Families Cambridgeshire November December 2016

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Cambridgeshire NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE #39

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO ALADDIN

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01786 473 508

KD Theatre Productions Ltd. in association with

present

HUNTINGDON COMMEMORATION HALL 9th - 18th Dec 2016 01480 455167 | www.huntingdonpantomime.com

THE MALTINGS, ELY RIVERSIDE 22 Dec 2016 - 15 Jan 2017 www.kdtheatre.co.uk 01638 781037

INSIDE: HOMEMADE GIFTS – WHERE TO FIND FATHER CHRISTMAS

THE KEY THEATRE PRESENTS

Written by Brad Fitt Additional material, music & lyrics and directed by Simon Egerton

1st December 2016 - 8th January 2017 Peterborough’s original and best, traditional family pantomime - plus a 10 piece show band!

The purr-fect Christmas treat for all the family

Book your seats NOW on 01733 207 239 or visit vivacity-peterborough.com

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

What’s in this issue?

The countdown to Christmas has begun and to help save you time when planning your annual festive days out and visits to Father Christmas take a look at our ‘Whats On’ pages for lots going on in Cambridgeshire and check out the website where there are even more things to do, including Firework displays and Christmas Light switch on dates. www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/south-cambridgeshire Don’t forget to mention Families when booking an event.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas time.

4/5 News and Views 7

The latest Pregnancy advice, baby products and news for new mums.

Quote of the day ‘If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.’

By Roald Dahl £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

A FAMILY TICKET TO ALADDIN...

Join The Maltings Theatre Ely for a Magic Carpet ride all the way to Old Peking for this year’s traditional family pantomime, ‘Aladdin’. Brought to you by KD Theatre Productions, this pantomime will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter! With a cast of professionally trained performers, live musicians and brand new dazzling sets and costumes, this pantomime is not to be missed!

The pantomime which is sponsored by Cheffins will run from the 22nd December 2016- 15th January 2017. www.kdtheatre. co.uk or 01638 781037.

To enter visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/ local/north-cambridgeshire

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’

17,000 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.

8/9 What’s On

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or

WIN!

regnancy & Baby P News

11 W here to find Father Christmas We have selected a few of the places in Cambridgeshire that Father Christmas will be visiting.

13 H omemade Christmas gifts 15 T he gift of reading this Christmas Help your child to read well, written by the Head of English, at St Faiths.

17 H ow much stress is too much?

Alison Banks helps us spot the signs of stress in our children.

19 H ow to teach your child to listen Cambridgeshire parenting coach Jane Rogers tells us how to teach our children to listen.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Kevin Pickett kevin@kp-design.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk LISTINGS EDITOR: Hayley Bryant assistant@familiescambridrideshire.co.uk

the sugar artist Come and learn the art of making beautiful Christmas Sugarcraft modelling in a friendly relaxed atmosphere Joanna Gamble: 07415 121 654 joanna@the-sugar-artist.co.uk www.the sugar artist.co.uk

Swedish design with comfort, style & quality

www.meandi.com NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2016

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News & views

Tooth checkups at lowest level The British Dental Association (BDA) says that the number of children having annual dental checkups has fallen to an all time low.

They also said that 40% of children did not have a checkup last year.

Checkups are a vital way to prevent tooth decay.

Poor dental health can lead to children needing fillings and extractions, and tooth decay is one of the main reasons children need to visit the hospital.

The BDA suggests that children should see a dentist at least once a year. Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 10% increase in children needing hospital admission.

The BDA’s chair Henrik OvergaardNielsen said: ““It’s clear we have a problem when one in three children are missing out on free dental treatment.

“NHS dentistry has been left to fend for itself, without investment, a strategy, or any attempt at public education.

“These numbers are a national embarrassment, and will not budge until ministers change tack.”

He also commented: “We need a concerted effort to get parents, health professionals and government on the same page.”

Helmets proven safer than you think ENCOURAGE YOUR FAMILY TO STICK WITH BIKE HELMETS A study of bike helmet use has found that the wearing of a bicycle crash helmet reduces your risk of a serious head injury by 70% - and your risk of a fatal head injury by 65%.

The same study also said that neck injuries are not caused by, or made worse by, wearing helmets.

Statisticians Prudence Creighton and Jake Olivier from Australia’s University of New South Wales took data from 40 studies to come up with their findings and presented their results at Safety 2016 in Finland.

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Button batteries a serious health risk to children NUMBER OF HOSPITAL VISITS DRAMATICALLY RISES Great Ormond Street Hospital has warned parents about the dangers of button batteries as the number of children admitted to hospital after swallowing them has dramatically risen.

The hospital says that on average, they treat one child every month for swallowing one of the tiny batteries, often used in electronic toys, hearing aids, watches and calculators. They can cause terrible health problems, including burning through tissue if

they become stuck in the oesophagus, which can happen within as little as 15 minutes.

Children have had to endure operations to remove the batteries and there is also a danger of death if the acid erodes a blood vessel.

Parents should watch for danger signs such as vomiting, difficulties in swallowing, choking and chest infections. If you think your child may have swallowed a battery, you should take your child to the hospital immediately.

Swedish design for you and your children If you’re looking for a top-quality alternative to high street clothing for you and the children, we have recently discovered me&i clothing, a Swedish brand that make clothing with a unique design and comfortable fit for babies, children and ladies. The characteristic cool prints and playful designs will cheer you up and brighten everyone’s day!

Using high quality, soft and durable materials, me&i are committed to sustainable, toxin-free production. And not only do the clothes retain their fit and colour, wash after wash, they are some of the most comfortable clothes you’ll ever wear!

The ladies range is stylish, elegant and looks great on all sizes. Classic designs that are on trend, but will last for more than one season. Many of the ladies’ clothes match the children’s in both pattern and colour.

Kids and parents alike love that playfulness!

You can buy online, or contact me&i

consultant Irena Rao; you’ll really appreciate the quality of the clothes if you see and feel them up close (plus you’ll definitely want to try on the ladies range!). So the best way to view them is to arrange a little gettogether with some friends - coffee morning, afternoon play-date or girls’ night in - and have a relaxed browse from the comfort of your own home. It’s a fun and easy way to shop and socialise at the same time.

There is absolutely no obligation to purchase at a me&i party, and to thank you there is a choice of exclusive hostess gifts and a range of discounts and offers.

To find out more, make an order, request a brochure or book a party get in touch with Irena at irena.rao@meandi.eu or call 07876 132631. You can join her Facebook group for the latest news and offers www. facebook.com/groups/meandirenarao or find out more about the brand and order online at www.meandi.com

News & views

A magical gift this Christmas For a gift with a difference why not give a personalised present this year with Labels4Kids. They have a wide range of gifts with everything from personalised boot bags and LEGO® keyrings to personalised adventure from Paw Patrol, Disney Frozen and Spiderman. Have your child’s name printed throughout the book as they become part of an exciting adventure story. A magical gift that will be treasured forever.

All gifts are made to order and take between 2-3 weeks for delivery so order soon. www.labels4kids. com or call 01786 473 508

Send a message that makes a difference this Christmas This Christmas Brain Tumor Research have a range of cards available. Sending cards is the perfect way to show you are thinking of someone during the festive season. Christmas is so often a time to reflect on the significant connections in our lives and a personal card or note is a thoughtful touch that will always be appreciated If you think you could sell some Christmas cards, Brain Tumour Research would love to send you a box of cards to sell at your school, club, workplace or local Christmas fair. They will be sent to you on a sale or return basis so anything you don’t sell simply return along with any money raised. 50% of the proceeds will go towards the charity.

Visit the website for more information www.braintumourresearch.org/ christmascards, or to order call 01908 867200 or email supportercare@ braintumourresearch.org. Or buy online www.ebay.co.uk/usr/braintumourresearch

Home from home at Chilly Powder Planning ahead for your next winter holiday?

Then Chilly Powder is worth a look. Francesca, Paul and their 3 children - Ben, Eloise & Jamie Eyre - live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski holiday for families, couples or mixed groups in relaxed luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities.

Chilly Powder has been operating catered chalet ski holidays since 1996. The genuine ski to the door location of their 3 luxury catered

ski chalets offer unrivalled in-house childcare facilities provided in their own crèche, which sets them apart from other ski chalets in Morzine.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, there is an outdoor hot tub, sauna and massage room. The ski chalets are unique in Morzine for small or large groups or for individual families with children or babies.

The excellent food, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere in the chalets make Chilly Powder Morzine the perfect winter holiday destination. www.chillypowder.com

Stamp out bullying National Anti-Bullying month takes place 31st October – 30th November. This year’s theme is Power for good. The Anti-Bullying Week website is packed with resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops and short films on how to survive bullying. Why not take part in their Anti-Bullying Competition ‘Power for Good’ is an exciting opportunity for children to get involved in Anti-Bullying month by designing a gadget, drawing a picture, writing a story, song or poem, taking a photo, or shooting a film or documentary. Entries can be fun, entertaining, serious, creative, colourful or futuristic, so get stuck in now for the chance to win a prize of up to £300.

Bullying can happen to anyone at any age and at any time. National Anti-Bullying Week recommends ChildLine as an excellent resource on how to spot bullying, possible reasons of why bullying occurs and suggestions on how to stop it.

ChildLine offers free support 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or www.childline.co.uk. Find out more about bullying and how to stop it, as well as everything you need to know about Anti-Bullying Week at www.antibullyingweek.co.uk.

The National Young Mathematicians’ Awards Return Primary schools from across the UK are invited to put forward their four brightest mathematical minds as Explore Learning’s National Young Mathematicians’ Awards has returned! This year is set to be bigger than ever as TV presenter, author and broadcaster Stefan Gates has become the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards Ambassador.

New research reveals that the nation’s ‘maths phobia’ is in decline with only 18% of parents saying they found maths intimidating and almost a quarter went as far as to declare their love for the subject (24%)! Teams will be invited to an Explore Learning Centre on the 8th, 9th or 10th of November to compete in the first knock out round. The victors will then go through to the semi-final on the 23rd November when the highest scoring schools will battle it out for a place at the grand final on 7th December.

Children’s Christmas party in aid of NSPCC Following the success of last year’s NSPCC Christmas party, this December 4th the NSPCC Christmas party is back in Upwell Hall, (near Wisbech) 11am – 1pm, to raise money for the children’s charity and provide some festive fun for the little ones. Experienced Jonny Jaffacake will be this year’s party entertainer. All children will receive a small gift from Father Christmas, hot dogs for lunch and get the chance to win a family ticket to Skating on ice at Parkers Piece among many other great prizes.

There will be stalls for adults plus tea, coffee and mince pies on sale.

Tickets cost £10.00 per child for children aged 3-11 years. Tickets are only available in advance and not on the door. Parents must stay with their children.

To book your tickets call 01945 773013 or 07921238529 or email littledesie@icloud.com

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An HMC Independent Co-educational Day School for Pupils Aged 4-18

An all-round education that

inspires...

PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Thursday 17 November 9.30 - 11.00

Saturday 28 January 10.00 - 12.00

To register or to find out more, please contact the Admissions Team:

01945 586750 6

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Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com

MagdaleneHousePrep.com

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2016

Baby News

97% drop in infant deaths thanks to box Mums at the Queen Charlotte & Chelsea Hospital will get a sturdy cardboard box and a mattress for baby’s first eight months. The small size compared to a Moses basket is thought to prevent babies rolling onto their tummies, believed to be a factor in SIDS. Finland has seen a drop from 65 deaths per 1,000 births to two as a result of using them.

Top 5 tips to reduce SIDS risk 1. Always place a baby on his or her back to sleep.

2. Use a firm sleep surface, such as a

For more than 75 years, Finland’s expectant mothers have been given a Baby Box by the state that serves as a starter kit for their new baby. It contains clothes, blankets, and other newborn necessities, and the Baby Box itself-which is lined with a mattress--is used as the child’s first bed. The Baby Box program has helped Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. The Finish-style baby boxes are now being trialed in the UK.

mattress in a safety-approved Baby Box, crib or bassinet.

3. Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, couch, on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.

4. Keep soft objects – toys, crib bumpers, and loose bedding--out of your baby’s sleep area.

5. Embrace a healthy lifestyle. Get regular prenatal care during pregnancy and don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy or after the baby is born For more tips on how to reduce SIDS visit the website www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/ south-cambridgeshire

Giving chocolate to babies – is it okay?

Babymoov’s nutritionist, Julia Wolman, provides some valuable advice on giving the nation’s favourite sweet treat – chocolate – to your little one.

The sugar issue - Current weaning advice recommends that you avoid giving sugary foods such as chocolate to babies during their first year. Not only are sugary foods harmful to tiny teeth but they can also be quite filling for tiny tummies and, if given between meals, could reduce your baby’s appetite for – and acceptance of - nutritious foods during the important weaning period.

No food is forbidden - From 12-months, toddler diets typically start to include more sugary foods, for example, at birthday parties.

Occasional exposure to chocolate and other treat foods from one year is fine, as long as your little one doesn’t get used to it as a part of their everyday diet.

There is little guidance for food portion sizes

for babies. However, the Infant and Toddler Forum* provides guidance for one to four year olds, suggesting that a suitable portion of chocolate for this age group is 2-4 squares of chocolate, ½ - 1 chocolate coated biscuit, or 6-8 small chocolate buttons. The portion range is indicative of different ages and appetites from one child to the next and for babies would of course be smaller.

Preferable to sweets - If you had to choose between sweets or chocolate for your baby, chocolate would be a better choice since it contains some milk and therefore provides a little calcium. Darker chocolate also contains some iron, an important micro-nutrient for young children. Sweets on the other hand offer nothing but sugar and, if in contact with the teeth for a long time (as with lollies or chewy sweets), could contribute to tooth decay.

Never as a reward - If you do give your baby or toddler chocolate, it should not be as a reward for good behaviour. Foods given as a reward can be perceived as having a higher value than other foods. Instead, give chocolate as part of a dessert alongside other healthier foods such as fruit or yoghurt.

Cuddledry your new born Cuddledry’s award-winning handsfree apron towel is a must-have for any new parent and the beautiful unisex grey design with a subtle star Families trim is TRIED& very much TESTED on trend right now.

Winning no less than ten awards we put it to the test ourselves, our new mum to baby Olivia age 3 months said: ‘The towel is so silky soft yet dried well too, and I would give it a 10 out of 10 for comfort, warmth and softness. It was lovely to pick Olivia up and wrap her up right away for a cuddle instead of having to lay her on the cold hard floor first, and I didn’t get wet!”

The Cuddledry towel is available to buy for £29.99 from Mothercare, John Lewis, Boots, JoJoMamanBebe and Kiddicare as well as the Cuddledry website www.cuddledry.co.uk

Fun for your little pudding this Christmas Families WHAT’S NEW

Celebrate your baby’s Christmas in style with Blade & Rose’s festive collection of leggings and accessories. The iconic British brand has added new seasonal designs to the ever-growing range of trendsetting leggings, bibs, hats and toys. We love these scrumptious little Christmas pudding leggings, a must for Christmas! Made of the softest cotton mix, like all Blade & Rose leggings, the delectable Pudding leggings are available in sizes 0-4 yrs RRP £ 10. www.bladeandrose.co.uk

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Families Fun Sledging and IceSliding WHEN? November & December WHERE? SnoZone, Milton Keynes

Dick Whittington WHEN? 1st December – 8th January

HOW MUCH? From 2 years From £14.99 Head to SnoZone for a guaranteed white Christmas - all year round! www.snozoneuk.com

WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre HOW MUCH? From £16.50 Dick Whittington sets off to London in search of fame, fortune, adventure… and true love! Starring EastEnders baddie Paul Nicholas as King Rat! www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

W hat’s On

Beauty and the Beast WHEN? 6th - 31st December

places Things to do, e had… to go, fun to b Christmas Craft Fair

WHERE? Cambridge Junction HOW MUCH? From £15.50 Beasts and beauties of all ages welcome this Christmas for a tale where beastliness is only skin deep. www.junction.co.uk

ll ages! …for kids of a

WHEN? 12th & 13th November 10.30 – 17.00 WHERE? Wimpole Estate, Cambridge HOW MUCH? £4 under 14s FREE Wimpole’s festive season commences with its fantastic Christmas Craft Fair. Unique presents from new stalls and old favourites. Enjoy mulled wine and tasty mince pies in Stable Block. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate

Christmas Craft Fair WHEN? 13th November 10.00 – 15.00 WHERE? Mandeville Hall, Huntingdon HOW MUCH? FREE Twenty all-handmade stalls.

Refreshments and cakes. Children’s craft bags for sale. Colouring table for little ones to use.

Sandringham Christmas Crafts, Food and Gifts

Mill Road Winter Fair

WHEN? 18th - 20th November 10.00 – 18.00

WHERE? Cambridge

HOW MUCH? Adults £7.00, children £2, under 5s FREE With a warming glass of punch, stroll in comfort around the show. Live music, craft demonstrators, food halls. www.craft-show.co.uk

WHEN? 3rd December HOW MUCH? FREE A fantastic day of delicious food, entertainment, community, creativity and fun in Cambridge’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood. www.millroadwinterfair.org

Cinderella WHEN? 7th December WHERE? The Luxe cinema, Wisbech Witty, vibrant, glamorous and romantic, Alexei Ratmansky’s Cinderella will sweep you off your feet. where beastliness is only skin deep.www.theluxecinema.co.uk 01945 58880

Famili

FAVESes !

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Fun Run WHEN? 20th November WHERE? Market Square, Ely 11.00 start HOW MUCH? Adults £12, Children £8, On the day registration is £15 Take part in the 5km fun run to raise money. Fancy dress optional but encouraged! All runners will receive a free Santa hat and finisher’s medal. www.arhc.org.uk/ely-festive-5k.asp 01223 723115

Dick Whittington WHEN? 1st December – 8th January WHERE? Key Theatre Peterborough HOW MUCH? £10-18.50 Adventure and excitement are always a major part of 1 December 2016 - 8 panto at the January 2017 Key Theatre together with an abundance The purr-fect Christmas treat for all the family of slapstick, music and spectacle.

01733 207239 www.vivacitypeterborough.com THE KEY THEATRE PRESENTS

Christmas Gift & Food Fair WHEN? 18th - 19th November 10.00 – 15.00 WHERE? Ely Cathedral HOW MUCH?Adult £4 under 16s FREE Special gifts, accessories and decorations to complete your festive ensemble. Outdoor ‘street food fest’, vintage carousel, reindeer and elves! www.elycathedral.org

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st

Written by Brad Fitt Additional material, music & lyrics and directed by Simon

Egerton

th

Peterborough’s original and best, traditional family pantomime - plus a 10 piece show band!

Book your seats NOW on or visit vivacity-peterbor 01733 207 239 ough.com

The North Pole Ice Rink WHEN? Opens 18th November WHERE? Parker’s Piece – Cambridge HOW MUCH? Adults £11.50 Children £8.50 www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk Taking place throughout the festive season, an icy extravaganza awaits. Glide around the 600m open-air ice-rink and take a spin on the traditional funfair, where children can enjoy a multitude of rides and games on offer. Great food on offer too! For a chance to win a family ticket visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/southcambridgeshire/competitions/win-tickets-to-north-pole-ice-rink

Families Fun Cinderella

Aladdin

WHEN? Friday 9 – Saturday 31 December

WHEN? 9th – 18th December

WHERE? Kings Lynn CornExchange HOW MUCH? Tickets: £14 - £20.

Spend a fairy tale Christmas with the best-loved pantomime of them all.Left at home by the ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go to the ball.

However, with help from her magical Fairy Godmother and the brilliant buffoonery from Buttons, the most exciting night of her life is about to begin...With all the ingredients of a perfect panto. www.theluxecinema.co.uk 01945 58880

NSPCC Children’s Charity Christmas Party WHEN? 4th December WHERE? Upwell Hall, UpwellWisbech 11.00 – 13.00 HOW MUCH? Tickets £10.00 advance booking only Children welcome to join Jonny Jaffacake and receive a gift from Father Christmas. Hot dogs for lunch with chance to win great prizes.

Ages 3-11 years. 01945 773013 or 07921238529 littledesie@icloud.com

WHERE? The Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon HOW MUCH? From £12.50 Join the Magic Carpet ride to Old Peking for this traditional family pantomime. www.kdtheatre.co.uk/whats-on

Cindarella WHEN? Friday 9 – Saturday 31 December WHERE? The Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon HOW MUCH? Tickets: £14 - £20 Spend a fairy tale Christmas with the best-loved pantomime of them all.

Left at home by the ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go to the ball.

However, with help from her magical Fairy Godmother and the brilliant buffoonery from Buttons, the most exciting night of her life is about to begin...With all the ingredients of a perfect panto.

01553 764864 www. kingslynncornexchange.co.uK

WHERE? The Maltings, Ely HOW MUCH? Family £55 Join the Magic Carpet ride to Old Peking for this traditional family pantomime.

01638 781037 www.kdtheatre.co.uk

WHEN? 10th – 18th December

The Wizard of Oz

WHERE? Peckover House, Wisbech

WHEN? 14th-20th December

HOW MUCH? Child £3.70 Rooms decorated with festive floral arrangements and Christmas trees brought in by local community.

Mulled wine and mince pies.

01945 583463 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/peckover-house

WHERE? ADC Theatre – Cambridge HOW MUCH? From £9 Packed with good jokes, quality song and dance routines, spectacular scenery and plenty more for all the family! www.adctheatre.com/ whats-on

Peter Pan WHEN? 10th – 30th December

WHEN? 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December 10.30 – 12.00

Peterborough

HOW MUCH? £8.50 Lots of Christmassy crafts, and a trail to follow. For under 5s. Booking essential. wickenfen@nationaltrust. org.uk 01353 720274

WHEN? 22nd December – 15th January

A Christmas Celebration

Christmas Elves Workshop WHERE? Wicken Fen

Aladdin

WHERE? The Cresset Theatre HOW MUCH? From £11.50 Join Peter and Wendy as they travel to Neverland and do battle with the Captain Hook and the pirates.

01733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk

The Magical Christmas Santa Show WHEN? 16th – 18th December

Papworth Hospital Charity Carol Service

WHERE? The Corpus Playroom Cambridge

WHEN? 17th December

HOW MUCH? £7 Ages 3 – 6 yrs Santa has decided to try out his new ‘present making machine’, but with lots going wrong, will Ellie the Elf get it fixed in time? www.kdtheatre. co.uk/whats-on

HOW MUCH? £7 The lessons will be read by members of hospital staff including consultants, doctors, nurses and governors.

01353 660349 box.office@elycathedral.org

WHERE? Ely Cathedral 11.00

Famili

FAVESes !

Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet – The Nutcracker WHEN? 30th & 31st December WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? From £27.75 A delightfully festive tale, and the perfect introduction to ballet. The story of Clara’s magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince.

01223 357851 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/cornex/

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Contact your local site if your are a business looking for advertising options

27th November to 24th December 2016 Early bird bookings Let your festivities begin with Santa at the Nene Valley Railway where the whole family will enjoy themselves on this Christmas outing. Get the dates you want - BOOK IT and look forward to it

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Family Cambridgeshire Magazine V7.indd 10

04/09/2016 14:20:05

1st - 23rd Dec (Thu-Sun) plus 19th, 20th & 21st Dec

• Nativity scenes with real animals • Free entry to Nativity • Tea Room & Gift Shop • Farm open as usual • Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas

600sqm stunning outdoor open air ice rink Undercover alpine themed bar Traditional children fair & games

A trul y magica Christ l m experi as ence 1 0am 5pm

No need to pre-book!

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Families Fun Christmas Grotto Scotsdales, Great Shelford

Father Christmas at the Fen Wicken Fen, Ely

Father Christmas at The Millhouse Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough

Dates: From 20th November to 24th December Prices: Child £10 Guided by the Christmas elves, children can ride on a magical sleigh through the animated Winter Wonderland to visit Father Christmas in his home at the North Pole. www.scotsdalegardencentre.co.uk

Dates: Saturday and Sunday 3th - 18th December Prices: Child £8.50 and includes present Children follow the Christmas trail to find Father Christmas. Then visit the elves busy in the workshop, and make Christmas crafts to take home. Booking essential.

01353 720274 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen

Dates: From 3rd December Prices: Child £11 Adult £7 Visit Father Christmas and his reindeer and enjoy other Christmas activities, such as wooden reindeer making, marshmallow toasting and the Christmas craft room where you can make gifts and cards.

Pre-bookings only. www.sacrewell.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Church Farm Stowbardolph Nr Downham Market Dates: 3rd -20th December, every Thursday – Sunday (with extra dates 21-23 December) Prices: Child £8.50 and includes present 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.

01366 382162 www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

WHERE TO FIND

s a m t s i r h C r e h t a F An Audience with Father Christmas Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden

lies Fami S!

LOVE

Dates: 27th November – 18th December (weekends) Prices: Family £43.20 with £4 additional charge per child to visit Father Christmas.

Join in the festive fun and meet Father Christmas as he tells tales of Christmas past amidst the yuletide decorations.

Lucky visitors will even get a festive treat!

0370 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley

Nene Valley Railway Wansford – Peterborough Dates: 26 November to 24 December Departs: 10.00; 11.25; 12.50; 14.15 and 15.40 Prices: £14.00 Each child receives a special present in Father Christmas’s log cabin, then join the decorated train for a 55 minute ride to Peterborough and return as Father Christmas walks through the train to see the children Booking essential 01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk th

th

Santa Specials Fenland Light Railway, Ramsey-Mereside Dates: 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th December Prices: £7.20 per child (one adult free) Enjoy a train ride round the track, then visit Santa in his grotto to collect a present.

Booking essential www.fenlandlightrailway.co.uk

Christmas Grotto Shepreth Wildlife Park, Linton Dates: 3rd – 18th & 24th December (weekends) Prices: From £8.95 (online) Father Christmas and his merry elves will be spreading cheer and giving out presents!

Each child will have 5 minutes with Father Christmas and a special gift. www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto Maize Maze Skylark Garden Centre, March Dates: 26th November to 18th December (weekends) & 19th - 24th December Prices: £10.00 per child Enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas at Skylark Garden Centre this year. 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!

01354 741212 www.skylark-events.co.uk/christmas

Father Christmas South Angle Farm Park, Soham Dates: 10th & 19th – 23th December Prices: Child from £6 Santa returns to the farm and as well as giving the animal’s their presents he will be giving them out to the children that visit. With story reading and animal handling, a great way to enjoy the festive season.

01353 720932 www.southanglefarmpark.co.uk

Santa and Real Reindeer Twenty Pence Garden Centre, Ely Dates: 3rd & 10th December to meet reindeer from 10.30; Santa in grotto at weekends from 26 November Prices: £6 per child Visit Santa in his Grotto and experience the festive atmosphere created with face painting, glitter tattoos, a merry-go-round, food tasting and lovely festive displays. Along with real snow (well almost).

01366 382162 www.twentypence.co.uk

Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas Wyevale Garden Centre, Huntingdon Dates: 12th to 24th December Prices: £9.99 per child; adults from £3.99 Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas is a special Christmas event, meet Father Christmas and choose your very own present.

Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast or tea. Decorate a Christmas biscuit. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/ breakfast-or-tea-with-father-christmas NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2016

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Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet

The Nutcracker & Swan Lake

Fri 30 Dec – Sun 1 Jan

Evening and matinee performances available Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet showcase a spectacular new version of The Nutcracker, with stunning baroque designs, and the classic Swan Lake. Performed with an air of magic, complemented by a full orchestra, these much loved Russian ballets will take your breath away!

CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS THIS YEAR’S TRADITIONAL FAMILY PANTOMIME

STARRING PAUL NICHOLAS AS KING RAT AND CAMBRIDGE'S #1 DAME MATT CROSBY AS SARAH THE COOK

Thu 1 Dec 2016 - Sun 8 Jan 2017 Box Office: 01223 503333

www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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Families Food

Hand Made Christmas Cookies

Christmas gifts don’t have to be expensive and you can have lots of fun making foodie gifts for your friends and family. Here is a quick, easy and delicious idea for you to make with your children.

This is a lovely gift as the jar can be used again and it’s full of yummy, Christmassy biscuits too.

You will need 250g soft butter or margarine 140g caster sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 300g plain flour Quarter tsp ground cinnamon Tiny pinch of ground star anise Quarter tsp nutmeg Large Kilner jar Ribbon and decorations such as mini bells Baking trays lined with Baking paper

To decorate Icing sugar Water Lemon juice

Method...

1. Preheat the oven to gas 4, 190°C, 375°F. 2. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the yolk from the egg and the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour and spices and keep mixing until it forms a ball of dough. Kids can do this with their hands.

3. Put half the cookie dough in the fridge to chill then roll the dough out on a floured surface and use a variety of Christmas cookie cutters to make the shapes – stars, gingerbread men, diamonds, Christmas tree and hearts are all good.

4. Make a small hole at the top of each biscuit with a straw or clean pencil so that the cookies can be hung from the tree.

Then repeat with the chilled cookie dough.

5. Place the cookies on the lined baking trays.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes (gas 4, 190°C, 375°F).

7. Once cool, mix the icing sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a little water until it is easy to pour but still thick.

Use a piping bag to make decorations on each biscuit, decorate with silver balls or edible glitter and leave to set in a cool place.

8. Thread with festive ribbon so that they can be hung from the tree 9. Finally, place a selection of the cookies into a Kilner jar and decorate with a Christmas ribbon, bells and a label.

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Family ticket

for £12 single tickets

from £4

BOX OFFICE: 01945 588808 W W W .T H E L U X E C I N E M A . C O M THE LUXE OFFERS A LOUNGE AREA FOR PRE AND POST-FILM DRINKS AND NIBBLES AND A WAITRESS SERVICE IN THE AUDITORIUM WHILST RELAXING IN THE COMFORT OF A TWO SEATER SOFA OR AN ARMCHAIR.

ALEXANDRA ROAD

WISHBECH

PE13 1HQ

Do you want to be a theatrical superstar?

The Angles Theatre, Britain’s eight oldest working theatre, has a musical theatre and drama school for children aged 5 to 16.

Families Cambridgeshire magazine and website is growing and we are looking for an experienced sales person to join our team.

Are you a superstar sales person?

Are you searching for a part time sales job?

We are looking for an enthusiastic telesales professional and account manager to cover Cambridgeshire Based from home you will need to be self motivated and committed.

Previous online and print sales experience is advantageous but not essential.

YOU WILL BE PAID A DAILY FEE AND GREAT COMMISSION If this sounds like you, then please email your C.V to: editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk by the 21st November. www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/south-cambridgeshire

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Learn to sing, dance and act on Saturdays or enjoy drama on Wednesdays.

Many of our pupils have gone on to bigger and better things in the world of theatre.

More information: 01945 474447 or www.ratzcool.co.uk musical theatre and drama for kids

Families Education

To learn to read is to light a fire written by the Head of English, Jane Greaves Reading, and a love of reading, is at the (texture) and this ‘feeds’ our use of modern heart of every classroom in which English English (Anglish). is taught, which is why at St Faith’s we With reading aloud, children begin to value and nurture it as part of the learning understand that the sound and rhythm experience for every child. of the words they select (and not just, Reading aloud remains a key part of and most obviously, with alliteration and appreciating literature, and children enjoy onomatopoeia) can enhance their writing, hearing a story unfold. We can trace our along with the pace and overall structure. pleasure in stories back to the age This links with work on narrative when most were not literate. and performance poetry Story-telling, for example, as well as skills such as is a pleasure found in editing. Reading aloud our oldest literary also enables them There are many little forms with the to hear links with r scop, or Angloother languages you e arg enl to ways Saxon poet, telling and provides child’s world. Love of tales of monsters, opportunities for seafarers, wanderers teachers to share books is the best of all. and warriors in the way in which Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis alliterative verse to languages enrich one entertain, inform and another and draw on unite his listeners. In these different cultural references. story-verses, the rhythms and The readiness with which pupils sounds added depth and meaning at St Faith’s approach the integrated learning of Spanish reinforces this idea.

An understanding and love of language – whichever language one chooses – is enhanced by hearing the words take shape.

In Years 3 and 4 we have specific class reading times, in addition to the reading that is used as a stimulus for written work, and the class library sessions. In allocating these two half hour slots at the heart of their school day, we want these sessions to build pupils’ interest and confidence in reading as a source of pleasure, as well as a means of accessing information.

Whilst enriching their reading experience and stimulating ambition, the children also benefit from their teacher modelling;

• The use of punctuation to guide reading • Using tone and pace to interpret reading • Developing the key skill of inferential reading

• A confident enjoyment of reading aloud • An enjoyment of the shared experience of reading

• Stimulating empathy through imagined thoughts and feelings

Books for these sessions are ideally chosen so that they embody the qualities which we want the children to aspire to in their writing.

Over the year, there will be a conscious effort to balance the current fashion for fantastical plots and exclamatory, dialogue led prose, with other styles and pace of novel, so that the children begin to appreciate that variety can be exciting.

These sessions have the additional benefits of encouraging our very busy children to be physically still and reflect. Teachers are witnessing an increasing attentiveness, as children learn how to listen and allow themselves to become absorbed and captivated by an author’s imagination, as it emanates from the page.

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2016

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Families Education

Tutoring: What you need to know Ask around Word-of-mouth is often the most effective way to find a good tutor. Ask parents you know and trust for recommendations.

Consider agencies Reputable agencies will vet tutors’ credentials and should match you and your child to someone with a similar style.

Group tutoring reduces costs but probably won’t be as tailored These can work out cheaper per hour but your child won’t get the same one-on-one attention, and it’s vital to check that those in the group need to work on the same things at roughly the same level.

tutor is. However, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.

Arrange a trial lesson Many tutors will offer your child a trial lesson - this lets you get a feel for whether the tutor and your child gel and whether their teaching style is going to work for you both.

Good luck!

Get more information about tutoring from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ tutoring.

Anyone can become a tutor so do your homework One-on-one tutors should be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (formerly known as CRB checking) – if they aren’t, then be wary.

Here’s how to find the best tutor for your child…

Plan ahead where possible The best tutors may well have waiting lists, so if you know your child will need support for exams or perhaps before moving to secondary school, begin your search well in advance.

Don’t be shy about checking how they work Ask questions even if you’ve had a recommendation from other parents - what suits their child may not suit yours.

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Find out the local going rate Expect to pay anything between £20 and £65 an hour, depending on where you live and how in demand a particular

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Oldfashioned Parenting’ and ‘‎How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

FEARLESS LEARNERS START HERE

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With over 120 award-winning centres across the UK, call us today on 01483 447414 for your FREE TRIAL SESSION.

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@exploretutors

Families Education

Try not to send your child to a pushy school if you think they are likely to be in the bottom half of the class.

How Much Stress is Too Much?

By Alison Banks We hold a good education in high esteem in our society. Most parents hope their children are going to get good results and have a happy time at school. However, happiness and hope can go out of the window when faced with the perceived “need” to get our children into the schools we want them to go to. One local tuition centre recently reported that parents who send their children there won’t tell each other who is tutoring their child as they don’t want other children going to the same tutor and reaping the benefits. There is talk of tutoring for children as young as six to ensure they get into the ‘right’ school.

All parents want their child to have a great education and it’s important to support your child to do well. However, I believe pushing any child to an extreme constitutes child abuse and may have a detrimental effect on them in the future.

How Much Stress is Too Much?

“We like to think our children are immune to the growing waves of anxiety and misery that are expressing themselves as eating disorders, depression, and self-harm” Camilla Cavendish from the Sunday Times recently reported. I am here to tell you, they are not.

In fact, I am seeing and hearing more and more about depression and eating disorders in children.

So How Can You Know How Well Your Child is Coping?

A person’s ability to tolerate stress depends on many factors, including the quality of their relationships, general outlook on life, emotional intelligence and genetics.

Obvious signs of stress include having a

short temper, a poor appetite, anxious and/ or racing thoughts, moodiness, depression, isolating themselves, sleeping too much or too little, panic attacks, and nervous tics or habits.

In order to work out whether your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, or to help if they are, it is important to stay close to them and keep communicating.

Childline advocates the benefits of talking, advising children that “bottling up stress and trying to deal with it on your own can make the stress even worse. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about exams or anything else, talking about it with someone you trust can be the next step.”

Make sure YOU are that person and that you are ready and available to talk at the first sign that your child wants to do so. Instigate discussion about how they are coping, even if your child does not.

How to Help Your Child Reduce Stress Be realistic about your child’s abilities, skills, likes and dislikes, and choose a school that will suit them . Not all our children are geniuses and that’s okay! In the words of a current headmaster “Try not to send your child to a pushy school if you think they are likely to be in the bottom half of the class.”

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2016

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Families Books

Best new book releases Here is our round-up of the best new book releases…

0-2 YEARS Jungle Sounds, £12.99, Usborne Publishing Be in the same room, arm’s length.

Set for release at the beginning of October, this beautifully illustrated board book is the perfect way to entertain any young reader. Turn each page of this jungle-inspired read and you’ll find buttons to press featuring different animal sounds, from roaring tigers and trumpeting elephants, to squawking parrots and a rather noisy orangutan!Give a reason: ‘It’s time for bed.’

6-8 YEARS

12+ YEARS

The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Matt Haig, £12.99

Holding Up the Universe, Jennifer Niven, £7.99

The second book in the festive series sees nineyear-old Amelia writing to Father Christmas to ask for her mother to get better.

Unfortunately. Father Christmas can’t get his trusty reindeer off the ground and Christmas is cancelled! Uh oh! A year on, determined to bring back Christmas and make up for last year, Santa sets off for London, with the aim to make this the happiest Christmas ever for the very first child he visited.

9-11 YEARS 3-5 YEARS The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep,CarlJohan ForssénEhrlin, £7.99 Remember the groundbreaking best-seller The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep,which got kids yawning come bedtime each night? This latest installment features Ellen the Elephant and a whole new cast of lovable characters, who travel through a magical forest that leads to Dreamland.Ready, steady, zzzzz…

The Goldfish Boy, Lisa Thompson, £6.99 This captivating story sees 11-year-old Matthew trapped in his bedroom by the crippling OCD brought on by his baby brother’s death. Spending most of his time staring out of his window, he is the last person to see his nextdoor neighbour’s toddler, Teddy, just before he goes missing. Turning detective and unraveling the mystery of Teddy’s disappearance, this is a page-turning, heartbreaking and ultimately life-affirming read.

A REALLY GOOD TRADITIONAL TOYSHOP - NOW IN ITS 30TH YEAR! Set in one of two Farm Retail Courtyards with ample free parking & green meadows to run and play in!

COME OUT & VISIT US FOR WONDERFUL TOYS FOR ALL AGES & GREAT GIFT IDEAS Books • Games • Art & Craft Pocket Money • Party • Puppets Playmobil • Lego • Sylvanian, Jellycat • Siku and much much more.

15 MORE UNIQUE SHOPS TO VISIT + FARMSHOP AND CAFE

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Everyone knows Libby Strout; she’s the girl so heavy she had to be lifted out of her house by a crane.

Everyone knows Jack Masselin, too – but Jack has a secret: his brain is different, and he can’t recognise faces.

Landing in group counseling and community service, the angry duo find that the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel…

Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world – both theirs and yours.

By Claire Muffett-Reece Claire is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest.

Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.

Families Education

How do I get my child to listen and do as they are told?

The first of a three part series of ‘How to’ articles

by Parent Coach Stay in the room. If your child does not Jane Rogers comply, if you can do so, give them a choice, keep it friendly: ‘I can turn it off or you can, which would you prefer.’

Praise your child when they do comply.

Don’t be tempted to dilute that praise by saying ‘Why can’t you always do that’ or words to that effect. If you do, you will be turning praise into criticism.

Children get told to do things a lot, and it can be helpful to think about what this feels like for them.

Would you rather someone said to you ‘Don’t park your car there’ in a stern voice?

Or ‘Would you park somewhere else please, I need that space for unloading.’ (Notice the second person described the behaviour they wanted and gave a reason, perhaps they would also give you reasonable time to move your car.)

How do I get my child to listen?

Be in the same room, arm’s length.

No issuing orders from a different room.

Use your child’s name: ‘Sam’ Be clear.

Tell your child what to stop doing and what to start doing, describe the behaviour you want: ‘Turn the TV off now, go and put your pyjamas on.’

I know this all looks easy on paper, and might not be so simple in the real world, but if you have a child who never seems to listen, give it a try over the next week or two.

Give a reason: ‘It’s time for bed.’

Don’t get involved in an argument about the reason, or whether or not the reason is reasonable.

Give time for your child to comply, wait five seconds, stay quiet.

Jane Rogers is a parenting expert, and founder of The Cambridge Parent Coach.

She is a qualified and highly experienced parenting course facilitator, and writes and runs workshops for parents. Jane is passionate about Positive Parenting, and realised that it all made so much sense when bringing up her own two boys, now in their twenties.

Be consistent and don’t forget to praise when your child does the right thing.

The aim of The Cambridge Parent Coach is to share the Positive Parenting ethos and ideas in a way that is simple to understand and easy to put into practice.

Good luck, Jane

www.thecambridgeparentcoach.co.uk

Cambridge Park & Ride – getting you right into the heart of Cambridge Buses depart every 10 minutes Mon-Sat during the day and every 20 minutes after 6.30pm Every 15 minutes (9am - 6pm) Sundays and public holidays Open seven days a week Up to three children travel free with every fare paying passenger Concessionary pass holders travel for free with their passes after 9.30am Monday to Friday, and all day at the weekend and on bank holidays The bus fare is £3 return and parking cost £1 for up to 18 hours and can be paid in advance via VIVOPARK – visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/parkandride to find out more.

MB

CA

The Park & Ride Group Ticket is £8.50 and can only be purchased from the driver – it allows a group of up to 5 people to travel together.

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Park & Ride Weekly tickets cost just £13 and are valid for 7 days

Further information: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/parkandride

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BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

Childcare vouchers now accepted

WE ARE NOW ENROLLING! Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage.

Classes after school and at weekends.

Find out more today: CAMBRIDGE AND CAMBOURNE 01223 359974 cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

TM

Creative Courage For Life ®