Families Cambs Nov Dec 2018

FRE E

TAKE ME

HOM E

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN Tickets to The Nutcracker

KD Theatre Productions Ltd in association with

Present

OUR SHOW PARTNERS

Issue 51 November/December 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 1

We look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Book a visit - PERSE.CO.UK

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader, ‘Tis the season to be merry, or so they say! For busy parents already juggling work, school, and a household, the thought of probably the biggest event of the year on the children’s calendar only weeks away can be overwhelming, especially when trying to squeeze in school plays, Christmas fairs, carol services, Christmas social events and Christmas shopping. So remember to take time for yourself and use some of our useful tips on page 4 to ensure good mental health this Christmas we deserve a break at Christmas too!

WIN

TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER AT CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE

As the Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet returns with The Nutcracker 29 –31 Dec and Swan Lake on 1 Jan, we’re offering the chance for one lucky reader to win a family ticket (4 seats, valued at more than £100) to The Nutcracker on Sat 29 December at 7.30pm. For your chance to experience this magical, festive tale and delight in Tchaikovsky’s recognisable score, look out for the corresponding post on the Families Cambridgeshire Magazine Facebook page.

familiesonline.co.uk

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@familiesCambMag facebook.com/FamiliesUKCambridgeshire

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Jean Stevens, jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net 22,000 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 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.

Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & views

ODD SOCKS DAY FOR ANTI-BULLYING WEEK Anti-Bullying Week runs 12 to 16 November and the theme this year is choosing respect over bullying.

The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand: • The definition of respect • That bullying is a behavioural choice • That we can respectfully disagree with each other - we don’t

have to be best friends or always agree with each other but we

do have to show each other respect • That we all need to choose to respect each other, both face to

face and online Students are being encouraged to wear odd socks to school on Monday 12 November to show their support and raise money for a good cause.

To get involved, visit www.antibullyingalliance.org.uk

How Parents Can Stay on Top of their Mental Health

​ arenting is without a doubt the hardest job in the world! Juggling work, family, finances P and trying to crowbar a social life and relationship in there can be almost too much at times.

Keeping an eye on your mental health is incredibly important and key in ensuring you’re able to cope with your day-to-day responsibilities. So what should you do?

1. Keep things in perspective and prioritise - it can feel overwhelming when we are juggling so much, but taking a pause and putting the different aspects your life in order of priority can help in taking the pressure off. When push comes to shove, kids and family are #1, everything else can wait.

2. Take time out - take some time each day/week to just ‘be’ by yourself, when the noise around and demands on you are deliberately put to one side, you can let your mind just rest and recover a little.

3. Don’t people please - catch yourself being a ‘yes’ person to all and sundry. Put you and your family first and don’t run yourself ragged pleasing other’s requests before fulfilling your own needs.

4. Create family time - put aside some time to spend as a family. Ditch the phones and any distractions and plan time for just you and the kids. It’ll do you all wonders, alleviate any parent guilt, and boost the happy hormones.

5. Talk it out - if you’re finding things too much, don’t bottle the feelings and thoughts up, talk to your partner, a mate, a boss, and tell them what’s going on for you. It can be the best way to get any stress out.

Credit: Anna Williamson, Talk Radio host and author of bestselling book and podcast, Breaking Mad: The Insider’s Guide To Conquering Anxiety

Record breaking results

The Perse is celebrating record-breaking I/GCSE results thanks to the excellent performance of the School’s 180 Year 11 pupils.

Overall, 80% of entries were graded A* or numerical (9/8) equivalent, with the A*-A (9-7) rate at 94%.

A total of 78 students secured a clean sweep of A* (9/8) grades in all of their I/ GCSE subjects, with one pupil achieving 14 A* grades. The A*-C (9-4) pass rate in I/GCSE was 100%.

Head Ed Elliott commented: “I would like to congratulate the Year 11 students on their excellent exam results. They are a very talented and hard-working year group and thoroughly deserve their success.

I am particularly pleased that no student got lower than a C grade in any I/GCSE subject.

In the compulsory subjects of maths, English literature and English language, over 90% of pupils achieved an A* grade (or 9/8 numerical equivalent).”

NEW RECEPTION TEST CRITICISED

Children who start Reception in September 2020 will be the first group to take the new Reception test, a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school. It is proposed that it will take place during the first 6 weeks of the autumn term.

Guidelines recently released by the government say the new reception baseline assessment will be short (about 20 minutes), interactive and practical. It will cover language and communication, early mathematics and social and behavioural skills.

However, the proposed test has been criticised in a report written by an expert panel and published by the British Education Research Association.

The report’s authors say that the assessment is highly likely to produce unreliable and invalid results, as it fails to recognise that young children develop at different paces and doesn’t adjust for key factors, such as differences in ages and family background.

Add to this the fact that teachers and practitioners are likely to become increasingly pressured to ‘teach to the test’; it is difficult to see how baseline results will have any real value.

More info at www.bera.ac.uk

4 Families Cambridgeshire

familiesonline.co.uk

News & views

SUGAR INTAKE IN CHILDREN – more than just a weight issue Sugar intake, particularly in children, is a hot topic in the media.

However government data suggests that children are still far exceeding the maximum recommended sugar consumption every day.

Government recommendations are that sugar should account for no more than 5% of daily calories. When put into more practical terms this means 19g for age 4-6 and 28g for age 7-10 (28g is the equivalent of 7.5 teaspoons).

According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) in 2016 the average was 13.4% for those aged between four and 10 and 15.2% among 11- to 18-year-olds. Sugar can be hidden in many foods particularly processed and ultra-processed foods and therefore keeping track of sugar intake can be difficult. There is concern about increasing rates of obesity in children. However, sugar intake does not just have an effect on weight, it also impacts cognitive health, immunity and energy levels, all of which are important for growth and development as well as long term health and wellbeing. Many children within a healthy weight range are still consuming too much sugar.

General rules to reduce sugar and stabilise blood glucose levels • Ensure children eat 3-4 portions of vegetables and 1-2 portions of fruit per day.

• Include healthy fats and protein with each meal • Use wholegrain carbohydrates • Have 3 meals and 2 small snacks to stop over consumption and excess hunger

Useful sugar swaps/snacks and meal ideas: • Include cucumber, carrot or pepper crudités with hummus as a snack • Grate carrot, courgette and onion to add to soups, stews, curries or Bolognese to increase vegetable intake • Offer fruit with nuts/seeds or nut butters as a snack • Homemade smoothies made with coconut milk as a base (avoid fruit juice), with fresh fruit and seeds. Small amounts of

• • • •

• • • • •

avocado work well and vegetables such as spinach and cucumber can be added.

Try lower sugar bars such as Bounce balls or 9 bars Swap white pasta for wholegrain or buckwheat pasta and white rice for brown rice Stay hydrated Swap soft drinks and squashes for water with fresh fruit in such as strawberries, kiwi, lemon or watermelon; use sparkling water as a treat Swap breakfast cereals for whole oats, add cinnamon or nuts and seeds or berries Swap white or milk chocolate for dark 70% chocolate Avoid processed foods and ready meals Use a multi vitamin and mineral to help bridge the nutrition gap Consider supporting the microbiome with a live bacteria supplement and/or fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut (if tolerated).

Key Takeaways • Sugar intake for children in the UK is higher than the government recommendations • Sugar can negatively affect the gut microflora,

which has implications on immune and cognitive function, inflammation and weight gain • High sugar intake can exacerbate the stress response and lead to increased levels of cortisol which contribute to anxiety, poor sleep and low mood • A diet high in processed foods can often be high in calories but low in micronutrients which can lead to a ‘Nutrition Gap’ or ‘Hidden Hunger’ and exacerbate overeating or further cravings • Breakfast cereals, soft drinks (including fruit juice), cereal bars and fruit yoghurts are all high in sugar • To help keep blood sugar balanced, ensure meals include vegetables, healthy fats, protein and small amounts of wholegrain carbohydrates.

Talking to Young Children About War this Remembrance Day

www.jacksontrinity.co.uk visit us online and instore in Cambridge 34 Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TB familiesonline.co.uk

Remembrance Day this year will be on Sunday 11 November and will be especially significant as it will mark 100 years since the original agreement to end fighting during the First World War in 1918, also known as Armistice Day. Accordingly, there will be a great deal of media coverage given to this significant commemoration and your child may be prompted to ask questions.

Discussing war with children can be quite difficult. Recognising this, CBeebies has produced a short animation, simply titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of remembrance in a way that resonates with a young audience.

Really beautiful to watch and a great way to introduce any discussion of Remembrance Day, the two minute film follows a bunny who starts off playing in a meadow, which then becomes a WW1 battlefield.

The film can be viewed on the CBeebies website at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies Families Cambridgeshire 5

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Baby News

Can Babies Sense Stress?

TOP TIPS: GOING BACK TO WORK WHILE BREASTFEEDING 1. Plan for your return to work well in advance if possible. You will need a private, suitable place to express while at work and somewhere to store your milk. Discuss these things with your employer. Under health and safety and employment law, they need to make reasonable allowances for breastfeeding and help enable you to return to work.

2. Consider your options for childcare. A workplace nursery may enable you to visit your baby for feeds. If work is close to home then could a caregiver bring baby to you for one or more feeds? If you are to be away from home all day then you may want to express enough milk for your baby to have until you return.

3. Establish an expressing routine a few weeks before going back to work. Get to know your pump, get used to expressing and how to store and reheat your milk. It can take a little time to become more efficient at pumping milk. It involves your hormones and being in the right frame of mind too! Your baby may also need time to accept a bottle if he has not had one before.

4. Starting to express in advance means that you can build up a stock of milk in the freezer, which will give you more flexibility, and less worry that there won’t be enough milk for your baby when you can’t be there. Breastmilk can be stored for 3 months in a home freezer.

5. Many mothers continue to breastfeed their babies first thing in the morning, in the evening, at night and at the weekend. Expressing at your usual feed times while you are at work means your baby will be able to have that milk the next day. Having a small stock in the freezer will help make up any shortfall.

6. Being relaxed is key to successful expressing. It may take a few tries to relax enough at work – try some triggers such as a picture of

Babies may not be able to convey complex emotions, but they can still feel what their mothers are feeling, at least when it comes to stress.

In a recent study, 69 mothers and their babies aged 12 to 14 months had cardiovascular sensors attached to them to record heart rate. The mothers were divided into groups to perform tasks ranging from “no-stress” to “high stress.” Their babies were not with them whilst they carried out these tasks and they were reunited ten minutes later.

Researchers then examined changes in heart function. Within minutes of being reunited, Infants of mothers in the “high-stress” condition experienced matching changes in heart rate. This stress contagion effect grew stronger as time passed.

“Your infant may not be able to tell you that you seem stressed or ask you what is wrong, but our work shows that, as soon as she is in your arms, she is picking up on the bodily responses accompanying your emotional state and immediately begins to feel in her own body your own negative emotion,” said study researcher Sara Waters of New York University.

More info, visitwww.parentingscience.com

Cuddlebunny Christmas gift This Christmas give your little one the gift of becoming a dinosaur… or a panda… or even a cute little bunny. Cuddleroar, Cuddlepanda and Cuddlebunny are ultimate no-plastic presents which they will have fun with every day for years. Unlike the latest trendy toy which will be lying at the bottom of the toybox in about a month’s time! £29.99 for age 1-3 and £34.99 for age 3-6.

Available from www.cuddledry.com

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your baby, an item of baby’s clothing, breathing/relaxation techniques or something like a favourite magazine or music. Today’s technologies mean that it’s possible to stay in touch with your baby even when you’re not there.

7. Expressing around the time your baby usually feeds is important to keep comfortable, avoid engorgement and to help maintain a good milk supply. Each breastfeed or pumping session stimulates the production of prolactin-the milk making hormone.

8. If you feel your milk supply is slowing down after your return to work, use any days off, and weekends to feed your baby more frequently. This can help give your supply a boost for the days ahead.

9. Using a double breast pump halves the time spent expressing.

Double pumping can also produce richer milk for your baby. If you have a double pump, leaving this at work can make things easier too.

10. Returning to the workplace after having a baby will be very demanding until you are settled into a new routine. Be sure to take care of yourself by eating regular meals, staying well hydrated and getting as much rest as possible. By Vicki Scott, Midwife familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 7

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

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Winter Craft & Art Fair WHERE: St Neots Museum WHEN: Until 21 December

Browse ceramics, prints, paintings, posters, cards and many other gifts from local makers, crafters and artists for wonderful Christmas and birthday gifts. www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk

Christmas Craft Fair WHERE: Wimpole Estate,

Cambridge WHEN: 10-11 November: 10.00 – 17.00 Find unique and unusual presents with dedicated food selling area. Enjoy mulled wine and tasty mince pies in Stable Block. £4; under 14s FREE

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate

CLIP’N CLIMB, CAMBRIDGE

MILL ROAD WINTER FAIR, CAMBRIDGE

Open during festive break except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Perfect attention-focusing exercise for everyone in a unique, fun setting.

10.30-16.30 A fantastic day of delicious food, entertainment, community, creativity and fun in Cambridge’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood.

WHEN: November & December

£12.50 www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Fair

WHEN: 16 - 18 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 gifts.

WHERE: Parker’s Piece,

Cambridge WHEN: 17 November – 16 January 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 too!

Adult £12.50; Child £10.50 www.thenorthpolecambridge.

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neneparktrust.cloudvenue.co.uk

WHERE: Market Square, Ely WHEN: 25 November: 9.00

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

Winter Prints

WHERE: Botanic Gardens WHEN: 1 December

Have a go at printing from plants and make your own unique gift tags and cards to take home. Take a close look at Christmas plants like mistletoe, fir trees and holly.

Drop-in FREE for children www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

NSPCC Children’s Charity Christmas Party WHERE: Upwell Village Hall, Upwell- Wisbech WHEN: 2 December: 11.00 – 13.00

Entertainment by Charlie

Cheesecake with small gift and lunch plus chance to win great prizes. 3-11 years.

Tickets £10.00 advance booking only Lucy: 07921 238529

WHERE: Cambridge Junction WHEN: 18 November

As Kai is pulled under the spell of the powerful snow queen of ice and coldness, we follow Gerda’s quest to save her friend and return life to normal. Can it ever be the same again? £10 Adult; £6 Child www.junction.co.uk

BUILD A BAT BOX WHERE: Ramsey Heights

Countryside Centre WHEN: 17 November: 10.00 – 12.00 Build a bat box and listen to a bat recording. You can also make a model bat or finger puppet.

Booking essential. £3 per child www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420 8 Families Cambridgeshire

Nene Park WHEN: 24 - 25 November: 11.00 – 16.00 Christmas craft and attractions for all the family. www.

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

WHERE: Ely Cathedral

www.elycathedral.org

WHERE: Ferry Meadows,

The North Pole Ice Rink

Christmas Gift & Food Fair

Adult £4; under 16s FREE

Christmas Fair

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Fun Run

SNOW QUEEN

Over 120 bespoke trade stalls in the Cathedral's magnificent nave, its famous Lady Chapel and a heated marquee in the beautiful Cathedral grounds. Booking recommended.

FREE www.millroadwinterfair. org

Adults £8.00; children £2; under 5s FREE www.craft-show.co.uk

co.uk

WHEN: 15-17 November

WHEN: 1 December:

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Snowman Festival and Christmas Gift Fair

WHERE: St Ives Corn Exchange WHEN: 25 November

Coincides with Christmas lights switch-on. Snowman Festival Fun and crafts upstairs. Christmas gifts at the popular Craft Fair downstairs. FREE www.thecornexchange.org.uk/ whats-on

Aladdin

WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre WHEN: 29 November - 6 January

When a mysterious stranger offers untold riches in return for helping him find a magic lamp, Aladdin can’t believe his luck! £18 - £25 01223 503333 www. cambridgeartstheatre.com

Breakfast or Tea with Elsa and Anna

WHERE: Twenty Pence Garden

Centre, Ely WHEN: 1 & 8 December Enjoy a breakfast and hot drink or afternoon tea and sing-a-long with these renowned characters; kids receive goody bag. Booking essential. From £6 per child www.twentypence.co.uk 01353 741024

SNOW WHITE

WHERE: Cambridge Junction WHEN: 5 – 31 December

Filled with live music, magic and festive fun; it's a tale of adventure, danger and a very shiny red apple. £15.50 www.junction.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on CHILDREN’S SOCIETY CHRISTINGLE

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

WHEN: 8 December: 15.00

Corn Exchange WHEN: 22 December Talented young musicians from Cambridgeshire Music will play an array of festive favourites in this heart-warming concert.

WHERE: Cambridge

WHERE: Ely Cathedral

Proceeds to help the Society’s work with children facing harsh challenges: such as sleeping rough this winter, fleeing conflict and war, or marginalised due to a disability. www.elycathedral.org

The Santa Show

WHERE: The Kempen Room,

Sleeping Beauty

WHERE: Kings Lynn Corn

Exchange WHEN: 7- 31 December The Princess is searching for happiness, Evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his terrible jokes! Full of laughs and family fun.

The Maltings Ely WHEN: 15-17 December Interactive show that includes sing-along songs perfect for 2 – 6 year-olds and families. Children also get the chance to meet Santa and receive their very own Christmas present!

From £8 www.kdtheatre.co.uk/whatson boxoffice@kdtheatre.

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Crib Service at Church Farm

WHERE: Nr Downham Market WHEN: 24 December: 15.00

www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk

co.uk or 01353 725026

SWAN LAKE: Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet WHERE: Cambridge Corn

co.uk 01553 764864

Please mention Families Cambridgeshire when booking

Christmas Celebration WHERE: Peckover House and

Garden, Wisbech WHEN: 8 - 16 December: 12.00 – 15.30 Selected rooms decorated with festive floral arrangements and Christmas trees brought in by the local community.

WHERE: The Cresset Theatre,

Peterborough WHEN: 8 - 30 December Join the dashing hero and his friends including Will Scarlet, Little John and Friar Tuck as they try to rescue the beautiful Maid Marian from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham! £13 01733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk

Exchange WHEN: 1 January The story of the Prince and the Swan Princess, a tragic tale of love that triumphs over evil, set to Tchaikovsky’s dramatic score, performed by a live orchestra.

From £18

www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Robin Hood

www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

A service telling the Christmas story with lots of carols, with everyone seated in barn on bed of straw. Shop, café and rest of farm closed. FREE

£15.50 to £21.50 www.kingslynncornexchange.

peckover-house

£10; Under 16 £5

Christmas Magic Show

WHERE: Twenty Pence Garden

Centre, Ely WHEN: 21 December: 14.30 – 15.30 Fun and games for the family, drop-in.

Santa will be in grotto but will need to book ahead and pay £6 for that.

FREE www.twentypence.co.uk/ christmas/christmas-events.htm

The Nutcracker: Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet WHERE: Cambridge Corn

Exchange WHEN: 29-31 December This spectacular new version of The Nutcracker is a delightfully festive tale and the perfect treat for the whole family.

From £18 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk WHERE: The Maltings, Ely

WHEN: 14 December – 2 January

Poor old Dame Trott cannot believe it when her son, Jack, brings back beans in exchange for the family cow!

From £12.50

Box office 01638 781037 www.kdtheatre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 9

Nov 29th - 9th Dec (Thu-Sun) Dec 13th - 23rd Open Daily

Nativity scenes with Real Animals (free entry) • Wonderful Christmas

Gift Shop Large Indoor Play Area • No need to pre-book!

• Delicious Homemade

Cakes and Lunches • Outdoor Areas Open as usual

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

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

Tickets from £15.50. Concession, Family and Group tickets available

Families Fun Santa’s at Wyevale Garden Centre WHERE: Huntingdon

WHEN: 11 November – 24

December Take your little diggers along to visit Santa’s Grotto at weekends in November and every day throughout December until 24.

Take home a mini magic tree and gift.You can also join him for breakfast or tea. With trees and shopping too, there’s every reason to visit. Booking recommended. www.wyevalegardencentres. co.uk

The Elf Express WHERE: Scotsdales,

Great Shelford WHEN: 18 November – 24 December Meet Santa at Scotsdales. The Elf Express and Santa’s Grotto experience are suitable for all ages. Your little ones will be given the chance to meet Santa and his elves to get them into the Christmas spirit. All children’s tickets include a free present from Santa on the day. Pre-booking recommended.

Child £10; Adult £4 scotsdalegardencentre.co.uk/ event/elf-express

Father Christmas at Church Farm WHERE: Stowbardolph, Nr

Downham Market WHEN: 29 November - 23 December Father Christmas will be in his traditional woodland retreat with presents for the kids. 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 sheep, donkeys, poultry and rabbits in starring roles!

Child £10.00 01366 382162 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk

WHERE TO FIND

s a m t s i r h C r e h t Fa

A Magical Christmas Experience

Father Christmas at the Fen

An Audience with Father Christmas

WHERE: Audley End House WHEN: December Weekends

WHERE: Audley End Miniature

WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely

WHEN: 24 November – 24

Visit the festive fen, decked out to create the perfect Christmas feel.

Follow the Christmas trail to find Father Christmas; let him know what you’d like for Christmas, and collect a special Wicken gift. Visit the elves in the workshop to make Christmas crafts to take home.

Booking essential.

Railway

December 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! £11-£15 www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Father Christmas in St Neots WHERE: Market Square

& St Neots Museum WHEN: 25 November and 8, 15 & 22 December Father Christmas will appear at the ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ event in November, when he will be greeting guests in his grotto on the Market Square. In December, kids can meet the man in red and receive a gift in his cosy spot at St Neots Museum. Drop-in. £4 per child www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 01480 214163

WHEN: 8 - 23 December

Santa Specials

WHERE: Nene Valley Railway,

Child £10.00 01353 720274 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wicken-fen

Santa’s Grotto Brampton WHERE: Frosts Garden Centre

WHEN: 1 – 24 December

Be greeted by Santa’s Head Elf and his Team who will get you in the festive mood with singing and dancing. Then it’s onto Mrs Christmas's Kitchen where you will be able to decorate your very own gingerbread biscuit. Santa will read an enchanting story before kids choose gift from present room.Chance for photo too.

Booking recommended.

Up to 12 months £5.50, Child £11.99, Adult £4.99 www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk

SANTA IN HIS GROTTO WHERE: Twenty Pence Garden Centre, Ely WHEN: 25 November – 22 December

Santa will be in his grotto at weekends and on some Thursdays and Fridays. Real reindeer and donkeys will be at the store on 1 and 8 December; plus other entertainment.

Mainly drop-in some events need to be booked.

Slots for SEN kids too. Check website for details and call to book breakfast

Meet Father Christmas as he tells festive tales amidst the yuletide decorations. Price includes a small present. Pre-booking essential.

Please note max 2 adults per child in each session. £5 additional charge www.english-heritage. org.uk/audley 0370 333 1181

Stibbington WHEN: 25 November 24 December. From £14.00 Arrive an hour early to meetFather Christmasinhis 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

xmas all wrapped up! with lots more events to keep you busy

Reindeer & donkeys

1st & 8th dec

elsa & anna

Back by popular demanD!

fun & games

or tea with Santa. £6 per child for Grotto

www.twentypence.co.uk 01353 741024

Your Friendly Local Garden Centre...

Check out our Website for our Full Xmas Calendar w w w . t w e n t y p e n c e . c o . u k

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 11

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Families What’s on MAD SCIENCE CHRISTMAS CAMPS

W hat’s On

WHEN: 20 & 21 December WHERE: Melbourn, Ely, Cambourne,

es Clubs and class rt, Spo Drama, Music, ... n o ti ca and Edu

Fulbourn Fun season-related science activity workshops for kids aged 4 – 11 years.

r so me th ing fo e v er y o n e

Baby Sensory

WHERE: Cambridge, Cambourne,

Ely, Trumpington Award-winning Baby Development classes that are fun and help with your baby’s sensory development.

New clients can try for FREE, otherwise book block of 5 or 10 classes. Run throughout year and not just term time. www.babysensory.com/ cambridgecambridge@ babysensory.co.uk, 07850 163930

From £32/day 01223 880 99 www.east.madscience.org

Stagecoach Performing Arts

WHERE: Cambridge and

Cambourne Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved coordination and fitness levels. Term commences second week January 2019. From £25 for two week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk0800 915 0199

Mini Athletics

WHERE: Cambourne, Impington,

Razzamataz Theatre School

WHERE: The Shirley Centre,

Cambridge Classes for 2 to 18-year-olds, designed to improve confidence, social and motor skills. Performing arts stimulates creativity, helps people make sense of their emotions and develops their ability to understand; the benefits are life-long. Free taster session. www.cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239

Saffron Walden, Trumpington & Ely WHEN: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday Mini Athletics enhances athleticism through a progressive model of balance, co-ordination, speed and agility exercises. Older children then progress to learning specific techniques in athletics based games. For 2-7 year-olds, with FREE trial classes. www.miniathletics.com

Stukeley Meadows YFC WHERE: Huntingdon

“Ability is not important, Passion & Enthusiasm is everything” is the ethos that guides this club. Tiny Tacklers (4-6 year olds); Under 7s new team; U9s; U12s; U13s & U15s teams meet and play regularly. www.stukeleymeadowsyfc.co.uk

Jill Bridger School of Dance WHERE: Cambridge,

Cambourne, St Ives, Eddington, Northstowe Pre-school Melody Bear dance classes, RAD Ballet and ISTD tap & modern lessons for ages 18 months to 18 years. Classes encourage children to achieve their personal best and to find an outlet for self expression. Contact to book new year classes. www.danceschool.biz 01480 469711 jill@danceschool.biz

Christmas Children’s Level 1 Glass Fusing Workshops

WHERE: Stained Glass Museum,

Ely

WHEN: 1 December: 10.30 - 12.30

Learn how to cut glass and create your own glass fusing artworks with a Christmas Theme. For children aged 7 and over who are new to glass fusing or who want a little more practice. Under 8s must be accompanied at all times.

Pre-booking is essential. £10 per child www.stainedglassmuseum. com/holidayactivities

Rock Stars Climbing Club

WHERE: Clip’n Climb, Cambridge WHEN: Monday & Tuesdays:

17.00-18.00 For children 4-11 years, of all abilities and confidence levels, who want to develop their climbing skills in a positive and fun environment. Experienced instructors guide children each term through a mixture of games, challenges and climbing techniques. www.

clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk/afterschool-climbing-club

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes WHERE: Hills Road Sports Centre

& Newnham Croft Primary School Confidence building fun for 4-12s.

A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. With no-obligation, FREE trial sessions.

020 7255 9120 www.perform.org. uk/tryenquiries@perform.org.uk

Panettone and Mince Pies WHEN: 9 & 15 December WHERE: Cambridge Cookery

A wonderful activity for (grand) parents and children/teens, resulting in an impressive Panettone to bring home and some magnificent mince pies.

Includes sparkling wine, soft drinks and lots of goodies to take home. £40-£80 www.cambridgecookery. com/cook/classes

Kids Yoga at Yoga Studio Ely

WHERE: Tower Farm, Little

Downham WHEN: Saturdays: 11.00-11.45 Explore flowing sequences, balancing poses, partner poses and team building yoga games.

Breathing exercises, chanting, creative imagery, and relaxation skills also introduced. www.yogastudioely.co.uk 01353 698090

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 13

PMB Presentations presents

Nutcracker Swan Lake The

Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

“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 29 – Mon 31 Dec 2018 SWAN LAKE Tue 1 Jan 2019 EVE: Sat & Sun 7.30pm & Tue 6.30pm • MAT: Sun 2.30pm, Mon & Tue 2pm

www.cornex.co.uk Box Office 01223 357851 /cambridgecornexchange www.pmbpresentations.com

Follow Us on

/cambridgecornex /saintpetersburgballet

@pmbballet

Families Gift Guide 1.

3.

2.

ALL I WANT FOR

6.

‘Put the games console away this holiday season’

4.

8.

7.

5.

8.

5.

9.

10.

SET IN ONE OF TWO RETAIL FARM COURTYARDS WITH AMPLE FREE PARKING AND FUN NEW PLAYGROUND! COME OUT AND VISIT US FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS AND WONDERFUL TOYS FOR ALL AGES INCLUDING… BOOKS • GAMES • ART & CRAFT • PUPPETS POCKET MONEY • LEGO • PLAYMOBIL • SYLVANIAN JELLYCAT • SIKU • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

CHRIS TM I AS COMIS NG!

1. ROSEBUD COTTAGE - 3+ A light and sound front door for realistic play and soft-close hinges £120 from Early Learning Centre 2. AQUA CRYSTALS - 6+ The only design kit which allows you to create three dimensional charms. Prices from £14.99 from Smyths, Very, Amazon and Entertainer 3. THE HAPE SPACE CITY - Development tools and sensory exploration through its glow in the dark loops and cosmic boosts. £89.99 from Argos 4. LAZER M.A.D - A laser blaster which is completely wireless for un-restricted and fast-paced laser battles. £59.99 From Smyths, Very, Amazon and Entertainer 5. LEGO HARRY POTTER HOGWARTS SET - Lego and Harry Potter in the same box, what’s not to love? £89.99 From Amazon

familiesonline.co.uk

6. DINO FINGERLING - The dinos respond to motion and sound and are bound to be a massive hit. £16.99 from Argos 7. GRAVITRAX - Age: 8+ Boost STEM skills. Use your imagination to build superb tracks and set the Gravity Spheres rolling! £48.29 www.amazon.co.uk 8. TYBO - The mess-free tie-dye kit to create amazing designs at home £24.99 from Smyths, Very, Amazon and Entertainer 9. ANI-MATE MINI MOVIE MAKER KIT Age: 8+ Create quirky little movies with your own phone and this ingenious Mini Movie Maker Kit. £14.99 www.findmeagift. co.uk 10. JETCAR - Do all kinds of cool tricks follow a track, avoid obstacles and make the LED strips change colour. £49.99 www.binarybots.co.uk.

Families Cambridgeshire 15

STAGECOACH CAMBRIDGE AND CAMBOURNE Childcare vouchers now accepted

CELEBRATING IT’S 30TH YEAR

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 ®