Families Suffolk Magazine: Issue 70 - March/April 23

CONTACT US:

EDITOR:

Stacey Phillips

T: 07951 946736

E: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Design: Printed by: Next Issue:

Welcome

Welcome to the new spring edition. A lot of time and thought has gone into putting this issue together with the main feature 'Places to Visit in 2023' becoming a real labour of love over the last few months. I wanted to create the ultimate guide to family days out and places to visit here in Suffolk, and really hope I have achieved this for you. This guide is intended for you to pull out and keep to use throughout the year, to help you plan your family days out and share the information with others. I really hope you enjoy using it, as much as I enjoyed putting it all together for you.

We also have some great competitions and offers in this issue including the chance to win family tickets to the Hadleigh Show, South Suffolk Show and East Anglian Game & Country Fair. Please see p26 for more information and to enter. Please do follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with more information and local event listings.

Best Wishes

Stacey Phillips

Spring What's On

LAMBS & SPRING BULBS

WHERE: Kentwell Hall, Melford, CO10 0GN

WHEN: Sat 11th - Sun 26th March

www.kentwell.co.uk

SPRING BABIES CARNIVAL

WHERE: Easton Farm Park, IP4 1HE

WHEN: Sat 1st - Sun 16th April www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST

WHERE: Framlingham Castle, IP13 9BP

WHEN: Sat 1st- Sun 16th April. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on

EASTER ADVENTURES

WHERE: Ickworth House, BSE, IP29 5QE

WHEN: Sat 1st- Sun 16th April.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth

LET'S GET CRAFTY

WHERE: Suffolk Archives

WHEN: Various dates & venues between Mon 3rd - Wed 12th April (see p8)

www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whats-on/

EASTER FUN AT THE SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST

WHERE: Suffolk Punch Trust, IP12 3LA

WHEN: Sat 1st - Mon 10th April

www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

EGG-CITING EASTER FUN

WHERE: Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6HX

WHEN: Thu 6th - Tue 11th April. www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events

HEY DUGGEE - LIVE THEATRE SHOW

WHERE: Ipswich Regent, IP4 1HE

WHEN: Mon 3rd - Tue 4th April www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

WHERE: East Anglian Railway Museum

CO6 2DS

WHEN: Fri 7th - Mon 10th April.

www.earm.co.uk

WIN

RAPUNZEL - EASTER PANTO

WHERE: Ipswich Regent, IP4 1HE

WHEN: Thu 13th April

www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN

WHERE: The Apex, BSE, IP3 8UH

WHEN: Sun 16th April www.theapex.co.uk

EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR

WHERE: Euston Estate, Thetford, IP24 2QH

WHEN: Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd April.

www.ukgamefair.co.uk

PRESENTS

SATURDAY 1ST TO SUNDAY 16TH APRIL 2023

(CLOSED FRIDAY 7TH TO MONDAY 10th april inc )

THE

THE MERMAID IPSWICH

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

to book Call: 01473 230278

Follow the Mermaid Ipswich on Facebook to stay up to date with all their family freindly events.

10am - 4pm daily

A FREE EXHIBITION, EXPLORING LOCAL STORIES OF LOVE, LOSS AND LIFE IN WARTIME SUFFOLK

www.burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk

What activities are on offer within the HAF programme?

There are a range of activities available for children & young people to access from traditional sports camps, adventure activity camps, dance, football, arts & crafts, boxing, youth activities, and family cooking sessions.

The Department for Education (DfE) has once again for 2022 provided funding for its Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF).

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.

|

Charity Number: 1119059

How do I find out more about HAF?

You may receive information from your child’s school, advertised by activity providers locally and there will be further information available by following Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme | Community Directory (suffolk.gov.uk) or search Suffolk Infolink 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 other venues in between.

The next HAF activities will be taking place during the Easter/Spring holiday period between 3rd – 14th April 2023.

AT

GUILDHALL, GUILDHALL STREET, BURY ST EDMUNDS, IP33 1PR

EXPLORE MORE WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS YEAR USING OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FAMILY DAYS OUT IN SUFFOLK

This guide includes everything you and your family will need to plan fun days out this year. Including: Suffolk Museums, Suffolk Libraries and information about local shows, family friendly events & festivals. Plus, a directory of local attractions and a map to help you plan and review your visits.

PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JIM WOOLF

Easter adventures at Ickworth Estate

Head to nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth to nd out more. Easter trail £3 per person, normal admission charges apply.

SUFFOLK’S GREEN STORY: REFLECT I LEARN I ACT

Friday 3 February - 18 June 2023 Free entry

Our latest free exhibition Suffolk’s Green Story: Reflect I Learn I Act explores several themes ranging from the natural environment to agricultural change, through to the impact of our domestic homes and what we can all do to slow down climate change and choose greener ways of living.

The exhibition will feature fascinating archive material including special loans from Britten Pears Arts, which include original scores from Noye’s Fludde, Benjamin Britten’s one-act opera, which took inspiration from the 1953 floods. Don’t miss this thought provoking and engaging exhibition.

www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson @suffolkarchives

LET’S

LET’S GET CRAFTY - EASTER

Suffolk Archives, Bury St Edmunds Wed 5 April and Wed 12 April, 10.30am - 12.30pm

LET’S GET CRAFTY - EASTER

Suffolk Archives, Lowestoft Thurs 6 April, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Image (c) Felixstowe Times

EASTON FARM PARK

Pound Corner, Easton, IP13 0EQ

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Easton Farm Park offers plenty of fabulous family fun in the lovely Suffolk countryside. Meet the animals up close with daily interactive activities including lamb feeding, hugging bunnies, pony rides, animal petting sessions and lots more. Take a ride on the Barrel Bug and family train or just let the children run wild in the outdoor adventure play area and giant bouncy pillow. There is also an indoor soft play area and a selection of delicious home cooked food and treats available in the Willow Barn Cafe. Spring is a really magical time on the farm with new shoots of growth around the farm and lots of new babies arriving almost daily. Kid goats, baby lambs, bunnies and piglets are already running around the farm and the first eggs will soon be laid as the weather begins to warm up.

If one day isn't enough you could even book an overnight stay on the farm. Easton Farm Park now has a 70 pitch campsite, cow sheds, glamping tents and holiday cottages.

SUFFOLK ARCHIVES

The Hold, Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LN

77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2AR

Lowestoft Library, NR32 1DR www.suffolkarchives.co.uk

Suffolk Archives collects, preserves, and shares over 900 years’ worth of Suffolk’s rich history. Their collections are treasure houses of information in the form of original documents such as letters, reports, photographs, maps and plans which have been selected for preservation because of their lasting value to our society. As the caretakers of our county’s archival heritage, they see it as their responsibility to engage, connect and inspire the largest and most diverse audience possible. They are committed to achieving this through a varied programme of countywide events and exhibitions throughout the year. Their latest free exhibition is Suffolk's Green Story which explores several themes ranging from the natural environment to agricultural change. They welcome families and host a range of children's activities.

ICKWORTH ESTATE

The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth

Ickworth Estate is home to an Italianate palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. Rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands invite gentle strolls or long walks, bike rides (available for hire) and picnics. The accessible multi-use trail enables everyone to explore far across the parkland all year round. The Italianate Garden with its spring magnolias and tulips encase a magical Victorian stumpery home to a secret dragon. Join us each season for outdoor scavenger hunts, become wildlife explorers and build dens in the ancient woodlands.

Inside the Rotunda, discover the Hervey family’s treasured collection and portraits by founders of the Royal Academy of Arts. Step back in time to the servants’ quarters to find stories of those who lived and worked here. With two cafés including the dog-friendly Porter’s Lodge, gift shops, a secondhand bookshop and 1800 acres to explore, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family at Ickworth Estate.

SUFFOLK OWL SANCTUARY

Stonham Barns Park, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT

www.owl-help.org.uk

Established as a registered charity in 2001, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is based at Stonham Aspal in Suffolk, where it operates a comprehensive facility for the care & rehabilitation of owls from the region, and the promotion of owl conservation throughout the UK and beyond. With plenty of open space it is a wonderful home to over 70 stunning owls and birds of prey from around the world and a great place for families to visit and explore. Suffolk Owl Sanctuary offers the opportunity to say hello to a fascinating collection of raptors, chat with friendly staff all about owls and meet their mob of cheeky meerkats whilst youngsters can follow the S.O.S. Safari with a prize for them all. Flying displays are scheduled to begin again in late March. Their Education Team are also happy to prepare bespoke visits for schools, youth or community groups.

THE SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST

Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Woodbridge, IP12 3LA

www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk

The Suffolk Punch horse is the oldest English breed of working horse. The Suffolk Punch Trust was founded to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk horse through its established breeding programme, raising public awareness and training a new generation of professionals to work with these iconic heavy horses. Come and visit us and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Stud farm. Take a guided tour and tractor trailer ride around the farm, watch a horse demonstration, and get close to the horses in the stables. Visit the beautiful Suffolk Heritage garden and the fascinating Heritage Museums, then relax in the wonderful Suffolk Punch Cafe and browse the Gift Shop. With indoor and outdoor play areas for the children there is something for everyone. Entry to the gardens, museum, play areas, cafe and shop is free. An entrance fee is charged for the Stud Farm.

• Explore the farm on a tractor trailer ride

• Take a guided walking tour

• Rekindle memories in our Museum

• Wander in the Heritage Garden

• Play in the indoor and outdoor play areas

• Enjoy our café serving delicious food

• Shop locally sourced gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop

Punch Trust, Woodbridge

PHOENIX CYCLEWORKS

Bury Road, Kentford, CB8 7PZ

www.phoenixcycleworks.co.uk

Phoenix Cycleworks is the leading bike park in East Anglia. Open all year round and suitable for all ages and all levels, all rolled into one top class outdoor activity destination. The park, set on either side of the A14 at Kentford, Newmarket joined by an underpass was built by riders and has grown into a day out with something for all to enjoy.

Bring your own bike or pick from a range of hire bike options, ranging from balance bikes for toddlers to mountain bikes, jump and dirt bikes, e-bikes to premium bikes. Once you have your bike and safety protection gear sorted, head out to explore over 15 acres of pump tracks, trails, jumps and drops with areas marked out for beginners through to advanced riders. There is also the option of heading off exploring the entire site on the ‘Phoenix Lap’, a 2km cross country perimeter bike park trail. Breadline, a brand new cafe has also just opened on the Phoenix Cycleworks site for riders and locals to enjoy.

CHRISTCHURCH MANSION

Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE

www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

Visit Christchurch Mansion and discover hundreds of years of history! Admission is free and there is lots to see and do throughout the period rooms as well as changing exhibitions in the Wolsey Art Gallery. This summer, they are planning a family-friendly exhibition that brings together animals and art. They run activities and workshops during the school holidays, from crafts to dance and much more. Christchurch Mansion aim to cater to all ages where possible, with activities for both children and little ones, and offer a variety of bookable and drop-in events. Or follow a trail around the Mansion and see what you can find!

During the Easter holidays they will be running free workshops where children can create a flower cardboard creation, transforming recycled 2D cardboard into a 3D flower sculpture. Booking in advance is recommended for this workshop. Check their website to see what’s coming up or follow them on social media @IpswichMuseums.

PENNIKKITY POTS

1 Crown & Anchor Mews, Tower Ramparts, Ipswich IP1 3DJ

www.pennikkitypots.co.uk

Unleash your creative side at Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Cafe. Looking for something a little different to do or maybe revisit an activity you haven’t done since you were little? Pop down to Pennikkity Pots, with over 20 years expertise in the art of ceramic painting this quirky little business, based in central Ipswich, has established itself as a ‘must do’ experience. From tiny tots to tricky teens there is something for everyone and the studio is packed with ceramics to suit all tastes and budgets. But it’s not just for the kids, give it a try and you will be hooked! Open 7 days a week during the school holidays, the friendly team will welcome you and guide you through the process.

The studio also regularly opens late for adults only painting with Pizza and Prosecco, specialist workshops and available for private celebration hire. Complemented with a great little cafe and patio garden, what are you waiting for? Book your table today.

FREE Outdoor Adventures for families

By Naomi Gornal

Entertaining the children can turn into an expensive business. From trips to the zoo to bowling excursions, it all adds up. However, with many of us counting those pennies a bit more closely at the moment, little or no cost family outings can make such a difference. Often the children end up having just as much, or even more fun, as you take them off the beaten track, delve into forests and discover hidden paths through parks. We are fortunate in Suffolk to have a whole range of wonderful woodlands, countryside walks and pretty parks to explore. I moved to the county about 15 years ago but I have uncovered new places in recent years from researching places to bring my young daughters. I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite parks, country walks, and woodlands, and best of all, they are free! (Parking charges apply for some).

You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @suffolkadventures for more ideas.

Parks

Clare Castle Country Park: Situated in Suffolk’s smallest town, this country park offers a variety of attractions to suit many ages. There is a children’s play area, plenty of riverside paths, a nature trail, and the remains of a 13th century castle, adding a historical element.

Claydon and Barham

Recreation Ground, Claydon: This recently refurbished park is a real find. It has a mix of old style play equipment and some new snazzy additions. There is a great set of monkey bars, a zip wire, a new wooden obstacle course and an adult gym. There’s also a basketball court and football pitch alongside if you want to get involved in them too. Best thing is it’s never busy!

Ufford Recreation Ground: While a recreation ground may not sound the most inspired of outings, this one is special. Beyond the playgrounds, nestled in the woods, is a bike track. It is perfect for children to practice new skills and don’t want the intimidation of older ones at bigger tracks. There is also a nature trail with carved wooden animals, two play areas and a basketball court.

West Stowe Country Park: There are many family-friendly walking trails through the site, including the Beowulf and Grendel Trail where you will stumble across lots of fun creatures. Part of the walk follows alongside the

River Lark and a beautiful turquoise fishing lake. There’s also a playground and a café. Next door is the AngloSaxon village.

Needham Lake, Needham

Market: With two playgrounds and an easy circular nature trail around the lake, which includes a den building area and toadstool weaving, this is your classic free day out. There are picnic benches but if you’re looking to shelter from the cold, there is now a café, The Duck and Teapot, situated right next to one of the play areas.

Martello Park, Felixstowe: Situated right next to the beach, this has to be one of the best locations for a park in Suffolk. There is a whole array of play equipment, catering for toddlers right up to older ones.

Climbing frames, swings, a roundabout, wooden assault course, a zip wire, a sand pit and water fountains. As the beach is so close, it means you can have a fun day at the seaside and round it off nicely with a trip to the playground. Also when playground lethargy sets in, those sea views are hard to beat.

The Ness, Lowestoft: Billed as the country’s most easterly park, The Ness is an adventure haven. It features a giant slide with climbing wall, seesaws, swings and scrabble nets. There is also a picnic area, performance space, and timber trail. Plus it’s right near the seaside so ideal for a full day out.

Woods & Country walks

Thornham Walks: There is so much to love about this landscaped parkland. A wonderful playground and a family friendly walking trail through the woodland. Along the way there is a toadstool circle, wooden sculptures, bird hides and a walled garden. Afterwards you can enjoy some welldeserved refreshments at the on-site cafe.

Rendlesham Forest: You can park for just £5 and spend all day here. It has bike trails, a UFO walking trail, a den building area, a wooden climbing section and a zip wire. Then there’s the forest itself, with pretty ferns, fungi, and a myriad of places to play hide and seek.

Pin Mill, Chelmondiston: There is a wonderful varied circular walk around the woods in Pin Mill. The path begins opposite the car park, and takes you past a field of horses, through some wild woods, with ready-made dens, before undulating down towards the River Orwell and past the house boats. The final part goes alongside the Butt and Oyster pub before reaching the car park again. If the tide is in, there is a path through the pub car park. It’s the perfect walk to do with families, as there is so much variety to keep the children occupied.

Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve: There are several walking trails through this beautiful Suffolk Wildlife Trust site, suitable for little and bigger legs. The Site of Scientific Interest is teeming with species and is sure to inspire your nature-loving children. There is a new mobile café van, which visits the site every Wednesday to Sunday.

The Grove Wood, Felixstowe: I used to associate Felixstowe with just the beach but then a friend told me about these special woods on the edge of the town that appeals to fairy fans. There is no map or route to find the special fairy tree but that is part of the thrill for children. When we did find the tree, which is adorned with miniature doors and trinkets, my children were enthralled and they both left the fairies some offerings from nature. The adventure continued as we found troll bridge and took routes off the main path in a bid to find more fairy evidence.

High Lodge, Thetford: There is so much to discover at this huge woodland in the west of the county. With a new Zog trail for little ones, decent bike trails for the older children and plenty of wooden play areas, there isn’t much chance of boredom setting in here. If you don’t mind spending some money, there is also the chance to try lots of activities including adventure golf, archery, Go Ape, and segway riding. Parking charges can be steep but go early to get a cheaper fee or pre-paying online saves money too.

Nacton Woods: A friend told me about this fairytale walk in Nacton and we love it. You can park on The Street and walk down Finney’s Drift where you will come to a wood. Follow the path, turning right at the top, and this will then lead into a forest. The woodland has some good climbing spots, trees with faces on and further along a Hansel and Gretel style house (privately owned), which looks straight out of a fairy tale. The circular walk is quite long for little legs so bring plenty of snacks if you want to complete the whole thing!

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is the county's nature charity, dedicated wholly to safeguarding Suffolk's wildlife and countryside. The charity care for over 50 Nature Reserves and have two fantastic visitor centres at Carlton Marshes and Lackford Lakes, all of which are accessible to families. To find out more and plan your visit, go to: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org.

SUFFOLK SHOW

Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8UH

A fun day out for the whole family. www.suffolkshow.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

SUFFOLK OWL SANCTUARY

Stonham Barns Park, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT

A comprehensive facility for the care & rehabilitation of owls.www.owl-help.org.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

CHRISTCHURCH MANSION

Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE

One of Suffolk’s most treasured buildings, boasting over 500 years of history. www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Lakenheath

Brandon

Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, IP7 5PE

The 184th Hadleigh Show will take place on Saturday 20th May. www.hadleighshow.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Mildenhall

Newmarket Kentford

Ixworth

Bury St Edmunds Ickworth

Haverhill

Kedington Clare

Elmswell Thurston

Stonham Stowmarket

Needham Market

Glemsford

Lavenham Long Melford

Sudbury

Great Cornard

ICKWORTH ESTATE

The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE Home to an Italianate palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Hadleigh

Capel St Mary Colchester

EASTON FARM PARK

Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ

Seasonal petting farm with pony rides, playground, café and indoor play area.www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Lowestoft Oulton Broad Beccles Bungay

Kessingland

PHOENIX CYCLEWORKS

Bury Road, Kentford, CB8 7PZ

The leading bike park, bike shop and cafe in East Anglia.

www.phoenixcycleworks.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Halesworth Eye Stradbroke

Southwold

SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW

Ampton Racecourse, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1HU

Debenham

Framlingham Easton

Wickham Market Woodbridge

Ipswich

Rushmere

Saxmundham

Snape

Rendlesham

Kesgrave

Shotley

Felixstowe

SUFFOLK LIBRARIES

Look for the library logo

Suffolk is brimming with libraries hosting a wide range of educational and fun events for families. www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

Library visited:

Library visited:

Library visited:

Library visited:

Leiston

One of the leading one-day agricultural shows in the eastern region.

www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Aldeburgh

Orford

SUFFOLK ARCHIVES

The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LN 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2AR Lowestoft Library, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1DR Collects, preserves, and shares over 900 years’ worth of Suffolk’s rich history. www.suffolkarchives.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

PENNIKKITY POTS

1 Crown & Anchor Mews, Tower Ramparts, Ipswich IP1 3DJ Over 20 years’ expertise in the art of ceramic painting www.pennikkitypots.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

THE SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST

Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Woodbridge, IP12 3LA

Founded to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk horse. www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk

Date of visit:

Our family rating:

Stonham Aspal

suffolk Days out Directory

Outdoor Fun

Animal encounters

Africa Alive Whites Lane, Kessingland, Lowestoft, NR33 7TF

www.zsea.org

Camel Park Oasis

Orchard Farm, Linstead, Halesworth, IP19 0DT www.oasiscamelpark.co.uk

Hilly Ridge Alpacas

Clay Hill Farm, Clay Hill Lane, Wattisham, IP7 7JS www.hillyridgealpacas.co.uk

Lavenham Falconry

The Owl Barn, Bridge Farm Barns, Monks Eleigh, www.lavenhamfalconry.co.uk

Suffolk Punch Trust

Woodbridge Walk, Hollesely, IP12 3LA

www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk

Suffolk Owl Santuary

Stonham Barns Park, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT

www.owl-help.org.uk

Alton Water

Stutton, Holbrook, Tattingstone IP9 2RY

www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/ alton-water

Beach Street

Micklegate Road, Felixstowe IP11 2GN www.beachstreetfelixstowe.co.uk

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf

Ufford Park Hotel, Yarmouth Road, Melton, IP12 1QW www.uffordpark.co.uk

Go Ape | High Lodge

High Lodge Forest Centre, Downham Brandon, IP27 0AF

www.goape.co.uk | www. forestryengland.uk/high-lodge

Phoenix Cycleworks

Bury Road, Kentford, CB8 7PZ www.phoenixcycleworks.co.uk

Fun on the

Pleasurewood Hills

Leisure Way, Lowestoft, NR32 4TZ

www.pleasurewoodhills.com

Southwold Maize Maze Old Hall Southwold, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SG

www.southwoldmaizemaze.co.uk

Stonham Barns Park Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT

www.stonhambarns.co.uk

Suffolk Leisure Park

Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich, IP2 8NQ

www.suffolkleisurepark.co.uk

The Playground

Haysborder Road, Barrow, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5BE

www.theplaygrounduk.com

Wild Tracks Outdoor Activity Park

Chippenham Road, Kennett, Newmarket, CB8 7QJ

www.wildtracksltd.co.uk

Baylham House Farm

Mill Lane, Baylham, IP6 8LG

www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk

Field of Dreams Farm

Beyton Road, Thurston, IP31 3RA

www.fieldofdreamsfarm.co.uk

Hollow Trees Farm

Semer, Nr Hadleigh, IP7 6HX

www.hollowtrees.co.uk

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, IP9 2AR

www.jimmysfarm.com

Explore & Learn

Framlingham Castle

Framlingham, IP13 9BP

Leiston Abbey

Leiston, IP16 4TD

Orford Castle

Orford, IP12 2ND

Saxtead Green Post Mill

Saxtead Green, IP13 9QQ

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Ickworth House & Gardens

Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE

Lavenham Guildhall

Lavenham, CO10 9QZ

Melford Hall

Long Melford, CO10 9AA

Pin Mill

Chelmondiston, IP9 1JJ

Sutton Hoo

Woodbridge, IP12 3DJ

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Hold (Ipswich Branch) 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LN

New Shire Hall (Bury St Edmunds Branch) 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2AR

Lowestoft Library (Lowestoft Branch)

Clapham Road South, Lowestoft, NR32 1DR

www.suffolkarchives.co.uk

It's Rocket Science

Unit 14, Hill View Business Park, Claydon, Ipswich IP6 0AJ

www.itsrocketscience.co.uk

Kentwell Hall

Long Melford, CO10 9BA

www.kentwell.co.uk

St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LS

www.stedscathedral.org

Easton Farm Park

Pound Corner, Easton, IP13 0EQ

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Wilderley

Church Farm, Beccles, NR34 8HJ

www.wilderley.com

PLEASE SEE Pages 22 & 23 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SUFFOLK Museums

Photo Credit: Pleasurewood Hills

Over 50 local attractions for you to visit with your family

Swimming

Crown Pools

Crown Street, Ipswich, IP1 3JA

www.ipswichfit.co.uk/crown-pools

Indoor fun

Abbeygate Cinema

4 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LZ www.abbeygatecinema.co.uk

Anglian Indoor Karting

Unit 12, Farthing Road Ind Estate, Ipswich, IP1 5AP www.angliakarting.com

Bury Bowl

The Autopark, Eastgate Street Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1YQ www.burybowl.co.uk

Clip 'n Climb

2 Berwick Road, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, IP3 9ST www.ipswich.clipnclimb.co.uk

CurveMotion (Roller Skating)

Lark Valley Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6LJ www.curvemotion.uk

Geek Retreat Ipswich

41A Upper Brook Street Ipswich, IP4 1DU www.geek-retreat.uk

Jump In Trampoline Park

Anglia Retail Park, Bury Road, Ipswich, IP1 5QP www.gojumpin.com

Lazer Tag (Play2Day)

11A Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RJ www.play2day.biz/lazer-tag-3/

Planet Laser

Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3SP www.planetlaser.co.uk

Tenpin Ipswich

Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RJ www.tenpin.co.uk

GET CREATIVE

Coffee Craft N Moore

78 High Street, Needham Market, IP6 8AW www.cmmoore36.wixsite. com/coffeecraftnmoore

Create by the Bridge Project Borehamgate Precinct, Sudbury, CO10 2EG www.thebridgeproject.co.uk

Glass & Craft

Kersey Mill, Hadleigh, IP7 6DP www.glassandcraft.co.uk

Hatter Street Studio

22b Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1NE

www.hatterstreetstudio.co.uk

Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre

Bury Saint Edmunds, IP33 3TT

Hadleigh Pool & Leisure Centre

Hadleigh, IP7 5BH

Haverhill Leisure Centre

Haverhill, CB9 0ER

Kingfisher Leisure Centre

Sudbury, CO10 2SU

www.acleisure.com

Play centres

CurveMotion (Soft Play)

Lark Valley Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6LJ

www.curvemotion.uk

Felixstowe Leisure Centre

Seafront, Felixstowe, IP11 2AE

www.placesleisure.org

Jump In Soft Play

Anglia Retail Park, Bury Rd, Ipswich IP1 5QP www.gojumpin.com

Jumppin Jacks Funhouse

86 Gregory Road, Mildenhall, IP28 7DF

www.jumppinjacks.co.uk

Mid-Suffolk Leisure Centre

Play World

Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1LH

www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ mid-suffolk-leisure-centre/

Deben Leisure Centre

Station Rd, Woodbridge, IP12 4AU

www.placesleisure.org

Felixstowe Leisure Centre

Seafront, Felixstowe, IP11 2AE

www.placesleisure.org

Mid-Suffolk Leisure Centre

Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1LH

www.everyoneactive.com

Pennikkity Pots

1 Crown & Anchor Mews, Tower Ramparts, Ipswich, IP1 3DJ

www.pennikkitypots.co.uk

Partyman World

9 Cavendish Street, Ipswich, IP3 8AX

www.partymanworld.co.uk

Play2Day

11A Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RJ

www.play2day.biz

Rainbow Fun

1 Addison Road, Sudbury, CO10 2YW

www.facebook.com/ rainbowfunsudbury/

Yaya's House

Birch Farm, Nr Hadleigh Ipswich, IP8 3NJ

www.yayashouse.co.uk

It's Show Time...

Ipswich Regent

3 St. Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

Spa Pavillion

Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe, IP11 2DX www.spapavilion.uk

The Apex Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD

www.theapex.co.uk

The Quay Theatre

Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN

www.quaysudbury.com

Theatre Royal Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR

www.theatreroyal.org

The New Wolsey Theatre Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS

www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

PLEASE SEE Page 25 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SUFFOLK libraries

The South Suffolk Show

Ampton Racecourse, Ingham, Nr Bury St. Edmunds Follow the signs off the A134

SUNDAY, MAY 14th 2023

A Traditional Agricultural Show

Celebrating Country Life Featuring Bolddog FMX Motorcycle Display Team

performing death defying stunts as seen on Britain’s Got Talent plus Suffolk Gundog Displays, Farriery Competition, Ferretworld Roadshow, Terrier Racing, Food Demos, Chainsaw Carving Demonstration & Auction, and much, more! www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

See website for discounted pre-show e-tickets and ticket retail outlets

Annual Shows, Events & Family Friendly Festivals

SUFFOLK SHOW:

WED 31ST MAY & THU 1ST JUNE

Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8UH

www.suffolkshow.co.uk

This May half-term, the Suffolk Show will be opening its gates once again for a two-day action-packed family spectacular!

On Wednesday 31 May and Thursday 1 June, the Suffolk Show will be hosting our county’s biggest day out with hundreds of things for the whole family to see and do. The Show prides itself

SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW

Sunday 14th May

Ampton Racecourse, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1HU www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

on offering value for money with free interactive activities and displays for all ages – like cycling in the Sports Zone, extracting DNA from a strawberry in the Farm Discovery Zone, exploring a helicopter in the Military Zone, or pond dipping in the Wildlife Zone.

In the Collins Grand Ring, RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team expect to be dropping in to wow the crowds.

Under 15s go free again this year and parking is also free. Early bird tickets are held at 2022 prices (£28.50 per adult or £9.50 for young adult aged 15-19).

HADLEIGH SHOW

Saturday 20th May

Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, IP7 5PE www.hadleighshow.co.uk

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

Come and celebrate country life at The South Suffolk Show. The amazing Bolddog FMX motorcycle display team will be in the grand ring performing astonishing deathdefying freestyle stunts, as seen in the semi-finals of series 8 of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. Come and see for yourselves what Simon Cowell called "one of the most incredible things we’ve ever had on this show” as they soar and somersault through the air! And there will be plenty to see outside the grand ring including wood carvers in action, farriers in the forge, gun dogs working, terriers racing and the Ferretworld Roadshow who will be looking for volunteers to race against their ferrets! Plus the Art and Craft Marquee packed with unique creations, the Food Hall full of tempting treats and sheep, pigs, cattle and horses all competing for rosettes amongst trade stands galore! And new for this year ‘Eat Street’ will be lined with speciality artisan food vendors to treat your taste buds, together with cooking demonstrations from local chefs!

Events Calendar

EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR

22 - 23rd April | Thetford, IP24 2QH

www.ukgamefair.co.uk

SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW

14th May | Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1HU

www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

THE HADLEIGH SHOW

20th May | Hadleigh, IP7 5PE

www.hadleighshow.co.uk

THE SUFFOLK SHOW

31st May - 1st June | Ipswich, IP3 8UH

www.suffolkshow.co.uk

DRAGON FEST

With the show rapidly approaching now, show planning is well under way with the tradestand and exhibitor mapping fully completed and the show going full steam ahead.

Firstly SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY 20th MAY 2023 at the beautiful Holbecks Park, just outside the town. They have so much going on with the hugely popular Shetland Pony Grand National, their brilliant machinery display, Norfolk and Suffolk Police Drugs Dogs, the Sheep Show and much more in the rings to entertain you. Around the showground they have Stocks Fair back with them again, open on the Friday evening and Sunday of the show weekend, rural crafts, floral marquee, horticulture tent, education tent, art show and lots more including shopping and eating.

Tickets are available online only or via their outlets. They have allocated a maximum number of tickets that can be sold so please make sure you BUY EARLY. They can’t wait to be back for 2023 once again and keeping up the Happy Hadleigh feel!

24-25th June | West Stow, IP28 6HG

www.weststow.org

IPSWICH MUSIC DAY

2nd July | Ipswich, IP4 2BX www.ipswichentertains.co.uk/ipswichmusicday

FESTIVAL OF WHEELS

8th - 9th July | Ipswich, IP3 8UH

www.motorshowevents.com

FAMILY FUN FEST

22nd - 23rd July | Ipswich, IP3 8UH wwwkidzfest.eventbrite.co.uk

Family friendly festivals

LEESTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

27th - 28th May | Long Melford, CO10 9AA

www.leestock.org

NEARLY FESTIVAL

10th June | Bury St Edmunds IP33 1XL

www.nearlyfestival.com

BURES MUSIC FESTIVAL

5th - 9th July | Bures, CO8 5BX

www.buresmusicfestival.com

LATITUDE FESTIVAL

20th - 23rd July | Henham, NR34 8AQ

www.latitudefestival.com

MAVERICK FESTIVAL

30th June - 2nd July | Easton, IP13 0EQ

www.maverickfestival.co.uk

A GUIDE TO SUFFOLK MUSEUMS

There’s lots of exciting fun-filled activities and adventures just waiting for you to be a part of, so if you are looking for a great family day out, then consider visiting one of the brilliant museums we have here in Suffolk. There are dragons, trams, steam locomotives, stables, windmills, buses and wildlife to explore.

Whatever takes your fancy - start your adventures with Suffolk Museums.

Tick off the museums as you visit and see how many you can get to this year.

FEATURED MUSEUM

BURY ST EDMUNDS GUILDHALL

Guildhall Street, Bury St. Edmunds, IP33 1PR

W: burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk

With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Bury St. Edmunds Heritage Trust has created a brand new visitor attraction and community hub from one of Bury St. Edmunds’ oldest buildings. The Guildhall complements the already existing attractions in the town, whilst at the same time being the place to discover Bury St Edmunds, both past, present and future.

Walking in from the street, visitors will step back to the 13th century, entering by the original doorway of Britain’s oldest civic building. The Guildhall has a range of rooms, each reflecting a different era and purpose, including Britain’s only surviving WW2 Royal Observer Corps Operations Room.

Throughout the Easter holidays the Guildhall is hosting a number of free family activity days. For more information please see page 24.

MUSEUMS IN THE WEST...

CLARE ANCIENT HOUSE

MUSEUM *

26 High Street, Clare, CO10 8NY

W: clare-ancient-housemuseum.co.uk

GAINSBOROUGH’S HOUSE

46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, CO10 2EU

W:gainsborough.org

FOOD MUSEUM

Iliffe Way, Stowmarket, IP14 1DL

W: foodmuseum.org.uk

LITTLE HALL MUSEUM *

Market Place, Lavenham, C010 9QZ

W: littlehall.org.uk

LONG MELFORD MUSEUM *

Chemist Lane, Long Melford, CO10 9JQ

W: melfordheritage.org.uk

MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY *

Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, IP14 5PW

W: mslr.org.uk

MILDENHALL MUSEUM *

6 King Street, Mildenhall, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 7EX

W: mildenhallmuseum.co.uk

MOYSE’S HALL MUSEUM

Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1DX

W: moyseshall.org

NATIONAL HORSERACING

MUSEUM

Palace Street, Newmarket, CB8 8EP

W: nhrm.co.uk

SUFFOLK ARCHIVES

77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2AR

W: suffolkarchives.co.uk

SUFFOLK REGIMENT MUSEUM

The Keep, Out Risbygate

Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3RN

W: suffolkregimentmuseum. co.uk

SUDBURY HERITAGE CENTRE

Town Hall, Gaol Lane, Sudbury, CO10 1TL

W: sudburyheritagecentre. co.uk

WEST STOW ANGLO-SAXON

VILLAGE

Icklingham Road, West Stow, IP28 6HG

W: weststow.org

To find out what’s on near you check out Museums market with a * are closed over winter and will reopen

MUSEUMS IN THE EAST...

FEATURED MUSEUM

THE RED HOUSE, ALDEBURGH *

The Red House, Golf Lane, IP15 5PZ

W: brittenpearsarts.org

The Red House was delighted to win Suffolk Museums prestigious Family Friendly Award at the end of 2022.

ALDEBURGH MUSEUM

Market Cross Place, Aldeburgh, IP15 5DS

W: aldeburghmuseum.org.uk

BAWDSEY RADAR MUSEUM *

Transmitter Block, Bawdsey, IP12 3BA

W: bawdseyradar.org.uk

BECCLES MUSEUM *

Leman House, Ballygate

Beccles, NR34 9ND

W: becclesmuseum.org.uk

BENTWATERS MUSEUM *

Building 134, Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, IP12 2TW

W: bcwm.org.uk

CHRISTCHURCH MANSION

Soane St, Ipswich IP4 2BE

W: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/ visit/christchurch-mansion

DUNWICH MUSEUM *

St James Street, Dunwich, Saxmundham, IP17 3DT

W: dunwichmuseum.org.uk

EAST ANGLIA TRANSPORT

MUSEUM *

Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, NR33 8BL

W: eatransportmuseum.co.uk

FELIXSTOWE MUSEUM *

View Point Road, Felixstowe, IP11 3TW

W: felixstowemuseum.org

HALESWORTH MUSEUM

Station Road, Halesworth, IP19 8BZ

W: halesworthmuseum.org.uk

HMS GANGES MUSEUM *

Shotley Gate, Ipswich IP9 1QJ

W: hmsgangesmuseum.com

IPSWICH TRANSPORT MUSEUM *

The Old Trolleybus Depot

Cobham Road, Ipswich, IP3 9JD

W: ipswichtransportmuseum. co.uk

LANMAN MUSEUM

Framlingham Castle, Church Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BP

W: lanmanmuseum.uk

LAXFIELD MUSEUM *

The Street, Laxfield, IP13 8DU

W: laxfieldmuseum. onesuffolk.net

LOWESTOFT MARITIME MUSEUM * Sparrows Nest Gardens, Whapload Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1XG

W: lowestoftmaritimemuseum.co.uk

this spring. Please check museums websites for reopening dates.

LOWESTOFT MUSEUM *

Broad House, Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, NR33 9JR

W: lowestoftmuseum.org

NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK AVIATION MUSEUM

The Street, Flixton, Bungay, NR35 1NZ

W: aviationmuseum.net

ORFORD MUSEUM *

Orford Castle, Orford, IP12 2ND

W: orfordmuseum.org.uk

PARHAM AIRFIELD MUSEUM *

Parham, Framlingham

IP13 9AF

W: parhamairfieldmuseum. co.uk

SAXMUNDHAM MUSEUM *

49 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AJ

W: saxmundhammuseum. org.uk

SOUTHWOLD MUSEUM * 9-11 Victoria Street, Southwold, IP18 6HZ

W: southwoldmuseum.org

SUFFOLK ARCHIVES

The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LN

W: suffolkarchives.co.uk

THE LONG SHOP MUSEUM *

Main Street, Leiston, IP16 4ES

W: longshopmuseum.co.uk

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM

Whisstock’s Place, Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge, IP12 1FP

W: woodbridgemuseum.com

WOODBRIDGE TIDE MILL

MUSEUM *

Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge, IP12 1BY

W: woodbridgetidemill.org.uk

WOOLPIT MUSEUM *

The Street, Woolpit, IP30 9QH

W: woolpit.org/ information-2/museum/

The Red House run a ‘Mini Music Makers’ class every Friday morning. These sessions offer fun and play activities for 0-5 year olds and include singing and creative play. They are great for the little ones to learn social skills, turn-taking, sharing and following instructions. our

events calendar at www.suffolkmuseums.org reopen

Suffolk Museums are either low-cost or completely FREE to visit.

Free Easter Holiday Family Activity Days at the Bury St Edmunds Guildhall

Airplane Spotters and Plotters and Court Room Cases

Step back in the footsteps of the unsung heroes that helped win the Battle of Britain and become a Royal Observer Corps recruit. Stationed in our World War Two Operations Room, you will find out what it took to spot aircraft and track its movement on the plotting table. Then help re-enact genuine cases that took place in our 700-year-old Courtroom, using role-play and debate to discover the late 18th to 19th Century justice and penal system.

Date: Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th April Times: Session Starts 10am | Ends 2.30pm

Suitable for: 8 to 12 years old (must be one accompanying adult per 2 children booking).

Tickets: Free Lunch for attending children and refreshments for accompanying adult included.

Crafty Workshop and Easter Hunt

Come and enjoy a fun filled day of crafts in our 18th Century Courtroom; from clay badges to origami bookmarks and decorative memory boxes there is something for everyone! You will also get the chance to explore our beautiful walled garden whilst on a mini-Easter Hunt.

Date: Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th April

Times: Session Starts 10am | Ends 2pm

Suitable for: 6 to 10 years old (must be one accompanying adult per 2 children booking)

Tickets: Free

Lunch for attending children and refreshments for accompanying adult included.

World War Postal Art Workshops and Sensory Herb Garden Tour

Make your own vintage World War Two postal art! Using recycled paper to make envelopes learn various folding techniques and customise your creations with an array of materials including stamps and inks. Then enjoy the fragrant tastes and smells of our sensory herb garden during a short tour where you will discover the medicinal use of plants throughout the ages.

Date: Tuesday 11th & Wednesday 12th April

Times: Session Starts 10am | Ends 2pm

Suitable for: 5+ years old (must be one accompanying adult per 2 children booking)

Tickets: Free

Lunch for attending children and refreshments for accompanying adult included.

Forewarned, Forearmed: Children’s Workshop and Families Matinee Theatre Performance - By Bring Out Your Dead

Join Bring Out Your Dead for their humorous new production of Forewarned, Forearmed. A play which tells the story of Royal Observer Corps 14 Group and the vital role they played in World War Two. There will be a free workshop for children which will teach them about the Observer Corps through activities and games, followed by a free matinee performance for the families of attending children.

Date: Friday 14th April

Time: Workshop Starts 10am | Ends 1pm (Includes Free Lunch), Matinee performance Starts 2pm

Suitable for: 8 to 14 years old (workshop)

Tickets: Free

Tickets for all of these events will be available on The Apex website: www.theapex.co.uk

For more information about the Bury St Edmunds Guildhall please visit: www.burystedmunds guildhall.org.uk

COMING THIS SUMMER

Our PAWS-itivity fundraising art event will see colourful dog sculptures in each library and at the Suffolk Show too.

Visit your local library for fun, free and easy to access activities this year, Suffolk Libraries provides all this: Thousands of fantastic books for all ages

Singing, storytimes, arts and crafts, games, coding, LEGO clubs and more Baby and Toddler groups, where parents can chat while their little ones play

Free parenting resources, wi-fi, computers and low-cost printing facilities  Visit our directory of low cost and free arts activities for families to enjoy across Suffolk at getcreative.suffolklibraries.co.uk

With a library card, parents and children can borrow up to 20 books at a time and if you can’t find what you need then you can reserve a book for free from any other library and pick it up from your nearest branch!

Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd April

Thetford, IP24 2QH

www.ukgamefair.co.uk A FAMILY TICKET TO THE SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW

Sunday 14th May

Ampton Racecourse, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1HU www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk A FAMILY TICKET TO THE HADLEIGH SHOW

Saturday 20th May

Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, IP7 5PE www.hadleighshow.co.uk

Getting the most out of family pets

By Caroline Wilkinson

While it may feel like raising kids is enough of a job without the added responsibility of pets in your life, bringing animals into your family home can be incredibly beneficial.

Having a dog, cat, or even a hamster to cuddle up with, share adventures, and tell stories to, can provide huge confidenceboosting opportunities for your children. It’s become very popular for educators to introduce reading dogs into schools - and for good reason. A canine companion provides no judgement and, by just being able to stroke the dog while reading, anxiety levels in our kids can be reduced.

Animals also provide a learning opportunity. Children who live with pets at home, benefit from care-giving tasks which help them learn empathy and nurturing skills. This applies to both boys and girls - with no outdated gender stereotypes being associated with care for pets as might be, for example, with dolls.

For children who find social situations more challenging, pets also provide an all-important chance to bond socially. Being around animals provides mood-boosting benefits such as an increase in the production of Oxytocin, the ‘bonding’/’love’ hormone. They also provide important companionship when a child is feeling lonely. Not only this, but life with pets provides all sorts of funny anecdotes that can give your child new conversation starters at school.

Having pets at home can help keep our children more physically fit as well, especially when it comes to dogs. Families with dogs get out for more regular exercise, which provides physical benefits and can also improve the mood of all household members.

Children living alongside pets also benefit from improved immune systems. Just having an animal in your home can reduce the chance that your child will develop childhood allergies and asthma.

Keeping everyone safe

Whether you have fish, hamsters, or dogs in your home, there is the chance that your animals can injure your children, or vice versa. So when sharing our lives with kids and pets, safety must be paramount. In busy households, some cats and dogs might feel overwhelmed. If you have younger children, they might need to learn about gentle handling of smaller animals.

Sharing the load

Pets bring daily responsibilities - from feeding, providing water, cleaning, and providing social interactions, to (for dogs especially) training and walking duties. It can feel like a lot of extra work, on top of caring for your children and managing the rest of your work/home life.

Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist and KAD (Kids Around Dogs) Trainer. As the Founder of digital pet coaching service Barket Place (www.barketplace. co.uk), Caroline has a passion for improving connections between human and hound, with a focus on relationships and reduction of stress for canines living in a human world.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes makes up the vast majority (90%) of diabetes in children and young people. Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high. It happens when your body can not produce enough of a hormone called insulin, which controls blood glucose.

Did you know

KNOW THE SIGNS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

You need to take insulin every day to keep your blood glucose levels under control.

It is not linked with age or being overweight-these things are linked with Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes symptoms can come on quickly, particularly in children. Therefore it is important to get diagnosed and see your GP if you have the following symptoms, including:

• Feeling very thirsty.

• Peeing more than usual, particularly at night.

• Feeling very tired.

• Losing weight without trying.

• Thrush that keeps coming back.

• Blurred vision.

Advice for parents

Drawn by Otis aged 5 & Living with type 1 diabetes

• Good monitoring of blood glucose levels at home.

• Good monitoring of diet.

• Keep up to date with immunisations - Influenza (if child is over 6 months), pneumococcal infections.

• Keep a diabetes card, bracelet or watch.

• Cuts and grazes that are not healing.

• Fruity-smelling breath.

AND YOU COULD help SAVE A LIFE

Your GP will do a urine test and might check your blood glucose level. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a diabetes nurse will show you the things you need to do to start managing it, such as testing your own blood glucose and how to inject insulin. Managing type 1 diabetes can take time to get used to, but you can still do all the things you enjoy.

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the body ʼ s own immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. We do not know what causes Type 1 diabetes although it is not linked to lifestyle factors. There is currently no cure and it cannot be prevented. There are currently around 413,000 people living with type 1 diabetes in the UK and approximately 33,000 of them are children.

For more information visit: www.digibete.org

WWW.DIGIBETE.ORG

Use the QR code to find out more about how our status, as well as what we eat and drink can support our wellbeing.

Income Protection

By Sharon Wrighton

Your mortgage or rent is probably the largest financial commitment that you have each month. With the cost of living at an all time high it's more important than ever to make sure that you have a financial safety net to protect you against something unexpected.

Having life insurance and critical illness in place is essential to protect your family should the worst happen. But if you have an illness that isn’t defined as critical, or an illness or injury that leads to a loss of earnings, its important to think about how you could maintain your mortgage, rent, bills or lifestyle whilst you are unable to work.

Almost twothirds (65%) of people believe they wouldn’t be able to last three months without borrowing money. (UK Savings Statistics 2023).

Income protection policies are more likely to pay out than critical illness policies. If you are unable to work then you may qualify for a pay-out, unlike a critical illness policy where you would have to develop a specified illness to qualify.

These policies provide a percentage of your salary as a regular payment if you can’t work through accident, illness or injury. It can provide a monthly income to help cover your mortgage, rent or other regular commitments until you can return to work.

Income protection policies can provide cover on a short term or long-term basis. Short-term plans can cover you for one, two or five years and this is the most cost-effective solution. Longer term plans or full-term plans are more expensive but can cover you up to your retirement.

Some employers will provide sick pay for a number of weeks or months but very few would support their employees for longer than a year if they are off ill.

There are state benefits that are available but for a single claimant these would only amount to a couple of hundred pounds a month. Whether you are self-employed, employed, a tenant or a homeowner everyone who relies on their income should consider income protection. There are many different types of insurances in the market and they all have their USP’s. It is important for your whole situation to be reviewed, including the policies that you have in place and the benefits that your employer will pay before making a recommendation.

Is your life insurance in trust?

If you have a life insurance policy have you considered putting it into a trust? The main benefit of writing a life insurance into trust means that your family will not need to go through the probate process to receive the benefit. Probate is where your estate is divided up according to your will and can be a lengthy process.

Writing a policy in trust will avoid this potential delay and make sure that your loved ones receive the benefit as soon as possible.

Writing a policy into trust is even more important if you’re not married or in a civil partnership. If your partner is not

mentioned in your will then there is a risk that they would not receive any benefit. Upon death your assets would follow the intestacy rules, including any life insurance pay-outs. Writing a policy in trust, with your partner as the named beneficiary will ensure that they receive the funds from any life insurance policies.

If you would like a review of your current protection situation then please contact me for a free initial chat.

For readers of Families Suffolk Magazine Sharon will be reducing her mortgage or remortgage arrangement fee to just £149.00. Saving you £200.00.

Please reference Families Suffolk Magazine when you book an appointment.

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

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

PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE

FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY –BUT WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN? Bates

Managing Partner Denise Head explores the legal terminology around the services for individuals and highlights some of the elements every one of us may need to consider at some point in our lives.

Wells & Braithwaite is one of only a handful of law firms in Ipswich focussing exclusively on looking after the legal needs of the individual. This specific client focus should allow greater clarity in terms of what we offer but centuries-old legal jargon and historic descriptives can sometimes get in the way. So you are a “Private Client” firm, you might say? Yes indeed, we do have a “Private Client” department, but our range of services is not restricted to wills, trusts, & probate and managing powers of attorney. We offer so much more.

PRIVATE CLIENT – If you have any meaningful asset, such as a house, you should have a will. This initiates “probate”, the process for dealing with the property, money and possessions (called the “assets”) of a person who has died.

inherit but it does make it more complicated. Wills should also be updated to reflect a change of circumstances such as a divorce; not doing so it might mean it’s invalid. We also live in an era when people are living longer. Whether you are thinking ahead for either yourself or a parent, the law does provide an instrument by which you can make end of life decisions on someone’s behalf by arranging a “lasting power of attorney” (LPA). However, be warned that there are two types of LPA: one covering property and financial affairs; the other health and welfare. Don’t be caught out and find that you have the first and can help your parent manage their money but have little, or no say, in their long-term care plan because by the time you thought it was necessary to seek the second, they already lacked the necessary mental capacity to approve your role.

FAMILY - With two specialist partners, this is our largest team, and much of our work is indeed advising families in the event of relationship breakdowns and divorce. Over the years the discipline has embraced a wider range of methods for regulating modern day relationships. However, a note of warning, if living together, known as “cohabiting”, you do not have the same legal rights as someone who is married or in a civil partnership. Let me be absolutely clear, there is no such thing as a “common law” spouse!

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY - The majority of you reading this will know a lawyer from either buying or selling a house. This area of law is often termed “conveyancing”, the legal process of transferring the property ownership from one person to another. Our residential property team have broad experience in matters all things property and can help you through what is often a stressful process.

DISPUTES - Finally let’s talk “litigation” or taking a dispute to court. The term “dispute resolution” is more commonly now as most lawyers embrace the principle of avoiding expensive and drawn-out hearings in an over-burdened court system. “Civil litigation” is the realm of personal claims which include clinical negligence (medical), personal injury, contested wills and land issues such as when neighbours fall out over boundaries and rights of ways, or debt and consumer law matters. Our specialist lawyers can help with all of these matters with access to experts needed to make sure your case is a strong as it can be. Bates Wells & Braithwaite has been providing legal advice to the people of Ipswich for over sixty years. We are happy to focus just on you!