Families Suffolk Sept-Oct 2011 by Families Magazine

magazine

E FR

The local

for families with children 0-12 years

Issue 1 September / October 2011

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

r u o y ick up

e u s s i free o

t d e t a c i d e d e f i l y l i m a f l loc a IN THIS ISSUE Local News • Education • What’s On

Baby Matters

Clubs & Classes

I p s w i c h • R USH M E R E • B E L S T E A D • WHE R S T E A D • P I N EW O O D • K ES G R AV E • HE N L E Y • W I T N ESH 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 • Woodbridg e • Hadl e ig h • Sto w mark e t

contents

welcome Welcome to the very first issue of Families Suffolk magazine. As a mum to four year old Evie, my aim is to provide a really useful bi-monthly magazine which provides local families with informative articles, features and recommendations to get the best out of family life in Suffolk. Now the summer is over and the children are back at school in our first issue we look at how education actually starts at home, we have tips on weaning your baby, as well as clubs and classes and great party ideas. Our what’s on pages are packed with lots of ideas for family outings.

Local News

Baby Talk

Weaning - How to do it plus foods to avoid allergies and intolerances.

7 8

Party Time Party ideas with a difference

Education

Your children’s education starts at home plus The facts from Autism Suffolk

Most importantly this is YOUR magazine, and regular local news, clubs and classes, our community, and what’s on features provides opportunities for your own school, club, workplace or family to feature in future issues. I would very much welcome all your ideas on what you would like to see included in future issues and on our website familiessuffolk.co.uk. What matters to you, what do you find interesting and what is helpful to hear about – with your help we can make Families Suffolk the best possible resource for busy families. So get involved and get in touch I’d love to hear from you. Email me, Twitter me or follow me on Facebook.

A huge thank you to everyone who has assisted in launching Families magazine in Suffolk and I very much look forward to hearing from you and delivering the second issue to you during the first week of November.

Editor

Next issue November/December 2011 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 Cover PICTURE CREATED by Amelie Day, aged 4 3/4 Images on pages 6 & 7 supplied by R J Brown coolboots01@googlemail.com

Design Creative Joy Sproughton, Ipswich 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.

Our Community

Article from SCC Fostering & Adoption and Home-Start

Happy reading, Lisa Giddings

Clubs and Classes

Drama / cooking / bowling / family fitness

Parents’ Place Ideas from Parents for Parents

What’s On

Local listings including October half term & Halloween

Editor’s Recommended Ladies That Lunch

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.

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

local news Kidzone Mobile Créche

Whatever size event, be it a family party, wedding or corporate event Kidzone Mobile Crèche offers a professional fully insured crèche, they will transform any space into an exciting funfilled play area – they even provide the toys and equipment. Kidzone Mobile Crèche caters for children from the age of 3 months to 12 years and is definitely the answer to keep partygoers of every age happy.

With Halloween, Fireworks night and Christmas all on the horizon it’s the time of year when many of us are planning parties. Sometimes how to entertain the children for any length of time in order for the parents to be able to relax can be a problem – this problem can be solved with the help of Natasha and Sam and their wonderful mobile crèche service.

Junior ISA’s

What You Need to Know

Helping your child achieve their dream of attending University, passing their driving test or even purchasing their own home is something every parent would like to do. In November 2011 this will become easier for parents and relatives as the Government are launching Junior ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), a simple and tax free way of saving for your child’s future. Up to £3,600 each tax year can be saved in a Junior ISA, which can be opened as a stocks and shares ISA or a cash ISA depending on what savings plan you feel is best for your circumstances. Of course it is important to remember that Stocks and Shares are a long term investment, and there are no guarantees as to what

07756535059 / 07724114794 www.kidzonecreche.co.uk the final value may be. If you wish to, you may open one cash and one stocks and shares ISA for your child, as long as the overall annual limit of £3,600 is split between the accounts. The Junior ISA is a good way to save for your child’s future as they will not be able to access the money until they are 18, although they can have control over the account from the age of 16. If your child already has a Child Trust Fund, they will not be able to open a Junior ISA, but the amount that can be invested in a Child Trust Fund each year will be increased to £3,600 from 1 November to match that of a Junior ISA. For more information about Junior ISA’s please contact Ipswich Building Society 0845 230 8686 ibs.co.uk or visit any of the Society’s branches or agencies.

NCT Nearly New Sale One of the Ipswich and East Suffolk NCT’s twice yearly Nearly New Sale takes place on Sunday 16th October from 1pm -3pm at Copleston High School, Foxall Road, Ipswich. These sales provide the opportunity to buy clothes and equipment for babies, toddlers and younger children such as cots, moses baskets, bouncy chairs, buggies, stair gates and washable nappies; toys, games and books, including outdoor ride-on toys and slides; plus maternity clothing all at a low cost. Please note, the sale is very well attended and can get quite crowded, we advise that you bring babies in a sling/baby carrier. Admission is £1 per adult - free after 2pm (in aid of NCT charity) www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/ipswich

With less than a year to go until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Families Suffolk is embarking on a regular feature providing you with all you need to know about the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’. Each issue will feature comprehensive information about the Games, what’s happening right here in Suffolk and details of how you can play your part in this once in a lifetime event. In this issue we find out what it takes to succeed and we feature two of Suffolk’s sporting heroes Louise Jukes and Chris Walker-Hebborn. Recent research has highlighted just what incredible dedication and commitment it takes to succeed at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. On average an elite athlete will have: • Put in an incredible 10,000 hours of training in the 4 years leading up to the Olympic or Paralympic Games • Been training six hours a day, six days a week, 12 months a year • Been working towards their Olympic or Paralympic goal for 11 years • Consumed more than 1.1 million calories per year, equivalent to eating three Christmas dinners a day

Dinosaurs In Your Lunchbox

Louise Jukes Handball, Ipswich

Louise was selected onto the World Class handball programme in January 2008 having come through the Sir Steve Redgrave Sporting Giants Programme which aimed to get tall and talented people into minority sports. Since then she has not looked back, having given up her house, job, family and friends and relocated first to Denmark for 1 year and then onto Norway to pursue her dream of representing GB at the 2012 Games. She has now won 35 caps for GB including scoring the first goal of the modern era for British Handball. Chris Walker-Hebborn Swimming, Bury St Edmunds

Backstroker Chris Walker-Hebborn was the star of the 2008 European Junior Championships in Belgrade, clinching four golds including the individual 100m and 200m Backstroke double. A year later, he won the British 200m Backstroke title in Sheffield before breaking the British record on his World Championship debut in Rome. Training at the British Swimming Intensive Training Centre in Bath, Chris continued his progression in 2010, reaching three finals at his debut Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The Suffolk SportsAid Foundation has been established to create a positive legacy for elite sport in Suffolk from the London 2012 Games. For further details visit www.suffolksportsaid.com

If you are looking for ways to inspire your children to tuck into their lunch box, look no further than kids-love-cooking top selling product the dinosaur shaped sandwich cutter, ( for the less adventurous there are heart shaped cutters). Easy to use, each cutter makes two shapes, they are a great way to encourage kids to eat their sandwiches or add that extra touch to your child’s party sandwiches. These cutters are one of the many range of fun, colourful cooking products and recipe books from East Suffolk based company kidslove-cooking which are specifically aimed at young children. To be inspired visit www.kids-love-cooking .co.uk

For growing children... A good bed is like a good pair of shoes, comfortable and supportive whilst your child grows. With a Bed Factory mattress you can have piece of mind that your child’s back will be in safe hands.

Mattresses from only £59.95 Bed frames from only £59.95 Find us on the Ransomes Industrial Estate, just put IP3 9RU into your Sat Nav.

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

local news Mums Pink Up For Walk On The Wildside PERFECTLY planned for school mums and groups of friends the annual Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer Walk on the Wildside is organised to fill the gap between school drop-off and pick-up. Meeting at Thorpeness Country Club at 9.30am for coffee for 10.00am start, (shorter walks: 10.00am coffee and 10.30am set off). All the ladies in pink tops, tutus or any wonderful pink fancy dress set off along the coast path to Aldeburgh before heading inland through woods and fields and back in time for a delicious lunch. The three routes (5m, 8m and 13m) are all marked with bright pink ribbons so it’s easy to walk and talk plus all terrain buggies are fine so mums with little ones are able to participate. Date: Thursday 6th October. Organised by Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Registration details are available from Sarah Williams 07917 462894 sarah.williams@btconnect.com

Cab Smart Cab Smart are the newest cab company in Ipswich, at a time when public transport is more limited in the rural areas the good news is that Cab Smart are offering fixed fare tariffs not only to the residents of Ipswich Town but to surrounding villages also.

Nearly New With Pink And Blue Is your house or spare room bursting with equipment,clothes and toys which have barely been used before your child/children grew out of them? If so, mum of three Claire Cearns may have an answer for you which could help other parents, charity and recycling. Claires shop, Pink and Blue in Cordys lane, Trimley St Mary aims to help mums and dads sell their young families quickly grown out of and no longer needed items. Children quickly grow out of clothes and toys, and some equipment such as pushchairs and highchairs can seem to only last months. Sometimes there are younger children to hand the items down too or friends and relatives, but most families reach a point where they have lots of clothes and equipment, sometimes barely used, which they need to get rid of. Pink and Blue provides the answer, parents take in items and Claire sells them with a percentage of the profit going to the seller. If they are not sold and the families do not want them back the items are donated to St Elizabeth Hospice for the charity to make money from or recycle. Mention you read about Pink and Blue in Families Magazine and Claire until the end of October will provide you with a 20% discount off any purchases. 01394 672403 follow Claire on facebook Pink and Blue Group

Even better news is their fixed fare tariff also applies to their 8 seater mini buses, therefore you could arrange for a group of you to pop into Ipswich for a shopping trip or children’s day out and it would be worth considering Cab Smart rather than having to drive in and park for the day. Cab Smart pride themselves on their customer service and are happy to assist with loading and unloading any shopping or children’s buggies ensuring stress free travel for all the family. Cab Smart – looking after the travel needs of the rural community. 01473 404142 www.cabsmart.co.uk

Balloons For Any Occasion Gillian Hughes from Balloon Occasions, Ipswich, provides balloons for parties, weddings or any other special occasion. She has just invested in some new equipment that produces with the most unusual balloon gift for any occasion. The equipment encases any small item into the centre of a large balloon which is then decorated with ribbons and can be gift boxed. The gift ideas are endless, small bottles of champagne, small ornaments, personal memorabilia, or even everyone’s favourite the cuddly toy can be presented within the balloon for a gift with a difference. So whatever the celebration, be it a birthday, wedding, anniversary or a baby’s birth to see how you could make the special occasion memorable with balloons call Gillian 07788640776 or visit www.balloonoccasionsipswich.co.uk

Under 12 Comedy Event The New Wolsey Theatre presents its first Under 12 Comedy event on Saturday 22 October at 3.30pm. The event has been introduced to give under 12’s an opportunity to share a social experience with friends in a safe environment – with or without parents. The theatre presents a mixed programme with work for all ages and has for a number of years presented a comedy event exclusively for under 18s. Under 12 Comedy has been programmed to give 8 to 12 year olds a rare opportunity to experience live comedy and to enjoy a sense of exclusivity. The New Wolsey is committed to providing something for everyone and presents show for ages 3 upwards. Check out their programme at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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

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

Copdock Countr y Store

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Copdock Country Store would like to thank everyone for their continued support at our temporary store on site at Copdock Mill. Copdock Country Store, which was the victim of a ram raid and subsequent arson attack in early February, are pleased to announce that the rebuild has now begun! We have continued, and still continue, to provide pet and animal supplies to our customers proving you cannot keep a good company down! The new and much improved store is now under construction. Next year is the centenary year for the Gladwell family at Copdock Mill. To celebrate this we will be giving the store a new name and a fresh new look. Retaining the family name, the new store and all our other stores will be called Gladwells Pet & Country Store. We plan to open in November and welcome old and new customers to a new improved store that will continue to serve the animal loving public in and around the Ipswich area. Check the local press and radio for the opening day which will be a great day out for you and your pet.

lot of meetings “withAftertheainsurers, and various

Gladwells Pet & Country Store Stocking a huge range, Copdock Country store can cater to all your pet & animal’s needs. The new store will also include a dedicated area for fishing with big named brands alongside our own hugely popular Lake Wizard brand of fishing bait. With backyard chicken keeping now more popular than ever our expanding range of feed, accessories and housing will also be expanded as well as our country and outdoor wear.

companies tendering for the rebuild we are extremely pleased work has started on the store. The new improved store will not only boast two floors crammed with pet and animal feed and accessories it will also emerge with a new identity .

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With 99 years in business and still going strong supporting local businesses ensures you can get the supplies when and where you need them. Thank you for your continued support.

”

Marketing & Business Development manager Andy Morgan

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Copdock Country Store FOR ALL YOUR PET & EQUINE FEEDS See in store for great deals on all brands of feed Stocking ; Cage bird Seeds , Small Animal Feed, Fishing Bait , Horse Feed , Dog & Cat Food and Accessories. Poultry Specialist

Wild Bird Seeds and feeders

Dog & Cat food offers in store

Cage bird seed mixes and small animal feed

Copdock Country Store ; For all your pet and animal requirements a visit to our store could save you £££££ So if it’s seed for your birds, a bag of food for the dog ,or a comfy bed for the cat or bait for that fishing trip call us on

01473 731117 or simply pop in :

Copdock Country Store , Copdock Mill , Copdock , Nr Ipswich , Suffolk , IP8 3LA

Phone 01473 731117 for advice and directions www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

baby talk

The great

weaning debate by Joanna Parry

When to start? What is Lactose Intolerance? It’s one of the questions that is bound to be on your mind if you have a young baby: when is the right time to wean? Over the years the guidelines have changed. Many of our parents gave us rusks in our milk when we were only a couple of months old, and when I had my first child nearly 6 years ago I was advised to start weaning as early as 4 months. Now, many mums wait until their baby is 6 months. Either way, weaning need not be a huge chore.

When to do it Department of Health guidelines recommend that the best time to start weaning is 6 months, as it is thought the stomachs of younger babies aren’t mature enough to cope with a more diverse diet, and that early weaning can increase the risk of infections and the development of allergies like eczema and asthma. Premature babies may not be ready by 6 months so consult your health visitor before introducing solids. Often, it’s best to be guided by your own baby. Babies can be ready for weaning if they: • show interest in the food you or your older children are eating • can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady • can look at food, grab it and put it in their mouths by themselves • have doubled their birth weight • can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will tend to spit their food out and get more on their faces than in their mouths. Never start weaning before your baby is 17 weeks old or put solids such as baby rice or rusk into your baby’s bottle. And remember, there is no rush to wean!

Getting started Many parents start with baby rice mixed with formula or breast milk to get them used to a new texture. Move on to sweet vegetables like carrots, sweet potato and parsnip and fruits - apple, pear, peach and mango. Mashed bananas and avocados are good choices as they don’t need to be cooked. After introducing single tastes, move on to combinations such as potato and parsnip, leak and peas, plum and pear. Once you are well established on the first foods introduce protein - fish and chicken are good as they have a mild taste and can be mixed with vegetables. As your baby starts to chew, mash their food instead of pureeing and gradually let the lumps get bigger.

By the time your baby is about seven months old it should be eating solids three times a day, which could include vegetables like courgette, broccoli and spinach as well as meat, fish, hard-boiled egg and cheese.

an allergic reaction. If you decide to wean before six months don’t offer eggs, dairy products, fish, shellfish, citrus fruits or foods containing gluten. Avoid nuts until 3 years of age and honey until your baby is 1.

At around this time you can introduce finger foods such as soft-cooked carrots, pasta, slices of melon, strips of omelette or buttered toast, which encourage your baby to chew and will help with their pincer grip. Always stay close to your baby when they have finger foods in case they choke.

There are two types of food allergies. Some are easy to spot – as soon as food is eaten an itchy rash develops, usually around the mouth or eyes. There may also be swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth, runny nose, watering eyes, vomiting, tummy cramps and diarrhoea. In severe reactions there may be difficulty breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure, which requires urgent medical attention. These reactions are often more common in older children and teenagers.

Remember, solid food shouldn’t replace formula or breast milk. Babies between the ages of 6 to 9 months still need at least 16oz of milk daily.

Top tips • choose a time of day when your baby is not too tired or hungry – late morning is good • add milk to new tastes to encourage baby to try them • once they’re used to a taste, move that food to the evening meal and introduce another food at lunchtime • as long as you don’t wean your baby before 6 months there’s no need to sterilise feeding utensils • puree your own food if you’ve used very little or no salt in its preparation • make purees in a large batch and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen pop them into labelled freezer bags

Going veggie? There are no medical or health reasons against raising your baby as vegetarian, providing you feed them a well balanced diet. You can make sure your baby has enough iron through pulses, dried fruits, fortified cereals and green vegetables. Vitamin C helps absorption of iron from food so include fruit or juice in the same meal as iron-rich foods. Protein can be obtained from pulses, egg, dairy products, tofu, bread and meat substitutes.

Allergies and intolerances Almost 1 in 12 young children suffer from a food allergy. Milk and egg allergies are the most common and tend to disappear before adulthood. The other common allergens are peanuts and tree nuts, fish and seafood, wheat, soy, sesame and kiwi. If there is a history of allergies in your family think about delaying the introduction of certain foods. Start out slowly with very basic purees and wait 3 days after each food is introduced before trying a new taste to ensure your baby doesn’t have

Other allergies can be more difficult to detect, especially if they have delayed allergies. These are sometimes called food intolerances and tend to be more of a problem in infancy. Delayed allergies may cause symptoms such as eczema, reflux, colic, poor growth, diarrhoea or constipation. However, all of these symptoms commonly occur during childhood and an allergy may not be the cause. Trying to work out if the problem is due to a food allergy can be difficult and requires the help of an experienced doctor. However, exclusion diets may be possible with the help of a dietician. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy but is the inability to digest the sugar in milk. Once the problem is dealt with and the gut has recovered the intolerance will disappear, but while the condition lasts it can be managed by using a soy-based or low-lactose formula. Most babies grow out of lactose intolerance by 6 - 9 months. Gluten sensitivity can cause celiac disease which, although rare, can be serious. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include loss of appetite, poor growth, swollen abdomen and pale, bulky and smelly stools. Foods containing gluten i.e. anything made from wheat, rye, barley or oats should not be introduced into any baby’s diet before 6 months. When buying baby cereals choose gluten-free varieties and look for gluten-free products such as soy, corn, rice, buckwheat spaghetti and potato flours. The good news is that many children grow out of their allergies. In the meantime there are a range of products from soya yoghurts to dairy free chocolate buttons, lactose-and gluten-free at www.hipp.co.uk www.organix.com www.hollandandbarrett.com www.dietaryneedsdirect.co.uk

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

party time Families Suffolk aim to introduce you to new ideas, here are 3 different party ideas for you with more party venues listed on www.familiessuffolk.co.uk Cuptastic Party For girls and boys from 4 years upwards looking for a party with a difference, why not try a cuptastic party. This is a cupcake decorating party, where you learn how to create your very own cupcakes in really cool designs such as animals, monsters, flowers and pirates. Natalie transforms a table into 2 hours of creative fun for up to 10 party goers. It is a treat from start to finish with the children able to nibble on yummy treats whilst having fun using piping bags, cutters and glitter, plus you have 6 of your very own cupcake creations to take home in the box you have also created. Natalie supplies everything you need – even a gazebo if you feel your house isn’t big enough or that you would rather a creation area was outside. For more information 07823324601 www.cuptastic.co.uk natalie@cuptastic.co.uk

John Daye Ceramics John Daye Ceramics, Needham Market offer fabulous paint your own pottery parties. The parties are ideal for children of all ages to enjoy 1 1/2 hours of painting fun. You can choose various painting packages ranging from painting small pottery animals to larger trinket boxes, from glass painting to t-shirt painting. All paint brushes, tools and stencils are provided with full instruction during your party. Your table is decorated with streamers and balloons and you even receive party invites at the time your deposit is paid. Packages start from £5 per head. 01449 722740 www.johndayeceramics.co.uk

Beacon Rally Karts For a party jam packed with outdoor excitement look no further than Beacon Rally Karts, Bealings Road, Martlesham. Beacon Rally Karts has been run by the Abbott family since it opened in 2002 and offer karting parties suitable for all children 5 years and over. There are three outdoor, off-road karting tracks available to race your friends and family around, so why not book your party and go along and give it a try. Crash helmets, race suits, as well as gloves are provided plus there are a team of marshalls to keep all party members safe and secure. From young children to grandparents this would be an action packed party to remember. For more information or to book either a party or an individual session call Beacon Rally Karts on 01394 610066 or visit www.beaconrallykarts.co.uk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

education

Your children’s education

star ts at home How home life can make a big difference in the education of children By Elisabeth Dolton Did you know that just by keeping books in your home can significantly increase your children’s likelihood of going to university and that’s irrespective of background, size of family, where they live, parents occupation or any other social factor? Further research has also shown that the biggest impact on a child’s educational development is reading to them from a very early age. So if your child is starting school for the first time this year, or they are already progressing rapidly through the school years, undertaking a few small activities at home can make a huge difference to the development and education of children and powerfully build on the learning they receive from school.

Why bother...

Most of us want our children to do well at school and a parents role in that success cannot be underestimated. Studies in Britain have shown that children who are supported by their families with homework are likely to perform significantly better in academic examinations at 16 years old and beyond than those who do not. Recent reports show boys

are still having difficulties with literacy (reading, writing or spelling), and girls having difficulties with numeracy, despite improvements in primary school results. Even the best and brightest teachers can be hard pressed to address the individual needs of every child, especially in a crowded classroom. And what if your child shows a particular interest or aptitude towards a certain topic? A love of physics can start at any age. Similarly, if your child finds a topic difficult, your interest as a parent will help, no matter how well or how fast your child understands what they are being taught. Parents small actions can plug these gaps, support children and really boost their development.

What activities can be taken?

Activities that involve reading, listening, writing, number awareness, sequencing, counting and learning to become aware of the world that surrounds them are perfect. They will help encourage a love and understanding of language, maths and science which are basic tools to boost any child’s education. Keep a library – A few books placed in reach of

your children to pick up any time for browsing or talking about. A recent study conducted in the US found that children coming from a “bookish home” remained in education for around three years longer

than young people born into families with empty bookshelves. Read to your children – Sharing stories and

reading together are vital to the development of a child’s literacy skills. Just ten minutes at the start or end of the day will be enough to help them to acquire the skills they need to develop as a reader. Download free games, activities, and

worksheets online – There are many websites offering free activities that encourage basic skill development for children and keep it fun. Get number crunching – Talk about

numbers and show them how useful numbers are in almost everything we do. Measure their height and work out how much they have grown, spot speed signs and funny number plates, say the time out load and how long before the next stop, compare the prices of vegetables in the supermarket and how much money you will need to pay, how long tea will take to cook, how much milk you pour on your cornflakes, etc. Problem solving – Encourage your children

to think things through and work things out for themselves. Ask them why they think metal goes rusty, why the sky is grey, why the Police car makes a noise, etc. Point out things that are different to home - buildings, accents, clothes, food, and customs. Experts suggest giving your child a simple map of where they are going, also following a recipe together are great techniques to boost concentration. Keep talking – New experiences and discoveries

are always stimulating, so encourage your child to try new things. Look for opportunities to talk to your child about their day - children enjoy sharing what they are learning. Put a pen in their hands - Help them

develop their handwriting skills by writing words and sentences for them to copy. Point out examples of lovely handwriting and pictures when you see them, encourage them to ‘sign’ birthday and Christmas cards to their friends, and always get them to sign their own artwork. Overall, making sure your activities with them are fun will make a real difference. Children thrive on encouragement, someone who will listen to them when they are struggling as well as achieving. Giving them a little personal attention that they can’t get in the classroom, all add up to fun learning for your child and peace of mind for you that they are achieving the best they can.

The facts from Autism Suffolk At a time of year when education and learning are at the forefront of family life we thought it may be useful to find out a little more about Autism and how it can affect our children. Did you know that if your child goes to a mainstream primary school with, say, 400 children, the chances are that at least four of them have a diagnosis of autism. So, we are asked Rachel Field from Autism Suffolk to explain what is autism? The first thing to say is that autism is a ‘spectrum disorder’, meaning that it affects people in different ways across the range of abilities, strengths, difficulties and intelligence. For example, some people with autism (particularly with the form called Asperger syndrome) may be well above normal intelligence whilst others may have severe learning disabilities. What is common to all people with autism is a difficulty in understanding what makes other people tick and how to live in a world whose unwritten rules they don’t understand.

Behaviour As people with autism find it hard to understand the subtle and unwritten rules of behaviour, they often find the world very anxiety-making and overwhelming. This, in turn, can lead to withdrawal and / or angry outbursts. It can also make it very hard for people with autism to make and keep friends.

Conversations People with autism often find conversation hard. They may not appreciate that language is not just for conveying information and they can find it hard to talk about their own feelings

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

Suffolk School Open Events Ipswich High School For Girls Woolverstone, Nr Ipswich (ages 3 – 18)

for Girls aged 3-18

Telephone 01473 780201 www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk

• Saturday 1st October 9.30am – 1pm

Amberfield School

Ipswich Prep School

Nacton, Ipswich Telephone 01473 659265 www.amberfield.suffolk.sch.uk

3 Ivry Street, Ipswich Telephone 01473 281302 www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

• Saturday 5th November

• Saturday 17th September

Open day

• Welcome Wednesday

Every Wednesday afternoon during term time there is an opportunity to take part in an informal tour of the school with the headmistress – no appointment necessary.

Woodbridge School Burkitt Road, Woodbridge Telephone 01394 615000 www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk

• Saturday 24th September 10am - 1pm – Senior School

•F riday 7th October

9.30am - 12 noon – Queens House (ages 4 - 7)

•F riday 7th October

9.30am – 12 noon The Abbey (ages 7 – 11)

•T uesday 8th November 6.30pm - Sixth Form

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Open morning

Culford School Bury St Edmunds Telephone 01284 728615 www.culford.co.uk

• Friday 7th October

10.30am – Prep School

• Saturday 8th October 10.00am – Senior School

• Saturday 5th Nov

10.30am – Sixth Form

• Tuesday 8th Nov

9.45am – Pre-Prep & Nursery

Open Event information for some schools in our area was not available for publication, most are happy to show you around at a time convenient for both parties. Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

or thoughts. Correspondingly, they can struggle to understand the emotions, beliefs and ideas of others. If they can talk fluently about their own special interests or fascinations, they may not be able to pick up that the people listening have long lost interest. They miss the body language and facial expression telling them that it’s time to move the conversation on.

Imagination People with autism often have a certain inflexibility of thought and behaviour: a need for order, predictability and routine. For example, children with autism may like to line up their toys rather than playing with them imaginatively. They may find ‘let’s pretend’ games incomprehensible.

Sensory differences Along with these social difficulties, it is now known that many people with autism have sensory experiences that are heightened or reduced. These cause them to perceive the world differently. They may loathe the feel of clothes labels and seems, for example. Or they may dislike the look of orange foods. Or they may enjoy chewing on clothes. Or they may find the playground too noisy. These sensitivities can affect any of the senses. Although people with autism do face difficulties, they can have a number of particular skills and qualities including being happy in their own company; being able to concentrate on one topic; being open and honest; not following the crowd and possessing an distinctive sense of humour. With the right support they can certainly contribute a lot to the world around them. For more information regarding the support Autism Suffolk can offer please call Autism Suffolk 01473 632700 or visit www.autism.org.uk/autismsuffolk

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Open Day on Saturday 1st October 9.30am-1pm 01473 780201 www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Woolverstone, Suffolk, IP9 1AZ

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our community Focus on Home-Start As a mum I am always interested in the various service providers and charities whose aim is to support children or families. One such voluntary organisation is Home-Start which was founded in 1973 and has been supporting families in Suffolk for 25 years through three schemes: Babergh, Mid Suffolk and Suffolk Coastal. Home-Start support families with at least one child under the age of 5 years, who are experiencing difficulties like isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness, disability, post natal depression, lone parents. etc. Families are supported through a network of fully trained volunteers who visit the family within their own homes for at least a couple of hours each week. One family within the Babergh area described her volunteer as ‘a fairy godmother who just listened and helped me through a difficult time but never judged me’. Volunteers attend a 40 hour preparation courses, run over a number of weeks being trained in areas including; boundaries, child development, confidentiality, safeguarding procedures, health and safety etc., before b eing introduced to a family.

Home-Start now has over 130 volunteers in Suffolk who provide much needed support for families. During the past year these volunteers supported 239 families across Suffolk. A volunteer also from the Babergh area explained why they support Home-Start, ‘being a Home-Start volunteer is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling ways of putting something back into the community. Working together with a family, who for various reasons are unable to cope with the daily grind of everyday life is a question of giving and listening. All too often people are quick to tell you what to do and how to do it. However, by working through and suggesting options that are available, a family will, with the support of non-judgemental approach from the volunteer, work out a solution that helps them to achieve their goals, however big or small. During a 9 month period the family I have been working with turned themselves from a truly dysfunctional unit into a happy settled unit with a more hopeful outlook on life. How amazing for any volunteer is that?’ Additional support for families can also be found through Home-Start Family Groups where parents can find much needed emotional support whilst their children learn to socialise and play with their peers.

“ being a Home-Start

volunteer is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling ways of putting something back into the community

”

If you would like further information or would be interested in volunteering in your local area please contact: Sarah at Home-Start Babergh, Unit 2, Hadleigh Enterprise Park, Crockatt Rd, Hadleigh Telephone 01473 822822 Nicola at Home-Start Suffolk Coastal, Cedar House, Pytches Road, Woodbridge Telephone 01394 389402 Maria at Home-Start Mid Suffolk, Kerrison Centre, Thorndon, Eye Telephone 01379 678552 Or visit www.home-start.org.uk

Today in Suffolk there are almost 800 children in care. Could you help just one of them? Suffolk County Council’s Fostering Service is urgently appealing to anyone that has ever considered fostering to get in touch and find out more. Today in Suffolk we have almost 800 children in care and, there are simply not enough foster carers for all the children and young people who need them. For many of these children, who have been separated from their parents and possibly siblings through no fault or desire of their own, they need the stability of a loving caring home where they can feel safe and secure until they return to their own families or move on to adoption What is Fostering? Fostering means providing family care for children and young people who cannot live with their own families for a number of different reasons. Being a foster carer involves sharing your home with these children, and helping to make positive changes in their lives. Our foster carers work in partnership with the child’s parents and social care staff to help reunite families, or be part of the team moving a child on to a new family which could be in the child’s friends or family network or an adoptive family. There are many different sorts of foster care. Some children may just need a short term placement while their own family is not able to look after them, or while decisions about their future are being made. However for others, foster care may be a more permanent arrangement and some children can remain with the same foster carers until they are ready to live independently. Who are we looking for? Suffolk’s Fostering Service wants to encourage more people to come forward and are looking for applicants from all walks of life, you can be: • married / single / gay / lesbian

• have a spare bedroom

• with or without your own children

• have a willingness to work with child care professionals

• from all backgrounds, cultures religions or ethnicities

• have lots of patience, energy and a good sense of humour

EIGHTHEIGHTH PAGEToAD PAGE AD find out more about fostering:

You don’t have to: • own your own home

• have any previous qualifications

Call: 0800 328 2148 Email: fostering@suffolk.gov.uk Visit: www.suffolkfostering.com

You must: • be over 21, and fit and healthy enough to care and meet the needs of a child

In the next issue of Suffolk Families Magazine we look into the lives and roles of some of our Suffolk foster carers.

• have some experience of either looking after or working with children

Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/suffolkfostering

• be employed

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

clubs & classes Creative play with Pyjama Drama

Saturday morning youth bowling club

Pyjama Drama offer drama, and creative play classes for children up to 7 years of age. The age differentiated, theme based drama programme offers sessions packed full of drama games and activities including music and dance which develop key social skills such as communication,co-operation,concentration and confidence, all whilst having lots of fun. Classes are designed around four age groups: Dewdrops 6-18 months , Raindrops 18-30 months, Rainbows 2 ½ - 5 years and Sunbeams 5 – 7 years, each class has been created to support children at each developmental stage. In each session drama, music, movement and play are used to explore imaginary worlds, one session your child could be digging for buried gold another catching stars from the moon, all while supporting the current requirements of the National Curriculum. Jane Cole runs Pyjama Drama classes across Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, due to include three new venues ready for the Autumn term Jane would love to welcome some new faces to join in the fun. 0844 272 6579 www.pyjamadrama.com/classes/ipswich

Kingpin bowling centre, Martlesham run a fantastic youth bowling club every Saturday morning between 10am – 12.30pm. If you are aged 6 years – 18 years and enjoy bowling why not come and give the youth bowling club a try. For only £5 per week you receive bowling coaching to improve your skills, after 6 weeks of attendance you receive a club shirt, after 20 weeks attendance a bowling ball. 01473 611111 www.kingpinbowling.co.uk

Crafty Cooks With children seemingly growing older and wiser quickly, why not give them the chance to learn an exciting skill that benefits you as well as them.

They even get a recipe card so can continue their cooking skills for you at home.

Janine at Crafty Cooks, gives children a fun and safe way to ‘experience’ food by learning about the ingredients for that wonderful recipe (which you’ll get to try) and introduce new foods, to them with new smells & tastes, building their confidence.

The weekly courses are for children aged two and a half to ten and run during term times around Hadleigh, Ipswich, Needham Market and surrounding areas and are from 45 minutes to an hour long. Weekday lessons available as well as Saturdays.

With everything supervised, Janine teaches the children to weigh and chop food and follow a recipe, then the most important part, tasting sessions during the making and baking of food.

All ingredients are provided, so just add the children and Crafty Cooks will mix in the fun.

They learn to clean up, the importance of hygiene and all about nutrition and what it means to their body and how it could help them.

07968 441572 www.craftycooks.co.uk/suffolk janine@craftycooks.co.uk

Fit Families The Fitness Unit is a family run business in Ipswich set up 4 years ago to keep the whole family in shape. They offer a personal service in a friendly, unintimidating and supportive environment. It is not unusual during the holidays to see children watching Mum or Dad having a workout. If the kids want to join in The Fitness Unit offer a family class on a Wednesday which is a great way to keep you and your children fit. For the very youngest family members there are also Buggy Workout classes where you can take baby along to the park or seafront for an hour to get you exercising and get baby out in the fresh air. The Fitness Unit differs from other gyms, they don’t just provide you with an induction session, give you a programme and let you get on with it, you work with personal trainers every time you attend concentrating on getting you and your family the results that you want. Training is for all levels of fitness and they offer something for everyone through a varied timetable of classes which are highly effective and great fun too! They also offer a 7 day free trial along with a money back guarantee! 01473 715243 www.thefintessunit.co.uk info@thefitnessunit.co.uk

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

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

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me&i makes shopping for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes a really enjoyable activity. Their clothes are sold exclusively through home parties, saving busy mums both time and effort. They are now looking for representatives in the local area so if you are thinking about returning to work or just want to change to a job that fits round your family, take a look at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. 07725 030 821 www.meandi.eu

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simply bring this voucher with you to claim your NPOTUFS EJTDPVOU 12 -14 Head St ColChester Essex CO1 1NY 3-5 Hamilton Road Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 7AX

For the job that fits round your family! We are looking for outgoing and driven mums with a keen interest in fashion.

telephone 01206 763432 email info@fabric8online.co.uk

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

Parent to Parent interview Local Mums Nicky Cordle and Lucy Golding are business partners in local accountancy firm Foreshore Accountancy, based in Chelmondiston near Ipswich. Lucy is married to Ian and they have 2 children Georgina (aged 5) and Jake (aged 1) and have lived just outside the village of Chelmondiston for two and a half years. Nicky is married to Simon and also has 2 children, Toby (aged 3) and Sam (aged 10 months) Nicky and her family also now live in Chelmondiston having moved from Ipswich one and a half years ago.

Why do you enjoy living where you do? Nicky: Living in Chelmondiston I have found that village life is lovely (I’m a townie!). Not only can we walk to the local shops, school and post office the people in the community are so friendly and helpful. Being able to walk down to Pin Mill and play pooh sticks with my sons on a sunny after is great – we are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area

Favourite Day Out and Why? Nicky: The zoo, having acquired the annual zoo pass, we can go frequently without it breaking the bank. It’s very educational and interesting for the whole family Lucy: So many to choose from, we love a walk at Harkstead Beach with a cheeky pint at the Bakers Arms, as the kids get older we will turn it into a bike ride!

Favourite Child Friendly Restaurant and Why? Nicky: We enjoy going to the Oyster Reach pub as the staff are always really friendly and the Childs portions/menu choices are great for my 3 year old

Favourite Alternative Health Clinic/Pre or Post Natal Class and Why? Nicky: I really enjoyed pregnancy yoga, although I didn’t have time to do it before my second child came along

Proudest eco-friendly moment: Lucy: Using washable nappies for Georgina

If you would like to visit any of the places Nicky and Lucy mentioned please find the contact details listed below: Chelmondiston Toddler Group – Chelmondiston Village Hall, Tuesdays (term time only) 9.30am -11.15am £2 per family Contact Sophie Spiers 01473 780473 Chelmondiston Playgroup – Morning and Afternoon sessions (term time only) Contact Sarah Pink 01473 780948

Lucy: Chelmondiston village itself is brilliant, a great Toddler Group on a Tuesday morning in the village hall, a fantastic playgroup setting, and a good school

No Parent Should Be Without: Lucy: Phil and Teds buggy – only discovered it too late… would highly recommend!!

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

Favourite Shop and Why?

Favourite Family Holiday Spot and Why?

Nicky: Choices – cheap second hand clothes and toys

Lucy: Anywhere in our caravan, but a great place was Cliff House Holiday Park in Dunwich this Easter – fantastic site, right on the beach, on site bar/restaurant/shop!

P.Hollingsworth Butchers – Main Road, Chelmondiston, Ipswich. 01473 780225

Lucy: Hollingsworth – fantastic having a real butcher with locally sourced meat in the village – although how lucky are we to have Suffolk Food Hall so close as well!

Favourite Park and Why? Nicky: Our local park in Chelmondiston is great to be able to walk to, but my 3 year old loves Bourne Park (he calls it the zip wire park). Good range of facilities there and in the summer the paddling pool is open Lucy: We love popping to the Chelmondiston Village Playing Field for a play, lovely play equipment, and although not as extensive as some of the bigger town parks, whilst the kids are small it suits them just fine!

Favourite Children’s Club/Class: Nicky: Both my boys love swimming; they are currently going to Red House Farm swimming pool in Shotley using Karen Pickering swim classes Lucy: Georgina and Jake have thrived on their swimming lessons run at Red House Farm, now run by Karen Pickering’s Swim Club – favourite teacher is Sarah Mann

Best Children’s book: Lucy: Gruffalo, of course! Now Jake has discovered it too!

Choices Clothes Ltd – Manor Farm, Church Lane, Barnham, Ipswich. 01473 831804 www.choicesclothes.co.uk Bourne Park – Suffolk Leisure Park, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich. 01473 602347 www.suffolkskicentre.co.uk

Best Children’s DVD:

Red House Farm Swimming Club – Red House Farm, Wades Lane, Shotley, Ipswich. 01473 788804 www.redhousepool.com

Nicky: Toby loves Tractor Tom – anything relating to farming, so he is like his Daddy!

Bakers Arms Inn – The Street, Harkstead, Ipswich. 01473 328595 wwwbakersarmsharkstead.co.uk

Lucy: Balamory….now superseded by anything Disney, especially Toy Story

Oyster Reach Beefeater Restaurant – Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich. 01473 692373 www.beefeatergrill.co.uk

Most Played With Toys: Nicky: Tools and cars

Biggest Waste of Money:

If you would like to speak to Nicky or Lucy regarding any accountancy issues call 01473 780824

info@foreshoreaccountancy.co.uk

Nicky: Baby bath

Most Successful Recipe/Food: Nicky: Lasagne Lucy: Pasta and pesto with tomatoes is Georgina’s favourite meal

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

what’s on with Tower Ramparts 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.

Theatre Thumbelina For ages 2 -5 years Sat 10th September New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Times 11am & 2pm Duration 40 mins 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

their love of music in Sesame Street Live “ Elmo Makes Music. “Big Bird “tweets”, Oscar the Grouch’s stomping trash can lids, Cookie Monster’s crumbling cookie jars and more become instruments of beautiful music and noisy fun! Note: This show is suitable for all ages. However under 14s must be accompanied by an adult 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Little Story – for 3-4 years old Sat 17th September New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

If you love adventures and escapades come and meet the storymaker – leave the grown ups downstairs in the café and enjoy the fun. New Wolsey want everyone to have the opportunity to take part it is up to you what to pay – it could be anything from 50p - £2.50

Under 12’s comedy

Featuring all the very best hits from High School Musical 1, 2, & 3, Glee and Camp Rock! The vibrant cast of High School Mania will take you on a voyage of pure exhilaration, as we celebrate the awe-inspiring young sensations of the 21st Century. Featuring the best songs from the phenomenon that is High School Musical, yes we are “All In This Together”. Rock Out with us, as we pay homage to the sensational Jonas Brothers and the hits from Camp Rock! And you “Won’t Stop Believing” with our tribute to the smash hits from the cast of Glee. 01394 282126 www.thespapavillion.org

Thursday mornings The Regal - Stowmarket

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Parent & Baby Screenings are exclusively for parents with new babies (under 18 months), so there is no need to worry about your little one making any noise.

See page 4 of this magazine for full details Registration details are available from Sarah Williams (sarah.williams@ btconnect.com) or 07917 462894.

Kingpin bowling, Martlesham Heath September & October term time only

Every Thurs from 1st Sept

The volume will be slightly quieter and the lights will be raised more than usual, creating a more calming environment for you and your baby. All films will be certificate 12A or lower.

Craftability, St Lawrence Street, Ipswich

Activities & events

A new craft club for you to join with others for a chat, make friends and finish off all your unfinished craft projects. Unlimited tea and coffee provided.

Suffolk Autumn Garden Show

Cost £2.50 must be booked in advance

Fri 2nd – Sun 4th September Trinity Park, Ipswich

01473 257550 www.craftability-ipswich.co.uk

01702 549622 www.aztecevents.co.uk

Tour of Britain

Family Camping Weekend

Location: Christchurch Park, Ipswich

Date: 17th Sep

Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September at Shotley School playing field, Nr Ipswich Shotley kidzone would like to invite families to come along after 5pm Friday evening and pitch your tent for either one or both nights. There will be evening and breakfast BBQ’s available plus outdoor games and fun for all the family. The cost is £10 per pitch per night and can be booked in advance or pay on arrival. For more information or to book your pitch please contact

Time: 9:00am - 12noon

Halty Davis on 07725815035 or email halty.davis@btinternet.com

Ipswich Borough Council will be coordinating an opportunity for the community to enjoy the event 9am -12noon in the towns fantastic Christchurch Park.

Tuesday For Women

Wattisham Community Centre from 1.30-3.00 every Tuesday during term time. Everyone welcome. Programme starting 13th September includes Hair & Beauty, Flower Arranging, Candle Making, Pumpkin Carving, Zumba, Christmas Craft and Chocolate Making. A small charge of £2 per family, per session payable on the day to cover costs of the activities on offer. A free crèche is provided but places need to be booked by telephoning Robins Children’s Centre on 01449 723134

Activities Unlimited Family Festival Saturday 1st October 2011 10.00am – 15.00pm Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1JF Fantastic day out for disabled children and young people. Soft play, multi-sports, face painting, pottery, art, dance, film, sensory music plus more!! Book tickets online www.activitiesunlimited.co.uk or call 01473 832971

Thorpeness Country Club at 9.30 for coffee for 10.00 start. (shorter walks : 10.00. coffee and 10.30 set off) The three routes (5m, 8m and 13m) are all way-marked with bright pink ribbons so it’s easy to walk and talk plus all terrain buggies are fine so mums with little ones are able to participate.

Craft and Chat Club

01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Duration:30 minutes and includes the chance to make up your own story.

Your family’s favourite Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share

Thursday 6th Oct

01473 611111 www.kinpinbowling.co.uk

Recommended for ages 8-12yrs Sat 22nd Oct New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich See page 4 of this magazine for full details

Parent & Baby Screenings

Sun 25th September Ipswich Regent

Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer - Walk on the Wildside

One hours bowling (up to 6 people) before 6pm Monday to Friday and before noon at weekends only £19.50 including shoe hire.

Time:12noon

Sesame Street (Elmo makes music)

Thu 27 Oct-Sat 29 Oct Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

Sun 23rd October The Spa Pavillion – Felixstowe

Big Story – for 5-6 year olds Sat 17th September New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

The Little Red Hen

Its a real treat for the whole family with no scary bits whatsoever

High School Mania

Story Maker

01449 612825 www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

This ingenious adaptation of the nursery school favourite, features a host of animal puppets, sing-along songs and madcap comic routines.

Story Maker

If you love silly stories and tremendous tales then you have to come and meet the storymaker – you can bring a grownup with you so they can look after you and because the New Wolsey want everyone to have the opportunity to take part it is up to you what to pay – it could be anything from 50p - £2.50 Time:11am Duration: 20 minutes which includes some playtime

Screenings are held most Thursday mornings, with free tea/ coffee & biscuits being served 15 minutes before the start of the film. The theatre now has baby changing facilities. Admission £4.75

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

Cost: Free Saturday 17th September will see the penultimate and 7th stage of the 2011 Tour of Britain swing through Ipswich on its way from Bury St Edmunds to Sandringham in Norfolk. The Tour of Britain has become one of the cornerstone events of the UK’s sporting calendar and the country’s biggest professional cycling event.

Activities currently planned to take part between 9am and 12noon are listed below. • Timed Hill Climb time trial for the community • Go ride course for younger riders • Stalls and refreshments • Bike safety/security • Small rides, entertainment and inflatables for children. • Vintage vehicles and bikes from Ipswich Transport museum. • Local Bicycle Club rides and displays. Attracting elite cyclists from across the world, the race consists of around 100 riders, including Olympic medallists and Tour de France stage winners, all competing for the coveted gold jersey and Tour of Britain Title. Sky, HTC Highroad and Leopard Trek will be top domestic British teams Rapha Condor Sharp, Team Raleigh, Endurance Racing, Sigma Sport - Specialized and Motorpoint Pro Cycling. The stages 200km of racing will run through some of Suffolk’s most iconic

towns and villages taking in the iconic Christchurch Park for a Category 3 King of the mountains stage at roughly 11.20am through the park. Last year the stage was watched live by an estimated 120,000 spectators with a further 460,000 watching it on ITV4 later in the evening. The highlights programme was also shown around the world by four broadcasting stations with a 90 minute highlights programme on British Eurosport.

Childrens Craft Club For ages 7 – 14 years Sat 17th Sept Craftability,St Lawrence Street, Ipswich

Woodland Adventure Family Afternoon Mon 24th Oct 1pm-3pm Cost : Adult £1.50/child £3.50 Please book Lackford Lakes, Bury St Edmunds Minibeast hunts, shelter building, toasting marshmallows and woodland art work. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.co.uk

The Very Busy Spider Activity Morning

Cost £6 and must be booked in advance

Tues 25th Oct 10.30am-12.30pm Cost: £4 please book Carlton Marshes, Lowestoft

01473 257550 www.craftability-ipswich.co.uk

Activity morning for children aged 4 – 7 years.

10am-12am

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Family Harvest Fair Sun 9th Oct 11am-4pm Cost Adults £3/child £2 Location Foxburrow Farm, Woodbridge Skills demonstrations, have a go sessions, apple ID, tasting and pressing, local food, seed swap, plants for sale, orchard walks, wassailing, art, games and crafts for all the family. Refreshments

01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.co.uk

Night Explorers Activity Evening Tues 25th Oct 5pm-7pm Cost £4 please book Lackford Lakes, Bury St Edmunds Activity evening for ages 4-7 01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.co.uk

01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.co.uk

Facinating Fungi

Bird watching river cruise

Location: TBC on booking

Date: 5th Nov 2011

Time: 10:00 - 12:00

Location: River Orwell

Cost: £2 per child; £4 per adult

Time: 11:00 - 13:30

Take a trip with the Rangers, in the company of a local fungi expert to explore ancient woodland within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!

Cost: TBC on booking A fantastic opportunity for any wildlife enthusiast to see some of the 50,000 waders and wildfowl that winter on the Orwell Estuary Special Protection Areas. Hot jacket potatoes will be served on board. Don’t forget your binoculars! Booking essential, please telephone 01473 433994 for further information and ticket prices.

Fun Half Term and Halloween Activities Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre, Ipswich

Date: 26th Oct

Discover the fascinating variety of fungi and their life cycles and how important they are to the natural world and us! Please note we shall be observing the fungi in the field and not collecting them. Booking essential, please call 01473 433994.

Skeletons and Bones

Play2day

Fri 29th Oct

Play2day has plenty of play for the most energetic children, plus you can also combine your visit with an exciting game at Lazer2day.

The Shiprwreck, Shotley Marina, Nr Ipswich Fancy dress optional but prizes for best costume for 6 years and under/ 6years – 12years/12years – Adults. Glowsticks,glitter tattoos and disco with Nick Morell.. £3 adults/£2 children tickets in advance or on the door 01473 787873 www.shotleykidzone.com

www.towerramparts.com

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Fun Holiday Activities

Willow Lantern Workshop and Procession Thurs 27th Oct

Ipswich borough council sports facilities offer a full programme of fun holiday activities throughout the half term week. Swimming voucher on back page of this magazine.

6pm-8pm

www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport.

Make a magical lantern out of natural willow wands and take home your creations.

Cost Adult £1.50/child £3.50 Please book Foxburrow farm, Woodbridge

For families with children aged 6+ 01473 890089 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.co.uk

Funtasia Felixstowe Childrens indoor play centre within Felixstowe leisure centre

Wacky Warehouse

Birch Farm – Playbarn

Hintlesham, Nr Ipswich The Activity Play Barn is a large indoor play space open EXCLUSIVELY to children 5 yrs and under. The play barn offers a wide range of play materials all on 1 level making it easy to keep track of your child’s movements. Children can explore the castle by climbing to the turrets or dive into the ball pool underneath. The soft play shapes and crawl through caterpillar tunnel give children the chance to develop physical skills whilst having fun. There is also have a covered outdoor area with soft tarmac, climbing frames and a play house all overlooking the fantastic Suffolk Countryside. There is a fenced baby area for security of our youngest visitors and a seating area where parents can relax watching their children have fun.

Punch and Judy, Ipswich Great for wet days when you could do with an hour and the kids need a good runaround 01473 210979 www.wackywarehouse.co.uk

The Giggle Factory

Sudbury Childrens indoor playcentre in Sudbury 01787 311143 www.thegigglefactory.co.uk

Playworld

01473 652152 www.birchfarm.co.uk

Ocean Adventure Stowmarket Within Mid-Suffolk Leisure Centre you will find ball ponds, slides, a large inflatable play area (May to September), an aerial glide, slides, a spooky room, scramble nets and a toddlers’ area.

Igneous Activity Centre

01449 674980 www.everyoneactive.com

Needham Market The majority of activites at Igneous are aimed at 6-15 year olds. The centre offers interactive sports including cyber bikes, rotating climbing wall and interactive carpet. The snug offers a retreat from all the physical activity with soft seating and Xbox console and games. There is also an American Style Diner - with hot and cold snacks, healthy options, Tuck Shop and Waffle Bar.

Snakes and Ladders

Have a chance to see the museum’s collection of animal bones.

01473 611333 www.play2day.biz

01394 670411 www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk

Playcentres

Time: 14:00 - 16:00 Cost: Free event.

Martlesham

7.30pm – midnight

Location: Ipswich Museum

Free creative craft activities, competitions and face painting

Trampolining, dance, rollerskating, swimming

Shotley Kidzone Family Halloween Disco

01449 723683 www.igneous.org.uk

Date: Thurs 27th Oct

What lies beneath? A chance to see the museum’s collection of animal bones and teeth, looking at a variety of exotic animals and insect specimens.

Saturday 30th October

s h o pp i n g c e n tr e

Bury St Edmunds Kids can brave the speedy drop slide, shoot the fun ball cannons and scramble through tunnels on the giant playframe, bounce on trampolines, dive into the ball pond or spin on the tyre swings – something for everyone. 01284 763799 www.wherekidsplay.co.uk

Curve Motion

Ipswich Snakes and Ladders is a huge indoor playground filled to the brim with climbing frames, ball ponds, cargo nets and slides. Kids can really let off steam while parents relax in the café. 01473 255000 www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

Kids Play

Bury St Edmunds CurveMotion is an exciting interactive venue in Bury St Edmunds. The indoor venue contains facilities for all age groups including roller disco, interactive play areas, mega slides and party areas. 01284 765168 www.curvemotion.com

Loads of fun Just visit our website or like us on facebook and keep up to date with all the latest competitions, events and FREE activities for Children happening in Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre this Autumn.

towerramparts.com

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

editor’s recommended Ladies That Lunch I have a gem of a venue to recommend for you in the form of Ladies That Lunch, Fore Street, Ipswich. If you have not discovered it yet please read on. In the spring of 2010 three ladies had an idea of a dream shopping experience, one that did not exist in Ipswich. They decided to create Ladies That Lunch which combines a café/wine bar and a shop which sells clothes, shoes, jewellery, gifts and flowers and is the place to be if you want to mix retail therapy, coffee and a chat. Ladies That Lunch shop sells an extensive range of female orientated lines including designer dresses, shoes, hats, fascinators, gifts, jewellery, chocolates, handbags and sea pearls. With clothes and accessories for all ages, occasions and styles you are sure to find something tailored to enhance your look on a special day.

“...the place to be if you want to mix retail therapy, coffee and a chat

”

With a café/wine bar Ladies that Lunch is unique in that it’s the only place I know where you can sit and view things to buy whilst enjoying a chat over a snack or coffee and with a licensed bar you could always sit and enjoy a nice glass of wine or cool beer. Ladies that Lunch is also family friendly and men or younger family members are more than welcome. In case the ladies have not provided us with enough to indulge in, they also hold regular events such as networking meetings, clairvoyant evenings and a stitch and bitch club – There really is something for everyone. Next time you’re in town pop in and see for yourself.

Ladies That Lunch Fore Street, Ipswich 01473 211138 www.ladiesthatlunch.co.uk

Suffolk Children

Need Suffolk Foster Carers

Join Suffolk County Council’s Fostering Service, and be part of the leading fostering provider for all Suffolk looked after children. In return you will receive: • An opportunity to make a positive difference to a child’s life. • A financial allowance (an enhanced payment scheme is available for more experienced carers). • 24 Hour support.

0800 328 2148

www.suffolkfostering.com Everyone who works for, or with Suffolk’s Fostering Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We need and welcome foster carers of all backgrounds and ethnicities who will share this commitment.

HOLIDAY FUN KEEP BUSY THIS HALF-TERM WITH A RANGE OF FUN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

SWIMMING DANCE

SPORTSCHEMES TRAMPOLINING

ROLLERSKATING AND LOTS MORE

SWIM VOUCHER

Crown Pools competition pool is open as usual during half-term

this voucher entitles you to one FREE junior swim Normal admission terms and opening times apply. Voucher must be used during half-term 22nd-30th October 2011

The full programme of holiday activities will be available to view online from 7th October at www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport Ipswich - proud to be a Fairtrade Town