Families Suffolk Nov - Dec 2014 Issue 20

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

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iss NO ue 20 V/ 201 DEC 4

Suffolk

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East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices PAGE 6

In this issue, Local News, Clubs and Classes News, Our Community, Business Spotlight plus all you need for Christmas from shopping to finding Santa

Welcome

It’s Christmas

DING DONG

Welcome back to Families Suffolk, I hope you all enjoyed some Halloween and Firework fun over the half term break. So here we are at the start of the Christmas term, with this issue we have tried to provide you with many Christmas ideas and events to ease any Christmas shopping headaches, whether it’s finding a gift, food item or just wondering what the kids can do whilst you’re shopping. Other than our Christmas pages we have all our regular pages for you to enjoy, Local News, Clubs and Classes News, Baby and Toddler Talk plus a new Business Spotlight feature on page 7 and on page 9 a feature on Small Business Saturday which highlights the reasons why we should support our local independent traders as much as possible this Christmas. I also want to take the time to direct you to pages 6 and14, both of which include articles explaining how we can support The Treehouse Hospice, Ipswich this Christmas, if you can, please get involved with either fundraising campaign for such a great cause. I hope you enjoy this issue, please do get in contact if you would like us to feature any specific article or event, we are always happy to hear from you.

Lisa

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a fantastic Christmas.

MERRILY ON HIGH...

Branches in: • Aldeburgh • Hadleigh • Halesworth • Haverhill • Ipswich (Ravenswood & Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre) • Saxmundham • Sudbury • Woodbridge

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Our Community Feature

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Business Spotlight

ALL WELCOME WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON 0330 123 0723 www.ibs.co.uk

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Competition time

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Small Business Saturday feature

Thursday 18 December

milies Suffolk Ad Nov-Dec.indd 1

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Local & Clubs and Classes News

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JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS CHEER

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It’s Christmas

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

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Next issue -January / February 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

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COVER IMAGE With thanks to East Anglian Childrens Hospice

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 One of the most fun activities parents and their children can do together is something which involves a bit of mess, creativity and a yummy treat at the end.

The Outrageous Cake Academy – Now Open

and cake decorating as they reveal just how they create such wonderful works of art.

After gaining decades of experience in making and A couple of hours at the new Outrageous decorating delicious cakes Cake Academy based at The Cookhouse for all sorts of occasions, next to Suffolk Food Hall will give you the couple started the precisely that. Not only is there a Kids’ Outrageous Cake Company, now based at the Cookhouse, Club where youngsters from eight next to Suffolk Food Hall, and it has proved so popular onwards can learn how to decorate they are expanding. The couple have taken the unit next cakes, make their own gingerbread men to the artisan kitchen to be home for the Outrageous Cake and bake cupcakes, there are classes Academy, where students can learn the craft of cake they can do with mum and/or dad. decorating, and a variety of sugar-craft skills or even hold their birthday party.

Run by husband and wife team, Graham and Tina Weare, in their newly formed To find out more about the classes, courses academy at their recently extended and party choices please visit www. artisan kitchen, there are courses, outrageouscakeacademy.co.uk workshops and classes for everyone call 01473 786687 / 07805808362 covering many aspects of icing, piping or email info@the-outrageous-cake-company.co.uk

Mums looking good We all know women that look great whatever they are wearing in all kinds of situations - be it on the school run, down the gym or on a night out. We assume they have some innate magical skill that makes them know exactly how to dress, whatever the environment. But have you ever considered that maybe they have been to see an Image Consultant who has shown them what colour fabric and styles of clothing will make the most of their natural colouring, body shape and lifestyle? And if they have been to see an expert for some advice that maybe you could do that too?

An Image Consultant or Personal Stylist is not just for the wealthy. For less than the cost of making 3 shopping mistakes you can have a colour and style analysis to understand what colours and styles to wear to make the most of your natural colouring and body shape. Having this information makes dressing and shopping so much easier, quicker and enjoyable and saving you a fortune in the long run by not making purchasing mistakes and having items hanging in your wardrobe unworn in some cases still with labels attached.

Are you concerned that your child might be dyslexic?

The Suffolk Dyslexia Association are a local Charity, based in Ipswich and run by a committee of volunteers. Their aim is to raise awareness of Dyslexia across Suffolk. The association are a registered charity and rely on fundraising to support their activities and are members of The British Dyslexia Association. The Suffolk Dyslexia Association provide a helpline offering information and support to anyone who wishes to find out more or has concerns regarding a family member.

They also have a wealth of information on their website explaining Dyslexia and some of the signs to look out for.

Dyslexia Helpline: 01473 717026 www.suffolkdyslexiaassociation.org.uk

Karting fun for little ones.

If like me you have younger children whose energy never seems to fall below full speed you may be interested to know Anglia Karting offer arrive and drive Kubz Karting fun for children aged 5 - 7 years.

Children get to drive their own smaller, battery-powered Kubz Kart around a mini circuit all dressed in the appropriate racing outfit supplied by Anglia Karting. Kubz Karting Arrive & Drive sessions run for 5 minutes duration and can cater for 5 drivers on the track each session. Arrive & Drive is available 7 days a week, outside of birthday party bookings which are also available. The Kubz Karting parties provides an hours racing fun and to keep any children entertained while they’re not on the track, a bouncy ball pool adds to the fun and excitement.

Thomasin Newton is an Image Consultant who offers Colour and Style Analysis, Wardrobe Audit and Personal Shopping - both in her studio at home and at client’s homes. For an informal chat and more information please visit www.thomasinnewtonimageconsultant.com or Facebook Thomasin Newton Image and Style or Twitter @thomasin3.

OTLEY PRE-SCHOOL NEWS The moment has arrived……….. Your little one is ready to leave the nest – at least for a few hours. Preschool awaits! Those crayons and pipe cleaners may look innocent enough, but how and where they’re introduced can have long-reaching ramifications. Preschool will help your child build confidence, social and cognitive skills, and provide a good transitional base between home and ‘big’ school.

Otley Under Fives is situated within the grounds of Otley Primary School and opens term time Monday to Friday

between 9am until 3pm. Sessions are run flexibly and are accessible to all children; with a main playroom and an enclosed garden. The staff and committee were recently commended by Juliette Pearson, Early Years and Childcare Quality and Access Advisor for SCC on such a good outcome and report from Ofsted. Both Juliette and Ofsted commented on a new digging area, nicknamed ‘the chocolate factory’ by the children. This is a fabulous exploratory area with stones and buckets and whatever else the children need to make their chocolate cakes and paint!

After the thrill of an hours racing on the circuit, the fun continues in the party room, with birthday cake and soft drinks, party bags and the presentation of a medal for the birthday child. Kubz Karting parties can cater for up to 10 children per party.

For information regarding arrive and drive and/or a Kubz Karting party call 01473 240087.

A pre-school may boast new books and toys, have a gleaming new building, and be affordable to boot, but if it doesn’t feel right then it isn’t. It’s essential that you feel comfortable with the staff who, not only run the school and set guidelines for your child, but who will be spending many hours with your child day in and day out.

Why not go along for a visit, they offer a free trial session and a settling in programme and would be delighted to meet you and show you around the pre-school……and chocolate factory!

Call 07789 468853.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes News

sponsored by Ipswich Borough Council The largest sport provider in Ipswich

Gymnastics, Acrobatics & Routines

Is your child starting school or nursery in the next year or so? Why not get them used to being part of a structured class and interacting with other children in a fun and safe environment? Gymnastics in Ipswich Little Teddy Bear and Teddy Bear classes are extremely popular for children aged 2 to full time school age to help with movement, core strength and learning gymnastic skills as well as preparing them for being part of a class. There are also classes for older children… If your child is at full time school why not get them involved in a new hobby? Gymnastics in Ipswich hold recreational classes which are a fun way to help children learn and develop new skills in classes which are organised by ability, having the chance to progress through their grade system to reach their full potential.

All courses operate around an award scheme, which gives the classes’ direction and purpose. The cost of an 8 week course is £48.80, with children being tested on the skills they have learnt during the course in week 7, and receiving a certificate in week 8 if they pass. For those not wanting to commit to a course there are also casual sessions for Parent and Toddler, Youth Night and Free Running as well as Adult Night sessions every week! Also Children’s Gymnastic Parties most weekends throughout the year.

For the largest range of fitness classes in Ipswich for adults and children over 12, look no further than

And did we mention that the range is HUGE! Well it is. There’s the very traditional aerobics, legs, bums and tums, body conditioning etc but also indoor cycling and yoga and Tai Chi and Boxfit and Aqua classes.

There are over 80 classes a week and they are still popular throughout November and December because classes are a brilliant way to get in shape for the little black dress and the christmas parties! Ladies (and gents) who aren’t so keen on the gym or the more traditional sport, tend to love fitness classes because they are usually set to music and done in a group, both of which make them very motivational!

Mums and daughters can work out together which is so much fun, there are age restrictions for safety reasons, but still a lot of availability. But don’t forget that they offer clubs and classes just for children too such as Street Dance, Football, swimming lessons, rollerskating and archery to mention just a few. So check out their site, give them a call or pop in to see them. www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport.

www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport

Please see their website www.gymnasticsinipswich.co.uk for times and prices of parties, or to book a party or course, contact the Reception Desk on 01473 433676 or email admin@pipersvale.co.uk for more information.

Puddle Ducks

Puddle Ducks’ wonderful swimming programme delivers nurturing, fun classes to babies, toddlers and children. Classes can be enjoyed by babies from a few weeks until 4 years old.

Due to high demand, new classes have been added on a Sunday afternoon. These will take place at our pool in Levington. This is a beautiful pool which is kept at a toasty 33 degrees! The new term begins after Christmas so please take a look at our website for a full list of classes, www.puddleducks.com/suffolk. Puddle Ducks also teach at Birch Farm in Hintlesham and Murrayfield Primary School in Ipswich throughout the week. Our teachers adapt every activity to suit each child. Our baby-led swimming approach ensures that your child’s needs are expertly fulfilled - never forcing development, but rather nurturing it to ensure a positive experience and love of swimming.

Although fun is at their heart, Puddle Ducks classes are about much more than this. The classes revolve around bonding and play where children don’t realise they’re learning to swim and acquiring skills that could save their lives. The children have great fun whilst learning important discipline around water.

Please contact us either by email suffolk@puddleducks.com/ phone 01473 356 222

Little Kickers for little people.

Little Kickers 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 both girls and boys. Do not worry; your toddler does not have to sit still for any length of time in these classes!

The Little Kickers coaches are very used to parents saying that their child doesn’t concentrate very well so they are unsure if they would be able to get involved with the class. The answer is most definitely yes, the structure of the class and the coaching methods used in Little Kickers classes will more often than not actually help your youngster’s ability to concentrate in other environments whilst having loads of fun in the

sessions. The important thing like all activities with children is to make sure that parents are aware to try and persevere, attending a 6 week term is the best way to try your toddler in a class session and see any improvements made. If you’re looking for a new class for your child this year then why not try Little Kickers. Classes are offered at Brackenbury, Maidenhall,Kesgrave and Gainsborough Sport Centres plus classes will be coming to Woodbridge soon.

For class times call 01394 200327 or visit www.littlekickers.co.uk

NEW ACTIVITY SESSION TIMETABLE WITH KIDZONE AT IPSWICH SPORTS CLUB

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

AM SESSIONS CRECHE 9.30-11.30 CRECHE 9.30-11.30 MUSIC,MOVEMENT & SINGING 10-11AM THEMED CRAFT SESSION 10-11AM CRECHE 9.30-11.30

PM SESSIONS MESSY MONSTERS 1-2PM MUSIC,MOVEMENT & SINGING 1.15-2.15PM COOKIE TOTS COOKING GROUP 1-2PM FITNESS FUN FOR 3-4 YEAR OLDS 1.15-2.15 MUSIC, MOVEMENT & SINGING 1.15-2.15

All families welcome so go along and join in with this new timetable and become part of Kidzones friendly groups, meet new people and provide your little ones with a variety of opportunities from getting messy, getting active or simple singing their hearts out ! Booking is essential for all crèche and group sessions. Call or text on 07756 535059 / 07724 114794.

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

Baby & Toddler Talk

How to... get your children to behave

Picture the scene. You’re at the supermarket and you’ve refused your child something that they want, causing them to freak out and scream loudly. You react by shouting back at them. Before long the situation is out of hand, with both of you at full-volume and people staring.

All kids will have a tantrum at some point, some simple steps can help to avoid this behaviour or at least lessen it. Trying a bit of distraction when the anger starts to build up - telling a joke, pulling a silly face - can be really effective.

If it’s too late for humour, then take a deep breath and a mental step back. Is their behaviour really unreasonable? Can you just ignore it and carry on with your shopping? Maybe you have a spare few minutes to put the trolley aside and take them out of the situation? It could be either out of that aisle or maybe even out of the supermarket, where you can both calm down.

Positive Parenting This approach may seem like pie in the sky when faced with a screaming 3-year old, but it’s never too early to try what the NSPCC calls ‘positive parenting’. If you show love and affection to your child and praise them when they are behaving well, they will associate getting attention with good behaviour.

Active ignoring is encouraged, while physical punishments like smacking should be off limits: “smacking or biting back gives a very confusing message – that it is OK to use force or to hit physically when you are angry or to make a point.”

So when you feel like you’re at the end of your tether, try to stay calm. After all, a toddler having a tantrum in the supermarket is one thing, but a screaming adult in the frozen food aisle? Not a good look…

sponsored by

Lazy daisy

Here are some hints from leading Clinical Psychologist, Professor Tanya Byron, on how to smooth out behavioural problems, and get the best from your child.

Be positive One of the biggest mistakes we make as parents is to leave our children alone and say nothing to them when they’re behaving nicely. Ignore the behaviour you don’t want. Instead, emphasise the positive with cuddles, kisses, and praise, and tell them all the things they need to hear in order for them to understand they will get attention for doing things nicely.

Distraction As soon as you feel the temper rising, distract them onto something else: a funny song, story, or ‘did you see that green squirrel with orange stripes just fly past the window?

Professor Byron’s new book The Skeleton Cupboard, is out now, published by Pan Macmillan. www.panmacmillan.com/book/tanyabyron/ theskeletoncupboard Helpful Websites: www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/forparents-and-carers/guides-for-parents/ better-behaviour/better-behaviour_ wda90710.html www.youngminds.org.uk NHS http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/ pregnancy-and-baby/pages/dealing-withdifficult-behaviour.aspx#close

Ignoring Ignoring gives the message that the behaviour gets no reward and if you use this technique alongside praising every lovely behaviour, your children will get a very powerful message.

Time out First ask your child to stop misbehaving. If that doesn’t work, ask again, but more firmly. This gives the child two chances to change his or her behaviour, and if they do, you praise them. If they refuse to stop the behaviour, or if the tantrum escalates, you go for Time Out. Take your child firmly but with no attention to a safe place where you can leave them for a period of one minute for each year of their life (i.e. three minutes for a three-year-old) up to a maximum of five minutes. You should not talk to your child through the door or give them any other form of attention during the Time Out period.

Once the Time Out period is over, explain to your child why they were Timed Out and then move on and praise them at the first opportunity.

Tantrums Tantrums happen to all parents. They do not mean you are a bad parent. You can try to prevent them with praise and sticker charts. If that fails, you can try to distract the tantrums away. But once started, the best way to stop them is to ignore them.

Remember: distract, ignore, but do not punish.

Rewards At home, a sticker chart is a great way of encouraging good behaviour. Each time your child is good, give them a sticker.

Naughty behaviour gets a ‘sad face’. Points mean prizes - enough stickers get them a treat.

Positive example It’s straightforward but it works - your children will copy you. Swear and they will swear, smack and they will smack. Lead by example.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Our Community

sponsored by

Ipswich Building Society

In this issue the Our Community page finds out about the importance of supporting local trade from Josh Seager Director of the GenR8 scheme plus why East Anglia’s Children Hospices need running Santas.

Ho, Ho, Ho, Ipswich Santa run returns to Ipswich!

Festive family fun returns to Ipswich this year as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) hosts their Santa Run in the town centre bringing mince pies, mistletoe and many, many smiles!

The Ipswich Santa Run in aid of EACH will take place on Sunday 7th December. Starting and finishing at the Town Hall, the event will see hundreds of fundraisers dressed in bright red Santa suits and white beards to complete a 3k fun run.

Patsy Johnson-Cisse, EACH Suffolk Fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited about the Ipswich Santa Run returning to the town centre of Ipswich. Two years ago we caused quite a stir with shoppers watching on as an army of runners in red Santa suits ran by.

“The warm up on the Cornhill is a fantastic fun festive start to Christmas. It isn’t a race – you can run, walk, or jog – it’s up to you. It’s open to everyone and is suitable for all members of the family.

Quidenham. A wide range of services are delivered including short-break care, emotional and psychological support, symptom management, care at end of life, bereavement support and many activities and therapies.

EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of their income and needs to raise almost £6 million to deliver their services this year – the equivalent of £16,000 a day, every day of the year. That’s why taking part in fundraising events such as the Ipswich Santa Run are so important to this vital charity.

The Ipswich Santa run starts at 11am at Ipswich Town hall on Sunday 7th December. Entry fees are £10 for adults including a Santa Suit and £6 per child under 13 which includes a Santa Hat. To sign up online visit www.each.org.uk/santaruns or call the Suffolk Fundraising office on 01473 276196.

“Registration will be warm inside The Buttermarket Shopping centre and everyone gets a mince pie when they return – an added bonus!”

“We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to sign up and take the opportunity to thank the accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, who will be sponsoring the event, taking part and marshalling the route on the day.”

EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk. Care and support is tailored for the needs of all family members and delivered where the families wish – in their own home, at hospital, in the community or at one of three hospices in Ipswich, Milton and

GenR8 is the new Ipswich-based initiative founded just over a year ago by two local brothers. Having loved and lived in Ipswich their entire lives, they decided to start something different to revive and rejuvenate the area, promoting some of the best local businesses to encourage the ‘buy local’ mentality to bring prosperity and diversity back into the town.

But is it really that important to buy local? What are the long-term benefits to you, your family and our community?

You’ve probably heard a million and one times that you should buy from you independent local businesses. And you’ve probably also seen more and more supermarkets sprouting up in and around our neighbourhood. But in an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and unique character maintain a strong economic advantage. Recent research by American Express found that house prices near prosperous town centres have risen by an average £40,000 more over the past decade than other properties *. Compared to larger chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community (Infact spending just £10 with a local independent business can generate £25 for your local economy. ** The importance of supporting local businesses runs much deeper than just economic benefit. Local ownership means that more of the important decisions are made by local people who actually live in the community, and who have a real stake in the future of our area. Statistics show that these businesses contribute a larger proportion of their profits to supporting good local causes (If your child plays for a local sports team for instance, then chances are their sponsors will be businesses who are rooted in our area). Local businesses create more jobs locally and, in some cases, provide better wages and benefits than larger chains do. They fuel innovation and prosperity through entrepreneurship, also supporting local artists, designers, growers and producers who supply their products for sale.

Socially, local businesses provide us with a much better customer experience. When comparing being told to ‘remove your item from the bagging area’ or being greeted on first name terms and being asked ‘would you like the usual?’ it’s difficult to draw any

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real association between the two. Knowing that your money has not only gone to a fellow community member, but a business owner you can trust makes every purchase that little more special.

Over the last year, GenR8 has grown to include partnerships with over 75 independent businesses in and around the Ipswich area with many shops, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues already part of the innovative idea. The aim of GenR8 is to provide members of the community with an un-rivalled array of exclusive and repeatable local offers, encouraging increased footfall and therefore higher profits to the many great independent businesses that have joined to take part. In doing this, they hope that participation in GenR8 shares equal rewards to both local businesses and card-holding members – resulting in not only personal benefits but also to the social and economic prosperity of Ipswich.

So why not sign up for your very own GenR8 card today?

With repeatable discounts of up to 50% off, you’ll feel great about making some fantastic local savings whilst safe in the knowledge that each time you do, you’ll also be doing your bit to support a local business run by someone just like you! Membership cards cost just £15 for a whole year, and throughout November and December, 100% from card sales will be donated to support local charity, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. * www.theguardian.com/money/2013/dec/06/shop-locally-small-business-saturday-seven-reasons ** www.standard.co.uk/business/money/shopping-local-is-just-the-job-8972907.html This Christmas, GenR8 is launching Suffolk’s first ‘Great Bear Giveaway’ in association with East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and The Bear Garden. Throughout November and December, every GenR8 Card sold will fund a ‘build-your-own’ teddy bear for a child currently receiving care and support from EACH with all additional profits being donated to this fantastic charity.

To read more about this initiative or to get your GenR8 card today, please visit www.genr8card.com

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

Business Spotlight Our new business spotlight page in each issue will offer you some insight into two local businesses, in the form of a mum (or dad) in business where we find out a little more about the parent and family behind a business plus within our new GenR8 card feature we

view Mum in Business inter

discover what various local businesses in Suffolk have to offer families.

In this issue we feature Jo Cresdee from Lazy Daisy in our business interview plus Paula Partridge explains the family fun we could enjoy at Anglia Karting and why they support the GenR8 community scheme.

and feel they can be themselves. It’s more than a business to me, it’s about community, it’s about empowering women when they feel vulnerable and helping them find their own way in the world of motherhood.

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

The fact that I never achieve my own work life balance – my office is at home and it’s too easy to just answer a few emails when I should be focusing on my own family. My husband has recently bought a caravan so that we can go to places without an internet connection!

What was the best piece of advice you were ever given?

You don’t have to have all the answers – baby class teachers should not be some kind of all - knowing oracle. Sometimes when you are talking to other mums it’s easy to say have you tried so and so – when in fact they just want someone to listen to them and hear what they say – a mummy will always know her baby better than anyone else – she just needs the confidence to realise that and to know in her heart to trust her gut instincts.

Your name: Jo Cresdee Name, location and nature of your business: Lazy Daisy, Birthing, Baby & Tots classes East Suffolk – classes surroung Woodbridge & Ipswich How long has your business been running and the reason why you started your own business?

Lazy Daisy was created by Julie Long ten years ago – it was then taught by Shelley Brinkley and I joined Shelley two years ago to help increase the number of classes running locally. Julie originally created Lazy Daisy to enable more women to feel empowered and informed during their pregnancies, labours and births. We suit every birth choice whether you are planning a natural home birth a hospital birth or an elective C-section. Our Baby and Toddler classes are about Mummy and Baby finding their own way together – there is no right or wrong when it comes to the choices you make for your child. What works for one mummy will not work for another so we are about building confidence in your own parenting ideas and trusting your instincts.

What do you enjoy about running your own business?

I love meeting new mums and mums to be – it is such a special time of your life and I love creating a safe and relaxed environment where people feel at home, feel supported

Name, location and nature of the business: Anglia Indoor Karting Ipswich Ltd, Farthing Rd Industrial Estate, Ipswich. IP1 5AP Indoor Karting – Leisure facility How long has the business been running?

We are now in our 24th year Background as to why you started or took over the business and how the business has developed over time: The business was established by Keith Barton (my dad) & his previous business party in 1990. They looked to diversify from their other business. Both had an interest in motorsport and indoor karting was in its infancy in the country at the time. This year I have taken over as a Director in place of the previous business partner. Anglia Indoor Karting was one of the first indoor tracks in the country at the time. Initially the business was focused on corporate events but quickly the business developed to cater for the general public. The circuit has been developed into a dual level track, with a flyover and tunnel and now caters for drivers aged 5 and upwards. We are open 7 days a week 9am – 10pm What does the business have to offer families as a whole or individual family members: We can cater for all the family: We have a Kubz track for children aged 5 – 7, whilst older children and family members can experience the thrill of driving together on our main circuit which caters for age 8 and upwards (minimum height of 1.27m). Arrive and Drive sessions are available 7 days a week outside of corporate booking and can be booked 48hours in advance. We offer a ‘Happy hour’ for the under 16’s which runs from 4pm, Mon to Fri, in term or from 10am in the school holidays. Every Sunday under 16’s can take part in the Youth club from 9.30 – 11.30, where they will receive driving tuition from one of our experienced Race Directors. There is also the opportunity for Youth club members to compete in a 6 round championship which runs from April each year. Each holiday period we run Activity Days for the under 16’s which again helps young drivers

What does the future hold for your business?

The future is bright – I will shortly be joined by four new teachers who are going to help spread the Daisy word all over Suffolk. We aim to make our classes more accessible so rather than just running classes in Ipswich and Woodbridge we will be able to get out to towns like Hadleigh and Stowmarket as well as further towards the coast like Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Leiston and Framlingham.

How do you fit your business around family life?

I can survive on an incredibly small amount of sleep! I teach baby classes in the mornings, birthing classes two nights a week and I work at my desk most evenings – it’s really hard work but I do a job I LOVE and I am at the school gates every morning and evening. I get to watch tennis practise, go to swimming lessons and help with homework too! It also means I spend every afternoon with my toddler which I never would have been able to do in my old career.

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

Never underestimate how much time and work it will be. You can fit it around family and choose your hours but you will have to put in more hours than you did in your 9 – 5 job!

It becomes part of your life, you live and breathe it – you have to have a total passion for what you are doing!

to develop their racing skills under the guidance of our experienced staff. Birthdays can also be celebrated here, with packages offered on both the Kubz and main circuit.

We are also a popular venue for school activity sessions and each year host training sessions and a qualifying round for the British Schools Karting Championship; last year a local school reached the national finals on this event.

Why did you feel it was important for you to join the GenR8 scheme and why is it important for readers to support the scheme: As a local family business, we are keen to be involved in a scheme that promotes businesses like ourselves to the local community. Ipswich has a lot to offer families in terms of activities, shopping, eating and events and this scheme offers great incentives for people to shop locally. Supporting local businesses helps to provide employment for people in the community too and ensures investment in the area to benefit everyone.

Anglia Karting: www.angliakarting.com 01473 240087 For information about the GenR8 scheme www.genr8card.com

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Competition Time Look good at all times Win a colour analysis Fancy ‘having your colours done?’ Thomasin Newton Image consultant is offering Families Suffolk readers the chance to win a colour analysis. The analysis takes around 2 hours during which time the principles of colour analysis are explained and a series of drapes are tried across you to help you understand exactly what colours make the most of your natural colouring, ensuring you look youthful and radiant at all times (even on the school run).

The analysis also covers makeup and jewellery and a personalised colour swatch and a tip sheet, to get the most out of your colour swatch, are yours to take away.

To enter the competition simply email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk placing the words Colour Analysis in the subject box and answering the following question: How long does the colour analysis session to be won last?

A: 1hr

B: 2hrs

C: 3hrs

Closing date to receive entries Friday 19th December 2014. Standard Families Suffolk Terms and conditions apply please visit www.familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions

Win a Learn, Play, Grow Children’s Party Learn Play Grow are offering Families Suffolk readers the chance to win a Learn,Play ,Grow children’s party for up to 15 children, plus they are offering a runner up prize of a place on a Learn,Play,Grow course.

Learn Play Grow is a FUN and EXCITING children’s sport and fitness programme for 2-6 year olds. Learn play grow teaches your child fundamental skills and elements needed to excel in any sport. Our structured programme aids all the key abilities needed to progress in tennis, gymnastics, karate, football, dance, swimming, hockey and many more sports. Not only is learn play grow a great stepping stone in to sport, but it is also great to do in conjunction with any other sport your child may attend. Learn play grow will aid focus, confidence, flexibility, concentration, strength, balance, movement, reaction and eye hand co-ordination. Unlike most children’s sports activities learn play grow has some unique dimensions. We have our own learn play grow characters which the children become really familiar with throughout their course.

Our characters act as great role models, leaving the children wanting to be just like our LPG team!

Throughout each course the children complete one of our LPG characters activities. For example Danny the dog! “Danny the dog” will then show the children pictures of him doing the activities “he” wants them to complete. This is a great way to aid quick thought processes and learning. In each session a heart-warming story will be played to the children about our LPG characters and tell them about a moral or teaching. The children do different actions and movements to the story which all our LPG kiddies absolutely love! These stories really take the children on an adventure with our LPG team!

Most of all our learn play grow courses are FUN and your children won’t get enough of the sessions. Our learn play grow parties have a brilliant birthday twist on all our activities and everyone at the party also gets to meet one of our LPG characters.

3 months fitness membership!

If getting fit and feeling healthier is already on your new years radar then you will not want to miss this opportunity! One lucky reader will win an All Inclusive iCard fitness membership courtesy of Ipswich Borough Council. This fantastic prize includes unlimited use of five Profiles Gyms across Ipswich including the brand new prestigious Profiles Waterfront gym, swimming, over 80 fitness classes a week and racquet sports.

The other Profiles gyms are located at Crown Pools, Gainsborough, Whitton and Northgate sports centres and once you join you can use any or all of them.

The fitness classes are varied and include everything from Yoga to Insanity! And the racquets sports include badminton, squash and table tennis at each of the centres. Swimming is during public swimming times at both Crown pools and the elegant Fore Street pool.

The prize includes a full induction before you can use the gyms, when an instructor will discuss your specific health goals and write a bespoke programme to help you achieve results quicker.

It’s a fantastic prize so enter now by sending an email to editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk placing the words Fitness Membership in the subject box and answering the following question: Including the new Profiles Waterfront gym, how many Ipswich Borough Council Profiles Gyms are there across Ipswich?

A: 3

B: 4

Closing date to receive entries Friday 19th December 2014. Standard Families Suffolk Terms and conditions apply please visit www.familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions

To enter the competition simply email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk placing the words Learn, Play, Grow in the subject box by 5pm Friday 19th December 2014.

Standard Families Suffolk Terms and conditions apply please visit www.familiessuffolk.co.uk/competitions Learn, Play, Grow Competition Terms and conditions: Party is for children aged 2-6 years. Hall hire needs to arranged by the competition winner for the LPG team to run the party.

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C: 5

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

Shop locally this Christmas and give more than just presents...

Christmas is upon us once again, and unless you are amazingly prepared and have bought all your presents already, there’s shopping to be done!

The big retailers have been bombarding us for weeks, and you can rarely walk down the street or switch on the television without seeing adverts for this year’s Christmas must-haves.

But what about the small, local, independent retailers?

The businesses which are owned and run by local residents, often parents who are trying to feed, clothe and support their own families. Small businesses easily get ‘lost’ in the hubbub of Christmas, when really it’s a time of the year when we should be using them just as much, if not more, than usual.

Yes, the large supermarkets and online retailers can offer price savings, because they are big and they have bulkbuying power. But they don’t offer low prices to save you money, they offer them to make more profit for themselves, by offering loss leaders, or by negotiating lower prices from their suppliers, who then haggle with the manufacturers, who end up making smaller profits themselves, and sometimes even selling at a loss.

But what about the things that the big businesses don’t offer?

These are the things that small businesses generally excel at providing – handmade goods and locally produced items, indepth product knowledge and personalised advice, customer service, a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience. You may not get the lowest prices, but you do get excellent value for money.

Added to all of this, when you buy local you are making an important contribution to your local economy. Spending money with local businesses causes a ripple-effect, as those businesses in turn spend locally, and on and on. Various research has been undertaken, with results showing that when £10 is spent in a local shop, between £16 and £50 goes back into the local economy, helping to improve local prosperity and create jobs.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-political, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2014 Small Business Saturday UK will take place on Saturday December 6th.

Will you shop local this Christmas?

Shopping locally gives you:

Handmade goods – made by local craftspeople, these are often one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find in the big retailers.

In-depth product knowledge and advice – small business owners often have a better knowledge of the lines they stock, for example which clothing brands ‘run large’ and which are true to size, or which shoes offer the best fit for narrow feet.

Customer service – love the item but don’t like the colour? Independent retailers are often happy to order in products in other colours or sizes for you, and they usually deal with any complaints or problems in a far friendlier way than bigger businesses do.

A more enjoyable shopping experience – local business owners frequently like to take the time to chat and get to know their customers, which makes for a far nicer experience Stronger community ties – shopping locally helps to create town centres which are more sustainable and vibrant, meaning people feel part of the community.

Local businesses are also often more willing than larger chains are to support local causes that have more meaning to them, and the area in which they live and work.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Ideas Suffolk Food Hall

Suffolk Food Hall really are a one-stop Christmas venue, providing all your festive essentials from groceries to Christmas parties at The Cookhouse restaurant.

Park your sleigh for free whilst you admire the wintery view over the river Orwell. Warm up with a hot chocolate in the café or sip on a mulled wine in the restaurant before visiting the garden centre to choose your perfect Christmas tree. Real trees will be available from mid-November with artificial trees in stock now.

You will enjoy perusing their unique selection of Christmas decorations in the home department where you will also find Santa in his grotto on selected dates throughout December. Whether it’s just some Brussel sprouts or luxury Christmas puddings that you’re after, place your order in-store and the Suffolk Food Hall team will have it all ready for you so you can avoid the hassle of the supermarkets in the run up to Christmas. To guarantee the best local produce we are taking meat and fish orders now.

Perhaps you need a special present for a teacher at school or a bespoke hamper for a family friend? Gift vouchers can be purchased which can be used across the site and include workshops in the cookery school from Italian, Chinese and bread making to floristry, photography and drawing classes.

So that’s Christmas all wrapped up and all whilst the kids play on the bouncy pillow and have their photo with Santa! A hassle free Christmas for us is at the top of Suffolk Food Halls list. www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk

The Italian Shirt Shop

To treat the man in your life to a very exclusive gift look no further than The Italian Shirt Shop on St Peters Street in Ipswich.

Antonio Bellini opened the shop just over a year ago and with a love of all things Italian spends time traveling to Florence,Bolgna and Naples in order to offer beautifully made, very exclusive high end Italian fashion at very affordable prices. Having purchased every item for sale in the shop himself, Antonio is more than happy to discuss what individual garments he has in store that would either suit your boyfriend, husband or your father. Stepping foot into The Italian Shirt Shop is so much more than just shopping, it’s an experience, a little taste of Italy in St Peters street, and Christmas offers you the perfect opportunity to enjoy this experience whilst purchasing a quality, stylish gift that will be opened and adored. So this Christmas let’s bring to Ipswich some Italian style. www.antoniobellini.com

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Crafty Baba

If you are looking for something rather special to put under the Christmas tree this year, why not have Crafty Baba immortalise your child’s drawings on a cushion cover or tote bag? Dig out those much cherished works of art and bring them to us. We will magically embroider them onto high quality cotton and return it to you in time for the big day. This unique gift costs just £40 and all orders are sent by first class post. For more details, come into our fabric and haberdashery shop at 32 St Peters Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XB, call us on 01473 232791 or visit our website at www.craftybaba.co.uk

Moons Cycles

If you are considering buying a bike or bike accessory for a family member this Christmas then you should pop in to Moons Cycles on Norwich Road Ipswich.

The store is jam packed with Christmas gift ideas suitable for the young cyclist venturing out on their first bike through to the serious competitive cyclist. You don’t have to know exactly what you are looking for when you step into the store, Mike has a wealth of knowledge and experience plus a Raleigh technology touch screen in store to be able to make sure you are happy with and purchasing exactly the right bike or accessory. From Raleigh, Scott, Dawes, Diamondback, Kinesies uk and Claud butler bikes to puncture repair kits and bike racks. From Topeak and BBB accessories to Spiderman helmets and pink girlie bike bags. Mudguards, pumps, locks and lights to cycling clothing, Moon Cycles have it all. They will even maintain and/or repair your bike should you need it in the future as there is a workshop at the back of the store.

So to get you and your loved ones cycling this Christmas call in to Moons Cycles, Norwich Rd Ipswich or visit www.moonscycles.co.uk

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

in association with

GenR8 card scheme, supporting local business

Pamper someone you love this Christmas

Why don’t you pamper someone you love this Christmas with a treatment or gift voucher from Feel Good Therapy Beauty Salon based in Capel St Mary. Not only are there all the lovely beauty and holistic treatments you would expect from a salon such as manicures, pedicures, facials and a variety of massages to choose from, but also as an independent retailer for Neal’s Yard organic products the salon offer a variety of pre-boxed or bespoke Neal’s Yards gifts, all wrapped and ready to be placed under the Christmas tree. If you know the person you wish to pamper would love more than one treatment you could choose from a pick and mix choose 3 treatments and receive 15% off pamper package or a party season pamper package which includes a full body spray tan, Gellux manicure, Gellux pedicure and an eyelash tint, everything you need to dazzle at your Christmas parties. Both packages are ideal as gift ideas and are sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone receiving such an indulgent gift.

You can call in to the salon to discuss the many gift options available or visit the website.

For all information or to choose your gift please visit www.feel-goodtherapy.co.uk or call 01473 745880

The outrageous cake company

For any member of your family who enjoys spending time in the kitchen baking and creating why not consider giving them an Outrageous Cake Academy gift voucher this Christmas. The newly opened Outrageous Cake Academy, based at the Cookhouse, next to Suffolk Food Hall offer gift vouchers that can be used to book on to a variety of workshops and classes suitable for all family members and for all abilities. You could choose from classes such as ‘writing with icing’ or ‘sugar modelling’ to ‘animal cake pops’ and a ‘parent and child under 8yrs workshop’. The Outrageous Cake Academy is run by husband and wife team, Graham and Tina Weare who after gaining decades of experience in making and decorating delicious cakes for all sorts of occasions, started the Outrageous Cake Company.

Also based at the Cookhouse, next to Suffolk Food Hall, it has proved so popular they have now expanded and opened the academy so we can all have fun and enjoy learning the wonderful, and varied art of cake decorating whatever your age. So for an outrageous gift idea visit www.the-outrageous-cake-company.co.uk or pop in, Graham and Tina would be pleased to meet you.

Create your very own Christmas bear at The Bear Garden.

As the cosy nights creep in your little ones will no doubt be cuddling up to their bears at bedtime or on the sofa for family Christmas film nights. Why not treat your children or grandchildren to a new bear friend this Christmas, but not just any bear, a build your own personalised bear from The Bear Garden in Tower Ramparts. The Bear Garden are celebrating their second Christmas in Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre, Ipswich by launching a new Christmas collection which will be loved by the young and not so young over the festive period.

The Truly magical Christmas collection includes well-known characters such as Rudolph, penguins and last year’s number one seller ‘Snowshoe’ the husky as well as some new additions including polar bears, snowmen and our new Elf ‘Jingle’; A joyful little fella sent from the North Pole to join families from 1st December along with a reward chart! With so many unique gift ideas from personalised baby’s 1st Christmas bear T-shirts, take home kits and Maternity bear vouchers plus their very own exclusive range of pyjamas for your bears c/o Nikki Coe from Sew Unique, you’ll be sure to find something for kids from 1 to 92!

The Bear Garden are situated on the top floor of Tower Ramparts and they would love to see you this Christmas or keep up to date by following them on Twitter @ beargardenshop or Facebook www.facebook.com/ thebeargardenipswich

Get Creative this Christmas

If you want to make that special present for someone, buy a unique gift or throw a children’s party this Christmas, then Glass and Craft at Kersey Mill near Hadleigh, is the place to be.

Offering a range of Christmas craft including glass painting, ceramic painting & decopatch Glass & Craft can cater for small families or large groups in their dedicated craft workshop. Bring the children over to create a unique gift for the grandparents or a ‘Santa’s milk glass’ and mince pie plate. Once finished crafting you can always pop on over to the newly refurbished onsite café, The Copper Kettle, for lunch, dinner or just a slice of yummy cake.

See page 14 to grab your money off voucher to use in our craft studio this Christmas!

Christmas Shopping at Glass & Craft

Glass and Craft offer a fantastic range of hand-crafted gifts made by carefully selected local craft makers & artists. From jewelry to knitwear, Christmas glasses to woodcrafts, sweets to Christmas decorations………and much more- it’s all at Glass and Craft this Christmas!

Whether you are looking for a gift for a loved one or stocking fillers for the kids, Glass & Craft have over 30 craft makers & artists who rent craft space to sell their wonderful Christmas goodies.

Visit the website and fully appreciate how Glass and Craft can make Christmas special for you and your family. www.glassandcraft.co.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Christmas Events & Activities Come and see Santa at Tower Ramparts Santa will be here at Tower Ramparts in The Bear Garden on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. Come and bring your little ones along to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Do It Your Elf This year Tower Ramparts are welcoming our very own pop-up ‘Do It Your Elf Machine’. This is a free family event.

Staffed by bright and fun elves, with interactive games and a bespoke set built exclusively for Tower Ramparts, a pop-up ‘Do It Your Elf Machine’ will arrive at the centre; with giant cogs, pullies and all the mechanics necessary for families to come inside and ‘elf themselves’; taking on fun challenges to see if they can be recruited by Santa this Christmas.

Children will also have the chance to craft their own mini-elf to take home with them.

The event will be open from 11am – 4pm on selected dates in December.

Saturday 6th December Saturday 13th December Saturday 20th December

Sunday 21st December Monday 22nd December Tuesday 23rd December

Christmas Opening Hours at Tower Ramparts 24th December Christmas Eve 25th December Christmas Day 26th December Boxing Day 1st January New Year’s Day

Wednesday 24th December

9am to 5.30pm CLOSED 9.00am to 5.30pm CLOSED

Late Night Thursdays Shop until 9pm on Thursdays from 20th November.

Santa visits the Bear Garden The Bear Garden, in Tower Ramparts is very excited to be welcoming Santa in to the shop for meet and greet opportunities on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December and whilst there you can enter their competition to win a sack full of Bear Garden treats. The Bear Garden will also be offering other free events and a colouring competition over the festive period so to keep up to date with their Christmas activities follow them on Twitter @beargardenshop or on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/thebeargardenipswich

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

in association with

The Mermaid Ipswich

Birch Farm Christmas Fayre.

Birch Farm are once again running their very popular Christmas Fayre on Saturday 29th Nov 9am – 2pm. For those of you who enjoyed their summer fayre, or for anyone looking for great Christmas gifts without driving into town then you need to put the date in your diary. There will be many stalls containing Christmas gift ideas for all family members from many local businesses plus the play barn will be open, but it will be looking as you’ve never seen it before. The play barn castle will have magically changed into a Christmas castle where Father Christmas and his elf will be happy to meet your little ones. This could be all of your Christmas gifts including meeting Santa sorted in one outing.

For all Christmas Fayre details please visit www.birchfarm.co.uk

A Victorian Christmas at Christchurch Mansion Explore the Mansion in all its Christmas glory in this full day of free family fun. Meet Victorian characters, learn traditional dances and make simple crafts to take home.

There are drop-in sessions between 10 and 4pm.

Entry to the Mansion is free and for just £3.50 you can meet Santa and receive a gift.

The Mansion is a gem at any time of the year and celebrates over 500 years of history.

Set in a magnificent park, it also houses the biggest collection of Constables outside London in its celebrated Wolsey Art Gallery. The period rooms contain many treasures and there is also a tea room and gift shop. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday - until dusk in the winter.

Why not extend your visit with a short walk across town to Ipswich Museum in High Street? Entry to this magnificent Victorian museum is also free and you can meet the famous woolly mammoth, Wool-I-Am, Rosie the Rhino, the elegant towering giraffe and other wonderful curiosities from the natural world. There is also an intriguing Egyptian Gallery and a great opportunity to find out more about Ipswich’s long and proud history. The Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays and opens at 10am on other days. Both the Museum and the Mansion are owned by Ipswich Borough Council.

THREE MONTHS FITNESS MEMBERSHIP JUST £60

www.ipswich.gov.uk/museums

Santa returns to Kersey Mill Take the children for a unique experience at Kersey Mill, meet Santa and help the elves in the Mill Workshop prepare for Christmas. A truly magical experience every child will remember. A short story around the Christmas tree prepares the children for when they enter the magical workshop (Mill). The elves all working hard can be heard from the upper floors of the Mill. Children will get involved in activities, sing, make reindeer food and of course meet Santa. Chocolates, candy and goodies, milkshake and cookies will be supplied by the Copper Kettle coffee shop at Kersey Mill who will also be open for business during the workshops for mums and dads and everyone to enjoy food and drink from their new menu. The Kersey Mill Santa experience will run every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 28th Nov. until 21st Dec. Tickets need to be booked in advance.

For all workshop times and to book your ticket visit eventbright.co.uk or call Kersey Mill 01473 829317 or pop in to Glass & Craft at Kersey Mill.

See Peter Pan fly at Snape Maltings!

Peter Pan flies for the first time at Snape Maltings Concert Hall when the award-winning Co-op Juniors Theatre Company stage Christmas Spectacular in Neverland from 12 December.

This year, the group celebrate their tenth year at the world-famous Suffolk venue near Aldeburgh, where audiences have been entranced by the show’s scale, range of music and dance, ambitious staging and special effects. The Co-op Juniors Theatre Company plays to packed houses at Snape Maltings, with audiences approaching 10,000.

This year’s show is inspired by the classic story of Peter Pan, given a new twist with an original production featuring the company’s large scale music and dance numbers and a talented 90-strong cast.

• 5 Profiles gyms • 100 fitness classes weekly • Swimming • Racquet sports • Sauna/steam room

the perfect present

Of course, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, Wendy, John and Michael - and a crocodile! - will all be there, and the audience will see characters fly for the first time in the concert hall’s history.

Offer expires December 23rd 2014. Conditions apply.

For more information visit coopjuniors.co.uk To book tickets for Christmas Spectacular in Neverland: Call 01728 687110 or book online aldeburgh.co.uk/spectacular Tickets from £10 to £24, with 12 performances from 12-21 December 2014

www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

13 9

Christmas at The Mermaid Since opening 2 years ago The Mermaid on Yarmouth Rd Ipswich has built up a family friendly environment for you and your family members from the very young to the more mature to enjoy. As Christmas time tends to bring families together why not save yourself time in the kitchen cooking for family by taking your family to eat out in this way while The Mermaids chefs prepare your meal you can sit back, relax and enjoy your family time. From their award winning children’s menu to the fresh variety of the carvery and main menu there is something to suit all tastes at great value.

The new Little Monsters Squad Card means your children can be earning loyalty stickers every time they dine and as kids eat free every Monday-Friday 3pm -7pm it saves you money as well. The Mermaid are also very proud to cater for coeliacs and have their own gluten menu which is continually updated with the recent addition of their giant carrot cake. This Christmas The Mermaid are open throughout the festive season and would be happy to welcome you and your family, for mid-morning coffee and cake, to lunch or dinner or even to join them for their New Years Eve Disco Family Event.

Keep in touch with all Christmas events and promotions by following The Mermaid on Facebook www.facebook.com/Mermaid.Ipswich1

Support EACH and the Great Bear Giveaway This Christmas, Ipswich based companies GenR8 and The Bear Garden are working together to bring joy to children cared for by leading local children’s charity; East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

EACH provides care and support to life-threatened children, young people and their families across Suffolk from The Treehouse; the charity’s hospice in Ipswich. GenR8 and The Bear Garden want to help create special memories and help families share some big Christmas bear hugs by launching Suffolk’s first ‘Great Bear Giveaway’. The aim of the campaign is to provide every child receiving care and support from The Treehouse this Christmas with a special personalised ‘build-your-own’ bear.

So how do you get involved and donate a bear? Throughout November and December, every GenR8 Card sold will fund a ‘build-your-own’ teddy bear for a child.

The GenR8 card costs £15 and not only means you’ll become a member of the GenR8 scheme which offers you a personalised GenR8 Card, valid for unlimited use to receive exclusive discounts at over 75 local businesses for a whole year, but your money-saving purchase will have funded a personalised ‘build-your-own’ bear for a child receiving hospice care this Christmas.

This goal will only be possible with the support of local individuals and families who are passionate about supporting good causes in the Suffolk community. So, if you would like to get involved and help create a special memory this Christmas, please visit www.genr8card.com

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

And Finally

sponsored by

Birch Farm Play Complex & Nursery

Birch Farm Nursery  Quality Assured Full Day Care Nursery  Varied Sessions from 3hrs to Full day 7:30am - 6:30 pm  Impressive indoor and outdoor facilities  15 hours a week FREE termly Preschool care for 3 to 4 yrs  Extra curricula activities from Jo Jingles/Swimming/Ballet For more information contact Sarah or Nick  01473 652249  birchfarm@uk2.net  www.birchfarm.co.uk