243 www.plumgreen.co.uk

Proudest eco-friendly moment?

I can’t stand litter and I get so proud of my son when he picks up the rubbish he sees, saying ‘naughty people’

Hollow Trees Farm Semer, Suffolk. IP7 6HX 01449 741247 www.hollowtrees.co.uk

Best planet saving tip?

Put your rubbish in the bin!

No parent should be without?

Snacks for the children – mine don’t seem to stop eating!

In this issue we meet Claire Bailey, owner of the Suffolk Puddle Ducks Baby & Pre-Schhol Swimming Franchise. Claire is married to Lee, they have two sons, Henry who is 4 in November and Ozzy who will be 1 in January. The family have lived in Hadleigh for 3 years.

Why you like living where you do?

Hadleigh is a lovely market town which has a lot going on for families. We love it because we can walk everywhere. The country-side is beautiful which is great for us as it means we have lots of places to explore.

Favourite shop and why?

Plum Green on Hadleigh high street – it has so many lovely items, I would like to buy the contents of the shop! Fabulous place to buy gifts for all ages.

Favourite park and why?

The tunnel slide and tyre swings within Hollow Trees Farm.

Favourite children’s club/class?

When Henry pointed out on a train at the top of his voice that a man had funny whiskers – he was referring to his moustache!

Favourite family holiday spot and why?

Centre Parcs in Thetford. We love being in the woodlands, getting about on bikes and having fabulous fun in the pools. I feel like a child again going down the slides.

Best children’s book?

For the little ones ‘Peepo’by Janet Ahlberg and also ‘Stuck’ by Oliver Jeffers.

Best children DVD or video?

Lion King/ Jungle Book

Most played with toys?

A ball in our house

Biggest waste of money?

Jo Jingles – my son’s love the classes. We attend the one at Birch Farm which are so much fun.

Buying tiny new born clothes for my unborn child as I was told to expect a small baby, he ended up being 9lb9!!!

Favourite day out and why?

Most successful recipe/food?

On a sunny day, going down to the beach at Lower Holbrook. It’s so quiet and peaceful but the children love it. We take a picnic, a rug, shoes to paddle in and a ball – what more do you need?

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Birch Farm Silver Hill Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP8 3NJ 01473 652152 www.birchfarm.co.uk

Most embarrassing moment?

I’m certainly not a domestic goddess but I can bake a good cheesecake!

The Lindsey Rose Lindsey Tye, Lindsey, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP7 6PP 01449 741424 www.redroseinn.co.uk Aqua Natal/Aerobics – Holiday Inn, London Road Ipswich, Suffolk. www.facebook.com/ AquaAerobicsIpswichAquaNatal Centre Parcs Elvedon Forest – Thetford, Suffolk 08448 267 723 www.centerparcs.co.uk

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

Our Community

sponsored by

Ipswich Building Society

As we move into the shorter days and colder weather, in this issue the Our Community page highlights two mobile services we can all enjoy which offers an alternative to travelling into Ipswich. With less daylight hours, winter road conditions and additional Christmas traffic, sometimes driving the kids into town is not so appealing. We took Jack (my 19 month old) to investigate the Ipswich Community Playbus and Suffolk’s mobile library service.

“Maggie” The

lots more! There is also a book lending scheme and on-board toilet facilities.

Ipswich Community Playbus

“Maggie” recently celebrated her 10th birthday on the road as a Playbus on Thursday 3rd October 2013. Decorated with “Maggie” the Ipswich Community Playbus is a local, balloons, streamers and banners, “she” welcomed the Mayor, not for profit, registered charity run by a board of Councillor Hamil Clarke MBE, on board at Downside Close, Trustees. The Playbus travels to nine different areas in Ipswich to meet families using this unique service and to have Ipswich, Monday to Friday, each week during term time, a slice of birthday cake! visiting set areas, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. By careful planning for play, and considering A new play session has also started up in Derby Road, Ipswich. the aims of ‘Every Child Matters’, ‘Birth to Three Years’, Situated by Eric Dines Carpets, this session takes place every Thursday afternoon, 1.15pm to 3.15pm, term time.

‘Early Learning Goals’ and ‘Early Years Foundation Stages’, young children are given the opportunity to thrive educationally and socially in a flourishing, multicultural learning environment.

The Playbus offers a free facility where children can play together and parents/carers can meet up, supporting each other, making new friendships and increasing confidence and self-esteem.

There’s 9 sessions per week, all are free and last for two hours, term time. The Playbus has two members of staff who are fully trained, with pre-school experience; both hold First Aid and Child Protection certificates and have enhanced CRB checks. The Playbus itself is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance and Working On Wheels (formerly the National Playbus Association).

On board we offer craft and art activities, sand play, two baby areas, a home corner, post office (which is changed to fit in with themes), small world sets, hand/eye co-ordination toys, construction sets, books, puzzles, young children’s lap-tops, a built-in slide and

Where We Go – Mon Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri

Ravenswood (by the school) 09:45-11:45 Jamestown Boulevard, Griffin Wharf 09:45-11:45 Bramford Road (behind Conservative Club) 13:15-15:15 Congreve Road 09:45-11:45 Kelly Road 13:15-15:15 Downside Close 09:45-11:45 Derby Road by Eric Dines Carpets 13:15-15:15 Moffat Avenue 09:45-11:45 Ulster Avenue 13:15-15:15

“We took Jack on the playbus one Monday morning to see for ourselves what ‘Maggie’ has to offer. I was amazed at quite how many different activities there were on the bus, there is even a slide and a post box on the top deck! Jack didn’t know where to start, and enjoyed a fabulous session involving playing on the slide, playing with the train set, playing in the kitchen area, creating a balloon in the craft activities area, plus enjoying much time making sand castles and playing with the diggers in the sand pit. The atmosphere on the bus is very friendly and welcoming for both adults and children, and in the same way pre-school setting change the themes for activities each term so do Mandy and her team on the playbus, so even if you were to attend a session each week your child would never get bored. I can honestly say that it was a whole lot of fun for Jack, Louise and I on a Monday morning and we will definitely be going back and would highly recommend it”.

Mobile libraries

Jacks Experience

Suffolk’s mobile libraries visit over 200 villages and hamlets with 475 individual stops on a 4 weekly basis. Our mobile libraries not only stock adult fiction and non-fiction books, large print books and audiobooks but also at the back of the mobile libraries there is a children’s section. When the mobile library last visited Shotley I took Jack and his friends Imogen and Ellie to investigate the children’s section, as using the mobile library service had never crossed my mind before, I always drive into Ipswich to use the library. Judging by Jacks obvious enjoyment at climbing up the steps and being on a mobile library, and the wide range of children’s fiction and non-fiction books which cater for all children’s age groups, and the fact they had their own little section at the back of the library I really do

feel that I may have been missing a trick.

Jack and his friends seemed to enjoy the whole experience of being on a mobile library; Andrew the driver was very friendly and encouraged the children to enjoy their time on the ‘book bus’. The range of books they could take out was very varied, and I for one will be taking Jack for another visit next time the library is in Shotley. I would recommend for anyone with children to give it a try, not only can the children borrow books which will assist in their education but the whole experience can be made into a regular 4 week visit that they will look forward too. Customers can also reserve items from the county’s other libraries or the website and pick them up when the mobile library visits. You can join the library service as a new customer on the mobile library too. The three mobile libraries cover 53 routes and visit over 200 towns and villages across Suffolk with 475 individual stops. Full details can be found on the Suffolk Libraries website www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/ libraries-and-mobiles

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Family Matters

Falling for the common law spouse myth?

There is a widespread misconception among the public that in English Law, there exists the common law wife and husband, entitled to the same legal rights as their married counterparts.

Many of us are of the view that if you live with someone else for a certain length of time, your relationship will be viewed by the law as equal to that of a marriage. Unfortunately, this is not true. Despite insurance companies regarding couples who have lived together more than six months as the equivalent of married spouses, English Law does not support this view. It is vitally important that parents who are living together fully understand the legal consequences of an unmarried relationship.

Margary + Miller Family Solicitor, Josephine Hayes comments,

“While your relationship remains happy and stable, there is no issue.

If it breaks down, however, a number of complications can arise if you are not married. One partner can often be left much more financially vulnerable than they would have been had they been married. The biggest issues following the breakdown of any relationship are usually to do with how any property is dealt with, the financial settlement, and how the children’s relationship with both parents is to be managed in the future.”

No contribution, no share…

In cases where couples are not married, the legal position in respect of property can be very straightforward. However, the ownership of property is governed in accordance with strict legal principles and there is no concept of fairness. Regardless of the circumstances, even the court cannot award either party with a share larger than that which they are legally entitled to.

If both names are on the title deeds of the family home, then, as with a married couple, the assumption is that both parties will have a 50% share in the property. It might be surprising for a homeowner to learn that even if their partner’s name has only recently been put on the property, they have a right to 50% of it. This can be a cause of irritation, especially if the original homeowner had owned it prior to the relationship starting.

Further complications occur where only one person is named on the title deeds of the family home. In this case, it can be difficult to prove the other partner is entitled to any share at all.

Josephine says, “Let’s consider a fairly typical scenario: one partner owns a property and has always paid the mortgage. The other partner moved into the home many years ago and has paid all the utility bills. The contributions made by both parties are relatively equal. However, on the demise of that relationship, the non-owning partner will not be entitled to any share of the expartner’s property. Paying all of the utility bills does not entitle that partner to a share in the property.

By way of a contrast, had the parties in the above scenario been married, the starting point would have been that each spouse is entitled to 50% of the assets when that marriage breaks down. In addition, the married spouse may be entitled to make a claim for ongoing spousal maintenance and pension provision as well as claiming against any other assets regardless of whose name they are in. A cohabiting couple does not possess such rights on the breakdown of their relationship.”

Clearly, marriage or civil partnership does offer a degree of protection, especially for those, often women, who are in a weaker financial position than their spouse. Women often stop work to have children and either do not return to their previous career for several years or take a job to fit around school hours and school holidays, which can disadvantage them financially for the rest of their lives. A cohabiting partner, who chooses not to marry, is at a greater financial risk, should her relationship end, than the married partner in exactly the same situation.

The exception, not the rule…

Where children are concerned, the courts treat any disputes regarding residence and visitation rights in the same way, regardless of whether the couple are married or not. Wherever possible, it is helpful if both parents can try to make reasonable arrangements and put the welfare of the children at the forefront of all decisions that affect them, however hard that might be.

Next of kin status…

Marriage creates next of kin status for each partner. If you are unmarried, then you are not each other’s next of kin; it is your parents, if living, a sibling or other blood relative. This can have a big impact should one of you be injured in a car crash or require other treatment, a blood transfusion or end of life decisions that can only be taken by next of kin. Similarly next of kin rights will be asserted if, as a cohabiting couple, you have not made a will and one of you dies.

Know your intentions…

Josephine adds, “At Margary + Miller, we always endeavour to

support our clients during the difficult and often extremely distressing events following a relationship breakdown. For those who have fallen for the common law spouse myth, it can be highly upsetting to realise that they are financially vulnerable. Many couples consciously and deliberately choose to live together rather than get married. However, we urge people consider their options and make appropriate arrangements to protect themselves and each other in case the unthinkable happens.

Consider how you hold any property, how you both contribute to the mortgage, and do make a will. So often, people have fallen into a cohabiting relationship before they have thought through the long term implications; being forewarned is forearmed.”

Margary + Miller Solicitors is 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.

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

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

The twelve days of an active Christmas 6 free outdoor play ideas and 6 present ideas to get your child active this winter Outdoor play and exposure to nature is one of the best and most effective ways to educate children about the world around them and encourage environmental awareness. Getting children active outdoors is also vital for their health and physical development as well as helping them to improve their sensory, cognitive and social skills. Despite the weather, the winter months provide a surprisingly wide range of fun and exciting outdoor learning opportunities for your children.

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Fly a kite

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fun Make walks

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Allowing children to science. Encourag play with water is not only fun, it can e your child to thro also teach basic w differe etc)— Get them to guess if they will floa nt objects (sticks, stones, leaves t or sink. Teach the m to skim.

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Organise a treasur e hunt or get children to find and collect a list of objects. Feathers, leaves, fir cones, acorns and anima l foot prints are great things for chi ldren to look for.

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It’s easy to m ak liquid and a da e your own bubble potion.

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Learn to make 10 different paper planes then fly them in the park!

From 7 years,£4.99, from www.galttoy s.com and toy shops.

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Suitable from 12 mth - £24.99 www.kiddicare.com

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The Beano CHopper

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It’s Christmas time Christmas in Ipswich will have something for everyone. It all starts on Sunday 17 November with a Vintage Market on The Saints, on-street entertainment, performances from exciting acts and of course the Big Switch-On on the Cornhill, hosted once more by Town 102. And no Christmas event would be complete without snow, so expect a flurry over the Cornhill to add that extra bit of Christmas sparkle.

If you can’t make the event don’t panic because there are a whole host of other activities to keep you entertained during the countdown to Christmas.

The wonderful Christmas market returns to town from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th November and promises a host of tasty food and drink plus handmade arts, crafts and gift ideas for all the family. At the heart of the market will be delicious hot foods including a sausage swing grill and a tavern selling mulled wine and spiced cider with a festive seating area. For the children there will be a magical Grotto where they can meet the big man himself plus rides and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Not only is Father Christmas visiting the market, but he will be spreading Christmas joy at The Buttermarket Shopping Centre for all children to hand over their prized Christmas lists. You can also enjoy a special lunch with the man himself at the Novotel on Sunday 1st December, a lunchtime not to miss!

Other events in Ipswich town centre include arts and crafts and a fantastic snow globe at Tower Ramparts, the Fore Street Festive Market and some wonderful Christmas tales at Ipswich’s best theatre venues.

This year its Dick Whittington at The New Wolsey Theatre bringing a musical twist on this traditional tale, with the greatest pop songs all served up with their astonishing company of actor-musicians in a festive feast for all the family.

Join Wendy, Michael and John as they take off to Neverland at the Ipswich Regent theatre. Take part in their adventure this Christmas and meet a fantastical range of characters along the way; Nana, TinkerBell, the Lost Children, the deadly Captain Hook and more.

Finally at DanceEast a touching Christmas tale, The Little Match Girl, based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic Christmas story, will be beautifully told through dance, song and original live music for all the family to enjoy.

Whether it’s an evening at the town’s panto, or a day with Father Christmas at his grotto, don’t miss out on some of the wonderful events in Ipswich this Christmas.

For more information on events and offers during the Christmas period visit www.allaboutipswich.com or download the All About Ipswich app for free.

A Dickens of a Christmas There’s a fun-filled taste of Dickens at Snape Maltings Concert Hall this December as Ebenezer Scrooge takes to the stage in a totally new Christmas Spectacular! production by the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company.

Based on the timeless Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, the new show features all the familiar characters including Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley and a whole bevy of ghosts in the form of Christmas past, present and future.

“We’ve taken a fresh look at the Christmas Carol story,” says musical director Nigel Virley, who has also written the script.

“We add our unique blend of high-energy song and dance numbers which enhance the fabulous Dickens tale. It’s many people’s favourite Christmas story, with strong characters and Scrooge’s journey from miser to the life and soul of the party!”

Playing Scrooge is Richard Rumbellow, who created the role at the Ipswich Regent back in 1997, so audiences at Snape are guaranteed laughter in equal measure with the stunning staging, costumes and effects for which the group are famous.

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“There’s a humorous side to Scrooge, which is perfect for our style of show,” adds Nigel.

With a cast of more than 100 and hundreds of costumes, the spectacle of the show has found a regular audience for the last eight years at Snape Maltings.

Says co-director Jeannie Ingram, “Snape Maltings is a world-class venue, and we’re delighted that Christmas Spectacular has proved such a hit with audiences. Coming up with something fresh and innovative every year is always fun.

We’ve added a storyline in recent years, which has reinvented the show.”

This year’s staging features a double height set with a revolving section which transforms from a Christmas tree to Scrooge’s bedroom where he encounters the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas.

“There are lots of moments of stage magic,” reveals co-director Pauline Walker. “We have a strong creative team who constantly come up with new ideas of how to stage such a large show with different styles of choreography and a new setting every year.”

The group is looking forward to celebrating their tenth anniversary show at Snape Maltings next year. In the meantime, rehearsals at their Ipswich studios provided

by East of England Co-op are in full swing.

“There’s a real sense of anticipation this year, with such a well-known story interwoven with musical numbers to set toes tapping and raise the roof,” adds Nigel Virley.

Christmas Spectacular! is at Snape Maltings Concert Hall for 12 performances from 13 to 22 December. For performance dates and times, visit www.coopjuniors.co.uk For tickets, call the box office on 01728 687110 or book online at www.aldeburgh.co.uk/spectacular. Tickets are from £10 to £24, with group discounts. Coach companies also offer combined travel and show tickets.

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

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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