Families Suffolk Magazine: Nov/Dec 2023 - Print Edition

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IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas What's On Our guide to family days out and local places to visit this Christmas.

Including: The Twelve Museums of Christmas

Education Reading and the Key Stage 2 Curriculum Issue 74: Nov/Dec 2023

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Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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IPSWICH

#Jum pIntoHa ppy

Scan to Book!

Suffolk has a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world, which continues to shape the culture of the county today.

Celebrating stories of arrival, community and contribution, ‘Arrivals’ explores historical and contemporary experiences of migration to Suffolk.

Friday 24 November 2023 – Sunday 14 April 2024 The Hold, Ipswich l Suitable for all l Free entry

Come along to learn more about the often untold stories of generations of migrants who have made their home in Suffolk.

The ‘Arrivals’ exhibition is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

@suffolkarchives www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

2 Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

CONTACT US: EDITOR: Stacey Phillips T: 07951 946736 E: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Design: Stacey Phillips Printed by: Buxton Press Next Issue: Jan/Feb 2024 12,000 copies of the magazine are distributed throughout Suffolk. To request copies please contact the Editor.

Welcome Welcome to our new winter edition. It doesn't seem possible that this is our last issue of 2023!

Within this issue, you will find a fantastic guide to local Christmas events, including our pick of local family days out and a directory of all the local pantomimes this year. The Association of Suffolk Museums have also put together a brilliant guide to all the events they are hosting this Christmas with their Twelve Museums of Christmas guide on pages 8-9.

Once you have planned your family days out, take a look at our Winter Update from the Public Health Team at Suffolk County Council. We also have some great advice from Bates Wells & Braithwaite in their regular Family Law feature and an interesting article about reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum in our Education feature.

KING STREET CINEMA CORN EXCHANGE, IPSWICH

KINGSTREETCINEMA.CO.UK

This Christmas at King Street...

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and our very best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

Meet the man himself in Santa Claus The Movie, see

Best Wishes

Kevin get left Home Alone, get

Stacey Phillips

snowed in with The Muppet Christmas Carol and for the dads... get trapped in the

IN THIS ISSUE: Public Health

14

Family Law

15

Education

Tickets on sale this November.

E M HO

13

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Clubs & Classes

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12

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What's On

McClane in Die Hard!

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4-11

Nakatomi Tower with John

TBC. Please check website for dates and times.

for the dads

IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas What's On

Our guide to family days

out and local places

Including the Twelve

Education Reading and the Key

to visit this Christmas.

Museums of Christmas

Stage 2 curriculum

Issue 74: Nov/Dec 2023

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Families Suffolk: Issue

74

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To subscribe to our FREE online edition, please visit: www.bit.ly/2XolhJe. PRINT DISCLAIMER: Families Suffolk Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Print Ltd, the distributors, franchisees and LCMB cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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WHAT'S ON

Christmas What's On Guide

OUR TOP PICK OF LOCAL FAMILY DAYS OUT THIS WINTER

ICKWORTH'S LIGHT NIGHTS

ILLUMINATED GARDEN TRAIL

WHERE'S SANTA'S HAT

Ickworth House & Gardens The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE Fri 10th Nov - Sun 26th Nov www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ickworth-estate

Helmingham Hall Gardens Helmingham Hall, Helmingham, Stowmarket, IP14 6EF Thu 16th Nov- Sun 17th Dec www.helmingham.com

The Arc Shopping Centre Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3DG Fri 17th Nov - Sun 24th Dec www.theatreroyal.org/shows/ wheres-santas-hat/

CHRISTMAS FESTIVE FUN

STAGED SPLENDOUR

Easton Farm Park Pound Corner, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EQ Various dates in December www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Ickworth House & Gardens The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE Sat 2nd Dec - Tue 2nd Jan www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ickworth-estate

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE HOLD

FAMILY AFTERNOON TEA WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS

CO-OP JUNIORS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Ivy & Bond Tearoom Hall Street, Long Melford, CO10 9JL Sun 3rd, 10th & 17th Dec www.facebook.com/ivyandbond27/

Snape Maltings Concert Hall Snape Maltings, Snape, IP17 1SP Fri 8th Dec - Sun 17th Dec www.coopjuniors.co.uk

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT NOWTON PARK

DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS

Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5LU Sat 9th - Sun 10th Dec www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk

Kentwell Hall Long Melford, Nr Sudbury CO10 9BA 9th - 10th & 16th - 17th Dec www.kentwell.co.uk

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The Hold, Ipswich, IP4 1LN Sat 2nd Dec www.suffolkarchives.co.uk

IPSWICH WINTER WEEKENDER Ipswich Town Centre Thu 7th - Sun 10th Dec www.ipswichentertains.co.uk

Don't miss the brilliant Twelve Museums of Christmas feature from The Association of Suffolk Museums on pages 8-9 familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION WHAT'S ON Visit us in our ceramics café or pick up a paint at home kit and get creative

GET £2£2 OFFOFF CERAMIC PAINTINGPAINTING WITH THIS ADVERT CERAMIC Please cut out and take with you when visiting.

We are open from Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Closed on Wednesdays term time only Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm Booking advisable

Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café, Ipswich, IP1 3DJ T. 01473 216865 E: Info@pennikkitypots.co.uk

PennikkityPots pennikkitypots.co.uk in Presents

Theatre Royal Christmas Cab

Fri 17 Nov - Sun 24 Dec theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

IN THE ARC SHOPPING CENTRE

An interactive, festive performance for 2 - 7 year olds.

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WHAT'S ON

G Pantomime Guide G Dick Whittington and his Cat

Wet Weather Fun! Jump IPSWICH In Adventure Park, Ipswich GIF CART D #JumpIn toHappy

The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Thu 23rd Nov - Sat 20th Jan www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Snow White Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Fri 24h Nov - Sun 14th Jan www.theatreroyal.org

Sleeping Beauty The Mercury Theatre, Colchester Sat 25th Nov - Sun 14th Jan www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz The Regal Theatre, Stowmarket Sat 2nd Dec - Sun 10th Dec www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

The Tale of Mr Todd The Red Rose Chain, Ipswich Fri 8th Dec - Sun 31st Dec www.redrosechain.com

Aladdin The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft Tue 12th Dec - Mon 1st Jan www.marinatheatre.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty Ipswich Regent Fri 15th Dec - Sun 31st Dec www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

The perfect indoor leisure experience for the whole family, whatever the weather!

Scan to Book!

The park features wall-to-wall trampolines, airbag, battle beam, Wipeout, and more! As well as a huge Soft Play Park with designated areas and activities for the little ones and Super Speed slides for the older ones (up to age 12).

Choose one of Jump In’s 100%-Fun-Zero-Stress party packages for an unforgettable and hassle-free birthday celebration. Each package includes a party host and party room or area, decorations and clean up are also included.

Save 15% on term time parties, Monday -Thursday, using the discount code WEEKDAY15.

Get UNLIMITED Open Jumps for the price of one hour with the Unlimited After School Jump Offer. Available Mondays – Thursdays after 3pm during term time.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the disco lights are turned on and the music up during two-hour After Dark sessions!

If jumping isn’t your thing there is space to sit back and relax from the Jump In Café as you watch the world defy gravity around you!

www.gojumpin.com/adventure-park-ipswich/

Play centres CurveMotion (Soft Play) Lark Valley Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6LJ

Cinderella

www.curvemotion.uk

The Quay Theatre, Sudbury Fri 15th - Sun 24th Dec www.quaysudbury.com

Felixstowe Leisure Centre

Partyman World

Seafront, Felixstowe, IP11 2AE

9 Cavendish Street, Ipswich, IP3 8AX

Dick Whittington

Jump In Soft Play

Haverhill Arts Centre Fri 15th - Sun 24th Dec www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk

Aladdin The Spa Pavillion, Felixstowe Fri 22nd Dec - Mon 1st Jan www.spapavilion.uk

Snow White Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge Fri 22nd Dec - Sat 30th Dec www.seckfordtheatre.org

www.placesleisure.org Anglia Retail Park, Bury Road, 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/

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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 familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION WHAT'S ON

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10 Families Suffolk: Issue 74 HAF is funded by The Department of Education

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EDUCATION WHAT'S ON

Christmas at Ickworth Estate November and December, and the run up to Christmas is arguably the most exciting time of year for families and here at Ickworth Estate we have plenty to keep you occupied.

Light Nights | 10 – 26 November Tickets from £9.50

‘Staged Splendour’, Christmas at Ickworth Estate | 2 December – 2 January

November sees our biggest event and fundraiser or the year with Ickworth Light Nights. Returning for their fourth year and with a new trail that takes in the North Lawn and Cedar Meadow, brighten up a dark evening by taking a winter wander through gardens that glow. Explore the stumpery, spot the sleeping dragon, and soak up the atmosphere, all against the backdrop of the beautiful lit Rotunda. Finish with a hot drink and a tasty snack from the West Wing Café and maybe treat yourself to a gift or grab those early Christmas presents from our shop. Book your tickets at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

Come together this December and celebrate the festive season with us as we step back into a period of Georgian ‘Staged Splendour’ as the Rotunda is set for a lavish evening at the theatre. Revel in the glorious indulgence of festivities that await you from lavish dining to theatrical staging throughout in an immersive experience. Head to the West Wing Gallery and get crafty by making your very own Christmas masquerade ball masks, theatre glasses and wigs that you can wear during your visit. Discover and catch the animals that escaped after their cart tipped over on the way to building a spectacular menagerie on our outdoor festive fun family trail.

Normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust members. Suggested donation of £2 for crafts. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information head to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

© National Trust 2023. Registered Charity No. 205846. Photography © National Trust. Imagery © Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Staged Splendour at Ickworth Estate

Saturday 2 December - Tuesday 2 January | Open daily* Join us as we transport Ickworth back to the Georgian period for a lavish experience at the theatre. Step into the Rotunda and revel in the glorious indulgence of the Christmas festivities that await you; from an extravagant dining set to immersive theatrical staging throughout. Be inspired by Georgian traditions and their love for a festive get together! Explore the great outdoors with our family trail nestled into our woodland.

nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

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*closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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WHAT'S&ON CLUBS CLASSES

Learn to read, write &

e lov10%

TOP TIPS

music with

off 1st term fees!

Weekly classes Thursdays/Saturdays

2 FREE LESSONS!

For Choosing Classes, Activities & Clubs for Your Child

By Elisabeth Dolton

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the range and volume of activities, classes and clubs available for your child to join? Aside from the important issue of LOGISTICS, in other words, how are these activities going to fit into your schedule, how do you go about deciding what to choose?

Fun-packed, educational, unique group music lessons using electronic keyboards.

Perfect for the 4-13 year old beginner musician!

Burlington Baptist Church, London Road IP1 2EZ

Here are my top 10 tips: 1. Talk to your children, explain how many activities you think there is time for and find out what they are interested in pursuing.

2. Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves.

www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100

3. Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn and don’t impose your own preferences.

4. If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist.

5. Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.

6. Always consider the benefits of an activity.

For instance, there’s great value in discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time and teach value skills such as leadership and team work eg. putting on a play.

7. Don’t assume that high cost equals high quality.

8. Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience.

9. Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so try to include a sport.

10. If you are stuck between two similar activities, consider the usefulness, e.g. drumming lessons might be cool, but the piano might have wider applicability.

Football fun for children

Good luck!

aged 18 months - 8 7 years.

“Learning the FUNdamentals of Football”

www.LittleKickers.co.uk facebook.com/LittleKickersUKIpswich ipswich@littlekickers.co.uk

07762 341982

12 Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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A WINTER UPDATE FROM

THE PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM HEALTHY LIVING SERVICE

SUPPORT WITH ASTHMA

Introducing the Healthy Living Service:

Living with asthma can be challenging,

a weight management service to

particularly when you are young.

create a supportive and holistic

This is why we encourage young

approach that is bespoke to your child

people over 12 and their families to

and your whole family, to help you make

download the ‘Digital Health Passport’

long term healthy lifestyle changes.

app, for useful asthma resources,

The Healthy Living Service will encourage the whole

including: access to asthma action

family to take part in healthy behaviours, regardless

plans, inhaler technique tips, peak flow

of their weight. This will include frequent review of the

tracker and air pollution/pollen alerts.

tailored care plan and agreeing goals and actions together, monitoring progress and providing feedback.

Contact details: HealthyLivingService@suffolk.gov.uk Telephone number: 01473 263700

BE WELL, FEEL WELL The power of noticing Webinar Suitable for 11-18 year olds & parents

Tuesday 19th December 1pm-2pm

Available for free on Google Play and Apple Store: https://digitalhealthpassport.co/

How does being present boost our wellbeing and relationships?

Join us in this webinar to explore the links between the power of noticing and the impact on our wellbeing and mood, including being in control of where we direct our focus.

Book a place at https://bit.ly/FreeYMCAWebinar or scan the QR code: Booking is essential but if you are unable to join the session live, you will be sent the recording to watch back at your convenience.

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LEGAL REFORM IS LOOKING AT PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE BUT COULD DIGITAL PROGRESS HAVE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT? Zoe Southgate, Head of Private Client at Bates Wells & Braithwaite Ipswich considers proposed reform and the challenges ahead for lawyers specialising in wills, probate and LPAs.

R

ecent research, conducted by a major insurance company, highlighted that a third of adults who are aged 55 and over do not have a will. We are clearly not that good at making plans for a future in which we will not exist!

This natural reticence is not helped by the fact that the law governing wills is quite literally Victorian; the primary legislation is the Wills Act 1837. The Law Commission, which is the statutory body responsible for recommending legal reform, has been conducting a general review of the law governing wills for a number of years. The most recent focus has been on electronic wills which has raised quite a few concerns, especially from those of us working in private client law.

BATES WELLS & BRAITHWAITE

During Covid, the Government amended the Wills Act 1837 to allow witnessing to take place over a video conference.

However, the fact that we can manage the wills process remotely does not necessarily mean we should be. Without a face-to-face meeting with a client, how can we safeguard against the exploitation of the vulnerable, especially those who need or choose to rely on others to complete the process online?

This digital detachment might put the client at risk from abuse and undue influence from fraudsters. This is particularly true when it comes to “predatory marriages”, marrying an elderly or vulnerable individual in order to access their wealth. The issue has its roots in the fact that a will is revoked on marriage and without a new will in place. A “predatory” spouse can inherit an estate under intestacy rules.

There is guidance to assist marriage registrars identify if an individual may lack the capacity to marry, but the threshold in terms of understanding is worryingly low. There is talk that the rule of revocation itself will be scrapped but this will potentially mean an increase in the number of disputed wills.

S O L I C I T O R S

For you and your family

It is not just wills embracing the digital world. The recent Power of Attorney Act is intended to speed up the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) process and offer a higher degree of fraud protection as online applications will allow identity checks.

Providing legal advice when you need it most

Our services include: FAMILY LAW:

RESOLVING DISPUTES:

PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES:

• Divorce & separation

• Personal injury

• Wills, trusts & probate

• Financial & property issues

• Clinical negligence

• Powers of attorney

• Pension agreements & entitlements

• Houses, property & neighbours

• Residential property

• Family mediation

• Contentious wills & probate

• Children & social care • Pre-nuptial/living together agreements • Civil partnerships

• Contract disputes • Consumer affairs/ faulty goods & service

• Same sex relationships FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Denise Head Partner/Solicitor & Mediator T 01473 219282 E denise.head@bates-wells.co.uk

29 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AQ

Christopher Mason Head of Dispute Resolution T 01473 295524 E christopher.mason@bates-wells.co.uk

www.bates-wells.co.uk

I am all for the benefits of a digital world, but as a lawyer working in this very sensitive and personal area of legal advice, we need to ensure that we can still safeguard the vulnerable.

As an Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly and also a Dementia Friend, specialising in mental capacity issues, I recognise that for digital to work, the law on mental capacity also has to be reformed and become more closely aligned to the processes for wills, LPAs and even marriages. We need to make efficiencies but simply going online without taking many other issues into consideration, may not be the perfect modern solution.

If we can advise you or your family on any of the issues or assist with wills, probate, deputyship applications or powers of attorney, do contact me at: zoe.southgate@bates-wells.co.uk

14 Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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EDUCATION EDUCATION

Reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum

By Jemma Z Smith

Reading is vital for enabling students to access the rest of the curriculum and to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

W

hile phonics lays the initial groundwork in Key Stage 1, the emphasis in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and beyond) expands beyond pronunciation towards exploring characters. Students are asked what might happen next or why the character would decide to do something. This skill is especially significant when preparing for SATs or 11+ entrance exams, as it helps students answer questions based on inference and understand why authors choose to use certain words or phrases.

As a parent, the importance of reading aloud to your child remains significant as they will hear words that they are not yet ready to read themselves. This is particularly true with stories which contain idioms and figurative language.

As children delve into stories from different cultures and backgrounds, they are transported to other worlds and eras. They learn to relate to characters' experiences, feelings and decisions, understand more about the world and cultivate a love of reading and storytelling. Reading becomes about much more than simply being able to answer exam questions and starts to broaden their horizons. It can also provide a strong model for a student’s own writing, as well as leading to improved spelling.

My child struggles to read what should I do?

My child only likes one author or style of book?

Speak to your child’s school to find out why your child is struggling as this is not always due to a learning difficulty.

Your child loves to read; that’s a cause for celebration! Any reading should be recognised positively so please don’t stop them from reading what they enjoy. However, it would, of course, help them to build and broaden their vocabulary if they were exposed to different styles of writing and a diverse range of genres.

Firstly, think about your child’s eyes and ears. How recently did they have an eye test? It’s important that children who experience difficulties reading have their eyes checked by an optician.

It could be that they actually need glasses. Meanwhile, if an optician says your child’s eyes are fine, rest assured that schools are well-informed about learning difficulties. They can screen for memory recall and retention issues and should be able to help with different learning approaches and varied resources to support any area your child is finding tricky.

Your school will also be able to explain how to obtain a dyslexia diagnostic assessment. If your child does receive a diagnosis, there’s support to help your child to access the education to which they have a right.

Bear in mind that sometimes it may be confidence that is holding your child back and this is where a tutor can help.

Encouraging them to read one different author each month or each term might be a start, while still reading the latest book by their favourite author.

If you have other children in the family, asking older children to read to younger ones will help them to read different styles of books as well as developing their confidence reading aloud. Another option is connecting with your local library. They often run a reading challenge over school holidays and this can be an effective way of motivating your child to read a range of different books. They may even get a reward at the end of the challenge!

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ABOUT THE WRITER: Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit: www.educationhotel.co.uk Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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At St Joseph’s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every student.

Children who thrive are the happiest of all.

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 2 March Prep School Open Morning Thursday 1 February Join us for our Prep and Senior School Open Day. Family tours also available, to find out more please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk 16 Families Suffolk: Issue 74

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