Cambridgeshire Nov Dec 2017

Header F R TAKE EE ME HOM E

IN THIS ISSUE

Where to find Father Christmas

Issue 45 November/December 2017 familiesonline.co.uk

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Written and directed by

Simon Egerton

The Key Theatre’s traditional family panto

Book now 7 Dec 2017 - 7 Jan 2018

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Dear Reader,

This Christmas a few things to do that won’t cost a penny: Take time to live well-Eat mince pies-Roast chestnuts-Gather holly-Wear a bobble hat-Read all afternoon-Sing a carol-Find peace and joy-Gather your family together-Watch candles flicker-Smell the pineBe merry-Make tracks in the snow-Feel the glow-Wrap presents-Count your blessings-Bake gingerbread-Walk in the woods-Send cards-Turn off your phone-Snuggle in-Choose a tree-Light a fire-Watch a Christmas filmHang twinkly lights-Enjoy frosty morningsMake time for the simple things this Christmas.

What’s in this issue?

Merry Christmas

@familiesCambMag

4 News and Views : The latest news for parents facebook.com/FamiliesUKCambridgeshire

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

WIN

A FAMILY TICKET TO BEAUTY AND THE BEAST !

KD Theatre Productions are offering readers of Families the chance to win a family ticket to see ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Maltings this December. Celebrating 5 years of professional pantomime in Ely, this ‘Beast’ of a production will feature first class professional performers, stunning sets, lavish costumes and a live band!

Will Fairy Rose be able to weave her magic to help break the curse? For your chance to find out, simply like our Facebook page @FamsCamMag by 15 November 2017.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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7 Pregnancy and Baby News: The latest products and news for new mums 8 What’s On this Christmas: Panto, Ice Skating and Christmas markets 11 Where to find Father Christmas in Cambridgeshire 13 Christmas Gift Guide Families Top picks this December 14 Christmas Clubs and Classes to keep the little ones busy EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Crystal McClean 20,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & Views

FEARS OF WORST FLU SEASON IN HISTORY

The NHS is braced for the worst flu season in its history, amid fears that overcrowded hospitals will be unable to cope.

Simon Stevens said Australia and New Zealand had a “heavy flu season” over their recent winter with many hospitals struggling to deal with demand. He said scientists would re-examine vaccines amid fears that the current jabs may not hold off the infections.

For almost a decade the NHS has escaped a heavy flu season, with the last pandemic in 2009.

Free flu jabs are offered to all over 65s, pregnant women, young children, those with long-term conditions such as asthma and all frontline NHS staff.

The children’s flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray. The vaccine is available free for eligible children, including: children aged two and three; children in reception and school years one, two, three and four (though in some parts of the country, all primary school-aged children will be offered the vaccine), and children aged 2 to 17 with long-term health conditions. Over the next few years the programme will gradually be

extended to include older children.

Your child’s GP or school should contact you about getting your child vaccinated before the winter. If you haven’t heard from your GP by early November 2017, contact them directly.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

1. Avoid close contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2. Stay home when you are sick If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick to prevent risk of spread.

3. Cover your mouth and nose When coughing or sneezing use a tissue.

4. Clean your hands Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Two Languages: Too Much?

Are two languages at a time too much for the mind? In a new study, an international team of researchers reports that bilingual infants as young as 20 months can efficiently and accurately process two languages.

“By 20 months, bilingual babies do not just think that ‘dog’ and ‘chien’ are two versions of the same thing” reports Casey Lew-Williams, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Co-Director of the Princeton Baby Lab in the USA, “they implicitly know that these words belong to different languages.”

“One of the most obvious implications of these results is that we needn’t be concerned that children growing up bilingual will confuse their two languages.”

Lew-Williams suggests that this study also provides a likely explanation of why bilinguals show cognitive advantages across the lifespan.

“We believe that everyday listening experience in infancy…back-andforth processing of two languages - is likely to give rise to the cognitive advantages that have been documented in both bilingual children and adults.”

4 Families Cambridgeshire

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with them, then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

BEST-SELLING ADVENT CALENDAR MAKES A CHRISTMAS COMEBACK A children’s advent calendar that sold out by mid-November last year is back for 2017 - and parents are already signing up to get theirs when it hits the shelves.

The soughtafter calendar from British stationery, gadgets and accessories company Tinc comprises 24 individual boxes, each containing exclusive gifts that can’t be bought in store. This year, the goodies promise to be better than ever

with a combined estimated value of nearly £50. In the past these have included colourful stationery and fingertip crayons.

The calendar is in a colourful sleeve that slides back to reveal the boxes. Images on boxes collectively form a festive scene completed on Christmas Eve, and each box displays a joke. £28 available at Tinc and John Lewis. To join waiting list visit www.tinc.uk.com

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views FOREST BATHING THE NEXT BIG THING!

By spending time actively engaging with nature, we reconnect with the natural world and can gain both mental and physical rejuvenation.

Leave all devices behind.

Go to a forest. Walk slowly.

Breathe. Open all your senses.

Forest Bathing - the medicine of simply being in the forest has become a cornerstone of preventative healthcare in Japan, where a quarter of the population regularly visit one of 48 officially designated Forest Therapy bases.

Though well-known in Japan, such Forest Therapy is little known in Britain. But now there is no need to fly across continents to experience it. Forest Holidays introduced Forest Bathing at their Hampshire and Norfolk locations in September 2017, with more locations across the UK to follow. Their Forest Rangers have

An unforgettable experience this Christmas

undergone extensive training with The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programmes and are set to impart their wisdom to those in need of a de-stressing boost in the woods.

A Forest Bathing experience costs £30 and includes a guided, relaxing forest trail followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with your guide and other guests; the tea is made with foraged plants from the forest!

Weekend breaks in Thorpe Forest, Norfolk, start from £545 for a 2 bedroom cabin.

Call 03330110495 www. forestholidays.co.uk/things-todo/forest-bathing

LIFE CHANGING FOR LEGO LOVERS!

Fed-up of tripping over cars and treading on Lego? Play&Go mats are the answer. Throw on the back of a door or under the bed even pop them in the car for a sleepover.

Clearing up and transporting toys has never been easier. Available in five patterns from block colours to the best-selling road map.

Truly life-changing storage, no more hours spent clearing a toy-strewn floor or asking children not to empty out the Lego box. £29 Five Boys Clothing www. fiveboysclothing.com ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If you’re looking for a family activity that will help make Christmas 2017 one to remember, head to Clip ‘n Climb in Cambridge. This experience helps people of all ages and abilities to feel proud about challenging themselves and literally reaching new heights on Clip ‘n Climb’s 20 unique climbing walls. If you are watching as a parent, you get to feel an amazing sense of pride seeing your children tackle the climbing walls and develop in confidence.

The daring can also take on two Extreme Challenges; balance and bravery is needed to climb up hands free on the Stairway to Heaven; hold your nerve and drop from the top of the Vertical Drop Slide.

The centre includes the Base Camp Café, where you can enjoy delicious drinks, snacks and meals while watching the magic unfold on the climbing arena.

To find our more and to book your session, visit www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

A little bit of hope in a card

Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research.

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via: www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/christmas-cards

EXPLORE LEARNING ARE HELPING YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RECENT SCHOOL PARENT’S MEETINGS!

So you’ve been to a meeting with your child’s teacher and you’ve got an overview of how your child is progressing. But what do you do next to help?

Discuss with your child the feedback from their teacher, they may already be aware of what they need to work on but if they don’t, talk about it. Set a goal together for something they would like to achieve based on feedback and aim to complete this by the end of next term. Make a plan together about how they are going to get there.

For example: You’re told they give up every time they have to learn something new, especially times tables. The goal you come up with together is to have a can-do attitude. familiesonline.co.uk

Steps to getting there could be taking a new set of tables and learning them in small batches. Praise them for the ones they have got right alongside highlighting when they are being positive towards their learning so they know what kind of attitude is expected.

If you’ve set any goals with the teacher, then plan a time to review these. Depending on how the teacher likes to work this could be an email or face to face catch up 6-8 weeks after the initial meeting. Review how things are going and make changes if needed.

You may come away from a meeting and realise you’ve forgotten something or you don’t understand how the school is reporting on progress. Contact the school if you still

have questions, or look on their website as you should find a wealth of information there.

Ask others for help, don’t worry if you don’t understand something or want to know what others are doing. Lots of people will be in the same position so talk to fellow parents for advice. Alternatively, there are some great advice websites like www.theschoolrun.co.uk and www.oxfordowl.co.uk or if you have a tutor, talk to them. At Explore Learning our tutors always help parents when they need advice and will take into account your child’s recent reports and feedback when tailoring their learning. Never be afraid to ask, there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your child’s learning!

Families Cambridgeshire 5

We’re giving them the confidence to tackle the new school year fearlessly!

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

6 Families Cambridgeshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Pregnancy & Baby News IT’S OFFICIAL RUNNY EGGS BACK ON THE MENU! Pregnant women, babies and elderly people can now enjoy dippy eggs again for the first time since the 1980s - as long as they have the British Lion mark.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) changed its advice in October 2017 on eggs, confirming that British Lion eggs are safe to be eaten runny, and even raw, by vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant women and elderly people. These groups can now enjoy the nutritional benefits of eggs, without having to fully cook them.

The new advice follows a year-long risk assessment by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food and is the result of extensive food safety measures introduced within the British Lion Code of Practice since its launch in 1998.

Andrew Joret, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, which runs the British Lion scheme, welcomed the new advice: “This is a real success story for the UK egg industry. Our producers have maintained the highest standards for two decades to ensure the superior safety of British Lion eggs and we are delighted that FSA has now confirmed that these eggs are safe enough for even vulnerable

familiesonline.co.uk

groups to eat runny or even raw.

“We know that the previous advice has deterred many women from eating eggs when pregnant, and from giving them to their babies, as well as denying older people the pleasure and nutritional benefits of a ‘dippy egg’ and home-made mousses and mayonnaise.”

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: “The major reduction in the risk of salmonella in Lion eggs is testament to the work carried out by egg producers. The measures they’ve taken, from vaccination of hens through to improving hygiene on farms and better transportation, have dramatically reduced salmonella levels in UK hens.”

Dr Juliet Gray, registered nutritionist, said: “The new advice is very welcome news.

Eggs are highly nutritious, containing many key nutrients including high quality protein, vitamin D, selenium, iodine, choline and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are particularly important for many vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, babies and elderly people and several of them are not found in many other foods.”

Wonder Wagon

Hape seek to inspire play, learning and exploration of the world. The recently launched Wonder Wagon is great to help develop dexterity and hand-eye coordination as your little one goes on his or her journey of finding first steps. Advanced walkers can add toys to the wagon to push and pull to give more resistance and build strength.

Plus it’s safe for passengers to ride or haul and store toys. Suitable for children from 12 months. £85.99 from Amazon.

★★★★★

Families Cambridgeshire 7

W hat’s Ocens to pla Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

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ire

Sledging and IceSliding

WHEN? November & December

WHERE? SnoZone, Milton Keynes

Christmas Craft Fair WHERE? Wimpole Estate,

Cambridge 10.00 - 17.00 WHEN? 11 & 12 November Find unique and unusual presents with dedicated food selling area. Enjoy mulled wine and tasty mince pies in Stable Block. £4 under 14s FREE 01223 206 000 wimpolehall@ nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate

The North Pole Ice Rink

WHERE? Cambridge

WHEN? November & December:

9.00 - 20.30 - Open every day during festive break except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Perfect attentionfocusing exercise for everyone in a unique, fun setting with structured sessions and varied activities. www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

Winter Art & Craft Fair WHEN? Until 23 December

WHERE? St Neots Museum Offering the chance to buy original handmade gifts for Christmas from local makers, crafters and artists. www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk

WHEN? 17 - 19 November:

10.00 - 17.00 With a warming glass of punch, stroll in comfort around the show. Live music, excellent craft demonstrators, food halls and Christmas presents.

Adults £7.00, children £2, under 5s FREE www.craft-show.co.uk

Christmas Gift & Food Fair

WHERE? Ely Cathedral WHEN? 17 & 18 November Gifts,

accessories and decorations to complete your festive ensemble.

With cookery demonstrations, outdoor ‘street food fest’, indoor food hall, vintage carousel, reindeer and elves!

Adult £4 under 16s FREE www.elycathedral.org

To be guaranteed a white Christmas visit the SnoZone, covered in real snow all year round; offering a world of fun!

From 2 years + From £14.99 www.snozoneuk.com

Clip’n Climb

Sandringham Christmas Crafts, Food and Gifts

WHERE? Parker’s Piece, Cambridge WHEN? 17 November - 8 January Bigger and better than ever before, the North Pole promises a chilled-out winter festival vibe with street food, seasonal entertainment and all the fun of the fair. For further information, join the conversation at #winterishere and be inspired by the event’s Facebook (The North Pole), Twitter (@NorthPoleCambr) and Instagram pages (@ thenorthpolecambridge).

Tickets on sale now.

Adult £11.50: Child £9.50 www.thenorthpolecambridge. co.uk

Christmas Bazaar

WHEN? 9 December: 12.00 -

16.00

WHERE? Little Paxton Village Hall,

St. Neots Lots of stalls, crafts, games, refreshments & Santa’s Grotto.

Adults 30p Children FREE

Mill Road Winter Fair, Cambridge

WHEN? 2 December: 10.30-16.30

A fantastic day of delicious food, entertainment, community, creativity and fun in Cambridge’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood. FREE www.millroadwinterfair.org

Great Fen Wildlife Watch Group

WHERE? Ramsey Heights Countryside Centre WHEN? 18 November: 10.00 12.00 Make bird feeders, natural decorations and bug hotels to attract the wildlife in your garden.

For 8-12 year olds. Contact Alistair to book your place! £2 www.wildlifebcn.org alistair.rose@wildlifebcn.org

WHERE? Market Square, Ely WHEN? 26 November

11.00 start Take part in the 5km fun run through the historic city. Fancy dress optional but encouraged!

Adults £12.50; Children £8; On the day £15 www.arhc.org.uk/ely-festive-5k. asp

Histon Handmade Christmas WHEN? 25 November:

12.00 - 19.00

WHERE? St Andrew’s Centre

Contemporary Design and Craft Fair featuring local artists and designer/makers for a magical show of work in the run up to Christmas. www.facebook.com/ histonhandmade

Papworth Hospital Charity Carol Service WHEN? 2 December: 11.00

WHERE? Ely Cathedral Festive cheer with traditional carols and readings to raise vital funds for Papworth Hospital.

Carols to be led by the Ely Cathedral Octagon Singers.

01353 660349 email: box. office@elycathedral.org www.elycathedral.org

Christmas Fair

WHERE? Ferry Meadows, Nene Park WHEN? 25 - 26 November: 10.00 - 17.00 Christmas craft and attractions, with live music from the Salvation Army Band. www.neneparktrust. cloudvenue.co.uk

Bounce Trampoline Park WHERE? Peterborough

WHEN? November & December UK’s 1st and original venue, offering

100+ interconnected trampolines. Ideal for 3+ years and people of all fitness levels. With Dodgeball Court, Slam Dunk Area, Foam Pit, Airbag Jump, Touch Walls, Gladiator Pits and Tumble Tracks! Monthly Adult Night’s as well as Reboot Fitness programme. Great for parties, school and corporate outings!

From £4.99/hr www.bouncegb.com

8 Families Cambridgeshire

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Fun Run

Sing-a-long-a Beauty and the Beast WHEN? 3 December: 14.00 & 19.00 WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange See Disney’s brand new adaptation of the iconic fairy tale with onscreen lyrics so you can sing along with Emma Watson, Ewan McGregor and Emma Thompson. With a pre-show voice warm up!

Adult £17.25; Child £12.75 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/ cornex/events familiesonline.co.uk

Families Fun The Magical Christmas Santa Show

WHEN? 20 - 22 December WHERE? The Kempen Room, The

Rapunzel

WHEN? 5- 31 December WHERE? Cambridge Junction

A hair-raising family show.

Expect a brush with danger, delight and dreadlocks as the much loved (pony) tale by the Brothers’ Grimm is given a fresh twist. Award-winning Dancing Brick return with live music, physical comedy and their signature bold theatrical style.

5+. £15.50 www.junction.co.uk Fre

e!

Crib Service

WHEN? 24 December: 15.00 WHERE? Church Farm,

Nr Downham Market A service telling the Christmas story with lots of carols, lasting 25 minutes, with everyone seated in barn on bed of straw. Shop, café and rest of farm will be closed. FREE www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk

Swan Lake, St Petersburg Classic Ballet WHEN? 1 January 2018

WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange Tchaikovsky’s tragic tale of love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score. The epic story of Prince Siegfried and Odette who, tricked by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart and his daughter Odile, would rather die together than live apart. Boasts impressive technique, exquisite artistry and bold production with an air of magic; everything to take your breath away!

From £17.75 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk

Enchanted Audley End

December Must have image WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exchange Join intrepid Jack on the adventure of a lifetime as he scampers boldly up the beanstalk to do battle with Giant Blunderbore. (Relaxed showing on 20 December, 6.30pm). £15.00 to £21.50 01553 764864 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk

Strings of lanterns and fairy lights lead to a magical wonderland.

With traditional fairground, mince pies, mulled wine and shopping.

Adult £12.00; Child £7.50 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ enchanted

WHEN? 8 - 31

WHEN? 15 - 23 December:

16.30 - 21.00

WHERE? Audley End

Maltings Ely Join Santa and Ellie The Elf in as they try to get everything ready in time for Christmas. They need your help! £8/£11 www.kdtheatre.co.uk/whatson boxoffice@kdtheatre. co.uk or 01353 725026

Beauty and the Beast WHEN? 22

December 14 January WHERE? The Maltings, Ely Celebrating 5 years of pantomime in Ely, this ‘Beast’ of a production tells the story of Beauty as she becomes the Beast’s prisoner in order to save her father. Beauty soon realises the Beast is not all that bad, but are her feelings strong enough to keep the Beast alive from the wicked curse?

From £12 Box office 01638 781037 www.kdtheatre.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty

WHEN? 7 December - 7 January WHERE? Key Theatre

Peterborough The Key Theatre Pantomime returns with an all singing, all dancing month of music and madness! This is the story of Sleeping Beauty - the enchanting tale of true love, princesses and princes. £10-18.50 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com Fre

e!

Christmas Shopping at the Manor House

WHEN? 8 December: 15.00 -

19.00

WHERE? Broadstreet, Cambourne

Enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie, helping the Wildlife Trust celebrate the season. Purchase Christmas Gifts and have a little family fun.

FREE www.wildlifebcn.org familiesonline.co.uk

NSPCC Children’s Charity Christmas Party WHEN? 10 December WHERE? Upwell Village Hall,

Upwell- Wisbech 11.00 - 13.00 Entertainment by Steve Sausage with small gift from Father Christmas, hot dog for lunch and chance to win great prizes.

3-11 years.

Tickets £10.00 advance booking only. Lucy at 07921 238529 Families Cambridgeshire 9

PMB Presentations presents

The

Nutcracker Swan Lake Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

“Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet is the real Russian deal. Natalia Romanova is entrancing... her dancing appears effortless and her poise is perfect�

Sheffield Star

NUTCRACKER Sat 30 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sun 31 Dec 2.30pm SWAN LAKE Mon 1 Jan 2pm & 7pm

www.cornex.co.uk Box Office 01223 357851

10 Families Cambridgeshire

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Families Fun Santa’s Grotto

WHEN? 9 November -

24 December WHERE? Maize Maze Skylark Garden Centre, March Enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas at Skylark Garden Centre each weekend.

Meet Father Christmas and his busy elves in his wonderful grotto.

Go into the Toy Shop to choose a gift. Then enjoy a real nativity scene with live animals! £14.99 www.skylark-events. co.uk/christmas

Santa’s at Wyevale Garden Centre WHEN? 18 November -

24 December

WHERE? Huntingdon

Take your little diggers along to visit Santa’s Grotto at weekends in November and throughout December. They can also join him for breakfast or tea and decorate a festive biscuit, plus gift. With trees and shopping too, there’s every reason to visit! Booking recommended. www.wyevalegardencentres. co.uk

WHERE TO FIND

Father Christmas The Elf Express

WHEN? 19 November -

24 December WHERE? Scotsdales, Great Shelford With the help of the Christmas Elves and Rudolph you will be transported to a magical winter wonderland with the chance to meet and have your photo taken with Father Christmas himself.

Pre-booking recommended.

Child £10; Adult £4 www.scotsdalegardencentre. co.uk

Santa Specials

WHEN? 3, 9, 10, 16 December

WHERE? Fenland Light Railway,

Ramsey-Mereside Enjoy a train ride round the track, then visit Santa in his grotto to collect a present. Take the train back and enjoy seasonal refreshments. Booking essential. £7.20 per child (one adult free) www.fenlandlightrailway.co.uk

A Magical Christmas Experience WHEN? 25 November - 24

December

WHERE? Audley End Miniature

Railway Take the Santa Express deep into the woods of the Audley End Estate where you will arrive at Father Christmas’s Winter Wonderland! You will meet the big man himself, along with his VERY cheeky Elves, receive a special gift and also watch a crazy Christmas Dance! From £10 www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

WHEN? 25 November 24 December WHERE? Nene Valley Railway, Stibbington. From £14.00 Arrive an hour early to meet Father Christmas in his log cabin, where each child receives a special present. Then join train for a 50 minute ride to Peterborough and back. Children enjoy a drink and chocolates. Adults receive a mince pie with drink. Booking essential.

01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk

An Audience with Father Christmas WHEN? 25 November -

23 December

WHERE? Audley End House and

Gardens, Saffron Walden Join in the festive fun and meet Father Christmas at weekends as he tells tales of Christmas past amidst the yuletide decorations.

Lucky visitors will even get a festive treat!

Pre-book £4 per child www.english-heritage.org.uk/ audley 0370 333 1181

Santa and Real Reindeer

WHEN? 26 November 23 December WHERE? Twenty Pence Garden Centre, Ely Real reindeer all day 2 December only. Santa will be in his grotto at weekends plus extra dates closer to Christmas. Christmas donkeys on 9 December; to feed or ride!

Some days drop-in others need to be booked. Check website for other events, such as breakfast with Santa or tea with Pirates! £6 www.twentypence.co.uk

Father Christmas at Church Farm

WHEN? 30 November 23 December WHERE? Stowbardolph Nr Downham Market Thursday - Sunday and 18-23 December. Father Christmas will be in his magical woodland retreat; no need to book, just turn up for a warm welcome from the white bearded gentleman and his elf. Visit the “real life” nativity scene with resident animals in starring roles!

Child £9.50 01366 382162 www. churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

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Santa Specials

Santa at Sacrewell

WHEN? 1 - 24 December

WHERE? Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough Each Santa visit includes a present for the children and Christmas themed crafts. Other activities including Christmas crafts, tractor rides around the farm, and marshmallow toasting by campfire are also taking place. Also opportunity to take breakfast with Santa!

Pre-bookings only.

From £7.50 www.sacrewell.org.uk/events/ christmas-at-sacrewell/

Santa’s Grotto Brampton WHEN? 2 - 24 December WHERE? Frosts Garden Centre

Enter Santa’s magical wonderland, sing with his bashful elves and then make some reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. The adventure continues into Santa’s living room where you will listen to an enchanted story read by Santa himself. Chance for photo too.

Booking recommended.

Child £13.99; Adult £4.99 www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk

Christmas Grotto

WHEN? December weekends WHERE? Shepreth Wildlife Park

Father Christmas and his merry elves will be spreading cheer and giving out presents! Each child will have 5 minutes with Father Christmas and receive a special gift.

From £8.95 www. sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 11

THE NORTH POLE CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL RETURNS

FESTIVE FUN

FOR EVERYONE! 17TH NOVEMBER 2017 – 8TH JANUARY 2018 Large ice rink Family fairground rides Alpine Lodge Pop up food For more information

www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk

Families Gift Guide 1.

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1. Snuggly Rascals Children’s Headband Headphones

£14.99, www.snugglyrascals.com 2. Ticket to Ride Board Game £32.99, Amazon 3. Play in a Box £12.99, National Theatre Bookshop 4. Unicorn Night Light £9.99, Firebox.com 5. Hasbro Chatty Charlie, the Barkin’ Beagle £59.99, Argos 6. Star Wars Illumi-Mate Colour Changing Light

£6.99 Tesco, Wilkinson 7. Simbrix Kits £18, Amazon 8. Air Wars Battle Drones £79.99, Argos and Smyths 9. Lightshow Heliball £20, Hawkin’s Bazaar 10. RC Cyklone 360 £20, Hawkin’s Bazaar 11. Mover Kit £59.99, John Lewis 12. Virtuali-Tee £25, Curiscope 13. Playmobil Pony Farm £39.99, Playmobil 14. Playmobil Hiccup and Toothless £29.99, Playmobil 15. The Mighty Mountain Amazon, £139.99

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15.

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4+ familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 13

W hat’s On

es Clubs and class rt, o p S Drama, Music, ... and Education

do so me th ing to as th is C hr is tm Elite Swimming Academy Crash Courses WHERE? Kings Hedges Learner Pool and St John’s College School WHEN? 18 - 22 December £100 Max 3 per class for children between 3 and 11 yrs; from complete beginners to established swimmers. All courses run in 30 min intervals between 9 - 11am. www.eliteswimmingacademy. co.uk

Perform: Drama, Dance & Singing

WHERE? Hills Road Sports Centre & Newnham Croft Primary School For 4-12s, to boost confidence and concentration. This autumn, 4-7s have been venturing Under the Sea while 7-12s have been working the rocktastic fairytale adaptation, Cinderella Rocks.

FREE trial session 020 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk

LEADA Drama Classes

WHERE? Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech Creative, improvised acting to free children’s imagination, develop self-expression, confidence and to have lots of fun. ACT NOW! Call 07523 712633 or go to www.leada.biz

Eden Dance

WHERE? Chesterton Sports Centre, Cambridge Encouraging students of all ages and skill levels to express themselves through music and movement, improving confidence. Ballet classes weekday evenings and Saturdays for 3 - 18 year olds.

Call for prices. 01223 778655 www.edendance.co.uk

Razzamataz

WHERE? CRC Sports Centre, Cambridge Ideal for kids aged 4-18 with an interest in performing arts, where welfare of students is core. Different styles of drama, dance and singing with a focus on building confidence, self-esteem and fitness as well as having fun! cambridge@razzamataz.co.uk Emma Louise 01223 755113

Oxford & Cambridge Singing School

Skaters indoor entertainment for all ages

WHERE? Mill Road, Wisbech WHEN? From Friday Groovy Tots session (no skates) to afterschool, home education and family skating sessions, there is entertainment for everyone; on skates and off! From £3 www.wisbechskaters.co.uk 01945 882048

Rugbytots

WHERE? Ely and Cambridge From £7.50 session Energetic coaches support kids aged 2 - 7 in a fun, structured way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Sessions held afternoons and Saturdays. www.rugbytots.co.uk 0345 313 0446

WHERE? St Catherine’s College, Cambridge WHEN? 20 - 22 December: 9.00 - 15.30 £135 Includes whole-group singing, musical games and exercises to improve sight reading and small group vocal coaching with a singing coach. Every care will be taken to provide age and experience-appropriate tuition. www.oxbridgesingingschool. co.uk

Rock Stars Climbing

WHERE? Clip’n Climb, Cambridge WHEN? £60 per half-term Based on the programme run in New Zealand with a Cambridge spin. Perfect attention-focussing exercise for 4-11 year olds.

Unique, fun afterschool exertion with structured sessions and varied activities. www.clipnclimbcambridge. wordpress.com/about/rocksstars-climbing-club

THE SUGAR ARTIST WHERE? Emneth, Wisbech Small, friendly classes to learn the essential skills for creating a wide range of beautiful flowers and sugar modelling. Regular cookie and cake decorating workshops for children 8 yrs +.

Contact for further information. www.the-sugar-artist.co.uk joanna@the-sugar-artist.co.uk

Please mention Families Cambridgeshire when booking

Holiday courses for children aged 7–13 who love to sing. A unique opportunity to learn about and perform Christmas carols & festive music with a dedicated team of world class coaches.

20TH- 22nd December 2017 St Catharine's College CAMBRIDGE www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk 14 Families Cambridgeshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas Clubs & Classes

An Unforgettable Experience This Holiday

STAGECOACH DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING

WHERE? Coleridge Campus, Parkside Federation, Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing, helping develop confidence. Classes for 4 - 16 years. No experience needed just enthusiasm. www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge or call 01223 359974

KD Academy

Reboot Family Fitness

WHERE? Ely & Soham

WHERE? Bounce Indoor Trampoline Park, Peterborough WHEN? Mondays 19.00-20.00 From £99.98 for 10 sessions Want to get fit but don't have childcare? Or do you simply want to have fun with the kids whilst exercising? Reboot Family Fitness lets the whole family join in!

Children aged 7+. www.bouncegb.com

Kids inspired by latest KD Theatre panto? Sign them up to the Saturday school which provides performing arts training for those aged 3-16 in such classes as Singing Technique, Acting, Jazz Dance, Variety Class, Audition Technique and more. www.kdtheatre.co.uk

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www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk Bring this voucher with you when you visit

Clip ‘n Climb to receive a free go on one of our Free Voucher for Extreme Challenges (Vertical Drop Slide or Readers of Families two Stairway to Heaven).

Terms and conditions: Only valid with a paid for climbing session. One free go per voucher.

Minimum height for both Extreme Challenges is 120 cm. Voucher valid until 31st January 2018.

ad 93 x 135mm Christmas Holidays 2018.indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk

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