Families Suffolk Issue 2 Nov - Dec 2011

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magazine

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The local

for families with children 0-12 years

Issue 2 November / December 2011

w w w. f a m i l i e s s u ff o l k . c o . u k

IN THIS ISSUE

Local News • Baby Talk • Clubs & Classes • Christmas Feature • What’s On Plus articles on National Adoption Week and National Bullying Week

I p s w i c h • R U SH M E R E • B E L S T E A D • WH E R S T E A D • P I N E W O O D • K E S G R AV E • H E N L E Y • W I T N E SH A M N A C T O N • H O L B R O O K • SH O T L E Y • C L A Y D O N • Woodbridge • Hadleig h • Sto w market

contents

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welcome Welcome back to Families Suffolk magazine, I hope you have all enjoyed our Autumn which seems to have flown by, I can’t believe Evie has completed her first full term at primary school (without any hiccups I’m pleased to say) and is now beginning the Winter term.

This time of year for many is an extremely busy time with our creative talents tested to the full with the various outfits and costumes required leading up to Christmas, never mind the festive planning and shopping that is required.

Local News

Pregnancy fitness / Ballet / Taoist Tai Chi / Football

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Baby Talk

Christmas Feature

Christmas games for families/Co-Op Juniors Christmas Spectacular

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We have many interesting articles elsewhere in this issue, including Local News, tips on getting your baby to sleep and information surrounding National Bullying week and National Adoption week plus a follow up feature from Autism Suffolk.

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I look forward to hearing from you,

Happy reading, Lisa Giddings Editor Next issue January / February 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 editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Editorial, Advertising and artwork editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Design Creative Joy Sproughton, Ipswich

LOGOS BRANDING LEAFLETS BROCHURES STATIONERY EXHIBITION MAGAZINES PRESS ADS FLYERS BANNERS WEBSITES

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01473 744884 studio@creativejoy.co.uk www.creativejoy.co.uk Print Five Castles Press Ltd, Raeburn Road South, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0ET Telephone 01473 718719 www.fivecastles.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.

Helping businesses get noticed through creative, affordable & memorable design.

To see how I’ve helped many local & national businesses please visit

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Please contact Joy on

Local Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas at Hearts Delight, Manningtree

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Time Out for Mums Help, where is my off switch?

Our Community

Articles from Autism Suffolk / Fit Villages / SCC Fostering plus National Adoption Week

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Parents Place

Ideas from parents for parents plus National Bullying Week

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academic performance and also gain the confidence to tackle new challenges both in and outside of the classroom.

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored specifically to your child’s individual needs, providing them with the self-assurance and transferable skills to realise their potential throughout school and life.

To find out more about the Ipswich Central Study Centre call Sangeeta Kumar 01473 614 665 or email ipswichcentral@kumoncentre.co.uk and start your Kumon journey today!

copyright True2Life Photography

With this in mind we have tried to help by offering Christmas pages which include local gift ideas, family games ideas and a Christmas What’s On plus information about Co-Op Juniors Christmas Spectacular and Hearts Delight Christmas experience – both guaranteed to get you in the Christmas mood. But don’t worry, if like me, you don’t like to think about Christmas until December we have placed all the Christmas information in the centre pages so you can choose when you wish to read this part of the magazine.

Please remember this is your magazine and I very much welcome all your ideas on what matters to you, what you find interesting and what is helpful to hear about so feel free to email me, twitter me, or find us on Facebook.

At the Ipswich Central Kumon Study Centre, children of all ages and abilities can master a subject at their own pace whilst developing the independent study skills required for success. As a result, children can improve their all-round

Baby go to sleep, please

Unlock your child’s potential with Kumon’s maths and English study programmes Established for over 50 years, Kumon’s unique maths and English study programmes nurture confident, independent children with a passion for learning.

Clubs and Classes

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local news

What’s On Reader Competition

win a weekend in London including 4 tickets to see Shrek the Musical

Cover image created by

Oliver Hart

Thinking of having a party?

If like me your children have birthdays during the winter months or you would like to hold a family celebration over the winter but feel your house is not large enough to accommodate the party goers, local business Suffolk Marquees - Rent A Party Tent based in Ipswich have the answer.

wedding or family get together call Michelle to discuss your event - she is sure to be able to help.

01473 604999 / 07787 231469 www.rentapartytent.co.uk michelle@rentapartytent.co.uk

Michelle and her local team of installers provide top quality marquees and party tents of all sizes to suit every occasion.

Whether you are looking to entertain 30 children or party with up to 200 guests, Michelle can advise on specific requirements to suit all your party needs and provide a tailored quote.

More good news! All the marquees can be heated therefore you can have a garden party during the winter and professional balloon dĂŠcor can also be arranged if required. So if you are planning a party,

Is your school making the most of the London 2012 Games?

Did you know that schools and colleges across the country have access to a wealth of information and resources that will help them make the most of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games? Is your school taking advantage of this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity?

There are a whole range of initiatives and projects to look out for including: The Get Set Network is a special community of schools that are demonstrating that they are using the Olympic and Paralympic values to inspire learning. It provides access to many benefits including ‘Ticketshare’, an initiative which provides schools with free tickets to the Games.

Get Set for the Olympic Torch Relay - Announced in November 2011, and launching to schools in early 2012, this Get Set campaign will help schools and colleges to play their part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Get Set will offer resources for children and young people to learn about the history of the Olympic Torch Relay and the ambition of the London 2012 Relay, and support them in celebrating and welcoming the Relay to their community.

Get Set to support Team GB and Paralympics GB - Launching in the spring of 2012, this Get Set campaign will help schools and colleges to support and learn about the athletes which will represent the UK next summer.

Get Set Goes Global encourages schools in the UK to explore how sport brings the world together and to celebrate the arrival of the 205 Olympic and 170 Paralympic competing teams for the London 2012 Games.

Get Set to go to the Games - Launching in March 2012, these Get Set resources will help schools plan a trip to the Games.

How do they plan their travel, where can they get food and drink at a venue, what sports will they be watching etc?

London 2012 World Sport Day Monday 25 June 2012. World Sport Day is a chance for thousands of schools across the UK to celebrate the world’s arrival in the UK for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and how sport can bring the world together.

All the information your school needs to get involved in the ‘greatest show on earth’ can be found at http://getset.london2012.com

aged 6 years

01473 744884 studio@creativejoy.co.uk

To contribute to future issues editionsplease pleaseemail emaileditor@familiessuffolk.co.uk editor@familiessuffolk.co.ukororcall call 01473 01473788546 000000

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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local news

clubs & classes Taoist Tai Chi™ Cultivating Body and Mind

Birch Farm Complex – Under New Management Birch Farm Complex, Hintlesham is under new management although the new management is very familiar to regular visitors. The new owners Mini and Darren Shakespeare have been involved with the complex for sometime - Mini has worked at Birch Farm since 2006 starting by running the Nursery then moving on to running the site, Darren has been involved in the site for some time as IT support and has also designed the web site and is well known by the staff and children. Birch Farm Complex was opened 20 years ago, and offers a wide variety of experiences for you and your children from birthday parties to ballet classes, from play barn activities to swimming classes, there really is something for everyone. Only 10 mins from Ipswich town centre and 5mins from Copdock A12/14 interchange. It’s not as far as you think!!

The Suffolk Branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Great Britain offers the opportunity for you to schedule in some’ you’ time. In Taoist Tai Chi internal arts of health, students first learn ‘the set’ of 108 movements, encouraging a focus and relaxation that starts to open up the body. Quite quickly you’ll begin to build strength and flexibility, and experience the improved health benefits of this gentle but thorough body/mind workout. Many Tai Chi classes are taught as a martial art, but with this form, the emphasis is on improving your health. This is done in a relaxed and non-competitive way. There are no grades or other measures of skill, it’s about how you feel and what you are getting

01473 652152 www.birchfarm.co.uk

Do you require Ultimate Care?

The winter can be a tough time of year for both the younger and the older members of our family. If like me you are lucky enough to have younger and older generations, usually in 2 different houses the winter can cause extra pressure as you balance your own younger family commitments whilst ensuring that the older members of the family are warm enough, have enough shopping in and have enough medication if the weather were to suddenly turn and like last year we have a severe cold period.

If you could do with some extra help why not contact Ultimate Care UK Ltd. The team at Ultimate Care specialize in providing high quality domiciliary care within the rural areas of Suffolk.

Ultimate Care understand that our older family members may not exactly be delighted at the thought of needing help from someone other than their own immediate family, so they work closely with you to work out a care plan to ensure your older relative maintains as much independence as possible but is also safe and comfortable in their own home whatever the weather.

Ultimate Care UK Ltd – care with a difference.

Stutton office 01473 327005 Stonham Aspel office 01473 890627 www.ulitmatecareukltd.co.uk

Bank staff swap suits for shovels to help good causes Barclays Bank staff from Ipswich swapped suits for shovels when they undertook a painting/ gardening project at Shotley Kidzone in Shotley, Ipswich. Staff from Barclays Business, Corporate and Health & Safety came to the rescue of charitable organisation, Shotley Kidzone, with a complete transformation of their play area & garden.

Various items of play equipment were given a fresh lick of paint, a grass area was removed and replaced by a section of playbark. Barclays also provided a telescope, periscope, a weather station and some outdoor cushions for the children. Cooks Wastekare Ipswich donated a skip

Things are changing for the better at Ipswich Tuition Centre Ipswich Tuition Centre was known as Kip McGrath Education Centre until 1st September.

It is now providing:

are the same as for the last school year and lesson times are also the same. They are still registered with Ofsted and will be able to accept childcare vouchers for payment.

• More flexibility in how they use materials to benefit your child.

Ipswich Tuition Centre provides professional tuition for children in Maths, English and Science for children aged 6 to 16. They offer a free assessment at the Ipswich Tuition Centre which gives you an opportunity to see for yourself what they can offer your child at no cost to you.

Nothing else has changed. They operate from the same office, prices

Call Tony Fleming on 01473 233735 for further details.

• New, better software for teaching • A wider variety of educational resources

07532003771 www.taoist.org.uk Suffolk@taoist.org

Ballet at Birch Farm

for the occasion which was fully utilized and a great help.

Theresa Butcher, Manager of Kidzone commented: “The garden & play area look amazing and will be enjoyed by many people within our community. I am very grateful to the staff at Barclays for their effort and support.”

David Ryding from Barclays Business Eastern said: “With thousands of Barclays staff participating in fundraising and volunteering projects, this is a fantastic example of Barclays staff working closely with the local community to achieve something we hope will make a real and lasting difference. At Barclays we strive to strengthen local communities in which we live and work by supporting a range of causes from local schools to centres for older people.”

Ladies Night Kingpin Style

New To Suffolk – Live Well Suffolk

The Kingpin Bowling Centre, Martlesham are hosting their first Ladies Night on the 24th November at 7pm. The evening will include a game of bowling followed by a pasta supper with garlic bread and salad served with choice of wine followed by a completely unique shopping experience, perfect timing for Christmas shopping. The shopping experience will include a number of individual stalls set up in the upstairs function room where the meal is being served. The stalls include Avon, Body Shop, cards, cakes and many more. The cost is only £12.50pp.

It promises to be a great night out for the ladies and the perfect opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping. Just grab your friends leave the husbands and boyfriends at home and enjoy an evening of bowling, wine, food and shopping!

Live Well Suffolk is a new, free service to help you and your family live healthier lives. They offer a stop smoking programme for those who want to quit, with support delivered through 1-2-1 or group sessions depending on the individual’s preference.

01473 611111 www.kingpinbowling.co.uk

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If you have any local news you would like featured in our Jan/Feb issue please email editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

out of it. Even compared to other types taught for health, the gentle but thorough turning and stretching in our form greatly enhances the health improving benefits. In addition, the training offered by the Society encompasses the ‘dual cultivation’ of body and mind, helping students to reduce stress and find a better balance in their lives.

Classes are held throughout Ipswich and surrounding areas and are aimed at adults of all ages. Beginner classes are usually once a week and are held during the day and in the evening. Please see our website for details or enquire with our enquiry team.

They also offer free courses in adult and child weight management which are run by a team of experts, plus a team of qualified dieticians is also on hand to teach you handy hints and tips to help you cook healthy food for your family and ensure they are getting their 5 a day. All the services are absolutely free and you don’t have to be referred by your doctor. We have drop in centres in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill so why not pop in and see how the Live Well Suffolk team can help you and your family live a healthier and happier life.

Do you have a budding dancer at home? If so, why not give Mini and the team at Birch Farm, Hintlesham a call.

Birch Farm offer ballet classes for children from 2 – 8 years old.

The classes provide good basic skills in ballet, whilst allowing children the opportunity to take part in a group activity, following instructions and working as part of a small group, plus it’s all good physical exercise for them.

There are various times to choose from (see below) to fit around your family lifestyle plus they have a café for parents to have a coffee and relax while waiting for their child, or reduced rates for siblings to enter the playbarn during the ballet lesson to keep them amused.

Monday 1.30 – 2.00, 2.15 – 3.00, 3.00 – 3.30, 4.45 – 4.30, 4.30 – 5.15 Tuesday 3.00- 3.30, 3.30-4.00, 4.00-4.45 Thursday 9.30 – 10.00, 10.00-10.45, 10.45-11.15 01473 652152 www.birchfarm.co.uk mini@birchfarm.co.uk

Mama Belle Fitness

Suffolk Dads – Indoor football

Mama Belle Fitness offer exercise classes for mum’s to be who want to keep fit during pregnancy. You will meet new people and can relax and help your body and mind work together to ensure you enjoy every moment of your pregnancy. These sessions are held in Ipswich and are open for ladies over 12 weeks pregnant. They are a great way to prepare for labour, meet other mums to be, share experiences with others and generally feel great! As well as a gentle exercise class that includes cardiovascular, muscle conditioning and relaxation we work on strengthening pelvic floor muscles too. A variety of equipment is used in these sessions including stability balls, exercise bands and small hand weights.

Classes are suitable for all levels of fitness and are tailored to each trimester.

Each session allows mums-to-be to maintain fitness levels, maintain muscular strength, ensure pelvic floor is strong and have a quiet moment to fully relax.

Dads or male carers would you like to participate in an indoor football session that fits in around family time? If so Suffolk Dads have the answer, indoor 4 or 5 aside football is held on Friday evenings between 9-10pm, (to allows fathers to still participate in your child’s bedtime routine) at Maidenhall Sports Centre, Maidenhall Approach, Ipswich. Open to all dads the games are fun and not too competitive, you can participate no matter what standard of football you are. Just turn up, pay and play with a good group of friendly and welcoming dads who all enjoy this activity with minimum fuss or cost.

Becca - 07787916265 www.mamabellefitness.co.uk info@mamabellefitness.co.uk

There is a £3 charge towards the cost of the hall and the local Children’s centre sponsors any additional cost requirements. We normally have 7-9 dads who attend with 6 regulars. Those fathers who attend say they enjoy the sessions because it gives them an opportunity to play a sport, helps them to improve their fitness (so they can keep up with their children in the park!) and allows them time to socialize with other dads too.

Alan Garwood - 0787 1166 471 www.suffolkdads.co.uk /

If you would like your club or class to feature in future issues please email editor@ familiessuffolk. co.uk

To find out more call 01473 229292 check out our website www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk or ‘like’ our Facebook page www.facebook.com/livewellsuffolk

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

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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baby talk

Baby go to sleep, please

by Joanna Parry

If nothing’s working it might be time to call in the cavalry. Sleep deprivation can seriously affect the health of both mother and baby and there are agencies that offer specialist help with sleep problems. Sometimes referred to as ‘sleep trainers’, these night nannies will observe sleep patterns and implement routines to help baby sleep.

It’s the first questions new mums ask – how can I get my baby to sleep? “The moment I put him down, he just howls!” We have all, at some time or other, rocked our baby to sleep, pushed them up and down the hall,

Sleepy time products

How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?

• Night light from Slumber Buddies, £20

If you need a boost, check out these fantastic products: • Grobag Baby Sleep Bag www.gro.co.uk, £26. Dream bag www.thedreambag.co.uk, £14.99 • Keep your baby snug in SwaddleMe www.summerinfant.co.uk, £9.95, Grobag Swaddle, £11.95, or Swaddlepod, £12 • Grobag Egg room thermometer, £22.50

Every baby is different. Some sleep through from the start, others won’t sleep more than an hour or two at a time. Although there’s no way to force a baby to sleep through the night, there are steps you can take that can help baby not only sleep through sooner, but also establish healthy sleep habits for life.

• G ro Anywhere Blackout Blind, £29.99, or the Magic Blackout Blind, £35.99.

Wish I’d had one!

• Cuski Baby Comforters stimulate the awareness of familiar scents.

Sleep with your Cuski, pass it on to your little one and they’ll drift off to sleep feeling the closeness of you. Officially approved

Establishing a bedtime routine

A routine provides babies with security and comfort and can encourage them to sleep for longer spells. Establishing a routine can be tricky with a newborn, but try to get a loose schedule started, especially at bedtime.

Your baby will be more relaxed if they know what’s coming, and the more relaxed they are, the more likely they’ll fall asleep easily. Before bedtime let your baby get any pent-up energy out of their system with tummy time or a kickabout, then follow it up with a bath and lullaby. Dim the light when you’re feeding and put on a CD of children’s favourites. Whatever you do, do the same thing every night.

• Put a few drops of Sleepytime Room Aroma into a bowl of warm water in your baby’s room. Developed by Jo Tantum, one of the UK’s leading baby sleep specialist, it fills the nursery with lavender, roman chamomile and other calming essential oils and soothes into a restful sleep. £7.99 www.4little1.com Available at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk www.mothercare.com www.babiesrus.co.uk copyright True2Life Photography

Learn the signs that your baby is tired

If they’re fussing, grizzling, crying, pulling their ears, rubbing eyes or is especially clingy, they’re probably sleepy.

Teach the difference between day and night

In the daytime, play with your baby. Chat and sing to them, keep their room light and bright. Don’t try to cut out the radio or washing machine. At night, stay quiet when you feed, keep lights and noise low and hopefully your baby will work out that night-time is for sleeping!

Give your baby a security object, blanket or stuffed animal

A great way to make teddy a favourite is keep it near you so it becomes mum-scented. Stretch one of your t-shirts over baby’s mattress – when they startle awake the smell of mum can calm them.

Put your baby down awake

If they’ve become sleepy on the breast or bottle, rouse them slightly before putting them in their cot. How to put your baby to sleep is a matter of debate but whether you use controlled crying or co-sleeping, it’s important to find the way that works for you. I suggest giving your baby a chance to fall asleep on their own. It might be OK to rock them to sleep in the middle of the day but not so much fun at 3am! If in the first few weeks your baby is allowed to fall asleep during a feed or stroked until they are asleep, they’ll soon depend on it Teach your baby to settle itself

If your baby cries, allow them to cry for 3 minutes, then comfort them but don’t pick them up. Let them cry for 5 more minutes and return again.

Extend the time you wait before returning each time and your baby will learn to soothe itself and fall asleep without assistance. It’s difficult listening to your baby cry but this method does usually work, although it may take a few days.

The settle-and-leave method

If you don’t want to leave your baby to cry, pick them up and talk to them until they stop screaming (or try to settle them without picking them up, which is even better). If they cry again pick them up again. It might take 100 goes, but you’ll get there!

Stay by the cot

Some parents choose to stay with their child as they fall asleep but unless you want to do this forever gradually move further away. After a week you’re sitting by the door and, finally, you need no longer stay. If your baby is upset, go to them and say “night, night”, then go back to your place in the room.

Be consistent

Whichever approach you take, it’s no good doing it one night and not bothering the next.

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Get in the professionals

You’re not just doing it for you

‘Training’ your baby to self-settle at night will have positive effects on their general outlook during waking hours. Letting your baby settle themselves gives independence, confidence and security. Remember, your child won’t love you any less in the morning!

Remember the advice on cot death

SIDS is rare and the exact cause isn’t known, but researchers think there are likely to be a number of factors that can affect a baby at a vulnerable stage of development. http://fsid.org.uk advises placing baby on their back to sleep (not on the front or side). Don’t let your baby get too hot, and keep their head uncovered. Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot or use a baby sleeping bag. Don’t use a duvet or pillow until baby is over one year old. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair and don’t let anyone smoke in your home.

Ensuring your baby stays asleep Now that you’ve got your baby to sleep, the next step is to get them to sleep all night long. Swaddling often helps with younger babies, while older infants like to sleep “loose,” with coverings that allow freedom of movement. Some babies wake easily at sudden noises so make sure their cot doesn’t squeak and turn the phone to silent! Also, try playing repetitive sounds such as tape recordings of waterfalls or the ocean.

If you’re concerned about your child’s health seek advice from a doctor. Sometimes there are medical causes of nightwaking, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or allergies.

Remember, a happy mother equals a happy baby.

Learning good sleep habits early on will stand both of you in good stead for the future, and your baby will appreciate the consistency and predictability. Don’t expect miracles right away, but persevere and be consistent. Good luck!

We asked Families Suffolk readers for their tips on this subject

Over 25 years experience, with more branches and more childcarers than anyone else

• • • •

Nannies Mothers Helps Emergency / Temporary Childcare Babysitting

0845 6434 188

www.tinies.com

‘Make the last feed of the day a big one’ Emma from Ipswich

With thanks to Helene and Tattingstone Toddler Group for welcoming me to one of their sessions and providing some of the funniest answers to the sleeping tips question, to summarise if all else fails a glass of your favourite tipple will make the world a better place!!

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

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‘I use baby massage techniques as part of my bedtime routine - even if it’s only a quick few minutes foot massage it seems to help Joshua relax’ Alison from Ipswich son Joshua is 11 months

Sometimes when a baby is around six to nine months old, even if they’ve never had sleep problems, they may start waking up at night. This could be because of separation anxiety, teething or reaching milestones in physical and mental development.

• Install blackout blinds if your baby wakes early. If they still wake early, don’t turn on the lights, settle and leave them as if it was still the middle of the night. It might take a while but they’ll get the message!

11:48

‘Add a few drops of lavender oil onto a handkerchief and place onto a heated radiator for a relaxing aroma in your nursery, even if your baby doesn’t sleep instantly it will relax you!!

Claire from Hadleigh daughter Katy is 18 months

Once you’ve got it sorted, it goes wrong...…

• They may sleep through if you move bedtime earlier, as well as moving their afternoon nap earlier and making it shorter

10/10/08

‘I swear by routine, that way she knows what is happening and what to expect. Since 8 weeks old I have given her a bottle, read her a book (quiet, dim lit room) and laid her down to sleep, and I’ve never had a problem.’

Kelly from Woodbridge daughter Amelia is 20 months

‘Don’t rush to your baby at every noise – leave it a few minutes as they may settle on their own, if you rush back to them instantly at every noise they will have you running backwards and forwards like a yoyo’ Angela from Kesgrave – mum to Emily 7yrs, Jack 4yrs and Lucy 13 months

• I f your baby wakes in the night to practise their exciting new skill of sitting up, teach them how to lie down again. Then stick to your chosen routine for getting them back to sleep. The sudden burst in development isn’t the same as a growth spurt, so feeding them during the night won’t help them sleep better

No. 19662_Tinies Ad cards:Layout 1

copyright True2Life Photography

Helpful websites For support call the Cry-sis helpline on 08451 228669 (9am to 10pm, seven days a week).

Creative Newborn 2 Toddler Photography ‘I love to capture the innocence & wonderment of Newborns & Babies with all their little unique expressions, creating lasting magical memories , so you can treasure their beginnings forever’ Lysa

www.nhs.uk www.contentedbaby.com www.4little1.com www.babycentre.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health

To book your Unique Session: Studio: 01473 602331 contact@true2lifephotography.co.uk

Memories start here:

www.true2lifephotography.co.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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Christmas begins Visit Santa and his Real Live Reindeer – www.heartsdelight.co.uk

Christmas Games for Families Christmas is truly the time of year for quality family time and what better way is there for families to interact than playing a game that brings you all together… whilst also stimulating that competitive streak in you! Children love games, particularly ones they can play with their parents and (possibly) beat them!

Here are a number of great family games available this Christmas:

Jungle Speed

Nostalgia Titles

Age: 7+

Age 8+

RRP: £14.99

RRP: £29.99 - £34.99

In Jungle Speed, you must rely on your keen sense of observation and quick reflexes. It requires a steady hand – which can be hard to maintain during the many fits of laughter! The wooden Totem sits in the middle of the table, waiting for the player with the fastest reflexes to snatch it up and win the game.

Each player is dealt a hand of cards. In order to win you must be the first player to get rid of all of your cards. Each turn, all of the players reveal one of their cards. If two cards are identical, those players must make a grab for the Totem.

The faster player then gives their cards to their unfortunate adversary.

“My family has played hours on end with Jungle Speed.

Fits of laughter guaranteed! Any age can play.”

Pascale Gravell, Editor, Families South West Jungle Speed is available from Amazon.co.uk.

Dobble Age 6+ RRP: £12.99 Dobble is a visual perception card game in which players race to find the one matching symbols between one card and another. The pictures may be different sizes or hard to spot. The cards are round and feature an assortment of colourful images of items like insects, plants, symbols, and smiley faces. Every card is unique, and has only one picture in common with each card in the deck.

The game is very portable and includes a deck of 55 cards in a round, tin container to take the game anywhere.

Dobble is available from Waterstones

Khet 2.0 The Laser Game Age 9+ RRP: £29.99 Ready for mind blowing laser strategy action?

Khet combines lasers and classic strategy all on one board. Player’s alternate turns moving Egyptian themed mirrored pieces, after which they fire their real laser with the goal of illuminating their opponent’s pieces and winning the game.

Khet is the only laser board game on the market with the easiness of checkers and the endless possibilities of chess. The rules can be learned in minutes and players from 9-99 can enjoy the excitement of Khet.

Khet 2.0 is available from Firebox.com

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We asked Families Suffolk readers what their favourite family games were, here are some of the replies ‘Wordsearch by Drummond Park – both boys love this game especially as it gives them the chance to beat their Dad and it helps with their spellings.”

Debbie – Mum to Jamie 8yrs and Dylan 5yrs ‘Pass the Pigs by MB Games has to be the greatest game ever for family members of any age.’

Ben – Dad to Evie 4 yrs ‘Dotty Dinosaurs by Orchard Toys - Edward has loved this game since he was 2 years old and he’s now coming up for 5 years, you have to match the colours and shapes, it helps with identifying colours and shapes plus counting.

It’s a brilliant investment.’

Katy – Mum to Edward 4yrs and Samuel 11 months

SIXTEENTH PAGE AD

All New Christmas Spectacular!

For Snape Maltings

‘Pictionary by Mattel is a good family game’ Sarah Mann

Audiences for the record-breaking Christmas Spectacular at Snape Maltings are in for a special treat this year, with a completely new show. The Co-op Juniors Theatre Company has staged the music and dance extravaganza at the world-famous concert hall for six years.

‘Jenga by Hasbro is a good game for children of all ages to play’ Emily Boore – childminder Focussing on high manufacturing standards, the ‘Nostalgia’ titles are back in stores this year and consisting of classic board game titles Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk.

The Monopoly set comes in a beautiful wooden box to safeguard your vintagelooking components and cards and making it the ideal gift for friends or family.

Original artwork is a constant theme on the box and board from one of the very first editions of the world’s most popular board game.

Inside the wooden box you will find a built in banker’s tray and a visual history of the decades. Lovely little wooden houses and hotels give it a unique feeling of quality whilst everybody’s favourite pieces are made from brass.

Two New Children’s Books

“ Exciting new picture story books for children,

which embrace school skills and will positively inspire children to love learning!

”

SIXTEENTH PAGE AD

“It’s time for a fresh new look,” says co-director Pauline Walker.“We’re taking audiences for a magical journey on board the North Pole Express.It’s our most innovative show yet, using huge video panels and some special stage magic.”

Co-director Jeannie Ingram adds,

We’re keeping some surprises “secret, but it will be a magical and

Risk is also part of the collection, back in full vintage glory with real wooden armies, the classic map from 1959 and original game play; making conquering the world possible once again.

Peter North, Independent Publishing Co-ordinator Waterstone’s

Additionally, nation’s favourite ‘whodunit’ is back in true 1950’s form with the recreation of the 1949 version of Cluedo. Solve the murder case using original style pieces and traditional detective work, another classic nostalgia title.

‘Benjamin Writer-Messy’ (£5.99) is an enchanting story about a boy who cannot write! Follow Benjamin on his journey through Pencil Land, as he visits the mystical Handwriting Queen to see if she can help him to improve his handwriting!

entrancing show with the conductor of the North Pole Express taking us on the journeySIXTEENTH of a lifetime.

We’re PAGE AD all really excited about it.

The Nostalgia editions of Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk are available from John Lewis

Jake Monkey-Tail (£6.99) is a magical story about a monkey that cannot spell!

A particularly bad spelling test score gives Jake just the motivation he needs to improve his spelling. Fortunately, Jake meets the wise Spelladictionary Monkey, who teaches him how to spell in a fun and magical way.

Two children who don’t believe in Father Christmas join the train in search of the truth, and the audience will share their journey all the way to the Arctic. On the way, they meet the evil Ice Queen in her beautiful swan sleigh, who freezes the tracks.

Take Me Out

The author of these books, Priya Desai, is a speech and language therapist who works in schools. Noticing there were no fun storybooks available which spoke about ‘specific school skills’ such as, handwriting and spelling etc. she was inspired to start independently publishing motivational children’s books.

Explains Pauline Walker: “It’s all about exciting the audience’s imagination, taking them by surprise and giving them the ‘Wow’ factor. We want them to leave the concert hall feeling they’ve seen something magical!”

RRP: £24.99

Both stories make fantastic bed time stories for children aged between 4-8, and are also perfect for developing readers.

Prove your single man is the perfect match by performing a series of fun tasks to win Fernandos vouchers.

Priya is offering 30% off each book & will sign them! P&P is free. To buy the books, visit www.priyadesai.co.uk and enter the discount code ‘families’.

The dramatic staging uses video screens, special lighting, sound effects and huge moving set elements like the train for the North Pole Express, and the Ice Queen’s swan sleigh.

Age 12+

Will the single girls guess “what you do” from your drawing? How will they react to your spare time activity and little known secret? Will you use the power wisely? Whatever happens, you’re guaranteed to have lots of laughs along the way.

Just like the TV show, Take Me Out comes with its very own electronic “POOM POOM!” sound generator and there’s Paddy’s voice shouting out his familiar catchphrases!

So what are you waiting for?

In the words of our host, “It’s time to let the players see the game!”

Take Me Out is available from Argos.

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

Published by Learning Cycle Ltd.

”

Christmas Spectacular! opens at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, near Aldeburgh on Friday 16 December until Wednesday 21 December with two shows a day. Tickets are £13, £16 and £19, with discounts for groups.

More information and a video at www.coopjuniors.co.uk

Choose your seats and book online at www.aldeburgh.co.uk/ spectacular or call 01728 687110

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

09

local gift ideas Visit Santa and his Real Live Reindeer – www.heartsdelight.co.uk 'IFT IDEA FOR BOYS AGED h YEARS Nerf Guns – These toy guns fire foam darts which are bought with the gun but can be purchased separately.

Boys love these toys and so do dads who more often than not buy one for themselves to gain revenge on their children. The Nerf guns vary in price from £8.99 - £49.99 Recommended by ToyTown, Church Street, Woodbridge Find us on Facebook 'IFT IDEA FOR GIRLS AGED h YEARS Sylvanian Families – still hugely popular after more than 20 years. We have a huge range of houses, Berry Grove School and the hospital as well as many different animal figures and furniture sets. Highland farm is the latest range with many sets to accompany it.

Sylvanian Families - every young girls dream.

Recommended by ToyTown, Church Street, Woodbridge Find us on Facebook 'IFT IDEA FOR GIRLS AGED h YEARS My Little Pony – A fav ourite with little girls. The littl e pony products are pin k and sparkly and come wit h lots of accessories, includ ing a little comb to style the ponys mane.

My Little Pony sets var y in price from ÂŁ4.99 - ÂŁ2 5.00 Recommended by Toy Town, Church Street, Wood bridge Find us on Facebook

'IFT IDEA FOR BOYS AGED h YEARS Bigjigs Wooden Train Set – Every little boy loves a train set, this wooden train set range comes in variou s size sets and is very reason ably priced. You can also build your own set from scr atch as the track, bridges, level crossings, engine she ds etc are all sold separately .

Recommended by Toy Town, Church 3TREET 7OO DBRIDGE &IND US ON &ACEBOO K

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(ILLS *EWELLERS IN &ELIXSTOWE HAVE AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF AFFORDABLE IDEAS FOR #HRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY FROM WATCHES AND CUFFLINKS FOR DAD #HAMILIA AND 0ANDORA BRACELETS AND TRINKETS FOR MUM AND A WIDE SELECTIONS OF JEWELLERY BOXES AND MONEY BOXES FOR THE CHILDREN OF ALL AGES (ILLS *EWELLERS &IND US ON /RWELL 2OAD

&ELIXSTOWE OR VISIT US ON &ACEBOOK

Find out why everyone from Tatler to The Times is talking about Stella & Dot’s new jewellery and accessories range! You will find lots of fabulous gift ideas for under £40 and your jewellery will arrive beautifully packaged and ready to go under the tree.

Shop: WWW STELLADOT CO UK VIRGINIASIMPSON your independent stylist in Suffolk STELLADOT CO UK VIRGINIASIMPSON

Flawless Image Beaut y offer 65 different treatments to relax and indulge very busy Mums. Escape from the hustle and bustle and indulge yourself this Christmas in the calming surroundings.

We have created an oasis of tranquility and uniquely use the luxurious aromatherap y products by Temple Spas. This per fect combination ensures that even the tiniest of your wishes gets fulfilled beyond you r expectations to give you an individual experience. Perfect Christmas gifts includ e: Vouchers, Facials, Massage, Eyelash Ext ensions, Fake Bake Tanning, Manicures, Pe dicures, Bio Sculpture Gels, Day Spa Packages wit h 'The Salthouse Harbo ur Hotel' WWW FLAWLESSIMAGE C O Little Funfeet baby lea ther shoes are a unique, exc iting gift for Christmas at super prices. A great stocki ng filler or presents for little pe ople.

Over 31 designs in siz es 0-24 months.

New Christmas desig ns available in Novembe r with reindeer, snowmen, penguins and Christma s trees. Make Christma s extra special this year!

Spread a little magic and make little feet happy feet.

WWW LITTLEFUNFEET CO UK

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

Bramford Golf Club encourage everyone to try the game of golf whatever their age, so if you have a family member who enjoys watching golf but has yet to try it for themselves why not buy a golf lesson for them for Christmas. Bramford Golf Club offer something for everyone whether a beginner or experienced player within a beautiful and natural setting just off the A14 at Bramford.

The friendly and relaxed environment is second to none so for a Christmas gift idea which could provide a whole new way of life why not call Bramford Golf Club WWW BRAMFORDGC CO UK as feaTUred in

Searching for that truly unique Christmas Gift?

I create beautiful, unique photographic art of Newborns, Babies and Children in my relaxed home studio.

With my inspiration, experience and wonderful seasonal props, your perfect Christmas gifts are just a phone call away‌ Print prices from £20.00, print packages from £195.00 and beautiful bespoke wall art products, you will love to give your gifts this Christmas!

All Christmas sessions will receive a complimentary luxury mounted 10 x 8 print, my Christmas gift to you!

Availability is limited. To book:

,ISA 4 , ,ET THE MAGIC BEGIN WWW TRUE LIFEPHOTOGRAPHY CO UK

build a business with Stella & Dot’S celebrity coveteD jewellery and accessories, juSt launcheD in the uK to DiScover More about how to sTarT yoUr own BUsiness pleaSe contact Me, virginia SiMpSon call 0772 505 1492 eMail virginiaculpsimpson@yahoo.co.uk viSit stelladot.co.uk/virginiasimpson

Babyprints – Andrea McGuinness The hand and foot cas t specialists Capture those wrinkl es and creases that are soon forgotten. Babyp rints make a perfect gift for proud new parents and grandparents alik e.

Special Offer - ÂŁ5.00 discount Mention Families Suffo lk gift page and receiv e ÂŁ5.00 discount off eac h product ordered before 30 November 2011.

Only valid at Ipswich.

WWW BABYPRINTS CO UK If you are stuck for ide as when it comes to finding original, tastef ul or meaningful presen ts for children, consider a personalised print from Rabbit & Co. The se completely origina l artworks make ideal pre sents for your children, young relative s or godchildren; a gift that is both bea utiful and enduring.

Choose from a wide ran ge of subjects, including tractors, rug by, artists and hot air balloons, and person alise the picture with a name, date of birth, age , or even birth weight!

Since no two prints are the same, your child will be the happy recipient of a unique work of art.

WWW RABBITANDCO CO U K

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

11

visit Santa and his Real Live Reindeer – www.heartsdelight.co.uk Christmas Events & Shopping Information Late Night Shopping Dates: Ipswich – 17th Nov / 24th Nov / 1st Dec / 8th Dec / 15th Dec / 22nd Dec Bury St Edmunds – to follow

Christmas Light Switch On Dates: Ipswich - to follow Bury St Edmunds – 17th November

Christmas Shopping at RedHouse Christmas Barn, Nr Saxmundham Open from 22nd October 2011 Red House Christmas Barn is one of the biggest independent suppliers of Christmas decorations in Suffolk. From the moment you step inside, you will be amazed at the seemingly unending choice of beautiful decorations, some of which are hand-made, and in every colour scheme you can imagine. These kind of decorations are difficult to find in other retail outlets so if you’re after something that is a little different and will get your friends chatting, then you need to pay a visit. There are 11 fully set up displays so if you are struggling for inspiration, they can help and guide you on how to create the perfect festive look for your home.

www.redhousechristmas.com 07925 177891

Christmas Crafts Blackthorpe Barn, Bury St Edmunds Saturday 12 November to Tuesday 13 December 10am – 5pm Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec

Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec Admission £2 OAPs £1 Children free

Minsmere Christmas Fair at RSPB Minsmere, Saxmundham Sat 19 & Sun 20 November 10 am to 4 pm Join us for our annual Christmas Fair.

We’ll have specialist advice on buying a special Christmas present for your wildlife-inspired loved ones. Afterwards, you can take in some of Minsmere’s stunning winter wildlife

Christmas Market, St Peters Street, Ipswich Sunday 20th Nov 10am -1pm Now in its second year, the hugely successful Christmas Market returns to St Peters Street. It will play host to over 30 stalls featuring an eclectic mix of jewellery, vintage and retro items, homeware and craft. In addition all the shops and eateries will be open making it a great destination for Christmas shopping

Ipswich Central and Town 102 WOW (Whats on Winter 2011) Sun 27th November Cornhill Ipswich 11am – 4.30pm A celebration of an Ipswich Christmas

NCT Christmas Party Saturday 3rd December, 2-4pm in Rushmere village Hall, Humberdoucey Lane, Ipswich.

It is open to everyone, and is suitable for pre-school children and school years R and 1

Chelmondiston Playgroup Christmas Bazaar Chelmondiston Village Hall, Saturday 3rd December 11-2pm

Christmas Gifts Fayre – DanceEast, Ipswich Sun 4th December Christmas Gifts of all kinds to be held in the Foyer and Studio Theatre at DanceEast

Woodbridge Mammoth Christmas Street Fair

UCS Christmas Fayre Saturday 26 November 2011 10am - 4pm UCS will once again be hosting the annual Christmas Fayre at the Waterfront Building in Ipswich and are hoping to make this year’s fayre bigger and better than ever! Ipswich Waterfront creates a wonderful backdrop for browsing through stalls offering a wide range of gift ideas, festive foods, gift wrapping and stocking fillers. UCS will once again welcome back local carol singers and festive bands who will provide entertainment throughout the day. To find out more visit the UCS website

Sun 04 December 2011 at 10:00 am – 4pm This is the Christmas street fair of East Anglia! Stalls line the bustling Thoroughfare and Cumberland Street and the range of gifts and produce are outstanding. You’ll be spoilt for choice and delighted to be in the very heart of this delightful market town at this special time of year

Woodbridge Festive Market Sat 10 December 2011 at 9:30am – 4pm

This market has a host of unique gifts and foodie treats for the Christmas season. It takes place on Market Hill and inside the historic Shire Hall. www.debenevents.com

Dickensian Christmas Experience at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford 10-11th December & 17 -21st December Join us at our Victorian Christmas fayre; sing along at our traditional music hall; watch Charles Dickens read his Christmas Carol with magical illusions; make traditional decorations and visit the Victorian family and their servants getting ready for Christmas.

Woodbridge 60th Anniversary Carols with Father Christmas Mon 19 December 2011 at 6:30 PM This annual event takes place on Market Hill and is hugely popular.

Father Christmas makes an appearance and there are carols to sing too.

Rotary Club of Woodbridge [t] 01473 612506

Christmas is fast approaching and Cabs Smart would like to remind everyone to book their cabs early to avoid any disappointment. Cabs Smart are open all over the Christmas and New Year period and have 8 seater mini buses available as well as cars to help with your transport needs so if you are organising a shopping trip or a works function and need transport give them a call on 01473 40 41 42 and they will be happy to assist.

A Christmas Wonderland at Hearts Delight Lawford, Manningtree.

If you wish to see the magic of Christmas through child’s eyes again, why not visit Hearts Delight in Manningtree. They love Christmas and every year visitor’s travel to view the fantastic displays hosting a huge range of Christmas decorations to suit every taste and colour scheme to help you celebrate Christmas in style.

Whilst there is the shopping experience for adults there is the most memorable grotto experience ever for the children. Visit Santa and his real live reindeer, Santa arrives Saturday 19th November with his reindeer and is there every weekend before Christmas. See website for full details.

The magic inspires everyone and grows year on year, so visit the Christmas Wonderland showroom and Santa and his Real Live Reindeer at Hearts Delight Garden Centre for a truly magical experience.

time out for mums

Help!

I

’m not sure mothers ever really switch off. Being a mother is, as they say, a life sentence; our care provider services can be called on at any time of the day or night and interrupt every single activity (like important phone conversations) and bodily function. But being busy mothering our children does not mean we should forget to mother ourselves too.

All very well, but where, I hear you ask, do I find the time? Life is so busy; there are emails to reply to, piles of laundry, tax forms, scraped knees, runny noses and dirty floors screaming for attention – and that urgent report to submit yesterday.

Prioritise Soul Food If, like me, you regularly find yourself arriving breathlessly at Overwhelm Central, running like fury to escape the clutches of the Things To Do monster (the one that gnaws away at you during occasional idle moments or jolts you anxiously awake at 3am), then it is time to prioritise your Soul Food. Your rational mind will not think that Soul Food is necessarily ‘important’ nor ‘productive’, but your body and heart will recognise it immediately; by feeling warm and relaxed. It could be half an hour alone under a favourite tree, lunch with a close friend, singing, painting or writing just one paragraph of that novel inside you. These things nurture us – and nurturers need nurturing. Simple as that.

When I need to get my priorities straight, I use the ‘rocks and sand’ analogy. The really important things are a mix of pressing Things To Do and Soul Food – meeting an article deadline, a spot of tree hugging, my boy’s urgent dental appointment, a dance around the living room, dinner, regular exercise – are the rocks, the rest is gravelly stones or grains of sand. Pour sand in a metaphorical jar first and only a few rocks fit on top. But pop the rocks in first and all the itty bitty stuff will fit in around it.

My sandy items sit on a list and will easily get done once my rocks are in place.

One of my rocks is regular meditation. I actually cannot function properly without it.

Where is my Off switch?

Get out of your mind In the West we have become so identified with our minds, that we believe our rabid collection of thoughts is who we actually are. According to Zen Buddhism, the mind is a great servant but a terrible master. A frightened or stressed mind will hassle you endlessly with judgements, opinions, ‘what if’s’, ‘if only’s’ and ‘coulda, shoulda, wouldas’. It was the controversial mystic and meditation master Osho who once held up his hand and said: ‘You see my five fingers? Ordinarily you will not see the gaps [between them], you will see five fingers. But the gaps are more real. Fingers come and go. Gaps will remain.’

Woah. My whole being reeled on the spot and my mind momentarily shuddered to a halt when I first heard this statement. The gaps are more real – more real even than my thoughts? Who would have thought it?

Mind the Gap There is plenty of scientific evidence today to prove that meditation and mindfulness are effective antidotes for our epidemic levels of anxietyfuelled binge-thinking, not to mention compulsive perfectionism, beating the clock and triumphing over the panting Things To Do beast. ‘Yes,’ my epitaph might read, ‘she got things done, but did she enjoy any of it?’ It is like using every ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view. What, then, really is the point?

The point of meditation is to become mindful; to simply be aware of your thoughts, to notice them coming and going, moving through like clouds in the sky. This means you can actually choose whether to believe them or not (I’m too fat, my neighbour hates me, I’ll never be a good enough mother, you know the kind of thing). Like the British weather, some days the inner landscape of the mind is overcast, but with regular practice (it is called meditation practice for a reason), you will get moments of dropping out of the mind into the vast, expansive blue sky of nothingness, which, paradoxically, is teeming with life, creativity and potential.

Inspiration is something that arrives out of nowhere, like those light bulb moments that go ‘ping!’ above our heads. The trick is being empty and receptive enough to allow them in. So, doing nothing can actually be incredibly productive. It is during meditation that much of the ‘sand’ of my life quietly settles down and sorts itself out.

By Helena Foss

In fact, once you can switch compulsive thought patterns off – or at least be aware of them enough so that they calm down – you get switched on to the present moment, which is, so the sages tell us, the only thing that actually exists. When I am really present, time itself slows right down; I am able to respond rather than knee-jerk react to situations.

The lights are on. There is someone home. You are able to truly ‘be there’. You become, in the best sense of the word, a rock – both for yourself and your family.

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Mummy downtime, therefore, is good for everybody. Scheduling it onto your calendar is no longer a luxury.

It is a duty. Just like that darned tax form. www.helenafoss.co.uk

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“ It is like using every

ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over SIXTEENTH PAGE AD at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view. What, then, really is the point?”

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01206 392539 www.hearts-delight.co.uk

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

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

13

our community Autism Suffolk – How We Can Help In the last issue of Families Suffolk, we described some of the key features of autism. Now let us tell you about Autism Suffolk – who we are and what we do.

We are a team of six enthusiastic women: three Family Support Workers, two admin staff and a great volunteer. We’re all part-time and are based in a lively, friendly office in Kesgrave from where we cover the whole of Suffolk. Each Family Support Worker is responsible for a caseload of families within one of three large areas of Suffolk.

Everyone in our team, including the admin staff and volunteer, has a professional background in either health or education. We also bring a wide experience to our jobs from our own family lives.

We’ve been up and running since 2003.

What do we do?

In broad terms, we support the parents and carers of children with a confirmed diagnosis of autism up to their child’s 14th birthday.

How do we do that?

When a parent first contacts us typically we will arrange for one our Family Support Workers to visit them at home. She gives the family lots of information and sources of advice, including our Guide to Services (our ‘Little Blue Book’). Parents have said this is a fantastic resource that they keep referring to.

After the home visit, parents can have further support from us by phone, email or text.

Occasionally, a second or third home visit can be made. We find that most of our telephone calls from parents either concern school or managing their child’s behaviour.

We hold programmes for parents/carers of children with autism across the county. Some run for several days and give a good acrossthe-board introduction to autism. Others are specialised days on, for example, anger management, sensory issues, and making resources like timetables to help your child.

Our Family Support Workers often attend drop-in sessions and groups for parents across Suffolk.

Most of these are autism-specific, but some are for the parents of children with any additional need. These are informal and any parent is welcome to come along, whether their children have a confirmed diagnosis of autism or not. If parents want a group in an area which doesn’t already have one, we can help set one up.

Every term, we publish a newsletter for parents and professionals. It goes out to over 1500 across the County.

We have a well-stocked autism-specific lending library which parents and professionals are welcome to use.

Our newest venture is our Facebook Group with over 120 members. They are all local parents, registered with us. The aim is for them to give each other support, and this seems to work well.

WHAT YOU WANT, WHERE YOU WANT & WHEN YOU WANT IT A core group contribute regularly, but we know that many others gain just by reading the posts.

All contributions are confidential: non-members can’t read any correspondence.

Other information

‘Fit Villages’ is another exciting initiative from Suffolk Sport which gives local communities the chance to run subsidised sporting and physical activity sessions from local facilities such as village halls, community centres and recreation grounds thanks to support from local funding bodies.

Fit Villages can organise the type of activity you want to do, when you want to do it and where you want to do it... right on your doorstep! All you need is a village location, the desire to get involved and they’ll pretty much do the rest. The project doesn’t prescribe what the activity has to be, they’ll help with ideas of course, but they listen to what you want in your village and do their best to find instructors that can lead the activity of your choice. Here’s an idea of some of the things they can provide …health walks, badminton, yoga, pilates, tai chi, chair-based exercise and many more.

We can only support Suffolk families as our funding comes from Suffolk County Council.

We are a local organisation so we know Suffolk well, but we are also part of the National Autistic Society so we have the backing and support of the leading national autism charity.

Plus after all that exercise, they always include everyone’s favourite part the of the session … a lovely cup of tea or coffee to follow.These activity sessions offer a great way to wind down, relax further, stay healthy and get to know your neighbours... perfect!

Contact us Families can contact us directly.

We also accept referrals from professionals (with the family’s consent).

If you would like to discuss how Fit Villages can help with activity in your village please contact Henry Tapp on 01394 444289 or henry.tapp@suffolksport.com

If you want to talk to us, please feel free to phone, email or write:

www.suffolksport.com

3 Grange Business Centre, Tommy Flowers Drive, Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 2BY Tel: 01473 632700 email: autism.suffolk@nas.org.uk web: www.autism.org.uk/autismsuffolk

Being a Foster Carer – What Does It Take?

Suffolk County Council urgently needs to recruit more foster carers to provide homes for children and young people who cannot live with their own families for various reasons.

own family I have also developed valuable friendships with parents and other carers.

What is the hardest part?

You no longer have any time for yourself.

Your days and sometimes nights are completely occupied with the children.

National Adoption Week 2011– Could You Help?

Suffolk Adoption Agency is appealing for more local people to come forward and consider adopting a Suffolk child. In our county the number of children requiring adoption has risen significantly over the last 18 months and children are now waiting longer to be adopted, or having to move away from the county all together.

Jackie has been foster carers for over 25 years, and during that time has cared for over 30 children aged between birth and 4 years old. She also specialise in providing Link (Short Break) care for children with disabilities.

Are their any special moments or memories that make it all worth while?

In an effort to raise local awareness Suffolk Adoption Agency will once again be supporting this year’s National Adoption Week Campaign taking place between 31st October – 6th November 2011.

There are so many we could mention, but really every day when you see them first thing in the morning and they are all well and happy.

National Adoption Week is organised by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) and aims to raise awareness of adoption and encourage potential parents to come forward. There are an estimated 4,000 children across the UK needing adoption every year, many of whom will have suffered trauma in their short lives.

We asked Jackie about what it takes to do this challenging yet fulfilling role.

Also getting to watch them grow up and see their achievements, such as winning awards at school.

In Suffolk there are almost 20 children waiting to be adopted and Suffolk Adoption Agency is particularly looking for families for older children aged 3 years and over and sibling groups, and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

I always wanted a big family. I had two young boys of my own and one day saw an advert for fostering and it seemed like the right decision.

I also do a lot of respite care with the Suffolk Link (Short Break) Scheme so seeing children reunited with their parents after short breaks and their beaming smiles is wonderful.

Sally Stoker from Suffolk Adoption Agency says “There are no blanket bans in adoption, so please don’t think we will turn you down because you’re over 40, single, or don’t own your own home. What we really need are people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving supportive family for life. People who can help a child recover from the reasons why they came in to care and can help them go on to thrive in a new family.

What does it take to be a good foster carer?

What would you advise someone thinking of applying to become a foster carer?

A good sense of humour and patience – If you get bored easily then forget it. Fostering is a challenge yet very rewarding.

Just do it…..

we are simply asking people to come forward and “ Initially,

find out more about adoption. If you think you might have what it takes, pick up the phone today. ”

Why did you want to become foster carers?

You do not need any qualifications to be foster carers, but you have to be able to put your personal feelings aside and concentrate on the child.

Ask lots of questions and if it’s something you’ve given considerable thought to then pursue it. It’s the best thing you could ever do. I am not on some ‘do good crusade’ – I just know what I have done has helped a child and would recommend it to anyone.

What do you find most satisfying about the job?

If you would like more information about fostering a Suffolk child please:

A huge sense of pride in what you are doing, and to be part of, and share a child life.

Call 0800 328 2148

EIGHTHEIGHTH PAGE AD PAGE AD

Since being involved more with Link and working together with a child and their

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Call us now to find out how your village can take part on 01394 444 289 or email henry.tapp@suffolksport.com www.suffolksport.com/fitvillages

A bit of what you fancy does you good

Visit www.suffolkfostering.com You can now also follow Suffolk Fostering Service on Facebook.

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

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF says “It is a sad fact that some children are simply unable to remain with their birth families, because of neglect, abuse or perhaps just because their parents are unable to cope. Adoption is one of the best ways we know of giving these children a new family for life. Children with lots of different types of early experience may need adopting – some of them have had traumatic experiences, others have learning difficulties or health problems and it’s crucial that loving permanent families are found for them.”

For more information or to request an information pack about adopting a Suffolk child: Call 0800 389 9417 Visit www.suffolkadoption.com You can also now follow Suffolk Adoption Agency on Facebook.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

15

parents’ place Battling with the bullying

By Elisabeth Dolton

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Bullying can take the form of physical attack, psychological control or verbal insults.

For example, popular groups or cliques often bully people by excluding them or gossiping about them (psychological bullying). They may also taunt or tease their targets (verbal bullying). Unfortunately bullying like this is made easier today due to the accessibility of new technology. It is far easier to bully via email, facebook and mobile phone text messages, and do it anonymously. It even has its own name – Cyberbullying.

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Bullying occurs when a person is picked on repeatedly by an individual or a group with more power, either in terms of physical strength or social standing. Bullies pick on the people they think don’t fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act (if they are shy or withdrawn for example), their sexual orientation, race or religion.

Whatever form it takes however, the effects are devastating. Studies have shown that being bullied increases the risk of low self-esteem, stress and depression or anxiety.

Bullies themselves are also at risk. Bullies often become rejected by their friends and fail to achieve at school. Their violent behaviour often increases, and it is estimated that 1 out of 4 elementary-school bullies have a criminal record by the time they are 30. So what can we do to help stamp out this behavior?

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s our children grow and take part in more activities, they will come into contact with a great number of diverse people.

Unfortunately, as this happens, bullying seems to be on the rise.

With anti-bullying week approaching, we take a look at what steps we, as parents and carers, can do to stamp out bullying.

Get your child to identify teachers and friends that would help them if they were worried about being bullied. Encourage them to buddy-up and avoid places where there are no other pupils or teachers - go to the bathroom with a friend, eat lunch in a group, sit at the front on the bus, etc.

Explain to your children about cyberbullying and not to respond or forward threatening emails. “Friend� your child on Facebook and set up proper filters on your computer.

Limit their social media friend requests to only those people with whom they have a positive relationship offline. Make the family computer the only computer for children, and have it in a public place in the home. If you decide to give your child a mobile phone, let them know you will be monitoring their text messages, and insist that phones are also kept in a public area, by a certain time at night, to eliminate night-time bullying and inappropriate messaging.

Parent to Parent interview Local mum Kirsty Boxall is an authorised distributor for Utility Warehouse Discount Club.

Favourite day out and why?

Best children’s book?

Adam is a big fan of Lego so Legoland is always a favourite, but we also enjoy taking a picnic to the beach and spend many happy hours there.

Skulduggery Pleasant – Playing with Fire

by Derek Landy

This is a highly thought of British company providing the UK’s cheapest gas, electricity, telephone, broadband and mobile products.

Kirsty is married to ‘lovely David’ (who is better known as Box), and they have one son, Adam who is 9 years old. The family have lived in Melton, nr Woodbridge for 7 years.

Favourite child friendly restaurant and why?

The Riverside Restaurant – Woodbridge. They always make a real fuss of Adam and will always provide child’s portions. The food is always fabulous as is the service.

Favourite alternative health clinic/pre or post natal class and why?

Why do you enjoy living where you do?

We are very close to the River Deben, so much so we can hear the river birds from our house, also we hear the owls and foxes in the wooded area. We often walk or cycle down to the river and enjoy crabbing – once we caught an eel !! We also enjoy the fact that we can walk into Woodbridge Town Centre and to Adams school, Woodbridge Primary School.

Favourite shop and why?

Fiona Harvey in Framlingham is an absolute treasure offering fabulous treatments, massage and Reiki in a lovely atmosphere.

What is your best planet saving tip?

You don’t need to have the tap running whilst brushing your teeth as it can waste as much as 5 litres of water per minute!

The Clothes Peg in Dennington - It’s great for nearly new babies and children’s clothing and toys. We have sold and bought many things.

What should no parent be without?

Favourite park and why?

What are your parenting pet hates?

Kingston Park in Woodbridge, Adam always bumps into a friend when we go, there’s plenty of children’s equipment plus a football pitch to keep the children entertained and nearby refreshments for everyone at the Pavilion or Tea Hut

The idea that technology is the answer to everything.

Favourite children’s club/class?

The Cubs at Woodbridge 5th Sea Scouts

Best children’s DVD? Most definitely Shrek

Most played with toys?

Dressing up clothes and fire engines but the ultimate favourite has to be Lego.

Biggest waste of money?

Buying football boots in the sale for Adam to grow into and then completely missing the short period of time his feet would have fitted into them.

Most successful recipe/food?

My prawn risotto – fry onions in butter add Arborio rice then a glass of white wine, fresh chicken stock – simmer and stir, add parmesan and a tin of Baxters Lobster Bisque. Finally add large prawns and dill to garnish.

Tissues, Calpol sachets and pens and pad to occupy those ‘waiting’ moments.

What is the funniest comment you have heard?

Adam saw someone being arrested whilst watching the news, his Daddy explained it was because they had been doing something horribly wrong, Adam pondered and then asked if they had been drawing on walls.

If you would like to visit any of the places Kirsty has mentioned please find the contact details listed below: The Clothes Peg Framlingham Road, Dennington, Woodbridge.

01728 638800 Kingston Park, Kingston field, Woodbridge.

5th Woodbridge Sea Scout Group 5-7 Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge.

The Riverside Theatre Restaurant Bar Quayside, Woodbridge. 01394 382587

Keep talking to your children and work with them to handle any bullying. Tell them not to fight back, just calmly tell bullies to stop or walk away. Practice scenarios at home where your child learns how to ignore them and/or develop assertive strategies. Tell them not to take any of it personally and remind them of their worth and value.

www.theriverside.co.uk Fiona Harvey , Framlingham.

01728 720064 / 07876426275

Spotting a bully and helping them stop Studies indicate that most bullies are motivated by the pursuit of status and affection.

They gain status by dominating their victims, and choose children who are not well-liked to ‘win’ friends. One of the most effective ways to help them stop bullying therefore is to report their actions and tell them about it. Give them consequences and set boundaries, e.g. tell them if the behavior doesn’t stop then you will report him or her. Encourage them to talk to an adult and help them find better ways to deal with their anger such as taking up a sport, a hobby, and developing positive friendships. Tell them to put themselves in the shoes of their targets and ask how they would feel. Try to get them to understand the impact of their actions and to change them.

Whilst we cannot erase bullying, we can equip ourselves with the skills to spot it and tackle it, thereby preventing further damage and torment amongst our young children.

Preventing and stopping bullying helps us achieve a safe environment where children can thrive without being afraid.

Common signs of bullying to watch out for: • Your child coming home from school with cuts, bruises or torn clothing. • They are hungry or have walked home, when you know they had lunch money and bus fare. • Their work at school starts to slide, • They are reluctant to go to school or pretend to be unwell, • Their eating habits change or they don’t sleep well,

National Anti-Bullying Week is from 14th to 25th November 2011

Visit www.antibullyingweek.co.uk for a collection of free resources helping combat bullying.

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

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17

what’s on with ....

Our What’s On pages are put together several weeks beforehand and whilst we aim to be as accurate as we can, there may be some changes. Always contact the venue in advance to check details.

Ipswich Fireworks Spectacular Sat 5th November

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

Theatre

Polly Dunbar. The company returns with their sell out show to our Studio Theatre for Christmas 2011.

Dick Whittington and his Cat

Penguin is exiting, surreal and full of surprises. The lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez will have everyone joining in! It’s a spectacular theatre experience for all ages-especially 2-7 year olds!

Fri 25th Nov –Sun 15th Jan

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds A fantastic, feline, fun-fuelled and fatabulous frolic for all the family.

01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

CAB Christmas Spectacular

Numberjacks

Sun 27th November Ipswich Regent For the very first time Children’s TV’s favourite, NUMBERJACKS comes to the stage. Join the TV superheroes as they leave the sofa and embark on their first live adventure – and help them solve problems as they go! But watch out for the dastardly Spooky Spoon and Numbertaker who do all they can to get in the way...

Note: This show is suitable for all ages.

However under 14s must be accompanied by an adult 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Ipswich’s Got Talent Sat 3rd December Ipswich Regent

Ipswich’s Got Talent is back! Inspired by the success of the shows so far, organisers are already busy searching for the stars of this year’s competition. This popular annual competition is a truly inspiring event, recognising a variety of talents from right across townCan you recognise star quality when you see it? Could you pick out the next Susan Boyle or spot the new Diversity? Join us for this year’s talent extravaganza and find out!

Note: This show is suitable for all ages.

However under 14s must be accompanied by an adult 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Sun 11th Dec The Spa Pavilion – Felixstowe

Directed by Peter Gray this annual charity concert features performances by the Ipswich Hospital Band, Ipswich Piping Society and supporting artists.

01394 282126 www.thespapavillion.org

The Wizard Of Oz – Family Pantomime

Ipswich Choral Society

Sat 17th December Grand Hall Corn Exchange

Ipswich Sings Christmas!

Ipswich Choral Society’s annual Christmas community concert returns with a sparkling festive extravaganza! This year we welcome new compère Lynne Mortimer from the East Anglian Daily Times. Suffolk Phoenix Brass returns to perform their Christmas favourites and the traditional carol singing with the audience. Special guests Suffolk Soul Singers will add extra Christmas sparkle and the local schools participating will enchant everyone with their joyful performances.

Ipswich Choral Society will be raising money for the Woolverstone Wish appeal this year. The Woolverstone Wish Fund is raising money to refurbish the Chemotherapy outpatient clinics and day-unit in the Woolverstone Wing of Ipswich Hospital. The aim is to increase the available space, improve privacy for patients and provide a more comfortable treatment area.

Note: This show is suitable for all ages.

However under 14s must be accompanied by an adult 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Note: This show is suitable for all ages.

However under 14s must be accompanied by an adult 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

2nd Sunday of every month 9am – 1pm, Whelnetham Community Centre, Bury St Edmunds.

Easton

4th Saturday of every month 9am – 1pm, Easton Farm Park.

Felixstowe

1st Saturday of every month 9am – 1pm, Trinity Methodist Church, Orwell rd, Felixstowe.

Jimmy’s Farm

1st Saturday of every month 9am – 1pm, Panning hall, Whersted, Ipswich.

Harkstead

3rd Saturday of every month 9am – 12 noon, Village Hall, Harkstead.

Ipswich

1st Saturday of every month 9am – 4pm, Corn Hill Exchange, Ipswich.

3rd Saturday of every month 9am – 1pm, Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market.

Snape Maltings

Cinderella On Ice

Tues 27th – Sat 31st December Ipswich Regent featuring The Russian Ice Stars “Prepare to be enchanted!”

An evening of awe and wonder awaits as we welcome back Theatre on Ice producers, Wild Rose to present the internationally acclaimed Russian Ice Stars in a truly magical production of the most magical fairytale ‘Cinderella on Ice’.

Note: This show is suitable for all ages.

However under 14s must be accompanied by an adult 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Penguin

40 years of exciting Firework Spectaculars in Ipswich The 11th Ipswich Scout Group announce their 40th Annual Firework Display which will take place in Christchurch Park Ipswich on Saturday 5th November.

This very special evening of Fireworks will be fired to your favourite sporting themes with a spectacular Olympic finale. If that is not enough, we have live on the BBC Radio Suffolk stage the ultimate party band ‘Soul Kitchen’ and the exciting Taiko Drummers. Joining in our celebration we have the 30 strong Brazilian style percussion band Samboomba.The musical fireworks costing over £30,000 are designed and fired by the Shell Shock firework Company from Bramfield here in Suffolk.

Shell Shock are renowned for their exciting and lively displays for clients all around the world. Shell Shock have provided stunning performances at the most prestigious venues including the recent Olympic 500 days countdown from the BT Tower. Shell Shock has led the market for years in celebrating sporting achievements, firing pyrotechnic and special effects for the FA, UEFA, Carling, Heineken, Guinness and Powergen Cup Finals at venues throughout the UK and Europe.

The family friendly event will also include music, competitions and fun and laughter from BBC Radio Suffolk and Town 102. An improved Children’s funfair and a glorious array of food from hot dogs to hog roasts and Fish & chips to donuts are available.

1st Saturday of every month 9.30am – 1pm, Snape Maltings.

Tickets go on sale on from 10th October with a whopping 33% discount if you purchase tickets before the BIG day.

Stowmarket

Tickets:(as 2010) Discount tickets purchased before the day are:£6.00 Adults, £4.00 Children

1st Friday of every month 9am – 1pm, Market Place, Stowmarket.

Sudbury

Last Friday of every month 9.30am – 1pm, St Peter’s Church, Sudbury.

Under 5 year olds - Admission Free

Woodbridge

16 years olds and over are classed as Adults

2nd & 4th Saturday of every month 9am – 1pm, Community Centre, Woodbridge.

Activities & events

Mother Goose

Sat 17th Dec - Mon 2nd Jan The Spa Pavilion – Felixstowe The Dennis Lowe Theatre Company pantomimes have been a traditional part of Christmas in Felixstowe for 46 years and this year’s tale of fantasy is a long-time favourite with audiences. Mother Goose has all the ingredients for a magic, fantasyfilled family show – hilarious characters, a giant goose, an outrageous dame and of course an evil baddie you’ll just love to hiss and boo! Although slick and modern, The Dennis Lowe Theatre Company insists on retaining the traditional elements of pantomime so families can let themselves go and join in with all the panto-land larks!

No discounts are offered to Senior Citizens www.ipswichfireworks.com

01394 282126 www.thespapavillion.org

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

Proceeds to 7th Felixstowe Scouts, East Anglian Air Ambulance, Myasthenia Gravis. Plenty of ideas for Christmas

Shotley Kidzone presents a Clairvoyant Evening with Fiona Nicholls

Ipswich High School for Girls Open Day

look at some amazing coins lost down the sofa of time!

Friday 25th November 10am – 1pm Whole school open day for girls aged 3 – 18 years

Cost: Free event.

01473 780201 www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk

Artic Explorers – Christmas Activity Morning

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Mon 19th December 10am – 12.30pm Foxburrow Farm, Woodbridge

Wednesday 9th November

Childrens activity – £4 Please book

Shotley Village Hall, Nr Ipswich.

01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.co.uk

Doors open at 7pm begins promptly at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 on the door this also includes raffle draw entry. Tea and coffee will be available.

Halty Davis 07725815035 halty.davis@btinternet.com www.shotleykidzone.co.uk

Ladies Night at KingPin Bowling Centre

Thursday 24th November at 7pm.

The night will include a game of bowling followed by a pasta supper with garlic bread and salad served with choice of wine followed by a completely unique shopping experience.

The shopping experience will include a number of individual stalls set up in our upstairs function room where the meal is being served. They will include Avon, Body Shop, cards, cakes and many more.

The cost is only £12.50pp It promises to be a great night out for the ladies and the perfect opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping. Just please leave the Husbands and Boyfriends at home!

01473 611111 www.kingpinbowling.co.uk

Waterfront Art Studio Open Events

Tower Ramparts

Sunday 27 November 10am - 3pm Tuesday 15 November 7.30pm - 9.30pm Our open days are held almost once a month which allows us the opportunity to show you around both studios and talk in detail about the courses we have available. We also offer advice on which creative software and arts materials to purchase and where to find it at low cost.

01473 232069 www.waterfrontartstudio.com

Childrens Christmas Craft Making Activities Sun 4th December 10 am – 12 noon & 2pm – 4pm Waterfront Art Studio, Ipswich

Join in the festive fun with our Christmas craft making sessions, children will be able to make a variety of sparkly items: Advent calendar, tree decorations, Santa cards, personalised mugs, angels and lots more.Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

To ensure the children get the maximum enjoyment during their stay and go home with a wonderful creation we keep class sizes down to groups of 12. All staff that work at the studio are CRB checked any snacks or drinks offered are agreed with the parents before being given.

Thursday 24th November 6pm – 8.30pm

Shotley Kidzone Pamper Chef Evening Abbey Gardens Fireworks Spectacular

Tickets: Advance Adults £4.50, Under 16s £3.50, Under 5s FREE.

Sat 5th November

Pay on the night Adults £5 - Under 16s £4 - Under 5s FREE

Bury Round Table, are once again providing Bury St. Edmunds with a FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR! As they have done, every year for the last 20 years. Purchase advanced tickets on sale at Tesco and Sainsburys or on-line, in-person and over the phone via The Apex... Save by buying in advance!

The Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds

Thursday 1st December 6-8pm (late night shopping in Ipswich)

Stage coach singers performing in Tower Ramparts Handmade crafts and independent trader event including Creative event with Stamp’in Up Saturday 3rd December 11-3pm

Funky Voices performing in Tower Ramparts

Sunday 4th December See website for more details

Handmade crafts and independent trader event Thursday 8th December 6-8pm (late night shopping in Ipswich)

Handmade crafts and independent trader event

Handmade crafts and independent trader event

Charity Christmas Evening

01473 310604 www.bypassnurseries.co.uk

Fri 4th Nov 2011

Handmade crafts and independent trader event

Thursday 15th December 6-8pm (late night shopping in Ipswich)

There will be real reindeer (mummy, daddy and baby), carol singing by local schools, demonstrations of table decorations and wreaths, craft stalls, raffle in aid of Cancer Research and Father Christmas will be in attendance.

Its a really fun event with lots of Christmas food and drink to sample, mulled wine, mince pies etc.

Hadleigh Fireworks display

December Events

Thursday 1st December See website for more details

01473 232069 www.waterfrontartstudio.com

Bypass Nurseries Garden Centre, Ipswich

Presents, Prizes and Pamper Evening .Over 20 stalls and 5 Beauticians offering appointments for a wide range of treatments. In aid of the Bridge School Fund and Hart House Special School in Gambia. Suggested entrance fee £1.

Arrive early if you want to book any of the treatments

Bonfire lit 7:00pm, & fireworks start 7:30pm with a licensed Bar & hot food.

80 stalls.Performances by Stagecoach.

Refreshments. Free parking. Donations welcome.

No discounts are offered to groups

Pamper Evening

The Millfield, Hadleigh

s h opp i n g c e ntr e

Brackenbury Sports Centre, High Road East, Felixstowe.

Children’s prices apply to ages 5 to 15 years inclusive

The Bridge School Heath Road Ipswich

Long Nose Puppet’s new show PENGUIN is based on the award-winning book by

Sunday 6th November, 10am to 3.30pm

Cash paid on entry to the Park:Adults £9.00, Children £6.00,

Wed 2nd Nov 2011 7pm – 9pm

(for ages 2-7yrs) Tues 6th Dec – Sat 31st Dec New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

18

Bury St Edmunds

Needham Market

Sat 17th – Fri 23rd December Ipswich Regent One of the best loved stories ever told……

A spectacular all new professional pantomime version of the classic story featuring the star of BBC TV’s Tracey Beaker actress Dani Harmer as Dorothy, Ken Morley ‘Reg Holdsworth from Coronation Street’ as The Wizard, the hilarious ventriloquist Garth Oliver ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ as the Scarecrow, Mathew McVarish ‘Raymond from Cbeebies ‘Me Too’ as the Lion, and Aron Sidwell ‘Steven Beale from Eastenders’ as the Wicked Witches’ Henchman.

Farmers Markets

Brackenbury Gift & Craft Fair

Friday 25th November

Shotley Kidzone, The Street, Shotley, Nr Ipswich.

7.30pm start.

Halty Davis 07725815035 halty.davis@btinternet.com www.shotleykidzone.co.uk

Thursday 22nd December 6-8pm (late night shopping in Ipswich)

Victorian Christmas

Sunday 4th Dec 2011 10am – 4pm Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Step back in time and experience a Victorian Christmas. See craft demonstrations and buy unique Christmas gifts. Meet historic characters, enjoy music and carols and get a close

For more event details check

www.towerramparts.com

or www.facebook.com/towerramparts for more information

Let’s get creative Saturday 3rd December 11am to 3pm Join in the festive fun with our FREE Stamp’In Up creative event: you can even enter a competition to design the next front cover of Families Suffolk Magazine!

Throughout December there will be loads going on, just visit our website or like us on facebook to keep up to date with us this Winter.

towerramparts.com

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

19

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