Families Suffolk Magazine_Issue 44_Nov - Dec 2018

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In this issue

Christmas in Suffolk Our guide to great days out and family shows this Christmas, including Snow White at the Ipswich Regent Theatre.

Plus ...

Nina Parnham shares with us her 'Twelve Days of Managing Overwhelm'.

Issue 44: November / December 2018

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familiesonline.co.uk Families Suffolk: Issue 44 1

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Families Suffolk: Issue 44

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Welcome & Contents

Hello

In This Issue...

Welcome to our Christmas Edition.

I think this is possibly the most exciting yet exhausting time of year for families. It can be a magical time of year for our children, but for us parents it can sometimes feel like the pressure is on!

Help however is at hand....We have put together a packed magazine that will give you some great ideas for days out and things to do with the whole family. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to family friendly shows. Over the next few months you could see Snow White at The Ipswich Regent, The Red Rose Chain will be putting on a production of Alice in Wonderland (see the back cover to receive 15% off tickets on evening performances before the 21st Dec) and the New Wolsey Theatre are putting on a Christmas show especially for children called the Ballad of Rudy. Make sure you avoid disappointment and get your tickets booked soon. Suffolk Museums have also got a packed programme of events and opportunities to take the children to see Santa, for more information please see p14.

Whatever the festive season has in store we hope you have a happy and healthy Christmas and wish you all the best for the New Year.

Best Wishes

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Family Law

5

Clubs & Classes

6

Public Health

7

Family Health and Wellbeing

8

Private Client Law

9

Suffolk Fire and Rescue

10

Huddl Parent Advice

11

Family Finance

12

Suffolk Mum in Business

13 - 16 Christmas in Suffolk

Stacey Phillips Editor

Follow us: Facebook /FamiliesSuffolk | Twitter: @familiessuffolk

Contact us: Editor: stacey@familiessuffolk.co.uk | 07951 946736 Advertising: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk | 07951 946736 Events & What’s On: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Print: Printed in the uk by Warwick Printing.

OUr next issue: January / February 2019 Main features: Education / Clubs and Classes Circulation: 20,000 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 get in touch.

Print Disclaimer: Families Suffolk Ltd is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Suffolk Ltd are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Suffolk Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Suffolk Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families Suffolk: Issue 44

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Family Law

Pensions on Divorce The minefield When couples are divorcing and the time has come to deal with the resolution of financial issues, one of the most controversial topics is that of the splitting of the pension. Ipswich based Solicitors, Barker Gotelee, offer some very valuable advice for anyone that may be facing this.

Pension sharing must be considered in conjunction with the other important aspects of the financial settlement, for example the availability of liquid capital to meet legal and other divorce related professional costs, the housing requirements of both spouses, and that the offer reflects an equal split of the “non-pension” assets which may not necessarily be in line with one of the parties’ expectations.

If we assume that the “nonpension” assets are dealt with separately, how should pensions be dealt with on a stand-alone basis? The starting point should be equalising the cash equivalent values post-divorce. The Family Justice Council has provided guidance to reflect that the main aim in most cases is to endeavour to achieve equality of income. Exceptions to this might include the young ages of the parties, or the shortness

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

Ask us about our fixed fees and free 01473 611211 barkergotelee.co.uk consultations on selected services.

41 Barrack Sq, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3RF Free parking

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of the marriage, which would make it unequitable and uneconomical to compare incomes produced by their respective pensions.

The fairest approach would be to take account of the income that might be generated from the parties’ respective pensions at their planned retirement dates. Another consideration is whether the pension rights accrued prior to marriage should be ring-fenced.

Often time, there is an imbalance between private and public sector pensions, and the cash equivalent values may not be fair value for divorce purposes. It is at the point where this problem is identified, that an actuarial report is clearly needed.

Equalisation of fair capital values and of incomes will all require further expert input to crunch the numbers and to provide a recommendation. It is further highly recommended that calculation to offset, or partially offset a pension against another asset, be referred for actuarial assistance.

Families Suffolk: Issue 44

Ultimately, any settlement will need to address the wishes of both of the parties in relation to non-pension assets, and further negotiation will be necessary to endeavour to address any short term liquidity and longer term housing requirements. If an agreement cannot be reached, then it will fall to the Court to decide, and this is where any potential risks, benefits and costs of applying to the Court for a determination would need to be explained to the relevant party.

At Barker Gotelee, where pension sharing cannot be calculated in house, the family team will make a decision as to a referral to an Actuary, and can make recommendations in that regard. They can consider the report with the instructing party and, whether an expert report has been obtained or not, they can continue to negotiate with the opposing party with a counter offer, essentially keeping the heat out of the situation, and keeping the negotiating process as smooth as possible. familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

Sudbury Pottery Class Suffolk artist Rachael Pedersen offers fun, relaxing and creative classes to local parents to help boost wellbeing.

For us parents life can be pretty hectic and stressful most days, however with the build up to Christmas, it may feel even more overwhelming. We have therefore featured a class in this issue that will appeal to local parents, to offer you a bit of much needed, and very valuable 'me time'.

Sudbury Pottery Class is all about helping people with busy lives to relax and escape from the real world.

Every week they have about 30 people attend, who enjoy the opportunity to enjoy some time to themselves and get creative.

The classes are specifically aimed at adults, and the relaxed workshops are a perfect place to destress under the tuition of experienced and qualified ceramic artist, Rachael Pedersen.

Find out more For more information visit: www.sudburypotteryclass. co.uk or call Rachael on 07572 574763.

Gift Vouchers are also now available.

Why Pottery?

"Pottery is one of the most relaxing things you will ever do! At Sudbury Pottery Class, you can join us in finding a little peace from the busy world, learn new skills and create your own artwork. We strive to be laid back, non competitive and we always give a warm welcome to everybody. No matter what your artistic ability, age, style, there is space here for everybody".

Rachael Perderson

Pottery Lessons Adult pottery courses available in Sudbury, Suffolk. £140 - 8 sessions £180 - 12 sessions www.sudburypotteryclass.co.uk or call Rachael on 07572 574763

SPECIAL OFFER BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Every TUESDAY during Nov & Dec 2018

For any full paying parent/toddler attending the Tuesday sessions (1 - 2pm) during Nov and Dec 2018 you can bring one parent/toddler friend to the same session for free, no need to book just turn up. *** Please present a copy of this advert at reception to receive the offer ***

01473 433676 • admin@pipersvale.co.uk • www.gymnasticsinipswich.co.uk

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Families Suffolk: Issue 44

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Public Health

New Baby?

Suffolk County Council’s Public Health Department launch campaign to support new parents

Keep Calm and...

Parenting Hacks

Babies don’t have the words to tell us what they want, so sometimes knowing what to do can be tough. Trust us – you are not alone on this!

If baby won’t settle, keep calm and try:

Here are just a few helpful hints, but remember all babies are different – it is just as much about finding what works for you.

You can visit: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/projects/keep-calm to hear about other people’s Parenting Hacks or to share yours with others!

2. Cuddling or carrying baby Try stroking baby’s back firmly and rhythmically, holding them against you whilst you walk around.

Keep Calm and Step away

4. Feeding baby when they are hungry Babies usually prefer to be fed on demand than to a schedule. They will cry when they are hungry!

Did you know that baby can tell if you’re stressed, and will pick up on it? It’s important that you keep your cool too when you’re the one holding baby.

If you find you are struggling, even if baby is still crying, it’s ok to put baby down safely in their cot, on their back, for five minutes and have a cup of tea or phone someone for help.

Count to 10, breathe slowly and just sit for a few minutes, focussing on feeling calm. Then go back to baby; if you are calmer, baby can take their cue from you and feel calm too.

Don’t forget, friends or relatives looking after baby will also want to know what works well – be sure to let them in on your own Parenting Hacks!

Download your CriPad at: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/projects/keep-calm Join the conversation: Share your own top tips on social media, using the hashtag #ParentingHacksSuffolk

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1. Seeing if baby needs a nappy change

3. Checking baby’s temperature Baby might be too hot or too cold.

5. Rocking baby in a pram or cradle 6. Going for a walk with the pram It might be good for you to get a breath of fresh air as well.

7. Taking baby on a car or bus ride Rhythm and movement can help baby to feel calm.

8. Singing, playing soft music or talking gently But some babies may prefer rock, folk or pop!

9. Playing white noise Such as a vacuum cleaner or washing machine.

10. Moving to a calm space If baby is overtired or over-excited, try moving somewhere dark with not too much to look at.

Families Suffolk: Issue 44

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Family Health & Wellbeing

With the busiest season of the year coming up, it’s more important than ever to keep on top of your self-care. Whatever stage of life you’re in - preconception, pregnancy, motherhood, or menopause there are many ways to manage the overwhelm at Christmas that are well within your control.

Nina Parnham, Founder of Mama Wellness shares with us her 'Twelve Days of Managing Overwhelm' - 12 actions you can take whenever it all gets a little too much. These are short, easy ideas to fit into your life in this festive season. And remember - you are your own true love!

This Christmas season, I give to myself:

1. 6 deep breathes per minute to calm my nervous system, restore my balance, reduce anxiety & improve my energy level. Belly breathe instead of chest breathe: inhaling for a count of 4 & exhaling for a count of 8.

These little tricks will make your chest feel lighter and help you stand taller too.

2. An energising start to the day with a cup of lemon and hot water; apple cider vinegar diluted with hot water or a yummy green smoothie. Any of these will set my digestive system up for the day with the added benefit of taking away that ‘full-up’ feeling & increasing my energy for the day ahead.

3. 10 minutes of meditation to stop my mind racing for

a while. The evidence for meditation and mindfulness is overwhelming - it helps calm the nervous system & improves the immune system (much needed in the season of colds & coughs).

4. Nourishing foods for my body and soul. Winter is the season of hearty soups and hot drinks but also lots of sugar and processed foods.

I know my body only works as well as the food I put into it, so I will eat organic, fresh food to help my digestion, my mental clarity and my skin and hair to glow.

5. A nap... Sleep is SO important and an additional 20 minutes snuck into the afternoon will increase my alertness & reset & restore my brain. Everything seems more do-able after a power nap. I also give myself earlier bedtimes, so I have a better chance of a full night’s sleep, and make my bedroom like a cave: dark, the right temperature and no distractions from technology.

6. The gift of choosing where to spend my time & energy. Checking the 'todo' list twice to see what's

important by sitting down each night for 5 minutes & planning out the next day.

system & helping to stabilise my hormones.

7. Exercise: for my body of

Whether I choose a massage, a manicure, a long bath with Epsom salts (to relax my body and aid magnesium absorption), an early night or half an hour with a book (or all these things!)

- this time to myself will make me better able to focus on others as it will give me the positivity and lift I need to stay on top of everything.

course but most importantly, for my mind. Doing nothing more than focusing on the moment & those endorphins afterwards are so worth it.

8. Some time outside in the fresh air to stop a moment, clear my mind, take some deep breaths & notice the sounds around me. Taking a 20-minute walk outside is even better - take a break from the busyness and notice the weather instead of watching it through the windows. Wear flat, supportive shoes; pull the crown of my head up; pull in my core & take short strides to help my body find its natural alignment, tone my abdominals & reduce strain.

9. A warm herbal tea drunk in a quiet corner for ten minutes. Caffeine-free coffee is almost as bad as caffeinated as the chemicals used to make it decaf are still present & it’s hard for my body to detoxify them. Peppermint, chamomile, nettle & spearmint tea are good for lots of things such as supporting digestion, boosting my immune

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10. The gift of some ‘me-time’.

11. A gratitude journal to write in before going to sleep.

Choosing just three things a day to be grateful for will stop my mind churning over negative thoughts & give it something positive to think about at the end of the day.

12. Some simple stretches.

You never realise how tight your neck, hips and shoulders are until you stretch them out. A little downward-dog; rotating my neck side to side slowly or pointing my toes to stretch my feet will all help my body expand & give more space to breathe.

For more great advice from Nina Parnham visit: www.mamawellness.co.uk

FamiliesSuffolk: Suffolk:Issue Issue44 44 Families

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Private Client Law

Trusts for disabled

beneficiaries

If you have a child or family member with a disability, although it may be difficult to imagine a time when you will not be around to care for them, you will naturally want to ensure they are taken care of.

Giving an inheritance outright to someone with physical or learning difficulties can cause a number of problems:

An outright inheritance may affect the recipient’s means tested benefits – potentially resulting in their benefits being reduced or stopped.

Some people choose to leave the inheritance to another family member to look after for the disabled beneficiary but this should be carefully considered because that person could use that money in whatever way they wanted, not necessarily for the disabled person’s benefit.

If the recipient does not have mental capacity to deal with their own money then an application to the Court of Protection may be required. This can be a time consuming and expensive process and some of the recipient’s inheritance could be eaten up by Court fees.

If the recipient does not understand the notion of the money or its value then they may not use it in appropriate ways or find themselves taken advantage of.

What is the solution?

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Peace of mind for your family across the generations Whether you have a young family or are enjoying spending time with your grandchildren, at Barker Gotelee Solicitors, we’re here to help you plan a happy and secure future for you and your loved ones.

Our friendly, approachable and experienced team can offer a wide range of services, including advice about:

· Wills containing guardianship provisions · Setting up trusts for young children/grandchildren · Wills following a divorce or separation

· · · ·

Tax efficient gift giving Inheritance Tax planning Powers of Attorney Estate planning and asset protection

For your life, land and business, we’re here to help.

Call 01473 611211 or visit barkergotelee.co.uk 41 Barrack Sq, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3RF Free parking

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Instead of leaving money to your disabled child/family member outright, you could establish a trust – either during your lifetime or in your Will. A trust is an arrangement under which one person gives money or property to trustees to manage for the benefit of another individual or group of individuals.

The main type of trust used in this situation is a discretionary/ flexible trust because it allows trustees to allocate monies to your beneficiaries at their discretion. The trustees can make distributions of capital and/or income as they see fit or they can retain assets in the trust until such time as they are required in the future.

You will need to choose trustees who know the recipient well enough to know what their needs are going forward and who can be trusted to act in the recipient’s best interests at all times.

It is useful to leave a letter of wishes to accompany the trust documentation to assist your trustees with their decision making. This letter will explain the reasons for creating the trust, any express hopes you have for the use of the trust fund/the recipient’s future and how the trust should be divided up at the end of the day. These letters are not legally binding and can be updated at any point during your lifetime to reflect the recipient’s current circumstances and your current thinking.

Lindsey Sharples, a Solicitor at Barker Gotelee specialises in advising the families of disabled or vulnerable beneficiaries on trusts to suit their individual circumstances to give the family the peace of mind of knowing that their loved one’s future is protected.

Families Suffolk: Issue 44

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Suffolk Fire and Rescue

Christmas Fire Safety Advice Many of the things we enjoy over the Christmas period, such as fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

FOLLOW THESE 12 CHRISTMAS FIRE SAFETY TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS.

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Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard.

3

Test your smoke alarms monthly and only remove batteries when replacing them.

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Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a cooker unattended.

Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

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Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

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Make sure cigarettes are put out properly.

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Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

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Store fireworks safely. Never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

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Take care around open fireplaces as clothes may catch fire.

Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily.

Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire.

Could you be an On-Call Firefighter?

Please register your interest at: www.suffolkjobsdirect.org to receive a text alert when the recruitment window is open again in January 2019.

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Family Health & Wellbing

huddl Support for the parenting journey

Social Media & Internet Safety The internet is always changing and being able to keep up to date with your children's use of technology can be a challenge, especially if you feel that your children may have better technical skills than you do!

However, children and young people still need support and guidance when it comes to managing their lives online and using the internet positively and safely.

Huddl Speaker Caroline Hurst, Director of Education for Childnet International, suggests a simple and effective way to start to get involved with your children and their lives online is through discussion.

Why not use Childnet International’s conversation starters to get the ball rolling?

Conversation starter ideas: 1. Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.

2. Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?

3. Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.

4. Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.

5. Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online?

Jonathan Taylor from besafe-online says:

“If you can describe risk & explain risk you are in a better position to protect & control it”.

Children vary from being the most vulnerable child to the most resilient. Understanding where your child sits on the Spectrum of Vulnerability is the first step to knowing the level of protection required.

Jonathan’s view is that online safety is predominantly about behaving appropriately and urges parents to give the following advice to their children; • Don’t Share Personal Information: ‘Keep Your Secrets – SECRET’ • Be Kind Online: ‘As you would be in school’ • Selfies/Pictures: The Impact – ‘Ask Permission’ • Don’t Ignore Age Restrictions: (Games Apps Social Media) Parents and carers are in a unique position to help their children and young people navigate the online world safely and positively. With Ofcom’s latest research showing that 86% of 3-4 year olds have access to a tablet at home and 21% have their own tablet, it is not just parents and carers of older children that need to learn about the potential risks.

We can all learn in order to help our children and young people flourish.

For more advice visit: www.huddl.uk www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot-topics | www.besafe-online.co.uk 10 10 Families Suffolk: Issue 44

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Family Finance

5 Cracking Money-Saving Tips For A Merry Christmas

Whilst we bid farewell to what’s been a truly sun-kissed summer, the shops are already starting to stock their shelves with mince pies and familiar tubs of chocolates as the countdown begins to the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

It might seem crackers to be thinking about Christmas so early on, but whilst it’s an exciting run up for some, it can also be a very expensive time for most. Getting organised for when the holiday season finally arrives really is the secret to a merry Christmas, so here are our top money saving-tips to ensure you’re ready and prepped to enjoy the festivities:

1. £2 piggy bank Each time you receive a £2 coin back in change after making a purchase, put it into a £2 piggy bank. Whilst it doesn’t sound like much, do this 10 times and that’s £20 already put by with minimal effort. If you think you might be tempted to dip into your funds, use a traditionalstyle piggy bank that can only be opened by breaking it. It’ll also provide added excitement when you finally come to smash your piggy bank and count the profits!

2. The change pot If you’ve mastered the £2 piggy bank, why not crank things up a gear and start a change pot.

Every time you buy something in cash using a note, any loose change goes straight into the pot; sometimes it may only be a few pence, other times it might be several pounds, it all adds up. It’ll also prevent any small but unnecessary purchases that we’re all guilty of when we have a pocket full of change.

3. Take advantage of the January sales Whilst it’s too late for this Christmas, get a head start for next year’s holiday season by buying your decorations, wrapping paper, crackers, and cards in the sales. They’ll be much cheaper and, whilst everyone else is rushing to stock up in time when the holidays arrive, you can sit back, put your feet up with a mince pie or two and avoid

the chaos - as long as you remember you’ve already got it covered!

4. Go dutch for Christmas dinner If it’s your turn to host Christmas dinner this year, assign each guest with a particular dish or accompaniment that they must bring to the table literally. For example, one guest could be responsible for roast potatoes, whilst you could ask another guest to bring a dessert. Not only will this help towards the cost, but it will also alleviate some of the pressure in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with your loved ones on Christmas Day.

5. Be prepared for socialising expenses Don’t let poorly planned funds spoil your festive fun; when drawing up your Christmas budget, be sure to

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set aside a fund for Christmas meetups, drinks and meals out - not to mention all the new party outfits which may be needed. (Last year, a survey by Quiz Clothing revealed the average party outfit cost women £91.50.)

And you could always consider a Christmas Savings Account...

The Ipswich Building Society Christmas Saver is instant access between 1 October to 31 December each year – all the better for when you need to get your hands on the cash nearer to Christmas.

For the rest of the year withdrawals are subject to 30 days' notice or interest penalty.

For more information and full Terms and Conditions visit our website. www.ibs.co.uk

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Mum in Business

Sarah Underhay Suffolk-based mother of two, Sarah Underhay, opened her business in King Street, Sudbury, when her youngest was just 10 days old. Now about to celebrate a year of trading, Sarah has shared with us more about what is on offer at Duck in Boots and the challenges now having a fully mobile 1-year-old brings.

Located opposite the Town Hall, Duck in Boots is spread across two Grade II Listed rooms on the ground floor, overlooking St Peter’s Church.

Workshops

The shop now proudly hosts over 40 small businesses offering an array of gifts and homewares, from handmade jewellery to hand-cut stained glass. There is also the creative studio where Sarah runs a host of crafting workshops, including slime, pottery-painting, and pocketmoney crafts from 50p; they even host parties throughout the week.

There is a growing number of workshops and classes for adults too, including Italian cooking and the popular PomPom and Prosecco Evening.

‘We change the layout to suit what is taking place,’ Sarah explains. ‘We remove the toys that are here every day for general play when we have a class aimed at adults - we wouldn’t want anyone to get distracted!’ There are also art classes for adults and home education students.

Party in a box

start them young!

Launching later this month are Party in a Box and mobile parties. ‘This will give a lot more flexibility to the numbers that can be catered for,’ says Sarah. The workshop can currently seat up to 16 during the day or 24 in the evening or on Sundays, but the new options will allow parties to be held off site to cater for much larger numbers if required. ‘Party in a Box is a great budget option for anyone wanting crafts or pottery but without the hassle of sourcing what they need or cutting everything out themselves,’ Sarah continues, ‘or they can hire the whole

Sarah’s youngest is now just over a year old. ‘She’s already running about and greeting customers,’ Sarah says. ‘I’m so pleased we have a play area set up for children here; I certainly get a lot of use out of it now!’

Gifts and homeware

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party, with staff included, to come to them so parents can just sit back and relax.’

Families Suffolk: Issue 44

Christmas Sarah has plans for an array of Christmas workshops where children can come and make Christmas gifts, as well as Christmas-themed slime. Class dates will be released early November and will be available to book on the website at www.duckinboots.co.uk.

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Christmas in Suffolk

Christmas in Suffolk

2018 10 Families Mag.qxp_85mm h x 87mm w 11/10/2018 15:29 Page 1

Christmas at the Mansion

15-16 December 2018 Come to Christchurch Mansion this December for a magical Christmas experience www.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/whats-on

IPSWICH

MUSEUMS

Festive Shopping Night

In aid of local charity

an evening for the whole family

Thursday 29th November

6:30pm - 9:00pm

£6 per person (includes a drink and canapés) Tickets must be booked and pre-paid

Some stall holders do not have card machines, bring plenty of cash so you don’t miss out!

t 01394 383555 ext. 325 w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW Suffolk Age UK Registered charity number 1085900

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Christmas in Suffolk

Suffolk Museums Have Christmas All Wrapped up

diary dates Father Christmas At Moyse’s Hall Museum Sat 15th & Sun 16th Dec Sat 22nd Dec www.moyseshall.org

The Christmas Cracker Ipswich Transport Museum Sun 2nd Dec www.transportmuseum. co.uk Photo Credit: Museum of East Anglian Life

It’s a special time of year, and Suffolk museums have some magical moments lined up to celebrate the festive season.

Meet Father Christmas The Ipswich Transport Museum’s final open day of the year is sure to be a Christmas Cracker!

Festive decorations and entertainment, along with Santa’s Grotto and a chance to ride in the museum’s fire engines and buses are sure to help bring out the Christmas spirit.

Father Christmas is making a few stops around Suffolk this year, and families can pay him and his friendly elves a visit at Moyse’s Hall Museum. A ticket includes free child admission to the museum, where you can see the fascinating collections and stock up on local Christmas goodies in the museum’s shop. Santa

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will also be making a special stop at Christchurch Mansion where you can join him in making Christmas crafts and hearing stories and songs.

Or, save Santa the trip and travel to meet him on one of the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum’s Santa Specials.

A short train ride from Brockford Station takes you to meet Santa at North Pole Halt. Every child will receive a special ticket and be given a present by Santa, along with a mince pie.

Christmas Tree Festival The ever-popular Santa Tram also returns to the East Anglia Transport Museum this year. All aboard for an unforgettable trip into a woodland winter wonderland

to visit Santa Claus and his helpers. Visitors can enjoy unlimited Trolleybus & Railway Rides and receive a present from Santa. Finally, Christmas trees are the star attraction at the Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival held at the Museum of East Anglian Life. Visit the museum this December for a traditional family Christmas experience and expect to find beautiful Christmas trees and another chance to share your Christmas wishes with Santa himself, all taking place on weekends in December.

Events and times can vary, so do double check the museums website before you go.

Families Suffolk: Issue 44

Father Christmas at Museum of East Anglian Life Weekends throughout December www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

Santa Tram at The East Anglia Transport Museum Sat 8th & Sun 9th Dec Sat 15th & Sun 16th Dec Fri 21st, Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec www.eatransportmuseum. co.uk

Santa Specials at Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum Sun 2nd Dec www.mslr.org.uk/visit-us

Father Christmas at the Mansion, Christchurch Mansion Sat 15th & Sun 16th Dec www.cimuseums.org.uk/ visit/whats-on

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Christmas in Suffolk

Have you been good this year?

Santa at Home Weekends in December

Meet Santa in person at the museum!

Hunt for the elves, post a Christmas letter and receive a gift!

Stowmarket, Suffolk Book now at www.eastanglianlife.org.uk

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'TIS THE SEASON TO BUILD BEARS

Christmas Meat Feast 12lb Bronze free range Turkey or 3 Ribs of Beef 3lb Beef Brisket or 3lb Loin of Pork 3lb Smoked Gammon | 16 Chipolatas 8 Traditional Pork Sausages 1lb Streaky Bacon 1lb Sausage Meat

At the Suffolk Food Hall Sat 15th Dec Sun 16th Dec Sun 23rd Dec

*This is the closest you will get to seeing a Brussels Sprout at The Jolly Meat Co. this Christmas!

Entry includes a full two hours with Santa himself in his bear making workshop.

All for just..

To Order, Visit the shop:

101 High Street, Hadleigh Or Call: 01473 810119

You'll have plenty of time to give him your Christmas list and build your very own

.

full sized Christmas themed bear to take home.

£120.00

Gather round for a magical story time and receive a craft activity too.

Suitable for kids from 1 to 92! Tickets are just £22.49 each.

*£10 depo sit requ when orde ired ring

TO BOOK 07786796555 | info@thebeargardenipswich.co.uk

OUR CHRISTMAS SHOW

full of surprises...

“Fast, anarchic and freshing alternative A delightful and re mily panto” to the traditional fa

The Stage

15% OFF!

Evening performances before 21 DEC

Use code HATTER during checkout T&Cs: when you book before 1 Dec subject to availability

Adapted by Joanna Carri

ck

7 - 31 DEC

AT THE AVENUE THEATRE, IPSWICH

BOX OFFICE: 01473 603388 | REDROSECHAIN.COM 16