Families Suffolk March - April 2017 Issue 34

The local magazine containing useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds

FREE

SUFFOLK

New Feature:

Family Travel Win the Ultimate Sleepover at Warwick Castle Suffolk Fab40 Adventures: Spring ISSUE 34 • March / April 2017

FIND OUT MORE

www.familiesonline.co.uk@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk /FamiliesSuffolk

01473 788546 www.familiesonline.co.uk @familiessuffolk

Welcome

Welcome Spring is in the air!

A slightly warmer welcome to the Spring edition of Families Suffolk. This issue is packed full of great articles to encourage you and your family to get out and about now the longer days and hopefully some nicer weather is on the way. Check out the great Fab40 Spring adventures on p3 to give you some motivation, or you may be inspired to create your own nature reserve after reading about Felixstowe’s Community Nature Reserve on p4.

We also have a great competition for our readers on p7 for the chance to win the ultimate sleepover at Warwick Castle. Our Public Health feature in this issue is all about School Nurses, and the fantastic service they provide across education and health, providing a link between school, home and the community.

We also have two new features in this issue...Family Pets, and Family Travel. We hope you enjoy. Don’t forget more information and a great ‘What’s On’ listing can also be found on our website: www,familiesonline.co.uk Best wishes

Stacey Phillips

Contents 3 Suffolk Fab40 Adventures 4 Our Community 5 Family Finance 6 Baby & Toddler 7 Family Competition 8 - 9 Education Feature 10 Family Law 11 Family Pets 12 Suffolk Fire & Rescue 13 Public Health 14 Parents Place 15 Family Travel 16 Family Days at Newmarket Races Next issue: May / June 2017 Circulation: 17,000 copies of Families Suffolk are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected retail outlets and various other distribution points throughout Suffolk. If you would like copies for your organisation please Contact us.

Editorial content: Stacey@familiessuffolk.co.uk 07951 946736 Sales and Marketing: Lisa@familiessuffolk.co.uk 01473 788546 Events and What’s On: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Design & Editing: Designed In house Cover image: Supplied by Everyone Active

Printed in the uk by the Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC / PEFC suppliers www.agprint.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 distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

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March - April 2017

Suffolk Fab40

Spring Adventures

One of the benefits of getting out and about in nature with young children is the opportunities that arise to develop and practice their physical skills.

Kids clamber over rocks; walk on different surfaces; balance on tree stumps; jump puddles; tread carefully; pull themselves up; lower themselves down; learn to assess risks and to overcome physical challenges. Studies indicate that children who play regularly in nature show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance and agility.

And, of course, its loads of fun and free!

We know you are going to love Suffolk’s 10 Spring Adventures – this seasons activities are all great things to encourage you all to step outside in the warmth of Spring (fingers crossed) and connect with nature as it ‘springs’ back into action after the cold winter months.

You can wonder at magical carpets in ancient bluebell woods across the county; try and spot a mad march hare or two; take a trip to a local far, and encounter spring lambs; get the kids into growing their own food and help them ‘Plant it, Grow it, Eat it’ (they maybe more keen to eat vegetables if they have grown them themselves!); watch a very special ‘Strictly Skydancing’ and see the amazing moves and graceful glides of courting birds of prey; explore a churchyard and discover signs of pirates; listen out for the ‘twit twoo’ of a Tawny Owl (Barn Owls only screech!); look out for frogspawn in your local pond; prepare a wild salad (did you know you can eat Dandelions?) and finally why not take part in, or even organise, a spring clean of your local area?

You’ll find everything you need to know to complete the 10 Spring Adventures from maps of bluebell woods to videos of Tawny Owls.

Get the most from your visit at www.fab40suffolk.co.uk Children who experience the natural environment (which includes gardens and parks) are far more likely to be active outdoors when they are adults. Research has shown that within just 5 mins of being in a green space, young people feel calmer and less stressed.

Suffolk’s Fab 40 Adventures wants to encourage children, with their parents, carers or grandparents to get outdoors and activate and take advantage of what Suffolk has to offer.

Find out more about Suffolk’s Fab 40 Adventures www.fab40suffolk.co.uk @suffolkfab40 #40adventures

@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

3

Our Community

Felixstowe’s Community Nature Reserve Felixstowe’s Community Nature Reserve aims to stop the decline of wildlife populations in the town.

They want to achieve this goal by encouraging everyone who has a garden, allotment or window box to set aside some space which is friendly to wildlife. Even if you can only spare a few square feet of your land for wildlife-friendly features, the collective benefit of all that space in Felixstowe will be amazing. Collectively, combined efforts will create a wonderful patchwork - a community nature reserve - right across Felixstowe.

How families can create new nature reserves

By Dr Adrian Cooper Introduction

Felixstowe’s Community Nature Reserve encourages gardeners and allotment owners to allocate at least 3 square yards of their land for wildlife-friendly plants, ponds and insect lodges. As a consequence, we are developing a “community nature reserve” composed of many pieces of private land, but between which insects, birds and other wildlife can fly and develop sustainable biodiversity. In 3 – 5 year’s time we hope to have 1,666 people involved, each having allocated their 3 square yards.

The result will be a community nature reserve of 5,000 square yards ie the size of a football pitch. This article tells you our story so far.

Getting started

The original idea behind Felixstowe’s Community Nature Reserve was born out of my frustration during the 2015 General Election debate, where there was no mention of the catastrophic decline in bee and other wildlife populations. Clearly, action from local grassroots was needed.

I started talking and listening to people from the Felixstowe community to try and understand what might be possible, and began to build a small team of volunteers.

Most people understood that wildlife populations in Felixstowe were falling, and they wanted to help, but they simply did not know how.

It also became clear that getting hold of a single plot of land for any kind of nature reserve project in the Felixstowe area would take too long, and would be too complicated.

I therefore decided to make participation in this initiative as simple as possible. First, I re-defined what a nature reserve could be. Instead of it being one area of land, I suggested to local people that each of them only had to allocate 3 square yards of their gardens and/or allotments for wildlife-friendly plants, ponds and insect lodges, and then aim for 1,666 people to take part. That combination would give us a total area of 5,000 square yards – the area of a football pitch, an image which everyone could imagine.

Creating our new nature reserve

By the end of October 2015, I was certain that enough local people understood what I was trying to do. I therefore started a Facebook page with my partner Dawn Holden to advise local people about wildlife-friendly plants. Three times each week, a new plant was advised to our rapidly growing readership. That plant list included plants such as: rowan, barberry, firethorn, foxgloves, thyme, sunflowers, lavender, honeysuckle, ice plant, buddlei..... In other words, something for everyone!

Where are we now?

By the end of 2016 we had 621 messages from local people, telling us that they have bought and planted at least one of the plants we have recommended. But the good news hasn’t stopped there. We’ve had several enquiries from people all over the UK, asking about the details of how we set ourselves up, and how the initiative has developed. Following our own success there is the Cosby Community Nature Reserve, and the Burbage Community Nature Reserve.

Get involved

If you would like to find out more about the Felixstowe Community Nature Reserve visit: @Felixstowe’s Community Nature Reserve.

To read more from Dr Adrian Cooper visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk.

Birch Farm Nursery Established 1991 – 2016

25 Years

 Full Day Care Nursery & Holiday Club  Varied Sessions from 3hrs to Full day 7:30am - 6:30 pm  Shift patterns may be accommodated (subject to staff ratios & notice of pattern)  Impressive indoor and outdoor facilities  15 hours a week FREE care for 2,3 and 4 yrs (Subject to status)  Extra curricula activities from Jo Jingles/Swimming/Ballet  Ofsted Rated Good For more information contact Mini  01473 652249  birchfarm@uk2.net  www.birchfarm.co.uk Birch Farm Silver Hill Hintlesham Ipswich Suffolk IP8 3NJ

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March - April 2017

Family Finance

Growing Together

With Town 102, The Beach and Ipswich Building Society

By Stacey Bunn, Financial Education Assistant, Ipswich Building Society

We’re pleased to have joined forces with Town 102 and The Beach to get kids across Suffolk ‘Growing Together’.

Planning for the future is so important, and we want to get youngsters thinking ahead from an early age – whether it’s from seed to sapling in the garden or saving for something special using their piggybank.

That’s why through the Growing Together initiative we’re inviting schools across our county to sign up to receive packs of seeds and gardening tips, along with some child friendly financial education.

As the children plan out their plot, they’ll be learning and demonstrating key skills such as team work, numeracy, responsibility and discovery. Of course, they’ll also learn about science and nature and be getting active at the same time.

At Ipswich Building Society we champion financial education, and want to help children across Suffolk to have the skills they need to be financially savvy now and in the future. Through Growing Together we’ll be delivering our Money Metrics™

Primary financial education to students, whether that is through visiting classrooms or providing materials for teacher use.

Developed with an educational consultant and meeting national curriculum requirements, Money Metrics™ Primary teaches through games, stories and even our own Money Mountain song.

Mr Reynolds, Year 2 teacher at Wells Hall Primary School, says: “The children thoroughly enjoyed the day where they had the chance to think about how we spend money, but more importantly how we can save towards things too. The activities were pitched appropriately and targeted pupils at varying abilities. The session linked well to learning within the class and complemented pupils’ existing knowledge.”

The programme helps children to: • Understand the concept of money in everyday use • Recognise coin denominations and matching values • Learn about the value of money • Increase awareness on how we use money to pay for things we want to buy

Schools are encouraged to sign up until the end of April, although spaces are limited and we won’t be able to provide everyone in Suffolk with seeds – you can check whether applications are still open and register online at: www.town102.com/win/growing-together For more information about Money Metrics™ Primary visit: www.ibs.co.uk/moneymetricsprimary

• Learn how to save money • Explore aspects of money through a story @familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Join the adventure through story, rhyme and yoga inspired moves!

Contact us!

Email: somer@yogabugs.com Tel: 0845 863 0693

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New Classes Coming Soon Puddle Ducks are delighted to announce that Mums to be across Ipswich will soon be able to experience the perfect balance of relaxation, laughter and exercise - a wonderful way to unwind and stay healthy in pregnancy with our own aquanatal classes being launched after Easter.

The classes which last 45 minutes, take a holistic approach to mums’ physical and mental well-being, combining relaxation with cardiovascular exercises to help prepare the body for labour in the soothing and comforts of water. Through the use of gentle exercises, mums-to-be are introduced to movements in the water which can also be used with the baby after birth.

Trained Teachers Puddle Ducks aquanatal teachers are highly qualified – they are qualified STA aquacise teachers, trained Puddle Ducks aquanatal teachers as well as undertaking antenatal swimming training that is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives Trust Claire Bailey mum to 2 children herself, says: “Puddle Ducks aquanatal classes are a fantastic way to both exercise and relax when pregnant. But classes are not just for pre-natal ladies, they can be taken post-pregnancy as the gentle exercises help mums’ bodies recover after birth, too.”

Happy Hormones & Healthy Lifestyle!

There’s a science behind it too! Exercise and relaxation release your body’s natural happy hormones, endorphins, which suppress pain and help you (and baby) feel calm – not only helpful in later pregnancy, but also really important during and after labour. The proven benefits of aquanatal can include a shorter active labour, a lower chance of an assisted or operative delivery, and the prevention or alleviation of antenatal and postnatal depression.

Aquanatal can help get babies ready for a healthy lifestyle. All children should have the chance to have a love of water and to have the confidence to swim and play happily and safely in it. Classes familiarise babies with the sounds of the swimming pool and mums-to-be are taught simple activities to prepare them for being in the water with their little one, so that their first introduction to water when the baby arrives is a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable bonding experience for both of them.

Find Out More Classes are starting on Thursday evenings in Levington after Easter, please visit our website for more information: www.puddleducks. com/suffolkessexborder or email: suffolk@puddleducks.com

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March - April 2017

Famiily Competition

Win the Ultimate Sleepover at Warwick Castle

Stradbroke Swimming Pool & Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre have teamed up with Warwick Castle to offer customers the chance to win the ultimate sleepover!!

Warwick Castle is a truly unique setting for a short break and now Everyone Active is offering 3 lucky families the chance to win a weekend break at this amazing venue. Customers who enrol or re-enrol on swimming lessons or sign up to an Easter or May half term holiday camp before 19 March will be entered into a draw to win a VIP stay in the Castle’s Tower Suite (complete with porter service, exclusive behind the scenes tour and champagne reception!) or one of two weekend breaks for all the family in a fantastic Knight’s Village Lodge. There are further runners up prizes to be won and all those who sign up before the 31 March 2017 will receive a voucher enabling kids to enter for free (with a full paying adult) to Warwick Castle, Sea Life Sanctuary Scarborough or Sea Life Manchester.

For further information pop into your local Everyone Active centre or visit: www.everyoneactive.com/WarwickCastle

WIN ONE OF THREE LUXURY WEEKEND BREAKS AT WARWICK CASTLE Plus...

or a ‘Brave Knight’ Dressing Up Set

Kids go free to Warwick Castle in 2017*

When you enrol or re-enrol on swimming lessons or sign up for an Easter or May Half Term children’s holiday camp at your local Everyone Active centre before 19 March 2017.

Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre

Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre

01379 384376

01449 674980

Everyone Active manages these facilities with Mid Suffolk District Council Terms and Conditions: UK 18+. Prize draw, one entry per child, per activity. *When you enrol or re-enrol on swimming lessons or sign up for a minimum of 4 full days on an Easter or May Half Term children’s holiday camp. Prizes: 1 x Overnight stay at the Castle’s Tower Suite for 2 adults, 2 children. 2 x two night stays at Knight’s Lodge for 2 adults, 4 children, 30 x Dressing up sets. Date restrictions apply. Kids Go Free offer entitles one child (aged 3 – 11) to enter free when accompanied by a full paying adult to Warwick Castle, Sea Life Sanctuary Scarborough or Sea Life Manchester.

For further details and full terms and conditions visit

www.everyoneactive.com/WarwickCastle @familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Festivals Feature Education Feature

Give your child the edge with Kumon Your local Kumon Study Centre offers unique maths and English programmes to children of all ages and abilities. Central to the Kumon Method is the principle of giving students the confidence and courage to confront new challenges and pursue their own goals.

Rather than preparing children for a particular test or assessment, Kumon empowers students to learn for themselves, through individualised instruction and carefully developed worksheets.

However, recent changes to the Year 6 SATs mean Kumon students are increasingly well placed to excel at school.

With a focus on comprehension, summary and sentence/paragraph construction, the new English test plays on the strengths of students who are studying with Kumon.

Similarly an emphasis on mental arithmetic puts Kumon maths students at an advantage; going forward pupils will have to know their times tables with

questions ranging from column addition, through to the multiplication of fractions and calculating exponents which is all covered by Kumon.

Through daily study of the English programme, students develop a wide range of reading comprehension skills, ultimately enabling them to interpret information in advanced literature.

The maths programme progresses from counting to calculus, algebra and beyond, all without the use of a calculator.

Each level of the programme builds incrementally on the skills developed in the previous level, ensuring a solid understanding and the ability to put learning into practice.

For more information and to take advantage of a free assessment, contact your local study centre.

Ipswich Central Sangeeta Kumar 01473 614 665 ipswichcentral@kumoncentre.co.uk Ipswich, Nacton Road Sally Leedham 01206 577150 ipswichnactonroad@kumoncentre.co.uk

kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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March - April 2017

Working hard.

Aiming high.

Education Feature

The motto at Bucklesham Primary School is ‘Working hard, Aiming high’ and the school has just been awarded the GOLD school sports award as a result.

Their commitment to giving children brilliant opportunities in sport has been evidenced by excellent use of Sports Premium funding. A portion of the funding was utilised to introduce the Yogabugs Impact & Change Programme this school year.

Yogabugs are proud to be included in such a dynamic PE programme and have been inspired by the vibrant, dedicated staff who share the common goal of developing children’s academic abilities and life skills through engaging and inspiring lessons.

Impact & Change Programme YogaBugs Impact and Change is a results’ driven child development programme that runs during the curriculum. All classes are carefully structured to develop children emotionally and physically whilst enhancing their learning experience. The programme teaches stories though yoga inspired moves,

engaging children of all abilities which makes a positive measurable improvement to the lives and education of children.

The programme takes a whole school approach, offering training to the staff on simple breathing and relaxation techniques that they can deliver to the children on a daily basis to further enhance the benefits. Parents are invited to attend a YogaBugs workshop where they can join in with their child’s adventure and take home information and exercises to practice together.

Programmes have achieved results of up to 40% improvement in pupils across the UK in five key areas of social, emotional, physical and behaviourial development.

At the end of the year-long programme, schools are supplied with a detailed report showing both the individual and group improvements across all the areas. Schools have used this report for Ofsted as well as showing evidence of PSHE.

Mrs Sue Todd from Bucklesham Primary School Comments: Our KS1 children have been taking part in Yoga Bugs for some time now. They really enjoy the movements which follow a different story each week and our parents association provided mats for the children. Their flexibility and concentration has improved as a result of taking part and they also learn relaxation strategies.

What does a ‘typical’ class look like?

Children will be drawn into a story adventure that will stretch the imagination and allow them to be part of an interactive journey The carefully designed class plans interpret yoga inspired moves into the story, guiding children into postures and stretches that provide physical and creative challenge. The combination of these movements improves children’s fitness, teaches them breathing techniques that they can incorporate into their daily routines and teaches them to focus and release day-to-day anxieties. Every class ends with relaxation and visualisation so children can wind down and enhance their sense of self-belief.

All of the classes are non-competitive and allow children to develop at their own pace. Children of all abilities can take part and thrive.

The Impact and Change programme is also proven to assist children with ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

Classes are tailored to suit each school’s needs, whether it is to run in line with the curriculum, to offer a before or after school club or a special event such as health week or PPA cover. Offering classes in nurseries and in primary schools, children from walking up to age 12 can benefit from stretching their imagination.

Contact YogaBugs on 0845 863 0693 or somer@yogabugs.com if you’d like a free taster for your school or nursery!

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Introduce a friend to our parent and toddler play sessions and get your session for FREE. Check website for times and full offer T&C’s 01473 433676 • admin@pipersvale.co.uk • www.gymnasticsinipswich.co.uk

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@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Family Law

Barker Gotelee:

Working with you, for you and your family

Barker Gotelee is one of the leading law firms in Suffolk, providing clients with practical solutions for a variety of legal problems, including family law.

Legal Support & Expertise Many clients go to the Barker Gotelee family team for help with the legalities of a relationship breakdown. The team deals with each case on an individual basis and its personalised approach means that the solicitors listen to and address each client’s differing concerns. These concerns can

include the court process and financial settlement, disruption to their children’s lives and legal costs.

Experts in court processes, Barker Gotelee is experienced at sorting out arrangements for children, as well as understanding what clients’ financial settlements should be and how to achieve financial security for them.

The family team is made up of

Life | Land | Business

We offer you a range of family law services We all need help from time to time. Our friendly and approachable solicitors are on hand to advise you on a host of family law matters. · Family breakdown - helping to achieve financial security for you · Children - support and expert advice on arrangements for children · Mediation - discussing the issues that matter to you

Free initial consultation | Fixed fees available 41 Barrack Sq, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3RF Free parking

Visit barkergotelee.co.uk or call 01473 611211

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March - April 2017

experienced solicitors who appreciate that costs can be a worry, which is why they also offer various payment options such as fixed fees to help clients move on with their lives.

Family Law Team The family team is headed up by Barker Gotelee partner, Nicola Furmston, one of Suffolk’s leading matrimonial solicitors, who has over 20 years’ experience. She is supported by two associate solicitors, Josie Hayes and Amanda Erskine – and all aim to provide a sympathetic ear and practical solutions.

Nicola, Josie and Amanda are family law specialists and members of Resolution, the national organisation promoting good legal practice in family breakdowns. As members of Resolution, the team is committed to upholding the organisation’s ethos of dealing with all matters in a constructive way, designed to preserve dignity and encourage agreement on a cost effective basis.

The department works very much as a team on each case in order to provide clients with an ethical approach, utmost professionalism and greater cost-efficiency. Nicola, Josie and Amanda are supported by their experienced assistant, Victoria, who takes on much of the administrative work. Working in this manner benefits clients in that they can speak to any one member of the team for an

update at any given time.

Nicola comments: “We’re always pushing the boundaries and looking for ways to make sure our clients get the best value for money. This way of structuring the department makes sense – we are able to support our clients, offering outstanding levels of service in the most economical way possible.”

In many cases the Barker Gotelee family team can offer a free initial consultation, which clients say they find to be extremely helpful. Many clients have commented that they have come out of the initial consultation feeling relieved they have been able to get real help with their situation.

Barker Gotelee family team offer various payment options such as fixed fees.

Barker Gotelee Mediation, led by Nicola, who is also a specialist family mediator, offers mediation for people who want to come together to discuss their separation and make choices for their futures after family breakdown.

Get in Touch To book your appointment with a Barker Gotelee solicitor or mediator phone 01473 611211 and speak to the family team assistant, Victoria Brosnan. Barker Gotelee prides itself on reaching arrangements that are sensible and practical and focused on the future.

Family Pets

Family Pets

In the UK rabbits are now the 5th most popular pet, following dogs, cats and fish.

Thanks to our friends at Easton Farm Park, Families Suffolk Magazine offers families some great advice for caring for these popular family pets.

Rabbits are very social creatures and are often treated in a similar way to that of how we interact with our more popular pets; with an array of toys, leads, harnesses and food treats all intended for rabbits.

of course electrical wires, indoor plants, furniture, books all have the potential to be nibbled. If other pets are in the house, then they would all need to be introduced to each other safely.

Whether you prefer to call them rabbits or bunnies they are indeed very active animals and although there is no hard or fast rule about housing, what is important is the amount of space they have. It is recommended that any hutch/ cage should be tall enough for a rabbit to stand up on their back legs in, and long enough for them to hop three or four times in any given direction. It is also important that they have the chance to exercise properly each day, whether that be in a large outdoor run, or let loose in a safe garden environment.

Rabbit houses should be kept clean always, with daily cleaning recommended; in summer to prevent any nasties like flies, and then in the winter when bunnies are likely to spend more time in their house. Straw or wood shavings make good bedding, and when thorough cleaning occurs disinfectant sprays should be used to keep on top of house hygiene.

As well as keeping a rabbit fit and healthy, exercise also greatly helps to reduce boredom for our bunnies. In addition, to help with a rabbit’s stimulation, it is always nice to provide them with playthings, such as tunnels or little mazes, toys that rattle or make a gentle noise.

Where ever a pet bunny is housed, it should be considered safe, and thought should be given to whether they will be protected from the sun, wet weather and frosty or icy conditions.

Keeping rabbits as indoor pets is becoming more and more popular; they can be trained to use a litter tray in a similar way to that of cats. However, they still need their own cage or house, and obviously, the home would need ‘bunny-proofing’ as

Domestic rabbits are fed on a mix specially formulated to contain all the essential nutrients that may be lacking from a more domesticated life compared to that of one in the wild. Rabbits require a high fibre diet, which can be gained through grass and hay. This rough vegetation also helps to naturally grind down a rabbit’s teeth, helping with good dental health. Fresh clean drinking water should always be available for a rabbit whether this be from a bottle or a bowl.

When it comes to the general health of a rabbit there are some particularly important issues to bear in mind. During warm weather, it is good to check the fur around bunny’s tails to ensure that they are clean, as in these conditions flystrike is a potential concern. Any abnormal behaviour could be an indicator of stress, pain or injury. Rabbits should be wormed at regular intervals, and claws trimmed often, all to keep our pets happy and healthy. Also, when keeping a pet bunny, they should be kept away from areas where wild rabbits roam, as they are likely to carry disease.

Keeping a pet can be so rewarding and rabbits are such social animals they will always love being on the receiving end of fuss and attention, and like any animal, they all have their own unique personalities and qualities.

HORSE RIDING FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES Friendly family run yard offering equestrian learning and fun for all.

Our team of qualified BHS Staff offer a range of classes.

EMAIL: HILLFARMEC@HOTMAIL.CO.UK

You can also follow us on @familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Suffolk Fire & Rescue

WANTED: On-Call Firefighters

Abi, 21

Shop Assistant & On-call Firefighter Could you get to your local fire station in 5 minutes?

Employers Case Study Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service range of businesses

#SwiftToServe There are a both small and large across Suffolk who currently release employees to be on-call firefighters. these include, Tesco, Waitrose, Royal Mail, factories, farms and retail outlets. Local employers Waitrose talk about their experience employing on-call firefighter Abi. SWIFT TO SERVE

Abi

Employer: Karen Clarke, Waitrose Abi joined Waitrose in February 2016 as a Supermarket Assistant with the Operations team.

During her time with us Abi has shown great flexibility in her approach to her job, not only has she become trained within the Operations team but she has also got herself trained on the majority of other sections within the branch.

This has allowed Abi after she returns from having attended a fire of other emergency, to then slot into the section in the store that needs the most support.

There is currenty a particulalry high demand for on-call firefighters in the following areas: Aldeburgh • Beccles • Bungay • Clare • Debenham • Eye • Felixstowe • Framlingham • Halesworth • Nayland • Needham Market • Orford • Saxmundham • Stradbroke

TO FIND OUT MORE

If you would like to find out more about becoming an employer of an on-call firefighter, contact the service’s On-Call Liaison Officer on 07776 475069. He/she will be able to discuss this with you in further depth, and will be able to advise you on the members of staff in your organisation that would be most suitable for the role.

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March - April 2017

Picture taken at Stoke High School in Ipswich

Public Health

Suffolk School Nursing

School Nurses work across education and health, providing a link between school, home and the community. Their aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people. They work with families and young people from five to nineteen and are usually linked to a school or group of schools.

A School Nurse’s work covers a lot of different areas, ranging from acne to sexual exploitation, self-harm to sleep problems all those issues centred around the physical and emotional health of children.

They support children, parents, and carers to ensure they have access to a range of services, including: • Support schools to prioritise health needs within their school community • Produce termly newsletters – one for Primary Schools and one for High Schools • Attend community events • Provide hearing and vision screening in Reception • Take growth measurements as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) in Reception and Year 6 • Offer weekly confidential ‘drop ins’ for pupils in secondary schools • Give health advice, signposting and referrals around a broad range of health topics

How do I contact my School Nurse?

By phone: Your local School Nurses team phone number and address is available at www.suffolk.gov.uk/schoolnursing By text: Our virtual School Nursing service ChatHealth is a quick and easy way to contact the School Nursing team. The number to do this is 07507 333356. Normal text rates apply.

Website: www.suffolk.gov.uk/schoolnursing At Drop In: Details of Schools offering School Nurse drop ins are available on our website

ChatHealth

With more and more children, young people and their families using mobile phones to oversee their daily lives, the Suffolk School Nursing service provides a virtual school nurse as part of their service.

ChatHealth is an easy way for parents, carers, and young people to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues, or make an appointment with a school nurse. They can also find out how to access other local services including emotional support and sexual health services.

Parents and Pupils who have already used the ChatHealth service have said they like using the messaging service because it is less embarrassing, quick and easy, anonymous and non-judgemental.

Text messages sent to the dedicated number (07507 333356) are delivered to a secure website, and responded to by the Suffolk School Nursing team.

The service is available Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:30, excluding bank holiday. Out of hours, anyone who texts the service receives a ‘bounceback’ message that explains where to get help if their question is urgent, and when they can expect to get a response. Texts are replied to within one working day. Texts are charged at normal local rate.

School Nurse Case Study...

Nikki, a School Nurse, saw Simon in school following a referral from his Year Head. Simon had been feeling anxious about his GCSE exams and couldn’t concentrate on his studies. He was also starting to have difficulty sleeping and had stopped spending time with his friends outside of school. Nikki carried out her assessment and also discussed Simon with a Primary Mental Health Worker.

Together, they came up with a plan to address the different issues.

When talking about the support available to Simon, a group for pupils experiencing exam stress was identified. Nikki supported Simon to attend this group, which he found extremely useful. He was able to put into practice some of the strategies learnt from Nikki and from the group, which reduced his anxiety enabling him to concentrate on his revision.

@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

13

Parents Place

Mum in business: Cally Soar, Maya Rose Photography What was the best piece of advice regarding work you were ever given? Believe in yourself and know your value. It is so easy to be taken advantage of and you can really start to doubt yourself and how to run your business. But knowing my value has helped me keep focus on my business and provide great customer service.

What does the future hold for you & your business?

This last year has been so exciting and my business has seen so much growth with the opening of the new studio in Ipswich, Suffolk. I still enjoy getting outdoors on location though for family portrait sessions. I will be introducing some new exciting services this year but I can’t spill the beans just yet!

Your name: Cally Soar Name, location and nature of your Business: Maya Rose Photography has a studio in Ipswich, Suffolk. I am a newborn, baby, child and family photographer.

How long has your business been running and the reason your started? I started up Maya Rose Photography 5 years ago.

Photography has always been a passion of mine and after the birth of my second daughter I needed the flexibility of raising my children, and having my own business just made sense.

Why “Maya Rose”? I love this question from my customers. Maya and Rose are the middle names of my daughters. I cherish the connection that their names have with my business and it reminds me why I run my own photography business doing something I love.

What do you enjoy about your role and working for this business/charity/service? I adore capturing life memorable moments and enjoy seeing client’s faces when they see their images for the first time. Getting to know my clients and giving them photos that they can treasure forever is what it’s all about.

How do you fit your work around family life? I have to be organised having two girls with school runs and after school clubs.

I plan my days and time around them. I schedule family time in the diary in advance and I will never move this as my family comes first.

Running a business can be challenging at times but having a set schedule and knowing when to say no to things has helped me to keep my family life normal. Having to say no doesn’t come naturally to me but I have learnt you can’t do it all. Having and knowing my work schedule helps provide a great customer experience which is extremely important to me.

What advice would you give to any parents considering returning to work and/or starting up their own business?

Take time to learn all you can about your chosen industry. Don’t just jump in without getting to know your market and running costs. Have a clear marketing strategy and knowing where to spend your hard earned money. Take time to learn social media to reach your market, there are so many tools out there to make posting to social media quick and easy, I too am still learning so much. Finally do what you love, running a business has its challenges and there will be good days and bad days, doing what you love makes those bad days a little less challenging.

Find out more at: www.mayarosephotography.com

Reader Review: Hillfarm Equestrian Centre

By Deborah Potts ‘After being diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia (excruciating facial pain) and Neurological Functional Disorder (NFD) I decided to take up horse riding. NFD is when the brain doesn’t send correct messages to body resulting in altered sensations in the arms and legs and I have double vision. I decided to get on with life and do something I’ve always wanted to do so i took up horse riding as part of my therapy.

When I first joined the army aged 18 I attended a 5 day riding course but the instructor terrified me so much I hardly went near a horse again for years! I contacted Hazel at Hilltop Farm (Hill Farm) and she invited me along to have a lesson. I absolutely loved it. Here I was, at the age of 52 having my first few riding lessons with boys and girls as young as 8 years! They were so supportive and always told me how well I was doing. Hazel taught me the basic skills and the ponies - Dennis, Mouse and Rosie (Betty) were very patient with me. I highly recommend Hiltop Farm (Hill Farm) to anyone

14

March - April 2017

considering riding lessons. Horse riding has helped me hugely with my core strength and stability as well as coordination and balance.

I also love the feeling of having a connection with such beautiful, powerful animals which I find truly humbling. Riding is a great way of meeting new people of all ages and being outside with nature is an added bonus. I smile for hours after I’ve had a lesson!’

To find out more email: hillfarmec@hotmail.co.uk

Famiily TRavel

Family Travel

Families Suffolk are excited to be launching a new Family Travel feature and have been speaking to local Independent Travel Advisor Maria Moslin-Thomas from Travel Counsellors to find out more about the unique service she provides.

About Maria As an independent travel consultant, I provide everything required to meet any individual clients travel needs. Whether it is a simple train journey to London, a city or cottage break home or abroad, a complete package holiday, right up to a full itinerary road or rail trip, destination weddings and honeymoons. Each and every booking no matter where, duration or cost will receive the same high level of personal service.

Knowledge is key

Having worked in the travel industry now for a number of years, and as a result of my own personal interest in travelling I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that I am only too happy to share with my customers. I am also able to offer more professional advice on accessible travel, appreciating how difficult this can be, it is an area that I am particularly keen to help with more.

Independent does not mean expensive

When booking a holiday there are a number of advantages to using an independent travel consultant, and the best bit is, independent does not mean expensive. In fact I can offer my clients better value for money, as I can use a huge range of suppliers including high street brands meaning I am not tied to certain providers. At Travel Counsellors we also have our own in house dynamically packaging system where I can package your holiday together for your exact requirements offering fantastic value for money.

Although my prices are very competitive, I will not compete with the internet, simply because to do that I would have to compromise my service levels and financial protection. Quite simply the online booking

sites don’t have anything close to what Travel Counsellors and I can offer, so it is not a fair comparison. I will however add value to your holiday and more importantly ensure you get the holiday you really want.

A personal service

I really listen and get to know my clients individually so I can understand their needs and requirements. It’s a very personal service! I have many repeat clients and this is one of the reasons they stay with me.

As an independent travel counsellor, I work around my clients. If they would like me to call round to their house to discuss their travel plans or meet them in their lunch break, I am able to do this.

Others like to do everything by email in this busy day and age and that is fine too, whatever is right for them. My clients only talk to me and not a call centre and I am available 24/7 right from their initial enquiry until long after their return.

I will ensure that all reservations are correct and all relevant procedures followed to ensure check-in and everything there after goes smoothly, including personally contacting suppliers with any special requests and details. Whenever possible I will also do all my clients online check in and provide their APIS (advance passenger information) to take any stress away leading up to their holiday. This way my clients can concentrate on their packing and getting the family ready for a fantastic holiday. And for added peace of mind everything booked with Travel Counsellors is 100% financially protected.

WELCOME

To find outWORLD... more TO OUR

Visit: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/maria.moslin-thomas

WELCOME

TO OUR WORLD...

Nice to meet you!

Hi, my name is Maria . I look forward to discussing your travel plans with you.

Being a Travel Counsellor allows me the flexibility to serve clients nationwide. So wherever you are based I can accommodate your needs. I am available anytime of the day and weekends not just 9-5 Mon-Fri. Travel is my passion and has been since my very first trip to Halkidiki, Greece many years ago. I combine my passion and love of travel along with over twenty years of customer service experience to provide each and every client the personal, friendly and professional service they deserve. I can find that exceptional destination for a wedding or anniversary, a family holiday, a precious alone time break, Kenyan Safari or a special tailor-made adventure. I can even arrange your business travel.

Who are we?

We’re a global network of friendly and professional travel gurus with one simple purpose: To make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Your Travel Counsellor will really get to know you. Your individual needs, wants and desires. Your aspirations and dreams and even your bucket list. In time, they will become a trusted friend, always there for you - every footstep, float or flight of your travels. We’ll be there in an emergency or even when you just need advice or reassurance that the holiday is just right for you. And we’re not only about holidays, maybe you need a flight to that very important business meeting to clinch the deal. We’ve got your back.

Your personal Niceown to meet you! travel guru Remember how easy it used to be to book a holiday? When someone else took care of everything? When they knew you well enough to get it just right? At Travel Counsellors we believe that this is the Travel is my passion and has been since my very first trip to Halkidiki, Greece many years ago. I combine my passion and love of travel along with over twenty dreams; years of customer service experience to provide each and everyTravel client the personal, friendly and professional service they deserve. I can Fulfilling creating memories.

We’re Counsellors only way to recommend travel. find that exceptional destination for a wedding or anniversary, a family holiday, a precious alone time break, Kenyan Safari or a special tailor-made

Hi, my name is Maria . I look forward to discussing your travel plans with you.

Our thousands of customers absolutely love this approach because our 1300 Travel Counsellors around the world really do care. What matters to you, matters to us. We believe in treating you the way we would expect to be treated. That makes us more than a little different from the Being a Travel Counsellor allows me the flexibility to serve clients nationwide. So wherever you are based I can accommodate your needs. I am rest.available And that’s whatofkeeps our customers year after year, again and again (and again). anytime the day and weekendscoming not just back 9-5 Mon-Fri.

Serina Peartree | Tel: 07921169520 Email: Foreverspaloe@gmail.com www.spaloe.myforever.biz

adventure. I can even arrange your business travel.

Maria Who Moslin-Thomas are we?

TRAVEL COUNSELLOR We’re a global network of friendly and professional travel gurus with one simple purpose: To make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Your Travel 852110 Counsellor will really to know you.427 Your individual 01473 M.get07920 107needs, wants and desires. Your aspirations and dreams and even your bucket list. In time, they will become a trusted friend, always there for you - every footstep, float or flight of your travels. We’ll be there in an emergency or even when you just need advice or reassurance that the holiday is just right for you. And we’re not only about holidays, maybe you need a flight to that very important business meeting to clinch the deal. We’ve got your back.

maria.moslin-thomas@travelcounsellors.com

Our thousands of customers absolutely love this approach because our 1300 Travel Counsellors around the world really do care. What matters

to you, matters to us. We believe in treating you the way we would expect to be treated. That makes us more than a little different from the www.travelcounsellors.com/maria.moslin-thomas rest. And that’s what keeps our customers coming back year after year, again and again (and again).

Fulfilling dreams; creating memories. We’re Travel Counsellors

@familiessuffolkMaria Moslin-Thomas /FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

01473 852110 M. 07920 427 107

01473 788546

15

Family Days at Newmarket Racecourses this spring After an award winning 2016 season, celebrating the 350th year of making history, The Home of Horse racing returns this April with an array of family days out packed full of entertainment.

There is literally something for everyone and don’t forget children under the age of 18 visit for FREE to all days excluding concerts.

The QIPCO The Spring Guineas Festival Meeting

Sat 6th – Sun 7th May 2017 Thurs 18th (eve) – Sat 20th May 2017 The QIPCO Guineas Festival is a unique and historic event not to be missed! Sunday in particular has a relaxed family feel, with lots of free activities for everyone to enjoy alongside the racing.

New for this year we are introducing a Pony Club Zone for our younger guests. Located on the Boulevard Lawn, the area is packed with horsey fun.

At The Jockey School kids can play with tack and racing equipment then try on a set of real racing silks and learn to ride a race like Frankie Dettori on one of the equicisers with tuition from one of our expert Jockey Coaches.

There will also be Behind the Scenes Tours, an opportunity to meet a real racehorse, visit the Pony Club Mini Cinema and much more!

The Après Racing stage on the Hyperion Lawn will host the official Après Racing after party with amazing live music taking place half an hour after the last race on both nights. Acts are yet to be announced but if last year’s performances by Radio 2’s Sara Cox and The Wanted’s Tom Parker are anything to go by then it’s going to be an epic party!n at the e

16

The Spring Meeting is the final fixture on the Rowley Mile before we move over to the Adnams July Course for the summer.

Saturday is ‘Newcomer Day’ at Newmarket Racecourses and we’re offering a warm welcome to everyone, especially those people who may never have been to the races before. There’s a fantastic afternoon of racing as well as lots of attractions for all racegoers to enjoy for free. There will be family entertainment including inflatables, face painting and Rowley’s Kids Club as well as a number of activities to give firsttime visitors an insight into the sport.

Don’t forget that kids under the age of 18 come FREE on all three days so it’s great value for everyone!

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Coming up this summer...

Summer Saturdays Themed Family Days Out • 24th June: Hero Day • 1st July: Sports Day • 22nd July: Great British Summer Day • 29th July: Countryside Day • 5th August: Family Fun Day • 12th August: Royal British Legion Day • 19th August: Horseplay