families suffolk issue 5 may - june 2012

NEW IN THIS ISSUELocal News • Baby Talk • Party Traditions • Our Community Pages • plus What’s On pages including Suffolk Show information

IPSWICH • RUSHMERE • BELSTEAD • WHERSTEAD • P INEWOOD • K E S G R AV E • H E N L E Y • W I T N E S H A M N A C T O N • H O L B R O O K • S H O T L E Y • C L AY D O N • W O O D B R I D G E • H A D L E I G H • S T O W M A R K E T

FREE

ISSUE 5 May / June 2012www.famil iessuffolk.co.uk

THE LOCALM A G A Z I N E

for familieswith children 0-12 years

0202 To contribute to future editions please email [email protected] or call 01473 000000

33 Local News

55 Party Traditions Twelve ways to create magical moments

6 Baby Talk Technology V’s natural childbirth - Where do you stand?

88 Our CommunityArticles from SCC Fostering & Adoption / Cycle Suffolk / Perspectives Pregnancy Advice plus reader competition

1010 Parents Place Family Adventure holidays in Asia, Africa and The Middle East, Anxiety in Children article plus a reader offer & our parent to parent interview.

12 What’s On

1414 What’s On Extra Event information for The Suffolk Show, Hadleigh Show, Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Ipswich plus the Golf East family event at Trinity Park

NEXT ISSUE July /August 2012

CIRCULATION 12,000 copies of Families Suffolk are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other distribution points throughout Suffolk. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please contact us.

CONTACT DETAILS 01473 788546 / 07887 945767 [email protected]

EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING AND [email protected]

EVENTS, DIARY DATES, OUT & ABOUT [email protected]

ORIGINAL DESIGN Creative Joy Sproughton, Ipswich01473 744884 [email protected]

DESIGN ADAPTATIONRichard [email protected] 031 820

PRINT Five Castles Press Ltd, Raeburn Road South, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0ET Telephone 01473 718719 www.fi vecastles.co.uk

Families Suffolk is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

Hello and welcome back to Families Suffolk magazine. I hope you all enjoyed a good Easter holidays. Well, what a fantastic summer of events we have to look forward to, with all the various agricultural shows, open events and summer fetes, plus the excitement of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and of course the Olympic Games.

The summer events all begin this month (let’s hope the summer weather does too), so alongside the regular features - Local News, Baby Talk, Our Community and Parents Place pages, this issue provides you on pages 11 – 14 with as much information as possible about local events including the Suffolk Show, Hadleigh Show, and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Christchurch Park so you and your family can enjoy the beginning of what’s going to be a very memorable summer.

As ever, I hope you enjoy reading the magazine, I’m always happy to hear from you with any topics you would like to see included, so please feel free to email me, twitter me or fi nd us on Facebook.

Happy readingLisa Giddings, EditorP.S Many thanks for all the congratulations messages I have received regarding our newest family member, Jack. As you can see from the photo he is chunky little baby boy and we are all enjoying his fi rst few months and all of those special ‘fi rst’ moments.

WELLCOMME

contentscontents

To contribute to future issues please email [email protected] or call 01473 788546

COVER IMAGE SCARLETT COTTON

AGED 4 FROM

WATTISHAM FLYING STATION

0303www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

local news

In the Zone exhibition comes to SuffolkHow do athletes move so fast and jump so high? What happens inside our amazing bodies when we’re ‘in the zone’? Come to the Suffolk Sports Village at the Suffolk Show on 7 and 8 June to test your body and fi nd out.

In the Zone is a national public engagement and education initiative from the Wellcome Trust inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With fi ve high-tech interactive exhibits, a live and responsive show with audience participation, and the opportunity for visitors to share data, images and video on social media, the exhibition offers an invigorating insight to the science behind our amazing bodies.

In the Zone is expected to be a star attraction in the Sports Village at the Suffolk Show. The Sports Village will offer a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to get active and be inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games to take up sport.

It is a joint initiative between Suffolk Sport and Suffolk County Council and contributes to Suffolk’s campaign to become the Most Active County in England.

In the Zone is championed by fi ve-time Olympic Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave CBE (pictured right). Talking about the exhibition he said: “Athletic performance is not only about being in peak condition, it’s about how to prepare yourself, the different mental pressures to overcome and understanding how your body works. Through investigating the science behind movement, In the Zone recreates some of these elements in an accessible way so that the whole family can enjoy and be inspired.”

For further details of In the Zone, see www.getinthezone.org.uk

or email: [email protected].

See behind the scenes at Copdock Mill with a great family day out

This year sees the Gladwell family celebrate 100 years trading from Copdock Mill.

To celebrate this huge achievement, and as a thank you to staff past and present and the local community they are having an

open day on Saturday 12th May 2012. They will be opening the doors to the wholesale pet and animal feed operation for all to see. This is a rare opportunity to take a peek at how your pet or animal food gets from us to you! All are welcome with a chance not only to see our wholesale pet and animal feed operation but to visit the well stocked retail shop that now boasts two fl oors crammed with pet and animal feeds, accessories, fi shing bait and tackle and country clothing. Visit us on

Saturday 12th May between 10am – 2pm and see the Heart FM Angels, a hog roast, bouncy castle, face painting, Otley collage and more. In store Suffolk’s leading local reptile club (M.a.h.i.c) representatives with a selection of reptiles and why they make great pets! Also in store dog and cat nutritional advice from one of the country’s premium pet food manufacturers, bait and tackle advice from a leading fi shing personality.

All retail purchases on the day will receive a 10% discount!

Little Jigglers celebrates its 1st birthday.Little Jigglers Bouncy Castle Hire set up by local mum Fiona Turner is now celebrating 1 year in business.Fiona, mum to 3 children aged 3, 6 and 8 says “my husband is in the army stationed at Wattisham Airfi eld. I started the business at the beginning of last summer as a way of generating income from home so as not be away from the children.” The business has gone from strength to strength with Fiona offering Bouncy Castle hire for children’s parties, family BBQ’s, wedding’s, christenings, charity events or school fundraising events.Customers seem to like the fact I am a mum myself and I understand the stress of organising a party or event in addition to the normal chaos of family life.

www.littlejigglers.co.uk - 01449 741499

If you have any local news you would like included in the next issue please email [email protected]

Birch Farm Summer ExtravaganzaBirch Farm Complex Hintlesham are opening their doors for a day of

family fun.

If you have ever wondered where Birch

Farm is located and/or what they have to

offer then why not pop along on Saturday

30th June between 10am – 4pm. You will

have the opportunity to view the nursery

and the swimming pool, the under 5’s play

complex and the café will be open for both kids and adults to enjoy.

Plus there will be Jo Jingles taster sessions for you to try, face painting

for all, and many lovely stalls.

So to fi nd out about any

of the classes, activities,

nursery or children’s parties

that take place at Birch farm

just turn up to the open

event to meet Mini and her

team and have a fun family

day out.

01473 652152

[email protected] www.birchfarm.co.uk

0404 To contribute to future issues please email [email protected] or call 01473 788546

local news

Biothecare Estetika celebrates fi rst birthday

More than 1000 delighted customers have walked through the doors at Biothecare Estetika Ipswich during its fi rst year. The beauty centre in St Nicholas Street, which specialises in non-invasive treatments, celebrates its fi rst birthday in May.Biothecare Estetika uses the most up to date technology in order to eliminate unwanted hair, wrinkles and cellulite.The cutting edge experience is delivered by skilled technicians and results can usually be seen from the fi rst treatment.

Kate Joughin, manager at the Ipswich centre, said: “Many customers have been amazed at the difference our services can make. Most customers come here on a friend’s recommendation - a great sign that people love what we do.”One popular treatment on offer is their cellulite reduction method, which uses ultra sound and heat to reach deep into the fat cells in problem areas. Other treatments include IPL hair removal and radiofrequency, which is described as a ‘non-surgical facelift’.

They also offer more traditional pamper-style treatments, such as gel-nails and facials (including microdermabrasion). These make great birthday or Christmas presents and gift vouchers are available.

Kate said: “As the only place in Suffolk offering all these treatments under one roof, we are really looking forward to a great future.”

www.biothecareestetika.com/ipswich 01473 215 216

Crown Pools looking better than ever

The leisure and teaching pools are now open...and they’ve never looked better! But don’t just take their word for it, go and see for yourself. The two pools have new tiling, cool new mood lighting, improved air-handling, new glazing and a new water feature in the leisure pool. The wave machine, slides and fountains still remain, the crèche has been re-furbished and everywhere has a fresh new colour scheme. The work carried out at Crown Pools is part of a £4m refurbishment programme which is almost complete, with just the competition pool to fi nish by the summer this year. Swimming lessons are being held in the teaching pool and at Fore Street and there are fun fl oat sessions, plus the Dolphinator

slide programmed in regularly in the leisure pool. So go along and try the re-furbished pools and give your family a splashing treat!

For temporary programmes and further information about the refurbishment visit: www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport Or for recorded timetables call 01473 433655.

Local second hand school clothes

Easy to use website,mykids2yourkids.co.uk, is the UK’s local community website to buy and sell all the stuff kids grow out of - during their school years.

You can advertise for free anything from school clothes and logo’d blazers to sports equipment, Scout/Brownie uniforms and everything in between. Plus it’s a great place to fi nd good quality second hand children’s goods.

Mykids2yourkids.co.uk offers an innovative way to recycle, reuse, reduce waste and return a profi t. There is also the added bonus of ‘giving a little back’ by allowing you the option to donate the profi t of your sale to the local PTA for your child’s school to benefi t.

All you need to do is go online, register and upload images of all the ‘need no more’ goods and clothes from your youngsters. You may even pick up a bargain or two!

www.mykids2yourkids.co.uk/families

Join the Snakes and Ladders Mini Olympics

Calling all mini athletes! To celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Flame in the UK, Snakes and Ladders are holding their very own Olympics Day on Friday 18 May. Your little one can become an indoor playground champion and earn a shiny medal by completing fi ve fun challenges for tots including ‘swimming’ across the ball pond, completing a circuit of the playframe and scoring goals on the football court and more! The fun will be happening all day from 10am to 6pm.

Snakes and Ladders, Cavendish Street, Ipswich, IP3 8AX.01473 255 000 - www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

Hypnotherapy Helping children with anxiety.

Fears phobias, panic attacks Nail biting

Bedwetting Shyness, problems making friends

Anger, tantrums, bad behaviour

Insomnia, nightmares

Exam nerves

For more information visit: www.melaniecollingshypnotherapy.co.uk

Call: 07855 798 789

Coffee, chat and children’s fi ngerprints with Lucy Locket

For all mums who like a get together once in a while, either after the school run for morning coffee or perhaps for afternoon tea after the chaos of the school pick up run then I have discovered the best excuse for scheduling in another get together.

Local mum Lucy Bolton who owns and runs Lucy Locket personalised silver jewellery now offers coffee mornings and after school parties for up to 6 families. So why not whilst enjoying your next get together invite Lucy along to see the range of solid silver jewellery available and have your children’s fi nger prints captured within your chosen piece of jewellery to create the most unique gift you could buy for someone. Plus the party host receives a free piece of jewellery.

For more information or to book a party call Lucy

07789742342 [email protected]


party traditionsBirthday Traditions – 12 ways to create magical momentsBirthday Traditions – 12 ways to create magical momentsInexpensive and clever ways to make the most of a child’s birthday by creating some fun traditions

to make a child’s birthday a special day to remember - By Helena Foss

Think of your child’s birthday and what’s the fi rst thing that comes to mind? Already? What are we going to do this year? Whatever you think, instead of racking your brains thinking for the latest party ideas, what about actually doing some things the same as you did last year? Build simple birthday traditions that you all know about, look forward to, and that create memories that last a lifetime. This is the stuff of magic moments!

We have collected 12 fabulous traditions that can make your children’s birthdays special every year.

1. Big-Day Countdown:

Make the approach to their birthday important. Hang a garland of seven envelopes, each with a small daily goodie, leading up to the grand fi nale.

2. Decorate and Titivate:

The night before your child’s birthday sneak into their room and decorate it with a special sign wishing them a Happy Birthday. Blow up balloons and put birthday wishes all over the house.

3. Bake a cake:

Make a birthday cake instead of buying one. Your child will appreciate even a simple cake made from a mix. Get your child to pick out what they want their birthday cake to look like, a rocket, princess castle, favourite animal, etc.

4. Have a special meal:

Have breakfast in bed awakened by the whole family singing happy birthday. Create a beautiful tea party to enjoy the fi nger sandwiches and tea. Let the birthday child pick the dinner menu however crazy their wishes.

5. Have a ‘birthday’ plate: Have a special plate that each child uses for meals on their birthday. The same could be done for a birthday eggcup, a special seat at the table, or hat they have to wear all day.

6. Opening presents: Hide presents around the house and provide clues to help your child fi nd them. Follow a ribbon to their fi rst gift, or

unroll string all around the house that take them to their presents.

7. Celebrate them growing up: Create a photo banner of your child’s annual photographs. Take a family photo on the same settee every year put them in a scrapbook that you add to every year. Ask them their favourite colour, ice-cream, hobby, etc., note them down and do this on every birthday.

8. Capture the moment:

Get out the camcorder and interview your child about the special things they have done that year, include props like their award-winning science project that year, their sports trophies, the self-portrait they did of themselves, etc.

9. Special family events:

Do the same walk every year, have dinner at the same place, go sledging, have a picnic on the beach. Do activities that are typical of what you are like as a family, e.g. if you are a musical family, hold a concert, if you are outdoorsy plan a boat trip.

10. Annual additions:

Plant a tree or fl owers that bloom annually around your child’s birthday. Ask grandparents to add to a charm bracelet or

commemorative coin collection each year.

11. Tell a Tale:

Let the birthday child stay up a little later after the other children have gone to bed and tell them about the day they were born, and how you felt when they arrived.

12. Remind them of how special they are:

A simple way is give each member of the family a birthday candle, then pass around a small dessert. Each person puts in their candle and tells the birthday girl/boy something they love about them. They pass the dessert to the next person, who does the same until everyone has added their candle, light the candles and sing Happy Birthday.

We produce cakes for all occasions that not only look fantastic but taste delightful too. So whether you are looking for elegant & imaginative cupcakes or a tasteful centerpiece for a wedding, you have found the right professionals to bring your cakes to life!

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Visit our website www.cakewizz.co.ukor call us on 07990 591138 or email [email protected]


baby talkTechnology Vs Technology Vs natural childbirthnatural childbirthWhere do you stand?Where do you stand?By Toni HarmanBy Toni Harman

On a global level, a war is being waged between two models of maternity care.On a global level there are two sides to childbirth: On the one side, midwifery believes in the power of women’s body and spirit to birth naturally. On the other side, the obstetric model believes that women need technology to give birth.Right now the obstetric model is winning the war. Consequently, birth has become highly technological and according to many of the world’s leading experts, unnecessarily over-medicalised.

Could doulas, non-medical birth companions, be the answer?Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, the couple behind a new, independently made, sixty minute documentary certainly think so.DOULA! tells the story of three doula-supported births and shows the practical and emotional support that doulas provide during pregnancy, birth and the fi rst few weeks of parenthood.Showing positive births in an intimate style, the fi lm goes some way to prove the statistics that, if supported by a trained doula, mothers are half as likely to need a caesarean and their labours could be shortened by 25%.Toni, the fi lm’s director: “Doulas have an important role to play in modern birth as their presence is resisting the global trend that is embracing medical intervention

and caesareans. In some city hospitals in Brazil, c-section rates that have reached a staggering 93%. I even think doulas are quiet revolutionaries in questioning the dominant obstetric opinion that women can no longer give birth without medical assistance.”

Host a screening - The fi lm’s producer Alex Wakeford says “We’re using techniques pioneered by indie fi lmmakers in the States, particularly political documentary makers, where we encourage people to host screenings in their local communities, often their in own homes or town halls. At the very least, we want our fi lm to demonstrate that birth does not need to be managed and controlled by the medical machine.”The fi lmmakers’ current project is the global documentary and video resource web site - www.OneWorldBirth.net - “We are travelling around the globe and to date have interviewed over one hundred of the world’s leading birth experts and all of them are calling for a halt to the unnecessary over-medicalisation of birth today” says Harman. “We want our fi lms to inform and motivate an army of global “birth warriors” to create

the tipping point that will propel birth into the mainstream to deliver real change.”

“Women”, in the words of the legendary Social Anthropologist Sheila Kitzinger, “will take childbirth back”.

To know more or to arrange a screening (free to the organiser):

www.doulafi lm.comwww.oneworldbirth.netinfo@altofi lms.com01273 747837 / 07770 794233

Sling Consultant & BraLady Consultations, Sling hire service Online shop. Expert bra fitter

www.natureandnurture.co.uk

Slings: An ancient skill for a modern world - By Rosie Dhoopun

Slings have been a parenting tool for hundreds of years, enabling mothers to get on with daily activities whilst keeping their babies close and safe. Although we now live without the fear of predators taking our babies, slings can still be an incredibly useful tool. Recent research has shown that carried babies cry less and sleep better. Kangaroo care (keeping premature babies in skin to skin contact with their mother via specially adapted slings) has even seen babies thrive and grow stronger more quickly than their counterparts kept in incubators.

Mothers who keep their babies in slings are able to read their cues more easily and respond more promptly leading to contented babies and confi dent mothers. Because we live in a society of nuclear families, mothers are expected to juggle many tasks; caring for baby, possibly older siblings, cooking, cleaning and shopping. This can be exhausting and can lead to a mother being torn between attending to her baby and getting on with daily tasks. Using a sling means you can satisfy your instinctive urge to keep your baby close (and their natural need to be close) whilst completing these tasks. This also has the added benefi t of meaning you can ‘sleep when baby sleeps’.There are times when getting out and about

is much easier without a pram or buggy. Carrying your baby in a sling makes pushing a trolley easier, travelling on public transport simpler and going on walks or to outdoor

events such as festivals stress free. You can also breastfeed in a sling meaning you can do it discreetly in public or be able to multi-task if you are pushed for time on the odd occasion. Using a sling can be an ideal way for fathers to bond with their baby and get to learn to read their subtle cues. It’s also an ideal way for other caregivers (grandparents, nursery staff, babysitters etc)to form a relationship with the baby to make transition to day care less

stressful.

We are lucky to have a huge range of different types of sling available to buy which can suit all needs and budgets. Last year there was a boom in face-to-face sling resources such as sling libraries and babywearing consultants; meaning you can get professional help learning to use a sling which replaces the support and advice traditionally passed down the generations.

If you would like more information you can contact Rosie via

www.naturenuture.co.uk


It’s your birth - By Shelley Brinkley

The birth of a baby is in my opinion the most joyous, amazing and exciting experience in life. However as a mama to three little ones and as an antenatal teacher I am more than aware of the mixed emotions mothers-to-be often feel approaching this joyous moment. With our culture of horror stories and disempowerment when it comes to birth many mothers, and fathers, fi nd themselves feeling confused, daunted and even frightened.By empowering mothers, and fathers to be with advice and education I believe we can change the way they feel as they approach this momentous occasion, and as a result allow them to experience the joyous, empowering birth they deserve. Here are my fi ve pieces of information I feel every mother and father to be should be aware of as they approach that special day.

The pelvis needs to open and expand - A woman’s body is physically designed to give birth and the way in which it does this is amazing. In order for the baby to be

born, the Pelvis needs to open and expand. This is a completely natural process that happens as long as the pelvis is not compromised. However there is plenty you can do in pregnancy to encourage this process to happen easily and to its maximum effi ciency. The two main ways to do this are partaking in gentle, pregnancy suitable, exercise and by learning to relax the body using visualisation and breathing.

Keep fear out of birth - Staying calm and relaxed can often be the key to a good birth experience. Surrounding yourself with positive birth stories and avoiding negative ones is a great way to keep yourself calm leading up to your special day. Using breathing and relaxation techniques coupled with a supportive partner will ensure you stay as calm as possible during your birth experience.

Lean on me - The role of the birth partner is something that women are becoming more and more aware of. The difference the right person with the right attitude attending your birth can make is astounding. By offering you support, guidance and advocacy a good birth partner can ensure the mother feels safe, empowered and protected while they birth.

You have a choice -We can easily become fi xated with the media image of birth, that there is one way to birth and that it happens in a certain way. Each birth is as individual as the mother experiencing it and the baby being born, and the control of this experience lies with the mother. You have the choice how you

experience your labour, from positioning to environment and from who is present to what, if any, pain relief is chosen. It is your choice, your birth, your experience.

Trust your body- The most important piece of information I think I was ever given was this. Your body is designed to do this, it is a natural process and your body (and baby) know what to do. Keeping this is your mind at all times will allow you to achieve the amazing experience you’ve been dreaming of. Trust in this and trust your instincts.

Shelley is a Daisy Birthing Antenatal teacher (FEDANT reg no: 12215) and MD of Mama2mama Ltd.

If you would like to contact Shelley or would be interested in attending any of her classes please view:

www.lazydaisybirthing.co.ukor www.mama2mama.co.uk

usttt your bbb ddody ThThe most iimportant

Empowering new parents to trust their instincts with BabyCalm™

Becoming a parent for the fi rst time can be daunting, especially if you haven’t had much experience with babies. During your pregnancy much of your focus is understandably on the birth: how painful will it be, what state will my body be in afterwards, and will I be able to breastfeed? On arriving home from the hospital many of us recognise that moment where you place the baby in the car seat on the living room fl oor and sit staring at this tiny, precious person, thinking “What on earth do I do now?” This is where many of us turn to our family, Health Visitors, or parenting books for help. Even though they are well meaning, they can bombard you with confl icting advice and sometimes you don’t know what to do for the best.

Here at BabyCalm™ we believe in empowering new parents to trust their own instincts. We can help you to not only calm and understand your baby, but help you to confi dently make your own parenting decisions without relying on somebody else’s routines or manuals. BabyCalm™ present the evidence in an easy to understand way, honestly discussing the pros and cons of different approaches so that you can feel secure in your own informed choices.

BabyCalm™ classes and workshops are here to help you meet other new mums, understand babies’ sleep, learn how to calm your baby and soothe their crying. We run very reasonably priced antenatal workshops and postnatal courses and workshops.

To fi nd out more about BabyCalm™, visit www.babycalm.co.uk.

Alternatively contact one of the two BabyCalm™ teachers in Suffolk:

Katie Mackenzie in Ipswich & mid Suffolk: [email protected],and Faye Burley in Kesgrave, Martlesham, Woodbridge &Hintlesham: [email protected].

Perhaps you are struggling with your toddler’s behaviour?Why not check out our new big sister ToddlerCalm:www.toddlercalm.co.uk.

™™™

Perspectives Pregnancy Advice is a registered charity based at The Fletcher Centre in Ipswich. They provide free confi dential support to those experiencing unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy loss and post abortion stress. You may fi nd it surprising to learn that around 40% of pregnancies are unplanned and when faced with a positive pregnancy test women and couples often don’t know where to turn to for help.

At Perspectives they seek to provide people with space and time to explore their feelings and to support them to move forward in their life whatever their circumstances. If women choose to proceed with their pregnancy they can offer them ongoing befriending and practical help such as providing baby equipment. Alternatively if they choose to place their baby for adoption or to terminate their pregnancy they offer support programmes to enable women and couples to explore their feelings.

Sadly pregnancy loss is more common than most people realise with around 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Sometimes couples don’t grieve at the time of their loss, friends and family can fi nd it diffi cult to talk about the event and this can lead to suppressed feelings that cause depression or anxiety. Perspectives pregnancy loss support programme enables women and men to grieve for their child, giving

them as much time is needed to come to a point of acceptance and try to conceive again if that is what they desire.

The advice centre is run by trained volunteer advisors who are all Christians. Their training is accredited by the Association of Christian Counsellors, and all the advisors have enhanced CRB disclosures and receive regular supervision. Perspectives are part of a national network of over 150 pregnancy crisis centres which have been running for 25 years under the name of Care confi dential.

Perspectives are open for appointments on Wednesday evenings and Fridays during the day, other times are available if necessary.

To fi nd out more visit the website www.pregnancyadviceipswich.org.uk or call us to make an appointment on 07540 635 236.


our communityPregnancy is an event that we generally connect with happiness and expectant hope for the future but that’s not the real story for everyone.

Foster Care Fortnight 2012Today in Suffolk there are now over 800 children in care, and simply not enough foster carers to help look after them.In an effort to help recruit more carers Suffolk County Councils Fostering Service will be supporting this years ‘Foster Care Fortnight’. This national campaign led by the Fostering Network provides a great opportunity to help raise the profi le of fostering, and reduce the growing defi cit. This year Suffolk County Council are aiming to recruit at least 35 new foster carers to help with the growing demand, and hope this campaign will help give their recruitment drive a boost.

Many people unnecessarily rule themselves out of fostering because they think they can not foster for reasons that simply are not true, so this year Suffolk County Council are keen to use Foster Care Fortnight as an opportunity to dispel a few myths and stereotypes surrounding fostering, and help the public understand that it really does take all sorts of people from all walks of life to improve the life chances for Suffolk’s most vulnerable children.

Sue Lowndes Head of Fostering comments ‘We believe there is no such thing as a typical foster carer; they come from a number of different backgrounds. Foster carers can be male or female of any sexual orientation, in full time or part time employment or unemployed. They may have their own children or be childless, and come from any race religion or culture. You also don’t need any formal qualifi cations, as we will provide training and on going support. You do need to be over 21 and have a spare bedroom’.Suffolk County Council are keen to encourage anyone thinking about fostering to come along to one of their information events and speak to representatives from the Suffolk Fostering Service as well as existing foster carers to fi nd out more.

Schedule of EventsDate Venue TimeWed 24th May Rookery Park Golf Club, Carlton Colville, (Nr Lowestoft) 1.30pm – 7.30pmWed 30th May Holiday Inn, London Road, Ipswich 1.30pm – 7.30pmThu 31st May The Ramada Hotel, Bury St Edmunds 1.30pm – 7.30pm

Anyone interested can just turn up at anytime throughout the afternoon or evening, or if you would like to book a specifi c time to speak with a social worker you can call us on 0800 328 2148.

If you would like to fi nd out more about Fostering a Suffolk child but unable to attend one of these events, you can also call the offi ce on 0800 328 2148 or visit: www.suffolkfostering.com. You can also now follow Suffolk Fostering Service on facebook.


Cycling extravaganza in Woodbridge

Cycle Suffolk are pleased to present a Family Cycling Festival in Woodbridge this summer.

The festival will include displays, bike maintenance, cycle products, cycling activities and information and is suitable for the whole family.

Cycle Suffolk will be joined by many partners including;The Cycling Tourists Club Suffolk (CTC), a national organisation with local groups in

all parts of the country, who will be organising led rides on the day;Plomesgate Cycling Club who will be running grass track riding;Kesgrave Panthers with speedway riding; Tunstall and Rendlesham Off-Road Group (TROG) a mountain biking group who organise weekly rides around the trails and bridleways in Tunstall and Rendlesham Forest will be leading some off-road riding;British Cycling’s ‘Breeze’ will also be there offering rides just for ladies; Beautifully Basic bike maintenance will be offering help with looking after your bike; Bike Active Disabled Cycling; Sustrans; Watt bikes from Cycle Suffolk and British Cycling’s Go-Ride racing for children.

As well as all the cycling activities, there will also be a range of trade stalls and refreshments. The event is on Sunday 15th July from 11:00 until 16:00 at Kingston fi eld, Woodbridge and anyone is welcome.

For more information visit www.cyclesuffolk.org or contact [email protected]

Magical Moments fromMemories.Me

2012 WILL BE A YEAR TO REMEMBER!Your son/daughter will be a year older. They will take part in a sports day event, in a school play, go on a school outing or holiday and also experience the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.We cannot think of a better way to capture these magical moments than in our unique School Life Scrap Album.

The expandable Album guarantees hours of fun for children aged 4-11 years, using it to store their photos, certifi cates, favourite artwork and memorabilia in one secure place.The greatest advantage of this Album is the fantastic opportunity each child has to personalise it.

“It’s amazing, what a fantastic place to put all those special things which normally end up in the bottom of a drawer.”Parent - St Mary’s School

Whether you wear your CROWN or run for GOLD let us help you capture those moments together!

Don’t miss our Reader offer on page 10

Visit our website for details of our Summer workshops.Discounts available for group bookings.

Visit us at www.memories.me.ukCall on 01206 331816

To enter simply go to:www.familiesonline.co.uk/featherdownClosing date for entries: 9am, 2nd July 2012Please quote this competition code: FDF2012

One lucky family can win a three night weekend stay with Feather Down Farm Days this September worth £500!Farmers Robert and Jayne look forward to welcoming one lucky reader to Billingsmoor,their picture postcard organic farm inmid Devon. Their tranquil herd ofFriesians, Kunekune pigs, sheep andchickens will soon lift the cares ofdaily life from your shoulders. You'llenjoy spectacular views acrossrolling countryside whilst yourchildren enjoy the sort of freedomyou remember from your youth.

one of the best-loved family holidays in the land

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One lucky family can win

one oly holifami yWin!


parents place

Sue McFadyenue McFadyen, , is one half of Little Guests is one half of Little Guests

Wedding Crèche, is married to Iain, Wedding Crèche, is married to Iain, and is mum of and is mum of twins Isabel and twins Isabel and Rory aged 6years. Rory aged 6years. The family have The family have lived in Hadleigh for lived in Hadleigh for 4 years4 years

Sue and business partner Emma Longman have a small business - Little Guests Wedding Crèche, offering Wedding Crèche service at many venues in Suffolk. Running since March 2010, they offer a bespoke service exclusively designed for all little guests needs on wedding days/evenings. The business is also based in Hadleigh.

Why you like living where you do? - We moved up from London so anything quieter has got to be good! Hadleigh is lovely and very child friendly there are lots of groups to go to. The twins attend Hadleigh Community Primary school and are very happy there. We have some lovely walks in Hadleigh too, Frog Lane is the nearest to us and is good for riding scooters or just walking up to see the horses. Then there is the railway walk a regular walk back home from school. There is also the river walk a favourite for feeding the ducks and you can walk to the park. If I feel like I need

the buzz of the big city I just hop on a train from Ipswich and I can be in London in just over an hour!

Favourite shop and why? - Any charity shops - Hadleigh has 3 I love to pick up a good bargain!

Favourite park and why? - All the parks in Hadleigh we enjoy going too so I don’t really have a favourite. I guess the most visited is the park by the swimming pool. Just because everyone from school goes there.

Favourite children’s club/class? - The twins have

been to summer school swimming lessons at Birch Farm which are really good, not too bigger classes and they just give them that little more confi dence they need for starting back in the new term. They also have attended the tennis class after school on a Tuesday at the Hadleigh Tennis club. Which I am sure they will resume now that the days are getting warmer!

Favourite day out and why? - A day out at the beach. We tend to go to Felixstowe as it’s not very far away. Scooters are great to take as you can walk the whole of the promenade and you won’t get told ‘My legs are tired’! There is also the arcade with the penny machines which we can’t resist! We sometimes take a picnic or walk along the front to the Harbour and have ice-cream and do a spot of crabbing! As well as taking my family it’s a great place to take child-minded children too! If we have more time then we will go to Southwold,

The Pier is a must with lots going on lovely shops and fi sh and chips too!

Favourite child friendly restaurant and why? - Hollow Trees Farm, Semer, the food has a varied menu and you can go just for coffee or lunch as we do once the children have been round the farm, a great place for families. Also Suffolk Food Hall, the twins love to jump on the pillow!

Best planet saving tip? - Recycle old clothes. It is a fact that our children are going to keep growing. You are then left with piles of decent clothes that they have grown out of. Why not recycle them to your friends or pass them down to family infants if you can or try and get some money back on them. Choices nearly new children’s clothes near Claydon, can re -sell them for you. Alternatively the season of car boot sales have arrived!

No parent should be without? - Her mobile phone

Parenting pet hates? - Cleaning and cooking never seem to have enough time in the day!

Favourite family holiday spot and why? - Hope Barton Barns in Devon, near Kingsbridge, we have been there 3 times so far. It’s a family run farm with lovely converted barns, into cottages. Perfect for children, onsite indoor swimming pool and various activities put on throughout the week including a welcome buffet with all local produce from the farm. There is a Play Barn for the kids and animals to visit. Long walks around the farm and only 5 mins walk to beach. Fun for all.

Best children’s book? - Peter Pan by J.M Barrie

Best children DVD or video? - Harry Potter, he’s the in thing at our house at the moment.

Most played with toys? - Train track - Rory has had great fun especially playing with Grandad, Isabel likes to build the longest train!

Biggest waste of money? - A net I bought to put up in the corner of the twins room when they were little to keep all their cuddly toys in! Complete waste of money never stayed on the wall and I had too many toys so they wouldn’t fi t in anyway!

Most successful recipe/food? - Has to be mums chocolate cake. The twins go mad for it. Isabel doesn’t eat a lot of chocolate but say you have made one and she comes back for more!

If you would like to visit any of the places Joy has mentioned please fi nd the contact details listed below:

Birch Farm Complex - Silver Hill, Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NJ. 01473 652152www.birchfarm.co.uk

Hadleigh Tennis Club - [email protected] or contact Paul Knowles 07747 637147

Hollow Tree’s Farm - Semer, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 6HX 01449 741247www.hollowtrees.co.uk

Suffolk Food Hall - Wherstead Hall, Peppers Lane, Wherstead, Ipswich. 01473 786610 www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk

Choices Clothes Ltd - Manor Farm, Church Lane, Barnham, Ipswich. 01473 831804 www.choicesclothes.co.uk

Hope Barton Barns - Hope Cove, South Devon, TQ7 3HT. 01548 561 393www.hopebarton.co.uk

If you would like to speak to Sue regarding wedding crèche services you can contact her on 07765281419 or visitwww.littleguests.co.uk


Summer holiday inspirationBy Liddy Pleasents

Friends thought we were mad when we announced that we were off to Sri Lanka with 7 month old Sam. They reeled off an endless litany of possible disasters....malaria, poor health-care, unsafe water and so on. This increased our nerves but not our resolve; we arrived in Sri Lanka with some trepidation but it soon became apparent that we need not have worried. Sam was blonde, blue eyed and tubby and proved a hit; our hikes through the tea plantations took twice as long as expected as we kept stopping to chat with the tea pickers; visits to local markets left us laden with mangos, pineapples and bananas ‘for the baby’ and whenever we arrived in a restaurant Sam would be whisked away by a waiter and then be passed around the staff before being deposited back with us after our meal.

Many people are nervous about travelling to exotic countries with their children, but really needn’t be. Most children seem to love travelling; it is as exciting for them to discover new places as it is for adults and it is remarkable how quickly they take new things in their stride. Squat toilet, well that’s novel, how does it work? Brushing your teeth in bottled water, well it tastes okay, perhaps we should do this at home?There are so many places which are ideal for a family holiday but if I had to pick my top three they would be Morocco, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Morocco is inexpensive, quick to get to and you can be immediately

transported into an exotic world of bustling markets, majestic deserts and peaceful palm oases. Sri Lanka is incredibly friendly, English is widely spoken, the scenery is gorgeous, the sites are impressive and there are fabulous beaches. Vietnam offers great home-stays, sensational mountain scenery and a mouth-

watering cuisine that both adults and children love.For more advice or inspiration on exciting family holidays, view -

www.stubbornmuletravel.com...a new company I have set up specialising in bespoke family holidays to Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

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watering cuisine that both adults and children lov

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Helping children cope with anxiety with hypnotherapy.By Melanie Collings - D. Hyp. MIAPH.

Children can experience anxiety and stress and they will fi nd this just as diffi cult to cope with as an adult would. Anxiety is a normal response to feeling insecure, or just a bit overwhelmed, by everyday events.Diffi culties with friends, the general pressures of school, tests and exams and sometimes an unsettled period at home can affect children’s confi dence and resilience, particularly when this happens for the fi rst time.

Without help, children’s anxiety can develop into a fear or phobia. Hoping children will ‘grow out of it’ without help, can mean these symptoms become more diffi cult to treat.

Hypnosis can help children from about 5 years of age, using the ‘Blowaway’ technique. The ‘Blowaway’ is a relaxing hypnosis session including lots of positive suggestions, which allows a child to let go of any negative experiences and distressing emotions which are causing anxiety or other problems. Children are really open to trying new experiences, new ways of being in charge of their bodies and regaining a sense of control; they generally fi nd the whole experience of hypnosis quite interesting and exciting!

The ‘Thrive programme’.

Older children and teenagers respond really well to the ‘Blowaway’ together with some help to change negative ways of thinking using the ‘Thrive programme’. This is particularly good for boosting self confi dence and self esteem, and helping teenagers overcome shyness. We all want to do our best for our children. Hypnotherapy can allow children to overcome emotions which they don’t yet know how to cope with and change negative thinking patterns, so that they can move on to become happy, confi dent, teenagers and adults.

If you have found this article interesting and would like to fi nd out more about Melanie and her work check out the website:

www.melaniecollingshypnotherapy.co.uk/helping_children.html

alternatively you can call or email Melanie

07855 798 789

[email protected]

Families Suffolk ‘What’s On’ pages

1212 To contribute to future issues please emailTo contribute to future issues please email [email protected] [email protected] or call or call 01473 788546 01473 788546

We try our best to ensure the information listed is correct, but please always check with the venue before setting out in case things have changed.

TheatreStar For A Night

Saturday 12 May

Ipswich Regent

Following the huge success of Star for a Night in 2010, the organizers of this event are giving you the chance to celebrate with the cast, the diverse and highly skilled local talent of Suffolk! Enjoy an evening of home grown acts, many performing for the fi rst time on a professional stage.

The acts will come from a wide variety of entertainment genres

and ages, with applications ranging from 8 to 108 years!

All proceeds from the event will be split between two very worthy local charities: EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospice) and St Elizabeth Hospice.

01473 433100

www.ipswichregent.com

STRICTLY presents Dance To The Music

Tuesday 5 June

Ipswich Regent

Come and experience Strictly unleashed as the dancers and musicians demonstrate what they can do when there are no judges and no rules!

Under 14s must be accompanied by a paying adult

01473 433100www.ipswichregent.com

The Last Night of the Jubilee Proms

Saturday 30th June

Christchurch Park

Ipswich is to celebrate the Last Night of the Proms with a fabulous picnic concert in Christchurch Park this summer.Ipswich Borough Council has announced it will be hosting the classical concert as part of the Ipswich Arts Festival.The concert will include Last Night favourites such as Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. It will also feature a host of modern favourites, including West Side Story and I Could Have Danced All Night. The event will also include a spectacular fi rework fi nale.

Start planning that picnic now so you and your friends and family can raise a glass at what is fast becoming one of the highlights of a Suffolk summer.

01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Storymaker – Little Story

The New Wolsey Studio

Sat 12th May - 11am

If you’re 3 or 4 years old and love silly stories and tremendous tales then you’ve got to come to meet the Storymaker at the New Wolsey Theatre. Mums, Dads, Grans, Grandads, Big Brothers and Big Sisters should come too, they can look after you and pick up some tips along the way.

Storymaker makes children better listeners and families better at telling stories, and

because we want to give everyone the chance to take part we even let you decide what to pay, it could be anything from 50p to £2.50

01473 295900

www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Storymaker – Big Story


Sat 12th May - 12noon

If you’re 5 or 6 you can leave your family downstairs in the New Wolsey Café and come upstairs to meet the to meet the Storymaker yourself for an amazing adventure, or an exciting escapade. Mums, Dads, Grans, Grandads, Big Brothers and Big Sister’s can come too, but they’ll have to join in with the fun.

Storymaker makes children better listeners and families better at telling stories, and because we want to give everyone the chance to take part we even let you decide what to pay, it could be anything from 50p to £2.50

01473 295900 www.

wolseytheatre.co.uk

The Crash of The Elysium - A Live Doctor Who Adventure


15 June 2012 - 8 July 2012

The Crash of The Elysium is unlike anything else you have ever experienced in the world of Doctor Who. This is your story, your mission, you are the hero. Everything depends on you. If you don’t turn up, the world does not get saved.

01473 295900www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Seussical Jnr

The New Wolsey Theatre

17 June 2012

Presented by The Children’s Theatre Company A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Seussical brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant and The Cat in the Hat to transport us from the Jungle of Nool to Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos!

01473 295900www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Fireman Sam Returns

The Spa Pavillion, Felixtowe

Saturday 2nd June 2.30pm

Join Fireman Sam and all his friends as Pontypandy hosts it’s fi rst ever music festival!

01394 282126www.thespapavillion.org

Activities & EventsSuffolk Food Hall’s Birthday Party

Mon 7th May 11am onwards

Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead

It’s Suffolk Food Hall’s 5th birthday, so you are invited to join in the fun on the May Day bank holiday, for a burger bite, ice cream and/or cake FOR FREE (whilst stocks last!)

01473 786 610www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk

Ladies Pamper Night

Friday 11th May 7pm onwards

Shotley Village Hall, Nr Ipswich

Massage, refl exology, spray tanning, tarot reading, jewellery, handbags and many more stalls for you to enjoy.

Entrance £2 which includes a raffl e ticket

For any other details: 07725815035

Blossom and Scarecrow’s Tea Party

Holywells Park Cliff Lane Ipswich

May 12, 2012 11 am – 2pm

Tea/refreshments in the Orchard at blossom time with scarecrow making/dressing. Scarecrow frames and some scarecrow clothes provided - to avoid disappointment please bring your own old clothes. Take your scarecrow home with you if you wish.

Free event but donations please for refreshments.

Details from Peter Scotcher 01473 463860.

Community Afternoon

Saturday 12th May, 12-3pm

St Matthew’s School,

Portman Road, Ipswich, IP1 2AX.

Parking on the road or in the Spiral car park opposite

The afternoon is to celebrate church, school and the local community, and to raise money for Christian Aid’s work in Sierra Leone. Here two hospitals are being refurbished, to provide medical care in an area where only one in ten women is attended by a medical professional during childbirth. The project will improve maternal and infant health and seek to reduce the infant mortality rate (currently 78:1000 live births).

The event will include games, activities, a vintage vehicle, a barbeque, a bouncy castle, plants and cakes, and lots more. Please do support it by telling your friends about it and coming along to enjoy the afternoon. All the money raised goes to Christian Aid and is match-funded fourfold by the EU.

What a great incentive to give what we can, giving the tools to help people in poverty out of poverty.

Festival of Green Ideas - from bees to sustainability

Sat 12th May 10am – 5pm

Quaker Meeting House

39 Fonnereau Rd, Ipswich

All day speakers, cafe, stalls, fi lms, activities for all ages, ending in a grand debate and its free!

01473 221699 opposite Christchurch Parkwww.suffolkquakers.org.uk/green-ideas.htm

Sponsored by Transition Ipswich,Ripple coop,UCS, Quakers.

Ipswich Waterfront Market

Sunday 20th May 10am – 4pm

Ipswich Waterfront

Cost: Free

A great family day out!

Over 40 stalls from crafts to vintage to gifts will be taking part along the Ipswich Waterfront

Organised by Ipswich Waterfront Action with support from Ipswich Borough Council

For more details contact Jay Harvey on 0773 199 [email protected] or check out www.IpswichWaterfrontMarkets.co.uk

in association with

1313www.familiessuffolk.co.ukwww.familiessuffolk.co.uk

towerramparts.com

Loads of funJust visit our website or like us on facebook and keep up to date with all the latest competitions, events and FREE craft activities for children happening in Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre this May and June.

Jigsaw Nursery Sale, Sproughton

Saturday 26th May

Sale open from 12 to 2 pm

Buy and sell your baby and children’s clothes, equipment and toys at the Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton. Entrance just 50p.

To get a seller’s pack, ring Sam on 01473 464595. Jigsaw operates a 70% for you 30% for Jigsaw Pre-School sale policy.

Spring Fun Day

Saturday 26th May11:30 am – 3:30 pm

RSPCA Animal CentreMill Lane, Martlesham Ipswich

Join RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich Branch at their Animal Centre in Martlesham, Suffolk for a Spring Fun Day. There will be lots of different stalls, refreshments and entertainment plus a chance to meet all the animals needing new homes. Something for everyone.

Contact Becky Fox on 01473 623280 www.ipswich-rspca.org.uk

Owl Night Fundraiser

Sat 26th May, 6:30 pm

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal

A special chance to see owls fl ying in the cool of the evening.

Adults £3, Children £1.50, Family (5) £7.50.

Doors open 6.30pm, fl ying display 7.00pm.

Please call ahead before making a journey: 08456 807 897

For more informationwww.owl-help.org.uk

(also on Sat 16 June)

Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s May Fair

Sunday 27th May, 11am – 4pm

Foxburrow Farm, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1NA

Local craft stalls, free children’s activities including pond dipping and traditional games, folk dance and musical performances, storytelling, display of school artwork, farm walks, BBQ, tea and home-made cakes.

Entry: Adults £3, children £2 (Sorry no dogs)

Suffolk Wildlife Trust. 01394 380113

Jubilee Day

Sunday 3rd June10am-1pm and 2pm-4pmChristchurch Mansion, Ipswich

Celebrate in style with your own crown!

Join the celebrations for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee - make a crown in the Mansion. Then head outside for the Ipswich Borough Council ‘Big Lunch’ event on the front lawn (just remember to bring your own picnic).

There is no need to pre-book for this event, just drop in between 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Cost: £1 per crown

Jubilee Celebrations

Bank Holiday Monday 4th June 4pm onwardsChristchurch Park, Ipswich

The celebrations start at 4pm with a parade and service led by the Royal British Legion. There’ll be a variety of live music, children’s entertainment and a torchlight procession before the lighting of the Diamond Jubilee beacon and fi reworks at 10pm

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Otley Hall Open Day

Sunday 3rd June 1:00 pm – 5:00 pmOtley HallHall Lane, Otley Ipswich

Otley Hall is a grade 1-listed 15th century Hall, situated in 10 acres of award winning gardens. On Open Days, guests are welcome to explore the beautiful grounds and look around the interior of the hall, with guides on hand to give interesting information on its history and its owners. Plenty of attractions are on offer, including Tudor dancing or archery and lots of children’s activities, such as crown and shield making, Tudor trails and a bouncy castle. Refreshments are available throughout.

Cost: £6 adults £3 children

www.otleyhall.co.uk

Jubilee Barn Dance

Monday 4th June 5pm - 10.30pmHome Farm, Nacton, IP10 0EU

Hog Roast ,Games,Raffl e , Ceilidh Band, Refreshments, Cakes, “Hunt The Wren”

Raising funds for Dame Vera Lynn Trust, Sproughton

Adults £ 8, Child £ 5, Family (2 + 2) £ 24

For tickets please contact

Anna 07717 580599

or Liz 07968 807092

Mini Mammoths

Tuesday 5th JuneIpswich Museum, High Street, Ipswich

Mini Mammoths is an exciting activity session for Under 5’s and their parents, grandparents and carers. Through a mix of play, stories, rhymes, trails and craft activities each month we explore a different part of the museum. Magnifying glasses and torches are always very popular for exploring and the craft activities provide a chance to try something new and messy!

Cost £2 per session ‘Mini Mammoths’ sessions are very popular.

To book a place, drop into the Ipswich Museum or ring: 01473 433570. Mini Mammoths takes place on the fi rst Tuesday of every month. For more information visit:www.cimuseums.org.uk/whats-on.html

Quirky Aquarium

Wednesday 6th June – Friday 8th June 10:00 am – 4:00 pmIpswich Museum High Street Ipswich

Can you tell your squid from your starfi sh? Find your sea legs in this fun activity by creating your own watery creature to hang out in our quirky aquarium and test your underwater know-how with our mysteryobjects.

Drop-10am–12.00pm & 1pm–4pm

£2perchild

There is no need to pre-book for this event

Strawberry Fayre

Saturday 30th June 10am – 3pm

Alde Carr Farm Needham Market Ipswich

Come and enjoy the fun of the fayre this summer down at Alder Carr!

Our annual strawberry fayre is all in aid of Macmillan cancer support this year.

There will be strawberry goodies galore, as well as food and craft stalls, children’s face painting, a huge infl atable mega-slide, Barn Cafe BBQ, pony rides and lots more!

Entry is free and there will be plenty of car parking on the day!

www.aldercarrfarm.co.uk

BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm Classes

Faye Burley: Postnatal BabyCalm courses run at Birch Farm. Antenatal workshops will also be held here once a month on a Saturday morning. Our courses and workshops can can also be held in the comfort of your own home or at my home in Kesgrave. Please contact me for more details.

T: 07565 592728, E: [email protected], Facebook: BabyCalm-Ipswich/Woodbridge

Katie Mackenzie: Postnatal BabyCalm courses at the Lazy Daisy Studio, Henley Road, Ipswich. Antenatal and Postnatal workshops run on demand so please contact me for more details. ToddlerCalm courses are at the Lazy Daisy studio. Workshops run on Saturdays in a variety of locations.

Please see www.facebook.com/babycalmsuffolk for details of all workshops and courses. E: [email protected], T: 07508 139 580. For more information about BabyCalm or ToddlerCalm please contact us or see www.suffolkbabies.co.uk

Summer BallA date for your diary:

Late Summer Ball in aid of Barnados & Age UK - Friday 12th October – RESERVE TICKETS NOWGreshams Club, Tuddenham Rd, Ipswich.

Cab Smart are holding a late Summer Ball in aid of their chosen charities Barnados & Age UK, This is a Black Tie evening with live music from George Baker and his Back in Business Band, there will be a buffet, a raffl e and a live auction with some fantastic gifts to bid for. Half the tickets are sold already so you need to reserve yours now. Tickets are £25 per person or £20 per person per table of 10.

Cab Smart 40 41 42www.cabsmart.co.uk

Tower Ramparts EVENTS

Half term creative activities Tuesday 5th – Saturday 9th June

See website for full details of activities

Get creative for Father’s Day Saturday 16th June

Free children’s creative activity from 11am until 2pm

See website for full details of activities

All activities are free for children and available on a fi rst come fi rst served basis

See website or facebook for details and exact dates

www.towerramparts.com or www.facebook.com/towerramparts

1414 To contribute to future issues please emailTo contribute to future issues please email [email protected] [email protected] or call or call 01473 788546 01473 788546

7th & 8th June

The Suffolk Show, which is in its 181st year promises to be a true celebration of all that is great in Suffolk. Jubilee and Olympic year means the country is in celebratory mood and the Show will encompass that spirit.

The Grand Ring has a full schedule of great entertainment in the form of the stagecoach classes, the grand parade of champions, and top class international show jumping. The President’s Ring also has a full agenda with the return of the fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National, sheep and heavy horse classes and the sheepdogs at work demonstration.The Grand Ring will also host an awe-inspiring military display include Apache and Lynx helicopters which will be unique to the Suffolk Show and will not be seen anywhere else in the UK. The display is being organised by Wattisham Army Air Corps and the 23 Engineers Regiment from Rock Barracks, Woodbridge with support from the RAF regiment from Honington.Titan the Robot will be making another appearance at the Show due to his popularity last year.

As 2012 is Olympic year, sport is high on the Show agenda and organisers have gone all out to secure some impressive attractions, including Suffolk Sports Village which has once again been awarded the prestigious Olympics ‘Inspire Mark’ , making the Suffolk Show unique as the only county show to have been given this two years in a row.The 100sq metre Suffolk Sports Village will showcase 30 different sports for visitors to try out including rugby, cricket, judo hockey and cycling. When the Show comes around there will just be a few weeks to go to the start of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Suffolk Sport will be

continuing their public pledge to get 25,000 more people in Suffolk active. Alongside the sports showcase the Suffolk Show is one of only 12 locations nationwide to play host to the Steve Redgrave endorsed ‘In the Zone’ interactive attraction.”‘In the Zone’ is a touring exhibition, which aims to engage people of all ages with the science of the human body, in relation to sport and movement. Visitors can fi nd out how their bodies work through a series of trials and experiments which

will measure their general health. The Suffolk Show is the only place in East Anglia to host ‘In the Zone’ in 2012.Plus, with over 700 competitive classes for livestock and equine over the two days, 800 trade stands, the Greene King ‘Eat Street’ and the bandstands hosting a wide range of Suffolk music including the Ipswich Caribbean Steel Band, the Ipswich Hospital Band, and an evening tribute band- there really is something for all the family, no wonder it’s the county’s biggest event of the calendar.This year a new e-ticketing system has been created so that visitors can download their tickets and print them off at home. This is a much more effi cient way of purchasing tickets and it also means that advance

tickets can be bought right up until the day of the show at the discounted price. Advance family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) cost just £40 and include the cost of parking.www.suffolkshow.co.uk

SuffolkShow @Suffolkshow

Hadleigh Show 2012Saturday 19th May 2012 is the date for the 173rd Hadleigh Show.Located in the beautiful setting of Holbecks Park, Hadleigh (IP7 5PE) just a 5 minute walk from Hadleigh Town Centre, the gates open to the general public at 8am and close at 6pm.

A traditional Agricultural Show featuring all you’d expect; Cattle, Sheep, Horse & Goat showing with plenty of opportunities to get ‘up-close-and-personal’ to the livestock. Enjoy Sheep Shearing demonstrations, Donkey Rides, magnifi cent Suffolk Horses, Falconry Displays, Sheep Dog handing – and this year the ‘Lamb National’….yes..…..Sheep RACING!

Bob Hoggs ‘Lamb National’

The Blazing Saddles Stunt Team will be thrilling the crowd with 2 displays in the main ring of fast and furious riding – hopefully with the youngest Stunt Rider in the UK, 11yo Skye Woodward - joining them.In the every growing Countryside Area – the Welsh Axe Racing Team will be demonstrating their Lumberjacking abilities, and new to the Local Demonstration Tent - Mark David of the Cooking Experience will be entertaining everyone with his culinary skills throughout the day.

Displays in the Young Farmers Tent will include exhibits from the new local Clubs; The Junior’s – Brett Valley and the Seniors – Hadleigh YFC.

The Schools Tent is growing and with the key role of demonstrating the link between HFAA and schools in the local community. Here visitors can see the 30 shortlisted entries in the competition for local school children to design the cover of this year’s show catalogue, including the winning entry from Amelia Whaley from Hadleigh Community Primary.

Refreshments will be available from the many catering units or you can bring a picnic to enjoy whilst watching the ring displays.

Entrance Tickets have been held at the same price as 2011 and this year for the fi rst time ‘Early-Bird Discount’ Show Tickets can be bought ON-LINE as well as from the usual local outlets (Family ticket £23 for 2 adults and 3 children).

Car parking is FREE

So come along and see a real slice of the Countryside on 19th May 2012 – for a GREAT DAY OUT!

For full Details of the show and how and where to buy tickets visit the website:

www.hadleighshow.co.uk

Families Suffolk ‘What’s On’ pages

Ipswich launches community Diamond Jubilee plans

Hot on the heels of the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit, Ipswich will soon go ‘Royal’ once again when it celebrates the Queen’s 60 year Diamond Jubilee reign with the rest of the country on 3rd and 4th June. The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor John Le Grys and Paul Winter, Chief Executive of Ipswich Building Society (sponsor of the Town’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations) picnicked on Ipswich’s Cornhill as they launch details of a two-day extravaganza which the whole community is invited to enjoy.

On Sunday 3rd June families and friends are invited to picnic together as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch in Christchurch Park, where trestle tables, chairs, entertainment and lots of bunting will be laid on, whilst on the Cornhill there’ll be piazza style dining with service from local restaurants, live music and street entertainment.

On Bank Holiday Monday 4th June in Christchurch Park, the celebrations start at 4pm with a parade and service led by the Royal British Legion. There’ll be a variety of live music, children’s entertainment and a torchlight procession before the lighting of the Diamond Jubilee beacon and fi reworks at 10pm. Ipswich is honoured to be lighting one of

2012 beacons across the UK, the fi rst of which will be lit by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

If you would like to be considered to have the honour of lighting the Ipswich beacon, pop into any Ipswich Building Society branch and pick up an entry form.

Paul Winter, Chief Executive of sponsors Ipswich Building Society said: “The Ipswich Diamond Jubilee celebrations are about families, friends and communities celebrating together and it promises to be a fantastic week-end for the whole community. The Jubilee is a once in a life time event which I hope everyone enjoys.”Councillor David Ellesmere, the Leader of the Borough Council, said: “This is going to be one of the highlights of the 2012 calendar and Ipswich people know how to celebrate and to appreciate the long reign of a remarkable woman. We shall play our full part in the country’s tributes to The Queen and I hope that communities across the town will also join in with their own events.”

For more information about the local celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee, please see www.ipswich.gov.uk orwww.ibs.co.uk

1515www.familiessuffolk.co.ukwww.familiessuffolk.co.uk

Date for your DiaryGolf East Family ShowSarah Wilson (PGA pro) and Susan Moore both owners of 9 hole courses in Suffolk: Bramford Golf Centre and Clare Park Lake Golf Course, identifi ed last year that there has never been a dedicated golf show in East Anglia. Research within the sport found that support for such a show was unanimously positive even going so far as to suggest the creation of a show with appeal to all the family.

Hence, 2 women from Suffolk, with their families, are staging the region’s biggest ever golf show - Golf East: ‘staged by golfers, for golf, for everyone’ - 14th and 15th July at, Trinity Park, Ipswich.The family show is aimed at the experienced and non experienced golfer alike. There will be pros providing taster lessons and clinics, junior facilities, try then buy opportunities and a real hands on experience.

For clubs it is an opportunity to promote their facilities and already Ufford Park, Fynn Valley, Stoke by Nayland, Woodbridge, Ipswich, Seckford, Hintlesham, Clare Park Lake GC and Bramford Golf Centre are signed up. The Show is also seen as a chance to provide easy routes for beginners to take up the game and to encourage anyone who has ever wanted to have a go to fi nd all they will need in one place over one weekend.

The Show has already attracted generous sponsorship from EADT and the Ipswich Star, BMW Coopers Ipswich, Barclays, European Golf Machinery and is enjoying a close working relationship with students from the University Campus Suffolk.

Sarah and Susan Moore have been thrilled by the response. ‘being able to offer a full length driving range as part of the Show, is unique to golf exhibitions and has been a real draw: it hasn’t been diffi cult attracting big names such as Mizuno, Wilson, Cleveland, Benross, Snake eyes and Srixon.’

With fashion shows throughout the day, trick shot entertainment, gadgets and gizmos, interactive and kids play areas and a Sanctuary marquee for those who don’t fi nd golf the be and end all, it promises to be a great family day out and incredibly good value.

For more information seewww.golfeast.co.uk ore-mail [email protected] @golfeastshow

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families suffolk issue 5 may - june 2012

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